Hong Kong: Views on global tax sought

The Government today launched a consultation exercise to gather views on the implementation of the global minimum tax under the international tax reform proposals drawn up by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development.

Pillar Two of the reform proposals, commonly known as BEPS 2.0, was promulgated by the organisation in October 2021 to address base erosion and profit shifting risks arising from the digitalisation of the economy. Hong Kong joined more than 130 jurisdictions that year in committing to implement BEPS 2.0.

The package comprises global anti-base erosion (GloBE) rules for ensuring large multinational enterprise (MNE) groups with consolidated annual revenue of at least 750 million euros pay a global minimum tax of at least 15% on income derived by their constituent entities in every jurisdiction where they operate, thereby putting a floor on competition over corporate income tax.

Hong Kong will need to amend the Inland Revenue Ordinance to implement the necessary corresponding measures and the consultation exercise has been launched to take forward the legislative exercise.

A consultation paper has been published to explain the concepts of the GloBE rules, which will be strictly followed by Hong Kong and other jurisdictions, and the Hong Kong minimum top-up tax (HKMTT), and seek views on specific issues.

These issues include the Government's proposed approach with respect to certain areas relating to the implementation of the GloBE rules, the design and implementation of the HKMTT and the tax compliance and administration framework.

As announced in the 2023-24 Budget, Hong Kong will apply the 15% global minimum effective tax rate on in-scope MNE groups from 2025 onwards. Only in-scope large MNE groups will be subject to the global minimum tax, while the vast majority of corporate taxpayers, including local small and medium enterprises, will not be affected.

Under the global minimum tax, if the effective tax rate of an in-scope MNE group in Hong Kong is lower than 15%, other relevant jurisdictions have the right to collect top-up tax in respect of the low-taxed Hong Kong MNE entities concerned.

To preserve Hong Kong's taxing rights with respect to such entities instead of ceding them to other jurisdictions, the city will apply the HKMTT to in-scope MNE groups starting from 2025 so that the effective tax rate of these entities will be brought up to 15%.

By introducing the HKMTT, in-scope MNE groups will be spared the need to pay top-up tax in every jurisdiction where they operate, a move that helps reduce their compliance burden.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said that Hong Kong, being an international financial centre and a responsible member of the international community, has all along supported global efforts to enhance tax transparency and combat tax evasion.

Additionally, the Government proposed business-friendly features in the overall framework of the global minimum tax and the HKMTT. These include aligning the design of the HKMTT, including the scope and tax rate, with that of the global minimum tax to ensure simplicity of the regime; and allowing in-scope MNE groups to decide on how the HKMTT payable is allocated among its Hong Kong entities to provide for flexibility.

The business-friendly features also comprise safe harbours in the framework to relieve compliance burden; and requiring in-scope MNE groups to only furnish a single top-up tax return for the purpose of both the global minimum tax and the HKMTT.

Views can be sent by email or by post to the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau on 24/F, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, by March 20, 2024. Subject to the consultation outcome, the Government aims to introduce the legislative amendments into the Legislative Council in the second half of the year.

This story has been published on: 2023-12-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Xinjiang sees record tourist arrivals as security improves: regional chair

Xinhua) 09:23, December 21, 2023

A tourist takes pictures at the ancient city of Kashgar scenic area in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

URUMQI, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has received a record number of tourists this year thanks to its reputation as a safe tourist destination, said Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the regional government, on Wednesday.

The number of tourist trips received by the region reached 260 million this year, up from 48.6 million in 2012, the chair said while addressing an idea- and story-sharing conference on the theme of promoting the high-quality development of the human rights cause in Xinjiang within the Chinese modernization drive.

In the eyes of tourists, Xinjiang has become a place with superb public security management and a safe social environment, he said.

The official accredited the unprecedented improvement in the public sense of security to Xinjiang's prioritization of social stability and human rights. The region has not seen any violent terrorist incidents for nearly seven straight years, he noted.

"The human rights cause in Xinjiang has made all-round advances and historic achievements," he said in the speech that highlighted the comprehensive protection of the social, cultural, religious and political rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, as well as their right to live and develop.

A report on Xinjiang's human rights and legal protections, compiled by Xinjiang University and Southwest University of Political Science and Law, was also issued at the event.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A Boise startup that built homes from shipping containers rose to national acclaim five years ago.

Today, the company is in transition.

In 2019, workers at IndieDwell drove one of its steel prototypes from Idaho to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to be displayed at an innovative housing show with a view of the Washington Monument. The shipping-container home manufacturer had caught the attention of then-Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, who later unloaded praise while touring the companys first factory in Caldwell.

My expectation when I heard about container homes is that they would look like containers that somebody had painted over and put a few amenities in, Carson said while walking through a three-bedroom shipping-container home. This is completely different. This is transformative, and it looks like a small site-built home. Its been done very well and (theres) a lot of creativity involved here.

Carsons visit came amid a flurry of news stories about the startup, including a feature in Business Insider and a mention in The New York Times, which noted the companys commitment to sustainability and to building affordable housing units as housing costs skyrocketed nationwide.

The price of one of IndieDwells two-bedroom, one-bath, 640-square-foot homes was $65,000 uninstalled, the Statesman reported in 2018.

An unfinished home IndieDwell made from three shipping containers.

IndieDwell homes a really innovative product

At first, the concept appeared to be working. It was highlighted in a January 2019 article in the Statesman.

IndieDwell has developed a really innovative product, said Brian Woodward, then-chief operating officer of Leap Housing, a Boise-based nonprofit that creates affordable housing. I think they will be kind of a living museum that people will be able to see right in our backyard.

The Statesman that month spoke to one Boise couple who downsized from their home in East Boise to move into one of IndieDwells smaller, energy-efficient steel containers.

The family added a separate garage and a 480-square-foot apartment, also made from shipping containers.

We were really taken by the concept, Jo Burgoon told the Statesman. It does a really good job of keeping the temperature constant.

But not long after, the companys Caldwell factory, at 3520 Arthur St., closed in 2021, laying off 61 employees. The second factory the company had opened, in Pueblo, Colorado, in 2020, closed in May 2023 with no announced reopening date, the Pueblo Chieftan reported.

Autumn Munson, center, caulked the exterior frames of an IndieDwell home in the third stage of the production line. Stages one and two included cutting the openings for windows and doors and installing steel frames around them.

IndieDwell moves its Boise headquarters

Despite the sudden closures elsewhere, this past summer IndieDwell held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new manufacturing plant in the Imperial Valley in Southern California.

Back in Boise, where the company is headquartered, its future seemed unknown.

When a Statesman reporter visited the companys corporate address at 217 S. 11th Street in Boise in late November, an employee of a separate company housed in the same building said IndieDwell, once located on the second floor, had moved out about two weeks prior. He wasnt aware of any forwarding address, and the space appeared vacated.

Calls to the companys phone number were greeted with an automated message: We could not complete your call. Please try again.

Emails to several officials listed on the companys website each got a similar automated response that read the message couldnt be delivered because the address couldnt be found. Scott Flynn, one of IndieDwells founders, did not respond to phone calls from the Statesman. Flynn started the business as a public benefit corporation in 2016 with Pete Gombert, who also could not be reached.

But after this story was published online, Scott Beecham, vice president of development at IndieDwell, contacted the Statesman to say the company is alive and well; not vanishing. The company is now located at 5513 W. Kendall St. in Boise, he said.

He said its phone number should be operational, and wasnt sure why calls to the line or emails to the company werent going through.

Laura Mock installs siding on an IndieDwell shipping-container home at the company's former Caldwell factory.

East Coast Investment firm buys IndieDwell

IndieDwells website hadnt been updated in years. Neither had its social media pages.

The website still listed Chris Blanchard, former sales and marketing manager at IndieDwell in Boise, as its spokesperson. Blanchard was laid off over two years ago when the Caldwell factory closed. He told the Statesman that the company, once a vanguard in affordable housing solutions, struggled with high costs and underpricing its projects.

The idea was to provide low-cost affordable housing quickly in markets across the country that had high demand, Blanchard said by phone. Except they just ended up underpricing everything, and that led to problems.

After this story was first published, mentions of Blanchard, as well as biographies and contact information for the two founders, were removed from the companys website.

If you pull up our website, currently, it shows our leadership, which, for example, does not include Chris Blanchard, Beecham said Thursday by phone, blaming the discrepancy on a faulty link. That is way outdated.

He said the company was acquired by Palm Ventures, a Connecticut-based investment firm, in late October. The transition required a change of location into an opportunity zone and a name change to IndieDwell Collective, Beecham said. Opportunity zones are designated by the state to drive economic development in certain areas.

He said IndieDwell still has the same management team and maintains its original mission and focus.

Beecham also noted that while the company did furlough staff at the Pueblo factory, it later hired some of them back. The factory is still operational, he said.

We have to update everything because of the change in ownership, he said. Thats the big disconnect here. IndieDwell is in good standing. I dont want people to lose sight of the good work were doing.

NFL star from Portland invests in this Boise affordable housing company

Amid widespread housing deficit, 11 new affordable homes are coming to West Boise
It was a harrowing journey.

One year ago, Eduardo and his family of 12 left their home in Venezuela for the United States. Over the course of a year, Eduardo and his family would make their way through Central America.

Videos provided by Eduardo to Channel 9 showed his family on a boat in a river in Panama. He and his family walked miles barefoot in muddy woods.

Eduardo and his family crossed the border on December 4 to seek asylum in the United States. He has been given a court date of October 2027 on the claim.

Its a journey that stays with you, he said in Spanish. From the moment we started the trip, it was traumatic for the children and for us to experience the dangers of each country.

RELATED >> Migrants arriving in Queen City more frequently

After crossing the border, Eduardo set his eyes on Charlotte. He said he heard Charlotte is a good city for immigrants with plenty of construction jobs.

He and his family paid for a bus from McAllen, Texas to Houston and then to Charlotte. After a 30-hour ride, they were dropped off near the Compare Foods on North Tryon Street with nowhere to go.

They lived on the streets of Charlotte and worked with the Latin American Coalition to find housing. Eventually, they were placed in an Airbnb.

Eduardo started a construction job on Wednesday.

Hundreds of migrant families have similar stories and are living in Charlotte.

Camino, a Charlotte organization that helps migrant families, has helped more than 400 families since May.

We have seen an increase since the crisis at the border, said Dr. Carolina Benitez, the clinical director of behavioral health at Camino. More families and individuals have come to our organization and identify as new migrants lacking resources and lacking documentation.

EXPLAINED: What we know about Texas' new law that lets police arrest migrants who enter the US illegally

Benitez says the biggest issue right now is housing. She says groups try to avoid placing families in shelters. They turn to churches, Airbnbs and spare bedrooms. The Latin American Coalition has been given $2 million in Covid funds to assist with placement.

Weve done everything that we can up until this point and weve helped many families that are in great situations today, she said. But looking ahead, theres still work for us to do.

Work is something Eduardo is thankful for. But hes nervous about the future. His time in the Airbnb is expiring and says he and his family of 12 are prepared to live on the streets again.

It is worrying, the insecurity, the instability, he said. I dont know what to tell my family.

The immigration courts in this country, and Charlotte, are so backlogged because of the influx of migrants at the border. Eduardos asylum claim wont be heard until October 2027.

Camino says right now they are managing the number of migrants coming to them for help but the biggest challenges remain housing and transportation.

(WATCH: Customs, Border Protection Officers showcase new technology used at Charlotte-Douglas)
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Lawmakers in Washington say a deal to address the border crisis will have to wait until next year.

The Senate cannot afford to get this wrong, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Wednesday. Theres no longer any disagreement that the situation at the southern border is unsustainable and requires the Senate to act.

McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) vowed to resume negotiations in the new year.

Make no mistake, the winter recess will be a busy and important few weeks for the U.S. Senate, Schumer said. Negotiations will continue around the clock.

For weeks, senators have been at odds on how to pass a package that both funds the war in Ukraine and also meets republicans border policy demands.

We are beyond the breaking point, Congressman Tony Gozales (R-Texas) said standing in Eagle Pass on Wednesday. We are already there.

Gonzales says border agents cant wait until January; they need the help now. This week, Eagle Pass saw the highest single-day number of illegal crossings on record. Gonzales says thousands of migrants are still arriving by the day, and migrant processing centers and local hospitals are already at full capacity.

More people are still coming and there is more people in the pipeline, Gonzales said. Christmas will be worse than today, and New Years will be worse than today. Were going in the absolute wrong direction.

Lawmakers are scheduled to return from the holiday recess on January 8th.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Brad Pitt and his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, celebrated his 60th birthday with friends in Los Angeles.

Pitt turned 60 on Dec. 18, and was photographed out in Hollywood wearing a black-and-yellow shirt with black pants. He stood next to de Ramon, who held what appeared to be presents and a balloon for Pitt.

TheImageDirect.com  from whom TODAY.com purchased a photo of the outing  reported that the pair were in high spirits as they made a rare appearance together.

Loads of gifts were seen being taken from the venue including artwork and photographs, the agency reported.

PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE: Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon Celebrate His 60th Birthday in Los Angeles (TheImageDirect.com)

Who is Ines de Ramon?

Ines de Ramon works for the jewelry brand Anita Ko.

Her LinkedIn lists her position as vice president of the company. It says she graduated in 2013 with her bachelors degree in business from the University of Geneva.

Her profile also says she speaks five languages: French, English and Spanish at a bilingual or native proficiency, while German and Italian are listed at a professional working proficiency.

She is recently single, after previously being married to "Vampire Diaries" actor Paul Wesley. Wesley filed for divorce from de Ramon in February 2023, after announcing their separation in September 2022, People reported.

When did Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon start dating?

The two have been spotted out and about in recent weeks. In November 2022, the Daily Mail published photos of Pitt and de Ramon at a Bono concert in downtown Los Angeles.

On Jan. 3, 2023, Page Six ran paparazzi photos of the two on a romantic trip to Cabo, Mexico.

Then, in August 2023, E! News reported de Ramon was spotted running errands while wearing a necklace with the letter B  seemingly a tribute to her then-rumored beau.

People also reported in November 2023 that not only was de Ramon Pitt's date to the LACMA gala on Nov. 4 (though they didn't walk the red carpet), de Ramon also traveled to Europe several times to visit the actor as he filmed a Formula One racing movie.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
A 65-year-old Bradenton man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Thursday in connection to a 2021 machete attack.

A jury found Juan Sardina guilty of attempted murder in the second degree during a two-day trial presided over by Circuit Judge Charles Sniffen at the Manatee County Judicial Center in downtown Bradenton, court records show.

Sardina was sentenced to 15 years in state prison out of a maximum possible sentence of 30 years, the State Attorneys Office announced in a news release Thursday.

Prosecutors say Sardina attacked the victim with a machete on Nov. 8, 2021, striking him one time in the back of the head just above his ear.

Officers with the Bradenton Police Department responded to the call and saw a large crowd running away from 701 17th Ave. W, with several people pointing to Sardina, who they say also matched the description of the person described in the report.

Police detained Sardina and then located the machete behind a bush nearby after witnesses said they saw him throw it there, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Witnesses then led detectives to the victim, who was bleeding from the right side of his head.

The victim was taken to HCA Florida Blake Hospital where he was treated for serious physical injuries, including a 2 cm deep laceration to the right side of his head and his left scalp being partially detached from the ear.

The victim was expected to be permanently deaf out of his left ear after the injuries, according to a probable cause affidavit.

When asked why he attacked the victim, detectives say Sardina told them that the man had stolen a bicycle and other belongings from him. He also said that he had been looking for him, according to a police report.

When asked if he was trying to kill the victim, Sardina responded maybe, according to an affidavit.

Detectives say Sardina told them he did not feel bad for attacking the victim, and when asked why he hit him in the head, he said it was because he could not see his arms or legs, all I saw was his head.

During the interview, investigators say Sardina used racial slurs multiple times in describing how he would kill the man.

We are pleased to bring closure to the victim in this case and allow him to put this traumatic event behind him, Tyler Egbert, assistant state attorney, said in a news release.
MARYLAND (DC News Now)  Christmas being right around the corner means holiday traffic is likely to pick up as everyone tries to make it in time to see their loved ones.

DC Council passes bill requiring employers to post salary ranges, more

As Decembers busiest travel days are upon us, the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) gave flyers some tips on how to tackle the hustle and bustle.

Flyers should arrive early and ahead of time. For domestic travel, come two hours before your flight and arrive three hours earlier for international flights to allow time for parking, ticketing, checking in security and more.

To remedy traffic congestion on the Arrivals/Lower Level roadways, drivers should pick up their passengers using the airports Departures/Upper-Level roadway.

Those picking up loved ones should wait in the airports Cell Phone Lot until passengers are ready to exit the terminal. All vehicles must be attended to at all times and only have a wait time of up to an hour.

Flyers who need accommodations should reach out to the airline before the day of travel.

For BWIs full Holiday Travel Guide, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
At the height of the holiday shopping season, social media posts claim a series of attempted kidnappings of young children have occurred at malls in and around Calgary, the province of Alberta's largest city. But Canadian law enforcement officials say they are not investigating reports of any such crimes.

"I was naive to think this wasn't happening here but it is! Everyone keep your babies safe. This is terrifying," says the caption of a November 28, 2023 Facebook reel with more than 10,000 views.

In the clip, a woman reads the story of a grandmother who supposedly lost track of her granddaughter at CrossIron Mills Mall in Rocky View, Alberta, outside Calgary. She claims the grandmother found the child in a bathroom stall with a stranger shaving the girl's head while attempting to kidnap her.

Screenshot of a Facebook reel taken December 21, 2023

Similar tales about different malls in southern Alberta spread across Facebook in November and December.

Screenshot of a Facebook post taken December 21, 2023

Screenshot of a Facebook post taken December 21, 2023

Screenshots in some copy-pasted posts indicate the claims also spread via text messages and Instagram stories.

Screenshot of a Facebook post taken December 21, 2023

Many posts claim police are investigating the incidents -- but both the Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Calgary Police Service told AFP there are no open cases of this type at local malls.

"At this time there (are) no identifiable victims of any successful or attempted kidnappings at the mall," said Troy Savinkoff, a spokesman for the Alberta RCMP on December 20.

Calgary's police department said they have no record of abduction reports, either.

"Our Child Abuse Unit is aware of allegations surfacing on social media regarding the possible abduction of minors in malls in and around Calgary, but we have not received any reports at this time," the Calgary Police Service said in a December 20 email.

The department encouraged citizens to report criminal activity by calling 911, but it warned against reckless sharing on social media.

"In some cases, unconfirmed information is distributed which can lead to the spread of misinformation and cause unnecessary alarm," the Calgary Police Service said.

AFP has previously debunked kidnapping claims tied to shopping centers and crowded areas in Canada.

The shaved-head story shared online is the latest iteration of a rumor Snopes debunked in 2010, when it spread in chain emails.

Canadian anti-human trafficking groups have previously told AFP these types of abductions occur most frequently among people who know each other.

More of AFP's reporting on misinformation in Canada is available here.
Californias leading water agency approved a controversial water infrastructure project to build a tunnel underneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta Thursday, marking a significant step in a decades-long effort to advance it.

Governor Gavin Newsom has long advocated for the tunnel, called Delta Conveyance, as a key way to protect water supply from climate change. The Department of Water Resources decision is expected to usher in extensive legal challenges.

Despite consistent opposition to the tunnel from the states leading environmentalists, state officials celebrated the approval of the multi-billion dollar project as a step toward modern and affordable water management.

Today marks another significant milestone in our efforts to modernize state water infrastructure and adapt to the challenges of changing precipitation patterns, said Karla Nemeth, the departments director. The State Water Project is one of the most affordable sources of water in California, and we need to help local water agencies in protecting both reliability and affordability for their ratepayers.

For decades, water has been pumped directly out of the Delta estuary and shipped south to 30 million Californians and 6 million acres of farmland through the State Water Project. But state agencies predict that climate change and environmental regulations will lead to a decreasing supply.

State officials say the tunnel is intended to slow that decline by capturing water upstream on the Sacramento River, bypassing the Delta. They estimate it would yield about 500,000 acre-feet per year  a significant amount but a fraction of annual water needs.

DWR released its final environmental impact report for the project earlier this month. It found the tunnels construction and operations would significantly affect the Deltas endangered and threatened fish species, tracts of important regional farmland and tribal cultural resources that include human remains.

The final approval was met with support from the municipal and agricultural water agencies that receive water through the State Water Project, calling it a critical step to securing Californias water future.

With this certification, the state is recognizing that the time to modernize the SWPs infrastructure is now  improving the way we capture and move water during high-flow weather events to store for later use when its dry, said Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors, in a statement.

The last time California finalized an environmental impact report for a similar Delta project was in 2016. That plan, which constituted a pair of tunnels, stumbled amid high costs and Newsom eventually withdrew support.

Even as a slimmed down version, the price tag for this tunnel will be high. In 2020, the estimated cost of one of the alternate paths was just under $16 billion.

Negotiations will need to take place between major urban water agencies across the state, including Los Angeles and the Bay Area, to determine who pays how much. Significant bonds will be issued to fund design and the construction process.

The Delta, the central hub of Californias water system, is home to hundreds of thousands of people and 415,000 acres of farmland. Its fragile ecosystem has been deteriorating for years as more water is exported or used upstream.

Delta residents, farmers, Native American tribes and environmental groups vigorously oppose the tunnel projects. Opponents say drawing freshwater from the historic region coupled with years of construction will endanger native fish, imperil farms and destroy vulnerable communities.

We and our broad coalition of partners will engage in all necessary processes, and when necessary, litigation, to stop the Delta Conveyance Project once and for all, said Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, executive director for Restore the Delta in a statement Thursday.

With this approval, DWR will now pursue several state and federal permits, including through the Endangered Species Act and a water right required by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Jay Lund, director of the center for watershed sciences at UC Davis, said to expect around 2 additional years of obstacles before the project breaks ground. That means Gov. Newsom may not be around to see it through.

Theres a very long process still so it might well take longer than this governor is sitting, Lund said. This is already at least a two governor project, and the previous governor worked on it since his first term in the 1970s and 80s. I think you basically have to set it up for the next.
Californias population is still declining.

However, the states drop appears to be slowing  and some regions are seeing healthy growth, according to new state figures.

Data released by the state Department of Finance on Tuesday show that Californias population declined by an estimated 37,203 between July 2022 and July 2023, a far smaller drop than the previous two years. An estimated 39.1 million people call the Golden State home.

Births outnumbered deaths in the state by 107,300 and net foreign immigration rebounded in the past year as pandemic-era restrictions eased, the state said.

Still, while the number of people fleeing California for other states also declined, the state lost a net of 260,408 residents to the rest of the nation, continuing a years-long trend of a domestic California exodus. California lost an estimate 295,578 residents to other states between 2021 and 2022.

Among the states bright spots was San Francisco, where the population had declined significantly in the first two years of the pandemic. San Francisco made gains in both domestic and foreign migration, helping its overall population increase by an estimated 4,925 over last year  the third-highest numerical jump in California. The biggest population gains were seen in fellow Bay Area counties Santa Clara and Alameda.

Pockets of the Sacramento region also saw population gains.

Sacramento Countys population increased by 3,187, the fifth-best jump in the state. Placer and Yuba were also in the top 10 for population growth, and Yuba Countys growth rate of .76% was the highest in California.

The six-county regions population stood at 2.58 million, slightly above last year but still below 2020 levels. Sutter, Yolo and El Dorado counties all saw year-over-year population declines.

The bump in Sacramento Countys population was the result of both births outnumbering deaths and strong foreign immigration numbers. The countys net foreign immigration gain of 6,609 was among the states highest.

Elsewhere in the Central Valley, Fresno, San Joaquin, Madera and Merced counties grew in the past year. Stanislaus County lost a net of roughly 2,200 residents, due largely to sluggish migration figures.

The largest percentage declines in population occurred in the states rural counties, led by significant drops in Lassen, Plumas, Glenn, Del Norte, Lake, El Dorado and Sierra.
Rioters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (John Minchillo / Associated Press)

California Democrats are hoping a Tuesday court decision disqualifying former President Trump from the Colorado primary ballot will boost their efforts to bounce him from California's Republican primary, as a key deadline approaches next week.

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a Democrat who is running for governor in 2026, sent a letter Wednesday to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who oversees elections in the state, urging her "to explore every legal option" to remove Trump from the March 5 ballot because of his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

"This decision is about honoring the rule of law in our country and protecting the fundamental pillars of democracy," she wrote, citing the Colorado Supreme Court's 4-3 decision to bar Trump from the ballot in that state.

The court immediately put its decision on hold with the expectation that the U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in. If the high court in Washington, D.C., agrees to hear the case, its ruling would probably affect primary and general election ballots across the country , according to election law experts.

Read more: Opinion: Colorado's ruling against Trump raises questions only the Supreme Court can answer

But with state-by-state primaries approaching, the process for creating ballots is moving forward quickly.

Weber released a preliminary list of likely candidates, including Trump, on Dec. 8 and will mail a certified list of candidates to county elections officials on Dec. 28 so that they can begin printing ballots. Although ballots could be amended later, changing them gets harder  and more expensive  as the election date draws nearer.

Were reviewing the case to assess its impact, said Joe Kocurek, the deputy secretary of state for communications.

Weber's office has been sued four times over Trump's right to ballot access. Plaintiffs in two of those cases have indicated they plan to drop them; one has recently been filed, and Weber has been removed as a defendant in a fourth, according to her office.

Assemblyman Evan Low, a Silicon Valley Democrat, leads a group of nine lawmakers who sent a letter in September asking Democratic state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta to drop Trump from the ballot in an effort to force the courts to make a decision.

Read more: Letters to the Editor: Should Trump be kicked off the ballot? Either way, America is in a dark place

"There's greater justification on seeking a court opinion now," Low said Wednesday.

Bonta did not respond to the group's letter, and the delay in getting clarity from the courts only heightens the danger that the election will be disrupted, Low said.

No one is above the law, and the courts should enforce the Constitution. Period. Full stop, he said.

Campaign representatives for Trump, who is leading Republican primary polls by a wide margin, did not respond to requests for comment. Nor did Bonta's office.

Read more: Trump is poised to dominate Iowa caucuses despite barely campaigning there

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung previously accused Joe Biden, Democrats and Never Trumpers" of stretching the law "beyond recognition" because they fear polls showing Trump winning a general election matchup against Biden.

Election law experts doubt the Supreme Court will uphold the Colorado case, in large part because justices will not want to be seen as taking away voters' choices. But the case is likely to increase pressure on the high court, as well as state courts, to take a stand. Any successful ballot challenge in California would probably reach the high court as well.

The Colorado ruling "will attitudinally impact other state supreme courts, said Ben Ginsberg, who represented George W. Bush in the 2000 Florida recount case that put Bush in the White House.

But because each state has different rules governing primaries, Colorado's exact rationale for disqualifying Trump will not necessarily hold in other states, Ginsberg said. He believes it's more important for the court to decide on Trump's eligibility for the general election ballot before November, so that it does not become an issue in certifying the final results.

We need an answer sooner rather than later," agreed Jessica Levinson, an election law professor at Loyola Law School. "This is a legal question with huge political impact, and I think people need to know what the law allows and provides.

A potential U.S. Supreme Court decision on Colorado would have the greatest effect on other states if the court rules on the central issue  whether Trump can be disqualified based on the Constitution's insurrection clause  rather than procedural grounds, she said.

State officials elsewhere may be waiting to see the outcome before acting. A ruling in Trump's favor would give them less reason to act. A ruling that upholds Colorado's decision that he's ineligible would open the door for other states to follow suit.

That becomes open season for other states to say, 'We also think the former president is not eligible,'" she said. "It doesn't mean what Colorado does is binding, but it's hugely persuasive.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Drivers suspected of being impaired at a DUI checkpoint will be asked to perform a sobriety test that could involve walking in a straight line (JOE RAEDLE)

A drunk driver in California smashed into a sign warning that police were on the hunt for anyone driving under the influence -- and was promptly arrested.

Clarissa Hernandez had drunk a pint (half a liter) of tequila before she ploughed into the electronic signboard in Palm Springs in August, according to police.

Officers manning the DUI checkpoint a few steps away rushed over to the mangled Land Rover as Hernandez staggered free.

"Her eyes were bloodshot, red and watery, and her speech was slurred. She swayed forward and back continuously," a Palm Springs Police Department officer identified as J. Valdiva wrote in a report.

"She was angry, argumentative, and hostile," the officer wrote, adding that when questioned Hernandez said she had polished off her tequila just 10 minutes before the crash.

Hernandez, 27, who is from Texas, admitted one misdemeanor count each of willfully resisting, and driving under the influence of alcohol when she appeared in court on Wednesday.

She was sentenced to three years' probation, Riverside County District Attorney's office said.

Police in California frequently set up checkpoints in an effort to catch unlicensed, uninsured or impaired drivers.

But -- according to state laws -- they have to warn motorists of the presence of the checkpoint, which they sometimes do with electronic signboards.

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A California man who pleaded guilty to traveling to Ohio to have sex with a 14-year-old girl he met online has been sentenced in U.S. District Court in Columbus to 17 years in prison.

Kameron E. Tolbert, 28, of Suisin City, California, pleaded guilty in August to sexually exploiting a minor and possessing child pornography. He admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the teen girl, who is half his age.

Court records state Tolbert flew from Sacramento, California, about 45 miles northwest of his home, to John Glenn Columbus International Airport on Aug. 20, 2022, and then got a rental vehicle to meet the girl at her home in Jackson, Ohio, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Chillicothe and 75 miles from downtown Columbus.

Tolbert met the girl at her home on Aug. 21 and 22, 2022, entering through her bedroom window both times to avoid the front door so that he wouldn't be seen by anyone or on security cameras. On Aug. 22, the girl's parents confronted Tolbert in the girl's bedroom. Tolbert jumped out of her window, ran away from the house on foot and then fled in a vehicle, according to court records.

The next day, the principal at the girl's high school spotted Tolbert in his rental vehicle in the parking lot of the school and notified a school resource officer. The officer detained Tolbert, and he admitted to the officer he was at the school to meet up with the 14-year-old girl, court records show.

Tolbert had met the girl online about six months prior to the arrest and began talking with her on different social media platforms, including Discord, according to court records.

Federal agents conducted a forensic examination of Tolbert's cellphone and other electronic devices and discovered more than 500 images and 1,100 videos of child sex abuse material. Agents also found pictures and videos of the girl that Tolbert had traveled to Ohio to engage in sexual activity.

@ShahidMeighan

smeighan@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: California man who flew to Ohio for sex with teen girl sentenced
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Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Dec. 15, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Wednesday that Israel "will fight until Hamas is eliminated," despite renewed efforts toward a new swap deal between the two conflicting parties.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an Israeli official confirmed to Xinhua that talks brokered by Qatar in coordination with the United States have resumed. The official said that "no concrete proposal has been put on the table yet," emphasizing that Israel considers the release of all 128 hostages remaining in Gaza as "a top priority."

Ismail Haniyeh, chairman of Hamas's political bureau, traveled from Qatar's Doha to Egypt's Cairo for talks focusing on developments in the Gaza Strip and efforts to reach another truce in the enclave and a hostage swap.

Before his departure, Haniyeh held a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during which the Hamas leader voiced his movement's readiness for a lasting truce in Gaza, but made clear that Hamas would not negotiate while being attacked by Israel.

At a White House briefing, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said "very serious" discussions are underway for a new humanitarian pause in Gaza and the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. "We hope that they (the negotiations) lead somewhere," he added.

Despite recent developments, Netanyahu vowed that Israel is "continuing the war to the end. It will continue until Hamas is eliminated -- until victory."

Speaking in a video statement, the prime minister warned that Hamas leaders and fighters "have only two possibilities -- to surrender or to die."

Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been under Israeli strikes and siege for more than two months, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated that Israel wants to fast-track the delivery of humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza.

Cohen traveled to Cyprus for talks on the maritime corridor, his ministry said in a statement, adding that the goods to be shipped from Larnaca port to Gaza will undergo security checks in coordination with Israel. No specific date for the corridor's inauguration was provided.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that some 300 locations in Gaza were attacked over the past day.

Israeli troops have "secured control over the Hamas's 'Elite Quarter' in the center of Gaza City, including the area of the Palestine Square, from where its administrative and military leadership operated," IDF said in a statement. The complex includes a large network of tunnels that connects hideouts, bureaus, and residential apartments belonging to the group's senior leadership.

The death toll of Palestinians in Gaza from the relentless Israeli bombardments has reached 20,000, while more than 52,000 people were injured and 6,700 others were missing, according to a statement issued by the Hamas-run government media office on Wednesday.

On the Israeli side, the IDF reported three more soldiers' deaths in Gaza, which brought the total death toll to 1,335, most of whom were killed during the initial Hamas rampage on southern Israel on Oct. 7.
CHESTNUT HILL TWP., MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Police are investigating a card skimmer found on an ATM in Monroe County.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on December 11 around 1:15 p.m., troopers were called to an Exxon on Route 209 in Chestnuthill Township for a skimming device found on an ATM.

Food stamp fraud investigation, nearly $500 stolen

Troopers did not say how long the card skimmer had been on the ATM before it was discovered.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact PSP Fern Ridge at 570-646-2271.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Loneliness continues to afflict the majority of people at the end of their life, according to a report that found palliative care has not improved in 70 years.

Poverty, social isolation and not being able to die where they want are all common issues causing considerable hardship for people as they die.

Despite advances in healthcare since 1952, the end of life care system has not kept pace, the charity Marie Curie concluded in an analysis comparing care today with 70 years ago.

It found that 97 per cent of carers were looking after patients who were lonely at the end of their life, while less than a third said people they cared for were always able to die where they wanted.

The report, co-produced by the Queens Nursing Institute, found that people who lived alone were more likely not to have their dying wishes met.

It also highlighted greater challenges in caring for people in rural areas because of the higher demand on services.

Around half of respondents were caring for people using a food bank, while two thirds looked after people who were struggling to access medication, information and transportation.

In one case, a mans father fell through the cracks after his GP said district nurses would be in touch to arrange palliative care, but it never happened.

Darren Lawrence, 55, from Port Talbot, Wales, was forced to fight for his father, Graham Lawrence, who had terminal mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, and died in April 2022.

My dad wanted to be cared for at home, to be pain free, and have dignity, he said. Its a terrible tragedy that the last two weeks of his life were the way that they were.

The majority of people in Britain experience loneliness at the end of their life - E+

Nobody in the hospital knew what was going on and his pain wasnt being managed properly. I came in one day to find him in a chair with a pillow over his head, screaming into it.

He said his father went into a hospice instead and was there for four days before he died, but should have been there for a week.

They said the delay was because of Easter, but thats not good enough. You cant choose when you become terminally ill, he added.

If he hadnt had me advocating for him, I dont know what would have happened. In the last 48 hours, dad was comfortable in the hospice, but in the weeks leading up to that point, he was in extreme pain and without dignity. That shouldnt happen to anybody.

Mr Lawrence called for a dedicated helpline to address the issue of carers and patients being unable to find out what is happening in their cases.

In another case, Tracey Bennet, from Doncaster, cared for her father, Michael Woodward, at home before his death in January 2021, but struggled to get out-of-hours support.

The 54-year-old said they had no one to turn to after his terminal cancer diagnosis except a phone number for office hour.

When dads time came, no one was willing to help, she said. Dad had a fall at night trying to change his stoma [bag]. I called the district nurses, as they promised they would help with this when he was diagnosed, but two hours later no one had arrived.

Ms Bennet said she called the paramedics, who asked for a doctor to come to the house because her father did not want to go to the hospital. They arrived two hours later with nurses but left saying he was fine.

After they left, dad was really distressed. I called the district nurses again and begged them to come and help, she said. By the time they got here, my dad was dead. I let him down when he needed me most as I couldnt get anyone to listen to me.

Marie Curie and the Queens Nursing Institute are calling for improved funding for hospices and palliative care services, a plan to reduce the variation in service provision across Britain, and a dedicated phone line with 24/7 support.

Emma Carduff, the head of research and innovation at Marie Curie, said: This report vividly lays bare the gaps in the system which result in one in four people dying without the care and support they need. In 2023 it is shameful that so many peoples final months are blighted by social isolation and struggling to access care.

By 2048 the number of people with palliative care needs in the UK is set to rise 25 per cent. This means more than 730,000 people will die with palliative care needs each year.

A key marker of a civilised society is how we care for dying people. With a general election on the horizon, we urge political parties to give end of life care the attention it needs in their manifestos.

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.
(FOX40.COM)  UC Davis officials are investigating a contagious tuberculosis case detected in a person at the campus, the university announced Thursday morning.

The university said it is working with Yolo County health officials and is conducting contract tracing to keep the disease from spreading. UC Davis said the exposure risk to the general community is low.

While conducting contract tracing, officials are looking to identify those who had at least eight hours of exposure to the affected individual as close contacts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TB can be transmitted when a person with the disease coughs, sneezes or speaks when others are nearby. TB is a treatable and curable disease, health officials said.

Caltrans employee arrested by the FBI in Northern California

Symptoms of active TB include the following:

Cough that lasts three weeks or longer

Chest pain or coughing up blood

Weakness or fatigue

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

Chills

Fever

Sweating at night

Health officials said some people with the disease could be asymptomatic and most people with an inactive TB infection are not contagious.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met in Phnom Penh on Wednesday with Gao Yunlong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chairman of the China Foundation for Peace and Development.

During the meeting, Gao said China and Cambodia are staunch friends and a community with a shared future. Practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results in various fields since China and Cambodia established diplomatic relations 65 years ago.

He added that China is ready to work with Cambodia to further strengthen exchanges at all levels and in various fields, deepen economic and trade cooperation and boost socioeconomic development for the benefit of the people of both countries.

For his part, Hun Manet said that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, Cambodia-China relations have reached the best-ever period in history.

"We hope that both sides can deepen political mutual trust, strengthen friendly cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, and culture, and promote greater achievements in the construction of a community with a shared future between Cambodia and China," he said.

Gao led a delegation to visit Cambodia from Dec. 17 to Dec. 20 at the invitation of the Cambodian Senate.

During the visit, Gao also met with Cambodian Acting Head of State and President of the Senate Say Chhum, and attended the launch ceremony of a series of activities for people's livelihood cooperation between China and Cambodia with Tep Ngorn, second vice president of the Senate of Cambodia.
With 2024 around the corner, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public the first day of the new year is prime chance for a hike.

Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from Dec. 31, 2023, through Jan. 2, 2024. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by Americas State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities to kick off the year.

First Day Hikes are a great way to start the New Year off on the right footor boot, said Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw. Maryland State Parks are offering a variety of opportunities all over the state to get out and hike to celebrate the start to 2024. Bring some water, a snack, and hike in the New Year on your public lands. I look forward to seeing you on the trail."

More on ecofriendly gifts this season Watches, water bottles and more: Go green with these gifts that are ecofriendly.

For 2024, Maryland State Parks will offer more than 60 hikes across 40 state parks.

Follow the ranger or go it alone

Visitors to Janes Island State Park in Crisfield enjoy a First Day Hike on New Year's Day 2016.

Among the choices hikers have from which to choose are:

Ranger-led hikes: These hikes are accompanied and include interpretation by one or more Park Rangers, have specific start times, and often require advance registration.

Self-guided hikes: These hikes will be available throughout the weekend, on well marked trails. Park staff and volunteers may be available to help hikers get started but will not join them on the trail.

With nearly 50 ranger-led hikes and 15 self-guided hike options through the weekend, there is a wide variety of outdoor adventures and experiences for every level of hiker and walker throughout Maryland.

The department notes these hikes provide unique access to Marylands cultural, historic, and natural resources and treasures, along with opportunities for education and stewardship. Many hikes are pet friendly. I Hiked stickers will be available at select locations while supplies last.

More on lighting up the holidays Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights returning for 31st year: All to know on dazzling display

Hikes all around Maryland, starting on Eastern Shore

On Marylands Eastern Shore, hikers can close out the first day of 2024 with a First Sunset Hike at Janes Island State Park, gather up the whole family for the First Day Family Hike along the beach at Assateague State Park, or bring their binoculars for a guided First Day Bird Walk or bring their own horse for a New Years Day Ride at Tuckahoe State Park.

Janes Island State Park

Ranger-led hike

Registration: Not required

Date/Time: 1/1/24 at 9 a.m.

Meeting location: Meet at the Camper Check-In Parking Lot.

Distance: 0.96 Miles

Address: 26280 Alfred J. Lawson Drive, Crisfield

Description: Start the New Year off on the right foot with a casual stroll along White Tail at Janes Island State Park.

Additional details: Parking at Janes Island is free. Leashed pets are welcome. Restrooms are available on site. White Tail Trail is stroll friendly. Make sure to bring plenty of water and to wear shoes/clothing appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine).

First Sunset Hike - Ranger-led hike

Registration: Not required

Date/time: 1/1/24 at 4:30 p.m.

Meeting location: Meet at the Camper Check-In Parking Lot.

Distance: 0.96 Miles

Description: End the first day of the year with a short hike and then watch the sunset along Daugherty Creek Canal at Janes Island State Park. We will also have a campfire and hot chocolate weather permitting.

Top stories of 2023: From La Roma to mermaids and much more: Our top stories of 2023

Assateague State Park

First Day Family Hike - Ranger-led hike

Registration: Not required

Date/time: 1/1/24 at 10 a.m.

Meeting location: Assateague State Park Day-Use Area

Distance: about 1 mile

Address: 6915 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin

Description: Join Assateague Coastkeeper and Assateague Coastal Trust staff for a guided family friendly beach walk, meet at the Assateague State Park Day Use Boardwalk. Discover treasures as you explore the beach, identify seashells, shorebirds, and more as you stroll along the Atlantic Ocean. Dress for the weather, it is often 10-15 degrees colder along the water! Stop by the Day-Use boardwalk for a a fireside chat with park staff, share stories, ask questions and make a connection. Hot chocolate will be provided by ACT.

Additional details: Leashed pets are welcome in the State Park, not stroller/ wheelchair accessible, portable restrooms available at Day-Use parkng lot. Day-Use fees apply $5 per vehicle.

Additional information: Contact Assateague State Park Office. 410-641-2120 or assateague.statepark@maryland.gov

First Day Beach Hike - Ranger-led hike

Registration: Not required

Date/time: 1/1/24 at 11 a.m.

Meeting location: Assateague State Park Day-Use Area

Distance: About 1 mile

Address: 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Berlin

Description: Join Assateague State Park Staff as we explore the rich history of the island, discuss local wildlife that call the island home and learn more about the legendary horses. The beach may not be the first destination on your list in January but the island has many treasures to share. As you explore look for winter waterfowl, raptors, sika deer, and of course the wild horses. Dress for the weather, the island can be 10-15 degrees colder along the water! Stop by the Day-Use boardwalk for a a fireside chat with park staff, share stories, ask questions and make a connection. Hot chocolate will be provided by ACT.

Rackliffe Trail - self-guided hike

Date/time: 1/1/24 - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Distance: 1 mile

Description: Assateague has teamed up with Just Walk Berlin to offer a 1st Day Scavenger Hunt Hike. As you hike along the Rackliffe Trail located just behind the Assateague National Park Visitor Center be on the lookout for decorated quahog clam shells and oyster shells along the path. Please take just one per family as something to remember your 1st Day Hike at Assateague. Staff will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New businesses in 2023: New businesses opened all around Salisbury, Ocean City and more in 2023: Here's the slate.

Pocomoke River State Park

Trail of Change Trail Head - Ranger-led hike

Date/Time: 1/1/24 at 1 p.m.

Meeting spot: Trail of Change Trail Head

Distance: 0.75 mile

Address: 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill

Description: Follow a ranger-led hike down the Trail of Change. The Trail of Change is a legacy trail at the north end of the park. This 0.75 mile trail is best accessed from the marina parking lot and should be done in footwear you don't mind getting dirty or wet. The Trail of Change demonstrates changes in plant life and water levels, changes that occur over time and changes created by man. After the hike, join us for hot tea and cookies up at the camp store.

Additional details: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Documents/PRSP-ShadLanding-TrailMap.pdf

Additional information: Ashley Brown (ashley.brown@maryland.gov), duty ranger: 443-614-2894

Hikes all around Maryland for First Day

In Western Maryland, hikers can join a ranger-led First Day Fitness Hike at Rocky Gap State Park, for those looking to break a sweat to kick off the New Year, a ranger-led guided First Day Hike through History at South Mountain Battlefield State Park, and a Little Naturalist First Day Hike, an easy 1-mile hike for children and their families, at New Germany State Park.

In Central Maryland, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail will offer bicyclists a guided First Day Bike ride; hikers have a choice of either an early morning First Day Sunrise Hike or First Day Sunset Hike at North Point State Park, and a Last Day Hike or Kids Countdown Hike on New Years Eve at Patapsco Valley State Park.

In Southern Maryland, hikers can bring their four-legged friends on a Trails and Tails ranger-led First Day Hike at Calvert Cliffs State Park, join the guided Where One Goes Pleasantly First Day Hike along Mattawoman Creek at Smallwood State Park; or kick off the year with a First Day the Rosaryville Way hike at Rosaryville State Park.

More on money to improve parks Assateague, Chincoteague parks get big boosts with federal funds. Here's what's in works.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Celebrate New Year, exercise with First Day Hikes all around Maryland
Nicolas Lerner, 45, attended the same elite graduate school as the French president and is said to be close to him (Ludovic MARIN)

France appointed its first woman domestic intelligence chief Wednesday, with top police officer Celine Berthon stepping up to head the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI).

The 5,000-strong organisation plays a key role in counter-espionage, fighting terrorism and cybercrime.

The rise of Berthon, 47, has been meteoric.

She became number two of France's national police only in April after being the first woman -- and the youngest person -- ever to lead its frontline operations in 2021.

Berthon had previously headed the police commissioners' union.

- 'The Bureau' -

The policewoman replaces Nicolas Lerner, who is taking over France's DGSE foreign espionage service made famous by the fictional hit series "The Bureau".

His appointment is also historic -- the first time that a former head of the DGSI has become chief of France's foreign intelligence agency.

Lerner, a 45-year-old civil servant, graduated from the elite graduate school ENA.

He has spent all his career within the interior ministry, essentially working on national security, becoming head of the DGSI in 2018.

He replaces Bernard Emie, a diplomat who had been French ambassador to Lebanon, Turkey, Britain, Algeria and Jordan before being appointed to head the DGSE in 2017.

Emie launched reforms within the DGSE and saw the agency's budget increase.

But many have criticised the DGSE under him for failing to foresee the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and a string of military coups in former French colonies Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

Lerner's appointment as head of an agency of some 7,000 people comes at a time of war in Ukraine and Gaza and tensions between the West and Iran.

Lerner will also have to contend with France's receding influence in West Africa after the military coups there.

And even with new concerns, the DGSE will have to keep up intelligence gathering abroad to prevent domestic incidents like the deadly 2015 and 2016 attacks in France claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

It will have to anticipate new dangers but "without creating any blind spots", said French security analyst Alexandre Papaemmanuel.

Lerner will have to oversee the agency's move to a space twice as big as the old offices portrayed in "The Bureau" to ones in Vincennes just outside Paris.

Fictional series "The Bureau" was a huge international hit for French producer Canal+, sold to more than 100 countries and praised even by the DGSE for its realism.

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You see it on the streets and highways, in classrooms and grocery checkout lines and in the prices for real estate and apartments. There are more and more of us living here every year.

North Carolina added 139,526 people to its population in the year ending last July 1, more than all other states except Texas and Florida, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The states rate of growth  1.3%  was the fifth fastest during that time. The other Carolina to the south led all states in the pace of growth last year, at 1.7%.

Migration of people from other states and other countries accounted for about 91% of North Carolinas growth last year, according to the Census Bureau. The state saw a net influx of more than 97,000 people from other states, and nearly 29,500 from other countries.

Natural population growth (births over deaths) accounted for the remaining 9% of the increase. That was up from 5% of overall growth the year before, notes Nathan Dollar, director of Carolina Demography at UNC Chapel Hill, as the COVID-19 pandemics impact on mortality wanes.

The number of births in NC decreased by about 1,000 compared to last year, while the number of deaths decreased by 7,229, Dollar wrote in an email. This large decrease in the number of deaths is most likely due to a reduction in deaths from COVID-19.

North Carolina had an estimated 10,835,491 residents last July 1, according to the Census Bureau. It remains the countrys ninth most populous state but is slowly gaining on Georgia, which topped 11 million residents.

While most new residents are settling in the Triangle and Charlotte areas or coastal counties such as Brunswick, the states population growth is becoming more widespread. In the year ending July 1, 2022, 78 of the states 100 counties added population, according to the State Demographer in the Office of State Budget and Management. Thats a change from the decade ending in 2020 when about half the states counties lost population.

U.S. population growth slowly recovers from pandemic

Overall, the countrys population growth appears to be recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Census Bureau. The U.S. grew by more than 1.6 million people in the past year, to about 335 million. That 0.5% increase is still historically low; for most of the 20th century, the countrys population grew somewhere between 1% and 2% a year.

But its up from less than 0.2% in 2021, the lowest on record. Immigration from other countries was up about 14%, to more than 1.1 million during the year, while 307,000 fewer people died.

U.S. migration returning to pre-pandemic levels and a drop in deaths are driving the nations growth, Kristie Wilder, a demographer at the Census Bureau, said in a written statement. Although births declined, this was tempered by the near 9% decrease in deaths. Ultimately, fewer deaths paired with rebounding immigration resulted in the nation experiencing its largest population gain since 2018.

Fewer states lost population than during the year before. Eleven states that lost population in 2022 are growing again, according to the Census Bureau, and only eight declined last year, either because of residents moving to other states, because deaths outnumbered births or both. They include New York, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Oregon, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The South, a region the Census Bureau defines as stretching from Texas to Virginia, accounted for 87% of the countrys growth in the year ending July 1. The South is the only part of the country that grew throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as it continued to attract residents from other parts of the country and abroad. Last year, migration, both domestic and international, accounted for about 86% of the regions population growth.
Not one, not two but ten fights broke out at a high school in Maryland in a single day this week. Theres no telling what boiled tensions so high but it seems the brawls triggered the reinstatement of a principal who may be able to keep things in order.



School officials tell FOX 5 DC that ten fights broke out Tuesday at the Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Prince Georges County Md. Videos of the sporadic altercations captured incidents in the hallways and outside near the school buses. Students said most fights were the result of small conflicts like stepping on someones shoe by accident, according to the report. However, many of the fights involved some students from other neighborhoods or schools who were let in by Flowers students, leaving parents to wonder, Where TF was security? In the videos, school resource officers appear to intervene but seconds after the brawl already boiled over.

Read more

A report from ABC 7 says Brown was placed on leave in October for reasons unknown after giving 20 years of work to the high school. He was also previously placed on leave in 2019 following a physical altercation with a student in the hallway that was caught on video. Following the October suspension, students and parents came together to rally behind Brown demanding his return.

This is all stemming from [Brown] not being in the building and the lack of leadership. The leaders that are in the building right now, apparently, arent doing what theyre supposed to do because theres too many fights, too many things going on in the school building that werent going on when Dr. Brown was there, said the mother via FOX 5.

Well it seems her wish was granted. Like clockwork, the day following the school-wide brawl, Brown was mysteriously reinstated as principal, according to a statement from the executive director of the Prince Georges County principals union.

What Next?

Local police are now involved in investigating the incident and the school responded to the chaos with a message ensuring steps are being taken but not necessarily specifying what kind of steps.

The safety of students and staff is our top priority. School administration is in communication with the families of individuals involved, and we assure you we are taking action to ensure safety in our school. In no way do these incidents reflect the values and standards of our school. We must work together to guide our students towards making better decisions and promoting a school climate that values cooperation and understanding, read the letter to parents.

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OAK PARK HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) - Two inmates at the Oak Park Heights prison are accused of attacking a sergeant and two corrections officers, one of whom required multiple surgeries for injuries sustained during the assault.

According to the criminal complaint, on the evening of March 7, 26-year-old Jeremy Carpenter and 28-year-old Curtez Graham were approached by a correctional sergeant, who informed Carpenter he needed to return to his unit.

Carpenter became upset and spit at the sergeants face before attacking them. He kicked the sergeant, sending them into an ice machine, then punched the sergeant in the head, charges allege.

Graham allegedly joined in, also punching the sergeant in the head, who then fell on the ground.

Other officers arrived to assist, and Graham punched a second correctional officer, who fell on the ground unconscious. A third officer came toward the inmates and Carpenter allegedly punched the officer in the head, and Graham followed suit, according to the complaint.

Other correctional officers deployed a chemical irritant and were able to restrain the two men.

Court records indicate the correctional sergeant suffered "multiple nasal bone fractures" and has had multiple surgeries as a result of the attack. Furthermore, the sergeant still has "post-concussion symptoms consistent with a traumatic brain injury."

The unconscious officer also suffered multiple nasal bone fractures. According to the complaint, the third officer injured had redness in the areas where struck.

Washington County prosecutors charged Graham on Dec. 20 with third-degree assault, aiding and abetting third-degree assault, and aiding and abetting fourth-degree assault against a correctional employee.

At the time of the attack, court records indicate Graham was serving a sentence for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping.

Carpenter was charged on Dec. 21 with aiding and abetting third-degree assault, aiding and abetting fourth-degree assault against a correctional employee, and fourth-degree assault against a correctional employee.

He was previously convicted of assaulting a correctional officer at the Stillwater prison in 2015, court records said, and he was serving a sentence for second-degree murder at the time of the attack in March.

This isnt the first time a corrections officer at Oak Park Heights prison has been injured by an inmate. An officer was attacked in January, resulting in the officer needing several surgeries and permanently losing vision in one eye.

According to the Minnesota Department of Corrections website, Carpenter and Graham remain in custody at the Oak Park Heights correctional facility.
Prosecutors have dropped charges against two Zion, Illinois residents who police mistakenly identified and forcefully arrested inside a Kenosha Applebee's in July.

A video clip of Kenosha police officers' arrest of Jermelle English, who was holding a baby, went viral earlier this year, prompting an outcry from activists.

Police were looking for suspects in a nearby hit-and-run crash and incorrectly believed English and Shanya Boyd fit a description a witness had given. The people believed to be the actual suspects were in the restaurant bathroom at the time of the arrests.

Kenosha prosecutors charged English and Boyd with misdemeanor counts of resisting an officer and disorderly conduct, and Boyd was also charged with marijuana possession. Rapper Jay-Z's Team Roc hired prominent attorney Alex Spiro for English.

Judge Gerad Dougvillo dismissed the charges against English and Boyd on Wednesday after a motion from prosecutors, according to online court records.

Two officers received suspensions after an investigation into their conduct. Michael Vences, who was seen in the video striking English, was suspended for four days. Luke Courtier was suspended for 10 days after he did not decontaminate Boyd after she was pepper sprayed.

Dania Diaz, Team ROC's managing director, issued a statement in response to the charges being dismissed."While we are pleased that the case has been dismissed, Jermelle English Jr. was the victim of racial profiling and should have never been charged in the first place. The officers' treatment of Jermelle and his family was unacceptable, unethical and traumatic. Our hope is that todays development will allow Jermelle and his family to enjoy the holidays with some peace of mind and begin the process of healing after enduring such an incredibly, painful experience.

More: Advocate calls Kenosha police 'tone deaf' following video release of officers forcefully arresting the wrong people at Applebee's

More: Kenosha police officer threatens to take child to CPS following Applebee's arrests: 'Then you don't get the child'

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Charges dismissed against man, woman arrested in Kenosha Applebee's
Even if you disqualify Gerry (I-was-never-in-the-IRA) Adams and his Sinn Fein colleagues, there is no shortage of prime candidates for the position of Chief Hypocrite of the Irish Peace Process. But though hes a late starter and has stiff competition from historic candidates like Tony Blair, Leo Varadkar has powered his way to the front of the field.

His government, he tells us, with a sense of regret, is going to the Strasbourg court to sue the British government for breaching the Convention on Human Rights with its Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act, which gives some immunity from prosecution.

He has no option, apparently, because his government made a commitment to survivors in Northern Ireland and to the families of victims that we would stand by them, respect their wishes and also stand by the Good Friday Agreement, which specifically references the European Convention on Human Rights.

Everything about this is dodgy, particularly the timing, which came when the elaborate minuet being danced by the British and Irish governments, hand in hand, trying to bribe the DUP back into Stormont, was thought to be bearing fruit.

Now it is true that the legacy legislation has been denounced by every political party in Northern Ireland. No one wants those who murdered their loved ones off the hook. But its also true that what precipitated the legacy bill was public outrage in England that while a few elderly soldiers  more than 600 of whose comrades were murdered by the IRA  were being pursued over alleged murder 50 years ago, there never seemed to be enough evidence to put in jail republican politicians that  in the Northern Irish idiom  the dogs in the street knew to be as guilty as hell.

In practice, the whole justice system has been biased against representatives of the British state. Unlike the forces of law and order, terrorists do not keep records, tell the truth, tolerate unhelpful witnesses or run short of lawyers. Under Blair, there was much underhand facilitation of those known as On the Runs and hundreds of millions were chucked into investigating anti-state claims. There was little interest in the widows and children of cops or squaddies.

Successive governments in the Republic  although in theory they deplored IRA atrocities  gave virtually no support to those seeking justice for republican crimes. IRA terrorists left their homes in the south to cross the border and murder men in lonely farms and villages, and then raced back home rejoicing in the knowledge that, even should the police have enough evidence to charge them, they would not be extradited.

Where the mega hypocrisy comes in is that, though Varadkar is taking a high moral line about amnesty, the British Government is doing nothing that the Irish havent done for years.

From 1999 to 2007, Michael McDowell was attorney general and then minister for justice, and one of the harshest critics of the IRA and Sinn Fein. He has written publicly that the government of which he was a member yielded to the incessant demands of Sinn Fein for immunity from criminal prosecution for unconvicted IRA members, and brought in a de facto moratorium on investigation and prosecution of IRA members.

In the UK, after decades of wrestling with the issue, the Government decided to draw a line in the sand and have an amnesty in exchange for information. Even though my heart is with those who opposed any such betrayal of the forces of law and order, my head is with the compromisers, since I think they offer a worthwhile alternative.

What is hardest for victims to bear is not knowing the truth. The new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery is already taking shape. Since it would require cross-border co-operation, Westminster wanted inter-governmental consultations to make it work.

So why the threat of legal action? Well, ever since Brexit, which Ireland took personally, Joe Biden  who is obsessed with his Irish Catholic heritage  has made it clear that in any disagreement between the Brits and his ancestral home hes in the green corner. Varadkar has an election coming up, Anglophobia is rampant, Sinn Fein are breathing over his shoulder and Irish prosperity depends on Silicon Valley.

He reached for his handiest weapon. Go to the top of the class, Leo.

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A Chesapeake man was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to sex trafficking two minors, both of whom had been reported missing.

Using the dating site Tagged, Instagram and multiple cell phone numbers, Denzel Akeem Loftin, 33, enticed women and girls into commercial sex with him acting as their pimp. He was arrested in November 2022 in Norfolks Young Terrace housing project following a sting operation conducted by federal and local law enforcement in which an undercover FBI agent posed as a 17-year-old girl to set up a meeting with him.

Despite knowing that the girl the agent was posing as was 17, Loftin posted an ad promoting commercial sex with her, court documents show.

In the course of the investigation, which began in September 2022, investigators learned Loftin had bought a plane ticket for a 14-year-old girl who had run away from her home in Colorado and had since been homeless, according to court documents. The girls picture had been seen in sex trafficking ads in Hampton Roads.

Another undercover officer posed as a person seeking to pay for sex acts with the 14-year-old. The girl arrived at the predetermined location, a Motel 6, with another minor who happened to be a missing 17-year-old from Missouri, along with 24-year-old Emerita Moore, of Norfolk, who had assisted Loftin, according to court documents.

Moore was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison in November.

Prior to leaving for the meeting, the trio were observed with Loftin at a hotel in Virginia Beach. Despite Moore being arrested and two of the girls he was trafficking being in police custody, Loftin reached back out to the original undercover agent and they set up a meeting at Youngs Terrace.

Plainclothes officers nabbed Loftin when he arrived. As they approached, Loftin tried to smash his phone on the ground, according to court documents. Later, when he was custody, police recorded a phone call between Loftin and the 17-year-old in which he asked her, how did you let them get your phones?

Evidence obtained from phones showed that Loftin had engaged in sex acts with the 17-year-old.

As part of his sentence, Loftin is required to be enrolled in a mental health program, a substance abuse program, and an educational or vocational skill program, as well as complete 500 hours of a Residential Drug Abuse Program. He will be on supervised release for seven years at the end of his stint in prison.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
MELROSE PARK, Ill. - Two suburban Chicago physicians were sentenced to federal prison last week for prescribing opioids to individuals who did not have a legitimate need for the drugs.

Stanley David Demorest, 67, of Bloomingdale, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of healthcare fraud and one count of unlawfully using another person's DEA registration number to dispense controlled substances.

Nicholas Recchia, 64, of River Grove, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of healthcare fraud.

According to prosecutors, Demorest managed Demorest Consultants LLC, which is a medical practice in Melrose Park, and Recchia was employed there as a physician.

From 2015 to 2020, Demorest and Recchia agreed to dispense hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl and other controlled substances to individuals who visited the practice, but whom Demorest and Recchia knew had no legitimate medical need for them.

In some instances, Demorest, who voluntarily surrendered his DEA Registration Number in 2015 and lost his ability to lawfully prescribe controlled substances, used Recchia's name and DEA Registration Number to issue prescriptions for controlled substances to patients.

Additionally, Demorest and Recchia caused pharmacies to submit numerous claims to Medicare and Medicaid to seek payment for the prescriptions.

Both admitted that they dispensed controlled substances outside the usual course of medical practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, prosecutors said.

Last week, a judge sentenced Demorest to two years in federal prison and Recchia to six months in prison.
CHICAGO - A man accused of punching a Chicago Transit Authority employee in the face at an Austin train station is now behind bars, according to Chicago police.

Devonte Jones, 28, is charged with one felony count of aggravated battery/transit employee issuance of warrant.

His charge stems from an incident that occurred just before 8:30 a.m., Dec. 14, in the 300 block of N. Central Avenue.

Police say Jones struck a 59-year-old man in the face with a closed fist while inside a train station.

He was identified as the suspect in the attack and was arrested Dec. 19, according to authorities.

Further details are limited and the investigation is ongoing.
A 30-year-old Chicago man who was wrongfully convicted of murder on the testimony of a blind witness walked out of the Cook County Jail this week as a free man.

Darien Harris had served 12-and-a-half years of his 76-year sentence before prosecutors decided not to move forward with their case and dropped the charges against him on Tuesday, his attorney, Lauren Myerscough-Mueller, said at a news conference.

In April 2014, Harris was convicted of murder in the June 2011 fatal shooting of Rondell Moore and the attempted murder of mechanic Quincy Woulard at a Chicago gas station, according to his attorney and a court document. He was 18 and a week away from graduating high school at the time of his arrest, his attorney said.

Myerscough-Mueller, who is with the Exoneration Project and joined the team representing Harris in June 2020, said Harris previous attorney shared new information with the countys Conviction Integrity Unit in July 2018  including the critical revelation that the prosecutions star witness in the case was legally blind.

That witness had pointed out Harris from a lineup a few days after the shooting.

The Conviction Integrity Unit responded to the information the following October, saying after a thorough review of the materials provided by Harris attorneys, they had not found clear and convincing evidence that Harris was probably innocent, Myerscough-Mueller said.

She added the CIU provided no real explanation of what their investigation entailed, what their reasoning was or anything like that. They just said they investigated it, that their review was closed, basically it didnt warrant action.

In February 2022, Harris attorneys filed a post-conviction petition, laying out the evidence and the constitutional violations before a j udge, Myerscough-Mueller told CNN. She did not detail what those violations were.

The petition moved through the justice system until December 5, when a judge vacated Harris conviction and ordered a new trial.

But on Tuesday, the Cook County States Attorney Office told CNN upon further review of the totality of the evidence, they had decided not to retry Harris, who had been transferred to the Cook County Jail pending trial.

We remain committed to the work of justice in the pursuit of safe and healthy communities, the office said.

Darien Harris is seen in a family photo taken before he was wrongfully convicted. - Harris family/Exonerated Project

Harris mother, Nakesha Harris, expressed joy that her son was finally coming home during Tuesdays news conference.

I feel like Im dreaming; it doesnt feel real, she said. This is the best Christmas gift ever.

Harris is the fourth man to be exonerated in Cook County this month.

Cousins James Soto and David Ayala, who were wrongfully convicted in the 1981 murder of two Chicago teenagers, were freed on December 14 after spending 42 years behind bars. Brian Beals walked out of prison on December 12 after being wrongfully convicted for a 6-year-old boys murder in 1988.

Following criticism over the time it was taking to investigate wrongful convictions, Cook Countys Conviction Integrity Unit was renamed the Conviction Review Unit this month, the Chicago Crusader reported.

States Attorney Kim Foxx said the rebranding represents a shift in our approach toward rectifying the wrongs of the past, ensuring fairness in our justice system, and incorporating community voices in our decisions.

Another recent exoneration case involves an Oklahoma man who spent 48 years in prison over a wrongful murder conviction, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. Glynn Simmons is the longest-serving inmate in the nation to be exonerated, the registry said.

As of December 13, 19 individuals who spent at least 25 years in prison prior to exoneration were released this year, according to the registry.

Speaking to reporters outside the jail Tuesday evening, Harris said: I finally made it. Twelve and a half years, I made it.

I missed some of my best years, he added. But man, Im finna live some good years now.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Chicago politicians are calling for the federal government to increase funding for migrant care after earlier this week a 5-year-old boy staying at a Lower West Side shelter died and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent migrants to the city for the first time on a chartered plane.

At a news conference Thursday outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building downtown, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, said the city needs support from the federal government to provide wraparound services and accused Abbott of human trafficking.

This is a political attack that is costing peoples lives. It is very clear. We have to call this for what it is, he said. This is human trafficking. This is treating peoples lives as disposable.

Sigcho-Lopezs ward includes the shelter where 5-year-old Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero was staying before he died Sunday after a medical emergency, officials said. His family said he had been sick for a few days before an ambulance was called to the shelter, according to a police report.

As Sigcho-Lopez spoke to reporters, a line formed out the door at the immigration services building behind him.

We demand the federal government, the state government and local government to work together to save lives, Sigcho-Lopez said.

The boys family had arrived in Chicago on Nov. 30, according to the city. His parents were devastated, Matt DeMateo, executive director and pastor at New Life Centers who is consoling the family, told the Tribune Tuesday.

Roughly 2,400 migrants are currently living at the Pilsen shelter, according to city officials.

U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia echoed calls for executive action from President Joe Biden as cities continue to receive an influx of migrants from Texas.

Its critical for Chicago, its critical for New York, for Houston, for all the other cities that are seeking to do everything that they can, but they cannot do it alone, Garcia said. This is a moment when Chicago needs to continue to be a compassionate, welcoming city and the city is trying to do that.

The plea for increased federal funding comes as tension between Chicago and Texas politicians reached a high point after the southern border state stopped communications with the city regarding the transportation of migrants.

White House assistant press secretary Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said the private flight charted by Abbott shows how little regard or respect he has for human beings.

This latest political stunt just adds to his tally of extreme policies which seek to demonize and dehumanize people, Hernandez said in a statement to the Tribune Wednesday night. Governor Abbott is not interested in solutions, he only seeks to use people as political pawns.

Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesman for Abbott, a Republican, said in a statement to the Tribune Wednesday that the migrants had signed consent waivers available in multiple languages upon boarding the flight.

Until President Biden steps up and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue taking historic action to help our local partners respond to this Biden-made crisis, Mahaleris said in the statement.

Dr. Rebekah Fenton, a pediatrician at Alivio Medical Center down the street from the Pilsen shelter, said her clinic sees a large number of migrant kids staying there, but the doctors struggle to provide adequate health care to migrants who need follow-up care.

Our impact is limited when we are unable to coordinate care to make sure all of our patients needs are met, Fenton said Thursday. Health care alone is not enough to keep patients safe.

Fenton said the children she sees are contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. In her role as a school pediatrician, she has helped administer flu, COVID-19 and required vaccines for children to attend Chicago public schools.

She said many migrant children are being sent home from school because they are sick, but she worries about their ability to recover from being sick when they are not able to obtain medication and space to quarantine at the shelter.

Reports from our patients describe the exact opposite conditions in the shelter with significant problems and inadequate resources, Fenton said.

Sigcho-Lopez said the shelter, which has housed migrants since May, needs to be decompressed to address large outbreaks of disease at the crowded shelter, which he said is at capacity. However, as more migrants arrive in Chicago and plans for other shelters are halted, the reality of that happening is slim.

As of Thursday morning, 14,150 asylum-seekers were living in 27 shelters with an additional 216 waiting at OHare International Airport for placement, according to city data. The city on Thursday announced it received its first permitted bus after the City Council tightened restrictions on when and where buses can drop off migrants.

On Saturday, Johnsons deputy chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas told the Tribune that Texas had halted all communication with the city of Chicago following the citys harsher penalties for bus owners whose vehicles violate rules to rein in chaotic bus arrivals.

The City Council approved an ordinance Dec. 13 that buses would face seizure and impoundment for unloading passengers without a permit or outside of approved hours and locations. Violators are subject to $3,000 fines, plus towing and storage fees.

That same day, the city impounded a rogue bus trying to drop off 29 migrants at the approved landing zone in the West Loop at 800 S. Desplaines St.

To dodge penalties and fines, bus drivers have dropped migrants off in Indiana and given them Amtrak tickets or Metra cards to get downtown, according to city officials.

To date, 96 rogue buses have been cited and one bus has been impounded, Mary May, a spokeswoman for the citys Office of Emergency Management and Communications, said Thursday.

Advocates and volunteers who worked with migrants living at police stations are asking the city to allow them to come into shelters and continue to provide basic medical care. Sara Izquierdo said officials have previously told volunteers there was no need for them at city-run shelters.

There is no reason that a child who crossed seven countries should die in a shelter in Chicago, she said. Let us do our work in the shelter.

Mayor Brandon Johnson told reporters Monday afternoon that we are obviously deeply sorry and hurt by this loss before placing the blame on the Republican Texas governor, who has been busing migrants to Chicago and other liberal cities for the past 15 months.

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? Its sickening, the mayor said.

Asked about poor conditions reported at the shelter, the mayor again defended the citys attempts to care for asylum-seekers and said, It sounds like youre drawing a conclusion based upon a site.

Johnson also did not address allegations of Favorite Healthcare Staffing being slow to get medical attention for the boy, which mayoral spokesman Ronnie Reese later said he could not confirm or deny because of a pending investigation.

aguffey@chicagotribune.com
Citing the environmental impact of the poultry industry on runoff pollution into the Chesapeake Bay and its waterways, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is behind new efforts to promote cell-cultivated chicken  and a new Salisbury billboard campaign planned for this week.

Just what in the world is cell-cultivated chicken?

Cell-cultivated chicken is lab-grown meat made by feeding a mix of nutrients to animal cells in stainless steel tanks, whereby companies aim to develop an alternative to the large carbon and pollution impacts of raising and killing live animals. The Physicians Committee trying to bolster support for the process has even filed a complaint with the Maryland Secretary of the Environment demanding Perdue invest 50% of research and development into cell-cultivated meat.

Locally, they announced Monday a plan to erect billboards the week of Dec. 18 that will remain posted until Jan. 14, 2024, on Route 13's east side, north of E. Main Street, and on Route 13's west side, south of Newton Street. They are slated to say "Salisbury: Want a Solution To Poultry Pollution? Start The Transition To Cell-Cultivated Chicken. The billboards will show a striking image of a girl embracing a white hen.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit public health group, has about 17,000 doctor members nationally, including 746 physicians in Maryland.

Chickens walk around Perdue Farms poultry house.

The complaint, sent to Serena Coleman McIlwain, Secretary of the state Department of the Environment, contends large-scale poultry operations produce huge amounts of waste and contribute to waterways overloaded with phosphorous and other pollutants, causing significant damage to the Bay.

They cited a study in "Science of The Total Environment," arguing the Eastern Shore poultry industry is a major contributor to overall nitrogen loads entering the Bay. By contrast, cell-cultivated chicken meat is grown without producing chicken manure.

More on unionizing and Perdue UPDATE: Perdue employees vote against move to unionize at Salisbury facility

Delmarva Chicken Assocation issues firm response

"Farmers, chicken growers and chicken companies in Maryland have increased chicken production over the past 35 years, meeting strong consumer demand for nutritious, delicious chicken, while at the same time substantially reducing their nitrogen and phosphorus contributions to the Chesapeake Bay to improve water quality. Activist proposals denying that reality arent going to help feed people, further protect the Bay or preserve jobs, including those of Delmarvas 1,330 family farmers raising chickens or the 18,300 chicken company employees here," said James Fisher, spokesperson for the Delmarva Chicken Association in response to the complaint.

Perdue was contacted but declined to comment on the complaint, deferring to the statement by the Delmarva Chicken Association. Locally, Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor also declined to comment on the resolution and upcoming billboards, saying only he needed to research it further for himself.

'The poultry industry will change as technology changes'

Perdue Corporate Headquaters Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Salisbury, Maryland.

The complaint letter to the state environmental department was signed by Dr. Roxanne Becker, a member of the organization, Asha Subramanian, a Maryland Physicians Committee member from Kensington, Md., and Kristen Gialo, a Physicians Committee member from Easton.

"We write on behalf of the public health nonprofit the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine ... to ask that you act quickly to assist Eastern Shore poultry producers to reduce the amount of conventionally raised chickens and transition to cell-cultivated meat production in order to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and boost Marylands economy," said the letter.

The group cited that the Unites States Department of Agriculture had already given domestic companies Good Meat and Upside Foods approval to move forward with research into cell-cultivated meat in June.

"As you know, Maryland is a top producer of chickens, with many farms on the Eastern Shore. Like many industries, the poultry industry will change as the technology changes. Present day chicken farming practices  a large number of birds in windowless sheds  evolved from small-scale barnyard chicken flocks. The industry is now evolving again with the advent of slaughter-free chicken meat grown in bioreactors," the letter noted.

More on past bird flu cases Bird flu: Testing confirms new Maryland, Delaware cases, first in broiler flock

The organization further contended if the industry shifts toward cell-cultivated meat, the Bay will be cleaner and have fewer contaminants entering the food supply.

"Given the environmental benefits and economic opportunities of supporting poultry producers in their transition to cell-cultivated meat or crops, will you act today and urge Perdue and other poultry producers to start their transition to cell-cultivated meat?" the letter concluded.

A city resolution on cell-cultivated chicken?

Mayor Randy Taylor gives a speech after being sworn-in Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at Fire Station 16 in Salisbury, Maryland.

While most resolutions are drafted by city legal counsel and later approved or rejected by the Salisbury City Council, the Physicians Committee sent language for a resolution to Mayor Randy Taylor urging his support for the new source of chicken.

"Cell-cultivated chicken has been approved by federal agencies, people can order it in restaurants. It is genuine chicken meat that is grown in bioreactors, and tastes like conventionally raised chicken meat, Upside Foods will soon open a new $140 million cultivated meat manufacturing facility near Chicago, which Illinois Gov. Pritzker is welcoming enthusiastically. The future of chicken production is, at least in part, in cell-cultivated meat and Salisburys economy is inextricably linked to the poultry industry," the resolution states.

They also noted the American Medical Association passed a resolution stating that large-scale livestock operations "may be a public health hazard," and called for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to tighten restrictions on pollution from these operations.

While the city confirmed it was in receipt of the resolution text, it did not state if it was currently being considered or reviewed in any way.

Giordano wins round in court: Key member of Wicomico County Executive Giordano's staff reinstated with court ruling

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: What is cell-cultivated chicken and why is it on Salisbury billboards?
A top division chief with the California Department of Industrial Relations will step down from his role next month after only two years in the position.

Jeff Killip, the chief of the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (also known as Cal-OSHA), announced his resignation Wednesday night in an email to all Cal-OSHA staff. His final day will be Jan. 19. Killip will return to Olympia, Washington, to take on the role of Executive Director of the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission.

He told staff that after Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed him chief in January 2022, the move from Washington to the Bay Area has been harder on our family life than we anticipated.

Despite adjustments and trouble-shooting possibilities, I could not sufficiently improve our situation, he wrote in the email obtained by The Bee. I have strong mixed feelings about the decision despite its clarity.

The resignation comes at what some have characterized as a tumultuous time for Cal-OSHA. Among the more pressing issues that Killip inherited  and has yet to resolve  is a chronic staffing problem.

The entire department lost its hiring authority in 2018 after an audit revealed former DIR director Christine Baker engaged in unfair hiring practices. The department earned back its ability to hire in 2021. But ever since, the human resources team has been hyper vigilant about ensuring every hire is merit-based  a practice that current Director Katie Hagen admittedly told The Bee earlier this year might have over-corrected the situation and led to sluggish hiring.

Hiring and retention became a central mission of Killips during his time as division chief. He encouraged hiring managers to block out one day a week to focus on hiring. He would send a progress report on hiring every week as part of his regular email blasts to Cal-OSHA staff. The report also included updates on his recent travels and photos of his dog (which some employees have described as tone-deaf amid a staffing crises).

Despite his verbal commitment to hiring, the numbers dont show incredible progress.

Killip presented data at a November Cal-OSHA advisory committee meeting that showed a nearly 35% vacancy rate among site safety inspector classifications. The data also showed the attrition rate for those jobs outnumbered external hires for a net loss of 36 people.

I wish it would go faster, but were making progress, and were definitely encouraged by that, Killip said at the November meeting in his remarks about hiring progress. He pointed out that the division has made a number of hires in the legal and consultation departments, as well as the Cal-OSHA administrative team.

Were flying the plane while were building it so we can get more people on board more quickly.

The resignation comes amid an ongoing Sacramento Bee investigation into the consequences that Cal-OSHAs high vacancy rate poses for workplace safety, the ability to hold employers accountable for serious injuries and deaths, and overall morale within the department.

Garrett Brown said the timing of Killips resignation was too perfect to not have some connection to the staffing issues and persistently high vacancy rate. Brown, a former special assistant to past Cal-OSHA Chief Ellen Widess, has been an outspoken advocate for staffing up Cal-OSHA ever since he first retired from the division in 2014 (he returned as a retired annuitant in 2020 to assist with the pandemic workload).

I think theres been growing pressure on the agency to do a better job at hiring and reducing the vacancy rates., Brown said. And whatever efforts hes made in that regard, which I believe are genuine, have not succeeded.

It wouldnt surprise me that in seeing the writing on the wall  that this has become a political issue no doubt of concern to the governors office and certainly to the director of the Department of Industrial Relations. He mightve sought an off-ramp back to Washington rather than be a sacrificial lamb for the inability of Cal-OSHA and DIR to hire.

Killip on Wednesday declined to comment further beyond the remarks in his email.

I am immensely grateful for my privileged time here with Cal/OSHA and super proud of the great work we have done together, he wrote in the all staff email. Cal/OSHA and California are amazing.

Want state worker news in your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter using the module below or by emailing mmiller@sacbee.com.
Doctors attended to quake survivors with mild injuries at the Jishishan County People's Hospital (Pedro Pardo)

Chinese earthquake survivors recovered in hospital as rescue teams rushed to deliver supplies on Thursday, the third day since the country's deadliest quake in years killed 135 people.

The toll rose from the previous day's 134, state news agency Xinhua said, as rescuers continued to search for victims buried as the soil liquified in northwestern Qinghai Province.

Almost 1,000 were injured across Qinghai and neighbouring Gansu province after the strong, shallow tremor hit the region on Monday night.

At the Jishishan County People's Hospital in Gansu, near the epicentre of the quake, doctors attended to survivors with mild injuries on Thursday, administering intravenous drips and examining X-rays in buildings visibly damaged by the tremor.

"I really want to go home," one patient, a middle-aged woman waiting to receive surgery on her injured leg, told AFP.

"But my place has been destroyed, so I wonder where I can go," she said.

"People are still worried about the aftershocks, they can't sleep well because there is no safe place", a Jishishan county official told AFP.

The US Geological Survey said Monday night's magnitude-5.9 quake struck at 11:59 pm local time (1559 GMT) with an epicentre about 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Gansu's provincial capital, Lanzhou.

Dozens of smaller aftershocks followed and officials warned that tremors with a magnitude of more than 5.0 were possible in the next few days.

Rescuers from across the country appeared to have reached more survivors in rural Gansu overnight, with AFP reporters seeing that large numbers of government-issued blue tents had been put up in Jishishan to replace improvised shelters built by residents immediately after the quake.

In Qinghai province, 12 people remain missing after a "sand boil" disaster on Tuesday buried people alive and in Zhongchuan Township, according to Xinhua.

sbr-tjx/je/cwl
The Tuscaloosa City Council has approved a request from the Tuscaloosa City Schools' Board of Education to schedule a referendum for next year that could raise property taxes.

More: Property tax considered to fund improvements at Tuscaloosa City Schools

The request, which seeks an Aug. 27, 2024, referendum in Tuscaloosa, was passed by a 6-1 vote during Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

Revenue from the proposed increase would be used to bolster funding for Tuscaloosa City Schools, which serves about 11,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and operates 21 schools, along with a career technical facility for high schoolers. TCS also employs about 1,500 people.

Mike Daria, superintendent of the Tuscaloosa City Schools, takes part in a panel discussion during the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabamas West Alabama Education Summit Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at the Bryant Conference Center.

Before the referendum can be held, the Alabama Legislature must approve the plan. The Legislature's next regular session begins on Feb. 6. If the Legislature approves, then Tuscaloosa voters will decide whether or not to raise the property taxes in August.

The Tuscaloosa City School board unanimously voted in October to request the tax referendum, saying that severe budget cuts would be necessary without an infusion of revenue.

According to TCS, the property tax increase would fund $17.25 million in annual improvements for the school system starting in 2025.

The millage rate for homeowners in Tuscaloosa is 51.5 mills, of which the Tuscaloosa City Schools receive 15.5 mills. If approved, the referendum would increase the millage rate that the Tuscaloosa City Schools receive by 11.5 mills  about a 22% increase of the city's total millage rate.

The last time local tax rates were increased to support the Tuscaloosa City Schools was in 1986.

Second grader Oniah Gwyn hugs Tuscaloosa Magnet Elementary Principal Preeti Nichani as she arrives for the first day of classes. Schools opened in both Tuscaloosa City and Tuscaloosa County Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023.

If approved by voters, the new revenue would benefit three categories:

School safety: Ensuring there are school resource officers in each and every school during the school day and beefing up security infrastructure.

Educator excellence: Retaining and recruiting the best and the brightest educators through competitive pay and benefits.

Premier student programs/services: Making sure that the current programs continue, and rigorous academic opportunities and student programs are expanded.

Earlier this year, the Tuscaloosa County School System, which serves about 18,000 students, sought a property tax increase to fund a range of improvements at the system's 34 schools. The measure failed, with around 80% of voters voting "No." About 17% of the eligible voters participated in the Feb. 14 referendum.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Council approves property tax referendum for Tuscaloosa City Schools
A Pennsylvania city worker shot his neighbors dog with a crossbow, then dumped the carcass in a dumpster, according to police and media reports.

Steven May, 43, was reportedly arrested Wednesday, Dec. 20, following the November incident. May was appointed in December 2020 as the Saxonburg Borough secretary and treasurer.

Butler Township police said the neighbors Australian Shepard got loose Nov. 11, according to WPXI. May used a crossbow to shoot the dog on his property when he mistook it as a coyote.

Its a mistaken identity, Mays attorney, Phil DiLucente, told WPXI. Hunters, every day, shoot at people by accident thinking theyre animals. Now imagine a four-legged creature, no dog tags, no anything, and it looks like a coyote. That is the mistaken identity of a dog.

May initially lied to his neighbor about what happened, telling the woman he found the lost dog in the dumpster, police said, according to Butler Radio.

But it was May, authorities said, who had disposed of the carcass in the municipal buildings dumpster, according to TribLive.com. Security footage showed him driving to the dumpster, put something inside it, then drive off.

When May confessed to the incident to the Saxonburg police chief, he had offered to pay the family for the loss of their dog, TribLive reported, citing court documents.

May was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, criminal mischief, tampering with evidence and damaging personal property, according to court records.

He is due in court Jan. 23.

DiLucente said May feels horribly about the incident and he hopes to make it right with the family, WPXI reported.

Its unclear if the incident will affect Mays job status with Saxonburg Borough, which is about 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

Dog shot with arrow never stopped wanting to be loved. Now NC pup will need a home

Man tracks Siberian tiger that killed his dog  then it kills him, Russian officials say
FILE - Georgia Rep. Mack Jackson, D-Sandersville, looks at a map of proposed state House districts before a House hearing, Nov. 29, 2023, at the state Capitol in Atlanta. On Tuesday, Dec. 12, plaintiffs who successfully sued to overturn Georgia's legislative and congressional districts asked a federal judge to reject Georgia's new Republican-backed maps. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy, File)

Plaintiffs in three voting rights cases opposed Georgia's new Congressional, House and Senate maps in a federal district court hearing Wednesday and urged the court to appoint a special master to redraw the districts.

The maps were created during the 2023 special redistricting session, which redrew district lines from 2021 that illegally diluted the voting power of Black residents in Georgia. Judge Steve C. Jones is expected to issue a ruling in the cases in the next several days.

In an Oct. 26 ruling, Jones had found that the existing congressional, Senate and House maps violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. He ordered the maps be redrawn to include an additional Black-majority congressional district, two additional Black-majority Senate districts, and five additional Black-majority House districts in specific geographic areas, including the southern and western parts of metro Atlanta and parts of Macon-Bibb County. Crucially, he ordered that the new plans could not eliminate minority opportunity districts elsewhere in the state.

Under Georgia law, members of the General Assembly are responsible for redrawing district lines. However, plaintiffs in all three cases  Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. v. Raffensperger, Pendergrass v. Raffensperger and Grant v. Raffensperger  claim that state legislators failed to fully remedy the discrimination identified in the 2021 maps, because many of the new Black-majority districts were created on the outside of the vote dilution areas specified in Jones ruling.

Plaintiffs urged Jones to appoint a special master to redraw the maps, a tactic that has been used in similar voting rights cases in states like Alabama.

In her opening remarks, lawyer Abha Khanna accused state legislators of taking a page out of Alabamas playbook by refusing to comply with Jones orders. Not only do the redrawn maps fail to remedy the Section 2 violations of the Voting Rights Act identified in the maps drawn in 2021, she said, but the proposed districts independently violate Section 2 anew.

However, attorney for the state Bryan Tyson refuted the claim that the maps do not comply with the judge's orders, stating "the State has fulfilled its responsibilities" under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act to create more Black-majority districts. He added that although some congressional, House, and Senate districts had been relocated or eliminated during the redistricting process, the current map "was not a reduction of opportunity" for Black voters as the plaintiffs had claimed.

In order to comply with the orders, the plaintiffs lawyers argued, the maps must be redrawn to completely remedy the Section 2 violation, which would include both the creation of new Black-majority and -opportunity districts, and the creation of those districts in the specific areas outlined in Jones order. By failing to meaningfully increase opportunities for Black voters in the specific districts where they were disenfranchised, Khanna said the defendants plea for partial credit rings hollow.

With at least three 2024 elections around the corner, the window of opportunity to introduce new maps is rapidly closing.

According to the Secretary of States office, the new district lines must be in place by Jan. 29, 2024 so that counties across Georgia can update their maps and other voter information before the next election. All counties must finish updating their data by Feb. 12 for the maps to be used in the presidential preference primary election on March 12.

Although the judge has not yet released his final ruling, lawyers for both the prosecution and the defense did receive one small hint of clarity: At the beginning of the hearing, Jones specified that the term minority opportunity district could be used interchangeable with Black opportunity district, as the court was not asked to consider voting rights for other minority groups in any of the three cases.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia redistricting: New maps opposed by civil rights groups
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show an increase in the number of disabled workers beginning in 2020, but social media posts claiming this can be attributed to Covid-19 vaccination are unfounded. Experts told AFP that the rise in workers with a disability is largely due to growth in remote work since the start of the pandemic, along with the sometimes debilitating long-term effects of coronavirus infections .

"Civilian Labor Force with a disability increased by 40% since COVID-19 vaccination started. Coincidence?" asks the caption of a December 9, 2023 photo on X, formerly Twitter, which shows a graph with a sharp ascending trend at the end of its range.

Similar claims also citing labor and disability statistics spread across X, where they were amplified by activist and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr before appearing on Facebook. The claims also appeared in French and Portuguese.

Many of these posts suggest that the apparent rise in the number of people with disabilities was caused by supposed adverse effects from Covid-19 vaccines.

"There's just no denying with this. The increase of disabilities in the US since Covid-19 vaccine rollout is statistical (sic) significant," a December 10 Facebook post says.

Screenshot of an X post, taken December 20, 2023

Screenshot of an X post, taken December 20, 2023

The posts are the latest in a trend of misinformation questioning the proven safety of Covid-19 vaccines. But experts contacted by AFP said changes observed in the workforce are not linked to the shots.

"Connecting the rise of people with disabilities in the US to the Covid-19 vaccine is inaccurate and not true," said Mia Ives-Rublee, the director of the Disability Justice Initiative (archived here) at the Center for American Progress.

Increase of workers with disabilities

The graphics being shared come from an online visualizer published by the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) database (archived here and here), using data collected by US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to a BLS press release (archived here), the data was collected as part of the Current Population Survey, which gathers statistics on workers and unemployment from a pool of about 60,000 random households each month.

One of the graphs in the posts is looking at data on the proportion of disabled workers by tracking the number of employees with disabilities per 100,000.

"The graphic shows there has been an increase in the number of people with disabilities in the force since around 2020," said Amelia Sandhovel (archived here), a spokeswoman for the Economic Innovation Group (EIG) think tank.

Screenshot of a FRED graph, taken December 12, 2023

BLS data show that in January 2020, 20.4 percent of workers in the survey reported a disability and by November 2023, 24.8 percent said they were working with a disability (archived here) -- the highest ratio of disabled workers since the US began collecting data on this topic in 2008.

Sandhovel said her organization's research (archived here) indicated that remote work appeared to be boosting the employment rate of Americans with disabilities.

Ives-Rublee of the Disability Justice Initiative also said this rise could be attributed to a greater number of people having the option to work from home -- which allows more accommodation for employees with disabilities.

"We have seen an increase in the number of people with a disability in the civilian labor force and improvements to employment rates for disabled workers," she said.

A man takes part in a video conference while working remotely on May 14, 2020 LOIC VENANCE AFP

Ives-Rublee also noted that a tight labor market with more competition had likely increased opportunities for workers with disabilities. But, she said that despite improvements for employees with disabilities, they are still employed at substantially lower rates than people without disabilities.

"Policymakers and workplaces must accommodate the needs of disabled workers by decreasing the barriers that make it difficult for them to apply, obtain, and maintain employment," Ives-Rublee said.

'Long Covid' impact

The other graph is also from BLS, this time showing statistics on the proportion of the disabled people in the general population over age 16 -- not just workers.

Screenshot of a FRED graph, taken December 20, 2023

According to BLS data, this demographic is on the rise with more than 30.5 million people reporting a disability in January 2020 and 33.9 million people reporting one in November 2023 (archived here and here).

Ives-Rublee said this increase could partially be attributed to the adverse long-term effects of Covid-19 infection -- rather than vaccination.

The Center for American Progress estimated that as many as 1.2 million Americans were likely disabled after being infected with Covid-19 by the end of 2021 (archived here).

A report from the National Center for Health Statistics at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) examining data from 2022 found that 6.9 percent of adults had experienced post-Covid-19 symptoms -- or "long Covid" -- and 3.4 percent of adults had long Covid at the time the study was conducted (archive here).

Long Covid can range from mild to debilitating, sometimes preventing people from returning to work, Yale Medicine says online (archived here).

"The spread of the Covid-19 virus was a mass disabling event," Ives-Rublee said. "Because of this, the vaccine likely prevented disability."

Vaccines safe and effective

There are occasional mild side effects to receiving the Covid-19 vaccine, such as flu-like symptoms and fatigue, but these usually resolve after a few days. Rare, more severe reactions to vaccination, such as inflammation of the muscles in and around the heart, usually dissipate within a year.

Physicians have frequently told AFP that the benefits of receiving the Covid-19 shot far outweigh the risks of infection -- which could lead to long Covid. The World Health Organization also highly recommends that people with disabilities are up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccines and boosters as they are a higher risk group when it comes to adverse effects from the virus.

According to the CDC, more than 676 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in the US (archived here). The CDC says on its website that it continues to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the shots (archived here).

More of AFP's reporting on misinformation surrounding health topics can be found here.
(Bloomberg) -- Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas faces escalating calls to recuse himself from upcoming cases centered on former President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

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The requests gained new urgency in recent days as consequential cases related to Trump speed toward the high court. Critics  including Democrats in the House and Senate  say Thomass wifes publicly documented efforts to challenge the 2020 election results should disqualify him from making decisions on pivotal issues related to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.

Thomas, who was appointed by former President George H. W. Bush, has garnered a reputation for refusing to back down to his critics. But legal experts said it will be more difficult for Thomas to ignore the requests to abstain from participation in the Trump cases this time  particularly considering provisions of the Supreme Courts new code of ethics.

Under the standard in the new Supreme Court code, an objective, unbiased observer would question whether Justice Thomas can be objective in a case so closely related to his wifes political interests, said Steven Lubet, a judicial ethics expert at Northwestern Universitys Pritzker School of Law.

The code, released in November, was signed by all nine justices. It includes a section saying a justice should recuse him or herself if their impartiality might be reasonably questioned. The code specifies that a justices spouse having an interest that could be affected substantially by a case or who could be a material witness in the proceeding would be grounds for recusal.

No Precedent

The Trump cases will have massive repercussions for the upcoming presidential election, determining whether Trump could be disqualified from the race or face trial and possibly prison time for his actions on Jan. 6, when he egged on a mob that stormed the Capitol as Congress was certifying the 2020 election results.

Theres no historical precedent for the existential questions facing the court, Lubet said.

Trump this week vowed to seek Supreme Court review after Colorados top court said he is disqualified from the 2024 ballot due to his incitement of the Jan. 6 attack, citing a constitutional provision barring insurrectionists from holding office. And the high court will soon weigh in on whether Trump can claim absolute immunity from prosecution over actions he took while he was president. The former president has vowed to escalate other cases against him to the Supreme Court as well.

Thomass wife Virginia, known as Ginni, was involved in efforts to try to overturn the 2020 election results. She attended the pro-Trump rally that preceded the Jan. 6 attack, sat on the board of a conservative political group leading the Stop the Steal movement and traded more than two dozen texts with Trumps former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows urging him to fight to overturn the results.

Make a plan, she wrote to Meadows, according to reports on evidence obtained by the House Jan. 6 committee. Release the Kraken and save us from the left taking America down. She also pressed lawmakers in Arizona and Wisconsin to help with the effort.

So far, Thomas has not commented publicly about his wifes involvement. Thomas didnt immediately respond to a request for comment made through the Supreme Courts public affairs office.

A group of eight House Democrats and several senators, including Connecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, called on Thomas to recuse himself this week due to Ginnis highly public role on Jan. 6.

Grave Proceeding

No proceeding could be graver than the prosecution of an attempt to undermine our sacred electoral process, Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Chief Justice John Roberts on Thursday. Justice will be done only if such a case is heard by judges whose impartiality cannot reasonably be questioned.

The House Democrats pointed to the clause in the new code of ethics related to justices spouses.

Democratic Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse stopped short of calling for Thomas to recuse himself, but said it makes sense that people are asking this question given the lingering questions about his wifes role in the insurrection.

Thomas has resisted calls to recuse himself from cases related to Jan. 6 before. Last year, he was the only justice to signal support for Trumps legal arguments when the former president tried to prevent a committee investigating the Capitol attack from accessing White House documents. The court rejected Trumps request.

Thomass supporters are dismissing the recusal pressure. Mark Paoletta, an ally of Thomas and Ginni Thomass lawyer, tweeted there is no reason for Thomas to recuse because of his wifes political views.

Thomas in October recused himself for the first time from a Jan. 6 case brought by former Trump adviser John Eastman, who was previously Thomass law clerk.

Richard Painter, who served as the chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, said Thomass fellow justices could step in now to pressure him to recuse himself.

This is a very precarious situation for our democracy, Painter said.

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People are seen in front of flames from the fire at Conakry's main fuel depot on December 18, 2023 (STRINGER)

Protesting youths and security forces clashed in Guinea's capital Conakry on Thursday as demonstrators demanded petrol be restored at service stations whose supplies were suspended after a deadly explosion at the country's main fuel depot.

Sporadic clashes broke out in the afternoon between groups of youths throwing stones and the security forces who retaliated by firing tear gas, an AFP journalist observed.

Hundreds of protesters, most of them hooded or masked, set up road blocks at several points leading into the centre of the capital, overturned dustbins and burned tyres.

Many make a living running motorbike taxis and are calling for the reopening of service stations for all types of fuel.

The government on Thursday said the powerful explosion and fire early on Monday at the state oil company's main depot in the Kaloum district of Conakry, near the port, killed 23 people and injured 241, revising upwards a previous toll.

Investigations are continuing to determine whether more victims remain missing, the government said.

Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, the head of the ruling junta who seized power after a 2021 coup, has announced three days of national mourning from Thursday.

The incident damaged buildings, blowing out windows, forcing residents to flee and bringing life in the centre to a standstill.

Service stations were temporarily closed across the country.

The government has announced the resumption of supplies of diesel fuel but the distribution of petrol remains suspended.

"You can't sell diesel and deprive us of petrol. Most Guineans only use petrol," the protesters shouted.

"We want to work so that we can eat and feed our families, just like the authorities. We don't have anywhere to get money from," one of them told AFP.

"We just want the government to fulfil its obligations. If they don't, they should get out."

Traffic was blocked for a while before security forces intervened.

Taxi drivers had to turn around to avoid the protesters' ire.

"We can't continue to move in these conditions. I'm going to park my vehicle (run on diesel) to avoid problems," one driver, Diao Balde, told AFP.

Rights groups have complained about restrictions imposed against some privately owned media and social media during the crisis.

"Violations of the right to freedom of expression are now permanent, in addition to those of the right to peaceful assembly," Samira Daoud, director of Amnesty International's office for West and Central Africa, said in a press release.

bm-amt/imm/bfm
Tropical storm-like wind gusts, rain and chilly temperatures have recently dominated South Floridas weather.

So, what will happen during the Christmas weekend? How cold will it get on Nochebuena? Will it rain on Christmas?

Heres the forecast for Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and the Florida Keys for the holiday weekend:

A cloudy weekend

A cloudy holiday weekend is forecast as a low-pressure system approaches the region from the west, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.

I think it should be fairly rain-free other than maybe some Atlantic showers, weather service senior meteorologist Robert Garcia told the Miami Herald on Wednesday afternoon.

Friday should start the weekend with a few clouds, a rain chance of 20% or less and temperature highs in the mid-70s.

From Friday night to Sunday night (Christmas Eve), expect more clouds with lows in the upper-60s and highs in the mid-70s.

The mostly dry conditions might end Monday (Christmas) with a 30% chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs are anticipated in the upper-70s and lows in the upper-60s.

On Christmas night and into Tuesday, it will be knocking on our doorstep, he said about the low pressure.

The cold weather on Christmas Day didnt stop Jenny Perez from taking a walk along Calle Ocho in Little Havana on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022. South Florida residents may be able to ditch their sweaters this year, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.

What weather hazards will affect South Florida?

Despite the lack of strong wind gusts, rain and chilly temperatures, there are other weather hazards you should keep in mind, according to the weather agency.

Rip currents: A high risk of rip currents through Sunday is expected to be the highlight of South Floridas weekend forecast. The rip currents could be life-threatening, and swimming is not recommended.

High surf: There is a limited risk of breaking waves for swimmers.

Marine hazard: There is an elevated risk of sustained winds of 20-33 knots and/or seas 7 feet or greater through Saturday. Captains of small boats could encounter hazardous rough seas. By Sunday, the risk for small crafts will be limited, but captains should continue to exercise caution.

A high risk of rip currents is expected in South Florida during the 2023 Christmas weekend.

How about the Florida Keys?

The weather forecast for the Keys is looking similar to the rest of South Floridas, according to the National Weather Service in Key West.

Friday and Saturday will remain mostly cloudy but dry with a 10% chance of rain. Temperature highs are expected to be in the mid-70s and lows from the upper-60s to 70.

But for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, rain chances will creep to 20%. Highs are anticipated in the upper 70s and lows in the low 70s.

Good Evening #FloridaKeys! Here is a 5 day outlook leading up to Christmas. Expect Thu to remain windy with breezy conditions for Fri, though staying mostly dry. Rain chances creep a little higher for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day with a moderating temp trend. #flwx pic.twitter.com/y50uECTWe7  NWS Key West (@NWSKeyWest) December 20, 2023
College Democrats demanded the Biden administration end the Willow Project, cut oil drilling on federal lands and zero in more on tackling climate change, blasting the presidents indifference toward climate change in the wake of the COP28 conference.

The college outreach arm of the Democratic National Committee urged the administration to deliver on its climate promises and demanded Congress pass pro-environmental legislation in a letter to President Biden shared with The Hill on Wednesday.

With every waking moment of indifference in regards to the issue of climate change, we sink progressively deeper into a global environmental crisis, the group wrote. Its impacts, ranging from rising sea levels, unprecedented climate shifts, increased frequency of natural disasters, and worsening of air and water quality, have placed the planet that young people are destined to inherent in jeopardy.

President Biden, who attended the previous two climate summits, did not travel to the latest U.N. climate conference in Dubai.

The president has infuriated climate change activists and younger voters with his approval of the Willow Project in Alaska and acceleration of gas exports to Europe. As the continent grapples with an energy crisis due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the move by the U.S. made Europe the nations largest gas purchaser.

The plan to increase natural gas exports caused a stir even within the Democratic Party. Just last week, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) urged the administration to stop investing in gas plants abroad, citing the $1.8 billion expenditure on fossil fuel plants overseas this year.

The United States cant preach temperance from a bar stool, and right now, America is drunk on oil and gas production and exports, Markey wrote last week.

During the climate summit in Dubai, the administration presented a new plan to cut leaks stemming from methane production, the biggest component of the gas, in hopes of reducing one of the sources of harmful pollution.

By supporting the increased production and exports from the liquid natural gas industry, the administration faces backlash from environmentalists and congressional Democrats.

Failure to avert climate disaster is a failure of the state, the student organization wrote in the letter. Hence, we call on our elected leaders of all levels to leave the world to their children, grandchildren, and young people throughout the nation in the same pristine condition they inherited.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Colombian woman who entered the U.S. illegally by crossing the border in El Paso, Texas, was released and told to check in with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York City in 2031.

The womans attorney, Matthew Kolken, told Fox News in the nearly 30 years of immigration law he has practiced, the womans release with a check in eight years from now is one of the most shocking things he has ever seen.

Kolken said his client is a legitimate asylum seeker with what he believes is an airtight case.

TEXAS BEGINS FLYING MIGRANTS TO SANCTUARY CITIES WITH FIRST FLIGHT TO CHICAGO

Asylum seekers wait to be processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico into the United States on Sept. 30 in Eagle Pass, Texas.

But because immigration cases are backlogged so much with illegitimate asylum claims, he is not sure he and his team will ever get a chance to argue her case in court at a check-in date eight years from now.

"It made me realize the Biden administration is basically providing backdoor amnesty for anyone who wants to show up at the border," Kolken, a two-time "Lawyer of the Year" in immigration law said.

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The U.S. southern border continues to see record numbers of migrant encounters this week.

TEXAS IMMIGRATION LAW PUSHBACK MARKS LATEST TENSION BETWEEN BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AND BORDER STATES OVER CRISIS

Dec. 18, 2023: Migrants flood into Eagle Pass, Texas, waiting to be processed.

On Monday, thousands of immigrants flooded into Eagle Pass, Texas, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources told Fox there were over 12,600 migrant encounters that day.

That number does not include the thousands that were still waiting to be processed in the Del Rio Sector that night, but does include over 11,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions and over 1,600 encounters at ports of entry.

A senior CBP official told Fox the encounter levels seen present a serious challenge to the agency, adding that all available sources are being utilized to ensure the safety and security of CBP officers and agents, as well as migrants often being misled and victimized by transnational criminal organizations.

TEXAS GOV. ABBOTT SIGNS BILL MAKING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION A STATE CRIME

FILE: A U.S. Customs and Border Protection patch on the uniform of a Rio Grande Valley sector chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol.

According to CBP, large groups of migrants are being transported to the border and pushed across to overwhelm the Border Patrol, guaranteeing their release.

The CBP is resourced for about half the volume of encounters the agents see and respond to, and is only funded through a continuing resolution. That means it cannot spend more money than it has, and it is pulling all levers it can to provide additional support.

To assist with the increasing and record-breaking numbers, the Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons is supplying transportation at locations along the southwest border.





Original article source: Colombian woman who crossed into US illegally released, given 2031 ICE check-in date
By Nelson Bocanegra

SUBACHOQUE, Colombia (Reuters) - More than 17 acres of land owned by a Colombian-Canadian company near Bogota were once meant to grow 25 varieties of cannabis, but over the past year weeds have overtaken greenhouses and 200 of its 218 employees have been fired.

The company is a victim of long-running problems for Colombia's legal marijuana industry, which attracted huge investment after cannabis was legalized for medicinal use in 2017. At the time, Colombia was one of the first countries in Latin America to pass such legislation and held out the promise of legalizing marijuana sales for recreational use next.

Six years later, a number of local cannabis producers are facing closure because of regulatory demands for expensive and years-long studies on medicine composition before products can be sold domestically, say industry players, analysts and the sector's industry association.

In addition, a law to legalize recreational use of cannabis failed for the fifth time in Congress last week, and a measure coming into force in February will oblige companies to destroy inventories which are over two years old.

"We're going from bad to worse, it's slow agony and the clock is going against us with pressure from partners and without cash flow," said the owner of the Colombian-Canadian company, who asked for anonymity because he is seeking new investment to save his $20 million business set up in 2018.

Since cannabis for medical use became legal, the sector has attracted an estimated $500 million in foreign investment, but much of that has not been recouped, according to industry group Asocolcanna.

Many investors are from Canada, which was itself in the process of legalizing recreational use of marijuana and was considered a potential destination for Colombian exports.

The industry overcame regulatory bottlenecks on exports in 2021, but its fortunes have slumped sharply this year.

Some 200 companies shuttered this year, bringing the number of closures to 600 - or nearly 50% of the companies founded since the law legalizing medicinal use passed, according to Asocolcanna.

All this comes despite leftist President Gustavo Petro's stated ambition to relax the policy on marijuana, whose domestic consumption is higher than that of Colombia's more infamous drug crop cocaine. Colombian law allows people to grow up to 20 plants and carry up to 20 grams for personal use, though selling marijuana is illegal.

Unless the sale of cannabis for recreational use is made legal, the local market will remain in the hands of criminals rather than licensed companies, said Asocolcanna president Camilo de Guzman.

INVESTMENTS IN TROUBLE

Khiron Life Science, a company with operations in Colombia that is listed in Toronto, has already shuttered a $15 million medical marijuana plantation and a cosmetics line made with cannabis.

It still serves about 5,000 patients in four clinics in Colombia, where it is allowed to distribute personalized cannabis-based medications, but has closed similar clinics in the United Kingdom, Brazil and Peru.

Marijuana is not covered by Colombian insurance providers, a huge brake on sales, said Khiron president Alvaro Torres.

Several industry executives said they expected more industry-friendly rules - including those needed for insurers to cover marijuana for medicinal use - would follow the 2017 law, but progress has been slow.

"If the regulation is achieved, the industry could grow again, the problem is how to hold on until then," Torres said.

Khiron's stock was trading at $4.05 Canadian dollars in 2019, but slumped to $0.04 Canadian dollars in May, the last time it was traded.

Without a legal domestic market for cannabis, companies operating out of Colombia are limited to pursuing exports, sales from which average $5 million a year, according to government trade organization Procolombia.

"It was a mistake not developing a local market before," said Mauricio Krausz, director of Plena Global, which exports to the U.K., Germany, Israel and Australia. "We don't have a local market where we can support cash flow."

In response to Reuters' questions, Colombia's food and medicine regulator INVIMA said in most cases, those seeking authorization for medical marijuana products present incomplete documentation.

"It is necessary to comply with established legal and technical requirements," it said.

The ministries of health, justice and agriculture, which also have a hand in marijuana regulation, did not respond to requests for comment.

The Petro government has not detailed why regulation on the marijuana front has been slow, but the troubles echo those of two previous administrations who faced similar issues.

ILLEGAL VERSUS LEGAL

In the absence of legal cannabis sellers, some in Colombia are making their own cannabis medicines.

"We started growing with my grandma to use the flowers for salves," said 28-year-old Camila Sierra, who grows 18 plants to treat her grandmother's chronic pain and sometimes to smoke.

Lawmaker Juan Carlos Losada said a bill he sponsored to regulate recreational use was meant to resolve the contradiction between legal personal use and restricted legal sales, but it was rejected this month.

Petro, who does not have a majority in Congress, bemoaned the bill's rejection, saying it would only benefit drug traffickers. But some in the industry say the government is not following through on its pledges.

Cancelling the inventory destruction requirement would be a start, companies say.

"The industry was in intensive care and this government has a very high probability of being its grave digger," said Miguel Samper, a former deputy minister of justice who headed Asocolcanna until recently.

(Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb, editing by Deepa Babington)
The Colorado Supreme Courts decision to remove former President Trump from the states primary ballot is posing a political conundrum for primary rival Nikki Haley, who has seen a burst of momentum in recent weeks.

The court ruled that Trump is disqualified from competing in the race under the 14th Amendments insurrection clause, finding that he violated his oath in engaging in insurrection. Trumps campaign has vowed to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could reverse his removal from the ballot.

But the state courts decision nonetheless puts Haley and other GOP rivals in a bind, forcing them to defend the candidate theyre trying to defeat for the nomination.

If youre DeSantis and Haley, what can you say other than, This is malarkey? Because if you say, Well, this is what we warned you about, everyones gonna turn away from them, said Republican strategist Ford OConnell.

Haley quickly weighed in on the matter, telling reporters after the news broke that were going to win this the right way, while also arguing that the last thing we want is judges telling us who can and cant be on the ballot, according to footage shared by MSNBC.

The former United Nations ambassador has been surging in multiple polls recently, reaching nearly 30 percent in a New Hampshire released Sunday and moving into second place in an Iowa poll released Wednesday.

Other Republican candidates have also issued statements, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who called on the Supreme Court to reverse the decision, which he argued was based on spurious legal grounds.

But his remarks also alluded to the case over electability that he has been trying to make against the former president.

Heres the larger thing of what the left and the media and the Democrats are doing: They are doing all this stuff to basically solidify support in the primary for him, get him into the general, and the whole general election is going to be all this legal stuff, DeSantis said in Iowa on Wednesday.

Even vocal Trump critic Chris Christie expressed skepticism over the decision, saying he doesnt think any court should prevent Trump from the presidency.

I think he should be prevented from being president of the United States by the voters of this country, Christie said.

Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy, who has embraced the former president even as he campaigns against him, pledged to withdraw his own name from the Colorado GOP primary ballot until Trump is also allowed to be on it, calling on Haley and the others to do the same.

The responses underscore the sensitive political nature of the issue for Trumps rivals, who are loathe to anger a base loyal to the former president. The Colorado ruling also comes just before the start of voting next month, as Haley and others battle to secure at least second place behind Trump in the key early states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

The timing of the decision isnt ideal for them  no candidate wants to be in the position of defending their opponent only weeks before an election, Iowa-based Republican strategist Michael Zona told The Hill via email. The decision also hijacks the news cycle, distracting from candidates ability to deliver their closing campaign message before the holidays.

GOP strategist Matt Mackowiak said the Colorado ruling dominates the coverage and puts both Haley and DeSantis in an awkward situation.

At a time when Haleys rising, when shes started putting negative ads up, when others are putting negative ads up about her, when shes rising in New Hampshire and maybe a second place looks within reach in Iowa  it threatens to halt all that momentum, he said.

And for DeSantis, the Colorado development comes at a bad time as the Florida governor appears to be upping his attacks against Trump and Haley.

Its an awkward situation, because to some extent, these issues go back to one of the reasons why theyre running, Mackowiak said, noting Trumps rivals may use this to make the point that his presidency was rife with chaos. But this isnt the way you want to win.

Mackowiak argued Trumps removal from the Centennial States ballot is particularly unifying as the former president continues to cast the legal cases against him as politically motivated, and that the removal may open the door for some in the party who support a non-Trump candidate to turn support back toward him.

Its only going to strengthen his us-against-them argument and [deprive] DeSantis and Haley of trying to change the focus of this race, said Republican strategist Brian Seitchik, adding the Colorado ruling is bad news for non-Trump contenders.

Seitchik added that in the end it doesnt matter whether Trump uses this moment to pull voters from his competitors, given his front-runner status.

The fact is, this deprives DeSantis and Haley of an opportunity to pull voters away from Trump, which is what they have to do here, Seitchik said. Trump doesnt need to move any voters to his camp. He simply needs to hold the voters that he currently has.

The Colorado case is the latest in several legal battles the former president faces in courtrooms across the country, including multiple criminal indictments.

But Trump  branding the indictments, lawsuits and litigators as political attacks against him  has seen boosts following major developments in these cases.

Legal setbacks have only helped the former president in the primary and theres no reason to believe this wont be the case again here, Zona said.

Iowa-based GOP strategist Jimmy Centers said the decision will likely rally Trumps base in the Hawkeye State and beyond, comparing it to the aftermath of the first charges filed against Trump in the hush money case in Manhattan. He said he has heard from Iowa caucusgoers who are troubled by the ruling, in that none of the charges Trump is currently facing are for insurrection.

Centers said that even if the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately overturns the ruling, its political effect of boosting Trump will remain.

For those that believe that the courts, the Department of Justice, are out to get former President Trump, the Colorado Supreme Courts decision reinforces that mindset, he said. Regardless of what the United States Supreme Court does  the damage, if you will, has been done.

DeSantis appeared to recognize the possibility of support in the GOP race further consolidating behind Trump, arguing that his nomination would avoid the distraction of Trumps legal cases.

Do we want to have 2024 to be about this trial, that case, this case, having to put hundreds of millions of dollars into legal stuff? Or do we want 2024 to be about your issues, about the countrys future with a nominee thats going to be able to prosecute that case against the left? he said.

Republican strategist David Capen said the ruling could swing voters who are on the fence between Trump and another candidate like DeSantis and continue the trend of DeSantis dropping in support in polling.

Whatever they throw at [Trump], it seems like its just growing his base of support among Republican voters, he said.

Capen said the non-Trump candidates need to focus on showing voters their true selves, their true values and demonstrating authenticity instead of saying what they believe voters want to hear from them.

He said they should not worry as much about coming across as a polished politician seeking to say all the right things to appeal to this base or that base.

Haley, DeSantis and the rest of the field are still gunning for wins in Iowa and New Hampshire next month, but theyre now stuck between the proverbial rock and the hard place with the Colorado ruling, Seitchik said.

Its a grim picture for Haley and DeSantis. That does not mean that we necessarily reached the last twist, but this is this is a pretty immovable object, OConnell said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch

Happy Thursday! Holiday cheer comes in many forms this time of year: quality time with family, thoughtful gifts, delicious holiday treats, and $1 billion in back taxes penalty waivers from the IRS.

Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories

Hamas leaders reportedly rejected an offer from Israel on Wednesday to implement a weeklong pause in fighting in exchange for the release of 40 of the estimated 129 hostages still in Hamas captivity, according to Egyptian officials. The terror group has said publicly that it will neither consider temporary ceasefires nor negotiate further hostage releases until Israel ends its military operations in the Gaza Strip completely. Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas political leader who typically resides in Qatar, traveled to Cairo on Wednesday for truce talks with Egyptian leadershis last visit to Egypt in November precipitated the previous pause in fighting and hostage releases. President Joe Biden said yesterday a new deal hasnt been reached yet, telling reporters, Theres no expectation at this point, but we are pushing.

The Biden administration confirmed on Wednesday the release of 10 American prisoners held in Venezuela (including six designated by the State Department as wrongfully detained) in exchange for Alex Saaba Colombian businessman accused of money laundering and profiting off food imports while Venezulans starved, and a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. As part of the deal, Venezuela also transferred Leonard Glenn Franciswho goes by the moniker Fat Leonard and was involved in one of the largest bribery cases in U.S. military historyto U.S. custody. Francis escaped house arrest in California in September 2022, and was detained in Venezuela. President Joe Biden said in a statement that Francis has been returned to the United States, where he will face justice for crimes he committed against the U.S. Government and the American people.

After three years of drafting and negotiations, the European Union (EU) reached a major deal on Wednesday that would reform the blocs immigration and asylum policies. The breakthrough, which is preliminary and still needs to be formally ratified, would tighten rules around asylumsuch as stipulating eligibility assessments will take place at borders to facilitate faster deportations of ineligible migrantsand establish clear frameworks about burden sharing among EU members when dealing with large waves of migrants. The new rules, once adopted, will make the European asylum system more effective and will increase the solidarity between member states by enabling to lighten the load on those member states where most migrants arrive, the European Commission said in a statement. The changes must be approved by each of the 27 member nations and ratified by the European Parliament.

The National Association of Realtors reported Wednesday that the median existing-home sales price in the U.S. hit $387,600 in Novemberup 4 percent year-over-year and the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year price increases. Sales of previously owned homes increased 0.8 percent from October, ending 5 months of decline, but were still down 7.3 percent year-over-year.

The Census Bureau released its annual population estimates on Tuesday, showing that American population growth is returning to pre-pandemic levels. The population increased by 0.5 percent in 2023up 1.6 million people to 334,914,895with the South accounting for 87 percent of the growth. Congressional reapportionment wont happen again until after 2030, but if the trends hold steady, political power in Congress could become further concentrated in the Souththe countrys most populous region.

An End-of-Year Constitutional Crisis

Former U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a campaign rally at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center on December 17, 2023 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

In a 4-3 decision released Tuesday night, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in Anderson v. Griswold that former President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election and conduct on January 6, 2021, render him disqualified from returning to office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

Nothing like a little constitutional crisis to end the year.

The Colorado decision opened the door to the judicial branch deciding what candidates will be allowed to appear on the November 2024 ballot, setting up the most consequential election-related legal dispute since Bush v. Gore ended the recount process in Florida more than two decades ago. While the ruling immediately evoked a variety of strong reactions from legal scholars and politicians alike, the one thing virtually everyone agrees on is that the U.S. Supreme Court needs to settle the questionand quickly.

The 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, guarantees equal protection under the lawand Section 3, upon which this case hinges, details what disqualifies an individual from holding office:

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.

The Colorado Supreme Courts decision followed a Colorado district courts decision which stated that, while Trump did engage in an insurrection on January 6, 2021, he was not subject to Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. On yesterdays episode of Advisory Opinions, Sarah Isgur broke down the major points decided by the Colorado Supreme Court:

Number one: The election code allows the electors to challenge President Trumps status as a qualified candidate based on Section 3. This is more the state election code argument. Indeed, the election code provides the electors their only viable means of litigating whether President Trump is disqualified from holding office under Section 3. Two: Congress does not need to pass implementing legislation for Section 3s disqualification provision to attach, and Section 3 is, in that sense, self-executing. Three: Judicial review of President Trumps eligibility for office under Section 3 is not precluded by the political question doctrine. Four: Section 3 encompasses the office of the presidency and someone who has taken an oath as president. On this point, the district court committed reversible error. Next, the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting portions of Congress January 6 report into evidence at trial. Next, the district court did not err in concluding that the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 constituted an insurrection. Next, the district court did not err in concluding that President Trump engaged in that insurrection through his personal actions. And finally, President Trumps speech inciting the crowd that breached the U.S. Capitol on January 6 was not protected by the First Amendment.

The court, made up of seven judges nominated by Democratic governors, summed up their majority opinion thusly: A majority of the court holds that President Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Because he is disqualified, it would be a wrongful act under the Election Code for the Colorado Secretary of State to list him as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot.

Colorado was not the first state to consider whether or not Trump was eligible to run for president under the 14th Amendment. Courts in at least sixteen states are actively considering the questionand Georgia, North Carolina, and Minnesota have each ruled that the 14th Amendment does not bar Trump from running for president. But that doesnt mean the ramifications of Colorados decision this week arent profound. Its worth remembering that this is a little like nationwide injunctions, Sarah said on Advisory Opinions. Similar to a nationwide injunction, you can lose in 300 district courts, but all you have to do is win one. And it feels a lot like whats happened here.  Court after court saw this and was like, No.  They all had kind of different reasons that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment was not going to prohibit a person from getting on the ballot this time. And all it takes is one. And now were off to this constitutional crisis.

Part of this state-by-state disagreement stems from the question of exactly who Section 3 applies to: While the 14th Amendment makes clear that a person who has taken an oath to uphold the constitution cannot participate in an insurrection and continue to hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, there are legitimate questions about whether January 6 meets the legal definition of an insurrectionand whether that clause pertains to the president at all.

The Colorado Supreme Courts majority opinion took a side in those debates. President Trump asks us to hold that Section 3 disqualifies every oath-breaking 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 court wrote in its decision. Both results are inconsistent with the plain language and history of Section 3.

The Colorado Supreme Courts ruling wont immediately go into effectin fact, the court granted a stay on its enforcement until January 4, specifically to give Trump time to appeal the decision and the U.S. Supreme Court time to decide whether to agree to hear the case. If review is sought in the Supreme Court before the stay expires on January 4, 2024, the decision reads, then the stay shall remain in place, and the Secretary will continue to be required to include President Trumps name on the 2024 presidential primary ballot, until the receipt of any order or mandate from the Supreme Court. This will presumably also pause deliberations in other states over the same questions.

The former president himself was, as one might imagine, less than pleased with the outcome in Colorado. After reposting a series of clips of allies defending him on Fox News, he posted six words of his own on Truth Social: WHAT A SHAME FOR OUR COUNTRY!!!

A few minutes later, he added another message. BIDEN SHOULD DROP ALL OF THESE FAKE POLITICAL INDICTMENTS AGAINST ME, BOTH CRIMINAL & CIVIL, he wrote, seemingly conflating the decision in Colorado with the more than 90 criminal charges hes facing in several jurisdictions across the country and an ongoing civil trial in New York. EVERY CASE I AM FIGHTING IS THE WORK OF THE DOJ & WHITE HOUSE. NO SUCH THING HAS EVER HAPPENED IN OUR COUNTRY BEFORE. BANANA REPUBLIC??? ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!

A Trump campaign spokesman also suggested that there was a conspiracy afoot in the Colorado decision. Democrat Party leaders are in a state of paranoia over the growing, dominant lead President Trump has amassed in the polls, Steven Cheung said. 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. Trump has promised to appeal the ruling.

Some of Trumps staunchest allies in Congress were quick to agree that the Colorado decision was evidence of an ongoing weaponization of the justice system against their preferred candidate. Democrats are trying to imprison their chief political opponent and have now apparently succeeded at removing him from the ballot, said Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. This is what dictators do. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina concurred. The Colorado courts weaponizing the law against Donald Trump should alarm everyone, she tweeted. Trump haters are abusing the Constitution and the rule of law to attempt to keep him out of office (again).

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana was once perfectly content to use the courts to overrule a democratic process, spearheading an effort in late 2020 to collect lawmakers signatures in support of a lawsuit in Texas challenging the results of the that years electionwhich, if successful, would have voided millions of votes in four other states. Tuesday, though, Johnsonwho formally endorsed Trumps reelection campaign last monthwas impugning the decision in Colorado that, in his view, would short-circuit the democratic process. Todays ruling attempting to disqualify President Trump from the Colorado ballot is nothing but a thinly veiled partisan attack, he said. 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. 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.

Although the ruling would, on paper at least, boost their own slim presidential prospects, Trumps GOP primary opponents were also critical of the decision in Colorado. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy predictably carved out the most pro-Trump position, vowing to remove himself from the ballot in Colorado if Trump were barred and calling on his primary opponents to do the same (which theyve either explicitly or tacitly declined to do).

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took a slightly softer stance, arguing that, while they dont believe Trump should be president, it wasnt the courts decision to make. I will tell you that I dont think Donald Trump needs to be president, Haley said after a campaign event in Iowa on Tuesday. I think I need to be president. I think thats good for the country. But I will beat him fair and square. We dont need to have judges making these decisions, we need voters to make these decisions. Christie shared a similar sentiment at a campaign stop in New Hampshire.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis response focused on what he viewed as the likely downstream effects of the Colorado decision, highlighting the Republican primary electorates tendency to rally around their standard-bearer whenever hes in legal jeopardy. What the left in the media and the Democrats are doing, theyre doing all this stuff to basically solidify support in the primary for [Trump], get him into the general [election], and the whole general election is going to be all this legal stuff, he said at a campaign event.

What they dont want is to have somebody like me who will make the election, not about all those other issues, but itll make the election about the failures of Biden, the failures of the left, and how were going to be able to turn the country around, he added later. If thats how the elections framed, we will win. But they are setting this stuff up.

For his part, President Biden first declined to comment on the ruling Wednesday before sayingin response to a question about whether Trump was an insurrectionistthat that was self-evident. He maintained, however, that it was up to the court whether the 14th Amendment should apply.

Even if one doesnt subscribe to the idea of a vast left-wing conspiracy to keep Trump either off or on the ballot, plenty of observers on the right and the left expressed concern about the rulings effect on the body politic. Conservative columnist and frequent Trump critic Megan McArdle, for example, argued it would reinforce skepticism about the democratic process. Using procedural rules to alter the outcome of the 2024 election by keeping a major party nominee off the ballot in one or more blue states does not solve the political problem of Trumps attacks on the legitimacy of U.S. elections, she wrote. It exacerbates them by staging your own attack.

Jonathan Chait, a liberal writer for New York magazine, similarly warned that a failure to overturn the ruling would undermine American voters faith in democratic institutions. To deny the voters the chance to elect the candidate of their choice is a Rubicon-crossing event for the judiciary, he wrote. It would be seen forever by tens of millions of Americans as a negation of democracy.

In the latest episode of Advisory Opinions, David French points to the anti-democratic nature of the 14th Amendment as a feature, not a bug. Theres an enormous amount of argument online about this [decision being] ultimately anti-democratic, he said. Yes, it is. Guess what? Its an anti-democratic section of the amendment. If they trusted the democratic process so that no insurrectionists could be elected, they wouldnt have this in there.  This is a constitutional principle that we do not want our republic to elect insurrectionaries.

But Noah Rothman of National Review argued overturning the ruling likely wouldnt be enough to undo the damage it has already wrought on the system simply by being introduced into the political bloodstream. When the Supreme Court overturns Colorados verdict, it will hand Trump the most indisputable evidence in favor of a claim he and his supporters have long argued, he wrote. It will confirm that Trump was the victim of political persecution. Americans of good faith who have argued (myself included) that Trump brought his legal troubles down upon himself will have to concede at least some of that premise to the former presidents defenders.

The Supreme Court has until January 4 to decide what to do with the Anderson v. Griswold casean action French warns could reverberate for years to come. This would be one of the most, not just the most consequential, but in more ways, more immediately explosive than Brown v. Board, he said on Advisory Opinions. Not because of the legal principles involved, but because of who its applying to and the nature of the movement that hes built, which is, quite frankly, insurrectionary.

Worth Your Time

Writing for Law and Liberty, Todd Breyfoglethe seminars director at the Aspen Institutereviews Paula Marantz Cohens latest book Talking Cure, which highlights the importance of rich conversation for our civic and moral health. In his essay Of Essay-Writing, David Hume divides the world into two kinds of people: the learned and the conversible, Breyfogle wrote. The problem, Hume continues, is that the learned and the conversible have become separated, and this separation has had a very bad influence both on books and company.  Hume seems to capture something of our current predicamentacademic discourse has become acutely arcane; common conversation has been reduced to chatter. Humes argument is neither nostalgic nor pretentious. Our thought and speech are impoverished because we have not attended to the Balance of Trade between the learned and conversible. Common speech needs substantive things to talk about; learned speech should be more connected to the arts of living. Cohen, in her book, argues that conversation shouldnt just be simple discussions or exchanges about trivial topics. She takes the phrase Talking Cure from Freud, not in a psychoanalytic sense, but more in concert with Aristotles recognition that speech is what makes us most human, Breyfogle wrote. Civilizing speech is not chatter. What makes us civil are not mere utterances, but common deliberation about what is important to us as moral beingshalting attempts to navigate and re-navigate our differences about how we ought to live.

Presented Without Comment

NBC News: Xi [Jinping] Warned [Joe] Biden During Summit That Beijing Will Reunify Taiwan With China

Xi told Biden in a group meeting attended by a dozen American and Chinese officials that Chinas preference is to take Taiwan peacefully, not by force, the officials said.

Also Presented Without Comment

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Seeing what happened in Colorado tonight, Laura, makes me thinkexcept we believe in democracy in Texasmaybe we should take Joe Biden off the ballot in Texas for allowing 8 million people to cross the border since hes been president.

Toeing the Company Line

In the newsletters: The Dispatch Politics crew covered MAGAworlds growing enmity toward Nikki Haley, Jonah argued we cant be blase about Trumps increasingly authoritarian bent, and Nick wrote about () the Colorado Supreme Courts noble and silly decision.

On the podcasts: Sarah and David unpack the Colorado Supreme Courts decision in an emergency edition of Advisory Opinions .

On the site today: John McCormack reports on the status of congressional efforts to reach a bipartisan deal on border security and Ukraine aid, while Jason Blessing details the threat of Iranian cyberattacks on Israel.

Let Us Know

Reading Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, do you think Donald Trumps conduct following the 2020 election meets the bar for disqualification?

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
In the 24 hours since the Colorado Supreme Court kicked former President Donald Trump off the states Republican primary ballot, social media outlets have been flooded with threats against the justices who ruled in the case, according to a report obtained by NBC News.

Advance Democracy, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that conducts public-interest research, identified significant violent rhetoric against the justices and Democrats, often in direct response to Trumps posts about the ruling on his platform Truth Social. They found that some social media users posted justices email addresses, phone numbers and office building addresses.

This ends when we kill these fkers, wrote one user on a pro-Trump forum that was used by several Jan. 6 rioters.

What do you call 7 justices from the Colorado Supreme Court at the bottom of the ocean? asked another user. A good start.

Read the full story on NBC News.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Justices on the Colorado supreme court are receiving a barrage of death threats after it ruled to exclude Donald Trump from the states presidential ballot next year because of his attempts to cause insurrection.

A report compiled by Advance Democracy, a non-partisan non-profit organization, said there was significant violent rhetoric against the justices and Democrats on social media, according to NBC News.

Some of the worst of it was posted on fringe websites, including one post that said behead judges and slam dunk a judges baby into the trash can.

Another post on The Donald, a pro-Trump forum where a Trump supporter once publicly bragged about his involvement with the January 6 insurrection and was arrested as a result, said this ends when we kill these fuckers.

The normalization of this type of violent rhetoric  and lack of remedial action by social media entities  is cause for significant concern, Daniel J Jones, president of Advance Democracy, told NBC News.

Political leaders on both sides of the political aisle need to speak out against these calls for violence, and social media platforms need to reassess their role in hosting and promoting this rhetoric.

Advance Democracy noted that some violent posts are in direct response to Trumps own furious posts about the ruling on Truth Social. Trump has called it election interference and implied it proves the 2020 election was stolen, the lie that eventually led to the January 6 insurrection.

It isnt the first time Trumps posts and comments have incited threats against a court. A New York court reported last month that the office of the judge overseeing Trumps fraud trial had been bombarded with death threats and antisemitic abuse, including some levied against the judges law clerk. The office received multiple threatening voicemails, including one that told the judge you should be assassinated  you should be executed. Another said: We are coming to remove you permanently.

Trumps lawyers in his fraud trial argued that the former president, who faces 91 criminal charges and is an adjudicated rapist, has no control over those who levy violent threats.

Meanwhile, the courts ruling has shaken Washington, with Republicans railing against the decision, Democrats defending the courts ruling and legal scholars presenting a variety of views.

In an unusual move, Dean Phillips, a Democratic representative from Minnesota who is running a long-shot campaign against Joe Biden, criticized the ruling on social media, making him one of the few Democrats disagreeing with the Colorado court.

Do I believe Trump is guilty of inspiring an insurrection and doing nothing to stop it? I was there. Absolutely. Do I believe its wrong to ban him from the ballot in Colorado without a conviction? Absolutely, Phillips wrote on X. Do I believe the SCOTUS must opine immediately? Absolutely.

Other Democrats have praised the ruling. Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close ally of Biden, called it striking and said it is undeniable in my view that [Trump] participated in an insurrection and as such should be disqualified from holding federal office.
A Columbus man with a crimninal history has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for armed drug trafficking with a machine ghost gun, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Quintavius Harrow, aka Cootie, 31, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to the following charges on Aug. 15:

one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon

one count of illegal possession of a machine gun

Quintavius Harrow carried a self-made and untraceable machine guna so-called ghost gunwhile distributing methamphetamine, a dangerous combination for the Columbus community, said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary in a statement.

Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis said in a statement, Quintavius Harrows possession of a privately-made, untraceable machine gun underscores the urgent need to address the rapid reproduction of such dangerous weapons,

The FBI and DEA conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Harrow using a confidential source in March 2022, according to court documents.

Harrow was filmed during the transaction in possession of an AR-15 style pistol, according to the release. The DOJ said Harrow sold the CS two bags of methamphetamine.

The Muscogee County Sheriffs Office Drug and Gang Task force agents executed a search warrant at a trap house on Coolidge Avenue in Columbus in April 2022. Harrow was found in the house along with other individuals, according to the DOJ.

The DOJ said law enforcement found a variety of illegal drugs and several firearms throughout the house including the same AR-15 style pistol that Harrow had been filmed with in March 2022.

The gun had no known manufacturer or visible serial number, according to the DOJ.

FBI examined the AR-15 style pistol and determined it was a ghost gun equipped with an auto sear, which converted the firearm to a machine gun, the release said.

Harrow has a criminal history for robbery by intimidation in Muscogee County and use of a gun with an altered identification mark in Chattahoochee County, the DOJ said. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.

We will continue to work in collaboration with all law enforcement partners to remove these types of threats from our community for a safer Columbus, said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman in a statement.
Six days before Christmas last year, a woman stole a Columbus mothers running car with 5-month-old twin boys inside.

A holiday traveler found one of the twins, Kyair Thomas, left outside in his car seat the following morning, Dec, 20, 2022, in a parking lot at the Dayton airport.

But with temperatures dropping, a winter storm coming and Kason Thomas still missing, concerned Ohioans held their breath until the kidnapping suspect and Kason were found the evening of Dec. 22, 2022, in Indianapolis with the help of two women there.

Whatever happened to the boys and the woman federal prosecutors accuse of kidnapping them?

A year later, the boys grandmother LaFonda Thomas reflected in an interview with The Dispatch.

Wilhelmina Barnett, right, smiles as she talks with family, friends and media with her reunited twins, Kyair Thomas, left, and Kason Thomas on Dec. 31, 2022, during a private "Welcome Home" celebration Barnett and the babies' father, Lachez Thomas, held at an Columbus East Side party center. The twins were the focus of a multistate search after they went missing when Barnett's car was stolen Dec. 19, 2022, while she was picking up a DoorDash delivery order in Columbus. Holding Kyair in the photo is Mecka Curry, who was one of two Indianapolis women who found him inside Barnett's stolen car in the parking lot of a downtown Indianapolis pizza shop and led authorities to the suspect. Behind Curry is Dana and Erika Brock, who were two of hundreds of searchers in the Columbus area who helped search for the babies.

Kason, now 17 months, is walking and talking, Thomas said. His favorite words include ball, and he likes to tell everyone hi and bye.

Thomas said this year has been a struggle for their family since Kyair died on Jan. 28 in what the coroners office ruled was a sudden unexplained infant death, especially for the boys parents, Wilhelmina Barnett and Lachez Thomas.

Meanwhile, the federal kidnapping case against the suspect, Nalah Jackson, 25, a transient Columbus woman whom police accuse of stealing two vehicles prior to the kidnapping, remains pending. Her trial in U.S. District Court in Columbus on two kidnapping counts has been postponed multiple times.

Were ready for the court date to come, Thomas said. I feel like maybe once thats done and over with, we can start to heal more because honestly, its still an open wound.

A year later, grandmother grateful and frustrated

Thomas said shes grateful to the public and the news media for sharing their familys story far and wide while the search was ongoing, especially since an AMBER alert was never put out in Indiana or any other state besides Ohio.

We still appreciate everything that everybody's done, even with the passing of Kyair, Thomas said. Without the general public and you guys (The Dispatch and other media), those young ladies wouldnt have been able to do the things they did."

A pair of cousins in Indianapolis, Shyann Belmar and Mecka Curry, recognized Jackson and helped Indianapolis police arrest her. A few hours later, the two women tracked down the stolen car with Kason inside, finding the car covered in snow in the parking lot of an Indianapolis pizza shop.

To this day, Im very grateful for them Thomas said.

An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer holds 5-month-old Kason Thomas after he was found Dec. 22, 2022, inside his mother's stolen Honda Accord that had been left in the parking lot of a Papa John's pizza in Indianapolis.

But looking back, Thomas said she is also frustrated with authorities, including with Columbus police and how they did not send out an AMBER alert until hours after the twins were reported missing.

According to a report by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the alert was delayed because of miscommunication and the Columbus Division of Police's misunderstanding about what information was needed for an alert.

Barnett was unable to provide a license plate number for the missing car she recently purchased but told officers that it was a black 2010 Honda Accord with a missing front bumper, torn temporary Ohio registration tag and a white bumper sticker that said, "Westside City Toys.

Thomas said shes also frustrated that Jackson was out of jail in December 2022, when she had multiple pending criminal cases.

I feel like our system, our policing system, judicial system kind of dropped the ball, and she slipped through the cracks. And unfortunately, this is what happened, Thomas said.

In November 2022, Gahanna police charged Jackson with aggravated menacing and telecommunications harassment in Franklin County Municipal Court. Police alleged in court records that Jackson threatened a couple who was adopting a baby whom Jackson had birthed. Judge Mary Kay Fenlon released Jackson on her own recognizance after she was arraigned Nov. 30, 2022.

Nalah Jackson, left, pleaded guilty April 18 in Franklin County Common Pleas Court to grand theft of a motor vehicle and trying to receive stolen property for stealing two cars Dec. 2, 2022. Judge Karen Phipps sentenced Jackson to 90 days in jail and pay $500 in restitution.

Weeks before the twins were kidnapped, Jackson has since admitted, she stole two other cars and crashed them Dec. 2, 2022, in Dublin. She stole one car and crashed it; then when a woman came to her aid after the crash, she stole that woman's car and crashed it a short distance away.

Because Jackson was hospitalized for her injuries in the crashes, police did not arrest her but forwarded information about the crimes to the Franklin County Prosecutors Office, according to a spokesperson for the city of Dublin.

There was no police hold on Jackson, so when she was discharged from the hospital, Jackson was back on the streets.

She probably should have never been walking outside free, Thomas said.

Where does the federal case stand?

Federal prosecutors have extended a plea deal to Jackson, which she has not accepted yet, according to court records, but she is open to taking a deal instead of going to trial.

Jacksons defense team said in court records that they have been working on investigating Jacksons extensive medical health history to assist in their plea negotiations and a psychological evaluation is ongoing.

Attorneys have gathered documents from multiple hospitals and treatment facilities in multiple states.

Thomas said she cant disclose the details of the plea offer on the table but said it would include prison time, and the family is satisfied with it.

A year later, this is something we all carry in our hearts. We just really wish that the case would be over with, Thomas said. I understand that its a process.

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kidnapping case pending one year after twin babies taken from Columbus
A House of Representatives committee has expanded its inquiry against Harvard University's handling of antisemitism on campus to include its embattled president Claudine Gay, who is facing a myriad of plagiarism allegations.

The chair of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., on Wednesday sent a four-page letter to Penny Pritzker, the head of the schools governing board, alleging that Harvard applies a different standard of academic integrity to faculty members than to students.

The committee cited the university's Honor Code as justification for the probe.

"The Harvard College Honor Code, which is in effect for the academic community of Harvard College beginning in Fall 2015, provides: Members of the Harvard College community commit themselves to producing academic work of integrity," Foxx wrote. "Does Harvard hold its faculty and academic leadership to the same standards?"

EMBATTLED HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT CLAUDINE GAY HIT WITH MORE PLAGIARISM CHARGES

Harvard President Claudine Gay, who recently made headlines for refusing to say whether genocide of Jews was against Harvard policy during a congressional hearing, was accused of plagiarism earlier this week.

The Republican representative highlighted the Ivy League university's use of federal funding, saying that the funds are contingent on Harvard maintaining compliance with its accreditor, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

NECHE requires that each of its accredited universities "works to prevent cheating and plagiarism as well as to deal forthrightly with any instances in which they occur," the letter said.

HARVARD STUDENT SAYS THE DECISION TO KEEP THE PRESIDENT IS 'PART OF A REALLY LARGE TOXIC CULTURE' ON CAMPUS

Foxx said that Harvard holds its students to the NECHE standards of plagiarism.

"Harvard does hold its students to these high academic and ethical standards: in the 2021-22 school year, the Harvard College Honor Council investigated 42 incidents of plagiarism, 35 allegations of exam cheating, and 19 other Honor Code violations.12 70 of these 100 cases resulted in a finding of responsibility, and 46 resulted in academic probation or mandatory withdrawal," the letter said. "Again, does Harvard hold its faculty  and its own president  to the same standards?"

Claudine Gay, president of Harvard University, speaks during a House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5.

The letter said that the committee's "concern" is that if plagiarism standards are not "applied consistently," then it "cheapens" the university's academic credibility.

"Our concern is that standards are not being applied consistently, resulting in different rules for different members of the academic community," the letter said. "If a university is willing to look the other way and not hold faculty accountable for engaging in academically dishonest behavior, it cheapens its mission and the value of its education. Students must be evaluated fairly, under known standards  and have a right to see that faculty are, too."

HARVARD BOARD STANDS BY EMBATTLED PRESIDENT CLAUDINE GAY, ADMITS INADEQUATE CITATION IN SOME WRITINGS

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce demanded Pritzker produce internal documents on allegations of Gays plagiarism, disciplinary actions taken against students at the school accused of plagiarism and communications with the NECHE.

Foxx asked Pritzker to provide a written response by Dec. 29.

People walk through the gate on Harvard Yard at the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on June 29.

On Dec. 12, scholars alleged that Gay "definitely" plagiarized almost 20 authors in four of her 11 peer-reviewed academic papers, including her doctoral dissertation.

The Manhattan Institute's Christopher Rufo and Karlstacks Chris Brunet published the initial report alleging plagiarism by Gay.

NAACP LEADER DEFENDS HARVARD PRESIDENT CLAUDINE GAY, SAYS CRITICS ARE 'ADVANCING A WHITE SUPREMACIST AGENDA'

Rufo and Brunet lay out several instances of alleged plagiarism by Gay, including taking a full paragraph from Franklin Gilliam and Lawrence Bobo's paper "Race, Sociopolitical Participation, and Black Empowerment," which Gay used nearly verbatim in her 1997 Harvard political science doctoral dissertation, "Taking Charge: Black Electoral Success and the Redefinition of American Policies."

The pair noted that while Gay referenced both Bobo and Gilliam in the paper, she did not use quotation marks for the language she pulled and only changed a few words.

The Washington Free Beacon analyzed 29 potential instances of plagiarism in Gay's work that appeared to be lifted from almost a dozen scholars.

In at least 10 instances, Gay used complete sentences and paragraphs from sources with minor changes to only a few words, the report states.

The majority of the scholars told the Free Beacon that Gay not only went against her university's policy on plagiarism but also a basic principle of academic integrity.

Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

Fox News' Houston Keene and Joe Schoffstall contributed to this report.





Original article source: Congress expands scope of Harvard investigation to include allegations of president's plagiarism
Claudine Gay, the president of Harvard University, has already conceded 'instances of inadequate citation' in her doctoral thesis - REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

Congress said it was investigating plagiarism claims against Harvards president on Thursday, as a major donor withdrew funding amid a backlash at the universitys handling of anti-Semitism on campus.

Claudine Gay, who leads the US university, is accused of copying entire paragraphs in her academic writing without attribution.

The latest plagiarism allegations, which were first reported by The New York Times, will now be the focus of a congressional committee, which said it would expand its investigation to ensure staff and students were held to the same standards.

Our concern is that standards are not being applied consistently, resulting in different rules for different members of the academic community, Virginia Foxx, the committees chairman, said in a letter to Harvards board.

If a university is willing to look the other way and not hold faculty accountable for engaging in academically dishonest behaviour, it cheapens its mission and the value of its education.

A truck carries an advert criticising Harvard through the streets of Cambridge, Mass - Steven Senne/AP

The committee has demanded Harvard hand over all its files linked to the plagiarism allegations.

Harvard has said it stands by Dr Gay, who tried to defuse the crisis by submitting three corrections to her 1997 doctoral thesis to credit the work of other scholars she had used.

In October, following an independent investigation, Harvard concluded that the plagiarism claims were not significant.

There were a few instances of inadequate citation, it added.

While the analysis found no violation of Harvards standards for research misconduct, President Gay is proactively requesting four corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks that were omitted from the original publications.

Fresh allegations against Gay

However, the Washington Free Beacon, a conservative outlet, submitted 39 fresh allegations of plagiarism to the Harvard Corporation earlier this week.

Trawling through seven of Dr Gays publications  nearly half of her entire academic work, the Beacon alleged she had paraphrased authors without proper attribution on dozens of occasions.

At times, the Free Beacon alleged, quotation marks were missing from phrases, sentences and paragraphs, which were lifted verbatim.

The fresh allegations should be reviewed by Harvards integrity officer.

Stephen Voss, one of the academics allegedly used by Ms Gay in her 1997 doctoral dissertation, told the Boston Globe that the passage was technically plagiarism  but not a serious case.

Other scholars told the Globe that the offending passages did not amount to plagiarism.

Should the allegations of plagiarism be upheld, Dr Gay could be suspended, demoted or sacked.

The Telegraph has approached Harvard for comment.

Anti-Semitism on campus row

The row over plagiarism is the latest scandal to embroil the university in recent weeks.

Dr Gay was urged to step down after failing to describe calls for the genocide of Jews as a breach of the universitys bullying and harassment policies when she appeared before Congress earlier this month.

She remained in post despite a torrent of criticism from alumni and some of Harvards wealthiest donors. Harvard insisted she was the right person for the post that she has held since July.

On Thursday, Sir Len Blavatnik, a billionaire whose foundation has given at least $270 million (213 million) to Harvard, announced he and his wife had suspended financial support until the university, Americas oldest, richest and most renowned, tackles the problem of anti-Semitism on campus, Bloomberg reported.

The Blavatniks follow Isan Ofer, an Israeli businessman, and fellow billionaires Leslie Wexner and Bill Ackman in withdrawing their financial support.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Congress wrapped up its work for the year yesterday, leaving 2023 behind as one of the least productive legislative sessions in recent history.

There are fears that the lack of progress could bleed into 2024 because of the many issues that will have to be addressed in the new year.

As they headed home for the holidays, lawmakers lamented a legislative year many would rather forget.

We saw a year marked by chaos extremism and paralysis, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Minority leader Mitch McConnell said, Im not very happy with how productive the Senate has been this year.

Congress passed fewer than 30 bills that became law this year, leading this Congress to be one of the least productive ever.

Republicans say Democrats dont want to address serious issues like securing the southern border.

Democrats say Republicans are wasting time on frivolous issues, like trying to impeach President Joe Biden.

Weve seen repeated efforts by Maga extremists to jam their right-wing ideology down the throats of the American people, said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)

Because of the partisan gridlock, major legislative priorities now must be addressed in 2024 including a looming government shutdown in January, passing a deal to secure the southern border and providing aid to Ukraine and Israel.

We need to reach an agreement on the top line and get about getting an outcome as soon as possible, said McConnell.

We go into next year with not only the challenges around the Ukraine, and border, and Israel, and humanitarian aid funding, but also not one but two potential budget disasters, said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va).

Since its also a major election year in 2024, hopes are not high that Congress will be much more productive next year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Kevin Iman McCormick of Hamden, Conn., was arrested in 2019 after attempting to leave the country to give support to ISIS. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Dec. 21 (UPI) -- A Connecticut man was convicted Thursday for attempting to travel to Syria to support ISIS.

Kevin Iman McCormick, 30, of Hamden, Conn., was sentenced to 144 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised releases, for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, according to a court release.

According to court documents, McCormick made several statements in 2019 to others expressing his desire to travel to Syria to fight for ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

In August 2019, McCormick told members of a Muslim community center "we should support ISIS" and "jihad is the way to go."

Court documents also stated McCormick told someone "I gotta fight, bro, because those people ... and [the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant], they fought for me, bro. I know it, I can feel it in my heart. So it's my time to fight ... It just is what it is, bro, it's just my -- it's just my time to go, bro."

He also reportedly told the person that "it's gonna be very hard to kill me."

McCormick was arrested on Oct. 21, 2019, when he attempted to board a plane from Connecticut to Canada. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 12 to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

It was not the first time McCormick attempted to leave the country to fight for ISIS.

In the weeks prior to his arrest, he attempted to board a flight from Connecticut to Jamaica but was prevented from doing so by the Department of Homeland Security. He then reportedly told a person he wanted to travel to Jamaica and from there to Syria to join ISIS. Days later, he made a video in which he pledged allegiance to ISIS and its then-leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, according to court documents.

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case with assistance from the Transportation Security Administration.
Several conservative Catholic bishops have rejected Pope Francis permission to bless gay couples, a move that could point to a wider split in the Catholic Church over the pontiffs liberal policies. After the Vatican issued bombshell guidelines Monday that allow priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples, the bishops of Zambia, Malawi, and the principal archdiocese of Kazakhstan forbade their priests from performing such ceremonies, according to The Wall Street Journal. The bishops in Zambia said they would not follow the new guidelines in order to avoid any pastoral confusion and ambiguity as well as not to break the law of our country which forbids same sex unions and activities, and while listening to our cultural heritage which does not accept same sex relationships.

Read it at The Wall Street Journal

Read more at The Daily Beast.
A conservative think tank has filed an ethics complaint against Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

The Center for Renewing Americas complaint, filed Monday and addressed to the Judicial Conference Secretary, accuses the justice of appearing to have willfully failed to disclose required information regarding her husbands medical malpractice consulting income for over a decade.

It also states, There is reason to believe that Justice Jackson may have failed to report the private funding sources of her massive investiture celebration at the Library of Congress in her most recent financial disclosure.

Given the need to ensure the equal application of the law and the tendency of these violations to create serious recusal issues and conflicts of interest, the Conferences prompt attention is of paramount public importance, the complaint reads.

The Center for Renewing America said Brown should be referred to Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding its complaint on disclosure of her husbands income.

The Hill has reached out to the Supreme Court for comment on the matter.

The center was founded in 2021 by Russ Vought, former director of the Office of Management and Budget under former President Trump.

The complaint comes shortly after a letter by some House Democrats in which they asked Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to recuse himself from a case about whether former President Trump is immune from prosecution over charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election.

[W]e strongly implore you to exercise your discretion and recuse yourself from this and any other decisions in the case of United States v. Trump, the group of Democrats, which included Reps. Hank Johnson (Ga.), Jamie Raskin (Md.), Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), wrote in the letter.

In the letter, the House Democrats highlighted the fact that Ginni Thomas, Thomass wife, was a backer of incorrect claims by former President Trump about the 2020 election. Thomas was interviewed by the House select committee on the Jan. 6 attack. The panel said she repeated the aforementioned claims.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An estimated 102 million people are eligible for a small payout after a Google settlement.

Google is paying to settle an antitrust lawsuit over its Google Play Store.

About 70% of eligible people can expect to get paid automatically.

You could be entitled to a small slice of a $630 million Google payout  and if you are, there's a good chance you won't even have to lift a finger to get yours.



Google recently agreed to pay $700 million to settle a landmark antitrust lawsuit it was facing, and $630 million of that amount will be set aside for payouts to consumers.

The settlement came after Google was accused of using its Google Play Store to dominate Android mobile apps as a monopoly and charge customers higher prices.



Lawyers estimate around 102 million people will be eligible to receive some of that money and a good chunk will even be automatically compensated  an estimated 70% of those fully eligible. That's about 71.4 million people.

Who is eligible for Google's settlement payout

Those who are eligible for payment are described as people who had a "legal address" in the US in their Google payment profile when they bought an app from the Google Play Store or made an in-app payment between Aug. 16, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2023, according to legal documents. The address could have been in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands.

Eligible people can expect to get an email notice. The estimated 70% who are expected to get an automatic payment won't have to file a claim or take any action. Each person can expect a payment of at least $2, but the amount will depend on how much money they've spent on the Google Play Store.

The email users will be notified on will be the same one associated with the user's Google Play Store account. If this email address is linked to a PayPal or Venmo account, then the owner can expect to get payment via one of these platforms. They will also be notified by email once the PayPal or Venmo payment has been made.

People who are eligible for payment above a certain amount, but didn't get a payment via PayPal, Venmo, or another method can expect to get paid via check.

For now, it isn't known exactly how the other 30% of those eligible will be able to file a claim for their money. Typically, there is a dedicated website for eligible people to file claims and request payment.

Business Insider has reached out to the law firms handling the settlement for more information on the claims process.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The liberation of Crimea, currently occupied by Russia, is a strategic goal for Ukraine, and there's hope it could happen as early as next year, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in an interview with German journalists, Bild reported on Dec. 21.

Umerov said he remains confident that the peninsula can be liberated in 2024, stating, "I am one hundred percent sure."

Read also: SBU chief Maliuk unveils plans for bold 2024 operations against Russian invaders

Russia is on the "dark side" and the Putin regime is condemned by the entire civilized world, Umerov said.

There is no question at all that we (Ukraine) will win," he said.

Thanks to successful attacks on Russia and operations in the Black Sea, Ukraine managed to push back the invaders in Crimea. Ukraine is preparing "developments" for 2024 that will contribute to liberating the peninsula from the Russians, Umerov said earlier.

Ukrainian fighters have successfully penetrated two of the three Russian defensive lines, Umerov said, emphasizing that Ukraine has a plan in place for 2024.

Read also: Can military-eligible men be returned to Ukraine, how will EU react?

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
Criminal charges have been filed against two men in connection with an altercation in the stands at Gillette Stadium earlier this season that resulted in the death of a New England Patriots fan, prosecutors said.

John D. Vieira, 59, and Justin A. Mitchell, 39, both of Warwick, Rhode Island, were charged by criminal complaint with assault and battery and disorderly conduct in the death of 53-year-old New Hampshire native Dale Mooney, according to the Norfolk District Attorneys Office.

The complaints against Vieira and Mitchell allege that they did assault and beat Dale Mooney during a game against the Miami Dolphins in September.

In October, Foxboro Police Chief Michael A. Grace announced that his department planned to seek criminal charges against three Rhode Island men, but as of Thursday, only Vieira and Mitchell were facing charges in Mooneys death.

In addition to the filing of criminal charges, the DAs office said that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner officially ruled the cause of Mooneys death to be probable cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with severe hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during a physical altercation. The manner of his death was also deemed a homicide.

After reviewing the evidence in this case, officials say they determined that there wasnt enough information to warrant homicide charges.

The review of the available evidence, including the autopsy results and multiple angles of video capturing the incident, did not determine that the evidence established a basis for criminal prosecution of charges related to homicide in Mr. Mooneys death, the DAs office said in a statement.

FILE  Lights illuminate Gillette Stadium before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. Police are investigating the death of a man following an

Mooney, a married father of two who lived in Newmarket, was attending New Englands Sunday night game on Sept. 17.

State police said Mooney was in the stadiums 308/309 section during the fourth quarter of the game around 11 p.m. when he collapsed and was rushed to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he was pronounced dead just before midnight.

Mooneys wife, Lisa, told Boston 25 News that her husband was a lifelong fan of the Patriots who had been a season ticket holder for 30 years. She also described him as a good dad to their two adult sons.

Vieira is slated to be arraigned in Wrentham District Court on Jan. 19, 2024, while Mitchell is due in court on Jan. 26, 2024.

Troopers assigned to the DAs office are assisting Foxboro police with the investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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A Jersey political party has said it would "bring forward counter proposals" after the government withdrew plans to increase the minimum wage.

Charity Caritas Jersey, licensed by the Living Wage Foundation in the UK, has raised the living wage rate from 12.19 to 13.41 for 2024. It said it hoped the government would stick to its post-election commitment, which was to raise the minimum wage alongside the living wage.

But in its report, the government said it would not be raising the minimum wage for 2024 as it was not "feasible or desirable".

Reform Jersey leader Deputy Sam Mezec said the report, which took more than a year to produce, was "extremely disappointing".

He said: "Oh, what a let down it is. It basically says do nothing and you can forget about getting the minimum wage up to the target that we'd set for getting it to the end of next year, which is two-thirds of medium earnings.

"We're going to convene early in the new year and look at what propositions we need to bring to the States Assembly to get this firmly back on the table."

Mr Mezec said it would be unfair to put undue pressure on businesses now.

He said: "Really employers should regard it as just one the basic costs of doing business, that everybody who works for them needs to be paid enough to actually live on.

"That is surely a basic principle that employers should understand."

Issues 'not addressed'

Dominic Jones, CEO of JP Restaurants, is a living wage employer.

He said the government report was "very disappointing" and "didn't really address any of the issues".

He said: "In a wealthy island such as ours, I think it's really disappointing that we have over 20% of our population living in what we would call a relative low income and, indeed, 40% of hospitality workers do not earn the living wage.

"I know there are tips on top, but just think about it: a living wage last year was 10.50; that's 420 a week working a 40-hour week.

"Many of us were really looking forward to this report to finally addressing the issues - we've had the can kicked down for many many years and the report was really very disappointing."

Mr Jones said that being a living wage employer had "absolutely reduced the profit" of his business, but "I feel a lot more comfortable going to sleep at night".

The minimum wage is 11.64 in Jersey - two thirds of the current median wage is 13.33.

Deputy Malcolm Ferey, Assistant Minister for Social Security, said the government was "committed to moving towards two-thirds of Jerseys median wage for islanders", but it "must be done when the economic conditions are right".

He said: "Employers are facing increasing financial pressures at the moment so we must think carefully about the processes and routes taken to achieve an increase in wages.

The technical review, which was produced following input from the Employment Forum, suggests that reaching two-thirds of median wage by the end of 2024 is unlikely, but we must remember that we are not there yet.

"More work will be carried out in the coming months to assess what level of minimum wage is sustainable for the community as a whole."

Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. - Its ingredients include a burger topped with a giant breaded Wisconsin cheddar cheese curd. Its introduction had fans of the fast food chain Culver's lining up hours before restaurants opened.

It may be hard to believe a menu item that induced traffic jams, sell-outs and a few cases of indigestion was never supposed to be a real thing. But for the first time, we are hearing the story of how a viral internet joke was turned into reality by a chef who kept his secret project hidden until he knew it could be created.

The joke

When it comes to online tomfoolery, even the folks at Culver's admit -- they are no Wendy's. There is no dunking on customers on their social media pages or jabs at competitors.

In 2019, however, Culver's management decided to dip their toes into some April Fool's fun. In an effort to spark engagement, the marketing team came up with a fake flavor of the day for their signature custard and released a picture on April 1 on Twitter of "Cheese Curd Crunch."

Culver's

The post was a hit. The marketing team was sly enough to develop a fake concept that if customers really wanted a frozen custard flavor that included fried cheese curds, they could mix together vanilla frozen custard with a side order of curds on their own.

Two years later, when the company began brainstorming April Fool's joke ideas again, they wanted to follow the same concept  post a picture of something too ridiculous to actually make, but leave the possibility of customers creating it themselves.

"We thought of, ya know, the Curderburger," recalled Liz Haferkorn, a senior marketing manager for Culver's.

Liz Haferkorn

Haferkorn does not recall who from the team specifically came up with the idea, but she does remember how quickly the joke went viral.

"Thousands of comments. Thousands of shares," said Haferkorn.

Online comments turned into real-life phone calls and handwritten letters.

"Everyone was just demanding that it was going to be a real thing. A petition came out that was just demanding it be brought to the restaurants," chuckled Haferkorn.

Despite the joke's online success, the company still had no intentions for Culver's to turn the Curderburger into a reality  that is, until Quinn Adkins got involved.

A secret project

Somewhere on the first floor of Culver's world headquarters in Prarie du Sac is where Quinn Adkins' creativity comes alive.

"This is where the magic happens," said Adkins as he gave FOX6 News a tour of the special kitchen.

Adkins is the director of menu development for Culver's. Before all new creations make it onto the menu, Adkins and his team first use this test kitchen to develop them.

"Inspiration can happen anytime, anywhere," said Adkins.

Quinn Adkins

In 2021, that inspiration came from a marketing meeting where Adkins first saw the joke that was creating a huge buzz online.

"And we were just talking about it in a marketing meeting and the number of impressions, and how excited guests were. Just a record-setting engagement. Honestly, I was just like, Huh, I bet you we could do that," Adkins said.

Adkins told no one of his plan.

"The funny thing is, I didnt say a word. Just kind of came in and went to work, and thought about how we would make that work, what would it look like, how could we get it made," recalled Adkins.

After tinkering with flavor, color, and texture, the Curderburger was born.

Culver's CurderBurger

"I had some prototypes built. I showed it to a couple of members of our senior leadership. And they were like, We have to do this. Weve got to get this done," said Adkins.

It is a decision Adkins would soon likely regret, when his bosses said they wanted the Curderburger to hit restaurants in just a few months.

An insane deadline

Ask anyone with industry knowledge how long it takes to create a new menu item for a national chain and the timeline may vary. However, they all say new items typically are not made in under a year, if they ever make it out of the test kitchen at all.

"Lots of things dont make it. And many of these things might come from marketing too  and the marketing people say, I want this, this, this, and this. And it goes to the food scientists, and they go, oh my God. That cant work," said Dr. John Lucey.

Dr. John Lucey

Lucey is a professor at UW-Madison and the director of the Center for Dairy Research. As a food scientist, he has worked with national brands before. Lucey said making something in a kitchen is only the first step in what can be a very long process to see if new products are even possible.

"You have to figure out what you want to make. Then you have to work back to your supplier and figure out if they make this profile, this type of cheese, and then you have to decide if you want to bread that," Lucey said. "So you need to find that supplier or figure out if they are going to be part of that process."

In Culver's case, they gave Adkins a very tight deadline to make the Curderburger a reality in restaurants.

Adkins recalled what senior Culver's staff requested.

"We want it done for National Cheese Curd Day which is October 15th. And I was like Woah,'" said Adkins.

Culver's CurderBurger

The deadline gave him less than three months to make it happen.

"Getting that much product made in that short period of time, its definitely a challenge," said Adkins. "It takes a village. We got everyone in the organization to kind of lean in, and make it happen,,"

Using social media once again, the Culver's marketing team announced the Curderburger was back -- this time for real. The company announced it would be back for one day only.

"It was nuts," Adkins said.

The rush

Spring forward to Oct. 15, 2021. Culver's prepared for a storm fueled by the internet and created by Adkins.

"The people were lining up at 7 a.m., before our restaurants even open at 10, to be one of the first ones to experience this," recalled Adkins.

Outside Culver's restaurants, traffic jams formed as team members furiously dished out the Curderburger. Some locations ran out of product within the first couple of hours. The team at Culver's watched as the new item sold out quickly.

"The challenge for our team was, How do we make this happen in a short period of time that delivers the authentic cheese curd experience, but also tastes great, and will leave people wanting more? And I think its safe to say we accomplished that goal," said Adkins.

In 2022, the Curberburger returned for a second, limited run. This time, it graced the menus for two weeks. In 2023, the Curderburger returned for a third time  this time for a month. Adkins said there is no immediate news on if or when the Curderburger will return.

Culver's CurderBurger

"You have certain items at certain other restaurant brands that they bring back occasionally and kind of tease. I kind of like to think that the Curderburger would kind of fit Culver's perfectly in that," said Adkins.

The Curderburger goes down as one of the most successful limited items ever created by the burger chain. For a concept that was never meant to be more than a joke, no one in the industry is laughing now. When asked what is next, Adkins smiled.

"There are two types of people in the world. There are people that ask the magician, How do you make that happen? They want the peek behind the curtain. And then there are the people who just want to enjoy the spectacle, enjoy the magic, and experience it the way it was meant to be," Adkins said. "Which is a kind way of saying stay tuned and you will not be disappointed."
Dr. Jennifer Gaubert, a physical therapist, helps introduce Freya Baudoin,18 months, to her new mobility chair, at the Children's Hospital New Orleans Rehabilitation Center in Metairie, La., Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  At 19 months old, Elijah Jack, born with no femur bone in one leg and a short femur in the other, is unable to walk on his own like most toddlers his age. Another 19-month-old, Freya Baudoin, born prematurely at 28 weeks and delayed in her mobility, has finally taken her first step.

Special needs children like these often take longer than most to become independently mobile, which can be a hardship for parents and others who care for them. Elijah is often carried because of his limb difference and clubfeet, meaning that instead of being straight, his feet are twisted inward and his toes point downward.

As a result, getting around on his own is a challenge.

That was until this past Spring. Elijah was one of the first recipients of a specially designed rolling chair built by a team of biomedical engineering students at Tulane University. Today, Elijah has mastered getting around on wheels  turning, stopping and steering all on his own.

He loves his chair, said Crystal Jack, Elijahs mom. So, I get a lot of things done because I know in his chair, he's safe. He know how to go around the house with it and everything, so I get a lot of things done now."

Before the chair, Jack said her son was able to scoot on the floor to get where he needed to go but the chair offers a whole new level of independence.

"Like I said we come a long way, but Im blessed to have him, Jack said, smiling warmly as he moved back and forth around the living room of her mothers home in Ventress, Louisiana.

The Tulane students partnered with the nonprofit MakeGood in 2022 to design and produce the chairs to help toddlers (roughly ages 1-4) build independence and strength, and for some, prepare for a real wheelchair. While it remains difficult to access precise numbers for total wheelchair use among children, there were about 2.8 million wheelchair users in the U.S. in 2002, of whom 121,000 were under 15 years of age, according to the US Census.

MakeGood is the New Orleans area coordinator for TOM Global, an Israeli nonprofit that combines modern design and digital manufacturing to fulfill neglected needs of people with disabilities and limitations. TOM stands for Tikkun Olam, which is Hebrew for repairing the world.

The students partnered with the nonprofits as part of a service-learning project  a graduation requirement at Tulane. But many say they had no idea when the project started the depth of impact their chairs would make in the lives of children in the community.

Dylan Lucia, a graduate student at Tulane from the San Diego, California area, said he chose the field of biomedical engineering to help people and this project has manifested that.

Seeing that direct kind of patient feedback and seeing how much these (chairs) were improving their lives and helping them become a more independent person, even as a small toddler ... like, it was really, really endearing to see something like that and to see the positive change, Lucia said.

The chairs are particularly helpful for families whose children will eventually need wheelchairs. Noam Platt, director of MakeGood, said insurance companies typically dont cover the cost of a wheelchair for a child unless there is sufficient evidence that the child can use it effectively.

These devices are used to create that evidence that their quality of life will be improved so they can get maybe a more durable assistive technology, Platt said.

Freya's chair was one of five made throughout several weekends early this fall at Tulanes Scot Ackerman MakerSpace, an enormous workshop with laser cutters, 3D printers and drilling and sewing equipment.

Students applied padding and safety straps to the chairs, and some required modifications to accommodate the needs of the children receiving them. For instance, Freyas chair needed a wider strap to help secure her torso, and another patient needed a space behind the chair big enough to hold his breathing vent. Freyas chair also had a bar added to the back, so that she could push it like a stroller. She took her first steps in early December after working with her physical therapist and her chair.

There's no word on how long Freya will have to use the chair but her mother said it has been more than a blessing.

At first, we thought the muscle tone in her ankles wasn't strong enough for her to walk at all, but the neurologists recently told us everything is looking good and she should be walking on her own or with limited assistance soon, said her mom, Heather Hampton, of Metairie, Louisiana.

Hampton said Freya's able to push the chair like a stroller on her own. She wishes they could've gotten it sooner but understands the adjustments that needed to be made.

We're just happy that she'll ultimately be able to get around and walk independently, Hampton said.

Platt said the mobility chairs' original design and plans came from TOM Global but the parts were purchased in the U.S. or made and then assembled by hand at Tulane. The wood panels used for the chairs frame were laser cut and then sanded by students to buff out any splinters and rough edges. Padded seats were stuffed into fabric cushions sewn by students. Wheels were purchased online and then screwed into place.

Elijah has had his chair since the end of March. It was made in the first batch of about 10 chairs delivered to pediatric patients for use in occupational and physical therapy sessions.

"His chair shows him that, like, I could be up like other children. You know, he dont let his (being) disabled get in the way," said Jack who added Elijah will likely need some type of mobility assistance for the rest of his life.

Bumpers were added to the bottom front of the most recent batch of chairs after parents from the first round said their furniture  and feet  were taking hits as their children became better and faster at using their chairs.

Platt said there have been two rounds, so far, of chair building and 15 chairs have been given away. But, he said they're aiming for at least 10 to 15 more by Spring 2024.

We coordinate with our clinical partners to find kids that would be a good fit for these devices, he said. We work with the clinical team to make sure each chair fits the individuals and make customizations if necessary.

Platt said the chairs cost less than $200 each to make, and even though these chairs were donated to patients at no cost, the price is still much lower than most pediatric wheelchairs on the market and electric-powered wheelchairs can run into the thousands.

The student-made chairs also look and feel more like toys than hospital equipment, Platt said. Theyre made to be light and easy to maneuver.

Platt said hed ultimately like to see the chairs be made in high schools and colleges across the country.

For the students that I work with, I tell them this is just the beginning," Platt said. "Im trying to open their eyes to kind of a lifelong passion that theyll have to solving these problems because once you see the problems, you see the scope of the problems and you cant really ignore them.
Two Lawrence women, one of whom was an elected official, were indicted Wednesday on charges related to election fraud, according to authorities.

Lawrence District A Councilor-Elect, Fidelina Santiago and Jennifer Lopez were both indicted on four counts of illegal voting or attempt to vote, four counts of conspiracy to vote or attempt to vote illegally, four counts of unlawful interference with a voter, and four counts of obstruction of voting.

The Essex County District Attorneys Office says they opened an investigation into allegations of voter fraud in the city during the November 2023 local election in conjunction with the Secretary of States Office.

Boston 25 News previously reported on potential voter fraud in Lawrence as pertaining to mail-in ballots.

Interfering with an election not only undermines the legitimacy of government but erodes the publics confidence in the process, District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said. My office will vigorously prosecute individuals that threaten the integrity of elections.

Both women will be arraigned at a later date.

Boston 25 News reached out to Councilor-Elect Santiagos office for comment.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Polling for general elections extended in DR Congo, after logistics problems, complaints

Xinhua) 09:55, December 21, 2023

Voters check information outside a polling station in Goma, capital of North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 20, 2023. Polling for the general elections will continue on Thursday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), announced Denis Kadima, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Wednesday evening. (Str/Xinhua)

KINSHASA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Polling for the general elections will continue on Thursday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), announced Denis Kadima, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Wednesday evening.

POLLING EXTENDED

"The polling stations which have not opened will open on Thursday," Kadima said, without giving further details.

Some 44 million voters in the DRC go to the polls Wednesday to elect a new president, members of the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies, as well as municipal councilors, with delays in deployment of voting materials and reports of sporadic violence at some polling stations.

Voters were supposed to cast their ballots from 6 a.m. till 5 p.m., but across the country, many polling stations suffered from logistic problems to keep the electoral process going. Some polling stations started late in the day with long lines waiting.

Five presidential candidates, including Martin Fayulu and Denis Mukwege, main challengers from the opposition, demanded the reorganization of the ballot within a deadline to be decided among the stakeholders and with a new CENI office. These candidates refused to recognize the balloting held Wednesday.

In addition to malfunctioning voting machines, several polling stations also faced a shortage of ballot papers and voting booths. Some voters found that their names were not on the list.

According to the observation mission of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), 31.37 percent of polling stations did not open on time across the country.

"TOTAL CHAOS"

Several presidential candidates of the opposition publicly contested the ongoing electoral process.

"It's total chaos. There's no organization," Martin Fayulu said while leaving the polling station earlier the day after casting his ballots. "If there are polling stations where people do not vote, we will not accept these elections."

Denis Mukwege, another presidential contender, also denounced the dysfunction of the polling stations, saying that the CENI should be held responsible.

"If we find that these irregularities are huge, we are not going to accept that the population is placed in a position" of not being able to elect its leaders, Mukwege said earlier Wednesday at a polling station in Kinshasa.

In Bunia, the capital of the eastern province of Ituri, several electoral kits were destroyed Wednesday morning by war-displaced people angry at not being able to vote.

Several parts of the eastern DRC, still occupied by rebels, are excluded from holding these elections due to inadequate voter registration.

Twenty-six candidates have been registered by the CENI to compete in the presidential elections, including the outgoing President Felix Tshisekedi, who is seeking reelection.

Moise Katumbi, former governor of Katanga province, Denis Mukwege, the winner of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for his work with rape survivors, as well as Martin Fayulu, who still considers himself the legitimate winner of the 2018 presidential election, are the main challengers facing Tshisekedi.

The electoral law of the DRC stipulates that the candidate who garners the most votes in the first round will become the next president outright, with a five-year term, renewable once only.

According to the official electoral calendar, provisional results are expected on Dec. 31, and the president-elect will be sworn in on Jan. 20 next year.

Voters check information outside a polling station in Goma, capital of North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 20, 2023. Polling for the general elections will continue on Thursday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), announced Denis Kadima, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Wednesday evening. (Str/Xinhua)

Voters check information outside a polling station in Goma, capital of North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Dec. 20, 2023. Polling for the general elections will continue on Thursday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), announced Denis Kadima, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Wednesday evening. (Str/Xinhua)

A voter casts his vote at a polling station in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Dec. 20, 2023. Voters went to the polls Wednesday in the DRC, Africa's second-largest country by land area, amid a tense security context. According to the official electoral calendar, provisional results are expected on Dec. 31, and the president-elect will be sworn in on Jan. 20 next year. (Str/Xinhua)

People check information at a polling station in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Dec. 20, 2023. Voters went to the polls Wednesday in the DRC, Africa's second-largest country by land area, amid a tense security context. According to the official electoral calendar, provisional results are expected on Dec. 31, and the president-elect will be sworn in on Jan. 20 next year. (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua)

People check information at a polling station in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Dec. 20, 2023. Voters went to the polls Wednesday in the DRC, Africa's second-largest country by land area, amid a tense security context. According to the official electoral calendar, provisional results are expected on Dec. 31, and the president-elect will be sworn in on Jan. 20 next year. (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 20, 2023 shows a view of a polling station in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Voters went to the polls Wednesday in the DRC, Africa's second-largest country by land area, amid a tense security context. According to the official electoral calendar, provisional results are expected on Dec. 31, and the president-elect will be sworn in on Jan. 20 next year. (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 20, 2023 shows a polling station in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Voters went to the polls Wednesday in the DRC, Africa's second-largest country by land area, amid a tense security context. According to the official electoral calendar, provisional results are expected on Dec. 31, and the president-elect will be sworn in on Jan. 20 next year. (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Karla Alanis cant bring herself to even think about celebrating this holiday season.

Her brother, 35-year-old Jorge Alonso Garcia, died days after he was injured saving his daughter from being hit by a car in Colorado, the family told news outlets.

You see every family who is celebrating Christmas and enjoying this time with their families, and were missing a part of our own, Alanis told KDVR.

At dusk on Dec. 7 in Denver, Garcia was crossing the street with his 2-year-old daughter, Lizbeth, in a stroller, his family told KMGH. He suddenly noticed a car barreling toward them. Instinct took over as Garcia pushed the stroller out of the way, just before the vehicle hit him. Garcia was rushed to a hospital.

He had a fractured ankle in four places, a broken elbow, broken ribs, torn ACL and a fracture in his head, Alanis told KDVR.

The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene after the crash and was cited with careless driving resulting in injury and no proof of insurance, Denver police told KUSA.

A day and a half later, Garcia was discharged to await surgery, CBS Colorado reported. His wife, Sabrina Chavez, remembers him being in terrible shape when he got home.

He was screaming and crying, she told the outlet.

Two days later, the family found him unresponsive, KUSA reported.

I gave him CPR for seven minutes, Alanis told the outlet.

When the paramedics arrived, they performed life saving measures for another 45 minutes, but it was too late, Alanis told CBS Colorado. Garcia was pronounced dead.

That was my heart in human form, Alanis said about her brother, according to CBS Colorado.

Garcia was a devoted Broncos fan and a family man, KUSA reported.

According to the family, the medical examiner has yet to determine the official cause of death, KUSA reported. When asked if charges to the driver will be changed, Denver police told the outlet that the incident is still under investigation.

The family is now left with a deluge of bills, they told CBS Colorado. They are crowdfunding to try to cover costs.

The family said Garcia will live on through his daughter, according to CBS Colorado. According to Alanis, Lizbeth has been asking for her dad.

Garcia himself had been raised without a father. His family told KMGH that Garcia had made a pledge to Lizbeth to never leave her side.

He loved her very much, Alanis told KDVR. He did everything for her  even sacrificing his own life for her.

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In her first 10 years, Tarina Cuffie lost three mother figures.

When she was six months old, her birth mother died of a heart attack. She was transferred to her grandmother in Baltimore, who died the same way when Tarina was about 6. Afterward, she moved in with her aunt in Orlando, who was taken by cancer four years later.

Struggle is not an obstacle for 23-year-old Tarina. Its a test of her faith and strength. She ran away from home as a teen, suffered homelessness and struggled to learn in school. It took almost a decade to get over the deaths of the most important women in her young life.

I was a little girl growing up without a mom, no support, no nurturing, Cuffie says. Darkness, I would say, clouded our family. It just led to destruction.

This Christmas season, she is preparing to move out of Casa Valentina, a shelter where she has lived for the last year and is studying for a massage therapy license exam.

Ashley Allen is a Casa Valentina program coordinator who meets with Tarina weekly to discuss her goals, education, employment and even self-care. She nominated her for Wish Book because she feels the young woman can do a lot with just a little.

Tarina has always been just really pleasant, really driven, really focused and positive, said Allen. I think shes a great Wish Book candidate because she has a very kind heart, and really wants to make an impact.

Born in Brooklyn with a twin sister named Tamera, Tarina doesnt remember much before moving in with her Aunt Lanissa in Orlando, except attending her grandmothers funeral.

Growing up, she recalls, she felt profoundly sad. She always wondered what her life would be like if her biological mom was still alive.

My whole world was falling apart, she said. I felt discouraged, lost, hopeless, sad, suicidal.

Her aunts husband, who she considers to be her father, remarried the same year Aunt Lanissa died. Tarina had difficulty accepting this change, but says her stepmother helped her and her sister become young ladies.

She did fill in the gaps of what a mother would do for her child, Tarina said, just trying to steer us in a good direction even though we did not have that motherly bond.

Tarina Cuffies notes are beside her as she prepares for her massage therapy license exam in January.

Tarina grew up moving around a lot, especially during high school. Her aunts death is the one she remembers most clearly.

She was like my best friend and she died when I was in elementary school, said Tarina. That really affected my learning.

During her teens in Orlando, Tarina says she followed the wrong crowd while trying to find herself. She sought attention and tried to find people to love while dealing with grief she couldnt shake.

At 18, the young woman was homeless for a short period.

Tarina worked at Walmart and slept there for a night after distancing herself from her family. She jumped around a few friends homes, then ran away to Miami to stay at a cousins place. She finished twelfth grade at South Miami Senior High in 2018.

I left because it wasnt a place for me anymore, because I couldnt heal in the place that broke me, Tarina explained. It was just weighing me down even more.

Even though she felt sad leaving her twin sister behind, she had to leave.

I had to get myself together and just wake up and experience life, Tarina said. I knew she was in good hands.

Right after graduation, she enrolled in Miami Dade College, where she learned about Casa Valentina, but she didnt give it much thought.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Tarina had to move back in with her family in Orlando.

Studying massage therapy

About three years ago, she started a spiritual journey that included attending church, quitting bad habits, distancing herself from the wrong crowd. She also began studying massage therapy.

I didnt heal until 2020, Tarina said. Wow, thats when I finally got over her death.

In 2022, Tarina returned to Miami, re-enrolled in Miami Dade College and started focusing on her career. Her goal is to open her own business on the side while she works at a massage therapy company.

Massage is just beneficial to me, she says. People come to me for relaxation, for healing, loving and fixing,and it kind of resembles my upcoming story.

She has been at Casa Valentina since last year but will have to leave soon and become independent since the program serves those 18 to 23. Allen says because of Tarinas drive and desire to succeed, she believes shell be ready to live independently after one more year.

If you ever have the opportunity to speak with her, youll really hear her heart, Allen said. She truly does have the desire to  make the world better.

From Wish Book, Tarina would like help buying a massage table, cushions, a scrub uniform and other supplies. She also needs help with food and transportation.

Im not the person who came here with a sad story, Tarina said. I will be the person who comes here that will leave with a new mind, a new heart, a new soul, a new attitude towards life.

How to help

To help this Wish Book nominee and the more than 100 other nominees who are in need this year:

 To donate, use the coupon found in the newspaper or pay securely online through www.MiamiHerald.com/wishbook

 For more information, call 305-376-2906 or email Wishbook@MiamiHerald.com

 The most requested items are often laptops and tablets for school, furniture, and accessible vans

 Read all Wish Book stories on www.MiamiHerald.com/wishbook

This story is the product of a partnership between the Miami Herald and the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media at Florida International University

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Layla Turnbull only lived for 15 months, but in her short life she made a big impact.

Born eight weeks early alongside her twin sister Sophia in October 2021, she spent most of her life in hospital.

The sisters should have been inseparable but while Sophia was able to leave intensive care at a week old, Layla stayed behind in hospital.

The baby was diagnosed with a rare condition called arthrogryposis. She was given a tracheostomy to help with her breathing problems but after just 16 days, she had to be put back on a ventilator.

Dad Craig said that although she was extremely sick, Layla was a content baby who loved nothing more than a cuddle and a story.

Layla had complex medical needs and died unexpectedly in February this year.

"Losing your child is everybody's worst nightmare," her mum Kimberley told BBC Scotland News. "It's something you would never wish on anybody.

"Layla was just amazing and such an incredible little girl. We just miss her so so much and nothing can ever fill that gap. There will always be a massive hole.

"It is hard for us parents but there is a ripple effect too - Sophia now has to grow up without her identical twin sister."

Layla's death was just the start of a rollercoaster of emotion for the family.

Two weeks after losing Layla, Kimberley was shocked to learn she was in fact pregnant once more.

Kimberley said: "You're caught up in that initial whirlwind of the shock and disbelief of losing Layla, planning a funeral and all of that. Then add in to all the emotions there was new pregnancy emotions.

"Layla had left us behind a little gift."

Keira was born in October, almost two years to the day after Layla and Sophia arrived.

Craig said: "She's just amazing and has given us a chance to heal after losing such a huge part of our lives.

"Although that void can never be filled, I feel like Keira is helping to do a little bit of that."

During Layla's short life, the Turnbulls were supported by Children's Hospices Across Scotland (Chas).

Layla spent her first year in hospital and could never leave for more than a few days because she needed constant medical care and supervision.

But her parents didn't want to spend another Christmas in hospital.

The charity worked with the family so that Layla could spend her first - and her last - Christmas at home last year, making priceless memories with her family.

They helped plan her trip and supported nurses to change their shift patterns to facilitate it.

The precious time meant the world to them.

Chas also helped them spend Layla's first birthday at home and they were invited to holiday at the charity's respite centre, Robin House, in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, where they were able to give take Layla swimming and on walks in a double buggy with her twin sister, all for the first time.

Craig said: "A lot of people know palliative care for end of life. It is often seen as a really sad and emotional thing. For us it was the complete opposite, it was the start of happiness and life.

"I could just be dad to Layla, and I previously hadn't had that experience, I had been nurse and carer.

"It was really worrying, daunting and stressful at times so when we went there, it just felt like a weight had been lifted."

The family are sharing their story in support of the Chas Christmas Appeal to thank the charity for enhancing what time they had.

Now the Turnbull family are facing their first Christmas without Layla.

Chas is giving dedicated bereavement support to the family ahead of this milestone season.

Kimberly said: "It's going to be really hard having that first Christmas without Layla.

"It will be very different.

"Sophia is now going to be two and just grasping the concept and being really excited. In a way that will help us, but it also be really hard when she's really excited and doesn't understand why Mummy is crying."

She added: "Layla really enriched our lives. I don't want her life to be remembered in a sad way.

"One of the hard things is when you can't make new memories, but those memories you made along the way become even more valuable."

Nicki Corrigan, service manager for outreach with Chas, said giving time and choice were the most precious things they could offer to families.

"We try to provide them with special memories and help them to create those memories," she said.

"Christmas is a particularly amazing time to be able to help families have time together.

"We are asking staff to come away from their own families at Christmas, so for them to have the knowledge they are enabling such precious time for families is life-changing.

"Chas is about stepping alongside families for the whole journey to have special times through life as well as creating memories at the end of life."
Carlos Reales Dominguez, the 21-year-old man accused in a deadly stabbing rampage this spring in Davis, could stay at a state hospital for at least another five months as he remains mentally unfit to face criminal charges in Yolo County.

The California Department of State Hospitals on Tuesday submitted a report on the status of the treatment Reales Dominguez is receiving at Atascadero State Hospital to restore his mental competency.

Yolo Superior Court Judge Samuel T. McAdam discussed the report in a hearing Wednesday morning. The Davis Enterprise was the first to report on Wednesdays hearing.

The report indicates that Reales Dominguez remains mentally incompetent to face the criminal charges in court, and the Department of State Hospitals scheduled another status report for him due May 15, said Jonathan Raven, a Yolo County District Attorneys Office spokesman.

The court scheduled another hearing to review Reales Dominguez case on May 24. For now, the murder case remains suspended until Reales Dominguezs mental competency can be restored.

Raven said if state hospital officials determine Reales Dominguez is mentally fit to assist his attorney in his legal defense between now and the next court date, the judge and the attorneys will be notified and the criminal case could proceed before the May court hearing.

The District Attorneys Office has charged Reales Dominguez with murder and attempted murder charges with special circumstances in the deadly Davis knife attacks that killed two men and left a third woman critically wounded in late April and early May.

David Breaux, 50, and UC Davis student Karim Abou Najm, 20, were killed in separate Davis city parks days apart. Their slayings were followed by the brutal attack on 64-year-old Kimberlee Guillory as she slept in her tent in a homeless encampment. She survived the stabbing.

In that week, the college town was gripped with fear amid the manhunt to find the suspect in the three attacks.

Reales Dominguez was a UC Davis biological science major who had excelled as a high school student-athlete in the East Bay but was dismissed from the university for academic reasons on April 25, just days before the deadly rampage started.

On May 4, the Davis Police Department announced Reales Dominguez arrest. Officers detained him the evening before a block from Sycamore Park  the site of the second homicide  after 15 separate callers phoned police to report seeing a man who matched the stabbing suspect description.

McAdam in June ruled Reales Dominguez  whose appearances were marked by his disheveled appearance and heavy jail-issued safety vest  was unfit to face the charges in court and suspended the case.

In June, testimony to determine the defendants mental competency revealed the former students slide into the apparent mental crisis that allegedly precipitated the attacks.

Reales Dominguez said the devil was talking to him in his dreams, his former girlfriend testified. His behavior became increasingly bizarre and isolated, his roommates said in court. The behavior became so troubling, roommates testified, that they selected one to talk to Dominguez about seeking help.

His attorney, Yolo County Deputy Public Defender Daniel Hutchinson, argued in court that schizophrenia fueled his clients behavior.

The Bees Darrell Smith contributed to this story.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The man accused of stabbing and killing a Virginia woman inside of a Northeast, D.C. hotel in March was indicted on Wednesday.

The United States Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia said in a news release that 44-year-old George L. Sydnor, of Washington, D.C., had been indicted on five counts.

Sydnor was charged with premeditated first-degree murder, burglary and kidnapping as well as other related charges.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man accused of stabbing Va. woman to death in DC held without bond

Officials accused Sydnor of breaking into 31-year-old Christy Bautistas Ivy City Hotel room and stabbing and killing her. The news release said that Bautista was in D.C. for a concert when she was killed.

The indictment asked for enhancement to all five counts and said that the offenses were especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, according to the release.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
CAMBRIDGE  Debbie Robinson recently received the 2023 Sidlo Award from the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce. Robinson is the executive director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors and Convention Bureau.

The award is named for John Sidlo, an early Cambridge Chamber president who doubled the membership during the Great Depression.

Debbie Robinson

The Sidlo Award recognizes a community member who has a proven history and record over an extended period of vision, leadership and legacy. The community is better today because of the work and efforts of those that we honor with this award. If they had not been here, our community would be less than it is today. Debbie Robinsons love for Guernsey County is evident in everything she does. Debbies continued devotion to our community will leave a legacy and she deserves to be recognized, said Jennifer Vincent, president of Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce.

Robinson has worked diligently over the last 24 years to promote Guernsey County tourism. Under her leadership, the VCB has marketed the Dickens Victorian Village, brought the Paul Bunyan show to Guernsey County, highlighted the National Road, The Wilds and brought many meetings and conferences to Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center.

She serves on the boards of the YMCA, the Dickens Victorian Village, Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival, Cambridge Main Street, Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce and Cambridge-Guernsey County Community Improvement Corporation. She has served as past president of the Ohio Travel Association, as well as the past president of the Ohio Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Robinson was born and raised in Fries, Virginia, and moved to Guernsey County in 1987. She worked in marketing at Guernsey Memorial before joining the VCB in 1999.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Debbie Robinson is the recipient of the 2023 Sidlo Award
Ukrainian men aged 25-60 living in Germany and other countries should report to Armed Forces enlistment centres next year or face sanctions, Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has said.

Source: Welt, citing Umierovs interview with WELT TV, Bild and Politico

Quote from Welt: "Ukrainians living in Germany who are fit for military service should strengthen the Ukrainian army next year. The Minister of Defence said that those who do not comply with this requirement will face sanctions."

Details: Reportedly, Umierov used the term "invitation", but made it clear that there will be sanctions if anyone does not respond to this "invitation".

Quote from Umierov: "We are still discussing what will happen if they don't come voluntarily."

Details: The news outlet reiterated that the Ukrainian military wanted to mobilise another 450,000 to 500,000 soldiers to repel the Russian invasion. However, the financial and political conditions for this step have not yet been specified. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called mobilisation a "sensitive issue".

Umierov said that justice is important. In the future, those affected must know in advance how they will be trained and equipped, where and when they will serve, and when they will be discharged.

Welt writes that despite a ban, many Ukrainian men have fled abroad to avoid conscription.

At the same time, the Ukrainian military is facing the fact that the Russians are increasing the pace of the ground offensive in the country's southeast.

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Valentin wants to go home to his wife and daughters as soon as possible

Valentyn Bondar, a 35-year-old volunteer from Poltava, went to the front in November 2022, but six months later, his harrowing journey concluded with the devastating impact of a Russian anti-tank missile, leading to the amputation of both legs and a challenging path to rehabilitation.

The defenders story was shared by the UNBROKEN Ukraine National Rehabilitation Center.

Read also: How are you?  opinion

After mobilization, Valentyn became the chief driver of a platoon within the 77th Separate Airborne Brigade. From November 2022 to May 2023, he carried out combat missions and evacuated comrades. This continued until an enemy missile struck his vehicle during one of the evacuations.

On that day, Valentyn was evacuating infantry from positions actively targeted by enemies, and in the convoy were several evacuation armored vehicles heading down the so-called road of life.

Read also: Seriously injured Ukrainian defender speaks of his treatment and family support

Valentyn was in the lead vehicle, which was targeted by an enemy with an anti-tank guided missile, resulting in the vehicle catching fire, the center reported.

The soldier managed to escape from the burning vehicle by himself, after which he fell to the ground and rolled away from the flames.

I was blinded and deafened. My vision was orange, and my ears crackled with hot metal. I felt my body burning, recalls the defender.

When he opened his eyes, he saw that his legs had been crushed. Valentyn had to apply tourniquets on his own.

UNBROKEN Ukraine

Several medics immediately attempted to save the mans lower limbs, but they were unsuccessful. The legs had to be amputated.

Six months after the amputation, the defender underwent rehabilitation. His burns healed, and he prepared to receive prosthetics. Now, Valentyn is on the final stretch, and he will soon be discharged from the rehabilitation center, a moment the soldier eagerly anticipates.

UNBROKEN Ukraine

I survived hell. I fought my way out for my girls. I have three of them: my wife Valentina and two daughters  Milana and Anastasia. So now, I just want to be with my family, Valentyn said.

Read also:

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov wants Ukrainian men aged 25 to 60, who are living abroad and fit for military service, to be conscripted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2024, German TV news channel Welt TV reported on Dec. 21.

Umerov mentioned that there will be invitations sent out, and in case of non-compliance, he promised sanctions.

Read also: Discussions on mobilization in Ukraine continue  Danilov

We are still discussing what should happen if they do not come voluntarily... said Umerov.

We want fairness for everyone because it's about our own country. It is not a punishment to stand up for ones country and serve it. It's an honor.

In the future, those who will be affected by such an initiative should clearly understand how the training, equipping, service locations, and timing, as well as the demobilization process, will proceed. German newspaper Bild also writes that there will be selection options for conscripts based on their abilities.

On Dec. 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the military asked to conscript an additional 450-500,000 personnel, but asked the military to come up with a fully realized plan. According to the president, such a act would cost the government 500 billion UAH ($13.3 billion).

Read also: Why is Ukraine mulling the mobilization of 450-500k troops amidst Russian advance?

In November, Umerov approved a new military doctrine, which is intended to remain in effect until 2028. This doctrine oversees changes to recruitment and conscription policies, contract service, and the military registration system. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament, is also preparing amendments to laws regulating the conscription process.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukraines Defense Ministry has completed the verification of Oberih digital registry of citizens eligible for mobilization, Ukrainian outlet ArmyInform reported on Dec. 21. The announcement was made during a meeting of ministry officials with G7 ambassadors.

The ministry stated it will introduce new electronic services based on Oberih, including an online mobilization deferment service, which is expected to provide an anti-corruption benefit.

Read also: Top EU diplomat Borrell calls for unified mobilization to 'prevent Russia winning' in Ukraine

The updated registry now effectively maintains a comprehensive personnel list and, after a thorough review, no longer contains duplicate or outdated information. The data quality of Oberih has increased from 27% to 88%, according to officials.

Read also: Discussions on mobilization in Ukraine continue  Danilov

Ukraine's Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, has previously expressed his commitment to establishing an electronic military registry in Ukraine and rolling out electronic military IDs. The digitization process began in the spring of 2023 and is currently in use in some regions, particularly in frontline areas.

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
Parler, the social media platform popular among conservatives that was shut down earlier this year, is planning a comeback in 2024.

The company was acquired Friday by PDS Partners, a limited liability company owned by Parlers former chief marketing officer, Elise Rhodes-Pierotti, and Ryan Rhodes, among others. They expect to relaunch the platform in the first quarter of next year, Rhodes-Pierotti told The Hill.

Rhodes-Pierotti plans to return as chief marketing officer, while Rhodes is taking over as Parlers CEO. The pair will be joined by anti-human trafficking activist Jaco Booyens, who will serve as chief strategy officer.

The relaunch of Parler marks a renewed commitment to its original vision  an open marketplace for all, Rhodes-Pierotti said in a statement.

Powered by cutting-edge technology on a hyper-scaled private cloud, were dedicated to introducing new features as we roll out, aiming to fill the gap in the market for competitive apps with next-generation technology, she added.

Parler was previously acquired in April by digital media company Starboard, which pulled the social media platform in order to undergo a strategic assessment.

No reasonable person believes that a Twitter clone just for conservatives is a viable business any more, the company said of its decision at the time.

Starboard did not respond to a request for comment about the recent change in ownership.

Parler has struggled to regain its footing since it was booted from Apple and Googles app stores and had its site pulled by Amazon Web Services shortly after the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol.

The tech giants all pointed to an increase in violent rhetoric on the platform and a lack of sufficient content moderation.

The site later returned online with a new web host and was restored to the app stores but failed to regain momentum.

Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, briefly made a push to buy Parler last fall, but the two sides mutually agreed to terminate the intent of sale in November 2022.

Updated 8:29 p.m. ET Dec. 21

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
According to a new report, a second sex tape was filmed on Capitol Hill last year.

It's purported to have happened in the office of GOP Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington.

But "no conclusive evidence" was found and the staffer was ultimately not fired.

As it turns out, filming yourself having sex in the US Capitol complex may be a bipartisan affair.

In 2022, the office of Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington had a possible sex tape scandal of its own.

"The office was notified of purported, inappropriate behavior from a staffer," a spokesperson for Newhouse told Business Insider in a statement. "As soon as the office was alerted, we immediately contacted the appropriate House entities to conduct an independent investigation. No conclusive evidence was found and the staffer resigned a few months later."

But a Semafor report offers further details on the situation  and they're somewhat graphic.

According to the report, a Snapchat account with the handle "Anjackson2019" displayed two videos that may have taken place in the office, including a man masturbating at a desk and two men "engaged in a sex act in an office setting."

The staffer who was the subject of the investigation denied the incident to Semafor, saying that the congressman told him in July of 2022 that there was "no evidence to the allegation."

Last week, a staffer for Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland was revealed to have filmed himself having sex in a hearing room typically used by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Cardin has since told reporters that he felt "a lot of anger and frustration" over the situation. That staffer is no longer employed with Cardin's office.

Newhouse, a mild-mannered congressman who represented a central Washington state district since 2015, was notably among the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump for incitement of an insurrection following the January 6, 2021 assault on the US Capitol.

He was one of just two pro-impeachment Republicans who survived Trump's efforts to drive them out of Congress, along with Rep. David Valadao of California.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Democrats are showing signs of caution over the Colorado Supreme Courts decision to evoke the 14th Amendment to exclude former President Trump from the states 2024 Republican primary ballot.

Liberals and centrists both see Trump as a threat to democracy and believe he should be held accountable for inspiring the insurrection on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

But the Tuesday ruling by four Democratic judges has the potential to normalize states ability to stifle candidates for possible partisan reasons, some say, raising questions about overreach and voter choice.

Ultimately, I believe Trumps political fate will be decided by the voters, not the courts, Jim Kessler, vice president for policy at the think tank Third Way, told The Hill. We need to convince that jury of 150 million Americans that he is not only guilty of insurrection on January 6th, but also bad for the economy, our national security, and for the mood of this nation.

Democrats who are unequivocally unified around defeating Trump in November are now also cautioning that diminishing voters ability to decide who represents them is a slippery, even potentially dangerous route at a time when democratic norms are fraying across the country.

To be clear, I do believe the crimes that Trump committed with regard to January 6th should disqualify him, said Kessler, I simply believe that is unlikely [to] happen in a court of law.

The only elected Democrat challenging President Biden for the nomination, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, argued its wrong to exclude Trump from a choice on the ticket, despite disagreeing with him politically.

Do I believe Trump is guilty of inspiring an insurrection and doing nothing to stop it? I was there. Absolutely, Phillips wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Do I believe its wrong to ban him from the ballot in Colorado without a conviction? Absolutely. Do I believe the SCOTUS must opine immediately? Absolutely.

Americas judicial system has been increasingly scrutinized as political, as the Supreme Courts conservative majority has routinely ruled along partisan lines on social issues. While some Democratic lawmakers expressed support for the Colorado decision to keep Trump off the ballot and maybe cripple his path to the nomination, others are offering more muted comments, careful to avoid echoing Republicans strategy to politicize the bench.

One day after the Colorado decision was announced, Californias lieutenant governor asked the secretary of state to explore every legal option to remove former President Trump from Californias 2024 presidential primary ballot.

In a democracy, the people have the final word, David Axelrod, who served as former President Obamas chief strategist, wrote on X, making a not-so-veiled reference to the 4-3 Colorado court case. If America chooses a president who approvingly quotes the murderous Putin, recycles Hitlers hateful libel against the Jews to slime immigrants and hails the likes of Kim Jung-Un, sad to say, America will get the president it deserves.

Axelrod, who has irked Bidenworld all cycle by criticizing the president and his low approval numbers, was articulating a belief held among some within his party about the importance of maintaining an independent voting system for democracy. Many who hold that view tout the standard Democratic argument that Trump is not the right person to lead the country but do not believe the court should interfere.

Liberal political writer Jonathan Chait made a similar point in New York Magazine, writing, To deny the voters the chance to elect the candidate of their choice is a Rubicon-crossing event for the judiciary, in an article titled, Disqualifying Trump From the Ballot Is a Step Too Far.

It would be seen forever by tens of millions of Americans as a negation of democracy, Chait said. It is not enough that their belief is plausibly wrong or likely wrong. It must be incontrovertibly wrong to support such a momentous step.

Democrats have mostly hedged that the Supreme Court will likely have the last word, offering some nuance to the issue that has, for now, infuriated the Trump-aligned right. President Biden teed off that argument, ever-cautious to weigh into legal or constitutional questions around his chief opponent.

Biden and administration officials have prioritized their neutrality over Trumps ongoing legal cases, a point of contrast that Democrats believe distinguishes them from Republicans, who they say have sought to slant courts across the country. Many also believe Trump will seek to meddle in the Justice Department if hes elected to a second term in office.

Thats up to the courts, thats all I have to say, Biden said in Milwaukee. The president has made it clear throughout his White House tenure that he believes Trump certainly supported an insurrection, a comment he reiterated after the ruling.

The issue has not, for now, divided the Democratic Party among ideological sides, offering a rare point of unity. Progressives are often in lockstep with moderates over the courts independence, using it as a crusade against their right-wing counterparts.

Its a bombshell decision. I do agree that theres evidence that Donald Trump committed the insurrection, said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a House progressive, on CNN after the ruling was announced. Even the district court found that. And it seems to me it should apply to the president. And so it seems that the Supreme Court decision was well-reasoned.

But, ultimately, this goes up to the United States Supreme Court, Khanna said. What the United States Supreme Court decides could apply not just to Colorado, but set a precedent for the entire country. So, thats going to be a very critical case.

On the other side, pro-Trump Republicans, whose disbelief that the 2020 presidential election was won fairly by Biden, leading to the Capitol insurrection, have expressed wide condemnation about the Colorado ruling.

A sad day for America!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social, his alternative social media platform.

Beyond the former president and his allies, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the leading figure challenging both parties presumptive White House nominees, also criticized the decision, likening it to non-democratic foreign governments that do not adhere to the rule of law.

When a court in another country disqualifies an opposition candidate from running, we say, Thats not a real democracy. Now its happening here, Kennedy wrote on X.

Kennedys double-digit support in some polls among independents has concerned both establishment parties, who each fear his candidacy could hurt their nominees in the general election.

Previously a Democratic challenger to Biden, the independent is hoping to appeal to voters unenthusiastic about either candidate and the government system.

I want to beat him in a fair election, not because he was kicked off the ballot, he wrote. Let the voters choose, not the courts!

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Kyle Rittenhouse says the National Rifle Association (NRA) did not help him during his murder trial for killing two Black Lives Matter protesters.

Rittenhouse fatally shot two protesters with an AR-style rifle on Aug. 25, 2020, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during the Jacob Blake protests.

Rittenhouse appeared on former Fox News host Tucker Carlsons new show, The Tucker Carlson Encounter, on Dec. 14. During the episode, Rittenhouse revealed that the NRA provided him with no help during his murder trial. He also said the NRA isnt assisting him with his civil lawsuits.

Kyle Rittenhouse testifies at his murder trial on Nov. 10, 2021. (Photo: ABC News/YouTube screenshot)

Rittenhouse was acquitted in 2021 for shooting and killing 26-year-old Anthony Huber and 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum at the protests. The killer claimed he wanted to protect the businesses in Kenosha after Blake was shot seven times by the police during a response to a domestic disturbance call, and BLM protesters took to the streets in protest.

Rittenhouse shot and killed Joseph Rosenbaum after the 36-year-old chased the teen and threw a plastic bag. When a crowd began chasing the teen after that shooting, Rittenhouse fired again, killing 26-year-old Anthony Huber and wounding an armed man, 27-year-old Gaige Grosskreutz. Rittenhouse claimed self-defense in the shootings.

A federal judge has ruled a wrongful death lawsuit may proceed against punk Kyle Rittenhouse. Its being brought by the father of one of the victims Rittenhouse killed. Rittenhouse is now trying desperately to raise money from the public for his defense. pic.twitter.com/OCC9fIslVC  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) February 2, 2023

Carlson shared the interview on his show with the caption, Ep. 52 Kyle Rittenhouse exercised the most basic right of all: the right to self-defense. And hes still being punished for it.

After Carlson asked the 20-year-old if he had any help from the NRA following the killings which he called using a firearm to defend your own life Rittenhouse replied that they did not, to Carlsons surprise.

I didnt receive any help from the NRA, said Rittenhouse. I know people who work with the NRA, and they dont want to touch my case. They dont want to help with the civil lawsuits. They didnt want to help with the criminal lawsuits.

After Carlson questioned how the organization could have failed to help Rittenhouse defend himself following the killings, Rittenhouse replied, I have no idea. One of the organizations that did step up and help me is the National Association for Gun Rights.

Ep. 52 Kyle Rittenhouse exercised the most basic right of all: the right to self-defense. And hes still being punished for it. pic.twitter.com/UX4SkzXEVR  Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) December 14, 2023

Rittenhouse added that the National Association for Gun Rights helped him and his family with his legal bills. They really stepped up to the plate and theyre continuing to help me to this day with some of my legal fees that Im facing.

The MAGA supporter is facing several civil lawsuits for the deaths and injuries he caused during the Blake protests. Grosskreutz filed a lawsuit against Rittenhouse for causing him emotional and physical damage, and the Rosenbaum estate is also suing Rittenhouse for intentionally and unjustifiably causing Rosenbaums death. Hubers father also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the killer.

The National Association for Gun Rights also shared the episode on X with a caption, noting they would always fight for gun owners no matter the circumstances.

According to Newsweek, Rittenhouse has become a poster boy for conservative groups, including Turning Point USA, and his book about the killings, Acquitted, was released last month.
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

KOUNALAKIS URGES WEBER TO BOOT TRUMP FROM THE BALLOT

Now that the Colorado Supreme Court has set the precedent for removing former President Donald Trump from the ballot in that state, Secretary of State Shirley Weber should take action to do the same in the Golden State, according to a letter written by Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis on Wednesday.

I am prompted by the Colorado Supreme Courts recent ruling that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the states ballot as a presidential candidate due to his role in inciting an insurrection in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. This decision is about honoring the rule of law in our country and protecting the fundamental pillars of our democracy, Kounalakis wrote in the letter.

Kounalakis praised the Colorado Supreme Courts Anderson v. Griswold ruling.

California must stand on the right side of history. California is obligated to determine if Trump is ineligible for the California ballot for the same reasons described in Anderson. The Colorado decision can be the basis for a similar decision here in our state. The Constitution is clear: You must be 35 years old and not be an insurrectionist, she wrote.

Kounalakis said that while there will be inevitable political punditry about the courts decision, this is not a matter of political gamesmanship.

This is a dire matter that puts at stake the sanctity of our Constitution and our democracy, she wrote.

Time is of the essence, Kounalakis wrote. Weber must announce the certified list of candidates for the states March 5 primary on Dec. 28.

California Republicans, who have stood by Trump through two impeachments and multiple felony indictments, were not amused by the letter.

MAGA congressional candidate David Giglio, who is running to succeed former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, issued a statement calling for a recall against Kounalakis.

Any politician who, absent any sound legal reasoning, endorses stripping voters of their right to vote for a candidate they support does not belong in public office and thats why I am officially demanding the start of recall proceedings against. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Giglio said in a statement.

KILEY WARNS OF A PRESIDENT HARRIS OR NEWSOM

Via David Lightman...

Look out, says Rep. Kevin Kiley. Should Vice President Kamala Harris or Gov. Gavin Newsom become president, the countrys going to have big problems.

Kiley, R-Rocklin, said he was asked to write about who would be worse to have in the White House, Harris or Newsom.

It is a very tough question, he wrote on his blog.

He didnt really choose, but said that Since the thought of either occupying the Oval Office is terrifying, I used the opportunity to describe how their shared radical politics have ruined San Francisco, are ruining California, and already infecting the rest of the country.

Kiley wrote a two page article in the December Ripon Forum, published by the center-right Ripon Society, about his thoughts.

He maintained that both Harris and Newsom holds an office where it would seem theres only one way up: The Oval Office.

Harris made an unsuccessful run for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Newsom has repeatedly denied hes interested in running for the White House in 2024, though hes pursued national forums to offer his views recently.

Look out, said Kiley. If either or both run, American voters will soon be asked to nationalize a brand of governance that originated in a distinctive political environment.

That environment is the city of San Francisco. Newsom was its mayor from 2004 to 2011. Harris was the citys district attorney at the same time. In 2010, Newsom was elected lieutenant governor and Harris was elected state attorney general.

Harris won a U.S. Senate seat in 2016 and was elected vice president four years later. Newsom was elected governor in 2018 and won a second term last year.

To Kiley, Newsom and Harris catered their platforms to a political culture far removed from the mainstream of American life. Their stints as mayor and district attorney, he said, pushed the outermost reaches of progressive politics.

Though neither has held local office for a dozen years, Kiley charged they played starring roles in San Franciscos decline.

He argued Harris, as attorney general, helped spread the lawlessness of her city statewide. Harris actually billed herself as the states top cop and some of her tough-on-crime policies were criticized by activists in communities of color..

Still, Kiley argued, Harris and Newsom have already influenced national policy and helped turn it leftward. This is why, should Newsom or Harris become the Democratic nominee, any attempt to distance themselves from San Francisco will be disingenuous, he said.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

After 21 months of wrongful detainment at the hands of the Maduro regime, Eyvin Hernandez is finally coming home. A public defender and a beloved member of his community, Eyvins absence brought angst and fear to his loved ones for far too long. I am proud to have fought relentlessly alongside Eyvins family, friends, federal lawmakers, and the State Departments Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to secure his release.

- Sen. Alex Padilla, in a statement following the release of Californians Eyvin Hernandez and Savoi Wright from Venezuelan custody.

Best of The Bee:

Former President Donald Trump is still on the March 5 primary election ballot in the state of California  for now, via Jenavieve Hatch .

California Democrats are taking on statewide retail theft, creating a dilemma for a party constantly facing soft on crime criticisms: as they try to tackle an issue of public concern without undoing criminal justice reforms, via Lindsey Holden .

Despite millions of dollars being spent to combat the crisis, Sacramento Countys population of chronically homeless individuals is now the third-highest in the nation, via Ryan Lillis .

Californias state worker unions saw membership rates dip ever so slightly in 2023, even as the total number of rank-and-file employees increased, via Maya Miller.
WOONSOCKET  Sheets of rain poured down on a distraught and suicidal man. He held a bridge railing in the crook of his elbow, high over the swollen Blackstone River downtown on Sunday night.

The man's behavior had kept the focus of determined police officers and rescuers for more than 90 minutes.

They hollered over the noise of driving, torrential rain and tried to keep him talking and undistracted by the whoosh of heavy wind around the Court Street bridge.

"He would get quiet, turn his body toward the river and take his hand off the railing," says the report of Woonsocket police officer Joseph A. Wasilewski Jr., who has training as a negotiator.

"I pled with him to look at me and keep his hands on the railing," Wasilewski recalls.

But Wasilewski feared he had lost his connection with the man.

Conversation broken off, situation falls apart

A firefighter moved in as the man looked straight down, and Wasilewski feared the worst.

The firefighter darted toward the man and lunged at him, trying to get a safety line around his midsection.

Wasilewski and other officers lunged, too. Wasilewski grabbed the man's sweatshirt, but the man slipped away.

The safety line was not on him. The Blackstone raged below.

The Blackstone River, swollen by heavy rain in 2001, rushes over the Thundermist Dam and under the South Main Street bridge in Woonsocket.

A life in danger amid heavy rain and howling wind

The drama on the bridge Sunday night is captured in detailed police reports that were provided to The Providence Journal on Wednesday afternoon.

The initial call to the Court Street Bridge came in at 7:13 p.m.

Police Sgt. Jesse I. Nunnemacher arrived to find three police officers talking to the man.

Nunnemacher asked dispatchers to summon negotiators.

He called for the bridge to be closed to traffic and found a location for rescuers to stage on the north side of the Blackstone, downstream from the bridge.

An untalkative man on a perch, fixated on a river

Woonsocket police Sgt. Andrew R. Girard had found the man unreceptive to his instructions about not jumping.

"We spoke to him for an extended period of time," says Girard's report.

The man wasn't interested in talking to someone from his church or from the Community Care Alliance. Girard recalls that the man told him he had stopped seeing a psychologist.

"He did not like to make eye contact with us while we spoke and continued to look down," recalls Girard.

Girard could hear the side the man's shoes tapping the edge of the bridge. He and other officers told the man that he wasn't in any trouble.

The river below was so rough that firefighters could not deploy a rescue boat, according to Wasilewski's report.

The man refused when Wasilewski urged him to come back over the railing and onto the bridge.

Rescue swimmer reaches him in the raging Blackstone

Wasilewski tried to talk with the man about his family and friends and about his workplace and his friends at work.

"Nothing seemed to spark his interest," Wasilewski recalls in his report.

"While we were trying to talk  he would take his hands off the railing and hold onto it by only his arm and elbow," he recalls.

It was about 9 p.m. when the man, resisting all intervention, fell into the roiling river, Nunnemacher says.

The river was about 90 feet below, his report says. The swirling surface was shrouded in darkness.

The officers tried to find the man in the beams of their flashlights.

Firefighters "made several attempts at a swift-water rescue," Nunnemacher said.

Girard recalls that a rescue swimmer reached the man and tried to lift him him above the water. But he slipped away.

He clings to a rope but can't hold on

Woonsocket firefighters had stretched a rope across the river.

At one point, the man clung to it, holding on for more than a minute before the rushing waters pulled him free, toward Kennedy Manor, Girard recalls.

Then, Cumberland Firefighter Kevin Dube connected with the man.

Dube hauled him to the south shore of the river, behind Sheehan Printing.

It was 9:07 p.m., the police say. The man, suffering from exposure, was brought to Rhode Island Hospital.

And Rhode Island dodged a fatality in the early hours of a weather crisis that would wreak havoc all over the state in the next 24 hours.

Reach Mark Reynolds at mreynold@providencejournal.com

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Woonsocket police, firefighters faced life or death crisis in the storm
John Wilkes Booth broke his leg after after shooting U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. Despite this, it took authorities 12 days to capture him. He was helped, in part, by a doctor named Samuel Mudd, who treated Booth's broken leg after he escaped with a co-conspirator named David Herold. Mudd's alleged participation in a conspiracy to kill the Lincoln has been debated ever since.

Herold and Booth, among others, had been part of a group that planned a failed plot to kidnap Lincoln. Herold, following the assassination, was responsible for finding Booth medical care, and he accompanied him to the house of a Maryland doctor, Samuel Mudd.

There, Mudd set Booth's leg and gave him and Herold "food, lodging and fresh horses," allowing Booth to continue to hide from authorities for nearly two weeks. As described by Mudd descendent Robert Summers, Mudd was charged with aiding and abetting a conspiracy to kill Lincoln and subsequently convicted:

Many people were arrested during the Governments investigation of the assassination, but ultimately only eight of these, including Dr. Mudd, were put on trial by a Military Commission. The Court didnt believe Dr. Mudd had anything to do with the assassination, but thought he was guilty of aiding Booths escape by not alerting the authorities to Booths presence at his farm. All eight were found guilty. The four whom the military commission believed had actually helped plan and participate in the assassination were executed. The other four, including Dr. Mudd, were sent to Fort Jefferson, a military prison located on a small Gulf of Mexico island about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida.

The conviction on June 29, 1865, was controversial, and revolved not around questions of Mudd's medical treatment of Booth, but around aiding his escape and the fact that Mudd did not alert authorities to Booth's presence. Key issues during the trial revolved around Mudd's alleged foreknowledge of a plot against Lincoln and his previous association with Booth. As reported by The New York Times in 2002:

Though Mudd proclaimed his innocence in the assassination plot, testimony during his trial for conspiracy revealed that he had met Booth at least once prior to the murder, and setting Booths broken leg did him no favors. His fate sealed, Mudd received a life sentence in federal prison.

Mudd was sentenced to life with hard labor at a military prison on a small island 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. While a prisoner, he was lauded for medical care he provided during an outbreak of yellow fever.

Via a well-connected defense attorney, Mudd aggressively petitioned U.S. President Andrew Johnson for a pardon, which he received during the final days of his presidency, on Feb. 8, 1869, in part based on his actions during that outbreak. As reported by a New York paper, The Sun, when the news broke:

The President has directed the Attorney General to pardon Dr. Mudd, who, it will be remembered, was convicted by the military commission In 1865, and sentenced to imprisonment and labor at the Dry Tortugas for life [...].The recommendations for the pardon of Dr. Mudd are very strong, one alone containing over 600 names, being those of every officer and soldier on duty at the Dry Tortugas.

While a pardon restored some of Mudd's Constitutional rights and freed him from prison, it did not remove or overturn his conviction for participating in a conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln. His descendants have been fighting, unsuccessfully, to have the family name cleared by nullifying that conviction for decades.

In response to efforts by Mudd's grandson Dr. Richard Mudd, two U.S. presidents  Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan  have stated they agree with Mudd's innocence, but have no ability to overturn the military commission's conviction, as described in the grandson's 2002 obituary:

In July 1979, Richard Mudd's efforts brought a two-page, single-spaced letter from President Jimmy Carter supporting Dr. Mudd's position on his grandfather's innocence. But Carter noted regrettably that "he had been advised the findings of guilt and the sentence of a military commission that tried Dr. Samuel Mudd are binding and conclusive judgments and there is no authority under the law, by which, I, as president, could set aside his conviction." In December 1987, Dr. Mudd received a note from President Ronald Reagan that also lamented that the law precluded changing convictions from the military court. "In my efforts to help," Reagan wrote, "I came to believe as you do that Dr. Samuel Mudd was indeed innocent of any wrongdoing."

Sources:

Magazine, Smithsonian. How Samuel Mudd Went From Lincoln Conspirator to Medical Savior. Smithsonian Magazine, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-samuel-mudd-went-lincoln-conspirator-medical-savior-180954980/. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

Now, Circulating. Dr. Samuel Mudd, Prisoner and Physician. Circulating Now from the NLM Historical Collections, 14 Apr. 2014, https://circulatingnow.nlm.nih.gov/2014/04/14/dr-samuel-mudd-prisoner-and-physician/.

Richard D. Mudd, 101. Washington Post. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2002/05/22/richard-d-mudd-101/1c1ef19a-ced4-4828-ae8a-a9502d5094af/. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

Seelye, Katharine Q. Doctor Who Aided John Wilkes Booth Gains Another Day in Court. The New York Times, 4 Sept. 2002. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/04/us/doctor-who-aided-john-wilkes-booth-gains-another-day-in-court.html.

The Pardon of Dr. Mudd. Northumberland County Democrat, 12 Feb. 1869, p. 2. newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/article/northumberland-county-democrat-the-pardo/136113589/.


Minnesota is getting a new state flag, and right-wing accounts on X, including End Wokeness and pro-Trump influencer Fleccas, claim that the winning design purposefully resembles a Somali flag.

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the West. Rep. Ilhan Omar (Minnesota) is from Puntland.



Minnesota just unveiled their new flag.



I'm sure this is just a coincidence: pic.twitter.com/yayoteQoXE  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 17, 2023

The inaccurate posts claim the new flag closely resembled that of Puntland state, a region of northeastern Somalia that was declared autonomous in 1998. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the U.S., and possibly the most significant Somali diaspora community in the world outside of East Africa. Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, represents the 5th Congressional District, which encompasses much of greater Minneapolis.

Theres only one problem with the social media posts: The flag they are sharing is neither the final design adopted by Minnesota nor the original model from which the finalist was derived. Instead, they show a single variant that was proposed as part of the flags final design alteration process.

On December 19, the State Emblems Redesign Commission (SERC) adopted a final design in a monthslong process to select a new state flag.* Featuring the North Star alongside two shades of blue representing the waters of Minnesota, the new flag replaces an updated design adopted for the states centennial in 1957 and revised most recently in 1983.

BREAKING: After months of debate and thousands of public submissions and comments, Minnesota has a new state flag. https://t.co/5BAQCk0qe0 https://t.co/fAwoxuFKlO  Star Tribune (@StarTribune) December 19, 2023

The new flag, which is based on an original submission by Luverne, Minnesota, native Andrew Prekker, was chosen from more than 2,000 initial design concepts submitted for review by Minnesotans.

Following yearslong efforts by vexillologistsflag expertsto change the states flag, Minnesotas state legislature appropriated $45,000 to the SERC in April to be used for a redesign process. After an initial review of public submissions, the commission chose six finalists to be the basis for the final flag. The commission heard presentations on the designs during a virtual meeting on December 5, with the top three vote-getters advancing for further modifications including changes to shapes and colors.

During a December 15 meeting, the commission narrowed the options further to a single design conceptsubmission F1953from which the final flag design would be derived. A presentation prepared for the commissions next session included five variations, of which the commission chose option F1953 C.

The final five designs adapted from Prekkers original submission.

Social media posts falsely identified one of the proposed design variationsF1953 Aas the states final selection. Many of these posts circulated widely prior to a final design actually being chosen, but someincluding a story shared on Truth Social by Sean Hannityappeared even after the commission made the final selection.

While the original flag design submitted by Prekker did feature three colored stripes similar to those of the Puntland flag, the colors have symbolic roots in the state: white representing snow, green representing nature and agriculture, and light blue representing the states water. The SERC stipulated in its initial design brief that use of these colors was preferred in submissions due to their historic link to the state. Utilize a color palette that represents the state effectively, the brief reads. Blue, green, and white are often associated with Minnesotas natural beauty, while red and yellow can symbolize its vitality.

The new Minnesota flag was not designed based on the Somali flag, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Historical Society told The Dispatch Fact Check. The designer who submitted the design concept, who is from Luverne, Minnesota, cited many symbols and references of Minnesota as his design inspiration. The Commission further refined the design to represent important features of Minnesota including the North Star, the shape of the State of Minnesota, and blue representing the waters of Minnesota.

*Correction, December 22, 2023: This article originally and incorrectly identified the State Emblems and Redesign Commission as part of the Minnesota Historical Society. The society provided administrative support to the commission during the flag selection process.

If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com.

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From seven fishes and honey-glazed hams to vegetarian platters and mouth-watering roasts, holiday meals can vary depending on the household. When it comes to the British royal family, theyve been known to keep their Christmas meals consistent and always abide by long-standing traditions - with a selection of meat and classic side dishes.

According to People, King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to host Christmas at Sandringham House at the late Queen Elizabeth IIs former Norfolk estate, for the second year since her passing in September 2022. Last year was especially significant, as the royal couple were leading the holiday traditions for the first time. Whats more, the family hadnt gathered all together to revel in their time-honoured habits since before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

King Charles has made it a priority to uphold the practices he watched his mother maintain for most of her life - one of which involves eating. Speaking to christmas-day-menu-revealed/">Hello! in 2022, chef Darren McGrady - who has cooked for the family over the holiday multiple times before - confessed that the day doesnt start with a gathering of the entire family. Instead, the men and women are to eat their breakfasts separately.

Eggs, mushrooms, kipper, grilled kidneys, and bacon are on the menu for the men, while the women munch on a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee independently. Lunch consists of a typical feast: roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry, multiple bread sauces, and Christmas pudding. The food is reminiscent of what the US considers a Thanksgiving dinner.

Theyre actually boring when it comes to festivities, McGrady admitted. They didnt do hams or anything, just traditional turkeys. We did three turkeys for the Queen and her family in the royal dining room, one for the childrens nursery and then more for the 100 or so staff, so everyone had a Christmas lunch.

Children must eat in a room apart from their parents with their nannies. There was never a case of putting a high chair at the table with a little baby squealing and throwing food. It was Victorian, the cooking connoisseur proclaimed. The childrens place was in the nursery and Nanny would take care of them. Its your modern-day Downton Abbey.

Promptly after a short walk around the Sandringham property and the monarchs Christmas speech - delivered by King Charles for the second time this year - the family heads indoors for afternoon tea. The tea is usually accompanied by sweet and savory delights: sandwiches, chocolate yule logs, mince pies, and scones. Two Christmas cakes are reportedly made, one for the adults and a fruit-flavoured one for the children.

Dinner tends to be more extravagant, with a delectable platter placed in front of the entire family. The buffet was when they brought out the whole spread, McGrady told Hello. When I was there, Harrods would always give them a whole foie gras en croute.

Theyd have a whole Stilton cheese. Wed take the top off, pitchfork the top and pour port into it, he continued. It made this gorgeous spread for the crackers. It was really opulent. There was also a big York ham that was decorated.

King Charles has been open about his devotion to organic foods and ethical farming practices in the past, so its safe to assume the food will be up to his standards. In a conversation with Country Life in 2021, he said: It has always seemed to me somewhat logical to embrace a farming system that works with nature and not against her.
DTEK's Executive Director Dmitry Sukharuk spoke about preparations for this winter

Russia destroyed 50% of Ukraines energy infrastructure last winter, DTEK (Ukraines largest power utility company) CEO Dmytro Sakharuk said at the annual Ukraine and the World Ahead event organized by NV on Dec. 21.

Read also: After the war, Ukraine to offer global system for protecting energy facilities during combat, says UkrEnergo

2023 can be compared to a roller coaster ride  with ups, downs, and constant anxiety, said Sakharuk.

We began the year amidst a heavy barrage of attacks on our energy infrastructure.

"Half of the infrastructure was damaged or destroyed  this includes power plants, networks, and high-voltage substations," he continues.

From March to October, we were in an active phase of recovery and preparation for the coming winter. An active investment phase commenced. Throughout the year, we invested UAH 20 billion ($532 million) to prepare for winter.

Read also: World Bank to provide Ukrenergo with $240 million for energy system stable operation

Sakharuk outlined the effort the company made to stockpile coal for this winter season: in 2023, DTEK invested UAH 3.8 billion in coal mining, compared to UAH 7.4 billion in 2022.

Read also: Ukrenergo appeals to Poland, Romania for emergency assistance to stabilize power grid

He also mentioned the extensive repair work undertaken. "We repaired 26 generation facilities and brought two others online," said Sakharuk, adding that UAH 4 billion ($106 million) were spent on these repairs.

Read also: Earlier Russian attack severely damaged DTEK thermal plant, energy company reports

"We also increased natural gas production, which is another significant investment; this year we drilled twice as many wells as last year," Sakharuk added, pointing out that this year they drilled nine wells compared to the prior year's four.

"In total, we invested over UAH 7 billion ($186 million) in these efforts."

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Afghan women sit beside their newborns at the Doctors Without Borders (MSF)-run maternity hospital in Khost (Kobra Akbari)

Zubaida travelled from the rural outskirts of Khost in eastern Afghanistan to give birth at a maternity hospital specialising in complicated cases, fearing a fate all too common among pregnant Afghan women -- her death or her child's.

She lay dazed, surrounded by the unfamiliar bustle of the Doctors Without Borders (MSF)-run hospital, exhausted from delivery the day before, but relieved.

Her still-weak newborn slept nearby in an iron crib with peeling paint, the child's eyes lined with khol to ward off evil.

"If I had given birth at home, there could have been complications for the baby and for me," said the woman, who doesn't know her age.

Not all of the women who make it to the hospital are so lucky.

"Sometimes we receive patients who come too late to save their lives" after delivering at home, said Therese Tuyisabingere, the head of midwifery at MSF in Khost, capital of Khost province.

The facility delivers 20,000 babies a year, nearly half those born in the province, and it only takes on high-risk and complicated pregnancies, many involving mothers who haven't had any check-ups.

"This is a big challenge for us to save lives," said Tuyisabingere.

She and the some 100 midwives at the clinic are on the front lines of a battle to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan, where having many children is a source of pride, but where every birth carries heavy risks -- with odds against women mounting.

Afghanistan is among the worst countries in the world for deaths in childbirth, "with one woman dying every two hours", UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said earlier this month.

The Afghan health ministry did not respond to repeated requests for comment on this story.

According to the latest World Health Organization figures, from 2017, 638 women die in Afghanistan for every 100,000 viable births, compared with 19 in the United States.

That figure, moreover, conceals the huge disparities between rural and urban areas.

Terje Watterdal, country director for the non-profit Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC), said they saw 5,000 maternal deaths per 100,000 births in remote parts of Afghanistan.

"Men carry the women over their shoulders, and the women die over the mountain trying to reach a hospital," he said.

- 'Brain drain' -

Before the return to power of the Taliban in August 2021 and the end of their insurgency, women would sometimes have to brave the frontlines to reach help, but now there are new challenges -- including a "brain drain" of expertise.

"A lot of gynaecologists have left the country," Watterdal said.

Moreover, Taliban authorities want to get rid of the mobile medical teams visiting women because "they cannot control the health messages they were giving", he said.

Under the Taliban government, women have been squeezed from public life and had access to education restricted, threatening the future of the female medical field in a country where many families avoid sending women to male doctors.

"Access to antenatal and postnatal care for a woman was (always) extremely complicated. It's even more complicated today," said Filipe Ribeiro, MSF director in Afghanistan.

This is due to measures taken by authorities as well as the failings of the healthcare system -- including structural support from foreign donors.

"What little there was has been put under even greater pressure," Ribeiro said.

The financial strain on families amid the country's economic crisis increases the risks, said Noor Khanum Ahmadzai, health coordinator for non-governmental organisation Terre des Hommes in Kabul.

In a public hospital where the midwives are overworked and poorly paid, women have to bring their own medicine.

A delivery costs around 2,000 Afghanis ($29) -- a significant sum for many families.

Despite the risks, "women who used to go to the public sector now prefer to deliver at home, because they don't have money", said Ahmadzai.

An estimated 40 percent of Afghan women give birth at home, but that shoots up to 80 percent in remote areas -- often with the help of their mother-in-law or a local matriarch, but sometimes alone.

- 'Mother died in childbirth' -

Islam Bibi, pregnant with triplets, went to the MSF facility in Khost in pain, and empty-handed.

"I was sick, my husband didn't have any money. I was told, 'Go to this hospital, they do everything for free'," said the 38-year-old, one of hundreds of thousands of Afghans who fled Pakistan in recent months, fearing deportation.

Multiple births like Islam Bibi's are common, said Tania Allekotte, an MSF gynaecologist from Argentina.

"It is valued here to have many children and many women take a treatment to stimulate their fecundity. We often have twins here," she told AFP.

The average woman has six children in Afghanistan, but multiple pregnancies, repeated caesarean sections or miscarriages increase the risk of death.

There are some rays of hope.

Women in neighbouring Paktia province may have fewer risks now, thanks to a first-of-its-kind maternity centre opened recently by NAC in the small provincial capital Gardez -- a clinic run by women for women.

"This type of clinic doesn't exist in the majority of provinces," Khair Mohammad Mansoor, the Taliban-appointed provincial health director, told the all-male audience.

"We have created a system for them in which sharia law and all medical principles will be observed."

The NAC facility aims to help "many of our sisters who live in isolated areas", manager Nasrin Oryakhil said, with similar clinics planned for four other provinces in the coming months.

Its walls freshly painted and decorated with posters promoting vitamins and iron for pregnant women, the small clinic is set up for 10 deliveries a day, said head midwife Momina Kohistani.

Keeping mothers alive as they bring new life into the world is close to home for her.

"My mother died in childbirth," she murmured, tears rolling down her cheeks.

pt-ash/sw/fox/mtp/cwl
Scientists find 25% of those surveyed have used a scooter while under the influence of drink or drugs

One in four e-scooter users have admitted to riding while under the influence of drink or drugs, according to a new survey in the West Midlands.

Scientists at the University of Birmingham believe risk-taking behaviour has lead to more injuries.

Prof Zubair Ahmed and Nathalie Burt surveyed more than 150 participants about their e-scooter use.

They found more than 25% had used a scooter while under the influence and over half had ridden with a passenger.

Almost all the respondents had also seen electric scooters being used on pedestrian footpaths, the survey found.

Prof Ahmed first became interested in e-scooters after he noticed an uptick in people arriving to A&E at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, having injured themselves while riding.

He explained to me it's not a sudden and dramatic explosion in numbers, but every year he is seeing more and more people who have hurt themselves.

A wider search of the existing literature suggested it was risk-taking by riders that is often leading to accidents, causing injuries to the lower legs, feet and toes, or concussions and head injuries.

Outside existing hire schemes, e-scooters are actually illegal to use in this country, although they are widely on sale and plenty will be given as presents this Christmas.

But this research suggests people are unaware of how dangerous e-scooters can be.

Hobbling through the doors

By some estimates, there are a million electric scooters in the UK with the majority being used illegally.

Under current e-scooter rules, users must hold a provisional or full driving licence, avoid riding on pavements and must ride within trial zones or on private land.

The researchers admit their survey isn't a huge sample and it contained a larger proportion of younger people compared to the general population.

But the scientists say it would be interesting to compare their results with data from legal e-scooter hire companies.

And when I talked to them, neither researcher wanted to call for a ban on e-scooters, as they both say it is a really useful new form of transport.

Rather, they say this result shows a need for better infrastructure and improved education around how to ride e-scooters safely.

Then Prof Ahmed hopes he'll see fewer riders hobbling through the doors of accident and emergency.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk
Eyvin Hernandez, an attorney with the Los Angeles County public defender's office, was one of 10 Americans released from Venezuelan custody Wednesday as part of a prisoner exchange.

Hernandez's family, who had worked to secure his release since he was first arrested in March 2022, confirmed the news in a social media post.

"We were notified this morning that Eyvin was on his way home  an early Christmas present for our family," they wrote.

Hernandez, 45, had been vacationing in Colombia and was accompanying a friend to the Colombia-Venezuela border when he was intercepted on March 31, 2022, and turned over to Venezuelan security forces, according to his family. Those who seized the public defender have been described alternately as a gang, a paramilitary group or official Venezuelan personnel.

Read more: L.A. County public defender remains jailed in Venezuela after nearly 9 months

Hernandez had been held on charges of conspiracy and criminal association, which carries a sentence of up to 16 years in prison in Venezuela. He was kept at a maximum-security military prison, where his family alleges he endured torturous living conditions and abuse.

"Our first priority is to ensure that he gets the medical support he needs so that [he] can recover from his time in captivity," the family wrote on social media. "He will talk about his experience when he is ready."

L.A. elected officials had advocated for Hernandez's release, including Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who said it "is a miracle that Eyvin is back with his family and friends at last."

"I know they are embracing him closely today, Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) said in a statement. The Bring Eyvin Home Coalitions tireless work and the work of the State Department made it possible for this angel to make it safely back to the City of Angels."

Read more: U.S., Venezuela swap prisoners: Maduro ally for 10 Americans, plus fugitive 'Fat Leonard'

L.A. County Public Defender Ricardo Garcia said Hernandez's release was hard-fought and included Hernandez sending a personal letter to President Biden to plead for help.

"On behalf of all 1,100 members of the public defenders office, I want to extend our gratitude to the administration and everyone who has fought so hard to make this day a reality," Garcia said in a statement. "We are looking forward to the time when, after hes had time to recover and rest, Evyin will return to his rightful place as an advocate in court for the indigent and vulnerable of Los Angeles County."

Hernandez was released along with nine other Americans detained in Venezuela, including former Green Berets Luke Denman and Airan Berry, according to the Associated Press. In return, the United States released Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The deal also included the suspension of several economic sanctions against Venezuela, as well as the return of Leonard Francis, a fugitive defense contractor also known as "Fat Leonard" who orchestrated a major U.S. Navy bribery scandal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The kidnapping of a North Yorkshire businessman in Ecuador was financially motivated, police in the country said.

Colin Armstrong, 78, was abducted on Saturday from a farm he owned near the city of Guayaquil.

Mr Armstrong, who owns the Forbidden Corner visitor attraction in the Yorkshire Dales, is also the president of Ecuadorean agriculture firm Agripac.

Police in Ecuador said more than 30 homes had been raided in their search for Mr Armstrong.

Leo Morris, Mr Armstrong's spokesman, confirmed on Wednesday he had been released and was with authorities in Ecuador.

Speaking at a press conference in Quito, General Cesar Zapata, Commander General of the National Police, said Mr Armstrong had been freed after a four-day search, the Reuters news agency reported.

Commander General of the National Police, Cesar Zapata, spoke to reporters in Quito, Ecuador

Nine people were apprehended in the operation - one foreigner and eight Ecuadoreans, he said.

General Zapata told reporters the kidnapping was believed to have been financially motivated.

A Colombian woman was kidnapped along with Mr Armstrong before she was abandoned in a residential area of Guayaquil with fake explosives attached to her, he added.

The police chief said officers carried out more than 30 raids on homes during the search for him, finding grenades, firearms, ammunition and drugs.

They also found a vehicle believed to have been used in the kidnapping.

Ecuador's Interior Minister Monica Palencia said: "We will not allow impunity. Police actions continue."

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Chris Campbell, the British Ambassador in Ecuador, said on Wednesday he was "delighted" Mr Armstrong had been "safely released".

The businessman would be spending Christmas with his family in South America, his spokesman said.

Mr Armstrong was awarded the OBE and Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to the British Monarchy in 2011.

He was a former UK honorary consul to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, a voluntary role which involved supporting British interests and providing support to British nationals who found themselves in difficulty.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.
Three lengthy state hearings on California retail theft since mid-November have so far established that policymakers don't understand why shoplifting and smash-and-grab robberies have increased since 2020. Or even whether they really have increased.

The retail industry recently admitted that it had been playing fast and loose with claims of monumental assaults on stores by crime rings. The National Retail Federation previously said that of the $94.5 billion of merchandise that went missing from stores in 2021, half the losses were due to organized retail theft. Actually, the federation said in an updated report this month, it was probably only about 5%.

Read more: Editorial: Time to defend California's hard-won criminal justice reforms from lawmakers. Again

Walgreens previously reported that it was closing five stores in San Francisco because of retail theft losses. But it, too, sheepishly updated its statement to acknowledge that the stores were closing for other reasons based on corporate decisions made well before the alleged retail theft spike.

In both cases, the industry admissions confirmed reporting in 2021 in The Times and elsewhere that the original numbers were inflated.

Read more: Column: How the retail lobby sold a $45-billion whopper about organized shoplifting

The unreliability of data about theft did not, however, stop some lawmakers and law enforcement and retail industry representatives at Tuesdays hearing by the Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft from zeroing in on a solution: Roll back key criminal justice reforms by turning misdemeanor shoplifting into a felony.

Never mind that shoplifting is a petty theft that is very different from the smash-and-grab robberies that frighten away customers and dominate TV news programs. Those frightening, high-profile crimes are already felonies because of the high value of goods taken and the damage to stores during the invasions.

Read more: Editorial: L.A.'s smash-and-grab robberies are terrible, but not spurred by criminal justice reform

Nevertheless, it seems state lawmakers will push for legislation early next year to ask voters to bring back petty theft with a prior  a long-defunct statute that allows prosecutors to charge a second shoplifting misdemeanor as a felony, meaning a year in jail rather than six months.

Never mind that prosecutors can already get the same result from simply adding up the six-month terms of each misdemeanor charge. Why don't they do that? All Yolo County Chief Deputy Dist. Atty. Jonathan Raven could tell members of the state Little Hoover Commission, which is conducting its own hearings on retail theft, was: We just dont.

Read more: Editorial: Prop. 47 is a first step in revising stance on crime

Petty theft with a prior was eliminated by Proposition 47, the 2014 criminal justice reform ballot measure that police tend to blame for all of societys ills. Soon after its passage, critics targeted its removal of felony charges for simple drug possession. But polling showed that the easing of drug crimes was Proposition 47s most popular reform, so the rollback pressure shifted to the $950 line that divides petty theft, a misdemeanor, from grand theft. Surely it was that change from the previous $400 that ramped up crime in California?

But Californias threshold is lower than in most other states, so it cant possibly account for higher theft increases here. Besides, the threshold had already been raised by legislation signed by Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2010, so it couldnt account for increases in crime after the passage of Proposition 47 four years later.

Read more: Editorial: Blame it on Prop 47: The latest chapter in an endless work of fiction about crime

In fact, increases in shoplifting and smash-and-grabs didnt really register as a crisis at all until after 2020. Can we think of anything that happened that year that might have affected human behavior? Something other than a change to sentencing laws many years earlier?

That brings us to Tara Riceberg, who turns out to be the star of the retail theft hearings so far. Testifying before the Little Hoover Commission on Nov. 16, the Beverly Hills gift store owner recounted how a customer demanded a discount or else shed just take the goods without paying at all.

Read more: Editorial: Yes, there are problems with Prop. 47 and $0 bail. Just not what you think

Empathy levels are dropping in this country, Riceberg told the commission, adding: Once COVID hit, I feel that was really the point of transition.

Shes right, of course. Were dealing with anxieties and social breakdowns set in motion by the pandemic, lockdowns, violent protests and a persistent nastiness in political discourse. None of this is related to the length of sentences of people convicted of petty theft.

Read more: Editorial: No, Prop 47 didn't de-criminalize misdemeanors

Riceberg was insistent that jail is not the answer. There must be alternative sentencing, she said, like community service, to end repeat offenses. In fact, few people (other than police) speaking at any of the hearings demanded more jail, but they had little to offer other than rolling back some part of Proposition 47  which would mean longer sentences.

Would stiffer terms stop repeat offenses? They could easily do the opposite, by filling more jail cells and erasing the savings that currently fund the states most effective recidivism reduction programs.

The reason for the savings that fund those anti-recidivism programs?

Proposition 47.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi, Bassam Masoud and Dan Williams

CAIRO/GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Fighting in the Gaza Strip escalated on Thursday with some of the most intense Israeli bombardment of the war and Hamas demonstrated its ability to rocket Tel Aviv, even as the foes engaged in the most serious talks for weeks on a new truce.

Israeli bombing was at its most intense over northern Gaza, where orange flashes of explosions could be seen from across the fence in Israel in the morning hours. Later, Israeli planes roared over central and southern areas, dropping bombs that sent up plumes of smoke, residents said.

In Israel's commercial capital Tel Aviv, sirens wailed and rockets exploded overhead, intercepted by Israeli defences. Shrapnel fell on a school but the children were in shelters and there were no reported casualties, Israel's Ynet news site said.

The armed wing of Hamas said it had fired the salvo in response to Israeli killing of civilians. But with the group's leader in Cairo for truce talks, the attack seemed timed to send a message that nearly 11 weeks of war had failed to destroy the militants' strike capability.

Both sides remained far apart in public. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed again to fight on until the eradication of Hamas, the Islamist group that sent fighters over the border into southern Israel on Oct. 7, taking some 240 hostages and killing 1,200 people.

"Surrender or die," he told Hamas in a video address.

Hamas said Palestinian factions had taken a united position that there should be "no talk about prisoners or exchange deals, except after a full cessation of (Israeli) aggression".

Residents in Jabalia in the north of the Strip close to the Israeli border said the area was completely cut off, with Israeli snipers now firing on anyone trying to escape.

"It was one of the worst nights in terms of the occupation bombings," said one Jabalia resident who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal.

Nearly 20,000 Gazans have been confirmed killed since the start of the conflict, according to the Palestinian health ministry, with several thousand more bodies believed trapped under rubble. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes.

A report by a UN-backed body said the entire population of Gaza is facing crisis levels of hunger. The risk of famine is increasing each day, added the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).

"This report sort of confirms our worst fears," said Arif Husain, chief economist and director of research at the U.N. World Food Programme.

"I've been doing this for the last 20 plus years. I've been to Afghanistan, I've been to Yemen, to Syria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, northeast Nigeria. But I've never seen something this bad happening this quickly," he told Reuters in an interview.

By the afternoon, Israel intensified bombing of the Gaza City suburb of Sheikh Radwan, residents said. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad militant group said they fired rockets and mortar bombs at Israeli forces massing on the Gaza side of the border. Reuters could not confirm the battlefield reports.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had reports Israeli forces had stormed an ambulance centre in Jabalia and arrested paramedics. The Israeli military said it needed more details on the report to comment and was following international law and taking "feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm".

The World Health Organization said the last hospital in the northern half of the Gaza Strip had effectively ceased functioning over the past two days, leaving no place left to take the wounded.

TALKS SERIOUS, SIDES PUBLICLY FAR APART

As clashes raged, diplomatic efforts ramped up in the final days of the year to stave off humanitarian catastrophe and agree a new truce to release some of the hostages taken by Hamas, the group that runs the Gaza Strip and has vowed to destroy Israel.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was in Egypt for a second day for negotiations, a rare personal intervention that in the past has signalled important stages in diplomacy. Islamic Jihad said its leader was also headed there.

"These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere," White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday. U.S. President Joe Biden said: "We're pushing."

In the past, mediating countries including Egypt and Qatar have met separately with Israel, Hamas and other groups, though there were no details on who might be engaged with any Israeli party on Thursday.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen confirmed negotiations on a hostage release were ongoing but declined to provide details.

Taher Al-Nono, Haniyeh's media adviser, told Reuters: "We cannot talk about negotiations while Israel continues its aggression."

Israel's military said it destroyed a network of tunnels in Gaza City, which it found in recent days and said served senior Hamas leaders. It released a video that appeared to show a long line of fire erupting through the centre of Gaza City.

Hamas officials said an Israeli air strike at the Rafah crossing to Egypt on Thursday morning killed four people including the Gaza director of another border crossing, Kerem Shalom. Israel's military appeared to deny involvement, saying it was not familiar with the incident.

Israel allowed Kerem Shalom to open this week, increasing the amount of aid getting into the Strip, though U.N. agencies say it remains a trickle compared to the vast needs.

The U.N. Security Council was due to vote on Thursday on a resolution to boost aid after a delay at the request of the United States. The draft would give the U.N. a wider role overseeing aid shipments, seen as diluting Israel's control.

Washington said there were concerns that in its current form the resolution "could actually slow down" deliveries.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Bassam Masoud in Gaza, Dan Williams and Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Aidan Lewis in London, and Steve Holland aboard Air Force One; Writing by Peter Graff and Andrew Heavens; Editing by Nick Macfie, Frances Kerry and Diane Craft)
The die is cast for the March 19 primaries.

Thursday at 4 p.m. marked the filing deadline for aspiring office holders to announce their candidacy.

Here's what we know about the candidates for several key races in Summit County:

13th U.S. House District

Republicans Christopher Banweg, Kevin Coughlin and Richard Morckel will face off for the party nomination to compete against Democratic incumbent Emilia Sykes.

Sykes, who had served as minority leader in the Ohio House, defeated Republican Madison Gesiotto Gilbert in 2022 in a newly redrawn 13th District that put all of Summit County in the same voting bloc.

Banweg is an at-Large Hudson City Councilman, a business executive and thrice deployed member of the Marine Corps reserves.

Coughlin is a former member of the Ohio Senate where he represented District 27. He was appointed to the Senate in 2001 and won re-election for his first full term in 2002. In 2006, he was elected to the post again before reaching the term limit in 2011.

Morckel ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House District 13 in 2020, but failed to secure the nomination.

28th Ohio Senate District

Due to term limits, incumbent Democrat Vernon Sykes cannot run again. Hudson Democrat Casey Weinstein, currently representing the 34th District in the Ohio House, is running for Sykes' 28th District seat, which represents all of Akron.

I'm incredibly excited to represent the city and take this next step and be as loud and proud of a voice as I can be for us in the Senate, Weinstein said.

The primary won't be a factor in this race; Stow's Jonathan Anthony Leisser is the lone candidate running on the Republican side.

31st Ohio House District

Here's another race that won't heat up until after the primary.

Republican incumbent Bill Roemer is running unopposed in March.

Roemer won election to the 38th House District in 2018. Following redistricting, he defeated Democrat Rita Darrow in 2022 to represent the 31st House District.

On the Democratic side, Anthony J. Harris of Cuyahoga Falls is the sole candidate.

In 2020, Harris lost to Matt Shaugnessey in his bid for the Ohio House District 36 party nomination. Shaugnessey lost to Republican Bob Young in the general election.

32nd Ohio House District

Two Republicans in New Franklin  Mary Stormer and John K. "Jack" Daniel  are seeking the nomination in the 32nd district. The seat is currently vacant after Bob Young's resignation in October weeks before being convicted of domestic violence for hitting his wife.

The Summit County Republican Party recommended that the Ohio House name Daniels, a New Franklin City Council member, to replace Young. Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens said last week that the winner of the primary will be tapped to fill the vacancy.

James J. Colopy from Akron is seeking the Democratic nomination.

33rd Ohio House District

Incumbent Democrat Tavia Galonski won't seek to retain the seat because she running for Summit County clerk of courts.

Democrat Veronica Sims, who serves as District 5 representative for Summit County Council, has filed to run for Galonski's seat.

No Republicans have filed to run in this race.

34th Ohio House District

Adam Bozic is running unopposed in the Republican primary in an attempt to win the seat currently held by Casey Weinstein.

Three Democrats  Derrick Hall, Nathaniel Jarosz and Dina Edwards  are jockeying for the chance to keep the seat blue following Weinstein's exit.

35th Ohio House District

Republican Steve Demetriou is seeking reelection to the seat he won 2022. He'll be unopposed in the primary.

Mark Curtis from Twinsburg is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Summit County sheriff

Republican Shane Barker, facing no internal challengers, will try to unseat incumbent Democrat Kandy Fatheree, who defeated him in a hotly contested 2020 race. Fatheree is also unopposed in the primary.

Independent candidate Christopher Boyd has entered the race as well.

Summit County clerk of courts

Democrat Tavia Galonski, who currently represents the 33rd Ohio House District, will seek the office being vacated by Sandra Kurt. Kurt was elected as Akron Municipal clerk of courts in November.

Napoleon Rodgers Jr. and Katie Reed are running for the Republican nomination in the race.

Summit County engineer

Incumbent Democrat Alan Brubaker is running unopposed in his party's primary, and no Republicans have filed to run for the seat.

Summit County fiscal officer

Kristen Scalise is running unopposed in her reelection bid for Summit County Fiscal Officer. Republican Scott Sigel also is running unopposed for his party's nomination.

Summit County Council

District 1: Incumbent Democrat Rita Darrow is running unopposed in the primary; Yulia Gray has filed for the Republican nomination.

District 2: Incumbent Democrat John Schmidt faces no primary opposition, and no Republicans are running.

Di strict 3: Two Stow Republicans are running; At-Large Stow City Councilman Jeremy McIntire is running against incumbent Gloria Rodgers. David Licate, also an at-large Stow City Council member, is seeking the Democratic nomination.

District 4: Democrat Jeff Wilhite is running unopposed. No Republicans filed.

District 5: Brandon Ford is running against Ralph Paulk for the Democratic nomination for the seat, currently held by Summit County clerk of courts candidate Veronica Sims. Cynthia Blake is running unopposed for the Republicans.

District 6: Incumbent Christine Higham is running opposed on the Democrats' side; Nicholas Rubino is the lone Republican running.

District 7: Republican Bethany McKenney appears headed toward reelection with no opposition within her party and no Democrats running.

District 8: Democrat Richard Justice is running against Matthew Shaughnessy in the primary primary. Republican incumbent Anthony DeVitis did not file to run for reelection; Kyle Burke and Joseph Kacyon are seeking the party nomination.

Court of Common Pleas judge

Democratic incumbents Kathryn Michael, Jennifer Towell and Susan Baker Ross are all running unopposed in the primaries to retain their seats. Two of them will face Republican opposition in November; Joseph Darwal of Copley has filed to challenge Towell, and Susan Steinhauer of Stow is running against Ross.

County executive

Democrat Ilene Shapiro is running unopposed in the primary, and no Republicans have filed.

9th District Court of Appeals judge

Scott Elliot is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination; Republican incumbent Jennifer Hensal is also unopposed.

County prosecutor

Incumbent Sherri Bevan Walsh and Elliot Kolkovich have filed for the Democratic nomination, but only one will likely remain in the primary race.

Walsh is undergoing heart surgery following complications from a 2020 COVID-19 diagnosis. Kolkovich  currently the community outreach prosecutor  filed petitions to run at Walsh's behest as a hedge against her potential retirement. Walsh will make a determination about her future in the new year.

Republican John Greven is running for his party's nomination in the race.

Contact Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Here's who's running in the March 2024 primaries in Summit County
A group of children at an elementary school in Minnesota were exposed to a pornographic image and a threat after two unknown individuals got into a school Zoom call, according to a letter from school officials.

The letter, which parents shared with FOX 9 Minneapolis, was sent out to Oak Point Elementary families after the incident happened during an assembly on Tuesday.

The letter states that the students were on the Zoom call to watch a Blue Ribbon flag-raising ceremony when the intruders shared a pornographic image in the chat.

School officials said the two people also used an automated voice to "say concerning things, including a threat of violence at school."

ROLLING STONE CALLS SPEAKER JOHNSON'S ANTI-PORN PARENTING APP 'CREEPY'

"As soon as we became aware of this content, we ended the call immediately," Oak Point Principal Dr. Chris Rogers wrote. "Our teachers had this Zoom call playing in their classrooms, so students could see the flag raised, and though some teachers had their volume off, some of our students may have heard what was said."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The school district and law enforcement are investigating the situation, but said it appears the individuals involved accessed the call from outside of Minnesota.

MINNESOTA COMMISSION CHOOSES NEW STATE FLAG DESIGN TO REPLACE OLD ONE DEEMED PROBLEMATIC

Elementary students were exposed to a pornographic image at a Minnesota school during a Zoom call.

"We know hearing a message like this can be scary for children, and you may wish to have a conversation with your child if they were concerned by what they heard or saw," writes Rogers. "Moving forward, we will take extra steps to ensure that virtual events do not allow external actors to enter."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the school for more information, but has not yet heard back.





Original article source: Elementary students at Minnesota school exposed to porn during school Zoom call
The Ellettsville Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff's Office are selling guns in an auction.

ELLETTSVILLE  Among the 54 guns displayed on long tables at U.S Defense Solutions is a non-functioning 1930s Smith & Wesson top-break pistol, a Mossberg pump-action 12-gauge shotgun and a pair of matching Thompson Center Arms' muzzleloaders with brass inlay on the butt plates.

This week, the Richland Plaza gun shop is hosting a silent auction of guns that were evidence in now-closed cases from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and Ellettsville Police Department. Owner Caleb Goldsberry said none of the weapons were used to commit crimes; those guns, he said, are cut into pieces and destroyed.

Bids are being taken in person at the store, 4625 W. Richland Plaza Drive, through 5 p.m. Dec. 23. Monday afternoon, the first day the guns were on display, a steady stream of people came and went from the small store next door to Subway.

"We've already got a fair amount of bids. About an hour before it ends Saturday, this place will be packed with people checking theirs," Goldsberry said. Participants are qualified to bid once they pass an online background check.

Ellettsville Police Department sells guns for first time

"Just in time for Christmas!" announced a promotion for the event on the Ellettsville Police Department Facebook page that featured Santa Claus, wrapped gifts and decorated-pine emojis.

The Ellettsville Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff's Office are selling guns in an auction.

Goldsberry said his store had a similar auction for the sheriff's department last year that raised about $4,000 for the agency. The money goes back to the departments and is used for firearms equipment and training.

Ellettsville's police department provided about half of the guns being sold this week.

"This is the first time ever putting guns into an auction. Some of these have been in storage here for years," EPD Detective Lt. Zachary Michael said.

When he took over the evidence room at the station last year, one of Michael's first projects was to sort through weapons being held and try to return some to their owners or heirs.

"We did some research trying to find owners or next-of-kin owners and have been pretty successful," Michael said. "A lot of them can't be returned because of a felony conviction attached to them."

Michael said the department has this year returned a dozen or more guns to owners or their families. A few weeks ago, a gun confiscated as part of an investigation was given to a relative of the owner, who had died.

"The man who came and picked it up knew everything about the gun."

The lieutenant said he's not worried about selling guns at auction, putting them back into human hands. "The store owner does background checks and the sales are legal," Michael said. "We don't have any concerns."

Bidding is in person at Richland Plaza gun store

The guns are laid out on tables, a tag with an item number attached to each. There's a sheet of paper with each one where bidders indicate the price they are willing to pay. In addition to 42 handguns and 12 long guns, there are three scopes for sale.

Jordy Minnick from Owen County stopped by the store unaware of the auction. He was surprised to see the assortment of guns, calling the scene "a candy store for big boys." He admired No. 3156, a heavy, long-barreled Smith and Wesson revolver with a smooth wooden grip. Minnick, just looking, said he might return to place a bid.

Most of the guns, such as a Heritage Rough Rider 22-caliber revolver, a Raven Arms P25 in a tiny leather holster and that top-break Smith & Wesson, all had $25 bid minimums. But the gun Minnick had his sights set on started at $250, and would be much higher by the bid closing on Saturday.

This is the second year Goldsberry's store has auctioned guns for the sheriff's office; they sold 35 confiscated guns last year.

"It gives people a chance to buy these guns, and it makes money for the police departments, so it's a good deal all around," Goldsberry said.

Bloomington police have confiscated guns destroyed

Instead of selling its confiscated guns, the Bloomington Police Department contracts with a private firearms destruction company that, for no cost, takes the guns away.

Guns confiscated by the Bloomington Police Department are destroyed and some are turned into paperweights.

They are cut into pieces, with some components sold for reuse and others destroyed. The guns themselves can never be used again. In return, police departments get paperweights made from recycled gun parts mixed with acrylic that's hardened in a shot glass.

"Any weapon that legally cannot be returned is destroyed," BPD Capt. Ryan Pedigo said.

Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Ellettsville, Monroe County auction off guns from now-closed cases
Harvard University President Claudine Gay has made further admissions in the allegations of plagiarism leveled against her as a US House Committee widens a probe to investigate the claims.

After the US House Committee on Education and the Workforce expanded a probe to investigate claims of plagiarism against her, Ms Gay issued new updates to her 1997 PhD thesis to correct instances of inadequate citation following a university review, a Harvard spokesperson told CNN on 21 December. The spokesperson told CNN they were not punishable offences  the outlet noted the spokesperson did not use the term plagiarism in their response.

Chris Rufo, a right-wing activist who led a campaign against critical race theory in elementary schools, first claimed Ms Gay plagiarised parts of her 1997 doctoral dissertation on the success of Black politicians.

On 20 December, CNN published a report claiming Ms Gay plagiarised verbatim language in her 1997 dissertation. Last week, Ms Gay also issued corrections on two academic articles published in the 2000s, The Harvard Crimson reports.

The US House Committee on Education and the Workforce, led by Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, expanded an existing probe to include allegations against Ms Gay of academic plagiarism, according to a 20 December letter from Ms Foxx addressed to Penny Pritzker, Senior Fellow for the Harvard Corporation. The letter gives Harvard until 29 December to respond.

The existing probe initially investigated alleged rises in antisemitism on college campuses, Harvard among them. Ms Gay, MIT President Sally Kornbluth and University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill testified to the committee earlier this month about their colleges responses to alleged incidents of antisemitism on their campuses since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on 7 October.

All three faced significant backlash when they did not explicitly state that calling for the genocide of Jewish people would violate their schools policies. Ms Gay and Ms Magill have since apologized for their statements.

Harvard Universitys media office did not respond to The Independents request for comment.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso Police Department will ramp up traffic enforcement during the holiday season, thanks to a grant funded through the Texas Department of Transportation Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).

STEP aims to reduce collisions by focusing enforcement efforts in high-crash areas. Additional officers will be working traffic enforcement on an overtime basis beginning December 21st, 2023, through January 2nd, 2024. Officers will be targeting all traffic violations, with a particular focus on Driving While Intoxicated offenses

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso Police are looking for a man they say entered Andress High School last week, exposing himself to two students inside the womens restroom.

It happened at around 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 when police say the man made his way into the girls restroom, where he hid inside a bathroom stall. He then proceeded to expose himself to at least two separate female students before fleeing campus on foot.

Police say he was last seen walking north on Mackinaw and Capistrano. The suspect was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, beanie, and blue jeans.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers of El Paso immediately at (915) 566-8477 (TIPS) or online: www.cselpaso.org. You will remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you may qualify for a cash reward.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
On Wednesday 20 December, the Court of Justice of the European Union upheld a claim lodged by fugitive ex-president Viktor Yanukovych and his son Oleksandr and lifted sanctions imposed against them by the Council of the European Union on 4 March 2021.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the court ruling

Details: The almost identical EU Court judgments state that when the Council took the decision to sanction Viktor and Oleksandr Yanukovych, it failed to properly verify the grounds Ukraine had provided, on which basis the sanctions were imposed.

The court contends that the Council should also have approached the Ukrainian side to ascertain whether it had infringed the Yanukovyches' right to effective judicial defence in the criminal proceedings.

In view of this, the court decided to annul the Councils decision of March 2021 to impose sanctions against Yanukovych and his son, as well as its decision of March 2022 to extend these sanctions for a year.

Background:

This is not the first such ruling of the EU Court of Justice. It has already annulled decisions that the Council of the EU took in 2019 and 2020. In September 2022, the Council finally removed Viktor and Oleksandr Yanukovych from the sanctions list.

However, another EU sanctions decision, taken in August 2022, is still effective against the Yanukovyches, and it has not yet been appealed, meaning they are still subject to a ban on owning assets in the European Union and entering its territory.

In recent years, the European Union has begun to lift restrictions on officials who were in power during Yanukovychs presidency due to insufficient evidence against them from Ukrainian investigators. Seven out of 18 people remain on the sanctions list, including Viktor Yanukovych himself.

To maintain EU sanctions against individuals from the former presidents orbit, progress needs to be made in investigating the cases against them in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.

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Robert Jenrick wants EU states to use health and safety rules to seize boats being moved across Europe by gangs for use in the Channel - GARETH FULLER/PA

The EU is impotent on the migration crisis and most member states lack the ambition to act, says the UKs former immigration minister.

In an exclusive article for The Telegraph, included in full below, Robert Jenrick criticises the European Commission and member states for failing to come up with a credible plan to intercept, turn back or repatriate migrants.

He claims that the EU deal announced on Wednesday to tighten borders and share the burden of housing asylum seekers is not worth the paper its written on as it dealt only with the symptoms of the migration crisis rather than delivering the cure.

His comments will touch a raw nerve in the EU as he was the minister tasked by Rishi Sunak with developing agreements and co-operation with European nations to try to stem the flow of migrants across the Continent before they reached northern France and crossed the Channel on small boats.

He cites as an example of the poverty of ambition and hollow words of the commission its failure to sanction tactics that would enable European countries to intercept the boats and other equipment as they are transported by people-smuggling gangs from Turkey to Germany and then France.

Britain has been lobbying the commission to give approval for states to use health and safety laws to seize the boats as being unseaworthy and so in breach of EU regulations. Government insiders said the commission could issue an edict sanctioning the move, which would protect against legal action by those involved in the trade.

However, Mr Jenrick said: The commissions rhetorical commitment to end the supply of dangerous small boat equipment rings hollow when in practice it refuses to provide legal cover for individual states to seize these consignments, despite sustained engagement from myself and other senior government ministers.

We have made progress bilaterally to seize equipment destined for the Channel with allies like Bulgaria, but with no thanks to the EU.

Few successes

Mr Jenrick said it had been left to individual countries to fight illegal migration with only a few successes, such as Polands closely guarded border fence and Greeces controversial turn-backs of migrant boats at sea.

He said the EU had demonstrated a chronic inability to enforce its external borders. Even Italy  a close ally of Britain on tackling migration with its Rwanda-style offshoring deal with Albania  had stepped away from Greek-style turn-backs, he added.

Similarly the French navys interception rate for small boats remained stubbornly low because of its extremely cautious approach to intervening to stop the boats at sea. This contrasted with Belgium, which intervened at sea and had slashed crossings as a result.

If all our near neighbours could enforce their borders with the same zeal as Poland, we would face a much-reduced challenge, said Mr Jenrick. Time and again, the EU has proven geopolitically impotent.

While we must continue to engage and co-operate with Brussels wherever we can  and I have travelled to more countries than anyone, seeking to build partnerships on illegal migration  we must confront the reality that nation states must act unilaterally when the vital national interest of border security is on the line.

More robust approach

He said the UKs Rwanda policy  to deport illegal migrants to the African nation to claim asylum there  had the potential to break the people smugglers business model, provided the Government opted for a more robust approach to block legal challenges to the plan.

Mr Jenrick warned that unless the EU toughened up its approach, it risked seeing more Right-wing politicians such as Hollands Geert Wilders coming to power on the back of public fury at lax border controls.

His success is merely a foretaste of what is to come. The great irony is that by failing to do what is necessary they are bringing about the political conditions for the failure of the entire European project, he said.

The EU is resigned to illegal migration  their hollow words fool no-one

By Robert Jenrick

Without a credible Europe-wide plan of action, the UK can expect to see even further small boats headed for these shores - Gareth Fuller/PA

Against a backdrop of confected liberal outrage, Giorgia Meloni hosted Rishi Sunak and Eddie Rama on Sunday to discuss the European migration crisis.

Written off in advance as a far-Right gathering of fringe politicians, what was more newsworthy was who wasnt in attendance.

The two dominant forces in the EU, France and Germany, did not attend. Nor did Ursula Von der Leyen, the European Commission president. Their collective absence was emblematic of the indifference at the heart of the EU when it comes to tackling illegal migration. A few months earlier, at a gathering of the European Political Community in Grenada, the Spanish hosts had deemed the topic too contentious for the main agenda. Crisis? What crisis?

This week ended with an agreement of sorts: the EUs New Pact on Migration and Asylum. Cue much backslapping in Brussels. An ebullient Ylva Johansson, the European commissioner for home affairs declared: We did it!. I highly doubt the public will view it so fondly should they read its threadbare contents, nor history view it favourably.

For all their talk of intensifying the fight against smugglers and providing a European response to a European challenge, the EUs plan for tackling illegal migration is not worth the paper its written on.

Abroad, their hope is to stem the flow towards Europes border by boosting the state capacity of key countries in their neighbourhood, like Tunisia. However, progress is glacial as some north African leaders prove unreliable partners. As I saw for myself when I visited Tunisia in the spring, the deep-rooted structural weakness in the Tunisian state is not something that can be remedied by throwing millions of euros at modest development programmes. On the off-chance these efforts succeed, the improvements will materialise in decades  time Europe simply doesnt have the luxury of.

Internally, the Commission plans to strengthen their external borders by investing in the European Border Agency, Frontex. But the poverty of ambition is striking. The delivery of new technology and officers is nowhere near commensurate with the scale of the problem, with over a million new asylum applications in the latest 12-month period  the highest since the last migrant crisis in 2016. The Commissions rhetorical commitment to end the supply of dangerous small boat equipment rings hollow when in practice it refuses to provide legal cover for individual states to seize these consignments, despite sustained engagement from myself and other senior government ministers. We have made progress bilaterally to seize equipment destined for the Channel with allies like Bulgaria, but with no thanks to the EU.

On my many visits and calls to EU member states as immigration minister it was clear that politicians there privately view illegal migration as a damage limitation exercise. Having resigned themselves to mass illegal migration, the EU Commission is now fixated on treating the symptoms of the problem, not delivering the cure. The Pact that has consumed the Commission since it was proposed back in 2020 will simply see asylum claims logged and vetted before mandatory solidarity provisions force states to accommodate them or pay others to do so across the bloc. There isnt a credible plan to repatriate people to their home countries if their claims are refused. It amounts to little more than an audit trail of failure. And to think, Sir Keir Starmer said a Labour government would take the UK into such an arrangement.

Its as though some European politicians cant see how their politics is changing, with governments and parties likely to be washed away in the years ahead in the hazardous slipstream of mass illegal migration. Or they do, but cant abide by the hard choices that follow. Dont expect Geert Wilders to be the last insurgent to come to power on the back of public fury at lax border controls. His success is merely a foretaste of what is to come. The great irony is that by failing to do what is necessary they are bringing about the political conditions for the failure of the entire European project.

So it has been left to individual countries to take on the fight against illegal migration themselves. And only a small handful have been successful at stemming the flow. As Poland has proven with their closely-guarded border fence, common sense measures like physical infrastructure are highly effective. However morally complex, Greeces turn-backs of small boats have radically reduced arrivals and, I would argue, saved lives overall.

Few leaders have the determination to adopt such policies. Even the Meloni government, which has staked much on tackling illegal migration, has stepped away from the tactics likely to succeed. Visiting Italy earlier in the year, I was struck by the admirable commitment to saving lives at sea and evident professionalism of its coastguard. But it was clear that there was no operation tasked with actually stopping crossings.

So long as some EU states are unable to defend their borders, the flow of people into Europe will continue unabated. The demand to migrate is so high, and the business model of the gangs so lucrative, that routes into Europe will simply shift to target the weakest juncture. Years ago, a key route was from Turkey through to Greece, today the favoured route is from Tunisia into Italy. If Tunisias coastal defences improved overnight, we should expect to see displacement to Libya. And as long as EU politicians remain ideologically wedded to unfettered movement within Schengen  despite the clear, disastrous security flaws of doing so  migrant flows across the European landmass towards western European countries like the UK will continue.

The chronic inability of the EU to enforce its external borders will create deep political fissures within the bloc and terrible outcomes for EU citizens for decades to come. But it doesnt necessarily preordain disaster for the UK. If all our near neighbours could enforce their borders with the same zeal as Poland, we would face a much-reduced challenge.

Despite incremental improvements, the French interception rate remains stubbornly low. Even as unseaworthy dinghies struggle in the Channel, the French navy adopts an extremely cautious approach to intervening, in stark contrast to their Belgian neighbours. Meanwhile in Ireland the migrant crisis they have created through lax visa scrutiny has seen record asylum claims and homelessness soar, pushing many of these migrants into Northern Ireland. Ultimately neither neighbour possesses the political will or incentives to grip the crisis.

Time and again, the EU has proven geopolitically impotent. While we must continue to engage and cooperate with Brussels wherever we can  and I have travelled to more countries than anyone, seeking to build partnerships on illegal migration  we must confront the reality that nation states must act unilaterally when the vital national interest of border security is on the line.

Here the Government is pursuing our genuinely innovative Rwanda policy, which holds the potential to break the business model of people smuggling gangs if it is implemented at scale. Regrettably, it has thus far opted for the less robust legislation, with the aim of a few symbolic flights. Such a result would be a tragedy for the UK, consigning us to many more years of small boat crossings.

The European outlook is too bleak, our continental partners too divided and the stakes too high for anything other than the most determined approach.

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The EU has sent the final tranche of 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in macro-financial assistance for 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Dec. 21.

The tranche is part of an 18 billion euro ($19.6 billion) support package for 2023, known as the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) package for Ukraine, which was disbursed monthly throughout the year.

The package aims to assist Ukraine with paying for essential public services, maintaining macroeconomic stability, and restoring critical infrastructure destroyed by Russian attacks.

"We must find an agreement to keep providing Ukraine with the support it needs to recover, rebuild and reform," said von der Leyen.

Hungary blocked a 50 billion euro ($55 billion) package from the EU on Dec. 15, prompting EU leaders to strategize about how to overcome Hungary's obstructionism.

The European Council will reconvene in February to discuss the funding package.

While EU leaders said they would prefer to reach an unanimous decision, von der Leyen noted that alternative options are also considered in case Hungary continues to block the plan.

"It is also necessary to work on potential alternatives to have an operation solution... if unanimity is not possible," von der Leyen noted.

French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced confidence that the bloc's remaining members would be able to financially support Ukraine even without Orban's approval.

Read also: Dutch minister: If you dont stop Russia now, theyll go further. Its not just Ukraine

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(Bloomberg) -- The European Union should prepare to tap a little-used 80 billion ($88 billion) rescue fund to support Ukraines war against Russia as the flow of money from both sides of the Atlantic threatens to dry up, according to Finlands Olli Rehn.

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Set up on the Finnish central bankers watch to provide loans to distressed euro-area countries when he was EU economic affairs commissioner, the European Stability Mechanism could be at the center of a multi-year Plan B to assist Kyiv, he said.

We have no imminent need for the ESM in financial markets, but we have a profound urgency, an existential urgency in Ukraine, Rehn told Bloomberg in an interview on Thursday. Its a matter of freedom, democracy and the defense of Europe.

With President Volodymyr Zelenskiy failing to secure a guarantee of more US aid in Washington, and EU funding blocked, or at least delayed, by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Kyiv risks running out of money early next year to help it repel Russias invasion.

Finding funds fast is essential to contain Russian President Vladimir Putins threat and imperialist aspirations, Rehn said. US lawmakers have abandoned efforts to reach a deal this year on more than $60 billion in fresh assistance, and talks on the EUs 50 billion package have been pushed into February.

Im very concerned about Europes disunity and Hungarys veto, he said. Theres no time to waste, so the other 26 EU member states should quickly get their act together and prepare a Plan B without the consent of Hungary, which seems to be going its own way.

Rehn, who oversaw Europes economy as commissioner during the debt crisis and held the blocs enlargement portfolio before that, is intimately familiar with the EUs funding mechanisms and the aspirations of eastern member states. Most recently on the European Central Banks Governing Council, the 61-year-old is currently on leave from the Bank of Finland after joining the race to become the Nordic countrys president in next months election.

The ESM, set up in 2012, has until now been considered as a potential tool to support Ukraines reconstruction in deliberations among officials in Brussels and Berlin. The mechanism has the highest paid-in capital of any international institution, slightly more than 80 billion, and benefits from additional callable capital of about 620 billion, according to its managing director, Pierre Gramegna.

Rehn also proposed that a realistic and solid long-term strategy for the EU should include using the 260 billion in Russian Central Bank assets in the form of securities and cash frozen by the EU, Group of Seven nations and Australia. More than two-thirds of that is immobilized in the EU.

In a separate blow to attempted reforms of the ESM, the Italian lower house of parliament rejected their ratification on Thursday. The fund is politically toxic in Italy due to concerns over the risk of a restructuring of the nations mammoth public debt. Premier Giorgia Meloni has said Rome will never tap it, but EU peers have asked her to approve the backstop to allow other countries to access it.

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Four explosions were heard in the occupied city of Kerch, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported on Dec. 21.

The occupation authorities have also blocked traffic on the Crimean Bridge  their usual response when there are explosions close to the illegally built structure linking Russia to Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimea.

NV

Read also: Satellite photos show Russian occupiers are sinking ferries to protect Crimean bridge

A powerful explosion occurred on Oct. 8, 2022, at the Crimean Bridge, which Russia employs to deploy armored vehicles and military personnel to southern Ukraine, resulting in the collapse of several sections into the Kerch Strait.

The Kremlin regime accused Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence, of organizing the sabotage. However, Ukraines spy chief refuted these claims, dismissing them as baseless accusations.

Read also: Russia admits Crimean Bridge repairs will take longer as Ukraine vows it will never be the same

Ukraines SBU security service also attacked the Crimean Bridge on July 17, 2023, using Sea Baby drones. At the time, Russias puppet governor in Crimea Sergei Aksyonov declared an "emergency" and Russian social media groups reported serious damage to at least one span.

Later, the Russian Ministry of Transportation reported alleged damage to the roadway.

After the blasts in Crimea, the Russian occupation administration additionally fenced off the Crimean Bridge with "special anti-sabotage boom barriers" that could allegedly protect the facility from surface and underwater drones.

Read also: Crimean bridge is falling down  cracks appear on its pillars, photos

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A man has appeared in court charged with indecent assault after being extradited back to the UK.

Shahid Hussain was charged as part of the National Crime Agency's Operation Stovewood in 2018 but fled the country.

Originally from Rotherham, the 48-year-old was arrested in Bulgaria last month after trying to enter the country from Turkey.

After appearing before magistrates on Wednesday he was remanded to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 19 January.

Mr Hussain is alleged to have assaulted a 14-year-old girl in 2003.

Operation Stovewood, which began in 2014, investigates allegations of non-familial child sexual exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

In November it was announced that from the start of 2024 the inquiry would not start any new investigations.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.
Sean Chang did something in November that most travelers have done at least once or twice  he cut it a little too close for his flight. But unlike most travelers, the race to the boarding door ended in him having to crawl to his seat.

Chang said the security line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was unusually long on Nov. 3, and he wound up getting to his gate with only about 10 minutes to spare before departure.

For most travelers, those 10 minutes would result in a sigh of relief, but Chang is paraplegic, and getting to the gate by such a narrow margin only led to more complications.

I was told, hey, there is no aisle chair ready for you,  Chang told USA TODAY. Because he relies on a wheelchair to get around, he requires special assistance to board flights. Normally hes able to reserve an aisle chair in advance. But Chang said this time, his request for aid didnt show up with his reservation. Delta Air Lines confirmed it didnt receive the request.

Delta said it offered to accommodate Chang on a later flight, but he said that wasnt a good option for him, either.

Like many travelers with mobility limitations, Chang stops eating and drinking about 24 hours before flying because airplane bathrooms arent accessible to him. He said delaying his travel plans would mean going even longer without food or water.

Sean Chang at home with his wheelchair.

Chang said Deltas gate agent told him he could board the flight by any means, and he said he would crawl to his seat if he had to.

Am I really going to have to crawl to get to my seat? Chang said. Its extremely humiliating, especially being on the floor and everybodys above you looking down.

Ultimately, that was how Chang chose to board the flight. Delta acknowledged the incident in a statement to USA TODAY and said its policy allows customers to decide how to board the aircraft if assistance isnt available.

Although Delta employees offered to move the customer to a direct flight less than 1.5 hours later to allow for proper boarding assistance, the customer opted to board himself, the statement said. To provide you with the best service, we recommend customers in need of mobility assistance share this information ahead of their journey, a feature available on delta.com and in the Fly Delta App.

The airline also said it has complaint resolution officers available at every airport to help address the needs of travelers with disabilities. However, its staff found no violation occurred in Changs case because he voluntarily chose how to board his flight.

For Chang, the incident just highlighted how inaccessible air travel can be.

We need to make sure disabled people have rights, equal rights, he said, adding that he thinks airlines need to face harsher financial penalties when travel goes wrong for people with disabilities.

Cruising Altitude: Parents, enough with gifts on flights: Here's who deserves a present.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the DOT is considering new rules that would make these kinds of incidents more costly for airlines and has previously made statements agreeing with Changs position.

Buttigieg said airlines need to face tougher economic incentives, including possible lawsuits from disabled travelers who are mistreated. Currently, individual flyers are not able to sue airlines directly.

Chang said that although Delta refunded his flights and provided him with miles and vouchers for compensation, he feels airlines still have a lot of room for improvement.

I wanted to be compensated for something you cant put a price on, he said.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Traveler who crawled to his plane seat says airlines need to do better
Vibrant greens and swirling yellows, film stars, birds and architecture: Bangladesh's bicycle rickshaw drivers have for decades used their transport as a unique moving canvas of urban folk art.

But many fear that despite being added by the United Nations cultural agency this month to its list of intangible cultural heritage, the colourful craft is fading in the face of faster, modern motorised rickshaws.

Rickshaw mechanic Mohammad Sabuj, 40, says he is mourning the decline in the "beautiful" paintings, which adorn the vehicles' carriage covers, seats and footrests.

"It has become rare nowadays," he said. "When I was younger, rickshaws were full of colourful art and designs -- but nowadays the trend has fallen."

Rickshaw driver Shahid Ullah, 72, has been pedalling his bike for half a century through the congested and narrow streets of Dhaka, a city of around 20 million people.

But as people switch to cars and buses for transport -- or motorised Chinese-made rickshaws without the same space on the frame to carry the art -- his trade is disappearing.

- Dying art -

Ullah welcomed the UNESCO decision this month to recognise the art, which it called a "key part of the city's cultural tradition and a dynamic form of urban folk art, providing inhabitants with a sense of shared identity".

The rickshaw art was one of dozens of practices that made UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list on December 6, alongside Italian opera singing, Peru's ceviche seafood dish, Thailand's Songkran New Year festival and Ivory Coast's traditional loincloth weaving.

"It's a good thing for us," Ullah said. "We feel proud."

UNESCO South Asia chief Tim Curtis said that rickshaw painting was "under threat", and that the listing would help boost the craft by "finding innovative and sustainable ways of keeping this living heritage alive".

Increasing costs of fuel and other basic goods have hit the craft hard, said mechanic Sabuj.

"Drivers need to pay more to the rickshaw owners than before and the design also requires more money now," he said.

Depending on the complexity of the design, painting costs between $45-$90 -- as much as a third of the cost of a new bicycle rickshaw, which costs around $230-270.

Painting costs are usually borne by the owner, who rents bikes out to drivers.

A new motorised rickshaw is more expensive -- between $750-900 -- but they are seen as earning a quicker return.

Abdul Motaleb, another rickshaw driver, said people admired the art but still used modern transport including the packed metro system.

"People prefer faster vehicles," Motaleb said.

Rickshaw artist Hanif Pappu, 62, said the number of youngsters coming to learn the trade had slumped.

"Now no one sends their children to learn this art," he said. "They see that the trainers themselves are starving."

For Pappu, the UNESCO listing will not halt the decline.

"It came too late," he said. "Rickshaw painting is dying in the country."

- 'Raw creation' -

With the rickshaws weaving through the chaotic roads of Dhaka, Pappu said the paintings were a roving art exhibition carrying the creator's message to a mobile audience.

"Look at this, it's a message of peace," he said, pointing to a painting of a tranquil rural scene with birds and a house that he said was a reminder in the busy city of the countryside many had left behind to find jobs.

"It's a message of a happy family," he added. "We try to give such messages in our work."

He is proud of the colourful creations, which he has been painting since he was a boy, recalling how movie posters were once popular designs.

"It is a heritage of Bangladesh," he said. "It is our own raw creation."

But Pappu worries for the future.

"I could have left this work for the sufferings I faced, but I didn't because I feel it is now mixed with my blood. Will anyone stay in this profession for 55 years like I did?" he said.

"If this trend continues, this industry will vanish. It won't survive."

mma/sa/pjm/sco/cwl
A woman is accused of posing as a Waffle House employee before stealing cash from the register, Georgia authorities say.

Now police need help finding her.

Officers arrived just after 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, on a report of a theft that occurred the night before at the restaurant in Riverdale, according to a police report obtained by McClatchy News.

A manager told police that a woman wearing a Waffle House uniform showed up around 7 p.m. and said she would be working the evening shift. The employee worked for two hours before taking $130 from the cash register and leaving, the manager told police.

Management didnt realize the money was missing until the next morning.

On Dec. 19, police released a surveillance photo of the fake worker in hopes that someone might recognize her.

The manager told police its possible the woman worked at another Waffle House location where a similar theft occurred.

The woman remained on the run as of Thursday, Dec. 21.

Riverdale is about 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta.

Waffle House customer shoots, kills man accused of threatening patrons, AL cops say

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Teen robs Pizza Hut delivery driver, then brags about it on Instagram, Texas cops say
A man was found asleep in a strangers home after deputies say he caused a deadly crash in the familys front yard, according to Texas authorities and news reports.

The incident reportedly happened at 3 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, in Harris County

The male driver was believed to be intoxicated while driving at a high rate of speed, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. The driver drove over a bayou before landing in front of a home.

Gonzalez called it quite the crash scene.

Authorities said the driver broke glass of the strangers home and passed out in a bedroom, KTRK reported.

I imagine its very scary  3 oclock in the morning, youre hearing what sounds like a horrific car crash and then broken glass. Very traumatic for them, Sgt. B. Bondurant told KTRK. Theres no reason why a sober and prudent driver wouldnt have stopped after going airborne. This individual does not stop, which leads us to believe that there is intoxication involved.

The family called 911 when they found the man in their home, authorities told KHOU. He was taken into custody and is expected to be charged with intoxication manslaughter when he is released from the hospital.

A woman in the crashed BMW was pronounced dead at the scene, KPRC reported.

Authorities have not released the identities of the victim and accused driver.
By Bassam Massoud and Maggie Fick

GAZA/LONDON (Reuters) - In the morgue of the Nasser Hospital, in southern Gaza, workers wrap the corpses of people killed in Israeli airstrikes in white cloth amid the stench of death. They record whatever basic facts they can about the dead: name, identity card number, age, sex.

Some of the bodies are badly mutilated. Only those that have been identified or claimed by relatives can go for burial and be included in the Gaza Health Ministry's death toll for the war. The rest are stored in the morgue's refrigerator, often for weeks.

The toll reached 20,057 people on Friday, amid renewed international calls for a fresh ceasefire in Gaza. The ministry says thousands more dead remain buried beneath the rubble. About 70% of those killed are women and children, it says.

The ministry's figures have drawn international attention to the high number of civilians being killed in the Israeli military's offensive, which it launched after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the bloodiest in the country's 75-year history.

But with most hospitals across Gaza now closed, hundreds of doctors and other health workers killed, and communications hampered by lack of fuel and electricity, it's becoming increasingly difficult to compile the casualty figures.

The morgue workers at the Nasser Hospital are part of an international effort  including doctors and health officials in Gaza as well as academics, activists and volunteers around the world  to ensure the toll doesn't become a casualty of the increasingly dire conditions of the war.

The workers, some of them volunteers, do not have enough food or water for their families, but they keep going because recording the number of Palestinians dying matters to them, said Hamad Hassan Al Najjar.

He said the psychological strain of the work was immense. Holding a piece of white paper with handwritten information about one of the dead, the 42-year-old said he was often shocked to find the badly damaged corpse of a friend or relative brought in.

The body of the morgue's director, Saeed Al-Shorbaji, and those of several of his family members, arrived in early December, after they were killed in an Israeli airstrike, Al Najjar said.

"He was one of the pillars of this morgue," said Al Najjar, his face worn with sadness and fatigue. Preparing the bodies of dead children, some of them missing heads or limbs, was the most painful task: "It takes you hours to recover your psychological balance, to recover from the effects of this shock."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expressed regret for civilian deaths but blamed Hamas  the Palestinian militant group that ran the Gaza Strip - for sheltering in densely populated areas. Hamas gunmen killed 1,200 people in the Oct. 7 attack, most of them civilians, and seized some 240 hostages.

Israel says it will continue its offensive until Hamas is eliminated, the hostages returned and the threat of future attacks on Israel removed.

An Israeli military spokesperson said in response to a comment request for this article that the IDF "follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm".

U.N. VOUCHES FOR THE DATA

The data recorded by Al Najjar and his colleagues is collated by workers at a central information centre set up by the health ministry at the Nasser Hospital, which pools information from the functioning emergency departments and hospitals across Gaza. Ministry staff fled their offices at Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza after Israeli forces entered it in mid-November.

Ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra, a 50-year-old doctor, said the team uses a computerized data system established in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO), which obliges hospital workers to fill in mandatory information before a death can be registered.

"The numbers used by the Ministry of Health reflect verified data," said Al-Qidra, noting that many bodies were not being recorded due to lack of information or because they did pass through hospitals before burial. In Al-Shifa hospital, for example, there were currently no staff so no deaths were being recorded, he said: "The real numbers (of casualties) are much greater than this."

Since early December, the ministry has said it was unable to collect regular reports from morgues at hospitals in northern Gaza, amid the collapse of communications services and other infrastructure in Gaza due to the Israeli offensive. According to the WHO, only six of Gaza's 36 hospitals were receiving casualties as of Wednesday, all of them in the south.

The U.N. health agency cited this as one reason it believes the ministry's tally may be an undercount; the toll also excludes dead who were never taken to hospitals or whose bodies were never recovered. The WHO and other experts said it was not possible for now to determine the extent of any undercounting.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Oct. 25 he had "no confidence" in the Palestinian data. The ministry's figures say nothing about cause of death, and they don't distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Following Biden's remark, the ministry released a 212-page report listing 7,028 people killed in the conflict until Oct. 26, including identity cards, names, age and sex. Since then, the ministry has not released such detailed data, making it hard for researchers to corroborate the latest figures.

However, the United Nations  which has long-standing cooperation with Palestinian health authorities - continues to vouch for the quality of the data. The WHO noted that  compared to previous conflicts in Gaza  the figures show more civilians have been killed, including a greater proportion of women and children.

Israeli officials this month said they believe the data released to date is broadly accurate; they have estimated that one third of those killed in Gaza are enemy combatants, without providing detailed figures.

The Palestinian Health Ministry, which is located in the occupied West Bank and pays the salaries of Gazan ministry workers, said it has lost almost all contact recently with hospitals in the enclave. It also has no information on the fate of several hundred health workers arrested by Israeli forces, it added.

Asked about the arrests, the IDF said it had detained some hospital staff based on intelligence that Hamas was using medical facilities for its operations. Those not involved in these activities were released after questioning, it said, without providing the number of detainees.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS

Academics, advocates and volunteers across Europe, the United States and India are working to analyse the data provided by the Gaza Health Ministry, to corroborate the details of those killed and determine the numbers of civilian casualties.

Much of this is based on the Oct. 26 list that includes names, identity card numbers, and other details. Some other researchers, meanwhile, are "scraping" social media to preserve accounts posted there for future analysis.

"There are far more eyes and players involved in recording Gaza deaths than is normal and than exist in the world's other worst crises", said Leslie Roberts, Professor Emeritus of Population and Family Health at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. Roberts has been involved in more than 50 mortality surveys during wars since the early 1990s.

London-based Airwars  a non-profit affiliated with the department of media and communications at Goldsmiths, University of London, that investigates civilian deaths in conflicts - is using social media and the ministry's Oct. 26 document to compile a detailed record of casualties.

Airwars director Emily Tripp said some 20 volunteers were working on the project alongside regular staff, and so far it had positively identified some 900 civilians killed in the fighting. Even if the fighting stopped today, it could take another year to finish the survey, she said.

"What we're also seeing now is civilians who've been killed who are displaced from other areas, so they're not easily identified by their neighbors," Tripp told Reuters. "That makes the process of counting and identification really challenging."

Zeina Jamaluddine, a doctoral student at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, co-authored an analysis last month in the Lancet medical journal based on the health ministry's Oct. 26 list. The study concluded that the identification numbers of those listed as killed were highly correlated with age, a pattern unlikely to arise from data fabrication.

She said the Palestinian health authorities' systems for collecting data had been tested over multiple wars and revised through United Nations-backed efforts: "While no data is 100% perfect, Palestine has high quality data."

While excess mortality experts have tools for calculating total deaths after conflicts end, there are challenges to doing so and the final post-war toll could end up being incomplete unless deaths are recorded to the greatest extent possible in real time, she said.

"Every name on the list represents a person, a life, a story. Each one deserves to be remembered."

ENTIRE FAMILIES KILLED

Researchers use methods such as surveys of households after a conflict is over to estimate the overall toll.

Household surveys could be difficult following this conflict because in some cases entire families have been killed by bombardments  sometimes dozens of members, according to the Oct. 26 list. More than four-fifth of Gaza's pre-war population has fled their homes - 1.9 million people, according to U.N. figures - and may be difficult to locate, experts say.

But given how close-knit Gazan society is, there is hope that such studies could eventually be conducted in a meaningful way, said Hamit Dardagan of the Iraq Body Count (IBC), an organisation that records violent deaths resulting from the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The IBC has already published an analysis on age and other characteristics of those killed in Gaza, based on the ministry's Oct. 26 data.

"The pace of civilian deaths - at least 200 each day since October 7, except for the week-long truce - is unprecedented this century, and was not seen at height of the Iraq invasion," Dardagan said.

It will take years to recover the remains of people from beneath the rubble, and the costly, technical process will not result in the identification of each body, said Dr Gilbert Burnham, a doctor and professor at Johns Hopkins University who has worked since the 1970s on humanitarian health problems in wars.

In addition to the dead, the ministry says there have been more than 53,300 people wounded in the conflict. The WHO points to the growing risk of disease due to a lack of clean water, food and medical attention.

Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta, a British-Palestinian surgeon who volunteered in two hospitals in northern Gaza for the first six weeks of the war, said some people were dying because of lack of treatment of open wounds.

"The death toll is a poor proxy of human suffering", said Dr Annie Sparrow, a pediatrician who has worked with medics treating the wounded in the Syrian civil war for more than a decade and is an Associate Professor of Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

But the use of records to fight the fear of erasure runs deep in Palestinian culture, said Abdel Razzaq Takriti, associate professor of Modern Arab History at Rice University in Texas. He quoted from a poem by prominent Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish: "You will be forgotten as if you never were".

Takriti said many Palestinians see the Gaza war as part of a history of conflict and displacement by Israeli forces dating back to the Nakba  or catastrophe in Arabic  when more than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes in what is now Israel during the war over the formation of the country in 1948.

"For the sake of the present, future, and the past, we need to have an accurate rendition of numbers," Takriti said.

(Reporting by Bassam Massoud in Gaza and Maggie Fick in London; Additional reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Ali Sawafta in Ramallah, Frank Jack Daniel and Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Jana Choukeir in Dubai and Emma Farge in Geneva; Writing by Maggie Fick; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
Seattle Childrens Hospital filed a lawsuit against the Texas Attorney General earlier this month, over a dispute related to the medical records of Texas residents who may have sought gender-affirming medical care in Washington.

Earlier in 2023, Texas enacted legislation banning trans kids from receiving puberty blocks and hormone therapy. As part of that, the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (OAG) submitted a filing demanding that Seattle Childrens hand over medical information on Texas patients who might have received gender-affirming care at the hospital. The OAG also asked for the total number of kids from Texas being treated at the hospital.

The OAGs filing says that failing to comply would come with a misdemeanor criminal charge along with a $5,000 fine or up to a year in jail.

That led to Seattle Childrens filing a lawsuit on Dec. 7, citing a Washington shield law signed into law in April 2023. It bars local agencies, companies, or private entities from cooperating with any state seeking civil or criminal action against people seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care in Washington.

Seattle Childrens further asserts that the OAGs demands represent an unconstitutional attempt to investigate and chill potential interstate commerce and travel for Texas residents seeking care in another state.

The hospitals lawsuit asks for a reasonable extension of time to respond and requests modification of the scope of the requests from the OAG.




A central part of Donald Trumps plan should he return to the White House is to dismantle the deep state, getting rid of the federal government workers who might stand in the way of his broader agenda.

Allies of those civil servants are already gearing up for a fight.

With less than a year left until next falls election, President Joe Bidens administration, lawmakers and advocacy groups are already trying to stop the return of a short-lived executive order dubbed Schedule F. Its well known within the federal government but not to the broader public  and theyre focused on changing that.

In the final weeks of his time in the White House, Trump signed Schedule F, which stripped job protections from career officials in policy roles throughout the bureaucracy and made it significantly easier for a president to fire civil servants.

Advocates are focusing on two paths to stop Schedule F or a similar initiative. One is an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulation, introduced in September, that would both tighten job securities for civil servants and limit the positions that could have those protections removed.

The second is a legislative effort led by Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., along with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., that would require congressional approval for any plan to create new employee designations within the federal workforce.

In addition, advocacy groups, including the self-described pro-democracy nonprofit groups whose impact grew following Trumps attempt to overturn the 2020 election, are joining forces to shape messaging about the issue, raise awareness of the potential shakeup and define the stakes of the fight.

But it may not be enough.

Absolutely not, Connolly said when asked whether the broader anti-Trump apparatus had become fully activated around the potential return of Schedule F. This cant just be a concern for federal [employee] unions, federal employees and stray members of Congress.

Connollys district, just outside Washington, is home to a large number of federal employees.

Ive been sounding the alarm bell on this since Trump was president, Connolly said. And I dont think theres sufficient appreciation of what a threat this poses.

Those hopeful that a future Republican president will dramatically overhaul the civil service believe they have their opponents backs up against the wall, with neither the OPM rulemaking nor the legislative effort seen as a real threat.

For starters, the legislative effort has yet to make it through Congress. And while the new OPM regulation, which hasnt been finalized, looks as if it could make a more immediate impact, its viewed as more a speed bump than a roadblock for Republicans, whose only delay would be to have to go through the formal process of repealing it. Thats if its not defeated in court earlier as part of a legal battle some on the right suggest they will seek.

Theyre smart and capable, and I understand why they are doing this regulation, James Sherk, a former Trump administration official who conceived of the idea for Schedule F, said of its opponents. It is what I would recommend if I were in their shoes. At the same time, I dont think this rulemaking is going to delay Schedule Fs potential reinstatement very much, even if a court does not strike it down. Theyve got a very weak hand.

In a statement, Viet Tran, an OPM spokesperson, said the office will issue a final rule in the spring after it responds to public comments, which closed last month.

OPM is committed to clarifying the civil service protections that apply to career civil servants, which exist to promote a non-partisan, merit-based federal workforce, Tran said.

Everyone is definitely paying attention

Reimplementing Schedule F would be one of the most consequential initial moves a future GOP administration could make.

As president, Trump was routinely outraged that officials in his own government  some of whom he had nominated  investigated his ties to Russia or appeared to stymie his policy initiatives. Now, he and his allies are working to ensure a potential second administration is different from the get-go.

When he announced his ten-point plan to dismantle the deep state this year, his top policy point was reinstituting the Schedule F executive order. (The second was Overhaul federal departments and agencies, firing all of the corrupt actors in our National Security and Intelligence apparatus.)

At the same time, the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, aims to build a database of as many as 20,000 potential future administration officials by the end of next year. Kevin Roberts, the president of Heritage, told The New York Times that the goal is to flood the zone with conservative personnel in a way the right didnt do after Trumps 2016 victory.

Civil servants, unlike the roughly 4,000 political appointees a president is allowed to replace, are afforded stronger employment protections under the premise that the government needs apolitical staffers to serve as in-house experts under presidents of both parties and ensure that the mechanics of government function properly.

Trump isnt alone in wanting to dramatically change the civil service, with other GOP presidential candidates, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, either embracing Schedule F or alternative ideas to curtail the career workforce. But for years Trump has led the charge to delegitimize the idea of an impartial bureaucracy, lambasting it as the deep state since the onset of his presidency.

Its in this environment  one that also features Trump looking as strong in polling as he has at any point since he announced his first run in 2015  that opponents of the effort seek to elevate the issue and safeguard the civil service.

Among the roughly 4,000 public comments submitted both for and against the OPM rule was a letter led by the nonprofit group Democracy Forward, a legal services organization, that was signed by 27 advocacy groups and stakeholders backing the new rulemaking and condemning efforts to strip civil service protections.

Skye Perryman, the president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said the letter shows that a broad and diverse coalition is lining up to prevent a future administration from purging the professional civil service in favor of political loyalists.

Everyone is definitely paying attention, she said.

Though it generated more than 4,000 comments, the proposed regulatory change didnt generate the same level of buzz as other Biden administration initiatives going through the regulatory process. As Semafor reported Sunday, a new Environmental Protection Agency regulation on power plants garnered more than 60,000 comments within weeks, boosted by an Instagram influencer who promoted the change to her followers.

I dont think it has punctured the publics consciousness, said Jeff Hauser, the founder and director of the Revolving Door Project, a signer of the Democracy Forward letter. The abstraction of the deep state from Trump has been very effective. And I think that defenders of civil servants have been far too vague.

Finding the right message

Of course, one difficulty is that the issue is still theoretical: Biden rescinded Schedule F, and it would come to be only if Trump or another Republican wins the White House next fall.

But another issue is what Hauser sees as the ineffective way Schedule Fs opponents are framing the problem. Some of the messaging has been centered on stopping a return to the spoils system, in which government jobs were handed to partisan backers, friends and family members. That system was greatly reformed by the end of the 19th century.

Hauser says that analogy most likely falls flat for people who think Washington, D.C., has already been bought and paid for.

And in general, Biden and Democrats  but also Republicans who disagree with Trump on this  need to lift up what it is that the government does for people that is helpful, he said. This country is seriously less polluted than it was 50 years ago. The water is much cleaner, the air is much cleaner, and peoples life expectancy is significantly higher due to the efforts of government bureaucrats. And if no one tells that story, I dont think we can be surprised that people arent aware of it.

Sherk, the former Trump administration official who is now with the America First Policy Institute, a think tank led by a number of Trump administration veterans, said the pushback from opponents suggesting the U.S. could return to the spoils system should Trump succeed in remaking the federal bureaucracy is laughable on its face.

Fifty thousand political appointees  could you tell me where an administration could find 50,000 qualified political appointees? he said. Trump didnt even fill all the political positions he had available to him. Neither has Biden, for that matter. We were getting criticized from our own side for leaving political slots vacant. If President Trump wanted more political appointments, he could have done that, easily, under the current system. But the goal with Schedule F was quite different  accountability for the career workforce.

Since he left the White House, Sherk has published accounts relayed by Trumps political appointees of career employees resisting his policies. In a comment he submitted as part of the OPM rulemaking, Sherk said many of the issues he sees within the federal workforce stem from the hiring procedures and employment protections provided.

They make it difficult to hire the best candidates and prohibitively difficult to dismiss employees for all but the worst offenses, he wrote.

But advocates for the current system say the criticism is misguided, adding that there are procedures for lackluster performance and that some of Trumps issues with officials carrying out his agenda were tied to people he chose, not career staffers.

It is true that there were policy goals that Trump had as president that were not implemented, Hauser said. But that was usually because courts dominated by Republican judges ruled his efforts to be illegal.

The issue is likely to play a role on the campaign trail, with Trump putting it front and center as part of his efforts to seek retribution against the deep state, while the Biden campaign is likely to incorporate it in a broader discussion of what it sees as Trumps efforts to erode democracy at home.

Kaine, the senator who is helping lead the legislative effort, praised the OPM rulemaking as useful in at least slowing down a future GOP administration while calling for a legislative fix. He said he would like to see the issue get more attention as part of the presidential campaign.

I think he should, Kaine said when he was asked about Bidens talking up the fight on the campaign trail. And look, President Trump is going to make a big deal out of it.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Finland will provide Ukraine with a new aid package worth EUR 106 million ($116.5 million), the country's Defense Ministry announced on Dec. 21.

This will be Finlands 21st shipment of military aid provided to Ukraine.

Read also: Finland to investigate neo-Nazi Yan Petrovsky's war crimes

Finland is committed to supporting Ukraine in the short and long term, said Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen.

The total value of defense equipment packages we have provided now amounts to EUR 1.6 billion ($1.76 billion), said Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen.

Read also: Finland to reopen two border crossings with Russia

The ministry explained that for security reasons, details about the contents of the aid package, the method, or delivery schedule are not disclosed.

On Nov. 17, Finland delivered the 20th military aid package to Ukraine, valued at EUR 100 million.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Finland will deliver military aid amounting to 106 million euros ($116 million), the Finnish Defense Ministry announced on Dec. 21.

Details of the delivery were not made public "for operational reasons and in order to guarantee the safe delivery of the aid," but the package takes into account "both the needs of Ukraine and the resource situation" of Finland's Armed Forces, the Defense Ministry said.

"Finland is committed to supporting Ukraine in both the short and long term," Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said.

Finland has so far delivered 1.6 billion euros ($1.76 billion) worth of military aid to Ukraine, according to the ministry.

Russia has made multiple thinly-veiled threats to Finland over the last week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Dec. 17 that Finland is "now going to have problems" because it joined NATO.

Finland joined NATO in March 2023, after applying for membership in May 2022 following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In an interview with state-run television, Putin promised that Russia would create a "Leningrad military district" on the border with Finland and concentrate forces there.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Dec. 19 that the U.S.-Finland bilateral defense cooperation deal signed on Dec. 18 will not go "unanswered."

The deal strengthens mutual defense ties and gives the U.S. access to 15 Finnish military facilities, including four air bases and one naval base.

"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," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Read also: Finland reports eastern border stable after re-closing crossing points

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The President of Finland, on the proposal of the Finnish government, has approved the provision of another military aid package to Ukraine.

Source: Finnish Ministry of Defence, reported by European Pravda

Details: This package of military assistance to Ukraine is the 21st for Finland since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. They stated that it is worth approximately 106 million.

"Finland is committed to supporting Ukraine in both the short and long term. The total value of the defence equipment packages we have already delivered is 1.6 billion," commented Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen.

Traditionally, Finland does not disclose details of the contents of the package or the timing of its delivery to Ukraine "for operational reasons and to ensure the safe delivery of the aid".

Background: Finland announced its previous military aid package for about 100 million in November.

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SAN DIEGO  A fire erupted at a trailer park in San Ysidro Thursday morning, San Diego police confirmed to FOX 5.

The fire was reported around 6:20 a.m. in Mobile Village Park at 181 Willow Road. According to San Diego Fire-Rescue, the first units arrived at 6:28 a.m. A total of 29 personnel responded to the fire, including two trucks and four engines.

Upon arrival, crews discovered one trailer in the park that was fully engulfed in flames. SkyFOX, who was over the fire around 6:45 a.m., caught a large plume of smoke coming from the fire that can be seen from the Interstate 5.

A woman who lived in the trailer was inside when the fire broke out, but she was able to make it out safely. No injuries to residents or crews have been reported as of 7:30 a.m.

Evacuations for the surrounding area were briefly called as SDFD worked to contain the flames.

The home where the flames originated was fully destroyed and a neighboring trailer sustained moderate damage. About five to six people living in the trailers have been displaced and are being assisted by Red Cross, SDFD said.

An investigation into what ignited the fire remains ongoing, although fire officials told FOX 5 that it may have been caused by a space heater malfunction.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
(FOX40.COM)  An elderly dog was rescued from a deep canal on Wednesday by the help of some Yuba County based fire agencies, according to CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit.

At 2:47 p.m., crews with the Smartsville Fire Protection District responded to rescue the dog along with CAL FIRE NEU members from CAL FIRE Station 40.

Smartsville Fire Protection District

Smartsville Fire Protection District

Fire crews used a 20 foot ladder and a dog harness to successfully retrieve the dog from the canal with no injuries to the dog or the firefighters.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Firefighters responded to a second-alarm fire in Miami County Thursday morning.

Miami County Dispatch confirmed firefighters were called to battle the fire at an apartment building in the 1100 block of Sanlor Avenue.

>> Firefighters respond to house fire in Dayton

Fire crews from West Milton along with mutual aid from Union, Tipp City, and Ludlow Falls responded to the fire, according to a social media post from the West Milton Fire Company.

News Center 7 will continue updating this story as we learn more.

YOUR West Milton Firefighters along with mutual aid from Union, Tipp City and Ludlow Falls are currently operating in... Posted by West Milton Fire Company on Thursday, December 21, 2023








Olena Zelenska talked about the video meeting with the participants of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska wrote in a Telegram post on Dec. 21 about the support for Ukraine provided by the participants of the third First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit and how they were inspired by the event.

Read also: Olena Zelenska tells Asian media about how full-scale war has changed President Zelenskyy

The year-end video meeting of the First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit has taken place, Olena Zelenska said. The participants of the video meeting were the husband of the Prime Minister of Denmark, Bo Tengberg, the First Lady of Estonia, Sirje Karis, the First Lady of Serbia, Tamara Vucic, and others. They shared what projects in Ukraine and about Ukraine they are supporting and what results they have achieved over the past year.

The husband of the Prime Minister of Denmark and filmmaker Bo Tengberg is working on a documentary series about the impact of the war on Mykolaiv and its residents, the First Lady of Estonia is working on cooperation with Zhytomyr Oblast, the wife of the Prime Minister of Spain, Maria Begona Gomez Fernandez, reported on the active work of the embassies of Ukraine and Spain to integrate Ukrainian children into Spanish society, and the husband of the President of Slovenia, Ales Musar, reported on the first stage of training Ukrainian trainers in Moldova to provide psychosocial assistance to children.

@ /Telegram

Read also: First Lady responds to Klitschkos veiled criticism of Zelenskyy

"The Summit is becoming a permanent platform ready to respond to the humanitarian challenges of today," Zelenska said.

We can say that this is our renewed mission. And as we have already found out, the challenges facing all people of the world are very similar. Our Summit has already found its own formula for resilience: in cooperation, shared values, and helping those in need. Let's keep working.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The hedgehog family tree is ending 2023 by getting a few more branches. A study published December 21 in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society identified five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs native to Southeast Asia that were found with the help of some DNA analysis and some decades-old museum specimens.

[Related: Why Danish citizen scientists were on a quest to find the oldest European hedgehog .]

Fur instead of spines

Soft-furred hedgehogsor gymnures are tiny mammals that are members of the hedgehog family. Instead of being covered in spines like other hedgehogs, they have soft fur. Hedgehogs are not rodents and they have a pointy snout like their relatives. Previously, scientists believed that there were only two species, but this new study increased that number to seven.

These newly-identified species belong to a group of soft-furred hedgehogs called Hylomys that live in Southeast Asia. Two of the hedgehogs are entirely new species of soft-furred hedgehog. They are named Hylomys vorax and Hylomys macarong and both are endemic to an endangered and incredibly biodiverse tropical rainforest in North Sumatra and Southern Vietnam called the Leuser ecosystem .

It might be surprising for people to hear that there are still undiscovered mammals out there. But there is a lot we dont knowespecially the smaller nocturnal animals that can be difficult to tell apart from one another." -Evolutionary biologist Arlo Hinckley

H. macarong has dark brown fur and is about 5.5 inches long. It was named for a Vietnamese word for vampire Ma ca rongsince the males have fang-like incisors. Further field study is needed to figure out what these fangs do, but their larger size suggests that it could have a role in sexual selection. The males also have rust-colored chest markings that may have been stained by scent glands.

H. vorax is slightly smaller at 4.7 inches long and also has dark fur. It has a black tail and a very narrow snout. It is believed to only be found on the slopes of Mount Leuser in Northern Sumatra. It was named after a description made by mammalogist Frederick Ulmer , who collected the specimens during an expedition to Sumatra in 1939. Ulmer identified it as a type of shrew in his field notes.

They were voracious beasts often devouring the whole bait before springing the trap, Ulmer wrote . Ham rind, coconut, meat, and walnuts were eaten. One shrew partially devoured the chicken head bait of a steel trap before getting caught in a nearby Schuyler trap baited with ham rind.

The other three have been promoted from subspecies up to species. A subspecies is a smaller group within a species. They are genetically distinct from other groups within that same species, but can still interbreed and produce viable offspring. These three were initially considered to be a subspecies of Hylomys suillus, but the study found enough genetic and physical differences for them to be upgraded to species. They are named Hylomys dorsalis, Hylomys peguensis and Hylomys maxi.

H. dorsalis lives in Northern Borneos mountains and has a dark stripe on its head that bisects its back.

Hylomys dorsalis seen in the wild on Mount Murud, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia. CREDIT: Quentin Martinez, www.quentinmartinez.fr , all rights reserved.

H. peguensis is only 5.1 inches long with more yellow fur and can be found in many countries in mainland Southeast Asia.

Hylomys peguensis photographed in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. CREDIT: Charoenchai Tothaisong, CC BY-NC 4.0 DEED



True to its name, H. maxi is also on the larger end of the new species of soft-furred hedgehogs at 5.5 inches and can be found in mountainous regions on the Malay Peninsula and in Sumatra.

Hylomys maxi seen in the wild in West Malaysia. CREDIT: David Awcock.

According to study co-author and evolutionary biologist Arlo Hinckley , soft-furred hedgehogs generally look more like a mixture between a mouse and a shrew , since they do not have the spines of their cousins' spines. These small mammals are generally active during both the day and night and are omnivores. They likely eat a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates, and fruit if it is available.

Based on the lifestyles of their close relatives and field observations, these hedgehogs likely nest in hollows and take cover while foraging among tree roots, fallen logs, rocks, grassy areas, undergrowth and leaf litter, Hinckley said in a statement . But, because theyre so understudied, we are limited to speculate about the details of their natural history.

Hinckley is a postdoctoral fellow at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC and the University of Seville in Spain.

Digging in museum drawers

During his doctoral studies in 2016, Hinckley became interested in the soft-furred hedgehogs. After studying them in Borneo with study co-author Miguel Camacho Sanchez, their early genetic data and studies of many known populations in Southeast Asia suggested that there may be more species than scientists currently recognize. They began to search through natural history collections in search of specimens assigned to this group. Many soft-furred hedgehogs were only preserved skins and skulls.

[Related: Why preserving museum specimens is so vital for science .]

We were only able to identify these new hedgehogs thanks to museum staff that curated these specimens across countless decades and their original field collectors, said Hinckley .

The H. vorax specimen was from the Smithsonians collection and sat in a drawer for 84 years. H. macarong spent the last 62 years at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia. Hinckley and the studys co-authors from institutions in the United States, Switzerland, Singapore, Spain, and Malaysia ultimately assembled 232 physical specimens and 85 tissue samples from across the Hylomys group. They made detailed physical observations of and collected measurements to determine the differences in size and shape of skulls, teeth, and their fur.

They then started the genetic analysis at the Donana Biological Stations ancient DNA laboratory in Spain and the Smithsonians Laboratories of Analytical Biology. The results identified seven distinct genetic lineages and indicated that the number of recognized species in the group was about to increase.

[Related: A key to lizard evolution was buried in a museum cupboard for 70 years .]

It might be surprising for people to hear that there are still undiscovered mammals out there, Hawkins said. But there is a lot we dont knowespecially the smaller nocturnal animals that can be difficult to tell apart from one another.

The team hopes that describing these new species can expand scientific understanding and be used to conserve threatened habitats such as Northern Sumatras Leuser ecosystem. This region faces threats from logging, mining, the fragmentation of forests by road projects, and climate change.

This kind of study can help governments and organizations make hard choices about where to prioritize conservation funding to maximize biodiversity, Hinckley said.
A hiker was found with the help of a flashing light after falling more than 1,200 feet down a ravine in the Olympic National Forest over the weekend.

The 30-year-old man was hiking on Saturday with another individual when he fell down a ravine on Mt. Ellinor, according to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island.

The person he was hiking with was unable to find him after the fall.

Mt. Ellinor is nearly 6,000 feet in elevation at its summit, according to the US Forest Service.

A search and rescue crew with NAS Whidbey Island was launched around 6:20 p.m. in an attempt to locate the hiker, the station said.

When crews couldnt locate the hiker near the top of Mt. Ellinor, they began searching about 1,000 feet down from the top where they saw an avalanche runout.

Crews spotted a flashing light that helped guide them to the missing hiker, according to NAS Whidbey Island.

The crew worked quickly to rescue the hiker, concerned about the potential for another avalanche or falling rocks, NAS Whidbey Island said. They lowered a search and rescue team crewmember down to the hiker and were able to lift him in the helicopter.

The hiker was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle around 7:45 p.m. He was treated for a broken arm, symptoms of hypothermia and significant abrasions, according to NAS Whidbey Island.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island SAR has conducted 43 missions this calendar year, which includes 4 MEDEVACs, 6 searches and 33 rescues, according to a release.

The Olympic National Forest is located in western Washington, about 110 miles west of Seattle.

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On January 18, 2023, just before 9 a.m., cops entered a patch of forest southwest of Atlanta. The multiagency task force included officers from the Atlanta Police Department (APD) and a SWAT team from the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), headed up by agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Protesters had taken up residence in the forest nearly two years earlier, after the city announced it would build a new police and fire training facility on the site. The plan's opponents derisively called the project Cop City and rallied under the hashtag #StopCopCity, and many of them were camping there to prevent construction. The authorities had done another sweep of the area a month earlier. Now these officers were tasked with clearing out the protesters.

They approached cautiously. GBI agents passed out an informational packet at a predawn confab, according to incident reports filed weeks later. The packet reportedly claimed that the activists were members of a domestic terror group with nationwide reach, called Defend the Atlanta Forest. Agents speculated those in the forest may have been armed not only with handguns and rifles but with incendiary and explosive devices. Officers were cautioned to watch out for traps, including spikes and tripwires. One SWAT officer later relayed in an incident report that GBI agents had warned that lookouts might be posted in treehouses, ready to pelt any unwelcome entrants with human waste taken from "a carrier of a[n] STD." (The GBI declined to provide Reason with a copy of the packet, noting that as "part of a pending investigation or prosecution," it is "not subject to disclosure.")

APD body camera footage shows officers cutting down unoccupied tents and ripping them to shreds with people's belongings still inside. Incident reports note that SWAT officers found and cleared multiple occupied tents, finding the occupants "compliant" and turning them over to GBI agents "without incident." One protester told Al Jazeera that she was "sleeping in a hammock" when "15 or so police in full military combat gear" suddenly came through the forest with rifles drawn.

Just after 9 a.m., SWAT officers encountered an occupied green tent. What happened next is disputed, and no footage exists, as DPS state troopers are not required to wear body cameras. Body camera footage from APD officers elsewhere in the forest records four gunshots, followed by an eruption of gunfire from multiple weapons lasting around seven seconds. At the end of the exchange, a SWAT officer was wounded by a gunshot to the abdomen, and the tent's occupantlater identified as 26-year-old Manuel Paez Teranwas dead.

Two days later, the GBI released a photo of a handgun alleged to be in Paez Teran's "possession" and said "forensic ballistic analysis has confirmed the projectile recovered from the trooper's wound" matched the gun. Three days after that, the GBI announced that it had confirmed Paez Teran's purchase of the gun in September 2020.

Officers on the scene, however, seemed to suspect friendly fire: In bodycam footage, one APD cop wonders aloud, "You fucked your own officer up?" Another later asks, "Did they shoot their own man? We don't know whether he got shot by a deputy." ("Speculation is not evidence," the GBI noted after the footage was released. "Our investigation does not support that statement.") An autopsy by the Dekalb County Medical Examiner was later unable to find gunshot residue on Paez Teran's hands, while a separate autopsy conducted by the activist's family determined that Paez Teran was "in a seated position," with hands raised, when killed.

The events of that January morning were part of an extended conflict between Stop Cop City activists, some of them violent at times, and police. Dozens have been arrested, and in September 2023, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced that his office had indicted 61 protesters under the state's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Based on Reason's review of arrest warrants and court documents, the majority of those charged have not been accused of committing violent acts. And even for those who have, the justification for terrorism or racketeering charges is flimsy.

Not for the first time in recent years, law enforcement officials appear to have tarred ad hoc bands of protesters as members of an organized criminal movement, threatening prison time far in excess of what any specific allegations would merit.

Given the violence and property destruction involved, some criminal charges in this case can almost certainly be justified. But one need not approve of every individual protester's actions to recognize that the state is overstepping in an apparent attempt to silence people who oppose a police project.

Many of the state's actions constitute a severe violation of the protesters' civil liberties. It would be one thing to arrest defendants who verifiably committed acts of violence and charge them for those specific acts. Instead, prosecutors have bundled charges against a larger group of people simply for their involvement in a protest collective so informally organized it barely exists as an organization at all. It's no wonder the activists feel the state is just inventing an excuse to shut them up.

'A Police Militarization Facility'

In a 2017 PowerPoint presentation, the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF)a nonprofit that supports the APDdetailed the poor condition of the city's police academy: rodents, mildewed ceiling tiles, exposed ducts and power lines. Noting the 60-year-old building's $102,000 annual rent, and total repair costs estimated at nearly $2.7 million, the APF called for spending between $60 million and $80 million to build a new facility in South River Forest in an unincorporated part of Dekalb County. It would be built on the site of the Old Atlanta Prison Farm, which operated from 1920 until 1995 and has moldered in disrepair ever since.

At the time, the idea seemed unlikely to go anywhere. Atlanta is known as "the city in the forest," thanks to a dense urban tree canopy credited with preventing floods and lowering temperatures. The same year the APF proposed building a police academy there, a city planning document referred to South River Forest as one of the city's four "giant green lungs"; Ryan Gravel, author of the city's early-2000s BeltLine development plan, called the site "the keystone for greenspace expansion."

But in 2020, as violent crime spiked nationwide after a three-decade decline, the project seemed to take on renewed importance. Homicides rose 58 percent in Atlanta that year and continued rising through 2022. Meanwhile, just two weeks after George Floyd's murder by a Minneapolis officer, Atlanta police shot and killed a man named Rayshard Brooks in a Wendy's parking lot; protesters later burned the restaurant down as news cameras watched live.

Amid the protests, more than 170 APD officers participated in a "blue flu" protest by calling in sick in June 2020. Democratic Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told CNN that officer morale was down "tenfold."

In her March 2021 State of the City address, Bottoms acknowledged the "unrest" of the previous summer, "as thousands of people of all races took to the streets demanding police reform." But, she added, "supporting our officers and holding them accountable are not mutually exclusive." The city would build a new training facility, she announced. A city document promoting the project declared that it would "establish a new standard for career-long training for Atlanta public safety and law enforcement professionals."

The APF would build the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center on city-owned forestland at the old prison farm site. APF President Dave Wilkinson said it would be "a beacon for what we call 21st century policing" and "the place where the community and the police come together." There would be classrooms and a firing range, plus a horse barn, a kennel for K9 units, and a "burn building" for fire training.

There would also be a "mock village," with a fake house, convenience store, and nightclub, for training in a simulated urban environment.

The mock village spawned the nickname Cop City and sparked intense opposition. A Stop Cop City website calls it "a police militarization facility for police to train in urban warfare."

In September 2021, the city council approved the funding and construction of the facility on 85 acres of a 350-acre parcel, with the rest to be "preserved as greenspace." Supporters said that the more-than-$90-million project would cost the city only $31 million; the APF would cover the rest and handle construction.

The vote came after 17 hours of public comments, the majority of which were opposed. The optics of the deal were also suspect: The council was ruling on land that, while city-owned, is located outside the city. Gravel wrote that "the adjacent neighborhoods cannot hold decision makers for the property accountable or have input in its fate because they are not residents of the City of Atlanta."

Activists started camping out in the forest in an attempt to block construction. For more than a year thereafter, protesters had encounters with police, construction crews, and fire and rescue agents, leading sometimes to violence and occasionally to arrests. In May 2022, for example, protesters threw rocks and a Molotov cocktail at police near the construction site; eight were arrested on charges of criminal trespass and obstruction of law enforcement officers.

'If You Want To Write Defend the Atlanta Forest on Your Backpack, Great'

On December 13, 2022, more than a year after activists took to the forest, law enforcement tactics escalated. When GBI agents and APD officers cleared out protesters that day, enduring what the GBI later described as "rocks and bottles," they arrested six on charges of domestic terrorism.

Over the next six months, state and local law enforcement arrested dozens of protesters, more than 40 of them for domestic terrorism, though most of the conduct alleged in the warrants was nonviolent and rarely more severe than misdemeanor trespassing. One warrant for domestic terrorism, for example, listed the offenses as "fleeing from Atlanta Police Department Investigator Ronald Sluss, causing injuries to INV Sluss' right knee and right elbow, said injuries being scrapes and cuts."

In December 2022, after the first round of arrests, APD Assistant Chief Carven Tyus told a group of community stakeholders that the protesters, many of whom came from out of state, "do not have a vested interest in this property," adding, "why is an individual from Los Angeles, California, concerned about a training facility being built in the state of Georgia? And that is why we consider that domestic terrorism." APD Chief Darin Schierbaum said the following month, "It doesn't take a rocket scientist or an attorney to tell you that breaking windows or setting fires is not protesting; that is terrorism."

On August 29, 2023, an Atlanta grand jury returned indictments against 61 antiCop City protesters, all on charges of racketeering. Just days earlier, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had charged former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants under the same law for their conduct after the 2020 election; in fact, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the exact same grand jury was used in each case. Five of the Cop City defendants were additionally charged with domestic terrorism and arson, and three arrestees who operate the Atlanta Solidarity Funda bail fundwere each charged with 15 counts of money laundering. In response to questions from Reason, the state attorney general's office did not directly explain why only five out of 41 defendants received domestic terrorism charges.

The indictment claims that all 61 defendants are members of "Defend the Atlanta Forest," which prosecutors defined as a criminal enterprise devoted to spreading anarchy and willing to use violence to achieve it. Each arrestee is then charged with racketeeringpunishable by five to 20 years in prisonas an accessory to the criminal enterprise.

But how much of an organization was Defend the Atlanta Forest in the first place? Several peopleincluding indicted protesters, activists, and attorneystell Reason that it had no firm organizational structure or clear leadership. Several described it as a "decentralized" movement encompassing anybody who opposes the police facility, for any reason and in any manner.

Luke "Lucky" Harper, a Florida copywriter who was among the 61 indicted, says "Stop Cop City and Defend the Atlanta Forest are not even informally organized groups, let alone this shadow organization" that prosecutors depict. Rather, "these phrases are simply shorthandused to express opposition and solidarity.If you want to write Defend the Atlanta Forest on your backpack, great, you're part of Defend the Atlanta Forest. That's how informal it is."

The indictment lists 225 "overt acts in furtherance of the conspiracy" as evidence that all 61 defendants are members of the organization and thereby guilty of racketeering. Actions such as "occupy[ing] a tree house" and "refus[ing] police commands to exit a tree house" are presented as evidence of involvement in a criminal enterprise. The bail fund operators allegedly purchased camping equipment, handheld radios, and yard signs, and submitted receipts for reimbursement; these are also listed as further overt acts, as well as the basis for charges of money laundering.

A Statute That Covers 'Almost Anything You Can Imagine'

Georgia's RICO Actpassed in 1980 and modeled after the 1970 federal statuteis significantly broader than its federal counterpart. The law stipulates in its opening that "it is not the intent of the General Assembly that isolated incidents of misdemeanor conduct or acts of civil disobedience be prosecuted under this chapter" but rather to "apply to an interrelated pattern of criminal activity motivated by or the effect of which is pecuniary gain or economic or physical threat or injury." Unfortunately, the statute is in fact drawn broadly enough to make the former scenario almost inevitable.

"The federal statute covers a relatively small band of offenses, whereas the Georgia RICO statute covers almost anything you can imagine," says Andrew Fleischman, an attorney with the Atlanta firm Sessions & Fleischman. "What racketeering actually is, is not really clearly defined. It really seems like it is just implicit agreement to the overall aims of the conspiracy. So it [applies] even if there's no agreement on your part to do anything illegal."

"You don't have to show that any person that you're charging actually did any of the bad things you're alleging," Fleischman adds. "They could be acquitted of every overt act and still convicted."

In 2015, prosecutors secured 11 convictions and 21 guilty pleas related to a cheating scandal involving standardized testing in Atlanta Public Schools. Fleischman represents one of the convicted defendants, Sharon Davis-Williams, who was convicted of racketeering but acquitted on other charges, of false statements and writings, and giving false statements on official documents. Judge Jerry W. Baxter handed Davis-Williams a 20-year sentence with seven years to be served in prison; two weeks later, Baxter lowered Davis-Williams' prison sentence to three years.

In December, Baxter denied Davis-Williams' appeal for a new trial.

Some protestors have indeed committed violence on behalf of the Stop Cop City movement. In addition to those rocks and fireworks, they have burned police vehicles, vandalized offices of the contractors hired to build Cop City, and burned equipment at the contractors' other construction sites; individual contractors have also been doxxed and threatened online.

In November 2022, after a mechanic drove near the construction site, he said protesters overtook his truck and set it on fire, forcing him to flee. The weekend of July 4, 2023, eight police motorcycles were burned, for which self-described "vengeful wingnuts with nothing left to lose" anonymously claimed credit online.

But just as with the use of RICO, even the allegations of violence have sometimes led to overly aggressive charges. The five defendants indicted for domestic terrorism were charged on the grounds that they "did attempt to commit the offense of Arson in the First Degree" by trying to burn APD vehicles and the APF's office. The same five were then also charged with arson stemming from the same events.

Georgia's domestic terrorism statute, passed in response to 9/11, originally defined domestic terrorism as an act "intended or reasonably likely to injure or kill not less than ten individuals." But in 2017, after a white supremacist killed nine black churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina, the Georgia General Assembly updated the text, lowering the threshold from 10 individuals to "any" and adding the clause "or disable or destroy critical infrastructure," changing the definition of domestic terrorism so that it covers not just mass casualty events but targeted vandalism.

The only death associated with the Cop City protests was that of Paez Teran, a protester. Priscilla Grim, a protester indicted for racketeering who lives in Brooklyn, tells Reason, "On 9/11, I watched from my rooftop as thousands of people died in real time, and it is offensive to me to suggest that any of the acts alleged by Georgia law enforcementare anything like terrorism."

The 'Interests of Justice'

If the government is hitting rowdy protesters with dubiously severe charges in an attempt to silence them, it won't be the first time in recent memory that it's happened.

Thousands of people protested President Donald Trump's 2017 inauguration in Washington, D.C. Police arrested more than 230 people for felony rioting, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. A superseding indictment filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia later added more felony charges for 212 defendants, including multiple journalists, with potential prison sentences of 70 years or more. Six defendants were acquitted at trial in December 2017 before prosecutors finally dropped charges against all remaining defendants in July 2018, a year and a half after the arrests took place.

In October 2020, the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) arrested protesters at a Black Lives Matter rally on charges including riot and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault on an officer. The following week, prosecutors with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) convened a grand jury that charged 15 protesters with assisting a criminal street gang, on the basis that since protesters were chanting "all cops are bastards," they belonged to a street gang called ACAB, organized "for the intent to create violence" against police.

The Phoenix protesters filed motions alleging that the MCAO had presented "false and incomplete information" to, and withheld exculpatory evidence from, the grand jury. After the Phoenix New Times reported on the motions, prosecutors announced that "in the interests of justice" they would drop the gang charges, but without prejudice, meaning they could refile charges again later. Four months later, the MCAO dismissed all chargesthis time with prejudice, meaning the charges were permanently eliminated.

The city later retained law firm Ballard Spahr to investigate police and prosecutors' conduct. Despite stonewalling from police, it found that the decision to charge the protesters as a gang involved the PPD and MCAO, as well as input from another local police department and the FBI, yet "pointedly omitted" the PPD's Gang Enforcement Unit, a specialized team required to lead gang-related investigations. PPD officers even entered ACAB into the state's gang database as an "extremist" group with "violent tendencies," but the only justification given was that protesters "marched downtown Phoenix with other members chanting, 'ACAB, all cops are bastards,' and wearing all black clothing." (The PPD is not even allowed to do this: Only the state Department of Public Safety is allowed to add gangs to the database.)

A charge of gang affiliation may not seem as severe as being accused of racketeering or domestic terrorism, but there are overlaps. "Obviously, when you hear the word terrorist, there's a certain type of individual or organization that you have in mind that might face even greater stigma than being characterized as part of a gang," says Heather Hamel Robles, a Phoenix civil rights attorney who defended protesters in that case.

But "it's the same underlying theory of liability where you have a so-called violent organization, that people are members of or affiliated with, that commits crimes. Both of those are predicated on those same legal theories, and both of them are very serious criminal charges that come with a lot of prison time."

Gag Order

In October 2023, Stop Cop City defendant Ayla King filed a motion demanding a speedy trial. On December 5, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kimberly M. Esmond Adams granted King's motion and set a trial date for December 11. On the first day of the trial, Esmond Adams noted King's alleged actions taken in furtherance of the conspiracy as criminal trespass and joining a mob.

She further ordered attorneys and defendants "to refrain from any extra-judicial communications concerning the proceedings, including, but not specifically limited to, granting interviews, making or expressing opinions about the subject matter of these proceedings; posting, commenting or 'liking' posts on social media; or, more generally, any other communication concerning the proceedings, the parties or the subject matter of the indictment." Even though King is the only defendant currently being tried, an attorney representing another defendant declined to speak to Reason on the record, citing the gag order and noting, "no one knows for certain if it is just for King or everyone." (All defendants and attorneys involved in the case who spoke to Reason did so before the issuance of the order.)

Much of the opposition is now focused on a referendum effort to put Cop City on the ballot and let Atlantans decide whether it should be built. That requires collecting signatures from 15 percent of the city's votersin this case, around 70,000in 60 days.

Organizers submitted more than 116,000 signatures on September 12, but the issue is tied up in litigation with the city over whether or not canvassers have to be Atlanta residents. Citing the ongoing lawsuit, the city has so far declined to count the signatures, pushing past the deadline for the November ballot. If successful, the earliest that Cop City could be on the ballot would be for Georgia's presidential primary date in Marchand given that President Joe Biden faces no serious primary challengers, that election will almost certainly attract more Republican than Democratic voters.

The state faces an uphill battle in prosecuting a case. But prosecution may not be the point.

Using guilt by association, protesters who in many cases are accused of little more than trespassing face five to 20 years in prison if convicted. Even if they're acquittedfor that matter, even if their cases never go to trialstate prosecutors are subjecting dozens of people to the stress and the expense that comes with mounting a criminal defense.

Fleischman characterizes it as "pure political malice." Kamau Franklin, an attorney and political organizer involved with the referendum effort, thinks the prosecution is likely a "political stance" to help Carr in a future run for governor. Hamel Robles calls the state's actions in both Phoenix and Atlanta an "intimidation tactic" being used "to try to stop the protests."

Whatever the reason for the prosecutions, the state's case is flimsyand could have an impact on far more than the Stop Cop City movement.

When police raided the offices of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund before later charging its operators with money laundering, the fund's president told Reason that "this is about much more than the police training facility. It sounds hyperbolic, but this is about the future of public participation in politics in Georgia."

The post The Flimsy RICO Case Against Atlanta's Cop City Protestors appeared first on Reason.com.
FORT MYERS, Fla. - A Florida Gulf Coast University student was nabbed after he allegedly tampered with a building's sprinkler system and broke into a pump room by crawling through a vent, university police said.

Nathan Eggleston, 28, was arrested and charged with damaging property, burglary of an unoccupied structure and interfering with firefighter equipment after the incident that unfolded on Dec. 13, according to an arrest affidavit from the FGCU University Police Department (UPD).

A witness told officers that she saw a man, later identified as Eggleston, do something to the fire sprinkler system in the West Lake Village Community Center Building, the affidavit said. The fire alarm went off, and then she said she saw Eggleston allegedly using several bricks to break into a vent on the bottom of the door before crawling in and gaining access to the pump room in the building.

According to FGCU's website, this is a student housing building reserved for upper-class students.

Officers responded to the building and ordered Eggleston to exit the pump room, but no response was received, the affidavit said. An officer used a flashlight through a broken vent on the bottom of the door, which revealed Eggleston in the corner of the room. He was ordered once again to exit the room, and he finally complied. He was placed in handcuffs pending an investigation.

MORE FLORIDA CRIME :

Eggleston agreed to speak with officers post-Miranda, and he admitted to pulling the first flush system and crawling into the pump room space, according to the affidavit.

When asked why he would be in an interview with a detectives, he responded, "I f----- up and hit the first flush system. I had no right. I thought I would do it before or after I graduate." He also told officers that one of the maintenance workers showed him how to use the lever.

"If you turn it half way (sic) down, it blast (sic) like 5 gallons of water a second and if you turn all the way down it blast (sic) like 15 gallons a second and it floods out West Lake," Eggleston told officers, per the affidavit.

He added that he "freaked out" because the fire alarm went off and just "laid there" when he heard officers yelling at him to come out, the affidavit said.

During his arrest, he also reportedly told officers that he's a "maintenance assistant" and then "my friend is a maintenance assistant."

Eggleston has since been released from custody after posting $10,750 bond.

FOX 35 reached out to Florida Gulf Coast University about the incident, but they declined to comment.
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A Florida man billed himself as a beloved superhero in an attempt to get onto an Air Force base but couldn't even get past security, federal prosecutors said.

Baruch Roche II, 33, tried to enter the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa last month, saying he was "Captain America" and that he had a meeting with a U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) general to provide top secret information.

He is charged with one count of attempted possession of a firearm in a federal facility.

F-35 REMINDS CHINA WHO'S TOP GUN BY SHOOTING DOWN A HOUTHI CRUISE MISSILE

Baruch Roche, 33, allegedly told officials at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida that he was "Captain America" to get onto the base to meet a general to provide top secret information, the Justice Department said.

Rouche approached the military installation in a Hyundai Genesis just before 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 3, the Justice Department said Tuesday. After refusing to provide identification to security personnel, he said he was the beloved Marvel superhero character and that he was a member of SOCCOM, prosecutors said in a criminal complaint.

He also continued to reach for a bag in his vehicle and became argumentative, authorities said. Roche allegedly said he would come back to the base every day to look for the officers denying him entry.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

AIR FORCE HOPES RAISING MAXIMUM AGE OF ENLISTMENT TO NEW HIGH WILL EASE RECRUITING CRISIS

He eventually gave the officers his military ID showing him to be retired from the Air Force and was arrested. During a search of the car, authorities found a Colt AR-15 assault rifle in the trunk and five magazines loaded with 125 rounds of .556 caliber ammunition, the court documents said.

U.S. airmen assigned to the Joint Communications Support Element prepare to board a C-17 Globemaster II during Airfest on MacDill Air Force Base.

The Tampa Police Department also responded to the scene and interviewed Roche. Officials say Roche was involuntarily hospitalized \ due to his extreme state of paranoia, psychosis and threat to harm USAF security personnel.





Original article source: Florida man claims to be 'Captain America' with top secret info to get onto Air Force base, DOJ says
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A Florida man has been sentenced to prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a grandparents fraud scheme.

The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jashua Noboa-Nival, 22, originally of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced on December 15, by United States Mariani to almost two years in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for his role as a courier in a Dominican Republic-based grandparents fraud scheme that preyed upon elderly American victims from states across the country.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from around June 2020 to October 2020, along with a group of other men from Bronx, NY, Noboa-Nival regularly traveled from New York City to locations in Pennsylvania to retrieve UPS and Fed Ex packages containing thousands of dollars in cash.

PSP investigate gun stolen from home in Bradford County

Karam says these packages were sent by elderly victims, who were persuaded to send the money based upon false claims that their grandchildren had been arrested and charged with serious crimes and, were in immediate need of money. These false claims were made to the elderly victims in phone calls that they received from overseas co-conspirators in the Dominican Republic, who posed either as the victims grandchildren or as attorneys representing the victims grandchildren.

Court papers say at his sentencing, Noboa-Nival was ordered to pay $195,000 in restitution to the victims of the scheme.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
All-out rescue, relief work amid bitter cold after NW China earthquake

Xinhua) 10:16, December 21, 2023

Rescuers unload relief materials at a temporary relocation site in Dahe Village of Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Fang Xin)

JISHISHAN, Gansu Province, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- All-out rescue and relief work are underway amid bitter cold as a 6.2-magnitude earthquake has killed 113 people and injured 782 others in northwest China's Gansu Province, according to a press conference on Wednesday.

The earthquake has claimed 18 lives in neighboring Qinghai Province, with 198 others injured and 16 still missing, local authorities said.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the quake occurred at 11:59 p.m. Monday, with a focal depth of 10 km. The epicenter of Liugou Township is about 8 km from the county seat of the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Gansu Province.

As of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, a total of 14,939 homes had collapsed and 207,204 homes were damaged, affecting 145,736 people from 37,162 households in Gansu, according to the press conference.

A person injured during an earthquake receives treatment at the People's Hospital of Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Photo by Shi Youdong/Xinhua)

Over 4,500 rescuers from the provincial public security department, fire department and the military, as well as more than 820 vehicles, were dispatched to the disaster area to search every corner for survivors.

The province has sent 19 medical teams composed of 667 medical workers and 99 ambulances to join in the rescue work. All the injured people have been taken in by local hospitals.

A total of 87,076 people from 20,457 households have been temporarily relocated to safe places.

Emergency relief materials such as tents, quilts, folding beds and moisture-proof mats have been urgently allocated. Steamed buns, instant noodles and other food and living materials have been sent to the affected people to ensure they have enough food and to protect them from the freezing cold, said Han Shujun with the provincial emergency management department at the press conference.

Rescuers carry disaster relief materials at a temporary shelter in Dahe Village of Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Fan Peishen)

The transport department has swiftly deployed large-scale machinery units to clear the roads. Traffic has now fully resumed on all expressways, highways and rural roads.

Meanwhile, more than 500 workers from the electric power sector participated in emergency repairs, restoring the power supply to those people affected.

As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, all 314 base stations that were out of service due to the earthquake had restored operations, thanks to the telecommunications sector's emergency repair efforts.

A survey of post-earthquake geological disaster risks was conducted collaboratively by various departments. Production was halted at all mines within the earthquake-affected areas and people there were evacuated. The operation of 89 water conservancy facilities remains normal.

The local meteorological bureau said that, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2, the lowest temperature in the earthquake-hit county is expected to range from minus 10 degrees Celsius to minus 14 degrees Celsius.

Rescuers are in operation at Meiyi Village of Minhe County, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

In the city of Haidong, Qinghai Province, which was severely affected by the earthquake, an investigation of 816 schools has been completed and more than 50 local schools have been damaged to different degrees, according to local authorities.

Following the quake, the Qinghai provincial education department promptly conducted relief work, including situation investigations, emergency rescue and heating supply. It has guided schools in quake-hit areas in launching online teaching plans to ensure students' basic needs of learning and living.

The department has also opened hotlines for psychological assistance, financial assistance and postgraduate entrance exam inquiries for students.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A happy and energetic four-year-old boy has been stabbed to death at his home in east London, with a 41-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police were called to an address in Montague Road, Hackney, at around 10.50pm on Wednesday after concerns were raised about the welfare of a child.

Officers, accompanied by the London Ambulance Service, entered the house and discovered the boy with knife wounds. He was rushed to hospital but died as a result of his injuries.

A 41-year-old woman, who police said was known to the boy, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Seemed like a loving family

A woman who asked not to be named but said she could see the address from her home, described how police forced entry to the top floor flat just before 11pm. They later led out a woman, who was covered in blood and screaming, in handcuffs.

She said they seemed like a loving family and added: We often saw the boy playing on his scooter. He was happy and energetic.

The woman was taken out in handcuffs. She was in her pyjamas. She was covered in blood and screaming. About an hour later the child was taken away. Two police officers also left, shaking.

The Metropolitan Police said it was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, and that the boys next of kin had been informed.

Det Chief Supt James Conway, who leads policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.



We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it. Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young childs death, and the events that led up to it.

This incident occurred within the home and, while [there is] no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.

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Denise McFarlin, Dawn Rolling and Kelley Casbourne founded Four Winds Ministries more than a decade ago when they realized Christmas Day can be lonely for many residents in the greater Green Bay area. Since the beginning, they've delivered Christmas dinners and gifts to hundreds of area households.

GREEN BAY  It started as three recently divorced women talking about how lonely Christmas Day can be. Fifteen years later, they've delivered Christmas dinners, gifts and notes of encouragement to thousands of households in need of Christmas cheer.

"We just dreamt up this idea to be together and to do something good," Denise McFarlin, co-founder of Four Winds Ministries of Wisconsin, said. "We decided we could either sit home and cry in our soup or we could get out there in the world and do something."

Christmas Day for McFarlin means spending the morning with her family before heading to Spring Lake Church, 301 N. Adams St., in downtown Green Bay to prepare hundreds of meals alongside volunteers. Donations and volunteers are key to Four Winds' success each year, with all the proceeds going to the food bill and buying gifts. Often, the people to whom they deliver dinners and gifts are elderly, disabled and/or low-income.

Last Christmas, Four Winds prepared 750 meals, but the need looks to be greater this year, McFarlin said. McFarlin and her co-founder Dawn Rolling, have already purchased food for 750 meals, but requests will continue coming in until Christmas Eve.

The Christmas meals this year will cost Four Winds $2,500. So far, it's raised about $200. McFarlin said that, in its 15 years of service, Four Winds has always collected enough money. Additional money goes toward gift-giving.

McFarlin, who has taught third and fourth grade for the last 36 years, is a busy woman, especially in December. She spends her evenings returning voicemails and answering calls. She's committed to talking with everyone requesting meals. It's a humbling experience, McFarlin said, who often talks to people in their 80s and 90s who are blind, disabled, and have difficulty leaving their homes.

Nobody who calls is turned away.

"God has been pretty clear that that is not our role," McFarlin said. "If a person calls, says they have a need, we put them on the list. Four Winds does not judge or try to determine the worthiness of the recipient. Every person we serve is another person we can touch."

Four Winds Ministries is looking to revive tradition of giving gifts to every person in need.

For more than a decade, Four Winds' co-founder Kelley Casbourne spent this time of the year shopping for gifts to offer up to every person they served  a monumental feat even in the early years when they prepared meals for 75 people. Each year, the three co-founders took more calls, growing their services from 75 to 350 to 750 today.

Casbourne died in the early COVID-19 years, a tragedy that shook the foundations of Four Winds Ministries and left behind a deep hole.

"We're really trying to carry on in her absence," McFarlin said. "She was our gift-giver. Back when we were serving 350 people, every single person got a gift (from Casbourne). She would do all the shopping, all the wrapping."

Last Christmas, volunteers at Four Winds attempted to revive Casbourne's generous tradition, but too few people volunteered. Between the effort and expenses, the small gift-giving crew hit too many walls. Still, with enough volunteers, McFarlin hopes to bring the tradition back.

That said, everyone receiving meals this year will also get a hand-made treasure from Green Bay's little holiday champs.

Students from McFarlin's class are the creators of the paper snowflakes that adorn the walls of Austin Straubel International Airport this year. But the students made hundreds of extras, McFarlin said, and she plans to include them with every meal. Each snowflake comes with the message, "You are unique, like a snowflake."

Denise McFarlin, Dawn Rolling and Kelley Casbourne founded Four Winds Ministries more than a decade ago.

How do I volunteer?

McFarlin believes very much in the adage that many hands lighten the work, especially when the task at hand involves delivering upwards of 750 meals over the course of a few hours.

Four Winds has eight pairs of drivers ready to deliver meals. Volunteers are required to drive in pairs to prioritize safety, McFarlin said. Four Winds could use anywhere from 15 to 20 pairs of drivers.

Outside of drivers, the more people who volunteer to pack the meals, write cards and decorate the meal bags, the better. And of course, it's looking for a cleanup crew.

Between 1 and 7 p.m. on Christmas Day, Four Winds Ministries welcomes volunteers to join in the effort at Spring Lake Church.:

1 - 2:30 p.m. : Four Winds needs 20 volunteers to pack and organize meals for delivery. It also needs 10 people to help wrap presents and write encouraging notes to meal recipients.

2:30 - 4:30 p.m. : Four Winds needs 20 pairs of drivers to deliver meals and 10 people to clean up.

4:30 - 7 p.m.: Four Winds needs six volunteers for community meals handouts.

At the end of the day, leftover food is also donated to Freedom House Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit that provides shelter, three meals a day, clothing, classes, case management support and basic needs to families facing homelessness.

For those who aren't able to be physically present, donations are needed to make this year's events go smoothly. McFarlin said she hopes to be able to gift as many people as she can blankets and cozy socks. She encourages anybody with these items to spare to drop them off in bins located outside of Spring Lake Church.

To donate funds or learn about ways of giving, head to Four Winds Ministries' website: www.fourwindsministriesofwi.com/donate, or use the QR code provided in the flyer.

Four Winds Ministries of Wisconsin is looking for volunteers who can pack meals, wrap gifts, deliver meals and help with clean up. All volunteers will meet on Christmas at the Spring Lake Church, 301 N. Adams St., in downtown Green Bay.

Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her Twitter profile at @natalie_eilbert. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay volunteers, donations needed to give 750 Christmas meals
France is prepared to move the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics if needed over security concerns, French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday.

The Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and tensions elsewhere in the Middle East have raised concerns about security for the Olympics. The opening ceremony is planned to take place on the River Seine, in the heart of Paris, in late July.

Given were professionals, there obviously is a Plan B, Plan C, et cetera, Macron told French media Wednesday.

The Olympic committee has already committed to increased security for events around Paris. The French military said it will contribute 15,000 soldiers to the unprecedented security preparations.

Those deployments consist of about 10,000 soldiers in and around Paris and another 5,000 around the rest of the country, with some as far away as the Pacific island of Tahiti, which will host the Olympic surfing event.

Macron insisted that any decision to move the opening ceremony would not be made hastily, adding that a backup plan would only be used if the level of insecurity requires us to revisit the initial scheme.

About 600,000 visitors are expected for the opening ceremony July 26.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
British second-home owners are to be able to remain in France for six months without a visa after the French parliament approved a change to the rules.

Thousands of Britons had been campaigning for the amendment of existing regulations, implemented in early 2021, which restrict them to 90 days in the country in every 180-day period.

Many argued that the post-Brexit system was unfair and non-reciprocal because French citizens were still allowed to stay in the UK for up to six months without a visa, whether they owned a property or not.

The only way second-home owners can currently visit France for more than 90 days is to apply for a long-stay visa, which they have criticised as a lengthy, complicated and expensive process that has to be undertaken anew each year.

The rule change was set out in an amendment to an immigration bill that the French parliament voted down last week. However, a new version was finally approved on Tuesday night.

Martine Berthet, the French senator for the southeastern Haute Savoie region who tabled the amendment said that Frances constitutional council still needed to rubber-stamp the change.

But Ms Berthet added that she now had high hopes it would be enacted soon via decree.

I dont think there is a risk, she told The Telegraph.

I will contact the interior ministry of Gerald Darmanin to ensure that it can get done as soon as possible, she added.

Its an issue that has been raised in various regions around France, not just the Alps but the coast and the Dordogne.

Martine Berthet - https://martineberthet.fr//https://martineberthet.fr/

The development has delighted Britons involved in lobbying for the change.

Steven Jolly runs the France Visa Free Facebook group, which has been helping second-home owners write to their French MPs to ask for a change in the law.

After two years of campaigning its a great achievement, he said.

This is a recognition that those with a home in France should be allowed to continue living in their homes in just the same way that they did before Brexit without having to make France their primary residence.

He added: It shows that the French are willing to address the adverse effects of Brexit.

At the moment all we know is that a law has been passed. The details on how this will work will come from (the) Council of State, Mr Jolly said.

Indeed our next phase should be to lobby ideas on how this change could work. There is a process that needs to be established. In addition, a note of caution needs to be exercised, the law could be deemed unconstitutional as it favours one group of foreigners over another.

Ms Berthet has previously suggested British second-home owners would simply have to show French border police their property deeds when they enter the country to be waived through.

Mr Jolly is campaigning for the French government to go further and offer all Britons the same rights that the UK affords French citizens.

France is helping us solve the 90-in-180 day problem but only for some British visitors; ultimately we would also like to see every British visitor to France treated in exactly the same way as French visitors to the UK today, and given a six month per visit visa exemption or automatically issued visa, he said.

For the time being lets enjoy this moment, take a breath and have an enjoyable Christmas.

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FILE - Actor Gerard Depardieu attends the premiere of the movie "Tour de France" in Paris, France, Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. French actor Gerard Depardieu's behavior came under scrutiny in France after a new documentary showed him repeatedly making obscene remarks and gestures towards women, as new sexual misconduct accusations emerged against him. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

PARIS (AP)  Womens rights activists criticized French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday for appearing to take sides with actor Gerard Depardieu by saying the film star who is facing sexual misconduct allegations makes France proud.

Speaking on Wednesday night on TV channel France 5, Macron described himself as a big admirer of a great actor. Macron added: He makes France proud.

Macrons comments in a televised interview come after a documentary that aired earlier this month said 16 women have accused Depardieu of harassing, groping or sexually assaulting them. The France-2 report also showed the actor making obscene remarks and gestures during a 2018 trip to North Korea.

They also come as a Spanish journalist and writer recently filed a complaint against Depardieu, who she says sexually abused her during an interview in Paris in 1995, Spanish police said Thursday.

Asked about such accusations against Depardieu, Macron said he believed in the presumption of innocence and the judicial process. You will never see me participate in a manhunt, the French leader said.

Macron also criticized his culture ministers decision to launch a disciplinary procedure concerning Depardieus prestigious Order of the Legion of Honor, which could lead to the award getting rescinded. He said Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak went a bit too far.

The Legion of Honor is not a moral tool and should not be removed based on a documentary, Macron said.

Depardieu, 74, was put under investigation in December 2020 for alleged rape and sexual assault following allegations in 2018 from actor Charlotte Arnould, who said the crimes took place at Depardieus home. The investigation is ongoing.

Another alleged victim emerged in Spain, journalist and writer Ruth Baza who filed a complaint last week in the southern city of Torremolinos that the Spanish police said will now be shared with French authorities.

Baza, 51, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday that when she was 23, she interviewed the actor in Paris for the magazine Cinemania. She said that in her police complaint she explained how at the end of the interview the actor started kissing her face and neck, and touched her between her legs, behavior she said that police have classified as rape.

Baza said she felt truly paralyzed by Depardieu. I was trapped.

Baza said she had buried the matter in her mind but wrote it all down in detail in her diary at the time. She said the whole episode flooded back last April when she read about accusations made by 13 women against Depardieu.

She said that since then she has been in "a true nightmare and decided she had to speak out.

Taking the decision to go to the police has been the very last decision to try to go on with my life and leave this story in the hands of others and just try to help others who are in my very same situation and who are not able to talk, Baza said.

She said that she has every intention of testifying to French authorities if needed.

Another complaint was filed in France in September by comedian Helene Darras for alleged sexual assault. Darras accused Depardieu of touching her bottom when she was a young extra for the 2008 film Disco.

Women rights activists on Thursday vigorously denounced Macrons comments.

Michelle Dayan, president of Lawyers 4 Women, said that as a lawyer and a citizen, she also believed strongly in the presumption of innocence. Yet it mustnt be used as a pretext not to listen to women who say they are victims of abuses, she said.

Speaking on France Info news broadcaster, Dayan said violence against women starts there  in the image of women that is conveyed through Depardieus shocking remarks.

Activist group Osez le feminisme denounced on X, formerly Twitter, one more confirmation that, definitively, Emmanuel Macron doesnt live in the same world as us.

We, the prey, are facing a man (Depardieu) who describes himself as a great hunter, yet who, in the words of the president, becomes the victim of a manhunt, the group posted.

Anne-Cecile Mailfert, president of the Womens Foundation, said on BFM TV that Macrons comments were very serious because he is judging women who filed a complaint, women who spoke out.  Hes taking sides.

Former French President Francois Hollande also chimed in to counter his successor. No, we are not proud, Hollande said on the France Inter radio network.

What was expected from the president was to speak about women who see in Depardieus remarks violence, domination and contempt, he said.

In October, Depardieu published an open letter in the French newspaper Le Figaro that said, I want to tell you the truth. I have never, ever abused a woman.

___

Associated Press writer Ciaran Giles in Madrid contributed to this report.
Imprisoned Americans freed in a deal between the Biden administration and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived to the U.S. late Wednesday, officials confirmed.

Six of the 10 Americans included in the agreement  who were considered wrongfully detained  landed at Kelly Airfield Annex in San Antonio, Texas, according to the administration.

These individuals have lost far too much precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered every day in their absence, President Biden said in a statement. I am grateful that their ordeal is finally over, and that these families are being made whole once more.

In addition to the 10 Americans, Leonard Francis was arrested by Venezuelan authorities and returned to the United States. The detainee, commonly known as Fat Leonard, is a fugitive who fled the U.S. before he could be sentenced for his role in one of the largest bribery and corruption cases in Pentagon history.

In exchange, Biden granted clemency to and is releasing Alex Nain Saab Moran, a close ally of Maduro, who was on trial in the U.S. for charges of money laundering. A senior administration official said the president made the extremely difficult decision to grant Saab clemency to pull off the exchange.

Maduro celebrated Saabs return and criticized Biden, saying the country wont be anyones colony. The freed prisoner has been regarded as a bagman for the president, and his return is a concession to Maduro, The Associated Press reported.

While the deal marks a bold move by the administration to improve relations with Venezuela, Biden warned Americans that they should not travel to the country. He added that the administration is ensuring that the Venezuela regime meets its commitments.

The country has agreed to competitive presidential elections in 2024 in a move that Biden called a positive and important step forward.

His statement acknowledged that as they celebrate the return of the 10 American detainees, they also remain deeply focused on securing the release of the hostages in Gaza and other wrongfully detained Americans in Afghanistan, Syria, China and Russia  such as Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.

We will not stop working until we bring them all home, Biden concluded.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A French appeals court on Thursday jailed a Chilean man for the murder of his Japanese ex-girlfriend in 2016.

Having lost in the lower and the appeal court, Zepeda's legal team swiftly announced that he will take his case to France's highest appeals court.

Nicolas Zepeda was first sentenced in April last year to 28 years in jail for the premeditated murder of Narumi Kurosaki, then aged 21, in December 2016.

The 33-year-old has claimed throughout the appeals trial this month that he is innocent.

"I am not a murderer," Zepeda said again on Thursday morning before the jury started deliberating.

But the appeals court upheld his conviction and the 28-year jail term after five hours' of deliberation, as the 33-year-old stood, head bowed, in the courtroom.

Kurosaki's body has never been found.

But prosecutors said all the evidence pointed to him being the killer of the scholarship student.

They called for him to be sentenced to life and permanently barred from France once his sentence had been served.

Kurosaki arrived in the eastern French city of Besancon in the summer of 2016 to learn French. She was last seen on December 4.

Zepeda, with whom she had broken up two months earlier, was the last person to see her alive.

According to the prosecution, Zepeda arrived in France from Chile the same year. He killed Narumi, probably by suffocating or strangling her, before disposing of her body in the woods or in the nearby Doubs river.

On Tuesday, public prosecutor Etienne Manteaux spoke of the Chilean's "wounded male pride" and "sick jealousy".

He said Zepeda could not bear the fact that Kurosaki had left him and cut him out of her life by forming a new relationship with Arthur Del Piccolo, a student from Besancon initially suspected of her murder but quickly cleared.

The lawyer of Narumi's family, Sylvie Galley, said Kurosaki had become a victim of a "toxic relationship".

Zepeda's lawyer Renaud Portejoie has argued that Narumi's death could have been an accident. He says his client and Narumi could have fought, leading to a fatal accident of her hitting her head on a radiator in her room.

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Shipping companies are scrambling to reroute their vessels in the wake of recent attacks in the Red Sea, triggering delays that could have a ripple effect on the global economy.

Over the past two months, Houthi rebels in Yemen have fired over 100 rockets at commercial ships in the Red Sea, a vital artery of international trade through which nearly one-third of global container traffic flows.

A dozen vessels have been attacked, harassed, or interfered with, including two that were attacked on Dec. 19, a defense official told McClatchy News.

The attacks are being directed at ships bound for Israeli ports, a Houthi spokesperson said in a post on X. They are being launched in retaliation to Israels military operation in Gaza, which has left nearly 20,000 people dead, according to Gaza health officials, and been called a humanitarian nightmare by the United Nations secretary general.

In response to the attacks, several major shipping companies have planned to give wide berth to the region, instead seeking out alternative routes.

By bypassing the Red Sea, ships will be forced to travel thousands of extra miles to reach their destinations, causing delays and inflating prices, particularly for oil and gas, experts told McClatchy News.

However, experts disagreed about the severity and duration of such supply chain disturbances, depending on whether the U.S. Navys newly bolstered presence in the region lessens the attacks.

A map of the Red Sea and surrounding countries

Unprecedented rerouting

Following the Houthi attacks, four of the largest container shipping companies  Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM, and Hapag Lloyd  have announced that theyre rerouting, Mary Brooks, a professor emerita at the Rowe School of Business, told McClatchy News.

This is huge, Brooks, who studies global shipping, said.

BP  one of the worlds largest oil companies  also paused all traffic through the region in light of the deteriorating security situation, a company spokesperson told McClatchy News.

This kind of mass course correction is unprecedented, Phillip Wolfe, the director of pricing & procurement at American Global Logistics, told McClatchy News.

Ive been doing this for almost 12 years and havent seen anything quite this drastic, Wolfe said.

The last comparable disruption occurred in March 2021 when the cargo vessel Ever Given became stuck in the Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, delaying over 300 ships and supplies destined for seven American ports, Wolfe said.

The Ever Given was stuck for six days, but this could go on longer than that, Wolfe said.

Around 50 tankers pass through the Suez Canal every day, but recently as many as 32 per day have been rerouted, Michael Manjuris, the chair of global management studies at Toronto Metropolitan University, told McClatchy News.

The situation is evolving quickly so the number of carriers impacted could change tomorrow, Allen Morrison, a professor at the Arizona State University, told McClatchy News.

Alternate routes

Rerouted ships bound for North America are left with two possible routes, which take them through the Panama Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope off South Africa, Wolfe said. Both options would add between several days and weeks of travel time.

Complicating matters further, the Panama Canal, a 50-mile man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is currently beset by a crisis-level drought, meaning wait times will be elevated, Wolfe said.

Theyve already reduced the number of ships going through, marking the first-ever restriction on vessel quantity in the canal, so youre going to see a delay of six to eight days extra, Wolfe said.

Ships that elect to go around the southern tip of Africa would face even longer delays of two weeks or more, Wolfe said.

As a result, large delays will affect the North American market  though Europe and Asia will be impacted more quickly, Trevor Heaver, a professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, told McClatchy News.

Effect of delays on prices

Its likely that the cost of such delays will eventually trickle down to consumers, Wolfe said.

Its going to cost the carriers, I believe, an extra million in fuel cost to go around Africa, so theyre not going to absorb all those costs on their own, Wolfe said. At some point, I think, they will pass that along.

Prices of oil and gas, which are typically very reactive to the market, are expected to hedge up, along with other general commodities, Wolfe said.

Not all experts who spoke with McClatchy News agreed on that point however. Morrison, for instance, downplayed the size of effects on North America, saying shipping of consumer products to the U.S. from Asia  where China is the top supplier  generally does not rely on the Suez Canal. So, the impact on U.S. consumers is not significant, at least for the time being.

It is much more of an issue for European consumers and Mediterranean port operators, Morrison said.

Some American markets, though, have already felt the effects of the announced reroutings, Manjuris said.

The price of West Texas Intermediate oil is already starting to creep up. Its creeped up one or two dollars a barrel, Manjuris said. This is traders saying this delay may happen, so we better price it in now for future contracts.

If oil prices continue to rise, though, its likely the Biden administration will tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve  as it did following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022  in an attempt to offset price increases, Manjuris said.

But, in order for price increases to be significant and sustained, the Houthis would need to continue their attacks on ships in the Red Sea, a tactic which could soon be curtailed, Manjuris said.

Unclear timeline

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian on Dec. 18, which established a naval task force composed of nine countries, including the U.K., France and Bahrain, with the purpose of responding to the Houthis reckless attacks.

The ramped up military presence in the region should make these diversions disappear, Manjuris said, though he stipulated its a volatile situation and in a couple of weeks this could all change.

Pushing back against predictions of a quick resolution, Morrison said, The situation is not going away anytime soon.

Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam told Reuters on Dec. 19, Our position will not change in the direction of the Palestinian issue, whether a naval alliance is established or not.

Our position in support of Palestine and the Gaza Strip will remain until the end of the siege, the entry of food and medicine, Abdulsalam added, and our support for the oppressed Palestinian people will remain continuous.

A cessation of hostilities in Gaza would go a long way toward decreasing the attacks in the Red Sea, Morrison said.

However, it may take several months for relative calm to prevail, meaning some shipping companies may take a different tack for the foreseeable future.

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On the morning of Oct. 15, Noor Rihan's house in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, was bombed by Israeli forces. Half of her family was killed, and a massive chunk of concrete landed on her back. Having spent three years trying to conceive, Rihan was eight months pregnant.

She was moved, bleeding, to the biggest hospital in Gaza, Al-Shifa. The medics there were overwhelmed by the number of dead and wounded pouring in as Israel retaliated for the brutal Oct. 7 attack launched by Gaza's Hamas rulers.

Amid the relentless bombardment, Rihan was rushed into an operating room and her baby was saved. The boy was put on a ventilator as his lungs had not fully developed.

"After the surgery, they took my son right away. I didn't see him at all," Rihan told CBS News. "I didn't see his features or know what he looks like."

She remained in the hospital for three days. She said there was no food or medicine, and dead bodies were piling up in the hallways.

"I had to leave. I didn't know anything about my family. My house was destroyed, I didn't know who was still under the rubble," she said. "I didn't even know if my husband was alive or dead or where they had buried the dead."

With no money, and in pain from inflamed stitches after her surgery, she walked for an hour and half to reach a school in the Jabalia refugee camp run by the United Nations' aid agency UNRWA. She found her husband there, wounded but alive.

About a week later, she said the school was hit by three missiles, so she decided to leave again  but first, she wanted to see her son.

She went back to Al-Shifa hospital, but they told her if she took her baby, he would die in her arms outside the hospital. Rihan made the painful decision to leave her newborn son. She went to another nearby school seeking shelter, hoping she could visit her tiny boy often.

For three days, Rihan said Israeli army troops surrounded the school.

"Other women were giving birth inside the school, without a doctor. We Gazans were stitching each other's wounds."

She said the soldiers shouted orders through megaphones for everyone in the school to leave, two by two, carrying nothing but their IDs.

"I was holding my 5-year-old brother's hand. He was wounded and kept telling me, 'I can't walk, Noor. We are walking on glass.' I asked if I could carry him; they [Israeli forces] said, 'No, leave him.'"

"In Gaza, our children, instead of walking around carrying their toys, they are walking around holding their dead siblings," Rihan told CBS News. "This is what Gaza is like."



After leaving the school, Rihan went back to Al-Shifa again, hoping to stay with her son. She said a doctor told her that only God could help now. He offered his condolences in advance, explaining that her child was being kept alive by machines running on a rapidly dwindling fuel supply. Israeli forces were expected to besiege the hospital, underneath which they said Hamas was operating a command center.

"I asked him to give me my son before the siege. He said, 'If you take him, it's the same thing, he will die on the way because of his immature lungs, and the machines aren't operating at full capacity due to the lack of fuel.'"

"I had to leave and move to the south, leaving my heart behind with my son," she said.

As per Israel's orders, Rihan joined the exodus of Palestinian civilians heading to the south of Gaza. At the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp, she learned that Al-Shifa hospital was under siege. Israel said it had launched a "precise and targeted" ground operation inside the hospital.

"I considered my son dead," she said. "My son was on a ventilator, and they cut off the electricity and destroyed the generators. I lost hope that my son was alive."

But Rihan's baby, along with dozens of other fragile newborns clinging to life inside Al-Shifa hospital, would soon gain the world's attention as photos of them wrapped in aluminum foil to keep warm spread across the globe.

Premature babies at Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital are surrounded with aluminum foil for warmth after their incubators shut down due to a lack of electricity, Nov. 12 2023, in a photo provided by the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians. / Credit: Medical Aid for Palestinians

Rihan saw the photos, but she didn't know which of the babies, if any, was her son. She frantically contacted aid organizations and anyone else she could to find out if he was even still alive, but for 15 days, Rihan was unable to learn anything about the fate of her child.

"Imagine, a mother just trying to learn the news of whether her son is alive or dead. Knowing

that even if he was alive, he was still going to die," she told CBS News. "But there was this hope, this one-percent hope."

Then she learned that on Nov. 19, in an operation carried out by the Red Crescent with help from the U.N., dozens of babies were moved from Al-Shifa to the Emirati Hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza.

Clinging to the glimmer of hope, Rihan and her husband went to the Emirati Hospital and finally learned that their son was still alive. But she still wasn't able to meet him.



"The doctor told me, 'Listen, you are not feeling well. Some of your family were killed, you lost your house, you are going through a lot and you already have postpartum depression. How will you handle it?'"

The youngest evacuees of the war  28 premature babies  were evacuated from Gaza and moved across the border to Egypt about a month ago. As of today, theyve received urgently needed care and most are in stable condition, but most of them are still without their parents. pic.twitter.com/RgPdbR6ZCM  CBS News (@CBSNews) December 20, 2023

Later, she was shown pictures, and said her little boy "was in terrible condition" and didn't even "look like a human."

"He was so weak that you could see all his ribs," she said. "I couldn't hold him. He was smaller than the palm of my hand."



Then, in another humanitarian operation, 28 babies were moved from Rafah across the Gaza border to the city of Al-Arish, in Egypt. Rihan's tiny boy was among them. Twenty-three of the vulnerable infants were then transferred to a brand new hospital in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, outside Cairo, and the majority of them have since recovered.

On Dec. 5, Rihan finally got the required permits to leave Gaza and join her son in Egypt.

She told CBS News the first time she saw her little boy was in Al-Arish, 50 days after he was born. After a nightmarish start in life, there's hope for Rihan and her baby boy, Ayman, whom she can now hold in her arms.

Noor Rihan holds her newborn son Ayman at a hospital in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, outside Cairo, Dec. 20, 2023. / Credit: Courtesy of Noor Rihan

"It was like a dream to meet my son," she told CBS News, but she added that her joy is still only partial: "I wish my husband could be here to see his son. My husband hasn't seen his son for two months, not even a photo, there is no communication in the north [of Gaza]."

Like the handful of other mothers who were able to come to Egypt to join their babies, they're eager for their whole families, including their husbands, to be reunited.

And while they've escaped the hellscape of Gaza, the tiny babies rescued from the war zone still face an uncertain future. Most are now ready to be discharged, to go "home," but few have homes to return to and, in some cases, no families, either.

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The railroad track crosses Buckhalter Road just up the road from Oakland Missionary Baptist Church.

The potential for passenger rail from Savannah to Atlanta keeps inching forward after the Georgia Department of Transportation was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Federal Rail Administration to continue studying the corridor.

The grant money came down with an announcement of $8.2 billion FRA grants across the country that were bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Georgia was one of 44 states to receive these corridor identification grants, with a couple others for corridor studies from Atlanta to Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

"I'm grateful for GDOT's emphasis on this initiative," said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson at his weekly press conference.

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The recent announcement sends a potential passenger rail project into a "phase 2 study" that continues GDOT's service development plan started by a previous FRA grant, according to a press release from Sen. Jon Ossoff's office. The total money for Georgia in this round of grant awards for corridor identification is $1.5 million.

That amount follows an $8 million in awards announced in April 2022 that began GDOT's service development plan for the corridor, according to GDOT's project website.

"This is a long-term project that will require cooperation and strong execution at all levels of government, but it has the potential to unlock huge gains in mobility and quality of life for Georgians, Ossoff said in a press release.

For GDOT, the next steps for the study are in the early stages and still being organized, said Jill Nagel, GDOT's district 5 communications officer in an email. But the project webpage lays out some of its elements.

The project schedule stretches into 2028 when the breadth of necessary design and planning would be completed before construction, according to the schedule on the project's site. That timeline encompasses about seven phases.

Three of the phases are planned for a stretch between 2023-2025 which would include identifying alternative routes based on need and conducting an environmental assessment for the project. A cost-benefit analysis is slated for 2026, which would also be when the department identifies potential funding sources for construction. The schedule ends with an environmental impact statement in 2028 to satisfy the National Environmental Policy Act.

Johnson said he supports passenger rail service from Savannah to Atlanta and believes there is demand for it in the city. Johnson has met with Ossoff about reestablishing rail services in the area, he said. That includes potentially upgrading the city's Amtrak station, which hasn't changed since Johnson would travel to Savannah during the Summers to visit family some 20 years ago, he said.

"We need to enhance our railway," Johnson said.

Evan Lasseter is the Savannah and Chatham County Government Reporter for the Savannah Morning News.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah to Atlanta passenger rail: GDOT awarded money for study
Conservative attorney George Conway on Wednesday suggested former President Trump wont be successful if he appeals the Colorado Supreme Court decision disqualifying him from appearing on the states ballot.

He lost, its over, Conway, a prominent Trump critic, said during a panel on CNN, adding later, Hes done in Colorado courts. Hes got no further avenue to review for those state law issues that the dissents raised.

Conway said he previously believed the 14th Amendment argument at the center of the case was too good to be true, but after reading the dissenting opinions on the Colorado Supreme Court ruling, he found the dissenting justices had nothing.

Theres going to be something that comes up, and right now, theres nothing, Conway said. And the [U.S.] Supreme Court, if theyre going to reverse, they got to come up with something better.

Joan Biskupic, a senior Supreme Court analyst on the panel, noted the dissents went after the state law issues much more than the fundamental ones.

Thats right, and that doesnt help Donald Trump in the Supreme Court because the Supreme Court of the United States has no business countering what state courts say about state law. The last word on issues of state law is a state Supreme Court, Conway responded.

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Trump is disqualified from appearing on the ballot under the 14th Amendments insurrection clause, which says that those who took oaths to support the Constitution cannot engage in a rebellion against it.

The ruling determined the clause applies to the office of the president, overturning a lower courts decision, and the state Supreme Court said Trump intended to incite political violence and rallied supporters toward the Capitol to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election results.

Trumps campaign has pledged to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, which Conway predicted could take up the case as soon as this week.

I think theyll take the case this week and set a very expedited briefing schedule, with briefs due in January and an argument probably in February, with a decision in February. Thats my guess, Conway said, later noting the U.S. Supreme Court could turn it down or defer it and wait for the District of Columbia Circuit Court to rule.

A number of legal scholars have spoken out on the ruling, including former federal judge Michael Luttig, who argued the ruling is not anti-democratic, but rather the conduct that prompted the disqualification was anti-democratic.

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Bill Barr, who has spoken out against Trump, said the ruling is legally wrong and untenable and will actually reinforce Trumps narrative, calling the former president someone who feeds on grievances.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
JAKARTA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers were searching for a boat with at least 28 on board which had reportedly been missing since Wednesday off the coast of Mamuju regency in the eastern Indonesian province of West Sulawesi, an official told local media on Thursday.

Mamuju Search and Rescue (SAR) chief Muhammad Rizal said the boat carrying 28 wedding guests lost contact in the waters of Ambo Island. His office received a report on the incident from a local on Wednesday evening.

According to him, the boat departed from Ambo Island at around 10 a.m. local time and was expected to arrive at its destination of Port Sumare in Mamuju at 4 p.m.

"Until the evening, the boat had not arrived there," said Rizal, adding that a rescue team with a SAR boat had been deployed to Ambo Island.

Maritime accidents are common in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of around 17,000 islands, due to lax safety standards. 
The Bibb County Sheriffs Office has fired its sheriff deputy after four inmates escaped Bibb County Jail earlier this year.

Deputy Travaris Freeman was fired for breach of security, Bibb officials announced on Wednesday.

At the time of their escape, deputies said the four inmates left the jail through a damaged window in a common space area and a cut fence. Then, a blue Dodge Challenger pulled up to the jail and helped the inmates escape from the property.

Joey Fournier, Chavis Stokes, Marc K. Anderson, and Johnifer Barnwell escaped from the Bibb County Jail at around 3 a.m. on Oct. 16.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

All four men have since been captured. At least four other people have been arrested in connection to assisting the escaped inmates.

An investigation concluded that Freedom did not keep the jail safe with the protocol he followed and violated the jails policies.

Deputies said the incident is still under investigation.

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The German government has allocated another 88.5 million to the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine under the European energy community.

Source: reports press service of the German government.

"The Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection provides 54.3 million through KfW, and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs  34.2 million. This is due to the fact that during the second winter of Russian aggression against Ukraine, Russian airstrikes also target the Ukrainian energy infrastructure," the report says.

Ukraine uses the funds of the Energy Support Fund to finance the purchase of energy sources, spare parts, and equipment, such as transformers and generators, which help maintain Ukraine's energy supply, as well as repair destroyed substations and power plants to continue providing the population with electricity and heat.

The remaining funds will be used for green energy transition projects, such as photovoltaic systems in public buildings, as well as for the green restoration of Ukraine.

At the end of 2022, the German government has paid 129.5 million to the Energy Support Fund. Thus, Germany's total contribution is 218 million.

Germany remains the largest investor in the fund, which has raised about 400 million since February 2022.

The German government added that contributions to the Energy Support Fund are part of a winter package for Ukraine worth more than 1.6 billion this year, including military contributions to air defence, development policy support and humanitarian assistance.

Background:

On 20 December, the Swiss Federal Council allocated an additional 11.8 million Swiss francs (12.5 million) to help Ukrainians in winter.

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Germany will provide Ukraine with an additional 85.5 million euros ($94 million) in aid to help the country endure the winter and withstand Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, the Foreign Ministry announced on Dec. 21.

The funds are jointly procured from the Foreign Ministry and the Economy Ministry and will help pay for spare parts for critical energy infrastructure, repairs, and equipment, such as generators and transformers.

In addition, the funds will be directed towards the "green reconstruction" of Ukraine, helping the country replace outdated equipment with modern, sustainable energy infrastructure.

Moscow attempted during the fall and winter of 2022-2023 to destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which led to frequent blackouts and a lack of heating across the country.

As Ukraine prepares for a likely repeat of the strategy, its allies have announced new winter aid packages, including air defense, energy infrastructure equipment, and other measures to help alleviate the combined impact of cold weather and Russian attacks.

The latest announcement of aid from Germany brings the country's total commitment to supporting Ukraine's energy infrastructure to 218 million euros ($240 million).

Read also: Opinion: A year of war and little peace

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Germany is to provide Ukraine with an additional EUR 88.5 million ($97.2 million) to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine's energy system even as Russia targets its infrastructure, the country's foreign and economy ministries have said.

The ministries reported the new package of aid in a joint statement, UK newspaper the Guardian reported on Dec. 21.

The German Economy Ministry is earmarking EUR 54.3 million ($59.6 million) through the state-owned KfW bank, which responsible for financing global development programs on behalf of the German government. Meanwhile, the country's Foreign Ministry will contribute EUR 34.2 million ($37.6 million) to the Ukraine energy support fund.

Germany announced a new package of humanitarian aid for Ukraine on Dec. 15. This included generators, blankets, and batteries.

Read also: Scholz optimistic EU will overcome Orbans objections to 50 billion aid package for Ukraine

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius revealed on Nov. 21 a comprehensive military aid package for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, Bild reported.

The overall cost of this package is EUR 1.3 billion ($1.4 billion), encompassing the provision of four IRIS-T air defense systems, 20,000 155mm caliber shells, anti-tank mines, 60 reconnaissance drones, and over 20 radar systems for detecting enemy drones.

Pistorius also confirmed an increase in German assistance to Ukraine. The delivery of the first IRIS-T system is expected no earlier than the end of 2024, with the remaining three slated for 2025.

Read also: Europe must rearm as new threats loom, German defense minister says

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Scoop

ACCRA, Ghana  Ghanaian officials are betting they can ramp up annual tourist receipts by around 60% by attracting more African diaspora holidaymakers in December  a key source of revenue as the country battles an economic crisis.

The West African country has become known for its vibrant Christmas season during which thousands of Black people from the United States, United Kingdom and Europe visit for a range of events and parties known by tourists as Detty December. The government  which has branded the festive period as December in GH  announced late last month that all visitors to Ghana could get a visa on arrival from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15.

Authorities hope that removing the need for a pre-travel visa for that 46-day period, along with events targeting people of African descent such as the Panafest and Emancipation arts festival and the Africa Basketball Festival, will help meet its goal of generating $3.4 billion in tourism revenue. That target is up from about $2 billion in 2022, Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, deputy head of corporate affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), told Semafor Africa.

Weve worked so hard to market and promote a lot of activities, said Kusi. Were working with the private sector, seeking partnership, and the president is even helping. We strongly believe we can accrue more, he said.

Know More

Ghana has in recent years sought to attract visitors whose ancestors were taken from West Africa during the transatlantic slave trade. The government launched the Year of Return initiative in 2019, which coincided with the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving in the United States, to appeal for people of African descent to visit. Tourists have returned around the Christmas period since then.

Ghana is struggling with an economic crisis which forced it to seek a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund which was approved in May. The economic woes have increased the need for the government to increase domestic revenue. The tourism sector was the third highest contributor to the economy, said the GTAs Kusi.

Nana Oyes view

Ghanas tourism sector has become an important part of the countrys economic vision. Positioning the West African country as a cultural hub  appealing in recent years to visitors wanting to trace their ancestral roots and festival goers drawn to music events like AfroFuture  was a masterstroke. But these efforts will be wasted without channeling more money into infrastructure redevelopment.

The country is targeting 1.2 million visitors this year, with the Ghana Tourism Authority having already recorded 800,000 by the end of the third quarter. The goal is 300,000 more than the 914,892 arrivals recorded in 2022.

Mohammed Awal, the minister of tourism, summed up the governments plan in a speech at the Ghana Tourism Summit earlier this month. What is important for us is to get people to come, spend more, stay longer and invest more, he told delegates.

Ghana isnt the only African country that sees the value in making it easier to visit. Kenya has gone further. Last week its president said visitors will no longer require a visa to enter the country from January. But making it easier to visit only benefits the country if the money generated is spent wisely. Tourists who want to see some of Ghanas top attractions such as Cape Coast Castle, a former slave fort about 150 kilometers west of Accra, must endure bad roads that make the journey longer and more arduous than necessary.

Without channeling some of the revenue generated by tourism into much needed infrastructure upgrades, the country wont fully realize the long-term benefits of attracting tourists. Ghana was considered a poster child of good governance and economic development until several instances of wayward public spending sullied its reputation. Making good use of tourism revenue would be a sign of progress.

Room for Disagreement

Acker Nyamekye, president of the Hotels Association of Ghana industry body, told Semafor Africa the governments tourism drive should be matched by efforts to help the hospitality sector to grow. Otherwise, he warned, there was a risk that Ghana could lack suitable tourist accommodation and risked falling behind other popular destinations in the region. Were unable to expand because of the high cost of doing business and yet we cant access loans, said Nyamekye. Were just not competitive.

The View From Rwanda

Tourism is a major contributor to Rwandas services sector, the second largest contributor to the countrys gross domestic product (GDP). Tourism generated $445 million in 2022, according to Rwanda Development Board statistics. Its past time for Africa to open up to allow people to move freely within the continent, and Ghana is on the right track. It simply needs to broaden its clientele, Jamila Uwimana, general manager of tour company Heritage Safaris in Kigali, told Semafor Africa.

Notable

Accra has transformed into a destination that brings together millions of Africans, both from across the continent and internationally, through a shared love of music, culture, and creativity, writes Sagal Mohammed in Britains Evening Standard newspaper which calls Accra the hottest new destination for London creatives.
Rudy Giuliani filed for bankruptcy Thursday, days after a jury ordered him to pay a staggering $148 million to two ex-Georgia election workers Giuliani baselessly accused of committing fraud in the 2020 election.

Giulianis Chapter 11 petition, filed in U.S. bankruptcy court in New York, lists between $1 million and $10 million in assets and between $100 million and $500 million in liabilities, the filing shows.

For months, the former New York City mayor has appeared to experience a cash crunch as he defended against increasing legal troubles in part for spearheading former President Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in court.

But the bankruptcy filing was spurred by a jurys verdict last week ordering him to pay about $148 million to former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss following a four-day civil defamation trial.

Giuliani vowed to appeal the verdict, calling the amount absurd. But at Freeman and Mosss request, the judge on Wednesday ordered the judgment be immediately enforced.

Filing for bankruptcy protections is likely to lead to a pause in the civil lawsuits Giuliani faces, including the election workers case, although Giuliani cant use bankruptcy to discharge debts for willful and malicious conduct. His criminal case in Georgia would still move forward.

The filing should be a surprise to no one, Ted Goodman, political advisor to Giuliani, said in a statement.

No person could have reasonably believed that Mayor Rudy Giuliani would be able to pay such a high punitive amount, Goodman added. Chapter 11 will afford Mayor Giuliani the opportunity and time to pursue an appeal, while providing transparency for his finances under the supervision of the bankruptcy court, to ensure all creditors are treated equally and fairly throughout the process.

Giulianis bankruptcy petition estimates he owes the largest amount known to the two women and has a total of less than 50 creditors.

The list of Giulianis largest creditors is a whos who of people and groups that are actively suing him.

It includes Hunter Biden, the presidents son, who sued Giuliani over his involvement in Bidens laptop scandal; voting-equipment companies Smartmatic and Dominion, which both sued Giuliani for defamation over his 2020 election claims; Giulianis ex-lawyers, who are suing him over unpaid legal bills; a Staten Island, N.Y. supermarket employee who sued Giuliani after being arrested for allegedly assaulting the former mayor; and one of Giulianis former employees, who accused him of sexual assault.

Giuliani also indicated in court papers that he owes about $724,000 in federal income taxes and about $265,000 in state income taxes.

Some of the details of Giulianis financial troubles were previously known.

His lawyers have publicly noted a cash crunch, and Giulianis attorney in the recent election workers trial said the requested damages could mark the end of Mr. Giuliani and be the civil equivalent of the death penalty.

And in the ongoing lawsuit from the supermarket employee, court filings show Giuliani has taken to representing himself.

Giuliani also still faces criminal charges in Georgia for his efforts leading Trumps legal team after the 2020 election. After being charged, he turned to Trump for help financially. Trump hosted a fundraiser for his former lawyer weeks later.

In July, Giuliani put his New York apartment up for sale for $6.5 million. The price was lowered by $400,000 in late October, the listing shows.

Updated 3:18 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
While bare ground in parts of the interior West and High Plains will be covered by snow in time for Christmas, the already lean amount of snow in the Midwest and Northeast will dwindle in the days ahead, dashing the hopes of a white Christmas for the young and the young at heart.

A large storm will lead to adverse travel conditions from snow and rain over the middle of the United States as Christmas travel ramps up, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.

The same storm that brought flooding rainfall to Southern California earlier this week is expected to join up with another storm from the Northwest, producing widespread snow in the Rockies this weekend.

The result will be a massive storm that will affect close to 1 million square miles of the nation's midsection with about a 50/50 split between snow over the interior West and High Plains and rain over much of the Mississippi Valley spanning the extended holiday weekend.

As temperatures drop over the Rockies and northern High Plains, it will allow the storm to become an efficient snow producer. Motorists should expect wintry travel to continue to spread through Saturday night along hundreds of miles of highways from northern New Mexico to the Dakotas, involving interstates 25, 70 and 80 before expanding to portions of interstates 90 and 94. Patches of slippery travel are also likely over the high ground along Interstate 40 in New Mexico and Arizona early this weekend.

AccuWeather meteorologists urge motorists who will be traveling through the Interstate 25 corridor to make sure their vehicle is winter-ready with adequate tires and warm gear on hand in case of stoppages.

Denver is the primary airport that may be adversely affected by the snowstorm from Saturday night to Sunday night, with delays and possible flight cancellations.

Farther to the east, the storm's main legacy will be drenching rain, areas of fog and even some thunder and lightning in a large part of the Mississippi Valley early this weekend before expanding to much of the Great Lakes region and part of the Appalachians later Christmas Day to Tuesday.

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Weather-related travel delays could mount across part of Texas on Christmas Eve, including in Houston and Dallas.

Motorists along portions of the interstates 29, 35 and 55 corridors that stretch north/south, as well as the many east/west highways that bisect these interstates over the Mississippi Valley, will encounter slick roads, poor visibility and localized incidents of ponding at some point during the extended holiday weekend.

Meanwhile, in much of the eastern third of the nation, dry travel conditions are in store through much of Christmas Day.

However, the exception will be over part of the interior Northeast, as a batch of moisture will develop over the Great Lakes and extend into parts of Ohio, upstate New York and Pennsylvania through Sunday. Most of that precipitation is likely to be in the form of rain or perhaps a wet snow and rain mix. No major travel problems are expected from this activity, except perhaps over portions of central and northern New York, where a small slushy accumulation cannot be ruled out.

Mr. Heat Miser and Mr. Snow Miser, animated characters from the 1974 Christmas special, The Year Without a Santa Claus, will battle it out in the coming days over the U.S.

Factoring in rising temperatures from the Mississippi Valley to the Northeast and the expansion of snow over the interior West, much of the population of the lower 48 states is unlikely to have a white Christmas this year.

As of Friday, just 13.2% of the contiguous U.S. was covered with snow, with the country on pace for a record low by Dec. 25, according to the National Weather Service.

This year could go down as one of or perhaps the least white Christmases on record.

In portions of the interior Northeast, where there is still some hope, that chance is based on the survival of existing snow cover from snow showers early this week. That snow will continue to melt each day into Christmas.

In portions of the southern High Plains to the Upper Midwest, there is a chance that the tail end of the big storm may bring a sweep of cold air that catches up with lingering moisture to allow a little snow on Christmas Day. However, that is a stretch, and the odds of this occurring from the Texas Panhandle to northern Michigan are slim. The best chance of this occurring will be from central and eastern Kansas to eastern Nebraska and far northwestern Missouri.

This map shows the amount of snow on the ground across the lower 48 United States as of Dec. 22, 2023. (National Weather Service)

"Duluth, Minnesota, which has a 92% historical average chance of a white Christmas, had only 1 inch of snow on the ground at the airport on Wednesday, which it is forecast to lose this week," AccuWeather Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell said. "Duluth is not forecast to have any snow on the ground on the morning of Dec. 25, 2023, joining 2006 and 1979 as the only other 'Green Christmases' in the station's 70-year history."

The best bet to see natural snow on the ground for Christmas morning will be over the Intermountain West from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the higher elevations of the Cascades to the Rockies and adjacent High Plains.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Signals from the GOP that it plans to put bribery allegations front and center in its impeachment probe of President Biden have renewed questions over how Republicans can prove their most disputed claim.

In making their case for the impeachment inquiry approved by the full House last week, GOP leaders stressed their commitment to investigating one of the few crimes spelled out as an impeachable offense in the Constitution.

But its a pathway that also comes with pitfalls, and that adds pressure on the GOP to back allegations that have been swirling for years and have been scrutinized and debunked by fact checkers.

The impeachable offense is  I think, the key thing is in Burisma, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) told reporters in a recent briefing, referring to Hunter Bidens work for the Ukrainian energy company.

While a House impeachment inquiry is not a court of law, any formal resolution to boot President Biden from office would ignite a study of whether he violated federal bribery statutes that were narrowed in a 2016 Supreme Court decision.

Republicans have alleged that then-Vice President Biden pushed to topple Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin in an effort to help Burisma, where Hunter Biden served on the board. But the prosecutor wasnt investigating Burisma at the time, and the effort to withhold aid for his ouster had bipartisan backing in the U.S. as well as from the international community amid criticism Shokin wasnt tackling corruption.

The bribery allegations stem from a tip to the FBI from a trusted confidential informant who relayed a conversation in which Burisma owner Mykola Zlochevsky bragged about paying both President Biden and his son  details the bureau investigated but were unable to corroborate.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), who sponsored the impeachment inquiry resolution, acknowledged the hurdle of backing the bribery allegations but said the GOP should be able to make its case using the totality of the evidence it has collected.

The political problem we have is that politically, it would be very nice if you had what everybody calls the smoking gun. The reality is, in a lot of these large-scale cases, there never is. Theres a totality of evidence and a totality of circumstances that says there is no rational explanation for all of it, Armstrong told The Hill.

But legal experts who spoke with The Hill said that would not fly in court, where prosecutors would have to show a quid pro quo  a term popularized during the first impeachment of former President Trump after he threatened to withhold aid from Ukraine in an effort to secure dirt on Biden.

Ankush Khardori, a former federal prosecutor, said in court that attorneys would need to show evidence of a bribe and tie it to an official act of government power.

Its not something that has to be documented in writing, he said, but prosecutors would need to hear from a witness to the bribe or perhaps even the person that paid the bribe themselves, should they be cooperating.

You need some evidence of the actual agreement, and that cant entirely be inferred from circumstantial evidence, or youre going to be [in] tricky territory. And you need an official act, which is a legal question, Khadori said. The definition of what constitutes an official act was narrowed as the Supreme Court weighed the case of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R).

Its not sufficient in a bribery prosecution  again Im talking about an actual criminal case  to just say here are a bunch of benefits that go to the defendant  things of value  and here are a bunch of things that the defendant did. You have to prove that they were done in exchange for one another, he said.

Impeachments are political exercises at heart and dont have the same burdens of proof that are required in court.

Still, lawmakers often turn to court standards for guidance, as do those facing impeachment themselves  Trumps attorneys argued during his first impeachment that he should not be removed from office because he had not committed a criminal offense.

Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), a lawyer vying to serve as his states attorney general next year, noted that while the Senate isnt required to use judicial standards, they often frame how lawmakers approach the issue.

The Constitution doesnt specify the burden of proof in the Senate on  articles of impeachment. So its up to the senators to decide what test to apply. But even if you take the more ordinary criminal prosecution case, your obligation still is not to prove something beyond any doubt, its beyond a reasonable doubt, he said.

[Bribery] is the most evident wrong that someone in public office can undertake. The evidence that already exists is quite powerful that something in the neighborhood of bribery was going on, Bishop added.

I think theres additional evidence to be developed that is likely to make that clearer one way or the other, and then you proceed to a conclusion.

Republicans have had trouble underpinning the allegation of bribery.

Theyve zeroed in on overseas work by both President Bidens brother James Biden and Hunter Biden.

But financial connections between the family are limited to two loan repayments James Biden made after borrowing money from his brother  checks for $200,000 and $40,000.

A series of three payments between Hunter Biden and his father also came after he cosigned a loan for a truck for his son.

Republicans have cast doubt on the checks between the president and his brother, arguing that there should be a formal agreement for the loan or that James Biden should have been charged interest. Theyve also called on President Biden to demonstrate he loaned his brother money, despite records on file with the House Oversight Committee showing a wire transfer from an account associated with the president to that of his brother.

Just because a check has loan written at the bottom doesnt mean its a loan, Bishop said.

But Dave Rapallo, a former staff director for the House Oversight Committee and White House lawyer under the Obama administration, said even outside a courtroom setting, the GOP has yet to connect the dots and spell out wrongdoing by Biden.

Its not that circumstantial evidence is never useful  it can be. But right now, even their circumstantial evidence doesnt show any crime by Joe Biden  If you lay out all this stuff about Hunter Biden, that still doesnt get to Joe. I dont understand how theyre going to make the leap, he said.

I dont know if Id call it an obligation, but to be effective, or to be convincing or to be compelling, they would need to have some evidence showing that Joe Biden took some action that was linked to any of this. And the whole thing about getting rid of the prosecutor just seems like such a stretch. Everybody in the Western world was calling for that guy to step down.

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), who before being elected to the House worked as a staffer on Trumps first impeachment, said Republicans focus on the bigger picture in making their case ignores reams of evidence already collected by prior congressional investigations that spoke to numerous State Department employees. Together, they testified President Bidens actions in Ukraine were taken to carry out a U.S. foreign policy stance  details backed up in State Department speeches and emails from that time period.

Its not even just that they dont have evidence to support allegations of bribery. They have a lot of evidence that completely undermines and debunks those allegations, Goldman told The Hill.

Indeed, some GOP members of the Senate have aired concerns over the evidence thus far, a group that includes Trump critics such as Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) as well as Trump allies including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Armstrong, meanwhile, has said there is no doubt that Hunter Biden made a career through influence peddling and said it was improper for the Biden family to conduct business with adversaries such as China.

Its really easy to take each transaction individually and say, Heres the innocent explanation for that. [I] concede that some of those might actually be accurate. Its really hard to have an innocent explanation for all of them, Armstrong said.

I think theres far too many people that think were gonna find a video of Hunter Biden handing a bag of cash to Joe Biden with the Chinese Communist symbol on the paper bag. Thats not how these cases are worked. And thats a political liability, but that doesnt necessarily make it a proof or factual liability.

This story was updated at 10:14 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
AUSTIN  After sending some 80,000 migrants by bus to various U.S. cities where Democrats are in charge, Gov. Greg Abbott this week chartered a plane to take about 120 migrants from El Paso to Chicago.

The flight, which video from the governor's office showed several children accompanied by adults, took off on Tuesday for O'Hare International Airport  one day after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his city had impounded a bus that originated from the border city of Eagle Pass with 49 migrants aboard because it dropped off passengers without a permit.

A Chicago ordinance updated this month allows the city to tow and impound "buses that refuse to comply with safety protocols."

Migrants board a charter bus that will take them to their destination in New York. The City of El Paso and the Office of Emergency Management have managed a Migrant Welcome Center at the COVID Community Center in Northeast El Paso.

Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said the ordinance change was hypocritical and retailiatory.

"Because Mayor Johnson is failing to live up to his city's 'Welcoming City' ordinance by targeting migrant buses from Texas, we are expanding our operation to include flights to Chicago, like the Biden Administration has been doing across the country," Mahaleris said in an email.

Although U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement uses chartered and commercial flights to return unlawful immigrants to their countries of origin or to "ICE-managed detention facilities and staging areas," the Poynter Institute's PolitiFact last year ruled that claims that Biden administration uses air travel to relocate immigrants to communities around the country as "mostly false."

More: 1 day after Gov. Greg Abbott signs SB4, El Paso County files legal challenge

Abbott, under the auspices of his border initiative dubbed Operation Lone Star, has sent nearly 83,000 migrants to various cities around the country since April 2022, ostensibly to show political leaders there the burden unlawful immigration places on city and charitable resources. The cost per rider has been put at about $1,300, according to data provided by the Texas Department of Emergency Management.

The migrants who voluntarily agree to be transported must show state officials documentation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that they've been processed and cleared by federal immigration authorities to remain legally in the United States, at least temporarily, according to Abbott's office.

Sanctuary city Chicago started obstructing and targeting our busing mission.



Texas will now expand our operation to include flights to Chicago.



Until Biden steps up to secure the border, we will continue to provide overwhelmed Texas border towns with much-needed relief. pic.twitter.com/kRoK8KBpJ2  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 20, 2023

The governor's office did not immediately respond to a question about the cost of the Chicago flight, but it did say the migrants aboard the passenger airliner had signed consent forms written in languages they could read.

Mayors in several cities where migrants have been critical of the bus program. Chicago's Mayor Johnson said in the recent news release sending migrants to his Midwest city as winter approaches is "inhumane treatment (that) 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."

In Austin, a 3-year-old child who had boarded a Texas-provided bus with parents died en route to Chicago after showing symptoms that included a fever and diarrhea. Texas officials later issued a statement saying that "prior to boarding, no passenger presented with a fever or medical concerns."

At a news conference on Monday, before the flight from Texas, Johnson denounced the sending as dangerous.

We have a governor  a governor  an elected official in that state of Texas that is placing families on buses without shoes, cold, wet, tired, hungry, afraid, traumatized, Johnson said. The governor of Texas needs to take a look in the mirror of the chaos that hes causing for this country.

More: El Paso turns to Gov. Greg Abbott's busing program to help migrants on their way

Of the estimated 25,000 migrants sent to Chicago, Johnson said the city has "resettled or reunited" more than 10,000. Food, shelter and "wraparound services" have been provided for the others, he added.

The Biden administration continued its criticism of the Republican Abbott's tactic in the wake of the Chicago flight.

Yet again, Governor Abbott is showing how little regard or respect he has for human beings, said White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez in a statement. This latest political stunt just adds to his tally of extreme policies which seek to demonize and dehumanize people.

But in Texas, Abbott's hardline approach to immigration, which includes a law the governor signed this week that allows state law enforcement officers to arrest, detain and deport individuals suspected of illegally crossing into Texas, appears to remain popular.

According to a poll released Tuesday by the Texas Politics Project, an arm of the University of Texas, more than 80% of respondents said they support policies to tighten border security with increased technology, infrastructure, and personnel and 61% support additional border wall construction.

The Legislature this year allocated 1.54 billion at Abbott's behest to add to the border barriers installed during the Trump administration.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Abbott's migrant busing escalates with chartered plane to Chicago
Gov. Spencer Cox speaks to media during a monthly news conference at PBS Utah at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. | Rick Egan

Gov. Spencer Cox called a Colorado court ruling that disqualifies former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot a mistake and said Trumps political future should be left to American voters.

During his monthly PBS press conference Wednesday morning, Cox weighed in on the Colorado Supreme Courts decision to declare Trump ineligible to appear on the states primary ballot next year because of his participation in alleged insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.

I have a lot of issues with the ruling. I think its a mistake, Cox told reporters.

Promising not to get into the weeds, Cox, an attorney and Utahs former top election official, launched into a summary of the various legal opinions and political arguments surrounding Colorados controversial legal decision which is expected to insert the U.S. Supreme Court into a presidential election in a way reminiscent of Bush v. Gore in 2000.

The Colorado Supreme Court based its 43 ruling on Section 3 of the Civil War-era 14th Amendment, which Cox explained was intended for Confederate officers who attempted to secede from the Union. The 14th Amendment disqualifies from future office any government official who has sworn an oath to support the Constitution and engaged in insurrection against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.

Referring to Trumps words and behavior surrounding the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the Colorado Supreme Court opined, President Trump engaged in insurrection ... (He) incited and encouraged the use of violence and lawless action to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.

But in Coxs view, the verdict is not so cut and dry.

Weve never had a case like this one really, he said. I dont think its anything like the Civil War cases.

Cox said he hoped the ruling would be appealed to the United States Supreme Court and quickly settled in accordance with legal precedent  which he said falls on the side of keeping the former president on the ballot.

Judges historically, if its a close call at all, always, always err on the side of putting the person on the ballot, Cox said. If its a close call at all we should let the people decide.

However, Coxs legal qualms dont constitute an endorsement of Trump, he clarified. Cox has said on numerous occasions he doesnt think Trump is the best, or most electable, candidate for the job. He would prefer the Republican nominee to be a governor and has voiced support for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

Related

I thought Donald Trump did some good things as president, I thought he did some terrible things as president. I dont think he should be president again. I really dont, Cox said. I hope that the people of the United States will figure that out and can make those decisions.

Echoing a video message from Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson on Tuesday evening, the governor said it was very unlikely a lawsuit like the one in Colorado will prevail in Utah.

The Colorado Supreme Courts decision ignited a firestorm on social media, with Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Republican Party Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel responding in less measured tones than Utahs governor.

This lawless, cynical ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court will not stand, Lee said Tuesday on X.

In a post shared by 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, Lee added, This is the kind of wake-up call we should not ignore. Nor is this just another bad, politically motivated ruling. This is lawless thuggery masquerading as jurisprudence.

McDaniel was even more forthright.

Election interference, she wrote. This irresponsible ruling will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and our legal team looks forward to helping fight for a victory. The Republican nominee will be decided by Republican voters, not a partisan state court.
COLOMBO, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government has transferred over 51.9 billion rupees (about 160 million U.S. dollars) to over 1.4 million needy families qualified for the newly introduced Aswesuma welfare scheme in the last six months, a state minister said on Thursday.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said in a press release that 8.8 billion rupees (27 million dollars) were transferred in December alone.

He said out of the beneficiaries, 303,199 families fall under the extremely poor category.

The state minister said the government will evaluate the program at the end of the year, and call for a fresh round of applications in January 2024.

The government, in its recent budget, has allocated 205 billion rupees (628.8 million dollars) for the payment of the Aswesuma social welfare program in 2024. 
Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday appointed Aaron Kinsey as chairman of the Texas State board of Education.

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Aaron Kinsey, a freshman Texas State Board of Education member, to lead the powerful group, which sets curriculum standards, approves textbooks and authorizes charter schools statewide.

Kinsey, an oil industry entrepreneur and a proponent of school choice  a program that uses public money to pay for private schooling and was the governor's signature policy priority this year  is replacing Chairman Keven Ellis, whose four-year tenure leading the board came during a time when schools were forced to educate students virtually due to a global pandemic and when the members were thrust into heated political debates over textbooks and other hot-button issues.

Kinsey, R-Midland, has been a vocal supporter of parental freedoms  a rallying cry for Abbott, who toured the state over the last year touting school choice  and his appointment to the chairman post signals support from the governor, who bypassed several veteran Republican members with deep education backgrounds for the board's top spot.

"I sincerely value the relationships I have built across the Board and look forward to our accomplishments as we focus on strengthening Texas' future," Kinsey said in a statement after his appointment Monday.

It's rare for a novice on the board to be appointed chairman, University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus told the American-Statesman.

"His rapid acceleration to board chair means the governor fully backs him and his agenda," Rottinghaus said. "His agenda is strongly rooted in school choice and parental choice."

Abbott has pushed forcefully for school choice proposals in Texas this year, even calling lawmakers back to Austin for two additional special sessions to pass such a measure. A coalition of rural Republicans and Democrats in the Texas House, however, have blocked school choice proposals from advancing from the lower chamber over concerns that a voucher program would gut public school funding. Abbott and other Republican lawmakers, however, insist that school choice is a way to get students out of failing public schools.

Kinsey, who advocated for parental rights during his 2022 campaign, has again picked up the cause in his reelection effort.

"We must continue to safeguard parents rights, combat the radical left on curriculum issues, and most importantly, protect our children from overt sexualization in the classroom," Kinsey said in a statement about his reelection.

The board's role in Texas education is important, and hopefully Kinsey will treat the office with the respect it needs, said David DeMatthews, a University of Texas professor in the school's Education Leadership and Policy Department.

"To some extent, he's been caught up in some of the very typical political mix around curriculum in Texas," DeMatthews said of Kinsey, who was elected to the board last year.

During the board's review of school content last month, Kinsey was among the members who objected to certain science textbooks because of concerns the material portrayed the oil and gas industry in a negative way.

More: Texas State Board of Education questions climate change, evolution in science textbooks

For Rottinghaus, the University of Houston professor, it's too early to tell what changes Kinsey will bring to the board under his chairmanship. Clearly, Abbott stands behind Kinsey's policies, he said.

"Appointments like this are a way for the governor to get policy changes he wants in the background or at least soften the ground for future debates," Rottinghaus said.

Abbott has vowed to continue fighting for school choice, whether at the Legislature or the ballot box.

Who is Aaron Kinsey?

Kinsey was elected in November 2022 to the District 15 seat on the education board after defeating incumbent Jay Johnson. The district is one of the largest geographically, covering 87 counties including the Panhandle and most of West Texas.

Kinsey graduated from Texas A&M University and Harvard University Business School, is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and is CEO of American Patrols Inc., which does aerial patrols of oil and gas infrastructure to check for damage.

Kinsey brings "valuable perspective to the Board and is ready to lead," Ellis, the former chairman, said in a statement.

Kinsey's appointment as chair expires Dec. 17, 2025.

Ellis, R-Lufkin, who will remain in the District 9 seat on the board, joined the group in 2016 and has led it since 2019. He is a chiropractor who served on the Lufkin school board for four years before joining the state education board.

State Board of Education members Julie Pickren and Keven Ellis talk during a board meeting in August.

"The State Board has accomplished great things for the children and families of Texas," Ellis said. "We have improved the content of textbooks and curriculum standards offered to millions of Texas public school students."

Aside from setting curriculum standards and approving textbooks, the board also manages the Texas Permanent School Fund  a $57 billion endowment that's one piece of the state's school finance puzzle.

The board meets next on Jan. 30.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: School choice proponent tapped to chair Texas State Board of Education
This is a photo of young students sitting in a circle on the floor.

This article was originally published in Maine Morning Star.

Six Maine schools are receiving a combined total of nearly $1 million in state grants for educator apprenticeship programs.

The funding comes from the Maine Jobs and Recovery plan and overall efforts from the Gov. Janet Mills administration to connect employers with a skilled workforce, according to a news release from the Maine Department of Labor. Educator apprenticeship programs already exist in the state, but this new grant plans to expand that by preparing 200 new and existing teachers.

The programs also hope to build pathways for historically underrepresented populations in Maines teaching workforce such as people of color, those with disabilities and multilingual educators.

Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now.

At a virtual press conference Monday afternoon, Samantha Dina, director of special projects for DOL, announced the six schools who will receive the money to implement apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. They are:

Brunswick School Department  $105,000MSAD 1 / RSU #79  $75,000RSU #34  $249,000Portland Public Schools  $250,000University of Maine Farmington  $144,000University of Southern Maine  $162,000

This builds on the more than $12 million awarded by Mills administration in 2022 to more than double apprenticeships in the state.

The Maine Department of Education also launched a national advertising campaign encouraging people to come teach in Maine. That campaign is being funded by federal emergency relief dollars.

The campaign website links to more than 850 education job openings across the state ranging from early childhood to postsecondary education.

Maine Morning Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maine Morning Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lauren McCauley for questions: info@mainemorningstar.com. Follow Maine Morning Star on Facebook and Twitter.
Gov. Spencer Cox speaks to media during a monthly news conference at PBS Utah at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. | Rick Egan

Gov. Spencer Cox said he expects the Utah Legislature to ban state colleges and universities from requiring new hires to sign diversity statements, and said he plans to sign the bill if it comes to his desk.

I think its bordering on evil that were forcing people into a political framework before they can even apply for a job in the state, he said.

Cox called the diversity, equity and inclusion statements very political, during his monthly televised PBS press conference on Wednesday.

I thought for sure thats not happening here in the state of Utah  it is happening here in the state of Utah. But I can assure you after this legislative session, it will not be happening here, he said.

Cox said discussions with members of the state Legislature are already underway about how to address DEI issues on college campuses, and the conversation includes college presidents and members of the state Board of Higher Education.

The focus of the conversations, he said, is on how to help students who are struggling.

Cox said he thinks the number of people working in DEI positions on public campuses is astounding, and said they havent shown they can help improve student outcomes.

This is not a zero sum game, and Im so tired of the false choices, he said, pointing to rural students and young men as populations who are also attending college at lower rates. He said it wasnt true that if youre opposed to the identitarianism of DEI then youre racist.

I care deeply about our brown kids and our Black kids. I care deeply about all of our children, and we should be trying to help them.

The racial makeup of Utah and the states public universities is changing, Cox said. There are now 17 states less diverse than Utah, including Ohio, and the students who attend Utahs public colleges and universities generally reflect that diversity, he added.

Cox was quick to say Utahns should understand that while he might not like some of whats been done in the name of DEI, it doesnt mean he doesnt value diversity.

I believe that diversity is very important, and I think it is a worthy goal. I think that inclusion is absolutely critical. We value and we pride ourselves on being a state that is incredibly welcoming with refugees and immigrants and others, he said.

We should celebrate our different cultures, different backgrounds, different experiences, different languages  all of those things make us richer and make us better, he said. Thats why diversity is so good. All of the studies show that if you get people who are different working together to solve a problem, they can actually solve that problem better than people who are the same.

Related

Cox and state legislators are likely to receive pushback from those who believe DEI programs have helped minority students.

Following an earlier statement by Cox on DEI, Jeanetta Williams, president of the NAACP Salt Lake Branch, released a statement on Dec. 15 saying she was disheartened to hear Gov. Cox talk negatively about Diversity in Colleges.

I challenge the governor to get diversity groups, colleges and legislators together in a room to discuss diversity in higher education before he makes another public statement against diversity in higher education. He cannot come out and make a claim that Diversity on college campuses is divisive without talking to the other side, she said.

Utah isnt the only state looking at reining in DEI offices on college campuses.

Recently in Wisconsin, Republicans in the state Legislature cut funds for DEI offices at public colleges and universities, then held back money for pay increases and infrastructure improvements on those campuses until the schools agreed to freeze hiring for DEI positions, according to National Review.

The states flagship school, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, agreed to a list of legislative demands in exchange for increased funds, including soliciting donations for a new endowed chair for conservative political thought, classical economic theory, or classical liberalism, depending on the donors interest, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.

Cox said he also hopes to see greater intellectual diversity on college campuses.

This should be a priority for every college campus in the country. If you really care about truth and the reasons that universities exist in the first place  not to be vessels for political correctness or sameness, but to be seeking truth and finding truth and allowing for debate, even unpopular debate...  you have to have some intellectual diversity on campuses, he said.

He said forcing people to sign DEI statements as part of the hiring process is a political endeavor and decreases intellectual diversity.

I think you will definitely see more from me and my office and from the Board of Higher Ed when it comes to pushing our campuses to have more intellectual diversity and freedom of speech on campuses, with the institutions themselves staying neutral.
BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY)  On Wednesday, Dec. 20, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper commuted the sentence of one man from Bertie County, and granted pardons for four others, including one man from Perquimans County.

According to officials, the process for commutations and pardons includes reviewing the circumstances of the crimes, length of the sentences, records in prison and readiness to reenter communities successfully after prison.

Commutation, which is the process of reducing a sentence to be less severe, also follows a recommendation by the Juvenile Sentence Review Board  A board established by Cooper to review petitions from people sentenced to prison after crimes committed while they were minors.

Ensuring careful review of cases while taking executive clemency action is a responsibility I take seriously, said Governor Cooper. We carefully consider recommendations made by the Juvenile Sentence Review Board to commute sentences for crimes committed by minors. All of these individuals are deserving of clemency and we will continue to work to protect our communities and improve the fairness of our criminal justice system.

The person commuted:

Darnell Cherry, 42: Served 26 years in prison for his involvement at age 16 in the murder and robbery of Robert Earl Edwards, Jr. and the robbery and shooting of Sonja Williams in Bertie County.

 The Juvenile Sentence Review Board recommended this commutation due to Mr. Cherry being consistently employed, obtaining his G.E.D. and trade qualifications.

 Cherrys sentence was commuted to time served

 Cherrys original release date would have been in January 2035.

 Read Cherrys Order here.

The people who received pardons of forgiveness:

Portia Bright-Pittman, 38 : Convicted of accessory after the fact to armed robbery in Orange County in 2008.

 Bright-Pittman was 22-years-old when the offense was committed.

 She has since worked in state government from 2016-2019 and 2020- present.

-Read Bright-Pittmans Order here .

W. Samuel Fagg, 43 : Convicted of possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine in Wake County in 2002.

 Dr. Fagg was 21-years-old when the offense was committed.

 He has since obtained a masters degree and PhD and conducts advanced scientific research related to regenerative medicine.

 Read Dr. Faggs Order here .

Tramayne Hinton, 42 : Convicted of robbery in Perquimans County in 1998.

 Hinton was 16-years-old when the offense was committed.

 He has since completed high school and has worked in sales and marketing, and also owns his own business.

 Read Hintons Order here .

Flemming Ragas, 45: Convicted of breaking and entering, larceny and possession of stolen goods in Lee and Cumberland counties in 1999.

 Ragas was 20-years-old when the offenses were committed.

 Ragas has served in the United States Army and National Guard, including two deployments to Iraq, earning the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.

 Read Ragas Order here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
This photo taken on Dec. 20, 2023 shows the launch ceremony of the Belarusian edition of the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" in Minsk, Belarus. The launch ceremony, co-organized by China's State Council Information Office, China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and the Chinese Embassy in Belarus, and hosted by China's Foreign Languages Press and Belarusian publishing house Mastatskaya Litaratura, was attended by some 500 political leaders, government officials, representatives from think tanks and media, among others. (Photo by Henadz Zhinkov/Xinhua)

MINSK, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Belarusian edition of the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has been launched in Minsk.

Guests at the launch ceremony said that the book helps its readers comprehend the principles of the Communist Party of China in governing the country in the new era, and understand the modern civilization of the Chinese nation as well as the Chinese modernization.

From this work, they said, one can understand that Chinese modernization embodies the philosophy of putting people first, the development concept based on reality, the civilizational connotation of openness and inclusiveness, and the world view of win-win cooperation.

Under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China has made world-renowned achievements in development, participants said, adding that China's successful experience in state governance has provided useful reference for developing countries, including Belarus.

China's development will inject more stability and certainty into a turbulent and changing world, they added.

The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China is a great undertaking that builds consensus and cooperation in the international community, and all participating countries will benefit from it, they said.

Guests said that the book, jointly translated and published by Foreign Languages Press and Belarusian publishing house Mastatskaya Litaratura, is a major achievement in the exchange of experience in state governance between China and Belarus.

They hope to take this event as an opportunity to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, continuously deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and make positive contributions to the construction of an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

At the ceremony, guests from China and Belarus jointly unveiled the Belarusian version of the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China." The Chinese delegation presented the new books to Belarusian friends. After the event, experts and scholars from the two countries held discussions on the governance experiences of China and Belarus.

The launch ceremony, co-organized by China's State Council Information Office, China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and the Chinese Embassy in Belarus, and hosted by China's Foreign Languages Press and Belarusian publishing house Mastatskaya Litaratura, was attended by some 500 political leaders, government officials, representatives from think tanks and media, among others.

So far, the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has been translated and published in 40 languages. 
A former California prison guard being retried in a Code of Silence cover up in an attack on an inmate who later died was found guilty Wednesday.

Brenda Villa, 32, a former sergeant at California State Prison, Sacramento, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit falsification of records and three counts of falsification of records in the cover-up of an attack on inmate Ronnie Price, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced.

Price was a 65-year-old inmate whose hands were cuffed behind his back and legs shackled when guard Arturo Pacheco yanked his legs out from under him and sent him crashing face-first to the ground in 2016.

Price died two days later at UC Davis Medical Center, but was able to describe the attack on him to a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation investigator before he died. A video of that interview was played for jurors.

Ronnie Price, an inmate who died at California State Prison, Sacramento, is seen in an undated photograph provided by his familys attorney.

Villa was convicted of perjury last July, but the jury in that case deadlocked on the other charges, and U.S. Attorney Phil Talberts office chose to retry the case.

Villa did not testify during the retrial but her lawyer, Assistant Federal Defender Jerome Price, argued that former guards who testified against her were lying and had cut deals with prosecutors to spare themselves.

Price noted that former guard Arturo Luna was granted immunity, former guard Dorian Lopez was given a proffer agreement that meant nothing he told prosecutors could be used against him and former guard Ashley Aurich was promised prosecutors would seek a lesser sentence in exchange for cooperation.

He also argued that Villa was not present when Price was attacked and was not told what had happened.

Brenda Villa is not guilty of the charges against her. ... Price said during his closing argument. You heard from three co-conspirators. Not one of them told you that they had told Brenda Villa what occurred.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Anderson and Rosanne Rust, who secured the perjury conviction in July, argued that Villa conspired to cover up the attack on Ronnie Price as part of the California prison systems Code of Silence or Green Wall.

They contended that Villa wanted Lunas name kept out of reports on the incident because he had been involved in another use-of-force incident a week earlier and it would look bad if he was reported to be in another.

Pacheco pleaded guilty last July to two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of falsifying records. He was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison.

Aurich, Pachecos partner during the escort when Price was attacked, pleaded guilty in January 2021 to falsifying records in a federal investigation and testified at trial. She was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

Villa faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of conspiracy and the count of perjury, Talberts office said in announcing the verdict. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of falsification of records.
The United States has accused Delhi of plotting to assassinate an American citizen who advocates for Khalistan - an independent Sikh state carved out of India.

Washington said an Indian national, working with an Indian government official, had attempted to hire a hitman for $100,000 (79,000) to carry out the murder on American soil - but the plot unravelled as the hitman was actually an undercover federal agent.

The target was identified as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen. The New York-based lawyer, believed to be in his early 50s, is the legal counsel and spokesman for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based Sikh separatist group that's banned in India since 2019.

In the days following the sensational allegation, Delhi said Pannun "is wanted for violation of the law" but denied that they had anything to do with the murder plot. "A high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the allegation and address the US government's security concerns," external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

So who is Pannun and why is he so controversial in India?

Delhi has made no bones about its dislike for the Sikh separatist - a man they designated a terrorist in 2020. He is wanted in nearly two dozen cases, including some of terrorism and sedition, and in September, his properties in Amritsar and Chandigarh cities were seized. Pannun denies all the charges and says the cases are false.

A Sikh - a religious minority which makes up about 2% of India's population - he says he is an activist who just believes in Khalistan. India crushed a violent armed Sikh insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s and the movement has little support in the country now although some in the Sikh diaspora continue to advocate for Khalistan. Pannun and his SFJ are among its most vocal supporters.

Khalistan supporters protested in front of the White House during Prime Minister Narendra Mod's visit in June 2023

Born in the Nathu Chak village in the north-western state of Punjab, a young Pannun moved with his parents and siblings to Khankot village in Amritsar. He went to school in Ludhiana and then on to Panjab University in Chandigarh in the early 1990s to study law.

It was there that he became active in student politics, a former Punjab police official told the BBC. He said that police investigated Pannun for involvement in a brawl where he was accused of assault and raising pro-Khalistan slogans. But he was later cleared of all charges.

A few years later, he moved to the US where he acquired degrees in management and law and until 2014, worked at Wall Street as a business analyst.

The Sikhs for Justice was formed in 2007 with an aim to keep the focus on those affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.

But it was only after 2012 that Pannun started getting media attention after SFJ began suing prominent Indian politicians and celebrities whenever they visited America, accusing them of playing a role in the riots. He used a 1789 law called Alien Tort Statute which allows American courts to try cases related to human rights abuses committed elsewhere in the world by non-US citizens.

So, SFJ filed cases against former Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi when she was admitted in a New York cancer hospital and then prime minister Manmohan Singh when he visited the US to meet then President Barack Obama.

In February 2015, he hit the global headlines when he sued Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, accusing him of making provocative statements to incite anti-Sikh mobs during the riots. The actor has always denied any role and the case didn't travel - none of the others did either, but they brought him attention and gave the much-needed boost to his anti-India campaign.

He built on that by announcing the same year a global Sikh referendum to push for the creation of Khalistan and since then, he's organised a number of symbolic non-binding referendums in Western countries with substantial Indian diaspora, including in the UK, Canada and Australia. A similar event is planned in California in January-end, according to the SFJ website.

"The Indian government and the Modi regime want to kill me, they want to eliminate me for running the global Khalistan referendum voting campaign," he told Time magazine in a recent interview.

Canada has accused India of being behind the June murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar - India denies the allegation

In hundreds of videos posted on the SFJ website and its social media platforms, Pannun is seen castigating India and offering rewards to those who write anti-India graffiti or hoist Khalistani flags on government buildings or desecrate India's national flag, leading to accusations that "he's radicalising the youth through online propaganda".

In recent videos widely shared on social media, he is seen telling Hindus in Canada to "go back to India"; threatening to "shake the very foundation of Indian parliament" and says he will "break the backbone of Indian economy and Balkanise India".

In one video in September, he says "Delhi will become Khalistan" and calls for the "political death" of PM Modi and two of his ministers.

Earlier this year, he vowed to "avenge the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar" - a Sikh separatist leader that Canada says was killed by India although Delhi vehemently denies the accusation - and admitted that he was behind "kill India" posters with names and photographs of Indian diplomats in the US, UK and Canada. He defended the posters and rejected allegations that they incited violence against the diplomats. "Where does it say that I want to kill them? It just has their names and photographs mentioned therein," The Times of India quoted him as saying.

Last month, he cautioned Sikhs against flying Air India planes on or after 19 November - Indira Gandhi's birthday - warning that "there could be threats to life". The statement alarmed many and revived memories of the 1985 Air India bombing, blamed on Sikh militants, in which all 329 people on board were killed. After the statement caused outrage in India, Pannun said he was calling for "a 'boycott' of Air India, but the whole Indian narrative shifted to 'bomb' Air India".

"Pannun works on optics and through his videos on social media, he attempts to instil fear in the minds of our citizens," a retired Indian intelligence official told the BBC. "But he's clever, he's a lawyer and chooses his words carefully to avoid falling foul of the law."

Until a few years back, the official said, Pannun had more of a "nuisance value", but "he's being taken more seriously now".

The foreign ministry says Washington has been made aware of the "details of the kind of crimes Pannun is responsible for in India" and "concerns regarding threats made by extremists or terrorists against India or Indian diplomats" have been shared with them. Many Indians have expressed frustration that the US has not taken any action against him.

Earlier this week, PM Modi too weighed in on the controversy. India, he told the Financial Times, will "definitely look into" any evidence provided on its alleged links to the assassination plot. But he also questioned the US stand that "individuals have the right to freedom of speech" and "rights to peacefully assemble".

India is "deeply concerned about the activities of certain extremist groups based overseas" and "these elements, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence", he said.

Correction 22 December 2023: This article was amended to correct the university Pannun attended.

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H-E-B broke ground Wednesday on its first of two Joe Vs Smart Shop low-price grocery stores coming to the Metroplex. This location will be the first Joe Vs outside of the Houston area.

Joe Vs Smart Shop is about half the size of a typical H-E-B but offers many of the same products that made the Texas-based chain so popular, including bakery tortillas, ready-made meals, fresh produce and more.

The first Joe Vs Smart Shop in North Texas will be at 4101 W. Wheatland Road in southwest Dallas, near the interchange of Interstate 20 and U.S. 67. The store is expected to open in late summer 2024.

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H-E-B first revealed its plans in June for building Joe Vs Smart Shops in North Texas.

A second store will be in east Dallas on Buckner Boulevard, south of Interstate 30. That location at 5204 S. Buckner Blvd. will open in spring 2025.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

H-E-B first launched Joe Vs Smart Shop in 2010 in Houston. It now operates 10 stores with about 2,000 employees in that market.

H-E-B will open new Joe Vs Smart Shop locations in 2024 and 2025.

Joe Vs Smart Shop tailors its assortment of products to the local community. According to the company, the Dallas locations Joe Vs will have these products and services:

A large produce department with Texas-grown selections delivered daily and a wide assortment of fresh-cut, ready-to-serve fruits and vegetables.

Assortment of H-E-B brand products such as H-E-B Organics, Central Market, Hill Country Fare, as well as major national brands.

A wide variety of fresh in-store cut meat, chicken, and seafood options, including the $20 bundle boxes and Texas-sized Club Packs.

Bakery with store-made tortillas, bolillos, pastries and breads.

Sushiya with handmade sushi made in-store daily and an Asian grill with rice bowls, teriyaki and more.

H-E-B Meal Simple selection with fresh, convenient chef-inspired meals.

Expansive Latino cheese selection.

Grocery and general merchandise departments including dairy, frozen foods, seasonal items, cookware, small appliances and toys.

Nutritional supplements, medications, personal hygiene and baby essentials.

The Joe Vs stores are usually about 55,000 square feet with 150 employees, whereas the traditional H-E-B flagship store format is closer to 111,000 square feet and could employ hundreds of people. H-E-B expected to hire 700 full- and part-time employees for its McKinney H-E-B back in February.

H-E-B also operates the Central Market stores, including one in Fort Worth.

H-E-B first launched Joe Vs Smart Shop in 2010 in Houston. It now operates nine stores with more than 1,500 employees.

The expansion of Joe Vs Smart Shops in North Texas fall in line with H-E-Bs overall expansion in the Metroplex.

H-E-B opened its first Frisco location on Sept. 20, 2022.

H-E-B purchased land in Fort Worth in March 2023 at The Shops at Chisholm Trail Ranch in far south Fort Worth, along Chisholm Trail Parkway and McPherson Boulevard. (That area also appears to be the site of a future Target store.)

H-E-B began construction in November on an Alliance store in far north Fort Worth at Heritage Trace Parkway and North Riverside Drive. The H-E-B Alliance is expected to open in spring 2024.

The grocery chain broke ground on a Mansfield store in February. The store at U.S. 287 and Broad Street is also slated to open in 2024.

The San Antonio-based grocer has more than 400 locations in Texas and Mexico and achieved $34 billion in annual sales. It is the largest private employer in Texas with more than 145,000 employees across the state.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley expressed her opposition Wednesday to the Colorado Supreme Courts ruling to disqualify former President Trump from the state ballot, arguing the decision is truly unthinkable.

The idea that judges are going to take it upon themselves to decide who can and cant be on the ballot is truly unthinkable, Haley said in an interview with Fox Newss Martha MacCallum. And I think the people of Colorado should be furious.

Colorados high court on Tuesday handed down a ruling stating Trump should be prevented from appearing on the ballot under the 14th Amendments insurrection clause, which states those who took oaths to support the Constitution cannot engage in a rebellion against it.

The courts 4-3 ruling states Trump engaged in an insurrection by falsely claiming election fraud and rallying his supporters to go to the Capitol prior to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack, and rules the office of the presidency falls under the insurrection clause.

Haley, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and former governor of South Carolina, emphasized she will defeat Trump on [her] own and doesnt need a judge to remove him from the ballot.

I dont think [Trump] should be president, I think I should be president, Haley said Wednesday. I think our country would do a lot better if I was, but we should have this race fair and square with him on the ballot, just like everybody else.

And the idea that we go and say, just because these liberal justices dont like him, they want to take him off the ballot  thats not democracy, thats not who we are. Thats not what we need to do.

Haleys remarks echo sentiments from several GOP lawmakers and candidates competing against her and Trump for the GOP presidential nomination.

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with several GOP congressional members, have argued the Colorado ruling is an attempt by Democrats to prevent Trump from the 2024 election.

All justices of the Colorado Supreme Courts seven-member bench were appointed by Democratic governors, a point several GOP figures have stressed in their criticism of the ruling. Six of these justices won retention elections, and the seventh will run to do so in the next year.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, another GOP White House hopeful, said voters, not the courts, should decide whether Trump should be prevented from reelection in 2024. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy went as far as to say that he would withdraw from the Colorado ballot unless Trump is included.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A new statewide poll of Iowa with just weeks to go before caucusing begins shows what could end up being one of the most dramatic shifts in support of the 2024 Republican primary thus far.

Nikki Haley has surged into second place thanks to a 10-point swing in her favour registered by the Emerson College poll between September and December; the former UN ambassador and South Carolina governor clearly benefiting from successive positively-received debate performances and the cratering of support for Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida.

Mr DeSantis, who previously held the runner-up title in Emersons previous poll of Iowa caucusgoers, has sunk into third place after registering a bump of just one percentage point over three months. Its a statistic that spells disaster for the DeSantis campaign, which has bet much on the first-in-the-nation contest on 15 January. The governor has visited every one of Iowas 99 counties over the past year  completing what is known as the Full Grassley  and won the crucial endorsement of Kim Reynolds, Iowas Republican governor.

Neither fact appears to be enough to change the reality: Mr DeSantis has failed to capture any momentum for his campaign, and now trails Ms Haley in a state where she has focused far much less of her time and money than did her rival.

Donald Trump, unsurprisingly, remains on top. The former president is the frontrunner to win not just the Iowa caucuses but the entire Republican primary season at this point; however, like Mr DeSantis, he gained just one per cent over September-December. That result in particular suggests that the four-times-indicted former president, who is facing unprecedented legal hurdles and its associated political baggage, has topped out his support among Republican voters. Roughly half of the Iowa Republican electorate is behind the idea of keeping the Trump movement alive at this point, while the other half is divided among various leaders hoping to be what comes next.

That sets up an interesting dynamic for 15 January, which thanks to Iowas caucus system will feature several rounds of vote-counting and politicking and the chance to see these trends play out in real time. If the polling can be believed, DeSantis and Haley supporters both could have real choices to make as the night drags on. The same goes for supporters of Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie, whose candidates both registered single-digit levels of support in the Emerson survey and will likely have to decide upon a second choice.

Emersons poll surveyed 420 Republican caucusgoers between 15-17 December; the credibility interval for the GOP subsample in the survey was 4.7 percentage points.
Half of Ford's dealers still don't want to sell electric cars and trucks

Ford CEO Jim Farley pats a Ford F-150 Lightning truck before a press conference in 2023. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Only about half of Ford dealers are on board to sell electric cars.

The automaker's certification program can cost dealerships over $1 million.

Some dealers aren't happy with the requirements, like training and installing a charger.

As sales of battery-powered cars cool amid stubbornly high prices, many Ford dealers aren't willing to take the leap and invest in selling them.

Just over half of Ford's nearly 3,000 dealerships in the US have opted out of the investments necessary to sell electric vehicles like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-e, Ford says.

Instead, some dealers will stick to traditional combustion engines and hybrids, which are soaring in popularity as Americans flirt with lowering their gas costs without taking the full leap.

"EV adoption rates vary across the country," a Ford spokesperson told Business Insider. "As dealers have completed their own due diligence in their local markets, dealer enrollments for 2024 entry have stabilized at just over 50% of the network (around 1,550 dealers). This enrollment level places 86% of the population within 20 miles of a Ford dealership capable of selling and servicing a Ford EV."

Part of dealers' trepidation could be in response to the massive investments the automaker has required of its dealers to sell electric cars, including DC fast-chargers allowing each sales lot to double as a charging location for owners, and other training for staff.

The certification programs can cost upwards of $1 million and landed Ford in several lawsuits.

In one case, an Illinois board ruled in favor of a dealership group that claimed Ford's program violated state laws, the Chicago Tribune reported. Ford plans to appeal the decision.

Ford dealers were among the first to raise alarm bells on waning electric vehicle demand earlier this year when some stores started turning down Mustang Mach-E allocations. Later in the year, some Ford dealers told Business Insider they were struggling to fill orders for the Lightning.

Earlier in December, Ford scaled back production of the electric F-150 Lightning after temporarily cutting a shift of production in October. The company sold 16,000 electric trucks in the first nine months of 2023, a tiny fraction of the roughly 570,000 F-series vehicles it has sold in the same period.

The automaker has also postponed a $12 billion investment in EV manufacturing amid the sales slowdown.

Ford's relationship with dealers has taken a hit since the company started enforcing the new EV requirements. The company came in dead last in a recent survey of dealers' trust in their franchises, with 46% of Ford dealers saying they had "no trust" in the franchise.

Do you work for Ford or a dealership? Get in touch at grapier@businessinsider.com

Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahya Sinwar has reportedly demanded that senior Hamas figures are among those to be freed in any future deal - Alamy

Hamass de-facto leader has said he will only agree to a new truce if it guarantees the release of all Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails, according to reports.

Al Arabi Al Jadidi, a Qatari newspaper, on Thursday quoted an unnamed Egyptian official saying the leadership of Hamas had rejected Israels offer of a temporary truce in exchange for the release of several dozen Israeli hostages.

Yahya Sinwar, Hamass leader in Gaza, insisted on a lasting ceasefire and all Palestinian prisoners being released, including several high-profile figures, the newspaper reported.

Sinwar also reportedly demanded that Israel halt its combat operations in Gaza before the deal goes into effect.

Hamas later on Thursday said it would reject any deals to free more hostages until Israel stops bombing Gaza.

If Israel wants its prisoners alive, then it has no other options but to stop the aggression and the war, said Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamass military wing.

No discussions

Meanwhile, Israeli media quoted an unnamed senior Israeli official saying there were no discussions under way on a possible hostage release.

The official told several media outlets that Israel expects Hamas to meet its previous commitment to release all women and child hostages first, before further steps are discussed.

There is a national Palestinian decision that there should be no talk about prisoners or exchange deals, except after a full cessation of aggression, the official said.

Israels Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper on Thursday reported that Hamas wants at least three high-profile figures including Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian leader jailed during the Second Intifada, his relative and Hamas member Abdullah Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat, a senior figure in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, to be freed in a future deal.

Marwan Bargouthi and Saadat are political heavyweights with ambitions to lead the Palestinian Authority.

A recent opinion poll in the West Bank showed that Barghouti was a more popular choice as the leader of Palestine than Mahmoud Abbas, the current Palestinian president.

Network of tunnels

Earlier on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had uncovered a network of tunnels running underneath Gaza City from a property allegedly owned by Sinwar.

Footage released by the Israeli army showed a spiral staircase in a shaft leading down to tunnels kitted out with surveillance cameras, heavy blast doors and electricity.

Sinwar has been Israels prime target since it launched its ground invasion.

The IDF last week dropped flyers on Gaza promising a $400,000 (315,000) bounty for information leading to his capture, while cabinet ministers earlier this week berated the military for failing to catch him.

With his slight frame and close-cropped hair, the 61-year-old stands out among the Hamas leadership, many of whom have lived abroad in luxury for years and are seen as distant from the hardships of Gazans.

The second most powerful member of Hamas after Ismail Haniyeh, the groups overall leader, Sinwar was born in a refugee camp in Gazas Khan Younis.

After a childhood marked by poverty, with his family forced to rely on UN aid, Sinwar soon became politically active.

At 26 he was detained after he was injured when an improvised explosive device he was making accidentally went off. It was only in custody that Israeli investigators discovered his involvement in the killings of four fellow Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel.

Rising through ranks

Sinwar would spend the next 22 years in jail until his release in 2011 as part of a landmark prisoner exchange.

Quickly rising through the ranks, he was elected head of the terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip and became de-facto ruler of Gaza in 2017.

But Sinwar remained committed to freeing the rest of the Palestinians being held prisoner in Israels jails.

Several Hamas leaders have said that achieving this was one of the main aims of the Oct 7 attacks.

So far, some 240 Palestinians have been released by Israel in exchange for 105 Israelis.

Meanwhile, a report by the UN and several NGOs released on Thursday declared catastrophic hunger in Gaza, just one step away from the official declaration of famine, as it said more than half a million people are starving due to woefully insufficient quantities of food. The UN has declared famine only twice in the past 20 years.

It doesnt get any worse, said Arif Husain, chief economist for the UNs World Food Programme. I have never seen something at the scale that is happening in Gaza. And at this speed. How quickly it has happened, in just a matter of two months.

Humanitarian aid

More than 1.3 million people in Gaza are believed to be in the emergency or in catastrophe phase, according to the UN classification.

Israel has begun to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza in recent weeks, but the amount arriving is still inadequate to meet the needs of more than 2 million people.

A Telegraph reporter has seen aid food packages including packs of energy biscuits labelled not for sale on sale at several locations in the south of Gaza.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the north of the enclave was without a functional hospital because of a severe lack of fuel, staff and supplies.

Only nine out of 36 health facilities were partially functional in the whole of Gaza, according to the WHO. All these facilities are concentrated in the south of the enclave.

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.
Game ranger Simba Marozva removes a tusk from a decomposed elephant which died in a drought at Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park (Zinyange Auntony)

Storm clouds are finally gathering over Zimbabwe's biggest animal reserve, but it has come too late for more than 110 elephants that have died in a searing, extended drought.

There is little that Simba Marozva and other rangers at the Hwange National Park can do except cut the tusks off the rotting corpses before poachers find them.

With the black clouds in recent days promising life-saving rains, the rangers may not find all of the victims of the drought on their daily hunts.

The 14,600-square-kilometre (5,600-square-mile) park -- bigger than many countries -- is home to more than 45,000 savanna elephants, so many that they are considered a threat to the environment.

The scene is still heart-breaking.

Blackened corpses scar a landscape where the rains have been more than six weeks late and scorching temperatures have regularly hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe national parks authority, Zimparks, said "the old, the young and the sick" have been worst hit.

Some have fallen in dried-up waterholes, some spent their final hours in the shade of a tree.

Many are infant elephants -- but all that is left is the shrivelled skin over the rotting carcass.

- Grim tusk collection -

The intact tusk is a sign that it was a natural death. But there is a heavy stench around the elephants, that have attracted growing attention in recent years.

On average, an elephant drinks more than 200 litres (50 gallons) of water and eats some 140 kilos (300 pounds) of food a day.

More than 200 elephants died in a 2019 drought but the rangers say it could be worse this time once the end of the summer arrives.

Hwange is part of the Kavango- Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area covering parks in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. All have borders on the Okavango and Zambezi river basins.

An aerial survey started in 2022 estimated the region's elephant population at 227,900 animals.

While tens of thousands of elephants have been slaughtered across Africa by poachers and hunters since the 1970s, the Kavango-Zambezi conservation area is considered a success story with numbers mainly growing.

That has increased pressure on Hwange's resources while climate change has emerged as a new risk.

The estimated 100,000 elephants in Zimbabwe is twice the capacity of its parks, conservationists say.

Farawo from Zimparks said 112 elephant deaths had been confirmed since September.

- Over-population threat -

He said the numbers were not surprising given the huge size of the elephant population in Hwange.

"We have high temperatures and we have no water. They are bound to be stressed and die."

Climate change has increased the number of droughts, he added.

"It's not only elephants which are affected, there are also other animals. Elephants can be easily noticed because of their size."

Farawo said the parks authority was also concerned that the elephants had become "overpopulated" and "are destroying the habitat."

Hwange, covered in dry grass, leafless trees and some desert-like open areas, has 104 solar-powered boreholes across the park to reach further into the water table that falls lower each year.

But it has not been enough, and the drought which has hit several southern African countries, has been worsened this year by the El Nino phenomenon.

The hunt for water has taken elephants dangerously close to human habitations on the fringes of Hwange.

They have drunk in desperation from swimming pools in private homes and risked drinking at water holes contaminated by dead animals.

Dried-up water holes are forcing elephants and other wildlife to walk long distances for food and water.

Some have crossed into Botswana and other neighbouring countries where many deaths have also been reported.

str/tw/kjm
As heavy rainfall drenched Southern California on Wednesday, large concrete planters came crashing down at a shopping mall in Rolling Hills Estates.

Around 60 to 80 feet of dirt-filled planters and flower boxes tumbled over a parking lot entrance at Promenade on the Peninsula around 2 p.m.

A witness, Dana Graham, was sitting in his realty office across the street when he saw the concrete structures collapse.

I was sitting at my desk and I heard what sounded like a really bad traffic accident, Graham recalled. The water was cascading off the top level. It was like Niagara Falls. Im glad nobody was under it when it collapsed because they wouldnt be around.

Large concrete planter boxes came crashing down at a shopping mall in Rolling Hills Estates due to heavy rain on Dec. 20, 2023. (KTLA)

Large concrete planter boxes came crashing down at a shopping mall in Rolling Hills Estates due to heavy rain on Dec. 20, 2023. (KTLA)

Large concrete planter boxes came crashing down at a shopping mall in Rolling Hills Estates due to heavy rain on Dec. 20, 2023. (KTLA)

Large concrete planter boxes came crashing down at a shopping mall in Rolling Hills Estates due to heavy rain on Dec. 20, 2023. (Dana Graham)

Large concrete planter boxes came crashing down at a shopping mall in Rolling Hills Estates due to heavy rain on Dec. 20, 2023. (Dana Graham)

The Promenade on the Peninsula shopping mall in Rolling Hills Estates, California. (KTLA)

Large concrete planter boxes came crashing down at a shopping mall in Rolling Hills Estates due to heavy rain on Dec. 20, 2023. (KTLA)

Large concrete planter boxes came crashing down at a shopping mall in Rolling Hills Estates due to heavy rain on Dec. 20, 2023. (KTLA)

Mall employees taped off all entrances to the garage as firefighters and structural engineers arrived at the scene to clear debris and assess the damage.

Essentially, it was excessive water on the planters that were on the facade that caused it to collapse, explained an L.A. County fire official. There are other planters in other locations and they are being assessed as well.

The Rolling Hills Estates community is still recovering from a massive landslide in July that destroyed a dozen homes and forced widespread evacuations. A report released in November claimed excessive rainfall was to blame for the shifting soil and widespread destruction.

With rainfall continuing through the end of the week, residents are concerned the storms will result in even more damage to homes and structures.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Jennifer Kraus, center, shows up with holiday gear (including reindeer antlers) to prepare her NewsChannel 5 cohorts, from left, Erin Zeigler, Phil Williams and Rhori Johnston before taking part in the Franklin Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

She saw him at a walk to raise money for Alzheimer's research.

She thinks it's funny now that she had never seen him before. She didn't recognize the white hair, the intense eyes, his direct manner of speaking.

The first time they actually met was online.

Their first date was in 2016 at a Catholic Mass. He was in so much pain then, and he was in need of some spiritual inspiration. So church was the perfect place.

It wasn't too long before he invited her to dinner. They went to the San Antonio Taco Company in Nashville.

They walked in together, and the people in the restaurant began to chant.

"They were saying 'Phil, Phil, Phil,'" Cheryl Williams said. "What is happening? I'm a private person, and this was not private at all."

Public attention is part of the package these days with Phil Williams, a confrontational investigative television reporter who has become somewhat of a lightning rod in Middle Tennessee. In November, Williams was honored with the John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism at Columbia University. He's been in Nashville since 1986, including the last 25 years at NewsChannel 5.

Williams, 62, a Pulitzer Prize finalist as a young reporter at The Tennessean, has been the target of public affection and public scorn.

Phil Williams, a 37-year veteran of journalism and chief investigative reporter at NewsChannel 5 in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Dec. 18, 2023.

In his house, he's got a poster-sized card that says "A VERY BIG THANK YOU! PHIL" signed by some of the residents of Franklin, where he did recent reporting on the mayoral race, including stories about candidate Gabrielle Hanson's unfounded and controversial comments about the Covenant shooting, her connections to white nationalists and her use of social media images of "supporters" Williams discovered she didn't know.

Sitting at his kitchen table, he plays a voice message: "Phil, you're an enemy to the people. You're a propagandist. You're a left wing progressive (expletive), who lies and manipulates people's minds to further your (expletive) stupid left wing agenda. You're a piece of (expletive), Phil. People like you need to be eradicated. We're done with people like you. You're an enemy to the people. You're an enemy to this country, and an enemy to our freedom, Phil. We will deal with you eventually."

His life has been a life full of trauma, so death threats aren't as intimidating as some of the situations he's endured.

The Tennessean staff reporter Phil Williams returns to Settle Court, the Sam Levy project, in East Nashville in November 1991, after 15 years when he and his family live there less than a year when he was 16.

In the midst of turmoil, he says he's healthier now than he's ever been.

And he gives a lot of thanks to Cheryl, who suggested therapy and convinced him to convert to Catholicism.

"She doesn't live in my world," he said. "She's not a news junkie. She's not a political junkie. She keeps me grounded."

Their lives have become a test of compatibility, public vs. private.

Growing up poor

Phil Williams grew up knowing something was wrong.

His father, Roy, was a taxi driver with a temper. His mother, Faye, was a stay-at-home mom with a temper.

"There was a lot of yelling in my home," Williams said. "It was a dysfunctional environment."

When the taxi salary couldn't sustain the family, Williams' dad went to see the local political boss in Columbia, Tennessee, where Williams was born and raised. After their meeting, Roy Williams was given a job as a prison guard.

"He slipped him (the political boss) a little cash," Williams said. "I had a sense of this isn't right as much as a child can have that sense."

When Williams was 10 years old, both his grandfather and uncle drank themselves to death in a three-month period. Their deaths launched a lifelong battle with alcohol, although Williams, himself, has only been a social drinker and said he never had a personal problem with the bottle.

Looking back on the traumas in his life, alcohol seemed to haunt him.

His interest in journalism began in the early 1970s.

"I was a child of Watergate," Williams said, recalling that he watched television coverage of the scandal that led to the demise of the presidency of Richard Nixon. "I was absolutely enthralled by the Watergate hearings."

Depending on the kindness of strangers

The Williams family moved to Nashville in 1979, into what he called "the worst housing project in the city."

The Sam Levy Homes were not safe, and he said he was known in his teenage years as "the poor kid." He said he was jumped by a group of kids selling dope.

"They knocked me down and started kicking me," he said. "I ran down the street crying the whole way."

He remembers going to local churches and asking for food.

"There were times I was not sure where a meal was going to come from," said Williams, who later wrote about the Sam Levy Homes in a moving story in The Tennessean. "We ate a lot of pinto beans. It took me many years to be able to eat pinto beans again."

Williams felt so embarrassed about his family's poverty that when he asked for rides from high school friends, he would walk blocks away from his real home and be waiting on the porch of a nicer place to be picked up.

Phil Williams, lead investigative reporter at NewsChannel 5, takes a moment to be photographed with some famous Christmas movie characters, from left, the Grinch, Ralphie, Buddy the Elf and Cousin Eddie, before the Franklin Christmas Parade in Franklin, Tenn., Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

"Poverty is my No. 1 fear," Williams said.

Still, he was valedictorian at McGavock High School, and he became editor of the school newspaper.

In quick succession after high school, he got a job as a bank teller and got married at age 19. In 1981, after two years away from school, he started at Middle Tennessee State University, where he worked on the college newspaper.

As would become a theme in his young life, while he was thriving as a journalist, his personal life was falling apart.

"When you marry that young, neither of you know who you are," Williams said.

The marriage ended after six years.

A journalism career begins

In January 1986, Williams was on his way to work as a reporter at Florida Today in Cocoa Beach when he saw the Space Shuttle Challenger explode in the sky above him.

Suddenly, the young journalist was thrust into one of the biggest stories in U.S. history.

One day, he "got his butt kicked" on a story by a competitor because, he said, he didn't ask the right question.

He vowed to always put effort into his questions from that point forward. And those direct, sometimes uncomfortable questions, have become part of his reporting style.

Williams started at The Tennessean in 1986, jumped to television at WKRN in 1992 and then went across town to NewsChannel 5 in 1998. The jump to television was a surprise because as a newspaperman, Williams had criticized TV news for years.

Still, Williams said, he was drawn to the power of television. "I had become what I despised," he said.

The recent John Chancellor Award was for his cumulative achievements. His notable stories have included:

A Tennessean investigation in 1989 into the world of charity bingo games which revealed political corruption, organized crime and a multi-million dollar scam. His work on the investigation with colleague Jim O'Hara was a finalist for the 1990 Pulitzer Prize in Public Service.

Confrontational interviews when he exposed employees playing slot machines in the breakroom of the Davidson County Clerk's Office (on St. Patrick's Day).

An investigation into state police allowing drug smugglers to enter Tennessee and distribute drugs, while waiting to arrest them so they could seize (and keep) the drug money on the way out of town.

A three-year investigation at NewsChannel 5 into former Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist and millions of dollars in state contracts that went to the governor's friends. That investigation won the Peabody Award, one of three he won.

And, most recently, several stories about Franklin alderman and mayoral candidate Gabrielle Hanson, which drew the attention of television host John Oliver who praise Williams as "Nashville's nosiest (expletive)."

Many of Williams' most memorable television moments involve confrontation.

Once, he exposed a judge who was working at another job at a funeral home while people were waiting for hours in his courtroom.

"He came running across the parking lot, and I thought what the hell is happening," said Judge Gale Robinson, who found himself confronted by Williams. "I ain't perfect. Y'all ain't perfect. I admitted I was wrong."

Robinson said he received a "private reprimand" from the judiciary, and he no longer works at a second job during court hours.

And he respects Williams.

"He has a job to do," Robinson said.

Robinson's wife died in 2023, and he got a call from Williams.

"He asked me how I was doing," Robinson said. "He said, if you ever want to talk, give me a call."

The Tennessean reporter Phil Williams in 1990.

William's former reporting partner at The Tennessean, Jim O'Hara, described him as "dogged."

"He does it with old fashioned shoe leather," O'Hara said. "He is always watching. He would see something and start digging. The lawmakers realized they couldn't snow Phil."

O'Hara, who retired from a government job in 2016, said Williams brings value to his community.

"Nashville is better for him still doing reporting the way he and I were brought up to do it," O'Hara said.

Al Tompkins, a teacher at the Poynter Institute and former TV news executive in Nashville, said Williams is fearless.

"Fantastic to Phil and Channel 5 for not being intimidated," Tompkins said.

He said Williams never chooses "style over journalism." With Williams, "the substance overwhelms the style," Tompkins said.

Tragedy at home

In the mid-1990s, Williams met a "young and attractive" attorney, who was doing some work for an agency he had been investigating.

Her name was Peggy Nance Catalano, and they were married in 1997.

She was fun and smart, and she had a serious drinking problem, Williams said.

"Being a child of alcoholics, I was inclined to believe I could fix her," he said. "You really want to save the next alcoholic in your life. At her best, people loved her. At her worst, she hated herself."

He said she stayed sober during her pregnancy. Jackson, their son, was born in 1999.

"Four days after he was born, she fell off the wagon," Williams said. "I remember rocking my son, crying myself, trying to figure out how I was going to get through this."

She began getting drunk driving convictions and was fired (for public drunkeness) from her job as the executive director of the Registry of Election Finance.

It wasn't long before Phil Williams' detractors began ripping him for his wife's problems.

"You're battling at home to save someone you love," Williams said. "Then you're attacked in public for standing by that person."

He remembers when his wife told him she wished she had cancer.

"People understand cancer," he said.

By January 2016, they were still married, but living separate lives.

She would pick their son up on weekends to take him to piano lessons.

One Saturday, she didn't show up.

Williams went to her house and found her dead.

"I reached a rock bottom emotionally," he said. "I was sitting at my desk, crying at work."

'All the difference in the world'

A few months after she died, Cheryl Williams' grandmother also died after suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

She had been her grandmother's caregiver. So she went to a walk in Nashville to raise money for research.

That's when she saw and later met Phil.

Cheryl Williams, 49, knew quickly he had "a tragic past." She said he was suffering from PTSD, and she suggested a therapist.

"I thought there's no way he could be this good and wholesome," she said. "But he was. Therapy has made all the difference in the world."

She went with him as he converted to Catholicism.

She is his third wife, and she's now comfortable with his public persona. "Although, I don't always watch him," she said with a laugh.

"I think his job is noble," she said. "It's tied into my faith. It's doing the right thing no matter the cost."

She agreed with him that he's healthier now than he's ever been.

"He's my hero and my confidant," she said.

"He's my everything."

Reach Keith Sharon at ksharon@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Phil Williams at NewsChannel 5: Williams talks trauma, career
NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH)  The Ohio Supreme Court will decide whether a deputys search of a womans purse outside a Newark convenience store, and the drug charges that followed, were warranted.

In August 2021, law enforcement saw a man they suspected of drug trafficking driving around Newark in a minivan. The driver pulled into a Circle K and parked, and he and a passenger exited the vehicle.

A Licking County sheriffs deputy pulled into the Circle K parking lot and parked behind the minivan. He had been informed by fellow law enforcement that the driver of the minivan, who was standing nearby, was driving under a suspended license.

While the officer questioned the driver, Katrina Hale exited the convenience store, grabbed something from the open window of the minivan, and attempted to re-enter the store. The officer told her she was not free to leave, made her sit on the bumper of his cruiser, and put her two bags on the cruiser hood.

Cedar Point police must turn over records, Ohio Supreme Court finds

The driver said Hale was driving  something the officer already knew was not true  and then informed him a gun, belonging to Hale, was in the minivan. The deputy then searched Hales bags, where he found methamphetamine.

Hale was charged with multiple drug charges and one count of improperly handling a firearm in a vehicle. The trial court suppressed the evidence related to the drug charges, finding the deputy had no reason to detain Hale when investigating someone driving under a suspended license.

An appellate court, however, overruled the evidence suppression, ruling that Hale retained her status as a passenger of the vehicle throughout the encounter. Because law enforcement officers are entitled to detain citizens to establish control of a traffic stop, the seizure of Hale, and subsequent search of her purses, were lawful, the appellate court said.

Before the Supreme Court on Dec. 12, Craig Jaquith, representing Hale, argued the appellate courts ruling relied on a flawed analytic approach that justified the seizure based on what resulted from it. Not only was Hale no longer a passenger, Jaquith said, even if she were still a passenger, the deputy had no reason to believe Hale had committed a crime.

Man pleads guilty to sextorting at least 25 girls, including at Columbus high school

He knows nothing about Ms. Hale, shes not suspected of anything, Jaquith said.

Kenneth Oswalt, assistant Licking County prosecutor, disputed Jaquiths characterization that the deputy had no reason to suspect Hale of criminal activity. Regardless of whether the deputy was already aware that Hale was not driving the car, the moment the driver said she was, the deputy had the authority to detain her to investigate the claim.

The court is not tasked with determining whether the search of the purses, in and of itself, was lawful; the trial court did not broach the subject when ruling Hales detention was unconstitutional. While Jaquith asked the court to remand the case down to the lower court to review whether the searches were lawful, Oswalt said the high court should throw it out altogether.

I cant find one iota of unreasonableness in this case, Oswalt said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
The principal at Hillcrest High School, where hundreds of students last month stormed through the halls as they targeted a Jewish teacher for attending a pro-Israel rally, is out after coming under fire for the way he handled the disturbance at the school in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

But it will be a soft landing for Scott Milczewski, who is taking a job in the public school systems central offices, the Daily News has learned. His last day at Hillcrest will be Friday.

This is a difficult decision for me to make, he said in an email after dismissal on Wednesday, but I look forward to pursuing this new opportunity. I am grateful that in this new role I will be able to impact and affect teaching and learning in a meaningful way across the city.

An estimated 400 young people flooded the Hillcrest corridors Nov. 20 to protest the Jewish staffer, who shared a photo of herself on social media at an off-campus protest, according to viral social media videos. The disturbance forced a lockdown, while the teacher was moved to another floor of the building to meet with police.

Some of you may have heard today that we made a leadership change at Hillcrest High School, which I think given where we are at this moment was something that was needed for the school, Schools Chancellor David Banks told the Panel for Educational Policy.

A petition calling for Milczewskis ouster had reached close to 230 signatures by the time his departure was announced.

The violence at Hillcrest High School did not start overnight, read the description.

He did not suspend students or hold them accountable in any way. Although he claimed to implement restorative practices, there were no trained staff or a program in place for restorative circles. Over the years, minor issues escalated into significant problems.

A vote of no confidence was administered by the citys teacher union chapter at Hillcrest, according to the petition.

Banks hinted the city will also be making announcements about its discipline code.

Weve heard from school leaders across the city that somehow or another over these last decades, they feel as though their hands were tied behind their back. Kids can do whatever they feel like doing, and we have no control or power over that. That is not going to happen on my watch, he said.

The chancellor is also forming an interfaith advisory group to guide its response, he announced to the panel.

Milczewski will start as the citys director of teacher development and evaluation, a position within the Department of Educations Division of Teaching and Learning, according to the memo. His new salary was not immediately available.

His departure comes after five years at Hillcrest, where Banks graduated in 1980 and has visited several times since stepping into the systems top role.

[I] just want you to understand how important Hillcrest is to me personally, Banks told the panel last month.

Part of the reason Im Chancellor today, cause I got elected as the vice president of the senior class at Hillcrest High School. And I kid around when I say this, but its not that far from the truth. To this day, it remains probably one of my proudest accomplishments.

During Milczewskis tenure, more Hillcrest students graduated on time, including those with disabilities or who dont speak English at home, according to his email. He oversaw the school as it renovated its auditorium and gym, and partnered with Northwell Health for career opportunities.

Together our students, staff, and parents worked tirelessly towards the continued improvement of Hillcrest, Milczewski said, and I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together.

The citys Department of Education had no further comment than the memo.
A devastating earthquake, measuring 6.2 in magnitude, rocked northwestern China shortly before midnight on Monday. The seismic event, impacting Gansu and Qinghai provinces, stands as the most lethal earthquake in China in the past nine years, claiming the lives of at least 131 individuals and injuring over 700.



The quake's epicenter was in Jishishan county, Gansu, near the Qinghai border, The Associated Press reported, adding that it occurred at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles, intensifying its impact. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the magnitude at 5.9. The tremors were felt as far as Lanzhou, Gansu's capital, about 60 miles northeast of the epicenter.

The disaster left residents in dire conditions, with many spending the night in tents in freezing temperatures, the newswire noted.

Ma Dongdong, a local resident, described his family's ordeal of spending the night outside after their home was damaged. Three bedrooms in his house were destroyed, and a section of his milk tea shop was left with a wide, gaping crack.

The China Meteorological Administration reported overnight lows between 5F to minus 15.8F.

State broadcaster CCTV reported 113 deaths in Gansu and 18 in Qinghai. The quake also caused landslides, complicating rescue efforts. Emergency workers are searching for missing persons, with Qinghai officials reporting 16 missing in a landslide.

According to Reuters, 78 people were found alive in Gansu, where rescue operations concluded Tuesday afternoon. Attention is now turning to treating the injured and resettling residents as they brace for the challenges of the approaching months-long winter.

The earthquake's timing, in the middle of the night, and the region's poor building quality contributed to the high casualty rate. Li Haibing, from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, noted the quake's shallow depth and vertical movement as factors in the destruction.

The affected area, home to Muslim ethnic groups and near Tibetan communities, is remote and mountainous. The Chinese government is reportedly sending tents, beds and quilts to the area.

In Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, the quake's epicenter, residents faced additional challenges due to the high altitude and harsh winter conditions. The area, with a population of 2.7 million, is predominantly rural, with many buildings made of clay and mud.

Personal accounts from survivors like Ma Zhongliang, a restaurant owner, and Liu Zhenfang, a hotel receptionist, highlight the quake's sudden and violent nature. Ma described the tremors as being "like standing between two trains," and Liu recounted the dust shaking off surveillance cameras, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The Chinese government says it has mobilized a significant rescue operation, with thousands of firefighters, soldiers, police officers and emergency personnel involved.

The region is prone to earthquakes, sitting on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, where the Indian and Eurasian Plates meet. This quake follows a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Sichuan province in September 2022, which killed 93 people.

China's history of deadly earthquakes includes the 2008 Sichuan quake, which had a magnitude of 7.9 and resulted in nearly 90,000 deaths. The country has since focused on rebuilding with more resistant materials, but challenges remain in rural and remote areas.



Originally published by The Christian Post
Christmas Eve this year is also the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. The days Gospel reading, from St Luke, describes the Annunciation. The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary to tell her that she will bear a son, Jesus: Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

The scene is familiar from medieval and Renaissance art, the characters framed within an Italian loggia or a simply furnished Flemish parlour. That was not, of course, the world of first-century Nazareth, and recently we have got a tantalising glimpse of how it might really have been.

In the centre of the modern Israeli city, by the Cathedral of the Annunciation, sits the Convent of the Sisters of Nazareth. Under it, a remarkable discovery  or rather rediscovery  has been made in recent years. Professor Ken Dark of Kings College London, who is responsible for it, has this year written up his excavations for a lay audience in a book, Archaeology of Jesus Nazareth.

In brief, what he found beneath the convent was an ancient house, partly built into caves in the rock, from no later than the first half of the first century AD. Above and around it are the remains of successive churches on the same site, the last of which disappeared with the collapse of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem after 1187.

What could this be? An early Christian pilgrim to the Holy Land, one Egeria, in 383 AD, gives us a clue. In Nazareth, she reports visiting a big and very splendid cave in which Mary lived. This has often been assumed to be the traditional site of the Annunciation, the first-century storage rooms and caves now under the nearby cathedral.

But another account, by Adomnan the abbot of Iona in Scotland, from about 670, suggests that it is something else. He describes not one but two very large churches in Nazareth: the Church of the Annunciation, but also another on the spot where there stood the house in which our Lord the Saviour was brought up. Its now clear from Prof Darks work that this church was on the convent site, and is almost certainly the lost Byzantine Church of the Nutrition, that is, of the upbringing of Jesus.

Prof Dark notes that all the written sources connected with this site agree that it was considered to be the home of Mary. He is careful to present his discoveries neutrally and he underlines that archaeology cannot tell us one way or the other. But the house under it is an early pilgrimage site, in the right place, of the right date, and with the right associations.

So we have possible sites for both the Annunciation and Marys home close to each other in Nazareth. And so perhaps it is not too fanciful to imagine that Annunciation scene 2,000 years ago: Mary leaves her familys spartan stone house on the Nazareth hillside in the grey light of early morning, enters the dank and gloomy storage chambers now hidden under the Cathedral to collect water, and is confronted, alone in the dark, by the angel: Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

No one, believer or not, can know for sure. But even to contemplate it is a reminder that the Christmas story is more than just a story: it is rooted in real people, in a real place, at a real time. No one can seriously doubt that Jesus was a historical figure, the man of Nazareth, rabbi and teacher in the Holy Land, crucified in Jerusalem.

Nor is there a real reason to question the core of the Christian story: Mary and Josephs winter journey to Bethlehem, Jesuss birth in poverty among the animals, the flight to Egypt, and the eventual return to that small house in Nazareth  or, of course, the contrast that St Luke draws between the temporal power, the long arm of Caesar Augustus far off on the Palatine Hill in Rome, and the spiritual power of the tiny baby in his mothers arms in a nothing town at the edge of the Empire, yet destined to change the world.

Christmas is our one remaining festival that has not lost that historical context. True, these days it may be less a religious event than a winter festival of goodwill to all men  and even that risks being lost, as that dreadful Marks & Spencer advert showed. But the central story of the Nativity is still there, and no one can entirely avoid reflecting on its meaning, just as Mary could not avoid the angel on that spring morning in Nazareth.

Christians believe that, just as Mary and Joseph were far from their home, that house in Nazareth, so too in fact are all of us on this earth. We were made for something better, long for it  and still get a glimpse of it at Christmas more than at any other time.

As so often, G K Chesterton captured it in The House of Christmas: Men are homesick in their homes, / And strangers under the sun, / And they lay on their heads in a foreign land / Wherever the day is done. (...) Our homes are under miraculous skies / Where the Yule tale was begun.

Happy Christmas.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
The wallpaper hasnt changed in 50 years at Cucas, the little Mexican restaurant in downtown Fresno.

Its black damask over what looks like brown wood paneling.

On Christmas night nearly 50 years ago, the current owners uncle stayed up late smoothing the paper onto the walls in preparation for the restaurants Dec. 26 opening.

As the restaurant at Kern and F streets approaches its milestone birthday, most Fresnans are more acquainted with its younger sister, the Cucas on Olive Avenue in the Tower District that opened in 1999. The restaurants are run by a mother-daughter pair  Margaret Sifuentes and Gina Daniels.

The Chinatown location was the original Cucas  and its still going strong.

It was there when the downtown neighborhood thrived. The owners plan for it to be there long after a massive new modern high-speed rail station is built two blocks away.

Author, poet and Fresno native Gary Soto wrote an entire book inspired by an experience at Cucas. And a photo of the time musician Freddie Fender stopped by, smiling in a booth with the founder, Cuca herself, still hangs on the wall.

They are  not sure I want to say hole-in-the-wall, but that probably describes them pretty well  that is really a gem in Chinatown, said Jan Minami, a project director with the Chinatown Fresno Foundation.

Margaret Sifuentes and her daughter Gina Daniels sit in a booth at right at their restaurant Cucas in Fresnos Chinatown on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. The restaurant was originally opened by Sifuentes grandmother in 1973 and is turning 50 on Dec. 26.

So, whats changed over the years?

Almost nothing.

Its still cash only.

It still serves wienies and eggs.

It still has just four booths and nine stools lining the counter. That includes the seat farthest from the door, where Cuca used to sit and direct her granddaughter to get a customer more coffee or tortillas.

Some people come in and they say, You need to upgrade, change the wallpaper, and I go No, I wont, said Sifuentes, 71, who now runs the restaurant.

Who is Cuca?

Refugia Salcido, known as Cuca, is seen in a photo with musician Freddy Fender on the wall adorned with its original wallpaper at Cucas Mexican restaurant in Chinatown. Cuca opened the restaurant 50 years ago and has passed it down to her granddaughter, Margaret Sifuentes. She still runs it and her daughter Gina Daniels, who runs the Tower District location.

Cuca is Refugia Salcido. Her picture is on the back of the menu. She died in 1997 at age 74.

Refugia translates to Ruth in English. And similar to the way people named William go by Bill, many Ruths in Mexico go by Cuca, Sifuentes said.

Salcido started a different restaurant down the street a year or two earlier, but it was in the back of a bar and families couldnt take their kids.

So Cucas was founded in 1973. Sifuentes  one of 10 kids  and almost everyone else in the family, has worked there. Here, daycare meant bringing your kids to work so everyone could keep an eye on them.

Sifuentes remembers plunking her daughter, who now runs the Tower District Cucas, in a grocery cart inside the restaurant when she was small.

That was my play pen, joked Daniels, 52.

The much larger Tower location, near Van Ness Avenue, opened nearly 30 years after the original, and Daniels eventually took it over.

When Daniels raised her own kids there, she upgraded to putting them in a booth.

The food

The menu at the Chinatown Cucas hasnt changed much over the years.

Eggs with chile verde is the most popular dish, though technically, bacon is the top-selling food.

Everybody, no matter what they order, has to have a side of bacon, Sifuentes said, noting that Cucas bacon is thicker and fried.

You can get eggs paired with steak, nopales (cactus), and Spam. And there are those huevos con wienies on the menu  eggs with wienies.

The restaurant still makes Cucas original secret recipe for chile Colorado, beef in a thick red sauce, served with eggs and french fries, or rice and beans.

I have not given that recipe to anybody, which I have to, because if I die, theres goes that, she said.

A chile Colorado dish made with housemade fries and eggs features Margaret Sifuentes secret recipe at Cucas Mexican restaurant in Fresnos Chinatown.

The original Cucas is tiny, and since it doesnt have a lot of room for extra coolers, it sticks with a limited menu.

The much bigger Tower Cucas has more room to store ingredients and hence a bigger menu. So it has chilaquiles, pozole and much more.

Cucas inspired a book

Cucas, on the corner of F and Kern streets in Chinatown, is celebrating its 50th anniversary at the location. It also has a location in the Tower District.

Fresno-born writer and poet Gary Soto spent a lot of time in Chinatown as a kid. His family lived not far from the arched Fresno sign on Van Ness declaring it The best little city in the U.S.A.

He loves Cucas hearty food, he said in a phone interview with The Bee from his home in Berkeley.

Whenever I had money, that was the place to go. I like the ambiance. I like the booths, he said.

An experience at Cucas inspired his book Buried Onions, published in the late 90s.

Soto was eating at a booth when a muscular man came in selling two heaping stacks of onions. They were stolen from a field, he said, and he was trying to make a few bucks.

The cook shooed him out. But not before Soto decided to throw the man some cash, handing over $5 each for the stacks.

When we paid up and left the restaurant, I couldnt even lift one, he said. He was really strong.

The memory of it stuck with him.

Its the Chinatown experience, he said. Its not going to repeat itself.

The book features a young man dealing with gangs and violence. It centers around a metaphor of a giant onion buried underneath Fresno that produces heat and produces tears, Soto said.

Customers

In years past, mailmen and the cops who walked the neighborhood beat often came in to eat, along with plenty of attorneys.

Today, its not necessarily people who live or work nearby who come, but generations of regulars from Selma, Fowler and all parts of Fresno.

Sifuentes has customers shes known since they were still inside their mothers wombs. And others who share memories of coming here decades ago with family.

Theyre crying because they remember coming here with the grandparents 50 years ago, she said.

On a recent morning Salvador Diaz of Fowler was sitting in the booth next to Sifuentes with his family.

Hes been coming here since 85, since her mama was here, Cuca. Today, hes with his wife Melba and their daughter Angelica, who everybody calls Geli.

I think its the best, he said. If we want something good to eat, we go to Cucas.

They didnt even order, Melba said. Waitress Mercedes Carrillo, whos worked there for 22 years, saw them coming and got her regular chile colorado order started.

Both Cucas locations have had their share of hardships, including the COVID-19 pandemic. And the power bill? It kills us, Sifuentes said.

She was thankful Cucas was cash only when COVID hit  she had no debt built up from using credit.

Both mother and daughter praise their landlords for charging reasonable rent. (The downtown building is owned by another Chinatown entrepreneur, the owner of Central Fish.)

Margaret Sifuentes and her daughter Gina Daniels are photographed with Sifuentes secret chili Colorado dish at their restaurant Cucas in Fresnos Chinatown, which is celebrating 50 years, on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

But its the customers who have kept the business going, Sifuentes said.

Even when dining rooms were forced to close and do take-out only, customers brought their own little tables and chairs and ate on the sidewalk.

For us to succeed for 50 years, its because of the regulars, she said.

Chinatown

Cucas isnt alone in its longevity in Chinatown.

Across the street, Kogetsu-Do has been making mochi and other treats for 108 years and many other businesses have been around for decades.

Theyve all seen Chinatown change over the years.

Sifuentes remembers when the neighborhood was beautiful, with benches and trees. Now, she bemoans the graffiti and tents set up by homeless people.

But change is on the horizon.

High-speed rail is coming to the city, and a new station that will straddle the Union Pacific railroad tracks just steps away from Cucas.

Many hope it will revitalize Chinatown, that travelers from far-flung cities will get off the train and sample the neighborhoods diverse restaurants. The mayor wants it to be an international culinary district.

Downtown Fresno is also getting $250 million in state money, at least $20 million of it paying for street improvements, sidewalks, curbs and gutters in Chinatown and downtown.

Chinatown will also get a share of a $66.5 million climate-related grant promising environmental and economic benefits. And more money for housing is coming.

But Sifuentes is skeptical.

In my lifetime, I will not see the fast train, she said.

She thinks The Monarch, the newly built apartment building with 57 units two blocks away, is beautiful, but it didnt bring in new customers.

Shes anxious about the work that will rip up the streets, knowing Cucas will lose the only parking it has.

But again, my loyal customers, they find a way, she said.

Minami, from the Chinatown Foundation, said she understands the fears of business owners who worry that gentrification might push them out.

She and others are working hard to make sure that the unique little businesses, their regular customers and the Chinatown experience Soto spoke of dont get lost in the change.

We absolutely do not want to lose that, she said. I want to see a Cucas that is just like Cucas 10 years from now.

Soto, the author, echoed her feelings. Even though he lives in Berkeley and doesnt have much family left in Fresno, he said he thinks about Fresnos Chinatown all the time.

And Cucas is a key part of it.

I think all Fresnans should eat at Cucas, he said. I really want this restaurant to continue.

Businesses in Fresnos Chinatown line F Street, including Cucas, west of downtown Fresno in this drone image made on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023.
Nice rock. Is it Russian?

About a third of the world's diamonds come from Russia, earning the Kremlin at least a billion dollars a year as it wages war in Ukraine.

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America spends more on diamonds than anywhere else, accounting for more than half of all global sales. December is peak season.

The journey of a diamond from a Russian mine to a U.S. jewelry counter can be complicated - which makes it tough to trace.

More than 90 percent of Russia's diamonds come from Alrosa, a state-controlled mining company. The United States banned the import of Russian diamonds and imposed sanctions on Alrosa in response to the invasion of Ukraine. But sales have remained strong. The company's revenue was $1.9 billion in the first half of this year.

Before the war in Ukraine, most Russian diamonds were traded through Antwerp, Belgium, the historical capital of the global diamond trade. The European Union is only now moving toward a ban.

Possibly in anticipation, Russia has started favoring other trade hubs, including Dubai, Mumbai and Ramat Gan, Israel. Small rough diamonds are sometimes bundled and rebundled to create better-selling assortments, changing hands multiple times, analysts say.

Eventually, more than 9 out of 10 of the world's jewelry-grade diamonds pass through the Indian city of Surat, where they are cut and polished. That brings out the brilliance of the stones. It also transforms their classification.

Diamonds can enter India as "Russian" and leave as "Indian" - and be sold in the United States and elsewhere.

Isn't there already a system to block "blood diamonds"? Yes. But the official definition of conflict diamonds are those that help fund the efforts of rebel groups to undermine governments. Russian-origin diamonds don't count.

Some big players in the jewelry industry - including Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Chopard - pledged to avoid Russian diamonds. But some question whether companies can or should police their own supply chains.

The Group of Seven countries and the E.U. have agreed to try to close the loopholes and keep Russian diamonds out of their markets. They say that by Jan. 1 they will restrict diamonds imported from Russia and by March will begin to extend restrictions to Russian diamonds processed in other countries.

Some experts remain skeptical. The G-7 will need cooperation from other key players, particularly India. And the plan's effectiveness hinges on the widespread, potentially costly adoption of what is now niche digital-tracing technology.

The plan at least initially applies only to diamonds over 1 carat. That might include the featured stone in an average U.S. engagement ring, but not the smaller diamonds that line the band. Russia is known for its small diamonds.

So, this holiday and engagement season, Russian diamonds will still be circulating in the United States and Europe. "Russian diamonds are not forever," European Council President Charles Michel has said. But they will still enrich the Kremlin for some time to come.

- - -

The data for diamond production came from Kimberly Process.

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NEW PHILADELPHIA  For a couple of decades, the holiday season was made a little brighter for motorists passing through the southside of New Philadelphia by an annual Christmas display at the intersection of South Broadway Street and Commercial Avenue.

Motorists pass by the Christmas display at the corner of Commercial Avenue SE and South Broadway Street, Tuesday, Dec. 19 in New Philadelphia.

The private display, filled with lighted cutout trees, candy canes and snowmen, was on the northeast quadrant of what is known as Lockport Square, on land owned by the Ohio Department of Transportation. It was begun in the 1990s by two friends, Ed Quillen, who owned a float company, and Larry Vance. The city housed the decorations during the off season and provided electricity to light the display.

More Christmas activities: Eight sites in Dover and New Philadelphia featured in 2023 Christmas Tour of Homes

But this tradition eventually came to an end, and for the past three or four years, the quadrant has been empty at Christmas.

A neighborhood project

This December, however, the display is back, thanks to a group of neighbors who live on the southside.

Greg Puntenney checks over electrical connections of Christmas display located at the corner of Commercial Avenue and South Broadway Street in New Philadelphia.

Earlier this year, someone asked on the Southside Neighbors Facebook page what had happened to the display. So, Jonalee Fernatt, a southside resident who works for the city, looked into it.

"The first year that it was put up, I was a young teenager, so it was just awesome. It was like, oh my gosh, look what they did. It was really incredible, and it was so beautiful," she recalled.

She found the original cutouts were being stored in the old Lockport Town Hall on Commercial Avenue. The building, which served as the municipal building when the southside was a separate community, is scheduled to be demolished in the near future.

People on the Facebook page decided they would bring the display back. They raised money, purchased new extension cords and lightbulbs and got together on Nov. 11 to set up the display. The goal was to have it ready by the time of New Philadelphia's holiday lighting ceremony on Nov. 17.

'A great sight to see'

One of the displays in the southside Christmas display.

About 40 people  adults and children  showed up to help, Fernatt said. The decorations were brought out of the old town hall, the old incandescent lightbulbs were replaced new LED bulbs, decorations were put up and lights were strung on the trees in the square. Boltz Market provided lunch for the workers.

One boy came dressed in a Grinch costume and waved at passing motorists.

"The southsiders really came through. It was just such a great sight to see," she said. She noted that many residents have lived on the southside their entire lives. "Once you live there, you're there basically for life. There's a lot of history down there. The people are just like family."

In the future, the decorations will be stored in a city-owned garage on South Broadway Street.

Mayor Joel Day applauded the return of the display.

The southside is a special community in New Philadelphia," he said. "And the Christmas display is an illustration of the pride it has in New Philadelphia and the southside neighborhoods. The lighting and displays are the southsiders way of lifting our spirits and celebrating the joy of Christmas. Im grateful that the residents took it upon themselves to restore this tradition and encourage them to continue to support it.

In need of donations

Ted Polka works to secure an illuminated candy cane at the southside Christmas display. Polka said he probably has put 35 to 40 hours of work into the display.

Fernatt said she hoped the display will be put up for many Christmases to come.

"Everything that was donated was enough to do what we did. We don't have much left, so we would like to continue to raise money in the future to be able to sustain that project, so we can keep it alive for years to come so people can enjoy it," she said.

Future plans call for repainting the displays and installing new light sockets.

Anyone who would like to donation to the project can make out a check to Southside Neighbors and drop it off at any Huntington Bank or mail it to 449 Taylor Drive SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

"It was just such a warm feeling of community," Fernatt said of the neighbors coming together to bring back the display. "That's what I really want. That's what I strive for. It's doesn't matter what political party you are. Life is way too short.

"Christmas isn't about the presents and the gifts, it's about the gift of presence. It's about coming together. It's about the memories that you make. It's not about the stuff. It's just about spending time together and creating those memories. Hopefully, these little kids that might just be seeing this for the first time this year are in awe of it. Hopefully, this creates a memory for them."

Volunteers set up cutout Christmas trees on Nov. 11 on the southside of New Philadelphia.

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Southside New Philadelphia residents bring back Christmas display
In Steve McQueens Occupied City, a young woman with an even voice narrates, with rigorous specificity, Nazi encounters and crimes throughout Amsterdam during World War II. The accounts go address by address, and so does McQueens camera.

Yet the images that play throughout Occupied City are of modern day Amsterdam. In the roving, 4 hour-plus documentary made by McQueen, the 12 Years a Slave director, with his partner, the Dutch documentarian and author Bianca Stigter, past and present are fused  or at least provocatively juxtaposed.

The effect can be startling, stirring and confounding. An elderly woman shifts to country music in an apartment complex where, were told, a family was once arrested and sent to a concentration camp. A radio throbs with Bob Marley in a park where German officer once resided in the surrounding townhouses. A boy plays a virtual reality videogame where an execution took place.

Its almost like once upon a time there was this place called Earth, McQueen said in an interview alongside Stigter.

Occupied City, which A24 releases in theaters Dec. 25, includes no archival footage or talking heads. Instead, it invites the viewer to consider the sometimes hard-to-fathom distance between one of historys darkest chapters and now. Its about remembering and forgetting.

You want to wake people up and at the same time take them with you, says McQueen, a British expat who has made Amsterdam his adoptive home with Stigter and their children.

The film is rooted in Stigters illustrated book Atlas of an Occupied City (Amsterdam 1940-1945), which likewise catalogued the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam and the methodical murdering of its Jewish citizens. Stigter and McQueen have researched their own address. A few doors down, McQueen says, a Jewish man in hiding paid for his keep by teaching a familys child how to play piano. Their lessons were conducted quietly by tapping on the table.

Occupied City details how the Nazi occupation unfolded, door to door, name by name. At the same time, it can be hard to reconcile those accounts with the accompanying footage that captures mostly civic harmony throughout modern Amsterdam. Though Occupied City" touches on monuments and museums to the Holocaust, its imagery mostly lingers on the thriving life of a city. Life moves along, relentlessly.

The present erases history, says McQueen. Theres going to be a time when no one is going to be around who knew certain people. It kind of echoes whats happening with the Second World War. Theres not a lot of people around who can testify about what actually went on in that time. Theyre all passed. This film in some ways is erecting those memories in another way.

McQueen is currently in post-production on a more traditional film about WWII set in London: Blitz, for Apple, starring Saoirse Ronan. Though in many ways McQueen is among the most fiercely contemporary filmmakers working, history has deeply animated much of his work. 12 Years a Slave plunged into slavery-era America. His five-film anthology Small Axe spanned generations of West Indian immigrant life in London. He has dramatized the Irish hunger strike of 1981 (Hunger) and, most recently, the Grenfell Tower tragedy (Grenfell), in which 72 died.

I feel recording is very important. Witnessing is very important. Not looking away is very important, he says. The thing about cinema thats powerful is an audience and a community witnessing something together. Theres nothing more special, theres nothing more powerful than to have this kind of communal witness to something.

Stigter considers Occupied City not a history lesson but an experience.

Your brain is programmed to match, to put together what you hear and what you see, she says. Here, sometimes its hard to find that link. And sometimes you find it.

The length of Occupied City, which is playing with an intermission, encourages rumination. Drifting from narration to imagery and back again, McQueen says, is part of the experience. He would rather it was longer, if anything.

There is a 36-hour version of this. We shot everything in the book. Maybe one day Ill get a chance to show that, says McQueen. The actual method of shooting was about that. You just have to let it happen.

The ordinary becomes extraordinary, he adds. As you get older, you realize its the small things in life that are the treasures. Theres a value. Theres a value to sitting with a cup of tea with a biscuit. Ill have it any day.

In the context of such horrors, some scenes, like a boy and girl gently kissing, become monumental, Stigter says. Ghosts are everywhere, whether theyre acknowledged or not. In the film, Amsterdam is also literally occupied  busy, running errands, biking and, more often than not, on their phones. Oh my God, sighs McQueen, shaking his head. There it is in black and white, even though its in color.

Stigter and McQueen made Occupied City through the pandemic so it also shows the waves of COVID-19, from lockdown to vaccine protests to parties, once again, in the street. Another upheaval is quickly moved on from. Other losses come and go. The film is dedicated to Stigters father, who died a year and a half ago.

You try to hold onto things but they always slip away. Its like this film. After four hours and 22 minutes, its done, says McQueen. What I want this film to be is almost like tossing a stone into a pond. The ripple effects afterwards, how it enters the viewers everyday life, thats what I hope for.

___

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP 
A barefooted homeless person wanders through Gloria Molina Park, with the illuminated Los Angeles City Hall looming in the background in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Billions of dollars have been spent on homelessness in the region, and an array of new programs are in place. But Mayor Karen Bass says it's possible that the number of homeless people will continue to increase, in part because of evictions and the end of pandemic aid that helped pay bills for lower-income households. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  In the hours after being elected mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass made a promise that will be an inescapable metric of her time in office: We are going to solve homelessness.

The Democratic member of Congress, who had been on then-candidate Joe Bidens short list for vice president, envisioned streets clear of more than 40,000 homeless people  a broken city within a city  and the expansion of housing and health services that would repair troubled lives.

We are going to build a new Los Angeles, she said.

Now, one year into her first term, Bass says over 21,000 unhoused people were at some point moved into leased hotels or other temporary shelter in 2023, a 28% increase from the prior year. Dozens of drug-plagued street encampments were cleared, and housing projects are in the pipeline.

Yet the encouraging figures belie a hard truth: Its only the beginning.

Billions of dollars have been spent on homelessness in the region, and an array of new programs are in place. But the mayor says its possible that the number of homeless people will continue to increase, in part because of evictions and the end of COVID-19 aid for low-income households.

While Bass has made gains, the citys homelessness challenge can seem insoluble. It requires managing a potentially growing population equal to that of Palm Springs without a computer system capable of efficiently tracking people within it.

Weve been building the plane while flying it, Bass told reporters recently, assessing her first year. This is about inventing something out of air because a system to prevent people from being homeless  has not existed before.

Brian Averill, who heads the Venice Neighborhood Council, praised Bass for her collaborative work with the City Council. Large encampments were dismantled, including a notorious one snaking along the Venice Beach boardwalk, and many former occupants steered into shelter.

But others scattered, and tent clusters remain a common sight in many neighborhoods. Those still on the streets often struggle with severe substance abuse or mental illness, sometimes both.

We are nowhere near the end of this, Averill said.

Bass took office in December 2022 following the uneven tenure of fellow Democrat Eric Garcetti, whose time in office was marked by soaring homelessness and economic tumult that came with COVID-19, as well as sexual harassment and corruption scandals.

The city of nearly 4 million is contending with its unhoused crisis at a time when leaders also are trying to imagine LAs post-pandemic future. Once considered in a renaissance, downtown has seen a falloff in foot traffic while demand for office space has slumped, as remote jobs and abbreviated work weeks reorder urban life. The Los Angeles area, once known for meteoric growth, saw its population decline, as did the state.

By the citys account, roughly 1 in 3 people who entered interim shelter this year drifted out of the system, and in many cases, probably back to the streets. The wait for permanent housing  what advocates argue is the end solution  could last two or more years for those in short-term beds.

Out of nearly 2,000 people who received temporary shelter through Bass signature program Inside Safe, a pilot project within broader efforts to bring people indoors, only 255 landed in permanent housing this year, out of about 3,500 total citywide. In some cases, unhoused people have resettled in places cleared earlier by city workers.

A decade ago, the nations second-most populous city was spending about $10 million dealing with homelessness. Bass called for a record $1.3 billion this year to get unhoused people into shelter and treatment programs. The spread of homelessness has had cascading effects on property crime and drug overdose deaths, especially from the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

There is no single reason why Los Angeles became a magnet for homelessness. Contributing factors include soaring housing prices and rents that punish those with marginal incomes, and a long string of court decisions has made it difficult for officials to clear encampments.

A Biden administration study released earlier this month found that homelessness is continuing to increase in the country and California, which is home to nearly 30% of the nations unhoused population.

One of the biggest challenges is not on the streets of Los Angeles but in City Hall itself  the lack of computer network capable of tracking people and services that would replace a scattershot of city and county systems that dont work together.

CEO John Maceri of The People Concern, one of LA's largest nonprofits serving the homeless population, called the current system wildly inefficient.

Who are these folks, how are they moving through the system, who are they connected to? Maceri asked, spotlighting blind spots in the data. All of these need to be understood in real time.

Bass came to office intent on disproving what she characterized as a myth: Homeless people do not want to come inside. Her Inside Safe program is voluntary, and no one is forced into shelter.

On a sunny morning in late October, her trademark program was on display at a freeway underpass on the citys Westside, where a tightly packed encampment has been standing for four years. Neighbors long complained of open drug use, unsanitary conditions and petty thefts.

Those living in tents were notified weeks earlier that clean rooms with a locking door were available and that the encampment would be coming down. They lined up by buses headed for shelters, their personal possessions stuffed into clear plastic bags by their sides.

Once residents willing to be relocated had been moved, a front-loaders steel bucket began to crush tents and dump them in a trash truck. The sidewalk was soon clear, and a fence went up to prevent anyone from returning.

Richard Kuebler, who runs a nearby auto repair shop, has for years found discarded needles and human feces around his business that he attributes to the encampments residents. A man died on the sidewalk a few steps from his bays. Authorities, he said, typically shrugged.

Kuebler remains dubious about change, but still, hes thankful that for once, something is being done.

Im so happy, I might get a bottle of champagne on my way home, Kuebler said.

As the tents fell, one of those leaving was Noelia Nunez, who said she had been living beneath the underpass for two-and-a-half years.

As with many people who fall into homelessness, the one-time vocal teacher described a traumatic turn: Her father died unexpectedly in 2020, and her life began unraveling.

She talked of her time on the street as a grueling ordeal to safeguard herself and her few belongings. In a shelter, she sees herself returning to simple joys others take for granted  a bubble bath, a locked door, and in time, maybe going back to work.

Getting ready to board the bus, Nunez twirled in delight.

This is a special day, she said.

Two months later, Nunez remains in temporary housing.
Samuel Muhammad, executive director of the Academy for Urban Scholars High School's Canton campus, is shown with student Rae'Ynna Burwell, 22. The school helps young adults acquire enough credits for their high school diplomas while offering workforce development.

CANTON  Rae'Ynna Burwell was walking to the store with a friend during the summer when Samuel Muhammad approached the two and handed her a flyer.

What she read, changed her life.

"He asked if we knew anyone who wanted to finish school, and it just happened to be me," she said.

Today, Burwell, 22, is a student at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School, a new outreach which helps young adults to recover enough credits to graduate from high school, along with workforce training.

Burwell struggled in a traditional high school setting, attending McKinley and Harbor high schools before dropping out, partly due to bullying.

"High school was hard for me," she said. "So, my mom pulled me out out school. I tried to go back a few times but as I got older, I just didn't really want to be in a big-school setting anymore."

Burwell said the academy will help her to prepare for her ultimate goal of opening a 24-hour daycare center. After acquiring her diploma, Burwell said she'll get a college degree in psychology and sociology. In the meantime, she's working at a senior care facility which offers classes for STNA, or state tested nurse aide, which will come handy when she opens her business.

Burwell said attending the academy has helped her to grow from a frustrated dropout to an aspiring business owner.

"I think it's amazing," she said. "When I first got here, I didn't have a plan."

Academy for Urban Scholars High School launches in downtown Canton

The academy also has campuses in Youngstown and Columbus. Canton's campus is housed at the Stark State College satellite campus downtown.

The academy is in keeping with Muhammad's lifelong mission of mentoring children and young adults. The retired Canton City Schools educator was substitute-teaching in Alliance when he received a call from John H. Gregory, the founder and CEO of National Center for Urban Solutions, the umbrella agency of the Academy for Urban Scholars High School.

The National Center for Urban Studies focuses on charter-school management, workforce development, diversity training and health and wellness for Black men.

Gregory's work has been recognized by three presidential administrations. He also is a recipient of the Governors Award for public service, Business First Health Hero award, and City of Columbus Trailblazer Award, and recognitions from the United Negro Womens Association, Whos Who and Black Columbus.

Muhammad worked at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School in Youngstown prior to Gregory opening the Canton campus.

"He is a juggernaut in the area of workforce," Muhammad said. "He's helped 35,000 people over the last 35 years. So, it was a natural fit. We have a work academy because we want to see our students, first of all, to be employed and, second of all, to find stability."

Samuel Muhammad: 'We killed the metric.'

The Canton campus opened in September through a $90,000 grant from the National Center for Urban Studies.

"Our agency came to Canton initially in the form of our 22 Plus program with the Academy for Urban Scholars," Muhammad said. "We had over 100 graduates. Then, our NCUS workforce program was awarded a grant. It was at that point that Mr. Gregory supported the idea of bringing the Academy for Urban scholars to Canton to serve 17- to 21-year-olds. The great success of the workforce program has been merged with the educational program to improve the quality of life for residents in Stark County."

The grant has resulted in 90 students being successfully trained  primarily through certifications  and moving into employment at such companies as Ohio Gratings and Daimler Trucks.

"We killed the metric," Muhammad said. "We moved people into employment like no other community connector had."

Alexandra O'Connor, project manager of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce/Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership, said they work closely with the group through a Good Jobs Challenge contract, which enables their Job Readiness Bootcamp to be implemented by National Center for Urban Studies Canton staffers Freda Robinson and Leonard Tharp.

Manufacturing in Stark County: Students tour manufacturing sites

"SCMWDP values the workforce literacy training that students at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School will receive through their independent funding (via NCUS), and we believe their training programs implemented by Samuel Muhammad will have great impacts on students," she said.

O'Connor said Academy for Urban Scholars students were invited to participate in the chamber's 2023 Manufacturing Day tours and their Job Readiness Bootcamps.

"We also sent a letter of support for them seeking funding from an external foundation," she said.

'I feel like the learning program here is way more effective for me.'

Cleveland transplant Legend Gillispie, 18, was being home-schooled when his mother brought home a pamphlet about the academy. The aspiring fashion entrepreneur said he likes that he's able to work and learn at his own pace, adding that he struggled in traditional school settings.

"Everyone here is friendly," he said. "We help each other. I don't have to feel rushed. It's very flexible. You can take your time with certain things if you're busy with family. I feel like the learning program here is way more effective for me."

Ohio's four-year, high school graduate rate stands at 87.3%, slightly up from 87% in 2021. Canton City Schools' graduation rate stands at about 72.3%.

Academy for Urban Scholars High School students meet Monday through Thursday, with Friday as an option for those who may need extra study time.

Robinson is the workforce development director for the group in Canton.

Curriculum at Academy for Urban Scholars High School

"My job is to get them a job so they can be successful, with a livable wage," she said. "It's basically to help them in their growth. They also have the opportunity to get additional education or go to higher education because we also do community college. It's basically to help them in their growth."

Phillip Kennard, the academy's academic adviser, said applicants are given the option of taking the STAR test for placement testing. Every applicant undergoes placement testing before admission.

"Our big thing is getting the kids to recover their credits and continuing their education," he said. "We're very heavy on the recovery portion. But it's not just credit recovery. It's also social studies, and Excel. It's about finding them jobs. We want to make sure we finish walking them through the door."

Samuel Muhammad: 'They just need guidance.'

Samuel Muhammad is shown with student DeAndre McCole, 21, who says the Academy for Urban Scholars High School is giving him a second chance at life.

When he was 17, DeAndre McCole made the fateful decision to commit a robbery.

It cost him his high school diploma and four years of freedom.

Today, McCole, 21, has a new lease on life and a second chance to complete his education, thanks to the academy.

"I think it's great," he said. "With my situation, I wasn't able to finish school. I'd advise anyone who didn't finish school to try it."

Addition to school, McCole works a fast-food job, with hopes of a career in music promotion, adding that he's grateful for Muhammad, who he met at a downtown event where Muhammad has handing out flyers.

Muhammad said young adults like McCole, who want a second chance, are who he's looking for.

"They're very bright; they have excellent ideas," he said. "They just need guidance."

Muhammad said a student's culture is taken into consideration.

"That's why we have an emphasis in responding to the students' culture whatever it is," he said. "We have a population here of poor whites who respond to their culture. We want them to be able to feel hope from their vantage point. We respond to every student's specific set of values and needs and their background.

"Whoever you are, we're accepting you. And we're going to move you to competency, not just in terms of education, but also to help you find your purpose. And as you find your purpose, we want to help you to facilitate your transition from high school to post-secondary options like Walsh University or Stark State."

The academy, he said, also offers project-based learning, in which students study mega trends.

"So you may study health, or human trafficking," he said. "There's a whole lot of issues. They create their own website, and then put in a resolution for us to format as if they were doing a school report or doing a resolution for the UN, or for a school district. If they say, 'I want to do a program,' they have to detail the efficacy and merits of their resolution."

Muhammad said the academy also has a contract with AWS/Amazon to offer students training in Columbus and Youngstown as "cloud practitioners" or code writers.

Certified code writers can start at $60,000 a year, he noted.

The academy also offers training in fiber optics in Columbus, Muhammad said.

The academy also emphasizes teaching students the "soft skills" needed to retain a job, including self-discipline and positive interactions with coworkers.

"That may be foreign, to being able to function in a workplace environment properly," he said. "It may be foreign because they suffer emotional underdevelopment. In fact, our colloquial statement is that 'Honda makes cars. We make people.' So, we try to develop and make people confident and ready to go into the workforce."

Academy for Urban Scholars High School and Work Academy in Canton

To learn more visit https://ausohio.com/ or call 330-316-1974.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com.

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Academy for Urban Scholars High School comes to Canton
Honda Motors American arm is recalling an estimated 2.5 million vehicles over a fuel pump defect that increases the risk of engine failure or stalling while driving.

The fuel pump impeller used in Acura and Honda vehicles made in 2017-2020 were improperly molded, according to documents with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This defect can result in low-density impellers that can deform and interfere with the fuel pump body, rendering the fuel pump inoperative. If the pump does not work, the engine may not start or can stall when driving, NHTSA said.

As of Dec. 12, Honda reported 4,042 warranty claims and said it had not received any reports of injuries or deaths related to the issue from January, 2018 through Dec. 12.

The Japanese automaker said it will replace the fuel pump model with an improved part for all effected vehicles at no costs. The first group of notification letters will be sent out in February, NHTSA filings said.

The recall call comes just over a month after Honda recalled nearly 250,000 vehicles over concerns of engines stalling from a manufacturing error.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A globally respected human rights advocate warned Wednesday that a trade policy loophole could make the United States complicit in the Chinese government's forced labor and genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic Muslims in western China.



Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., a House Ways and Means Committee member, hosted a roundtable discussion regarding the exploitation of a loophole in the "de minimis" threshold, which allows imports of packages that value $800 or less to come into the U.S. through a simplified inspection process and without having to pay any duties, taxes or fees.

The federal government has raised the import limit since 1938. In the 1990s, imports valued under $200 could come into the country without rigorous inspection. In 2016, the amount was raised to $800, according to a U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom release provided to The Christian Post before the roundtable.

USCIRF Commissioner Nury Turkel, a longtime Uyghur rights advocate born in a re-education camp in China in 1970, said China exploits Uyghurs through forced labor and called on Congress to close the loophole that allows Chinese businesses to profit from selling forced labor goods to U.S. consumers.

"It is imperative to take these enforcement gaps off the table," Turkel said. "I don't think it's too strong to say that de minimis has become an open door for U.S. complicity in China's immoral genocide and forced labor of Uyghurs."

Multiple Uyghurs have testified about the oppression they faced from the Chinese Communist Party, which views them as inferior to the dominant Han Chinese. Millions of Uyghurs have been subjected to concentration camps, forced labor and torture unless they pledged their loyalty to the CCP. Many women have also testified about how they had to endure systematic rape and sexual abuse at re-education camps.

In an interview with CP, Turkel said at least 55,000 suppliers are operating in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Western China that have engaged in forced labor practices. He believes better data is needed to determine what kind of suppliers these are and what type of products they deal with.

"We have a moral obligation to tell American people that they've been, either willingly or unwillingly  that includes investors  underwriting this genocide," Turkel said.

"None of us had an idea of how this would explode in terms of the ramifications, how it has been used," Blumenauer said, citing the Chinese Communist Party as a threat.



Turkel, a foreign policy senior fellow at the Hudson Institute who also serves as chair of the Uyghur Human Rights Project, previously supported a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics to protest China's human rights record. But the advocate believes more can be done.

"There should have been more broader, full boycott, more pressure to postpone or relocate. If relocating doesn't work, [it] would have been an ideal solution to the problem," he said. "Number one, there is a historic reason."

"We don't want, as a civilization, to embolden a dictatorial regime like the one in Beijing to witness us repeat history. The international community apparently has not learned a lesson from the 1936 Nazi Olympics allowing this Olympics in 2022  the genocide Olympics  to take place," he added.

In June, Blumenauer and Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., introduced a bill titled the Import Security and Fairness Act, noting that Chinese companies ship over 2 million packages a day into the U.S. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

The Democratic congressman says that, in addition to placing American businesses at a disadvantage under the de minimis limit, it is hard to determine if the products coming in result from forced labor.

The Import Security and Fairness Act seeks to address this issue by prohibiting goods from non-market economies that are on the priority watch list, such as China. In addition, the legislation would make changes that would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect more information on de minimis shipments.

Also in June, Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., introduced the De Minimis Reciprocity Act of 2023 to close the loophole.

Originally published by The Christian Post
My friend was waiting for me at Zaru when I rolled in for lunch and it was a good thing, because every seat in the house was taken but the one at his window-adjacent two-top.

But before my head swung left to find him, it started to nod.

Look for me, Young B, cruisin down the West Side High-way doin what we like to do our way

At that moment, I saw Gen Z foodie types, senior women professionals in suits and a table of four casually dressed men whose powerful slurps I could hear from the door. There was a young mom and her preschooler son. Millennials. A blue-haired teen in a Jujutsu Kaisen tee. The room was multigenerational and multiracial. And there was Jay-Z, turned up on the speakers, serenading them all.

The playlist is all Johnny, Chef William Shen tells me days later on the phone, laughing that Id brought it up.

He and Zaru co-owner, Johnny (Tung, one half of the James Beard nominated restaurateur duo behind Bento Group  the other is his brother, Jimmy) were schooling me on this new venture, the nood kid on the block. That block being Colonial Drive.

Orlandos 2023 James Beard semifinalists: It fuels you to keep doing what youre doing.

I appreciated the East Coast vibe, the urban tracks to match the urban setting as we watched the pedestrians and traffic moving outside in ground-zero Mills 50, which has always had a solid lunch scene. Zaru is the newest option and melds a modern movement into a space conjoined with one of the communitys oldest old-school classics, Tien Hung Market.

Its a great part of Orlando, says Tung, whose wife grew up here and whose in-laws own the market.  Its a great mix of property owners who are very pro local business. Theyre not charging an arm and a leg and that way, we can have a mix of the old generation and the new generation together.

At Zaru, where tight seating adds to the metropolitan feel, the generations are coming together for more than vintage hip-hop (though my dinner companion said shed come back solely for the playlist and the fried chicken app Ill get back to), theyre here for the noods.

2023 has seen something of a handmade-noodle explosion in Orlando, but Zarus specialty is singular: udon.

Spongy, soothing, with bounce that could power the stilts on a thousand lowriders, the squiggly star of Zaru is a Sanuki-style udon, the most popular variety and a product of Japans Kagawa Prefecture.

The noodles there are thicker and have more chew because the wheat goes through a two-day fermentation process, explains Shen, a California native and graduate of New Yorks Culinary Institute of America who went to Kagawa to learn the art firsthand.

We ferment our dough in two separate temperatures and humidities. And we import our flour from that region, as well, he says, noting an awareness that bringing authentic udon to Orlando would be something of a challenge.

We wanted the servers to be very knowledgeable, he says, so they could speak about the history and be able to answer guests questions.

On multiple visits, we were treated to a mini-seminar without having to ask as servers explained the process and gave tips on ordering.

All but one entree  there are four cold and four hot  feature a light broth that can be made more flavorful with standard add-ons (negi and ginger with tempura flakes for crunch) as well as items including the flavor bomb of fish roe, custardy onsen eggs, toasted nori and various tempura items.

Most fall in the $2-6 zone with A5 wagyu ($21) at the top of this culinary hierarchy of needs.

Most authentic, say Shen and Tung, are the cold offerings, which a surprising number of Japanese customers  some of whom travel from Tampa and other distant destinations  appreciate when they visit.

Unwittingly, my lunch companion and I hit both ends of the spectrum.

He ordered the most popular dish, the warm and comforting nikutama udon with its sliced beef and silky egg ($15). I went with the icy mentaiko tsukimi udon ($17), the offering least-ordered.

It showcases what were capable of, Shen says of the cold dish. What were trying to do is introduce people to some really cool cuisine thats not very common here.

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Marinated pollock roe adds complexity in both flavor and texture alongside tart and briny umeboshi; the broth is bracing, perhaps not ideal for the weather this time of year, but something those in its region of origin appreciate during their hottest months, Shen says.

Decadent zensai (small dishes) come in beautiful bowls filled with rich delights like soft-boiled egg potato salad with mustard and togarashi, a $5 hit of creamy comfort my companion scarfed while proclaiming his disdain for the American-style picnic staple. Yaki nasu (miso grilled eggplant, $7) had lovely texture, coming in sweet and leaving with heat.

Come dinnertime, I was briefly surprised. Though the soundtrack still pumped ( Luniz I Got Five On It was the big surprise of the evening, a smooth throwback to a time before dispensaries), the place was empty save one table. But by the time I took off my jacket and looked at the menu, like magic, the place was totally packed. It was Tuesday night.

Were super appreciative that Orlando is open to new things, says Tung. We expected the rush to last the first couple of weeks, maybe a month, but now were three months in and it seems like its getting busier.

I came early, but waits are not uncommon (there are benches outside). Zaru doesnt take reservations.

Know that my dinner date might fight you for the last order of tatsua-age ($9), a generous mound of garlic- ginger-soy-marinated chicken bites. Hunks of dark meat are coated solely in potato starch (Shen says they tested many before finding a love match); the result is light, crispy, heaven thats made double with a drag through mentaiko mayo.

Wanna go big? The wagyu udon ($36) is your dish, with its floating cap of marvelously fatty beef thats something of a tribute.

Its half and half, Shen explains. A little homage to Mills 50 in that its like a pho, but also like a Japanese-style shabu shabu.

Much like the way thinly sliced beef cooks on the way to your table (in pho you might order literal steps from Zarus door) so, too, does this A5 Kagoshima in a dish Tung says was inspired, in part, by the Vietnamese influence on the neighborhood  one that he and his family are looking to preserve and evolve.

As Zaru moves forward  new dishes, a full bar in 2024  Shen will be moving on to another project: his dream restaurant of Sorekara, a Japanese, European-influenced venue thats expected to open in Baldwin Park in the new year.

Sticky and steeped in centuries-old lore, banh tet is traditional for T?t celebrations

And Tien Hung?

Its been in my in-laws family for decades, and its very large, Tung says. So, starting next year, were going to start turning into some more unique experiences in the form of micro-restaurants.

The concepts for what he estimates will be a two-year project are still under wraps but we have really big plans for it.

That said, Tien Hung is not going anywhere.

Its just condensing, Tung says. The snacks, the coffee, Banh Mi Boy  its all staying. In fact, Tien Hung is the conduit to Zaru for guests who use the ample parking lot in the back..

We didnt want people to have to walk all the way around if it was raining or hot, Tung explains, but there was a second reason for the convenience A door at the end of an aisle in a 40-year-old Asian market, which like that of a fabled wardrobe, opens into an entirely different world.

Its old and new and this is the beginning, says Tung, whos hot, vintage playlist keeps a little something old in this era of transition. Its the first new door to many new concepts in Mills 50.

If you go

Zaru: 1114 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando, 407-271-8512; zarufl.com

Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join the Lets Eat, Orlando Facebook group or follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
When Patrick Pacious, the CEO of a large portfolio of hotel brands, promoted a blockbuster attempt to acquire a competitor in October, he said the proposed merger would lower costs and attract more customers for the families and small businesses that own most of the companys locations.

Our franchisees instantly grasped the strategic benefit this would bring to their hotels, Pacious, who leads Choice Hotels, said on CNBC.

As the weeks have passed, however, the reaction has not been positive. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, the target of the proposed deal, rejected the offer from Choice, which is now pursuing a hostile takeover. And in early December, an association representing the majority of hoteliers who own Choice and Wyndham-branded properties came out strongly against it.

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We all dont know whats driving this merger. Many of us feel its not needed, said Bharat Patel, the chair of the organization, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. The group surveyed its 20,000 members and found that about 77% of respondents who own hotels under either brand or both thought a merger would hurt their business.

Im not against Choice or Wyndham, said Patel, who owns two Choice hotels. We just need robust competition in the markets.

That opposition illustrates a growing resistance to consolidation in industries that have grown more concentrated in recent years. Even some Wall Street analysts have expressed skepticism that Choices proposal is a good idea.

The views of hotel owners could become a hurdle for Choice as it seeks approval for a merger from the Federal Trade Commission, which has taken an interest in franchising as evidence has mounted that the economic and legal relationship has increasingly tilted in favor of brand owners and away from franchisees.

To understand why franchisees are worried, its helpful to understand how hotels are structured.

About 70% of the nations 5.7 million hotel rooms operate under one of the several big national brands like Marriott or Hilton, according to the real estate data firm CoStar. The rest are independent.

Over the past few decades, franchise chains have bought one another and merged to the point where the top six companies by number of rooms  Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, Best Western, Choice and Wyndham  account for about 80% of all branded hotels.

Unlike fast food franchisees, hotel owners typically develop or buy their own buildings, representing a multimillion-dollar investment for each property. The industry has drawn thousands of immigrant entrepreneurs from South Asia. Some owners accumulate sprawling portfolios, but most end up with just a few hotels.

The average member of the Asian American owners group owns just two hotels, most commonly with one of the economy or midscale brands. Choice and Wyndham dominate that segment, with 6,270 and 5,907 hotels in the United States, including Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Quality Inn and Econo Lodge.

Being part of a franchise network provides a recognized name, a business plan and collective purchasing that is supposed to give small businesses the benefits of scale. In exchange, hotel owners pay the brands a fee to join, ongoing royalties and other payments for marketing, technology and consulting.

As a result, franchisees are effectively customers of the hotel brands. Less competition between hotel chains can leave owners with fewer options and, thus, less leverage to demand better services for a lower cost.

Consider the frustrations of Jayanti Patel, who owns a Comfort Inn  one of Choices 22 brands  in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

He said Choice had been taking a larger cut, via charges such as an $18 monthly fee for reporting his propertys energy use, discounts for rooms booked with rewards programs and penalties when guests file complaints. Patel also laments declining service, such as from revenue management consultants who are supposed to provide advice that increases his profits. Choice has outsourced this work to a service that operates partly overseas.

Patel said his profit margins had become thinner and thinner, and hes considering signing up with a different brand when his franchise agreement ends in a couple of years. Friends who own Wyndham-branded properties seem happy, so he might adopt one of its brands as long as Choice doesnt acquire that chain.

When my window comes up in 2026, 99% I dont want to renew my agreement, Patel said. And maybe If I want to go to Wyndham, they have nearly 20 brands, and I lose that opportunity, because it will be the same thing.

Choice argues that as its rivals have expanded and merged, it also needs to grow to offer hotel owners bigger savings on supplies including signage and bedsheets. The company is also promising to bargain down the commissions that hotel owners pay websites such as Expedia and Booking.com, which are particularly crucial in the budget segment.

Combining with Wyndham would enable us to continue to deliver enhanced profitability for franchisees  by helping to lower their costs and grow their direct revenue while providing our best-in-class technology platform, Choice said in a statement.

However, many hotel owners say that even if Choice did negotiate lower prices, they are skeptical that they would reap those benefits. In 2020, 90 franchisees filed a lawsuit that accused the company of, among other things, not passing along rebates from contracts with vendors. A judge ruled that hotel owners would have to pursue their claims in separate arbitration cases, and several did.

Choice prevailed in two of those proceedings. But in one, brought by a hotelier in North Dakota, an arbitrator found this past summer that Choice had made virtually no efforts to leverage its size, scale and distribution to obtain volume discounts. He ordered Choice to pay $760,008 in legal fees and compensation. Choice is contesting the award.

The case is just one example, but it squares with recent economic research. A 2017 study found that while being part of a hotel franchise system helped bring in guests, it did not lower the cost of doing business compared with operating an independent hotel.

But litigating on your own is expensive, which is why few franchisees do so even when they feel theyve been mistreated.

Rich Gandhi, a hotelier in New Jersey, is supporting a campaign for state legislation that would improve the rights of franchisees in the hospitality industry. He leads a three-year-old group called Reform Lodging that is also opposing the merger.

Gandhi has turned four of his Choice-branded hotels into Best Westerns and Red Roof Inns, both non-Choice brands that he said offered better assistance, fewer restrictions and more reasonable fees. Choice, he argued, introduced too many competitors to his area because it makes money from selling new franchises and controlling more of the market, even if the practice squeezes existing owners.

They want the biggest pie, because to them its all incremental revenue, Gandhi said. If you keep accumulating all these buildings and provide no support, its like one of those old pyramid schemes thats ready to fall apart, which is exactly whats happening.

A representative for Choice referred The New York Times to four hoteliers who it said would speak favorably of the merger. Two of them, including the chair of the Choice Hotels Owners Council  to which all franchisees must belong and pay dues  declined to comment on the record. A third, who owns three Radisson hotels and was happy when Choice bought the brand, said the purchase of Wyndham  a much bigger company  could pose problems.

The fourth, a Florida hotelier, Azim Saju, said that despite the loss of competition, if Choice acquired Wyndham the company would still have an incentive to make sure franchisees stayed afloat.

The concern is valid, but the bottom line is that franchising doesnt do well unless the franchisees are profitable, Saju said. I think Choice has become more conscientious of the importance of franchisee profitability in order to further their success.

The dissatisfaction of hotel owners could hurt Choices ability to absorb Wyndham, especially if more franchisees switch to other brands. That prospect has soured some Wall Street analysts on the deal.

In hotel franchising, the critical constituency, as much as consumers walking in the door, is that franchising community, said David Katz, an analyst who covers the hospitality and gambling industries for Jefferies & Co. Theyre going to own more than 50% of the limited service and economy hotels in the United States, and not have the full support of the largest franchisee organization out there? I think that merits further debate.

Franchisee support isnt important just for morale. It could also sway federal regulators, who have started to take into account the effect of corporate mergers not just on their consumers but also on suppliers like book authors, chicken farmers and Amazon sellers.

Traditionally in antitrust theres this consumer welfare standard, which is focused on Is this going to be good or bad for consumers? said Brett Hollenbeck, an associate professor at the Anderson School of Management of the University of California, Los Angeles. If the FTC doesnt feel like this argument will hold sway, they could try a more novel theory, which is that it could hurt franchisees.

Choice said it anticipated that its deal would be approved and was expecting to complete the transaction within a year. Its offer to buy all outstanding Wyndham shares extends through March, when it will try to replace the directors on the companys board with people who will approve the sale.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) said Wednesday that the House Education Committee will expand its investigation into Harvard President Claudine Gay to include allegations that she committed plagiarism in academic work.

The Education Committee previously held a hearing on campus antisemitism featuring Gay and the leaders of the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At that hearing, the trio controversially said it would depend on context if calls for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment.

In a letter Wednesday acquired by Bloomberg, Foxx said the committee will expand its look into Gay, focusing on whether Harvard holds its faculty to the same academic standards as students.

Our concern is that standards are not being applied consistently, resulting in different rules for different members of the academic community, she wrote. If a university is willing to look the other way and not hold faculty accountable for engaging in academically dishonest behavior, it cheapens its mission and the value of its education.

Gay was accused of plagiarism in multiple academic works amid the scandal of her committee hearing response over antisemitism. The Harvard fellows, the universitys governing body, said the plagiarism claims were not significant.

The fellows initiated an independent investigation into the plagiarism allegations in October, the group said, consisting of a few instances of inadequate citation.

While the analysis found no violation of Harvards standards for research misconduct, President Gay is proactively requesting four corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks that were omitted from the original publications, the group said in a statement.

In the same statement, the fellows said the group stands by Gay and supports her leadership of the university, fighting against calls from conservatives and some members of Congress to have her removed from the job.

MIT has also resisted calls for its president to resign.

University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill did resign from her job over the same pressures, with the universitys board of trustees chair also resigning in protest the next day.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The House plans to expand its probe into Harvard University President Claudine Gay to include allegations of plagiarism. Photo by Will Oliver/EPA-EFE

Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. House plans to expand its probe into Harvard University President Claudine Gay to include allegations of plagiarism in her academic work.

House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., sent a letter to Harvard Corporation Senior Fellow Penny Pritzker, announcing it had begun a review of Harvard's handling of "credible allegations of plagiarism" by Gay spanning 24 years.

"An allegation of plagiarism by a top school official at any university would be reason for concern, but Harvard is not just any university," Foxx wrote. "It styles itself as one of the top educational institutions in the country."

The letter requested documents and communications from the university regarding allegations of plagiarism against Gay, a list of disciplinary actions taken against Harvard faculty or students for academic integrity violations and "any non-public guidelines or policies" regarding how the university deals with allegations of plagiarism.

"Our concern is that standards are not being applied consistently, resulting in different rules for different members of the academic community," Foxx wrote. "If a university is willing to look the other way and not hold faculty accountable for engaging in academically dishonest behavior, it cheapens its mission and the value of its education."

The investigation comes after new allegations of plagiarism surfaced Wednesday as the Harvard Corporation announced Gay would request three additional corrections to her 1997 Ph.D. dissertation.

The corrections were announced as part of a summary of an independent review by the Harvard Corporation, the university's highest governing body, which found that while Gay failed to properly cite in some instances she was not guilty of further misdeeds.

The Harvard Corporation launched the investigation as Gay faced calls to resign after she took part in a House panel on anti-Semitism, where she Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Sally Kornbluth and then-University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill declined to confirm that calls for genocide against Jews were against their universities' codes of conduct.

In the statement, however, Harvard Corporation said Gay would remain in place but that it had launched its own independent review into allegations of plagiarism against her and found "a few instances of inadequate citation" in three articles.

At the time it said Gay had "proactively" requested four corrections in two articles to insert the necessary citation and quotation marks that were left out.

Following the panel, the House launched an investigation into the disciplinary procedures at all three institutions.

Magill resigned shortly after the testimony but Kornbluth has remained in her post.
Deceptive Abortion Initiative in Florida Must be Rejected

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Dec. 20, 2023







Liberty Counsel recently TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 20, 2023 / Christian Newswire / -- As pro-abortion activist groups try to establish unlimited human genocide in Florida with a proposed amendment that would codify unrestricted abortion as a right in the state constitution, Liberty Counsel continues to urge the Florida Supreme Court not to approve it.Liberty Counsel recently filed a reply brief on behalf of Florida Voters Against Extremism (FLVAE) urging the Florida Supreme Court not to approve the wording of a proposed amendment that would codify unrestricted abortion as a right in the state's constitution. In the reply brief, Liberty Counsel argues that the initiative is misleading and deceptive and violates the single subject rule. In the brief, Liberty Counsel states the sponsor completely sidesteps these legal issues and fails to provide a meaningful rebuttal.

The proposed amendment, "Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion," would create a new section in the Florida Constitution "limiting government interference with abortion." The full text of the accompanying ballot summary states: "No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature's constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion."

The 2024 Florida Department of State's Initiative Petition Handbook states that to be placed on the ballot for this election cycle, a petition must be signed by 891,523 verified voter signatures statewide by February 1, 2024. In addition, "the signatures must come from a number of electors in each of one half of the congressional districts of the state, and of the state as a whole, equal to eight percent of the votes cast in each of such districts respectively and in the state as a whole in the last preceding election in which presidential electors were chosen."

Currently, a total of 753,771 have already been verified, according to the Florida Division of Elections. Yet, "statewide and congressional district totals for ballot position are not official until the Secretary of State determines the requisite signatures have been obtained and issues a certificate of ballot position." More signatures for the proposed amendment are apparently in the verification process, which can take a month to complete.

The proposed amendment is sponsored by Floridians Protecting Freedom, Inc., a political committee supported by the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, the American Civil Liberties Union, and other groups that support the termination of preborn humans through unrestricted abortion on demand. Even the name, Floridians Protecting Freedom, is deceptive when their objective is to "protect Floridians' access to abortion as reproductive health care."

In fact, this initiative has serious deficiencies and falls short of the requirements under Florida law to be placed on the ballot for voters.

The proposed amendment misleads voters and hides the true purpose behind the amendment and its effect, which is to enshrine a right of abortion in Florida for any reason, at any stage of the pregnancy. The effect of the proposed amendment would prevent the State of Florida from regulating all abortions that a vague and undefined "healthcare provider" may deem "necessary" to protect the woman's "health." The amendment leaves the terms "necessary" or "health" purposefully undefined and vague, concealing that the true purpose is to confuse Florida voters and create an unrestricted right to abortion at all stages of pregnancy up to birth. For example, if adopted, the proposed amendment would authorize, as a matter of state law, activities that would constitute violations of the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. This conflict alone with the federal law disqualifies the proposed amendment.

The proposed amendment also violates the Florida Constitution's single-subject requirement by addressing multiple subjects, including pre-viability abortions and protection of women's health, in the same proposal. Those are distinct issues that cannot permissibly be put into a single ballot initiative.

In addition, the amendment would substantially alter the function of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Florida government. Currently, the legislative branch is authorized to "prohibit" abortion through legislation; the executive branch is authorized to "penalize" citizens who violate abortion laws; and the judicial branch is authorized to "delay" or "restrict" any illegal or unconstitutional conduct. Lumping functional alterations to each branch of government in one amendment also violates the single-subject requirement.

On April 13, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law SB 300, known as the "Heartbeat Protection Act," which protects unborn children in Florida beyond six weeks of pregnancy. The Florida House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted 70-40 in favor of the bill and the Florida Senate passed it on April 3 in a 26-13 vote.

The "Heartbeat Protection Act" will take effect 30 days after the Florida Supreme Court either holds that the right to privacy enshrined in Article I, Section 23 of the State Constitution does not include a right to abortion; upholds the 15-week abortion ban signed into law by DeSantis in April 2022; or if the Court overturns the state abortion case precedent in the In re T.W. decision.

Liberty Counsel filed an amicus brief to the Florida Supreme Court on behalf of the Frederick Douglass Foundation, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Fiona Jackson Center for Pregnancy, and Issues4life Foundation, in defense of Florida's 15-week abortion ban since the Florida Constitution affirms "the right to enjoy and defend life" regardless of "race, religion, national origin, or physical disability."

In addition, Liberty Counsel Action filed an amicus brief to the Florida Supreme Court in Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, et al., v. State of Florida, et al., requesting that the In re T.W. decision issued by an activist court in 1989 be overturned and the original intent of Article I, Section 23 be restored so as not to recognize a right to kill preborn children by abortion. Before the Florida Supreme Court is a 15-week abortion ban passed by the legislature in 2022. Like the 15-week abortion ban that went to the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Florida case could follow a similar result.

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "The Florida Supreme Court must not approve the language of this deceptive and deliberately confusing amendment which would authorize abortion for any reason at any time up to birth. This amendment would also impermissibly conflict with the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. These sponsors want to fool the voters into changing the Florida Constitution to kill babies for any reason, even up to birth. Pro-abortion groups want to establish unlimited human genocide of innocent children in Florida and this deceitful amendment must be rejected."

Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost.

SOURCE Liberty Counsel



CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org


I enjoyed putting down the bow for a few days and picking up a shotgun.

And now I can say that I have shot a pheasant. It took three years, and more misses than I would like to admit, but I got one.

A guy at my church organizes an annual hunt in Greeley and Wallace counties. I got invited to go last season  but also tried some pheasant hunting in the Wichita area the season before that.

The guy grew up in Tribune. He calls that area Gods Country.

We hunt a whole day and then half the next day before heading home Saturday afternoon.

It took three years, but I got my first pheasant on Dec. 15 during a hunt in western Kansas.

Last year, the only shot I got the first day was accidentally at a hen, which you arent supposed to shoot. But I missed it.

I watched as others missed a lot of pheasant but shot a few. I remember thinking, man, these guys suck at shooting. Ive learned I am just as bad, if not worse.

My opportunity came on day two, when 10 inches of snow fell in a couple of hours.

We jumped out of the truck, forgoing our blockers, after I spotted some pheasant walking along the edge of the property. They popped up. The guy to my left and right each shot one. I pulled up my gun and click. The gun wasnt loaded.

I then missed an easy shot at a few roosters later that day.

Not sure if I got invited again because they like me or just felt like it would be weird seeing me in church after not inviting me back. It definitely isnt because of my shooting.

However, I did get this first pheasant of the trip this year. It was my only one, as I missed multiple close calls, including one time where a guy mentioned it was close enough that I could have put a collar on it.

Ive come to enjoy the camaraderie as much, if not more, than the hunting itself.

Its a hoot to hear them tell old stories: like the time they sprung up more pheasants than they could shoot or reload fast enough (I am dreaming of the day that happens to me) only to shoot a couple or when a guy they say is blind (I dont know how embellished that is) shot two guys, including our former pastor.

We shot seven pheasant the first day during a two-day hunt in western Kansas.

We got 10 birds this year.

To put in perspective how little of a return that is for our effort, I have come up with some guesstimates, using the most active guys step counter that measured 11 miles the first day and eight the second.

There are a dozen of us, including a guy who grew up in the area but now lives in Texas and a couple Tribune guys that the organizer grew up with.

I figured we walked a total of 115 miles, which pans out to 11.5 miles per bird.

We probably missed another 10-20 that we should have shot.

I shot around 15 rounds during the trip and have one bird to show for it. But, as one guy said, its way more fun to shoot and miss than not shoot at all.

Pheasant hunting itself is definitely a bit of highs and lows.

I would teeter between being over it, like after walking a two-mile draw without getting near a bird, to being amped for the next field after a couple close encounters.

The Tribune area had a lot of rain this year, which made it even more difficult. There were places we hunted last year that were waist-high in grass and weeds that were over our heads this year.

The wild sunflowers and weeds in this draw in western Kansas were taller than any person. It was half this size when a group of us hunted it last season, but doubled in size after a rainy year.

Some of those walks were treacherous, but there is definitely a different kind of beauty in Gods Country: endless fields of yellow prairie grass, with occasional red fields, uninterrupted sunrises and sunsets and one of the coolest looking birds known to man.

Our first field during our first morning of hunting pheasant in western Kansas.

- Michael Stavola

Hanging it up for 2023

I hunted hard in 2023, and it paid off with an awesome Kansas buck.

Chance Swaim poses with a big 8-point Kansas whitetail buck he shot on Dec. 3, 2023.

While some hunters are still chasing, its a relief to not have to hunt through the holidays, a time better spent with family than alone in a tree.

If anyones wondering, my buck tastes great. My dad and I butcher our own deer, giving us control over the entire process, from field dressing until its on the plate.

We dont do anything fancy. YouTube has plenty of videos showing how to do it. I highly suggest it to anyone with enough room to package and store their deer.

Ive hunted geese a couple times since last week with no success. The flocks are large, and I cant seem to convince them to join my three dozen decoys. My calling could use some work. Solo hunting geese is a struggle, and Ive never been good at sounding like more than one honker.

My first child is due in January, so Im not sure how much time Ill have to hunt between now and next fall. Im ready to call it for 2023.

With that in mind, heres a checklist of activities Kansas deer hunters should do to prepare for next season:

Store your hunting clothes and gear so you can easily find them next fall

Practice shooting as often as your schedule allows

Bow maintenance

Shed hunt

Scout

Get permission

Exercise

Research

Gear up

Move stands

Daydream about next years buck

 Chance Swaim

Pheasant nuggets

Ive only eaten pheasant once. I saw a recipe that brined the meat in pickle juice, so I did that too. I thought it was good. Heres what I did. If you prefer to follow a more detailed recipe, check out this pheasant brining one at Hunt Gather Cook.

Cut up the pheasant into nuggets

Brine the nuggets in pickle juice from a jar for at least a few hours but no more than 12

Remove from the brine and bread them (You can use whatever type of breading you like. I usually do store-bought breading, and since pheasant is like chicken, I use a bread crumb you would typically eat with fried chicken)

Heat vegetable oil in a pan or pot (depends on how healthy you want to be. I usually use enough in a pot to submerge the meat). For a healthier option, you can gently coat in an oil (or use no oil at all) and throw it in an air fryer

Cook until the internal temperature is 165 degrees

Enjoy!

- Michael Stavola
The Irish government has announced that it is to bring an interstate case against the UK, under the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights. The case is aimed not at specific executive actions of ministers, but a piece of legislation that would draw a line under the Troubles and halt inquests, enquiries and criminal proceedings concerning crimes or actions committed during that time. The Irish government is challenging not only the content of that law but the UK Government and Parliaments right and power to make it.

We can debate the legislation itself and its wisdom (including the hypocrisy of the Irish state, which has not pursued or investigated crimes committed in the Republics own territory during the Troubles). The action of the Irish government, though, raises and clarifies an issue that goes beyond that specific question (as does the UK Governments Rwanda policy). Does Parliamentary sovereignty, as traditionally understood, still exist? If, in practice, it does not, should it be restored?

This is clearly going to be the defining and central question of UK politics for the next few decades. It will be raised in connection with a whole range of apparently unconnected issues. It is the big one in debates over migration, beyond the view one takes of that particular question. It will soon become part of arguments over net zero and climate policy. It was the foundational issue in the debate over Brexit.

The traditional doctrine of the British constitution, since at least 1688, and as definitively set out by the Victorian jurist Dicey, is that the Crown in Parliament is sovereign. That means in practice that a majority in Parliament and that part of it chosen by popular vote has the ultimate sovereign power to make and determine the law. There is no higher power that can limit or constrain that sovereignty. The British state may choose to limit that power by entering into agreements, but it retains the ultimate right to withdraw from and reject those agreements and act as it wills. Whether those specific actions are wise or prudent is a different matter, for the political process to resolve.

The Irish governments action shows very clearly how that traditional understanding is now challenged and in practice no longer applicable. The emergent rival view is that democratic majorities and legislatures do not have that ultimate sovereign power. It resides instead in laws and international covenants and treaties, as interpreted by judicial bodies that have the power to strike down and block government action and legislation, even when it has democratic legitimacy. This makes judges the ultimate decision-makers (as they are in the US for example).

This second view is often seen as coming from the EU, but it actually owes more to American thinking, while also deriving from traditional Catholic doctrine. Regardless of its origin, this is now the big question in politics: should ultimate power rest with (national) democratic legislatures or with laws determined by judges (often supranational)?

The Irish governments action makes something else very clear. To assert or restore effective parliamentary sovereignty will be difficult and costly. What would it involve in this case? The Irish government has an undoubted right to bring this action, as things stand at present. This is under a series of undertakings entered into by a succession of UK governments. In addition to the European Convention (quite distinct from the EU) there are the agreements made by UK governments with their Irish counterparts, from Thatcher onwards. Notably, there is the Good Friday Agreement, which provides that the ECHR shall be in force in Northern Ireland and makes the two governments guarantors of that.

Reasserting parliamentary sovereignty in this case would mean withdrawing from and derogating these agreements. This would have far reaching and costly implications. This is the clearest case because of the very close connections between Britain and Ireland and the historically ambiguous position of Northern Ireland going right back to Partition. However, the point has wider application. Reestablishing parliamentary sovereignty would mean withdrawing from or recasting a whole series of international agreements. As Brexit shows, this will be difficult and costly, not least for international business. Ireland has once again cast a light on the most foundational divisions in British politics.

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A nurse is accused of stealing fentanyl IV bags and refilling them with an unknown liquid before returning the bags to hospital circulation, a Florida sheriffs office said.

The HCA Florida Brandon Hospital reached out to deputies on Dec. 12 after an internal review into one of its intensive care unit nurses, according to a Dec. 21 news release from the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office.

The hospital said Lisa Williams, 55, had stolen at least 17 IV bags that contained fentanyl, according to the release.

Starting at the beginning of October, Williams took the IV bags and drained them of the fentanyl solution, then refilled them with an unknown substance before returning the bags to circulation at the hospital, the sheriffs office said.

One of those tampered IV bags was recovered and is currently in the custody of the (Food and Drug Administration) for testing, the sheriffs office said.

The sheriffs office did not release whether any patients had been affected by the tampered IV bags.

McClatchy News reached out to the hospital for more information.

On Dec. 19, Williams was charged with 17 fentanyl trafficking counts and 17 counts of grand theft of a controlled substance, the sheriffs office said.

I am appalled by the betrayal of trust exhibited by this nurse who stole fentanyl bags from the very institution entrusted with the well-being of our community, Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the release. These actions not only jeopardize lives but undermine the fundamental principles of healthcare.

Brandon is about 15 miles east of Tampa.

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Nearly two months ago, John Faulkner and members of the Peavey family, which owns Flat Top Ranch in the Wood River Valley, learned that an application with their names attached for state dollars to kill wolves would move ahead. But they never knew about the application and had no interest in the program.

The proposal was brought to Idahos Wolf Depredation Control Board by a predator control company without the ranchers knowledge. Last week, the board announced it will not move forward with the application or two others it received from Predator Control Corp. owner Trevor Walch.

In late October, the board approved the scope of five rancher proposals submitted as part of a new program to disburse funds to agriculture producers for lethal wolf control. Walchs three proposals, which were nearly identical, bore the typed signatures of the ranchers and detailed plans to contract with Walchs company for ground trapping and aerial hunting of wolves.

Walch did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jim Fredericks, director of Idaho Fish and Game and co-chair of the wolf board, told the Idaho Statesman by email that the board later turned down Walchs proposals because they were submitted on behalf of producers without adequate coordination and communication with those producers.

Fredericks said the owners of the ranches named in Walchs other proposals  former Republican state Sen. Jeff Siddoway and the Hunzeker family, who both operate in eastern Idaho, didnt explicitly tell the board they had no knowledge of the proposals.

Our understanding based on conversations with the other producers is that theyd both had some communication with Mr. Walch about predator control in the past, but they were not specifically aware of the proposals or their content, Fredericks said by email.

Fredericks and wolf board co-chair Chanel Tewalt, who heads the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, told the Statesman in an interview last month that its common for large ranch operations to have multiple managers or family members in charge.

It can be a challenge to know who may have communicated with whom on what topic, Fredericks reiterated by email.

In November, Fredericks said he wasnt certain how the wolf board initially became aware of the issues with Walchs proposals. He said the board was working with the ranch owners to determine whether they wanted to move ahead with the proposals anyway.

Suzanne Asha Stone, director of the International Wildlife Coexistence Network and co-founder of its Wood River Wolf Project, which uses nonlethal wolf deterrents to reduce livestock depredations, told the Statesman she reached out to Fish and Game with concerns about the Faulkner/Flat Top proposal, since her organization works with both ranches.

We are grateful to our Wood River Wolf Project ranching partners for rejecting the states reckless scheme to promote aerial gunning of wolves, even those coexisting peacefully with livestock, Stone said.

The International Wildlife Coexistence Network was one of a trio of groups that filed a petition late last month for the U.S. Forest Service to ban aerial gunning by private contractors over national forest lands.

The petition, prompted by Walchs proposals, detailed numerous trapping violations Walch has been found guilty of in Nevada. Walch was also one of several wolf hunters who were issued a warning by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies for violating the Airborne Hunting Act, according to an investigation by Wyoming news outlet WyoFile. Prosecutors declined to press charges.
Claudine Gay is the president of Harvard University. In recent weeks, she has come under fire for plagiarizing portions of her 1997 doctoral dissertation, as well as published articles she had authored in recent years.

Examples of plagiarism were first identified by the conservative writer and activist Christopher Rufo, following Gay's much-derided congressional testimony regarding antisemitism on campus. Rufo has all but declared war on the Ivy League, which has prompted many academics to ignore his claims on grounds that he is acting in bad faith; Harvard Law School professor Charles Fried told The New York Times that Gay was fending off an "extreme right-wing attack on elite institutions."

"If it came from some other quarter, I might be granting it some credence," he said, referring to the plagiarism accusations. "But not from these people."

Similarly, NAACP President Derrick Johnson dismissed all criticism of Gay as "political theatrics advancing a White supremacist agenda."

This attitude, though common, is profoundly mistaken. The charges facing Gay are serious, as recent coverage by mainstream outletslike the Times and CNNhas finally conceded. Neither Rufo's alleged political agenda nor the timing of these revelations should matter if they are in fact true. There's nothing inherently racist or white supremacist about applying Harvard's own standards for students and faculty to the president of the institution. On the contrary, excusing plagiarism at the most elite levels of academia merely because the people calling it out are on the wrong team would constitute a profound betrayal of the very values the academy supposedly values. Harvard, which has done very little to address the charges, should take note.

Rufo's initial reporting, co-authored by writer Christopher Brunet, contended that Gay's dissertation reused sentences from other scholars without adequately rewording them; she cites her sources but does not thoroughly paraphrase. This is a form of sloppy plagiarism in which credit is given but sufficient effort is not undertaken to rework the underlying material. People can disagree about how serious the charge is, but it does appear to violate Harvard's policies.

The Washington Free Beacon's Aaron Sibarium found numerous additional examples of sloppy plagiarism throughout articles published by Gay between 1993 and 2017. Several of the plagiarized scholarsas well as academic experts consulted by Sibariumagreed that she had committed plagiarism.

It gets worse. Phillip W. Magness, an economic historian who has written for Reason, discovered a passage from a 2014 paper in which Gay inadequately paraphrased other scholars' work and also failed to cite them.

EXCLUSIVE: @PhilWMagness has identified another instance of plagiarism by Claudine Gay, bringing the total to 41 instances across 8 papers over a 30-year time horizon. In a 2014 working paper titled "Fighting Poverty, Mobilizing Voters: Housing Investment and Political pic.twitter.com/C2LXTCib8H  Christopher F. Rufo (@realchrisrufo) December 21, 2023

That's quite a few examples. At some point, lazy plagiarism is still plagiarismespecially when it is accompanied by literal plagiarism.

So far, Harvard has stuck by Gay, merely noting that some of the articles would be reworded to satisfy critics. This did not satisfy CNN's Em Steck, who correctly took the school to task for failing to address "her clearest instances of plagiarism." And according to the Times, the university's review of Gay's work was conducted by Harvard Corporationthe university's governing boardrather than the office of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, which would normally handle academic malfeasance.

People are free to conclude that Gay's transgressions are not quite serious enough to merit termination. They are also free to point out that such sloppiness is probably rampant in higher education and certainly under-policed. (At some point, though, this isn't really an excuse for Gaybut rather a broader indictment of the entire project of elite education.)

It's baffling, though, that anyone would think Gay's work is above scrutiny because the people scrutinizing it are, to varying degrees, adversarial. Would this work for any Harvard students credibly accused of plagiarism? Could they go before their review boards and say, "My professor is a bad-faith actor, and, thus, these numerous examples of plagiarism must be ignored"? Obviously not; the idea is ludicrous.

Enter Ben Collins, a senior reporter at NBC News who covers disinformation and extremism. Collins believes that mainstream outletspresumably CNN and the Timeshave been manipulated into covering the Gay plagiarism story by Rufo and company.

If you're a mainstream outlet and you're being gamed this easily by a guy who is laying out his playbook days or months in advance, maybe the problem isn't the right-wing grifters. Maybe the problem is you. pic.twitter.com/R35wFR0EOG  Ben Collins (@oneunderscore__) December 21, 2023

That declaration"maybe the problem is you"is fairly telling. Collins evidently thinks that mainstream outlets should not report on the president of Harvard's well-documented plagiarism because he loathes the politics of the people who first identified it. This is a journalist whose specialty is correcting misinformation, mind you.

If Rufo, or Magness, or Sibarium, or anyone else, had misinformed readers about Gay's plagiarism, then the media should correct them. But that's not really what's being debated here. Media outlets are being told to ignore true information because the information is inconvenient. One cannot find a stronger cautionary tale than that.

Beware the gatekeepers of misinformation who pretend that it is somehow in everybody's best interest if accurate information is kept quietand who disdain other reporters for breaking ranks.

The post If You Ignore Claudine Gay's Plagiarism, Shame on You appeared first on Reason.com.
The IKEA logo outside the newly opened IKEA store in Xindian, New Taipei City, Taiwan, on May 18, 2019. Ikea said this week that supplies will be delayed because of Houthi action near the Suez Canal. File Photo by David Chang/EPA-EFE

Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Furniture leader Ikea announced Thursday that product supplies will be delayed because international shipments are being re-routed because of the shipping attacks by Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea near the Suez Canal.

The canal is one of the busiest merchant waterways in the country, but some of the largest cargo firms have opted to dodge it because of the threat Houthi rocket attacks present. The rebels said they are attacking ships in support of Hamas in its fight against Israel.

Without the use of the canal, ships are forced to navigate around Africa around the Cape of Good Hope, adding about 3,500 nautical miles and about 10 extra days.

About $80 billion worth of cargo has already been diverted from the Red Sea to around Africa because of the Houthi attacks.

"The situation in the Suez Canal will result in delays and may cause availability constraints for certain Ikea products," an Ikea spokesperson said.

Earlier this week, the United States unveiled a new multinational military initiative to counter rising attacks by Houthi militants targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

White House, national security adviser John Kirby said Operation Prosperity Guardian is underway as ships and aircraft "from multiple nations" are conducting maritime surveillance and will take defensive action to protect commercial ships.
Furniture giant Ikea has said supplies of its products could be delayed following rebel attacks on ships using the key Red Sea trade route.

Several firms have paused shipments through the route after vessels were attacked by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

It has forced a number of companies to re-route cargo around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, adding days to journeys.

But one major shipping firm claimed the disruption will not lead to empty shelves in shops.

Houthi militants in Yemen have stepped up attacks on vessels since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October.

Iran-backed rebels have used drones and rockets to target foreign-owned ships transporting goods through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Suez Canal.

A spokesperson for Ikea said: "The situation in the Suez Canal will result in delays and may cause availability constraints for certain Ikea products."

They added that the firm was looking for other options to ensure its products will be available to customers.

The alternative shipping route, around the Cape of Good Hope, adds about 3,500 nautical miles to the journey and takes about 10 extra days.

Supply chain research company Project 44 has said items could start to be missing from shelves by February.

Andrew Opie, the British Retail Consortium's director of food and sustainability, told the BBC the current crisis would not have any effect on the holiday season as those products are already in the UK, but warned: "In the longer term, some goods may take longer to be shipped, as they are routed via longer routes."

As well as delays to products, longer journeys will increase shipping costs which could have an impact on prices that customers pay.

Shipping analysts Xeneta estimate every journey between Asia and Northern Europe could cost an extra $1m (790,000).

"This is a cost that will ultimately be passed on to consumers who are buying the goods," said Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta.

Nils Haupt, head of corporate communications at shipping firm Hapag Lloyd, told the BBC's Today programme that bookings for new freight trips are set to cost more.

However, he added that transport costs were a relatively small part of the overall costs of most products, so he did not expect consumers to see a "huge increase" in prices.

Mr Haupt also said that the disruption was not as bad as that seen during the Covid pandemic. "Yes, it is challenging, but it will not mean that we will have empty shelves in the shops," he said.

Oil giant BP said on Monday that it would temporarily pause all shipments of crude through the Red Sea. Rival Shell is not commenting on the situation.

The decision by BP and other tanker firms to seek alternative routes led to fears that oil prices would rise, creating a knock-on impact on energy prices for consumers.

However, so far, changes to the oil price have been modest. The price of Brent crude is currently around $79.50 a barrel having started the week at about $77.

Chart showing various shipping routes

Other companies are keeping a close eye on the region.

Electrolux has set up a taskforce with their carriers to look at a number of measures including "re-routing, identifying extra time-sensitive deliveries and finding alternative routes, if needed". It said it expected any knock-on effect on deliveries to be limited.

Dairy giant Danone told the BBC that it was working with suppliers and partners to monitor the situation closely.

Jorden Freight, based at Felixstowe, handles "pretty much everything", according to its global freight manager Luisa Fletcher.

The freight forwarding firm works with large and small retailers to bring in goods such as food, furniture and building materials.

Ms Fletcher said the Red Sea route is "absolutely essential" and if ships continue to avoid it then the impact on supplies could be seen by the end of January.

Prices could also rise, with shipping firms adding emergency risk surcharges for those still using the Red Sea and emergency diversion surcharges for those using other routes.

The attacks have led the US to launch an international naval operation to protect ships in the Red Sea route, and countries including the UK, Canada, France, Bahrain, Norway and Spain have joined.

Shipping firms have welcomed the plans but can not yet determine when it will be safe to resume using the Red Sea, which could mean the disruption continues for some time.

Mr Haupt said Hapag Lloyd would only use the Suez Canal and Red Sea "when it's absolutely safe and secure for our crews, for our vessels, and the cargo and board of our vessels".
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  The "timely" passage of the 5.768-trillion budget for next year would help bolster the country's economic expansion, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said approving the 2024 spending bill, which is 9.5% bigger than this year's, would allow government agencies to speed up the delivery of programs to the public, focused mainly on social and economic services.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the government budget on Wednesday.

"Efficiently utilizing our budget and implementing our planned programs are crucial for us to achieve our socioeconomic goals and realize resilient and sustainable growth for the country, and better lives for the Filipino people," Balisacan said in a statement on Thursday.

Balisacan said government spending has been "a major driver of the economy in recent years," especially during the pandemic when some sectors were forced to limit their business activities.

The Department of Education (DepEd) secured the highest allocation at 924.7 billion, followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Health with 822.2 billion and 306.1 billion, respectively.

The 2024 budget does not include confidential and intelligence funds for civilian agencies, including the DepEd and the Office of the Vice President.

The requested secret funds of the Sara Duterte-led offices were realigned to agencies focused on national security to boost defense, particularly in the West Philippine Sea amid escalating tensions with China.
A man found guilty in a 1975 murder has spent what the National Registry of Exonerations calls the longest prison sentence on a wrongful conviction. Glynn Simmons, now 71 years old, was named a suspect in an armed robbery that left the clerk of a liquor store in Edmond, Okla. dead, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.

A witness to the incident and a patron who was shot but survived both told the police they couldnt make out who the robbers were. However, somehow Simmons ended up getting swept into a lineup and was charged with both robbery and capital murder.

Read more

Read more from AP News:

The ruling makes Simmons eligible for up to $175,000 in compensation from the state for wrongful conviction and opens the door for a federal lawsuit against Oklahoma City and law enforcement involved in Simmons arrest and conviction, defense attorney Joe Norwood said Wednesday. Compensation, though, is likely years away, Norwood said and Simmons is currently living on donations while undergoing treatment for cancer that was detected after his release from prison.

Oklahoma law states that the maximum compensation an exonerated person can receive is $175,000. However, democratic state Rep. Cyndie Munson is behind a bill to change that to $50,000 for every year they spent in prison, per KOCO News. So far, 35 states have implemented this into law.

Until the bill becomes law, Mr. Simmons is living off GoFundMe donations which have now reach up to over $100,000, surpassing his goal of $50,000. Simmons plans to use the funds to put a roof over his head, clothes on his back, food and pay for the medical treatments he needs for liver cancer.

I plan to use my remaining time to help others who are still stuck where I was. We need to fix this system so that what happened to me will never happen to anyone else, ever again! Simmons donation page reads.

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Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Nearly every day, private armed security teams (PASTs) stationed on a floating armory somewhere in the Indian Ocean will get a message from supervisors at Ambrey, a U.K.-based firm specializing in maritime risk management. They are to grab their L1A1 SLR or Steyr Scout rifles and head out to a commercial ship sailing to the narrow and increasingly dangerous Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Once on board, the PAST will provide armed security, overwatch and help the crews take all the safety precautions possible for a trip through waters where U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have conducted over 100 drone and ballistic missile attacks , targeting 10 merchant vessels in the past month. This is in addition to boarding attempts and even seizing ships outright . These activities are ongoing in a region that's already a piracy epicenter.

Ambrey is operating somewhere between 500 and 600 transits a month in the Red Sea at this current time," said Joshua Hutchinson, a former Royal Marine commando now serving as the companys Managing Director of Risk and Intelligence. Clearly, there's a natural increase in demand because of the threat that is emerging in the market.

Ambrey data shows nearly three dozen Houthi-related incidents in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait in just the past month. (Ambrey incident map)

Security At Sea

The company, formed in 2010 to combat Somali piracy, has grown to the worlds largest maritime risk management firm, said Hutchinson. Armed security is one part of a much larger portfolio that includes providing proprietary data-driven intelligence about looming threats that helps shipping companies mitigate risks.

Ambrey has thousands of trained contractors working for it. They are prior military, so theyve got experience with weapons, said Hutchinson, adding that they go through an extensive maritime training program and are licensed and certified annually.

The crews operate on ships in teams of between three and eight at a time, the latter figure used only in the most exigent of circumstances, said Hutchinson. The number of guards per team depends on the size of the vessel and the potential risk of the transit.

They use bolt action or semi-automatic rifles like the L1A1 and Steyr because they operate under British maritime law, which precludes the use of fully automatic weapons in these circumstances.

So you show your weapons to potential perpetrators, said Hutchinson. If you're fired upon, you have to make an assessment to return accurate fire to deter a threat.

That's exactly what happened on Dec. 13, when Ambrey armed guards aboard the M/T Ardmore Encounter exchanged fire with Houthis approaching in a skiff.

"An armed team on a skiff approached the Ardmore vessel," said Hutchinson. "The armed team used the correct rules of force. Showed their weapons and they were fired upon. They returned accurate fire and the skiff left the area."

The Houthis then fired two ground-based anti-ship ballistic missiles at the vessel that missed, a U.S. military official told The War Zone at the time.

https://twitter.com/UK_MTO/status/1734892185152073775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1734892185152073775%7Ctwgr%5Ea95f891f5ed91aebf7fd51d5d1679ae9e64d71f7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fhouthi-anti-ship-ballistic-missiles-miss-tanker-in-red-sea

The security teams, however, do much more than fire at threats.

They offer advice and training to the master of the vessel's crew. They identify the location of anti-piracy barriers and door chocks. They make sure theres a citadel - a pre-planned, secure location where the crew can shelter during an attack or boarding. There are separate locations depending on whether there is a threat from above or the surface. Ambrey security guards also provide around-the-clock watch.

In addition, a lot of the security work takes place ahead of time. It starts with Ambrey's Guardian digital watchkeeping service. That consists of "pre-voyage planning with the vessel prior to entering a high risk area," said Hutchinson. "We will do a best management check, we'll choose the best route for that master that may change depending on dynamic elevated threat areas. It also comes down to potentially the time of day, depending on the size and class or the vessel, then then on top of that, we'll start to look at better mitigating factors for that particular vessel in terms of what else can be done."

Ambrey tracks 250,000 commercial vessels around the world and has technology to pick up anomalies in course and speed, Hutchinson said. The company feed constant information to vessels about best routes to avoid threats in the first place, including proximity to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iranian Navy assets, and Houthi-controlled areas.

The use of drones "in a direct attack is deliberate and intelligence led," the company's website states. "Avoid predictable routing behavior. Adjust routing, even by small margins, and avoid contested waters and higher risk areas."

Nothing, of course, is guaranteed. On Nov. 23, the cargo ship CMA CGM Symi was hit by what Hutchinson said was an Iranian-made Houthi Shahed-136 variant while transiting the Indian Ocean south of Oman, Hutchinson said.

You can see that attack in the video below Hutchinson shared with The War Zone. The drone strikes the ship and the ensuing explosion sparks a fire that was eventually extinguished.

https://youtu.be/u5buc8Me8Oo

The CMA CGM Symi cargo vessel burning in the Indian Ocean after a suspected Houthi drone attack. (Ambrey photo)

The aftermath of the suspected Houthi drone attack on the CMA CGM Symi. (Ambrey photo)

Listening To Attacks Unfold

Though based in London, Hutchinson has a good sense of what commercial ships being attacked by Houthi drones and missiles are going through. Thats because he and his colleagues listen live to the radio transmissions from the ships as part of their job.

Anyone going into the area right now will be fully aware of what it feels and sounds like, he told The War Zone.

The first transmission is usually from the Houthis. He shared an audio file of one such encounter. It is now used for training purposes, but he would not say which incident it was from for security reasons.

You have just five minutes. If you don't alter your course at this time you'll be attacked, over, the Houthis demanded over the radio.

Its very disorientating for a ships master to hear that, said Hutchinson. You can listen to the radio exchange below:

https://youtu.be/5sYvfBUvhW8

What usually happens next is that a warship in the area will respond, telling the commercial vessel to alter its course away from Yemeni waters. That's what happened in this situation.

Then the Yemeni authorities will come back and say if you do not pull into port, we will target your vessel, which is probably a sinking, sickening feeling for the master to know that at that moment in time, they are being targeted on the radars.

At that point, the ships go on high alert.

The security team will be making sure the crew is safe, said Hutchinson, adding even as a combat veteran, nothing can prepare you for the shock and impact of any ballistic weapon, regardless of size.

Most likely, there will be a shudder, a sonic ballistic sound that they will feel. And then there is disorientation that will always come in terms of what's happened? Where did it happen? Is everybody okay?

https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1736899643324383531

The next step, said Hutchinson, is consolidation after impact, making sure the team goes through the process of reporting it to the relevant authorities. We always advise our team that in that moment, it's about the life of the individuals on board that vessel, keep the vessel on course, secure life, and then go through the procedure.

All private security firms, of course, operate knowing that warships are the only ones able to directly counter drones and missiles.

"Fortunately, there is a lot of support in the area from warships, rescue centers and joint coordination centers," said Hutchinson, like Task Force 153 , charged with international maritime security and capacity-building in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden.

As we have reported previously , warships from the U.S., U.K. and France have downed dozens of Houthi drones and missiles in the past month since the attacks began in the wake of the Israel-Gaza war.

French Navy (Marine Nationale) FREMM Frigate Languedoc, patrolling off the coast of Yemen, shot down a Houthi drone after an attack on the oil tanker Strinda Dec. 11. (French Navy)

In just one day alone last week, the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Carney downed 14 drones , a U.S. military official told The War Zone. The Type-45 destroyer HMS Diamond downed one drone targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea with a Sea Viper missile .

Among the 10 commercial vessels targeted, Hutchinson said "very luckily, there's been a very small amount of non-life threatening injuries." Only one ship - the MSC Palatium III - was unable to get underway after being struck by a Houthi ballistic missile that caused a fire on Dec. 15. The Liberian-flagged cargo vessel was fired upon by two Houthi ballistic missiles, but one missed. The incident took place about 30 nautical miles southwest of Mokha, Yemen, according to the Royal Navy's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Mason responded.

The USS Mason responded to an emergency call from an oil tanker that was fired upon by Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles that missed.

https://twitter.com/UK_MTO/status/1735571751768068233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1735571751768068233%7Ctwgr%5E07643a3a6d045b7143809d37501c938f4b4e6f57%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fred-sea-peril-rises-major-shippers-halt-mandeb-strait-transits

Coordination With The Military

Ambrey has "an open channel of communications with all naval assets and reporting bodies in the area," said Hutchinson. That includes Task Force 153, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).

"I've got to be careful of how we talked about how we do that, because there's a level of intellectual property. But yes, we have a an open channel where we would naturally report incidents and we are encouraged to do so," he said, adding that's been standard practice for the past decade.

"When we report, they will make their own decision of escalation and prioritize," he said of the maritime task force.

The Type-45 destroyer HMS Diamond, which downed a Houthi drone, is part of a new coalition to help defend the Red Sea against Houthi threats. (Royal Navy photo)

Task Force 153 did not return a message seeking comment about how it interfaces with these contractors. NAVCENT spokesman Cmdr. Mike told us that its Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) maritime liaison officers "have a close relationship with the global maritime community of interest, including companies, organizations and flag states."

He could not comment specifically on Ambrey's activities.

Ambrey would like to play a role in the newly formed Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG), a so-far 19-member coalition operating under Task Force 153 leadership designed to protect commercial shipping against Houthi threats.

https://twitter.com/haltman/status/1736085909789946147

Details of exactly what OPG will do remain nebulous. Like many in the shipping industry, Ambrey has a lot of questions about exactly how it will work.

I think what the international community shipping wants to understand timeframes, he said. "Where will these assets be based? How long before they get there? What areas are they covering? What's their reaching capability? And I think that's the kind of stuff that we that the industry will need."

We want to see that as well, said Hutchinson, because we want to work with them. Only when those details become clear will there be an understanding.

There can't be a dark fleet of warships, because that does not provide public security to the international community, he added. So they need to be transparent around that. But the problem is, you know, there's tactical warfare going on, where the Houthis have said, we will target you . So I honestly can't see how they're going to be able to de-escalate the situation. But I think offering that support is paramount, because we're really, we're in an unprecedented time.

Hutchinson said his company can provide intelligence assistance about vessel locations, routes and threat patterns.

"Ambreys focus is to get information to the right people as quickly as possible to prevent the loss of lives, time and money," he said.

Despite all the unknowns, Hutchinson said he's "highly confident that [OPG] will make a difference because if I was on board a vessel, I would feel much more confident around the capability theyve proven shooting down UAVs and missiles and raising the profile of those situations. But is that sustainable in the long term? And is the cost of doing that scalable?"

The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) fires a Standard Missile (SM) 2 to defeat a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19, 2023. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Lau)

If the Houthis continue to escalate their attacks on shipping, the answers to those questions will be become increasingly important.

We've reached out to the Pentagon for more details about OPG and how or if they see private security firms playing a role. We will provide updates as we continue to monitor the development of the new coalition at this critical point in time.

Clarification: This story has been updated to reflect that there were no Ambrey PAST on the Symi.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Inspectors shut down Columbus McDonalds temporarily after report of crack pipe in customers order

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A Columbus man claims to have received more than a meal during a recent stop at a local fast food chain, prompting an investigation by city health officials.

Columbus Public Health temporarily shut down the McDonalds on 619 Harrisburg Pike after filing a food inspection report on Wednesday. The department conducted the inspection after a Columbus man reported finding a crack pipe in his meal. In an additional inspection on Thursday, the store was cleared to re-open.

Luther Tibbs told NBC4 he went Tuesday to his nearby McDonalds location for a quick bite like any other day. However, once he had paid for his food and driven away, he said that he found an object that he claimed resembled a crack pipe.

Video: Tattooed porch pirate poses as delivery person

We ordered our food, pull up, pay, pull to the next window, get our food, pull up and theres a crack pipe, Tibbs said.

Tibbs said that he then pulled back up to the store to raise his concerns to the manager, who denied that the object had come from the McDonalds locations staff.

The alleged crack pipe that was found in a McDonalds bag in Columbus. (Courtesy Photo/Luther Tibbs)

The inspection report from Columbus Public Health appeared to confirm Tibbs had made a complaint against the store, but the McDonalds claimed to not know how the object appeared in the order. The report outlined the following timeline for Tibbs Tuesday visit:

At 9:15 a.m., Tibbs placed an order at the drive-thru window. The general manager, a six-year employee of the store, stated that she packed the order and double-folded the bag before passing it to a 10-year employee, who handed it to the customer.

At 10:18 a.m., the customer drove back to the window to tell the workers he found a crack pipe in the bag. A supervisor, who was a 20-year employee of the restaurant, went outside to collect the customers complaint.

At 10:30 a.m., Tibbs returned to the McDonalds drive-thru window on foot to inquire about a solution.

Between 10:30 and 11 a.m., the supervisor contacted police before the customer left the premises.

An image of the receipt shared with NBC4 showed the order time as 9:51 a.m., not 9:15.

Ohio State student wins $100,000 in Dr Pepper tuition giveaway

The inspection report said that investigators had observed the following while on the McDonalds property:

Heavy construction being performed on the restaurant seating area, front service counter, and beverage service station.

Construction workers moving freely through the food prep areas and the customer seating area

Construction equipment, debris, trash, and dust present throughout the store

Beverage service equipment such as a soda dispenser, frappuccino machine, and more with dust, debris, screws, unassembled computer equipment and wooden trim pieces on the top surfaces

Personal cell phones on top of the grill

No protective barrier between the construction and food service areas

A sign outside of McDonalds on 619 Harrisburg Pike says that the lobby is closed. (NBC4 Photo/Aaron Burd)

A sign outside of McDonalds on 619 Harrisburg Pike says that the drive thru is open. (NBC4 Photo/Aaron Burd)

The report did not confirm or deny whether the object found in the bag was a crack pipe, but Columbus Public Health told NBC4 that the inspection was on the facility. Inspectors did not come to any conclusions about the object that started the complaint.

Gahanna daycare that left toddler outside for hours to close 3 classrooms

At the McDonalds location the store appeared to give mixed messages as to whether it was open. Signs that read drive thru open and lobby closed were displayed outside of the fast food chain. One McDonalds employee told NBC4 that the drive thru was currently closed, but that it would reopen shortly. Another person who appeared to be a McDonalds employee said that the restaurant had not been shut down and that the drive thru was briefly closed for construction, but that it would be open within the day.

After passing inspection, the McDonalds reopened as of 12 p.m. Thursday, according to Columbus Public Health.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Ukraines Defense Intelligence (HUR) has recorded a slowdown in the output of Russias military industry, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address on Dec. 21.

In the message, Zelenskyy referred to intelligence updates that highlighted signals of a deceleration in the Russian defense industry.

Read also: Ukraines private defense industry becoming next driver of economic growth  minister

"We will further assist in this deceleration," said Zelenskyy.

Read also: Ukraine to launch its own microchip production  Ministry of Digital Transformation

On Dec. 4, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat disclosed that Russia is replenishing its stockpile of strategic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Read also: Ukraine launches serial production of $2,000 cobra strike drone, outpacing global competitors

Kyis assesses that approximately 900 high-precision long-range missiles remain in Russia's arsenal.

On Dec. 19, HUR spokesman Andriy Yusov said that Russia has ramped up production of missiles and drones beyond pre-invasion levels. Nevertheless, Yusov noted, these volumes will not permit Moscow to amass a significant stockpile of long-weapons.

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
An invasive pest, first spotted in the United States in 2014 is now spreading to more areas of Ohio.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture confirmed several new spotted lanternfly infestations in August, including Columbus and Toledo.

Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning and Muskingum counties are now part of the spotted lanternfly regulated area, along with Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Erie, Jefferson, Lorain and Ottawa, according to ODA.

TRENDING STORIES:

ODA designated the spotted lanternfly as a destructive plant pest in 2021. The designation increases inspections and limits movement of certain items from county to county and state to state.

The spotted lanternfly is native to Asia. It is a pest of grapes, hops, apples and other plants, according to ODA. Spotted lanternflies are in their adult state in late summer and into fall and will lay small grey eggs in October. The insects can feed on the truk and branches of woody plants.

The insect was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and likely made it into the U.S. through imported goods.

If you see a spotted lanternfly or lanternfly damage, you are asked to report it to ODA using the Ohio Plant Pest Reporter.

IN OTHER NEWS:
An Iranian woman who was forced into marriage as a child and being held in prison for murdering her husband, was executed Wednesday despite calls from human rights groups for leniency.

Samira Sabzian was hanged in Ghezelhesar Prison, according to the Norwegian-based group, Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO).

An Iran flag waves at a park in northwestern Tehran, October 3, 2023.

IHRNGO Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said Sabzian was a victim of "gender apartheid, child marriage, and domestic violence."

US IMPOSES NEW ROUND OF SANCTIONS ON NETWORK INVOLVED IN IRAN'S DRONE PRODUCTION

"[T]oday she fell victim to the incompetent and corrupt regimes killing machine. A regime that has sustained itself solely through killing and instilling fear," Amiry-Moghaddam said in a statement. "Ali Khamenei and other leaders of the Islamic Republic must be held accountable for this crime."

Sabzian had been in prison for a decade, having been arrested for the murder of her husband.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

An undated photo of Samira Sabzian.

IHRNGO said Sabzian was forced into marriage when she was 15 and was a victim of domestic violence. She had two young children  including a newborn baby  at the time of her arrest. Sabzian did not see them for 10 years until they came to say their goodbyes at the prison before her execution.

The office of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights said it was "alarmed" at the execution.

"We again urge Iran to establish a moratorium on all executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty," the office said.

IHRNGO says Iran is one of the worlds leading executioners of women, with nearly 200 executed since 2010. In well over half of those cases, the women  who have no right to divorce, even in cases of domestic violence and abuse  were convicted of killing their husbands.





Original article source: Iran hangs child bride for murdering husband despite international calls for leniency
Israel has ordered the evacuation of certain districts of Khan Younis, the main southern city in the Gaza Strip.

Source: The Times of Israel; UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)

Details: The UNOCHA reported that Israel had released maps showing new areas to be evacuated. These areas cover about 20 per cent of the city of Khan Younis.

The UN stated that more than 110,000 people had lived in the area before the outbreak of combat actions.

There are also 32 shelters in the area, which housed more than 140,000 internally displaced persons, the vast majority of whom were previously displaced from the north.

The Israeli army said on Wednesday that ground, air and naval operations had been carried out against dozens of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure facilities at military command posts in Khan Younis.

Background: On Sunday, the Israel Defence Forces discovered the largest ever Hamas tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip, near the Erez border crossing with Israel.

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China's economic recovery boosts confidence in global growth: experts

10:21, December 21, 2023 By People's Daily reporters ( People's Daily

Lithium batteries are manufactured in a workshop in Hai'an, east China's Jiangsu province. (People's Daily Online/Zhai Huiyong)

The central economic work conference was recently held in Beijing. The conference comprehensively summarized China's economic work in 2023, analyzed the current economic situation and made arrangements for 2024.

International experts interviewed by People's Daily highly evaluated China's achievements in economic development, stating that the overall trend of economic recovery and long-term improvement remains unchanged.

They believe that China's efforts to promote high-quality development will inject more stability and momentum into the global economic recovery.

Confronted with a complex and challenging international situation this year, China's macroeconomy has logged a continuous and steady recovery against the backdrop of the weakening momentum of global economic recovery, and its high-quality development has been steadily advancing.

In the first three quarters, China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.2 percent year-on-year, marking the strongest performance among the world's major economies.

As the world economy faces downward pressure, it was no easy feat for China to achieve a 5.2 percent GDP growth in the first three quarters, said Enrique Dussel Peters, director of the Center for Chinese-Mexican Studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

He further emphasized that China has led the construction of a modern industrial system through scientific and technological innovation, vigorously promoted new industrialization, and actively nurtured strategic emerging industries such as electronic information, and these efforts have provided new impetus for the country's economic growth.

Marsela Musabelliu, executive director of the Albanian Institute for Globalization Studies, recently visited China and was deeply impressed by the country's economic development.

She said that China boasts a super-large market and the most complete industrial system in the world. Currently, China is accelerating scientific and technological innovation and constructing a modern infrastructure system, including advanced transportation and logistics networks as well as the development of smart cities.

Photo shows a busy scene of the Haikou Port, south China's Hainan province. (People's Daily Online/Yang He)

These efforts have facilitated the flow of personnel, goods, and services, further unleashing productivity, she added.

International institutions have recently raised their expectations for China's economic growth, saying its growth in 2024 is expected to surpass this year's and China still remains a key engine of global economic growth.

The International Monetary Fund predicted that China's contribution to global economic growth will exceed 30 percent this year.

Hsia Hua Sheng, a financial expert with Brazil's Getulio Vargas Foundation, noted that China is accelerating the creation of a new development pattern, promoting high-quality development and expanding high-level opening up.

"China has made remarkable achievements in the fields of green energy, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce. These industries driven by scientific and technological innovation have played a positive role in promoting the sustained and stable growth of the Chinese economy," the expert explained.

China's economy has not only achieved surprising growth but also steadily improved in terms of its quality, said Eduardo Regalado, a researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba.

He highlighted that stable policies and continuously unleashed potential of domestic demand have provided strong support for China's economic development. China has shown outstanding performance and gained a competitive edge in areas such as green economy and digital economy, particularly the rapid growth of exports in new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products, Regalado added.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, executive director of the International Trade Center, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, noted that the development of digital trade has created new business opportunities.

Car bodies are welded by robotic arms at a production base of Lynk & Co, a joint venture between China's Geely and Swedish carmaker Volvo, in Yuyao, east China's Zhejiang province. (People's Daily Online/Hu Xuejun)

She believed that China's efforts to promote the development of digital trade have had a positive impact on the world, especially on developing countries. With its rich experience in digital trade, China can provide valuable insights and assistance to enterprises in other developing countries, she remarked.

The central economic work conference stressed that high-level opening up will be expanded, which further enhanced the international community's confidence in sharing China's development opportunities.

This year, China has hosted a series of economic and trade events, providing more market opportunities, investment opportunities, and growth opportunities for countries worldwide.

These efforts demonstrated China's unwavering determination in pursuing high-level opening up and following economic globalization.

The just-concluded sixth China International Import Expo saw a total of $78.41 billion worth of tentative deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services, setting a record high. The inaugural China International Supply Chain Expo hosted over 360 matchmaking and exchange activities, resulting in the signing of cooperation agreements and intentional agreements worth over 150 billion yuan ($20.99 billion).

Regalado stated that China's efforts to promote high-level opening up and improve the business environment, as well as share its vast market with countries around the world, have not only provided impetus for China's economic growth but also brought opportunities for global economic recovery.

Recently, the executive director of the Manchester China Forum Rhys Whalley visited the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He noted that the global economic recovery is currently weak, with rising protectionism and unilateralism.

As an important engine driving global economic growth, China's economic rebound is boosting confidence in global growth, Whalley said.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  "Take care of the earth and she will take care of you."

This rings true for the mining industry, often seen as a short-term gambit that potentially poses risks to the environment. What the public may not be aware of is that mining companies are mandated to ensure environmental protection before, during, and after the mining operation. In achieving this, the industry adheres to various policies and regulations for sustainable mining.

Mining is one of the most highly regulated industries in the country, making it one of the most scrutinized as well. Responsible mining companies comply with various laws, regulations, and ordinances issued by the national government and local government units. The government, particularly the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), is on top of licensing mining companies and regulating their operations throughout the mine life. This includes requiring them to obtain the necessary environmental certifications and to submit plans such as the Environmental Compliance Certificate, the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program, and the Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP).

Even before the commencement of mining operations, companies must submit their rehabilitation or decommissioning plans to ensure the protection of the environment beyond the life of the mine. The FMRDP is more than just a plan to rehabilitate a mine site, but is also a commitment of the mining companies to the community and the environment.

Throughout its operations, a mining company is required to use the best available and appropriate anti-pollution technology and facilities to protect the environment. But what is equally important is the progressive rehabilitation being undertaken by mining companies such as the revegetation of mined-out areas to restore, as near as possible, disturbed areas to their original state or pre-agreed productive end use. Progressive rehabilitation is a staged approach to ensure that rehabilitation is being done continuously even during the operations of the mine.

Since mining's land use is temporary compared to other activities brought about by other industries, the land can be repurposed subsequently for a more productive and sustainable land use. With proper planning and implementation of activities together with the guidance of regulatory agencies, rehabilitated mine sites can be transformed into self-sustaining ecosystems that are compatible with the environment and the community.

Assessment of planted trees at Bagakay, Toledo, Cebu.

Carmen Copper Corp., which is operating in Toledo City, Cebu, partnered with eight people's organizations to rehabilitate 100 hectares of mined-out areas as part of the community-based reforestation project. The holistic approach of this project is also envisioned for the members of the people's organizations to earn from this project and to raise awareness for environmental sustainability.

In Agusan Del Norte, Agata Mining Venture Inc. has converted its mined-out areas into ecotourism sites. To ensure the community's livelihood at the end of the mine's life, plants and tree species were carefully selected. The company has planted more than 420,000 seedlings of mixed species of forest and fruit-bearing trees, as well as plants, the majority of which are endemic species covering 440 hectares.

Tree planting and reforestation has been a common activity of mining companies.

Meanwhile, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. is on the last stretch of planting five million trees in Rio Tuba, Palawan. So far, the company has planted more than 4 million surviving trees in various areas covered in its mine rehabilitation and reforestation programs. Mature trees can remove harmful gases such as carbon dioxide. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, a mature tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide and release oxygen in exchange.

Also in Palawan, Berong Nickel Corp. is expected to finish the rehabilitation of its mine within the next four years. With a 77% completion rate, the rehabilitation of the mine is ahead of schedule after starting rehabilitation works in June 2022 covering 209 hectares of silt control structures, 109 hectares of surface mine, and 25 hectares of stockpile area.

The mining industry is arguably the largest industrial planter of trees in the Philippines. As of June 2023, data from the MGB shows that since 1989, a total of 48,955,946 trees were planted by mining companies, of which 44,008,839 have survived to become fully grown trees covering a total of 40,546.32 hectares of land which is equivalent to nearly 10 times the total land area of the City of Manila.

With these innovative and responsible practices being undertaken by mining companies, the industry is further underscoring its commitment to contribute to the betterment of the environment, the communities where they are located, and even the country.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters the draft has US "support"

The UN Security Council is moving closer to a vote on humanitarian aid for Gaza after the US expressed support for the latest draft resolution.

The vote, now delayed until Friday, had been in limbo after the US voiced "widespread concerns" with a draft.

Washington had said it was concerned the resolution, put forward by the United Arab Emirates, could "actually slow down" aid into Gaza.

The latest announcement from the US comes after some two weeks of talks.

All week, the Security Council has repeatedly postponed the draft resolution aimed at bringing in some form of ceasefire, as wrangling continued over the language.

The original draft called for a sustainable cessation of hostilities, but the final version calls for creating the conditions for one.

It no longer calls for the use of all land, sea and air routes for deliveries - just all available routes. It still creates a mechanism to accelerate aid - but makes clear that's in consultation with relevant parties such as Israel.

Emerging from a closed-door session on Thursday night, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield rejected claims the latest draft had been watered down, arguing it is "a very strong resolution".

She called it "a resolution that we can support", but declined to say if the US would vote 'yes' or abstain.

The key sticking point on Thursday appeared to be over the text's proposal to have a UN mechanism to monitor aid into Gaza - something the Arab group of nations insisted must be part of any meaningful resolution.

But the US said that could take away Israel's control of the screening process - and it asked for another delay to allow time for discussions with Egypt on how such a monitoring mechanism could work for all parties.

Currently, Israel monitors all aid and fuel deliveries to Gaza.

Earlier this month, the majority of the Security Council - 13 of 15 members - supported a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, but the US vetoed it and the UK abstained. The US, like Israel, has objected that a ceasefire would benefit Hamas - and instead the US supports proposed pauses in fighting.

But since then, pressure has been growing for fighting to be paused. Earlier this week, Hamas said the number of people killed in Gaza in 10 weeks of fighting had passed 20,000.

On Thursday, the UN's World Food Programme warned that Gaza was at risk of famine if the war continued.

The UN says almost 1.9 million people in Gaza are estimated to be displaced by the war

WFP spokesperson Shaza Moghraby said: "We cannot wait for famine to be declared before we act.

"We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the opening of all border crossings and the resumption of commercial cargo to provide relief, put an end to the suffering and avert the very serious threat of famine."

Talks had been taking place in Egypt to reach a new truce - similar to the week-long pause in fighting last month that saw hostages released.

But on Thursday they suffered a setback when Hamas said it would not agree to a release of some hostages in exchange for a partial ceasefire.

It said Palestinian groups had rejected the prospect of more hostages being released until Israel agrees to end the war. Israel has repeatedly rejected a permanent ceasefire with Hamas.

More than 240 Israeli hostages were captured on 7 October when Hamas broke through the heavily guarded perimeter with Israel, killing 1,200 people. A total of 110 hostages were released in the truce last month.
An Israeli soldier on operations in Gaza - @idfonline

Iran is attempting to recruit Israeli spies using social media, Israels Shin Bet security service has said.

The agency said Iranian operatives had offered Israeli civilians cash to take photographs of sensitive sites and verify addresses.

They posed as estate agents, people interested in marketing drones, couriers and users of online dating sites but were foiled after members of the public informed police, Shin Bet said.

Their proposed missions, while seen as apparently not relating to security aspects ... are definitely intended to serve the Iranians and enrich the intelligence in their possession, it added.

Its purpose is to assist Hamas in its war and to damage Israels national resilience and war effort, sowing demoralisation and deepening social divisions, Shin Bet said.

It added Iranian spies have greatly intensified their espionage, sabotage and disinformation efforts since the war in Gaza began.

04:02 PM GMT

That's all for today

Thank you for following our coverage of the latest developments of the war in Gaza.

04:01 PM GMT

Todays headlines

The World Health Organisation said there are no functioning hospitals left in northern Gaza

Israeli protestors attempted to block aid going into Gaza at the Kerem Shalom crossing

An Israeli air strike killed Hamas-appointed official Bassam Ghaben, the terror group said

The IDF released a video of its soldiers blowing up a tunnel used by Hamas in an attack which killed three soldiers on Sunday

It released another showing a network of tunnels running underneath Gaza City from a property allegedly owned by leader Yahya Sinwar

Hamas said it would release no hostages until Israel stopped fighting and that it was not interested in a temporary truce

The IDF said it had killed four out of seven senior Hamas commanders in Gaza

Israeli police questioned 19 prison guards in an investigation into the death of a Palestinian inmate

A senior Israeli official signalled that it could be open to the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza after the war

03:58 PM GMT

Ivanka Trump tours October 7 kibbutz

Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner toured an Israeli kibbutz attacked by Hamas on October 7.

The pair toured Kibbutz Kfar Aza and watched a compilation of footage from the terror attack.

03:47 PM GMT

Hamas not interested in new truce, says senior official

Hamas is not interested in a new truce with Israel, one of its senior officials has said.

Ghazi Hamad told Al Jazeera that the terror group would only release additional hostages if Israel agreed a permanent end to the war in Gaza.

Some people are looking for a small pause  a pause here and there for one week, two weeks, three weeks, he said. But we want to stop the aggression.

Because I think Israel will take the card of the hostages, and after that they will start a new round of mass killing and massacres against our people. I think we will not play this game.

Mr Hamad has said previously that Hamas will repeat its October 7 attacks until Israel is destroyed.

03:42 PM GMT

Macron in Jordan for Gaza aid talks

Emmanuel Macron is visiting Jordan for talks about Gaza aid with King Abdullah II.

The pair are set to discuss joint work on humanitarian and medical aid for the civilian population of Gaza, according to the French presidency.

Mr Macron will also visit French troops stationed in the country

King Abdullah II welcomes Emmanuel Macron at Jordan's Aqaba airport - Ludovic Marin

03:13 PM GMT

UN resolution to boost Gaza aid may slow deliveries, warns US

The United States has warned that a draft United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza could actually slow deliveries.

The goal of this resolution is to facilitate and help expand humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza, and we cannot lose sight of that purpose, said Nate Evans, spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations ahead of a likely vote on Thursday.

We must ensure any resolution helps and doesnt hurt the situation on the ground.

02:42 PM GMT

Israel signals potential support for Palestinian Authority governing Gaza

A senior Israeli official has signalled that Benjamin Netanyahus government could be open to the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza after the war.

Tzachi Hanegbi, the prime ministers national security adviser, wrote in an opinion piece in the Arabic-language news site Elaph that Israel is ready to help reform the authority, which governs the West Bank.

Israel is aware of the desire of the international community and the countries of the region to integrate the Palestinian Authority the day after Hamas, and we make it clear that the matter will require a fundamental reform of the Palestinian Authority, he wrote.

Mr Netanyahu has previously expressed hostility to the idea of the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza after the war.

02:17 PM GMT

In pictures: The war in Gaza today

A Palestinian man pictured in front of a ruined building in Khan Younis, southern Gaza - Said Khatib

An Israeli soldier stands as smoke rises above him

01:56 PM GMT

Dutch civil servants protest for Gaza ceasefire

A group of Dutch civil servants staged an unusual protest in front of the countrys foreign ministry on Thursday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Around 150 workers held up placards and unfurled a banner reading Civil Servants Demand Ceasefire at lunchtime.

Theres concern over the fact that the Dutch government is still not calling for a permanent ceasefire and that is in essence why were here today, said Angelique Eijpe, spokeswoman for the group.

The Netherlands last week abstained from voting for a ceasefire during a UN General Assembly meeting.

01:48 PM GMT

Hamas 'rejects' Israel ceasefire offer

Hamas has rejected a new ceasefire offered by Israel after Egyptian-brokered talks on Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Egyptian intelligence officials told the newspaper that the terror group rejected an Israeli offer to stop the war in Gaza for seven days in exchange for dozens of hostages.

Hamass leader in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh attended the discussions with Egyptian officials on Wednesday.

Taher Al-Nono, Mr Haniyehs media adviser, told Reuters that Hamas would not discuss releasing any more Israeli hostages while Israel continues its aggression and until inflows of aid increase.

Israel wants all remaining women and infirm men who are being held hostage to be released, a source told Reuters.

Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he was pushing for a new ceasefire but that he did not expect a deal to be agreed soon.

01:43 PM GMT

IDF launches air strikes on Hezbollah after attacks

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon after the terror group fired rockets on northern Israel.

Israeli fighter jets hit rocket launch sites and other infrastructure belonging to the Iran-backed terror group, the IDF said.

01:36 PM GMT

Four out of the seven senior Hamas commanders killed so far, IDF says

Of the seven senior commanders in Hamass Gaza Brigade, four have been eliminated so far, the IDF spokesman in Arabic has said.

Lt Col Avichay Adraee said the other three senior commanders are the Brigadier General and two Major Generals - Eaz Al-Din Haddad, Emad Aslim and Jeber Hasan Aziz.

He said: If the remaining commanders do not surrender and lay down their weapons, we will act so that they meet their colleagues soon.

IDF have killed the commanders of the Shati battalion (Haitham Al-Hawajri), Sabra-Tel al-Hawa battalion (Mustafa Daloul), Darj Tafah battalion (Rafat Abbas) and Shejaiya battalion (Wissam Farhat).

01:16 PM GMT

Israel probes prison guards over Palestinian inmates death

Israeli police have questioned 19 prison guards as part of an investigation into the death of a Palestinian inmate following allegations of torture, authorities have confirmed.

Thaer Abu Assab, 38, a member of the Fatah movement from the West Bank, was serving a 25-year sentence when he was found dead in his cell last month.

The Public Committee against Torture in Israel (PCATI) said the death raises serious suspicion that the IPS (Israel Prison Service) is being transformed from a professional incarceration body to a vindictive and punitive force.

A police spokeswoman confirmed an investigation was ongoing into a suspected violent incident that happened about a month ago in a prison in the south of the country.

12:35 PM GMT

Houthi attacks slash Israel port's traffic by 85%

The traffic of shipments through the Israeli port of Eilat has plummeted by 85 per cent since Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepped up attacks on Red Sea shipping.

The port on the Gulf of Aqaba has been badly affected as global shipping firms reroute their vessels around the southern tip of Africa rather than send them through the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait.

Unfortunately, if it continues we will reach a situation of zero ships in Eilat Port, its chief executive Gideon Golber told Reuters.

He added that the port could be forced to furlough workers if a newly-formed international coalition does not have an impact on the Houthi militants.

12:04 PM GMT

Watch: IDF uncovers tunnel network under Hamas leaders property

11:41 AM GMT

Rocket barrage fired on Israel from Gaza

A rocket barrage appears to have been launched on Israel from Gaza as warning sirens sound in Tel Aviv and southern and central Israel.

Hamas said it had fired rockets at Tel Aviv.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said there had been a number of strikes in the city.

The Israeli police said rocket shrapnel had landed in the city after the rockets were intercepted and that there were no known casualties.

11:39 AM GMT

Israeli troops accused of killing 11 unarmed Palestinians in front of families

Israeli soldiers have been accused of killing 11 unarmed Palestinian men in front of their families, the United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) in the West Bank said on Thursday.

The body said it had received reports that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) summarily killed at least 11 unarmed Palestinian men in front of their families in the Rimal area of Gaza City this week.

The IDF then allegedly ordered the women and children into a room, and either shot at them or threw a grenade into the room, reportedly seriously injuring some of them, including an infant and a child, it added.

The OHCHR did not say who had made the claims or when exactly the incident is said to have occurred. It released no evidence in support of the claim.

The IDF did not immediately comment. An anonymous Israeli official told AFP that the accusations were nothing but blood libel.

The latest claims are yet another example of the partisan and prejudiced approach against Israel that the OHCHR has adopted for years now, the official said.

11:16 AM GMT

Hamas: No hostages will be released until Israel stops fighting

Hamas has said it will release no more hostages until Israel stops fighting in Gaza.

There is a Palestinian national decision that there should be no talk about prisoners or exchange deals except after a full cessation of aggression, it said in a statement on Thursday.

Hamas rejected a new ceasefire offered by Israel after Egyptian-brokered talks on Wednesday.

11:02 AM GMT

IDF blows up tunnel used in deadly attack on three soldiers

The Israel Defense Forces has released footage showing the destruction of a Hamas tunnel it says was used to attack and kill three of its soldiers.

Hamas operatives opened fire and set off explosives from the tunnel on December 17, which killed two commandos from the elite Duvdevan unit: Liav Aloush, 21 and Etan Naeh, 26.

Tal Filiba, 23, of the Combat Engineering Corps Yahalom unit, was also killed in the attack.

The IDF said Duvdevan soldiers later returned to the site and, alongside combat engineers, rigged the tunnel shafts for demolition.

The IDF releases footage showing a Hamas tunnel in southern Gazas Khan Younis, used to attack and kill three soldiers several days ago, being destroyed in a large explosion. pic.twitter.com/n2Ui5cNg6R  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) December 21, 2023

10:45 AM GMT

In pictures: Lord Cameron in Egypt

Lord Cameron meets Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's foreign minister, in Cairo on Thursday morning - Mohamed Hossam

10:33 AM GMT

Senior Hamas official killed in Israeli air strike

Bassam Ghaben, the Hamas-appointed director of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, has been killed in an Israeli air strike.

The blast killed Mr Ghaben and three others near the gate of the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt, and was announced by Hamas officials on Thursday morning.

10:24 AM GMT

Human Rights Watch accuse Meta of 'silencing' pro-Palestine voices

Human Rights Watch has accused Meta and its platforms, which include Facebook and Instagram, of practising systematic online censorship against pro-Palestinian accounts and content.

Metas policies and practises have been silencing voices in support of Palestine and Palestinian human rights on Instagram and Facebook in a wave of heightened censorship of social media, the New York-based group said in a report released on Thursday.

Human Rights Watch reported more than 1,050 takedowns and other suppression of content from over 60 countries during October and November.

Of the 1,050 cases reviewed, 1,049 involved peaceful content in support of Palestine that was censored or otherwise unduly suppressed, while one case involved removal of content in support of Israel, the group said.

10:09 AM GMT

Pictured: Israeli pamphlet offers rewards for Hamas leadership

A pamphlet offering rewards for information on Yahya Sinwar, Mohammad Sinwar, Rafah aSalame and Muhammed Deif

09:59 AM GMT

Greece to join anti-Houthi naval coalition

A Greek navy frigate will join the US-led naval task force protecting the Red Sea shipping lane from Houthi attacks, the Greek defence minister has said.

The task force was announced by the US defence secretary on Monday and initially included Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.

Yemens Iran-backed Houthis say their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea will continue until the siege of Gaza is lifted.

09:47 AM GMT

Israeli protestors attempt to block Gaza aid trucks

Israeli protestors holding signs accusing the Tel Aviv government of helping the enemy have attempted to block a humanitarian aid convoy entering the Gaza Strip at the Kerem Shalom crossing.

The Israeli military is trying to quash the protest and has declared the crossing a closed military zone, protest organisers say.

The protestors were earlier stopped by police 15 miles from Kerem Shalom and are now making their way to the border on foot.

The small demonstration is organised by groups called Torat IDF, which says it aims to keep the army Jewish, and the Mothers March, which says it represents the parents of soldiers fighting in Gaza.

Kerem Shalom is the only open border crossing between Israel and Gaza.

09:47 AM GMT

In pictures: Houthi fighters on parade

Newly-recruited Houthi fighters march in Amran, Yemen - Osamah Yahya

Fighters displayed their weapons and chanted after completing training - Mohammed Hamoud

09:09 AM GMT

No functioning hospitals left in northern Gaza, says WHO

There are no functioning hospitals left in northern Gaza, the World Health Organisation has said.

There are actually no functional hospitals left in the north, Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative in Gaza, told reporters via video link from Jerusalem.

Al-Ahli was the last one but it is now minimally functional.

Mr Peeperkorn said insufficient fuel, medical supplies and staff meant hospitals are no longer able to operate.

08:52 AM GMT

Lord Cameron to visit Egypt for hostage talks

Lord Cameron will visit Egypt on Thursday to progress talks for the release of more hostages.

Britains foreign secretary will visit Al Arish near the Gazan border to witness British aid efforts.

He will also attempt to progress efforts to secure the release of all hostages, step up aid to Gaza and end Hamas rocket attacks.

No one wants to see this conflict go on for a moment longer than necessary, he said. But for a ceasefire to work, it needs to be sustainable.

If Israel is still facing Hamas in Gaza with rockets and terror tactics, not only will a ceasefire not be sustainable, a two state solution in the longer term will also not be possible.

08:35 AM GMT

In pictures: IDF in Gaza

An Israeli soldier kneels behind cover next to a tank

Another soldier exits a tunnel which the IDF says Hamas used to attack Israel on October 7 - Jack Guez

08:24 AM GMT

Fuel and electricity shortages restricting aid efforts, says UN chief

Shortages of fuel and electricity are restricting efforts to deliver aid in Gaza, United Nations (UN) secretary-general Antonio Guterres has said.

Intense fighting, lack of electricity, limited fuel and disrupted telecommunications severely restrict the UNs concerted efforts to provide life-saving aid to people in Gaza, he said.

Conditions to allow for large-scale humanitarian operations need to be reestablished immediately.



08:19 AM GMT

IDF attacks Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israeli fighter jets launched attacks on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon overnight, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said.

Rescue workers told the AFP news agency that a woman in her eighties was killed by Israeli shelling in the town of Maroun al-Ras.

On Monday, Iran-backed Hezbollah had vowed that any Israeli attacks on civilians will be reciprocated.

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Israels military offensive in Gaza has inflicted significant damage on Hamas but it appears a long way from delivering the death blow to the Palestinian militants that Israeli leaders vowed when the assault began 11 weeks ago.

In slow-moving, street-to-street fighting backed up by relentless bombing raids, Israel says it has scored battlefield gains against Hamas and begun to dismantle its military infrastructure. But experts and former U.S. military officers say that the progress is temporary and that there is no sign the militants are on the verge of a strategic defeat.

I wouldnt call it impossible, but I think the likelihood is becoming increasingly small that they will achieve the strategic goal of eliminating Hamas as a threat, said retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Nagata, who oversaw special operations forces in the Middle East.

The limited success against Hamas has come at a high price, in civilian lives and international political outrage directed at Israels government. On Wednesday, the rising death toll for Palestinian civilians reached a grim milestone of 20,000, according to Gaza health authorities.

Mourners transport a body from the EU hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Dec. 21, 2023. (Said Khatib / AFP - Getty Images)

Israel so far has failed to achieve several key goals that it set for the campaign.

Hamas senior leaders remain alive. The groups military infrastructure has been hit hard but not wiped out. The group continues to hold dozens of hostages and Hamas remains the sole governing authority in the Gaza Strip, despite vows from Israel to permanently oust the militants from political power.

Meanwhile, Israels main adversary, Iran, stands to benefit from the conflict, which it helped provoke through its decadeslong support for Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces says that it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, significantly damaged 10 out of 24 1,000-strong battalions, destroyed hundreds of tunnel shafts, uncovered weapons stashes and that its troops now have achieved operational freedom in Gaza City in the enclaves north.

Image: Funeral Held For IDF Staff Sgt. Boris Dunavetski, Killed Fighting In Gaza (Amir Levy / Getty Images)

The IDF has poured troops and resources into the offensive, with four divisions now operating in the Gaza Strip, including paratroopers from the 98th division leading an assault in Khan Younis in the enclaves south, where Hamas leaders are believed to be based.

Deeper into the offensive, Israeli casualties have ticked up in the close quarters combat. The IDF says 134 of its troops have been killed in the Gaza offensive, including nine who died in a Hamas ambush last week.

Since the Israel offensive began, Hamas rocket attacks on Israel have dramatically declined  a sign that the groups operations have been disrupted, experts say.

But Israel now finds itself caught in a bind between contradictory objectives: The more military success it achieves in its war with Hamas, the higher the Palestinian civilian death toll and the more Israel risks losing support from its most important ally, the United States.

Every bit of progress they make towards their strategic goal increasingly damages their reputation internationally and makes it harder for their allies and supporters to continue to support them, said Nagata, who helped lead the fight against the Islamic State terrorist group's militants in Syria and Iraq.

Democrats in Congress and some former U.S. military officers argue Israel should pull back from heavy bombing and a full-blown ground invasion and instead carry out more calibrated raids with fewer troops on the ground targeting Hamas leaders, weapons caches and tunnels. They also argue Israel should combine its military effort with a major diplomatic push for political dialogue with Palestinian representatives in the West Bank and with Arab governments in the region.

But Israeli officials and supporters of Israel say the country had no alternative to a large-scale combat operation to shore up Israels security in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks, and that Hamas vast tunnel network required a major offensive to dismantle. They also say that Israel has come under criticism for its tactics in the past even when previous operations were more limited.

IDF officers say they need to keep up the ground offensive for several months to fulfill their goals but time may be running out.

Biden administration officials, under criticism abroad and at home to persuade Israel to safeguard civilian lives in Gaza, have been pressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to scale back the current operation to a more calibrated, limited effort.

The real question is whether they are making military progress fast enough before the political clock runs out, said Raphael Cohen, a senior political scientist at the Rand Corp. think tank, who recently returned from a trip to the region. The IDF will tell you that they think they need several more months of large-scale combat operations to fully destroy Hamas military capabilities.

The civilian death toll and the diminishing prospects of a decisive outcome will force Israels hand soon and lead to a more scaled-back campaign, a former senior Israeli official said.

I think were reaching a point where this will not be able to continue in this current form, the former Israeli official told NBC News. I would assume that sometime in the beginning of January we will see a shift.

Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after Hamas militants swarmed into Israel on Oct. 7, killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized 240 hostages, per Israeli officials.

In the aftermath of the Hamas attack that caught Israel by surprise and shocked the country, Israeli leaders vowed to retaliate to prevent a similar attack in the future. They outlined plans to eliminate Hamas leadership, dismantle its entire chain of command and ensure Hamas will no longer control the Gaza Strip.

v (Jack Guez / AFP - Getty Images)

The IDF says it has taken out dozens of Hamas military commanders in recent weeks. But the militant groups chief in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, and its top military commander, Muhammad Deif, remain alive and in charge.

We have not been able to do that," remove Hamas leaders, the former senior Israeli official said. That is a big, big issue that is putting pressure on the military.

If Israeli forces do not manage to kill or capture the top Hamas leaders, the Israeli public almost certainly will view the outcome as a failure.

Past Israeli assaults in Gaza over the years, including an Israeli ground invasion in 2014, have killed Hamas leaders and seized weaponry. But the militants later regrouped and rearmed in each case.

A senior Biden administration official said the Israeli offensive has been successful in removing Hamas commanders and midlevel commanders.

Theyve eliminated quite a bunch of Hamas leadership at various levels, the official said. They are making progress against the leaders. Theres no doubt about that. But it is a big, well-oiled, organized military machine that theyre up against, and so they believe that they still have more work to do.

In U.S. operations against terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda or ISIS over the past two decades, American commanders eventually recognized that battlefield successes  including killing senior figures  produced only temporary benefits. The extremist groups, fueled by ideology and feeding off of power vacuums, could replace their commanders, adapt and survive.

An Israeli soldier operating in the Gaza Strip in a photo released on Dec. 21, 2023. (Israeli army via AFP - Getty Images)

According to U.S. intelligence reporting shared with lawmakers, even if Israel succeeds in taking out the senior leadership of Hamas, the group will remain a threat as it is based on an idea of resistance, congressional aides said.

A growing number of Democrats in Congress, including military veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, have cited that experience and questioned Israels tactics, arguing that heavy bombardment and steep civilian casualties are counterproductive methods that threaten to provide more fuel to extremists.

Six Democrats who served in the military and in the CIA wrote a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday, urging him to use all U.S. leverage at his disposal to persuade Israel to change course in its offensive.

Most of us spent years of our lives fighting in the U.S. global war on terrorism. And one of the most important lessons we learned during that period is that military power has limitations, Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, who signed the letter, told NBC News Garrett Haake. You cant bomb away a terrorist ideology. And we want to take that lesson and we want to impart that lesson on our key partner Israel here who we are afraid is moving in the very wrong direction, said Crow, who served as an Army paratrooper in Iraq.

No matter how effective its military offensive, Israel will be hard pressed to decimate Hamas as it enjoys a global network of patrons and backers beyond Gaza, Nagata said.

They can go after fighters, they can go after leaders, they can go after weapons' caches, they can go after all these things that are inside of Gaza. But what Israel is unable to do is take apart the entire international network that also comprises much of what Hamas is, he said.

While Israel has pressed its assault on Hamas with mixed results, experts and former U.S. and Israeli officials say the crisis has been a strategic boon for Iran, Russia and China. The U.S. adversaries see Washington struggling to defend Israel on the world stage and to organize an international response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

They clearly are the strategic beneficiaries of what has happened, one former Israeli official said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Israeli governments evidence fails to prove that al-Shifa hospital in Gaza was a command center for Hamas, according to a Thursday investigative report by The Washington Post that analyzed open-source graphics, satellite images, and publicly disclosed materials from the Israel Defense Forces. Rooms connected to the tunnels found by the IDF showed no immediate evidence of military use by Hamas, the newspaper said. The review also challenged statements from IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, who pointed to five buildings allegedly used by Hamas at the hospital in an Oct. 27 press briefing, finding that none of the structures were connected to the tunnel network. Even after the November raid of the hospital, Israeli and U.S. officials have stuck by their claims, with one telling the Post last week that they were absolutely confident with their intelligence and that Hamas had been holding the hostages in the hospital compound until shortly before Israel went in.

Read it at The Washington Post

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner traveled to Israel to meet with political leaders and families of those kidnapped during Hamass Oct. 7 attacks on the country.

Its important to see with ones own eyes the lingering effects of the barbaric and unspeakable acts of October 7, Kushner posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Kushner wrote that the two met with families of those that were kidnapped, including some still in Gaza.

We met with several political leaders who are committed to building lasting solutions to intractable problems, Kushner wrote. With determination, trust, pragmatism and creativity, the previously unthinkable can be accomplished.

Both Kushner and Ivanka Trump, who is the former presidents oldest daughter, served as top aides in the Trump White House. Both are Jewish, and neither has an official role on the Trump 2024 campaign.

Their visit comes more than two months after Hamas, the terrorist group that controls Gaza, killed roughly 1,200 Israelis. Nearly 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in subsequent bombings and military operations carried out by Israeli forces, according to the latest update from the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.

Kushner in particular was at the center of the Trump administrations efforts to broker peace in the Middle East. He led the establishment of the Abraham Accords, which were agreements to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

The administration also released a highly anticipated Middle East peace plan, though it drew criticism from Palestinian leaders who viewed it as overly favorable to Israel.

Former President Trump, who is leading in GOP primary polls, has given mixed messages in responding to the Israel-Hamas conflict. He initially criticized Israeli leadership after the Oct. 7 attacks but has since expressed support for the country.

So you have a war thats going on, and youre probably going to have to let this play out, Trump said in a November interview with Univision. Youre probably going to have to let it play out, because a lot of people are dying.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  Mental health advocate Dr. Gia Sison is back in a new series of GTalks where she helps Gen Zs, represented by her co-host Fro Bro navigate the world of "adulting".

In the first episode, Sison and Fro Bro sit down to discuss ways working students can manage stress and pressure, and still #MakeLifeSweeeet.

One of the tips she shared was avoiding multitasking. "Akala kasi ng ibang tao pag nagmu-multitask ka, okay ka. But in the end, mabu-burn out ka kasi," she said.

Sison then taught Fro Bro the "Eisenhower Matrix," a technique to compartmentalize priorities in quadrants. Quadrant 1 is for important and urgent tasks, Quadrant 2 is for important but not urgent tasks, Quadrant 3 is for urgent but not important tasks which you can delegate or ask help from people who can cover for you, and Quadrant 4 is for not important and not urgent tasks.

"Kumbaga, delete mo na 'yan. Kasi, deleting these tasks will not make you any less of a person. Ang importante diyan, you keep your sanity," Sison explained.

No one said balancing work and studies is easy but there are ways we can make it work. Watch the full episode below.

In Episode 2, Sison wears her "tita" hat to talk about how Gen Zs work, love, and everything that makes them unique.

"May tinatawag tayong generational gap, and for me, that has to close somehow so that we can work cohesively," she told Fro Bro. "Based on my experience, may mga naka-work akong Gen Zs and they're a happy bunch. At saka, sobrang creative."

Sison added that Gen Zs are motivated by fair pay and job security which is aligned with the current difficulties of the times from price hikes to the pandemic. "Napansin ko ha, sila ang nagpa-prioritize sa health work-life balance," she added.

Like all generations, Gen Zs have their own set of core characteristics. Watch the full episode below.

In the third episode, Sison and Fro Bro discussed what is gaslighting and how to detect if you are being gaslighted.

"Actually, gaslighting is a form of manipulation. It makes you feel na ikaw pa yung may kasalanan whereas hindi naman," she explained.

"Yung mga banat nila is usually coming from a place of invalidation. Example, 'uy, hindi yan nangyari ah,' or 'OA ka lang,' or 'baka masyado ka lang sensitive about it,' or 'uy, hindi ako ganoon ah, baka ikaw ganyan iniisip mo."

Sison said that it is important for the individual to make his or her values non-negotiable. "And to make life sweet, don't be afraid to walk out of that toxic relationship," Fro Bro added.

Have you ever been gaslighted? Learn more about this in the video below.

If you are in need of mental health support, please call the 24/7 National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at (0917) 899-8727 or 1553 (Landline-to-landline only).

==========

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In the county commission's final meeting of the year, a budget amendment for the Jackson-Madison County School System became the most highly discussed agenda item.

Upon commencement of the budget amendment discussion, a request for a shift in funds by JMCSS was not approved beforehand by the budget committee, raising questions and concerns among commissioners.

The line item in question totaled $100,000 and no new or additional funding was subject to approval.

Commissioner Shelia Godwin discussed whether the funds are being repositioned to cover legal fees in association with the State Charter School Commission. On Oct. 5, the charter commission overturned the school system's denial of the American Classical Education charter school application, swiftly prompting discussion of legal recourse.

More: State commission overturns Jackson-Madison school board's denial of ACA charter school

More: JMCSS board seeks legal recourse, state commission overturns charter school denial

"We're not in the business to take care of the school's budget in regard to charter students or private students and their budget was approved, so why are we not approving what they asked to be moved?" She said. "It's not new money, and we've already approved their budget for the year."

Commissioner Tony Black echoed this sentiment, advocating for the commission's approval of the amendment.

"There was nothing illegal about this request. The school system has every right to do line-item transfers of funds that are already appropriated," Black said.

Expressed concerns about the commission's "micromanaging" of how the school system chooses to shift approved funds were met with notions of the body's responsibility to ask questions about the amendment.

Commissioner Carl Alexander noted that when the amendment was presented before the budget committee, the absence of a motion to second the amendment meant it was ultimately not approved. Commissioner Gary Deaton says the motion was tabled due to a lack of information.

The budget amendment motion was presented to approve the $100,000, resulting in eight yes votes, 11 no votes, and two passes. Though the motion failed, the budget committee and county commission will revisit the amendment in the new year.

"I assure you this is going to be taken up in the budget committee and will be handled," said Chairman Mike Taylor following the vote.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Madison Co. commission denies shift of funds for school system
Former Marine Paul Whelan, who has been jailed in Russia for five years, said he feels abandoned by the United States.

In December 2018, Whelan was arrested on espionage charges and later sentenced to 16 years in prison. Both his family and the U.S. government maintain Whelan was unjustly accused and convicted.

But Washington has successfully negotiated two separate prisoner swaps with the Kremlin since Whelan was detained, and neither has included him.

"I know the U.S. [has] all sorts of proposals, but it's not what the Russians want, Whelan told the BBC in an interview published Wednesday. They go back and forth, like throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks.



He called the situation extremely stressful, adding that he feels the U.S. has basically abandoned me here.

Whelan told the outlet that, during Donald Trumps presidency, Moscow wanted to trade him for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout  who was released in an exchange for WNBA star Brittney Griner last December but a deal was never made.

Trevor Reed, a former U.S. Marine from Texas who was detained in Moscow, was also released and returned to the United States as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia in May 2022.

Whelans plea comes as Russia increasingly arrests Americans in the country. The latest high-profile case involved Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was also jailed on espionage charges and the U.S. has been trying to free.

The Biden administration proposed a deal to free both men in exchange for many Russian nationals detained on espionage charges abroad, CNN reported in early December. At the time, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that we have made clear all along that we do not want to leave either one of them behind.

The State Department and National Security Council did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A controversial streamer is facing criminal charges in Japan.

He appeared in court after playing loud music at a restaurant in Osaka.

Prosecutors demanded he pay a fine, and he has promised to not film any more videos.

A controversial streamer is facing criminal charges in Japan after causing a scene in a restaurant, with prosecutors demanding he pay a fine.

Ismael Ramsey Khalid, known better by his alias Johnny Somali, appeared at Osaka District Court on Tuesday, The Japan Times reported, where he was accused of loudly playing music in a restaurant and bothering other customers while streaming on Kick.

Prosecutors accused him of obstructing the business of the restaurant, and that he did so for attention, according to the outlet. They also told the court there was "no room for leniency."

In response, Khalid, who is 24, expressed regret when a one-minute clip of his video played in the court.

"I am sorry," he said, per The Japan times. "I promise I will never take videos again."

He denied playing the music on purpose, saying his phone blasted it by automatically.

Prosecutors asked for his punishment to be a 200,000 fine ($1,400), and the trial was concluded, per The Japan times.

"I'm embarrassed. I apologize to everyone I've caused trouble," Khalis said in his final statement, according to Sankei News. "I will no longer broadcast videos. I want to return to his home country and continue my studies, and be a role model."

Khalid has now been arrested in Japan twice. He broke into a construction site in August and was followed by local police, Dexerto reported. He then reportedly yelled "Fukushima" at workers. He was arrested on September 21 while streaming  the clip is still available to view on his Kick account. He was charged with trespassing, but the charges were dropped, according to SCMP.

This is not the first time an influencer has caused a nuisance in Japan. In October, YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou was criticized for filming himself riding on Japan's public transportation system without paying.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Jeannie Mai said she is "absolutely not gatekeeping" in a court filing responding to accusations by estranged husband Jeezy that she is making it difficult for him to spend time with their daughter.

Jeezy, a rapper whose real name is Jay Wayne Jenkins, asked the court last month for a hearing on the custody arrangement involving their daughter Monaco, who will turn 2 in January.

He said Mai acted as a "gatekeeper" of their daughter, which she refuted in a filing in Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Dec. 19.

"She remains committed to facilitating and encouraging Mr. Jenkins involvement in their daughters life," the court filing reads. "Ms. Jenkins further shows that it is her intent to foster an open, supportive and safe environment for both parents to actively participate in their daughters life."

The former host of "The Real" raised concern for her daughter as it pertains to Jeezy's firearms, which she alleged have been "unsecured" in previous instances.

"It is essential to clarify that Ms. Jenkins insistence on reasonable safety measures being put in place, such as safely securing and locking away all firearms that have been unsecure in the past, as well as having familiarity and properly trained caregivers is absolutely not gatekeeping, but rather a responsible effort to prioritize their daughters wellbeing," the filing reads. "These requests are grounded in Ms. Jenkins care of others and traveling across the country, and are reasonable protective measures, not an attempt to restrict Mr. Jenkins access to their daughter."

The previous filing by Jeezy on Nov. 30 said that he and Mai had been informally arranging a visitation schedule with their daughter through the end of this year, but the arrangement has become "less feasible."

Jeannie Mai shares how she is dealing with the divorce

Mai said she is dealing with her split from Jeezy day by day.

The television host opened up during a Dec. 4 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show about how she has been since her husband of two years filed for divorce in September.

I was going through things, and marriage ended in divorce, and it was kind of hard, she said. Its what Im dealing with day by day, you know? I think Im doing better now.

Even though this year, I met the most broken version of me. I also met the strongest version of me, she added.

Mai also shared that she learned about the divorce at the same time the public did. A representative for Jeezy tells TODAY.com, however, that "any claims of Ms. Mai being blindsided by Mr. Jenkins filing for divorce are 100% false."

Mai, 44, is known for hosting the daytime talk show The Real, as well as the makeover show How Do I Look?. She has also been featured as a fashion expert by TODAY, Extra TV, Entertainment Tonight and other outlets and has worked for E! and other outlets as a red carpet correspondent.

Jeezy, 46, is a Grammy-nominated rapper known for singles including Put On, Soul Survivor, I Luv It and Seen It All.

Jeannie Mai and Jeezy (Craig Barritt / Getty Images)

Jeezy has also spoken publicly about filing for divorce from Mai, saying in a November 2023 interview with Nia Long that he felt saddened and disappointed by their separation.

Heres what to know about Mai and Jeezys relationship and divorce.

They first met when Jeezy was a guest on Mais talk show

Mai and Jeezy met when the rapper appeared on The Real talk show. Jeezy has appeared on The Real multiple times over the years, including in 2016.

They went on their first date on Nov. 28, 2018, Mai told People. Mai described their first date in a 2021 interview with Vogue.

We shared a romantic sushi dinner in Los Angeles and salsa danced the night away, she said. Later that evening, he asked if I could picture spending the rest of my life with him. And crazy enough, I could.

They married in March 2021

Mai and Jeezy tied the knot in March 2021 at their home in Atlanta, Georgia, according to Vogue.

They had originally planned a larger ceremony in Lake Como, Italy, but they downscaled their wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We were really looking forward to having all of our friends and family there to celebrate, Mai told Vogue in April 2021. But we had to change all of our wedding plans due to COVID. After Jeezys mother unexpectedly passed, we quickly learned that life is too short.

And at the end of the day, Jeezy and I really just wanted to become husband and wife. So we decided to turn our original wedding into a mini-mony, where we exchanged our vows in front of our immediate family and a few close friends.

In an Instagram post marking their first anniversary, Mai shared a photo from their wedding day and reflected on what their marriage meant to her.

Its not about finding someone whos perfect. Its about finding someone who can match your level of commitment  not just to the relationship, but the commitment to heal themselves to love stronger and live happier forever, she wrote in the caption. My life began on March 27, 2021. Happy Anniversary King.

They welcomed a daughter in 2022

Mai gave birth to the couples daughter, Monaco Mai Jenkins, in January 2022. She announced the new addition to their family in an Instagram post on Jan. 11, showing a photo of a baby blanket and a card with the name Jenkins attached to a hospital bassinet.

I asked God for a life of love and happiness. He sent me my family, Mai wrote in the caption. Baby Jenkins is here.

Mai often shares photos of Monaco on her Instagram page, as well as a separate Instagram account dedicated to her daughter.

In November 2022, the television host shared a series of photos of her and her daughter as she prepared to attend the 2022 Baby2Baby Gala in West Hollywood, California.

Before it was the afterparty but now its the beforeparty w/ Coco for meeeee, she wrote in the caption.

In September 2021, Mai told Womens Health that while she had never wanted children growing up, she changed her mind when she met Jeezy.

Falling in love with Jeezy made me see life differently for myself, she said. Our love is honest, pure, and safesomething I hadnt felt as a child.

She also shared that she had experienced a miscarriage following her marriage to Jeezy.

Jeezy filed for divorce in September 2023

Jeezy filed for divorce on Sept. 14, 2023, at the Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta, Georgia.

The filing notes that the couple had been living in a bona fide state of separation, and that their marriage was irretrievably broken with no hope for reconciliation, according to documents obtained by TODAY.com.

In a November 30 counterclaim to Jeezys divorce filing, Mai offered a different version of events.

Wife admits the parties were married on March 27, 2021, however, denies the parties were living in a bona fide state of separation at the time of husbands filing of the Complaint, reads part of Mais counterclaim, which was obtained by NBC News.

Mais counterclaim also states that the couple had entered into a prenuptial agreement on March 26, 2021.

In addition, her counterclaim argues that the court should enforce the section of their prenup regarding infidelity.

According to the counterclaim document, the clause around infidelity in their prenuptial agreement stipulates that "in the event that either party engages in sexual relations, an emotional relationship, or is emotionally or sexually suggestive in communication with a third party via all forms of electronic communication ... shall result in a significant financial penalty upon the adulterous party."

In a November court document, Jeezy said Mai had acted as a gatekeeper of their daughter

According to a document filed on Nov. 30 in Fulton County Superior Court, which was obtained by NBC News, Jeezy asked for a court hearing to address the custody arrangements for his and Mais daughter.

The document submitted on behalf of the rapper notes that since he filed for divorce, he and Mai have been arranging custody of Monaco on an informal basis and have agreed upon a visitation schedule through the end of 2023.

Going forward, the document states that to continue addressing custodial and parenting time issues in such an ad hoc manner is becoming increasingly less feasible.

The document also claims that the lack of consistency, continuity and stability inherently associated with such a haphazard and fluid parenting time schedule is stressful to the child and has created tension.

According to the filing, Jeezy does not believe that Mai is acting maliciously or with specific intent to harm his relationship with Monaco, but he believes Mai "has acted as a gatekeeper when it comes to (him) exercising parenting time.

His filing asks for a formal structure that clearly defines his and Mais temporary legal and physical custody rights and establishes a parenting schedule.

TODAY.com reached out to Mai for comment on the document but did not receive a response.

According to Mais counterclaim to the original divorce filing, Mai argues that it is in Monacos best interest that she and Jeezy be awarded temporary and permanent joint legal custody, but that Mai should be awarded final decision-making authority.

The counterclaim also stated Mais belief that she should be awarded primary physical custody of the minor child on a temporary and permanent basis.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
After two years of marriage, rapper Jay Jeezy Wayne Jenkins filed for divorce from the former daytime talk show host in mid-September.

Jeannie Mai Jenkins has denied claims made by her estranged spouse, rapper Jay Jeezy Wayne Jenkins, that she is gatekeeping their toddler from him.

People reported that a new court filing by the former host of The Real still denies allegations that she is preventing her daughter, 23-month-old Monaco, from spending enough time with her father.

Mai Jenkins attorneys reaffirmed their concern for Monacos safety in the document.

Back in October 2019, before they wed and eventually split, happy couple (from left) Jeannie Mai and Jeezy Jenkins attended the Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala in Atlanta. (Photo: Paul R. Giunta/Getty Images)

It is essential to clarify that Ms. Jenkins insistence on reasonable safety measures being put in place, such as safely securing and locking away all firearms that have been unsecured in the past, the filing read, as well as having familiarity and properly trained caregivers is absolutely not gatekeeping, but rather a responsible effort to prioritize their daughters well-being.

In November, Jeezy submitted court filings in Fulton County, asserting that he and his estranged spouse had agreed upon a visitation schedule through the end of 2023, yet those possibilities were becoming increasingly less feasible.

The lack of consistency, continuity and stability inherently associated with such a haphazard and fluid parenting time schedule is stressful to the Child (Monaco), his claim stated, and it has, as is unfortunately inevitable with all families in transition, created unnecessary tension and confusion regarding not only parenting time but also in regard to each parents role and rights when the Child is in their respective custody.

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After two years of marriage, Jeezy, a Grammy Award-nominated artist, filed for divorce from the ex-daytime talk show host in mid-September.

The former couple has been accusing one other in recent months, with Mai Jenkins even seeming to imply that her ex-partner committed adultery throughout their relationship, a claim the rappers representative described as 100 percent false.

According to Mai Jenkins most recent filing, she has granted Jeezy every date he has asked for  and even given him more time with Monaco over the Christmas break.

These requests are grounded in Ms. Jenkins genuine concern for the parties daughters safety and security, her document stated, People reported, especially when under the care of others and traveling across the country, and are reasonable protective measures, not an attempt to restrict Mr. Jenkins access to their daughter.

Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter.

The post Jeannie Mai says shes not keeping her child from Jeezy, says she fears his guns appeared first on TheGrio.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark.  Authorities said five deputies were rushed to the hospital after being exposed to an unknown substance at the W.C. Dub Brassell Detention Center around noon on Wednesday.

Officials said two deputies were taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center after becoming unconscious at the detention center after coming into contact with a detainee officials said was being uncooperative.

11 Fort Bliss soldiers critically injured after ingesting unknown substance

According to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, the detainee said people were smoking paper that was soaked with drugs in the cell.

Soon after the search of the cell was finished, one deputy complained of chest pains and another deputy began experiencing a headache and noticed a rash on her face. They were subsequently taken to JRMC as well.

Police said an investigator, who was assisting in the search, was taken to the hospital as a precaution. He was later released after showing no signs of exposure.

JCSO officials said it is unknown at this time what the deputies were exposed to.

Maryland medical waste incinerator to pay $1.75M fine for exposing public to biohazardous material

Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. said the deputies are currently receiving medical attention and the department remain hopeful for their full recovery.

Todays incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers our deputies face while diligently carrying out their duties, Woods said. These brave individuals put their safety on the line to uphold the law and ensure the well-being of our community as well as our detainees.

Our investigators are looking into the incident to determine the source of the exposure. We are committed to identifying those responsible, and we will pursue charges against them to the full extent of the law, JCSO Operations Commander Major John Bean said. The safety and well-being of our deputies are paramount, and any actions that jeopardize their health will be met with the appropriate legal consequences.

On Wednesday night, JCSO officials said the five deputies had been released by medical personnel and cleared for duty.

Arkansas Department of Health shows additional flu death, rising activity level in weekly respiratory disease report

Deputies said more information will be provided as the investigation continues.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said those who have been honored with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) highest combat award can expect to receive a bigger lifetime monthly gratuity.

He made the announcement during the celebration of the AFPs 88th founding anniversary, although he did not specify the increase or when this can be enjoyed by Medal of Valor (MOV) awardees.

As recommended by the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are also going to adequately reward the existing Medal of Valor awardees [with] the increase of their lifetime monthly gratuity for displaying bravery and heroism in defending our freedom, Marcos said during the event at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

This highlights the governments commitment to support and honor military heroes, the president added.

In December 2016, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed a memorandum raising the monthly gratuity of MOV awardees to 70,000, from 20,000 provided under Republic Act (RA) No. 9049 which was signed in 2001.

The document on the implementing rules and regulations reflecting this increase was signed in July 2019.

RA 9049 states that the monthly gratuity aims to give due recognition to awardees' supreme self-sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry and to encourage men and women to perform heroic deeds for their count
A federal judge on Wednesday blocked parts of a California law that would have banned carrying concealed firearms in certain sensitive places, including places of worship, public libraries, amusement parks, zoos and sporting events.

California is planning to file an appeal of the decision, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Wednesday, adding that the court got this wrong.

The law, among a series of gun control measures signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, applies to those with licenses to carry a concealed weapon.

US District Judge Cormac Carney granted a preliminary injunction, and indicated that provisions of Senate Bill 2 that were being challenged unconstitutionally deprive concealed carry holders of their rights to carry a handgun.

The judge called the coverage of Californias law sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.

SB2 turns nearly every public place in California into a sensitive place, effectively abolishing the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding and exceptionally qualified citizens to be armed and to defend themselves in public, Carney wrote in his order.

Newsom quickly hit back, saying the judges decision defies common sense.

This ruling outrageously calls Californias data-backed gun safety efforts repugnant. What is repugnant is this ruling, which greenlights the proliferation of guns in our hospitals, libraries, and childrens playgrounds  spaces, which should be safe for all, the governor said in a statement to CNN.

California will keep fighting to defend our laws and to enshrine a Right to Safety in the Constitution. The lives of our kids depend on it, he added.

When he signed the gun laws in September, Newsom cited shootings across the country that left at least 104 people dead over the 72 hours prior to the signing.

Nationwide there have been 642 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive  including the mass shootings in Californias Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, which left a total of 18 people dead.

The judge cited a recent landmark Supreme Court decision to justify blocking the sweeping California state law, which had been challenged by the California Rifle and Pistol Association and Gun Owners of America, among other plaintiffs.

That decision, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, changed the framework judges must use to review gun regulations and determined that modern-day laws restricting gun ownership are only constitutional if consistent with the nations historical tradition.

While assessing various public areas where Californias law prohibited the concealed carry of a firearm, Carney indicated the State of California had not provided a sufficient historical analogue to similar laws banning weapons in areas like zoos, museums, libraries and hospitals.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a series of gun control measures into law in September. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/FILE

Meanwhile, Attorney General Bonta said Senate Bill 2 does adhere to the guidelines set by the Supreme Court in Bruen.

If allowed to stand, this decision would endanger communities by allowing guns in places where families and children gather, said Attorney General Bonta said in a statement. Guns in sensitive public places do not make our communities safer, but rather the opposite. More guns in more sensitive places makes the public less safe; the data supports it.

The attorney general noted that the judges decision does not address prohibitions on carrying guns in other places not challenged in the lawsuits, including schools, airports and legislative offices. Those restrictions remain in full effect, he said.

Gun rights groups quickly celebrated Carneys decision Wednesday.

This is a great day for Californians and human liberty, said Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs. The courts decision is both well-reasoned and the required result under the Constitution and binding Supreme Court precedent.

The Supreme Courts ruling last year in Bruen has resulted in the blocking of several gun laws at the circuit court level across the country, with cases covering a range of topics including the right of felons to own guns, possessing weapons without serial numbers, the ownership of firearms by individuals subjected to restraining orders, and state assault weapon bans.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Josh Campbell and Lauren Mascarenhas contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Temple Israel in Canton, Ohio

Temple Israel in Canton, Ohio

A judge ordered a 13-year-old boy to write a book report on Carl Lutz after the boy was arrested for planning a mass shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Ohio.

The teen allegedly made and shared a detailed plan on Discord, an online messaging platform, to shoot up the members of the Temple Israel synagogue in Canton, Ohio. Police learned about the boys plan on Sept. 1, according to NBC News, and he pleaded guilty on Friday to misdemeanor counts of inducing panic and disorderly conduct, according to WKYC.

As punishment, the boy is banned from using the internet unsupervised, and he must continue seeing a licensed therapist. The judge also ordered him to write a book report on Lutz, a Swiss diplomat who saved thousands of Jewish people in World War II.

Even though police found out about the boys plan before the Israel-Palestine war, the Anti-Defamation League reports that there has been a significant spike in antisemitic incidents across the United States since October.

Temple Israel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Related...
From left, Ryan Vassar, Blake Brickman and Mark Penley, all former senior employees of the Texas Office of the Attorney General, speak at a Sept. 25 news conference. A judge in Austin ruled this week that Attorney General Ken Paxton must testify in a whistleblower case his former top aides filed for wrongful termination.

A Travis County state District Court judge has ruled that embattled Attorney General Ken Paxton must testify in a whistleblower case his former top aides filed against his office for wrongful termination. The judge also rejected a motion by Paxton seeking to stop the suit.

The hearing Wednesday, which ran just over two hours with Paxton and the four whistleblowers absent from the courtroom, ended with Judge Jan Soifer ruling to compel Paxton to testify on the situation that led to his former aides' exit from the Texas attorney general's office after contacting the FBI out of concern over Paxton's conduct, and later reaching a $3.3 million settlement that was ultimately rejected by the Legislature earlier this year.

Prior to Soifer's ruling Wednesday, Paxton was served a subpoena to compel his deposition in this case for which he has yet to testify under oath, Tom Nesbitt, an attorney for Blake Brickman, a former senior staff member in Paxton's office, confirmed to reporters after the hearing.

Nesbitt declined to provide further details on the subpoena issued Wednesday, and he said only that the legal team had received a tip that Paxton would be having lunch at a restaurant in Austin. He said the having court hearing and his office serving the subpoena on the same day was a coincidence.

Attorney General Ken Paxton, right, and his attorney Tony Buzbee listen to pretrial motions Sept. 5 at his Senate impeachment trial.

"We've been trying to find him for a long time; I mean the dude hides, he's hiding," Nesbitt said after the hearing. "There's just no limit to what Ken Paxton will do to hide out."

In her ruling, Soifer said the whistleblowers provided "good cause" in requesting the testimony of Paxton and three of his high-ranking advisers based on the knowledge they have in being "involved at the heart of the litigation."

Soifer declined a request by Paxton to limit the time and scope of the impending depositions as attorneys on both sides are expected to work out a time frame for the court-ordered testimony in the coming days.

More: 'Worth every penny': AG Paxton impeachment cost more than $4 million

Paxton's attorney, Bill Helfand, declined to answer questions from reporters while leaving the courtroom Wednesday. Paxton's office did not respond to an American-Statesman request for comment.

In defending Paxton's motion to enforce the previous settlement agreement, Helfand argued that Paxton's office complied with elements of the agreement despite the Legislature's unwillingness to fund the $3.3 million settlement, including retracting disparaging comments and a news release calling the whistleblowers "rogue employees."

"Everything the office of the attorney general could do on its own, they did," Helfand told the court.

As per the tentative agreement, Paxton made a public statement apologizing to the employees and expressing an understanding that they had acted out of what they felt was the "right" thing to do. He rectified the "unjust" firing of David Maxwell, Paxton's top law enforcement deputy, through an honorable discharge from his post.

Helfand also argued that lawmakers did not permanently rule out funding the settlement, as a future Legislature could approve the expenditure.

Attorney General Ken Paxton's attorneys speak at a news conference Sept. 16 after Paxton was acquitted of all charges in his Senate impeachment trial.

Joe Knight, who represents Ryan Vassar, Paxton's former deputy legal counsel, said lawmakers definitively decided the issue by rejecting the agreement, launching an inquiry that led to Paxton's impeachment in May and adding a rider to the biennium state budget passed this year that prevents any attorney general's office funding from being spent on a settlement.

"Is he kidding?" Knight asked in retort to Helfand. "The Legislature didn't just fail to get to this."

After Paxton was acquitted in the Texas Senate on 16 impeachment charges that the House had forwarded, accusing the attorney general of abusing the power of his office to assist Nate Paul, a former Austin real estate developer and Paxton campaign donor, the whistleblowers sought a court ruling to allow their wrongful termination suit to continue.

The Senate also dismissed four additional charges against Paxton tied to an ongoing securities fraud case.

After the Senate cleared Paxton, the whistleblowers asked the Texas Supreme Court to let their case against the attorney general move forward, to which the court agreed. A Burnet County court later echoed the state Supreme Court's order by rejecting a motion by Paxton seeking to halt the suit.

Ultimately, Soifer ruled along the same lines as the previous courts, at one point calling the earlier settlement agreement "compromised" in the aftermath of Paxton's impeachment proceeding.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton must testify in whistleblower case
FILE - This undated photo provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections shows inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was convicted in a 1988 murder-for-hire slaying of a preacher's wife. In a complaint filed Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, lawyers for Rev. Jeff Hood, a spiritual adviser to the Alabama inmate scheduled to be executed with nitrogen gas next month, said that restrictions on how close the adviser can get to the inmate in the death chamber are hostile to religion. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP, File)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  A federal judge heard diverging arguments Wednesday about the humaneness and risks of execution by nitrogen gas as he weighs whether to let Alabama attempt the nation's first use of the method.

Attorneys for Kenneth Eugene Smith are asking a judge to block his Jan. 25 execution by nitrogen hypoxia. They argued that the method violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment and said the mask, which is fitted seal over his nose and mouth, would interfere with his ability to pray with his spiritual adviser.

Robert Grass, an attorney for Smith, told the judge the execution method exposes Mr. Smith to the risk of superadded pain which is not allowed under the U.S. Constitution.

The state attorney general's office urged U.S. District Judge R. Austin Huffaker Jr. to reject the request, saying the method is humane. Huffaker did not indicate when he will rule.

The execution method would use the mask to replace breathable air with nitrogen, causing death from lack of oxygen. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the air that humans inhale and is harmless when mixed with proper oxygen levels. The nitrogen would be administered for at least 15 minutes or five minutes following a flatline indication on the EKG, whichever is longer, according to the state's execution protocol.

Anesthesiologists, state officials, Smith and others testified during Wednesday's daylong hearing, with much of it focused on the risk of vomiting, what Smith might experience and what would happen if he were not to receive pure nitrogen because of a faulty mask fitting.

Dr. Robert Jason Yong, an assistant professor of anesthesiology Harvard Medical School who testified on behalf of Smith's case, said low oxygen can result in nausea and vomiting, creating a risk of choking on aspirated vomit. He also said that if a person is exposed to less than 100% nitrogen, there is a risk they could experience the sensation of suffocation or be left in a vegetative state instead of dying.

The Alabama attorney general's office called those risks speculative and asked Yong how long a person could live breathing 99% nitrogen and to provide examples where a person was left in a vegetative state from nitrogen exposure. Yong replied that there is limited information about nitrogen hypoxia in humans, with most of what is known coming from industrial accidents and suicides using nitrogen or another inert gas.

Richard D. Anderson of the attorney generals office argued that the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment is not a guarantee against any pain and Smith can not show a risk of substantial pain.

After the testimony, Huffaker, noting that there had been considerable testimony about the risk of vomiting, asked the state to provide information about when an inmate would last eat before going into the execution chamber.

The judge also asked the state about Smith's concerns that the mask would interfere with his ability to pray. Smith's attorneys said in their court filing that he must either abstain from his religious exercise of audible prayer to avoid dislodging the mask or audibly pray and risk the dire consequences of breaking the masks seal.

Anderson responded that Smith can pray without the mask before execution witnesses arrive but it must be fitted before witnesses are brought into the prison. He said corrections officers strap Smith to the gurney, fit the mask and then leave the chamber to escort execution witnesses inside.

Huffaker said that is something that the state might want to think about. He did not elaborate.

Smith is one of two men convicted in the 1988 murder-for-hire slaying of Elizabeth Sennett in northwestern Alabama. The Alabama Department of Corrections tried to execute him by lethal injection last year but called it off when authorities could not connect the required two intravenous lines to him.

Smiths attorneys also argued that Alabama proposed to execute him by nitrogen to end litigation and requirements to turn over information about what went wrong at the failed 2022 lethal injection.

Smith, shackled and wearing a blue polo shirt and pants, testified briefly that that he has already been put in an isolation area ahead of his scheduled execution next month.
The jury in the trial over the death of Manuel Ellis has found all three officers not guilty on all charges.

Officers Christopher Burbank and Matthew Collins were charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter, while Timothy Rankine was charged with first-degree manslaughter.

This comes after an intense and emotional 10-week trial, where the defense asserted that Ellis death at the hands of officers was largely the fault of an enlarged heart and methamphetamine in his system.

Prosecutors pointed to how officers allegedly beat, tased, and choked Ellis. Videos taken by witnesses show Ellis telling officers he couldnt breathe, while they had him hogtied, handcuffed, and pressed to the ground. The Pierce County Medical Examiner later ruled that Ellis died from oxygen deprivation.

This marks a landmark case in Washington, as the first in the state to be tried under a five-year-old police accountability law that made it easier to prosecute officers who use deadly force.

The Tacoma Police Department issued a statement on the verdict shortly after it was announced.

The Tacoma Police Department acknowledges todays not guilty verdicts in the State of Washington vs. Police Officers Burbank, Collins, and Rankine may exacerbate the pain caused by the death of Mr. Ellis, said a spokesperson. The past nearly four years have been filled with widespread anger, mistrust, and apprehension and have severely divided the people of this city.

Even though this criminal process has concluded, TPDs leadership and the entire department understand there are many questions about where we all go from here, as a city and as a community, they continued.

Police say they will continue to build trust between employees and community members. The departments internal investigation into the three officers will continue despite the ruling. Those results will also be shared with the public.

No criminal trial will bring Mr. Ellis back to his loved ones, said the spokesperson. The Tacoma Police Department acknowledges this and the widespread pain this incident caused.

The ACLU of Washington issued a statement of its own, saying that todays verdict is devastating.

While no verdict would provide true justice for Manny  as that would mean never being killed in the first place  officers cannot be allowed to act with impunity and kill community members without consequence, they continued. Our thoughts are with Mannys family who have had to be fierce advocates in the face of a system that was not investing time on investigating itself.

Governor Inslee also commented on the trial:

Regardless of how people feel about todays verdict, everyone should remember this case began when the Ellis family experienced a profound loss that was not properly investigated, said Inslee. We can respect our judicial system without diminishing the fact our society has more to do.

Todays outcome will no doubt spark relief for some and immense pain for others, he continued. In moments such as these, our discussions will only be as profound as the respect we can muster for one another.

The Tacoma Police Union responded to the verdict as well, saying the following in part:

After all the facts were laid out before a jury of peers, Tacoma Officers Chris Burbank, Matt Collins, and Tim Rankine have been found not guilty of all charges. That is the just result. That is the right result.

We are a country built upon values, and our officers value preservation of life. When a life is lost, we fully expect and invite a thorough fact-finding process built upon truth and evidence, not hyperbole and politically charged prosecutions. We are thankful for our justice system, in which the truth of the matter prevails.




















Seven weeks ago, officials at Chicagos federal courthouse used brown butcher paper to cover up large hallway displays highlighting infamous political corruption cases, featuring names like Walker, Ryan, Blagojevich and Vrdolyak.

On Thursday, a federal jury added another name to that inglorious roster: Edward M. Burke.

In a verdict that will reverberate through city politics, Burke was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and a dozen other counts for using the clout of his elected office to try to win private law business from developers.

The nearly clean sweep of guilty verdicts capped a stunning fall for Burke, the former head of the city Finance Committee and a Democratic political machine master who served a record 54 years in the City Council before stepping down in May.

The jury of nine women and three men deliberated for about 23 hours over four days before reaching its verdict on the 19-count indictment.

In addition to racketeering, Burke also was found guilty of federal program bribery, attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity.

He was acquitted on one count of conspiracy to commit extortion related to the redevelopment of a Burger King.

The racketeering charge alone carries up to 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall set sentencing for June.

The jurors left the courthouse through a private exit, and most did not respond to calls seeking comment. One juror who did speak to the Tribune, however, said Thursday that the mood in the jury room was meticulous and diligent, and that they re-listened to each and every wiretapped recording at the center of the case, some of them multiple times.

The juror, who requested anonymity, said there was a clear consensus that the exhibits and now-infamous recordings gave them just about everything that was needed to make a decision.

Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual told reporters after the verdict that Burkes actions were a clear betrayal of the public trust.

In this case, defendant Burke had his hand out for money, Pasqual said. The public voted Mr. Burke into office. And they trusted that he would be guided by and motivated by pursuing the common good. He betrayed that trust.

With his conviction, Burke, who turns 80 on Dec. 29, has now joined the ignoble ranks of at least 37 other Chicago aldermen to be convicted of crimes since 1972. Three aldermen died while awaiting trial, while charges are pending against two others. Only one, Ray Frias, was acquitted.

The citys well-worn reputation for corruption was front and center for Burkes trial, beginning even in jury selection, when Burkes attorneys requested that the 25th-floor hallway panels featuring some of the biggest cases through the years be covered up so as not to sway jurors who might see them.

Asked if Burkes conviction might finally make a dent in the City Councils history of corruption, Pasqual paused, gave a slight smile, and said, Thats the $64,000 question.

Before the verdict was read in Kendalls packed courtroom, Burke arrived with his wife, former Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke, and other family members, turning to smile at spectators in the gallery before taking a seat at the defense table.

As the courtroom waited for the jury to come out, Burke, dressed in a black suit and uncharacteristic flat black tie, tapped on his wrist with his hand and took out a cellphone, appearing to scroll through messages.

As the verdict was read, Burke listened with a deep frown on his face, keeping his elbows on the table, his hands clasped and propping up his chin as his face flushed. After the jury left, he stood and shook hands with two of his attorneys before exiting the courtroom.

Burke left the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse not long afterward, arm in arm with his wife and flanked by his attorneys. He declined to answer questions as he ducked into a waiting SUV on South Dearborn Street.

He pulled up to his hulking, fortress-like home on West 51st Street shortly after 4 p.m,. carrying a green briefcase and wearing a brown hat and coat. He and his wife were composed as Burke opened the inner gate to the home, ignoring questions from reporters.

Burkes attorneys, Joseph Duffy and Chris Gair, declined to comment after the verdict.

Also convicted was real estate developer Charles Cui, who was accused of hiring Burkes firm, Klafter & Burke, to do property tax appeals in exchange for Burkes intervention in a permit dispute for a pole sign for a Binnys Beverage Depot.

Cui, 52, was not present in court due to an undisclosed illness, and listened to the verdict being read against him via a telephone hookup. The jury found him guilty on five counts: corruptly offering or agreeing to give things of value; using an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity; and knowingly making a false statement to the FBI.

Meanwhile, Burkes longtime ward aide Peter Andrews Jr. was acquitted of all counts against him. Andrews, 74, was accused of conspiring with Burke to pressure the Texas-based owners of 150 Chicago-area Burger King franchises into hiring Klafter & Burke by shutting down their renovation project of a restaurant in the 14th Ward.

A complete acquittal is rare in Chicagos federal courthouse, particularly in a high-profile corruption case. After the not-guilty findings were read, Andrews got up to embrace his attorneys, then sat down, leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling with a broad smile on his face.

In a statement, Andrews attorneys called the indictment an overreach and said the acquittal was a well-deserved Christmas blessing.

On behalf of our client, we are grateful to the twelve jurors who understood what we have known for over four years: Pete Andrews did not belong in this indictment, attorneys Patrick Blegen, Todd Pugh, Chelsy Van Overmeiren and Gabrielle Foley wrote.

There was no such good news for Burke, who was convicted not only of counts involving the Burger King and pole sign schemes, but also of using his significant City Hall power to try to get law business from the New York-based developers tackling the $600 million renovation of the Old Post Office.

The jury also found Burke guilty of attempting to extort the Field Museum by threatening to block an admission fee increase in retaliation against museum officials who failed to acknowledge an internship application by his goddaughter.

The high-profile, six-week trial featured some 38 witnesses and more than 100 secretly recorded videos and wiretapped recordings, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of Chicagos top political powerbrokers at work.

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.

In closing arguments last week, prosecutors put up on large video screens a series of now-notorious statements made by Burke on the recordings. Among them: The cash register has not rung yet, They can go (expletive) themselves, and Did we land the tuna?

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told the jury that Burkes words were their ticket into his real frame of mind.

Burkes attorneys, meanwhile, argued that the entire case is the product of overzealous government agents and their puppet, Solis, whom even prosecutors did not trust enough to put on the witness stand themselves. Instead, he was called by the defense and grilled about his motivations.

The fact alone that they didnt call Danny Solis in their case creates a reasonable doubt, Duffy said in his closing remarks. Why did we have to bring Danny Solis in here? That should give you pause, the fact that they ran an investigation on Mr. Burke for 30 months with a star witness Danny Solis undercover and they didnt have the decency to bring him here.

The juror who spoke to the Tribune on Thursday said the panel felt Solis testimony was largely irrelevant.

Nothing he said had any bearing on the evidence, the juror said, and so it made no difference that the government chose not to call him.

The most spirited discussions involved the charges against Andrews, according to the juror. They were not persuaded that Andrews was even aware of any scheme to shake down the Burger King, the juror said.

By the same logic, jurors acquitted Burke of conspiring with Andrews, since to have a conspiracy you have to have more than one co-conspirator.

But Cui wrote some very damning emails, the juror said, making their decision on those counts easy.

Chicagos long history of corrupt politicians did not factor into the deliberations, the juror said.

This case was an island, the juror said. (The charges) sit on their own merit.

The verdicts drew quick reaction from Mayor Brandon Johnson, who said in a statement that elected officials are responsible for serving with honest and integrity, and those that do not should be held accountable.

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who clashed with Burke repeatedly and used his legal troubles to her political advantage when she won the job on City Halls fifth floor in 2019, had even harsher words, saying in a statement the verdict cements Burkes legacy as a man who elevated personal ambition and greed over doing the peoples work.

Burkes trial was the biggest to hit Chicagos federal courthouse in years, and it rounds out a bombshell year on the public corruption front, even for a city used to seeing its politicians facing criminal charges.

So far, its been close to a clean sweep for the U.S. attorneys office. In May, four former ComEd executives and lobbyists were convicted on all charges alleging they conspired to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, the head of the state Democratic Party, by secretly funneling payments to Madigans friends for do-nothing jobs.

Months later, a jury convicted Madigans longtime chief of staff, Tim Mapes, of lying to a federal grand jury investigating the speaker.

In four months, it will be Madigans turn in the hot seat, as his jury trial on racketeering charges is slated to begin on April 1. His lawyers have moved to delay the trial, however, pending a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on a bribery-related case out of northwest Indiana that could have implications on certain counts.

Burkes trial, meanwhile, has featured allegations of a decidedly more earthy, wheres mine? type of graft than in the Madigan probe.

Its a trial that in many ways has reflected the man and his career. The son of a Democratic ward boss and alderman, Burke grew up in a home steeped in Chicagos particular brand of street-level politics. He was expert at smoothing potholes, fixing up friends with patronage jobs, and making sure everyone who benefited knew how to vote  and for whom to vote.

Burke became one of the greatest purveyors of machine politics in the city and the longest-serving alderman in Chicago history. He earned infamy in the 1980s for trying to thwart every move of Harold Washington, Chicagos first Black mayor, during the Council Wars. He allegedly ran the councils Finance Committee like his own personal fiefdom, all while overseeing a law firm, that constantly put him into ethically questionable positions.

He was known as an anointer of judges given his control of the Democratic judicial slate-making process, a student of Chicago history, and the self-proclaimed City Council parliamentarian who always seemed able to outmaneuver his rivals with his knowledge of rules and procedure.

Over the years, Burke also developed a reputation for being too savvy to ever be caught crossing any legal lines, even as he watched a never-ending parade of colleagues go down on corruption charges, including his predecessor on the Finance Committee, Ald. Thomas Keane.

That reputation went up in flames on the morning of Nov. 29, 2018, when the FBI raided Burkes City Hall office suite, covered the windows with brown butcher paper, and carted off computers, phones, and boxes of evidence.

The centerpiece of the case against Burke was the alleged Old Post Office scheme, not only because of the size of the project but also because it involved Solis, who had just started his cooperation when Burke approached him at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and pushed a local contractor to handle the post office demolition work.

Weeks later, Solis recorded Burke in a telephone call telling him to recommend the good law firm of Klafter & Burke to do the tax work at an upcoming meeting with the post office developer, Harry Skydell.

That call set off a series of memorable recordings, including one video that showed Burke welcoming Skydell and his son at one City Hall meeting, then sliding two Klafter & Burke business cards toward them. Later, he was caught on camera smirking as he told Solis he was reluctant to help Skydell because the cash register has not rung yet.

In May 2017, Burke uttered what is perhaps the most famous line in the indictment, asking Solis on a recorded call, So did we land, uh, the tuna?

And, after months of being stonewalled, Burke was captured sitting in Solis office with his legs crossed, calmly remarking hed had it with the Skydells, and as far as Im concerned they can go (expletive) themselves.

The final wiretapped recording made by Solis came on Nov. 9, 2018, just 20 days before the FBI raid that thrust the investigation into the public spotlight.

As instructed by his FBI handlers, Solis told Burke in the in-person meeting that he was planning to retire midway through his next four-year term, and then go off into the sunset. He also told Burke he had a line in on some big-time developers who were planning on a development near South Clark Street in Solis 25th Ward and would steer them to Klafter & Burke for a consulting fee.

Sure. As long as you remember me, yeah, Burke responded. We come from the old school.

Through the Burger King evidence, prosecutors portrayed Burke as constantly trawling for business, jumping at any chance to make a little money.

He took personal note of the status of construction at the Burger King location on South Pulaski Road, passed out his law firms business card at a country club meeting with its owner, Shoukat Dhanani, and told Andrews to play hardball and shut down the remodeling work when Dhanani initially failed to come through, according to trial testimony.

Dhanani testified that he agreed to hire Burkes firm in order to get the alderman to lift roadblocks to remodeling his restaurant, and also sent a political donation to support Burkes candidate for mayor.

Dhananis son, Zohaib, told the jury he was taken aback when Burke seemed to link the hiring of his property tax firm to help with the permit issue in a phone call just two weeks after theyd had lunch at the Beverly Country Club.

And um, we were going to talk about the real estate tax representation and you were going to have somebody get in touch with me so we can expedite your permits, Burke said on the June 2017 call.

Im sorry, Mr. Burke, what was that last part? Zohaib Dhanani responded.

Jurors also heard meticulously detailed evidence about a pole sign permit for the Binnys Beverage Depot on the Northwest Side, far away from Burkes 14th Ward. Cui stood to lose significant money if the sign couldnt be used, and reached out to Burke, hoping his clout would grease the wheels with the city.

In perhaps the most damning evidence of the pole sign episode, jurors were shown a 2017 email from Cui to his lawyer, asking to switch attorneys.

Can I have Edward Burke handle 4901 W Irving Park property tax appeal for me, at least for this year? Cui wrote. I need his favor for my TIF money. In addition I need his help for my zoning etc for my project. He is a powerful broker in City Hall, and I need him now. Ill transfer the case back to you after this year.

Burke tried to smooth the way for the permit sign, jurors heard, calling the city zoning administrator and reaching out the the buildings commissioner. The permit, however, was still not approved, and ultimately the sign was torn down.

The Field Museum evidence was the only allegation that did not involve Burkes law firm. Instead, Burke was accused of threatening to withhold his approval of a proposed fee increase for the museum because they did not consider an internship application from his goddaughter.

If the chairman of the Committee on Finance calls the president of the Park Board, your proposal is going to go nowhere, Burke snapped on a phone call with the museums government affairs director.

Chicago Tribune reporter Caroline Kubzansky contributed

NOTE: This story has updated to reflect the correct number of alderman convicted since 1972 is 38.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

rlong@chicagotribune.com

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  Although he emphasized that it was proof of Filipino courage, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has voiced concern over China's recent water cannon attack on a Philippine vessel carrying Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Romeo Brawner.

"The recent incident involving no less than our AFP chief of staff is worrisome, yes, but it is a proud demonstration of Filipino courage against coercion and our firm resolve to protect, preserve, and uphold territorial integrity," Marcos told troops as the AFP celebrates its 88th anniversary on Thursday.

On Dec. 10, the wooden boat Unaizah Mae 1 was blasted with water cannon by the China Coast Guard (CCG). It was the latest in a string of tensions between Manila and Beijing.

Brawner revealed that China was likely unaware that he was on board the boat, wearing a face mask and civilian clothes, when the CCG fired water cannons at the vessel which was on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. No one was injured.

An armed attack by any external party in the Pacific, including anywhere in the South China Sea, on a Philippine public vessel, aircraft, or armed forces could trigger US response under the Mutual Defence Treaty of the two allies.

READ: Biden reasserts 'ironclad' defense commitment after West PH Sea collisions

"We shall continue to assert our rights in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and international law," Marcos said.

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, including the West Philippine Sea.

"The Philippines, through the AFP, remains a force and a voice of reason, exemplifying responsible and dignified behavior in resolving issues in accordance with international law," the president stressed.

The chief executive also underscored the importance of the Armed Forces now more than ever as the Philippines finds itself in the middle of geopolitical tensions.

RELATED: Marcos: 'Paradigm shift' needed in diplomatic efforts with China on WPS row
The Senate confirmed large batches of Defense Department nominees this month, ending a 10-month blockade on military promotions for hundreds of officers  except one.

As the Senate gaveled out for their holiday recess Wednesday, the promotion of Air Force Col. Benjamin Jonsson remained on hold. Even after the months-long blockade on military promotions was lifted this month by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who was protesting military abortion access policies, another senator stepped in to block Jonssons promotion to brigadier general.

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is stonewalling the promotion because of his concerns about Jonssons stances on the militarys diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Schmitts office did not elaborate on his reason for the hold, other than to describe DEI programs as divisive and to note that Schmitt was a proponent of ending them.

Senator Schmitt has long been an advocate for eradicating these DEI programs, and hopes to resolve these issues to ensure that these divisive DEI programs dont continue to drive a wedge between military members and deepen the already existing recruiting crisis, Will OGrady, Schmitts press secretary, said in a statement.

Because Jonssons nomination wasnt approved before the Senate recessed for the year, the White House will have to resubmit his nomination for promotion to the Senate in 2024, according to Senate rules described by the Congressional Research Service.

Jonsson faced public criticism after submitting a commentary for Air Force Times in 2020 titled, Dear white colonel  we must address our blind spots around race.

The Air Force colonel wrote the opinion piece just days after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In it, he urged other white colonels to acknowledge racial disparities in the Air Force, and he relayed specific instances in which white colonels were unwilling to discuss problems of racism, discrimination and inequality.

Dear white colonel  we must address our blind spots around race

Jonsson ended the piece by encouraging white colonels to read the book, White Fragility: Why Its So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, a New York Times bestseller recommended by various news publications and universities to readers who wanted to educate themselves about racism amid the fallout from Floyds murder.

As white colonels, you and I are the biggest barriers to change if we do not personally address racial injustice in our Air Force, Jonsson wrote. Defensiveness is a predictable response by white people to any discussion of racial injustice. White colonels are no exception. We are largely blind to institutional racism, and we take offense to any suggestion that our system advantaged us at the expense of others.

The Heritage Foundation wrote sharp criticism of Jonsson after the Defense Department announced his promotion to brigadier general earlier this year. The conservative think tank took issue with Jonssons commentary in Air Force Times and argued he had espoused woke views, referring to what the group sees as radically progressive DEI policies. Those policies dont fall in line with traditional American values, the Heritage Foundation wrote.

The think tank also blasted Jonsson for recommending the book White Fragility, which they claimed endorsed so-called critical race theory, which centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nations institutions.

Col. Jonsson exhibited a toxic embrace of DEI policies that have no place in the U.S. military, wrote William Thibeau, who works for the conservative think tank Claremont Institute, in the Heritage Foundations post. His public characterization of white colonels blindness is inherently divisive and sends shockwaves through his command.

Jonsson was the vice wing commander for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar when he penned the commentary for Air Force Times. In 2022, he assumed the role of vice superintendent of the Air Force Academy before moving this summer to Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, a spokesperson with the Air Force Academy said.

According to his military biography, Jonsson flew some of the initial C-17A combat missions of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was later accepted into the Olmsted Scholar Program, which awards scholarships to junior officers to pursue overseas graduate-level education.

Jonsson was not the only officer to be blocked by Schmitt, meanwhile, due to concerns over DEI policies, but he is currently the last officer to have his promotion stalled. Schmitt originally placed a hold on six officers but lifted the blockade on five of them. The Senate cleared those five confirmations late last week. And on Tuesday, the chamber confirmed 11 senior military nominees who had been stalled for months.

Opposition to the Pentagons DEI efforts has spiked among select conservative lawmakers since 2020, when Congress first expanded such programs and mandated the Defense Departments hiring of a chief diversity officer, said Liz Yates, a researcher with the advocacy group Human Rights First.

Attempts by some lawmakers to dismantle the militarys DEI programs reached a flash point earlier this year, as the House and Senate struggled to come to terms on the national defense policy bill.

Congress approved a version of the bill earlier this month that capped the base pay of DEI staff at the Pentagon and instituted a hiring freeze on DEI positions until the Government Accountability Office completes an investigation of the militarys DEI programs. However, more severe proposals by GOP members were omitted from the final text, including one measure to eliminate the position of chief diversity officer.

With all but Jonssons confirmation approved, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., lauded the advancements Wednesday as a very good outcome and urged senators not to hold military families hostage for political agendas.

I hope this never happens again. Let the experience of the past 10 months be a warning: No senator should use our military officers and their families as political pawns to push a political agenda, Schumer said on the Senate floor prior to breaking for holiday recess. This was a long and painful ordeal for our Armed Forces. Lets make sure this never happens again, no matter how strongly any of the 100 senators feel about any one issue.

This story was produced in partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism. Please send tips to MVJ-Tips@militarytimes.com.
Another batch of nearly 300 airmen will receive military awards for their actions during Operation Allies Refuge, the U.S.-led evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan in 2021, the Air Force announced Wednesday.

The latest round of medals includes 12 Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Pentagons highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement; four Bronze Stars, including one with a device signifying valor; 208 Air Medals, for especially noteworthy acts in flight; and 73 Meritorious Service Medals, for heroism or similarly significant accomplishments.

Hundreds more airmen to receive medals for roles in Kabul evacuation

Most of the decorations denote involvement in combat.

The awards honor the airmens highest-caliber bravery and tenacity during the largest evacuation of noncombatants in Air Force history, spokesperson 1st Lt. Peyton Craven said.

Allies Refuge rushed to evacuate more than 124,000 American and Afghan citizens from Afghanistan in a matter of weeks as the Taliban returned to power after almost two decades at war with the United States.

Initial awards focused on the contributions of pilots and other aviators; later rounds have aimed to recognize airmen outside the cockpit. The newest group of recipients spans the aircraft maintainers, loadmasters, elite security forces known as Ravens, aeromedical evacuation personnel and tanker aircrews whose support made Allies Refuge possible.

Hundreds more airmen to receive military awards for Kabul evacuation

Acknowledgement of their heroic feats is long overdue, Air Mobility Command boss Gen. Mike Minihan said in a release.

The Air Force declined to provide the names of troops who will receive the honors or descriptions of their roles in the evacuation.

Air Mobility Command has approved nearly 750 awards for airmen involved in Allies Refuge. Its unclear how many more airmen have received honors in connection with the operation because those decisions are spread across multiple organizations, the service said.

Minihan has promised to pursue additional top-level honors, like the Presidential Unit Citation, for mobility crews who were left out of earlier nomination packages.
A man was killed in a shooting Wednesday night outside of a convenience store in Kansas Citys North Indian Mound neighborhood, according to police.

Officers were dispatched shortly before 10 p.m. to a report of gunfire heard in the 5500 block of East St. John Avenue, said Capt. Corey Carlisle, a department spokesman. As the officers were responding, the call was updated to a shooting, Carlisle said.

The officers located a lone gunshot victim, described as an adult male, on the northern sidewalk. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives were searching for witnesses as well as any surveillance video in the area, Carlisle said. Police did not have a suspect identified Wednesday night and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unknown.

The killing marks Kansas Citys 179th homicide of 2023, according to data maintained by The Star. The level of violence seen in the city this year has rivaled its deadliest on record, which occurred in 2020 when 182 people were killed.

Kansas City police were asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.
This article was originally published in Kansas Reflector.

TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kellys task force on early childhood development outlined Monday a plan for improving coordination of the education and care of pre-kindergarten kids by consolidating services scattered among four state entities into a newly created agency or within an existing department.

The Early Childhood Transition Task Force authorized by the first executive order issued in Kellys second term as governor prompted a review of state services for children from birth to 5 and resulted in the recommendation to unify programs within the executive branch. The task force collaborated during the nine-month project with the Hunt Institute, a North Carolina nonprofit associated with Duke University.

Task force co-chairs Sam Huenergardt, CEO of AdventHealth Systems Mid-America Region, and Cornelia Stevens, executive director of TOP Early Learning Centers in Wichita, said state agency officials, private-sector advocates and state legislators on the task force studied Kansas early childhood landscape, listened to more than 500 stakeholders and consulted with other states to develop the plan for adopting a coordinated system.

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As in most states, the co-chairs said, Kansas early childhood programs are spread across multiple government agencies, creating duplication and inefficiencies that force Kansas families to navigate a needlessly complex bureaucratic maze in order to access time sensitive services. Its time we did better.

The Bipartisan Policy Center, an independent organization in Washington, D.C., issued a report this year ranking Kansas 49th in the nation in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of early childhood systems.

About four dozen child care and early childhood development programs have been scattered among the Kansas Department for Children and Families, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Childrens Cabinet and Trust Fund.

Kelly on board

Kelly, a Democrat who served more than 15 years in the GOP-led Legislature, said Kansas should reshape management of the states overly complex network of programs for children. The state would benefit from centralizing a system difficult for families and external stakeholders to navigate, Kelly said.

Streamlining the administration of these programs and reducing the red tape around accessing them will save money and make it easier for families and providers to navigate the system, Kelly said. This is a nonpartisan issue that affects all Kansans, rural and urban alike, and addressing it pays dividends for everyone in the state.

Kelly said the earliest years of childhood were crucial to the trajectory of academic achievement, healthy development and social mobility.

After formation of the task force, Republican members of the Kansas Legislature expressed skepticism that establishing a new state agency would do much to help children excel. In the past, the Legislature rejected Kellys recommendation to merge the state Department for Children and Families with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

Task force members warned consolidation of governmental services was a complex and labor intensive process that required thoughtful transition planning.

Many states identified the start of formal schooling at kindergarten, but the task force report said achievement gaps could manifest long before children reached schoolhouse doors.

In addition, the task force went beyond scope of their directive to suggest Kansas ought to increase state aid for child care and make use of economic development funds to encourage businesses to expand child care services. Members said Kansas should explore piloting a child care cost-sharing program similar to Michigans Tri-Share Program or Kentuckys Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership Program.

A blueprint

The report of the task force urged Kelly to consider the options of placing authority over Kansas early childhood programs within an existing state agency or a newly created state agency. In 2021, Missouri consolidated programs in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Colorado advanced its centralization initiative by creating the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

In terms of an implementation timeline, the task force suggested adoption of a consolidation law during the 2024 legislative session, creation of an implementation team by September, establishment of the new entity or department by July 2024 and completion of the realignment by July 2026.

The unified entity needed to be led by a highly qualified, permanent administrator who reported directly to the governor, the task force said. The transition director chosen to advance the reform law adopted by the Legislature and governor shouldnt be hired as permanent administrator, the report said.

The task force said all state programs relating to child care services at KDCF, KDHE and the Kansas Childrens Cabinet and Trust Fund should be realigned under one entity.

Preschool programs housed in the Kansas State Department of Education ought to remain there because many were administered by local school districts, the task force said. KDCF should retain authority of child protective services, foster care and adoption services. Likewise, the task force said, KDHE would maintain oversight of programs focused on general health outcomes of children.

Task force members recommended the new entity track more than 40 benchmark statistics to determine whether the unified approach had a positive influence on children, families, providers and communities.

Significant challenges

Since 2019, Kansas invested more than $450 million in state and federal funds to increase support for providers of early childhood programs and broaden access to reliable programs.

The task forces needs assessment indicated Kansas families with young children experienced inequitable access to high-quality programs and services. Families in Kansas must adopt a connect-the-dots approach to navigating services across administrative agencies. Kansas was experiencing both a workforce and facility shortage across the state in terms of early childhood programs, the task force said.

Early childhood providers and stakeholders share a desire for collaboration and cooperation, but these efforts are often disconnected and uncoordinated, the report said.

The task force identified administrative shortcomings that included overlapping program requirements for similar services to the same populations, lack of clear lines of decision making, lack of alignment of workforce policy, funding streams not optimized toward common goals and public confusion over which agencies were responsible for specific services.

Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com. Follow Kansas Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
A Kansas woman has filed a lawsuit against the rideshare company Lyft and three individuals who she claims in the suit are responsible for a violent rape last year, alleging negligence, liability and assault and battery.

The lawsuit, initially filed in district court and then refiled in federal court on Dec. 11 on behalf of a Kansas woman who is anonymous in court records, is seeking more than $75,000 in damages.

Named as defendants in the suit are Lyft, Joshua Williams, Michalia Williams, and Terri Parham. Although Joshua Williams and Michalia Williams are the only two accused in the assault, Parham is being sued for allowing her license to be used in Michalia Williams Lyft application. The lawsuit further alleges that Lyft is directly liable for failing to protect riders like the plaintiff from violent criminals and sexual predators.

The suit contends the young woman had been drinking when she booked a Lyft ride on March 5, 2022.

The woman recognized the driver, Michalia Williams, whose name in the app was under Terri. The woman got into the vehicle with Williams, who was alongside her husband, Joshua Williams.

According to court documents, the plaintiff was unaware that Joshua Williams had an extensive criminal record, including convictions of aggravated assault, battery, disorderly conduct, driving with a suspended license, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

The plaintiff argues in the suit that she entered the vehicle under the impression that the defendants represented Lyft as professional drivers, ensuring her safety.

Once the woman entered the vehicle, the defendants drove to her requested stop, a liquor store, before heading to her apartment. During the ride, the victim alleged that defendants Michalia and Joshua Williams assaulted her and manipulated her into accessing her apartment. While in the car, the defendants allegedly deactivated the Lyft app and then entered her home.

The suit says Joshua Williams and Michalia Williams violently raped the plaintiff while she was intoxicated. After the attack, the suit claims the defendants stole some of the womans personal belongings and fled the scene.

The next day, the victim went to a hospital in Lawrence to receive a sexual assault exam. Following the exam, the case was referred to Lawrence police.

According to the suit, Joshua Williams and Michalia Williams were both charged with aggravated criminal sodomy and theft.

Michalia Williams was approved to be a Lyft driver after submitting a fraudulent application, including a photo of herself along with Terri Parhams drivers license, per the suit. As a result, Parham is being sued for negligence for her involvement which led to the attack.

The plaintiff wants Lyft to be held accountable for negligent hiring, supervision and retention of Lyft drivers Terri Parham, Joshua Williams, and Michalia Williams, who she claims were all involved.

The suit contends the plaintiff called Lyft to notify the company of her assault, and they allegedly hung up on her.

The woman has since suffered mental and emotional stress due to Lyfts negligence, and will never be the same, the suit says.

Lyft and their attorneys were not immediately available for a response. There were no attorneys listed for the other defendants.
LAKEWOOD  Most people know the jingle right away.

And the name, Kars4Kids, has become both the object of support from the charities receiving its financial donations, as well as scorn, from those sick of hearing that musical pitch.

What few may know, however, is that the name, Kars4Kids (with a K), has been the subject of a bitter legal battle for nearly a decade involving a Texas-based charity using a similar name, Cars For Kids (with a C).

But a solution may finally be at hand after a recent court hearing offered hope for a conclusion to what observers see as a test case for copyright law and charitable fundraising.

More: Lakewood's landmark theater hosted Taylor Swift, George Carlin. What's next?

We hope they will vindicate, and the truth will prevail, said Wendy Kerwin, a spokesperson for Kars4Kids, based in Lakewood. And we will see our rights reaffirmed.

The dispute dates back to 2014 when Kars4Kids fired the first shot by suing Texas-based American Can Cars for Kids in federal court in New Jersey, claiming trademark infringement, unfair competition and trademark dilution, according to attorneys.

The initial lawsuit contended that Cars for Kids is confusingly similar to Kars4Kids, which has made its name with the recognizable radio ad and related promotions.

A year later, American Can Cars for Kids filed its own suit against Kar4Kids in a Texas federal court claiming trademark infringement and unfair competition.

We spent a lot of time and money developing our Cars for Kids trademark in Texas, and we get donations from many other states, said Chainey Singleton, general counsel for American Can Cars For Kids. It has caused a lot of confusion with consumers. That happens a lot.

Both outlets are 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that accept donated vehicles and other items, auction them off, and give the proceeds to childrens charities.

Federal tax records indicate American Can Cars for Kids received $12.1 million in donations in 2022, while Kars4Kids took in more than $101 million.

American Can Cars for Kids launched in 1992 and provides funding to a variety of charities, including a unique network of 14 charter schools across Texas in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio that serve students who have struggled in a traditional high school setting, the organization said in a statement.

Kars4Kids, in existence since 1994, focuses primarily on Jewish-related charities and has come under attack with claims that it is not open about how it uses its donations and potentially misleads donors.

In 2017, the Minnesota attorney general issued a report that Kars4Kids had raised $3 million from Minnesota donors but only spent $11,600 between 2012 and 2014 for local charities there.

More: Ocean County group celebrates kindness for a week, then shares it with the community

That same year, the non-profit site Charity Watch criticized Kars4Kids, stating the organization deceives potential donors by failing to inform them that donated cars will benefit a Jewish organization and kids of Jewish faith.

Kerwin dismisses such complaints, noting the attorney general brought no formal charges or other specific criminal claims. She also said Kars4Kids does not promise to donate equal amounts to states based on the donations provided from them.

It was an intensive investigation, and they came up with very little to complain about, Kerwin said. It found that we raised more money in Minnesota than we give to charity there, which is true. But we have charities we give to throughout the country.

Both lawsuits were eventually consolidated in 2016 into one case in federal court in New Jersey, with a trial held in 2019.

The federal court jury ruled in May 2019 in favor of American Can Cars for Kids. A year later, a federal judge awarded $11 million in damages to American Can Cars for Kids.

That award was later reduced to $10.6 million, attorneys said.

Kars4Kids appealed the verdict to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia in 2021, which remanded it back to federal court in New Jersey with a directive to review the damage amount.

They wanted to take a look at a certain period of advertising and determine if that had to be included in the damages award, said Valerie Yanaros, an attorney for American Can Cars for Kids.

More: Judges set deadline for state to provide Lakewood with more school aid

The New Jersey Federal Court reduced the damages to $7.8 million, which Kars4Kids appealed again to the Third District in May 2023.

A hearing was held before the appeals court on Dec. 12, and both sides are awaiting the next ruling.

It could be a year, but I think the last appeal was decided in a month and a half, said Yanaros. It has been going on for 10 years, the jury decided that our client was using it first, we have litigated this in-depth. There has been a lot of expert work on this on the damages.

Kerwin said her organization has raised the name to a prominent level and needs to protect its brand like any other.

We have been pouring our marketing brains and blood, sweat and tears into this brand and building it up, she said. We are the brand. This other organization is trying to capitalize on our success.

Joe Strupp is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience who covers education and several local communities for APP.com and the Asbury Park Press. He is also the author of three books, including Killing Journalism on the state of the news media, and an adjunct media professor at Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Reach him at jstrupp@gannettnj.com and at 732-413-3840. Follow him on Twitter at @joestrupp

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Kars4Kids accused of infringing on name used in Texas
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., stand on stage before a Republican presidential primary debate on Nov. 8, 2023, in Miami. | Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press

In the hours after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump will not appear on the states Republican primary ballot, each of his challengers spoke out against the courts decision.

The court determined Trump violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, known as the insurrection clause, which bars individuals from holding public office after engaging in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution.

The ruling will likely be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Related

Trumps remaining challengers for the Republican Partys presidential nomination all spoke out against the decision Tuesday night. Ron DeSantis called the ruling unfair and a stunt. Vivek Ramaswamy pledged to remove his own name from Colorados ballot in protest. And both Chris Christie and Nikki Haley emphasized that voters, not judges, should determine who the GOP chooses as its nominee.

All the while, Trump maintains a monumental lead in national polls, sitting at around 60% in FiveThirtyEights polling average. His closest challengers  DeSantis and Haley  are in the low teens.

Trumps competitors have been hesitant to criticize the former president. Each of them  except Christie  pledged to support Trump if he is the nominee, even if he is convicted in any of the criminal cases against him.

But even Christie opposed the courts ruling, saying the decision is bad for the country during a town hall in New Hampshire on Tuesday evening.

I do not believe Donald Trump should be prevented from being president of the United States, by any court, Christie said, minutes after the ruling was made public. I think he should be prevented from being the president of the United States by the voters of this country.

Christie emphasized his view that Trumps actions on January 6 were horribly wrong, but that Americans deserve to have a trial before rights are taken away from them.

Haley gave a similar answer. After a campaign event in Iowa Tuesday, Haley told reporters the decision is the last thing we want.

I want to see this in the hands of the voters, Haley said. Were going to win this the right way, were going to do what we need to do but the last thing we want is judges telling us who can and cant be on the ballot.

DeSantis took a more conspiratorial position on the ruling, claiming it was a stunt by Democrats to help Trump win the GOP primary. He accused Democrats of abusing power.

What the left and the media and the Democrats are doing  theyre doing all this stuff, to basically solidify support in the primary for him, get him into the general, and the whole general election is going to be all this legal stuff, DeSantis said Wednesday morning.

In a post on X, Ramaswamy called the ruling an attack on democracy and an election interference tactic.

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, Ramaswamy wrote. No other candidate has pledged to withdraw from the Colorado ballot.
Mrs Thatcher made a lot of right calls in her time, but none more so than in what she chose to wear when she drove a tank for the cameras on a visit to British forces in West Germany. She was dressed in a rather fetching long white mac and matching headscarf. Im the Prime Minister, she was saying, not a squaddie. Im not trying to pretend that I am doing their work.

If only there had been someone around to give some advice to Keir Starmer before he popped on television in military fatigues  while, for goodness sake, calling for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.

No, Mr Starmer, you are a Labour leader auditioning to be PM; you are not leading a military junta. I can only hope there arent a few old majors out there in the nations retirement homes who saw the clip and have concluded that Starmer has just led a coup detat, and now wont get out from under their beds.

I can see the thinking behind it. Labours strategists know that defence is traditionally one of Labours weak points and they want to get the message across that their leader is pretty tough. Unlike some Labourites, he is not going to sit in his Downing Street bunker as nuclear missiles rain down on Britain and refuse to press the button on the grounds it is still worth talking to the enemy.

But even so, it is pretty laughable to see Starmer posing in military garb. For one thing, I thought Labour types were supposed to be touchy about cultural appropriation. He wouldnt dare wear a sombrero if he visited a Mexican restaurant, nor don a grass skirt while visiting Maoris in New Zealand. So why does he think he has to dress up in military fatigues just because he is visiting an army base?

We know who you are: you are a lawyer, not a lance corporal. Stop trying to pretend you know one end of a bazooka from another. By the way, there is no point in wearing camouflage indoors, either. It is there to help make you blend into the grass and bushes, not concrete.

To be fair to Starmer, he isnt the first senior politician to entertain fantasies of being a soldier. Liz Truss wore a flak jacket while taking her own drive in a tank. Boris Johnson, too, turned out in fatigues on a visit to our troops in Estonia. Then theres Michael Heseltine  least surprising of all.

So I say to any politician thinking of dressing up in military gear: no, you are not going to impress us. We are not that type of country.

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Keith Lees visit to Houston in November was part of his national food tour to try some of the best eateries in town, and one entrepreneur was determined to have the food critic try a popular item from his menu.

According to KPRC-TV, Ishmael Wilson is a college student and owner of HTX Food Plug in Houston. He posted a video on Nov. 20 to his TikTok account, just days before Lee and his family visited the city.

At the time, the ambitious business owner asked his followers to tag Lee to try his Flaming Hot Cheeto boudin balls. Wilsons viral plea paid off, as he caught the food critics attention.

On Monday, the 27-year-old took to TikTok and stitched Wilsons original video with an update  a taste test of the boudin balls.

In the three-minute video, Lee discussed how Wilson almost got his truck towed at an airport after promising to deliver food to Lee and his family before they left Houston. He also shared the pairs text thread, where he asked Wilson if he could try the boudin balls after watching a video of customers trying the famous treat.

Yo my name is Keith, God bless you. I would love to have a quick conversation with you if you available able potentially trying some boudin balls. I never do this, but we leave soon so Im at my last option. I appreciate you, Lee wrote.

Lee said the night before he left, Wilson reached out about delivering food to him at the airport.

Yes sir most definitely is it possible if I can whip you and your family up some boudin balls and pasta tomorrow! Im a college student so I do open on weekends at the moment just to have time for school but Ill be more then happy to serve you ! I know you do not like special treatment but this is the only way I can get you squared away if I go in and prep you a few orders tomorrow. Id that fine with you Mr. Keith? I do not have class tomorrow as the semester is winding down, Wilson explained in the text.

Wilson kept his promise and drove to the airport to deliver the food and meet Lee. He also sent Lee photos of him at the airport with the famed boudin balls, per KPRC-TV.

Minutes later, Lee walked outside to meet Wilson, and the two walked back inside and conducted the highly anticipated taste test of the boudin balls.

Thats solid, I dont even like Hot Cheetos, Lee said in the video. It leaves a good crust. If it wasnt for the crust, I wouldnt like this at all, I aint going to lie to you because Im a texture person.  Its fire though.

Lee rated the boudin balls with an 8.9/10. He also said he respected Wilsons hustle and gifted the college student $2,500 to use to fix the dent in his truck door and whatever else he needed with the funds.

On Wednesday, Wilson shared a video on TikTok, thanking Lee for the money. He said he used the funds to buy a new fryer, a stainless steel table and a refrigerator.
Critics suggested civil servants excluded Kemi Badenoch from the advert because it failed to fit their agenda - GEOFF PUGH

Civil servants working for Kemi Badenoch placed an advert in a controversial magazine celebrating ethnically diverse role models  but failed to mention her.

The Business and Trade Secretary is one of only 14 ethnic minority Cabinet ministers in British political history.

But in a recruitment advert taken out in the Black History Month magazine, which celebrates ethnic minority role models, the Department for Business and Trade named three civil servants  but not Ms Badenoch, the black woman who leads them.

The departments advert, on page five of the pamphlet, was titled: Work for a diverse, global organisation.

It said: The Department for Business and Trade is the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. Our people are based throughout the UK and in over 100 countries around the world.

A recruitment advert for the Department for Business and Trade showcasing its diverse workforce failed to mention Kemi Badenoch

While the advert mentioned the three civil servants who co-chair the departments race, ethnicity and cultural heritage (Reach) network  Martina Andersen, Noel Bartels and Natasha Hira  it failed to name or picture Ms Badenoch, who has risen up the ranks of the Conservative Party to become a favourite among members for her hardline views on race activism.

Critics suggested that civil servants excluded her because it did not fit their agenda or the theme of the magazine, which featured two Labour MPs and a series of activists criticising racism in Britain.

The magazine also praised Reni Eddo-Lodge as a pivotal voice in modern racial discourse over her book, Why Im No Longer Talking to White People About Race.

Perceptions of civil service impartiality matter

A Whitehall source told The Telegraph: This is an unfortunate example of what happens when well-meaning officials do not sense check decisions with ministers.

Perceptions of civil service impartiality matter, so endorsing a publication with figures who criticise government and without cross-party representation is unhelpful.

Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, an academic and author who is director of the anti-racism group Dont Divide Us, said: Do the civil servants at the Department for Business and Trade want to celebrate the achievements of black people, or celebrate only those black people who share a particular political outlook?

Diversity of political viewpoints is far more important for democracy than ethnic or racial diversity.

Black History Month, the organisation that publishes the magazine, was criticised in 2021 after a Telegraph investigation found that its website contained claims that white people are the genetically defective descendants of albino mutants and featured taxpayer-funded adverts.

The current edition of the annual magazine also features a double-page article by the Home Office which includes interviews with its deputy director of equality, diversity and wellbeing and its race champion and director for asylum accommodation, but fails to mention Suella Braverman, who was the home secretary when it was published in September.

The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Eric Jose Ines as the new acting general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and as a member of its board of directors.

The Palace ordered Ines' appointment in a letter signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Dec. 15 and addressed to DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista.

Ines replaced former MIAA chief Cesar Chiong, whom the Office of the Ombudsman ordered dismissed in August over grave misconduct, abuse of authority or oppression, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

READ: Ombudsman orders dismissal of MIAA acting chief, deputy

Bryan Co was named MIAA officer-in-charge in May when Chiong was suspended, and continued leading the agency after the former chief was dismissed.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Ines obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Philippines. He completed his Airport and Airline Management and Aviation Security course at the Bailbrook College, School of Aviation in the United Kingdom.

From Jan. 1, 1988 to June 30, 1997, he was a senior security officer of Gulf Air both in Manila and in Southeast Asia.

Ines was airport station manager for Gulf Air in Manila from July 1, 1997 to Feb. 28, 2006, and for Etihad Airways from March 1, 2006 to Dec. 31, 2017.

The PCO added that Ines served as senior executive assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Local Government and Community Development from April 1, 1973 to March 31, 1986.
FOX 2 (WJBK) - Ken Calvert, who was on Detroit radio for over 40 years, died on Wednesday. He was 72.

His long-term friend and fellow radio personality, Jim Johnson, confirmed his death with FOX 2.

Calvert was born and raised in Detroit.

He worked for several Detroit rock stations, such as WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM, WWWW-FM, WLLZ-FM and others. He was also a Detroit Pistons PA announcer for 16 years.

Isiah Thomas, a former Pistons point guard, posted his condolences to Twitter, formerly known as X.

As an announcer, Calvert "invented a lot of new ways to hype the sport," Johnson said. "He was awesome."

In his later days, he hosted the Ken Calvert Show Podcast, featuring interviews surrounding classic rock, sports, comedy, and more.

"Ken Calvert was among the first people I ever met in the radio business in Detroit in 1975," Johnson said. "Our careers intertwined from WWWW in the mid 70s, to WRIF in the late 70s and early 80s, to WLLC in the 80s and 90s, to WCSX in the 2000s."

Additionally, he has held positions at Sony Music's Columbia Records as a local and regional promotion and marketing manager.

Calvert will be remembered as "a mentor, a friend, and a compatriot," Johnson added. "The world is a more sad place today than it was yesterday. God bless you Ken Calvert, rest in peace."
Yahya Sinwar, head of the Hamas political bureau, greeting the audience at the International Quds Day festival on the last Friday of Ramadan, in Gaza City on April 14, 2023. (Samar Abu Elouf/The New York Times)

ISTANBUL  Fluttering down from the skies over the Gaza Strip on a recent day were clouds of flyers dropped by the Israeli military asking for tips on the whereabouts of top Hamas leaders.

The end of Hamas is near, the flyers proclaimed in Arabic, promising hefty bounties to anyone who helped bring about the arrest of those who had brought destruction and ruin to the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas leader in Gaza, Yehia Sinwar, headed the list in exchange for a reward of $400,000  more than 1,500 times Gazas average monthly wage.

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Israels stated goal in the war is to destroy Hamas, the armed Palestinian group that rules Gaza and set off the war there by attacking Israel on Oct. 7. But despite a military campaign that has caused nearly 20,000 deaths in Gaza and reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble, Israel has yet to locate Sinwar and other senior Hamas figures considered key plotters of the attack 10 weeks ago.

Israel considers Sinwar central to the Oct. 7 attack, which killed roughly 1,200 people, with some 240 others taken back to Gaza as captives, Israeli officials say. Now in his 50s, he was a founding member of Hamas in the late 1980s and developed a harsh reputation for punishing Palestinians suspected of spying for Israel.

He is a very tough guy, a brutal guy, said Mkhaimar Abusada, an associate professor of political science at Al-Azhar University in Gaza who is now in Cairo.

Sinwars die-hard commitment to his organizations Islamist ideology makes it unlikely he will go down easily.

If he is killed, he is going to go to heaven. He doesnt really care much about his life, Abusada said, describing Sinwars mentality. Israel would be mistaken if it thought that he was going to surrender or that Sinwar was going to raise a white flag.

Israel is also seeking Sinwars brother and confidant, Mohammed. He has not been seen since the war began, although the Israeli military this week released a Hamas video captured in Gaza that it said showed him riding in a car through an underground tunnel in Gaza.

The flyers dropped over Gaza offered $300,000 for information leading to his capture.

Also named in the flyers were Rafi Salameh, a Hamas military commander, and Mohammed Deif, the leader of the Hamas armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, who is believed to have lost an eye and been seriously wounded in previous Israeli attempts to assassinate him.

Israel offered $200,000 for information about Salameh and $100,000 for Deif.

But the greatest symbolic and operational blow Israel could deal to Hamas would be to kill Yehia Sinwar, analysts and Israeli officials said. Despite the destruction of much of Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, Sinwar still has some control over the groups operations and was able to deliver on swaps of captives with Israel last month that had been negotiated by Hamas leaders in exile.

Unlike most Hamas military figures, who remained in the shadows even before this war began, Sinwar often attended events and gave speeches, which raised his profile among Palestinians and Israelis. His killing would not only challenge Hamas operations but almost certainly dampen morale, while cheering Israelis.

The elusiveness of these top Hamas figures is depriving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government of tangible proof to show both his domestic audience and a growing chorus of foreign leaders calling for a cease-fire that Israel is progressing toward its goal of wiping out Hamas.

In the last 10 days, about two-thirds of the United Nations General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire; Britain, France and Germany urged a truce; and the Biden administration dispatched senior officials to press Israel to scale back the intensity of the war in the coming weeks in favor of a tactical campaign focused on Hamas.

But Netanyahu has vowed to keep fighting, and Israeli officials have suggested a longer timeline that could see intensive bombing and ground maneuvers well into next year.

Israeli officials insist that they have made progress in degrading Hamas by killing thousands of its fighters, including important commanders, and destroying parts of a vast tunnel network the group built to secretly shuttle fighters and weapons around the territory.

The fact that the most senior Hamas leaders in Gaza have so far bedeviled Israels attempts to find them leaves open the possibility that they could survive the war and work to revive the groups capabilities after the guns fall silent.

Israel had already missed several opportunities over the years to remove Sinwar from the battlefield.

He was arrested in 1988 and put on trial for the murders of four Palestinians suspected of spying for Israel, according to Israeli court records. He spent more than two decades in prison in Israel, where he later said he passed his time getting to know his enemy: He learned Hebrew, read widely and became a leader among Palestinian prisoners.

There is no doubt that he is stubborn and a good negotiator, said Sofyan Abu Zaydeh, a former Palestinian official in the West Bank who met Sinwar near the end of his own 12-year prison stint in the late 1980s.

He described Sinwar as deeply ideological. In 1993, other Palestinian factions signed interim peace agreements with Israel known as the Oslo Accords, recognizing Israels right to exist and creating the Palestinian Authority, a sort of government-in-waiting. Hamas rejected those agreements, sticking to its commitment to destroying Israel, and Sinwar refused to meet with representatives of the more moderate Palestinian Authority.

He said that those who are products of Oslo, I dont recognize them, Abu Zaydeh said.

Sinwar was serving multiple life sentences, but in 2011 he was released in a swap of 1,026 Palestinians for one Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, captured by Hamas five years earlier.

Sinwar returned to Gaza committed to freeing the remaining Palestinian prisoners, considered by many Palestinians to be unjustly held.

He promised his colleagues when he left that their freedom was his burden, said Abu Zaydeh, who himself was released in 1993 and served as a minister for prisoner affairs in the Palestinian Authority. Oct. 7, on a basic level, was about freeing prisoners.

Since the October attack, other Hamas leaders have said this was a central goal of the assault, and last month Hamas managed to get 240 Palestinians released by Israel in exchange for 105 Israelis. About 120 hostages remain in Gaza, some of them soldiers Hamas would like to trade for more and higher-profile prisoners.

Yuval Bitton, a former head of the Israeli Prison Services Intelligence Division, said that Israel had decided to release Sinwar instead of other prisoners because he did not have Israeli blood on his hands. Exchanging Palestinian prisoners who have killed Israelis is a highly charged issue for the Israeli public and rarely happens.

Bitton, who was in the service at the time but not yet its head, said he had seen Sinwars ability to affect other prisoners and even events outside the prison and so had argued against Sinwars release.

I told them that the fact that he would be released would influence the field very, very much  that he was a great danger and that within a year he would be the head of Hamas.

He was overruled.

Six years later, in 2017, Sinwar became the head of Hamas in Gaza. He gave fiery speeches calling on Palestinians to prepare rifles, cleavers, axes and knives to fight Israel, and had a flair for the dramatic.

After the last Israel-Hamas war in 2021, Sinwar announced at the end of a live, televised speech that he was going to walk home and dared Israel to assassinate him. Then he strolled through the streets of Gaza, waving at shopkeepers and pausing for photos with admirers.

Perhaps his greatest tactical success, however, was deceiving Israel in recent years into thinking that he wanted to avoid war and improve life for Palestinians in Gaza.

He pushed for the entry of aid from Qatar into Gaza and an increase in the number of Palestinians allowed to work in Israel, both greatly needed in the impoverished territory. He even kept Hamas fighters out of clashes between Israel and other militant groups.

He was able to deceive Israel, said Akram Attaallah, a columnist at the West Bank-based newspaper Al-Ayyam. The entire image was that he wanted stability and development in Gaza.

In the meantime, Hamas was preparing for the Oct. 7 attacks, which were the deadliest day in Israels modern history and sparked the war in Gaza that has killed about 20,000 Palestinians in 10 weeks.

Sinwars location remains a mystery, as are his thoughts about the war and the future of Hamas. But people who have met him said that any hope he would surrender to stop the war was in vain, regardless of what that meant for Gazas civilians.

He is going to fight until the end of it, said Abusada, the associate professor. Unfortunately, the more this goes on, the more the Palestinian civilian population loses.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  The National Telecommunications Commission has suspended the broadcast operations of Swara Sug Media Corporation, also known as Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI), for 30 days for alleged violations of its franchise.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution filed by Pwersa ng Bayanihang Atleta (PBA) party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles urging NTC to act on SMNI's actions after it was involved in red-tagging and airing false information that House Speaker Martin Romualdez used 1.8 billion for his travels this year.

This week, two of its shows were preventively suspended for 14 days after its host Jeffrey Celiz aired the claim on Romualdez' travel funds and death threats uttered on the show hosted by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

SMNI was granted a legislative franchise under Republic Act 11422 in August 2019, giving the TV network 25 years to operate.

This is a developing story.
David Levi was jailed for running an identity fraud gang in 2005

A "despicable" gang who conned charities including Children in Need by "at least" 500,000 have been jailed.

Ringleader David Levi, of Lytham, led a "pool of collectors" for charities at supermarkets across the UK for more than six years but made only token payments, Lancashire Police said.

He even wore a fake Pudsey Bear costume in the scam which helped fund a luxury holiday and designer clothes, it added.

Levi, 47, who admitted four fraud offences, was jailed for five years.

Levi, of Fairhaven Road, also pleaded guilty to money laundering, at Preston Crown Court.

In 2005, he was jailed for four years for running an identity fraud gang which tricked people using eBay into giving away their account details.

As part of the con, the gang would wear Pudsey Bear costumes to look like genuine Children in Need collectors, say police

Jenny Davis, of Lancashire Police, said it was an "organised large scale operation" committing "despicable" crimes with the figure they pocketed being "at least" 500,000.

She said Levi ran the operation from an office in Lytham and the gang would go out collecting money for charities several times a week at supermarkets all over the UK.

The group registered with charities as official fundraisers and made small donations then pocketed the rest of the money for themselves, she said.

She added they would have "collected far more" than they would declare and would make "token donations to the charities" to make them appear legitimate.

She said the gang would use fake identities and merchandise in the con so people would assume they were genuine collectors.

The gang also used mock Children in Need marketing tools

"We heard of children going over and giving their pocket money into the bucket because they thought it was genuine and the collector would often be wearing the T-shirt of that charity," she said.

Meanwhile, she said Levi, the "mastermind of the operation", was enjoying a "cash rich" lifestyle which included expensive cars, designer clothes and spending more than 10,000 on a first-class flight to Australia.

He had an office manger, referred to as Kaysha Beck, who was "arranging all the collections with him and then he had his pool of collectors based around the country".

She said they would collect at supermarkets in the UK "for pretty much every charity going" including Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSH), The Christie, the Children's Society and MIND as well as the BBC's Children in Need (CiN) charity.

The gang would use fake merchandise to appear genuine collectors for charities, police said

Police launched an investigation in May 2017 after a referral to Action Fraud by CiN.

Ms Davis said Levi has shown "absolutely no remorse".

Judge Andrew Jefferies KC said he could only guess the actual amount pocketed by the gang and some deposits of cash with the charities took place when police started to make inquiries.

On sentencing the gang, the judge said: "This was a massive breach of trust. You all exploited the public goodwill and, in some cases, private grief."

He said one charity's victim impact statement described how trust in monies given to charities had been "tainted" and another said the lack of trust meant "seriously young children and their families are negatively impacted".

Beck, 31, St David's Road South, Lytham, who admitted fraud and money laundering, was jailed for 18 months alongside five other men also sent to prison for their role in the scam.

They were:

William Ormand, 64, of London Road, Blackpool, was handed a sentence of three years and four months. He denied four counts of fraud but was convicted after a trial

Roy Ferguson, 63, of Park Road, Blackpool, was given two years and five months in prison after admitting two counts of fraud

Howard Collins, 73, of Laburnum Street, Blackpool, who admitted two fraud offences and money laundering, received two years and four months

Stephen Chesterman, 63, of Eversley Road, Benfleet, Essex, pleaded guilty to fraud and was jailed for 22 months

Martin Ebanks, 59, of Oakley Drive, Oldham, was jailed for 18 months after admitting two counts of fraud

Det Ch Insp Mark Riley said when people donate to a charity they would not expect their money to "line the pockets of greedy conmen".

A BBC Children in Need spokesperson said: "Generous individuals that donate to charity do so to make an impact on those that need it most and given the rising need that has escalated in recent years, the ones most impacted by this case are the beneficiaries of the charities affected."

A spokesperson for The Christie Charity added: "We are appalled that someone would commit fraud under the banner of claiming to be fundraising for The Christie Charity.

"Our supporters are incredibly generous, kind and committed to the cause and so it is abhorrent to think that some of them donated in good faith believing the money would go directly to cancer patients, when in this instance it wasn't the case."

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
One day, commuter trains may roll through downtown Fort Lauderdale over a concrete bridge that stands at least 40 feet high.

But theres still one thing that might derail the plan: The potentially astronomical costs of acquiring highly valuable private property through eminent domain.

That may kill a bridge entirely, Fort Lauderdale Commissioner John Herbst said just minutes after voting Tuesday night to support the countys efforts to build a bridge over the New River.

County commissioners have made it clear they plan to build a bridge because a tunnel would cost a fortune. On Tuesday night, the county got an official buy-in from Fort Lauderdale when three of the citys five commissioners cast yes votes embracing a bridge if a tunnel wont work out.

Herbst voted yes along with Vice Mayor Pamela Beasley-Pittman and Commissioner Warren Sturman. Mayor Dean Trantalis and Commissioner Steve Glassman voted no, saying they preferred a tunnel.

This resolution should not pass, Glassman said before casting his vote. This resolution is wave the white flag. This is a very bad resolution for our city. This is being deaf to all of the testimony we heard today. This is not a good move.

Trantalis agreed.

Once you set the path to go in one direction, its very hard to turn around, the mayor said after the vote. I just hope you three did not write the epitaph of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Right after the bridge vote, all five commissioners agreed to pay the outside consultant BDO USA up to $325,000 to research the costs of building a tunnel along with the eminent-domain costs related to building a bridge through the downtown. According to BDO, a tunnel can be built for $880 million without requiring the taking of private land.

Someone needs to come up with a real number for the county to look at, Herbst said. Without data, we cant make good decisions. We need more data. Lets get it.

Eminent domain is a controversial process that allows governments to acquire private property for public use.

Eminent-domain costs usually represent 20% the cost of such a project, says Greg Stuart, executive director of the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization. If the bridge costs $500 million as predicted, that would leave $100 million for eminent domain, he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Trantalis scoffed at the low number.

He argues the costs of eminent domain will come to more than $1 billion considering all the development thats cropped up along the pathway of the bridge in the past five years alone.

If anything, the cost of eminent domain could be more than the cost of a bridge and tunnel combined, Trantalis said. I can tell you right now that the eminent-domain lawyers are salivating right now over the prospects of what the county is contemplating.

Herbst, who spent 16 years as Fort Lauderdales city auditor before joining the commission, says theres no way the costs of buying up land to make way for the bridge will be quick or cheap.

These projects that have gone up on the north and south sides of the river are extremely valuable, he said. And any property we have to take is going to be costly, and its going to take years of litigation.

Asi Cymbal, a developer who has invested $1.5 billion in a project thats partly in the way of the proposed bridge, told commissioners Tuesday night that he plans to fight for his property.

Just the lawsuits alone will tie this project up forever, Glassman said Wednesday. If we are able to do a tunnel with no takings at all and the cost delta is down to very little, we need to go with a tunnel.

Glassman says hes already reached out to a few county commissioners but has not yet heard back.

I want us to stop talking past each other, he said. And I want to make sure they understand what BDO is presenting. We need to make sure everyone is up to date with the current information.

Developer Charlie Ladd doesnt own land along the tracks but he knows people who do.

Does he feel bad for them?

No, because theyre going to get rich, he quipped.

Ladd likened the idea of building a massive bridge through downtown to building an ugly jail right next to the New River  another ill-advised decision by the county, he said.

People say a tunnel is super complicated, Ladd said. Well, so is a bridge. These are big decisions. Lets just do everything we can to get them right.

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan
Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump over his most recent comments attacking immigrants, saying Tuesday his words have been "rightly" compared to dictators such as Adolf Hitler.

Trump told an audience at a New Hampshire campaign rally last week that immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country."

Harris, who's parents are both immigrants to the United States, was asked about the comments in an interview Tuesday. She told MSNBC "it is language that is meant to divide us. It is language that I think people have rightly found similar to the language of Hitler."

"We've seen this before, we know where this could go. So stand up and fight for what is right," the vice president said when asked what her mother, who died in 2009, might have thought about Trump's words.

Members of Trump's own party have criticized the remarks, including fellow GOP presidential candidate and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who called Trump "disgusting." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., pushed back on Trump by pointing out that his wife, Elaine Chao, was a member of the former president's cabinet.

"It strikes me it didnt bother him when he appointed Elaine Chao secretary of transportation," McConnell told reporters Tuesday. Chao was born in Taiwan and moved to the U.S. as a child.

Vice President Kamala Harris listens as President Joe Biden speaks during the State of the Union address from the House chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington on Feb. 7, 2023.

Harris' criticism comes after President Joe Biden last month also charged Trump with imitating Nazi language.

"Trump has said if he returns to office, hes going to go after all those who oppose him and wipe out what he called the 'vermin' in America. A specific phrase with a specific meaning," Biden said at a campaign fundraiser in San Francisco.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Harris slams Trump's anti-immigration comments as 'language of Hitler'
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police arrested a man they say stabbed and killed his girlfriend Wednesday evening.

On Dec. 20, at around 8 p.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were called to the 3500 block of Mountain Valley Drive after a report of an injured person.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Arriving officers found a man, identified as 39-year-old Brandon Tenorio, and an unresponsive woman who was suffering from serious trauma and stab wounds. Medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.

Police said Tenorio got into a verbal fight with his girlfriend, the victim. During the argument, Tenorio allegedly stabbed her and hit her with a blunt object.

Brandon Tenorio, 39, faces a charge of open murder (LVMPD)

Detectives said another person was present at the residence during the incident and was not allowed to leave by Tenorio. They were able to get out of the residence and call the police.

Police arrested Tenorio and booked him into the Clark County Detention Center for open murder with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, and kidnapping with a deadly weapon.

His initial court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 21 at 1:30 p.m.

The identification of the victim, as well as the cause and manner of death, will be released

by the Clark County Coroners Office.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521 or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or on their website.

For a list of local and state resources for domestic violence and abuse victims, visit this link.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A female victim has been identified in a 1979 homicide cold case, Las Vegas police announced Tuesday.

Gwenn Marie Story was killed in the summer of 1979, police said. Her body was found on the night of Aug. 14, 1979, when a man walking through an open field near Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard found a woman's body lying in the dirt.

Police found she was dead.

An autopsy ruled the death to be a homicide, police said. Investigators were unable to identify the woman, whom they called Sahara Sue Doe.

The case remained unsolved and was assigned to the Homicide Cold Case Section, police said, until September 2022, when investigators requested a forensic genetic genealogy investigation.

Gwenn Marie Story. (LVMPD)

Breaks in the case led investigators to possible family members who provided DNA samples for comparison with the woman's, police said.

Over a year later, on Nov. 15, "Sahara Sue Doe had been positively identified through DNA as Gwenn Marie Story," police said.

Story's relatives helped detectives piece the story together.

Story, who was 19 when she was killed, left the Cincinnati area in the summer of 1979 with two male friends. Police said she was traveling to California to try to find her biological father.

The friends returned to Ohio in August 1979 and told Story's family that they had left her in Las Vegas, police said.

Family members told police that they never heard from Story again after she left Ohio that summer.

The Homicide Cold Case Section continues to investigate, and it encouraged anyone with information about Story or the two male friends to contact it.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas Metro police began releasing body-camera videos Wednesday of officers responding to a mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which left three professors dead and a fourth injured.

Professor Cha Jan Jerry Chang, 64, of Henderson; Associate Professor Naoko Takemaru, 69, of Las Vegas, 69; and Assistant Professor Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, of Las Vegas, were killed on Dec. 6.

Photos of Patricia Navarro Velez (left), Naoko Takemaru (center), and Cha Jan Jerry Chang (right), provided by UNLV.

Responding UNLV officers shot and killed the gunman, Anthony Tony Polito, 67. A fourth professor was also shot and survived.

One hour-long video released Wednesday afternoon shows an officer running to the outside of Beam Hall where Politos body was lying. There appears to be initial confusion about a possible second shooter inside.

Active shooter scene, an officer says in a radio call recorded via a second officers body camera. Lets make our way to the suspect and take him out.

The video continues as officers search offices and classrooms, kicking in doors and clearing hallways. A second video shows a similar scene.

Another part of a video includes a dispatcher relaying Politos name as a suspect, though by that time, he was already deceased.

The UNLVPDs possible suspect is a Polito, Anthony, the dispatcher says.

Anthony Politos our suspect, an officer then says.

Polito, a long-time professor who was turned down for a job at the university, lived in a Henderson apartment. In a 15-page thesis, Polito took credit for decoding 18 characters, which he claimed identified as the Zodiac Killer, who used a code of symbols to communicate with police. Police never arrested anyone in the case.

Politos online presence depicted him as a scholar. His website listed his resume and educational achievements, including an MBA from Duke University and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.

Photo of Anthony Polito. (LVMPD/KLAS)

LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Polito had been struggling financially and that police found an eviction notice on his door. Polito wrote a list of people to target on campus, and 22 letters officials say Polito sent to University personnel across the country, one of which that was intercepted contained an unknown white powder substance.

The release comes after several public records requests from media organizations, including 8 News Now. More videos were expected to be released in the coming days.

The videos are provided with redactions and blurred faces.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A civilian mariner has filed a lawsuit against the Navys Military Sealift Command alleging she was sexually assaulted in her bed aboard the expeditionary fast transport ship Carson City by the ships civilian skipper in December 2021.

The Nov. 29 complaint alleges that the command failed Elsie Dominguez through inadequate security and protection procedures and for providing inadequate resources and support after the alleged assault, among other shortcomings.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, also alleges that victim advocates intimated that shed lose her job if she reported the rape.

MSC is a command that runs about 125 civilian-crewed ships that provide ocean transport across the Defense Department, replenishing Navy ships, overseeing strategically pre-positioned combat cargo and moving service members and supplies as needed.

Dominguez opted to identify herself publicly in the lawsuit, but not the captain who allegedly raped her and whom the lawsuit alleges is still employed by the command.

Christine Dunn, one of the attorneys representing Dominguez, told Navy Times the alleged assailant is left unnamed in order to keep the focus on the mans position as captain of a Navy ship, and MSCs systemic failures that allowed the attack to happen in the first place.

MSC spokesman Thomas Van Leunen said the accused captain was on administrative leave pending completion of a Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigation.

Dominguez formally reported the alleged rape to authorities in June. The NCIS and the Coast Guards equivalent agency opened investigations and the captain was relieved and returned to the U.S. for questioning.

Naval Academy sued over affirmative action admissions policy

Van Leunen declined further specific comment, citing the ongoing investigation and litigation.

MSC takes allegations of sexual assault very seriously and remains committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all personnel, he said.

Navy Times could not independently verify the mans identity or reach him for comment.

We have not identified the mariner yet as investigation is not yet complete, Van Leunen said in an email. He hasnt been charged with anything at this point and remains on leave.

Dominguez served aboard Carson City until late October and remains employed by the command while in leave status.

According to the lawsuit, Dominguez began working onboard the Carson City in October 2021. She first met her alleged assailant and future captain of the Carson City in 2014 aboard the Spearhead, another of the catamaran-like expeditionary fast transports, on which he was second mate. For the two years they worked together on Spearhead, Dominguez and the man had a cordial and friendly relationship that was never intimate or sexual, the lawsuit states.

But during her first month aboard Carson City, the man, now the ships captain, invited her to his stateroom to watch a movie, then initiated sex, according to the suit. The experience, the lawsuit alleges, was demeaning and upsetting to Dominguez, who felt she couldnt tell him to stop since he was her boss.

After that, the lawsuit states, she declined his invitations and avoided him, making clear she wasnt interested in his advances.

But when the Spearhead was docked in Brindisi, Italy, on Dec. 18, 2021, the two went ashore to a bar together. The lawsuit states Dominguez only had a beer and a single shot of liquor, yet found herself intoxicated to the point of being incapacitated and blacking out. She believes she was drugged.

From conversations with crew after the fact, she learned, according to the suit, that she had been helped back to the ship, her shirt covered in vomit, and returned to her stateroom. According to a WhatsApp chat log cited in the lawsuit, the captain called her at least 14 times while she lay unconscious, and texted her about his desire to spend the night with her.

The ships captain used a master code issued by MSC to gain access to her room, according to the lawsuit, and Dominguez woke, still incapacitated, to discover him sexually assaulting her.

The following day, when Dominguez told the ships chief engineer that she wanted to go into Brindisi and get a drug test, the suit alleges the engineer strongly discouraged her from getting the test, leaving her feeling unable to override him.

When she confronted the captain, he threatened her, saying she would probably get taken off the ship if she requested a drug test, the lawsuit alleges.

Dominguezs attempts to report her rape were likewise thwarted by lack of support and resources, according to the lawsuit. It alleges MSC had failed to post information about its sexual assault prevention and response program, including contact information for the assigned coordinators.

Dominguez said she had to find information on MSCs website about her options, ultimately calling MSCs 24-hour sexual assault hotline. The civilian advocate she reached told her she could not make a restricted report, concealing her identity, but had to make an unrestricted report because she was a civilian, the lawsuit alleges.

The advocate warned Dominguez that if she made an unrestricted report, she would be immediately removed from her position  and then flown from Italy back to the United States where she would be interviewed by federal law enforcement agents and forced into a highly public process, the suit states.

Fearing the loss of her job if she pursued this reporting option, Dominguez began sleeping with a chair wedged against her door to keep the captain out and requested that a deadbolt be installed on her door.

That bolt would not be installed until the following August, the suit states, and no one followed up with her about the danger her request implied.

Dominguez remained with the Carson City, trapped aboard the vessel with her attacker, who was also her boss, the suit states.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) wing led by former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the 14-day suspension of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) against an SMNI show hosted by Duterte.

The MTRCB on Tuesday decided to suspend the airing of two SMNI programs "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" and "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" after it received complaints against alleged violations committed by its hosts.

In a statement on Wednesday, PDP-Laban Secretary-General Atty. Aimee Torrefranca-Neri said the suspension was an attack against press freedom.

"This is a clear affront to the freedom of expression," she said. "The MTRCB has sent a chilling message to the Philippine media, most especially broadcast in this act of curtailing our freedoms, which presents a clear danger to our democracy."

Neri said the MTRCB should have waited instead for the findings of the Office of the Prosecutor before making such a move.

"We should be vigilant about the curtailment of our freedoms because the very essence of our democratic way of life is being attacked by the State in this case," she said.

On Oct. 24, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro filed a complaint before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office seeking to address the alleged death threats made by Duterte on national television during his show "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa."

But Duterte, in his counter affidavit made public on Dec. 15, denied threatening the life of Castro and argued he is merely recounting a conversation he had with his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte.

Duterte did not appear at the preliminary investigation of Castro's grave threats complaint despite the court's subpoena.

'Not prior restraint'

Former Senator Leila de Lima, on the other hand, said the MTRCB suspension is not about restraining press freedom but a consequence of the previous violations made by the SMNI program hosts.

"MTRCB's suspension of Duterte's and Badoy's shows is not for future speech, but for past flagrant violations of journalistic and media standards, hence, not prior restraint," she explained.

"Free speech must be distinguished from the peddling of fake news and incitement of people to criminal conduct," she also said.

De Lima added that prior restraint principles do not apply to a news channel like SMNI, which she said, does not observe broadcast journalism ethics and standards.

She labeled SMNI as a "blatant propaganda media arm that pioneers on fake news dissemination."
Israeli troops take positions in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. The army is battling Palestinian militants across Gaza in the war ignited by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into Israel. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israel kept up its blistering campaign of airstrikes and ground operations across the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations says more than half a million people are starving because not enough food has entered the besieged territory. That's roughly one in four people in Gaza.

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are crammed into shelters and tent camps as winter descends, raising fears about the spread of disease. The U.N. Security Council has again delayed a vote on a new resolution to halt the fighting in some way, which would allow for an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries.

Hamas, meanwhile, fired a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv on Thursday, underscoring the militant group's resilience in the face of Israel's campaign to destroy it.

Around 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. Israel says more than 130 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas raided southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and taking about 240 hostages.

Currently:

 The U.N. again delays its vote on a watered-down Gaza aid resolution, despite gaining U.S. backing.

 Israeli police investigate prison guards in death of a Palestinian prisoner.

 The Israeli military campaign in Gaza now sits among the deadliest and most destructive in history, experts say.

 Israeli police are investigating 19 prison guards in the death of a 38-year-old Palestinian prisoner.

 Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Heres whats happening in the war:

UN SECURITY COUNCIL FURTHER DELAYS RESOLUTION VOTE DESPITE GAINING US SUPPORT

UNITED NATIONS  Members of the United Nations Security Council again delayed a vote on a now-watered down Arab-sponsored resolution for a halt in combat to allow for increased aid deliveries in Gaza. A vote, initially set for Monday, has been delayed each day since then. The United States now supports the resolution, but other council members said that because of the significant changes, they needed to consult their capitals before a vote, which is now expected on Friday.

Other countries support a stronger text in the resolution that would include the now-eliminated call for the urgent suspension of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Instead, the wording now calls for urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. The steps are not defined, but diplomats said, if adopted, this would mark the councils first reference to a cessation of hostilities.

A TORAH THAT SURVIVED THE HOLOCAUST IS DONATED TO RELATIVES OF ISRAELI HOSTAGES

NIR OZ, Israel  An American family has donated a Torah that survived the Holocaust to relatives of a family whose members fate remains uncertain after they were taken hostage by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attack on their kibbutz in southern Israel.

Members of the Bibas family abducted from Nir Oz, along the Gaza border, include 11-month-old Kfir Bibas, his older brother Ariel, who is 4 years old, their mother Shiri and their father Yarden. Hamas has claimed the two children and her mother were killed in an Israeli strike. The Israeli military said it was investigating the claim.

Ariel, Shiri, Kfir, we wait for your return here, said Eli Bibas, the childrens grandfather, during a gathering held in front of their house on Wednesday where they received the Torah from a group of Jewish New Yorkers.

Around 20 residents of Nir Oz were killed in the Oct. 7 attack and some 80 were taken hostage out of a population of 400. Those seized from the kibbutz ranged from 9 months to 85 years old at the time they were taken. More than half were women and children.

Shira Hoschander from New York said her family dedicated the Torah to the Bibas family on behalf of the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach in New York to show support for the community hit by the attack.

I pray for them and their safe return every single day, and the safe return of every single one of the hostages that are still held in captivity, Hoschander said.

___

Associated Press writer Andrea Rosa contributed.

GAZA PHONE AND INTERNET ARE COMING BACK ONLINE AFTER 2-DAY BLACKOUT

RAMALLAH, West Bank  The Palestinian telecoms provider Paltel said Thursday evening that communications were gradually returning to the central and southern areas of Gaza, after a two-day blackout.

Landline connections, mobile networks and internet connections were all disrupted during the day Wednesday.

Paltel blamed the outage on the current conflict, without providing details.

There have been at least four communication blackouts in besieged Gaza since the war began on Oct. 7.

GAZA TELECOM BLACKOUT HINDERS AMBULANCES FROM REACHING CIVILIANS HIT BY ISRAELI STRIKES

CAIRO  Nebal Farsakh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent, said Thursday that the communications blackout across Gaza means that they can only contact staff at the group's main base in Khan Younis by using VHF radio waves.

More worrying, she said, is the effect the blackout is having on The Red Crescents emergency response work

This means civilians cant call the 101 emergency line to get ambulances, she told The Associated Press by phone. Our staff are just following the sounds of bombardments

Farsakh said her team has resorted to stationing ambulances at all the major working hospitals, so that when the first casualties arrive, they can find out the location of the strike.

According to Paltel, the Palestinian telecoms provider, the current disruptions started Wednesday. There have been at least four communication blackouts in Gaza since the conflict erupted on Oct. 7.

ISRAELI PRESIDENT BLAMES UNITED NATIONS FOR LACK OF AID ENTERING GAZA

JERUSALEM  Israeli President Isaac Herzog has blamed the United Nations for the small amount of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza.

Herzog said Thursday that three times as much could get in if the U.N., instead of complaining all day, would do its job.

According to the United Nations, only 10% of the aid required by Gazas 2.2 million has entered the enclave in the last 70 days.

The U.N. closed one of only two border crossings into Gaza on Thursday after an Israeli airstrike killed four people there. Israel shut all the crossings into Gaza after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas that started the war, allowing only the Rafah gate from Egypt to stay open. But Israel later opened a second crossing following international pressure.

Speaking to reporters alongside the visiting president of the French senate, Herzog also said Israel was fighting on behalf of the free world and if we were not here, Europe would be next.

This attack has nothing to do with the issues of the dispute between us and the Palestinians, Herzog said, this was born out of an extreme fundamentalist view within the Islamic world, a jihadist view that does not believe in any Western and liberal ideas, and does not recognize the existence of the Jewish people here in their country.

The Israeli presidency is largely a ceremonial role, meant to be seen as a unifying figure.

ISRAELI TROOPS KILL 16-YEAR-OLD BOY IN WEST BANK

RAMALLAH, West Bank  The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli forces fatally shot a 16-year-old boy during unrest in the occupied West Bank.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa says Mahmoud Zaoul was shot in the neck late Wednesday in the village of Hussan, near Bethlehem.

The Israeli army says its forces opened fire after a crowd of Palestinians threw firebombs and stones at the troops. It says it is reviewing the incident.

Over 270 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

UN REPORT SAYS NEARLY 577,000 PEOPLE ARE STARVING IN GAZA

ROME  An interagency U.N. and NGO report finds that a staggering half a million people in Gaza  one quarter of the population  are starving due woefully insufficient quantities of food entering the territory since the outbreak of hostilities on Oct. 7.

It is a situation where pretty much everybody in Gaza is hungry. More than 500,000 people, half a million people, are starving. That means that one in every four people is starving in Gaza as we speak, said World Food Program chief economist Arif Husain.

He warned that if the war continues at the same levels and food deliveries are not restored that the population could face a full-fledged famine within the next six months with widespread outbreaks of disease.

The report released Thursday by 23 U.N and nongovernmental agencies found that the entire population of 2.2 million Gazans are in a food crisis or worse: 478,000 are at crisis levels, 1.17 million are at emergency levels and 576,600 are at catastrophic  that is starvation  levels.

It doesnt get any worse," Hasain said. I have never seen something at the scale that is happening in Gaza. And at this speed. How quickly it has happened, in just a matter of two months.

WITH FOOD SCARCE, HUNDREDS OF HUNGRY PALESTINIANS GET MEALS AT A MAKESHIFT SOUP KITCHEN IN GAZA

RAFAH, Gaza Strip  Hundreds of displaced Palestinians held out pots, pans and plastic buckets to be filled at a soup kitchen in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday, waiting for food to be scooped out of huge vats hanging over simple wood fires.

I come here every day, said Aya Barbakh, a woman displaced by the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Hungry children, parents and older adults hold out their makeshift containers to be filled, some trying to cajole or catch the attention of attendants distributing the steaming portions. Others wait their turn in silence.

OCHA, the United Nations humanitarian-affairs office, said Tuesday that half of Gazas population is experiencing extreme or severe hunger, and 90% regularly go without food for a whole day.

Lacking cooking gas, the soup kitchens employees scour the streets of Gaza for wood to feed the fires, said employee Mahmoud al-Qishawi. Four small kids shared the simple meal in an aluminum pot sitting on the ground near him.

With only a single border crossing open into Gaza, access to food has become a serious problem in the besieged territory. A second crossing, Kerem Shalom, which had opened recently, was closed again Thursday after an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed four people there.

Human Rights Watch, the New York-based rights organization, has accused Israel of deliberately starving Gazas population, a war crime. The Israeli military has blamed Hamas for the situation, saying the militants are stealing the aid.

Only 10% of the food required for the territorys 2.2 million people has entered Gaza in the last 70 days, OCHA said.

HAMAS ROCKETS SET OFF AIR RAID SIRENS IN TEL AVIV

JERUSALEM  Hamas has fired another barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, setting off air raid sirens in central Israel.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from Thursdays attack, but it underscored the militant groups resilience more than 10 weeks into Israels blistering air and ground campaign in Gaza.

Israel was carrying out strikes and other operations across Gaza, but a territory-wide communications outage made it difficult to confirm details about the fighting.

The offensive has devastated much of northern Gaza, killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians, and driven some 1.9 million people  nearly 85% of the Palestinian territory's population  from their homes.

The widespread destruction and heavy civilian death toll has drawn increasing international calls for a cease-fire. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it destroys Hamas.

The war was ignited by Hamas Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 240.

UN HEALTH OFFICIAL SEES RISE IN AMPUTATIONS AT GAZA HOSPITALS

JERUSALEM  A World Health Organization official who visited two hospitals in Gazas devastated north in recent days described dire conditions there.

Sean Casey said in a briefing that the Al-Ahli Hospital and Shifa Hospital were overwhelmed with sick and critically wounded people. WHO says the hospitals are barely able to function because of a shortage of staff, electricity and basic supplies.

Casey described a rise in amputations in the north, including among small children, that would not have been necessary if proper health services were available.

Theres no surgery happening right now in northern Gaza," Casey said. He also said nearly everyone he met was hungry.

Israel ordered the full evacuation of northern Gaza, which includes Gaza City and was home to over 1 million people, in the early days of the war sparked by Hamas Oct. 7 attack. Ground troops isolated the north later that month.

But tens of thousands of residents remain there, including many who were unable to leave or did not feel anywhere else would be safer as Israel bombards all parts of the besieged territory.

ISRAELI SHELLING TARGETING HEZBOLLAH KILLS LEBANESE WOMAN

BEIRUT  Israeli shelling in the Lebanese border town of Maroun El-Ras Thursday killed an elderly woman in her 80s and wounded her husband, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said.

The Israeli military said that it launched artillery and airstrikes on Hezbollah militant positions in southern Lebanon late Wednesday and early Thursday. It did not immediately comment on the strike that was reported to have killed the Lebanese civilian.

Israeli forces and members of Hezbollah have clashed along the Lebanon-Israel border almost daily since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. Lebanese state media said Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes deep inside Lebanon late Wednesday, hitting a forested area more than 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the border.

Earlier in the day, Hezbollah announced it had launched surface-to-air missiles at Israeli military helicopters. The group later announced that one of its fighters had been killed in an Israeli strike on a house in the town of Markaba.

More than 110 Hezbollah fighters and at least 16 civilians have been killed on the Lebanese side of the border, while at least nine soldiers and five civilians have been killed on the Israeli side during the Israel-Hamas war.

ISRAELI TROOPS ENTER VAST TUNNEL NETWORK UNDER GAZA CITY

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said troops located a vast tunnel network under Gaza City that included command and control positions, meeting rooms and hideout apartments for the most senior leaders of Hamas, including Yehia Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh.

Peter Lerner, an Israeli army spokesman, said on Wednesday that the rooms were 20 meters (60 feet) underground with elevators, stairs, separate water and electricity shafts, and with water, food, weapons and communications equipment stored for a prolonged stay. He said one of the rooms was an underground hall 150 meters (yards) across.

The military shared videos of what it said were the underground structures, showing tunnels with concrete walls, blast doors, ventilation systems, security cameras, electronic equipment, and long staircases descending deep into the earth. The military said the complex was centered on Palestine Square in central Gaza City, under stores, government offices and civilian apartment buildings.

Hamas is known to have built kilometers (miles) of tunnels, dubbed the Gaza metro, under the coastal enclave to operate in safety from Israeli aircraft.

HAMAS LEADER'S TRIP TO CAIRO AROUSES HOPES FOR ANOTHER CEASE-FIRE

Hamas top leader traveled to Cairo on Wednesday for talks on the war in Gaza, part of a flurry of diplomacy aimed at securing another cease-fire and swap of hostages for Palestinian prisoners at a moment when Israels offensive shows no signs of slowing.

Hamas militants in Gaza have put up stiff resistance as the Israeli army claims to be making great progress in eradicating them. The visit to Cairo by its top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, came a day after Hamas fired rockets that set off air raid sirens in central Israel.

Israel has called on the rest of the world to blacklist Hamas as a terrorist organization, saying it must be removed from power in Gaza in the wake of its Oct. 7 rampage across southern Israel that triggered the war.

But the sides have recently relaunched indirect talks, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere, the White Houses national security spokesman, John Kirby, said Wednesday aboard Air Force One while traveling with President Joe Biden.
Democrats cheering the Colorado Supreme Courts decision to strip Donald Trump from the states 2024 primary ballot should pause their celebration. The last thing they should do is jump on the bandwagon and strip him from the ballot in more states as politicians urged Californias secretary of state to do.

The decision in Colorado was made by a court closely divided 4-3. Thats significant because all seven members of the court are Democratic appointees. Even for Democratic appointees, the plan to remove Trump from the ballot is no easy call. Indeed, the chief justice of the court was on the losing end of the decision.

And it is to Chief Justice Brian Boatrights dissent that we should look for the best outline of why this decision is premature. There are procedural and technical legal reasons for Boatrights views, but at its core is the idea of the rule of law, as important a principle in our government as democracy.

The chief justice notes that no court anywhere in the United States has held a full fact-finding proceeding that has determined Trump is an insurrectionist. Without that finding, it is inappropriate for the Colorado Supreme Court or any court to banish Trump from the ballot for being an insurrectionist.

To be clear, I am not denying that what happened on Jan. 6, 2021 was an insurrection aimed at overthrowing the lawful and fair election of Joe Biden. Nor am I denying that Trump orchestrated the whole sorry affair with his trusty Twitter fingers and a fiery speech that turned a crowd of supporters into a violent mob. We all saw it happen.

But Trump, for all his flaws, is still a U.S. citizen and he has a right to his day in court. It is inconvenient, even tragic, that the soonest proceedings in Georgia or Washington, D.C., will put him on trial for the core issues at stake here will happen in March, well after the primaries are underway  but that is our system.

Boatright argues that electoral challenges are appropriate only for relatively easy questions of biographical fact: Is the candidate old enough to run for Senate? Is he a natural-born citizen? The quick proceedings of the electoral process are not appropriate for complex questions of guilt and innocence, such as allegations that Trump is an insurrectionist.

For such questions, our legal system is maddeningly slow and it proceeds toward justice in fits and starts. Often, it seems like justice doesnt matter. Ask anyone who has been falsely accused or worse, been imprisoned for a crime they didnt commit. But it is the best we have come up with so far, and we should let it run its course, not short-circuit the process with a premature decision by a closely divided court.

I loathe Donald Trump. He was toxic when he was spreading the lie that President Barack Obama was born in Africa, and he only became more so when he ran for office and the sickness deepened once he was in power. He corrupts everything he touches.

Before he was even elected to office, I wrote that he would be the worst president since Jefferson Davis, the slavery-defending, loser of the Civil War. I wrote that wed be lucky if Trump was impeached during the transition, not knowing that hed go on to be impeached twice, both cases in which a principled Senate would have convicted him and prevented him from running for office again.

Kicking political opponents off the ballot is a tool that tyrants use in Iran and China and Russia. A democratic republic like ours should use its power cautiously and only when the accused have had their day in court.

David Mastio, a former editor and columnist for USA Today, is a regional editor for The Center Square and a regular Star Opinion correspondent.
One man is in jail after law enforcement found drugs in his home, Miami County Sheriff David Duchak said.

>> Local bus driver suffers serious injuries after allegedly being assaulted by parent

39-year-old David L. Arnett, of Piqua, was arrested after law enforcement completed a search warrant at his home.

David L. Arnett

On Tuesday, Miami County Sheriffs detectives and Piqua police detectives searched a ho in the 700 block of Young St. in Piqua, Duchak said.

The search warrant followed a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking.

During the search, law enforcement found cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $16,000, Duchak said.

>> Local teenager in hospital after fight leads to shooting

Arnett has been booked in the Miami County Jail on multiple charges.

Those charges include trafficking cocaine, trafficking marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, Duchak said.

According to Miami County jail records, Arnetts bond for three charges is $61,000.

Duchak said the investigation is ongoing.
CHARDON, Ohio (WJW)  A Burton man who worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation gave preferential treatment to a state contractor he oversaw  a company he had also used to landscape his home, an Ohio Inspector General investigation found.

A Geauga County grand jury in August indicted Nicolas T. Bycoskie, 27, on a felony count of bribery and a misdemeanor count of conflict of interest, court records show.

Imposter alert: How police say thieves are now stealing packages

Bycoskie, who was an ODOT District 12 transportation engineer, used Lakeland Electric Company to grade and landscape the lawn at his newly built residence, according to a Thursday news release from the Inspector Generals office.

At that time in September 2021, the company had been contracted to perform lighting work for the state transportation department. ODOT paid the company more than $1.4 million for the work, according to an ODOT spokesperson.

The report indicates Bycoskie, after surveying Lakelands ODOT project site, paid a Lakeland employee $3,500 in cash to do lawn work at his personal home. Bycoskie also used his state-issued cell phone to arrange deliveries of heavy equipment believed to have been rented by the company, according to the report.

A supervisor told investigators that during the state lighting project, it seemed Bycoskie was showing favoritism toward Lakeland. Supervisors noted Bycoskie didnt notice or otherwise ignored concerns about the quality of the companys work.

The project entailed upgrades to overhead lighting at five locations along Interstates 480 and 90 in Cuyahoga County, according to an ODOT spokesperson.

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Supervisors told investigators Lakeland failed to test existing wiring at one site, causing a circuit on the Interstate 480 overpass beneath state Route 237 to fail.

ODOT workers also had concerns about poles Lakeland installed on I-480s center wall, from Broadway Avenue to the Camden overpass, which used broken fuse connectors that were taped together, fusing the hot and neutral connections, which was hazardous. They also used overrated fuses, according to the report.

Though the project contract also called for repairs of lighting poles along Interstate 90, Lakeland didnt complete them in 21 days, as ordered.

Supervisors also couldnt find evidence of a required inspection of the project work by Bycoskie and the company.

Supervisors later told ODOTs district headquarters in Garfield Heights about the possible ethics violation. Investigators believed Bycoskie may have had a quid pro quo arrangement with the company, but were unable to prove it.

I-Team: Criminal investigation in town known for speed camera tickets

Bycoskie initially said he felt he acted appropriately, since he paid a fair wage to the worker and not the company. But he later admitted to investigators it was a conflict of interest, according to the report. He had also been warned before about hiring ODOT contractors for doing personal work.

Bycoskie formally resigned from ODOT in January 2022, just months after the OIGs investigation began. His wage was $30.20 per hour, according to an ODOT spokesperson.

He began working at ODOT as an intern in 2017, was hired on full-time in 2019, and promoted in 2020, according to the investigative report. By the time of the OIGs investigation, he had overseen six projects ranging from tree maintenance to bridge work, according to the report.

Hes due for trial in the bribery case in February.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
In a sign of growing internal rifts among even local Republicans, two prominent Palm Beach County GOP leaders have taken their own dispute, and personal grievances, to court.

Kevin Neal, chairman of the Palm Beach County Republican Party, is being sued for libel by a member of the county GOP's ruling body, Dr. Anthony Ruffa, a physician in West Palm Beach.

The lawsuit was followed by a Dec. 13 county GOP meeting in which former longtime party chair Sid Dinnerstein sought to remove Neal as party chair. Neal, who assumed the leadership post this year, ended the meeting.

Efforts to reach Ruffa were unsuccessful. Neal said he couldnt speak on ongoing legal matters, aside from saying the allegations are false, and the party and I will be defending ourselves.

Zieglers drama: Palm Beach County Republicans join calls for Florida GOP chair to resign

But others are discussing the escalated squabble and friction.

Since taking over, Neal has had minimal communication with candidates and implemented a leadership style by removing some members from their yearslong posts in the party, according to three people in executive committee meetings.

And the former county GOP chair who Neal succeeded, County Commissioner Michael Barnett, said leadership is earned by building relationships.

Michael Barnett sits as the newest commissioner after his swearing in ceremony at the Palm Beach County Commission chambers in West Palm Beach, Fla., on January 10, 2022. Barnett was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"If you're going to be a leader, you can't say, 'I'm the boss. The rules say so. You have to do what I say,' " said Barnett, who held the top post on the county party executive committee for eight years. "People have to like you. They have to trust you. They have to respect you, then they'll follow you."

Florida Republicans, home to national figures Trump

The friction in the Palm Beach County GOP is a microcosm of dissension facing Republicans just weeks away from the 2024 election year.

In Sarasota, the Ziegler power couple is besieged by calls for them to resign.

Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler is being investigated over sexual assault allegations.

Florida Republican Party chairman Christian Ziegler, who is under investigation for rape and sexual assault, is being called upon to exit the position. His wife, Bridget, a school board member and co-founder of the conservative values-driven Moms for Liberty organization, is also under pressure to quit the education policy board following the revelation that she had a sexual encounter with her husband and the woman accusing him of assault.

Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler sits during a meeting to urge her to resign. (Mike Lang/Sarasota Herald-Tribune via AP)

On the national stage, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, during a visit to a Palm Beach County toy drive on Tuesday, reiterated his sharp criticism of Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Also in Congress, Pensacola Congressman Matt Gaetz and eight other Republicans joined forces this fall to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was later alleged to have assaulted another Republican congressman with an elbow to the kidneys in the halls on Capitol Hill.

On the White House campaign trail, polls-leading Donald Trump has used stump speeches to lambaste what he said are weak in the knees "RINOs," or Republicans in name only, as often as he does "radical left" Democrats and President Joe Biden. This week, Trump drew loud pushback from within GOP ranks when he labeled ultra-conservative Congressman Chip Roy of Texas a RINO, with one commentator calling Trump's derision of Roy "idiotic."

The legal fight between Neal and Ruffa also speaks to another issue critics say is a self-undermining, pugilistic Republican brand of politics marked by the inability either to solve or settle differences.

Neal, who is serving his first term as county chair, was elected in the early summer following the resignation of Barnett, who said he was stepping down to focus on his re-election campaign.

The legal fight stems from Ruffa's claims that Neal made slanderous comments about him during a county Republican Executive Committee meeting on Oct. 19. During that gathering, Neal purportedly said Ruffa sent unwanted emails to his personal email and that Neal felt the communications were threatening to him and his family.

That prompted Ruffa to file the lawsuit alleging Neal's statements to be false. Further, the lawsuit claims Neal's assertions "expose Ruffa to hatred, distrust, ridicule, obloquy and contempt." In addition, Ruffa states that he has "suffered injury to his reputation, shame, embarrassment, humiliation, and hurt feelings," according to the document.

Neal elected as county party chairman: Palm Beach County Republicans gear up for 2024 with fresh leadership

'We have to come together': Republicans facing trouble from their own party ahead of 2024

The lawsuit aside, some Republican organizers in Palm Beach County fear the feuds and disputes are a distraction at a critical time as the party struggles to end 2023 on a good note, even as the GOP faces mounting discontentment with both the leadership in the county and at the state level.

They fear that the infighting will stymie the momentum from 2022 when Republican candidates rode a high in Palm Beach County and across Florida during the midterm elections as they swept GOP candidates into office on the county commission and school board while also flipping the county red for Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

"We need to come together and get the job done and get the candidates elected to positions that we need," said Daniel Zapata, who is running as a Republican candidate for Florida House District 89. "All the noise in the Republican Party  it needs to end, but we're not going to let it affect our campaign."

Palm Beach County is home to arguably the leader of the Republican Party, but rather than unity the local Palm Beach County GOP is struggling with some dissension.

The same can be said statewide, where Republicans have been especially dominant since 2016. But now there is mounting pressure to oust Ziegler. Over the weekend, state Republican leaders voted to functionally strip all powers from Ziegler, who has rejected calls to resign.

"We have Republicans who are arguing with each other and instead should be united with each other," said Lydia Maldonado, a Republican Hispanic activist in the county. "The goal here should be, 'Let's get candidates elected.' "

Stephany Matat is a politics reporter for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY-Florida network. Reach her at smatat@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County Chair Kevin Neal sued for libel by fellow Republican
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  Authorities have arrested three people for illegally selling complimentary tickets for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The three were arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Quezon City Police District.

In a statement, the MMDA said 46 tickets were sold illegally through Facebook at 1,300 to 1,500 each  more than thrice the usual cinema ticket price of 320 to 370.

It added that the complimentary tickets being sold online were found to be fake.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes reminded the public that no persons or groups are authorized to distribute MMFF tickets for profiteering purposes.

"With this unfortunate incident, I urge the public not to patronize MMFF tickets sold online and instead report to us these unlawful activities," he said.

The three suspects, who are currently in police custody, will face charges of estafa through falsification of documents under Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The 2023 edition of the MMFF premieres on Christmas Day and will run until Jan. 7, 2024 in hundreds of theaters nationwide.
An Oklahoma judge has exonerated a man who spent 48 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit, the longest known wrongful sentence in the US.

Glynn Simmons, 70, was freed in July after a district court found that crucial evidence in his case was not turned over to his defence lawyers.

On Monday, a county district attorney said there was not enough evidence to warrant a new trial.

In an order on Tuesday, Judge Amy Palumbo declared Mr Simmons innocent.

"This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offence for which Mr Simmons was convicted, sentenced and imprisoned... was not committed by Mr Simmons," said Oklahoma County District Judge Palumbo in her ruling.

"It's a lesson in resilience and tenacity," Mr Simmons told reporters after the decision, according to the Associated Press. "Don't let nobody tell you that it can't happen, because it really can."

Mr Simmons served 48 years, one month and 18 days in prison for the 1974 murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers during a liquor store robbery in an Oklahoma City suburb.

He was 22 years old when he and a co-defendant, Don Roberts, were convicted and sentenced to death in 1975.

The punishments were later reduced to life in prison because of US Supreme Court rulings on the death penalty.

Mr Simmons had maintained his innocence, saying he was in his home state of Louisiana at the time of the murder.

Mr Simmons smiled as the court declared his innocence on Tuesday. Dressed in a grey hooded sweater and fedora, a soft-spoken Mr Simmons later told reporters he had been waiting for this moment for a "long, long time".

The British Broadcasting Corporation

"What's been done can't be undone, but there can be accountability," he said.

Asked to describe his emotional state, his lawyer Joseph Norwood told BBC News: "Obviously elation."

"The thought of being confined in prison for 50 years for something you had nothing to do with has to just be one of the worst things for a person's mental state," Mr Norwood said in an interview on Thursday.

But Mr Simmons was diagnosed with stage four cancer as he was being released, says the attorney.

"So it was a mix of elation, gaining his freedom, gaining his name back, clearing his name," said Mr Norwood, adding that Mr Simmons was now responding well to chemotherapy and was "on the mend".

"So it's been a heck of a ride."

Mr Simmons is currently battling liver cancer, according to his GoFundMe, which has raised almost $200,000 (157,000) to help support his living costs and medical treatment.

A district court vacated his sentence in July after finding that prosecutors had not turned over all evidence to defence lawyers, including that a witness had identified other suspects.

Mr Simmons and Mr Roberts were convicted in part because of testimony from a teenager who had been shot in the back of the head. The teenager pointed to several other men during police line-ups and later contradicted some of her own testimony, the National Registry of Exonerations said.

Mr Roberts was released on parole in 2008.

Wrongfully convicted people who serve time in Oklahoma are eligible for up to $175,000 in compensation.
A zoo's beloved koala that was imported from Japan has died.

Burke, a Southern koala, joined Longleat's safari in Wiltshire in 2019 from Osaka Tennoji Zoo as part of a breeding programme to protect the species.

He died at the age of 17 and had two offspring, Hazel and Monty, the first Southern koalas born in Europe.

Longleat said Burke was "cherished" by the people of Japan and he would be "very sadly missed".

Burke also contributed to the zoo's koala conservation work which it said identified a retro-virus test that is now being used to protect the wild koala population.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, male koalas can live up to 12 years old while females can live up to 15 years.

'Special to us'

Announcing the news on Facebook, Longleat said: "We are very sad to share the news that one of Longleat's beloved koalas, Burke, known as  (Ark) in Japan, has passed away at the grand old age of 17.

"He joined the Longleat family in 2019 from Osaka Tennoji Zoo to become part of a breeding programme aimed at protecting the future of the Southern koala. He was cherished by the people of Japan.

"Burke leaves us with not only fond memories but also the legacy of his offspring, Hazel and Monty, who were the koalas first two Southern koalas born in Europe.

"They continue to reside at Longleat with their mothers, Violet and Maizie, and are part of the programme to secure a long-term future for Southern koalas.

"Burke was very much loved by his keepers at Osaka Tennoji Zoo and Longleat, as well as everyone in Japan and the UK who had the chance to visit him. He was incredibly special to us all and will be very sadly missed."

The Facebook post has received hundreds of comments and more than 1,500 reactions.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk
French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to provide further support to Ukraine so that it can conduct peace talks with Russia "under the best possible conditions".

Source: Macron on TV channel France 5, quoted by France Info

Details: Macron said "we feel that some European countries are beginning to have doubts" about the assistance provided to Kyiv. He also mentioned the possible comeback of Donald Trump to the White House.

Macron added that "in the coming months, we will have to make some choices" in this conflict.

"We have to ensure that Russia does not win, which means continuing to support and strengthen the defence of Kyiv and its key fronts," Macron said.

He stated that the goal is for Ukraine "to be able to conduct peace talks under the best possible conditions". "We will not abandon Ukraine," Macron reiterated.

Background:

At his end-of-year press conference, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the European Union and the United States would eventually approve the planned financial assistance packages for Ukraine in 2024, although the question remains as to when exactly this will happen.

The European Union will hold a special summit on 1 February 2024 to discuss the allocation of 50 billion in additional aid to Ukraine over a four-year period.

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Emmanuel Macron has said he is a great admirer of Gerard Depardieu, the French actor accused of rape and sexual assault, as he refused to take part in a manhunt against the scandal-plagued star.

The French president praised the 74-year-old as a film icon and someone who makes the country proud.

He added that he had no plans to strip Depardieu of the Legion of Honour, Frances highest order of merit.

Mr Macrons remarks sparked immediate outrage among feminists and opposition politicians, one of whom accused the president of being the promoter in chief of rape culture.

You will never see me participate in a manhunt, Mr Macron told the France 5 broadcaster when asked about rescinding Depardieus honour.

I hate that kind of thing, he said during a wide-ranging interview on Wednesday night, adding that you dont strip someone of a Legion of Honour based on a report.

The award, which the star of Green Card and Cyrano de Bergerac received in 1996, is not a moral tool, said Mr Macron, adding that he was a great admirer of Gerard Depardieu ... an immense actor.

He has made Frances great authors, our great characters known throughout the world ... he makes France proud, he added.

Gerard Depardieu denies the accusations against him - VALERY HACHE/AFP

Mr Macrons comments were in stark contrast to those by Rima Abdul Malak, the culture minister, who last week said the actor shamed France after footage emerged of him making lewd and sexist comments.

She said that the grand chancery of the Legion of Honour would initiate a disciplinary procedure to decide whether to strip him of the award.

The controversy has reignited soul-searching in French cinema over its alleged tolerance of abusive and sexist behaviour.

In the interview, Mr Macron said: You can accuse someone, there may be victims, but there is also a presumption of innocence.

I simply want Gerard Depardieu to be able to defend his rights like everyone else to continue to work and create, he added.

Broadcaster France 2 aired a documentary earlier this month which showed the actor on a 2018 trip to North Korea, during which he repeatedly made explicit sexual comments in the presence of a female interpreter and sexualised a 10-year-old girl while she was riding a horse.

Depardieu, an actor with more than 200 films to his name, was charged with rape in 2020 and has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by more than a dozen women.

He has strenuously denied all of the allegations.

A torrent of outrage

Mr Macrons comments unleashed a torrent of outrage.

Sophie Bussiere, a spokeswoman for the Greens, issued a social media post depicting the president as promoter in chief of rape culture.

Francois Hollande, Frances former Socialist president, said: Were not proud of Gerard Depardieu.

It was expected of the president to talk about women, not just that Gerard Depardieu was a great actor, he added.

[Macron] has dubbed [womens rights] the most important issue of his five-year term, and this is how he is dealing with the Gerard Depardieu question.

Anne-Cecile Mailfert, the president of the Womens Foundation, said: When the president says I wont take part in a manhunt, he is judging the women who have filed complaints or who have given evidence by saying that they are the ones whose stance is reprehensible.

This is extremely serious. Emmanuel Macron has a voice that carries weight, and this has real consequences for womens lives, she added.

Since the documentary aired Depardieus family has denounced an unprecedented conspiracy against him.

Depardieu himself addressed the rape and sexual assault allegations in an open letter published in Le Figaro in October.

Never, ever have I abused a woman, the actor wrote. To the media court, to the lynching that has been reserved for me, I have only my word to defend myself.

Over the weekend, a Belgian municipality stripped Depardieu of the title of honorary citizen, several days after the Canadian province of Quebec revoked its top honour over his scandalous comments about women.

But Depardieus family has argued his treatment amounts to a lynching.

Of course, we are often shocked by Gerards comments, but our father/grandfather/uncle is being the target of an unprecedented conspiracy, several relatives, including his daughter, actress Julie Depardieu, said in a letter published in French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche.

Deploring this terrifying collective insanity, they said that in private, with his children, he is an extremely modest, delicate and even prudish person.

Meanwhile, Pariss Grevin Museum has withdrawn a life-size waxwork of Depardieu, which had been on display at the wax museum since 1981.

The statue was removed following the negative reactions of visitors passing in front of it, as well as comments on social media, it said.

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After the latest round of negotiations, Macys workers in Washington rejected the companys contract offer and voted to authorize another strike Wednesday night.

According to the workers union UFCW 3000, more than 400 Washington workers went on an unfair labor practices strike over the Black Friday weekend.

Workers say theyve been the target of unfair labor practices such as retaliation against employees, safer stores, and better pay.

Now, after the latest strike vote, employees at Alderwood, Southcenter, and Bellis Fair malls could begin walking picket lines at any time, according to their union.

Negotiations resumed on Monday, but workers said Macys latest offer had not significantly improved and noted that the company has reported more than $1 billion annual profits, smashing expectations.
The Madison County Planning Board's Dec. 19 meeting at the Marshall library drew a crowd of nearly 100 residents.

MARSHALL - For 13 years, Madison County was the only county in North Carolina to have an ordinance regulating against building on mountain ridges.

But on Dec. 19, despite roughly 20 residents expressing their opposition to an application to remove the county's 50-foot setback requirement for building on ridge tops, the Madison County Planning Board voted to recommend to scrap the setback requirement in a meeting continued from Nov. 21 to allow the board to hear from all the residents who signed up for public comment.

In the next step, on Jan. 9, the Madison County Board of Commissioners will vote on whether to approve the planning board's recommendation.

The application was submitted by Russell Blevins.

Blevins told The News-Record & Sentinel in November that he and Parker applied to have the Mountain Ridge Protection Ordinance's 50-foot ridge top setback requirement removed because he wanted to build a cabin for his family, adding that he felt his children would want to potentially build cabins as well.

The North Carolina Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983 established protections in the form of building height restrictions for ridgelines at or above 3,000 feet and came into legislation in response to an Avery County condominium complex, Sugar Mountain.

In 2010, Madison County established the Mountain Ridge Protection Ordinance, which "regulates the height of tall buildings or structures on mountain ridges, providing for the method of administration and enforcement, defining certain terms used herein, and providing for the imposition of penalties for violation of provisions of the ordinance."

Blevins and Clif Parker purchased Mountain Park, a gated neighborhood in the Mars Hill headwaters of Gabriels Creek, in April.

Parker is managing partner of Mountain Partners, the company that owns Mountain Park. Blevins and Parker own the undeveloped portions of Mountain Park.

Blevins owns roughly 400 acres at the head of Paint Fork, near Metcalf Creek Loop Road.

Blevins told The News-Record the 50-foot setback requirement makes building his potential residence more difficult, which he reiterated in the Nov. 21 meeting.

Neither Blevins nor Parker presented to the board Dec. 19, as their presentation was completed in the previous meeting, in which Blevins said he felt the 50-foot setback requirement not only forced him off the soil most stable on which to build, but resulted in more environmental damage.

Prior to starting the hearing, Board Chair Jered Silver said he felt the county Mountain Ridge Protection Ordinance's 50-foot setback requirement was environmentally harmful.

"I can't find anything that is more destructive than this ordinance, and that's partially why I think a lot of the other counties in North Carolina don't have it, because it is so destructive to the environment," Silver said.

"I've looked this ordinance over for the last month. I've been in construction my whole life. It's really all I know. I can't find anything in this book that is worse for the environment than this ordinance, and the reason being, first of all, you're building a house so you can have to build it off the side of the mountain. We see it all the time. When you go to Woodfin, and you see it around here some. There's houses that's not on the top of the ridges, they're on the side of the mountain, and the ground's completely destroyed from putting just the driveway, much less the house."

The board chair said he felt building on the top of a mountain at 3,100 feet, "They're going to cause a lot less damage putting a house at top than at the side."

The statement drew exclamations of disagreement from the crowd, causing Silver to start the hearing.

Setback vote postponed Madison County Planning Board's vote on 50-foot ridge top setback continued to December

Developer: Scrap Madison setbacks Developer: Scrap Madison ridge top setback building requirement. Residents want to keep it

Residents' disapproval

The board heard first from the holdover residents who signed up for public comment Nov. 21 but did not get to comment due to time constraints, nearly all of whom said they disapproved the proposed amendment to scrap the setback requirement.

Bill Kazer lives on East Fork Road in Mars Hill.

Kazer raised the issue of the tax implications involved with potentially approving the application and said the property he owns has tripled since 2015.

"In 1999 is when I first started looking for property here, and the locals would not sign easements for me because I was from D.C.," Kazer said. "Now, it seems like locals are trying to just sign away these rights and these opportunities to these people to build these multimillion dollar homes that are going to price each and everyone of the people who love this area for what it is."

A number of residents who spoke during public comment spoke to the aesthetic, referencing Madison's "Jewel of the Blue Ridge" label, as well as the environmental impacts of removing the setback requirement, including Gwen McTaggart, who moved to the county with her parents in 1968 at the age of 5.

"Something we haven't really talked about is lights on the mountaintop obscuring the stars," McTaggart said. "The dark is what's beautiful about this place. The other thing I'd like to mention is Russell Blevins mentioning the dangers to the environment of steep slop buildings. He's right. He's a soil conservation person. It's dangerous to build on the steep slopes, so I would like to recommend that we have a steep slope ordinance, as well as a setback requirement."

Laura Boggess suggested the board speak with local firefighters about the implications of the proposed amendment's impact on local fires, referencing Mars Hill's miscanthus, or pampas grass, problem.

Pampas grass problem Mars Hill wildfire 'worst in a couple years,' according to state forest service ranger

Boggess works for Mars Hill University, where she coordinates the environmental studies program.

Boggess said she thinks some residents may feel as if the ridge top setback issue is "us versus them, people from here, people not from here," but that she feels that feeling is a misperception.

"I actually don't think that's what's goin on. I work for Bailey Mountain. That land, we earned and raised money for it," Boggess said, alluding to numerous fundraisers in which people from throughout the county banded together to raise money for the preserve.

Mars Hill renames main trail Mars Hill renames main trail at Bailey Mountain Preserve in honor of Richard L. Hoffman

More: Mars Hill gallery spotlights 8 local LGBTQ+ artists in exhibit to run through Oct. 28

Board comments

Silver said the board had received "more than 1,000 emails" about the proposed amendment to the Mountain Ridge Protection Ordinance, adding that for all the residents speaking out against the amendment during the public comment portion, many locals had approached him in person and said they wanted to do away with the ordinance as a whole.

Board member Lee Wilds reiterated a point raised by another resident, who said the county would be taxing residents who own land but cannot develop it if the county maintained the setback requirement.

"That's acres and acres and acres of our Madison County land that are in the tax that we're saying, that you can't do anything with it," Wilds said.

The board unanimously approved Clayton Honeycutt's motion to scrap the setback requirement.

Honeycutt also introduced the idea for the county commissioners and Planning Board to form a focus group, similar to the county's courthouse funding, biomass and noise ordinance focus groups.

"I don't like the premise that we don't want to protect these ridges," Honeycutt said. "We've been entrusted to protect them since the Civil War. We will continue to do so."

Like Silver, Honeycutt said he didn't like the Mountain Ridge Protection Ordinance, which he called "a Flintstone vitamin."

"It's only worked because we haven't challenged it yet," Honeycutt said. "It doesn't give us the protection we want, and yet it inhibits longstanding families that have held this land."

Honeycutt said the 50-foot setback requirement was not the only regulation in the ordinance with which he disagreed.

"We also have a 2-acre lot size minimum," Honeycutt said. "But we don't designate how that 2-acre lot is constructed. If you want to see a ridge that looks terrible, keep this ordinance here."

Honeycutt said he felt the ordinance "restricted property owners that have lived and paid taxes and been a part of this community for generations."

"I don't have a problem with putting what may seem onerous regulations on subdivisions," Honeycutt said. "But not working families that have had a dream to one day put a house up on this ridge, only to see it generation after generation be unfulfilled, and then have them finally have somebody with enough money to build that house."

Honeycutt advocated for the Planning Board or county planning team to reassess the Madison County Subdivision Control Ordinance in the area above 3,000 feet.

"If it's left as it is now, even if we keep the setback requirement, people are coming," Honeycutt said. "People are going to continue to grow the county, and it's not going to be in the way that we'd like to see. If we're worried about overdevelopment of the ridges, by all means, let's work on that.

"This 50-foot setback is not the savior you think it is."

Johnny Casey has covered Madison County for The Citizen Times and The News-Record & Sentinel for nearly three years, including earning a first-place award in beat reporting in the 2023 North Carolina Press Association awards. He can be reached at 828-210-6071 or jcasey@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Board scraps 50-foot ridge setback requirement; will form focus group
Maines secretary of state has delayed a decision to determine whether former President Donald Trump should appear on next years presidential primary ballot, following a decision from the Colorado Supreme Court determining he is ineligible there.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was expected to make a decision Friday about Trumps eligibility, but will allow for more time for both sides to make arguments after Colorados historic ruling this week, the Portland Press Herald reported. Bellows said she plans to issue a ruling early next week.

On Tuesday, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Trump, currently the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination next year, is ineligible to be president under the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone from holding office who took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution but then engaged in insurrection or rebellion.

The ruling  which cites Trumps involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack to stop the electoral certification of President Joe Biden  will likely head to the U.S. Supreme Court for review on whether states can ban Trump from the ballot.

Colorados decision could open the door for other states to follow its lead. Former Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling (D) and former state Sen. Kimberley Rosen (R) are among those challenging Trumps eligibility in Maine, similarly citing the 14th Amendment in their arguments.

Benjamin Gaines, an attorney representing Strimling and Rosen, told the Portland Press Herald they remain hopeful Trump will be disqualified from the state.

Were very hopeful that [Bellows], after a thorough review of all the evidence we presented, is going to reach the conclusion that former President Trump doesnt meet the qualifications for the office of president and therefore has to be disqualified from the Maine ballot, Gaines told the publication.

Besides Colorado and Maine, at least 14 other states have pending legal challenges to Trumps ballot eligibility, according to The New York Times.

Related...
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (C-R) and his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (C-L) wave as they arrive at a gathering in Kuala Lumpur in November 2022. File Photo by Vincent Thian/EPA-EFE

Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Malaysia has banned Israeli ships over the country's war on occupied Palestine, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Wednesday. Ibrahim specifically called out the Israeli firm ZIM but added that the decision applies to any ship bearing the Israeli flag.

The company was founded as the ZIM Palestine Navigation Company in 1945 to carry Jewish immigrants fleeing Europe after World War II to what was then the predominantly Arab territory of Mandatory Palestine. It is headquartered in the city of Haifa and offers cargo shipping services. Malaysia began allowing ZIM ships to dock in the country in 2002 but has no diplomatic ties with Israel.

"The Malaysian government decides to block and disallow Israel-based shipping company ZIM from docking in any Malaysian ports," Ibrahim said in a statement on Facebook.

Ibrahim said Malaysia's Transport Ministry would take "immediate action" and impose a permanent ban on ZIM effective immediately. Malaysia has also banned domestic ships from traveling to Israel.

"These sanctions are a response to Israel's actions that disregard basic principles of humanity and violate international law through continued genocide and cruelty against Palestinians," Ibrahim said. "Malaysia is confident that the decision will not affect Malaysia's trading activities."

Nearly 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza by Israeli forces amid the war.

Meanwhile, the United States has again delayed a vote on a new resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. The United States has firmly remained behind Israel, despite a growing list of condemnation for the humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli forces.

The United States has also unveiled a military initiative to combat the targeting of Israeli ships in the Red Sea by the Houthis. The Houthis are a militant group in Yemen that has been fighting a civil war since 2014 against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and a third faction, backed by the United Arab Emirates, that is against both the Houthis and the Saudi-backed forces.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE both consider the Houthis, an anti-imperialist insurgency that also condemns the United States and its support for Israel, to be a terrorist organization. The United States backs the Saudis in the Yemeni conflict.
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. (WGNO)  A man wanted on attempted murder, rape and false imprisonment charges in St. Tammany Parish was arrested in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

According to St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office officials, deputies responded to a report of a burglary in the 1400 block of Beech Street near Slidell on Nov. 23.

Houma man arrested after Terrebonne Parish traffic stop leads to drug bust

At the scene, deputies said they found a running car with a door open outside a home and a man leaving the scene.

Deputies were dispatched to find the man, identified by the STPSO as 25-year-old Shawn Landry, but were unsuccessful.

Deputies then talked to a woman inside the home, who said that Landry was holding her hostage. The woman said Landry raped and abused her during that time.

She also said that Landry allegedly broke into the home after being locked out and took her phone and car.

A warrant was issued for Landrys arrest on two counts of home invasion, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, a charge of second-degree rape, a charge of theft of a motor vehicle, three counts of simple assault and a charge of false imprisonment.

Deputies then consulted with the U.S. Marshals Service to search for Landry.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, the U.S. Marshals Service Nevada Violent Offender Task Force arrested Landry in Las Vegas.

According to the STPSO, Landry is being held on the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office charges, at the Clark County Detention Center pending extradition to Louisiana.

Stay updated with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
A St. Louis man arrested following a high-speed chase after a bank robbery in Caseyville has been indicted in federal court on a bank robbery charge.

Tyrone Leslie, 38, was arrested after a robbery was reported at the FCB Bank at 204 N. Main St. in Caseyville on Dec. 4, police said.

Leslie was indicted Tuesday on one count of bank robbery, according to federal court records.

Missouri law-enforcement officers saw the getaway vehicle after the Caseyville bank robbery was reported, and the man was caught by police in the 3100 block of Delmar Avenue in St. Louis after a high-speed pursuit, Caseyville police have said.

Caseyville Detective Sgt. Danny Allison previously said the suspect used force against one of the bank employees in order to facilitate his escape.

Leslie, of the 1900 block of Washington Avenue in St. Louis, also faces two counts of first-degree robbery in St. Louis County court, according to a news release from the St. Louis County Police Department. One robbery was reported on Nov. 14 at the US Bank at 13001 Tesson Ferry Road and the other was on Dec. 2 at the PNC Bank at 15061 Manchester Road in St. Louis County.

Leslie is being held in St. Louis County. Federal prosecutors have asked that he be brought to the federal courthouse in East St. Louis on Jan. 8 for an initial appearance in connection with the Caseyville bank robbery charge.
Tacloban City (CNN Philippines, December 21)  The Department of Health - Eastern Visayas (DOH-8) reported an increase in leptospirosis cases in Northern Samar, weeks after the province was hit by massive flooding.

DOH-8 regional information officer Jelyn Lopez-Malibago said that from just eight cases between January to the first week of December, the number of cases spiked to 22 in the second week of the month.

"Hindi yan nakakabigla dahil nakaranas ng matinding pagbaha sa probinsya [This is not surprising because the province saw severe flooding] in the past weeks dahil sa masamang panahon [due to bad weather]," she said Thursday.

Cases were reported in the towns of Catarman, Lope de Vega, Bobon, Rosario, Lavezares, Las Navas, and Catubig.

Lopez-Malibago said that the DOH already sent the province antibiotics to combat the illness as part of the agency's post-disaster response.

There were no reported leptospirosis-linked deaths in the province, Lopez-Malibago said.

The DOH-8 said there were a total of 113 leptospirosis cases in the following Eastern Visayas provinces: Leyte (43), Eastern Samar (8), Northern Samar (22), Samar (35), Southern Leyte (2), Biliran (3).

Meanwhile, there were nine reported deaths due to leptospirosis: Leyte (1), Eastern Samar (1), and Samar (7).

To prevent further infection, the DOH advised people residing in flood prone areas to avoid contact with animal urine or body fluids, especially if they have cuts or abrasions on their skin.

Citizens were also advised to wear protective clothing near soil or water that may be contaminated with animal urine; avoid swimming or wading in muddy ponds and slowly moving streams, especially those located near farms or stagnant water; and control rat populations around their home on a regular basis.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Detectives in D.C. have arrested and charged a man with stabbing and killing a woman in Northwest.

Officers said they responded to reports of a domestic incident in the 1200 block of 11th St NW, at around 2:49 a.m., on Tuesday, December 19.

Upon arrival, they found a woman suffering an apparent stab wound at the residence. Reyna Garcia-Lopez of Northwest D.C. died at the scene.

DC police release video of suspects robbing City Centers Chanel store

Detectives said they pursued a warrant, and on December 20, members of the Great Lake Regional Fugitive Task Force located Alberto Valle-Carranza, 54, was located and arrested in Michigan City, Indiana.

Police said Valle-Carranza will be extradited to D.C. where he will face charges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  More than 21 months after a teenage shooting victim was found dead inside a car, Clarksville authorities have made an arrest.

The Clarksville Police Department said it responded to a shooting in progress call in the 300 block of Forest Hills Drive at approximately 9:40 p.m. on March 15, 2022.

When officers arrived, they said they found 19-year-old Naythan Nugent inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

MARCH 2022: Man found shot to death inside car in Clarksville

Jacori Steele (Courtesy: Clarksville Police Department)

According to officials, the lead investigator identified 25-year-old Jacori Steele, of Clarksville, as a suspect in the ongoing investigation.

Evidence from the case was reportedly presented to the December 2023 Grand Jury, which indicted Steele on charges of first-degree felony murder.

Then, on Wednesday, Dec. 20, authorities said they responded to a property damage call in the 1800 block of Madison Street.

Officers said they verified that Steele, who was an occupant of the vehicle, had a warrant for his arrest. Even though Steele tried to run away, he was taken into custody following a short foot pursuit.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

When Steele was arrested, police said they recovered a loaded gun that had been reported stolen from Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Due to his prior felony convictions, its illegal for Steele to possess any firearms.

According to officials, Steele was booked into the Montgomery County Jail for first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, Convicted Felon going armed, and evading arrest. His bond has been set at $320,000.

No additional details have been released about this case, which is pending prosecution.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
"It appears as though the suspect shot into the apartment..."

The Tallahassee Police Department has arrested a 21-year-old Havana man in connection with one of two unrelated back-to-back murders Monday night.

In a Thursday morning announcement, TPD said it has charged Za'Mond Durant with homicide.

Investigators say Durant "forcibly entered" the apartment of a woman at Camden Place Apartments, located on North Mission Road.

When they arrived after getting calls about gunshots, police found the body of a man named Craig Baker, Jr., who had been shot in the back of the head and chest inside an apartment.

"It appears as though the suspect (first) shot into the apartment from the doorway," investigators said, adding that they later determined that Durant shot Baker twice, including "in the back of the head, after Baker was likely incapacitated, while standing over his body."

Durant, who police say has been the suspect in past domestic violence cases, was the father of the woman's unborn child. She reportedly fled the apartment and sought help when Durant barged into the apartment.

"As (the victim) was screaming for help, she heard several gunshots come from the area of her apartment," investigators said.

In the subsequent investigation, "detectives collected physical and electronic evidence that helped them identify Durant as the suspect and develop probable cause for his arrest," according to TPD.

So far this year, 24 people have been killed and at least 71 injured in 86 serious shootings in the capital city and county, according to a Tallahassee Democrat analysis of gun violence.

The Mission Road shooting was one of two fatal shootings Monday. Two-and-a-half hours earlier, police found the body of a man who was shot to death in the front yard of a home on Keith Street.

Arianna Otero is the City Solutions Reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@tallahassee.com or on X at @ari_v_otero.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Man charged in shooting death at north Tallahassee apartment complex
(CNN)  The European Union has reached a provisional agreement to thoroughly overhaul its laws on asylum and migration, a move being hailed as a landmark but which could face challenges when each member state comes to approve it.

The deal covers the political elements of five EU laws that touch upon all stages of asylum and migration management, the European Council said in a statement, adding that all five are components of the pact on migration and asylum proposed by the European Commission in 2020.

The five EU laws agreed upon address issues including the screening of irregular migrants, procedures for handling asylum applications, rules on determining which member state is responsible for handling an asylum application, and how to handle crisis situations, according to the European Council statement.

The new rules, once adopted, will make the European asylum system more effective and will increase the solidarity between member states by enabling to lighten the load on those member states where most migrants arrive, the statement added.

There have long been complaints that some EU members receive far more migrants than others. Under the proposals, countries not at the border will have to choose between accepting their share of 30,000 asylum applicants or paying at least 20,000 euros ($21,870) per person into an EU fund, Reuters reported.

The agreement was made between the current Spanish presidency of the European Council, which rotates between member states every six months, and the European Parliament.

While the agreement was hailed as historic by Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, a formal deal will still need to be approved by all 27 members of the European Union and ratified by the Parliament, where multiple blocs of parliamentarians oppose the deal.

The European Council noted that the next step of the process will be submitting the provisional agreement to member states for confirmation.

Metsola said in a post on social media that 20th December 2023 will go down in history. The day the EU reached a landmark agreement on a new set of rules to manage migration and asylum.

Refugee charities have criticized the deal, along with members of the European Parliament.

The European Council on Refugees and Exiles, an alliance of 117 NGOs working to protect asylum seekers, said on social media that the deal marked a dark day for Europe.

Amnesty International reacted to the agreement on Wednesday, saying that it will lead to a surge in suffering for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants on every step of their journeys.

The politics of migration

Migration, particularly the question of how to deal with the large influx of refugees that Europe has seen in recent years, has come to dominate European politics, particularly on the right.

Europes geographical location and comparatively friendly record on human rights and support for refugees has made it an attractive destination for those fleeing conflict.

The EU has a vast external border, ranging from the Mediterranean Sea  close to parts of North Africa and the Middle East  to land borders with Russia in the east. Conflicts in these parts of the world over the past couple of decades have naturally led to many people seeking entry to Europe.

The EU faces other unique challenges when it comes to irregular migration, not least because 22 of the 27 EU member states are part of the borderless Schengen area, which makes tracking movement across the bloc somewhat trickier.

The frictionless movement is something that most Europeans dont want to give up for economic reasons, but a lack of control on migration is the other side of the coin.

Unsurprisingly, this creates ample opportunity for anti-EU politicians to whack Brussels, a tried and tested political strategy for politicians across the bloc. For opposition parties, it means you can hold your governments feet to the fire on domestic migration policy.

The day before the EU reached its deal on migration, the French parliament passed a controversial immigration bill, which Frances leading far-right politician Marine Le Pen called an unquestionable ideological victory for her party.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "EU reaches landmark agreement on asylum reform but deal still faces challenge of ratification"
A mans phone alerted 911 to a major crash but when firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the body of a shooting victim, Texas police told news outlets.

First responders headed to the scene on San Antonios west side after 1 a.m., Dec. 20, police said in a news release.

Investigators say the victim was lying on the side of the road and when firefighters attempted life-saving measures, they discovered multiple gunshot wounds.

There hadnt been any crash, the man had been shot and killed, police said.

The mans phone was found nearby, police told MySanAntonio.com, adding that it apparently sent a crash alert to authorities when it struck the ground.

No shell casings were found at the scene and investigators say its possible the man, believed to be in his mid 30s or early 40s, was dumped at the location, KENS reported.

No arrests have been made and it isnt known who may have killed the man or why, police said. An investigation is underway.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man is in custody after police performing a sex trafficking mission say he picked up a 16-year-old girl in Northeast Portland.

On the evening of Dec. 12, officers say they saw Juan Francisco Cueller-Montoya, 28, drive up to the teenager standing on a street corner of 82nd Avenue. Moments later, she was in his car.

Large police presence responds to shooting incident in east Multnomah County

Officers detained the pair and took the girl into protective custody. Meanwhile, Cueller-Montoya was arrested and charged with purchasing sex with a minor.

According to the Portland Police Bureau, the agency performs these missions to combat the demand for sex trafficking in the city.

Due to the complexity of these cases, such as repeated trauma exposures, trauma bonds with traffickers, and fear of retaliation, the victims in these cases are often reluctant to come forward, make a report and/or continue through the criminal justice process, PPB said in a press release.

Explosion of Oregon fentanyl use one of many challenges found in Measure 110 audit

Police ask that you contact them via 911 or humantrafficking@police.portlandoregon.gov if you or someone you know is being trafficked in the area.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A woman was held captive by a man with a meat cleaver in her Massachusetts home, police said.

A 55-year-old man was arrested Thursday, Dec. 21 by the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension after being accused of raping and threatening a woman the day before, according to the agencys news release.

Rene Montes was taken into custody and was charged with aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping and assault and battery, according to state police.

The woman went to the Massachusetts State Police-Danvers Barracks to tell troopers about the attack at about 7:45 a.m. on Dec. 20, according to state police.

While in her residence, Montes raped the woman and then held her hostage by threatening her with a meat cleaver, she told police.

The woman went to the hospital shortly after reporting him, and police went to the scene of the crime, where they found the meat cleaver, according to the officials.

The investigation of where Montes was started that Wednesday, and he was located at a home in Methuen Thursday morning, according to state police.

He was booked at a Massachusetts state facility. More information on Montes bail and arraignment will be released later, state police said.

Danvers is about 20 miles northeast of downtown Boston.

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This image from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows its helicopter flying near magma running on a hill north of Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula late on Dec. 18 or early Dec. 19, 2023. / Credit: Icelandic coast guard via AP

A pilot in Iceland wanted to see the ongoing eruption of a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. He took to the air  and discovered a stranded traveler using a flashlight in the "pitch dark" to signal for help just miles from where lava had surfaced.

Ernir Snaer Bjarnason told Reuters that he and his friend Finnir Snae Baldvinsoon took off from Reykjavik Airport on Dec. 19, a day after the volcanic eruption began near the evacuated town of Grindavik.

"When we were getting closer, around 5 kilometers [3 miles] from the eruption, we spotted a flashlight or a light of some kind and then we spotted another one," he said. "We saw that one of them was pointed directly towards us and was flashing us an emergency signal like the S.O.S. Morse code signal."

The pilot said they thought it was "quite strange" to see someone when it was "pitch dark outside." So they contacted the local air traffic control to report the emergency signal. With no way to contact the stranded traveler, he said that all he could do was hover, and wait for emergency officials to arrive.

"I was flying my plane just exactly above him, just taking circles ... and there he was," he said. "...I could see his lights and I could see he was in distress but I couldn't, I could only rock my wings or flash some lights at him but I couldn't tell him 'Wait, the helicopter is coming, just stay calm.'"

The Icelandic Coast Guard said on Facebook that the man, who has not been identified, was rescued and "had become cold and raw after a long stay outside," according to a translation. He was flown to Reykjavik for medical attention, Reuters said.

The volcanic eruption started Monday after weeks of anticipation, with locals experiencing thousands of earthquakes and a small local fishing village seeing its ground crack open, prompting evacuations. Lava fountains have been seen shooting up 98 feet in the air, as the eruption created a fissure 2.5 miles long.

On Thursday, Iceland's meteorological office said that "no volcanic activity was observed" in the morning hours, and that it appears "as though there is no activity in the craters."

Scientists who flew over the eruption site this morning confirm that no eruptive activity is visible and that lava flow from the craters seems to have ceased. Glowing is still visible in the lava field, possibly within closed channels. pic.twitter.com/ccUKooncCt  Veurstofa Islands / Icelandic Met Office (@Vedurstofan) December 21, 2023

"However molten lava can be seen within the new lava field," the office said in its update. "The volcanic activity seems to have come to an end late last night or early morning. Despite that it is possible that lava is flowing underneath the lava coat in lava tubes and therefore it is not possible to say that the eruption is over."

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LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Lancaster County restaurant employee had a gun pulled on them when police say they confronted a customer about not paying.

A news release from Susquehanna Township Police states that the incident happened at the Marietta Tavern at 324 West Market Street, sometime before 9 pm.

There was a man and woman who police describe to be both in their mid to late 40s that came into the bar and ordered food and drink. Police say that after waiting for their food, the man went into the back, an employee-only area, and asked what was taking so long.

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A worker then confronted the man who then pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot the employee in the head while he was pointing it.

Police described the man as having long brown hair, a beard, and glasses and he was wearing a dark orange sweatshirt, a news release said. An investigation is ongoing.

Body armor, 100+ fentanyl pills, guns seized in Lancaster County, two jailed

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them at (717)-426-1164.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
SELMA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The Second Chance Animal Shelter of Selma announced Tuesday night with an update on Facebook with how many dogs are left that need to be adopted.

On Dec. 19 the Second Chance Animal Shelter of Selma posted on Facebook that there were 39 dogs left.

Shelter officials told YourCentralValley.com that there are only 37 more dogs who need homes as of Dec. 20, 2023.

Officials with the shelter have been encouraging residents to adopt all of the remaining dogs before the end of the year after the Selma City Council voted not to renew their contract for animal control services.

All dogs in this Selma animal shelter need homes before 2024

Officials say the remaining dogs will be handed over to Fresno Humane, which is already over capacity and euthanizing dogs.

The animal shelter shared their gratitude, thanking everyone who came out to adopt.

We are almost to the finish line so please keep sharing our posts and lets find every single dog a HOME, Second Chance Animal Shelter of Selma said on Facebook.

The Second Chance Animal Shelter of Selma is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and they say their adoption fees are waived, but the adopter must pay for spay/neuter. They are located at 2831 W. Front St in Selma.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
China strives to unleash consumption potential

10:25, December 21, 2023 By Bai Yifei ( People's Daily

With services including same-day local delivery, cross-provincial next-day delivery, and one-hour pickup, the courier sector is developing faster in China.

This is well indicated by statistics. In the third quarter of this year, the average delivery of express parcels took 54.24 hours in China, 2.5 hours shorter from a year ago; 83.75 percent of express parcels were delivered within 72 hours, with a year-on-year increase of 3.36 percentage points.

Photo taken on Nov. 8, 2023 shows the Hongyadong scenic area in southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (People's Daily Online/Sun Kaifang)

The acceleration of courier services has brought a better consumer experience, contributing to the continuous momentum of China's courier sector.

According to monitoring data released by the State Post Bureau, the annual volume of express delivery parcels handled in China surpassed 120 billion for the first time in 2023, reaching a new record high.

High-quality courier services have further invigorated the online retail market. From January to October this year, the online retail sales of physical goods nationwide increased by 8.4 percent year-on-year, accounting for 26.7 percent of the total retail sales of consumer goods. This represents an uptick of 0.3 percentage points from the first nine months, and a year-on-year increase of 0.5 percentage points.

The steady growth of the online retail market has enriched the choices of Chinese consumers and also contributed to the sustained recovery and improvement of consumption.

The development of the online retail market is attributed to the continuous optimization of the market environment and the constant innovation of e-commerce platforms. The former ensures that consumers can make purchases without any worries, while the latter leads to the emergence of new scenarios, forms, and models of business, encouraging the willingness to consume.

Vehicles are displayed at a booth at the first China International Supply Chain Expo held in Beijing, Nov. 29, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Chen Xiaogen)

For instance, artificial intelligence-generated virtual hosts of livestream commerce can be online all day, selling various types of products under different scenarios. The combination of livestream commerce and cultural tourism also provides consumers with immersive, experiential and interactive consumption experiences. The introduction of new products, services, and innovative approaches has further enhanced consumers' willingness to consume.

According to big data, China's livestream commerce sales exceeded 2.2 trillion yuan ($308.1 billion) from January to October this year, surging 58.9 percent year-on-year and accounting for 18.1 percent of total online retail sales.

The high-quality development of e-commerce has offered new experiences with new scenarios, met new demands with new business forms, and stimulated new vitality with new models. It has continuously fostered new growth points for China's consumption market.

E-commerce networks not only connect cities and rural areas but also link China with the rest of the world. At the recent first China International Supply Chain Expo, the aroma of coffee from different countries filled the exhibition hall, attracting huge numbers of visitors. A wide range of premium imported products have been brought to Chinese consumers through e-commerce platforms, including Spain's ham, Thailand's durian, Zambia's honey, and South Africa's aloe vera gel and wine.

According to statistics, the October sales of Philippine candied fruits, Indonesian hair care products, Chilean wines, and Colombian coffee beans on e-commerce platforms increased by 92.8 percent, 66.9 percent, 40.1 percent, and 25.7 percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

Express parcels are sorted and distributed at a public distribution center in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu province, Dec. 11, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Geng Yuhe)

Currently, the Chinese consumer market is showing signs of recovery and growth, with increasingly diverse consumer demands. The trend of consumption upgrading remains unchanged.

By closely following the changes in demand, adapting to the upgrading trend, continuously optimizing the supply end, and meeting the needs for quality, diversity, and individuality, China is continuously exploring new market opportunities.

China is making significant progress in promoting new industrialization, informatization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization, with consumption increasingly becoming a fundamental driving force for economic growth.

Currently, the country is striving to enhance its consumption capacity, improve consumption conditions, and innovate consumption scenarios to fully unleash its consumption potential. China has been the world's largest online retail market for consecutive years, with exponential growth in the number of online shoppers over the past decade. The future development of the Chinese online retail market will still be promising.

To create a better environment for the high-quality development of e-commerce, China will fully leverage the unique advantages of e-commerce in connecting online and offline, production and consumption, urban and rural areas, as well as domestic and international markets. It is believed that the country's consumption potential will be effectively unleashed, and the role of consumption in driving economic growth will be further strengthened.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Hong Kong (CNN)  The fates of many of Hong Kongs leading pro-democracy figures are at stake in two ongoing trials that spotlight the impact of the Beijing-imposed national security law on the once outspoken city.

On Monday, hearings began in the closely watched trial of media mogul Jimmy Lai, a major figure in Hong Kongs press landscape who has been accused of colluding with foreign forces.

And last month, lawyers made closing remarks in a separate national security case against dozens of activists and politicians known as the Hong Kong 47. The defendants, including former student activist Joshua Wong, were arrested en masse nearly three years ago for holding an unofficial primary election to decide who should contest city lawmaker elections.

The twin trials are among the highest profile to date under the sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 in the wake of massive and at times violent pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong say the law restored stability and closed loopholes that allowed interference of foreign forces. Theyve denied the law has suppressed freedoms.

But rights organizations, media groups, and critics say it has transformed the legal landscape and slashed basic civil and political rights in Hong Kong  a city once known for its robust culture of protest and free press and lauded for its international standard legal system.

What the courts decide in both trials will send a strong signal of how political acts  which many argue were in line with the normal functioning of the citys vibrant civil society  are now treated.

The trials, whose verdicts are expected next year, also come as Hong Kong plans to expand the number of national security crimes with new legislation. Officials say a new law will plug gaps in Beijings rules, but critics fear it could further degrade freedoms  and international confidence  in the city.

Heres what you need to know:

Whos on trial and what are the charges?

Lai, 76, was among the first people to be arrested under the national security law after it came into effect on June 30, 2020. He is now on trial for three counts of colluding with foreign forces under the national security law and a separate charge under the citys colonial-era sedition act. Lai has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The founder of the pro-democracy, anti-Beijing newspaper Apple Daily had already been jailed for roughly three years and handed other sentences in relation to the protests and business operations at the papers premises.

Lai had long been an outspoken critic of Chinas ruling Communist Party  a view reflected in the pages of his now-defunct newspaper. During the 2019 protests, he traveled to the United States to meet with politicians to discuss the political situation in Hong Kong  a move seen by Beijing as colluding with foreign forces to undermine Chinas security.

The so-called Hong Kong 47 includes seasoned politicians, elected lawmakers and young protest leaders, as well as academics, unionists, journalists and medical workers. They hail from multiple generations and a wide political spectrum - from moderate pro-democracy figures to those who advocate for Hong Kongs self-determination.

Among some of the more well-known figures are Joshua Wong, 27, who gained international fame as the teenage face of Hong Kongs years of student-led democracy protests; Benny Tai, 59, a legal scholar and co-founder of the 2014 Occupy Central movement; and Claudia Mo, 66, a former journalist-turned-legislator.

They were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion after holding the unofficial primary election in 2020 less than two weeks after security law came into effect. Its goal was to decide who should contest city lawmaker elections and give pro-democracy politicians the best chance of gaining a majority in the legislature. Hundreds of thousands of people cast votes.

Those on trial say that plan was simply part of the pluralistic, oppositional politics that has long been permitted in Hong Kong. Prosecutors argue it amounted to a massive and well-organized scheme to subvert the Hong Kong government.

In national security trials, the maximum sentence is life in prison.

How are national security trials different from other proceedings?

The national security law, drafted and approved in Beijing for Hong Kong, criminalizes acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces.

It also allows for departures from common law in terms of how cases are tried.

So far, no national security cases in the city have been heard by a jury. Theyve instead been presided over by a bench of three high court judges selected by the citys Beijing-appointed Chief Executive. The judges come from the existing ranks of the citys judiciary and are chosen based on their judicial and professional qualities, the government has said.

According to official figures provided to CNN on Tuesday, 172 people have been charged under the national security law as of this week. Of the more than 100 completed trials there is a 100% conviction rate, according to data collected by Georgetown Universitys Center for Asian Law research fellow, Eric Yan-ho Lai.

The law provides an option for cases to be transferred to mainland China for trial under extreme circumstances  a provision that has yet to be used.

It also places a higher threshold for bail. In the trial of the 47, 32 defendants were denied bail and have been in detention since 2021  a highly unusual practice for non-murder cases. Two more had bail revoked for breaching conditions.

In another departure, Hong Kong courts must get the approval of the citys leader before allowing a foreign lawyer without local qualifications to represent defendants in national security cases.

Lai, who is a British citizen, has been blocked from being represented by a British lawyer, a decision undergoing a separate legal challenge that has repeatedly delayed this trials start date.

The government in recent months has also issued bounties for overseas-based and self-exiled activists, including some foreign nationals, with police calling in for questioning family members who remain in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, a colonial-era sedition law, part of a 1938 Crimes Ordinance unused for decades, has been revived as part of the national security law. A conviction carries a maximum two-year sentence.

What are the broader implications of the national security law on media, education and life in the city?

Since the law came into force in July 2020, books with potential to be deemed a national security risk were purged from schools and libraries, school curricula were changed to include national security education, and elections were overhauled to ensure only patriots could stand for office. A key protest slogan was also banned, and a succession of civic organizations, unions and activist groups folded.

A new national security office was set up with a dedicated police unit and security agents from the mainland have been empowered to operate openly in Hong Kong for the first time.

Press freedom groups have also pointed to a precipitous decline. Between 2021 and 2023, Hong Kong fell 60 places on a ranking of press freedoms. It now ranks 140 out of 180 countries and territories compared with 80 two years prior, according to Reporters without Borders (RSF). Two decades ago, RSF ranked Hong Kong 18th in the world for media freedoms.

Lais Apple Daily was forced to shutter after authorities froze the papers bank accounts following a June 2021 raid on its office, where they arrested several executives. Other media outlets also closed in the following months, including Stand News, which was also raided by national security police and saw executives arrested on sedition charges.

In Lais ongoing trial, the prosecution has alleged that articles published in Apple Daily violated the law.

Amid stringent border restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic and the transformation of Hong Kong under the national security law, many Hong Kongers left the city, with official data showing the sharpest annual drop in population on record in 2022.

What do governments say about the law?

Hong Kong and mainland Chinese officials have praised the law as advancing prosperity and stability in the city following the 2019 protests, which at the time disrupted transport and business in the financial hub for multiple months. Theyve also said the law protects rights, freedoms, and the rule of law.

The National Security Law is the major turning point in Hong Kongs transition from chaos to order. Its effect in stabilizing the society is indisputable, the citys former Chief Executive Carrie Lam said following the first anniversary of the law in 2021.

Authorities have also regularly defended the law as in line with others internationally, arguing that no country can or would turn a blind eye to threats to national security like the emergence of local terrorism and separatism seen in Hong Kong in 2019.

Earlier this year, Hong Kongs government said while press freedom is respected and protected in Hong Kong, such freedom is not absolute. It is subject to restrictions provided by law and necessary for pursuing legitimate aims such as the protection of national security or public order.

But Western governments say the law has slashed freedoms in Hong Kong and reduced its autonomy from the mainland, where rights groups have long pointed to arbitrary and politically motivated arrests and investigations and a conviction rate above 99%.

Hong Kong was promised 50 years of a high level of political autonomy after being handed over to China in 1997 after decades of British rule.

In response to the national security laws imposition, the US revoked the special status that had for decades granted Hong Kong differential treatment in relation to mainland China. It also sanctioned dozens of mainland and Hong Kong officials including then-Chief Executive Lam and current leader John Lee, effectively blocking them from the international banking system.

The United Kingdom too decried the national security law, saying it rolled back freedoms and violated the terms of the original handover agreement. As a result, Britain created a new pathway to citizenship for Hong Kongers who hold a British National (Overseas) passport.

Two senior British judges last year resigned from Hong Kongs highest court over the law. One of them, Robert Reed, who heads Britains top judicial body, accused the Hong Kong government of departing from values of political freedom, and freedom of expression.

In the wake of its imposition, the US, the UK and other countries also suspended their extradition agreements with Hong Kong over concerns about a decline in rule of law and perceptions of a shift in the territorys relationship with the mainland.

During a regular review last year, United Nations Human Rights Committee experts wrote they were deeply concerned about the overly broad interpretation of and arbitrary application of the law and that it overrides fundamental rights and freedoms.

Hong Kong slammed the committee as accepting false information and distorted narratives regardless of the truth.

What will Hong Kongs own security law mean for the city?

Even as Beijings national security law has had a sweeping impact, Hong Kong officials have said the city will implement its own new legislation in the coming year to plug gaps.

The law would cover additional offenses like treason and theft of state secrets and explicitly bar foreign political organizations from conducting political activities in the region and prohibit local political organizations from establishing ties with foreign ones.

Hong Kong is required to enact such rules under its mini constitution put in place in 1997. But doing so has been a contentious issue for decades, with a 2003 proposal bringing hundreds of thousands to the streets in protest.

During an annual address in October, Chief Executive Lee cited an assessment of the city from Xia Baolong, head of Beijings agency overseeing Hong Kong affairs, before reiterating his pledge to institute the law.

While Hong Kong may appear to be peaceful and calm, there are indeed undercurrents  the root causes for chaos have not yet been eliminated, and the foundation of orderly governance needs to be fortified, Lee said, quoting Xia.

We should pay particular attention to those antiChina and destabilizing activities camouflaged in the name of human rights, freedom, democracy and livelihood, he said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, 'Two major national security trials are putting the spotlight back on civil rights in Hong Kong. Heres what to know'
In November 2023, some pharmacies in Puerto Vallarta were selling bottles of fake Adderall containing methamphetamine that were identical to this one that Times reporters purchased from a drug store in the coastal city in May 2023.

As a shortage of Adderall stretches into its second year, millions of patients are still struggling to fill their prescriptions in U.S. pharmacies. But in Mexico, some pharmacies are selling the pricey orange pills over the counter, in sealed bottles bearing the names and logos of well-known pharmaceutical companies.

One problem: Theyre not real. Some are counterfeits made of methamphetamine, while others contain appetite suppressants, acetaminophen or caffeine.

Ten months after the Los Angeles Times sounded the alarm about methamphetamine-tainted Adderall appearing in Mexican pharmacies, a follow-up investigation shows the problem is more sophisticated than previously known.

A new round of testing in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta found that counterfeiters in both beachfront cities are now passing off a wider array of substances as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications and selling the pills not only as Adderall but sometimes as a similar medication called Vyvanse.

And, instead of just selling loose tablets one at a time, dozens of drug stores are offering painstakingly counterfeited bottles, complete with drug identification codes, lot numbers and sometimes even holographic anti-tamper seals. In some cases, identical bottles were found in multiple stores or regional chains.

Its really bad to find out that pharmacies are selling whole bottles of fake medication, and clearly an effort has been made to make them look legitimate, said Chelsea Shover, a UCLA researcher who published a study on counterfeit medications in Mexico earlier this year.

There was some sense before that maybe the problem was largely confined to single pills, but clearly thats not the case," Shover said. "It sounds like the problem of counterfeit medications is a lot more widespread than we would have thought.

Healthcare providers called the shift very concerning, and drug market experts said the sophistication of the faux bottles points to the involvement of large criminal organizations.

This is clearly escalating, increasing the quality of the fakes, said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who studies organized crime. That also suggests a systematic component  like the cartels. You wouldnt have this consistency in the packaging if you didnt have a big actor behind it.

Drug regulators in Mexico did not respond to requests for comment, although in recent months officials have cracked down with raids and seizures in multiple cities.

****

Men stand in front of a mural in the tourist-friendly Zona Romantica district of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Pharmacies in Mexico have long been known for selling a wide range of medications over the counter, many of which, in the United States, either require a prescription or are simply not available. But the official list of substances that can be legally prescribed in Mexico does not include Adderall  which makes it a prime target for counterfeiters catering to American travelers who can no longer get their medication at home.

The Times first began investigating counterfeit medications in January, when reporters traveled to Tijuana and Los Cabos and purchased loose pills over the counter from several brick-and-mortar drugstores.

They found some of the pills sold as opioid painkillers were actually fentanyl, and all of the pills sold as Adderall were actually methamphetamine. Overall, the Times investigation found that 71% of the 17 pills tested came up positive for more powerful drugs. So reporters expanded the investigation to other border towns and tourist destinations, using at-home testing strips followed by confirmatory lab tests to determine the pills contents.

Read more: Fentanyl-tainted pills now found in Mexican pharmacies from coast to coast

By June, the Times team had bought and tested more than 50 pills from 29 pharmacies in eight cities, finding counterfeits for sale in stores from coast to coast, mostly in areas that attract travelers. While more than a third of the painkillers tested were fake, an even higher fraction  roughly 80%  of the pills sold as Adderall were counterfeit.

During initial rounds of testing in the first half of the year, most of the 15 Adderall samples purchased were sold over the counter as single pills. Many bore a strong resemblance to the orange, circular tablets commonly sold as Adderall in U.S. pharmacies, though a few came in large capsules typically used for antibiotics.

Twelve of the pills tested positive for substances that are not found in legitimate Adderall, including methamphetamine, caffeine, acetaminophen and MDMA  more commonly known as ecstasy.

Following the investigation, authorities in Mexico raided pharmacies in several areas where reporters and researchers had documented the problem. Government agents shut down dozens of pharmacies in the Yucat a n Peninsula and Los Cabos over the spring and summer. Then in late November, authorities shuttered 31 stores in Ensenada , a Baja California port city roughly 50 miles south of Tijuana.

People dine on the beach in the Zona Romantica district of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

But this fall, a follow-up investigation by The Times at two of the tourist hotspots reporters visited previously found that pharmacies were still selling counterfeit medications. In Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, none of the 15 pills sold as Adderall in November contained either of the medications active ingredients, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.

Instead, 13 contained methamphetamine  a drug that is closely related, but stronger. Some of the orange pills also contained other drugs such as acetaminophen or caffeine. In two cases, the alleged Adderall instead came in green capsules that contained clobenzorex, a weaker stimulant sold in Mexico as an appetite suppressant.

Read more: Mexican authorities shutter pharmacies in Yucatan, citing threat of counterfeit pills

Though some stores offered the pills individually, most sold them in sealed bottles. In Cabo San Lucas, the bottles varied in appearance from one store to the next. They all bore the names of major pharmaceutical companies  though often there were spelling, printing or translation errors, telltale signs of counterfeiting.

In Puerto Vallarta, several stores and at least two regional chains offered identical bottles: wider ones bearing a Teva Pharmaceutical Industries label, and taller ones with a Sun Pharmaceutical Industries label. The bottles typically had expiration dates, lot numbers, bar codes and drug identification numbers.

But the most elaborate counterfeit was a bottle of fake Vyvanse sold in Puerto Vallarta. Unlike Adderall, the medication has been legally available by prescription in Mexico  and last year health officials there put out a vague warning about counterfeit versions appearing on the market. Crucially, the warning did not say what the counterfeit pills actually contained.

When reporters visited a small chain called Super Farmacias del Pueblo, one worker offered up a bottle of Vyvanse bearing the brand name Shire Pharmaceuticals for a little over $200. There were no obvious mistakes on the sealed bottle or the Spanish-language informational material that came with it.

And both items were enclosed in a neatly printed box with tamper-proof holographic stickers at the edges. The only red flag was the capsules themselves. Like regular 50-milligram Vyvanse, they were half-blue and half-white  but they didnt have the S489 and 50mg imprints that appear on the legitimate medication.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, which acquired Shire in 2019, said it has not sold Vyvanse in Mexico since 2021 and confirmed the lot number on the box was "not one associated" with the legitimate Takeda medication. The company said it could not comment on the rest of the packaging.

In response to questions from The Times, a Super Farmacias del Pueblo representative said the chain planned to do an audit of its stores to make sure none of them were selling products not included in its catalog. In a follow-up message, the representative went on to accuse two other chains of selling unapproved medications.

Of the other drugmakers whose products were counterfeited, one  Sun Pharmaceuticals  did not offer comment. Teva confirmed that the company does not sell Adderall in Mexico and said it reported the suspicious pill bottles to health authorities there.

Based on our review of these images, we believe that the pictured bottles are counterfeit and not produced by or on behalf of Teva, spokesperson Yonatan Beker wrote in an email to The Times. Teva takes counterfeiting of its products very seriously.

****

A boat is framed by the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a granitic rock formation at the southern end of Cabo San Lucas. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

A woman walks past a pharmacy in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Tucked between massage parlors and bars on the curvy, sun-speckled roads of Cabo San Lucas and dotted along the hilly, bougainvillea-lined streets of Puerto Vallarta are dozens of drug stores that also take counterfeiting very seriously  or at least thats what their workers say.

When reporters visited in November, clerks at several pharmacies stressed that their medications came from legitimate suppliers whose names they had forgotten. One said the pills came directly from a laboratory.

Read more: 31 pharmacies in Mexico are shut as authorities crack down on fentanyl-tainted pills

Pharmacies in both cities sold Adderall to one reporter and then denied carrying the illegal product just minutes later when a second set of reporters showed up with questions. At one drug store steps from the yacht-filled marina in Cabo San Lucas, a woman working behind the counter warned two reporters about fake ADHD pills at other stores in the area.

In Mexico, they dont make Adderall, said the woman, who did not give her name. American buyers, she continued, should be careful when purchasing narcotics, even in bottles.

You can tell from the presentation of the box or the bottle, you can tell that its not real, she said. Or we can tell, because theyre Mexican brands. But you all [tourists]  how are you going to tell?

That warning came hours after another reporter purchased Adderall from that same pharmacy, where a different worker had asserted the pill was safe because it had come directly from California. Lab testing later showed it contained acetaminophen and methamphetamine.

Though unwittingly taking a methamphetamine pill may not necessarily carry the same immediate risk of death as accidentally consuming fentanyl, drug experts say there are still significant concerns  such as failing a drug test, accidentally running afoul of the law or having unanticipated effects.

Meth is a stronger stimulant than Adderall, and that can mean it lasts longer or has more pronounced effects than what some would be expecting, said Shover, the UCLA researcher. Crucially, with the chronic use of meth there are long-term cardiovascular issues.

****

The FDA acknowledged an Adderall shortage in October 2022. (TRIPPLAAR KRISTOFFER/SIPA / Sipa USA via AP)

It is difficult to know how much the recent scarcity of ADHD medication in the U.S. has pushed people toward methamphetamine-tainted prescriptions in Mexico, although drug experts say its a foreseeable outcome.

Cutting off prescriptions gets more people using meth, said Dr. Ryan Marino, a toxicology expert at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Making more things inaccessible increases the revenue to cartels. Its predictable.

When the FDA acknowledged an Adderall shortage in October 2022 , federal officials blamed it on manufacturing delays at Teva, one of the major suppliers of the drug. Eventually, the shortage spread to other companies and to other stimulant medications, including Ritalin and Vyvanse.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sets annual quotas limiting the amount of raw materials each company can have to make certain controlled drugs. According to the agency, pharmaceutical companies werent making as many doses of ADHD medications as they could. But several drugmakers said they were  and that theyd even asked the DEA for permission to make more.

At the end of the day, the fact that this shortage lasted so long without any intervention, that falls on the DEA, Marino said. Theyre the ones that had the power to change that  especially when other companies were offering to step up and increase their manufacturing.

The DEA did not respond to a request for comment.

This year, at least one company  Ascent Pharmaceuticals  took the matter to court, filing a motion accusing the DEA of slow-walking and then denying its request to get the raw materials for making a variety of ADHD medications. The agency responded with filings accusing Ascent of major record-keeping violations that officials said justified denying the application altogether. The case is ongoing.

After nearly a year of complaints from increasingly desperate patients and the elected officials who represent them, in August the FDA and DEA addressed the shortage publicly by releasing an open letter to pharmaceutical companies, asking them to increase their production of stimulant ADHD medications.

A few months later, federal officials announced changes that could prevent similar medication shortages in the future and said 17 of the drug companies that produce ADHD medications have agreed to increase their output.

Now, several drug experts and healthcare providers said, the shortage appears to be waning.

****

Despite the concerning presence of fake medication in Mexico, not all stimulants appear to be affected. In several Mexican cities, about half a dozen samples of methylphenidate  commonly known in the U.S. by the brand names Ritalin and Concerta  did not reveal abnormalities.

That could be because the medication is readily available in Mexico through legal means, or simply because it comes in harder-to-fake blister packs.

And over the summer, lab testing on a small number of Adderall samples reporters collected from pharmacies in Tijuana found the pills contained the same ingredients as legitimate Adderall. Drug experts said that could mean the medications were smuggled from the U.S., where they are legally available by prescription.

Shoppers and vendors mingle along the popular Avenida Revolucion in Tijuana, Mexico. (Lenny Ignelzi / Associated Press)

Still, to healthcare providers, the specter of drug stores selling methamphetamine-tainted medications is deeply concerning. Millions of children and adults are prescribed stimulants for either ADHD or narcolepsy, and shortages can derail their academic and professional careers.

ADHD can also coexist with depression and anxiety, and the more severe cases can cause depression and anxiety, said Linda Yoon, a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles who helps people manage ADHD. I have definitely had clients who cannot get out of bed without their ADHD medication.

If the shortage continues to ebb in the coming months, there may be less incentive for desperate patients to buy pills abroad  but some cartel and drug market experts are still concerned about what the future holds.

One of the things that worries me is at what point criminal organizations will start putting pressure on legitimate industries, said Felbab-Brown, pointing to her prior work examining the infiltration of criminal organizations into Mexicos fishing industry.

Are we going to have systematic pressure on the pharmaceutical industry and the packaging industry? Its extraordinary what theyre doing now, and the public health dangers are clearly enormous.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador this week reignited his ongoing feud with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over U.S. border security when he threatened to challenge the Lone Star States new immigration law.

The new legislation, signed by Abbott on Monday, allows law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants who would then face the choice to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges for illegal entry.

Migrants who don't comply could face arrest again and more serious felony charges. Abbott said the bill aims to stop a "tidal wave" of illegal immigration.

MEXICO'S AMLO INTENSIFIES ANTI-GOP MEDDLING WITH NEW ATTACK ON TEXAS GOV ABBOTT

But Lopez Obrador reacted furiously to the new law, and according to Reuters, he said the foreign ministry is already working on a legal challenge to the law.

He also accused Abbott of attempting to win political popularity with the move but said it would backfire because there are "a lot of Mexicans" in Texas.

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

"The Texas governor acts that way because he wants to be the Republican vice presidential candidate and wants to win popularity with these measures," Lopez Obrador said. "Hes not going to win anything. On the contrary, he is going to lose support because there are a lot of Mexicans in Texas, a lot of migrants."

Its the latest feud between Mexico and Texas and other Republicans over the migrant crisis. The Mexican Foreign Ministry filed a complaint against Texas this year over the construction of buoys set up by the state in the Rio Grande. It had also sought to link the deaths of two migrants in the river to the buoys.

"We reiterate the position of the Government of Mexico that the placement of wire buoys by the Texas authorities is a violation of our sovereignty," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "We express our concern about the impact on the human rights and personal safety of migrants that these state policies will have, which run counter to the close collaboration between our country and the federal government of the United States."

But Abbotts office pushed back, arguing that information pointed to the drownings occurring before they were near the barriers and that drownings were common even before the barrier was installed.

"This is a result of the reckless open border policies of President Biden and President Lopez Obrador. In fact, before Texas deployed barriers, the United Nations declared the U.S.-Mexico border the deadliest land crossing in the world," an Abbott spokesperson said. "If President Biden and President Lopez Obrador truly cared about human life, they would do their jobs and secure the border."

In July, Lopez Obrador urged Hispanics not to vote for Abbott in response to the buoys.

"We don't have to do much, just tell our compatriots not to vote for the governor of Texas or for lawmakers of the Republican Party who support these measures," he said.

He first targeted Abbott in the summer of 2022 and said that Mexico is "going to ask our countrymen there that they dont vote for that candidate or party."

MEXICAN PRESIDENT RAMPS UP ANTI-REPUBLICAN RHETORIC, URGES HISPANICS NOT TO GIVE DESANTIS ANY VOTES

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

Earlier this year, he announced an "information campaign" against Republicans after they pushed for more action  including military action against cartels  in response to the U.S. fentanyl crisis.

"Starting today we are going to start an information campaign for Mexicans who live and work in the United States and for all Hispanics to inform them of what we are doing in Mexico and how this initiative by the Republicans, in addition to being irresponsible, is an offense against the people of Mexico, a lack of respect for our independence, our sovereignty," he said in March.

"And if they do not change their attitude and think that they are going to use Mexico for their propaganda, electoral and political purposes, we are going to call for them not to vote for that party because it is interventionist, inhumane, hypocritical and corrupt," Lopez Obrador said, later adding that Mexico would be insisting that "not one vote" goes to Republicans from Mexicans and Hispanics.

He has also taken aim at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who, unlike Abbott, is running for presidential in 2024.

"I hope the Hispanics of Florida wake up and don't give him any votes, that they don't vote for those who persecute migrants, those who don't respect migrants," Lopez Obrador said in June.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Mexican president reignites battle with Texas Gov Abbott with challenge over immigration law
MEXICO CITY/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden and his Mexican counterpart agreed during a call on Thursday that more enforcement at the border between their countries is needed, the White House said, as record numbers of people trying to cross have disrupted trade.

Top U.S. officials - including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Homeland Security adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall - will travel to Mexico in coming days to meet with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on the issue, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said in a briefing with reporters.

The visit will focus on efforts to stem migratory flows and how the two countries can work together, Kirby said, later adding that the leaders had spoken about what could be done from Mexico to slow down the process.

"There's probably more we can be doing," Kirby said.

Dozens of major U.S. agricultural groups on Wednesday urged the U.S. to reopen two rail crossings on the Texas-Mexico border to restore trade routes closed due to rising migrant crossings.

The White House then said it was working with Mexico to resolve issues that led to the closures.

That step followed a temporary suspension of expulsions of migrants by Mexican immigration authorities due to an end-of-year funding crunch, according to officials.

Lopez Obrador told a press conference Biden had requested the call.

Biden, who is seeking reelection next year, has been under sustained political pressure to stem the record arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border.

(Reporting by Raul Cortes and Kylie Madry in Mexico City and Trevor Hunnicutt, Susan Heavey and Katharine Jackson in Washington; Additional reporting by Nandita Bose; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Alistair Bell)
Rockford will likely always be known for the cuisine of its early European immigrants who arrived in the city beginning in the 1830s, bringing with them the food from their homelands.

Flash forward about 190 years, and the Forest City is still marked by Italian and European-tinged places to eat. But its also becoming a spot on the map for Mexican food, much of which has grown out of a single eatery that some initially said would fail.

People told us that the last people who tried a restaurant in that spot didnt make it and that it was a big risk, said Jose Chavez, who opened Mexico Clasico with business partner Eraclio Macias in 2012 at 3929 Broadway in Rockford.

Before Chavez and Macias moved in, the space had been home to two Mexican restaurants that ended up closing, Hacienda El Patron and Habanero's Mexican Grill.

Today, Mexico Clasico is one of the most popular spots in Rockford. And in the last 11 years, it has spawned at least five other Mexican restaurants.

A few years after Mexico Clasico opened, Chavez independently opened Mexico Clasico Grill on Spring Creek Road. Last year, he had the opportunity to purchase the former Tumbleweed building at 5494 E. State St. and moved there, rebranding as Chavez Mexican Restaurante. In July, Chavez opened Tortilla Express on the ground floor of the Burnham Lofts in downtown Rockford.

Meanwhile, four Mexico Clasico employees have become restaurant owners. Kevin Mata, Gabriel Deldago and Macias opened Mi Placita Mexico Clasico last year in Loves Park. Former server Gabriela Gutierrez is now a partner in the original Mexico Clasico. Claudia Rodriguez opened Jalisco and Tequila this year at 805 E. State St., where Los Portales operated for nearly 20 years.

According to Chavez, who came to Rockford in 2007 from Madison, Wisconsin, and ran Dos Reales for five years, his restaurant background and having a ready-to-execute plan helped him succeed at a location where others did not.

When my partner came to me said, Lets do something together, I already had a business plan, he said. I had the name, Mexico Clasico, and I already had the menu.

The menu, he added, is another lynchpin to making things work and training others how to be prosperous. He knew his food needed to be authentic.

Rockford has a lot of Latino population, Chavez said. And the more Latinos, mainly Mexican, the more demand for that ethnic food. Thats why I am trying to innovate. That's why I evolve."

That means making slight adjustments here and there to appeal to a broader audience while keeping dishes as close to how theyre served in Mexico as possible.

(In Mexico) we cook more spicy (food), he said. But people (here) dont always like the spicy food. So, we follow our family recipes, just with a milder style.

Gutierrez agrees. She also says a big part of what makes Mexican cuisine so popular in Rockford is the experience. She believes preparing and sharing authentic dishes is just as important as the food itself. To the staff at Mexico Clasico and its offshoots, meals are celebrations.

Food connects people, she said. Its the human contact. Its fantastic, and I love being part of it. (Mexico Clasico) has a life of its own. To patrons that decide come here, we are very thankful to everyone for making this place.

Jim Hagerty covers business, growth and development and other general news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford's Mexico Clasico has led to several other local restaurants
New Delhi (CNN)  Opposition lawmakers are accusing Indias government of an attack on democracy after dozens of them were suspended from parliament this week, the latest twist in a historic dispute between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a newly formed alliance that is seeking to unseat them next year.

House speakers have suspended a total of 141 opposition lawmakers  95 from the lower house and 46 from the upper chamber  according to a tally by CNN affiliate CNN News18, in what one rights group said was a record.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis BJP has a majority in both houses and is now expected to legislate almost unopposed for the remainder of the session that ends Friday.

The suspensions come as parliament is set to debate a controversial criminal reform bill, which Mallikarjun Kharge, chief of the main opposition Congress party, has said could unleash draconian powers and impede citizens rights.

Modis government does not want the people of India to hear out the Opposition, while these Bills are debated and deliberated, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The suspensions were enacted following a major security breach in parliament last week when two men stormed the chamber, chanting slogans and releasing colored gas. The opposition lawmakers demanded a parliamentary debate on the breach  only to be suspended by their respective house speakers for causing disorder.

For the first time in my parliamentary career of nearly 15 years, I too entered the well of the House holding a placard calling for a discussion on the recent security breach, Shashi Tharoor, a suspended Congress lawmaker, wrote on X. I did so out of solidarity with my (Congress) colleagues, who have been unjustly suspended for demanding accountability from the government.

Jairam Ramesh, another suspended Congress lawmaker, described the suspensions as a complete purge. The removal of opposition lawmakers occurred so that draconian bills are passed without meaningful debate, he claimed on X.

Describing the suspensions as a record number, the New York-based Human Rights Foundation said it strongly condemns Indias ongoing crackdown on the opposition and critics, in a statement posted on X on Tuesday.

Most of the suspended MPs are part of an alliance known as INDIA, a coalition of opposition parties that is looking to defeat Modi and the BJP in next years general election, expected in May.

The BJP has been repeatedly accused by its critics of stifling opposition and undermining democracy in parliament. It has repeatedly denied the allegations.

CNN has reached out to the BJP for comment. On X, the party said the lawmakers were suspended for their conduct in parliament.

In an interview with a Hindi-language newspaper on Sunday, Modi said the security breach was a serious matter that should be investigated, but one that does not require a parliamentary debate.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "India suspends 141 lawmakers as ruling BJP accused of stifling opposition"
Michael Cohen, Donald Trumps former personal attorney and fixer, argued that there is no depth to which the ex-president will sink to stir up his base after Trump defended his recent anti-immigrant rant.

Cohen, in an appearance on MSNBCs The Beat Wednesday, called out Trump, who claimed he never read Mein Kampf after his poisoning the blood comments were widely condemned for echoing the rhetoric of Adolf Hitler.

Cohen revealed why he wasnt taking Trump for his word.

Of course, Donald has not read Mein Kampf, Donald doesnt read. Its not that he didnt want to read it. Its just that unless its in CliffNotes or unless somebody read it to him, Donald does not read, Cohen told MSNBCs Katie Phang. Youve got guys like Steve Miller, who are writing these speeches for him and discussing it with him. So he knows exactly what hes saying.

Cohen pointed to part of his memoir Disloyal where he described the former president stopping a conversation involving a German Trump Organization employee.

He goes, You know, I just had a thought ... I bet your family chased Michaels family through the Red Forest, and I looked, and I said, Hey boss, you do know my father is a Holocaust survivor, so he goes Yeah, yeah, yeah, thats why I said it, Cohen said.

He added that Trump, who has talked of being a dictator on day one of a new administration and vowed to root out vermin political foes, is playing to the lowest denominator of American that exists in the country.

The racist, antisemitic animals that exist in that MAGA world ... and he will only go lower each and every time that he says something, and he generates more and more conversation. And he becomes front page news, Cohen said. He will then steep and go much lower to the point that even I cant tell you how low he will go.

Related...
Ex-attorney Michael Cohen slammed former President Trumps recent comment that immigrants were poisoning the blood of the country, arguing he is fully aware of the impact of his rhetoric.

There is no depth to which Donald [Trump] will sink in order to continue to stir up his base, Cohen, who once served as Trumps personal fixer, said in an interview on MSNBC.

Donald knows exactly what hes saying. Hes playing to the lowest denominator of American that exists in this country  the racist, anti-semitic animals that exist up in that MAGA world, he added later.

The former attorney suggested that Trump would only go lower with his attacks.

He will only go lower each and every time that he says something and he generates more and more conversation and he becomes front page news, Cohen continued. He will then steep and go much lower to the point that even I cant tell you how long he will go.

His comments join the growing chorus of those who have condemned the former president for remarks he made during a rally in New Hampshire, where he claimed immigrants were pouring into the United States and poisoning the blood of our country.'

All over the world, theyre coming into our country. From Africa, from Asia, all over the world, Trump said in New Hampshire, suggesting the influx will lead to an uptick in crime and terrorism.

The comments drew comparisons to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, which Trump dismissed days later at a rally in Iowa.

Theyre destroying the blood of our country. Thats what theyre doing. Theyre destroying our country, Trump said, referring to Hitlers manifesto. They dont like it when I said that  and I never read Mein Kampf.'

Cohen scoffed at the comment, claiming Trump doesnt read.

Now of course, Donald has not read Mein Kampf, Donald doesnt read. I mean, its not that he didnt want to read it, its just that unless its in cliff notes, or unless somebody wants to read it to him, Donald does not read, Cohen quipped. You got guys like Steve Miller [a former Trump adviser], who are writing these speeches for him and discussing it with him so he knows exactly what he said.

Discussing anecdotes from his books Disloyal and Revenge, about previous private conversations with Trump, Cohen claimed the former presidents current rhetoric is mirroring his private talks.

Everything is a regurgitation of something from the past, Cohen said in the interview. You know, he is truly the most dangerous person right now in this country and possibly the world. And we better start taking this incredibly seriously, otherwise were going to lose our Democracy.

Cohen, once one of Trumps closest confidants, has since emerged as a staunch critic of the former president.

He has testified in multiple court cases against the former president, including in the New York civil fraud trial  where Trump and his adult sons are accused of more than a decade of fraud.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This article was originally published in Michigan Advance.

After years of requests from the Michigan Attorney Generals Office for Michigan State University to release documents for the states investigation into sexual abuse by ex-Olympic and MSU doctor Larry Nassar, university leadership agreed on Friday to release several thousand documents to the office.

I started all this when I was a freshman in high school and now Im a junior in college, Elizabeth Maurer, a survivor of Nassars abuse, said after the MSU Board of Trustees unanimously voted to review and release the requested documents.

Maurer recounted all the conversations, meetings and public calls for transparency it took to get the sister survivors to this moment. Thats a lot of transitional years and Ive spent a lot of those years fighting for what I believe is right in regards to my trauma and my case.  I always knew that something was there that they didnt want us to see and so I knew in order to be able to see it we were going to have to be vocal and outspoken and have to fight our way to see it.

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Although the board voted to review and release the requested documents, trustees said the university reserves the right to redact parts of what it sends to Attorney General Dana Nessel.

No redactions! Valerie von Frank, a parent of a Nassar survivor, exclaimed alongside comments of disapproval from other parents and survivors.

The Michigan State University Board of Trustees votes to review and release the 6000 documents related to the investigation into Larry Nassars sexual abuse after six years of requests from the state Attorney Generals Office However, there could be redactions to the documents pic.twitter.com/5YqAuBWPU2  Anna Liz Nichols (@annaliznichols) December 15, 2023

Nassar is currently serving essentially three life sentences on child pornography charges, as well as several charges of criminal sexual conduct across three courts, with many of the over 150 women and girls telling a Lansing court in January 2018 that Nassar abused them in his capacity as a physician at MSU.

Due to the university claiming attorney-client privilege on the documents, Nessel ended the states investigation into what leadership and employees at MSU may have known about the abuse over the years in 2021.

Nessel said at the time, The universitys refusal to voluntarily provide them closes the last door available to finish our investigation.  Were incredibly disappointed that our work will end this way, especially for the survivors.

After Fridays vote, Nessel announced a reversal of that decision, saying in a statement that the investigation is reopened and will be expedited.

The students, the MSU community at-large, and most importantly, the victims of Larry Nassar have long been owed this transparency, Nessel said. I am encouraged to see the MSU Board of Trustees finally make the right decision on a long-promised, and long-delayed, measure of transparency.

Nassar survivor Melissa Hudecz addresses the Michigan State University Board of Trustees ahead of an expected discussion about releasing 6000 documents that the university has withheld from Attorney General investigators who looked into Nassars sexual abuse at the university pic.twitter.com/PYAFvJxpaI  Anna Liz Nichols (@annaliznichols) December 15, 2023

Ahead of the vote to release the documents, Melissa Hudecz, a survivor of Nassars abuse, addressed the Michigan State University Board of Trustees

This is a very significant moment, it is difficult to come up here and continue to watch things go wrong at MSU if these documents arent released, if dont have transparency, if we cant trust the Board of Trustees then what was the point of everything weve been through as sisters, Hudecz said.

Having to come to trustee meeting after trustee meeting, marching on the administration building and creating awareness for sexual violence on MSU campus, has been its own form of Hell, said von Frank, a founder of POSSE (Parents of Sister Survivors Engage).

Having to beg for people to do whats right is just not the right thing and people with a conscience and a soul should have recognized years ago that we shouldnt have had to go through that. We shouldnt have had to beg them for this, von Frank said. This is so personal to us. This is for my baby girl, Grace, and my other babies all standing here and for all of them that werent able to be here.

The Attorney Generals Offices fight to get the documents and bring closure to survivors of Nassars abuse has spanned two attorneys general, with former Attorney General Bill Schuette, who oversaw the state prosecution of Nassar and opened the offices investigation, sharing his thoughts in a statement Friday.

Its been a long wait, one challenging for the Sister Survivors, but the MSU Board of Trustees have finally released the important documents I asked for in 2018 concerning the horrific behavior of Larry Nassar. I and my team, led by Angie Povilaitis, put Larry Nassar behind bars and the release of these files is an important step forward towards an open and transparent review of the actions within MSU, Schuette said.

Although Nassar is in prison and there have been multiple prosecutions by the attorney general against employees at the university due to the investigation, Danielle Moore, a survivor of Nassars abuse and also board member of The Army of Survivors, said MSU needs to learn from everything that happened to better protect those who come to campus from sexual violence.

Institutions need to learn from their mistakes so they dont repeat the pattern and so [other] institutions dont also dont repeat the pattern, Moore said.

Fellow sister survivor Angelika Martinez-McGhee shared that when she was scrolling through her Instagram on Friday, she realized that she was also at the Hannah Administration Building, where the board typically meets, two years ago.

Throughout all of this time, its the showing up and being present that has really pushed this along. I think if we werent as vocal and just being there in person, I dont think we would have gotten this far without demanding it, Martinez-McGhee said.

Martinez-McGhee extended her thanks to students at MSU and alumni who supported survivors today and at meetings and gatherings in the past.

Today is a victory, the survivors and parents that gathered on campus said, although they arent sure what caused the board to change its mind after withholding the documents year after year. Also, without a concrete timeline of when MSU would give the attorney general the documents and knowing that the university could again withhold information from the investigation, they said there could still be a fight ahead.

Hudecz said she and her sister survivors are ready to keep pushing.

I just really hope that the people who said yes today are saying yes to seeing this all the way through, the right way, Hudecz said.

Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Susan Demas for questions: info@michiganadvance.com. Follow Michigan Advance on Facebook and Twitter.
Migrants were flown to Chicago from Texas on a chartered flight Tuesday night in the states latest effort to ship people to the sanctuary city after buses carrying migrants have been penalized.

The city did not receive notice prior to their arrival and has had no communication with Texas officials, according to Mayor Brandon Johnsons spokesperson Ronnie Reese. Reese said he wasnt sure how the city would respond.

Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesman for Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, said in a statement to the Tribune the migrants had signed consent waivers available in multiple languages upon boarding the flight.

Until President Biden steps up and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue taking historic action to help our local partners respond to this Biden-made crisis, Mahaleris said in the statement.

Mahaleris cited Biden flying migrants across the country as justification for the plane sent Tuesday night. Texas sent flights to Chicago after Johnson started targeting migrant buses from Texas, according to Mahaleris. He said the mayor is failing to live up to his citys Welcoming City ordinance.

Mahaleris said 120 passengers were aboard the flight, but he did not respond to questions how much the chartered flight cost or who paid for it.

According to Chicago officials, police at OHare International Airport received a call around 7:15 p.m. that a private plane chartered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management landed and left about 100 asylum-seekers at Signature Flight, officials said in a statement to the Tribune.

Two unidentified individuals who flew on the plane reportedly fled Signature Flight and left the scene in an Uber prior to the arrival of police, officials said.

The planes arrival at OHare was first reported by WTTW.

Jose Orellana, 38, from Barquisimeto, Venezuela  one of the migrants who arrived last night on the private plane  sat on a metal bench at OHare Wednesday afternoon.

On our journey here from Venezuela, we thought that wed take a bus, he said in Spanish. But when we were trying to buy a bus ticket, they told us we should go to the airport instead.

Orellana said they didnt have any connections in the United States, and had heard there were shelter options and resources available in Chicago. He was surprised by the comfort of their journey to Chicago in the private plane.

His wife Anna Vaccaro has a cancerous tumor in her head, he said, and his 8-year-old son Gianfranco Matute has leukemia. They were both brought immediately to a hospital Tuesday night from the airport to receive medical care.

We were so grateful to arrive by plane, because taking two buses would have been hard, Orellana said. His wife and son were discharged were from the hospital and sent back to the airport at 5 a.m. Wednesday, he said.

The city reported Wednesday that 607 buses have arrived in Chicago from border cities since Aug. 31, 2022. Migrants have also arrived to the sanctuary city with the help of plane tickets purchased by Catholic Charities in San Antonio.

On Saturday, Johnsons deputy chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas told the Tribune that Texas had halted all communication with the city of Chicago following the citys harsher penalties for bus owners whose vehicles violate rules to rein in chaotic bus arrivals.

On Dec. 13, City Council approved an ordinance that buses would face seizure and impoundment for unloading passengers without a permit or outside of approved hours and locations. Violators are subject to $3,000 fines, plus towing and storage fees.

That same day, the city impounded a rogue bus trying to drop off 29 migrants at the approved landing zone in the West Loop at 800 S. Desplaines St.

To dodge penalties and fines, bus drivers have dropped migrants off in Indiana and given them Amtrak tickets or Metra cards to get downtown, according to city officials.

Jose Ramirez, 35, from Venezuela, sat next to Orellana at the airport Wednesday afternoon, eating a sandwich that shelter staff at the airport passed out for snack. He said he arrived with the help of a ticket purchased by Catholic Charities.

We heard at the shelter where we were staying in Texas that when buses drop people off in Chicago, they leave them on the side of the road. Then they buy them a train ticket, he said.

Reese said based on the buses arriving from Texas without coordination, it would not be surprising if Chicago received more chartered flights from southern border cities.

I think what theyre doing is chaotic, said Reese. But well continue to meet the moment and provide support for individuals as they arrive.

According to city data Wednesday, there are now 296 migrants staying at OHare waiting for shelter placement. The city has received more 26,100 migrants since the first buses were sent in 2022.

Orellana and his family sat on the floor in the airport, eating food, waiting. Vaccaro touched the tumor in her head and grimaced.

We understand that the shelter system is full. That someone has to leave for us to enter, Orellana said.

Chicago Tribunes Alice Yin contributed.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
For 29 consecutive winters on Lake Mille Lacs, Kevin McQuoid rented fish houses to customers of his lakeside resort near Isle, Minn. Only once during that span were the shacks still parked on dirt by New Year's Day.

McQuoid sold his business two years ago, but he's anticipating another holiday dud as Minnesota's ice fishing season remains mired in a slow start. Unseasonably warm temperatures as far north as Angle Inlet on Lake of the Woods have disrupted the "early ice" period that anglers cherish as the best time to catch fish through holes in the ice.

"The week between Christmas and New Year's was always our biggest week of the year, by far," McQuoid said. "I'm looking at the forecast and there's definitely going to be some disappointment."

Even with rain and 50-degree days in store for this weekend in the Twin Cities, the ice fishing season isn't an all-out bust. On the southern bays of Mille Lacs, for instance, ice fishing has been in good shape for more than a week.

But without exception from Lake Pepin in the southeast to Rainy Lake in International Falls, ice production is weeks behind schedule. Worse yet, there's no immediate hope for the type of deep freeze needed to make ice that's thick enough to support plows, long ice roads and the full spectrum of ice fishing equipment.

"A lot of people are forced to stick to ponds, bays and smaller lakes," said Andy Petterson, founder of Ice Fishing Minnesota, a Facebook group that recently surpassed 100,000 members.

He said preseason excitement has given way to widespread frustration. "On our pages you can definitely tell that people are tired of talking about ice fishing," Petterson said. "They just want to get out on the ice."

Petterson himself has fished on lakes this month that were strong enough to support foot traffic one day, only to have the surface fall apart a day or two later. High winds, in particular, have been wreaking havoc. On Upper Red Lake on Sunday night, for instance, emergency responders battled gusty conditions in the darkness to rescue 35 anglers from an ice sheet that broke away and drifted 200 feet into open water.

Less than 48 hours later, a pair of hopeful ice anglers landed a small Cessna airplane on Upper Red, submerging the front end in a wreck they walked away from. According to the Beltrami County Sheriff's Department, there was only a couple of inches of ice where the plane broke through a half-mile out from shore.

"People are probably being a little riskier," Petterson said. "They're getting the itch so bad."

Dave Peterson, an outdoors radio show host in International Falls, said he's usually driving onto the ice by now, towing a portable shelter with his four-wheeler or his snowmobile. But it wasn't until a couple of days ago when he finally found a workable fishing spot with 9 inches of ice.

"Early ice is the best fishing we have, but we're three weeks behind schedule," said Peterson, known locally as Fishmeister. "I'll be pretty careful where I'm going out."

He and other experts provide the same safety tips year after year: Use a spud bar to test early ice for thickness, keep a pair of ice picks handy to escape the water in the event of a collapse, and follow the advice of local outfitters and resorts when it comes to mapping fishing zones and danger spots. More specific to this season  because of the lack of snow  anglers are being urged to wear ice cleats to prevent falls.

Joe Henry, an all-seasons fishing expert on Lake of the Woods, said this year's emphasis on safety is as important as ever. Ice fishing for walleyes and saugers has taken off on the big lake, including the placement of rentable fish houses, but he strongly recommended that everyone follow localized guidelines for what vehicles to travel in and where to fish.

"Whatever the rules are, don't deviate," Henry said. "If you follow the rules you're going to be just fine."

Thus far on Lake of the Woods, fishing is happening closer to shore than is the norm. Farther out, some sections of ice have taken a beating from high wind, said Jeff Andersen, the fishing pro at Sportsman's Lodge and Border View Lodge.

But Andersen said 33 full-sized sleeper houses were in place on the ice this week near the resort properties. Still, he also is cautioning Lake of the Woods anglers who venture out on their own to beware of changes in ice thickness.

Because Lake of the Woods is so vast and deep, Christmas sometimes comes and goes on the lake before the ice grows thick enough for full-on road building and fish house placement, Andersen said. He's still hopeful for a season that will stretch into March. He said January bookings are very busy and February is filling in.

"Fishing is really, really good now," he said.

In Lake City, 380 miles south of Baudette, Nick Schlesser is a large lake specialist for the Department of Natural Resources. He is used to seeing ice anglers on Lake Pepin by the first week in December. This year, conditions were favorable for an early start because both units at the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant are offline. When the plant is running, warm-water discharges delay the production of ice.

But as of Wednesday of this week, Schlesser said, the thickest ice on Lake Pepin was probably less than 2 inches thick  not enough to safely cross on foot.

"We've had skim ice form, but then get ripped apart by the wind," he said. "It's not looking good  50-degree weather in December does not make ice."
Departure of men abroad - why the EU accepts conscripts and whether they can be returned to Ukraine

General mobilization and a state of war have been in effect in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022, with all men aged 18 to 60 considered eligible for military service and subject to conscription.

Men are prohibited from leaving Ukraine, but many are being recorded abroad, with no established procedure to return them, or punish them for breaking the law.

Read also: Putin signs decree to draft 130,000 conscripts

During a state of war, travel abroad for men in Ukraine is restricted. All military-eligible individuals are forbidden to leave Ukraine, except in cases specified by Cabinet Resolution No. 57. Some military-eligible individuals, lacking the right to leave, have illegally crossed borders and sought asylum in EU, the United States, or Asian countries. Ukraine lacks a system for holding such individuals to account.

Pavlo Lakiychuk, Head of Security Programs at the Center for Global Studies, Strategy XXI, spoke to NV about the methods of returning these men and the EUs stance towards them.

On the one hand, this is a problem. Poles, Germans, and Czechs ask, Why are we helping Ukraine when, at every step, there are tenshundreds of thousands in Germany  of men of conscription age who live normally and also receive assistance from the German, Polish, or Czech state? he said.

Such a situation is deemed normal by EU countries receiving these men, the expert added.

Read also: Defense Minister Umerov announces plans to draft Ukrainians living abroad

According to the laws in Poland, Germany, or Czechia, this is all normal. These people are refugees escaping from war. For them, it doesnt matter if they are men or women; they are seeking refuge from the war, and they dont want to live in a place with conflict. They are looking for somewhere safer and better, he said.

Lakiychuk highlighted that this is Ukraines problem, and it must regulate these matters on its own.

In this case, I dont have an answer. Indeed, if we approach the mobilization legislation comprehensively, these would be unpopular decisions, Lakiychuk said.

Return of draft evaders to Ukraine  What is known

Ukrainian military-eligible individuals who have left the country with forged documents may not be exempt from extradition to face legal consequences, said David Arakhamiya, the head of the Servant of the People faction.

Commenting on the results of Medical Examination Boards (MEB), Arakhamiya claimed that Ukrainians spent tens of millions of dollars bribing officials across the country to avoid conscription. Checks on all MEB decisions regarding fitness for military service have been initiated in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

We now have significantly strengthened the international legal assistance direction. In any country in the world, except Russia, our law enforcement agencies can make extradition requests and bring (draft evaders) to Ukraine to be held accountable, he said.

Read also: SBI probe unmasks Zaporizhzhya draft evasion ring, as officials helped over 300 men dodge service

Who can leave Ukraine during the state of war

During a state of war, the law does not prohibit the following categories of men and women from crossing the Ukrainian border:

Women who are not civil servants and not military personnel

Men under the age of 18 and over the age of 60

Individuals excluded from military records by the decision of the Military Medical Commission due to unsuitability for military service, with relevant documents from the MEB

Men who are Ukrainian citizens permanently residing in another country, registered at the consulate with appropriate passport stamps

Men who are citizens of other countries.

Read also: SBU uncovers another draft evasion scheme in Odesa, two organizers arrested, face 9 years in prison

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 states millionaire's tax is funding more than $4 million for SouthCoast transportation work, including paving work, sidewalks, bike lanes, and more.

Gov. Maura Healeys administration announced on Monday the state would deliver $100 million in funding derived from the Fair Share Amendment to all the states 351 cities and towns. Greater Fall River and New Bedford cities and towns will be receiving a total of $4,077,526.

Our administration said from Day One that we were going to make sure that Fair Share revenue was used to improve transportation and education for our communities, as the voters intended, said Healey. This funding is particularly impactful because we are empowering cities and towns to decide how to use it to address their unique needs.

How do you get there from here? A driver's guide to getting from Fall River to Providence

Road work takes place on President Avenue in Fall River. The state's millionaire's tax has raised $100 million for transportation projects statewide, with SouthCoast communities getting more than $4 million.

How much Fair Share money does each SouthCoast community get?

The $100 million is split two ways. Half is split by the states Chapter 90 formula, which divides transportation funding based on a communitys road mileage, population and employment rate; the other half is based only on road mileage.

Heres how much each community in Greater Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton will receive:

Acushnet: $177,362

Berkley: $155,466

Bridgewater: $369,556

Dartmouth: $619,498

Dighton: $176,052

East Bridgewater: $212,382

Easton: $376,789

Fairhaven: $263,332

Fall River: $852,095

Freetown: $227,963

Lakeville: $232,981

Middleboro: $485,209

New Bedford: $957,708

Norton: $292,885

Raynham: $250,734

Rehoboth: $380,262

Somerset: $266,663

Swansea: $313,743

Taunton: $706,673

West Bridgewater: $164,596

Westport: $399,162

What can SouthCoast communities use the transportation money for?

The Fair Share money can be used to build, install or maintain sidewalks, bicycle lanes, pavement, retaining walks, crossing signals and other transportation infrastructure features.

Waterfront work: Route 79-Davol Street road work detours start Saturday in Fall River. Here's where

What is the Fair Share Amendment, and is it really a 'millionaire's tax'?

Massachusetts voters passed the Fair Share Amendment in November 2022, and it went into effect in 2023. It adds a 4% tax on incomes above $1 million. To ensure the tax is only levied on the states wealthiest taxpayers, the $1 million is adjusted annually to reflect the cost of living.

Revenue from the millionaire tax is set aside for transportation and public education use. It is expected to generate about $2 billion each year.

Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River, New Bedford get $4M in funds from new millionaire's tax
A missing 14-year-old from Colorado was seen in online sex trafficking advertisements, including one showing a photo of her and a man in the background, federal prosecutors said.

The man looked like Denzel Akeem Loftin, a Virginia resident who was already on the FBIs radar when agents learned in October 2022 that the teen was advertised as a sex worker in the state, according to court documents.

Loftin had been messaging a person he thought was a 17-year-old in Pennsylvania on Tagged, a dating site, since September 2022, prosecutors wrote in documents.

However, he was speaking to an undercover law enforcement officer when he called himself a pimp and proposed that the girl come to Virginia to work for him, according to a Dec. 20 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

After the FBI was alerted to the missing 14-year-old on websites that advertised her for sex in the Hampton Roads region  14 localities including Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake  authorities set up a date with her and another person, officials said.

Investigators learned the other person was a missing 17-year-old from Missouri, according to prosecutors.

Before the date, Loftin was seen with both missing teens and a woman whos accused of helping him, prosecutors said.

When the woman, Emerita Moore, arrived with the two teens for the commercial sex appointment she was arrested, according to officials.

Days later, a fugitive apprehension team took Loftin into custody in Norfolk on Nov. 3, 2022, court documents say.

The sentence

A judge sentenced Loftin, 32, of Chesapeake, to 25 years in prison on Dec. 19 for sex trafficking the two teens, the attorneys office announced in its news release.

Mary T. Morgan, Loftins court-appointed defense attorney, declined a request for comment from McClatchy News on Dec. 21.

According to prosecutors, Moore was Loftins bottom, or the female who supervises the girls being trafficked.

When Loftin recruited the children online, Moore spoke to them in advance to make them comfortable in coming to work for Loftin and assisted in arranging their travel, prosecutors said.

On Nov. 7, Moore, 24, of Norfolk, was sentenced to five years in prison, the attorneys office said.

McClatchy News contacted Amanda Catherine Connor, Moores federal public defender, for comment on Dec. 21 and didnt receive an immediate response.

The investigation of Loftin revealed the missing 14-year-old ran away from home in Colorado and met him over Tagged, according to court documents.

He offered to buy her a flight to Virginia to work for him before she flew from Denver to Norfolk on Oct. 26, 2022, a statement of facts filed in court shows.

After the flight, she took a ride share vehicle to a home, where she later saw Loftin smack the missing 17-year-old in the mouth for talking back, according to prosecutors.

The younger teen told investigators Loftin inflicted other violent acts against the 17-year-old, prosecutors said.

Loftin also engaged in a sex act with the 17-year-old, who flew to Norfolk from St. Louis, Missouri, about two weeks before the 14-year-olds arrival in Virginia, the statement of facts says.

He also posted commercial sex advertisements for the 17-year-old as well as for the fake 17-year-old  the undercover officer, according to prosecutors and court documents.

After Moores arrest, Loftin messaged the undercover officer posing as a teen and said he was in danger of being arrested for sex trafficking, the statement of facts says.

The undercover officer then duped Loftin into believing the fake 17-year-old agreed to travel to Virginia to meet him near the Youngs Terrace Housing project in Norfolk on Nov. 3, 2022, according to the court filing.

When he arrived, he was apprehended by authorities, the statement of facts says.

Sex trafficking along with forced labor are recognized as two primary forms of human trafficking in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of State.

Suspected human trafficking can be reported to federal authorities at 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.

Man forced migrants to work on farms and raped 16-year-old he kidnapped twice, feds say

Man sex trafficked 13-year-old he met on Facebook as she lived at group home, feds say

Ex-CNN producer lured 9-year-old to ski house for sex acts, feds say. Hes prison bound
Missouri House Democrats on Thursday voted to expel state Rep. Sarah Unsicker from their caucus after she promoted a series of conspiracy theories on social media, posted a photo with an alleged Holocaust denier and made antisemitic comments against one of her opponents.

House Democratic leaders, led by Minority Leader Crystal Quade, announced the decision in a joint statement Thursday, saying that the caucus was dedicated to the values of inclusiveness, tolerance and respect.

When a member fails to uphold those standards, the caucus has a duty to act, the statement said. Rep. Unsicker is free to choose her associations, but the caucus enjoys that same freedom. As a result, House Democrats today voted to end its association with Rep. Unsicker by expelling her as a caucus member.

Minutes before the announcement, Unsicker, a Democrat from Shrewsbury in St. Louis County, put out a statement on social media that she said was a copy of her prepared remarks to House Democrats. In the statement, she said the charges against me are a character assassination from a wing of the party that I want nothing to do with.

Unsicker, in the lengthy statement, also included a list of Democrats who have been charged with crimes.

I hope you will not kick me out of the Missouri House Democratic Caucus, she said. I plan to continue my work to make Missouri a better place for families and children. But whatever happens today, I will remain a member of Joe Bidens democratic party.

Unsicker did not respond to a request for additional comment.

While expelling Unsicker from the caucus does not stop her from being a member of the legislature elected as a Democrat, it bars her from attending Democratic caucus meetings, making decisions on behalf of House Democrats and having access to caucus staff members.

It wasnt immediately clear whether House Democrats would push to move Unsickers office space, which is on the first floor of the Missouri Capitol.

Unsicker was previously running in the Democratic primary for attorney general, before dropping out of the race last week. Quade also stripped the Democratic lawmaker of her committee assignments earlier this month.

In her statement announcing that she was dropping out of the race last week, Unsicker made an antisemitic attack against her Democratic opponent, Elad Gross, a former assistant state attorney general who is Jewish. She claimed without evidence that Gross was a foreign agent to Israel, a claim that Gross called detached from reality.

The bizarre controversy surrounding Unsicker appears to have started earlier this month, when she posted a series of tweets on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming that social media criticism over legislation to make cashew chicken the official state dish was part of a distraction campaign.

In two separate tweet threads, Unsicker posted a photo of herself with Charles Johnson, a right wing activist whom the Anti-Defamation League condemns as a Holocaust denier and alt-right troll who asserted in a since-deleted 2017 Reddit post that the number of Jewish people killed in the Holocaust was false.

Since those posts, Unsicker has remained active on social media and on her Substack newsletter, including a post that claimed without evidence credible allegations recently regarding foreign interference in elections in Missouri.

The Democratic lawmaker forwarded this allegation to House lawmakers and to Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

Ashcroft, who is running for governor in 2024, refuted Unsickers claims earlier this week, saying in a statement that his office has not been provided any evidence that even remotely relates to Missouri election interference.

The information provided thus far does not indicate any violation of Missouri Election Law, he said. Therefore; without additional information and specific allegations regarding the election violation we can take no further action.

Controversies ahead of session

The move to expel Unsicker also comes as House Republicans will head into the legislative session with a cloud of controversy hanging over their top Republican leader, Speaker Dean Plocher.

Plocher faces an ongoing investigation from the House Ethics Committee and calls to resign related to a slew of scandals, including revelations that he received government reimbursements for expenses already paid for by his campaign.

He also faces scrutiny from the ethics committee over his decision in October to fire his previous chief of staff, who may have been a whistleblower, and alleged threats against a House staffer related to his push for the House to issue an expensive contract to an outside company to manage constituent information.

And on Wednesday, Plocher generated controversy once again after The Missouri Independent reported that the Missouri House spent $60,000 in taxpayer money renovating Plochers office, including $29,000 on new furniture.

A majority of House Republicans still appear to be backing Plocher and are waiting for the ethics committee to release a report on his actions. However, some Republicans, including state Rep. Adam Schwadron from St. Charles and state Rep. Mazzie Christensen from Hamilton, have called for him to step aside as speaker.

The two controversies on both sides of the aisle could threaten to upend the chambers work during the start of session, which begins Jan. 3.

This first week of session is definitely going to be a little chaotic I think if both of those things are happening, Schwadron told The Star on Wednesday. Itll be the first time back for everyone.

Schwadron said he thinks some Republicans who are privately backing Plocher might change their mind if a vote to remove him as speaker were to come to the floor.

Being public about it is a whole different story, he said.

However, House Majority Leader Jonathan Patterson, a Lees Summit Republican who supports Plocher, said that the chambers rules would not allow for that to happen.

Republicans are supporting due process more than any one person, he said. I think thats why youre seeing a Republican call to await the ethics committees findings.
A 50-year-old Springfield man is behind bars after Missouri State University administrators told police the former student sent them a series of threatening emails that referenced mass shootings.

The former student, who was expelled from the school after the string of incidents that began in February, is charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, a class D felony. He was in Greene County jail Wednesday on $10,000 bond.

The man was put on a 96-hour psychiatric hold earlier this year after claiming school employees had sent "undercover agents" to his home to poison him, according to a police report. His alleged threats and erratic behavior appear to have worsened and he was expelled in late September.

Police said MSU shut down its Dean of Student's Offices on Nov. 8 as the result of the man's continued online threats to multiple school employees, which displaced 14 staffers and enhanced school security.

"Over time, (he) became paranoid, claiming he was being discriminated against due to the fact he was a veteran," Springfield Police Department detective Daniel Rankey wrote in his police report.

More: Brandon King pleads guilty, avoids death sentence after killing his girlfriend and her son

What prompted the shutdown?

Several weeks after his expulsion, the former student, a convicted felon with a lengthy and wide-ranging criminal history, sent his alleged threats to multiple employees in early November. Some were transcribed in the police report, including:

"Im coming for you (expletive) and theres nothing you can do to stop it."

Who so ever shall taketh from me, I shall take from thee (its only fair after all).

"If you all think for one second youre going to get away with what youve done to me. (Expletive), think again."

"These (expletives) are still following me, (expletive). You, you're first. Again if thats as far as itgets, Ill be happy.

Im sick (expletive). Whats been done to my body, someone has to atone.

Police did not name the MSU employee and administrators who were threatened because they are witnesses in the case. Although the man is named in court documents, the News-Leader is not identifying him here due to the allegations of mental illness but deemed the charges of public interest due to the nature of the alleged threats and disruption at the university.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: MSU student expelled, charged with making terroristic threats
(CNN)  Israel has proposed a fresh pause in fighting in exchange for Hamas releasing hostages that are still held captive in Gaza, a source familiar with the negotiations told CNN.

The development would mark a significant shift since Israels military operations resumed in the war and formal hostage negotiations came to a halt.

Adding to hopes of a new cessation in fighting, Hamass political chief visited key mediator Egypt on Wednesday.

The general framework that Israel is proposing would once again entail hostages  women included  being released in phases, with the ultimate goal of all hostages in Gaza getting out.

But the source stressed that a deal at this moment is not imminent, and that the discussion of proposals mark, at most, the beginning of negotiations. Still, Israel appearing to return back to the negotiating table is notable.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government face domestic pressure over hostages, particularly after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages.

Another source familiar with the discussions said that a proposal Israel has made to Hamas, via mediator Qatar, is that fighting be paused for a week in order to allow for the release of hostages.

Axios was first to report that Israel is offering a weeklong pause in the fighting as part of the negotiations.

It comes as Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas political bureau, arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials on the latest developments in the Israel-Gaza conflict, Hamas said in a statement on Telegram Wednesday.

Hamas, too, is under significant pressure, and both US and Israeli officials have said they believe the resumption of fighting, and particularly the IDF targeting southern Gaza, would ramp up the pressure on Hamas to accept another temporary ceasefire.

Hamas is asking for more heavy-duty prisoners than before, an Israeli official said, a reference to the release of Palestinian women and teenaged prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for hostages in the last deal between the two sides.

The deal last month was the result of painstaking negotiations between Israel, Hamas and the US, with Qatar playing a major mediating role. Beginning on November 24, the deal was renewed twice before ending on Friday, December 1.

During the first seven-day pause in fighting, Hamas had to release each day at least 10 Israeli hostages kidnapped on October 7. The truce came to an end when Hamas refused to release the remaining female hostages. Since then, US and Qatari officials have continued to discuss ways to secure the release of additional hostages.

The framework saw 80 Israelis, some of whom hold dual citizenships, released from captivity. Additionally, a number of foreign nationals  23 Thai citizens, one Filipino and one dual Israeli-Russian citizen  were freed as part of separate negotiations outside the truce.

On the other side, a total of 240 Palestinians were freed from Israeli prisons, mainly women and minors, and many of whom had been detained but never charged.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Israel returns to the table for hostage negotiations"
ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4)  On winter days, license plates from across North America can be found in the desert immediately west of St. George. Many of the visitors are there to climb the jagged, sunbaked boulders in an area known as Moes Valley.

For rock climbers, the location offers some of the best bouldering in Utah. But recent developments over a proposed highway through the nearby Red Cliffs National Conservation Area might put the future of the climbing destination in jeopardy.

Local groups sue UDOT over Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola plan

Tyler Webb, board member with the Southern Utah Climbers Alliance (SUCA), said Moes Valley, which is also beloved by hikers and mountain bikers, could be at risk of being sold and developed, if not protected by local or federal agencies.

If these areas were shut down, it would be a huge loss for the national climbing and mountain biking and hiking communities, because they would lose access to all those areas that are unique, he said. It would be a real tragedy for everybody.

A photo of a desert tortoise. (Courtesy of the Southern Utah Climbers Alliance)

The threat to the area comes amid a larger debate over building infrastructure in St. George, one of the nations fastest-growing cities, and efforts to preserve the surrounding deserts unique landscape and critical habitat for plants and animals, such as the endangered Mojave desert tortoise.

The ramifications of a recent lawsuit have climbers, conservation groups and county officials urging people interested in the future of southern Utah to submit comments to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The ongoing scoping comment period is set to end this month.

A win-win-win deal

Until recently, development wasnt a looming possibility for Moes Valley, even though much of the land is owned by the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), the largest developer in the area.

The reason the area was thought to be safe was due to an agreement laid out ahead of a 2021 decision by BLM and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to give right of way to the Northern Corridor highway project.

As mitigation for the highway cutting through protected desert tortoise territory, Washington County and SITLA offered to put in reserve the nearly 7,000-acre area on which Moes Valley is located. Its a section of the countys Red Cliffs Desert Reserve called Zone 6.

Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke, who worked on the Northern Corridor project deals for years, described the agreement to preserve Zone 6 as a win-win-win.

Its a win for transportation, its a win for desert tortoise, and its a huge win for recreation, he said.

A group of boulders is pictured in Moes Valley. (Courtesy of Southern Utah Climbers Alliance)

But now the deal is in limbo, and its unclear what the future holds for Moes Valley (and the rest of Zone 6).

Last month, the federal agencies announced that they are going to revisit their analysis of the highway projects environmental impact statement. This came following a settlement reached with conservation groups who filed a lawsuit against the highway, which would connect roadways in the northwest and northeast of St. George.

Holly Snow Canada, executive director at Conserve Southwest Utah, one of the conservation groups behind the lawsuit, said that Congress established the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in 2009 with the goal of protecting the areas ecological, scientific and wildlife resources.

Thats incompatible with a high-speed, four-lane highway through the middle of it, she said.

No to the highway, no to Zone 6

If the federal agencies opt to scrap the plan for the Northern Corridor, it would also nullify the deal to protect Zone 6, according to Clarke, the county attorney.

Were that to happen, it would leave open the possibility for SITLA to develop the Moes Valley land, as it is SITLAs mandate to create revenue for the school system.

While SUCA, the climber group, doesnt have an official stance on the Northern Corridor, it is currently teaming up with Conserve Southwest Utah and other interest groups to find a way to preserve Zone 6, Moes Valley and all of the desert tortoise habitat in the conservation area.

This week, SUCA and Conserve Southwest Utah signed a letter to the editor in St. George News saying that county administrators have taken the short-sighted position that citizens have to choose between preserving one area or the other: If we say no to the highway, they say no to Zone 6.

The county attorney, however, says he doesnt see a legal way forward that protects both Zone 6 and the slice of the conservation area over which the highway would run.

Signs posted in Moes Valley urge climbers and others to leave comments with the Bureau of Land Management. (Courtesy of Southern Utah Climbers Alliance)

Currently, BLM and the Fish and Wildlife Service are holding a public comment period on their reconsideration of the Northern Corridor project.

All parties involved  from SUCA to county officials  are urging Utahns to weigh in on the future of the red desert that surrounds St. George. The comment period ends on Dec. 28.

The more comments we can get saying we want this area protected, the better it is for our case, said Webb, with SUCA.

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Moldova has received a French airspace monitoring system, purchased to help the country ramp up its air defenses as Russia's war against Ukraine continues, the Moldovan Defense Ministry announced Dec. 20.

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine stoked Chisinau's fears of increased Russian aggression, and Russian missiles launched from the Black Sea have violated Moldovan airspace.

The Moldovan government bought the Ground Master 200 (GM 200) radar system in hopes of modernizing its air defense capabilities. Produced by the French company Thales, the GM 200 can monitor aircraft from a distance of up to 250 kilometers.

Moldovan Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatyi said the system was integral to air security and public safety.

"The latest incidents of violation of our country's airspace have brought to the authorities' attention the urgent need to strengthen Moldova's defense capabilities," Nosatyi said.

"This system, which will monitor the country's entire airspace, will complete the series of measures taken to equip the National Army to international standards."

Nosatyi thanked Moldova's leadership, external partners, and France for their work to improve the country's defense capacity.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has claimed that Russia attempted to overthrow her government in a coup, and that Russia continues to interfere in Moldovan politics. Russian troops currently occupy the breakaway region of Transnistria, recognized as Moldovan territory under international law.

Belgian army chief Michel Hofman told local media on Dec. 19 that Russia's ambitions would not end with Ukraine, and that Moldova could be the next target.

Read also: Dutch minister: If you dont stop Russia now, theyll go further. Its not just Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Pennsylvania woman will spend the rest of her life in prison after officials said she killed her 9-year-old and 13-year-old sons, news outlets reported.

Trinh Nguyen was sentenced to two life terms without the possibility of parole, CBS News reported.

On May 2, 2022, officials said Nguyen shot her two sons, 13-year-old Jeffrey Tini and 9-year-old Nelson Tini, in the head while they were asleep in their beds, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

It was something investigators said she planned, since just a week prior she left a handwritten note with instructions on what to do with her sons remains, as well as her own, the Bucks County District Attorneys Office told CBS News.

Nguyen went to her 22-year-old neighbor, who is also her ex-husbands nephew, after she shot her sons, police said. She handed him a box of photos and asked the neighbor to deliver the box to her ex-husband, police told WPVI.

When the neighbor turned to face her, Nguyen had a gun pointed at him and pulled the trigger twice, officials told CBS News. However the gun didnt fire, and the neighbor was able to disarm her.

Nguyen fled the scene and drove to New Jersey and was later found in a church parking lot, WPVI reported. Officials told the news outlet they found a note in the minivan saying, Please call 911! My children are Dead in their bed.

The mother of the neighbor went to check on the boys after the neighbors interaction with Nguyen. She found the boys alive in their beds with gunshot wounds, WPVI reported. Both were taken to a hospital, where they later died.

Its clear our evidence showed that this defendant had that wickedness of disposition that she had made these plans, First Assistant District Attorney Jen Schorn said in a statement to CBS News. She wrote a manifesto laying out what she was going to do, and you could see throughout the hate she had for others and the people she blamed.

Nguyen was being evicted from her home and was recently divorced, news outlets reported. Prosecutors said she was simmering rage, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. She wanted revenge against the people she blamed for her misfortune, the outlet reported.

However, Nguyens attorney, Deborah Weinman, told the outlet Nguyen suffered from years of trauma. She said she was forced into an arranged prior marriage when she was 18 and sent to America from Vietnam.

Her mental health declined to such a point, she became so depressed,  Weinman told the outlet.

McClatchy News reached out Dec. 21 but was unable to reach Weinman for comment.

In addition to the two life sentences, Nguyen was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in connection to the attempted murder of the neighbor, WPVI reported.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

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(CNN)  Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued an apology Wednesday to the families of Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett, two Black men wrongfully arrested in connection with the 1989 murder of Carol Stuart.

I am so sorry for what you endured, Wu said at a news conference. As a result, our Black residents suffered, as a result Alan Swanson suffered, Willie Bennett suffered, and their families continue to suffer. What was done to you was unfair, unjust, racist and wrong.

In 1989, Boston police officers received a 911 call from Charles Chuck Stuart, informing police that he and his wife, Carol, who was pregnant at the time, had been shot during an attempted carjacking. Officers raced through the city to locate the couple and found them wounded in their car  Carol had been shot in the head; her husband had also been shot, according to the Boston Globe.

Carol Stuart was taken to a hospital where her baby was delivered through cesarean section. Stuart later died from her injuries. The child survived for 17 days, according to multiple news reports from the time.

As he recovered, Chuck Stuart told police they were attacked by a Black man. The identification sparked an aggressive police stop and frisk campaign throughout Bostons Black neighborhoods, ratcheting up animus in a city already rife with racial tension.

Swanson and Bennett were ultimately arrested for Stuarts murder.

But a recent investigation by the Boston Globe revealed that at the time, many officers already knew Stuarts initial description of his attacker was a lie.

The most striking thing to me was that we discovered 33 people had known Charles Stuart committed the murder at the time he committed suicide. Nobody had an inkling the number of people who knew was anything like that, Adrian Walker, an associate editor and columnist at the Boston Globe, told CNN.

Stuarts brother later confessed to police that Chuck had planned the murder in an insurance fraud scheme and blamed the attack on a Black man.

Walker worked with a team of journalists to re-examine the Stuart murder in an investigative series and podcast produced in association with HBO called Murder in Boston: The untold story of the Charles and Carol Stuart shooting.

HBO also released a new docu-series based on the Globes reporting that examines the history of racism in the city and how the search for Stuarts killer led to racial profiling called, Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage & Reckoning.

Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN, also owns HBO.

Walker told CNN the response to the series has been really heartening.

I hope we will have the conversation about police, policing and race that we didnt really have in 1990, he said. Also a discussion about racial bias and what this sort of event says about us as a city.

On Tuesday, Wu said officials at all levels chose to believe a lie which led to a systemic campaign targeting Black men.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox also apologized for the poor investigation, overzealous behavior and more likely, unconstitutional behavior.

Wu presented an official letter of apology to the families of the Swanson and Bennett that attended the press conference.

Joey Bennett accepted Wus apology on behalf of his uncle.

This moment is not just a personal triumph to our family, he said, adding that in accepting the apology, the world can be informed of what transpired 34 years ago and begin the process of healing our trauma.

This story was first published on CNN.com, 'Boston mayor issues apology to Black men wrongfully arrested for a 1989 murder'
A Lawrence man is facing charges after allegedly wielding a meat cleaver during a brutal sexual assault in Danvers Wednesday, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Rene Montes, 55, was arrested a day after a woman came to the Massachusetts State Police Department Barrack in Danvers and told officers that she had been held against her will, raped and assaulted in her home by a man brandishing a meat cleaver.

The victim was taken to a hospital to be treated for her injuries. Investigating officers found a variety of evidence including a meat cleaver at the crime scene, MSP says.

Montes was arrested in Methuen Thursday on a warrant charging him with aggravated Rape, aggravated kidnapping, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

State Police have not specified when Montes will be arraigned.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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SAN DIEGO  The first significant storm of the winter season is starting to pass over Southern California, but new models for what conditions it may bring to San Diego are a little drier than initially anticipated.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, forecasters with the National Weather Service are projecting the most widespread impacts of the Pacific storm headed towards San Diego County will hit Thursday evening, with some stray showers possible Wednesday night into the morning.

The main target for the storm Wednesday into Thursday remains Californias central coast, including San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

By Thursday night into Friday, the storm is expected to directly hit San Diego County, bringing widespread rain, wind and possible thunderstorms.

Current models project that mountain and coastal areas are likely to see the most rain from the storm, ranging from about one to two inches. According to NWS, inland valley neighborhoods could see about 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain, while desert areas are likely to see under an inch.

Storm preparations: City of San Diego provides tips on how to prevent flooding

This is down slightly from earlier rainfall projections, which estimated that some parts of the county could see as much as three to five inches of precipitation.

However, NWS meteorologist Alex Tardy urged San Diegans in a weather briefing Wednesday afternoon not to give up on the storm and to prepare for possible adverse impacts, such as localized flooding and thunderstorms.

A flood watch is still set to go into effect Thursday afternoon for all of the county, lasting until Friday morning. The advisory urges residents to take precaution for possible urban flooding due to the storm, as well as the overflowing along low-lying creeks, rivers and streams.

A winter weather advisory has also been issued for communities in the San Bernardino Mountains, as snowfall levels with this storm are expected to drop to about 7,500 ft. into Friday morning. During this time, the San Bernardino Mountains are expected see heavy, wet snowfall.

Mountain communities in San Diego County, however, may not see much  if any  snow with this storm. NWS forecasts that some areas at the highest elevation may get cold enough to see some light flurries, but not enough to make it stick.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
A New Hampshire man was indicted after sending threatening text messages to several presidential candidates, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.

The DOJ charged 30-year-old Tyler Anderson, of Dover, with three counts of transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure the person of another.

In the first series of texts, sent in late November, Anderson threatened to impale and disembowel one candidate. On Dec. 6, Anderson threatened a second candidate, writing in texts that he would blow the head off of the candidate and conduct a mass shooting. Finally, on Dec. 8, Anderson threatened via text message that he would blow the brains out of a third candidate and kill everyone who would attend a scheduled campaign event.

The threats follow a mass shooting in nearby Maine in late October that left 18 people dead.

According to the press release, Anderson was arrested on Dec. 9 and made an initial appearance in federal court Dec. 11. He was released with conditions on Dec. 14. He faces up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge.

The Attorney Generals office did not name the three presidential candidates in its press release and it did not identify an attorney for Anderson.

We have seen an increase in threats of violence against public officials and those seeking public office across the country, and I have made clear that these types of illegal threats undermine the function of our democracy, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. We will not tolerate illegal threats of violence directed at public officials or those seeking public office.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned Pyongyang will not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if "provoked with nukes", state media said Thursday, while Seoul and its allies called for "dialogue without preconditions".

Kim's warning follows a meeting between South Korea and the United States last week in Washington, where they discussed nuclear deterrence in the event of conflict with the North.

The meeting's agenda included "nuclear and strategic planning", and the allies reiterated that any nuclear attack by Pyongyang on the United States or South Korea would result in the end of the North Korean regime.

But Kim told his military's missile bureau "not to hesitate (launching) even a nuclear attack when the enemy provokes it with nukes," Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said Thursday.

Washington, Seoul and Tokyo released a statement shortly afterwards, urging the nuclear-armed country to "stop conducting further provocations and accept our call for engaging in substantive dialogue without preconditions".

The three countries have ramped up defence cooperation in the face of a record-breaking series of weapons tests by Pyongyang this year, and on Tuesday activated a system to share real-time data on North Korean missile launches.

On Monday, the North launched its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, later describing it as "a warning counter-measure" against what it described as persistent acts of "military threat" by Washington and its allies.

Last week, a US nuclear-powered submarine arrived in the South Korean port city of Busan, and on Wednesday, Washington flew its long-range bombers in drills with Seoul and Tokyo.

The North has recently stressed that the "Korean peninsula is in a state of war by law" and that "strategic assets" deployed by Washington in the South will be "the first targets of destruction".

In October, when a US B-52 bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons took part in the first joint aerial drills conducted by Seoul, Tokyo and Washington, Pyongyang described the exercise as "the intentional nuclear war provocative moves of the US".

Pyongyang sees drills by the United States and its allies as rehearsals for invasion and has long justified its blitz of missile launches as necessary "countermeasures".

Seoul's defence minister has been making unusually fiery remarks of late and last week warned that Pyongyang would face a "hell of destruction" if it engaged in any "reckless" action that "destroys peace".

The two Koreas are at a "peak of escalating rhetoric and pre-emptive strike threats," Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.

The latest developments "clearly reflect the seriousness of the situation and the current (turbulent) state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula", he added.

- 'Preparations for invasion' -

Pyongyang last year declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nukes programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

In a separate statement Thursday, Kim's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, slammed the United Nations Security Council for convening a session to discuss the North's latest ICBM launch, arguing it was a demonstration of Pyongyang's inherent right to self-defence.

"The ceaseless military drills of the US and its vassal forces (remind) one of the overall preparations for invasion under the pretext of deterring threats from someone," she said, according to KCNA.

"And the frequent appearance of the US nuclear weapons clearly (aimed) at the DPRK ... is the root cause of escalating the regional situation," she added, using the acronym for the North's official name.

Pyongyang's launch of a military spy satellite last month, which it claimed quickly began providing images of US and South Korean military sites, further damaged inter-Korean ties.

The launch fractured a military agreement between the Koreas established to de-escalate tensions on the peninsula, with both sides then ramping up security along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates them.

cdl/cwl
The NAACP is demanding that the Florida Department of Children and Families looks into a disturbing incident at an Osceola County day care, during which a Black student was handcuffed while learning about Rosa Parks.

According to Fox 35 Orlando, a 2-year-old Black student at the Building Brains Academy became subject to an alarming act of simulation, where she was handcuffed and fingerprinted by a white peer. Fox 35 spoke with the toddlers parents about the incident. Though they chose to remain anonymous, they did share that they learned of the incident via the schools app and it upset them.

Her hands restrained behind her back as if she was being taken into custody, the parents told Fox 35. 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.

Building Brains Academy issued a statement about the incident, and argued that the photographs shared do not offer a complete or accurate representation of the full lesson about the importance of equal rights, Fox 35 reported.

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, the day cares statement continued. 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.

The school explained that one of the classes in our multicultural school was learning about the legacy of Rosa Parks and the importance of treating each other with respect and equality. In the spirit of the moment, the class spontaneously decided to act out the elements of Ms. Parks story, including her arrest for refusing to give up her seat at the front of the bus.

The toddlers parents arent buying it.

Theres so many ways to teach the Rosa Parks story, they told Fox 35.

The NAACP isnt buying it either. It sent a letter to the Florida Department of Children and Families asking for the immediate cessation of such activities within the curriculum at Building Brains Academy.

The letter also stated that the organization will be exploring all legal avenues to address this grave matter and ensure such incidents are not repeated.

The parents told Fox 35 that they pulled their daughter from the day care, and shes never been happier.

As we were approaching the school where the incident happened, she got very quiet and very, very reserved. But then we passed it, we had our daughter back. She was bubbly, they said.
A man accused of robbing an Indiana credit union was caught because his name was printed on the back of his demand note, police say.

Police responded to a panic alarm at the Indiana University Credit Union at about 3:50 p.m. Dec. 19, according to a Dec. 20 news release from the Bloomington Police Department.

Employees told police the suspect, donning a dark-colored face covering, handed a teller a note across the counter and fled southbound after receiving all the money from the tellers drawer, police said.

Investigators discovered the name Byron Johnson on the back of the demand note, according to police. Using that name to search police records, authorities were able to determine a physical description of the suspect which matched the one given by bank employees, police said.

Johnson also matched the description of the person suspected of robbing a Circle K gas station at about 1 a.m. Dec. 19, according to police.

Police located a vehicle registered to Johnson with the man inside at about 9:20 a.m. Dec. 20.

During a search, police said they found a sock with a large amount of cash in it.

Johnson, 35, was arrested Dec. 20 and charged with robbery, theft and intimidation, according to police.

Bloomington, where Indiana University is located, is about 50 miles southwest of Indianapolis.

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KINGSTON - An Ulster County woman pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated vehicular assault Monday for two collisions she caused while driving under the influence of drugs, the district attorney's office announced Thursday.

A pedestrian in the first of those collisions and two drivers and a passenger in cars in the second collision were all seriously hurt.

According to the Ulster County District Attorney's office, Nancy Naccarato, 55, of Napanoch, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated vehicular assault, a felony, before County Court Judge Bryan Rounds on Monday.

Naccarato was first arrested on Dec. 3, 2022, after she allegedly drove across a double yellow line on Route 209 in Wawarsing and struck a pedestrian who was walking on the side of the road, causing him serious injury.

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Blood test results showed Ambien and cocaine in her system, the district attorney's office said. At her arraignment in Wawarsing Town Court, she was released to pre-trial supervision over the objections of the district attorney's office.

While released, Naccarato did nearly the same thing two months later.

On Feb. 17, 2023, Naccarato was driving on Route 209 in Marbletown when she allegedly crossed the double yellow line and struck another vehicle head-on. The driver of that vehicle and her 6-year-old daughter suffered serious physical injuries, as did the driver of another vehicle that was behind them and became part of the collision.

Naccarato refused to submit to a chemical test, but the district attorney's office obtained a search warrant, and a blood test showed Alprazolam and cocaine in her system.

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Naccarato was held in the Ulster County jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail after that collision, and has remained incarcerated since then.

Sentencing before Judge Rounds is currently scheduled for March 4, 2024. Naccarato faces up to 10 years in prison for each count of aggravated vehicular assault.

Naccarato's attorney, Mikael Cohn, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @mikerandall845.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Napanoch driver pleads guilty after two crashes injure four people
(CNN)  Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday that an international astronaut will be landing on the surface of the moon as part of NASAs Artemis program.

While the United States had previously committed to flying international astronauts around the moon on future Artemis missions, todays announcement takes that commitment a step further by allowing one of them to actually walk on the surface of the moon  thereby joining an elite club that thus far has only 12 members.

Today in recognition of the essential role that our allies and partners play in the Artemis program, Im proud to announce that, alongside American astronauts, we intend to land an international astronaut on the surface of the moon by the end of the decade, Harris said Wednesday during a meeting of the White Houses National Space Council in Washington, DC. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security advisor Jake Sullivan also attended the meeting.

Each planned Artemis moon-landing mission will have room for four astronauts, but not every astronaut will walk on the moon. Only two astronauts per mission will descend to the surface of the moon, while the remaining two will only orbit the moon in either the Orion spacecraft or a small space station called Gateway.

NASA has committed to three opportunities for European Space Agency astronauts to fly to Gateway, one opportunity to fly a Canadian Space Agency astronaut to Gateway and one opportunity on Artemis II, and one opportunity for a Japanese (JAXA) astronaut to fly to Gateway, a NASA official told CNN. Beyond Artemis II, these crew opportunities have not been designated to specific Artemis missions.

The Artemis II mission is set to be the first time humans will orbit the moon since the end of the Apollo program. Slated to launch in November 2024, the crew includes Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who introduced the vice president on Wednesday.

NASA could have chosen to do this alone, but they intentionally chose to include Canada and a growing list of international partners. This extraordinary example of US leadership leverages our collective expertise, and it is not only sincerely appreciated, but it is urgently needed in the world today, Hansen said.

The first mission to land on the moon  Artemis III  isnt scheduled to launch until at least the end of 2025. However, that time frame has already been called into question as the space agency is keeping a close eye on the development of a SpaceX vehicle that will serve as the lander for Artemis III, ferrying astronauts down to the lunar surface.

NASA will make specific crew assignments closer to each mission as the mission parameters and crew criteria are defined, the NASA official said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, 'United States announces plan to land international astronaut on the moon'
The North Carolina Supreme Court will revisit in February whether the courts can order the state to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to public schools.

The state Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments on Feb. 22 at 10:45 a.m. in the long-running Leandro school funding case. The hearing comes after the courts Republican majority agreed in October to hear the appeal filed by Sen. Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore that a trial judge lacked the jurisdiction to say the state owes schools $677.8 million.

The GOP legislative leaders want the trial judges order thrown out. The lawmakers also want tossed out the November 2022 decision by the high courts former Democratic majority that the courts can order a money transfer to schools.

Supporters of last years Supreme Court decision say it needs to be upheld to provide schools with enough money to give students a sound, basic education.

In this file photo, members of the N.C. Supreme Court stand before a recess in May 2022. At the time, the court had a 4-3 Democratic majority but the changed with the November 2022 election. The court now has a 5-2 Republican majority, which agreed to rehear cases on voter ID and gerrymandering.

Nearly 30 years of litigation

The Leandro school funding lawsuit was initially filed in 1994 by low-wealth school districts to get more state funding.

Over the years, the state Supreme Court has ruled that the state constitution guarantees every child an opportunity to receive a sound basic education and that the state was failing to meet that obligation.

In November 2021, Superior Court Judge David Lee ordered the state treasurer, controller and budget director to transfer $1.75 billion to fund the next two years of a plan developed by a consultant. The plan is meant to try to provide every student with high-quality teachers and principals.

During the case, Berger and Moore argued that only lawmakers and not the courts have the state constitutional authority to spend state funds. GOP leaders have also argued that any court decision should be confined to Hoke County or the original plaintiffs.

GOP court majority blocks money transfer

Just days before the November 2022 midterm elections, the then-Democrat-controlled Supreme Court issued a decision backing Lees order requiring the state to transfer the money. But Republicans won two seats in last years elections to gain a 5-2 majority on the high court.

In March, the courts new GOP majority reinstated an order from a panel of appeals court judges saying that Lee had exceeded his authority when he ordered the money transfer.

Lee has since passed away. In April, Superior Court Judge James Ammons issued an updated court order saying $677.8 million is still owed.

In September, Berger and Moore appealed Ammons authority to issue his order. The courts 5-2 GOP majority granted the legislators request to hear the appeal.

GOP Associate Justice Phil Berger Jr., the son of Sen. Berger, accused the courts former Democratic majority of rushing to reach a decision without addressing many issues.

In sum, the Legislative-Intervenors argued various jurisdictional theories in their briefs and arguments to this Court that were left unresolved, Berger Jr. wrote in the October order. This court is dutybound to address any potential subject matter jurisdiction issues, even those that are not raised by the parties.

But Democratic Associate Justice Anita Earls said the majority did resolve the jurisdiction issue last year.

Beyond question, public education is an important issue that sparks strong beliefs, Earls wrote in her October dissent. And when this Court rapidly reverses course on that topic, it calls into question its commitment to legal principle. It signals to North Carolinians that their constitutional protections h[a]ng by a thread  that a new majority can by dint of numbers alone expunge their rights.
On 21 December, the Dutch government announced the release of the first tranche of humanitarian aid, which is part of the more than 2 billion aid package that will be disbursed to Ukraine in 2024.

Source: press release on the Dutch government website

Details: The present 102 million aid package is intended for the first four months of 2024, to help Ukraine get through the winter and prepare for spring.

As part of this aid package, 15 million will be allocated to each the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the efforts to clear agricultural land and liberated territories from mines.

Another 62 million will support the Ukrainian government in providing basic services, restoring critical infrastructure and implementing reforms through the World Banks Ukraine and Moldova Recovery Programme.

Finally, 10 million will help finance equipment for the Ukrainian electricity grid.

The Dutch government said that on 15 December, Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade Joffrey van Leeuwen visited Ukraine and announced plans to provide additional assistance for 2024.

Previously: The Netherlands allocated 2 billion for military assistance to Ukraine in 2024, 295 million as a contribution to the European Peace Fund, 89 million for justice and 3 million for non-military cyber support.

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On the darkest day of the year, faith organizations and the Kansas City community will gather to be bearers of light.

Candlelight will illuminate the faces of grieving families who have lost loved ones in one of the deadliest years on record for Kansas City. Longest Night Ever will, on the winter solstice, honor the memory of this years homicide victims by remembering each name: each daughter, son, brother and friend killed in 2023.

Theres too much hurt, and not enough of us willing to help heal, said Darron Edwards, pastor of United Believers Community Church. This is called the Longest Night because when we have this event, the light doesnt shine as long.

And we need more light in Kansas City, Missouri, he said.

For 13 years now, the annual Kansas City Longest Night Ever service has worked to support families who come into the holiday season without a loved one who was killed. Churches and other community leaders organize the event in hopes of putting a face and name to the harrowing homicide statistics in Kansas City.

Organizers say the event is a time to care for the families of homicide victims and recommit to making Kansas City a safe place to live.

Pastor Darron Edwards speaks about Kansas Citys homicide crisis on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at The Gathering Church in Independence, Missouri.

Record number of homicides

As of Dec. 20, Kansas City has recorded 178 homicides in 2023, according to data maintained by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. The Star had previously reported 180 homicides for 2023, but Kansas City Police have since changed the cause of death in one case, and the location of death in another.

The city is experiencing its second deadliest year on record, and remains on pace to exceed or meet its mark for highest number of homicides in a year.

That mark came in 2020, when 182 people were killed.

Last year, Kansas City, Missouri, suffered the second-highest number of homicides in history, with 171 deaths.

Pastor Mark Clifton of the Linwood Baptist Church in Linwood, Kansas, said Longest Night Ever is a positive way to support grieving families, but that much more would need to happen to see lasting change.

He said it will take people getting involved in the community, learning the names of their neighbors and reporting suspicious activity to police.

Event organizers stressed the community can never accept upwards of 175 homicides in a single year as normal for Kansas City.

They are more than just a name across the bottom of the screen on the news. They are very important, Clifton said. They deserve to be remembered.

Pastor Mark Clifton speaks about Kansas Citys homicide crisis on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at The Gathering Church in Independence, Mo.

Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokesperson with the Kansas City Police, said the high homicide rate in the city is frustrating, and an especially hard reality around the holiday season.

She said the community and police have been working together to address the violent crime epidemic, but said that its hard to catch up.

Its very frustrating, Gonzalez said outside of a residence near Roberts Street on Dec. 17, where 26-year-old Melissa Brown was shot.

We want our Kansas Citians to feel safe.  This is a loved one of somebodys family that isnt going to be around for Christmas.

Victim remembrances, candlelight vigil

Longest Night Ever will begin at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 in the worship center of The Gathering Church, 4505 South Noland Road in Independence. The event is open to everyone in the community, but especially to those who have been personally affected by homicide, Edwards said.

The evening will consist of reading each homicide victims name and remembering them by grieving with their families. Organizers say there will be a time of commitment to making Kansas City a safe place to live, and the evening will conclude with an outdoor candlelight vigil.

More than 170 crosses  individually marked with the names of a 2023 Kansas City homicide victim  dot the lawn outside of the Gathering Church on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in Independence, Missouri. A candlelight vigil and memorial service will be held at the church Thursday night to honor the years homicide victims.

Crosses with the name of each victim are hammered into the ground on the front lawn of the church  a small gesture of hope to those who may be without it. In years past, families have kept the crosses as a reminder of their loved ones.

Before speaking to the media Wednesday afternoon, Edwards and Clifton walked among the white wooden crosses and secured one of them in the ground. Kansas City Police officers stood nearby as church members hugged and welcomed visitors.

Our hearts grieve for these loved ones, our hearts grieve for our city, but our grief is informed by hope  that this city really is a good place filled with really good people who can make a difference, Clifton said.
Federal officials are raising concerns about New Hampshire and eight other states they say are leading the country in terminating Medicaid coverage for children now that pandemic protections have ended.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, New Hampshire ended coverage for 19,810 children between March and September, an 18 percent drop. Only South Dakota and Idaho had bigger decreases, each with a 27 percent drop, according to CMS.

State officials are pushing back, saying the number of children who lost Medicaid and could still be eligible is lower  9,229 as of Tuesday  and the state is still trying to reach them. Until it does, they wont know if they still qualify for the program.

The children fall into two groups: Nearly 6,530 were disenrolled because their parent or guardian did not respond to the Department of Health and Human Services multiple requests to have their childs eligibility reviewed. For the rest, a parent or guardian began the review but didnt complete it.

They are the two groups (where) our efforts have not yet succeeded, and they could still succeed because Medicaid is an open program, said state Medicaid Director Henry Lipman. The department has extended its reopen deadline to allow children who lost coverage in the last 120 days to get a review without having to complete a lengthy Medicaid application.

State and federal Medicaid officials are urging people to renew their Medicaid eligibility now that federal pandemic protections have ended. Failing to do so could end coverage even for those who qualify.

Lipman said the count CMS released Monday is inflated because the agency is counting children differently than New Hampshire does, going to age 23 versus 18. People over 18 are eligible for adult Medicaid instead.

They are also misleading, Lipman said, because the federal data did not indicate why the state disenrolled children, including whether they no longer qualified because they were too old or lived in families whose incomes had increased beyond the limit, or because they moved to other insurance.

Lipman and Gov. Chris Sununu said CMS is also overlooking steps the state has taken to keep children covered.

Those include setting higher income-eligibility levels than most states; extending the amount of time families can challenge a denial and retain coverage; and making extensive efforts to reach families that have lost coverage because they failed to complete an eligibility review. It launched a pilot project that expands efforts to reach those who havent responded, potentially leaving them with no assistance even if they would qualify.

I always felt that among my most important things I would do in my career would be how we manage this whole process, Lipman said. We dont want to lose people who should be covered from coverage. Thats how I approached it and others in the department did as well.

MEDICAID RESOURCES

There are several resources for people with questions about maintaining their Medicaid.

Individuals can visit nheasy.nh.gov, the states online portal to government benefits and local services. The department can also be reached by phone at 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447), or in person at one of the departments local offices.

The states two federally funded health care navigator programs can also assist people with eligibility questions and insurance options, and help them buy a plan through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. First Choice Services (firstchoiceservices.org) and Health Market Connect (hmcnh.com) both provide free assistance in multiple languages. The New Hampshire Insurance Department is another option.

Sununu, who was one of nine governors to get a letter Monday from Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, warning that his agency would not hesitate to act if New Hampshire did not address its concerns, had a more pointed response.

Yet another example of the federal government being completely out of touch with whats happening on the ground, Sununu said in a statement to the Bulletin. New Hampshire is doing everything they asked for and more.

NH says it has prioritized children

Federal authorities have been watching states closely since March, when the end of the federal public health emergency allowed them to redetermine the eligibility of child and adult Medicaid beneficiaries since the pandemics start.

During the pandemic, states received extra money to keep people enrolled regardless of whether their income or other qualifying circumstances had changed. That is no longer an option.

New Hampshire was among a handful of states to begin redetermining eligibility in April, the first month possible. Lipman said the states early start on redeterminations makes a comparison to other states challenging. I think its comparing apples and oranges and apricots and watermelons, he said.

The state launched a massive public awareness campaign well before it reinitiated eligibility reviews, alerting people that they would lose coverage if they did not have their eligibility redetermined at the end of the federal public health emergency. His team continues that outreach, he said.

The department also prioritized children by doing their redeterminations later than adults, to give their families more time to complete the process.

Lipman said that as of Tuesday, nearly 75 percent, or nearly 81,330 children, who had Medicaid as of March 1 continue to be covered. The 25 percent, or 27,114, who lost coverage did so for one of several reasons.

Nearly 40 percent, or 10,798, were beyond the income limit because their familys earnings had increased. About 7,090 no longer met Medicaid guidelines, such as reaching the age limit, or because their family told the department they no longer need the insurance.

The nearly 9,229 who lost coverage because their family has not completed an eligibility review may or may not still qualify for Medicaid. The department cant know until it hears from them.

Lipmans office has focused most heavily on that last group in hopes of continuing coverage for those who qualify and helping those who dont find other affordable coverage, such as a subsidized plan on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.

Lipman and Sununu pointed to the states strong economic rebound and low unemployment rate as another driver of lower Medicaid enrollments. They called them indicators that many families incomes have improved enough that they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

NH has followed federal guidance

On Monday, CMS suggested states take a number of steps to avoid ending Medicaid coverage for those who still qualify. New Hampshire has been doing many of them for months, a few for years.

States, it said, should ensure a childs eligibility be determined separate from their parents, because income limits are higher for children. The state Department of Health and Human Services began doing that in September, based on new guidance from CMS. As of late September, it had restored coverage for 1,351 and provided retroactive coverage for bills incurred during their pause in benefits.

CMS urged states to use existing information to determine whether a child remains eligible for Medicaid, allowing them to keep coverage without having to do the redetermination process. Lipman said the state has long used data from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to identify children who qualify for automatic renewal.

States with expanded Medicaid tended to see fewer disenrollments, CMS said. New Hampshire has had expanded Medicaid since 2014.

CMS urged states to expand outreach by partnering with schools, health care providers, community-based organizations, and other groups that work with families. Lipman said his department has also given health care providers and insurance navigators information about who has not completed redeterminations as another way to reach them.

States were encouraged to expand their call center to minimize the wait time for people trying to have their eligibility redetermined. Lipman said the department did so, adding 34 people.

The Department of Health and Human Servicess effort to help qualified Granite Staters keep their Medicaid included contacting 25,000 households via text, email, and phone, targeting households with children and people who are older or have disabilities.

This story was originally published by the New Hampshire Bulletin

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH says federal numbers on children who lost Medicaid are inflated
Police in Nicaragua have arrested a bishop who expressed solidarity with a fellow bishop found guilty of treason.

Isidoro Mora was taken away by police after he had told his congregation that Nicaragua's bishops were "united in prayer" for Rolando Alvarez.

The Rt Rev Alvarez is serving a 26-year prison sentence imposed after he criticised the government of President Daniel Ortega.

The move is the latest crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.

President Ortega, and his wife, Vice-President Rosario Murillo, have targeted clerics for speaking out against their rule, jailing some and expelling others.

There were 12 priests among the 222 jailed opposition figures deported from Nicaragua to the US in February this year.

Rt Rev Alvarez, the bishop of Matagalpa, refused to go into exile at the time unless ordered to do so by the Pope.

Rolando Alvarez has been in jail since August 2022

A day after his refusal, he was sentenced for treason, undermining national integrity and spreading false news.

Isidoro Mora, who is bishop of the diocese of Siuna, had mentioned the Rt Rev Alvarez during a homily on Tuesday at the cathedral in the city of Matagalpa.

The Rt Rev Mora said that Nicaragua's Episcopal Conference, the official assembly of the bishops of the Catholic Church in the country, "was always united, praying for Monsignor Rolando".

It is this remark which is thought to have triggered Bishop Mora's arrest on Wednesday.

The Catholic Church has been a thorn in the side of the Ortega government since clerics sheltered students in churches during mass anti-government protests swept through the country in 2018.

Religious orders and priests as well as lay people have been targeted by the authorities.

In August, the government cancelled the legal status of the Jesuit religious community, confiscating all its property for allegedly failing to provide required financial statements of its activities.

The Jesuit-run Central American University had had its assets seized earlier that same month.

But it is not just religious organisations the government has clamped down on. The organiser of the Miss Nicaragua beauty pageant stepped down less than two weeks ago after she was charged with treason and dozens of non-governmental organisations have also been shut down.
Ramallah, West Bank (CNN)  If Ramallah has a center, it is Al-Manara Square. Six roads meet here, and pedestrians weave their way confidently across the tight roundabout, forcing cars to make way. It is always busy.

Demonstrators will rally here to protest, but when CNN visited on a Sunday morning, people were going about their business. All the same, photos from the war in Gaza posted in the square and hung on banners and fences remind anyone who needs reminding of the horrors unfolding not far away.

This destruction resembles the conscience of the world, reads one poster, under a picture of rescue workers clearing rubble.

Another photograph shows ambulances outside a hospital with the text, Medical Heroes demand action: Stop the Massacre in Gaza!

At his office about a mile away, where desks and shelves groan under piles of paperwork, Khalil Shikaki is thinking about the conflict.

Palestinians, he says, overwhelmingly support the Hamas decision to go to war with Israel.

His research company, the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR), has just published the findings of its latest survey into Palestinian attitudes.

Seven hundred and fifty adults were interviewed face to face in the West Bank, and 481 were interviewed in Gaza, also in person. The Gaza data collection was done during the recent truce, when it was safer for researchers to move about.

The survey, which has a four-point margin of error (rather than the usual three-point), found that almost three-quarters (72%) of all respondents believe Hamass decision to launch its attack on Israel on October 7 was correct.

Less than a quarter (22%) said it was incorrect.

But that doesnt mean support for atrocities, he adds. No one should see this as support for any atrocities that might have been committed by Hamas on that day.

Palestinians believe that diplomacy and negotiations are not an option available to them, that only violence and armed struggle is the means to end the siege and blockade over Gaza, and in general to end the Israeli occupation, Shikaki said.

This important distinction is teased out by three of the polls data points. Almost 80% of respondents told PCPSR researchers that killing women and children in their homes is a war crime.

An even higher number (85%) of respondents said they had not watched videos shown by international news outlets of acts committed by Hamas on October 7  a figure which may hint at why only 10% of those surveyed said they believed Hamas had committed war crimes that day.

To a considerable extent, Palestinians, just like Israelis, are getting a skewed perspective from their media. In addition to this bubble effect, Shikaki says, there might also be a desire to avoid other sources to maintain deniability. Denial, as he says, is useful during periods of stress and pain.

Polling in a war zone comes with difficulties even in the lulls. Interviewing people in the center and south of the enclave was relatively straightforward as most were still at home, but surveying people from the north of Gaza was partially compromised because so many had been displaced to shelters.

Separated territories, divergent attitudes

Gaza and the West Bank, what are now called the Palestinian territories, have been geographically separated since 1948. Recent decades have seen that separation take root between the two populations, not least because it has become harder and harder for Palestinians to move between the territories.

Since 2005, when Israel moved its soldiers and settlers out of Gaza and essentially sealed off the territory with help from Egypt, the day-to-day experiences of Palestinians in Gaza have diverged even further from those of Palestinians in the West Bank.

Politically, the territories are split. The Palestinian Authority under aging President Mahmoud Abbas has partial control over the West Bank, while Hamas controls what goes on inside Gaza  or it did until Israel invaded.

These differences are reflected across the attitudes surveyed, in particular, on the use of violence.

In Gaza, support for armed struggle has risen only slightly from 50% in September 2022 (a year before the current war) to 56% in December 2023. In the West Bank, however, support has been rising dramatically from 35% in September 2022 to 54% in September 2023 (a month before the war). This month, polled support for armed struggle reached 68% in the West Bank.

Shikaki says these divergences reflect the rise in attacks by violent Jewish settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank, which have drawn condemnation from the US and Europe, along with the pervasive sense that Israels current hard-right government is not overly perturbed by that state of affairs.

Hamas, unsurprisingly perhaps, finds growing support, especially among West Bank Palestinians. Backing for the militant group as a political party has increased there nearly four-fold (from 12% to 44%) in the three months between September 2023 and December 2023.

In besieged Gaza, by contrast, support has remained relatively stable with 38% support in September and 42% in December.

Fatah, the secular-nationalist party of Palestinian Authority (PA) President Abbas, which led the Palestine Liberation Organization to its historic agreements with Israel in the 1990s  which created the PA but crucially did not get around to solving some of the conflicts most fundamental issues  has seen its support fall across the territories from 26% three months ago to 17% now.

Support for Abbas himself is even lower  so low, in fact, that he is seen as almost entirely discredited.

Out of denial, towards a reckoning?

But Shikaki cautions that higher support for Hamas should not be over-stated, at least not yet. As more Palestinians come to terms with the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, so attitudes could change  though that is unlikely to be the case so long as Gaza remains under massive attack.

Important again is how many people have watched videos from October 7 and the differences between the territories. In Gaza, 25% of those asked said they had viewed such videos; and 16% of all respondents told researchers Hamas had committed war crimes. In the West Bank, the corresponding numbers were just 7% and 1%.

Gaza is moving out of denial more quickly than the West Bank, Shikaki says, and that means a reckoning for Hamas. Already, only 38% of Gazans want to see the militant group return to governance after the war.

But it is not just greater awareness of events on a single day that matter. It is also what happens when politics resumes when the war is over, and whether Palestinians see any sort of political horizon.

At a time when people believe the only way to get Israel to end the occupation is by inflicting pain and suffering on Israelis, Palestinians see Hamas as the party most capable of delivering violence effectively, Shikaki says.

On the other hand, if and when you give the Palestinians the option of negotiating a permanent end to Israeli occupation and the creation of a Palestinian state  support for Hamas will probably decline to below where it was before the war, he says.

Support for the two-state solution has remained largely stable across Gaza and the West Bank over the past three months, moving from 32% to 34%, but historically, those figures are still low. In the past, PCPSR polling has shown support for the existence of an independent Palestine sitting next to the state of Israel at between 70% and 80%.

US President Joe Biden has sought to convince both Israelis and the Palestinians that he sees negotiations as important, saying last month, I dont think (the conflict) ultimately ends until there is a two-state solution. The problem is, Palestinians do not seem to believe him. Nearly three-quarters (70%) of respondents said they do not regard US talk about Palestinian statehood as serious.

Shikaki says it is obvious why this is so.

Since you have all that power, people are not going to believe you if you say, well, I cant use leverage against Israel. So, the conclusion is you are paying lip service to the two-state solution, but you have absolutely no intention of doing anything to make it a reality.
Supporters of Niger's junta protest outside the Niger and French airbase in Niamey to demand the departure of the French army - August 2023

Less than five months after Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum was deposed in a coup, former colonial power France is pulling out the last remaining troops it had deployed to the West African state to fight militant Islamists threatening stability across the region.

Relations with Paris are at rock-bottom - French ambassador Sylvain Itte departed in September at the military junta's insistence - while the European Union (EU) has also been snubbed.

The junta, led by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, has unilaterally scrapped the accords under which EU specialists have for many years trained Niger's security forces.

Mr Bazoum regarded France as a crucial military partner. When French troops and other European special forces withdrew from Mali in 2022, he asked them to redeploy into Niger's fragile western border areas plagued by jihadist attacks, where they then operated under Nigerien command.

But after President Emmanuel Macron's vocal condemnation of the 26 July coup and his public support for Mr Bazoum, still detained in his presidential residence, Niger's new military rulers opted for a radical change of policy, demanding that the French pull out.

Most of the 1,500 troops have since left and the remaining 157 will depart by Saturday.

The junta has opted to rely on a new defence alliance with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali. They are also both under military rule and resisting demands, including from the West African regional bloc Ecowas, for a rapid restoration of civilian-led democracy.

Yet while France and the EU are cold-shouldered, with Paris blamed for problems and crises of almost any kind and even accused of supporting a 2007 rebellion by Tuareg separatists, the US retains a significant presence, sending a new ambassador to Niamey in August.

And the junta has not demanded the shutdown of the two US military bases in Niger, where more than 600 American troops remain stationed. These are important for Washington as Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group are just over the border in Mali to help the junta there fight jihadists.

There is no doubt that France, and Mr Macron personally, are the object of widespread resentment among young urban populations across West Africa, and not just the states in the semi-arid Sahel strip just south of the Sahara Desert.

Perceived as high-handed and over-assertive, he is resented to a degree that was not true of previous French heads of state, even Nicolas Sarkozy, who had the gall to tell a Senegalese audience that Africa had not sufficiently entered into history.

The priority that Mr Macron has given to West Africa, whether in military efforts to fight jihadist groups, the return of looted cultural treasures or an impressively expanded development budget, has blown back on him.

France's influence in West Africa has declined since a spate of coups in its former colonies

The soldiers who have seized power in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali over the past three years have all opportunistically played the anti-French card to boost their popularity.

As their countries feel the pressure of increased economic isolation, and reduced development and security support, the former colonial power is a useful scapegoat.

Paris, and indeed Brussels, have also paid a price for their strong support for Ecowas.

The bloc's 2001 democracy and good governance protocol is the foundation for its uncompromising stance towards the coup leaders and its efforts to pressure them into taking steps towards the re-establishment of elected government, with Niger in particular targeted by a trade blockade and the threat of military intervention.

Yet Ecowas itself is widely unpopular, often portrayed as a presidents' club that has turned a blind eye to election rigging and constitutional manipulations as heads of state seek to extend their stays in power.

In this polarised context, where Gen Tchiani and his Malian and Burkinabe counterparts, Col Assimi Goita and Capt Ibrahim Traore, are tapping into powerful nationalistic resentment, the US has played a softer-toned public game.

It waited many weeks before finally acknowledging the overthrow of Niger's elected government, which automatically, under American law, triggered the suspension of most development aid.

With a generally favourable or neutral image in West Africa, where it has no colonial history and the Cold War left no painful conflict legacy, Washington has been able to sustain diplomatic engagement with the military regimes in a way that Paris could not have done without a humiliating disavowal of its core policies and track record.

Coup leaders have been willing to meet high-ranking US State Department officials and hear them utter uncomfortable public messages.

In Niger's capital Niamey last week, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee called on the junta to open talks with Ecowas after the bloc offered a relaxation of sanctions in return for clear progress on a return to constitutional rule - and she offered a powerful incentive for steps down this path.

After the coup the US suspended its military co-operation with Niger's security forces, but Ms Phee said Washington intended to resume collaboration and development support "in phases", reciprocating actions taken by the junta towards the restoration of democracy.

The US has trained troops from Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali - all now under military rule

Besides long-running programmes of training with Nigerien forces, the US has drone bases in Niamey and in Agadez on the edge of the Sahara, that it regards as crucial for monitoring the activity of jihadist groups across the region and Wagner mercenaries in Mali and Libya.

So Gen Tchiani's regime feels in a strong bargaining position. Setting an assertive tone, Prime Minister Mahaman Lamine Zeine said on Wednesday: "If the Americans want to stay here with their forces they should tell us what they want to do."

Mr Zeine was not shy to hint that Niger has other suitors and alternative friends if the US does not play ball. Russia's Deputy Defence Minister Gen Yunus-Bek Evkurov visited Niamey earlier this month.

Moreover, the Sahel could well be a priority testing ground for the reintegration of Wagner forces into a more conventional structure under tighter control by the official Russian defence establishment. That more orthodox model might have some appeal for Niger, which has strong official military traditions.

Moscow is also trying to broaden its "offer" to the Sahelian states beyond the security sphere, even though it is not equipped to match the development donor clout of the EU, the US, Germany or France.

Last month it sent a team of doctors to help Burkina Faso deal with outbreaks of dengue fever and chikungunya.

So Washington knows it is operating in a competitive diplomatic environment.

It may have taken a gentler public diplomatic line than Paris, but will not be spared awkward dilemmas and hard choices in dealing with military regimes that currently don't feel they have to look to the West or even, in some cases, the United Nations.

However, Niger's military rulers also face awkward dilemmas. While overtures from Russia and declarations of solidarity from Burkina Faso and Mali provide a degree of political comfort, the humanitarian and security realities are grim.

Niger, which has a population of about 24.5 million, is one of the poorest countries in the world

Mr Bazoum's drive to reassert security control over fragile border areas, creating improved conditions for the return home of displaced populations had begun to bear fruit - with levels of violence continuously decreasing since 2021, according to the violence monitoring group Acled.

Improved harvests and strong donor support were also reducing the risk of food crisis for rural communities.

But since the coup, a combination of Ecowas trade sanctions and the suspension of much development aid, has sharply worsened living conditions for many households and jeopardised long-term development programmes.

And after many army units were redeployed to Niamey to guard against a potential Ecowas military intervention, there was a marked upsurge in jihadist attacks and inter-communal violence elsewhere in the country.

For example, in late October and early November, some 4,750 villagers fled to the town of Bankilare, in the west, after armed groups forced them to abandon their homes.

In theory, Niger's new alliance with Burkina Faso and Mali might improve cross-border military co-operation to tackle jihadists, criminals and community violence.

But the forces no longer benefit from the high-tech intelligence and air support capacity that France and the US were able to provide.

Paul Melly is a consulting fellow with the Africa Programme at Chatham House in London.

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TechCrunch

Microsoft has ticked off the second phase of its rollout of a data localization offering in the European Union. The latest deployment to the "EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud", as it brands the infrastructure, kicked off in at the start of last year. Microsoft had said it expected the second phase of the rollout to be completed at the end of 2023 so it's keeping roughly to schedule.
Support for Republican presidential candidate and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is surging in New Hampshire a month from the states first-in-the-nation presidential primary.

Almost a third of Granite State voters likely to cast a ballot in New Hampshire's Republican primary named Haley as their preferred candidate in a Saint Anselm College poll released this week.

Haley has doubled her support in the state since September, according to Saint Anselms findings, and she is ten percentage points ahead of where she was in a November CNN/University of New Hampshire survey.

The former governor is now the clear second choice in the first primary state, but she continues to trail behind former President Donald Trump. Trump led Haley 14 percentage points in the Saint Anselm poll released earlier this month, and he leads all of his Republican rivals in state-level and national polls across the country.

Haleys mounting momentum, however, comes on the heels of coveted endorsements, including from New Hampshires popular Republican Gov. Chris Sununu.

Sununus backing was essential in Haley becoming the clear alternative to Trump, Saint Anselm Colleges New Hampshire Institute of Politics Director Neil Levesque said in a summary of the recent survey results.

Candidate likability: Forget a beer  how about a hug? How Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, other Republicans stack up

Haley's support is particularly strong among somewhat conservative and moderate Republican primary voters, in a state where independents play a major role in determining candidates fates.

And the former ambassador to the United Nations doesn't necessarily have to defeat Trump in the New Hampshire primary to make progress, some experts say. Instead, she needs to get close enough to alter the narrative that he's the runaway favorite in the Republican race ahead of other GOP primary contests, especially in her home state of South Carolina.

If Trump doesnt get over 50%, it shows he has serious competition in the party, Andrew Smith, director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, previously told USA TODAY.

Yet Haley still has significant ground to cover as she competes against Trump. Despite cutting his lead in half, Trumps support in the Granite State has not wavered from the 40% range among Republican voters in the state.

Trumps supporters seem undeterred by the former presidents ongoing legal challenges, Levesque said in the survey release, referencing the four sets of criminal indictments Trump currently faces.

Contributing: Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley files paperwork at the New Hampshire State House to get on the New Hampshire 2024 Republican presidential primary ballot on Oct 13, 2023.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikki Haley cuts into Donald Trump's 2024 lead in NH: New poll
Nine people arrested in December are accused of conducting an alleged drug smuggling operation in Riverside County jails, the sheriff's department reported Wednesday.

Three men already in custody are said to have worked with several others outside of the jails to smuggle fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine inside. The department reported it started an investigation of the smuggling operation in October and made the arrests Monday and earlier this month.

In addition to the nine arrests, police seized three handguns, a rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a ballistic vest, an unreported quantity of fentanyl pills, brass knuckles and 80 grams of meth.

The nine arrested are:

John Cox, 38, of Menifee who was already in custody at the Cois Byrd Correctional Facility in Murrieta.

Richard Johnson, 30, of Perris already in custody at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside.

Francisco Rodriguez, 25, of Riverside already in custody also at the Riverside jail.

Antoinette Dudding, 39, of Riverside who was arrested at the Riverside jail and released on $25,000 bond.

Tabitha Longoria, 23 of Menifee, arrested at the Riverside jail and released on $30,000 bond.

Randy Carey Jr., 48, of Homeland arrested at the Murrieta jail on Dec. 1, and released on $50,000 bond.

Roy Earnest Jr., 40, of San Jacinto arrested at the Riverside jail and released on $25,000 bond.

Matthew Smith, 42, of Moreno Valley arrested for violation of parole and now incarcerated at the Riverside jail.

Wendy Wilson, 42, of Hemet arrested on a felony warrant and also now incarcerated at the Riverside jail.

Jail records show that most of the arrests happened this week, with the exception of Carey, who was arrested on Dec. 1. Sgt. Ken Thurm wrote in a press release that the arrests resulted not only from investigative diligence but the implementation of a Tek84 scanning device, presumably installed at one or more of the jails.

"This investigation was part of the Riverside County Sheriffs Office ongoing mission to prevent narcotics from getting into the correctional facilities," Thurm wrote.

Sheriff Chad Bianco's department is in the throes of a jail death epidemic, with 19 incarcerated people dying last year and 13 reported this year. The department has averaged about seven deaths of people in custody a year for more than 15 years.

The Desert Sun reported last year that Bianco's department had illegally failed to report several deaths to the California Department of Justice, and when it did it reported inaccurate information. Months later, Attorney General Rob Bonta opened a civil rights investigation of the department, noting a concerning rise in in-custody deaths. The department is facing more than a dozen civil suits from relatives of the dead, who claim the deaths are the consequence of a lack of training, negligence and the department's failure to provide adequate security and medical treatment for incarcerated people.

The arrests are the first reported publicly by the department since Bonta's ongoing investigation was launched. Bianco told The Press Enterprise last year and made other public statements on social media that the deaths have largely been linked to drug overdoses stemming from intractable smuggling among inmates. Thursday's press release exhibited a different tone, saying the department has since taken a proactive stance toward stemming the flow of drugs into its secured facilities.

"Inmate education is a priority within our jails and inmates are furnished with educational material and classes about the dangers of narcotics, with an emphasis on fentanyl, provided by the Detention Health Services Division of the Riverside University Health System," Thurm wrote in the press release.

Christopher Damien covers public safety and the criminal justice system. He can be reached at christopher.damien@desertsun.com or follow him at @chris_a_damien.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Nine arrests made in Riverside County jail drug smuggling ring
Actor Robert De Niro dug into former President Trump, arguing President Biden on a gurney is still better than another four years of the former president in the Oval Office.

Asked in a Rolling Stone interview if Biden is the right guy to take on Trump, De Niro answered, I think that if Biden was on a gurney and couldnt move anything but his eyes to blink yes or no, hes our person. Theres no way that hes not the guy to take Trump down.

De Niro alternatively suggested Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley as a possible contender to get rid of the Trump.

We need anything to get rid of Trump, De Niro told Rolling Stone. If she [Haley] came in, it could at least throw him off and have her be the nominee. But Biden is the best person at this point.

In a call to action, De Niro says he hopes everybody gets out to vote.

Sitting down with the Rolling Stone, De Niro, 80, covered a wide range of topics from politics, to the actors strike to welcoming his seventh child and losing his 19-year-old grandson to a drug overdose.

Its a lot, he told Rolling Stones while choking up. I have no choice but to plow through. And my biggest concern now, with everything else, is us getting out of this situation with a monster in Trump. This is a classic grift. This is unreal.

If you look at other totalitarian countries like Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union, it will affect everybody in ways you cant even imagine, De Niro added.

The actor said he did not think Trump was a monster when he was first elected, but his thoughts have since shifted towards the former president.

I thought, Maybe hell straighten out. Now, this guy is beyond dangerous and I just hope people can realize it, he said. Once you go down that road, it wont be easy to come back.

Earlier this month, Trump railed against De Niro after the actor criticized the former president in a speech last month at the Gotham Awards. Trump responded, arguing De Niro should focus on his life, which is a mess, rather than the lives of others.

Asked about Trumps response to the speech, De Niro said, The problem is people respond to him. God forbid he did become president  this is a road where, if we go down it, it will be very hard to turn around.

De Niro even quoted former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), a staunch critic of Trump, telling Rolling Stone, As Liz Cheney said, He will not leave,' and later called the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and Trumps alleged efforts to stay in power unbelievable.

De Niro has been a vocal critic of Trump in recent years and recently has upped his warning against another White House term for Trump, saying, Democracy wont survive the return of a wannabe dictator.

In a statement in October, De Niro said he spent a lot of time studying criminals, saying, Ive examined their characteristics, their mannerisms, the utter banality of their cruelty. Yet theres something different about Donald Trump, adding, When I look at him, I dont see a bad man. Truly. I see an evil one.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A dreary weather forecast for Christmas Day in Middle Georgia calls for a 90% chance of rain capped off by a possibility of thunderstorms that night. There is also a chance of lingering showers in the days that follow.

And no snow, as expected.

Macon itself is kind of in the crosshairs for a lot of the rain that were expecting for Christmas, forecaster Ty Vaughn of the National Weather Services Peachtree City office said Thursday.

After mostly sunny skies on Saturday and parts of Sunday, clouds will roll in as daytime high temperatures hover in the 60s across the region.

Weve got a bit of a low-pressure system thats gonna take shape in the Gulf over the next couple of days, Vaughn said. And as that slowly starts to push up ... we get a big surge of rain thats gonna push into Georgia, mostly Central Georgia and then on up the coast.

Much of the country, from the Midwest to the South, will see rain sometime over the three-day holiday weekend.

The extended forecast includes a 60% chance of rain on Tuesday and a 30% chance on Wednesday.

On the brighter side, overnight low temperatures, which have dipped below freezing in recent days, will gradually climb into the 40s and the 50s through Tuesday or so.
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

Its our miserable fate to spend the holidays this year listening to people complain about anti-democratic attempts to strike a presidential frontrunner from the ballot who were adamant about disqualifying Barack Obama in 2008 absent proof of his status as a natural-born citizen.

Thank the Colorado Supreme Court for that. On Tuesday they left a ruling under the tree thats equal parts noble and silly.

Theres no universe in which the United States Supreme Court will throw a major partys presumptive nominee out of the race in the thick of a presidential campaign. Whatever the legal merits of the case that Donald Trump engaged in insurrection within the meaning of the 14th Amendment, the court wont detonate its institutional legitimacy by denying the twisted American right its choice of nominee less than a year before an election. Theres never been a less suspenseful major SCOTUS ruling in my lifetime. It might even go 9-0.

Thats the silly part of the Colorado decision. The four judges who formed the majority to disqualify Trump did so knowing that theyll be overruled and that it wont be close when they are.

Which is quite a thing to do given the momentous political consequences that will flow from this, most of them benefiting Trump. In time, it may come to be seen as something much worse than silly.

Precisely because the ruling wont stand and the fallout is likely to be fraught, though, I suspect the Colorado majority ruled as it did because it felt compelled to do so by the facts and the law. They put aside other concerns, including the flood of death threats that would inevitably follow a decision adverse to Trump, and did their jobs. Some brilliant conservative lawyers believe they arrived at the correct result. Fiat justitia ruat caelum: Thats how we want judges to behave when theyre under immense pressure to let politics, not law, drive their decision, no?

Thats the noble part.

I think the Colorado ruling is best understood as a sort of moral indictment. The majority surely recognized that SCOTUS, as the court of last resort, wont have the same freedom to assess the legal merits of the 14th Amendment challenge. To salvage whats left of the rights faith in elections and the judiciary, and frankly to prevent civil unrest encouraged by Trump, the justices will need to reach a certain outcome in this matter regardless of whether they sincerely believe the law supports it. The Colorado Supreme Court accordingly may have viewed its own ruling as an opportunity to rebuke Trump constitutionally in a way that the U.S. Supreme Court wont be able to, even if its privately inclined to do so.

Whether you agree with the decision or not, though, its now a political fact of life. Many right-wing commentators are outraged about it, and not all are Trump apologists. What Have They Done? an exasperated Noah Rothman asked today in a piece at National Review, referring to the Colorado court.

To which I would reply: They didnt do anything. Theres no they here, only he. Or, more accurately, we.

Theres too much impressive intellectual firepower on both sides of the disqualification question for me to feel confident that either is correct. Some legal disputes are honestly disputable, not that youd know it from the raft of partisans who are very, very sure that the Colorado ruling is right or wrong, as the case may be.

But I am confident that this would have been a different conversation on January 6, 2021. On that day, right-wingers who now scoff at the left for using the word insurrection for political purposes were using the word insurrection themselves. An earnest effort in court at the time to disqualify Trump from any future candidacy would have been received enthusiastically on the left and probably not much worse than ambivalence on the right. He was done in politics anyway at that point, right? Who would care if some court made it official?

We didnt have that conversation on January 6, though. Or during the rest of 2021. Or 2022. Only this year did it become a live issue, and by then it was too late.

Meritorious or not, challenging Trump on 14th Amendment grounds wasnt tenable politically once he had reestablished himself as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Its the same problem as the criminal cases filed against him in Washington and Georgia: If youre going to punish him for January 6, you cant wait to make your move until after hes become a formidable candidate for higher office again. At that point, the appearance of an electoral motive is so glaring that itll blind even otherwise sympathetic observers.

The disqualification case against him might be correct, but the timing is certainly wrong. Why, then, did his opponents wait so long to pursue this legal avenue against him?

Ironically, I think the answer is that they gave Republican voters more credit than those voters deserve.

There is a political dimension to Trumps prosecutions, the same way theres a political dimension to the 14th Amendment challenge to his candidacy: I dont think either would have moved forward had the Republican base turned against him after his coup attempt. The story of his legal tribulations over the past year is a story of institutions scrambling to punish him for his misconduct belatedly amid the dawning realization that the American right has no intention of doing so. Theyre not going to ditch him for Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley. They dont hold his increasingly hair-raising authoritarianism against him. They want the mastermind of January 6 back.

In 2021, government actors assumed they need never deal with Trump again because his own partys voters would keep him from power. They expected the Republican base to do the right thing. And now theyre playing catch-up.

Thats created a Catch-22 in which institutional actors rush to fill the accountability vacuum by trying to block Trump from office and the right reacts by growing ever more insistent that he should return to office, resenting the attempt by the establishment to sabotage its preferred candidate. The more adamant institutions become about holding him responsible in the middle of a campaign, the more irresponsible the right becomes in resisting. Look no further than the fact that his polling went up, not down, after he was indicted on 91 criminal charges.

All of which is to say that theres no Trump problem in the Republican Party. Its voters could have pulled the plug on him at any time; he wields only the political power that they grant him. What there is, and whats placed the stability of the country at risk, is a Trump-voter problem.

As I explained previously, those voters have argued at varying times that its improper to impeach and remove him from office over January 6 because the criminal courts would punish him; that its improper for the criminal courts to punish him because voters would punish him; and that its improper if voters punish him because in that case the election must have been rigged. Thats the accountability vacuum. Many critics of the new 14th Amendment challenge to Trumps candidacy have added another facet to it, that its improper to use the Constitution itself to punish him because to do so would be anti-democratic.

But it isnt, of course.

The whole point of a constitutional republic is to circumscribe democracy in certain circumstances. The Constitution is itself the most exalted expression of the will of We the People, in fact, by dint of its supermajority requirements for ratification and amendment. Which means sometimes, by design, the majority doesnt get its way.

A state might pass a law banning flag burning and that law might enjoy strong support, but its going straight into the dumpster in court because the First Amendment trumps the majoritys will. Thats anti-democratic. Its likewise anti-democratic for Congress to remove the duly elected president for high crimes and misdemeanors, as we were told repeatedly by Trump apologists during the final year of his term, yet the Constitution grants that power too. And the Constitution requires candidates for president to be at least 35 years old and natural-born citizens of the United States, which means no matter how much you might want to vote for a 34-year-old from Kenya, your vote wont count. Also quite anti-democratic.

So theres nothing inherently unusual about the 14th Amendment adding another democracy-defying requirement for office. We can debate whether Trump is an officer for purposes of the amendment, or whether he received due process before being adjudged guilty of insurrection. But to complain that the Colorado ruling is anti-democratic is really just a way to say that you think the Constitution shouldnt bar insurrectionists from holding office.

Youre free to make that argument, although I dont know why a decent person would want to. But so long as its in the 14th Amendment, theres no case that its anti-democratic to apply it.

And frankly, those who supported a coup attempt in the recent past have some nerve presuming to lecture others about what democracy requires. To quote a wise man, Insurrection is largely, if not exclusively, a war upon the first principle of popular governmentthe rights of the people.

The fact that most of the right cant or wont see all of that makes it easy to grasp why the Colorado ruling will, almost certainly, benefit Trump on balance.

It might not.

Joe Biden and his party will spend the better part of the next year making the case that Trump is unfit for office. Having a state Supreme Court declare him ineligible constitutionally because hes an insurrectionist for purposes of the 14th Amendment strengthens that case.

At some point, between the coup plots and the impeachments and the felonies and the disqualifications, swing voters might conclude that this is all simply too much and rule him out. If you believe the latest polling, in fact, nearly a quarter of Trumps own supporters say he shouldnt be the GOPs nominee if hes convicted of a crime before the convention. Hes already on thin ice; yesterdays decision may have made it thinner.

Theres another, darker way in which this could hurt him. If one of his fans lashes out violently over the ruling, it will remind the electorate in a vivid way just how foreign and dangerous Trumps political dynamic is. The fact that the candidate himself is comfortable using intimidation as a political tactic and will doubtless say something quasi-encouraging in the aftermath of any terror (the people are understandably angry!) will only underline it. As our friend David French pointed out, the reason Americans are nervous about the Colorado decision is because they know Trump is an insurrectionist, and what that portends.

That means the Republican hostage crisis about which Ive written many times risks becoming a national hostage crisis. It already is for the Supreme Court, arguably, if Im right in thinking that fears of civil unrest will influence their decision on Trumps eligibility.

I dont think the Colorado ruling will hurt Trump on balance, though. To the contrary.

For one thing, how much can all of this hurt him realistically if the Supreme Court ends up ruling in his favorprobably with at least one liberal justice joining the majority? That smells like vindication to me. Swing voters who might otherwise be nervous about electing an insurrectionist president will take heart that John Roberts and the gang considered the question and concluded that Trump isnt one after all. So much for Joe Bidens danger to democracy narrative.

The ruling is worse for Trumps Republican primary opponents. The consensus on social media after the decision in Colorado was released was that it would extinguish whatever flicker of a chance Haley and DeSantis still have at an upset. The Catch-22 dynamic will reassert itself, probably more forcefully than it did after Trump was indicted. Republican voters, having relinquished all sense of shame for the sake of supporting him, will resent this latest attempt to shame them ferociously.

They will not be deprived of their sacred right to cast a ballot for the first presidential candidate in American history to warrant a credible charge of having engaged in insurrection against his own country. Sorry, Nikki and Ron.

Almost needless to say, the ruling will also inspire Republican politicians to close ranks around Trump even as the reporting about his post-liberal designs for a second term grows more unsettling. The more obsequious ones will perform the O captain, my captain routine with gusto 

I pledge to withdraw from the Colorado GOP primary ballot until Trump is also allowed to be on the ballot, and I demand that Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie, and Nikki Haley do the same immediately  or else they are tacitly endorsing this illegal maneuver which will have disastrous pic.twitter.com/qbpNf9L3ln  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 20, 2023

 while others will be lower-key, if no less hysterical in substance. But therell be zero support for the Colorado decision from any GOP official who hasnt already departed for the Cheney-Romney political wilderness. Thats bound to influence late-deciders in New Hampshire and South Carolina who may have recently found themselves Haley-curious but are now being drafted anew into Trumps latest Battle for Civilization.

And if seeing the dominos fall among their own partys leadership doesnt bring Republican voters into line, seeing prominent Democrats cheer the Colorado decision will. At least one blue state is moving ahead with plans to boot Trump from its own ballot after Tuesdays ruling. Democratic officials like Sen. Chris Coons and Rep. Jamie Raskin are cheering the outcome. Any right-wing voter inclined to believe that theres nothing more than partisan politics to this latest legal blowand practically all of them are so inclinedwill soon find their suspicions seemingly confirmed by the lefts gleeful reaction.

If Trump does end up losing next fall, his grievances over the 14th Amendment saga will be folded into similar grievances over impeachment and indictment to persuade Republican voters that the 2024 election was also rigged, at least in the sense of being grossly unfair. And that will make him more viable in 2028 than he otherwise might have been.

Which is insane, of course.

Its nothing less than insane that weve arrived at a point civically in which being kicked off a states ballot for fomenting insurrection benefits a candidate in myriad ways.

And we mustnt lose sight of whos responsible for that insanity as this plays out.

All I want from this process is clarity about where the blame for it ultimately lies. The court in Colorado didnt force this drama on the country. Even Trump didnt force it.

Republican voters did.

They had several qualified candidates for president to choose from in this years primary. One, Ron DeSantis, even positioned himself to the right of Trump in case the GOP electorate insisted on a nominee no less populist than the incumbent. They didnt want him. They wanted Trump, warts and all.

This morning I thought again of my colleague Kevin Williamsons post at National Review the day after Trump clinched the nomination in 2016. That post was short because nothing beyond the warning in the title really needed to be said: Remember, You Asked for This.

The American right asked for all of this. And it keeps asking for more.

Anyone who denies that by insisting on assigning principal blame for the Colorado ruling elsewhere, whether to the court or to Trump himself, fails to grasp that to the degree that it needs to be grasped if were to avoid a catastrophe next November.

So, say it with me: If there really is a constitutional crisis coming, its not America that willed it. The right did.

Its not the Resistance thats going to make Trump president again. The right will. Theyre the one wholl be casting the ballots for him. Denying them their moral agency by framing their terrible choices as irresistibly dictated by provocation is little better than leftists blaming Israel for Hamas depravity.

All of this could have been avoided had Trump been convicted at his impeachment trial and disqualified from future office in 2021. But it wasnt Senate Democrats who refused to do that. It was the right as represented by Senate Republicans, who feared theyd be punished electorallyand maybe more than electorallyby their base if they held him accountable for the most impeachable thing a president has ever done.

There is no Trump problem. The actual problem is much worse. And it wont be solved even if he keels over tomorrow.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
Northern Gaza no longer has any functioning hospitals due to the immense impact of recent attacks from Israel as a result of its war with Hamas, the World Health Organizations (WHO) director-general announced Wednesday.

Al-Ahli Hospital was northern Gazas last functioning hospital until earlier this week, when the WHO learned it no longer could perform surgery for those injured, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday.

Ghebreyesus said Al-Ahli is overwhelmed with patients in need of emergency care and that bodies had to be placed in rows in its courtyard since they could not be given safe burials.

That has left north Gaza with no functional hospital. Only four hospitals operate at a minimum level, providing very limited care, Ghebreyesus wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Ghebreyesus also described the WHO and United Nations missions in Al-Ahli and Al-Shifa hospitals, where teams delivered medicine, IV fluids and surgery supplies. The teams additionally helped treat those injured and supported women giving birth, he said.

However, colleagues struggled to describe the immense impact recent attacks have had on these health facilities, and the catastrophic conditions remaining patients and health workers face, Ghebreyesus wrote.

Ghebreyesus reiterated his call for a humanitarian cease-fire to allow for the delivery of medical services and restocking of health facilities. He added that above all, he hopes a cease-fire will stop the bloodshed and death.

Israels war with Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, has raged on for more than two months since the militant groups Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, which left about 1,200 people dead. Israels retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 20,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, per The Associated Press.

Coupled with limited food, water, and fuel supplies, the World Food Program (WFP) warned Wednesday that humanitarian operations are at risk.

WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau said last week there is a serious bottleneck of supplies at the Rafah border, which crosses from Egypt into Gaza. While some aid convoys have been permitted to enter Gaza, the war has posed major challenges for humanitarian organizations, he added.

Ten weeks in, the conflict in Gaza shows no signs of abating. Humanitarian access has significantly diminished, with a breakdown in the basic services needed to run operations and aid workers struggling to survive the conflict while carrying out their duties, the WFP wrote in a statement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(CNN)  Donald Trump opposes the special counsels request for the US Supreme Court to decide right now whether he has any immunity from federal prosecution for alleged crimes he committed while in office  a question that must be settled before the trial, which is currently scheduled for March 4.

Special counsel Jack Smith asked the high court last week to review a lower-court ruling that Trump, as a former president, is not immune from the election subversion criminal case. Smith in his appeal to the justices asked them to take the rare step of reviewing the issue before a federal appeals court in Washington, DC, weighs in.

But Trump, whose legal strategy in the case so far has largely revolved around attempts to delay the proceedings, told the justices in court papers Wednesday that Smith should not be able to leapfrog over the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit to resolve the critical issue. His filing Wednesday underscores that strategy, with his attorneys stressing what they see as a need to slow the pace of his litigation over certain key issues.

The Special Counsel urges this Court to bypass those ordinary procedures, including the longstanding preference for prior consideration by at least one court of appeals, and rush to decide the issues with reckless abandon. The Court should decline that invitation at this time, for several reasons, attorneys for Trump wrote.

With Trumps filing now in, the justices could announce at any time whether they will hear the case. Even if they decline to hear it before the DC Circuit weighs in, its likely that the case will come before them again soon, as the appeals court has said it will expedite its review of the matter.

Not surprisingly, former President Trumps opposition focuses on the timing of the Courts review, and not the inevitability of having the court resolve whether he is immune from criminal prosecution eventually, said Steve Vladeck, CNN Supreme Court analyst and professor at the University of Texas School of Law.

Leaving aside how transparently self-serving a delay would be, it also rather ignores how much more often the Supreme Court has been utilizing this kind of expedited review in recent years  19 times since February 2019 alone, including five at the request of then-President Trump, he added. Ultimately, it really just comes down to whether the justices want to decide the issue now, or two months from now after the court of appeals has ruled.

Trumps attorneys noted in their filing that the appeals court has already granted highly expedited review of the issue, saying that keeping with the ordinary appeals process will allow the D.C. Circuit to address this appeal in the first instance, thus granting this Court the benefit of an appellate courts prior consideration of these historic topics and performing the traditional winnowing function that this Court has long preferred.

Speed is important, but not more important than the result, Trumps team argues.

The fact that this case arises in the vortex of political dispute warrants caution, not haste, Trump attorneys wrote.

(I)mportance does not automatically necessitate speed, they added. If anything, the opposite is usually true. Novel, complex, sensitive, and historic issues  such as the existence of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts  call for more careful deliberation, not less.

Trumps team had asked the appeals court earlier this month to examine the immunity ruling issued by district Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing his criminal case. Chutkan last week temporarily paused all procedural deadlines in the case while the appeal plays out.

In their request last week, prosecutors also asked the court to decide whether Trump is protected by double jeopardy. Defense lawyers have asserted that because Trump was acquitted by the Senate during his impeachment trial he cannot be criminally tried for the same alleged actions.

It is of imperative public importance that respondents claims of immunity be resolved by this Court and that respondents trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected, Smiths team wrote in their petition to the Supreme Court.

The filing continues, respondents claims are profoundly mistaken, as the district court held. But only this Court can definitively resolve them.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Trump asks Supreme Court to reject special counsel and stay out of immunity dispute for now"
With the governors signature (no doubt in cursive), California Assembly Bill 446 was passed this October, making cursive instruction in public elementary schools mandatory in grades one through six. As a strong proponent of explicit handwriting instruction in schools, I am excited about this new development.

The new requirement, however, does have me concerned for teachers, students and handwriting itself.

Handwriting instruction was a requirement prior to the passage of AB 446, but the prior requirement referred generally to any style written by hand  not only cursive. This new bill amends the existing standard to specify that cursive instruction be provided in the appropriate grade levels between first and sixth grade. AB 446 should be heralded as great news for the education of students and for the good of society, but it will fail to meet its objectives if an intentional path to implementation is not carefully planned.

Opinion

Lets consider what has happened to classroom handwriting instruction over the last 20 years. First, the increased academic demands of the Common Core State Standards  and their failure to include a handwriting component  has resulted in most public schools having dropped cursive instruction altogether. Second, teachers have been charged with incorporating digital devices and new software into classroom instruction, forcing them to make difficult decisions about how to allocate their time.

These developments in education have led to an undervaluing and neglect of explicit handwriting instruction in kindergarten and first grade, and virtually no instruction thereafter. The result has been nearly two decades of gradually declining writing skills at all grade levels. Not only have classroom teachers dropped the direct instruction of handwriting, but teacher training programs also no longer include it as part of the syllabus. A closer look reveals a failure to address transcription skills in general handwriting or keyboarding as a necessary part of a childs educational foundation.

Handwriting is so much more than pretty penmanship and takes much more than simply putting a workbook in front of a student. Teaching a young child to write requires instruction in pencil grip, paper placement, body position, coordination, size and spacing, not to mention letter and number recognition, lowercase and capitals. It requires teacher oversight and regular correction.

All of these may seem inconsequential to those who already know how to write, but without proper instruction, a child will move forward without a crucial learning skill and will not reap the cognitive benefits that writing by hand produces.

In an interview with The Sacramento Bee, AB 446 author Rep. Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) explained that the main goal of the legislation is for students to learn to read and write cursive script, emphasizing the importance of being able to read historical documents. This is a worthwhile goal, but knowing cursive script accomplishes more than simply reading old texts. Handwriting allows a child to literally touch language. Once they can form letters and spell words, students have a tool for problem-solving, honing thoughts and expressing ideas.

Cursive, in particular, aids in making handwriting more efficient, and therefore faster and more legible. When writing becomes automatic, students working memory is freed up, allowing for higher order thinking to happen. If, on the other hand, writing is laborious and slow, students will do less of it.

AB 446 is slated to go into effect in January of 2024. Teachers are in the middle of a school year and likely not equipped with the proper resources  let alone the training  needed to teach cursive. Many teachers themselves do not write in cursive. Children who are expected to learn it will need to see cursive modeled for them and will need more time in the day developing this new writing style.

If this new requirement is to meet its intended goals, schools will need to determine when and how cursive instruction will be delivered. Done well, the benefits of handwriting will not simply be pretty letters, but cognitive improvement across all subjects and grades.

Holly Britton, M.Ed., is a curriculum and instruction specialist with teaching experience in all grades K-8 as well as an author and conference speaker.
Orrville City Council held a public hearing at the beginning of its Monday meeting to hear opinions regarding raising livestock within city limits.

Several citizens voiced opposition to repealing the current ordinance. One resident highlighted the potential drawbacks of having livestock, citing issues like unpleasant odors, particularly during the summer season. Another concern raised was the possible influx of predators like coyotes and weasels.

Council voted 5-2 allowing representatives from the Wayne County 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Action Committee to speak as experts on the subject.

Chad and Sarah Zimmerly, representing the rabbit committee, shared success stories of her daughter participating in national rabbit shows and running a rabbit breeding business.'

Rabbits are easy animals to raise with minimum space needed. (They are) very quiet," Chad Zimmerly said, noting the family has time, money and education invested.

Orrville City Council is still considering options of allowing residents to have poultry and rabbits within the city limits. A proposed ordinance will be given a third reading at the January meeting.

Not an issue of owning poultry it's an issue of 'taking care of them'

Dan Linden from the Wayne County 4-H Poultry Committee said the concerns about raising rabbits and chickens can be avoided with the right regulations.

Its not an issue of owning them its an issue of taking care of them, Linden said.

Mayor Dave Handwerk explained his concern about potential non-compliance with rules, especially regarding the regular cleaning of litter, which could disturb neighbors.

Speakers also raised questions about the procedures of filing a complaint and if law enforcement will take action regarding violations.

City Council concluded the meeting Monday with a resolution thanking Mayor Handwerk, who did not run for reelection, for his service.

The proposed ordinance stipulates citizens can keep up to six chickens and rabbits in an enclosed pen located in the rear or side yard only. The pen must be 25 feet from residential or business structures and five feet from property lines.

Roosters are not permitted, and slaughtering and selling on the property are prohibited. A permit from the Safety Service Office, with an applicable fee, is required, and any violation will be considered a minor misdemeanor.

To address ongoing concerns, the council members agreed to conduct a third reading in the next meeting, allowing for further research and a comprehensive response to residents' issues.

Cory Seiler is the new Orrville Police Department chief.

Other Business

Council members approved a resolution to provide the Division of Cannabis nine months to implement rules and regulations regarding the adult-use marijuana program. The resolution aims to create a better understanding of how the business of selling marijuana will take place in zoning and planning and how it will affect public safety.

Chief Matt Birkbeck announced officer Cory Seiler as the new city police chief.

The city will receive a $4,000 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC). The funds will be used to repair three streets - Bell Avenue, McGill Street, and Washington Boulevard.

Council concluded the meeting with a resolution to show appreciation to Handwerk as he retires after serving as a mayor of Orrville for 16 years. Handwerk previously served as a president of Orrville City Council for 12 years, and a council member for six years. I am very proud of the many projects that we have completed over the years and have enjoyed working with all of the different council members and other city and utility employees, he said. Matthew Plybon will succeed Handwerk starting in January.

In addition, the council praised council members John Lorson and Darrell Mosley for their service. Lorson lost his seat in the November election to Rees Davies, while Mosley ran for the mayor position.

The next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, at City Hall.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Orrville City Council holds a public hearing on livestock issue
Demonstrators wave Palestinian flags from atop a car during an Oct. 28 protest for cease-fire that took place near Los Angeles City Hall. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Roy Alnashef walked into the crowd around Los Angeles City Hall clutching a poster in each hand.

As a Palestinian American, he was heartened that pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the country were drawing hundreds of thousands of people. But he was also alarmed that some protesters were celebrating Hamas and the militant group's Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel or chanting slogans that many Jews viewed as antisemitic.

So he brought two messages to his first rally in late October.

Read more: In Bethlehem, the home of Jesus' birth, a season of grieving for Palestinian Christians

This is not a pro-Hamas protest, said one of his homemade signs.

The other read: Hey Jews. If you were here, youd be safe. We dont hate you.

Around him, other activists were accusing Israel of being an "apartheid state" whose bombardment of the Gaza Strip was nothing short of "genocide." Some held signs comparing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.

Alnashef said he believed those criticisms were accurate.

But I dont know if those words help right now, he said.

The Palestinian cause has never received as much attention or support in the United States as it has in the last two months: the massive protests, the debates roiling college campuses, the support from Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ groups.

But some in the Palestinian American community, which numbers about 220,000, say the movement has a messaging problem that leaves it vulnerable to charges of antisemitism.

Roy Alnashef, a Palestinian American who lives in Reseda, holds up his handwritten posters at a pro-Palestinian protest in downtown Los Angeles on Oct. 28. (Jaweed Kaleem / Los Angeles Times)

That is not much of a concern when it comes to the most basic demands of the protesters: a cease-fire, an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and equal rights for Palestinians. But the more far-reaching goals of some demonstrators put the movement in dicier territory. Those include allowing Palestinians to reclaim their ancestral homes in Israel and replacing Israel  home to half of the world's 16 million Jews  with a Palestinian state.

"We don't want two states, we want 48," goes a popular chant, a call for a return to a time before the 1948 founding of Israel.

Read more: How antisemitism came roaring back into American life

Alnashef, a software designer from Reseda, said he worries that much of the protest rhetoric undermines the Palestinian cause because it can leave the mistaken impression that the entire movement is aligned with Hamas, which routinely calls for the destruction of Israel and the killing of Jews.

"A lot of Palestinians here in America are trying to hold two thoughts together," he said. "The first is how we are angry and in pain over decades and decades of history that has hurt our people. But the other is, how can we be strategic and accomplish the goals to stop the violence against us and not give Americans more reasons to be suspicious?"

::

In a recent poll of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 72% supported the Oct. 7 attack, in which Israel says Hamas militants killed at least 1,200 people, most of them unarmed civilians, and took more than 240 hostage.

The survey, conducted during a recent cease-fire, also found support for Hamas as a political party has nearly doubled  to 44%  as Israel continues its assault on Gaza, a campaign that health authorities there say has now killed over 20,000 people.

It is unclear how common those views are among the Palestinian diaspora, because no such polling exists.

But in interviews, some Palestinian Americans said they were acutely aware of the perception that demonstrators support Hamas  which the U.S. government designates as a terrorist organization  and the ways that could hurt the cause.

"You have to be very careful in what you say and who you associate with," said Iman Jodeh, a Palestinian American and state representative in Aurora, Colo. "Because along with the support we are getting also comes the risks."

Jodeh, 41, who maintains a family home in Ramallah in the West Bank and has relatives in Gaza, has constituents whose relatives have been killed in Gaza.

Read more: Gaza residents fear death is imminent. So they are writing their last words

When she began talking publicly in early October about the Hamas attack and Israel's bombardment of Gaza, she condemned the militants and called for hostages to be released.

She also described Gaza  which is blockaded by Israel and Egypt  as an "open-air prison" and blamed President Biden's "unconditional support" of Israel for a "genocide" of Palestinians.

The Denver Gazette news website responded with an editorial that called her an "antisemitic, anti-Israel, anti-American" legislator and accused her of defending Hamas.

"Some people from my Arab community think I can come off as if I'm not doing enough or I'm not being strong enough," Jodeh said. "But then people outside my community think I'm saying too much."

Particularly damaging have been the white supremacists who have shown up at various pro-Palestinian events and organized anti-Jewish demonstrations, including one in Walnut Creek, Calif., where neo-Nazis unfurled a sign over a bridge that said: "No more wars for I$rael."

Extremists "would love to be utilizing the Palestinian liberation push to further their antisemitic ideologies," said Sam Rasoul, a Palestinian American state legislator in Roanoke, Va. "We need to be cognizant of that and reject it."

A 42-year-old Democrat whose parents emigrated from Al Birah in the West Bank, Rasoul led a recent rally in his southwestern Virginia city, where he shouted into a megaphone that "Tax dollars should not be used to kill innocent people on the other side of the world."

A local blog, the Roanoke Star, said he was "parroting terrorist propaganda." He said his anger was directed at the Israeli government and U.S. foreign aid to Israel.

He and other Palestinian Americans said they are often lumped in with those who share some of their goals  including a cease-fire  but not others. Despite his belief that Israel has a right to exist, Rasoul said that he initially feared his public advocacy for Palestinians would result in him being labeled as antisemitic but that those worries have subsided as the rising death toll in Gaza brings more of the public into his camp.

The Anti-Defamation League, a prominent Jewish civil rights group, describes much of the pro-Palestinian movement as antisemitic.

The group, which said it has logged a spike in antisemitic incidents in the U.S., says at least 905 pro-Palestinian demonstrations since Oct. 7 were anti-Jewish events with "antisemitic rhetoric, expressions of support for terrorism against the state of Israel" or anti-Zionist themes.

That rhetoric includes contested phrases such as "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Pro-Palestinian activists say the phrase is a call for equality. Most Jewish groups see it as a cry to wipe out Israel.

The ADL also considers rallies antisemitic when protesters call for "intifada," an Arabic word that means "uprising." It has long been used to describe protests against Israel, including strikes, boycotts and violent attacks.

Read more: Palestinians struggle as a brutal war sours business. Just ask West Bank sweets makers

"The problem I'm seeing today with the vast majority of these rallies is they're not calling for a two-state solution, they're not calling for a one-state solution, they're calling for a final solution," said ADL Chief Executive Jonathan Greenblatt, suggesting that nearly all pro-Palestinian demonstrations share the Nazi desire to eliminate Jews.

Jay Ulfelder, a Harvard University political science professor whose organization, the Crowd Counting Consortium, has tracked rhetoric at thousands of rallies since Oct. 7, said celebratory messaging about "resistance" has fallen off at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

But for many, the damage has been done.

"There have been very few events that have straddled the pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli sides, few that have made those generic calls for peace, cooperation, return of hostages and prisoners and an end to killing altogether," he said. "It is highly polarized and contentious."

::

In a widely shared political cartoon, a crying mother holds a dead child as microphones from CNN, MSNBC and Fox News are shoved in her face with the caption: "But do you condemn Hamas?"

The message resonated with Taleed El-Sabawi, a 38-year-old Palestinian American law professor at Florida International University.

For most of her career, she did not talk publicly about her Palestinian background out of fear that "people would not understand where I am from" or that it would cause people to judge her "negatively."

But in October, she stopped posting on X about public health  her academic specialty  to focus on the Israeli attack on Gaza that she said amounts to a "second Nakba." The word, meaning "catastrophe," describes the experience of the 750,000 Palestinian refugees who fled or were expelled in 1948 from areas that are now Israel.

Her maternal grandparents were displaced that year from what was then the Palestinian town of Majdal, now the Israeli city of Ashkelon, and her parents grew up in Kuwait and Gaza.

Read more: As Biden-Netanyahu gulf widens, Israeli leader vows to continue Gaza war 'until the end'

As dozens of her family members have died in Gaza, El-Sabawi has taken her grief and rage to social media. Fellow academics have replied that she should first speak out on the hostages taken by Hamas.

"Why do people assume that I dont want the hostages released?" El-Sabawi wrote recently. "Just because Im Palestinian American? ... Who says I dont feel bad for their families or want the hostages released?"

"When we speak up as Palestinian Americans, I feel like our basic morality is questioned before we can talk about our people," said El-Sabawi.

Jodeh, the Palestinian American state representative in Colorado, said she is regularly asked about the subject. "It is not that we don't care about the hostages. Trust me, we do," she said. "It's that we are also seeing our own people killed, and we naturally end up focusing on that."

Among the dozens of groups organizing in support of Palestinians, there have been recent attempts to avoid messaging that could damage their cause.

At a November rally held by Northwestern University students in Evanston, Ill., that drew 100 demonstrators, one hoisted a green Hamas flag with white Arabic text. Organizers kicked the man out.

Two days later, a prominent Palestinian American activist used a megaphone to caution protesters at a Manhattan demonstration about the optics of pro-Palestinian participants tearing down posters that Israel supporters have put up in many American cities showing the faces of hostages being held in Gaza.

"There are provocateurs all across the city and what they are waiting for you to do is to waste your energy ripping down their little posters," Linda Sarsour, who is best-known for co-organizing the Trump-era Women's Marches, told the crowd.

"Sisters and brothers, you are better than that. ... And it ain't even helping the people of Gaza."

A prominent rabbi and pro-Israeli activists who saw video of the speech suggested it was antisemitic.

Read more: Are these things antisemitic? L.A. Jews tell us

Sarsour pushed back: "Their whole job is to take us out of context, their whole job is to try to insinuate that we are saying things that are antisemitic. That's their whole job. Why do they do that? Because they want to discredit us."

"We're always put on the defense," she said. "We are always put in a corner."

Sarsour said that the swelling of support in the U.S. made her more optimistic than ever about the Palestinian cause. At the same time, she asserted that Palestinian Americans are being unfairly tarred as antisemitic or pro-Hamas simply because of their ethnicity.

Sarsour has recently taken to Instagram to admonish activists who had spray-painted "Free Palestine" on the entrance to a Jewish after-school care center in Philadelphia.

"STOP THIS. You are NOT doing any justice to the Palestinian cause," she wrote. "Do not taint our movements for liberation. Hate is not welcome in our spaces."

Those kinds of messages are badly needed, said Alnashef, who worries that protests have becoming increasingly antagonistic, with "people pointing fingers" at perceived foes and "saying things they know will rile up people on the other side and get them angry."

"I wish we could look beyond that," he said.

Like many Palestinian Americans, he has his take on what should happen in the land where his grandparents once lived: an end to Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza and eventually the creation of a single nation in which Palestinians have "full citizenship with all the rights and privileges that Jews experience in Israel."

But for now, he said, he only wanted "Palestinians to stop being killed.

So he continues to show up to rallies  with one sign in each hand.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Former President Donald Trumps lawyers, who have repeatedly sought to delay his D.C. election subversion trial, on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to hold off on reviewing special counsel Jack Smiths appeal of Trumps rejected immunity claim.

Trumps lawyers appealed a ruling from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan denying his claim that he has presidential immunity from prosecution in the election subversion case. But Smith, who has sought to maintain the pre-trial timeline to avoid a delay, asked the Supreme Court to take up the case, arguing it is "of imperative public importance" for the high court to decide on the question as quickly as possible.

The Supreme Court last week agreed to take up Smiths request. But Trumps lawyers on Wednesday asked the court to hold off on considering it until the appeals court reviews the matter  which could delay proceedings by weeks.

"In 234 years of American history, no president ever faced criminal prosecution for his official acts. Until 19 days ago, no court had ever addressed whether immunity from such prosecution exists," Trump's legal team wrote in a filing. "To this day, no appellate court has addressed it. The question stands among the most complex, intricate, and momentous issues that this Court will be called on to decide."

Trumps lawyers accused Smith of pushing the Supreme Court to "rush to decide the issues with reckless abandon."

The legal team argued that Smith lacked standing to appeal the matter because Chutkan ruled in his favor. And they reiterated their argument that Trumps speech and advocacy as president were protected by the First Amendment.

"An erroneous denial of a claim of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts warrants this Court's review  in due course," attorneys John Sauer, John Lauro and Todd Blanche wrote. "Yet importance does not automatically necessitate speed."

Chutkan rejected Trumps presidential immunity argument, writing that the position does not confer a lifelong 'get-out-of-jail-free' pass.

Trumps lawyers in their filing doubled down on their argument anyway, claiming that a president can only be prosecuted in impeachment proceedings by Congress.

"The Constitution opens the door to such prosecutions, but requires a strong political consensus  i.e., the participation of the political branches, including a supermajority of the U.S. Senate, the Republic's traditional 'cooling saucer'  before such a drastic action can be taken," they wrote.

University of Texas Law Prof. Lee Kovarsky pushed back on Trumps argument that Smith lacks standing to appeal because he won the earlier ruling.

This is not a serious argument. The Court can hear appeals from winners if there's a sufficiently strong policy reason, he tweeted. The standing argument is a touch more complicated, but it's not essentializing too much to say that it's bulls**t, he added, explaining that Trumps lawyers are conflating his case with cases about whether 3rd parties without standing AT THE OUTSET OF LITIGATION can appeal when the primary party won't.

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

Other legal experts called out Trumps hypocrisy in urging the court to slow down his case.

COMPARE: Trumps filing in Supreme Court today (seeking to slow down the DC criminal case) TO his upcoming filing appealing the Colorado decision, where he will seek alacrity, tweeted former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissmann, referring to the Tuesday ruling barring Trump from the primary ballot in Colorado.

It would be easier for former President Trump to argue against cert. before judgment here if his Justice Department hadn't asked #SCOTUS to likewise leapfrog courts of appeals on 10 different occasions (in five of which the justices acquiesced), added Steve Vladeck, a Supreme Court expert at the University of Texas Law School.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is searching for an inmate who walked away from the Clara Waters Community Corrections Center in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.

At approximately 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, security staff discovered 20-year-old Jahari Johnson was not present in his bunk for count.

Parent of alleged victim of sexual misconduct speaks out

An emergency count and search of facility grounds were conducted, but he was not found. ODOC authorities also contacted local jails and hospitals with no results.

Johnson is serving a two-year sentence out of Tulsa County for carrying a firearm after a felony conviction.

If you have any information on Jahari Johnsons whereabouts, please contact your local authorities immediately.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Authorities in Oklahoma have charged a 26-year-old man with first-degree murder in the killing of Adam A.J. Blackstock Jr., whose body was discovered 11 months ago in the cargo bay of his SUV after it was towed out of a Kansas City driveway.

Kainon K. Singleton, of Grandview, is accused of killing Blackstock, 24, on Jan. 16 in rural Creek County, Oklahoma, which is part of the Tulsa metropolitan area. He has been held in the Jackson County jail since March for allegedly fleeing from and shooting at police.

In a statement Wednesday, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said its agents and Kansas City detectives had determined Blackstock traveled to Oklahoma with Singleton on Jan. 16. Blackstock was killed in the Sand Springs area, authorities say, before his body was found roughly 270 miles away in Kansas City the next day.

The Oklahoma agency has been involved in the investigation alongside Kansas City police since early March. A spokesman for the state agency said its agents are still investigating the case.

The Creek County District Attorneys Office filed the charges of murder and possession of a stolen vehicle against Singleton on Monday. Online court records show an arrest warrant calls for Singleton to be held in Oklahoma without bond.

Blackstock, whose son was 18 months old when he went missing earlier this year, has been remembered by family as a bright and funny young man. He was also a beloved member of Glory Bible Fellowship International Church, based in Lees Summit, where his parents Adam Blackstock Sr. and Adrinne Blackstock both serve as ministers.

Reached by phone Wednesday, the Blackstocks said they were visiting with extended family when they heard the news that Singleton had been charged in their sons death. They said they were pleased with the work of Kansas City police and authorities in Oklahoma, saying they had long been praying for the outcome.

We dont have closure, but at least we have the start of justice, Adam Blackstock Sr. said.

Kansas City police began investigating the case after officers were called to the 4600 block of Montgall Avenue by Adam Blackstock Sr., who was attempting to track down his missing son.

Officers were dispatched to the area on a reported property dispute as the father had used a GPS application to track his sons SUV to a strangers driveway in Kansas City.

The SUV was covered by a gray tarp at the time. As the officers were on scene, Blackstock Sr. told them it was his missing sons vehicle, based on the real-time location information, and remote started it for them.

Officers knocked on the door of the home where the SUV was parked and spoke with a resident, who told them the vehicle belonged to her uncle. She signed paperwork giving permission for police to take the vehicle, and a tow truck was requested to move it.

Before the SUV was towed, officers noticed a bottle of cleaning product on the ground nearby, according to court records. There was also a bullet hole in the front drivers side seat and blood on the floorboards.

Afterward, the SUV was hooked up to a city tow truck and brought to East Patrol at 2640 Prospect Ave. as officers followed behind. It was taken there with a hold for Grandview police, where a missing persons report was to be opened.

Police opened the cargo area and found Blackstocks body before the SUV was towed a second time. The Star reported in January that a forensics expert had questioned the methods of police that day, saying a tow of the vehicle under those circumstances was negligent and a missed opportunity to immediately treat the residence as a crime scene.

In March, Singleton was arrested and charged in Jackson County with five felony charges, including first-degree assault, for alleged crimes related to a police chase that ended in Grandview.

An officer attempted to pull over a vehicle Singleton was driving that had been part of a multi-agency burglary investigation and was under surveillance in Kansas City, according to court records filed in that case.

During the police chase, Singleton allegedly fired shots at a Cass County Sheriffs Office deputy while driving. He has been held in the Jackson County jail on a $250,000 bond since then.

Following the charges filed against Singleton in Oklahoma, Capt. Corey Carlisle, a KCPD spokesman, said in a statement Wednesday that Blackstocks homicide has been removed from the citys official homicide count.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt gestures to Ron DeSantis as the pair field audience questions Thursday during a DeSantis campaign stop at American Legion Post 721 in Coralville, Iowa.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt traveled to Coralville, Iowa, this week to campaign for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Stitt's trip, like those of many other politicians, comes just weeks before the Iowa caucuses, scheduled for Jan. 15.

Iowa voters in the state's 99 counties will cast ballots for their favorite presidential candidate.

In a video posted on X  formerly Twitter  Stitt spoke to the crowd for about 15 minutes. He introduced DeSantis, calling the Florida governor the guy who will get things done.

"We know what to do. We know how to secure our borders," Stitt said. "We know how to protect freedoms, we know how to protect our children. Sometimes politicians, when they get to Washington, they get weak sauce. They get mushy. They get influenced by lobbyists and money. DeSantis does not back down. He is a leader that will do what he says. He will get the job done."

Stitt also endorsed DeSantis' cultural war policies, saying he was copying a lot of things DeSantis has done. "As far as protecting our kids in schools, DEI and the things we're doing in Oklahoma, I'm copying a lot of things DeSantis does. Like protecting our kids," Stitt said. "I know everyone running. The reason I'm here is because this is the right guy. Oklahoma is watching Iowa."

How well is Ron DeSantis polling?

While Stitt was vocal in his endorsement of DeSantis, polling in the governor's race shows the Florida governor underwater among all registered voters with an unfavorable rating of 52%. In addition, a poll released this week by Quinnipiac University shows DeSantis' campaign for president continues to lose ground.

"DeSantis continues his yearlong slide. Haley gains momentum. The battle for second place heats up, but it's unlikely it will send a holiday chill through MAGA world," Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy said.

Data from the poll showed that among Republican and Republican leaning voters, 67% support Trump, 11% support DeSantis, 11% support Haley, 4% support entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and 3% support former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

More: Ron DeSantis reveals what he would change about the 2024 Republican primary: Donald Trump's indictments

Still, even though Stitt's choice for president might not be viable, the exposure from a national campaign could prove to be a big payoff for Oklahoma's governor.

"It (the DeSantis campaign) raises his name ID if he ever wants to run on his own," said Rose State political science professor James Davenport. "As it is now, Gov. Stitt won't be a stranger to Iowa voters."

And even if a Republican other than DeSantis wins the White House, Davenport said, that does wouldn't preclude Stitt from having a role in a new Republican administration.

Former University of Oklahoma political science professor Keith Gaddie said Stitt's campaign with DeSantis gives the Oklahoma governor the opportunity to polish off the rough spots, the experience of talking about a national agenda and it plugs Stitt into the national GOP network.

"There's really no downside for Stitt at this point, because he's not the candidate," Gaddie said. "This is an opportunity for him to get a sense of who is on the ground and get himself in on the conversation."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt endorses Ron DeSantis at Iowa rallt
Arnaldo Serrato, left, and his daughter Yuleida Serrato look over a failed cotton field that they had to plow because it was too dry. The Serrato family own and run their multi-generational family farm in and around Floydada. Arnaldo Serrato, his wife and father came to the United States, where they and their American born children have created a successful agricultural business. Credit: Mark Rogers for The Texas Tribune

FLOYDADA  When Arnaldo Serrato thought about prosperity and freedom working in Mexico, the small town of Floydada always came to mind.

While his calloused hands were fixated on factory work that brought in just enough to make ends meet, he pictured the land he could cultivate in the agricultural-rich community south of the Panhandle. He imagined the family he could have with his wife, Juana, who was already in Floydada on a work visa.

It was 1995, and Serrato couldnt have known what else was waiting 828 miles away  a long-lasting marriage, land that was previously just dirt and cotton becoming more meaningful since it was his own, and three ambitious daughters.

One of those daughters gave him a grandson, who Arnaldo dreamed would take over his legacy. But its his youngest daughter, Yuleida, who wants to be the one following in his mud-tracked footsteps.

After seeing her determination all her life, Arnaldo isnt surprised.

Now together and individually, Arnaldo and Yuleida are in uncharted territory by running their own land.

Yuleida Serrato holds the door of a new H-310 John Deere tractor for her father, Arnaldo Serrato. The Serratos bought the tractor to use in their hay business. Credit: Mark Rogers for The Texas Tribune

Theres a reason why when people think of Texas farmers, they picture an older white man climbing out of a big pickup truck in a cowboy hat, blue jeans and dirty boots. The most recent agriculture census, completed in 2017, shows that is typically the case. The number of white primary producers on Texas farms far outweighed Hispanic producers  236,000 to 25,600.

That makes the Serratos part of the 10% that is the exception.

Arnaldo went from being another farmhand in the fields to owning the ground he walks on. Yuleida wants to take on that legacy and ensure a person of color is part of the fabric that weaves together farming in West Texas.

Yuleida fits into an even smaller demographic  the last farm census shows there are just over 9,000 hispanic, female primary producers in Texas, and only 290 women farming in Floyd County, which includes Floydada, in general.

I want to start my homestead, said Yuleida. Why not?

Yuleida wants to build up their machinery and equipment inventory, but the 26-year-old has had trouble securing USDA loans. It doesnt stop her from applying every chance she gets, as she says shes overcome bigger problems as first-generation children in America.

At first glance, Yuleida might not look like your typical farmer. As she runs around the event center she co-owns with her sisters, her long, colorful nails direct organizers. Her striking, dark hair flows over a purple silk blouse. The glint of a gold necklace emblazoned with her name flickers.

Its not until you get to her steel-toed work boots  originally black, before pesticide sprays turned the tips a washed green  that the farmer in her shows more.

Yuleida Serrato, right, listens to her father, Arnaldo Serrato, as he answers questions during an interview Oct. 18. Credit: Mark Rogers for The Texas Tribune

I enjoy being alone in the field and I love nature, so Ive grown to love it, Yuleida said. My sisters make fun of me for saying stuff like that.

The confident Floydada native has taken on the bulk share of running the venue  aptly named Serrato Sisters. Yelitza can get busy with kids and her other business, and Yelena attends the University of Texas.

Yuleida got that determination from her dad, Arnaldo.

Arnaldos work ethic was formed during his childhood in Tamaulipas. He felt it was his duty to provide as the oldest. He handpicked chile pequin, a very hot pepper, and sold bags of it with his younger brother near a highway.

Thats how Arnaldo got by for much of his life  scraping together whatever earnings he could, hoping his work ethic would eventually pay off. Then one day, while he was visiting Juana in Floydada, Arnaldo wanted to stay. He found an employer in Lockney, whose family sponsored his work visa. This allowed him to work and live in the country legally, before officially becoming a U.S. citizen in 2005.

The American dream Arnaldo imagined back in Mexico did not come true right away. His biweekly income dropped from $600 to $200.

He only spoke Spanish, so it was hard talking and reading. Despite his reunion with his wife, he felt isolated away from his siblings. Culture shock took hold.

When he became a farmhand for the Marble brothers, two well-known farmers in the area, things began to change.

For years, Arnaldo watched over their land for days on end  in the heat during planting season and timing up the first freeze with harvest  and they rewarded his hard work. They helped him retain his work visa, and later, a loan to buy his own cows. They introduced him to more people in the community, and when one of the Marble brothers wanted to retire, he entrusted Arnaldo to take on all of their farms.

Its a privilege to know that not only are there good people out there, but theres people willing to help out a Hispanic man, Arnaldo said.

The business became a family affair. Arnaldos three daughters worked on the farm, translated for him, and helped both parents study for citizenship tests. Yuleida took a liking to the farm work the most.

As first generation children in a new town, there were challenges. They faced language barriers and economic hardship, but Yuleida says her parents made sure the girls had everything they needed. Its a point of pride for her  they found their way out and above the difficulties.

Like her father, Yuleida spent some of her time at work as a young woman dreaming of a different future. After she graduated high school, Yuleida went to a cosmetology school in Austin. Her love of fashion partially inspired her move  she envisioned herself traveling to the iconic runway shows and collecting couture items all over the world.

She realized later that cosmetology and big city life wasnt for her, and went home to Floydada. And she rediscovered her love of farming.

I just realized that if I start, my family and siblings survive, the family business continues, and I could live out my dreams, Yuleida said.

She learned how to maneuver the planting machinery on the farm. She got her private and commercial pesticide licenses and started a business. She helped with payroll and still handles the paperwork for her dads business.

Yuleida Serrato, left, and her father Arnaldo Serrato look over bales of hay waiting to be sold on their family farm. In 2022, Yuleida was able to purchase her own farmland, becoming one of just over 9,000 hispanic, female primary producers in Texas, and one of only 290 women farming in Floyd County. Credit: Mark Rogers for The Texas Tribune

In 2021, she saw an opportunity for herself  320 non-irrigated acres that were manageable, aside from depending solely on rainfall in a drought-ridden area. She grew just enough cotton in that first year to buy the property in 2022.

If her other obligations werent enough, there is also the event center. Its available for organizations to host events, workshops, weddings and everything in between. In some cases, such as funerals, they wont charge. Yuleida says its how they can return the support and love the community of Floydada has given their family over the years.

My grandfather came here as a labor worker in the 50s with nothing and without knowing anyone, Yuleida said, talking about her moms father who was a Bracero, which was a program the U.S. had with Mexico to stem labor shortages with temporary laborers. He established himself here, my dad did the same, so its important that my sisters and I establish ourselves and revive the town.

And like her dad, she prides herself on being busy because it helps her live other dreams too. She went to New York Fashion Week this year and Hollywood before harvest season.

I feel like if I can be dedicated to five different jobs, why not? Yuleida said. These were things that our ancestors could have never dreamed of.
Hi OnPolitics readers! In recent memory, political pundits would ask a simple question during election season: Which candidate do you want to grab a beer with?

 In 2024, thats Nikki Haley: A group of Republican primary voters applauded the former South Carolina governors sense of approachability, strength and warmth in conversations with USA TODAY.

And when Republican voters are asked whether they would describe candidates as "likeable" or "reasonable," polling shows Haley soaring high above her GOP competitors.

 A path to victory? Haleys apparent popularity doesnt necessarily mean shell beat former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Republican rivals in 2024, USA TODAYs Karissa Waddick reports. The latest Real Clear Politics national polling average shows Trump overwhelmingly leading the race, with DeSantis in a distant second and Haley trailing third.

 2024 approaches: I think Americans realize that they're electing a president. They're looking for somebody to run the economy and keep the country out of the war, not somebody they want to have a beer with, Stanford political science professor Morris Fiorina told USA TODAY.

Read more here: Forget a beer  how about a hug? How Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, other Republicans stack up on likability

Stay in the know on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which 2024 Republican do you want to grab a beer with?
Editors Note: Michael Gerhardt teaches constitutional law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has written and consulted extensively on impeachment and is the author of the forthcoming book, The Law of Presidential Impeachment. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN.

The past 50 years have not been good for presidential impeachment. In 1974, the Constitution worked as it should have when President Richard Nixon resigned on the brink of certain impeachment in the US House of Representatives and conviction in the Senate. With substantial proof of Nixons misconduct assembled by the House, Senate and special prosecutor, the public overwhelmingly agreed with removing Nixon from office.

Michael Gerhardt - Deborah R. Gerhardt

In contrast, Republicans last Wednesday voted to authorize an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden based on unspecified, undemonstrated misconduct. There is no evidence, much less any established public consensus, that impeachment is warranted or desirable. Instead, this process is transparently and overwhelmingly partisan.

Former President Donald Trump had asked House Republicans to impeach Biden as payback for his own two impeachments, which Trump dismissed as partisan witch hunts. House Democrats, for their part, have denounced the GOP efforts as designed to hurt Bidens reelection chances and distract from Trumps legal woes, including indictments for more than 90 felonies (Trump denies any wrongdoing).

The path impeachment has traveled from its proper use in Nixons case to partisan politics by other means is not simply the consequence of hyperpartisanship. In my judgment, it is also a result of increased tribalism and, as I explain in my forthcoming book, the experience presidents and members of Congress have had with the impeachment process.

After Nixon, the presidents stamped with impeachment  Bill Clinton and Donald Trump  felt no need to resign as the momentum for impeachment built after their revelations of misconduct. Each felt certain that not only would their support within their party hold but also that senators from their respective parties would not vote to convict them and thus ensure their acquittals after their trials.

The process has also changed. Investigations of Nixons misconduct via the Watergate hearings were conducted by bipartisan committees in the House and the Senate for months before the House authorized a formal impeachment inquiry. Clintons impeachment inquiry followed the fact-finding undertaken by then-independent counsel Ken Starrs office, while Trumps followed intensive fact-finding by the House Intelligence Committee. Since retaking control of the House in January, Republicans have spent months investigating Hunter Biden but have not yet found any credible evidence of wrongdoing by his father.

That hasnt kept GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson from alleging that the evidence of Joe Bidens corruption is the worst in the history of the country. Republicans differ on the crimes they think the inquiry is needed to explore, with some claiming influence-peddling and bribery and others having difficulty specifying the misconduct that needs investigating. Yet in the one Republican-led House hearing that was called an impeachment inquiry, in September, the Republicans own constitutional expert said he did not believe the current evidence would support impeachment.

While Johnson said last Tuesday that he will not prejudge the outcome of the impeachment inquiry, his credibility has been shattered.

In contrast, the Watergate hearings saw members of Congress place principle over party. Republican and Democratic staffers worked together on committee reports and investigations. Shortly before Nixons resignation, Senate Republican leader Barry Goldwater told Nixon only a small number of Republicans would vote to acquit him.

Today, House Republicans make no pretense of building bipartisan support. Wednesdays vote to open the Biden inquiry fell entirely along party lines. Republicans are simply playing to their base. While they no doubt expect that the Senate would acquit Biden given the chambers Democratic majority, conviction doesnt seem to be the objective  instead, impeachment seems aimed at retaking the White House, with perhaps a side benefit of gutting impeachment as an impediment to Trumps dictatorial ambitions.

Furthermore, Republican House leaders have made no effort to justify their actions based on the original meaning of the Constitution, which in other contexts Republicans insist is the only principled basis for constitutional interpretation. The framers regarded impeachment as a serious, not partisan, mechanism for holding presidents accountable for their proven misconduct.

Indeed, impeachment was central to our nations founding. In the Declaration of Independence, the signatories listed 27 articles of impeachment-like charges against the British monarch, who in England couldnt be subject to impeachment. They were determined to establish a new nation and fashion a written constitution in which no one, including the president, was above the law.

At the Constitutional Convention, James Madison declared impeachment indispensable for addressing serious presidential misconduct, while George Mason worried, Shall any man be above Justice? Lowering the standard for impeachment to hurt Biden politically both fails to do justice to the original conception of impeachment and creates a problematic precedent.

Republicans today are also deviating from recent Supreme Court precedents limiting the scope of the Houses investigative authority to search for evidence that fits clearly, specified objectives. The high court delivered a unanimous order that Nixon had to comply with a judicial subpoena seeking specific evidence  taped White House conversations  that was instrumental to Nixons downfall. He complied, but at the cost of producing the tapes that sealed the case for his removal. In 2020s Trump v. Mazars, the Supreme Court declared that a fishing expedition, in contrast, was not a legitimate exercise of the Houses authority.

Yet the GOP voted last week to authorize an impeachment inquiry against Biden despite not having any new or credible evidence of wrongdoing by the president (as opposed to his son Hunter, the main focus of the investigations thus far). It seems clear that they want to use their new subpoena powers to extend their fishing expedition into the presidents financial records with the hope of turning up something that might embarrass him.

If the Republicans succeed in effectively turning impeachment into a stunt, I suspect Im not alone in worrying that they will have gutted the most important constitutional check  impeachment  that we had left to protect us from a president bent on lawlessness and vindictiveness.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A mural of slain of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen abu Akleh in Gaza City in May 2022. Abu Akleh was shot and killed while covering an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank. (Adel Hana / Associated Press)

In 2009, I covered the Gaza war known as Operation Cast Lead . International journalists, including myself, assembled in tents at El Arish crossing, on the Egyptian-Palestinian border, hoping to directly cover the news in the Gaza Strip. This was before social media empowered Gazans to broadcast live from their phones to ours. Yet it is important to remember that we cant equate professional journalism and social media.

Journalists cover the news, but today journalists are the news. In this current conflict journalists have been killed in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that at least 68 journalists and media workers have died in this war since Oct. 7, the deadliest period for journalists since the organization started compiling data three decades ago.

Read more: Opinion: How are people changed by being taken hostage by Hamas? By fleeing Israeli bombs?

This is not the whole story. According to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International , journalists are actively being targeted. The fate of journalists in Gaza is especially poignant because they provide a window into a world that has been cut off from international press and independent reporting (with the exception of one CNN journalist). Their lives matter. Journalists write the first draft of history.

The Geneva Convention, a fundamental part of international humanitarian law, requires protection of civilians and journalists during armed conflict. But in Gaza, its almost as though journalists are being treated as combatants. Their deaths have become mere numbers, counted among the death toll of more than 20,000. One might cynically conclude that the deaths of nearly six dozen journalists is just par for the course in a war that is marked by indiscriminate bombing. But these journalists were informing the world, providing understanding and footage of Israels relentless assault that numbers and statistics alone cannot capture.

Read more: Opinion: In war and peace, the fates of Israel and the Palestinians are inextricably bound together

In fact, faced with this terrible number of journalist deaths, on Dec.15, five U.S. senators wrote a letter to President Biden asking for greater protection for journalists in Gaza and for foreign journalists to be allowed in: We write to you today because we are deeply concerned about the inability of international journalists to enter and report from Gaza and the lack of safety for journalists covering the war in Gaza, which keeps the public from understanding the full dimensions of this war. They also called on Egypt and Israel to lift restrictions on reporting from Gaza.

When I first attempted to enter Gaza with my tape recorder and notebook in 2009, the Egyptian authorities blocked me and other journalists from doing so without the written consent of our embassies. This was quite unusual, but I was hungry to report from Gaza. I already had a letter signed by my boss at Al-Masaa newspaper saying that my assignment required me to enter Gaza. But I had to drive eight hours across the Sinai Desert to the Moroccan Embassy in Cairo, where I showed officials that letter to get the additional paperwork I needed for the Egyptian authorities.

Read more: Opinion: Palestinian and Israeli children are endangered by 'us vs. them' narratives

I was surprised by a strange request from the Moroccan consular official: You must sign a complete waiver to absolve the Kingdom of Morocco of responsibility if you are subjected to harm or killed. I was excited to report from Gaza and signed the document without a second thought, and it wasnt until much later that I noted how strange it was for my country to make me sign a waiver of liability should I die in a foreign land.

Now the killing of journalists in Gaza is being normalized with no one taking responsibility.

Journalists are also suffering in other ways. On air, there are heartbreaking and dramatic scenes of those who receive devastating news about their families while carrying out their journalistic duties. Who can forget the face of Wael Dahdouh ? The Al Jazeera correspondent received the news of the killing of his wife, children and several members of his family as he was live on air describing the Israeli advance on Gaza. We watched his heart break in real time.

Read more: Opinion: Don't cancel U.S. college students with strong views on Israel and Gaza. Encourage complexity

In the Middle East, Dahdouh is seen as the face of Gaza. Every time the region catches fire, an Al Jazeera anchor says, And now to Wael Dahdouh and we, the Arab audience, immediately know the reporting will center on a tragedy inside Gaza. Recently, Dahdouh was badly wounded , and yet he continued to report with bandages on his arms.

The Wael I met in 2009 was a vibrant young journalist. Thin with dark hair, he possessed a great determination to be the voice of his people to the world. I was introduced to him by Muhammad Issa Saadallah, a journalist in Gaza at Al-Ayyam newspaper, who is famous for guiding foreign journalists through the area. Saadallah is a consummate professional and a tireless advocate for Palestinian justice. I wonder about his fate in this brutal war, as I have not received any updates.

Last year, the world was stunned by the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh as she reported from the West Bank town of Jenin. In a landmark 2021 video , she recounted : In the difficult moments, I overcame my fear because I chose journalism in order to be close to the people. It might not be easy for me to change the reality, but at least I was able to convey the peoples message and voice to the world.

In May, a year after her death, the Israel Defense Forces apologized for her killing after conceding a high possibility that she was shot by an Israeli soldier. Speaking about her death, chief IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said , We want journalists to feel safe in Israel, especially in wartime.

How empty these words feel right now.

Today journalists are dying in this war at a staggering rate with zero accountability from the IDF. If this pace continues, who will be left to accurately report from this conflict zone?

Youssef Jajili is an award-winning Moroccan journalist, writer and documentarian.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
FILE - The Portland, Ore., skyline is visible on the bank of the Willamette River, Dec. 3, 2014. A state appeals court in Oregon ruled Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, that a state program designed to limit and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel companies is invalid. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  A state appeals court in Oregon decided late Wednesday that the rules for a program designed to limit and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel companies are invalid. The program, started in 2022, is one of the strongest climate programs in the nation.

State environmental officials said the court's decision hinges on an administrative error and doesnt touch on whether the state Department of Environmental Quality has the authority to implement the program. The Climate Protection Program targets a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels and natural gas by 2050.

Wednesday's decision by the Oregon Court of Appeals comes in a case brought by fossil fuel companies that alleged the state Environmental Quality Commission erred in its rulemaking for the program. The commission acts as the Department of Environmental Qualitys policy and rulemaking board.

The court in its decision said it concluded the rules for the program were invalid.

The department said the decision was limited to an administrative error and not effective immediately, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

The court did not make a decision about whether the Environmental Quality Commission has authority to adopt the Climate Protection Program, Lauren Wirtis, a department spokesperson, said in a statement.

The department is confident it has the authority to adopt and enforce the program and is evaluating next steps with the state Department of Justice, Wirtis said.

NW Natural, one of the litigants, said it was pleased with the courts decision and that it is committed to moving toward a low-carbon energy future.

A group of environmental, climate and social justice groups agreed with the state position that the decision focused on a procedural technicality and did not undermine the Department of Environmental Quality's authority to set greenhouse gas emissions limits on the oil and gas industry.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP)  Oregon put together the kind of class that should help the Ducks compete in their new home as they move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten.

The Ducks are on track to produce their second straight top-10 class. A composite ranking of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports had Oregon with the nations No. 5 class as of late Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.

For the purposes of this breakdown of Pac-12 recruiting, we looked at all the schools that competed in the conference this year. That meant including programs that will be entering other leagues in 2024 rather than limiting this report to Oregon State and Washington State.

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Oregons class is ranked behind only Ohio State among its new Big Ten counterparts. Southern Californias class ranked second among 2023 Pac-12 schools and would be fifth in the new Big Ten, behind Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and Michigan.

Oregon, Southern California, Washington and UCLA are leaving the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten next season. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are heading to the Big 12. Stanford and California are joining the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Oregon benefited from a series of signing day switches. The Ducks boosted their receiving unit with the additions of McClellan (previously committed to Ohio State) and Pellum (USC). They also added offensive lineman Matthew Bedford, who backed out of a verbal commitment to Colorado.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  On January 1, 2024, 18 laws are going into effect in Oregon, with many focused on addressing the states drug crisis, housing, and public safety.

Heres a list of new laws taking effect in 2024:

Addressing the drug crisis

House Bill 2513 aims to improve how drug decriminalization Measure 110 is implemented. The law will help Oregonians access addiction treatment by increasing treatment service staffing, centralizing Measure 110 hotline support, and speeding up approval to get Measure 110 funding out the door. The law will also improve data collection on Measure 110 programs.

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The law comes as some Oregon lawmakers look to repeal Measure 110, including state Senator David Brock Smit. He claims Measure 110 has led to increased open drug use, addiction, and homelessness.

Senate Bill 1043 will require health care and drug treatment facilities to provide opioid overdose reversal medications and other overdose-related medical supplies to discharged patients who were admitted for opioid abuse.

The bill also establishes civil liability protections for people who administer overdose reversal medication to someone experiencing an overdose.

Under SB 238, the Oregon Health Authority, State Board of Education, and the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission will be required to develop curricula teaching students about the dangers of synthetic opioids. Students will also be required to learn about legal immunity for people who report drug or alcohol use along with protections for people seeking medical treatment for themselves or others for drug and alcohol overdoses.

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SB 529 aims to increase access to addiction treatment for people in custody and requires treatment programs that address addiction as a chronic disease and must include a range of services such as recovery activities, engagement with peer mentors, vocational services, and self-help groups.

Public health and safety

SB 340 enacts harsher penalties for people convicted of organized retail theft. The law establishes a presumptive sentence of 24 months imprisonment if the person convicted of retail theft has previous convictions including aggravated theft, burglary, and robbery charges.

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The law will also strengthen current statutes allowing more flexibility for law enforcement and prosecutors to detect, deter organized retail theft.

HB 2316 expands Oregon DUII laws to include the influence of any impairing drugs  including alcohol, cannabis, psilocybin, and other controlled substances.

HB 3426 requires 9-8-8 crisis hotline centers to train staff on serving firefighters and other first responders, as lawmakers note those professions face some of the highest rates of suicide in Oregon and across the U.S.

Addressing the housing crisis

HB 2984 will expand housing production by allowing local governments to convert commercial buildings within the urban growth boundary to residential housing without requiring a zone change or condition use permit.

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HB 2761 expands Oregon Housing and Community Services ability to finance some housing development portions for households earning at or below 120% of median area income.

Affordability and childcare

HB 2504 directs the Department of Early Learning and Care to create standards reducing barriers for international early childhood professionals to enter the workforce. Lawmakers point out that the bill comes after a 2019 Oregon State University study found that early childhood professionals who do not speak English as a first language are less likely to participate in the Oregon registry professional development system.

HB 3235 creates Oregons first-ever state-based child tax credit. The credit is a fully refundable $1,000 tax credit per child between the ages of zero and five for families earning $30,000 or less. According to lawmakers, 55,000 children in the state will benefit from the credit.

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Oregon families can apply for the credit when they file their tax returns in 2024.

Education

HB 3031 aims to improve air quality and eliminate airborne pathogens in schools. The law will help Oregon schools get federal funds to upgrade their HVAC systems, assess ventilation, and place carbon dioxide monitors in every classroom.

SB 3 aims to increase students financial literacy by adding a half credit for higher education and career path skills and a half credit for personal financial education to graduation requirements starting in 2027.

SB 523 expands the number of institutions that can offer nursing degrees, especially in rural areas. The law allows community colleges to offer Bachelor of Science, Nursing degrees along with applied bachelors degrees.

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Health care

SB 1041 makes medically necessary breast cancer diagnostic imaging tests and supplemental breast exams free by mandating coverage by commercial insurance plans. Lawmakers point out that the total cost of mammograms are usually covered by insurance, however further diagnostic testing, including MRIs and ultrasounds, are not typically covered.

Environment

SB 543 bans the use of polystyrene foam containers and perfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, in food takeout containers. Officials point out the plystyrene manufacturing is the fifth largest source of industrial hazardous waste and note that the containers take hundreds of years to decompose.

Under SB 82, insurance companies cannot cancel policies or increase premiums for homeowners based on the statewide wildfire risk map. The law also requires insurers to tell homeowners how they can lower their premiums through home hardening or other wildfire mitigation.

Additionally, HB 2294 gives $20 million to the Bureau of Labor and Industries to create a grant program for firefighter apprenticeship training pilot projects.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  According to an estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau, Oregons population has continued to drop through 2023, but year-over-year decreases have slowed down.

The bureau unveiled its Vintage 2023 population estimates on Tuesday. While the agency reported that most states experienced an uptick in residents, Oregon was one of eight that didnt.

CNBC report uses police data to dispute Targets claims on Portland store closures

Between July 2022 and July 2023, the state lost an estimated 6,021 residents  dropping the overall population to 4,233,358 Oregonians.

During that same time period in the year prior, the Bureau estimated a decline in 16,164 Oregonians.

The other states that experienced a population decline were New York, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Hawaii and West Virginia. New York led the pack with an estimated 101,984 residents that left within the year, bringing the population to 19,571,216.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Texas welcomed the most residents from July 2022 to July 2023. The state increased its population by 473,453 residents, followed by Florida with 365,205 new residents and North Carolina with 139,526.

VIDEO: Santa snatcher takes vintage Christmas decoration from Portland home

However, South Carolina and Florida were the fastest-growing states with a 1.7% and 1.6% increase in residents.

Nationwide, the agency projected that more than 1.6 million people  or 0.5% of the population  moved to the U.S. this year. There was a 0.4% increase in 2022, and a 0.2% increase in 2021.

Bureau officials said the latest numbers are historically low for the U.S., but 2023 shows the nation is making progress in post-pandemic recovery.

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U.S. migration returning to pre-pandemic levels and a drop in deaths are driving the nations growth, U.S. Census Bureau Demographer Kristie Wilder said in a statement. Although births declined, this was tempered by the near 9% decrease in deaths. Ultimately, fewer deaths paired with rebounding immigration resulted in the nation experiencing its largest population gain since 2018.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
CANTON, Ohio (WJW)  Troopers said they arrested the driver of a fleeing pick-up truck that struck a Dominion Energy truck.

The day with the shortest amount of daylight of the year is here: How short is it?

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the pursuit started when troopers tried to initiate a traffic stop.

Troopers said the pickup truck on US 62 eastbound, near St. Elmo Ave., in Canton failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.

While attempting to negotiate the turn, the pick-up truck struck a stopped Dominion Energy truck at the intersection, troopers said. Both occupants fled from the suspect vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued, they added.

Troopers identified the driver as Andrew A. Browns-Burkes, 27, from Navarre, who was taken into custody. The passenger was not apprehended from the chase that happened Tuesday around 10 a.m.

Morning commute crash in Akron on I-76

The Highway Patrol said the Dominion Energy truck was able to drive away from the scene, and no one in the Dominion Truck was injured.

Browns-Burkes was booked into the Stark County Jail for several felonies, troopers said. Which include possession of methamphetamine, possession of Cocaine as well as felony charges of failure to comply.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
LANSING  Ottawa County doesn't have the right to appeal whether its health officer was rightfully appointed, Adeline Hambley's attorney argues in a new filing with the Michigan Supreme Court.

Adeline Hambley and her attorney, Sarah Riley-Howard, give comment to the press after their hearing in front of the Michigan Court of Appeals in Grand Rapids.

"This court should deny (defendants) application for leave to appeal on the issue that (Hambley) won at both the trial court and Court of Appeals," Sarah Riley-Howard wrote in a filing Wednesday. "Namely that (Hambley) is the duly appointed health officer for Ottawa County."

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The Dec. 20 filing was in response to the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners' filing to the Michigan Supreme Court on Nov. 22 appealing a COA ruling that agreed Hambley was properly appointed in December 2022. Kallman previously said the appeal was to "preserve my clients' rights" as legal proceedings continue.

In her new filing, Howard says Hambley officially began in the role once the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed her qualifications on Dec. 21, 2022  and defendants acknowledged it.

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"Then-incoming (Ottawa Impact) commissioner and future board chair ... Joe Moss emailed Hambley after this to acknowledge her new position," Howard wrote. "He wrote to Hambley: 'Since you have been appointed as the new health officer, I want to dispel one of the myths that our local media has been reporting (regarding health department funding in 2023). Several people have brought this concern to me, and I want to make sure you hear from me directly.'"

Moss would go on, however, to immediately fire or demote several standing employees "within moments of the swearing-in of the new OI board majority" on Jan. 3, Howard wrote. He also would champion $4 million in cuts to the health department's annual budget.

More: Judge will review closed session minutes to determine if $4M settlement was reached

"They fired the county administrator and summarily replaced him minutes later with a pre-selected administrator without posting or interviewing for the position," Howard said, referring to now-Administrator John Gibbs.

"They closed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office and fired its director," Howard said. "Appellants also voted to demote ... Hambley to 'interim' health officer, and declared at the public meeting that they would appoint a political ally, Nathaniel Kelly, with no experience in public health work as her replacement, again without posting the job or conducting interviews."

Kelly most recently worked as health and safety manager for a Grand Rapids-area HVAC company.

Ottawa Impact is a far-right fundamentalist group created by Moss and Vice Chair Sylvia Rhodea after they unsuccessfully challenged the previous board and county health officer over COVID-19 mitigation mandates in 2020 and 2021. OI now controls seven seats on the 11-member board.

Howard said the new board attempted to change the previous board's actions to serve their desired outcome, alleging former Board Chair Matt Fenske and County Clerk Justin Roebuck changed the written resolution appointing Hambley in private.

Fenske and Roebuck have both denied any wrongdoing.

"The resolution that I and former Chair Fenske signed is the actual resolution the board approved in the Dec. 13, 2022, meeting, as evidenced by the draft copies of the resolution that were circulated in that open meeting," Roebuck wrote in a statement to The Sentinel.

Ottawa County corporation counsel Jack Jordan, far left, and David Kallman, second from left, argue on behalf of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.

"Appellants new litigation position, in the form of the Revisionist Resolution, was ... in sharp contrast to the email that (Moss) sent to (Hambley) prior to his swearing in," Howard wrote, referring to the new board changing the minutes of the meeting appointing Hambley, even though the majority of them hadn't yet been sworn in.

The group has worked to remove Hambley ever since. Hambley sued the board in February, claiming the attempt to demote her in January was unlawful and alleging the OI majority has repeatedly interfered with her state-authorized health duties.

Howard notes that Kallman Legal Group, which represents the board, previously argued Hambley might have deep sixd her potential for consideration by the county for the permanent position after she filed her lawsuit.

"Counsel for the ... (commissioners) also acknowledged at oral argument on March 31 ... that they had no allegation of poor performance or other sufficient cause for ... Hambleys removal."

Attempts to remove Hambley culminated in a multi-day termination hearing in October, which was ultimately halted before its conclusion as the board and Hambley entered settlement negotiations. After a lengthy closed session in early November, the board voted to "accept counsel's recommendation regarding litigation and settlement activities in the case of Hambley v. Ottawa County."

Howard says that recommendation was a $4 million settlement. But shortly after The Sentinel reported the details of the deal, Kallman argued an agreement wasn't reached, after all. Hambley and Howard took the matter back to court.

On Dec. 4, Muskegon 14th Circuit Court Judge Jenny McNeill announced she would review minutes taken during the closed session in question. The case is being heard in Muskegon because all Ottawa County judges recused themselves.

Joe Moss sits during a board meeting Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, at the Ottawa County Offices in West Olive.

Howard issued subpoenas for Roebuck, who took the minutes, and commissioners Moss, Jacob Bonnema, Doug Zylstra and Roger Bergman for an evidentiary hearing McNeill said Hambley was entitled to, so the court can hear from witnesses what transpired during the closed session.

That hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19.

Kallman Legal Group is hoping that doesn't happen. In a filing this week, David Kallman requested McNeill issue a "protection order" preventing the hearing from taking place. He argues McNeill should be able to use the minutes alone to rule that "corporate counsel (Kallman) never made any recommendation to either offer, or accept, a $4 million settlement" in exchange for Hambley and her deputy, Marcia Mansaray resigning.

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"This confirmation can be done without revealing anything that was actually discussed in closed session," Kallman wrote.

McNeill had not issued a response to Kallman's filing as of Wednesday, nor had the Michigan Supreme Court issued a response to Howard.

 Sarah Leach is the executive editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at sarahleach@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @SentinelLeach.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: New filings: Ottawa County doesn't want testimony on closed session
Resi Cooper flitted across the stage, tall and poised under bright lights, as she rehearsed for the lead role in the classic Christmas ballet The Nutcracker on Tuesday night.

Just short of a week from Christmas Day, she and her peers were running through a story line involving a nutcracker-versus-rat army battle and a magical land known as the Kingdom of Sweets that soon would be performed in front of a crowd of spectators at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

In a ballet that evokes childhood themes, showcasing performers who are children themselves is only fitting. Cooper, age 11, is one of over 100 student dancers performing in The Nutcracker across Fort Worth this holiday season against the backdrop of Christmas scenery and timeless classical music. The upcoming performances Friday and Saturday at Will Rogers include about 50 children, while ongoing performances at Bass Performance Hall include about 100 children who are split into two casts, according to the presenting theater companies based in Dallas and Fort Worth. Student dancers in these productions are as young as 5 years old and perform specific roles alongside professionals.

Resi Cooper, 11, who plays Clara in The Nutcracker, participates in a dress rehearsal for Avant Chamber Ballets performance at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.

We have these amazing professional dancers, but having such talented, young performers on stage with them really brings  especially our young audiences  kind of into the magic of The Nutcracker  Its in American dancers DNA, said Katie Puder, artistic director for Avant Chamber Ballet, which is hosting the shows at Will Rogers.

For Cooper, this is her second year being part of The Nutcracker, and her first year appearing as Clara, a young girl who is gifted a wooden nutcracker that is brought to life by magic and joins her on an eventful journey. She also performed at the Moody Performance Hall in Dallas earlier this month as one of the children at a Christmas party that happens at the beginning of the ballet.

Tuesdays rehearsal was a glimpse of Coopers general ballet schedule, which typically consists of 20 hours of practice across five to six days a week, she said.

Dancers from Avant Chamber Ballet participate in a dress rehearsal for their performance of The Nutcracker at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth on Tuesday.

I like precision, and so I enjoy ballet because its very precise, Cooper said. I think I got into it because I enjoy moving around and expressing myself.

Elizabeth Seiver, 13, another dancer in the Will Rogers production, enjoys the beauty of ballet and how it can tell a story, she said. Her role is a Polichinelle, a clown that emerges from her mothers huge hoop skirt to dance. But her favorite part of the show is the snow scene.

Theyre traveling through the land of snow to the land of sweets, and so theres all those snowflakes dancing around, and they meet the Snow Queen. Its really pretty, she said.

Young dancers perform in The Nutcracker at Bass Performance Hall in 2022.

As Seiver and Cooper help keep the gears of the production churning at Will Rogers this week, two other student performers who are their same ages have been showcasing their own version of The Nutcracker about 10 minutes away at Bass Performance Hall downtown. The production presented by Texas Ballet Theater includes siblings Ashlyn and Ian Johnson, ages 13 and 11, who perform as an angel and a party boy. They both enjoy the battle scene when the Nutcracker and his soldiers face off against the Rat King and his army, with the Nutcracker coming out victorious.

I think its very well choreographed, Id say. The rats have a lot of fun, Ashlyn said.

Ian admires how high the soldiers can jump  They just float he said.

Student dancers perform as angels in The Nutcracker at Bass Performance Hall in 2022.

Their mother, Ami Johnson, considers themselves The Nutcracker family, as its become a tradition for Ashlyn and Ian to be performing annually, she said. To her, the story of The Nutcracker revolves around family in general.

If I were to describe The Nutcracker, I would say its about the complexities of a family party and a family gathering during the holidays. And a little girls dream, Ami Johnson said.

Leticia Oliveira, principal at Texas Ballet Theater Schools Fort Worth campus, highlighted how the ballets brand as a Christmas tradition is part of its appeal to families. Oliveira, who has been principal for six years and was a dancer with Texas Ballet Theater for 10 years prior to that, remembers The Nutcracker had inspired her to start ballet in the first place.

Dancers from Avant Chamber Ballet participate in a dress rehearsal for their performance of The Nutcracker at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth on Tuesday.

I remember my motivation was thinking about all those kids who would be sitting in the audience that maybe would be touched by the art form in some way, and then decide to dance, Oliveira said of her previous performances.

At Wednesday nights show at Bass Performance Hall, a toddler imitated dancers on stage, twirling and hopping in the middle of the aisle between seats.

Avant Chamber Ballets performances of The Nutcracker with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will be at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at Will Rogers Memorial Center. The Texas Ballet Theaters remaining performances are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and a final performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Pancho Claus listens as a young girl tells him what she wants for Christmas at the Resurrection of the Lord church on Sunday. Clint Datchuk for the Express-News Clint Datchuk

'Twas the Sunday before the Sunday that marks Christmas Eve, when on the West Side came a Santa, too puro to believe.

His eyes still twinkled, only his beard was dark black and his hat was a bright red sombrero. His belly still shook when he laughed, only it was covered by a fuzzy red serape with sequined snowflakes and stitched reindeer. And he still went straight to his work by the chimney," only this was a faux fireplace next to a Christmas tree at Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church, where boys and girls lined up in the parish hall for pictures with this different kind of jolly old elf.

It was the kind of Santa experience parishioners such as Rachel Trevino and her 9-year-old son, Damian Barrientes, found both new yet familiar.

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The way I explain it to my son (is) hes one of Santas helpers, Trevino said. Its fun for everybody. It gives it a little twist of what we celebrate, too.

Behold the magic of Pancho Claus, Santa's Tex-Mex cousin from the South Pole.

According to legend, Pancho Claus picks up the slack for his North Pole primo by delivering toys from a wood cart pulled by burros instead of reindeer. The character has been around for more than half a century, a Mexican spin on St. Nick that spreads Christmas cheer primarily to Latino communities, especially to disadvantaged children and families across Texas.

Like Black Santa, he's a Yuletide figure of racial equality and inclusivity. And just like El Rey Feo gave the historically Anglo-dominated celebration of Fiesta a dose of color and cultura that mirrors San Antonio, Pancho Claus provides a fresh face to Christmas that more Latinos here and beyond are seeing as one of their own.

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I think it has to do with our identity of the Mexican American community, said Cosme Barcelo, the man behind the Pancho Claus outfit at the recent Resurrection of the Lord Christmas party. Hes become a part of the fabric of San Antonio.

Credit that to Barcelo and his fellow members of the American GI Forum, a congressionally chartered organization for Hispanic veterans and for civil rights established in Corpus Christi in 1948.

In San Antonio, the Miguel Hernandez Memorial Chapter of the GI Forum runs the Pancho Claus Christmas Program, which has backed up the words Feliz Navidad! with action since 1983.

A Pancho Claus card by a San Antonio chapter of the American GI Forum. The chapter of the Hispanic veterans group has run a Pancho Claus Christmas Program since 1983. Courtesy American GI Forum Miguel Hernandez Memorial Chapter

Barcelo estimates the Pancho Claus program has helped more than 5,000 families and given toys to more than 15,000 kids. Just the day before the Resurrection visit, Pancho Claus helped distribute free meals to more than 100 families and free bicycles to more than two dozen children at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

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Just to see the faces of the kids when they get the bicycle.  Thats what makes our Christmas, Barcelo said.

The Army veteran has played Pancho Claus for the GI Forum program for the past 10 years, though hes quick to point out that fellow member Rudy Martinez has worn the serape and sombrero for the past 30 years.

But his legs are getting kind of tired, said Barcelo, who noted Martinez managed one last ho-ho-orale for the Our Lady of Guadalupe event.

Rudy Martinez as Pancho Claus, shown in 2008 outside Guadalupe Church in San Antonio. The longtime member of the American GI Forum has played the part for 30 years, distributing presents to low-income families. This year likely marks Martinez's last run as the Mexican spin on Santa Claus. Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle file photo

Perhaps its only fitting then that Barcelo maintain the mantle of Pancho Claus, at least until the program recruits new Panchos. After all, he has a special connection to the man who brought Pancho Claus to life, at least in song.

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In 1956, Chicano musician and labor activist Eduardo Lalo Guerrero recorded Pancho Claus, a parody of Twas the Night Before Christmas that reimagined Clement Clarke Moores all-American poem with a Latino twist.

Musician and activist Lalo Guerrero is heralded as the father of Chicano music. His many recordings include the 1956 song "Pancho Claus," a Latino parody of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Guerrero died in 2005 at age 88. Express-News archives/digitized by Historic Images, Inc.

Guerreros tune is told through the eyes of a Latino boy, referencing Mama making masa for the tamalada (tamale-making party) and loud Uncle Pedro drunk as a louse.

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The boy fears all the noise will scare off Santa from stopping by. Then what to his wondering eyes should appear, but eight tiny donkeys instead of reindeer.

Adults and children alike were excited to get photos with Pancho Claus at the Resurrection of the Lord church on Sunday. Clint Datchuk for the Express-News Clint Datchuk Seven year-old Genesis Sanchez poses for a picture with Pancho Claus at the Resurrection of the Lord Church on Sunday. Clint Datchuk for the Express-News Clint Datchuk Children wait in line to see Pancho Claus at the Resurrection of the Lord church on Sunday. Clint Datchuk for the Express-News Clint Datchuk Pancho Clauss colorful poncho. Clint Datchuk for the Express-News Clint Datchuk The colorful adornments of Pancho Clauss robe. Clint Datchuk for the Express-News Clint Datchuk Pancho Claus greets a young boy at the Resurrection of the Lord church on Sunday. Clint Datchuk for the Express-News Clint Datchuk Lalo Guerrero plays his guitar at his home in Cathedral City, Calif., Nov. 11, 2004. Heralded as the father of Chicano music, Guerrero recorded the parody song "Pancho Claus" in 1956. He died in 2005 at age 88. Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

The jefe behind the gift-hauling herd? A fat little driver waving his big sombrero, who declares, I am Santas cousin, from south of the border. / My names Pancho Claus, and I brought what you ordered.

The song ends with the narrator hearing Pancho Claus exclaim as he drove past the porches / Merry Christmas to all, and to all !buenas noches!

Lalo Guerrero was practically born to play that tune.

Born on Christmas Eve 1916 in Tucson, Ariz., Guerrero would become known as the father of Chicano music for his more than 700 recorded songs, which covered numerous genres, including mambo, rock, salsa and swing. He also wrote songs about Cesar Chavez and the labor movement, as well as womens rights, and popularized the sound of 1940s Pachuco and zoot suit culture. Guerrero died in 2005 at age 88.

In 2017, Guerrero's son Dan Guerrero published a "Pancho Claus" children's book, which features the original recording along with art by legendary Hollywood designer Bob Mackie.

"Pancho Claus has endured over generations because every culture and background can enjoy him. Just like Santa," Dan said via email. "But he is truly loved by the Mexican-American/Chicano comunidad because he exists especially for us. He sings about a tamalada!

Barcelo noted his father, Cosme Sr., was a friend of the elder Guerrero, who in his early days would sing at his fathers Tucson cafe. Barcelo was in his early teens when he first met Guerrero and has quite the musical background himself as an original member of Tucsons Los Changuitos Feos (the Ugly Little Monkeys), one of the nations first successful youth mariachi groups.

Pancho Claus may not rock a red spin on the traditional mariachi uniform, but he does have his own zoot suit incarnation.

Since 1981, Houston native Richard Reyes has portrayed Pancho Claus as a suave zoot suiter in red and black with dark sunglasses and a ruby red Cadillac convertible for a sleigh. Reyes also plays his part to bring toys and cultural connections to low-income neighborhoods and mostly Spanish-speaking children across the Houston area.

Rene Hernandez, 3, stands with his grandfather, Pancho Claus, Richard Reyes, as he hands out toys to children in the neighborhood of Second Ward for Three Kings Day on Jan. 6, 2023, in Houston. The Houston native Reyes has played Pancho Claus as a zoot suit character since 1981. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

As noted earlier, the character is comparable to that of Black Santa, an African American depiction of the historically white holiday figure.

Black Santa went from a racist blackface caricature in late 19th-century minstrel shows to a Christmas figure Black entertainers and communities made their own, from post-World War II consumerism to the civil rights movement to what's now an increasingly mainstream embodiment of Black culture and inclusion.

In this December 2016 photo, Larry Jefferson, playing the role of Santa, poses for a photo with Kingston Strong, of Minneapolis, at the Santa Experience at the nation's largest mall, Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. Black depictions of Santa Claus have become increasingly mainstream as an emblem of racial equality and inclusion. Leila Navidi/Star Tribune via Associated Press

The earliest mention of Pancho Claus, at least in newspapers, goes back to the early 1960s, though the early '80s seem to be the time of his big breakout. In addition to Reyes kicking off his Pancho reign in 1981,that is the year then-San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros declared Dec. 17-24 "Pancho Claus Week."

The gospel of Pancho Claus carries on throughout Texas. In addition to Houston and San Antonio, there's a Pancho presence in Lubbock, New Braunfels and Seguin.

At the Resurrection church Christmas party, volunteer Vanessa Zavala played Pancho Clauss little helper, distributing treats to the kids after they snapped a picture. She noted the children seemed more at ease with this cultural take on Santa than with the typical Kris Kringle.

He looks like everybodys uncle, she said. Theres nothing wrong with tradition and traditional stuff, but to change it up every once in a while, it doesnt hurt either.

After the last child snapped a photo with Barcelo's Pancho Claus, 22-year-old Nathan Hernandez just had to grab a selfie with the figure he hasnt seen since he was a kid.

Nathan Hernandez (right) and his great niece Adalyn Garcia (left) take a quick photo with Pancho Claus (Cosme Barcelo, center) at a recent children's Christmas party at Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church. Rene Guzman/Staff

The San Antonio College student said it's important that all ages see a Hispanic version of Santa.
Thousands of workers across the U.S. are owed more than $161 million, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Those due wages can claim the money  before its too late.

Why are workers owed wages?

Over 220,000 workers earned the money, but their employers didnt pay them properly, the Department of Labor says.

The millions in unclaimed wages were recovered by the agency as the result of wage investigations in nearly all 50 states, Washington D.C. and a few U.S. territories.

Some workers may have no idea that an investigation was even conducted, Rachel Mast-Matos, an official from the Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division, told McClatchy News in an interview.

If employees are paid less than minimum wage, arent paid overtime, arent compensated for all hours worked or have a portion of their tips withheld, this violates the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Wage and Hour Division enforces the FLSA  as well as protections for agricultural workers and employees hired under temporary visas  and investigates suspected violations.

The highest amount of back wages are owed to people who worked in California, followed by Texas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland and Florida, according to the most recent data released by the Department of Labor. The data is current as of Oct. 31, officials said.

In California, more than $18 million in unclaimed wages is waiting for 17,901 workers after nearly 600 cases involving wage investigations, the data shows. In Texas, more than $17 million in back wages are due to 30,762 workers in relation to 1,549 cases.

Its not surprising that so many workers are due money, according to employment lawyer Justin Cilenti, the co-founder of Cilenti & Cooper PLLC, a wage and hour law firm based in New York City.

The amount of wage theft has long been astronomical especially in big cities with vulnerable populations (i.e., undocumented workers), Cilenti told McClatchy News.

Wage violations are commonly found in construction, restaurant and agriculture industries and involve health care workers, according to Mast-Matos, who is the Wage & Hour Divisions planning and reports coordinator for the Southeast regional office.

When violations are found, we do recover back wages for all workers regardless of where theyre from or their immigration status, Mast-Matos said.

She added that its a top priority to get those back wages paid as quickly as possible.

When must the wages be claimed?

When wages are recovered, the Department of Labor keeps the money for three years as officials try to find those owed.

After three years, unclaimed wages must go to the Treasury Department, according to the Department of Labor.

When the Treasury receives the money, it gets deposited and categorized as miscellaneous receipts, a spokesperson from the Treasurys Bureau of the Fiscal Service told McClatchy News in a statement.

The funds would remain in the Treasury until needed to pay for an appropriation passed by law, the spokesperson said.

It can prove difficult to locate workers for different reasons, according to Mast-Matos, including if an employee changed jobs, moved or if an employer didnt maintain accurate or current contact information for employees.

Mast-Matos said that when a wage investigation is conducted, investigators typically take a look at the past two to three years and may find wages owed to former employees.

How to tell if youre owed money  and how to claim it

If you want to find out if youre owed money, you can search the Wage and Hour Divisions Workers Owed Wages online database. Its available in English and Spanish.

To begin, enter the name of your employer or previous employer. When your employer and their address pops up, select the company and search your name.

If the system shows youre owed wages, youll need to fill out your contact information to receive a back wage claim form, according to the Department of Labor.

After the form is received, youll be instructed to create an online account to upload the form and submit a document that verifies your identity, such as a pay stub, a copy of your Social Security card or a W-2 form.

You can expect it to take about six weeks for the Wage and Hour Division to process the form. Afterward, a check for back wages will be sent in the mail.

Anyone owed is encouraged to claim the wages

We would encourage any person  regardless of immigration status, to come forward and protect their rights to recover their unpaid wages, Cilenti told McClatchy News.

Federal labor laws, and most state laws, protect all workers in doing so, he said.

The majority of people whose rights are violated are undocumented immigrants because both the employers and employees believe that the employees have no recourse due to their immigration status, Cilenti explained.

Virtually no employer will report undocumented immigrants to immigration/naturalization (ICE) because they would themselves face severe penalties for hiring individuals without proper working or citizenship papers, he added.

However, labor laws do not prevent the possibility of deportation, Cilenti said.

Mast-Matos said that when wage investigations are conducted, investigators do not ask any information about where a worker is from or what their immigration status may be.

If someone is unsure about whether theyre owed wages, Cilenti and his firm encourage people to check the Department of Labors website and their state labor agencys site. He also suggests checking websites of local employment attorneys who may share information about potential wage violations.

Because every persons situation is different, and determining whether a violation occurred is very fact specific, their best option is (to) request a free consultation with an employment attorney to comprehensively review their situation and determine whether they have a viable claim, Cilenti advised.

For those who need additional help in determining if theyre owed wages, individuals can make a confidential call to the Wage and Hour Divisions toll-free help line at 866-487-9243.

Callers can be connected to staff who speak a variety of languages and theres translation services for up to 200 languages, Mast-Matos said.

Unpaid 15-year-old Subway workers were threatened when they asked for wages, feds say

Business abandoned retirement plan and left former employees owed thousands, feds say

Worker was paid with 91,500 oily pennies, feds say. Now company owes him much more

Servers forced to give up tips to pay for dine-and-dashers in Florida, feds say
The UK has trained over 32,000 Ukrainian soldiers, with the most recent group already departing from the UK to return to the front lines before Christmas, the UK Defence Ministry reported on Twitter on Dec. 21.

"This week their new friends in the UK Armed Forces held a Christmas celebration to wish them well," the UK ministry said.

Read also: Lithuania to train 3,500 Ukrainian troops in 2024

UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said on Nov. 10 that the UK had successfully completed training for an additional 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers, achieving its target seven weeks ahead of schedule.

The UK government website states that this number refers to individuals who have undergone training since June 2022.

The UK is taking the lead in training Ukrainian soldiers. The United States has also expanded its training program for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, conducting sessions at a base in Germany. The European Union also launched the EUMAM training mission for Ukrainian defenders, intending to train 15,000 soldiers, primarily in Poland.

Read also: UK and Norway to lead naval coalition to support Ukraine

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
More than half of Americans approve of a Colorado Supreme Court ruling to bar former President Trump from the states primary ballot, citing the 14th Amendment, according to a YouGov poll released Wednesday.

The online survey, published just a day after the ruling, found that 54 percent of respondents either strongly or somewhat approve of the decision, with 35 percent disapproving.

The former president now has the opportunity to seek review of the case from the U.S. Supreme Court, where the justices can ultimately decide whether Trump incited the Jan. 6 Capitol riots and whether arguments under the 14th Amendment can keep him off the ballot.

Nearly two-thirds of Democrats, 63 percent, strongly approve of the ruling, according to the poll, with another 21 percent somewhat approving.

Independents were split, but a larger proportion support the decision, 48 percent to 35 percent. About a quarter of Republicans said they support the ruling, with 12 percent strongly supporting it.

The ruling has received partisan support and criticism, with Democrats lauding it as upholding democracy while Republicans warn it could spell chaos for electoral politics.

Its unclear how the Supreme Court will rule when it likely takes the case. The same YouGov poll also asked respondents to estimate where the high court will land.

A plurality, 43 percent, expect the case to be overturned, while just 23 percent believe it will be upheld. Just a third of Democrats said they believe the court will keep Trump off the ballot.

The YouGov poll surveyed about 3,500 people online over the course of Wednesday, with a margin of error of about 4 percent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Perhaps not surprisingly, a dog was part of the inspiration for Zoe Tiemans new business, Central Kansas Canine.

Part of the reason I got into training was because of my Lab, Silas, she said.

Silas needed a bit more training than some dogs, and the holidays were a particular challenge.

Sometimes the holidays can be really stressful both for dogs and for humans, Tieman said.

Central Kansas Canine is an in-home dog training service.

Tieman said she used to work for a business where she helped train dogs at the business.

The (dog) owners would be like, Wow, how did this happen?  she said of the successful training.

Then the dogs would go home and act up again.

Not everyone has the time or ability to train at home, though, and thats where Tieman wants to help.

I really focus on integrating it into everyday life.

She said that makes it manageable and sustainable.

For instance, while a family is eating, a dog can be trained to lie down or get in a crate or on a mat  just a little bit of training each day instead of setting aside an hour to do it.

For many people, thats not realistic, Tieman said.

When creating my business, I was trying to figure out what is most beneficial, most helpful for people Im working with.

She offers a basic $1,500 package for a six-week training program in which she comes to someones house once a week for one to two hours. That price includes mileage in the Wichita metro area and any equipment she needs for training.

Tieman also will make an assessment and advise, Heres what you need to be working on; heres how to work through some issues.

For more severe cases, the cost may be higher because Tieman may need to come more.

Tieman has some free advice for anyone who is concerned about how their dogs may handle the holidays and visiting guests, among other things.

Most important, she said, is allowing your dog to have a safe space, such as a crate or a room.

Some dogs dont want to be friends with everybody, Tieman said.

She also said to create clear rules for dogs and guests, such as not allowing guests to feed your dog something from the table or allow the dog to jump or beg at the table.

Tieman said its also important to be aware of a dogs body language and be respectful of a dogs space.

For more holiday tips for dogs, check out the blog on Central Kansas Canines website.
Can I give my child alcohol at home during the holidays? Can I be drunk in public? And when do I have to show my ID to buy booze?

California has a handful of laws on whats legal when it comes to drinking and buying alcohol.

Before you pour a glass or grab a pint, heres a refresher on alcohol rules in California.

Can I drink in a car while someone else drives?

You cant drink and drive a car in California  or any state, for that matter  but what if youre not behind the wheel?

According to California vehicle code, you cannot have an unsealed or open alcohol container in a car, whether its the drivers hands or a passengers.

If you have an open bottle, it must be in the vehicles trunk, not the glove box.

READ MORE: Can you drink alcohol in a car in California while someone else drives? What the law says

When do I need to show my ID to buy alcohol?

California doesnt exactly require bars and businesses to check everyone for proof of age to sell alcohol.

There is no specific California law that directly mandates the checking of identification when purchasing alcohol, Devin Blankenship, a spokesman from the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, told The Sacramento Bee.

The department says businesses selling alcohol should ask for ID from anyone who appears youthful.

Blankenship said licensees are the ones who officially decide when to ID to protect their alcohol license.

Its still a good idea for businesses to do their due diligence. Anyone who sells alcoholic beverages to minors will be guilty of a misdemeanor and receive a fine of $250.

READ MORE: When does a bar or liquor store have to ID you for alcohol sales? What California law says

If Im not buying alcohol, can a cashier still ID me?

Whether youre carded or not is up to the business.

Since there isnt a specific law requiring identification for alcohol sales, businesses can create their own ID policies, Blankenship told The Bee.

Blankenship said businesses can set regulations to prevent having their license suspended or revoked for selling to minors or allowing them to consume alcohol on their property.

This would be more of a store or company policy in terms of the checking other IDs besides the buyer, Blankenship said.

READ MORE: Can a cashier ask to see my ID if Im not the one buying alcohol? What California law says

Can parents give their kids alcohol?

If youre celebrating the holidays at home, throwing a family barbecue or having a birthday dinner with alcoholic beverages, kids can join in on the fun, right?

No, they cant, according to California law.

Bryce Avalos, spokesman for the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, said Section 25658 of the California Business and Professions Code makes it completely illegal to provide minors with alcohol.

Anyone who sells or gives alcohol to someone under 21 years old is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Parents are no exception.

READ MORE: Can parents legally give underage kids alcohol at home? Heres what California law says

Can I drink or be drunk in public?

You cant drink alcohol in public spaces or outside of a licensed venue under California law, and you can only be drunk in public as long as you arent bothering other people.

If youre drunk in public and it interferes with someone elses enjoyment of being out in public, then you can get a drunk in public or public intoxication (charge), Dan Croxall, associate professor of law at the University of the Pacific, told The Bee.

READ MORE: Here are 4 ways you can get in trouble with alcohol in California you might not know

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
This presentation is given annually to sixth graders in Florida. In the presentation notes: "Eggs stored in ovaries, released into fallopian tubes, unfertilized egg does not implant, uterine lining is shed approximately every 28 days, a menstrual cycle."

Ohio politicians should be required to pass sex ed

I have patiently watched as the Ohio Legislature has tried to figure out how to invalidate Issue 1.

It is mind boggling to me how ignorant these politicians are to the medical specifics of the female anatomy.

Sex education

Therefore, I propose the following: all state politicians must enroll in a sex education class  fifth grade level is fine.

They then must pass a proficiency test to prove that they understand the entire reproductive process; for example, miscarriages in the early weeks are common, that most women desperately want their children, that medical complications are far beyond the knowledge of a non-medical representative of the Ohio Legislature.

More: Rape is rape. Married or not. Rep. Bill Dean, your pro-spousal rape vote is disgusting.

I only hope that the sages of this Ohio General Assembly do not poke their political noses into cancer research or astrophysics.

Debbie Fox, Bexley

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Have they heard of miscarriages? Ohio lawmakers need to take sex ed
Fighter jet in flight training

China Military Online) 10:48, December 21, 2023

A fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Western Theater Command soars into the sky during a flight training exercise in early December, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yu Zeqi)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Riaz Sardar Khil is comforted as he buries his face in his hands during the service recognizing the second anniversary of his daughter Lina Sardar Khils disappearance on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Riaz Sardar Khil releases doves during the service recognizing the second anniversary of his daughter Lina Sardar Khils disappearance on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A young man looks at the poster for missing Lina Sardar Khils on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Lina went missing in 2021 and her family has struggled to get answers or information regarding the investigation into the disappearance of now five-year-old girl. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Riaz Sardar Khil speaks during the service recognizing the second anniversary of his daughter Lina Sardar Khils disappearance on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Texas Rep. Josey Garcia speaks during a service recognizing the second anniversary of Lina Sardar Khils disappearance on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Lina went missing in 2021 and her family has struggled to get answers or information regarding the investigation into the disappearance of now five-year-old girl. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abdul Hassan somberly holds his two-year-old son Ayan Abdul during the service recognizing the second anniversary of Lina Sardar Khils disappearance on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A youg girl is held onto during a service recognizing the second anniversary of Lina Sardar Khils disappearance on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Pamela Allen, right, comforts Texas Rep. Josey Garcia, left, with Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark between them after Garcia spoke during the service recognizing the second anniversary of Lina Sardar Khils disappearance on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Rayhan Sardar Khil, 4, examines photos of his older sister Lina Sardar Khil during the service recognizing the second anniversary of his sisters disappearance on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Dawli Khawri holding his son Farhad Khawri,1, excitedly accepts a stuffed animal on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Texas Rep. Josey Garcia hands out bags of goodies to young children following a service recognizing the second anniversary of Lina Sardar Khils disappearance on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News From left: Siblings Amina Wazirkhan, 7, Nashatullah Wazirkhan, 13, Zabllah Wazirkhan, 10, and Zalikha Wazirkhan, 8, pose for their dad Wazirjan Wazirkhan, left, with images of missing Lina Sardar Khil on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at American Muslim Community Center in San Antonio, Texas. Lina went missing in 2021 and her family has struggled to get answers or information regarding the investigation into the disappearance of now five-year-old girl. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

The two-year mark of Lina Sardar Khils disappearance was met with anger, sadness and frustration.

Her father, Riaz Sardar Khil, and family were joined Wednesday morning by more than 100 fellow refugees, community supporters and children who gathered and prayed for Linas safe return outside the American Muslim Community Center near the Medical Center area.

Many wore bright red shirts with Linas image that read Bring Lina Home. Lina was 3 when she disappeared Dec. 20, 2021, while playing at the Villas del Cabo apartment playground in the 9400 block of Fredericksburg Road. Her mother was nearby.

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For Khil and the Afghani refugee community, its frustrating to have zero answers after having been met with the full resources of San Antonio police and the FBI.

Lawang Mangal, Khils friend and deputy director of the Afghan Council, took to the podium demanding an answer.

The United States is a big country. They have the FBI, police and resources  everything, he said. Yet they are not able to (provide) a single step as to what happened to Lina. Its a failure.

He said the family hasnt had any updates from San Antonio police for months and meetings requested by Khil have been delayed.

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Sgt. Washington Moscoso, San Antonio Police Department spokesman, said in a phone call Wednesday afternoon that detectives routinely stay in contact with family whenever there is an update.

And if a family has questions or wants an update, he said they can call the investigator assigned to their case and the detective will return their call.

But the grim reality in Linas case is, as he says, There just hasnt been any updates or leads in a while.

In a video released on the departments Facebook page, the last time Lina was seen was captured by a doorbell video camera. She was wearing her black jacket, red dress and boots.

Linas case is a suspicious disappearance, Moscoso said.

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We cant rule out an abduction, but we cant say, Yes, she was (taken), he said. We just dont know.

The case has put a strain on the Afghan refugee community, as some leaders and families put increased emphasis on watching their children. Mangal said the refugees here are all Afghani nationals who helped the United States military as they fought against the Taliban back home.

Mangal stopped short of saying they felt discriminated by the lack of progress.

He highlighted the $250,000 reward the Islamic Center of San Antonio offered for Linas return. Thats in addition to a $50,000 reward from Crime Stoppers.

If somebody had kidnapped her for money, we have the reward. They can take the reward, he said.

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Instead, members of the Afghani refugee community feel they have been questioned time and again, with authorities thinking that they may be holding Lina, Mangal said.

They pay close attention to the crimes occurring in San Antonio, trying to see if any of them may be somehow connected to Linas disappearance.

As Khil addressed the audience, he said each day has felt as long as a year.

Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark and state Rep. Josey Garcia echoed Khils words to whoever may be holding Lina, Please, let her come home.

I did not understand the language, but I can see the hurt in your eyes, Adame-Clark said, looking at Khil, who had addressed the audience in his native Pashto language. Lina  your mom and dad, the community of San Antonio, are looking for you. Bexar County is looking for you.

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At one point, Khil tapped on his experience supporting U.S. troops in Afghanistan. He said he was willing to go where the FBI and police may be unable to.

For her. Please return Lina, the father said.
Passengers grateful for airport authorities using caution despite terminal closure

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A security scare also prompts traffic troubles at the airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Queen City News saw travelers Wednesday walking to and from Charlotte Douglas International to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

PREVIOUS: Operations resume after suspicious package prompts check point closure at CLT Airport

It was unexpected, I didnt really know what was going on, said Mia Schutz, a traveler who got stuck in traffic.

Drivers were surprised when they got to the airport and found the front entrance blocked off by police.

Not moving at all no, said Joanna Turner, a passenger. I think the light changed about 20 times, and it stressed me out so bad that I went into four different lots until I found my daily lot.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers direct traffic near Wilkinson Blvd. Wednesday.

Many travelers did not know why police werent letting drivers in the terminal.

I hope I dont miss my flight and I hope I get my exit soon, said Schutz.

The rush was stressful, but drivers were understanding when we told them that police found a suspicious package.

Thats a bit scary, so Im glad they cleared it up, said Schutz. You never know whats going to happen around the holidays.

New security measures at Charlotte Airport ahead of holiday travel

Authorities eventually opened the airports roads when they found the owner of a bag that someone left unattended inside the airport.

Travelers are grateful for the security check.

Absolutely, Id rather be stuck in traffic than have something really go wrong, said Schutz.

Now they just want to take flight.

Im ready to go, Ive got babies in Connecticut to visit, said Judy Foster, a passenger.

And they want to enjoy the holidays.

Im happy, said Turner. I just need a cocktail, Ill be fine.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine who the U.S. says is wrongfully detained in Russia, told CNN this week that a prison official is calling on inmates to pick fights with him to coax him into retaliatingwhich would allow guards to discipline him. He said hes certain the orders are coming from an official because a prisoner demanded he cough up $1,100 protection money, which was the exact amount he had in his prison account. Whelan, 53, has been detained since Russia accused him of being a spy in 2018. He told CNN he was transferred to a new barracks after failing to hand over the protection money and is now surrounded by inmates who take stimulants and carry knives, which can make them wild and violent. He called on the Russian government to do more to ensure his safety behind bars and said he feels that U.S. officialswho have negotiated a number of prisoner swaps during the Biden administration, with the most recent coming Wednesdayhave abandoned him.

Read it at CNN

Read more at The Daily Beast.
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  With a winter storm approaching California, the Border Patrols San Diego Sector is reminding migrants of the dangers posed by inclement weather.

Forecasts call for heavy rains and low temperatures in the mountains in San Diegos East County, where thousands of asylum-seekers have been crossing the border in recent months.

Migrant groups plan to rush the border, block ports of entry in February

The Border Patrol is warning migrants about the likelihood of increased injuries, sickness, or even death to those who attempt to illegally enter the United States.

Our message to migrants who are thinking of illegally crossing the border is this: do not put your lives at risk, San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel said in a statement. Human smugglers only see you as a commodity they can profit from, not a human being.

McGurk-Daniel described the weather conditions in the coming days as likely the coldest days of the year.

Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales: El Paso going through migrant crisis, too

She also stated temperatures can fall drastically, especially at night, exposing migrants to freezing temperatures in the eastern portions of San Diego County.

She warned that smuggling organizations will continue to guide migrants through some of the countys most arduous environments ignoring the effects of low temperatures such as physical and mental exhaustion, hypothermia, frostbite or even death.

The smugglers do not care about you, they have abandoned others in the past and left numerous migrants to fend for themselves.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

In February 2020, three sisters who crossed the border illegally with a smuggler were abandoned in a remote area of the Laguna Mountains.

The three women ultimately died from cold weather exposure.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The Pennsylvania mother who fatally shot her two young sons in May 2022 was sentenced to spend consecutive life sentences in prison.

The Bucks County District Attorney said in a news release that 40-year-old Trinh Nguyen was sentenced Wednesday by Common Pleas Judge Raymond F. McHugh after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and related charges.

She was also sentenced to spend between 10 and 20 years for attempted murder.

The sentences will ensure that the defendant will die within the four walls of a correctional facility, First Assistant District Attorney Jen Schorn said after the hearing.

Nguyen shot and killed her two sons, 9-year-old Nelson Tini and 13-year-old Jeffrey Tini, before she tried shooting a neighbor who was able to disarm her when the gun didnt fire. Nguyens interaction with the neighbor was an act that was called nothing short of remarkable, by prosecutors, the news release states.

Pennsylvanias viral hit holy grail of hoagie shops didnt put much thought into its name

A manifesto was found by detectives at the home, along Timber Ridge Road in Upper Makefield Township, after the shooting where Nguyen wrote about her plan to kill her sons and what to do with their and her remains. It was also discovered that she was facing imminent eviction within the upcoming days.

Its clear our evidence showed that this defendant had that wickedness of disposition that she had made these plans, Schorn said. She wrote a manifesto laying out what she was going to do, and you could see throughout the hate she had for others and the people she blamed.

Family and friends delivered emotional remarks during Nguyens sentencing about the deaths of the two boys, who were described as being loved by all.

Upper Makefield Township Police got a report of an armed subject just after 7 a.m. at the home and rushed there. Nguyen managed to leave the scene in a white minivan after being disarmed before officers arrived, but they were able to put out a be on the lookout notice for her.

The two boys were found with gunshot wounds to the head and were transported to the hospital where they died days later, the release states.

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Nguyen was located by officers in the minivan at a United Methodist Church around 11:30 a.m. and was taken into custody. A loaded gun along with drugs were found in the vehicle. The release states that detectives learned that Nguyen planned to fatally overdose after the shooting.

A note was found that read  Please call 911! My children are Dead in their bed at 119 Timber Ridge Rd 18940.

More evidence of Nguyens plans was found at the home when detectives served a search warrant.

I cant emphasize enough the outstanding work done by this team that resulted in our ability to convict this defendant, Schorn said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Trinh T. Nguyen, 40, has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of her two sons back in 2022.

UPPER MAKEFIELD, Pa. - A Bucks County mother will spend the rest of her life in prison after pleading guilty to murdering her two sons on Wednesday.

40-year-old Trinh T. Nguyen shot and killed her 9-year-old son Nelson and 13-year-old son Jeffrey while they were sleeping in bed in Upper Makefield Township May 2022.

Officials say she also attempted to shoot a neighbor when her gun jammed.

The boys passed away days later.

Jeffrey (left) and Nelson Tini (right) have died after being on life support for several days after being shot in the head by their mother, Trinh T. Nguyen on May 2, 2022.

Nguyen pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and related charges. The judge sentenced her to two life terms without the possibility of parole for the murder of the boys and a maximum sentence of ten to 20 years for the attempted murder of the neighbor, who was a cousin to Jeffrey and Nelson.

Following the hearing, First Assistant District Attorney Jen Schorn said the negotiated plea and sentence "will ensure that the defendant will die within the four walls of a correctional facility."

Officers from the Upper Makefield Police Department were called to Timber Ridge Road around 7 a.m. the day of the incident for reports of an armed person. Police were told by a neighbor that Nguyen allegedly tried to shoot him twice in the face after she handed him a box of photos to give to her ex-husband whom he worked with.

The neighbor wrapped Nguyen in a bear hug and disarmed her, but she fled the neighborhood in a white Toyota Sienna minivan, police said.

Officers and the mother of the neighbor entered Nguyen's home and found her two boys gravely shot in the head.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., officials located her inside her minivan parked at the United Methodist Church in Washingtons Crossing. She was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. The investigation found that after the shooting, she fled to New Jersey to obtain narcotics, which she ingested to try and kill herself.

The two young victims were students in the Council Rock School District, according to a release from the leadership.

Bucks County and Upper Makefield Detectives found that Nguyen planned the murders at least a week earlier, leaving a handwritten will that instructed the recipient of what to do with her and her son's remains. In her writings, they say Nguyen blamed others for the problems in her life, which included the imminent eviction from the Timber Ridge home where she was living. The will was signed, "TRINH NGUYEN."

"Its clear our evidence showed that this defendant had that wickedness of disposition that she had made these plans," Schorn said. "She wrote a manifesto laying out what she was going to do, and you could see throughout the hate she had for others and the people she blamed."

During Wednesdays hearing, Schorn praised the incredible work of investigators and the bravery of Melchiondo whose actions likely saved others from Nguyens murderous rampage. "I cant emphasize enough the outstanding work done by this team that resulted in our ability to convict this defendant," Schorn said.
FILE PHOTO: A sergeant on the scene said while EMS performed CPR, they found gunshot wounds in the mans back. Tetra Images/Getty Images/Tetra images RF

A man was found shot and killed early Wednesday off a major highway on the West Side.

Police responded to a call about a major accident shortly after 1 a.m. to the access road in the 5800 block of Texas 151. Instead, officers found a man lying on the side of the highway.

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According to the preliminary report, EMS attempted lifesaving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. A sergeant on the scene said while EMS performed CPR, they found gunshot wounds in the mans back.

The deceased man has not been positively identified, the report states.

Police discovered after further investigation that the incident turned out not to be a crash-related.
(KRON)  A car crashed into a building at the Crystal Springs Shopping Center in Highlands-Baywood Park on Wednesday, the San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) said. A gray Ford sedan crashed into the entrance of Crystal Springs Pet Hospital, located at 122 De Anza Blvd.

No pet or person was injured from the crash, SMPD said. Although the crash is still under police investigation, the driver told police her foot slipped on the gas/brake pedal.

2 arrested after stealing $1K of clothing, USPS mail uniform: Sunnyvale police

SMPD posted photos taken at the scene (below).

While most crashes into buildings happen due to pedal confusion, wet weather can definitely cause wet shoes, slick tires, and impair vision, SMPD said. These types of incidents can be avoided with a little bit of patience and by taking into consideration your driving ability, your surroundings, and accounting for weather conditions.

San Mateo County Fire Department crews also responded to the scene.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The $7.6 million sale of a former U.S. congressmans Quail Hollow mansion to a Charlotte CEO led off the list of Mecklenburg Countys most expensive home transactions in November. That record-setting sale, though, has already been topped by a waterfront property in Cornelius.

Square footage: 11,537 Bedrooms: Five Bathrooms: Six full and three half Built: 2009 Lot size: 1.13 acres Neighborhood: Quail Hollow in Charlotte

Square footage: 7,114 Bedrooms: Six Bathrooms: Six full and one half Built: 2023 Lot size: 0.29 acres Neighborhood: Myers Park in Charlotte

Square footage: 7,761 Bedrooms: Six Bathrooms: Six full and one half Built: 1994 Lot size: 1.31 acres Neighborhood: Bethelwood Bay Estates in Cornelius

Square footage: 5,208 Bedrooms: Five Bathrooms: Six full and one half Built: 2021 Lot size: 0.37 acres Neighborhood: Myers Park in Charlotte

Square footage: 6,142 Bedrooms: Six Bathrooms: Six full and three half Built: 2008 Lot size: 0.37 acres Neighborhood: Eastover in Charlotte

Square footage: 5,391 Bedrooms: Five Bathrooms: Five full and one half Built: 1993 Lot size: 0.5 acres Neighborhood: The Peninsula in Cornelius

Square footage: 6,142 Bedrooms: Six Bathrooms: Six full and three half Built: 2008 Lot size: 0.37 acres Neighborhood: Eastover in Charlotte

Square footage: 6,667 Bedrooms: Five Bathrooms: Four full and one half Built: 2015 Lot size: 0.37 acres Neighborhood: Eastover in Charlotte

Lot size: 3.68 acres Neighborhood: Huntington Park in Charlotte

Square footage: 7,264 Bedrooms: Six Bathrooms: Four full and one half Built: 2018 Lot size: 4.7 acres Neighborhood: The Sanctuary in Charlotte *TIE

Square footage: 4,735 Bedrooms: Six Bathrooms: Five full Built: 2017 Lot size: 0.75 acres Neighborhood: Myers Park in Charlotte *TIE

Square footage: 5,786 Bedrooms: Four Bathrooms: Four full and one half Built: 2007 Lot size: 0.41 acres Neighborhood: Stonegate in Charlotte *TIE

Ex-Rep. Robert Pittenger and his wife sold their more than 10,000-square-foot home on Baltusrol Lane to an entity linked to Sonic Automotive Inc. CEO David B. Smith on Nov. 17, according to county real estate records, as previously reported by CBJ.

The home hit the market in late August for $8.75 million, marking the second time in seven years the Pittengers listed it for sale. It was previously listed at $6.95 million in August 2016.

Read more here.

VIDEO: Affordable housing torn down, replaced with more expensive homes
The 2023 winter solstice arrives on Thursday, Dec. 21, with the Northern Hemisphere marking the shortest day of the year, in which most people in the U.S. will get only about 9 or 10 hours of sunlight, and in parts of Europe even less.

Known also as the "longest night," the solstice this year is at 10:27 p.m. Eastern Time, according to the National Weather Service.

While the solstice typically occurs on Dec. 21 or 22, it can be as early as Dec. 20 or as late as Dec. 23, the Weather Channel explains. This happens because our calendars aren't an exact match for the solar year.

People watch the sunrise at the winter solstice celebration at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, in this photo from Dec. 22, 2011. / Credit: Tim Ireland/PA Images via Getty Images

As the longest night fades, more sun will be in the forecast as the days begin to get longer bit by bit, until the longest day of the year six months later. The Southern Hemisphere has opposite seasons, so those regions will not observe the winter solstice until June.

The annual event is marked by winter solstice traditions around the world, including parades, festivals, spiritual gatherings and other observances, and thousands of people flock to Stonehenge and other neolithic monuments.

What does the winter solstice signify?

The winter solstice is the moment when the Earth is the most tilted away from the sun, University of Massachusetts astronomer Stephen Schneider told CBS News in 2017. The closer you are to the Arctic, the shorter the day will be.



There is a long history of ancient celebrations for the winter solstice, as CBS News previously reported. In ancient Persia, the event marked the birthday of the Sun King Mithra, a mythological deity. In the Roman Empire, it was honored with a feast day known as Die Natalis Invicti Solis, or "The Birthday of the Unconquered Sun."

Saturnalia, a sort of Thanksgiving, was also celebrated around this time in ancient Rome.

Many celebrations also include the exchanging of gifts.

Winter solstice traditions in pictures

Across the world, the solstice is celebrated with festivals, parades and more. Some of the largest celebrations are held at England's Stonehenge, a neolithic monument that was built to align with the sun on solstice days. On the winter solstice, the sun sets to the southwest of the stone circle.

People look towards the sun as druids, pagans and revelers gather at Stonehenge for a winter solstice ceremony on Dec. 21, 2016. / Credit: Matt Cardy / Getty Images

About 8,000 people attended a summer solstice celebration at Stonehenge in 2023, with over 145,000 more watching on live stream. A similar livestream will be set up for the winter solstice, said the English Heritage charity, which cares for historical sites in England.

People celebrate winter solstice at Stonehenge on Dec. 22, 2022. / Credit: / Getty Images

Revelers also gather at smaller neolithic monuments like the Newgrange, an ancient burial monument in Ireland. The 5,000-year-old monument was constructed in such a way that sunlight only enters the inner sanctum on mornings around the winter solstice. The central chamber of the monument is lit by the sun as it sets for just 17 minutes a year, according to the monument's website.

The sun rises with a rainbow effect during the winter solstice at Newgrange, a 5,200-year-old passage tomb, on Dec. 21, 2023 in Newgrange, Ireland. / Credit: Charles McQuillan / Getty Images

People can enter a lottery for a chance to celebrate the solstice there, and like Stonehenge, the festivities at Newgrange are livestreamed on digital channels.

A group celebrates the sunrise as people gather to witness the winter solstice on Dec. 21, 2022 in Newgrange, Ireland. / Credit: Charles McQuillan / Getty Images

Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, the solstice is celebrated with the "Burning The Clocks," a community event that includes a parade and bonfire on the beaches of Brighton. The event is meant to celebrate the shortest day of the year and "provide an antidote to the excesses of Christmas," according to its website, and has taken place almost every year since 1993.

People gather wearing costumes for Brighton's annual

In Riga, Latvia, the winter solstice is celebrated with a parade and a log-dragging event where a log that represents negative thoughts and misfortunes of the past year is dragged through the city's Old Town and burned. The burning is accompanied by folk songs and dancing, according to local media.

People wear folk costumes and pagan masks during the winter solstice celebration at the Town Hall Square on Dec. 21, 2022 in Riga, Latvia. / Credit: GINTS IVUSKANS

In Toronto, Canada, the Winter Solstice is celebrated with the Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival, an annual event that has been going on since 1988. The festival incorporates theatrical elements, street performances and more to create a community event that welcomes the return of the sun.

Annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival in Toronto, Canada, on Dec. 21, 2016. / Credit: Arindam Shivaani/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Architecture and ancient monuments constructed in alignment with the solstice sun patterns will be aglow. In Egypt, the Karnak Temple, a 4,000-year-old shrine to a sun god, will be lit up by the rising sun and illuminated throughout the day.

The Karnak Temple during the winter solstice on Dec. 17, 2015 in Luxor, Egypt. / Credit: David Degner / Getty Images

At the Pommelte ring sanctuary, also known as the "German Stonehenge," dozens of wooden pillars, first constructed 4,000 years ago, will be illuminated by the sun.

A woman watches the sunrise at the Pommelte Ring sanctuary in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, on the winter solstice, Dec. 21, 2020. / Credit: Stephan Schulz/picture alliance via Getty Images

How Southern Hemisphere celebrates the winter solstice

It's currently summer in the Southern Hemisphere, where winter solstice won't arrive till June. But the date is still marked in a variety of ways.

In El Salvador, people gather to burn offerings and take part in other celebrations.

Indigenous people together with Salvadorans take part in celebrations to mark the winter solstice at San Andres Archeological Park on Dec. 22, 2019. / Credit: APHOTOGRAFIA / Getty Images

In Bolivia, the solstice will mark the beginning of a new year in the Andean Amazon calendar. Priests present gratitude ceremonies to the sun and the earth, according to a site outlining tourist attractions in the country; such ceremonies include chants, rituals and burnt offerings.

Aymara natives raise their hands at sunrise during the celebration of the winter solstice near La Paz, Bolivia in 2012. / Credit: AIZAR RALDES via Getty Images

There is also a night walk from La Paz to see the sunrise in Tiwanaku, where the solstice is observed. The event is also celebrated at archaeological sites around the country.

President of Bolivia Luis Arce (left) stands next to a fire as part of a ritual to celebrate winter solstice on June 21, 2022 in Tiwanaku, Bolivia. / Credit: Getty Images

In Cusco, Peru, an event known as the Inti Raymi Sun Festival is held each year to celebrate the solstice. Cusco was once the center of the Incan empire and is near Machu Picchu, which was built by the Incans in 1450 to honor the solstice.

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People around the world ring in the winter solstice with ancient traditions
US Air Force pilots recently practiced strafing runs in the A-10 Thunderbolt II, a close-air support plane also known as the Warthog.

The training took place at Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range near Moody Air Force Base in Georgia.

Photos show the A-10 performing flight maneuvers and deploying flares.

US military photos from a recent training exercise captured US Air Force A-10s in action, showing a bit of what the attack aircraft sometimes described as a cannon with wings is capable of.

In early December, Air Force pilots practiced strafing runs with A-10 Thunderbolt II close-air support aircraft, also known as the Warthog. The ground-attack planes are known for their powerful cannon and, in some cases, the unique shark-inspired nose paint.

Strafing runs train pilots to attack ground targets using mounted automatic weapons. In the case of the A-10, the plane's GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm cannon can fire nearly 4,000 rounds a minute.

Photos from the recent training exercise show A-10s from the 74th Fighter Squadron flying above Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, deploying flares, executing gun runs, and performing impressive flight maneuvers.

Some of the A-10s that participated in the training featured a fearsome paint job on the nose of the plane resembling a shark.

A US Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot deploys flares to intercept enemy heat-seeking missiles. US Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Boyer/DVIDS

Not all A-10s get to sport the shark teeth war paint. Only planes that are part of the 74th, 75th, and 76th Fighter Squadrons have the shark nose art. It's a design specifically tied to the history of the squadrons.

"There are other A-10 units that have nose art, but not the iconic shark face," an A-10 pilot and commanding officer of the 74th Fighter Squadron previously told Business Insider's Ryan Pickrell.

The A-10 is a dedicated close-air support plane built to take out ground targets, including tanks.

A US Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot deploys flares near Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. US Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Boyer/DVIDS

The aircraft was first introduced in the 1970s and was built with Soviet armor, considered to be a threat to Western Europe during the Cold War, in mind.

The gun is so loud that pilots have to wear two layers of ear protection to muffle the sound of the plane's cannon.

A US Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot conducts strafing runs over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range near Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. US Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Boyer/DVIDS

The seven-barrel cannon on the A-10 is famous for the "BRRRT" sound it makes when fired, and it can be something of an intense experience for pilots.

An A-10 pilot previously told Business Insider it "feels like driving over railroad tracks" when the gun is fired. "You're sitting right on top of the gun," he said, "so it shakes the whole airplane."

The attack aircraft carry a little over a thousand rounds, which are fired in short yet devastating bursts.

A photo from the recent training of a bullet-riddled cargo container on the ground is evidence of the A-10's power.

A cargo container is covered with bullet holes at Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range near Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. US Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Boyer/DVIDS

The plane fires armor-piercing depleted-uranium rounds.

Alongside the GAU-8 Avenger cannon, the A-10 carries rockets, missiles, and bombs. The plane also has defenses, such as flares that can be used to intercept enemy heat-seeking missiles.

A US Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot deploys flares over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range. US Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Boyer/DVIDS

But the A-10 may not be flying for too much longer.

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II flies over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range. US Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Boyer/DVIDS

Despite the power of the plane's weapons, the Air Force is planning to retire the A-10, which is over 40 years old, because the aircraft "does not deter or survive against our pacing challenge, and we need to move forward," the military branch said in a past request to Congress, referring specifically to the threats posed by China.

The Air Force is looking to the new F-35A Lightning II to perform key A-10 missions like close-air support, but there are some questions as to whether or not it fully meets expectations there. For now, the Warthog is still flying, but its days are numbered.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Donna Barron never felt like the owner of this stained glass window but more like its caretaker. The window is estimated to be over 100 years old and once belonged to a German church that removed all its stained glass during World War I and divided them among different parishioners.

Donna Barron always felt like the caretaker of this stained-glass window with the Nativity scene and not really its owner. Even though this window, estimated to be over 100 years old, was displayed in her Pineville home, she always knew she wasn't going to keep it.

After safeguarding the window for about 15-18 years, she is giving the window, which originally came from a German church, to St. Rita Catholic Church in Alexandria where it will start a new chapter in its long history as part of a new youth center.

Its a religious artifact and its been prayed under so much. It has to go back to some type of religious place, said Barron.

I know a little bit about stained glass and this type, said local historian Mike Wynne who is helping Barron research its history. And this is 1890s, no later than 1910. It could be a little earlier. But, sort of late 1800s would be the the best focal point until we can possibly  possibly - identify the church.

The stained glass has slid slightly in its encasement but is in otherwise great shape, said Wynne. Barron added that there are there are few places that have small, minute cracks but Wynne told her it would be surprising if it didnt have any.

It traveled so far - to Pineville, said Father Anthony Raj Dharmaraj, pastor of St. Rita.

Wynne brought Dharmaraj and Father Joshua Burch, associate pastor of St. Rita, to Barrons house to meet her and see the window she is gifting the church.

Im so happy for you all to have it and to put it in its place of glory, Barron told Dharmaraj and Burch.

Dharmaraj told her the window will be placed in a chapel inside the new youth center where youths can pray.

To get the window safely to the church from Pineville to its new home in Alexandria, Wynne said that the Bishop Charles P. Greco Council No. 1134 of the Knights of Columbus figure out the logistics and best transportation options.

"This thing has such a story to tell, she said, gazing at it as the sun brilliantly illuminated pieces of colored glass. In full light it's amazing.

Barron told Dharmaraj and Burch that she is excited to see it in its new home, starting a new chapter in its history.

What travels did it make to get to this point? Thats whats so interesting, she said.

The Infant Jesus is sitting up, chest exposed, and his arms lifted up in prayer in this stained glass window that Donna Barron gifted to St. Rita Catholic Church in Alexandria. Father Joshua Burch said he's maintaining the Orans Posture which gives more significance to his priestly role, he said. The Orans Posture is limited to the priest. Many times, the Infant Jesus hand will be depicted in blessing, he said.

Her part in its story began at a benefit for the American Cancer Society.

They had antique dealers. They had all kinds of different things, she said.

One of them, who was from out of town, had the window with them and when she saw it, Barron, who is an artist, was just amazed.

There's well over a 1,000 little pieces in it," she said, adding that she tried counting all of them but there are just too many.

"It could not be more intricate," said Wynne. "You could not have pieces even smaller than that."

Barron also admires the detail in the faces of the Infant Jesus, Joseph and particularly Mary.

"Sometimes you will see older art like this, and a woman's face looks manly. Have you noticed that? Sculptures and everything, the faces don't look really feminine and her face is even feminine, she said. Even the Infant Jesus' face looks like it belongs to a baby.

The baby's face doesn't look old, because you see that a lot too, like the face of a baby looks like a 10-year-old, said Barron.

The dealer had told that it was once in a church in Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany. During World War I, all the churchs stained glass windows were removed.

He said they were afraid to leave the glass in the churches, so they took them out and they were divided between the different parishioners for safekeeping, she said.

She later read that during the next war, World War II, many of the churches in Germany were destroyed.

So, I thought this made it out prior to that and who knows where it's been, said Barron.

I do believe that's how a number of our churches got some of their stained glass because we have quite a bit of German stained glass in different churches around the Diocese (of Alexandria), said Burch. Which is really cool. If I'm not mistaken, the Minor Basilica in Natchitoches has a lot of German stained glass.

At the auction, Barron didn't intend to purchase the window. But unknown to her, her husband did and two months later, surprised her with it on her birthday.

How the dealer came into possession of the window and how it ended up in Louisiana is unknown to her.

With the information provided by Barron, Wynne is researching Rudesheim am Rhein to see if he can find a Catholic church that exists there, or if a church was destroyed in either World War I or World War II.

I sent a photo to it to an antique dealer after I got it and he said he definitely feels like it came from a Catholic Church because they used to put the clover in for the Trinity. And the quatrefoils. These are quatrefoils, she said pointing out the flower-like designs. The quatrefoils signify Matthew, Mark, Luke and John."

In the Nativity scene, the Infant Jesus is sitting up, chest exposed and his arms lifted up in prayer. Wynne said he didnt think he had ever seen a Nativity scene where so much of the Infant Jesus chest is exposed.

Donna Barron was told by an antique dealer that the clover in the stained glass represents the Trinity. Barron gave a stained glass window that came from a German church to St. Rita Catholic Church. The window is estimated to be over 100 years old.

Hes maintaining the Orans Posture, explained Burch. The Incarnation, the Nativity is the climax of all salvation history. So, this is the moment that really ties in all of the prophets foretelling this event, as well as sort of prefiguring, if not foreshadowing, His eventual death upon the Cross. Its really an evocative image.

The Infant Jesus Orans Posture gives more significance to his priestly role, said Burch. Many times, the Infant Jesus hand will be depicted in blessing. The Orans Posture is limited to the priest.

And it means hes standing in the Person of Christ in order to mimic the sacrifice, the spreading out of the arms upon the Cross," said Burch. "Its the gesture of prayer. Its the universal symbol to everyone that we are in a time of prayer, so our hearts are supposed to be disposed for prayer at that moment.

Among the other details Barron pointed out are the tiny bubbles. She put her finger on one of the pieces where she could feel them.

"And then also, this wavy glass was very significant," said Barron.

Details like that can help determine the age of the window, said Wynne.

The bubbles were able to be removed from glass manufacturing about 1910, he said.

Something thats very unique, also, is the halos around Mary and Joseph, said Burch, noting that in this stained glass, Marys halo is a hue of green while Josephs is in a reddish one. Because a lot of the stained glass that I've seen, they go typically to the gold.

"You talked about counting the panes of glass, Wynne told Barron. But actually, counting the shades of colors, I think would be a problem, trying to find all the different colors.

In Wynnes opinion, this window is the perfect piece of religious art.

This really is as magnificent a piece of stained glass of its time as you can find with one of the greatest, greatest, greatest symbols of all, the Nativity, he said.

Burch said that Barrons generous gift to the church was going to inspire many people.

I know I plan on spending a lot of time in front of it, just sort of reflecting on the mystery of the Nativity, he said

Its really a Christmas miracle. Its coming at this time of the year," said Wynne. "Theres a need for it. Theres a want for it. Its a win-win-win situation."

Nothing happens by coincidence. Its always providence. All is providence, said Burch.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Pineville artist gifts St. Rita with 100-year-old stained glass window from German church
Harvard University President Claudine Gay faces plagiarism accusations on old papers, throwing her and the college under a spotlight on the heels of her controversial answers in a congressional hearing on antisemitism.

On Wednesday, officials from Harvard said Gay asked to add three updates to her dissertation from 1997 to include proper citations, according to The Washington Post. This adds to corrections made in the last two months to other work she has published.

Harvard Corporation announced earlier this month it became aware of plagiarism concerns from the New York Post in October for three articles Gay previously published.

An independent review was conducted of Gays work, and it was discovered she had improper citations in publications. This review did not include Gays 1997 dissertation.

The accusations mounted when conservative outlet the Washington Free Beacon found four papers from the 1990s with plagiarism concerns.

While the analysis found no violation of Harvards standards for research misconduct, President Gay is proactively requesting four corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks that were omitted from the original publications, Harvard Corporation said in a statement.

Harvard said it did not find intentional deception or recklessness in Gays work, so it did not reach the standard of research misconduct, according to The Post.

The schools board has stuck by Gay despite these allegations, but House Republicans are not satisfied with the independent review conducted by the school. A congressional inquiry was initiated Wednesday, as well.

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce (Committee) has begun a review of Harvard Universitys (Harvard) handling of credible allegations of plagiarism by President Claudine Gay over a period of 24 years. An allegation of plagiarism by a top school official at any university would be reason for concern, but Harvard is not just any university. It styles itself as one of the top educational institutions in the country, Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) said.

The committee is requesting documents related to the plagiarism allegations and the review Harvard executed, disciplinary actions taken against other Harvard students or employees around plagiarism concerns and other communications about the guidelines that apply to this case.

Our concern is that standards are not being applied consistently, resulting in different rules for different members of the academic community. If a university is willing to look the other way and not hold faculty accountable for engaging in academically dishonest behavior, it cheapens its mission and the value of its education. Students must be evaluated fairly, under known standards  and have a right to see that faculty are, too, Foxx said.

This latest controversy adds to Harvards trouble after Gay said in a House hearing on campus antisemitism that it would depend on the context if a call to genocide Jewish people would be considered harassment on campus.

Foxx said Harvard would also be investigated for Gays testimony, as well as the learning environment on the campus and its disciplinary policies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Conservatives in Congress and across the country are escalating their attacks on colleges and universities, which they have long painted broadly as environments that stoke far-left ideology.

A disastrous congressional hearing earlier this month centered on how several elite colleges are handling antisemitism on campus. The college presidents rote responses offered the perfect moment to unleash conservative fury with higher education, a view held by a growing share of Republicans.

Colleges and universities have for years been a target of the right. In recent weeks, spurred on by the high-profile resignation of one Ivy League president after their calls for her ouster, conservatives are making the most of a new momentum. Theyve introduced legislation threatening to cut off federal student loans to the richest schools and impose hefty taxes on their endowments.

Many academics, already strained by disruptive protests and free speech concerns since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, say the attacks are the latest battle in a larger conservative-led war on higher education  especially against Ivy League schools, which are unpopular with many Americans.

The latest target is Claudine Gay, the president of Harvard, who now faces allegations that she plagiarized others work over the course of her yearslong academic career.

Harvard University President Claudine Gay speaks before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce at a hearing on the recent rise in antisemitism on college campuses on Dec. 5, 2023.

So far, the university is standing by Gay. An initial independent review found that her inadequate citations, while regrettable, did not constitute research misconduct, spokesperson Jason Newton said in a statement Thursday.

The review did little to satisfy the GOP-led education committee in the House of Representatives, which said Wednesday it will probe plagiarism and academic integrity standards at Harvard, citing its own power to oversee higher education programs. Thats on top of its ongoing investigation into the schools handling of antisemitism on campus.

"An allegation of plagiarism by a top school official at any university would be reason for concern, but Harvard is not just any university, wrote Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., in the Wednesday letter. It styles itself as one of the top educational institutions in the country."

Israel-Hamas war: Free-speech battles stirred at college campuses across US

Joshua Cowen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University, said he sees the ordeal as indicative of how the ecosystem of right-wing politics interacts with education.

I dont think you have to be a tinfoil conspiracy theorist to look at this for what it is, he said. These are professional political communicators.

Claudine Gay and plagiarism: What happened

Allegations of plagiarism in some of Gays work first surfaced well before her Dec. 5 congressional testimony.

According to Harvards Newton, a reporter at the conservative-leaning New York Post reached out to the university on Oct. 24 for comment about a story alleging she plagiarized portions of academic articles dating back to the 1990s. A few days later, Gay asked the universitys governing board to conduct an independent review, Newton said. That panel found no evidence of intentional deception or recklessness in Gays works. But it did find that Gay made regrettable and inadequate citation errors. She submitted two corrections on Dec. 14.

Legitimate allegations of plagiarism, a serious concern in the academic community, should be investigated carefully by individual schools and faculty, said Irene Mulvey, president of the American Association of University Professors.

The question is why the very public and breathless outrage targeting the first Black female president of Harvard, when we see little public outcry over the many individuals with no experience in higher education administration, or even in academia, being appointed to senior leadership positions with next-to-no scrutiny all over the country? she said.

Plagiarism accusations at Harvard: President Claudine Gay to remain, university leaders affirm support

Ivy League schools under microscope during Israel-Hamas war

The plagiarism accusations are also swirling at a time when college and university leaders nationwide are in the hot seat over their handling of disagreements over the Israel-Hamas war.

Since Oct. 7, antisemitic and Islamaphobic incidents on campuses have skyrocketed. Jewish and Muslim students are switching up their college admissions strategies. The federal government has launched a slew of civil rights investigations.

Students participate in a protest in support of Palestine and for free speech at Columbia University campus on November 14, 2023 in New York City.

Well before the Dec. 5 congressional hearing, conservative lawmakers were pouncing at the opportunity to criticize the schools  especially wealthy, highly selective ones  for allowing antisemitism to flourish on campus.

In the last few weeks, the criticism has been relentless.

Criticism of Gay follows DEI scrutiny

Some of the attacks on Gay reference her diversity, equity and inclusion work at Harvard before becoming president. Conservatives at the state and federal level have endeavored to disband diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on college campuses.

As of July, 40 such bills had been introduced across 23 states, seven of which passed, according to a Chronicle of Higher Education analysis. Just this week, Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, introduced a bill in Congress that would strip federal funding from universities that require DEI statements. Such statements typically ask students or job applicants to describe how their values or experiences promote DEI on campus.

Gay has been framed by her critics as a DEI crusader. Before being tapped president, Gay as a dean oversaw initiatives calling on the school to, for example, update visual signage in campus spaces so they displayed more women and people of color. She also helped lead a denaming effort focusing on locations and programs honoring individuals who held abhorrent beliefs. As part of her presidency, Gay now leads Harvards Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

Gays DEI initiatives are reflective of a national trend, with Harvard often seen as a bellwether for how higher education will respond to social justice issues. And the current attacks on Gay hint at what critics say are the underlying goals of the plagiarism accusations  part of a larger campaign to undermine the spread of DEI, and by extension progressive values, in higher education.

The campaign has already had some success. In Texas, a high-profile anti-DEI bill takes effect Jan. 1. Some campuses have, in preparation, already dissolved their multicultural centers and LGBTQ+ Pride Alliances. Others have scrapped DEI statements.

Harvards DEI office is a major contributing source of discriminatory practices on campus and highly damaging to the culture and sense of community, argued billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman in a recent open letter calling for Gay to step down. It is beyond repair and should be shut down.

Ongoing frustrations with universities handling of activism over the Israel-Hamas war are likely to fuel the anti-DEI legislative wave. The trend includes similar bills attempting to reduce academics and universities influence by restricting tenure, for example, and taxing endowments. This past January, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis began the process of overhauling New College, a public institution in Sarasota once known for its progressive politics. New College of Florida now has new trustees and a president who disbanded the institutions diversity and gender studies programming, in addition to other decisions such as the denial of tenure to faculty members who were set to receive it.

Duplicative language found in Gays dissertation

On the heels of her widely panned testimony in early December, Gay avoided calls for her ouster as alumni and faculty largely stood by her.

This week, however, she began to field new plagiarism accusations first surfaced by the Washington Free Beacon, a conservative news outlet. Though the university said some of the claims were meritless, a separate review of Gays dissertation  which is decades old  found it included duplicative language without appropriate attribution, Newton said.

An administrative subcommittee concluded no further action was required.

Some of the material in question in Gays dissertation came from a paper by Stephen Voss, who was a teaching fellow at Harvard when Gay was working on her doctorate, and Bradley Palmquist, who was a political science professor at Harvard at the time.

Voss told USA TODAY that Gay did use, almost verbatim, about a paragraph and a half from that paper.

That falls in my definition of plagiarism, said Voss, who is now an associate professor at the University of Kentucky. Ive been teaching students for more than a quarter century not to do that.

Still, he said, it was a small and trivial part of our paper, that didnt have any bearing on the quality or value of Gays work. Her dissertation was awarded a prize for Harvards best dissertation in political science in 1998.

For me to get outraged over an inconsequential paragraph and half, Voss said, would make me a jerk.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Harvard plagiarism claims add fire to GOP feeding frenzy on higher ed
Paris Shaw, 25, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his girlfriend at a Thanksgiving Day party in 2022. Bexar County Sheriff's Office / Bexar County Sheriff's Office

A Universal City man who held a gun between the eyes of his girlfriend and shot her when she told him to go ahead has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Paris Shaw, 25, pleaded guilty in connection with the fatal shooting of Joanna Baker, 22, at a party on Thanksgiving Day 2022. The exact offense to which he pleaded is aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury to a family member or dating partner.

Bexar County sheriffs deputies responding to a 911 call found Baker in a home on the far West Side with a gunshot wound to the forehead. She was bleeding from her nose and struggling to breathe. Baker was taken to a hospital and placed on life support. She later died.

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A woman told investigators she was inside the home in the 10600 block of Barbwire Pass at the time of the shooting. She said she heard four gunshots and then heard Shaw say, I shot her, I shot her. I thought the clip was empty. I didnt mean to do it, according to an arrest affidavit.

Another witness told investigators Shaw, also known as Sosa, had become loud and belligerent with Baker. Shaw left the room and returned with a small rifle without a stock, the witness said. Shaw then emptied out a few rounds, stood in front of his girlfriend, put the weapon between her eyes and threatened to pull the trigger, the affidavit stated.

At that moment, Baker allegedly told Shaw, Go ahead, I dont care, before he pulled the trigger.

Another witness told investigators the pair were arguing in a playful manner and Shaw asked Baker if she loved him as he placed the weapon to her head. Shaw removed the magazine from the weapon but did not clear the chamber to make sure there were no rounds in it, the witness said.

San Antonio Police Department officers arrested Shaw three days later while responding to an unrelated 911 call about a man looking into vehicles. He tried to flee but was captured. It was then that SAPD found out Shaw was wanted by the Bexar County Sheriffs Office as a suspect in Bakers death.

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Prosecutor Casey Sandoval and defense attorneys Robert Maurer II and Daniel De La Garza negotiated a plea agreement. As part of the deal, previous charges against Shaw of evading arrest, burglary and theft were dismissed.

State District Court Judge Jennifer Pena sentenced Shaw on Dec. 12, court records show. He will have to serve at least half his 25-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Semafor Signals

With insights from The Wall Street Journal, Middle East Monitor, The Soufan Center, and Le Monde

NEWS

Discussions about Gazas postwar future are gaining momentum even as fighting in the enclave intensified on Thursday and there was no breakthrough on a new ceasefire deal.

The U.S. said, however, that serious negotiations were taking place for another temporary truce and the release of more Israeli hostages.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Hamas in talks about how to govern Gaza

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Voice of America

Hamas is preparing for an end to the war. The militant group, whose political wing is based in Qatar, has started talks with the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization to determine a governance structure for the Gaza Strip after the conflict is over, The Wall Street Journal reported. Israel has said it does not want to reoccupy Gaza, meaning groups must establish a system to handle the enclaves affairs. Appointing the Palestinian Authority as a governing body in the area has been floated by Washington, but Israel opposes the plan.

Saudi think tank, France discuss Gaza plan

Sources: Le Monde

A Saudi Arabian think tank has developed a plan that would see Hamas leadership exiled to Algeria, and forge a multi-nation peacekeeping force led by Arab states, Frances Le Monde reported. The status of the proposal, which was developed during a meeting between officials from the French foreign affairs ministry and the director of the Gulf Research Center, is unclear. The document also raises the possibility of combining representatives from Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and Fatah to manage the Gaza Strip for four years and establish an elections structure.

US clashes with Netanyahu on two-state solution

Sources: Middle East Monitor, The Soufan Center

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state. Many nations, including the U.S., have backed a two-state solution as the way out of the conflict. But Netanyahu has resisted such calls, saying this week that he was proud that I prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state, a position that has created tension with Washington. Officials view Netanyahus stance as an obstacle to ending violence between Israel and Palestinians, The Soufan Center noted in a recent report: U.S. leaders might lack the leverage to compel Netanyahu to align his positions with theirs, leaving Washington with few options other than to hope for the collapse of Netanyahus governing coalition.
EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)  A man has been sentenced to prison after selling fentanyl in Luzerne County.

United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced 40-year-old Casey Read from Wilkes-Barre was sentenced on December 19 to 66 months in prison for selling more than 40 grams of fentanyl in Luzerne County.

According to U.S. Attorney Gerad M. Karam Read plead guilty to obtainng between 40 and 160 grams of fentanyl from his coconspirators 34-year-old Eric Hill from Plymouth and 37-year-old Candacelee Ellis from Plymouth.

Food stamp fraud investigation, nearly $500 stolen

Read distributed the fentanyl in the Luzerne County area in 2019 and 2020, Attorney Karam added.

U.S. Attorney Karam said Hill, Ellis, and Read were indicted by the grand jury in August of 2020.

Officals note Hill will serve 10 years in prison and Ellis will serve 30 months in prison for conspiring to selling fentanyl in Luzerne County.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Wayne Whitehead and his wife Lorna say the irate anonymous letter made them chuckle, but upset other neighbours - KENNEDY NEWS AND MEDIA

A car owner posted poison pen letters signed off with Merry Christmas, you Grinch through all their neighbours letterboxes after being told off about their parking in an unsigned note.

The note, written in capitals and left on the car in a street in Glossop, Derbyshire, politely asked the driver to kindly refrain from parking on the grass verge as it would make it look unsightly.

But the recipient photocopied the note and added their own angry reply. It demanded the culprit never put something on their new car as it is private property before declaring they can park where they want as they pay their road tax.

It warned they would double park so you cant get out in future, before signing off: Merry Christmas you Grinch!

As the car owner did not know who had posted the note, they sent their aggressive reply to the entire street.

Wayne Whitehead, 43, and his wife Lorna Hallsworth-Whitehead were among the neighbours who received the letter.

Mr Whitehead, a baker, said the unpleasant letter made him and his wife chuckle, but others living nearby, including those with dementia, found it upsetting and confusing.

Its obviously triggered someone

He added: My wife couldnt believe it when she read it. It wasnt us. Im up and out early in the morning and shes sorting the kids out for school. We havent got time to put notes on cars.

We have an inkling which neighbour it is [who left the first note]. We [know someone] whos a bit fussyand who doesnt like to see cars parked on the verges, quite rightly, because it damages them.

It gets annoying when people do park like that, but personally I wouldnt waste my time writing a letter. Theres more important things going on in the world.

Its obviously triggered someone, then theyve gone back in their house, wrote that letter, photocopied it and delivered it to all the houses.

For me, its just a laugh. It made me chuckle, especially the Merry Christmas you Grinch, but some other neighbours have been upset by it.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man accused of leading detectives on a chase while driving an ATV which led to a shooting has been arrested, according to the Mohave County Sheriffs Office.

The incident took place on Dec. 20, at 9 a.m. as detectives were following up on investigations in the area of 1st Street and North Mineral Road in Dolan Springs.

Detectives said they saw Edward Angelo, 27, who was known to the agency as having several felony warrants and was wanted in the questioning of an investigation.

When detectives attempted to make contact with Angelo, he left the scene driving away in an ATV.

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After a brief chase, the ATV became disabled and that is when police allege Angelo began shooting at detectives.

That is when detectives said they returned fire and Angelo left the scene on foot.

A short time later Angelo was arrested without further incident, police said.

The detectives involved were placed on paid administrative leave as the Kingman Police Department handles the investigation.

Dolan Springs, Arizona is located more than 80 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. (WAVY)  A 35-year-old man faces nearly a hundred felony charges after a slew of thefts in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head.

In a joint release, police from both Outer Banks towns said Gray, a Nags Head resident, was arrested Nov. 28 after an extensive investigation.

We are proud of the seamless cooperation between our two police departments in

bringing this individual to justice, said Nags Head Police Chief Perry Hale, This

collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to safeguarding our residents and

maintaining a secure environment for everyone in the Outer Banks region.

Gray faces 48 felonies and 15 misdemeanors related to cases in Kill Devil Hills, and 50 felonies and 15 misdemeanors in Nags Head. They include felony breaking and entering of vehicles and businesses, felony larceny of a firearm, financial card theft and possession of stolen goods.

Police didnt go into detail about Grays methods or what exactly he took, but thanked the communitys cooperation in the case.

The swift resolution of this case demonstrates the effectiveness of community engagement and law enforcement working together to address criminal behavior.

Anyone with additional information in the case is asked to call the Nags Head Police Department at 252-441-6386 or the Kill Devil Hills Police Department at 252-449-5337.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
The biggest problem the world will face in 20 years, according to Elon Musk, is population collapse. In Japan, he says, nappies for adults now outsell those for children and he sees the same trend threatening the rest of the world. Hes hardly alone: fears of demographic decline are growing across Europe. But what should be a dry, statistical topic is being treated as a dangerous conspiracy theory of the far-Right  as I found out a few weeks ago.;

I was invited to chair a discussion in Westminster about the birth gap on a cross-party panel. The speakers included Miriam Cates, a Tory MP, and Labours Rosie Duffield. Just before the debate started, we were told that Duffield had received so many online threats for even agreeing to appear on the panel that she had to pull out. This gave a certain samizdat feel to the debate. We had come to discuss whether the low birth rate is a problem and what, if anything, government should do about it. A debate which, it seems, some people believed should not be allowed to take place.

There were no radicals or skinheads in the room. The panel included an actuary and a filmmaker, Stephen Shaw, who ran through his argument. The audience was young, by Westminster standards: perhaps more religious than average (I saw one gentleman in a cassock) but everyone there had come to hear a debate now being held world over.

Italys birth figures were out this week: yet again, the lowest in its history. For every child under six years old, there are over five elderly people, reports La Stampa. In 1971, this ratio was one to one. Right now, there are three workers supporting every pensioner but this ratio is projected to fall closer to 1:1 by 2050. At which point the welfare state collapses.

Japan was churning out two million babies a year in the 1970s: now, its fewer than 800,000. Studies suggest that a third of its women may never have children. Its prime minister describes this as an existential threat. Emmanuel Macrons attempts to get ahead of all this by cutting pension allowances brought such protests that the streets of Paris ended up aflame. Norways childrens minister has been begging families to have a third child (she herself has six), so why the silence in Britain? Are we running scared from the topic  and from asking what can be done?

Most people now live in countries with a fertility rate lower than that required to sustain the population without immigration: 2.1 per woman. The UKs ratio is 1.55 and it already shows. School rolls, for example, are now understood to be in terminal decline. But this trend is barely discussed in Westminster.

You can understand the hesitation. The subject can (and does) attract nutcases muttering about cultural decay, decadence and young ladies having too much fun. Dark corners of the internet are rife with theories about a great replacement, with elites using immigration to keep the economy going rather than help families. In France, Marine Le Pen regards birth rate increases as an economic policy. In Germany, the AfD bemoans the increase of childless families. Even Donald Trump has been toying with this, saying that illegal immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country.

Hungary is a rare success story, with heavy childcare subsidies leading to a rise in its birth rate. A triumphant Viktor Orban has celebrated by hosting the Budapest Demographic Summit every two years. All this has bolstered the view that demographics is a pet subject for national populists and is only ever discussed by the swivel-eyed.

But if the past few years in Europe have taught us anything about populists, its that they only thrive when important topics are kept off the agenda by established parties. What is disparaged as natalism is basic policy in much of the democratic world. So its hard to close down this discussion. The only choice is between handing the whole agenda to conspiracy theorists  or talking about it sensibly.

Will Britains social fabric come apart if immigrants provide most of the new babies, as is predicted to happen before too long? We dont need to wonder: this is already the case in London where 60 per cent of children have foreign-born mothers. The city is hardly in crisis.

And how seriously should we take demographic forecasts anyway? Their track record is abysmal: it wasnt so long ago that they were predicting a population bomb. This led to needless panic that, tragically, China took seriously with a one-child policy aimed at solving a problem that was never going to arise. And if richer societies have lower birth rates because women have far more options, is this really such a bad thing?

Its also far from clear how many of the problems ascribed to low birth rates are genuinely connected to them. Britain certainly does have a worker shortage crisis and huge immigration. But this is more to do with a dysfunctional welfare system that keeps 5.5 million on out-of-work benefits. We will soon have a pension crisis (with a cost surge expected after the election), but the fault here lies with the Tory habit of bribing the elderly at election time with triple lock pledges.

The idea of an Orban-style subsidy being the answer is hard to square with what happens elsewhere. In the debate I chaired, Stephen Shaw pointed out that natalist policies havent really worked anywhere. The Do it for Denmark campaign was a flop; Swedens famous paternity leave hasnt stopped its steady birth decline. South Korea has sunk an almighty $200 billion into this since 2006 and succeeded only in beating its own record for the worlds lowest birth rate, year after year  casting serious doubt on the idea that cash incentives work.

And the missing factor in the debate? Those who dont regret not having children and still live happy, fulfilled lives. Its a growing trend that may very well be beyond the limits of government control. So this is what the natalism debate is about: not wacky birth control theories but important questions about the structure and future of society, family and the welfare state. It matters. And politicians who wont address these issues may well end up forced to make way for those who will.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
California lawmakers are gearing up to curb the downsides of artificial intelligence, but a new POLITICO|Morning Consult poll of registered voters shows their constituents are split about how the technology will affect their lives and their jobs.

A plurality of registered voters, 43 percent, said they expect AI  where machines are taught to learn from data  to have a positive impact on their lives, while 39 percent said they expect a negative impact, and 18 percent expect it to have none at all.

The results of the survey, taken Dec. 15-19, come weeks before Californias legislators return to Sacramento for the start of the new session, where theyre expected to consider at least a dozen proposals to regulate artificial intelligence. Labor and equity groups are already warning the technology could displace workers and pose threats to vulnerable communities, and the new poll found that roughly half of the state's registered voters share similar worries.

The POLITICO|Morning Consult poll found that about half of registered voters were somewhat or very concerned about their jobs being replaced by artificial intelligence in the next five years, while the other half were not.

Next year will be a critical time for lawmakers to consider where to make space for positive innovation and where to place checks on AI, said Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), the newly-installed chair of the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection.

Californians are clearly demanding a balanced approach to regulating artificial intelligence, Bauer-Kahan said in a statement. We should learn from our mistakes failing to regulate social media and be proactive. Californians should not be forced to sacrifice their privacy or their safety when they access any tool, no matter how useful.

The long list of proposals the Legislature will consider next year includes union-backed bills to limit the fallout for workers at risk of losing their jobs to the quickly evolving technology. Gov. Gavin Newsom this year vetoed a bill that would have required a human safety driver in self-driving trucks, despite support from the powerful Teamsters union, and labor interests are already banding together to make sure their agenda isnt thwarted by the tech lobby next year.

Californias Silicon Valley has been the epicenter of the AI boom, with products like ChatGPT quickly changing the technology landscape and prompting both state and federal officials to take notice.

President Joe Biden has made incremental progress on regulation, passing a blueprint of guidelines in 2022 and signing an executive order on artificial intelligence this year. But in the absence of meaningful laws from Congress, any bills California passes are likely to set the tone for national standards.
Krys Bedeker and her family received a most wonderful Christmas present on Nov. 1. It was that day when her son, Richie Carpenter, came home from the hospital.

It's a very blessed Christmas, Bedeker said recently. I'm so grateful.

Richie Carpenter, seated, is able to enjoy Christmas at home with his family after surviving a motorcycle crash in July. With Carpenter are, from left, his brother Ryan, family friend Mike Kennedy, mother Krys Bedeker and stepfather Roger Bedeker.

Carpenter was driving his motorcycle on July 15 when he was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Route 66 and Illinois 23.

Carpenter was found bleeding, unconscious in the middle of the intersection with multiple injuries.

Because it this is a Christmas story, it only makes sense that there is an angel. Cody Hahn is that angel, certainly as far as Carpenter's family is concerned.

Hahn, a first responder with Kempton Fire Department, happened onto the scene immediately after the accident and jumped into action.

I realized there wasn't much of his leg left and from (my training) I knew I had to stop the bleeding. The only thing I had was my belt, so I took my belt off and wrapped it around his leg. That's about all I could do.

For those who believe that God has a plan for everything, it was easy to see how this one was playing out.

The good Lord upstairs had a plan for me to be there, Hahn said. I just happened to be there. I'm glad I could help save his life.

Hahn was presented with a commendation from Pontiac Fire Chief Jacob Campbell on Nov. 20 for his actions in coming to Carpenter's aid.

Cody Hahn, right, was presented with a commendation from Pontiac Fire Chief Jacob Campbell, left, on Nov. 20 for his actions in coming to Richie Carpenter's aid after an accident in July.

Carpenter was first taken to OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center and then life flighted to OSF Saint Francis in Peoria. He lost his right leg, but his life was saved.

It's a miracle that he's still here, Ryan Carpenter, Richie's younger brother, said. When I saw him (that first time), I didn't think I was going to see him again.

Krys and Roger Bedeker (Richie's step-father) were in Bloomington when they received a call from Ryan about the accident. They immediately headed to Peoria, where Richie had been life-flighted. The family made daily trips to Peoria for nearly two months.

Richie was in intensive care for six weeks and then was moved to transitional care for two weeks before eventually making it to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, which is part of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in Chicago.

There was a question on whether Richie was even going to make it. According to the family, staff at Saint Francis was pushing for the family to pull the plug. He had been in a coma and hadn't seemingly come out of it. It was the hospital's belief that Richie wasn't going to make it because he really hadn't shown any outward signs of response.

But Richie's sister, Tara, asked some questions. Tara is a nurse and posed the thought of pulling back on the sedative he was being given. This was done and Richie began coming to.

I didn't know, I walked in the room like I did every day and said, 'Hey, brother, what's up?' and boom, his eyes popped open, and I was like  it freaked me out, Ryan Carpenter said when he first received a reaction from his brother.

Richie Carpenter made it to Shirley Ryan for therapy on Sept. 7. He stayed there until Nov. 1 when he made it home.

I feel pretty good right now, Richie Carpenter said recently. It took me awhile to get used to everything. I've fallen a few times but I'm getting better."

Since he has been home, Richie has also been under the care of a longtime friend, Mike Kennedy.

Just hanging out with a friend, that's all, Kennedy said.

A positive approach to his situation has been a blessing that has helped with recovery, Richie said. It has infected his family, as well. Krys said that Richie's been upbeat the whole time he's been awake. He's even been able to take the situation in stride.

At least I can smile and laugh about everything now and joke around, Richie said. It helps, it really does.

Richie has been making a number of trips between Chicago and Pontiac to be fitted for therapy. On Dec. 20, he went back to be fitted for a prosthetic leg.

That's going to be a game-changer, Richie said. Just being able to walk again is going to be something special.

The new prosthetic will be computerized, which will help in Richie's transition to being able to walk again.

I think the accident has brought everybody closer together as a family, Roger Bedeker said. I think we have always cared about each other, but I think with this accident, it's more than caring now.

We appreciate everything more now, it's clearer to us, Krys added.

Now, with Christmas here, there is only one thing on Richie's mind  what will he do about his gift-giving.

I'm really lucky, I'm lucky I made it, Richie said. I'm still here. I don't know what I'm going to do for Christmas presents.

You're it, you're our Christmas present, Ryan answered.

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Illinois man providing 'best Christmas ever' after surviving crash
Ukraine's former President Petro Poroshenko received $1 million from Hungary due to interest earned on foreign investments, Poroshenko's party, European Solidarity, said in a statement on Dec. 21.

Reports emerged earlier on Dec. 21 that Poroshenko had declared assets amounting to $1 million from the Hungarian Finance Ministry between October and November 2023. Poroshenko had attempted to visit Hungary on Dec. 1 but was stopped at Ukraine's border.

Poroshenko said that border guards prevented him from leaving the country even though he had previously received official permission. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it had requested that his permission be canceled due to a planned meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

According to the SBU, Russian intelligence services planned to leverage the meeting for propaganda purposes. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Budapest has repeatedly obstructed EU support for Kyiv while maintaining ties with Moscow.

Ukraine's public asset declaration website shows that Poroshenko declared Hr 517,173 ($13,755) on Oct. 23. The income was labeled as "interest" and its source was listed as the Hungarian Finance Ministry.

One month later, on Nov. 24, Poroshenko similarly declared Hr 1,036,940 ($27,579). Another 36,067,500 ($959,265) was declared the same day as "bond redemption," with the Hungarian Finance Ministry again as the source.

European Solidarity said that the interest earned by foreign investments went to funding the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and "independent professional advisers" are responsible for making foreign investment decisions.

"Poroshenko will continue to look for and find sources of funding for programs to strengthen the country's defense capabilities, and securities will remain one of the tools for obtaining funds for the Armed Forces in this program," European Solidarity said in the statement.

The party also said that Poroshenko pays income taxes and military duty on both Ukrainian and foreign securities, contributing to the Ukrainian state treasury.

Orban commented on Poroshenko's attempted visit to Hungary during a press conference on Dec. 21.

Though it was "reasonable" that there were travel restrictions during wartime, Orban claimed he questioned Ukraine's ambitions for EU membership if "the meeting of a citizen of Ukraine with the Prime Minister of Hungary poses a threat to national security."

Read also: Orban claims Russian invasion of Ukraine is not war

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Department of Public Safety troopers stand guard over migrants in a detention area Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. William Luther Diego Garcia and Antly Larez watch over their son, Luis Garcia, 18, as he sleeps amid the chaos at Mission Border Hope in Eagle Pass. Jessica Phelps Yirlenis Fernandez waits with her 18 month old daughter, Aiverlin Bustamante, at Mission Border Hope for their bus to take them to Denver. Jessica Phelps A Customs and Border Protection officer talks on a megaphone to migrants in a detention area Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. William Luther Congressman Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, speaks to media at a detention area for Migrants in Eagle Pass on December 20, 2023. Jessica Phelps Border Patrol agents carry a migrant on a stretcher from the outdoor detention area in Eagle Pass. Jessica Phelps Migrants stand in a detention area as the sun sets Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. William Luther Jesus Bustamante holds his 18 month old daughter, Aiverlin Bustamante, while he and his partner, Yirlenis Fernandez, wait at Mission Border Hope for their bus to take them to Denver. Jessica Phelps Migrants use charging stations at Mission Border Hope, a shelter in Eagle Pass that helps migrants organize the next leg of their travel in the United States. Jessica Phelps Migrants wait for busses at Mission Border Hope, a shelter that helps migrants get to the next step in their journey. Jessica Phelps Ana Ordonez puts her daughter, Valeria Ordonezs, hair into a pony tail while they wait for a bus to take them to San Antonio. Ordonez and her daughter arrived in Eagle Pass from Guatamala. Jessica Phelps Migrants use charging stations at Mission Border Hope, a shelter in Eagle Pass that helps migrants organize the next leg of their travel in the United States. Jessica Phelps Migrants use charging stations at Mission Border Hope, a shelter in Eagle Pass that helps migrants organize the next leg of their travel in the United States. Jessica Phelps Migrants stand in a detention area early Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. Jessica Phelps Diego Garcia and Antly Larez watch over their son, Luis Garcia, 18, as he sleeps amid the chaos at Mission Border Hope in Eagle Pass. Jessica Phelps

EAGLE PASS  Several thousand migrants huddled together on the grassy incline between this border citys two international bridges Wednesday, part of a surge of asylum-seekers thats overwhelmed the Border Patrol and local officials in recent days.

Among the migrants were Yilenis Fernandez, her partner, Jose de Jesus Bustamante, and their 18-month-old daughter, Aiverlin. The couple said it took Border Patrol agents five hours to process them  but that it felt like hours longer in the cold, which was far chillier than theyd experienced in their native Venezuela. They had on thin sweatshirts and were wrapped in silvery mylar blankets to keep warm.

And our clothes were wet from crossing the river, Fernandez said.

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Yet they considered themselves fortunate. Other asylum-seekers at the Mission Border Hope Shelter had spent days waiting between the bridges to be processed by the Border Patrol, then taken to a detention center and finally released to the shelter.

Earlier in the day, semitrucks slowly lurched across the Camino Real International Bridge, their brakes squeaking to a halt as traffic from Piedras Negras, Mexico, slowly made its way into Texas. Vehicle traffic had been reduced from six lanes to one so customs agents could help process the thousands of people waiting to request asylum under the shadow of the bridge.

The neighboring Union Pacific International Railroad Bridge was deserted. U.S. Customs and Border Protection suspended international railroad crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso on Monday in an attempt to quell the smuggling of migrants through Mexico to the Texas border via train.

From Saturday to Monday, nearly 10,000 migrants turned themselves in to immigration authorities in Eagle Pass after crossing the Rio Grande, according to state Rep. Eddie Morales Jr., D-Eagle Pass.

On Tuesday, as many as 5,000 migrants turned themselves in at this city of less than 30,000 people. Roughly the same number of asylum-seekers were expected to cross into Eagle Pass on Wednesday.

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Fernando, a 29-year-old from Venezuela who declined to give his last name, spent three nights outside, sleeping on the ground. We werent even given crackers, he said.

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, told reporters Wednesday that migrants were given bean and cheese tacos. As he spoke feet from the de facto holding area between the bridges, two men were carried up the embankment to receive medical treatment.

The situation at the border is not sustainable, Gonzales said. We are beyond a breaking point. We are already there.

Migrants at the Mission Border Hope Shelter said there seemed to be no rhyme or reason for how Border Patrol agents were processing people, though they said families with children were given priority.

The Border Patrol separated Fernando and his wife, directing them to wait in specific lines for women and men. The Border Patrol eventually released his wife in Del Rio, but Fernando didnt have money to hire a driver to take him there. He didnt know how they would reunite.

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Del Rio, which also sits on the border, is 55 miles northwest of Eagle Pass.

Fernando hoped that after finding his wife, they could get on one of the state-sponsored charter buses to New York as part of Gov. Greg Abbotts Operation Lone Star.

Bustamante and Fernandez were waiting for a free charter bus to Denver.

Other migrants said they had to pay $70 for the shelter to transport them to San Antonio International Airport. Two women, who identified themselves as ride-hail drivers, offered to shuttle migrants to the San Antonio airport for no more than $50.

CBP has not released official apprehension figures for November or for the first half of December. But from how things look on the ground, it appears that crossings will outpace those from December 2022, when hte Border Patrol apprehended 51,701 migrants in the Del Rio sector, which includes Eagle Pass.

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In recent years, this sector has come to rival traditional migration corridors such as the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso.

In September, Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas Jr. issued an emergency declaration after more than 4,000 migrants crossed into the city within a two-day span. The declaration allowed the city to tap state and federal dollars.

Salinas could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit and pro-immigration advocacy group, attributed this weeks mass crossing to the spread of misinformation among migrants that U.S. authorities soon will close the border and that the CBP One app will shut down.

Since January, migrants have used the government app to make appointments to meet with immigration officers to seek asylum.

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In other words, smugglers are capitalizing on Senate negotiations to tell migrants, Cross now, Reichlin-Melnick posted to X.

The U.S. Senate has yet to reach a border security deal that could potentially limit the number of migrants eligible for asylum at the border.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Tuesday took to social media to say that the CBP One app would continue to work in 2024. No hagas caso a las mentiras de los traficantes, the embassy advised. Dont believe the smugglers lies.

Victor Villalobos had heard other migrants mention the possibility that the app would go out of service as their reason for leaving for the U.S. in recent weeks. But like many Venezuelans, Villalobos left months earlier out of desperation. He wants work and a chance for a better life.

He said he was headed to San Antonio, where he would take whatever opportunity came his way.

Morales, the state lawmaker, attributed the increase in arrivals to Abbotts order this month to the Texas Department of Public Safety to inspect all commercial traffic entering Texas through the Del Rio and Eagle Pass ports of entry. That has brought northbound traffic to a standstill.

DPS said it started inspecting semis and other commercial vehicles last Friday.

That was done with state leadership under the belief that they were not getting enough help from their counterparts in Mexico, Morales said. And I think now youre seeing the response, which is, Look, we were working well with you all. If you dont think we were doing enough, this is what can happen.

Morales suspects that Mexican immigration officials in the state of Coahuila have cut back their efforts to limit the flow of migrants to the border.

He said the DPS inspections are hurting both countries economies. About 60% of the city of Eagle Pass operating revenue comes from bridge tolls, Morales said.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man is in custody after trying to sell a stolen construction tool worth several thousand dollars Tuesday night, according to Oregon State Police.

Portland resident Jeremy Sells, 41, faces a charge of first-degree theft along with an outstanding warrant. According to police, the tool had been stolen in Clark County in June 2023.

Multnomah County deputies investigate murder that led to chase, suicide

Officials say Sells was also arrested in June for trying to sell another tool stolen from the same victim.

Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
To the outside world, he was an introverted loner, but online the Prague University gunman was not shy about sharing his sick fantasies to kill.

David Kozak used online platform Telegram to muse on massacres and mass murder, while also boasting of his plans to carry out a school shooting, according to Czech media.

He said his Telegram channel would be a diary of his life before the shooting.

I want to do school shooting and possibly suicide, the 24-year-old wrote in one chilling post, before adding: I always wanted to kill. I thought I would become a maniac in the future.

Kozak went on to praise Ilznaz, which is thought to be a reference to Ilznaz Galyaviev, 19, who murdered nine in a 2021 attack on his former school in Kazan, Russia.

When Ilznaz did the shooting, I realised it was much more profitable to do mass murders than serial ones, he said.

He also wrote approvingly of Russian school shooter Alina Afanaskina, whom he said helped me too much.

The 14-year-old schoolgirl shot dead another student and wounded five others with her fathers pump-action shotgun before turning the weapon on herself in the city of Bryansk earlier this month.

It was as if she had come to my aid from heaven just in time, he posted.

The Czech authorities were quick to rule out any links to international terror organisations after the attack.

Kozak during the gun rampage at Prague University

An introverted type

Kozak, dressed in black and armed with a rifle, certainly seems to fit the profile of a lone gunman.

The student had no criminal record but, as a legal gun owner, he had an interest in weaponry.

He had a bachelors degree in history and European studies, and continued with a masters degree, focusing on the history of Poland.

Kozak would travel the 13 miles from his home to Prague for lectures at Charles Universitys Faculty of Arts. It appears he lived in the central Bohemian village of Hostoun with his father in a large family house.

He was an introverted type, strange probably like any other nerd, one resident told local media.

The family seemed normal. We went to their cottage years ago. His dad used to be mines boss and they were friends outside of work, including his wife.

What exactly happened on the morning of Dec 21 is not yet clear. What has been established is that Kozak murdered his father before heading to Prague.

Czech police learned that he was heading to the capital and planned to take his own life.

Crazed ambition

Suicide featured heavily in Kozaks social media posts, where he poured out his darkest thoughts.

He was due to attend a lecture at 2pm and opened fire just before 3pm.

In the bloodshed that followed, he fulfilled his crazed ambition to become a mass murderer.

As police swarmed towards him, he is said to have turned his weapon on himself and inflicted what was described as a devastating injury after a shootout with officers.

It is thought he may have been shot by police first before he killed himself to avoid arrest.

Kozak kept his Telegram channel private until just before his attack, when he made it open to read.

Posts taken from it spread across social media, granting him the notoriety he clearly craved, as news of the Czech Republics worst-ever mass shooting emerged.

His chilling diary has now been taken down, but not before he had opened a chapter of pain and grief for the friends and families of his many victims.

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Hundreds of protesters waving Palestinian flags gathered outside the school on Thursday morning

A school has been forced to close early for Christmas by a pro-Palestine protest after parents were threatened with referral to Prevent.

Barclay Primary School, in east London, warned of escalating threats against staff following a row over a pupil who refused to take off a Palestinian badge on his coat.

The boy, whose mother is from Gaza, was forced to eat lunch and play away from other pupils, and was eventually excluded from the school, according to his family.

They have said he was trying to show empathy for family members killed in the conflict in Gaza and have accused the school of Islamophobia and criminalising their son.

The school, one of the largest primaries in the country, said it was merely enforcing its apolitical code of behaviour, and claimed it had been the victim of malicious fabrications spread on social and other media.

Children used as political pawns

Barclay Primary sent a letter to parents on Nov 17, seen by The Telegraph, warning that pupils had attended Children In Need day dressed in Palestinian colours.

The letter warned against adults using children as political pawns, and concluded: Extremist or divisive comments can and will lead to formal meetings with the school, referrals to the Prevent team or the hate crime team in Waltham Forest.

Prevent is the Governments multi-agency programme to tackle the ideological causes of terrorism.

A letter from the school to parents on Oct 16, days after the Hamas massacre, complained about comments posted in parents WhatsApp groups, and also made reference to Prevent.

Last month, dozens of parents responded with a joint letter accusing the schools leadership of being selectively apolitical, citing a letter from the school in March 2022 which appeared to express solidarity with Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

The row came to a head this week with a planned protest at the school gates on Thursday morning, prompting Barclay Primary School to announce it was closing early for Christmas.

The demonstration attracted more than 100 protesters chanting slogans both relating to the boy in question and more generally about Israels war in Gaza.

Most of the lampposts in the streets surrounding the school in Leyton have been hung with Palestinian flags.

Were really angry

Speaking outside the school gates, the pupils father claimed his son, who has now not attended the school for weeks, had been given an adults jacket and paraded in front of the other children.

Were really angry. Weve lost family members [in Gaza], he said. I think this is because of discrimination and Islamophobia.

He claimed the schools October threat to involve Prevent stemmed from a message his wife posted on one of the parents WhatsApp groups in the run-up to Children In Need day, asking fellow parents to remember the young people killed in Gaza.

BREAKING: Parents are protesting outside London's Barclay Primary School amid a row with Muslim parents over alleged anti-Palestine censorship. pic.twitter.com/32E8XEV74K  5Pillars (@5Pillarsuk) December 21, 2023

The mother said: It is disheartening to witness such a lack of empathy and understanding, especially in times of crisis.

The additional burden of family pressures from Gaza has only added to our stress as parents.

She claimed her son had been traumatised after being emotionally abused through a series of punishments.

Both parents have claimed an arrangement for homework to be sent to the boy while he was excluded had broken down.

Misinformation is being used

In a statement on Wednesday, Lion Academy Trust, the schools parent body, denied any mistreatment of the pupil, saying the allegation had been investigated by external safeguarding authorities and found to be false.

In the light of escalating threats against staff and the school, based on malicious fabrications being broadcast by various media outlets, the Lion Academy Trust will be closing the school from 20th December 2023 to all parents and pupils for the Christmas break, a statement read.

This decision has been made after careful reflection and because we need the school to be a safe place for the children and staff.

It added: It is very unfortunate and distressing that misinformation is being used to target a primary school.

We are bound by our legal duty under Prevent and whilst we have never reported anyone to Prevent at the school, and would not wish to do so, we are seeking to be transparent by making individuals aware of the schools legal obligations.

The protest was organised following numerous videos posted on the social media platform TikTok by a user calling himself Zaki who has more than 80,000 followers.

In one clip, he discusses a trustee of Lion Academy who is also a director of an orthodox Jewish primary school.

This was referred to in a further letter to parents from the school on Dec 18 entitled False and Malicious allegations being made on social media platforms.

In some of his other videos, Zaki has described cutting off male friends for going to watch the recent Barbie movie, asking: Are you gay?, and saying: Our ancestors fought wars and built empires just for you to sit in a cinema in pink outfits and watch a movie that victimises and villainises and slanders the existence of men.

Barclay Primary School was at the centre of another row with Muslim parents in 2015 when it banned pupils from fasting during Ramadan.

The trust did not respond to a request by The Telegraph to respond to specific allegations made by parents.

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A photo taken for the Texas State Parks photo competition. The photo won the grand prize for the entire competition. Sam Holm | Texas State Parks photo competition

After a yearlong competition, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department chose its winner in the Texas State Parks Centennial Photo Contest.

The contest came as part of TPWD's festivities celebrating 100 years of state parks. The winner, a photograph taken by Sam Holm of North Texas, beat 17 other finalists to win the grand prize, according to a TPWD news release. More than 6,000 entries were reviewed by a panel of judges, who narrowed the field before a public vote gave Holm the top honors.

Holm and his family will get a Texas State Parks pass, a $500 gift card from H-E-B donated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and a VIP curated experience in a state park.

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The photo is a part of a new family tradition, Holm told TPWD, and the Holms are "avid state park fans."

"We took our first jump photo at Enchanted Rock," Holm says in the TPWD release. "We decided to try it again at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. We got it in one take."

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department thanked all the contestants.

"There are thousands of special moments happening every day at Texas state parks and we feel privileged to be part of that," Whitney Bishop, TPWD social media coordinator, said in a statement.
SPRINGDALE, Md. (DC News Now)  Police said that an 18-year-old was in custody after he brought a gun to a Prince Georges County high school on Thursday.

The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) was notified around 8:20 a.m. that a security officer took a gun from 18-year-old KeShawn Reeves at Charles Herbert Flowers High School.

PGPD said that the gun was loaded.

Two people in hospital after Prince Georges County shooting

Police said that Reeves, who is a student, will be charged with handgun on person, dangerous weapon on school property, loaded handgun on person, and other charges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Glynn Simmons reacts after Judge Amy Palumbo ruled to approve his actual innocence claim in Oklahoma courthouse - DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN

An American prisoner has been exonerated after spending 48 years behind bars on a mistaken murder charge, the longest wrongful sentence ever served in the US.

Glynn Simmons, 70, was convicted in 1975 of the murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers after she was shot dead in a liquor store robbery in the suburbs of Oklahoma City a year earlier.

But he was declared innocent on Tuesday, having been freed in July when a judge ordered a new trial over the case.

The decision came after it emerged that prosecutors had not turned over all evidence to defence lawyers during Mr Simmonss trial nearly five decades ago, including that a witness had identified other suspects.

This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offence for which Mr Simmons was convicted, sentenced and imprisoned... was not committed by Mr Simmons, Oklahoma district judge Amy Palumbo ruled, declaring no new trial was required.

Mr Simmons, who is battling liver cancer, served 48 years, one month and 18 days since his conviction, making him the longest imprisoned US inmate to be exonerated, according to data kept by the National Registry of Exonerations.

This is a day weve been waiting on for a long, long time. We can say justice was done today, finally, he said following Judge Palumbos ruling.

Whats been done cant be undone but there could be accountability. Thats what Im about right now. Accountability, Mr Simmons added.

Its a lesson in resilience and tenacity. Dont let nobody tell you that it cant happen, because it really can.

Police mugshot of Glynn Simmons from the time of his arrest in 1975

Mr Simmons was 22 when he and co-defendant Don Roberts were convicted of murder and initially sentenced to death.

Their sentences were reduced to life in prison in 1977 after US Supreme Court rulings related to capital punishment. Roberts was released on parole in 2008.

Prosecutors said the two men had entered the liquor store shortly after 9pm on 30 Dec 1974 before one of them shot and killed Ms Rogers, 30, who was working behind the till.

The only witness who identified Mr Simmons and Mr Roberts as the robbers was a teenage customer who was shot in the head during the incident, but survived.

A subsequent investigation cast significant doubt on the reliability of her identifications in a police identity parade when it was revealed she had also picked out other men.

Mr Simmons always denied murdering Ms Rogers and said he had been in his home state of Louisiana when the shooting happened.

Robert Mildfelt, who prosecuted the case, wrote letters to the Oklahoma parole board in the 1990s casting doubt on the conviction.

He said the teenage eyewitness had needed to think about her identification overnight and that Mr Simmons was much slimmer than the tall, heavy-set man she had identified him as.

In July, Mr Simmons was released from prison nearly half a century after his conviction when a district court ruled prosecutors in the original case had not handed over all their evidence to his defence lawyers.

Glynn Simmons outside Oklahoma County Courthouse after being declared innocent - DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN

District Attorney Vicki Behenna said the evidence included a police report that detailed how the teenage eyewitness had identified multiple other men in the identity parades.

That had cast a shadow over his right to a fair trial, she said.

Ms Behenna in September said there was no longer physical evidence in the case against Mr Simmons and announced she would not retry him, though she opposed declaring him actually innocent.

But Judge Palumbo, who had initially ordered a new trial for Simmons, has now ruled that the case will be dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be retried.

Those wrongly convicted in Oklahoma are eligible for up to $175,000 (138,000) in compensation.

The ruling also opened the door for a federal lawsuit against Oklahoma City and law enforcement involved in Mr Simmonss arrest and conviction, defence attorney Joe Norwood said on Wednesday.

Mr Simmons has raised almost $75,000 (59,000) via an online fundraiser to help him find his feet in the outside world.

I plan to use my remaining time to help others who are still stuck where I was, he said. We need to fix this system so that what happened to me will never happen to anyone else, ever again.

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Migrants gather outside San Antonio's Migrant Resource Center on Thursday. City officials say they are tracking the situation at the border, but haven't yet seen a new influx of migrants into San Antonio. Billy Calzada/Staff photographer

San Antonio is waiting to see if a new wave of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border will make its way to the Alamo City.

Thousands of migrants have flooded across the border and into Texas this week, overwhelming Border Patrol agents and local officials in Eagle Pass and other parts of South Texas.

Previous surges have seen thousands of migrants brought to San Antonio by bus or airplane  but as of Wednesday afternoon, there were few signs of a major influx at Centro de Bienvenida, the citys facility charged with assisting people as they make their way to out-of-town family and asylum court hearings.

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At the center, migrants can consult an attorney on legal questions about their asylum cases, talk with a counselor and get money for bus and plane tickets. The facility, which has a 700-person occupancy limit, provides meals to asylum-seekers in the center and its parking lot, and lets people access showers and restrooms. The city opened the center at 7000 San Pedro Ave. in July 2022 and handed off day-to-day operations to Catholic Charities of San Antonio in September last year.

Several buses arrived at the center on Tuesday evening, and another arrived on Wednesday afternoon. But several immigrants waiting outside the property said the number of people arriving wasnt out of the ordinary, and the number of migrants outside on Wednesday morning was significantly smaller than the crowd the previous night.

City must balance compassion with limited resources

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh visited the center Tuesday evening to see the situation firsthand. He told the San Antonio Express-News that city officials are uncertain when or if an influx of immigrants will arrive in San Antonio.

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Were trying to get information from the federal government, Walsh said. Were seeing by watching the news like everybody else.

Walsh speculated that the buses arriving on Tuesday evening might have been operated by nonprofit groups that are working to assist migrants at the border.

Roland Martinez, a spokesperson for the citys Department of Human Services, said Wednesday that city officials have not seen a significant increase in arrivals to San Antonio.

Martinez said San Antonios leaders are aware of the situation at the border and of the number of individuals who are being processed daily, but city officials dont know where they will go and when, Martinez said in a written statement.

The city and Catholic Charities will continue to operate the Migrant Resource Center using existing resources and services at capacity for as long as it is able, he said. San Antonio must balance compassion with limited resources.

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Catholic Charities representatives didnt respond Wednesday to requests for comment.

MORE COVERAGE: Smugglers marched migrants through Texas desert, left stragglers to die

Waiting outside, looking for help

Far fewer immigrants crowded the centers gates on Wednesday morning than the night before. Inside the property, people were wrapped in blue or black blankets provided by the center. Some wore plain heather white sweatshirts and sweatpants also distributed by the center, causing many families to match while sitting on the curb or waiting in the parking lot of the shopping center across the street.

Outside the center Wednesday afternoon, a migrant from Colombia who gave his name only as Diego waited excitedly for his wife and children to arrive by bus.

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Diego, who is living in California, said he hadnt seen his family for three years. He disappeared into the center and emerged with tears streaming down his face, daughter Sara in his arms, his wife, Fernanda, and son Lan by his side. Fernanda and the children crossed into the United States from the Mexican city of Piedras Negras after flying in from Colombia.

The family was heading for California, Diego said. They have all applied for political asylum, citing widespread violence in Colombia.

A migrant named Senkeny, who declined to give her last name, said she made the trip from Venezuela to the U.S. with only $600 and her two daughters, Jubana and Dabiannis. She said she crossed the Rio Grande from the Mexican city of Piedras Negras and into Eagle Pass, where she turned herself in. She said authorities treated her poorly and humiliated her.

Senkeny and her daughters have been staying at Centro de Bienvenida for six days. The ugly food Catholic Charities gave her daughters made them sick, she said, asking God to forgive her for complaining.

Senkeny and her daughters were walking around in the parking lot across the street from the center on Wednesday, asking for work to earn money for a flight to New York.

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San Antonio police officers bother us because they think were panhandling, Senkeny said.

Senkenys cousin Yeison, who also declined to give his last name, waited nearby outside the center on Wednesday. After leaving Venezuela, he traveled through Chile and also crossed the Rio Grande at Piedras Negras and into Eagle Pass. Yeison said he is scheduled for a hearing in San Antonio on Jan. 11. An ankle monitor tracks his location until his hearing, bulging out from under his sweatpants.

Yeison said he has no place to stay until the hearing and has been sleeping on the streets. He said he is looking for work.
An illustration of an Earth-like planet being watched over by a Jupiter-like giant planet with a small sun in the distance.

Scientists have created a first-of-its-kind catalog of planets outside the solar system that exhibit similar sizes to Earth and are watched over by a "big sibling," Jupiter-like world. Known as the Kepler Giant Planet Search, the catalog took a decade to compile.

Finding extrasolar planets, or " exoplanets ," in such configurations while orbiting a star, the team says, could be a critical component in our ongoing search to discover life elsewhere in the Milky Way . This is because Jupiter has been identified as a key component in allowing life to develop here on Earth .

The gas giant 's gravitational influence in the early solar system , scientists believe, helped slingshot rocky and icy debris toward the young sun. These pieces served as building blocks that allowed primordial Earth to form. Moreover, some of this debris may have also carried the key components for life as we know it, such as water and foundational components of complex molecules.

"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," Lauren Weiss, team leader and an assistant professor at The University of Notre Dame, said in a statement . "The science question that Ive 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."

Related: NASA identifies 17 exoplanets with possible subsurface oceans

Watching 'wobbly stars' to spot far-out planets

Weiss and colleagues built the catalog by using data collected by the W. M. Keck Observatory located on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, to record the radial velocities  the speed at which an object moves away from Earth  of 63 sun-like stars that are known to collectively host 157 small planets.

These planets range in size from around the width of Mars , which is just a bit smaller in size than Earth, to about the diameter of Neptune  which is four times the size of our planet. Some of these worlds are thought to have solid rocky surfaces that could possibly support life we're familiar with. As they conducted their analysis, the researchers also spotted 13 Jupiter-like planets, eight roughly Neptune-sized worlds and three companion stars hanging around the main, target star subjects.

Despite their huge sizes, Jupiter-like planets can be difficult to spot when they are located far away from their stars or don't regularly cross, aka "transit," the face of their parent stellar bodies from our vantage point on Earth. Additionally, if these planets are tilted, the dips in starlight they cause as they make transits of their star are small and easy to miss.

The method the team used, the radial velocity technique, measures the change in light of a star that a planet causes as its gravity tugs on that star, causing it to ever-so-slightly "wobble" and move back and forth from Earth.

"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 used by the team, Weiss and colleagues had to measure the shift in light for at least 10 nights  and sometimes for as long as several hundred nights while controlling the Keck telescope from remote observing stations. The length of time that a star was studied depended on the star, according to Weiss.

Related Stories:

 Jupiter-like exoplanets reveal our solar system may not be so unique after all

 Weird 'hot Jupiter' exoplanet is shaped like a football

 Here's the devastating impact a super-Earth would have on our solar system

As well as making the discovery of Jupiter-like planets and delivering a catalog of Earth-like worlds with large sibling worlds, the research conducted by this team is the primary paper in the Kepler Giant Planet Search and will thus be the foundation of future research. Some of these future papers will focus on the orbital structure of distant planetary systems, while others will help refine planetary detection methods. Some will also collate partnerships of giant and small planets.

"Probably the thing Im most excited about is revisiting this story of how the Earth formed," Weiss concluded. "Now that we have more information about what other kinds of planetary systems are out there, were looking for patterns, finding new discoveries, and these possibilities really excite me."

The team's research is set to be published in the Astrophysical Journal.
QUINCY  Higher food prices, unprecedented housing shortages and rising rents can be tough on anyone. For single working mothers still digging out of the COVID-induced recession, it has made the gnawing fear of homelessness a central part of daily life.

"I worry about that all the time," said Kim Hayden, 38, who is raising her 16-year-old daughter in a one-bedroom Quincy apartment. "It's a lot trying to survive, but I make it happen the best I can."

Through hardship and poverty, Kim says she has to keep a brave face for her daughter's sake.

"I try to hide the struggles from her," she said. "She's starting to notice things."

Kim Hayden, of Quincy, has struggled financially after losing a job during the initial COVID outbreak. Though she has since found work, she needs help paying back rent.

In 2020, Kim worked as a supervisor at a coffee shop on a college campus in Boston. It closed temporarily due to the pandemic, but Kim said the owner planned to reopen over the summer.

That never happened. Kim said she and her fellow employees showed up to work, only to find the business had shut down permanently and the owner could not be reached.

Months of unemployment followed, putting Kim in a financial hole. Although she found another job, it pays less money. And although she works six days a week, she said she's still a couple of months behind on her rent, which continues to rise.

Lend a Hand: Plymouth retiree's lengthy bout with COVID, concussion have put a financial strain on her

More on the housing crisis: State closes overflow shelter. Homeless migrant families moving to Quincy

"I used to work seven days a week," Kim said. She said she had to take one day off to do a "Sunday cleanup" and have "a good Sunday meal" with her daughter, despite the pressing need for more income.

Kim said her landlord has increased the rent by $200 in the last two years. There are also the costs of raising a 16-year-old daughter with dreams of college, such as internet service.

"My daughter needs it," she said. "It's a necessity."

Kim said the high cost of living and raising a daughter on a single income without child support has pushed her to the brink.

"Food is more expensive, rent is more expensive," she said. "I can't control it. I spend $100 at the grocery store and walk away with three bags."

Kim Hayden, of Quincy, has struggled financially after losing a job during the initial COVID outbreak.

After COVID relief programs were eliminated this year, Kim said food assistance has dried up.

"It shouldn't get this bad," Kim said of a situation that puts working people in need of shelter. "There should be resources for working moms."

Although she said times are certainly tough, there is some reason for optimism. Kim is in line for a promotion at her new job. She works in food services at the Berkeley Building, also known as the Old John Hancock Building, in Boston.

Kim said she would be grateful if Lend a Hand could help pay down past-due rent so she can focus on meeting her day-to-day financial obligations.

Who does Lend a Hand help?

Donations to Lend a Hand help fund the social services programs and resources for its three partner organizations: the South Shore Community Action Council, Quincy Community Action Programs Inc. and Aspire Health Alliance. Lend a Hand only takes monetary donations, which go to the agencies. We invite you to open your heart and wallet to help your South Shore neighbors.

About Lend a Hand

Lend a Hand, The Patriot Ledger's annual holiday charitable program, began in 1998 and has raised more than $3.3 million for South Shore families and people in need.

How to donate to Lend a Hand

Donating is easy. In the print edition of The Patriot Ledger, look for a coupon to cut out and send with your check or money order. Its amazing how many people take the time to clip the coupon, fill it out and take it to the post office. Its very inspiring and the reason why we continue.

There are three ways to give:

First, theres the coupon in the newspaper. Please note the new address (3 Webster Square PMB #467 Marshfield, MA 02050) to send donations to as well as the other instructions on the coupon.

You can donate securely online through PayPal. All credit cards are accepted, and you dont need a PayPal account. Search: Ledger Lend a Hand Foundation.

Call our friends at Ansaphone at 617-424-9825 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

If you have questions about The Patriot Ledger's Lend a Hand campaign, email newsroom@patriotledger.com and put "Lend a Hand 2023" in the subject line.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Quincy single mother fears homelessness, needs help paying back rent
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, will host a news conference in El Paso a day after he toured overcrowded migrant processing centers in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Gonzales will meet with Border Patrol agents and U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel in the El Paso area.

This is a developing story and it will be updated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Naydeen Gonzalez-De Jesus became president of San Antonio College in January. She now finds herself at the center of a storm over the Israel-Hamas war. Courtesy

The president of San Antonio College has come under fire from students and staff for postponing a forum on Palestine, though others believe shes being targeted for seeking needed reforms on campus.

Students and faculty have accused SAC President Naydeen Gonzalez-De Jesus of trying to shut down plans for a faculty-led teach-in about Palestine on the near-downtown campus, which serves about 19,000 students. Some have called for her removal.

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Naydeen Gonzalez-De Jesus became president of San Antonio College in January, and is now the latest higher-education leader in the United States to become embroiled in controversy over the Gaza war.

The Alamo Colleges District said it is working with an outside firm to ensure an impartial and thorough determination of the pertinent facts and recommend possible changes in policy. The district also is updating its Freedom of Expression policies in collaboration with faculty, staff and students, and partnering with a facilitator to meet with members of the SAC community to enhance trust and aid in student success, the district said in a statement.

At the heart of our actions is the unyielding commitment to creating a sense of belonging for all individuals, each with unique identities and viewpoints, the statement said. We understand that the robust exchange of ideas in classrooms and on college campuses is vital to fostering a thriving and vibrant culture. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure an environment that encourages dialogue, understanding, and respect.

We remain dedicated to addressing the concerns raised, fostering meaningful change, and upholding our commitment to an inclusive campus community.

Gonzalez-De Jesus, selected among four finalists for the SAC presidency after a national search, took office Jan. 9 this year. She succeeded Robert Vela Jr., who left to become president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

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Gonzalez-De Jesus was previously executive vice president of student success at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Before that, she held leadership positions at community colleges in New Jersey and was a public diplomacy officer for the U.S. Embassy in Argentina. She is SACs 13th president and only the second woman ever to lead the school.

The Israel-Hamas war has stirred unrest at campuses nationwide.

Cornell University, the University of Massachusetts, Boston University and Stanford University are among campuses where online threats, graffiti or assaults against Jewish or Arab Muslim students have been reported since Hamas launched an Oct. 7 cross-border attack on Israel, seizing hostages and killing hundreds of people. Israels counteroffensive has killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced many more.

For some administrators, an apparent misstatement about the conflict under the glare of public scrutiny can be disastrous.

University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill came under withering criticism over comments she made during a congressional hearing on campus free speech on Dec. 5. When Rep. Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican, asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate Penns rules or code of conduct, Magill said it would be a context-dependent decision.

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Elected officials, influential graduates and major donors to the university responded with outrage, and Magill resigned on Dec. 9, as did the chairman of Penns board of trustees, Scott Bok.

The unrest at SAC began in late October, when a Teach-In for Palestine event was canceled. It was then rescheduled for Oct. 30 and retitled Palestine 101.

Billed as the first in a series of conversations about the historical context of the present crisis in Palestine, the event featured excerpts from an hour-long documentary, Palestinian Stories from Texas, followed by a Q&A.

The initial postponement and the administrations guarded approach to the event set off a wave of criticism directed at Gonzalez-De Jesus. Students said she wanted to cancel the event outright, then waffled as to her reasons, first citing potential misunderstanding of the terms Teach-In and for Palestine and later alluding to concerns over paid compensation for a guest speaker.

On Oct. 28, SACs Student Government Association unanimously supported a vote of no confidence in the college president.

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A few days later, Nov. 1, anonymous members of SACs senior executive team sent Mike Flores, chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District, a confidential letter outlining concerns about behaviors she has exhibited over the past nine months that have culminated in an extremely hostile work environment that is no longer functional.

In a Nov. 21 email, Gonzalez-De Jesus apologized to the SAC community for misunderstandings over the initial planned event.

The dispute came to a head this month. At a Dec. 5 meeting of the college district board, four students told the trustees that Gonzalez-De Jesus should be disciplined or removed. Then, last week, Texas Public Radio broadcast a report that included a recording of the college president, during a meeting with students, invoking the Ku Klux Klan to explain the need to permit a diversity of viewpoints.

If I invite someone from the KKK, I will also need to invite someone that completely does not agree with the KKK, right? so both points of view are represented, Gonzalez-De Jesus can be heard saying.

Axel Smith, a student who has demonstrated against the killing of Palestinians in Israels counteroffensive, was among the students who addressed the district trustees earlier this month. He said hes been harassed by other students while holding signs and chanting in SACs free speech mall. He said the presidents KKK hypothetical showed insensitivity.

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Why would you ever invite somebody from the KKK to an educational institution? Smith asked.

Another student, Ethan Wilson, told the trustees about an encounter he had with campus police officers on Oct. 25, a day after the initial teach-in was postponed.

Wilson placed a flier promoting the rescheduled Palestine 101 event on a window of the presidents office suite. Campus police used security footage to identify Wilson and trace him to SACs Gender and Sexuality Alliance office, where Wilson is a member. Police questioned the student about the flier and were eventually satisfied that I wasnt threatening anybody, Wilson told Texas Public Radio.

Though no action was taken against Wilson, the student said it felt like retaliation.

The way I see it, you as moral human beings have one duty, and that is to get Dr. Naydeen out of her office. And I will not be satisfied until she is gone, Wilson told trustees.

Alexandra Klein, an officer of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, said members no longer believe their free speech rights are protected.

Several students and I on campus feel unsafe and unsupported after several unfortunate events involving our president, Klein said. The situation has affected my mental health as well as added unneeded stress to my semester. But I will continue to stand by my fellow students until I see some change.

Michael Valdez, vice president of SACs Student Government Association, said students deserve better.

We have lost faith in our college president, Valdez said.

Gonzalez-De Jesus has supporters, too.

Lydia Flores, a part-time SAC administrative support employee, told the trustees Tuesday night that Gonzalez-De Jesus has been an agent of change and has tried to address cronyism, racism, ageism and disregard for policies and procedures. As a result, she had been a target of rumors and innuendo and character assassination, Flores said.

We need to find a way to have serious, respectful conversations about divisive topics, no matter what they are, without resorting to bullying and intimidation tactics, she said. By her actions, Dr. Naydeen has earned my respect, trust and loyalty. I hope that she will continue to lead SAC in her current position for many years to come.

Addressing the board the same night, Nammie Ichilov, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio and an adjunct professor at SAC, thanked the president for her leadership and said her reservations about the Palestine teach-in were valid in light of growing concern of antisemitism, otherwise known as Jew hate, on college campuses.

Over the last few months, there have been teach-ins on various Alamo Colleges campuses which have been explained to me as opportunities to provide students with a safe space for conversation, Ichilov said. I ask you, safe for whom? And who is defining the sense of safety?

Ichilov made a desperate appeal for policies that explicitly condemn antisemitism, especially through an anti-Zionism narrative.

By standing together against all hatred and discrimination, we can ensure that our institutions of higher learning fulfill their mission to cultivate open minds, foster diversity and prepare students to be reasonable global citizens, Ichilov said.

The college districts policy on free speech embraces the right of individuals to express their views in compliance with local, state and federal laws. Free speech cannot intrude upon or interfere with the academic programs and administrative processes of the district.
Senate Republicans are working closely with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as they try to craft a bipartisan border security deal.

Which creates a new problem for the GOP negotiators: If they succeed, theyll need to sell that deal to colleagues who loathe Mayorkas and, later, House Republicans who are trying to impeach him.

Mayorkas role in the high-stakes border talks is confined to policy proposals, not politics. Hes participating to assess border changes without deciding what the White House might ultimately back, according to a person familiar with the talks who was granted anonymity to address them.

His presence is nonetheless a conundrum for Republicans  many of whom will get asked to vote for legislation that bears the mark of a Biden official they have fought for literally a decade.



Im skeptical of the DHS secretary, said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who has clashed with Mayorkas since the Obama administration. Hearing for three years that the borders secure when every day, you can see it's not secure? Hes living in dreamland.

At the moment, Mayorkas talks with Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) are advancing despite facing huge hurdles. Theyve made progress on changes to asylum standards but remain at odds over dialing back the presidents parole authority and new expulsion authority, according to a second person briefed on the talks.

After the Senate left for the year on Wednesday, discussions are set to continue throughout the holiday season. Mayorkas involvement may not squash GOP support for any deal to pair new migration limits with Ukraine aid. But it undoubtedly complicates the already delicate task of selling that agreement to Republicans who are loath to compromise.

I dont think Mayorkas gets it done. I mean, youve seen his performance on the border, its worse than abysmal," Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) said. We have him up for hearings. And he sits there and says the borders secure. He's not even dealing with reality.

"Secretary Mayorkas doesn't have time for partisan politics. He is focused on doing his job," said DHS spokesperson Dan Watson after this story first appeared online. "He will work with anyone in good faith to help find solutions for our broken immigration system and to provide critical funding and resources for the DHS workforce."

In the House, Mayorkas impeachment is taking a back seat to the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden  but even GOP lawmakers who dont favor going that far are not fans of the DHS chief. And one of Republican senators biggest challenges is ensuring they cut a deal that the GOP-controlled House can support.

Mayorkas presence is particularly tricky on that front, given that support for impeaching him is growing among House Republicans. Even former skeptics like Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) are now ready to boot the DHS chief from office, and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) is working to court moderates. Gonzales and his centrist allies are some of the same Republicans whom senators hope might vote for any deal on new border restrictions.

And as Republicans recoil, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Mayorkas' engagement was one of the most critical aspects of the whole talks.

We made sure Mayorkas was in the room. Hes very, very helpful. He knows the details, Schumer said in an interview.

Republicans are arguing that Biden will ultimately close any deal, not Mayorkas, since the Cabinet secretary is charged with getting a deal that functionally works, not counting votes. The technical information he provides is integral to the talks, according to senators in both parties.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said that without Mayorkas, I dont know how youd reach an agreement that would work.



Even those who dont particularly like him concede that it makes sense for Mayorkas to dig into the negotiations. And hes certainly not there to be the chief spokesperson: As he enters and exits the Capitol meetings, he does not engage with reporters and rarely utters more than pleasantries.

He still has the president's confidence, evidently, so it seems natural to me that hed be at the table, said Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.).

As to Mayorkas stewardship of the department, Young added: Pathetic.

Republicans are livid about Mayorkas recent testimony on Capitol Hill that the administration's approach is working as border flows hit daily highs. The GOPs beef with him is long-standing: He received zero Republican supporters 10 years ago to become deputy secretary and just six GOP votes in 2021 in his confirmation to lead the department.

Many immigration policy advocates and former administration officials view Mayorkas as the administrations scapegoat on the hot-button issue of immigration. He has the often thankless jobs of unveiling challenging policy announcements and defending the Biden administrations record, even as immigration policy extends well beyond DHS.

"Hes carrying out the direction from the White House. I believe if he had freer reign, he would take different approaches, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who voted for Mayorkas in 2021. I hope these bipartisan discussions will give him the tools that he desperately needs.

Mayorkas lawyered up earlier this year to combat House GOP efforts to impeach him. Protesters even targeted his Washington home. But despite the pressure, a third person whos worked closely with him  granted anonymity to speak candidly about the secretary  described him as a good soldier with a high tolerance for chaos.

While the White House seeks to protect Biden from the deluge of criticism surrounding the border, Mayorkas is occasionally taking heavy blowback from the left as well as Republicans.

No man has done more to take on ... one of the largest policy and political topics in this country than Secretary Mayorkas, said Jason Houser, the former chief of staff at Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Biden. The secretary has been out almost on an island.

Still, some immigration advocates warn Mayorkas credibility may suffer if a deal comes together that is opposed by progressives and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Mayorkas would be forever tied to these policies that he had always previously marked as too extreme, said one former Biden and Obama administration official, delivering that warning on condition of anonymity.

He is publicly pleading for more border funding, telling lawmakers the $13.6 billion included in the presidents national security funding request would help tremendously with border enforcement by providing money for additional personnel and technology. Hes said that he's open to border policy changes but pushes for broader immigration reform instead of smaller-scale policies.

We fully endorse the need for policy changes, not in piecemeal form, but in a comprehensive form," Mayorkas told lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Committee last month.

Yet the administration now finds itself forced to consider such piecemeal proposals. Republicans hemmed in Bidens $106 billion foreign aid request until Democrats made concessions on the border. Theres little talk of comprehensive overhauls lately and no hint of any legalization of undocumented immigrants.

And until Biden gives more forceful direction to Democrats, Republicans dont see the border talks concluding with them cutting a deal with Mayorkas, anyway.

Im told that hes trying to help. Hes very knowledgeable. But he doesn't have any authority, said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.). Were not going to reach any kind of agreement until the president tells us what, if anything, he's willing to do to secure the border.

Jordain Carney contributed to this report.
A new California law that would bar licensed gun holders from carrying their firearms into an array of public places will not go into full effect on Jan. 1 as scheduled, after a federal judge blocked major parts of it as unconstitutional Wednesday.

The law, Senate Bill 2, was part of a slate of new gun control measures passed this year by California Democrats in response to two things: a sweeping U.S. Supreme Court ruling that reined in gun control measures nationally last year, and several high-profile mass shootings in the state this year  including in Half Moon Bay and Monterey Park.

In his decision to block the law Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney wrote that the law's "coverage is sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court."

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who signed the bill into law and has called for tougher gun restrictions in the state and at the national level, immediately swung back with his own statement in defense of the measure.

Read more: Supreme Court sounds wary of extending gun rights to domestic abusers

"Defying common sense, this ruling outrageously calls California's data-backed gun safety efforts 'repugnant,'" Newsom said. "What is repugnant is this ruling, which greenlights the proliferation of guns in our hospitals, libraries, and children's playgrounds  spaces which should be safe for all."

California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, in his own statement, said Carney "got it wrong," and the state will appeal his decision to a higher court.

The law would have precluded licensed gun carriers from having their firearms on public transportation, at public gatherings and special events, in parks and at playgrounds, in stadiums, arenas and casinos, in medical facilities, religious institutions or financial institutions, anywhere that liquor is sold and consumed, in all other private commercial spaces where the owner has not explicitly posted a sign to the contrary, and in many parking areas, among other places.

Democrats had championed the law as a workaround to the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. vs. Bruen last year, which held that sweeping restrictions on licensed gun holders to carry their weapons in public were unconstitutional, in part because they stripped those people of their constitutional right to self-defense.

The Bruen decision made certain exceptions, including for bans on guns in certain "sensitive places" that historically had been protected from gun holders  such as in schools and courtrooms. State Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) introduced SB 2 as a means of extending the list of "sensitive places" under California law.

The law was to apply to concealed-carry permit holders in major metropolitan centers such as Los Angeles but also to open-carry permit holders in rural, less populated parts of the state.

In his ruling Wednesday, Carney, an appointee of President George W. Bush, said the new law went too far  as the "sensitive places" exception cited by the Supreme Court had to do with relatively few, historically restricted places, not most public spaces in society.

He said an injunction against the law taking effect as litigation in the case continues was warranted because those suing the state over the measure are likely to win their case and would suffer "irreparable harm" if they weren't allowed to carry their firearms in the meantime.

Carney also said that focusing new gun restrictions on people who have permits to carry guns in the state made little sense from his perspective.

"Although the government may have some valid safety concerns, legislation regulating [concealed carry] permitholders  the most responsible of law abiding citizens seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights  seems an odd and misguided place to focus to address those safety concerns," Carney wrote.

"They have been through a vigorous vetting and training process following their application to carry a concealed handgun," he wrote. "The challenged SB2 provisions unconstitutionally deprive this group of their constitutional right to carry a handgun in public for self-defense."

Carney's order applies to the "sensitive places" restrictions of SB 2 and does not apply to other parts of the new law that have to do with permitting rules.

Chuck Michel, an attorney for the plaintiffs who sued the state to block the measure, praised Carney's ruling.

"California anti-gun owner politicians refuse to accept the Supreme Court's mandate from the Bruen case and are trying every creative ploy they can imagine to get around it," he said in a statement. "This law was an attempt to make permits to carry a firearm to defend yourself or your family useless because permit holders wouldnt be able to drive across town without passing through a prohibited area and breaking the law."

Read more: Newsom signs gun laws that add new taxes and limit where owners can carry firearms

Michel said "we are all safer and criminals are deterred when law-abiding citizens can defend themselves."

Newsom in his statement said California "will keep fighting" for gun control measures because "the lives of our kids depend on it."

Bonta echoed Newsom, saying Carney's decision, if allowed to stand, would "endanger communities by allowing guns in places where families and children gather."

He also said the state believes that SB 2 "adheres to the guidelines set by the Supreme Court in Bruen," and will appeal Carney's contrary decision to a higher federal appellate court in order to "make it right."

SB 2 was passed along heavily partisan lines. Republicans denounced the measure as being in direct conflict with the Supreme Court's decision in Bruen  and ripe for a legal challenge.

The case is now part of a mountain of litigation over California's gun laws and other gun laws all across the nation in the wake of Bruen. Also under legal threat of being toppled are California's ban on assault weapons and its ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yorba Linda resident Dee Dee Friedrich walks with her horse, Wyatt, on a horse trail near her home. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Dee Dee Friedrich remembers how haphazard wildfire horse rescues used to be in Orange County before a team formed to cart animals to safety.

In 2008, the Freeway Complex fire ignited in Corona and raged over the hills into Yorba Linda, where she lived.

With a few hours to spare, Friedrich and her husband roped squealing pigs and guided distressed horses into a trailer and hauled them out.

By the time they rescued the last of their neighbors' horses, the inferno was burning on both sides of the road.

The aftermath of the Freeway Complex fire shows the burned walls of a house in Yorba Linda frame the rolling hills and the region's equestrian lifestyle in 2008. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Everyone that I knew got their animals out, but it was definitely an eye-opener that we were not super prepared, said Friedrich, president of Yorba Linda Country Riders. That prompted a lot of people to think, Holy moly, we dont have a plan.

That year, Orange County equestrians formed a mutual aid Large Animal Rescue Team, based in San Juan Capistrano. For the last 15 years, its trained volunteers  including Friedrich, who joined in 2009  have evacuated horses and livestock from wildfires all over the county.

But now, citing finite resources and a dwindling roster of members, the group has decided to limit its deployments to within San Juan Capistrano city limits. The move leaves equestrians in a big swath of horse country, from the foothills and canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains to the Chino Hills, on their own once again.

Its certainly not unique to Orange County that an animal response team feels it doesnt have the resources to meet its current efforts, said William Burke, associate director of planning for the California Veterinary Emergency Team, which works with animal rescue teams statewide. But this is the first instance that Im aware of where an organization is actually taking the step of circling the wagons and restricting their services.

Dee Dee Friedrich with her horse, Wyatt. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

San Juan Capistrano established the program in 2008 with the city's emergency services manager helping to train volunteers. Training sessions branched beyond San Juan Capistrano to equestrian communities across the county. At its peak, the rescue team boasted a roster of 274 members that the county could tap as a mutual aid resource during wildfires.

But San Juan Capistrano's decision to scale back now has some horse owners outside of the city concerned.

The original plan was that when north O.C. was on fire, south county members came to help us and vice versa, said Friedrich. Unfortunately, right now, it doesnt seem like you can rely on anyone else to come help you.

Read more: At least 46 horses dead, others missing from thoroughbred facility after San Diego County wildfire

For generations, Yorba Lindas foothills have attracted equestrians looking to ride its scenic trails. But as in much of the county, the same chaparral and grassland that makes for picturesque panoramas is extremely flammable during fire season, which, because of climate change, is becoming longer and more explosive.

The geographical spread of the Large Animal Rescue Team, or LART, was critical because volunteers who lived far away from a fire would be available to help those under threat.

Even though the team never signed a formal agreement with the county, it quickly evolved to become part of its overall disaster response.

LART gained accolades early on with volunteers trained on everything from towing a horse trailer to using a Thomas Guide map book when cell service doesn't work in more remote canyons.

Dr. Julie Ryan Johnson rides her horse, Alainn, which means beautiful in Gaelic, at Shady Maples Equestrian Center in San Juan Capistrano. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Dr. Julie Ryan Johnson, a veterinarian who helped to establish the rescue team and trained volunteers for the past 15 years, said a key lesson was learning the countys emergency chain of command, and to wait for agency officials' request for deployment.

We couldnt be cowboys out there, said Johnson, founder and president of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition. We had to respect and understand how we fit into the whole big picture of a disaster response.

Once rescued, horses have been housed at several locations, including stables at the Orange County fairgrounds and Los Alamitos Race Course.

The UC Davis Center for Equine Healths Horse Report in 2014 called San Juan Capistranos team very successful and a model used by cities in Los Angeles County.

But when the Canyon 2 Fire blazed through Anaheim Hills three years later, LARTs response showed some strain.

The county activated the rescue team to help evacuate more than 100 horses from stables, including at Irvine Regional Park in Orange. Miscommunication between LART and its volunteers sometimes sent members to rescue areas that were already ablaze and didn't have horses.

Horses are spooked by the approaching Bobcat fire in 2022. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

"People were running out of Irvine Park holding two horses and looking for horse trailers," said Friedrich, who volunteered during the fire. "I ended up with an empty trailer. It was a little disorganized."

The Orange County Fire Authoritys report after the Canyon 2 Fire noted a lack of common evacuation terminology as one factor as to why evacuations were slow, though ultimately successful.

After the fierce 2020 fire season in Orange County, the rescue team received county recognition for its efforts. But key LART leaders still felt that housing its volunteer rescuers under the direction of a county agency, such as OC Animal Care, was the best way forward.

What would be great is if the county could take over the training so that everybody is being trained the same way, said Johnson, a former OC Animal Care director. If youre trained to the same way, and talking the same language, and understand the chain of command and emergency management system, then youre going to have a better process.

Currently, LART reports a roster of just 50 active members, a figure officials say is too small to continue countywide.

In June, city officials alerted the county of its planned Jan. 1 withdrawal and stressed that an alternative model is imminently necessary in offering to discuss a transition plan.

By September, San Juan Capistrano city manager Ben Siegel gave his counterparts in other cities an update with a letter stating that neither the county nor any other agency has expressed interest in assuming responsibility for the LART program.

Read more: O.C. fairgrounds Equestrian Center spared, will shift to more public-facing role

Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, whose district encompasses fire-prone canyon areas, expressed disappointment in LARTs decision but is confident in the readiness of the countys disaster response without the rescue team.

Its not like were starting from scratch with LART gone, he said. We are going to have to make some adjustments, but Im comfortable enough that those adjustments can and will be made. The county should not run out and say the sky is falling.

Wagner added that canyon-area equestrians have not sounded an alarm with his office over the issue.

Several LART volunteers have given the city permission to share their contact information with the county to swear them in as disaster service workers in the event of a wildfire.

For now, that's the extent of the relationship between equestrian volunteers and the county.

The countys approach to this issue is the same as it is with respect to fire preparedness in general, Wagner said. Were trying to emphasize preparedness. In an emergency, youre really going to have to be your own first line of defense.

Cities such as Yorba Linda have shored up preparedness the best they can.

An equestrian flees with a horse as they evacuate Castle Rock Farms while firefighters battle the Easy fire in Simi Valley in October 2019. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Chris Pena, Yorba Lindas emergency management coordinator, partnered with Friedrichs equestrian club for a clinic over the summer that allowed attendees to sign up for AlertOC, the countys mass notification system, and freshen up on the citys evacuation maps.

Pena, a horse owner who lives 20 miles south in Trabuco Canyon, is looking to host such clinics every fall before gusty Santa Ana winds whip up dangerous fire conditions.

Our equestrian community is a dedicated group of neighbors helping neighbors when it comes to emergencies, he said. We have established any red flag warnings as our first alert to ensure trailers are being hooked to trucks, supplies are ready [and] gates are unlocked, all in order to be able to get out of the neighborhood early as recommended by the Orange County Fire Authority.

For Johnson, whatever takes the place of LART needs to be proactive before the embers from the next wildfire come raining down.

There will always be a need for some rescue to happen, but that shouldnt be the first line of defense, she said. If you're worried about evacuations when theres already a fire, thats a really bad plan.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A retired fisherman claims he found a large piece of missing Malaysia Airlines plane MH370 off the coast of South Australia, resurfacing what remains one of the world's most vexing aviation puzzles.

"I wish to Christ Id never seen the thing  but there it is. It was a jets wing," retired Australian fisherman Kit Olver said, in an interview with Sydney Morning Herald.

The airliner was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, when it vanished with 239 people on board. Massive searches in the years since have failed to locate the aircraft.

Olver has come forward saying that he believes that he found a wing of the commercial plane in September on October 2014, just months after the flight disappeared.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT 370 PILOT SUSPECTED BY 'TOP LEVELS' OF MASS MURDER-SUICIDE, EX-AUSSIE PM SAYS

A young child watches the Malaysia Airlines planes on the tarmac hopefully for the return of the missing flight, MH370 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tuesday, March 11, 2014.

"It was a bloody great wing of a big jet airliner," Olver said.

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Olver said that he discovered the piece of the plan during a deep-sea fishing expedition when his trawler pulled up what appeared to be a wing.

The now-retired fisherman said that he had kept quiet these past nine years but wanted to come forward with his story to help the families of those who were on board MH370.

Malaysian Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke (C) looks at the Wing flap found on Pemba Island, Tanzania which has been identified a missing part of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 through unique part numbers traced to 9M-MRO during a commemoration event to mark the 5th anniversary of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 flight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 03, 2019.

George Currie, the only other surviving member of the trawler crew on the day of the discovery, said that the airplane wing was "incredibly heavy and awkward."

"Youve got no idea what trouble we had when we dragged up that wing," Curie said. "It was incredibly heavy and awkward. It stretched out the net and ripped it. It was too big to get up on the deck."

DEBRIS OFF MADAGASCAR 'MOST LIKELY' FROM MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT 370, REPORT SAYS

Currie said that once the team pulled it up, it was "obviously a wing" that came from a commercial plane.

"As soon as I saw it I knew what it was. It was obviously a wing, or a big part of it, from a commercial plane. It was white, and obviously not from a military jet or a little plane," Curie said. "It took us all day to get rid of it."

The crew was forced to cut the $20,000 net after they were unable to get the plane piece onto their vessel.

A female passenger is seen as at the ticket counter of Malaysian Airlines at departure terminal of Kuala Lumpur International airport on January 23, 2017, in Sepang, Malaysia.

The 77-year-old said that he immediately contacted Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), but they told him that he likely found part of a shipping container that had fallen from a Russian ship in the area.

He said that he told his story once again in hopes that the AMSA can search the area to provide closure for the families impacted by MH370.

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Malaysia, China and Australia ended a two-year underwater search in the southern Indian Ocean in January 2017 after finding no trace of the plane.

The search cost the countries $133 million.





Original article source: Retired fisherman claims he found part of Malaysia Airlines MH370 in South Australian waters: report
I was at the meeting of the United Nations conference on climate change (called COP for Conference of Parties) in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this month. I watched a David vs. Goliath battle. The fossil fuel industry (processors of oil, gas and coal) was the Goliath and had 2,400 lobbyists at the meeting.

Add to that strength that the president of COP28 was Sultan Al Jaber, the head of the UAEs state oil company. He had famously said during COP28, There is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says the phaseout of fossil fuel is what's going to achieve 1.5. That threshold in degrees Celsius is the maximum increase in the global temperature since 1880 (the beginning of the Industrial Revolution), that the world can tolerate without facing devastating damage during the 21st century.

Richard Killmer

An earlier draft of the final statement during COP was seen as watering down the many calls for a phaseout of fossil fuels, which more than 100 nations wanted. It said nations could take actions to slash greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels by 2050. But it said nothing about deeply cutting fossil fuel use this decade, and the use of could made the action optional.

That draft provoked outrage from many COP28 delegates. John Silk, the minister of natural resources for the Republic of the Marshall Islands said, The Republic of the Marshall Islands did not come here to sign our death warrant. We will not go silently to our watery graves.

I have been to several COPs of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change before. I am a retired Presbyterian minister who believes that people are called by God to take care of the gift of creation. I also have nine grandchildren whom I want to grow up in a beautiful and inhabitable world. I am convinced that the world will be a dangerous place for my grandkids if we keep driving gas-powered cars and burn oil, gas and coal in other ways.

So, I got to watch David beat Goliath. As Sultan Al Jaber moderated, the 197 nations at COP28 agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner. It was the first time that phasing down fossil fuels was mentioned in any agreement of any COP in 28 years of international climate negotiations.

Even the Paris Agreement, which has directed the work of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, did not include the words fossil fuels. Not everyone is thrilled with the wording, but many of us are pleased that the nations of the world are for the first time saying that a transition away from oil, gas and coal will take place.

Manuel Pulger-Vidal, the president of COP20 in 2014, said, After three decades of U.N. climate negotiations, countries have at last shifted the focus to the polluting fossil fuels driving the climate crisis. This outcome must signal the beginning of the end for the fossil fuel era.

COP28 took several other actions that were significant. At COP27 in Egypt in 2022, delegates meeting in Dubai agreed to create a Loss and Damage Fund that would compensate vulnerable countries devastated by the climate crisis. Committees worked during the year to come up with a plan including where the money would come from and the process for deciding where the money would go. On the first day of COP28, delegates agreed on the plan and asked nations to contribute to it.

COP28 had successes, but much more work still needs to be done, including by the nations themselves as they phase down the use of fossil fuels. As David Gelles of the New York Times said in an article on Dec. 13, But sometimes the arc of history can begin to shift with just two little words: like 'fossil fuel.'"

 Rev. Richard Killmer is a retired Presbyterian minister, who lives in East Grand Rapids.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Richard Killmer: A David vs. Goliath story
When assisted dying came before the Commons in 2015, it was heavily defeated. - Science Photo Library RF

The debate around assisted dying resurfaced this week after Dame Esther Rantzen, 83, who has cancer, revealed she has joined Dignitas in case she needs to end her life.

The news prompted Sir Keir Starmer, a long-standing advocate of assisted dying, to suggest that he may allow another free vote on the practice if Labour wins the election.

In an exclusive poll conducted by the Telegraph, 68 per cent of over 17,000 readers backed the legalisation of assisted dying.

My body, my choice

Reader Susie Blayney draws from her personal experience on the matter: My poor brother spent 20 months in excruciating pain before he died because the medics would not give him adequate pain relief in case he became addicted. He always said that if he had kept his dogs in that condition he would have been prosecuted.

Our system is cruel in the extreme, she adds.

Having experienced something similar, reader Neil Cowey shares how my father had multiple cancers which, over the course of two years, turned a 64 17 stone man into a shadow of his former self.

He was in continual pain and treatment was basically liquid morphine for the pain and palliative care at home. As the morphine dosage increased, he ate less and less and then stopped drinking. We were told the day he would die and they were right. Where was the humanity in this? His last six months were horrendous.

He was a proud man who, when unable to clean and dress himself, was acutely embarrassed having a nurse do it. And with the morphine he was confused and incoherent.

Neil goes on to question: What difference is there to taking a pill rather than a state-sanctioned slow death from morphine except speed and personal control?

Reader Kevin Delaney is also in favour of assisted dying being legalised, explaining how my mothers dementia turned her into a screaming, nappy wearing, spoon-fed shadow of her former self.

If I get the diagnosis, theres no way that I will put myself or my family through all that. Ill be off! he added.

Similarly, reader Kieran Smithson argues, my body, my choice. He expresses how he has made my wishes very clear to my loved ones, in writing, and witnessed - just in case I need some assistance to take my own life in the event of dementia or similar.

My hope is that that will help prevent them from being prosecuted until our ridiculous laws are brought into the 21st century.

Meanwhile, reader Grant Smith explains that in New Zealand, where he lives, end-of-life rights have been recently introduced. You have to be within six months of death, suffer from a terminal illness and it has to be agreed with by a couple of medical professionals.

People now have a choice. The world and civilisation have not ended and terminal patients can now choose to either see it through to the end or decide otherwise. The choice is now left to the individual, which is as it should be, Grant continues.

An anonymous Telegraph reader expresses their view: It seems very obvious to me. My life belongs to me, and if at some point I decide that its no longer of sufficient value for it to be worthwhile, what business is it of anyone else to tell me I cant put an end to it?

Not the Church of Englands business

The Church of England has cited examples of other countries, such as Canada and the US, to warn about the slippery slope assisted dying can lead to.

In response, readers such as Kim Terry have argued that its none of the Church of Englands business if I want to end my life in a dignified and painless way. Its abhorrent to make people suffer for what is sometimes years before they die. The sooner they make this law, the better.

Reader Ver Cr shares a similar sentiment: Im happy for Christians to choose to cling to life even though they believe a better one awaits them, but let the rest of us decide if this mortal body and mind are still up to the job and let us decide on the future for the one thing that we come into this life with and leave it with, our own self.

Old people will start to think its the right thing to do

Some Telegraph readers believe assisted dying 'must be resisted' - Joe Giddens/PA

However, 31 per cent of readers have voted against the legalisation of assisted dying.

Having worked in end-of-life care, reader C Scott believes that, like abortion, the rules will be bent and no one will care because thats the way it is now. You see it is happening in Europe already.

Another anonymous Telegraph reader shares this concern: Look at countries where it has been legalised like the Netherlands or Canada. It starts off as something for the terminally ill who are suffering terribly (extreme cases are always wheeled out in support), but within a short time it includes people who have no physical problems but are feeling depressed.

Eventually all old people start to think its the right thing to do to avoid becoming a burden on their younger relatives. Thats why it absolutely must be resisted.

Reader Tommy Gavin doesnt have faith in the country handling the practice: As per the Belgium case, the state is completely inept at handling something as serious as euthanasia. Eventually, well be putting down people just because someone has asked even with no long-term illness.

The state cant even run railways properly, or turn away illegal immigrants. The idea that we put death in the states hands is insane, he continues.

Finally, Stephen Deakin weighs in, arguing that liberal abortion policies in the UK demonstrate what is likely to happen here with euthanasia. The freedom to abort was supposed to be for a few thousand a year in difficult cases. Now it is tens of thousands each year. This is not a religious argument as such, it is about protecting people at every stage of their lives.

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.
MANILA (Reuters) -Relations between Manila and Beijing have soured under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, with Manila pivoting back towards the United States which supports the Southeast Asian nation in its maritime disputes with China.

Here is a timeline of key events in 2023 that have escalated tensions between the Philippines and China:

JAN 3-5 - Marcos holds three-day visit to Beijing where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agree to set up direct communications between their foreign ministries on the South China Sea.

FEB 2 - The Philippines grants the United States greater access to four more military bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

FEB 13-14 - The Philippines accuses China's coastguard of directing a "military-grade laser" at its troops living aboard an aging warship that Manila deliberately grounded on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999. Marcos summons China's ambassador.

MARCH 4 - The Philippines spots a Chinese navy ship and 42 vessels believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel in the vicinity of Thitu island, Manila's biggest and most strategically important outpost in the South China Sea.

APRIL 3 - The Philippines reveals the locations of the four additional bases that Washington can use under EDCA. Three face north towards Taiwan and one is near the disputed Spratly Islands.

APRIL 11 - More than 17,000 Filipino and U.S. soldiers begin their largest ever joint military drills in the Philippines.

APRIL 22 - Marcos and his foreign secretary meet China's then-foreign minister Qin Gang in Manila, pledging to work together to resolve maritime differences.

MAY 1 - U.S. President Joe Biden welcomes Marcos at the White House, the first visit by a Philippine leader in 10 years. They express "unwavering commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea".

MAY 3 - The United States and the Philippines agree on new guidelines for their 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which specifically mention that mutual defence commitments would be invoked in an armed attack on either country "anywhere in the South China Sea".

JUNE 6 - The coast guards of the United States, Japan and the Philippines hold trilateral exercises in the South China Sea, the first such manoeuvres.

JULY 7 - The Philippine military reports an "alarming" increase in the number of Chinese fishing vessels in disputed waters.

AUG 5 - The Philippines accuses China's coast guard of blocking and firing a water cannon against a supply boat transporting food for troops on the Second Thomas Shoal, known in China as Renai Reef and in Manila as Ayungin Shoal.

AUG 7 - China's coast guard urges the Philippines to remove a grounded warship from the Second Thomas Shoal.

SEPT 24-25 - The Philippines accuses China's coast guard of installing a "floating barrier" near the Scarborough Shoal, and removes the object.

OCT 16 - The Philippine military says a Chinese navy ship shadowed and attempted to cut off a Philippine navy vessel conducting a resupply mission near Thitu island.

OCT 22-24 - The Philippines accuses Chinese coastguard vessels of intentionally colliding with its vessels routinely supplying forces stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal. No one was harmed.

NOV 16 - The Philippines calls on China to remove all "illegal structures" built within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), cease reclamation in those areas and be accountable for the damage the activities caused.

NOV 21 - The militaries of the Philippines and the United States launch joint patrols from waters near Taiwan to the South China Sea.

NOV 25 - The Philippines and Australia begin their first joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea.

DEC 3 - The Philippines monitors what it calls the "illegal presence" of more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels in the vicinity of Whitsun Reef, which Manila calls the Julian Felipe Reef.

DEC 9-10 - The Philippines accuses China of firing water cannons at its boats, including one carrying its military chief, and ramming others, causing serious engine damage. China's coast guard says the Philippine vessel intentionally rammed its ship.

DEC 11 - The Philippines calls the actions of Chinese vessels a "serious escalation".

DEC 19 - Marcos says a "paradigm shift" is needed in how his country approaches the South China Sea, as diplomatic efforts with Beijing were headed in a "poor direction".

DEC 21 - China says bilateral relations are at a crossroads and warns the Philippines against "misjudging" the maritime situation.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
Two Rockford parents have filed a lawsuit against Rockford Public Schools for referring to their child with male pronouns without their consent or knowledge.

While the school did not inform the child's parents of their use of the child's requested masculine name and pronouns per district policy, Dan and Jennifer Mead claim that the school attempted to socially transition their child and conceal it, violating their parental rights.

Dan and Jennifer Mead.

The Meads' biologically female child had attended Rockford Public Schools, a district operating 20 schools in Rockford just north of Grand Rapids, since kindergarten, but after beginning sixth grade at East Rockford Middle School in fall of 2020, the child began meeting with the school counselor regarding a dip in their academic performance.

Over the next two years, the child continued regularly meeting with the school counselor, branching into other topics stressing the child's mental health. Throughout their meetings, the school counselor maintained open communication with the Meads concerning their child's mental state, leading the Meads to develop significant trust in the counselor and the school.

In May 2022, toward the end of their child's seventh-grade year, the Meads' then 13-year-old messaged the school counselor, asking to notify teachers of their switch to he/him pronouns and a masculine name. When the child started eighth grade in the fall, the school employees began calling the child by their preferred name and pronouns  without the Meads' consent or knowledge.

However, according to the lawsuit, this is in accordance to district policy, which states that Rockford schools can refer to a student by their preferred name and pronouns without notifying their parents if the child is not out to them yet.

More: Ann Arbor to completely ban gas-powered leaf blowers by 2028

In October 2022, Dan Mead met with a district employee to discuss accommodations for the child's recently diagnosed autism when he received an official report from the school in which one teacher's response mistakenly used the child's preferred name instead of their legal name.

In the lawsuit, a neuropsychologist for the district stated that district policy requires employees to use a child's legal name and pronouns in paperwork while using preferred names and pronouns while interacting with the student. After spotting the mistake, the document was edited to reflect this policy, but the Meads interpreted the change as an extra effort to hide the truth.

The Meads asked the school to stop using their child's preferred name and pronouns, but the school refused, to remain pursuant to the district policy. Shortly after, the Meads took their child out of the school and began homeschooling them.

On Dec. 18, the Alliance Defending Freedom, an American conservative Christian legal advocacy group, sued the district on the Meads' behalf in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Southern Division, on behalf of the Meads.

The lawsuit argues that the district's actions go against the Meads' first amendment rights: as Christians who believe that "biological sex ... is a gift from God, not an arbitrary imposition subject to change," as stated in the lawsuit, and that the Meads' right to religious freedom in raising their child was impeded by the school's policy. Additionally, the lawsuit argues that the Meads' 14th amendment rights, which guarantees parents rights to make decisions regarding their childs upbringing, education and health care, were denied by the school district.

The lawsuit asks that Rockford Public Schools' policy be declared a violation of the first and 14th amendments. It also asks that the district cover any nominal or compensatory damages, such as the costs of homeschooling programs and damages from Dan Mead's inability to return to work in order to monitor his child's homeschooling, as well as attorney fees.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Rockford parents sue school district over child's pronouns
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Lydia, a dog up for adoption at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center, has been described as the cutest little meatball.

The 4-year-old pitbull mix earned that nickname as well as roly-poly from Animal Care Manager Hannah Henschen, who said that she would love to see her find a home for Christmas.

Lydias been at the shelter for, I think 140-plus days, so been with us for a little bit of time now unfortunately, and we just dont really know why, Henschen said. Shes a super sweet girl. She can be a little shy at first with meeting new people, but then she warms up and she is just a love bug.

Lydia. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Henschen also said Lydia can be very affectionate, and will even sit on the right persons lap. She also wiggles her entire backside for pets and scratches.

Anytime she gets that, shes going to be your best friend, Henschen said.

Lydia also knows how to sit on command, and given her love of treats, she could be motivated to learn more tricks as well.

If you throw her treats, and sometimes toys, shell catch them mid-air as well, so thats kind of a fun little thing she does, Henschen said.

When she goes on walks, the pit bull mix can pull at first, but can be great with a leash once she gets into a groove. Lydia would do well in a home with a somewhat active family, but Henschen said she could also be a bit of a couch potato.

We would love to see Lydia in a home for the holidays, whether its a foster home or adoptive home, Henschen said. We all love her here, shes a staff and volunteer favorite.

Lydia is available for meet-and-greets at the Franklin County Dog Shelter, located at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. in Columbus and costs just $18 to adopt. Below are some additional dogs up for adoption as well:

Sir. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Brindle pit bull mix

8-year-old male

Okay with dogs and couch potato ratings from the shelter

Neutered and up to date on shots

Otto. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Black and brown Rottweiler

6-year-old male

Okay with dogs, housebroken and free spirit ratings from the shelter

Up to date on shots

Taka. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Black and brown large breed mix

2-year-old female

Housebroken, wallflower and shy dog ratings from the shelter

Spayed and up to date on shots

Hailey. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Black and brindle medium breed mix

7-year-old female

Housebroken and constant companion ratings from the shelter

Spayed and up to date on shots

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The RTC announced it will be offering free rides to passengers during one of the biggest events of the year.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada will be offering free rides on all transit routes on New Years Eve as a safe travel option for both locals and visitors who are celebrating the holiday.

According to a release, from 6 p.m. on New Years Eve, Dec. 31, until 9 a.m. on New Years Day, Jan. 1, riders can board any vehicle on the RTCs 39 bus routes without purchasing a pass or paying a fare.

The free rides include Deuce on the Strip and other major streets with direct access to and from the Strip, the release stated. Service to both the Strip and downtown Las Vegas is available from the South Strip transit terminal, located at 6675 S. Gilespie Street, via the Duece and Route 109 Maryland Parkway.

The RTC also advised riders to plan for significant transit detours on New Years Eve by using the RTC transit app, which provides real-time information about bus locations and arrival times.

There will be transit detours in the Downtown area from 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 31 until 4 a.m. on Jan. 1. Detours in the Las Vegas Strip area will be in effect from 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 3 a.m. on Jan. 1, or until streets reopen.

The routes with detours include the following:

113

207

Boulder Highway Express (BHX)

Centennial Express (CX)

Deuce on the Strip

202

215

Downtown & Veterans Medical Center Express (DVX)

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reminds everyone who will be celebrating the new year on the Strip that strollers, backpacks, glass bottles, and bags larger than a standard grocery bag are not allowed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
The Texas State Board of Education voted 13-1 to approve guidelines aligned with House Bill 900, a state law banning "sexually explicit" books from school library shelves. Brandon Bell, Staff / Getty Images

Books deemed to be sexually explicit will be purged from Texas public school shelves under new library standards approved by the State Board of Education.

The new rules require every public school district in Texas to adopt a policy that prohibits sexually explicit, pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable material in their library collections.

School districts must also create a process for students to access content rated as sexually relevant and give parental access to library catalogs. Collection development policies must recognize that parents are the primary decision-makers regarding their students access to library material, a draft of the rules states.

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The Republican-led State Board of Education voted 13-1 last week to approve the guidelines, which will help school systems comply with House Bill 900, a state law aimed at keeping so-called inappropriate books away from schoolchildren. The legislation had been set to take effect on Sept. 1 but was delayed by a legal challenge.

State Rep. Jared Patterson, the bills sponsor, celebrated the SBOEs vote on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

What started with concerned moms at the dinner table led to calls for local accountability and eventually, the passage of historic legislation, has now progressed into the first-ever mandatory library collection development standards, the Frisco Republican said in his Dec. 13 post.

Signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June, HB 900, or the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act, requires school library vendors to rate all their books and materials based on the presence of sexual depictions or references.

It also requires booksellers to rank books previously sold to schools and issue a recall for any that are deemed sexually explicit.

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Pattersons bill is part of a nationwide crackdown on books in school libraries, stemming from a growing parental rights movement, a GOP-led effort that has drawn criticisms for attacking free speech and turning public schools into culture war battlegrounds.

PEN America, a free-speech nonprofit, found that Texas schools had banned 801 books, more than any other state in the country, between July 2021 and June 2022. According to an August 2022 Express-News investigation, the North East Independent School District in San Antonio reviewed the most books in Texas over a five-year period, challenging 431 titles.

On Wednesday, a North East ISD spokesperson said the district is currently working on a policy that aligns with the new state-approved regulations. The district already allows parents to opt out of books used in their childrens class instruction.

HB 900 will put more titles on the blacklist. Under the law, book vendors have until April 1 to submit to the Texas Education Agency an initial inventory of sexually explicit or relevant materials that have been sold to school districts or open-enrollment charter schools. A book must be categorized as sexually explicit if it describes, depicts or portrays sexual conduct in a way that is patently offensive, the law states.

The bill also gives the state the power to change the ratings on any books. Vendors who dont accept the ratings would be barred from doing business with Texas public schools.

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Opponents of the law say it targets protected speech and threatens the livelihood of small businesses. In July, a coalition of bookstores and bookseller associations sued several state agencies, claiming that the law grants the government unchecked licensing authority to dictate which books are allowed in public schools, the lawsuit states.

The full implementation of the book ban will cause a recall of many books in K-12 public schools, bans of even more, and the establishment of an unconstitutional  and unprecedented  statewide book licensing regime that compels private companies and individuals to adopt the states message or face government punishment, it says.

In late August, a federal judge temporarily delayed the laws implementation, but weeks later, a panel of 5th Circuit appellate judges in Texas blocked the order. The case is now pending before the full appellate court, one of the most conservative in the nation.

At the Dec. 13 SBOE meeting, Katy ISD student Cameron Samuels said their Houston-area school district has seen a record number of book bans, with Holocaust titles such as Maus, Anne Franks Diary and Night being pulled from shelves because of so-called sexually explicit content.

This movement to censor education has been characterized not by appropriateness of content in education but rather in identity and the status quo, Samuels said. Books have always been in school libraries, but the politicization of education is unprecedented in what we are seeing right now.
Abortion opponents take part in the Texas Rally for Life march commemorating the 50th anniversary of the United States Supreme Courts Roe v. Wade decision Jan. 28, 2023, in Austin. Eli Hartman

In its bid to block Kate Coxs petition for an emergency abortion this month, state officials turned to a San Antonio physician and vocal anti-abortion advocate.

Dr. Ingrid Skop, an OB-GYN, signed a sworn declaration opposing Coxs request, which Cox had made after her fetus was diagnosed with a typically fatal condition.

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It wasnt the first time Skop had weighed in on the states behalf. The 57-year-old is part of a small but vocal group of doctors who are helping states like Texas back up their new abortion restrictions, even as the medical community at large has criticized them. Over the years, Skop has testified in state legislative hearings, in court and before Congress  at times with controversial views.

During a congressional hearing in 2021, she said rape or incest victims as young as 9 or 10 could carry pregnancies to term.

If she is developed enough to be menstruating and become pregnant and reach sexual maturity, she can safely give birth to a baby, Skop told the House Oversight Committee.

Texas paid Skop nearly $7,000 to testify on its behalf on pregnancy-related cases between 2017 and 2019, according to state records that do not include more recent years. State officials did not respond to questions about why they had no accounting for her more recent testimony.

This fall, Skop was an expert witness in a case pending before the Texas Supreme Court in which 22 women with dangerous or nonviable pregnancies were denied abortions.

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The Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents the plaintiffs, has argued that the states rules around emergency abortions are too vague and that doctors are afraid to intervene because of the potential for steep penalties, including lengthy jail sentences. Abortion is banned in Texas except to save a pregnant persons life or prevent substantial impairment of a major bodily function.

Skop told the court that doctors, not the law, are at fault for confusion that can sometimes lead them to wait unnecessarily to administer care. But she said thats because they have not been given proper clarification from medical associations.

The law is quite clear, Skop said, as the Texas Tribune reported. The fault lies with the physicians who are not being given guidance by the organizations that usually will give them guidance.

Who is Skop?

Skop has been a board-certified OB-GYN since 1996. She received her medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She currently works as vice president of medical affairs at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, an anti-abortion research group, and is a member of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She also works part time in a hospital setting.

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Still delivering babies, Skop wrote on her LinkedIn profile. Cant give up my favorite part of the job!

She also was a member of the San Antonio Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force from 2016 to 2019.

What are her politics?

In introducing herself in court and other public settings, Skop usually highlights that she is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. However, her views often contrast with the public stance of the group.

In the Cox case, the group wrote that Cox should not have had to deal with the health and fertility risks posed by carrying her pregnancy to term and warned about the long-term effects of restrictive laws like those in Texas.

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The inability of clinicians in Texas to provide essential reproductive health care, starkly presented in this case, will increase existing disparities in health outcomes for Texas residents, exacerbate the shortage of qualified health care providers and worsen the maternal mortality rate in Texas, which is already at crisis levels, the organizations brief reads.

In a July 2023 deposition for the Cox case, Skop said that she prefers to refer to the termination of a pregnancy done to save the mothers life as a medically indicated separation, not an abortion.

My intent is not to cause the childs death, so I do not consider it to be an abortion, but nonetheless, pro-life laws clearly allow that intervention when a mothers life is at risk, she said in written responses to Hearst Newspapers. She added that ACOGs leadership doesnt reflect every members belief.

Skop has described herself as a Republican and donated to GOP causes, as well as Texas Right to Life, an anti-abortion advocacy group, campaign finance records show.

Other recent lawsuits

Skop was among 11 doctors who submitted testimony this year in a case challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations decades-old approval of the abortion pill mifepristone and rules that expanded access to it.

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In that case, Skop argued that increased access to the pill has negatively affected her because she frequently treats women at her hospital who come into the emergency room with complications after taking it.

She wrote that several dozen of them were totally unprepared for the pain and bleeding they experienced, which she took to mean the doctors who prescribed or administered the drugs could not have truly achieved informed consent.

Concerns about unsafe, back alley abortions were used to overturn all state restrictions in 1973, Skop wrote. Yet a clear-eyed look at the FDAs actions allowing unsupervised mail-order abortions shows that they are now promoting illegal, unsafe chemical coat hangers to the women they falsely say they want to protect.

Abortion rights advocates decried the appeals court ruling, saying it would have a hugely detrimental effect on access. Scientific research has shown the medication to be safe and effective.

If the Supreme Court affirms this decision, it will prevent patients from receiving their medication in the mail in all 50 states in the nation, said Jennifer Dalven of the American Civil Liberties Union after the ruling. That means that patients will have to travel often hundreds of miles, especially if theyre coming from a state that has banned abortion, for the sole purpose of picking up a pill.
Seasoned drivers arent strangers to the basic rules of the road, such as stopping at a red light.

But what do you do if youre stuck at a light that just wont change?

Pump your brakes if youre tempted to run it, according to Georgia law. The states traffic ordinances say a slow or malfunctioning traffic light is no reason to ignore it outright.

A red light means you must make a complete stop ... and wait until the light turns green before proceeding, according to a manual published by the Department of Driver Services. A flashing red light also requires drivers to stop, then proceed carefully after yielding to the right of way.

The only exemption for running a red light is when a police officer or other law enforcement official is directing the flow of traffic, DDS said.

Whats the penalty for running a red light in Georgia?

Disregard for a traffic signal is a misdemeanor in the State of Georgia, Sgt. Christopher WIlliams with the Bibb County Sheriffs Office told McClatchy News in an email. The driver of a motor vehicle could be issued a uniform traffic citation and or be held liable for a civil monetary penalty.

Theres a maximum $70 fine if the offense is caught on a traffic camera, Georgia law says. This doesnt include associated court costs and other fees, however.

Fines can jump to $158 if youre pulled over and dont have previous points on your license, according to The Sherman Law Group. Repeated red light violations can lead to three points added to your license  plus a $1,000 fine, attorneys said.

The EHG Law Firm adds that failing to obey a traffic light could lead to subsequent hikes in your insurance rates.

What can I do if a traffic light is malfunctioning?

In the case of a malfunctioning or inoperable traffic light, Georgia law enforcement officials say there are a few things you can do.

A malfunctioning traffic light should cycle to a flashing red or yellow (light), and drivers should react accordingly, Lt. Fred Carnes with the Columbus Police Department told McClatchy News in an email. If one finds themselves in a situation where the light wont cycle and they do proceed, do so safely.

If youre stopped by police, Carnes said be prepared to show or explain why you bypassed the red light.

A broken traffic light with no colors, flashing or otherwise, should be treated as a four-way stop with each driver stopping as if a stop sign were facing in each direction at the intersection, Williams said.

When a flashing indication is given, the driver shall stop for the flashing red signal and exhibit caution while passing through a flashing yellow indication, Williams said.

Drivers should contact the city or the police departments non-emergency line to report broken or malfunctioning stop lights, authorities said.
Peter McAnulla, 82 years old and a sheep farmer since he left school at the age of 14, didn't think he'd be starting to plough on.

Not at his age and not while "semi-retired" after decades spent at the foot of Bessy Bell, near Newtownstewart, County Tyrone.

So when he was invited to join a new group - Plough On - he was reassured that it did not involve any hard labour.

Farming can be hard, lonely work, but the group is helping to reduce social isolation for those who have spent their lives working the land.

Instead, it gives farmers the opportunity to meet up and enjoy each other's company.

The impact of Covid isolation

Peter went to the first Plough On meeting in Newtownstewart.

"I think there were about 16 or 18 people there and I knew most of them, but I hadn't seen them for quite a while with the Covid so it was nice to get out again."

Ambrose McCullagh misses meeting up with fellow farmers at the local mart

For farmers like Peter, weekly trips to the mart would be the time to meet people but Covid has had a lasting impact on the rural community.

Another member of the group is 78-year-old Ambrose McCullagh, who has a small beef herd at his farm near Plumbridge.

He said Covid put an end to a lot of the opportunities to socialise, such as meeting other farmers at the restaurant at the mart in Omagh.

"I visited every Monday religiously - basically to have a dinner and no matter who you sat down with at the table, you could talk about farming," he said.

How farmers are addressing mental health

The restaurant was closed and replaced by an outdoor fast-food van but Ambrose said: "I was never one for that type of food, burgers and chips and all that."

The mart restaurant is something he misses a lot, but the Plough On group has helped fill the void.

"Plough On was a great thing. It brought us out. We're all the same vintage and we could natter and talk about days gone by."

The Plough On group leader in Newtownstewart, Mervyn Smyth, said you won't find many farmers who admit to being lonely.

"They are proud people, but we found that when they come out, they've been very relaxed in the Plough On group and it has worked wonders."

Mervyn Smyth is the group leader at Plough On Newtownstewart

"Mental health is a big issue within the farming community," he added.

"We're trying to address that with getting them out of being on their own 24 hours a day, some of them.

"Most of them are lone workers, so it's good to get them out and get them talking about things that they normally wouldn't talk about.

"We do that at the Plough On [and] what is said within the four walls stays within the four walls."

Phonsie McKenna, who lives alone, said the group has been a great way of meeting new people

Phonsie McKenna, who is 87 years old and lives alone in a rural cottage near Lack in County Fermanagh, said he wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

"I'd be very happy here as to be living in the midst of a great group of neighbours, and that's a big thing.

How social groups are reconnecting farmers

"If you haven't peace and quiet, well your life wouldn't be worth living."

He has joined the Plough On group in Ederney, which he describes as "a good boost and it's a great place to meet the people, especially some of the neighbours".

Patrick McElhill relishes the chance to tell old stories and sing

Patrick McElhill, who is 87 from Scraghey in County Tyrone, spent his working life meeting many people and now said he's aware of "the silence and being on your own".

He also misses the companionship of having a dog but feels the road outside has become too dangerous.

He agreed that the Plough On group in Ederney is "great" and he enjoys entertaining others with his singing.

"You met and chatted to your neighbours and that's what it's all about.

"Tell old stories and songs, I could sing here, there and everywhere to suit the occasion."

Keelin Reilly from Rural Support said there are plans for more groups

The Plough On project is run by the farming charity, Rural Support, and is funded by the National Lottery Communities Fund.

Keelin Reilly, from Rural Support, said there are 12 groups up and running already with plans for 17 in total across Northern Ireland during the five-year programme.

"We're reconnecting the farmers back into their local communities and with their neighbours and realising the benefits that brings in terms of reducing social isolation, and also improving the mental health and wellbeing of the men," she explained.

The farmers who are involved all say they enjoy the camaraderie, as well as the free food.

"Once I heard this thing was free, the Plough On, I jumped on the bandwagon," said Peter McAnulla.

"I took my brother John with me and we had great outings, and the whole thing was just out of this world.

"It was lovely, everything was special."
Edward McKinley reports on Texas state government and politics from the Hearst Bureau in Austin for the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News, with a particular focus on education issues. He can be reached at edward.mckinley@houstonchronicle.com.

He is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism and Georgetowns Masters in American Government program. He previously reported for The Albany Times Union and the Kansas City Star newspapers, and he originally hails from the great state of Minnesota.
SAN DIEGO  The San Diego police sergeant critically injured in a shootout at a 4S Ranch shopping center was transported to the airport Thursday for airlifting to an out-of-state hospital for a specialized procedure, the department confirmed to FOX 5.

Around 9 a.m., a procession of about 20 SDPSD officers escorted Sgt. Anthony Elliott from the La Jolla hospital where he had been treated since the shooting on Dec. 8 to the semi-private AirCare terminal at San Diego International Airport.

We are now at a hopeful juncture as Sgt. Elliott embarks on the next stage of his recovery journey, transferring to an out-of-state specialized facility for further treatment, SDPD officials said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The support and expert care the Scripps Memorial team provided have been invaluable during this time, and we extend our deepest gratitude to them.

The department added that Elliott remains in stable condition, but still has a long way to go towards recovery. They did not specify what procedure he is seeking at the out-of-state medical facility, where he is headed or how long he may be there.

String of Carlsbad burglaries rally slew of residents, local leaders to talk solutions

Elliott was identified by SDPDs union, the San Diego Police Officers Association, as the sergeant injured in the shooting in a social media post promoting a fundraiser for him and his family on last Tuesday.

The fundraiser, which was organized through the Peace Officers Research Association of California, has a goal of $50,000 for his treatment, household bills and other costs. As of Thursday, about $42,214 has been raised.

Its an understatement to say that Anthony is an extremely well-liked and respected Sergeant, Elliotts wife, Laura, said in a statement added to the fundraiser. He is the most honorable and selfless man that I know.

Chopper the Bike Dog visits with Sgt. Anthony Elliott as he lays on a hospital bed in La Jolla. (Courtesy of Chopper the Bike Dog)

Body camera footage from the incident released on Monday shows the moment when he was shot by the suspect, identified as 46-year-old Curtis Harris, in point blank range.

In the footage, Harris is seen running out of a grocery store at the shopping center after officers attempted to contact him inside. Elliott, who was outside at the time, runs toward Harris when he exits the store, prompting him to turn towards the shopping cart corral. Elliott followed, where Harris then drew his gun and shot at the sergeant.

He was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but SDPD said he was speaking and conscious on the way to the facility.

Chula Vista police release video showing rescue of man from burning car on I-5

The first thing he said to me after he was shot was, I just want to be able to hold my kids again,' Laura continued in her statement. There are not many people who sign up for that and continue to show up against all odds. Most people run away from danger, and he has chosen to run towards it. He is a true hero, and I am beyond proud of him.

The San Diego County Sheriffs Department Homicide Unit is still investigating the incident. The San Diego County District Attorneys Office and Internal Affairs Unit will also be investigating if the officers who shot and killed Harris acted lawfully.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Attorneys Office and Commission on Police Practices will be monitoring investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Holidays can be difficult for service members and families  for a variety of reasons  especially during deployments. Many individuals and groups, however, find ways to make things a little brighter for those in the military community. Service members and family members themselves often take part in these efforts in local areas where they find themselves planted.

Military families also know that sometimes the best way to bring back the holiday spirit is to give to others. One sure-fire way is bringing gifts to children, whether its at holiday gatherings, adopting a family, or air-dropping packages to islands in the Pacific. Often, local military chaplains are involved in getting toys and food to military families in need during this season. Many in the military community are involved in the Marine Toys for Tots Foundations annual toy drive.

From Santa tracker to toxic Yule logs, agencies embrace the holidays

A number of organizations have programs for troops and military families throughout the year. These are just a few examples of whats been happening.

Troops around the world still enjoy holiday meals

For those deployed to Northern Europe in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Defense Logistics Agency has sent at least 940 whole turkeys, 7,520 pounds of roast turkey, 16,435 pounds of beef, 9,738 pounds of ham, 228 pounds of shrimp, 161 cans of sweet potatoes and 11,539 pies and cakes.

For those deployed to Iraq, Jordan and Kuwait, 947 whole turkeys, 13,632 pounds of roast turkey, 27,602 pounds of beef, 7,401 pounds of ham, 8,467 pounds of shrimp, 1,110 cans of sweet potatoes, 14,253 cakes and pies, and 3,744 containers of eggnog were delivered to the region, officials said.

Planning for the worldwide holiday feeding of troops begins months in advance at the Defense Logistics Agency. At publication time, agency officials were still finalizing their numbers for the Christmas food poundage sent worldwide.

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division currently deployed to Poland, receive gifts made by students at a school holiday party at the Powidz primary school on Dec. 12. (Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hull/Army)

Troops and families all over the world participate in events in their communities

On Dec. 12 in Powidz, Poland, soldiers with the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division made Christmas tree decorations with students during a holiday party at the Powidz school. They learned about local holiday customs, played games, and enjoyed some traditional holiday treats with the school children.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Muravez and Senior Airman Megan Irvin, loadmasters with the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, push packages over the island of Nama, Dec. 4, as part of Operation Christmas Drop 2023. (Senior Airman Allison Martin/Air Force)

Drops of toys and other gifts have been happening around the world, too

In early December, six C-130 aircraft lifted off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in Operation Christmas Drop 2023, to deliver 210 parachuted bundles of donated items such as nonperishable food, toys, fishing supplies, schoolbooks and clothing to more than 42,000 islanders on 58 remote islands throughout Micronesia, covering about 1.8 million miles in six days. Pacific Air Forces, partner nations, and the University of Guam work together on the yearly event. Operation Christmas Drops first flight was in 1952, and its the Defense Departments longest running humanitarian and disaster relief mission. Donations are collected on Guam and through the Operation Christmas Drop private organization.

Other toy missions have been happening with units based at installations such as Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and Fort Moore, Georgia.

More than 700 families of the fallen visited Walt Disney World in December, 2023, in an all-expenses-paid trip hosted by the Gary Sinise Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Gary Sinise Foundation)

Giveaways and charity events help provide enriching holiday experiences for service members and their families

More than 700 families of fallen military  to include 1,800 family members  spent five days the first week in December at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, at a healing retreat. All their expenses are paid by the Gary Sinise Foundation, their partners and donations from the public. The families could participate in many workshops and activities, in addition to enjoying all four Walt Disney World theme parks. The Gary Sinise Foundation officially took over the Snowball Express program in 2017.

A number of efforts are focused on deployed service members too. More than 45,000 holiday stockings stuffed with various goodies were pledged this year in the nonprofit Soldiers Angels Holiday Stockings for Heroes campaign for deployed service members, hospitalized veterans, and National Guard and Reserve members around the country. In addition, through Soldiers Angels Adopt-A-Family program, donors adopted more than 2,000 military and veteran families and supported them with presents and grocery gift cards.

Operation Ride Home works with Jack Daniels partners with Armed Services YMCA to help active duty junior enlisted and their families travel home for the holidays. This year the program was slated to help more than 2,000 junior enlisted troops and family members make the trip home to see their loved ones. They provide subsidized plane tickets and prepaid gift cards for road travel to help offset expenses. Jack Daniel Distillery has donated $100,000 for this years trips, and the general public also donates. This marks the 13th year the distillery has offered the program.

Families participated in a variety of activities at the tree lighting event at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. on Dec. 1. Kids could build their own Christmas car, or sailboat at the kids' holiday workshop provided by The Home Depot. (Photo courtesy of The Home Depot)

Operation Homefronts Holiday Toy Drive is designed to relieve financial stress for junior and mid-grade enlisted families, grades E1-E6. Toys and holiday meal kits are distributed at various events. Dollar Tree has helped collect toys in their stores for military children for 17 years; the program distributed about $6 million worth of toys to military families nationwide in 2022.

Armed Services YMCA also works to help financially strapped enlisted families with food and toys during the holidays and all year. Since 2004, through donations to Operation Holiday Joy, more than 320,000 toys and more than 25,000 baskets of food have been provided over Thanksgiving and Christmas for junior enlisted families in need. Many of their 12 branches around the country have participated in this program, and the events vary from branch to branch. Military parents can go in and shop for gifts for their children for the holidays.
The chief of Ukraines SBU security service, Vasyl Maliuk, has announced that Ukraine has plans to intensify reconnaissance and sabotage operations within Russian-controlled territory in 2024, while also emphasizing the critical need for surprise.

We cannot disclose our plans. They must remain shocking to the opponent. We are preparing surprises, Maliuk said, adding that occupiers must understand hiding will be futile, and we will find the enemy everywhere.

Read also: SBU claims responsibility for 2022 Crimean Bridge attack

While providing only hints about the operations, Maliuk suggested that material-technical support objects and military facilities within occupied Ukrainian territory would be focal points.

Additionally, strikes would extend beyond borders, with Maliuk stating, The cotton will continue to burn, indicating the unpredictable nature of their actions.

Explosions in Russia or Russian-held territory far behind the frontlines are popularly referred to in Ukraine as bavovna, or cotton in English.

In a year where front-line military actions have essentially stalled, SBUs exploits not only boost Ukraines morale but also hamper Russias military capabilities.

Read also: How Ukraine prepared maritime drones for its successful second attack on the Crimean Bridge

The SBU delivers pinpoint strikes. We pierce the enemy right in the heart with a needle. Each of our special operations has a specific goal and yields results, Maliuk said.

One of the focus areas in 2024 will be Crimea and the Black Sea, he said  leveraging Sea Baby drones to displace the Russian Black Sea Fleet from Crimea gradually.

We work on military objects or those used by the enemy to accomplish its military tasks. We act in full accordance with international law, Maliuk said, emphasizing the careful planning and selection of targets during SBU special operations.

Maliuk concluded by reaffirming the SBUs commitment to reclaiming Ukrainian territory: This is our land, and we will use all possible methods to liberate it from the occupiers.

Read also: Former Ukrainian MP and traitor Illia Kyva found dead in Moscow Oblast  NV sources

The SBUs successful track record in 2023 was highlighted, including the assassination of former-MP-turned-traitor Ilya Kiva and an attack on the Crimean Bridge using Sea Baby drones, leading to irreversible damage, according to Vice Premier Marat Khusnullin of 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
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A murder suspect has been taken into custody in Columbia County after a stabbing in Scappoose left one woman dead.

Derek Lee Welter, 40, of Scappoose, was arrested on suspicion of the stabbing death of 34-year-old Rhiannon Amelia Meyer, Columbia County Sheriffs Office said.

The investigation unfolded Tuesday when the sheriffs office and Scappoose Police responded to a caller who reported her daughter had been stabbed at a residence on SW 4th Avenue. After arriving around 2:37 p.m., officers and deputies found the woman unresponsive, despite efforts from law enforcement to perform CPR. She was later pronounced dead after medics arrived on the scene, authorities said.

Welter was nowhere to be seen at the home at the time, according to officials. However, deputies say they heard the vehicle description of the suspect when he fled. A search began in the surrounding areas, including places Welter was known to visit. An Oregon State Trooper soon located a vehicle that matched the description driving near the Gunners Lake Main-line shortly after 6 p.m, CCSO said.

Large police presence responds to shooting incident in east Multnomah County

Though the trooper attempted to stop the vehicle as it was driving toward them, the car reversed in the opposite direction in an attempt to flee until it backed into the end of the road and could not go any further, officials said.

Oregon State Police SWAT were called to the scene due to Welter being known to carry firearms, officials said. The SWAT team arrived just after 9 p.m. after deputies and officers set up a perimeter around the suspects car. Welter was arrested at gunpoint around 11:30 p.m., according to authorities. He was lodged at the Columbia County Jail.

In a statement, Sheriff Brian Pixley thanked their law enforcement partners who helped apprehend the suspect, including Scappoose police, OSP, the St. Helens Police Department, Washington County Sheriffs Office and the Scappoose Fire Department.

Through the collaboration and dedication of multiple agencies, we were able to keep the community safe and bring a peaceful resolution to this situation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Rhiannon Meyer, he said.

Welter has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
China unveils list of key terrestrial wildlife habitats

Xinhua) 11:30, December 21, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- China has introduced its inaugural list of key terrestrial wild animal habitats, incorporating areas that are home to over 82 percent of the country's critically protected terrestrial species.

The 789 habitats consist of six categories, including regions where endangered species live and breed, and areas characterized by significant populations of wild animals, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

They cover zones of habitation, reproduction and migration for 565 types of animals classified as level-I and level-II within China's wildlife protection system.

The administration noted that the list is expected to gradually expand as more wildlife habitats experience environmental improvements and meet assessment criteria.

Featuring rich biodiversity, China is home to more than 10 percent of the total terrestrial vertebrate species worldwide.

In recent years, the country has established a natural land protection system comprising national parks, nature reserves and various natural parks. An increasing number of wildlife habitats are coming under national protection thanks to this national conservation initiative.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A Customs and Border Protection officer talks on a megaphone to migrants in a detention area Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. William Luther

WASHINGTON  Gov. Greg Abbott began flying migrants to Chicago on Tuesday after the city impounded buses that Texas sent to drop off asylum seekers.

Texas flew more than 120 migrants from El Paso on an afternoon flight, said Abbott's spokesman, Andrew Mahaleris, who posted video of the flight on social media.

Mahaleris said all passengers signed voluntary waivers to board the flight. He would not say who owned the plane or how much the state paid for the travel. Records linked the planes tail number to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, according to the police log of the incident, WTTW reported.

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Over the last year, Abbott's administration has been busing migrants arriving in Texas to liberal cities across the country. The Republican governor has cast the initiative as a way to relieve stress on Texas border communities, but it's drawn blowback from officials on the receiving end and immigrant rights groups who accusing Abbott of using people as political props.

It's the first time Abbott has used a plane to transport migrants out of the state.

The flight comes as the city of Chicago has started fining the state's buses thousands of dollars for dropping migrants off outside of designated areas. The city impounded a bus for the first time last week, ABC7 reported. Texas had bused 23,800 migrants to Chicago as of last week, second in numbers only to New York City, according to a release from the governor's office.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) holds a 9-point lead in the crowded California Senate race, according to a poll released Thursday by Politico and Morning Consult.

Three candidates are currently battling for the second-place seat in the contest, according to Politico. Republican candidate Steve Garvey leads California Democratic Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee at the moment by 2 points and 5 points, respectively.

Schiff leads the way in the race with support from 28 percent of likely voters, according to the poll, including voters who are undecided but are learning in his direction. In the battle for second, Garvey got 19 percent of likely voters support, while Porter and Lee saw 17 and 14 percent support, respectively.

Garveys leap in the poll showcased that the election to replace the one-term Sen. Laphonza Butler (D), who moved into the seat vacated by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D), might not end up being a showdown between moderate and progressive democrats, but instead could turn into a red and blue duel in California.

Behind the four leading candidates, Republicans Eric Early and James Bradley received support from 7 percent of likely voters each, while 4 percent of likely voters support former news anchor Christina Pascucci (D).

Schiff leads the way among self-identified Democrats. The 28th District representative garnered 44 percent of likely voters support, creating a gap between him and the other two House members. Porter received 24 percent of voters support, while Lee received 21 percent of likely voters support. Though Schiff also has an advantage with voters aged 65 and older, Porter and Lee are parallel to the races front-runner among voters born in 1997 and after.

One policy position that has distinguished the candidates is the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Lee called for a cease-fire shortly after the Oct. 7 attack that marked the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, leaving about 1,200 Israeli people dead. Schiffs position echoes the Biden administrations, arguing that Israel has the right to defend itself and the responsibility to minimize Palestinian civilian casualties. Porter, earlier this week, called for a bilateral cease-fire in Gaza.

In the poll, 40 percent of likely California voters said the U.S. is doing enough to help Israel in its war with Hamas, 27 percent said the U.S. is doing too much and 19 percent said it is not doing enough.

The poll, conducted Dec. 15-19, surveyed 858 likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
LOS ANGELES  Rep. Adam Schiff holds a clear lead in the race to represent California in the U.S. Senate, according to a new POLITICO | Morning Consult poll, leaving him well-positioned to advance after the upcoming March primary.

The fiercer fight is for the number two spot in the general election, with Republican Steve Garvey and Democratic Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee in a dead heat. Garvey has positioned himself as a Trump-agnostic moderate, while Porter and Lee are more closely associated than Schiff with their partys progressive wing.

The scramble for second place will determine whether the November election will erupt into a protracted intraparty battle between two Democrats or a more lopsided red-versus-blue contest in staunchly liberal California.

Schiff, the 12-term Democrat from Burbank, leads with 28 percent of likely voters, including those who are undecided but leaning toward supporting him. Former Los Angeles Dodgers star Garvey follows with 19 percent, while Porter has 17 percent and Lee notches 14 percent  a statistical three-way tie.

Republicans James Bradley and Eric Early lag behind with 7 percent apiece, while Christina Pascucci, a Democrat and former news anchor, is at 4 percent.



The findings show a notable bump for Garvey from previous polls of the race. Since he declared his candidacy in October, he has kept a minimal campaign presence with limited public appearances. The top Democrats, meanwhile, have been criss-crossing the state most of the year to woo their partys base.

Breaking into the top two would be a coup for California Republicans, who have struggled in statewide races and risk being locked out of the contest in November if Garvey is unable to consolidate enough GOP voters.

Schiffs lead is powered by advantages with Democrats, older voters and men. Among self-identified Democratic voters, Schiff (44 percent) easily outpaces both Porter (24 percent) and Lee (21 percent).

Porter and Lee are competitive among younger voters: The three Democrats are essentially tied with voters born in 1997 or later. But among seniors aged 65 and older, Schiff has a big lead with 37 percent to Garveys 22 percent, with Lee (13 percent) and Porter (12 percent) well behind.

Of the three major Democratic candidates, Schiff is the only man, and he is the top choice of 54 percent of male Democrats in the poll. But Schiff (35 percent) also has a slight lead over both Porter (29 percent) and Lee (27 percent) among Democratic women.

The primary has also revealed ideological differences among the Democratic candidates, and Schiff (45 percent) is easily the top choice of likely primary voters who describe themselves as liberals, leading Porter (23 percent) and Lee (20 percent).

Lee, the only major African American candidate, does have a slim advantage with Black voters. The Oakland lawmaker leads Schiff, 31 percent to 24 percent.

While the three Democrats have expressed few differences on policy, the ongoing Israel-Hamas war has been a rare flashpoint in the race. Lee, an anti-war icon, set herself apart by calling for a cease-fire in the immediate aftermath of Hamas Oct. 7 attack  echoing the rallying cry of her partys left flank.

Schiff opposes a cease-fire, arguing Israel has a right to defend itself even as it should strive to limit casualties among Palestinian civilians. That position aligns with the Biden administrations stance. Porter also followed the presidents lead until earlier this week, when she shifted to promote a bilateral cease-fire to end the violence.

In the poll, likely primary voters are split: 40 percent say the U.S. is doing the right amount to help Israel in its war with Hamas, while 27 percent say it is doing too much for Israel and 19 percent say its not doing enough.

Republicans are more likely than Democrats or independents to say the U.S. isnt doing enough for Israel, but the differences are modest.



Thirty-three percent of Porter voters say the U.S. is currently doing too much to help Israel, slightly more than the share of Schiff (28 percent), Garvey (26 percent) and Lee (20 percent) backers.

The POLITICO | Morning Consult poll (toplines, crosstabs) was conducted Dec. 15-19  mostly before Porter announced her support for a cease-fire.

The poll surveyed 858 likely voters online through a combination of opt-in sampling methods and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Shepard reported from Arlington, Virginia.
Foresight

From predictions of AI treating humans like animals to repeated claims of algorithmic sentience, we thought we'd heard it all this year  until this new research about a purported death-predicting AI model dropped.

In a new paper published in the journal Nature Computational Science, researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) claim they've devised an AI model that can supposedly predict the outcomes of peoples' lives, including the rough date of when they're going to kick the bucket.

"We used the model to address the fundamental question: to what extent can we predict events in your future based on conditions and events in your past?" DTU professor and paper author Sune Lehmann said in the school's press release about the research.

Using health and labor data on Denmark's population of about six million people, Lehmann and her team built "life2vec," a so-called "transformer model" that can translate one form of input into a different output via context clues. In the case of life2vec, the initial inputs are things like time and location of birth, education, health status, occupation, and salary  and the outputs supposedly predict everything from "early mortality" to "personality nuances," as the study explains.

"What's exciting is to consider human life as a long sequence of events," Lehmann said in the press release, "similar to how a sentence in a language consists of a series of words."

Ethical Implications

Although that's a strange way to describe it, the data scientist does make a good point: our lives do have a progressive and linear flow to them that's arguably not dissimilar to that of a sentence, with easily-detected beginnings, middles, and ends.

It gets weirder, however, when trying to parse how exactly one would verify whether the model's death predictions are accurate, which neither the DTU statement nor the paper seem to address.

What Lehmann does address openly is the ethical problems that would be raised by such a model were it to be accurate  and in doing so shouts out the ways for-profit entities already engage in these sorts of soft predictions to profit off of us.

"Similar technologies for predicting life events and human behavior are already used today inside tech companies that, for example, track our behavior on social networks, profile us extremely accurately, and use these profiles to predict our behavior and influence us," he aptly pointed out.

There would be a lot more research necessary to figure out whether AI could actually predict human mortality information based on data inputs. But if that does come to fruition, we as a species would, as Lehmann suggests, need to decide "where [this] technology is taking us and whether this is a development we want."

More on next-level AI models: OpenAI's Chaos Linked to Super Powerful New AI It Secretly Built
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A proposed water rate increase is on its way to residents in northeast Pennsylvania and one group is trying to put a stop to it, and now theres a new office in Lackawanna County where residents can voice their concerns.

I came to file a complaint against Pennsylvania American Water, one resident said.

Its an official HQ where people can file a complaint, said the Oppose PA Water Hike organizer.

Peoples water bills are literally doubling, said State Senator Marty, of the 22nd District.

A proposed water rate increase is on its way to residents in northeast Pennsylvania and one group is trying to put a stop to it.

State Rep. Haddock awards $4.3M in water, sewer funds

For someone who is on a fixed income, we just cant handle it anymore, said Les Spindler, from Scranton.

Elected officials and a group called Oppose PA Water Hike have opened an office in downtown Scranton for anyone who is against a proposed water rate increase.

Our working hours are from nine to one and then we come back to four to about seven or eight oclock at night, said Joe Gilhooley, organizer of Oppose PA Water Hike.

The people here say it takes about 15 minutes to file a complaint and the office is right here on the corner of North Washington and Mulberry Street in downtown Scranton.

Who is affected most are really the people in Scranton and Dunmore they have the largest increases by far they just had a 70% increase. Were getting an additional 28% increase on top of the 70% increase last year peoples bills are basically doubling from what they were last year, Gilhooley said.

Marty Flynn is one of the representatives who is sponsoring the walk-in office and is encouraging people in his disrict to come out and fill out a complaint form.

This was supposed to be spread over all of their customer base not the peoples of Scranton and Dunmore, thats not fair, were not gonna take it, said State Senator Flynn(D-22).

The deadline is January 7 for the official complaints to be filed. WBRE received a comment from the Pennsylvania American Water Company on Wednesday. They stated they gather extensive data to make an informed decision on their costs and all customers are welcome to share their input.

The deadline for complaints to be filed is January 7.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Archaeologists recently made a discovery that has all the trappings of an Indiana Jones escapade: a cave, a large boulder, centuries-old artifacts and human remains.

While excavating Mayan ruins in Tulum, located on Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, a team of archaeologists found a cave sealed by a boulder, according to a Dec. 18 news release from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

As archaeologists removed the boulder, they noticed it was sitting on top of a human skeleton  its upper body lying inside the cave and its legs protruding outside.

Archaeologists then ventured into the cavern, which was poorly lit, covered with insects and extremely narrow, measuring an average of 20 inches high.

Once inside, they found two small chambers containing the remains of eight individuals, officials said.

Due to the environmental conditions of the cave, the remains were largely well-preserved, officials said. Intact bones and skulls were found embedded in the cave floor, photos show.

Archaeologists also found a virtual Noahs Ark of deceased animals, which included the remains of dogs, deer, opossum, armadillo, frogs, sea turtles and sharks.

A variety of sea creatures have previously been discovered at Mayan burial sites, including the grave of an adult male, which was filled with over 100 snails, according to a study published in 2020 in the journal PLOS One.

Such deposits may be a symbolic reference to the Maya belief in an aquatic afterlife, according to the study.

A snail was also found at the Tulum site. It was glued to the entrance and was considered to be a Mayan decoration.

Additionally, a significant quantity of ceramic fragments, likely dated between 1200 and 1550, were discovered inside the cave.

Research on the site, including through the generation of three-dimensional models, will continue, officials said.

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from INAH.

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This is an excerpt from our true crime newsletter, Suspicious Circumstances, which sends the biggest unsolved mysteries, white-collar scandals and captivating cases straight to your inbox every week. Sign up here.

A Black man.

Those were the first words Charles Chuck Stuart said, as he laid semiconscious in the back of an ambulance, to a Boston police officer who asked who shot him and his wife on the night of Oct. 23, 1989. Footage of that exchange, and the frantic efforts of first responders to treat his injuries, appears in the opening of HBOs powerful new documentary Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage & Reckoning.

Stuart was lying. He was the man who killed his pregnant wife and then shot himself. But the police  and later, city officials, journalists and white residents  believed his improbable story of being carjacked by a Black man in a tracksuit after a birthing class. The man, Stuart claimed, forced them to drive to the predominantly Black neighborhood of Mission Hill and fled to a nearby housing project with Carol Stuarts purse and jewelry, including her wedding ring. Investigators ignored the storys inconsistencies and disregarded tips and clues that would have implicated Stuart and instead allowed his hoax to ignite smoldering racial tensions in the city and persecute its Black citizens.

A reckoning  also the title of the third and final episode of Murder in Boston  came Wednesday morning, when Michelle Wu, the first woman and first person of color to have been elected mayor of Boston, made a formal apology at a news conference at Boston City Hall.

Carol and Charles Stuart on the day of their wedding on Oct. 13, 1985. In 1989, Carol Stuart was killed by her husband, who claimed that they had been carjacked by a Black man who then killed her and wounded him.

Carol and Charles Stuart on the day of their wedding on Oct. 13, 1985. In 1989, Carol Stuart was killed by her husband, who claimed that they had been carjacked by a Black man who then killed her and wounded him.

Calling the apology long overdue, Wu acknowledged that the city launched a systemic campaign targeting Black men based on Stuarts lies.

There was no evidence that a Black man had committed this crime, Wu said. But that didnt matter because the story was one that confirmed and exposed the beliefs that so many shared, from residents and reporters to officers and officials. At every level and at every opportunity, those in power closed their eyes to the truth because the lie felt familiar. They saw the story they wanted to see. And as a result, our Black residents suffered.

As demonstrated by Murder in Boston and a massive Boston Globe investigation that paralleled the documentary, racial tensions had been simmering in the city since the implementation of desegregation busing in 1974. The program attempted to address disparities between deeply segregated school districts by busing students to different schools. White residents responded with violent protests, their intensity captured in contemporaneous black-and-white film footage that provided important context for the upheaval in the city following Stuarts hoax. (The Oscar-winning 2017 documentary O.J.: Made in America had similarly contextualized the celebrity murder trial within the racial tensions in L.A. after the 1991 police beating of Rodney King and the 1992 uprising that broke out across the city after the officers involved were acquitted.)

Other archival film footage, news reports and TV interviews  most poignantly with then-suspect Willie Bennetts mother amid the wreckage of her home after a violent police raid  make watching Murder in Boston a visceral experience, but its greatest strength lies in its present-day reflections by journalists, former city officials, Black activists and relatives of Willie Bennett.

One person who did not express remorse in the present-day interviews: Billy Dunn, a former Boston cop who still defends the police departments actions and expressed his support for racial-targeting measures like warrentless stop and frisk actions.

But at Wednesdays news conference, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox apologized for him. He criticized the Boston Police Departments poor investigation and overzealous behavior and lack of professionalism during the Stuart investigation.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issues a formal apology to Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett at a Dec. 20 news conference for their wrongful arrests following the 1989 death of Carol Stuart, whose husband had orchestrated her murder.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issues a formal apology to Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett at a Dec. 20 news conference for their wrongful arrests following the 1989 death of Carol Stuart, whose husband had orchestrated her murder.

It all began with a 911 call.

My wifes been shot, Ive been shot, Stuart told 911 dispatchers in a rambling call that played out like an action thriller as authorities tried to locate him.

Stuart seemed to fade in and out of consciousness as he told police about the fictional hijacking. Their attacker, he claimed, had shot Carol, who was more than seven months pregnant, in the head; he had ducked, he said, and suffered a nearly fatal shot to his stomach. Stuart sounded weak and confused about where he was. The dispatcher, who could hear sirens in the background, directed squad cars to turn their sirens on and off to pinpoint his location.

A camera crew for the CBS show Rescue 911 happened to be doing a ride-along that night with the Boston Emergency Medical Service supervisor and were among the first to arrive. Murder in Boston shows the gruesome footage they captured at the scene  Carol Stuart slumped to the side in the passenger seat, her head, face and shirt bloodied; her husband beside her, grimacing in pain  and later showing Stuart in the ambulance and hospital. Carol was pronounced dead that night; their son, delivered by C-section, died 17 days later.

On Jan. 4, camera crews were also there when Stuarts body was pulled out of the Mystic River. He killed himself after learning that his brother admitted to police he had met Stuart at the prearranged crime scene, took a bag from Stuart containing the gun, Carols purse and jewelry, and disposed of its contents.

Pallbearers exit St. James Church in Medford, Massachusetts, on Oct. 28, 1989, after the funeral of Carol Stuart. Matthew Stuart (front left) later told police he had disposed of evidence incriminating his brother Charles in Carols murder.

Pallbearers exit St. James Church in Medford, Massachusetts, on Oct. 28, 1989, after the funeral of Carol Stuart. Matthew Stuart (front left) later told police he had disposed of evidence incriminating his brother Charles in Carols murder.

Much of Chucks story didnt add up from the start, but city leaders, investigators and journalists were interested in another narrative: The Black Man Did It. Police raided Black neighborhoods, harassed and assaulted Black people without cause or provocation and wrongfully arrested two Black men, Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett, accusing them of killing Carol Stuart and her son. Bennett became the ultimate scapegoat, thanks to a police-coerced witness statement and Stuarts false identification, and he remained so even after authorities and even journalists were forced to admit that shoddy police work and a single-minded zealousness, fueled by racism, had resulted in the wrong mans arrest. Bennett said the accusation ruined his life, his pain magnified by Boston officials refusal to apologize to him.

On Wednesday, his nephew, Joey Bennett, accepted the citys apology on his behalf, as well as on behalf of Swanson, who stood behind him at the news conference.

We just want to express our gratitude to Mayor Wu for the apology, her courage in acknowledging the wrongdoings of the Boston Police, Joey Bennett said. Offering a sincere apology is something we deeply respect and appreciate. It takes great humility and courage to acknowledge someone elses wrongdoings and to try to make amends. Your apology is accepted.

Alan Swanson (left) is embraced by Joey Bennett, nephew of Willie Bennett, following Boston Mayor Michelle Wus formal apology Wednesday. Joey Bennett accepted the apology on behalf of his uncle, who was not present at the news conference.

Alan Swanson (left) is embraced by Joey Bennett, nephew of Willie Bennett, following Boston Mayor Michelle Wus formal apology Wednesday. Joey Bennett accepted the apology on behalf of his uncle, who was not present at the news conference.

Related...
The Seattle Fire Department used a rope rescue to save someone after an incident at a construction site in SoDo Thursday afternoon.

The construction site was in the Industrial District at East Marginal Way South and South Nevada Street near Grand Central Bakery Wholesale.

Firefighters worked with the workers on site to help extricate the patient and deliver them to paramedics for evaluation, said a spokesperson.

After the victim was rescued, paramedics took them to a hospital for treatment. Officials say that they are now stable.

Rope rescue response at East Marginal Way S & S Nevada St. Please avoid the area.  Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) December 21, 2023
SEATTLE - The Seattle Public Schools (SPS) school board has voted to accept approximately $1.75 million in proceeds from a federal lawsuit against Juul Labs and other companies involved in the manufacturing and marketing of vaping products.

In 2019, the district filed a lawsuit against e-cigarette maker Juul, alleging the company's advertising and product design deliberately targets minors and has contributed to a rise in youth vaping and addiction to nicotine. The district says it is asking a court to order the company to stop marketing to minors in addition to damages and funding for prevention education.

Under the Juul settlement, SPS will receive, upon School Board approval, about $1.3 million over four years. The first installment of $750,000 will be paid this month. Under the Altria settlement, SPS will receive about $400,000 in the first half of 2024.

"The rise in youth vaping led the SPS team to pursue funding for increased education and prevention efforts for students, families, staff, and community. I am thrilled with the efforts of our teams that brought about this settlement and look forward to the increased support for SPS students! The U.S. Surgeon General has characterized e-cigarette use by young people as a public health epidemic. This settlement marks a step in the right direction," SPS superintendent Dr. Brent Jones said in a written statement.
Seattle - This is going to be a great holiday travel week around Western Washington with the exception of Friday, which will bring lowland rain and several inches of mountain snow.

It was a foggy morning throughout much of the Puget Sound area Wednesday morning. Above that fog will be partly to mostly sunny skies, however there may be some areas that struggle to get out of the fog until later this afternoon.

High temperatures will top out in the low 50s around the sound. Later today, a system will push north into British Columbia, bringing more clouds into the area. Another round of low level clouds and fog is expected Thursday.

Friday a cooler wet system will push into Western Washington and the Cascades, bringing breezy conditions, lowland rain, and mountain snow. Expect winter driving conditions over the mountain passes starting Friday afternoon through early Saturday morning.

Higher pass levels like Stevens Pass (around 4,000 feet) will see rain transition to snow first. That's why totals will be higher there. overall, expect two to eight inches of snow over the passes by Saturday morning.

Next weekend and into early next week, snow levels will rise again, which is unfortunate for the ski resorts.

Overall, the next seven days look more dry than wet. Highs will be close to normal with no major storms or lowland snow on the way for at least the next 10 days.
On November 1, the Alabama Supreme Court approved the new death penalty, allowing the state to execute a man through asphyxiation with nitrogen gas.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey scheduled a date with the Department of Corrections to execute the defendant, Kenneth Smith, who underwent the third botched execution in 2022 as a test subject for the new method of the death penalty.

Nitrogen Gas Execution as New Death Penalty

Attorney General Steve Marshall explained the method of execution and requested the use of nitrogen hypoxia for the new death penalty. The lawyers for Smith said that the procedure involves administering gas to a prisoner by placing a mask on their face.

Robert Grass, an attorney for Smith, said that the new experimental method was unwarranted and unjust for the second attempt to execute Smith. According to The Guardian, the lawyers for Smith have encouraged the court to reject the execution of Smith.

Furthermore, the Death Penalty Information Center also denounced the execution, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) asked the governor to block the new method.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the recent supreme court's decision. He said that Ms. Senett's family, the victim's family of the past murder case of Smith, has waited for an unconscionable 35 years to see justice served.

"Today, the Ala. Sup [sic] court cleared the way for Kenneth Smith to be executed by nitrogen hypoxia for the 1988 murder-for-hire of Elizabeth. Though the wait has been far too long, I am grateful that our talented capital litigators have nearly gotten this case to the finish line," Marshall said.

Read Also: Call for TikTok Ban in US Renewed as Officials Accuse Platform of Being Anti-Israel

Smith's 1988 Sentence Over Murder Case

Smith has been sentenced to death since 1996 and admitted to his role in a "murder-for-hire" scheme that resulted in the death of Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett in 1988.

According to Sky News, he was one of the two men convicted in the murder-for-hire case. The prosecutors reported the two were each paid $1,000 to kill Ms. Sennett on behalf of her pastor husband.

The pastor was deeply in debt and wanted to demand insurance. The pastor killed himself after a week. The other man was executed in 2010, while Smith survived an attempt when workers could not find his veins for lethal injection before the death warrant expired at midnight in 2022 for the third time.

Alabama would be the first state to attempt an execution with nitrogen gas. However, two other states have already authorized nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method.

The supporters of the new method said that the procedure would result in a painless death, but the opponents compared the new death penalty to human experimentation.

Related Article: Alabama To Execute 1st Lethal Injection Procedure After Months-Long Pause Over Failed Execution



@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The NYC Council approved two controversial NYPD bills despite being opposed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. One of the bills aims to ban solitary jail confinements.

Meanwhile, the other legislation will require New York Police Department cops to report all the street stops they do. The two new bills can benefit the city based on their functions. If this is the case, why does Eric Adams disapprove of them? Here are other major details you need to know about the controversial NYPD regulations.

NYC Council Approves NYPD Bills Opposed by Mayor Eric Adams

On Wednesday, Dec. 20, the "How Many Stops Act" was pushed through by the NYC Council. It passed with a 35-9 vote and three abstentions, as The New York Post reported.

Many people supported the bill since it aims to hold cops and other law enforcement authorities accountable for unlawful searches and stops, which advocates say unfairly affect Black and brown people.

"I've seen the damage it can do. The lack of trust between the community and the NYPD," said Christine Rivera of the Bronx Defenders, a public defender office in the South Bronx, via ABC 7.

The new How Many Stops Act was approved after a federal monitor report in June highlighted greater transparency. This report oversees the stop-and-frisk tactics done by the New York Police Department.

Based on the federal monitor report, around 24% of level 3 encounters carried out by NYPD police officers between April and October 2022 were unconstitutional.

It claimed that almost 97% of the residents pulled aside by cops during the said period were Hispanic or Black people. Aside from this, the NYC Council also passed another legislation.

This bill focuses on banning most forms of solitary confinement within the jails in New York City. Council members explained that this regulation would require city jails to give prisoners at least 14 hours of out-of-cell time in shared spaces.

But, the bill doesn't cover people who did the most violent crimes. This means that the NYPD can still isolate these criminals.

Read Also: NYPD To Spend $390 Million on Radio System To Encrypt Officers' Communications; Plan Draws Criticism

Why Eric Adams Opposes NYPD Bills

Before the NYC Council approved the two bills, Mayor Eric Adams explained why he was against these controversial legislations. And the NYC leader has a point.

"It's going to add in overtime, it's going to really take away from the focus. We need to have our police officers on the street doing policing not paperwork," said the mayor.

Patrick Hendry, the Police Benevolent Association union head, is also against the two bills, especially the How Many Stops Act. He explained that NYC is already facing cop shortages.

Hendry added that shots fired, calls, and other response times to critical incidents drastically increased by up to two minutes.

Because of this, he also argues that police officers need more time to focus on responding to calls for service, taking illegal guns off the streets, and proactively addressing crime.

Related Article: NYPD to Beef up Security Ahead of Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
While rain pattered on the sidewalk on Tuesday morning, a group of local and federal officials lined up outside the Katcho Achadjian Government Center in downtown San Luis Obispo to discuss a new effort to combat the fentanyl crisis.

The Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act, written by Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, and Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma, passed both branches of Congress last week. It now awaits a signature from President Joe Biden to become law.

If signed by Biden, the bill would require the Pentagon to develop a strategy to combat fentanyl trafficking, partly by improving its coordination with local law enforcement agencies, Canada and Mexico, according to Carbajal.

We are asking that our military and law enforcement develop a better strategy for coordinating with each other, so that we can ensure we are all working in the right direction, Carbajal said at the news conference. For the sake of hundreds of families on the Central Coast that have lost a loved one to fentanyl, we owe it to them to ensure that bureaucracy, siloing, and inter-agency coordination are not getting in the way of our counter-drug efforts.

The law aims to increase federal attention on fentanyl trafficking by using Department of Defense tools  including intelligence, technology, and funding  to combat fentanyl trafficking and disrupt drug cartel activity, Carbajal said.

Declaring fentanyl a national security threat would open significant federal and international resources to collaborate, disrupt and dismantle the steady flow of illegal fentanyl in the United States, Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth said. This is a very important goal.

The legislation was originally introduced by Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, in May.

This is a bipartisan effort, Carbajal said. Theres acknowledgment from all perspectives that we need to be more aggressive, more strategic, and give more attention to this issue.

Fentanyl-related deaths spike in SLO County

Fentanyl-related deaths in San Luis Obispo County increased 722% from 2019 to 2021, according to a data analysis by The Tribune.

Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties have reported similar spikes in fentanyl-related deaths, Carbajal said.

Additionally, the majority of drug-related deaths in San Luis Obispo County are caused by fentanyl, Sheriff Ian Parkinson said at the news conference.

As of Tuesday, the SLO County Sheriffs Office had confirmed 69 drug-related deaths in 2023, according to Sheriffs Office spokesperson Tony Cipolla. Of those 69 victims, 47 had a toxicology report that tested positive for fentanyl, Cipolla said.

Most of the time, fentanyl is manufactured in other countries and delivered into San Luis Obispo County, Parkinson said.

The benefit of the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act is that it would prevent the drug from getting to the county in the first place, which reduces stress on local law enforcement, according to Parkinson.

Primarily, what its going to affect is controlling whats coming in to the country, he said. Until we stop it, well continue to see an increase in overdose deaths.

Data from the Sheriffs Offices drug lab shows fentanyl seizures in the county also skyrocketed in recent years. In 2017, there were only 18 recorded fentanyl samples from seizures in San Luis Obispo County, followed by 27 in 2018. That jumped to 110 seizures in 2019, 449 in 2020 and 933 in 2021, according to the data.

The District Attorneys Office will continue to prosecute fentanyl-related crimes, Dobroth said.

This includes prosecuting cases as a homicide if the sale of fentanyl killed a customer who didnt know they were buying it, Dobroth said.

For example, fake pharmaceutical gray pills , cocaine, and methamphetamine can be laced with lethal doses of fentanyl, according to Dobroth.

A multinational approach is necessary to tackle a multi-national fentanyl trade, Dobroth said. Were optimistic that should the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act become law, we will see destruction and dismantling of international fentanyl trafficking organizations, which will result in tangible, positive impacts here locally in San Luis Obispo County.
Chinese President Xi Jinping allegedly told United States President Joe Biden about China's plans to reunify with Taiwan amid heightened tensions over the self-governing island's future.

Sources said that Xi's remarks came during a meeting with Biden at their recent summit and it remains unclear whether or not Beijing plans to use force in its efforts. However, the Chinese president indicated that they would initially try to do so peacefully.

Xi Tells Biden About Plans to Reunify With Taiwan

Xi has repeatedly said similar plans publicly, but what is most noteworthy about his recent remarks is that he did so bluntly to Biden at a summit that was intended to thaw relations. American officials emphasized that it was not surprising given what they have recently heard and seen.

In a statement, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that he would go into specifics of the discussion between Biden and Xi. He added that most would understand that he would not be reading out their private conversation.

Kirby added that the Chinese president has been very public and clear about his plans to reunify with Taiwan. He noted that the U.S. government has also been clear that the American nation will continue to adhere to the One China policy and does not support independence for Taiwan, as per ABC News.

The National Security Council spokesman noted that they do not support a change in the status quo unilaterally and not one made by force. He added that President Biden had previously said that there was no reason for the situation to come to blows.

Biden was previously asked about whether U.S. involvement in two other global conflicts, Ukraine and Gaza, alters previous commitments to defend Taiwan from Chinese military action. The president reiterated in November that America's position is in favor of the One China policy.

China has frequently and publicly stated its goal of reunifying with Taiwan and Beijing recently confirmed the readout of the summit. The Chinese version read that Xi elaborated on his principled position on the Taiwan issue and pointed out that it has always been the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-U.S. relations.

Read Also: More Chinese Weather Balloons Appear Across Taiwan Strait

Addressing the Longstanding Territorial Dispute

Xi also referenced public predictions by U.S. military leaders who estimated that he plans to take Taiwan in 2025 or 2027. He told Biden that these were wrong and that China does not have a set time frame on the issue, according to NBC News.

The White House also rejected a request from China where officials asked in advance of the summit for the American president to make a public statement. This would be where he says that the U.S. supports China's goals of peaceful unification with Taiwan and that it does not support Taiwan's independence.

The Chinese president's remarks come as he is facing mounting pressure amid economic turmoil in his home country. At the meeting, he sought to smoothen ties with the U.S. and American business leaders in an attempt to secure more investment to support his nation, said Business Insider.

Related Article: Taiwan Announces How It'll Handle Chinese Spy Balloons

@ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Update 11:47 p.m. EST Friday: SpaceX has apparently pushed back tonight's target liftoff time to 12:33 a.m. Saturday, according to various reports, with backup opportunities available until 3 a.m. if needed.

Original story: Unprecedented: SpaceX's next rocket launch, which is scheduled for late Friday night, will mark the record-extending 70th this year from Cape Canaveral.

And afterward  with nine days remaining on the 2023 calendar  will SpaceX send up another orbital launch or two for good measure?

Though SpaceX has yet to publicly confirm the Friday mission's existence, a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency navigational warning indicates a rocket launch window will open at 11 p.m. EST Friday. The window lasts past midnight to 3:31 a.m. Saturday. More details:

Starlink 6-32 mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a batch of Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Location: Launch Complex 40.

Trajectory: Southeast.

Local sonic boom: No.

Booster landing: Drone ship out on the Atlantic Ocean.

Live coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.

More: Drone deliveries: Florida Tech showcases autonomous aircraft, touts future economic clout

On Monday night, SpaceX similarly launched a Falcon 9 carrying 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit.

The former all-time record of 57 annual orbital launches from the Cape was established last year.

On Friday night, the National Weather Service predicts a 20% chance of showers and mostly cloudy skies at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with a low around 62 accompanied by an east-northeast wind around 10 mph.

More specifically, the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron forecasts a 70% chance of "go for launch" weather early during the launch window, decreasing to 60% by the end.

"On Friday evening a weak inverted trough will move near the Spaceport, enhancing the cloud coverage. The primary weather concerns for Friday evening are the Thick Cloud Layers Rule and Cumulus Cloud Rule associated with the trough and onshore flow," the squadron's forecast said.

The Monday night launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 on a Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Looking ahead to Dec. 28, SpaceX hopes to launch a Falcon Heavy rocket carrying the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, a secretive Space Force space plane, on the USSF-52 mission at 7 p.m. from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

To check out the latest launch schedule updates at the Cape, visit floridatoday.com/launchschedule.

Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX Starlink launch Friday set for record 70th this year from Cape
The country decreed one of the worlds strictest lockdowns in March 2020, with mandatory curfews and limits on social gathering - Javier Cebollada/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Spain must legislate for future lockdowns as a new pandemic is probable, according to public health experts.

The country decreed one of the worlds strictest lockdowns in March 2020, but the legal basis for the move was later overturned by its constitutional court.

During the pandemic various Spanish courts revoked orders mandating curfews and limits on social gathering.

Following an audit of the countrys response to the pandemic, health experts urged officials to prepare for the next deadly pandemic by laying down legislation for lockdowns and other emergency action.

They said another highly serious respiratory virus pandemic in the short or medium term is not just possible, but probable.

Spains legislators should create a clear and sufficient framework that provides legal certainty to decisions, whether through a new pandemic law or reforms of existing legislation, they said.

Beaches once heaving with tourists were deserted during Spain's lockdown - DESIREE MARTIN

The report, titled Evaluation of the Performance of the Spanish National Health System against the Covid-19 Pandemic, found that Spains health system was unprepared for the events of 2020.

It supposedly lacked an effective early-warning system and the ability to scale up available treatment capacity.

The evaluation said that a special health crisis committee should be formed by the government at the start of a pandemic, advised by scientists.

The onset of Covid-19 saw criticism of decision-making in prime minister Pedro Sanchezs government, which eventually admitted that no specific expert advisory committee had been formed.

Among other key recommendations are the need to strengthen local healthcare facilities and establishing a reserve of PPE materials and ventilators in intensive care units.

Work is also needed, the experts said, to develop an effective tech-based track-and-trace system, with Spains Radar COVID app having detected only 125,000 out of the 13 million infections that took place between August 2020 and September 2022.

The report also says that greater coordination between regional health services and care homes should be established.

Of Spains 122,000 dead from Covid-19, more than 34,000 were from care homes.

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PARIS  Spain has ordered 16 Airbus C295 aircraft in maritime patrol and surveillance configurations for 1.7 billion (U.S. $1.9 billion), Airbus announced Wednesday.

Six maritime patrol variants will come equipped for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, replacing the Spanish P-3 Orion fleet that retired at the end of 2022, Airbus said. Equipment for each of these aircraft includes a magnetic anomaly detector and sonobuoys for submarine detection; a multimode radar for long-range target detection; and satellite communications technology.

These aircraft will also carry weapons, including torpedoes, and will be highly connected so they can operate as flying command-and-control centers, according to the French company.

The remaining 10 C295 aircraft in the maritime surveillance configuration are to replace Spains aging CN-235 fleet, which entered operations in 1988, according to the Air Force.

Airbus will equip the new planes for anti-smuggling, anti-illegal migration and anti-drug trafficking operations, as well as search and rescue missions, the firm said.

Spain already operates a fleet of 13 C295 aircraft in a transport configuration, and the two maritime versions will have a high degree of synergy, the manufacturer said.

Assembly will take place at the Airbus military facilities in Seville, Spain. The country expects to receive the first C295 in the maritime patrol configuration in 2027; the first surveillance configuration the year after; and delivery of the final aircraft in 2031. CASA, a predecessor company of Airbus, designed and first manufactured the C295.

The contract includes training systems, such as a full flight simulator, as well an initial logistics support package, Airbus said. The government approved the budget to buy the C295 aircraft in June and signed off on the contract in September.

The C295 has been an export success for Airbus in Spain, with total orders for 283 planes at the end of November, of which 216 were delivered so far. The company in September handed over the first of 56 C295 aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force.

The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney turboprops and has a maximum takeoff weight of 23 metric tons. The armed maritime patrol version can operate for two and a half hours at a distance of 800 nautical miles from takeoff, and six and a half hours at a distance of 400 nautical miles, according to Airbus.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, left, shakes hands with Catalonia's President Pere Aragones during a meeting in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Sanchez and Aragones meet in the first encounter since an amnesty for Catalan separatists was announced earlier this year. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Barcelona on Thursday in an effort to show that his pledge to push through an amnesty for Catalonias separatists was paying dividends with the leaders of the politically restive region.

After meeting with Catalan regional president, Pere Aragones, in the medieval palace housing Catalonias government, the two emerged with a handful of deals that Sanchez said would affect the daily lives of Catalans.

Sanchez has been harshly criticized by Spains conservative opposition for his decision to grant an amnesty that, once it is passed by Parliament next year, would sweep away the legal troubles of potentially hundreds of people involved in Catalonias unsuccessful 2017 independence bid.

That amnesty deal was critical to Sanchez winning the parliamentary support of Catalan separatists parties that he needed to form a new government last month, following inconclusive national elections in July.

Sanchez underscored on Thursday how his policy for Catalonia since he took power in 2018 had greatly eased tensions between Madrid and Barcelona. He also focused on the bread and butter deals that he struck with Aragones. They included a commitment to push for new tech industries in Catalonia, the transfer of the management of local rail services to the region, and a proposed bill to defend Spains minority languages such as the Catalan language.

Catalonia must make up for lost time in order to face the huge challenges ahead, Sanchez said, specifically mentioning the record drought Catalonia is suffering.

Aragones instead put the accent on their agreement to meet again in the first three months of next year to specifically discuss the separatists' long-held goal of holding an authorized referendum on self-determination.

All of this is possible because the amnesty has opened up a new phase in the resolution of the political conflict between Catalonia and the Spanish state," Aragones said about his renewed push for a vote on independence.

Aragones recognized that Sanchezs position is a firm No to considering any ballot that could break Spain in two.

What we need to do in the next four years is work toward an agreement to reinforce the self-government of Catalonia, Sanchez had said in a separate press conference.

But, Aragones noted, Sanchez had also said that the amnesty for the Catalans was impossible  until he needed to concede one to stay in power on a new four-year term.

The political leverage wielded by the Catalan separatists comes while their popular support appears to be waning. They performed poorly in the July elections while Sanchezs Socialists won the most votes in northeast Catalonia, and the massive streets protests for independence common just a few years ago have shrunk as the movement's leaders scuffle.

Prior to their meeting, both leaders attended the presentation of a new supercomputer, the MareNostrum 5, at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center. For Sanchez that was another welcomed example of the normalization of institutional relations that were shattered by their predecessors.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is urging President Biden to use his executive authority to impose strict measures to combat the ongoing migrant crisis at the U.S. southern border.

"The wide-open border has caused unspeakable human tragedy for migrants and certainly for our own citizens. During FY2023, CBP seized enough fentanyl to kill the entire U.S. population, and fentanyl poisoning is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. Countless children and adults have been victims of human trafficking and cartels have been emboldened and enriched," Johnson wrote.

"Local communities have been devastated and terrorists and dangerous criminals have entered illegally and dispersed across our country. We are now more vulnerable to a terrorist attack on our homeland than ever."

UNION PACIFIC WARNS BORDER CROSSING CLOSING DUE TO MIGRANT CRISIS HURTS CROSS-BORDER TRADE AS CHRISTMAS NEARS

House Speaker Mike Johnson, right, wrote to President Biden urging him to take executive action on the border. (Getty Images)

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials warned this week that the thousands of migrants coming across the border daily was straining their resources to critical levels, as communities along the border continue to also be stretched thin.

"All of this is the direct result of your administrations policies," Johnson wrote. "You have clearly undermined Americas sovereignty and security by ending the Remain in Mexico policy, reinstating catch-and-release, suspending asylum cooperative agreements with other nations, ignoring existing restraints on the abuse of parole, and halting border wall construction."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

5,000 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS RELEASED EVERY DAY INTO US, ADMIN OFFICIALS PRIVATELY TELL LAWMAKERS

Customs and Border Protection officials have said their resources are strained by the tidal wave of migrants seeking asylum.

He called on Biden to impose an executive order empowering border agents to "turn back or detain all illegal aliens encountered between ports of entry," as well as vastly narrowing parole authority for migrants.

Johnson also demanded that Biden reinstate the Trump administrations controversial Remain in Mexico policy, strengthen expedited removal processes and resume construction of the border wall.

SOUTHERN BORDER HIT BY RECORD NUMBER OF MIGRANT ENCOUNTERS IN A SINGLE DAY AS THOUSANDS FLOOD INTO TEXAS

Republicans in the House and Senate have forced the White House to the negotiating table on border security by holding up Bidens $110 billion supplemental aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other causes. The bill also includes funding for the border, but GOP lawmakers argued that the money is meaningless without significant policy changes.

Migrants flee through a gap being repaired in the border wall in Lukeville, Arizona, on Dec. 5.

Johnson has maintained both in public and in private that House Republicans would not agree to Ukraine funding unless the Senate takes up their marquee border security bill known as H.R. 2.

When asked for a response, a White House spokesperson pointed to instances of Biden requesting additional funding for border security and arguing that "House Republicans have refused to fund our border security at the levels we need."

"They refused to provide the resources we requested in 2022 and in 2023. For example, in Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023, President Biden requested additional funds to hire more Border Patrol agents, House Republicans voted against those measures. In August 2023, House Republicans refused to take up the Presidents emergency funding request for border security  instead, they put forward a CR that would have cut 800 CBP agents. When President Biden presented Congress with another supplemental request for border security in October, House Republicans refused to take it up. Instead, Speaker Johnson and House Republicans decided to go home in mid-December," the spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement after publication.

"If Speaker Johnson and House Republicans had their way, there would be 2,000 fewer CBP agents and officers at the border  just look at the bill they voted for in May 2023."

Referencing the ongoing negotiation between Senate Republicans and the White House, the spokesperson said Biden was "working to find a bipartisan agreement that will make a real difference at the border."





Original article source: Speaker Johnson urges Biden to use executive powers to crack down on border crisis
Texas has started flying out migrants to sanctuary cities in other parts of the United States, with the first flight heading to Chicago and bringing more than 100 people onboard.

The first flight was expected to arrive in Chicago on Tuesday evening and marks an escalation of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's efforts to move migrants out of the state to ease pressure on the border region.

Texas Flies Migrants Out to Sanctuary Cities

It was said that the first flight left El Paso, Texas, on Tuesday afternoon carrying 120 migrants and arrived at Chicago's O'Hare Airport later that day. Sources in Abbott's office said that all the migrants onboard the flight signed voluntary waivers, as they do when they are transported via buses.

The decision to fly the migrants out was made partially in response to Chicago's interference of the buses that were traveling to the sanctuary city. The city's officials have filed lawsuits against companies that were bringing the migrants into the region, as per Fox News.

Abbott's latest move is seen as an escalation of his previous strategy that has been in place since April 2022. That was when he started ordering the bussing of migrants, the first of which went to Washington, DC, and it was later expanded to include other US cities that have "sanctuary" policies that forbid or limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

This week, the Texas governor's office said the state has already bussed more than 82,900 migrants to cities, including Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver, and Los Angeles.

Abbott noted that the operation provides a "vital relief" to border towns and has promised to continue doing it until "Biden secures the border." On the other hand, critics have slammed the Texas governor for performing what they call an "illegal" political stunt.

Last week, Chicago's city council voted to toughen penalties on bus operators who do not unload passengers at a designated arrival location or fill out city paperwork. According to the Washington Post, the city has argued that operators started trying to drop people off in neighboring cities to avoid penalties that include fines, towing, or impoundment.

Read Also: Biden Admin Introduces Refugee Program Allowing US Sponsors to Recommend Individuals for Migration

Migrant Surge

Furthermore, many have expressed concerns about the living conditions and medical care provided for asylum-seekers who arrived in Chicago. This was spotlighted by the death over the weekend of a five-year-old boy who lived at a temporary shelter for migrants.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment regarding the flights from Texas. In a statement, Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said that the decision was made due to Johnson not living up to his city's "Welcoming City" ordinance and "targeting migrant buses from Texas."

The first flight from Texas to Chicago is also seen as Abbott's escalating efforts to damage Biden's chances for re-election and divide Democratic voters. The immigrants have come into the country seeking asylum after escaping economic collapse and political instability.

When the plane landed without warning to Chicago officials, airport authorities called the Chicago Police Department. Records linked the aircraft's tail number to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said WTTW.

Related Article: [UPDATE] Texas Faces Lawsuit From ACLU Over New Immigration Law Allowing Arrest of Illegal Crossers

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Santa drives a green Toyota Avalon.

He drinks Dr. Pepper.

He likes Mexican food.

In the old days, before he became Santa, people told him he looked like country singing superstar Kenny Rogers. No child, he said, has ever tugged his beard to see if it's real.

Because it's so obviously really real.

Santa Claus visits with children and their families in the dining area at Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tenn., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Randy Henshaw has been portraying the jolly resident of the North Pole for four seasons and counting.

This is Randy Henshaw's fourth Christmas season as a for-hire, real-bearded, classic Santa Claus.

"I think it's my calling," said Henshaw, 57.

In six to eight weeks of work (that's 37 appearances as Santa), he will make about $10,000, charging between $175 and $100 per hour for personal appearances, parades, camera sessions and meet-and-greets for nonprofit organizations.

Kurt Hemingway, who works six days a week (half of them are 10-hour days) is an even more monetarily successful Santa. In 2022, he made $18,000 as a six-week Santa at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. He expects to make about $16,000 this season.

"I've been a Santa all my life and didn't even know it," said Hemingway, 68, of Culleoka, Tennessee. He's also worked as a Santa for four years.

Henshaw and Hemingway both attended the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan.

Santa Claus (Randy Henshaw) as looks over the Christmas wish list of Ryan Simonovich, 6, at Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tenn., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.

The most important lesson they learned there: "Santa doesn't enter through the chimney," Henshaw said. "But through the heart."

Of all the people he's spread joy for since 2020, there was one heart above all others Henshaw hopes he reached.

'You're Santa, aren't you?'

When Henshaw was about 10, he caught his mother eating the cookies that were supposed to have been left for Santa.

"You're Santa, aren't you?" he said.

Who could have known he would have thought about that moment years later.

In high school, he started working as a quilter, making mattress covers in his father's shop in Hendersonville.

He went to Middle Tennessee State University and studied business administration with minors in finance and economics.

Randy Henshaw as Santa, visits with children and their families while they enjoy a meal in the dining area at Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tenn., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.

He had a long career as the owner of Farber Sales, an automotive supplier.

He married a woman named Tonya who he had met in an electronics store. They raised two kids, but he had never considered becoming a Santa ...

Until 2020.

He was at a restaurant in Gallatin, and saw an off-duty Santa eating dinner with an off-duty Mrs. Claus.

Henshaw's side hustle  selling beef jerky at a gun show  led to his venture into "the brothers in red," he said. The Gallatin Santa, in plain clothes, bought some jerky, and Henshaw recognized him immediately. Both men were a bit chubby with white beards.

"What area do you work in?" the Gallatin Santa asked. "As Santa?"

"I'm not Santa," Henshaw said.

"You know you're going to hell, don't you?" the Gallatin Santa said.

Before Henshaw could get offended, the Gallatin Santa explained God had given him a Santa-like appearance as a gift.

"You're not using God's gift," the Gallatin Santa said.

'I'm not Randy anymore. I'm Santa.'

Henshaw bought a Santa suit for $125 that first year so he could start using God's gift. The suit he wears now cost him $1,800.

He made appearances as Santa for family and friends. He spent $500 to go to Santa Claus School where he learned enough history to answer almost every conceivable question about the story of St. Nicolaus. He joined the International Brotherhood of Real-Bearded Santas.

Rowan Partin, 5, and Wells Partin, 3, talk with Randy Henshaw as Santa, in the dining area at Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tenn., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.

"Suddenly, people started calling," he said.

And he started charging $100 per 30-minute visit. Now he works with organizations like HireSanta.com, which is based in Texas, and keeps him busy.

"It amazes me how emotionally drained I am afterward," Henshaw said. "I'm not Randy anymore. I'm Santa."

'I'm only a vessel that carries the Christmas spirit'

Hemingway's suit, custom made by "Santa's tailor" (a guy named Bill Denning in Texas), is all wool with a breathable liner and gold buttons down the front. It cost $2,700.

Hemingway, of Spring Hill, is a retired General Motors production worker. For the last 15 years, he's driven a school bus.

"I apprenticed at being Santa for 15 years," he said. "Driving a bus led me to this point."

Hemingway said he will never forget the little girl, who was a foster child, who sat on his lap and asked him, "Is there only one Santa?"

He said he considered the little girl's life, in and out of homes, not trusting adults.

"I'm only a vessel that carries the Christmas spirit," he told her. "But I can tell you also carry the spirit."

Randy Henshaw as Santa, holds Rorie Kloaky, 2, in the dining area at Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tenn., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.

She left the room. Three minutes later, she came and gave Hemingway a wink and a smile. He knew even though she was 11, she understood.

"You have to give the spirit as a gift," he said.

'You said Randy was coming over'

Randy Henshaw and his wife moved in with his mother Beryle in 2020.

She was suffering from dementia.

Beryle had been the reason he loved Christmas his whole life.

She was sitting on the couch in her stylish blue pajamas. At first, she was confused when a red-suited man entered the room.

She looked at Tonya, Henshaw's wife.

"You said Randy was coming over," Beryle said.

It wasn't Randy, it was Santa.

"She smiled," Henshaw said.

She put her arm around Santa, and someone snapped a picture.

"She was gone three months later," Henshaw said. "It's still hard to look at that picture. But I'm glad I have it."

Reach Keith Sharon at ksharon@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Santa Claus in Tennessee: Why they do it and what they earn
St. Augustine Nights of Lights from the Visitors and Convention Bureau

Celebrate Christmas in America's oldest city and enjoy all that St. Augustine has to offer, including the following weekend events:

Thursday, Dec. 21

The Venardos Circus returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Kevin Venardos Ringmaster of Venardos Circus

St. Augustine welcomes the Venardos Circus now through Monday, Jan.1, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

Touting this years theme, Lets Build A Dream, the theatrical circus staged beneath a red and white striped big-top tent is an experience reminiscent of traditional circus performances of yester-year.

Produced and hosted by Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the show features center ring performances of all circus genres  acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, hand-balancers, magicians, daredevils, comedians, and dancers  without the animals. Guests literally step into a center ring circus replete with the trimmings of popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy, hot dogs, candy, and pink lemonade.

Click here to learn more.

Saturday, Dec. 23

Sisters of St. Joseph Nativity open house

2023 Nativity Scene The Sisters of St. Joseph

The St. Joseph Renewal Centers Nativity Open House 2023 runs 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Villa Flora located on 234 St. George Street.

This years Christ the Source of Our Hope theme includes 75 Nativity displays from all over the globe. The event  and parking in the Sisters of St. Joseph parking lot off Cordova Street  is free.

Vilano Beach:

Cirque Adventure

Cirque Adventures Elf Circus: Three, 30-minute arial and acrobatic performances with of course, a backdrop of Christmas and holiday tunes from 1-3:30 p.m. St Johns County Fire and Rescue will also be on site to showcase emergency vehicles. Admission is free.

The Vilano Beach Holiday Market takes place on along Vilano Road from 4-8 p.m.

Jeremy Weinglass will perform at The Patio at the Holiday Inn Express 4-7 pm.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear at The Patio at the Holiday Inn Express 4-6 pm.

Sunday, Dec.24

K9s United Santa Paws

K9s United Santa Paws

K9s United will embark on a multi-county Santa Paws expedition of delivering doggie toys to the four-legged crime fighters of Northeast Florida. Spearheaded by 12-year-old Emma Johnson, a.k.a. Santa Paws, daughter of Debbie Johnson, founder of K9s United, Santa Paws will deliver almost 100 toys to K9s who serve to protect  along with their law enforcement handlers  our communities including the St. Augustine Beach Police Department.

According to the Johnsons, toys ordered on the Santa Paws Amazon link will be hand delivered  complete with pets and ear scratches  to these four-legged companions who along with their K9 enforcement officers detect, protect and serve communities.

K9s United works to provide K9 units with equipment, amenities, and a quality of life during and after their service.

K9s United states on their website that because of budget restrictions, law enforcement agencies lack the proper funding for K9 Units. K9s United assists with First Aid Emergency Kits; training/active equipment; K9 health expenses; advanced training; kennels and crats; and heat alarms and door poppers.

With our vision to support, honor, strengthen and provide, K9s United will continue until every law enforcement K9 in need is served, they said.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Augustine Christmas weekend events
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A man allegedly persuaded a St. Louis County woman to pay him privately for home improvement projects several years ago that he never started.

The accused man, formerly employed as a St. Louis-area contractor, now faces a felony charge, per Missouri court records.

Prosecutors have charged Jody Flynn, 51, of Imperial, Missouri, with one count of felony stealing in excess of $750.

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Flynn was assigned to remove a customers deck and replace it with a new one while he worked for Chesterfield Fence and Deck.

City officials saw bodycam footage after police SUV crashed into bar  Source

Court documents state that after he removed the deck, he claimed that mold removal would be necessary and that the company would not move forward with more work. After that, Flynn reportedly offered to complete the work independently of his employer.

The woman agreed to a contract that called for Flynn to replace a handrail on the front porch and to build a deck, per court documents. The victim reportedly paid Flynn a combined $7,168 from three separate checks.

The reported agreement came some time between Dec. 20, 2021, and Jan. 18, 2022. Nearly two years later, work has not begun on the pre-paid projects, per court documents. A criminal complaint was issued nearly one week ago.

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Flynn has a criminal setting hearing scheduled for Jan. 31, 2024. If convicted, Flynn could face up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Chesterfield Fence and Deck also informed St. Louis County that Flynn has been fired for the private work agreement, per court documents.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The death toll in Gaza reached a grim milestone. The Supreme Court might want to stay out of the 2024 election  but now it has to deal with Trump. And hackers stole a whole lot of Xfinity customer data.

 Hey yall! Laura Davis here. Its time for Wednesdays news!

 But first: He tried to cross the ocean in a giant hamster wheel. Then the federal charges came.

The Short List is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Palestinian death toll tops 20,000 in Gaza

The leader of the Hamas political wing was in Cairo on Wednesday for talks toward a truce that could allow more prisoner-hostage exchanges and increased humanitarian aid for the devastated Gaza Strip. Ismail Haniyeh was holding "critical discussions" with Egyptian officials, Egypt Today reported, as the Palestinian death toll surpassed a staggering 20,000. Could a truce be near? The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel was offering a one-week pause in the fighting in return for the release of 40 hostages.  Here's the latest.

'We know they were raped in Hamas captivity': Chilling details of what hostages faced.

Palestinians line up for a meal in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023.

SCOTUS just cant quit Trump

A stunning decision late Tuesday to disqualify former President Donald Trump from Colorado's 2024 primary ballot has thrust the U.S. Supreme Court once again into the place it least wants to be: In the middle of a legal fight with the potential to shake up next year's election.

What's going on? The nation's top court is already weighing whether to hear Trump's claim that he's entitled to immunity from federal charges tied to his interference in the 2020 election. The justices have also agreed to decide a suit questioning whether those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol can face obstruction charges.

So what changed? As significant as those cases are, with Colorado ruling that Trump is ineligible to appear on the state's ballot because of his role in inciting the violence at the Capitol, the U.S. Supreme Court will almost certainly be shoved into the 2024 election more explicitly than before.  Take a closer look at the issues.

New: Trump asks SCOTUS to stay out of election fraud case.

Chris Christie slams Colorado decision to keep Trump off ballot.

GOP senator moves to block other states from disqualifying Trump.

Real quick

The Short List is free, but several stories we link to are subscriber-only. Consider supporting our journalism and become a USA TODAY digital subscriber today.

10 Americans swapped for ally of Venezuelan president

The Biden administration released a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from U.S. custody Wednesday in exchange for 10 Americans detained in Venezuela and the return of a notorious fugitive. Six of the Americans freed from Venezuelan custody were considered wrongfully detained. The U.S. also secured the extradition of Leonard Francis, a Malaysian defense contractor known as "Fat Leonard," who fled to Venezuela while facing sentencing for orchestrating one of the biggest bribery scandals in U.S. Navy history. In exchange, Biden granted clemency to Alex Saab, long considered a bag man for Maduro who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020.  What to know about the prisoner swap.

Pedestrians walk near a poster asking for the freedom of Colombian businessman and Venezuelan special envoy Alex Saab, in Caracas, Venezuela, Sept. 9, 2021.

Data for millions exposed in Xfinity security breach

*shakes fist* Keep an eye on your accounts, yall. A data breach at Xfinity has given hackers access to the personal information of nearly all of the company's customers. Comcast, the parent company of Xfinity, sent a notice to customers Monday saying there was "unauthorized access to its internal systems" as a result of a vulnerability in software from cloud computing company Citrix, which is used by Xfinity. The company says it notified law enforcement and initiated an investigation, determining that information from 35.8 million people was acquired by hackers.  What to know about the hack.

A break from the news

Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Say hello: laura@usatoday.com. This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to USA TODAY here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel-Hamas war, Trump blocked in Colorado, Venezuela prisoner swap: Wednesday's news
Sir Keir said the UK would 'need to deter' Moscow during a visit to Nato's operating base in Tapa, Estonia - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Russia is a real and constant threat to Europe, Sir Keir Starmer said as he sought to distance himself further from Jeremy Corbyns Labour leadership.

Wearing army fatigues, the Labour leader visited soldiers stationed in Estonia to stress his partys commitment to Nato, the defence organisation Mr Corbyn wanted to leave.

As well as the military threat from Vladimir Putins actions, underlined by the war in Ukraine, there was also the risk of other forms of interference by the Russian state, Sir Keir said.

Sir Keir Starmer and John Healey met British troops during their visit - Stefan Rousseau/PA

He said the UK and its allies need to be prepared, we need to deter in response to Moscows actions, adding: I think we have to be mindful of that threat from Russia to Europe, to ourselves in the UK, and the interference that goes on.

The Labour leader said there was a real and constant threat from Russia, measured in years, and measured back home in the UK as well.

Sir Keir, accompanied by John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, visited troops in the Estonian snow.

The Labour leader has been at pains to highlight the policy shift from his hard-Left predecessor Mr Corbyn, who has suggested that defence alliances such as Nato should ultimately be disbanded.

The visit to the Nato base signified a firm commitment from Labour to the alliance - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Labour has put pressure on the Government to maintain support for Ukraine - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Sir Keir and Mr Healey used the visit to praise British military personnel for helping to protect Natos eastern flank. The pair were expected to observe military exercises before joining troops in the canteen over lunch.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Healey said: We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win. We stand ready to back further assistance to Ukraine and our Nato allies like Estonia.

Amid signs of war fatigue among Ukraines Western allies, Labour has heaped pressure on the Government to reveal the UKs plans for future military aid for Kyiv.

Britain gave 4.6 billion of military aid to Ukraine across 2022 and this year.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Sir Keir Starmer has weighed in on the newspaper brand's sale during his visit to Estonia - Labour Party

Sir Keir Starmer has supported the Culture Secretarys decision to review the proposed Abu Dhabi-backed takeover of The Telegraph.

The Labour leader said Lucy Frazer was right to block RedBird IMI from taking control of this newspaper so ministers can examine the deal, amid concerns about censorship and foreign state ownership.

RedBird IMI is a joint venture between RedBird, an American private equity firm, and International Media Investments (IMI), an Abu Dhabi vehicle backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Sheikh Mansour also owns Manchester City and is the vice-president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has prompted concerns over the regimes record on free speech and womens rights.

Asked on a visit to Estonia about the future of The Telegraph, Sir Keir told GB News: I think the Government is looking into this at the moment and I think theyre right to do that. And well wait to see what the outcome of that process is.

IMI is providing 75 per cent of the 600 million price for The Telegraph and The Spectator, its sister publication and the oldest weekly magazine in the world.

No guarantee of editorial independence

The bid itself is being fronted by Jeff Zucker, a former chief at the liberal US news network CNN who has vowed he would resign if Abu Dhabi was to interfere with the independence of the publications.

It came as senior Conservative MPs, including three government ministers, told The Telegraph that they opposed the sale of the newspaper to RedBird IMI.

One minister claimed the involvement of the UAE  where it is illegal to post material online that criticises the government, or to photograph some government buildings  would mean no guarantee of editorial independence will be worth the paper it is written on.

It is fundamentally wrong for an autocratic regime to control one of the leading organs of free speech in a liberal democracy, they said.

Another frontbencher added: Its vital that such a crucial part of this countrys democratic life stays free of any potential  or, for that matter, perceived  political influence.

A third minister also expressed alarm at Abu Dhabis record and said they were deeply suspicious about the future of The Telegraph if the sale went ahead.

National security concerns

On Thursday, Alicia Kearns, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee, and Andy Carter, the chair of the All Party Media Group of MPs, which seeks to advance a free press, also expressed their opposition to the takeover.

As we battle against rising tide of disinformation, protecting a vibrant media landscape, and above all the editorial independence of our leading newspapers, is vital, Ms Kearns said.

With colleagues, I have asked the Deputy Prime Minister to exercise his powers to review the potential transaction relating to The Telegraph and The Spectator involving Lloyds Bank, the Barclay family and RedBird IMI on the grounds of our national security.

She added that she plans to meet those involved in attempts to purchase The Telegraph and The Spectator to discuss her concerns.

Mr Carter said: The cornerstone of our democracy is a free press. Im not convinced that a newspaper that is effectively controlled by a foreign government is in the interests of the British people.

He said he was very supportive of Ms Frazers decision to block the sale and insisted on the need for the accurate presentation of news and free expression of opinion.

Simply because someone has the money doesnt mean they pass the test as fit and proper person to have control of a key section of the British Media, Mr Carter added.

Senior journalists including Camilla Tominey, The Telegraphs associate editor, and Janet Daley, a Sunday Telegraph columnist since 1996, have sounded the alarm in recent weeks about discrimination against women in the UAE.

Sir Richard Dearlove, a former head of MI6, urged ministers to block the takeover earlier this month, arguing it represents a profound security concern.

Many of our readers have raised concerns over the potential sale of Telegraph Media Group to the Abu Dhabi-linked Redbird IMI. While Ofcom carries out its investigation we are inviting the submission of comments on the process. Email salecomments@telegraph.co.uk to have your say.

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.
Voters cast their ballot at the early voting site at the Cary Senior Center in Cary, N.C., on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.

North Carolina lawmakers passed many new laws this year. Several are set to take effect on Jan. 1, including changes for voters, teenagers learning to drive, people who access adult websites, and more.

Heres the full New Years list.

Teen drivers license changes

Senate Bill 157: Limited Provisional License Modification.

Starting Jan. 1, teens who obtain a limited learner permit, which allows them to drive under the supervision of a parent or guardian, will have to keep it for nine months before seeking a limited provisional license.

The limited provisional license allows teens older than 16 to drive unsupervised between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Previously, to obtain this license teens had to wait six months.

Age verification on pornographic sites

House Bill 8: Various Statutory Changes.

Going into effect is a section requiring age verification on pornographic websites. Websites will need to verify users in North Carolina are over the age of 18 through a commercially available database or another commercially reasonable method for age and identity verification, according to the bill.

These sites will not be allowed to keep users identifying data. Users will be able to sue sites if information is retained in violation of the law. Parents or guardians whose minor was allowed to access porn will also be able to sue.

Another section of the bill requires the UNC Systems Board of Governors to establish a commission to study alternatives to the current accreditation process. An interim report on the commissions efforts to recruit people it describes as stakeholders to participate in this study is due by Jan. with findings due to the legislature by Sept.

Election laws changes and lawsuits

Senate Bill 747: Elections Law Changes.

Most provisions in this expansive new elections law will take effect in the new year, barring any injunction from the courts.

The law, which Republicans passed in a party-line vote this year includes a variety of what are called election integrity measures by the conservative groups pushing for them. Arguably the most notable change is the elimination of the three-day grace period for receiving absentee ballots. Now, all mail-in ballots will need to be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day for them to be counted.

The new law also makes several changes to same-day registration. Voters registering and voting on the same day during in-person early voting will need to show proof of residence and a photo ID and cast a retrievable ballot. One notice will then be sent to the voters address; if it is returned as undeliverable, then the voter will not be registered and their ballot will be thrown out.

Partisan poll observers will also be given more power under the new law. A maximum of three observers from each party will be allowed at each voting place. These observers will be allowed to take notes, listen to conversations between voters and election workers, move about the voting enclosure and take photos before and after voting ends. They will not be allowed to take photos of voters or see their ballots.

At least three lawsuits are currently challenging this law, two of which are seeking a preliminary injunction to block parts of the law from taking effect. On Dec. 28, a federal judge will hear oral arguments on the motion for an injunction.

Another major elections law, Senate Bill 749, was set to take effect on Jan. 1 but has been temporarily blocked by a superior court.

This law would drastically restructure state and local election boards, taking all appointment power away from the governor and giving it instead to legislative leaders.

Currently, election boards have a 3-2 majority of the governors party, meaning they currently all have a Democratic majority. Under the new law, these boards would have an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, raising concerns about potential deadlocks on major votes.

A three-judge panel granted plaintiffs a preliminary injunction last month to prevent the law from going into effect, though a higher court could reverse this.

Abortion law changes

Senate Bill 190: Dept. of Health and Human Services Revisions.

This law makes various changes to health codes, with the part going into effect in the new year requiring practitioners to prescribe codeine cough syrup electronically.

But another section of the bill that has already gone into effect caused a stir. In late June, just one week before the states new 12-week abortion ban took effect, GOP lawmakers through SB 190 eliminated language in the abortion bill. The deleted language had stated physicians providing drugs for medication abortions needed to verify that the gestational age for a developing fetus is no more than 70 days, or 10 weeks.

GOP lawmakers said this amendment was meant to clarify that medication abortions are lawful through 12 weeks. This was a point of contention in a lawsuit before a court allowed the 12-week ban to go into effect on July 1.

Late local government audits

Senate Bill 299: Reimburse Late Audit Costs with Sales Tax Revenue.

The part of the law going into effect allows the Local Government Commission  which provides oversight to more than 1,100 local governments  to withhold a small portion of sales tax distributions from local governments that submit audits more than a year late. The amount withheld would be equivalent to 150% of the cost of the required audit.

This bill was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, but his veto was overridden by the Republican-led legislature. The bill also had support from both Republican State Treasurer Dale Folwell and Democratic State Auditor Beth Wood.

Protections for people addicted to drugs and alcohol

House Bill 415: Stop Addiction Fraud Ethics Act of 2023.

The entire law goes into effect in January. It establishes new laws for advertising and marketing materials for substance use disorder treatment providers and facilities.

This includes requiring people be provided with accurate information on the length of the stay at the facilities and a summary of any relationships between the treatment center and the publisher of the ads.

Debt collection requirements

Senate Bill 477: Amend Business Corporation Act/Business Opportunity Disclosures.

Sections going into effect delineate what has to happen before entering a judgment against a debtor.

In debt collection cases where the claim is based on credit card debt, this law specifies which authenticated business records are accepted, including an itemized accounting of the basis for an interstate charge, the date an account was opened and more. If a debt buyer fails to provide proper documentation, the motion for default judgment or summary judgment would be denied and any favorable judgments for them would be voided.

Other new state laws

 Sections of Senate Bill 615: Adoption Law/Notary Changes/ Guardianship Rights.

 Sections of Senate Bill 409: Various Changes to Criminal and Civil Laws.

 House Bill 627: On-Site Wastewater Rules Implementation.

 Sections of House Bill 600: Regulatory Reform Act of 2023

 Sections of House Bill 181: Unclaimed Property Division Changes.

 House Bill 203: Department of State Treasurer Technical Corrections.

 House Bill 201: Retirement Administrative Changes Act of 2023

 Sections of House Bill 125: NC Health & Human Services Workforce Act.
Australia and New Zealand have affirmed their commitment to enhancing defense cooperation through the AUKUS partnership.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, on his inaugural overseas visit since assuming office in October, met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sydney to discuss the strengthening of bilateral security ties, as per to ABC News.

New Zealand's Luxon Explores Advanced Military

Luxon highlighted the importance of the AUKUS weapons development and procurement project, emphasizing its role in ensuring peace and stability in the Pacific region.

The leaders acknowledged the pivotal "pillar two" of the AUKUS pact, distinct from the first pillar focused on delivering nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. Luxon expressed interest in exploring the opportunities presented by AUKUS, particularly in advanced military technologies.

While New Zealand is not a party to the trilateral pact, Luxon reiterated the country's non-negotiable nuclear-free stance. Despite not participating directly in AUKUS, Luxon emphasized the significance of close security ties with Australia.

Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to fostering collaboration with Pacific Island nations, taking into account the ever-changing challenges that the region faces.

Luxon and Albanese, two individuals with a prevalent working connection, recently engaged in a discussion regarding future plans. The main focus of their conversation revolved around the intention to organize a meeting between defense and foreign ministers from both countries in early 2024.

The main goal of this meeting would be to ensure that the two nations' strategic objectives are aligned and coordinated. Furthermore, they reinforced their shared commitment to addressing worldwide issues, including climate change, and fostering stronger economic and commercial ties.

The AUKUS partnership, initially signed between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, has faced criticism from the Chinese government, and Luxon's predecessor, Chris Hipkins, emphasized New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance. Luxon, however, indicated an interest in exploring joint initiatives under "pillar two," involving the development of advanced military technologies, according to Reuters.

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Luxon & Albanese Emphasize Regional Military Cooperation

The AUKUS pact's first pillar involves Australia obtaining a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines from the US, a move that sparked controversy and led to the cancellation of a previous deal with a French company. Luxon emphasized New Zealand's commitment to its nuclear-free position but expressed a desire for increased interoperability between the defense forces of both nations.

Despite historical tensions stemming from New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy, both Luxon and Albanese highlighted the potential for enhanced military cooperation, especially in responding to natural disasters.

They stressed the efficiency and practical benefits of increased collaboration, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen ties between the two nations.

Luxon concluded by announcing that Foreign Minister Penny Wong would meet her New Zealand counterpart after Christmas, underscoring the commitment to coordinated responses and aligned plans. The leaders acknowledged the strong people-to-people relationship between the two countries, with Luxon describing the personal ties as "close to my heart."

As the Indo-Pacific region faces increasing geopolitical complexities, the leaders of Australia and New Zealand are signaling a united front to address shared challenges and deepen defense ties in the interest of regional stability, SBS News reported.

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The US has imposed fresh sanctions on multiple entities and individuals from Iran, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. According to the Treasury Department, these entities and individuals are believed to be supporting the production of Iranian drones.

The Biden administration has disclosed that the international network responsible for this activity is led by Hossein Hatefi Ardakani, a 38-year-old Iranian citizen, as per to Voice of America.

US Sanctions Ardakani for Illicit Drone Components

Ardakani has been accused of facilitating the procurement of components worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for the aerospace research and development arm of the US-designated Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

In a statement, Brian Nelson, the Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, expressed concern about Iran's illicit production and proliferation of deadly drones to its terrorist proxies in the Middle East and Russia. Nelson highlighted that this contributes to escalating tensions and prolonged conflicts, ultimately undermining stability in the region.

As part of the sanctions, the Treasury has targeted Ardakani and three other individuals, along with ten entities, including front companies, based in Iran, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. Concurrently, the Justice Department has unsealed an indictment against Ardakani and Gary Lam, who were previously sanctioned in October for their support of Iran's missile and drone programs.

The court document accuses them of conspiracy to export US goods to Iran, defraud the United States, unlawfully exporting goods to Iran, and engaging in international money laundering. The most severe charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment.

Prosecutors have alleged that Ardakani and Lam conspired to purchase and export dual-use microelectronics used in drone production from the United States to Iran between September 2014 and September 2015. These particular components are subject to US export controls due to anti-terrorism, national security, and regional stability reasons, according to UPI.

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US Targets Illegal Collaboration in Drone Tech Procurement

To obfuscate their illegal activities, Lam, who is based in Hong Kong and China, and Ardakani allegedly collaborated with other co-conspirators and employed the use of foreign companies. Prosecutors claim that this tactic was employed on at least four occasions. As a result, the Justice Department has seized approximately $800,000 from companies connected to this network.

Matthew Axelrod, the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the Department of Commerce, emphasized that US technology should not have any place in Iranian UAVs. He stated that those involved in procuring dual-use microelectronics for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will be held accountable.

Ardakani and Lam, also known as Lin Jinghe, were previously indicted in September 2020 for conspiring to illegally purchase and export US-made dual-use microelectronics to Iran. Matthew Graves, a US attorney, highlighted their alleged efforts to circumvent US sanctions and support Iran's weapons programs, including the drone program. This program has been implicated in activities supporting terrorist organizations and foreign adversaries, including Russia.

In addition to this indictment, the US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on an international network led by Ardakani, consisting of ten entities and four individuals based in Iran, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. The Department disclosed that this network facilitated the procurement of components for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization and its drone program.

Intelligence reports suggest that the components obtained through this illicit network have been used by Iran's allies in ongoing conflicts, including in Ukraine. However, it is important to note that Iran denies providing drones to Russia for use in that country. Ardakani and Lam are currently at large and believed to reside outside the United States, South China Morning Post reported.

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The Israel-Hamas war Gaza death toll already reached over 20,000. This was confirmed by Palestinian leaders, saying that tens of thousands of people have been killed ever since the Israel Defense Forces began bombarding the Gaza Strip.

On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Gaza's Government Media Office announced that 6,200 of the victims were women and 8,000 of them were children. The Gaza death toll exceeded 20,000 as the United Nations Security Council decided to delay the aid needed in the affected area. Now, is the UN's Gaza aid-delaying decision to blame for the rising death toll in the Palestinian city?

Gaza Death Toll Reaches Over 20,000 as UN Delays Aid, Again

According to Aljazeera's latest report, the Israel-Hamas war intensified after the seven-day ceasefire between the Israeli government and the Palestinian militant group ended on Dec. 1.

Before the truce, the battle was only happening in the northern half of the Gaza Strip. Now, the war is spreading to other parts of the region.

Because of this, more and more innocent civilians are dying because they got caught up in the war. On Dec. 20, Gaza's Ministry of Health said that around 46 individuals were killed and dozens were injured after Israel conducted air strikes on the Jabalia refugee camp, which is located in the northern Gaza Strip.

Aside from this, IDF also bombarded Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli air strikes killed at least 10 people after hitting a building near a hospital.

"More air strikes are conducted, more victims fall due to the expansion of the Israeli military operations in the areas that are supposed to be safe zones where the majority of Gazans have been urged to flee," said Tareq Abu Azzoum of the Al Jazeera crew.

"The air strike took place in an area considered to be very densely populated, and it's a miracle that no more than this number of people were killed," further stated Azzoum.

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UN Delays Gaza Aid for the Third Time

The grim death toll milestone was announced by Palestinian officials after the UN Security Council delayed a key vote needed for a bid to boost Gaza humanitarian aid.

This is the third time that the United Nations avoided a veto from the United States. CNN reported that the latest military and financial aid for Gaza is a clear sign of U.S. hesitancy toward a resolution that could be interpreted as a disapproval of the military campaign of Israel in the Gaza Strip.

The vote, which was originally scheduled for the fourth week of December, has been delayed until Thursday, Dec. 21. The resolution, which is still a draft version, aims to urge Israel and Hamas to stop hostilities so that humanitarian aid can reach Gaza.

Aside from this, the draft resolution also calls for access to hostages' medical needs, as well as unconditional and immediate hostage releases.

Related Article: Israel-Hamas War Still Joe Biden's Top Priority, Says US Defense Secretary; 'Support for Israel Security is Unshakable'

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has elevated the classification of the new COVID-19 variant, JN.1, to a standalone "variant of interest."

This decision comes as health officials observe the rapid global spread of the strain, which is now estimated to cause approximately 20% of new COVID-19 infections in the United States, making it the fastest-growing variant, as per CBS News.

Dominant COVID-19 Variant Spreads Globally From Northeast US

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, a new variant known as JN.1 has emerged as the dominant strain in the Northeast region. This variant is a descendant of the BA.2.86 (Pirola) subvariant. The CDC reports that JN.1 is responsible for approximately one-third of the new infections occurring in this area.

Concerns regarding the ability of the BA.2.86 variant to evade vaccine protection have been proven unfounded. Instead, a new variant known as JN.1 has emerged, demonstrating a remarkable level of adaptability and increased transmission speed.

The mutation in JN.1's spike protein, a key factor in its increased transmissibility, has caught the attention of researchers. Studies conducted by Columbia University and Chinese researchers suggest a twofold decrease in the ability of antibodies to neutralize this subvariant, posing potential challenges to immunity.

Dr. Shishi Luo of Helix notes a sharp rise in JN.1 cases, coinciding with the Thanksgiving break, indicating possible acceleration due to holiday travel and waning immunity. Variant trackers anticipate JN.1 becoming the predominant coronavirus variant globally in the coming weeks.

Several European countries, including Denmark, Spain, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, report exponential growth in JN.1 cases, leading to a surge in hospitalizations. Similar trends are observed in Australia, Asia, and Canada, according to CNN News.

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CDC Warns of 51% Surge in COVID-19 Hospitalizations

The CDC issues a warning about the recent 51% increase in hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the past four weeks. With flu and RSV hospitalization rates also on the rise, there are concerns about potential strain on hospital capacity.

Waning immunity contributes to the rise of JN.1 in the United States, where only about 18% of adults have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine as of December 9. The CDC urges doctors to intensify vaccination efforts, emphasizing the importance of the latest vaccine to combat various variants, including JN.1.

Encouragingly, a study from Dr. David Ho's lab at Columbia University indicates that the current COVID-19 vaccine offers robust protection against BA.2.86 and its offshoots, including JN.1. WHO supports the use of upgraded COVID-19 vaccines against emerging variants.

Despite the potential for JN.1 to trigger another wave of infections, there is no evidence suggesting more severe illness or significantly different symptoms compared to other variants. Common symptoms include cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fever, change in or loss of taste or smell, congestion, runny nose, fatigue, "brain fog," and gastrointestinal symptoms.

The CDC emphasizes that the severity of symptoms depends on individual immunity and health history rather than the specific variant. Continued vigilance, widespread vaccination, and adherence to public health measures remain crucial in managing the evolving landscape of COVID-19 variants, USA Today reported.

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In California, Dr. Eric Scott Sills, a prominent fertility doctor, has been found guilty of the murder of his wife, Susann Sills.

The conviction comes seven years after Dr. Sills claimed that his wife had "fallen down the stairs," a story that authorities now believe to be a carefully constructed lie, as per to Mail Online.

Dr. Sills Faces Shocking Trial for Wife's Murder

The tensions between the couple had been mounting for some time, with the breaking point being a nude photo that Susann had posted online after losing a bet on the outcome of the 2016 Presidential election. Following her husband's arrest in April 2019, suspicions grew as investigators dug deeper into the circumstances surrounding Susann's tragic death.

The details of that fateful night in November 2016 emerged during the trial. Police officers arrived at the couple's San Clemente home to find Susann lifeless at the foot of the stairs. Initially, Dr. Sills claimed to have discovered her unconscious and immediately called emergency services. However, further investigation revealed blood stains and a clump of Susann's hair, indicating a violent struggle in their daughter's bedroom.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer described the horrific crime as a betrayal of trust, stating, "Dr. Sills was sworn to care for the sick and injured, and his chosen profession as a fertility doctor helped bring so much joy to his patients, but the woman he vowed to love in sickness and health was strangled to death by his own hands."

The couple, who co-founded the Center of Advanced Genetics fertility clinic in Carlsbad, had appeared to the outside world as a successful partnership.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued that Dr. Sills had carefully planned and executed his wife's murder, attempting to make it appear as an accident. Deputy Dist. Atty. Jennifer Walker claimed that during an argument, he had strangled Susann and then tried to stage the scene to mislead investigators. She pointed to the position of her body, her foot deliberately left splayed on a lower stair, as evidence of his calculated actions.

Furthermore, the prosecutor highlighted Dr. Sills' questionable conduct after discovering his wife's lifeless body. Instead of immediately attempting CPR as instructed by the emergency dispatcher, he wasted precious time searching for his pulse oximeter. "Oh Lord, where is my pulse ox?" he lamented on the 911 call, while his distraught children could be heard in the background,according to CBS News.

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Defense Questions Cause of Susann Sills' Death in Trial

The defense, led by attorney Jack Earley, argued that there was an alternative explanation for Susann's death. They suggested that her state of disorientation, caused by migraines and the presence of benzodiazepines and opioids in her system, may have led to the fatal fall.

However, the prosecution countered this theory by highlighting the signs of apparent strangulation on the victim's body, pointing out that it would have taken minutes to kill her in such a manner.

Amidst the trial, evidence of the couple's strained relationship emerged through their text exchanges. Arguments about work, his children from a previous marriage, and his temper were the cause of tremendous friction. There were also indications that Susann felt trapped and desperate to escape the situation. Her decision to post a topless photo online after losing a bet appeared to be another point of contention.

Despite the absence of a clear motive presented by the prosecution, the jury ultimately found Dr. Sills guilty of second-degree murder, rejecting the charge of first-degree murder involving premeditation. He now faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life in prison.

The unexpected result in this case serves as a reminder that people's private lives are often hidden, thus looks may be misleading. Their 12-year-old twins, who are now without their parents, will never be the same as a result of Dr. Sills' conduct. The entire weight of justice will be determined during the sentencing hearing, which is set on March 15 before Superior Court Judge Patrick Donahue, Los Angeles Times reported.

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Vietnam's watermelon to be exported to China via official channel

Xinhua) 13:17, December 21, 2023

HANOI, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Watermelon has become the next farm produce of Vietnam to be exported to China via the official channel with China's recent permission, Vietnam News Agency reported on Wednesday.

The fresh watermelon meeting phytosanitary standards will be exported to the Chinese market through designated border gates.

According to the report, the fresh fruit permitted to enter the Chinese market must come from cultivation and processing establishments registered with the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Meanwhile, China's General Administration of Customs will verify the list of businesses provided by Vietnamese authorities and regularly update the list on its website.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
China witnessed grieving relatives mourning the loss of their loved ones in temporary shelters amid freezing temperatures in the mountains of northwest China, surrounded by destruction.

The earthquake, which struck on Monday night, resulted in the collapse of houses, claiming the lives of at least 131 people and leaving over 900 injured, according to Chinese media reports. The majority of casualties occurred in Gansu province, with the remaining casualties in the neighboring province of Qinghai, as per The Independent.

Devastating Earthquake in China

In the early morning darkness, Ma Lianqiang stood beside his deceased wife, wrapped in blankets, in a makeshift tent illuminated by a single overhead light. His wife was tragically hit and buried under debris in her mother's house, where she had sought refuge due to her illness.

Despite extensive damage to their own home in Yangwa, a village in Gansu province, Ma and several other family members managed to survive. Ma's father miraculously rescued his injured son, pulling him out from the rubble. Ma's uncle recalled how they heard the earthquake and witnessed their house collapsing. They crawled out in fear and managed to make it to safety.

Approximately 80,000 individuals have been relocated to Gansu, as authorities strive to provide relief to those affected by the disaster. Relief tents were distributed throughout the area, rescuing many from the harsh freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, in Qinghai province, rescue teams are tirelessly searching for 16 missing individuals in areas extensively affected by landslides.

The death toll in Qinghai has risen to 18, with the number of missing individuals decreasing from 20 to 16. Though affected areas in both provinces continue to face challenges due to the earthquake, the search and rescue efforts are making progress.

The total injured individuals now stand at nearly 1,000, with 113 deaths reported in Gansu and 18 deaths in Qinghai. The magnitude-6.2 earthquake, followed by strong aftershocks, severely damaged more than 150,000 homes in Jishishan county near the border of Gansu and Qinghai provinces. The disaster resulted in mudslides, landslides, and damage to local infrastructure including power lines, according to Washington Post.

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Rescue Operations, Relief Efforts Continue in China

Despite the ongoing cold wave across China, responders, including firefighters, police officers, soldiers, and medics, are working diligently to save lives and provide aid. Rescue operations have successfully saved 78 individuals in Gansu, but the search for the 20 missing individuals continues in Minhe county, where buildings were half-buried in silt due to a mudslide.

Efforts are also being made to resettle affected residents, as bulldozers clear thick mud from the area. The freezing temperatures persist, discouraging affected residents from returning home and forcing them to seek warmth around fires in open spaces.

Ma Dongdong, whose house and business were damaged, expressed anxiety about the future. He and his family spent the first night in a field with neighbors, relying on a fire for warmth. They subsequently moved to a tent settlement housing around 700 people, awaiting the arrival of blankets and warm clothing.

The Gansu Provincial Seismological Bureau warns of the possibility of strong aftershocks in the coming days, with magnitudes of 5, based on the characteristics of the initial quake and historical seismic activity.

Experts attribute the relatively high number of casualties to factors such as the shallow depth of the earthquake, causing more intense shaking, as well as the predominately vertical movement and lower quality of buildings in the area. Additionally, the nighttime timing of the earthquake further contributed to the devastating impact on the community.

The affected region is remote and mountainous, home to predominantly Muslim ethnic groups and neighboring Tibetan communities. Despite its central location in China, it is commonly referred to as the northwest due to its proximity to China's more populated plains.

The earthquake and subsequent rescue efforts have generated significant discussion on social media platforms. Topics related to the earthquake and the response efforts have trended on Weibo, with millions of posts highlighting the heroic efforts of volunteers providing food and other assistance to the affected area, The Guardian reported.

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Minnesota's State Emblems Redesign Commission recently unveiled the chosen design for the state's new flag and seal. This represents a substantial advancement in the continuous attempt to redesign the symbols of the state.

The commission, responsible for this redesign, voted 11-1 to approve the updated flag on December 19, as per to Fox News.

Minnesota Unveils Redesigned Flag

The new flag showcases an eight-pointed star against a navy blue background, cleverly shaped to resemble the state of Minnesota. This is accompanied by a solid light-blue field, symbolizing the state's abundant waters, according to the commission's description. Minnesota artist Andrew Prekker, whose design formed the basis of the new flag, expressed his surreal feelings at having his work selected.

In a statement on the commission's website, Prekker acknowledged the rare privilege of contributing to the state's history, expressing hopes that the achievement would foster unity and pride. Luis Fitch, the commission's chairman, emphasized the goal of using the flag to unite Minnesotans, promoting a sense of shared identity that transcends cultural differences.

The Minnesota state legislature passed a bill in May 2023, propelling the momentum to redesign the flag and seal. This decision comes as a response to long-standing concerns surrounding the current design, which has remained unchanged since the 1960s.

The previous flag has come under scrutiny due to its portrayal of Indigenous Americans, which has been deemed by certain individuals as insensitive and evocative of the historical displacement of Native people in Minnesota.

During the selection process, the commission carefully reviewed more than 2,500 public submissions. These submissions included designs that paid tribute to Minnesota's beloved state symbols, such as the loon and the monarch butterfly.

The significant role in reshaping the state's symbols was driven by the desire to move away from the controversial portrayal of Native Americans, according to CNN News.

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Controversy Over Minnesota's New Flag

Social media platforms have become a breeding ground for misinformation surrounding the new flag. Specifically, a right-wing account has been identified as the source of false claims, asserting that Minnesota has already selected a flag resembling that of the autonomous state of Puntland in Somalia.

In a recent turn of events, a viral post has sparked controversy and captured the attention of the public. This post has shed spite on the Somali population residing in the state, leading to a surge in unfounded conspiracy theories.

Minnesota authorities have provided clarification regarding the decision to replace the previous flag. According to them, the motivation behind this move stems from concerns over the flag's cluttered design and its perceived insensitivity towards the Indigenous American population.

After an extensive review of numerous design submissions, the Emblems Redesign Commission has made its decision. They have chosen a two-block design in hues of light and dark blue. Notably, the left side of the design showcases an eight-point star, paying homage to Minnesota's well-known moniker as the "North Star State."

Pending any legislative action to overturn the commission's decision, the new flag is set to fly over government buildings starting on May 11, coinciding with Minnesota's Statehood Day. This marks a crucial step in the state's commitment to a more inclusive and representative visual identity, Daily Beast reported.

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Airbnb is taking innovative steps to ensure a tranquil celebration by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its security measures.

In an effort to prevent unauthorized gatherings, the company has announced plans to implement a cutting-edge AI system that will carefully examine bookings. This advanced technology will be utilized to identify any potential risks and enforce necessary restrictions, as per Fox 5.

Airbnb Deploys AI to Safeguard Celebrations

Airbnb has announced its decision to utilize AI technology as a means to reduce the occurrence of disruptive events and unauthorized gatherings during the festive season. This move is part of the company's ongoing efforts to address these issues. A cutting-edge technology is set to be deployed across seven countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and France.

This innovative system was created in order to thoroughly examine a multitude of signals that could potentially indicate an increased risk associated with a booking. Factors such as the probability of hosting a large gathering will be thoroughly analyzed, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of potential risks.

Last year, Airbnb prevented a staggering 63,000 Americans from renting accommodations on New Year's Eve due to suspicions of potential large-scale gatherings. The move reflects the company's commitment to maintaining the trust and safety of hosts, guests, and the surrounding communities.

Naba Banerjee, Airbnb's Head of Trust and Safety, focused on the careful and deliberate approach adopted by the company in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Banerjee expressed confidence that these measures will bring about positive outcomes for the communities that Airbnb serves. The AI system has announced its intention to focus on bookings for entire home listings during the holiday weekend. Specifically targeting one, two, and three-night booking attempts, the system will be implementing anti-party measures, according to Daily Mail.

Read Also: Tech Group Representing Meta, X, and TikTok Files Lawsuit Against Utah's Social Media Regulations

Airbnb's Advanced Tech and Global Party Ban

The advanced technology will consider an array of factors, including the duration of the stay, proximity to the listing, property type, and last-minute reservations. Airbnb's statement highlights the activation of AI and machine-learning technology to assess signals that indicate a potentially higher risk for a party incident.

In addition to AI, Airbnb has implemented various measures to enforce its 'global party ban,' which was introduced in August 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic shifted celebrations from public spaces to rented accommodations. These measures include reservation screening, noise sensors for hosts, a neighborhood support line, and a 24-hour safety line.

While some applaud Airbnb's use of AI to maintain order, public reactions are divided. Concerns have been raised regarding potential profiling and discrimination, with questions about the parameters and algorithms used in the decision-making process. Residents are torn between supporting the policy to maintain peace in residential neighborhoods and the potential impact on Airbnb hosts whose business may suffer due to blocked bookings.

As the countdown to the New Year begins, Airbnb's AI-powered security measures aim to strike a delicate balance between ensuring safety and preserving the celebratory spirit, ushering in 2023 with a focus on responsible hosting and guest behavior, The Times reported.

Related Article: Tesla Set To Provide 10% Pay Raise for Hourly Workers at Nevada Gigafactory

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The Polish government abruptly took the country's leading state television news channel off the air on Wednesday as the former governing party refused to accept defeat.

The former governing party sent legislators and other supporters to the public broadcasting headquarters to prevent the new management from taking over. The members of the ousted former government staged a sit-in inside a building in southern Warsaw.

Poland Public News Channel Abruptly Taken Off the Air

It houses the studios and offices of state television, including TVP Info, a news channel and website that served as a propaganda bullhorn for the right-wing Law and Justice Party during its eight years in power.

The protesters were led by the party's combative chairman, Jaroslaw Kacynski, and they tried to prevent the new, centrist administration of Prime Minister Donald Tusk from asserting control. They accused the new government of staging a "coup d'etat" by firing loyalists of Law and Justice, which lost a general election in October.

As Kaczynski and his supporters committed to defending democracy and blocking management change, technicians who supported the new government yanked TVP Info off the air and disabled its website. It featured appeals for resistance against Tusk's "illegal attack on public television" as per the New York Times.

The chaos highlighted the turbulence the new government faces as it struggles to assert its authority over a wide range of state bodies. These include the courts and others stacked with Law and Justice loyalists.

The fight over public television could indicate a long period of disruptive trench warfare between a new government trying to break Law and Justice's grip on those institutions and the party's holdover trying to prevent such efforts.

When the former ruling party first took power in 2016, it imposed its management on state television within days and met no resistance. On Wednesday, the evening news program on TVP was canceled and replaced by a promotional video for an upcoming series about World War II.

Read Also: France Passes Tough Immigration Bill, Highlighting Cracks in Emmanuel Macron's Parliamentary Majority

New Polish Government

Tusk's pro-European Union coalition took power from the Law and Justice Party last week. According to Reuters, critics have argued that the latter damaged judicial independence, soured European Union relations, and turned state-owned media into an outlet for propaganda.

The chaos at the public news channel's building came after the new government adopted a resolution to restore public media impartiality. It called on "all state authorities to immediately take action to restore constitutional order regarding citizens' access to reliable information and the functioning of public media.

During its rule, the Law and Justice Party allegedly cut corners and ignored some procedures to gain control of the media supervisory bodies and key appointments as it tightened its grip.

In a statement, Law and Justice Sen. Marek Pek said they were instructed to come to the TVP building. He said that they need to show their presence and that they are deeply against the lawless and brutal actions of the new government, according to Associated Press.

Related Article: Ireland Sues the UK for Offering Immunity for Troubles-Era Crimes

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New York City officials are moving forward with efforts to put an end to solitary confinement in city jails on Wednesday despite opposition from Mayor Eric Adams.

The development sets up a showdown between City Council leaders and Adams' administration, which has voted to veto the measure. The Council's vote on the matter resulted in 39 to 7 and was framed by supporters as a pivotal moment in a national push to make jails more humane.

New York City Ban on Solitary Confinement

However, the bill also highlighted a broader discussion regarding whether or not solitary confinement is torture or a legitimate form of punishment for detainees who grossly violate codes of conduct.

United Nations officials previously called the practice torture and a large body of research pointed to increased risks for worsened mental illness, self-harm, and suicide. There were also racial disparities in its use, with Black and Latino people more likely to be put in solitary confinement, as per the New York Times.

However, jail officials in New York, as well as Mayor Adams, who is a former police captain himself, said that past abuses of solitary confinement, where detainees were held in isolation for long periods, have already ended.

During a council hearing held last year, city jail officials said 117 people out of roughly 6,000 detainees were being held separately. However, advocates argued that the number of people held in isolation was higher than publicly revealed.

Jail officials have maintained that temporarily separating violent detainees is the only way to keep everyone safe. Adams has also said that the ban would only work to make jails across the city less safe.

Read Also: Texas Begins Flying Migrants Out to Sanctuary Cities as First Flight to Chicago Includes More Than 100 People

Making City Jails Safer and More Humane

Under current rules, jail officials are authorized to punish violent inmates with isolation within a separate cell for up to 23 hours a day for up to 60 days straight for the most serious infractions. The new rules would allow a detainee to be placed into "de-escalation confinement" for up to four hours after an episode of violence. According to Fox News, they would be subjected to wellness checks every 15 minutes.

The new bill also allows any detainee found to have committed a serious infraction to be transferred from a jail's general population to restrictive housing for up to 60 days a year. However, the detainee cannot be isolated in a cell away from shared areas for more than 10 hours daily.

The measure received support from public defender groups, prison reform advocates, and families of people who have died in custody on Rikers Island. The city's public advocate and the prime sponsor of the bill, Jumaane Williams, likened isolation to "torture." He added that many inmates in Rikers Island suffer from mental health issues that are exacerbated by prolonged isolation.

The City Council also approved another measure requiring officers to report all street stops they conduct on duty. Advocates of both bills maintain that they are designed to address accountability, racial disparities, and how police conduct investigations, said ABC7NY.

Related Article: US Slaps Iran with Fresh Sanctions Targeting Iranian Drone Production Network

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Alabama Mayor Kenneth Nail (of Hanceville) admitted that he was forcing inmates and city employees into private labor. After pleading guilty to multiple misdemeanor counts, the official resigned on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Nail, who served the city of Hanceville with a population of over 3,000, faced a multi-count indictment in November, which Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker filed. At first, he was charged with felony crimes. However, because of his plea deal, these charges were reduced to 15 counts of misdemeanors.

Alabama Mayor Admits Forcing City Employees, Inmates to Private Labor

Sixty-year-old Kenneth Nail entered the plea to use the office for personal gain, publicly apologized for his actions, and agreed to resign as Hanceville's mayor.

"I am truly sorry for the harm and inconvenience brought about by this," said Nail via Fox News.

"I never wanted to bring any negativity to Hanceville. I love Hanceville and the people of Hanceville. I would never do anything to intentionally harm the city. Again, I am truly sorry," he added.

However, he still defended himself from allegations, claiming that he held no ill will to anyone and only pleaded guilty since he believed this deal was the best choice for him and his family, as reported by CBS 42.

He also talked about one of the charges he faced, which involved him employing former police chief Bob Long in different capacities. Kenneth Nail asked why authorities didn't charge Bob Long if he worked for him on duty.

Nail stated that Long wasn't in the city when he employed him. Aside from this, the former Alabama mayor also accused the Alabama Ethics Commission of having a "half-assed" investigation.

Kenneth stated that the commission treated him unfairly since officials didn't even bother to interview his niece regarding the charge against him, which claims that the ex-mayor used an inmate to do the work at his niece's house. Kenneth Nail explained that he made mistakes for the past 30 years serving the public. However, he had wanted nothing but the best for Hanceville.

Read Also: Alabama's New Congressional Map Threatens Democrats to Surrender Second Seat in the State

Accusations Against Ex-Alabama Mayor

Aside from hiring Bob Long, Kenneth Nail was also accused of employing another city staff named Joshua Howell, who was tasked to use a city vehicle to drive to Georgia while on duty to work on a trailer they owned.

Prosecutors also claimed that Nail hired three former jail inmates to work at his house while they were in custody. Because of these charges, the former mayor was ordered to settle a $4,000 restitution, perform 120 hours of community service, and be on probation for 15 years.

He needed to settle a $2,500 fine and part of his plea deal. What's worse about his case is that he is now prohibited from working for any public or governmental entity during his probation.

Related Article: Alabama: Birth Center Crackdown Leaves Pregnant Women With Less Options-Are Birthing Centers Really Too Risky?

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A jury convicted two teenagers of the fatal stabbing of a transgender girl, Brianna Ghey, who was murdered in northwest England earlier this year.

The 16-year-old victim was found to have been stabbed with a hunting knife 28 times in her head, neck, chest, and back in broad daylight. It came after she was lured to a park in Warrington on Feb. 11.

Brianna Ghey Murder Suspects Convicted

The two teens were identified as girl X and boy Y and are now 16 years of age but were 15 years old at the time of the crime. They have both denied killing Ghey but blamed each other for the fatal stabbing of the transgender girl. Officials do not currently know if one or both of the suspects wielded the knife used in the murder.

The jury handling the case consisted of seven men and five women and they convicted the two suspects following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court. As per the Associated Press, the jurors deliberated for just four hours and 40 minutes before handing out their verdict.

In a statement, Justice Amanda Yip told the jurors that they would most likely have not expected sitting on a case as emotionally difficult as Ghey's murder. The trial heard that the young defendants were intelligent and had a fascination with violence, torture, and serial killers.

The two allegedly planned the attack for several weeks, detailed in a handwritten plan and phone messages that detectives found on their mobile devices. The two also discussed killing other people, which prompted police early in the investigation to rule out transphobia as a motivation behind the fatal stabbing of the transgender girl.

Law enforcement personnel also believe that Ghey was killed because she was vulnerable and accessible, with her death not a hate crime but done for "enjoyment" and a "thirst for killing." The senior investigating officer from Cheshire Police, Nigel Parr said that the killing was a senseless murder that was committed by two teenagers who had an obsession with murder.

Read Also: Joanna Parrish's Killer's Ex-Wife Found Guilty of Complicity, Faces Life in Prison

Fatal Stabbing of Transgender Girl

Yip told the two teenagers that she would "have to impose a life sentence" but would first need to consider the minimum time they would be required to serve before being considered for release, according to the New York Times.

Prosecutors said that the planning, the violence, and the age of the killers in the Ghey murder case is "beyond belief." They also described the "deadly influence" of the two suspects upon one another.

The victim's mother, Esther Ghey said after the trial that she was glad that the two teens would have to spend many years in prison. She said that the suspects did not even display an ounce of remorse for what they did to her daughter.

Justice Yip also said that she would be sentencing the two teenagers next month and would later decide on whether or not to life reporting restrictions so that the killer's identities could be revealed to the public,

When the verdict was read out, the two defendants did not react but their mothers wept inside the court. The victim's mother later urged "empathy and compassion" for the killers' parents, saying that they, too, have lost a child and must live the rest of their lives knowing about what their child has done, said The Guardian.

Related Article: Ireland Sues the UK for Offering Immunity for Troubles-Era Crimes

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Two NASA telescopes joined forces to capture images of what astronomers are calling a "Christmas Tree Cluster" of stars within the Milky Way galaxy.

The object is scientifically called NGC 2264 and is a formation of young stars, some larger than our solar system's sun. They are estimated to be aged between one and five million years. The space agency said that the star cluster is located within our galaxy, roughly 2,500 light-years away from our planet.

Christmas Tree Cluster

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, NASA joked about the cluster, saying it was "beginning to look a lot like cosmos." A composite image of the Christmas Tree Cluster makes it look like a festive holiday decoration.

It is seen with a bright green glow and what looks to be blue and white sparkling lights. However, instead of having pine needles and string lights, NGC 2264's green glow is gas and the blue and white sparkles are young stars emitting X-rays, as per CBS News.

The space agency announced the newly captured images only a few weeks after the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope revealed their holiday discovery. This was what astronomers dubbed a "Christmas Tree Galaxy Cluster" located roughly 4.3 billion light-years away from our planet.

One of the study's authors, astronomer Haojing Yan, said that the galaxy cluster is known as MACS0416 and gave it its nickname due to its colorful and flickering lights. The cluster image is one of our universe's "unprecedented" deep views and includes a visual of an ancient star known as "Mothra."

The white stars shining throughout the latest image were revealed by observations conducted in infrared light with the Two Micron All Sky Survey. It operated between 1997 and 2001. Studies of young stars provide insight into these cosmic bodies' volatile nature.

Young stars are known to be capable of releasing powerful flares that are stronger than those that our sun releases and astronomers are investigating these phenomena. According to CNN, Hubble had to look a little farther to find a celestial winter wonderland.

Read Also: Most Powerful Solar Flare Since 2017 Observed by NASA

Distant Stars in the Universe

The telescope was able to observe the billion stars that sparkle within a dwarf galaxy known as UGC 8091, which is found roughly 7 billion light-years away from our planet within the Virgo constellation.

That galactic arrangement of stars made it look like tangled strings of lights hastily put away at the end of a holiday season. The chaos in the formation results from UGH 8091 being an irregular galaxy that lacks the structured appearance of a spiral or elliptical galaxy.

Yan said that observing an individual star in a faraway galaxy is a big deal, comparing it to a "miracle." While the latest finding is not the first time distant stars have been detected, they have become increasingly more common with the help of James Webb, said the New York Times.

Related Article: Chinese Spacecraft Launches 6 Unidentified Objects, Prompting US Defense Department To Monitor Situation

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Today, ten Americans who have been detained in Venezuela have been released and are coming home, including all six wrongfully detained Americans. These individuals have lost far too much precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered every day in their absence. I am grateful that their ordeal is finally over, and that these families are being made whole once more.

READ NEXT: Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Emirati National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed



Additionally, a fugitive named Leonard Francis, who fled the United States before he could be sentenced for his lead role in a brazen bribery and corruption case - was arrested and returned to the United States from Venezuela so that he will face justice for crimes he committed against the U.S. Government and the American people.



We are ensuring that the Venezuelan regime meets its commitments. They have announced an electoral roadmap - agreed to by opposition parties - for competitive Presidential elections in 2024. This a positive and important step forward. And today, they are releasing twenty political prisoners, on top of five released previously. We will continue to monitor this closely and take appropriate action if needed. We stand in support of democracy in Venezuela and the aspirations of the Venezuelan people.



As we welcome home our fellow citizens, I must also remind all Americans of the long-standing warning against traveling to Venezuela. Americans should not travel there. Reuniting wrongfully detained Americans with their loved ones has been a priority for my Administration since day one. As is the return to the United States of fugitives from justice.



But even as we celebrate the return of these Americans, we also remain deeply focused on securing the release of the hostages in Gaza and wrongfully detained Americans around the world, including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, who are being detained in Russia, and Americans in Afghanistan, Syria, and China. We will not stop working until we bring them all home.

READ MORE: Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the Launch of the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Wednesday that Israel would not consider a ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas is completely eliminated.

The announcement follows a 10-week war between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group, with Netanyahu outlining three primary objectives - the elimination of Hamas, the release of hostages, and ending the threat from Gaza, as per NDTV.

Gaza Crisis Deepens Amid Stalled Truce Talks

Netanyahu's declaration came after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh traveled to Cairo for talks with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel to explore the possibility of a truce in the besieged enclave. The visit follows heightened pressure on Tel Aviv to secure the release of hostages, especially after three Israelis were mistakenly killed by the IDF, despite displaying white flags with 'SOS' written on them.

The UN Security Council is set to vote on a resolution today, calling for a pause in the conflict, after delays in previous votes due to disagreements over wording. Netanyahu, however, reiterated Israel's commitment to achieving its objectives, emphasizing ongoing military operations against Hamas terrorists throughout Gaza.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with tens of thousands seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters amid severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. Israel's Foreign Minister traveled to Cyprus to discuss the possibility of establishing a maritime corridor for delivering large-scale humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Efforts to communicate with Hamas leaders within the territory face challenges, as mobile phone and internet services remain disrupted. Despite recent diplomatic initiatives mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, a significant gap remains between the two sides' demands.

Hamas, holding an estimated 129 captives, insists on the release of Palestinian prisoners, including high-level militants, in exchange for the remaining hostages. Israel, under public pressure, has a history of engaging in lopsided exchanges but has rejected these demands, according to Daily Mail.

Read Also: US Sen. Ben Cardin Fumes Over Senate Sex Tape Leakage, Says Capitol Police Investigating the Incident

Israel Defiant as Pressure Mounts to Cease Offensive

The conflict's toll on civilians is alarming, with a recent strike on the Jabaliya refugee camp causing at least 46 deaths and over 100 injuries. Pressure on Israel to halt or scale back its offensive is growing, but Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, remain resolute in their commitment to destroying Hamas and freeing hostages.

In a surprising development, the domestic political landscape is intertwining with the conflict. Netanyahu, facing challenges to his leadership, is using the war to bolster his political position. Amid calls for new elections, the prime minister is emphasizing his commitment to dismantling Hamas and rejecting international proposals tied to the decades-old Oslo Accords.

Critics argue that Netanyahu's focus on past agreements is a strategic move to divert attention from the pressing need for a resolution and to solidify his political standing. The situation is further complicated by public dissatisfaction, with a substantial percentage of Israelis expressing a desire for new elections after the war concludes.

As the conflict continues, the intertwined narratives of geopolitical strategy, humanitarian concerns, and domestic politics paint a complex picture of the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The international community watches closely as the region grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by the protracted conflict, CNN reported.

Related Article: UN General Assembly Vote Hoped To Spark Support for Gaza Ceasefire as Palestinians Call for Global Strike

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Cambodian PM meets with vice chairman of China's top political advisory body

Xinhua) 13:48, December 21, 2023

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met here on Wednesday with Gao Yunlong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chairman of the China Foundation for Peace and Development.

During the meeting, Gao said China and Cambodia are staunch friends and a community with a shared future. Practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results in various fields since China and Cambodia established diplomatic relations 65 years ago.

He added that China is ready to work with Cambodia to further strengthen exchanges at all levels and in various fields, deepen economic and trade cooperation and boost socioeconomic development for the benefit of the people of both countries.

For his part, Hun Manet said that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, Cambodia-China relations have reached the best-ever period in history.

"We hope that both sides can deepen political mutual trust, strengthen friendly cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, and culture, and promote greater achievements in the construction of a community with a shared future between Cambodia and China," he said.

Gao led a delegation to visit Cambodia from Dec. 17 to Dec. 20 at the invitation of the Cambodian Senate.

During the visit, Gao also met with Cambodian Acting Head of State and President of the Senate Say Chhum, and attended the launch ceremony of a series of activities for people's livelihood cooperation between China and Cambodia with Tep Ngorn, second vice president of the Senate of Cambodia.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The United Nations is now demanding a probe from Israel as the Middle Eastern country allegedly killed unarmed Palestinians. The purported incident came to light after survivors shared details with Al Jazeera, a Qatari state-owned news television network.

Al Jazeera's reported carnage against Palestinians is quite disturbing. As of writing, the Israeli Defense Forces are still performing air strikes and other attacks in the Gaza Strip.

The war continued after the seven-day ceasefire ended on Dec. 1. Before this Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even promised that the war would not end until all Hamas terrorists were eliminated.

Israel's Alleged Unarmed Palestinian Civilian Massacre Concerns UN

According to Yahoo News' latest report, the UN Human Rights Office is demanding the Israeli government start an independent investigation immediately into the alleged violence.

Survivors claimed that Israeli soldiers raided a home in Gaza's Al Remal neighborhood on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The United Nations said that four families were sheltering in the target residence.

Based on Al Jazeera's report, which was backed by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, the Israeli troops allegedly killed Palestinian men, after separating them from their families, in what is being called a "possible war crime".

The UN Human Rights Office stated that the Gaza Strip massacre killed at least 11 unarmed Palestinians in front of their families. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, a Swiss-based advocacy organization, claimed that 13 Anan family members, as well as their displaced in-laws, were massacred.

The advocacy group added that other family members were badly injured, putting them in critical condition. Euro-Med said that it recently received similar reports claiming that the Israel Defense Forces are committing atrocities in numerous areas of the Palestinian city.

The reports claimed that Israeli troops were killing and executing civilians for no reason at all. At the time of publication, the Israeli government and IDF have not relased a statement regarding the massacre allegations.

Read Also: [POLL] 70% of Young Voters Disapprove of Joe Biden's Handling of Israel-Hamas War

What UN Wants Israel To Do

The UN Human Rights Office is urging Israeli officials to conduct an immediate and independent probe into the massacre allegations.

If ever Israeli soldiers are found guilty of these atrocities, the United Nations said that they should be held responsible and be brought to justice.

UN officials further stated that there should be measures put in place to prevent serious human rights violations as well.

"This comes in the wake of earlier allegations concerning the deliberate targeting and killing of civilians at the hands of Israeli forces," said the UN Human Rights Office.

Related Article: Israel-Hamas War Still Joe Biden's Top Priority, Says US Defense Secretary; 'Support for Israel Security is Unshakable'

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Hamas's top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was spotted visiting Cairo for talks on the war against Israel, which could be considered part of diplomatic actions over the past few days which involved top Israeli, American, and Qatari officials.

The negotiations were believed to be for the formulation of another truce between Israel and Hamas.

"These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One as President Joe Biden travels to Wisconsin.

However, Biden indicated that a deal has "no expectation at this point."

Read Also: Shippers, Tankers Consider Rerouting Due to Houthi Raids on Red Sea

A new set of prisoner swaps?

According to the Associated Press, Hamas indicated that no more hostages would be released until the end of the war, insisting that Israel should release large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, including high-level militants convicted in deadly terror attacks, in exchange for the remaining hostages.

Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official in Beirut, said that the current efforts were focused on how to "stop [the] aggression" of Israel, especially because Israel could not achieve any of its goals.

So far, Israeli officials rejected Hamas's demands for a mass prisoner release.

An estimated 129 captives were still taken hostage by Hamas, though roughly 20 are believed to have died in captivity.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the war would only end if Hamas is eradicated.

"Whoever thinks we will stop is detached from reality," he said in a statement. "All Hamas terrorists, from the first to the last, are dead men walking."

Related Article: Gaza Death Toll Reaches Over 20,000 as UN Delays Aid, Again

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Residents of the Icelandic fishing town of Grindavik briefly returned on Thursday, December 21 to check their homes and collect some belongings weeks after being evacuated in preparation for the eruption.

This was after scientists noticed that the volcano's lava flows continued to diminish on Thursday and no volcanic activity was visible, three days after it spewed lava and smoke high into the air on the Reykjanes peninsula in the island nation's southwest.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office said that while the intensity of lava flows diminished overnight, it was too early to declare the eruption over.

"Scientists flying over the volcanic areas confirm that no volcanic activity is visible, and it appears to have extinguished in the craters, but glow is still visible in the lava field," it said.

Read Also: Grindavik Eruption: Iceland Volcano Erupts Weeks After Thousands Evacuate

Cracks in the Ground

Returning residents and media agencies returned to Grindavik on Thursday and found that the large cracks in the ground before the eruption had been secured by fences.

Some of the residents returning to their homes told Reuters that Christmas this year would be different.

"I think people should celebrate Christmas where they are," 65-year-old local Thorsteinn Einarsson said. "You can leave Grindavik for this year and maybe think about coming home next year, (in) January. Maybe. Just celebrate Christmas where you are."

Related Article: One and Done? Iceland's Grindavik Volcano Weakens After Initial Eruption

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Marissa Luck is a senior real estate reporter at Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at marissa.luck@houstonchronicle.com.

Previously, Luck covered commercial real estate in Texas for CoStar News; real estate for Austin Business Journal; energy for Houston Chronicle; and business news for The Daily News in Longview, Wash. Shes won awards from Society of Professional Journalists and National Association of Real Estate Editors, and her byline has appeared in numerous publications nationally. Originally from Hawaii, Luck grew up in the Pacific Northwest and studied international political economy at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. She now lives in Midtown Houston.
New York frozen dessert brand 16 Handles will open four locations in Houston area in spring 2024. Courtesy of 16 Handles

The Houston suburbs will have a new frozen dessert brand to choose from ahead of next summers heat.

New York soft serve and frozen yogurt brand 16 Handles plans to launch six Texas locations in the spring. Houston-area locations will be in Magnolia, Missouri City and Richmond, according to a company press release.

Ryan and Crystal Waugh, who run a California winery and recently moved back to Texas, will open two area franchise locations, according to the release. At least one will be in Magnolia. Myles and Tabatha Abshire, with a background in marketing and business, will open a Missouri City store in April, the company said. And David and Lin Ding will open a location in Richmond shortly after the Missouri City opening.

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Most 16 Handles locations are in the Northeast and Florida.

Some franchisees found out about 16 Handles because their relatives living in New York know how successful it is here, and how it would be amazing in Texas, while others have learned about the brand through viral social media and press, CEO Neil Hershman said in a statement. We spent some time in Texas over the past few months getting to know these local entrepreneurs, and will continue to support them and the region as we further expand throughout Texas and nationally.
Lynchburg Commonwealths Attorney Bethany Harrison has concluded that a Lynchburg police officers use of force was justifiable during his response to a Nov. 10 homicide on Boonsboro Road.

Harrison said in a release Wednesday no criminal charges are warranted against the officer.

LPD Officer Bryce Knowles was the first to respond at 6:59 a.m. on Nov. 10 to a call from a third party about her neighbor being stabbed by a man, Harrison reported.

When Knowles arrived at a residence in the 5100 block of Boonsboro Road, he was told by a woman at the scene that a woman was being stabbed behind the house. She pointed him in the direction where the stabbing was happening and Knowles unholstered his department-issued firearm and ran to the back of the house, Harrison said.

As he ran to the scene, Knowles heard a woman cry for help and heard screaming, Harrison said. Knowles came upon two people on the ground, one male and one female.

The man was later identified as Tony Lee Brown, 43, of Lynchburg. The woman, who died of her injuries, was later identified as 42-year-old Nicole D. Rosser. Both were taken to Centras Lynchburg General Hospital; Brown was treated for serious injuries.

Brown faces one count of first-degree murder, two counts of breaking and entering with the intent to commit a felony, and two counts of violating a protective order in relation to the incident, LPD said.

According to Harrison, Rosser was covered in blood when Knowles approached. Brown had a knife in his hand and appeared to Knowles to be stabbing Rosser as the officer approached.

Another adult woman and a juvenile male were in close proximity to Brown and Rosser.

Knowles called out hey! twice and stop! twice and yelled stop now! while pointing his firearm at Brown from less than 20 feet away, Harrison said. Knowles called out stop again but Brown did not respond to commands and continued to make stabbing motions toward Rosser.

Knowles fired twice at Brown striking him in the chest and head. According to Harrison, a knife can be seen leaving Browns hand on Knowles body-worn camera as the officer shoots Brown. Body-worn camera footage will not be released, Harrison said, because Brown faces active criminal charges.

Knowles then rendered first aid to Brown and Rosser as medics appeared, Harrison said. A juvenile male stood behind and to the right of Brown and Rosser when Knowles shot Brown, and suffered injuries to his thigh. The juvenile was treated at the hospital and released the same day.

Assuming the juvenile male suffered injury to his thigh due to bullet projectile ricochet, I do not find that this was due to reckless or criminally negligent behavior of Officer Knowles, Harrison said.

Officer Knowles limited his fire to two shots aimed directly at Brown where he hit his intended target. The juvenile was not in the direct trajectory of fire but was at a significant angle to the right of the aim of the officer.

Harrison reviewed reports provided by the Virginia State Police, who investigated the incident; body-worn camera footage of the event; computer aided dispatch records; and interviews with Knowles, citizen witnesses and statements by other officers at the scene to make her determination.

Here Officer Knowles acted to preserve the life of others in an emergency situation, attempted to stop the situation with verbal commands, and, only when that was not effective, used an amount of deadly force necessary to stop the attack where no citizens were directly behind his line of fire, Harrison said.

The Commonwealths Attorney has also said most of the charges against Brown will go forward in Lynchburg Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and a burglary charge will be taken up in Lynchburg General District Court. A hearing on that charge is scheduled for March 11 in General District Court.
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition visited local bicycle shops across the state to promote the small businesses and the role they play in the community.

The tour began Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Xtreme Wheels Bike and Sport in downtown Council Bluffs, which hosted a gathering followed by a bike ride along the new First Avenue murals.

"This is huge," store co-owner Tony Salvo told the Nonpareil during the kick-off event. "We don't pay for advertising, so we go by word of mouth, and this is going to be a huge word from a lot of mouths, so I'm really excited for everybody being here."

In total, the coalition visited more than 80 bike shops from Council Bluffs to Davenport, according to a news release.

"We were genuinely excited to tour the state, hear from local bike shop owners, and meet with a number of highly engaged bike teams as well," executive director Luke Hoffman said in the release.

Hoffman said the "full Grassley" tour aimed to show how bike shops build community, support the local economy, improve quality of life and mental health, and support the sport of biking.

"This visit is about talking about how that community gets built and how we can support it, and local bike shops are really the engine for that," Hoffman said.

Hoffman told the Nonpareil that some of the economic benefits of local bike shops include encouraging bicycles as a primary mode of transportation and use of trails.

The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is Hoffman's favorite trail in the state, he said, and he has gone on more than 100 rides, including recently biking the entire trail at once  spending money in Mineola, Silver City, Shenandoah and other communities along the way.

"There's a huge benefit to being out in nature, and that's something that is really important," Hoffman said.

The "Support Your Local Bike Shop Week" tour drew a strong reception from cyclists and community leaders. The coalition's signature annual events, the Iowa Bike Expo and the RAGBRAI route announcement party, will be held Jan. 27 in Des Moines.

We were humbled by the level of engagement and excitement," Hoffman said.

Salvo said his shop tries to meet customers wherever they are at, relying on repeat visits instead of trying to capture as much money as they can during an initial visit.

"The main thing we try to do is figure out where you're going to ride and for how much, and then your budget kind of comes into play after that," Salvo said. "Really, we just try to find the right bike for the right person. ... We don't sell you anything you don't need, because you're going to need it at some point and you'll come get it from me."
In his new novel, The Little Liar, Mitch Albom uses one of historys greatest evils  the Holocaust  to contemplate the nature of truth and how easily it can be twisted and distorted to fit an agenda that has no use for it.

Albom, the New York Times bestselling writer of Tuesdays with Morrie, and an award-winning columnist for the Detroit Free Press, read from the new book and signed copies at The Arts Center at Iowa Western on Thursday, Dec. 14, as part of the Council Bluffs Public Library Speaker Series sponsored by the Council Bluffs Library Foundation.

I didn't really want to write about the Holocaust or World War II, nor do I really think of this book as a Holocaust or World War II book, Albom told The Nonpareil in an interview. I wanted to write about the truth, the idea of truth and the lies that we tell, and a book that kind of asked the question, what's the biggest lie you ever told, and what would you do to be forgiven for that lie? That was what I set out to do.

Despite not setting out to write a book about the Holocaust, Albom chose that time period because of how the Nazis wielded the truth like a weapon, contorting it until it was unrecognizable.

It just happens that that setting and the sort of story that I use as a backdrop for this, to tell a story about truth and forgiveness, I felt was most poignant set during that time, because that was a time when the truth was in great danger, Albom said. It was being perverted and destroyed, particularly by the Nazis and the lies that they were telling the world, and the lies that they were telling their own people.

Albom, who is Jewish, set the book in Thessaloniki, Greece, which for a period of about 400 years was the only Jewish-majority city in all of Europe  until the Nazis came. The story begins almost like a fable, with a young Greek Jew named Nico, who in all his 11 years on earth had never once told a lie. His grandfather had taught him at a young age that lying was a sin, and Nico vowed to always tell the truth.

When the Nazis invade Greece, Nico catches the eye of a German officer who realizes that he can use the boys penchant for truth-telling to his advantage. Nico is separated from his family and has only the German officer for company.

After all of the towns Jews had been forcibly removed from their homes and stuck in a ghetto near the towns train station to await deportation, the German officer tells Nico he will see his family again if he tells the Jewish families, including his own, that there is no reason to worry, and that the trains will take them to a new life in Poland, with new jobs and new houses waiting for them.

Desperate to be reunited with his family, Nico does this, unwittingly breaking his vow to always speak the truth.

I had heard a story about 10 years ago on a visit to a Holocaust museum, where they had video testimonials of people who had survived the war, Albom said. And one woman was talking about when they got on the railroad tracks and why they boarded the trains, and how she was asked afterwards, Why would you get on trains if you knew that they were taking you to your death in a concentration camp? And she said, We didn't know. We were fooled. The Germans would get Jewish people to stand on the tracks and tell us that everything was OK, that the trains were going to good places, and so we believed them because they were our own people. And once we found out, once we got there, it was too late.

The book follows Nico as he tries to come to terms with the lie he told, which in his mind is what led his family to their deaths, regardless of the fact that the Jews of Greece were going to be decimated with or without his participation  of the about 71,000 Jews in Greece prior to World War II, nearly 59,000 died in the Holocaust.

In choosing what to write about, Albom said he tries to select themes that are contemporary in terms of the issues that are going on, even if the story itself isnt contemporary.

In this case, I look around today and it seems like truth is what you decide to make it, he said. You know, you pick your own cable news program and thats what youre going to watch, youre not going to watch the other ones. Thats the truth as far as you know it. Or you have social media followers and thats your truth. Its so selective and people believe that everybody else is just lying and only they know whats what. Well, somebody has to be not telling the truth because theres no such thing as 16 different truths. Theres one truth and we just have to work hard to find out what it is.

In addition to truth, lies and consequences, The Little Liar is also about forgiveness, whether of oneself or someone else. Would Nico ever forgive himself for the lie he told when he was a child? To what lengths would Nico go to receive absolution? And would someone else from Nicos community who also survived the war ever forgive him?

I think many of us would like to go back and take back something that we said that we knew wasn't true at the time or take back something that was told to us that turned out not to be true that broke our hearts or led us astray or made us make a bad decision, Albom said. There are so many consequences of a single lie. It can break apart a marriage, it can break apart a business relationship, it can stain a friendship, it can destroy years of trust, it can lead families to not talk to one another. We should never give lies that much power, but we do.

The next event features journalist and author Wil Haygood on Feb. 29.
Anita Baker in concert at Toyota Center, Dec. 15, 2023. Marcus Ingram Anita Baker in concert at Toyota Center, Dec. 15, 2023. Marcus Ingram Anita Baker in concert at Toyota Center, Dec. 15, 2023. Marcus Ingram Anita Baker in concert at Toyota Center, Dec. 15, 2023. Marcus Ingram

Anita Baker was caught up in the recordings of Houston fans.

The R&B legend performed Friday at Toyota Center as part of The Songstress Tour, her first in almost three decades. Soon after the show, fans began posting videos to TikTok of Baker "cutting up" and being "super rude" to fans.

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TikTok user @icemamiiii shared a clip of Baker singing "Feel the Need" and, without missing a beat, incorporating "Turn off the camera, baby, I don't know who you are, move back. Get 'em back, I don't know who that is." The clip has been viewed 5.8 million times.

"Only sung 4-5 songs and couldn't remember the lyrics," @icemamiiii wrote, adding that Baker was "super rude to her fans."

User @_drholmes took a more humorous approach in her video, claiming that Baker was "cutting up."

"Security, help them out, and I mean out of my front row," Baker said as the crowd gasped.

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Baker then immediately greeted fans "in the back" and got back to her song.

Some fans have disputed the claims. Andre Marcel Harris, who was at the show, posted to X (formerly Twitter) that Baker sang more than a dozen songs and had people removed for her safety.

"People kept rushing the stage and interrupting her and security was just letting it happen. I wouldve done the same thing bc they were messing up other peoples experience who paid money too," he wrote.

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Baker has also defended herself multiple times on X over the last few days.

"Report harassment & block. We Ignore, ignorance And, Security handles, Nonsense," she wrote Sunday morning. "JOY ... & ain't Nobody mad, 'Cept the devil."

She continued later that afternoon, "When they realize, they can't Stop Your Blessings?... they simply Lie. As in, Liability Screenshots? Are 4Ever.

Lyrics I'm as petty, as you are."

Baker also tweeted that the venue has asked her back next year.

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JACI-PARANA, Brazil  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 Dec. 5-12 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.

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 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.
State officials say they have reduced by more than 50% the number of Iowa nursing homes that are past due for their annual inspection.

Last week, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported that the state wasnt meeting the federally mandated standards for nursing home oversight, with some care facilities waiting up to 41 months for an annual inspection.

Federal regulations require that no more than 15.9 months elapse between annual inspections at individual Medicaid-certified nursing homes. The regulations also require that, collectively, the state inspect all nursing homes on an average of 12.9 months, if not sooner.

State records and published industry reports indicate that between October of last year and September of this year, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing failed to meet either of those standards.

Officials with the agency said Monday the federal standards that are now in place were suspended in the federal fiscal year that ended last September. During that time, homes were still considered past due for an inspection after 15.9 months, but the standard wasnt enforced.

They say that in 2023, DIAL and other state inspection agencies around the country were tasked with reducing the number of their past-due inspections by at least 50%. DIAL officials say they met that goal to the point where only 29 of Iowas 407 facilities remained overdue for an inspection.

The agency added that it expects to meet the standard of inspecting every nursing home within 15.9 months of its last annual inspection by the end of the current federal fiscal year, which is in September 2024.

Industry records show the agency will have to step up its efforts to accomplish that goal. The most recent data published by the Iowa Health Care Association shows how long each home that was inspected in September 2023 waited for its annual inspection.

The data shows the Good Samaritan Home in George, and Genesis Senior Living in Des Moines, waited more than 21 months for their annual inspection, and three others waited more than 18 months.

On average, the homes inspected that month waited 15.5 months for their annual inspection  significantly longer than the federal governments standard of a 12.9-month average between annual inspections.

The delays appear to have peaked in late 2022 and early 2023, when the gap between annual inspections was, on average, close to 18 months.

Homes wait up to 41 months for annual inspection

Several of the Iowa nursing homes that were inspected during the past year waited close to two years, if not longer, for their annual inspection. For example, the Northcrest Community facility in Ames went 41 months between annual inspections. The Good Samaritan Home in Holstein waited 34 months, and MercyOne Medical Center in Centerville waited 28 months.

In all, more than 150 care facilities waited 16 months or longer for their annual inspection. Between their delayed annual inspections, some of those same homes were the subject of numerous complaints that resulted in fines and citations from DIAL.

In early 2020, before the pandemic resulted in the temporary suspension of certain inspection standards, DIAL was reported as having failed to meet the federal standard of a 12.9-month average inspection cycle every month since October 2017.

At that time, department officials said the bureaus responsible for inspecting nursing homes were close to being fully staffed and the department was utilizing contracted inspectors to catch up on some of the work.

A U.S. Senate committee reported earlier this year that Iowa ranks 49th among the states in its ratio of inspectors to nursing homes. The report also noted that Iowa has tried to catch up on a backlog of inspections by using temporary contractors that are exceedingly expensive, costing as much as $41,000 per inspection.

Photos: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump campaigns in Waterloo, Dec. 19 Trump Waterloo 1 Trump Waterloo 2 Trump Waterloo 3 Trump Waterloo 4 Trump Waterloo 5 Trump Waterloo 6 Trump Waterloo 7 Trump Waterloo 8 Trump Waterloo 9 Trump Waterloo 10 Trump Waterloo 11 Trump Waterloo 12
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Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his country supports a lasting solution to the Sahara regional conflict based on the UN Security Council resolutions.

Lavrov made the remarks at a joint press conference held Wednesday in Marrakesh following talks with Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita at the end of the 6th Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum.

We support a lasting solution based on UN Security Council resolutions and we are committed to this principle aimed at moving forward and reaching adequate decisions on the Sahara conflict, said Mr. Lavrov

He reiterated his countrys supportive stand to the efforts engaged by UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura to advance the UN-led political process on the Sahara issue.

Talks between the two ministers also covered bilateral cooperation and latest developments on the regional and internal scene including the situation in Libya and the Sahel.

Sergei Lavrov said his talks with Bourita were very interesting as emphasis was laid on the implementation of the agreements concluded during the Summit between King Mohammed VI and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks were an opportunity to examine the modalities for the implementation of the Declaration of Strategic Partnership of 2002, and the Declaration of Deep Strategic Partnership of 2016, he said.

Lavrov also underlined that both parties discussed the means to implement their bilateral partnership in the areas of investment, trade, economy, energy, IT, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, fisheries, agriculture, culture, and education.

Lavrov and Bourita agreed on convening the upcoming meeting of the Moroccan-Russian joint committee in Moscow early next year. This inter-governmental committee on trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation is expected to sign agreements in energy, mining, agriculture, and fisheries.

Lavrov also said that the 6th Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum led to concrete results.
The Russia-Arab cooperation forum in Marrakech urged full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and urged non-interference in domestic issues.

This came in the final statement of the forum, attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and hosted by his Moroccan peer Nasser Boourita.

Several states in the region struggle with the separatist threat and interferences in their domestic issues.

Algeria has armed and backed financially and diplomatically the Polisario militias nurturing a plot to take over southern Moroccan territories.

On the Sahara in particular, Lavrov reiterated at a press conference his countrys support for a political solution based on UN Security Council resolutions.

The most recent resolution has reaffirmed the relevance of Moroccos autonomy plan as serious, credible, and realistic.

The final declaration also stressed the need to respect the territorial integrity of Libya, Syria, and Yemen.

On Iran-Arab relations, the declaration urged peace and neighborliness, while stressing the need to refrain from intervening in domestic affairs of other states.

The call comes amid increasing malign actions from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, as other Iranian proxies continue to sow instability in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria.

The Russia-Arab forum also called for guaranteeing the free flow and safety of maritime traffic in the Gulf and the Red Sea, disrupted recently by Houthi piracy.
A still from the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer. Photo: Rockstar Games

A teenage hacker was sentenced by a judge in the United Kingdom to an indefinite sentence for his role in the hack of Rockstar Games, the video-game company behind the Grand Theft Auto series.

The BBC reports that Arion Kurtaj, an 18-year-old from Oxford, was sentenced on Thursday to an indefinite period at a hospital, to be released only when doctors find that he is no longer a danger. Because Kurtaj has acute autism, doctors determined that the jury that heard his trial earlier this year would only determine if he committed the crime  not if he had criminal intent.

The unusual sentencing is the latest twist in the unapproved release last year of clips from the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI. According to prosecutors, Kurtaj was part of a cybercriminal group called Lapsus$, which was also responsible for hacks last year of Microsoft and Uber. Out on bail for allegedly hacking the hardware company Nvidia, Kurtaj, prosecutors say, pulled off the GTA heist while staying under police protection at a Travelodge hotel. Without his computer, he somehow managed to hack into Rockstar using his smartphone, an Amazon Firestick, and the TV in his hotel room. BBC reports that the judge on the case found that Kurtajs skill set and willingness to keep hacking while on parole suggested that he remained a risk; prosecutors also stated that he was violent while in custody, causing injury and property damage.
Sonia Garcia is a trending food reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at sonia.garcia@houstonchronicle.com.

A Rio Grande Valley native, she previously was an editor and writer for the Austin digital news startup Austonia after graduating from Texas State University. She enjoys trying new restaurants in Houston, where she lives with her 14-year-old Chihuahua.
Opelika police need your help solving a deadly July 2018 shooting at Hickory Haven Trailer Park where a 21-year-old at his home while playing video games with his friends, authorities said.

You can earn a $5,000 reward from Central Alabama CrimeStoppers for providing info about Octavious Bennetts death that leads to an arrest. No suspects have been charged in the case as of Tuesday.

On July 31, 2018, officers responded to the assault with injuries at Hickory Haven Trailer Park around 11:40 p.m. When authorities arrived at the mobile home in the 800 block of Crawford Road, they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Witnesses stated that Bennett was in the living room playing video games with friends when they heard several gunshots outside. One of the bullets went through the wall and struck Bennett, who died at the scene.

Anyone with any information on this case has been asked to call the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. You can submit anonymous tips through the Opelika Police Mobile App.

You can submit tips to Central Alabama CrimeStoppers by calling (334) 215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP. You can also visit the Crimestoppers website at http://www.215STOP.com to submit tips.
BLS Reports 5.7 Percent Increase in Fatal Workplace Injuries in 2022

The report found a total of 5,486 fatal occupational injuries in the United States in 2022.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) for 2022, revealing a 5.7 percent increase in fatal work injuries over the previous year. The report discloses alarming trends and highlights in occupational health and safety.

Released on Dec. 19, 2023, the BLS report identified a total of 5,486 fatal work injuries in the United States for 2022, up from 5,190 in 2021. The fatal work injury rate also saw an uptick, reaching 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, compared to 3.6 in 2021.

The report found a worker fatality occurred every 96 minutes in 2022, a slight drop from 101 minutes in 2021. Notably, fatalities resulting from violence and other injuries inflicted by persons or animals rose 11.6 percent. Homicides made up 61.7 percent of these, up 8.9 percent.

Workers in transportation and material moving occupations experienced the highest number of fatal work injuries in 2022, totaling 1,620. Construction and extraction workers followed closely with 1,056 fatalities, marking an 11 percent increase from 2021. Transportation incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal event, with 37.7 percent of all occupational fatalities.

Jessica E. Martinez, co-executive director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH), specifically responded to the revelation that the fatal injury rate for Black or African American workers (4.2 percent) and Hispanic or Latino workers (4.6 percent) increased in 2022. Both totals surpassed the all-worker rate of 3.7 percent per 100,000 FTE workers, with transportation incidents the leading cause of death for both groups.

This disparity reflects both historical and current discrimination in our workplaces and cannot be tolerated. All workers have a right to get home safe and sound after a day at work, Martinez said in a statement. We live in a world with many intractable problems. Reducing workplace deaths and injuries is not one of them. A worker-centered approach, based on sound science, can reduce and eliminate the hazards we face on the job, and result in fewer empty seats during next years holiday celebrations.

In addition to echoing this sentiment regarding the BLS report, OSHA Assistant Secretary Doug Parker commented on the fact that unintentional overdoses increased 13.1 percent from 2022. Likewise, the rate of suicides increased by 13.1 percent as well, following a drop in related fatalities over the previous two years.

The BLS census also finds work-related overdoses and suicides continue to be causes of great concern, and they are another call to action for [OSHA], employers and other stakeholders to address these very serious issues, Parker said in a statement. Mental health must be part of overall worker safety and health. We are committed to supporting the mental health of all workers, just as we are committed to protecting them from physical hazards on the job.

The 2022 CFOIincluding fatal injury counts and rates broken down by occupation, industry and worker demographicsare currently available on the BLS website.
Since mid-November, Houthi rebels in Yemen have significantly stepped up attacks on commercial shipping vessels in-transit via the lower Red Sea in retaliation for Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, but the market lacks consensus as to how much impact this will have on the energy trade.

Attacks by Houthi militants on ships traveling through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait have surged recently, increasing risk for ships passing through the Suez Canal. The Red Sea is one of the worlds most densely packed shipping channels and the most significant waterway connecting Europe to Asia and east Africa.

About 12% of global trade, including 30% of global container traffic, passes through the Red Sea, meaning that delays there can potentially affect fuel prices as well as the availability of various commodities and electronics.

Dozens of companies have already halted shipping in the Red Sea and at the Suez canal. Four of the worlds five largest container-shipping companies, namely Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA, CGM and MSC, have paused or suspended their services in the Red Sea, the route through which traffic from the Suez Canal must pass.

So, what does this portend for energy prices?

Not A Big Deal (for now)

The Suez Canal is one of the most important channels of the global oil trade. Northbound traffic worth ~3.9 million bpd this year is dominated by crude oil from Middle East producers to Europe and also middle distillates from India and the Middle East. Southbound traffic, estimated at 2.9 million bpd in 2023, comprises crude flows mainly from Russia to Asian customers, and also refined products naphtha and fuel oil.

The United States, Qatar and Russia are the leading shippers of LNG via Suez. Thankfully, Europe is not overly reliant on this route: although Qatar is the biggest active shipper of cargoes heading from the East to Europe, it provides only around 5% of net EU and UK imports.

"In reality, Qatar is the only exporter in an east-to-west direction via the Suez Canal, Robert Songer, LNG analyst at data intelligence firm ICIS, has told Reuters.

The United States is the second largest exporter of LNG to Europe and Asia. The country has been using the Suez Canal recently as an alternative to the Panama Canal. More U.S. supply has been flowing to Europe due to constraints in the Panama Canal occasioned by drought.

Meanwhile, many U.S. cargoes headed for the Northeast Asian market have opted for the Cape of Good Hope over the Suez Canal. The Cape of Good Hope is an alternative route to Europe, but comes with a hefty price tag: travel through this route could increase Qatari voyage days by 145%, or an extra 22 days on a round-trip basis.

Overall, ~8% of global LNG shipments have passed through the Suez Canal in the current year. Of that volume, only about half passed through the Suez canal from the Atlantic Basin. "It's not a big concern for US volumes. It's more of a concern for Qatari volumes getting to Europe," Andres Rojas, associate director for LNG at S&P Global has revealed.

Last week, Goldman Sachs analysts told clients that LNG disruptions through the Suez Canal would have only limited impact on the global markets because it would not change global LNG supply by much. The Wall Street analyst, however, has acknowledged that it would result in higher shipping costs for specific routes such as exports from Qatar to Europe. Further, the negative impact could be moderated by higher exports of Qatari cargoes to the Pacific Basin while the U.S. and other Atlantic Basin exporters could increase volumes to Europe.

So far, the shipping disruptions have hardly affected oil and gas prices.

Asian spot LNG is currently quoted at $12.3 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), a range it has maintained since the start of the attacks while Henry Hub prices have tumbled nearly 25% since November 7 to trade at $2.46/MMBtu. High inventories in Europe and North Asia have played a big part in capping demand and are expected to continue doing so during the first half of 2024.

Meanwhile, oil prices have rallied to around $80 a barrel on Wednesday, but remain below their fourth-quarter average of around $83.30 a barrel. Oil prices have fallen in recent weeks thanks to mounting demand concerns as well as growing indications that the world will kick off the new year in a surplus.

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"The recent rise in oil prices is understandable, but the rally will not last, unless oil supply is materially affected," Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM has told Reuters.

But that does not mean that the Red Sea snafu will be painless for everybody. Oil freight prices have already been impacted, with rates for booking a Suezmax to transport crude from the Middle East to Europe up 25% while Insurance war risk premiums have gone up from $2,000 to $10,000 as a result of the disruption.

The true economic costs can also be staggering: back in 2021, Lloyds List estimated that the Ever Given held up $9.6 billion in trade daily for the six days it was stuck in the Suez Canal.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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The Gulf of Guinea has become famous for its piracy crimes over the last two decades, with many ships being invaded by modern-day pirates looking for wealth. Despite repeated attempts to crack down on criminals in the region, little has worked to stop the activities completely. However, the recent strengthening of safety standards as well as greater regional cooperation are helping to deter violent criminal activity and are expected to improve transit safety in the region in the coming years.

The Gulf of Guinea is strategically located, stretching from Senegal to Angola, covering approximately 6,000 km of coastline and 20 commercial seaports. It provides an important transport route for oil and gas, as well as goods, to and from central and southern Africa. It is highly trafficked, with around 1,500 fishing vessels, tankers, and cargo ships passing through the waters each day, representing around 25 percent of African maritime traffic. It is therefore highly attractive for maritime crime. The region that the maritime route spans is rich in natural resources, from hydrocarbons to metals and minerals. The Gulf provides around 60 percent of the continents oil production, with two-thirds of reserves concentrated in Nigerias waters.

Acts of piracy have been taking place in the Gulf of Guinea for several years, making safety a key concern for energy companies and maritime workers. Piracy is defined under international law as threatening maritime security by endangering () the welfare of seafarers and the security of navigation and commerce. These criminal acts may cause the loss of life, physical harm or hostage-taking situation. However, in recent years, piracy has given way to bunkering activities - the act of oil theft. Bunkering is achieved by diverting and smuggling oil by loading unauthorised ships. This can result in oil spills and explosions and leave pipelines vulnerable to leaks.

In recent years, several criminal networks operating in the region have shifted away from traditional piracy activities in favour of oil bunkering. Rather than boarding ships to steal goods or kidnap workers in exchange for ransoms, criminals are increasingly targeting vessels carrying refined goods, looking to steal oil products. This is likely because the financial incentives are that much higher. The total earnings for piracy and kidnapping for ransom in 2021 equated to around $4 million, compared to oil bunkerings multi-million-dollar potential.

Further, criminals have been deterred from invasive attacks following the implementation of the 2013 Yaounde Code of Conduct, which promotes information sharing and reporting. This has been further supported by regional and international cooperation and monitoring of the seas by military forces to prevent attacks. Successful piracy convictions in Togo and Nigeria in 2021 reinforce the progress made in the region.

Nevertheless, the Gulf of Guinea cannot escape its reputation for piracy. In March 2023, a Danish-owned Liberian-flagged oil tanker, the Monjasa Reformer, was boarded by three pirates, forcing the 16-member crew to take shelter in the ships secure room. Communication with the tanker was lost. Pirates kidnapped six crew members, who were eventually rescued in Nigeria in May. It was not reported whether a ransom was paid for their release.

This attack followed a lull in piracy activities in 2022 when three ships were reported to have been attacked compared to 26 in 2019. Before the Danish tanker, two other attacks had been reported in the region in the first quarter of 2023. The recent attacks have taken place further out in international waters, likely as criminals attempt to avoid getting noticed. Pirates have been using more sophisticated tactics, with some using large, stolen shipping vessels as hubs during attacks. This has led shippers to urge naval forces to establish a stronger presence in the region.

France and Nigeria are now working together to tackle piracy in the region. Five Nigerian naval ships and the French carrier Mistral joined forces in October on a four-month mission aimed at securing the maritime route. French naval vessels have been almost permanently deployed in the Gulf of Guinea since 1990. Nigerian naval exercises are also common since the launch of the Yaounde Protocol. Regular drills are carried out to prepare the navy for potential pirate attacks, as well as to deter criminals from piracy and bunkering activities.

Despite the recent attacks, the number of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea has fallen sharply from around a decade ago. The signing of the Yaounde Protocol has encouraged greater cooperation among African nations, as well as support from international powers. Strict legal repercussions have deterred criminals from violent acts of piracy in the region. However, this has resulted in criminals bunkering oil or carrying out more sophisticated attacks further out in international waters. A stronger naval presence in the region could help deter attacks on tankers and other vessels, while reporting and information sharing should continue to be encouraged to prevent possible attacks.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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China's natural gas consumption hit an all-time high this weekend amid a cold wave that froze parts of the country.

One of the biggest gas importers in the world, China must have felt its dependency on external supply particularly acutely this weekend. But it is working to change things, boosting domestic output and focusing on unconventional resources.

Sinopec, the state-owned energy major, reported that total output from one 6-2HF well at the country's largest shale gas field had reached 400 million cu m. It may not sound like a lot, but it is a milestone for a field with total production so far of over 34.3 billion cu m. Over half of the total comes from wells that have produced a cumulative 100 million cu m or more, China Daily reported earlier this month.

The Fuling field began commercial operation in 2014, with proven reserves estimated at close to 900 billion cu m. That's not a lot in the context of China's consumptionalmost 260 billion cu m over the first eight months of the yearbut it is certainly not small potatoes, either, especially with this year's output representing a 182% increase on 2022 output. And China is working to develop more unconventional gas resources.

Earlier this year, Chinese media reported the first commercial flow of natural gas from a shale formation in the Sichuan province. The well operated by PetroChina in the field yielded a daily output of 738,000 cu m. Again, not a lot, but certainly a start.

Per the reports from April, the rate of production achieved at the well was a breakthrough and an indication that a "shale revolution" was coming to China. Said revolution has been slow to unfold due to geological challenges, even though China ranks tenth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves.

PetroChina's story of developing the Cambrian shale in Sichuan illustrates these challenges. Exploration began back in 2009, meaning it has taken the company close to 15 years to begin commercial production, whereas in the U.S. shale patch, wells take months to drill and begin production.

The reason it took so long was the old stratigraphic age of the formation, meaning the layers of rock were old and harder to drill through, and the fact that the reservoir was at a deeper level than reservoirs are elsewhere.

The effort seems worth it, it appears, because, per the head of the PetroChina subsidiary drilling at the site, it could turn into a source of "trillion-cubic-meter reserves and 10-billion-cubic meter production," according to a report in the Global Times. Earlier this year, PetroChina said annual production from the Sichuan field had topped 40 billion cu m.

What these developments show is that geological challenges do not stay challenges forever. With the right motivation, these can and are being overcome, and China certainly has the right motivation. The world's largest energy importer as a total has been expanding domestic gas production, and it has paid off.

Last year, China's domestic gas production stood at 220.1 billion cu m. Total consumption stood at 364.6 billion cu m. That left 87.6 billion cu m in LNG imports and 62.7 billion cu m in pipeline imports, or 41% of the total. The number is quite high, but in LNG, it is a close to 20% decline from the previous year while domestic production has been on the rise.

Chances are that domestic production will continue to rise as China seeks to boost the use of natural gas even as it continues to expand its coal power plant fleet. Despite the challenges that have delayed its shale resource exploitation.

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By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Angola is leaving OPEC, Angolan news agency ANGOP reported on Thursday, quoting the African producers oil minister Diamantino de Azevedo.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers, led by the President of the Republic, Joao Lourenco, the news agency noted.

Jornal de Angola also reported the news.

Angola and another African OPEC member, Nigeria, had a spat with the other cartel members before the latest meeting regarding their oil production quotas.

At a meeting in June, Angola and Nigeria were given lower crude oil production quotas as part of the OPEC+ agreement, after the two producers had underperformed and failed to pump to their quotas for years, due to a lack of investment in new fields and maturing older oilfields.

The most recent spat within OPEC about the African countries quotas was one of the reasons for the cartel to postpone its latest meeting within a few days.

African OPEC members Angola, Congo, and Nigeria were forced to commit to lower output in 2024, and the originally scheduled November 26 meeting could potentially have pressured them to make further production cuts, as the Saudis expressed discontent over compliance with the deal as it shoulders the bulk of the burden.

Before the meeting at the end of November, Angola said it was not considering quitting the cartel.

Theres no thinking in that direction, Angola OPEC governor Estevao Pedro told Bloomberg at the time, assuring markets that Africas second-largest producer had no intentions of rocking the boat to that extent.

However, it seems now that Angola doesnt see an OPEC membership as beneficial anymore after the recent spats over its production quota.

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Angola, which joined OPEC in 2007, holds untapped oil and gas resources estimated at 9 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves and 11 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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China is prohibiting the export of some technologies to process rare earth elements to protect its national security as the race for critical minerals supply intensifies.

Chinas Commerce Ministry banned on Thursday the export of technology to extract and separate rare earth elements (REEs), a group of 17 critical metals used in the manufacturing of permanent magnets that are used in electronics, EV technologies, and wind turbines.

The move follows last months directive from the Chinese authorities to exporters of rare earth minerals to report transactions and is the latest escalation of the trade spat between China and the West.

Earlier this year, China, the worlds largest producer and supplier of graphite, said it would require export permits for some graphite products as of December 1 as it seeks to protect its national security. Graphite and graphite products are critical for the manufacturing of any electric vehicle battery, and China is the dominant player in the market.

The restriction on exports of graphite products was the latest Chinese attempt to exert its market influence to control the supply of critical minerals.

Now China bans the export of production technology for rare earth metals and alloy materials, and technology to produce some rare earth magnets.

In rare earths, China controls 60% of global supply and a massive 90% of the global refining of rare earth elements, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report on the vulnerabilities of the clean energy supply chains earlier this year. China is also the only large-scale producer of heavy rare earth ores.

Limited diversification of supply could present a challenge to the global critical minerals industry, the IEA warned in a report earlier this year. China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia continue to dominate a large part of the critical raw material supply, while China is a dominant player in refining operations, the IEA noted.

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By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The European Union approved on Thursday a proposal to delay a 10% tariff on electric vehicles in trade with the UK until December 2026 from an original date of entry into force on January 1, 2024.

The delay of the tariff by three years will give EV manufacturers in the EU and the UK more time to comply with the local content requirements for electric vehicles and batteries under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The agreement stipulates that only those electric vehicles that comply with the rules of origin, which define the required local content for electric vehicles and their batteries, can benefit from tariff-free trade.

Unless the delay was approved, starting in 2024, the current Brexit deal would have called for EVs transported between the UK and EU to be slapped with a 10% tariff if less than 45 percent of the EVs value comes from the regionor if less than 50 percent-60 percent of the battery cells and packs come from the EU or UK.

EV makers were quick to show their displeasure with the deal and sought a delay until 2027. The UK and most EU member states have also pushed for a delay.

Earlier this month, the European Commission recommended a three-year delay for EV tariffs in trade with the UKa delay which is now approved by the EU member states.

The next step will be the tariff delay to be approved by the EU-UK Partnership Council, which has been set up under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, before the end of the year.

The extension of the current rules was proposed by the European Commission as It was understood that the battery industry could not get off the ground as fast as expected against the background of Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, COVID-19s impact on supply chains and the competition from new international subsidy support schemes, which made it more difficult for electric vehicle manufacturers to comply with the rules of origin under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the EU Council said today.

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By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Russias crude oil exports this year will be 7% higher compared to 2021, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov was quoted as saying on Thursday.

Russian crude oil exports in 2023 have exceeded by 7% the volumes exported in 2021  just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This years crude oil exports out of Russia are estimated at around 250 million tons, Russian news agency Interfax quoted Belousov as saying during a meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects.

The most pressing problems last year have generally been resolved. This firstly concerns payments and cargo insurance, [and] secondly concens ensuring seaborne shipping of hydrocarbons by tanker fleet, Belousov said.

Over the past year, Russia has amassed a shadow fleet of tankers, which helps it ship its oil to international markets, mostly to Asia.

Belousovs comments came a day after the U.S. Treasury slapped more sanctions as it tightens enforcement of the Western price cap on Russian oil.

The U.S. designated a Government of Russia-owned ship manager and several obscure oil traders who have emerged as frequent participants in the seaborne transportation of Russian-origin oil following the imposition of the price cap, the Treasury said. It also updated guidance to strengthen the attestation and recordkeeping processes for certain covered service providers.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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Russia has increased significantly its crude oil exports to China and India this year, with volumes to China hitting 100 million tons annually, or around 2 million barrels per day, Nikolay Tokarev, the head of Russian oil pipeline monopoly Transneft, told Russian media earlier this week.

China and India have become the key export outlets for Russias oil this year after the EU embargo on Russian crude and products and the G7-led price caps, above which Western insurers and financiers are prohibited from offering services for the shipment of Russian oil. Both China and India saw their respective imports of crude from Russia hit a record high at some point in 2023.
ROME  Pope Francis green light for Catholic priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples is in many ways a recognition of what has been happening in some European parishes for years. But his decision to officially spell out his approval could send a message of tolerance to places where gay rights are far more restricted.

From Uganda to the United States, laws that discriminate against LGBTQ+ people or even criminalize homosexuality have increased in recent years, leaving communities feeling under attack. Pastors in some conservative Christian denominations, and the Catholic Church in particular, have sometimes supported such measures as consistent with biblical teaching about homosexuality.

In Zimbabwe, a country with a history of state harassment of LGBTQ+ people and a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, news of Francis approval was met with cautious optimism among activists.

But Chesterfield Samba, director of Zimbabwes GALZ association, which represents LGBTQ+ people, said same-sex unions would likely remain taboo regardless of the popes stance.

Christians here are of the view that they are devoid of sin and cannot be aligned with LGBTQ+ people, Samba said.

By contrast, a Catholic priest in the United States  Alex Santora of Hoboken, New Jersey  was elated by the popes declaration, hoping it would clear the path for him to bless a same-sex couple who had been part of the parish throughout his 19-year tenure there.

The Vatican says gays should be treated with dignity and respect but that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered. Francis hasnt changed that teaching, but he has spent much of his 10-year pontificate offering a more welcoming attitude to LGBTQ+ Catholics.

The Vatican statement Monday marked a new step in Francis campaign, explicitly authorizing priests to offer non-sacramental blessings to same-sex couples. The blessings must in no way resemble a wedding, which the church teaches can only happen between a man and woman.

The Rev. Wolfgang Rothe, a German priest who participated in open worship services blessing same-sex couples in May 2021, said Tuesday that the approval essentially validated what he and other priests in Germany have been doing for years. But he suggested it would make life easier for homosexual couples in more conservative societies.

In my church, such blessings always take place when anyone has the need, Rothe said.

But in many countries around the world there are opposing moves to maintain homophobia in the church," he added. "For homosexual couples living there, the document will be a huge relief.

In Nigeria, authorities arrested dozens of gay people in October in a crackdown that human rights groups said relied on a same-sex prohibition law.

Nigeria is among 30 of Africas 54 countries where homosexuality is criminalized with broad public support, though its constitution guarantees freedom from discrimination.

Ugandas president this year signed into law anti-gay legislation that prescribes the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality, which is defined as sexual relations involving people infected with HIV, as well as with minors and other vulnerable people.

In the United States, the Human Rights Campaign has identified an unprecedented and dangerous spike in discriminatory laws sweeping statehouses this year, with more than 525 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced.

Given the homophobic and transphobic climate created by many bishops in the United States, the average same-sex couple likely still wont feel comfortable presenting themselves to their local bishop or priest to ask for a blessing, said Jamie Manson, a lesbian and president of Catholics for Choice.

Starting from his famous Who am I to judge comment in 2013 about a purportedly gay priest, Francis has evolved his position to increasingly make clear that everyone is a child of God, is loved by God and welcome in the church.

In January, Francis said: Being homosexual is not a crime.

Raul Pena, a spokesman for Crismhom, Madrids main Catholic LGBTQ+ association, said small-town, conservative dioceses in rural Spain could benefit from Francis message.

If the priest from your town talks about gays being the devil in his sermons each Sunday, which some priests do, now you have the pope signing a document saying that homosexuals who live as a couple can be blessed, he said. Its a fundamental step for those hierarchies and for those people who are in places where being LGBT is difficult.

Santora, pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in New Jersey, said the popes declaration would be welcome in a parish that celebrates an annual Pride Mass and has many LGBTQ+ parishioners.

This is a very important step, people realizing the church is finally recognizing the goodness of their lives," he said.

Santora wants to set a date soon to bless a same-sex couple that has been part of the church for many years. Santora recently learned that they had yearned for his blessing but feared getting him in trouble.

So this comes at the right time, the priest said. Its a new way to set a date.

Santora worries, though, that some gay and lesbian Catholic couples in the U.S. wont be so fortunate.

There are priests, many of them young, who are behind the times  they wont do this, he said. Its going to cause more hurt in some communities.
Sausage & brisket banh mi at Tejas Chocolate & BBQ, Tomball J.C. Reid/Contributor Pastrami, sausage & brisket, and pork belly banh mi atTejas Chocolate & BBQ, Tomball J.C. Reid/Contributor Thit nuong pork belly banh mi at Blood Bros. BBQ J.C. Reid/Contributor

If you spent any time in Houston in the late 90 or '00s as a student or otherwise underemployed young person, you were well-acquainted with Les Givrals on Milam.

In the beginning, you could order a well-endowed sandwich on freshly baked bread for $1.50, which was even cheaper than the faux-filling sandwiches of chain shops opening at that time.

Les Givrals specialized in the banh mi sandwich, a Vietnamese classic that started popping up in Houston in the late 70s and 80s, along with classics like pho (noodle soup) and goi cuon (spring rolls).

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Like most delicious sandwiches, banh mi seem deceptively simple but are actually a complex combination of flavors and textures: a roll with a pillowy interior and slightly crisp shell filled with grilled or sauteed meat and fresh or pickled vegetables, doused in a condiment like a savory chile sauce or even mayonnaise, and topped with a clump of fresh, fragrant cilantro.

My go-to order at Les Givrals was a barbecue pork filling (double meat), which consisted of shaved pieces of pork shoulder marinated in a slightly sweet, honey-based sauce. It clocked in at around $3.50.

More Information Tejas Chocolate & BBQ 200 N. Elm St., Tomball; tejaschocolate.com Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday





There is no strict recipe for banh mi, and it can be a blank canvas for any chef, home cook or even a barbecue pitmaster.

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Such is the case with Scott Moore at Tejas Chocolate & BBQ in Tomball. A self-professed sandwich connoisseur, he experienced a light bulb moment on a recent visit to his favorite Vietnamese sandwich shop.

I discovered they were selling their fresh banh mi bread commercially, said Moore. I had also recently seen a promotional poster for banh mi that called them barbecue sandwiches. Thats the moment I decided to pair our meats with their bread.

The bread comes from Vina Bakery in Houston, which is undoubtedly one of the best banh mi loaves in the city.

For Moore, the process of producing his own version of a banh mi started innocently enough, with smoked pork belly for the meat filling. A couple of thick slices are placed in a loaf smeared with a mayo-based spread, then topped with pickled carrots, cucumbers, cilantro and crunchy strips of (mostly seedless) jalapenos. It's all jotted with a bit of Maggi seasoning.

From there, Tejas' banh mi began spinning off in other directions, including variations with pulled pork, turkey and a Texas chop featuring a combination of chopped brisket and kielbasa sausage. On Thursdays, you can even get one filled with smoked pastrami.

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To be sure, Tejas is not the first or only barbecue joint to put smoked meats in a banh mi. Blood Bros. BBQ in Bellaire, among others, have long served their own versions of the sandwich.

Still, Moore is so excited about the possibilities that hes created a separate menu just for the sandwiches: He calls it BanhBQ.
Technology has largely impacted the evolution of the entrepreneurial world, becoming an indispensable tool for businesses to grow. In this bustling realm of entrepreneurship, there have been a few stories that have embraced the spotlight for motivating others and resonating powerfully with millions of aspiring talents. One such story is that of Tomas Gorny, the co-founder and CEO of Nextiva. Gorny exemplifies an indomitable spirit with his unwavering resilience and visionary leadership that help him stand out as a global innovator and leader. His journey through a series of triumphs and setbacks is a captivating narrative that started in 1980s Poland and has now reached the zenith of the tech industry.

Growing up in Eastern Europe during communism before emigrating to the United States, Gorny's journey is a rags-to-riches story. He started as a young man living on a meager $3 a day, battling financial adversity, selling his belongings just to stay afloat. Amidst these challenges, he remained undeterred, laying the foundation for a solid career in the tech space.

Gorny's initial foray into entrepreneurship in the US was as a co-founder of one of the earliest web-hosting companies. When it was sold, it made him a millionaire at age 22. This newfound success was short-lived, however. The dotcom crash of the early 2000s wiped out his fortune. Gorny was left to rebuild and recover from financial ruin. However, he found opportunity in adversity and founded IPOWER, a web hosting company that he says went on to become the second-largest in the world. When it was merged with its smaller competitor, Endurance International Group, it sold for almost $1 billion.

Instead of resting on his laurels, though, Gorny went on to found another company - Nextiva - this time in customer experience and business communication. The diverse experiences that shaped his understanding of the tech landscape helped him develop insights into the evolving needs of businesses, especially in the realm of customer experience. Thanks to his in-depth market observations, Gorny noticed a gap in cohesive, forward-looking communication solutions. This fueled his desire to close this gap, which is how Nextiva was born.

Nextiva is a platform that transcends mere business communication tools. It is an AI-powered customer experience platform that gains intelligence from conversations. The companys main value proposition: unifying all channels of business communication, from email and chat to voice and video calls.

Just like any entrepreneur trying to navigate the intricacies of business, Gornys path to success was filled with challenges. He overcame financial struggles, business failures, fierce market competition, and the complexities of scaling a global business with determination and diligence.

Throughout his journey, Gorny has focused on learning from failures, surrounding himself with the right people, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation. His knowledge and experience helped him evolve as a resilient, risk-aware leader in the entrepreneurial world. His industry insights helped him achieve several milestones in the technology realm.

Under his visionary leadership, Nextiva has emerged as a dominant player in the business communication industry, garnering industry awards and accolades for innovation, quality, and company culture. Gorny reports it is now the largest privately owned communications company in the US.

Gorny stands out for his unique perspective. His personal journey from immigrant struggles to business triumphs helped him develop values in an industry dominated by price wars. This realization fortified his commitment to deliver true value, develop a healthy company culture, and innovate through Nextiva. His holistic view of customer experience goes beyond tools and software to create a transformative platform.

As Tomas Gorny strides forward to leave a legacy behind for aspiring talents in the tech space, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. With the evolution of the tech and business landscapes, Gorny's story will continue to exemplify adaptability, resilience, and visionary leadership, encouraging countless individuals to dream despite facing failure.

Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.
Cryptocurrency has emerged as a promising investment channel for traders, entrepreneurs, and investors alike. However, volatility remains the hallmark of the crypto market, making it challenging for even seasoned investors to assess the price swings of digital currencies. The giant cryptocurrency Bitcoin is no exception here. Deciphering the value of Bitcoin poses its challenges, but experts propose that staying vigilant about factors influencing the digital currency's worth can yield insights. Let's delve into the intricacies of Bitcoin to better understand the question "What is the price of Bitcoin?" and assess its potential valuation.

Supply and Demand

The fundamental economic principle of supply and demand forms the core of Bitcoin's price determination. With a limited supply of 21 million, Bitcoin can create a scarcity factor that will, in turn, influence its market price. When more investors flock to own this decentralized digital gold, the demand for Bitcoin soars. On the contrary, when the demand dwindles, the price also experiences a corresponding decline.

The scarcity of Bitcoin, despite its growing popularity as a digital asset, can affect the supply and demand dynamics of the currency. Investors, closely tracking these fluctuations, gauge market sentiment to make informed decisions. This makes the supply and demand of Bitcoin a delicate equilibrium that shapes its valuation.

Cost of Production

Bitcoin mining is the process through which new Bitcoins are created and transactions are verified. What is the price of Bitcoin? The cost of production includes expenses such as electricity, hardware, and maintenance. These expenses determine the minimum threshold at which miners are willing to sell their newly minted bitcoins. When the market price dips below this threshold, miners are likely to slow down, potentially constraining the supply to create an upward curve of Bitcoin price.

During bullish market conditions, the price of Bitcoin surpasses the cost of production. In such a scenario, miners are incentivized to accelerate their activities to meet the overall supply. This intricate balance between production costs and market value can directly impact Bitcoin price.

Availability on Exchanges

Crypto exchanges act as the marketplace for crypto buyers and sellers where the ease of trading impacts liquidity and price discovery. This is where Bitcoin price can be impacted based on its availability in various cryptocurrency exchanges. Popular platforms like CNN Money, Financial Times, Binance, and Investopedia have contributed significantly to the market dynamics of Bitcoin.

With the surging demands of Bitcoin, its availability on these exchanges becomes a crucial factor. Limited availability in such market conditions can trigger prices as buyers compete for the finite supply. On the other hand, more than adequate availability can lead to price stabilization or even corrections. Traders tracking exchange dynamics will scrutinize order books and liquidity levels, often leading them to ask, "What is the price of Bitcoin at present, and what will it be in the coming months?"

Crypto exchanges also act as the gateway to the world of digital assets. Apart from providing liquidity and accessibility to Bitcoins, these platforms also act as trendsetters, introducing new assets and advanced trading features that impact market sentiment and influence investors' decisions. Inclusions, such as listing new tokens or integrating innovative technologies, can spike Bitcoin's price as it facilitates the trading of giant currencies on the platform.

Competition with other Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin might have dominated the crypto space for a while, but even this giant currency faces stiff competition from numerous altcoins. Cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin vie for market share and investor attention. The competitive environment directly influences Bitcoin's price as investors try to allocate funds across different digital assets to minimize risks.

Recent advancements in blockchain technology and the introduction of several new crypto projects can divert attention and funds away from Bitcoin. This can dwindle its market dominance, affecting Bitcoin's valuation.

Governance and Regulatory Policies

The regulatory landscape can significantly influence the price of Bitcoin. As there are no globally accepted regulations on crypto transactions, Government policies, legal frameworks, and country-specific regulatory decisions can impact the adoption and acceptance of Bitcoin. Clarity in regulatory frameworks provides a sense of security to investors and financial institutions, leading the cryptocurrency to thrive.

Similarly, uncertainty or restrictive regulations can decline Bitcoin acceptance, leading to increased volatility and price swings. The regulatory backdrop is a critical factor that directly or indirectly influences all other factors that determine the price of Bitcoin.

Several factors determine Bitcoin's price while also impacting the dynamics of the cryptocurrency market. Supply and demand dynamics, production costs, exchange availability, competition, governance, and regulatory framework form the basic analytical factors that have the potential to influence Bitcoin's price. As investors and crypto enthusiasts continue to invest in Bitcoin, closely examining all these factors can help them make informed decisions to minimize financial risks.

Information is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be used as investment advice. As with all investments, there is risk and the past performance of a particular asset class does not guarantee any future performance.

Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.
Behind the front reception desk at Electric Ink Society in Bellevue, Megan Lemanton is the first friendly face visitors encounter.

I carry myself gracefully and humble and I care about the community. I care about the industry. I care about our hard work, Lemanton said.

In August, Lemanton assumed ownership of the Electric Ink Society tattoo shop, stepping up in the wake of the arrest of her ex-husband and former Electric Ink owner, Christopher Mica Stewart, on domestic violence charges.

Under her ownership, the tattoo shop has fought tooth and nail to repair the shops reputation, with inclusivity, kindness, and a customer satisfaction guarantee.

My whole goal is not to be better than the person down the street, said Lemanton. Its to be better than who I was yesterday.

Electric Ink Society opened in 2018, at the time, Stewart told the Times that Its the customer service that will set us apart from everyone else, a statement that proved ironic given the subsequent damage to its reputation.

Stewarts alleged actions, including intimidating clients, criticizing artistic choices, ending sessions early, taking money without completing services, and mistreatment customers and employees, almost led to the shops downfall.

I have people who want to see me succeed because of him. They push me harder to be a better person, a better business owner, teach me how to tattoo because I deserve it, said Lemanton. They dont want to see me fail and give him the power to say the studio remained open because of him.

Facing each challenge head-on, Lemanton draws from her experiences to assist others. In addiction recovery since 2009, she has implemented a drug-free policy at the shop to support employees who may be in recovery themselves. Now, shes helping women leave domestic violence.

People know to call me or message the business Facebook page if they need a safe place, explained Lemanton. We recently rallied together to get one woman a whole apartment.

The Electric Ink Society proudly embraces diversity in its workforce, employing individuals with varied backgrounds, including survivors of domestic violence, queer artists, and foreign nationals, each contributing unique tattoo styles.

The shops layout, featuring five partially enclosed stations, fosters a communal atmosphere among the artists, who have all grown to support each other professionally and personally.

To continue to push herself, Megan is currently an apprentice in tattooing. A licensed esthetician specializing in permanent makeup Megan said she hopes to become a full-time tattoo artist after her apprenticeship.

Heather, a five-year veteran of the shop, specializes in fine-detail black and grey tattoos and animal realism. Tasha, also with five years under her belt, excels in bold colors and new school bubbly tattoos.

Another featured artist, Kaya, is known for her expertise in patchwork and traditional tattoos. She frequently offers flash sales on the shops Facebook page, featuring discounted prices for her unique designs.

San, the newest addition to the crew, specializes in high-detail black and grey tattoos, bringing his unique skills to complement the diverse talents within the Electric Ink Society.

The tattoo studio offers walk-ins five days a week and is currently offering a six-hour Sit till you quit session for $350. Tattoo consultations are done Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the special ends Dec. 31.

The Electric Ink Society is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 2417 Lincoln Road in Bellevue, next to Offutt Air Force Base.
An 18-year-old Omaha man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree murder and various firearm charges in connection with a fatal November shooting.

According to the Omaha Police Department, Tyrice Coleman was booked into the Douglas County Jail on Wednesday in connection with the Nov. 8 killing of 17-year-old Messiah Holley. At the time of his arrest, Coleman was in custody at the Douglas County Youth Center on unrelated gun charges.

Omaha police were called to 18th and Spencer Streets for a ShotSpotter activation shortly before 7 p.m. on Nov. 8. They found Holley in the area with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken with CPR in progress to a hospital, where he later died.

Court records show that Coleman has been on indefinite juvenile probation since October 2021 after a misdemeanor theft conviction. He was convicted of felony theft in 2022 and spent nearly a year in detention between the Douglas County Youth Center and Canyon State Academy, a residential treatment center in Arizona, according to court documents.

In August, Coleman was permitted to live with a family member in Elkhorn, according to court documents. On Nov. 9  one day after Holleys death  a warrant was issued for Colemans arrest after he allegedly failed to check in with his probation officer.

Just last week, prosecutors in juvenile court filed new charges against Coleman alleging that he possessed a handgun as a prohibited juvenile offender.
LONDON  A boy and a girl were found guilty Wednesday of murdering a transgender teenager in northwest England earlier this year, in a frenzied knife attack that was described as horrific by police.

Brianna Ghey, 16, was stabbed with a hunting knife 28 times in her head, neck, chest and back in broad daylight after being lured to a park in the town of Warrington on Feb. 11.

The convicted pair, who are identified only as girl X and boy Y, are 16 now but were 15 at the time. They denied killing Ghey, and each blamed the other for the fatal stabbing. It is not known which one or if both wielded the knife. Neither had been in trouble with police before.

A jury of seven men and five women convicted the two following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court. The jurors deliberated for just four hours and 40 minutes of deliberations.

You probably didnt anticipate sitting on a case as emotionally difficult as this one," Justice Amanda Yip told them.

The trial heard that the young defendants were intelligent and had a fascination with violence, torture and serial killers. They had planned the attack for weeks, detailed in a handwritten plan and phone messages found by detectives. They had also discussed killing others, which prompted police early in the investigation to rule out transphobia as a motivation behind Brianna's murder.

Police believe Brianna was killed because she was vulnerable and accessible, with her death not a hate crime but done for enjoyment and a thirst for killing.

This was a senseless murder committed by two teenagers who have an obsession with murder," said Nigel Parr, senior investigating officer from Cheshire Police. Brianna trusted the female defendant, she was betrayed by someone she called her friend.

Yip said she won't be sentencing the pair this week. She said a life sentence was mandatory but that she would await psychologists' reports before deciding the minimum prison time the pair will be required to serve before being eligible for parole.

Frankly I dont expect them to make a huge difference to the outcome in sentencing but given their ages and the unusual circumstances of the case, I think it is right I have all the information available," the judge said.

Neither defendant displayed a visible reaction to the verdicts.

Girl X spoke to her social worker and glanced at her parents when leaving the courtroom, while Boy Y, who avoids all eye contact, did not look over at his mother as he was led from the dock carrying his Sudoku puzzles book.

Boy Y has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and is non-verbal and girl X has traits of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Outside the court, Brianna's mother said her daughter's killers had not shown an ounce of remorse but she called for the families of the convicted pair to be shown some empathy and compassion.

We miss Brianna so much and our house feels empty without her laughter," Esther Ghey said. To know how scared my usually fearless child must have been when she was alone in that park with someone that she called her friend will haunt me forever.

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The federal indictment against Epstein says that he ran a trafficking enterprise in which he sexually abused dozens of underage girls between 2002 and 2005 at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida. He also paid some of his victims to recruit other victims, the document states.

He was charged with sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of minors, and he had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The indictment specifically alleges Epstein worked and conspired with employees and associates who facilitated his conduct by, among other things, contacting victims and scheduling their sexual encounters with him.

The roles of three employees are laid out in the indictment, though they are not personally identified.

"Employee-1," based in New York, was directed by Epstein to communicate with victims to arrange their visits to his New York City mansion, the indictment says. This employee also sometimes asked the victim-recruiters to bring a specific underage girl for Epstein, the indictment states.

"Employee-2" and "Employee-3" were both assistants who worked for Epstein and both were also responsible for scheduling sexual encounters with victims ahead of his visits to his Palm Beach residence, according to the indictment.

It's unclear why the assistants were not named in the documents.

Other unnamed employees have similarly been noted in a draft version of a lawsuit that was expected to be filed by Jennifer Araoz, who said she was raped by Epstein when she was 15.

CNN usually does not name possible sexual misconduct victims, but is identifying Araoz because she came forward to speak publicly on a television news program and is named in the lawsuit draft.

Her draft complaint targeted Epstein as well as unidentified women called the "Recruiter," the "Secretary" and the "Maid," whom it dubs Jane Does 1, 2 and 3. The draft complaint said that the recruiter facilitated her "grooming" to be sexually assaulted by Epstein, and that the secretary and the maid would give her money after her visits to Epstein.
LONDON  So much for women and children first.

The phrase and its grave implications about who to save first in a catastrophe are rooted in the shipwrecks of centuries past and popularized by Hollywood's treatment of the Titanic disaster. It is getting another airing at a time when, in many societies, women are expected to do most everything men do. Experts say the unwritten law of the sea is a Hollywood-fed myth and a relic of Victorian-era chivalry.

At the center of this round of questions is the prisoners-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas in November that prioritized releasing women and children after negotiators agreed that mothers and their children should not be separated. Israelis are overwhelmingly supportive of this approach. But it leaves behind elderly and injured men during the most chaotic phase of the war, a result that has angered some families.

To say women and children in the 21st century  as if families can be whole without the fathers, as if children that have come back with their fathers still there can in any way start recovering from the trauma  is unthinkable," Sharone Lifshitz, whose mother was freed in October and whose 83-year-old father, Oded, remains in captivity, said.

Of about 240 people who were kidnapped during Hamas' Oct. 7 rampage, 86 Israelis were released. Seventeen Thai men also were let go. That left 119 men  many of them injured or elderly  and 17 women and children as hostages in Gaza.

In a private meeting on Dec. 5, Israeli media reported, the families of the remaining captives ripped Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for agreeing to prioritize women and children  then resuming Israels bombardment of Gaza with no known plans to negotiate the release of anyone else.

You think the men are strong? Its too hard for them. Bring them all home," Sharon Cunio, whose husband, David, and other family members are still hostages, told Netanyahu and Israels war Cabinet, according to local media.

"Children first" seems to be a widely agreed-upon crisis action plan, whether it's a rescue from a natural disaster or a hostage-taking. And women and children generally pay an outsized price in crises: The death toll from Israel's bombardment of Gaza tops 18,700  around two-thirds of them women and children.

But other standards, such as women before men, can lead to fraught judgments about whose lives are more valuable  and reflect the human impulse to sort each other.

Experts say the choice nowadays often is to save the most vulnerable first, which would include children but also older people and those who are sick and the injured, no matter their gender.

Other dynamics weigh heavily, such as how much time people have before a ship sinks as well as the societal and cultural norms of the people involved.

What is considered valuable is determined by the actors controlling the situation, says Edward Galea, a professor at the University of Greenwich who specializes in evacuation and human behavior. In a fire or other disaster, it's those directly involved  say, a ship captain or passengers. In a hostage situation, he says, it's external actors"  in the case of the Gaza war, it's intense politics and a watching world.

In real time, human behavior in catastrophes often plays out more like every person for themselves, according to experts who have studied the dynamics. There's often no time to consider who belongs to which group, or to fight over terms as in a wartime hostage release. Leadership is key; someone has to go first.

In Italy in 2012, that someone was Francesco Schettino, the captain of the luxury liner Costa Concordia who slammed it into a reef, capsizing off the Tuscan island of Giglio. Thirty-two people died. Schettino is serving a 16-year prison sentence for manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning a ship before all of the passengers and crew had evacuated.

The women-and-children ethos is widely attributed to the 1852 sinking of the HMS Birkenhead a few miles off the coast of South Africa. In the wee hours of Feb. 25, with about 638 people aboard, the steam paddler hit a rock off Danger Point. Water flooded the forward hull and the equipment used to lower most of the lifeboats malfunctioned, according to accounts at the time.

British Lt. Col. Alexander Seton, 38, is widely credited with understanding as the ship sank that fleeing men would swamp the few functioning lifeboats, which were filled with women and children.

He gave the order to his crew: "I implore you not to do this thing and I ask you all to stand fast. They did, according to multiple survivor accounts. Britain's National Army Museum says the 193 survivors included all 26 women and children aboard.

Thus was born what became known as the Birkenhead drill, whereby women and children were saved first in shipwrecks. To stand an be still to the Birkenead drill is a damn tough bullet to chew, Rudyard Kipling wrote in 1896.

The drill would become most closely associated with the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912, killing at least 1,500 of the more than 2,200 people aboard. Accounts differ, but testimony from the inquiries afterward indicates that someone or someones  from Capt. Edward Smith to various passengers  prioritized putting women and children into the lifeboats, of which there were not enough to evacuate everyone aboard.

In the end, 70% of the women and children were saved compared to only 20% of the men, according to a 2012 study by two economists at Uppsala University in Sweden.

That's not how evacuations and rescues tend to play out in real life, according to one of the authors of the 2012 study, which looked at 18 maritime disasters over three centuries. The Titanic was the exception, according to Mikael Elinder, because leadership had an effect on the behavior of the crew.

We don't see this in most shipwrecks, just chaos, Elinder said. When there is a threat to loss of life, one tries to save oneself."

2023 in photos: Year in images on the African continent
LINCOLN  A state agencys decision about whether to let Gov. Jim Pillens return-to-office order take effect Jan. 2 could come down to the wire.

The Commission of Industrial Relations heard arguments Thursday on a motion for temporary relief filed by the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, the states largest employee union.

The commission made no immediate decision on the motion and asked for additional briefs from both sides. The briefs are to be filed Tuesday and Wednesday next week, which will leave only two business days before the directive is to be implemented.

Presiding Commissioner William Blake said he understands the need to decide the issue as quickly as possible, but he made no promises.

My expectation is we will deal with it expeditiously, he said.

The employee unions motion seeks to delay implementation of the governors directive until the commission can hear and decide a petition filed by the union last week.

The petition asks that the state be ordered to negotiate over Pillens Nov. 13 executive order, which would require state employees to work in their offices from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some exceptions.

The commission is a state agency designed to resolve labor disputes involving state and local government employees. Nebraska law bars such employees from going on strike.

Abby Osborn, an attorney representing the union, argued that state law provides for the commission to preserve and protect the status quo when a petition has been filed with the commission.

She said the state had not shown any harm from delaying the change, while the union had presented evidence that a forced return to the office would drive more employees out of state jobs and affect service to Nebraska taxpayers.

Mark Fahleson, representing the state, argued that the collective bargaining agreement with NAPE gives management the right to decide the site of the work force. He said that preserving the status quo means preserving that right.

He also noted that the union had proposed to include remote work in the agreement last year but ultimately dropped the idea. NAPE Executive Director Justin Hubly said the union dropped the idea so it could reach agreement with the state as the statutory deadline approached.

Pillens order provides for some exceptions to be authorized by agency heads. Those exceptions include employees whose assigned work hours fall outside the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule and situations in which office space is unavailable without additional cost.

Exceptions also can be made to sustain critical operations in a business area with a workforce shortfall, subject to the governors approval. In addition, exceptions can be made for employees who move away from their original office location and no reasonable in-office arrangement is possible, as long as the employee remains in Nebraska.
JERUSALEM  The Israeli military claimed Wednesday it uncovered a major Hamas command center in the heart of Gaza City, inflicting what it described as a serious blow to the Islamic militant group as pressure grows on Israel to scale back its devastating military offensive in the coastal enclave.

The army said it exposed the center of a vast underground network used by Hamas to move weapons, militants and supplies throughout the Gaza Strip.

The announcement came as Hamas' top leader arrived in Egypt for talks aimed at brokering a temporary cease-fire and a new deal for Hamas to swap Israeli hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israeli leaders vow to press ahead with the two-month-old offensive, launched in response to a bloody cross-border attack by Hamas in October that left 1,200 people dead and saw 240 others taken hostage.

The offensive has devastated much of northern Gaza, killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians, and driven some 1.9 million people  nearly 85% of the population  from their homes. The widespread destruction and heavy civilian death toll has drawn increasing international calls for a cease-fire.

The United States, Israel's closest ally, continues to support Israel's right to defend itself. But U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday called on Israel to scale back its operation.

"It's clear that the conflict will move and needs to move to a lower intensity phase," Blinken said. He said the U.S. wants to see "more targeted operations" with smaller levels of forces focused on specific targets, such as Hamas' leaders and the group's tunnel network.

"As that happens, I think you'll see as well, the harm done to civilians also decrease significantly," he said.

His comments were more pointed than statements by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who in a visit to Israel this week said the U.S. would not dictate any time frames to its ally.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council again delayed a vote Wednesday on a new resolution about desperately needed aid to Gaza until the following day as the Biden administration struggles to change key wording in high-level negotiations seeking to avoid a U.S. veto.

The United States seeks to change the texts references to a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas war, and the part about putting the United Nations in charge of inspecting trucks to ensure they are actually carrying humanitarian goods, which Israel opposes.

The vote  initially set for Monday and then pushed back to Tuesday and then Wednesday  is now expected on Thursday morning.

The initial text called for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

The Israeli military escorted Israeli reporters into Palestine Square in the heart of Gaza City on Wednesday to show off what it said is the center of Hamas' tunnel network.

Military commanders boasted that they uncovered offices, tunnels and elevators used by Hamas' top leaders. The military released videos of underground offices and claimed to have found a wheelchair belonging to Hamas' shadowy military commander, Mohammed Deif, who has not been seen in public in years.

But the army also acknowledged a significant misstep. An investigation into its soldiers' mistaken shooting of three Israelis held hostage in Gaza found that, five days before the shooting, a military search dog with a body camera captured audio of them shouting for help in Hebrew.

Hagari said the recording was not reviewed until after the hostages were killed while trying to make themselves known to Israeli forces.

The incident sparked an uproar in Israel and put pressure on the government to reach a new deal with Hamas. The military chief has said the shooting was against its rules of engagement.

The Israeli military campaign now is largely focused on southern Gaza, where it says Hamas' leaders are hiding.

"We will continue the war until the end. It will continue until Hamas is destroyed, until victory," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement. "Whoever thinks we will stop is detached from reality."

As Netanyahu vowed to continue the war, there were new signs of progress in cease-fire talks.

Hamas' top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, traveled to Cairo for talks on the war, part of a flurry of diplomacy. In recent days, top Israeli, American and Qatari officials have also held cease-fire talks.

"These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere," the White House's national security spokesman, John Kirby, said aboard Air Force One while traveling with President Joe Biden to Wisconsin.

Biden, however, indicated a deal was still a ways off. "There's no expectation at this point, but we are pushing," he said. Asked about the rising death toll in Gaza, Biden said: It's tragic."

Hamas says no more hostages will be released until the war ends. It insists on the release of large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, including high-level militants convicted in deadly attacks, for remaining captives.
ORLANDO, Fla.  Immigration powered population gains in the United States for a second year in a row and  coupled with a drop in the number of deaths from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic  caused an uptick in the U.S. growth rate in 2023, according to estimates released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The United States added 1.6 million people, more than two-thirds of which came from international migration, bringing the nation's population total to 334.9 million people. Population gains or losses come from births outpacing deaths, or vice versa, along with migration.

The last time immigration surpassed 1.1 million people was in 2001, according to Census Bureau figures compiled by William Frey, a demographer at The Brookings Institution.

It is a sign of things to come. Without immigration, the U.S. population is projected to decline as deaths are forecast to outpace births by the late 2030s.

The immigration piece is going to be the main source of growth in the future, Frey said.

The census determines how many U.S. congressional seats each state gets. If trends continue through the 2030 count, California could lose four U.S. House seats and New York three. Texas could gain four seats and Florida could add three, according to an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice.

While low by historical standards, 2023's half-percent growth rate was a slight uptick from the 0.4% rate last year and the less than 0.2% increase in 2021.

There were about 300,000 fewer deaths this year compared with a year earlier. That helped double the natural increase to more than 500,000 people in 2023, contributing to the largest U.S. population gain since 2018, according to estimates that measure change from mid-2022 to mid-2023. The population increased in 42 states, up from last year's 31 states.

The vast majority of growth, 87%, came from the South, a region the Census Bureau defines as stretching from Texas to Maryland and Delaware. But the concentration of growth seen during the height of the pandemic in Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Georgia diminished in 2023 as other states saw declines in deaths and growth from immigration.

We peaked in the movement of people to those Sun Belt hotshots, Frey said. Its tapering off a little bit.

South Carolina's 1.7% growth rate topped all other states, and its population rose by more than 90,000 residents. More than 90% of the growth came from domestic migration, or people moving from another U.S. state to South Carolina. Without domestic and international migration, the Palmetto State would have lost population in 2023 with almost 1,300 more deaths than births.

Florida had the next-highest growth rate at 1.6%, adding more than 365,000 residents. That was also the second-highest growth in terms of raw numbers. Only Texas surpassed it, gaining more than 473,000 people. More people moved to Florida than any other's U.S. state this year, with the almost 373,000 movers about evenly split between domestic and international. Significantly fewer residents died in Florida compared to last year, leading to a natural decrease of only around 7,600 people.

Of the 50 states, New York had the biggest rate of population decline, losing 0.5%. It also recorded the largest decline in pure numbers, with a drop of almost 102,000 residents, although it marks a much smaller decline than last year's 180,000-person drop. The almost 74,000 international arrivals and the state's natural increase of more than 41,000 residents couldn't offset the almost 217,000 New Yorkers who departed the state from mid-2022 to mid-2023.

California was still the nation's most populous state, with 38.9 million residents, though it lost more than 75,000 residents this year. The decline was an improvement from the more than 113,000-person drop last year. Texas was the second most populous state with 30.5 million residents.

For the first time, Georgia surpassed 11 million people in 2023, joining only seven other states above that population threshold.

These 20 cities have seen the highest recent population growth anywhere in the US These 20 cities have seen the highest recent population growth anywhere in the US Here is a closer look at the top 10 cities with the highest population growth from 2017 to 2022
Molly Duane, a Center for Reproductive Rights attorney, answers questions from media after the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Zurawski v Texas case, a major challenge to Texas abortion ban led by more than 20 women suing for clarified medical exemptions, at the state capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Austin, Texas. The plaintiffs Duane represents say they were denied care and their health was jeopardized because the law is overly vague. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News This image provided by Kate Cox shows Kate Cox. A Texas judge has given the pregnant woman whose fetus had a fatal diagnosis permission to get an abortion in an unprecedented challenge to the stateOs ban that took effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned last year. It was unclear Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 how quickly or whether Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from the Dallas area, will be able to obtain an abortion. State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble says she will grant a temporary restraining order that will allow Cox to have an abortion. (Kate Cox via AP) Associated Press

In its ruling this week denying a Dallas womans petition for an emergency abortion, the Texas Supreme Court said it was the responsibility of physicians  not the courts  to interpret exceptions to the states abortion bans. And it suggested that the Texas Medical Board can do more to help them.

The government-appointment board can assess various hypothetical circumstances, provide best practices, identify red lines, the court wrote, adding that the board also can seek an opinion from Attorney General Ken Paxton.

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But the medical board has so far been silent on how physicians should navigate the legal gray areas around patients like Kate Cox, the 31-year-old Dallas woman, despite requests from people on both sides of the abortion debate. And in a phone call with Hearst Newspapers, Dr. Sherif Zaafran, the president of the board, said it would be impractical to weigh in on specific situations.

We cant put up every single hypothetical scenario thats out there, Zaafran said. At the end of the day, what you can reference is what the attorney general put out there, and thats what we put on our website.

Zaafran declined to say whether the board would issue guidance, citing pending litigation. Asked about existing guidance, he referred to a July 2022 advisory from Paxton after the reversal of Roe v. Wade, emphasizing that his office will pursue civil and criminal penalties against anyone who violates the states bans.

Coxs case highlights a familiar pattern of finger-pointing that has emerged since Roe was overturned. Patients and doctors say the laws exception lacks clarity; Republican lawmakers blame doctors for misinterpreting the exceptions. Now, the state Supreme Court wants to wash their hands of the issue by kicking responsibility back to doctors, said Seema Mohapatra, a professor at Southern Methodist Universitys Dedman School of Law.

In Texas, physicians can perform an abortion only if the pregnancy puts the patient at risk of death or poses a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function. The law allows physicians to terminate an ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, but does not include exceptions for fatal fetal anomalies, rape or incest.

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That exception has been at the heart of an ongoing lawsuit filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, involving 22 plaintiffs who say they were denied abortions despite having dangerous or unviable pregnancies. They say their doctors feared violating the unclear law, which carries overlapping threats of prosecution, hefty fines and a loss of their medical license.

For months, patients, lawmakers and physician groups have asked the medical board to weigh in. One of the 22 plaintiffs, Elizabeth Weller, reached out to the board for help after doctors delayed care for a dangerous pregnancy complication last year. The board responded by telling her she could submit a formal complaint against her doctor, according to court documents. Weller felt her physician was her only advocate, and her complaint went nowhere, court documents say.

The Texas Medical Association also sent a letter to the medical board last year, according to earlier reports, asking it to swiftly act to prevent the wrongful intrusion into the practice of medicine after receiving complaints that some Texas hospitals refused to treat certain pregnancy complications. State Sen. Bryan Hughes, who authored a six-week abortion ban that remains in place alongside the states full ban, caught wind of those complaints and sent his own letter to the board: These complaints arise from confusion or disregard of the law in Texas  and must be corrected.

Hughes, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott and other authors of Texas abortion laws did not respond to questions about the need for more guidance.

PUSH FOR CLARITY: Texas Supreme Court appears hesitant to clarify emergency exception in states abortion ban

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The medical board comprises 12 physician members and seven public members appointed to six-year terms by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The board typically interviews candidates for licensure, weighs disciplinary issues and adopts procedural rules. At least one OB-GYN currently sits on the board.

Given the strict penalties for abortion law violations, its unclear whether the boards guidance would give physicians and hospitals enough confidence to decide what qualifies for an exception. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also says its dangerous for states to create lists of qualifying medical conditions  as Louisiana public health officials did last year  because its impossible to include every complication that can arise during pregnancy.

Some lawyers, however, say any guidance from the medical board would be helpful.

Specific guidance would reassure physicians that they could exercise their medical judgment in these urgent cases and be backed up by state authorities, said Elizabeth Sepper, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

Sepper acknowledged the downside to providing specific advice. But Mohapatra said the board doesnt need to list conditions. More generalized guidance could encourage hospital legal teams to act quickly. The advice also could support legal arguments that a doctor used reasonable judgment.

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Its not going to cover every single situation, said Mohapatra, who specializes in health law and bioethics. But in some of those situations, people have said that this (condition) clearly fits within the exception, yet they had care delayed or denied. If there had been hypotheticals or some kind of guidance from the medical board, then the hospital and hospital counsel could say OK, go ahead. That would have helped.

The state Supreme Courts decision this week provided limited help in understanding the law, said Sepper. The court opinion explained that a patients risk of death or loss of a bodily function does not need to be imminent. But the court introduced more confusion, by saying that physicians have discretion while insisting that they use reasonable medical judgment, Sepper said.

That language may allow a prosecutor to second-guess the doctor and argue that her determination of the severity of the patients condition wasnt reasonable after all, Sepper said.

In Coxs case, her fetus was diagnosed with a devastating genetic abnormality called trisomy 18, which almost always ends in a miscarriage or stillbirth. Going through with the pregnancy would put her life in danger, her lawyers with the Center for Reproductive Rights argued. But the court on Monday said she did not meet the standard for the states medical emergency exception. Cox ultimately received an abortion in another state.

Adding to the confusion was a letter that Paxton sent to hospitals where Coxs doctors had admitting privileges, threatening them with prosecution if they followed a lower courts order that initially approved her request.

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Not everyone is confident that the Texas Medical Boards voice will help. When it comes to pregnancy complications, there are too many scenarios to boil down into useful advice, said Molly Meegan, chief legal officer for The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Doctors also might face penalties for not following that guidance to a tee, she said.

Its like putting a Band-Aid on a dam thats breaking, she said.
LINCOLN  A bipartisan group of state lawmakers are criticizing Gov. Jim Pillens administration for rejecting a new federal program that could keep about 150,000 Nebraska children fed throughout the summer months.

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children provides summertime food aid to low-income families with children qualifying for free or reduced-price meals. Families can get $40 per child per month on an EBT card to be spent on groceries.

The program will launch in summer 2024, but states have to indicate interest by Jan. 1. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Wednesday that the state will not participate in the new program.

Summer EBT is a program designed from the pandemic-era, said HHS spokesman Jeff Powell. The pandemic has ended, and pandemic-era programming no longer fits the needs of Nebraskans.

But 15 state senators sent a letter to HHS officials on Tuesday urging them to rethink their decision. Sen. Jen Day of Omaha said the program offers Nebraska an opportunity to address food insecurity with a fantastic return on investment.

Ive said this before, if kids go hungry in our state, that is a massive failure on our part as legislators, she said. Deciding not to participate in this program is a message to Nebraskans that their representatives are out of touch with their very real, very immediate needs.

Day was joined by Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh, John Cavanaugh, Megan Hunt, Tony Vargas, Terrell McKinney and John Fredrickson, all of Omaha; Carol Blood of Bellevue; Carolyn Bosn, Eliot Bostar, George Dungan, Jane Raybould and Danielle Conrad, all of Lincoln; Lynne Walz of Fremont and Jana Hughes of Seward.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture report released in October found that Nebraska has a higher rate of food insecurity than the national average or any neighboring state except Missouri. The report said food security meant having enough food for an active, healthy life.

Powell said Nebraska is continuing to participate in the Summer Food Service Program, a long-standing federal program that provides free meals and snacks to children and teens at various sites in low-income communities.

The sites can be operated by schools, local governments, private nonprofits, camps and other organizations. In addition to healthy meals, he said, those programs may offer enrichment activities, such as reading, physical activity or nutrition education.

Program organizers can interact with children in a safe and supervised environment, ensuring their needs are met during the summer months and identifying whether additional services to the child may be required.

Eric Savaiano, economic justice program manager for Nebraska Appleseed, praised the Summer Food Service Program but said it reaches only limited numbers of Nebraska children.

In most cases, he said, children have to go to the sites to get a meal and the sites can be few and far between, especially in rural parts of the state. In 2019, Nebraska had 83 sponsors and 270 sites for the whole state. This year, there were only 58 sponsors and 197 sites.

The national Food Research and Action Center reported in July that only 2% of Nebraska children who get free or reduced-price lunches during the school year participate in the summer program. Nebraska ranked 50th for its participation level.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023
PEORIA  A 55-year-old Bloomington man has been sentenced in federal court to 17 years in prison for attempted enticement of a minor.

Prosecutors said that Jeffrey Bosaw, 55, attempted in November 2020 to entice a person he believed was an 11-year-old girl to have sex with him, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois. He was indicted in December 2020 and convicted in a federal jury trial in August.

Chief U.S. District Judge Sara L. Darrow sentenced Bosaw on Tuesday to 205 months imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. He must also register as a sex offender.

Darrow cited the seriousness of the offense, Bosaw's lack of remorse and acceptance of responsibility and the fact that he had violated terms of pretrial release in February 2021. Since then, Bosaw has remained in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, prosecutors said.

The statutory penalties for attempted enticement of a minor are 10 years to life imprisonment, to be followed by five years to a life term of supervised release.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Bass and John Hoelzer represented the government in the prosecution.

The case against Bosaw was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
FARMER CITY  A 33-year-old Missouri man was arrested Tuesday on charges that he solicited and traveled to meet a child.

A press release from the Farmer City Police Department said Shaun M. Axton, of High Ridge, Missouri, was taken into custody in Farmer City.

The statement said the man was in communication with a minor under the age of 14, and he made arrangements to meet them for sexual purposes.

Axton faces felony charges of indecent solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor.

Court records show he appeared Thursday morning in custody of the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office for an arraignment hearing, where he pleaded not guilty. A public defender was appointed to represent him.

The DeWitt County State's Attorney's Office filed a petition to detain Axton until his trial, but the judge denied that petition. Axton was granted pretrial release but ordered not to have content with any minor unless supervised by another adult, and not to communicate with any minor via phone or electronics or social media.

He is due back in court at 11 a.m. Jan. 16.

Investigators were assisted by the Fairbury Police Department and the Crimes Happening Against Our Students Task Force.

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The board also approved a 2023 property tax levy of $51.7 million for all funds, a $3.5 million increase from the previous levy.

Remodeling the building to accommodate more pre-kindergarten space is expected to begin near the end of summer 2024 with a goal of welcoming students in the 2025-26 school year, officials said.

District 87 Superintendent David Mouser told The Pantagraph at the start of November the new learning spaces would increase the capacity for students from 300 to 450 "really quickly."

Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education, currently the district's only pre-K facility, is "bursting at the seams" with 293 students, said Nicole Rummel, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning.

"We are literally at capacity right now at Sarah Raymond," she said.

The $4.5 million to buy the building at 2309 E. Oakland Ave. in Bloomington will come from several district funds, including the education fund, operations and maintenance fund and working cash, said Michael Cornale, the district's chief financial and facilities officer.

The district previously would have needed a referendum asking voters to raise money to buy or build such a facility. Legislation passed in the Illinois General Assembly this year, however, allowed District 87 to do it with money it already has.

The legislation required the district to hold two public hearings specifically about the proposal and to hear from the public. Three people spoke in favor of the move while only one dissented on the record.

Tax levy

The district's goal has been to keep the property tax rate around the current level of $5.1829 per $100 equalized assessed valuation, which officials said they think can be done while raising the levy dollar amount because of projected growth in the tax base.

That rate would make the district's share of a tax bill for a $165,000 house around $2,850.

The district's EAV, the total taxable value of property in the district, is projected to be slightly more than $1 billion, which would be 8.4% higher than last year's EAV, based on new county assessments, Cornale said. The district previously estimated EAV growth to be around 7.65% when planning the levy.

Enrollment

The board also heard overall enrollment is projected to drop 194 students, from 4,763 this fall to 4,569 next year.

Citing statewide trends of decreasing population and lower enrollment in public schools, Rummel said numbers are expected to decline at the junior high and high schools while elementary schools will either hold steady or see a slight decrease, she said.

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BLOOMINGTON  The McLean County Regional Planning Commission will hold a public forum to seek community input on housing needs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, in Room 324 of the McLean County Health Department, 200 W. Front St., downtown Bloomington.

Participants will engage in large- and small-group activities focusing on current and future housing issues and possible solutions. Feedback will inform local leaders regarding housing affordability, needs, and types of development as they develop a Regional Housing Recovery Plan.

Light refreshments and childrens activities will be provided. Parking is available at the Government Center Parking Deck on Front Street at no cost when exiting after 6 p.m. Spanish and French translators and sign language interpreters will be available.

For more information, including how to attend the meeting via Zoom, contact Mark Adams, community planner, by Jan. 8 at 309-828-4331 or madams@mcplan.org.

Celebrating the season: Photos from the annual Commerce Bank Holiday Party Crystal Phillips and Commerce Bank President J Phillips Carl Teichman, Sandra and Paul Harmon Sue and Chris Haag, Karl and Jacki Kern Ashley Johnson, Nick Heskett Nicole Hoffman, Gregg Hollabaugh Dan Brady, Theresa and Dan Hering Angie and Tom Stinde Eric and Teri Hoss Byron Blotcky, Dan Stephens Scott Davis, John Carter, Sonja Reece, Nick Moran Kimberly Wright, Danielle Randle, Nicolle Wey, Kayce Smith Julie Mulliken, Chris and Sue Haag Angie and Scott Swartzendruber, Emily and Bryan Gomolchak Leanna Bordner, Vicki Varney Dan Brady, Normal Mayor Chris Koos Rachel Bedeker, Kaitlyn Muckey Laura and Barry Winterland Lisa and Kevin Callis, Patrick and Sara Hoban Vanessa Campos, Sammi Kern Dan Brady, Daveeion Calcote Jonell Kehias, Carlos Miranda Michael and Chelsie Meyer Don and Joan Adams, Barb and Dave Selzer Rose and ISU interim president Aondover Tarhule Jessica Moore, Ashley Strupek, Brooke Fenske Jack and Kim North Scott and Toni Jenkins David Efaw, Guy Fraker, Shanin Brady Sarah Baker, Erin PIeczynski Emily and Kyle Clemson Larry and Marlene Deitz, Rose and Aondover Tarhule Doris and Jay Groves Aime and Dr. David Mouser Leni Kuntz, Coleen and Charlie Moore, Wendy and Carl Olson Drs. Tom Nielsen, Kathy Bohn Cheryl Magnuson, Julie and Bob Dobski Dagmar and Dr. Mariano Tolentino Roger and Diane Finney, Cathy and Dennis Wentworth
BLOOMINGTON  A candlelight vigil is planned for Thursday night in the tent encampment between Oakland and MacArthur avenues, seeking to shed light on the lived experience of homelessness in recognition of National Homeless Persons Memorial Day.

The vigil is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the overflow parking lot of Eastview Christian Church's Community Center, the former YMCA at 602 S. Main St. in Bloomington, where several people have been living in tents for the past few weeks.

Karen Sours, a Lexington resident who organized the vigil, first heard about the national recognition day two weeks ago and initially had planned to organize an event for 2024 to bring awareness to the situation.

"We need to make sure that people are aware that, No. 1, there is a big homeless population, even though we can't always see them," she said. "And No. 2, people do die out there when they're homeless."

Sours has a personal connection to those experiencing homelessness, having spent some time without stable housing in the 1980s, she said.

Her sister and nephew also lived in a tent for over a year by sneaking into a forest preserve, she added.

"There are more people than we realize that are just one life event away from becoming homeless. Homeless could be someone that looks just like you, just like me," Sours said.

The encampment has become a more fixed situation in recent days, with a marker even added to the location on Google Maps.

In response, Home Sweet Home Ministries, which sits immediately next to the encampment, has been working to ensure those living in tents have access to basic needs.

"(We are) doing what we can to serve them and hope that they are safe and as comfortable as they could be while sleeping outside," said Samantha Williams, community outreach manager for HSHM.

At its peak, there were 19 people in tents. As of Wednesday, that number was down to 10, Williams said.

HSHM has been offering lunch and dinner to those living in the encampment in their kitchen every day, Williams said. The Junction, HSHM's community center, also welcomes the encampment's residents during open hours for coffee, refreshments and games as well as access to bathrooms, she said.

At The Salvation Army's Safe Harbor shelter, the Midnight Cafe, at 601 W. Washington St., offers a place for people to shower and do laundry, but only on a first-come, first-served basis, said Deborah Cole, the organization's director of development.

"We can only take so many each night," she said.

Tommy Nika, a community outreach pastor at Eastview, said they have been trying to help at the community center as well.

"From the first person that came out in the encampment until now, we have been collaborating extremely closely with The Salvation Army and Home Sweet Home to help the folks and put them at ease for being in the encampment as well as helping folks for showers and coats," Nika said.

While the faith-based organizations are the ones most directly in contact with the encampment, the City of Bloomington is also working for toward solution that would better house the residents.

Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus said the city has been working with Home Sweet Home and other providers for the Eastview encampment to identify short- and long-term solutions for the homeless population.

As those discussions continue, the encampment is allowed to operate on the Eastview grounds.

Although there have been calls for police service at the encampment, Tyus said those incidents are treated like any other call.

The fire department has also responded to a number of calls for medical attention and open burning, said Frank Friend, public information officer for the Bloomington Fire Department.

"The providers have said they're working on an agreement that will make the area more sanitary and bring more of a level of order," Tyus said.

Tyus added he has heard from other providers that some members of the encampment already have transitioned to more sustainable housing.

The main collaborators are set to meet Thursday to explore those potential solutions, Nika said.

"We don't have any intentions of booting these folks in any way or going against what would help these folks," he said.

But they are doing what they can to get the encampment residents off the street and into more secure housing, Nika said.

Meanwhile, the candlelight vigil aims to educate the public and dispel preconceived notions of homelessness, Sours said.

"(Homelessness) is not just on the street. It could be staying with somebody. I know some people that are going from one person's house to another. These are people she doesn't know," she said.

The vigil seeks to shine a light on the residents' experiences, Williams said.

"We always realize and celebrate the lives of well-known individuals," she said, but this is a chance to recognize the less fortunate.

Sours encouraged anyone interested to attend.

"Come out," she said. "See the people. Let's talk about the people. Let's not ignore it. Let's not put them away in the corner where they can't be seen. Because, when you put them away, they're still there. It's just nobody knows. And you're further marginalizing a group that is so much in need."

Animal shelter populations are up. Here's why and how shelters are responding How animal shelters are dealing with increasing populations More shelter animals are being put down as a result Animal advocacy groups and shelters are looking for other solutions to help ease the strain
CHICAGO  A man who earlier this year was exonerated in a 1989 double homicide has filed a federal lawsuit against Cook County and the city of Chicago, alleging he was framed by detectives participating in a culture of misconduct within the Chicago Police Department.

Francisco Benitez, 53, served 34 years in prison for the shooting deaths of two 14-year-old boys, Prudencio Cruz and William Sanchez, at the corner of Potomac and Harding avenues on the West Side. But his convictions were overturned in August after evidence surfaced pointing to his innocence, including signed witness statements indicating that other people shot the boys.

Benitez later secured a certificate of innocence from a judge.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court in Chicago, alleges that Detectives Jerome Bogucki and Raymond Schalk, along with other defendants, manufactured evidence against Benitez, who was 18 when he was arrested.

The detectives also obtained a false confession from Benitez through a psychologically abusive interrogation, the complaint alleges. It also says they falsified reports, lying about various aspects of the investigation.

The suit alleges that misconduct by Bogucki and Schalk has resulted in two other wrongful convictions, including one that resulted in a multimillion dollar jury verdict in a civil trial. The detectives worked in Area 5 along with other detectives accused of misconduct, the suit says, including Reynaldo Guevara, who has been the subject of many overturned convictions due to allegations he framed defendants throughout his career with the Police Department.

A spokesperson with the citys Law Department did not comment, citing the pending litigation.

Bogucki and Schalk were found liable by a jury in the infamous case of Thaddeus Jimenez, who was 13 years old when he was arrested for a murder he would later be exonerated of. He won a $25 million award, but was later sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison for shooting and wounding an ex-gang member.

These Area 5 detectives are collectively responsible for approximately 50 wrongful convictions  so far  resulting in more than 400 years of wrongful incarceration of innocent Chicagoans, the complaint says.

Benitez, who has long maintained his innocence, had argued in court filings that he was with family friends at the time of the shooting, and that witnesses came forward to point the finger at different suspects, members of a gang that controlled the street. The witnesses signed sworn statements that said they were sitting on a radiator in the front window of their apartment and watched the men, whom they knew, walk toward the boys and kill them.

The boys who were killed were described in documents as churchgoing kids who were steps from their home on the way to the corner store.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved a 50 percent cut in land transportation fares from December 21 to January 4, 2024, across the country, covering Christmas and New Year celebrations.



The President has also approved zero fares for train transportation in all the states of the federation within the same period.



The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.



He said that all the logistics for the implementation have been worked out between the Minister of Transportation, the transport unions and luxury bus owners.



According to him, This presidential initiative is to give succor to the masses.



It is on record that the masses dont patronise air travel. This programme is not beyond the affordability of the government.

Source: vanguard









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The United Nations Security Council today adopted a Ghana-led African resolution that recognizes the need to support and fund Africa Peace Support Operations that would address all threats to international peace and security in Africa, beyond the traditional peacekeeping operations of the United Nations.



Under the resolution, all AU-led peace support operations mandated by the UN Security Council will receive UN funding from the UN assessed contributions up to 75% of their annual budgets, with the remaining amount to be jointly mobilized by the United Nations and the African Union from the international community as extra-budgetary resources.



The Council also committed to consider all viable options in the event of significant shortfalls in resource mobilization.



The Resolution was submitted by Ghana, together with the other African countries on the Security Council, Gabon and Mozambique (the A3), with the authority of the African Union Peace and Security Council,on which Ghana currently serves.



The dramatic outcome of the complex and difficult negotiations comes 10 days before the end of Ghanas term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.



When Ghana announced its priorities at the beginning of its term in January 2022 to secure agreement of the Security Council to change its traditional response to international peace and security, especially in Africa, where violent extremism and terrorism had overtaken traditional conflicts that attracted UN peacekeeping, many had expressed skepticism.



Attempts in the past to agree on the use of UN assessed contributions to support African-led operations had failed in the face of opposition from some Permanent Members of the Council and other large contributors to the UN. Ghanas ambition was to achieve all those goals within its 2-year term.



As the President of the Council for the month of November, 2022, both President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey held high-level signature debates on the themes of the increasing threats of violent extremism and terrorism in Africa, especially in the Sahel and coastal West Africa, the need for funding Africa-led operations through UN assessed contributions and the importance of ensuring balanced funding for both military operations and addressing socio-economic and climatic root causes of conflicts.



One key objective was to starve terrorists of conditions for radicalization and recruitment from vulnerable communities.



With the adoption of the framework resolution, it is understood that the plans of ECOWAS and relevant security initiatives in our region, such as the Accra Initiative and the Multi National Joint Task Force, battling Boko Haram, will potentially benefit from the needed resources and international support to defeat terrorism and violent extremism in the ECOWAS region.



Commenting on the adoption of the Resolution, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey declared, Today is a great day for Africa and for diplomacy. Working with our partners around the world, we have taken a giant step to end the many threats to international peace and security in our region. Our people deserve the peace, stability and progress that successful peace support operations will bring.



The distractions to our regional integration project and the pressure on development resources from our security needs would ease as we go forward. I congratulate President Akufo-Addo for his leadership. I also commend our team in NewYork, my own Ministry and the Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on the United Nations Security Council, which I set up to advise me.

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The Vodafone Ghana Foundation has extended its free ultrasound scan services to the residents of Mafi Seva, bringing vital maternal healthcare directly to this community. The program aimed to provide free maternal healthcare to expectant mothers in the area and nearby communities.



A total of 85 expectant mothers from neighbouring villages convened at the Mafi Seva CHPS compound to avail themselves for the Rural Ultrasound Initiative, addressing pressing challenges faced by pregnant women in remote areas with limited access to essential healthcare services.



Known for its commitment to corporate social responsibility, particularly in healthcare, the Vodafone Ghana Foundation has made strides with the Rural Ultrasound initiative, a flagship program tailored to make maternal healthcare more accessible to women in underserved communities.



Trained medical staff and technicians conducted the free ultrasound screenings, providing expectant mothers a precious glimpse into the well-being of their unborn children.



In a gesture of support and care, the Foundation distributed gift bags containing essential baby items to the attending pregnant women to ensure that the expectant mothers are equipped with necessities for their new-borns.



The impact of the Rural Ultrasound Initiative extends beyond the Volta region, with a total of 553 pregnant women across the country benefiting from this initiative, highlighting the foundation's dedication to improving maternal healthcare on a national scale.



Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of expectant mothers in remote areas, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, the Vodafone Ghana Foundation, Sustainability and External Communication Manager, emphasized the organizations commitment to creating positive societal impact through innovative and sustainable initiatives.



Margarete Markwat, a beneficiary of the Ultrasound Initiative from the Mafi Zongo community, expressed gratitude to the Vodafone Ghana Foundation team. Many expectant mothers like me had to travel over 30km to access the nearest facility with an ultrasound machine, so we are very grateful to Vodafone Ghana for making it easier and bringing it right here to our doorstep, she said.



The Rural Ultrasound Initiative stands as a testament to the Vodafone Ghana Foundation's dedication to making a difference in the lives of Ghanaians, particularly those residing in rural and underserved communities. As the foundation continues to prioritize healthcare interventions, it anticipates further positive outcomes benefiting more women and families in the future.







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United Memorial Medical Center is revamping is governing board after nearly losing is Medicare contract. . Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer People wait in a car line at the United Memorial Medical Center testing site at Griggs School in Houston on Monday, July 13, 2020. Hadley Chittum/Staff photographer

United Memorial Medical Center, a Houston hospital that entered the national spotlight during the pandemic, has been ordered to pay more than $2 million after allegedly overbilling the government for COVID-19 tests and patient care, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.

The hospital had multiple locations in Houston, most visibly at its main campus at 510 W. Tidwell. Positioned in a low-income and medically vulnerable part of the city, UMMC provided rare media access in the heat of the public health crisis, making the relatively small, unknown hospital a nationwide symbol of tireless frontline health care workers and reaping millions from the City of Houston.

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The federal announcement comes three months after a Chronicle report detailing widespread safety failures and legal issues surrounding the hospital and its leader, Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin. UMMC has since lost its Medicare funding and appears to have closed.

The new allegations stem from an unsealed whistleblower lawsuit brought by a former UMMC employee detailing a billing scheme dating back to 2018 and stretching beyond the Houston area. According to the complaint, Mohiuddin and another UMMC official, Ravishanker Mallapuram, for years allowed a company to submit inaccurate medical claims on UMMC's behalf, causing the federal government to overpay the hospital for inpatient and outpatient care. UMMC hid the scheme by manipulating reports that would have prompted the government to recoup some of those payments, the complaint says.

Mallapuram and Mohiuddin, a Houston businessman, did not respond to requests for comment. Another defendant, former UMMC administrator Farida Moeen, also did not respond.

In addition to overcharging for care, UMMC double billed for COVID tests, simultaneously seeking payments from the federal government and either the State of Texas or the City of Houston, the complaint says. UMMC administered 651,000 COVID tests, some of which it provided under contract with Texas Department of Emergency Management or the City of Houston, the complaint says. Overall, UMMC submitted more than 200,000 false claims for testing services and collected at least $34 million dollars in excess payments from the federal government, according to the complaint.

The hospital, which goes by the business name Doctors Hospital 1997 LP, agreed to settle the allegations for $2 million and additional contingency payments. The settlement will be paid by Mallapuram, who assumed partial control of the hospital in 2016.

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This over $2 million settlement is significant, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani said in the announcement. We depend upon medical providers to be good stewards of a communitys healthcare services and of the federally funded programs that pay for those services. The case alleges UMMC made millions by overbilling those health care programs and intentionally double billing for COVID-19 testing. Instead of returning those monies to Americas taxpayers, they allegedly pocketed the money for themselves."

During the pandemic, the City of Houston steered $33 million in emergency funding toward UMMC to support a massive testing effort in the city. The hospital also benefited from increased Medicare payments for COVID inpatients. In a statement Wednesday, a Houston Health Department spokesperson said while the health department allocated $33 million for UMMCs COVID testing, it ended up paying $13,467,475 of those funds. We allocated $33 million because it was an estimate of the total we could spend, but we only pay for services rendered, the spokesperson said.

The new allegations come to light as Mohiuddin awaits sentencing on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with a 2010 business deal. He has also served federal prison time on a wire fraud charge that dates back to 2006, records show.

At the time of the lawsuit, UMMC had been receiving about $30 million in federal reimbursements per year for treating patients on Medicare and those without insurance, the complaint says. Mohiuddin and Mallapuram personally profited from the billing scheme by using intermediary companies, one of which they controlled, that allowed them to earn a commission from excess payments, the complaint says. The whistleblower made fruitless attempts to bring the overpayments to their attention, according to the lawsuit.

MORE ON UMMC: Leader of Houston's UMMC hospital pleads guilty to federal conspiracy charge

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At least two of the former UMMC locations are under new ownership. Earlier this year, Baytown Medical Center LP, a for-profit company, took over the former UMMC location near Cypress Station at 16750 Red Oak Drive, according to state documents obtained through an open records request. The facility is now operating as BMC North Hospital.

The same company filed an application to operate out of UMMC's main campus at 510 W. Tidwell. Representatives for the new owners did not respond to a request for comment.

Clarification (11 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2023): This story has updated to reflect that, according to the lawsuit, Mohiuddin and Mallapuram allowed a company to submit inaccurate medical claims on UMMC's behalf.
British-Nigerian politician, Kemi Badenoch has warned that teaching children they can be born in the wrong body is 'harmful'.



Kemi, who serving as Secretary of State for Business and Trade in the UK, spoke out after the Government launched a long-awaited crackdown on the spread of 'contested and confused' gender ideology in schools.



She said the worst of the 'toxic' debate over trans rights has been played out in classrooms, with parents shut out as pupils have changed their names and uniforms.



Writing in the Daily Mail, Mrs Badenoch pledges that guidelines published yesterday will protect young people and provide teachers with much-needed clarity.



She also vowed to fight for free speech, saying those who seek to 'force' terminology on others, compelling them to follow an ideology, show a lack of tolerance.



Mrs Badenoch admits the guidance will be opposed by activist groups who are already telling schools to ignore it. And she insists to frustrated Tory colleagues that tougher action could not be taken without time-consuming new laws.



'Unlike the opposition Labour Party, this Government does not duck the hard questions or the difficult issues. Teachers and school leaders have been asking for guidance in this space and today they have it,' she writes.



'And with it we hope our children will be better protected as schools navigate this fast-developing, and contentious, set of issues.'

In her Mail article, Mrs Badenoch tells how the idea that children can be born in the wrong body and have an gender identity separate from biological sex has 'swept through our schools' in recent years.



She writes: 'This is a contested and confused ideology. The truth is it is impossible to define gender identity without reinforcing gender norms and stereotypes associated with either sex. It is not a term that exists in law.



'And yet, this ideology has swept through our schools, causing concern amongst well-meaning parents and teachers alike who want to do right by the children in their care.'



She continues: 'Teaching children that you can be born in the 'wrong' body is harmful. Teachers and carers should be reminded that just because a child does not conform to stereotypes associated with being a girl or a boy, that does not mean they should be put on a path to medical or social transition.'



She says the debate became 'toxic' as it was 'hijacked by special interest groups', adding: 'We have seen the worst of this played out in our schools.



'Parents have felt excluded from important decisions being made about their children. Primary school children have been led to believe they are born in the wrong body, simply because they don't feel that they conform.



'Girls have been told to play competitive sports, silently accepting that boys can say they identify as girls and rob girls of the safe, fair competition they deserve.'



The non-statutory guidance, entitled 'Gender Questioning Children', is underpinned by five principles: that schools must safeguard all children; must be respectful; should not exclude parents; have legal duties related to pupils' biological sex; and do not have a duty to allow children to socially transition.



Instead, they must 'allow for watchful waiting' when a child asks to change gender and take into account 'the seriousness and context of the request'.



The guidance will now be put out to a 12-week consultation. Downing Street said schools should 'take heed' of it immediately  but teaching unions said they did not need to change their policies yet.













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Employees in the Bancassurance Unit of Stanbic Bank Ghana have organized a beach clean-up at the Korle Beach in Accra, demonstrating the bank's commitment to protecting the natural environment.



Speaking at the clean-up exercise, the Head of Bancassurance at Stanbic Bank, Henry Manyo-Plange, explained the importance of corporate institutions involving themselves in helping to keep the communities and the country clean. He went ahead to encourage Ghanaians to join in such efforts for the benefit of all.



He said, We are part of a bank that believes strongly in contributing to national growth and development by reaching out and impacting the communities in which we operate. That is why we are here today. Korle Beach is a recreational center that has the potential to attract a lot of tourists if it is kept in the right state. Unfortunately, it is not in the best condition. Today, my team and I came together to do our part in ensuring that our natural environment is protected and maintained for future generations.



It is easy to sit down and complain about the poor conditions of our beaches but it is more effective to get your hands dirty and do the work. The issue of environmental pollution and sustainability is a general problem and we must all do what we can and play our roles in creating a greener world; this experience has been a great one and we look forward to coming again and helping out., he continued.



Mr. Festus Nii Ayi Hayford, the Assemblyman for Ngleshie Jamestown Electoral Area, and other members of the community joined the team from Stanbic in the clean-up exercise and thanked the bank for their selfless act towards the community.



Stanbic Bank Ghana has demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability and a greener environment through various initiatives. Earlier this year, employees of the bank undertook a tree planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve at Agomeda in the Greater Accra region. The staff of the bank also planted shea seedlings in the Tilli community near Zebila in the Upper East Region, the Lilixia community near Tumu in the Upper West Region, and the Nyeko community near Nanton in the Northern Region. In all 2,115 seedlings were planted nationwide.













Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh has refuted media reports accusing him of describing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as "useless".



The Minister, in a statement, reacted to a viral video captioned "Bawumia's Running Mate says Bawumia is Useless" in which he expressed his views on Ghana's economy.



The Minister is urging the general public to disregard the video, stating it is a malicious ploy by his poltical enemies to tarnish his image.



Setting the record straight, Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who doubles as Member for Parliament for Manhyia South, revealed the said interview by him on the video was done in February, 2014 and it was in reference to the State of the Nation Address by Ex-President John Dramani Mahama "where he blamed the country's economic woes on external shocks. In fact, at that time, the Cedi was rated as the worst performing currency in the world".



"Dr. Prempeh's view was that, the then President's assertion was inaccurate and had no basis in truth because, the fall of the cedi was largely due to fiscal irresponsibility on the part of the government and not external shocks," the statement signed by his aide, Kofi Abrefa Afena, clarified.



The Minister therefore finds it "unfathomable, how any reasonable person, after listening to this straight-forward interview, would nonetheless conclude that Dr. Prempeh was referring to His Excellency the Vice President".



"Indeed, in the said clip, Dr. Prempeh kept referring to "the President" and so that cannot possibly be in reference Dr. Bawumia, who has never served as President of the republic", Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly called 'NAPO', established.



He believes "these are, once again, Machiavellian attempts" by his political detractors "intra and inter, to cause disaffection for him".



Read full statement below:











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Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Bernard Allotey Jacobs has urged political parties in the country not to take the district assembly elections for granted.



The district assembly elections to elect Assembly and Unit Committee members commenced on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 but in some electoral areas, the elections had to be postponed due to printing of ballot error.



The affected areas will vote on Thursday, December 21, according to a statement by the Electoral Commission.



Nonetheless, the district elections on Tuesday saw one of the low turnouts and this has been attributed to the inactive participation of political parties in the elections as some critics argue the elections should be publicly politicized to whip up interest in it.



As apolitical as the district elections may look, there are however covert political influences behind the candidates and proof to this is a document from the camp of the New Patriotic Party in circulation indicating the party's affiliated members led the polls by 57.41 percent.



Speaking on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", Allotey Jacobs asked the political parties to take the district-level elections seriously.



"This district assembly elections, you might take it for granted but it is an indicator towards 2024 elections. If you will lose, you will know by yourself that you will lose the 2024 elections," he stated.



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Managing Director (MD) of the Ghana Publishing Company, David Asante, has picked forms to contest for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)s parliamentary primaries in Nkawkaw.



Mr Asante picked up the forms on Wednesday, December 20, at the partys constituency office.



Speaking to the media after picking the forms, he stated that his decision follows extensive consultations with party stakeholders in the constituency.



He added that he is committed to providing quality leadership, Mr Asante said he aims to ensure that Nkawkaw takes its rightful place in Ghana's politics.



"I am the man the Nkawkaw people are calling for at the moment and I am ready to do the job for them. I won;t disappoint them and I will be the Member of Parliament, they yearn for. I am a son of the soil and I understand their needs better," he said.



In his commitment to the welfare of party delegates, Mr. Asante has established a Delegates Welfare Fund, contributing GH20,000 to support their needs.



Additionally, he pledges to create job opportunities for the people of Nkawkaw once elected.



Furthermore, he emphasises the importance of building the human resource capacity of the constituency's residents and focusing on infrastructure development for the towns in Nkawkaw.



This marks Mr. Asante's second attempt to lead the NPP in the constituency, reflecting his determination to contribute to the political landscape in Nkawkaw.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The next NDC-led government will abolish the quota system of enrolling student nurses into Nursing Training Colleges in Ghana, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress, former President John Dramani Mahama has hinted.



The government will therefore invest in building more health facilities such as CHPS Compounds, new Polyclinics, Health Centres and Hospitals with the intention of providing more jobs for the nurses upon completion of their courses.





Former President Mahama said this when he addressed student nurses of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) branch at the Nursing and Midwifery Training College at Esiama in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.



The visit formed part of a-two-day Building Ghana Tour to elicit views of stakeholders to be incorporated into a new manifesto of the NDC.



The students who received President Mahama, hoisted placards such as, "Mahama, You Deserve Our Votes In 2024", "The Youth of Ghana Support The-24-Hour Economy", "We Are Sorry for Choosing Allowances over Hospitals", "Graduate Nurses Are Crying", "Our Entire Educational System Is In Comatose" and "JM, We Love You"



He said it was against this backdrop that the erstwhile



NDC government took the decision to replace the training allowance with the Students Loan Scheme being opposed by the opposition NPP at the time.



According to him, student nurses in second year have not received their allowances and appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahmoud Bawumia to pay the allowances to student nurses immediately.



Mr Mahama said the brain drain syndrome in the health sector had surged in recent times due to unemployment and promised to fix the economy by creating more jobs for the fruits and prosperity to be shared among all Ghanaians.



Mr. Mahama directed the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to provide the college with a brand-new water pump to replace the old one since pressure from the water from Esiama town to the college was low to increase volume of water from the town water system into the college.





The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah said he would be in touch with the student nurses to address challenges they faced.



The Principal of the College, Mrs Cecilia Boame in a speech read on her health, said the school was in dire need of a new 60-seater bus to shuttle students outside the college for clinical services in the catchment area.



He said the current bus which was donated to the school by the late President John Evans Atta Mills was old and weak.



The SRC President of the college, Ms Humaizer Abubakar eulogized former President Mahama for the interventions and quick progress in the health sector from 2012 to 2016.



She said student nurses were made to believe lies and vain promises only to vote him out in 2016.



She said the former President's decision to contest the seat again "is a testament of an enduring compassion to spearhead development of Ghana.





Source: graphiconline









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The Running Chicken Nebula comprises several clouds, all of which we can see in this vast image from the VLT Survey Telescope (VST), hosted at ESO's Paranal site. This 1.5-billion-pixel image spans an area in the sky of about 25 full Moons. (Original image: 3.9 Gb) The clouds shown in wispy pink plumes are full of gas and dust, illuminated by the young and hot stars within them. Credit: ESO/VPHAS+ team. Acknowledgment: CASU

While many holiday traditions involve feasts of turkey, soba noodles, latkes or Pan de Pascua, this year, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is bringing you a holiday chicken. The so-called Running Chicken Nebula, home to young stars in the making, is revealed in spectacular detail in this 1.5-billion-pixel image captured by the VLT Survey Telescope (VST), hosted at ESO's Paranal site in Chile.

This vast stellar nursery is located in the constellation Centaurus (the Centaur), at about 6,500 light-years from Earth. Young stars within this nebula emit intense radiation that makes the surrounding hydrogen gas glow in shades of pink.

The Running Chicken Nebula actually includes several regions, all of which we can see in this vast image that spans an area in the sky of about 25 full moons. The brightest region within the nebula is called IC 2948, where some people see the chicken's head and others its rear end. The wispy pastel contours are ethereal plumes of gas and dust. Towards the center of the image, marked by the bright, vertical, almost pillar-like structure, is IC 2944. The brightest twinkle in this particular region is Lambda Centauri, a star visible to the naked eye that is much closer to us than the nebula itself.

There are, however, many young stars within IC 2948 and IC 2944 themselvesand while they might be bright, they're most certainly not merry. As they spit out vast amounts of radiation, they carve up their environment much like, well, a chicken. Some regions of the nebula, known as Bok globules, can withstand the fierce bombardment from the ultraviolet radiation pervading this region. If you zoom in to the image, you might see them: small, dark, and dense pockets of dust and gas dotted across the nebula.

Other regions pictured here include, to the upper right, Gum 39 and 40, and to the lower right, Gum 41. Aside from nebulae, there are countless orange, white and blue stars, like fireworks in the sky. Overall in this image, there are more wonders than can be describedzoom in and pan across, and you'll have a feast for the eyes.

This image is a large mosaic comprising hundreds of separate frames carefully stitched together. The individual images were taken through filters that let through light of different colors, which were then combined into the final result presented here.

The observations were conducted with the wide-field camera OmegaCAM on the VST, a telescope owned by the National Institute for Astrophysics in Italy (INAF) and hosted by ESO at its Paranal site in Chile's Atacama Desert that is ideally suited for mapping the southern sky in visible light. The data that went into making this mosaic were taken as part of the VST Photometric H Survey of the Southern Galactic Plane and Bulge (VPHAS+), a project aimed at better understanding the life cycle of stars.

Provided by ESO
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Dr. Ben Kisila bends down to collect sediment for testing as part of a study that found cancer-causing contaminants in a Chesapeake Bay tributary near a coal ash landfill. Credit: Tyler Frankel

A recent study in Environmental Pollution unveils alarming discoveries: Researchers have identified cancer-causing contaminants in sediments and fish in a Chesapeake Bay tributary near a coal ash landfill.

The study, led by Dr. Tyler Frankel, the project's principal investigator and Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Mary Washington, uncovered long-overlooked impacts of trace metal contamination on waterways and aquatic species adjacent to coal ash landfills. Frankel emphasized the study's focus was on addressing the missing risk management component, spotlighting the role of sediments in storing, releasing, and transporting trace metals in aquatic ecosystems.

"These waterways serve as important routes for several migratory fish species and sensitive nursery habitats for various endemic species," Frankel said. "Our work highlights the importance of considering this exposure pathway in conservation strategies."

The research team examined water and sediment samples from aquatic environments surrounding five Virginia coal ash facilities. Coal ash, a prevalent industrial waste product produced in the United States, contains several water-soluble metals, including cadmium, selenium, mercury, lead, and arsenic. The study revealed significantly heightened concentrations of these trace metals in sediments at waterway bottoms and in banded killifish tissues near these coal ash landfills.

The implications are grave. Long-term exposure to metals like arsenic, cadmium, and chromium has been linked to cancer, increased cardiovascular risks, and other detrimental health issues, impacting both wildlife and humans. Furthermore, these contaminants increase in concentration as they progress up the food web, posing threats to predatory fish and birds, Frankel said.

"As the Chesapeake Bay watershed is one of the largest and most productive estuaries in the United States, understanding our impacts on its waterways is critical to the long-term stewardship of this precious resource," Frankel added.

More information: T.E. Frankel et al, Assessing the presence, concentration, and impacts of trace element contamination in a Chesapeake Bay tributary adjacent to a coal ash landfill (Possum Point, VA), Environmental Pollution (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122768 Journal information: Environmental Pollution

Provided by Morris Animal Foundation
India to examine information on alleged links to plot to assassinate Sikh separatist in U.S., says Modi

Xinhua) 13:52, December 21, 2023

NEW DELHI, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will look into any information it receives on its alleged links to a foiled plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in the United States.

Modi made the comments in an interview with the British daily Financial Times published on Wednesday.

"If someone gives us any information, we would definitely look into it," Modi was quoted as having said. "If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it."

These were the first public remarks made by Modi since the U.S. Justice Department last month filed an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to murder a Sikh separatist leader, identified by media as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is a U.S. citizen.

Modi further said the allegations will not affect ties between India and the United States.

In September Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents played a role in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader based in Canada, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in a Vancouver suburb in June.

But India denied the allegations levelled by Trudeau.

The issue hit the diplomatic relations between India and Canada. It saw a tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions between the two sides and issuing travel advisories.

In October Canada withdrew its 41 diplomats and 42 accompanying dependents from India following a directive from India's foreign ministry to reduce its diplomatic staff presence in India.

India said it sought parity with Canada in terms of the diplomatic staff posted in each other's missions and threatened it would remove the diplomatic immunity of the Canadian staff if they chose to stay in India.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
From left, Lileika Orioli, Enrique Orioli, Elda Orioli and Carlos Orioli, the family owners in the main dining area at Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Exterior and main entrance of Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Traditional family recipe Tiramisu from Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Executive sous chef Noe Rodriguez delivers a dish at Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor The bar area at Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Branzino Bagna Cauda from Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Wine stem ware at the dining tables at Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Mar E Terra from Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Lunch time diners are served in the main dining area at Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Tartufo Nero from Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Exterior and main entrance of Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor AzzurroOs Signature Crudo Trio from Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Lunch time diners in the main dining area at Azzurro Italian Coastal Cuisine, a new restaurant on restaurant row at Hughes Landing Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in The Woodlands, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor

They say empires aren't built in a day. For Orioli family matriarch Elda "Nonna" Orioli, they're built across six decades and three countries.

The Oriolis operate a growing Italian restaurant brand in The Woodlands, from classic northern Italian joint Via Emilia to new coastal Italian restaurant Azzurro. The family has three new ventures planned, but they're still committed to the standards they've had since opening the first Orioli restaurant in the 1970s, Elda's grandson Enrique Orioli said.

Originally from Emilia-Romagna, a north Italian winemaking region, Elda's family moved to Venezuela in the early 1950s. Many Italian families immigrated to South America after World War II; still, Elda was surprised to meet Domenico Orioli, a young man from the same city as herself.

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The two wed a few years later and opened a cafe and gelato shop. By the early 1970s, Dominico and Elda opened their first hotel and restaurant along the Venezuelan coast, mixing fresh-caught red snapper and grouper with Elda's family recipes.

Finding success with family recipes

Elda said she was not surprised when the dishes she grew up with took off.

"(I) have always treasured (my) recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation...and (I have) always been very excited to share that via the restaurants," Elda said via translation through Enrique.

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Locals embraced their authentic dishes, and the Oriolis prospered, opening eight restaurants while raising their three sons. When they felt the country's economy and government was teetering toward collapse, they left. Some moved back to Italy, while the couple and their three sons, including Carlos, his wife, Lileika, and sons Enrique and Janiel, moved to the United States in December 1999.

The family started from scratch, opening Via Emilia in Houston in 2000. They expanded to The Woodlands in 2011 and eventually closed their Cypress Creek location. Many regulars soon followed to dine on their signature wine-simmered veal and lamb shanks and old-school pastas, Carlos said.

"The community was very welcoming to her food and her recipes," Enrique said. "One of the original customers comes to this country once a year, and every year they come see Nonna."

Relationships continued to build, and they often took their most-loved customers to visit Italy with them. The family adjusted to life in the United States, and the three generations became U.S. citizens in the same ceremony, Carlos and Lileika said.

Woodlands restaurant beginnings

Just weeks before COVID, the group opened Avanti in Creekside Park. It closed during the pandemic so they could focus on Via Emilia, and they listened to customers' feedback, rebranding it into the rustic Marcoza Trattoria in 2023.

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The Oriolis opened more casual wine bar Terra Vino on Research Forest in 2021. Azzurro, with its pesce crudo, roasted branzino and squid ink pasta, opened in Hughes Landing in March 2023.

"I remember my grandparents would buy the fish so fresh...literally, the fishermen would dock their boats and cross the street to bring it," Enrique said. "That was part of the inspiration for (Azzurro.)"

Costa Fina, also inspired by their time in South America, will open with a variety of Latin American dishes in March 2024. Two other restaurants, the modern Italian Orioli's Cocina Italiana and Solente Steakhouse, are slated to open in the growing Woodforest community in 2025 and 2026.

Building on Italian inspirations

The Oriolis no longer have time to take their customers on lengthy Italian trips, and their menus now vary widely across restaurants  aside from Nonna's classic tiramisu. But much the rest remains the same.

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The family still gets inspiration for new dishes from Elda's Italian hometown, where Elda and the "Americanos" are still warmly welcomed every year.

And Elda, 88, known as "Nonna" by guests and family, still heads to Via Emilia five days a week to greet customers and make sure her treasured recipes stay true to form.

"(Customers) joke a lot, 'If Nonna is in the house, we know the food is going to be good,'" Enrique said. "In any one of our restaurants, you will see either Nona, my mother, my father or myself always being part of the operation."

Despite the hard work, Nonna said she doesn't remember the challenges. As she watches her grandson Janiel work as Via Emilia's head chef or Enrique's young children eagerly dress up to "work" at the restaurant, she said she's most proud of keeping it a family business all along.

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David Wuepper is studying how political measures are influencing the transition to sustainable agriculture as part of a new professorship in the PhenoRob Cluster of Excellence. Credit: Gregor Hubl/University of Bonn

How do national policies impact deforestation? Researchers from the University of Bonn have looked into this question at the global scale and have found that, contrary to common assumptions, national strategies have a significantand visibleinfluence on efforts to protect forest heritage. Their study has now been published in the journal Global Environmental Change.

A picture is said to say a thousand words, and researchers led by Professor David Wuepper from the Land Economics Group in the Institute for Food and Resource Economics at the University of Bonn took this as their inspiration to investigate the impact of national policies on forest coverage. They had the idea of using satellite images to analyze forests along the borders between countries.

"Ecological zones are often very similar across national borders," explains David Wuepper, who was appointed to a new professorship in the University of Bonn's PhenoRob Cluster of Excellence as recently as April 2023. "If you have a healthy forest on one side of the border and a completely barren landscapeto exaggerate slightlyon the other, this is often because of the different policies pursued by the two countries."

Professor Wuepper's group started by gathering large volumes of data together with its research partners. The team from ETH Zurich evaluated 20 years' worth of satellite data on forests in border regions all over the world to find out how the population and condition of the trees had changed.

While they were tackling this, Wuepper's research group was working its way through the various countries' policies on forest conservation. Besides relevant legislation, they also considered programs that have an indirect impact on forest coverage, such as those that give landowners financial incentives to protect trees on their property.

Before/after comparison

To undertake their analysis, the researchers first looked to see whether there were any changes in the border regions. Has forest coverage increased or decreased? Has it grown more or less healthy? Along some borders, such as that between China and Russia, differences are easy to spot on the satellite images. While the Chinese side is a lush green, the Russian side is bathed in orange and redthe sign used in the study for deforestation.

"However, changes like this aren't necessarily down to specific policies," Wuepper points out. "There are other reasons too. For instance, is using the forest important to the country's economy? Does it have the resources and infrastructure to manage forests in the first place?" Since policies are introduced at clearly defined moments in time, however, a before/after comparison lends itself well to such an investigation. In other words, a sudden or significant shift after a new policy was brought in can be explained by the change in strategy.

In the case of China and Russia, this is easy to spot: while Russia has been constantly exploiting its forests, China has moved its policy more toward protection. "China had huge problems with soil erosion caused by the loss of its forests," Wuepper explains. "To combat these, it finally launched some massive reforestation schemes to halt this erosion. The policy U-turn is clear to see from the pictures."

Equally clear are the study's findings: national policies are the main explanation for dramatic changes in the tree population along country borders. According to the researchers, however, there is extreme variation in how well these policies work. "The two most important explanations for effective national policies are how strict they are and whether they really are implemented in the way they were presented on paper."

Brazil is a good example. Following years of overexploitation in the Amazon rainforestdue mainly to illegal loggingthe government began to take tough countermeasures, introducing satellite surveillance and deploying the military to tackle lawbreakers. The move led to a sharp fall in deforestation. These rules were watered down again under President Jair Bolsonaro, and the progress made was squandered.

The study shows how important national governments are to the protection of our forests. "This is a significant insight," says Wuepper, summing up his team's findings. "Over the past few years, there has been this general impression that national governments are largely powerless and that relying on national policymaking was seen as almost old-fashioned in a way. Yet national policies are a key cornerstone of forest conservation. Although they can't replace other initiatives, of course, they can complement them in a game-changing way."

More information: David Wuepper et al, Public policies and global forest conservation: Empirical evidence from national borders, Global Environmental Change (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2023.102770

Provided by Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn
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A glass plate negative from Gerow Brill's papers in Cornell University Library's Rare and Manuscript Collection. Credit: Agata Okulicz-Kozaryn

A scientific explorer for the United States Department of Agriculture, Gerow D. Brill (Cornell University Class of 1888) traveled to the Philippines in 1899 and photographed placid scenes of rice fields, coconut groves, sugar mills, duck farms, and thatch-roofed villages. But his idyllic images also illuminate the tumultuous U.S. annexation of the archipelago in the aftermath of the Philippine-American War, according to Claire Cororaton, a Ph.D. student in history at Cornell.

"Read against the grain, the bucolic representation of this period obscures the close link between violence, militarization, and the discourses of agricultural development in the Philippines," Cororaton wrote in her introduction to "Agrarianism in Empire: Select Images of the Philippines from the Gerow D. Brill Papers", the latest addition to Cornell University Library's Digital Collections, which is openly accessible online to researchers and scholars around the world.

Cororaton led the digitization of a selection of Brill's dry plate negatives, a fragile photographic medium used during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The glass plates are part of the Gerow D. Brill Papers chronicling the agriculturalist's work in the Philippines, China, and other countries. After Brill's death in 1931, his family donated his papers to Cornell University Library's Rare and Manuscript Collections.

"This digital collection supports research and teaching by an interdisciplinary set of scholars, including scholars of science and technology studies, environmental history, political ecology, military history, and colonial histories of Southeast Asia and beyond. It can also complement historiography on visual studies, vision and empire, and colonial photography," explained Cororaton, who is using the collection for her dissertation about discourses of agricultural development in the Philippines during the U.S. colonial period.

Cororaton also sees the online collection as a form of "digital repatriation."

"I know that it's really difficult for scholars in the Philippines to access archival materials both in the U.S. and even in the Philippines," she said in a presentation about the project. "Conversations about digital repatriation are very important, and this is my small contribution."

Emily Zinger, Southeast Asia digital librarian, collaborated on curating the collection. Zinger explained the library's team of experts provided critical support, including conservation, copyright, photography, metadata creation, and web hosting.

"There's a misconception that you just take pictures and then you put them online and it's done," she said, "but it takes a team, time, and labor to be able to create images that are very high quality, contextualized at a level that makes them both discoverable and then understandable when they're found, and then preserved for the foreseeable future."

"It's a real gift that we're able to give the international research community open access to these collections where they can view them regardless of institutional affiliation or funding," Zinger said.
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Peter Beedlow, scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, looks up at Douglas fir trees that died from insect damage following heat stress in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

From June 25 to July 2, 2021, the Pacific Northwest experienced a record-breaking heat wave that sent the normally temperate region into Death Valley-like extremes that took a heavy toll on trees as well as people.

Seattle and Portland, Ore., recorded their hottest-ever temperatures, reaching 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42.2 Celsius) and 116 Fahrenheit (46.6 Celsius), respectively. In British Columbia, the small town of Lytton reached 121 degrees Fahrenheit (49.6 Celsius).

What become known as the "heat dome" is estimated to have killed hundreds of people in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.

As this human tragedy unfolded, a lesser-known ecological tragedy was happening, one that scientists warn has grim repercussions for the world's plants and the many animal species that depend on them.

In a matter of a few days, the 2021 heat dome turned many of the green leaves and needles on the region's trees to orange, red and brown.

But, as recent research suggests, tree foliage didn't simply dry out in the heat. Instead, it underwent "widespread scorching."

"A lot of this reddening and browning of leaves was just that the leaves cooked. It really wasn't a drought story," said Chris Still, professor at Oregon State University's College of Forestry and a leading researcher on the effects of heat on trees.

Environmental Protection Agency weather monitoring equipment is attached to a tree in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

Still is part of a growing number of scientists investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the world's plants: climate change-driven extreme heat.

In recent years, scientists in the Pacific Northwest have linked the decline of 10 native tree species to drought.

In many cases, conditions that have brought about the decline are known as "hot droughts."

Driven by above-normal temperatures, hot droughts can be far more damaging to trees than droughts that result simply from a lack of moisture. Hot droughts not only dry out soil; they also dry out the air. This stresses trees, and can cause water-carrying tissues inside them to collapsea process called "hydraulic failure."

In a paper earlier this year in the journal Tree Physiology, Still made the case that damage to the region's trees during the heat dome was triggered primarily by direct damage from heat and solar radiation rather than indirectly by drought caused by the extreme heat.

A dendrometer, a device to measure tree growth, is visible on a Douglas fir in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

"I'm not trying to say that drought is not a huge and important factor," said Still. "But I think with events like the 2021 heat wave becoming more common and intense, it's important to look at the response of trees and other plants to these events and not just at drought, which has been the dominant paradigm."

Still's argument includes the observation that "foliage scorch" was primarily found on the southern and western sides of trees and forestsa pattern that follows the track of the sun across the summer sky.

"Basically, it was like a sunburn across the entire forest. It was quite disturbing," said co-author Daniel DePinte, U.S. Forest Service aerial survey program manager, who observed the phenomenon from an airplane.

Multiple tree species were scorched, DePinte said, noting that the role played by the sun became clear when the same trees were viewed from an orientation not exposed to direct sunlight.

A dendrometer surrounds a Douglas fir tree that died as a result of insect damage following heat stress in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

"It almost appeared as if the forest damage disappeared," he said.

The paper was written in response to an earlier study published in the same journal that argued a different position: that the heat dome led to widespread drought stress and hydraulic failure in Pacific Northwest trees. "Overall I agree ... that heat damage played a big role in the damage caused to trees (during) the 2021 PNW heat wave. But in my view, hydraulic failure was as important, if not more," wrote that study's lead author Tamir Klein, professor of plant and environmental sciences at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel.

Exactly how hot is too hot for trees and other plants is the research focus of William Hammond, a plant ecophysiologist at the University of Florida.

Hammond called the scientific community's current understanding of extreme heat's effect on plants a worrying "blind spot."

Peter Beedlow, scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, stands among a group of old-growth Noble fir trees in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

"One thing is for sure, we know a lot more about how dry is too dry for plant survival than we know about how hot is too hot," he said.

What scientists call "thermal tolerances" have been established for just 1,028, or less than 1%, of the world's 330,200 recognized land-based plants, according to a frequently cited 2020 paper in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

No single thermal limit fits all plant species, but in general extreme damage to plant tissues occurs around 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 Celsius), Hammond said.

"With those temperatures you might think 'wow, the air doesn't get that hot,' but that's the temperature of the plant, not the temperature of the air. And those things can be quite different," he said.

Just how different is something Still has been tracking.

During the heat dome, he and colleagues recorded air temperatures around a Douglas fir tree reaching 112 degrees Fahrenheit (about 44 Celsius), the hottest ever recorded in the forest where the measurements were taken. The needles of the tree, however, reached 124 Fahrenheit (51.1 Celsius) due to exposure to direct sunlight.

Peter Beedlow, scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, holds the tip of a young Western Red Cedar tree in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

Douglas fir trees that died as a result of insect damage following heat stress stand in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

Sunlight hits the bark of a dead Douglas fir tree in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

Peter Beedlow, scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, stands next to a Douglas Fir in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

Douglas fir tree bark is studied by scientists to examine insect damage that led to the tree's death following heat stress in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

Peter Beedlow, scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, holds the top of a young Western Red Cedar tree in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

Mushrooms grow on a fallen Noble fir tree in the Willamette National Forest, Ore., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Scientists are investigating what they say is a new, woefully underestimated threat to the worlds plants: climate change-driven extreme heat. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Loman

Still says observations like this and similar ones in forests around the world dispute a common misconception even among some scientists that plants can withstand extreme temperatures and stay cooler than air around them, especially when given access to water.

"Plants can control their temperature to some degree, but if the heat is extreme enough, some plants won't be able to get through it even if they have a ton of water," he said.

Hammond has reached the same conclusion based on work in his lab. "If temperature gets high enough, heat stress can kill living plant tissues even if they have water," said Hammond.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Scientists created canine iPSCs from urine-derived cells with great efficiency. Credit: Shingo Hatoya, Osaka Metropolitan University

Dog owners may need to learn to appreciate their best friend's urine. Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have devised an efficient, non-invasive, and pain-free method to reprogram canine stem cells from urine samples, bringing furry companions one step closer to veterinary regenerative treatment. Their findings have been published in Stem Cell Reports .

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been widely employed in studies on human generative medicine. With the growing importance of advanced medical care for dogs and cats, there is an expectation that new therapies utilizing iPSCs will be developed for these companion animals, just as they have been for humans.

Unfortunately, canine somatic cells exhibit lower reprogramming efficiency compared to those of humans, limiting the types of canine cells available for generating iPSCs. IPSC induction often involves using feeder cells from a different species. However, considering the associated risks, minimizing xenogeneic components is often advisable, signifying the need to improve the efficiency of reprogramming various types of canine cells in dogs without using feeder cells.

A research team led by Professor Shingo Hatoya and Dr. Masaya Tsukamoto from the Graduate School of Veterinary Science at Osaka Metropolitan University has identified six reprogramming genes that can boost canine iPSC generation by about 120 times compared to conventional methods using fibroblasts.

The iPSCs were created from urine-derived cells using a non-invasive, straightforward, and painless method. Additionally, the researchers succeeded in generating canine iPSCs without feeder cells, a feat that had been impossible until now. The team aims to disseminate their findings in the global research community, contributing to advances in regenerative medicine and genetic disease research in veterinary medicine.

"As a veterinarian, I have examined and treated many animals," explained Professor Hatoya. "However, there are still many diseases that either cannot be cured or have not been fully understood. In the future, I am committed to continuing my research on differentiating canine iPSCs into various types of cells and applying them to treat sick dogs, hopefully bringing joy to many animals and their owners."

More information: Generation of canine induced pluripotent stem cells under feeder-free conditions using Sendai virus vector encoding six canine reprogramming factors, Stem Cell Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.11.010. www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports  2213-6711(23)00458-7 Journal information: Stem Cell Reports
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

While physicists continue to argue about whether time is indeed an illusion, as Albert Einstein claimed, biologists have no doubt about its significance for understanding life as a dynamic system.

In recent years, they have been gaining an increasingly deeper understanding of complex biological systems using tools enabling the simultaneous analysis of vast amounts of cellular and molecular data and the probing of cellular circuitry that drives disease. However, these in-depth investigations of how cells behave and interact have provided only separate snapshots of what happens inside complex organisms, without accounting for the dimension of time and revealing the sequence of cellular events.

Now, in a new study published in Cell, researchers from Prof. Ido Amit's lab at the Weizmann Institute of Science have managed for the first time to develop a method for tracking and measuring changes over time on in single cells inside the body.

The method, called Zman-seq (from the Hebrew word zman, for "time"), consists of labeling cells with different time stamps and tracking them in healthy or pathological tissue. Using this cellular time machine, researchers can get to know the cells' history and how long each cell had stayed in the tissue, ultimately achieving an understanding of the molecular and cellular temporal changes that had taken place within that tissue.

Single-cell technologies, the tools that enable biologists to understand what happens inside individual cells, have advanced significantly in recent years, in large part thanks to the vibrant single-cell research community in which Amit's lab is one of the pioneers.

With these tools, it is now possible to obtain high-resolution images of how diseases develop and how the body responds to different medications, to identify rare cell populations, decipher which cells interact with one other and how they are spatially distributed in a tissue.

However, all these important insights are equivalent to getting many still-frame images from a movie and trying to understand the plot. "Knowing what preceded what is not enough to deduce causality, but without this knowledge, we don't really have a chance of understanding what the cause is and what is the effect," Amit says.

The development of the groundbreaking new technology started with the research of Dr. Daniel Kirschenbaum, a postdoctoral researcher in Amit's lab. Kirschenbaum was born in Hungary and did his Ph.D. in neuropathology in Switzerland, where he studied glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive brain tumor.

"We usually think of cancer as cells growing out of control, but in fact, cancer is also the loss of the ability of the body, and specifically of its immune system, to control this growth," he says. "And when you look at tumors, large parts of them are composed of dysfunctional immune cells, which sometimes make up one third or even half of all the cells in a tumor."

Glioblastoma is one of the most immune-suppressive types of tumors. "To understand how to defeat this cancer, we need to understand what happens to the immune cells as they enter the tumor and why they lose the capacity to fight the tumor and become dysfunctional," Kirschenbaum explains. "Ideally, we'd want to have a little clock on each cell telling us when it entered the tumor and when the signals and checkpoints that instruct it to become incompetent are activated. This back to the future time machine was thought to be impossible to develop."

The breakthrough came when Kirschenbaum decided to take an uncanny approach. "Instead of trying to measure time in cells within the tumor tissue, we decided to try to mark the cells while they are still in the bloodbefore they enter the tumor. By using different fluorescent dyes at different time points, we are later able to know exactly when each cell entered the tissue and how long it had been there, and this reveals the dynamic changes that happened to the cells in the tissue, for example, what are the different stages at which immune cells become dysfunctional inside the tumor."

The challenge, Kirschenbaum adds, was to develop the optimal way to color the cells in the blood at specific time points, making sure the dye does not reach the tissue itself or stay too long in the blood, potentially mixing with the next dye. At the same time, the dye had to stay on the cells long enough for them to be measured.

As part of the study, the researchers in Amit's lab showed that the method makes it possible to measure time in immune cells in different tissuesthe brain, the lungs and the digestive system of animal models.

Using Zman-seq, Kirschenbaum and his colleagues were able to gain insights into why the immune system is so dysfunctional in battling glioblastoma.

"For example, we showed that immune cells called natural killer cells, which, as their name implies, are crucial to killing rogue cells, become dysfunctional very quickly because the tumor hijacks their killing mechanismsand this happens within less than 24 hours after their entry into the tumor. This explains why therapeutic attempts to harness the immune system for fighting glioblastoma are so ineffective," Kirschenbaum says.

Other members of Amit's lab in Weizmann's Systems Immunology Department, including Dr. Ken Xie and Dr. Florian Ingelfinger, contributed to the development of Zman-seq. Collaborators included immunologists Prof. Marco Colonna of Washington University, Prof. Katayoun Rezvani of the University of Texas, Prof. Florent Ginhoux of the Shanghai Institute of Immunology, neurooncologist Dr. Tobias Weiss of the University Hospital Zurich, and computational biologists Prof. Fabian J. Theis of the Helmholtz Center Munich and Prof. Nir Yosef of the Weizmann Institute.

Now, researchers in Amit's lab are developing ways to block the immune-disabling tumor checkpoints in order to reactivate the immune system in glioblastoma and other hard-to-treat tumors. In addition, they plan to adapt Zman-seq to the study of temporal dynamics of cells throughout the human body.

"For example, many cancer patients are getting therapy before surgery. We want to use the method to color immune cells in the body during that period so that after the surgery, we can better understand the dynamics of immune cells in the tumor and optimize patient treatments," adds Kirschenbaum.

"Until today, there were quite a few different methods trying to analyze single-cell data and arranging them along a time axis according to different parameters. But these approaches were all somewhat arbitrary in choosing what are the sequence of events," Amit says.

"Zman-seq supplies the 'hard facts,' the empirical measurements enabling scientists to understand the precise order of events that immune and other cells are going through when they enter a tumor, and this may lead to a completely new thinking on how to generate more effective therapies for cancer and other disorders."

More information: Time-resolved single-cell transcriptomics defines immune trajectories in glioblastoma, Cell (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.032. www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)01317-X Journal information: Cell
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A desperate elephant feeds as it starts to rain in Hwange National Park in northern Zimbabwe where more than 110 have died in a searing drought in recent weeks.

Storm clouds are finally gathering over Zimbabwe's biggest animal reserve, but it has come too late for more than 110 elephants that have died in a searing, extended drought.

There is little that Simba Marozva and other rangers at the Hwange National Park can do except cut the tusks off the rotting corpses before poachers find them.

With the black clouds in recent days promising life-saving rains, the rangers may not find all of the victims of the drought on their daily hunts.

The 14,600-square-kilometer (5,600-square-mile) parkbigger than many countriesis home to more than 45,000 savanna elephants, so many that they are considered a threat to the environment.

The scene is still heart-breaking.

Blackened corpses scar a landscape where the rains have been more than six weeks late and scorching temperatures have regularly hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe national parks authority, Zimparks, said "the old, the young and the sick" have been worst hit.

Some have fallen in dried-up waterholes, some spent their final hours in the shade of a tree.

Many are infant elephantsbut all that is left is the shriveled skin over the rotting carcass.

Grim tusk collection

The intact tusk is a sign that it was a natural death. But there is a heavy stench around the elephants, that have attracted growing attention in recent years.

On average, an elephant drinks more than 200 liters (50 gallons) of water and eats some 140 kilos (300 pounds) of food a day.

More than 200 elephants died in a 2019 drought but the rangers say it could be worse this time once the end of the summer arrives.

Hwange is part of the Kavango- Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area covering parks in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. All have borders on the Okavango and Zambezi river basins.

An aerial survey started in 2022 estimated the region's elephant population at 227,900 animals.

An elephant drinks water from a swimming pool at tented camp on the edge of Hwange National Park in northern Zimbabwe.

While tens of thousands of elephants have been slaughtered across Africa by poachers and hunters since the 1970s, the Kavango-Zambezi conservation area is considered a success story with numbers mainly growing.

That has increased pressure on Hwange's resources while climate change has emerged as a new risk.

The estimated 100,000 elephants in Zimbabwe is twice the capacity of its parks, conservationists say.

Farawo from Zimparks said 112 elephant deaths had been confirmed since September.

Over-population threat

He said the numbers were not surprising given the huge size of the elephant population in Hwange.

"We have high temperatures and we have no water. They are bound to be stressed and die."

Climate change has increased the number of droughts, he added.

"It's not only elephants which are affected, there are also other animals. Elephants can be easily noticed because of their size."

Farawo said the parks authority was also concerned that the elephants had become "overpopulated" and "are destroying the habitat."

Hwange, covered in dry grass, leafless trees and some desert-like open areas, has 104 solar-powered boreholes across the park to reach further into the water table that falls lower each year.

But it has not been enough, and the drought which has hit several southern African countries, has been worsened this year by the El Nino phenomenon.

The hunt for water has taken elephants dangerously close to human habitations on the fringes of Hwange.

They have drunk in desperation from swimming pools in private homes and risked drinking at water holes contaminated by dead animals.

Dried-up water holes are forcing elephants and other wildlife to walk long distances for food and water.

Some have crossed into Botswana and other neighboring countries where many deaths have also been reported.

 2023 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Scientists from numerous countries are joining forces to tackle risks to life in the world's second-largest ocean.

During his first offshore expedition in 1997, marine-biology expert Murray Roberts was shocked to see the state of cold-water corals located west of Scotland's Shetland Islands.

A century earlier, Victorian-era naturalists had described seeing stony thickets of vibrant coral covering many kilometers. But all that Roberts noticed was coral rubble left by an environmentally destructive form of fishing: bottom trawling, which drags weighted nets along the seabed.

Eye-opening moment

"I saw with my own eyes what the deep-sea trawlers had done," said Roberts, a professor of applied marine biology and ecology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Originally a student of general biology, he switched his focus to marine biology in 1992 after a research stint in the Egyptian Red Sea looking into tropical corals and fish.

Decades of experience in the field landed Roberts the role in 2019 of leading a research project to assess the health of ecosystems in the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic is the second-largest ocean in the world, covering more than 106 million square km.

Called iAtlantic, the project is due to end in March 2024 and has focused on deep-sea and open-ocean ecosystems.

The initiative brings together 44 organizations from 16 countries that border the Atlantic. The nations range from Argentina and France to South Africa and the US.

"Without a functioning and healthy ocean, we don't have a functional planet," said Roberts.

Give seas a chance

The iAtlantic researchers have focused on 12 locations of international conservation significance and economic interest.

One is the Sargasso Sea, a subtropical open-ocean system that is bounded by four currents east of North America. Named after the brown Sargassum seaweed found there, it serves as a haven for biodiversity and is the world's only sea without land boundaries.

Another location is a major deep-sea gap in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Called the Romanche Fracture Zone, it is an east-west trench that reaches a depth of more than 7,000 meters and has a significant impact on the deep-water circulation of the Atlantic.

A third is a chain of sea mountains off Brazil that extends for approximately 1,200 km and is home to various reef ecosystems and fish communities. The project team has conducted geological and biological surveys of the seamounts.

Looking at the ocean as an interconnected system, the researchers have tried to identify the points at which steady environmental changes cause bigger, irreversible onesso-called tipping points.

The ocean is a vast, interrelated whole. Changes in one area can affect other parts of it, highlighting the need for close international cooperation to predict and prevent major damage.

Enlightening experiments

In one experiment, the project sent a rig known as a lander to the sea floor in the Cape Verde Basin. There, the researchers enclosed a section of the seabed, injected algae into it and tracked how the algae moved through all the food chains.

Results from the experiment suggested that rising global temperatures would decrease the carbon-storage potential of the deep sea floor.

The project has also harnessed local and indigenous knowledge. An amateur scientist in Bermuda, for example, had spent 15 years collecting data on humpback whales by looking at their unique tail patterns.

The iAtlantic researchers took that information and used it to reconstruct how the population of the humpback whales had recovered following a 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling.

Results showed that humpback whales began to increase steadily as of 2012.

"If we give ocean species and ecosystems a chance, we see tremendous recovery," said Roberts. "But we have to keep on top of that."

After his experience off the Shetland Islands almost 30 years ago, the United Nations in 2006 passed a resolution that banned trawling in vulnerable ecosystems, including corals.

Roberts called this a defining moment for him by showing that basic environmental improvements were possible when the political will exists at global level.

Circulating currents

The stakes are high on numerous fronts.

For example, Roberts said "relatively strong agreement" exists in the scientific community that a key component of ocean circulation is declining.

Known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, it is like a conveyor belt transporting water from north to south and back again andin the processwarms different parts of the planet while circulating nutrients crucial to sustaining ocean life.

The AMOC makes northern Europe habitable by preventing the weather there from being near-Arctic, and as a result, the collapse of this circulation component would be a disaster, according to Roberts.

Here, iAtlantic joined forces with another research projectTRIATLAS, which ended in November 2023 after more than four years.

TRIATLAS and iAtlantic helped fund the installation in the South Atlantic of scientific moorings to measure variations in the AMOC.

TRIATLAS focused on marine ecosystems in the southern and tropical Atlantic and produced missing pieces of the puzzle when it comes to understanding currents and ecosystems.

"There's a lot less data compared to the North Atlantic," said Noel Keenlyside, a professor of tropical meteorology at the University of Bergen in Norway and the coordinator of TRIATLAS.

Both projects also trained researchers in Brazil and South Africa to use the moorings, which consist of a long wire with an anchor at one end, a buoy at the other and instruments in between.

The moorings allow better understanding of changes in currentsand the oxygen they supplyand the resulting cascading effects on ecosystems.

Economic element

TRIATLAS included 38 organizations from 15 countries that range from Angola and Brazil to Norway and Spain, forging partnerships with nations and communities for whom the Atlantic has environmental and economic importance.

"Our main intention was to predict marine ecosystems shifts and their societal impacts based on climate predictions," said Keenlyside, who was born in Guyana, a South American nation that borders the South Atlantic.

Across the ocean in countries such as Senegal and Morocco, he said that fish stocks have declined by 80% as a result of overfishing and a changing climate, affecting the ability of local communities to feed themselves.

Here TRIATLAS too recognized the value of local and indigenous knowledge. Because monitoring fisheries is costly, the project developed an inexpensive and easy-to-use app for fishermen to report data.

The device shows how basic and affordable technologies can help fill knowledge gaps in the management of fisheries in developing nations.

Collaboration to come

Because the amounts of data on the open sea collected by TRIATLAS and iAtlantic were unprecedented, the projects will continue to feed scientific work in the area for years to come.

Both projects are part of an initiative to improve international collaboration known as the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance.

The EU itself has made marine protection a policy priority, pledging in a special mission that features research initiatives to restore oceans and seas by 2030.

As it draws to a close, iAtlantic will recommend more environmental impact assessments of deep-sea mining and the usefulness of local and indigenous knowledge in related research.

Future research priorities include monitoring the moorings that were installed and using satellite data to expand knowledge about the Atlantic.

For its part, the TRIATLAS team is urging policymakers to pursue an Atlantic scientific network at regional, national and local levels.

Keenlyside stressed the urgency of protecting ocean ecosystems while addressing the headline threat to Earth as a whole of global warming.

"We talk a lot about the climate emergency, but the ecosystem emergency is just as important," he said.

More information: iAtlantic

TRIATLAS
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This photo of Saturn was taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope on October 22, 2023, when the ringed planet was approximately 850 million miles from Earth. Hubble's ultra-sharp vision reveals a phenomenon called ring spokes. Saturn's spokes are transient features that rotate along with the rings. Their ghostly appearance only persists for two or three rotations around Saturn. During active periods, freshly-formed spokes continuously add to the pattern. In 1981, NASA's Voyager 2 first photographed the ring spokes. NASA's Cassini orbiter also saw the spokes during its 13-year-long mission that ended in 2017. Hubble continues observing Saturn annually as the spokes come and go. This cycle has been captured by Hubble's Outer Planets Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program that began nearly a decade ago to annually monitor weather changes on all four gas-giant outer planets. Hubble's crisp images show that the frequency of spoke apparitions is seasonally driven, first appearing in OPAL data in 2021 but only on the morning (left) side of the rings. Long-term monitoring show that both the number and contrast of the spokes vary with Saturn's seasons. Saturn is tilted on its axis like Earth and has seasons lasting approximately seven years. "We are heading towards Saturn equinox, when we'd expect maximum spoke activity, with higher frequency and darker spokes appearing over the next few years," said the OPAL program lead scientist, Amy Simon of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. This year, these ephemeral structures appear on both sides of the planet simultaneously as they spin around the giant world. Although they look small compared with Saturn, their length and width can stretch longer than Earth's diameter! "The leading theory is that spokes are tied to Saturn's powerful magnetic field, with some sort of solar interaction with the magnetic field that gives you the spokes," said Simon. When it's near the equinox on Saturn, the planet and its rings are less tilted away from the sun. In this configuration, the solar wind may more strongly batter Saturn's immense magnetic field, enhancing spoke formation. Planetary scientists think that electrostatic forces generated from this interaction levitate dust or ice above the ring to form the spokes, though after several decades, no theory perfectly predicts the spokes. Continued Hubble observations may eventually help solve the mystery. Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI, Amy Simon (NASA-GSFC).

Though Saturn's unusual-looking "cup handle" features were first noted by Galileo in 1610, it would be another 45 years before they were described by Christiaan Huygens as a disk surrounding Saturn. Subsequently, ground-based telescopes could only distinguish four unique concentric rings, labeled A, B, C, and D.

Not until the 1980s did NASA's two Voyager probes fly by Saturn to photograph thousands of concentric ringlets. An even bigger surprise to Voyager scientists was dark, radial spoke-like patterns in the ring plane that came and went as they revolved around Saturn.

Over the past three decades, the Hubble Space Telescope has picked up where the Voyagers have left off. Hubble's ultra-sharp vision is the next best thing to being there. Hubble follows the ring-spoke "merry-go-round" every year. It's believed the dark spokes are dust particles electrostatically levitated above the ring plane. They seem to change in abundance with Saturn's seven-year-long seasons. And this may be linked to changes in Saturn's magnetic field, as it is battered by the solar wind.

This photo of Saturn was taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope on October 22, 2023, when the ringed planet was approximately 850 million miles from Earth. Hubble's ultra-sharp vision reveals a phenomenon called ring spokes.

Saturn's spokes are transient features that rotate along with the rings. Their ghostly appearance only persists for two or three rotations around Saturn. During active periods, freshly formed spokes continuously add to the pattern.

In 1981, NASA's Voyager 2 first photographed the ring spokes. NASA's Cassini orbiter also saw the spokes during its 13-year-long mission that ended in 2017.

This Hubble Space Telescope time-lapse series of Saturn images (taken on October 22, 2023) resolves a phenomenon called ring spokes appearing on both sides of the planet simultaneously as they spin around the giant world. The video zooms into one set of spokes on the morning (left) side of the rings. The spokes are transient features that rotate along the ring plane. The spokes may be a product of electrostatic forces generated by the interaction of the planet's magnetic field with the solar wind. This interaction levitates dust or ice above the ring to form the spokes. Credit: Science: Amy Simon (NASA-GSFC), Animation: Joseph DePasquale (STScI)

Hubble continues observing Saturn annually as the spokes come and go. This cycle has been captured by Hubble's Outer Planets Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program that began nearly a decade ago to monitor weather changes on all four gas-giant outer planets.

Hubble's crisp images show that the frequency of spoke apparitions is seasonally driven, first appearing in OPAL data in 2021 but only on the morning (left) side of the rings. Long-term monitoring show that both the number and contrast of the spokes vary with Saturn's seasons. Saturn is tilted on its axis like Earth and has seasons lasting approximately seven years.

"We are heading towards Saturn equinox, when we'd expect maximum spoke activity, with higher frequency and darker spokes appearing over the next few years," said the OPAL program lead scientist, Amy Simon of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

This year, these ephemeral structures appear on both sides of the planet simultaneously as they spin around the giant world. Although they look small compared with Saturn, their length and width can stretch longer than Earth's diameter!

"The leading theory is that spokes are tied to Saturn's powerful magnetic field, with some sort of solar interaction with the magnetic field that gives you the spokes," said Simon. When it's near the equinox on Saturn, the planet and its rings are less tilted away from the sun. In this configuration, the solar wind may more strongly batter Saturn's immense magnetic field, enhancing spoke formation.

Planetary scientists think that electrostatic forces generated from this interaction levitate dust or ice above the ring to form the spokes, though, after several decades, no theory perfectly predicts the spokes. Continued Hubble observations may eventually help solve the mystery.

The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and ESA. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, conducts Hubble and Webb science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, in Washington, D.C.

Provided by NASA
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Poland's recent election has been hailed as a great triumph of democracy in a global environment of democratic backsliding. It brought to power a coalition of pro-democratic forces led by Donald Tusk, the former president of the European Council.

This election was also considered a historical landmark because it saw Poland record its highest voter turnout since 1919. Participation was even higher than the election that cemented the fall of Communism, paving the way for democracy in the first place.

Yet this election seems to be an outlier. Patterns of voter turnout over several decades have shown a systematic and consistent decline. And this decline is much more accelerated in new democracies, such as those that have transitioned away from communism following the end of the USSR.

This pattern is puzzling. We might expect enthusiasm for democratic transitions to boost voter turnout. Citizens who have ached to exert their democratic rights during a long period of political repression might naturally head out to the polls in their droves.

In the immediate term, this is the case. The euphoria and enthusiasm of the democratic transition can lead to higher turnout in a new democracy's first election after transition.

I've examined electoral turnout in 1,086 elections across 100 countries between 1946 and 2015 and found that turnout in the first election after a democratic transition is about three percentage points higher than other elections (in new and established democracies).

But the high turnout rate in the first election is a short-term phenomenon. The rate of participation in new democracies drops consistently as more elections are held.

Tunisia is a prime example. The turnout in its first parliamentary free election in 2011 after the fall of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was over 90%. But once the complicated realities of building democracy set in, turnout tumbled dramatically.

Wrangling over institutional design and the redistribution of political power and resources meant that excitement dissipated and was replaced by disappointment with democracy. Tunisians lost their faith in the ability of political actors to keep democracy alive. Participation declined sharply in this period. In the most recent election in 2023, turnout barely reached 11%.

Rapid disillusionment

The plummet in voter turnout that new democracies experience could be explained by voters rapidly becoming disillusioned with the reality of democracy. That's not to say they'd return to the undemocratic systems of their past but that they don't feel enthusiastic enough to go to the polling station on election day.

In the first election after the transition to democracy, also referred to as the founding election, a country's electoral politics naturally focuses on pitting opponents and supporters of the former autocracy against those who wanted to overthrow it. But that soon evolves into something more mundaneregular electoral politics in which parties compete over voters based on partisanship, ideology or policy preferences.

In other words, the binary choice between autocracy and democracy excites voters, while the choices of regular electoral politics may increase apathy among voters. More simply, voters in new democracies may not be used (yet) to the complicated reality of elections in democracy.

Young revolutionaries become active voters

The evidence suggests that the way in which a country transitions to democracy plays a part in the political attitudes and behaviors of its citizens. Transitions driven by non-violent, mass mobilization have the potential to socialize people into developing more pro-democratic attitudes. This is perhaps because citizens are made aware of their power to influence politics via participation and therefore become active participants in politics afterwards.

My research, which used survey data to capture electoral turnout among 1.2 million respondents from 85 democracies between 1982 and 2015, shows that this is a more powerful force among people who experience the transition to democracy during their formative years.

Those who transition to democracy between the ages of 15 and 29 are two percentage points more likely to turn out to vote later in life compared to those who experienced the transition outside their formative years or voters from established democracies that never experienced a transition. People who experienced a transition to democracy after they turned 30 were less likely to turn out to vote in new democracies.

The transition may have socialized the first cohort into being more pro-democratic because younger people are more likely to participate in protestsand experience the violent consequences of doing so. They are also more receptive to unorthodox ideas that challenge old forms of power.

The different experiences of the older cohort may suggest the socializing effect of democratic transitions may not be able to fully replace the socialization experience of living under autocracy. Being socialized in an environment in which political participation is discouraged and strictly regulated by the government creates habits of disengagement from politics that may not be fully reversed by the excitement of experiencing a democratic transition.

The global decline in voter turnout, particularly in new democracies, is a worrying sign for the health of democracy. These findings suggest that countering this trend means encouraging people to see participating in democracy as being as importantand excitingas overthrowing a dictatorship.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When people are released from prison back into society, they can find themselves in an unknown world for which they are ill-equipped. They need stability and security to get their lives back on trackyet they often have nowhere to go. They also tend to lack basic literacy and numeracy, which makes it unlikely they will find work.

Prisoners attend various orientation programs intended to help them with things like housing, finances, transport, and employment. Surprisingly, however, there isn't typically a program in the UK to help them to become entrepreneurs.

In fact, ex-prisoners are well suited to setting up businesses. They tend to show many entrepreneurial traits, such as self-sufficiency, creativity and the capacity to take risks. They have the added incentive of not wanting to return to prison and have responded well to entrepreneurship programs in places like the US.

Programs in the US and UK

Across the US, the Inmates to Entrepreneurs program offers many prisoners an eight-week course in which they are taught the basics of setting up a business through a combination of face-to-face and online provision.

Out of more than 100,000 people who have taken the program, around 30% have gone on to start a business. With ex-prisoners around 41% more likely to become self-employed in the US compared to regular people, this program clearly gives them some encouragement.

There have also been some smaller successful programs in different parts of the US. For example, the Washington DC program Aspire saw 45 out of 125 graduates starting a business in 2021-22.

Meanwhile, the Texas-based Prison Entrepreneurship Program, which has been running for almost two decades, was shown in a 2013 study to have reduced reoffending by around two-thirds, outperforming numerous other rehabilitation programs in the state.

In the UK, around 80% of prisoners are interested in starting their own businessat least according to a 2016 report from the Centre for Entrepreneurs. That's compared to about 40% of the general population. The Centre argues that ex-prisoners in the UK could be starting almost 11,000 businesses a year with the right support.

However, the current provision is extremely limited. In London, Queen Mary University's Project ReMAKE is an eight to 12-week program that has been running for the past few years. It teaches the basic skills to around 15 ex-prisoners each year to become self-employed, and so far, none of the graduates has reoffended.

More broadly, the Centre for Entrepreneurs calculates that a nationwide UK program teaching entrepreneurial skills to prisoners might have a 14% reoffending rate, compared to the 46% norm. This was based mainly on the results of a charity called Startup, which taught entrepreneurialism to several thousand female ex-prisoners in the UK during the 2000s and 2010s.

Another previous entrepreneurship program, this time by the Prince's Trust, gives an indication of how successful such programs can be. It was offered to a range of people including ex-prisoners in the mid-2010s in different parts of England. It found that 78% of businesses set up by ex-prisoners reached the two-year survival marksimilar to participants on the program as a whole.

The Scottish situation

There are no entrepreneurship programs targeted at ex-prisoners in Scotland, where I'm based. Scotland particularly needs such a program, since it's got very high imprisonment rates for men and women. The female prison population, which is just under 300, is among the highest in northern Europe.

In 2022, some researchers at Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University delivered a three-day program to a group of women in prison. It's not yet clear to what extent the program was successful. It might be that delivering such training in prison isn't the best timing, since the recipients are potentially more likely to be in a better headspace once they are released and certain basic needs such as housing have been met. The three US programs I mentioned earlier all provide training after prisoners have been released, with only the Texas program also offering part of the course while recipients are still in prison.

To the same end, I recently received just under 100,000 from the Scottish government to launch a new pilot program, again aimed at women. One of my most basic challenges is to make the notion of entrepreneurship attractive to these women. I aim to show them that it is not only about setting up a small business. Taking an entrepreneurship course can also help them to develop skills to make them employable and reach their potential, often by surfacing skills they didn't know they had.

The program will be delivered to 30 women predominantly based in greater Glasgow over six weeks in 2024. It will include exploring their skills, understanding digital communication, and creating tangible outcomes for and with them. The program will also pay for their travel, lunch and childcare to ensure the women do not have barriers to taking part, while there will be social events at the beginning and end to help with group bonding.

Hopefully if the program is a success, it can encourage the Scottish government to roll out this kind of training more widely. There's enough evidence by now to suggest that teaching ex-prisoners how to start businesses should be an integral part of their rehabilitation. Hopefully the day will come when it is available across the board in the UK.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee stands outside City Hall following a news conference where Mayor Sylvester Turner endorsed her in the race to succeed him in the mayors office on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

As U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee prepares for a reelection bid for her House seat, it may be hard for some voters to see beyond the recent headlines about her management style and the alleged recording of her berating a staffer.

Im not defending such actions or those of any manager who abuses power by mistreating employees. Im also not defending her reputation for being tough or, even, mean.

However, I want to share a different side of Jackson Lee that I saw in November before the citys runoff elections.

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She spoke at a small community meeting at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Riverside Terrace hosted by the MacGregor Super Neighborhood. That night, she arrived quietly and sat in an empty seat next to me until it was her time to speak.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, speaks during the final mayoral debate against State Sen. John Whitmlre in her bid for Houston mayor at Texas Southern University on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 in Houston. A runoff election to decide the Houston mayors race is set for Dec. 9. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Anyone who has heard Jackson Lee address a crowd knows she has a booming voice and is persistent with her political messages. She also doesnt wait for her turn at the podium and has been known to exceed her allotted time at a microphone, whether its a funeral, a concert or a political event.

That night, she was different.

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Her voice was low and reserved. She talked about her deep love for Houston, a city shes been a part of since she moved here in the late 1980s. She shared a vision for the city, ways technology can guide us into the future, and how legislation like the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal could help us fix things.

She didnt focus on our problems, such as crime and homelessness, which often are the cornerstones of political campaigns because every politician believes they have the answer. Few ever do.

Jackson Lee, instead, talked as if we were having a conversation over dinner and not like a political rally where she might be speaking boastfully at us. I think everyone in the room felt this was a different Jackson Lee.

No TV news cameras were covering the meeting. No one was taking cellphone video to post on social media either.

Like most neighbors in attendance, I was there as a concerned citizen wanting a better city for my children.

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Tomaro Bell, the Super Neighborhood president, shared her thoughts later by phone: What we heard was our neighbor, our friend, our educator and fighter who was telling us its going to be OK.

Mayoral candidate Sheila Jackson Lee greets people on their way to the polls on Election Day on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Several people, including Bell, stood up that night to talk about what Jackson Lee had done for the community, especially how she made sure people had the resources they needed during disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, the pandemic and 2021's winter storm.

I learned more about her work in our neighborhood that night than I had in any previous meeting.

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Sabrina Dean-Bass, who has lived in the Riverside Terrace area for five years, was moved by Jackson Lees speech.

I came home and told my husband that I wish I could have captured what she said and put it into a campaign commercial. Thats what people need to hear. We needed 1.5 million people to hear what we heard, not just 15.

Jackson Lees District 18 has nearly 800,000 residents, but in the runoff election for the mayors race this month, only some 250,000 registered voters cast ballots. A measly 68,000 residents voted on the runoff election day on Dec. 9.
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The museum specimen that scientists studied to describe the new soft-furred hedgehog species Hylomys vorax. Credit: Katie Sayers, Smithsonian.

A new study led by scientists at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History identifies five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia.

The study, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, used DNA analysis and physical characteristics to describe two entirely new species of soft-furred hedgehogs and elevate three subspecies to the level of species.

The two new species, named Hylomys vorax and H. macarong, are endemic to the endangered Leuser ecosystem, a tropical rainforest in North Sumatra and Southern Vietnam, respectively. The museum specimens that were vital to describing these two new species came from the natural history collections of the Smithsonian and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia where they had remained in drawers for 84 and 62 years, respectively, prior to identification.

The studyan international collaboration among researchers at the University of Seville and the Donana Biological Station in Spain, George Mason University and the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in the U.S., the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore, the Natural History Museum of Geneva in Switzerland and the University of Malaya in Malaysiahighlights that even in well-studied animal groups like mammals there are still discoveries waiting to be made, showing what is possible when modern techniques such as DNA analysis are applied to museum collections.

Soft-furred hedgehogs or gymnures are small mammals that are members of the hedgehog family, but as their common name suggests they are furry rather than spiny. Like spiny hedgehogs, they are not rodents and they have a pointy snout. Without the spines of their more well-known cousins, soft-furred hedgehogs superficially look a bit like a mixture of a mouse and a shrew with a short tail, said Arlo Hinckley, the study's lead author and a Margarita Salas Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Museum of Natural History and University of Seville.

The five new species belong to a group of soft-furred hedgehogs called lesser gymnures (Hylomys) that live in Southeast Asia and previously was only recognized to have been represented by two known species.

"We were only able to identify these new hedgehogs thanks to museum staff that curated these specimens across countless decades and their original field collectors," Hinckley said. "By applying modern genomic techniques like we did many years after these hedgehogs were first collected, the next generation will be able to identify even more new species."

Hinckley said these small mammals are active during the day and night and are omnivorous, likely eating a diversity of insects and other invertebrates as well as some fruits as opportunities present themselves.

"Based on the lifestyles of their close relatives and field observations, these hedgehogs likely nest in hollows and take cover while foraging among tree roots, fallen logs, rocks, grassy areas, undergrowth and leaf litter," Hinckley said. "But, because they're so understudied, we are limited to speculate about the details of their natural history."

Hinckley first became intrigued with the gymnure group Hylomys in 2016 during his doctoral studies, especially after he sampled them in Borneo with co-author Miguel Camacho Sanchez. Preliminary genetic data and studies of several known populations of Hylomys in Southeast Asia suggested to them there might be more species in the group than were currently recognized. This sent Hinckley combing through natural history collections searching for specimens assigned to the group, many of which were only preserved skins and skulls.

When he began his research at the Smithsonian in 2022, Hinckley leveraged the National Museum of Natural History's collections to fill in geographic gaps in the specimens he had already studied with the help of Melissa Hawkins, the museum's curator of mammals.

The museum specimen that scientists studied to describe the new soft-furred hedgehog species Hylomys macarong. Credit: Katie Sayers, Smithsonian.

In the end, Hinckley, Hawkins and their collaborators assembled 232 physical specimens and 85 tissue samples for genetic analysis from across the entire Hylomys group from a combination of Hinckley's and Hawkins's own field collecting, as well as modern and historical museum specimens from no less than 14 natural history collections across Asia, Europe and the U.S.

Then Hinckley and his co-authors set about the lengthy process of conducting genetic analysis on the 85 tissue samples in Donana Biological Station's ancient DNA laboratory and the museum's Laboratories of Analytical Biology. They also made rigorous physical observations and collected measurements to examine differences in the size and shape of skulls, teeth and fur on the 232 specimens.

The genetic results identified seven distinct genetic lineages in Hylomys, suggesting the number of recognized species in the group was about to increase by five, later confirmed by the team's physical observations of the specimens.

"It might be surprising for people to hear that there are still undiscovered mammals out there," Hawkins said. "But there is a lot we don't knowespecially the smaller nocturnal animals that can be difficult to tell apart from one another."

H. macarong, which has dark brown fur and measures about 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) in length, was named after a Vietnamese word for vampire (Ma ca rong) because males of the species possess long, fang-like incisors. Hinckley said more field study would be required to figure out what purpose the fangs might serve, but that their larger size in males suggests they could have some role in sexual selection. Males also have rust-colored chest markings that Hawkins said could have been stained by scent glands.

H. vorax also has dark brown fur but is slightly smaller than H. macarong at 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) long; it has a completely black tail, a very narrow snout and is found only on the slopes of Mount Leuser in Northern Sumatra. Hinckley and Hawkins gave the species the Latin name H. vorax after a striking description of its behavior from mammologist Frederick Ulmer, who collected the specimens that led to the species description on an expedition to Sumatra in 1939.

Ulmer described the creature in his field notes, incorrectly identifying it as a type of shrew: "They were voracious beasts often devouring the whole bait before springing the trap. Ham rind, coconut, meat, and walnuts were eaten. One shrew partially devoured the chicken head bait of a steel trap before getting caught in a nearby Schuyler trap baited with ham rind."

The other three new species were all formerly considered to be subspecies of Hylomys suillus, but all showed sufficient genetic and physical divergence to merit the upgrade to species in their own right. They are named H. dorsalis, H. maxi and H. peguensis.

H. dorsalis hails from the mountains of Northern Borneo and features a conspicuous dark stripe that begins atop its head and bisects its back before fading around mid-body. It is about the same size as H. macarong.

H. maxi is also on the larger end of the new species of soft-furred hedgehogs at 14 centimeters (5.5 inches). The species is found in mountainous regions on the Malay Peninsula and in Sumatra. H. peguensis is smaller, measuring 13 centimeters (5.1 inches), and is found in numerous countries in mainland Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Its fur is a bit more yellow colored than that of the other new species, Hawkins said.

Describing new species expands humanity's scientific understanding of the natural world can be a tool for boosting conservation in threatened habitats such as Northern Sumatra's Leuser ecosystem.

"This kind of study can help governments and organizations make hard choices about where to prioritize conservation funding to maximize biodiversity," Hinckley said.

More information: Arlo Hinckley et al, An integrative taxonomic revision of Lesser Gymnures (Eulipotyphla: Hylomys) reveals five new species and emerging patterns of local endemism in Tropical East Asia, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society (2023). DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad177. academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/ar  3/zoolinnean/zlad177 Journal information: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society

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Academy research associate Aaron Bauer, Ph.D., describes a legless skink (Acontias mukwando) from Angola's Serra da Neve. Credit: Arthur Tiutenko

Researchers at the California Academy of Sciences described 153 new animal, plant, and fungi species in 2023, enriching our understanding of Earth's biodiversity and strengthening our ability to regenerate the natural world. The new species include 66 spiders, 20 sea slugs, 18 plants, 13 sea stars, 12 geckos, 10 beetles, five fishes, four worms, two wasps, one sea snail, one scorpion, and one legless skink. More than a dozen Academy scientistsalong with several international collaboratorsdescribed the new-to-science species.

This year's discoveries coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and include several threatened plant and animal species that meet the criteria for formal ESA protections. These protections include prohibiting any harmful treatment of protected species; requiring further protection for land where endangered species occur; and implementing recovery plans for threatened populations.

"This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the The Endangered Species Act, which has been directly responsible for saving hundreds of species," Academy Executive Director Scott Sampson, Ph.D., says.

"Yet a million more species remain imperiled due to human-driven activities like habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. We must document the Earth's living diversity so that we can work to protect it, and the California Academy of Sciences is honored to take part in this critical global effort. Additionally, we must aim beyond protection toward regeneration, boosting the health and resilience of ecosystems for future generations of humans and nonhumans alike. Here, too, the Academy is deeply engaged through our bold mission to regenerate the natural world."

Proving that our vast and dynamic planet still harbors unexplored places with never-before-recorded plants and animals, the scientists made their finds across six continents and four oceans. Read the Academy's blog, Phenomena, for more details on how researchers are still finding and describing dozens of new species every year.

Here are some of the highlights from the 153 species described by the Academy this past year

An endangered scorpion from the San Joaquin Desert

After describing two new-to-science scorpions in 2022, Academy interns Harper Forbes and Prakrit Jain, along with Academy graduate student Jacob Gorneau and Curator of Arachnology Lauren Esposito, Ph.D., added a new member to California's growing list of scorpions: Paruroctonus tulare. Though the species was first spotted in the Tulare Basin by an iNaturalist user in 2020, it took the now-undergrads more than two years of sampling across the San Joaquin Desert to formally describe the species.

"We checked every plot of land in the area that hadn't been developed for agricultural use," Jain recounts. "Unlike P. soda and P. conclusus, which only occur in very narrow patches of land in Central California, we were able to identify P. tulare from 12 different sites."

Human-driven pressures like climate change and agricultural development motivated the study authors to immediately seek out ESA protections for the new scorpion. "This is the first time the conservation status of a new-to-science scorpion has been evaluated at the same time as its discovery," says Esposito.

"Many endangered speciesscorpions includedhave likely gone extinct before they could be formally described. It's crucial that we garner protections as early as possible: First at the international level by adding them to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and second at national and state levels by giving them ESA protections."

A legless lizard lurking in the leaf litter

Academy research associate Aaron Bauer, Ph.D., describes Acontias mukwando, a legless skink from the sparsely wooded slopes of Serra da Nevethe second-tallest mountain in Angola.

Like many members of the skink family, this limbless lizard behaves somewhat like a snake, stealthily slinking through the leaf litter on the forest floor in search of insects and small prey animals. But unlike other related skinks, which are typically uniform in color, A. mukwando has a distinct pinkish collar around its neckwhich instantly gave it away as a new species.

Serra da Neve is an isolated mountain on the northern edge of the arid Namib Desert. Bordered by a sea of sand, this standalone peak is characterized by a cooler, more humid environment that harbors a wealth of microendemic species, or species found in an extremely small geographic range. Though it is home to plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth, Serra de Neve is not formally protected in any way.

"Each new species we describe from this mountainand others like itis evidence that places like these deserve some sort of conservation consideration," Bauer says. "We're still finding new species on these isolated 'islands," which tells us it's not too late for protection."

Academy researcher Sarah Crews, Ph.D., added 19 new species of flattie spiders to the Karaops genus. Credit: Jordan DeJong

Fast and flat: 19 new Australian spiders

Academy researcher Sarah Crews, Ph.D., added 19 new-to-science flattie spiders from western Australia to the Karaops genus this year. Known for their incredible turning speed, these small, flat spiders have the fastest turning strike of any terrestrial animal on the planet. Only one to two millimeters in heightabout as tall as a strand of spaghetti is widethey can spin nearly 3,000 degrees per second.

When Crews started researching this group of flattie spiders in Australia in 2010, only one species of Karaops had been formally identified. But over the last decade, Crews has added 53 more species to the genus. She says, "they're not necessarily uncommon, just incredibly difficult to catch."

A cliff-dwelling succulent with local roots

While a species may be new to western scientists, many have existed for millennia and have long been recognized by local Indigenous communities. This year, Academy researcher Isaac Lichter Marck, Ph.D., and collaborating scientists from the Instituto Politecnico Nacional in Durango, Mexico, described a rare, cliff-dwelling succulent Pachyphytum odam from the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.

But for centuries, O'dam people in the nearby community of La Muralla have known this plant as da'npakal, a native word for bald, naked, or slippery (alluding to the succulent's bald leaves and stems). Describing researchers use the epithet odam in honor of the O'dam people and their land where the plant grows

Senior author and collaborating researcher Arturo Castro-Castro, Ph.D., explains the importance of connecting a species name to local cultural identity: "The O'dam know their territory better than anyone and maintain a close relationship with their local biodiversity. They preserve an incomparable biocultural heritage and extensive plant-related traditional knowledge."

Academy research associate Mark Erdmann, Ph.D., stumbled upon the new-to-science Lady Elliot shrimp goby (Tomiyamichthys elliotensis) while surveying Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Credit: Mark Erdmann

A shrimp goby hiding in plain sight

Waiting to spot a manta ray from the ocean floor, Academy research associate Mark Erdmann, Ph.D., stumbled upon the newly described Lady Elliot goby (Tomiyamichthys elliotensis), a new-to-science shrimp goby from Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Shrimp gobies are shallow-water reef fish that inhabit sandy seabeds near coral reefs, and have a symbiotic relationship with alpheid snapping shrimp: The shrimp excavate burrows in the sand, and the gobies act as their security guards, keeping an eye out for nearby predators.

Erdmann, who studies everything from gobies to whale sharks, explains that small fishes like shrimp gobies are less of a conservation concern than larger, more iconic species. But for the first time, ichthyologists are convening to formally assess their conservation status in the spring of 2024.

"These fishes live fast, breed fast, and die fast," Erdmann says. "But the same stressors that affect more charismatic speciesclimate change, habitat degradation, and pollutionare likely affecting these smaller fishes, too."

Misidentified flowering plant revealed in Costa Rica

Academy botanists revealed that a common flowering plant from Costa Rica had been mistakenly categorized as a separate, similar species for more than 150 years. Described this year by Academy researchers Tom Daniel, Ph.D., and Ricardo Kriebel, Ph.D., Stenostephanus purpureus was misidentified as the morphologically similar S. silvaticus, a flowering plant from Mexico, when it was first collected in 1855. Though he has identified and collected the newly described species several times, Kriebel caught the error while trawling iNaturalist observations within the genus.

"I never questioned the identification of the Costa Rican specimens," Kriebel says, "not until I did a side-by-side comparison with images of living plants from Mexico. The differences between the two are subtle when you're working with dead, dry specimens from collections."

S. purpureus and S. silvaticus differ in both flower color and pollen morphology. Another notable distinction is the absence of a "landing pad," or a flat petal used by butterflies and other insects for pollination, in the Costa Rican plant. This suggests S. purpureus may have evolved to rely on hummingbird pollination rather than insect pollination.

More information: Read the Academy's blog for more details on how researchers are still finding and describing dozens of new species every year.
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A study has shed new light on remarkable feats of navigation from cultures across the world: from sailors in the Marshall Islands using wave patterns to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean to indigenous communities in Alaska using stars to find their way across the Yukon.

The study, by researchers from the University of York and University College London, aims to show what Western science can learn from exceptional navigators using traditional techniques, some of which have been in use for thousands of years.

It highlights the overlooked role of culture and close connection with the environment in the art and science of wayfinding in complex landscapes, where there are often no paths or landmarks, and mistakes can be fatal.

The authors of the study say these idiosyncratic methods for solving navigational challenges offer important new insights for the way navigation is understood in cognitive science research.

Co-lead author of the study, Dr. Pablo Fernandez Velasco, a British Academy postdoctoral fellow from the Department of Philosophy at the University of York, said, "The feats of navigation in our paper describe some methods of wayfinding that are so skilled they seem implausible to many of us who rely on GPS to find our way almost everywhere."

"The incredible techniques we explored are at risk of being lost in a world that heavily relies on technology and faces rapid changes in the natural environment due to climate change. Many of the cultures highlighted in our study are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels and changing landscapes and weather patterns."

"Our study shifts the way we think about how the brain remembers where things are located. Instead of just focusing on how our minds store those memories, western science should begin to view navigation as a dynamic, action-oriented skill that involves a mix of different senses, ways of thinking, and problem-solving strategies."

The review profiles navigation techniques that use a range of skills and senses from 49 populations in 30 nations around the world.

Co-lead author Professor Hugo Spiers from University College London said, "It was a joy to create the first world map revealing where these different traditional communities were and the diversity of environments reported on. We hope this will aid future researchers exploring this topic."

Techniques profiled in the study include:

Sailors in the Marshall Islands use wave piloting to navigate the open ocean in the Pacific. Navigators decide on an initial course based on their knowledge of the configuration of islands and then use changes in the rhythmic motion of the canoe to sense the transformation of wave patterns.

The Gwich'in indigenous community in Northern Alaska use the stars to find their way in the vast Yukon Flats. The unusual strategy involves looking at the night sky and projecting different stars onto attributes of the mythical fox-like creature Yahdii. The stars form the tail, leg, or snout of Yahdii, and each guides the traveler to different regions of the flatlands.

For the Batek people of Malaysia, auditory cues such as birdsong help them to know where they are in the rainforest. This is an important skill, as the rainforest is visually impenetrable after a few meters.

The study also looks at the techniques of experts who follow local navigational traditions within western culture and in urban environments, such as London licensed taxi drivers. Without GPS, these taxi drivers need to be able to plan the shortest route between any two places in a city of nearly 26,000 streets.

To do this, they combine two types of visualization techniques: they picture the map of London from a bird's eye view, charting subgoals along it, and they use their in situ experience to simulate in-street views of the route.

Dr. Fernandez Velasco added, "From the labyrinthine streets of London to the southeast coast of Greenland, we have found consistent evidence for how the diversity of landscapes in which humans dwell is mirrored in the diversity of navigational cultures. Current research on navigation within the cognitive sciences doesn't reflect this diversity."

"Future research can not only help us to understand human behavior more deeply, but it can also help us understand, preserve, revive, and adapt incredibly rich cultures of navigation that play an important role in connecting people to their local environments."

The research is published in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences.

More information: Pablo Fernandez-Velasco et al, Wayfinding across ocean and tundra: what traditional cultures teach us about navigation, Trends in Cognitive Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.09.004 Journal information: Trends in Cognitive Sciences
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A lot has changed in the world since the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was enacted 50 years ago in December 1973. Two researchers at The Ohio State University were among a group of experts invited by the journal Science to discuss how the ESA has evolved and what its future might hold.

Tanya Berger-Wolf, faculty director of Ohio State's Translational Data Analytics Institute, led a group that wrote on "Sustainable, trustworthy, human-technology partnership." Amy Ando, professor and chair of the university's Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, wrote on "Harnessing economics for effective implementation."

Berger-Wolf and her colleagues wrote, "We are in the middle of a mass extinction without even knowing all that we are losing and how fast." But technology can help address that.

For example, they note the value of tools like camera traps that survey animal species and smartphone apps that allow citizen scientists to count insects, identify bird songs and report plant observations.

New tech has allowed scientists to monitor animal and plant populations at scale for the first time, said Berger-Wolf, who is also a professor of computer science and engineering, evolution, ecology and organism biology, and electrical and computer engineering. One challenge is to find new ways to extract all the information from these new sources of data.

"But even with all this data, we are still monitoring only a tiny fraction of the biodiversity out in the world," she said. "Without that information, we don't know what we have, how different species are doing and whether our policies to protect endangered species are working."

Most important, Berger-Wolf said, is the need to make sure to keep humans in the process. Technology needs to connect data, connect different regions of the world, connect people to nature and connect people to people.

"We don't want to sever the connection between people and nature, we want to strengthen it," she said.

"We cannot rely on technology to save the world's biodiversity. It has to be an intentional partnership between humans and technology and AI."

Economics should be another partner in the fight to save endangered species, Ando said.

"There's this tendency to think that protecting endangered species is all about biology and ecology," Ando said. "But various tools in economics are very helpful in making sure the work we do to implement the Endangered Species Act is successful. That is not always obvious to people."

For example, bioeconomic research is a multidisciplinary effort between economists and biologists to work together to see how human behavior interacts with ecological processes and systems.

"We have to take into account feedback effects. People take an action, and that changes the ecosystem and that changes what people do," she said. "We need to capture those feedback effects."

The result can be novel ways to protect endangered species, such as "pop-up" habitat modification. For example, ranchers can take down fences temporarily while elk are migrating to allow them to move freely. Rice fields can be temporarily flooded during shorebird migration to give them a place to rest and feed on their travels.

We can "draw upon economics to optimize the timing, location and extent of temporary actions to maximize their net benefits to society," Ando wrote in Science.

Another way economics can help is to develop policies that protect species before they become so threatened that they need ESA protection.

A common issue is that multiple landowners will all need to work together to protect the habitat of threatened species. But often, if some landowners take action to protect a species, other landowners will think they don't have to.

"Economists have been working to understand how we can coordinate landowners where we don't have to implement draconian land use regulations, but still protect habitat," Ando said.

"That is a very promising tactic that can protect species and also reduce the cost to people of doing so."

More information: Robert L. Fischman et al, A landmark species protection law looks ahead, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.adn3245. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn3245 Journal information: Science
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Palestine's natural splendor offered a landscape ripe for scientific "discovery," description and expropriation by European imperial powers in the 19th century. And in the 1860s, an English vicar named Henry Baker Tristram claimed its birds.

Tristram was a co-founder of Ibis, the ornithology journal published since 1859 by the British Ornithologists' Union. His articles on Palestinian ornithology began with the first issue when he contributed a list of birds he'd collected during a brief visit there the previous year. The list included a species previously unknown to Western science, which was named in his honor as Tristram's grackle (now more commonly known as Tristram's starling).

Tristram made a major contribution to the study of birds. At that time, ornithology reflected imperial priorities and was concerned with collecting, describing, and mapping. His observations of Palestine's birds, in particular, laid the groundwork for the modern ornithology of the area.

However, his exploits in Palestine, still honored in the name "Tristram's starling," also show why honorific bird names like this have come under increasing scrutiny.

Tristram returned to Palestine for a fuller investigation in 1864. He traveled south from Beirut with a group of fellow naturalists and a large baggage train. The account of his ten-month-long journey was published in 1865 as The Land of Israel.

This book, and the several others he wrote about Palestine, formed part of a growing wave of popular tourist accounts of the Holy Land. They fed the interest and shaped the perceptions of British readers fascinated by the area's historical and Biblical remnants, its living inhabitants, and the missionary efforts to achieve conversions to Christianity.

Unusually, Tristram and his companions traveled far off the well-beaten tourist and Christian pilgrimage routes throughout Palestine. The Land of Israel includes detailed descriptions of Palestine's diverse ethnic groups, their domestic, religious, military and economic traditions and practices, and their relationships with one another.

Imperialism

Tristram's descriptions of Palestine's people in many ways reflected typical British imperial views of "natives," not least in his use of the terms "childlike" and "savage," and his comparison of Bedouins to "red Indians." His racializing and religious views were also shaped by his inclinations as a natural historianhe categorized those he observed according to type and deviation from type.

At best, his characterizations are paternalistic; at worst, deeply offensive. The terms "debased" and "degraded" repeat often. Of one group near Jericho he writes: "I never saw such vacant, sensual, and debased features in any group of human beings of the type and form of whites."

Of some Bedouin further south, he observes that "they were all decidedly of the Semitic type, and, excepting the color and the smell, had nothing of the negro about them. They must, however, be far inferior to the races they have supplanted."

Occasionally, he acknowledges Ottoman oppression and neglect as the cause of poverty, but in most cases links it to "Moslem fanaticism" and "Oriental indolence." Although there are exceptions, Muslim settlements and their inhabitants are almost invariably "filthy," "squalid" and "miserable."

Of religious sites, he notes many instances of churches which have been "perverted" into mosques. One of his most offensive observations is of a Bedouin sheik, Abu Dahuk: "like all his followers, he is very darknot so black as the commonalty, but of a deep olive brown. This may partly arise from the habit of these people, who never wash. They occasionally take off their clothes, search them, slaughter their thousands, and air themselves, but never apply water to their persons." The odor, he remarks, "is unendurable."

Conversion to Christianity appeared to redeem this degradation. In the Galilee he notes: "Christianity had here, as elsewhere, stamped the place and its substantial houses with a neatness and cleanliness to which the best of Moslem villages are strangers."

Conversion also seemed to him to transform racial attributes. Of two Protestant converts he observes that "so much had religion and education elevated them, that they seemed of a different race from those around them." Among Bethlehem's Christians, he particularly admires "the handsome faces of the men and women, and the wondrous beauty of the children, so fair and European-like."

Tristram describes Jewish ethnicity in typical missionary terms. The Jews were a "decayed and scattered people," with "musty and crumbling learning." At a Protestant missionary tent in Tiberias he notes that "the Polish Jews, very numerous here, were willing to listen  but the native Jews, with whom were mingled a few Moslems, were occasionally very violent in their expressions." The Jews, he concludes, "are a stiff-necked race."

During his months in Palestine in 1864, Tristram shot hundreds of birds for his collection, and shot many more during subsequent visits. His surviving collection in the Liverpool World Museum includes, among others, the original 1858 type specimens of Tristram's grackle, and 17 Palestine sunbird skins.

Tristram depended on many peopleservants, dragomen, muleteers, cooks, collectors and guardsfor their expertise, labor and protection, and sometimes even for saving his life. He also depended on them for help with obtaining specimens. But for that help with collecting he only names one person: "Gemil, with a little training," he writes, "would soon have made a first-rate collector."

Those British imperial values that colored Tristram's view of Palestine's people enabled him to name and claim its natural resources for western science, and for personal glory. They also gave him license to propose that the land itself should be claimed: "Either an European protectorate or union with Egypt seems requisite to save Palestine from gradual dissolution," he remarked, "unless, which seems hopeless, the Arabs can be induced to cultivate the sod."

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Europe's "wolf problem" is fast becoming a source of social and political tension. Relative conservation success across the continent has led to calls for action from worried politicians and farming and hunting groups. And the European Commission has now proposed a change in their international status, from "strictly protected" to "protected", which could allow people to hunt wolves.

However, changing the protection status may not be the best solution, especially as only three of the nine wolf populations in the EU have reached favorable conservation status.

Instead, perhaps the time is ripe for a renewed focus on learning to liveagainwith wolves. Proven prevention strategies, such as fencing and the use of guard dogs, play a critical role in this.

But the question may be fundamentally philosophical. Namely, it boils down to how to coexistand the cultivation of ethical principles and values which undergird a successful coexistence.

'Deep ecology' and the equal right to exist

In this task, the work of Norwegian environmental philosopher Arne Nss (1912-2009) might be of help. Nss is known as the father of "deep ecology", an ethical theory that contends that all life has intrinsic value. Nss argued that all beings, whether human or nonhuman, have an equal right to exist and flourish, a principle he called "biospheric egalitarianism."

As this applies to wolves, Nss was clear: wolves have just as much a right to be here as we do.

Nss wrote an essay with biologist Ivar Mysterud stating: "The well-being of the species wolf as part of human and nonhuman life on Earth has value in itself!" As a result, they argued, "humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity, including wolf habitats and races, except to satisfy vital needs!"

Despite this ostensibly radical challenge to human-centered ethical norms, Nss demonstrated a pragmatic approach in how the principle of biospherical egalitarianism was applied in practice. For example, he considered the important contextual factors of local wolf-human interactions, writing, "For some sheep holders, the need to protect their sheep from wolves or to be in some way compensated is today vital. It means protecting the basis of their economy and home where they have lived for generations."

In addition to human interests, he also took seriously the moral obligation to reduce the suffering of sheep and other domestic animals. This is especially salient as humans have reduced the capacity of these species to evade wolves.

Mouflon, the wild ancestor of domestic sheep, do their best to avoid large predators by fleeing into mountains. In contrast, after thousands of years of selective breeding, modern livestock have fewer genetic defenses and are left to fend for themselves in fenced-in fields.

Man has a heart, not just a brain

Nss avoided a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of wolves (a position other scholars criticized him for). But his focus on articulating general ethical principles to serve as a backdrop for contextual decisions may have importance in the increasingly heated and political nature of this rewilding debate.

For example, Nss used the term "mixed community" to denote places which comprise humans and those species who play a clear role in human affairs. Challenging the tendency to define community only in human terms, Nss contended that this framing helps to "break down some of the barriers commonly erected between humans and any other forms of life within our common space".

In doing so, this can open pathways for increased identification and empathy for nonhuman othersa capacity Nss believed all humans have, stemming from an inherent continuity between human and nonhuman life.

Indeed, as the pioneering American conservationist Aldo Leopold similarly maintained, perceiving ourselves in a community with others is a prerequisite for moral action. In this case, it helps to make concrete the idea of a wolf's right to existthey are members of the community just like us.

Applying this ethical framework of "mixed communities" to current EU deliberations can have some benefits. For example, it may inspire the further development of creative, mutually beneficial solutions such as economic compensation for livestock lossesa move which Nss called foras well as improving wolf-attack prevention. It may also play an effective role in countering the often-baseless fear and hysteria around wolves (Nss blamed the brothers Grimm for the animals' bad public image).

Perhaps most important of all, though, is the potential for connecting with our emotional elements. As Nss said, "Man has a heart, not only a brain."

To move towards a sustainable coexistence, it is not enough to appeal to abstractions about scientific benefits or devise perfectly efficient compensation schemes. This must also derive from a sense of solidarity with other speciesa full recognition that, in Nss's words: "Humans are not alone on this planet."

Interestingly, as a recent study showed, most people living in rural communities in the EU already believe that wolves have a right to exist, corresponding with Nss's relative optimism about the possibility of mixed communities. This is all the more important to remember in light of the worrying political divisiveness in relation to Europe's so-called wolf problem.

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This image made from video shows home engulfed in flames outside Perth, Australia, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. A wildfire burning out of control on the outskirts of the Australian west coast city of Perth on Thursday appeared to have destroyed or damaged a number of homes. Credit: Australian Broadcasting Corp/Channel 7/Channel 9 via AP

A wildfire burning out of control on the outskirts of the Australian west coast city of Perth on Thursday destroyed at least two homes and injured two people, officials said.

An emergency warning was issued for the eastern suburb of Parkerville where the fire was sparked by a tree branch falling on power lines on Thursday morning. The alert warned that the fire posed a threat to lives and homes.

At least two homes had been "completely lost," Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said.

The full extent of the damage wouldn't be known until inspection crews were able to survey the fire zone.

Two men in their 60s were hospitalized after being injured by the fire in separate incidents, media reported. One had minor burns and the other an injured foot. The ambulance service didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Fire authorities reported late Thursday that the fire had been contained but remained out of control after razing 90 hectares (220 acres).

One of the destroyed homes belonged to Mark Norton who lives near where the fire started and had little time to escape.

"The fire was on both sides: really, really hot," Norton told Australian Broadcasting Corp. "It was an awful experience."

This image made from video shows a car on fire outside Perth, Australia, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. A wildfire burning out of control on the outskirts of the Australian west coast city of Perth on Thursday appeared to have destroyed or damaged a number of homes. Credit: Australian Broadcasting Corp/Channel 7/Channel 9 via AP

This image made from video shows helicopter dropping water on flames, thick black smoke billowing outside Perth, Australia, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. A wildfire burning out of control on the outskirts of the Australian west coast city of Perth on Thursday appeared to have destroyed or damaged a number of homes. Credit: Australian Broadcasting Corp/Channel 7/Channel 9 via AP

"The fire was still the height of the trees when I left. How they (firefighters) managed to contain that in such a short period of time in 39-degree (Celsius; 102 F) heat with this windthey're amazing, they really are," Norton added.

Power was off at more than 150 properties and several roads had been cut off.

Parkerville resident Yvonne Blyth said that her car was packed with her children's Christmas gifts in case the family had to evacuate their home, which is located in a forest. The fire had come close but appeared to be moving away from her home of 18 years, she said.

"We've seen three or four fires now, but this was the closest one," Blyth said.

"We all love living in the forest, but this is the scariest part of living around here. It's absolutely terrifying," Blyth added.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Field pansies from a 'resurrected' lineage monitored during this study. Credit:  Samson Acoca-Pidolle

Scientists at the CNRS and the University of Montpellier have discovered that flowering plants growing in farmland are increasingly doing without insect pollinators. As reproduction becomes more difficult for them in an environment depleted of pollinating insects, the plants are evolving towards self-fertilization. These findings are published in a paper in the journal New Phytologist.

By comparing field pansies growing in the Paris region today with pansies from the same localities resurrected in the laboratory from seeds collected between 1992 and 2001, the research team found that today's flowers are 10% smaller, produce 20% less nectar, and are less visited by pollinators than their ancestors.

Bumblebee on a field pansy during an experiment carried out for this study. Credit:  Samson Acoca-Pidolle

This rapid evolution is thought to be due to the decline in pollinator populations in Europe. Indeed, a study conducted in Germany showed that over 75% of the biomass of flying insects has vanished from protected areas in the last thirty years.

The study identified a vicious circle in which the decline in pollinators leads to reduced nectar production by flowers, which could in turn exacerbate the decline of these insects. It underlines the importance of implementing measures to counter this phenomenon as quickly as possible and thus safeguard the interactions between plants and pollinators, which have existed for millions of years.

More information: Samson AcocaPidolle et al, Ongoing convergent evolution of a selfing syndrome threatens plantpollinator interactions, New Phytologist (2023). DOI: 10.1111/nph.19422 Journal information: New Phytologist

Provided by CNRS
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Einstein Probe. Credit: European Space Agency

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) spacecraft Einstein Probe is ready to launch in January 2024. Equipped with a new generation of X-ray instruments with high sensitivity and a very wide view, this mission will survey the sky and hunt for powerful blasts of X-ray light coming from mysterious celestial objects such as neutron stars and black holes.

Einstein Probe is a collaboration led by CAS with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), Germany.

In return for contributing to the development of this mission and the definition of its scientific goals, ESA will get access to 10% of the data generated by Einstein Probe's observations.

"Thanks to its innovative design, Einstein Probe can monitor large swaths of the sky at a glance. In this way, we can discover many new sources while at the same time studying, the behavior of X-ray light coming from known celestial objects over long periods," says Erik Kuulkers, ESA's Einstein Probe Project Scientist.

"The cosmos is our only laboratory to investigate the most energetic processes. Missions like Einstein Probe are essential to advance our understanding of these processes and to learn more about fundamental aspects of high-energy physics."

Keeping a watchful eye on the X-ray sky

Unlike the stars that dot our sky at night and reliably mark the constellations, most cosmic objects that shine in X-rays are highly variable. They are continuously brightening and dimming, and in many cases, they briefly appear before they disappear for long periods (then they're called transient) or for good.

Powered by tumultuous cosmic events, X-ray light from astronomical sources is very unpredictable. Yet, it carries fundamental information about some of the most enigmatic objects and phenomena in our universe. X-rays are associated with collisions between neutron stars, supernova explosions, matter falling onto black holes or hyper-dense stars, or high-energy particles being spewed out from disks of blazing material circling such exotic and mysterious objects.

Einstein Probe will improve our understanding of these cosmic events by discovering new sources and monitoring the variability of objects shining in X-rays all over the sky.

The capability of routinely spotting new X-ray sources is fundamental to advancing our understanding of the origin of gravitational waves. When two hyper-dense massive objects, such as two neutron stars or black holes, crash, they create waves in the fabric of spacetime that travel over cosmic distances and reach us.

Several Earth detectors can now register this signal but often cannot locate the source. If neutron stars are involved, such a 'cosmic crash' is accompanied by an enormous burst of energy across the light spectrum, and especially in X-rays. By enabling scientists to promptly study these short-lived events, the Einstein Probe will help us identify the origin of many of the gravitational wave impulses that are being observed on Earth.

Lobster eyes in space

To achieve all of its scientific goals, the Einstein Probe spacecraft is equipped with a new generation of instruments with high sensitivity and the ability to observe large areas of the sky: the Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT) and the Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT).

WXT has an optical modular design that mimics the eyes of a lobster and uses innovative Micro Pore Optics technology. This enables the instrument to observe 3600 square degrees (nearly one-tenth of the celestial sphere) in one shot. Thanks to this unique capability, Einstein Probe can keep a watchful eye on almost the entire night sky in three orbits around Earth (each orbit taking 96 minutes).

New X-ray sources or other interesting events spotted by WXT are then targeted and studied in detail with the more sensitive FXT. Crucially, the spacecraft will also transmit an alert signal to the ground to trigger other telescopes on Earth and in space operating at other wavelengths (from radio to gamma rays). They will swiftly point to the new source to collect precious multi-wavelength data, thus enabling a more thorough study of the event.

European contribution

ESA has played an important role in developing Einstein Probe's scientific instrumentation. It provided support for testing and calibrating the X-ray detectors and the optics of WXT. ESA developed the mirror assembly of one of FXT's two telescopes in collaboration with MPE and Media Lario (Italy).

The FXT mirror assembly is based on the design and technology of the ESA's XMM-Newton mission and the eROSITA X-ray telescope. MPE contributed to the mirror assembly for the other telescope of FXT and developed the detector modules for both FXT's units. ESA also provided the system to deflect unwanted electrons away from the detectors (the electron diverter).

Throughout the mission, ESA's ground stations will be used to help download the data from the spacecraft.

ESA's fleet of high-energy missions

ESA has a long history of advancing high-energy astronomy. XMM-Newton and Integral have been scrutinizing the universe in X-rays and gamma-rays for over two decades leading to great progress in this field. ESA is also taking part in the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with NASA, which launched in summer 2023.

"Einstein Probe's capabilities are highly complementary to the in-depth studies of individual cosmic sources enabled by the other missions," remarks Erik. "This X-ray surveyor is also the ideal precursor to ESA's NewAthena mission, currently under study and set to be the largest X-ray observatory ever built."
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Gaia color-magnitude diagram of M 39 displaying the members identified in the study. The color indicates the membership class, as defined in the text. Credit: arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2312.08581

Italian astronomers have performed high-resolution spectroscopic observations of a young open cluster known as Messier 39. Results of the observational campaign, presented in a paper published Dec. 14 on the pre-print server arXiv, yield essential information about the cluster's chemical composition.

Open clusters (OCs), formed from the same giant molecular cloud, are groups of stars loosely gravitationally bound to each other. So far, more than 1,000 of them have been discovered in the Milky Way, and scientists are still looking for more, hoping to find a variety of these stellar groupings. Expanding the list of known galactic open clusters and studying them in detail could be crucial for improving our understanding of the formation and evolution of our galaxy.

Messier 39 (or M39 for short, also known as NGC 7092) is a young Galactic open cluster located some 1,000 light years away in the constellation Cygnus. The cluster has a linear tidal radius of 28 light years, a mass of about 232 solar masses, and its age is estimated to be approximately 280 million years.

However, although Messier 39 was discovered almost three centuries ago, it has not been observed with high-resolution spectroscopy yet and its chemical composition remains unknown. That is why a team of astronomers led by Javier Alonso-Santiago of the Catania Astrophysical Observatory in Italy, decided to conduct such observations of this cluster using the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher for the Northern hemisphere spectrograph (HARPS-N) and the Fiber-fed Echelle Spectrograph (FIES).

"We focused on M 39, a nearby young open cluster little studied in recent years, whose chemical composition was so far unknown. We performed high-resolution spectroscopy with the HARPS-N and FIES spectrographs for 20 likely cluster members that were supplemented with archival photometry and Gaia DR3 data," the researchers explained.

First of all, the team identified 260 likely members of Messier 39 within a radius of 250 arcminutes around the nominal cluster center. It turned out that the three identified members are double-lined spectroscopic binary systems, and that there are no evolved stars in this sample. By examining the spatial distribution of these members, a distance to Messier 39 was inferred to be approximately 980 light years.

The astronomers managed to derive radial and projected rotational velocities of the stars in their sample. They found that most of the stars have rotational velocities ranging from 6 to 3 km/s, and a mean radial velocity for Messier 39 was calculated to be 5.46 km/s. They also estimated the extinction and the atmospheric parameters of these stars.

The authors of the study carried out the chemical analysis for the nine coolest stars in the sample (with effective temperatures below 7,100 K), determining abundances for 21 elements. They found that Messier 39 has a solar-like metallicity (0.04 dex) and that the investigated stars have a chemical composition similar to that of the sun.

The researchers noted that only sodium shows a lower abundance in the studied sample, while sulfur and the heaviest elements, especially barium, display higher values. Moreover, it was found that Messier 39 shows solar-like mean ratios for alpha elements and iron-peak elements to iron, while for the neutron-capture elements this ratio is slightly overabundant.

Based on these results, the scientists concluded that the chemical composition of this cluster is fully compatible with that of the Galactic thin disk.

More information: J. Alonso-Santiago et al, High-resolution spectroscopy of the young open cluster M 39 (NGC 7092), arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2312.08581 Journal information: arXiv

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The FBI included photos of Andrew Taake in a July 2021 criminal complaint accusing him of assualting officers during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Courtesy

A Houston man who whipped and pepper-sprayed police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, and then bragged about it on a dating app, pleaded guilty Wednesday to assault, according to the U.S Department of Justice.

Andrew Quentin Taake, 32, will be sentenced in March, according to the department. He entered his guilty plea in the Washington, D.C., court overseen by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols.

Taake, who owns a pressure washing company, was charged with assault, resisting or impeding officers and obstruction of an official proceeding in July 2021.

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According to prosecutors, Taake entered the grounds of the Capitol in the early stages of the riot, and used bear spray on officers from the Metropolitan Police Department as they tried to stop people from entering the building. Later, as more officers arrived, Taake attacked a group of officers with a whip-like weapon, according to the Justice Department.

An evidence exhibit filed by prosecutors shows a whip-like weapon Andrew Taake was accused of using during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Courtesy

Taake soon entered the Capitol building and was spotted brandishing the same weapon.

Authorities tied Taake to the insurrection in part by messages he sent on Bumble, the dating app, according to prosecutors. He messaged a person on Jan. 6, saying he had been pepper sprayed, tear gassed, had flash bangs thrown at me, and hit with batons for peacefully standing there, and then sent a photo of himself to the person he was chatting.

The person he was chatting sent his messages to the FBI on Jan. 9.

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In interviews with HuffPost reporter Ryan Reilly, the woman who turned in Taake said she sought out people on the dating app she believed took part in the riot and ended up reporting three people.

The FBI included pictures of Taakes Bumble profile and his chats with the woman in charging documents.

More than 1,230 peoples have been charged for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 440 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, according to the justice department.
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Several issues will need to be addressed if developer Rich Schermerhorn hopes to build 100 apartments on a parcel owned by Robert and Peter Nemer on Quaker Road in Queensbury, according to neighbors who live nearby but in Glens Falls.

Key development issues include safety with entering and exiting from Quaker Road, water table impacts and potential home flooding, and the preservation of wildlife and wetlands, Glens Falls neighbor Gretchen Trombley said. She is a resident of the adjacent Windy Hill Road neighborhood.

Some of the homes there, including Trombleys, border the Nemers property, but the Nemers property is in Queensbury while the Windy Hill neighborhood is in Glens Falls.

Earlier this year, plumbing supplier F.W. Webb proposed to build a 96,000 square-foot distribution center and retail store on the site.

However, the company backed out of construction after the Queensbury Planning Board offered a positive advisory opinion to the Queensbury Town Board but not to the neighbors from Glens Falls.

The Glens Falls neighbors and city politicians brought up the same troubles with development on the property then as they are now.

Schermerhorn plans to build a three-story building with over 100 units, according to Schermerhorns attorney Jonathan Lapper. Plans for the site remain in an infancy stage.

The process was so difficult on F.W. Webb that F.W. Webb with a local facility on Highland Avenue in Queensbury may not stay since they could not use that site, nor could they easily find a location that suited their needs, they said at the time.

We do not know if we will be leaving Queensbury at this time, Bob Mucciarone, F.W. Webbs Chief Operating Officer, wrote to The Post-Star in an email on Dec. 19. If we find something outside of Queensbury, and it suits our needs then we will leave Queensbury.

The Nemers had originally won approval from the Queensbury Planning board to create an overflow parking lot for their inventory on that site, but they never developed that idea.

Since the F.W. Webb project fell apart, Rich now has the property under contract with the Nemers, Schermerhorns attorney Jonathan Lapper told the Queensbury Town Board at a workshop on Nov. 15.

We thought that this would be a good location for a multi-family building because this wouldnt have the same perceived impacts because this is a residential project, Lapper added.

During a recent workshop, Schermerhorn compared the design of this potential apartment building to his Westbrook senior facility off the Adirondack Northways Exit 20.

The site was presented to me because it took so much flack for F.W. Webb, Schermerhorn told the Town Board. The quietest use you can do are apartments.

Initial obstacles to this project could be the high 100-unit density and the limited number of access points in a heavy traffic area, according to Queensbury Town Supervisor John Strough. The town density requirements for the zone would likely mean around 70 units and more than one access point.

If I couldnt get a minimum of a hundred units, Id say its not worth it to me because of the price, Schermerhorn told the Town Board.

Multi-family, to me, seems to be a reasonable fit, Strough said.

The workshop acted as a feeling out from both sides to see if a multi-family apartment building may be a good fit for this undeveloped site which has had issues in the past.

The controversy with the former F.W. Webb project on this parcel began early on with the mishandling by the Town of Queensbury including failure to provide notice of Public Hearing to adjacent landowners and the improper handling of SEQR, the environmental review, Trombley told The Post-Star. This was a point of contention for the town.

I anticipate better handling with subsequent projects, she said.

Trombley pointed out that Nemer should understand the need for preservation of wildlife and wetlands due to his conservation efforts around Lake George.

At this point conversations surrounding the project appear to be informal, and the adjacent property owners have not received a formal Notice of Public Hearing from the Town of Queensbury, Trombley said.

At the end of the day, Mr. Nemer owns this parcel and can sell to whomever he chooses. However, any proposed project on this parcel will be reviewed in the same manner the former F.W. Webb project was by those directly impacted, Trombley concluded.
ATLANTIC CITY  Stanley Holmes Village tenants and advocates jeered and argued with City Council Wednesday night over its refusal to hold hearings about the lack of heat and other poor conditions in Atlantic City Housing Authority projects.

Im in a hotel for a month now. No one has been in my house or checked it. The smell is unbearable, said Theresa McNair, a Stanley Holmes resident who left her home so a severe mold and mildew problem could be fixed.

Im spending my money to eat out ... breakfast, lunch, dinner, McNair said. They didnt offer nothing, and Im paying my rent ... and Im not even in my house!

She said the authoritys contractors have done no work, even though she was told a month ago a contractor would start on the job.

I have to call and ask (the authority) are they paying for the room? McNair said. I call them, they dont call me.

Housing Authority Executive Director Tom Sahlin told McNair at Thursday's Housing Authority board meeting that maintenance thinks a burst pipe caused a smell to enter her apartment, but there is no mold there.

She is staying in a Marriott property in the city, she said, and the hotel has told her the authority has paid only through Friday.

Council President Aaron Sporty Randolph has said at past meetings he will not bring the board members council appointed to the Housing Authority board in to answer questions under oath.

Well do the same thing weve been doing, Randolph said again Wednesday.

Sen. Menendez joins call for HUD to take over Atlantic City Housing Authority Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., has joined U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew in calling for the federal government to take over the Atlantic City Housing Authority.

Nothing! hollered some in the audience.

The authority is an independent body overseen and funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, but council appoints five of its seven board members, Mayor Marty Small Sr. appoints one and the state appoints one.

Council attorney Robert Tarver recommended against council holding hearings on how the board is running the authority while a lawsuit continues.

Currently theres litigation going on over at the Housing Authority, which puts the city in a difficult situation, putting people in a hearing situation, Tarver said. The city ... is responsible for any of the potential liability that gets paid out of these pockets. ... I cant go too deeply into it.

Later, when asked how the city would be liable  since the Housing Authority is an independent entity  he said it is related to the city appointing several members but declined to say more.

About 100 tenants in Stanley Holmes Village are suing the authority over a lack of heat and hot water, broken appliances, mold and mildew, pest infestations and more.

Steve Young of the South Jersey Chapter of the National Action Network got into a back-and-forth with Randolph for several minutes, with Randolph refusing to answer Youngs question about whether he will hold hearings and Randolph repeatedly telling Young to sit down.

Youngs advocacy group has been central in getting U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., to send letters to HUD, asking it to declare the board in default and take over running the authority.

Judge orders Atlantic City Housing Authority to provide late discovery documents Superior Court Judge John C. Porto on Friday ordered the Atlantic City Housing Authority to provide all outstanding documents requested by Stanley Holmes Village tenants suing over poor conditions there within 10 days.

We are saying these problems have been existing for years and somebody needs to do something about it, Young said. Government has failed us, but these are human beings ... the majority of residents are Black.

Have a seat, Randolph said. Your time is up.

Councilman Jesse Kurtz said under state law the appointing authority has the right to investigate and remove for cause board members it has appointed, and council should consider doing that.

Residents have told you the conditions. You havent done a thing, said tenant Sandra Robinson.

Council members  particularly 3rd Ward Councilman Kaleem Shabazz, whose district includes Stanley Holmes  have met with the authority about conditions and lobbied for improvements.

Shabazz has a thick file of correspondence he has had with the authority over the past few years. But problems seem to keep increasing.

Councilwoman Stephanie Marshall is the president of the Housing Authority board, but said nothing during the discussion.

It's all been said before, Stanley Holmes residents say after HUD meeting Stanley Holmes Village residents left a meeting with federal Department of Housing and Urban Development representatives Thursday feeling frustrated.

Councilman George Tibbitt asked Business Administrator Anthony Swan whether he could look into the city using emergency management money to at least move public housing tenants out of single rooms into efficiency hotels for a time.

At least they would have a kitchen and living room, Tibbitt said. They could have meals, bring grandkids over and live some type of normal life.

Swan said he will look into whether such a use of funds would be possible.

Tibbitt also apologized to the tenants for council not holding hearings.

I couldnt get a fifth person to (vote to) have the hearings you requested, Tibbitt said. I failed you.

Instead of telling us how we cant do things, maybe legal counsel can tell us what we can do, said Kurtz, a former Housing Authority board member.

How many years were you on the Housing Authority board? Randolph asked Kurtz. At least eight, but you never brought it to our attention until now.
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An Ocean City man who was charged with killing his mother had a detention hearing postponed Wednesday so a mental competency test could be completed, according to the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts.

Jeffrey Surgent, 46, was arrested Dec. 8 after he called police to let them know he had just killed his mother, Alexandria Surgent, 74, police said at the time.

An affidavit of probable cause said Surgent decapitated his mother and threw her head into the hallway of his apartment in the 300 block of Sixth Street, a property run by the Ocean City Housing Authority. The OCNJ Daily's article states this was at Speitel Commons, a senior citizen housing complex.

Officers found Surgent naked, covered in blood, with his mother's body in the hallway outside the apartment, according to the affidavit.

When responding officers removed him from the hall, he began screaming repeatedly that he had killed his mother and he was sorry, and then began singing "Jesus Loves Me," according to the affidavit.

Court record: Son allegedly decapitated mother in Ocean City homicide Horrific details of the murder of an Ocean City woman Friday, allegedly by her son, are included in court documents filed in the case.

Court documents alleged he used a knife to remove her head.

The hearing was delayed based on the Defense's request for Surgent to undergo a competency evaluation, said the Courts.

The detention hearing has been moved to Jan. 11, the Courts added.

Prosecutors did not object to the request.
OCEAN CITY  A police officer has been suspended after being found guilty of assault in Somers Point, city spokesperson Doug Bergen said Wednesday.

Bergen said an internal affairs investigation was underway.

Christian D. Palzer Jr. was found guilty of simple assault Dec. 5. A complaint was filed March 5 after an incident the day before, according to Somers Point Municipal Court records.

The court records did not include details of the incident, which was listed as a disorderly persons offense. Even a minor offense can have significant impacts when a police officer is accused.

"A pending court complaint or conviction for any criminal, disorderly persons, petty disorderly persons, municipal ordinance or driving while intoxicated matter must be reported to the County Prosecutor under the Attorney Generals Internal Affairs Policy and Procedures, and could result in an administrative review and disciplinary action by the appropriate law enforcement agency," a spokesperson from the New Jersey Attorney General's Office on Friday. "Depending on the timing of the alleged conduct, it may also have to be reported to the Police Training Commission to determine the individuals suitability to be a licensed law enforcement officer."

The office did not specifically comment on Palzer's case.

The records show Palzer pleaded not guilty but was found guilty, with a payment of $365 required including fines and court costs, which includes a $100 domestic violence surcharge.

John Tumelty, Palzers defense attorney, said Wednesday he has filed an appeal of the conviction in Superior Court.

We believe there were substantial credibility issues with the allegations, and we look forward to a new trial on appeal, Tumelty said.

Tumelty said the accusation is that Palzer pushed a woman in the course of an argument. He said his client denies pushing her, and said an earlier decision denied a request for a temporary restraining order against Palzer.

He said Palzer is 21 or 22 years old and has been suspended with pay. Tumelty is not representing Palzer in the administrative matter with Ocean City. The fine and court costs have been suspended pending the results of an appeal, Tumelty said.
Ivy League university presidents sure picked the wrong time and issue to pretend to be free speech absolutists. As a result, the cancel culture that theyve long tolerated on their campuses has now come for them.

I was not focused on, but I should have been, the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate, said University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill in a video posted online, just days before ultimately being pressured by donors, politicians and business leaders to resign alongside the Board of Trustees chair.

The move came in the wake of Magills testimony at a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism during which she and the presidents of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) were asked by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) whether, hypothetically, calling for the genocide of Jews would be a violation of school rules.

Both Magill and Harvard President Claudine Gay said that policy violations occur when speech translates into conduct. MITs President Sally Kornbluth said that the scenario, if it were to actually materialize, would be investigated as harassment if pervasive and severe.

Somehow the lot of them just couldnt bring themselves to crack down on free speech when they were on the hot seat. Suddenly, they were intent on playing the role of radical defenders of liberty  up to the point of shrugging off calls for genocide  when, in reality, elite American universities have long become politically correct liberty-killing safe spaces.

Most of the radical speech allowed on campuses doesnt ruffle feathers of prominent lobby groups or deep- pocketed donors, though. Routinely banning non-establishment right-wing speakers from campus while celebrating leftists, as top universities have been doing for years, is seen as just good tradition. After all, historically important social movements, from civil rights to feminism, are virtually synonymous with campus activism. So radical leftism is not only an establishment fixture at universities, but is also part of the American establishments lore. Its hardly going to raise eyebrows among donors to these educational institutions that campus leftists are being leftist.

Similarly, last year, Stanford University hosted a group of Ukrainian Azov Battalion members, hailed as heroes because the prevailing cancel culture isnt against their side, but rather against Russias.

The regiment has also received criticism for its symbol, which bears a resemblance to the wolfsangel, a symbol used by the Nazi party, wrote the Stanford Daily.

Its a bit more radical than that, actually. Canadas military trainers had wondered whether they should even keep training Azov fighters against Russia as far back as 2017, and its Joint Task Force Ukraine produced a briefing acknowledging Azovs links to Nazi ideology, as the Ottawa Citizen reported.

Why is it that ideological descendants of actual genocide can be feted on campus while responding to a hypothetical question about potential future genocidal campus rhetoric has led to resignations of those who now plead guilty to having committed the crime of misspeaking?

Thats an easy one. It depends who has the deeper pockets and greater influence, backed by establishment status quo. On all those fronts, Ukraine currently has a blank cheque. So its not like the move requires any kind of bravery. The same goes for all the nonsense that universities have long indulged around gender and identity. Youre a gal who wants to call yourself a dude and go around griping about those who refuse to indulge you? Hey, no worries, man. If anyone has a problem with it, theres a harassment policy to back you up. Because all of this is totally acceptable by the establishment mainstream now. It isnt even edgy. Its the right-wingers who are todays counterculture punks. Which is why theyre marginalized.

So the system creates a sort of facade of free speech within limits that are establishment-endorsed. Anyone mistaking that for actual unfettered free speech only finds out otherwise when its too late.

Apparently these university presidents have been deluding themselves and mistakenly figured that at the height of a heated conflict between Palestine and Israel thats reverberating around the world in the form of protests on both sides, they could now serve as the unbiased gatekeepers of free debate and controversial discourse. They thought wrong.

Its not like they didnt have plenty of warning that someday the brand of cancel culture they indulge in could come for them. In the 2024 College Free Speech Rankings, published in September by the two-decade-old Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, Harvard ranked at the very bottom of the largest-ever survey of 248 campuses, with a free speech climate of abysmal. The University of Pennsylvania ranked just ahead at 247, while MIT ranks as average in the 136th spot.

In any case, it seems like a few of these faux defenders of speech may have some time on their hands to reflect on the role they played in laying the groundwork for their own professional demise.

Rachel Marsden is a columnist, political strategist and host of independently produced talk shows in French and English. Her website can be found at http://www.rachelmarsden.com.
Sam Gonzalez Kelly is an education reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering the Houston Independent School District. He can be reached at sam.kelly@houstonchronicle.com.

A Chicago native, Sam joined the Chronicle in 2021 to cover marginalized communities after two years covering breaking news at the Chicago Sun-Times. Sam has a bachelor's degree from Pomona College.
A Davenport man has been charged for allegedly abusing a child multiple times over the course of the past 18 months, Davenport police said.

Kenward Kennard Watkins Jr., 30, is charged in Scott County District Court with three counts of second-degree sexual abuse, and one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Each of the charges is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carry a prison sentence of 25 years.

Watkins also is charged with one count of child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of two years.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Davenport Police Detective Evan Obert, Davenport police were called around 2:30 p.m. Nov. 30 to investigate a report of sexual assault.

The sexual abuse occurred at least three times since June of 2022, with the most recent assault occurring a couple of days prior to the disclosure.

The victim told police that Watkins would force her to drink alcohol before some of the acts.

During a first appearance on the charges Thursday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Richard Wells scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Dec. 29.

Watkins was being held Thursday night in the Scott County Jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
NEW YORK (AP)  Jonathan Majors was convicted Monday of assaulting his former girlfriend after a trial that he hoped would vindicate him and restore his status as an emerging Hollywood star. It did just the opposite: Marvel Studios and the Walt Disney Co. dropped him hours after the verdict.

A Manhattan jury found Majors, 34, guilty of one misdemeanor assault charge and one harassment violation stemming from his March confrontation with then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. She said he attacked her in a car and left her in excruciating pain; his lawyers said Jabbari was the aggressor.

Majors, who was acquitted of a different assault charge and of aggravated harassment, looked slightly downward and showed no immediate reaction as the verdict was read. He declined to comment as he left the courthouse.

His lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, said in a statement that he still has faith in the process and looks forward to fully clearing his name. While he was convicted of an assault charge that involves recklessly causing injury, she said his team was grateful for his acquittal on the other assault count, which concerned intentionally causing injury.

Mr. Majors is grateful to God, his family, his friends and his fans for their love and support during these harrowing eight months, Chaudhry said.

Marvel and Disney immediately dropped the Creed III star from all upcoming projects following the conviction, said a person close to the studio who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Before his arrest, Majors had been on track to become a central figure throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing the antagonist role of Kang. Majors had already appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and the first two seasons of Loki. He was to star in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, dated for release in May 2026.

Majors, whose credits include The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Devotion and Da 5 Bloods, had been one of the fastest-rising stars in Hollywood. The Yale School of Drama graduate also starred as a troubled amateur bodybuilder in Magazine Dreams, which made an acclaimed debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January and was set to open in theaters this month. Ahead of Majors trial, Disney-owned distributor Searchlight Pictures removed Magazine Dreams from its release calendar.

Majors' sentencing was set for Feb. 6. He faces the possibility of up to a year in jail for the assault conviction, though probation or other non-jail sentences also are possible.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement that the trial illustrated a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion.

The dispute between Majors and Jabbari began in the backseat of a chauffeured car and spilled into the streets of Manhattan.

Jabbari, a 30-year-old British dancer, accused Majors of hitting her in the head with his open hand, twisting her arm behind her back and squeezing her middle finger until it fractured.

Majors lawyers alleged that she flew into a jealous rage after reading a text message  from another woman  on his phone. They said Jabbari had spread a fantasy to take down the actor, who was only trying to regain his phone and get away safely.

But as Majors sought vindication from the jury, the trial also brought forth new evidence about his troubled relationship with Jabbari, whom he met on the set of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania two years ago.

Prosecutors shared text messages that showed the actor begging Jabbari not to seek hospital treatment for an earlier head injury. One message warned it could lead to an investigation even if you do lie and they suspect something.

They also played audio of Majors declaring himself a great man, then questioning whether Jabbari could meet the high standards set by the spouses of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. Majors attorneys countered that Jabbari had surreptitiously recorded her boyfriend as part of a plot to destroy his career.

Over four days of tearful testimony, Jabbari said Majors was excessively controlling and prone to fits of explosive rage that left her afraid physically quite a lot. She broke down on the witness stand as a jury watched security footage of him pushing her back into the car after the backseat confrontation. Prosecutors described the video as showing Majors manhandling her and shoving her into the vehicle as if she was a doll.

Majors arrived in the courtroom each morning carrying a gold-leaf Bible, accompanied by family members and his current girlfriend, actress Meagan Good. Expressionless for much of the testimony, he wiped away tears as Chaudhry urged jurors during her closing arguments on Thursday to end this nightmare for Jonathan Majors.

Majors did not take the stand. But Chaudhry said her client was the victim of white lies, big lies, and pretty little lies invented by Jabbari to exact revenge on an unfaithful partner.

The attorney cited security footage, taken immediately after the shove, that showed Majors sprinting away from his girlfriend as she chased him through the night. Jabbari then followed a group of strangers shed met on the street to a dance club, where she ordered drinks for the group and did not appear to be favoring her injured hand.

She was revenge-partying and charging Champagne to the man she was angry with and treating these strangers to fancy Champagne she bought with Jonathans credit card, Chaudhry alleged.

The next morning, after finding Jabbari unconscious in the closet of their Manhattan penthouse, Majors called police. He was arrested at the scene, while Jabbari was transported to a hospital to receive treatment for the injuries to her ear and hand.

He called 911 out of concern for her, and his fear of what happens when a Black man in America came true, Chaudhry said, accusing police and prosecutors of failing to take seriously Majors allegations that he was bloodied and scratched during the dispute.

In her closing arguments, prosecutor Kelli Galaway said Majors was following a well-worn playbook used by abusers to cast their victims as attackers.

This is not a revenge plot to ruin the defendants life or his career, Galaway said. You were asked why you are here? Because domestic violence is serious.

This story has been corrected to reflect that the maximum one year jail penalty is for the assault conviction, not the harassment conviction.
Gate A4 at the Quad Cities International Airport was a little busier than normal Wednesday.

The inaugural flight from Moline to Charlotte, North Carolina, took off with a plane full of passengers looking forward to a new route.

Airport CEO Ben Leischner said Wednesday afternoon the flight to Charlotte was years in the making. He joined the staff in 2018 and talks about adding a Charlotte flight were already ongoing.

"Airlines and airports all watch the data to see where passengers are going and where they want to go. This was one that made a lot of sense to American Airlines and that was one of the first comments I heard," he said. "I was really optimistic we would start seeing service in early 2020 but we all know what happened at that time so this has been long in the works."

Flights to Charlotte will leave the airport twice a day, once in the morning and again at night. An airport spokesperson said Tuesday the flights through the new year were 85% full, a good sign of things to come.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) came in as the world's 19th busiest airport in 2022, with almost 48 million passengers, according to Airports Council International. In an average day it sees 114,000 arrivals and departures according to the airport's website.

The last time the Quad-Cities added a flight was 2015 with daily service to Washington D.C.

The Quad Cities International Airport already connects to Chicago and Atlanta, but adding another hub to the resume helps expand the map for local travelers, Leischner said. Wednesday. Charlotte offers service to 178 cities including in Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico.

"Whether you're traveling for business, leisure or a little bit of both, you can now get where you're going quicker and easier," he said. "Resource constraints are still posing a major challenge as airlines strive to meet historic travel demands. We appreciate the (American Airlines) team for seeing the value and opportunity in starting this service."

When it was first announced in July, officials said the new flight would be beneficial to the business community. Visit Quad Cities CEO Dave Herrell said it will impact tourism as well.

"The more connectivity we have to the world is a positive thing," he said. "More flights is only going to add value to our regional destination but its up to us as Quad-Citizens to drive up demand."

First QC flight to Charlotte
Nearly everyone in a Davenport Von Maur warehouse raised their hand when GOP hopeful Nikki Haley asked who was hearing her at a town hall for the first time.

"Where have you all been?" she joked.

Haley's Wednesday visit to the Davenport-based clothing company's headquarters came less than a month before the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses.

The most recent polling in the state shows Haley battling with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for second behind former President Donald Trump.

All of them have ramped up visits to Iowa as the caucuses draw nearer.

For George Shank, 59, of Long Grove, Wednesday's stop sealed his support for Haley. He'd previously seen DeSantis in Eldridge.

"I can't get over the sense of calm, the experience that she brings. This is someone Democrats and independents can vote for," Shank said. "I don't think there's anyone else on the Republican side that others can put their hands up for."

Holding a Haley sign, he said he liked her "sensibility about how she approaches topics  how she approaches answers."

Haley spent the bulk of her stump speech on her foreign policy, highlighting her experience at the United Nations, urging U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel, and more aggressively deporting immigrants who cross the border illegally.

Haley recently has included barbs aimed at DeSantis and Trump at the end of her speech, which she reiterated Wednesday. Haley said ads DeSantis and Trump have aired about her include falsehoods.

She was critical of DeSantis campaigning with Kentucky Republican congressman Thomas Massie, who she called "about the most anti-Israel congressman there" for his votes against condemning antisemitism on college campuses.

DeSantis, answering a question about Massie campaigning for him in a Bettendorf stop on Monday, said he disagrees with Massie's stances on Israel and isolationism, but that "my 80% friend is not my 20% enemy and we've got to stop thinking that way as Republicans."

DeSantis called himself "the most pro-Israel member of Congress when we served together" and said he appreciated the Kentucky representative's stances on the pandemic.

Haley pointed to a recent Wall Street Journal poll that showed her up by 17 points against President Joe Biden in a general election and showed her in second in early state primaries.

"We've just got one more fella to catch up to, and we're on our way," Haley said to applause.

Christmas is a busy time for Von Maur, and clothing racks and boxes filled the warehouse around the setup for Haley's campaign visit.

Jim and Melissa von Maur hosted the event. Jim von Maur told the audience 90% of Von Maur's employees are women.

"We're very proud of that. We understand what women can do," he said. "They've helped us create the best store in America, and Iowa's voters are beginning to understand that, too."

Jim noted Iowa has elected its first female governor, and U.S. senator and representatives in the past 10 years.

"So maybe it's time we send a woman to the White House to clean up the mess in Washington D.C.," he said to applause.

After the event, Melissa von Maur said Haley resonated with her as a mom of three kids. She said she also appreciated how Haley spoke about abortion with empathy as a deeply personal issue.

In response to a question from an attendee about her stance on abortion, Haley said she personally is anti-abortion because her husband is adopted, but says she doesn't judge someone for believing that a woman should have a right to an abortion either. She said she supported the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade and send the decision back to the states.

She said she would push for consensus on abortion.

"Can't we say let's ban late term abortions? Can't we say let's encourage adoptions and good quality adoptions? Can't we say that no doctor or nurse that doesn't believe in abortion should have to perform one? Can't we say that contraception should be accessible? And can't we say that no state law should say to a woman who's had an abortion, that she's going to jail or getting the death penalty?" Haley said. "Let's start there. Let's humanize this issue."

Haley said her college roommate was raped, and said she "wouldn't wish on anybody to go through what she went through wondering if she was pregnant."

"Our overall goal should be how do we save as many babies as we can and support as many moms as we can," Haley said.

Photos: Nikki Haley visits Davenport
There are crayon drawings on construction paper and cut-out photos of Bivens and her 5-year-old daughter Kallie.

There are the commemorative silver spoons she's collected from family members. Their intricate insignias show the spoons have come from everywhere: Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Southern California, Texas and Louisiana, to name a few.

Bivens has bestowed that love of art and creativity on Kallie. She says the two are typically doing crafts when they have free time, and thanks to her job as a cafeteria supervisor at Eugene Field Elementary School, she's able to be home in time to pick up her daughter from kindergarten.

Beyond just the flexible afternoon hours, Bivens likes her job as is.

"I love being around the kids," she said. "The kids are awesome."

Bivens commutes to school by taking two city buses. Before transferring to her current post at Eugene Field, Bivens worked at Longfellow Elementary and had to walk down and up a steep hill.

The Quad-City Times Wish List Fund is helping Bivens with a scooter to make the trip a little bit easier, along with hygiene products and winter clothing.

"I am very excited," Bivens said.

She also will be getting some help with winter clothes for her, her daughter and her mother, who also lives in their home in Rock Island.

Bivens has been in that home for 20 years, and still remembers both the bad days and the good ones under its roof.

The best? She recalls the day she found out her mom was cancer-free in 2014, after a skin graft saved her leg. She also looks back fondly on the day five years ago when Kallie was born.

It was dark and raining that day, but Bivens remembers the joy of it.

"That was one of the best days ever, when I brought her home from the hospital," she said.

Now, Bivens says Kallie is incredibly smart and talkative, and loves anything expressive. She's hoping to play the drums someday, and has been practicing on her dad's drum set.

"She ain't too bad for being five years old," Bivens said.

And of course, there's the art that decorates her house's walls. Most of all, Bivens is hoping the easier work commute will leave more time for spending time and doing crafts with her daughter.

"That's the one thing I love to do is spend time with my daughter," she said.

Kallie said she's not sure what she wants to be when she grows up.

"I think she just wants to be a kid, don't ya?" her mom said. "Worry about that other stuff later."

Kallie giggled at that, with a radiance that seemed to answer her mom without any words.

Donating to Wish List
Traffic in northeast Rapid City still remains congested, but the East Anamosa Street extension should help commuters move a little more swiftly now that the road's add-on is open to the public.

On Monday, Rapid City and Dream Design International held a ribbon-cutting dedication for the new one mile stretch of the road.

Hani Shafai, president of Dream Design International, company employees, city officials, and Mayor Jason Salamun were present for the dedication ceremony.

The addition of one mile of pavement is expected to help reduce congestion in the areas of Cambell and E. North Street, up to I-90.

Those intersections are some of the heaviest traveled, and one of the worst for accidents, historically, in the city," Shafai said. "Having this connection will provide a better and safer environment for the traveling public.

Dream Design International, in cooperation with Rapid City government planning, made this long-awaited thoroughfare possible.

"The East Anamosa regional project was constructed through a TIF process. Yasmeen Dream, LLC funded nearly $15 million of grading, 20-inch water main, 16 -inch water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, regional storm detention ponds and road construction," Shafai said, in a statement to the Rapid City Journal.

A TIF process, Tax Increment Financing, involves local taxing agencies to partner in short-term goals to improve an area, by using increases from property taxes and sometimes other taxes from a new development to subsidize infrastructure in that specific development.

Shafai continued: "The city has funded a large major regional water booster station in an amount near $5 million. This project is a major infrastructure improvement to the east and north side of Rapid City."

The East Anamosa extension is one of several projects that have been in the works to better serve the travel needs of Rapid City, according to Shafai.

This will really open up a lot of areas for development in the city and relieve some of the pressure on Highway 44 and Cambell Street, he said.

Even back in 1992, the area where East Anamosa is located was one of several areas that were on the Rapid City government's radar to alleviate traffic.

However, it wasn't until the land was sold to Dream Design International that the planning could finally move forward.

East Anamosa connects with Shepherd Hills, a 700-acre development owned and constructed by Dream Design International. This development, currently underway, will host a mix of single housing units, affordable housing (including apartments) and public areas.

An allotment of just over 50 acres for a new Rapid City school is located on the east side of the Shepherd Hills development, between Philadelphia and East Anamosa streets. This future-use school property will be accessed from the new extension. The type of school that will be built has yet to be determined.

Rapid City is where possibility lives, said Salamun, and this road is a great example of that.

Salamun stressed the importance of keeping the community safe through new access roads to better reach citizens in times of need.

Knowing that we can quickly get where we need to go, to keep our community safe, is a win-win, and were grateful for this access, he said.

Salamun went on to thank city staff and workers in their efforts to work with Dream Design International to make the project happen, and he praised Shafai for his dedication to Rapid City and his efforts to make East Anamosa a reality.

East Anamosa is accessible from E. North Street and is open for the public to use.
GRAND COUNTY, Colorado  Somewhere on a remote mountainside in Colorado's Rockies, a latch flipped on a crate and a wolf bounded out, heading toward the tree line. Then it stopped short.

For a moment, the young female looked back at its audience of roughly 45 people who stared on in reverential silence. Then she disappeared into the forest.

She was one of five gray wolves wildlife officials released in a remote part of 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 last week denied a request from the states cattle industry for a temporary delay to the release.

The group watched as the first two wolves  1-year-old male and female siblings with gray fur  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 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 Colorado 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 then bounded up a snowy divot in the dirt road, looking back before disappearing into an aspen grove.

Wolves "have larger-than-life places in human imagination, in the stories we all grew up with and tell each other, said Polis. To see them in their natural habitat, and turn around look curiously at us ... is really, really a special moment that I will treasure for my entire life.

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.

Joanna Lambert, professor of wildlife ecology and conservation biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, said she lost her breath when she saw the wolves gallop into the woods on Monday.

For years, Lambert and wolf advocates have been working to get wolf paws on the ground and all the sudden, it happened.

This is a moment of rewilding, Lambert said, of doing something to stave off the biodiversity extinction crisis we are living in.
As gunfire broke out, the nine-year-old boy began to run. Temperatures were below freezing. All he had were the clothes on his back and a knife as he ran through the open hills of the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Frank Sits Poor, part of Chief Spotted Elks (nicknamed Big Foot by the military) band of Mniconju Lakota, was out of his element. His family had traveled south seeking safety in the Badlands. Instead, the United States military moved the band to a small creek in the southern part of the Pine Ridge Reservation, Wounded Knee Creek, awaiting further relocation.

The boy ran over bodies of dead relatives, babies and mothers, and didnt stop running until night came. One of the bodies he ran past was a mother with a baby in a cradleboard. A hand reached up, but he didnt know what to do.

His only thought was how to get out of the cold, said his granddaughter Genevieve Chase In Sight-Ribitish. He saw a buffalo lying there and he cut it open, gutted it, climbed in and fell asleep. When he woke up the carcass was frozen solid, he had to pry himself out. After that, he kept running again.

On December 29, 1890, around 300 Lakota men, women and children, including infants, were gunned down by the U.S. Army. Today, the massacres Indigenous survivors live on through their descendants, who work to preserve the memory of what happened that day.

Troops from Nebraska were sent to Pine Ridge to curb a potential Indian uprising on the reservation. Instead, the troops found a band of Mnicoujou Lakota led by Chief Spotted Elk (Si Tanka).

The band was told they would be relocated elsewhere. Many had contracted pneumonia along their journey south, including the chief. The band was weak and exhausted. Some began to sing Ghost Dance songs, which the military interpreted as war songs. Soldiers began firing at the Lakota. They chased some up to five miles from Wounded Knee Creek.

The survivors stories live on today. Chase In Sight-Ribitsch, a citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, grew up hearing stories of the Wounded Knee massacre from her grandfather and grandmother. Her grandfather, Frank Sits Poor, survived the massacre at age nine.

What he experienced that day never left him, Chase In Sight said.

He said he wondered how many people were still alive and were left in the cold to freeze. Hed go back to that spot sometimes, Chase In Sight said.

Chase In Sights grandmother, Sarah Sits Poor, lost both her parents in the massacre. Sarah Sits Poors mother Good Woman, and her father Picked Horse are listed on the obelisk at the memorial site. Sarah was sent to the Rapid City Indian Boarding School after the massacre.

I remember every year my grandmother used to sit and cry looking at a Wounded Knee photo book, Chase In Sight said. I never understood why she would do this until I realized it was on December 29 every year. The anniversary of the massacre. I put myself in their place and I think about it sometimes.

Ahead of the 133rd anniversary of the Wounded Knee massacre, the SiTanka Ta Oyate Omniceye (Descendants of the Si Tanka Nation) group met to discuss plans for their memorial ceremony. The group, filled with elders and knowledge keepers, discussed not only plans for the future of recently repatriated artifacts but also stories of their ancestors survival.

I look at a nine-year-old now and I wonder, How could someone do that? How could someone want to hurt them? Back then it was different, but he was still a child, Chase In Sight said.

Another member of the SiTanka Ta Oyate Omniceye, Theodore Ten Fingers, Oglala Lakota, is the grandson of Wounded Knee survivor James Pipe on Head. Pipe on Head was the grandson of Chief Spotted Elk. He was around 12 years old at the time of the massacre.

As an adult in the late 1930s, Pipe on Head testified before Congress about what had happened that day in support of a bill to give financial compensation to survivors. The bill stalled.

I was a boy, my grandmother asked me to take some tobacco over to Big Foot where he was lying, so I took it.  Just at this moment, there was a big noise; I couldnt see just what it was but it was sounding like quite a number of gunshots together, Pipe on Head said in his statement.

Afterward, Pipe on Head was sent to the Holy Rosary Mission boarding school, now Red Cloud/Mahpiya Luta. A majority of his family was killed during the massacre. His grandson, Ten Fingers, grew up attending boarding school, too.

Before he was taken to boarding school in 1957, Ten Fingers name was Sinte. He grew up speaking Lakota, but he said that all changed when he was taken to school. He was renamed Theodore after St. Theodore, though he didnt know that at the time or who St. Theodore was. He learned to speak English. He started to lose touch with the culture hed spent the past five years engaged in.

Boarding school was an identity crisis for me, Ten Fingers said. I knew who I was as a Lakota person but here that was a different question. That was the first real impact (of the school).

Around 2013, Ten Fingers said he felt drawn to learn more about his roots. Growing up, when his relatives visited hed heard stories of what happened and picked up bits and pieces, but it wasnt until 10 years ago that he began to dig into things. After that, he began to research his family tree and learn about his ancestors.

Learning about what my ancestors went through helped to heal me from the assimilation. I learned a lot about the resilience of our ancestors who survived the massacre and how they had adapted to society, Ten Fingers said. Knowledge is power. Being able to learn about my ancestors gives me strength.

Throughout 2023, the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe have been working to reclaim 40 acres of land where a majority of the deaths happened. The bill progressed through the U.S. House of Representatives in September.

Cedric Broken Nose, a descendant of Chief Spotted Elk, spoke in Washington D.C. to support the legislation.

The land had been previously owned by non-Native individuals. It was the site of a museum and trading post until it was burned down in 1973 during the Wounded Knee Occupation. The land was sold back to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe, but the transaction needs congressional approval for it to become restricted title Indian fee land.

Aside from the return of land, more than 150 artifacts stolen from the mass graves of Wounded Knee victims have been returned to the SiTanka Ta Oyate Omniceye group.

I know well never have closure, but it would be nice to be able to put all the pieces together, Chase In Sight said.

In November, the Woods Memorial Library in Barre, Massachusetts returned cradleboards, moccasins, clothing, pipes and other items. On the 133rd anniversary of the massacre, the group is hosting a memorial event at the site.

I am the descendent of a survivor, Chase In Sight said.
The 2023 fishing season has been mostly excellent, as evidenced by a couple of state record walleye catches (a 17-pounder currently atop) on the Missouri River and a fairly steady bite elsewhere throughout the state, including solid activity in Black Hills area lakes and streams.

But now, a super El Nino weather pattern has contributed to warmer than usual weather, resulting in sketchy ice conditions in many lakes. While smaller, upper-elevation Black Hills lakes have patches of workable ice (with extreme cautionalways a buzzword in the sport).

Here are some essentials for assuring safe and enjoyable ice fishing experiences.

Ice thickness recommendations

3 inches  a single person on foot; 4 inches  group in a single file line; 7 1/2 inches  passenger car (2-ton gross); 8 inches  light truck (2 -ton gross); 10 inches  medium truck (3 1/2-ton gross); 12 inches  heavy truck (8-ton gross).

RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT: spud bar or chisel, ice picks, floating ice suit or life jacket, whistle, 50-100 feet of rope, and, of course, cell phone.

Mindful of safety in all situations, here is a brief look at waters of possible interest.

Angostura Reservoir: Other than an occasional skim of ice along shorelines, open water prevails now and for the foreseeable future. A few boats have been out on warmer days. Some, though limited, walleye activity was reported.

Belle Fourche Reservoir (Orman): No activity reported.

Black Hills steams: Unseasonably warm weather has made for some excellent trout fishing in Rapid Creek. Fishing is reportedly excellent from just above Canyon Lake through Rapid City. There is no dry fly-fishing at present, though nymphs are working well.

Smaller Black Hills lakes: Safe ice was reported on Mitchell, Lakota, Center and Horsethief. Fishing activity is limited, with some reported catches of perch and trout.

Deerfield Lake: Though the lake is mostly open, reports indicate 6 inches of ice in the Gold Run areano reports as to fishing success.

Pactola Reservoir: Open water except for Jenny and other gulches. No reports received.

Sheridan Lake: Workable ice (see above) was reported near the highway and in Chipper Bay. Trout and perch activity was reported on wax worms.

Stockade Lake: Ice with open water as well. There have been reports of nice-sized northern pike taken on various presentations.

Lakes Oahe: Not much is happening as the lake remains in transition with skiffs of ice mixing with open water, a situation that will stay until colder weather becomes the norm.

Lakes Sharpe: Open-water fishing conditions exist below the dam to the Ft. George area. A few boats have been going out on warmer, less windy days. A few walleye are being caught on jig and minnow presentations worked against the current, most likely when water is released at the dam, and a light chop exists.

Lake Francis Case: No activity reported.

Upcoming Tournaments (conditions permitting)

Wild Walleye Outfitters Ice Fishing Tournament: Jan. 13, 2024

Whitney Dock Ice Fishing Tournament: Jan. 20, 2024

Sheridan Lake Ice Derby sponsored by Walleyes Unlimited: Jan. 28, 2024

Annual Rooster Species Select Ice Contest: The participation cost is $5. You must be pre-registered before catching your fish.

ALL proceeds will be donated to Hooked on Hardwater Kids. Only Western South Dakota lakes are eligible.

Registration forms are available at The Rooster in Rapid City and other fine fishing equipment locations. Additional info is available at above websites.

Dakota Angler & Outfitter, 1010 Jackson Blvd., Rapid City; The Rooster, 1441 W. Main St., Rapid City; Wheel in Bait Shop, 18696 Fishermans Road, Fruitdale, have contributed to this report.
The Hamilton-based nonprofit Wheels for Warriors gave a car full of presents to a deserving Ravalli County veteran and his family last week.

Marine Corps veteran Jerry Browe of Hamilton and his family were driven to the Main Street Christmas Tree in downtown Hamilton in a limousine on Thursday, Dec. 14, where they were greeted by a crowd of community members including Santa Claus and the team from Hamilton Automotive Repair.

This is the second year that Hamilton Automotive Repair has purchased a vehicle and repaired it to give away to a deserving veteran during the holidays. The 2011 Toyota Rav4 came complete with a giant red bow on the hood and Christmas gifts wrapped for the familys children inside. Insurance costs and oil changes are as covered as part of the gift.

We purchased the car we make sure that is in perfect working order, Mariya Moore of Hamilton Automotive Repair said. We supplied oil changes for them, gift cards for gas, and insurance registration thanks to the Eagles. We don't want them to have any additional burdens and having a vehicle. So we tried to cover all those bases, and then a lot of the local businesses donated items.

Moore founded Wheels for Warriors after the death of her son, Austin Moore-Mundanoihl, who served in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. Moore-Mundanoihl suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during his time in Afghanistan and passed away in January of 2022 after struggling with years of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

My son, Austin Moore-Mundanoihl, he lived in Missoula, and he was in the Army, he was attached to Special Forces, she said. He was ambushed over there and suffered from TBI and PTSD. He eventually succumbed to that in January of last year, and that was  it was hard on our family, it was unexpected. He was so proud of being a veteran. He was very patriotic, and I just wanted to have some sort of legacy for him.

Moore was thankful to her team of co-workers at Hamilton Automotive Repair for their support of Wheels for Warriors.

When I started working at Hamilton Automotive I just saw they were just the most kind, compassionate people and I took this idea to thim and they didn't even bat an eye, she said. They were absolutely on board. And yeah, they've helped us. I mean, I couldn't do this without them. Definitely, it takes a village.
Third grade dual language program students are learning in the classroom on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 at Gregg Elementary School in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer The average base salary for teachers in the Region 4, which encompasses the Houston area, was the highest of all 20 TEA regions in the 2022-23 school year. Anastasia Goodwin

Houston-area teachers continue to earn higher salaries than those in other Texas regions, according to state data.



From the 2018-19 to 2022-23 school years, average teacher salaries increased by about 12% statewide, according to educator salary data from the Texas Education Agency. The Houston area, Region 4, slightly outpaced the state average with a 13% increase in average teacher pay across area districts.

Region 4 encompasses eight counties and includes 89 public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. Districts and charters within the region vary greatly in terms of size, ranging from ComQuest Academy Charter High School in Tomball with 54 students to Houston ISD with over 189,900 students enrolled last year.

Though the Houston region did not increase teacher salaries as much as some of the other 20 TEA regions during the five year period, Region 4 remained the highest-paying region in the state. Average base pay for teachers in the Houston region increased from about $57,800 in the 2018-19 school year to over $65,000 in 2022-23.

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Methodology The Houston Chronicle follows the Texas Education Agency's recommended method of calculating the average base pay at a district. To do this, we summarized "full time equivalency"  a number between zero and one that represents an individual's full-time status  for all people associated with a district, and we summarized all base pays among the same group. We then divided the total pay by the total full time equivalency count. The average base pay does not include any supplementary pay a teacher may receive. The number of employees is calculated by finding the amount of distinct teacher identification numbers associated with each district.

Devers ISD in Liberty County had the highest pay of any district in the region in 2022-23. The small district, composed of just over 200 students, had an average teacher pay of $78,500. The district also had the third highest increase in teacher pay over the last five years, raising average salaries by about 32% from around $59,600 in 2018-19.

Among the regions large districts  districts with more than 10,000 students  Spring Branch ISD and Deer Park ISD had the highest teacher pay in the 2022-23 school year, with teachers making a base salary of about $67,500 on average at both districts. Lamar CISD was close behind with average teacher salaries around $67,100.

According to the Houston Chronicles analysis, Damon ISD in Brazoria County recorded the largest percentage change in teachers salaries in the time period, raising their average base pay by over 40% from about $50,660 in 2018-19 to $72,460 in 2022-23.

Houston ISD had the largest increase in pay among the regions large districts between the 2018-19 and 2022-23 school years. Houston ISD increased its overall teacher pay by about 19% in the time period, with average base pay growing from about $54,500 in 2018-19 to about $65,000 in 2022-23.

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A+ Unlimited Potential and The Lawson Academy, both public charter middle schools in Houston, were the only schools in the region that had decreases in their average teacher pay for the period. A+ Unlimited Potentials average pay dropped by 13% from 2018-19 to 2022-23, and Lawson Academys dropped by about 6%.

Across Houston area districts, teachers with more than 30 years of experience had the smallest pay increases of any group, only increasing their average base pay by about 9% from 2018-19 to 2022-23. However, these highly-experienced teachers remained the highest paid last year, with the average educator in this group making about $79,400.



The number of new teachers in the Houston region grew by 65% between the 2018-19 and 2022-23 school years. Meanwhile, pay for the new educators increased by about 12% during the period. New teachers made about $58,600 in the 2022-23 school year compared to about $52,300 in 2018-19.

Since many districts base teacher pay on educators years of experience, a contributing factor to slower growth in average base salaries at some districts may be a teacher workforce composed of less experienced teachers.



Friendswood ISD, for example, had some of the smallest increases in base pay for public school teachers in the region from 2018-19 to 2022-23, and the districts average experience levels also dropped by close to two years overall in the same period. In other words, less experienced teachers composed more of the districts workforce in 2022-23 than in 2018-19.

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However, a younger workforce did not always correspond to slower growth in pay at area districts in the last five years, according to the Houston Chronicles analysis. At Damon ISD, where salaries increased by the highest percentage in the region, the average teacher experience decreased by almost three and a half years in the same period.

Of the 89 districts and charter schools in the Houston region, 23 outpaced the average state salary increase of 11% despite their average teacher experience levels decreasing or changing by less than one year.
The First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton celebrated 130 years of services in the Bitterroot Valley on Sunday with a gala event in its building on Main Street.

We believe were the oldest church in Hamilton, said Reverend Brianne Christiansen, Hamilton pastor since November of 2022. We think our charter, signed in 1892, was signed before Hamilton was formed. We believe the formation of the church outdates the formation of the town, just slightly.

The celebration included a church service, photos, a meal and history.

Glacier Presbytery Leader Reverend Chuck Carlson attended. He covers a network of churches, about half of the Presbyterian Churches in Montana.

He came, led the sermon and a prayer thanking God for the years of service and dedicating ourselves to serving the town for as God will have us serve, Christiansen said. We had a big meal, cake, and pictures through as many of the decades as we could find. We had community members and old friends join us. Our bell choir played for us and our chancel choir sang. We pulled out all the stops.

Christiansen said having the church stay constant for 130 years took effort and prayer. In her preparation for the celebration she read the history of the church that showed many challenges. On example was when the community was building the first Hamilton church in the 1900s, which is now Christs Bible Church on Fifth Street, the pastor wrote an article about how he didnt know where the money would come from.

He said, Well trust God to provide, she said. It made me smile because these people werent different from us. They had this journey of saying, we dont know whats next, and we are going to love people well, gather faithfully, and keep God in the center. That core of trusting God to lead to what is next, and not being scared if what is next is not what we were expecting, is going to be good.

She praised Hamilton as a welcoming and caring community and said the history shows those traits were strong all along.

One hundred and thirty years ago, the group that formed this church was from Corvallis, Stevensville, and all the surrounding towns coming together, Christiansen said. The church is still like that. It is a group of people who say worshiping God together is really important. We then go serve in various areas.

She said the welcoming feeling is what drew her to Hamilton.

Were here to encourage each other then we are sent back out to do our tasks and serve people, Christiansen said. I sensed it the second I walked in the door, these people love each other and I want to be part of a group of people who love each other.

She said many generation are still part of the church.

There are a lot of deep roots. Don Tibbs and Barbara Rose have roots that connect back to charter members in the First Presbyterian Church, Christiansen said. They are probably the longest, lineage-wise. This building used by the First Presbyterian Church was built in the '60s. Its cool to us that our original space [Christs Bible Church on Fifth Street] is still being used for worship.

Tibbs said the history of the First Presbyterian Church is important to the Bitterroot Valley.

We believe the first Presbyterian Church in the valley was in Stevensville, and then there was the one where Memories Cafe is at in Corvallis and the next one was in Grantsdale, it was sold to the Grantsdale Community Church for $1 when they built the one in Hamilton by the Catholic church, he said. Ravalli County was Missoula County then. In 1965 they built the Presbyterian Church on West Main Street.

He said there was a tie between the Grant family and Hamilton.

The Grants had the egg thing on the west side, Tibbs said. They first started Grantsdale. [Marcus] Daly wanted to buy Grantsdale but they wouldnt sell it to him so he built Hamilton.

Christianson said the community is invited to attend First Presbyterian Church.

On Sunday, Dec. 24, well have our normal Sunday-morning service at 10 a.m. then a Christmas Eve Evening Communion and Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m. We had our meal on Dec. 17 this year and will not have one on Dec. 25.
King Charles is said to give cheeky Christmas gifts to his staff.

The 75-year-old monarch leaves "funny little things" for his workers around the festive holidays, including in their lockers, according to his former butler-turned etiquette expert Grant Harrold.

Grant, 45, told the Daily Mirror: "One time he left a tin of salmon and one year I got a salt and pepper grinder wrapped in a ribbon

"He had probably been given a hamper and sometimes there would be a lot in them and he would give some of the bits to us."

Grant worked for Charles for seven years from 2004 to 2011, and added the king chose to leave the "funny little things" in their lockers' "pigeon holes," where his employees would typically receive their mail.

The former staffer said he thought it was "so bizarre" to receive such gifts because he didn't expect Charles, or any royal, to make such a gesture.

He added: "It shows that they've got that fun, practical side to them."

Grant also told how Charles also gives his employees "proper gifts".

He added: "For actual proper gifts would be things like tea cups and saucers or whiskey glasses.

"One year I got a lovely water jug. What would happen is, for example with the teacups, you would get them maybe two or three years in a row because there would be a whole set to collect."

Grant also said the royals give their staff their annual "famous Christmas card", adding: "Before he was married to the now Queen Consort, I remember getting Christmas cards from him, William and Harry and that was always quite special."

Prince Harry, 39, revealed in his memoir 'Spare' his relatives uphold the same tradition with each other.

He wrote that Princess Margaret once gave him a ballpoint pen.

His wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 42, joined in by giving him an ornament of Queen Elizabeth II in 2020.

Harry said in his book: "Meg had spotted it in a local store and thought I might like it. I held it to the light. It was Granny's face to a T.
Crime prevention liaison warning public of circulating counterfeit bills in Jose Maria Morelos

Jose Maria Morelos, Q.R.  Police in the municipality of Jose Maria Morelos are warning citizens about the circulation of fake bills. A series of fake 200 peso bills have recently been found used to pay for goods and services in Jose Maria Morelos.

Crime Prevention Liaison of the Public Security Directorate of Jose Maria Morelos, Natali Colli Chuc, has issued a public alert regarding the counterfeit bills. Colli Chuc says several 200-peso bills were found circulating in the municipalitys town of Dziuche.

She says the counterfeit bills have generated concern in the community. Given this, information has been sent to all businesses affiliated with the Secure Commerce program with the aim of preventing local businesses from becoming victims of fraud.

Colli Chuc indicated that the information is being shared with the purpose of raising awareness among citizens and merchants around the state about the existence of counterfeit bills in circulation.

She is urging people to be more alert, especially during the holiday season when cash flow tends to increase.

Crime Prevention liaison officer Natali Colli Chuc explains how to detect a fake bill. Photo: December 19, 2023.

Colli Chuc says counterfeit bills can be identified by various characteristics such as printing quality, colors and texture, among other details. For this reason, it is important that merchants carefully verify the bills received to avoid being victims of fraud.

She has also asked citizens who suspect counterfeit bills, to report them to authorities.
New Mexico-U.S. bypass along Texas border opened after 22 months of construction

Chihuahua, Mexico  Travelers along the U.S.  Mexico border are enjoying the newly constructed highway bypass. The new 32 kilometer long bypass along the Texas-Chihuahua border reduces travel time from one hour 20 minutes to 50 minutes.

The new Ciudad Juarez Highway bypass will serve more than 1.5 million drivers reported the Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), Jorge Nuno Lara.

He says the 32-kilometer-long project will contribute to improving the transit of goods, thereby eliminating the transportation burden with the United States, Mexicos main trading partner.

The new bypass will serve more than 1.5 million drivers. Photo: SICT December 19, 2023.

Thanks to this collaboration with that of the Texas government, it was possible to carry out the project that will provide greater security to vehicle traffic.

This is a great example in which two countries on a border are favorable on both the Mexican and the American side, he said.

He says transportation from both Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas, will benefit by avoiding cargo circulation through the cities. The bypass is useful for the industry, he said about the 22-month-long project.

Jorge Nuno Lara, seen here front center, tours the finished bypass project. Photo: SICT December 19, 2023.

The new road allows better connectivity by complementing the Mexico-Queretaro-Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua highway corridor and connecting quickly and safely to the Guadalupe/Tornillo International Bridge, he explained.

Nuno Lara was accompanied by the Undersecretary of Infrastructure, Jesus Felipe Verdugo Lopez, who said that the federal government has given priority to modernizing Mexicos border crossings.

The bypass reduces travel time from 1 hour 20 minutes to just 50 minutes. Photo: SICT December 19, 2023.

We have 59 along the entire border with the United States and we have been modernizing some of them, he said.
Suspects in targeted shooting of Canadian in Cancun detained on warrants

Cancun, Q.R.  Two men have been publicly announced as being arrested in relation to the targeted shooting death of a Canadian man. Quintana Roo authorities have announced the arrests of Luis Felipe N and Juan Pablo N, but did not say when they were arrested.

The State Attorney General (FGE) has reported their detainment on outstanding warrants for the December 15, 2023 shooting death of 37-year-old Canadian Samy Tamouro.

Tamouro was shot and killed while working out inside a Cancun gym on the morning of December 15. Shortly after the shooting, two men were seen leaving the area on a motorcycle. They were stopped by Cancun authorities and reportedly taken into custody on witness reports that the shooter escaped on a waiting motorcycle. However, police did not make a public statement regarding their possible involvement.

Two men were captured on city surveillance leaving the area after the shooting and taken into custody.

Photo: December 15, 2023

On Wednesday, almost a week after the shooting, state authorities have announced the arrests of two. Municipal and State Police managed to capture Luis Felipe N and Juan Pablo N, who were placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry for events that occurred on December 15 of this year, they said in their statement.

Intelligence and field investigations as well as C5 camera reviews, expert analyzes, and searches of a motel in Cancun carried out by personnel from the Specialized Prosecutors Office in Combating the Crime of Homicide, in coordination with elements of the State Police, pointed out that the detainees closely followed the victim days before the event to study his movements and subsequently, provide all the information collected to the material authors of the commission of this crime, the FGE detailed.

Police have not said what evidence was found or is being used at the upcoming hearing that could tie both men to the December murder of the Montreal man.

Tamouro had a lengthy criminal record in Montreal where he was connected to the Quebec chapter of the Hells Angels. In 2016, Tamouro was charged with varying offences and sentenced to 18 months in a Canadian prison before relocating to Cancun.
BLACKSBURG  According to the most recent report from the Alzheimers Association, one in 10 people above the age of 65 has Alzheimers disease.

Its the most common form of dementia, though many more suffer from similar disorders.

Xiaoting Jia, an associate professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, has worked for more than a decade to understand how Alzheimers affects the brain, and how to slow its effects.

Jias particular area of expertise is neural fiber, extremely small, strand-shaped devices that can be filled with electrodes and sensors to both provide in-depth imaging from deep in the brain, as well as provide some types of treatment, either through electrical stimulation or through direct application of medications.

Jia, along with neuroscientist and long-time collaborator Harald Sontheimer and brain imaging technology expert Song Hu, have received a high-priority, short-term $795,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to create a new, multi-purpose or, as Jia puts it, bi-directional neural fiber, capable of providing diagnostic information and directed treatment for Alzheimers.

The fiber would be able to both read-out and write-in, Jia said. It would have electrodes inserted to scan neuroactivity, and stimulate neuron activity.

The team will have only about a year to work, based on the initial grant, though Jia says that the grant is transitional, meaning once they present their research, they will likely be awarded another, five-year grant to continue their work.

Some of the stories Ive seen on this have said that weve solved the problem, or that we will solve it in one year, Jia said. This work will more likely take a lot longer than is laid out in this grant.

The goal of the project, from an imaging standpoint, is first to pin down what causes Alzheimers to develop. According to Jia, it has long been suspected that Alzheimers develops from amyloid protein deposits in the hippocampus region of the brain, which may lead to decreased blood flow and neuron death. However, due to limitations in our current ability to see images of deeper regions of the brain like the hippocampus, the relationship is still unclear.

Once more in-depth imaging is achieved, the next goal of the project is to use electrical stimulation to help reestablish bloodflow and, ultimately, to administer anti-amyloid drugs using the fiber.

The goals of the project are complicated and ambitious and, according to Jia, are only possible with experts from many different disciplines working closely together.

For engineers, we have this capacity to be very creative in terms of solutions for problems, Jia said. For other disciplines, like neuroscience, everything starts with an understanding of the problem, and people spend years working to understand the problems. It is important for engineers to work alongside others to understand the problems, and to get their hands dirty in the lab, testing the solutions.

Jia has devoted a large part of her career as an engineer working alongside neuroscientists. Her grandmother and other members of her family have suffered from Alzheimers, she said, and her personal connection with the horrors of the disease have led her to use her own expertise to help others to help treat the as-yet incurable disorder.

As an engineer, I look for problems to solve, and Ive always been interested in brain disorders, Jia said. Many members of my family have been affected by the disease, and Ive seen how bad it can be.
Jack Chamberlain retired early from The Roanoke Times in 1993, back in the glory days when newspaper buyouts were actually worth something.

At the time he was 56 and the assistant editor in our New River Valley bureau. His wife, Jo, a former schoolteacher, was in her 40s. Together they raised three children in Cave Spring. One son, Steve, still lives in Botetourt County.

Beginning in 1963 (a few months before the Kennedy assassination) Chamberlain authored all kinds of stories in The Roanoke Times, from petty crimes to felony trials, feature articles, even theater reviews. For 18 years he covered public education, probably the beat for which he was best known.

But things change. Now the building he worked from is owned by Roanokes school system.

How ironic, after all the grief I gave them, Chamberlain told me Wednesday.

For decades, the couple have lived on Virginias Northern Neck, a stones throw from the Chesapeake Bay. Thats where they frequently sailed their beloved 33-foot Cape Dory, Maggie Rose.

A few years ago, we realized we werent going sailing anymore, Chamberlain told me Wednesday. It was fun until it wasnt, he added.

Indeed, climbing off a sailboat onto a bulkhead in your 80s can be tricky.

So the Chamberlains sold the Maggie Rose to a couple in Texas. Now, Jack and Jo are adventuring on highways, pulling a Casita travel trailer behind their Toyota Tacoma. And Jack still writes his annual holiday newsletter.

Im one of 200 or so folks on its distribution list. Jacks 2023 dispatch checks in at four single-spaced pages, far longer than normal.

It recounts a two-month, eight-state, 6,400-mile drive to and from the American Southwest, with the couples two mutts  Ginger, 12, and Boo, 7.

Jack had never visited the Southwest, although many moons ago (following college at Radford) Jo lived and worked on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico.

I must explain that our adventures dont just happen, Jack wrote. Jo decides where were going, when were going and how were going to get there. I stay out of the way while Jo packs the camper and truck like complex puzzles.

Fearless Jack takes care of the driving in devil-may-care style. However, it does focus my attention when a pair of 18-wheelers tries to squeeze us into a Casita sandwich, he wrote.

This year, their misadventures began on day one, in March.

The travel trailer needed a minor electrical repair. A friend planned to meet them and fix it at Pocahontas State Park, south of Richmond. But instead the Chamberlains ended up at Powhatan State Park, north and west of the city.

Easy to confuse, eh?

Eventually, they found their friend in the correct place. He fixed their trailer, which is when Jo realized shed lost one of two electronic key fobs to the Tacoma. From that point on I held onto mine like a bear trap, Jack wrote.

By March 25  Jacks birthday  they were tooling along a highway outside Nashville on day five of the adventure.

We noticed a young man in a small car waving his arms. How did he know it was my 86th birthday? Jack wrote.

Turns out, the guy had no idea. Instead, he was shouting that something had blown off our camper, Jack wrote. Something proved to be crates full of camping gear necessary for their trip.

Everything we needed to set up camp was scattered for miles on the highway behind us, Jack wrote. Traffic zoomed by. We didnt risk trying to retrieve anything. Thats what Walmart is for.

The other drivers name was Lucas, and the Chamberlains airborne gear had damaged his cars frame, a side-view mirror and popped one of Lucass tires. For his 86th birthday, Jack helped Lucas change it.

Our insurance must have done him right, Jack wrote. Never heard from him again.

In Corpus Christi, Texas, they visited their old boat, the Maggie Rose, and the couple who bought it.

Then we attended two camper rallies, where I impulsively outbid everybody at a silent auction for a new Fender acoustic guitar, Jack wrote.

The thing is, I have no idea how to play a guitar, Jack added. But I fell in love with the beautiful woodwork. Jo bought me a Guitar for Dummies book. I still have no idea how to tune it. The guitar, not the book, he wrote.

They successfully avoided tornadoes in west Texas, saw lots of UFO kitsch in Roswell, New Mexico, and eventually found their way to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

Fifty years earlier Jo and her sisters had climbed through the ancient cliff dwellings of ancient people. This time we were the ancient people who viewed the ancient cliff dwellings from afar, Jack wrote in the letter.

In Utah, the travel trailers battery died, necessitating an unplanned 50-mile trip to get a new one. Eventually, they wound up in Williams, Arizona. There, Jack got his kicks by picking up a Route 66 T-shirt.

We left the dogs in doggie day care and climbed aboard a 100-year-old restored Pullman car on the Grand Canyon Railway. It took two hours and 30 minutes to travel 63 miles over the high desert. Top speed: 35 mph.

We saw rocks, boulders, pine trees and wild horses, Jack wrote. Kind of like a Western movie, the train stopped for cows. We were entertained by a Jesse James train robbery, cowboy guitar playing and western songs by a Dolly Parton lookalike. I loved the clickety-clack of the rails.

The train delivered them to a hotel, where the travelers climbed on a bus to see the best sites. Jack was anxious to finally lay his eyes on the Grand Canyon.

The bus driver was a nice guy, but he tended to do more talking than driving, wrote Jack. Lets go! I implored. The Canyon is eroding as we speak!

Everyone on the bus erupted at the one-liner, Jack told me later.

The rest of Jack and Jos great adventure was less eventful. One day in May, the couple rolled back to their home in Lancaster, Virginia.

That where they found the Tacomas long-lost electronic key fob, still in the gravel driveway where it had errantly fallen two months earlier.

What are the odds, huh?

The Chamberlains are planning to hit the road again early in 2024, bound for a campground in Juniper Springs, Florida.

Cross your fingers and knock on wood. You might even want to say a silent prayer for that upcoming adventure.

Drop Jack an email at jackchamberlain49@gmail.com  and youll might get a chance to read about it this time next year, in the 2024 edition of Jacks always-fun-to-read holiday letter.
Preliminary data indicates that as of Dec. 20, 813 people have lost their lives on Virginia roadways this year  76 fewer traffic deaths than in 2022 as of this same date, according to state police.

And with that, state police is asking Virginians to drive safely in the coming days, so that everyone can safely reach their holiday destinations, according a news release from the agency.

This year, Virginia appears to have reversed the trend of increasing traffic deaths, said Col. Gary T. Settle, state police superintendent, in the release. Fortunately, the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday weekend experienced a decrease of eight traffic deaths, from 19 to 11, on Virginias highways. But that is still 11 too many. To prevent more tragedy from occurring on our roads during the coming holidays, we need all Virginians to buckle up, drive distraction free, comply with speed limits and always drive sober.

In November, Mothers Against Drunk Driving launched its #ToGetThere Campaign, saying Americans face 21 million chances they or a loved one could face a drunk driver over the holidays (between Nov. 1 and Jan. 1). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 1,000 people died in drunk driving crashes nationwide in December 2021 (the most recent year data was available), which was the highest number since 2007, according to the state police release.

There are several options to be able to get home safely if someone is drinking:

- Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a friend, call family, call a cab or use public transportation.

- If you know someone who has been drinking, do not let them drive. Arrange another safe way home.

- Remain alert for impaired drivers and do not hesitate to notify law enforcement by dialing #77 (hands free only or have a passenger call) to notify your nearest Virginia State Police Emergency Communications Center.

With increased traffic on Virginia roadways during the winter holiday season, state police, in its news release, also warns travelers of Virginias expanded Move Over law. The law now requires drivers to either move over a lane, or slow down, when passing any vehicle stopped along the side of the roadway, when that vehicle is displaying flashing emergency lights, hazard lights, warning signs or flares.
ABINGDON  Her father was a coal miner. So was her grandfather. Even her great-grandfather toiled the harsh conditions of the underground environment that was dark, damp and often dangerous.

The arduous work her family did to put food on the table never quite leaves the mind  and heart  of Tabitha Estep, a Big Stone Gap native.

Estep is paying tribute to her heritage with the opening of a new store front in Abingdon she fondly named Heart & Coal Boutique.

At 45, Estep has taken the business world by storm.

After dabbling in retail management for a number of years, she has started her own boutique designed to serve women in all sizes who are looking for fashionable clothing at affordable prices.

While it may be a daunting idea to launch a clothing boutique, Estep had a vision all along of what she wanted the business to be.

Growing up in Big Stone Gap, Esteps first exposure to a boutique was when she went prom dress shopping.

I grew up in a very poor community where boutiques were not a thing at all. We had to drive an hour or more to shop. We just didnt have that luxury in our town at that time.

Thats all changed, she said.

Estep said her Main Street store has something for every woman.

The store carries a variety of sizes from small to 3X and jeans from sizes 0 to 26.

Most of the shirts and sweaters in the store are priced $28 and under. The jeans are more expensive because they are boutique brands like Kancan and Judy Blue, said the businesswoman.

I think affordability and a diverse inventory sets this store apart from others, she said, pointing out everything from slippers to sweaters to earrings and purses.

These Wrangler bags are really popular now, Estep said.

Straw toppers for Stanley Cups are probably one of the most cutest accessories in the store. Theyre only $4 so its a great little stocking stuffer.

Estep features seasonal items such as her custom engraved wooden ornaments for Christmas. Shes planning something creative for Valentines Day. I havent quite decided yet, she said.

Owning and managing a business just comes natural to the Jonesborough, Tennessee, resident.

As early as age three, she was learning to count money while playing store with her grandmother.

After high school, Estep received a real estate and finance degree from Appalachian State University in 2000. She later became a medical assistant and officer manager after the real estate market took a plunge in the early 2000s.

She later earned a masters degree in human resources from King University in 2016. I like school, humorously said Estep, who has even received a Juris Doctorate degree from an online law school.

The flexibility of owning a business allowed her to launch her first boutique as an online business when she was a graduate school student. That helped me pay for cable so my young sons could watch television while I studied, she laughed.

In addition to her Abingdon boutique store, Estep owns Coal Miners Daughter Mercantile, a series of Tennessee vendor stores in Pigeon Forge, Greeneville, and Johnson City, and also a store in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

She recently acquired the Abingdon General Store on Main Street where she plans to open another Coal Miners Daughter Mercantile store this winter.

The local boutique is among a growing number of retail businesses that cater to the local clientele.

According to an article published by Forbes in 2018, the number of independent retailers in the country is growing because customers are looking for a shopping experience  something Amazon doesnt deliver.

Independent fashion boutiques are becoming the new small big box stores, offering opportunities for consumers to shop local as a way of supporting the community.

One reason for the increase, according to Forbes, is the independent stores are like style educators.

Sarah Vergara, assistant manager at Heart & Coal Boutique, often helps customers mix and match outfits in the store. We can help you put together an outfit from head to toe, said Estep. Some of our customers lack the time  and the know-how  when it comes to selecting what goes together. Were here to help.

Social media also is important for success, but Estep doesnt rely on it.

She regularly posts new arrivals in the store on Facebook to catch the eye of customers, but the best shopping experience happens in the store where personal connections are made, she said.

Estep doesnt necessarily want to compete with other boutique shops in town. Instead, she is striving to build a business that represents todays customers.

Perhaps, thats what the heart in her business name stands for. Im putting my heart into this store.

Heart & Coal Boutique, located at 207 West Main Street in Abingdon, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Check out Heart & Coal Boutique on Facebook and Instagram.
More than 20 years after then-Gov. Jim Gilmore failed to fully repeal the so-called "car tax," another Republican governor is preparing to take a swing at the local government levy on personal vehicles that Virginians love to hate.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin confirmed on Tuesday that he is considering proposals to do away with the local tax on personal property  which he called "the most hated tax in Virginia"  by finding new sources of revenue for local governments to replace it.

It is despised to such a universal degree that there is nothing I hear more complaints about as I travel across the commonwealth of Virginia than the car tax, Youngkin said in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Eliminating the car tax is a complicated and challenging endeavor, the governor said. I believe there is a path to eliminate it, but it requires full cooperation from Republicans and Democrats, executive branch and legislators, local leaders and state leaders in order to take the big step of permanently eliminating this most hated tax."

The car tax has traditionally been particularly unpopular in Northern Virginia, because rates are higher and the taxes come due in the fall, not long before kids start making Christmas lists.

In Northern Virginia the car tax rate for most vehicles is $4.57 per $100 of assessed value in Fairfax County, $5 in Arlington County and $5.33 in the city of Alexandria.

A proposal to eliminate the tax won't be part of the two-year budget that Youngkin will propose to the assembly money committees on Wednesday, but the governor intends to mention the possibility in his speech to lawmakers. It comes three weeks before a new, Democratic-controlled legislature convenes for a 60-day session with forecasts of revenues barely keeping pace with current obligations.

Such a proposal would now have to get through two chambers led by Democrats, who flipped control of the House of Delegates while holding the Senate in the Nov. 7 elections.

The details of the plan are not yet clear, but the governor indicated that the path to eliminating the car tax leads to changes in Virginia's sales tax, both in its rate and structure.

There is opportunity with our sales tax rate, particularly when compared with the rates and structures of other states, to provide capacity to explore eliminating the car tax, Youngkin said Tuesday.

Sending a signal

The administration signaled its intention last week. The Virginia Department of Taxation sent an email inquiry to every locally elected commissioner of revenue in Virginia to gather data about a tax that varies widely from local government to local government, making it hard to devise a statewide plan that treats each locality equitably.

In an email to the commissioners, the tax department asked for this information: the local personal property tax rate on vehicles; the number of vehicles subject to the tax in each locality; the assessed value of the vehicles; and the total tax levy, Winchester Commissioner of Revenue Ann Burkholder confirmed on Tuesday.

Burkholder, who serves as president of the Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia, said the tax department requested the information for 2021, 2022, 2023 and projected for 2024.

"It is a complicated issue," she said.

Gilmore's effort

So complicated that it confounded Gilmore, who won election as governor in 1997 with a simple, bumper-sticker slogan: "No Car Tax."

Repealing the car tax proved much more difficult and expensive for the state. It is spending $950 million in its general tax funds each year to compensate local governments for partial elimination of the tax, or about 70%. Virginians still pay the tax, but not for the vehicle's entire value. The state reimburses localities for the amount of revenue they lose.

"The car tax is a pretty hated tax in the commonwealth of Virginia, but it also is a pretty significant revenue source for local government," said Del. Joe McNamara, R-Roanoke County, a certified public accountant who has been a valuable ally for Youngkin in other tax policy battles, such as the elimination of the state's portion of the sales tax on groceries last year.

McNamara acknowledged last week that "the car tax has been talked about" by the Youngkin administration and that he has been involved in those discussions "to some degree."

He also said it won't be easy.

"To completely eliminate the car tax will take a pretty significant investment," he said.

Youngkin won't try to replace the local reimbursement already provided in the budget, even though doing so would free up almost $1 billion a year in general tax funds for other priorities.

"That's a pretty big undertaking," said Dean Lynch, executive director of the Virginia Association of Counties, which learned late last week of the request sent to the commissioners of the revenue.

The challenge is finding a uniform method to replace a tax that is levied at different rates across 131 localities, with varying effects based on the number of vehicles and their value.

Local governments say they cannot afford to lose the tax without something to replace it. They have fewer sources of revenue than the state to pay for services they deliver to their residents and depend primarily on taxing real estate - whether homes or business, The Dillon Rule doctrine limits their taxation powers to those that the General Assembly and governor explicitly allow.

"Localities can't just come up with their sources of revenue," said Burkholder in Winchester.

Out of elected office since 2002, Gilmore ran for the U.S. Senate in 2008 and made longshot bids for the GOP presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016.

He continues to advocate for full repeal of the car tax.

In an opinion column for the Richmond Times-Dispatch two years ago, the former governor said the public "enthusiastically embraced the car-tax cut" in his 1997 gubernatorial campaign and the General Assembly's decision the next year to begin phasing out the levy.

"Even now ... I am approached almost every day by random citizens who thank me for that partial tax relief that continues today," he wrote.

Gilmore blamed "big government spenders, including liberal Republicans" for balking at phasing out the tax before he left office and then permanently capping it in 2004 under then Gov. Mark Warner, a Democrat, and a Republican-controlled assembly.
Attorney Jasmine Simmons of Lone Star Legal Aid looks through dozens of eviction cases outside of the courtroom at the Justice of the Peace Court 5-1 on Chimney Rock Rd. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023. Lone Star Legal Aid and other organizations helped tenants fill out rental assistance applications on the spot in courthouses. Annie Mulligan/Contributor

Houston and Harris Countys joint rental assistance fund, which aided tens of thousands of renters and their landlords, has shut down as of Thursday, according to a Houston Housing and Community Development Department email shared with the Houston Chronicle. A spokesperson for Catholic Charities, which administered the fund, confirmed that it had closed but did not specify the date.

The fund was part of a series of sweeping eviction interventions during the pandemic, which caused a historic spike in unemployment as many businesses shut down in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Houston-Harris County fund, originally named the Houston-Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, received at least $320 million in federal funding and was among the fastest in the nation to establish a rent relief program and distribute aid. A portion of those funds was reallocated from local governments, such as Montgomery County, which had been slower to distribute aid.

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We are aware that there were many, many tenants who were able to (use the program to) get back on their feet, said Dana Karni, litigation director for the nonprofit Lone Star Legal Aid. So we know it was very, very successful.  (It helped) prevent families from entering a deeper level of Dantes infernos of poverty hell by keeping them in the same homes, keeping them in the same schools, keeping them in the same communities.

Dan Potter, senior director of research at Rice Universitys Kinder Institute for Urban Research, said that because emergency rent relief was rolled out at the same time as an eviction moratorium and unemployment benefits, it was hard to parse out the impact of rent relief on its own. Nonetheless, when the Kinder Institute polled Houstonians in the lead-up to this falls mayoral election, it found that 77% supported creating a permanent emergency rental assistance fund. Support was also not concentrated in a specific demographic. It is across the board, he said.

Implementing a permanent emergency rental assistance fund, he acknowledged, would come with a price tag. Efforts to try to stand this up with only local dollars will probably have limited impact, he said, arguing that state or national funding would probably be needed to set up a meaningful long-term program.

Betsy Ballard, spokesperson for Catholic Charities, also warned that those supporting a permanent emergency rental assistance fund should not expect something on the scale of what was seen during the pandemic. This was an extraordinary time in our history, she said, and its unlikely that wed see that amount of funding become available again.

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The rental assistance has been gradually winding down for two years. Around the beginning of 2022, the fund had spent most of its rental assistance. It then moved from proactively funding landlords to help keep families in place as soon as they fell behind on rent to focusing only on landlords that had already filed evictions. At the time, a spokesperson explained that the decision had been made in order to dedicate the remaining resources to tenants with the most urgent needs. That month, eviction filings soared past their pre-COVID average for the first time since the pandemic, according to Princetons Eviction Lab. The fund was eventually renamed the Houston-Harris County Eviction Intervention Program.

Since then, eviction filings have risen even higher.

Our eviction numbers are absolutely staggering, Karni said. Its not a big wave that came in after the pandemic thats going to subside.  Its the new norm.

An Eviction Lab study released this December found that evictions have measurable health impacts. A filing alone was associated with a 19% increase in mortality, and an eviction judgment was associated with a 40% increase. Carl Gershenson, one of the authors of the study, said the findings suggested that it was better to intervene to stabilize someones housing situation earlier rather than later.

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Howard Bookstaff, legal counsel for the Houston Apartment Association, agreed. He said that looking back at emergency rental assistance, his biggest takeaways are that speed and proactivity are of the essence. He said landlords prefer to be able to apply for assistance before an eviction. They also stressed that assistance comes as soon as possible because mortgage, insurance, utilities, taxes and maintenance costs do not stop when rental income does. Also, the longer a tenant is delinquent, the more a tenant-landlord relationship sours, he said. He said there is also a need for a relocation assistance fund, which could theoretically help a tenant avoid eviction and move into a place they can afford while freeing up the unit for another tenant.
Bear with me, but frankly,I feel sorry for the soldiers of the Israeli Defense force who killed three hostages they were supposed to be rescuing. If the news reports are accurate, these three men were waving a makeshift white flag, they were shirtless, and one was shouting in Hebrew, trying to identify himself as on the IDFs side.

Dont get me wrong. I cant condone what those IDF soldiers did. But I do understand it. Hamas fighters dont wear uniforms, and when soldiers are unable to identify friend from foe, the temptation is to shoot first and ask questions later.

War has a way of devolving into an existential situation. The only moral touchstone becomes whether or not an act enhances your own chances of survival.

Hence, I would bet the IDF soldiers in question were afraid they were facing a false-flag trap  that those three men could have been Hamas fighters trying to lure them into an ambush.

On the other hand, the soldiers who ignored that white flag may have just been so hateful and scared that they were hell-bent on killing anyone not immediately recognizable as one of their own. Combat infantrymen can get that way, and I do understand the mindset. One night in Vietnam, I very well could have acted as those IDF soldiers did.

It was the fall of 1967. I was a Marine rifleman serving with a combined-action (U.S. and Vietnamese) unit, and I was charged with leading a night ambush patrol. We left our compound after midnight and set up at a trail junction just outside one of the larger hamlets in our tactical area of responsibility.

It was just starting to get light when we heard someone coming down the trail. We were sorely tempted to open fire as soon as we could make out the shadowy figure against an even darker backdrop. The Marine who had set in next to me, whispered, Do you want to open up? Something told me to wait, even though the figure we were focused on seemed to be carrying something that could have been a rifle.

When in doubt, shoot was the conventional wisdom in Vietnam, and as the patrol leader I almost acceded. But I realized that something was not quite right with this apparition moving steadily toward us. The gait was sprightly, even nonchalant, and we suddenly realized he was dressed all in white and carrying an umbrella. Hold your fire! I shouted. Its only an old man.

White is the color of mourning in Vietnam. The old man may have been going to a funeral in a neighboring village. We took him into custody and turned him over to the village chief, who probably only warned him about the dangers of breaking curfew and sent him on his way.

I have no doubt that, had we been of a mind to, we could have murdered that old man with impunity. Anyone out after dark was presumed to be VC. And had it been raining that night  had we been cold, wet, and miserable  had this happened after Dec. 4, when we lost a man, there might have been a different outcome. And it would have been dismissed as one of the fortunes of warcollateral damage occasioned by the victims own folly in venturing out before sunrise.

Still, I know I personally wouldnt have gotten away with it.

The image of an old Vietnamese man dressed in white and carrying an umbrella would have haunted me for the rest of my life. I was lucky.

Those IDF soldiers were not so lucky. They reacted the way I very well may have.

Hemingway had a phrase for the mindset of soldiers who could do what those IDF soldiers did: A way youll never be. I was. Im not anymore, and Im thankful for that.
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FLORENCE, S.C.  Florence Lions gathered Friday night as they have for years beyond memory to pack food bags to be distributed to those in need  a project that has benefited about 23,000 families since its inception.

Florence Lions Club, each year its tradition we package up groceries and deliver them to needy families in the area, said project Chairman Mike Singletary. We do about 100 a year and well be able to do that this year. I think we added it up recently for the club. Weve served 23,000 families since weve been doing Good Fellows projects.

Its possible none of the current club members were around when the club launched the project.

This project started back in the Depression era (1929-1939) and weve been doing it ever since, Singletary said of the program last year. From what I understand, they had peach baskets theyd fill with food and go into the low-income neighborhoods and hand them out.

The staging area was a portion of the warehouse at Ferguson Enterprises and those on hand dressed against the winter weather.

From canned ham to cooking oil each family received two bags designed to provide a Christmas meal with plenty left over. The bags also contained a Christmas wish from the club.

The Friday night crew consisted of Lions, their spouses, children and great-grandchildren who walked bags down an assembly line while others filled the bags one can/bag at a time.

The bags were stored by the docks loading doors where, Saturday morning, club members returned to pick up their bags for delivery.

Jim Peterson, a member of the club since 1981, said there were more than a few fond memories of the project.

There are too many of them to start listing. The faces of some of the folks receiving the stuff and just the feeling you have knowing youre trying to do something good for folks, Peterson said between delivering full bags to the staging area.

The program is funded by the clubs annual fundraiser  a Christmas motorcycle toy run that happens the first Sunday of December.

Our objective was to bless folks who could use a blessing this time of year, but were the ones who get blessed, Singletary said. Its a great feeling to give back to the community, especially when it gets to the right people who need it the most. Its a great lesson. We may not have everything but appreciate what we do have.

PHOTOS: Florence Lions Good Fellows
Oracle partners with Claro to bring a world-class public cloud to Colombia

Oracle continues to expand its global cloud region footprint with 47th public cloud region

Organizations benefit from OCI's high performance and security, powerful data and analytics, and distributed cloud capabilities

AUSTIN, Texas and BOGOTA, Colombia, Dec. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle today announced the opening of an Oracle Cloud Region in Colombia in partnership with Claro, becoming the first major cloud provider to establish a public cloud region in the country. Claro is one of the host partners for the new Oracle Cloud Bogota Region, and through its partnership with Oracle it becomes the first telecommunications operator to offer Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) services to organizations across Colombia.

Oracle Logo (PRNewsfoto/Oracle)

"Establishing a cloud region in Colombia is a reflection of Oracle's commitment to the country's technological development," said German Borromei, managing director, Oracle Colombia and Ecuador. "With the new region we are helping to accelerate the adoption of cloud solutions, democratize access to innovative technology, support the modernization of organizations, and foster their growth to help them achieve success in a competitive business environment."

Part of Oracle's distributed cloud strategy, the new region is Oracle's 47th public cloud region and offers Oracle Cloud's full capabilities across more than 100 OCI services and cloud applications to migrate, modernize, and innovate, including Oracle Autonomous Database, MySQL HeatWave Database Service, Oracle Container Engine for Kubernetes, Oracle Cloud VMware Solution, and AI infrastructure.

"Partnering with Oracle to establish the first public cloud region in Bogota is a major milestone in Colombia's technological evolution, as the new region will help accelerate the digital transformation of businesses nationwide  including small and medium-sized enterprises, which represent 90 percent of businesses in Colombia," said Carlos Zenteno, president, Claro Colombia. "Oracle selected our data center, certified with ICREA 5, so that organizations in Colombia and other countries like Peru, Ecuador, and Panama gain access to innovative cloud services with low latency and high availability."

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"Public cloud infrastructure, such as the new region Oracle is opening in the Colombian territory, generates impact not only on the country's economy but also brings social benefits and the generation of new opportunities," said Saul Kattan, senior presidential advisor for digital transformation, Colombia. "For this reason, we are designing a plan to leverage the cloud for its data and analytics capabilities, as well as training specialized digital talent, which will contribute to the purpose of making Colombia a more productive country. With this type of project, we must be at the forefront."

"Colombia's technology industry continues to grow thanks to projects like this," said Mauricio Lizcano, minister, Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies. "It is encouraging to see the opening of the first public cloud region in our country, as it will have a significant impact on Colombia's businesses and economy, helping to create a wide range of growth opportunities."

Oracle and Claro Collaborate to Help Drive Cloud Adoption Across Colombia

Co-located in Claro's data center in Bogota, the Oracle Cloud Bogota Region gives organizations access to a wide range of cloud services to modernize their applications, innovate with data and analytics, migrate mission-critical workloads from their data centers to OCI, and help address regulatory compliance and data residency requirements. Via its partnership with Oracle, Claro offers OCI services to public and private sector organizations across Colombia.

OCI's Global Ecosystem Helps Ease and Accelerate Cloud Adoption

OCI's extensive network of more than 90 global and regional OCI FastConnect partners offers organizations dedicated connectivity to Oracle Cloud Regions and OCI services. FastConnect provides an easy, flexible, and cost-effective way to create a dedicated, private network connection with higher bandwidth, lower latency, and more consistent performance versus public, Internet-based connections. FastConnect partners available at launch of the Oracle Cloud Bogota Region include Cirion, Claro, Equinix, and Ufinet.

A Focus on Driving Sustainable Operations Across the Globe

Underscoring its ongoing focus on sustainability, Oracle has committed to matching all worldwide Oracle Cloud Regions with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, including the Oracle Cloud Bogota Region. Several Oracle Cloud Regions are already powered by 100 percent renewable energy, which enables organizations to run their computing services more sustainably and with a lower carbon footprint. To further advance its commitment to sustainable operations, Oracle and its asset recovery partners recycled 99.7 percent of retired hardware they collected in FY'23.

Helping Customers Harness the Benefits of the Cloud

Banco Falabella is a banking institution with a 20-year history of serving more than six million customers across Latin America. With a presence in Colombia, Peru, and Chile, the bank is using the Oracle Cloud Santiago Region and plans to use the Oracle Cloud Bogota Region. With Oracle, Banco Falabella has taken a leap in modernizing its banking core and implemented a digital strategy that would provide stability, technological robustness, resilience, scalability, obsolescence control, and competitive advantages in the face of the new realities of the market.

"We formed in-person teams in Falabella's offices, and we have teams connected remotely from several countries around the world to achieve cloud migration success, and we're seeing the results of our strategy," said Javier Martin, head of operations & IT department, Banco Falabella Colombia. "We managed to reduce the time needed for critical processes drastically, but above all we are convinced that Oracle's cloud regions enable us to support the obsolescence, resilience, and scalability of our critical platforms."

Oracle's Distributed Cloud Delivers the Benefits of Cloud with Greater Control and Flexibility

Oracle's distributed cloud offers customers all the advantages of cloud with greater control over operations as well as data residency and proximity. It also offers customers low latency, even for operations spanning multiple clouds. In total, Oracle manages 66 cloud regions across 26 countries, including public and dedicated regions. All deployment options offer more than 100 cloud services across infrastructure and applications to support IT migration, modernization, and innovation. OCI services and pricing are consistent across deployment types to simplify planning, portability, and management.

OCI's distributed cloud lineup supports:

Multicloud Options including Oracle Database@Azure, MySQL HeatWave on AWS, and Oracle Interconnect for Azure allow customers to combine key capabilities from across clouds.

Hybrid cloud OCI delivers key cloud services on-premises via Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer and Compute Cloud@Customer and is already managing deployments in over 60 countries.

Public cloud Forty-seven hyperscale public cloud regions across 24 countries serve any size of organization, including those requiring strict EU sovereignty controls. See the full list of regions here.

Dedicated cloudCustomers can run all OCI cloud services in their own data centers with OCI Dedicated Region, while partners can resell OCI cloud services and customize the experience using Oracle Alloy. Oracle also operates separate US, UK, and Australian Government Clouds, and Isolated Cloud Regions for US national security purposes.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Oracle Cloud Regions

Learn more about Oracle Cloud Infrastructure

About Oracle

Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com.

Trademarks

Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing.

About Claro Colombia

Claro is the mobile telecommunications operator with the largest coverage in Colombia. It carries its 2G, 3G and 4G signal to 1,098 municipalities in the country with a network of more than 9,600 base stations and has more than 37 million users who have chosen it as their mobile voice and data services operator. It also offers fixed telephony, broadband Internet and closed television services to more than 3 million homes.

Cision

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Unknown phone call (left) and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) logo (Photos: Getty Images and Edgar Su/Reuters)

SINGAPORE  Since January, a total of 41 victims have lost at least $2.6 million to scammers who pretended to be Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) officers over phone calls.

The scammers allegedly claimed to be from, or acted on behalf of the finance-sector authority, said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and MAS in a joint release on Thursday (21 December).

How the scams were conducted

The victims would first receive unsolicited calls from a scammer impersonating as a MAS bank officer. The scammer would request to verify banking transactions allegedly conducted by the victims.

Upon the victims' denial of such transactions or possession of bank cards, the scammer would transfer the call to a second scammer, who claimed to be an MAS officer. The second scammer would then accuse victims of their involvements in criminal activities such as money laundering and fraud. Victims may even be transferred to a third scammer, who pretended to be an SPF officer, for further investigation.

The scammers would then use different excuses like investigation, resetting credit card magnetic stripe, and processing of government insurance policy to get the victims to transfer money to so-called "security accounts", claiming these are authorised by SPF, MAS or other authorities. On other occasions, they asked for banking credentials, credit card details or One-Time Passwords (OTPs).

Victims would later realise they had been scammed when the culprits became uncontactable, or when they subsequently checked with the banks or police.

Warning and safety measures from authorities

MAS and SPF would like to remind that public that its officers would never ask the public to transfer monies, or for control over their bank accounts or internet banking credentials. Both authorities also warned that scammers may misuse the names of actual police officers to gain the trust of victims, and to remain alert to unsolicited messages or calls pretending to be from MAS or banks.

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"Never disclose your internet/mobile banking or credit card details such as bank account user IDs, passwords, Personal Identification Numbers or OTPs to anyone through phone, email or SMS/messaging applications," MAS and SPF advised.

"Do not allow anyone to access your bank accounts or Singpass, and do not authorise any authentication request via digital token or OTP if you did not initiate any internet/mobile banking transaction."

The public is also encouraged to use the new feature introduced by DBS, OCBC and UOB banks to lock up their savings, and secure themselves against unauthorised digital transfers or payments.

Safety measures like downloading the ScamShield app, setting up security features by enabling two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication for banks, and setting transaction limits for internet banking transactions including PayNow, can be adopted.

The public can check for scam signs with official sources  like the Anti-Scam Helpline (1800-7226688), the Scam Alert website, and the ScamShield WhatsApp bot. Those who have any information on the scams can contact the police hotline (1800-2550000), or submit information on the I-Witness e-service. For urgent police assistance, they may also dial 999.

The police recently reported that at least 10 victims lost $9,000 to an IRAS impersonation email phishing scam.

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.
Belgium's Chief of Defence has highlighted concerns about a potential Russian threat to Moldova and the Baltic States, during a recent interview with VRT News.

Michel Hofman pointed to Russia's ominous pivot towards a war economy, and emphasised that Europe must be prepared for any and all eventualities.

"We see that Russia has switched to a war economy," he said. "I think we are right to be concerned. The language used by the Kremlin and by President Vladimir Putin is always ambiguous. It is possible that they might open a second front at some point in the future, in Moldova, or in the Baltic states."

Drawing parallels with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Admiral Hofman urged European nations to be vigilant, claiming Moldova and the Baltic countries - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - as the likeliest next targets on Russia's agenda.

During the interview with VRT News' defence editor Jens Franssen, Hofman also acknowledged the ambiguity in Putin's language.

He stressed that European nations need to demonstrate their ability to defend themselves.

While the Baltic states have long been concerned about Russian aggression, things are especially tense when it comes to Moldova, which shares a border with Ukraine.

Of particular concern is Transnistria, a disputed region where the Kremlin wields substantial influence.

There have long been fears that Russia could invoke its claim to the region as a pretext for military aggression, as it has done not just in Ukraine but in countries like Georgia.

The Baltic three are under NATO's protection, but many say the need for preparedness is crucial.

An attack by Putin's troops on Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania would dramatically escalate tensions and force the alliance to act under its policy of collective responsibility, a requirement that does not apply in the case of non-member Ukraine.
STORM LAKE, Iowa -- After 17 years of mental health evaluations and treatment, a Storm Lake man accused of killing his brother and trying to kill his parents might finally proceed toward trial.

A judge on Monday ruled Jose Tovar is mentally competent to stand trial for the 2006 stabbing death of his brother, 21-year-old Miguel Tovar, and the stabbings of his parents, Jose Arturo Tovar and Maria Vela Tovar.

District Judge Nancy Whittenburg made the ruling after a hearing in which she reviewed a report by Dr. Arnold Anderson, a psychiatrist at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center, and questioned Tovar about his understanding about the legal procedures in his case.

"Dr. Anderson's conclusion following his competency evaluation of the defendant is that he has been restored to mental competency to stand trial but must continue, faithfully, his current prescribed medications to maintain his competency," Whittenburg said in her ruling.

She scheduled Tovar, 35, to be arraigned Jan. 2 in Buena Vista County District Count on one count of first-degree murder and two counts each of attempted murder and willful injury causing serious injury.

Tovar's case has been on hold since January 2007, when a different judge first ruled him incompetent to stand trial. Tovar was diagnosed with a bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder that prevented him from understanding court proceedings and assisting in his defense.

He has been in state custody receiving treatment since then, at times regaining mental competency but falling back into incompetency, according to court documents.

Tovar was 18 at the time he was charged with the Feb. 19, 2006, stabbing death of his brother and stabbing of his parents at 207 Seneca St. Miguel Tovar died of his injuries. Both parents were hospitalized for their injuries and later released.

In May 2006, a psychiatric evaluator chosen by the defense found Tovar was sane at the time of the stabbings, but was no longer able to assist with his defense, a finding that led to a judge's order to suspend the case while Tovar was treated for his mental illness in order to restore his mental competency.
UPDATE: The event has now been rescheduled for the Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center.

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa  Former President Donald Trump is making at least one more stop in Northwest Iowa before the 2024 Republican caucuses are held.

On the events page of the Donald J. Trump website, there is now a stop scheduled for the Dordt University Campus Center in Sioux Center, Iowa on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. According to the website, the doors open at 1 p.m. and the event is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., Trump is set to deliver remarks during a rally at the North Iowa Events Center in Mason City, Iowa.

At present, Trump, who lost the 2016 Iowa caucuses to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before winning the presidential election in November, is leading his primary challengers in Iowa by double digits in polling averages. The latest from the FiveThirtyEight data website shows Trump ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis by 30.9 points and 33.9 points in front of Nikki Haley, his former U.N. ambassador.

During his most-recent stop in Iowa, at an event in Waterloo, Trump defended his comments about migrants crossing the southern border "poisoning the blood" of America which multiple politicians and experts on extremism have said is reminiscent of language used by Adolf Hitler. Trump has previously said of immigrants from Mexico "(they're) bringing drugs, theyre bringing crime, theyre rapists." Trump is also reported to have asked why America would accept immigrants from Haiti and "s***hole countries" in Africa.

While in office, Trump was widely condemned for saying there was "blame on both sides" for the deadly violence at the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia which featured white nationalists, neo-Nazis and other far-right extremists and resulted in the death of 32-year-old Heather Heyer who was killed when a man plowed his car into a crowd of counter-protestors. He was found guilty of first-degree murder and pled guilty to 29 hate crime charges.

Trump's defense of his comments about migrants came the same day the Colorado Supreme Court ruled, 4-3, to bar the former president from appearing on the ballot in the state under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which "prohibits anyone who swore an oath to support the Constitution and then 'engaged in insurrection' against it from holding office." Trump is currently facing 91 felony counts in four separate cases, including one focused on his alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election which he lost to President Joe Biden (306 electoral votes to 232 electoral votes).

Trump's campaign visits to Sioux Center and Mason City will come 10 days before the caucuses. When he held an event in Sioux Center on Jan. 23, 2016, less than two weeks before that year's caucuses, Trump remarked he could "stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK?"

The event in Sioux Center will take place about a month after four other 2024 GOP candidates (DeSantis, Haley, Ohio businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Texas pastor Ryan Binkley) attended a "Faith and Family with The Feenstras" function on the Dordt University campus. This cycle, Trump has yet to appear with Randy Feenstra, the two-term congressman who represents Iowa's Fourth Congressional District which is the most-conservative in the state.
Today is Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Let's get caught up.

Keep scrolling for celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history. Plus, give our daily news podcast a listen:

Here's a preview of today's top stories:

California's concealed carry law is blocked by judge

What's at stake in potential US border deal

Auto buyers turn to hybrids

Biden needs a new approach to Black voters, strategists say

***

Ready, set, travel: The holiday rush to the airports and highways is underway

It's beginning to look a lot like a hectic holiday travel season, but it might go relatively smoothly if the weather cooperates.

Travel over Christmas and New Year's tends to spread out over many days, so the peaks in the U.S. are likely to be lower than they were during the Thanksgiving holiday. That is making airlines and federal officials optimistic.

But the debacle at Southwest Airlines over Christmas last year should guard against overconfidence. Just this week, the Transportation Department announced a settlement in which Southwest will pay $140 million for that meltdown, which stranded more than 2 million travelers.

So far this year, airlines have canceled 1.2% of U.S. flights, down nearly half from 2.1% over the same period last year. Cancellations were well below 1% during Thanksgiving, according to FlightAware.

Read more before you hit the road or head to the airport:

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MORE TOP STORIES

A deal on US border policy is closer than it seems

Talks between the White House and key senators have not veered widely from three main areas of discussion: toughening asylum protocols for migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border; bolstering border enforcement with more personnel and high-tech systems; and deterring migrants from making the journey in the first place.

As the Senate broke for the holidays, due back Jan. 8, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in a rare joint statement indicated negotiations are progressing. They also met Wednesday to discuss how to advance the border policy alongside President Joe Biden's$110 billion package of wartime aid for Ukraine, Israel and other national security priorities.

And as aid for his country hangs in balance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at his own press conference in Kyiv he was confident the U.S. will not let us down.

Heres a look at whats being discussed as key Senate negotiators and the White House plan to dig in during the weeks ahead:

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Federal judge blocks California concealed carry law

A federal judge on Wednesday blocked a California law that would have banned carrying firearms in most public places, ruling that it violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and deprives people of their ability to defend themselves and their loved ones.

The law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September was set to take effect Jan. 1. It would have prohibited people from carrying concealed guns in 26 places including public parks and playgrounds, churches, banks and zoos. The ban would apply whether the person has a permit to carry a concealed weapon or not. One exception would be for privately owned businesses that put up signs saying people are allowed to bring guns on their premises.

***

More US auto buyers are turning to hybrids

While EV sales are growing, their pace is falling well short of the auto industrys ambitious timetable for transitioning away from combustion engines. Instead, buyers are increasingly embracing a quarter-century-old technology whose popularity has been surging: The gas-electric hybrid, which alternates from gas to battery power to maximize efficiency.

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Biden needs a new approach to Black voters based on Georgia and Michigan

Some top Democrats are worried that a dip in Black voter turnout, along with other challenges, could doom President Joe Biden and his party in 2024.

A group of Democrats is offering a new analysis of the most recent campaigns in Georgia and Michigan, pitching those battlegrounds as models for drawing in more Black voters next year and beyond.

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MORNING LISTEN

As many of us get ready to gather with family this month, hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk about whether we should focus on making new memories or can we simply rely on the comforts of the past?

***

TRENDING TOPICS

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TODAY IN HISTORY

Today in history: Dec. 21 In 1969, Vince Lombardi coached his last football game as his team, the Washington Redskins, lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 20-10.

Today in sports history: Dec. 21 In 2008, Detroit becomes the first 0-15 team when its routed 42-7 by the New Orleans Saints. The Lions also break NFL records by being outsco

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TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Celebrity Birthdays: Dec. 21 Andy Dick Anna Bulbrook Brett Scallions Carla Thomas Chris Evert Jane Fonda Jane Kaczmarek Jeffrey Katzenberg Julie Delpy Kaitlyn Dever Karrie Webb Kiefer Sutherland Lukas Rossi Michael Tilson Thomas Michelle Hurd Natalie Grant Phil Donahue Ray Romano Rutina Wesley Samuel L. Jackson Steven Mnuchin Steven Yeun
Department of Public Safety troopers stand guard over migrants in a detention area Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. William Luther Diego Garcia and Antly Larez watch over their son, Luis Garcia, 18, as he sleeps amid the chaos at Mission Border Hope in Eagle Pass. Jessica Phelps Yirlenis Fernandez waits with her 18 month old daughter, Aiverlin Bustamante, at Mission Border Hope for their bus to take them to Denver. Jessica Phelps A Customs and Border Protection officer talks on a megaphone to migrants in a detention area Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. William Luther Congressman Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, speaks to media at a detention area for Migrants in Eagle Pass on December 20, 2023. Jessica Phelps Border Patrol agents carry a migrant on a stretcher from the outdoor detention area in Eagle Pass. Jessica Phelps Migrants stand in a detention area as the sun sets Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. William Luther Jesus Bustamante holds his 18 month old daughter, Aiverlin Bustamante, while he and his partner, Yirlenis Fernandez, wait at Mission Border Hope for their bus to take them to Denver. Jessica Phelps Migrants use charging stations at Mission Border Hope, a shelter in Eagle Pass that helps migrants organize the next leg of their travel in the United States. Jessica Phelps Migrants wait for busses at Mission Border Hope, a shelter that helps migrants get to the next step in their journey. Jessica Phelps Ana Ordonez puts her daughter, Valeria Ordonezs, hair into a pony tail while they wait for a bus to take them to San Antonio. Ordonez and her daughter arrived in Eagle Pass from Guatamala. Jessica Phelps Migrants use charging stations at Mission Border Hope, a shelter in Eagle Pass that helps migrants organize the next leg of their travel in the United States. Jessica Phelps Migrants use charging stations at Mission Border Hope, a shelter in Eagle Pass that helps migrants organize the next leg of their travel in the United States. Jessica Phelps Migrants stand in a detention area early Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. Jessica Phelps Diego Garcia and Antly Larez watch over their son, Luis Garcia, 18, as he sleeps amid the chaos at Mission Border Hope in Eagle Pass. Jessica Phelps

EAGLE PASS  Several thousand migrants huddled together on the grassy incline between this border citys two international bridges on Wednesday, part of a surge of asylum-seekers thats overwhelmed Border Patrol and local officials in recent days.

Among the migrants were Yilenis Fernandez, her partner, Jose de Jesus Bustamante, and their 18-month-old daughter, Aiverlin. The couple said it took Border Patrol agents five hours to process them  but that it felt like hours longer in the cold, which was far chillier than theyd experienced in their native Venezuela. They had on thin sweatshirts and were wrapped in silvery mylar blankets to keep them warm.

And our clothes were wet from crossing the river, Fernandez said.

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FLOWN OUT: Abbott begins flying migrants to Chicago after the city impounded a state bus

Yet they considered themselves fortunate. Other asylum-seekers at the Mission Border Hope Shelter had spent days waiting between the bridges to be processed by Border Patrol, then taken to a detention center and finally released to the shelter.

Earlier in the day, semi-trucks slowly lurched across the Camino Real International Bridge, their brakes squeaking to a halt as traffic from Piedras Negras slowly made its way into Texas. Traffic had been reduced from three lanes to one so customs agents could help process the thousands of people waiting to request asylum under the shadow of the bridge.

The neighboring Union Pacific International Railroad Bridge was deserted. U.S. Customs and Border Protection suspended international railroad crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso on Monday in an attempt to quell the smuggling of migrants through Mexico to the Texas border via train.

From Saturday to Monday, nearly 10,000 migrants turned themselves in to immigration authorities in Eagle Pass after crossing the Rio Grande, according to state Rep. Eddie Morales Jr., D-Eagle Pass.

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On Tuesday, as many as 5,000 migrants turned themselves in this city of less than 30,000 people. Roughly the same number of asylum-seekers were expected to cross into Eagle Pass on Wednesday.

Fernando, a 29-year-old from Venezuela who declined to give his last name, spent three nights outside, sleeping on the ground. We werent even given crackers, he said.

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, told reporters Wednesday that migrants were given bean and cheese tacos. As he spoke feet from the de facto holding area between the bridges, two men were carried up the embankment to receive medical treatment.

The situation at the border is not sustainable, Gonzales said. We are beyond a breaking point. We are already there.

Migrants at the Mission Border Hope Shelter said there seemed to be no rhyme or reason for how Border Patrol agents were processing people, though they said families with children were given priority.

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Border Patrol separated Fernando and his wife, directing them to wait in specific lines for women and men. Border Patrol eventually released his wife in Del Rio, but Fernando didnt have money to hire a driver to take him there. He didnt know how they would reunite.

Del Rio, which also sits on the border, is 55 miles northwest of Eagle Pass.

Fernando hoped that after finding his wife, they could get on one of the state-sponsored charter buses to New York as part of Gov. Greg Abbotts Operation Lone Star.

Bustamante and Fernandez were waiting for a free charter bus to Denver.

Other migrants said they had to pay $70 for the shelter to transport them to San Antonio International Airport. Two women, who identified themselves as ride-share drivers, offered to shuttle migrants to the San Antonio airport for no more than $50.

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CBP has not released official apprehension figures for November or for the first half of December. But from how things look on the ground, it appears that crossings will outpace those from December 2022, when Border Patrol apprehended 51,701 migrants in the Del Rio sector, which includes Eagle Pass.

In recent years, this sector has come to rival traditional migration corridors such as the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso.

In September, Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas Jr. issued an emergency declaration after more than 4,000 migrants crossed into the small border city within a two-day span. The declaration allowed the city to tap state and federal dollars.

Salinas could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit and pro-immigration advocacy group, attributed this weeks mass crossing to the spread of misinformation among migrants that the U.S. authorities will soon close the border and that the CBP One app will shut down.

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Since January, migrants have used the government app to make appointments to meet with immigration officers to seek asylum.

In other words, smugglers are capitalizing on Senate negotiations to tell migrants, Cross now, Reichlin-Melnick posted to X.

The U.S. Senate has yet to reach a border security deal that could potentially limit the number of migrants eligible for asylum at the border.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Tuesday took to social media to say that the CBP One app would continue to work in 2024. No hagas caso a las mentiras de los traficantes, the embassy advised. Dont believe the smugglers lies.

Victor Villalobos had heard other migrants mention the possibility that the app would go out of service as their reason for leaving for the U.S. in recent weeks. But like many Venezuelans, Villalobos left months earlier out of desperation. He wants work and a chance for a better life.

He said he was headed to San Antonio where he would take whatever opportunity came his way.

Morales, the state lawmaker, attributed the increase in arrivals to Abbotts order earlier this month to the Texas Depart of Public Safety to inspect all commercial traffic entering Texas through the Del Rio and Eagle Pass ports of entry. That has brought northbound traffic to a standstill.

DPS said it started inspecting semis and other commercial vehicles Dec. 15.

That was done with state leadership under the belief that they were not getting enough help from their counterparts in Mexico, Morales said. And I think now youre seeing the response, which is, Look, we were working well with you all. If you dont think we were doing enough, this is what can happen.

Morales suspects that Mexican immigration officials in the state of Coahuila have cut back their efforts to limit the flow of migrants to border.

He said the DPS inspections are hurting both countries economies. About 60% of the city of Eagle Pass operating revenue comes from bridge tolls, Morales said.
MEXICO CITY  In the nights before Christmas and all through the worlds Catholic convents, nuns and monks are extra busy preparing the traditional delicacies they sell to a loyal fan base even in rapidly secularizing countries.

For many monastic communities, especially those devoted to contemplative life and with vows of poverty, producing cookies, fruitcakes, even beer for sale is the only way to keep the lights on.

But its also an enticing way to strengthen their ties with lay people who flock to their doors  and in some cases their websites  in the holiday season.

Our kitchen is a witness to Gods love to those outside, said Sister Abigail, one of the 10 cloistered nuns of the Perpetual Adorers of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Mexico City.

We are in the Lords presence, and were always thinking that it will make someone happy, the person who will eat this, or they will gift it and someone will receive it with joy," added the sister, whose convent makes sweets, eggnog and its bestseller, tamales.

Most monasteries have to be financially self-sufficient. Many in countries like Spain have to maintain not only an aging, shrinking cohort of monks and nuns, but also monumental, centuries-old buildings, said Fermin Labarga, a professor of church history at the University of Navarra in Pamplona.

Since the small-scale farming with which they supported themselves for centuries stopped being profitable decades ago, most have turned to crafts, including the wildly popular gourmet food production that uses only homemade ingredients and recipes passed down generations.

An immense majority of people goes to buy the nuns sweets, said Pipa Algarra, who in her 90 years in the southern Spanish city of Granada has come to know each of the dozens of convents specialties. Among the oldest is alfajor, a cookie with roots dating back more than a thousand years when this region was a Muslim kingdom, while this years novelty is sushi rolls introduced by Filipino sisters.

The nuns, aside from supporting themselves with this, make really good sweets. And the prayer that comes with it is priceless, added Algarra, who remembers as a child going to convents with her friends to get dough trimmings from the Communion wafers the nuns also produced.

As a cloistered order, the 14 Poor Clares sisters in Carmona, Spain, have to work to earn their daily bread  in their case, making some 300 English cakes and 20 other kinds of sweets a month to sell at their 15th-century convent turnstile, said the abbess, Veronicah Nzula.

Theres a summer slowdown when southern Spain is so sweltering nobody takes coffee breaks with cookies, Nzula quipped. But the production revs up for Christmas as the sweets are also sold at a special market devoted to convent products in nearby Seville.

While we work, we pray the rosary and we think of the people who will eat each sweet, said Nzula. She learned the recipes from older sisters after arriving more than 20 years ago from Kenya, like all but one of the current sisters.

Most nuns and monks involved in preparing the delicacies are quick to point out that their main mission is to pray, not to cook  and that doing both involves finding a delicate balance.

We brew to live, we dont live to brew, said Brother Joris, who supervises the brewery at Saint-Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren, Belgium. There needs to be equilibrium between monastic life and economic life. We dont want to end up as a brewery with a little abbey on the side.

For that reason, production remains limited even though the beer brings the monks only income  and its considered by connoisseurs one of the choicest brews in the world, especially popular as a Christmas and Fathers Day gift.

Monks started making it in the 1830s to supply lay workers building the abbey with the daily pint their contract guaranteed. Aficionados still need to come to the abbey or its cafe to get their crate, giving the contemplative order a chance to bear witness too.

By simply existing, we remind people theyre still here, Brother Joris said.

A fellow Trappist at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky  where the renowned monk and author Thomas Merton once lived  similarly said that producing their bourbon-infused delicacies is just a part of the ora et labora (work and pray) commitment under St. Benedicts rule.

Our ideal is to pray always, said Brother Paul Quenon, who joined the abbey in the late 1950s when the bourbon fruitcake was already being produced, and has worked on the more recently introduced bourbon fudge.

The abbey now makes some 60,000 pounds per year of each, most sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas  when the bakery is so busy that silent prayer becomes a challenge.

To also strike a balance, the two dozen Benedictine sisters at the 15th-century Monastery of San Paio de Antealtares in Santiago de Compostela, one of Europes top pilgrimage cities, work on sweets only in the morning.

Its not the purpose of our life, lest we break the equilibrium  rather, its to turn work into prayer, said the abbess, Almudena Vilarino. When Im working, I pray that these sweets may be catalysts of union and peace in the house or office where they will go.

Following the same recipe dating from the late 1700s, the nuns make their signature almond cake known as tarta de Santiago. A few decades ago, local women would bring ingredients to the convent so the nuns could bake cakes in their wooden oven. Today, pilgrims from around the world who have finished their camino in the magnificent cathedral across the square are among the crowds ringing the bell by the nuns simple wooden turnstile.

The turnstile puts in touch the interior world with the exterior. Theyre not disconnected, Labarga said.

Back in Mexico City, the sisters preparing their popular Christmas bunuelos  a sort of flat donut made with flour, water and cinnamon  also connect their community labor with their faith.

This is how we live the liturgy, Sister Abigail said. This is the objective in our work, and work for people outside the convent  that we feed them, and they help us so we can eat.

The end of an era for the Sisters of Charity of New York
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Ohio was in the throes of a bitter debate over abortion rights this fall when Brittany Watts, 21 weeks and 5 days pregnant, began passing thick blood clots.

The 33-year-old Watts, who had not shared the news of her pregnancy even with her family, made her first prenatal visit to a doctor's office behind Mercy Health-St. Joseph's Hospital in Warren, a working-class city about 60 miles southeast of Cleveland.

The doctor said that, while a fetal heartbeat was still present, Watts' water had broken prematurely and the fetus she was carrying would not survive. He advised heading to the hospital to have her labor induced, so she could have what amounted to an abortion to deliver the nonviable fetus. Otherwise, she would face "significant risk" of death, records of her case show.

That was a Tuesday in September. What followed was a harrowing three days entailing: multiple trips to the hospital; Watts miscarrying into, and then flushing and plunging, a toilet at her home; a police investigation of those actions; and Watts, who is Black, being charged with abuse of a corpse. That's a fifth-degree felony punishable by up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Her case was sent last month to a grand jury. It touched off a national firestorm over the treatment of pregnant women, and especially Black women, in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump elevated Watts' plight in a post to social media.

Michele Goodwin, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, and author of "Policing The Womb," said the case follows a pattern of women's pregnancies being criminalized against them. She said those efforts have long overwhelmingly targeted Black and brown women.

Even before Roe was overturned, studies show that Black women who visited hospitals for prenatal care were 10 times more likely than white women to have child protective services and law enforcement called on them, even when their cases were similar, she said.

"Post-Dobbs, what we see is kind of a wild, wild West," said Goodwin. "You see this kind of muscle-flexing by district attorneys and prosecutors wanting to show that they are going to be vigilant, they're going to take down women who violate the ethos coming out of the state's legislature."

She called Black women "canaries in the coal mine" for the "hyper-vigilant type of policing" women of all races might expect from the nation's network of health-care providers, law enforcers and courts now that abortion isn't federally protected.

At the time of Watts' miscarriage, abortion was legal in Ohio through 21 weeks, six days of pregnancy. Her lawyer, Traci Timko, said Watts sat for eight hours at Mercy Health-St. Joseph's awaiting care on the eve of her pregnancy reaching 22 weeks, before leaving without being treated.

Timko said hospital officials were deliberating over the legalities.

"It was the fear of, is this going to constitute an abortion and are we able to do that," Timko said. The hospital didn't return calls seeking confirmation and comment.

But B. Jessie Hill, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, said the hospital was in a bind.

"These are the razor's edge decisions that health care providers are being forced to make," she said. "And all the incentives are pushing hospitals to be conservative, because on the other side of this is criminal liability."

Warren Assistant Prosecutor Lewis Guarnieri told Warren Municipal Court Judge Terry Ivanchak during Watts' preliminary hearing that she left home for a hair appointment after miscarrying, leaving the toilet clogged. Police would later find the fetus wedged in the pipes.

"The issue isn't how the child died, when the child died," Guarnieri told the judge, according to TV station WKBN. "It's the fact the baby was put into a toilet, was large enough to clog up the toilet, left in that toilet, and she went on (with) her day."

In court, Timko bristled.

"This 33-year-old girl with no criminal record is demonized for something that goes on every day," she said.

The size and stage of development of Watts' fetus became an issue during her preliminary hearing.

At the time, vigorous campaigning over Issue 1, an ultimately successful amendment to enshrine a right to abortion in Ohio's constitution.

Timko, a former prosecutor, said Ohio's abuse-of-corpse statute is vague.

"From a legal perspective, there's no definition of 'corpse,'" she said. "Can you be a corpse if you never took a breath?"

Grace Howard, assistant justice studies professor at San Jose State University, said clarity on what about Watts' behavior constituted a crime is essential.

"Her miscarriage was entirely ordinary," she said. "So I just want to know what (the prosecutor) thinks she should have done. If we are going to require people to collect and bring used menstrual products to hospitals so that they can make sure it is indeed a miscarriage, it's as ridiculous and invasive as it is cruel."
Here are some trending topics for today, Dec. 20:

Winter solstice 2023

Were already in meteorological winter, which began on Dec. 1. Astronomical winter, the winter solstice, arrives Thursday night at 10:27.

Until a warmup began heading into this weekend, its not as if it didnt feel wintry this week, with seasonably cold temperatures most days, along with an often nasty wind chill. But our snowfall deficit continues and grows. Because Buffalo missed the lake-effect snow of Nov. 27, our seasonal snow total is now 12.5 inches below average, and our December total, at 3.5 inches, is 6.1 inches below the monthly average. Neither of those deficit numbers is anywhere near a record. At the halfway mark for the month, Buffalos mean temperature has a large positive anomaly at 5.6 degrees above average.

As for snow cover, when the sky is clear you will be able to see the nearest such cover can be found east of the Finger Lakes down into the Catskills, and well west-northwest of Toronto, in GOES satellite imagery.

Read more about it here:

Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein was a towering figure on Broadway. So it seems only fitting that the new film darma of him leans on the Great White Way to get the story right.

Bradley Coopers movie Maestro is studded with theater stars  29 of the 38 principal cast members have a background in the theater, including Gideon Glick, Michael Urie, Greg Hildreth, Nick Blaemire, Ryan Steele, Zachary Booth and Gaby Diaz.

Look closely and youll find actor-turned-director Scott Ellis playing Bernsteins manager, Harry Kraut, and rising stage star Jordan Dobson  whose credits include Bad Cinderella, Hadestown and, significantly, West Side Story  playing a young conductor.

Get the full review here:

Alyssa Milano Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty and Hollie Marie Combs revealed on the "Let's Be Clear" podcast (via Huff Post) that Doherty was fired from "Charmed" due to an alleged ultimatum their co-star Alyssa Milano gave producers. A feud among the actors reportedly led to Milano telling "Charmed" producers they had to fire one of them, and if it was her she would threaten to sue them for a hostile work environment.

According to Combs, it was Milano who strong-armed the producers into firing Doherty after three seasons. While Doherty has often said she chose to leave "Charmed" on her own volition, it appears that was just a cover-up planned by her team at the time since she had already been forced off "Beverly Hills 90210."

"One can't keep telling the same story over and over and over again, when it's not the truth," Doherty said.

Find out more here:

***

Get more of today's trending topics here:

Rep. Scott Perry
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At Pizza Ranches and mom and pop restaurants, coffee shops, VFW halls and local libraries, Republican presidential candidates have held hundreds of events across the state this year to reach Iowas Republican voters.

The cliche image of the Iowa caucus campaign is the presidential candidate in the local diner, glad-handing a voter over a hearty steak or cup of coffee. This remains a common strategy, but this years campaign calls into question just how effective that retail campaign style is.

The Des Moines Register has a story this week tallying the number of campaign stops each candidate has made in Iowa. Its a great insight into the data and worth reading in full.

Whats interesting is the disparity between the number of events a candidate has held and how well theyre doing in the polls. While some candidates have tried to hammer the state with campaign stops, it does not seem to be the most impactful factor for Iowa voters.

Take Vivek Ramaswamy: he is far and away the leader in number of campaign events, on track to hold 210 events by the end of the year, according to the Registers data.

Ramaswamy has heavily stepped up his campaigning in the last month or two, and his average in Iowa polls, according to FiveThirtyEight, has gone up by a little more than 1% since the beginning of November. The campaign blitz may have turned a few heads, but it doesnt look like its enough  so far  to make him a serious challenger for a top-three finish in the caucuses.

Ramaswamy, and other candidates whose retail strategy has not translated to polling success, has been skeptical of the polls. He says he will attract a cohort of independents and non-traditional Republicans to support him on caucus night that are not being accurately polled.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, too, has seen limited upside from his 99-county tour, which he completed this month. He is on track to hold more than 100 events in Iowa by the end of the year, according to the Register.

The candidate says the tour has helped him get in touch with Iowa voters, and he is also skeptical of the polls.

"The polling does not predict what the final result's gonna be," he told Iowa reporters last week. "People can poll one way, and they don't produce the caucusgoers on election day."

On the opposite end, the clear frontrunner in polling, Donald Trump, has held the lowest number of Iowa events, at 17.

Trump is unique for a number of reasons, not least because he has already been president, so his name recognition is virtually 100% and approval remains high.

He has stepped up his number of events in the last couple months, but his pace is nowhere near the rest of the field. Despite that, it does not appear that strategy is hurting him much in the minds of voters.

National perception influences Iowa

This year, perhaps even more than in the past, it seems that the national narrative of the campaign  the weekly cycles around who is having a moment, the outcome of the presidential debates and the whims of cable TV news  has a larger effect on peoples perception of the candidates than their ability to hit the pavement and shake hands.

You can see that in Haleys polling in Iowa. Haley has only held 59 events in Iowa, according to the Register, but her support steadily rose throughout the fall, starting in late August.

Haley benefited in that time from people seeing her in the debates, and the general consensus in the ensuing media cycles that she had outperformed her opponents on the debate stage. That rise in Iowa polling reflected a similar bump in national polls.

Similarly, Trump has not needed to be in Iowa constantly, in part because his legal troubles have commanded the national news  most recently, the decision from the Colorado Supreme Court that he is ineligible for the primary ballot for engaging in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Trump has derided his criminal indictments and investigations as a "witch hunt," and Republican voters generally agree. Each new development reinforces his case for those Iowa voters who think he is being unfairly prosecuted.

Retail campaigning certainly has its values, and many political experts will say that Iowa voters expect to see a candidate and shake their hand before they can commit to lending their support.

That is still likely true, but the changing way people engage with politics and consume media has certainly had an effect on how they engage in the caucuses. This year may be the biggest test of the retail approach to the contest.

What I'm reading

Nikki Haley Aims for Second Place With Koch Groups $70 Million(Stephanie Lai, Bloomberg): This story examines how Nikki Haley's campaign is hoping to leverage a major conservative organization's endorsement for support in Iowa.

Indicted or Barred From the Ballot: For Trump, Bad News Cements Support (Maggie Haberman, New York Times): Donald Trump has used each setback in his mounting legal battles to rally support and portray himself as the target of a biased prosecution.

Photos: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump campaigns in Waterloo, Dec. 19 Trump Waterloo 1 Trump Waterloo 2 Trump Waterloo 3 Trump Waterloo 4 Trump Waterloo 5 Trump Waterloo 6 Trump Waterloo 7 Trump Waterloo 8 Trump Waterloo 9 Trump Waterloo 10 Trump Waterloo 11 Trump Waterloo 12
Fifteen Nebraska lawmakers are urging the state's executive branch to reconsider after the Department of Health and Human Services notified the Legislature this week that it does not intend to apply for federal summer grocery aid for low-income families.

HHS officials on Monday told the Legislative Fiscal Office that the department won't apply for Summer EBT, a new federal program that would provide students who receive free or reduced-price lunch at school with an EBT card with $120 in benefits to spend on groceries during next summer.

The program would provide about $18 million in benefits to be distributed to about 150,000 low-income children in Nebraska who experience food insecurity in the summer months.

The state, which has until Jan. 1 to apply for the aid, would have to foot about $300,000 annually in administrative costs, according to Nebraska Appleseed, a nonprofit that focuses on child welfare, among other things.

At least 14 other states have signed onto the program.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter Tuesday to HHS urging department officials to rethink their decision not to participate in the program, which they said would both ensure that Nebraska addresses the needs of its vulnerable children and benefit the state economically.

Ive said this before, if kids go hungry in our state, that is a massive failure on our part as legislators, Sen. Jen Day of Omaha, who led the effort, said in a statement Wednesday.

Deciding not to participate in this program is a message to Nebraskans that their representatives are out of touch with their very real, very immediate needs," Day said. "I strongly urge DHHS to reconsider their stance on this.

Day was joined in the letter by Sens. Carolyn Bosn, Eliot Bostar, George Dungan, Jane Raybould and Danielle Conrad, all of Lincoln, Jana Hughes of Seward, Machaela Cavanaugh, John Cavanaugh, Megan Hunt, Tony Vargas, Terrell McKinney and John Fredrickson, all of Omaha, Lynn Walz of Fremont and Carol Blood of Bellevue.

In an email, HHS spokesman Jeff Powell said the program was designed amid the pandemic and "no longer fits the needs of Nebraskans."

He said HHS has alternatively opted to continue utilizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture's longstanding Summer Food Service Program, which Powell said is designed to meet the needs of school children during the summer months and reimburses operators who serve free, healthy meals and snacks to children and teens at summer sites in low-income communities.

"In addition to healthy meals, these programs may offer enrichment activities, such as reading, physical activity, or nutrition education" that Summer EBT doesn't offer, Powell said.

Powell said the Summer Food Service Program that HHS plans to continue with also allows program organizers to interact with children in a safe and supervised environment, ensuring their needs are met during the summer months and identifying whether additional services to the child may be required.

He noted, too, that SNAP benefits are available to meet the needs of low-income Nebraskans year-round.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Jim Pillen, who heads the executive branch and who appointed HHS CEO Steve Corsi in August, did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Photos: Last day of the 108th Nebraska Legislature
The United States has freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American country and the return of a fugitive defense contractor. That contractor is known as Fat Leonard and he's at the center of a massive Pentagon bribery scandal. The American detainees were back on U.S. soil late Wednesday. The deal represents the Biden administration's boldest move yet to improve relations with the major oil-producing nation and extract concessions from Maduro. The largest release of American prisoners in Venezuelas history comes weeks after the Biden administration agreed to suspend some sanctions.
Two sets of talks are going onone in Cairo, one in New Yorkthat might restart a cease-fire in Gaza and lead to the release of more Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

For several days now, CIA Director William Burns has been meeting with his Mossad counterpart and the prime minister of Qatar about a renewed hostage deal. Qatari officials have, in turn, held talks in Cairo with Egyptian officials and some leaders of Hamas. Reports are swirling about a possible deal for a one-week truce, during which time 40 more hostages would be freed and more corridors would be opened into Gaza for humanitarian aid. Israel supports the deal; Hamas is resisting it, demanding a cease-fire ahead of time, and talks continue.

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At the same time, United Nations delegates from these and other countries have been trying to hammer out the text of a Security Council resolution that would call for a pause in the fighting and the release of more hostagesand that the United States would not veto.

The two negotiations are related. The point of a U.N. resolution would be to help facilitate, or at least not disrupt, a tangible deal on the ground. U.S. officials say both might produce results this week. If Hamas ultimately rejects the one-week truce, a passable U.N. resolution would at least put the U.S. on a moral high ground and make Hamas the clear rejectionist.

Success in one or both sets of talks is important, not only for its own sakethe inherent value of killing fewer civilians and freeing more hostagesbut also for political reasons: within the U.S., within Israel, and between both countries and the rest of the world.

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Israel is coming under heavy criticism for its incessant bombing campaign, which has killed at least 20,000 Gazans and displaced 1.9 million people, about 80 percent of the Gaza Strips population, from their homes. The criticism is coming even from strong supporters of Israel, including Germany (where support of Israel is government policy and antisemitism is a crime), the Pope, and a growing number of lawmakers and mid-level officials in the United States.

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President Joe Bidens persistent stalwart support for Israel is also damaging the United States reputation in the worldand his own popularity, and chances for reelection, at home. Biden and several of his top officials have publicly and privately urged Israeli officials to be more precise and surgical in their bombing campaigns in order to minimize civilian casualties. But Israel has continued its high-intensity air strikes, making him seem both complicit and weak-willed. (In some ways, this perception is unfair: Without Bidens pressure, Israel would probably not have made any hostage-for-prisoner trades or allowed any humanitarian corridors, and Biden needed to embrace Israel up front for his pressure to have any effect.)

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The last time the U.N. Security Council considered a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, on Dec. 8, the United States vetoed the measureand was, more than that, the only one of the councils 13 member states to vote against it. (Britain abstained; the others voted Aye.)

The U.S. had reasons for its veto. The resolution demanded an immediate cease-fire, as well as an immediate release of all hostages, but it didnt link the twodidnt make the cease-fire contingent on the hostage release, or outline, or even allow for, any plausible step-by-step process. Also, while it expressed grave concern over the catastrophic  suffering of the Palestinian people, it said nothing about Hamas murderous attack of Oct. 7, which triggered the war.

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Nonetheless, it was embarrassing for the U.S.and, on the homefront, for Biden personallyto appear so isolated from the rest of the world. Some drew comparisonsfalse and misleading, but persuasive to those who hadnt actually read the resolutionbetween Washingtons veto of a resolution condemning Israel and Moscows veto of several resolutions condemning Russias bombing of civilians in Ukraine.

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Intriguingly, an earlier Security Council resolution, on Nov. 15, was much more balanced and nuanced. The U.S. merely abstained on that vote, allowing it to pass. The councils members are trying to draft a motion that incorporates much of the earlier motions language, updated to be consistent with whatever deal comes out of Cairo.

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The same parties now trying to negotiate a temporary truce arranged a similar cease-fire almost a month agoa four-day pause, which extended to seven days, during which time Hamas freed 110 hostages, Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners, and the flow of humanitarian supplies coming into Gaza greatly increased. Biden had hoped that the deal could be extended further, to free more hostages and bring in more food and medical suppliesbut also to buy enough time that Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and some of the neighboring Arab leaders could begin talks on a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Biden expressly hoped for a resumption of the long-dormant talks toward a two-state solution, but he said he was open to other possibilities.

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Hopes for an enduring settlement seem very distant. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has never wanted, and has actively resisted, a Palestinian state on his border. Few Israeli citizens, especially after the Oct. 7 attack, are attracted to the notion either. Nor have any Palestinian leaders taken steps toward real peace talks in many years. Unlike Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, headquartered in the West Bank, at least recognizes the right of Israel to exist. But its leader, Mahmoud Abbas, is old, in poor health, and almost utterly without support from his people.

Regardless of where the war goes, disagreements have erupted between Biden and Netanyahu over who governs Gazaand how the Gazan-Israeli border is securedafter the war is finished. Biden has talked about a revitalized Palestinian Authority (without saying how such a thing comes about). Not just Netanyahu, but also the other members of his unity wartime cabinet, oppose letting any Palestinian entity take over and say Israel must provide Gazas security (though they dont explain how this is possible without reoccupying Gaza, which they say they dont want to do). Others have mulled the idea of an international force, including neighboring Arab countries, especially Egypt and Saudi Arabia, occupying the rebuilding Gaza, but those countries dont seem to want any part in such a force. In fact, they expressly avoided getting involved in Palestinian issues (except, sometimes, rhetorically) ever since Israel occupied Gaza and the West Bank after winning the 1967 war.

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Related From Slate What Will Gaza Look Like One Year From Now? Read More

It is widely suspected that Hamas launched its attack precisely because the neighboring Arab nations had long been ignoring PalestiniansSaudi Arabia was about to start talks toward normalizing relations with Israel, a step that would have sidelined their cause entirelyand the attack has put the cause back on the table. (The Arab leaders cant criticize Hamas while its under attack from Israel, lest they spark rebellion among their own people, who are much more radical than they are.)

Then again, the Arab leaders, especially the Saudis, very much want to resume normalization with Israelpartly for trade and investment, partly to strengthen an alliance against their common enemy, Iran. This cant happen until the war is stopped. The war isnt likely to stopnot really stopuntil Hamas is neutralized or Gaza is stabilized. In order to get back on the track they started, the Arab leaders might have to step up to the plate and responsibly pursue their real interests.
Were in the fourth holiday season in which COVID is a reality that we have to deal withand while most protective measures have disappeared from public view, some people are trying new approaches to avoid getting sick. As someone who works in public health, I follow these things closely. One of these tools Im seeing more and more on social media is nasal sprays of all types, with some influencers suggesting the nasal sprays are part of a smart COVID prevention tool kit, along with tests, masks, and vaccines.

While these sprays are interesting, innovative, and have some data suggesting they do something, they arent approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Though there are ways of getting themusually by ordering them onlineyou cant buy these sprays from the shelves at a CVS in the U.S.

Before we can get into talking about the sprays themselves, we must understand the role the nose plays in getting infected. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, infects us by binding to receptors in our cells known as ACE2 receptors. The nose and mouth both contain a whole bunch of these receptors. Wearing a mask is one way to make these receptors less accessible to the virus. But what if you could interrupt the binding process more subtly? Thats where nasal sprays come inat least, in theory. (Any protection offered by the sprays would be enhanced by also wearing a mask, since you do not spray your mouth.)

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There are two main types of nasal sprays out there right now, both of which call for a few sprays a day. One type of nasal spray uses something called iota-carrageenan, which is derived from seaweed (I recognized it as being used in the vegan marshmallows I get at Trader Joes). The idea is that this gel-like substance acts like a protective barrier, which may physically prevent the virus from binding to the cells, at least to an extent. Lab studies have shown that there are potential antiviral properties to iota-carrageenan, and studies on children have shown that the ingredient is effective at reducing viral load when it comes to children who already have the common cold. One study among health care workers in Argentina found that workers who received four daily doses of the nasal spray containing the substance for 21 days had a lower rate of COVID diagnosis compared with those who received the placebo. Out of 196 and 198 health care workers in each group, two who received the nasal spray got COVID, and 10 got COVID in the latter group. One spray containing iota-carrageenan is marketed as ePothex and is sold online for $20 a bottle, although there are many others that contain this ingredient.

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The other type of spray contains nitric oxide, which acts as an antimicrobial and may inhibit the replication of viruses, among other properties. It is the primary ingredient in the spray known as Enovid, which retails for about $90 for one spray bottle. Unlike with iota-carrageenan, there arent studies that show nitric oxide has been effective at preventing COVID, but there have been studies that show it is effective at reducing the viral load when used by people who have a mild case of COVID.

But as to whether these sprays really work to meaningfully reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID, the plain and simple answer is that there isnt enough data. There are different types of data when it comes to evaluating the impacts of these sprays: in vitro studies (which are done in lab dishes or culture), in vivo studies (which are done in living creatures, typically animals), and finally clinical trials (which measure the therapeutic impacts of a drug on a group of people). Clinical trials are all about determining whether the benefits of any measured therapeutic results outweigh the harms of any potential side effects. We have good data on the antiviral and microbial properties of some of these ingredients from in vivo studies, but less so from the other two categories. What youd really hope to see before purchasing a spray is a clinical trial done with that particular spray, not a relatively small study on people who used something with a similar active ingredient. The lack of clinical trial data makes some doctors skeptical about using these sprays as a preventive measure. The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission have even warned and taken action against some companies that they allege have misled consumers by making unproven claims about their particular nasal sprays and mists. Just because ingredients show promise in a lab and in small studies doesnt mean that they will be effective in the real world.

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Dont take this all as a sign that nasal sprays dont work, point blank. Some sprays have been approved in other countries but not the U.S. During the pandemic, the FDA was critiqued for moving too slowly or being too cautious in an emergency situation. A lack of political will or funding to pursue clinical trials (an expensive endeavor) at an accelerated pace (even more expensive) could be keeping us from getting more data on preventive measures for COVID, such as these sprays. The world has moved on from COVID, even though COVID continues to sicken and kill.

There is some promising research around new developments in preventive nasal treatments. At Johns Hopkins University, researchers have developed a spray that they tested on mice, which contains a filament that is similar to an ACE2 receptortheoretically allowing any COVID virus to bind to the particles in the spray, rather than in your nose. At Cornell, researchers discovered a new molecule that can help prevent enzymatic activity that allows the virus to bind to host cells, which they also tested on mice and was found to be effective at preventing infection.

So, where does this leave us? The key ingredients in the nasal sprays that are currently available for purchase show promise. They cant be completely dismissed out of hand. Perhaps one day one of these sprays will be recognized as effective by the FDA and sold in pharmacies everywhere. More generally, we can hope for, and work toward, a future where innovations in combatting viruses are studied and approved swiftly, even when were not at the very height of a pandemic. Until then, Ill skip the spray and keep wearing my mask.
I run a small insurance agency. Last fall some of my staff asked to dress up at Halloween in costumes, but I said no. However, I noticed some tellers at our community bank dressed up. And now my employees have asked again whether they can wear costumes this year on October 31st. Should I allow employees to dress up for Halloween?

 Sue from St. Paul, Minnesota

Sue, that is an excellent question, one that we have heard more often in the past three years.

There is no right or wrong answer to this one. Whether you should allow employees to dress up for Halloween varies from business to business.

Before you say either yes or no, review these pointers to help you work through the decision.

Positives of Employees Dressing Up for Halloween

No question about it: costumes are no longer just for kids.

Small Business Deals

Americans will spend over $3 billion on costumes at Halloween. And that number has grown over the past decade per the NRF. In 2018, nearly half of the adults celebrating Halloween were planning to dress up.

Thats why employees increasingly want to dress up for Halloween at work. Here are 3 positives from dressing up in the workplace:

Build Morale

Most of us are looking for something to relieve boredom in our workday. Allowing employees to dress up for Halloween can boost morale.

Everyone seems a little happier. Smiles seem a little brighter. Co-workers get along a little better. Higher morale is contagious!

Increase Customer Satisfaction

Allowing employees to dress up for Halloween can improve customer relations and boost sales:

Costumes in the workplace humanize your business. They help your staff connect better with consumers. Shoppers will remember your brand with a smile.

Grow Sales

A costume can be an icebreaker to get a sales conversation started in retail.

In a creative business such as a marketing agency or public relations firm, or perhaps a bakery or other food business, it could be a competitive differentiator. Fun creativity is highly valued in such businesses. Combine employees in costumes along with other Halloween marketing ideas for a win. For instance, creative pumpkin carving contests are always a good creative outlet.

Here are some ideas to inspire you for your workplace pumpkin carving endeavors:

Guidelines for Employees in Costumes

While there are positives, dont let it be a free for all.

Set employee guidelines for costumes. Communicate in advance what is acceptable and what is not in your office at Halloween. Give examples.

In a small setting, you can also ask employees to clear their costume of choice in advance with you or their direct supervisor.

Here are 5 guidelines for employee costumes at Halloween.

Keep Safety Top of Mind

Do not allow bulky costumes near machinery or in potentially dangerous settings such as a factory. It only takes a small catch on a moving part for an accident to occur. You can see from above how easy it would be to catch something like a pirates poofy sleeve in a moving part!

Avoid Costumes In Poor Taste

Ask employees to avoid any costume that could be perceived as culturally, sexually or racially insensitive (such as dressing up as an American Indian). Remember the uproar over Prince Harry being photographed in a tasteless costume some years back?

But even popular costumes that seem harmless fun could be taken the wrong way. Picture in your mind certain costumes and how they might come across in your business.

For example, according to the National Retail Federation, these were the most common costumes for adults last year:

7.2 million adults planned to dress like a witch,

2.5 million suited up as a vampire,

2.1 million opted to go as a zombie,

1.9 million wanted to dress as a pirate, and

1.3 million chose their favorite Avengers costume such as Iron Man or Black Panther.

As fun as these costumes sound, it could be in poor taste for the receptionist in an urgent care clinic to dress up like a zombie. Or a blood bank worker to dress up like a vampire.

Or a restaurant server to dress up like a rat or cockroach.

Limit Masks and Halloween Makeup

Full face masks are never a good idea in the workplace. Customers and coworkers want to see facial expressions. Masks also impede communication. Besides, they seem creepy.

And what about dramatic Halloween makeup? Some makeup can cover most or all of the face, as the image above shows.

But one persons visual masterpiece is another persons annoying distraction when trying to conduct business.

In businesses such as a bar or nightclubs, dramatic faces could be a real hit. In office and professional settings, ask employees to tone it down.

Light face painting (e.g., whiskers for cats or nose coloring to suggest a scarecrow) may be an acceptable alternative. Some employers choose not to allow any face coverings at all  just costumes.

Minimize Dressing Up by Certain Personnel

In some occupations, costumes seem  well  wrong. Would you want police officers or surgeons to get dressed up for Halloween?

Think about the professionalism your customers and clients expect.

One thing you can do is limit costumes to certain personnel.

For example, in a medical, legal or financial business, dressing up may be okay for personnel such as receptionists or billing clerks. But costumes might undermine client trust if donned by financial planners or attorneys. Nurses wearing bulky costumes or ones that shed could be a health concern.

Be Sensitive to Religious Objections

Back in 2006, Gallup did a survey of Americans and found about 11% of people have religious objections to Halloween. People who object on religious grounds do so because of Halloweens connection to the devil and pagan rituals. They might find costumes like the one pictured above offensive.

The survey is a bit old, but the point is still valid. A small percentage of your employees (and customers) may object to Halloween. Two thoughts around this:

You might prefer to keep costumes and celebrations focused on fun themes like scarecrows, pumpkins and fanciful characters like princesses and robots. Stay away from themes associated with the occult or the devil.

Make sure employees do not feel under peer pressure to dress up. Openly communicate that its optional and an individual choice.

Heres a table of the guidelines that managers can reference when that spooky holiday rolls around:

Guideline Description Keep Safety Top of Mind Avoid bulky or dangerous costumes near machinery or potentially hazardous settings. Safety should always be the primary concern, and it's essential to ensure that costumes do not pose a risk to employees. Avoid Costumes In Poor Taste Ensure costumes are respectful and not perceived as culturally, sexually, or racially insensitive. Even seemingly harmless or popular costumes should be chosen with care, considering how they might come across in the specific business context. Limit Masks and Makeup Full face masks and heavy Halloween makeup should generally be avoided, as they can impede communication and seem unprofessional. Light face painting might be an acceptable alternative, but the appropriateness may vary depending on the business setting. Minimize Dressing Up by Certain Personnel In some professional roles, costumes might seem inappropriate. Limiting costumes to certain personnel like receptionists or billing clerks can help maintain professionalism, while ensuring that costumes don't undermine trust or pose health concerns in certain professions. Be Sensitive to Religious Objections Recognize that some employees might have religious objections to Halloween or specific themes. Keep celebrations focused on fun and non-controversial themes, and make sure employees know that dressing up is optional and an individual choice, free from peer pressure.

Hold an Event Instead

If you want to do something for employee morale and to celebrate with customers but dont want to allow employees to dress up for Halloween, hold an event instead.

Arrange a customer open house with Halloween treats. Bring in a face painter for the kids. Hold a pet parade. Be more relaxed this day and make it an experience to remember. See more Halloween events.

More Ideas When Considering Whether to Allow Employees to Dress up for Halloween

Deciding on Halloween costumes in the workplace involves more than just fun and creativity. Its about fostering a positive, inclusive environment without compromising professionalism. Here are some more insights to guide your decision, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all employees during the Halloween.

Create a Theme for Uniformity

Consider setting a theme for Halloween costumes. This can unify the team and make the event more cohesive. Themes can range from classic Halloween characters to more creative concepts like favorite book characters or movie stars. This approach can also prevent inappropriate or offensive costumes.

Organize a Costume Contest

A costume contest can add excitement and encourage participation. Set categories like Most Creative, Funniest Costume, or Best Group Costume to cater to different interests. Ensure the contest rules are clear and prizes are appropriate for the workplace.

Encourage Team-Building Activities

Halloween can be an opportunity for team-building. Encourage departments or teams to collaborate on their costumes or decorations. This not only fosters a sense of team spirit but also injects a fun and competitive element into the day.

Address Customer Interactions

If your business involves direct customer interaction, consider how costumes might affect this. For instance, you might allow more casual costumes for back-office staff, but request front-line staff to wear more professional, themed attire that aligns with your brand image.

Consider a Casual Dress Day

If full costumes are too much, consider a Halloween Casual Dress Day where employees can wear Halloween-themed colors or accessories. This can be a more subdued way to celebrate the occasion without going overboard.

Set Clear End Times

Specify when the Halloween festivity ends, especially if its during work hours. This helps in maintaining a balance between fun and productivity, ensuring that the workday resumes normally after the celebrations.

Communicate Expectations Clearly

Whatever your decision, communicate it clearly to all employees. Outline what is allowed and what isnt. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Provide Alternative Participation Options

For those who may not want to dress up, offer alternative ways to participate, such as decorating their workspace. This ensures inclusivity for all employees.

Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivity

Ensure that the celebration respects all cultures and backgrounds. Encourage employees to avoid costumes that could potentially mock or appropriate any culture or religion.

Assess the Impact on Productivity

Consider how dressing up might affect the days productivity. If you anticipate a significant disruption, you might opt for a more low-key celebration or save the festivities for after work hours.

By considering these points, you can create a Halloween celebration that is fun, inclusive, and appropriate for your workplace environment.

All answers to reader questions come from the Small Business Trends Editorial Board, with more than 50 years of combined business experience. If you would like to submit a question, please submit it here.
Hana Ikramuddin is a Hearst Fellow for the Houston Chronicle.

Raised in the Twin Cities, Hana majored in journalism and political science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

She has held internships with the Star Tribune, APM Reports and Sahan Journal. In her free time, she loves to cook, make chai and take care of her houseplants.
Deciding whether to get BBB accredited is an easy choice for some small business owners but others have questions. Is it worth the fee? What value does it really bring? Deciding whether to obtain BBB accreditation can be a straightforward decision for some small business owners, while others grapple with uncertainties. Some question the tangible benefits against the cost of the fee. How much value does it truly deliver? Discover the Zoho Ecosystem ChatGPT Prompts for Business Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here As we will delve into further, achieving accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) comes with a myriad of strategic advantages. It elevates your brands credibility, fostering public trust, and serves as a beacon, drawing new customers towards your business. The blue and white BBB logo, a seal of assurance, is a symbol youve likely come across in your encounters with businesses. Enterprises proudly display this seal for a singular reason: the public tend to instill their trust in a BBB accredited business more readily. Small Business Deals This seal functions as a guiding light for consumers, helping them distinguish credible, responsible businesses from irresponsible scams and unsteady, transient operations. Nevertheless, this right to display the BBB seal is not given without merit; businesses must navigate and complete the accreditation process to earn this privilege. This article aims to shed light on how this accreditation process unfolds, the inherent value it imbues, and the steps towards securing BBB accreditation. What Does the Better Business Bureau Do? The Better Business Bureau (BBB), established in 1912, holds many responsibilities, one of the crucial ones being to serve as a central information nexus between businesses and the public. The Bureaus vision is for an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other, fostering a space where fair and honest transactions can thrive. The BBB is structured as a parent organization named the International Association of Better Business Bureaus. Beneath this umbrella exist approximately 100 independently-incorporated local entities spanning across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The BBB also maintains a non-profit arm, the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, dedicated to promoting ethical business standards. Among other key activities: The BBB maintains a directory of over 5 million business profiles where consumers can research a business.

Consumers can file complaints, and the BBB gives companies a way to respond. The BBB offers mediation and arbitration to help resolve disputes.

Consumers who verify their identity can leave reviews about vendors on the BBB website.

The Better Business Bureau rates businesses from A+ to F, based on a 17-point scale.

The BBB provides a designation called accreditation for select companies. What Does BBB Accreditation Mean? BBB business accreditation signifies that your firm has successfully fulfilled the BBBs stipulated requirements and has been officially granted accreditation status. This entails filling out an application form, supplying the requisite information, allowing a thorough review of your business operations, and adhering to the BBBs rigorous standards. Businesses that attain accreditation must also remit a fee and ensure its renewal on an annual basis. Upon completion of these steps, a BBB accredited business gains access to exclusive marketing privileges, along with other advantageous provisions. The Impact of BBB Accreditation Credibility and Trust: BBB accreditation is a signal to your customers that your business is committed to ethical practices and customer satisfaction. This enhanced credibility can be a deciding factor for customers choosing between competitors.

The BBBs dispute resolution services offer a neutral platform to address customer complaints, which can help maintain positive customer relationships and protect your businesss reputation. Visibility and Differentiation: Accredited businesses are listed in the BBBs online directory, which can improve your businesss online visibility. This listing is often considered more credible than other online directories due to the BBBs stringent accreditation standards.

Displaying the BBB seal on your website and marketing materials can distinguish your business in a crowded marketplace. This distinction can be particularly beneficial in industries where trust and credibility are paramount. Evaluating the Investment Cost-Benefit Analysis: While there is a cost associated with BBB accreditation, its important to weigh this against the potential benefits in terms of increased trust, customer confidence, and potential business growth.

Consider the nature of your business and your target market. If your customer base values credibility and ethical business practices highly, the ROI on BBB accreditation could be significant. Aligning with Business Values: Accreditation aligns your business with the BBBs Standards for Trust, which can serve as a framework for maintaining high ethical standards in your business operations.

This alignment can enhance your businesss internal culture by fostering a commitment to fairness, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Leveraging BBB Resources Educational Opportunities: The BBB provides various resources, including webinars and workshops, to help businesses enhance their operations and customer service. These educational opportunities can be valuable for continuous improvement.

Access to these resources is an added benefit of accreditation, providing you with tools and knowledge to grow and manage your business effectively. Networking and Community Involvement: BBB events and forums provide opportunities to network with other accredited businesses, fostering community involvement and potential business collaborations.

Participating in BBB initiatives can enhance your businesss local presence and visibility within the community. Reflecting on Business Goals: Consider how BBB accreditation aligns with your long-term business goals. If building a reputation for trustworthiness and customer satisfaction is central to your business strategy, BBB accreditation can be a valuable asset.

Reflect on your current customer feedback and market position. Accreditation might be the next step in elevating your business in the eyes of your customers and the broader market. BBB Accreditation as a Marketing Tool: Utilize BBB accreditation in your marketing efforts to highlight your commitment to ethical practices and customer satisfaction. This can be a powerful tool in attracting new customers and retaining existing ones.

Regularly communicate your BBB accreditation status through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, and on your website, to maximize its impact. BBB accreditation can offer numerous advantages for businesses aiming to establish themselves as trustworthy and customer-oriented. It requires a commitment to maintaining high standards but can yield significant returns in customer trust, business reputation, and overall growth. Why Get BBB Accreditation? Accredited BBB businesses get several benefits, including: Consumer Trust. Businesses get the right to associate their brand with the BBB brand, which is synonymous with trust. For example, accredited businesses can display the BBB accredited business logo on their front door, website and other places. Consumers look for this Seal. Competitive Advantage. Accreditation is exclusive and differentiates your business from competitors. Around 400,000 businesses are accredited, according to the BBB website. When you consider that this number is less than 3% of all companies, it is easy to see how those that get accreditation stand out from peers. Reputation Management. Accredited businesses get extra points toward their BBB rating. Ratings are separate from accreditation. But when a business puts itself through the accreditation process, the BBB is able to assess trustworthiness directly and may award a higher score. Online Visibility. Your business gets its accreditation status noted in the BBB directory. A business can claim its online profile and add images, videos and other information. You may even get leads sent to your company. Education and Information. The BBB offers webinars, newsletters and resources to help you run your business. How to Get BBB Accredited Application and Scrutiny The process of becoming BBB accredited involves a detailed review of your business practices. This scrutiny can help you identify areas for improvement in your operations and customer service.

Preparing for accreditation can serve as an opportunity to fine-tune your business policies and practices, ensuring they align with the best industry standards. Getting accredited is not hard for a reputable company, but you must apply. There are five steps for how to get BBB accreditation: 1. Check Your Eligibility The first step is to make sure your business is eligible. You have to have been in business at least 6 months. Among other requirements, you must have: All licenses and bonding required for your industry.

No government ethics violations.

Compliance with all governmental and contractual obligations.

A privacy policy on your website and secure technology if you sell online. 2. Apply There are two ways to apply for accreditation. You can go to this page to the start the process. An alternative way to apply is to get in touch with your local BBB office directly. As a proprietor of a small business, your interactions will primarily be with your local BBB office. You can visit BBB.org and explore the BBB organizations operating in the US, Canada, and Mexico to identify the appropriate chapter for your geographical location. Then, you can initiate the process via a call, an email, or by using the application form available on the website of the local chapter. 3. Provide Information Accompanying your application, youre required to provide certain critical details about your business. The list of information isnt exhaustive, but its accuracy is of utmost importance. Key facts such as your businesss official name, the registered address, the number of employees on your payroll, and other relevant details form the core of this data. Ensuring precision in this phase is instrumental as it paves the way for a seamless review process and plays a pivotal role in the final verdict of your accreditation. 4. Undergo a Business Review Following the submission of your application, the BBB chapter for your area will conduct an in-depth business review. This review includes a public records check along with a thorough examination of other available information sources to gauge the level of trustworthiness and integrity of your business. As part of this, the BBB may request a personal meeting or conduct an interview over the phone to garner more insights into your operations. This application is then put forward for review by the local BBB board of directors, a process that can stretch over several weeks. The board, composed of individuals from the broader business community, convenes periodically. Given these factors, its prudent to expect the overall process to take at least 3 weeks.

5. Pay the Fee Upon Approval

Once your application has passed the stringent approval process, you are required to agree to the BBBs specified terms. This includes the payment of the fee, also referred to as Accreditation Dues.

Its essential to remember that this fee doesnt guarantee a certain rating; rather, its directed towards covering the BBBs overhead expenses.

These costs encompass processing applications and sustaining day-to-day operations within the Better Business Bureau organizations. As an entrepreneur, you understand that running an organization involves many operational costs  staff compensation, rent for the business premises, utility costs, and more.

After your application has been approved, a comprehensive welcome packet will be dispatched to you. This kit includes a Membership Certificate, a wide array of marketing materials, and an assortment of other helpful resources.

In addition, an email containing your login information for your new online profile will be sent to you, marking the commencement of your BBB accreditation journey.

Ongoing Commitment

Once accredited, your business must adhere to the BBBs standards and guidelines. This ongoing commitment requires a proactive approach to customer service and ethical business practices.

Renewing your accreditation annually reiterates your commitment to these standards, reinforcing customer trust over time.

How Much Is the BBB Accreditation Fee?

For most small businesses, the accreditation fee will be in the hundreds of dollars. However, the fees depend on two factors: (1) your number of employees, and (2) your local BBB offices fee schedule.

Each local BBB office has its own fee schedule, and most seem to fall within a 10% range of other chapters. A few local chapters put their fees online. For instance, the St. Louis office publishes the following fees:

Number of Employees Accreditation Annual Fees 1 - 3 $510 4 - 7 $585 8 - 10 $660 11 - 49 $850 50 - 99 $1035 100 - 200 $1225

Check with your local chapter for the actual fees you would be charged. Payment plans are available to let you spread out the cost monthly or quarterly.

The same fee is charged annually for renewal. BBB fees are a business expense that qualifies as a small business tax deduction.

Little known fact: some local business bureaus occasionally offer discounts. For example, at the time of this writing, the South East Florida BBB is offering a limited-time discount along with 90 days of free online advertising.

What Types of Businesses is BBB Accreditation Best For?

BBB Accreditation holds potential benefits for any enterprise that engages with the public, regardless of its size or industry. This makes a broad spectrum of organizations eligible.

Although small businesses often form a substantial portion of accredited entities, local branches of larger conglomerates, such as banks, are not uncommon.

Businesses across diverse industries can seek accreditation, with exceptions being industries that are either unlawful, such as online casinos, or flagged by the BBB as intrinsically problematic, for instance, payday lenders.

Based on data from the West Florida BBB, the most inquiries from the public involve businesses like roofing contractors, A/C contractors, insurance companies, home builders, used car dealerships, general contractors, plumbers, pool companies, and collection agencies.

While this list is subject to regional variations, it offers a glimpse into the types of businesses where BBB accreditation significantly influences consumer decisions.

These businesses, in particular, might reap substantial benefits from accreditation.

Can Online Businesses Get BBB Accredited?

Indeed, online businesses are eligible to apply for and receive BBB accreditation. One might question the necessity, but the rationale is straightforward. In the digital age, establishing trust online is more critical than ever.

A study by Nielsen, quoted by the BBB, revealed that 60% of consumers consult the BBB before making online purchases, underscoring the importance of BBB accreditation for e-commerce ventures.

How Do I Find Out if a Business is BBB Accredited?

There are two primary methods to ascertain a businesss BBB accreditation. The first approach is to look for the dynamic BBB Accredited Business Seal on the companys website.

This interactive software version of the BBB logo allows consumers to verify a businesss credentials with a simple click.

Alternatively, you can visit the BBB.org website and conduct a search for the business. The business profile will indicate whether the business is accredited.

If you struggle to find the business, ensure the correct spelling of the name. If the business profile is still absent, it signifies a lack of BBB accreditation.

Why is a Business Not BBB Accredited?

There could be a number of reasons a business does not have accreditation  and those reasons are not necessarily negative:

The business simply may have decided not to apply or chosen not to renew.

The company may have relocated and temporarily has no accreditation. That was our case here at Small Business Trends Media after we relocated the business to another state.

A business may not be accredited due to being in an industry the BBB considers a scam or problematic.

Accreditation also can be revoked. MyPillow famously had its status revoked and its rating downgraded, in part due to violations of the BBBs advertising code.

What Are the BBB Standards of Trust?

The Better Business Bureau continuously supervises accredited businesses to ensure sustained adherence to eight foundational principles, collectively termed the Standards of Marketplace Trust.

These standards provide a roadmap for businesses seeking to maintain good standing and cultivate a positive reputation. They are as follows:

Build Trust: Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.

Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace. Advertise Honestly: Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.

Tell the Truth: Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.

Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms. Be Transparent: Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees, and procedures that bear on a customers decision to buy.

Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees, and procedures that bear on a customers decision to buy. Honor Promises: Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.

Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations. Be Responsive: Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.

Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith. Guard Privacy: Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information.

Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information. Embody Integrity: Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions, and commitments with integrity.

Adhering to these standards not only assists in maintaining BBB accreditation but also, and perhaps more importantly, they serve as excellent guiding principles for running any business.

These standards encourage ethical business practices that can help build a strong reputation and a loyal customer base.

Should I Get My Business Accredited?

You might wonder: is the Better Business Bureau worth it? The BBB is not without controversy. Over a decade ago I wrote about it, and was surprised by the response. Also, a few years back CNN wrote a series of negative articles, after which the organization said it made changes.

Yet, accreditation has value and I recommend it, especially for local small businesses that serve consumers. I have no financial interest in whether you get accreditation  or not. But heres why it is important: a large proportion of the public places trust in the BBB.

If potential customers think BBB accreditation has value, then it is worthwhile. Because in the end, the customer is what matters.

Information sources:
The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth has announced the latest beneficiaries of the Mastercard Strive Innovation Fund, allocating nearly $2 million in grants globally. This initiative underpins Mastercard Strives commitment to nurturing early-stage solutions that can significantly impact small businesses, particularly in sustainability, digitalization, and community lending.

The Strive Innovation Fund, managed by Caribou Digital and DAI, is set to bolster 11 organizations worldwide. Seven of these are dedicated to advancing digital solutions that support small businesses in environmental sustainability and market access through data. In the United States, Strive USA will fund four organizations focused on strengthening the small business ecosystem through innovative digital and data-first strategies.

Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, emphasized the role of digital advancements in fostering small business growth and resilience. Every day, digital advances are creating new opportunities for small business growth and resilience. Mastercard Strive helps provide the necessary funding to develop and scale ideas and solutions that meet the needs of small businesses today and for the future. This is key as we work toward an economy and society that promises opportunity for everyone, everywhere, Singh stated.

Strive represents a global suite of philanthropic programs aimed at empowering small businesses in the digital economy. Through targeted grantmaking and local partnerships, Strive seeks to build more resilient enterprises with greater growth and success opportunities.

The recipients of the Strive Innovation Fund grants include:

Global

Vested Impact: Developing an automated impact assessment portal for small businesses, focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Targets.

Asia Pacific

Small Business Deals

Alner (Indonesia): Implementing a reusable packaging system with a digital app to empower small businesses as resellers.

SkyEye (Samoa): Offering an e-commerce platform that aids Samoan small businesses in accessing local and international markets.

SoBanHang (Vietnam): Providing a business management mobile app for small businesses to enhance digital sales and operations.

Europe

Tern Eco Ltd (UK): Aiming to help retailers build brand-owned circular models for sustainability and revenue growth.

Latin America/Caribbean

Datasketch (Colombia): Democratizing data science for small businesses in developing nations with accessible data tools.

Middle East/Africa

Africa 118 (Ethiopia): Supporting small businesses in leveraging digital platforms and social media for marketing.

North America

Accessity (California, U.S.): Enhancing small business loans and resources through AI-enabled tools.

Aeris Insight (U.S.): Accelerating capital flow to CDFIs for underserved small businesses and communities.

California Farmlink (California, U.S.): Integrating capital tools and digital solutions for Latino farmers and climate-smart agriculture.

Scale Link & LoanWell (U.S.): Piloting a digital marketplace for small business lending with a network of CDFI lenders.

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth continues to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion worldwide. By leveraging data insights, expertise, and technology, the Center conducts independent research and scales global programs. It also empowers a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers at the forefront of inclusive growth.
Navigating the world of virtual assistant services can be a game-changer for small businesses. Its about finding that perfect balance of skill, reliability, and value.

In this article, were diving into the top 25 virtual assistant companies tailored for small businesses. Weve carefully selected each one for their standout features and how they can transform your business efficiency. Get ready to meet your businesss new best friend!

What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?

Virtual assistants (VAs) are the unsung heroes for small businesses, handling a vast array of tasks to boost efficiency and productivity.

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From administrative duties to creative content generation, VAs are versatile professionals who can adapt to various business needs, making them an invaluable asset for any small business looking to streamline operations.

Administrative Tasks

Virtual assistants are masters of organization, taking on key administrative tasks to keep your business running smoothly. They manage emails, ensuring you never miss an important message.

Appointment scheduling becomes a breeze, with VAs organizing your calendar effectively. Additionally, they tackle data entry, converting piles of paperwork into neatly organized digital files, saving you time and reducing clutter.

Small Business Deals

Social Media

In the digital age, having a strong social media presence is crucial, and virtual assistants can be pivotal in this area. They handle everything from crafting engaging content to scheduling posts at optimal times.

VAs also engage with your followers, creating a vibrant and interactive community around your brand. Their skills in navigating various social platforms can significantly enhance your online presence.

Content Creation

Virtual assistants also excel in content creation, a vital aspect of modern marketing strategies. They can turn your ideas into compelling blog posts, create persuasive copywriting for your website, and design eye-catching graphics.

This diverse range of skills means that VAs can help you produce consistent, high-quality content that resonates with your audience and strengthens your brand identity.

Customer Support

Virtual assistants play a crucial role in customer support. They are often the first point of contact for customer inquiries, providing timely and helpful responses. Managing live chat, VAs can offer instant assistance to your customers, improving their overall experience.

They also monitor customer feedback, helping you understand your audience better and adjust your services or products to meet their needs more effectively.

The Benefits of Using a Virtual Assistant

Benefit Description Application in Business Impact on Business Cost Efficiency Reduces overhead costs compared to full-time employees. Pay only for hours worked or tasks completed, no office space required. Lowers operational costs significantly. Time Management Frees up business owner's time. Handles administrative tasks, scheduling, and correspondence. Allows focus on core business activities and growth. Flexibility Offers flexible work arrangements. Can be hired for specific projects or on a need basis. Adapts to fluctuating workloads and business demands. Increased Productivity Improves overall productivity. Takes over repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Streamlines business operations and increases efficiency. Skill Diversity Access to a wide range of skills and expertise. Choose VAs with specific skill sets needed for different tasks. Broadens the capabilities of your business without hiring specialists. Scalability Eases scalability of operations. Hire more VAs as the business grows without significant investment. Facilitates business growth with minimal risk. Global Talent Access Access to a global talent pool. Hire the best talent irrespective of geographical location. Opens up a wider range of skills and perspectives. Reduced Workload Stress Decreases the burden on business owners. Handles mundane tasks, leaving more strategic work to the business owner. Reduces burnout and improves work-life balance. Quality Customer Service Enhances customer service and support. Manages customer inquiries, emails, and calls. Improves customer satisfaction and retention. Business Continuity Provides continuous business operations. Offers support during different time zones and outside of standard office hours. Ensures that business functions are always attended to.

Our Top Pick: The Best Virtual Assistant Company

Time etc excels in the virtual assistant space, particularly for small businesses. With services starting at $17 per hour, they offer a wide range of tasks, from scheduling to social media management, handled by the top 2% of U.S. assistants.

Their experience since 2007 and positive client feedback, coupled with over 1.7 million hours saved for businesses, highlight their efficiency and reliability.

The flexibility of their service packages and a free trial option further cement Time etc, as the best virtual assistant service for businesses looking to boost productivity.

The Top Virtual Assistants for Small Businesses

Discover the best virtual assistant services tailored for small businesses. Our top 25 picks are designed to boost efficiency and drive success. Lets explore the top virtual assistant agencies!

Get Magic

Get Magic is renowned for connecting businesses with top-tier virtual assistants, focusing on enhancing productivity for a wide range of professional needs.

Features

Highly skilled assistants capable of handling diverse tasks.

Scalable solutions for modern business demands.

In-depth training program for continuous skill enhancement.

Pros

Selective recruitment process for top 3% talent.

Flexible pricing with no long-term obligations.

Dedicated account manager for streamlined onboarding.

Cons

Limited to assistants from Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Weekly billing model may not suit all budget types.

Virtual Gurus

Virtual Gurus offers a unique blend of talented virtual assistants, ensuring efficient and effective support for various business needs.

Features

Access to pre-vetted virtual assistants.

Flexible, monthly subscription packages.

Sophisticated matching algorithms for tailored VA pairing.

Pros

Diverse range of services from administrative support to bookkeeping.

Continuous skill development opportunities for VAs.

Transparent pricing based on monthly support hours.

Cons

Strict 30-day cancellation policy.

Monthly billing without refunds for unused services.

Big Outsource

Big Outsource , based in the Philippines, specializes in offshoring and business outsourcing solutions, offering a range of services to enhance business efficiency.

Features

Dedicated staffing solutions.

Project-based outsourcing.

Shared-agent services for customer communication.

Pros

Cost-effective and efficient staffing.

Tailored services for diverse business needs.

Strong focus on personalized customer communication.

Cons

Geared more towards temporary or project-based needs.

May require adaptation for specific market demands.

Prialto

Prialto delivers managed virtual assistant services, focusing on enhancing productivity for professionals and teams with proactive and scalable administrative support.

Features

Consultative approach to workflow.

Executive, sales, and operations support.

Engagement Managers for task delegation.

Pros

Tailored support enhancing client productivity.

Assistants undergo extensive training.

Consistent documentation and cross-training.

Cons

May require client adaptation to consultative style.

More suited for clients needing structured, ongoing support.

Helpware

Helpware excels in providing concierge-level business process outsourcing services, aimed at elevating customer experiences through a variety of specialized services.

Features

Digital Customer Experience support.

Content Control and Verification.

AI Operations and Back-Office Support.

Pros

Focus on driving brand loyalty.

Comprehensive data management and analysis.

Proven track record in boosting productivity.

Cons

May require integration with existing systems.

Geared towards businesses prioritizing customer experience management.

Wing Assistant

Wing Assistant specializes in providing fully managed, dedicated virtual assistant services, designed to accelerate business growth through effective task delegation.

Features

Unlimited virtual assistant tasks.

Broad service range, from financial to travel planning.

Complimentary VA management software.

Pros

Fixed monthly pricing, starting at $599.

High client satisfaction rating (4.8/5).

Additional support from a Customer Success Manager.

Cons

Fixed pricing may be steep for smaller tasks.

May require time for integration into existing workflows.

Remote CoWorker

Remote CoWorker offers highly skilled virtual assistants, focusing on elevating business operations through increased productivity and efficiency.

Features

Administrative and customer service support.

Affordability with plans starting at $7.99/hour.

Professionally trained virtual assistants.

Pros

Cost-effective manpower solution.

Helps businesses focus on core operations.

Aids in managing growing task lists.

Cons

May not suit the needs for specialized tasks.

Requires clear task delegation and management.

IdeasUnlimited

IdeasUnlimited is a global provider of call center and virtual assistant services, offering round-the-clock support to a wide range of businesses.

Features

24/7 call center services.

Professional virtual assistance.

eCommerce and bilingual support.

Pros

Continuous coverage for international clientele.

Tailored support for SMBs and large corporations.

Recognized for innovative and dedicated service.

Cons

May require adaptation to diverse time zones.

Potentially overwhelming range of services for some businesses.

Outsource Bigdata

Outsource Bigdata is at the forefront of data management and processing, pioneering an automation-first approach for enhanced data engineering.

Features

AI-enabled intelligence services.

Big Data & Analytics.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

Pros

Focus on efficiency and cost reduction.

24/7 global availability.

Risk-free trial and significant cost savings.

Cons

May require technical adaptability.

Specialized focus is less suited for non-data-centric businesses.

Super Virtuals

Super Virtuals excels in recruiting and managing remote talent tailored to specific business needs.

Features

Custom recruitment of virtual assistants.

Diverse service offerings including marketing and financial tasks.

Support for non-profit organizations.

Pros

Bespoke talent matching for efficiency.

Flexible monthly plans from 10 to 40 hours/week.

Highly praised for customer satisfaction.

Cons

Limited to virtual assistants based in the Philippines.

Fixed hourly rates across different plans.

Wishup

Wishup offers versatile virtual assistant services, emphasizing long-term relationships to deeply understand and fulfill business needs.

Features

Support in administration, bookkeeping, and more.

Selection of top 1% virtual assistants.

Flexibility in hours and tasks.

Pros

Managed service covering legal and financial aspects.

Quick onboarding and instant replacement.

High client satisfaction and broad expertise.

Cons

May require time to build a deep understanding with the VA.

More suitable for clients valuing long-term collaboration.

Fancy Hands

Fancy Hands is a US-based service providing a variety of virtual assistant tasks, known for its flexibility and user-friendly platforms.

Features

Rollover of unused requests.

Repeatable task automation.

Multiple submission methods for requests.

Pros

Convenient and efficient for simple tasks.

Offers a range of affordable pricing plans.

User-friendly mobile apps for easy access.

Cons

Tasks may exceed the estimated time.

System may not suit complex business needs.

Zirtual

Zirtual specializes in providing U.S.-based virtual assistants with college degrees, catering to a diverse clientele with a range of task-handling capabilities.

Features

Assistants skilled in administrative and creative tasks.

Personalized matching with clients.

Consultation option for tailored assistance.

Pros

Virtual assistants are smart, experienced, and fast learners.

Consistent availability and workload management.

Emphasis on creative and flexible assistance.

Cons

Cannot perform tasks requiring physical presence.

Limited to non-physical tasks like phone calls or in-person activities.

VA Staffer

VA Staffer provides versatile virtual assistant services, catering to the needs of businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups since 2013.

Features

Comprehensive service range including SEO and CRM management.

Over 50 skilled virtual assistants available.

Cloud-based project management tool for effective communication.

Pros

Customizable packages for diverse needs.

In-house recruitment and training of assistants.

Specialized in a variety of business tasks.

Cons

One-time setup fee of $497.

Mixed reviews regarding employee satisfaction.

Virtual Staff Finder

Virtual Staff Finder specializes in connecting businesses with pre-screened virtual assistants, primarily from the Philippines, streamlining the hiring process.

Features

Detailed pre-screening of candidates.

Tailored candidate sourcing based on job requirements.

10-day hiring guarantee.

Pros

Saves time in the hiring process.

Direct salary negotiation with the assistant.

Positive reviews for candidate quality.

Cons

One-time fee of $495.

Limited involvement after hiring, requiring client management.

Outsourcing Angel

Outsourcing Angel offers comprehensive virtual assistant services, with a focus on sourcing and managing skilled assistants from the Philippines.

Features

Experienced VAs in administration and social media.

End-to-end service from hiring to management.

Community platform for VAs to exchange knowledge.

Pros

Efficient hiring process with pre-vetted assistants.

Perks and benefits for long-term VA motivation.

Positive client feedback on professionalism and fit.

Cons

Requires clear client direction for optimal results.

Focus mainly on Philippine-based assistants.

HelloRache

HelloRache specializes in providing virtual assistant services for dental and medical practices, offering highly trained assistants with medical industry experience.

Features

Tailored assistance for medical and dental offices.

Support in administrative and event planning tasks.

Focus on easing the workload of medical professionals.

Pros

Expertise in medical-specific administrative tasks.

Allows medical professionals to focus on patient care.

Customized support for various office functions.

Cons

Hourly rates are not explicitly listed.

Services specialized for the medical and dental fields only.

VaVa Virtual

VaVa Virtual is a full-service virtual assistance provider based in Los Angeles, California, offering a wide range of services to clients worldwide.

Features

Comprehensive suite of services including social media and bookkeeping.

Custom website service with tailored design.

Agency model connecting freelancers with clients.

Pros

High client retention rate.

U.S.-based assistants with diverse skill sets.

Positive client feedback on quality and support.

Cons

May require a trial period to ensure fit.

Specific to U.S.-based assistants, potentially limiting global reach.

WoodBows

WoodBows offers a diverse range of virtual assistant services, combining US-based operations with a global team of assistants from the Philippines and India.

Features

Extensive services including real estate assistance and software development.

High client retention and repetition rates.

Streamlined 4-step process for hiring a VA.

Pros

Recognized for excellence in the VA industry.

Experienced professionals available 24/7.

Emphasis on data security and timely task completion.

Cons

Some reports of communication and work quality issues.

Research and careful consideration recommended before hiring.

Ossisto

Ossisto offers versatile virtual assistant services catering to a diverse range of business needs with a focus on efficiency and quality results.

Features

Diverse services including digital marketing and website development.

Streamlined service process with consultation and ongoing support.

Free 2-hour trial to evaluate services.

Pros

High client satisfaction with proven results.

Skilled team with a rigorous selection process.

24/7 availability for project perfection.

Cons

Currently limited to specific regions for client services.

Infrastructure expansion needed for global client acceptance.

OkayRelax

OkayRelax is a Tampa, Florida-based virtual assistant company, offering tailored services for a diverse range of clients since 2015.

Features

Wide array of services including travel planning and lead generation.

Task-based model with dedicated assistants.

User-friendly task management dashboard.

Pros

Flexibility with no contract and customizable plans.

Rigorous screening and training of assistants.

Global service availability in English.

Cons

Limited weekend availability and observes major US holidays.

Not BBB accredited.

VASumo

VASumo is a virtual assistant provider with a presence in New York and Toronto, known for its comprehensive range of services since its launch in 2014.

Features

Wide variety of services including marketing and sales support.

Virtual assistants are college graduates in the US and Canada.

Advanced training with Digital Marketer Mastery Certifications.

Pros

Specialized services tailored to modern business needs.

Multiple plans to accommodate different requirements.

Generally positive client reviews on professionalism and skills.

Cons

Mixed customer service experiences reported.

Limited hours in the lower-tiered packages.

MyTasker

MyTasker , established in 2012 with its headquarters in Kolkata, India, provides a comprehensive range of VA services.

Features

Wide spectrum of services, including accounting and marketing.

Trial period for evaluating services.

Variety of pricing models including a Pay As You Go option.

Pros

Flexible subscription plans with discounts.

Experienced assistants in diverse fields.

Positive customer feedback for efficiency and reliability.

Cons

Mixed reviews on different platforms.

Competitors may offer lower rates.

Virtalent

Virtalent is a UK-based virtual assistant company offering a tailored experience to support business growth, with a strong emphasis on client compatibility.

Features

Extensive services including content writing and email marketing.

Bespoke VA matching based on client needs.

Free consultation call for ideal pairing.

Pros

High customer satisfaction with an average score of 4.94/5.

Experienced UK-based assistants from diverse professional backgrounds.

Flexible pricing structure accommodating various client needs.

Cons

Services may be more UK-centric.

Additional hours beyond plan incur extra charges.

Time etc

Time etc offers highly rated virtual assistance services, designed to enhance productivity and task management.

Features

Flexible scheduling for virtual assistants.

Wide array of task-handling capabilities.

Cost-effective team packages available.

Pros

High client satisfaction with service quality.

Competitive rates starting at $17 per hour.

Offers free trials and consultations.

Cons

Primarily part-time opportunities.

Pay for VAs is less than client charges.

What to Look for in a Virtual Assistant Service

Choosing the right virtual assistant service is crucial for small businesses. Key factors to consider include pricing, the range of services offered, the companys experience, and client reviews.

These elements ensure you find a service that not only fits your budget but also has the expertise and a proven track record of delivering high-quality assistance tailored to your business needs.

Pricing

Pricing models of virtual assistant services vary widely. Some offer hourly rates, which are ideal for businesses needing flexible support.

Others provide package deals or monthly subscriptions suitable for those requiring consistent, ongoing assistance.

Understanding these models helps you align the cost with your businesss budget and the level of support you need, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

Range of Services

The range of services offered by virtual assistants is vast. It includes administrative tasks like email management and data entry, social media management from content creation to engagement, and specialized services like graphic design or blog writing.

Assessing the variety of services helps you find a VA that can meet all your specific business needs in one go.

Experience

Experience is a cornerstone in selecting a virtual assistant service. A company with a rich history and expertise in your industry can offer insights and perform tasks with a level of professionalism that comes only with experience.

Evaluate their past work and areas of specialization to ensure they align with your business objectives and can handle the unique challenges of your sector.

Client Reviews

Client reviews are invaluable in assessing the quality and reliability of a virtual assistant service. They provide real-world insights into the companys performance and client satisfaction.

Reading through these reviews helps gauge the VAs effectiveness, responsiveness, and ability to deliver on promises, guiding you toward making a well-informed decision for your business.

FAQs: Virtual Assistant Companies

What are the Main Differences Between Virtual Assistant Services and Virtual Personal Assistant Services?

Virtual assistant services focus on professional business tasks like email management, data entry, and customer support.

Virtual Personal Assistant Services, on the other hand, cater to personal tasks such as managing personal appointments, travel planning, and personal shopping. The key difference lies in the nature of tasks  business-oriented versus personal.

How do Virtual Assistants Help Small Businesses Save Time and Resources?

Virtual Assistants help small businesses save time and resources by handling routine and specialized tasks.

This allows business owners to focus on core activities like growth and strategy. VAs bring efficiency by managing administrative duties, social media, customer support, and more, reducing the need for in-house staffing and associated costs.

Are Virtual Assistant Companies Suitable for All Types of Small Businesses?

Virtual Assistant companies are versatile and can cater to a wide range of small businesses, regardless of industry.

They offer a variety of services that can be customized to meet specific business needs, making them a suitable option for most small businesses looking for flexible, cost-effective support.

What Tasks Can a Virtual Assistant Typically Handle?

A Virtual Assistant can typically handle a broad spectrum of tasks, including but not limited to, administrative duties like email and calendar management, social media management, content creation, customer support, data entry, and basic bookkeeping.

The scope of their work can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a business.

How do I Ensure the Security and Confidentiality of my Business Information when Working with a Virtual Assistant?

To ensure the security and confidentiality of your business information with a Virtual Assistant, choose a reputable VA service with strict privacy policies.

Use secure communication channels and data storage solutions. Also, consider signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the VA to legally safeguard sensitive information.
The world of e-commerce continues to expand rapidly, and small businesses must face the challenge of connecting with a global market. The explosive growth of e-commerce cant be underestimated. In 2021, global e-commerce sales amounted to $5.2 trillion, and projections suggest an increase to $8.1 trillion by 2026.

The e-commerce market is such a huge market with 2.14 billion online shoppers worldwide, says Naresh Kumar K, lead technical support engineer for Zoho Commerce. Having an e-commerce store at the moment will be a huge game changer for any particular merchant. They can launch their own e-commerce store, set up a business, have an opportunity to seize opportunities in the market and drive thousands in online sales.

The digital marketplace, however, encompasses more than transactions. It includes the entire online process of marketing, selling, servicing and payment processing.

How does a small business manage all of these processes? Zoho Commerce offers a powerful solution, boasting tools to build, market and manage online stores effectively.

What Is Zoho Commerce?

Zoho Commerce is a comprehensive e-commerce platform, designed to empower small businesses to build and manage their online stores.

Unlike traditional marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, which often involve commissions and integration issues that impact profits and brand loyalty, Zoho Commerce offers a more streamlined and brand-centric approach.

Small Business Deals

Zoho Commerce is equipped with a suite of tools essential for e-commerce success. It simplifies the process of building an online store, accepting orders, tracking inventory, processing payments, managing shipping, marketing a brand and analyzing data.

The integration of multiple functionalities into a single platform streamlines the e-commerce process, making it more efficient and user-friendly for small business owners.

Why should small businesses choose Zoho Commerce to launch and manage their online stores? A few of of the key Zoho Commerce features include:

Website Builder : Create a professional-looking online store with customizable templates and a drag-and-drop interface.

Order Management : Efficiently process and track customer orders, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.

Inventory Management : Keep track of stock levels, manage product listings and avoid overstocking or stockouts.

Payment Processing : Securely accept and process payments with integrated payment gateways, offering customers a variety of payment options.

Shipping and Logistics : Manage shipping processes, from carrier integration to tracking shipments, ensuring a smooth delivery experience.

Why Should Small Businesses Use Zoho Commerce?

Small businesses often grapple with the challenges of establishing a strong online presence, especially when competing in marketplaces dominated by larger players.

Zoho Commerce offers a unique solution, addressing the common pain points small businesses face in e-commerce.

Retailers typically upload products to various marketplaces. That approach, however, comes with drawbacks like commission fees and integration issues, which can negatively impact brand loyalty and profit margins.

Zoho Commerce, on the other hand, provides an alternative that mitigates these issues with a more controlled and brand-centric online retail experience.

The platform takes a comprehensive and integrated approach to e-commerce, simplifying the process for small businesses. It empowers them to take charge of their online sales channels without the complexities and limitations often encountered in larger marketplaces.

Small businesses can benefit from Zoho Commerce in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

Direct Customer Engagement : Build a direct relationship with customers without intermediary marketplaces, enhancing brand loyalty and customer trust.

Reduced Overhead Costs : Eliminate marketplace commissions, allowing for better pricing strategies and improved profit margins.

Seamless Integration : Experience hassle-free integration of various business processes, from inventory management to payment processing.

Customizable Online Presence : Create a unique and customizable online store that reflects the brands identity and values.

Data Control and Analytics : Gain valuable insights from customer data and analytics, enabling informed decision-making and targeted marketing strategies.

How Does Zoho Commerce Provide E-commerce Solutions for Small Business?

By leveraging Zoho Commerce, small businesses can enjoy a level of autonomy and flexibility in their e-commerce endeavors, fostering growth and sustainability in the competitive digital marketplace.

As a comprehensive e-commerce solution, Zoho Commerce helps small businesses build online presences, market their products and brands, as well as manage their online sales.

Build a Strong Online Presence

Zoho Commerce provides an intuitive and user-friendly platform for small business owners to create their online storefronts.

The platforms emphasis on ease of use is illustrated by its drag-and-drop site builder and visual editor, each allowing users to design and customize their websites without coding skills.

The visual editor further enhances the experience by allowing users to stylize their websites with ranges of colors, fonts and icons. These customization options ensure that each website reflects the brands identity and appeals to its target audience.

Zoho Commerce also excels in providing a robust infrastructure for e-commerce websites. Key infrastructure features include:

Subdomain Availability : The feature offers the convenience of launching a store quickly with a subdomain, ideal for businesses in the early stages of online presence.

Secure Hosting with SSL : Secure hosting ensures that all websites are published securely with SSL encryption, safeguarding customer data and transactions.

Enhanced Security and Privacy : Zoho Commerce prioritizes the security and privacy of both the business and its customers, creating a trustworthy online shopping environment.

By simplifying the technical aspects of website creation and ensuring a secure online environment, Zoho Commerce allows business owners to focus on what they do best  growing their business and engaging with customers.

Simplify Marketing Efforts

Zoho Commerce is equipped with a suite of effective marketing tools designed to enhance the online visibility and reach of small businesses. Before you launch your online marketing campaign, consider the ways in which Zoho Commerce can aid in your endeavors.

SEO

The platform offers built-in SEO tools that simplify the optimization process, even for those without technical expertise. These tools include the ability to add sitemaps and robots.txt files, essential for search engines to crawl and index the website effectively.

Zoho Commerce likewise allows for easy management of tags, further boosting the sites SEO.

Blogging and Engagement

Blogging is another powerful feature in Zoho Commerce, allowing businesses to publish blogs directly from their online stores. This integration not only streamlines the content creation process but also enhances the stores SEO and social media presence.

Each blog post can be optimized with SEO tags to achieve higher rankings in search results. Furthermore, Zoho Commerce provides tools to moderate comments on blog posts, fostering customer engagement and community building.

The platform also makes it easy to share blog content on social media platforms, increasing reach and driving traffic back to the store.

Product Reviews and Moderation

Product reviews are an integral part of the Zoho Commerce marketing toolkit.

The platform enables businesses to collect and display reviews from verified buyers, adding credibility and trust to their products. These reviews are crucial in influencing the purchasing decisions of potential customers.

Zoho Commerce offers tools to moderate and filter out spam, ensuring that only genuine and helpful reviews are visible. The feature not only enhances the product pages but also contributes positively to the overall customer experience.

Provide Efficient Management Solutions

Zoho Commerce excels in simplifying the management aspects of running an online store, a crucial factor for small businesses seeking efficiency and growth.

With the following management tools, Zoho Commerce provides small businesses with the capabilities and insights needed to effectively oversee their online operations, from product listings to customer relations and inventory control.

Products and Pricing

The platforms comprehensive approach to product and pricing maintenance allows for easy tracking and updating of products and prices.

The feature is particularly beneficial for businesses with diverse and dynamic product ranges, as it enables quick adjustments to pricing and product details and ensures the online store always reflects the most current offerings.

Zoho Commerce also facilitates the creation of varied price lists, catering to different customer segments or promotional strategies, thus enhancing pricing flexibility and marketing effectiveness.

Order Tracking and Management

The platform also streamlines order and shipping management, a critical component of e-commerce success.

Zoho Commerce provides tools for efficient order processing, from confirmation to fulfillment, ensuring that customer orders are handled promptly and accurately. That efficiency in order processing not only improves customer satisfaction but also boosts operational productivity.

Likewise, the platform offers powerful and comprehensive features for managing shipping rates and zones, allowing businesses to set specific shipping policies based on geographical locations.

The feature is particularly useful for businesses that ship products globally, since it helps them tailor shipping rates and policies to different regions, thereby ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with local shipping regulations.

Customer and Stock Management

Efficient customer and inventory management ensure businesses can meet customer demand without incurring unnecessary storage costs.

Zoho Commerce features tools for detailed customer management, helping businesses keep track of customer information, preferences and purchase history. The data is invaluable for personalizing the customer experience and for targeted marketing efforts.

Zoho Commerce also aids in stock management. It provides real-time tracking of inventory levels, helping businesses avoid stock outs or overstocking situations.

Zoho Commerces Comprehensive Integrations Boost Small Business E-commerce to the Next Level

Zoho Commerce stands out for its ability to integrate seamlessly with a variety of platforms both within the Zoho suite of software solutions and with popular external resources, ensuring holistic business management.

These Zoho Commerce integrations are crucial for small businesses looking to streamline their operations and enhance efficiency across different business functions.

Marketing Integrations

Zohos marketing integrations help small businesses launch and market their online stores using software tools both within and outside the Zoho universe. These include:

Zoho Campaigns : This tool allows businesses to create and send targeted email campaigns, track their performance and engage customers effectively.

MailChimp : Integrating with MailChimp enables businesses to leverage another powerful platform for email marketing, enhancing their reach and engagement.

Google Ads : By integrating with Google Ads, Zoho Commerce helps businesses advertise their products on Googles vast network, driving traffic and sales.

More Integrations : Zoho Commerce also integrates simply with other popular tools like Meta Pixel, Zoho Survey and Zoho Marketing Automation

Sales and Inventory Integrations

Zoho Commerces usefulness doesnt stop after an online store is launched. It also features integrations with pivotal customer and inventory management tools, including:

Zoho CRM : This integration provides a comprehensive view of customer interactions, helping businesses manage leads, customer relationships and sales processes efficiently.

Zoho Inventory : It synchronizes inventory management with the online store, ensuring accurate stock levels, order fulfillment and inventory tracking.

Payments and Shipping Integrations

Zoho Commerce integrations dont stop with sales. The popular online tool also integrates with numerous online payment processing tools, as well as those dedicated to managing shipping. A few of those integrations include:

PayPal and Stripe : These integrations offer secure and diverse payment options, making transactions smooth and trustworthy for customers.

DHL and UPS : Integrating with leading shipping carriers like DHL and UPS enables efficient order shipping and tracking, enhancing customer satisfaction.

More Integrations : Zoho Commerce also integrates seamlessly with payment and shipping tools including 2Checkout, eazypay, Worldpay, Mercado Pago, PayTabs, PayU and authorize.net, the U.S. Postal Service, Shiprocket, EasyPost and more.

Analytics Integrations

Modern e-commerce success relies heavily on gaining insight into customer behavior and other trends.

No matter what software a small business uses to analyze product and customer data, chances are it can be integrated with Zoho Commerce. A few of those integrations include:

Zoho Analytics and Zoho Pagesense : Tools like Zoho Pagesense and Zoho Analytics provide in-depth insights into business performance, helping in making data-driven decisions.

Google Analytics : Integration with Google Analytics allows for tracking website traffic and customer behavior, essential for optimizing marketing strategies.

Accounting and Automation Integrations

Zoho Commerce also offers internal and external integrations with online tools that manage an online stores accounting, automating what might otherwise be a complicated and tedious task. A few of those integrations include:

Zoho Books : This integration simplifies accounting processes, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance.

Zoho Flow : The tool automates workflows between Zoho Commerce and other apps, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing manual tasks.

Zoho Commerce Promotes Customer Engagement

So, youve built your online store, youve marketed your products, and youve managed your inventory. You even attracted your first customers. Now, how do you keep them engaged with your brand.

As an end-to-end e-commerce solution, Zoho Commerce promotes customer engagement through even more user-friendly features, including:

Member Portal and Coupons : These features enable businesses to offer personalized experiences and discounts, fostering customer loyalty and repeat business.

Zoho SalesIQ : This online tool integrates live chat support for real-time customer interaction, providing immediate assistance and enhancing customer service.

Smart Product Recommendations : Powered by Zia, Zohos AI assistant, the feature offers tailored product suggestions to customers, improving the shopping experience and boosting sales.

Zoho Commerces Affordable Pricing Plans

Zoho Commerce offers a variety of affordable pricing plans to suit different business needs, including starter, professional and advanced options.

The Zoho Commerce Starter Plan features staple functionalities like a responsive website builder, free hosting with SSL, unlimited bandwidth, 50 GB of file storage, customer and sales reports, payment and shipping integrations and much more. The plan is available for $22 per month.

For an even more robust set of features, small business owners can choose the Zoho Commerce Professional Plan for $60 per month. It includes options like product reviews and ratings, unmetered file storage, advanced traffic and fraud analytics, live shipping rates and advanced coupons.

Zoho Commerces most powerful tier, the Advanced Plan, includes all the features available in the lower tiers, as well as composite items, price lists, serial batch tracking and a mega menu.
Slovak society remains polarised, a NMS Market Research survey shows.

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Almost half of Slovaks think that the current government will influence police investigations and trials related to corruption cases. This opinion is held by even a fifth of the voters of the government coalition parties (Smer - Hlas - SNS), according to the NMS Market Research Slovakia survey.

Only a quarter of Slovaks think the opposite.

Several people with links to the previous Smer-led governments were sent to prison for corruption and other crimes, including ex-special prosecutor Dusan Kovacik. Others, like Smer MP and ex-police chief Tibor Gaspar, face criminal charges related to running an organised crime group or the abuse of power.

However, the survey does not show that the voters of the coalition parties would not agree with the bullying of some police officers, or that they would oppose the governments intention to abolish the Special Prosecutors Office or reduce the penalty rates for corruption.

Almost half of the population also thinks that the government will raise taxes. There is also a prevailing opinion in society that the government will get Slovakia even more into debt. Forty percent of Slovaks think so. Among all the voters of the coalition parties, the voters of Hlas are the least convinced of the governments ability to consolidate public finances.

The data collection took place from November 30 to December 3, that is, during the period when the abolition of the anti-corruption Special Prosecutors Office, which is postponed to 2024, was already discussed, and at the same time before the introduction of the consolidation measures that the parliament approved this week.

Polarised society

Only about a third of the population believes that the government will calm the atmosphere in society, fulfil its pre-election promises, help people, or consolidate public finances.

"The government has not yet been able to fully gain the trust of the people," Denisa Lakatosova from the NMS Market Research Slovakia agency said.

Up to 86 percent of Smer voters expect the government to fulfil its promises. However, it is only 59 percent among Hlas voters and only 54 percent among SNS voters. A similar contradiction can be seen when it comes to the consolidation of public finances.

The new government divides the population into thirds - those who are satisfied (36 percent), those who are dissatisfied (35 percent) and those who are somewhere in the middle (29 percent). When looking at the degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction among the voters of individual parties, the division into opposition and coalition blocs can be seen again. While up to 92 percent of Smer voters are satisfied with the new governments performance and steps to date, it is the case for 81 percent of SNS voters and 71 percent of Hlas voters. In the opposition camp, there is considerable dissatisfaction with the performance and steps taken by the government. Up to 85 percent of SaS voters, 84 percent of PS voters and 67 percent of OLaNO (Slovensko) voters are very or rather dissatisfied.

"The result only confirms that Slovak society is still very polarised," added Lakatosova.

In the December survey by the Ipsos agency, the Smer party remained the most popular party. In December, 24.1 percent of voters would vote for Smer, followed by PS with 19.4 percent. The far-right party Republika, which has no MPs in the house after the September 2023 election, would also get into parliament. OLaNO (if it ran as a coalition party) and SNS would end up outside the parliament.
Your last chance to buy presents at the Christmas Market in Bratislava, where to grab a delicious burger in Trnava, and a photographer who loves Bratislava pedestrians.

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Good evening. Here is the Thursday, December 21 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Help offered to Czechia after tragic Prague shooting

An ambulance drives towards the building of Arts Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague on December 21, 2023. (Source: TASR/AP)

The Slovak police do not have any information that the December 21 shooting at Charles University in Prague could in any way be related to Slovakia. At least 14 people were killed by a gunman, who is said to be a 24-year-old student at the university. He committed suicide after the incident.

The Slovak police are not underestimating the situation and are communicating with their Czech colleagues. Slovakia has also offered help to its neighbour.

In the early evening of Thursday, Slovak MPs observed a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the Prague shooting. President Zuzana Caputova, party leaders, PM Robert Fico and several Slovak universities expressed their condolences, too.

The Slovak Foreign Ministry currently has no information about injured or dead Slovak citizens in connection with the shooting in the Czech capital. Thousands of Slovak students study in Prague and other Czech cities, including Brno.

More stories from The Slovak Spectator website

Politics: Slovak society remains polarised after the September parliamentary election, a survey shows.

Slovak society remains polarised after the September parliamentary election, a survey shows. Bratislava: Enjoy the capital with our selection of three things that you can try for free.

Enjoy the capital with our selection of three things that you can try for free. Restaurant review: If you want to warm your hands around a delicious and freshly cooked burger, "Tucny Kocur" in Trnava is the place to go to.

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

FEATURE STORY FOR THURSDAY

Photographer who lets the sun finish images

One of the attributes of today pedestrian is a mobile. (Source: Anton Sladek )

Photographer Anton Sladek loves Bratislava and this can be felt from his photographs. He has been taking pictures of the Slovak capital for decades.

In an interview with The Slovak Spectator, he describes what an average Bratislava pedestrian look like.

EVENT FOR TOMORROW

Christmas Market to close

The Christmas Market event in Bratislava ends on Friday, December 22, 2023. (Source: Facebook/Stara Trznica)

If you still haven't bought Christmas presents, you can do so in the Old Town Market hall. Tomorrow is your last chance to visit the Christmas Market.

It is open from 12:00 to 20:00. Some events will be held there tomorrow, too. For example, you can dance with Hustle Bratislava on the balcony at 17:00 for free.

In other news

MPs approved the government's state budget bill for 2024. Speaker Peter Pellegrini (Hlas) ended the debate earlier through the approved procedural proposal. Several MPs who wanted to have their say in the debate thus were not allowed to speak. All 79 MPs present voted for the budget. The public finance deficit should fall to 5.97 percent of GDP (7.84 billion). The deficit should thus be reduced by more than 0.5 percentage points from the expected level of 6.52 percent of GDP this year.

Speaker Peter Pellegrini (Hlas) ended the debate earlier through the approved procedural proposal. Several MPs who wanted to have their say in the debate thus were not allowed to speak. All 79 MPs present voted for the budget. The public finance deficit should fall to 5.97 percent of GDP (7.84 billion). The deficit should thus be reduced by more than 0.5 percentage points from the expected level of 6.52 percent of GDP this year. Slovenska Posta branches will be closed during the Christmas holidays (December 24-26), January 1 and 6, 2024. All post offices will also be closed on New Year's Eve, December 31. Customers can find current opening hours in the Slovenska Posta mobile application and on the website www.posta.sk.

All post offices will also be closed on New Year's Eve, December 31. Customers can find current opening hours in the Slovenska Posta mobile application and on the website www.posta.sk. The Economy Ministry has no plans to subsidise the purchase of electric cars. The ministry admitted the low sales of electric cars, though. For now, the ministry has only launched subsidies for building charging stations. (SITA)

The ministry admitted the low sales of electric cars, though. For now, the ministry has only launched subsidies for building charging stations. (SITA) Slovakia, like other European countries, is struggling with a shortage of drivers in logistics companies . Thousands of them are missing, the logistics company Raben said. The reason for this is mainly the time-consuming nature of the profession and its demands to maintain attention and patience. However, according to the company, the arrival of women in this profession could help the personnel crisis. (TASR)

. Thousands of them are missing, the logistics company Raben said. The reason for this is mainly the time-consuming nature of the profession and its demands to maintain attention and patience. However, according to the company, the arrival of women in this profession could help the personnel crisis. (TASR) Slovakia has the regulation of the bear population approved by the European commissioner, said Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (SNS nom.). Slovakia can regulate all the bears that approach towns. "In the Commission, they were scratching their heads as to why Slovakia allowed such a situation as it is," said Taraba. (SITA)

Slovakia can regulate all the bears that approach towns. "In the Commission, they were scratching their heads as to why Slovakia allowed such a situation as it is," said Taraba. (SITA) US Senator John Fetterman has vowed to block the purchase of the American steel company U.S. Steel from the Japanese corporation Nippon Steel.

Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer) met with Russia's ambassador to Slovakia Igor Bratchikov on Thursday. The ministry said that Blanar informed the diplomat about the Slovak government's attitude towards the war in Ukraine. The minister emphasised that Slovakia considers Russia's invasion of Ukraine a violation of international law. (Source: TASR)

WEATHER FOR FRIDAY: Thick cloud cover. Rain in most places, snowfall later in the day. The highest daytime temperature will range from -2C to 8C. Wind.

Wind and snow weather warnings are or will soon be in effect in some districts. See if yours is among them. (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).
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/every-legal-option-must-be-explored-to-remove-trump-from-california-ballot---lt-governor-1115710300.html

Every Legal Option Must Be Explored to Remove Trump From California Ballot - Lt. Governor

Every Legal Option Must Be Explored to Remove Trump From California Ballot - Lt. Governor

California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis on Wednesday wrote to Secretary of State Shirley Weber demanding that she explore "every legal option" to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's 2024 ballot.

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"Based on the Colorado Supreme Courts ruling in Anderson v. Griswold (2023 CO 63), I urge you [Weber] to explore every legal option to remove former President Donald Trump from Californias 2024 presidential ballot," Kounalakis wrote in her letter. Kounalakis said she was prompted by the ruling to conclude that Trump is ineligible to appear on the state ballot as a presidential candidate due to his alleged involvement in the so-called insurrection on January 6, 2021. Kounalakis also said Colorados decision could serve as the basis for a similar decision in California. The White house has said on its website that the US Constitution lists three qualifications for the presidency - the president must be at least 35 years old, be a natural born citizen and must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years. On Tuesday night, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump is disqualified from the 2024 Republican primary ballot due to his role in the events on January 6 at the US Capitol, citing the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. The amendment restricts people who are engaged in insurrection from holding public office. The Trump campaign described the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling as being a "flowed decision" and said they will appeal.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/justice-has-triumphed-maduro-welcomes-long-time-ally-at-miraflores-palace-1115713573.html

'Justice Has Triumphed': Maduro Welcomes Long-Time Ally at Miraflores Palace

'Justice Has Triumphed': Maduro Welcomes Long-Time Ally at Miraflores Palace

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro greeted Alex Saab at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas following his release from US custody.

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Justice has triumphed, Maduro stressed during a joint press conference with Saab from the Miraflores Palace on Wednesday.The United States and Venezuela reached a deal to secure the release of 10 Americans and 20 "political prisoners" in a deal involving several other people as well, senior Biden administration officials said on Wednesday.In addition to the 20 political prisoners and Abdul, Venezuela will suspend three arrest warrants, another senior administration official said. Although the administration official initially claimed that Venezuela would extradite Francis to the US, the Justice Department later prompted them to clarify that he was "arrested and returned to the United States."Six of the Americans released under the deal were declared wrongfully detained, the official clarified. US President Joe Biden granted clemency to Alex Saab as part of the deal, which the US hopes will place Venezuela on a more democratic path, the official explained.Saab was arrested in Cape Verde on a US warrant for money laundering in 2020, while traveling to Iran on a humanitarian mission for the Venezuelan government. Venezuela claims that he was kidnapped by the US government and has since sought his release.Francis, a Malaysian national, allegedly bribed US Navy sailors for classified material. Francis escaped home confinement and fled to Venezuela.Roberto Abdul, an organizer of the October opposition primaries in Venezuela, was arrested on treason charges in early December.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/over-1000-people-gather-outside-argentinas-casa-rosada-to-protest-new-economic-policies-1115711952.html

Over 1,000 People Gather Outside Argentina's Casa Rosada to Protest New Economic Policies

Over 1,000 People Gather Outside Argentina's Casa Rosada to Protest New Economic Policies

More than one thousand protesters on Wednesday gathered at a square in front of the Casa Rosada, Argentina's presidential palace, in a protest against the country's new authorities and their economic policies, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

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Protesters took to the streets of Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, 10 days after the inauguration of Argentine President Javier Milei to oppose his policy of cutting spending in all areas, which the government itself called "shocking." Prior to the protests, Argentina's police pulled additional forces to the place, from where the protesters marched toward the presidential palace. Hundreds of people were trying to stay on the sidewalks and out of the road to avoid the police's response. The protesters, including families with small children, occupied and blocked one of the main streets in Buenos Aires to march to the presidential palace, but the police equipped with shields blocked their way. Police subsequently rounded up protesters in a ring and gradually tightened it, resulting in a crush in the crowd. Some protesters felt ill. Law enforcement officers have allegedly used tear gas against protesters. Police later allowed protesters to occupy another street on their way to the presidential palace. Hundreds of people shouted anti-government slogans and moved toward the central square to the presidential palace, escorted by law enforcement from all sides. The situation near the presidential palace was calm, the correspondent reported. Protesters were playing drums, shouting slogans and waving flags while keeping their distance from the Casa Rosada. Many of them were sitting on the grass, sheltering in shades from the heat and drinking tea. Vendors selling food were everywhere. At the palace, the protesters were surrounded by the police from all sides. A few moments ago, ambulances and water cannons passed by the square, the correspondent reported. Milei and Security Minister Patricia Bullrich were watching the start of protests in Buenos Aires from the police department's building, Argentine broadcaster TN reported. According to the media, two people have been detained during the protests.Last week, Argentine Finance Minister Luis Caputo said that Buenos Aires would cut the value of the country's currency, the peso, in half against the US dollar, as well as cut government subsidies for energy and transport. He also said infrastructure projects in Argentina would be implemented by private businesses without government support, adding there would also be cuts in the state apparatus. Argentina's authorities have introduced new rules for demonstrations ahead of the protests. Bullrich has said authorities will react harshly to road blockades during protests, adding that protesters should be on the sidewalks and not block road traffic. At the same time, Bullrich has said law enforcement would use force at a minimum, and its use would be strengthened in case of resistance. Milei was inaugurated as Argentina's president earlier in December following victory in the November 19 runoff election against Economy Minister Sergio Massa.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/trump-calls-on-us-supreme-court-to-not-fast-track-election-immunity-case--1115711557.html

Trump Calls on US Supreme Court to Not Fast-Track Election Immunity Case

Trump Calls on US Supreme Court to Not Fast-Track Election Immunity Case

Former US President Donald Trump is urging the US Supreme Court to reject a request by Special Counsel Jack Smith to decide quickly on his claim to presidential immunity in the 2020 election subversion case, according to a court filing by his attorneys.

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Last week, Special Counsel Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to rule on whether Trump is immune from criminal prosecution on charges of plotting to overthrow the 2020 election. Smith said it was of imperative public importance that Trump's claims of immunity be resolved by the Supreme Court so that his trial can proceed as quickly as possible. The filing challenged the special counsel's plea for "extraordinary haste," saying that such matters should be decided with caution and deliberation, not at "breakneck speed." Trump's attorneys in the filing also criticized what the special counsel called the "public interest," saying Smith was acting out of "partisan interest" by trying to ensure that Trump will be subjected to a months-long criminal trial at the height of a presidential campaign in which he is the "leading candidate" and the "only serious opponent" of the current administration. Trump's trial is set to begin on March 4, 2024, but legal appeals are threatening to delay the proceedings. Trump's lawyers have been seeking to postpone his trial until after the 2024 election.

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The Texas Supreme Court vacated a ruling by a Texas judge who gave Kate Cox, a pregnant woman whose fetus had a fatal diagnosis, permission to get an abortion. Associated Press

For more than a year here in Texas, women in Kate Coxs position have had to navigate a legal hell. The Dallas-area woman and her husband, Justin, already had two children at home when they received the news no parents want to hear. Her weeks-old fetus had an almost certain fatal condition: trisomy 18. She had to visit the emergency room four times due to severe symptoms. Her doctor told her that the pregnancy could risk her future fertility, but an abortion wasnt possible in Texas without permission from the courts.

At least 20 women have sued the state after being denied abortions. Coxs case, though, was the first of its kind by a woman in the midst of a life-threatening pregnancy seeking permission to have the procedure in Texas. A lower court judge ruled in her favor but Attorney General Ken Paxton promptly appealed, leaving Cox and her husband to agonize over their options and the medical consequences of waiting any longer for urgently needed care.

Texans waited to see if our highest civil court would put an end to the cruel uncertainty. If it would, once and for all, clarify that Texas' near-total abortion ban is not in fact total, and that it, as lawmakers have claimed, allows rare exceptions to save the womans life.

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On Monday night, we got our answer. Texas Supreme Court justices essentially threw up their hands and said, not our problem.

TEXAS SUPREME COURT: Doctors must decide on abortion after blocking Dallas womans procedure

A woman who meets the medical-necessity exception need not seek a court order to obtain an abortion, the court wrote in its decision. Under the law, it is a doctor who must decide that a woman is suffering from a life-threatening condition during a pregnancy.

In a just world, it would be the doctors decision  and only the doctors decision. But Texas isnt a just world. Here, doctors who make decisions on abortion that powerful politicians disagree with might find themselves facing a $100,000 fine, losing their medical licenses and even a felony conviction with a sentence of life in prison. The chilling effect is clear: doctors are delaying abortions until their patients are in immediate and grave danger. Women who are able are leaving Texas to get the care they need in other states, as Cox ultimately did before the Supreme Court ruled.

Texas Hospitals too are forced to operate under intimidation: in the run-up to the Texas Supreme Court decision on Coxs case, Paxton sent letters to three hospitals threatening legal action if her abortion was performed at their facilities.

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Texans, including many in the medical community, have called for clarity since the law was passed in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned. Some politicians have paid lip service to clarification. But the Legislature has failed to resolve the ambiguity. And now the Texas Supreme Court has passed the buck, too.

If the highest court in Texas cant figure out what this law means, Im not sure how a doctor could, noted Molly Duane, senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, in a written statement. Meanwhile, the lives of Texans hang in the balance.

At one point, the Supreme Court said that the lower court had erred in granting Cox an exception to the abortion ban because of the wording her doctor used in court filings to attest to her opinion the procedure was needed. She attested to her good faith belief when she should have used the magic words reasonable medical judgment. But if Cox really didnt have to ask the court permission for an abortion she qualified for, where should her doctor have uttered the magic-word declaration? In medical records? In a press conference? In the operating room?

The confusion is perhaps the point  part of the genius of Texas extreme law. Leaving wording vague leaves the laws reach broad and the exceptions few  if not impossible to obtain. The Supreme Court did clarify that women neednt be about to die before a doctor can exercise a legal abortion exception. Thats little consolation. As long as the law doesnt offer clear definitions and guidance to doctors on whats legal, their judgment calls will be questioned, litigated, even ridiculed publicly by Paxton and other activists with political motivations. And any physicians decision deemed after the fact to be debatable  which is probably inevitable given that physicians are human  can be prosecuted.

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In the high courts defense, though, its job is only to interpret law thats already been written, not to fill in the gaping holes of a statute willfully left unfinished. Perhaps trying to be helpful, the court offered ideas for who else might do the lawmakers job to fill in the holes: the Texas Medical Board.

The TMB, the court wrote, can do more to provide guidance in response to any confusion that currently prevails.

Although the board has issued guidance from time to time, including around COVID-19, as the court noted, it is primarily a licensing organization. It checks that your doctor went to medical school. It investigates complaints about, say, a physician who over-prescribes narcotics or had sex with a patient. Its no more designed to clean up the mess left by lawmakers than the justices in their robes.

Were not sure what the TMB thought about the suggestion: it declined comment Tuesday, citing pending litigation.

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If Kate cant get an abortion in Texas, who can? Duane asked. Kates case is proof that exceptions dont work, and its dangerous to be pregnant in any state with an abortion ban.

Lawmakers must clean up the mess they created. Those who say theyre pro-life must practice what they preach and protect pregnant womens lives and their ability to bring more lives into the world later if they so choose. Surely, there are a few Republicans left in the Texas Legislature who value womens lives more than they value their GOP primary prospects.

In August 2022, the Republican legislator behind the abortion ban, state Sen. Bryan Hughes, even asked the medical board for help addressing concerns that hospitals and doctors were delaying medically appropriate and possibly life saving services to patients who have various pregnancy complications.

In our endorsement screenings last year, we heard from candidates and incumbents vowing not only to clarify which medical emergencies were sufficient grounds for an abortion but also to consider allowing victims of rape and incest to have abortions as well.

I think we need to go back and look at what is actually the law now, listen to women, listen to those who have been raped or have been victims of incest, to talk about what experiences theyve had and what is really happening, Republican state Sen. Joan Huffman of Houston told this editorial board last fall.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/angola-explains-decision-to-quit-opec-1115727336.html

Angola Explains Decision to Quit OPEC

Angola Explains Decision to Quit OPEC

Angola quits OPEC due to the country's role in the organization not deemed relevant, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing Angolan Oil Minister Diamantino Azevedo.

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economy

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oil business

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Angola's decision to leave OPEC comes as a result of its narrowing role, the minister explained, adding that OPEC membership was no longer in the country's national interests. OPEC seeks to enforce cooperation among global oil-producing leaders in order to collectively influence the international oil market and maximize profits. Angola's announcement comes after 16 years of membership amid disputes regarding oil production quotas.OPEC's makeup has changed over the years, with a number of countries first leaving, and later re-entering the organization. With Angola's departure, OPEC will now be comprised of 12 states: Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/cia-veteran-bidens-proxy-war-in-ukraine-evokes-strong-memories-of-vietnam-disaster-1115725605.html

CIA Veteran: Biden's Proxy War in Ukraine Evokes Strong Memories of Vietnam Disaster

CIA Veteran: Biden's Proxy War in Ukraine Evokes Strong Memories of Vietnam Disaster

President Joe Biden's "Russia threat" narrative conjures up the now-debunked Cold War "domino theory" spearheaded by Washington during the war in Vietnam, Ray McGovern, a former CIA officer, told Sputnik's Critical Hour podcast.

2023-12-21T13:55+0000

2023-12-21T13:55+0000

2023-12-21T13:57+0000

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Joe Biden claimed earlier this month that the US can't let Russian President Vladimir Putin win in Ukraine since "he won't stop there.""[If] Putin attacks a NATO ally  if he keeps going and then he attacks a NATO ally  we're committed as a NATO member to defend every inch of NATO territory, and well have something that we dont seek and that we dont have today," the US president stated on December 6.In response, Russian President Putin called Biden's claim "complete nonsense", adding that he believes that his American counterpart understands that. "Russia has no reason, no interest  no geopolitical interest, neither economic, political nor military  to fight with NATO countries," Putin emphasized on December 17.The "domino theory" meant that "when one nation falls to communism the impact is such as to weaken the resistance of other countries and facilitate, if not cause, their fall to communism," as per a 1964 memo from the Board of National Estimates to the director of central intelligence. The US used the now-discredited theory to justify its involvement in the Vietnam War years after its unfortunate military campaign in Korea.Eventually, the US got bogged down in Vietnam, with its leadership continuing to stick to the false narrative. The same is happening now in Ukraine, according to the CIA veteran: the more ludicrous Team Biden's idea about Russia's threat to Europe gets, the more desperately they stick to it."So what happened? Well, during late January, early February, there was a so-called Tet Offensive where the North Vietnamese - and actually there was the Viet Cong in the south - amounted attacks, vicious attacks on every hamlet, town, village, the capital province in in South Vietnam, belying Westmoreland's rosy forecasts that we could prevail."The Tet Offensive  which lasted until April 1968  went down badly among the US public. Later, 53% of American respondents said that sending US troops to fight in Vietnam was a mistake. The Vietnam War polarized US society, triggering a series of nationwide protests. The October 15, 1969, peace protests brought together millions of people across the United States.One should also bear in mind that Team Biden's proxy war in Ukraine benefits defense contractors and various industries related to defense production. Similarly, the US military-industrial complex capitalized immensely on the Vietnam War.If one wants to justify feeding the US defense contractors even more, one needs to continue creating a fuss over the alleged "Russian threat", according to the CIA veteran."You have to raise the threat. And the threat is, of course, the big picture, of course, is Russia, because that always works. And the people are pretty much denied the real story because of the mainstream media, they don't listen to Sputnik. They don't listen to other things that I'm on, they don't listen at all.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/biden-admin-has-no-end-game-in-doomed-ukraine-project---expert-1115604505.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/us-nearly-out-of-time-money-to-support-ukraine---blinken-1115708422.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/us-senator-says-ukraine-western-backers-desire-to-return-to-1991-borders-fantasy-1115707929.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/expert-milquetoast-us-support-for-two-state-solution-created-trigger-happy-israeli-politics-1115734065.html

Expert: Milquetoast US Support for Two-State Solution Created Trigger-Happy Israeli Politics

Expert: Milquetoast US Support for Two-State Solution Created Trigger-Happy Israeli Politics

The US is responsible for the debacle in the Middle East thanks to decades of unconditional support for Israel, which made a two-state solution impossible even as Washington continued to tout it as the only way out of conflict.

2023-12-21T19:56+0000

2023-12-21T19:56+0000

2023-12-21T19:53+0000

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Speaking to the British press recently, Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom Tzipi Hotovely flatly dismissed the two-state solution to decades of violence with the Palestinians.Since the accords were signed in 1993 and 1995, the creation of a separate state for Palestinians alongside Israel has been the default political position for Western states as well as the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank and several Arab nations. US President Joe Biden recently castigated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, accusing it of rejecting the two-state-solution, to which Netanyahu responded by openly declaring his pride in sabotaging the creation of a Palestinian state.The issue has received new attention since October 7, when the Palestinian group Hamas led an attack on Israeli border towns near Gaza that killed hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers, and triggered a massive Israeli assault on Gaza that has culminated in a ground invasion, the deaths of more than 20,000 Palestinians, and displacement of nearly all of the territorys 2.3 million people.Veteran war correspondent Elijah Magnier told Radio Sputniks Fault Lines on Thursday that both the Israelis and the Arab states have used the existence of Hamas as an excuse not to push forward on a two-state solution - a dynamic that has only helped fuel the right-wing radicalization of Israeli politics towards a total refusal to work with the Palestinians at all and a willingness to use war as the solution to all issues.Radicalization of Israeli PoliticsWell, the problem with the Israelis, and particularly the Netanyahu government and people like Netanyahu, or all those radicals who vie among themselves for further radicalism in Israeli politics over the last three decades or so, that they dug behind groups and organizations like Hamas and that. But we all know that they supported Hamas in the formative stage, he said.And the other thing is - okay, let's put Hamas aside. There is the Palestinian Authority, the Fatah group, which has acknowledged Israel's right to exist in the Middle East. So, they came down from their earlier position to destroy Israel; but did Israel basically faithfully negotiate with the Palestinian Authority to give them a state, a proper state of their own? No. So basically any time there was a chance, and particularly in Washington, DC, there was an administration which was willing to negotiate a two-state solution, then they basically did everything to sabotage that. So there had been a proper set of negotiations through which a Palestinian state had come about in that part of the world, then there may not have been a Hamas organization altogether, or it would have been a very small organization in the fringes of Palestinian politics and the Palestinians would have basically taken care of that."Magnier said that especially since the Oslo Peace Accords, which ended the First Palestinian Intifada, or national uprising, Israeli politics have become terribly radicalized even compared to the 1960s and '70s, when Israel was fighting major wars against the Palestinians and surrounding Arab nations.Since the Israeli left basically dropped out of the race, Israeli politics became more and more radicalized. And this is, I think, the result of what happened at the time. And it is not only Netanyahu, but all the coalition partners that have very radical agendas. So with people like these in the saddle in Israeli politics, it is not easy to talk about peaceful things, because they are trigger-happy people. They think they can simply bomb one area after the other, they can order a huge military operation against either this or the other with disastrous consequences. But they don't seem to mind all that. I think this is where the problem is, he said.'They Duck Behind Hamas'Magnier said he was at the very cautious end of the argument that the Arab states, even those that have formal relations with Israel, are either willing or able to stop the Israeli assault on Gaza.Because, again, the way they seem to look at the whole issue is similar to the Israeli politicians in a way: they duck behind Hamas again. So, Hamas is a radical organization which may be what it is, you know. So there is a lot of truth in what they say. Hamas is being very critical of all the Arab regimes, of all the Arab governments, of all the Arab states, you know. And that makes things difficult for an Arab unity of some sort. In the 1950s, '60s, even in the 1970s, there was always some degree of Arab unity among the Arab states. But that has largely gone because of their internecine fighting over many things. But these radical Islamic organizations like Hamas, with their very radical Islamist views over how to run their government, and their criticism of all their neighboring Arab states.So what all this would actually translate itself into in terms of political results? We don't know yet, Magnier said. But on the other hand, if Israel, after finishing, in whatever form, its operation in the south against Hamas, turns on Hezbollah in the north, and then starts a fight there, then then it would turn into a regional confrontation with Iranian proxies getting involved in various ways in Iraq in particular, and in the Persian Gulf area, including Yemen, and even Iran itself.Now, there are calls in the United States saying that unless the United States bombs Iran, then then you can't basically eradicate all these radical movements. So we may be going towards that, or there's going to be some sort of sobering up in Washington in particular, thinking that, you know, this cannot go on like this, one way or the other. Or, perhaps Netanyahu being forced to resign and somebody else takes over, and then they would sort of start from a different basis on which, on the one hand, they can negotiate, on the one hand they can carry on with their policies in a trigger-happy way.America's DebacleMagnier noted that the failed US policy of supporting Israel to the hilt has created disastrous consequences for US foreign policy and domestic attitudes as well, creating openings for nations to rise that would otherwise be suppressed.The United States has been wasting its resources in the Middle East, and it is not the first time, but it has been wasting its resources over the last 30, 40 years in particular. And except the US military-industrial complex, which is always very happy with all these expenditures and what-have-you, the United States public basically gain nothing out of that except the world's wrath and the world's frustration. So on that issue, I'm quite optimistic about what Israel has been doing and the unconditional support and solidarity the United States and the Western world have displayed with Israel. They stood behind Israel and are bringing it into the open, he said.Asked about the US culpability in Israels bombing campaign, particularly by sending Israel money and weapons it is using, Magnier questioned how able Biden would be to simply call up Netanyahu and demand a ceasefire.Well, I think things have changed over the decades. Maybe some 50 years ago, the United States had a lot of leverage over Israeli political decision-makers and all that. But these days, it seems it is the other way around. Whether the dog actually wags its tail or the tail is wagging the dog is difficult to say these days. The Israeli lobby and its power and strength over American politics, coupled with the military-industrial complex and their power and strength over US politics or US decision-making processes, is enormous. So we can easily talk about a US deep state that wants war all over the world. So from that point of view, yes, it may be that the United States is losing its prestige and the United States has been criticized and in the eyes of the world public, its position has come down considerably and all that. But for the US deep state, none of this matters. They seem to have sold out.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/their-only-playing-card-us-talk-of-two-state-solution-cover-for-israels-genocide-in-gaza-1115685725.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/most-us-voters-oppose-military-aid-to-israel-disapprove-of-biden-foreign-policy---poll-1115731280.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/hamas-rejects-israels-proposal-for-week-long-ceasefire-in-exchange-for-hostages---reports-1115715326.html

Hamas Demands Ceasefire Before Hostage Exchange - Reports

Hamas Demands Ceasefire Before Hostage Exchange - Reports

Palestinian movement Hamas has rejected Israel's proposal to stop fighting for at least a week in exchange for the remaining hostages being held by the movement in the Gaza Strip, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing Egyptian officials.

2023-12-21T00:37+0000

2023-12-21T00:37+0000

2023-12-21T12:38+0000

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Hamas said earlier in the day that Ismail Haniyeh, the chairman of its political bureau, arrived in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Wednesday morning to hold talks with Egyptian officials on the situation in the Gaza Strip and other issues. The report cited Egyptian officials as saying that Haniyeh told intelligence officials in Cairo that he was there to obtain a ceasefire and more humanitarian aid for Gaza. Hamas has rejected Israel's proposal to discuss the release of hostages until a ceasefire is established, according to the report. The proposal allegedly was set to include some 40 hostages, including, for the first time, members of Palestinian movement Islamic Jihad, as well as all the remaining women and children, men above the age of 60 and other hostages who are sick or seriously wounded and in need of urgent medical care. Islamic Jihad also said that the ceasefire must go into effect before negotiations could start and that Israel must free "all of its thousands of Palestinian prisoners" in return for more than 100 hostages held in Gaza, the report said.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 19,400 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of the conflict, local authorities said. On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The truce was extended several times and expired on December 1.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231101/7-hostages-killed-in-bombing-of-jabalia-refugee-camp-on-tuesday--hamas-1114636769.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/houthis-cargo-ship-attacks-help-make-settler-occupation-of-palestine-ungovernable-1115729851.html

Houthis' Cargo Ship Attacks Help Make 'Settler Occupation of Palestine Ungovernable'

Houthis' Cargo Ship Attacks Help Make 'Settler Occupation of Palestine Ungovernable'

This week, the Pentagon proclaimed the launch of a naval operation in the Gulf of Aden, purportedly meant to curb the recent string of attacks by the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement on Israeli-linked cargo vessels there.

2023-12-21T16:23+0000

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2023-12-22T10:26+0000

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The US-led Prosperity Guardian military operation was launched after the Houthis started attacking cargo ships either owned by or linked to Israeli entities in response to Tel Aviv's brutal military campaign in the Gaza Strip.At this time it remains unclear how exactly this hastily assembled flotilla is going to combat the Houthis, seeing how attacks against ground targets in Yemen may expand the ongoing conflict in the country and, as one scholar put it, basically open up Pandora's box.Commenting on this situation, journalist and author Jon Jeter praised the Houthis' actions, arguing that they are essentially making Israeli settler occupation of Palestine ungovernable.He also addressed the actions of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah movement which started launching attacks against Israeli forces in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance to Tel Aviv's invasion of the Gaza Strip.According to Jeter, what the Houthis and Hezbollah are doing is really heartening at this really dark time in human history.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/israel-not-prepared-to-face-houthi-gaza-deployment---however-rhetorical-the-threat-1115711320.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/how-could-us-red-sea-op-affect-oil-prices-1115728585.html

How Could US Red Sea Op Affect Oil Prices?

How Could US Red Sea Op Affect Oil Prices?

Houthi attacks on trade vessels passing through the Red Sea have sent oil prices higher. Will the rally continue amid the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian in the region?

2023-12-21T15:19+0000

2023-12-21T15:19+0000

2023-12-22T10:22+0000

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Attacks against Israeli-linked ships and the Houthis' determination to proceed with military effort despite the Pentagon's operation to safeguard the sea lane have unnerved international energy firms.Several companies have paused shipments through the route, sending some of their vessels on the much longer journey around Africa's Cape of Good Hope instead. Around 7-8 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and petroleum products were previously transported via the Red Sea.On Monday, crude prices went up almost 2% after BP announced it had stopped all transit through the Red Sea and after a Norwegian-owned ship came under attack. On Wednesday morning, Brent crude was trading at $80.20, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) reached $74.96."So if we look at the crisis earlier this week, there has been a $2 rise already reaching a barrel of a petrol price of $78 just this week after it reached around $70 or so, $71 or $72 the previous week. So this means that what's happening in Bab al-Mandab and in the Red Sea is impacting slightly until now to the prices, but it is still monitored if you want, or it's still only a $2 increase. So this increase is still manageable for tankers and for companies."For now, the market has "absorbed" the increase in prices, the expert pointed out.A more protracted crisis in the region could lead to supply shocks or disruptions, which will in turn cause some additional increases in prices, he said.That said, the bank estimates that a "hypothetical prolonged redirection" of 7 million barrels per day would raise spot crude prices relative to long-dated prices by $3-4 per barrel.The Western mainstream press also assumes that record US oil production could balance the disruptions to the oil flow in the Red Sea. As per the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), US crude output mounted to a record 13.3 million barrels per day last week.Still, the situation could abruptly change if Iran, a Shiite power allied to Yemen, steps in to curtail Washington's pressure on Houthis, according to Ayoub. If the US-led Red Sea operation translates into a wider regional conflict, energy prices would leap up considerably, he concluded.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231217/pentagon-mulls-strikes-against-houthis-amid-red-sea-chaos-1115640197.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/us-escalation-in-the-red-sea--a-loselose-proposition--1115679933.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/how-frances-military-presence-in-africa-is-dwindling-1115702382.html

How France's Military Presence in Africa is Dwindling

How France's Military Presence in Africa is Dwindling

Paris found itself losing its once significant influence in Africa in recent months as governments of several countries demand the withdrawal of Paris' military contingents stationed there.

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France is expected to fully withdraw its troops from Niger this week after the local government showed them the door. The withdrawal is expected to be completed by December 22.While France still maintains a considerable military presence in countries including Chad, Cote dIvoire and Djibouti, French troops were booted from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso at the behest of their governments this year.Thousands of French troops were deployed in West Africa nearly a decade ago, ostensibly to combat Islamist militants in the region.This infographic by Sputnik shows the status of France's military presence in Africa today.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/israel-ready-for-2-week-truce-in-exchange-for-release-of-dozens-of-hostages---reports-1115720096.html

Israel Ready for 2-Week Truce in Exchange for Release of Dozens of Hostages - Reports

Israel Ready for 2-Week Truce in Exchange for Release of Dozens of Hostages - Reports

Israel is ready for a two-week truce in exchange for the release of dozens of hostages, but the parties are still far from reaching a deal, the Makan 33 broadcaster reported on Thursday, citing sources.

2023-12-21T10:19+0000

2023-12-21T10:19+0000

2023-12-21T10:46+0000

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According to the Israeli Arabic-language broadcaster Makan 33, Israel has signaled their readiness for a new two-week ceasefire. However, the sides have not yet managed to draft a potential deal for the armistice. Hamas, in turn, has rejected Israel's offer for a new swap deal that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners convicted of murder, the broadcaster added.At the same time, the Al Arabiya broadcaster reported that Hamas is rejecting any ceasefire with Israel in the Gaza Strip that will last less than two weeks.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 20,000 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of the conflict, local authorities said.On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/israel-working-on-new-deal-with-hamas-to-release-30-40-hostages-from-gaza---reports-1115692185.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/japan-court-orders-okinawa-to-approve-of-runway-plan-for-us-marine-corps-1115717093.html

Japan Court Orders Okinawa to Approve of Runway Plan for US Marine Corps

Japan Court Orders Okinawa to Approve of Runway Plan for US Marine Corps

On Wednesday, the Fukuoka High Court Naha branch ordered Okinawa to approve the central governments construction plan for a key US base.

2023-12-21T03:58+0000

2023-12-21T03:58+0000

2023-12-21T03:58+0000

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On Wednesday, the Fukuoka High Court Naha branch ordered Okinawa to approve the central governments construction plan for a key US base.The Marine Corps Air Station Futenma base, which is located in the densely populated city of Ginowan, is to be moved to the Henoko district in Nagoan offshore location. However, the seabed at this site is too soft for reconstructing the base.The central government then applied for permission from Okinawa to reinforce the land. Okinawa rejected the request and suspended the landfill work. The plan could potentially damage the environment, and is estimated to cost 930 billion yen ($6.5 billion), and will take 12 years to finish. Opposition and protests from residents have also slowed the process.Wednesdays decision made by the presiding judge at the Naha Branch, Miura Takashi, will move forward a construction plan that has been suspended amid legal proceedings for years.The branch told Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki to improve the plan within three weekdays after receiving a copy of the ruling. If Tamaki fails to do so, then Tetsuo Saito, the land minister, will approve the plans by proxy.Saito filed this latest lawsuit in October after Tamaki failed to clarify whether or not he would accept the order to move ahead with the plans. In response to the ruling, Tamaki has said that the the decision undermines the will of the island's residents. The governor can still appeal the decision, but the local government will be unable to stop the constriction unless the top court overturns the decision completely.During the trial, the central government argued that the construction project will protect the country, and Okinawas rejection will undermine public interests.Okinawa, the site of a major WWII battle, is home to more than half of the 50,000 American troops based in Japan under the bilateral security pact. Tamaki has called for a reduction of US military presence in Okinawa, and has also demanded the immediate closure of the Futenma base as well as the complete ejection of the new base plans.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231130/japan-asks-us-to-suspend-v-22-osprey-flights-following-deadly-crash-1115313483.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231125/us-global-grip-american-military-bases-around-the-world-1115192966.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/most-us-voters-oppose-military-aid-to-israel-disapprove-of-biden-foreign-policy---poll-1115731280.html

Most US Voters Oppose Military Aid to Israel, Disapprove of Biden Foreign Policy - Poll

Most US Voters Oppose Military Aid to Israel, Disapprove of Biden Foreign Policy - Poll

Most voters in the United States oppose sending more military aid to Israel for use in its conflict in the Gaza Strip and disapprove of President Joe Bidens foreign policy overall, a new Quinnipiac University poll revealed.

2023-12-21T16:43+0000

2023-12-21T16:43+0000

2023-12-21T16:43+0000

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Forty-six percent (46%) of voters oppose further US military aid to Israel and 45% support it, a report on the poll said. The figure represents a decline from majority support for military aid to Israel in November, the report said. Opinions differ by partisan affiliation and age; nearly two-thirds of Republican voters, 65%, support military aid to Israel, while 58% of Democratic voters oppose it, the report said. A majority of voters ages 50 and older support sending more military aid to Israel whereas a majority of voters 18-49 oppose further assistance, the report said. Most US voters also disapprove of the Biden administrations handling of the conflict in Ukraine, with 48% disapproving and 45% approving, the report said. A majority of voters, 59%, disapprove of Bidens handling of foreign policy overall, the report added. The poll surveyed 1,647 self-identified registered voters in the United States from December 14-18. The poll maintains a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2.4 percentage points.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231211/how-team-biden-defies-own-human-rights-rules-in-israel-weapons-supplies-1115518899.html

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FILE - Darryl George, a 17-year-old junior, before walking across the street to go into Barbers Hill High School after serving a 5-day in-school suspension for not cutting his hair Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Mont Belvieu. George will spend the remainder of the year in in-school suspension, extending a punishment that was first imposed in August over his hairstyle that district officials maintain violates their dress code policy. A referral given to George Tuesday, Dec. 5, said his hair is out of compliance with the dress code at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas. Michael Wyke/AP

Over the past several months at Barbers Hill High School, Darryl George has spent much of that time in trouble. Sometimes in in-school suspension, sometimes in the districts alternative education program and now back in in-school suspension.

Why? His refusal to cut his hair, according to a civil rights lawsuit filed by his family back in September. The school district says its more complicated. In previous reporting, the district has cited several reasons for these exclusionary measures, including classroom disruption, tardies and dress code and grooming violations. They insisted in October that the weeks-long suspension was unequivocally not because of his hair. A spokesperson confirmed for the board Wednesday that it was for an array of behavioral issues, but added that his recent in-school suspension was for refusing to trim his hair.

When the editorial board asked to interview Barbers Hill ISD Superintendent Greg Poole, we received a written response from him stating that Georges family had chosen to move to the district from one that did not have a hair-length limitation and that his mother signed a student conduct handbook specifying rules on hair length. Poole writes, We have African-American students not subject to the hair limitation length because they qualify for religious reasons. We do not have an exception for, I dont want to follow the rules.

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Poole goes on to echo his previous statements defending the districts strict dress code like this one to the Associated Press: When you are asked to conform  and give up something for the betterment of the whole, there is a psychological benefit. That may be true, but in this case, were skeptical that the policy is truly resulting in the betterment of anybody, let alone the whole district.

THE LATEST: Barbers Hill ISD student again placed in alternative school over hairstyle

Texas leaders across the political spectrum have taken notice of previous controversies around Black students hair. There wasnt much that united the state Legislature in the regular session this spring, but the CROWN Act did. It stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The bill won broad bipartisan support before landing on the governors desk.

The CROWN Act is a civil rights law that will improve the lives of countless Texans, and it will be appreciated by more people than we can imagine, said Democratic state Rep. Rhetta Bowers of Rowlett.

After years of facing discrimination in the workplace and in schools, Black employees and students in particular had finally been heard in the states highest halls of power. Their hairstyles  not mere fashion but indeed a source of pride and often a connection to heritage and family  would be protected.

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Barbers Hill ISD is not unfamiliar with such controversy. Back in 2020, the district received national attention that helped set the stage for the Texas CROWN Act. After threatening to keep a student from walking across the stage for his graduation, Superintendent Poole wrote that allowing him to wear his hair past his ears would amount to unequal treatment. Poole insisted the district was being wrongly condemned by outside influences because of our long-standing dress code.

A lawsuit, however, helped expose that the district had, for years, permitted white students to sport long hairstyles.

Its so clear that white male students and Black students are being treated differently, Christina Beeler, an attorney who worked with the Juvenile and Capital Advocacy Project at the University of Houston Law Center, told the Texas Tribune at the time, after reviewing old yearbook photos.

Still, the school board voted to uphold its dress code.

But how, after the passage of the CROWN Act, is Barbers Hill ISD continuing to discipline a student over hair?

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THE CONTROVERSY: Lawmakers criticize Barbers Hill ISD for again punishing student over hair length

The bill does not specifically protect hair length and, as Poole included in his statement, the district has filed a lawsuit seeking to clarify that the CROWN Act does not address length or any other student expression, but instead protects the right to wear braids.

Even so, in photographs, George can be seen with his carefully tended locs, pinned back in barrel rolls well above his ears and collar. Moreover, his mother filed a religious exemption application that was denied by the school principal. The district noted that she did not exercise her right to an appeal.

Its really disheartening, very troubling and my heart goes out to all students because this tells them that theyre inferior, Houston-area state Rep. Ron Reynolds told the Chronicle this month.

In the meantime, George and his family have suffered while their civil lawsuit remains pending.

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The courts can, and should, certainly help sort out Georges rights. The familys federal civil rights lawsuit alleges that Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have failed to enforce the CROWN Act. Reynolds has already said he intends to amend the act next session to make it clear that it should be understood to protect students such as George.

But the school district doesnt have to wait that long to do the right thing and ensure that all students have the same chance to learn, regardless of their hairstyle. A district is well within its rights to discipline a student for tardiness or other disruptive behavior. That may indeed support the betterment of the whole. Punishing a student for his hair doesnt qualify. In fact, the whole would be better served if the district set a good example for young, impressionable minds by following the spirit of the law.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/not-our-strategic-priority-australia-declines-us-request-to-send-warships-to-red-sea-1115717992.html

'Not Our Strategic Priority': Australia Declines US Request to Send Warships to Red Sea

'Not Our Strategic Priority': Australia Declines US Request to Send Warships to Red Sea

Australia has rejected a US request to deploy warships to protect commercial traffic in the Red Sea amid increased attacks by Houthi militants from Yemen.

2023-12-21T06:39+0000

2023-12-21T06:39+0000

2023-12-22T10:23+0000

us

world

australia

red sea

gaza violence

palestine-israel conflict

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Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles has made it clear that the Red Sea is not a strategic priority for Canberra, which is primarily focused on Asia-Pacific affairs.Australia has pledged to send an additional 11 military personnel to the US-led mission, but will not send any military surface vessels or aircraft to the Middle East.Earlier this week, Defense Minister Lloyd Austin announced a multinational effort, dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian, to protect commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea from Houthi attacks.The Houthis, a Shiite Yemeni militia, have stepped up attacks on Israel-linked ships over Tel Aviv's war with Hamas, threatening to cripple global trade. Israel declared war on Hamas in October after the Islamist group launched a brutal attack on Jewish settlements that killed over 1,300 people.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale operation in Gaza to thwart Hamas. However, the military effort resulted in massive civilian casualties, prompting the international community to call for a ceasefire. The Houthis said they would continue the naval attacks until Israel halted its assault on Gaza.After Lloyd's announcement, the Houthis signaled that they wouldn't stop attacking ships in the Red Sea.Meanwhile, economic observers are warning of a potential negative impact on logistics and global trade from Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. About 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea, including 30% of global container traffic, including 20% of the world's container traffic, about 10% of seaborne oil and 8% of liquefied natural gas (LNG).More than 100 container ships have rerouted around southern Africa to avoid the Suez Canal-Red Sea trade lane, according to shipping company Kuehne and Nagel, quoted by the Guardian. The move would add around 6,000 nautical miles to the journey from Asia to Europe, adding three or four weeks to the delivery of goods.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/us-considering-taking-military-action-against-houthis-to-protect-red-sea---reports-1115700032.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/yemens-houthis-say-carrying-out-general-mobilization-to-possibly-send-soldiers-to-gaza-1115703930.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/us-escalation-in-the-red-sea--a-loselose-proposition--1115679933.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/palestinian-groups-say-will-not-negotiate-hostages-release-until-complete-ceasefire-1115724386.html

Palestinian Groups Say Will Not Negotiate Hostages' Release Until Complete Ceasefire

Palestinian Groups Say Will Not Negotiate Hostages' Release Until Complete Ceasefire

Palestinian groups will not negotiate the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip until there is a complete ceasefire in the enclave, according to a joint statement released by the groups on Thursday.

2023-12-21T11:50+0000

2023-12-21T11:50+0000

2023-12-21T11:51+0000

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"Palestinian groups: There is a Palestinian decision at the national level that there will be no talk of hostages and no exchange deals until the aggression ceases completely," the statement published on Telegram read. Earlier in the day, media reported that Hamas rejected information that the movement was in talks with Israel on a new deal on hostages held in the enclave.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 20,000 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of the conflict, local authorities said.On November 24, Qatar-mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/israel-ready-for-2-week-truce-in-exchange-for-release-of-dozens-of-hostages---reports-1115720096.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/russia-has-information-us-helps-europe-change-laws-for-seizing-russian-assets---lavrov-1115725483.html

Russia Has Information US Helps Europe Change Laws for Seizing Russian Assets - Lavrov

Russia Has Information US Helps Europe Change Laws for Seizing Russian Assets - Lavrov

Russia has information that the United States briefed European countries on how to change laws to seize Russian assets, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.

2023-12-21T13:12+0000

2023-12-21T13:12+0000

2023-12-21T13:12+0000

world

sergey lavrov

kais saied

russia

tunisia

kiev

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Earlier today Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held top-level talks with his Tunisian counterpart Nabil Ammar. The parties discussed comprehensive bilateral relations in trade, tech, and political cooperation. Lavrov then convened a meeting with Kais Said, the President of Tunisia.Potential seizure of Russian frozen assets is a matter that has long been debated among the Kiev sponsors. The main issue is the lack of fundamental legal framework to carry out the procedure. Once Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Western countries imposed unprecedented sanctions against Moscow, including freezing Russian assets roughly worth 300 billion euros ($329 billion). Almost 200 billion euros are stored in the European Union, mostly on Euroclear accounts, a European central securities depository.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/g7-takes-another-step-toward-global-pariah-status-with-russian-asset-theft-scheme-1115625780.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/russia-launches-satellite-carrying-soyuz-rocket-at-plesetsk-cosmodrome-1115720931.html

Russia Launches Satellite-Carrying Soyuz Rocket at Plesetsk Cosmodrome

Russia Launches Satellite-Carrying Soyuz Rocket at Plesetsk Cosmodrome

A Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying satellites has been launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Thursday.

2023-12-21T10:54+0000

2023-12-21T10:54+0000

2023-12-21T13:15+0000

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"On Thursday, December 21 ... a combat crew of the aerospace forces launched a medium-class Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with spacecraft on behalf of the Russian Defense Ministry from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome (Arkhangelsk Region)," the MoD said in a statement.Soyuz-2 is an upgraded and advanced version of its Soviet-era predecessor. In its basic form, it is a three-stage launch vehicle, capable of placing payloads into the Earth's low orbit.This particular launch was among the planned space missions scheduled for 2023 and announced at the beginning of the year.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231026/russian-missiles-soar-as-strategic-nuclear-deterrence-forces-drill-takes-off-1114494041.html

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Russia Launches Satellite-Carrying Soyuz Rocket at Plesetsk Cosmodrome Russia Launches Satellite-Carrying Soyuz Rocket at Plesetsk Cosmodrome 2023-12-21T10:54+0000 true PT1M10S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/russian-air-defense-destroys-ukrainian-missile-over-sea-of-azov-1115730525.html

Russian Air Defense Destroys Ukrainian Missile Over Sea of Azov

Russian Air Defense Destroys Ukrainian Missile Over Sea of Azov

Russian air defense systems destroyed a Ukrainian missile over the Sea of Azov, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

2023-12-21T16:08+0000

2023-12-21T16:08+0000

2023-12-21T16:08+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

sea of azov

missile

interception

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"At about 15:00 Moscow time [12:00 GMT], the Kiev regime attempted to carry out a missile attack on objects on the territory of the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian missile was destroyed by Russian air defense systems over the waters of the Sea of Azov," the ministry said.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/south-korean-defense-research-center-rocked-by-powerful-blast-1-employee-killed---reports-1115729975.html

South Korean Defense Research Center Rocked by Powerful Blast, 1 Employee Killed - Reports

South Korean Defense Research Center Rocked by Powerful Blast, 1 Employee Killed - Reports

A powerful explosion occurred in South Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD) located in the city of Daejeon, the Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

2023-12-21T15:25+0000

2023-12-21T15:25+0000

2023-12-21T15:29+0000

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The incident occurred at around 12:54 p.m. (03:54 GMT) in an ADD laboratory building. The explosion, whose cause is still unknown, killed one employee aged over 60. ADD was cited as saying that the deceased had been a contract researcher who was rehired after retirement, Yonhap reported. Police were cited as saying that the explosion, which destroyed half of the laboratory building, could occur during ammunition-related experiments. Local authorities are reportedly investigating the circumstances of the incident. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol offered his condolences to the relatives and colleagues of the deceased and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/what-kinds-of-weapons-does-south-korea-produce-and-export-1113695688.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/this-will-damage-the-biden-campaign-backlash-caused-by-colorados-recent-trump-ballot-ruling--1115715872.html

Colorado Supreme Courts Ballot Ban on Trump Bound to Damage Biden's Re-election Bid

Colorado Supreme Courts Ballot Ban on Trump Bound to Damage Biden's Re-election Bid

The backlash from the decision will not affect Trumps campaign, but it will greatly affect President Joe Biden and other Democrats, a journalist told Sputnik.

2023-12-21T02:28+0000

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The backlash from the decision will not affect Trumps campaign, but it will greatly affect President Joe Biden and other Democrats, Daniel Lazare, an author and journalist told Sputnik. Republicans will view the decision as a partisan effort to remove Trump from the ballot, and will see such a ruling as an attempt to steal the presidential election in 2024. That same Republican viewpoint was also the catalyst for the January 6 US capitol attack which has landed Trump in this most recent legal dilemma.Lazare joined Sputniks Political Misfits on Wednesday, and shared his thoughts on what the impact of such an unprecedented event could be.I mean, I think the blowback from this will be tremendous, he continued. I think that for many voters and certainly for most Republican voters this to them is the final proof that the Democrats are weaponizing the judicial system in order to essentially deny and to knock Trump out before he even has a chance of, you know, appearing on the ballot.Lazare agreed when asked if this could be seen as a partisan issue, considering the fact that the Colorado Supreme Court has seven justices all appointed by Democratic governors.In Texas the vice governor, or whatever he's called, has called for removing Joe Biden's name on the ballot, said Lazare in reference to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patricks suggestion to take Biden off of the states primary ballot.And I think that Democrats will regret this. The Democrats have been trying to block Trump via the judiciary since 2017. And the effect has only been to make Trump stronger and themselves weaker. This is the culmination of a half dozen years of what is really a failed political strategy, Lazare concluded.When asked why Colorados Supreme Court did not base their ruling off of the criminal case in Georgia, where Trump and others were indicted on charges of illegally conspiring to change the election results in that state, Lazare said: It's about insurrection".That was a big issue in 1868. Yes. Yes. Just three years earlier, said Lazare, most likely referring to the US Civil War that lasted from 1861 until 1865. Yes, that's right, the insurrection had been defeated.The host of Political Misfits, John Kiriakou, then emphasized that the decision made by the Colorado Supreme Court was not unanimous, seeing as the vote had been 4 - 3. He added that the decision will make Biden look desperate; as if the president believes the only way he can win is if Trump is removed from the ballot.I just think these Democrats are so foolish and they are hurting themselves because they're confirming the widely held suspicion that they are manipulating the courts in order to decide the election ahead of time before the voters get a chance to vote, he added.Kiriakou then pointed to a recent poll that showed Trump to be increasingly popular among Republicans when compared to his polls in July. In a similar poll, it showed Trump holding support of 67% of Republican and GOP-leaning voters, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former governor and ambassador Nikki Haley are tied with 11% support.[DeSantis'] campaign has collapsed or is collapsing as we speak, added Lazare. And so I think in other words, Americans have had a chance to take a good look at DeSantis and they decided they don't like what they see.The ruling made by Colorados top court on Tuesday is unprecedented. This is the first time in the country's history that a state supreme court has disqualified a person from holding office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The reasoning behind that decision was drawn from his conduct during the January 6 storming of the Capitol.Trump will appeal the decision to the US Supreme Court, a court which holds a conservative majority, and three justices who were appointed by him. In accordance with procedure, the court has stayed the ruling until January 4, or until the US Supreme Court rules on the case.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230609/biden-weaponizes-justice-system-against-political-rival-trump-1111034128.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230827/trumps-georgia-mug-shot-supercharges-fundraising-raking-in-71-million---report-1112921652.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231003/the-donald-v-new-york-five-moments-from-trumps-civil-trial-1113872670.html

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trump, biden, colorado supreme court decision, ballot ruling in colorado, donald trump, joe biden, us politics, us 2024 presidential election, president donald trump, investigation, probe, criminal probe, georgia criminal probe, 2020 us presidential election, donald trump's indictment, donald trump's indictments, trump's indictment, donald trump, trump supporters, colorado supreme court, donald trump indictment, american democracy, freedom of speech, trump indictment, january 6th, trump disqualified
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/top-tunisian-diplomat-on-talks-with-lavrov-tunis-expects-to-strengthen-relations-1115722642.html

Top Tunisian Diplomat on Talks With Lavrov: Tunis Expects to Strengthen Relations

Top Tunisian Diplomat on Talks With Lavrov: Tunis Expects to Strengthen Relations

Tunis expects that the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will strengthen relations between the countries, Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar told Sputnik.

2023-12-21T10:13+0000

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On December 21, Russian Foreign Miniser Sergey Lavrov is holding top-level talks with his Tunisian counterpart, Nabil Ammar. The two diplomats are to discuss bilateral relations in multiple areas, such as economic and humanitarian perspectives, as well as efforts to develop high-technology cooperation. The minister added that the two also will upon the recent developments in the context of the Gaza crisis. Minister Ammar also reaffirmed his country's commitment to working with Russia in all areas and maintaining business contacts. The talks also concern the countries' cooperation in agriculture, including Tunisia's export of Russian grain.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/lavrov-holds-press-conference-with-tunisian-counterpart-ammar-1113675075.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/ukraines-accession-to-eu-to-cost-member-states-up-to-208bln---orban-1115717582.html

Ukraine's Accession to EU to Cost Member States Up to $208Bln - Orban

Ukraine's Accession to EU to Cost Member States Up to $208Bln - Orban

Ukraine's accession to the European Union would cost the bloc 150 to 190 billion euros ($164 billion to $208 billion), and the member states would receive less money, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said

2023-12-21T05:21+0000

2023-12-21T05:21+0000

2023-12-21T05:26+0000

world

hungary

european union (eu)

ukraine

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"It is certain that if Ukraine were admitted [to the EU], all the support that the countries of central Europe, including Hungary, have received so far, would be for them," Orban said in an interview with the TV2 broadcaster. Orban added that it is still unknown where to get the money to support Ukraine because member states, including Hungary, will receive less budget money if 50 billion euros are allocated from the EU budget, which Budapest does not agree to. Orban added that the Hungarian government's goal is to "remove most of the tension during the background conversations" and focus on finding "a solution that satisfies everyone" at a summit in Brussels. The prime minister also said that Hungary offers European counterparts to resolve the issues of support for Ukraine outside the EU budget. "Not only thunder but also sulfur lightning" is expected at the next EU summit on financial aid to Kiev, Orban said. Last week, Hungary vetoed an increase in the EU budget for 2024-2027, including 50 billion euros of macro-financial aid to Kiev. At the same time, Orban did not vote against launching EU accession talks with Ukraine but warned that Budapest would have "75 more opportunities" to block this process. European Council President Charles Michel then said he hopes the EU leaders would unanimously approve financial aid to Ukraine in early 2024. An extraordinary EU summit, where the long-term financial aid to Ukraine will be discussed, will take place on February 1, 2024, Michel said Monday. The EU has been trying to reach an agreement on 20 billion euros in military support for Ukraine and intends to include another 50 billion euros in the EU budget to provide macro-financial assistance to Kiev over the next four years. However, the plans have faced opposition from some member states, mainly from Hungary.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/hungary-vetoes-50bln-euros-in-eus-macro-financial-aid-for-ukraine-1115597288.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/us-allies-renew-talks-to-seize-300bln-in-frozen-russian-assets-to-fund-ukraine---reports-1115733784.html

US, Allies Renew Talks to Seize $300Bln in Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine - Reports

US, Allies Renew Talks to Seize $300Bln in Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine - Reports

The United States and its European allies have renewed discussions to seize $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing US and European officials.

2023-12-21T18:57+0000

2023-12-21T18:57+0000

2023-12-21T18:57+0000

economy

us

joe biden

ukraine

russia

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frozen assets

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The report cited officials as saying that talks between US and European finance ministers, central bankers, diplomats and lawyers have intensified on this issue in recent weeks. Topics discussed by the parties have included possible limitations on how Russian funds might be spent, such as whether they can only be used to fund Ukraine's economy or if they can also be used to fund Ukraine's military. The United States wants Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan to develop a strategy to seize these funds by February 24, the report added. US funding for Ukraine is set to run out by December 30 after Congress failed to authorize new funds before going into recess until January. US senators and the White House are currently negotiating President Joe Biden's $106 billion supplemental request for more than $60 billion for Ukraine, as well as funds for Israel and other initiatives. Republicans want any supplemental legislation to include stronger border security measures.

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U.S. expects Israel-Hamas conflict to move to "lower intensity phase," says Blinken

Xinhua) 13:56, December 21, 2023

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States expects to see the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas "move to a lower intensity phase," the country's top diplomat said Wednesday.

"It's clear that the conflict will move and needs to move to a lower intensity phase," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during an end-of-year press conference at the State Department.

He said it is Washington's expectation and willingness that Israeli forces "shift to more targeted operations, with a smaller number of forces, that's really focused in on dealing with the leadership of Hamas, the tunnel network, and a few other critical things."

"It is vitally important how Israel conducts its operations," he added. "Again, focus on protecting civilians, minimizing harm to them, maximizing assistance getting to them."

Blinken's remarks came amid growing outrage around the world -- and to some extent within the United States -- over the soaring Palestinian civilian deaths resulting from the intensification of aerial bombardments and ground operations by the Israel Defense Force in the Gaza Strip following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians.

At one point during the press conference, a reporter made a statement while asking a general question on U.S. foreign policy over the past year, saying that the year 2023 is ending "with much of the world blaming the U.S. and Israel, or seeing (the Israel-Hamas conflict) as America's war also. It's hurting America's image in the world."

Asked by that reporter whether the Joe Biden administration has any intent to rethink its diplomatic strategy in ways that will change the dynamics of a series of concurring conflicts still unfolding around the world, Blinken came to the administration's defense, taking the conflict in Gaza as an example and complaining about having heard "virtually no one saying, demanding of Hamas -- that it stop hiding behind civilians, that it lay down its arms, that it surrender."

Earlier in the day, Biden was asked by the press corps accompanying him on a trip in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to comment on a grim milestone of 20,000 Palestinian deaths in the conflict in Gaza that was expected to reach on Monday.

"It's tragic," the president said in a short answer, without elaborating.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg and County Judge Lina Hidalgo have continued to clash over issues including the budget. Staff file photos

Party infighting

Regarding Harris County Democrats vote overwhelmingly to admonish DA Kim Ogg, (Dec. 12): We can summarize this controversy as follows: three of County Judge Lina Hidalgos staff members apparently granted a county contract to an unqualified, inexperienced one-person company instead of to an established, experienced contractor in what appears to be a chummy, inside deal. Any rational person would be suspicious. The three staff members were charged with a crime.

In order to get them off the hook, it seems, Hidalgo insists that District Attorney Kim Ogg is unfairly out to get Democrats. The county judge turned her support in the next election to Oggs opponent, Sean Teare, who presumably will drop all charges. Let the criminal court system and not Democratic insiders decide the fate of the accused.

Michael Douglas Gilbert, Houston

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Harris County Democratic Party leaders spoke loud and clear Tuesday night, Dec. 12, voting to admonish Kim Ogg, our areas elected district attorney, for failing to uphold their party values.

Astonishingly, the precinct chairpersons seem to have declared those values in straightforward terms: Dont prosecute crooked Democratic politicians.

Precinct Chair Kay Shepard was not blunt, saying that what Kim is doing is horrible and that she (Ogg) is making stuff up about Harris County Judge Hidalgo. Shepard referred to the ongoing investigation into potential corruption by Hidalgo.

It doesnt bode well for good Harris County government when the majority political party loudly states its most important value is condoning criminal acts by their Democratic politicians.

Jerry DeFoor, Jersey Village

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It is unfortunate that there are Democrats who want to admonish District Attorney Kim Ogg because they feel she does not represent the partys values, according to their standards. Apparently, by adhering to their values and standards, she should not prosecute any Democrats. Accordingly they think she should not support any cases in which Democrats are the subject of criminal investigations. Do they really feel that she should investigate and prosecute only Republicans?

In taking her 2021 oath of office and in her inaugural remarks, Ogg did not mention political party. She stated and took an oath that she would pursue evidence-based prosecutions and work toward equal justice for all. She also mentioned public safety, fairness and character. Ogg is demonstrating those things in her elected role as the district attorney for Harris County. It might be good for those who are questioning her actions to go to YouTube and listen to what she said. She is demonstrating impartiality in her role, something that a district attorney should do, and we are fortunate to have her in that role.

Jim Robertson, Houston

Rice statue process

Regarding Houstonians must oppose a return to our white supremacist past (Opinion), (Dec. 15): I read the letter by Jerry Sims declaring Rice University had lost respect for its past with surprise. Did the letter writer really believe that Rice did not consult its alumni? I, class of 70, was given the opportunity to suggest what should be done about Rices statue. As were many others. So, no, this was not just a student-led movement and decision.

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I suggested the present solution and, additionally, moving the statue, with context, into the library. I strongly believed the statue should be moved to a less prominent location (not destroyed) with an accompanying explanation so no one could say what Sims wrote in his letter, that Rice had lost respect for its past.

I am shocked that a Rice-educated alum would want the statue to remain in its extremely prominent central position as a constant reminder of the legacy of slavery to non-white students. Many Rice students know that William Marsh Rice did not intend for there to be any non-white attendees.

Annette Matthews, Houston

Defining antisemitism

Regarding Criticism of Israels government is not antisemitism (Opinion), (Dec. 17): The Houston Chronicle published several letters on Dec. 17 in response to my opinion piece on Dec. 10. Some of the letters disagreed with my op-ed. The editor summarized their objections well with Criticism of Israels government is not antisemitism.

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I completely agree that criticism of Israels government is not antisemitism. In fact, I even wrote in my op-ed, It is OK to criticize Israel.

The main point of the op-ed was the statement: You do not need to be a user of derogatory epithets to be antisemitic; using double standards qualifies. I went on to enumerate numerous instances of double standards, including It is OK to criticize Israel, but not OK to pay lip service to Palestinian atrocities. The accumulation of so many instances of double standard does count as antisemitism in my book.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/us-denmark-sign-defense-cooperation-agreement-1115732424.html

US, Denmark Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

US, Denmark Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

US Secretary Antony Blinken and Danish top diplomat Lars Rasmussen on Thursday signed a bilateral defense cooperation agreement (DCA) that will allow the deployment of US troops in Denmark and more frequent joint training between the countries military.

2023-12-21T18:02+0000

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2023-12-21T18:02+0000

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During the signing ceremony at the State Department, Blinken noted that thanks to the agreement US and Danish troops will be able to train more seamlessly and more often while making the Nordic region safer. Earlier in December, the United States also signed similar DCAs with Finland, Sweden, and Estonia.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/us-bases-in-finland-will-make-nordic-nation-less-safe-heres-why-1115611407.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/us-hopes-new-polish-govt-will-seize-initiative-and-become-eu-leader-1115730615.html

US Hopes New Polish Govt Will Seize Initiative and Become EU Leader

US Hopes New Polish Govt Will Seize Initiative and Become EU Leader

With a more pliant government in Warsaw, the US hopes it can pressure Poland into redoubling its dedication to supporting Ukraine, bring it more ideologically into line with the rest of the EU and even become the blocs leader.

2023-12-21T17:33+0000

2023-12-21T17:33+0000

2023-12-21T17:33+0000

donald tusk

mateusz piskorski

poland

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us

world

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Since the nomination and approval of the pro-Brussels politician Donald Tusk to Polands premiership earlier this month, analysts have fretted over the potential for a reversal of policies due to the departure of a more conservative and Eurosceptic government. Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, of the right-wing Law and Justice Party from which President Andrzej Duda also hails, struggled to walk a tightrope of adhering to NATO and EU policy and defending Polands own national interests, particularly regarding the effects of the conflict in neighboring Ukraine on the Polish economy.As Morawieckis government prepared to leave office following the Sejms no-confidence vote, ministers expressed fears that Tusk would backtrack on Warsaws commitments to a military buildup. Last year, Morawiecki declared that Poland would have the most powerful land forces in Europe.Then-Defense Minister Mariusz Baszczak took a swipe at Tusks previous government, declaring: We want peace, and if we want that we must prepare for war - in connection with that, we are strengthening the Polish Army in contrast to those who governed until 2015.Speaking with a Polish news outlet Rzeczpospolita on Wednesday, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien said Washington was not at all concerned about whether Warsaw would keep to its previously signed military contracts, which Baszczak has suggested were in danger.What is also important is that we have so far had very good cooperation and support for Ukraine from Poland and we will continue to have it from the new government, OBrien said. I'm very encouraged by this. We know many members of the new authorities very well. We understand the values they defend. We are very happy to be able to work with them in the future.I would like to emphasize that security cooperation between Poland and the US has always been very close, regardless of what the American administration and what the Polish government was like, he said. Today, we really want Poland to be a leader in the European Union. And this is the declared goal of the new government.Mateusz Piskorski, political observer and columnist for the Mysl Polska (Polish Thought) newspaper, told Sputnik that such a shift toward Warsaw speaks to Washingtons lack of trust in Germany, the largest country in Western Europe, who it had previously regarded as the EUs leader.Despite all the pro-American statements of the German authorities, all Washington still retains a certain level of mistrust of Berlin, he said.So naturally, the Biden administration - and I think that any American administration - will actually emphasize the role of Poland and other countries in the European Union. Plus, of course, I think it's also a matter of protocol.In the long term, we can say that since the accession of Poland and other countries of Central and Eastern Europe to the European Union, certain processes, geopolitical processes, have been under way. Or more precisely, the United States hopes that those countries that are close to Washington will seize the initiative in Europe. Even then, some were saying that the United States is counting on certain countries, including Poland, to represent its interests in the European Union. Therefore, there is essentially nothing new in this statement.Piskorski said he very much doubts that Poland and the US have offensive plans for Russia or Belarus, now that Warsaw has become Washingtons chief deputy on the continent and the US has emphasized its military buildup.So, I think that it was simply in this way that the representative of the US State Department was trying to emphasize that in Washington they hoped for the continuation of those purchases, and maybe even an increase, for which the previous government was ready.Why do they do this? Naturally, they represent the interests of their own military-industrial complex. And I think that, most likely, this means that the United States is expressing certain expectations, hopes associated with the continuation of all these orders, maybe even receiving new orders for its own military-industrial complex.And secondly, there is still no desire of the Polish population for Polish citizens participating in any armed conflicts. Just the other day, an opinion poll showed that only 15% of the Polish population is ready to participate in an armed conflict even in the event of an attack on Poland. This suggests that only a small minority of Poles even consider the option of some kind of readiness for military service.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231016/polands-ukraine-policy-set-by-senior-partners-in-us-eu-1114236673.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/analysts-tusks-poland-to-be-same-as-kaczyskis-only-without-the-shouting-1115543612.html

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is poland leader of the eu, who is donald tusk, does donald tusk support ukraine
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/us-special-counsel-smith-urges-supreme-court-to-quickly-decide-on-trump-immunity-1115731893.html

US Special Counsel Smith Urges Supreme Court to Quickly Decide on Trump Immunity

US Special Counsel Smith Urges Supreme Court to Quickly Decide on Trump Immunity

Special Counsel Jack Smith in a new court filing on Thursday reiterated his call on the US Supreme Court to immediately decide whether former President Donald Trump is immune from prosecution in the 2020 election interference case.

2023-12-21T17:32+0000

2023-12-21T17:32+0000

2023-12-21T17:52+0000

americas

donald trump

jack smith

virginia court

supreme court

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"The public interest in a prompt resolution of this case favors an immediate, definitive decision by this Court. The charges here are of the utmost gravity, Smith said in the filing. Smith has argued that it is of imperative public importance that Trump's claims of immunity be resolved by the Supreme Court so that his trial can proceed as quickly as possible. On Wednesday, Trump's legal team urged the Supreme Court to reject Smith's request, saying the special counsel was not acting in the "public interest" but rather out of "partisan interest." Meanwhile, two Republican members of the US House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Special Counsel Jack Smith, requesting information on his investigation into former US President Donald Trump.The panel is concerned about Smiths commitment to evenhanded justice due to his record of attempting to criminalize political discourse, the letter said. Accordingly, the panel is conducting oversight to determine potential legislative reforms regarding politically motivated prosecutions.The letter asks Smith to provide documents and communications related to his investigation into Trump, as well as information on personnel participating in the probe. The lawmakers request that Smith provide the materials by January 4, after which point they may resort to compulsory process, the letter said.The letter was signed by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Congressman Andy Biggs.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/west-still-clinging-to-russias-strategic-defeat-rhetoric---russias-general-staff-chief-1115720465.html

West Still Clinging to 'Russia's Strategic Defeat' Rhetoric - Chief of Russian General Staff

West Still Clinging to 'Russia's Strategic Defeat' Rhetoric - Chief of Russian General Staff

The West pursues the course toward Russia's strategic defeat, making the implementation of confidence-building measures in the area of European security irrelevant, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov said on Thursday.

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"Due to the West's pursuit of the course toward Russia's strategic defeat, the implementation of confidence-building measures in the area of European security has lost its relevance," Gerasimov told a briefing for foreign military attaches on the results of the activities of the Russian Defense Ministry in 2023. There are also prospects for growing confrontation between the West and Russia in the political and economic areas, the senior military official added.NATO Near Russian BordersIn particular, Gerasimov pointed out to the fact that about 40 major NATO military exercises are held every year near the western borders of Russia, with scenarios based on armed confrontation with Russia."The high intensity of operational and combat training activities carried out by NATO allied forces remains high. Every year, about 40 major exercises are held near the western borders of Russia, the scenarios of which are based on armed confrontation with our country. Increasingly, states that are not members of the alliance are being involved in them," Gerasimov said.The West seeks to create new hot spots and support conflicts in the Balkans, Transnistria and Transcaucasia, Central Asia and Afghanistan, he said.The Russian military contingent, however, continues to carry out tasks in Transcaucasia as a guarantor of the possibility of building a peaceful life and returning residents to the region, Gerasimov highlighted.The Chief of the General Staff drew attention to the NATO's increasing military presence in the Arctic and developing military infrastructure near Russia's borders.Speaking about measures taken by the West against Russia, Gerasimov said that US sanctions have only provoked a food crisis in Africa and led to escalation of internal conflicts on the continent."Washington's sanctions against Russia have provoked a food crisis in Africa, which is exacerbating social tensions and dissatisfaction of the public with ruling regimes," Gerasimov told the briefing.To achieve their own "neocolonialist" goals, the US and its European allies are trying to blackmail African leaders, the senior military official added.US Prolongs Ukrainian ConflictThe United States is prolonging the Ukraine conflict by providing extensive military support to Kiev, Valery Gerasimov said."Today, Washington is making consequent efforts to prolong the Ukraine conflict. For that reason, significant military and military-technical support is being provided to Ukraine," he told the briefing.Around 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have undergone training in the US and Europe, the senior Russian military official added.Ukraine spares no effort to commit nuclear terrorism by sending drones with explosives to target the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, the official told military attaches.Palestine-Israel ConflictGerasimov also laid the blame upon Washington for the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli confrontation."It's worth noting that irresponsible policies of the US have led to another wave of escalation in the Middle East. Long-standing confrontation between Palestine and Israel has turned into an open armed confrontation with numerous casualties of civilians on both sides. At the moment, the number of those killed is estimated at tens of thousands of people, with prospects for settlement remaining quite uncertain," he said.Tensions in Asia-PacificSpeaking about the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, Gerasimov said it threatens the global regime of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."Interaction within the framework of AUKUS allows participating countries not only to modernize their armed forces in terms of conventional weapons, but also to develop their nuclear component, which is detrimental to the global regime of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We note the build-up of NATO's power potential in the Asia-Pacific region," he said.The Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces remarked that the potential of a conflict in the Asia-Pacific region has sharply increased due to actions by the West.In particular, tensions have been escalating around Myanmar, Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula, the senior military official added.Russian Armed Forces Priorities in 2024One of the priorities of the Russian armed forces in 2024 remains military cooperation with the armies of foreign countries, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov said.The course towards developing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China and India continues, he said, adding that active and comprehensive cooperation has been established with North Korea.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/west-trying-to-sink-topic-of-creating-palestinian-state---lavrov-1115726319.html

West Trying to 'Sink' Topic of Creating Palestinian State - Lavrov

West Trying to 'Sink' Topic of Creating Palestinian State - Lavrov

Western states have shown no willingness to make efforts to create a Palestinian state, trying to sink the issue in questionable initiatives, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.

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Russia and Arab states are under the impression that Western countries are not particularly willing to make efforts in the interests of creating a Palestinian state, the minister said, noting that it is necessary to resolve the issue of creating one once and for all. The top Russian diplomat refers to UN Resolution 181 as the grounds for establishing a separate Palestinian state. In 1947, the UN General Assembly voted 33-13 to divide the then UK-governed Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, with Jerusalem placed under a special international regime. The partitioning was planned to take place in May 1948 when the British mandate was due to end, but only the state of Israel was established.Palestinians seek diplomatic recognition of their sovereignty in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is partially occupied by Israel. The Israeli government continuously refuses to do so, and actively undermines the effort by building settlements in the occupied areas despite objections voiced by the UN.

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Feeling Sweet benefitted from a perfect journey and won the $19,000 Fillies and Mares Winners Over Select Pace at Ballys Dover on Wednesday night (Dec. 20).

Tae, Feeling Sweet and Majorca N left in a line approaching the quarter pole. Feeling Sweet cleared for the lead at the quarter in a blistering :26.1 while Majorca N was parked three-wide from post eight before she muscled her way to the top approaching the half-mile in :55.2.

Disturbed Hanover sprinted first-up down the backstretch. Quick E followed second-over on the rim then circled three-wide approaching the three-quarters. Majorca N continued her lead passing the three-quarters in 1:24.2.

Feeling Sweet, the 6-5 betting favourite, was feeling good off of the pocket trip for driver Montrell Teague. They tipped off the pylons and surged past Majorca N to win in 1:53.4. Feeling Sweet paid $4.60 for the win. Majorca N was hard used but finished second. Tae found room late and finished third.

Feeling Sweet (Sweet Lou-Feel Life) is owned by George and Tina Dennis Racing of Wyoming, Delaware. Joe Columbo trains the six-year-old mare and Montrell Teague offered a perfect drive for the victory.

The 14th race Pentafecta returned $10,394.

Ballys Dover will race its final night of live harness before the Christmas break on Thursday, Dec. 21. The feature race on Thursday is the 12th race, $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace. There will be a $4,542 Pick-5 carryover to Thursday nights action. The wager is available beginning on the sixth race.

Ballys Dover will be dark from Monday, Dec. 25 through Thursday Dec. 28. Live racing returns on Jan. 1, 2024.

(With files from Bally's Dover)
First Tracks Cumberland has a host of lucrative series finals as well as the third annual Au Revoir Retirement Showcase slated for closing weekend, which runs from Friday, Dec. 22 through Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24.

Fridays card is highlighted by the $7,000 Frosty final, a pop-up series that was for TrackMaster 60 pacers, carded as race seven. The early morning line favourite at 3-1 is Best Choice (Nick Graffam), who is hampered with post eight. Blessed with pylon position is fan favourite Putnams Storm (Bob Nadeau), the grey horse with the big heart. There are also a couple of $5,000 Frosty consolations sprinkled throughout the 10-race program.

Saturday is a big day in the Maine harness racing industry as 17 Standardbreds that are 14 years old will parade in front of the stands, be recognized by the announcer and feted and photographed in the winner's circle with gifts and prizes. The Au Revoir Retirement Showcase includes a special $6,000 Auld Lang Syne, exclusively for 14-year-old pacers.

The entire day is dedicated to these special horses, with the sixth race marked for the soon-to-be retirees. Overall, the 17 horses have combined earnings of $5.4 million, which is an average of $316,123. The combined start total is a staggering 5,193 with an average of 305 starts per horse. Total combined wins are 760 with an average of 45 victories per horse.

The fastest record belongs to Cee Pee Panic (1:49.2f), and he is also the most decorated Standardbred with 65 trips to the winner's circle. He will make his 400th career start in the Auld Lang Syne race. The richest participant is Twin B Impressive ($692,610), who also competes in the aforementioned special race. The average win time of all the retirees is an equally impressive 1:52.1.

A special commemorative program has been produced and contains biographies and photos of the equine stars, as well as a chance for fans to win prizes.

There is also a $10,000 Winners Over Handicap in race seven, with top pacers Alex Having Fun (Aaron Hall, 3-1) and The Bird Dance N (Dan Deslandes, 5-2) looking for the lions share of that top purse.

On Sundays closing day, the track will host four $10,000 finals of the various winter late closing series, with five additional $7,000 consolations to compliment the card. In addition, the $8,000 winter Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) final will be contested as race two. As always, the MADC events are sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham.

First Tracks Cumberland will offer a $5,000 guaranteed Pick-5 pool on Christmas Eve, which is carried on races three through seven, and have a mandatory payout.

All the live harness racing action begins on Friday at Cumberland, the final Winter Festival weekend with year-end action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. First post is 10:50 a.m. each day.

(First Tracks Cumberland)
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg and County Judge Lina Hidalgo have continued to clash over issues of funding and resources. Staff file photos

The Harris County Democratic Party voted Tuesday to admonish District Attorney Kim Ogg, a move that was started by a group of Democratic precinct chairs who argued Ogg does not represent the party's values.

The resolution that passed last Tuesday included numerous grievances, one of them Ogg's investigations into other Harris County Democrats.

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What Kim is doing is horrible, said Kay Shepard, a precinct chair who supported the resolution, said last week. I've never seen a DA come after (fellow) Democrats.

Ogg's supporters have countered that the District Attorney should be investigating members of her own party if she has evidence of wrongdoing  and that the length of her tenure in office should be left to the voters, not the party.

Voters will have the chance to weigh in soon when Ogg faces former prosecutor Sean Teare in the March primary election.

FACT CHECK: What we know about the petition to admonish Harris County DA Kim Ogg

One of the targets of Ogg's investigations is Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, whose former aides have been under investigation by the District Attorney's Office and the Texas Rangers for over two years.

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Ogg and Hidalgo have traded accusations in public, with Ogg arguing the county is "defunding law enforcement" and Hidalgo calling the investigation into her former aides a "political vendetta."

Here's how the feud between the two elected officials has escalated.

"Defunding" law enforcement

Funding has been a long-standing source of tension between Ogg and Hidalgo, who presides over Commissioners Court, which controls the District Attorney's Office budget.

In 2019, during Hidalgo's first weeks in office, Ogg requested a budget increase to pay for hiring 100 more prosecutors, a more than 30% expansion of the prosecutorial corp. While the two Republicans on the court at the time supported it, the three Democrats did not. The request was not granted.

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Ogg's request in 2022 for additional $5.5 million to fund 82 new prosecutors and 43 support staff was unsuccessful, despite the backing of Republican Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, who said the countys funding priorities should be crime, crime and crime.

Weeks later, Ogg returned to tell Commissioners Court, We have been defunded, and it must stop."

Though the District Attorney's Office budget has increased every year since 2018, Ogg says she has not received the resources she's asked for to hire additional prosecutors to alleviate the office's overwhelming caseloads.

In October 2022, shortly before voting started in Hidalgo's re-election bid, Ogg and other law enforcement officials packed Commissioners Court in a dramatic display of support for increases to their budgets.

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The public confrontations over law enforcement budgets don't appear to be over.

Two months ago, a dozen top officials from the District Attorney's Office asked Commissioners Court to exempt their office from an administrative change that would be applied to all county departments to clean up department payrolls by eliminating vacant positions that don't have funding.

By defunding and taking away these positions, that will hurt us in the long run, Jennifer Meriwether, an assistant district attorney, said.

Hidalgo forcefully countered the defunding claim: I know for a fact no funding is being taken away."

Budget Director Daniel Ramos affirmed that the change would not affect funding levels.

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This is purely for unfunded positions where they would not be allowed to fill them," Ramos said.

Investigating Hidalgos ex-aides

A grand jury indicted three of Hidalgo's former aides in April 2022. They're accused of misusing official information by providing details of a COVID-19 vaccine outreach contract to Elevate Strategies, a politically-connected firm, before the bidding process had become public. Because they signed paperwork stating they had followed county guidelines, the three aides also are accused of tampering with government documents.

The aides have denied steering the contract to Elevate. Defense attorneys also have pointed out that Hidalgo has no political connections to the firm, and that she chose to seek out competitive bidders for the contract when she wasn't required to do so.

The cases were stuck in neutral for over a year  until last month, when the Texas Rangers issued search warrants indicating they were expanding their investigation.

OGG INVESTIGATION: What to know about the charges against Hidalgo's former staffers under investigation by Ogg and Texas Rangers

Hidalgo held a news conference the following day calling the entire investigation a "political vendetta" and arguing it's similar to other attempts by Oggs office to prosecute Harris County officials.
With Christmas on its way next week and the new year drawing close, Mayor Costi Kutteh offered his End of Year Message to close out the city councils final session in 2023.

Toward the end of his address, the five-term mayor noted that when the more than 250 state tourism leaders came to the city for its tourism summit, they discovered what Statesvilles residents have first-hand knowledge of.

Statesville, they learn what we already know  it is a great place to be. Our citizens are unique  they care, they share, they give, they support  they make the Statesville Spirit something very special and very real.

Kutteh said the city would survive the losses to downtown from the fire earlier in the year that destroyed three buildings and ended on a positive note.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am 100% enthusiastic that 2024 will be a great year here.

Earlier in his address Kutteh offered praise for the more than 500 members of the citys staff and their roles within city government and as members of the community. He also noted that many of the city governments leadership positions were filled this year with current employees, which keeps institutional knowledge in-house and makes for smooth transitions while still providing services to the community.

He welcomed Lisa Pearson to the city council and seemed pleased to not have to concern himself with any municipal Statesville elections in 2024 but noted that 2025 could bring more change to city leadership. He said he hoped voter turnout would improve over this years turnout, which saw only 609 ballots cast between three city council races.

The mayor noted that the Woodard Fire Station was near completion and that other projects were underway or in development within the city, including at the Vance Hotel.

Kutteh said the city was also experiencing the greatest residential and industrial growth in its history. He also noted that the city had renewed its commitment to the Green Street Cemetery and surrounding areas, and praised the fire department for being one of eight in North Carolina which is internationally accredited and holds the highest ISO rating.
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
TEL AVIV, Israel  Tantrums, tears, temperature, toilet accidents. These travails of childhood are familiar to any parent. But for Doron Katz Asher, the daily whims of children took on a new, frightening dimension while in Hamas captivity with her two young daughters.

If the girls cried, militants would bang on the door of the room where she was being held. When they were hungry, she didnt always have anything to feed them. She slept with one eye open, always keeping watch over her daughters.

(I felt) Fear. Fear that maybe because my daughters are crying and are making some noise theyll get some directive from above to take them, to do something to them, Katz Asher told Israel Channel 12 TV in a lengthy interview broadcast. Constant fear.

Her account builds on a growing number of freed captives who are sharing their harrowing stories of weeks in captivity even as roughly 129 hostages remain.

Katz Asher, 34, and her daughters Raz, 4, and Aviv, 2, were visiting family in Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas attacked the sleepy farming community on Oct. 7. Katz Asher, her daughters and her mother were put on a tractor and driven to Gaza. An exchange of fire erupted between the militants who snatched them and Israeli forces, killing her mother and leaving her and Aviv lightly wounded, she said in the interview. They were part of some 240 people taken captive that day whose plight has stunned and gripped Israelis.

After they made it to Gaza, Katz Asher said she and her daughters were taken to a familys apartment, where her wounds were stitched up without anesthetics on a couch as her girls looked on. She did not say if Aviv was treated.

The father of the house spoke Hebrew, which he said he had learned years earlier working in Israel. A Palestinian mother and two daughters served as their guards for the 16 days they were held in the home. They were told to keep quiet, but were given coloring pencils and paper and passed the time drawing. Katz Asher said she started teaching her 4-year-old how to write in Hebrew. The first word she taught was aba, or dad.

As the sounds of the Israeli militarys fierce bombing campaign rang out around them, her captors fed her false hope, telling her a deal was imminent for their release. She and her daughters would eventually be freed in a temporary cease-fire deal in late November.

With food running low at the family home, one night she was dressed in Muslim attire that concealed her identity and she and her daughters were forced to walk for 15 minutes to a hospital that was not named in the interview, where they were sealed in a room with other Israeli captives who she recognized. Ten people were locked together in a 130-square-foot room with a sink but no mattresses. The window was sealed shut, food was inconsistent and using a toilet hinged on the permission of the captors.

They could open after five minutes or after an hour and a half, she said, echoing similar testimony from other freed captives. But, she added, small girls cant hold it.

Katz Asher said one of her daughters had a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit for three days straight. To bring it down, she ran cold water over her forehead.

They made a deck of cards and drew the foods they badly missed to pass the time. Katz Asher saved her own small portions of food  pita with spreadable cheese and spiced rice with meat  so that her daughters wouldnt go hungry.

Her daughters had an incessant list of questions about their ordeal, the innocence of a childs curiosity colliding with an inexplicable calamity. When will we return to dad at home? And when will they return to day care? And why is the door locked? Why cant we just go home? And how will we even know the way home?

All the while, with dread engulfing her, Katz Asher said she projected calm to her daughters, promising them, and perhaps herself, they would go home soon.

What helped me survive there was that my daughters were with me, she said. I had something to fight for.

The vulnerability of Nir Oz: Inside Hamas unprecedented hostage operation
Assad welcomed the Secretary General of the Baath Party in Lebanon, Ali Hijazi, according to al-Baath.

In a significant diplomatic engagement in Damascus, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad welcomed a delegation from the central leadership of the Arab Socialist Baath Party of Lebanon. The delegation was led by Secretary-General Ali Hijazi. During the meeting, President al-Assad emphasized the pivotal role of political parties in fostering strong relations between nations and defending key national interests. He specifically highlighted the contributions of various Lebanese national forces in strengthening the fraternal ties between Syria and Lebanon.

President al-Assad also remarked on the interdependent nature of Syrian and Lebanese stability, stating that threats to Lebanons stability inevitably impact Syria, and vice versa. He underscored the mutual benefits derived from a stable and prosperous Lebanon for both countries.

The Lebanese delegation reciprocated these sentiments, underscoring the deep-rooted brotherly bonds shared by Syria and Lebanon. They stressed the importance of reinforcing these ties for the betterment of both nations. The delegation also highlighted the Pan-Arab role of their party in nurturing this cross-sectarian relationship, which is pivotal in the regional political landscape.

This meeting reflects the ongoing efforts to maintain and strengthen the historical and strategic ties between Syria and Lebanon, highlighting the significance of such relationships in the broader context of Middle Eastern politics.

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.
Khaji denounced the recent actions in the Gaza Strip, labelling them as "Zionist crimes", according to Tishreen.

Ali Asghar Khaji, the senior advisor to the Iranian foreign minister on special political affairs, has raised concerns over the destabilizing impact of Israeli military actions in Syria. In a statement reported by IRNA, Khaji emphasized that these attacks are reflective of the inherently aggressive nature of what he termed the occupation entity.

During a video conference with Geir Pedersen, the UN Secretary-Generals Special Envoy to Syria, Khaji urged the global community to actively engage in alleviating the humanitarian and economic crisis in Syria. He highlighted the necessity for concrete international measures to mitigate the situation.

Additionally, Khaji denounced the recent actions in the Gaza Strip, labelling them as Zionist crimes. He advocated for decisive and practical steps to halt these aggressive acts, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Russian Defense Minister emphasized the imperative of maintaining peace and stability in Syria and the Nagorno-Karabakh region, according to al-Watan.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu emphasized the imperative of maintaining peace and stability in Syria and the Nagorno-Karabakh region, particularly in light of evolving circumstances and the perceived threats associated with NATOs eastward expansion. In a meeting with military leaders attended by President Vladimir Putin, Shoigu stated , Russian military units must ensure peace and stability in Syria and Karabakh, adapting to changing circumstances and addressing the challenges posed by NATOs eastward expansion.

Shoigu reiterated that the primary focus for the upcoming year includes continuing the special military operation in Ukraine until its objectives are achieved. Additionally, there is a priority on preparing and conducting the strategic command and staff training Ocean 2024.

President Putin recently declared that Russia has no plans to withdraw its forces from Syria. During his annual press conference, he affirmed, Our countrys forces will not withdraw from Syria, and Russian forces are present to ensure Russias interests in this vital region of the world. He clarified that as long as the presence of military units in Syria benefits Moscow, they will remain, with the ability to withdraw swiftly if necessary, without incurring material losses.

A detailed presentation on joint operations conducted by the Russian and Syrian forces in response to a terrorist attack on the military academy in Homs highlighted the destruction of targeted sites, including ammunition and equipment depots, and the elimination of hundreds of terrorists affiliated with groups such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkistan Islamic Party. The operations disrupted the combat and organizational capabilities of the terrorists, preventing regrouping and inducing a state of chaos and panic.

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.
Days following the siege of Jasim in the northern countryside of Daraa by regime forces, local sources have reported a return to normalcy on Wednesday.

Days following the siege of Jasim in the northern countryside of Daraa by regime forces, local sources have reported a return to normalcy on Wednesday. This comes from an agreement between local leaders and the regimes security services.

As per the agreement, main roads in the city have been reopened, allowing residents to enter and exit freely. This follows the withdrawal of Assads forces from the neighbourhoods they occupied over the past two days.

The terms of the agreement stipulated that Assads forces would enter Jasim farms for searches before completely withdrawing from the city. Videos published by local observatories captured the withdrawal of regime forces from the city after thorough inspections, with reconnaissance planes accompanying the process.

Prior to the withdrawal, there was a partial deployment of regime forces in the citys neighbourhoods, lasting for a few hours.

What has the regime achieved?

Last Saturday, the regimes security services executed a withdrawal from their military positions within the city of Jasim. They implemented a siege by closing main roads, preventing residents from entering or leaving. This evacuation included the complete withdrawal from the citys station, and military security personnel found themselves confined to the cultural center, as residents prevented their departure and compelled them to remain inside.

Before discussions about any agreement could commence, regime officers insisted that the negotiating delegation from Jasim City facilitate the removal of the military security personnel trapped within the cultural center. The motives behind the regimes escalation remain unclear, though residents anticipate the use of familiar pretexts, such as the alleged presence of terrorist organizations, to justify potential invasion attempts.

However, the eventual agreement did not address the extradition of any wanted individuals to the regimes services, focusing solely on lifting the siege on its members within the cultural center.

These events unfolded in the aftermath of an incident where a Hilux State Security branch vehicle was targeted with an explosive device on the Inkhil-Jasim road, resulting in the death of four members and injuring two others. Local gunmen have increasingly targeted regime forces in Jasim, prompted by residents complaints of violations, including the imposition of levies and the execution of arrests and assassinations against the citys populace.

Major General Mufid al-Hassan, a key figure in Assads forces, played a pivotal role in the recent negotiations that led to the agreement with the elders of Jasim. Hassan serves as the head of Daraas security committee and bears responsibility for all of southern Syria.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria

Syrias President Bashar al-Assad has said that there is no proof that six million Jews were killed by the Nazis, claiming that the holocaust is a fabrication to justify the creation of Israel. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) jointly introduced a resolution today denouncing assaults carried out by Iranian military proxies on U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Syria. The resolution underscores the importance of promptly addressing and preventing such attacks.

Syrias Assad claims the Holocaust was a lie fabricated to justify the creation of Israel

Syrian President Bashar Assad earlier this week declared that there is no evidence that six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust and accused the United States of funding the German Nazi party.

In a video of a speech by Assad translated and published by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) on Monday, Assad can be seen telling a listening crowd that there is no evidence that six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust.

True, there were concentration camps, but what shows you that this is a politicized issue, not a humanitarian one and not a real one, is that we talk about these six million, but why dont we talk about the 26 million Soviets who were killed in that war? Are the six million more precious?

While some 26 million people from the Soviet Union were killed during World War II, the blocs population in 1939 equalled roughly 170 million people, compared to some 9.5 million Jews.

Furthermore, more than 8.5 million of the Soviets killed during World War II were killed in military battles.

Continuing his tirade, the Syrian dictator claimed that there was no specific method of torture or killing specific to the Jews. The Nazis used the same methods everywhere.

Despite Assads claim, other groups targeted by the Nazis were not systematically murdered in the same way that Jewish people were.

The only other ethnic group targeted for genocide in a similar way to Europes Jews were the Romani, of whom between 220,000 and 1,500,000 were killed.

According to Assad, the issue of the Holocaust was politicized in order to falsify the truth and later to prepare for the transfer of Jews from Europe to other areas, to Palestine.

Reaching the crux of his argument, Assad claimed that the Jews who came to Palestine are Khazar Jews from the east of the Caspian Sea, they were pagans who converted to Judaism in the eighth century.

They emigrated to Europe and from there came to this region. They have nothing to do whatsoever with the people of Israel of antiquity, he added.

The claim that modern Jews are descended from Khazars, a Turkic people who lived in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, is an antisemitic conspiracy theory long used by people trying to discount Jewish claims to the land of Israel.

Syrian regime warns military personnel against using suspicious applications

The Operations Department of the Syrian regimes army has issued a circular indicating the spread of suspicious applications among military personnel, which requests them to photograph military areas in exchange for financial rewards.

According to the internal circular obtained by Enab Baladi, issued by the Minister of Defense in the regimes government, Ali Mahmoud Abbas, on November 4, information has reached the General Command of the Army about the spread of suspicious applications on social media platforms, especially in southern areas of Syria.

The circular specifically mentioned the application Sahabat al-Khair that sends a weekly free balance of around 10,000 Syrian pounds to its users, then later asks them to photograph military units and points in return for financial rewards and attempts to recruit them, according to the circular.

The circular indicated that the majority of the applications users are military personnel in the regime forces.

The circular requested military authorities to warn all personnel against dealing or communicating with any suspicious or unknown pages, especially the Sahabat al-Khair application.

The Military Intelligence Directorate in the regimes army issued a circular on March 20 that requires the periodic registration of contact information and social media accounts for officers, volunteers, and conscripts under the acceptance of liability.

According to the internal circular that Enab Baladi has seen a copy of, security officers in each military unit have become responsible for collecting the specific information listed in the circular from the military personnel.

According to several conscripted military personnel in the Syrian regimes army that Enab Baladi interviewed, the Military Intelligence branch has requested the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) for the mobile phones of individuals working in the army sector. Additionally, they were required to provide their phone numbers, social media accounts, and email addresses.

Recently, the Ministry of Defense has issued several circulars related to preventing the leakage of military information or documents, including prohibiting military personnel from discussing military matters except through official channels.

The military personnel in the regime forces resort to any means that can bring them financial income, including applications that offer monetary rewards. This comes in light of the financial crisis that the regime forces have been suffering since 2022. A group of officers and unit leaders previously requested the command of the Syrian army to allow conscripts in the army to work for 15 days a month to support their families.

Senators introduce resolution to condemn attacks by Iranian military proxies on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria

U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced a resolution condemning attacks by Iranian military proxies on U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Syria and emphasizing the urgency of responding to and deterring such attacks.

American troops in the region have been targeted by Iranian proxies more than 115 times since mid-October in the wake of the terror attacks committed by Hamas against Israel. Iran provides financing, training, and other support to militia groups throughout the region, including the Houthi rebels in Yemen. In addition to targeting U.S. troops and infrastructure, attacks by Iran-backed militias have forced global shipping companies to stop using the Red Sea as a travel route, slowing down critical supply chains throughout the region.

Attacks on American troops are reprehensible, and Iranian support for these attacks has rightfully earned a swift and forceful response from the Biden administration, said Senator Coons. I join Senator Cruz in introducing this resolution to condemn these attacks, increase pressure on Iran to cease its support for violent militia groups, and support efforts to deter Iranian-backed militia attacks on U.S. troops and the international community. I also commend the resiliency and bravery of American service members across the Middle East and hope this resolution makes clear Congress support for U.S. Central Commands mission of countering terrorism and maintaining stability across the region.

The Iranian regime is attacking Americans, our allies, and our interests across the Middle East, said Senator Cruz. They are not only launching attacks and massacres against our Israeli and Arab allies, but their Houthi proxies are now trying to shut down freedom of navigation that is vital to the American and global economies. It is clear that they are not deterred, and it is long past time for the Biden administration to take all necessary steps to deter and counter these activities. Enough is enough.

Irans growing aggression against America shows Bidens weakness: John Bolton

In an op-ed by John R. Bolton, published in The Washington Post, he critiques President Bidens approach to Irans increasing aggression in the Middle East. Bolton, a former National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump, argues that Bidens focus on the Hamas-Israel conflict is dangerously distracting from Irans actions through its proxies against American interests in the region.

Bolton details incidents of Iranian surrogates attacks on U.S. military and civilian targets in Syria and Iraq, as well as on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, orchestrated by Yemen-based Houthi terrorists. He stresses that these attacks, which have resulted in casualties and increased maritime insurance rates, are coordinated and financially supported by Iran. Bolton accuses Iran of retaliating against U.S. support for Israel and warns of its ambition to drive America out of the Middle East and isolate Israel.

Criticizing the Biden administrations response as minimal and ineffective, Bolton argues that the U.S. has failed to establish deterrence against Iran and its proxies. He suggests the Biden administration lacks a strategic vision for U.S. interests in the region, causing dismay among allies. Bolton recommends a stronger stance, including redesignating the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and considering direct strikes on Iranian military assets and bases as a deterrence strategy. He argues that a forceful U.S. response is necessary to counter Iranian ambitions and establish a credible deterrent.

Bolton concludes by asserting that U.S. restraint is perceived as a weakness by Iran and calls for decisive action to change this narrative, emphasizing the importance of power and performance in establishing deterrence.
Despite initially being part of Al-Julani's crisis management cell, Zakour later found himself wanted by HTS.

Abu Ahmed Zakour, born Jihad Issa Al-Sheikh from Al-Nayrab in Aleppo, is a notable figure within Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS). He has held various roles in the organization, including positions related to public relations and economic affairs, leveraging his tribal influence to strengthen his standing. Zakours involvement with HTS and his influence became more visible as he endeavoured to infiltrate factions of the Syrian National Army in the Aleppo countryside.

Zakours growing influence and strategic alignments

Although not widely recognized by the Syrian public, Zakours presence grew, especially on social media, where he shared updates about his movements and interactions with leaders in northern Aleppo. In a notable instance on July 2, 2021, he tweeted about his visit to Azaz and meeting with National Army leaders, receiving a response from leader Abu Maria Al-Qahtani.

The connection between Zakour and HTS leader Al-Julani appears significant, highlighted by a 2016 incident where ISIS supporters revealed Al-Julanis face in a photo, with Zakour alongside him. This photo was reportedly taken in Iraq.

Zakours strategic efforts in recent years have focused on weakening the National Army by luring its factions with promises of money and influence, leading to the formation of the Al-Shahba Gathering north of Aleppo. This group included factions that had split from the National Army.

Despite initially being part of Al-Julanis crisis management cell, Zakour later found himself wanted by HTS after siding with Abu Maria Al-Qahtani. In 2021, Zakour started to publicly disclose more personal information, including his family background and involvement with groups like Ansar al-Sunnah and Tawhid and Jihad.

In May of the same year, the US and Turkish Treasury Departments imposed sanctions related to terrorism financing on individuals linked to HTS and the Tawhid and Jihad Battalion in Syria, with Zakour being one of the individuals targeted by these sanctions.

The statement from the US Treasury Department identifies Omar al-Sheikh, also known as Abu Ahmed Zakur or by his real name Jihad Issa al-Sheikh, as a prominent leader in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its predecessor, Al-Nusra Front. He has been involved in various capacities since the groups inception in 2003.

The statement elaborates that Sheikh holds significant roles within HTS, including being a member of the Shura Council, the Emir of the Aleppo Sector, and overseeing HTSs economic portfolio and financial operations abroad.

Diverse roles and responses within HTS

Sheikhs roles within HTS have been diverse. He has served as the security prince since March 2022, the director of public relations and communication with military commanders since October 2022, and the financial officer since February 2019.

After the imposition of financial sanctions, Zakour commented that the sanctions were insignificant to him personally, as he claimed not to have assets outside Syria and denied being responsible for the groups financial affairs.

Zakur has also been critical of Turkey, accusing Turkish intelligence of involvement in the assassination of Saddam al-Moussa, a leader in Ahrar al-Sham, in January of the same year. He expressed concern over Turkeys alleged treacherous methods and their implications for the region.

Jihad Issa Al-Sheikh is recognized for his tribal influence and is a challenging figure within HTS, contrary to HTSs alternative media portrayal of him as an ordinary individual. His move to the northern countryside of Aleppo is significant, given his influence over military groups formerly associated with the National Army and his role in facilitating their alignment with HTS.

The conflict between Zakur and HTSs leadership presents various potential outcomes, particularly if he decides to establish a military presence in North Aleppo. The Turkish response and Zakurs economic resources will be key factors in how this situation evolves.

Jihad Issa al-Sheikh, better known as Abu Ahmed Zakur, a notable leader within Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), recently announced his defection from the group amid significant disagreements with HTS leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani. Zakur, known for his close ties with detained leader Abu Maria al-Qahtani, accused the HTS leadership of betraying and overpowering other Syrian revolutionary factions.

Zakurs statement, released on the X platform, revealed that he initially left Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (HTSs former name) in 2017, criticizing its policies. He later rejoined and managed relations with the Syrian National Army. Despite an initial agreement with HTS to resolve differences and collaborate with other factions, Zakur claimed that HTS began to dominate militarily, economically, and security-wise in National Army areas, engaging in practices like kidnapping without coordination.

The escalation and defection of Zakur from HTS

Consequently, Zakur publicly declared his organizational and political departure from HTS, disavowing all their actions.

This development comes after months of escalating tensions between Zakur and Al-Julani, following the HTSs arrest of Al-Qahtani. Despite attempts at mediation, the rift between Zakur and Al-Julani grew, culminating in a failed arrest attempt of Zakurs associates by the HTS security apparatus. Zakur then moved to the Afrin region to avoid arrest.

Sources indicate that the strain in relations between Al-Sheikh and Al-Julani is part of a larger crisis within HTS. HTSs desire to arrest Zakur was reportedly avoided due to internal considerations and fear of the consequences given Zakurs influence.

Recently, HTS raided Zakurs properties in several areas, including his farm and residence in Ras al-Hosn and affiliated group headquarters, as a move to diminish his influence within HTS. This action is seen as part of HTSs pattern of dealing with dissenting leaders.

The latest we know

Days before Christmas 2023, Turkish forces and their allied military police intercepted and arrested Abu Ahmed Zakur, in a dramatic episode in Azaz, north of Aleppo. HTS had initially launched an operation to capture Zakur, whose real name is Jihad Issa al-Sheikh after he holed up in a military headquarters in Wadi Hamada. Despite their use of heavy weaponry, HTS forces were stopped by a National Army checkpoint while transporting Zakur, leading to his arrest by Turkish forces and the military police.

The operation resulted in the deaths of two of Zakurs cousins and the injury of his brother, Qutaiba Issa Al-Sheikh. Following the incident, Turkish forces increased their presence in Azaz, deploying armored vehicles and tanks. Zakur, through audio clips, claimed he was safe and criticized HTS leader Al-Julani, accusing him of a 2016 bombing at the Atma border crossing. Concurrently, HTS conducted an arrest campaign in Dana, targeting members of the Bakara tribe, to which Zakur belongs. This has sparked tribal calls for support against HTSs actions.
OpenAI is leading safety procedures to address the growing dangers of artificial intelligence, including the potential of bad actors using the technology for criminal and terrorist acts.

MIT AI professor Aleksander Madry will be heading the "Preparedness" team, tasked to hire computer scientists, national security experts, and policy professionals to monitor AI development.

The team will be working with the "Safety Systems" and "Superalignment" teams to address safety and security concerns in the development of its most advanced AI models.

Safety Concerns on OpenAI Development

OpenAI has been walking on the middle ground of debates on the tech firm's role in the future of AI development since ChatGPT went viral.

CEO Sam Altman believes there are no serious long-term risks in the company's development of the tech.

However, recent leadership changes in the company have shown issues not addressed for a long time, including the actual goal of the company to the development and distribution of AI to companies and to the public.

The company has also faced several lawsuits after authors accused OpenAI of using their copyrighted works to train its language models.

The safety protocols team believes OpenAI's safety framework protects its products from being used in crime despite the recent leadership "turbulence."

OpenAI is open for "qualified, independent third parties" to test its technology.

Also Read: ChatGPT is Getting 'Lazy' Which Could Have Been Learned from Training Data

US Regulations on AI Use and Development

As the development of AI models continues to surge in the tech industry, the US Congress, in turn, has filed a blueprint for a bill of rights on AI application.

US President Joe Biden has already issued an executive order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence to mitigate the dangers posed by the new advancements.

The executive order specifically addresses standards for AI safety and security, as well as protecting Americans' privacy from exploitation and abuse.

Other countries, especially in Europe, have launched their own regulation commissions to address the growing issues on AI.

Related Article: ChatGPT Can Now Write Legal Rulings for Judges in UK
SCAPPOOSE  A 40-year-old man connected to the stabbing death of a Scappoose woman is in Columbia County Jail facing murder charges.

Derek Lee Welter, 40, of Scappoose, was taken into custody at 11:35 p.m. Tuesday for suspicion of first-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, and second-degree murder for the death of Rhiannon Amelia Meyer, 34, of Scappoose, according to a Wednesday Columbia County Sheriffs Office press release.

Welter pleaded not guilty Thursday. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to attend a preliminary hearing Dec. 28.

After Welter fled the scene Tuesday, officers found a vehicle that matched the description of the suspects at about 6 p.m. near Lake Mainline, the office reports.

As law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle, Welter began reversing in an attempt to flee. Still, the car backed into the end of the road and could not go any further.

Oregon State Police SWAT team was called due to Welters known firearm possession, and in preparation, authorities set up a perimeter around his vehicle, states the press release.

At around 9 p.m., the Oregon State Police SWAT Team arrived at the scene and took Welter into custody at 11:35 p.m. and transported him to Columbia County Jail.

According to the press release, at about 2:37 p.m. Tuesday, a parent of the victim called 911 to report her daughter had been stabbed at a Southwest Fourth Street home.

The Scappoose School District was also placed on secure as a preemptive move at that time as law enforcement searched for the suspect.
In a congressional district where roughly 98% of the land is considered rural, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, recently launched an office in Kelso, where about 170,000 fewer people live compared to Vancouver, the home of her flagship office.

The goal? To reach rural voters, she said.

The congresswoman met with a few dozen constituents Friday at an open house at the 308 Pacific Ave. office, located across the street from Columbia Wellness.

The narrow downtown office was one of the few buildings available, given the complications of using federal funds for rent. But mainly, Gluesenkamp Perez wanted a new location that was more centralized in the district and closer to Southwest Washingtons rural communities.

I think theres a posture of power that wants people to come to it, Gluesenkamp Perez said. My job is to serve and listen.

Her personal bills have often focused on rural-heavy issues. She serves on the House committees for agriculture and small businesses. Over the course of 2023 Gluesenkamp Perez introduced bills to help native tribes manage important forests, expand childcare access in rural communities, and oversee foreign owners of U.S. farmland.

Washingtons 3rd District includes Vancouver, the fourth-largest city in Washington. Roughly two thirds of the districts population lives in Clark County. But, the district also covers three large and sparsely-populated counties, including the congresswomens home in Skamania County, and spans from the Pacific Ocean through the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest. A Census map shows the district had about 74 persons per square mile in 2010.

The Kelso office is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, or by appointment, and ran by one fulltime staff member and a second who comes up from the main Vancouver office depending on the demand for questions or requests.

Gluesenkamp Perezs predecessor Jaime Herrera Beutler ran a small satellite office in Chehalis City Hall for several of her terms representing the 3rd District. The Chehalis office was only open on Tuesdays, for at most three hours at a time.

Issues normal people think about

The beginning of Gluesenkamp Perezs first term in early 2023 was delayed several days by the first fight over Kevin McCarthy becoming Speaker of the House. Gluesenkamp Perez has voted on who should be Speaker of the House five times since then, including a vote to remove McCarthy.

I didnt expect the House to be functional. But getting there has confirmed and strengthened my belief that the body is not a representative body. Its not a body that respects the people who work for a living, Gluesenkamp Perez said.

Gluesenkamp Perez has passed two bills during her first year in the House of Representatives. The most recent bill success was a co-sponsored measure to support mothers getting drug-abuse treatment, which was folded into a broader reauthorization for substance-use programs.

During the final minutes of Fridays open house, the announcement broke that the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement project was awarded $600 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The bridge funds were a bipartisan request from all of Washingtons congressional members, but the request was co-led by Gluesenkamp Perez and Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray.

Gluesenkamp Perez has broken with the Democratic Party on a handful of high-profile votes. Those splits have become more notable during the votes on the Israel-Gaza war, including her vote in October to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib over her comments on Gaza. In an interview Friday, Gluesenkamp Perez specifically criticized her use of From the river to the sea as a pro-Palestine slogan.

Political dialogue has become so heated, and when a legislator chooses to use inflammatory language, Im not going to defend them, Gluesenkamp Perez said.

Despite the occasional splits, the congresswoman said she was not worried about alienating Democrat leadership. No other major Democratic candidate is challenging her reelection campaign in 2024. Gluesenkamp Perez said the old party members appreciate her being willing to bring up the issues that normal people think about.
The Carriage Restaurant is tentatively planned to leave its leased site on 12th Avenue around February so Community House on Broadway can start construction on a restaurant training center in the eaterys location, where residents of its planned youth shelter can work.

Community House on Broadway Executive Director Frank Morrison said the plan is to house a restaurant with pick-up service only in The Carriages former location so youth shelter residents can train to work at eateries, as well as earn money and save up for their own place.

Morrison worked out a deal with The Carriage owner, who Morrison said had another roughly three-year contract to lease the space.

Carriage owner Fei Chen said the restaurant, which opened in the 70s, will reopen in another location, which has not yet been finalized.

Construction on the youth shelters training center is expected to start around February, and the entire shelter to open by October.

Cowlitz County Commissioners Rick Dahl and Dennis Weber voted earlier this month to award $2 million of county funds earmarked for housing to cover that part of the shelters renovation. Commissioner Arne Mortensen voted against the funding, which was first requested in April.

Morrison said the awarded money will be reimbursed by the county as renovations are completed. The money would not cover operations, which are estimated to be about $1.3 million a year.

The shelter, located in the 1330 block of 12th Avenue, plans to have 12 rooms for boys and 12 for girls above where The Carriage is located today. Below would house the restaurant training center, dining room and recreational area. Community House on Broadway, a shelter for adults and families, is located behind the building.

Morrison said its crucial to help youth because many addicts start using at an early age. A Community House survey of 110 adults shows they started using alcohol or drugs at an average age of 13, Morrison reports. The shelter would house ages 13 to 17.

There is also an immediate need to provide local kids shelter, Morrison added. Another survey of Longview, Kelso and Castle Rock students shows the districts have a total of 106 unaccompanied youth; these are kids who are not in physical custody of a parent or guardian and who could live in the youth shelter, Community House reports.

The youth shelter plans to bar residents who are sex offenders, as well as youth with prior assault charges and active warrants. Youth, who must be county residents, would be assessed when they enter and required to meet regularly with a case manager to address medical, psychological and physical needs, the nonprofit reports.

The building would include security cameras and hourly room checks.

When Morrison gave his latest pitch to commissioners on Dec. 6 to receive funding, he explained that the majority of Community House money doesnt come from the government; 46% of donations are from individuals. The next highest amount of revenue source is a tie at 17% from grants, and another 17% from leasing space  including Mackins Auto Body located in the same 12th Avenue building as the shelter. The auto body also offered to hire youth shelter residents, Morrison said.

Community House received $5.3 million from the state in the spring for the youth shelter, $1.9 million of which purchased the building. Morrison said the deal with the state is to keep the building affordable housing for youth for 40 years.

The county money to renovate the youth shelters main floor comes from document recording fees, which are expenses added to local liens and home purchases by the state to combat county homelessness. County staff estimated at the Dec. 6 meeting  prior to the youth shelter funding decision  that the municipality would have $2.3 million in fee revenue at the end of 2023, and less revenue collected in 2024.

One of the reasons for the expected revenue decline is because the Longview City Council voted earlier this year to create its own housing and homeless program and directly receive a portion of document recording fee revenue that previously went to the county.

Mortensen said at the Dec. 6 meeting he didnt feel like Morrisons request would create affordable housing, the goal for the funds.

Weber said its better to have a local solution to youth homelessness like Morrisons plan than to rely on the state, which previously housed foster care youth in hotel rooms when other homes werent available  a plan Weber and Morrison are against.

Dahl said the eroded family unit created problems like homeless youth with substance-use disorders, so leaders need to start choking off that supply line and ... help in some way. He choked up at the Dec. 6 meeting and said were called to help.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Activision Blizzard Chief Executive Bobby Kotick will leave his post at the end of December, bringing his 32-year tenure at the gaming giant to a close.

Kotick's departure comes just two months after Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in October and closed the biggest deal in video game history after more than a year of close scrutiny from antitrust officials around the world. Kotick had communicated his plans to leave post-acquisition in an October email to staff, in which he noted that he would stay with the company through the end of the year. He will leave the company Dec. 29.

"I cannot adequately express the pride I have in the people who continue to contribute to our success and all those who have helped throughout my 32 years leading this company," Kotick said in an email to staff on Wednesday. "We are now part of the world's most admired company. That isn't an accident."

The company, he added, "could not be in better hands."

"I will always be profoundly grateful to the people who contributed tirelessly to building this company and I am confident you will keep inspiring joy and uniting people through the power of play," Kotick said.

In a memo obtained by the Verge, Microsoft Gaming Chief Executive Phil Spencer told the staff that Activision Blizzard "has been an enduring pillar of video games" under Kotick's watch.

"Whether it's Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Candy Crush Saga or any number of other titles, his teams have created beloved franchises and entertained hundreds of millions of players for decades," Spencer said in the memo. "I'd like to thank Bobbyfor his invaluable contributions to this industry, his partnership in closing the Activision Blizzard acquisition and his collaboration following the closeand I wish him and his family the very best in his next chapter."

Leadership teams for Activision Publishing, Blizzard and King will remain in place, with no changes to the structure of how the studios and business units are run, Spencer said in the note.

The $69-billion purchase of Santa Monica-based Activision Blizzard made Microsoft the third-largest gaming company in the world by revenue, behind China's Tencent and Sony in Japan. The move came after a protracted series of labor disputes in which Activision Blizzard employees alleged that the company harbored a hostile, sexist, discriminatory workplacesomething that Activision Blizzard has denied.

Last year, Activision Blizzard agreed to set up an $18-million fund for employees who experienced sexual harassment or discrimination, pregnancy discrimination or retaliation as part of a settlement with a federal employment agency.

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing alleged that Activision, and its Blizzard division in particular, fostered a "pervasive frat boy workplace culture" where managers led employees on drunken "cube crawls" to harass and grope female employees, where pay discrimination was rampant, and where those who spoke up against the behavior were punished.

The filing kicked off months of employee unrest and new legal actions, including an employee walkout, petitions calling for the ouster of Kotick, and complaints and investigations by the EEOC, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Labor Relations Board.

Recently, Activision Blizzard and California's Civil Rights Department reached a roughly $50-million settlement agreement to resolve the sexual harassment and discrimination case against the gaming company.

A copy of the settlement reviewed by The Times said that "no court or any independent investigation has substantiated any allegations that: there has been systemic or widespread sexual harassment at Activision Blizzard," or that "Activision Blizzard senior executives ignored, condoned, or tolerated a culture of systemic, harassment, retaliation, or discrimination."

2023 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Artificial intelligence programs can't be named as an inventor for patents, the U.K.'s top court said in a crucial ruling refusing to put machines on a near-equal footing with humans.

Britain's Supreme Court rejected the request by Imagination Engines Inc. founder Stephen Thaler, who sought patents naming his AI machine DABUS as the inventor. Laws on patents require an inventor to be a natural person, and "DABUS is not a person at all," the judges said, dismissing Thaler's appeal unanimously.

While the ruling follows the same stance as decisions in the U.S. and the European Union, it's the first by any country's highest tribunal. It assumes significance, as it comes when the U.K. is aiming for a pioneering role in AI technologies and stakeholders debate safeguards and regulation around it.

"Science has collided with common sense in a highly significant way," said Thaler, who had tried registering the patents in multiple countries for a beverage container and a flashing light, saying DABUS was the inventor.

The judgment puts the U.K. at a substantial disadvantage in supporting AI-dependent industries and could disincentivize the disclosure of inventions by AI systems, said Robert Jehan, a partner at law firm Williams Powell, which represented Thaler in the case. It "shows how poorly current U.K. patent law supports the aim of making the UK a global center for AI and data-driven innovation," he added.

Given the striking speed of advancing AI capabilities, the issue "may need to be addressed again in the future," said Yohan Liyanage, a partner at law firm Linklaters. "If the U.K. government is serious in its aspiration to establish itself as an AI superpower, legislative intervention may be required to allow patentability of inventions which are independently created by AI systems," Liyanage said.

The ruling was not concerned with the broader question of whether technical advances made by an autonomous AI-powered machine are patentable, according to the court.

"The judgment does not preclude a person using an AI to devise an inventionin such a scenario, it would be possible to apply for a patent provided that person is identified as the inventor," said Rajvinder Jagdev, a partner law firm Powell Gilbert.

The judges agreed with the government's lawyers who had argued that allowing Thaler's request would leave the U.K. as an outlier. If Thaler's request is allowed, inventors in future could include "my cat Felix" or "cosmic forces," the lawyer had argued.

Any change in patent laws to help the U.K. become a global center for AI can only come following international level deliberations, the U.K.'s Intellectual Property Office said in an emailed statement after the judgment. "The government will nevertheless keep this area of law under review to ensure that the U.K. patent system supports AI innovation and the use of AI in the U.K."

2023 Bloomberg News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Travelers wait in the security line in Terminal A at Boston Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts on December 21, 2023.

US airlines are gearing up for record traffic this holiday season, having beefed up staffing in the hopes of avoiding a repeat of last Christmas's operational meltdown.

Authorities expect more than 267,000 flights between December 20 and 26, with a peak of nearly 49,000 flights on Thursday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Southwest Airlines will be facing particular scrutiny after last year's fiasco that saw it cancel some 16,900 flights, leading to a $140 million federal fine announced earlier this week.

Southwest's problems last year stemmed from severe winter weather that exposed a lack of de-icing capacity at key airports and an obsolete computer scheduling systems that stranded staff and customers.

The disaster was spotlighted at a February congressional hearing that included stories of a woman who missed her own wedding and a stage-four cancer patient who missed treatment.

The current forecast from the National Weather Service suggests more benign conditions compared with last year, although it discusses "heavy snow" in the southern Rockies and north-central plains over the weekend.

Southwest "completed many infrastructure and efficiency investments to better support our Customers, our people, and our operation during extreme winter weather events," the company said in an email to AFP.

These include the purchase of more deicing trucks and high-powered heaters, the securing of additional space for deicing operations and the hiring and training of more employees skilled in the practice.

The company has also enhanced software and communication systems to support staff in scheduling.

Southwest has said it expects record fourth-quarter revenues and passengers.

United Airlines and American Airlines have also pointed to record traffic this year, with United projecting around nine million passengers and American nearly 12.7 million on more than 110,000 flights.

United plans nearly 4,000 flights a day during the holiday period, with Dec. 22 and 23 expected to be the busiest stretch. The company has more than 150 de-icing trucks.

Delta expect nearly nine million customers during the key holiday season. The carrier is urging customers to get to airports early on Dec. 21-22 and in the Dec. 26-30 period due to heavy volumes those days.

 2023 AFP
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Shalinder Singh poses for photos in front of a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid in Sunnyvale, Calif., Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. Like many hybrid buyers, Singh, an Uber driver, said that for him, the gas savings helped tip the price equation in favor of a Honda CR-V hybrid over the corresponding gasoline model. Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

America's automakers have staked their futures on the notion that electric vehicles will dominate sales in the coming years, spurred by buyers determined to reduce carbon emissions and save on fuel.

But so far, while EV sales are growing, their pace is falling well short of the industry's ambitious timetable for transitioning away from combustion engines. Instead, buyers are increasingly embracing a quarter-century-old technology whose popularity has been surging: The gas-electric hybrid, which alternates from gas to battery power to maximize efficiency.

So far in 2023, Americans have bought a record 1 million-plus hybridsup 76% from the same period last year, according to Edmunds.com. As recently as last year, purchases had fallen below 2021's total. This year's figures don't even include sales of 148,000 plug-in hybrids, which drive a short distance on battery power before a gas-electric system kicks in.

Though electric vehicle sales are nearing an annual record of over 1 million this year, their year-over-year growth rate has begun to stall. EVs still account for only about 7% of all U.S. auto sales.

The slowdown has raised concern among automakers that buyer interest in EVs is faltering. Some companies are cutting production and scaling down plans for new battery or assembly plants.

The reasons why hybrids have quickly become the preferred choice for many buyers vary. They range from the higher prices of comparable EVs to concern about the scarcity of charging stations to a recognition that hybrids provide many of the same advantages without the hassles of EVs.

Ford, the nation's No. 2 hybrid seller behind Toyota, expects to produce enough hybrids to quadruple sales within five years. General Motors, which abandoned most hybrids in the U.S. four years ago in favor of EVs, now says it's considering bringing them back.

In the meantime, surveys show that consumers remain uneasy about either the availability of charging stations or the sale prices of EVseven factoring in tax credits that the federal government makes available for EV purchases in many cases.

Scott Adams, owner of Adams Toyota, stands with a hybrid Toyota Rav4 at his dealership Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Lee's Summit, Mo. A typical hybrid costs somewhat more than its gasoline counterpart. A Toyota RAV4 hybrid with all-wheel-drive, for example, starts at $32,825, $1,600 more than a comparable gas version. Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

"Your standard hybrid makes the most sense to most people," said Ivan Drury, a director at the Edmunds.com auto website. "I think you'll find that people don't want to deal with the hassle or the difficulties of charging."

Hybrids do emit some tailpipe pollution. But because they burn less fuel than autos equipped solely with gasoline engines, their emissions are less. What's more, purchase prices for hybrids are akin to those of gas vehicles and typically far less than for comparable EVs.

"People are perfectly fine with a car that gets 45 or 50 miles per gallon, and you don't have to do anything" different from current behavior, said Scott Adams, owner of a Toyota dealership in suburban Kansas City.

Here are some key reasons why hybrids, which use both a gas engine and battery power to efficiently turn the wheels, have taken off this year:

SAVING THE PLANET

The proliferation of wildfires, heat waves and more intense storms has led more people to view climate change as a grave crisis, one they can help mitigate by burning less carbon-spewing fuel. Yet even among those people, some remain skeptical that an electric vehicle will allow them to travel long distances or tow trailers.

"People want to participate in thisthe idea of reducing carbon," said Jack Hollis, who heads North American sales and marketing for Toyota, which leads in hybrid sales and has moved only gradually toward EVs. "I think the hybrid gives them what they're most looking for."

Power Flow information is displayed on the screen of a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid as Shalinder Singh drives while being interviewed in Sunnyvale, Calif., Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. Like many hybrid buyers, Singh, an Uber driver, said that for him, the gas savings helped tip the price equation in favor of a Honda CR-V hybrid over the corresponding gasoline model. Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

A LOWER PRICE

EV prices have being dropping, mainly a consequence of federal tax credits and price cuts by Tesla, the market leader. Yet they're still pricier than hybrids or gas vehicles

After peaking at nearly $63,000 last year, the average EV sale price fell to just over $60,500 in November, not including tax credits or prices from Tesla, which doesn't release them. Fewer EVs, though, will likely qualify for the tax credits in 2024 because of rules that will limit buyers from claiming a full credit if they purchase cars with battery materials from China or other countries that are considered hostile to the United States.

The average price of a hybrid has stabilized at roughly $42,000. A typical hybrid costs somewhat more than its gasoline counterpart. A Toyota RAV4 hybrid with all-wheel-drive, for example, starts at $32,825, $1,600 more than a comparable gas version.

Like many hybrid buyers, Shalinder Singh, an Uber driver from Sunnyvale, California, said that for him, the gas savings helped tip the price equation in favor of a 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid over the corresponding gasoline model.

"The mileage for the hybrid is too good," said Singh, who makes frequent trips to San Francisco and San Jose.

The Environmental Protection Agency says a front-wheel-drive CR-V Hybrid gets 40 mpg in city and highway driving, 10 mpg better than the gas version. The owner of a hybrid CR-V who drives 15,000 miles annually would save $450 a year on fuel over the gas model.

Scott Adams, owner of Adams Toyota, stands with a hybrid Toyota RAV4 at his dealership Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Lee's Summit, Mo. A typical hybrid costs somewhat more than its gasoline counterpart. A Toyota RAV4 hybrid with all-wheel-drive, for example, starts at $32,825, $1,600 more than a comparable gas version. Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

LIFESTYLE NEEDS

Angie Rodesky, who recently moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, said her children wanted her to buy a Tesla to replace her old vehicle. Though she did consider an EV to help reduce emissions, she settled on a RAV4 hybrid because she travels frequently to see children in Florida and Delaware.

"I have a fear of plugging something in and not being able to travel as far, because it's a 16-hour road trip from Delaware to Missouri," Rodesky, 55, said. "I needed to make sure I had a vehicle that was comfortable to ride in and had good gas mileage."

After buying a 2023 model from Adams Toyota near Kansas City, she had to wait a month for it to arrive, mainly because of heavy customer demand for the vehicle.

Brad Sowers, owner of Jim Butler Kia and other St. Louis-area dealerships, said customers who consider EVs often ask for hybrids or other alternatives.

"They look at it as a baby step into the EV world," Sowers said. "They're saying to themselves, 'I can't really do 100% battery psychologically.' "

COLDER WEATHER

Dealers say many hybrid buyers appear to have done research and know that cold weather reduces the range of an EV battery. Tests conducted in Norway, where nearly 80% of new vehicles are electric, found that EVs lose between 10% and 36% of their range during winter.

Logos are shown on the exterior of a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid in Sunnyvale, Calif., Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. Like many hybrid buyers, Shilander Singh, an Uber driver, said that for him, the gas savings helped tip the price equation in favor of a Honda CR-V hybrid over the corresponding gasoline model.Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Most U.S. EV purchases occur on the coasts, where charging stations are more prevalent and weather is often warmer. In the Midwest, where stations are farther apart, Sowers said consumers worry about decreased wintertime range.

"It's cold here," he said. "The (charging) infrastructure isn't that great."

RELIABILITY

In its auto reliability survey this year, Consumer Reports found that hybrids were the industry's most reliable type of power system. Electric vehicles were least reliable. EVs contain glitch-prone new technology, Consumer Reports said. Hybrids have less.

And with hybrids having been sold in the United States for more than two decades, automakers have had time to refine the vehicles' engineering and construction. In general, vehicles that have been manufactured for longer periods are more reliable, said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports.

Analysts say they still think more EVs than hybrids will eventually be sold in the United States. With government help, the industry is moving to build many more charging stations. Ford, GM, Hyundai and others have reached agreements for owners of their vehicles to charge them at many of Tesla's widespread stations. The industry is standardizing its plugs to match Tesla's.

With direct-current fast chargers, charging times are becoming faster. Battery technology will likely improve cold-weather range, too.

In addition, next year, EVs' tax credits will be counted at the time of sale, thereby reducing the price and easing monthly payments. This year, buyers had to wait for income tax returns to receive their money. In addition, over time, tighter fuel economy and pollution regulations will likely compel automakers to sell more EVs.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Savvy Verma, left, and Huy Tran, director of aeronautics at NASAs Ames Research Center in Californias Silicon Valley, center, explain a recent air traffic management simulation to guests at Ames FutureFlight Central simulator on Sept. 26. Credit: NASA/Jesse Carpenter

Researchers are one step closer to integrating air taxis and other electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles into the country's busiest airports, thanks to a new air traffic simulation developed by NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley and Joby Aviation.

These zero-operating-emission aircraft use electric power to take off, cruise, and land, and provide an appealing option for commercial industry interested in more sustainable transportation.

NASA and Joby researchers recently invited representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Association of Air Traffic Controllers, and stakeholders to view the simulation in the Ames' air traffic control simulation facility, called FutureFlight Central. The two-story facility offers a 360-degree, full-scale simulation of an airport, where controllers, pilots and airport personnel can test operating procedures and evaluate new technologies.

"We're trying to enable a better quality of life," said Savvy Verma, urban air mobility researcher at NASA Ames. "Some people are stuck in traffic for hours on the way to the airport. A 12-mile trip can take 45 minutes. Imagine being able to do that same trip in 15 minutes."

In preparation for air taxis and other aircraft flying passengers in and out of airports, NASA and industry partners are working with the FAA to demonstrate how creative use of existing tools and airspace procedures can support safe integration of air taxi operations into the national airspace.

The groups are also exploring potential changes to the current airspace system to enable an even greater scale of flights. The recent air traffic management integration simulation developed by NASA with Joby will provide useful air traffic controller data to the FAA and industry for integrating these aircraft into operations.

"There is so much momentum across the world for advanced air mobility," Verma said. "We've been talking about integrating these kinds of vehicles into the airspace, but to be able to show it in high-fidelity simulation is very promising."

Inside the facility, visitors saw eVTOL pilots flying safely along NASA-developed, predetermined routes at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport. The eVTOL pilots operated seamlessly through the airports, with the facility simulating weather conditions, live flight data, and airport operational data. The simulation showed how NASA-developed air traffic control procedures and airspace concepts would significantly reduce the workload on air traffic controllers for eVTOL operations in airports.

"This simulation validates the idea that we can find a way to safely integrate these vehicles into the airspace at scale," said NASA researcher Ken Freeman.

The human-in-the-loop simulation, which featured active and retired air traffic controllers, evaluated a series of traffic schedules developed by Joby based on the company's market analysis and expectations of future demand.

NASA's initial analysis of the simulation indicates that researchers could scale these procedures for operating eVTOLs in other airports throughout the country, which could reduce the associated workload on air traffic controllers. NASA plans to publish a complete analysis of the simulation results in 2024. The brand-new data will be provided to the FAA, commercial industry, and airports to help identify the air traffic controller tools and procedures could enable high-tempo integration of eVTOLs into near-term and future operations in airports.

Enabling eVTOLs as a taxi service for passengers to and from airports in the future could begin to reduce carbon emissions and greatly improve the commute experience for passengers. This project work supports NASA's Advanced Air Mobility mission, which focuses on air taxi and drone research with industry and government partners
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This new asset localization system for XR applications uses wireless signals to track physical objects with ultrawide-band (UWB) tags attached to them. A module equipped with six UWB receivers measures the tags' locations with high accuracy, providing smooth, real-time tracking in virtual representations of the scene. Credit: Bharadia lab

A new technology developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego has the potential to make the extended reality (XR) experience smoother and more seamless. The technology consists of an asset localization system that uses wireless signals to track physical objects with centimeter-level accuracy in real-time, and then generates a virtual representation of these objects. Applications of this technology range from enhancing virtual gaming experiences to improving workplace safety.

The team, led by Dinesh Bharadia, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, presented the technology at the ACM Conference on Embedded Networked Sensor Systems (SenSys 2023) held in Istanbul, Turkey. The paper is also published on the arXiv preprint server.

Existing localization methods encounter significant limitations. For example, many XR applications use cameras to localize objects, whether it be through virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) glasses, or smartphone cameras, said study co-first author Aditya Arun, who is an electrical and computer engineering Ph.D. student in Bharadia's lab.

"However, these camera-based methods are unreliable in highly dynamic scenarios with visual obstructions, rapidly changing environments, or poor lighting conditions," said Arun. Meanwhile, wireless technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) often fall short of providing the required accuracy, and ultrawide-band (UWB) technology involves complex setup and configuration.

The new asset localization system developed by Bharadia's team at UC San Diego, in collaboration with Shunsuke Saruwatari at Osaka University, Japan, overcomes these limitations by providing accurate, real-time localization of objects with centimeter-level accuracy, even in dynamic and poorly lit environments.

The system is also packaged in an easily deployable and compact module, measuring one meter in size, that could be incorporated into electronic devices like televisions or sound bars with minimal setup.

The researchers built their system by harnessing the power of wireless signals in the sub-6 GHz regime. "Unlike camera-based methods, these wireless signals are less affected by visual blockages and continue to operate even in non-line-of-sight conditions," said Arun.

The system uses wireless signals to pinpoint battery-operated UWB tags that are attached to objects. It consists of two main components. One is a UWB tag that transmits a beacon signal for localization.

The other component is a localization module equipped with six UWB receivers that are time and phase-synchronized to receive the beacon signal. As this signal travels, it reaches each receiver at a slightly different phase and time. The system combines these differences in a clever way to accurately measure the tag's location in 2D space.

In tests, the researchers used their system to play a life-size chess game using everyday objects. They retrofitted mugs with off-the-shelf UWB tags, transforming them into virtual chess pieces. As the pieces were moved around on a table, the system was able to smoothly track their movements in real-time with centimeter-level accuracy.

"We found that our system achieves 90th percentile accuracy in dynamic scenarios and performs at least eight times better than state-of-the-art localization systems," said Arun.

The team is currently refining the system. The next steps include improving the PCB design to make the system more robust, reducing the number of receivers to improve energy efficiency, and adding antennas along the vertical axis to support full 3D localization.

More information: Aditya Arun et al, XRLoc: Accurate UWB Localization to Realize XR Deployments, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2307.12512 Journal information: arXiv
If you want to purchase the latest versions of the Apple Watch, you might want to do so now as there's a real possibility that they will face a temporary ban. Predictably, Apple is not just sitting on its hands and is actively trying to develop an update that could reverse it.

Apple Intends to Circumvent the Ban

The tech giant is reportedly trying to create software updates to Apple Watch algorithms when it comes to blood oxygen levels, all so it would not have to face the consequences of the alleged patent infringement of another company's medical technology.

By changing how the watch measures blood oxygen levels, Apple might just get out of having to take select models of smartwatches off the shelves after Christmas. The ban comes after Apple lost in an appeal to reverse the patent ruling.

The court ultimately decided that the iPhone maker used licensed technology from a California-based medical technology company called Masimo. The patent dispute has been going on since 2021, as reported by Engadget.

The software update is likely a contingency plan for Apple, as they already have other methods set in motion. The tech giant has gone to the Biden administration in hopes that they would reverse the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling.

The review period for the potential veto will be finalized next week. If the administration finds that the ITC's ruling is fair, then Apple will no longer be able to sell the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, both of which feature the patented technology from Masimo.

Even with the software update, it's still not a guarantee that the company would be able to prevent the ban. The ITC will still need to review and approve the update before the matter is settled. If not, then Apple might have to take up Masimo's offer to license the tech.

Masimo CEO Joe Kiani already expressed his opinion on the software update, saying that he thinks it would not work. "[O]ur patents are not about the software," the chief executive stated, "They are about the hardware with the software."

Read Also: Apple Will Pay a $25 Million Settlement Over 'Family Sharing' Class Action Suit

Apple Poached Masimo Engineers

Masimo has a solid case against Apple, especially since the latter was known for hiring Masimo employees to develop the same kind of technology that would be used on Apple Watches. Kiani claims that Apple managed to poach over 20 Masimo engineers.

The chief executive also claims that Apple enticed the employees by offering doubled salaries, allowing them to allegedly steal trade secrets to take to Apple. One of the significant hires for Apple was former Masimo Chief Technical Officer Marcelo Lamego from Cercacor, a Masimo spinoff.

As per MacRumors, Lamego filed for 12 patents in his six months working at Apple. It was also mentioned that former Masimo Chief Medical Officer Michael O'Reilly warned the company that Lamego's knowledge of the tech was "considered confidential information of Cercacor or Masimo."

Apple disputed the claim by providing an email exchange between Lamego and Apple CEO Tim Cook, stating that he could "add significant value" to Apple without tapping into his work while he was still a Masimo employee.

Related: Apple Halts Sale of Select Smartwatches After Losing Appeal to Reverse Patent Ruling
Bryan man sentenced to 18 years in prison

A Bryan man was sentenced to 18 years in prison Tuesday for assaulting a police officer in December 2022, according to the Brazos County District Attorneys Office.

Jose Ramirez, 26, was found guilty of assault on a peace officer, a state jail felony.

On Dec. 12, 2022, a Bryan police officer pulled Ramirez over for failing to stop at a stop sign. According to the DAs office, Ramirez admitted to not having a drivers license or proof of insurance and told police he believed there were open warrants for his arrest.

Police told Ramirez to sit down and wait while the office looked up his information. Ramirez then attempted to flee and during the scuffle with police, Ramirez broke the officers finger. Police located Ramirez minutes later.

Ramirez had previously been convicted of burglary of a strangulation, assault family violence strangulation and possession of a controlled substance, according to the DAs office.
A mountain in the southeast corner of Milam County has been bought back by a Native American tribe who view the place as sacred.

Sugarloaf Mountain is the highest point in Milam County just outside of Gause. On Dec. 12, the 60-acre plot was purchased by the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma from private owners. A ceremony at the base of the mountain was held with Tonkawa officials, locals and others on hand.

Its more than a large hill with scenic views to the Tonkawa, though. Its where they believe their people started.

Preserving the area has been an almost 30-year effort from locals and other groups, and with this land back in their possession the Tonkawa have partnered with locals and the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association to turn the area into a historic park and share it with others.

I think its important for Texas to know there were Native Americans there, and not only that but they were abundant there, Tonkawa President Russell Martin said. I think its a part of history thats maybe been pushed to the side. I want the next generation to know. I want them to start embracing that and being a part of that and, hopefully, I want them to accept us. I want them to realize what happened. I think that part of historys been neglected. I absolutely want to share that with everybody there.

The peak of Sugarloaf Mountain is just under 500 feet high, but its views can take one back as it overlooks the Little River where the post oak savannah meets blackland prairie.

You can go up there and youre looking out across the river bottom, youve got somewhat of an optical illusion to where you feel like youre so much higher than you really are, Gause resident Dave Cunningham said. Its a dynamic view and to a lot of people, its a real special place, and certainly to the Tonkawas.

A place where a people started

The Tonkawa know Sugarloaf Mountain as Red Mountain or La Tortuga, which means the turtle.

According to a 2004 Temple Daily Telegram article, former Tonkawa President Virginia Combrink came to Milam County in 1994 and told a group at the Gause School Library, This mountain is the ancient site of the Tonkawa tribes most religiously sacred place and, to the Tonkawa people, is certainly as sacred as the city of Jerusalem is to Christians or Mecca is to Muslims. She explained Sugarloaf Mountain was the spot where, according to the Tonkawa creation myth, a divine wolf turned a tortoise on its back and opened a hole in the earth in which the Tonkawa people emerged. The tortoise was then transformed into Red Mountain, which is still represented as part of the official Tonkawa seal.

You can see its a very sacred place where they say their tribal beginnings really began, said Steven Gonzales, executive director of the El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Association.

Tonkawa is a Waco (Wichita) tribal name meaning they all stay together. The Tonkawa was once made up of smaller tribes that spanned from south central Texas and western Oklahoma to eastern New Mexico. The Tonkawa were nomadic and became skilled horseback riders. In the 1800s, the Tonkawa had drifted into the Brazos Valley area. A historical marker at Sugarloaf Mountain says a large American Indian group comprised of remnants from 22 nations lived in a village known as Rancheria Grande de los Ervipiame.

Sugarloaf Mountain was a key landmark and navigational feature along the El Camino Real, or The Kings Highway, a 2,580-mile trail that spans from the Rio Grande River near Eagle Pass and Laredo up through San Antonio and Austin over through Milam County to Nacogdoches and into central Louisiana. It was first a Native American footpath that was followed by French and Spanish explorers. Anglo settlers and even African Americans used it when Texas was being colonized under Mexican rule.

It can be seen from far off, particularly when coming from the east, and it wouldve been the kind of thing people would say, OK, were aiming for that over there, Gonzales said. Thats where we need to be.

Like many other Native American tribes, the Tonkawas were pushed off their land in the 1850s and were forced to move to Oklahoma. In 1866, Texas governor J.W. Throckmorton wrote a letter that said almost 4,500 acres should be set aside for the Tonkawa for their help and loyalty to Texas as scouts in battles against other aggressive tribes. The tribe never received their land, according to the historical marker.

Today, the Tonkawas tribal reserve is about 100 miles north of Oklahoma City toward the Kansas border. Martin said there are about 950 members and most live either on the reservation or in Oklahoma.

When Combrink came to visit in 1994, Cunningham was in attendance. He said he knew well before then Central Texas was home to many Native American tribes, but it wasnt until then he learned of the specific significance of Sugarloaf Mountain to the Tonkawas.

They want to be good neighbors and they want to share their story, and our story, everyones story, for the future generations, Cunningham said.

An effort to save the mountain

Dave Cunningham was born in Hearne, 10 miles east of Gause, and lived there for the first nine years of his life. His father was train master at the Valley Junction railroad yard, and was later transferred to Palestine.

Before the Cunningham camp moved east, though, Dave ventured west with his older brothers to Sugarloaf Mountain.

Nobody really cared, Cunningham said. Everyone just went on Sugarloaf.

Peace was disturbed on the land in 1994 when two men bought the land tract and began to dig for fabled Spanish gold alleged to be buried on top of the mountain. Once word got out that a bulldozer was on top wiping away the red sandstone dome, locals intervened and put an end to the longshot treasure hunt.

In 1995, Cunningham led a group that tried to persuade Texas Parks and Wildlife officials to purchase the site and turn it into a state park. Those plans fell through.

If anything, it was a burden to the landowner because people still went up there, Cunningham said. They never quit going up there.

Eventually, Leon and Kay Herzog bought 700 acres that included the mountain. Over the years, the Herzog family shifted its focus to the mountains long-term protection. First, Cunningham reached out to the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association. Gonzales said the nonprofit agreed to lease the land with an option to buy it.

Then, the Tonkawa came into the picture.

Getting the land back

Russell Martin, 58, grew up on the Tonkawa reservation, but he didnt know about Sugarloaf Mountain and its significance to his people until after he was elected as the tribes president in April 2015 when he finally heard the tribes origin story.

I guess I was the last to know, Martin said with a laugh.

Over a year ago, a film group began to film a documentary on the history of the Tonkawa Tribe thats scheduled to be released in 2025. The film company had Martin make a trek south to Sugarloaf Mountain to get some shots. It was the first time he had visited the sacred space.

Once we got up there, Im not a real spiritual person, Im more of a realist, but when I got to the top, to be honest with you, it was a really overwhelming feeling, Martin said. You just knew you were somewhere special.

Martin asked the documentarys producer, Bob ODell, if the current landowners might consider selling the tract to the Tonkawa. ODell told Martin he would check. Little did he know, those on the other side were searching for a way to preserve the area. Several phone calls later, ODell got in contact with Gonzales and the Herzogs. That led to meetings where the two parties eventually discussed a land acquisition.

We hoped the mountain might play a role in the 2025 film, ODell said in a statement, but this is turning out much better than we ever imagined.

Once the Herzogs agreed to sell the 60-acre tract, Martin brought forth the idea before the entire tribe during a quarterly meeting earlier this year. A historian came and retold the tribes origin story. Tears flowed from some, Martin said. When he asked if the tribe would like to pursue an opportunity to purchase the land, there was unanimous approval. Martin said he was amazed to learn many in attendance had actually been to the mountain before.

It obviously means a great deal to them, Martin said, and after we purchased it that hasnt changed.

A private ceremony was held on the Herzogs home that looks out at the mountain to sign over the land to the Tonkawas last Tuesday. Afterward, a larger ceremony was held at the Sugarloaf Bridge at the base of the mountain.

Its a done deal, Gonzales said. The Tonkawa own it.

A plan to share it with others

Sugarloaf Mountain is currently not open to the public, but a four-phased plan is underway to share its splendor with others in the coming years.

The El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association will do archeological studies at the site to confirm written records. Reports will be made and shared with the Tonkawas, the National Parks Service and the Texas Historical Commission. NPS architects will come up with multiple options of how the land could be used for the Tonkawa to choose from. A small parking area is expected to be created, as well as a trail head, hiking trails, and signage that shares some of the tribes history and culture.

Theyre looking forward to the public better knowing this history and having a space where they can come and learn about it, explore and really come to know and appreciate what it means, not only to the Tonkawa Tribe, but to Texas as a whole, Gonzales said.

One bonus for the Tonkawas, Martin said, is finding artifacts at the site. He said sadly the tribe does not have many items in its small and limited museum on the reservation in Oklahoma.

I cant even imagine what theyre going to find, Martin said.

Theres still work to be done, but all involved agreed the steps taken over the past year have propelled Sugarloaf Mountain and a lesser-known part of its history protected for others to experience and explore in the future.

Thirty years may seem like a long time to wait to see this happen, Cunningham said. It was my dream and that of many others. But you have to dare to dream. Sometimes dreams do come true.
WASHINGTON  An appeals court ordered the Border Patrol on Tuesday to stop cutting razor wire installed by Texas, handing a win to state officials as the surge of migrants hits unprecedented levels.

The ruling reverses a lower court order allowing federal authorities to remove the sharp fencing at will, infuriating Gov. Greg Abbott, who has deployed massive resources to tighten security along the Rio Grande.

State Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Department of Homeland Security and accused its agents of illegally destroying state property.

The ruling applies to 29 miles of wire installed in Maverick County, which includes Eagle Pass, where tens of thousands of migrants have arrived this week  an overwhelming surge that prompted federal authorities to shut down an international rail crossing to free up personnel.

The 19-page ruling focused mostly on whether the state has the right to sue the federal government in this case. It does, the judges said.

The ruling also suggested that, rather than impeding federal law enforcement, Texas actions supplement it. There is substantial public interest in having governmental agencies abide by the federal laws that govern their existence and operations, the court wrote, citing an earlier case.

Razor wire is one of many tools Abbott has used as part of his $10 billion Operation Lone Star, the states effort to address a border crisis that Republicans blame on lax enforcement by the Biden administration.

On Dec. 1, a different three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals handed a major defeat to Abbott, ordering removal of a 1,000-foot buoy barrier the state installed in the river to deter migrants.

Texas and federal authorities agree that the concertina wire must be cut in case of emergency  to save a migrant from drowning, for instance, or when officers witness an assault on the far side.

Were doing it to go rescue somebody, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Col. Steve McCraw recently told The Dallas Morning News. Were not doing it to allow a large number of migrants to enter between the ports of entry. We want them to go to the ports of entry.

He and other state officials say federal agents have removed concertina wire simply to let migrants enter the United States, and sometimes without notification.

On Oct. 30, federal Judge Alia Moses of the Western District of Texas issued a temporary order barring Border Patrol agents from destroying, damaging or removing the razor wire that Texas has installed along the border, except in an emergency. She found that, as Texas asserted, Border Patrol sometimes cuts the concertina wire for no apparent purpose other than to allow migrants easier entrance further inland.

That was a temporary win for Texas. But a month later, the judge issued a new order  this time siding with the Biden administration, agreeing federal authority preempts state authority at the border.

Tuesdays ruling came from a panel of three judges, all named to the bench by Republicans: Catharina Haynes, appointed by George W. Bush, and Don Willett and Kyle Duncan, both appointed by Donald Trump.

Judge Moses is also a Bush appointee.

The 5th Circuit is among the most conservative federal appeals courts. The panel on the buoys case included two judges named by Democratic presidents, both of whom sided against Texas.

Texas is appealing that ruling.
AUSTIN  A whistleblower lawsuit against Attorney General Ken Paxton will move forward after an Austin judge ruled Wednesday against the Office of the Attorney Generals attempt to thwart the case and attempts to compel Paxton to testify.

Judge Jan Soifer ruled against the attorney generals office after a two-hour hearing in the 345th District Court delivering another legal defeat to Paxton in the lawsuit involving four former top deputies who were fired after reporting their boss to the FBI.

The rulings pave the way for whistleblowers to have Paxton answer questions under oath about his dealings with federal indicted real estate developer Nate Paul. Paxton has so far avoided testifying in a case brought by four whistleblowers he fired in 2020 after they reported him to the FBI after discovering how Paxton had marshaled resources to aid Paul, a friend and campaign donor.

Paxtons office argued that deposing the attorney general is improper because the whistleblower case has been settled. Paxton and the four whistleblowers agreed to a mitigated settlement agreement in early 2023 that included a $3.3 million payout.

The Legislature refused to provide taxpayer dollars to fund the settlement, and the budget request triggered an investigation in the House that led to Paxtons impeachment. The Senate cleared Paxton of all charges in September.

That appeared to pave the way for litigation to resume after the Supreme Court of Texas lifted a hold on the lawsuit. Within weeks, the whistleblowers attorneys sent notice of their intention to have Paxton, his first assistant, chief of staff and a top adviser sit for depositions.

Paxtons office then sued to stop litigation in Burnet County, but lost. They have since dropped that suit as litigation resumed in Travis County, where the original whistleblower suit was filed.

The whistleblowers claim Paxton illegally retaliated against them after they reported their former boss to the FBI over Paxtons attempts to intervene in criminal and civil issues Paul faced. Their complaints would form the foundation of numerous articles of impeachment.

Paxtons interventions included accusations that he had staff create a legal opinion to prevent the foreclosure sales of several of Pauls properties. Paxton also secretly hired an outside investigator who worked with Pauls attorney to serve subpoenas on Pauls legal enemies and to disrupt a federal investigation into Paul and his real estate firm World Class Holdings.

Paxton has never been charged for his interventions into Pauls affairs. He is under federal investigation.

A grand jury indicted Paul on four wire fraud charges in November and eight charges related to alleged financial crimes in June.

In the whistleblower case, Paxtons attorneys argue the four former employees are trying to have their cake and eat it too by subpoenaing testimony and evidence while also seeking to enforce a settlement agreement.

They point to various actions performed as conditions of a mediated settlement agreement, including the deletion of a press release that referred to the whistleblowers as rogue employees and changing the official designation of Maxwells termination to an honorable discharge.

The attorney generals office also argues that the subpoenas are deliberate annoyances of top-level executives without firsthand knowledge of facts relevant to the whistleblowers firings.

Paxton attorneys are also seeking to thwart attempts from the whistleblowers attorneys to obtain evidence from the House impeachment managers who prosecuted Paxton in the Senate. They argue that the documents are irrelevant to the whistleblowers case and would otherwise be confidential.

In a rebuttal filing, the whistleblowers attorneys called Paxtons requests to prevent discovery a cynical effort to deny Plaintiffs their right to access to the justice system.
Polaris Wealth Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 625 shares of the credit services providers stock, valued at approximately $248,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of MA. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new position in Mastercard in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. GeoWealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard in the second quarter worth $26,000. Bollard Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Mastercard during the second quarter worth $29,000. Quarry LP purchased a new position in Mastercard during the first quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Avion Wealth increased its holdings in Mastercard by 75.8% in the 2nd quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 109 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. 74.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Timothy H. Murphy sold 7,419 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $397.28, for a total transaction of $2,947,420.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 39,007 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,496,700.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, insider Timothy H. Murphy sold 7,419 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $397.28, for a total transaction of $2,947,420.32. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 39,007 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,496,700.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Richard K. Davis purchased 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $390.96 per share, with a total value of $390,960.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 9,743 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,809,123.28. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 514,683 shares of company stock worth $198,366,316. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MA has been the topic of a number of research reports. KeyCorp reduced their price objective on Mastercard from $440.00 to $430.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Mizuho decreased their price target on shares of Mastercard from $435.00 to $420.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $450.00 to $475.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 25th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on Mastercard from $425.00 to $480.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $451.81.

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Mastercard Trading Up 0.2 %

Mastercard stock opened at $425.45 on Wednesday. Mastercard Incorporated has a one year low of $336.43 and a one year high of $426.68. The stock has a market cap of $398.98 billion, a PE ratio of 37.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.17. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $399.18 and a two-hundred day moving average of $396.75.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The credit services provider reported $3.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.21 by $0.18. Mastercard had a net margin of 44.85% and a return on equity of 188.83%. The business had revenue of $6.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.68 EPS. Mastercards revenue for the quarter was up 13.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 12.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Mastercard declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, December 5th that allows the company to buyback $11.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the credit services provider to buy up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Mastercard Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 9th will be given a $0.66 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 8th. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.62%. This is a positive change from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is currently 19.86%.

Mastercard Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing, and settlement, as well as delivers other payment-related products and services.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report).

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Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The information technology services provider reported $3.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.14 by $0.13, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The company had revenue of $16.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.17 billion. Accenture had a net margin of 10.72% and a return on equity of 29.74%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $3.08 earnings per share.

Accenture Price Performance

ACN opened at $339.74 on Thursday. Accenture has a fifty-two week low of $242.80 and a fifty-two week high of $346.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $213.34 billion, a PE ratio of 31.55, a P/E/G ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 1.23. The companys 50-day moving average is $320.97 and its 200 day moving average is $316.21.

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Accenture Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 18th will be issued a dividend of $1.29 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 17th. This represents a $5.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.52%. Accentures dividend payout ratio is currently 47.91%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Accenture announced that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Thursday, September 28th that allows the company to repurchase $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the information technology services provider to buy up to 2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on ACN shares. Piper Sandler Companies lowered their price target on shares of Accenture from $314.00 to $312.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 22nd. Redburn Atlantic assumed coverage on shares of Accenture in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $410.00 price objective on the stock. Wedbush boosted their price objective on shares of Accenture from $330.00 to $360.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Accenture from $340.00 to $356.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their price target on shares of Accenture from $312.00 to $300.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Accenture currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $348.59.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ACN

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the chief executive officer now owns 26,830 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,442,864.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Accenture news, CEO Jean-Marc Ollagnier sold 6,250 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $302.04, for a total value of $1,887,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 161,622 shares in the company, valued at approximately $48,816,308.88. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $314.68, for a total transaction of $2,832,120.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 26,830 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,442,864.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 36,334 shares of company stock worth $10,939,027 in the last quarter. Insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. CreativeOne Wealth LLC grew its position in shares of Accenture by 113.2% during the 2nd quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 8,952 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,763,000 after acquiring an additional 4,753 shares during the period. West Family Investments Inc. bought a new position in shares of Accenture during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $352,000. Equitable Holdings Inc. grew its position in shares of Accenture by 65.3% during the 2nd quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 5,605 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,730,000 after acquiring an additional 2,214 shares during the period. West Michigan Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Accenture by 95.5% during the 2nd quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 1,425 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $440,000 after acquiring an additional 696 shares during the period. Finally, Imprint Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Accenture during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $2,685,000. 70.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Accenture Company Profile

(Get 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.

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Addenda Capital Inc. reduced its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM) by 8.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 11,197 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 1,100 shares during the quarter. Addenda Capital Inc.s holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines were worth $509,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Quilter Plc bought a new stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in the 1st quarter worth approximately $204,981,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Islay Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 413.0% in the 2nd quarter. Islay Capital Management LLC now owns 513 shares of the mining companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 413 shares during the last quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 166.7% in the 1st quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC now owns 800 shares of the mining companys stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Pacifica Partners Inc. grew its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 38.0% in the 2nd quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 817 shares of the mining companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 225 shares during the last quarter. 59.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Down 2.5 %

AEM stock opened at $54.06 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.14, a P/E/G ratio of 25.61 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 1.99 and a quick ratio of 0.71. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a 1-year low of $43.22 and a 1-year high of $61.15. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $50.12 and a 200-day moving average price of $49.36.

Agnico Eagle Mines Dividend Announcement

Agnico Eagle Mines ( NYSE:AEM Get Free Report ) (TSE:AEM) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The mining company reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.43 by $0.01. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 5.26% and a net margin of 40.40%. The business had revenue of $1.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.64 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.52 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 2.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st were paid a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.96%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th. Agnico Eagle Miness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.02%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Raymond James dropped their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from $67.00 to $66.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 28th. TD Securities lifted their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from $69.00 to $81.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $70.83.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on AEM

Agnico Eagle Mines Profile

(Free Report)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

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Himalaya Technologies (OTCMKTS:HMLA  Get Free Report) and California Resources (NYSE:CRC  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, profitability, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations and risk.

Volatility and Risk

Himalaya Technologies has a beta of -0.39, suggesting that its share price is 139% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, California Resources has a beta of 1.02, suggesting that its share price is 2% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Insider and Institutional Ownership

5.1% of Himalaya Technologies shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 97.8% of California Resources shares are held by institutional investors. 0.0% of California Resources shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Himalaya Technologies N/A N/A -$580,000.00 N/A N/A California Resources $2.71 billion 1.37 $524.00 million $6.23 8.68

This table compares Himalaya Technologies and California Resources revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

California Resources has higher revenue and earnings than Himalaya Technologies.

Profitability

This table compares Himalaya Technologies and California Resources net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Himalaya Technologies N/A N/A -254.62% California Resources 16.65% 19.62% 10.06%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Himalaya Technologies and California Resources, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Himalaya Technologies 0 0 0 0 N/A California Resources 0 0 7 0 3.00

California Resources has a consensus target price of $63.83, indicating a potential upside of 18.06%. Given California Resources higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe California Resources is more favorable than Himalaya Technologies.

Summary

California Resources beats Himalaya Technologies on 10 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Himalaya Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Himalaya Technologies, Inc., a development stage company, provides information services for the cannabis industry in the United States. It operates Kanab.Club, a social site for health and wellness products and services in the cannabis media market. The company was formerly known as Homeland Resources Ltd. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

About California Resources

(Get Free Report)

California Resources Corporation operates as an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company in the United States. The company explores, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids for marketers, California refineries, and other purchasers that have access to transportation and storage facilities. It also engages in the generation and sale of electricity to the local utility and the grid. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Long Beach, California.

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Carret Asset Management LLC reduced its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL  Free Report) by 11.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 8,320 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 1,050 shares during the period. Carret Asset Management LLCs holdings in Delta Air Lines were worth $308,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in DAL. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 19,304 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $918,000 after acquiring an additional 220 shares during the period. Navalign LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Navalign LLC now owns 17,716 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $842,000 after buying an additional 220 shares during the period. Clarius Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. Clarius Group LLC now owns 9,725 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $462,000 after buying an additional 257 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 10.1% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 2,817 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $134,000 after buying an additional 258 shares during the period. Finally, Main Street Financial Solutions LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC now owns 9,383 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $446,000 after buying an additional 270 shares during the period. 71.29% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Delta Air Lines

In other Delta Air Lines news, Director David S. Taylor bought 10,000 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 27th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $30.75 per share, with a total value of $307,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 27,470 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $844,702.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Joanne D. Smith sold 9,390 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.80, for a total value of $326,772.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 98,392 shares in the company, valued at $3,424,041.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director David S. Taylor acquired 10,000 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 27th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $30.75 per share, with a total value of $307,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 27,470 shares of the companys stock, valued at $844,702.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.89% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

DAL has been the subject of several research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Delta Air Lines from $71.00 to $68.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 13th. TheStreet cut Delta Air Lines from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. Citigroup lowered their target price on Delta Air Lines from $64.00 to $56.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on Delta Air Lines from $60.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on Delta Air Lines from $51.00 to $50.00 in a report on Thursday, September 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Delta Air Lines presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $54.40.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines Trading Down 2.0 %

Shares of NYSE:DAL opened at $40.34 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $35.75 and its 200 day moving average is $40.19. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a 1 year low of $30.60 and a 1 year high of $49.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.64, a P/E/G ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90, a current ratio of 0.44 and a quick ratio of 0.39.

Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 12th. The transportation company reported $2.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.95 by $0.08. Delta Air Lines had a return on equity of 54.95% and a net margin of 5.94%. The company had revenue of $15.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.55 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.51 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 6.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Delta Air Lines Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, October 12th were given a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.99%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio is currently 7.58%.

About Delta Air Lines

(Free Report)

Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Seoul-Incheon.

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Rite Aid will not be able to use any facial recognition software for the next five years after the technology found on the chain tagged Blacks, Latinos, and Asians as "likely to engage" in shoplifting.

The pharmacy chain's software, which uses artificial intelligence, has been reported to "falsely flagged the consumers" on "numerous occasions," according to the settlement reached with the Federal Trade Commission.

Rite Aid said it is "pleased to reach an agreement" with the FTC but continues to fundamentally disagree with the facial recognition allegations in the agency's complaint."

Rite Aid Facial Recognition Misidentifies Customers as Shoplifters

FTC's documents stated that the imperfect technology has led employees to act on false-positive alerts.

Many employees have been reported to accuse unaware customers of stealing in front of their families and friends, while some have even been wrongly detained and subjected to searches.

Most misidentified customers were kicked out of the store and

FTC's legal filing contains customer complaints spanning from October 2012 to July 2020 across hundreds of Rite Aid branches.

The FTC accused Rite Aid of a "reckless" surveillance system, putting customers' sensitive information at risk and placing them for humiliation.

The facial recognition system has been widely used in busy cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco where many Black, Latino, and Asian residents live.

This was not the first time the facial recognition software has misidentified customers as shoplifters, leading to some being wrongfully arrested.

Several lawmakers have already called for an "immediate stop" to businesses relying on facial recognition systems for security.

Also Read: Facial Recognition Results in Pregnant Woman Being Wrongfully Arrested

AI in Security and Surveillance System

Past innovations in AI have led more businesses to integrate the technology into their surveillance cameras.

However, AI's capabilities have been hampered by the low-quality feed in most CCTV cameras used.

In other instances, the AI used has been proven to be prone to biases and vulnerable to false positives.

Related Article: AI Tool to Detect Guns Will be Given to US Schools for Free
Kirby Co. (NYSE:KEX  Get Free Report) insider Dorman Lynn Strahan sold 3,876 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.22, for a total value of $299,304.72. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 19,313 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,491,349.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

Kirby Trading Up 0.2 %

KEX stock opened at $79.74 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $77.41 and a 200 day moving average price of $78.84. Kirby Co. has a fifty-two week low of $60.14 and a fifty-two week high of $87.52. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.16, a P/E/G ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 1.88 and a quick ratio of 1.09.

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Kirby (NYSE:KEX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The shipping company reported $1.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $764.77 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $795.43 million. Kirby had a return on equity of 6.50% and a net margin of 6.56%. The businesss revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.65 EPS. Analysts expect that Kirby Co. will post 3.7 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on KEX shares. StockNews.com started coverage on Kirby in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Kirby from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $90.50.

View Our Latest Research Report on Kirby

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kirby

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in KEX. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of Kirby by 1.8% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 99,767 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $7,202,000 after acquiring an additional 1,756 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Kirby during the first quarter worth $201,000. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund bought a new stake in shares of Kirby during the first quarter worth $392,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Kirby by 33.4% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 38,864 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $2,806,000 after acquiring an additional 9,734 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its position in shares of Kirby by 1.9% during the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 164,306 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $11,861,000 after acquiring an additional 3,103 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.93% of the companys stock.

About Kirby

(Get Free Report)

Kirby Corporation operates domestic tank barges in the United States. Its Marine Transportation segment provides marine transportation service and towing vessel transporting bulk liquid product, as well as operates tank barge throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, coastwise along three United States coasts, and in Alaska and Hawaii.

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FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS  Get Free Report) updated its FY24 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $15.60-16.00 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $16.16. The company issued revenue guidance of $2.20-2.21 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $2.22 billion. FactSet Research Systems also updated its FY 2024 guidance to 15.600-16.000 EPS.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have issued reports on FDS. StockNews.com began coverage on FactSet Research Systems in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and issued a $480.00 target price (up from $471.00) on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research note on Friday, December 8th. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on FactSet Research Systems from $436.00 to $447.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $464.00 target price on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on FactSet Research Systems from $436.00 to $469.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, FactSet Research Systems currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $439.90.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on FDS

FactSet Research Systems Price Performance

Shares of FDS stock opened at $452.24 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $447.73 and its 200-day moving average is $431.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 1.59 and a current ratio of 1.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.18 billion, a PE ratio of 36.59, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.81. FactSet Research Systems has a 52 week low of $377.89 and a 52 week high of $468.71.

FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The business services provider reported $4.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.10 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $542.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $540.34 million. FactSet Research Systems had a return on equity of 34.47% and a net margin of 22.60%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.99 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that FactSet Research Systems will post 15.94 EPS for the current fiscal year.

FactSet Research Systems Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be issued a $0.98 dividend. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.87%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. FactSet Research Systemss dividend payout ratio is 31.72%.

Insider Activity at FactSet Research Systems

In related news, CEO Frederick Philip Snow sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $452.79, for a total value of $1,358,370.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 12,915 shares in the company, valued at $5,847,782.85. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other FactSet Research Systems news, CEO Frederick Philip Snow sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $452.79, for a total transaction of $1,358,370.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 12,915 shares in the company, valued at $5,847,782.85. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CTO Katherine M. Stepp sold 1,805 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $444.85, for a total value of $802,954.25. Following the transaction, the chief technology officer now owns 451 shares in the company, valued at approximately $200,627.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 16,338 shares of company stock worth $7,202,127 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On FactSet Research Systems

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FDS. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Clear Street Markets LLC lifted its holdings in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 94.9% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 76 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Compass Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the 4th quarter valued at about $41,000. Institutional investors own 89.50% of the companys stock.

About FactSet Research Systems

(Get Free Report)

FactSet Research Systems Inc, a financial data company, provides integrated financial information and analytical applications to the investment community in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company delivers insight and information through the workflow solutions of research, analytics and trading, content and technology solutions, and wealth.

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First Financial Bank Trust Division trimmed its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 71.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,758 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,505 shares during the period. First Financial Bank Trust Divisions holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $944,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in LLY. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock worth $589,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth approximately $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 9.9% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 53,052 shares of the companys stock worth $15,193,000 after acquiring an additional 4,774 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth approximately $561,000. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

Shares of LLY stock opened at $570.21 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $541.31 billion, a PE ratio of 103.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.53 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $309.20 and a 52-week high of $629.97. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $589.08 and a 200-day simple moving average of $534.45.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

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 for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. The company had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.88 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 48.12% and a net margin of 15.55%. On average, equities analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.61 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared 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 boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.91%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 81.88%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. StockNews.com raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Argus upped their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $710.00 target price (up previously from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Friday, October 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $583.24.

Check Out Our Latest Report on LLY

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the 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 transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the 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 transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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IFP Advisors Inc decreased its holdings in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 8.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 75,651 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,717 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Incs holdings in Altria Group were worth $3,181,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new position in Altria Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co acquired a new position in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Asset Dedication LLC increased its holdings in Altria Group by 56.7% in the 2nd quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 774 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 280 shares during the period. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in Altria Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.94% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on MO shares. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. StockNews.com cut shares of Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Bank of America dropped their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.53.

Altria Group Stock Down 2.7 %

NYSE MO opened at $40.31 on Thursday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $39.06 and a 52 week high of $51.57. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $41.37 and its 200-day simple moving average is $43.14. The firm has a market cap of $71.29 billion, a PE ratio of 8.21, a P/E/G ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 0.66.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.29 by ($0.01). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 237.91% and a net margin of 35.58%. The company had revenue of $5.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.43 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.28 EPS. The firms revenue was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.96 EPS for the current year.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st will be given a dividend of $0.98 per share. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.72%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. Altria Groups payout ratio is 79.84%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Robert Matthews Davis bought 1,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $40.50 per share, with a total value of $48,600.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 8,473 shares in the company, valued at approximately $343,156.50. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund acquired a new position in shares of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund acquired 9,747 shares of the restaurant operators stock, valued at approximately $1,218,000.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of YUM. RB Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 9.7% during the 1st quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 4,890 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $580,000 after purchasing an additional 431 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in Yum! Brands by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 761,575 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $90,284,000 after acquiring an additional 3,024 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new stake in Yum! Brands during the 1st quarter worth $664,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. raised its stake in Yum! Brands by 7.4% during the 1st quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 7,530 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $893,000 after acquiring an additional 517 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. raised its stake in Yum! Brands by 10.8% during the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 2,862 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $339,000 after acquiring an additional 279 shares in the last quarter. 80.17% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently commented on YUM. Redburn Atlantic reiterated a neutral rating and set a $115.00 price target on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Friday, October 20th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Yum! Brands from $155.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. They set a hold rating and a $131.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Yum! Brands from $140.00 to $126.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $144.19.

Insider Transactions at Yum! Brands

In related news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,507 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.55, for a total transaction of $412,247.85. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 57,325 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,738,553.75. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CEO Mark James King sold 9,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $126.60, for a total transaction of $1,215,360.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 8,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,039,386. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,507 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.55, for a total transaction of $412,247.85. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,738,553.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 20,626 shares of company stock worth $2,598,157 over the last ninety days. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Yum! Brands Stock Down 0.9 %

Shares of Yum! Brands stock opened at $129.03 on Thursday. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a 52-week low of $115.53 and a 52-week high of $143.24. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $124.79 and its 200-day simple moving average is $129.22. The firm has a market cap of $36.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.01.

Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The restaurant operator reported $1.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.18. Yum! Brands had a net margin of 21.32% and a negative return on equity of 17.45%. The business had revenue of $1.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.77 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.09 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.31 EPS for the current year.

Yum! Brands Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 8th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 28th were paid a dividend of $0.605 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 27th. This represents a $2.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.88%. Yum! Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.01%.

Yum! Brands Profile

(Free Report)

Yum! Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through four segments: the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division. It operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund bought a new stake in Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 10,948 shares of the medical research companys stock, valued at approximately $1,224,000.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Fulton Bank N.A. lifted its holdings in Agilent Technologies by 2.2% during the third quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. now owns 9,106 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,018,000 after acquiring an additional 193 shares during the period. Bogart Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in Agilent Technologies by 80.7% during the second quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 271 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale increased its position in Agilent Technologies by 33.4% in the second quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 606,780 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $71,433,000 after buying an additional 151,878 shares during the last quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. increased its position in Agilent Technologies by 30.5% in the second quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 2,169 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $261,000 after buying an additional 507 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CIBC Asset Management Inc increased its position in Agilent Technologies by 2.0% in the first quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 43,691 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $6,044,000 after buying an additional 844 shares during the last quarter.

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Agilent Technologies Price Performance

Agilent Technologies stock opened at $138.18 on Thursday. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $96.80 and a 52 week high of $159.59. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $117.80 and a 200 day simple moving average of $118.46. The company has a quick ratio of 1.97, a current ratio of 2.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The stock has a market cap of $40.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.82, a PEG ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 1.10.

Agilent Technologies Increases Dividend

Agilent Technologies ( NYSE:A Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, November 20th. The medical research company reported $1.38 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.34 by $0.04. Agilent Technologies had a return on equity of 28.24% and a net margin of 18.15%. The business had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.67 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.53 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 24th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.236 per share. This represents a $0.94 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.68%. This is a boost from Agilent Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 29th. Agilent Technologiess payout ratio is presently 21.38%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, SVP Henrik Ancher-Jensen sold 26,331 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.36, for a total transaction of $3,643,157.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 82,504 shares in the company, valued at $11,415,253.44. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Agilent Technologies news, SVP Henrik Ancher-Jensen sold 26,331 shares of Agilent Technologies stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.36, for a total transaction of $3,643,157.16. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 82,504 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,415,253.44. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael R. Mcmullen sold 2,751 shares of Agilent Technologies stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $357,630.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 306,206 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $39,806,780. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 93,049 shares of company stock worth $12,328,032 over the last ninety days.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on Agilent Technologies from $128.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on Agilent Technologies from $140.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Bank of America downgraded Agilent Technologies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and raised their target price for the stock from $130.00 to $133.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Agilent Technologies from $140.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Agilent Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. They issued an outperform rating and a $140.00 target price for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $138.47.

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Agilent Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems acquired a new stake in The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 19,033 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,751,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of EL. Chilton Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Estee Lauder Companies in the 1st quarter valued at $37,000. Arlington Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 378.4% in the 2nd quarter. Arlington Partners LLC now owns 177 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 140 shares during the period. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Estee Lauder Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at $51,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Estee Lauder Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. Finally, Money Concepts Capital Corp raised its holdings in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 32.3% in the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 209 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after buying an additional 51 shares during the period. 55.15% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on EL. Telsey Advisory Group lowered Estee Lauder Companies from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $210.00 to $115.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Estee Lauder Companies from $200.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. StockNews.com began coverage on Estee Lauder Companies in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Raymond James cut their price objective on Estee Lauder Companies from $195.00 to $180.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, HSBC began coverage on Estee Lauder Companies in a research report on Tuesday, November 28th. They set a buy rating and a $180.00 price objective on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have given a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $178.00.

Estee Lauder Companies Stock Performance

NYSE EL opened at $143.56 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. has a 52-week low of $102.22 and a 52-week high of $283.62. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $129.46 and its 200 day moving average price is $155.90. The firm has a market cap of $51.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 94.45, a P/E/G ratio of 4.01 and a beta of 1.03.

Estee Lauder Companies (NYSE:EL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $0.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.22) by $0.33. The firm had revenue of $3.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.53 billion. Estee Lauder Companies had a return on equity of 13.93% and a net margin of 3.54%. The businesss revenue was down 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.37 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. will post 2.3 earnings per share for the current year.

Estee Lauder Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th were given a dividend of $0.66 per share. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.84%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 29th. Estee Lauder Companiess payout ratio is 173.69%.

Estee Lauder Companies Profile

(Free Report)

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc manufactures, markets, and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide. It offers skin care products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care, exfoliators, acne care and oil correctors, facial masks, and sun care products; and makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and powders, as well as compacts, brushes, and other makeup tools.

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Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC decreased its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 49,526 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 618 shares during the period. Mayflower Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $1,643,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its position in Pfizer by 98,197.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,948,438,709 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $71,468,732,000 after acquiring an additional 1,946,456,532 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in Pfizer by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 445,384,893 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $18,171,704,000 after buying an additional 2,516,132 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Pfizer by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 287,201,692 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $10,534,558,000 after acquiring an additional 5,374,611 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in Pfizer by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 218,931,933 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,932,423,000 after acquiring an additional 19,602,359 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 89,592.7% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 161,143,638 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,257,000,000 after acquiring an additional 160,963,976 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms recently weighed in on PFE. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Barclays lowered their price target on Pfizer from $34.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. TheStreet downgraded Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, September 25th. Finally, UBS Group lowered their target price on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $40.35.

Pfizer Stock Down 1.9 %

PFE opened at $27.63 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $29.92 and a 200-day moving average of $33.81. The company has a market capitalization of $155.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.10, a P/E/G ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.61. Pfizer Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $25.76 and a fifty-two week high of $52.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 2.05 and a current ratio of 2.38.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate 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 during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.77 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.54 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.08%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 25th. This is a positive change from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 89.62%.

Insider Transactions at Pfizer

In related news, Director Scott Gottlieb purchased 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $26.47 per share, with a total value of $79,410.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 9,000 shares in the company, valued at $238,230. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.05% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Pfizer Company Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Moody National Bank Trust Division boosted its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX  Free Report) by 14.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,767 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after acquiring an additional 601 shares during the period. Moody National Bank Trust Divisions holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $1,232,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 4,900.0% in the second quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 100 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO bought a new position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in the third quarter worth about $27,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A purchased a new stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company during the second quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc bought a new stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.72% of the companys stock.

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Becton, Dickinson and Company Trading Down 0.3 %

Shares of BDX opened at $239.82 on Thursday. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a twelve month low of $228.62 and a twelve 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. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $244.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $258.59. The company has a market cap of $69.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 48.35, a P/E/G ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.49.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Increases Dividend

Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The medical instruments supplier reported $3.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $3.42. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a return on equity of 13.91% and a net margin of 7.66%. The business had revenue of $5.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.02 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.75 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 12.83 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be paid a dividend of $0.95 per share. This is a positive change from Becton, Dickinson and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.58%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. Becton, Dickinson and Companys payout ratio is currently 76.61%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have issued reports on BDX. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Raymond James dropped their price objective on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $304.00 to $269.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 10th. TheStreet cut Becton, Dickinson and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Citigroup cut their price target on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $282.00 to $260.00 in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $310.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $279.57.

View Our Latest Research Report on BDX

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Becton, Dickinson and Company news, EVP Richard Byrd sold 2,156 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.47, for a total value of $514,141.32. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,120 shares in the company, valued at approximately $982,496.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Becton, Dickinson and 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.

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Moody National Bank Trust Division raised its holdings in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 16.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 9,189 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,330 shares during the quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Divisions holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $1,501,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of TRV. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund purchased a new position in Travelers Companies during the third quarter valued at $1,306,000. Kentucky Retirement Systems purchased a new position in shares of Travelers Companies during the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,926,000. SlateStone Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 13.0% during the 3rd quarter. SlateStone Wealth LLC now owns 4,301 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $702,000 after acquiring an additional 496 shares during the period. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. increased its holdings in Travelers Companies by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. now owns 91,833 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $14,997,000 after acquiring an additional 1,609 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AE Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Travelers Companies by 5.7% in the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,019 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $820,000 after acquiring an additional 271 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.12% of the companys stock.

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Travelers Companies Price Performance

Shares of Travelers Companies stock opened at $183.84 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $41.99 billion, a PE ratio of 19.90, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.59. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $173.14 and a 200 day moving average of $169.94. The company has a current ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $157.33 and a 12 month high of $194.51.

Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement

Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The insurance provider reported $1.95 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.93 by ($0.98). Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 10.41% and a net margin of 5.45%. The business had revenue of $10.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.42 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.20 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 11.08 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be issued a $1.00 dividend. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.18%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is 43.29%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have weighed in on TRV. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $180.00 to $176.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Janney Montgomery Scott began coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Wednesday. They issued a buy rating and a $215.00 target price for the company. Citigroup raised their price target on Travelers Companies from $181.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 20th. Oppenheimer assumed coverage on Travelers Companies in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $172.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Travelers Companies has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $193.00.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Travelers Companies

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 270 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $178.00, for a total value of $48,060.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 255,178 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $45,421,684. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 270 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $178.00, for a total value of $48,060.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 255,178 shares in the company, valued at $45,421,684. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Andy F. Bessette sold 3,797 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.38, for a total transaction of $643,135.86. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 13,005 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,202,786.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Travelers Companies

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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Apple is still scrambling to fix the patent dispute so that the company can still put the affected models on shelves, but it looks like there really will be a temporary ban on the watches. The only thing left to do is wait to see if Apple's other plans to reverse it will work.

The Ban Will Proceed as Planned

Apple already has two plans in place to reverse the ban, but it still won't fix things in time to keep it on the shelves. The aim was to delay the ban, at least until one of Apple's solutions is decided, but the International Trade Commission opted for staying on schedule.

With that decision, customers will have until December 24th to purchase the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 from Apple Stores before they're removed. The official ban that affects imports as well will be after Christmas on December 6th.

In the ITC's filing, the Commission said that the denial of Apple's "motion to stay the remedial orders pending appeal and/or in light of a potential government shutdown" was for the reasons "discussed in the Commission Opinion issued concurrently herewith," as per The Verge.

In case you missed the news, Apple's smartwatch ban follows another company's claims that its medical technology patent was infringed by Apple. The patent owner, Masimo, claimed in legal filings that the iPhone maker used its blood oxygen tool without licensing it.

Furthermore, the medical technology company accused Apple of poaching its employees to develop the technology for Apple Watches. Masimo CEO Joe Kiani said that over 20 of the company's employees were hired by Apple.

They were said to be encouraged by Apple by offering double the salary. Apple denies that this was to steal trade secrets from Masimo, and that even though employees from Masimo were hired, the development for its SpO2 sensors was done within Apple.

Read Also: Apple Halts Sale of Select Smartwatches After Losing Appeal to Reverse Patent Ruling

Apple's Solutions to Lift the Ban

The tech giant has two solutions in place, likely with one or the other as a contingency in case things don't work out as they hope. One was approaching the Biden administration to reverse the ITC's ruling, while the other was to issue a software update to circumvent the patent dispute.

The company is already working on the software update, which will modify the Apple Watch's algorithm for blood oxygen levels. The review will not be finalized until next week, meaning that the Series 9 and Ultra 2 will be off the shelves at the height of holiday shopping.

Even then, the ITC would still need to approve the update and determine whether it's enough to lift the ban. Kiani said that the software update is not likely to work, given that their patents are not just about software and are "about the hardware with the software," as per Engadget.

If Apple loses on all fronts, they might be forced to cut a licensing deal with Masimo, which had already been offered by the chief executive before. In the meantime, Apple will have to comply with the temporary ban that was issued.

Related: Apple is Working on Updates to Prevent Upcoming Ban on Its Smartwatches
Northwest Investment Counselors LLC decreased its position in Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN  Free Report) by 42.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,710 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 1,241 shares during the period. Northwest Investment Counselors LLCs holdings in Global Payments were worth $197,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Yarbrough Capital LLC increased its stake in Global Payments by 131.9% in the 3rd quarter. Yarbrough Capital LLC now owns 5,674 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $655,000 after buying an additional 3,227 shares during the last quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division increased its stake in Global Payments by 18.5% in the 3rd quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 7,952 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $918,000 after buying an additional 1,244 shares during the last quarter. Addenda Capital Inc. increased its stake in Global Payments by 8.6% in the 3rd quarter. Addenda Capital Inc. now owns 69,311 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $7,998,000 after buying an additional 5,482 shares during the last quarter. Compton Wealth Advisory Group LLC purchased a new stake in Global Payments in the 3rd quarter valued at about $230,000. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund purchased a new stake in Global Payments in the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,097,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.23% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, insider David Lawrence Green sold 17,920 shares of Global Payments stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.53, for a total transaction of $2,016,537.60. Following the sale, the insider now owns 77,411 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,711,059.83. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock.

Global Payments Price Performance

GPN stock opened at $124.50 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $114.64 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $114.43. Global Payments Inc. has a 12-month low of $92.53 and a 12-month high of $138.07. The stock has a market capitalization of $32.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.28, a PEG ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a current ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73.

Global Payments (NYSE:GPN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The business services provider reported $2.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.55 by $0.20. Global Payments had a net margin of 9.23% and a return on equity of 11.28%. The firm had revenue of $2.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.23 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.37 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Global Payments Inc. will post 9.79 earnings per share for the current year.

Global Payments Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Global Paymentss payout ratio is 29.94%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have commented on GPN. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $130.00 target price on shares of Global Payments in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Raymond James reduced their target price on shares of Global Payments from $155.00 to $147.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Susquehanna reduced their target price on shares of Global Payments from $180.00 to $150.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $154.00 target price on shares of Global Payments in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Global Payments in a research report on Friday, October 6th. They set an outperform rating and a $150.00 target price for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and nineteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $143.56.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GPN

Global Payments Profile

(Free Report)

Global Payments Inc provides payment technology and software solutions for card, check, and digital-based payments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through three segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions, and Consumer Solutions. The Merchant Solutions segment offers authorization, settlement and funding, customer support, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security, and consolidated billing and reporting services.

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Patten Group Inc. raised its holdings in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 7.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 396 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the quarter. Patten Group Inc.s holdings in BlackRock were worth $256,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC bought a new position in BlackRock in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A bought a new position in shares of BlackRock during the second quarter worth $26,000. West Tower Group LLC bought a new position in shares of BlackRock during the second quarter worth $27,000. Archer Investment Corp bought a new position in shares of BlackRock during the second quarter worth $29,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in shares of BlackRock during the second quarter worth $33,000. 77.01% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on BLK shares. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of BlackRock from $836.00 to $897.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. BNP Paribas raised shares of BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on shares of BlackRock from $814.00 to $800.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Friday, December 15th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $771.54.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other BlackRock news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 15,385 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $652.03, for a total transaction of $10,031,481.55. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 435,260 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $283,802,577.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 1.06% of the companys stock.

BlackRock Trading Down 1.5 %

Shares of NYSE:BLK opened at $789.23 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $694.45 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $692.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 3.72 and a quick ratio of 3.72. BlackRock, Inc. has a one year low of $596.18 and a one year high of $819.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $117.41 billion, a PE ratio of 22.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 1.33.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The asset manager reported $10.91 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.34 by $2.57. BlackRock had a net margin of 30.66% and a return on equity of 14.65%. The firm had revenue of $4.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.52 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $9.55 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that BlackRock, Inc. will post 36.85 EPS for the current fiscal year.

BlackRock Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 7th will be given a dividend of $5.00 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 6th. This represents a $20.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.53%. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 56.10%.

About BlackRock

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report).

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Northwest Investment Counselors LLC lessened its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 36.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 157 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 90 shares during the quarter. Northwest Investment Counselors LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $51,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of GS. Pacific Center for Financial Services acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the first quarter worth about $33,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter valued at about $34,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter valued at about $34,000. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the first quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 140.0% in the second quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 120 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.06% of the companys stock.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance

GS opened at $377.52 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $123.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $289.36 and a 1-year high of $386.20. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $331.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $331.02.

The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The investment management company reported $5.47 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.42 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $11.82 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.15 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 7.37% and a net margin of 7.77%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $8.25 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 22.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a $2.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $11.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.91%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 53.24%.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Ericka T. Leslie sold 1,376 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $335.15, for a total transaction of $461,166.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 10,471 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,509,355.65. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Ericka T. Leslie sold 1,376 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $335.15, for a total transaction of $461,166.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 10,471 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,509,355.65. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 72,874 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total transaction of $51,740.54. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 397,954 shares in the company, valued at $282,547.34. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $329.00 to $333.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. HSBC assumed coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $403.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com initiated coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Oppenheimer upped their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $447.00 to $468.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 16th. Finally, JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $440.00 target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, The Goldman Sachs Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $393.99.

View Our Latest Stock Report on The Goldman Sachs Group

The Goldman Sachs Group Profile

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements.

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Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC grew its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 53,378 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,466 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF makes up 1.0% of Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $22,922,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of IVV. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings 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 in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 212,409.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 53,346,337 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,776,996,000 after purchasing an additional 53,321,234 shares in the last quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of 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 in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $2,101,052,000. Finally, IMC Chicago LLC lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 122.2% during the second quarter. IMC Chicago LLC now owns 534,522 shares of the companys stock valued at $238,242,000 after acquiring an additional 2,941,401 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Down 1.4 %

NYSEARCA:IVV opened at $470.14 on Thursday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 52 week low of $376.49 and a 52 week high of $479.08. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $446.90 and a 200 day moving average of $444.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $363.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00.

About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

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.

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COLUMBIA, S.C.  The number of candidates on stage is shrinking, but the fundamentals of Wednesday's Republican presidential debate may be familiar to anyone who has watched the previous three meetings.

No one has yet emerged as the clear Republican alternative to former President Donald Trump, whose lead is so big that he has skipped all the debates. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appear to be leading the fight for a distant second place, yet conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are still factors.

Here's how to watch the debate and what to watch for:

What time is the Republican debate?

The two-hour debate will start at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday. It's being moderated by NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas; Megyn Kelly, host of "The Megyn Kelly Show" on SiriusXM; and Eliana Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Washington Free Beacon.

What channel is the Republican debate on?

NewsNation says the event will air on its website and streaming platforms. It will be broadcast live on The CW network in the eastern half of the country and tape-delayed out West. NewsNation has been soliciting audience questions via an online submission form.

The Republican National Committee has partnered with Rumble  a video-sharing platform popular with some conservatives  to livestream the debate.

Where is the Republican debate?

The setting for the fourth GOP debate is the Moody Music Hall at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama voters will make their presidential picks on March 5, part of more than a dozen Super Tuesday states. That's when the largest number of delegates is up for grabs of any single day in the primary cycle.

In general elections, the state has been in the red column for decades, last supporting a Democrat for president when Jimmy Carter ran in 1976.

Which candidates will be on stage?

Four Republicans will be on the debate stage, the smallest field yet as polling and donor benchmarks for qualification rise.

DeSantis, Ramaswamy, Haley and Christie met the Republican National Committee's requirements to participate in Wednesday's event in Tuscaloosa.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott was on stage for the third debate but has since shuttered his presidential campaign. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who didn't qualify for the third debate, suspended his campaign earlier this week.

Trump will hold a fundraiser in Florida in lieu of participating.

Small stage, big opportunity

Just four Republicans will share the stage, the smallest crowd to date. For context, at this point in the 2016 Republican primary, there were still more than a dozen candidates featured on two debate stages.

Fewer candidates, of course, means more airtime for each on national television. The big question: Can any of the participants take advantage of the opportunity and change the trajectory of the race?

This is the final scheduled debate, although at least one more is likely in the days before Iowa's Jan. 15 caucuses.

Will they take on Trump as the gloves come off?

In case you haven't noticed, some of these candidates don't like one another very much. And six weeks before Iowa votes, the increasing pressure to break out, combined with the participants' animus, could produce fireworks early and often.

In the last debate, Haley called Ramaswamy "scum" after he picked on her daughter's social media habits. Ramaswamy slapped at DeSantis' choice of footwear. In recent days, DeSantis attacked Haley as the "last gasp of a failed political establishment." And don't sleep on Christie, who once upon a time almost single-handedly ended Marco Rubio's presidential aspirations on the debate stage.

Perhaps most importantly, the participants also have an opportunity to go after Trump, who will not be on stage to defend himself.

They have poked at the absentee front-runner to varying degrees in prior debates, but nothing they have done to date has weakened his grip on the nomination.

Can Haley convince skeptical Republicans?

Of all the candidates on stage, Haley has shown real signs of growing interest in her campaign, including high-profile endorsements, large crowds and some polling gains in key early states.

But she's most popular among the donor class, moderates and the relatively small NeverTrump wing of the party. It's hard to win a Republican primary in 2024 with such a coalition.

To take a big step forward, she needs to convince more hardcore conservatives and Trump voters that she's conservative enough.

Part of Haley's problem, of course, is that the definition of conservative has changed in the Trump era. These days, it's got far more to do with fealty to Trump, an "America First" foreign policy and a focus on culture wars rather than the traditional conservative emphasis on fiscal discipline, social issues and a muscular foreign policy.

In recent days, DeSantis has gone after Haley for supposedly embracing a liberal policy on legal immigration and for failing to wade into the fight over transgender bathroom use while she was South Carolina's governor.

Such issues touch on the very heart of what it means to be a conservative in 2024. How she handles them on stage Wednesday night may determine if she can attract the conservative coalition she needs to emerge as a true threat to Trump.

Will woke return?

One of the more remarkable shifts in the Republican presidential primary over the last year has been the candidates' move away from the word "woke."

Two of the four candidates on stage, DeSantis and Ramaswamy, built their political brands on their opposition to so-called woke policies designed to offer protections for women, racial minorities and the LGBTQ community.

DeSantis launched his presidential campaign this spring by reminding voters that Florida is "where woke goes to die." Ramaswamy referred to himself as the intellectual godfather of the anti-woke movement.

Yet in the last debate, the word "woke" was referenced only twice.

That could change on Wednesday, especially with conservative Megyn Kelly serving as one of the moderators.

Kelly has been eager to attack the woke movement when given the opportunity. Over the summer, she went after Disney for introducing more racial minorities and LGBTQ characters in its recent films.

DeSantis led a high-profile fight against Disney that was a pillar of his early campaign messaging. While he has largely avoided the topic in recent debates, Kelly may press the issue this time around.

How much does this matter?

We've raised this point before, but it bears repeating that Trump appears to be running away with the nomination while the second- and third-tier candidates are still battling for a distant second place.

Also, the viewership for the GOP debates is dwindling. We're curious whether Wednesday's event will beat out last week's faceoff between DeSantis and Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, which drew almost 5 million viewers.

Trump, in absentia, has been perhaps the biggest debate winner so far given the failure of any of his opponents to stand out.

That said, the field is winnowing rapidly.

Eight Republicans stood on the debate stage in August. Four months later, just four remain. Trump's Republican critics believe he can be beaten only if the field shrinks to the point where a single alternative emerges in the coming weeks or months.

Already, pressure is building on Christie and Ramaswamy to get out of the race. Even DeSantis is on shaky ground given his stagnant polling numbers and a weekend staffing shakeup at his super PAC.

Should any of them have an especially bad night, the winnowing process could take another big step forward.

The 2024 presidential field, in the order they've announced Donald Trump, Republican Nikki Haley, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican Marianne Williamson, Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Independent Larry Elder, Republican (dropped out) President Joe Biden, Democrat Asa Hutchinson, Republican Tim Scott, Republican (dropped out) Ron DeSantis, Republican Mike Pence, Republican (dropped out) Chris Christie, Republican Doug Burgum, Republican (dropped out) Francis Suarez, Republican (dropped out) Will Hurd, Republican (dropped out)
Remember the Christmas bonus? Probably a thing of the past given the changed face of the workplace. Perhaps your "bonus" allows you to work from home.

Be grateful the next time you slide in behind your computer, in your jammies at some odd hour to complete a project. It seems that even the work from home mentality is changing in favor of the hybrid work week  two or three days in the office and two or three days working remotely.

The latest figures from the University of Nebraska at Omahas Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR), revealed only about 8% of Nebraska workers remained in remote operations in the first two months of 2021; a significant drop from a high of 16% in May 2020. Those figures are thought to still apply to 2023.

Driven by the COVID 19 panic, and necessity, it seemed like remote work was the answer. But workers are obviously heading back to the office. Im not crazy about that. I remember many a nonproductive workday as office gossip and politics ruled. But the numbers dont lie.

Since I retired from my third encore career nine years ago, I havent given much thought to work, let alone where I do what work I accomplish.

But I sympathize with the state of Nebraska employees who are bristling at a draconian order from Gov. Jim Pillen that the entire state work force return to the office full time starting in January. No data, no rationale, he just thinks people do better face-to-face and that people shouldnt work from home.

I support their unions efforts to open bargaining on this change in policy. It should be spelled out specifically in a new labor contract that considers what is for some a drastic change in lifestyle. Remember, some of the state agencies have remote work policies that are decades old, yes, older than COVID.

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees initially sent Pillen's chief negotiator a demand to bargain over the return-to-office mandate, but the state dismissed that demand. The union is emphatic the order  which will broadly end remote and hybrid work for more than 2,800 state employees  will bring "wholesale changes to both the status quo and the terms and conditions of employment" and are therefore subject to mandatory bargaining.

It has been reported that nearly 1,400 respondents to a survey said they were considering leaving state government over the order, including 593 state employees who said they have already started looking for or have already applied for new jobs. More than 87% of state employees who said they are considering leaving the state's public workforce said they would stay if Pillen rescinded the order.

"This will hurt us all, especially the most vulnerable Nebraskans who rely on critical state services," said union president Justin Hubly.

Pillen says only that he does not believe in working from home.

But the national mood is changing, and the results of polls being reported by the media suggest hybrid work may be the preferred model among remote employees.

As for companies, a main driver for transitioning to a fully remote or hybrid workforce was confidence in their employees performance when working remotely. Productivity results have apparently improved and given credence to the remote work model.

One media outlet said that in 2019, 73% of people working from home said the flexibility of working remotely had positively impacted their personal wellbeing and improved their ability to balance work with leisure and community activities. In addition, more than 70% reported seeing improvement in their mental health.

But corporate America is framing all this as a potential loss of culture. They call it training, growth, brand loyalty and professional development. So much for feeling rogue and trying to do the best you can from home.

While mandates can work, preserving the morale of employees is more important. The office experience will have to change to bring it close to the comfort of working from home.

There is simply no going back to five days a week in the office. That horse has left the barn.
Reversing a decision made Dec. 5, the Hall County Commission decided Tuesday to provide electronic tablets to Hall County Jail inmates.

The board approved the idea unanimously, with conditions attached.

If tablets are damaged by inmates, the damage will be handled as a disciplinary issue rather than a criminal matter. Another condition is that tablets cannot be used for recreational purposes, such as watching movies or listening to music.

The commissions initial motion was that any funds generated from the tablets would go to the general fund. But Hall County Corrections Director Todd Bahensky said the company involved would not take part if theres no profit involved. Funds are generated by email.

If inmates break a tablet, internal discipline will be applied, Bahensky told the board. If a tablet is broken, there will definitely be a delay in an inmate getting a new one.

And if an inmate damages a tablet deliberately, theres a good chance that theyre not going to get it at all, Bahensky said.

At the Dec. 5 meeting, Bahensky said tablets will give access to the same services they receive now through kiosks. The tablets greatest benefit will be to jail employees rather than inmates, Bahensky said.

The devices will be provided at no cost to taxpayers.

On Tuesday, Bahensky asked commissioners to trust his judgement, because his views on the subject are very similar to theirs.

Hall County Attorney Marty Klein said he has confidence in Bahenskys judgment.

Also at the meeting, the commission approved Visitor Improvement Fund disbursements for 2024.

The board approved all of the disbursements proposed except for $75,000 that had been targeted for The Nature Conservancy and Crane Trust. Commissioner Scott Sorensen suggested vetoing the money for the Nature Conservancy and Crane Trust.

Sorensen heard comments from constituents that in the last decade, those organizations have bought a lot of ground that is essentially going off the tax rolls, and if theyve got the money to pay millions of dollars for river ground I dont know if we need to be funding some of their smaller projects, he said in an interview.

Those organizations do pay taxes on ag ground they own.

In addition, the board discussed rural transit in Hall County. The commission received a letter from Senior Citizens Industries saying the rural service will come to an end March 30.

The board voted to notify county residents who will be affected.

On another subject, the board heard from Grand Island resident Mike Knopik, who feels his property taxes are too high.

Knopik asked why Commissioner Pam Lancaster does not pay property taxes on her home. Lancaster responded that her husband is a disabled veteran. Under state law, he is not subject to property taxes.

My husband would rather have his health, and I would rather he have it, Lancaster said.

Lancaster provided Klein with a letter proving she has been in contact with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.

After reading over the letter, Klein said its clear that Lancaster has sought guidance from the Commission. Klein said Lancaster is free to vote on matters regarding property tax valuations.
Ameren Illinois made donations to 16 nonprofit agencies in December.

The regional director of electric operations for Ameren Illinois, Ron Juarez, said in a release about the donations that nonprofits deserve support.

The need is always great this time of year, and this year is no different, Ron Juarez said. These nonprofits do so much for our communities, and we are proud to be able to support them.

According to the release, $50,000 in grant funds were made available through the Ameren Cares program. The program connects Ameren Illinois with the communities it serves. The grant funds supported programs targeting critical needs, food insecurity, mental and physical health, violence prevention, and equitable education and mentorship resources.

The nonprofits that received the grant money were Sojourn Shelter and Services, Springfield; Woodford County Heartline Association Incorporated, Eureka; Hand Up Peoria, Good Samaritan Inn, Decatur; HOPE of East Central Illinois, Charleston; Champaign County Shop with a Cop, Urbana; CASA of Effingham County, Williow Tree Missions, Monticello, Quanada, Quincy; Got your Six Support Dogs, Maryville; East St. Louis Community Lifeline, Community Interfaith Food Pantry, Belleville; GlenEd Pantry, Edwardsville; New Directions of Jacksonville, Marion Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, Southern Illinois Community Foundation-Revitalize, Marion.

According to the release, Ameren Illinois workers also participated in a competition to replenish supplies for food pantries in central and southern Illinois. Workers in 50 locations reportedly donated 20,000 pounds of food, and Ameren Illinois donated $10,000 to food pantries for the busy holiday season.

Workers delivered food to 46 pantries before the holidays. The work group that donated the most in each Ameren Illinois region presented a select pantry with $1,000.

This is the third year for the competition amongst Ameren Illinois employees.
CARBONDALE, Ill.  Members from the Muslim community came with grateful hearts on Wednesday, bearing gifts for Carbondale Police Department. Members of the Carbondale Muslim community said officers kept the peace during their weekly ceasefire and free Palestine rallies, ensuring their voices for peace were heard in safety.

We were doing the protests to tell our government we want to stop the wars, said Sumera Makhdoom, a member of the CMC. These endless wars are not helping anyone. They are killing people: innocent children, doctors, journalists. Its time to stop.

The Muslim Center, Makhdoom said, is conducting demonstrations every week to stop the wars in Ukraine and Palestine.

We have been contacting our local Carbondale city for permits, and they provide us with help with the police to monitor. So we appreciate that they have been monitoring so there is no chaos, said Makhdoom.

So far, chaos has been averted, thanks to the work of the CPD who have worked with Muslim community leaders to provide a peaceful place to protest the war in Palestine.

Weve been able to develop some great lines of communication between our department and the Muslim community in their efforts to bring awareness to all the safety issues and cease fire concerns that they have, and their desire for world peace, and we wanted to make sure that their voices were heard in a safe, friendly environment, CPD Chief Stan Reno said.

The Muslim community brought a large chocolate cake decorated with ornate frosting, a vase of bright red roses, and a glass placard which read:

From the Muslim Community of Carbondale to Carbondale Police Department (CPD): Thank you for your service and protection during the Palestine Freedom Rallies 2023.

This is amazing. We didnt expect this at all. It means a lot to myself and certainly to all our department members. The appreciate and the thank you truly goes a long way, said Reno, adding that, though he knows the CPD is very much supported by the community, extra steps like this really show the communitys generosity and kindness.

This gesture of gratitude from the Muslim community hasnt been the only way theyve been an active part in the community.

Muslim Center members, Makhdoom said, play a positive role in the community, contributing to the warming center, cooking food for the homeless shelter, and helping at the womens shelter.

We are here to be supportive members of the community. Weve been here for over 30 years. My family has been here since 2000, Makhdoom said, adding that some present at the event have been members of the community since the 80s.

Carbondale is an oasis of diversity and international community for southern Illinois, Makhdoom said, but there has been a dark side.

We have had negative experiences. Islamic phobia is on the rise, and it scares us really deeply, Makhdoom said.
In less than two weeks, the minimum wage in Illinois will increase by one dollar for most hourly employees.

Regular hourly employees will see their wages increase from $13 to $14 per hour, tipped workers from $7.40 to $8.40 per hour, and youth employees under the age of 18 who work at least 650 hours per year will now make $12 per hour.

Since day one as Governor, Ive made it my mission to put Springfield back on the side of working families, Governor JB Pritzker said in a news release regarding the increase. With this new minimum wage increase, we are once again making Illinois a more affordable and equitable place to live for all of our residents.

The plan is for a statewide hourly rate of $15 per hour to take effect by 2025  up over 60% from 2020, when the wage was changed to $9.25 per hour, according to the Illinois Department of Labor.

While the governor is optimistic that the minimum wage hike will make a positive impact, not everyone agrees it was the right move.

Marilynn Martin, the owner of Mary Lous Grill in Carbondale, is the second generation to run the family business.

I dont know what the answer is, but raising minimum wage has never accomplished anything, Martin said. Cut our taxes, you know, cut something instead of raising the minimum wage every time you turn around.

Martin believes that when you raise everyones wages, it raises the cost of everything else, making the increased income less significant.

One of her biggest concerns is those customers who have been loyal since before she took over more than 30 years ago will have to dine in less or be priced out of being able to eat at the community staple.

I am second generation owner of the restaurant. My mother was Mary Lou and her and my dad started it back in 1962, Martin said. I still get emotional thinking about my regulars that have been in here forever, and that have been a part of our journey, and my moms journey.

One misconception about servers pay is that they do not make minimum wage, which Martin said is not true.

According to Martin, Illinois uses a server tip credit system to pay servers.

In short, it means that a restaurant is responsible for making up the difference between their base pay  currently $7.40 and state minimum wage  currently at $13, if they dont make the difference with tips.

Martin said all of her servers make more than minimum wage.

The next change will come in 2025 when the minimum wage changes to $15 per hour.

Illinois residents who want to file a minimum wage complaint can go to the website for the Illinois Department of Labor, or by calling their toll-free hotline at 1-800-478-3998.
TikTok has been the preferred app by many when it comes to short-form videos, including younger audiences. While the platform has a decent moderation system for content, there are still videos not meant to be seen by 12-year-olds. Regardless, evidence shows that TikTok allows them anyway.

Underaged Users on TikTok

The social media company is under scrutiny after being accused of allowing underage users on the app. It was said that accounts owned by 12-year-olds or younger were allowed to stay as long as an adult was overseeing the accounts.

In an internal conversation between the TikTok quality analyst and moderator, it was revealed that the former said moderators could allow the account to stay on the platform on the condition that their parents were managing it.

The same message was sent to a group chat consisting of 70 moderators, as reported by The Guardian, all of whom were responsible for moderation in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The alleged moderation policies applied to videos as well.

Even if the user seems like someone younger than 13 in the video, having a parent in the background would be enough to allow them to keep posting. Even a TikTok employee said that it was easy to avoid getting banned, and that underaged users will probably tell their friends to do the same.

TikTok denies these accusations. A spokesperson stated that the allegations about TikTok's policies are wrong or based on misunderstandings. "Our community guidelines apply equally to all content on TikTok and we do not allow under-13s on our platform."

The company further adds that it is deeply committed to ensuring that TikTok is a safe and positive experience for people below the age of 18, and that begins by being old enough to use TikTok, which is 13 years old.

Read Also: TikTok Faces 27-M Fine Over Child Privacy Violations in UK

TikTok was Fined for Not Banning Kids Under 12

Even though TikTok denies the current allegations, it was already established that the company still allowed children under the age of 12 on the platform, considering that it was fined by the data protection authority of Britain for that very reason.

For allowing around 1.4 million children under 12 to use the platform back in 2020, TikTok was fined $15.9 million. The company was accused of mishandling the mentioned group's data as well, as TikTok failed to obtain consent before using the kids' personal information.

According to The New York Times, the investigation found that TikTok did not do enough to identify the underage users and remove them once found. Employees from the company themselves have raised concerns over the matter.

The kind of restriction over underaged users is becoming more important, especially with the emerging challenges from the app. While some are harmless like dance trends, other challenges involve participants risking their lives such as eating Tide pods.

There was even a case where a viral video showed how one can gain control of select Kia vehicles using a USB cable. The Kia challenge has led to the fatal accident that claimed four lives of teenagers.

Related: Ireland Fines TikTok $367 Million for Handling Children's Data
A woman was killed and two others injured in an Israeli bombardment that targeted her home in the southern Lebanese border village of Maroun al-Ras on Thursday morning, our correspondent in south Lebanon, Muntasser Abdallah, and AFP report.

According to local residents who spoke with our correspondent, the woman killed was 75 years old and her injured husband is 80. AFP reports that the woman was in her 80s.

A third person, who was lightly injured in the strike, was not hospitalized, local residents said.

Fifty shells

They also told L'Orient Today that around 50 Israeli shells fell on Thursday morning in Maroun al-Ras and the surrounding area, including on the village of Yaroun. Another strike targeted a house in Kfar Kila this morning, without causing any casualties.

Maroun al-Ras, in the Bint Jbeil district, is located on the south Lebanon border with Israel.

On Wednesday night, Hezbollah launched several attacks against Israel, including one that targeted the town of Kiryat Shmona.

On Wednesday, a man, initially presented as a civilian according to local authorities quoted by our correspondent, was killed in an Israeli strike against Markaba village in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah later claimed the man as one of its members.

Cross-border fire has been an almost daily occurrence between Hezbollah and Israel since Oct. 8, the day after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza.

In these exchanges, Hezbollah has lost a total of 118 fighters, according to our count.

AFP reports that the clashes in the border areas have left a total of over 140 dead, including some 20 civilians, in Lebanon, and at least 11 killed on the Israeli side.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, speaking from Beirut on Monday, called for restraint to avoid a regional conflagration. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin meanwhile, on a visit to Israel, urged Hezbollah not to "provoke a wider conflict."
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A federal judge ruled that a Sweetwater County teacher, who is suing the school district over using students preferred pronouns and names, is not entitled to First Amendment protections when it comes to her duties at work.

Ashley Willey is not speaking as a citizen when she is working as a teacher, U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl ruled on Monday.

She is speaking as a public employee while engaged in official duties, and referring to a student by their chosen or preferred names in a classroom, pursuant to a school district policy, is part of a teachers official duties, Skavdahl ruled.

On the other hand, Willey and her husband Sean, sufficiently pled or alleged several other constitutional violations.

The legal battle is likely far from over; Skavdahls ruling simply means a majority of the Willeys claims will be allowed to continue through the courts after the school district asked for the entire lawsuit to be dismissed this summer.

Earlier this year, the Willeys filed the lawsuit against the Sweetwater County School District No. 1 board of trustees, Superintendent Kelly McGovern, school administrators and three other districts for affirming their childs transgender identity without their knowledge at Black Butte High School in Rock Springs, the federal filing shows.

Ashley is a teacher in her childs former school district, too.

She also sued over the districts non-negotiable policies, which required teachers to use a students preferred pronouns and respect the privacy of all students regarding such choice, the federal order states. Ashley argued those policies went against her religious beliefs.

The United States Supreme Court made a ruling on discrimination based on sexual preference or gender identity three years ago, which led to President Joe Biden and the Department of Education moving to eliminate gender-identity discrimination in schools, the order states.

Education institutions across America, including Sweetwater County School District No. 1, updated policies to allow students to use their preferred pronouns to comply with federal guidelines, the order states.

This policy serves as the basis for the conflict now... the order states.

At the beginning of the 2021 school year, the Willeys child asked teachers to use masculine pronouns and a male name, the order states. The teachers did not inform the Willeys, which was in line with the districts policy.

Ashley found out in March 2022 about the name and pronoun change, the order states. She explained to school staff that this went against her sincerely held religious beliefs. She also accused Black Butte staff of encouraging her child to participate in lies.

And the districts policy also affected Ashley in her capacity as a school employee, the order states.

She protested implementing it herself, but the school district required that she abide because staff and administration were not allowed to make decisions on personal and religious beliefs, the order states.

This year, the district amended its policy. Staff are now encouraged to involve parents and guardians in the conversation unless the students health or safety are at risk, and staff were provided the potential for religious accommodations, the order states.

Ashley still works in the district, but her child no longer attends school in Wyoming, the order states.

Although the Willeys sufficiently pled a violation of their fundamental rights to direct the upbringing of their children and free exercise of religion, they are limited on what kind of damages they can pursue going forward, Skavdahl ruled.

All cases must center around an active dispute with real world consequences, and the Willeys child is not a student at Black Butte High School anymore, the order states. In other words, the alleged offense is no longer happening to their child.

The school district argued that Ashley lacks standing in the claims based upon her personal experiences as a teacher, the order states. The defendants argued that Ashley had not identified any instance in which she had been asked to agree to use a students chosen pronouns, and she was never denied a reasonable accommodation based on religion.

Skavadahl ruled that Ashley sufficiently alleged an injury under the school districts initial 2022 policy, the order states. The defendants failed to allow Ashley a religious accommodation, which is supported in the evidence, even after explaining her religious beliefs.

The districts updated 2023 policy tries to be more accommodating, but Ashley has alleged the school system threatened to discipline District staff who do not use students preferred pronouns, the order states.

Skavadahl found that this threatened injury is real, immediate and direct, the order states.

So, there may have been a violation of Ashleys right to free exercise of religion as a teacher, but there was no violation of her free speech, Skavadahl ruled.

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.
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.
It was one of the best tributes (eulogies) I saw or heard, and perhaps the best speech Presi
(Photo : Unsplash/Miguel Angel Sanz)

Pilots from smaller airlines apply to work at Southwest Airlines but often leave after a few months to join larger competitors, adding to the ongoing talent competition in the U.S. aviation industry.

"Resume-Washing"

Southwest's Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Watterson, refers to this practice as "resume washing," where pilots aim to bypass policies set by major U.S. carriers to safeguard staffing for their regional airlines. Pilots gain flying hours at smaller airlines to later apply to larger ones through agreements. However, some pilots may face career stagnation if the larger carriers limit hiring.

Pilot Mobility and Job-Hopping

Pilots stuck at these airlines are frustrated seeing major carriers offer substantial bonuses from cargo companies like UPS and FedEx, so they opt to join low-cost carriers such as Southwest, then leave within a year to secure positions at Delta or United Airlines.

Watterson, Southwest's COO, explained in a December 13 interview that regional pilots see Southwest as a stepping stone. They join Southwest, get trained, spend six months, and leverage it on their resume to apply to other desired airlines.

Delta and United representatives countered, stating they still hire directly from regional carriers, though United acknowledged controlling the pace of such recruits. American Airlines Group Inc. mentioned hiring from regional airlines and has established long-standing agreements to accept a specific number of pilots from wholly-owned ones.

Pilots seeking top salaries for flying large international aircraft can't find that opportunity at Southwest. Based in Dallas, the airline operates only single-aisle Boeing Co. 737s within the U.S. and to nearby destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Aruba.

Southwest's Pilot Attrition and Hiring Efforts

According to CEO Bob Jordan in a December interview, the frequent movement temporarily increased Southwest's pilot attrition rate, especially among younger first officers. He described this as an "anomaly" for the fourth-largest U.S. airline but emphasized that it hasn't affected their hiring efforts. Southwest, known for its employee-friendly culture, has never involuntarily furloughed any worker in its 52-year history.

READ ALSO: Aircraft Suppliers Turning to Foreign Workers, "Simply Putting Ads" No Longer Works For Labor Shortages

Aviation consultant Kit Darby states frequent job changes can benefit pilots with low seniority in the long run. Darby has found that a 40-year career as a pilot at United is valued at around $22 million in pay, benefits, and retirement packages, compared to $16.3 million at Southwest. Darby emphasized the positive aspect of pilots having more choices today, contrasting it with the past when securing even one job was considered fortunate.

Industry-Wide Pilot Shortage

As the pandemic eased, the pilot shortage in the U.S. airline industry grew more severe, prompting airlines to increase training programs, recruit foreign pilots, and substitute planes with buses. Southwest also cut the required experience for prospective pilots flying jet or turboprop aircraft in half to address the shortage.

Watterson said it's nearly impossible when asked how Southwest could tackle the resume-washing issue. However, he noted that Southwest is not facing any challenges in recruiting pilots. On Tuesday, Southwest and its pilot union agreed on a new five-year contract. This year, American Airlines, United, and Delta pilots have secured new multibillion-dollar agreements.

RELATED ARTICLE: FAA Faces Criticism Over Staffing Shortage and Close Calls Due to Overtime Fatigue

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At some point next week, we will turn our attention toward the new year. 2024 is only days away. If you are someone whose New Years Resolutions are usually broken by Valentines Day, here is one with some shelf-life.

Why not read a book by an author youve not read before?

Volunteers with the Tucson Festival of Books were asked which books they want to read next year. They were happy to share their own must-reads, some by authors who will attend the festival this spring.

A Woman I Know by Mary Haverstick introduces us to a woman who should need no introduction  but does. In 1960, Jerrie Cobb passed the same tests as the original Mercury 7 astronauts. Cobb never went into space, but while researching that story, Haverstick uncovered a bigger one. Jerrie Cobb was also known as June Cobb  a Cold War spy who was among the women whose spycraft came to light after the assassination of President Kennedy. Its a true story that reads like a Tom Clancy thriller.  Thea Chalow

Remedial Magic by Melissa Marr will be released in February and should be worth the wait for those who love fantasies. It features a librarian who falls in love with a witch  then learns she is a witch  and then must attend magical community college to learn how they can save the world. Thank you, Melissa Marr.  Mira Domsky

Tripas by Brandon Som was a finalist for this years National Book Award in poetry. The collection features Soms multigenerational, multicultural childhood home. There was his Chicana grandmother, who worked nights on the assembly line at Motorola. Soms Chinese father and grandparents ran the familys corner store. The book illuminates the struggles faced by neighborhoods in transition.  Estella Gonzalez

Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond is a deeply researched, carefully presented study of poverty in the United States. We live in the richest nation in history, yet 40 million of us live below the poverty line  160 years after the Civil War. Desmond wanted to know why. Poverty is one of the years best books, and the paperback edition will release in March.  Caitlin Schmidt

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura takes us to the Mexican jungle, where two rival archaeologists are looking for the remains of an ancient Aztec warrior. Eventually, they realize they must join forces with each other. Who said the adventure romance is a lost art?  Jessica Pryde

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The author is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, which believes we must learn from plants and animals. If we will just listen, they will talk to us. Only then will we understand the generosity of this world we live in.  Sara Hammond

Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang. In Chinese, the term for America is Mei Guo, which translates to beautiful country. Thats not what 7-year-old Qian saw when her family came to New York as immigrants. Her parents had been professors in China. Here, they were forced to work in sweatshops. Money was tight, life as an illegal was hard, and Qian was shunned by classmates in school. Still, despite everything, Qian managed to see a beautiful country.  Lynn Wiese Sneyd

Lunar New Year Love Story is a graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham that will be released Jan. 9. Val is ready to give up on love, beginning to think it might be genetic. For generations, her family has never really been bitten by the love bug. And then   Kathy Short

Nowhere Like Home by Sara Shepard will be released in February, and fans of the Pretty Little Liars series are counting the days. It begins when Lenna receives a phone call from an old friend. This was startling because Rhiannon had disappeared without a trace years earlier. Now, she was a mom living with a group of women in an Arizona mommune. Each is running from something. They invite Lenna to join them.  Tricia Clapp

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams is a love story that unfolds in February of a leap year. Since 2024 comes with a Feb. 29  and Love Song will release Feb. 6  the stars are aligned for Ricki Wilde. The daughter of a wealthy and powerful father in Atlanta, she has left home and rented an apartment in Harlem. She has dreams of opening a flower shop. Enter the tall, dark, handsome stranger.  Jeaiza Quinones Ivory

Three-Inch Teeth will be the 24th installment of the Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box. This time, the sheriff is faced with double-barrel challenges. First, there is a grizzly that has developed a taste for humans. Then there is Dallas Cates, now walking free after years in prison. Cates is bent on revenge against the men who sent him there  one being Pickett. Teeth will be released Feb. 27, two weeks before Box appears at the Tucson Festival of Books.  Bill Viner
U.S. consular officials are "strongly" advising Americans against travel to Rocky Point, a popular beach destination in Sonora, while the Lukeville-Sonoyta port of entry from Arizona is closed.

The new guidance, issued on Wednesday, emphasizes visitors should only travel in Sonora during daylight and adds that U.S. citizens traveling to or from Puerto Penasco, are strongly advised not to use alternate routes through Sonora.

Since the only non-alternative route  through the Lukeville port of entry directly to Highway 8  cannot be accessed from Arizona during the port closure, the bottom line is that Arizonans are being urged not to drive to Rocky Point at all.

The new notice reminds travelers that U.S. government staff are only allowed to reach Rocky Point through the now-shuttered Lukeville port.

Due to the continued closure of the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry, the U.S. Consulate General reminds U.S. citizens that U.S. government employees may not travel to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) using any other route until the Lukeville Port of Entry reopens, the Dec. 20 notice reads. U.S. citizens are reminded that Sonora is 'Level 3  Reconsider Travel' due to crime and kidnapping in the Department of States Mexico Travel Advisory.

The updated messaging, published late Wednesday, comes a day after the Arizona Daily Star reported that three U.S. residents were fired on while traveling through northwest Sonora last weekend, killing one of them. The group, riding in a truck with Oregon plates, was heading east on Highway 2, between Altar and Santa Ana, at 2 a.m. Saturday.

The shooting occurred on the same highway that Rocky Point-bound tourists would end up on, going in the opposite direction, if they took one of the alternate routes suggested by Rocky Point tourism officials and by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in announcing the temporary but indefinite Lukeville closure.

Beach tourists who crossed into Mexico through the Nogales port of entry would head south on Highway 15 to Santa Ana, and from there take Highway 2 west toward Altar before reaching Rocky Point.

The other alternative route is through the San Luis port of entry, either going east to Sonoyta to reach Highway 8, leading to Rocky Point, or taking the Coastal Highway to Rocky Point.

The segment of Highway 2 where last weeks overnight shooting occurred cuts through a part of Sonora currently experiencing high levels of violence, as criminal groups fight over smuggling routes in the region.

Another potential pitfall for travelers is Google Maps: Tourists have reported that since the Lukeville closure, the map application is suggesting routes to Rocky Point that are unsafe or impossible.

One recent search on the application, from Tucson to Puerto Penasco, Sonora, shows a primary route through the Sasabe port of entry, crossing into the Mexican border town of Sasabe, Sonora.

This area is facing high levels of gun violence that recently prompted a mass exodus of nearly all the Mexican towns 2,500 residents. The road going south from Sasabe is surveilled by criminal groups, who have detained and violently interrogated Mexican travelers trying to flee the town, former residents have told the Star.

Another Google Maps misfire displays an alternate route crossing the border on Tohono Oodham Nation land, near Papago Farms. This is not a designated U.S. port of entry where tourists can legally cross into Mexico.

The existing U.S. Department of State 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.
The best part of Tucson isnt the cotton candy-like sunsets or the adorable wildlife: its the new and inventive restaurants that pop up every season.

From falafel and plates of enchiladas to waffle-wrapped hot dogs, Tucsons food scene continues to expand and bring new flavors to the city.

As we transition into colder weather, these 17 new restaurants will continue to bring the heat, adding to our already huge list of delicious local food.

Whether you want coffee, vegan ice cream or quesabirria tacos, below are all the details on new spots in town.

Aspasia

Nothing hits the spot like a gyro does. Luckily, thats Aspasias specialty.

Aspasia serves up authentic Mediterranean food in midtown, featuring favorites like falafel, chicken shawarma and lamb kebabs. With an extensive menu that includes vegan options, Aspasia brings a little taste of Syria to Tucson.

Location: 2310 N. Country Club Road

Visit their website or Instagram page for more information.

Bashful Bandit BBQ

The popular biker hangout Bashful Bandit has been closed for the last two years after it was purchased in 2021. The 76-year-old building has since been transformed into a barbecue spot, which celebrated its soft opening on Dec. 21. The grand opening will be held Dec. 27. Find Texas-style barbecue items inspired by Arizona flavors, like green chile pulled pork and chicken basted in a housemade mole barbecue sauce.

Location: 3686 E. Speedway

Visit their Instagram page for more information.

Bobazona

This beloved boba spot made its way from Phoenix to Tucson this year. Originally opened in 2020 in Goodyear, this family-owned spot specializes in Instagram-worthy boba drinks and gelato. Cinnamon Toast Crunch smoothies, taro milk teas and banana dolce gelato are just a few of the sweet treats on the menu.

Location: 8140 S. Houghton Road

Visit their website or Instagram page for more information.

Brucedog

This hot dog stand has been around since 1989 and they have finally opened a brick-and-mortar. At Brucedog, you can try hot dogs, Polish sausages and bratwursts topped with bacon bits and chili.

Location: 5975 W. Western Way Cir.

Visit their Instagram page for more information.

Daddyburger

With a name like Daddyburger, you know youre in for an interesting experience. Daddyburger opened in The Boxyard this year, bringing burgers and gelato to the popular Fourth Avenue bar and food court. The menu features their signature Daddyburger, which includes angus beef, American cheese, caramelized onions and what they dub daddysauce. You can also enjoy their gelato while sitting under Boxyards string lights.

Location: 238 N. Fourth Ave.

Visit their website or Instagram page for more information.

Kabul Corner

Try a little taste of Afghanistan at Kabul Corner. Kabul Corner opened in September and is the only Afghan restaurant in the city. The menu consists of popular Afghan dishes such as Qabuli Palaw and chicken kabobs. According to owner Ritiek Rafi, the chicken kabobs are marinated to perfection and practically melt in your mouth.

Aside from the restaurant, Kabul Corner is also a market where you can pick up different sweets and spices from Afghanistan.

Location: 1800 E. Fort Lowell Road

Visit their Instagram page or read our story for more information.

K Donut Wheel

When news about the east-side Donut Wheels closure spread, Tucsonans were heartbroken. For 20 years, the community knew they could count on Donut Wheel to be a delicious start to their day.

After a year of being closed, its back and better than ever. Now called K Donut Wheel, the popular doughnut shop opened at a new location and features a new menu. Now you can pair your tasty doughnuts with boba tea or espresso, making your mornings so much sweeter.

Location: 2775 S. Wilmot Road

Read our story for more information.

La Frida

La Frida made its first impression on Instagram, posting pictures of crazy drinks and huge plates of Mexican food. The east-side restaurant seems to already be a fan favorite, with its mural of the one and only Frida Kahlo.

Ribs with habanero sauce, quesabirria tacos, enchiladas, salmon and cauliflower tacos are just a few of the meals you can get at La Frida.

Location: 7230 E. 22nd St.

Visit their Instagram page for more information.

Lahainas Waffledogs

Waffledogs: that sounds like two of my favorite things.

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The owners behind Lahainas Shave Ice have opened a new venture, taking on a whole new world of waffledogs. This food trucks menu consists of waffles on a stick, with renditions that include pizza, hot dogs and desserts. With sweet and savory flavors, you can get the best of both worlds here.

Visit their Facebook and Instagram for more information on where to find them.

Maru Plus

For more than a decade, Japanese restaurant Yoshimatsu was a staple on Campbell Avenue. Sadly, the restaurant closed its doors, but owner Yoshimi Tashima started a new chapter.

Maru Plus is now in the old Yoshimatsu space, serving as an expansion of its sister restaurant, Maru Japanese Noodle Shop. Tashima saw a shift in the restaurant business, noticing people still wanted good food but faster service. That observation served as an inspiration for Maru Plus, which serves ramen and udon at a blink of an eye.

Location: 2741 N. Campbell Ave.

Visit their website, Instagram page or read our story for more information.

Mockups Tucson

Best friends Warren Sammons and Michael Gonzales (nicknamed Gonzo) met when they both joined the same punk band in high school. Years later, they decided to team up again and open Mockups: a food truck dedicated to serving vegan ice cream and mocktails.

The big silver truck with a skull logo pays homage to their punk-rock roots while serving up some delicious sweet treats. Homemade cola, Cinnamon Toast Crunch ice cream and apple pie ice cream are just a few of the flavors you can enjoy at Mockups.

Visit their Instagram page for their schedule or read our story for more information.

Parkie Sandwich

It doesnt get much cooler than running a sandwich shop out of a school bus. This new food truck (or should I say food bus?!) serves up sandwiches that everyone can enjoy. On their menu you can find a vegan sandwich, an Italian pork belly sandwich and a new take on a classic BLT. They also have various sides and a sweet of the week.

Visit their Instagram page for more information on their schedule.

Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar

Owned by three best friends, Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar aims to provide bar food classics with an elevated twist. This menu has it all: tacos, fries, salads, burgers, wings, cocktails, mocktails and much more. Since its a scratch kitchen, everything is made in-house without pre-bought sauces or frozen food.

Location: 6444 N. Oracle Road

Visit their website or Instagram page for more information.

Talega Coffee Co.

This new coffee spot is located in the lobby of the Owls club, a mortuary-turned-bar. Talega sources the most ethical beans with the least environmental impact. Along with the usual coffee drinks, Talega features two specialty lattes: la rosa and maiz.

Locations: 236 S. Scott Ave.

Visit their Instagram page for more information.

Tesoro Latin Kitchen & Cantina

Grab lunch or dinner at this new restaurant. Tesoro Latin Kitchen & Cantina combines Latin music and decor with several Latin American dishes such as enchiladas and tacos. Tesoro has three full-service bars, patio seating and live music. On Fridays and Saturdays, Tesoro stays open extra late so you can dance the night away.

Location: 4420 N. Oracle Road

Visit their website or Instagram for more information.

TraXide Taproom

Housed in the old Dillinger Brewing space, TraXide Taproom is continuing the brewing legacy. The owners behind Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery took over the taproom, paying homage to the trains that run along downtown and the streetcars in the area. They still have various Dillinger beers on tap along with some specialty cocktails for those who dont enjoy beer. It looks like they always have fun events and specials throughout the week so make sure to check their Instagram for more information.

Location: 402 E. Ninth St.

Read the Arizona Daily Stars story for more information.

True Food Kitchen

In 2008, Dr. Andrew Weil and Tucson native Sam Fox teamed up to create True Food Kitchen, a restaurant based off Weils anti-inflammatory food pyramid. Weil is the longtime director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.

The popular chain has finally opened a location in Tucson, serving food that tastes good and is good for you. Burgers, pizza, salad and salmon are just a few of the dishes on their extensive menu.

Location: 2905 E. Skyline Dr.

Visit their website or read the Arizona Daily Stars story for more information.

Turkish Kebab House

Turkish Kebab House is bringing Mediterranean cuisine to the University of Arizona area. Their dishes come from 100% authentic Turkish recipes and they say they only use the best quality ingredients. Chicken kebabs, lamb kebabs and curry chicken are a few highlights from the menu.

Location: 810 E. University Blvd.

Visit their Instagram page for more information.

Coming soon

Special Eats Sweets: Special Eats popped out on the scene with gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches last year. Now they are dipping their toes into the dessert game. Special Eats is aiming to open their new dessert truck and brick-and-mortar, Special Eats Sweets, in January.

The Broadway Beer and Wine Bar: This new beer and wine bar is slated to open in 2024 on the historic Sunshine Mile.

Chelas Latin Cuisine: Chelas will open in downtown Tucson next year. This new restaurant is the sister concept to El Sur Mexican Restaurant.

Mantis Gourmet Chinese Food: This beloved Chinese spot will reopen in a new location next year.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A judge has ordered the removal of a wind farm in Osage County and set a trial for damages in a win for the Osage Nation and its Mineral Council, which, along with the federal government, have been fighting the erection of the turbines for more than 10 years.

U.S. Court of International Trade Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves, sitting by designation, issued the ruling Wednesday in Tulsa federal court against Osage Wind LLC, Enel Kansas LLC and Enel Green Power North America Inc.

The ruling grants the United States and the Osage Nation through its Minerals Council permanent injunctive relief via ejectment of the wind turbine farm for continuing trespass.

The Minerals Council is an arm of the Osage Nation that manages the Osage Minerals Estate.

The ruling follows a 2017 appellate court ruling that determined that construction of the wind farm constituted mining and required a lease from the Osage Nations Minerals Council, which the defendants failed to obtain.

The developers failed to acquire a mining lease during or after construction, as well as after issuance of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decision holding that a mining lease was required, Choe-Groves said.

On the record before the Court, it is clear the Defendants are actively avoiding the leasing requirement, Choe-Groves said. Permitting such behavior would create the prospect for future interference with the Osage Mineral Councils authority by Defendants or others wishing to develop the mineral lease.

The Court concludes that Defendants past and continued refusal to obtain a lease constitutes interference with the sovereignty of the Osage Nation and is sufficient to constitute irreparable injury.

Osage Minerals Council Chairman Everett Waller said in an interview Thursday morning that he was still stunned by the ruling.

I hope no other tribe has to do what we had to do, Waller said, referring to the long court battle.

This is a win not only for the Osage Minerals Council; this is a win for Indian Country, Waller said.

There are a lot of smaller tribes that couldnt have battled this long, but thats why were Osages, Waller said. Were here, and this is our homeland, and we are going to protect it at all costs.

Osage Wind, for its part, claimed that while an appeals court found that it had mined without a lease in 2014, it did not hold that Osage Wind was obligated to obtain a lease for that completed mining or for any other ongoing purposes.

The legal saga has been ongoing for more than a decade, at one point reaching the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Osage Nation filed a federal lawsuit in October 2011 seeking to halt the construction of the wind farm, alleging that the project unlawfully deprived the Osage Nation of access to and the right to develop the mineral estate.

The nations claims were denied, and the case was dismissed on merits.

The defendants began leasing surface rights for the project in 2013, according to the ruling.

The wind farm includes 84 turbines spread across 8,400 acres of leased surface rights in Osage County, underground lines, overhead transmission lines, meteorological towers and access roads, the ruling said.

Construction on the wind towers began in October 2013, with excavation for the towers beginning in September 2014.

The federal government filed a federal lawsuit in November 2014, seeking a declaratory judgment that the defendants engaged in unauthorized mining and excavation in the Osage Mineral Estate, according to the ruling.

The U.S. Department of the Interior administers the Osage Nations mineral rights, which include ownership of rocks and minerals below the grounds surface. Federal law requires developers to obtain a permit from the tribes Minerals Council to engage in any mining activity in the county.

A federal district judge initially ruled in favor of the wind farm project in 2015, finding that excavation of the rock for the wind turbine concrete foundation did not constitute mining.

But the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver reversed that decision in a 2017 ruling.

The appellate court held that Osage Winds extraction, sorting, crushing and use of minerals as part of its excavation work constituted mineral development, thereby requiring a federally approved lease that was not obtained. It disputed the district judges interpretation that the definition of mining required the sale of minerals.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a request by Osage Wind to review the appeals court decision.

In considering whether to issue a permanent injunction, Choe-Groves weighed several factors, including balancing the tribes claim that the unleased wind farm damages its sovereignty against Osage Winds claim that it would suffer the inevitable loss of hundreds of millions of dollars if the wind towers were removed.

Osage Wind also claimed that removal of the wind turbines would result in a loss of revenue from two local schools, jobs, income for the surface estate owners and renewable energy for 50,000 homes.

But Choe-Groves was not persuaded by Osage Winds claims of the harm that would occur if the turbines were removed.

Even if negative effects were to result, including the significant monetary impact of hundreds of millions of dollars, such effects would not negate the public interest in private entities abiding by the law and respecting government sovereignty and the decision of courts, the judge wrote.

A spokesman for Osage Wind could not be reached for comment on the decision.



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Although Tulsa Public Schools is currently out on winter break, hundreds of its students are getting additional reading help over the holidays.

Launched through a funding opportunity from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the districts free literacy tutoring program runs through Friday and again from Dec. 27-29 at five sites around the city: the Tandy YMCA, the Downtown YMCA, the Dream Center, Dream Center West and TPS Parent Resource Center.

More than 300 elementary school students have signed up for one of the three-hour tutoring sessions, with the largest numbers expected at the Tandy and Downtown YMCA branches.

The spaces, said TPS Director of Extended Learning Kristen Bailey, were provided to the district for free for the tutoring program by the Dream Center and YMCA of Greater Tulsa.

This is an opportunity to try to make a difference, YMCA of Greater Tulsa Chief Development Officer Kyle Wilkes said. We always want to play a role in education as a nonprofit in the community, and we value academic gains greatly. We also like to be able to invest in those who need it most.

Working in small groups with volunteers and 15 certified teachers from across the district, students who attend sessions do activities specifically designed to bolster their literacy skills.

On Wednesday afternoon at the Tandy YMCA, 10 kindergarten and first grade students passed around a bag filled with small cards, each of which bore a single letter. At each gap in a poem read aloud by TPS employee Jessica Beamer, a student would pull out a letter. The students practiced what sound the letter makes, then tried to think of an animal that starts with that sound.

D was quickly met with dinosaur and dolphin. J elicited a triumphant jaguar.

Y was a brief stumper before a boy piped up with yak, prompting some confused looks and a brief explanation from Beamer about the large, shaggy creature.

Meanwhile, in an adjacent room, a group of second and third grade students were drawing pictures of characters from a book they read earlier in the afternoon. In a third room, fourth and fifth grade students were answering questions about what they thought would happen in No Dogs Allowed, a 2001 book by Sonia Manzano Vela.

Students attending the nine TPS elementary schools on the states Most Rigorous Intervention list  a three-year federal designation for schools that scored in the bottom 5% of all state report card indicators  are among those who were specifically targeted for the program, along with elementary students across the district who scored below the 40th percentile on the reading portion of the most recent MAP exam administered at the beginning of the school year.

Among the goals imposed upon the district by the Oklahoma State Board of Education in November to avert accreditation penalties were an increase in the number of TPS students scoring at a basic level or better on the English/language arts portion of the Oklahoma State Testing Program in the spring and getting at least 12 of 18 schools off the Most Rigorous Intervention list by the end of the school year.

Along with a healthy snack courtesy of the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, each child who participates in the program gets books and STEM kits to take home. On tables along one wall at the Tandy YMCA on Wednesday afternoon, paperback copies of Kate DiCamillos Because of Winn-Dixie, Kevin Henkes Chrysanthemum and early reader biographies of Abraham Lincoln, Jackie Robinson and Tito Puente were among the titles waiting to be read.

We want to make sure our students brains are busy over the break, Bailey said.
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

For those who want to spend time in worship this Christmas, several Tulsa churches have scheduled a variety of services from the traditional and reverent to the modern and joyful. Most are set for Sunday, Christmas Eve.

Holy Family Cathedral, 820 S. Boulder Ave., celebrates the fourth Sunday of Advent with Mass at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve, with a Saturday vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Later on Sunday, a vigil Mass will be available at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., with a choir performance at 11 p.m. On Christmas Day, the Mass schedule starts at midnight, followed by 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, 1301 S. Boston Ave., offers three Christmas Eve services. At 4 p.m. is a modern service with candlelight in the churchs Jubilee Gym. At 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., the Art Deco churchs historic sanctuary will host traditional services with a candlelight component. The 6 p.m. service will include a nativity tableau, music from the adult chancel choir and a sermon from senior pastor the Rev. David Wiggs. The 11 p.m. service will include Holy Communion, music from the youth chapel choir and a sermon from Keith Bethell.

First Presbyterian Church, 709 S. Boston Ave., offers traditional worship or international worship at 11 a.m. Christmas Eve. The Childrens Live Nativity is set for 5 p.m. Sunday, followed by worship and the lighting of candles. A candlelight service called Lessons & Carols will be at 7:30 p.m. The Christmas Watch Night candlelight service is set for 11 p.m., and a Christmas Day worship service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday.

All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria Ave., has scheduled morning and evening Christmas Eve services. A 10:30 a.m. service will be followed by three candlelight services. The 4:30 p.m. service will be family-oriented; the 6 p.m. service will be more traditional; and at 7:30 p.m. is a more contemporary service with jazz and gospel music.

Asbury Church, 6767 S. Mingo Road, is starting its Christmas Eve services at 6 p.m. Thursday. On Sunday, four more services are scheduled at 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

St. Johns Episcopal Church, 4200 S. Atlanta Place, is hosting a childrens Christmas pageant at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Services with carols and candles are set for 4:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.

The First Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder Ave., offers a traditional service at 7 p.m. Sunday featuring Christmas hymns, Holy Communion and the passing of the candlelight. A more relaxed service at 11 p.m. Sunday will include acoustic music, Holy Communion and the passing of the candlelight. It ends with the chiming of the midnight bell to signal the start of the day Christ was born.

St. James Church, 5050 E. 111th St., will have music and candle-lighting ceremonies at the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. services.

Life.Church Midtown, 7015 E. 41st St., offers its first Christmas services at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, followed by 5 p.m. Saturday. Christmas Eve services Sunday are set for 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Forest Park Christian Church, 9102 S. Mingo Road, is hosting a Blue Christmas service at 6 p.m. Thursday. From the church: For those who are struggling, the joy of the holiday season can often feel elusive and out of reach. As a result, churches around the world have adopted the practice of having a Blue Christmas  designed to provide space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance amidst the twinkle lights and holiday hustle and bustle. Bring your grief. Bring your weariness. Bring your fatigue and allow yourself a quiet space to reflect and draw near to God.

Trinity Episcopal Church, 501 S. Cincinnati Ave., celebrates the fourth Sunday of Advent with a 10 a.m. service on Christmas Eve. At 5 p.m. Sunday is the family Communion service with a pageant. The Trinity choir sings at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., followed by traditional services at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday. Valet parking is available. A Christmas Day service is set for 10 a.m. Monday.

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The number of Vietnamese visitors to Japan reached an estimated 536,800 in the first 11 months of the year, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 495,051 in 2019 and marking an all-time high, according to data released on Wednesday by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

Statistics regarding visitor arrivals to Japan in December will be released by the JNTO in January next year, which will likely cause the number of Vietnamese visitors to Japan in 2023 to rise further.

The high number Vietnamese visitors to Japan was a positive signal for travel and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, according to the JNTO.

From January to November of this year, Vietnam welcomed close to 530,000 arrivals from Japan, putting it among the top five source markets of the Vietnamese tourism industry, according to data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

The JNTO cited Ha Van Sieu, deputy chief of VNAT, as saying that the two countries tourist arrivals are expected to bounce back in the near future and exceed the pre-pandemic figure of 1.5 million arrivals thanks to increasingly relaxed travel policies, Vietnams recent move to extend the visa-free stay for Japanese tourists to 45 days, and the Japanese government adding the Southeast Asian country to a list of destinations highly recommended for travel agencies.

Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam Yamada Takio expressed his delight in knowing that the number of Vietnamese visitors to Japan set a record high during the first 11 months of the year, adding that the news is particularly symbolic given that 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

Over the past years, the two countries have jointly organized multiple exchanges, including those between high-ranking Vietnamese and Japanese officials. The Vietnam-Japan relationship was believed to be at its best stage in all fields.

Last month, Vietnam and Japan issued a joint statement on the elevation of the Japan-Vietnam relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.

This event is expected to pave the way for further deepening bilateral relations.

Yoshida Kenji, chief representative of the JNTO Vietnam, said the agency managed to hit its target of welcoming 500,000 Vietnamese visitors to Japan one month earlier than expected.

The JNTO Vietnam will continue its efforts to encourage more Vietnamese to visit Japan, as well as join hands with other units in the industry to launch three new tourism promotion campaigns in Vietnam in 2024, the Japanese tourism official added.

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KBTG Vietnam, a member of Thailands KASIKORN Business-Technology Group (KBTG) in Vietnam, has increased its staff by four times after just six months of operation, according to the company.

KBTG Vietnam Co. Ltd., a technology subsidiary of KASIKORNBANK (KBank), one of Thailands prominent commercial banks, has revealed remarkable growth in its workforce.

In just under six months of operation, the company's employee count has surged from 30 to 120, demonstrating substantial expansion and development.

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, an economic hub in southern Vietnam, KBTG Vietnam is the second branch of KBTG in ASEAN and the third in Asia, following KBTG in Thailand and K-Tech in Shenzhen, China, according to the firm.

Thanussak Thanyasiri, managing director of KBTG Vietnam, revealed that KBTG will continue boosting the headcount in its Vietnamese base to 200 in 2024 to meet its increasingly expanded operations.

In June, when KBTG Vietnam was established, KBTG said the group would recruit more than 500 employees in the next three years for the Vietnamese base to meet the facilitys expanded operations, making it a leading fintech hub in the region.

Such performance will also contribute to KBanks goals to become one of the top 20 commercial banks in Vietnam by 2027, KBTG said.

Serving as KBTGs extended arm and overseas information technology (IT) hub, KBTG Vietnam offers support to KBank and KBTG as they expand across the region.

KBTG Vietnam is giving assistance to more than 30 fintech projects in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, including areas such as mobile banking, Internet banking, core banking, and various initiatives related to the financial sector.

The Thai leading fintech group will also initiate cooperation programs with universities in Hanoi in the coming time to provide specialized knowledge and career opportunities for Vietnams young technology talents.

At the same time, it will continue launching innovative products serving other sectors besides banking for customers in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia,Thanussak stated.

Vietnam's fintech sector has the highest growth rate in Southeast Asia, only after Singapore, and is predicted to reach a staggering value of US$18 billion in 2024, according to the report 'The Advance of Fintech in Vietnam (2023),' which was jointly conducted by Acclime Vietnam, a premier corporate service provider in Vietnam, and Decision Lab, a leading Vietnamese market research company.

Vietnam is now one of the most attractive markets in the Southeast Asian region for investors interested in fintech, according to the report.

The growth of the middle class, tech-savvy population, and dynamic e-commerce ecosystems is fueling the burgeoning fintech sector in Vietnam, accompanying mature geographies in the Asia Pacific (APAC) such as China, Australia, and Singapore, the report said.

Along with its strong development, the sector needs about 700,000 more highly qualified IT professionals by 2025, despite the number of IT graduates increasing strongly every year, according to TopDev, a leading IT recruitment platform in Vietnam.

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Each day, 68 children visit a private center in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam to learn soft skills, many of whom do so in lieu of a formal education.

In Vietnam, children are legally required to begin going to school at the age of five, but 40 of the 68 children who attend soft skills classes at the center each day are not enrolled in a traditional school.

Rather, their education comes entirely from classes at the Thuan An Nhien Center, which they affectionately call 'home' instead of 'school' in order to alleviate some of the pressure associated with conventional education.

According to Le Minh Hung, a representative of the center, the parents of the 68 children all hail from different provinces.

Many of these parents, he said, relocated from large cities to Quang Nams Triem Tay Village in 2018 to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Their parents are all well-educated. They are architects, artists, and entrepreneurs, Hung explained.

The entrance of the Thuan An Nhien Center in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

In Triem Tay, they built a playground where their children could learn and play together. The group later sought an establishment license and named itself Thuan An Nhien.

It is still in the application process for an operation license, according to Hung.

Nowadays, the children at Thuan An Nhien spend their time practicing soft skills with teachers who are qualified to teach music, fine arts, and handicrafts.

At night, they study traditional academic subjects with their parents, with tutors, or in online classes.

According to Hung, the children at Thuan An Nhien fit into three general categories.

The first category includes children whose parents plan to eventually send them abroad to study at schools that do night require academic reports from a formal education institution in Vietnam.

The second consists of children whose parents expect them to inherit their families business and thus see no need for them to engage in a traditional education.

The final includes kids whose parents have no specific plan for their children and merely wish for them to learn basic skills and have fun.

What all of these parents have in common is that they are aware that homeschoolling is not allowed in Vietnam, but they prefer their children to experience a pressure-free childhood.

Students and employees during a break at the Thuan An Nhien Center in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

Thuan An Nhien charges each child VND2.5 million (US$103) per month.

The entirety of the fee goes toward operating costs, Hung said, adding that the center is owned by all of the parents.

Regarding a plan by the Quang Nam administration to put all out-of-school children in school, Hung said the parents have knowledge and want to coordinate with the government in order to ensure that their kids can study in happiness.

No on loves the children more than their parents," Hung said.

We hope there will be amendments in the future to open up a new way for children to study happily, in the true sense of the word.

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(Photo : Unsplash/Alexander Shatov)

According to a job posting on its website, Tesla is looking to hire a Stockholm or Oslo-based Nordics public policy and business development manager as its ongoing disagreement with labor unions in the region continues without a resolution in sight. The manager will ensure that the political, regulatory, and fiscal frameworks in the Nordics support Tesla's mission.

Escalating Standoff

The company and members of the Swedish trade union IF Metall are in a standoff over Tesla's refusal to sign collective bargaining agreements. While the dispute started with 130 mechanics at 10 Tesla repair workshops in several Swedish cities, workers from various unions in Sweden and beyond have initiated solidarity strikes.

In recent weeks, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian unions from various sectors have taken steps to push Tesla to provide collective bargaining rights to its Swedish staff. Additionally, several pension funds have sold their Tesla stock due to the company's refusal to negotiate with labor unions.

Last week, Sweden's Transport Workers' Union announced it would cease waste collection at Tesla's workshops in the country. This move followed similar actions by dockworkers, truck drivers, electricians, cleaners, and postal workers.

READ ALSO: 58% Swedes Stand Firmly Behind Workers' Strike, Urges Tesla to Reassess Collective Bargaining Stance

Labor Agreements since the 20th Century

In Sweden, labor relations follow agreements made in the 20th Century, and almost all pay is determined by collective agreements between companies and labor unions without government interference. Similar principles apply in other Nordic countries, where a significant portion of the population, crucial for Tesla's market, belongs to unions. The workers are not making specific pay or condition demands. Still, they are pushing the company to sign an agreement for doing business in Sweden and the surrounding region.

Tesla, Being an Anti-Union

Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, is known for being anti-union and has criticized Swedish postal workers for obstructing the delivery of license plates to Tesla vehicles, calling it "insane." Tesla has not commented on this matter in response to a CNBC request. Strikes are expected in the coming days, and neither Musk nor the unions have signaled any intention to give in.

Sparking a Larger Movement

Dan Ives, managing director at Wedbush Securities, noted that the intense standoff at Tesla is becoming a significant concern in Sweden and the broader region. Ives emphasized that while the situation in Scandinavia is specific to Tesla, it holds more general importance as a union-related issue globally. He pointed out that following the recent UAW battle led by Shawn Fain in Detroit, where GM, Ford, and Stellantis gave in to union demands, the next potential battleground could be Tesla.

In November, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union initiated an unprecedented effort to organize 13 nonunion U.S. automakers, encompassing 150,000 workers, following successful contracts with Detroit car manufacturers. Analyst Dan Ives stated that it's unlikely for U.S. unions to target Musk and Tesla individually. However, he suggested that if Tesla yields to Scandinavian unions, it might spark a more significant movement reaching the UAW and the U.S. by 2024.

Tesla's Stance in Question

In a unique standoff, the world's wealthiest men, Elon Musk and Tesla face a challenge from Scandinavian organized labor principles. The outcome is uncertain, with experts suggesting two possibilities: Tesla yields or Scandinavian union solidarity weakens.

George Kochanowski, a global supply chain expert, anticipates Musk may eventually give in if energy costs rise in Europe, as reported by CNBC on Monday. However, questions arise about the ethical implications of selective strikes. Other global automakers are closely observing, but the limited scope of Tesla's products in Scandinavia might impact its bargaining power compared to more diversified conglomerates. The situation's implications on targeting a single company are significant, says Kochanowski, "because if the unions go take a lick of that lollipop and like it, they could think 'maybe I don't want to import this or that," potentially affecting import decisions based on union actions.

RELATED ARTICLE: Factory Workers' Firing Amid Union Campaign Denied By Tesla

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The wooden ceiling of a classroom at a high school in Vinh City, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam collapsed while students were attending a class on Thursday morning, leaving at least two students severely injured.

A representative of Hermann Gmeiner High School confirmed the incident on the same day.

Over 40 11th graders were taking a lesson at 7:00 am, when the roof of their classroom suddenly fell down.

Among them, at least two were injured and rushed to General Hospital 115 for emergency treatment.

Police in the city are investigating the cause of the collapse.

The scene of a classroom ceiling collapse in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, December 21, 2023. Photo: Tam Pham / Tuoi Tre

A representative of the hospital said that it admitted eight students on Thursday morning.

After receiving first aid, six of them were discharged, while the others remain in the hospital to be treated for injuries to their heads and legs.

Hermann Gmeiner High School was established in Hung Phuc Ward, Vinh City in 1994.

The school has 41 classes with more than 1,700 students.

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Prof. Vo Tong Xuan became Vietnams first scientist to secure a VinFuture prize for his popularization of a disease-resistant rice variety at the VinFuture awards ceremony in Hanoi on Wednesday evening.

Prof. Xuan and Indian-American scientist Prof. Gurdev Singh Khush each won a VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries at the third VinFuture Prize awards ceremony  an event held to recognize transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes.

The two scientists were honored for their contributions to innovating and popularizing disease-resistant rice varieties and ensuring global food security.

The events panel of judges lauded the two professors innovations as having prompted an agricultural revolution.

Xuans work played a significant role in making IR36, a disease-resistant rice variety, popular in pest-infected areas in the Mekong Delta region and allowing farmers to apply advanced grafting techniques.

He has helped farmers increase their access to high-quality rice varieties, thus spurring higher rice yields and reducing costs.

These high-quality rice types are able to grow without the use of pesticides and toxic chemicals, thereby contributing to global sustainable agricultural development, protecting the environment, and contributing to public health, the judging panel said.

Born in 1940 in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, Xuan earned a bachelors degree in agricultural chemistry in 1966 before obtaining a postgraduate degree at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.

In 1971, he returned to Vietnam to start work at Can Tho University in the namesake city, located in the Mekong Delta.

He secured a doctoral degree in Japan in 1975.

Xuan is the author of numerous research projects, studies, and references that have benefited agricultural production at home and abroad.

From 1980 to 1985, he introduced high-yield rice varieties IR36 and MTL30 to the Mekong Delta region, Vietnams largest rice production hub.

His CV includes serving as vice-president at Can Tho University and president at An Giang University in An Giang, another delta province.

He was conferred the title Labor Hero in 1985 and the title Peoples Teacher in 1999.

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Hospitals and medical centers in Ho Chi Minh City have been told to ready themselves for the administration of 5-in-1 vaccines to children citywide as 14,400 make their way to the city, easing the current shortage.

The municipal Department of Health announced on Wednesday that it was allocated the 14,400 doses by the Ministry of Health in light of a vaccine shortfall that had dampened the citys participation in the national expanded program on immunization.

These vaccine doses are expected to last about two months.

Last Saturday, 490,600 doses of the jab sponsored by the Australian government in partnership with the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) arrived in Vietnam, the ministry said.

The pentavalent vaccine provides children with protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

In Vietnam, the 5-in-1 vaccine is given to babies between two and 18 months old, according to the health ministry.

Due to the limited volume of the vaccine doses, children who have not previously received their first shot of the jab will be administered first, with babies who are two months old topping the priority list.

Changes in Vietnam's vaccine purchasing regulations led to the disruption of the supply of the 5-in-1 vaccine in the country.

Ho Chi Minh City is among the localities that have felt the impact of the vaccine undersupply.

As a result, many parents have opted to have their children vaccinated at private medical centers, while those in financial difficulties have had no choice but to keep waitingt for the free provision of the 5-in-1 shot from local authorities.

The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) was told to prepare itself to receive, preserve, and distribute the vaccine shots supplied by the Health Ministry to medical facilities citywide.

The HCDC was also told to support medical facilities in carrying out the national expanded program on immunization, including making a list of children subject to the inoculation, raising public awareness about immunization, and calling on parents to get their babies vaccinated timely.

Medical facilities should also prepare themselves to cope with cases of unexpected post-vaccination symptoms, the municipal health department asked.

Launched in 1981, the national expanded program on immunization in Vietnam provides immunization against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, namely tuberculosis, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, Hib, measles, rubella, Japanese encephalitis, cholera, and typhoid.

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Doctors at Can Tho General Hospital in the namesake southern Vietnamese city have successfully removed a four-kilogram abdominal tumor from a 75-year-old woman.

The patient, Nguyen Thi S., a resident of Co Do District in Can Tho, was hospitalized as she was experiencing stomach discomfort and fatigue.

According to a family member, the stomachache was chronic and she also had difficulty eating and drinking.

The family had earlier taken S. to a medical center for a check-up and detected a tumor, but she declined treatment for fear of a surgery.

After about a year, the tumor developed and caused her stomach to swell. It also encroached on blood vessels and internal organs, causing digestive and lifestyle issues.

At the Can Tho General Hospital, a CT scan was administered which showed that the tumor had filled her abdomen and was pushing against several organs.

Following a consultation, doctors decided to perform a surgery to remove the tumor.

The patients health has since improved and she is under close monitoring after the two-hour surgical operation.

Doctor Tong Hai Duong from the Can Tho General Hospital said the tumor was extremely large and, without the immediate surgical operation, it would have continued putting pressure on other organs and hindering the patients ability to eat or drink.

He advised residents with abnormal symptoms or tumors to seek prompt treatment.

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During an attempt to take over the Polish Public Television by people appointed by the new government, Jolanta Borowiak, a member of the Polish Parliament, was physically attacked and injured.

Thousands of people gathered in front of the station building, as well as Polish Radio and the Polish Press Agency. The authorities cut off TVP INFO's signal to prevent the station's supporters from accessing information.



The government is attempting to seize control of state media through force, just one week after being sworn in. By doing so, it violated the Act on the National Media Council and the protection of the Constitutional Tribunal. Changes in the media are suspended until the hearing, which begins in January.

The Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Bartomiej Sienkiewicz, dismissed the supervisory and management boards of Polish Television, Polish Radio, and the Polish Press Agency in the morning. He based his actions on the Sejm's resolution of Tuesday, December 19. Lawyers state that the document not only lacks legal force but also contradicts the Act on the National Media Council and the protection of the Constitutional Tribunal.

Opponents of the forcible takeover of the media have scheduled a demonstration for 4 p.m. The organizers of the demonstration are drawing parallels to the martial law of 1989, when the communist military junta deployed the army and police to break workers' strikes. Solidarity trade union members and supporters were arrested, with some spending years in communist prisons. Today, these heroes are among those protesting against the media takeover.

Telewizja Republika reports these ongoing events for our English-speaking viewers.

Zrodo: mat. nadesany
Shining Vale has been axed by Starz despite co-creator Jeff Astrof having begun writing on a third season.

The series, created by Astrof and Sharon Horgan, centres on a family that moves to a small town into a haunted house  with writer Pat (Courteney Cox) beginning to see ghosts.

The series also stars Greg Kinnear, Judith Light, Merrin Dungey and Mira Sorvino.

A S2 finale will serve as its last episode, unless a new home is found.

What an absolute joy I had working on this show. Not a single bad day. Please watch the STARZ (turns out limited) series Shining Vale by 12/31, he wrote on social media.

Astrof told Variety, Given all the real heart-breaking news going on in the world right now, it would be inappropriate for me to say Im heartbroken about Starz not picking up Shining Vale for a Season 3. However, I have no problem saying I am crushed and deeply saddened by the news. For the actors, it has been a year since we wrapped, but I have been working on writing Season 3 up until I heard the news last week.

He added, Okay, maybe I am heartbroken  dammit! Of course, Im hoping another streamer picks the show up as we still have lots of story to tell  and Season 3 has already been partially written. In any case, I am beyond grateful to have been able to tell the saga of the Phelps for the past two seasons.

Shining Vale is currently screening in Australia on Showcase / Binge.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan has unveiled plans for a new 'Mindfulness City' in his kingdom.

Bhutan is the world's first carbon-negative country, and aims to build on that eco-friendly achievement by creating a blissful green city of the future.

Situated in Gelephu in Southern Bhutan, the 'Mindfulness City' designed by BIG, Arup, and Cistri aligns with Bhutanese culture, Gross National Happiness index principles, and spiritual heritage.

Designed by BIG's Landscape and Urban Design Team, the masterplan incorporates an international airport, railway connections, hydroelectric dam, public spaces, and local building typologies based on the Gross National Happiness domains.

"The Gelephu Masterplan gives form to His Majesty's vision to create a city that becomes a cradle for growth and innovation while remaining founded on Bhutanese nature and culture," says Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director, BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group.

Nestled amid mountains, forests, and rivers, Bhutan boasts 70 per cent forest coverage, making it one of Earth's last biodiversity hotspots.

Mindfulness City, inspired by interconnected ecosystems and Bhutan's cultural heritage, features ribbon-like neighbourhoods resembling paddy fields.

The city, shaped by waterways, becomes a blend of nature and tradition. Cultural landmarks, resembling inhabitable bridges, connect nature and people. The hydroelectric dam on the city's western border serves as a viewpoint, meditation walk, and temple. Resilient streets allow stormwater seepage, while local materials like wood, stone, and bamboo, inspired by vernacular motifs, will be used in building construction.

Giulia Frittoli, Partner in Charge, BIG Landscape, BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group, adds: "Inspired by the Bhutanese culture of respect and compassion for others and nature, the Mindfulness City is designed to enhance ecological systems, through an urban development that connects flora and fauna, as well as people and ideas."
By Yi Whan-woo

Korea will ease the capital gains tax rule applicable to returns on shareholders investments for those considered to be large shareholders, starting Jan. 1, the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced, Thursday.

The ministry said it will raise the threshold  from 1 billion won to 5 billion won ($3.83 million)  in levying capital gains tax for investors who hold a corresponding value of listed stocks in a single company for an accounting year.

The relaxed threshold will also be applied to those whose stake exceeds 1 percent of total shares listed on the benchmark KOSPI or 2 percent of total shares listed on the secondary KOSDAQ market.

The ministry said it came with a draft guideline to revise the relevant enforcement decree. It will seek approval for the revised tax policy to take effect at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Dec. 26. An enforcement decree is not subject to parliamentary consent.

The eased regulation will come under the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations broader plan to reduce the perceived tax burden on businesses and investors, and in return, spur investment toward market-driven economic growth.

The current stock transaction tax policy was considered an obstacle in wooing major shareholders.

Investors found the threshold for capital gains tax excessively burdensome, considering at least 20 percent of their return in stock investment is levied under existing tax rates.

Consequently, to avoid being subject to taxation, many rushed to dump shares before the end of the year.

This caused a fall in the stock market, which analysts said was partly attributable to the undervaluation of Korean stocks, or the so-called Korea discount.

According to the ministry, a total of 7,045 investors were subject to capital gains tax on returns from stock investments. The taxed amount was 6.8 trillion won.

Some political and financial sources speculated the eased capital gains tax rule was seen as a bid to appease retail investors and ultimately win votes ahead of the general elections slated for April 2024.

The sources pointed out that the government last month also announced a decision to ban short selling of stocks until the first half of 2024 following complaints from domestic retail investors.

They claim that short selling results in the fall of stock prices as it is developed to benefit investors, many of them in overseas territories, who attempt to profit when prices decline.

Meanwhile, the finance ministry downplayed concern that the eased capital gains tax rule will add to a worsening shortage in tax revenue, estimated to be nearly 60 trillion won this year.
Igor Salikov

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that former Russian military servicemember Igor Salikov has approached the tribunal indicating his willingness to testify about crimes committed by the Russian army in Ukraine, RFE/RL reported on Dec. 21.

We can confirm that we have indeed received a communication from the individual you're asking about [Salikov], as he has done so publicly, the ICC said.

Read also: Putin arrives in UAE on his fourth trip since ICC slapped him with arrest warrant

At the same time, the ICC declined to specify Salikov's legal status, citing the confidentiality of the investigation.

Previously, the high-ranking Russian combatant Salikov fled to the Netherlands and stated that he is prepared to provide testimony on Russian war crimes in Ukraine to the ICC.

Read also: Ukraine opens war crimes investigation after video shows Russians shooting surrendering Ukrainians

Kyiv officials previously said Salikov has decided to cooperate with the Ukrainian investigation into apparent Russian war crimes.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Irish premier Leo Varadkar has claimed he played along with a prank phone call by two Russian comedians posing as African diplomats.

Footage emerged this week of a video call of the incident that took place a couple of months ago, which included the Taoiseach being questioned about the war in Ukraine as well as a united Ireland.

Vovan and Lexus, noted for their prank calls to high-profile people, previously targeted a number of prime ministers and senior political figures in Europe as well as celebrities.

Mr Varadkar said he was immediately suspicious but played along, giving careful answers before ending the call.

He also cautioned it is not as it appears on their video, saying artificial intelligence was used

There were no Russians, they used an AI image of somebody who works with the African Union, he said.

So what theyve done is theyve overdubbed it with these Russian voices, theyve doctored it and edited, so what youre seeing on that site is not actually what happened, so it is fake in that sense.

Mr Varadkar said those responsible secured the video call by impersonating somebody who worked for the African Union, adding that his office has since changed their procedures in relation to calls.

At the outset of the call, because they used the image of the person and their voice, we believed it was genuine, he said.

But it became very quickly very obvious that there was something afoot of course and there was something wrong.

I ended the call, but kind of needed to play along for a little while before assuming that it was a suspect call, but I think youll note from my answers to the questions, I was very careful in my answers, because I was suspicious immediately, and then it became increasingly obvious through the course of the conversations that it was fake.

The Taoiseach said they told the African Union what had happened and warned other governments.

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And as a result of that we have changed our procedures in relation to video calls, he said.

And it is the new world of artificial intelligence, it is actually really easy now to produce the fake image of somebody on a screen, and that fake image can have the persons voice and mannerisms and everything.

So in some ways now, I think one of the strange consequences of things like AI is that people are going to want to see things for themselves a bit more, people are going to be much less trusting of photographs and video and images that they see on screens and are going to want to be able to hear with their own ears and see with their own eyes.

We have to have very strict security protocols around this for the future, which we do, but I do think in general, because of the advancements in technology, a lot more important things are going to have to happen in person that we might have thought, during the pandemic, were going to move to a virtual world.
The Caspian Sea, an inland body of water flanked by the Caucasus region and Central Asia, has been shrinking precipitously year on year (-)

On the Caspian Sea coast in Turkmenistan -- one of the world's most secretive states -- Batyr Yusupov can no longer ferry his passengers between two ports. There is not enough water.

"I used to go between Turkmenbashi and Hazar," the 36-year-old ferry worker said of the ports separated by a small gulf on Turkmenistan's coast.

"But we haven't been able to go there for a year due to the serious shrinking of the Caspian," he said.

In at least one seaside city, local bathers have noted the waters receding by hundreds of metres.

But it is not just about ferry routes or having to walk further for a proper swim: the changes hit the heart of Turkmenistan's struggling economy.

And year after year, the water levels are falling.

It is still not entirely clear why that is happening, but scientists say it is down to naturally occurring processes exacerbated by climate change.

One 2021 study projected that by 2100, water levels in the Caspian Sea could drop by another 8 to 30 metres (26 to 98 feet).

The Caspian Sea, an inland body of water, is flanked by the Caucasus region to the west and Central Asia to the east.

Turkmenistan, a former Soviet republic, is one of five countries on the Caspian Sea together with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Russia.

And they are all, to some extent or another, affected by the changes.

- Receding shoreline -

South of Turkmenbashi, in the seaside town of Hazar, satellite images show the shore has receded around 800 metres (half a mile) on both sides.

That has turned the town, which sits at the end of a peninsula, into an island.

Instead of sailing between Hazar and the main port of Turkmenbashi, Yusupov now takes passengers to Gyzylsuw -- between the two -- which is more accessible by boat.

But even there, the situation is not much better.

"A new pier is being built because the old one is no longer deep enough," said one local resident, 40-year-old Aisha.

Dozens of rusty boats line the shore in Gyzylsuw.

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Aisha's house has stilts protecting it from the sea, which now seem superfluous.

"Even during storms, the water doesn't reach the house," she said.

In Turkmenbashi itself, Turkmenistan's largest coastal city, the changing shoreline is evident to swimmers.

"Last summer, the water was up to my shoulders, then around my waist," said one regular, 35-year-old Lyudmila Yesenova.

"This year, it's below my knees."

- Sounding the alarm -

The receding waters threaten the maritime infrastructure of Turkmenbashi, a major Central Asia port crucial for trade between Europe and Asia.

And on the opposite coast of the Caspian lies Baku, the capital of oil-rich Azerbaijan.

Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov sounded the alarm in a recent speech.

"At present, the sea level is close to the minimum values for the entire time of instrumental observations," he said in August.

"In the last 25 years, it has decreased by almost two metres," which meant that the retreat of the sea had become particularly noticeable in recent years, he added.

"The sea has moved hundreds of metres away from its former shores," he said. "In the north of the Caspian these figures are even higher."

Neighbouring Kazakhstan, Central Asia's largest country, has echoed some of Turkmenistan's concerns.

But after years of disputes over the control of huge hydrocarbon reserves in the region, the collaboration Meredov has called for is only in its earliest stages.

- 'Tectonic movements' -

Turkmen scientist Nazar Muradov attributes the changing sea levels to "tectonic movements and seismic phenomena, which change the seabed".

He said the sea level had previously fallen in the 1930s and the 1980s before rising again. But the changing climate also had to be factored into this latest phenomenon, he added.

"The sea level also depends on the flow of rivers -- whose levels are diminishing -- as well as low levels of precipitation and intense evaporation."

Kazakhstan also depends on the sea for its oil and gas industry.

The drop in water levels, coupled with a rise in temperatures, has also hit marine life in the Caspian, including seals.

In a sign he is taking the situation seriously, Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced he had taken the decline in the seal population under his "personal control".

He also said Kazakhstan would create a research institute for the study of the Caspian.

al-bk-oc/jbr/jj
The new Djabel Refugee Camp in Eastern Chad. Sudanese refugees have fled to Djabel since the start of the War in Darfur in 2003 and the UN predicts that due to the current surge in conflict there will be an influx of 600,000 new refugees in Chad by the end of the year. (GPE)

As the year comes to a close, with wars continuing to rage in Europe and in the Middle East, the months-long conflict enveloping Sudan has slipped from the worlds gaze.

The latest development to the turmoil unfolding in Africas third largest country is that the UN has been asked to leave at the request of Sudans military government.

This decision stems from its accusation that the UN Integrated Transitional Assistance Mission has failed to meet expectations. The winding down of operations has now started and is expected to conclude in February.

All this comes at a time when the conflict in Gaza dominates headlines. But the UN and aid charities have urged the world to refocus on the conflict that erupted in April this year and continues to engulf this vast country, which first gained independence from Egypt and the UK in 1956.

Read more about Sudan:

Whats unfortunate, at the same time, is given everything else that is going on in the world, the conflict is receiving very little international attention. Unfortunately Sudan is facing one of the worlds largest displacement crisis, tells Anne Marie Schryer, the International Rescue Committees East Africa regional advocacy coordinator, to Yahoo News.

The UN currently estimates that nearly half of the 49 million population require urgent humanitarian assistance while six million have been driven from their homes and 10,000 have been killed.

The war that erupted without warning turned previously peaceful Sudanese homes into cemeteries, said Dominique Hyde, director of external relations at the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

Away from the eyes of the world and the news headlines, the conflict in Sudan continues to rage. Across the country, an unimaginable humanitarian crisis is unfolding, as more and more people are displaced by the relentless fighting.

Story continues

Sudan descended into war in April after tensions escalated between two former allies - army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. The conflict started over political differences following the overthrow of former ruler Omar al-Bashir as well as the planned integration of the RSF into the army.

Destruction in a livestock market area in al-Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur state. The conflict between Sudan's army under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo spread in late August 2023 to North Darfur state. (AFP via Getty Images)

Before then, General al-Burhan and RSF commander Daglo had been allies who teamed up and turned against al-Bashir during the pro-democracy movement in 2019.

But negotiations that could have led to a re-establishing of democracy fell apart and violence erupted in Khartoum before spreading to other regions, displacing millions of the countrys inhabitants. The UN estimates around 1.2 million civilians have fled to neighbouring countries, including Chad and Ethiopia, with thousands fleeing to the relative safety of south Sudan every day.

The breakdown in civil order has also had a catastrophic impact on the countrys health infrastructure and led to growing concerns about cholera and measles outbreaks.

In addition, there is growing alarm over ethnically targeted attacks in the Darfur region as well as sexual violence against women and girls.

Last month a UN official warned violence against civilians in Sudan was verging on pure evil, and that the intensified fighting had echoes of the grim atrocities that tore across Darfur 20 years ago.

People displaced by the conflict in Sudan ride atop the back of a truck as they flee Wad Madani, the capital of al-Jazirah state. (AFP via Getty Images)

UN spokesperson Seif Magango says the situation is deeply concerning and that there were similarities between what is happening now and what was seen in the country in the early 2000s.

In 2003, the western Darfur region was attacked by the Sudanese military-led government and its proxy militia Janjaweed. As a result around 200,000 civilians died and around two million were displaced.

The scale of the two situations might have differences that are not entirely obvious, but people were killed - there were ethnically motivated killings and we see them starting to happen again during this conflict, Magango tells Yahoo News.

The RSF, a predominantly Arab fighting force, has been accused of carrying out attacks on towns and villages against non-Arabs tribes in Darfur.

According to Human Rights Watch, a series of ethnically motivated attacks by the RSF and allied Arab militias against the non-Arab Masalit communities has seen hundreds killed and more than 300,000 displaced.

Magango says those involved in war crimes need to be held accountable and both sides need to be investigated by the authorities - including those who have command responsibilities.

There have also been horrifying allegations of women and girls being abducted, raped, forcibly married and held for ransom in areas controlled by the RSF.

Human Rights Watch says in almost all the instances reported, those responsible for the rapes also carried out beatings, killings, looting, or burning homes, businesses or government buildings.

People displaced by the conflict in Sudan walk along road as smoke billows in the distance during clashes in Wad Madani, the capital of al-Jazirah state, in December 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)

A CNN documentary, aired last month, exposed an RSF campaign to enslave women and men in the El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur. Those who spoke to CNN talked of women being forced to perform sex acts in exchange for food and water and men and women being traded as slaves by their captors.

"All Sudanese people have been directly or indirectly affected by the ongoing war but unfortunately its mainly women and children who are having to pay the consequences in these conflicts," says Adnan Hazem, of the International Committee of the Red Cross, to Yahoo News.

He says the civil war has impacted upon all elements of life in the country ranging from economic to transportation to education with many children simply unable to attend school.

As the UN started the process of winding down operations it made clear that it was not abandoning the Sudanese people and made a broad appeal for forces within the country to bolster efforts to bring the devastating conflict to an end.

There was also an attempt last month, brokered by the US and Saudi Arabia, to bring about a ceasefire. But it came unstuck when both sides of the conflict failed to pull back their forces.

For the long-suffering Sudanese the hope must be that in the year ahead its warring leaders, and the world, will find a solution to end their suffering.
The learning centre in Cikha (Image: Lisa Woodhouse)

A Burnley-based IT company has donated five reconditioned laptops and power packs to charity to create an instant virtual classroom in Myanmar.

Holker IT, based on the Network 65 Business Park, made the kind gestures to The Tekkatho Foundation, a charity close to the heart of team member, Fergal Murphy.

The laptops will be used as part of their Ready to Learn project in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

Fergal said: The Tekkatho Foundation was co-founded by my younger brother Paul who passed away earlier this year.

"His philosophy was education was the most important thing you could give a young person.

He developed an eLibrary which could work in areas where there was no access to the internet. He travelled to Myanmar and deployed them.

"I am very proud of what he did, and I try to help the charity whenever I can.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Celia Russell, trustee at the Tekkatho Foundation, said: The Tekkatho Foundation builds and implements learning hubs at schools, colleges and refugee camps in Myanmar.

"At the heart of each hub is a self-contained, off-grid digital library called MyLibrary.

This is how we plan to use the laptops that you have donated.

"We will take them to Myanmar and aim to allocate them to the Ready to Learn learning centre in Cikha in Chin State.

MyLibrary is a hard-wearing capsule containing a terabyte of educational content, a tiny server and router which can generate its own local area network and so operate completely offline without the need for internet connection or even mains electricity.

This means they can set up learning centres in places hundreds of miles from the nearest internet connection or phone signal.

Along with the MyLibraries, the charity provides laptops and tablets so teachers can create an instant virtual classroom.

The Tekkatho Foundation added: Our work is far from done, and a long line of institutions right across Myanmar have asked for our help.

The young people at these colleges and universities lack access to those resources that will help them open their minds to the power they have to transform their country.
Poster distributed in 2006 by Argentinean Federal Prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who was in charge of the 1994 Asociaion Mutual Israelita Argentina building bombing investigation. File Photo by Cezaro De Luca/EPA-EFE

Dec. 20 (UPI) -- An alleged member of Hezbollah is facing terrorism charges for allegedly helping plan a bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in 1994.

Samuel Salman El Reda, 58, allegedly had a role in leading "decades of terrorist activity," the U.S. Justice Department announced Wednesday in a news release. The bombing at the Asociaion Mutual Israelita Argentina building led to the deaths of 85 people.

Federal prosecutors have accused El Reda, a dual Columbian-Lebanese citizen, of relaying information to operatives of Hezbollah's Islamic Jihad Organization during the planning and execution of the attack. El Reda was previously implicated in a 2013 report by an Argentine prosecutor.

"In or about May 2009, El Reda instructed an IJO operative to travel to Thailand to help destroy a cache of ammonium nitrate and other explosive materials that the IJO believed was under law enforcement surveillance," the news release reads.

"In or about February 2011, El Reda instructed an IJO operative to travel to Panama to surveil the Panama Canal and Embassies maintained by the United States and Israel, and in or about January 2012, El Reda instructed an IJO operative to travel again to Panama to conduct additional pre-operational surveillance."

Hezbollah is a major political party in Lebanon with a militant component that is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, a significant ally of Israel. The group was borne from Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and seeks to defend Lebanon from what it views as continued Israeli aggression. Over the years, it has carried out attacks that have been largely condemned as terrorism against Israel, the United States and their allies -- including the 1994 bombing.

The announcement of the charges comes amid the recent war in Gaza between Israeli forces and Hamas, a militant and political group in Palestine. It was not clear if the timing of the charges against El Reda is related to the Gaza conflict in any way.

Story continues

"Nearly three decades ago, long-time Hezbollah terrorist operative Samuel Salman El Reda allegedly helped plan and execute the heinous attack on a Buenos Aires Jewish community center that murdered 85 innocent people and injured countless others," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen in a statement.

"This indictment serves as a message to those who engage in acts of terror: that the Justice Department's memory is long, and we will not relent in our efforts to bring them to justice."

The Justice Department news release announcing the charges was uncharacteristically long, dedicating its word count not to detailing the charges against El Reda, but describing the broader history of Hezbollah and its "numerous terrorist attacks" in vague detail.

A copy of the indictment, itself, also was light on details but said that El Reda allegedly had connections to Mohsen Rabbani, a prominent Shia cleric and Iranian diplomat who allegedly planned the attack, and Assad Ahmad Barakat, a Hezbollah financier.

The indictment also said that El Reda allegedly made calls from pay phones in Buenos Aires to a cellphone in the name of "Andre Marques" and was allegedly identified by IJO operative Mohammed Ghaleb Hamdar after his own arrest in Peru.

El Reda's charges include providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, among other charges.
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Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's aide elected WFI Chief; Ace wrestlers protest



Sanjay Singh, Head of the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Federation, defeated Anita Sheoran by 40 votes to 7. Read More

[Sanjay Singh with former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh (L) after the election victory.]

New Delhi: Sanjay Singh, close aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh who is accused of sexual harassment, has been elected the new President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), according to the election result announced Thursday.

Sanjay Singh, Head of the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Federation, defeated Anita Sheoran by 40 votes to 7.

'Govt betrayed us'

Sanjay Singhs election victory has angered ace wrestlers, including Olympic Medallist Sakshi Malik, who announced to quit wrestling.

Addressing a press conference after the WFI election result was announced, Sakshee Malik broke down while accusing the Modi government of betraying them.

"The government has betrayed us. We had demanded a woman to be chief of the federation so that the wrestlers will be safe. It however did not happen", she said.

"It's a pity that the committee does not have a single woman member", she said.

"If Brij Bhushan Singh's business partner and a close aide is elected as the President of WFI, I quit wrestling", she said holding her shoes in hand.

Watch Video

"...If Brij Bhushan Singh's business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I quit wrestling..." - Sakshi Malik, Wrestler.



Because BJP won't stop protecting accused Brij Bhushan Singh.



Women are not safe under BJP at all. pic.twitter.com/JRY3rMWOnA  Rohini Anand (@mrs_roh08) December 21, 2023

Commenting on the election result, wrestler Vinesh Phogat said:

"There are minimal expectations but we hope that we get justice. It's saddening that the future of wrestling is in the dark. To whom shall we convey our grief? We will continue our fight."



The International wrestling body United World Wrestling (UWW) had in August this year suspended Indias membership because of the delay in the WFI executive committee election.

The WFI is facing one controversy after another, following the accusations by top wrestlers of the country against former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is facing a number of charges including molestation and sexual harassment of wrestlers. The Delhi Police in its chargesheet filed against Singh said it has enough evidence to prosecute the high-profile BJP MP.

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Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Rich European Culture



According to political pundits, Giorgia Meloni is leading the most right wing government in Italy since World War II. Read More

[Giorgia Meloni in a file photo. (Image source: Social Media)

Rome: Giorgia Meloni is the first woman Prime Minister of Italy. 46-year-old Meloni started her political career when she was just 15 and joined the Youth Front, the youth wing of the Italian Social Movement (MSI) - a neo-fascist political party founded by former followers of Italian fascism in 1946.

Meloni has been a member of Chamber of Deputies, the Lower House of the Italian Parliament since 2006. She became Prime Minister of Italy after leading Brothers of Italy (FdI) political party to victory in the 2022 Italy elections .

According to political pundits, Meloni is leading the most right wing government in Italy since World War II. In her long political career however she has been in news most of the time for bad news.

Melonis rants against Islam

True to her record, Meloni hit the media headlines Sunday after the annual Atreju festival of Brothers of Italy (FdI)  the far-right, ultra-conservative and fascist party of which she is one of the founders and chief.

Addressing the festival, Meloni spewed venom against Islam, Islamic Sharia and Islamic values and culture. She was especially angry about the Islamic punishment for adultery, apostasy and homosexuality and boasted about the Rich European Culture.

Family Background

Meloni was born in January 1977 to Francesco Meloni a tax consultant and Anna Paratore. Francesco Meloni however abandoned the Italian Prime Mothers mother, left Italy and married another woman.

Francesco Meloni was later convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to nine years in a Spanish prison.

Possibly because of this she could not get formal education. In her election documents, Meloni claimed to have obtained a high school diploma in languages and journalism from lIstituto tecnico professionale di Stato Amerigo Vespucci. This created a huge controversy as the lIstituto tecnico professionale di Stato Amerigo Vespucci is a hospitality institute and not a foreign language high school and issues professional diplomas for job titles such as chef, waiter, entertainer, tour guide, hostess, depending on the course of studies chosen by the student.

Illicit Relationship

This despite the fact that she has been in a relationship without marriage with Andrea Giambruno  a journalist and TV host, with whom she also claims to have an out of wedlock girl child.

In her bio, Giorgia Meloni claims to be Roman Christian and a conservative, and a champion of "God, fatherland, and family". Despite her religious belief and calling herself a strong believer in family values, she never married her boyfriend. When questioned, she defended her illicit relationship.

Meloni is upset that Islam has strict punishment for adultery. But perhaps she has not been educated that in Christianity too adultery is considered not only a sin between an individual and God but as an injustice that reverberates through society by harming its fundamental unit, the family.

Two months ago, Meloni was in news when her boyfriend Andrea Giambruno, in a leaked video tape was seen proposing a female co-host for group sex. In the video, Andrea Giambruno appeared to grab his genitals while making the suggestive comments to the female colleague. Meloni announced break-up with him only after the leaked video sparked a huge outrage across Italy and elsewhere.

Meloni on LGBT, Same Sex Marriage

Meloni supports a naval blockade to halt immigration, and she has been accused of xenophobia and Islamophobia. The Italian Prime Minister, a proud Christian, true to her religious beliefs is against euthanasia, same-sex marriage, and LGBT parenting.

Meloni is also opposed to abortion. She is of the view that nuclear families are exclusively headed by male-female pairs. Her discourse includes femonationalist rhetoric and criticism of globalism.

As per the Christian belief too these practices are against the religion. But they are also part of the Western and European Culture which leads to the births of bastards and illegitimate children who are then recruited in the so called terror organisations like ISIS and other private militias.

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Modi govt passes key Bills after 146 MPs suspended from Parliament



The Narendra Modi government passed important Bills even as 146 MPs  both from Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, were suspended for what is claimed disrupting the Parliament proceedings. Read More

New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government passed important Bills even as 146 MPs  both from Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, were suspended for what is claimed disrupting the Parliament proceedings.

The Lok Sabha had on Wednesday December 20, 2023 passed the three Bills, introduced on the last day of the 2023 Monsoon Session , to replace the existing criminal laws - the Indian Penal Code (IPC) formed in 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code, formed in 1898 and the Indian Evidence Act, formed in 1872.

The Bill to replace these three laws passed by the Lok Sabha Wednesday are Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill that will respectively replace IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act.

Another important Bill that was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and by the Rajya Sabha today was the Telecommunications Bill 2023.

The Narendra Modi government through the newly passed Telecom Bill seeks to temporarily take control of telecom services in what it said "the interest of national security", and provide a non-auction route for the allocation of satellite spectrum.

The provision in this Bill says that spectrum will be given through auction only except for a narrowly defined category of Schedule 1 which has 19 items, which deal with public utility and such spectrum that cannot be auctioned because of technical reasons, Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. A significant spectrum reform is being brought which will pull the telecom sector out from the dark ages of corruption and scams like the 2G. Those responsible must answer how they made a pious resource a medium of their corruption, he added.

Another important Bill passed by the Lok Sabha Thursday is Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. This Bill was earlier approved by the Rajya Sabha amidst the walkout by the opposition members.

The bill aims to establish procedures for the appointment of the three members of the Election Commission of India (ECI) . It directly conflicts with the Supreme Court's direction that the Election Commission should be selected by a panel comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

The Lok Sabha on Thursday also passed Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 by a voice vote. The Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha in August this year during the Monsoon Session.

The Congress and other Opposition parties had earlier alleged that the government's intention behind the suspension of MPs in such a large number is to pass the key Bills without debate. After passing the Bill in the Winter Session, the Parliament was adjourned sine die a day before the schedule.

The Bills were passed today and yesterday as the Opposition benches were almost empty as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats in the last ten days have suspended 146 MPs  all from different Opposition parties.

As many as 14 MPs were suspended on December 14, 78 MPs were banned from the Parliament on Monday December 18, 49 met the similar fate Tuesday December 19 and 05 on Thursday 21, 2023.

The MPs were suspended from the two houses of the Indian Parliament for questioning lapses in the security of the Parliament. Ironically, the suspended MPs have also been barred from entering the Parliament lobby, chamber and galleries.

The Opposition parties protest came following the serious security breach of the Parliament on December 13 when two men armed with gas canisters entered the Lok Sabha and hurled yellow smoke on the MPs.

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Australia rebuffs U.S. request for warship in Red Sea

Xinhua) 14:09, December 21, 2023

CANBERRA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has announced that it will not send a warship to the Red Sea but will deploy additional troops to the region.

Richard Marles, the minister for defence, on Thursday said the Australian government had denied a request from the United States for military hardware to help protect shipping lanes in the Red Sea following attacks from Yemen's Houthi militia on commercial vessels in the area.

Instead, he said that additional Australian Defence Force (ADF) officers would be deployed to the Combined Maritime Force (CMF) headquarters in Bahrain in 2024.

"We won't be sending a ship or a plane," Marles told Sky News Australia television.

There are currently five ADF personnel based at CMF headquarters. Under Operation Manitou Australia had previously committed to sending five more officers to promote maritime security and stability.

Marles said on Thursday that another six would now also be deployed under the U.S-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, taking the total contribution to 16 officers.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Korea will enhance monitoring of the impact of simmering tensions in the Red Sea over a wave of attacks on vessels and support corporate logistics costs, the finance ministry said Thursday.

Recently, Houthi militants in Yemen have conducted a series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea in support of the Hamas group over its war with Israel in Gaza.

The attacks have not caused major impacts on Korean exporters and importers, and no energy shipment disruptions have been reported, though some shipping companies have been forced to use alternative routes, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

"The incident is feared to disrupt global supply chains and sharply raise global shipping rates and oil prices. Ministries concerned will enhance monitoring and closely communicate with companies," First Vice Finance Minister Kim Byoung-hwan said.

The government will push to support logistics costs, if needed, through export voucher programs in an effort to prevent the geopolitical risks from negatively affecting recovering exports and the broader economy, he added.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most crucial maritime trade routes.

The Houthi rebels are believed to be backed by Iran, according to foreign media reports, and the attacks have raised fears that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate into a wider regional conflict. (Yonhap)
HA NOI  The steel industry recovered strongly in both production and consumption outputs and selling prices in November. That showed positive signs for the industry to regain growth momentum after the gloomy period, according to insiders.

Data from the Viet Nam Steel Association (VSA) revealed that steel manufacturing output in November totalled nearly 2.5 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 34 per cent. Steel consumption topped over 2.5 million tonnes, up 30 per cent year-on-year.

After two months remaining stable, domestic steel prices recorded three sessions of increase in November, especially in the North. The strongest price hike in the month was VN410 per kilo at the session on November 22. Thanks to increases, selling prices of Hoa Phat and VAS-branded steel exceeded VN14,000 per kilo.

In November, the country's steel exports hit 7.4 million tonnes, surging 29 per cent over the same month last year with main export markets including ASEAN, the EU, the US, India and Taiwan (China), the association said.

In the steel industry outlook report released on December 13, Vietcombank Securities (VCBS) said the recent recovery in global steel prices was mainly thanks to short-term expectations from the Chinese government's policy packages and high input material prices.

VCBS forecast that global bar steel prices would likely remain at VN14-15 million per tonne until the end of the first half of 2024, before subsequent price increases.

According to VCBS, the global increasing demand would push up Viet Nam's steel industry. The World Steel Association predicted the world's steel consumption demand would see a slight growth of 2 per cent by the year-end and continue to grow by 1.9 per cent in 2024. In particular, significant recovery would be seen in European countries, Asia and America.

The gradual recovery of the domestic real estate industry would also lay a foundation for steel industry demand in 2024, the company said, adding that the State's revised policies had gradually removed difficulties for the property sector which accounted for 60 per cent of local steel demand.

The number of under-way property projects showed growth in the North and recovery in the South. That would help demand for construction materials recover in the coming quarters, it said.

VCBS estimated that total construction steel consumption in 2023 would decrease by about 15 per cent before surging by 11 per cent in 2024 and the driving force for next year's growth would largely come from the recovery of the civil construction market.

Director of Mercantile Exchange of Viet Nam Pham Quang Anh said he believed that concerted efforts of the Government to promote the disbursement of public capital would stimulate demand and step up domestic business and production activities. With robust signs from the realty and construction sectors, the steel market would recover soon, he said.

Meanwhile, VNDirect Securities Corporation said that the steel industry would boom in 2024 as the adoption of the amended Land Law would help remove financial bottlenecks for house buyers, throwing a charge into the real estate market.

According to the VSA, although public investment and the realty market were heating up, which would boost steel demand for the remainder of the year, it was not until Q1 of 2024 that the steel market would see a strong recovery.  VNS
HA NOI  The recovery of industrial production and trade has contributed significantly to promoting Viet Nams socio-economic development in the context of the global slowdown this year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Reporting on the industry and trade achievements at the ministrys conference on Wednesday, Deputy Miniter Phan Thi Thang said that the added value of the industry sector is estimated to increase by 2.98 per cent for the full year, in which the processing and manufacturing industry jumps by 3.48 per cent.

Localities have made efforts to overcome difficulties and gradually restore production. Key industrial production localities have maintained positive upward momentum, such as Ba Ria  Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Vinh Phuc, Vinh Long, Quang Ninh and HCM City, she said.

Notably, exports are a spotlight in the context of the global slowdown.

The total import and export value is estimated to total US$683 billion. Viet Nam has run a trade surplus for eight years in a row, estimated at a record high of nearly $30 billion this year, nearly three times higher than in 2022. This contributes positively to ensuring payment balance, increasing foreign exchange reserves, stabilising exchange rates and other macroeconomic indicators, she said.

In the context of a global slowdown and declining global aggregate demand, Viet Nams export has not yet recovered to the previous years levels, but the drops are narrowing down significantly.

Domestic trade also saw recovery, with the total retail sales of goods and services increasing by 9.6 per cent, higher than the target set at 8-9 per cent.

Still, there are limitations, including lower-than-expected growth of the manufacturing and processing industry, which was the growth momentum in previous years.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha applauded the industry and trade achievements in a challenging context from rising global uncertainties and unpredictable world developments, which insert multi-dimensional impacts on the countrys socio-economic development.

Ha asked the ministry to identify challenges and difficulties to raise solutions towards achieving the Governments goals for 2024.

In response, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien asks the focus to be on promoting innovations and improving institutional reforms.

The ministry will complete plans to implement national planning on energy and minerals and improve the legal framework to facilitate production and business and improve national competitiveness.

The restructuring of the industry and trade sector must also be enhanced in line with the transformation of growth model which is driven by science and technology and increasing productivity, competitiveness and resilience of the economy. Pilot mechanisms for emerging sectors and new business models will be developed to create new growth drivers for the economy.

Dien also said that international integration would be promoted to attract the new wave of foreign investment flow triggered by the global production shift of multinational enterprises to diversify supply chains and avoid disruptions. Priorities would be given to high-tech sectors such as chip production, renewable energy, digital infrastructure and new materials.

Support will be provided to enterprises to enhance linkage with FDI companies and to effectively take advantage of the free trade agreements to diversify markets, supply chains and promote exports.

The ministry will focus on renovating trade promotions, encouraging the combination of traditional trade and e-commerce and digital economy to exploit the largely untapped potential of the domestic market.

Viet Nam will continue to actively negotiate trade agreements with potential partners in Africa, South Asia and West Asia and South America to create new momentum for trade and investment cooperation.

Close watch would be placed on market developments to have timely and appropriate management measures and protect domestic production, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  In a bid to awaken Viet Nam's dormant potential in the global Halal market, experts emphasised the crucial role of standards and certifications during a symposium held on Wednesday in Ha Noi.

Discussions focused on the importance of standardisation in boosting Viet Nam's sustainable participation in the global Halal market.

Ha Minh Hiep, acting Director General of the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality of Vietnam (STAMEQ) said the Vietnamese government, recognising the significance of the Halal market, aims to integrate into the economies of Muslim-majority nations.

On February 14, 2023, the Vietnamese Prime Minister issued the initiative "Enhancing International Cooperation to Build and Develop Vietnam's Halal Industry by 2030". Institutions like STAMEQ and Vietnam Certification Centre (QUACERT) are actively developing Halal standards for Viet Nam, collaborating with international partners, notably Malaysia, to ensure global recognition of Halal certifications issued by Vietnamese authorities. This recognition is pivotal for domestic manufacturers and exporters seeking to tap into the burgeoning global Halal market.

Halal certification, a voluntary system, assures Muslim consumers that a product or service meets halal standards. Independent bodies inspect, audit and verify sources, ingredients, processes, and facilities. This certification also includes labeling and marketing with a recognisable halal logo or symbol.

The Halal market is viewed as a potential goldmine for Viet Nam's burgeoning Halal industry. With over 1.9 billion Muslims globally, the Halal economy is predicted to reach US$5 trillion by 2030, according to research by Frost & Sullivan. In 2023 alone, the global Halal food market surged to $1.5 trillion, boasting a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4 per cent. The projections estimate a growth trajectory to $2.58 trillion by 2027.

According to Professor Dr. inh Cong Hoang from the Institute of African and Middle Eastern Studies, Halal, denoting what is permissible in Islam, extends beyond just food and beverages. The Halal trend encompasses healthcare, cosmetics, tourism and fashion. This ethical and transparent movement is having substantial impacts on global consumer behaviour.

Leveraging Viet Nam's geographical proximity to Halal markets, abundant Halal-friendly commodities, and active participation in pivotal regional economic networks, notably through engagement in new-generation free trade agreements, Hoang believes Viet Nam can swiftly expand its exports in this overlooked market.

However, he also pointed out some challenges including limited awareness and understanding of Halal among the Vietnamese population and businesses, coupled with the complex and non-harmonised Halal certification process. The high costs associated with meeting global Halal supply chain standards, including specialised equipment and sourcing safe ingredients, also hinder Viet Nam's businesses.

Hoang proposes the establishment of a comprehensive ecosystem covering production, services, logistics, finance, and infrastructure, including Halal industrial zones and research and development facilities. He also advocates for economic diplomacy with Muslim-majority countries, exploring free trade agreements (FTA) with potential Halal markets and leveraging regional agreements (AfCFTA, OIC, GCC).

Additionally, he recommends establishing a national Halal management agency, enhancing standardisation efforts, and fostering international cooperation.

Datos Tan Yang Thai, Malaysia's Ambassador to Viet Nam, acknowledges the challenge of understanding the Halal concept in a non-Muslim country like Viet Nam. He emphasised that the Halal industry, while rooted in religious practice, should also be viewed through a hygienic lens, aligning with the "halalan-toyibban" practice for wholesome and safe products.

For Malaysia, halal cooperation is one of the significant areas of collaboration and in line with the Plan of Action under Malaysia-Viet Nam Strategic Partnership thus we are ready to support and render our assistance to the Vietnamese businesses or officials in developing the halal industry here, the Malaysian ambassador said.

To facilitate businesses in accessing precise information on market-specific Halal standards and certification requirements, STAMEQ will soon establish the National Halal Certification Centre. This official agency will provide certification services, offer training on Halal standards for Vietnamese organisations, and engage in international cooperation activities in the Halal sector.

Furthermore, this authority under the Ministry of Science and Technology is actively researching and refining a set of national Halal standards in alignment with international and regional regulations. This standardised system aims to empower Vietnamese businesses by providing information on regulatory requirements for Halal markets and products.

Viet Nam has already issued five national TCVN standards in the Halal field, encompassing general requirements, good agricultural practices, animal feed, food processing, and conformity assessment. These standards harmonise with globally recognised benchmarks, including CODEX CXG 24-1997, Malaysian Standard MS 1500:2019, GSO 2215:2012, and UAE.S 2055 -1:2015.

The symposim also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between QUACERT and the Institute of African and Middle Eastern Studies. This agreement aims to foster knowledge development, standard creation, and certification services, fostering international cooperation on Halal. The collaboration spans strategic research, national quality infrastructure development, knowledge dissemination, training, conferences, seminars, market connection programs, and international cooperation initiatives in the Halal industry.  VNS
HA NOI  In light of a resource shortage for Ha Noi's development, economic experts are calling for the implementation of specialised mechanisms to revolutionise the mobilisation of funds beyond the budgetary constraints.

Vu inh Anh, an economist, said there is a stark limitation in the capital city's financial capabilities. The department estimated the city's current revenue stands at VN352.9 trillion, with only a fraction of this amount, over VN99 trillion, being allocated to the local budget. A mere VN36.5 trillion was exclusively designated for the local budget. At the same time, over VN62.6 trillion was funnelled into the central budget, retaining a meagre 32 per cent, in comparison to HCM City, the largest city in southern Viet Nam, at 21 per cent.

The projected balanced local budget for 2023 paints a grim picture for Ha Noi, totalling a mere VN99.9 trillion, including VN728.7 billion in surplus from the local budget. This was dwarfed by HCM City's equivalent estimate, surpassing Ha Noi's by more than ten times at VN9,316 billion.

The supplementary budget estimate from the central budget for the capital city in 2023 stands at a paltry VN5,170 billion, representing just a third of HCM City at VN15,606 billion.

"The financial policy mechanisms and resources allocated to the capital are limited, far below the city's development needs under normal conditions, not to mention the implementation of Ha Noi's planning until 2030 with a vision until 2050. Even compared to the special preferential mechanisms and policies for HCM City stipulated in Resolution 98/2023/QH15, the mechanisms and policies for the capital city are disproportionately low," he said.

The amended Draft Capital Law offers provisions in Chapter IV, from Article 37 to Article 45, addressing the need to attract investment resources for the capital city's multifaceted development. These provisions underscore the importance of decentralisation in investment, streamlining investment procedures, and introducing incentive measures to attract social and state budget investments. The focus is on optimising land use and assets to align with the city's vision of becoming a green, smart, and modern city.

Implementation of these regulations is seen as a crucial step in translating the development policies for the capital city into actionable initiatives. The proposed measures draw inspiration from successfully implemented schemes in central Khanh Hoa City and HCM City, involving strategies such as separating compensation and clearance projects, promoting public-private partnerships, and embracing build-transfer (BT) models and strategic investments.

Financial autonomy

Dr Le Duy Binh, CEO of Economica Vietnam, expressed optimism regarding the impact of proposed decentralisation and empowerment regulations on Ha Noi's investment capital and budget. He said these measures, if adopted, would not only comply with existing regulations but also help the city assume a proactive approach, unlocking the city's untapped potential.

A recent survey has revealed a broad consensus among economic experts regarding the draft's content related to financial resources and their utilisation in the capital city. The emphasis is on Ha Noi uniqueness, advantages, and alignment with relevant legal provisions.

Nguyen Si Dung, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Office, recommended adopting a complementary model for Ha Noi, where areas and tasks within the city's capabilities are delegated to the local authorities for execution. This model envisions the city independently managing responsibilities such as economic development, culture, education, health, planning, and licensing without seeking higher-level approvals, thereby enhancing efficiency and saving time.

"The decentralisation of administrative power must go hand in hand with financial decentralisation. This means empowering Ha Noi to have its own sources of revenue. In addition, with the allocated resources from the Central Government, there is a need to increase the right to self-manage by deciding how to spend it, which is the responsibility of the Ha Noi government," Dung said.

Anh said that the state budget serves as a catalyst for resources outside the budget, encompassing both domestic and foreign investments. To mobilise diverse resources effectively, the city must implement unique mechanisms to attract investments from domestic and foreign investors, which involves coordinating state budgets and off-budget resources.

Despite being the only locality in the country with its unique laws, Ha Noi has been facing challenges in the specificity of current regulations. He suggested that to take advantage of the Capital Law successfully, it is imperative to issue decrees related to finance, taxes, or specific issues such as sidewalk use fees.

NA Deputy o Thi Lan advocates for the utilisation of the city's surplus salary reform fund, earmarking it for infrastructure investment and ensuring a capped increase in income for officials and civil servants, which must not exceed 0.8 times the country's basic salary, in line with the current salary reform policies.

NA Deputy oan Quang Ninh said there is a need for alignment between draft law regulations and existing resolutions, emphasising a cohesive approach to salary reform. The delegate underscores the urgency of crafting specific policies for the capital city to ensure immediate income increases for officials and civil servants during the formulation of the salary reform policy.  VNS
HA NOI  Three cooperation agreements were inked between businesses from Viet Nam and Yunnan province (China) during a conference on trade promotion and economic cooperation in Ha Noi on Wednesday.

Under the agreements, these firms would foster their cooperation in the field of farm produce and food.

During the event, the two countries' businesses also learned more about each other's import and export needs, identified potential partners, and then built appropriate production and business plans.

In his speech at the event, the deputy head of the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency Le Hoang Tai said that Viet Nam's participation in new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs) created favourable legal frameworks for its economic and trade ties with countries worldwide to grow further.

He cited statistics by the General Department of Customs showing that trade between Viet Nam and the neighbouring country reached US$175.6 billion last year, an increase of 5.5 per cent from 2021. Over the past 11 months of 2023, the bilateral trade was estimated at $155.8 billion, and the whole years value was expected to be equal to that of 2022.

However, he noted that economic and trade relations between Viet Nam and Yunnan had yet to match the potential of both sides, as two-way trade stood at only $3.2 billion last year, and $2.2 billion over the past 10 months of this year.

According to the Yunnan Department of Commerce, Yunnan mainly exports coking coal, fertiliser, electricity, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals and agricultural products to Viet Nam, while importing yellow phosphorus, tropical fruits, wood products, peeled boards, medicinal herbs, fresh cassava, cassava starch, and agro-aquatic products from the Southeast Asian nation.  VNS
HCM City  Viet Nam, with its abundant young labour force and strategic location, is playing a central role in driving growth in the Asia region, said the Governor of Japans Hyogo Prefecture.

Speaking at the Green Economy - Opportunity and Cooperation forum on Wednesday in HCM City, Motohiko Saito said the important partnership between Viet Nam and Japan has laid the foundation for connecting HCM City and Hyogo Prefecture over the years.

Saito said that Japan had high expectations for Viet Nams growth potential and green economy, particularly those in Hyogo Prefecture.

He attributed the expectations to the Southeast Asian nations recovery from the pandemic, along with a growth rate of over 5 per cent per year and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Hyogo Prefecture is home to a number of companies working on advanced technology to achieve similar goals such as addressing climate change, promoting green energy, and digital transformation, according to the governor.

Nguyen Van Dung, vice chairman of the city Peoples Committee, said Viet Nam had seen over 5,200 investment projects from Japan, with bilateral trade between the two countries reaching over US$40 billion as of November 2023.

Japan was currently the fifth largest trading partner and the third largest investor in HCM City, with 1,657 Japanese projects worth over $5.7 billion, which accounts for 10 per cent of the citys total foreign investment.

The city wanted to attract foreign investors, especially those from Japan, and improve the investment and business environment, particularly with a focus on green growth strategies.

The city was implementing a National Assembly resolution on piloting certain mechanisms and policies specific to its development that provide favourable conditions for fulfilling commitments with foreign investors.

Tran Van Bich, head of the economic development research department at the HCM City Institute for Economic Development Research, said HCM City had over the years focused on green economy development.

The city was prioritising integrating green growth into various sectors to reduce emissions, utilise resources efficiently, and promote resilience to climate change and natural disasters, he added.

During a follow-up meeting with the governor of Japans Hyogo Prefecture, Phan Van Mai, chairman of HCM City Peoples Committee, said Saitos visit took place after Viet Nam and Japan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, which would open up more cooperation opportunities for the two localities.

He called on Hyogo firms to invest in the citys many fields, such as banking, finance, tourism, trade, agriculture, electronics, semiconductors and new materials.

Saito said many Hyogo businesses also wanted to invest in the fields of human resource training, high added value production, and exchanges between residents, especially youths.

Investment in HCM City also offers an opportunity for Hyogos businesses, to invest in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region of Viet Nam, according to Saito.

The forum was organised by the HCM City Investment and Trade Promotion Center in collaboration with the Hyogo Prefecture Government.  VNS
By Lee Kyung-min

A plan by 18 local commercial lenders providing a combined 1.6 trillion won ($1.2 billion) in financial aid to small businesses and self-employed people is facing efficacy and eligibility requirement concerns, market watchers said Thursday.

Up to 3 million won in paid interest will be returned to only about 1.87 million solid-credit small merchants who borrowed from commercial lenders. Excluded are their low-credit counterparts who borrowed from savings banks and credit card firms among higher-interest charging lenders. More problematic is the blanket move granting the cash assistance irrespective of recipients income levels, a serious cause for concern over moral hazard.

Equally troubling is the measure setting an unsustainable precedent whereby commercial lenders are essentially extorted to provide aid packages at the expense of compromising fiduciary duty to bolster shareholder returns.

Experts say foreign investors will consider the development a major risk to their investment outlook, with shareholders taking the full brunt of the government-amplified uncertainty in the form of low valuation of and dividends from their stocks.

The package was announced during a meeting presided over by Financial Services Commission Chairman (FSC) Kim Joo-hyun and Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Governor Lee Bok-hyun.

Strong-arming?

It is strong-arming justified by public frustration, an industry official said on condition of anonymity.

The countrys commercial lenders have registered record-breaking net incomes over the past few years, as underpinned by rapid monetary tightening from years of expansionary monetary policy that stayed in place to offset economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) data showed the local banks net interest income averaged 42.5 trillion won between 2018 and 2022. The figure for the first six months of this year came to 28.5 trillion won.

The countrys top five banks net interest income stood at 36.2 trillion won last year, up 36 percent from two years ago. Their employee salary averaged over 110 million won last year, up 11.8 percent from two years ago.

Notwithstanding the hefty profits, the official said, Korea should be governed by market-oriented principles.

True, the interest burden spiked over the past few years, straining financial conditions of many. But demonizing banks to make them seem the root of every evil is not the way to do it," he said.



After all, banks are out there to make money like everybody else. Profits made in the process are given back to shareholders, he added.

Foreign investors have bought financial group shares expecting higher returns. If forced social contribution of this sort occurs, they will seek a source of investment elsewhere.

Korea Federation of Banks Chairman Cho Yong-byoung said the assistance will be provided at the earliest possible date.

Kim and Lee said they appreciated the banks efforts to share the burden facing many small businesses.
BAC GIANG  Bac Giang Province is committed to improving vocational training quality to meet the human resources needs of production businesses operating in the locality.

According to Le Anh Duong, chairman of Bac Giang Provincial People's Committee, the province develops human resources based on the needs of the labour market and focuses on improving the quality of the labour pool for industrial production, high-tech agriculture, tourism and services.

Bac Giang targets increasing the rate of trained workers to 80 per cent by 2025. The province has 50 vocational education and training facilities, including at least four colleges. The annual enrolment at vocational education and training facilities in the province reaches over 31,000 students.

The rate of trained workers with diplomas and certificates has reached 32 per cent, exceeding the target.

Of which, Viet Nam - Korea Industrial Vocational College and Bac Giang Industrial Technical College are high quality schools, supplying trained students for many industries.

Bac Giang also focuses on improving the effectiveness of state management of vocational education, linking vocational education with the labour and job markets; and developing policies on vocational education.

In addition, it standardises conditions to ensure quality in vocational education in accordance with national vocational skills standards; and promotes socialisation for vocational education.

Duong said in order to improve the quality of human resources to meet the requirements of businesses, Bac Giang will strengthen coordination between all administration levels and sectors and businesses in vocational training activities and encourage businesses to invest in building schools and vocational training centres for industrial parks and clusters.

The province is also interested in promoting the development of human resources for the science and technology sector and developing the innovation and startup movement.

From 2021 to the end of June 2023, the vocational education facilities in the province have trained about 72,700 workers, or 84.4 per cent of the plan for the 2021-23 period.

By the end of 2023, about 86,800 students are likely to be enrolled, slightly higher than the figure in the plan for the 2021-23 period.

A number of vocational education facilities in Bac Giang, such as Viet Nam - Korea College of Technology, College of Industrial Technology, and Bac Giang Mountain College, have actively promoted cooperation with businesses in developing career training programmes, such as high-quality training and re-training programmes; training courses for workers according to demand of businesses; and internships at enterprises.

As a result, 85 per cent of students have jobs after graduating from vocational education facilities, and 92-95 per cent of them work at suitable positions and meet the requirements of the businesses.

For example, there is a training cooperation model based on business needs between the College of Industrial Technology with Bac Giang-based Newing Interconnect Technology Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Foxcom Group in Viet Nam, to provide vocational training courses based on position and employment at the business.

Each year, the company financially supports about 300 students with estimated tuition fees worth VN1.7 billion (US$708,500). A student will spend half their hours studying at school and the rest in practice at the company. After the training course, the students have the opportunity to work at the company.

Another training cooperation model is implemented at the Vietnam-Korea College of Technology in Bac Giang. This college has signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Korean Hana Micron Vina Company to provide opportunities to study at the college and work at the company at the same time.

In addition, the vocational education facilities have also cooperated with businesses in participating in scientific research projects and applying new technology to vocational education activities to improve training quality.

Tran Thi Quynh Oanh, head of the Department of Electrical and Automation, Bac Giang College of Industrial Techniques, said: "Those programmes have brought benefits for all three parties: college, student and company. The businesses can get qualified students without having to retrain. Meanwhile, teachers and students also have been updated on new technology that the businesses regularly change."

Recently, Bac Giang province has introduced policies to attract overseas Vietnamese, especially Bac Giang people, to come back to support the socio-economic development of this province and Viet Nam.

The province needs cooperation and investment in vocational training, and the transfer of global advanced technology and techniques.  VNS
By Le Huong*

Viet Nam is a country rich in traditions and steeped in history.

In Ha Noi, people are especially proud of the many achievements made over the years.

The capital is blessed with numerous museums that are the best places to learn and fully understand the country.

Vietnamese Womens Museum and Vietnam Military History Museum are among the most highly recommended by travel sites and local guides.

Located right in the heart of Ha Noi, the Women's Museum showcases thousands of exhibits featuring the crucial role of women in Viet Nams society.

Whether street vendors, businesswomen, or national leaders, they are the heroines of the country.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Director of the Vietnam Womens Museum, said after the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum has spared no efforts to attract more visitors.

Our museum has diversified activities like hosting events that attract many people and make our museum much more accessible, she told Viet Nam News.

She said the museum would not stop there.

The museum belongs to Vietnam Womens Association, female leaders of which have many stories to tell about the history and present days, she said. Such examples should be spread widely to educate young people.

These historical establishments are a must-see for international visitors.

Ferda Seyhan, a visitor from Turkey, said she had been to the museum twice.

I know about this museum from social media, she said. I want to see the women in Vietnam, how they achieve all this success at war, at science, and other platforms.

The women from Viet Nam, I can see they are creative, their passion in every area of life, theyre trying to make the life better for their children and their nation, she said. That is why I am impressed a lot.

Howard Backer from the US shared the same opinion.

I think its a very unique, unusual museum because it shows all the different aspects of not only a womans life but also the accomplishment of their role in Vietnamese society, he said.

What attracts me the most is that there is a very strong matriarchal lineage in Vietnamese society in the past and it is still in power in the current day. Women are encouraged to play very important roles not just in their families but in all professional areas in Viet Nam.

He said that was his first time in Viet Nam.

The only thing I knew growing up is Im old enough that I was of the age where people had to come to fight Viet Nam, and I was in university at that time so I was among the people who protested the war, he said.

I was very interested in the womens role during that war because we never knew about that in the US.

Viet Nam has a long history of bloody struggles with enemy forces.

Vietnam Military History Museum, which is located just a few minutes away from the Old Quarter, is a treasure trove of knowledge.

The museum is home to nearly 16,000 objects including four National treasures.

Many tourists make sure they stop by on their visit.

Cameron Bennett, an Australian tourist, noted that there are a lot of American aircraft that were involved here as well.

I still feel like people are still healing from the war, and it's going to take a long time for them to heal, regardless, he said. But I think the Vietnamese people are doing very well about it. They're a lot more open about it than I thought, to talk. I think it's a slow process, but it's going well.

Jessica Hoey, another Australian tourist, said: It was very impressive, the number of artefacts that are here, the different types of weapons and aircraft, it's really good to see them in person to get a sense of the scale of everything.

It's really interesting to read all of the information about the different types of defences that were used in the Viet Nam War, and also to chat with people who are here to ask about their experiences, she said.

Vietnamese visitor Nguyen Thai Binh highly appreciated the documents and exhibits at the museum, which reflect Vietnamese peoples struggles.

Here I can see that our ancestors have sacrificed a lot to gain independence for the country, he said.

Even tour guides have made the museum tour more interesting.

Ha Minh Triet, a tour guide, said he always takes tourists here and tells them about the wars, fights, strategies, and things involving that.

Tourists like history a lot, especially the ones who bought this tour, he said. This is a chance for me to learn more about history so that I can share with tourists. After each tour, I understood even more and also improved my English capability. When tourists show their interest in my stories, I feel very excited.

The museum has spared no efforts to spread knowledge.

Senior Colonel inh Xuan Hoa, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Military History Museum, said that since 2014, the museum has utilised guide technology. They have made six 3D films with 360-degree vision so that visitors can react to relics and exhibits.

We have a website established in 2008 to introduce the museums activities and the whole system of military museums in the country, he said. The website also publishes information on other national museums.

These museums, like the many across the capital, can take you on a journey into the countrys past.

They are perfect places to learn more about Viet Nams rich and diverse history. VNS

(with additional interview by Nhat Hong)
HA NOI  Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on Wednesday asked the Central Public Security Party Committee to continue to ensure national security and territorial sovereignty, as well as have more effective measures in crime prevention and control.

He made the statement while attending the Central Public Security Party Committees conference in Ha Noi.

The conference aimed to evaluate the units results in implementing political tasks this year and set directions for next year.

At the conference, Party General Secretary Trong and other national leaders highly appreciated the efforts, exemplary and leadership spirit and achieved results of the Central Public Security Party Committee as well as the Ministry of Public Security.

He emphasised that the public security sector was a united, proactive and creative unit.

It has always closely followed assigned political tasks and practical situations, and promotes its responsibility in leadership.

The sector has shown many outstanding results, demonstrating the highest ability to the Party, State and the people.

Party General Secretary Trong asked the Central Public Security Party Committee to research in a basic, systematic and positive way to propose solutions and policies on socio-economic development and expand the countrys foreign relations.

Discussing at the conference, representatives unanimously assessed that this year, the Central Public Security Party Committee effectively fulfilled its planned work.

It maintains the strategic initiative, an environment of peace, stability, security and social safety.

It also successfully serves economic and social development, international integration, building and protecting the nation.

The unit has advised the Party and State on many important policies and solutions to maintain political security, social order, and safety, building a truly clean and strong People's Police force.

The Central Public Security Party Committee leads and directs the police force to complete its goals and tasks.

It strengthens internal political and information security, socio-economic development, religion and cyber security.

It also directs solutions to prevent and combat crime, and create positive changes in social order and safety.

The Central Public Security Party Committee and the Ministry of Public Security have coordinated closely with other agencies in their work, achieving many new advances in the investigation and discovery of many complicated cases.

It maintains traffic safety, fire prevention, fighting and rescue, and many important results to better serve the people.

In the fields of judicial support and criminal judgment enforcement in the community, calling for all people to protect national security, administrative reform, foreign affairs and international cooperation, logistics and technology, the unit has outstanding changes, quickly meeting the needs of practical requirements in the new situation.

The People's Public Security force is truly clean, strong, elite, modern, and worthy of being an important force.

The representatives agreed with the sectors directions and key tasks for next year.

The plan has three groups of goals, eight groups of tasks and three key solutions with high determination, great efforts, and drastic actions to complete its tasks.  VNS
NEW YORK  Viet Nam calls for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, the unconditional release of hostages, and an end to hostile actions and violence in the escalating conflict between Hamas forces and Israel, said Deputy Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa.

Thoa made the urgent call while addressing a debate on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip within the framework of the 10th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly from December 15-18, and December 20 in New York.

The Vietnamese diplomat expressed deep concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and her sympathy for the losses and casualties of innocent people.

She called on all parties to protect civilians in line with international law, stressing that Viet Nam strongly condemns attacks targeting civilians and essential civilian infrastructure.

Thoa announced the Vietnamese Governments decision to donate US$500,000 to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA) in a bid to support the UN's efforts in Gaza, saying that sustainable peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive solution based on international law and relevant resolutions of the UN.

Previously, on December 12, the UNGA adopted the resolution Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations, which calls for an immediate, sustained humanitarian truce leading to cessation of hostilities between Israel, Hamas, the unconditional release of hostages, and ensuring humanitarian access. It also reiterates the call for all parties to adhere to international law and international humanitarian law, and protect civilians.  VNS
HA NOI  President Vo Van Thuong ordered K3 Special Reconnaissance Brigade under the Ministry of National Defence to continue promoting the heroic tradition of the national defence intelligence and the brigade, proactively overcoming difficulties, demonstrating absolute loyalty to the Party, fatherland and people, and being ready to accept and successfully complete tasks in every situation.

Thuong made the order when he visited the brigade on Thursday morning on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of the founding of the Viet Nam People's Army (December 22, 1944  December 22, 2023) and the 34th anniversary of the National Defence Festival (December 22, 1989 - December 22, 2023).

He highly appreciated the achievements of the brigade in recent years, especially training activities for combat readiness.

The brigade is one of the major units in the combat formation of the national defence intelligence, he said.

According to Thuong, in more than 27 years since its establishment, the brigade had always been an elite and steadfast fighting force of the national defence intelligence, achieving many outstanding victories, a unit worthy of being awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces in the renewal period by the Party and State.

Officers and soldiers of the brigade always strived to overcome difficulties and hardships, successfully complete all assigned tasks, make many achievements in carrying out political tasks, and contribute to building the army, strengthening the national defence, protecting the fatherland, and building the tradition of "Loyalty - Trust - Good fighting - Determined to win" of the ministry of national defence.

He also told the brigade to further enhance training and combat readiness so that soldiers would have truly elite tactical and professional expertise, independent combat ability and high fighting power.

He believed that the officers and soldiers of the brigade, together with the entire national defence intelligence sector, would better serve the cause of building and protecting the fatherland in the new situation, as well as continue to deserve to be a particularly trustworthy and absolutely loyal force of the Party, State, army and people.

On this occasion, he also wished the officers and soldiers of the brigade good health and happiness.  VNS
PRETORIA  Viet Nam and South Africa should further tap their economic cooperation potential to make their economic partnership match the sound bilateral political relations, said Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoang Sy Cuong in an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties (December 22, 1993-2023).

The diplomat said that the two sides should promote collaboration in areas of each others strengths and demand such as mining, agriculture, energy, education-training, trade, logistics and finance-banking, as well as new areas such as digital transformation and green economy.

He suggested that in the immediate future, the two countries should continue to create favourable conditions for their goods to access each others market, while generating more chances for businesses of the two countries to meet and strengthen investment cooperation.

At the same time, Viet Nam and South Africa should continue to enhance the efficiency of the Inter-Governmental Forum, the Joint Committee and other cooperation mechanisms, while paying special attention to reviewing, updating, negotiating and signing bilateral cooperation agreements across all fields, he said.

The diplomat said the two countries should increase delegation exchanges through all levels, while promoting their coordination at multilateral forums, especially the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the South-South Cooperation, thus reinforcing political trust.

Cuong also underlined the need to bolster locality-to-locality cooperation, as well as partnership in tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange.

Looking back on the Viet Nam-South Africa ties over the past three decades, the diplomat said that the bilateral relations had been reinforced and become more substantial and effective.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, ties between the two countries had been promoted through the Party, State and people-to-people channels and at all levels, Cuong said, highlighting Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuans visit to South Africa in mid-September and the Viet Nam visit by South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in mid-December this year.

South Africa has been the largest trade partner of Viet Nam in Africa, and bilateral cooperation in defence-security, science-technology and innovation, education-training, justice, tourism, wildlife management and biodiversity, and wildlife trafficking prevention and control have been fruitful, according to the ambassador.

Viet Nam and South Africa have maintained close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums. Viet Nam has supported South Africa to become a dialogue partner of ASEAN, while South Africa assisted Viet Nam in acting as an observer at the African Union. This year, when South Africa serves as the BRICS President, Viet Nam was among the few other countries invited to the BRICS Summit.

To date, South Africa is the only African country sharing a partnership for cooperation and development with Viet Nam.

The ambassador also highlighted a number of activities that Viet Nam and South Africa had conducted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties, including those in trade and investment.

Particularly, the first-ever Viet Nam Day in South Africa, comprising a Viet Nam-South Africa Business Forum, as well as the first ASEAN Film Festival and a Vietnamese Day of Pho (rice noodle), was held in South Africa, introducing local friends to the unique culture of the dynamic, hospitable nation of Viet Nam.

The activities created new impetus for the elevation of bilateral ties to a new height, the Vietnamese ambassador underscored.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue held a working session in Ha Noi on Thursday with a delegation of the Vietnamese representative agencies abroad led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, within the framework of the 32nd Diplomatic Conference.

Speaking at the event, Chairman Hue said diplomatic work has achieved many significant results, both bilaterally and multilaterally, becoming a bright spot among the country's overall achievements in recent years.

The diplomatic activities of the NA, especially those of the Chairman and Vice Chairpersons, have elevated parliamentary diplomacy into a foremost channel of foreign relations and a source of strength to deepen cooperation with other countries in a profound and effective manner; enhance the country's international position, particularly in politics-diplomacy, socio-economy and sci-tech. Moreover, these efforts have enlisted external resources to control the COVID-19 pandemic and expand economic, trade and investment cooperation, he added.

He asked ambassadors and heads of diplomatic representative agencies to continue building a professional, comprehensive and modern diplomatic sector, thus enhancing Viet Nam's reputation and position on the international stage.

The Vietnamese NA and its leaders will continue giving the top priority to the diplomatic sector when considering and deciding on issues within their jurisdiction, with the aim to ensure that the Vietnamese diplomacy's global standing increasingly improves, aligning with the unprecedented "potential, fortune, position and international prestige" of the country as highlighted at the 13th National Party Congress, he said.

Minister Son said apart from joining activities of the 32nd Diplomatic Conference, ambassadors will actively work with ministries, agencies, localities and businesses to collect information and specific suggestions, thus performing diplomatic tasks entrusted by the Party and State, and best meet the countrys development requirements.  VNS
HA NOI  Assisting children in enhancing focus and self-control is a constant consideration for teacher Tran Lan Phuong.

Phuong, 36, is a faculty member at Tuong Mai Kindergarten, located in Hoang Mai District, Ha Noi.

An enthusiast of physical art and a seasoned yoga practitioner, Phuong has devoted significant effort to researching activities that foster physical development.

She has innovatively integrated yoga into her preschool curriculum, utilising story-telling yoga and yoga games. This approach aids four- and five-year-olds in honing their concentration and attentiveness.

Phuong, through frequent observation and staying updated via social networks, has recognised the critical role of the internet in the fourth industrial revolution era as an integral aspect of contemporary life.

However, she acknowledges that the internet, while beneficial for connectivity, poses substantial risks to children.

Excessive exposure to the internet via smart devices tends to make children passive, easily distracted, and less capable of self-regulation.

Consequently, these children often show reluctance towards physical activity, leading to problems with eyesight, bones, and joints, alongside a general decline in health and immunity.

Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of children with hyperactivity and lack of concentration increased sharply.

Phuong was concerned with the question of what should be done to help those children.

She started researching, exploring and studying yoga websites.

With advice from experts from the Yoga Kids Viet Nam Academy and the Yoga Planet Centre, Phuong found that yoga and meditation could improve concentration for children.

In the 2022-2023 school year, she was in charge of a class with 32 five-year-old students, including three hyperactive and 11 inattentive children.

Phuong proposed the kindergarten leaders conduct a yoga pilot programme.

In the first semester, she applied the project to a group of 14 students.

At first, I had many difficulties. Most children are not really interested because learning yoga requires patience and perseverance. But the children constantly want to change activities. I have thought a lot about how to attract their attention," Phuong said.

Combining pedagogical expertise and yoga knowledge, Phuong divides yoga kids into different groups of poses, including groups of poses for children with hyperactivity, groups for children with a lack of concentration, yoga stories and games to help children develop imagination and creativity.

Diligent and passionate, after five months, Phuong clearly saw the difference in the children's mood after learning yoga.

They have positive changes in attitude and behaviour.

Two out of the three children with hyperactivity now confidently communicate, express their emotions, and play with friends.

The remaining one has improved compared to the beginning of the year.

Eleven inattentive students became more excited about activities in the class.

From practical effectiveness, along with encouragement from the kindergarten managing board, Phuong shared the method with other teachers.

During meetings, teachers in the school give feedback, practise yoga postures and share experiences.

Now, every Friday morning, the school organises yoga practice for children.

Phuong, a graduate of the Preschool Education Faculty at Ha Noi University of Education, boasts nearly 15 years of professional experience.

Throughout her career, she has consistently applied her love, enthusiasm, and expertise to surmount various challenges and fulfill her responsibilities with distinction.

Her colleagues at Tuong Mai Kindergarten often remark on her enduring passion and love for her profession.

Her steadfast patience and dedication towards her students have garnered the trust of their parents and the admiration of her fellow educators.

Cao Thu Hang, the schools principal, said that Phuong was always full of enthusiasm.

Besides professional work, she is also a member of the school's Trade Union Executive Committee.

Her professional work takes up most of her time, Phuong still knows how to arrange work and trade union activities, building trust with colleagues and spreading a positive lifestyle to everyone.

We always support and create good conditions for teachers to be creative. Their initiatives, no matter how small, are always considered with the goal of being child-centred and ensuring children's safety. Many initiatives of teachers in the school have been implemented, bringing positive results," said Hang.

Phuong wants to realise her dream through the saying: "The average teacher only knows how to talk, the outstanding teacher knows how to illustrate, the great teacher knows how to inspire".

The motivation to become an inspirational teacher helps her form habits, go forward and love what she does.

With her efforts, for many years, Phuong won high prizes in the district-level excellent teacher contests, and most recently the "Dedicated and Creative Teachers in Ha Noi 2023" Award.

Phuong said, "The award reminds me to try harder, give more love to students and devote more to the cause of education. I hope that my enthusiasm will enrich the physical development learning materials for preschool children."  VNS
HA NOI  The VinFuture Foundation honoured four scientific breakthroughs in 2023 in the third season of the prestigious 2023 VinFuture Prize at a ceremony on December 20.

The US$3 million Grand Prize was awarded to the Invention in creating a sustainable platform for green energy through production with solar cells and storage with Lithium-ion batteries.

Three VinFuture Special Prizes were awarded to Invention and advancement of disease-resistant rice varieties, The discovery of the ozone depletion mechanism in Antarctica, and The discovery of the role of glucagon-like peptides-1 (GLP-1), paving the way for widely used treatments for diabetes and obesity.

Speaking at the award ceremony, State President Vo Van Thuong praised the contributions of award-winning scientists for their breakthrough studies and contributions to building a sustainable future for humanity.

Since the first series of the award until now, the VinFuture Prize has consistently pursued its mission of 'science for humanity' with a focus on the four core values: Equality, Global Reach, Sustainability, and Pioneering. It has achieved steady growth in quality, quantity, and diversity, as well as gained increasing international attention, influence, and reputation, said Thuong.

I think that, for true scientists, awards have never been the goal in their work, but rather the desire to find solutions for life with love for humanity and passion for research. The value of the VinFuture Prize is to encourage the scientific spirit, humility and curiosity, the courage to overcome challenges, barriers, limits and conventional thinking to create and serve people.

Viet Nam has set a longer vision and higher goal, which is to strive to become a developed country with a modern industry and high average income by 2030; and become a high-income developed country by 2045. On that path, science and technology along with education and training are considered top national policies, goals and important driving forces for rapid and sustainable development, said President Thuong.

The 2023 VinFuture Grand Prize was awarded to four scientists: Prof. Martin Andrew Green (Australia), Prof. Stanley Whittingham (United States), Prof. Rachid Yazami (Morocco), and Prof. Akira Yoshino (Japan) for their breakthrough inventions that help create a sustainable platform for green energy through production with solar cells and storage with Lithium-ion batteries.

The combination of these transformative projects spearheaded a revolution in sustainable green energy solutions for the modern world. Prof. Martin Green and his research team pioneered the Passive Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) technology, elevating energy conversion efficiency from 15 per cent to an impressive 25 per cent. These advancements deliver exceptional utilities, even in regions with limited sunlight conditions. Since its mass production in 2012, PERC solar cells have commanded a significant 60 per cent share of the global solar cell market.

Meanwhile, the advent of Lithium-ion battery storage has extended the reach of energy consumption across all geographical regions and socioeconomic classes, providing widespread access to green and sustainable energy solutions. Lithium-ion batteries power 15 billion mobile devices and 26 million electric vehicles globally, thanks to the work of outstanding scientists: Prof. Stanley Whittingham, Prof. Rachid Yazami, Prof. Akira Yoshino, and the late Prof. John Goodenough.

The award ceremony also paid tribute to and honoured the late Prof. John Goodenough  a pioneering scientist whose invention enabled Lithium-ion batteries to be safely rechargeable for the first time, improving efficiency and saving resources.

The synergy of these two groundbreaking technological revolutions has promoted the widespread adoption and accessibility of clean energy in our everyday lives through the conversion of solar energy into electricity by PERC solar cells and storage by Lithium-ion batteries.

In addition to the Grand Prize, three Special Prizes, each valued at $500,000, have been awarded to innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields, female innovators, and innovators from developing countries

The 2023 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields was awarded to Prof. Daniel Joshua Drucker (Canada), Prof. Joel Francis Habener (United States), Prof. Jens Juul Holst (Denmark), and Assoc. Prof. Svetlana Mojsov (United States) for the discovery of the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), paving the way for widely used treatments for diabetes and obesity and stimulating emerging applications for neurodegenerative diseases.

Their work lays the foundation for the treatment of many diseases, including type-2 diabetes, obesity, and short bowel syndrome, positively impacting more than 400 million people with type-2 diabetes, more than 1 billion people with obesity, and more than 3 million people with short bowel syndrome. In 2023, more than 20 million doses of GLP-1 drugs have been used in the world, with an impressive 6.7 per cent increase in adoption. In addition, the discovery of the peptide's acting mechanism has promoted research and development of novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which are among the leading causes of death globally.

The 2023 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries honoured Indian American Prof. Gurdev Singh Khush and Vietnamese Prof. Vo Tong Xuan for their significant contributions to the invention and advancement of disease-resistant rice varieties, ensuring global food security.

Professor Khush pioneered the development of rice cultivars with pest resistance, short growth periods, and high yields, such as IR36 and IR64. Among them, IR64 and its descendants have been widely grown in many countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and India, while IR36 is popular in the Mekong Delta of Viet Nam, which is regularly plagued by pests. Thanks to the significant efforts of Prof. Vo Tong Xuan, IR36 and IR64 rice varieties are currently the most common in tropical Asia, helping cut production costs, enhance yield, restrict pesticide use, and promote global agricultural sustainability.

The 2023 VinFuture Special Prize for Female Innovators honoured Prof. Susan Solomon (United States) for the discovery of the ozone depletion mechanism in Antarctica, contributing to the establishment of the Montreal Protocol.

Prof. Solomon gathered credible information about the unusually large hole in the ozone layer caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) in Antarctica, laying the groundwork for proposing and bringing the Montreal Protocol to fruition. This is one of the most successful international accords in tackling global environmental concerns, contributing to a global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting compounds such as CFCs.

According to released data from 2016, the ozone hole has been reduced by more than 4 million square kilometres since its peak in 2000 and will entirely regenerate in the coming decades. The Montreal Protocol has made a substantial contribution to the protection of the global climate system and is expected to prevent an additional 100-200 billion tons of CO2 emissions by 2050, potentially reducing the global temperature increase from 2-5C to 0.5C by 2100.

Professor Sir Richard Friend, VinFuture Prize Council Chair, said: We are very excited to have announced our new VinFuture Prize winners. They have all made huge advances in science and innovation, and these have had a real global impact. The Grand Prize recognises the pioneers in two of the critical technologies we need to achieve zero-carbon energy that are critical if we are to control global warming. The breadth of scope to bring science and innovation to benefit society is huge, as reflected by this years three Special Prizes. The vision that the Founders set  to celebrate the potential for discovery and innovation to bring real benefits to societies across the whole globe  is very clearly delivered in the set of this years prize winners.

The four winning works surpassed nearly 1,400 impressive nominations originating from 90 countries and territories. These breakthroughs have a profound impact on the present and future of humanity in crucial fields such as green and sustainable energy, climate change response, sustainable agriculture, food security, and healthcare, impacting the lives of billions of people worldwide.  VNS
HCM CITY  HCM City and South Koreas Seoul will strengthen their cooperation across multiple areas such as education and economy, the two cities' authorities have said.

A delegation from the HCM City Peoples Council led by its deputy chairman Pham Thanh Kien met up with its counterpart from Seoul Metropolitan Council (led by its chairman Hyeonki Kim) on Wednesday to discuss cooperation between the two agencies.

According to Kien, in 2023, South Korea had 127 new investment projects in HCM City with total capital of around US$27 million. Currently, the country has 2,159 investment projects worth around $5.5 billion in the city, ranking fourth out of 120 countries and territories.

The number of Korean tourists visiting the city has also been rising quickly, which demonstrates the strong relationship between South Korea and Viet Nam, as well as between HCM City and regions in Korea, he said.

Kien said that HCM City had just established friendly relations with South Koreas Chungcheongbuk Province, bringing the total number of Korean localities with friendly cooperative relations with the city to eight.

HCM City People's Council also established friendly and cooperative relations with the Busan Metropolitan Council and Incheon Metropolitan Council.

The visit of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's delegation to the city would open up many more opportunities for exchange and cooperation between the two councils, Kien added.

There was more room for exchange and cooperation between the legislatures of HCM City and South Korean localities, so he hoped that the two sides would work together more in the future, especially on economic cooperation, experience exchange, university student training, and enhancing the quality of state workforces, as well as encouraging businesses from Korea and Seoul to look for cooperation opportunities with Viet Nam and HCM City.

Hyeonki Kim expressed his gratitude to HCM Citys welcome, and his happiness towards the positive developments in South Korea  Viet Nam relations, and how the two countries elevated their relations to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.

The cooperative relations between Seoul and HCM City had been growing strongly across many areas, including commerce and cultural exchange.

He highly valued HCM Citys position and economic development potential, and he was willing to share Seouls development experience with HCM City, covering areas such as start-up ecosystem development and business networking.

The Seoul Metropolitan Council would strengthen its cooperation with HCM City in economy and education. It would also increase the number of dormitories, accommodations and scholarships for Vietnamese university students, student exchange, and training for improving HCM Citys manpower.

He also would like the HCM City Peoples Council and Seoul Metropolitan Council to work on and sign agreements for tighter connecting and cooperation activities

He also expressed his thanks to HCM City for creating favourable conditions for Korean locals working, studying and living in the city, and said that his city would also create favourable conditions and care for the lives of Vietnamese in Seoul.

On December 19, the Seoul Metropolitan Councils delegation visited Ha Noi to meet with the National Assembly (NA). Nguyen Khac inh, vice chairman of the NA, said that Viet Nam treasured its relations with the Republic of Korea (RoK), and wanted to join hands to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership in all areas.  VNS
North Korean winter delicacy morphed into signature dish of South Korean port city

By Lee Hae-rin

BUSAN  Nestled in a corner of an old, narrow alley of Uam-dong market in Busans Nam District is a small restaurant serving North Korean-style cold noodles that has been in business for over a hundred years.

Run by five generations of the You family, who fled from North Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War, Naeho Naengmyeon is the birthplace of Busans signature dish called milmyeon.

This is South Koreas very first naengmyeon (cold noodle) place, where milmyeon, a North Korean winter specialty, was reinvented, You Sang-mo, the third-generation owner and chef of the restaurant, told The Korea Times at his restaurant, Tuesday.

Milmyeon, shortened from mil (wheat) and naengmyeon (cold noodles), is Busans authentic specialty with a North Korean origin that was the result of the tragic separation of the Koreas, he explained.

You and his family are among the North Korean war refugees who came down to the South through the Hungnam evacuation in December 1950, an operation also known as the Miracle of Christmas.

I was a three-year-old riding on my auntie's back when I boarded the last ship headed south from the now-North Korean city of Hamhung during the Korean War, the 76-year-old said, referring to the epic evacuation operations conducted by the U.S. X Corps during the war.

As the situation turned quickly in favor of the communist North with the massive intervention of the Chinese military, the U.S. X Corps orchestrated a retreat from the eastern port of Hungnam, 181 kilometers northeast of Pyongyang, amid blistering cold weather in December of 1950, four months after the war broke out.

After throwing supplies and weapons overboard to make space for people aboard naval vessels, the X Corps decided to evacuate nearly 100,000 North Korean civilians between Dec. 15 and 23, who were at risk of being killed by the communist army.

After arriving in the southern port city of Busan, You and his family took refuge in Samok (also known as cow barn in Korean) village of Uam-dong together with around 370 other North Korean refugee families in buildings that used to serve as barns for cows that were exported to Japan during the 1910-45 colonial occupation.

In March of 1953, his family, which ran a restaurant back in the North for 30 years, opened a noodle place in Busan to make ends meet.

They named the eatery Naeho, after the North Korean seaside village the family came from. It was a small restaurant that used leftover wooden boxes as tables and there were no chairs. They were able to buy a noodle machine using hard-earned money from selling snacks. There was just enough space inside the restaurant to fit five to 10 guests at a time.

"My grandparents kept the recipe true to the original, but had to give it some local twists. Instead of potato starch, which was expensive and hard to obtain, they used more wheat flour, which was among the supplies distributed by the American army," You said.

The dish features wheat noodles that have a juicy and chewy texture, topped with strips of fresh cucumbers, radishes and half a boiled egg, with a scoop of cold beef broth poured over them.

Additionally, Kims grandparents added spicy and salty pepper paste that people of Gyeongsang Province are familiar with, in order to appeal to local tastes.

The North Korean winter specialty became comfort food not only for North Korean refugees but also for laborers in the port city that was undergoing rapid industrialization, providing a quick and affordable meal.

The dish soon gained nationwide attention through media coverage and turned into a local specialty. Several other milmyeon restaurants popped up in the city, each showcasing different interpretations of the dish.

Meanwhile, the North Korean refugees, who longed to return to their homeland and reunite with their families, failed to see reunification happen in their lifetime. Yous late father drew a map of his village on a piece of paper and wrote his last words on it.

Initially, my parents thought they could return in three to four months. We waited years and years, and my siblings were born, but that never happened. Thats how Busan became my familys new hometown, You said.

Today, the southern port city is home to over 500 milmyeon restaurants. Some are run by North Korean descendants like You.

Hwangsan Naengmyeon near Busan Station is another milmyeon eatery. The restaurant, whose name is a combination of Hwang from Hwanghae Province of North Korea and san from Busan, was established by a North Korean refugee named Kim Chang-sik in 1975 and has been run by three generations of his family.

Kim, who fled from the North at a young age after everyone in his family was killed by communist soldiers, opened the noodle restaurant, longing for his homeland and lost family members. Like Yous father, he also drew a map of his village, which still hangs on the wall of the restaurant.

My hometown Yeonbaek of Hwanghae Province is so close that it can be reached within 30 minutes to an hour by boat from Ganghwa Island of Incheon. Yet, I have never made it to my hometown for 64 years. My dear son, daughter-in-law, daughter and son-in-law, please visit my old hometown in Hwanghae even after my death, Kim wrote in his hand-drawn map of his hometown.

The map features a 900-year-old gingko tree, farmlands, reservoirs and houses of neighbors who lived in Kims village. He passed away in 2015. But while he was alive, Kim made copies of the map and distributed them to other North Korean refugees who visited the restaurant, according to Kim Yoo-kyung, his daughter-in-law who runs the restaurant with her husband.

You and his descendants also follow their parents' last wish to never relocate the fireplace for cooking and remain in the small, narrow alley that his family first settled, regardless of how his business prospered.

The restaurant, now big enough to accomodate over 80 guests at a time, is now widely sought after and praised by locals, media, food connoisseurs and tourists. In the hot summer season, people form long lines to get a taste of the local specialty.

You's father also drew a map of his hometown and, every time You takes a look at it, he said it still brings tears to his eyes. It also makes numerous like-minded regulars of North Korean origin cry, who still long desperately to reunite with their separated families across the border.

I wish our restaurant will stay here for another two to three hundred years, as my parents wished, You said. My father always told me there should never be another war. I dont think I will see reunification in my lifetime, but at least, there should never be another war again.
By Le Viet Dung

HA NOI  In the mountainous areas of Hoa Binh Province where ethnic minorities settle, an "individual of high prestige" is dedicating his efforts to preserve the cultural richness of Muong people.

An "individual of high prestige" is legally defined as someone who earns the trust and respect of the community where he lives, and contributes greatly to public initiatives, from poverty eradication to cultural preservation.

Bui Huy Vong is exactly that.

In Lac Son District, he has spent 20 years of his life writing about Muong culture. He has published over 20 books and research papers on Muong shamans, rituals and food.

But his contribution to cultural preservation is not confined to written words. He has also created three YouTube channels with more than 5,000 videos featuring Muong traditional songs, showcasing the great diversity of Muong musical heritages.

"Muong ritual songs are performed on many occasions, from le mung tho (celebrations of longevity) to le mat nha (ceremonies of pushing away bad luck). They comprise 115 sections and over 44,000 poetic verses, referred to as an Encyclopedia of Folklore for Muong people," said Vong.

Traditionally, le mat nha is held at the end of a bountiful harvest season to eliminate bad luck and pray for the prosperity of people, crops, and livestock. In the ceremony, a shaman performs ritual songs to summon The Ancient Shaman Khun Khun Giot and some other deities, who will enjoy the feast the host offers and get rid of his family's bad luck in return.

The feast normally comprises sticky rice, fried fish, boiled chicken, fruits, an array of traditional cakes, and the indispensable ingredient - boiled duck. The ceremony cannot go without boiled ducks because Muong people believe that the spirits of the ducks will go to heaven to carry Khun Khun Giot to their homes.

Sticky rice, meanwhile, is required to have four colours: white, blue, purple, and red. The first represents Heaven and Earth; the second, peace; the third, the faithfulness attributed to Muong boys and girls; and the last, the hard work it takes to produce the very grains of rice.

The shaman wears a red hat, a black coat and a yellow or purple belt to orchestrate the ceremony. He uses his ritual tools to summon the deities and keep them in bags called khot when it is done. The more khot a shaman has, the more influential he becomes.

"On lunar December 27th, Muong shamans use alcohol to clean their khot and dry them in the sun to seek blessings in the coming year," said Vong.

Vong's contribution to cultural preservation extends far beyond the archive of Muong songs and ceremonies. In 2016, he took part in a research team to create an Muong alphabet and had it adopted by the province in the same year, leaving a great scriptural legacy for the Muong community.

"I joined a team led by the linguist Nguyen Van Khang in 2016 to create a new alphabet for Muong people, which consists of 28 letters and four tone marks," said Vong.

Ancient Muong people used Chinese characters to write but the system was so complex that it became unintelligible for later scholars.

After 1945, Muong academics turned to the Vietnamese alphabet as an alternative. The new writing system was quickly gaining popularity as it was simpler and more effective than the Chinese-derived scripts.

However there was a new problem.

While the Vietnamese and Muong share similarities, some Muong phonetic nuances cannot be captured by the alphabet, such as the sound w in wo, underlining the need for a new alphabet to fill the phonetic gap.

"The reliance on the Vietnamese alphabet would compromise the preservation of phonetic nuances that define Muong linguistic identity. The next generations would misread Muong texts if they keep being written in the alphabet," said Vong.

His efforts to preserve Muong's phonetic richness have paid off as Hoa Binh has adopted Resolution No.2295 to formally recognise the Muong alphabet and proceeded with Scheme No.118 to incorporate it into the curriculum within the province.

The provincial Communist Party newspaper - Hoa Binh ien Tu - has also published its digital editions in the alphabet, in addition to Vietnamese and English.

Vong's life work has served as a reminder that cultural preservation requires not only a commitment to the past but also an active engagement with the present and a vision for the future.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, o Thang Hai, has been arrested for allegedly receiving bribes, announced the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on Thursday.

He is accused of being involved in the case of violating regulations on use and management of State assets leading to loss and wastes; causing serious consequences due to lack of responsibility; giving and receiving bribes; abusing position and power for personal gains at Xuyen Viet Oil Travel and Transport Trading Co Ltd and several related units.

Previously, the MPS security investigation agency arrested and began the prosecution procedures against the companys director Mai Thi Hong Hanh and deputy director Nguyen Thi Nhu Phuong for violating regulations on use and management of State assets leading to loss and wastes per Article 219 of the Penal Code.

Le uc Tho, former Party Secretary of Ben Tre Province was also detained for abusing position and power for personal gains per the codes Article 359; while HCM City finance department director Le Duy Minh was arrested for receiving bribes per Article 354 for their involvement in the case.

Established in 2005, HCM City-based Xuyen Viet Oil Travel and Transport Trading Co Ltd was one of the 37 petrol trading agencies in the country.

The companys petrol import and export licence, which was issued on January 19, 2021 and valid until November 2026, was revoked by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on August 11 this year.  VNS
At the 2023 Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) Rankings awards ceremony on December 13, the company was recognised among the 3 most sustainable businesses for the eighth year in a row, and named in the Top 5 pioneering businesses in terms of circularity and decarbonisation in 2023  it has sent zero waste to landfill since 2021 and brews Heineken with renewable energy in Vietnam.

Alexander Koch, managing director of HEINEKEN Vietnam said, It is a great honour for HEINEKEN Vietnam. Sustainability has always been central to how we brew, promote, and sell our beers. It is the way we run our business, as we stay close to the local community  in both good times and in bad.

In a difficult 2023, HEINEKEN Vietnam has continued to move closer to the companys sustainability ambitions across three key paths:

On the path to zero impact

HEINEKEN Vietnam is currently running its brewing and production on 96 per cent renewable energy.

The company has reduced its total carbon emissions by 87 per cent compared to 2018.

HEINEKEN Vietnam is currently running its brewing and production on 96 per cent renewable energy.

Heineken, one of HEINEKEN Vietnams most premium brands, is now being brewed totally with renewable energy, meaning the thermal energy and electricity used in brewing Heineken products comes from completely sustainable sources.

Looking to the future, the company is also exploring some bolder and more comprehensive renewable electricity solutions, such as direct power purchase agreements and solar energy systems.

All six HEINEKEN Vietnam breweries are also sending zero waste to landfill  a goal achieved ahead of time as the company has maximised circularity in its production.

At the same time, HEINEKEN Vietnam continues to roll out water conserving efforts in the Red River, Dong Nai River, and Tien River basins in collaboration with WWF-Vietnam and its partners.

With a total investment of nearly $1.3 million from HEINEKEN Vietnam, this multi-year partnership aims to protect critical watersheds and replenish three billion litres of water a year.

On the path to an inclusive, fair, and equitable world

Staying committed to growing together with Vietnam and the Vietnamese people, in 2022 alone, HEINEKEN Vietnam contributed an equivalence of 1.04 per cent to the countrys total GDP, supported 246,000 jobs throughout the value chain, and dedicated VND11.6 billion ($489,000) to supporting needy communities.

In the workplace, HEINEKEN Vietnam is passionately promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Currently, three out of six HEINEKEN Vietnams breweries are being run by female leaders. The company also stays fully compliant to equal pay and fair living wage standards.

On the path to moderation and no harmful use

In 2022, HEINEKEN Vietnam dedicated 10 per cent of the Heineken brands communication budget to promoting responsible drinking and continued to invest in Heineken 0.0.

By the end of 2023, the company will be celebrating its 13 years of partnership with the National Traffic Safety Committee, through which a range of When you drive, never drink initiatives have been carried out over the years.

Commenting on the achievements of HEINEKEN Vietnam, Nguyen Quang Vinh, vice chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and chairman of the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development-VCCI said, HEINEKEN Vietnam has made some remarkable progress in transitioning to renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and maximising circularity over the past year. Staying among the Top 3 most sustainable businesses in Vietnam for eight years running, especially in a challenging 2023, is definitely a testament to the strong commitment and continued efforts the company is putting into sustainability.

With the increasing hurdles of sustainability, HEINEKEN Vietnam is also calling for more collective actions across industries and sectors to maximise the contribution to Vietnams sustainable development journey through creative and innovative approaches.

Sustainability can be a net positive for businesses Experts across a raft of sectors have agreed that while sustainable development demands substantial initial capital, it is essential to recognise it not as an expense, but an investment in the future.

Three concepts for developing a sustainable factory While investing in sustainable factories requires significant capital, it is considered an irreversible journey that promises long-term benefits for both the economy and the environment.
Licence penalties incurred by foreign electronics groups, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

Last month it was revealed that Fushan Technology Vietnam Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Foxconn, will have to pay a $22,000 fine due to proceeding with construction without the prerequisite licence.

The company, which is located in the northern province of Hai Duong, was implementing four construction items without a licence: two mobile phone assembling facilities, an eating room, and a parking area. The company failed to get a licence for such works or conduct a feasibility report.

Meanwhile, Hai Duong-based Synopex Vietnam was fined $9,700 for discharging wastewater at 1,200-1,400 cubic metres. Synopex makes products such as electronic circuit boards and glass for camera equipment, phones, and tablets.

A first-level vendor of Samsung Group in Vietnam, it is also a partner of large corporations such as Vingroup, Foxconn, and BKAV.

In mid-November, Phu Tho Peoples Committee fined Electro M Vina Co., Ltd. $18,000 for violations in environmental protection. The South Korean-invested electronic spare parts and component manufacturer did not approve the results of appraisal of an environmental impact assessment report according to regulations.

The companies in question have between 30 and 90 days from the date of issuance of the sanctioning decision to resolve the environmental results or complete dossiers to get the relevant construction permits and environmental impact assessment report.

Two of the three manufacturers are either a supplier or a subsidiary of Foxconn. According to Foxconns global code of conduct policy, all activities of Foxconn shall be carried out with respect for the environment.

Bui Van Thanh, president of New Sun Law Firm, said that such violations are one of the negative aspects in attracting and using foreign investment capital.

One of the reasons for this situation is that the assignment, decentralisation, and coordination among agencies in localities in fulfilling the state management function on investment are still scattered, inconsistent, and inadequate, Thanh said.

The work of monitoring, supervising, and inspecting the operation of investment projects concerning labour, environment, and construction have not yet been coordinated among sectors, he added.

The authorities at all levels attach more importance to the promotion and issuance of investment certificates, rather than the management of foreign-invested projects after being licensed. As a result, the efficiency has not been truly brought into play, and the handling of violations has been indecisive and delayed, leading to risks of instability in social order and safety, Thanh said.

However, construction violations in industrial parks, such as in Vinh Phuc and Bac Ninh provinces, are mainly attributed to rapid growth of investment and building amid a thin force of officials in charge of planning management and construction licensing. There is also a spate of late inspection, discovery, and handling of violations.

Nguyen Dinh Bo, deputy director of Hai Duong Department of Science and Technology, told VIR the province has reported several violations by foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs).

The management and supervision of the operation of FIEs is complicated. If local authorities want to inspect any FIE, they have to inform the company and prepare enough documents. If the local authorities conduct an unannounced inspection, the company has the right to ask the embassy to work with the local parties immediately. It is the reason for why the violations still happen, Bo said.

This situation is a barrier for the local authorities to control, inspect the operation, and detect violations quickly. We hope that there will have a strict management mechanism to avoid unexpected violations, impacting the business environment and the national security and defence.

Electronics assemblers cashing in Foreign-invested manufacturers and assemblers of electronics products have generated big profits from Vietnam, which is the foundation for their consecutive expansion in the country.

Victory Giant Technology to develop $400 million electronics components factory in Bac Ninh Victory Giant Technology (HuiZhou) Co.,Ltd, a China-based company, has decided to build a $400 million electronic component factory in VSIP Bac Ninh II in the northern province of Bac Ninh.
Local authorities wish for an easier process when it comes to dealing with new projects of various sizes, photo Le Toan

The Institute for International Investment Studies (ISC) is implementing a survey with cities and provinces across the country about the impact of Resolution No.50-NQ/TW on improving the quality and efficiency of foreign investment cooperation towards 2030.

As part of its work, in which surveys will be carried out every five years, the ISC is also working with localities to collect opinions to help build the specific criteria framework for attracting high-quality foreign-invested projects. The Central Party Committee has assigned the Central Economic Committee to make a report, with the latter ordering the ISC to conduct the surveys and build the criteria framework.

Over the past few weeks, the ISC has worked directly with departments of Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Vinh Phuc, and Hai Duong provinces, among others. In addition, they will implement online surveys with the rest of the localities to collect opinions.

ISC member Ngo Cong Thanh said that Resolution 50, which was issued in 2019, provided some important tasks, including formulating investment criteria for selecting areas given priority in conformity with local development orientations.

In addition, it needs to establish criteria for assessing the efficiency of foreign funding in terms of economic, social, environmental, national defence and security aspects, Thanh said. Furthermore, it needs to improve regulations on management and supervision of foreign investments, providing for the responsibility of ministries and local governments to take charge and cooperate in management and supervision of such activities.

However, four years after Resolution 50 came into being, specific criteria in this vein is unfinished. Meanwhile, although criteria to appraise foreign-invested projects was integrated into the laws on investment and the environment, application still has many limitations, Thanh explained.

Meanwhile, through meeting with localities, especially emerging localities, it is found that they are waiting for the official criteria frameworks with specific guidelines so that they can attract large-scale projects with high-tech content, Thanh said.

Hai Duong is just one example. The province reported a breakthrough in foreign-invested capital this year, and wants to continue to sharpen its focus on calling for large-scale non-labour-intensive ventures with advanced technologies and high-value products.

Nguyen Duy Hung, deputy director of Hai Duong Department of Planning and Investment, said, Compared to the surrounding localities such as Quang Ninh, Haiphong, or Bac Ninh, our province is an emerging locality in attracting foreign capital. Thus, having specific criteria will help the province turn down labour-intensive projects and schemes that have a higher risk of environmental pollution, such as garments and textiles. In addition, the criteria will support us in appraising various initiatives.

During the investment promotion process, many foreign financiers express their intentions to put less than $5 million into projects. We are often perplexed about deciding to turn these types of ventures down due to a lack of criteria. We are then forced to report to provincial leaders for advice, and this lack of criteria means we are not proactive enough in filtering out unwarranted proposals, Hung added.

The team at ISC also said that in the cities and provinces where they worked, the leaders of provinces and departments had the same opinion about the importance of issuing the specific criteria framework soon.

At both international and domestic forums, Vietnams leaders have emphasised that there should be innovative measures to attract investment from society, with a particular focus on selectively choosing foreign funding in large-scale and high-tech projects, especially in sectors like manufacturing and processing, electronics, semiconductors, and hydrogen.

Vietnam aims to attract half of the Fortune-listed 500 global largest corporations by 2030 and to be among ASEANs top three and the worlds top 60 countries in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business rankings.

FDI flows into Vietnam go up 14.8 per cent in 11 months Nearly 28.85 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) was registered as of November 20, rising 14.8 per cent year on year, reported the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

FDI to Ba Ria-Vung Tau on steady rise Amid multiple challenges in both global and domestic economies, in the first 10 months of this year Ba Ria-Vung Tau has enticed 20 foreign-led projects valued more than $751 million in total registered capital, a 2.78-fold increase on-year.

Vietnam to develop initiatives to sustain FDI flows Vietnam will set up a support fund to encourage and lure strategic investors and multi-national groups, making it more attractive in attracting foreign direct investment, as the National Assembly recently approved a resolution on applying additional corporate income tax in accordance with the Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules (global minimum tax).

Hai Duong lights the way to facilitate investors from afar The northern province of Hai Duong currently has thousands of hectares of clean available land for foreign-invested enterprises, which Japanese groups in particular are interested in.

Hyosung Group unveils $720 million investment in Vietnam Hyosung Group, a South Korean industrial conglomerate, has announced plans to invest $720 million in a biotech fiber manufacturing plant in Vietnam.
President and general director of NVIDIA Jensen Huang arriving in Vietnam last week, considers Vietnam to be a promising market with significant prospects in AI and semiconductors, with a particular emphasis on human resources.

Microchip labour mantle up for grabs, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

We are prepared to collaborate with Vietnam to improve AI infrastructure and capabilities, Huang stated at a seminar on the semiconductor industry.

GPUs and APIs for data science and high-performance computing for the mobile and automotive computing markets are NVIDIAs areas of expertise as a multinational tech corporation.

At this time, the challenge is to develop one million AI specialists with enhanced skills, Huang stated. Vietnam possesses commendable infrastructure and education, but it must promote the development of AI among younger generations and retain Vietnamese engineers and specialists who have been working as consultants for multinational semiconductor corporations overseas.

The number of Vietnamese individuals residing and employed overseas has surpassed 5.3 million, as reported by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese in 2022.

John Neffeur, president of the Semiconductor Industry Association of the US, made a third visit to Vietnam in a support-seeking capacity a fortnight ago. He said that Vietnam in recent times has emerged as a significant contributor to the United States semiconductor workforce shortage.

According to a notice issued by the government office on December 7, Neffeur reportedly informed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh that the US is seeking more human resources in the semiconductor industry. Investment sources for initiatives in the US, such as the CHIPS and Science Act, are providing increased and renewed financial support to the semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure.

Subsidies totalling $39 billion from the act are providing increased and renewed financial support to the semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure, an area that is currently facing a staffing shortage. The US government enacted the legislation in 2022 in an effort to transform the country into a semiconductor superpower, thereby decreasing its reliance on Asian supply chains.

By 2030, the semiconductor industry in the US will lack approximately 300,000 engineers and 90,000 competent technicians, according to McKinsey.

Domestic analysts recognise Vietnam as a potential supplier of human resources for the worldwide semiconductor market. Two significant factors support this perception: Vietnams sizable and youthful population and the rising demand for proficient personnel in the electronics sector. Vietnams favourable business climate is further enhanced by its strategic location in Southeast Asia and its economy-friendly labour costs.

However, Vietnam faces specific challenges regarding the quantity and calibre of its human resources. Dr. Nguyen Duc Minh, associate professor and dean of the Department of Electronics at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, stated that microchips and semiconductors are not novel academic disciplines in Vietnam; enrolment demand increases by around 10 per cent annually, but the industrys human resource pool is modest.

The primary reason is the interplay between supply and demand (between the labour market and the education and training system), and the semiconductor industry is notorious for its challenging nature and high input demands. As of August 2023, the STEM department of this institution produced 450 graduates; however, a mere 10 per cent were employed in semiconductor design companies, Minh said.

Training units have historically encountered challenges in developing human resources for the semiconductor and integrated circuit design industries due to the limited number of students pursuing related academic disciplines and the low level of interest in the semiconductor sector.

Minh added, Vietnam has approximately 5,000 individuals designing circuits, but primarily physical design and few are structural design engineers, fields that require extensive expertise.

The global semiconductor supply chain consists of three stages: design, production, and packaging. Design contributes half of the added value and is primarily executed in the US; manufacturing shares one-quarter of the value and is dominated by Taiwan; and packaging accounts for 6 per cent, which is primarily concentrated in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Vietnam remains capable of serving as a supplier to the United States market and also developing new production facilities within its borders. We are able to boost the amount of semiconductor staff when the marketplace requires it, Minh said.

Vietnam offers exceptional education in electronics and electrical engineering, with a particular emphasis on microchips. Furthermore, individuals with backgrounds in technical physics, computer engineering, or electrical engineering can transition to semiconductor companies within a mere 12 months.

According to a report by Gartner, the worldwide revenue of the chip manufacturing industry increased by roughly 1.2 per cent from 2021 to $601.7 billion in 2022. By 2029, experts anticipate the global semiconductor market to reach a value of approximately $1,400 billion. Deloitte projects that the global semiconductor industry currently employs approximately two million individuals directly, with this figure expected to rise by one million by the year 2030. Vietnam and the US jointly declared the commencement of human resource development endeavours in the semiconductor industry in September 2023. An initial seeding grant of $2 million from the US government will support these initiatives.

The Ministry of Education and Training is developing two significant initiatives for submission by the end of 2023. The first initiative is a project on training and developing high-quality human resources for high-tech schemes. The project puts forth policy recommendations that encourage and support the overall development of human resources in STEM and high-tech sectors, including electronics, semiconductors, and microchips. The second initiative is the construction of a number of exemplary research and training centres on 4.0 technology. These centres will suggest projects, policies, and mechanisms to facilitate the formation of high-tech research groups and postgraduate programmes in high-tech disciplines.
Tran Ngoc Lien (middle), HR Director of Mondelez Kinh Do, receives recognition of the Top 100 Best Places To Work in Vietnam 2023

Furthermore, the company earned distinction as one of the Top 15 Representatives with Happiness at Work in the large enterprises sector.

Mondelez Kinh Do's appeal extends to the younger demographic, and it took 5th place in the Top 50 Most Attractive Employer Brands for Vietnamese students, voted by students from the Engineering - Mechanics - Manufacturing majors and the 19th place by students from the Economics - Management - Commerce majors.

This ongoing recognition solidifies Mondelez Kinh Do's commitment to creating an environment where both experienced professionals and emerging talents thrive.

In the recently revealed "100 Best Places to Work in Vietnam 2023" rankings, jointly announced by HR consulting firm Anphabe and market research firm Intage Vietnam, Mondelez Kinh Do achieves noteworthy progress.

The company claimed 8th position in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) category and secured the 22nd spot in the overall Top 100 Best Places to Work in Vietnam in the ranking of large enterprises.

Notably, this marks Mondelez Kinh Do's most significant advancement in the annual ranking over the past five years.

In addition to the primary accolade, the survey recognises Mondelez Kinh Do across various significant award categories. In both these rankings, Mondelez Kinh Do secured a position in the Top 15 Representatives with Happiness at Work for the second consecutive time.

In the Top 50 Most Attractive Employer Brands for Vietnamese students, the company attained 5th position as voted by students majoring in Engineering, Mechanics, and Manufacturing, while also securing the 19th place among students specialising in Economics, Management, and Commerce majors.

As one of the leading snack companies in Vietnam, Mondelez Kinh Do consistently prioritises investments in its workforce to establish a sustainable business, guided by HR policies.

Throughout its eight years of operation in Vietnam, Mondelez Kinh Do has fostered a conducive work-life balance environment and is dedicated to championing employee wellbeing programmes.

The company actively promotes values such as Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, Innovation, and Flexibility as integral components of its organisational ethos.

Mondelez Kinh Do prioritises delivering practical training to its young team and offering numerous career development prospects to young Vietnamese talents. The company achieves this by implementing well-defined development paths through a range of trainee initiatives.

Additionally, Mondelez Kinh Do places a significant emphasis on fostering development opportunities for women within its workforce.

Over recent years, there has been a notable increase in the proportion of women holding management positions within the organisation, rising from 33 per cent to 36 per cent.

This exceeds the industry's average rate across all management levels. Notably, Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam has received recognition from Mondelez International excelling in implementing gender balance and globally promoting female leadership.

Mondelez Kinh Do provides defensive driver training to ensure employees safety As one of the leading enterprises in the food industry, Mondelez Kinh Do always puts people at the heart of its business. The company ensures employees health and safety are integrated into all aspects of its business by offering a balanced, safe, and healthy working environment to all staff members through various practical activities.

Mondelez Kinh Do launches solar energy projects In line with its target of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam has announced solar energy projects for its Hung Yen and Binh Duong manufacturing centres, marking a bold step towards being a more sustainable food and beverage company. The projects are expected to reduce the CO2 equivalent of planting 7 million trees.
Hyosung Group, a South Korean industrial conglomerate, has announced plans to invest $720 million in a biotech fibre manufacturing plant in Vietnam.

The development came to light during a meeting between Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of the Peoples Committee of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Hyosung representatives on December 4.

Kim Kyung Hwan, CEO of Hyosung Vietnam, revealed that the carbon Vietnam fibre plant situated in Phu My II Industrial Park (IP) is progressing significantly. This project underscores Hyosungs commitment to pioneering advanced material production.

South Korean giants expand investment in high-tech sphere, Photo Le Toan

The proposed biotech fibre facility represents Hyosungs first global foray into using eco-friendly technology for Spandex fabric production. This initiative aligns with the groups broader strategy of diversifying its manufacturing portfolio and reinforcing its environmental commitments.

Earlier, Hyosung Vietnam had disclosed plans for an approximate $1 billion investment in a carbon fibre plant within the same IP, with an initial investment phase of about $160 million.

In another case, LG Innotek, a subsidiary of electronics giant LG, may become the first investor breaking ground at Trang Due 3 IP in the northern port city of Haiphong. At present, Kinh Bac City Group is eager to complete the legal procedures for Trang Due 3 IP to be ready to welcome investors in the first quarter of 2024. To date, 200 ha in the IP have been cleared.

Elsewhere, South Korean conglomerates such as Samsung and SK Group also consider Vietnam as their key manufacturing hub and have plans to expand their operations in the country.

During a meeting with National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue at the National Innovation Centre in Hanoi in October, SK chairman Chey Tae-won said the firm was willing to cooperate with Vietnam in energy transition thanks to its wealth of green energy technologies.

The Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam statistics show that 9,000 South Korean enterprises are investing in Vietnam, operating not only in traditional fields but also in emerging fields such as AI, IT, the environment, and green growth, with about $1.3 billion invested in renewable energy. South Korean enterprises have made important contributions in several fields such as high technology, the electronics industry, energy, cars, and construction.

However, Vietnam still needs to improve on problems relating to legal procedure so that disbursement can move forward smoothly. After the announcement that Hyosung would add $720 million to Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the investors showed goodwill via continuous meetings with the provincial leadership.

At meetings, the representative of Hyosung urged provincial leaders to support to deal with administrative procedures relating to the construction and environment licences, and especially on fire prevention licences.

Notably, at a meeting between the prime minister and foreign-invested enterprises in April, Kim Yong Seup, CEO of the Hyosung subsidiary in the southern province of Dong Nai, said the appraisal to get the fire prevention licence became more complicated from late 2022.

Accordingly, the Police Department of Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue under the Ministry of Public Security will be responsible for the appraisal instead of the provincial agency. The schedule for this work is also uncertain, impacting the companys expansion plan, Seup said.

Implementing the project on time will help the company ensure the prestige with customers, and simultaneously contribute to improving the competition capacity in attracting investment capital for Vietnam, Seup explained.

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang asked ministries and localities to cooperate to prepare convenient conditions to welcome new investment capital inflows next year.

South Korean airlines lay on more direct flights to Phu Quoc Following Korean Air's lead, two other South Korean airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air, are set to launch direct flights from Seoul to Phu Quoc. This decision comes in response to the growing allure of Vietnam's largest island among South Korean tourists.

South Korean M&A investment leans towards green and digital transitions Energy and infrastructure, as well as tech-related businesses, are emerging as the main sectors for South Korean merger and acquisition (M&A) investment in Vietnam. Cha Sung Wook, deputy director of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agencys Hanoi Office, talked to VIR s Bich Thuy about the current interest in the domestic market.
The decline of mortgage rates helped propel purchases at some recent high-profile sales events, which in turn attracted considerable attention and boosted sentiment among market participants. Around 80 per cent of the new units Khang Dien House launched for sale in its mid-market Privia project were immediately bought at the sales launch event.

Michael Kokalari, chief economist, VinaCapital

Meanwhile, 80 per cent of Vinhomes new Glory Heights project units were sold, and 80 per cent of Nam Longs Akari project were immediately sold.

All of these projects are located in periphery districts of Ho Chi Minh City. That said, we understand that transaction activity in suburban areas further from the city centre is still moribund.

The prices of new housing units offered for sale in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are about flat on-year, but developers are reportedly offering mortgage assistance, such as extended grace periods and other incentives, to sell their units.

Furthermore, prices of apartments in the secondary market for which the seller does not have clear legal ownership status have seen a drop of circa 10 per cent.

This is just one example of how legal and regulatory issues continue to be the main impediment to real estate development in Vietnam. While there has been some recent incremental progress towards resolving those issues, we do not expect meaningful progress until well into 2024, although we see green shoots in Vietnams real estate market, a full recovery is by no means underway yet.

Finally, there has been a modest pickup in the total amount of credit expended to developers, which would also help them ramp up their development activity. However, Vietnams latest credit growth figures also indicate continued weak demand for mortgages, although that is likely to change now that mortgage rates have dropped in recent months.

However, two leading indicators that the worst is behind us are transaction volumes for plots of land increasing significantly recently; and there have reportedly been significant increases in the prices of selected prime real estate in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for properties where the current owner has clear ownership/title documentation.

Prime real estate in the city centre is expensive, so the recent uptick in prices is largely being driven by wealthy local investors taking money out of the bank, now that deposit rates are falling, and purchasing properties.

Vietnam: a real estate market rebound in the making, illustration photo

At the beginning of November, senior government officials held high-profile meetings with major Vietnamese developers to address issues that are impeding real estate development in Vietnam. Industry executives identified legal and regulatory issues as the source of most of the industrys current difficulties, identifying inconsistencies in the current regulations and legal framework as particularly problematic.

Two weeks later, Vietnams Prime Minister set up a special government task force to address those issues. By the end of November, some new legislation was enacted to clarify certain specific issues such as the exact options developers have to fulfill their obligation to produce affordable/social housing, and how much deposits developers are allowed to collect from home buyers before a projects construction is commenced.

In light of that apparent quick pace of progress, many market participants are now hopeful that an overhaul of Vietnams land law that will address one of the key bottlenecks impeding real estate development in Vietnam is imminent: the determination of land values and the fees payable by developers to the government.

The downturn in Vietnams real estate market has bottomed out, partly because mortgage rates peaked and are now headed lower. While a full-scale revival in the market is not likely to take root until mid-2024, there are some signs that a rebound is already in the making, including significant increases in the prices of prime properties in downtown Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and a pickup in the volume of land lots changing hands.

The latter is a segment of the market which had been completely dead for months, and the recent activity is a good indication that long-term investors, as well as speculators, have started paying attention to the real estate market again.

Delay of land law puts issues into spotlight The National Assembly last week decided to postpone the approval of the draft revised Land Law until the next session in 2024 because many provisions remain controversial and unclear.
Vocal trio Girl Called Tom closes out its national One More Christmas tour in Waco Thursday night at the Waco Hippodrome with holiday songs wrapped in their arresting, soaring sibling harmonies.

The three-part harmonies of Ohio siblings Joshua, Caleb and Bekah Liechty propelled them to national attention when they won the 21st season of NBCs The Voice  the first trio to win in the vocal competitions history.

The Liechtys had two years of widening tours under their belt before The Voice accelerated that fame in 2021, leading to a coast-to-coast tour, an opening slot for Pentatonixs Holidays Around the World tour, a Christmas album One More Christmas and their own original music coupled with pop and country covers.

Thursday finds them at the close of a busy 2023 with more cross-country touring; What a View, their first single on Republic Records; and, as Bekah points out, their first Christmas tour where they have their One More Christmas CD on the merchandise table.

Bekah, by the way, is the girl named Tom  brother Josh, who apparently wanted another brother, kept calling her Thomas after she was born.

Its the groups 24th show since Thanksgiving, Josh explained in a three-way phone interview before their concert in San Antonio this week, and a tad bittersweet: the last show of the year, but with a welcome break at home awaiting them.

Well be pulling out the stops, said Caleb, the trios guitarist, with Bekah on keyboards and Josh light percussion, joined by Chris Croce on bass and Garrett Fracol on drums.

The program draws from their Christmas album, their songs performed on The Voice, Christmas standards and anthems, and some of the trios originals, all with a Girl Named Tom twist. Theres a tinge of wistful in their holiday set list, from Joni Mitchells The River to their album and tours title track, One More Christmas, written in memory of their father Chris who died from cancer weeks after their triumph on The Voice.

Youll feel all the emotions Christmas brings, all the joys that Christmas brings, Josh promised. And all in harmony.

Some of what Waco audiences will see comes from Girl Called Toms experience last year opening for Pentatonixs Christmas tour. The Ohio trio found themselves a bit awed at the chance to perform with a Grammy Award-winning vocal band they had watched for years and admired, and they soaked up the experience. It was so enlightening, so energizing, Bekah recalled. We were singing before 15,000 fans and they were making an arena seem like home. Even sweeter was the opportunity to sing two songs with the five-voice group and Homesick Melody, a song on Girl Named Toms Christmas album was, co-written by Pentatonixs Scott Hoying. Hes the tall blond guy, Bekah noted.

Whats the secret behind those high, tight harmonies, which bring to mind 70s folk rock band Crosby, Stills & Nash? The threesome sometimes gives an impromptu demonstration at VIP meet-and-greets around their concerts where they take a hymn and show how they layer their parts.

They grew up singing at home from the Mennonite Hymnal with three-part harmonies of hymn arrangements until they became somewhat innate, Bekah said. As students at Goshen College, Caleb minored in piano performance and Josh in vocal performance with majors in biochemistry, but no one had dreams of forming a group until they played at a cousins wedding and their mother Holly realized there was something special that they might consider pursuing. They did just that in 2019, forming Girl Called Tom and Bekah putting off college for the time being.

When it comes to writing and arranging their music, song ideas come both independently and collectively, with harmonies sometimes falling naturally into place and other times resulting from an intent to try something more complicated or unexpected. We love to pull from our own experiences, said Josh. We are three unique individuals ... with unique experiences and a shared history.

After finishing a solid month singing Christmas songs, will they be singing them at home, too? Caleb is quick to say, No sir, while Josh and Bekah are more diplomatic: Theyre looking forward to listening to their favorite Christmas songs.
By Kwak Yeon-soo

MACAO  It has been 16 years since the last Harry Potter book came out and 12 years since the final silver screen installment of the series was released. The enchantment of the magical world created by British writer J.K. Rowling still lingers, captivating wizards and muggles, or those who dont have magic, alike.

The magic of Harry Potter continues to spellbind audiences around the globe and a new interactive exhibition about the film franchise just opened at The Londoner Macao, appealing to both old and new fans.

Spreading out over 2,800 square meters with more than 20 galleries, Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Macao features original props and costumes from the films as well as the West End play Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.

According to Julian Moon, senior vice president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, the exhibition was launched in the U.S. and Europe in 2022 and became a hit there.

Weve kept the same exhibition largely because its a unique experience that connects the fans directly with films and stories that they love, he said. I think what the fans want to do is relive and reconnect with those moments from the movies and the books.

More than 1.7 million fans have visited these exhibitions around the world so far. Two editions are concurrently running in New York and Barcelona at the moment and the one at the Londoner Macao is the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region.

Upon entry, each visitor is given a wristband with a built-in chip to support their personalized experience.

This experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of Hogwarts, from choosing their school house, wand and Patronus  a spiritual guardian  to interactive activities such as preparing potions, potting screaming Mandrakes and practicing Quidditch. Visitors can enjoy small details such as moving portraits and the Great Hall with its floating candles as they explore Hogwarts' grounds and classrooms.

Hagrids hut and the Forbidden Forest are some great spots to take cool selfies.

Expanding from the original Harry Potter universe, vignettes from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and costumes from the Broadway production of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child are also on view at the exhibition.

Tom Zaller, president and chief executive of Imagine Exhibitions, highlighted that interactive narration and scores from the movies will enhance the immersive experience.

In all of the rooms, theres lighting, sound, different floor textures and different smells [if you go into Hagrids hut, you smell wood burning]. We really wanted to make it feel like youre in the place. I think its the four-dimensional environment that makes you feel emotions and connected to the brand, he said.

Zaller said he hopes Harry Potter: The Exhibition will attract people of all ages, from longtime fans to new enthusiasts.

Harry Potter is loved by many generations, so were now seeing grandparents, parents and children all coming together. Theres certainly demographic information about the core fans, which is between 18 and 35, but were seeing a lot of young fans and new fans. Im 50 and I love it. So the range is quite wide, he said.

The exhibit is currently open-ended and the organizers said they will gauge visitor reactions before setting a closing date.

Ive been very surprised and pleased by the love for Harry Potter that there is in Asia and China. Im hoping its going to be the biggest exhibition weve done, Moon said.

To us, the visitor experience is very important. Were in the learning phase right now, but we will make sure people love it, Zaller added.

In addition to the immersive experience, Potterheads can buy products from the exclusive collection of merchandise available in the on-site retail shop and enjoy a sweet, creamy cup of Butterbeer.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition opens seven days a week and welcomes visitors of all ages.
A former corrections officer at the state juvenile facility in Mart was arrested Monday, accused of letting an inmate hit another inmate, then lying about the cause of the injury.

Naeem Williams, of Killeen, was arrested Monday on Class A misdemeanor charges of official oppression and tampering with a government record. A McLennan County grand jury indicted Williams on the charges after the state Special Prosecutions Unit, an agency that prosecutes offenses in Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities, charged Williams last month.

State investigators found that on April 6, 2022, Williams allowed an inmate in the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Mart to punch another inmate in the face with a closed fist, juvenile justice department spokesperson Barbara Kessler said by email. The injured youth received treatment for an abrasion on his face, Kessler said.

Investigators also found that Williams lied about the event on an incident report, falsifying the cause of the injury, she said.

Williams was fired after the incident, Kessler said. Williams was a juvenile corrections officer at the Mart facility from Sept. 7, 2021, through May 17, 2022.

He was released Monday from McLennan County Jail on $4,000 bond.
A judge on Wednesday committed a former Waco elementary school teacher to a state hospital for treatment, acquitting her in the 2020 shooting death of her 17-year-old son.

Judge Susan Kelly of Wacos 54th State District Court committed Sarah Elizabeth Hunt, 42, of Riesel, to the North Texas State Hospital in Vernon for forensic psychiatric services during a period of no more than 30 days. Psychiatric staff will evaluate Hunt and develop a treatment plan.

In nearly all cases the treatment plans will call for recommitment for an additional 180 days and thereafter annual recertification as provided in Texas law.

Before signing Hunts commitment papers, Kelly reviewed psychiatric evaluations presented by prosecutors and the defense, both of which found Hunt was insane at the time she fatally shot her son, Garrett Hunt, in November 2020. The reports also say Hunt was competent for court proceedings, in that she understood her offense, the role of the attorneys and the court and could aid in her own defense.

I find you not guilty of the shooting death of Garrett Hunt on Nov. 9, 2020, in McLennan County by reason of insanity, Kelly said to Hunt, who appeared in a jail uniform and restraints and could be heard weeping during the entire proceeding. Because you were responsible for grievously injuring a person resulting in that persons death, I will now commit you to a state psychiatric hospital.

Kelly also sealed the defense psychiatric evaluation from the public and all but psychiatric treatment staff of the state hospital where Hunt resides because it is a wide ranging evaluation discussing matters beyond her state of mind at the time of the offense.

During the next 30 days Hunts defense attorney, Jessi Freud, and the state will return to Kelly for approval of the hospitals treatment plan. Freud told the court she expects the state hospital to request Hunt be committed for 180 days for her treatment.

After that there will be annual recommitment hearings, Freud said.

Wednesdays proceedings in Sarah Hunts case were uncontested, and Adam Sibley, attorney for the state, agreed with the plea, the acquittal judgement and the commitment.

Now an acquittee, Hunt returned to McLennan County Jail, awaiting a bed at the state hospital. She has been in custody since the day her son died.

People acquitted of violent crimes under insanity pleas remain under jurisdiction of the court, said William Lee Carter, a McLennan County forensic psychologist who frequently testifies for the state or defense in violent crime cases. Their psychiatric treatment plans are generally carried out in maximum-security state psychiatric hospitals, Carter said last week.

An insanity plea is not the end of the road in terms of justice, he said.

Psychiatric and medical staff must determine an acquittee is safe for return to society before he or she can be transferred to a halfway house under strict oversight and monitoring.

Defendants who are acquitted in an insanity plea remain under jurisdiction of the court and quite frequently they will spend as many years incarcerated in maximum-security mental health institutions as they would have if they had been convicted and sent to prison, sometimes longer, Carter said.

An insanity defense is only offered in about 1% of cases nationwide, Carter said. Of those pleas, courts only accept about one out of four, he said.

Hunt was hired as a fifth grade teacher at Lake Air Montessori Magnet School in summer 2020. The week before the shooting, Lake Air had shifted its classes online because of a COVID-19 outbreak, but the Monday morning of the shooting, she did not log in to her classroom Zoom meeting, the Tribune-Herald has reported.

In affidavits, McLennan County Sheriffs Office investigators said the family was in the process of moving to Riesel at the time. Hunt was driving Garrett to what would have been his first day at Riesel High School when she shot him in her Hyundai minivan, according to affidavits.

According to reports filed in the case, Hunt left her van running and ran into a Riesel street, telling people her son needed help and was with her mother in heaven.

Hunt asked, What have I done? and said This is not real, witnesses told investigators.

Police found a .40-caliber pistol on the drivers side floor next to Garretts body. They also found a .40-caliber magazine and cartridges, some in the car and some on the ground, according to an arrest affidavit.

A few days after Garretts death, about 100 people from Riesel, Gholson and West attended a candlelight vigil in his memory.

Garrett was remembered as a kind, respectful teenager with a strong Christian faith who loved to hunt and fish.

At the time, family friends said the Hunt family  Garrett, his younger brother and his parents  had been living in a camper in Gholson for about six months. The family moved the camper to an RV park in Riesel the weekend before the shooting.

The friends said Hunt had been overwhelmed by stress from work, confiding in them that she cried daily at her school desk because of the pressures of dealing with teaching remotely and in-person, and trying to deal with keeping up with the demands of teaching during a pandemic.
Waco police arrested a 52-year-old man Wednesday after he sent messages to an officer posing as a 15-year-old girl, asking for sex and sending nude photos of himself, according to an affidavit.

David Matthew Brumit was booked into McLennan County Jail and charged with online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony.

According to his arrest affidavit, Brumit initiated contact with the officer Sunday, when he sent a message on a chatroom website to a profile operated by police. The affidavit says the profile depicted a girl who was clearly indicated to be 15 years old.

Brumit sent a message to the account that said his age, that he is married and that he likes young girls, the affidavit says. The undercover officer then asked Brumit if it was OK that she was 15, and he replied yes and then sent a photo of himself naked, the affidavit says.

Brumit also said multiple times that he likes underage girls and claimed he had sex with a 13-year-old girl before, according to the affidavit.

In addition to multiple images of his penis, Brumit also sent pornographic GIFs to the account, the affidavit says. He said meeting up with underage girls was scary due to the possibility of it being a setup, the affidavit says.

Brumit set up a meeting with the girl he believed to be operating the account for Wednesday, and later showed up to an apartment complex where the undercover officer had arranged to meet him, the affidavit says. Police were waiting in the parking lot and arrested him at about 11 p.m. Wednesday after he knocked on the door to the apartment the officer had told him to go to, the affidavit says.

Brumit was released from jail by Thursday evening on $10,000 bond.
Dont pay attention to common wisdom. You should meet your heroes, actor Matthew Goode says.

Cast opposite Anthony Hopkins in Freuds Last Session, Goode was unsure how the two-time Oscar winner would receive him. Since Hopkins had already played C.S. Lewis (Goodes role), this could be a very intimidating job, he remembered thinking. Hes one of the greatest actors of all time.

"Luckily, I had a great experience. He was amazing.

Freud's Last Session Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins, left, and Matthew Goode star in "Freud's Last Session," a "what if" between Sigmund Freud and author C.S. Lewis.

Hopkins, as you may guess, stars as Sigmund Freud, the acclaimed psychoanalyst. The film suggests what might have happened had the two met and discussed their views of religion.

To make the visit flow, director Matthew Brown filmed Last Session chronologically, using sets that were informed by experts at the Freud Museum.

We were doing seven pages a day, which is a lot, Brown said.

Shot in Dublin at the Ardmore Studios, the production was designed to give the two actors time together before other scenes (which fleshed out the story) were filmed. It was pretty amazing because it was an opportunity for Matthew and Tony to really go to work uninterrupted by all these other scenes, Brown said. We were able to shoot it somewhat chronologically as well.

While the two actors had plenty of discussions during the shoot, they didnt side with Team Lewis or Team Freud.

Matthew Goode Matthew Goode plays C.S. Lewis in "Freud's Last Session."

Its incredibly complicated, Goode said of the what if? storyline. Youve got two of the greatest minds of the 20th century and, by the end of it, youre still not sure whats right.

Lewis trilemma, Goode said, boils down to this: If you actually read the Bible, there are only three decisions that can be made (about Jesus): One, that hes mad. One, that hes bad. And one, that hes actually God or the son of God. Youre just trying to strike them off.

You go, Well, it doesnt seem like hes a deceitful person trying to get money out of people. He seems quite lucid and he seems slightly far out. But I dont really like to let people know what I think about anything.

Goode and Hopkins, however, were of one mind about the experience. They enjoyed working with each other. According to press information, Hopkins said it was easy to work with Goode: Hes so smart and subtle and superb.

Both did their homework  researching the characters before they started memorizing the script.

Im not well-versed in psychoanalysis, but I am fascinated by psychology. Im intrigued by Freud and all these strange parts of life that seem mystical because to me, its all a mystery, Hopkins said.

Having played Lewis in Shadowlands, Hopkins had an edge over Goode. Both, however, had access to a series of lectures Dr. Armond M. Nicholi Jr. gave at Harvard on the atheist theories of Freud and the teachings of Lewis. The seminar was called, The Question of God.

Those lectures were used as the basis for Mark St. Germains play, Freuds Last Session.

Brown expanded the debate to include important moments in their lives and Freuds relationship with his daughter, Anna. The film, as a result, includes fantasy sequences and flashbacks. A meeting between the two? It didnt happen, even though they were contemporaries.

"Freud's Last Session," however, lets them play in the same sandbox, making a case for their beliefs.

On the set, Brown said, "we had a really safe space. We kept a lot of people out and the two (were able to dig into the debate). It was a beautiful thing for a couple of weeks."

Hopkins Anthony Hopkins plays Sigmund Freud in "Freud's Last Session."
EVANSDALE  A Waterloo woman has been arrested following a police chase Wednesday through two towns that ended in a crash and fire.

Authorities said a Dodge Caravan crashed into another vehicle at the Kwik Star on River Forest Road around 5:15 p.m. and then drove off.

Evansdale police attempted to stop the Caravan at Gilbert Drive and Evans Road, but the vehicle fled, going 60 mph in a 30 mph zone without headlights and throwing out sparks from a flat front tire.

Black Hawk County sheriffs deputies joined the pursuit, which entered Elk Run Heights and eventually returned to Evansdale. The Caravan crashed into a fence on James Street and caught fire.

The driver was detained a short time later, and officers discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen from Superior Welding in Waterloo that morning.

Police arrested 32-year-old Hailey Mary Burke, of 512 Cornwall Ave., for first-degree theft, eluding, driving while suspended and reckless driving. Bond was set at $10,000.

While she was in a squad car following her arrest, she allegedly slipped out of handcuffs and began banging on the vehicle interior, causing damage, according to court records.

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WATERLOO  A Waterloo man has been convicted of stomping on the head of a fellow inmate while at the jail.

Jurors found Nersius Adonliel Artisani, 50, guilty of willful injury causing bodily injury on Thursday following a day of testimony. Sentencing will be at a later date. Artisani is charged as a habitual offender because of prior convictions.

Artisani said he was acting in self-defense.

My instincts, my intuition, told me he was going to assault me, Artisani, also known as Roger Joseph Hoffert Jr., told jurors when he took the stand Wednesday. I made the decision to hit him.

Artisani  who disputed the term stomp and said he kicked Anthony Charles Smith with the bottom of his foot after delivering a punch that knocked Smith to the floor of Pod A3 at the Black Hawk County Jail  said they had been prior neighbors outside jail.

Before coming to jail, Artisani said he had suspected Smith of stealing from his apartment.

They both wound up in jail for different reasons and on Sept. 14, 2023, Artisani was sitting in the day room watching others play cards when Smith was booked in and dropped off his belongings at his cell.

Smith then descended the stairs into the day room and motioned for Artisani to come over to chat. Smith told jurors that Artisani asked him a few questions and he didnt like what Artisani said. Smith said he mean mugged Artisani, glaring at him.

Artisani told jurors Smith said something provocative and threatening to him.

The punch was caught by the jails security camera, and Artisani said he followed through with foot strikes for good measure.

Maybe he could get up and hurt me, Artisani said.

Prosecutors said Smith was already on the ground and unconscious during the stomps. A deputy ran over and yelled for Artisani to return to his cell.

He essentially said F- you, the deputy recalled. He said Artisani then went to his cell when he repeated the order.

Smith suffered a concussion and broken nose and was taken to a hospital emergency room for treatment.

The deputy said Artisani told him he hit Smith because they had a prior beef and to show the other inmates he wasnt scared.

Under cross-examination by the defense, the deputy said Smith had issues during the booking process. Evidence showed Smith had alcohol and meth in his system, although jail staff said he didnt appear to be under the influence.

At the time of the incident, Artisani was in the jail awaiting trial for allegations he attacked a woman at the Isle Casino Hotel in February, knocking her down and kicking her in the head on the ground.

Photos: Program eases toll of separation on incarcerated moms, kids
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man will get a new trial in a 2020 garage robbery where his brother shot and killed one of the victims.

Jurors had found Ralpheal Rashee Williams, 32, guilty of first-degree robbery for allegedly helping Robert Lee Williams Jr. with a holdup on Adrian Street during a 2022 trial.

In a ruling issued Wednesday, the Iowa Court of Appeals overturned the verdict because of an issue with the jury instructions.

Williams attorney on appeal argued a jury instruction that stated it was immaterial whether the robbery targeted a specific person was misleading because it allowed the jurors to conflate the specific intent of what occurred earlier in the day with what actually occurred in the garage that night.

The Court of Appeals decision ordered the case to return to district court for a new trial.

Prosecutors said the Williams brothers had planned to rob a drug stash house on Dearborn Avenue in August 2020. After arriving at the location, Robert Lee Williams Jr. instead focused his attention on a garage on Dearborn Avenue where a group of men were working on motorcycles.

Robert Williams pulled out a handgun and 49-year-old Vincent Hemenway grabbed for the weapon and was shot and killed.

Robert Williams was convicted of a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter in Hemenways death during a separate trial. He was also found guilty of attempted murder and other charges for shooting an acquaintance in the face in July 2020.

Photos: Homicide, Adrian St. Aug. 15, 2020 081820jr-adrian-homicide-1 081620jr-homicide-search-1 081620jr-homicide-search-2 081620jr-homicide-search-3 081620jr-homicide-search-4 040622jr-robbery-trial-2 040622jr-robbery-trial-1 040622jr-robbery-trial-3 040622jr-robbery-trial-4 040622jr-robbery-trial-5 040722jr-robbery-trial-1 040722jr-robbery-trial-3 040822jr-robbery-verdict-1 042023jr-williams-trial-1 042023jr-williams-trial-4 042023jr-williams-trial-3 042023jr-williams-trial-2 042023jr-williams-trial-5 041923jr-williams-trial-2 041923jr-williams-trial-1 041923jr-williams-trial-3 041923jr-williams-trial-4 042123jr-williams-trial-4 042123jr-williams-trial-1 042123jr-williams-trial-2 042123jr-williams-trial-3 042423jr-williams-trial-1 042423jr-williams-trial-2 Robert Lee Williams Jr. verdict 062823jr-williams-sentencing-1 062823jr-williams-sentencing-3 062823jr-williams-sentencing-2
The Korea Times appointed Kim Jae-kyoung, 50, as content managing director, Thursday. The daily also named Kim Rahn, 44, as its new managing editor.

Kim, managing director of the Content Division, newly established to enhance content strategy and business, joined the newspaper in 2000 and has worked as managing editor since 2020.

He received a bachelor's degree in journalism at Sungkyunkwan University and earned an MBA at the Schulich School of Business of York University in Canada.

New managing editor Kim, who will be in charge of the newsroom, joined the daily in 2003 and has worked as editor of the city desk, politics desk and K-culture desk since 2015. She was the News Division head since February.

She received a bachelors degree in aesthetics at Seoul National University.

As to her role in the new post, Kim said she will focus on upgrading quality of content, and select major topics to delve deeper into. She also seeks to revamp the newspapers website to advance the digitalization of The Korea Times.
Israeli children, long free to wander, are now routinely chaperoned. Gun license applications are up by a factor of eight. Self-defense classes are oversubscribed.

Since Hamas operatives crossed into Israel on a killing and kidnapping spree on Oct. 7, a society that enjoyed 15 years of calm and rising prosperity remains haunted by scenes of slaughter. Israelis have been left traumatized by the fear that thousands of militants on their borders will try again  and that their security services might again fail.

This is a natural reaction to the shock we are going through, said David Passig, professor of future studies at Bar Ilan University, of the way ordinary citizens are rushing to arm themselves. He has had a weapon for 35 years that was kept locked away, he said, except for mandatory practice sessions. Now Im walking around with it.

The political impact of this anxiety is likely to be profound, even if it has yet to fully play out. National security has long been the calling card of Israels right. Yet it was the right, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that failed to stop the invasion that killed about 1,200 and led to the abduction of 240 others.

Polls show disillusionment with Netanyahu and support shifting to the more centrist opposition leader Benny Gantz  part of the newly formed war cabinet. But theres little appetite for compromise with Palestinians, as so many abroad have urged.

The nations dark mood reflects a level of threat unknown to the Israeli public for many years, said Dan Orbach, a military historian at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. People have been motivated by disquiet that the allegedly mighty Israeli military isnt able to protect you, even in the most basic sense, he said.

The number of people applying for gun licenses over the past two months has soared to 260,000, with the volume of new requests each day exceeding those received each week before the war began.

Although the country has widened eligibility, the criteria for approval remain strict. As of the last week of November, 26,000 new applications had been approved while 16,000 people were rejected as unfit to carry a firearm.

Tara, a young woman who lives in Jerusalem and asked that her full name not be used, is one of many who procured a gun license. Since Oct. 7, I am way more paranoid, she said. If I am at a red light I dont turn my back on anyone.

In a society with a history of communal tensions that long pre-date Octobers attack, some are concerned about the consequence of more civilian weapons. Although the percentage of the population toting guns will still be far lower than many other countries  hovering near 2%, compared with 32% in the US  womens groups and those calling for peaceful coexistence between Arabs and Israelis have said theyre worried the uptick will lead to greater violence.

Opposition lawmaker Idan Roll said by phone the issuing of new weapons requires close monitoring, regulation and education.

Weapons in the right hands save lives, said Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, of the far-right Otzma Yehudit Party, who has made arming civilians groups a flagship policy. His ministry has distributed weapons to more than 850 so-called rapid-response teams.

Last month, the U.S. exacted a promise that assault rifles sent to Israel wouldnt end up in the hands of settler groups in the Palestinian-controlled West Bank, where theres been an increase in violence documented by the United Nations.

Within Israel, buildings are routinely equipped with bomb shelters to protect from missiles shot by outfits including Hamas, which is considered a terrorist group by the U.S. and European Union.

But when thousands of rockets were fired on Oct. 7, reports spread of those who turned to unlocked shelters only for armed Hamas operatives to burst through the doors, leaving them with nowhere to run. Now, Israelis want to know that they can secure their own safe rooms.

New products are appearing for the purpose  some on the commercial market, while others are homemade.

In the weeks after Oct. 7, some people feared that some Hamas operatives had headed north, and in Tel Aviv hotlines were overwhelmed by calls about suspicious characters. El Halev Israel is a non-profit organization that runs empowerment self-defense classes. On the back of soaring demand it started Zoom lessons, consulted those whod worked in war zones, and adjusted classes for female sexual-violence victims to be relevant to men, said Adi Wimmer, the executive director.

Lawyer Neomi Shenitzky is one of hundreds of people to have joined one of the newly formed Neighborhood Watch teams, a grassroots effort that has since been embraced by the municipality, which provides them with specially marked hats and shirts.

In her suburb of Nahalat Yitzhak, the teams patrol the streets from 8 p.m. to midnight, either on foot or bicycle. They carry flashlights, walkie-talkies and personal weapons. There are 50 such groups in the Tel Aviv area with about 1,500 volunteers. Similar teams have sprung up elsewhere as well, often backed by municipalities.

Said Orbach, the Hebrew University historian: The fear and vulnerability will follow the society for some time.

Photos: Scenes from the Israel-Hamas war
MIAMI (AP)  The United States freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American country and the return of a fugitive defense contractor known as Fat Leonard who is at the center of a massive Pentagon bribery scandal, the Biden administration announced Wednesday.

The American detainees were back on U.S. soil late Wednesday, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said. Six of them arrived at Kelly Airfield Annex in San Antonio.

Savoi Wright, a Californian who had been arrested in Venezuela in October, said, Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, free at last after disembarking the plane.

The deal represents the Biden administration's boldest move yet to improve relations with the major oil-producing nation and extract concessions from the self-proclaimed socialist leader. The largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela's history comes weeks after the White House agreed to suspend some sanctions, following a commitment by Maduro to work toward free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential election.

Maduro celebrated the return of Alex Saab as a triumph for truth over what he called a U.S.-led campaign of lies, threats and torture against someone he considers a Venezuelan diplomat illegally arrested on a U.S. warrant.

President Biden, we wont be anyones colony, a defiant Maduro said with Saab at his side for a hero's welcome at the presidential palace.

The release of Saab, long regarded by Washington as a bagman for Maduro, is a significant concession to the Venezuelan leader. Former President Donald Trump's administration held out Saab as a trophy, spending millions of dollars pursuing the Colombian-born businessman, at one point even deploying a Navy warship to the coast of West Africa following his arrest in Cape Verde to ward off a possible escape.

U.S. officials said Biden's decision to grant him clemency was difficult but essential in order to bring home jailed Americans, a core administrative objective that in recent years has resulted in the release of criminals once seen as untradeable.

These individuals have lost far too much precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered every day in their absence. I am grateful that their ordeal is finally over, President Joe Biden said in a statement.

The agreement also resulted in the return to U.S. custody of Leonard Glenn Francis, the Malaysian owner of a ship-servicing company who is the central character in one of the largest bribery scandals in Pentagon history.

But the exchange angered many in the Venezuelan opposition who have criticized the White House for standing by as Maduro has repeatedly outmaneuvered Washington after the Trump administrations campaign to topple him failed.

Eyvin Hernandez, a Los Angeles County public defender arrested almost two years ago along the Colombia-Venezuela border, was one of the U.S. detainees. After arriving in Texas Wednesday night, he thanked Biden "because I know he made a difficult decision that will have a lot of pressure on him on Capitol Hill. But he got us home and were with our families. And so were incredibly grateful, all of us.

Hernandez added, Honestly, all you think about when youre in prison is how you didnt appreciate being free while you were free.

Wright told reporters: I didnt know if I would ever make it out. And its really scary to be in a place where youre used to having freedoms and youre locked into a cell. ... Its a very challenging situation.

In October, the White House eased sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry following promises by Maduro that he would level the playing field for the 2024 election, when he's looking to add six years to his decade-long, crisis-ridden rule. A Nov. 30 deadline has passed and so far Maduro has failed to reverse a ban blocking his chief opponent, Maria Corina Machado, from running for office.

Biden told reporters earlier in the day that, so far, Maduro appeared to be keeping his commitment on a free election. Republicans, echoing the sentiment of many in the U.S.-backed opposition, said Saab's release would only embolden Maduro to continue down an authoritarian path.

Disgraceful decision, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

The White House went to lengths to assure it won't hesitate to snap back sanctions if Venezuela's government fails to fulfill electoral commitments hammered out during negotiations with the opposition. A $15 million reward seeking Maduro's arrest to face drug trafficking charges in New York also remains in effect, it said.

The agreement also requires Maduros government to release 20 Venezuelan political prisoners, in addition to a close ally of Machado, and to suspend arrest warrants of three other Venezuelans.

The U.S. has conducted several swaps with Venezuela over the past few years, including one in October 2022 for seven Americans, including five oil executives at Houston-based Citgo, in exchange for the release of two nephews of Maduros wife jailed in the U.S. on narcotics charges. Like that earlier exchange, Wednesday's swap took place on an airstrip in the Caribbean island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Saab, who turns 52 on Thursday, hugged his wife and two young children as he descended the staircase of a private jet at the Simon Bolivar International Airport.

It was a stark reversal from the scene on another tarmac, in Cape Verde, where he was arrested in 2020 during a fuel stop en route to Iran to negotiate oil deals on behalf of Maduros government. The U.S. charges were conspiracy to commit money laundering tied to a bribery scheme that allegedly siphoned off $350 million through state contracts to build affordable housing. Saab was also sanctioned for allegedly running a scheme that stole hundreds of millions in dollars from food-import contracts at a time of widespread hunger mainly due to shortages in the South American country.

After his arrest, Maduro's government said Saab was a special envoy on a humanitarian mission and was entitled to diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution under international law.

Life is a miracle, Saab said, standing alongside Maduro at the neoclassical presidential palace in Caracas. I'm proud to serve the Venezuelan people and this government, a loyal government, which, like me, never gives up. We will always triumph."

Absent from Maduro's chest-thumping was any mention of Saab's secret meetings with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In a closed-door court hearing last year, Saab's lawyers said that he was for years helping that agency untangle corruption in Maduros inner circle and had agreed to forfeit millions of dollars in illegal proceeds from corrupt state contracts.

But the value of the information he shared with the Americans is unknown; some have suggested it may have all been a Maduro-authorized ruse to collect intelligence on the U.S. law enforcement activities in Venezuela. Whatever the case, Saab skipped out on a May 2019 surrender date and shortly afterward was charged by federal prosecutors in Miami.

The deal is the latest concession by the Biden administration in the name of bringing home Americans jailed overseas, including a high-profile prisoner exchange last December when the U.S. government  over the objections of some Republicans in Congress and criticism from some law enforcement officials  traded Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for WNBA star Brittney Griner.

The swaps have raised concerns that the U.S. is incentivizing hostage-taking abroad and producing a false equivalence between Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad and foreigners who have been properly prosecuted and convicted in U.S courts.

What happened to the separation of powers? said Juan Cruz, who oversaw the White Houses relations with Latin America while working at the National Security Council from 2017-19. Normally you would have to wait a defendant to be found guilty in order to be able to pardon him for a swap. This is an especially bad precedent with a Trump 2.0 potentially around the corner. It invites winking and nodding from the executive.

But Biden administration officials say securing the freedom of wrongfully detained Americans and hostages abroad requires difficult dealmaking.

Making this deal more palatable to the White House was Venezuela's willingness to return Francis.

Nicknamed Fat Leonard for his bulging 6-foot-3 frame, Francis was arrested in a San Diego hotel nearly a decade ago as part of a federal sting operation. Investigators say he bilked the U.S. military out of more than $35 million by buying off dozens of top-ranking Navy officers with booze, sex, lavish parties and other gifts.

Three weeks before he faced sentencing in September 2022, Francis made an escape as stunning and brazen as the case itself as he snipped off his ankle monitor and disappeared. He was arrested by Venezuelan police attempting to board a flight from Caracas and has been in custody since.

Tucker reported from Washington and Garcia Cano from Caracas, Venezuela. Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo and Jim Mustian in New York, Julie Watson in San Diego and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (20 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 artillery repelled five attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 115nd Mechanised Brigade and 95th Air Assault Brigade near Sinkovka and Terni (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, as well as one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled two attacks of the AFU 63rd Mechanised Brigade close to Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic), and Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 180 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, as well as one D-30 howitzer.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled one attack launched by assault detachments of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade close to Shumy (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

In addition, the Groups artillery and heavy flamethrower systems inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Kleshcheyevka, Kurdyumovka, and Maryinka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 250 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, one tank, and three motor vehicles.

In the course of counterbattery warfare, one Slovakia-made Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery system, one UK-made AS-90 self-propelled artillery system, two Msta-B howitzers, two Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, one D-30 howitzer, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system were eliminated.

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by artillery and heavy flamethrower systems inflicted losses on manpower of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade and 79th Air Assault Brigade near Elizavetovka, Vladimirovka, and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 110 Ukrainian troops, two pickup trucks, and two Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems.

In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the AFU 14th National Guard Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade, and 116th Mechanised brigade close to Verbovoye and Rabotino (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 70 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, two D-20 howitzers, and one D-30 howitzer.

In Kherson direction, as a result of cohesive actions of units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery, the AFU losses amounted to up to 75 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, two motor vehicles, two Msta-B howitzers, one Giatsint-B howitzer, and one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 127 areas during the day.

Air defence units intercepted one Ukrianian Air Force Mi-24 helicopter near Uglesborochnaya railway station (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Five U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles were intercepted in the past 24 hours. Moreover, 32 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Novaya Mayachka (Kherson region), Staromikhailovka, Spornoye, Krasnogorovka, Maryinka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Belogorovka and Nyrkovo (Lugansk Peoples Republic).

In total, 553 airplanes and 260 helicopters, 9,899 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 14,202 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,189 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 7,416 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 16,502 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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The owner of a deer farm outside of Beaver Dam is left with questions after his herd of 172 animals was killed after some deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

Ryan Rodenkirch, of Rodenkirch Whitetails and Genetics, off Highway S, said the herd was put down Nov. 6 following a six-month period in which the deer were quarantined on the farm.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection confirmed in a press release Wednesday that the farm, which tested positive in May, had 172 animals killed. In total, there were 26 positive cases of CWD at the farm.

CWD is a fatal, neurological disease of deer, elk and moose caused by an infectious protein called a prion that affects the animals brain, and testing for CWD is typically only performed after the animals death.

What they think is it came into my herd from the wild, Rodenkirch said. Whether it was raccoons in my feeders or crows in my water tanks, they brought it in and then the deer would pick it up from there. They are pen deer so they are living in close proximity and eating from the same feeder and it spreads. The first deer, a 9-year-old doe, died and was required to be tested for CWD, which led to the first case being found in May, he said.

The state will reimburse Rodenkirch for about 35 or 40% of the herd, but it still a large loss for him.

Im losing a million dollar business and getting 40%, Rodenkirch said. It is not really fair.

Rodenkirch started the business in 2016.

He said he cannot keep deer for five years, and the fences have to stay up. He has already done a lot of cleaning.

I had to do a bunch of towing the soil and burying the soil, Rodenkirch said. I had to burn any wood structure. It is extensive since they killed the animals. I have been working on that, and I am not paid for that. I am out of business.

Rodenkirch, who went to school for wildlife biology, and said that has been his profession for 15 years. He was working for other companies and then decided to start his own.

Its the American dream that became a nightmare, Rodenkirch said. It is unfortunate, and the programs that we have for finding the disease are wonderful but what happens after they find it. ... I sat here having to feed and care for animals for six months.

Rodenkirch said he does not believe testing does much and hopes there is more work to stop the disease.

The deer farm industry is doing research for resistant genetics, Rodenkirch said.

We try to do the right thing, and often times this keeps happening, he said.
The Clear Lake Police department made an arrest Tuesday night involving two Wisconsin residents who are wanted on homicide charges in Michigan.

According to a press release, around 6 p.m. Michigan's Houghton County Sheriff's Office alerted Clear Lake police the two suspects were in the the Clear Lake area and were considered armed and dangerous.

By 6:30 p.m. officers had arrested up 50-year-old Margaret Anne Rose Kempainen and Jacob Alan Charles Kempainen, 20, both of Heartland, Wis.

According to a report by Upper Michigans Source TV-6, the two, along with an unnamed juvenile, are wanted in connection with the murder of family member 86-year-old Alvin Kempainen, who was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head in his home in Hancock Township, Mich.

The pair is currently being held at the Cerro Gordo County Jail awaiting extradition to Houghton County, Mich.

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Office, Hancock County Sheriffs Office, and the Garner Police Department all assisted at the scene.
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Smoke rises after Israeli air strikes on the outskirts of Khiam, a town near the Lebanese-Israeli border, seen from the town of Marjayoun, south Lebanon, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group has been exchanging fire with Israeli troops along the tense frontier, which seen violent exchanges since Oct. 8 a day after the Palestinian militant Hamas group attacked southern Israel. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said this week's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile demonstrated his commitment not to hesitate to launch a nuclear attack in the event of nuclear provocations from the enemy, state media said Thursday.

Kim made the remarks in an event held Wednesday to praise the Second Red Flag Company under the General Missile Bureau for Monday's successful launch of a solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim said the launch was "a clear explanation of the offensive counteraction mode and the evolution of the nuclear strategy and doctrine of the DPRK not to hesitate even a nuclear attack when the enemy provoke it with nukes," according to the KCNA.

DPRK is the acronym for the North's official name.

Kim stressed that a country's sovereign rights can only be guaranteed through "strong power."

"It is the genuine defense capability and defense of durable peace to have the real capability for preemptively attacking the enemy anywhere and the war posture, making any enemy feel fear," he said in the KCNA report.

Kim has earlier said that this week's missile launch showed what option he would take if "Washington makes a wrong decision." The launch marked the North's fifth ICBM test-firing this year, the highest number ever recorded in a single year.

The North said the missile flew 1,002.3 kilometers for 4,415 seconds at a maximum altitude of 6,518.2 km before coming down in the East Sea. 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.

The ICBM launch came amid strengthened efforts by Seoul and Washington to advance their nuclear strategy against Pyongyang's threats.

During the second session of the Nuclear Consultative Group last week, South Korea and the U.S. agreed to complete the establishment of guidelines on a shared nuclear strategy by mid-2024 and conduct joint military exercises simulating nuclear attacks from the North.

The participants also agreed on a plan to incorporate scenarios of nuclear operations in next year's allied military exercises, including the summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield, according to a Seoul official who requested anonymity.

In a separate commentary Thursday, the KCNA condemned the plan as an "exercise for a nuclear war to invade the North." It claimed such drills will be a "clear declaration of war" and that the North will make sure to show that its warnings are not "empty words."

"The U.S. should know surely that this land is no longer the Korean Peninsula of the 1950s," it said.

Seoul, Washington and Tokyo have recently bolstered security ties in response to evolving military threats from North Korea, fully activating a system to share North Korean missile warning data in real time and approving a multiyear plan for trilateral military drills.

In another show of force, the countries conducted a joint aerial exercise involving U.S. B-1B strategic bombers on Wednesday. (Yonhap)
Leonard Bernstein was 25 and virtually unknown when he burst into public consciousness on Nov. 14, 1943, in a nationally broadcast concert from Carnegie Hall. When he died in 1990, he was far and away the most famous classical musician the United States had ever produced, and there was weeping in the streets of New York City.



I watched the Bernstein film biography Maestro with more than usual interest. For those of us raised in rural surroundings, far from concert halls, watching him on TV in the New York Philharmonic Young Peoples Concerts was like a passport into another world. As a music critic and interviewer, I met the man only four or five times, but thanks to his TV appearances and his books, I can say that I studied with Leonard Bernstein  and so did most of my contemporaries.

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Maestro, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, received generally positive reviews, and pundits predict multiple Oscar nominations. But how close is it to the truth?

(Left to right) Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein and Brian Klugman as Aaron Copland in "Maestro." Jason McDonald/Netflix

What Maestro missed

The answer is very close indeed  although that answer must be qualified. There is nothing about one of his greatest legacies  the brilliantly explanatory TV programs on Omnibus and the Young Peoples Concerts.

There, Bernstein spoke as convincingly about rock and jazz as he did about 19th-century Viennese orchestral works.

The movie shows us Bernstein the conductor, composer and lover, but to leave out what he called his Lenny lectures is a huge omission. He told me his Talmud scholar father made everything into a lesson  Pass the salt would elicit a lesson on Lots wife turning to salt. I inherited some of that didactic quality, Bernstein told me.
Traditionally, one of the joys  and banes  of living in the country has been a lack of internet access, but as technology marches forward, this, too, is changing.

Disconnecting from the frustrations of Facebook and other social media can be a relief. But as many learned during the pandemic, being unable to get high-speed internet access can make working, learning and video calling difficult, if not impossible, in rural areas.

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The COVID experience was a tough time, and it taught us a lot, says Michael Beesley, chief technology officer at Cisco Service Provider Networking. Cisco is the company behind the popular WebEx videoconferencing software. The level of digital connectivity had a great effect in substantiating the assertion that broadband really is a vital utility.

As of November 2023, more than 7.2 million homes and businesses still lacked access to high-speed internet service, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) national broadband access map. Thats less than half of the 14.5 million Americans reported to have been without broadband internet access in 2019. But the digital divide remains wide because of cost and availability.

In particular, rural residents  about 1 of every 5 people in the U.S., according to the 2020 census  are more likely than suburban or urban residents to say that access to high-speed internet is a problem. While about two-thirds of those in rural areas say they have access to a fast connection at home, 57 percent say cost is a problem, according to a January 2022 AARP study, the latest available.

Allen Scott, left, and Seth Dawson of Blue Lightning Broadband in Wiggins, Colorado, lay fiber optic cable Dec. 19, 2019, outside of Wiggins. RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Grants, loans are transforming the landscape

All that is changing  gradually  thanks to the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law and new technology.

High-speed internet access speeds improved by 44 percent from 2022 to 2023, according to a report from HighSpeedInternet.com, an internet provider comparison site. Nationwide speeds averaged more than 170 megabits per second (Mbps), more than enough to stream ultra-high-definition, 4K, video on your smart TV.

But suburban and rural areas with gigabit fiber optic cable, which means speeds of 1,000 Mbps, and 5G home internet skew the average upward, the report says. States with the slowest average speeds were typically those with a more rural population, including Alaska, West Virginia, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico and Vermont.

The median download speed that testers measured in Alaska was 35.51 Mbps. Vermont, the highest of the low, had a median speed of 60.81 Mbps, so half of the measurements were higher and half were lower.

Internet inroads into rural areas began in earnest in 2019 with a U.S. Department of Agriculture program called ReConnect. It has given nearly $5 billion in grants and loans to broadband providers to expand services in rural areas such as Chautauqua County, Kansas, on the border with Oklahoma, where Totah Communications of Ochelata, Oklahoma, received $4.1 million earlier this year to lay fiber optic cable that will expand download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps to 213 people, five businesses and 33 farms.

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program began divvying up $42.45 billion in grants this past summer to upgrade internet service in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Its focus is on places without internet, with speeds below 25 Mbps and underserved locations that fall short of the 100/20 Mbps threshold, not just rural areas.

We were totally out of the loop on internet before getting high-speed service earlier this year in Lafourche Crossing, Louisiana, about 45 miles southwest of New Orleans, Jane Lyles told PBS Newshour. We would sit at a friends house in the driveway for internet access, or wed sit in a McDonalds parking lot.  We had a block party when we got it. You just dont realize how bad things are sometimes.
Shelly Smee remembers vacations with friends to Mexico and Italy that didnt go according to plan.

Ive been on trips where people get into the wine and before you know it, theyre hung over for the excursions the next day, says the real estate agent from Vancouver, Canada.

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In 2022, Smee, who said shes a casual drinker, went on her first small group tour as part of an alcohol-free trip to Iceland with Hooked  Alcohol Free Travel Adventure. The company has organized trips to Italy, Mexico and Nashville, Tennessee. Among its 2024 offerings are a visit to Canada, a cruise from Panama and a safari in Tanzania.

Im 56 and have a hard enough time getting out of bed just normally, Smee says. I was looking forward to doing a trip where the focus was on seeing the sites during a small group tour with like-minded individuals committed to trying all the differing experiences.

Over the course of a week, Smee says, the group stopped at hot springs for an unforgettable dip in the clear waters and sampled nonalcoholic cocktails at a Michelin star restaurant in Reykjavik.

What the group didnt do in Iceland was drink alcohol.

We all got along. Quite frankly, I didnt even think of drinking, Smee says. It just wasnt a priority.

Hospitality brands bet on sober travel

The alcohol-free travel trend is growing and goes beyond Dry January and Sober October, voluntary opportunities to forgo drinking during those months  whether to raise money for causes or for ones own personal health.

Hotels.com reported more than 40 percent of travelers planned to book a detox trip in the next year, and even more expressed interest in staying at hotels that offer easily accessible alcohol-free beverage options.

For proof that theres opportunity in experiences of the no-proof variety, you only need to look as far as some of travels biggest brands.

MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are among the major lines offering alcohol-free drink packages to customers. On the Norwegian Viva ship, mocktails available at the Vibe Beach Club include the Espresso Notini, made with a nonalcoholic amaretto liqueur, and the Smoky Water, created with a nonalcoholic red vermouth.

Hotels, from big chains to boutique properties, also have jumped onboard the alcohol-free wagon.



Hilton has absolutely seen a growing demand for nonalcoholic cocktails, says Adam Crocini, senior vice president and global head of food and beverage brands at Hilton. In the companys 2024 Trends Report, he says the brand explored emerging traveler preferences across generations, from Generation Z to boomers.

Across all age categories, we continue to see an increased focus on personal wellness and mindful food and beverage choices, he says.
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The former 'Jackass' star reveals that he popped the question to his then-girlfriend of six months in October as he gives insight into his relationship with her.

Dec 21, 2023

AceShowbiz - Congratulations are in order for Bam Margera and Dannii Marie. The former "Jackass" star announced that he is engaged to his girlfriend after being in a romantic relationship with her for six months.

On Wednesday, December 20, the 44-year-old star broke the exciting news to Us Weekly and revealed that he popped the question in October. In an interview, he gushed over their relationship. "We're just a really good team," he exclaimed.

The "Jackass Forever" actor went on to explain, "I never had structure before. I always woke up not knowing what to do with the day  I would just look across the street, see an Irish pub and be like, 'That looks like fun.' "

Fortunately, Bam has started to establish "a structured fun schedule" after Dannii entered his life. He elaborated, "Now I wake up, I walk the dogs, I stretch, I go to the gym, I go skateboarding. Everything's a structured fun schedule." He added, "Dannii [got] me on the right track. Got me visitation to see my son Phoenix after not seeing him for 200 days."

The skateboarder and stuntman further shared, "And we do it together, and it's just a perfect thing." He then bragged about his connection with his now-fiancee, "She's everything I've ever asked for, I couldn't ask for anything more. We are a perfect team."

Bam, who has struggled with addiction for years, appeared to have been supported by Dannii during his sobriety journey. In September, it was revealed that he has been sober for one month and living with her on a farm owned by a professional skateboarder near Philadelphia.

Bam and Dannii have been hitting the gym together every day and going on hikes with their dogs, per TMZ. Furthermore, he reportedly has "kept a really tight circle of positive friends and influences" and felt more positive about his recovery this time as he "wanted to get sober for himself as opposed to being forced by family or friends through an intervention."

Bam was romantically linked to Dannii after he began sharing photos featuring her via his two Instagram pages. On July 4, he uploaded a photo with Dannii at a grocery store on his @bam_margera account. Later that same month, he released on his @captaincremebrulee profile a series of photos from the X Games that he attended with her.

Prior to his romance with Dannii, Bam married Nicole Boyd in October 2013. They welcomed their son Phoenix in December 2017 before she reportedly filed for a legal separation from him in February 2023. He was also married to Melissa Rothstein from 2007 to 2012.

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The 'Bullet Train' actor and his girlfriend of one year make a rare appearance together to celebrate his birthday with friends at a party at the Italian restaurant Mother Wolf in Los Angeles.

Dec 21, 2023

AceShowbiz - Brad Pitt was clearly in good spirits when celebrating his birthday with his girlfriend by his side. Turning 60 years old on December 18, the actor threw a bash attended by his lady love Ines de Ramon and his friends on Tuesday, December 19.

The party was held at the Italian restaurant Mother Wolf in Los Angeles with about 30 guests joining the pair, an eyewitness tells E! News. In photos circulating online, the Oscar winner and his girlfriend were all smiles as they greeted guests outside the restaurant.

The birthday boy stood out in a black cashmere shirt hand-painted with gold floral designs from his fashion line, God's True Cashmere. While the exact shirt and pattern are not available for sale, a very similar style in navy blue retails for a whopping $6,000. He teamed the flashy shirt with black pants and a pair of black loafers.

Ines, who also celebrated her 34th birthday on Tuesday, wore a short white dress with a white scarf on her shoulders. She completed her look with black tights and a pair of black high heels, while a balloon appeared to be tied to the back of her dress and she carried what looks like a gift.

Brad Pitt celebrated his 60th birthday with girlfriend Ines de Ramon in Los Angeles.

The guests also carried gifts that included artwork and photographs. The Hollywood star himself was seen holding various framed pieces of artwork, including one depicting two wolves.

A few days before hosting the party, Brad enjoyed a low-key early birthday celebration with Ines in Paris. The pair arrived at Charles De Gaulle Airport over the weekend. They reportedly spent Sunday at their luxury Paris hotel off the Champs-Elysees. Balloons were seen arriving to the hotel on Monday before they went out for a day of fun together.

The "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" star and the jewelry designer enjoyed a meal prepared by a chef at a private apartment. They later attended a folk-rock concert by Asaf Avidan at the Theatre du Chatelet, according to a source.

Brad and Ines were first spotted together in November when they attended a Bono concert. It's his first public relationship since his bitter divorce from Angelina Jolie in 2016, though he was previously briefly linked to Emily Ratajkowski.

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The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday lambasted a recent U.N. Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Pyongyang's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch and warned of further provocations.

Kim Yo-jong's criticism came as the UNSC gathered Tuesday to discuss North Korea's latest test-launch of a solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM. During the meeting, the North lashed out at the United States and South Korea for infringing upon its right to self-defense.

"The UNSC, again, eliminated and tolerated the U.S. and the Republic of Korea's provocation both in rhetoric and action, a direct motive of sparking the DPRK's reaction," Kim said in an English-language statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.

DPRK is the acronym for the North's official name.

"I feel very unpleasant over the fact that the UNSC convened an open meeting according to the brigandish demand of the U.S. and its satellite countries and brought up the sovereign right of the DPRK into discussion, and strongly condemn it," she said.

Kim, who serves as the vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, accused the "U.S. and its vassal forces" of being the "root cause" of escalating regional tension and urged the UNSC to hold them accountable.

Kim hinted at further provocations against South Korea and the U.S.

"From now on, the hostile forces had better worry themselves about how the DPRK would define and regard the character of the coming scenarios for the military confrontation with the DPRK predicted by the U.S. and the ROK and with what mode the DPRK would respond to them," she said.

Tuesday's UNSC meeting ended with the council failing to reach a consensus amid opposition from China and Russia.

Ahead of the meeting, 10 countries  South Korea, the U.S., Britain, France, Japan, Albania, Ecuador, Malta, Slovenia and Switzerland  issued a strongly worded joint statement condemning the North's recent missile launches.

South Korea's unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, deplored Kim's statement.

"Talking about self-defense rights and double standards while frequently violating international peace and the UNSC resolutions, which all member countries have a duty to abide by according to the U.N. charter, is rejecting becoming a normal member of the international community," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity. (Yonhap)
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The 80-year-old actor, who welcomed baby girl Gia earlier this year with his Chinese girlfriend Tiffany Chen, wants the little one to learn both of her parents' native languages.

Dec 21, 2023

AceShowbiz - Robert De Niro wants his daughter to learn both Chinese and English. The 80-year-old actor who has adoptive daughter Drena, 52, Raphael, 47, and 28-year-old twins Julian and Aaron with ex-wife Diahnne Abbott as well as Elliot, 25, and 11-year-old Helen Grace with second wife Grace Hightower, welcomed baby girl Gia earlier this year with his Chinese girlfriend Tiffany Chen and is hoping that the little one will be brought up learning both of her parents' native languages.

He told Rolling Stone, "Yeah. Half-Chinese. I want to try to teach her Chinese and show her nursery rhymes in English and Chinese. Im hoping to have her learn both."

Just months after Robert became a dad again, 83-year-old Hollywood star Al Pacino welcomed Roman with girlfriend Noor Alfallah, 29, but he admitted that he had no idea the "Godfather Part II" actor was set to become a father again himself and simply noted that he was "happy" to hear the news and promised they will talk about it next time they get the chance to catch up.

He said, "I didn't know he was having a kid! I don't know under what conditions he had the baby, but I was happy for him and wish him luck. I don't know what the story is with Als baby, but when I see him, we'll talk."

Around the time of welcoming his seventh child, Robert admitted that he didn't consider himself to be a "cool dad" but always wanted to do the "right thing" by his children. He told ET Canada, "I'm not a cool dad, I'm okay. You know, my kids disagree with me at times, and they're respectful. My daughter, she is 11, she gives me grief sometimes and I argue with her. I adore her, but, you know.

"And my youngest now, that'll be more to come. But, that's what it is. I mean, there's no way around it with kids. I don't like to have to lay down the law and stuff like that. But, [sometimes] you just have no choice. Any parent, I think, would say the same thing. You always want to do the right thing by the children and give them the benefit of the doubt but sometimes you can't."

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The 19-year-old content creator on an adult platform continues teasing social media users with a never-before-seen sizzling picture featuring her jaw-dropping figure.

Dec 21, 2023

AceShowbiz - Sami Sheen has continued teasing her devotees with racy social media content. After undergoing plastic surgery to have bigger breasts, the OnlyFans model revealed that she might "leak" her chest in a new busty photo.

On Wednesday, December 20, the 19-year-old content creator made use of Instagram Story to upload a never-before-seen photo of herself. The snap captured her striking a pose while exposing her upper assets. She placed both of her hands to strategically cover her chest.

In the new picture, Sami was wearing a revealing pink bodysuit that came with spaghetti straps, a halter neck design and small blue flower patterns all over it. Though so, she still kept most part of her chest away from the public's eyes as she censored the area with pink graphics.

Over the snap, the daughter of actor Charlie Sheen and actress Denise Richards asked, "Should I leak these?" In addition, she provided a link that directs Instagram users to her OnlyFans page, on which she will most likely release the sultry selfie.

This was not the first time Sami teased her fans with a sizzling photo. On November 30, she called out her devotees who are "dying to see" her figure following a boob job. Over the snap, she penned, "I know ur dying to see them," adding water splash and cherry emojis.

The picture itself saw Sami showing off her cleavage in a white crop top that came with a plunging neckline. The model on the adult platform donned a long-sleeved white knitted cardigan that came with matching ties and matching fur. While letting loose her long light blonde hair, she covered most of it with a white fur hat. She looked stunning with her full makeup, including pink lipstick.

Previously, Sami shared her plans to go under the knife to have D-cup breasts. On the reason why, she told Bustle, "I was 10 years old and like, 'I can't wait to have big boobs like my mom.' All my friends were getting boobs, and I was just like, 'OK, when's it my turn?' I would always stuff my bra with socks and stuff."

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The couple was photographed touching at the Los Angeles International Airport just one day after the 34-year-old actor was found guilty of harassing and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.

Dec 21, 2023

AceShowbiz - Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good have left New York City following his guilty verdict. The "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" villain and the "Day Shift" actress were photographed touching at the Los Angeles International Airport just one day after the actor was found guilty of harassing and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.

On late Tuesday night, December 19, the 34-year-old hunk and his girlfriend were spotted going down a set of stairs from the jetway. The couple, who has put united front since his assault trial, was joined by at least one other person from his crew.

Jonathan has been convicted of two misdemeanor counts of harassment and assault of his ex-partner Grace. He 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 "Creed III" star 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.

Grace also said when she got out of the car Jonathan 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. Jonathan, however, denied he assaulted Grace and his defense team alleged she was the aggressor.

Jonathan's assault case unfortunately has cost him his career. Variety reported that Marvel had "parted ways" with the actor, who had been cast to play Kang, the central antagonist in the Multiverse Saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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While making an appearance at an event together, the 'Making the Cut' star opts to wear a black mini dress while the former 'Modern Family' star rocks a long brown gown.

Dec 22, 2023

AceShowbiz - Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara appeared to have had a blast on a new outing. The "Making the Cut" star and the former "Modern Family" cast member, who have been friends after becoming judges on "America's Got Talent", opted to wear skin-tight dresses and flaunted their curves during a girls' night out.

On Tuesday, December 19, 50-year-old Heidi uploaded a photo highlighting her and Sofia's looks for an event that they attended together. In the mirror selfie, Heidi could be seen showing off her hourglass figure in a body-fitted black mini dress, which was fully covered in sparkling black sequins.

The "Arctic Dogs" voice actress enhanced her elegant look with a pair of open-toe black platform high heels that came with straps and matching fur. She accessorized herself with a silver bracelet and polished her long nails in a bright red color. In addition, her long blonde hair was let loose with her bangs covering most part of her forehead.

In the meantime, Sofia went with a more simple dress. She showcased her jaw-dropping curves in a figure-hugging long-sleeved brown gown from Eterne. The dress was long enough to cover her ankles. To match with Heidi, Sofia also donned a pair of black open-toe black platform high heels.

The "Hot Pursuit" actress completed the outfit with a huge golden bracelet on one of her wrists, a number of silver rings and a pair of gold earrings that came with a massive brown stone. In addition, she kept her belongings in a black clutch.

In contrast to Heidi's nails, Sofia polished her long fingernails and toenails in a white color. The latter looked bold with her makeup, including dark-colored eyeshadow, thick black eyeliner, long lashes and red lipstick. Her hair was styled into a simple straight hairdo and parted in the middle.

In the mirror selfie, Heidi was striking a pose and standing behind Sofia. While Heidi was holding a smartphone in one of her hands, Sofia placed her black bag in front of the lower part of her face as she smiled. Along with the snap, Heidi gushed over Sofia's look in the caption of the post, "Wow @sofiavergara," adding a peach emoji.

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The former adult movie star calls serving as host in 'For the Love of DILFs' the 'best job' she's ever had because it 'wrapped up in hot naked man package.'

Dec 22, 2023

AceShowbiz - Stormy Daniels returns to hosting gay dating reality series "For the Love of DILFs" and says it's the "best job" she's ever had. The adult star and stripper turned TV personality, 44, who found mainstream fame after her alleged 2006 fling with Donald Trump came to light in 2018 during his presidential administration, said she's overjoyed her new role doesn't involve her getting intimate with anyone.



"I don't even get to have an orgasm! Go figure. It was just such an eye-opening experience for me that how could I say no to season two? Especially once I realized that I was given this opportunity that I didn't even know was wrapped up in this hot naked man package," she told Page Six about hosting the second series of the "FTLODs".

The show sees Stormy preside over a cast of young makes known as "Himbos" and their older "Daddies" followers as they search for love and compete for a $10,000 cash prize, with narration courtesy of the mystery "Dr. DILF".

Stormy added she loves the conversations she's helped spark between contestants on "FTLODs" as she says the chats "put the straight community to shame."

She said, "What I didn't realise was going to be this unexpected bonus to really sort of bridge the gap between the queer community and the straight community about some of these hot topics that these people on the show  were so open and honest (about)."

"Conversations about boundaries, about body positivity, health, STDs and consent. And good stuff, too, like how you want to be touched, what feels good."

Former US president Trump, now 77, who married his wife Melania Trump, 53, a year before his alleged tryst with Stormy, denies any allegations of sexual encounters with her.

But he paid Daniels $130,000 in 2016 not to publicize her claims, and the cash comprised part of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's criminal case against the scandal-plagued former president for allegedly falsifying business records.

Stormy was ordered to pay Trump nearly $300,000 in legal fees in 2018 after she unsuccessfully sued him for defamation and has vowed to go to prison before doing so and has continued to fight the order in court.

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Bisleri, India's leading mineral water brand has roped in Global Indian Icon Deepika Padukone as its first-ever global brand ambassador in the new campaign Bisleri #DrinkItUp. The campaign is a fresh and never seen before take on hydration infusing excitement and fun. The ad film showcases Padukone grooving to a snappy and modern take on the iconic song Jhoom Jhoom Jhoom Baba while relishing the pure refreshment of the original beverage, 'water.'

Commenting on getting onboard Deepika Padukone as the brand ambassador, Jayanti Chauhan, Vice Chairperson, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd, said, "Bisleri is synonymous with hydration. Our new campaign Bisleri #DrinkItUp is embracing the fun and excitement of visualising hydration in an iconic style with Ms. Deepika Padukone for the first time ever. We are thrilled to have Ms Padukone as our first global brand ambassador as her work and values align with our brand philosophy. With her we are able to show our brand evolving with modern times. We are confident that everyone will love this campaign and enjoy hydrating with Bisleri."

Deepika Padukone, known for her versatility as an actor and her commitment to excellence, expressed her enthusiasm as the global ambassador of Bisleri, "I am delighted to be associated with a brand as iconic as Bisleri. I have always believed in the importance of hydration as a key step in our commitment to a healthy lifestyle and overall wellbeing and the Bisleri #DrinkItUp campaign celebrates just that.

Tushar Malhotra, Head of Marketing, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd, adds, The Bisleri #DrinkItUp campaign is a significant step to contemporize the brand, increase brand love and have exciting conversations with our consumers.

The Bisleri #DrinkItUp campaign has been shot by Nirvana Films and directed by ace director Prakash Verma while Bisleris association with Deepika Padukone was managed by Wavemaker and GroupM ESP.

The integrated campaign will be promoted across various platforms, including television, digital, Out-of-Home media, delivery vehicles, influencer engagement, OTT platforms, and much more. Padukone will also be part of all Bisleri product packaging. Through these diverse touchpoints, we aim to offer consumers an immersive and engaging experience.
Club Mahindra, the leading brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, is offering a chance to holiday at Santa Village in Finland through its AI-powered #MeetTheRealSanta campaign. The initiative is designed to spread joy, particularly among children, and provide them with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Club Mahindra's #MeetTheRealSanta campaign encourages both children and adults to connect with Santa Claus in a unique and engaging way. All kids need to do is, write a letter or upload a video with heartfelt Christmas wishes on Club Mahindras #MeetTheRealSanta campaign page.

Upon sending their messages, participants will receive a personalized video message from Santa himself. Moreover, the most creative entries stand a chance to win a free family holiday to Santa Village in Finland. This exclusive experience ensures that families are immersed in the magical world of Christmas, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Sharing his thoughts on the campaign Mr. Pratik Mazumder, Chief Marketing Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, says, Embracing the timeless magic of Santa, our #MeetTheRealSanta initiative aims to provide magical holidays to children and their families. It also taps into the enchanting world of AI technology to illuminate the faces of the little ones with a personalised message from Santa Claus. At Club Mahindra, we are dedicated to crafting enchanting moments for children and families alike. This campaign is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating truly magical experiences.

The micro site is open and accepting entries until 25th December 2023.

So, don't miss outregister now for a chance to receive a personalized message and meet the real Santa Claus at Santa village in Finland.
The European Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether X may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) in areas linked to risk management, content moderation, dark patterns, advertising transparency and data access for researchers.

On the basis of the preliminary investigation conducted so far, including on the basis of an analysis of the risk assessment report submitted by X in September, X's Transparency report published on 3 November, and X's replies to a formal request for information, which, among others, concerned the dissemination of illegal content in the context of Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel, the Commission has decided to open formal infringement proceedings against X under the Digital Services Act.

The proceedings will focus on the following areas:

The compliance with the DSA obligations related to countering the dissemination of illegal content in the EU, notably in relation to the risk assessment and mitigation measures adopted by X to counter the dissemination of illegal content in the EU, as well as the functioning of the notice and action mechanism for illegal content in the EU mandated by the DSA, including in light of X's content moderation resources.

in the EU, notably in relation to the risk assessment and mitigation measures adopted by X to counter the dissemination of illegal content in the EU, as well as the functioning of the notice and action mechanism for illegal content in the EU mandated by the DSA, including in light of X's content moderation resources. The effectiveness of measures taken to combat information manipulation on the platform , notably the effectiveness of X's so-called Community Notes' system in the EU and the effectiveness of related policies mitigating risks to civic discourse and electoral processes.

, notably the effectiveness of X's so-called Community Notes' system in the EU and the effectiveness of related policies mitigating risks to civic discourse and electoral processes. The measures taken by X to increase the transparency of its platform. The investigation concerns suspected shortcomings in giving researchers access to X's publicly accessible data as mandated by Article 40 of the DSA, as well as shortcomings in X's ads repository.

of its platform. The investigation concerns suspected shortcomings in giving researchers access to X's publicly accessible data as mandated by Article 40 of the DSA, as well as shortcomings in X's ads repository. A suspected deceptive design of the user interface, notably in relation to checkmarks linked to certain subscription products, the so-called Blue checks.

If proven, these failures would constitute infringements of Articles 34(1), 34(2) and 35(1), 16(5) and 16(6), 25(1), 39 and 40(12) of the DSA. The Commission will now carry out an in-depth investigation as a matter of priority. The opening of formal infringement proceedings does not prejudge its outcome.

These are the first formal proceedings launched by the Commission to enforce the first EU-wide horizontal framework for online platforms' responsibility, just 3 years from its proposal.

Next Steps

After the formal opening of proceedings, the Commission will continue to gather evidence, for example by sending additional requests for information, conducting interviews or inspections.

The opening of formal proceedings empowers the Commission to take further enforcement steps, such as interim measures, and non-compliance decisions. The Commission is also empowered to accept any commitment made by X to remedy on the matters subject to the proceeding.

The DSA does not set any legal deadline for bringing formal proceedings to an end. The duration of an in-depth investigation depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent to which the company concerned cooperate with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defence.

The opening of formal infringement proceedings does not prejudge its outcome. It relieves Digital Services Coordinators, or any other competent authority of EU Member States, of their powers to supervise and enforce the DSA in relation to the suspected infringements of Articles 16(5), 16(6) and 25(1).
&flix- Indias most preferred location for biggest Hollywood hits is all set to telecast Flower Shop Mystery: Snipped in the Bud on Sunday, 24th December at 7 PM. The film is a perfect blend of romance, comedy and suspense, with a charming cast and a captivating plot, that makes it for all Hollywood lovers.

Flower Shop Mystery: Snipped in the Bud is based on the bestselling book series by Kate Collins. It follows the adventures of Abby Knight, a former lawyer turned florist, who gets involved in solving murders with the help of her ex-PI boyfriend, Marco Salvare. In this movie, Abby becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her old law school rival, who was found dead in his office shortly after she delivered black roses to him. Abby and Marco team up to find the real killer and clear her name, while dodging a hard-boiled detective and a relentless reporter.

Watch Flower Shop Mystery: Snipped in the Bud this Sunday at 7 PM on &flix
Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series  START-UP STARS. We at Adgully wholeheartedly support the Vocal for Local movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years.

Litmus is a design and technology company which aims to enrich consumers lives by creating premium yet affordable lifestyle products that offer true value to its consumers. Founded by second-generation entrepreneur duo  Rohit Bachhawat and Ankit Bachhawat  Litmus mission is simple yet profound: making technology accessible and enjoyable for everyone in everyday use. Rohit Bachhawat, Founder & CEO, is an alumna of SP Jain School of Global Management and has worked in the retail industry across India and UAE, helping brands boost their retail presence. He heads the product design and development works along with overall brand strategy of Litmus. Ankit Bachhawat, Co-founder & COO, is an alumna of Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore & Christ University. He specialises in sales and marketing and heads the operations of Litmus.

The lifestyle consumer electronics brand offers a diverse range of technology assisted grooming products catering to both men and women, ensuring that everyone has access to top-notch tools for self-expression and self-care.

In an interaction with Adgully, Rohit Bachhawat, Co-founder, Litmus & Ankit Bachhawat, Co-founder, Litmus, speaks about being part of this Electronics and Technology industry for over a decade, evolving consumer trends, focussing on delivering superior experience and better value to consumers, and more.

What inspired the founding of your start-up, and what problem did you set out to solve?

We have been part of this Electronics and Technology industry for over a decade now and we have seen the market and consumers evolving. The current trend that we are witnessing is that a consumer is more educated and informed and they do their necessary due diligence before buying any product. The consumers are also more demanding and in a price sensitive market like India it is difficult to balance both affordability and quality control. Most brands due to pricing pressure compromise on the product quality and consumer experience.

At Litmus, our benchmark is not just customer satisfaction, but we strive to maximise customer delight. With every product development our primary aim is to deliver top of the line tech specs and best in class built quality. We pay attention to detail not only on the product itself, but also on the accessories and product packaging to deliver a wholesome customer experience.

Could you provide an overview of your product/ service and its unique features or benefits?

While we develop a product, we focus on its unique features that add value to the customer and also act as a differentiating factor vis-a-vis competition.

A few examples would be:

Litmus Body Groomer Carbon 100: Our best selling trimmer with 0-10mm comb with 20 length settings. It comes in a hard-shell carry case specifically designed for the current generation which is looking for ease and convenience while travelling. A one-of-a-kind product in the market.

Our best selling trimmer with 0-10mm comb with 20 length settings. It comes in a hard-shell carry case specifically designed for the current generation which is looking for ease and convenience while travelling. A one-of-a-kind product in the market. Litmus Travel Garment Steamer TS-1166: A unique and easy to use Travel Garment Steamer which is 50% lighter and more compact in comparison to a traditional steamer. It has been designed specifically for travel purposes as it cuts down on luggage space and weight drastically while travelling and does the work of removing creases from clothes. Ideal for both business and leisure travels.

A unique and easy to use Travel Garment Steamer which is 50% lighter and more compact in comparison to a traditional steamer. It has been designed specifically for travel purposes as it cuts down on luggage space and weight drastically while travelling and does the work of removing creases from clothes. Ideal for both business and leisure travels. Litmus Precision Trimmer PT-101: A single mould body compact trimmer without any external screws. IPX7 water resistance trimmer with precision blades designed in Germany. It is a premium product designed for the next generation of go-getters.

How does your start-up differentiate itself from competitors in the market?

We are a product company and the only way we can differentiate ourselves is by developing products which are focussed on delivering superior experience and better value to our consumer. So, we keep it simple by making sure we listen to our consumers and with every new product we try to bridge the gap by offering better designs, product finishes with superior technical specifications.

What milestones has your company achieved so far, and what are your future growth plans?

We started this venture with 2 SKUs and today in the Litmus portfolio we have 18 SKUs. We started with daily 5-10 orders and we are looking to sell 10,000 units in the coming quarter.

How has the start-up evolved since its inception, and what challenges have you overcome along the way?

In the whole evolution process we have realised that being just trendsetters is not enough. Today, the biggest challenge is to reach out to your target audience and be heard in all the clutter that is around. In our journey we have realised that it is very essential to have strong business fundamentals and it is important to be true to your customers.

How does your start-up contribute to the industry or community you operate in?

We have always focussed in educating our consumers and creating more awareness about how to effectively use the product. We also share product care tips to further enhance the life of the product. In the currently competitive environment, due to cost and profitability pressures brands tend to compromise on product quality. We want to stick to our business core and concentrate on delivering best in class customer experience and our aim is to be an industry benchmark for quality.

What problem does your start-up solve?

India is the fastest growing nation and there is a constant increase in middle class aspirational consumers who want to get access to the best-in-class technology and built finishes. We want to deliver affordable luxury which is also easy on the pockets. So, our motto is to deliver products which are high on technology yet affordable by the growing Indian middle class.

How much funding has the company raised, and from which investors?

We are self-funded, and we believe being bootstrapped has helped us realise the importance of generating value with every penny we spend.

Who are your target customers, and how are you acquiring them?

We are targeting the Middle and Upper middle-class population. We are currently a D2C brand and we are reaching out to our target audience though 14 marketplaces. We also believe word of mouth advertising is the best form of advertising and our customers are our best brand ambassadors. We request each and every customer to share their experience of using our product and we encourage them to reach out to us with their feedback which will help us in our future developments.

What are the major challenges the company faces currently?

There is a lot of clutter and the challenge that we face is reaching out to our target audience through the usual commercial media as they are becoming more and more expensive by the day. Reaching out to your TA via Social Media is also not very viable. Unfortunately, today a lot of brands are spending more money on marketing than on actual product development and this is a criminal waste as this money spent is finally recovered from the consumers so they end up paying more for the product.

I think reaching out to the consumers in a cost effective manner is possible only if there is differentiation in product offering which adds value to the consumer. Thats when the consumer willingly becomes your brand ambassador and the cost of marketing can be substantially reduced and the same money could be utilised for R&D of new products.

What is the company's growth plan and vision for the future?

We believe organic and sustainable growth is the way forward. We are trying to accelerate our market presence and at the same time optimise our marketing expenditure. Our vision is to keep innovating and keep bringing in new technology and design concepts to our market. This will be our key differentiator.

How does the company measure success, and what are its key performance indicators (KPIs)?

I think we have a long road ahead of us. We currently measure our growth through various KPIs like we track our ROMI (Return on Marketing Investment), we keep a close tab on the COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) to keep our business sustainable. We are trying to keep our fixed cost low and also keep our organisation lean and flexible. This has enabled us to be more agile and responsive to customer needs.

What are the exit strategies for investors?

Currently, we are bootstrapped, but if we are out there looking for investors, then we would like to collaborate with someone who would add value not just with investments, but with their expertise in helping us scale. We are looking for investors who would like to build and scale up the business to a point that we can go public. Then they can choose to be invested or exit partially or wholly.
The U.N. General Assembly has passed a resolution on North Korean human rights for the 19th consecutive year amid growing woes over the safety of North Korean escapees who were repatriated from China.

This year's resolution, highlighting concerns over the repatriation, was passed by consensus at the General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (local time), after it was unanimously adopted by the Third Committee handling human rights and social affairs on Nov. 15.

Seoul and Washington have voiced concerns on reports that hundreds of North Korean defectors in China have been forcibly repatriated as cross-border travel resumed following the North's full lifting of pandemic-driven border closures this year.

The resolution, led by the European Union, strongly urges all member states to respect the principle of non-refoulement, which guarantees that no one should be returned to a country where they would face the risk of persecution.

As Pyongyang's key ally, China does not recognize North Korean defectors as refugees and regularly repatriates them to their home country, where they could face harsh punishment.

The resolution condemns the "long-standing and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights" in the North.

North Korea has long been accused of grave human rights abuses, ranging from holding political prisoners in concentration camps to committing torture and carrying out public executions. However, North Korea claims its people are freely enjoying genuine human rights.

Since 2005, the U.N. General Assembly has adopted the resolution condemning North Korea's dire human rights situation every year.

South Korea co-sponsored the latest resolution, as it did last year for the first time in four years. Since taking office in May last year, the conservative Yoon Suk Yeol administration has taken a proactive stance in dealing with the North's rights issues. (Yonhap)
In 2023, UKs communication regulator Ofcom found a total of 35 programmes in breach of its broadcasting rules. The regulator also published 15 adjudications on complaints from individuals and organisations that complained that they had been treated unfairly and/or had their privacy unwarrantably infringed in TV and radio programmes.

During the year, Ofcom published 23 Broadcast and On Demand Bulletins which announced 57 new broadcast standards investigations, as well the outcome of 46 investigations.

During 2023, audience complaints about standards on TV continued to make the headlines with news coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Coronation of King Charles and celebrity on-screen spats featuring in our top 10.

For Ofcom, complaints are a vital barometer for how audiences think and feel. Over the course of the last year, Ofcom received 69,236 complaints about 9,638 cases. Thats nearly twice as many complaints as Ofcom dealt with in 2022  although the two most complained about programmes of the year make up nearly a quarter of the total complaints.

Importantly, this number doesnt include complaints about programmes on the BBC. Under the BBC Charter, these must be handled by the BBC in the first instance.

Almost one in ten complaints to Ofcom this year were about coverage of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza which began in October. Ofcom plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of broadcast news and current affairs programming, by upholding standards of due impartiality and due accuracy. And so, complaints about this content  on a range of channels  are being prioritised by the Ofcom team.

The regulator imposed sanctions on four broadcasters for content breaches, including a 40,000 fine to the Islam channel and 10,000 to Ahlebait TV, both for broadcasting antisemitic content.

Ofcom also found GB News in breach of its rules on five occasions after its investigations found it broke the rules that protect audiences from harm twice and our due impartiality rules three times.
For the first time in the history of the Indian Parliament, 141 MPs have been suspended. Out of these, 95 are from the Lok Sabha and 46 from the Rajya Sabha. This mass suspension has developed a crisis in Parliament, especially at a time when crucial bills were tabled and passed with limited discussion. The only fault of MPs is that they keep raising questions and bring the government into an awkward situation. The root of the contention lies in the oppositions demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament. They seek a discussion on the recent security breach incident on December 13, where intruders stormed the Lok Sabha and released smoke canisters.

Well, all the suspended MPs were having a chill moment. To make the situation light, TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee was mimicking Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen recording it. The scenario was somewhat like schoolchildren teasing their teacher. Soon after this episode, the mainstream media got geared up to make breaking news and there were several prime-time debates. But unfortunately, no media has the guts to question the government over the mass suspension.

Above all, a Supreme Court lawyer has filed a complaint against Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, who stirred a row by mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar during the oppositions protest at the Parliament complex. The video of Banerjee derisively mimicking Dhankhar has since gone viral. The advocate, Vineet Jindal, has filed a complaint with the Ethics Committees of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha and sought the expulsion of all the members involved in the incident.

In this entire saga, no media has ever questioned the security lapses, the attack on parliament, or the reason for such aggression by civil society. Unemployment is the biggest issue in the country and the security breach in parliament exposed many things. The BJP can never handle such humiliations. They knew that the opposition was not in a mood to spare them. They suspended hundreds of MPs.

Let me tell you, this was not the first time some leader mocked another leader; our PM Modi mocked many opposition leaders. He made fun of them by calling them names and adding tags. Modi mocked former Vice President Hamid Ansari during his farewell event in August 2017, one of Indias most distinguished diplomats, reducing his identity to his religion and in effect alleging that his entire professional and political achievements were because of his religious identity. No BJP leader or member of the media took this incident seriously.

Now the mimicry saga is being escalated to divert attention from the suspension of 142 MPs. Never in the history of Parliament has there been a suspension of MPs on such a large scale. But those who talk about mimicry, just remember who mimicked whom and that too in the Lok Sabha. Soon after this episode, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee clarified that he didnt intend to hurt Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar when he made his impression outside Parliament. Calling mimicry a type of art, Banerjee defended his action by citing a past instance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi doing mimicry in Lok Sabha. Jagdeep Dhankhar is ex-governor of Bengal.

Unfortunately, these are our lawmakers, and that is our ruling party, who ignore the crucial issues of the country while wasting their time on petty issues. Asking questions in parliament is considered a crime. Media has already become His masters voice by keeping themselves as watchdogs. In an era of weaker opposition, its the duty of the media to hold the ruling government accountable. If all voices are suppressed, then there will be only dictatorship. The Indian government can go one-sided and arrogant, which it already is.

Jagdeep Dhankar, the man famous for being the governor of West Bengal, has been announced as the NDAs candidate for the post of VP. He is also famous for being the lawyer for Salman Khan, who bailed him out. He has been rewarded for the efforts he has put in while being the governor of Bengal. He went out of the normal working routine of a governor and tried to meet and become the voice of people who were affected by violence. He was mocked by the opposition but he persisted with his efforts. People also threw allegations at him for working on the orders of the central government, which might be true. But do you really expect a governor appointed by the central government not to pay heed to the ruling party? Ideally, yes, because governor is not a political post but we dont live in an idealistic world. So the post of the speaker should be neutral.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday responded to the fresh summons issued by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, saying it was politically motivated and illegal like the previous one.

I am ready to accept every legal summons. This summons of ED is also illegal like the previous ones. EDs summons are politically motivated. They should be withdrawn. I lived my life with honesty and transparency. I have nothing to hide, CM Kejriwal said in a statement on Thursday.

The ED, on December 18, issued fresh summons to CM Kejriwal, asking him to appear before the central agency for questioning on December 21 in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. Fellow AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre over the summons issued to the CM, saying that the saffron party uses central probe agencies to intimidate and silence leaders of the opposition.

She asserted that the AAP wont bow down to such threats by the ED and the CBI. Hitting out at the BJP-led Centre, Atishi said it fears Kejriwals model of governance, which is why leaders of the ruling AAP were being hounded by the central agencies and put in jail.

It is clear the BJP are scared of the Aam Aadmi Party and the model of governance of our leader, Arvind Kejriwal, which is why the leaders of our party are being thrown in jail one by one. The BJP are using agencies at their disposal to scare us, Atishi told ANI. The Delhi CM was first called by the federal agency to appear for questioning on November 2, but he skipped the summons, claiming it to be 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, after being summoned earlier. Kejriwal was earlier summoned by the CBI in April this year in connection with the same case.

However, the CM was not named as an accused in the FIR filed by the CBI on August 17 last year. In February 2023, Kejriwals Deputy Manish Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of Delhis new excise policy.

The policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the opposition.
In what could have been a scene straight out of an episode of Perry Mason, a murder suspect took to the witness stand to testify and confessed to the killing.

Keith Agee of Calvert, Ala., testified during the first day of defense arguments in his trial for the first-degree murder of 18-year-old Brooklyn Sims, his girlfriend and the mother of Agees child.

Agee shot Sims inside the Pensacola Home Depot in August -- a fact neither Agee nor his attorney disputed in court, according to the Pensacola News Journal.

During his opening arguments, defense attorney Greg Wise said he didnt plan to contest much of the evidence, and -- with Agee on the stand -- said You killed Brooklyn Sims.

Yes, sir, was Agees matter-of-fact response.

While the fact Agee killed Sims is in dispute, what Wise is arguing is that the killing was not premeditated. Agee is charged with first-degree, premeditated murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence. Wise is arguing that Agee is guilty of a lesser offense -- 2nd-degree murder or manslaughter. Neither carries the mandatory life sentence.

Investigators say Agee walked into the Home Depot Aug. 11 and shot Sims, the mother of his 2-year-old daughter, who was working at the store as a contract employee for a company hired to do inventory for the home improvement retailer.

Two other employees were injured in the shooting, one of whom told investigators she heard at least five shots before trying to flee.

It was Agee himself who called 911 shortly after leaving the scene, telling police he wanted to turn himself in.

During interviews with police, Agee said he had learned earlier that day he had contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Agee testified in court that he was so angry upon learning the news he left his job in Culvert, drove to his grandmothers house to retrieve a firearm, and headed for Pensacola.

Agee told jurors he felt enraged, betrayed and hurt, by the diagnoses, according to the PNJ report, and was out for revenge.

Two witnesses testified they heard Agee say Sims gave him something before the shots were fired.

Also charged in the case is Agees mother, 50-year-old Sheila Annette Agee, who is charged as a principal to 1st-degree murder after prosecutors say she helped her son orchestrate the killing of Sims.

A series of text messages between Sheila Agee and her son indicate Sheila Agee not only knew of her sons plan to commit murder, but encouraged and helped coordinate it.

Sheila Agees next court appearance is set for Feb. 2024.
The 25th of each month is an especially difficult day for Terri Parker as she grieves the loss of her young, vibrant daughter, Lucie Moore, whose promising life was cut short on July 25 of this year. Lucie went to bed one night at her apartment in New York Citys financial district, and she never woke up.

Terri knew that the first Christmas after 23-year-old Lucies death would be excruciating. The fact that Christmas Day falls on the 25th wouldnt make it any easier. She had begun to dread Christmas.

But then, her friends stepped in to help Terri not only survive the holiday season but actually have something to look forward to every day. While she and her husband Dennis attended a Christmas party on the last day of November, her neighbors in the Parkers Inverness neighborhood near Birmingham set up a 7.5-foot tree, complete with lights and a tree skirt, in her sunroom.

Hanging on the tree was a note from Lucies elves, who promised to bring her an ornament every day, beginning on December 1, to honor Lucies memory.

This note was attached to Lucie's tree. As promised, each day an ornament arrives with a note attached, explaining why it was chosen.Courtesy Terri Parker

This has given me something to look forward to, says Terri, who starts looking for the daily arrival of each ornament at her doorstep first thing every morning. Its given us such joy in seeing how much others loved Lucie, but also how they love and care enough for us to make this gesture. Its humbling.

Lucie was living her lifelong dream of working in fashion merchandising in New York City. A graduate of Birminghams Oak Mountain High School and Auburn University, she had spent two summers working as a nanny in the Hamptons to fund a trip abroad, and she had interned at the clothing brand LoveShackFancy. A year ago, she landed a full-time job in the corporate office of designer Hugo Boss.

She was motivated, had big dreams, adventurous, Terri says of her daughter. She was so full of hope and aspiration.

Terri Parker, center, with her daughters Lucie Moore, left, and Lydia Moore, right, on their family beach vacation this past summer.Courtesy Terri Parker

After going to the beach for a family vacation this past summer, Terri dropped Lucie at the airport in Panama City, Florida, for the flight back to New York on a Sunday. Monday night, Lucie FaceTimed her mother from one of her favorite spots  the rooftop of her apartment building, which afforded a view of the Brooklyn Bridge  where she was reading.

She texted me again right before she went to bed, Terri says. She did not wake up. Her roommates heard her alarm going off the next morning. Lucie looked like she was still asleep, lying on her stomach, her eye mask still on, her hair tied back in a scrunchie.

The family is still waiting for the final death report, Terri says, but theyve learned that Lucies heart was enlarged and her left ventricle was dilated, so she didnt have enough oxygen in her bloodstream. Terri still doesnt know if the cause was genetic or viral.

Lucie Moore had just celebrated a year of working at Hugo Boss in New York City when she died at age 23.Courtesy Terri Parker

Each ornament tells a story about Lucies wonderful life. Most are accompanied by a note from the giver, telling why they chose it.

A Hugo Boss ornament represents how much she loved her first real job. Her employer loved her, too, Terri says. The company generously flew the family to New York to clean out Lucies apartment, and her boss described Lucie as our rising star.

The Pisa ornament reminds Terri Parker of one of her favorite Lucie stories that illustrates her adventurous spirit. Her daughter traveled to Italy on eight hours' notice to do a favor for a family friend.Courtesy Terri Parker

Lucie Moore shared this photo of herself with the Leaning Tower of Pisa on a spontaneous trip to Italy before she fulfilled her longtime goal of moving to New York City.Courtesy Terri Parker

Theres a Leaning Tower of Pisa ornament to commemorate a whirlwind trip to Italy the week before she moved to New York. Always up for an adventure, Lucie spent two days in Pisa on just a few hours notice to help a family friend.

The Brooklyn Bridge, which Lucie loved to see at night, is represented on another ornament.

Another ornament is made from the sheet music to the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong UNITED, which was played at Lucies funeral.

A bottle of Champagne represents Lucies bubbly spirit. Ramen noodles symbolize Lucies sensible commitment to eating cheap ramen throughout the week so she could indulge in New York City restaurants on weekends.

Lucie Moore loved to sit on the rooftop of her apartment building and look at the beautiful view of the Brooklyn Bridge.Courtesy Terri Parker

This ornament is made from the sheet music to the song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," which was played at Lucie Moore's funeral.Courtesy Terri Parker

Many of the friends who comprise the group of Lucies elves are in Terris neighborhood book club. Last year, the group read the book The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle by Joanne Huist Smith, which is about a woman who didnt want to celebrate Christmas after losing her husband. In the book, something was left on her doorstep every day. The book inspired Terri and her friends to do the same for a widow at their church last year, and theyre doing it again for another family this year.

Thats the heart of my group of friends, she says. Theyre always doing something for someone.

If anyone knows how important it is to have something to look forward to amid grief, its Terri. One little gesture every day can change somebodys mindset completely, she says.

Receiving the ornaments for Lucies tree has given us so much hope and joy we hadnt expected to have this Christmas, Terri says. This has been the kindest, most selfless gift our family has ever received.

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Authorities have released the name of a man killed in a confrontation with Tuscaloosa police.

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit on Thursday identified the slain man as Tristan Decedric Clark. He was 24 and lived in Tuscaloosa.

The shooting happened midday Wednesday near Bowers Park, which is located on James I Harrison Jr. Parkway.

Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy said Tuscaloosa police narcotics officers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on 37th Street East near the intersection of James I Harrison Parkway.

Several people were inside the vehicle.

One of the occupants in the back seat had outstanding warrants. As an officer was asking the person to get out of the vehicle, the officer saw a gun in the waistband of the suspect  now identified as Clark.

The officer ordered Clark not touch the firearm. Clark began reaching for the pistol, and the officer engaged in a physical altercation with the suspect attempting to keep the suspect from removing it, Kennedy said.

Clark, authorities said, was able remove the pistol and then refused commands to drop the firearm.

One officer fired his weapon, Kennedy said, and the suspect was struck several times.

Clark was pronounced dead on the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will be presented to the Tuscaloosa County District Attorneys Office. Two officers are on leave which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.
A former police chief in a small, east Alabama town has resigned after the city council voted to suspend him this week.

The Abbeville City Council voted to place Interim Police Chief Erik Cabrera on paid administrative leave Monday night after an hour-long executive session to discuss the character and good name of an individual.

Cabrera resigned from the Abbeville Police Department Tuesday morning, Mayor Jim Money told AL.com.

The city announced Tuesday that it will be accepting applications for a new police chief until Jan.10.

We just had some internal issues, nothing major, Money told AL.com, adding that the city was already looking for a new, permanent police chief to take over at the start of the new year.

Officials told reporters this week that they had conducted an investigation into several complaints against Cabrera, but would not provide details on the allegations or where they came from.

We put him on administrative leave to give us some time to sort things out and see what was going on, Money said. It kind of hit us suddenly and we thought there was enough there to take some action.

Cabrera did not respond to a request for comment from AL.com, but said in a public Facebook post Wednesday that it was his personal decision to leave the department.

For all the citizens of Abbeville. I resigned from the City of Abbeville on my own, he wrote in a post under the name Erik Nelson. It was not clear why Cabrera goes by the name Erik Nelson on Facebook.

I felt it was the best decision after being put on administrative leave for complaints against me. Complaints are a part of life and you cant make everyone happy. It sometimes comes with a job in leadership.

Cabrera added he was exhausted from managing an understaffed department.

The city is currently accepting new applications for police officers, and had long struggled with vacancies, officials told AL.com.

If I screwed up, thats on me, Cabrera wrote.

If the city wants to take action on those complaints, Thats their decision and their right, and Im not needed. I have no ill will towards anyone. Im not mad nor angry. Am I disappointed, sure. Just know that I put my life into loving, caring and protecting the citizens of Abbeville for the past 5 years.

Theres no need for negative words on either side. The City is just doing what they believe is the right thing to do. For the last few months I have been working everyday. I was down to 4 days off a month. We had limited experienced staff to include myself. I was exhausted, but I was still at work doing what I said I was going to do. I did the best I could with I had. I thank the City of Abbeville for the opportunity and Im greatful for the expierence.

Cabrera took over in January 2023 after former police chief Eric Blankenship was elected as Henry County Sheriff.

Blankenship told WVTY News Wednesday that the sheriffs office is assisting the Abbeville Police Department throughout the transition.

Were not going to let the citizens go without, he told the station. So even if it means shifting around some of our resources and putting an extra person on to help catch those calls for the city while theyre in need, were going to do whatever we have to to make sure that the citizens are provided for.

Money said the city has always been able to count on the county to help with staffing shortages. Abbeville has struggled for a number of years to attract officers, he said, acknowledging Cabreras comment that he had been overworked.

Every city that I know of is short of officers, and theyre just hard to come by, Money told AL.com. And weve had our share, too.

[Cabrera] put in a lot of time, he added. But thats what he felt like he needed to do and we appreciated him doing it and thats the way it worked.
Alabama State Senator Merika Coleman, criticized on Wednesday for playing congressional politics for rolling out a body cam bill, said Thursday that she wants to put more teeth into a proposal requiring public access to the footage.

Coleman, a Birmingham Democrat and chair of the Alabama Black Caucus, told AL.com that even though her proposed legislation faces an uphill political battle in the supermajority Republican Legislature, shes still going to introduce it and champion it, even though you know the odds are stacked against you.

State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, who sponsored the last body cam transparency bill and will pitch another body cam proposal in the spring, is accusing Coleman of giving the family of the late Jawan Dallas -- whose struggle to access police-worn body cam footage of his July 2 death was well-documented for months -- a false sense of hope or expectations.

You dont tell people who are part of a movement, like my mother and grandparents who fought for civil rights, that we are not going to fight just because the odds are stacked against them, Coleman said. No matter whether you have a shot or not, we got to introduce legislation.

Coleman was flanked by supporters of the Dallas family during a news conference outside Government Plaza. The Dallas family nor their attorneys were in attendance.

Colemans proposed legislation will require public disclosure of police-worn body camera and dashcam footage, an issue that was addressed by the Alabama State Supreme Court in 2021, with an 8-1 ruling, when it determined the footage was exempt from the states public records law.

Body cameras and dashcams provide accountability in law enforcement, Coleman said, noting that legislation -- if approved -- would override the Supreme Courts decision. The footage serves as an unbiased, objective account of incidents involving law enforcement. It provides a record that can be crucial in establishing an sequence of events leading to an incident and the footage becomes a pivotal tool for investigators.

Coleman, during the news conference, did not mention congressional race. She told AL.com earlier in the day that the news conference was completely separate from her political candidacy. The state senator is one of 11 Democratic candidates seeking the nomination on March 5, 2024. Eight Republicans are also vying for the job.

Givan and state Senator Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, whose son - Shomari Figures -- is also running for Congress, both said on Wednesday that Colemans news conference was to boost her political campaign.

No other state lawmaker was at the news conference, and Alabama State Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said he was unaware of it. He said that as a common courtesy, state lawmakers ask the chair of the Black Caucus to give members advance notice about news conferences that are happening which are focused on introducing legislation.

Coleman later showed AL.com an email she sent to her colleagues on Wednesday letting them know about the news conference and to assure them that it was not a campaign event.

Im a sitting senator who has served in the Legislature for 21 years and, as a professional, I am able to separate my current political position from what I am running for, Coleman said, adding that she was inspired to sponsor body cam transparency legislation in the Statehouse from a conversation she had with the Rev. William Barber of the Poor Peoples Campaign, while he was at a rally in support of the Dallas family last month.

The Dallas family and their attorneys were able to view the body cam footage last month, after an investigation was completed into Dallas death in which the officers involved were not charged with any crimes.

The attorneys have since compared Dallas encounter with police to George Floyd, the Black Minneapolis man who was killed by a white police officer in 2020, which ignited nationwide protests over police brutality and racial inequality.

The Dallas family filed a $36 million federal civil lawsuit against the City of Mobile earlier this month.

There are email records of the attorneys for the Dallas family reaching out to all of us, Democrats and Republicans and members of the congressional delegation as well, appealing for us to put more teeth into the body cam legislation, Coleman said. Im the one who showed up.

Givans new legislation

Jori Jones, a senior at UAB tells her story and gets a hug from Rep. Juandalynn Givan. Over 200 people packed into the new Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Training Facility building to voice their complaints about aggressive policing by the Brookside Police Dept. Tuesday February 1, 2022. (Joe Songer for al.com).Joe Songer

Colemans legislation be introduced the same time that state Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, is introducing HB41, an amended version of legislation passed earlier this year  and which became law on Sept. 1.

Givan, who is also running in the congressional race in District 2 next year, criticized Coleman on Wednesday for capitalizing on the backs of the dead for holding a news conference Thursday with the Dallas family. The family, for over four months, requested to gain access to the police-worn body cam footage of their sons death following an interaction with two Mobile police officers on July 2.

Under Givans bill, the disclosure of footage from police cameras cannot be delayed more than six months from the date of a request. Her legislation also prohibits law enforcement from denying the release of body-worn or dashboard recordings unless the disclosure would substantially interfere with an ongoing investigation. The law enforcement agency is also required to reassess the necessity of withholding the footage and notify the requestor of the status of withholding it for every 30 days.

Coleman said she felt six months was too long, and her bill requires the release of the recording within 30 days.

She said it was too long of a wait for the Dallas family and the family of Steve Perkins, who was shot and killed by a Decatur police officer, to view body cam footage of their deadly encounters with police.

Colemans legislation also gives someone who requests for the release of a recording, and who is denied access by law enforcement, to file a petition to the circuit court. A judge could then uphold the denial only if the release would substantially interfere with an ongoing investigation.

Givan said there needs to be enough time to allow for an investigation to take place.

You cannot usurp an investigation and she should know that, Givan said. You cannot demand someone to automatically turn over a body cam. You have individuals on that video who may have been filmed, and you want to make sure there is no tainting of the evidence.

State Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Birmingham, who has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, said he was concerned with any body camera legislation that could impede ongoing investigations.

I dont know anyone in a (District Attorneys) office or in law enforcement who doesnt want transparency in this area but will stop short of jeopardizing an investigation when doing that, Treadaway said on Wednesday, adding lawmakers will request legislation get approval from the District Attorneys Association and the Alabama Attorney Generals Office.

No teeth

Coleman said that the recently adopted legislation, which Givan sponsored, has no teeth. The new law allows people whose image or voice is subject to body camera footage to file a written request to review it. An attorney, parent, spouse, or another designated representative can also make the request. The agency receiving the request has to either show the video or notify the requestor it was denying the release.

The new law does not require law enforcement give a reason for denying the request.

Givan said that despite Colemans no teeth comment, she voted for the legislation. Givan also noted that the legislation was important to get something on the books so we could curate it under future changes such as HB41.

She understands how these processes work in the Legislature, Givan said.

Givan said that she feels the new law is working, and law enforcement agencies are releasing tapes. She said the legislation that was approved last spring was difficult to get approved through the GOP-dominated Legislature, and that the political realities are such that a body cam transparency bill requiring public disclosure doesnt have a chance of passing.

Givan and State Senator Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, whose son  Shomari Figures  is running in the congressional race  both said Coleman was going against standard protocol by not informing the chief supporter of an issue about her interest in sponsoring new legislation. Figures called it common courtesy that lawmakers, by way of past practice, have done for years.

Givan said she felt it was total disrespect to Vivian Figures for her to hold the news conference in Mobile.

Givan said she would have contact Coleman if the roles were reversed, adding that if she was sponsoring a bill that was really for the family, she would have done so.

I would have said, Merika, this is what I have been doing, Givan said, adding that she spoke to the Dallas family attorneys and to Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood about the release of the body cam footage.

Some things are better done not necessarily blowing it up in the public, Givan said, adding that legislation can advance through the legislative process by keeping sponsors of an issue aware of what is going on.

Coleman said shes had many pieces of legislation co-opted over the years, such as removing the state tax on groceries which was sponsored and ushered through the legislation process last spring by Republicans. Givan, though, said that Democrats have not co-opted legislation from each other.

Coleman said she is responding to written requests from the Dallas familys attorneys who include Atlanta-based civil rights attorney Harry Daniels, about getting legislation with more teeth introduced.

She also challenged lawmakers with concerns about her legislation to consider what other states are doing where there is greater access to body cam footage.

Body cams, themselves, are paid for by public dollars, Coleman said. I would challenge (naysayers) that have an issue with transparency to come to that table. We are lawmakers and we are the folks who go to the public, who trust us enough to vote for us and if there is a concern there, we need to listen to the public  and come up with the solution to the process.

This story was updated at 11:52 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2023, to include information from Colemans news conference.
An Alabama woman whose once-in-a-lifetime bargain wedding purchase will soon have the opportunity to wear her find.

Emmali Osterhoudt shared a social media video announcing her engagement to boyfriend Nick Gould, People reported. Gould proposed in front of Buckingham Palace in London.

The wedding is going to be small and intimate, but I do have plans to wear the dress nonetheless, Osterhoudt told PEOPLE. I knew he was proposing on the trip to London, but I wasnt sure when. So when I told him I wanted pictures in front of Buckingham Palace and then saw he was down on one knee my jaw dropped.

I can finally wear my $25 Galia Lahav dress!!! she captioned the video of the proposal.

Osterhoudt, 21, went viral earlier this year when she shared a video of her experiences paying $25 for what turned out to be a $6,000 designer creation by Galia Lahav, a native of Belarus and an Israeli designer of wedding gowns. Lahav gowns take anywhere from six to nine months to design and create, according to her website.

Her work has been worn by celebrities such as Beyonce and Paris Hilton, among others.

You can go here to read how the dress ended up in the Birmingham Goodwill.
This is an opinion column.

Tarrant  a blue-collar suburb of Birmingham that is home to 6,000 souls, bless their patient hearts  boasts on welcome signs that it is a City of Progress.

I dont think that word means what they think it means. Because if Tarrant is a sign of progress were all headed for the nuthouse.

This month a 79-year-old woman, Novillee Williams, raised her hand and spoke. She called Mayor Wayman Newton corrupt. She asked why he had not been investigated. She asked why he had not been removed from office, which is, to any reasonable person, a reasonable question.

But then another woman interrupted her, and Williams did the unthinkable.

She touched the lady on the arm. Not aggressively, as video clearly shows. Not violently or angrily or with force. She touched the womans extended arm, to move it away from her. That was it. Or so it appeared.

Until later when, based on officer observation, as a police incident report says, Tarrant charged Williams with the crimes of harassment and disorderly conduct. The document said Williams engaged in fighting and threatening behavior in a public place.

Clearly Tarrant has some vocabulary problems. Because if thats fighting and threatening behavior all the world is guilty. Theres more violence every day at the petting zoo.

A 79-year-old critic of the mayor who spoke her mind in a public meeting was charged with crimes. Its outrageous. But it says more about the state of the town than it does about her.

RELATED: Arrest of critic is baseless attack on free speech in small Alabama town, lawyer says

Its clear Tarrant has lost its mooring. It is a place so filled with feuds and infighting  some, but not all about race  that it has run up legal bills of tens of thousands of dollars just trying to figure out who runs the place. There are fights over the police department, fights over the fire department, fights over the budget and daily operations and financial transparency. Tarrant has been so awash in dissension it cant conduct its own business, much less that of its people.

Its gotten hard to recap the madness.

This is a town where Councilman Tommy Bryant made national news in 2021, and stunned his colleagues, by using the N-word to their faces.

It is a town where a former police chief accused Mayor Newton of assault on election day. Its a town where Councilman Bryant accused the mayor of harassment, and filed charges against him. The mayor was acquitted of those charges.

Its a town where in 2022 Mayor Newton told Bryant, on video and in front of the police chief, he would do vile sexual things to that councilmans wife. It was a crass and obscene insult. And it landed.

Councilman Bryant, who is 78, proceeded to punch the 40-something mayor in the face.

I cant even repeat the words the mayor said, much less write them here. Suffice it to say that when Jefferson County District Judge Katrina Ross heard the evidence and those words this spring, she found councilman Bryant not guilty of assault, because any reasonable person would consider the words stated to the defendant regarding his wife, as fighting words.

Fighting words, as it turns out, are a legal defense. Good thing for Tarrant, or a lot of people would be doing time.

City of Progress? This is a city where the council agreed to change the form of government because it had no faith in the mayor.

It is a city that hired a city manager to run the place, and agreed to pay him six figures to do it. It still pays that money, even though the manager has no responsibilities and cant do the job because the mayor sued and its all tied up in court.

This is a town where the mayor twice put current Police Chief Wendell Major on leave over issues of job performance. The council twice came together unanimously to reinstate him. The mayor sued to overturn that vote, but lost. Cant follow it all? No one can.

The mayor is a lawyer who files his own suits, but the bills are growing. The city has a law firm, the council has had to add lawyers, and bills are piling up. The people of Tarrant shouldnt have to pay for this mess.

Maybe there is some hope for this town. As Tommy Spina, the lawyer for 79-year-old Novillee Williams said Wednesday, at least the towns city council seems to have found some unity. If driven only by loathing of the mayor.

That, I guess, is progress. Tarrant style.

John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner at AL.com.
By Lee Gyu-lee

MANILA, Philippines  The Global Peace Convention 2023, hosted by the U.S.-based non-profit organization Global Peace Foundation (GPF), wrapped up its six-week program, Dec. 14, with an in-person five-day event in Manila, the Philippines.

Under the theme of One Family under God: Vision for National Transformation and Civilization of Peace, this years convention, which kicked off with online sessions on Nov. 1, witnessed thousands of attendees, as well as over 6,000 participants who accessed the convention's content. The biannual event highlighted various issues in global peace-building from education and faith to human rights and security.

During the Main Plenary session, held at the Manila Marriott Hotel on Dec. 13, Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of GPF, called for building a new global identity with spiritual meaning to find solidarity in a society that is facing a crisis.

Globalization promised to deliver a future of peace and prosperity, but it was focused purely on material values and needs. Understandably, it faced a serious backlash, because it failed to recognize the importance of the moral and spiritual dimension necessary for an ethical and cohesive global society, Moon said during the keynote speech.

Clearly, we need to forge a new global identity that can embrace and harmonize the positive elements of more localized identities. Such an identity must be rooted in the universal principles that all the great spiritual and ethical traditions share.

Borrowing the phrase from the United States Pledge of Allegiance "One Nation Under God, the chairman urged that people should acknowledge each other as members of one family under common principles to make an impact in society.

'One Nation under God was meant to be a model on the national level of the world God desires  where people of all religions, nationalities, races, cultures and ethnicities could live together as one  The time is ripe for a movement that can unite these traditions on universal principles and values and establish a similar civilizational impact on a global scale; which builds on the American ideal of one nation under God and expands it to build one family under God on the world level, he said.

The pursuit and achievement of these aspirations can lead to the transformation of nations, guided by transcendent principles and the values grounded in them, and the emergence of a civilization of peace.

In line with its vision toward global peace and unification on the Korean peninsula, the foundation has started a new initiative, the Global Peace Corps., marking its official launch with a ceremony during the plenary session.

I am very happy to announce that today we are launching the Global Peace Corps to be an important force in transforming nations and addressing global challenges, Moon said.

The goal for the Global Peace Corps is to tap into the idealism of youth and give it the tools to become the moral and innovative leaders who can promote social transformation through service, development and peace-building projects.

He explained that the program will invite youth from around the world to visit Korea to support the Korean Dream campaign, which calls for peace and reunification of the divided peninsula.

Amazing breakthroughs are possible, with enormous positive impacts for peace and prosperity for the region and the entire world, he added.

The culminating programs, which influenced the last five days of the convention from Dec. 10 to 14, commenced with the Global Peace Youth Festival, bringing over 5,000 local university and high school students together. Featuring speakers from various backgrounds, including a broadcaster and a department of education official, the event invited students to empower their vision and potential as future leaders and global peace-builders.

Programs included the International Forum on One Korea, focusing on the economic prospects of the two Koreas reunification, as well as the Youth Volunteerism and Service Learning Forum, and the Educators Congress to discuss the educational aspects of promoting global peace.

The export gap between North and South Korea has been growing greater over time. The longer the two Koreas are separated, the greater that gap will grow, Nicholas Eberstadt, Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute, said as he explained the economics of reunification during the International Forum on One Korea, on Dec. 12.

The economic reconstruction of Northern Korea will be an immense project. But if the returns on investment in this project are high, the project can pay for itself in the long run.

Global Peace Awards Gala marked the finale of this years convention, recognizing figures from government, civil society and religion for their effort in advancing visions and the mission of building peace around the world. This years awardees included Manilal Chandaria, the Chairman of Comcraft Group, and Marco Vinicio Cerezo Arevalo, the former President of Guatemala, who both received the Legacy Of Service And Peace Award.
Members of Pennsylvanias congressional delegation have asked the federal government to block the sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese company.

U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman, D-Pa., joined U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, in asking the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to prevent Nippon Steel from buying the iconic Pittsburgh-based manufacturer.

This proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, if completed, would make a foreign-owned company a central part of the American steel industry, as well as a major employer, the lawmakers wrote to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who chairs the committee. As you review this acquisition, we urge you to consider the national security implications of selling a company manufacturing some of our most important industries, including defense, power, and infrastructure, to a foreign company.

In the letter, the lawmakers noted that Congress had passed legislation to encourage manufacturing in the U.S., rebuild the nations infrastructure, and invest in clean energy  but said the deal could undermine those accomplishments.

The U.S. steel market stands to be a major participant in the once-in-a-generation investments made by Congress in infrastructure and clean energy, the lawmakers wrote. Investments in bridges and new energy technology will use American steel thanks to provisions we fought for in Congress and that the Biden administration has delivered on.

They added: Allowing for the ownership of a major industrial participant in infrastructure and clean energy investments to be acquired by a foreign entity would be a step backwards in our commitment to supply chain integrity and economic security.

Three Republican U.S. senators  J.D. Vance of Ohio, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Marco Rubio of Florida  sent a separate letter to Ms. Yellen urging that the U.S. Steel deal be rejected.

The transaction marks a turning point for an icon of American industry and has dire implications for the industrial base of the United States, they wrote. The transaction was not entered into with U.S. national security in mind.

The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday at a briefing with reporters that there probably will be some sort of review -- a regulatory review, though declined to comment further.

But there is not much members of Congress can really do to block the deal, congressional experts said. They can speak out against it and possibly introduce legislation or add provisions to spending bills, but their options are limited.

If an American company wants to be acquired by a foreign company, I dont see anything Congress can do other than deplore it, said Ross Baker, a political science professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey. In a place where performance is everything, they can perform. They will rise to the heights of moral indignation, which theyre very good at.

Paul Herrnson, a political science professor at the University of Connecticut, said Congress is loath to interfere with corporate transactions in a capitalist economy, even though they may abhor that private industries move their companies or sell companies abroad.

By speaking out, he said, lawmakers want to make sure their constituencies get the sense they did everything they could do to prevent [a foreign takeover] from happening.

_____

2023 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Alabama Democratic Party will host forums for Democratic candidates in the 2nd congressional district next month, the party announced.

The forums will take place Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 at the Davis Theater in Montgomery. Both forums will be from 6-8 p.m.

There are 11 Democratic candidates in the 2nd District. Two candidates withdrew in the last eight days.

Eight Republicans are running in the district.

The 2nd District favored Republican candidates until a three-judge federal court approved a new map in October that gives Democrats a chance to win.

The Democratic Party will announce more details and candidate scheduling for the forums.

Whos running? Why Alabamas Congressional District 2 race is off to a quiet start

21 candidates join race in Alabamas redrawn 2nd Congressional District
Drought conditions refused to budge much in most of Alabama over the past week -- and actually got a bit worse in some areas.

The U.S. Drought Monitor released its weekly look at drought conditions on Thursday, and it was a mixed bag for Alabama.

The state saw a slight increase in the areas not in drought. However, Level 3 out of 4 drought conditions hung on in central and north Alabama and actually expanded just a bit.

Alabama didnt get a lot of rain in the past week. This rainfall estimate from the past seven days from the National Weather Service shows that a small part of Alabama got an inch at the most, and some spots didnt get any:

Alabama didn't see much rain over the past week.NWS

There is more rain in the forecast -- just in time for the Christmas holiday. The National Weather Service is expecting most of the state to see at least some rain on Sunday (Christmas Eve) and Monday (Christmas Day). No severe weather is expected but there could be a thunderstorm or two.

The five-day precipitation outlook from NOAAs Weather Prediction Center suggests that southwest Alabama could see 2 to 3 inches of rain into next week. The rest of the state is expected to get anywhere from a quarter inch to over an inch, according to the forecast:

More rain is expected over the next five days, with south Alabama expected to see the most.Weather Prediction Center

As for drought conditions, here is the report from the Drought Monitor for Alabama:

* Level 3 out of 4 (extreme) drought: 16.87 percent of the state, an increase from 14.32 percent last week.

* Level 2 (severe) drought: 48.04 percent, an increase from 46.39 percent last week.

* Level 1 (moderate) drought: 67.04 percent, an increase from 65.90 percent last week.

* Level 0 (abnormally dry): 89.41 percent, an decrease from 90.20 percent last week.

* No drought: 10.59 percent, an increase from 9.80 percent last week.

The next Drought Monitor report is scheduled to be released on Dec. 28.
Google will pay some $700 million as part of a settlement related to charges for the tech companys Google Play Store.

According to the settlement terms, Google will pay $630 million in restitution to some 100 million consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023. Another $70 million will go to states, including Alabama, involved in the suit. Attorneys general from every state sued Google in 2021 alleging it monopolized Android app distribution and in-app payment process.

Our settlement holds Google accountable, said Attorney General Marshall, and makes a strong statement to big tech companies that they, too, must comply with our laws which are guided by a capitalistic free market, and treat consumers fairly.

Eligible customers will get at least $2 with additional payments possible depending on the spending through Google Play.

READ MORE: Walmart adds buy-now, pay later option at 4,500 self-checkouts

People eligible for restitution do not have to submit a claim and will receive automatic payments through PayPal or Venmo, or they can elect to receive a check or electronic transfer. More details about the payment will be forthcoming.

The settlement also requires Google to change some business practices, including the use of in-app billing systems other than Google Play, for at least five years.
A Mobile man has been ruled competent to stand trial for threatening to kill President Joe Biden in July 2022.

A forensic pathologist found that 38-year-old John Andrew Bazor was not afflicted with any mental disease or defect and is thus able to understand the nature of his actions and the consequences of the charges against him, according to federal court documents.

According to a federal affidavit, Bazor called the White House switchboard on the morning of July 10, 2022, and said I am coming to assassinate the president. I cant wait to see your faces when I put a bullet in him.

The same day, U.S. Army Sergeant Samuel Kash notified the United States Secret Services Protective Intelligence Operations Center of the incident. The following day, Bazors phone number was subpoenaed, according to the affidavit.

An initial investigation found that Bazor left a series of rambling voicemail messages at the Secret Services Mobile Resident Office during the weekend of July 9. He also went to the Federal Bureau of Investigations office in Mobile to file a complaint.

Federal investigators also learned that Bazor made several calls to the Secret Service office in Mobile before he called the White House. A witness told investigators they noticed an unidentified white male in the lobby of the office building on July 8, rambling about the Secret Service ruining his life.

A week after his calls, agents were able to find a potential address for him and went to visit on July 17. When they arrived, his mother came to the door.

According to the affidavit, Bazors mother told agents that he had never been diagnosed officially with a mental illness, but she tried on numerous occasions to get him committed.

In 2017, according to her, Bazor was involuntary committed to Mobile Infirmary but to her knowledge, never received a diagnosis.

Bazor also previously threatened to blow up a hotel in Mobile, according to the affidavit.

Bazor was arrested by federal agents a week after the threat against Biden, reportedly admitting to agents he both made the threat and wanted to carry it out.

Bazors criminal history dates back to at least 2008, according to jail records. He was free on bond awaiting trial for 3rd-degree domestic violence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia when he was arrested for making the threat against the president.
A police cruiser crashed through the front of a gay bar in south St. Louis early Monday, and a co-owner of the bar was charged with assault after a brief scuffle with officers.

The SUV rammed into Bar:PM at 7109 South Broadway, in the citys Carondelet neighborhood, about 12:30 a.m. Monday.

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe was heading north on South Broadway when its driver, a 32-year-old probationary officer on the force less than a year, thought he was too close to a parked car, police said. He overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle, careening into the bar, authorities said.

The crash then led to an incident with one of the bar owners:

Co-owner Chad Morris began yelling obscenities at police, authorities said. Officer John Pierce, there to investigate the accident, told Morris to back up and said he would talk to Morris in a few minutes, court records say.

But Pierce said Morris struck me hard in the chest with an open hand, causing the officer to temporarily lose his balance, according to charging documents.

Pierce told Morris he would be arrested, and Morris took off running through a gate, swinging the gate to hit the officer, court documents allege. Two officers followed Morris into an alleyway, and he tried to push a trash can at them, police said.

Prosecutors charged Morris, 37, with third-degree assault and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

A judge ordered Morris held without bond. Morris did not have an attorney listed in online court records. Police said Morris was taken to a hospital complaining of a pre-existing medical condition.

James Pence, Morris husband and co-owner of the bar, said police told them they had hit the building after swerving to avoid a dog in the road. Pence said he didnt believe that explanation.

I wish they would tell me truly what happened, Pence told KTVI.

Pence lives above the bar and heard the commotion and came downstairs to find the damage.

Accidents happen. Any one of us can get in an accident any day. I accept that, Pence added. Own it. Tell me what happened. Fix the building.

Pence said he was also briefly handcuffed in a dispute with police over his identification.

A 22-year-old officer was riding as a passenger in the police Tahoe. He also was a probationary officer with less than a years experience. Neither officer was injured in the crash, and it injured no one in the bar, police said.

Bar:PM is a popular gay bar, and supporters gathered there Monday afternoon to help clean up and secure the building. Clint Cox, a longtime friend of the bars owners, said the bar opened nine years ago. It features dart throwing and drag.

Cox said he and others were volunteering their time Monday to board up the front of the bar. They also rebuilt the wooden frame at the entrance so the business could be securely locked before permanent repairs are made. The main entrance, including two storefront windows, were smashed by the police vehicle.

Another friend of the bars owners, Giuliano Mangiore, said he was donating his time for the repairs Monday because it was important to him that the bar stay open.

This is a safe spot for people in our community. This is like our familys place, Mangiore said.

___

(c)2023 the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Visit the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at www.stltoday.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Last weekend, Starbucks got a report that a New York store had been spray-painted with pro-Palestinian graffiti. A few hours later, at a store eight blocks away, a customer berated employees, accusing the brand of being anti-Israel.

Its been a tough few weeks for the worlds largest coffee company. At a time when it hoped to be spreading holiday cheer and peppermint mochas, its juggling boycotts over the war in the Middle East and a unionization effort at home.

Gabrielle Blake, a student at Kent State University in Ohio, said its been tough to get her caffeine fix without stopping at one of the Starbucks stores on campus. But shes been boycotting the company since October, when it sued Workers United  the union organizing its employees  because the union had posted a pro-Palestinian message on social media.

Starbucks wanted to stop the union from using its name and logo, saying the company had no official stance on the war and the unions post might confuse customers. But many boycotters, like Blake, thought Starbucks should offer more support to the people of Gaza.

I understand on a corporate level why they wanted to mitigate that damage, but on the humanity level, its horrible, she said. I personally try to consume and do things in a way that Im not disregarding other peoples pain when Im purchasing something.

In an open letter to employees Tuesday, Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan decried the vandalism of stores and escalating protests in the U.S. and abroad.

While I am grateful for so much, I am concerned about the state of the world we live in. There are conflicts in many parts. It has unleashed violence against the innocent, hate and weaponized speech and lies  all of which we condemn, he wrote. Our stance is clear. We stand for humanity.

But Blake said she would rather see Starbucks take measures like calling for a ceasefire or sending aid to the people of Gaza. She also thinks the company should drop its lawsuit.

Everyone stands for humanity. What does that mean for you? she said.

Seattle-based Starbucks wont yet say how its sales have been impacted. The companys next quarterly sales report wont come out until February. But there are indications Starbucks is taking a sales hit.

In early December report, J.P. Morgan analyst John Ivankoe lowered his U.S. sales forecast for Starbucks fiscal first quarter, saying holiday sales appeared to be slower than promotions in the fall. Starbucks share price tumbled on the news. Meanwhile, videos posted on X show protests and empty stores in London, Australia, Dubai and elsewhere.

Starbucks has also been offering more deals than usual to draw customers, like half-price drinks on Thursdays.

In some cases, like the Workers United lawsuit, Starbucks issues have been self-inflicted. The company refiled the lawsuit in November to add language saying it respected workers right to express their views on the war in the Middle East and other political issues. It also emphasized that the lawsuit was about protecting workers safety and Starbucks reputation. But the damage was done.

Other issues have cropped up because of misinformation on social media. Posts on X incorrectly accuse the company of directly funding genocide in Gaza, for example. Starbucks has no stores in Israel or Gaza.

Its a swift reversal of fortune for Starbucks, which reported record sales in its latest quarter that ended Oct. 1. It celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and said growth was accelerating in China.

Even then, though, tensions were simmering. U.S. workers at more than 370 company-owned Starbucks stores have voted to unionize since late 2021, but the company and the union still havent agreed to a contract at any of those stores.

On Nov. 16, workers at several hundred U.S. Starbucks stores walked off the job in protest. That hurt sales on what is usually one of the companys busiest days of the year. This month, the union is asking consumers not to buy Starbucks gift cards.

Starbucks, which opposes the union effort, has also tried to shift the conversation on that issue. Earlier this month, the company announced it was committed to bargaining with its unionized workers and reaching labor agreements next year.

Workers United says it also wants to sit down at the bargaining table, but it remains skeptical.

We are hopeful that your letter is indeed the beginning of a sincere effort by Starbucks to work together for the benefit of partners and not a publicity move in the face of pressure from partners, Wall Street, shareholders and others, Workers United President Lynne Fox wrote last week in a letter to Starbucks.

Starbucks shares rose 1.2% to $97.72 per share Tuesday. They have fallen more than 8% since Nov. 16.
Toyota is recalling 1 million vehicles over an air bag defect.

The recall, per a company release, covers a range of Toyota and Lexus vehicles with model years from 2020 to 2022. The defect could cause airbags not to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Included in the recall:

Toyota

Avalon, Avalon Hybrid  2020-2021

Camry, Camry Hybrid  2020-2021

Corolla  2020-2021

Highlander, Highlander Hybrid  2020-2021

RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid  2020-2021

Sienna Hybrid  2021

Lexus

ES250  2021

ES300H  2020-2022

ES350  2020-2021

RX350  2020-2021

RX450H  2020-2021

The vehicles being recalled have sensors in the front passenger seat that may have been manufactured improperly. Those sensors could potentially short circuit, causing the airbag system to not determine the occupants correct weight and potentially not deploy in certain kinds of crashes.

Dealerships will inspect the sensors and replace them if necessary at no cost to owners. Toyota will notify customers by the middle of February 2024 if their cars are in the recall.

Toyota owners who think their car might be included in the recall can call 1-800-331-4331 for details. For Lexus vehicles, owners can call 1-800-255-3987 for more information.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Authorities have been able to identify a woman found dead four days ago on a Birmingham road.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the woman as Hollie Marie Rojas. She was 41 and lived in Birmingham.

Coroners officials on Wednesday asked for the publics help in identifying the woman, releasing her description, as well as descriptions of her jewelry and tattoos.

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said an autopsy showed no signs of trauma or foul play in her death. The cause of death is pending additional lab studies.

A passerby made the discovery at 4:37 p.m. Sunday on 17th Street S.W. between Laurel Avenue and Cedar Avenue. Rojas was pronounced dead on the scene at 5:22 p.m.
The lawyer for a woman arrested after a dispute at a city council meeting in a small town north of Birmingham called her prosecution a baseless overreaction and an attack on her First Amendment right to criticize the mayor.

Police in Tarrant arrested Novillee Williams on misdemeanor charges of harassment and disorderly conduct on Dec. 5, the day after she and the city accountant exchanged words at the council meeting. Williams pushed away the accountants arm and told her to turn around honey, according to a video of the meeting.

Ms. Williams is 79 years old and is, and always has been, vocal in Tarrant politics, said Birmingham attorney Tommy Spina. She has never been arrested before until now, for what appears to be the exercise of her First Amendment right of free speech. Her touching of the young lady bore no semblance of an intention to harass, annoy or alarm anyone, she was merely speaking her mind.

He called on the city to drop the charges.

I would also ask the city attorney for the city of Tarrant to investigate this matter and advise the city of Tarrant of any potential civil liability it may have as a result of this baseless warrant, Spina said.

At the council meeting, Williams spoke from her seat in the audience, assailing Mayor Wayman Newton as a corrupt leader in the town of 6,000 people. Williams is a regular at city hall and a vocal critic of Newton.

Veronica Freeman, a member of the Tarrant City Council, said she believes Williams arrest was an intimidation tactic and attempt to bully those who disagree with the mayors administration.

By her being attacked the way she was, that will make citizens not come and publicly voice their opinions due to the fact of repercussions, Freeman told AL.com. That would also make employees afraid to say anything that would jeopardize their jobs. So if something is going wrong, they are not going to say anything.

Newton maintains that he had nothing to do with Williams arrest.

A city employee took out a warrant against Ms. Williams following an incident that occurred the previous night at a city council meeting. Ms. Williams and the city employee were treated how all victims and suspects are treated in similar cases, he told AL.com.

Shayla Myricks, the city accountant, pressed charges against Williams, according to the police report. Myricks did not respond to a request for comment for this article.

Tarrant resident Novillee Williams was arrested a day after an exchange with a city employee at the city council meeting.joseph D. Bryant

During the council meeting on Dec. 4, Williams blasted Newton in her comments about the ongoing legal battle between the mayor and Wendell Major, the towns police chief whom Newton suspended last month.

I believe the mayor is being corrupt, Williams told the council. I believe the mayor needs to be charged for something. Somethings got to be done with this man.

Sitting in front of Williams in the audience, Myricks turned around toward her to speak in defense of the mayor.

Turn around honey, Williams shot back.

In a statement posted to social media, the Tarrant police department defended their actions in arresting Williams. The statement accused Williams of shoving a citizen and engaging in intimidating behavior.

Although citizens are rightfully permitted to utilize their First Amendment rights in a public forum, threatening behavior and unwelcomed physical contact should not be tolerated to ensure an already confrontational forum remains orderly, according to the statement.

Major, the police chief who has been suspended by the mayor, told AL.com that he emphatically disagrees with the statement posted to the departments Facebook page. He said he did not direct personnel to post it.

I dont believe it to be true and I dont believe it to be an accurate statement of the law, Major said.

Williams attorney quipped that he was surprised at how hard the city is working to justify the arrest of an elderly woman.

Sounds like  hit dog barks, he said.

Spina told AL.com that he found errors in the police report. Both Spina and Major said that Williams turned herself in, rather than having officers show up at her home with warrants as is written in the report.

Spina also noted that before the confrontation between Williams and Myricks, the city accountant moved from a seat across the room to the one in front of Williams.

The council chambers were essentially empty, nevertheless, this young lady apparently moved from one chair to a different chair directly in front of Ms. Williams while she spoke, Spina said. Ms. Williams has previously expressed her dissatisfaction about how the mayor has conducted himself in the past.

Councilwoman Freeman said that political discord is just part of doing business in Tarrant, where the mayor and city council spar during council meetings and in court over issues ranging from the budget to who gets to work for the town.

Ive been called everything but a child of God and I have yet to sue anybody or get them arrested, Freeman said. So whats good for the goose is good for the gander.

AL.com reporter Carol Robinson contributed to this report.
South Korea's defense chief said Thursday that North Korea's recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) demonstrated its flight capability but its atmospheric reentry technology has not yet been verified.

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik made the assessment after the North on Monday test-fired the solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM at a lofted angle, which is considered to be capable of striking the U.S. territories if launched at a standard angle.

It was the North's fifth ICBM launch this year and the third Hwasong-18 following two tests in April and July.

"North Korea succeeded in flying a missile a long distance and developing a solid fuel missile, but it has not yet been verified whether it is capable of re-entering the atmosphere and accurately striking a target," Shin said during a parliamentary session.

"Although its multiple warhead technology has not yet been accurately verified, North Korea is believed to be moving in that direction," he added.

In response to the North's rising threats, Shin said he will "expedite" nuclear deterrence efforts with Washington to make their agreements in the bilateral Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) "irreversible" regardless of the results of next year's U.S. presidential election.

During the second session of the NCG last week, South Korea and the U.S. agreed to complete the establishment of guidelines on a shared nuclear strategy by mid-2024 and conduct joint military exercises simulating nuclear attacks from the North, drawing protests from North Korea.

Concerns have risen that Pyongyang may pursue nuclear disarmament talks with Washington using its status as a nuclear power if former U.S. President Donald Trump is elected for a second term in the November 2024 election.

"If North Korea freezes or curtails its nuclear program, it will inevitably demand the dismantlement of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," he said. "If North Korea takes actions without preconditions, there is no reason we would not welcome it."

When asked whether South Korea should prepare its own nuclear weapons program to counter the North's evolving threats, Shin ruled out the option that could have negative implications on the alliance with the U.S.

"South Korea's independent nuclear armament is based on the assumption that the South Korea-U.S. alliance has been dismantled, so it is more realistic way to strengthen the extended deterrence with the U.S," he said.

North Korea conducted its sixth and last nuclear test in September 2017, and enshrined its nuclear power status in its constitution in September. Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang remain stalled since the 2019 Hanoi summit between Kim and then U.S. President Donald Trump ended without a deal. (Yonhap)
This is another installment in The Birmingham Times/AL.com/CBS42 joint series, Beyond the Violence: What Can Be Done to Address Birminghams Rising Homicide Rate?

Montress Dunson, 26, graduated from the Jefferson County Reset diversion program in October 2022. He credits the program for helping him secure employment at Hubbell Power Systems, something that would not have happened with a felony on his record, according to advocates.

Reset Jefferson County, a diversion program launched at the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, Birmingham Division in March 2022, aims to keep young adults out of the criminal justice system and help first-time offenders get back on track.

Since its inception, the program has served more than 50 individuals and 90% of participants have avoided a felony or misdemeanor conviction, completed the program and have not been rearrested on any new offense. The Hope Unity Fund and Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice are partners.

We have received so much support from judges, prosecutors in this office and from participants as well. We have had a great, welcoming response to this sort of diversion program, Reset Coordinator Natalie Campbell said.

In Jefferson County, more than 500 people aged 18-24 are arrested each year for low-level felonies, such as marijuana possession and forgery. In 2019, 75% of people arrested were Black residents, a significantly disproportionate number, according to the district attorneys office.

Many [participants] are sometimes in college, early in college, many are usually at their first jobs, just getting out of high school, or getting into the world, or just trying to find themselves, find their place in their life path, or where they are in their life, said Salaam Green, executive director at the Literary Healing Arts nonprofit and a facilitator of small groups of Reset participants. Many are young mothers and young fathers. Many are thinking about setting goals for their careers and really coming out of communities where they are looking forward or towards how to start their life, before this happened.

Felony convictions and jail can leave defendants with a lifetime of problems, including issues with family, education, housing or mental and physical health.

Reset has changed Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carrs approach to low-level offenses such as drug possession or theft of less than $1,500.

Now, the district attorneys office offers the person an opportunity to participate in a supervised community-based program, facilitated by Green.

Participants can express themselves confidentially and share their experiences with others in a safe space.

It gives them the opportunity to be in a space with other people who have gone through similar situations and circumstances. And if they would like to share what they have written, that gives them an opportunity for camaraderie and also a feeling of not being alone, Green said. They also can feel seen, heard and felt by other people.

In small group workshops at the Desert Island Supply Co. in Woodlawn and the Salvation Army Center of Hope, participants discuss ways to move forward after their arrest.

I help the participants write out their current goals, and their dreams for the future, and then also have an action plan on how theyre going to get there, and then to sit with other people there to help flesh it out together on how they will flourish after leaving there and perhaps not continue having on this path or having another incident happen, Green said.

Green said diversion and expungement programs like Reset are important because many people with arrests or convictions lose their jobs, struggle to find new work and struggle with paying court fees, resulting in a spiral of debt.

In a 2018 study, Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice researchers found that among 980 surveyed Alabama residents, more than 80% of participants cut back on basic needs like rent, food, medical bills, car payments, and child support to pay down court debt. Almost 40% of people surveyed with court-related debt committed a crime to pay off their debt.

In the workshops, they really focus on goals, goal setting, what are they currently dealing with, what led to their arrest, Campbell said. Because a lot of my participants are dealing with loss in their family, theyre dealing with financial issues, and struggling with employment, trying to find child care, just the things that burden people, especially young people.

Reset coordinators said their goal is to hold defendants accountable for their actions, requiring participants to think about the costs and impacts of criminal behavior and the problems it creates for themselves, their family and their community. They also help participants find drug treatment, counseling services or career help.

Campbell said Reset also works with the Salvation Army to coordinate emergency housing and partners with the Jefferson County Family Resource Center to provide participants with IDs, child care and employment referrals.

How the program works

Reset is modeled after New Yorks Center for Court Innovations Project Reset program, which found that participants were significantly less likely than defendants in a comparison group to be convicted of a new crime within one year, according to a recent study. Center for Court Innovation researchers also documented improved case processing times and case outcomes of the program.

The program is available for young people ages 18 to 24 at their first arrest for certain low-level felonies.

If a person completes the program, the district attorneys office declines to prosecute the case and the persons case may be sealed by the court and can be expunged by the state.

Reset works with Volunteer Lawyers of Birmingham and does not charge a fee to its participants, since most participants live below the poverty line.

If participants fail to complete the program, their case will be prosecuted. Participants are still required to satisfy the victims restitution obligations.

Alaina Bookmans violence prevention coverage and the Beyond the Violence series is supported through grants and donations. Contribute here.
Since opening in November, the new Hope Pointe Behavioral Health crisis center in Tuscaloosa reports it has seen about 115 people with plans to grow and serve even more patients starting in 2025.

The current facility is temporary, and a larger building with more beds is under construction, said Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kimberly Boswell,

The center is part of the Crisis System of Care, a network of crisis centers that launched in 2022. Hope Pointe is the fifth to open in Alabama. The other facilities are in Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, and Huntsville. They are open every day, 24 hours a day, to help people experiencing severe mental health episodes such as psychosis or suicidal thoughts and behavior. The purpose is to lessen the load at hospital emergency rooms and prevent people with substance abuse or mental health issues from ending up in jail.

What makes Hope Pointe unique is the peer services aspect of care, Boswell said. Services are provided by people who have lived experience with mental health or substance abuse issues.

These are people who have been in the shoes of these clients, said director Dr. Jaime Garza. So they give them that empathy and compassion from the moment they walk in the door.

Hope Pointes certified peer specialists are one element that emphasizes how the entire community is involved in someones treatment.

This is a community problem, which requires a community solution, Garza said. The community involvement began long before the doors opened. In May 2022, a stepping up committee was formed, bringing together everyone involved in the communitys mental health, including law enforcement.

Theres really a tremendous amount of community engagement and community planning that went on, Boswell said.

The building is located at 1401 Greensboro Avenue and is purposely visible on the street. The high visibility is part of an overall goal to show that getting help with mental health issues should not be seen as something deviant or abnormal.

We just want to normalize getting help as much as we can, because it is normal, said Karen Jones. Jones is the CEO of Indian Rivers Behavioral Health, which operates Hope Pointe. There isnt a human being that doesnt experience a mental health issue.

Another unique part of Hope Pointes treatment is that the building itself is part of patients care. The building does not look or feel like a hospital.

Youre going to see, aesthetically, a beautiful facility, very inviting to walk in, Garza said. Its all with the intent of allowing the building to participate in the treatment process. When someone walks in and they start seeing the nice, beautiful paint and the artwork and the flowers, it automatically starts to de-escalate them, Garza said.

An administrative assistant and a peer specialist greet and assess the patient. Then, the patient is assessed in triage for any health issues that may warrant a visit to the emergency room. Once they finish this process, a psychiatric clinician determines if the person needs overnight observation.

The facility has 16 recliners for temporary observation for less than 24 hours. There are four additional beds if someone needs an extended observation for a week or less. Staff determine a discharge plan with additional services for each patient.

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If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a crisis, please dial 988 or text HOME to 741741 to speak or text with someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For more information, visit 988lifeline.org and CrisisTextLine.org.
A Tuscaloosa woman is facing federal charges after prosecutors say she applied for fraudulent COVID-19-era loans totaling more than $600,000.

Tarnisha Doss Harrell, 46, was indicted on 12 federal counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering, said Prim F. Escalona, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

Harrell allegedly defrauded the U.S. Small Business Administrations Paycheck Protection Program and laundered the proceeds, prosecutors said.

From July 2020 through June 2021, Harrell applied for and received two fraudulent PPP loans and conspired with four other Tuscaloosa residents to apply for another six fraudulent loans for which she received a share of the proceeds, the indictment against Harrell alleged.

The Tuscaloosa woman faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted of the charges.
What if the 2020 election was actually far from the most safe and secure in American history, as the mainstream media have relentlessly parroted over the past three years? What if Joe Biden actually lost several of the closely contested battleground states due to widespread mail-in voting fraud? What if Donald Trump actually won the 2020 election?

These questions have been dogging me ever since the 2020 election was called in favor of Joe Biden. However, thanks to a new poll conducted by the Heartland Institute and Rasmussen Reports, we may be able to answer these taboo questions with a new sense of confidence.

Here are a few of the key takeaways from the poll: 21 percent of mail-in voters admitted that they filled out a ballot for a friend or family member; 19 percent of mail-in voters admitted that a friend or family member filled out a ballot on their behalf; 17 percent of mail-in voters admitted that they voted in a state where they are no longer a permanent resident; and 17 percent of mail-in voters said they signed a ballot for a friend or family member with or without his or her permission.

Every single one of these instances are illegal and constitute voter fraud. Moreover, these categories are not mutually exclusive, meaning respondents could have engaged in multiple forms of voter fraud.

In the 2020 election, 46 percent of voters cast ballots by mail. However, the proportion of Democrats who voted by mail was significantly higher than Republicans. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 58 percent of Biden voters voted by mail compared to 32 percent of Trump voters.

If voters for Trump and Biden both cast fraudulent mail-in ballots at roughly the same 20 percent rate, it would mean an outsized number of Bidens votes were potentially fraudulent simply because Biden received nearly twice the total number of mail-in votes than Trump.

Using simple arithmetic and 2020 election data, we can estimate that Biden received approximately 47 million votes by mail whereas Trump received about 24 million. Now, if we assume that 20 percent of both Trump and Biden mail-in votes were cast fraudulently, it would mean that Biden received nearly 10 million illegal votes and Trump received close to 5 million mail-in votes that should not have counted.

Next, if we extrapolate those numbers across the battleground states, several of which were decided by less than a 20,000-vote margin, it is more than likely that Trump would have carried enough battleground states to win the Electoral College.

Of course, this does not mean that Trump certainly won the 2020 election. But it does mean that Bidens victory should have an asterisk attached to it, seeing as how the evidence points to the 2020 election being fraught with mail-in voter fraud on both sides.

It also means that those who attacked anyone who questioned the outcome of the 2020 election as an election denier should issue a blanket apology.

We must recall that the 2020 election was unlike any other in history because several states bypassed state legislatures and changed election laws due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these changes were designed to eliminate commonsense guardrails like signature verification, which have been in place for decades to ensure that mail-in ballots are as valid as possible.

Whats more, dozens of states, including many battleground states, universally mailed ballots to all registered voters on their voter rolls, even though state voter rolls are notoriously inaccurate. In 2012, the Pew Center on the States analyzed state voter registration rolls and found, Approximately 24 million -- one of every eight -- voter registrations in the United States are no longer valid or are significantly inaccurate. More than 1.8 million deceased individuals are listed as voters. Approximately 2.75 million people have registrations in more than one state.

Based on this polls findings and the countless examples of mail-in voting shenanigans that states purposefully allowed to occur in 2020, it is more than likely that the outcome was skewed in favor of Biden. But that is in the past. It does no good to cry over spilled milk.

However, as the old saying goes: fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. To prevent this from happening again, it is imperative that states pass reasonable reforms to ensure that the 2024 election is, indeed, safe and secure. A few examples include cleansing outdated voter registration rolls, requiring signature verification for mail-in ballots, outlawing ballot harvesting, and eliminating no-excuse absentee voting.

Although it is surely necessary for some people to vote by mail, like military personnel deployed overseas, it should be an exception, not the norm.

The first question in the Heartland-Rasmussen poll asked likely voters: If your state banned mail-in balloting in next years presidential election, would you choose to vote in-person or would you choose not to vote at all? The overwhelming majority (94 percent) said they would vote in person. A miniscule 2 percent said they would not vote at all.

In other words, the vast majority of likely voters are more than willing and able to vote in person. This is how elections have historically been held throughout the world, and how they ought to be held going forward. In 2024, we must make sure that we get to back to basics and encourage people to vote in person, on Election Day, preferably. With our country more divided than I have ever seen, I do not think we can survive another haphazard election like we witnessed in 2020.

Chris Talgo (ctalgo@heartland.org) is editorial director at The Heartland Institute.

Image: Heartland Instittute
Merriam-Websters dictionary describes the word phobia as an exaggerated, usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation. In the wake of recent events, is fear of Muslims, labeled Islamophobia, really exaggerated, inexplicable, and/or illogical?

Ive concluded that not only is fear of Muslims logical and explicable, but it is by no means exaggerated and, most probably, understated. The deliberately misleading term Islamophobia itself amounts to a cudgel used to silence critics of what Dutch Parliamentarian (and possible new Dutch Prime Minister) Geert Wilders has at times characterized as a totalitarian political ideology masquerading as a religion.

I could enumerate just some in the endless litany of recent (and even not-so-recent) violent attacks that radical Muslims have perpetrated in (delusional) Western societies that welcomed and unsuccessfully attempted to absorb and assimilate large numbers of Muslims. However, Raymond Ibrahim has already done so, writing extensively (and magnificently) about historical events that provide countless examples (here and here) of aggressive Muslim behaviors resulting in widespread slaughter. His writings elucidate numerous historical episodes consuming people of all ethnicities and religions, including their fellow Muslims, with particular cruelty reserved for Africans, Armenians, and, of course, Jews.

Image: Salman Rushdie (edited), a lucky victim of Muslim violence, for he survived the deadly attack against him. YouTube screen grab.

Why has

Geert Wilders been (in his own words) deprived of a personal life requiring constant police protection for more than a decade?

Salman Rushdie had to spend the last 35 years in fear? (And note that his fear was justified.)

Hoover Institute fellow Ayaan Hirsi Ali, now a Christian, who was both abused and mutilated by Imams as a child, been living with round-the-clock security due to her willingness to speak out and her abandonment of the Muslim faith?

If Islam is peaceful, why do these prominent critics need constant protection?

If we look around the world, Muslims are fighting in many places:

Muslim insurgencies are found in the Philippines and Thailand.

Numerous Indo (India)-Pakistani Wars have pitted Muslim Pakistan against majority Hindu India, while Indias Muslims regularly launch religious attacks.

Muslim Chechens fight Russian Orthodox Christians and send death squads into Europe.

Muslim Azeris fight those Armenians who remain from the genocide the Muslim Turks perpetrated against them in 1916.

Historical animosity between Turks and Greeks is well documented and continues to this day in Cyprus, split between the Turkish North and Greek South.

Orthodox Christian Serb and Muslim hostility dates back 600+ years to the Ottoman Wars.

And we have the ongoing Arab/Israeli wars as the most glaring current-day example, during which a fictitious Muslim ethnic group, the Palestinians (really, Arabs), perfect modern-day terrorism.

Muslim Arab Janjaweed regularly slaughter black Africans in Sudan.

Even the incomparable Islamophobes in China, who view any religion as a threat, place particular focus on Islam, which could be why the government maintains a system of re-education camps for Uyghurs, containing (for the time being) any potential for Muslim violence.

There also are examples of persistent internecine warfare between Muslims themselves:

Hamas displaced the PLO in Gaza in 2007, fighting door to door. Ironically, few were concerned about civilian casualties then, as Muslims slaughtered each other with impunity.

The Syrian Civil War, pitting Alawite against Sunni, resulted in upward of a half million slaughtered, displacing more than 6 million people and creating the largest refugee crisis since WWII, perhaps forever changing the character of the European continent and society. It also led to the rise of ISIS, whose members cruelly tortured and killed thousands of impure Muslims and other ethnicities, most famously Yazidis, until eliminated by US forces under President Trumps leadership.

The mostly Shia Houthis displaced the hapless Sunni leadership in Yemen following a decade of proxy civil war during which tens of thousands died.

If we go back to the 1980s, more than a million were killed in the Iran-Iraq War, after which, two years later, in a duplicitous show of gratitude for financial support, Saddam invaded his Muslim-Arab financiers in Kuwait to avoid repayment of Iraqs accumulated war debt.

Muslim societies themselves lean heavily toward despotism, demanding ideological purity and groupthink through a culture that requires submission. Indeed, a Muslim is one who submits. All who live in Muslim society live in constant fear of violence from the government and their fellow citizens.

Note that refugees from Syria insisted on going to Europe, particularly Germany, not to another Muslim country where they might have been familiar with the customs. Why is that? No reasonable person believes that Algerians, Gazans, Iranians, Iraqis, Libyans, Syrians, or Yemenis live carefree, unencumbered existences. African Haratine people in Mauritania remain enslaved by (of course) Muslim Arabs.

Facts show that Islams religio-political ideology and its adherents are anything but peaceful. Islams holy texts themselves incite violence, manifested against both non-believers and believers.

Islams teachings drive some Muslims to commit and condone evil. Muslims mutilate the genitalia of their subjugated women, whom they treat as children or second-class citizens. Family honor is tied to the sexual behavior of women, and honor killings often blame women, the victims, for being in situations they are unable to avoid or control.

Whenever women live under Muslim control, they exist in fear due to the primitive, dysfunctional customs enforced by a violent, patriarchal society that punishes differing opinions and free thought. Men, separated from women without the possibility for intimacy, turn to molesting young boys, a vile, hypocritical contradiction of their faith, which purports to prohibit homosexuality.

Considering its 1,500-year history of brutal, ruthless violence in pursuit of domination, it is logical for anybody to be afraid of Muslims and Islam. Fear of Islam is not, therefore, an exaggerated, inexplicable, or illogical fear. It is a reasonable, measured, and logical response to the repeated, ongoing violence that Muslims worldwide have committed for centuries. Winston Churchill, unencumbered by political correctness, said about Islam, No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith.

Churchill, Rushdie, and Wilders all told it like it is. Islamophobia is a canard. This is all TRUE. If Muslims do not like hearing this then they must change their behaviors.

Lt. Colonel Jeff Cooper, the father of modern handgun safety, advised: Observe your cat. He moves well, using his senses fully. He is not preoccupied with irrelevancies. Hes not thinking about his job or his image or his income tax. He is putting first things first, principally his physical security. Do likewise. This teaches us two things: (1) Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe and, perhaps more importantly, (2) Dont worry about your image.

Americans, however, refuse to act like cats. They live in fear because many have abandoned truth. This is why useful idiots can repeat nonsense such as Islam is a religion of peace while the USA has been fighting Muslims for 30 years.

Christ taught the world that the truth will set you free. We must re-embrace Judeo-Christian values and stop worrying about our image or having woke mobs rebuke us for speaking the truth they consider politically incorrect. This self-censorship erodes truth.

Cowards lie due to weakness. Psalm 34 tells us to keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Liars understand what awaits them at the gates of heaven.

Be courageous. Courage is needed in Joe Bidens America, where nobody is punished for lying but only for telling the truth, which perpetuates deceit. We must flip the script and reacclimate society to truth, which will be difficult, especially for the snowflakes.

We must stop deceiving ourselves. Weve been propagandized by academia and the media to self-censor, to believe that the truth (about everyone except Jews, apparently) is somehow offensive. Its not. Its reality. If something is true, say it loudly and repeatedly. While there are individual Muslims who are peaceful, Islam is not a religion of peace, and fear of Muslims is rational because of Islams violent history, medieval culture, and totalitarian tendencies. It is a ferocious political ideology masquerading as a religion. Dont allow these tyrants, their useful idiots, nor their apologists to silence you any longer.

Jonathan Gault is a pseudonym.
American culture, under the aegis of the left, has gone insane. Thats why, when a Black-led and Black-owned site that combines art and fashion with lifestyle commentary to create a strong social justice brand publishes a leftist cliche-ridden essay saying that a Senate staffers sodomy in a Senate chamber was an Anne Frank(ish) act of rebellion against an insurrection, its impossible to know whether its real or not. I think its real and written either by a Harvard grad or AI.

Youre already familiar with the background: Aidan Maese-Czeropski, a 20-something who worked for Sen. Ben Cardin, partnered with a German national to film himself having anal sex in the chamber in which Senators hold judiciary hearings. Maese-Czeropski, whom Sen. Cardin has since fired, admitted that he was indeed the man having sex on a hearing table but claimed hes a victim because hes gay.

That defense clearly resonated with the editorial staff at AFRU. So, before I go further, lets delve a bit into AFRU. Here is some of what youll find on AFRUs about page (emphasis in original):

We believe in the power of art to spark meaningful conversations on justice  as well as the other way around. Shalawam!  AFRU is a Black-led and Black-owned startup that combines art and fashion with lifestyle commentary to create a strong social justice brand that is relevant to folks from all walks of life. We believe in the power of art to spark meaningful conversations, as well as the other way around. We also realize that people dont want to be preached to all the time. Thats why our imprint magazine stitches together light everyday topics with navigation of more difficult intersectional spaces  all while allowing for the kind of messiness that is part of human nature. Our visual and intellectual branding therefore nurture each other in an perpetual spiral of trendsetting justice. In addition to our activism and art, we also seek to work with companies that align with our ambition to help younger global audiences navigate what it means to be part of transformational change. Equity is finally allowed to come out and play Our beautiful pages feature work and writings from folks from all backgrounds, but thats not enough. Our action-first equity model for artists is creating a fairground for Black work to be seen and heard, where untapped Black genius can come out and play.

At the home page as of this writing, youll find the following articles:

Those are par for the course articles for any left-leaning lifestyle magazine. And then theres this one:

Fired for his act of love in the senate: Aidan Maese-Czeropski's act was symbolic and brave, because in a world full of hate, displays of love are rebellious. We shouldn't bend over to a party that hates; we must do the opposite.

Youll notice that the articles tone picks up where Maese-Czeropski left off, which is to claim that hes under attack, not for using the Senatethe heart of the American governmentfor filming graphic pornography, but because hes gay! And loving! This is entirely consistent with the leftist ethos. Thats why I think its real.

However, the article, while real, is horribly written, filled with hard-left cliches, bizarre metaphors, including the offensive Anne Frank reference, and just general weirdness. The latter includes the apparently inadvertent double entendre in the subtitle. I mean, think about it: An article about gay sodomy tells us that we shouldnt bend over Im still laughing.

Ive quoted below choice language, highlighting and commenting upon the most weird, cant, or offensive terms, including the claim that Maese-Czeropski filming anal sex in the Senate is precisely analogous to Anne Frank hiding in her attic from an insurrection:

Republicans just cant stop watching the 8 second clip featuring two men embracing each other in love while you can briefly see an empty room in the background. [That was not an embrace; that was clinical anal sex. Also, it wasnt brief; it was central, for the German man made a point of filming the chamber] [snip] Every second that Aidan and his partner made love in the halls of power was pregnant with poignant meaning. [Its weirdly ironic to use pregnant for a non-procreative act, and only an Ivy League grad or AI would write that badly.] And in a time when the LGBTQ community is under existential threat by white fragility feeling threatened, open displays of LGBTQ culture are necessarily brave. In some ways, Aidans act mirrored that of Anne Frank, who dared to express her honest thoughts and feelings even as she hid from rabid insurrectionist-style death squads. [What weve got here is intersectionality, as sodomy and white fragility suddenly combine, the overwrought comparison of a gay aide fired for pornography to a Jewish girl forced into hiding from a genocidal nation that eventually killed her, and the obsession with insurrection because of a protest at the Capitol. Again, college grad or AIyour choice. [snip] Lets recognize the fallout from the incident for what it is: a stochastic far right attack on gay rights activists. As republicans [sic] fire up their hate machine in preparation for the 2024 elections, Aidans very life is now on the line. [The term stochastic attack or stochastic terrorism doesnt mean youve said or done anything terrorist or violent. Leftists use it to mean that conservatives have created an intellectual framework that could lead to others doing bad things. This is what the Colorado Supreme Court, aided by a Chapman sociology professor, accused Trump of doing because, as everyone knows, he hadnt actually said anything insurrectiony at all.]

Regarding that last point about stochastic terrorism, I strongly urge you to watch Matt Walshs analysis of the Colorado Supreme Court decision. The term stochastic doesnt show up, but thats the concept on which the Ivy League hacks on the state Supreme Court meant when they talked about Trumps coded language:

Colorado Supreme Court Commits An Insurrection pic.twitter.com/BjgbSSAwC9  The Matt Walsh Show (@MattWalshShow) December 20, 2023

Scott Adams sometimes opines that were living in a computer simulation rather than the real world. Looking at the AFRU essay, its tempting to believe hes correct because only a demented programmer or a broken operating system could create people who actually believe this, whether they wrote it themselves or assigned it to an AI bot to write.

Image: These are not the same
Welcome back to the 1890s when company towns flourished along the railroad routes, coal mines and lumber camps in the U.S.

If you were working in one of those towns back then, your every need was provided by the town's owner which was usually the company building the railroad, mining for minerals, or harvesting lumber.

Company towns were a logical solution to a geographical problem which was the long distance from the worksite to housing and services. It made sense for all concerned. THAT was the benign socialism of the late 19th century and it continued until the railroad was built, the mines were played out and the forests denuded.

Today's company towns are different.

They are urban and more political in nature rather than economics-based and they are generally colored blue (for Democrat-controlled).

Towns like Boulder, San Francisco, Denver, Santa Fe, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, New York, Madison and Minneapolis have now been joined by entire states.

The latest is Colorado which only yesterday announced that it would not allow presidential candidate and former U.S. president, Donald Trump, to be on their state's election ballot (a 4-3 decision from the Colorado state Supreme Court).

We knew this was coming. Colorado has been on the company town glide path for many years, morphing from a red state to a purple one, and finally to deep blue through its lawsuits against freedom of expression and religion against bakers who refused to bake certain cakes and photographers who won't contract for certain weddings.

It finally took the last big step over the line by extending (il)legal decisions to their state's election process. They did it committing blatant election malpractice on its citizens by denying a candidate his rightful place on their ballot.

Their excuse? He was guilty (without a trial) of insurrection in the Jan. 6, 2021 mass trespass on the nation's capital in which, they contend, he actively participated and thereby forfeited his right under the 14th Amendment to stand for election.

By using the 14th Amendment as their justification, Colorado opened Pandora's Box for other blue states to remove Trump from their ballots which they will undoubtedly do before the country's Supreme Court weighs in (if it chooses). Even if SCOTUS does strike down the states' rulings, the die will be cast in blue states and the temporary PR advantage will be theirs  and it will benefit them in motivating all their fence-sitting, undecided (but Democrat-leaning) voters to get out to vote for Joe who will protect them from the evil MAGA Republicans and the would-be dictator, Trump.

If all this sounds conspiratorial; it's not.

We've seen this play and we've read the book, "How the Democrats won Colorado (and why Republicans everywhere should care)." As with "Mein Kampf," the authors told us EXACTLY what they would do to turn Colorado blue and they did it! We conservatives were just not paying attention as the state methodically changed its political stripes.

So, should we wait for the Supreme Court to take or not take the case before we, the people, take action? The answer, from my perspective is a resounding, "no."

Realizing that there are still patriotic Americans in Colorado who respect the "presumption of innocence" as one of the crucial vertebrae of our Bill of Rights and Constitution, it would probably be unfair of me to call for a statewide boycott of Colorado based on Colorado's state Supreme Court decision. That said, at some point, we conservatives must be ready to accept a little collateral damage and vote with our feet and our pocketbooks. We must be ready to make some uncomfortable decisions about where we live, how we spend our money and which companies, places and candidates (and ideologies) we support. I'm sorry Colorado Springs, (a largely Republican stronghold), you will have to suffer for all the radical decisions taken by your fellow citizens in Denver because it is time for the rest of us to stand up, lean in and push back against judicial and political overreach in company towns and states -- and that includes Colorado.

If you want to make your voice heard this Christmas, try to refrain from buying products made in Colorado and try not to schedule any future holiday vacations in company towns that do not share your values, wherever they are. Like the Congress, you have the power of the purse. Use it for good and do not support those who would trample on your rights.

Stephan Helgesen is a retired career U.S. diplomat who lived and worked in 30 countries for 25 years during the Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, and G.W. Bush Administrations. He is the author of fourteen books, six of which are on American politics and has written over 1,300 articles on politics, economics and social trends. He operates a political news story aggregator website: www.projectpushback.com. He can be reached at: stephan@stephanhelgesen.com

Image: Picryl // Library of Congress, no known restrictions
Does the New York Times have any regard for truth at all?

They seem to have been forced to report that Harvard's president, Claudine Gay, has been caught yet again in another string of plagiarisms and they say the problem is the right-wing press.

Get a load of how they led their piece:

Harvard University, in the face of mounting questions over possible plagiarism in the scholarly work of its president, Claudine Gay, said on Wednesday that it had found two additional instances of insufficient citation in her work. The issues were found in Dr. Gays 1997 doctoral dissertation, in which Harvard said it had found two examples of duplicative language without appropriate attribution. Last week, Harvard said that an earlier review had found two published articles that needed additional citations, and that Dr. Gay would request corrections. President Gay will update her dissertation correcting these instances of inadequate citation, the university said on Wednesday of the additional findings. The news was an embarrassing development for the university, which has sought to quell tumult over Dr. Gays leadership in recent weeks.

...and why it wasn't an academic disaster or anything, just "an embarrassing development":

The allegations of plagiarism against Dr. Gay have been driven by conservative media, and on Dec. 10 surfaced publicly when the activist Christopher Rufo published a newsletter piece headlined, Is Claudine Gay a Plagiarist? That article, which highlighted issues with Dr. Gays dissertation, appeared the night before the board met to decide if she would remain as Harvards president. Additional allegations continued to surface in conservative outlets like The Washington Free Beacon and on social media, even after the board announced on Dec. 12 that it would stand behind her.

And just in case that isn't clear enough, the Times quoted this guy to say the quiet part out loud:

For some faculty members, and not just liberal ones, the details of the charges and Harvards procedures were less important than the context in which the charges were being lobbed. [Yes, they wrote that. -ed.] "Its part of this extreme right-wing attack on elite institutions, said Charles Fried, a professor at Harvard Law School and a former solicitor general in the Reagan administration. The obvious point is to make it look as if there is this woke double standard at elite institutions. If it came from some other quarter, I might be granting it some credence, he said of the accusations. But not from these people."

So it doesn't matter whether the charge is true or not; to this guy and his institution, the messenger is more important. And since he doesn't like the messenger, the meaning of the message actually changes. Objective truth and hard facts are for rightwingers, see. Heck, cool detachment is for rightwingers. Fried's truth, his truth, "depends on context."

You sure as heck wouldn't want to see a guy like that with a gavel.

Gay herself revealed that this was her way of thinking, too. In her apology for her inability to condemn genocide against Jews before Congress, she explained that she had gotten "caught up in the moment" with her congressional questioner, Rep. Elise Stefanik, the logic being that if rightwing Elise says it, it has to be contradicted as wrong. That's why she brought up all that "context" which made her look like such an antisemitic creep.

The Times took pains to identify Fried as a conservative as if to prove that their partisan take on this plagiarism matter was actually bipartisan, but that's pretty skeevy. The Reagan administration that they identify Fried with was a long, long time ago, and this guy has far more years spent at Harvard not getting fired. Might this guy have changed his politics to fit in with the Harvard faculty lounge like a lot of them have done? Might he be a neverTrump or now on the left? I'd like to see his current voter registration. His Wikipedia page says he voted for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in recent elections.

He's not exactly a conservative by normal standards but he is to serve the Times' purposes.

Which brings us back to the orginal problem, that they think this story, an objective one if there ever was one, is the work of rightwing ... shall we add it? ... conspiracy theorists.

Rather than being embarrassed by getting scooped by the dread right wing press, they use this occasion to try to discredit the right wing press, even as the uncomfortable facts of plagiarism remain there to do second-day reporting on.

The shocking thing here is that the Times doesn't seem to think there's much more than just uneasiness about Gay getting caught in yet another string of plagiarisms and the matter carrying on without consequences. Getting caught, as the Times put it is just embarrassing -- like having toilet paper at stuck to your shoe or a stain on your pants.

In reality, it's a blow to university's actual prestige and credibility.

Already we have seen that the university has seen a major drop in early enrollment based on Gay's leadership. We have seen that antisemitism under Gay has cost the university one billion dollars in donations.

It won't be long before the school starts dropping in the rankings as news of this relativist academic standard drops its academic bar lower.

Now we see how the establishment coddles and covers up for her, despite her years of copying others' work which she passed off her own.

Didn't Stanford fire its president for academic turpitude? Didn't Columbia Ph.D. Monica Crowley get denied a Trump administration job at Treasury based on evidence of plagiarism amid huffs and harrumphs?

Somehow, Gay keeps skating and nothing is ever done. For her, they've even come up with some Newspeak in a bid to cover for her -- just a matter of 'duplicative language.'

The bottom line here is that if a rightwinger makes the accusation, the accusation is automatically invalid -- not because it doesn't stand up, not because it's not the truth, but because a rightwinger says it.

This is two-tier standards taken to yet another low.

Any questions as to why voters are lining up for President Trump?

Once upon a time they would say: Want More Trump? That's how you get More Trump. Now Harvard is Exhibit A for these double standards that put truth secondary to favored and disfavored messenger identities.

Image: Screen shot from WION video, via YouTube
As Congress considers a bargain with the Biden administration on immigration, they must proceed with extreme caution.

Right now, a bipartisan group of senators are engaged in negotiations with the administration to enact border security policies in exchange for a foreign aid package. Joe Biden has said that he is willing to make significant concessions on border security in order to pass tens of billions of dollars in aid to war-torn Ukraine and Israel.

Bidens public willingness to concede that new security measures are needed at the southern border is a step forward, but the devil is in the details, and so far the reported details leave much to be desired. While no legislation has been officially proposed and no framework has been unveiled publicly, CBS News reported earlier this month on the concessions the White House apparently has in mind.

The administration is reportedly mulling a proposal that would reinstate the use of Title 42 at the border if daily illegal crossings at the border exceed a certain threshold, while also promising to ramp up the detention and deportation of illegal aliens. While no details have officially been proposed, one Senate negotiator floated an automatic reinstatement of the Title 42 order if illegal crossings exceed 3,000 a day. Earlier this month, more than 14,000 illegal aliens crossed the U.S. southern border, shattering a single-day record for illegal crossings. The ideas being considered are generally good ones, but they are inadequate to quell the historic crisis we are facing.

The major problem with these proposals is it still gives the administration too much discretion over enforcing immigration law.

Giving the administration expanded authority to close the border and deport illegal aliens is fine if you have an executive willing to enforce these laws, but this administration has consistently demonstrated a willingness to disregard federal law and the Constitution in order to facilitate the arrival of millions of illegal aliens. Enacting more laws that the administration can just brush aside will not do anything to fix the border. If Congress is serious about solving the crisis, they will have to essentially put Biden and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in proverbial straitjackets, and enact new laws that limit the administrations discretion.

Admittedly, this is a difficult thing to do considering how much enforcement authority is vested in the executive branch over border security. One idea that could be effective is allowing border states such as Texas and Arizona to deport aliens who cross into their territory illegally. This would remove significant authority from the Biden administration and place it in the hands of state governments much more willing to enforce the law. Any deal must also restrict the administrations parole authority, which they have abused to resettle large numbers of illegal aliens across the country in what can accurately be described as a stealth amnesty.

Another major problem with these ideas is the proposal to allow 3,000 illegal aliens to cross the border daily before triggering the Title 42 order. This would be a major decline from the 10-12,000 illegal aliens who are currently entering the country on a daily basis, but would still be unacceptably high. Former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson, who served in the Obama administration, once said that 1,000 apprehensions of illegal aliens at the border constituted a bad day. There is no reason Congress should tolerate or normalize 3,000 illegal border crossings on a daily basis, even if that would be a steep decline from the current numbers. Three thousand illegal crossings per day amounts to 1,095,000 illegal entries per year, or about the same number of legal immigrant admissions to the U.S. each year. The standard for border security should be much higher than that.

Of course, the House of Representatives has already passed legislation that would mostly solve the border crisis. This Spring, the House passed the Secure the Border Act, which would reinstate the Remain-in-Mexico program, mandate E-Verify at the national level, and require DHS to resume construction of the border wall, among other policies. These ideas should be the cornerstone of any effective border security legislation.

The current negotiations may represent the last chance for a course correction at the border for the foreseeable future. The ultimate outcome will have high stakes for the trajectory of the country, which puts all of the pressure on the negotiators to secure a good deal. A token border security effort or simply creating new laws that the administration can ignore is insufficient. Congress must assert its authority and bring this unprecedented crisis to a conclusion.

William J. Davis is a communications associate for the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a public interest law firm working to defend the rights and interests of the American people from the negative effects of mass migration.

Image: Screen shot from Fox News video, via YouTube
In the face of China's threats and aggressive acts against Taiwan, there is a compelling case for the United States to consider providing Taiwan with nuclear weapons.

This proposition is grounded in the pursuit of regional stability, deterrence of potential adversaries, and the need to safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty and security.

Reasons why include:

1. Enhanced Deterrence: By providing Taiwan with nuclear capabilities, the United States would significantly enhance the island's deterrent capabilities. A credible nuclear deterrent can dissuade potential aggressors from pursuing military actions, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict and promoting stability in the Taiwan Strait. 2. Balancing Regional Power: As China continues to assert itself as a major global player, a nuclear-armed Taiwan could contribute to a more balanced regional power dynamic. This balance is essential for preventing unilateral actions that could disrupt the status quo and lead to unintended consequences. 3. Ensuring Taiwanese Autonomy: The provision of nuclear weapons to Taiwan would empower the island to assert its autonomy and resist coercion from larger neighbors. This autonomy is crucial for preserving Taiwan's unique political and social identity without succumbing to external pressures. 4. Strategic Security Umbrella: A nuclear-armed Taiwan could serve as an additional layer of security under the U.S. strategic umbrella in the Asia-Pacific region. This not only reinforces the U.S. commitment to its allies but also underscores the importance of maintaining a stable balance of power. 5. Peaceful Resolution of Disputes: Paradoxically, providing Taiwan with nuclear weapons could contribute to regional peace by discouraging potential adversaries from resorting to military force. The increased stakes associated with nuclear capabilities may encourage diplomatic solutions and dialogue as preferable alternatives.

While the idea of providing Taiwan with nuclear weapons is contentious, it is essential to consider the potential benefits in terms of deterrence, regional stability, and the preservation of Taiwanese autonomy.

Richard Lawless is an investigative journalist who has written articles for the Chicago Tribune, The Hill, The Daily Caller, the New York Observer, and dozens of other major publications. Mr. Lawless is also the author of "Capitol Hill's Criminal Underground: The Most Thorough Exploration of Government Corruption Ever Put in Writing."

Image: Pexels / Pexels License
Harmonious journeys: Philadelphia Orchestra's 50th-anniversary visit to China

(People's Daily App) 14:39, December 21, 2023

The Philadelphia Orchestra recently made its 13th visit to China, commemorating the 50th anniversary of its inaugural visit in 1973. During their time in Shanghai, they visited Shanghai Tech University, the China Welfare Institute Children's Palace and the Pudong branch of the Shanghai Library. Watch the video to delve deeper into the world of this symphony orchestra and discover the story behind it! (Source: City News Service)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Korea has donated six retired 500MD helicopters for U.N. peacekeeping missions in Kenya, the defense ministry said Thursday.

The Army's light attack helicopters were shipped from the southeastern port of Busan to the United States for necessary repairs and maintenance before being delivered to Kenya, the ministry said.

Kenya is expected to deploy the helicopters for U.N. peacekeeping missions after consultations with the U.N., it said.

They are the first batch of 16 helicopters that Korea pledged to provide for peacekeeping missions during the U.N. peacekeeping forum hosted by Seoul in 2021.

"The government will closely cooperate with the U.S. and U.N. to complete the donation of the remaining 10 helicopters and expand contribution to the global peace and security, including the U.N. peacekeeping operations," the ministry said in a release. (Yonhap)
I remember 15 years ago when I was a quasi-member of the Trinity Episcopal Church. I say I was a quasi-member because I wasnt really a member of the church. My wife was. I, however, paid the donations -- somewhat reluctantly. Nevertheless, I had recently been hired at a new college, and we knew no one in the new town. So, my wife joined because we needed to meet new people where we lived, and she liked to sing in the choir. I would sometimes go to Sunday services and church functions with her, and we would go to midnight mass at Christmas time. Everyone in the church was very friendly and inviting, so I enjoyed most of the time I spent at the church functions. Joining myself, however, was not something I was tempted to do.

About ten years ago a question came up as to whether the minister should perform a gay marriage. I must admit I was a bit amused when I first heard about it because I wasnt really a member of the church. I knew, or I assumed, a few members were gay when I had met them at church functions, but I didnt really care one way or the other if they were.

The Episcopal minister did not object to performing the wedding. His spiritual position was that we all need to find our own way to God. I must admit I was quite amused by the ministers spiritual take on this because it meant to me that the church basically represented nothing. It was a club. Worse, it was a club that had no principles, which were supposed to be the foundation of the church.

Of course, many members of the church vehemently objected to the minister performing the wedding -- usually the older members -- but some of the younger members thought the ceremony should go ahead.

In short, the church split in two. Many of the parishioners, some who had been lifelong members, quit outright. I felt sorry for the ones who had been lifelong members because that crucial part of their life was now ended. I do not know if they joined other Protestant churches or the local Roman Catholic Church, but I assumed some did.

This upheaval in the Trinity Episcopal Church happened a little after the Supreme Court of the United States had ruled gay marriage was legal, so it occurred to me then and now that this was a matter of caving to pollical power and media elites who had been advocating for marriage equity for a long time.

Marriage equity was the term those with the microphones used to justify the change. I was amused by the term, but I knew the term was what powerful institutions and powerful political forces called it: therefore, it was impossible to oppose. It was marriage equity.

As for my wife, she never said much about it other than to express shocked dismay. Also, at about that time, I was told my contract would not be renewed for the following academic year. The college where I worked had lost over a thousand students, and many of the faculty were being let go. This meant I was too busy pulling out my hair trying to land another job and figure out how I was going to pay the mortgage of a house we had recently bought and my college loans all at once.

Eventually, I did land another job for the next academic year. A few years later, I was invited to a seminar at the old college where I had worked. As I was driving through the town, I saw the Presbyterian Church property was up for sale. It was a beautiful, big old church that I had been in a few times when they did functions with the Episcopal Church. A few years after that, my wife told me she had heard through some former friends that she kept in touch with that the Episcopal Church had closed.

Image: A Quiverful of Fotos
What do you call it when a socialist national government ignores the consent of the governed?

In their desperation to keep the spotlight off what they are doing to the country, leftist authoritarians have decided to destroy democracy to save it. Because the obvious way to have the people rule is to forcibly keep them from voting for the candidate of their choice. It makes sense only if you dont think about it  at all.

Thus, leftists are going pedal to the metal in persecuting their political opponents, with their latest stunt, banning President Trump from the ballot in Colorado over the mere charge of organizing an insurrection. For normal people, what looked like merely giving a speech was somehow a super-secret coded communication for a capital coup on January 6, 2021. (Yes, we included the year in that date to remind everyone how long the left has been exploiting this.) Except even the politicized and weaponized Fascist Bureau of Intimidation (FBI) decided this over two years ago:

Exclusive: FBI finds scant evidence U.S. Capitol attack was coordinated  sources The FBI has found scant evidence that the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was the result of an organized plot to overturn the presidential election result, according to four current and former law enforcement officials. Though federal officials have arrested more than 570 alleged participants, the FBI at this point believes the violence was not centrally coordinated by far-right groups or prominent supporters of thenPresident Donald Trump, according to the sources, who have been either directly involved in or briefed regularly on the wide-ranging investigations.

So we now have the dangerous precedent that a court can interfere with virtually any election it wants to by merely asserting that someone was inciting an insurrection, all thanks to our wonderful comrades of the authoritarian left. You can just imagine how proud they must feel in where they have brought this country.

This brings up a merely hypothetical question: why is dictator Joe Biden (which is to say, Biden and Barack Obama) still on the ballot, given what we know about what he has done, as evidenced by real-world results?

Does anyone recall the leftist authoritarians filling us in on their plans to destroy the country? Something along the lines of:

Oh, by the way, if you vote for us, were going to open the border to millions of illegal invaders, men of military age from enemy nations, terrorists, and who knows what else.

In addition to that, were going to use your hard-earned money to bus and fly (without valid ID) them around the country so they dont bunch up around the border areas so you take notice.

And in addition to that, were also going to use your hard earned money to feed and house these folks so theyre all ready to vote for us in the next election.

On top of that, all of this is going to cause drug use and crime to skyrocket, but well use those serious crises to gain even more control. Isnt that going to be great?

Does anyone remember that kind of pithy sales pitch on the destruction of our constitutional republic? Because we dont recall any of that.

We do remember reading somewhere along the line that certain truths are self-evident, and

that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Did we the people ever consent to the ever-expanding disaster and destruction of our country and our way of life?

It should be evident by now that all of this is by malevolence rather than incompetence. With the latter, the odds are that the people would win out here and there, or maybe break even once in a while.

This issue alone shows that Obiden is far worse than the fantasy accusations made against President Trump in that the regime fits the dictionary definition of a dictatorship.

In that, they are fundamentally transforming the country without the consent of the governed while their propaganda arm, the national socialist media, spews incessant accusations that Trump is Hitler and is going to be a dictator while ignoring the example in their midst.

Newsweek among others profiled Republicans who threatened to throw Joe Biden off ballots in certain states, and they were perplexed as to the constitutional grounds for this. They could start with Article 4, Section 4 of the Constitution:

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion.

...along with that whole dictatorship issue that they keep squawking about when it comes to President Trump. They ignore it when dealing with their side.

What is truly interesting is that while many celebrated the un-democratic move in Colorado, others saw it as a very dangerous precedent. But thats what happens when you crave power for the sake of power and will use any means necessary to get it. Overreach and attempts at raw dictatorship while distracting attention with projection can get you only so far. Then the people turn on you and send you to the ash heap of history, where you belong.

D Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, the director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Google AI Support Assistant chatbot has been quietly released on Google Help pages. The search titans new artificial intelligence-powered assistant currently offers help with select Google products. The companys latest AI-powered feature arrived soon after it introduced Gemini, its next-generation foundation model, earlier this month.

Google AI Support Assistant currently offers help with select products like Maps & Play Store

It appears that Google has released the AI support chatbot on its help pages in the beta version. At the time of writing this post, this feature seems to be only available for select Google Products. These products include the Google Play Store, Google Maps, Messages, and Account. Whenever a user visits the support page for these products, a new Need help? icon appears towards the bottom-right corner.

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Taking Google Maps as an example, you can hit the Need help? icon to get additional help from AI Support Assistant. The assistant will show you some automatically generated queries to help you around the navigation, offline maps, and more. When you click on one of these questions, the AI support assistant will show you the best possible solution. It will also show you a link to the blog post dedicated to that particular query.

The users can also type their own questions after clicking the Something else option from the available suggestions. After hitting the enter button, the AI support assistant will search for the best possible resolution to your query. The same functionality is provided for the other Google products including Account, Play Store, and Messages, at least for now.

AI Support Assistant for Google products is still learning

The support pages for Google products note that the AI is still learning, and it may show inaccurate results. human reviewers may process your help guide conversations for quality purposes, mention the support pages.

Also, the responses to queries from the new feature arent instantaneous and could take a few seconds to compile the results. Google is expected to release the full fledged AI Support Assistant for all of its products in the near future.
Experts express skepticism over any meaningful changes in US-centered diplomacy

By Jung Min-ho

Speaking to journalists soon after being nominated as the next foreign minister, Wednesday, Cho Tae-yul made clear what his priority would be: improving South Korea-China relations, which he said "are as important as" the Korea-U.S. alliance.

The former Korean ambassador to the U.N. then added that the new Cold War climate, accelerated by Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the intensifying Washington-Beijing competition, is not good for South Koreas diplomacy and expressed his intention to seek a harmonious balancing act between the two superpowers.

That will be a vexing challenge, according to experts contacted by The Korea Times, Thursday. Asked whether there would be any meaningful shift in the countrys relationship with China under him, they expressed skepticism.

They said it will likely remain practically the same as long as South Koreas values-based diplomacy remains in place because one of Beijings unswerving diplomatic goals is to substitute those values with its own.

Since President Yoon Suk Yeol was inaugurated in May 2022, South Koreas relationship with China has gone from bad to worse. The very same month, China vetoed a U.S.-drafted U.N. Security Council resolution to strengthen sanctions on North Korea over missile launches in its first attempt to block a united council response to the regimes provocations since 2006.

More recently, the Chinese government approved the forcible deportations of hundreds of North Korean escapees on Oct. 9, just two weeks after Prime Minister Han Duck-soo met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing and urged him not to send those detained back over concerns of human rights violations.

The Yoon administration does not deserve the blame for all the problems between the two countries, given that their relations started to deteriorate years before his rise to power. But analysts said it is also true that the administrations diplomatic focus on reinforcing the alliance with the U.S. and following its lead in promoting certain values, such as democracy, has not been helpful in terms of improving ties with China.

There has been apparent dissatisfaction in Beijing over the diplomatic direction under the current administration, which appears to have abandoned its long-held strategic ambiguity and sided with the U.S., said Lee Jae-young, an expert on China at the Korea Institute for National Unification, a state-funded think tank. It is positive news that the foreign minister nominee will do more to improve the countrys relations with China. But with its fundamental diplomatic policies and its direction expected to remain unchanged, I think Chinas response would not be so welcoming.

With Beijing now less cooperative on resolving issues regarding North Korea, the minister nominee said it has become much more difficult to handle the North's increasing nuclear threats. Lee said it is very possible that China will not join any U.N. moves to approve additional sanctions on the North even if it conducts another nuclear weapons test in the near future.

Experts believe China would also be uncomfortable with a North Korea armed with nuclear weapons. But China, unlike South or North Korea, views the issues on the peninsula more as part of its hegemonic rivalry with the U.S. in the region  its challenge to the U.S.-led global order. Lee said the best years for Seoul-Beijing relations may be behind us.

The good years are gone, and probably have been for a long time, since South Korea allowed the U.S. to set up the THAAD missile defense system. That was an inflection point, he added.

Chung Jae-heung, a China expert at the Sejong Institute, a think tank, said he is worried that the Yoon administrations seemingly inflexible diplomacy may not be in the best interests of the country.

I think Busans recent failure in its bid to host World Expo 2030 has an important message, Chung said. Look at how few votes Busan and Rome received. It was less than 50. Look at how many countries have actually been participating in sanctioning Russia over its war. Its about 40. We should think more about what could be lost by making a big bet.
Every company accomplishes a lot of things over the course of a year. Google, one of the largest companies in the world, has accomplished a ton this year, and its not shy about letting us know. In a new blog post, Google lets us know its achievements in 2023, and most of them are centered around AI.

Google has been working on artificial intelligence for years. Its on the mission to push humanity forward with powerful and innovative technology. Well, that was its mission until November 20th, 2022, the date that ChatGPTfirst launched. Since then, it feels like the company has just been trying to keep up to keep OpenAI from stealing Googles primary source of income. So, it should be no surprise that the company is really going ham on the AI.

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2023 was the year of Google AI

The company listed 23 achievements to celebrate the end of 2023. Dotting the list, there are some achievements that werent all about AI. For instance, #4 was welcoming Android 14 (Oh Google, that one should have been #14). #5 was the welcoming of the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7a, and Pixel Fold while #6 was the company welcoming the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Buds Pro.

The list goes on with the company talking about other achievements like the Pixel Watch 2, Immersive View for Maps, RCS, passkeys, Chromebook Plus, and a few more. These are all notable achievements and some of them filled the headlines.

However, Googles AI achievements tipped the scale in this regard. The blog post notes the companys AI releases, and there are a lot of them. This year has been long, so its early to forget about some of the things that the company did.

To no ones surprise, welcoming Gemini was #1, and releasing Bard was #2. These are two of the companys biggest generative AI products, and they showed just how powerful Googles AI is. We cant forget about the Generative AI in Search (#3), AI tools added to Workspace (#14, #15) Duet AI in Google Cloud (#16), and more. All in all

All in all, 11 of the 23 items involved AI in some way shape, or form. It shows that 2023 was the year for Google AI, and the company is excited about expanding the list in 2024.
Nokia feature phones have long been celebrated for their durability, with numerous stories highlighting their resilience. Additionally, there have been cases of Apple Watches and iPhones playing major roles in life-saving situations. This time around, the iPhone X is the start of the show, as it saved an Israeli soldiers life by dodging a bullet in the warzone. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Rabi Shai Graucher presented the soldier and his unit with brand-new iPhones as a token of appreciation and recognition for their service.

iPhone X saves soldiers life by blocking a bullet

According to a post shared on X (formerly, Twitter), an iPhone X dodged a bullet and saved an Israeli soldiers life. Apple Insider saw the post and noted that it could be an iPhone X, due to its vertical camera bump.

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The video featured an iPhone with a sturdy case and a clear back. A bullet pierced the phone and case but lost its force, sparing its user from serious injury. Apple products have saved lives before, but it remains uncertain if Apple will discuss the iPhones bullet resistance.

Apple rates iPhones against dust, water, and extreme temperatures. However, the company has never publicly confirmed that iPhones are bulletproof.

Israeli PM & Rabbi Shai Graucher gifted new iPhones to soldiers

Subsequently, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Rabbi Shai Graucher paid a visit to soldiers and the unit in the hospital. Thats when they also presented the latest iPhone 15 models to them.

Its worth noting that such tales of phones acting as protective shields in critical situations arent entirely unprecedented. Phone Arena recalls past occurrences, including instances where a Moto G5 housed in an Incredible Hulk case proved to be a lifesaver, as well as another involving the HTC EVO 3D. Now, the iPhone X has etched its name onto this list of devices that have unexpectedly shielded individuals from harm.
There is no end to Galaxy S24 leaks. Shortly after we exclusively revealed the official renders of the base Galaxy S24, renders of the Plus and Ultra models leaked too. A fresh leak has confirmed the launch date for the new phones. As rumored before, Samsung will host the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 17, 2024 (January 18 in some countries due to the time difference).

Leak reveals the Galaxy S24 launch date

Noted X leakster Evan Blass recently shared a GIF that appears to be a short screen recording from a page on Samsungs official website. The said page shows a countdown to the live stream of the next Galaxy Unpacked event. It has a button to add the event to your calendar. The time and date for the event are mentioned too. It kicks off at 3 AM KST (Korea Standard Time) on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

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Thats 10 AM PT/1 PM EST/6 PM GMT/ 11:30 PM IST on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Since the event is rumored to take place in San Jose, California, USA, the local start time of the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event will be 10 AM on January 17. While the leaked official countdown doesnt mention the Galaxy S24, we all know that Samsung will launch the new flagship lineup at the event.

Leaks have revealed that the Galaxy S24 phones will have artificial intelligence (AI) built into the system. Samsung has baked AI into the One UI software for a seamless user experience. You will find AI in almost every system app and function, from calling and voice recorder to camera, galley, Samsung Notes, Settings, and more. The new flagships will offer AI features and functional enhancements everywhere.

Unsurprisingly, Samsungs official launch invite for the Galaxy Unpacked event will prominently feature AI. Galaxy AI is coming, an animation next to the leaked countdown states. The sparkle animation shows an icon identical to the Google Bard logo. It appears Galaxy S24s on-device AI will be heavily influenced by Googles AI chatbot. Samsung has also launched its generative AI model called Samsung Gauss.

Samsung will open pre-orders for new flagships immediately after launch

While this leak doesnt give us the market release date for the Galaxy S24 trio, earlier leaks have revealed that too. As usual, Samsung will open pre-orders for the new flagships immediately after the launch event on January 17. General sales of the phones are expected to begin on January 30. AT&T has already certified the unannounced Samsung flagshipscarrier-locked and unlocked variants. Stay tuned for the official announcement.
A few days back, Samsung rolled out the December security patch to the Galaxy Watch 5 series. The same update is now available for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The rollout began recently and may take a while to reach all eligible units worldwide.

The Galaxy Watch 4 gets Samsungs December security update

The latest update for the Galaxy Watch 4 lineup comes with the firmware build numbers R870XXU1HWL1 and R880XXU1HWL1 for the Bluetooth-only vanilla and Classic models, respectively. The LTE versions of the watches may get the December patch with an identical or slightly different build number.

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Irrespective of the build number, the update contains the same changelog. The stability has been improved, the only entry in Samsungs official changelog states. This means the Galaxy Watch 4 is getting new vulnerability patches that improve the security and stability of the device.

The December 2023 SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for the Korean firms Android-powered Galaxy devices contains fixes for more than 60 vulnerabilities, including at least seven critical ones. However, most of those only apply to smartphones and tablets. Wear OS watches usually get fewer patches with new security updates.

Nonetheless, it is important to keep your watch updated so you dont fall prey to security attacks. If you are using a Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, go to the Settings app and tap on Software update > Download and install to check for new updates. You can also check for updates from the Galaxy Wearable app on your connected smartphone.

Note that Samsung recently started pushing the December update to the Galaxy Watch 4 series. It isnt yet available globally. We checked on our Galaxy Watch 4 units here at Android Headlines and the update hasnt arrived yet. You can wait a few days and check again. You might also get a notification when the update reaches your unit.

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Samsungs 2021 watches will get more feature updates

The December update for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic doesnt bring anything more than the latest security fixes. That was expected because the watches picked up the Wear OS 4-based One UI 5 Watch a few months back. It was the second major One UI upgrade for the lineupdebuted with One UI 4 Watch 4 and received One UI Watch 4.5 last year.

Samsung plans to offer four major One UI upgrades to the devices. So they are eligible for two more big feature updates. The next major update may come after the Galaxy Watch 7 launch in the second half of 2024. The company may also push minor feature updates to the devices before that, We will keep you posted accordingly.
The U.S. Department of Commerce will review whether the use of legacy chips by U.S. companies are part of Chinas dominant standing in the semiconductor industry. The move, first reported by Reuters, will initiate a supply chain review that will start next year. It comes less than a week after the Commerce Department released a detailed report on the state of the U.S. semiconductor industry. While the U.S. makes up roughly half of the entire global chipmaking industry, it faces a few threats, according to the report. Principal among them are subsidies offered to companies who choose to manufacture in other countries.

The U.S. has already cracked down on advanced chips in China, barring U.S. companies from importing and exporting some types of processors. Though China has made some surprising breakthroughs despite the U.S. sanctions, the country still lags behind the Taiwan-based TSMC and the South Korean giant Samsung. However, this U.S. inquiry isnt looking into Chinas advanced silicon. Instead, it concerns legacy processors.

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Legacy processors are those that are less advanced, but are commonly used in essential products. These could include anything from cars to appliances. According to the Department of Commerce, legacy chips are made using the 28nm process, or greater nodes.

Over the last few years, weve seen potential signs of concerning practices from the PRC to expand their firms legacy chip production and make it harder for U.S. companies to compete, Gina Raimondo, the secretary of commerce, told the Washington Examiner in a statement. To get ahead of these concerns, the Department of Commerce is taking proactive measures to assess the U.S. semiconductor supply chain by collecting data from U.S. companies on the sourcing of their legacy chips.

Are legacy chips from China a threat to the US?

As tensions with China come to a head, the U.S. wants to make sure that it has independence in the semiconductor industry. This is especially true in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, when chip shortages exposed just how much the U.S. relied on China. If given a choice, the U.S. would undoubtedly choose to focus on advanced chip manufacturing. However, it also makes sense why it would look into legacy chips as well.

Many types of devices now use semiconductors, and the list far exceeds just phones and computers now. Products like cars, fridges, or air conditioning units now employ legacy chips to function. Without them, the U.S. could be in some trouble, as it learned during the pandemic. For now, the Commerce Department is just initiating a review, so well have to see where this goes.
The foreign ministry said Thursday its budget for 2024 has been set at 4.19 trillion won ($3.21 billion), a 24.8 percent increase from this year.

The spending plan, passed by the National Assembly earlier in the day, comes with a nearly 39.2 percent year-on-year hike of 2.79 trillion won in the sectoral budget for official development assistance (ODA), the ministry said.

The ODA budget is expected to help implement various foreign policy initiatives being pushed for by the government, including those under the Indo-Pacific strategy, the ministry added.

The budget for humanitarian assistance more than doubled to 740.1 billion won to support developing countries, and better respond to natural disasters and other humanitarian crises, as well as the prolonged war in Ukraine.

The ministry said next year's aid budget for the African region rose 28.5 percent to 306.6 billion won. South Korea plans to host the South Korea-Africa summit in the first half of 2024.

The ministry plans to spend part of the approved yearly budget to establish a new research institute for economic security and technologies, the ministry added.

The finalized budget is lower than the ministry's initial request of 4.28 trillion won. (Yonhap)
Alex Batty is fearful of the glare of publicity and will remain under special legal protection, a court has ruled.

The 17-year-old, who returned to the UK on Saturday, six years after disappearing on holiday in Spain with his mother and grandfather, was represented by lawyers at a hearing at a Family Court hearing at Manchester Civil Courts of Justice on Thursday.

Alex, who was 11 when he went missing and is now 17, had been reportedly living an itinerant lifestyle until he approached a delivery driver while walking in southern France and he went to local authorities.

A police investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance is ongoing, the court heard.

Kirstin Beswick, barrister representing Oldham Borough Council, asked for Alex to be made a ward of the court in the care of his grandmother, as he was before he disappeared with his mother and grandfather in October 2017.

Wardship means High Court judges will remain his legal guardian to oversee his welfare, provided by his grandmother with the support of Oldham Borough Council, until he turns 18 in two months-time.

Normally reports of family court hearings are subject to reporting restrictions but Deputy Judge of the High Court, Sarah Singleton KC, allowed reporting of todays hearing.

Judge Singleton said: It seems to me that it would makes something of a non-sense of the medias attendance if the identity of the young person was not included with what could be reported, because, to use more casual speech, its out there already.

Alex is, perhaps entirely understandably some-what fearful of the glare of publicity around his circumstances.

There is, it seems to me, to be a legitimate public interest in reporting the outcome of a difficult set of circumstances of a young person.

He is being supported by his maternal grandmother and Oldham Council to resume a normal life, here.

Alex Batty is back in the UK (Family/GMP/PA)

Alex was found by chiropody student Fabien Accidini while walking alone near Toulouse in the early hours of last Wednesday.

His grandmother Susan Caruana from Oldham, Greater Manchester, said before his return to the UK: I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.

I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again.

`The main thing is that hes safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.

It is thought Alex had been living an alternative lifestyle with his mother, Melanie Batty and grandfather  who had taken him on the pre-arranged trip to Spain in 2017- across Spain, Morocco and France while he was missing.

Mr Accidini said the teenager told him he had been hiking in nearby mountains for more than four days in an attempt to return to England.

French prosecutors said the teenagers mother, Melanie Batty may be in Finland while his grandfather David Batty has died.

Antoine Leroy told reporters Alex had said he knew his way of life with his mother had to stop after she announced an intention to move to Finland.

This led him to walk for four days and four nights across the Pyrenees, the prosecutor said.

On the whereabouts of Alexs mother and grandfather, Mr Leroy said: It is possible that the mother at this time has in fact gone to Finland, as she planned.

The grandfather, who has always been with his daughter and grandson, is said to have died approximately six months ago.

Alex was described as tired but in good health after being checked over by French officials and seemed intelligent even though he had not attended school for six years.

The prosecutor also said the boy did not appear to have been subjected to any physical violence.

Reports from southern France suggest Alex had been living on-and-off in a remote mountain farmhouse since autumn 2021, where his grandfather had worked as a handyman in exchange for room and board for he and Alex.

Owners of Gite de la Bastide, Frederic Hambye and Ingrid Beauve, told MailOnline Alexs mother, did not live at the property and during that time she stayed in successive places of residence between Aude and Ariege, around 50 kilometres north and 120 kilometres west of the farmhouse.

In a statement obtained by MailOnline, they said: As time went on, we saw him as part of our family and we think he appreciated the stability and security we represent for him.

We encouraged him to learn French and study.

He was eager to go to school and get back to a normal life and for that he needed his ID which he told us he no longer had.

When we learned that he did not have an ID, we offered to drive him to the British Consulate.

He told us he would find a way to return to the UK on his own to get new (identity) papers and go back to school.

To this end, he told us, he left on December 17 to join his mother.
The revelation that Die Hard star Bruce Willis is suffering from a rare form of dementia prompted a surge in web traffic as people researched the illness, the UKs leading dementia charity has said.

Alzheimers Society said information on frontotemporal dementia was viewed more than 126,000 times in 2023, a rise of nearly 63% from 2022.

The charity has named the phenomenon the Bruce Willis effect after the family of the Hollywood star announced in February that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia after a previous diagnosis of aphasia, a condition affecting his cognitive abilities.

The first symptoms of the rarer form of dementia are often changes to personality and behaviour and difficulties with language, the charity said.

Williss family has described the illness as a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of that can strike anyone.

A statement from his family including his wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and his daughters said: As Bruces condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.

It added: Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.

We know in our hearts that  if he could today  he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.

The most visited page of the charitys website in 2023 was for people who want to know how to recognise and support people with dementia who are reaching the end of their lives, with more than 661,000 views.

Interactive and printable online versions of the charitys free symptoms checklist, endorsed by the Royal College of GPs, were viewed nearly 200,000 times in 2023.

Willis has five daughters, sharing his three eldest  Rumer, Scout and Tallulah  with Moore, whom he married in 1987.

Despite separating in 2000, the pair remain on amicable terms. Willis married actress Heming in 2009.

The pair share two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.

People looking for support can visit alzheimers.org.uk.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said everything that can be done must be done to get aid into Gaza, including the possibility of using British ships to bring supplies by sea.

The former prime minister, on an official visit to Egpyt, said he wanted to see the United Nations Security Council reach consensus on a resolution on humanitarian relief.

Lord Cameron said the UK was pushing very hard to ensure aid supplies reach Gaza, both through the reopened Kerem Shalom border crossing and possibly by sea.

He said: Are there opportunities for aid to come from Cyprus in British ships to be delivered to Gaza? Were working on that.

Everything that can be done, must be done to get aid into Gaza to help people in the desperate situation they are in.

At the UN in New York, the US is working intensively to find a compromise resolution it will not veto on the supply of aid.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said the UK was working on using British ships to deliver aid to Gaza (Dan Kitwood/PA)

The US has been struggling to change the texts references to a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas war.

Another sticking point is the inspection of aid trucks into Gaza to ensure they are only carrying humanitarian goods, with Israel  and by extension its ally the US  likely to oppose the draft resolutions call for the UN to be given that role.

At a press conference with his counterpart in Cairo, Lord Cameron said: We are very keen to see consensus arrived at so that Security Council resolution  which is really all about aid and the delivery of aid, and the need to upscale the aid and the need for it to get through in far bigger numbers  that can go through. Talks continue and Britain will do what it can to try and build that consensus in New York at the Security Council.

Palestinians inspect a house after it was hit by an Israeli bombardment on Rafah, southern Gaza Strip (Fatima Shbair/AP)

Lord Cameron again restated the UKs call for Israel to respect international humanitarian law as it continues its military offensive in Gaza.

He also said Benjamin Netanyahus government must not do anything to jeopardise the long-term prospect of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Israels ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, rejected a two-state solution in an interview with Sky News earlier this month.

Lord Cameron said: Weve been very clear with Israel, there can be no permanent occupation of Gaza, no displacement of people from Gaza, no diminution of the size of the Palestinian territories.

All of those things would be wrong and weve made that very clear. Obviously, it is difficult to get from where we are now to where we want to be.

But sometimes you have to use moments of crisis as potential moments of opportunity.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also restated his commitment to a two-state solution.

We are strongly in favour of a two-state solution. And that has to be something which international partners are very, very clear about and its not in the gift of Israel, he said.
Fallen trees have caused injury, damage and travel disruption as Storm Pia battered parts of the UK with gusts hitting 115mph.

One man was taken to hospital with what is understood to be non-life-threatening injuries after a tree fell onto his car on the A515 in Clifton, Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Constabulary said a number of trees had fallen on the road, which is expected to be closed for most of the day, and motorists have been advised to find alternative routes.

Also in Derbyshire, in the village of Stanley, workmen attempted to remove a tree that fell onto and damaged the roof of a house.

Further south, a fallen tree blocked a train line between Ascot, Berkshire and Bagshot, Surrey.

Thousands of households were still without electricity as of 2pm on Thursday.

A yellow warning for wind, stretching north from Birmingham to the Shetland Islands and including Northern Ireland, ended at 3pm.

But another yellow alert was issued for snow and ice across Shetland from Thursday and into the weekend, with possible accumulations of 2-5cm of snow.

It has been a very windy start across the UK this morning with a yellow wind warning in force until 3pm today  Take a look at some of the maximum gust speeds we have seen so far  pic.twitter.com/U6f2In97Uq  Met Office (@metoffice) December 21, 2023

Icy patches are expected on untreated roads and pavements on the Scottish archipelago, bringing the risk of injury from slips and falls as well as travel disruption.

Gusts of 115mph were recorded at Cairngorm Summit, winds of 81mph were recorded at Brizlee Wood, near Alnwick, Northumberland and at Baltasound on Shetland, with gusts of more than 70mph recorded elsewhere in the North East of England.

South Western Railway (SWR) announced cancellations, delays or alterations to services until 5pm after the railway between Ascot and Bagshot was blocked.

A spokesperson for Energy Networks Association (ENA), which represents Britains electricity network operators, said 80% of customers affected by storm-related power cuts this morning have been reconnected.

But around 17,900 customers are without power at 2pm today, they added.

Workmen remove a fallen tree that has damaged the roof of a house in the village of Stanley in Derbyshire (Jacob King/PA)

Engineers are working to reconnect customers as quickly as possible but strong and disruptive winds persist in many places, which is hampering some efforts.

Northern Powergrid, one of the electricity network operators represented by ENA, said it had restored power to more than 45,000 customers across the North East, Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire by Thursday evening  around 96% of customers impacted by Storm Pia.

Louise Lowes, director of customer service, said: We expect all customers affected by Storm Pia to be back on supply tonight.

According to the ENA, the main areas affected are across Scotland, North East England, Yorkshire, North West England and the Midlands.

Storm Pia, which was named by the Danish Met Institute, is gradually moving towards mainland Europe where its impacts are expected to be more severe, the Met Office said in a statement.

The winds are due to ease for many across the UK on Thursday afternoon with wet weather likely to persist in western areas.

The forecasting body predicted continued unsettled weather over the weekend and said a White Christmas  defined as a single snowflake falling on Christmas Day  is likely, particularly over high ground in the far north of Scotland.

There is roof damage to homes on Haslam Crescent due to high winds. Residents are staying inside whilst inspections take place. Please avoid the area due to current risk from flying debris. pic.twitter.com/tcoYoO2zov  Sheffield City Council (@SheffCouncil) December 21, 2023

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dave Hayter said: Itll be a particularly wet weekend in the north and west, with breezy conditions for many.

While those further south will generally be drier, some sporadic showers could spread into the south west at times, as well as some more persistent rain for Wales on Sunday.

Christmas Day will likely see a continuation of unsettled, mainly showery, weather in the north west, including Northern Ireland.

While the day may start damp in southern and central areas, that rain should clear into the English Channel through the evening.

Oli Claydon, a Met Office spokesman, said there will not be picture postcard snowy scenes on Christmas Day.

An aircraft taking off from Leeds Bradford Airport during Storm Pia (Danny Lawson/PA)

Train passengers experienced significant disruption on Thursday with National Rail reporting that routes across Scotland, and parts of England and Wales were affected, and speed restrictions were in place on lines within the previous weather warning area.

Schools in Shetland were closed.

The roof came off a section of a block of flats in Haslam Crescent, Sheffield, according to the city council.

People on social media reported their sleep had been disturbed by the storm.
Checking the lymph nodes in your armpit is an important part of breast self-examinations. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

A breast surgeon has explained the correct way to properly check lymph nodes under your armpit as part of your regular at-home breast check.

Suffolk-based Dr Liz ORiordan, who lives with breast cancer herself, shared a short clip on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, which demonstrates the right way to feel for enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit.

Contrary to popular belief, Dr ORiordan discouraged women from examining their armpit with their arm raised high above their heads. "When your hand is in the air, your armpit skin is stretched and its tense," she explained. "Theres no way youre going to feel lymph nodes deep inside."

In order to examine your armpit, it needs to be relaxed, she said. Her advice is to "rest your hand on the opposite shoulder and feel [your armpit] with the other hand."

 STOP checking your armpits with your arm in the air!!!

It stretches the skin so you can't feel the lymph nodes.

 Watch this video and learn how to do it properly pic.twitter.com/KNphTTxYE4  Dr Liz O'Riordan (@Liz_ORiordan) December 19, 2023

Your arm should be relaxed, with your elbow resting on your chest, as you do this. With your other hand, you can start to feel your armpit from the bottom of where your armpit hair starts to grow, moving it upwards.

"Youre pushing in with the flat of your hand to see if you can feel any enlarged lymph nodes like small marbles," Dr ORiordan concluded in her video.

The post, which has been viewed more than 47.2k times since she shared it on Tuesday 19 December, has garnered responses from women who were surprised at the method  which is how doctors are trained to check lymph nodes.

"Thank you, Im 53 and didnt know this," one person said, with another adding: "Thank you for this Dr Liz, never knew this was the best way to check armpits. All info seems to show raised arms."

Speaking to Yahoo UK, Dr ORiordan says most women dont know how to properly check their breasts and armpits for lumps, and often see the wrong information on social media.

Raising your arm above your head is not the best way to check your lymph nodes, Dr O'Riordan says. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

"I see an awful lot of influencers showing women how to do it standing up with their arms up in the air, and its not how a doctor feels for lumps," she explains. "I want women to understand that if you want to check your armpits, this is the best chance at finding a lymph node."

Many women also have a lack of understanding about their anatomy, particularly when it comes to lymph nodes, which are tucked "high up in your armpit.

"No one really knows what youre looking for or feeling for," she says. "Theres no point checking if youre not doing it the right way, because youre not going to find anything."

When a doctor checks you for lumps in your breasts and armpits, they usually hold your arm at a 90 degree angle. As the doctor is holding your arm for you, your arm is relaxed and they know what theyre doing to find the lymph nodes.

However, when youre checking regularly at home, your arm and armpit would tense up if you were holding it up in the air, Dr ORiordan explains. "You cant get in to feel the lymph nodes."

She adds that feeling for enlarged lymph nodes is difficult, and even doctors and breast surgeons often miss them unless an ultrasound has picked them up. In addition, lymph nodes can become enlarged for a number of reasons, including due to coughs, colds and the flu as one of their functions is to fight infections.

However, its still worth doing because you may feel something sooner rather than later, especially if you are carrying out self breast examinations regularly. Dr ORiordan recommends doing them once a month, in the middle of your cycle, and to take notice if you feel a lump while having no symptoms of a cough or cold.

"Youre trying to feel for a small chickpea-sized or marble-sized lump that is firm, like a jellybean," she says. "You want to do a self exam mid-cycle if you are still having periods, because thats when your breasts are less lumpy.

"Most of us only check when its breast cancer awareness month in October or when someone famous has been diagnosed with it. But if you do it every month, youll learn whats normal for you and itll be easier to notice when something is wrong."

Watch: How to check your breasts for lumps

Read more about breast cancer:
Commemorations are to be held on the 35th anniversary of the Lockerbie bombing, as First Minister Humza Yousaf paid tribute to the 270 victims and emergency service personnel who attended the scene.

On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the town in Dumfries and Galloway, 40 minutes into its flight from London to New York.

All 259 passengers and crew were killed, including 35 students from the University of Syracuse, along with 11 Lockerbie residents.

The crime scene covered 845 square miles, including rural Tundergarth.

Victims were of 21 different nationalities, and 190 were American.

Commemorations on Thursday will be quiet, considered and low-key, organisers said, with a remembrance service at Tundergarth Church and wreaths laid at Rosebank Crescent, which became the site of a huge crater, and Sherwood Crescent, where houses were also destroyed.

Pan Am Flight 103 crashed to the ground in Lockerbie on December 21, 1988 (PA)

A remembrance scholar from Syracuse University will attend a rose-laying ceremony in Dryfesdale Cemetery with pupils from Lockerbie Academy, which has formed a scholarship programme with the US university.

A virtual service will also take place at Syracuse University.

Mr Yousaf said the strength and compassion victims families and the community of Lockerbie have shown means they will never be forgotten.

On the anniversary of the terrible events of December 21, 1988 in Lockerbie, my thoughts and sympathies remain with all those who lost loved ones on board Pan Am Flight 103 and those in the town of Lockerbie, he said.

My thoughts are also with the emergency workers who responded in the immediate aftermath of the atrocity. Their rapid response along with the people of Lockerbie while facing extraordinary circumstances demonstrated extreme kindness and humanity in the face of such horrific events.

While those lost on that night can never be replaced, and the events have had a lasting impact on the town, I know links were forged following the disaster, including the Syracuse University scholarship programme with Lockerbie Academy.

Floral tributes in the Lockerbie bombing memorial garden at Dryfesdale Cemetery (Jane Barlow/PA)

The strength and compassion that both the victims families and the community of Lockerbie have shown has created a legacy of friendship and ensured that the memory of those who died lives on.

Organisers of the permanent memorial in Lockerbie said the impact of the bombing has been lifelong for survivors, and they are working to create a facility similar to the 9/11 museum in New York so the tragedy can be understood.

Lori Carnochan, 35, from the Tundergarth Kirks Trust, said some people who remember the Lockerbie bombing are still trying to get in touch with victims families to pass on messages about their loved ones.

Ms Carnochan said: We speak about our survivors, the people who werent killed in Lockerbie.

Theres people in Lockerbie who are only now speaking about it. There are people who were five, six, seven years old when it happened, who were still having nightmares or bed-wetting into their teens because of trauma they suffered that night.

Lockerbie has a population of only 4,000 and a huge amount of people have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Its such a small, close-knit community, lots of the victims were well known. Rural communities look after each other.

The names of the victims are etched on the wall of remembrance in Dryfesdale Cemetery (PA)

Despite the terror which was rained down on them, people in Lockerbie were so welcoming to people from all over the world.

Sherwood Crescent is where the huge crater was, houses were literally just vaporised. Rosebank Crescent is where houses were completely demolished and a huge amount of bodies found. At Tundergarth, around 100 bodies were found in the fields.

These were people who were on the plane and the wind took them off in different directions when they landed. It is just horrific.

A permanent exhibition in the Pan Am 103 Memorial Room in Tundergarth Church documents the lives of the victims and recognises hometown heroes who helped in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Ms Carnochan added: It is still the deadliest terror attack in UK history, and the second deadliest in US history. It was the largest crime scene in UK history, with 845 square miles of debris.

It is just unfathomable, the investigation has never closed.

Former Libyan intelligence officer, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is so far the only man convicted in relation to the bombing, after being found guilty of 270 counts of murder by a panel of three Scottish judges, sitting at a special court in the Hague in 2001.

He was sent to prison in Scotland, but was controversially granted compassionate release in 2009 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, returning home to Libya where he died in 2012.

His family, and some relatives of the bombing victims, believe he suffered a miscarriage of justice but repeated appeals against his conviction have been rejected.

Fellow Libyan Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir Al-Marimi, 72, who is alleged to have helped make the bomb, faces three charges. He denied the charges when he appeared at a federal court in the US earlier this year.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: On the 35th anniversary of the Lockerbie disaster, my thoughts today are very much with the 259 people killed on the flight and the 11 people who were killed on the ground in the town  and their families and friends.

The impacts have been keenly felt by the community ever since, and this anniversary is particularly poignant for those at the Syracuse University, given 35 students were killed in the bombing.

One of the few positives from the disaster is the strong links forged between the university and relatives in the town over the last 35 years.

Local people in Lockerbie have responded remarkably well to the impact that the disaster has had on them, and I know they will continue to do so.
South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld rulings ordering two Japanese companies to compensate South Koreans who were forced to work under Japan's 1910-1945 occupation, a decision that immediately sparked a protest by Tokyo.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the Supreme Court's ruling upholding orders for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Steel Corp to compensate victims and their relatives violated a 1965 treaty.

"This is a clear violation of the Japan-South Korea Claims Agreement, and is extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable," Hayashi told reporters during a regular press conference.

Both Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries called the South Korean court's decision "regrettable" and said that the issue of South Korean laborers had already been resolved by the 1965 agreement between the two countries.

Disputes over forced labor and wartime sex abuse have soured relations between Japan and South Korea for decades.

In an effort to mend ties with Tokyo, conservative South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced in March former forced laborers would be compensated through an existing public foundation funded by South Korean private-sector companies.

The plaintiffs in these cases will be compensated through that foundation, with further contributions from private companies being considered to raise money for future claims, Seoul's foreign ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk said in a briefing on Thursday.

Under the plan, the plaintiffs must agree to accept the fund's compensation, and some have rejected the deal.

Yoon's plan for resolving the cases was hailed by U.S. President Joe Biden as "ground breaking" but faced backlash from some victims and South Korea's main opposition party, and cases have continued to move forward.

In two separate cases dating back to 2013 and 2014, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Steel were ordered to pay 1.17 billion won ($898,000) to 11 victims or their relatives.

"It's a significant case that shows a diplomatic compromise between South Korea and Japan won't make the issue of forced labor go away," said Kim Yeong-hwan at the Center for Historical Truth and Justice, a civic group helping the forced labor victims.

The decision also reaffirms a 2018 ruling acknowledging the former laborers' right to reparation was not terminated by the 1965 treaty and rejecting Tokyo's position, Kim said.

Some victims were between 13 and 14 years old when they were forced to work at an aircraft factory for eight to ten hours a day without pay in 1944, the group said.

All the plaintiffs involved in the litigation have since died except for one family member, according to the group.

The court ruling came as senior South Korean and Japanese diplomats were due to hold high-level economic talks in Seoul on Thursday for the first time in eight years in a further effort to improve ties as the countries are drawn closer by shared geopolitical concerns. (Reuters)
A newlywed British couple have told of the moment a police officer ordered them to stay down during a mass shooting in central Prague.

Ten were confirmed dead after gunfire at a school in Jan Palach Square in the Czech Republic capital on Thursday.

Tom Leese, 34, a video producer and his wife Rachael, 31, an account director, who are on their honeymoon in the country, were having a drink in the Slivovitz Museum, close to where the shooting occurred.

Emergency services near the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in Prague (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Mr Leese said: A policeman came in and started shouting loudly in what I assume was Czech.

I asked for it in English and he said there was an active shooter and to stay inside and stay down.

The staff were very calm, turned all the lights off very quickly and urged us to stay calm, the restaurant was relatively quiet.

The policeman left urgently and we stood in the corner of the restaurant.

The couple, from Merstham in Surrey, were kept in the the museum for over an hour, hearing sirens outside.

Tom and Rachael Leese are on their honeymoon in Prague (Tom Leese/PA)

Mr Leese added: Rachael is still in shock.

We were meant to be having dinner at the restaurant right by the building tonight and were going to pop in for a drink earlier on, but we crossed the bridge instead.

With everyone else being so calm it didnt seem real to me.

Weve been in touch with all of our families to let them know that were safe.

We obviously cant wait to get home now.

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan told public television the gunman was dead.

Police gave no details about the victims or the circumstances of the gunfire.

Dozens more are believed to be wounded.
Demonstrators blockaded the central London office of US tech giant Palantir after it was awarded a contract worth hundreds of millions of pounds for a new NHS data platform.

The NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) will aim to make it easier for health and care organisations to work together and provide better services to patients.

It was announced earlier this year that a group led by Palantir had secured the 330 million contract to provide the new shared software system.

But concerns have been raised about how patient data will be used and Palantirs involvement with the Israeli government which critics claim it provides intelligence services to.

Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters and health workers gathered at Palantirs UK headquarters on Soho Square early on Thursday morning, where they accused the firm of being complicit in war crimes.

They held placards reading, Palantir aids apartheid and chanted, Palantir  blood on your hands.

The firm has been contacted by the PA news agency.

Alia Al Ghussain, a British human rights researcher whose uncle was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, claimed Palantir provides predictive policing to Israel.

The 32-year-old, who is of Palestinian descent, said: Palantir provides intelligence and surveillance services to the Israeli military, including a form of predictive policing.

Thats not just going to affect people in Gaza but those in the West Bank, which is under occupation and has seen a huge rise in violence since October 7.

The NHS is probably the best thing about this country, its really an expression of our common humanity.

Palantir is totally antithetical to that.

I dont think it has any place in the NHS.

Jessica, a nurse and member of Health Workers for a Free Palestine, said: It should be unthinkable for the NHS to do grubby deals with a company which is complicit in, and profiting from, Israels systematic destruction of healthcare facilities, resulting in the killing of more healthcare workers in the last ten weeks than the total number killed in all countries in conflict globally last year.

The entire purpose of the NHS is the preservation of life. As health workers we cannot turn a blind eye to the health service being implicated in the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the slaughter of our colleagues  fellow nurses, doctors, dentists, medical students and other health workers  and their patients.

Health workers formed a blockade from 7am on Thursday (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Were here to blockade and disrupt Palantirs blood-soaked business, and we will continue mobilising until NHS England agrees to keep our NHS data out of bloodstained hands.

Last month Steve Brine, chairman of the Health and Social Care Committee and a Tory MP, said there were substantial concerns about the companys involvement with the NHS.

He called for more transparency and better communication about what this platform will do and how their data will be used.

Louis Mosley, Palantirs executive vice-president for the UK and Europe, previously defended the companys involvement in the NHS.

Data security and the ability to precisely control who can see what information can be a matter of life and death, he told the Times.

He said that the software enables NHS professionals to bring together data that a hospital already holds in multiple different systems that havent historically been able to talk to each other, while ensuring that staff only see information if they need to, in order to do their job.

Palantir was co-founded by billionaire tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel, who was an early backer of former US president Donald Trump, and has worked with the US government.

It will be supported by Accenture, PwC, NECS and Carnall Farrar on the NHS contract.

NHS England has said that no company involved in the Federated Data Platform can access health and care data without the explicit permission of the NHS.
Russia is a real and constant threat to Europe, Sir Keir Starmer said as he visited British troops deployed near the border with Vladimir Putins country.

The Labour leader visited soldiers stationed in Estonia to stress his partys commitment to Nato and thank them for their service over Christmas.

As well as the military threat from Mr Putins actions, underlined by the war in Ukraine, there was also the risk of other forms of interference by the Russian state.

Sir Keir said the UK and its allies need to be prepared, we need to deter in response to Moscows actions.

The Labour leader said: I think we have to be mindful of that threat from Russia to Europe, to ourselves in the UK and the interference that goes on.

He said there was a real and constant threat from Russia, measured in years, and measured back home in the UK as well.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey with troops at Tapa forward operating Nato base, near the Russian border in Estonia (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Sir Keir, accompanied by shadow defence secretary John Healey, visited the troops in the Estonian snow.

The Labour leader, who polls suggest is on track to enter No 10 after next years general election, has been at pains to highlight the policy shift from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, who has suggested military alliances such as Nato should ultimately be disbanded.

Sir Keir and Mr Healey used the visit to praise British military personnel for helping to protect Natos eastern flank.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on a military vehicle during his visit (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The pair observed military exercises before joining troops in the canteen over lunch.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Healey said: We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win. We stand ready to back further assistance to Ukraine and our Nato allies like Estonia.

Amid signs of war fatigue among Ukraines Western allies, Labour has heaped pressure on Rishi Sunaks Government to reveal the UKs plans for future military aid for Ukraine.

The UK gave 4.6 billion of military aid across 2022 and 2023.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: Sir Keir Starmer says one thing but does another on national security.

He says he supports Nato, but for many years he served in the shadow cabinet of a Labour leader who wanted to abolish Nato, even trying to make him prime minister twice.

A prime minister who says one thing but does another on national security undermines Britains defences.
A memorial service marking 35 years since the Lockerbie bombing has paid tribute to the 270 people who died in the senseless act of violence.

On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the town in Dumfries and Galloway, 40 minutes into its flight from London to New York.

All 259 passengers and crew were killed, including 35 students from the University of Syracuse, along with 11 Lockerbie residents.

Victims were of 21 different nationalities, and 190 were American.

The crime scene covered 845 square miles, including rural Tundergarth, where wreaths were laid outside Tundergarth Church  which sits opposite the field where the nose cone of the plane fell to the ground.

The service was led by Jeff Brown, Moderator of the Presbytery of Annandale and Eskdale.

We remember all those taken in a senseless act of violence 35 years ago, he said as the first of four candles was lit.

We remember also the outpouring of love that continues today from the people of Lockerbie and the surrounding area, to those in Syracuse and all the other countries.

Wreaths were also being laid at Rosebank Crescent, which became the site of a huge crater, and Sherwood Crescent, where houses were also destroyed.

Pan Am Flight 103 crashed to the ground in Lockerbie on December 21, 1988 (PA)

Later, a minutes silence was held at the Garden of Remembrance at Dryfesdale cemetery just outside Lockerbie.

Wreaths were laid by organisations including the police and fire service, and local dignitaries including Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell and Fiona Armstrong, Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries.

A floral display in the shape of a plane was laid on behalf of a group representing Pan Am stewardesses.

Mr Mundell, a former Scottish secretary, told the PA news agency: I think its very important for everyone that we mark such a significant event. 259 people in the air, 11 people here on the ground here in Lockerbie perished, its still the worst terrorist undertaking on British soil.

Our thoughts today are with those peoples family and friends 35 years on, its important they know that their loved ones are not forgotten, and of course its particularly poignant the 35th anniversary because 35 students from Syracuse university died in the bombing, and one of the only positive things to come from those events have been the close ties that have been established between Syracuse University, Lockerbie Academy and the Lockerbie community more generally, and its right that we honour that today.

Mr Mundell, who grew up in the area, said the mood was sombre as the town marked the anniversary.

He said: I wasnt in the town that night but obviously I remember it very, very well as news unfolded as to what had happened, I think everybody can remember where they were, obviously I had lots of friends and family still here.

I remember vividly the days afterwards. But its always been about the stoicism people here displayed when that event happened, the way they stepped up to the mark and helped not just the victims but the armed forces, police, the emergency services who were involved afterwards, it was a remarkable effort by the community.

Portraits of some of the victims in the Remembrance Room in the grounds of Tundergarth Church (Jane Barlow/PA)

Pupils from Lockerbie Academy gave readings and a piper played as the wreaths were laid.

Josh Halliday, one of the Lockerbie Academy Syracuse scholars for 2023-24, gave one of the readings.

He said: Lockerbie, a quiet and peaceful town, my home, was forever changed on that fateful night on 21st December 1988 through an act of terrorism. The loss of 11 innocent lives in my community is a wound that will never fully heal.

Today we remember those we lost, not as mere statistics but as individuals with dreams and inspirations. This applies not only to the Lockerbie residents but to all 270 people who passed away that night.

Services are also being held in the US.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Scotlands First Minister Humza Yousaf paid tribute to the incredible courage shown by the local community and emergency service workers.

Can I also add my thoughts and indeed my prayers to all of those who continue to feel the impact of the tragic, terrible terrorist attack in Lockerbie on December 21, 1988, he said.

Tributes were also paid by other Scottish party leaders.

Organisers of the permanent memorial in Lockerbie said the impact of the bombing has been lifelong for survivors, and they are working to create a facility similar to the 9/11 museum in New York so the tragedy can be understood.

The names of the victims are etched on the wall of remembrance in Dryfesdale cemetery (PA)

Lori Carnochan, 35, from the Tundergarth Kirks Trust, said some people who remember the Lockerbie bombing are still trying to get in touch with victims families to pass on messages about their loved ones.

Ms Carnochan said: We speak about our survivors, the people who werent killed in Lockerbie.

Theres people in Lockerbie who are only now speaking about it. There are people who were five, six, seven years old when it happened, who were still having nightmares or bed-wetting into their teens because of trauma they suffered that night.

Lockerbie has a population of only 4,000 and a huge amount of people have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Its such a small, close-knit community, lots of the victims were well known. Rural communities look after each other.

Despite the terror which was rained down on them, people in Lockerbie were so welcoming to people from all over the world.

A permanent exhibition in the Pan Am 103 Memorial Room in Tundergarth Church documents the lives of the victims and recognises hometown heroes who helped in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Former Libyan intelligence officer, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is so far the only man convicted in relation to the bombing, after being found guilty of 270 counts of murder by a panel of three Scottish judges, sitting at a special court in the Hague in 2001.

He was sent to prison in Scotland, but was controversially granted compassionate release in 2009 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, returning home to Libya where he died in 2012.

His family, and some relatives of the bombing victims, believe he suffered a miscarriage of justice but repeated appeals against his conviction have been rejected.

Fellow Libyan Abu Agila Masud, 72, who is alleged to have helped make the bomb, is to go on trial in the US in May 2025 facing three charges which he denies.
Social media platform X is back online following a global outage on Thursday morning with users briefly unable to see their timelines.

Thousands of people took to the website Downdetector, which tracks online outages, to report issues with the platforms mobile app and website.

Almost 4,000 outage reports had been made to the site at 6am.

Billionaire Elon Musk took over the platform in a 44 billion dollar (33.6 billion) deal last autumn (Yui Mok/PA)

Some users attempting to log into their X accounts found their timelines empty, with the home page displaying only the message: Welcome to X!

However, users were still be able to post tweets, with the hashtag #TwitterDown starting to trend on the site within minutes of reports of the outages emerging, although those tweets could not be seen.

The outage lasted around 45 minutes before user timelines began to show as normal.

Billionaire Elon Musk took over the platform, formerly known as Twitter, in a 44 billion dollar (33.6 billion) deal last autumn.

Since then, the Tesla and SpaceX boss has laid off more than half of the companys global workforce, with some critics warning the skeleton staff left could struggle to keep the site online in the event of any technical issues.

Mr Musk has not yet commented on the outage, nor as X as a company or chief executive Linda Yaccarino.

X does not currently have a communications team in the UK to contact for a response to the outage.

The incident continues a difficult week for the social media giant, which on Monday was confirmed as the subject of an official investigation by the EU under its new Digital Service Act (DSA), tough new social media regulations designed to curb the spread of toxic content online.

European Commissioner Thierry Breton said the site was being investigated over suspected breaches of rules around obligations to counter illegal content and disinformation, as well as a potential breach of transparency rules.

He said regulators would also look into concerns Xs user interface had a deceptive design, in particular around its blue tick badge verification system.

In response to the investigation, the social media company said: X remains committed to complying with the Digital Services Act, and is co-operating 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 platform, while protecting freedom of expression, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards this goal.
A woman whose parents and grandparents were murdered in a massacre at a country house dinner party in the 1980s has told of her relief that one of the killers has lost a Parole Board bid to be freed from jail.

George Stephenson was jailed for life in October 1987 aged 36 after being convicted alongside two others of murdering four people, raping a woman and robbery a year earlier in what became known as the Fordingbridge massacre.

The judge recommended a minimum term of 25 years but his tariff was later raised by the then home secretary to 35 years.

According to media reports of the case, Winchester Crown Court heard how handyman Stephenson killed husband and wife Joseph and Hilda Cleaver, both aged 82, their son Tom, 47, and 70-year-old family nurse Margaret Murphy at Burgate House in Hampshire after he and accomplices, brothers John and George Daly, went to the wealthy New Forest estate where he used to work to steal shotguns.

John Daly was also convicted of murdering Tom Cleavers 46-year-old wife Wendy, the court reports said.

In a statement on Thursday, Melissa Cleaver said: We cannot express how relieved we are to learn that George Stephensons bid for parole has been refused.

My mother endured a sadistic, brutal gang rape and indescribable torture before finally being strangled to death.

My father, grandparents and Maggie were bound, gagged, doused in petrol and set alight, still alive and conscious.

They lived for several minutes.

My father, his charred flesh peeling from his body, had dragged himself into an adjacent bathroom in a vain attempt to escape.

Our beautiful dog was clubbed with a pickaxe so violently that she had to be put down.

The Parole Board later said: After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

The panel also dismissed Stephensons plea to be moved to a lower security jail.

Sentencing Stephenson, the judge reportedly told him the murders were of indescribable brutality, you showed no mercy and deserve none.

By the time of the killings, he already had a string of convictions for violence, drugs, deception, burglaries and motoring offences after spending the previous 20 years committing around 70 crimes.

The case was heard at Winchester Crown Court (Chris Ison/PA)

According to the Parole Board, Stephenson told the jury he was not responsible for the crimes and had acted only as a driver for others who had offended, maintaining his innocence throughout his sentence.

Now 72, Stephenson first became eligible for parole in 2021 and a hearing took place the following year, with a second last month.

The latest hearing took place after the Parole Board rejected a request for the rest of the proceedings to be heard in public.

According to parole documents, at the time of his crimes Stephenson had already engaged in quite a lengthy criminal career and shown a willingness to use violence and sexual violence as well as associate with other criminals.

The panel considered him to be someone who was prepared to take risks, adding that he lacked empathy and has been seen to have the capacity for manipulation and deception.

Although no concerns had been raised about his behaviour behind bars since 2001, the parole judges were not persuaded a course he took part in to address his violence had been as effective as had been suggested in written reports and noted Stephenson had refused to complete work he did not feel was relevant to his needs.

While some witnesses at the hearing supported his wish to be moved to an open prison, no one believed he was safe to be released, the papers said.

It added: In its assessment, the panel did not believe that Mr Stephensons level of risk had reduced sufficiently to warrant a progressive move. It doubted his likely compliance if he were to be released because Mr Stephenson appeared to consider that after 37 years in prison, his release was a matter of entitlement.

Ms Cleaver previously called for Stephenson to be denied freedom, telling the Daily Mirror he should die in jail.

Describing him as ringleader in one of the most heinous crimes in history and branding him a psychopath, Ms Cleaver said Stephenson smirked remorselessly in the dock and his time in prison wont have resulted in a changed man.

If he is ever released we feel it inevitable that something or someone will eventually trigger the violence weve seen him capable of, she added.

Stephenson will be eligible to apply for parole again in another two years time, prompting Ms Cleaver to call for a shake-up of the criminal justice system.

Offenders are given greater consideration than victims, she said, adding: It shouldnt be necessary for victims to keep re-visiting the horror of an offenders crime by repeatedly arguing against parole.
Authorities in southeast Arizona said they are investigating after an 8-year-old boy was shot with an air rifle and died.

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office reported the child's death took place in St David, about an hour drive southeast of Tucson.

According to information from Sheriff Mark Dannels, deputies responded to the small community for a report of a shooting late Monday afternoon.

At the scene, the sheriff reported, deputies found an 8-year-old boy who had been "shot in the center of his chest cavity" with a "high powered air rifle that shoots 22-caliber pellets."

Carol Capas, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office told The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, the boy was shot in a rural area near someone who was target shooting.

One of the pellets went wide of the target and struck the boy, Capas said.

Brutal laundromat stabbing: Woman stabbed in Chicago laundromat by man she said wore clown mask, police investigating

Pronounced dead less than an hour later

At the scene, life-saving efforts were performed before the boy was transported to a hospital.

According to the sheriff's office, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital about 6 p.m. local time.

Police did not release the boy's identity or identify who shot him.

NYC bus verse city truck crash: 12 people taken to hospitals after city bus, sanitation truck collide in the Bronx

Shooting remains under investigation

It was not immediately known if anyone has been charged in connection to the shooting on Thursday.

The shooting remained under investigation and law enforcement said additional details will be released as they become available.

What is an air rifle?

Air rifles were originally used in warfare and are now sometimes used for target shooting (including during Olympics competitions) and as "beginner" guns for children, according to the Southern Medical Journal.

"The projectile force of these weapons can rival that of many conventional handguns," a fact sheet from the medical center reads. "Pneumatic weapons pose a serious threat to the pediatric population, and their potential for serious injury must be recognized."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boy, 8, fatally shot by air rifle in St David, Arizona, officials say
Just under 50 people rallied in the backroom of the Donner Community Center to form their own committee after the Terrebonne Parish School Board's decision to close their elementary schools. Now they plan to recall their school board members for what they see as a betrayal.

"This is taxation without representation," Lloyd Gibson said.

There was a discussion of protesting the school board office and getting permits from the Terrebonne Sheriff's Office.

"You don't need the police permission to protest your government," Gibson said. "Your constitutional right says that you can have a disagreement with your government."

The two communities are dissatisfied and feel they weren't represented earlier this month when school officials voted to close their elementary schools. In the back room of the community center, the community members created their own representative committee, took votes to name it and began discussions about how to combat the school board's decision.

The now-named Save Our Children Committee kept minutes, broadcast their meeting live via Facebook to 30 viewers and organized themselves to recall their school board members. One in particular, they said, broke her promise to them.

Stephanie Wriborg opens the community-created committee Save Our Children to discuss the recall of their School Board Member Debi Benoit. The committee is a grassroots organization with no government vested authority. It was formed Dec. 11.

"I'm so happy that they did this vote the way that they did, because it brought us together and made us understand our rights," Chairwoman Stephanie Wriborg said. "This is about our whole community in general so we need to make sure that not only our district understands that, but we are going to make sure the other districts understand that and follow suit."

The Terrebonne Parish School Board voted Dec. 5 to close Gibson, Bayou Black and Honduras elementary schools as part of Terrebonne Parish Superintendent Bubba Orgeron's plan to overhaul the School District and give teachers a raise. Orgeron held three public hearings, and the communities voiced their displeasure at each.

Community members said teachers deserved the pay raise, but said it was only offered to sweeten the deal and get their schools closed. They also argued each school should have been a separate vote, and they felt cheated that the three schools were lumped together as they were.

Deanna Cunningham argued that the vote was more than the closure of three schools. It was also the closure of two communities.

"Bayou Black and Gibson should have been on a separate vote from Honduras," Cunningham said. "We should have not have all been on the same proposal. They should have been separate votes."

At the first public hearing, Nov. 6 in Gibson, School Board Member Debi Benoit said she was touched by the response of the community and would vote against the closure of the schools. When it came time to vote, she voted to close the schools.

The community has not forgotten.

Wriborg already has sent a request to the Louisiana Secretary of State's office for the paperwork to recall Benoit, and the community is planning a group-wide effort to gather the signatures necessary to remove her from the school board.

Once Wriborg receives a response, she told attendees that they will have 180 days to collect 2,060 signatures from registered voters in the voting district. The community responded that they should do the same for School Board Member Matthew LaGarde. They then discussed who would have to file the paperwork to do so.

"First we need to get Lagarde and Benoit out and get people in that are going to be on our side," Wriborg said. "We've got to keep everything above board. We have to do it the right way Doing this recall will make a statement that we mean business."

More: Grambling's Rick Gallot in 'purgatory' as he awaits meeting with Gov.-elect Jeff Landry

More: Terrebonne one step closer to teacher pay raise. Superintendent reveals the plan.

She said just because the board members voted to close the schools did not mean the battle was over. Just as the board voted to close it, they can vote again to reopen the schools. By replacing their two board members, the community can get the outcome they desired, she said.

The community then got a lawyer on the phone who spoke to the entire community via speaker. Attorney Shytishia Flugence explained the ways they could challenge the ruling and also recommended that they reach out to the law firm that already had fought a similar battle for the Point Aux Chenes Elementary School.

Point Aux Chenes Elementary was closed April 2021 in a similar vote, and for similar reasons: dwindling population and cost-savings. Koerner Law Firm of New Orleans represented the community in a lawsuit and argued that then-Superintendent Philip Martin and the school board made "calculated" decisions concerning the school that were "intended to and did negatively impact Native American children."

Ultimately, State Rep. Tanner Magee passed a law that changed the former local school into a state-run school focused on French language immersion.

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Bayou Black and Gibson communities plan recall of school board members
The Biden administration has reached an agreement to release one of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros closest allies in exchange for the freedom of 10 Americans, the return of an American businessman charged in a large-scale bribery scheme and commitments to democratic progress in the country.

The agreement will see the return of six Americans who were deemed wrongfully detained in Venezuela, four other Americans held in jail and the return of Fat Leonard Francis, who was being held in Venezuela after escaping house arrest in the U.S. ahead of a sentencing in a massive military corruption case. Leonard reportedly fled to South America on his way to Russia.

In exchange, President Biden has granted clemency to and is releasing to Venezuela Alex Nain Saab Moran, who was on trial in the U.S.

Saab was arrested in 2020 in the island nation of Cabo Verde on charges of money laundering and transferred to the U.S. in 2021. Saab was charged by the U.S. government with carrying out a multiyear currency trading scheme by bribing Venezuelan government officials and falsifying documents.

President Biden welcomed the release of the Americans in a statement, but warned that U.S. citizens should not travel to Venezuela for fear of arbitrary arrest.

Reuniting wrongfully detained Americans with their loved ones has been a priority for my Administration since day one. As is the return to the United States of fugitives from justice, Biden said in a statement.

The president further said he was continuing to work for the release of the more than 100 people being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip; and the release of Americans determined wrongfully detained in Russia and other parts of the world.

A senior administration official said in a Wednesday call with reporters that Biden had to make the extremely difficult decision to grant Saab clemency as part of the exchange.

The consequences of this difficult decision will be to reunite parents with their children and grandchildren, children with their parents, family and friends, and to ensure that one of the most notorious fugitives from justice, Fat Leonard, is returned, and held to account for his crimes.

Leonard had pleaded guilty in 2015 to bribery and fraud charges in connection to a large-scale, decade-long conspiracy against the U.S. Navy, in which he lavished Navy officials with gifts, cash, prostitutes and luxury travel in exchange for secret information that benefited his port logistics company.

Biden administration officials, speaking to reporters on a phone call while waiting for the finalization of the exchange to take place, said that the U.S. had also secured the release of 20 Venezuelan political prisoners and broader efforts toward a restoration of democracy in the country.

Administration officials said that while engaging directly with representatives of Nicolas Maduro on the deal, they also were actively consulting with members of the Venezuelan opposition, the Unitary Platform, including its presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado, and with members of Congress.

It is something that demonstrates the results of dialogue, and it opened the doors for us to continue to engage in dialogue, so that when Venezuela holds elections next year, that theyre competitive and inclusive, and that will allow Venezuelans to really determine the future of their country, a senior administration official said.

This has established, I think, a solid foundation for us to build upon and to continue the dialogue in the months ahead.

The administration also said Qatar played a role in mediating the deal. The Qatari government has also facilitated talks on Israel-Hamas hostage-for-prisoner exchanges in recent weeks.

Qatar has been an important partner for the United States across a whole host of streams as youve undoubtedly seen, but I would say with regard to the process in Venezuela, for months they facilitated conversations between Maduro authorities and U.S. officials aimed at clearing a path toward a competitive election in 2024 and the return of wrongfully detained Americans, the official said.

They have continued to offer their good offices, when called upon, and were quite grateful for those efforts.

Maduros regime is one of the most challenging foreign policy issues for the U.S., with his authoritarian leadership viewed as illegitimate, a humanitarian crisis in the country contributing to mass migration crisis, and Caracass ties with Russia and Iran contributing to global insecurity.

In October, representatives of Maduro and members of the opposition came to an agreement that elections in 2024 would include some opposition candidates, after talks overseen by Norway and signed in Barbados, referred to as the Barbados agreement.

A senior Biden administration official said Maduros release of 20 Venezuelan political prisoners is not part of the Barbados agreement but brings us back in line with Barbados.

The official said that Venezuelas opposition is looking for the release of all political prisoners  there are an estimated 300, according to Amnesty International  and that competitive, inclusive elections really are not possible if there is a fear of arbitrary detention.

These are going to be parts of the ongoing conversations between the Venezuelan parties, and our approach is going to be supportive of concrete outcomes in those talks.

Updated at 2:54 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Homeward bound? France is in the process of easing maximum-stay rules for British people with French second homes (Simon Calder)

After the vote to leave the EU, the decades-long ease with which the British have holidayed, worked and lived in other member states has ended.

The UK negotiated for British travellers to the Schengen Area (covering much of Europe) to be limited to a stay of 90 days in any 180 days. So UK passport holders with second homes in the European Union cannot spend more than three months of the winter living there, unless they have a hard-to-obtain long-stay visa.

Conversely, the UK has made it much tougher for many European visitors to come to Britain  insisting they have passports rather than national ID cards. That decision has devastated inbound tourism in some areas of the UK.

Yet both these policies, chosen by the British government, are beginning to unwind.

These are the key questions and answers on how travel rules are easing between the UK and Europe.

What was the situation while the UK was in the EU?

Right up until the end of 2020, which included the Brexit transition period, British travellers could stay as long as they wished in the European Union, up to and including their passport expiry date (UK citizens who happen also to have a passport from Ireland or another EU nation still enjoy this freedom).

But when negotiating the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, the government arranged for the UK to be treated as a third country. This means British travellers are subject to exactly the same restrictions as passport holders from many other states, such as Venezuela, Tonga and East Timor. Yet unlike those countries, the UK has extremely close ties with the European Union.

Were we expecting to join that particular club?

No. Immediately after the 2016 referendum, Boris Johnson assured UK travellers nothing would change after Brexit. He said: British people will still be able to go and work in the EU; to live; to study; to buy homes and settle down. That turned out not to be true.

At around the same time, his colleague, David Davis, the first Brexit secretary, promised: There will be no downside to Brexit, only a considerable upside.

What are the current rules for British travellers to the EU?

While the UK was in the EU, the fact that many British passports were issued for over 10 years was irrelevant. But the issue date is now significant. A UK passport must now comply with two rules for travel to the European Union and wider Schengen Area:

Day of arrival in the EU: less than 10 years since issue.

Day of intended departure from the EU: at least three months remaining to expiry.

These two rules are independent of each other, so ignore any nonsense you may have read insisting UK passports run out after nine years and nine months.

Third-country nationals may also be asked to justify their travel plans, including financial means, accommodation arrangements and a ticket out of the Schengen Area before they exceeed the stay limit.

Just remind me about the Schengen Area?

This is the passport-free zone for travel between most European nations. It is named after the village of Schengen in Luxembourg, which is on the border of France and Germany  a symbolic location, where the former frontier infrastructure is now out of use.

The Schengen Area includes almost all the EU countries except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania  plus Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City.

How long can I stay in the Schengen Area?

British citizens do not require a visa if spending up to 90 days over a 180-day period in the Schengen Area, says the French government.

The simplest way to look at this: if you enter the Schengen Area on 1 January 2024, having not been in the zone for the previous 90 days, you would be able to stay there until the end of March. You would then need to remain outside of Schengen for another 90 days, until late June.

Of course most people will have more complex travel plans than this. The question to ask on the day you plan to travel to the Schengen Area is: going back 180 days (almost six months), on how many days have you been in the the zone?

If the answer is less than 90 days in the past 180 days, you are entitled to enter the Schengen Area. But how long you can stay depends on a rolling count  on each day, you must look back 180 days and work out how many days you have been in the zone.

What happens if I overstay?

Third-country travellers are generally given three days grace on breaking the 90-day limit. Any longer than that and they are likely to be handed an entry ban for one year. This applies throughout the Schengen Area  not just the country in which you overstayed.

I want to stay longer. Can I?

Many British people with second homes in France or a tradition of spending winter in Spain are in this position: they do not want nor need residence, but simply want to stay longer than three months.

Each country has its own version of a long-stay visitor visa. For France, the answer is a visa de long sejour (VLS-T). The six-month version entitles the holder to make multiple trips to France. To get one, you will need to provide evidence of income and/or financial resources. You must attend an interview in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, have fingerprints taken and pay 99 (87) for the visa along with a processing fee of about 30.

Spain has a similar long duration visa, for which you have to submit:

a medical certificate showing you pose no threat to the Spanish people

an official document confirming you have not been in trouble in the past five years

evidence of at least 2,000 per month to support your intended stay.

You must attend an interview at a Spanish consulate general in London or Edinburgh.

A long-stay permit for a specific EU country does not mean that you are entitled to spend more than 90 days in 180 in other Schengen Area nations. But any time spent in the country for which you have a visa does not count towards the 90-day tally.

What is changing?

Some local politicians in France have been campaigning for their government to make it easier for British property owners to stay longer than 90 days.

UK citizens with second homes in France can make a useful social and economic contribution to communities, especially in rural area. Kicking them out after less than three months  in accordance with the rules the British government asked for  stops them spending money in the locality and supporting businesses and cultural events.

On 19 December 2023, the Senate and National Assembly in Paris voted in principle to grant long-stay visas to British property owners more or less automatically.

The exact amendment notes that life has got much more difficult for British property owners since Brexit: If these difficulties find their roots in the sovereign decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, the fact remains that many of their nationals actively participate in the dynamism of the local economy in our territories.

Thus, in view of the unique links which unite our two countries and the importance of this public for the French economy, this appeal amendment wishes, by way of derogation, to ease the conditions of entry into French territory for British citizens who own second homes in France.

If it is rubber-stamped, it would allow British property owners to spend as much of the year as they wish in France. Any time spent in France will not count towards the 90-day limit in the rest of the Schengen Area.

Stephen Jolly, of the pressure group France Visa Free, said: France is helping us solve the 90-in-180-day problem for some British visitors.

Eventually we want to see a truly reciprocal mobility arrangement between the UK and each EU country. But for the time being this change in French law is huge. It shows that the French are willing to address the adverse effects of Brexit.

Surely this must apply throughout the EU  not just France?

No. While the common Schengen Area rules are decided in Brussels and cannot be modified by individual states, each EU nation is sovereign and is free to offer long-stay visas for its own territory to anyone it wishes.

What is different for Ireland?

Freedom of movement for UK citizens and unlimited length of stay in Ireland is guaranteed under the provisions of the Common Travel Agreement. Any time spent by British travellers in the Republic does not count towards the time limitations for the rest of Europe.

People who live in Northern Ireland are exempt from the 90/180 rule if they have a passport from the Irish Republic, which is easily obtained by most people in Northern Ireland. They have an automatic right to travel anywhere in the Schengen Area and other EU countries, even though Ireland is outside the Schengen Area.

The government in Dublin says: Irish citizens continue to have EU citizenship wherever they live. They continue to enjoy the right to travel and live and work anywhere in the EU.

Do the EU countries outside Schengen have different rules?

Each of Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania has its own individual 90/180 day limits. A British traveller could therefore effectively keep flipping between Schengen and those other countries  though frontier officials may demand to see evidence of financial means.

What about travel to the UK for Europeans?

One of the flagship Brexit policies on immigration was to end the right for Europeans to travel to the UK using national identity cards. In October 2021, the then-home secretary Priti Patel banned what she called the use of insecure ID cards for people to enter our country. She said it was imperative to clamp down on the criminals that seek to enter our country illegally using forged documents.

The consequences of banning IDs?

The ban disenfranchised more than 200 million European Union citizens who have ID cards but not passports from visiting the UK. It almost wiped out the previously healthy inbound tourism from groups of EU schoolchildren. Many diverted to the remaining European Union nations where English is the main language: Ireland and Malta.

The UK Institute of Tourist Guiding reported a 99 per cent drop in school group bookings from Europe for summer 2022 compared with pre-Brexit, pre-Covid 2019. And Patricia Yates, chief executive of VisitBritain, told MPs: You will find destinations like Hastings absolutely decimated by a lack of school visits.

What has changed now?

In December 2023, the current home secretary, James Cleverly, announced a U-turn. He said: We are making changes to allow children aged 18 and under, studying at a school in France, to visit the UK on an organised educational trip without the usual passport or visit visa requirements.

EU, other EEA and Swiss national children will be able to travel on their national identity card.

Lord Ricketts, chair of the European Affairs Committee said: We now urge the government to get this extended to children studying in all EU states for the benefit of both sides.

How does the UK benefit from allowing in tourists with ID cards?

European citizens can use their national identity cards to visit any EU/Schengen Area country, as well as a number beyond those borders. With such extensive freedom to travel with a document that they have to own anyway, many Europeans do not bother with the red tape and expense of procuring a passport.

While some prospective travellers may obtain a passport specifically to visit the UK, many will not.

The United Kingdom has therefore restricted access to the closest thing any country can get to free money: inbound tourism. Overseas visitors bring highly desirable social and economic benefits. They boost local amenities, create jobs and improve international understanding.

What does the UK government say now?

This is a hugely exciting time for our country, one filled with potential and opportunity.

This is a government that possesses the ambition and determination the UK needs to succeed now and for many years to come.
South Korea and Japan agreed Thursday to work together to "fully realize" the potential in economic cooperation as they resumed high-level economic talks in nearly eight years amid a thaw in bilateral ties.

The two countries reached the agreement during the economic dialogue, led by Kang Jae-kwon, South Korea's deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, and Keiichi Ono, Japanese senior deputy foreign minister, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

The two sides "agreed to strengthen communications and cooperation at bilateral and minilateral levels to secure new markets, stabilize and diversify supply chains, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in core and emerging technologies," the ministry said in a release.

Noting the resumption of the dialogue, the two sides agreed to "make efforts to cooperate in various fields to fully realize the potential of the bilateral cooperation," the ministry said.

They also agreed to work closely on multilateral stages, such as the World Trade Organization, the Group of 20 gathering and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, to promote the rules-based economic order and expand the scope of cooperation in areas like climate change and energy.

The economic dialogue was launched in 1999 as a channel to discuss comprehensive economic cooperation, but it had remained suspended since early 2016 over South Korea establishing a girl's statue symbolizing Korean victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery.

South Korea and Japan agreed to resume the dialogue in July this year amid a significant warming of the bilateral ties. In March, South Korea said it will compensate Korean victims of Japan's forced labor on its own without Japan's contribution.

Seoul's proposal for the resolution led to the resumption of reciprocal visits by the countries' leaders and the agreement to revive key high-level exchanges, including diplomatic dialogue channels. (Yonhap)
By Casey Hall, Nicoco Chan and Ryan Woo

SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China's financial hub Shanghai was set to record its chilliest period in December in four decades, spurring authorities to issue warnings for low temperatures and wind, while northern cities battled icy conditions forecast to ease only next week.

The city's lowest temperatures on Thursday will be minus 4 to minus 6 degrees Celsius (21 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit) in Shanghai's suburbs, and temperatures will remain below zero all day throughout the city, the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau said in a post on its Weibo social media account.

Wang Kaiyun, 59, a cleaner in downtown Shanghai who commutes from the city's suburbs on an electric scooter, said the temperature was minus 5 C on her one-hour ride in on Thursday.

"Even though I was wearing gloves, I quickly lost feeling in my hands and they are still painful now," Wang said.

While the city's temperatures remain far warmer than those in northern China, where many provinces have recorded historically low temperatures in recent weeks, the run of cold weather was unusual for Shanghai.

The city's weather bureau said it expects the minimum temperature at one downtown reading station to remain below zero for five straight days until Dec. 25, a run of cold in the month of December that hasn't occurred in 40 years.

"This year is not normal," said a 68-year-old Shanghai resident surnamed Li. "This year is super cold and it was not this cold last year."

The unusually frigid weather ushered in by a powerful wave of cold air from Siberia has spread across China since the middle of last week, with many northern provinces rewriting December records as the mercury sank as low as minus 30 C in some cities.

"We obviously see the influence of climate change on hot extremes, be they droughts, wildfires and heat waves," said Benjamin P. Horton, director of Earth Observatory of Singapore.

"But there's so much instability in the atmosphere that you also see cold snaps where you get extreme cold temperatures, where polar temperatures migrate down in towards the mid-latitudes, causing unprecedented lows in temperature."

'NARRATIVES OF SUFFERING'

While the snowfall was modest compared to deep snowdrifts and blizzards seen in North America and Europe, the bitter cold, ice and gusty conditions in China have disrupted road, rail and air transportation, sharply increased demand for heating, and even hampered rescue efforts in the northwest where an earthquake destroyed over 200,000 homes.

On Dec. 13, as the cold wave swept into northern China, Yuanqu, a small county in northern Shanxi province, suddenly found itself without electricity. The rare power outage persisted for the next three days as its grid operator raced to de-ice transmission lines.

Residents without power also went without heating, as well as hot food and even mobile phone signal, according to Chinese media.

In Lvliang, a city of 3 million people also in Shanxi, firefighters had to put out a fire in a building even as their protective helmets and jackets quickly became encased in ice in minus 18 C conditions, state media reported on Thursday.

The cold snap has also threatened to freeze China's busy online food delivery sector. On social media, some people have expressed their reluctance to order takeout in the extreme cold due to worries for the safety of delivery drivers.

Their concerns prompted the official Workers' Daily on Thursday to urge people "not to dwell on narratives of suffering", but instead, think of the potential loss of income for delivery drivers.

Across China, prices of vegetables have also risen due to the impact of the cold weather. The commerce ministry on Thursday said it would take measures to safeguard a stable supply of daily necessities.

The prolonged sub-freezing conditions across China are expected to ease from Friday, with temperatures rising back to historical averages next week, according to national forecasters.

(Reporting by Casey Hall and Ryan Woo; Additional reporting by Nicoco Chan in ShanghaiEditing by Sonali Paul, Michael Perry and Bernadette Baum)
Associate Justice Clarence Thomas poses for a photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on Oct. 7, 2022. Credit - Eric LeeBloomberg via Getty Images

Each year in October, the Supreme Court justices kick off their new term by publishing a terse list of what cases theyll hear. This year, one sentence on that list gave liberal court observers hope that Justice Clarence Thomas might recuse himself from decisions related to former President Donald Trumps effort to overturn the 2020 election, given the role Thomas wife Virginia Thomas played in promoting false claims of election fraud within Trumps inner circle.

The justices had rejected a request by John Eastman, Trumps former lawyer, to appeal a ruling that he hand over emails to Congressional investigators looking into Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Justice Thomas took no part in the consideration or decision of this petition, read the sentence, without giving Thomas reason for not weighing in.

Now Democrats in Congress and liberal legal scholars are calling for Thomas to recuse himself from other cases likely to come before the Court related to the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, including an expected appeal to a decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to strip Trumps name from the states Republican primary ballot.

The court ruled on Tuesday in a 4-3 decision that Trump is ineligible for the White House under the U.S. Constitutions insurrection clause, citing his actions surrounding the Capitol riot.

Trumps campaign has denounced the decision and vowed to appeal it to the US Supreme Court, which is already considering a request from Special Counsel Jack Smith that the court decide if Trump is immune from charges for trying to overturn the 2020 election.

More From TIME

This puts the spotlight further on Justice Thomas, whose wife Virginia was deeply involved in spreading false claims to Trumps close advisors and trying to get the 2020 election results reversed.

Thomas has no business hearing this case. Why? Because his wife was a major player in the whole insurrection, LaDoris Cordell, a retired California superior court judge, said on MSNBC on Wednesday., He should, if he had principles, recuse himself.

Thomas has been in the spotlight much of the year as investigative reports have raised ethics questions about his willingness to accept loans, expensive flights and other gifts from Republican donors. In response to the reports, the Supreme Court in November formally adopted what it called a new code of conduct, but did not say how it would be enforced.

Last week, before the Colorado ruling, a group of House Democrats led by Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia sent a letter to Thomas urging him to recuse himself from Smiths request, and any other decisions in the case of United States v. Trump. The 7 co-signers included Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

These details about your wifes activities raise serious questions about your ability to be or even to appear impartial in any cases before the Supreme Court involving the 2020 election and the January 6th insurrection, the lawmakers wrote, noting Virginia Thomas had attended the pro-Trump rally that preceded the Jan. 6 attack, and was deeply involved in the Stop the Steal movement.

The letter also highlighted how the Courts new code of conduct calls for Justices to recuse themselves if their spouse has interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding.

Despite his recent decision to recuse himself from Eastmans appeal, Thomas is unlikely to step back from either the Jack Smith request or Trumps eventual appeal of the decision in Colorado, says Jonathan Turley, a George Washington University Law School professor.

Im skeptical he would adopt that type of sweeping recusal position, Turley says, because Supreme Court justices have historically tried to limit when they recuse themselves given that the court is the final arbiter in the country and a recusal could lead to a tie vote in the nine-member court.

The Colorado ballot case holds such momentous importance for both the Constitution and the country that the expectation is that he will rule with his colleagues, Turley says.

Turley believes that the Colorado decision went too far in banning Trump from the ballot, and argued that Chief Justice John Roberts should try to corral a rare unanimous decision overturning the ruling. There are certain moments in history that call on the court to speak in one voice, Turley said. This is one of those moments.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
An international traveler on a flight from France got busted at Detroit Metro Airport this month with some questionable goods in his luggage: 100 pounds of ketamine worth $4 million, authorities say.

What has not been explained, however, is who the traveler was coming to visit, why he had such massive amounts of drugs in his luggage and why wasn't he arrested.

Federal authorities would only say that the man  a citizen of the United Kingdom  was denied entry into the country and sent back to France.

U.S. officials, however, kept the drugs.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 100 pounds of ketamine from a traveler's luggage at Detroit Metro Airport on Dec. 13, 2023.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the incident occurred Dec. 13, when the U.K. citizen arriving on a flight from France was selected for a secondary inspection. The initial interview with CBP officers revealed inconsistencies in the man's stated purposes of travel, officials said. He was then was referred to a secondary screening area where his baggage was inspected.

Ketamine is a sedative that killed Matthew Perry

That's where an X-ray scan and a physical search of two large suitcases revealed plastic bags filled with large white crystals. The man told authorities that a family member had given him the suitcases, CBP says, noting field tests were performed on the suspected drugs and identified them to be ketamine  the same drug that authorities say killed Friends star Matthew Perry.

Ketamine hydrochloride, AKA ketamine, is a controlled substance approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for sedation and anesthesia, though it's often abused by drug users seeking a hallucinogenic high, or disassociation.

It "distorts the perception of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected," according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which warns that an overdose can cause unconsciousness and dangerously slowed breathing.

So when such massive amounts showed up at Detroit Metro, officials were quick to seize it  and send the alleged owner back where he came from.

This was the traveler's story

The person was not a diplomat, the CBP told the Free Press. He tole officers he was on his way to New Jersey, where he intended to visit his girlfriend for five days. "The fact that he had two large suitcases appeared excessive for the relatively short duration of his stay," a CBP spokesman said.

Our drug interdiction mission is vital to protecting our nation and our communities from the dangers of illicit substances, the CBP's Acting Port Director John Ammons said in a statement.

According to the CBP, the U.S. seizes an average of nearly 2,900 pounds of dangerous drugs every day at its ports of entry.

The CBP encourages travelers to learn more about current regulations before attempting to bring certain items into the United States to avoid penalties, seizures, and even arrest.

Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Feds seize 100 pounds of ketamine luggage at Detroit Metro Airport
As the holiday season shifts into high gear, millions of Americans are embarking on their travel plans, potentially setting new records for both air and road travel. According to AAA, this year's holiday travel volume may surpass even pre-pandemic levels.

Airports are bracing for an influx of almost 3 million passengers daily through the holiday period, marking a 16% spike from last year. The Transportation Security Administration is preparing for over 2.5 million people at airports Thursday alone, anticipating one of the busiest periods of the holiday rush.

Travelers like the Tong family, who are heading to Montana to ski, expressed hope for on-time departures despite recent wet weather nationwide.

"We have not had any flight delays yet, or cancellations yet," said Winnie Tong.

Other travelers like Kristen Larson said they chose to travel earlier.

"We decided to fly a little earlier this year, not cut it so close," Larson said.

Airlines anticipate over 39 million passengers during the two-week winter holiday, a notable increase from last year. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby remains confident about handling the holiday rush.

"Unless there's really, really bad weather, the holidays will go well across the board, both at United and for the industry at large," said Kirby. "We staff up and we have more spare reserve. Reserves are mostly for flight crews. So pilots and flight attendants to accommodate anything that happens during those peak demand periods."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he also sees improvements in airline performance compared to last year, attributing it to heightened pressure on airlines to enhance customer service and operational robustness. Southwest was recently ordered to pay a record fine after 17,000 flights were canceled last year as a winter storm paralyzed Southwest operations in Denver and Chicago and then snowballing when a crew rescheduling system couldn't keep up with the chaos.

"We've seen the airlines step up after we put a lot of pressure on them last year, both in terms of their customer service commitments and in terms of their performance," said Buttigieg.

In New York on Wednesday, travelers could be seen waiting in line at LaGuardia Airport's Terminal C to check their luggage and make it through security. On Thursday morning, the airport posted on social media saying its parking lot was starting to fill up. Meanwhile, the FAA says it's creating more air traffic routes, especially along the East Coast, to help keep planes moving over the holidays.

However, the holiday travel season is not just busy in the skies. Roads are expected to also be congested, with AAA predicting nearly 104 million people traveling by car.

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Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey will visit British troops deployed near the Russian border and stress Labours commitment to Nato on a visit to Estonia.

They will thank the servicemen and women for their courage, integrity, loyalty and professionalism and wish them a happy Christmas.

The Labour leader will also use his visit to the Nato base to warn that the West must not lose sight of Moscows threat to Europe.

Sir Keir, who polls suggest is on track to enter No 10 after next years general election, will pledge that a Government led by him would reinforce Nato allies neighbouring Russia, and would ensure the UK plays a leading role in defending the High North and other regions seeing increased Russian aggression.

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, he will signal Labours readiness to back further support for its resistance against Vladimir Putins forces.

Sir Keir and Mr Healey will praise British military personnel for helping to protect Natos eastern flank.

The pair will observe military exercises at the base in Estonia, which shares a 182-mile border with Russia, before joining troops in the canteen over lunch.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, left, and shadow defence secretary John Healey (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Ahead of the visit, Mr Healey said: Serving in our Armed Forces is the ultimate public service. Our troops embody the values of courage, integrity, loyalty and professionalism that the British people most admire. They make Britain  and Labour  proud, not only at Christmas but throughout the year.

On backing Nato allies on the Russian border and military support to Ukraine since the illegal invasion began, the Government has had  and will continue to have  our fullest Labour support.

We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win. We stand ready to back further assistance to Ukraine and our Nato allies like Estonia.

Amid signs of war fatigue among Ukraines Western allies, Labour has heaped pressure on Rishi Sunaks Government to reveal the UKs plans for future military aid for Ukraine.

The UK gave 4.6 billion of military aid across 2022 and 2023.
Labour is ready for a general election, Sir Keir Starmer has said, as he admitted he is concerned about the impact becoming prime minister would have on his family.

The Labour leader said his team has been on a general election footing for some time now and is primed for a vote as soon as May.

Polls suggest Sir Keir will enter No 10 at the election, which is expected in spring or autumn next year.

He said the sooner that is called, the better, as people are grappling with the cost-of-living crisis and an NHS and public services on their knees under the Tory Government.

In an interview with GB News as he visited British soldiers stationed in Estonia, Sir Keir said: We are ready for a general election. Ive had my whole team on a general election footing for some time now.

I think that given the complete state of failure now in the country, theres a real sense that everything is broken, nothing is working, that the sooner that election comes the better, because for millions of people they cant afford to wait any longer for that general election.

But he insisted he is not complacent and that his party has got to earn every vote.

Labour is hoping to seize power after nearly 14 years in opposition.

Sir Keir Starmer has lunch with members of the British armed forces at the Tapa Nato base in Estonia (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

It has a manifesto ready when we need it if Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calls an election, according to Sir Keir.

He told the broadcaster: Ive had a mechanism in place for over a year to make sure we have a manifesto when we need it. Im not going reveal it to you right now, but we will. We will be absolutely ready.

The father-of-two said he is uneasy about the how the scrutiny of being in office would affect his wife Victoria and his teenage children.

I do worry about my family, if Im honest. Im very protective of my wife and our children.

We dont name our children publicly. We dont have photo shoots with them. And so I am very mindful of the impact it could have on them.

Our boy is 15, our girl is 13. These are, you know, ages where theyre going through huge change.

But my aim is to keep protecting them in every way that I can.

It was a pleasure to meet with our British troops in Estonia and to thank them for their commitment to standing tall against Russian aggression, especially over Christmas. Labour is proud of their service, bravery and professionalism. pic.twitter.com/RtchwllmDc  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 21, 2023

Since being elected Labour leader, Sir Keir has dropped a number of the pledges he made during his leadership campaign.

That included ditching a commitment to abolishing tuition fees and postponing green spending commitments.

Asked about claims he flip-flops too often, Sir Keir pointed to his background as former chief prosecutor and working on setting up the Northern Ireland Police Board in the wake of the Good Friday agreement.

So clearly, when it comes to tough decisions and strategic thinking and a sense of where we need to go as the country, then Im ready for that general election just as soon as the Prime Minister actually wants to call it.

Mr Sunak this week said there would definitely be an election next year in what is his strongest indication yet that the country will go to the polls before the January 2025 deadline.

Conservative former chancellor George Osborne said he expects Downing Street is looking at the back end of 2024.

He told his Political Currency podcast: I dont think anyone at the top of the Tory party is now thinking that a spring election, a May election, is a running possibility.

And even an October election is not really on the cards because theyll be thinking of using September, October to launch what is more likely, in my view now, to be a November, December election.
Glynn Simmons

An Oklahoma judge has exonerated a man who spent 48 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit, the longest known wrongful sentence in the US.

Glynn Simmons, 70, was freed in July after a district court found that crucial evidence in his case was not turned over to his defence lawyers.

On Monday, a county district attorney said there was not enough evidence to warrant a new trial.

In an order on Tuesday, Judge Amy Palumbo declared Mr Simmons innocent.

"This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offence for which Mr Simmons was convicted, sentenced and imprisoned... was not committed by Mr Simmons," said Oklahoma County District Judge Palumbo in her ruling.

"It's a lesson in resilience and tenacity," Mr Simmons told reporters after the decision, according to the Associated Press. "Don't let nobody tell you that it can't happen, because it really can."

Mr Simmons served 48 years, one month and 18 days in prison for the 1974 murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers during a liquor store robbery in an Oklahoma City suburb.

He was 22 years old when he and a co-defendant, Don Roberts, were convicted and sentenced to death in 1975.

The punishments were later reduced to life in prison because of US Supreme Court rulings on the death penalty.

Mr Simmons had maintained his innocence, saying he was in his home state of Louisiana at the time of the murder.

Mr Simmons smiled as the court declared his innocence on Tuesday. Dressed in a grey hooded sweater and fedora, a soft-spoken Mr Simmons later told reporters he had been waiting for this moment for a "long, long time".

The British Broadcasting Corporation

"What's been done can't be undone, but there can be accountability," he said.

Asked to describe his emotional state, his lawyer Joseph Norwood told BBC News: "Obviously elation."

"The thought of being confined in prison for 50 years for something you had nothing to do with has to just be one of the worst things for a person's mental state," Mr Norwood said in an interview on Thursday.

But Mr Simmons was diagnosed with stage four cancer as he was being released, says the attorney.

"So it was a mix of elation, gaining his freedom, gaining his name back, clearing his name," said Mr Norwood, adding that Mr Simmons was now responding well to chemotherapy and was "on the mend".

"So it's been a heck of a ride."

Mr Simmons is currently battling liver cancer, according to his GoFundMe, which has raised almost $200,000 (157,000) to help support his living costs and medical treatment.

A district court vacated his sentence in July after finding that prosecutors had not turned over all evidence to defence lawyers, including that a witness had identified other suspects.

Mr Simmons and Mr Roberts were convicted in part because of testimony from a teenager who had been shot in the back of the head. The teenager pointed to several other men during police line-ups and later contradicted some of her own testimony, the National Registry of Exonerations said.

Mr Roberts was released on parole in 2008.

Wrongfully convicted people who serve time in Oklahoma are eligible for up to $175,000 in compensation.
A slow-moving Pacific storm prompted evacuations Thursday in cities and beach towns along California's southern coast as streets were submerged beneath floodwaters.

The cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme  both in Ventura County, west of Los Angeles  issued evacuation orders for some coastal areas and at least one shelter was opened for residents fleeing their homes. The Oxnard Fire Department has executed water rescues and, along with the police department, has asked residents to stay off the roads due to widespread flooding. There have not been reports of any injuries or deaths. A brief tornado warning was issued for Ventura County overnight.

The brunt of the storm damage appeared to be in the beachside city of Port Hueneme, according to the Ventura County Star, part of the USA TODAY Network. Roughly 60 homes in a senior community there were evacuated overnight.

Crews there were working to clear drains and keep the water moving as the rain continued to fall throughout the morning, said Port Hueneme City Manager James Vega. A damage assessment also was ongoing. We had just a massive amount of rain very quickly, and it overwhelmed our drainage system, Vega said.

A 'dramatic' storm

This is a genuinely dramatic storm, climate scientist Daniel Swain, of the University of California, Los Angeles, said in an online briefing. In Oxnard, particularly, overnight there were downpours that preliminary data suggests were probably the heaviest downpours ever observed in that part of Southern California.

National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford told the LA Times that the frequency of this kind of event is on the order of once in every thousand years."

In an advisory, weather service meteorologists said at least 2-6 inches of rain had fallen over the Ventura County area. An additional 1-4 inches was expected to fall by the afternoon. Meteorologists anticipate rock and mudslide activity on and below canyon and mountain roads, leading to significant travel delays.

It was a very, very significant amount of rainfall being produced in a short amount of time, Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist in charge at the weather service's office in Oxnard, told the Ventura County Star. Rainfall rates  which can cause flooding at 1 inch per hour  reached as high as 3 inches per hour early Thursday, he said.

The storm was not over: In all, some 27 million people live where a flood watch remained in effect Thursday afternoon, including much of the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas.

Heavy rainfall is expected through Friday across southern CA. Upwards of 8 inches of rain is possible in isolated areas with a significant flash flood risk in place for the mountain ranges, recent burn scars and urban areas. #TurnAroundDontDrownpic.twitter.com/F5sS25SYqC  National Weather Service (@NWS) December 20, 2023

Developments:

 At Los Angeles International Airport, 40 flights have been delayed and one canceled as of 1:30 p.m., according to FlightAware.us.

 The Oxnard Union High School District, which has schools across Ventura County, remained open despite the storm conditions Thursday morning. Oxnard and Hueneme elementary and middle schools are on winter break, according to the districts' websites.

 About 20 residents of a senior community in Port Hueneme were evacuated early Thursday, county Firefighter Andy VanSciver told the Ventura County Star. About 10 were rescued in a tactical rescue vehicle.

 Oxnard Fire Department reported cars stuck in flooded roadways and several water rescues. There have not been any reports of injuries or deaths in Ventura County. "Many of the streets and intersections are heavily impacted by flooding," read a post on X by the fire department. "Please stay off the city streets for the next several hours until the water recedes. Standing water can cause vehicles to stall and may become trapped."

Santa Barbara under flash flood warning

The National Weather Service issued a flash food warning for south Santa Barbara County that'll remain in effect until 4 p.m. local time. Meteorologists urged the estimated 233,800 people in the area to move to higher ground and avoid driving through flood waters.

"This means that flash flooding is occurring or imminent," read a statement from the Santa Barbara Police Department. "A flash flood is an extremely dangerous, sudden, violent, and fast-moving wall of water. ... If you are in one of these areas, go to the innermost room of your home or to higher ground such as a second floor."

Flash Flood Warning including Santa Barbara CA, Goleta CA and Isla Vista CA until 4:00 PM PST pic.twitter.com/43yk219q0V  NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 21, 2023

Weather in Los Angeles to pick up through the evening

Los Angeles will be hit the hardest by rain and strong winds beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing into the evening, according to AccuWeather. Through the night and into Friday, the area between San Diego and Palm Springs will be drenched, raising concerns over potential flooding.

Coastal areas in Los Angeles and San Diego are expected to receive 2-5 inches of rain, while mountainous areas will get around 5-10 inches, according to the NWS. Wind gusts around 25-40 mph are expected, but some could reach up to 55 mph.

As of Thursday morning, 1.5 inches of rain was recorded at Los Angeles International Airport, according to AccuWeather. Of that amount, 0.72 of an inch of rain fell on downtown Los Angeles.

This is the the area's first El-Nino influenced storm, one that's fueled by an atmospheric river of moisture, the National Weather Service said. It's expected to be the biggest rainstorm for the region since Hurricane Hilary dumped up to half a foot of rain in August, AccuWeather forecasters said.

Storm first caused flooding throughout Northern California, tornado in Oroville

The same storm has been drenching areas in Northern and Central California into midweek while remaining largely offshore over the Pacific. Parts of Sacramento flooded, with entire roadways under water, as the storm moved southeast Tuesday and Wednesday.

Oroville, a city about 65 miles north of Sacramento, experienced a tornado on Tuesday with winds of up to 90 mph and which lasted two minutes, according to the NWS. While no one was hurt or injured, the tornado damaged at least one building and downed trees.

Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY; Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pacific storm in Southern California brings rain, floods: Updates
David Lodge - Getty Images

Following the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed, Dodi's father, Mohamed Al Fayed, refused to accept that they died in a car crash, and that it was an accident.

Following their deaths, he hired his own private investigators, and started spreading the theories that the British royal family was somehow involved. As Reuters noted, Fayed was "beset by grief and an overwhelming sense of injustice, al-Fayed spent millions on legal battles to ensure there was an inquest."



He did numerous interviews in the years after their deaths, and his repeated allegations led the British government to open Operation Paget, an investigation in 2007 into Diana and Dodi's deaths.

JOHN D MCHUGH - Getty Images

That report (which you can read in full, here) details an overview of his allegations: "In essence Mohamed Al Fayeds allegation is that the Security Services (unless otherwise specified, this is taken to be the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) - commonly known as MI6) acting at the behest of HRH Prince Philip, arranged for or carried out the murder of Dodi Al Fayed and the Princess of Wales."

The report continues, "The alleged motive was that the Princess of Wales was pregnant with Dodi Al Fayeds child and there was to be an imminent announcement of their engagement. It is suggested by Mohamed Al Fayed that the Royal Family could not accept that an Egyptian Muslim could eventually be the stepfather of the future King of England. It is alleged that the Security Services of the United Kingdom covertly obtained the information concerning pregnancy and engagement, with or without the co-operation of overseas agencies, precipitating the need to put into operation a plan to murder them. Mohamed Al Fayed further alleges there was a cover-up by the Establishment to prevent the conspiracy and murders from coming to light."

There are three main parts of his conspiracy theory: that the royals orchestrated it, that Diana and Dodi were engaged, and that Diana was pregnant. Fayed testified that Diana "told me that she knew Prince Philip and Prince Charles were trying to get rid of her" and that the royals could not stand that "a person who is different religion, naturally tanned, curly hair" would be dating the mother of the future king.

Fayed testified, "It's proved, there are dark forces. My version is the right version because [I] don't take any garbage from anybody who can pretend they are important."

To be clear: The car crash on August 31, 1997 was determined to be an accident by both French and British authorities, there is no evidence that Diana and Dodi were engaged, nor that she was pregnant at the time of her death. As the judge ruled, Mohamed Al Fayed's "beliefs may be genuine but there is no doubt that many of them have no support in evidence at all." The verdict held that they were killed in a car accident, due to their driver being intoxicated. Fayed said he accepted the result, but "I'm leaving the rest for God to get my revenge."

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By Jun Ji-hye

Korea has donated six retired 500MD helicopters that were formerly used by the ROK Army to Kenya in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations there, the Ministry of National Defense said, Thursday.

The six choppers began their journey from the southeastern port of Busan to the United States, the ministry said, noting that the choppers will be delivered to Kenya after necessary repairs and maintenance in the U.S.

Kenya is expected to deploy the light attack helicopters for U.N. peacekeeping missions after consultations with the international body.

The donation came as Korea pledged to provide support for the peacekeeping missions during the U.N. peacekeeping forum hosted by Seoul in 2021. At the time, the defense ministry vowed to offer 16 helicopters, and the United States promised to offer repairs and maintenance in addition to transportation.

The ministry said it will closely cooperate with the U.S. and U.N. to complete the delivery of the remaining 10 helicopters.

The latest donation shows Koreas willingness to expand its contribution to global peace and security before the country begins its role as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council in January next year, a ministry official said.
A man from Northern Ireland has been jailed for eight years over an armed robbery in which a garda (Irish police officer) was shot dead.

James Flynn, 32, of Ravens Glen, Newry, was previously convicted of breaking into a house and stealing the keys of a car later used in the robbery.

Det Garda Adrian Donohoe died after he was shot in Lordship Credit Union in County Louth on 25 January 2013.

The detective, who was 41, was married with two young children.

Det Garda Donohoe one of two detectives on late-night duty who were escorting a cash collection at the rural credit union when the robbery took place.

His murder trial was told that staff were preparing to leave the building with the day's takings when they were approached by a gang of men who robbed them.

He was shot in the head and died at the scene.

Aaron Brady was found guilty in 2020 of murdering him.

No remorse

In September, Flynn was found guilty of conspiring with Brady and others to break into a house in Clogherhead, two days before the robbery and murder, to steal the keys of a Volkswagen Passatt.

The vehicle was later used as a getaway car.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt previously told the court Flynn "actively conspired with two companions to burgle house and secrete the car away for use of criminality".

However, he was not found guilty of the robbery of 7,000 (6,000) at the credit union as there was a lack of direct evidence linking him to the crime.

On Thursday, Irish broadcaster RTE reported the judge said Flynn knew the full purpose of the conspiracy to burgle the home and steal a car needed for the robbery.

Flynn, the judge added, did not plead guilty and had shown no remorse.

He was sentenced to nine years in prison with the final year suspended.
Venezuelan President Maduro, right, receives Alex Saab at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, U.S. officials said Wednesday. (Matias Delacroix/AP)

Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman, is something of an international man of mystery.

In the sordid annals of Venezuelan corruption, hes known as the ultimate fixer, amassing a fortune off his dealings with the Caracas government while hiding millions in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world, authorities say.

A few years before his arrest, he was even working as a double agent, they say.

Saab, 52, spent more than two years in a federal lockup in Miami after being charged in a $350 million money-laundering case. Early Wednesday morning, he was suddenly released as part of an official prisoner swap between the U.S. and Venezuelan governments. For Saabs freedom, Venezuela released 10 Americans as well as 20 Venezuelan political prisoners.

Several people familiar with the exchange were struck by the lopsided transaction in terms of the numbers. But they pointed out that Saab had a bounty of insider information about high-ranking officials in the government of President Nicolas Maduro, from the embezzlement of billions of dollars to vast investments around the world. If Saab had cut a plea deal in the Miami case and started dishing dirt on Maduro and other top Venezuelan officials, it could have cost them dearly.

It seems like a lot for one guy, said a U.S. law enforcement official, who was not authorized to speak about the prisoner swap. It shows how valuable he is to them.

Saab was among dozens of Venezuelan officials, businessmen and contractors who have been accused in Miami federal court of collectively stealing billions of dollars from their government in bribery schemes allegedly involving Maduro, the late president Hugo Chavez, and other high-ranking officials with Venezuelas national oil company, PDVSA. Many, including two former national treasurers, have been convicted through plea deals or at trial, but many others, such as TV mogul tycoon Raul Gorrin, are still at large. Maduro himself was charged in a drug-trafficking case in 2020, alleging his administration provided protection for the Cartel of the Suns run by high-ranking military officials.

For his part, Saab has been on a legal odyssey for years.

In 2020, Saab was detained by Cape Verde authorities on an Interpol red notice. After his arrest, Saab claimed to be a special envoy traveling for Maduro to Iran on a gold-for-gasoline trade mission. His extradition from the island off the coast of Africa to the United States in 2021 was fraught with problems. Once Saab was transferred here, he deployed a legal team to fight the indictment by saying he had diplomatic immunity from Maduro  a claim that he initially lost but was on appeal as he awaited federal trial in Miami.

On Wednesday, Saabs legal team said that if he had lost his immunity claim before the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, which was still pending, he was going to trial in Miami federal court.

There is no question that he was acting as a diplomat when he was arrested in Cape Verde en route to Iran, said lawyer Joseph Schuster, who worked on Saabs case with attorneys Neil Schuster, David Rivkin and Celeste Siblesz Higgins. If it did not go the way it should go in the 11th Circuit, he was prepared to go to trial. He was not going to plead guilty.

According to an indictment filed in 2019, Saab was charged along with Colombian national Alvaro Pulido Vargas, 55, a fugitive. The pair was accused of paying off Venezuelan government officials to obtain contracts to supply building materials for low-income housing projects between November 2011 and September 2015.

But over the past decade, Saab also played the role of a double agent.

While operating out of Venezuela, Saab worked as a confidential informant for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and turned over millions of his profits to the DEA before he failed to surrender in 2019, according to a federal court document.

Saab started communicating with DEA and FBI agents in Bogota, Colombia, about his planned cooperation in 2016. With his lawyers he continued those discussions with federal agents and prosecutors through June 2018, when he signed a cooperating source agreement with the DEA, the court document says.

For nearly a year, Saab reported paying bribes to Venezuelan officials to secure illicit food, housing and other contracts totaling hundreds of millions of dollars with the government. Saab communicated with DEA special agents via telephone, text and voice messaging, the document says, and he engaged in proactive cooperation, meaning he recorded conversations with co-conspirators targeted in the U.S. investigation.

Saab also made four wire transfers totaling more than $12 million of his Venezuelan contract profits to a U.S. bank account controlled by the DEA as part of his cooperation with the agency, the document says. But when Saab failed to surrender to the DEA by May 30, 2019, his cooperation deal as a federal informant ended.

Federal prosecutors in Miami shifted to targeting Saab in a money-laundering case filed that year. But as in so many investigations involving foreign nationals, capturing him would not be easy.

When he represented the Maduro government in the gold-for-oil trade mission to Iran, Saabs plane made a stop for refueling in Cape Verde, where he was arrested on the Interpol red notice in June 2000. Over the next year, Saab fought his extradition, claiming he had diplomatic immunity as an envoy for the Venezuelan government.

At the time, U.S. officials were so concerned with the lengths Maduro would go to gain release of Saab that the Trump administration sent Navy ships to patrol Cape Verdes coasts. Saab was extradited to the United States in October 2021 and continued to claim that he could not be charged with a crime in the U.S.

In December 2022 a federal judge denied his diplomatic immunity claim. With the backing of the Venezuelan government, Saab tried to persuade U.S. District Judge Robert Scola to dismiss the $350 million money laundering indictment filed against him in 2019, claiming he been designated as a special envoy for Venezuela the previous year and was therefore immune from prosecution.

But Scola accused the Venezuelan government of doctoring certain documents to make Saab appear as a legitimate diplomat.

The Court is not convinced that the 2018 credential that Saab Moran relied on to support his claim to diplomatic status is legitimate nor is the Court convinced of its relation to his dealings in Iran, Scola wrote, using the defendants full last name in his decision. And, even if Saab Moran had truly been proclaimed to be a special envoy in 2018, the evidence does not convince the Court that Saab Moran was traveling as anything more than a lay businessman to broker a deal when arrested in June of 2020.

For these reasons alone, the Court finds that Saab Morans assertion of diplomatic immunity is a nonstarter. At the time he was arrested, Saab Moran truly was no diplomat at all.
Former domestic worker Kartika Puspitasari poses for a portrait at Bethune House, a shelter operated by Mission for Migrant Workers, in Hong Kong on Oct. 7, 2022. Credit - Isaac LawrenceAFP/Getty Images

Its no secret that foreign domestic workers across Asia are subject to poor living conditions and low pay, enjoy few rights and freedoms, and are often abused by their employers.

Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, a young woman from Indonesia, was tortured by her employer in Hong Kong, beaten with household items, starved, and withheld rest. Kartika Puspitasari, a slightly older Indonesian woman, also suffered a similar fate. (Once, Kartika was tied to a chair in a diaper while her employer went on vacation for days.) Courts awarded each more than $100,000 in high-profile trials in 2017 and 2023, respectively.

Their cases may be exceptionalfor the most part, rights groups say, domestic workers mistreatment tends to go unreported and unprosecutedbut the attention they garnered helped to shine a spotlight on some of the systemic problems across an industry in which millions of so-called maids have for decades been routinely treated like modern-day slaves. But while the struggles and inequities faced by such women employed overseas are well-documented, the challenges that await them after they return home are less so.

For many returnees, like Erwiana and Kartika as well as millions who never received a court payout, their time as foreign domestic workers continues to echo across their lives back home, its effects ranging from psychological trauma to difficulty finding employment.

For years after she returned to Indonesia, Erwiana says she couldnt recognize herself. Besides the permanent physical effects of her injuries, including chronic back pain and breathing difficulties, she has grappled with bursts of inexplicable anger and recurring nightmares.

The trauma still [lingers] until now, Erwiana tells TIME. Especially when I retell the story, or face what my employer did. Like [people getting] angry or talking very loudly, I will be scared and sometimes it impacts me emotionally.

Kartika, too, says she struggles emotionally, including with reining in outbursts directed at her family, which have created a chasm between her and her young children. Her severe separation anxiety when away from her husband has also crippled her ability to find work. Compounding her insecurities are the scars on her body, vivid reminders of her ordeal that have left her feeling uncomfortable in public and shattered her hopes of reconnecting with people.

The keloid I have because of that abuse is still there on my body, and its getting bigger every day, Kartika tells TIME. That makes me lose my confidence. Im unable to have a normal social life.

Puspitasari shows a scar from an injury inflicted by a former employer. Isaac LawrenceAFP/Getty Images

Even the money Kartika was awardedrare compensation amid extremely severe circumstancesearlier this year, more than a decade after the abuse she faced, has done little to soothe her pain. Im happy that I have the decision on my compensation, but it doesnt change my current condition, Kartika says. I try my best to not remember that, but honestly it comes back very often, the memory.

As governments are criticized for failing to provide adequate reintegration programs for returning domestic workers, some, including Erwiana, are starting to tackle these challenges with ground-up, community-based efforts themselves.

On top of the emotional hardship that returning domestic workers have to navigate, theres also the financial: the mythical promise of domestic workone that has spurred millions of women to enter the industry every yearis that a temporary stint abroad can transform the financial situation of workers households. But in reality, despite generating billions of dollars for the economies of both their home and host countries, many foreign domestic workers struggle with personal long-term debt, from loans either taken by family members at home or for administrative fees to get employed abroad. According to a 2019 report, 83% of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong were in debt, as well as 65% in Malaysia and 34% in Singapore.

And many return home to fresh livelihood challenges. Myleen Luna, a single mother from the Philippines, had flown to Qatar in 2007 to be a domestic worker in the hopes of supporting her young daughter. More than a decade later, she found herself back in the Philippines with an estranged teenager and a dearth of job opportunities.

The 44-year-old realized that her age and lack of qualifications (she never completed high school) quickly made it hard to secure employment. Now Im trying to find any job, but still they are asking for certificates and diplomas, Luna told TIME earlier this year, having been unemployed for two years since she returned.

Domestic workers are kind of a special group of returnees because of their circumstances, Jeremaiah Opiniano, the executive director of the Institute for Migration and Development Issues, tells TIME. Their workplace is the house so they are not exposed to other skills apart from the duties of being domestic workers.

The narrative that domestic work is low-skilled labor has pervaded the job marketdespite research showing the contrary: domestic workers tend to acquire, among other competencies, language proficiency and digital skills that can be transposed into other jobs. Still, finding a job or generating income remained the biggest challenge cited by 83% of returning overseas Filipino workers in 2020.

Some governments have launched reintegration programs to help former domestic workers kickstart new lives. In the Philippines and Indonesia, returning domestic workers are eligible for reintegration loans and vocational training programs. But these have reached only a fraction of their targeted beneficiaries: 230,000 migrant domestic workers had returned to the Philippines between 2020 and February 2022, but only about 3,900 returning migrant workers participated in vocational training programs by the end of 2022.

Those on the ground point out that the programs are neither attuned to the actual needs of returnees nor made accessible enough for many of them.

The government does not have a long-term, sustainable program, except giving them some training on cooking, entrepreneurship, marketingbut they do not tell them the truth, says Eni Lestari, a domestic workers rights activist and chairperson of the International Migrants Alliance, that the market today is no longer like before, and their memory of Indonesia, is like 10 years or 20 years ago, before they left the country.

When we go home, we are already getting old, it's difficult to get a job, our education can no longer match the current standard. Even our capacity to adapt to technology is very problematic, says Eni, who spent over two decades as a domestic worker in Hong Kong before she returned to Indonesia in July. And so, accessing formal employment is almost impossible.

Meanwhile, Riza Ramirez-Flores, a social worker at the non-profit Blas Ople Policy Center in the Philippines, notes that many former domestic workers, especially those who had sought work abroad through informal channels and are not recognized in their home countries as returning migrant workers, face practical challenges in accessing help. Some live in the provinces where the regional offices of the government are really far from their homes, she says. For those who are undocumented, its really a challenge where they can get assistance.

Faced with an unfamiliar and unfriendly job market back homeand the fact that domestic work, even with its low pay relative to citizens of the countries they serve, typically pays better than most jobs they can find at homemany domestic workers eventually decide to re-enter foreign domestic work, despite knowing the risks of doing so.

In September, more than two years after she returned to the Philippines and just as she was considering going abroad again as a domestic worker, Luna landed a jobthanks to basic computer skills she had picked up while nannying young children in Qataras a clerk in a local high school in Cabuyao, the city where she lives.

Returning to foreign domestic work is still not entirely off the table, Luna admits, as shes earning only a fraction of her previous pay and is barely able to support herself. But she has also seen how her return has changed her relationship with her teenage daughter. When I had just arrived [back in the Philippines], we were like strangers  now we are close, she says. Here, even if I dont have money, its OK for me as long as Im with my family.

On the ground, frustrations at the lack of protection and care for domestic workers both during and after their employment have been simmering for years. In August, hundreds of domestic workers staged a hunger strike in Indonesia to call for better rights amid stalled reforms in Indonesias parliament. In 2014, shocked by the photos of Erwianas injuries, thousands, including domestic workers and advocates, marched on the streets of Hong Kong demanding justice for Erwiana and an end to similar abuses.

But the sporadic protests have led to little legislative improvements. As a result, returnees are often left to rely on informal support from one another, including for crowdfunding or loans. The communities that they have built have also served as buffers against the reverse culture shock experienced by domestic workers who have returned home decades older and estranged from their old friends and family.

But while the consensus is that the existing reintegration programs for former domestic workers are not working, what policy changes are needed has been uncleareven to many returnees themselves. That may be about to change though, as the issue of returnees challenges begins to move toward more organized forms of activism.

Earlier this month, Eni and Erwianawho now works at the non-governmental organization Coordinating Body of Returned Indonesian Migrant Workershelped to organize a two-day forum that brought together former domestic workers from different districts. The women traded personal stories of the challenges they have faced since returning home. Among them were nascent business owners struggling to catch up with the current market and e-commerce, farmers who cannot afford essential but expensive farming equipment, and elderly people having difficulties navigating complex subsidy schemes.

Now that they have consolidated some of these kinds of specific challenges, Eni says, the next step for her, Erwiana, and their colleagues is to develop an orientation program for domestic workers planning to return home, informing them about the government subsidies and programs they are eligible for, as well as helping them to prepare themselves for the potential hurdles that await them. With the help of domestic workers communities across the country, they are also expanding efforts to monitor reintegration programs in different districts, with the aim of suggesting to local governments as well as the national government ways to improve their reintegration policies.

A lot has changed since Erwiana touched down in Indonesia a decade ago, battered and bedridden. She has sought professional help for her emotional trauma, gotten a university degree, and given birth to a baby girl. And in what may be the ultimate closure to her past feelings of helplessness, she has become a vocal advocate for domestic workers around the world who have found themselves relegated to the margins, whether as migrant workers abroad or as returnees at home.

Before, I suffered physically and psychologically, she says. But now, because I understand its not only me but many migrants suffer from this kind of situation, I should be doing something with them to make our situation better.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
By Liz Lee and Karen Lema

BEIJING/MANILA (Reuters) -Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the Philippines that any miscalculation in their escalating dispute in the South China Sea would bring a resolute response, and urged dialogue to address "serious difficulties" between the two neighbours.

Beijing and Manila have traded sharp accusations in recent months over a succession of run-ins in the South China Sea, including charges that China rammed a ship earlier this month carrying the Philippine armed forces chief of staff.

China in turn has accused the Philippines of trespassing on its territory.

The souring of relations coincides with Manila's moves to boost military ties with Japan and the United States, its former colonial power and defence ally of seven decades.

"China-Philippines relations are at a crossroads," Wang told his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo in a call on Wednesday, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement. A ministry spokesperson said Manalo had requested the call.

If the Philippines misjudges or colludes with "ill-intentioned" external forces, China would defend its rights and respond resolutely, Wang was quoted saying. The statement did not elaborate on what actions it might take.

Wang's remarks could intensify a dispute that has simmered for years, with the Philippines pushing back at what it sees as a Chinese campaign to prevent it from accessing fossil fuel and fisheries resources in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

An escalation towards an armed confrontation, while unlikely, would be a significant raising of the stakes, with the United States bound by a 1951 treaty to defend the Philippines should it come under attack, including in the South China Sea.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, in a speech before troops on Thursday, said the country remained committed to bolstering its armed forces and its existing alliances, while citing the incident involving the armed forces chief as worrisome.

"You have become crucial as in the past years the Philippines has found itself in the middle of geopolitical developments and tensions that could potentially cause regional insecurity," he told the gathering at military headquarters in Manila.

LINES IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

China claims almost the entire South China Sea via a so-called nine dash line that overlaps with the EEZs of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia.

An international arbitration tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claim in a ruling on a case brought by the Philippines, which Beijing did not recognise.

China has instead doubled down, maintaining a heavy coast guard presence throughout the South China Sea, including around militarised manmade islands it built upon reefs in disputed waters, some with missile systems.

Both sides have, at the same time, called for dialogue.

Manalo said in a statement that he had a frank and candid exchange with Wang where both "noted the importance of dialogue".

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday: "China's position remains unchanged that disputes should be properly managed through dialogue and consultation."

Marcos has strengthened ties with the United States, including expanding U.S. access to his military bases while seeking assurances on the extent to which Washington will defend his country from attack - moves that have irked China and emboldened Manila's defence top brass.

Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Thursday his country was also likely to hold multilateral patrols next year in the West Philippine Sea - the term it uses for its 200-mile EEZ in the South China Sea.

A day earlier, Teodoro rebuked China and said "no country in the world" supports its maritime claim. The United States and other western powers have condemned China's coastguard for confronting and blocking Philippine vessels in Manila's EEZ.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Yew Lun Tian in Beijing, Shanghai newsroom, Karen Lema and Neil Jerome Morales in Manila; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor and Martin Petty; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A former Iranian official sentenced in Sweden to life in prison for his part in a mass execution of political prisoners in Iran will appeal against his conviction to the Supreme Court, his lawyer said on Thursday.

Earlier this week, a Swedish appeals court upheld the guilty verdict and life sentence for murder and serious crimes against international law for former prison official Hamid Noury.

"We will appeal to the Supreme Court," Noury's lawyer Thomas Bodstrom told Reuters. "If we are going after people who worked as administrators or prison guards several decades ago, then there are any number of Iranians who risk life imprisonment if they set foot in Sweden."

Noury is the only person so far to face trial over the killings at the Gohardasht prison in Karaj, Iran, in 1988 that targeted members of the Iranian People's Mujahideen, which was fighting in parts of Iran, as well as other political dissidents.

Under Swedish law, courts can try Swedish citizens and other nationals for crimes against international law committed abroad.

Bodstrom said his client, who was arrested in Sweden in 2019, was disappointed with the verdict and highly critical of the Swedish court system.

The appeals court's decision this week was greeted with cheers by several hundred protesters who had gathered outside the court but has caused a serious rift between Iran and Sweden.

On Wednesday an Iranian court resumed the trial of a Swedish European Union employee arrested in 2022 while on holiday in the country.

Johan Floderus is charged with spying for Israel and "corruption on Earth", a crime that carries the death penalty.

Sweden has requested his immediate release, calling the detention arbitrary.

(Reporting by Johan Ahlander; Editing by Nick Macfie)
A Kansas community college instructor who lives in Oklahoma has been arrested after being accused of sexually abusing a child.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation arrested 48-year-old Andrew Nyles Lackey, who lives in Beaver County, Oklahoma, on Dec. 13 in connection with a sexual assault investigation involving a child, a bureau news release said.

Lackey is listed as a welding technology instructor in the Seward County Community Colleges online employee list.

The Beaver County Sheriffs Office requested help from the Oklahoma bureau on an investigation where they interviewed a child who reported being sexually abused.

Evidence was collected and Lackey was interviewed. Based on information from the interview, Lackey was taken into custody and booked into the Beaver County Jail on suspicion of child sex abuse, the release said.

In a Wednesday news release, the college said it has suspended Lackey without pay following his arrest.

These charges are a serious concern and we have taken this step in accordance with that, college president Brad Bennett said.

In addition to his suspension, Lackey is not allowed on campus grounds or to attend school activities, the college said.

The relationship between Lackey and the child and the circumstances of the accusations are unknown. A bureau spokesperson declined to provide more details through an email.
A Bullitt Central High School band teacher was fired after an investigation by school officials found he had inappropriate communications with students, according to a release from Bullitt County Public Schools.

School officials were first contacted in May 2023 by a former student who raised concerns about Rodney Stults.

That information was turned over to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Shepherdsville Police Department.

An internal school investigation substantiated allegations Stults had violated the school policies regarding communications with students.

Meanwhile in July, Shepherdsville Police Department told school officials additional students had contacted police alleging inappropriate conduct by Stults while they were in school.

Stults was placed in an administrative position while the Shepherdsville Police Department investigation was ongoing.

After that investigation was shared with Bullitt County Schools, Superintendent Jesse Bacon decided to terminate Stults contract, according to Bullitt County Schools.

The school declined to comment further. Stults can challenge his termination.

Officials with Shepherdsville Police Department did not immediately return phone calls asking for comment. However, WDRB in Louisville, which first reported on the allegations against Stults, reported Shepherdsville police said due of the statue of limitations, no charges will be filed against the band teacher. The TV station also said the allegations involved at least eight possible victims between 2013 to 2022.

Former band teacher at Kentucky school indicted for rape, sex abuse
Earlier this month, Colombian authorities arrested Venezuelan national Wanda del Valle Bermudez Viera, better known as "the little baby of crime," who was wanted by Interpol, the FBI and police departments across Latin America.

She was wanted for charges related to sexual exploitation, to extortion, distribution of firearms, contract killings and human trafficking, for which she collected of up to $7 million a month.

The story of Bermudez Viera, who in 2019 allegedly created the group "Los Llaneros de Sangre Fria" in Peru  a faction of the Venezuelan criminal megagang known as El Tren de Aragua  has been widely disseminated by the Spanish-speaking media, which pointed to her social media presence showing her life of luxury and excess.

Bermudez Viera is only one example of a much larger phenomenon: the rise of women in the most violent and dangerous structures of organized crime in Latin America.

A recent study by the International Crisis Group, an independent organization devoted to the analysis of security issues, found that the number of women charged with an offense related to organized crime grew from 5.4% in 2017 to 7.5% in 2021.

While many of the women accused of belonging to criminal groups may be innocent, the ethnographic data collected by Crisis Group for this report and other expert analysis support the thesis that women are increasingly involved in these groups, researchers stated in "Partners in Crime: The Rise of Women in Mexican Illegal Groups."

While's there's no official data on the participation of women in organized criminal groups, media coverage indicates that they represent between 5% and 8% of the active personnel of these groups, according to the study.

"Sometimes, criminal organizations offer some women the opportunity to develop a leadership scheme," explains Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a specialist in criminal organizations and an academic at George Mason University, who was not involved in the investigation. "And since prejudice and machismo make them invisible in some way  they can advance in those activities without being seen. And that is one thing that we have to increasingly understand."

According to Crisis Group researchers, in these criminal organizations women occupy positions ranging from low-level illegal activities solely for subsistence to the highest positions. That is, some have become the bosses, or the "narcas," criminal leaders who have been fundamental in the operation and, in some cases, the managers of entire structures.

"Something that surprises me a lot is the amazement of people who cannot believe that women know how to organize logistics, how to launder money, even how to execute violent operations," said Deborah Bonello, a journalist specializing in security issues and the author of the recently published "Narcas: The Secret Rise of Women in Latin America's Cartels," which delves into the lives and crimes of some of the most powerful women in criminal structures such as cartels.

Book cover of

"If we see that there are women who are managing companies like Meta, banks, super large organizations, why is it so difficult for us to understand that they operate in the same way in the criminal world?" Bonello said.

Operating 'from the shadows'

Bonellos research concurs with Crisis Groups findings about the important role that many women currently play in complex criminal structures such as drug cartels.

Although there are famous precedents for womens incursions into these activities  such as the late Colombian Griselda Blanco and Chilean Yolanda Sarmiento  Bonellos book depicts the rise and fall of other women who don't fit the scandalous stereotypes forged by notorious criminals such as Pablo Escobar, the Rodriguez Orejuela brothers, and Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

I feel that the cartels are not ideological organizations, but business organizations. And when they see that women can kill, launder money, transport merchandise, then they use their capabilities. They do not exclude them because they are women, it is a matter of money, of profits, Bonello said.

In "Narcas," Bonello tells the story of a number of women, including Mexican Guadalupe Fernandez Valencia, who was the right hand of Chapo Guzman; Sebastiana Cotton Vasquez, a Guatemalan peasant who rose to power within a male mafia; and Marllory Chacon Rossell, Cottons collaborator who, according to the DEA, ended up becoming one of the most prolific drug traffickers in Latin America.

It also examines the life of Digna Valle, a criminal matriarch from Honduras who was the female face of the brutal Valle cartel, as well as the Lemus sisters, who grew up in rural Guatemala and built up a brutal force that influenced the politics of their region.

According to the author, one thing that all these women share is their desire to exercise power from the shadows.

"Men like Pablo Escobar and El Chapo created the figure of the Latin American drug trafficker who, by definition, is male. Maybe it is a little naive or sexist to think that the power of women is going to be the female version of that, as if they would behave like men. In general, I see that women have less desire to attract attention, she said.

Bonello also highlights in her book that these women tend to enter the business of organized crime later than men. In addition, they create groups that are usually family-based, clans where husbands, children, cousins and other relatives participate. Many come from poor backgrounds with little formal education and few opportunities for legal employment that is as lucrative.

Bonello's observations agrees with the Crisis Group's findings in that criminal groups offer a form of protection that the State and the judicial system fail to provide. In many cases, joining an armed group can be a survival strategy and a way for these women to exercise power in environments where gender violence abounds.

These women overcome obstacles such as inequality, discrimination and machismo and skillfully accumulate large doses of power and crucial operational skills, and perform vital roles for the organizations. In many cases, those responsible for these hierarchical criminal networks tend to hide the fact that women lead many of their operations.

I don't doubt that there are very powerful women in drug trafficking, but we don't know them, we don't see them because they don't fit into our way of understanding the world," Bonello said. "We are not looking for them because, perhaps, we believe that they are going to behave like El Chapo  the reality is that they behave in a more subtle, more hidden way. I am sure that there are women who have become crucially important in these criminal groups."

Often, Bonello said, the romantic or family ties of women in drug trafficking are used to minimize them or to marginalize their roles in the organizations. She cited Emma Coronel, El Chapo's wife, as an example.

While it's assumed that women are in these organizations by virtue of their relationships, according to Bonello, men are also in the business due to family connections, and yet it's assumed the men's influence is greater or more important. But that is not the case, according to her. "Women exist and, in many cases, are crucial to the success of these criminal organizations, Bonello said.

Violent and brutal  with lasting repercussions

In most of the cases that Bonello included in her book, women have grown up in violent circumstances and often also carry out violent strategies in order to establish themselves in criminal circles. When participating in drug trafficking, if they are not the ones who kill, they have others who do it for them and generally enjoy the power and adrenaline that characterizes many of the operational actions.

"For example, Digna [Valle] operated in a brutal way when it came to protecting her family and the business. If that meant killing or letting her brothers rape the women of the town, she did it because she understood that is part of preserving power and are strategies to impose terror and control the local population," Bonello said. "In the sense of managing violence, perhaps women do not do it so much with their own hands, but it's not that they don't know how to handle that because they can be very, very violent."

In Mexico, where femicides and gender violence are an ongoing issue, the incursion and rise of women in organized crime is a reality that raises alarms.

"It is a general security problem. All the women I investigated brought their children into the business, as do men, because all organized crime in Latin America has to do with the family. So protecting the business is the same as protecting the family and defending oneself with ones life, if necessary," Bonello said. "I also believe that the figure of the wife, the girlfriend, the victim is so strong that Colombians and Mexicans find it difficult to believe that women have this capacity of being criminals.

In "Narcas," one of Bonellos accomplishments is that she manages to dissect the stories of these women and analyze the effects of their crimes without glorifying them. The illegal nature of their activities and the profound repercussions on the countries they operate are present throughout the chapters.

Organized crime is the greatest threat to public safety in this entire region because it affects the system of government and the laws, which is why my intention was never to celebrate them or exalt their criminal achievements," Bonello said. "Rather, I feel that policies must be created to prevent women and men from getting into this business because, the truth is, it's not convenient for them. Nobody survives."

An earlier version of this story was first published in Noticias Telemundo.
One of the things Edna Courville remembers most about the 1960 presidential election is her mothers fury as the adults gathered in the dining room of their Minden, Louisiana, home to review the preamble to the US Constitution.

They were preparing, she said, for the states Jim Crow-era literacy test, one of the notorious hurdles to voting erected before the 1965 Voting Rights Act sought to dismantle racial discrimination in US elections once and for all.

Her mother fumed that the person who would administer the test was barely literate himself, Courville recalled. She said, I cannot believe that Im going to have to go and recite a part of the preamble in front of a White man who cannot read his name in boxcar letters.

Decades later, Courville, now 80, stands in the middle of a battle over one of the remaining pillars of that law. Shes a plaintiff in a lawsuit brought by a local branch of the NAACP and other groups that has sought to reverse a Republican decision that eliminated the only minority-dominant precinct in Galveston County, Texas, the community where she has lived for more than 50 years.

I thought, Here we go again with people trying to take rights away from us, the retired social worker said of the move by the GOP-controlled Galveston County Commissioners Court to dismantle her precinct.

The Galveston case is one of a slew of legal confrontations that have raged across the South over claims that Republicans have used the redistricting process following the 2020 census to draw lines that preserve their dominance in state and local politics at the expense of voters of color  even as the region grows more diverse and more politically competitive.

GOP officials defending the maps say they are in keeping with long-standing redistricting practices in their states and with the US Supreme Courts recent moves to curb race-conscious policies, such as ending affirmative action in college admissions. And they argue that liberal litigants challenging district lines are seeking to weaponize the voting law for partisan gain.

The stakes are high.

The outcome of the remaining battles could determine control of the levers of government, from the US House of Representatives to local communities, after Novembers elections. The cases also spark fresh questions about the reach  and continued power  of one of the nations landmark civil rights laws.

New challenges to the Voting Rights Act loom  including whether private individuals like Courville even have the authority to bring legal action to stop alleged violations of the law.

Supreme Court surprise in Alabama

These protracted fights in places such as Texas, Georgia and Louisiana are playing out during the first decennial round of redistricting since the US Supreme Court in 2013 gutted a key part of the Voting Rights Act.

The so-called preclearance provision of the federal law required states and local jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination to first obtain the permission of the federal government or the courts before enacting new laws related to voting. But a decade ago, the high court hobbled the preclearance requirements of the law, ruling that the country had changed and that intense federal oversight of elections in these places was no longer warranted.

Now, one of the main tools remaining for those seeking to enforce the promise of the Voting Rights Act falls under Section 2 of the law, which prohibits discrimination based on race. But, unlike preclearance, challenges to discriminatory voting laws and racial gerrymanders under Section 2 can only be brought after those laws are enacted.

In a high-profile Section 2 case, the US Supreme Court in June upheld a challenge brought by activists and civil rights groups to a congressional map in Alabama, agreeing with a lower court that the states Republican-controlled legislature had violated the Voting Rights Act when it created just one Black-majority district out of seven US House seats, although Black Alabamians make up about 27% of the states population.

The 5-4 decision, which saw two conservatives join the courts three liberals to affirm key parts of the lower courts ruling, stunned many court observers, who had expected the court to further curtail the federal voting law.

Evan Milligan  a 42-year-old activist from Montgomery, Alabama, and one of the lead plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case that now bears his name  is part of a coalition that challenged the map as illegally diluting Black political power in his Deep South state.

Evan Milligan appears outside his home in Montgomery, Alabama, in February 2022. The civil rights activist was one of the lead plaintiffs in a case that went all the way to the US Supreme Court and upheld a key pillar of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. - Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Whether to even pursue a Section 2 claim had sparked intense debate among the activists involved, said Milligan, the executive director of a three-year-old civil rights organization called Alabama Forward.

Some in the coalition feared that relying on the already weakened federal law in their redistricting fight risked further erosion of the Voting Rights Act, he said. But others insisted they forge ahead.

We had a group that argued, Here is the Voting Rights Act. It may not look like much right now. It may be weak and a shell of what it used to be. But theres life in it. And we dont walk away from that,  Milligan said recently.

And the activists, he said, remain determined to stand with the law until they force it out of our arms publicly, on the record for all of history and the world to see.

Redistricting cases that had been on hold until the Supreme Court ruled in the Alabama case, Allen v. Milligan, sprang to life in the months since, with varying results.

New tests

In the Alabama case, the high courts ruling faced immediate pushback from state legislators who quickly passed a new map that defied the federal courts order to create a second Black-majority district or something quite close to it.

After the Supreme Court, for a second time, rebuffed Alabama Republicans efforts to sidestep the ruling  a three-judge federal panel in October signed off on a new map  drawn by a special master and outside cartographer this time. It established a new congressional district across southern Alabama with a substantial Black population.

That map will be used in the 2024 election and is likely to give Alabama two Black lawmakers in Congress for the first time in state history and Democrats an additional seat in the US House. Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the chamber.

(The states resistance has come at a high price: The map-drawing bill alone cost Alabama more than $514,000, court records show.)

Alabama officials, however, have vowed to fight the maps use in election cycles after 2024. The federal courts, they argue, improperly imposed their judgment over that of state lawmakers who know Alabama better. Republicans in the state say they want to keep similar communities together without making race the predominant factor in congressional boundaries.

If this brazen and divisive commandeering is permitted without even a whisper of concern from other quarters, Americas congressional elections as we know them will never be the same, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement. We will be grouped together by race alone, with counties and cities split down the middle  the same way that we were so wrongfully segregated once before.

Milligan, who traces his roots in the state back six generations since slavery, said the coming legal fights over the future of the congressional map simply will mark round No. 155 for anyone who has been Black and living in Alabama.

But its not a fight or a struggle that well relent on or give an inch on at any point anytime soon, he said.

Elsewhere, new voting rights disputes have erupted, most notably in the US Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, and these could narrow the scope of the Voting Rights Act.

A panel of appellate judges on the 8th Circuit recently affirmed a ruling by a federal judge in Arkansas that private organizations, like the NAACP and the ACLU, and individuals, like Courville and Milligan, have no authority to bring lawsuits under Section 2. The power rests entirely with the US Justice Department, the panel held in a 2-1 decision.

The ruling bucks decades of legal practice, including many Supreme Court cases.

In his dissent, Chief Circuit Judge Lavenski Smith  a George W. Bush appointee  noted that at least 182 successful Section 2 cases have been brought in the past 40 years, only 15 of which were brought solely by the US Justice Department.

The 8th Circuit ruling is a result that conservative critics of Section 2 lawsuit have sought.

Jason Snead, the executive director of the conservative Honest Elections Project, called the decision a victory for the rule of law and said it could help curb what he views as the abuse of the Voting Rights Act by private litigants and groups, who he says are using the law to gain a partisan advantage.

Ive always had a concern that the courts are being misused for political purposes, he said.

The issue could land before the Supreme Court to resolve, and critics of the private litigation have pointed to language by Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote in a 2021 concurring opinion, that it was an open question whether Section 2 of the law allowed a private right of action.

Some voting rights lawyers are dubious that the high court would cut off private litigation, given the years of legal precedent on the issue.

When your local government wont listen to you, the only place that you can go is court, said Kareem Crayton, senior director for voting rights and representation at the liberal-leaning Brennan Center for Justice. Your ability to get into court and defend and vindicate your rights is as essential to the Constitution as voting.

In Louisiana, meanwhile, lawmakers are under court order to draw a second Black-majority congressional district by the end of January. (Black people make up roughly a third of the states population, but Louisiana has just one Black lawmaker  who is also the lone Democrat  in its six-member US House delegation.)

And in Georgia, the GOP-controlled state legislature recently approved new congressional and state legislative maps to comply with a federal court order. Critics contend the maps still dilute the political power of people of color in a swing state that saw its population surge by about a million residents between 2010 and 2020.

The Georgia House of Representatives votes on a new state legislative map on December 1, 2023, at the state Capitol in Atlanta. - Matthew Pearson/WABE/AP

Minority residents accounted for all of Georgias population growth in that decade, US District Judge Steve Jones wrote in his October ruling, ordering new maps. But, he said, the number of Black-majority congressional and legislative districts in the maps initially drawn by Georgias GOP-led legislature had remained the same.

Now, Jones must decide whether the district lines approved in December by state Republicans fully comply with his instructions. The redrawn congressional map added new Black-majority districts, but at the expense of so-called minority coalition districts, such as one in suburban Atlanta currently held by Democrat Lucy McBath. Black, Latino and Asian residents make up the majority of voters in her district, but no single race or ethnic group dominates.

The disputes in Georgia and Galveston County are sparking further legal debate over whether the Voting Rights Act permits these coalition districts. Appellate courts are divided on that question. At a hearing Wednesday in Atlanta, an attorney for the state of Georgia argued that federal law protects just one group  not coalitions of minority voters. And Jones himself noted that the case at hand centered on the rights of Black Georgians.

He promised to rule quickly. Officials in Georgia say maps must be finalized next month to meet deadlines for the 2024 elections.

I think that opponents of the Voting Rights Act were shocked by what happened in Milligan, and I think that maybe they are even in a state of disbelief and denial that it happened, said Mark Gaber, the senior director for redistricting at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center  one of the voting rights groups engaged in Section 2 litigation. They are making a run that perhaps there is a majority on the (Supreme) Court thats willing to reverse course.

Treated like cattle

Whether the protections of the Voting Rights Act extend to multiracial coalitions stands at the center of the current legal confrontation in Galveston County, the latest redistricting showdown to play out in this Gulf Coast community of some 350,000 people.

More than a decade ago, when preclearance was still in effect for Texas, the Justice Department rejected an effort to redraw the countys electoral precincts, on the grounds that it would dilute minority power.

But the countys redistricting process after the 2020 census has drawn headlines and lawsuits  from civil rights groups and the US Justice Department, both over the manner in which the new precincts were drawn and the final plan itself.

The Galveston County Commissioners Court, as the local governing body is known, held just one public hearing about the map  a heated event, where Commissioner Stephen Holmes, the current officeholder in Courvilles precinct, and many residents implored the Republican majority to abandon the plan. At the time, Holmes was the only Democrat and the only person of color on the Commissioners Court.

While no single minority group made up the majority of voters in his precinct, Black and Latino voters together accounted for 58% of the precincts total population in 2020.

The public meeting on the redistricting plan was scheduled on a weekday afternoon, instead of the evening hours. And instead of gathering in the Commissioners Courts normal meeting room inside a courthouse that can seat about 250 people, the hearing was held in another building about 25 miles away from the city of Galveston in a meeting room that could only accommodate 65 to 75 people, according to the DOJs lawsuit.

There was no overflow room for the estimated 150 to 200 people who attended, leaving residents  some of whom were elderly people using walkers and wheelchairs  to line the hallways. And participants, the DOJ said, struggled to even hear the proceedings because the room had no sound system.

Courville, a longtime community activist and onetime candidate for a local post in Texas City, Texas, was among the speakers that day and angrily denounced the map as destroying totally her community, footage of the meeting shows.

Courville speaks during a heated meeting of the Galveston County Commissioners Court in 2021. - From Galveston County Commissioners Court

It was one of the most frustrating things that I have ever encountered as an adult, she said in a recent interview. We were treated like cattle.

In the end, the map was approved 3-1, with Holmes the only no vote.

After trial, US District Court Judge Jeffrey Vincent Brown, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, sided with the plaintiffs in Galveston, ruling that the initial maps were fundamentally inconsistent with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. And he called the events in Galveston County stark and jarring with the commissioners transforming Holmes district from the precinct with the highest percentage of Black and Latino residents to that with the lowest percentage.

We felt vindicated, Courville said of Browns ruling.

Her elation was short-lived. The majority on the Galveston commission has appealed, arguing that the Voting Rights Act does not protect minority coalitions.

And the judges on the conservative 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which had previously ruled that Section 2 allowed minority-coalition claims, now plan to revisit that precedent.

It has scheduled a hearing on that question before the full appellate court in May. A last-ditch attempt by the civil rights groups to persuade the US Supreme Court to intervene and force the local government to use a new map in time for the March primary election failed. (The high court did not explain why it was leaving the map in place  so its not clear whether a majority thought it was too close to the election to impose new precinct lines or whether some of the justices are open to examining the question of minority coalitions.)

Mark Henry, the Galveston County chief executive, said through a spokesman that for all the criticism of the commissioners actions, it appears the courts are agreeing with what weve done.

(Galveston County officials also note that the five-member commission now has more minority representation than its ever had with another Black member joining Holmes on the panel. That commissioner, Republican Robin Armstrong, was appointed to a fill a vacancy in 2022 and has since won the seat after running unopposed. Holmes seat is up for reelection next year.)

But, as a result of the Supreme Courts decision not to intervene, the 2024 primary and general elections in Galveston County will proceed under a map that the lower-court judge ruled had illegally diluted the votes of the countys Black and Latino residents.

Theres no justice, Courville told CNN after the Supreme Courts action. Its like they dont care what they do to people.

And, after a lifetime of voting, Courville said shes considering sitting out the upcoming local elections. You get tired of hitting these brick walls.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Paul Whelan, an American who has been wrongfully detained in Russia for five years, is afraid for his safety after being assaulted by another inmate late last month, he said in a call with CNN on Wednesday.

Whelan said he is being targeted by an official at a remote prison camp in Mordovia in retaliation for the official being admonished for the November 28 assault.

Whelan  who holds citizenships in the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Canada  was detained at a Moscow hotel in December 2018 by Russian authorities who accused him of being a spy. The United States Marine Corps veteran was sentenced to 16 years in prison on an espionage charge he vehemently denies.

Whelan previously told CNN that he was attacked in a prison factory by a newly arrived 50-year-old Turkish man who harbors anti-American views.

Whelan told CNN that the prison official, whom he did not name, called on prisoners to instigate fights with him for the purposes of getting him disciplined.

Whelan also said that prisoners, on the (officials) behalf, asked me for $1,100 protection money.

That amount is the exact amount of my prison account, and prisoners would not have known that unless they had been told, Whelan told CNN.

Having no luck with obtaining the money, he ordered me to move to a different barrack, which would expose me to criminal behavior as well as the potential of assault, Whelan said. Most people carry knives here and many use stimulants which can make them wild and violent  a deadly combination where any sort of conflict exists, especially an incident provoked by the deputy warden.

CNN has reached out to prison for comment. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday he was unaware of Whelans claims about safety concerns and alleged targeting by prison staff.

In response to CNNs question during a regular conference call with reporters, Peskov said, No, to be honest, we dont know about this. I cant say anything about this. I just didnt know there was such an interview.

Whelan said hes spoken to human rights representatives from the prison oversight group, and said he has insisted on speaking with the prosecutor.

The Russian government has to do more to ensure my safety here and right main threat is the (official), he said, and called on the Russian government to have him removed.

Whelan also noted he feels threatened because he is an American, and he said the prisoners at his camp dont look too kindly upon the US support of Israel in Gaza.

Whelan told CNN that when he spoke to prison officials about his concerns, they told him he could go to solitary confinement 24 hours a day.

Whelan said he had spoken with the office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs and the US Embassy regarding his concerns about the official.

Theyre considering what action they can take. Theyll discuss it with the Russian officials that they negotiate with, as well as protest the activity through official channels, he said.

The assault underscored concerns from Whelan, 53, and his family about his continued detention in the prison due to his age and vulnerability as an American citizen.

Hes watched as the US has secured the release of other Americans being held in Russia, including WNBA player Brittney Griner and Trevor Reed, another Marine veteran.

Griner and Reed were freed in a series of prisoner swaps last year. The US said the Russians refused to include Whelan in those swaps.

In previous conversations with CNN, Whelan has expressed frustration and a sense that he was abandoned by the US government.

He told CNN in October that he told Secretary of State Antony Blinken point blank that leaving me here the first time painted a target on my back and leaving me here the second time basically signed a death warrant.

The State Department, which has designated Whelan as wrongfully detained, renewed calls for Russia to release Whelan and other American citizen detainees. American journalist Evan Gershkovich has been detained in Russia since March and is also designated as wrongfully detained.

We urge the Russian government to ensure fair treatment and appropriate medical care for all U.S. citizens detained in Russia, a State Department spokesperson said Wednesday.

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The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld two appellate court rulings that ordered Japanese companies to compensate Koreans forced into wartime labor during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule.

The top court handed down the decisions on two damages suits filed against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Steel between 2013 and 2014. The Supreme Court previously confirmed similar compensation orders for the two Japanese companies in 2018 in response to lawsuits launched in 2012.

In one of the latest two rulings approved by the Supreme Court, Mitsubishi was ordered to pay 100 million-150 million won ($76,763-115,163) to each of three forced labor victims and a victim's family member to compensate for their unpaid work. The victims, who were reportedly forced to enlist in the Korean Women's Volunteer Labor Corps and toil at an aircraft plant in Nagoya in 1944, started the litigation in February 2014.

Another appellate court ruling upheld by the top court ordered Nippon Steel to pay compensation of 100 million won each to seven Koreans, who were reportedly victimized by wartime forced labor and unpaid work from 1942 to 1945. The seven launched their suits in March 2013 but all of them have since died.

Ruling in favor of forced labor victims in 2018, the Supreme Court said the 1965 treaty signed between Korea and Japan to settle colonial-era issues does not terminate individuals' rights to claim damages. Japan claims all reparation issues were settled in the 1965 treaty that normalized the bilateral diplomatic ties.

The Japanese companies have not accepted the Korean court rulings and the Korean victims and their lawyers have sought to seize assets of the Japanese defendants. Separate lawsuits to seize the Japanese firms' local assets are now pending in the Supreme Court.

The incumbent Seoul government seeking to improve relations with Tokyo announced a plan early this year to compensate the victims through a public foundation supported by donations from Korean businesses, without direct involvement of Japanese firms. But some of the victims have refused to comply with the government proposal. (Yonhap)
Prague  A lone gunman opened fire Thursday in a university building in downtown Prague, killing at least 14 people and injuring more than 20 in the Czech Republic's worst mass shooting, police and the city's rescue service said.

The bloodshed took place in the philosophy department building of Charles University, where the shooter was a student, Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek said. The suspected gunman also died, authorities said. His name has not been released.

Vondrasek said 25 people were wounded, and authorities warned that the death toll could rise. Authorities had previously said 15 people were dead. He didn't explain the drop in the death toll.

Foreign nationals were among the dead, authorities said. A State Department spokesperson told CBS News Thursday evening that it was "not aware of any U.S. citizens injured or killed at this time" in the attack.

Police gave no details about possible motive for the shooting at the building located near the Vltava River in Jan Palach Square. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said investigators do not suspect a link to any extremist ideology or groups.

Vondrasek said police believe the gunman killed his father earlier Thursday in his hometown of Hostoun, just west of Prague, and that he had also been planning to kill himself. He didn't elaborate.



Later Thursday, Vondrasek said that based on a search of his home, the gunman was also suspected in the killing of another man and his 2-month-old daughter Dec. 15, in Prague.

Vondrasek said police believe the suspect killed his father in his hometown of Hostoun, just west of Prague, earlier in the day, and that he had also been planning to kill himself. He didn't elaborate.

The chief described the suspect as an excellent student but didn't provide any other information.

A police officer cordons off an area near a university in central Prague, Czech Republic, Dec. 21, 2023. / Credit: MICHAL CIZEK/AFP/Getty

The suspect suffered "devastating injuries" but it wasn't clear if he killed himself or was shot to death in an exchange of gunfire with officers, Vondrasek said, adding that there was "nothing to suggest that he had an accomplice."

The suspect legally owned several guns, and what he did was "well thought out, a horrible act," Vondrasek said.

The government quickly sought to quell concerns that the massacre was back by foreign interests.

"There's no indication that it has anything to do with international terrorism," Rakusan said, calling the incident "a horrible crime, something the Czech Republic has never experienced."

"At the moment, it appears to have been the act of a lone gunman who is now dead," Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said, similarly emphasizing the incident was "not an act of international terrorism or an organized group."

"I would like to thank for all the expressions of condolences and support to the people of the Czech Republic after today's shooting at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University," Fiala wrote in a social media post. "It is very important for us in these difficult moments and we appreciate it very much."

Czech President Petr Pavel said he was "shocked" by what happened and offered his condolences to the relatives of the victims.

The building where the shooting took place is located near the Vltava River in Jan Palach Square, a busy tourist area in Prague's Old Town. It is just a few minutes' walk from the picturesque Old Town Square, a major tourist attraction where thousands of visitors have been enjoying a popular Christmas market.

Authorities evacuated everyone from the building and police said they were still searching the area, including the balcony, for explosives.

The building forms part of the square and faces a bridge across the river with a view of Prague Castle, the seat of the Czech presidency.

Where tourists, students and others would normally be enjoying the view of the iconic monument, chaos and terror instead took hold. Police vehicles and ambulances sped across the bridge with their sirens wailing. Officers sealed off the empty square.

One social media user posted a photo of a group of students, hiding crouched on a ledge of the building, Reuters reported.

People on a roof following a shooting at one of the buildings of Charles University, in Prague, Czech Republic, December 21, 2023, as seen in this screen grab taken from a social media video. / Credit: Ivo Havranek/via REUTERS

Pavel Nedoma, the director of the nearby Rudolfinum Gallery, said he watched from a window as a person standing on a balcony of the building fired a gun.

Some video footage showed people being evacuated from the building and others trying to hide by a wall.

The Czech government planned to meet later Thursday for an emergency session to discuss the shooting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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A gunman has shot dead 14 people and injured another 25 at a university in Prague, officials say, in the deadliest attack in modern Czech history.

Police say the 24-year-old gunman was also "eliminated" following the shooting at Charles University in the historic centre of the capital.

University staff were told to barricade themselves in rooms during the attack.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he had cancelled upcoming engagements in light of the "tragic events" on Thursday.

The shooting started at about 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) at the university's Faculty of Arts building on Jan Palach Square.

Dramatic footage later emerged on social media showing some people jumping to safety from one of the building's ledges several storeys up, and gunshots are also heard.

In a separate video, terrified crowds are seen fleeing the area popular with tourists.

At a briefing on Thursday evening, the country's police chief and the interior minister said the gunman had been a student at the faculty.

They said he was from a village 21km (13 miles) outside Prague. The suspect's father had been found dead earlier on Thursday. The gunman's motives were not immediately known.

Preliminary information suggested that no police officers were injured in the attack, the authorities said.

The police said they were also working on the theory that the gunman may have been responsible for the deaths of two people last week in a forest near Prague.

Police have urged any witnesses with photo or video footage of what happened to send it in

The area around the university remained sealed off late into the night

Sergey Medvedev, a professor at the university, told the BBC he was in on of the university's auditoriums when the shootings began.

"I was giving a lecture at the moment and at first didn't quite realise what happened because there were some sounds. The students... heard it better because I was so much concentrated on my talking, on my lecture," he said.

"Then... we understood that something big is happening. There was nothing online yet, nothing in the Czech press and the [news] networks. Then at some point, the special operation groups went storming in, they searched the room briefly and then went out... they told us to stay inside.

"One hour later, another police squad broke in and then put us on the floor, briefly searched us then evacuated from the building," the professor added.

US tourist Hannah Mallicoat told the BBC that she and her family were on Jan Palach Square during the attack.

"A crowd of people were crossing the street when the first shot hit. I thought it was something like a firecracker or a car backfire until I heard the second shot and people started running.

"I saw a bullet hit the ground on the other side of the square about 30 ft (9m) away before ducking into a store. The whole area was blocked off and dozens of police cars and ambulances were going towards the university," she said.

Britain's Joe Hyland, 18, told the BBC that he "heard four loud gunshots".

"Everyone was sprinting and running for cover. I have a bad knee, am on a crutch. So I hobbled as quickly as possible," added Mr Hyland, who was on his first holiday with friends. "We got to the metro and went down there because we thought it would be safest."

Map showing the location of the shooting

Charles University students said they had barricaded themselves in classrooms.

"Currently stuck inside my classroom in Prague," Jakob Weizman, a student at Charles University, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) as it unfolded.

"Locked the door before the shooter tried to open it."

An email to staff at the faculty of arts, seen by Reuters, warned staff of the shooting.

It read: "Stay put, don't go anywhere, if you're in the offices, lock them and place furniture in front of the door, turn off the lights."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was "shocked by the senseless violence".

Founded in 1347, Charles University is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic, and one of the oldest such institutions in Europe.

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Joe Biden exchanged emails with his son Hunters business associate 54 times while he was serving as vice president, and some of the messages were sent around the time the elder Biden was traveling to Ukraine and his son was working for a Ukrainian gas company, according to records released by House Republicans.

A White House spokesperson declined to comment but pointed to statements by House Democrats that Hunter Bidens business associate, Eric Schwerin, worked as Joe Bidens financial adviser from 2009 to 2017 and helped him file his tax returns. Schwerin did not respond to requests for comment.

The records released describe the dates of the emails and who exchanged them, but do not include the messages themselves. NBC News has not reviewed the contents of the emails.

All told, then-Vice President Biden emailed Schwerin 35 times before and after his 2014 trips to Ukraine. Five emails were exchanged just prior to a trip by Vice President Biden to Ukraine on June 7, 2014, and 27 emails were sent from the end of June to a second trip to Ukraine by Biden on Nov. 21, 2014.

The bulk of the communication occurred in the lead-up to and following an agreement for Hunter Biden to serve on the board of the Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma.

Earlier this year, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said in a news release that Schwerin told House Ways and Means Committee staff in a March interview that the elder Biden was not involved in the business of his son or any of his relatives.

Raskin said Schwerin stated that he was not aware of any involvement by President Biden in the financial conduct of the Presidents relatives businesses, much less any transactions into or out of the then-vice presidents bank account related to business conducted by any Biden family member.

The email disclosures were part of law enforcement records released by House Republicans following the testimony of IRS whistleblower Joseph Ziegler. This month, Ziegler provided the documents to the House Ways and Means Committee in conjunction with a sworn affidavit. The committee, which also heard the testimony of a second IRS whistleblower, Gary Shapley, is led by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo.

Ziegler told Congress that there were multiple emails found with Hunter Biden and his business associates but the investigative team was unaware at the time that then-Vice President Biden used an alias in his private emails.

Hunter Biden earned nearly $1.2 million from Burisma in 2014, according to emails contained on a copy of his hard drive and obtained by NBC News. In their recent tax indictment of Biden, federal prosecutors alleged he made over $1.4 million from 2016 to 2019, when Bidens engagement with the Ukrainian firm ended.

Biden is scheduled to be arraigned on misdemeanor and felony federal tax charges in Los Angeles in early January. After his indictment last week, Bidens attorney Abbe Lowell said in a statement, 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.

Bidens addition to Burismas board as head of legal affairs was reported in a news release in May 2014. At some point from May to December 2014, Burisma allegedly paid a bribe to a Ukrainian official to help stop a joint British-U.S. money-laundering investigation into Burismas top executive, according to a State Department email that quotes a Ukrainian prosecutor.

Former President Donald Trump has falsely claimed that Joe Biden helped oust a Ukrainian prosecutor, Victor Shokin, when he was prosecuting Burisma. Multiple U.S. officials testified to Congress that Shokin was forced out in a joint American and British effort because he himself was corrupt.

Hunter Biden later wrote in his 2021 book, "Beautiful Things: A Memoir," that few of his business deals brought tangible results. He said he wasnt desperate before he landed a position on the board of Burisma in 2014 but that the money was helpful and that it came at a fortuitous time.

He said it meant he didnt have to work hard to find clients, the most time-consuming part of my work  drilling twenty dry wells to finally hit pay dirt, and that it allowed him to spend more time with his dying brother, Beau.
Blacks mother, aerospace engineer Judith Love Cohen, is featured in a book of obituaries for women and people of color previously unreported by The New York Times

In a photo published exclusively with PEOPLE, a two-year-old Jack Black is seen in the arms of his mother, Judith Love Cohen.



This is an old scrapbook that Judy had that's now Jack's. But essentially it's just a scrapbook of a child growing up, David Katz, Cohens third husband and Blacks stepfather, tells PEOPLE. And I looked at all these pictures and I thought, Ah, I like this one. 



Cohen, who died in 2016 of cancer at age 82, lived a full and fascinating life, which included working as an aerospace engineer on life-saving projects for NASA, advocating for women in STEM and more. Her story is just one featured in Overlooked, a book by New York Times obituaries editor Amisha Padnani.

Published by Ten Speed Press on Nov. 14, Overlooked features obituaries, stories and photographs of women and people of color that were previously unreported by the newspaper.

'Overlooked' by Amisha Padnani

The book is an expansion of Padnanis Overlooked series for the New York Times, which was created in 2018 in response to reader questions about including more women and people of color in the obituaries section.



It was for me, a very personal project, Padnani tells PEOPLE. As the daughter of Indian immigrants, I was taught to blend in, assimilate, work really hard, keep your head down, not really brag about success. And so you tend to just feel like, after a while, you're walking around invisible. And I really wanted to see more people like me represented in our section.

The book features figures like investigative journalist Ida B. Wells and writer Sylvia Plath as well as Cohen.

Padnani says that it was only when she was editing the obituary, written by Shannon Hall, that she realized Cohen was Blacks mother. (Cohen had four children: Howard Siegel, Rachel Siegel and Neil Siegel from her first marriage to Bernard Siegel and Black from her second marriage to Thomas William Black.)

Her full obituary now opens with the story of Blacks birth. The story begins by talking about how [Cohen] was about to give birth, but she had this pesky work problem she just couldn't solve. And so she brought her papers with her and wanted to figure it out, Padnani says. And then the next day, her son was born and there's Jack Black. So it's pretty remarkable how hardworking she was.

Related: All About Jack Black's Parents, Judith Love Cohen and Thomas William Black

Black and his mother Judith Love Cohen

Cohen was born on August 16, 1933 to Jewish parents in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents left Russia for the United States before World War I began. She garnered an interest in STEM from her father, Maurice, who taught her geometry. Cohen, who went to Brooklyn College to study engineering, also balanced an interest in the arts with her education, dancing for the Metropolitan Operas ballet company.



Cohen was one of few female aerospace engineers during her career. She would go on to work on several NASA projects, including the Minuteman missile and the Apollo Abort Guidance System. The latter, which would help astronauts abort before a shuttle ran out of fuel, proved crucial during the 1970 Apollo 13mission, which attempted to reach the moon before an oxygen tank exploded. The program helped the crew return to safety.

She would come home from work with a head full of steam  of ideas and passions, Black says in the book. His mother was also supportive of him and his acting career. Katz, who married Cohen in the 1980s, says Black and his mother had a really good relationship.

Related: Apollo 13 Crew Overcame Incredible Obstacles 50 Years Ago: Here Are Their Quotes on Survival

Jack Black

Cohen remained an advocate for womens rights. She made jobs more accessible for women by encouraging the TRW to post job listings with formal descriptions within the company. After retiring in 1990, she wrote a childrens book titled You Can Be a Women Engineer. Cohen and Katz created their own publishing company, Cascade Press, when they couldnt find a publisher for the book. The company published titles about women in STEM, with Cohen writing the books and Katz illustrating them.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.



I think it was just so ahead of its time, the books, Padnani says. You can be a woman engineer, you can be this, you can be that. I think that's a lot of what we're seeing today. But she did that many, many years ago. And so I think it was just really forward-thinking.



For Katz, Cohens legacy continues to reach far and wide.



I don't know what to say about her because there's so many facets of her, he says. She was a good writer, a good mother, a good wife, and just a really great engineer. And she just did many things really well. When she decided to do something, she put all her heart and soul into it. And because of her great intelligence and her discipline, she was able to do it well.



Overlooked is now available where books are sold.



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Read the original article on People.
A snowy owl roosts Wednesday on top of a chimney cap in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee. It was the first snowy to be sighted this winter in the Milwaukee area.

A beloved visitor from the far north showed up Wednesday in Milwaukee just in time for seasonal celebrations.

And though it hung out on a chimney, it wasn't a jolly, red-suited man pulled by reindeer.

This wild one traveled on its own power.

It was a snowy owl, the first recorded in Milwaukee this winter.

The bird drew a crowd of onlookers and photographers late Wednesday afternoon as it perched on a chimney cap on a home in the Bay View neighborhood.

"Such a beautiful bird," said Rita Flores Wiskowski of South Milwaukee, an avid birder who looks forward to the opportunity to view snowies each winter in Wisconsin. "I wasn't sure we were going to see one (this winter) so it was especially welcome."

The owl roosted at the site for several hours, alternately resting and feeding on what Wiskowski and others identified as an American coot.

A snowy owl holds part of an American coot in its mouth as it stands on a chimney cap in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee. The bird, the first of its kind seen in Milwaukee this winter, was spotted Wednesday afternoon.

Jeremy Meyer of Franklin had been photographing birds Wednesday in Grant Park when he saw a social media post about the owl. He headed over to the Bay View neighborhood and captured images of the snowy. At times 50 people were gathered on the sidewalk and in yards, looking up in awe, Meyer said.

"The homeowners were so happy, they couldn't believe they had a snowy on their block," Meyer said. "It turned into a pretty good spectacle."

On the eve of the winter solstice, the owl provided a feathered inspiration to celebrate the longest night and the increased daylight ahead.

How large are snowy owls?

Weighing from 3 to 6 pounds, snowies are North Americas heaviest owl and are easy to distinguish by their white feathers and yellow eyes. They have wingspans of 4 to 5 feet.

Male snowy owls are barred with dark brown when theyre young and get whiter as they get older, whereas females keep some dark markings throughout their lives, according to the Cornel Lab of Ornithology.

Where do snowy owls live?

Snowy owls spend the summer breeding season on the tundra north of the Arctic circle. Come winter, some move south into southern Canada and the northern United States, including Wisconsin.

Some years more than 100 will migrate into the Badger State in an event known as an irruption. One of the largest documented irruptions was the winter of 2017-18, when 280 snowy owls were recorded in the state.

What causes an irruption of snowy owls?

Irruptions are thought to occur most often in years of high nesting success and high production of snowy owls in the Arctic, said Ryan Brady, conservation biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The spike in population then results in more snowies than usual pushing south.

Is this winter looking like an irruption year?

There were seven snowy owls documented in Wisconsin as of Dec. 21, Brady said, a much lower number than is typically found in an irruption year.

In 2017-18, for example, 84 snowies were found in the state by mid-November.

So far this year snowies have been sighted in the following counties, Brady said: Brown (three birds), Burnett (one), Green (one), Sheboygan (one) and Milwaukee (one).

What do snowy owls eat?

Snowy owls are active day and night and use their keen hearing and sight to capture prey. Lemmings are the most common prey item for snowies in the Arctic. In Wisconsin the birds often catch and eat mice, rabbits, ducks and other waterbirds.

Where's a good place to see a snowy owl in Wisconsin?

Snowy owls in Wisconsin are most often found in open terrain that is similar to their Arctic habitat. This often includes open areas along bodies of water, in agricultural fields and airports. They can be observed perching on telephone poles, fence posts, breakwalls and buildings.

In Milwaukee the birds are often seen near the Lake Express Ferry terminal and on piers and breakwalls along Lake Michigan.

The birds are also often spotted in the Oconto harbor and at Beuna Vista Wildlife Area near Wisconsin Rapids.

To check on recent sightings, visit eBird.org.

Snowy owl viewing guidelines and ethics

Snowy owls are a protected species in Wisconsin and harassing or killing a bird can result in a citation. Wildlife viewers, photographers and others should allow the birds plenty of space and not cause them to flush or move.

The DNR offers these tips for observing the birds:

Do not approach an owl too closely  you are too close if the bird frequently looks at you, sits erect with open eyes peering in your direction or flushes from its perch.

Do not play audio recordings.

Do not feed owls.

Minimize the use of flash photography, especially after dark, as this can disrupt an owl's activity patterns.

When viewing from a vehicle, turn off the engine to avoid interfering with the owl's auditory hunting technique.

Ask landowners permission before frequenting private property, and avoid blocking public roadways and access points.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Snowy owl seen in Bay View but outlook for Wisconsin sightings is dim
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is asking President Biden to take executive actions related to the border, including implementing stricter immigration enforcement policies and restarting construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

The request, sent in a Thursday letter, comes as his colleagues in the Senate were unable to come to an agreement on border policy changes as a condition for additional Ukraine aid before leaving for a holiday recess.

While a bipartisan group of Senators has begun extensive negotiations over the past few weeks to try to find a compromise, they have not yet been able to finalize an agreement, Johnson said in the letter. Statutory reforms designed to restore operational control at our southern border must be enacted, but the crisis at our southern border has deteriorated to such an extent that significant action can wait no longer. It must start now, and it must start with you.

I urge you to immediately take executive actions available to you under existing immigration laws to stem the record tide of illegal immigration, Johnson said.

The Speaker called for executive actions to turn back or detain all illegal aliens encountered between ports of entry, ending the so-called catch-and-release policy; grant parole solely on a case-by-case-basis rather than for entire classes of migrants; reinstate asylum cooperative agreements and negotiate with Mexico to reinstitute the Remain in Mexico program; expand the use of expedited removal; and restart construction of the wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Johnson also referenced a border law that conservatives have used as the core of a dereliction of duty impeachment argument against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

I also urge you to utilize Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to regain operational control of the border, Johnson wrote. That provision empowers the President to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate if the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

Asked in a press conference on Thursday whether Biden could take any other unilateral action to address the flow of migrants into the country, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre  who said she had not seen Johnsons letter yet  indicated that the president could not take any more unilateral actions, and said that Congress needs to approve more funding.

I mean, look, we asked for more Border Patrol, right  And you got Republicans in Congress, who, especially in the House, who want to cut back, they actually want to do the opposite of what the President is trying to do. And so look, the President has done everything that he can, right, on his own, Jean-Pierre said.

In a separate statement, White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez turned the blame back on Republicans, saying they had refused to pass measures to adequately fund border security.

If Speaker Johnson and House Republicans had their way, there would be 2,000 fewer CBP agents and officers at the border  just look at the bill they voted for in May 2023, he said.

He added, If Speaker Johnson and House Republicans want to real solutions, they should provide DHS the resources it needs  not seek to defund it.

Johnsons deputy chief of staff for communications, Raj Shah, fired back in a statement.

The White Houses insistence that the President has done everything that he can on his own to secure the border is an insult to the American people. In fact, it has been this administrations policies  that President Biden can reverse  that have led to the historic crisis we are seeing on a daily basis, Shah said. As Speaker Johnson stated in his letter to the President, the administration must take action immediately to secure our southern border.

In the letter, Johnson cited record encounters with migrants on the southern border and pointed to the fentanyl poisoning epidemic.

All of this is the direct result of your administrations policies, Johnson wrote to Biden. You have clearly undermined Americas sovereignty and security by ending the Remain in Mexico policy, reinstating catch-and-release, suspending asylum cooperative agreements with other nations, revoking existing restraints on the abuse of parole, and halting border wall construction.

You also undermined Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) core mission, and even created a smartphone app to facilitate the release of border crossers into the United States, Johnson wrote, referencing the CBP One app that streamlines processing of migrants.

Johnson mentioned a bill passed by House Republicans earlier this year, the H.R. 2 Secure the Border Act, and dinged the Senate for not bringing up the legislation or coming to a compromise agreement on border policies as part of the Ukraine funding package.

Updated at 4:51 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Donald Trumps harsh rhetoric and Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts contentious new law have reignited Republican efforts to make border security the focus of the 2024 election  elevating the fight over immigration policy to new heights.

The renewed focus on immigration comes at a politically sensitive moment for President Joe Biden, who is negotiating a deal with congressional Republicans on immigration and border policy changes  a GOP demand as part of a broader emergency aid package that will also include funding for Ukraine and Israel.

Already, Biden is facing backlash from key progressive allies over his willingness to make concessions on border policy.

The stakes of the immigration debate  now playing out on Capitol Hill, in courtrooms and on the campaign trail  are enormous. Shifts among Latino voters  who have moved in the GOPs favor in recent elections in certain key regions  could tip swing states such as Arizona and Nevada in the 2024 election. Meanwhile, Biden must hold together a Democratic coalition that includes moderates concerned about border security and young voters and progressives, who polls have shown are already frustrated with the president.

Trump set off a political firestorm Saturday when he claimed during a New Hampshire campaign speech that immigrants from South America, Africa and Asia were poisoning the blood of our country  a remark that drew comparisons to the language of Nazi Germany.

He followed those comments with a pledge Sunday in Nevada to to conduct the largest deportation operation in American history.

Then, on Tuesday night in Iowa, he acknowledged and rejected the comparisons of his language to Adolf Hitlers Mein Kampf, but repeated his claims about immigrants.

Its crazy whats going on. Theyre ruining our country. And its true, theyre destroying the blood of our country. Thats what theyre doing. Theyre destroying our country. They dont like it when I said that, Trump said.

And Ive never read Mein Kampf. They said, Oh Hitler said that. In a much different way.

In Texas, Abbott, the third-term Republican governor, on Monday signed into law a measure that will test how far states can go to keep undocumented migrants out.

The new law will make entering Texas illegally a state crime  granting local law enforcement the power to arrest migrants and judges the ability to issue orders to remove them to Mexico. It has sent ripples of fear throughout the Latino community in Texas, which makes up 40% of the states population.

Already, the American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit, claiming that the Texas law is unconstitutional and runs afoul of federal immigration law.

The bill overrides bedrock constitutional principles and flouts federal immigration law while harming Texans, in particular Brown and Black communities, Adriana Pinon, legal director of the ACLU of Texas, said in a statement.

Bidens White House condemned the Texas law on Tuesday, raising doubts about its legality.

This is an extreme law that will not and does not make the communities in Texas safer. It just doesnt, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a news briefing.

She called the law very much in line with what  many Republicans like to do or tend to do, which is demonize immigrants and also dehumanize immigrants.

The ongoing surge of migration at the US-Mexico border has placed immense pressure on local and federal resources. Abbott and the Biden administration have sparred over some of the states measures to curb illegal immigration along the southern border. On Sunday, US Customs and Border Protection announced it would temporarily suspend operations at the international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, starting Monday, due to a surge in border crossings by migrants.

Border authorities apprehended about 192,000 migrants between ports of entry in November, a 2% increase compared with the 188,000 migrant apprehensions in October, US Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens told CNN.

Migrants seeking asylum in the United States stand on the banks of the Rio Grande at the southern US border, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on December 18, 2023. - Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters

Democrats signal border concerns

Democrats in recent days have conceded that they see border security as a problem.

We all know theres a problem at the border. The president does, Democrats do and were going to try to solve that problem consistent with our principles, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday.

In Arizona  one of the nations most important swing states  Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs last week signed an executive order mobilizing the Arizona National Guard to the southern border.

Hobbs order said her state has borne the burden of federal inaction on border security.

In the past few weeks, the Biden administration has closed ports of entry to either vehicular or pedestrian crossings in Eagle Pass, Texas; Lukeville, Arizona; and San Ysidro, California.

The closure of the Lukeville port of entry, Hobbs order said, has led to an unmitigated humanitarian crisis in the area and has put Arizonas safety and commerce at risk.

Still, many progressives are warning of potential backlash from the Democratic base if Biden makes too many concessions to Republicans in the negotiations for a border security and foreign aid package.

If he does go too far in the Trump direction when it comes to this, its going to be felt at the ballot box next year. No doubt about it, Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California told CNN.

Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador are expected to speak this week, according to two sources familiar with discussions, amid the latest surge at the US southern border that has pushed federal resources to the limit.

The US has generally leaned on Mexico to help stem the flow of migrants moving through the Western hemisphere. Last month, Biden and Lopez Obrador met in San Francisco at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, where the two discussed unprecedented levels of migration, among other issues.

Trumps comments spark GOP criticism

Its not just Democrats who are divided on immigration and border security.

Trumps claim about migrants poisoning the blood of our country drew backlash from some of his rivals for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination  many of whom have similarly called for strict border measures.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who frequently faults Trump for failing to finish the US-Mexico border wall, described the former presidents comments as a tactical error.

DeSantis said Trump had given Democrats, who are fractured on the issue, something to seize on and rally the partys disparate factions.

Heres the thing: This border is such a disaster, DeSantis said Monday following a campaign event in Adel, Iowa. Its a huge liability for Biden.

To give  the opposition an ability to try to make it about something else, I think, is just a tactical mistake, he said.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was harshest in his condemnation of Trumps remarks. Hes disgusting, Christie said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union while also calling the comments dog whistling.

Trumps former attorney general, Bill Barr, told CNNs Jake Tapper on The Lead on Wednesday that he, too, was offended by it, because it has racist overtones.

Does bringing in a lot of people at once from a different country, does that put strains on our system, and harm the country to an extent? Yes, it does. But the attacks, on the idea that they pollute our blood, you know, I think are foul, Barr said.

However, on Capitol Hill, Trumps remarks received relatively little blowback  and even some encouragement.

Asked for comment, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell invoked his wife, former Trump official Elaine Chao, who was born in Taiwan and immigrated to the United States as a child.

Well, it strikes me, that didnt bother him when he appointed Elaine Chao secretary of transportation, the Kentucky Republican said.

Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who has endorsed Trump, urged the former president to be tougher in his rhetoric toward immigrants.

Im mad he wasnt tougher than that, Tuberville said, because have you seen whats happening at the border? We are being overrun. Theyre taking us over.

This story has been updated with additional reaction.

CNNs Jack Forrest, Manu Raju, Kit Maher, Asher Moskowitz, Haley Talbot, Kate Sullivan, Priscilla Alvarez, Camila DeChalus, Michael Williams, Rosa Flores, Sara Weisfeldt and Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Donald Trumps rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination largely closed ranks around the former president, adding to the broad GOP criticism of the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that he cannot appear on the states primary ballot next year.

However, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  who lambasted the Colorado decision  also used the ruling to call into question whether Trump can win next year, arguing Wednesday morning that nominating the former president would make the 2024 election about all this legal stuff.

The responses from Trumps rivals show the balancing act they face just weeks from the first votes being cast in the GOP nominating contest. Trumps continued popularity with the partys base, despite his ongoing legal troubles, means they must defend him while also making their own case that its time for the party to move on.

DeSantis, campaigning in Urbandale, Iowa, described the Colorado ruling as a Democratic plot to solidify support in the primary for Trump because, the Florida governor asserted, the party sees him as the easiest Republican to defeat in November.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his family greet guests after speaking at an event in Bettendorf, Iowa, on December 18, 2023. - Scott Olson/Getty Images

He said other state Supreme Courts could similarly seek to keep Trump off 2024 ballots. Nominating someone else, DeSantis said, would give us our best chance to be able to win.

The whole general elections going to be all this legal stuff, he said. Look, its unfair. But the question is, is that going to work? And I think they have a playbook that unfortunately will work. And it will give Biden or the Democrat or whoever the ability to skate through this thing. Thats their plan. Thats what they want.

DeSantis argument about electability is similar to the one many of Trumps primary rivals have made after his indictments in a New York hush money case, a Georgia election interference probe, and federal investigations into the events around the January 6, 2021, insurrection and his alleged mishandling of classified documents.

Do we want to have 2024 to be about this trial, that case, this case, having to put hundreds of millions of dollars into legal stuff? DeSantis said Wednesday. Or do we want 2024 to be about your issues, about the countrys future, with a nominee thats going to be able to prosecute that case against the left just like Ive been able to do in Florida?

That is a path to winning, he said.

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Trump is constitutionally ineligible to appear on the ballot in next years state primary because the 14th Amendments ban on insurrectionists holding public office covers his conduct on January 6.

While the US Supreme Court will have final say over the matter, the Colorado ruling, on its face, represents a new level of accountability for Trump over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

However, much like his four criminal indictments this year, it could also serve as a boost to his White House comeback bid. Those indictments have energized supporters and led the partys base to rally around Trump.

The Colorado decision comes less than four weeks from the first contest on the GOP nominating calendar: the January 15 Iowa caucuses. Any rallying around the former president, who has a commanding lead in national and early state primary polls, would leave his Republican rivals with little time to change the races trajectory.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he would leave to the courts questions about Trumps eligibility to run for the top office again.

But he certainly supported an insurrection. Theres no question about it. None. Zero, Biden told reporters after disembarking from Air Force One in Milwaukee. He seems to be doubling down on everything.

Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and US ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, said she wants to beat her onetime boss fair and square, without interventions such as the Colorado ruling.

Haley arrives for her town hall in Agency, Iowa, on December 19, 2023. - Christian Monterrosa/AFP/Getty Images

She told a crowd Tuesday night in Agency, Iowa, that the last thing we want is judges telling us who can and cant be on the ballot.

I want to see this in the hands of the voters. Were going to win this the right way, she said.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie  one of the most strident Trump critics in the 2024 GOP race, who has defended federal prosecutors indictment of the former president  said Tuesday that people in this country deserve to have a trial before rights are taken away from them.

Even as he acknowledged that his comments might be counterintuitive given his long-standing criticism of the former president, Christie said in Bedford, New Hampshire, that it would be bad for the country for a court to keep Trump off the ballot.

I do not believe Donald Trump should be prevented from being president of the United States by any court. I think he should be prevented from being president of the United States by the voters in this country, Christie said.

He added: I think it would cause a lot of anger in this country if people had the choice taken away from them. I would rather have them make the choice that he doesnt deserve it.

Christie is not the only Trump critic to say that the Colorado Supreme Court had overstepped.

I strongly oppose Donald Trump as the Republican nominee. But I think this case is legally wrong and untenable, former US Attorney General Bill Barr, who turned against the former president in the wake of the January 6 insurrection and Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election, said Wednesday on CNN.

Barr said efforts like the Colorado ruling seeking to knock Trump off the 2024 ballot are counterproductive and typically backfire.

He feeds on grievance, just like a fire feeds on oxygen, Barr said. This is going to end up as a grievance that helps him.

Trump tried to stir up those grievances when he misleadingly compared himself to Abraham Lincoln during the 1860 election, saying in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday that Democrats would not allow a man named Abraham Lincoln to be so much as mentioned in Slave States.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who has aligned himself more closely with Trump than most other 2024 Republican contenders, called the Colorado ruling an actual attack on democracy and election interference.

Ramaswamy pledged to withdraw from the Colorado GOP primary unless Trump is allowed to be on the ballot.

Todays decision is the latest election interference tactic to silence political opponents and swing the election for whatever puppet the Democrats put up this time by depriving Americans of the right to vote for their candidate of choice, he wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The only GOP candidate to back the Colorado ruling was former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, whose campaign is built on his opposition to Trump. However, Hutchinson is polling in the low single digits and has not qualified for the past three GOP primary debates  even though he asserted Tuesday night on X that he had predicted the Colorado scenario at the partys first debate.

The factual finding that he supported insurrection will haunt his candidacy, Hutchinson said.

This story and headline have been updated.

CNNs Kevin Liptak, Ebony Davis, Veronica Stracqualursi, Alison Main, Aaron Pellish and David Wright contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Trump supporters at a rally in New Hampshire this week

One of the court challenges to Donald Trump's eligibility to run for president in 2024 has finally struck gold.

The Colorado Supreme Court's ruling to disqualify the former president from the Republican Party's upcoming primary ballot is yet another unprecedented moment in US politics.

It's a decision that further blurs the lines between America's political and judicial systems, setting up a fresh collision between the election campaign and the courts.

However, this latest legal setback is unlikely to seriously damage Mr Trump's bid to return to the White House - and he is already using it to his political advantage.

The activists who brought the case in Colorado - a liberal watchdog group and collection of anti-Trump Republican and independent voters - may be celebrating their victory.

But the response so far by Democratic politicians - the ones who will stand before voters next year and are working to defeat Mr Trump at the ballot box - tells a different story.

This isn't a fight they want.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold - who had declined to act unilaterally to block Mr Trump from the state's primary - issued a response to the court's decision on Wednesday that didn't exactly drip with enthusiasm.

"This decision may be appealed," she said. "I will follow the court decision that is in place at the time of ballot certification."

Part of the reason for her seeming reluctance to weigh in - and the relative silence of other Democrats - is that the ultimate outlook for the Colorado challenge isn't bright.

Mr Trump's campaign is already promising to appeal the decision - directly to the US Supreme Court. According to Samuel Issacharoff, a professor of constitutional law at New York University, the appeal will almost certainly be granted, particularly given that other state courts have considered, and rejected, similar lawsuits.

"It cannot be that the national candidacy for presidency is determined on a state by state basis," he said. "That would be a breakdown of the democratic order."

The Supreme Court currently has a six-to-three conservative majority. And while the justices, even the three appointed by Mr Trump, have shown a willingness to rule against the former president in previous cases, Mr Issacharoff believed they would be extremely reluctant to be seen as limiting voters' options at the ballot box.

Democrats may also be concerned that the legal challenges - and the Colorado ruling - plays into one of the central messages of Mr Trump's campaign, that the ruling elite is threatened by his political movement and are willing to subvert the will of the people to keep him from power.

The British Broadcasting Corporation

Trump Campaign Spokesman Steven Cheung called the Colorado ruling "completely flawed". He said it was a sign that Democrats had lost faith in President Joe Biden and "are now doing everything they can to stop the American voters from throwing them out of office next November".

Meanwhile, Mr Trump's Republican rivals are largely rallying around him, as they have during all of the former president's legal battles this year.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called the Colorado decision an abuse of power. Vivek Ramaswamy said he would remove his own name from the state's primary ballot. The Republican Party of Colorado has threatened to cancel the primary entirely and pick their choice for a nominee through a caucus process.

"We're going to win this the right way," said former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who may be Mr Trump's closest challenger. "The last thing we want is judges telling us who can and can't be on the ballot."

Democrats may be frustrated that, at least so far, Mr Trump seems to have avoided any price - political or legal - for the role he played in the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol.

The former president has been indicted on charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election twice - by federal prosecutors and by a district attorney in Georgia. But those trials, which will be decided by citizen juries and not judges, are still months away, if not longer. And it may be telling that special counsel Jack Smith, who is heading the federal case, has brought narrow charges that don't rely on directly proving that Mr Trump led an insurrection.

The decision by the Colorado Supreme Court may have offered a dramatic moment of accountability that some Trump critics are craving, but it also is likely to be a temporary one. And, in the end, it may make it more likely the former president returns to power, not less.
An online fundraising effort has helped a Red Hook family bring their 20-year-old son home in time for Christmas after he suffered a traumatic fall while studying abroad in Egypt.

Ben Murray, a chemistry major at Bard College, decided to spend the fall semester of his junior year at the American University of Cairo in Egypt.

On Dec. 11, after a successful semester, Murray and his friends took a guided hiking and camping trip in the White Desert in Egypt. They spent the first night at the campsite.

Amy Murray, Ben Murray's mother who also works at Bard College, remembers her son telling her the night sky there was one of the most beautiful things he'd seen.

Benjamin Murray at the pyramids in Egypt while studying at the American University of Cairo.

The next night, the trip took a harrowing turn. Murray and a friend decided to climb a boulder to see the stars. "The tour guide for years has taken multiple people out there, and they've gone up on boulders," Amy Murray said.

When Murray stood up, a large slab of the boulder broke off, sending him down a roughly 30-foot cliff. He suffered extensive injuries, including many broken bones and a concussion, and has undergone three operations thus far.

Murray's friend immediately yelled for help, and their guide and the rest of the group got Murray into the car and drove him six hours to the hospital in Cairo.

Benjamin Murray and his friend on the boulder moments before he fell.

Amy Murray said Ben was released from the hospital and is staying at off-campus housing at the American University of Cairo.

His father, Aaron Murray, flew to Cairo to join him  a last-minute ticket funded in part by an online fundraiser  and he and friends were helping to take care of Ben until he could be cleared to fly back home to continue his recovery.

"One thing Ben really thinks is important is how supportive this group of friends that he had just met that fall semester have been, and how they stayed with him at the hospital," Amy Murray said.

"My friends have just been such amazing people," Ben Murray said.

From left, Nate Rindfuss, Paul Paressant, Laure Cocula, Charoline Knox, Andrea Antonangeli and Jamie Derbyshire, with Benjamin Murray center. Also students at the American University of Cairo, they have helped support Murray in a time where he needs it most.

The time spent in Egypt has been, Amy Murray said, "a highlight of his life, getting to know the culture in Egypt, traveling, learning the history and meeting all these international students."

"He's really the happiest I think I've ever seen him," she said. "So it's just devastating it had to end this way."

The journey home would not be simple. Ben couldn't sit in a traditional airplane seat and would need continuous medical care on a flight. The family sought out many options to no avail.

Benjamin Murray in the hospital recovering from the 30 foot fall.

GoFundMe raises money for Bard College student

The family estimates it will cost over $50,000 to cover Murray's medical bills, transport him back to the Hudson Valley, make changes to their home in Red Hook to accommodate his recovery and purchase a wheelchair.

A family friend created a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs. As of noon Thursday, the page had raised $30,263.

Days before Christmas, arrangements were finally made through medical flight company Advanced Air Ambulance to get Ben home by Friday.

Amy Murray said her son's spirits are high and he has created a bond with the friends he's made in Cairo that will last a lifetime.

Ben will come back from this and give meaningfully to the world, she said in a statement. Were asking our Hudson Valley community to help him get there.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Bard College student's traumatic fall in Egypt prompts fundraiser
Families of affected students demand thorough probe, compensation

By Jung Da-hyun

Hanshin University, which recently stirred controversy for allegedly forcing 22 Uzbek students to leave Korea, is now threatening the students, asking them not to take legal actions against the school, according to the families of some of the affected students, Thursday.

The university, located in Gyeonggi Province, is facing investigations by the police and the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, after it repatriated the Uzbek students attending a Korean language institute on its campus against their will before the end of the semester, on Nov. 27. The school cited the students' failure to meet the requirements to stay in the country.

During a press conference held by the families, along with migration and human rights groups and their legal representatives, the families demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, appealing for compensation for the damages suffered by the students.

Shorkirov Erkinjon, husband of one of the Uzbek students forcibly returned, stated that the university continues to coerce those attempting to take legal action.

They keep saying that if those students do not assert that they left the country voluntarily, the university administration can label them as deportees on their visas, barring them from re-entry," he said.

According to the families and legal representatives, the university has sent a document containing clauses prohibiting criticism of the university or the agency facilitating students studying abroad, and discouraging litigation

Through an Uzbekistan-based agency, the university is requiring students to sign the document, persuading them with promises of free language training courses for one semester without tuition fees on the condition of signing the document.

Concerning the forced departure of the 22 Uzbek students, families also contend that the university's unlawful actions violated the students' human rights.

"Even though I arrived at Incheon International Airport around 4 p.m. on Nov. 27, I couldn't meet my brother for the last time and couldn't contact him because he didn't have a cell phone," said Abudkhamidov Shokirjon, a brother of one of the returned students.

Shokirjon, who is also studying in Korea, expressed his doubts on the legitimacy of the universitys actions, stating that despite it being aware of his contact information, they didn't contact him. He questioned the legality of using the passport and other personal information of students noting his brother was only 18 years old.

The problems persisted even after the students arrived in Uzbekistan, according to Elyot Nurdinov, who has been in contact with the students since learning of the issue on Nov. 29. He is also managing a Facebook community of Uzbek people who reside in Korea.

"Most of the students still had money in their Korean card accounts instead of cash before departing. Consequently, they experienced significant stress upon arrival in Uzbekistan, grappling with difficulties in finding transportation," he explained.

As the university took students phones on the bus en route to Incheon International Airport, some were unable to contact their parents and even spent a few days searching for a place to stay.

Legal professionals and migrant rights groups are demanding the clear identification of the responsible agencies, such as the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education, the Immigration Office and Hanshin University. They also call for proper compensation for the affected students and long-term restrictions on the recruitment of international students at Hanshin University.

"With this incident, people all over the world are asking Korea whether the highest law in Korea is the Constitution or the Immigration Control Act," said Choi Jeong-gyu, an attorney at the law firm, Wongok, who is also representing eight of the students. "The government should provide a proper answer to this question."

Only the nine students, who are planning to take legal action against the university, refused to sign the document from Hanshin University after returning to Uzbekistan, according to Choi.
DOVER  For more than 25 years, Dr. Charles Blitzer, an orthopedic surgeon at Wentworth Health Partners Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, has been involved with Health Volunteers Overseas.

Giving back comes naturally to Blitzer, and he enjoys sharing his medical expertise far beyond the Seacoast communities serviced by Wentworth-Douglass.

Health Volunteers Overseas has physicians from North America work alongside local care teams in the developing world in more of a visiting professor role to consult on cases and teach.

Blitzer has completed medical missions in Micronesia, Bhutan, Malawi, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, and Ghana.

During his time in Ghana, Blitzer met Dr. Dominic Konadu-Yeboah, senior specialist and head of the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.

Dr. Charles Blitzer, an orthopedic surgeon at Wentworth Health Partners Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, pictured with Dr. Dominic Konadu-Yeboah, head of the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.

Blitzer said he enjoys his trips with Health Volunteers Overseas because their approach allows people to develop a rapport with the local clinicians while becoming immersed in the culture and traditions of other parts of the world.

One of Konadu-Yeboahs primary goals in learning from Blitzer and other clinicians is to reduce the suffering of people with fractures, diminish disability, and save the lives of people who die from preventable diseases.

If injuries are not treated quickly, Konadu-Yeboah said it forces patients to take time away from physically demanding jobs in a country where traditionally men are the primary earners. Time away from work because of a fracture, he said, means patients are not able to earn their usual income to support their families.

And, because of the distance required to travel to a hospital, many of the injuries that Konadu-Yeboah and his team see are long bone fractures and can be infected with tetanus, which is lethal.

Blitzer and Konadu-Yeboah were recently reunited at the Orthopaedic Trauma Association annual meeting in Seattle.

Every year the organization sponsors humanitarian scholars from developing nations to attend and Konadu-Yeboah was selected this year.

Konadu-Yeboah was honored for his research paper focused on a training program for traditional bonesetters. In many developing countries, including Ghana, bonesetters are on the frontlines of caring for fractures. Konadu-Yeboah and his colleagues established formal training for traditional bonesetters, which included sharing knowledge of fracture basics and treatment.

Dr. Dominic Konadu-Yeboah is the head of the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.

After the annual meeting, Konadu-Yeboah flew from Seattle to Boston and spent a week at Wentworth-Douglass, learning beside Blitzer and his colleagues.

Konadu-Yeboah said he enjoyed his time in New Hampshire and learned a great deal. He says visiting with Blitzer and his colleagues has opened his eyes to new ways of doing things in the future and expanded his scope of knowledge, which he will share with the team he leads at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.

Dr. Dominic Konadu-Yeboah inspects a horseshoe crab on his first trip to New Hampshire.

Blitzer said he has learned something on every trip with Health Volunteers Overseas, and it has been an eye-opening experience.

Far too many Americans do not understand what life is like in other parts of the world, he said. When things are frustrating in our daily lives, it would serve us all better to think about what life is like for most people on this planet. You can be any place on this globe within about 24 hours, and to not pay attention to what life is like for most people in the world is a big shortcoming. There are small things we can do to potentially make other peoples lives better, and if we do those things, the whole planet can be better. It is a small world.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Wentworth-Douglass surgeon gives back through Health Volunteers Overseas
In September, Emmali Osterhoudt went viral on TikTok after she stumbled across a designer wedding dress at her local Goodwill in Birmingham, Alabama

Emmali Osterhoudt Emmali Osterhoudt

A woman who paid $25 for a $6K Galia Lahav couture wedding dress she found at her local Goodwill will finally get to walk down the aisle.

When she stumbled across the gown earlier this year, Emmali Osterhoudt, 21, was not yet engaged, but she bought the dress anyway.

Now, she'll get to walk down the aisle in the designer dress of her dreams.

On Wednesday, Osterhoudt shared a clip of her recent engagement to boyfriend Nick Gould. Her fiance popped the question in front of Buckingham Palace in London. In the video, Gould can be seen down on one knee before he pulls out the diamond sparkler. Osterhoudt  in disbelief  covers her face with her hands. After saying "yes" the couple shared a kiss.

"I can finally wear my $25 Galia Lahav dress!!!" she captioned the video of the proposal.

Speaking to PEOPLE, the bride-to-be says she couldn't be more excited to start planning the wedding. The couple hopes to tie the knot on June 6, 2025.

"The wedding is going to be small and intimate, but I do have plans to wear the dress nonetheless," Osterhoudt says. "I knew he was proposing on the trip to London, but I wasn't sure when. So when I told him I wanted pictures in front of Buckingham Palace and then saw he was down on one knee my jaw dropped."

Emmali Osterhoudt Emmali Osterhoudt

She continues: "It was the most beautiful moment ever. I'm very excited to start the wedding planning process with my dear Nicolas."

Related: Celebrity Wedding Dress Designer Galia Lahav Shares Her Advice for Brides to Find the Perfect Gown (Exclusive)

Osterhoudt first went viral in September after posting a TikTok explaining how she stumbled across a designer dress at her local Goodwill in Birmingham, Alabama. In the video, she said she had gone into the store in search of some picture frames for a gallery wall she was putting together.

"I had already checked out, I was about to leave and I saw a section that we hadnt hit," she recalled in the TikTok. "And so we went over there and boom, it was beautiful and it was there."

Emmali Osterhoudt Emmali Osterhoudt

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Although she was not engaged at the time, Osterhoudt decided to buy the dress. It cost her $25. Later she discovered the dress was a Galia Lahav couture design worth a jaw-dropping $6,200.

Galia Lahav is go-to choice for A-list celebs with a long list of stars including Simone Biles, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, and Katy Perry who have tapped the designer for one-of-a-kind pieces.

"Im making this video because today I found my wedding dress at Goodwill for $25, and it fits me like a glove. It's gorgeous," she said in a TikTok video of her in the dress. "I found it online, and the original price is like $6,200. Its by Galia Lahav. Paris Hilton  her most recent wedding dress was from this brand."

Emmali Osterhoudt Emmali Osterhoudt

Related: Woman Finds $6K Designer Wedding Gown at Goodwill for $25, Plans to Wear It 'Whenever That Time Comes'

After her original video went viral, Osterhoudt made a follow-up TikTok answering questions she'd gotten on her first video. In the new video, she explained how she didn't plan to sell the dress. Instead, she planned to save it for whenever her special day came.

"I really dont know how I got so lucky. I would like to say thank you to the girl who donated it to Goodwill because it made my whole entire year," she said. "And little Emmali, who has loved weddings since she was probably 5, is kicking and screaming right now because shes so excited."

She concluded her TikTok by teasing, "Maybe in a few years Ill make a video actually wearing the dress. Who knows . . .

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Korea will again seek to compensate the victims of Japan's wartime forced labor under the government's third-party reimbursement system, the foreign ministry said Thursday, after the Supreme Court handed down a ruling ordering Japanese companies to compensate the victims.

Earlier in the day, the top court announced the decisions on two damages suits filed against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Steel between 2013 and 2014, ordering them to compensate the Koreans forced into wartime labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.

Seeking to mend ties with Japan, the government announced a plan in March to compensate 15 Korean victims of Japanese wartime forced labor through a government-affiliated foundation without compensation from liable Japanese firms.

The Korean government will compensate the victims in Thursday's ruling in accordance with the plan, foreign ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk said in a briefing.

Under the plan, the foundation funded by domestic companies that benefited from a 1965 normalization treaty between the two countries provides payments to former forced laborers on behalf of the responsible Japanese firms.

Seoul's reimbursement plan was initially met with strong backlash from victims and supporting civic groups who demanded Japan's apology and direct involvement by the accused companies in the compensation process.

"Since the March announcement, the government, together with the foundation, has made active efforts to explain to the victims and the bereaved families and to seek their understanding of the government's solution," he said, adding that 11 out of 15 plaintiffs who won the legal battles against the Japanese companies have accepted the compensation scheme. (Yonhap)
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS/BTA. Electric vehicles (EV) will support the work of Bulgarian News Agency's (BTA) reporters and correspondents in Sofia and across the country. Bishop Polikarp of Belogradchik consecrated the thirty new electric vehicles at an official ceremony on Wednesday. Three charging stations for the electric vehicles have also been set up in the BTA courtyard.

Polikarp blessed the vehicles and the BTA workers and wished that every journey ends in peace. "May the news you offer be positive," the Bishop also wished.

The event was attended by Environment Minister Julian Popov, Veliko Tarnovo Regional Governor Ivaylo Zdravkov, Sofia Deputy Mayors Nadezhda Bobcheva and Stanislav Barbutov, Sredets borough Mayor Traycho Traykov and Bulgaria's Ambassador to Romania Radko Vlaykov.

Popov congratulated BTA for the initiative. In his words, the future lies in electromobility and it is coming very fast. "By making this initiative so visible, through the BTA, I hope that many people and institutions will see where we need to go. I hope all mayors and regional governors will aspire to electrify urban and service transport completely. This is an achievable goal," Popov said.

"We need institutions to lead this work. As a Ministry, we are already moving to new cars, in the future almost all will be electric," the Environment Minister added. "In Dubai (at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference), I signed an initiative for a zero-carbon government, which means a push for all government organizations in the future to strive for faster electrification," Popov underlined. "We see commercial companies switching to electric cars because it makes economic sense," he also noted.

On Tuesday, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Iliana Ivanova visited BTA's new EV fleet. "I am really impressed by BTAs initiative," Ivanova said. "We are already in the future," she added and noted that BTA serves as an example to all public institutions with its entirely electrified car park.

The space in front of the BTA building is planned to be transformed into a green, accessible and safe pedestrian area with the opportunity to present symbols from around the world.

The value of electric cars is most visible in densely populated urban areas, said Traykov. "Sredets borough is the most central in Sofia. We are pioneers in all kinds of electronic services," he added.

The Agency's fleet is made up of electric and hybrid vehicles.

(This information is being published according to an agreement between Armenpress and BTA.)
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The European Union has voiced significant concerns about the arbitrary imprisonment of journalists in Azerbaijan.

Human rights, including fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are important elements of the relationship between Azerbaijan and the European Union, Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano said in a satatement.

According to him, in this context, the recent arbitrary detentions of journalists Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifqizi, Mahammad Kekalov, Aziz Orujov, Rufat Muradli, Nargiz Absalamova, Teymur Kerimov, Ibrahim Humbatov as well as Hafiz Babaly raise serious concerns about the narrowing space for independent journalism and limitations to freedom of expression in Azerbaijan, which run contrary to its international commitments.

The European Union also regrets the arrest of human rights activist Ilhamiz Guliyev and political opposition leader Tofiq Yagublu, and the decision to extend the pre-trial detention of distinguished scholar and activist Gubad Ibadoghlu and of civil society activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Stano said.

The European Union calls on Azerbaijan to release those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights and to ensure free and unhindered space for independent journalism and freedom of expression.

The European Union remains committed to continue the dialogue and cooperation on human rights with Azerbaijan, Peter Stano noted.
ED on Monday issued fresh summons to the Delhi chief minister for questioning in the excise policy-linked money laundering case

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, summoned by the ED for questioning on December 21, left for an undisclosed location for a 10-day Vipassana meditation course on Wednesday, officials said. The Enforcement Directorate on Monday issued fresh summons to the Delhi chief minister for questioning in the excise policy-linked money laundering case.

Kejriwal was scheduled to leave for the Vipassana course on Tuesday but could not do so as he was busy with the INDIA bloc meeting, officials said. He left at around 1.30 pm on Wednesday for the pre-scheduled meditation course, they added.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday questioned the timing of the summons, saying the party's lawyers are studying the notice and "legally correct" steps will be taken.

They said Kejriwal's Vipassana session was "pre-scheduled" and the information was in the public domain.

"Everyone knows the chief minister is leaving for Vipassana on December 19. He regularly goes for this meditation course. It's a pre-scheduled and pre-announced plan," AAP MP Raghav Chadha had said.

Earlier, Kejriwal was summoned by the ED on November 2 but he skipped the questioning alleging the notice was illegal and politically motivated.
The Congress accused the "entire Modi ecosystem" of being galvanised on the "so-called mimicry non-issue"

New Delhi: The mimicry of vice-president and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar by TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee took political centerstage on Wednesday, with the issue playing out both inside and outside Parliament and President Droupadi Murmu joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi in expressing dismay. The Congress accused the "entire Modi ecosystem" of being galvanised on the "so-called mimicry non-issue".

Ms Murmu said that she was dismayed at the manner in which the vice-president was "humiliated" in the Parliament complex. She said the elected representatives were free to express themselves, but it should be within the norms of dignity and courtesy.

"I was dismayed to see the manner in which our respected vice-president was humiliated in the Parliament complex. Elected representatives must be free to express themselves, but their expression should be within the norms of dignity and courtesy. That has been the parliamentary tradition we are proud of and the people of India expect them to uphold it," the President said in a post on X.

Responding to the President's post, the Rajya Sabha Chairperson said he is committed to upholding constitutional principles till his last breath and insults cannot prevent him from doing so. He thanked the President for her kind words and the timely reminder that basic courtesies must always remain.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister called Mr Dhankhar and expressed "great pain" over the "abject theatrics" of some MPs in the Parliament complex.

"He (the Prime Minister) told me that he has been at the receiving end of such insults for twenty years and counting, but the fact that it could happen to a constitutional office like the vice-president and that too in Parliament was unfortunate, Mr Dhankhar was quoted as saying on X.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also expressed deep concern over the mimicry incident.

When the Upper House met at 11.45 am after the third adjournment, Mr Dhankhar expressed his anguish over Tuesday's incident and asked the Congress party, including Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, to ponder over it.

"I am not bothered if anyone insults Jagdeep Dhankhar, but I cannot bear that I could not protect the honour of my post. It is my duty to protect the honour of the House," Mr Dhankhar said.

"You cannot imagine what has happened. Such a big incident took place. The post was disrespected. The farmers' community was insulted. My community was insulted and you are silent," he said before adjourning the House proceedings again for about 15 minutes.

Ruling party members participated in the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha while remaining standing to express solidarity with Mr Dhankhar. The treasury benches participated in the Question Hour proceedings while standing for about 10 minutes.

Later in the evening, several Union ministers, including Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupendra Yadav, and BJP MPs called on Mr Dhankhar in his chamber at Parliament House.

Reacting to Mr Dhankhar's remarks, the Congress president said caste should not be dragged into every issue and wondered if he should rake up his Dalit origins every time he is not allowed to speak in the Rajya Sabha.

The Chairperson's job is to give protection to other members, but he himself is making such a statement, he added.

"I am not allowed to speak in the Rajya Sabha often. Should I say it is because I am a Dalit? They should not incite people outside in the name of caste by talking about it inside.

Mr Kharge also asked if the government should also not apologise for the Prime Minister and Union home minister Amit Shah not speaking on the issue of Parliament's security breach in the two Houses but referring to them outside.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "The entire Modi ecosystem is now being galvanised on the so-called mimicry non-issue, while it remains silent on the real issue of why and how a BJP MP from Mysuru facilitated entry of two intruders into Lok Sabha on December 13...

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee sought to play down the issue, saying it was not meant to be disrespectful.

"We respect everyone. It was not disrespectful. It was just politically, casually... You would not even have known it if Rahul ji had not recorded it," she said.

Ms Banerjee was in the Parliament complex on Wednesday to meet the Prime Minister over pending central funds for her state.

In the eye of the storm over the mimicry row, TMC MP said that he never had any intention to hurt or disrespect Mr Dhankhar but did not offer any apology.

"Mimicry is not an offence, they (the BJP) are trying to change the main issue, which is whether suspension of the Opposition MPs was right?" the TMC MP said and claimed that even Mr Modi has done it in the past.

"Did not have any intention at all to hurt anyone, including the Vice President. Have respect for constitutional positions," he said.

With 141 Opposition MPs suspended from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha for disrupting proceedings, many of them held a protest at Parliament's main entrance for lawmakers on Tuesday.

During the protest, Mr Banerjee mimicked Mr Dhankhar's mannerisms amid cheers from his colleagues. Mr Gandhi was seen recording a video of the act with his mobile phone.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal has filed a complaint before the ethics committee of both Houses of Parliament against the TMC MP and has sought expulsion of Mr Banerjee and Mr Gandhi.

In his complaint, Mr Jindal claimed that this event falls under the extreme case of misconduct by the members of the House upon which the ethics committee should take action.
The three bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed three redrafted bills -- the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill -- to replace the colonial-era criminal laws by voice vote.

The three bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week. Replying to a debate on the three bills, Mr Shah said that the three bills to replace the colonial-era criminal laws seek to bring comprehensive changes to the criminal justice system with a human-centric approach and a focus on imparting justice instead of imposing penalties.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill seeks to replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill will replace the Code of Criminal Procedure Act of 1973 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill will replace the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.

The Union home minister said the proposed laws were framed after comprehensive consultations and that he had gone through every comma and full stop of the three draft legislations before tabling them in the House for approval.

The Union home minister pointed out that the existing criminal laws -- Indian Penal Code (IPC), Indian Evidence Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) -- were reflective of the colonial mindset, with the intention to punish and not impart justice. "The three new bills seek to establish a justice system based on Indian thinking. The three proposed criminal laws will free people from colonial mindset and its symbols," Mr Shah said.

The minister informed the Lok Sabha that the three laws also have a clear definition of terrorism, scrap sedition as a crime and introduce a new section titled "offences against the state".

"For the first time, the criminal justice system will have a human touch. Till we repeal these old laws, we are still following laws made by the UK government. We still use English words like Her Majesty, the British Kingdom, the crown, barrister, ruler after 75 years of Independence," Mr Shah said.

He said that colonial-era laws prioritised acts of "looting the treasury", "uprooting rail tracks" and "insult to the crown" over crimes against women and children, human rights, border security and the Army.

He further noted that the old laws had listed rape under Section 375-376, whereas the new bill lists the crime under Section 63. Likewise, murder was listed under Section 302 and now it is under Section 101; kidnapping was under Section 359 but now it is under Section 136.

Listing the features of the bills, Mr Shah said, "This bill punishes mob lynching with the death penalty. (Congress leader P,) Chidambaram kept asking me, what about mob lynching? He does not understand the BJP and our mentality. Why did you not penalise mob lynching during your rule? If one's mind is Indian, you will understand the laws. If it is Italian, you won't."

The three bills reflect the spirit of the Constitution. But those with an Italian mindset will never understand it," he said in a dig at the Opposition Congress, adding that the three laws are based on justice, transparency and fairness.

"This is the first government that has fulfilled the promises it has mentioned in its manifesto. We have revoked Article 370, removed AFSPA from 70 per cent areas in the northeastern states, banned triple talaq and have given 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament," Shah said.
The Rajya Sabha had cleared the bill on December 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members in the Lok Sabha during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the contentious bill, which seeks to establish a mechanism to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners.

The Lower House passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill 2023 after a brief discussion with law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who asserted that it's in line with the Supreme Court's directions. The Rajya Sabha had cleared the bill on December 12.

On Thursday, the Rajya Sabha passed the Telecommunications Bill 2023, which seeks to allow the government to temporarily take control of telecom services in the interest of national security and provide a non-auction route for the allocation of satellite spectrum. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a short debate.

Both Houses of Parliament were also adjourned sine die on Thursday, a day ahead of schedule. The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after it passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill 2023 to replace a British-era law governing the publishing industry and simplify the process of registration of periodicals.

The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned sine die after it passed three criminal bills -- the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill 2023 -- replacing the IPC, the CrPC and the Evidence Act.

Replying to debate in the Lok Sabha on the bill on the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Meghwal said the 1991 Act on the service conditions of the CEC and ECs was a half-baked attempt that left out the key aspects of appointments and the present bill covers such areas.

The law minister also rejected suggestions that the proposed law was against the directions of the Supreme Court, which had asked the government to put in place a law on the appointments of the CEC and ECs.

Referring to the Supreme Court's March order, Mr Meghwal that the top court had said that till the time a law is in place, a three-member panel, headed by the Prime Minister and comprising the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India, will select the CEC and ECs.

Mr Meghwal said the bill is in consonance with the Supreme Court's ruling and not against it. He said the committee mentioned in the judgment was a "stop-gap" arrangement. Before the SC ruling, the CEC and ECs were appointed by the President on the recommendation of the government.

Referring to points raised by some members during the course of the debate, the minister said that, as per the doctrine of separation of powers, appointments to the poll panel come under the domain of the executive and the Prime Minister has to be a part of it.

Participating in the debate, the BJD's B. Mahtab said the primary focus should not be on the presence of the Chief Justice of India in the search committee but on ensuring the independence of the Election Commission. "Amid all the talks about democratic backsliding in India in certain forums, it is notable that nothing is being said about the lack of fairness in the election process. Credit for this goes to the Election Commission," Mr Mahtab said.

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi opposed the bill calling it "arbitrary and biased" and saying that the EC will work under the shadow of the Prime Minister. "If voters start feeling like the EC is not impartial, the legitimacy of our democracy comes into question," he said.

When the bill came up for consideration in the Rajya Sabha earlier this month, the government had moved several amendments against the backdrop of protests by the Opposition parties and former CECs on various provisions.

Once the amended bill becomes law in the coming days, a search committee headed by the law minister and comprising two Union secretaries will shortlist five names for consideration by the selection committee for appointment as the CEC and ECs.

The panel, headed by the Prime Minister and comprising a Union minister nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will select members of the Election Commission.

In the event that there is no Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House, the leader of the single largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha will be deemed to be the LoP.

The selection panel will have the power to consider even those not shortlisted by the search committee. A vacancy will arise in the poll panel when Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey demits office on February 14 next year. He will retire on attaining the age of 65 and days before the EC is likely to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections.

According to the amended bill, the government has decided to retain the status of the CEC and ECs on par with judges of the Supreme Court.

According to the bill, the CEC and ECs will be paid a salary equal to that of a Supreme Court judge. A new clause has been inserted in the amended bill to protect the CEC and ECs from court cases while discharging their official duties. It states that notwithstanding anything contained in any other law in force for the time being, no court shall entertain or continue any civil or criminal proceedings against any person who is or was a CEC or an EC.

The new clause comes against the backdrop of the Telangana high court order placing under suspension a special sessions judge in connection with a "direction" given by him to police for registering an FIR against CEC Rajiv Kumar and several others, saying the judge acted in "undue haste".

Another amendment now part of the billl makes it clear that the CEC shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court. It also states that ECs shall not be removed from office except on the recommendation of the CEC.

These two clarifications are in line with the constitutional provisions mentioned in Article 324 dealing with the Election Commission.

The CEC and ECs will be appointed from amongst persons who are holding or have held a post equivalent to the rank of secretary. The President will appoint members of the poll panel.
Mallikarjun Kharge addressed party leaders, saying the Congress is committed to avoid past mistakes

NEW DELHI: The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the apex body of the Congress, convened in the national capital on Thursday, marking the first meeting since the party's recent electoral debacle in many states. The state general secretary incharges provided explanations for the losses.

During the crucial CWC meeting at the AICC headquarters, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed party leaders, saying the Congress is committed to avoid past mistakes. He mentioned that some leaders proposed Rahul Gandhi undertake another Bharat Jodo Yatra from east to west, but the final decision rests with him and the CWC, the highest decision-making body of the Congress. Kharge informed the CWC about the I.N.D.I.A. alliance meeting, stating that the fourth meeting of the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc on December 19 unanimously decided to initiate seat-sharing talks promptly. A decision on the new Bharat Jodo yatra will be made soon.

Kharge announced the formation of a five-member panel by the Congress to engage with various parties in different states while pointing out the limited time before the Lok Sabha elections. The CWC resolution condemned the suspensions of MPs during the winter session of Parliament and expressed the party's determination to prepare for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, both as an independent entity and as part of the I.N.D.I.A. group.

Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, speaking after the meeting, stated that the party is in election mode. Despite setbacks in three state Assembly elections, the Congress vote bank remains intact. The resolution affirmed the Congress's commitment to make the I.N.D.I.A. group a robust force against the BJP and its allies. Venugopal announced a focus on the parliamentary elections, with candidate decisions, the formation of a screening committee, and state-level conventions in the pipeline. He highlighted the upcoming rally on December 28 in Nagpur, with participation expected from senior leaders and a large crowd.
Today's news: more and more children in Gaza suffer from dizziness due to lack of food. Bangkok blocks the granting of new gun licences for a year. Burmese women fleeing war imprisoned, beaten and forgotten in Indian prisons. Katholikos Karekin II, Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church, against peace talks with Azerbaijan.

HONG KONG

Hong Kong has fallen in the human freedom index of the Cato Institute's 2023 report, according to which it has "sinked into tyranny" with the transition to Chinese rule. Once among the top 10 territories in the world, it has fallen to 46th out of 165 in 2021. The study, released in the days of Jimmy Lai's trial, finds a "remarkable deterioration" in almost all types of freedom, but above all in the state of law, freedom of expression and freedom of association and in assembly assessments.

GAZA

Washington speaks of "serious negotiations" on a new truce in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages, although the UN Security Council postponed the vote yesterday for the third time. The prospects remain uncertain with the Hamas leader having rejected the hypothesis of a temporary pause during the talks in Cairo. Meanwhile, more and more children in Gaza are starting to suffer from dizziness caused by hunger, while the war hinders deliveries of the (little) food available.

SOUTH KOREA - JAPAN

Seoul and Tokyo will hold high-level talks on the economy today, the first in eight years. This was reported by the South Korean Foreign Minister, confirming a further improvement in relations between the two countries united in the last period by the common Chinese and North Korean "threat". The talks, which began in 1999, stalled in 2016 over disputes over wartime employment.

THAILAND

The granting of new weapons licenses has been blocked for a year after a series of fatal accidents. The rule takes effect immediately. One of the latest cases concerns a 14-year-old boy who shot up in a shopping center in Bangkok, killing three. Thailand has one of the highest ownership rates in the region, with 10 million handguns and rifles, equivalent to one gun for every seven Thais.

CHINA

Chinese activist Li Qiaochu is on trial for "subversion" against state power, in an emblematic case of the repression of dissent. The judges prevented the lawyer from attending the hearing (behind closed doors) in the court in Linyi, Shandong. If guilty he faces up to 5 years (or more). He had protested against the prison regime of his comrade and activist Xu Zhiyong.

INDIA - MYANMAR

Burmese women fleeing the war between the military junta and ethnic militias are beng locked up, beaten and forgotten in Indian prisons. So much so that they launched a hunger strike to demand rights and freedoms. The complaint comes from the activist NGO India For Myanmar, which assists refugee women. They are currently locked up in a prison in Manipur, which borders Sagaing and Chin in Myanmar.

RUSSIA

After eliminating his books from publishing houses and bookstores, the Rosfinmonitoring control agency declared the writer Boris Akunin a "terrorist and extremist" for having spread "false information about the activities of the Armed Forces of Russia". Every Russian has a book by him, whether fictional or historical, and now arrests are feared simply for reading them on the subway.

ARMENIA - AZERBAIJAN

Katholikos Karekin II, patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has spoken out against peace negotiations with Azerbaijan. He is supported by several other ecclesiastical leaders such as the bishop of Tavus, Bagrat (Galstanyan), who during a homily defined himself as a "revanchist", against any attempt to "steal the soul and territory from the Armenians".
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Recently transferred from Pskov, Putin's 'spiritual father' - the only counterbalance to Kirill's domination of the Moscow Patriarchate - exploits his position on the front line of the war front by also occupying the social networks with his charismatic profile.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - The new pastor of the Crimean metropolis, Tikhon (Sevkunov), recently transferred from Pskov "in exile" as he himself had commented, is taking charge of the fate of the sacred peninsula under attack by the Ukrainian counter-offensive, pushing the local civil authorities to the margins.

The governor Sergej Aksenov himself paid tribute to him, stating that he had known him personally since 2014 (when Crimea was annexed by Russia) and that he considered him "one of the most well-known and authoritative bishops, an energetic, balanced and highly cultured man, a true patriot and statesman."

The spiritual father of Putin, who constitutes the only counterpart to Patriarch Kirill's (Gundjaev) domination of the Orthodox Church, now exploits the position of the front line of the war front, to which he was sent at the same time for punishment and promotion , arguing that "victory over Ukraine is indispensable for Russia", speaking daily in all the media in the region.

Aksenov praises "the enormous contribution of the Church to the realization of the many training and humanitarian projects, in support of the participants in the special military operation and members of their families", and in particular thanks "the military chaplains who often risk their lives to carry out their service in the hottest areas of conflict", of which Tikhon appears today to be the true tutelary deity.

Accentuating the tone of the war rhetoric, which he did not express explicitly from the Pskov headquarters, the new metropolitan of Crimea explains that "we do not need a victory over the Ukrainian people, but over that Nazism, fascism, over that system that hates humanity which was formed in a part of present-day Ukraine, only in one part, where people are of different backgrounds.

Tikhon has committed all ecclesiastical forces in the field of training and education, to make the "anthropological doctrine" on which the motivation for the war is based deeper and more rooted: the Russians are the people of "moral and religious traditions" together with the real Ukrainians, while in the West of Ukraine and the world live degraded and immoral beings.

Being also an efficient administrator, the metropolitan has reviewed the economic balance sheet of the local Church, calling the clergy to order and transparency of accounts, to support the parishes most in difficulty.

Of the 327 churches in the metropolis, at least a third have been relieved of any diocesan tax, and an economic affairs council has been formed with the task of making a complete inventory of properties, and an analysis of financial needs, knowing that it has its share many sources of support from Russian oligarchs and institutions.

Shevkunov's overwhelming personality, far more charismatic than Patriarch Gundjaev himself, is also occupying the spaces of Crimean social networks, which are therefore rapidly spreading throughout Russia.

Presentations of his most recent books are going around, last year's book Your Resurrection on the experience of the new life of the Christian, which overcomes every shadow of reality's death even in times of war, and above all the one just presented right after arriving in Simferopol, The collapse of the empire.

The "imperial" theme is the one on which the metropolitan has always worked, and which he has already commented on on various occasions, including with cinematographic works. The latest publication returns to the events of the 1917 revolution, using unpublished archival materials and sources and re-read by him thanks to his exclusive access to these texts.

Explaining the reasons for the end of the monarchy, Tikhon illuminates the future of Russia of the new empire which must arise from local and universal conflicts, teaching everyone the Putinian gospel from the chair on which, according to ancient legends and traditions, the apostle Andrew and Pope Clement Romanus, and where Prince Vladimir of Kiev was baptized.
President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Thursday to accelerate the redevelopment and reconstruction of run-down homes in Seoul to provide citizens with comfortable and safe housing.

Yoon made the remark during a meeting with residents of Seoul's eastern Jungnang district after visiting a redevelopment site lined with old decrepit houses and narrow alleyways difficult for cars to pass.

"We must turn these old homes built 30 years ago into comfortable and safe homes," he said, noting over half of homes in Seoul are more than 20 years old. "We will review and improve reconstruction and redevelopment project procedures from scratch to dramatically increase the speed of these projects."

Yoon said current regulations require a home to fail a safety inspection in order to be designated for redevelopment or reconstruction, leading people to want their homes to "become dangerous."

"From now on, I think we should completely change the redevelopment and reconstruction criteria to how run-down it is," he said. (Yonhap)
For Singapore Port authorities, the situation is " unaffected " at present. About 12 per cent of world trade goes through the Red Sea, and only a few maritime firms have redirected their ships through the Cape of Good Hope. Meanwhile, on Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging website, a military expert claims that the missiles used by the Iranian-backed Shia militia were developed from Chinese technology.

Singapore (AsiaNews)  The Port of Singapore is still unaffected" by the situation in the Red Sea, even though many shipping companies have decided to stay clear of the Suez Canal following recent attacks against merchant ships by Iranian-backed Houthis, this according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

If the disruption is protracted, all necessary support will be given to speed up the movement of goods transiting through Singapore, one of Asias main maritime hubs, the MPA said.

Starting last month, Houthis have increased their attacks in response to Israel's invasion of Gaza. The armed group is engaged in a conflict with Israel. On 19 November, the group seized a British-owned boat operated by NYK Line, which decided to stop shipping cargo to Israel.

Last week, several major shipping companies (Maersk, MSC, etc.) announced that they would bypass the Suez Canal and divert their ships to South Africa's Cape of Good Hope.

This would increase travel time by 10 to 20 days, or almost 40 per cent, for a ship journeying from Singapore to Rotterdam (Netherlands), one of Europe's major ports, resulting in higher transportation costs.

As a result, shipping rates have jumped 20 per cent in recent days; however, insurance costs for cargo ships using the Suez Canal have risen slightly.

For Peter Sand, an analyst at Xeneta, a Copenhagen-based market analytics platform, a single round-trip from Shanghai to Rotterdam can cost nearly a million dollars more in fuel.

During the first 13 days of this month, 170 vehicle carriers passed through the Red Sea, a drop of 17 per cent from the same period in November, indicates data from MarineTraffic, which monitors global shipping traffic.

Despite this, Houthi attacks could create a bottleneck in the Red Sea. But so far, the attacks have had a limited effect, noted Suez Canal Authority chairman Osama Rabie.

Ships that chose the Cape of Good Hope route after the first attack on 19 November represent about 3 per cent of the 2,128 ships that have passed through the Suez Canal, Rabie explained.

The Red Sea represents about 12 per cent of world trade, mainly crude oil and liquefied natural gas. If ship diversions continue, energy prices could rise in Europe.

In China, the crisis has started a debate, not so much over the slowdown in maritime trade, but for the technology used by the Houthis, which some say is Chinese.

A Chinese military blogger who goes by the name "Korolev," with more than 6 million followers on the microblogging app Weibo, stirred up a debate this week by suggesting that the Houthis might be using Chinese missile technology shared with Iran.

Houthis operate two types of large missile, the Asef and the Tankil, both likely modified from Iranian designs. Korolev claims that their earliest predecessor was China's Red Flag 2A surface-to-air missile, exported to Iran in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq War.

Nothing, though, points to China directly transferring military technology to the Houthis.

In response to the attacks by the pro-Iranian militia, several countries (Great Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, Spain) launched a military operation to patrol the southern reaches of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

For their part, to protect world trade, US and British warships already in the area have begun shooting down Houthi missiles.
by John Ai

The Ministry of State Security has a new task, that of protecting the economy amid slowing growth. The once-mysterious intelligence service is becoming more active on social media against hostile forces" that might hinder development. At the same time, the authorities are censoring negative comments to boost investor confidence.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  A hitherto mysterious intelligence service linked to the state is gaining greater visibility and becoming more prominent.

China's Ministry of State Security has posted several articles dedicated to economic security on its social media accounts, vowing to crack down on negative and critical reports about the Chinese economy. The goal is to avoid systemic risks to economy, coordinating with other government departments.

In a post on China's most popular social media platform, WeChat, the Ministry said that economic security is an important part of overall national security.

It also said that critical remarks on sensitive topics such as the authorities' crackdown on private companies and the exclusion of foreign businesses end up undermining market confidence and expectations, as well as negatively affecting any improvement in the economy.

In addition, the post states that the remarks are intended to attack and criticise the system and the path taken towards socialism with Chinese characteristics.

After Chinese leaders met last week to discuss next year's economic planning, the Ministry of State Security posted various statements on social media emphasising economic security and stability.

The closed-door meeting of top leaders of the ruling Communist Party of China set the target for annual GDP growth at 5 per cent in 2024, while acknowledging challenges posed by debt and default risks, as well as the real estate crisis.

To cope with this, Chinese leaders decided to boost propaganda to improve confidence and expectations in the economy, as one of the solutions to the slowdown in growth.

To this end, some economic commentators and business columnists have been warned not to make negative comments about the current economic and financial situation, although most shy away from political or sensitive topics anyway.

Likewise, social media platforms have warned bloggers with many followers to stay away from topics on the economy, finance, and the stock market.

Recently, China has tightened its control over social media, which are required to display the real name of accounts with more than 500,000 followers.

Recent Chinese economic data show the pressure of the slowdown, with the looming risk of deflation. The consumer price index fell by 0.5 per cent in November.

Analysts also warn that the high rate of youth unemployment could be an additional risk factor and trigger a crisis.

Meanwhile, in a post earlier this month, the Ministry of State Security defended anti-espionage legislation denying that it would scare off foreign companies.

The post cited official data showing a positive outlook for the economy, noting that the law does not target ordinary businesses and will not affect foreign investment.

Still, Chinese police did raid several foreign companies, including the Mintz Group, a corporate due diligence firm, and the Bain & Company consulting firm. Some employees were arrested.

In March, a senior employee of a Japanese company operating in China was arrested for espionage, while some foreign companies warned their employees not to travel to China.

In past few years, the Ministry of State Security has become more prominent in official media as well. In 2018, it opened its official website to encourage people to report spies. At the end of July of this year, it opened an account on WeChat.

In the third quarter of this year, China recorded its first deficit in foreign direct investment (FDI) since 1988 as direct investment liabilities  a broad measure of FDI that includes foreign companies' retained earnings  reached US$ 11.8 billion.

As a result of the adoption of controversial security laws (anti-espionage and data security), as well as expanding the scope of the existing national security law, several multinational companies dealing with consultancy, legal services, and cross-border data transfers are considering pulling out of China.

Chinas current policies show that the countrys leaders have prioritised national security over economic growth.

According to a May article in the Wall Street Journal, President Xi Jinping put Minister of State Security Chen Yixin in charge of monitoring foreign companies.

Chen began his career in Zhejiang province and worked for the current president when he was leader of the province 20 years ago.

As government control and repression are strengthened, national security appears to be at the top of Xi's agenda, since nothing concrete has been done to meet the demands of private enterprises and foreign companies.

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Back in September 2020, the Volkswagen Group-owned Audi brand became aware of incidents in which overheating and melting occurred at the industrial socket when charging with the 220V/240V industrial plug at 40 amperes. Between October 2020 and December 2021, the automaker from Ingolstadt, Germany requested and analyzed parts from the field.

Photo: Audi

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PHEV

In the first instance, Audi determined the power outlets and/or wiring as being incapable of handling the required current. As a result, Audi rolled out a service campaign where the charging system control unit was reprogrammed to a 50 percent power level for the industrial plug. However, the simple press of a button makes it possible to charge at 100 percent.Field monitoring continued between February 2022 and November 2023, and not surprising anyone, Audi kept receiving field reports alleging overheated and melted sockets. These incidents prompted the German automaker to reevaluate its original service campaign. Lo and behold, someone at Audi finally realized it's human nature to ignore warning labels and common sense. Given these circumstances, Audi decided to supersede the service campaign with a recall comprising 93,196 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids from the 2020 through 2024 model year.Dealers have already been instructed to replace the power cable with the power plug for industrial sockets with a newly designed cable that integrates temperature sensors. The report attached below further states that said cable will become available in the second quarter of 2024. In terms of part numbers, the old cable is listed as 7PP971678ED. The revised cable bears P/N 7PP971678GA in the parts system.Owners will be notified via first-class mail on or about February 9. In the meantime, owners are urged not to use the 220V/240V portable charging cable. Instead, they should use the 110-volt home charging cable or public charging stations. Once the redesigned cable becomes available at dealers nationwide, Audi will send owners a second notice.As per documents filed with the, the affected population includes the 2022 through 2024 model year Audi e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, and Q4 e-tron Sportback. The list continues with the 2020 to 2021 model year Audi A8, 2019 through 2019 e-tron Quattro, 2020 through 2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021 to 2022 A7 PHEV.In unsold vehicles, the original cable will be removed from said vehicles prior to delivery. At the same time, dealers are required to destroy the 220V/240V portable charging cable. For vehicles that are out of warranty, Audi will offer a reimbursement plan.In the first three quarters of 2023, the Audi brand reported 17,628 deliveries of all-electric vehicles in the US market. The undisputed leader is the Q4 e-tron, which can only be described as the fancy brother of the Volkswagen ID.4 crossover.Together with the Sportback, it moved 7,952 units in the first three quarters. The Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback accounted for 4,716 deliveries, whereas the e-tron GT and more powerful RS e-tron GT moved 2,424 examples in total.
33,386 Corvettes produced in 1975 rolled off the assembly lines as a coupe, with the convertible representing only 12% of the production. In clear numbers, it means Chevrolet built only 4,629 convertibles, and the one posted on eBay by seller arminhott87 is one of them.The Corvette convertible has been sitting for some time, but the owner doesn't share more specifics. However, the photos indicate the car passed the test of time well despite not flexing a tip-top shape. Its body is solid, and despite some signs of rust, I don't see anything too concerning that could make restorers interested in giving it a second chance to walk away.The body is straight, the frame is solid, and the interior looks better than on many Vettes I've seen lately, with almost everything still in place. The radio is missing, and the seats require some urgent repairs, but I'm impressed with how good this Corvette looks after all these years. It's a project that ticks many essential boxes, so I doubt it'll remain available for too long.As a matching-numbers Corvette whose engine is as mysterious as possible, this convertible comes with rare options, including the rear window defroster. Based on some rough estimates, it looks like Chevrolet only built some 13,000 Vettes equipped with this option, though it's unclear how many were convertibles. It's likely a rare thing in the Corvette convertible world, especially considering the system is complete.The car also comes with a soft top, door glasses, door panels, and other desirable parts, paving the way for an easy restoration. However, the work will be extensive if you plan an overhaul to factory specs, but turning the car into a daily driver shouldn't take too long. The odometer indicates 31K miles, but it's unclear if it's the original number.The seller posted the Corvette on eBay without a reserve, so the car has already caught the attention of many people who want a convertible in good shape. The battle is fierce, with 22 bids received in only a few hours online. The top offer is $2,650, but considering the auction will end in over five days, the price will probably go up significantly.If you want to see the car in person (and you should, considering it's a project that could eventually be worth a small fortune if done right), you must travel to Miami Beach, Florida. The Corvette rolls and steers freely, so it shouldn't be challenging to get it on a trailer if you negotiate a deal with the owner.
Honda and Denso have collaborated since times immemorial but said collaboration proved nigh-on disastrous on a number of occasions. Indirectly controlled by rival automaker Toyota, which owns more than 30 percent of the auto supplier, Denso recalled millions over millions of improperly manufactured fuel pumps a few short years ago.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Photo: Acura

PHEV

?? Recall Alert

Certain 2017-2020 Honda sedans, coupes, minivans, hatchbacks and trucks along with several Acura models to include hybrids.

Recalled for faulty fuel pump inside the fuel tank.https://t.co/oRhuDaKr7H  NHTSA Recalls & Ratings (@NHTSArecalls) December 21, 2023

As it happens, Denso hadn't learned its lesson after losing a truckload of money on replacing those iffy fuel pumps . Published by theunder number 23V-858, the latest recall concerning Denso comprises a staggering 2,539,902 vehicles produced by Honda for the United States of America. Of those, at least one percent are believed to feature defective pumps.In the best-case scenario, that's a little over 25,000 fuel pump assemblies. Multiply that by a hundred or two hundred bucks on average per fuel pump, and you're looking at quite a tremendous expenditure. Similar to recalls from years past, the low-density impeller is prone to deform over time due to improper molding. In this case, it will eventually interfere with the fuel pump's body, therefore rendering the fuel pump inoperative. Otherwise put, it's a big oopsie.If the fuel pump goes kaput, drivers won't be able to start the vehicle. The worst-case scenario is the engine stalling unexpectedly due to fuel starvation while driving at speed on the highway, thus greatly increasing the risk of a crash. In the chronology filed with federal watchdog, Honda says that it's aware of a staggering 4,042 warranty claims and no reports of injuries related to this issue. Said claims date back to the month of January 2018 (and up to December 12, 2023).Honda further explains that Denso improved the design of the fuel pump assembly in July 2019 with greater density impellers and more clearance between the impeller and fuel pump body. The affected vehicle population was produced for the 2018 to 2020 model years from January 2017 to September 2020.34 part numbers are listed, along with 22 nameplates from the Honda and Acura brands. The list comprises the Acura NSX, TLX, RLX, RDX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, ILX, Honda Civic Type R, Civic Hatchback, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Accord, Accord Hybrid, Ridgeline, Passport, Odyssey, Insight, HR-V, Fit, CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, and the poor-selling Clarity. The Japanese automaker didn't offer numbers for each and every single one of these nameplates, although it's pretty certain that the CR-V, Civic, and Accord account for most of the recalled vehicle population.Dealers nationwide are to replace the fuel pump assembly with the improved part, and owners who have paid to have the original fuel pump replaced are eligible for reimbursement, provided they can provide the receipt or any other adequate proof of payment. Owners will be notified via first-class mail no later than February 2024. In the meantime, owners should check if their VINs are recalled on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.Of the aforementioned models, the Acura NSX left us in 2022. A twin-turbo V6 hybrid rather than a free-breathing V6 as the original, the second generation sold much worse than the first due to a plethora of reasons. Not only was the performance a bit meh for the staggeringly high starting price, but even on the track, more affordable cars with no sort of hybrid assistance whatsoever proved faster than the NSX.The Clarity PHEV, its all-electric sibling, and the fuel-cell variant didn't sell as well as Honda expected them to do either. The last example of the breed was assembled in 2021, and to this day, Honda doesn't plan to release a successor to the Clarity.
Knowing what we know now about our solar system, it would be fair to assume that many of the processes and state of affairs we've observed here with our own instruments and eyes are widespread throughout the Universe.

Photo: NASA

Photo: NASA

For instance, we've recently discussed at length a discovery concerning one of the moons in the solar system that has one of the biggest chances of harboring life in our immediate neighborhood.It's Enceladus I'm talking about, a place we already knew to have a massive water ocean underneath its icy crust. We know this thanks to the moon's habit of blasting that ocean into space through geyser-like jets of water vapor and ice particles, and thanks to the presence in its vicinity at one point of a spacecraft called Cassini, which observed and studied all of this.There are a handful of other moons in Sol with the same traits (of a total of about 290 such celestial bodies we know about), so Enceladus is not an exception, but probably a rule. A rule that may very well expand beyond the borders of our system and well into the wider galaxy.At least that's what NASA makes us believe through a new study it conducted that shows that some of the exoplanets we've already discovered "could have oceans of liquid water, an essential ingredient for life, beneath icy shells." And not only that, but just like in the case of Enceladus but also Jupiter's moon Europa, "water from these oceans could occasionally erupt through the ice crust as geysers."The study was published back in October in the Astrophysical Journal and was led by Dr. Lynnae Quick of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, who presented it this month at the American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco, California.During the research, the team looked at 17 confirmed exoplanets, all of them about the size of our own planet but less dense, a trait that may point to them being home to large amounts of water. They are also much colder than our home world, which may mean they are covered in ice.These places, including planets Proxima Centauri b, Kepler 441b, LHS 1140, and MOA 2007 BLG 192Lb, pair the possible presence of ice on their surface with enough internal heat, coming from the decay of radioactive elements and tidal forces, to possibly allow for the presence of liquid water underneath the icy shell.The combination of the coldness of the exterior and the hotness of the subsurface may cause the planets to generate geysers of their own, just like Enceladus. And this study also managed to calculate, for the first time ever, just how much geyser activity these exoplanets might experience.And they found that some of these eruptions might be powerful enough to be observed with nothing more than a telescope on the lookout for brightness and reflections. In the case of Proxima Centauri b, for instance, eruptions could spit out into space as much as 13.2 million pounds (six million kg) of water vapor, ice, and God knows what else per second, while LHS 1140 releases 639,640 pounds (290,000 kg) per second.Just to put things into perspective, consider the fact the largest such geysers we know of here in our solar system, the ones on Europa , release only 4,400 pounds (2,000 kg) per second.As for the thickness of the shell of ice that covers these exoplanets, astronomers were capable of calculating there is a 190 feet (58 meters) wall of ice covering Proxima Centauri b, one mile (1.6 km) of the stuff over LHS 1140 b, and no less than 24 miles of ice depth for MOA 2007 BLG 192Lb. As you can see, the thinner the ice crust, the more powerful the geysers.This discovery is important not only because it moves us one step closer to acknowledging the possibility of life existing outside our solar system, but also because it proves life could be much more widespread than we could have ever dreamed of.You see, astronomers generally look for signs of life in the so-called Goldilocks zone of solar systems, the place far and close enough at the same time to the sun to allow for the existence of liquid water on rocky worlds.Ice planets and moons, on the other hand, are generally located much further out than that, but as this study shows, under the right conditions (the main one being the existence of some kind of internal heat source) they too could support life.Further study into these planets is of course needed to determine whether the water vapor jettisoned into space could contain the ingredients for life (yes, we can do that from this far out, using the means at our disposal).And circling back to how we started all this, assuming many of the processes and state of affairs we've observed in our own solar system are commonplace, then probably so is life. Wouldn't that be something?
Democratic grassroots governance injects vitality into rural China

Xinhua) 15:20, December 21, 2023

LANZHOU, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The meeting room in the village committee in northwest China's Gansu Province was packed with township and village cadres and representatives of villagers.

Bai Qingfang stepped into the village committee, ready to discuss the most disputed issues with the attendees and search for solutions together.

"The main road at the end of the village has been damaged. The asphalt needs to be paved quickly, or else it will affect the rural eatery business," said one.

"The old water channel needs to be renovated as its poor irrigation functions will affect the yield of melons," said another.

In recent years, as the agricultural industry in the village has continued to expand, various village-level issues such as the improvement of village appearance and the renewal of infrastructure have emerged, posing a new challenge for the governance of the village committee.

To explore a mechanism for efficiently solving these kinds of issues, in 2020, Miaojia was appointed as a pilot village where a consultative council consisting of political advisors, grassroots cadres, country squires and representatives of villagers was formed. The council members, totaling 24, are all selected by villagers.

"Any proposal would be discussed, investigated and settled by members of the consultative council. The details of the settlement would be disclosed for public supervision," said Bai, Party chief of Miaojia Village in the Hui Autonomous Prefecture of Linxia.

One of the cases the council helped solve was the construction project of a floodwater drainage channel.

The project was put on the agenda in March as a vegetable planting base in the village was frequently drowned by rainfall. This caused damage to the crops of 30 households and resulted in losses for the collective income, said Yuan Guoshun, one of the council members.

However, some farmers disagreed with the project as the new channel would occupy some of their farmland.

Members of the council then persuaded farmers in the base to lease their land to a company. Instead of farming themselves, they could receive dividends from the company, and meanwhile, find jobs elsewhere. Following land leasing, the company was subsequently responsible for the construction of the drainage channel.

"The project that had been delayed for two years was solved within two months. That's the power of collective consultation," said Yuan.

With the council addressing problems, more and more villagers are more willing to participate in village issues.

Villager Ma Mudan suggested pulling up weeds at the roadside in the village, and growing some flowers with long flowering season and low costs.

"My suggestion was soon accepted, and I turned my friends to come to help grow flowers," she said.

Over the past three years, similar consultative council platforms in townships, villages and residential communities have been set up in the prefecture, with more than 2,000 issues of various kinds addressed and solved. Land confiscation and relocation, the renovation of old residential areas and improvement of the living environment are among the related aspects.

"The platforms and mechanisms established to guide the people to participate extensively in community-level social governance have not only built consensus but also pooled wisdom and strength for improving community-level social governance as well as serving social development," said Zhang Zhijun, chairman of the prefecture's political advisory body.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Ex-minister tasked with resolving party's internal conflicts, preparing for election campaign

By Nam Hyun-woo

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon was appointed as interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Thursday, taking the important role of leading the party's general election campaigns in April.

Han, described as the PPP's next flag-bearer, had been expected to take the role, in the view that the party needs fresh leadership to salvage itself from a pessimistic election outlook. Awaiting Han are the daunting tasks of addressing the party's internal fractures, preparing the party's election campaigns and countering the opposition's planned push to launch a special counsel to investigate first lady Kim Keon Hee.

During a press conference, PPP floor leader Rep. Yun Jae-ok said the party has appointed Han as the chairman of its emergency committee.

"The emergency committee chief, who will lead the PPP, holds the heavy responsibility to guide the party through the upcoming general elections that will determine the public livelihoods and the future of the country," Yun said.

Yun said an interim leader has to be able to reform the party and its platform, improve the quality of communications between the government and the party, reunite the country's conservative voters and gain support from the majority of the party, and Han is a person who can fulfill these conditions.

Following the announcement, President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted his resignation, and Han held a resignation ceremony at the ministry's headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, and stepped down from the minister post.

"I wanted to do well and prepare the country's future," Han said during the ceremony. "I wanted to make my fellow citizens' life better and stand by ordinary and vulnerable people."

He told reporters after the ceremony that "I will navigate through the frontline with the compass of people's common sense and common thoughts."

Until Yoon names a new justice minister, Vice Justice Minister Lee Noh-kong will lead the ministry. Former Seoul High Prosecutors Office head Ghil Tae-ki has been mentioned as Han's successor.

The ruling party will hold a special committee meeting in the near future to approve Han's leadership. Given the time frame, Han is anticipated to be officially appointed within next week, and the interim leadership will likely begin its operation at the end of this month.

Han's nomination came eight days after Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon resigned as party chairman on Dec. 13, after having clashed with the party's innovation committee which had urged Kim to give up his reelection bid as a gesture of sacrifice for the party.

Before Kim agreed to the committee's suggestion, the party's fringe group members raised their opinions that Kim should step down. He did so after Rep. Chang Je-won, another party heavyweight and a close associate of Korea's president, announced that he will not run for reelection. This came as a hefty blow for Kim, who has been relying on his relationship with the president.

Han, an outspoken former prosecutor, has worked with Yoon  also a former prosecutor  in multiple investigation teams that delved into high-profile cases, including the sale of the now-defunct Korea Exchange Bank to U.S. private equity firm Lone Star Funds.

Since then, Han has become widely known as one of the figures who best understands Yoon. After becoming the first justice minister of the Yoon administration, he has enjoyed high popularity from conservative voters due to his neat styling, smart rhetoric and unyielding stance during arguments with opposition lawmakers.

For Han, the most immediate task is addressing the PPP's leadership turmoil and facilitating a unity between factions. The PPP's Yoon loyalists have welcomed Han's interim leadership citing his popularity and aggressive attitude, but rival factions cast worries over his lack of experience in politics.

When asked about his political inexperience, Han told reporters on Tuesday that "real crises oftentimes come when you are sparing yourself, not because of your inexperience."

Rep. Yun also said that inexperience can be "a good condition for new politics," and stated his belief that Han has already gained political experience as the justice minister.

Along with the party's unity, Han must now prepare for the general election campaign. For the elections, the party needs to form a candidate recommendation committee, and Han has to name the committee's chief, who will wield the power of selecting candidates for each constituency.

"The emergency committee should finish its preparations within this year, so that the new leadership can manage party affairs and election strategies in the New Year," Yun said. "Next year, the party's general election preparations should be spearheaded by the new leadership."

Another task for Han is the upcoming special counsel proposed to investigate first lady Kim Keon Hee.

A special counsel refers to an independent counsel appointed by the National Assembly to investigate cases involving high-ranking officials. The first lady faces allegations that she was involved in stock manipulation of one of BMW's licensed Korean dealerships.

The minor opposition Justice Party proposed a bill for a special counsel in March, and this is set to be tabled at a National Assembly plenary session on Dec. 28, upon the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) endorsement. Since the DPK holds 168 out of 300 Assembly seats, it can pass the bill singlehandedly.

If the investigation of Kim takes places, it is expected to be a major source of controversy preceding the general elections, as the investigation is likely to peak in March  just a month before voters go to the polls  with the aim of swaying public sentiment away from not only Kim but also the president and the ruling party.

Han earlier floated the idea of postponing the probe until after the general elections, in what appears to be a tactic to minimize the impact of any findings on the PPP.
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is presently one of the U.S. Navy's main aerial platforms. Deployed in service as a replacement for the legendary Grumman F-14 Tomcat in the late 1990s, it also begins to grow old, not as a general platform, but at least as far as some of the systems it packs go.

ALR

The plane has been for a while at the center of the American military's modernization efforts. Most recently, meaning just a month or so ago, we learned of the aircraft getting a new mighty weapon in its arsenal, the Raytheon-made air-launched precision-guided bomb called StormBreaker The bomb joins an already formidable arsenal that also includes a 20 mm cannon, Sidewinder missiles, Sparrows, Harpoons, Mavericks, but also Joint Stand-Off Weapons and Joint Direct Attack Munitions, among others.The punch the Super Hornet packs is thus impressive, but it can only be delivered properly if the aircraft is capable of surviving the ever-evolving threats of today's battlefields. And it can only do that if it has a more modern and more capable electronic warfare system.And that's exactly what the plane is going to get after the U.S. Navy handed defense contractor Raytheon an $80 million contract to prototype something called the ADVEW. That's short for Advanced Electronic Warfare.At the time of writing the Super Hornets use an integrated defensive electronic countermeasure system called AN/ALQ-214 and a radar warning receiver named AN/-67(V)3 to detect threats and defend themselves.If approved by the Navy, the ADVEW will replace both of them in a single move, because it has been imagined as a one-box solution. It's meant to be the last one to ever be fitted on the Super Hornet, especially considering how the plane's maker, Boeing, will stop rolling it off the assembly lines in 2025.The details of the system have not been made public, in part because the thing does not exist yet. We do know it will use a lot fewer components than the current systems, and that it will be built using government-defined open architecture to make it adaptable as technologies progress.Raytheon will work on the Super Hornet at its facility in Goleta, California. Over the next 36 months or so the ADVEW will have to burn through preliminary design review, critical design review, and finally flight testing.The F/A-18 Super Hornet is powered by a pair of engines capable of developing 22,000 pounds lbs of thrust each, pushing the aircraft to a top speed of Mach 1.8 (1,381 mph/2,222 kph).A little over 600 of these planes were made, many of them deployed in the service of the American military, but with other countries in the world, like Australia and Kuwait, using them too.
Photo: Giorgi Tedoradze | Behance

DCT

We won't even mention the oversized kidney grilles of some models, as they don't look that bad anymore as they did when they first came out, and who knows, maybe the Munich brand's current lineup will look better in the future.After all, we used to say that the E6X series from the Chris Bangle era was plain ugly, but it has aged like fine wine. In our vision (okay, my vision), the E60 is the second best-looking 5er ever made, right after the F10 (that Alpina model is gorgeous!), and the E39 has fallen into third place.BMW has made some great vehicles since it was founded over 100 years ago. But was the Z3 one of them? The answer varies from one individual to another, as while some say it's a good-looking roadster, others would likely have its successor, the E8X Z4. Or maybe the E89 Z4 or the G29, with the latter being the latest. It shares many components with the Toyota GR Supra, and while its Japanese cousin is a coupe, the (now) five-year-old Z4 is offered strictly with a folding roof.Now, speaking of the Z3 , it was recently used as inspiration to come up with a concept. Mind you, it's not a real one, as you already know from the title, as it calls the virtual realm home. Signed by Giorgi Tedoradze and shared on Behance right before the Winter Holidays, it is one sexy proposal. In fact, it looks better than any low-slung model BMW currently makes (save for the M8), and we think it would sell like hotcakes if given the green light for production.Sure, it would have to be a proper M car, with pure rear-wheel drive and a punchy straight-six assisted by two turbochargers under the hood. An xDrive all-wheel drive system would probably make it more popular, and so would a stick shift offered next to the. The digital model has seductive lines from bumper to bumper. It also features broad shoulders, wide front wheel arches, LED lighting units, a fresh interpretation of the kidney grille, and stacked tailpipes.It is a two-door coupe riding on big wheels that has hidden door handles and tiny side mirrors for a more futuristic flair, and it could be just what the doctor ordered for those who feel the M2 is a bit too small and the two-door M4 rather large. But could it convince you to buy it if it looked similar to these renderings?
While its true that the Ferrari 296 represents one of the carmakers greatest achievements, at least on paper, future buyers should still be wary about overspending, especially if theyre not exactly sure what type of Ferrari would best suit their lifestyle.

EV

kWh

Photo: Bring a Trailer

How much is this really worth?

The 296 features a very interesting powertrain setup. Its a rear mid-engine plug-in hybrid with rear-wheel-drive and a twin turbocharged V6. This means that you can drive it purely as anover short distances, before unleashing its combined 819 horsepower. The 296, or 296 GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) isnt meant to replace anything in the carmakers portfolio, but rather to serve as the spiritual successor to the Dino 206 GT.By itself, the electric motor is capable of generating 165 horsepower, while the 7.45high-voltage accumulator allows for an EV range of roughly 16 miles. Its not impressive or anything, but its better than nothing, I suppose.Anyway, in a straight line, the 296 GTB can rocket from zero to 60 mph in an official 2.9 seconds, while its top speed is rated at over 205 mph. The thing is, we know its way quicker than that, with several independent tests producing 0-60 times in the 2.4-second range. Its truly astonishing what this car can do in a straight line, where it can easily keep up with the more powerful SF90.Speaking of astonishing, the car youre looking at here features a showstopping specification. Its up for grabs to the highest bidder rocking a special-order Viola Hong Kong exterior with enamel Scuderia Ferrari fender shields, plus a set of 20-inch diamond-polished wheels with yellow center caps, yellow calipers, and a set of Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires.Other noteworthy features include the magnetorheological suspension, electronic Side Slip Control (eSSC) system, carbon-ceramic rotors at all corners, LED lights, front and rear parking sensors, plus the active rear wing.As for the interior, its equally nice, with the carbon-fiber racing seats trimmed in Tortora leather, yellow accents and contrast stitching, matching upholstery (door panels, lower dashboard), carbon fiber accents (dash, center console, door sills), dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, a passenger-side display and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with Giallo contrast stitching.Almost forget, this cars eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is pretty much the same one you might find in the SF90 , Roma or the Portofino M.Thats the question, isnt it? According to the ad, this Ferrari came with a sticker price of $413,736, options included. Now, I know that Italian exotics tend to go up in value instead of down, meaning you could argue that this 296 GTB really is worth at least $500,000 now.However, its starting MSRP is more along the lines of $340,000, and Im not sure this is the type of Ferrari youd want to break the bank on. Its not track-focused or limited production, and its not a luxury GT either, but more of a jack of all trades and master of... some?My point is, if youre going to spend half a million dollars on a Ferrari, you might as well go for something like the 812 Superfast . It may not be as fast on paper, but youre not going to feel the difference and youd be getting more car for the money. Still, if the 296 is more your tune, then go ahead and get yourself one, player.
Overair is ending the year on a high note with the inauguration of the first full-scale prototype of its unique, military-inspired eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) named Butterfly.

Last year, the California-based company focused on propulsion testing, which included a truck-based test. Now, with the assembly of the Butterfly prototype complete, it's ready to move on to the next testing phase, which will take place at its headquarters in Santa Ana. Later on, the prototype will be moved to the company's advanced flight test facility in Victorville for further testing.The Butterfly eVTOL is unique in many ways, starting with its unusual look that makes it stand out on the market. It's the result of a particular propulsion technology with four huge rotors. Overair says they're more than double in size compared to those of most eVTOLs.It also claims to be the first one to incorporate two highly advanced technologies known as IBC (Individual Blade Control) and OSTR (Optimum Speed Tilt Rotor). Together, these two turn the Butterfly into the most efficient and quietest aircraft in its class. While providing a smoother and safer ride for its passengers, the Butterfly is also designed to be rugged. According to the manufacturer, it can ensure high performance no matter the weather, temperature, or altitude.This ruggedness and exceptional performance were among the factors that convinced the US Navy to select Overair for SBIR funding, with the special target of advancing the IBC technology.Another reason that makes this eVTOL worth remembering is that its innovative concept comes from none other than the drone pioneer himself, Abe Karem. Karem was one of the main figures at the dawn of the drone era, back in the '80s, and he helped develop some of the best unmanned aerial vehicles for the military (the Predator and the A160 Hummingbird). This might explain why this electric air taxi with a delicate name is actually a rugged machine that's directly derived from military technology.The Butterfly will also stand among the most spacious aircraft of its kind, with a heavy-duty cabin that can carry up to five passengers or a large cargo payload. It can fly up to 200 mph (322 kph) and cover short distances of around 100 miles (161 km).Overair's unique aircraft isn't limited to domestic military, urban, and cargo operations. It was also impressive enough to convince the South Korean Police, which is currently working with the Californian manufacturer, to lay the ground for future AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) operations in South Korea. The eVTOL maker recently received orders for more than 320 units in the region, including Jeju Island.The upcoming year will most likely confirm Butterfly's exceptional performance across domains and take the eVTOL maker one step closer to commercial operations.
Toyota has issued a worldwide safety recall affecting 1.12 million vehicles. All based on the TNGA-K platform for FWD and AWD cars and crossovers from the D segment upward, the vehicles in question are equipped with occupant classification system sensors that may have been improperly manufactured.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NHTSA

Photo: Toyota

The potentially defective sensors determine the weight of whoever is seated in the front passenger seat. In the event of a short circuit, said occupant classification sensors won't report the weight of the front passenger to the supplemental restraint system. In other words, the airbag may not deploy as intended in certain crashes, thus increasing the risk of injury, especially in the case of children and small adults.Published on Toyota's newsroom for the US market, the release attached below fails to mention what causes the sensors to short circuit. What's more, Toyota didn't mention the name of the supplier. These details will be revealed in a few days' time by the Toyota will instruct dealers to inspect the occupant classification system's sensors and  if necessary  replace them at no cost to the affected owners. Owner notifications will be completed by mid-February 2024 in the United States of America. In the meantime, owners are recommended to visit Toyota's recall information website for more info.Alternatively, the Toyota dealer of your liking or thecan help you determine whether your TNGA-K vehicle is recalled or not. Speaking of which, the list of recalled vehicles kicks off with no fewer than six nameplates from the Toyota brand.As implied by the main pic and the photo gallery, the 2020 to 2022 model year Camry and Camry Hybrid open the list. The Avalon and Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid, as well as the Sienna Hybrid are also recalled. Over at Lexus, affected nameplates include the ES sedan and the RX crossover utility vehicle.Toyota singles out the ES 250, ES 300h, ES 350, RX 350, and RX 450h versions. Advertised as being a mid-size luxury sedan, the ES currently starts at $43,190 (sans destination freight charge) in the United States for the front-wheel-drive 250. In this flavor, the Avalon's brother develops 203 horses.As for the better-selling RX, the mid-size luxury crossover retails at $49,950 for the front-drive 350 or $51,550 for the all-wheel-drive version. The RX 350 packs a turbocharged engine with 275 ponies on tap, namely the 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder mill that comes standard in the Tacoma and Land Cruiser.The Toyota brand's most popular nameplate in the United States is the RAV4, which sold a whopping 303,341 units in the first three quarters of 2023. Of those, 103,329 were hybrids and 18,851 were specified with the 302-hp plug-in hybrid setup.
Back in May 2023, the Corolla Cross was recalled to the tune of 96,007 due to front passenger airbags that may not deploy as intended. The root cause? According to Toyota, a manufacturing error in the instrument panel where the airbag is located.

Photo: Toyota

NHTSA

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

FWD

In early May 2023, a Toyota employee observed that a portion of the instrument panel manufacturing process had been performed out of sequence by the supplier. The supplier in question is Alabama-based Vuteq, and the reason it's based in Alabama is that Toyota makes the Corolla Cross in Huntsville Subsequent investigations revealed that certain panels were missing the perforation for the front passenger airbag on the underside of said instrument panels. How come? As it happens, certain steps of the production work process for milling the perforation have been skipped. Otherwise put, a big oopsie.Toyota tested incorrectly manufactured panels to determine the effects of no perforation on airbag performance, and not surprising in the least, the airbag was found to deploy in an abnormal manner. This, in turn, means that recalled vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, paragraph S14.4.As a result, Toyota instructed dealers nationwide to inspect and  if necessary  replace the instrument panel at no cost to the owners. Owner notifications were mailed between July 10 and July 29, meaning that many of them have had the panels replaced.Be that as it may, Toyota recently discovered that certain dealers may have messed up. More to the point, a number of dealers failed to identify vehicles that required the remedy. Not because of their fault, but rather "due to a problem with the inspection process specified by Toyota." Out of an abundance of caution, the Japanese automaker estimates that 12,600 vehicles need to be reinspected. Owners will be informed of this blunder by mid-February 2024.For some reason or another, Toyota didn't provide any production dates for the potentially affected vehicles. As per documents filed with the, the original recall comprised 2022 and 2023 models with build dates ranging between September 1, 2021 and May 4, 2023. Of the initially recalled population of 96,007 vehicles, Toyota estimated that two percent required the remedy, which means 1,920 and a bit.12,600 is a terribly high number, though, representing 13.1% of the originally recalled population. On the upside, Toyota isn't aware of any injuries resulting from abnormal front passenger airbag deployments. That being said, the Corolla Cross is a Top Safety Pick in the eyes of the. It passed all but one crashworthiness test with flying colors, the exception being an acceptable rating in the nonprofit organization's updated side crash test. The lesser of two headlight designs was also deemed acceptable due to inadequate visibility from the low beams on the gradual left curve, as well as from the high beams on the left side, sharp right, and sharp left curves.At press time, Toyota charges $23,610 for the most basic of specifications available. Level up to the Corolla Cross Hybrid, and the MSRP balloons to $27,835 sans destination charge and extras. The all-wheel-drive hybrid is listed with up to 42 miles per gallon (5.6 liters per 100 kilometers) on the combined test cycle, whereas the internal combustion-only Corolla Cross gets 32 withand 30 with FWD.
The Armenian government introduced the two-month ban on November 20 in an effort to protect the vast lakes endangered fish stocks during the annual spawning period. But it was not until this month that it began enforcing the measure extremely unpopular in Sevans coastal fishery-dependent communities.

Officers of a newly established water patrol unit of the national police and representatives of the Sevan National Park clashed with residents of one of those villages, Noratus, during a joint patrol on Tuesday.

According to a police report cited by Armenias Investigative Committee, their two patrol boats were surrounded by as many as 200 smaller boats carrying angry local fishers. The latter threw Molotov cocktails and other objects before some of them boarded a Sevan National Park vessel and beat up its crew, the law-enforcement agency said on Wednesday. The statement added that 26 attackers were arrested and charged with mass hooliganism and violent assault after the incident.

Noratus residents denied the official version of events as they blocked on Wednesday a nearby highway to protest against the arrests and the fishing ban. One of them said that the fishers themselves were attacked by the police while trying to retrieve their fishing nets from the lake. Others accused the police of sinking one of the fishing boats during the clash.

The protesters also argued that fishing has long been their main source of income in their community which is officially home to some 6,800 people.

There is no other work here, one middle-aged man told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. Let them [the authorities] give us jobs, and everyone here would love to stop fishing.

There is no spawning at the moment, claimed another fisher. The scientists who say that are wrong. Spawning happens from January 1 to January 20.

The authorities say that earlier this month they offered to delay the enforcement of the ban by several days but were rebuffed by the locals.

Decades of overfishing are believed to have taken a heavy toll on Sevans main species: trout and whitefish. The Sevan trout, an Armenian delicacy, became all but extinct even before the collapse of the Soviet Union and the ensuing upsurge in poaching. The lakes whitefish population has also declined significantly since the early 1990s.

Fishing bans repeatedly imposed by the current and former Armenian governments have not been vigorously enforced until now.
21 December 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its commercial fleet in the Caspian basin and outside. Having the biggest commercial fleet in the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan has taken strict measures to protect its upper hand in the region by launching new ports and ship-building plants. Presently the main shipping company in the country is Azerbaijan Caspian Sea Shipping (ASCO), and its history traces back to 1858.

Today ASCO has 367 ships, boats, vessels, and so on. However, following the laws of business, ASCO does not limit itself to these ships and tries to increase the number of ships. For this purpose, the company signed a contract with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to get $60m to purchase two dry cargo ships. The company noted that this project will allow the state-owned company to strengthen its regional ties as part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) and increase the number of merchant fleet operations outside the Caspian Sea in international waters.

Speaking to Azernews on the issue, expert on transport issues Rauf Agamirzayev said that Azerbaijan's merchant navy has an experience of 165 years, and having a shipping tradition, Azerbaijan is known for its shipping activities with a shipping tradition in the Caspian basin.

Also, Azerbaijan currently has a kind of monopolistic position in the Caspian Sea. In other words, we have the biggest fleet and this is an advantage for Azerbaijan. We have done a number of things to further strengthen this advantage and implemented many projects to reduce risks and increase maneuvers. One of them is that Azerbaijan has its shipyard, which reduces the dependence on foreign countries. It also leads to the currency remaining in the country. It allows to reduce the age of the ship fleet, that is, to increase the number of more modern and new ships. This, in turn, will lead to effective operation, competitive operations. Also, Azerbaijan is increasing its position outside the Caspian Sea. In this regard, the two newly ordered ships are increasing Azerbaijan's position outside the Caspian Sea. Of course, this also makes us proud. The number of our ships sailing under the flag of Azerbaijan is increasing, Rauf Agamirzayev said.

The expert pointed out that to date, Zangezur, Garabagh, and Shusha afromax type ships which are the latest, modern, and larger-volume oil and oil products carriers with 115,000 tons have been put into operation. It was also announced earlier that Azerbaijan will increase the number of dry cargo ships in the Black Sea to increase its position along the Middle Corridor.

This will enable Azerbaijan not only to make money from transit along this corridor but also increase profits through its freight companies. As a matter of course, it will make an important contribution to this corridor. Therefore, I think that these are very important projects for Azerbaijan. In addition, to make the corridor competitive and better developed, a part of the port inside the city of Baku was transferred to Alat in 2014, and the second part was transferred in 2018. In the last five years, we have been observing the growth dynamics of the load. ASCO has an exceptional role here. Because it is the ships of the company that ensure the multimodal transportation of the increased cargo across the Caspian Sea. Here are different types of loads, Rauf Agamirzayev noted.

He stressed that the main of them are traditional oil cargoes, which according to the agreement signed with Kazakhstan, ASCO is showing its support for the transportation of 1.5 million tons of cargo. Agamirzayev noted that on the other hand, it witnessed an increase in recent years in the transportation of different cargoes - containerized cargoes, fertilizer cargoes, then railway cargoes transported by ferry, wheeled machinery on Ro-ro ships.

The fleet that carries all of these is the fleet of the Caspian shipping, which is an important link of the corridor. Here, in a combined version, we can mention the Azerbaijan and Zarifa Aliyeva ro-pax type ships, which is a type of ship that can transport both railway, wheeled equipment and passengers, put into operation. The uniqueness of these ships is that previously such kind of ships were manufactured outside the Caspian Sea and therefore the dimensions of the Volga-Don canal should have been taken into account. However, the presence of Azerbaijan's shipyard will lead to more effective operation of this Ropax-type corridor, which was built taking into account the maximum cargo transportation in the Caspian basin. Besides, the increase of additional cargo ships in the Black Sea will lead to the fact that it will take its rightful place in the purely marine segment of this corridor and will have a significant share in the corridor, the expert concluded.

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Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
21 December 2023 12:44 (UTC+04:00)

Asim Aliyev Read more

At the Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev and the Republic of Turkiye held in Baku on December 21, Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov stated that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey in the economic sphere is not limited to bilateral relations, Azernews reports.

''We also realise mega projects contributing to regional development and security.''

The density of relations between the two countries is also reflected in the figures, the minister said.

Minister Jabbarov added that "Turkiye is the main trade partner of Azerbaijan. In the first 11 months of this year, trade turnover between our countries amounted to 7.2 billion dollars, which is 33 percent more than in the corresponding period of last year. Exports increased by more than 52 percent and amounted to 5.1 billion dollars".

Miikail Jabbarov emphasised that Turkiye ranks first in terms of Azerbaijan's investments in foreign countries. This clearly shows the level of development of investment partnerships between our countries.

The Minister noted that from 1995 to the first six months of 2023, our country has invested 19.9 billion dollars in brotherly Turkey.

"We can proudly say that megaprojects implemented on the joint initiative and with the participation of Azerbaijan and Turkey, contributing to regional development and security, are of global significance. Effective cooperation in the energy sector, signed documents, successfully implemented joint initiatives, and projects further strengthen the positions of our countries in the international arena." "Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, Southern Gas Corridor, and TANAP projects are of great importance in the formation of energy infrastructure between Europe and Asia."

Touching upon the topic of the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, which was laid in Nakhchivan in September this year with the participation of the heads of state of both countries, the minister emphasised that construction works on the project are currently ongoing.

"This project is another example of Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood. The realisation of cooperation opportunities in the field of renewable and green energy is one of the important directions of mutually beneficial partnerships. Within the framework of Azerbaijan's cooperation with foreign investors, it is possible in the future to export energy obtained as a result of the realisation of alternative and renewable energy projects to the countries of the region, including Turkey and Europe," the minister added.

The Economy Minister also stated that the plan to build the Kars-Nakhchivan railroad should be seen as the creation of a new branch of the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route).

He noted that the road, which will pass through the territory of Zangilan, Iran, Nakhchivan and again through Turkey, will further strengthen our partnership in the field of transportation.

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21 December 2023 18:39 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

"Our main goal is to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions from oil and gas production. From this point of view, SOCAR is undergoing an evolution and becoming an energy company."

President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Rovshan Najaf said this at the panel "Green Energy and Smart City" held on December 21 in Baku within the framework of the Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev and the Republic of Turkiye, Azernews reports.

According to Rovshan Najaf, the main issue with the goals now set is the commercialisation of new technologies and their commercial feasibility.

"This requires huge expenditures on scientific and research work. Cooperation and partnership play a big role here. Our main goal is to ensure the energy security of Azerbaijan, its partners, and the region, and to supply the necessary energy to the markets. To this end, we will continue to produce oil and gas, but we will do so in a sustainable, resilient, and carbon-free way.

At the same time, we have joined the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC) to achieve zero operations by 2050, zero flaring in normal production by 2030, and zero methane emissions by 2035.

We need to spend more to reach these goals faster. Coordinated cooperation is needed here. In this respect, SOCAR, together with other international energy companies, is an advocate of a fair and science-based transition," Rovshan Najaf said.

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By Jun Ji-hye

Rep. Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), will attend a New Years meeting to be hosted by President Yoon Suk Yeol at the former presidential office compound of Cheong Wa Dae on Jan. 3, the partys spokesperson said Thursday.

Chairman Lee accepted the invitation. We expect the meeting to become an opportunity to unite the people and overcome economic crisis, DPK spokesperson Rep. Kang Sun-woo told reporters at the National Assembly.

The last time Lee and Yoon met was on Oct. 31 when the president visited the Assembly to present his 2024 budget. At the time, the meeting gained huge attention as it marked the two's first official talks since the launch of the Yoon government. The two reportedly shared opinions on controlling prices and stabilizing the people's livelihoods.

Yoon and Lee were rivals in last years presidential election and have since been adversarial to each other. On Aug. 31, Lee launched a hunger strike to protest the Yoon governments handling of state affairs and ended it on Sept. 23 due to deteriorating health condition.

Political watchers say, however, that it is unlikely that the two would have sufficient time to talk during the New Years meeting, as there will be many other top officials from across the executive, legislative and judicial branches, including the prime minister and the Assembly speaker.

Some 200 officials attended this years meeting, which was not attended by Rep. Lee and other DPK leadership amid discord between the opposition party and the ruling bloc.

At the time, the DPK said Lee could not attend the meeting due to a hectic schedule.
21 December 2023 17:35 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have reached an agreement on the export of green electricity through Azerbaijan to Europe, Azernews reports, citing Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov telling at the Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum.

The Azerbaijani Minister informed about the establishment of an extended working group of the two countries on the energy corridor through Nakhchivan to Turkiye.

Shahbazov reminded that Azerbaijan plans to export up to 5,000 MW of green energy in the future through various directions, including 1,000 MW through Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The minister said the experience of Turkish companies in the field of energy efficiency is very important.

The minister noted the importance of the project of Turkish company Baltech on 50 MW solar power plants in Nakhchivan and 200 MW wind power plants in East Zangazur and Garabagh economic regions.

"In addition, the Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Europe energy corridor is one of the promising directions for the transit of electricity from Central Asia. An agreement has already been reached with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on the export of "green" electricity through Azerbaijan to Europe," the Minister stressed.

It should be noted that the Azerbaijani-Turkish investment forum is being held in Baku today.

The forum will consider possibilities of expansion of Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various directions, and sign investment and cooperation agreements.

More than 600 representatives of state institutions and the private sector from both countries are taking part in the event.

The forum includes panel sessions covering the sectors of investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, and health tourism.

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President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova has received the former Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

The foundation president congratulated the Republic of Turkiye on the 100th anniversary of its establishment, Azernews reports.

Among the significant anniversaries solemnly celebrated in the Turkic world this year, Aktoty Raimkulova noted the 100th anniversary of the founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state, National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

Hulusi Kilic, in turn, congratulated Aktoty Raimkulova on her appointment as the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation. He described the foundation as an important platform for preserving and promoting the material and cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

The meeting continued with an exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

Initiated in 2012, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation focuses on the preservation of the Turkic heritage in member countries as well as conducting projects in collaboration with partners in third nations.

The foundation provides assistance in the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through supporting and funding various activities, projects, and programs.

The organization carries out its activities in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
21 December 2023 12:57 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Pakistan has organised a film screening of the documentary "The Legend of Kharibulbul". The film screening took place at the National University of Modern Languages (NUMLs) in Islamabad, Azernews reports.

The documentary was filmed with the support of the Azerbaijan National Commission for UNESCO and the Culture Ministry.

At the event, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, spoke about the history of the city of Shusha, noting that this city is one of the important centres of historical, cultural, social, and political life in Azerbaijan.

The ambassador emphasised in his speech that Shusha is the cradle of Azerbaijani music. The city was declared the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2023 and the Capital of the Islamic World in 2024.

Speaking about Kharibulbul, Khazar Farhadov noted that this flower, which has become a symbol of victory and liberation of Azerbaijani territories, grows only in Garabagh, mainly in the vicinity of the city of Shusha.

Then the audience was presented with the documentary film "The Legend of Kharibulbul".

The film focuses on the opinions of Western scientists about Eastern culture, Azerbaijani literature, music, mugham, and nature.

During the filming process, Swedish photographer and filmmaker Mikael Silkeberg visited Shusha, Fuzuli, and Aghdam.

The documentary contains interviews with a number of outstanding scientists and cultural figures about Karabakh and Shusha, as well as video shots of historical figures.

After the film screening, the guests got acquainted with the Centre for Azerbaijani Language and Culture, operating at the university. The active participation of the centre in organising events related to Azerbaijan was highly appreciated.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
The first volume of the book "Line Code" has been presented at the National Carpet Museum.

The book was written by Honored Artist Mammadhuseyn Huseynov, Azernews reports.

Mammadhuseyn Huseynov is the leading researcher at the Department for Scientific Research and Preservation of National Heritage, operating under the museum.

Speaking at the event, Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union Ilgar Fahmi noted the line played an important role and carries symbolic meaning in Azerbaijani history and literature.

He said that the monograph contains an explanation of the concepts of point and line depicted on carpets and the influence of these geometric elements on the mythological worldview of Azerbaijanis and other Turkic-speaking peoples.

In the work, based on many years of research into the latter in the historical and philosophical aspects, the author reveals the semantic properties of dots and lines that adorn other examples of decorative and applied art, as well as the symbolic features of the lines.

Highly appreciating the publication of the monograph, Ilgar Fahmi expressed his confidence that the book, prepared by the professor of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, Honored Artist Mammadhuseyn Huseynov, will receive wide public recognition. In his opinion, the new book edition, which is richly illustrated, will become a valuable source for future researchers.

Founded in 1967, the National Carpet Museum holds more than 14,000 exhibits of the finest Azerbaijani carpets.

Initiated by eminent carpet artist Latif Karimov, the museum is beautiful inside and out.

The museum's new building is designed in the form of a rolled carpet. Now, the museum hosts multiple events, including international symposiums, conferences, and various exhibitions.

In 2019, the museum received national status for its significant contribution to popularising and promoting Azerbaijani carpet weaving art.

In 2020, the Carpet Museum enriched its collection with a beautiful pile of carpets purchased by the Culture Ministry at the Sartirana Textile Show in Italy.

The 19th-century Guba carpet "Ugakh" was donated to the Carpet Museum, while the Garabagh carpet "Chelebi" enriched the collection of the museum's Shusha branch.

Moreover, the Carpet Museum won the Travellers' Choice Awards for the fourth time in a row last year.

The award proves once again that the professional activity of the National Carpet Museum is highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
The Colors of Europe exhibition has opened in Baku. The project is co-organized by the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan and Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) as part of the FantazEU 2023 Festival, Azernews reports.

The exhibition presents works of women artists and photographers, designed to identify talents among Azerbaijani youth from various regions of the country, including Agsu, Baku, Ganja, Zagatala and Sheki.

The EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Peter Michalko, as well as representatives of the diplomatic missions of the EU countries and other guests attended the event.

In his speech, Peter Michalko hailed the implementation of numerous projects that combine the traditions of the European Union and Azerbaijan.

He emphasised that EU-Azerbaijan Partnershipis impressive in its strength, and culture and art play a significant role in strengthening partnership relations.

"I am glad that this exhibition will allow us to get to know each other better, in particular, how Azerbaijani women see Europe. I hope that this exhibition will become a springboard for young artists on their creative path," said Peter Michalko.

The EU ambassador also noted that the FantazEU 2023 festival has become an annual tradition demonstrating the cultural heritage of Europe.

Note that FantazEU Festival is the successor of the Fantazia Cultural Heritage Festival, which had been organized by the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan since 2018. The festival took its name from the Fantazia hamam.

The bathhouse was built in Baku in the end of the 19th century and united European and local architectural elements.

The festival aims at promoting European cultural diversity, with particular focus on European cultural heritage in Azerbaijan, including demonstrating links between European and Azerbaijani cultural heritage.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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21 December 2023 11:17 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

In January-November 2023, a total of 121,467 tourists from Central Asian countries visited Azerbaijan, which is 83.16 percent more than in the same period of 2022 (66,316 people), Azernews reports.

According to the State Agency for Tourism of Azerbaijan, the number of tourists from Kazakhstan was 53,249 (year-on-year growth of 90.74 percent), Uzbekistan - 35,222 (year-on-year growth of 49.74 percent), Turkmenistan - 23,401 (year-on-year growth of 2.46 times), Kyrgyzstan - 5,184 (year-on-year growth of 78.82 percent), Tajikistan - 4,411 (year-on-year growth of 78.37 percent).

It should be noted that 1,893,679 tourists visited Azerbaijan in the reporting period (an increase of 29.81 percent).

It should be reminded that in 2022, a total of 1,602,600 foreign citizens visited Azerbaijan, which is more than two times higher than the figure for 2021 (790,062 people), and 73,823 people from Central Asian countries, which is 4.75 times higher than the figure for 2021 (15,516 people).

It is worth noting that a total of 411,141 people visited Azerbaijan from Central Asian countries in 2017-2022 (from Kazakhstan 167,052, Turkmenistan 119,201, Uzbekistan 96,278, Kyrgyzstan 15,467, Tajikistan 13,143).

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21 December 2023 11:42 (UTC+04:00)

Nigar Hasanova Read more

A conference on the role of the Azerbaijani community in the USA in US-Azerbaijani relations was held in Washington, Azernews reports. Representatives of the Azerbaijani community from Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, and Utah participated in the conference organised by the US-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (USACC).

Natig Bakhishov, the executive director of the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce, who started the conference with an opening speech, said that the main purpose of the event is to get together and talk about the contributions of Azerbaijanis living in the United States who have taken a certain position in bilateral relations and to further develop bilateral relations in trade, business, education, cultural, and social fields. He said that he wants to discuss the proposals for his progress.

Later, Dr. Shapoor Ansari, a member of the board of directors of the chamber, took the floor and informed the audience about the role of the USACC in the development of bilateral trade, cultural, and educational relations.

In the first panel discussions dedicated to trade and business relations, professional real estate specialist Lala Rahimova, professional consultant on international trade and business, Elshan Baloglanov, head of WCC International, Mahir Iskander, co-founder of the platform "dingo.io" and Rabalon USA, and Illinois Emin Safarov, Staff Manager and Registered Principal of "Western & Southern Financial Group" company of the state, participated.

Additionally, in the first panel discussions moderated by Natig Bakhishov, the issues of trade, business relations, the role of cultural and social ties in promoting trade, the possibility of applying the US real estate market system in Azerbaijan, the access of talented Azerbaijani youth to work, and international financial resources were discussed.

The second panel dedicated to the topic of educational relations was moderated by Sevinj Mammadova, director of the dual degree master's program between George Washington University and Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. Shiro Nakata, the World Bank's leading economist on education issues, and George Washington University professor James Williams talked about educational programs between Azerbaijan and the United States, and the work done in the field of education in Azerbaijan and current challenges were discussed in the panel.

In the third panel dedicated to the topic of cultural and social relations, Jamila Javadova-Spitzberg, professor of organ performance at the University of Texas, Mujgan Nazarova, librarian for Turkish languages of the US Library of Congress, Ceyran Hasan, assistant professor of flute performance at the University of Utah, and human resources officer of the "North Spring Behavioral Healthcare" organization director Michael Gal talked about the possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of culture, including music and art. The panel, moderated by Vasif Eyvazzade, president of the Global Peace Organisation for Human Security, discussed the promotion of Azerbaijani music in the United States, relations between Azerbaijani libraries and the US Library of Congress, the improvement of Azerbaijani library work, and other issues.

In the end, it was noted that such discussions would further increase the role of American Azerbaijanis in the development of relations between the two countries, and it was decided to systematically continue the current platform in the future.

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21 December 2023 11:32 (UTC+04:00)

Asim Aliyev Read more

Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the establishment of the Turkish Republic has started its work today in Baku, Azernews reports.

The event has been organized by the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the Public Association of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkiye and Azerbaijan (TUIB).

Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and Head of the Financial Department of the (Turkish) President's Office Goksel Ashan are participating in the forum.

The event, which aims to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries, is also intended to make an important contribution to regional development. The forum will discuss strategic issues related to the expansion of economic cooperation, steps to be taken to create strong economic relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Potential investment opportunities were also discussed.

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21 December 2023 13:13 (UTC+04:00)

According to the training plan for 2023 approved by the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, socio-political training classes are held in the Azerbaijan Army within the framework of measures to educate military personnel, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan Defence Ministry.

In the classes held in accordance with the plan, the opinions expressed by the Azerbaijani President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, about the Azerbaijan Army, as well as information about events and innovations going on in the country and the world, are conveyed to the personnel.

In addition, during conversations with military personnel, the courage and valour shown by the heroic soldiers in combat operations and the history of the liberated territories were discussed.

During the hours of educational work and political information, questions of interest to the personnel are answered and necessary recommendations are given regarding their services.

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21 December 2023 12:32 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Executive Secretary of the Azerbaijani Red Crescent Society Jeyhun Mirzayev said during his speech at the extraordinary XXVI General Assembly of the Organisation that the offices of the Azerbaijani Red Crescent Society (AzQAC) will be built in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation within the framework of the "Great Return" program, Azernews reports.

Thus, AzQAC is expected to build offices in three cities within the Great Return Project.

The Executive Secretary highlighted the issue of assisting the population living in the Garabagh economic region within the framework of AzQAC's humanitarian policy after the anti-terrorist activities of a local nature, which were carried out by the Azerbaijani army in September this year.

AzQAC executive secretary Jeyhun Mirzayev adds that the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society ( AzQAC) assisted 146 thousand people during the Patriotic War.

"During the Patriotic War, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies had 15,160 people, the International Committee of the Red Cross 23 thousand people, TIKA 53 k people, and the National Society as a whole 146 k people, food kits, kitchen utensils, winter clothes, hygiene kits, and medical protective equipment were distributed to needy groups," he noted.

The Executive Secretary also added that the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has declared its support for Ilham Aliyev's candidacy in the extraordinary presidential elections to be held on February 7 next year.

A final statement is expected to be adopted at the end of the meeting.

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By Ma Kyung-hee

A core mission of the social worker is to restore and rebuild relationships within the framework of client empowerment. This process demands a wide range of skills in addition to individual case management, such as client advocacy, resource mobilization and community development. Increasing efforts to meet demands often leads to a state of physical and emotional depletion, which may result in long-term clinical depression. As an act of self-preservation in a demanding profession that prioritizes the needs of others, self-care is critical to personal and professional well-being.

Self-care is typically viewed as an individuals ability to look after him- or herself through self-awareness, self-monitoring and self-reliance in order to achieve, preserve and foster optimal health and well-being. Self-care sees individuals as active agents in managing their own health and well-being, rather than as passive recipients. It requires intentional steps and deliberate choices to reduce the effects of physical and emotional stressors and live a more balanced life. Effective self-care involves a holistic integration of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. It does not require the formal health care system but does not preclude it either.

Self-care is hard work in that it demands a commitment to care for ourselves and others, and requires looking inwards to discover our authentic self. Knowing ourselves means identifying our strengths as well as the sources of our dysfunction, and then acknowledging them as a part of who we are. Therefore, self-care is not static or isolating; it evolves to meet changing needs and fosters connection with the self and others. Common self-care strategies include setting personal and professional boundaries, establishing healthy habits, cultivating awareness of the present moment, developing self-compassion in difficult times and seeking support as needed.

Entering into my third year at a social work organization in Seoul, I began to experience a significant decrease in morale and low job satisfaction. This internal change soon lent itself to a negative attitude toward my clients, often manifested by snappy rejoinders to their questions, as well as self-sabotaging cynicism. My jokes were often offensive and oppressive to some. Fearful of what I was becoming, I frantically looked for self-care routines that would help me restore joy in serving and tried to weave them into my everyday life, but all my attempts were unsuccessful. This was largely because my self-care occurred sporadically and in a private setting without internal or external work.

My weekly self-care routines had centered on self-imposed isolation accompanied by occasional self-pampering to cope with the harried reality of my professional life. This strategy involved unplugging all phones, pulling down the shades, lying on a couch for hours with the same music filling my apartment and rewarding myself with ice cream for surviving the week. My patchy self-care behaviors were ineffective and even exacerbated my pre-existing counterbalance. Leaving the agency seemed to be the only option to reorient myself and prevent me from hurting my clients. A year-long break from work allowed me to see that practicing sustainable and effective self-care routines requires time and effort on my part, along with a strong support network. Regular visits with supervisors would enable me to get through difficult times.

Much to my delight, in 2010 when I returned to school to study clinical social work, self-care was a new buzzword alongside trauma-informed practice and research. Improving individual and community well-being had gained wider recognition in the wake of traumatic events, such as man-made and natural disasters. Self-care was incorporated into the curriculum, encouraging students to discuss the benefits of self-care interventions and to practice specific techniques under the guidance of seasoned clinical professors (i.e., engaging in meditative breathing, centering ourselves in gratitude and using self-affirmation). Acknowledging that self-care requires discipline, we were also reminded that our own good health is at the core of our effectiveness as those who help others. With further education and training, my understanding of self-care had become sharper and clearer, and I began to integrate different parts of myself into regular self-care.

Everyone experiences various stressors that affect their health and well-being. Effective self-care is an essential coping mechanism that replenishes and sustains our body and mind, and makes us more resilient in the face of lifes challenges. Additionally, it anchors us with positive perspectives that contribute to our well-being. As this year ends and many of us set our goals for the coming year, I encourage you to include the discipline of self-care into all dimensions of your life in order to experience the benefits that you will receive.

Ma Kyung-hee (kyungheem@daum.net) is an editor and researcher specializing in mental health.
21 December 2023 12:00 (UTC+04:00)

On December 21, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev examined the progress of construction works carried out in the first new residential complex comprising 23 buildings in the city of Shusha.

Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district Aydin Karimov informed the head of state of the construction progress.

The residential complex, covering an area of nearly 8 hectares, encompasses 23 buildings. Construction started on eight buildings on July 1, followed by 15 additional buildings on September 1, 2022. The complex is slated for prompt commissioning.

The head of state toured the completed apartments in the residential complex.

The complex will feature a total of 450 apartments comprised of 28 one-room, 195 two-room, 190 three-room, 30 four-room and 7 five-room ones.

The relocation of former IDPs to the 3 and 5-storey buildings is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2024.

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21 December 2023 16:05 (UTC+04:00)

Asim Aliyev Read more

Head of the Financial Department of Turkish President Goksal Ashan made a speech at the Azerbaijani-Turkish investment forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev and the Republic of Turkiye, Azernews reports.

Goksal Ashan noted that Azerbaijan has been the fastest developing country in the region for the last 20 years. It was also mentioned that such development was recorded in conditions when 20% of the country's territory was under occupation.

"It is not difficult to imagine the level of development after the liberation of the country," the Turkish official added.

The Head of the Financial department noted that economic hardships in recent years have been observed all over the world, "The current processes show that if you are not strong, it is impossible to resist.

Turkish Trade Minister Omar Bolat also spoke at the event. According to him, businessmen of Turkish origin have established about 5,700 companies in Azerbaijan, while businessmen of Azerbaijani origin have established 2800 companies in Turkiye.

According to Omar Bolat Azerbaijani companies in Turkiye operate in various fields such as processing, construction, education, real estate, healthcare, wholesale and retail trade, logistics and mining.

In addition, the minister said 470,618 tourists came to Turkiye from Azerbaijan in 2021 and 683,834 tourists came to Turkiye in 2022.

Several documents have been signed between Azerbaijan and Turkiye at the Forum.

Details of the agreement signed between the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the Public Union of Entrepreneurs and Industrialists of Turkiye and Azerbaijan (TUIB) have become known.

Thus, the Action Plan for 2024 signed between AZPROMO and TUIB envisages increasing trade and investment between the two countries, strengthening cooperation, and supporting mutual investment opportunities, as well as promoting joint projects in accordance with the set goals.

In addition, according to the contract signed between DO-DEM LLC and Multipak Ambalaj Company, a plant will be built in Azerbaijan for the production of paper-based tableware, which does not harm nature and is based on food safety. According to the document signed between "Diplomat LTD" and "Dogru Holding", the company will build a hotel in Azerbaijan.

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21 December 2023 12:05 (UTC+04:00)

On December 21, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev viewed the construction progress on Garabagh Street in the city of Shusha.

According to Azernews, the head of state was informed of the construction progress.

The central street project, consisting of a total of 10 buildings, is being executed through a public-private sector partnership.

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21 December 2023 14:05 (UTC+04:00)

Asim Aliyev Read more

Turkish Trade Minister Omar Bolat, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, visited the Alley of Martyrs and the "Turkish Martyrdom" monument, Azernews reports. Besides, the delegation headed by Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat also visited the Alley of Honor.

The memory of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, architect, and founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state, was honoured with deep respect, and a wreath was laid in front of his grave.

The memory of the outstanding ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva was also honoured; flowers were laid in front of her grave.

Recall that O. Bolat arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the Republic of Turkiye. The forum is being held in Baku.

Within the framework of the forum, the possibilities of expanding Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various areas will be considered, agreements and contracts on investment cooperation will be signed.

The event was attended by more than 600 representatives of government agencies and the private sector in both countries.

The forum will include panel sessions covering the areas of investment, trade, agriculture, defence industry, green energy, and wellness tourism.

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21 December 2023 15:50 (UTC+04:00)

Asim Aliyev Read more

The total number of Azerbaijani citizens who left for foreign countries increased by 25.5% in January-November this year compared to the same period last year and amounted to 1,709,400 people, Azernews informs with reference to the State Statistics Committee.

According to the information, 44% of the Azerbaijan's citizens visited Turkiye, 21.3% - Russia, 9% - Georgia, 7.6% - Iran, 18.1% - other countries. 65.1% of those who left were men, 34.9% were women.

Over the past year, the number of Azerbaijani citizens who left for Russia increased 1.5 times, the number of those who left for Georgia increased by 32.8%, the number of those who left for Turkiye increased by 21.9%, and the number of those who left for Iran decreased by 25.8%.

In 11 months, 67.8% of Azerbaijani citizens traveled abroad by air, 29.8% by rail and road, and 2.4% by sea.

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21 December 2023 17:20 (UTC+04:00)

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Azerbaijan Mikhail YevdokimovAzernews reports.

During the meeting, the Ombudsman gave the ambassador extensive information about her activities in the field of protection of human rights and freedoms. Speaking about the latest amendments to the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva noted that her mandate has expanded in the field of protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and children, as well as ensuring the right to equality and preventing discrimination.

The ombudsman also informed the guest about the activities carried out in the framework of international cooperation and spoke about the existing close cooperation relations with the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Russian Federation. It was reported that the joint cooperation activities related to the effective protection of the rights of the citizens of both countries are continued.

Later, the Commissioner gave detailed information to the guest about the restoration and reconstruction works and demining process carried out in Azerbaijans territories liberated from Armenian occupation. It was noted that during the war and post-war period, to investigate violations of norms and principles of international humanitarian law, on-site investigations were carried out by the Ombudsman, as well as with the participation of international independent experts, and 18 reports based on the results of those investigations were prepared and sent to relevant international and regional organizations.

In turn, Ambassador M. Yevdokimov expressed his gratitude to the Ombudsman for the sincere reception.

In the end, the prospects for further strengthening of cooperation between the ombudsman institutions of Azerbaijan and Russia were discussed.

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20 December 2023 17:50 (UTC+04:00)

A meeting was held between the Science and Education Ministry and the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan on the topic of cooperation in the field of consideration of citizen appeals and more effective provision of the right to education, Azernews reports.

The meeting was attended by Metin Karimli, head of the Office of the Science and Education Ministry, Aydn Safikhanli, the head of the Office of the Ombudsman, heads of the relevant structural divisions of both institutions, and other responsible officials.

During the event, there was an extensive exchange of views on the investigation of the applications received by both institutions in the field of ensuring the right to education, the joint solution to the problems encountered in this field, the directions of legal education, and other related issues.

During the meeting, a presentation on the status of the implementation of the applications received by the Science and Education Ministry during the year was shown.

To ensure more effective cooperation in the aforementioned areas, it was pointed out that it is necessary to improve the existing information exchange between the two institutions, to create joint working groups to solve the problems and to hold educational events in the field of human rights promotion.

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21 December 2023 18:11 (UTC+04:00)

Asim Aliyev Read more

The Azerbaijani Embassy in Poland has published a statement on the X account and appealed to Azerbaijani citizens who have reached the age of 18, who live in this country permanently and/or temporarily, or who are on a long-term business trip abroad, Azernews reports, citing a tweet by Azerbaijan's Embassy to Poland on his official X account.

The statement refers to the presidential elections to be held on February 7, 2024.

It was stated that in order to participate in the elections, the names of Azerbaijani citizens who have reached the age of 18 and have the right to vote should be included in the voter list.

All Azerbaijani citizens living in Poland are invited to send an email to register on the voter list- [email protected] the following information:

1. Surname, first name, patronymic, patronymic of the father

2. Year, month, and birthday.

3. Permanent or temporary residence address.

It will be impossible to include in the list of voters the names of citizens who did not send data before December 26 this year.

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21 December 2023 22:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

China has called on major powers to play a more constructive role in ensuring security in the Red Sea, Azernews reports, citing International Media Outlets.

This was stated at a briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, commenting on the recent statement by the head of the press service of the US Department of State Matthew Miller that China should take an active part in the fight against attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, since these attacks harm Beijing.

"China believes that all parties, especially influential powers, should play a constructive role in ensuring the safety of the waterways of the Red Sea," the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed.

Wang Wenbin also added that China has always advocated for maintaining the safety of international waterways and against attacks on civilian vessels.

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Yoon must mend ties with China, Russia

A recent series of media reports predicted the possibility of new security challenges next year on the Korean Peninsula.

On Thursday, North Koreas state media said Kim Jong-un encouraged and supported the officials responsible for the country's intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). It quoted Kim as saying, The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) will not hesitate even to launch a nuclear attack if the enemy provokes us with nukes.

A day before, the U.S.' B-1B strategic bombers took part in an aerial exercise above the Korean Peninsula that also included South Korea and Japan. It was a show of force by the three countries after the Norths ICBM launch.

Meanwhile, South Koreas Yonhap News Agency reported that Sung Kim, the U.S. special representative for North Korea, will retire this year. However, the U.S. is unlikely to name his successor soon, it added.

Believing that Pyongyang has lost interest in negotiations, Washington will focus on deterrence. The presidential election next November will leave even less time for talks.

To sum up, there will be no attempts for dialogue amid escalating tensions.

It's no wonder that more and more Koreans, from business executives all the way to taxi drivers, are talking about the possibility of inter-Korean conflicts in 2024. The two Koreas de facto scrapping of their military agreement signed on Sept. 19, 2018, seems to be deepening the publics concerns. So far, the Yoon Seok Yeol administration has been responding to the Norths saber-rattling in kind. The tactic is exhausting and dangerous. Its time to change course.

Since he took office, President Yoon also has strived to cement ties with the U.S. and Japan. That was the right thing to do. However, Yoon has estranged China and Russia unnecessarily and hurt their feelings unduly in the process, as if it were all a zero-sum game. That was wrong. It could hardly even be called diplomacy, which normally calls for maximizing friends and minimizing enemies. Seoul is trying to mend fences with Beijing, thinking it can drive a wedge between China and its two regional allies.

It will be far easier said than done, however. Nothing showed this better than the APEC summit in San Francisco last month. Xi Jinping met Joe Biden for four hours and Fumio Kishida for 65 minutes. Xi met Yoon for three minutes. According to reports, the Chinese delegation did not even include a Korean translator. It did not reveal gaps in the relative importance of countries but more the diplomatic balancing acts and lack thereof.

Polls show 72 percent of Koreans dislike China, but 82 percent think the nearby nation is important. Leaders should be at least as knowledgeable as their people.

On Wednesday, foreign minister nominee Cho Tae-yul said the Korea-China relationship is as crucial as Korea-U.S. ties. His remark on the obvious almost sounded refreshing. At stake is how to follow up such a sentiment with action. Cho is an expert in trade diplomacy but should not prioritize minimizing Chinas economic retaliation against Korea.

Cho and Yoons second security-diplomacy team should try to restore the overall balance between Washington and Beijing. To do so, Seoul should maximize its economic and cultural power while emphasizing Beijings role in regional stability as a global leader.

Contrary to Seouls wishes, there is talk that China may condone North Koreas nuclear progress. That and the possible return of Donald Trump, who reportedly will recognize the Norths nuclear power status in return for freezing it at current levels, could lead to a worst-case scenario for Seoul. Some pessimists even imagine a situation where South Korea is reduced to a side player in resumed multilateral talks on North Koreas nuclear crisis. Its prevention requires presidential, not ministerial, efforts.

The president must waste no time in repairing ties with China and managing those with Russia. Yoon must start with inter-Korean relations. He must realize why the U.N. Command advises reviving the Sept. 19 agreement.

More fundamentally, the time has passed for Seoul to set  or reset  its coordinates in dealing with the four major powers, including Japan.

Its foundation should be the unwavering determination for peaceful co-prosperity with North Korea until the two divided halves reunite as one.

Leaders must remember their constitutional duty.
Raport Biezacy nr 1/2023

Pursuant to Article 29.3 of the Rules of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, Pepco Group N.V. presents information on Best Practice 2021 compliance





DISCLOSURE POLICY, INVESTOR COMMUNICATIONS



1.1. Companies maintain efficient communications with capital market participants and provide fair information about matters that concern them. For that purpose, companies use diverse tools and forms of communication, including in particular the corporate website where they publish all information relevant for investors.

The principle is applied.



1.2. Companies make available their financial results compiled in periodic reports as soon as possible after the end of each reporting period; should that not be feasible for substantial reasons, companies publish at least preliminary financial estimates as soon as possible.

The principle is applied.



1.3. Companies integrate ESG factors in their business strategy, including in particular:



1.3.1. environmental factors, including measures and risks relating to climate change and sustainable development;

The principle is applied.



1.3.2. social and employee factors, including among others actions taken and planned to ensure equal treatment of women and men, decent working conditions, respect for employees rights, dialogue with local communities, customer relations.

The principle is applied.



1.4. To ensure quality communications with stakeholders, as a part of the business strategy, companies publish on their website information concerning the framework of the strategy, measurable goals, including in particular long-term goals, planned activities and their status, defined by measures, both financial and non-financial. ESG information concerning the strategy should among others:

The principle is applied.



1.4.1. explain how the decision-making processes of the company and its group members integrate climate change, including the resulting risks;

The principle is applied.



1.4.2. present the equal pay index for employees, defined as the percentage difference between the average monthly pay (including bonuses, awards and other benefits) of women and men in the last year, and present information about actions taken to eliminate any pay gaps, including a presentation of related risks and the time horizon of the equality target.

The principle is applied.



1.5. Companies disclose at least on an annual basis the amounts expensed by the company and its group in support of culture, sports, charities, the media, social organisations, trade unions, etc. If the company or its group pay such expenses in the reporting year, the disclosure presents a list of such expenses.

The Company does not apply this principle.

The Companys businesses are empowered to partner with local charities to provide direct support to their local communities. The expenses have been reported for the first time this year, and will be developed during the next financial year to include information on rationality.



1.6. Companies participating in the WIG20, mWIG40 or sWIG80 index hold on a quarterly basis and other companies hold at least on an annual basis a meeting with investors to which they invite in particular shareholders, analysts, industry experts and the media. At such meetings, the management board of the company presents and comments on the strategy and its implementation, the financial results of the company and its group, and the key events impacting the business of the company and its group, their results and outlook. At such meetings, the management board of the company publicly provides answers and explanations to questions raised.

The principle is applied.



1.7. If an investor requests any information about a company, the company replies immediately and in any case no later than within 14 days.

The principle is applied.





MANAGEMENT BOARD, SUPERVISORY BOARD



2.1. Companies should have in place a diversity policy applicable to the management board and the supervisory board, approved by the supervisory board and the general meeting, respectively. The diversity policy defines diversity goals and criteria, among others including gender, education, expertise, age, professional experience, and specifies the target dates and the monitoring systems for such goals. With regard to gender diversity of corporate bodies, the participation of the minority group in each body should be at least 30%.

The principle is applied.

Comments of the Company on the mode of application of the principle.

The Company operates a one-tier Board structure.



2.2. Decisions to elect members of the management board or the supervisory board of companies should ensure that the composition of those bodies is diverse by appointing persons ensuring diversity, among others in order to achieve the target minimum participation of the minority group of at least 30% according to the goals of the established diversity policy referred to in principle 2.1.

The principle is applied.



2.3. At least two members of the supervisory board meet the criteria of being independent referred to in the Act of 11 May 2017 on Auditors, Audit Firms and Public Supervision, and have no actual and material relations with any shareholder who holds at least 5% of the total vote in the company.

The principle is applied.



2.4. The supervisory board and the management board vote in an open ballot unless otherwise required by law.

The principle is applied.



2.5. Members of the supervisory board and members of the management board who vote against a resolution may have their dissenting vote recorded in the minutes.

The principle is applied.



2.6. Functions on the management board of a company are the main area of the professional activity of management board members. Management board members should not engage in additional professional activities if the time devoted to such activities prevents their proper performance in the company.

The principle is applied.



2.7. A companys management board members may sit on corporate bodies of companies other than members of its group subject to the approval of the supervisory board.

The principle is applied.



2.8. Supervisory board members should be able to devote the time necessary to perform their duties.

The principle is applied.



2.9. The chair of the supervisory board should not combine this function with that of chair of the audit committee of the supervisory board.

The principle is applied.



2.10. Companies allocate administrative and financial resources necessary to ensure efficient functioning of the supervisory board in a manner adequate to their size and financial standing.

The principle is applied.



2.11. In addition to its responsibilities laid down in the legislation, the supervisory board prepares and presents an annual report to the annual general meeting once per year. Such report includes at least the following:



2.11.1. information about the members of the supervisory board and its committees, including indication of those supervisory board members who fulfil the criteria of being independent referred to in the Act of 11 May 2017 on Auditors, Audit Firms and Public Supervision and those supervisory board members who have no actual and material relations with any shareholder who holds at least 5% of the total vote in the company, and information about the members of the supervisory board in the context of diversity;

The principle is applied.



2.11.2. summary of the activity of the supervisory board and its committees;

The principle is applied.



2.11.3. assessment of the companys standing on a consolidated basis, including assessment of the internal control, risk management and compliance systems and the internal audit function, and information about measures taken by the supervisory board to perform such assessment; such assessment should cover all significant controls, in particular reporting and operational controls;

The principle is applied.



2.11.4. assessment of the companys compliance with the corporate governance principles and the manner of compliance with the disclosure obligations concerning compliance with the corporate governance principles defined in the Exchange Rules and the regulations on current and periodic reports published by issuers of securities, and information about measures taken by the supervisory board to perform such assessment;

The principle is applied.



2.11.5. assessment of the rationality of expenses referred to in principle 1.5;

The Company does not apply this principle.

The Companys businesses are empowered to partner with local charities to provide direct support to their local communities. The expenses have been reported for the first time this year and will be developed during the next financial year to include information on rationality.



2.11.6. information regarding the degree of implementation of the diversity policy applicable to the management board and the supervisory board, including the achievement of goals referred to in principle 2.1.

The principle is applied.





INTERNAL SYSTEMS AND FUNCTIONS



3.1. Listed companies maintain efficient internal control, risk management and compliance systems and an efficient internal audit function adequate to the size of the company and the type and scale of its activity; the management board is responsible for their functioning.

The principle is applied.



3.2. Companies organisation includes units responsible for the tasks of individual systems and functions unless it is not reasonable due to the size of the company or the type of its activity.

The principle is applied.



3.3. Companies participating in the WIG20, mWIG40 or sWIG80 index appoint an internal auditor to head the internal audit function in compliance with generally accepted international standards for the professional practice of internal auditing. In other companies which do not appoint an internal auditor who meets such requirements, the audit committee (or the supervisory board if it performs the functions of the audit committee) assesses on an annual basis whether such person should be appointed.

The principle is applied.



3.4. The remuneration of persons responsible for risk and compliance management and of the head of internal audit should depend on the performance of delegated tasks rather than short-term results of the company.

The Company does not apply this principle.

Risk and compliance are managed by the Director of Group Treasury, Tax & Risk and Group General Counsel respectively. The remuneration of these individuals is primarily dependent on the performance of delegated tasks. However, consistent with all employees of the Company, a proportion of these individuals respective annual bonuses is dependent on the Company achieving specific financial targets for the relevant financial year. The financial targets for the Companys annual bonus scheme are set by the Companys Remuneration Committee.



3.5. Persons responsible for risk and compliance management report directly to the president or other member of the management board.

The principle is applied.

Comments of the Company on the mode of application of the principle.

The roles described in 3.4 above report to the CFO, an executive member of the Pepco Group N.V. Board.



3.6. The head of internal audit reports organisationally to the president of the management board and functionally to the chair of the audit committee or the chair of the supervisory board if the supervisory board performs the functions of the audit committee.

The principle is applied.

Comments of the Company on the mode of application of the principle.

The Senior Internal Auditor reports organisationally to the CFO and functionally to the chair of the Audit Committee.



3.7. Principles 3.4 to 3.6 apply also to members of the companys group which are material to its activity if they appoint persons to perform such tasks.

The Company does not apply this principle.

The remuneration of employees who work in risk and compliance roles and internal audit roles across the Group comprises a salary and eligibility to receive an annual bonus. A proportion of the annual bonus is dependent on the Company achieving specific financial targets. The financial targets for the relevant companys annual bonus scheme are set by the relevant companys remuneration committee and are aligned with the financial targets set by the Companys Remuneration Committee.

The risk, compliance and internal audit functions of businesses within the Group report organisationally to the CFO. Managers within the risk, compliance and internal audit functions of the Groups businesses attend the meetings of the local boards audit committee.



3.8. The person responsible for internal audit or the management board if such function is not performed separately in the company reports to the supervisory board at least once per year with their assessment of the efficiency of the systems and functions referred to in principle 3.1 and tables a relevant report.

The principle is applied.



3.9. The supervisory board monitors the efficiency of the systems and functions referred to in principle 3.1 among others on the basis of reports provided periodically by the persons responsible for the functions and the companys management board, and makes annual assessment of the efficiency of such systems and functions according to principle 2.11.3. Where the company has an audit committee, the audit committee monitors the efficiency of the systems and functions referred to in principle 3.1, which however does not release the supervisory board from the annual assessment of the efficiency of such systems and functions.

The principle is applied.



3.10. Companies participating in the WIG20, mWIG40 or sWIG80 index have the internal audit function reviewed at least once every five years by an independent auditor appointed with the participation of the audit committee.

The principle is applied.

Comments of the Company on the mode of application of the principle.

Assessment of the internal audit function will be considered within the 5-year time frame (by 2027). This aligns with the new Dutch Corporate Governance Code.





GENERAL MEETING, SHAREHOLDER RELATIONS



4.1. Companies should enable their shareholders to participate in a general meeting by means of electronic communication (e-meeting) if justified by the expectations of shareholders notified to the company, provided that the company is in a position to provide the technical infrastructure necessary for such general meeting to proceed.

The principle is applied.



4.2. Companies set the place and date and the form of a general meeting so as to enable the participation of the highest possible number of shareholders. For that purpose, companies strive to ensure that the cancellation of a general meeting, change of its date or break in its proceedings take place only if justified and do not prevent or limit the exercising of the shareholders rights to participate in the general meeting.

The principle is applied.



4.3. Companies provide a public real-life broadcast of the general meeting.

The principle is applied.



4.4. Presence of representatives of the media is allowed at general meetings.

The principle is applied.



4.5. If the management board becomes aware a general meeting being convened pursuant to Article 399  2  4 of the Commercial Companies Code, the management board immediately takes steps which it is required to take in order to organise and conduct the general meeting. The foregoing applies also where a general meeting is convened under authority granted by the registration court according to Article 400  3 of the Commercial Companies Code.

The Company does not apply this principle.

The principle 4.5 refers to the provisions of Polish Commercial Companies Code. As the Company is established under Dutch law, corporate matters are governed by Dutch law.



4.6. To help shareholders participating in a general meeting to vote on resolutions with adequate understanding, draft resolutions of the general meeting concerning matters and decisions other than points of order should contain a justification, unless it follows from documentation tabled to the general meeting. If a matter is put on the agenda of the general meeting at the request of a shareholder or shareholders, the management board requests presentation of the justification of the proposed resolution, unless previously presented by such shareholder or shareholders.

The principle is applied.



4.7. The supervisory board issues opinions on draft resolutions put by the management board on the agenda of the general meeting.

The Company does not apply this principle.

The company operates a one tier board.



4.8. Draft resolutions of the general meeting on matters put on the agenda of the general meeting should be tabled by shareholders no later than three days before the general meeting.

The principle is applied.



4.9. If the general meeting is to appoint members of the supervisory board or members of the supervisory board for a new term of office:



4.9.1. candidates for members of the supervisory board should be nominated with a notice necessary for shareholders present at the general meeting to make an informed decision and in any case no later than three days before the general meeting; the names of candidates and all related documents should be immediately published on the companys website;

The principle is applied.



4.9.2. candidates for members of the supervisory board make a declaration concerning fulfilment of the requirements for members of the audit committee referred to in the Act of 11 May 2017 on Auditors, Audit Firms and Public Supervision and having actual and material relations with any shareholder who holds at least 5% of the total vote in the company.

The principle is applied.



4.10. Any exercise of the rights of shareholders or the way in which they exercise their rights must not hinder the proper functioning of the governing bodies of the company.

The principle is applied.



4.11. Members of the management board and members of the supervisory board participate in a general meeting, at the location of the meeting or via means of bilateral real-time electronic communication, as necessary to speak on matters discussed by the general meeting and answer questions asked at the general meeting. The management board presents to participants of an annual general meeting the financial results of the company and other relevant information, including non-financial information, contained in the financial statements to be approved by the general meeting. The management board presents key events of the last financial year, compares presented data with previous years, and presents the degree of implementation of the plans for the last year.

The principle is applied.



4.12. Resolutions of the general meeting concerning an issue of shares with subscription rights should specify the issue price or the mechanism of setting the price or authorise the competent body to set the price prior to the subscription right record date within a timeframe necessary for investors to make decisions.

The principle is applied.



4.13. Resolutions concerning a new issue of shares with the exclusion of subscription rights which grant pre-emptive rights for new issue shares to selected shareholders or other entities may pass subject at least to the following three criteria:

a) the company has a rational, economically justified need to urgently raise capital or the share issue is related to rational, economically justified transactions, among others such as a merger with or the take-over of another company, or the shares are to be taken up under an incentive scheme established by the company;

b) the persons granted the pre-emptive right are to be selected according to objective general criteria;

c) the purchase price of the shares is in a rational relation with the current share price of the company or is to be determined in book-building on the market.

The principle is applied.



4.14. Companies should strive to distribute their profits by paying out dividends. Companies may retain all their earnings subject to any of the following criteria:

a) the earnings are minimal and consequently the dividend would be immaterial in relation to the value of the shares;

b) the company reports uncovered losses from previous years and the earnings are used to reduce such losses;

c) the company can demonstrate that investment of the earnings will generate tangible benefits for the shareholders;

d) the company generates insufficient cash flows to pay out dividends;

e) a dividend payment would substantially increase the risk to covenants under the companys binding credit facilities or terms of bond issue;

f) retention of the companys earnings follows recommendations of the authority which supervises the company by virtue of its business activity.

The principle is applied.





CONFLICT OF INTEREST, RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS



5.1. Members of the management board and members of the supervisory board notify the management board or the supervisory board, respectively, of any conflict of interest which has arisen or may arise, and refrain from discussions on the issue which may give rise to such a conflict of interest in their case.

The principle is applied.



5.2. Where a member of the management board or a member of the supervisory board concludes that a decision of the management board or the supervisory board, respectively, is in conflict with the interest of the company, he or she should request that the minutes of the management board or supervisory board meeting show his or her dissenting opinion.

The principle is applied.



5.3. No shareholder should have preference over other shareholders in related party transactions. The foregoing also concerns transactions concluded by the companys shareholders with members of the companys group.

The principle is applied.



5.4. Companies may buy back their own shares only in a procedure which respects the rights of all shareholders.

The principle is applied.



5.5. If a transaction concluded by a company with its related party requires the consent of the supervisory board, before giving its consent the supervisory board assesses whether to ask a prior opinion of a third party which can provide valuation of the transaction and review its economic impact.

The principle is applied.



5.6. If a related party transaction requires the consent of the general meeting, the supervisory board issues an opinion on the rationale of such transaction. In that case, the supervisory board assesses whether to ask a prior opinion of a third party referred to in principle 5.5.

The principle is applied.



5.7. If a decision concerning the companys significant transaction with a related party is made by the general meeting, the company should give all shareholders access to information necessary to assess the impact of the transaction on the interest of the company before the decision is made, including an opinion of the supervisory board referred to in principle 5.6.

The principle is applied.





REMUNERATION



6.1. The remuneration of members of the management board and members of the supervisory board and key managers should be sufficient to attract, retain and motivate persons with skills necessary for proper management and supervision of the company. The level of remuneration should be adequate to the tasks and responsibilities delegated to individuals and their resulting accountability.

The principle is applied.



6.2. Incentive schemes should be constructed in a way necessary among others to tie the level of remuneration of members of the companys management board and key managers to the actual long-term standing of the company measured by its financial and non-financial results as well as long-term shareholder value creation, sustainable development and the companys stability.

The principle is applied.



6.3. If companies incentive schemes include a stock option programme for managers, the implementation of the stock option programme should depend on the beneficiaries achievement, over a period of at least three years, of pre-defined, realistic financial and non-financial targets and sustainable development goals adequate to the company, and the share price or option exercise price for the beneficiaries cannot differ from the value of the shares at the time when such programme was approved.

The Company does not apply this principle.

The Company established an incentive scheme (the Value Creation Plan) for senior management of the Group in March 2020, which was twelve months prior to the Companys admission to the WSE.

The Value Creation Plan incentive scheme complies with the majority of the requirements of principle 6.3 except that the incentive scheme does not include non-financial targets and share options will be issued to participants at nil cost.



6.4. As the supervisory board performs its responsibilities on a continuous basis, the remuneration of supervisory board members cannot depend on the number of meetings held. The remuneration of members of committees, in particular the audit committee, should take into account additional workload on the committee.

The principle is applied.



6.5. The level of remuneration of supervisory board members should not depend on the companys short-term results.

The principle is applied.







Wiecej na: http://biznes.pap.pl/pl/reports/ebi/all,0,0,0,1

kom ebi zdz
Tom Campbell

More and more frequently I am asked: What can we do when our legislature doesn't pass laws not supported by the majority, favoring instead the minority? North Carolina's governing leadership doesn't appear to care what the majority (or even plurality) of us wants.What we are witnessing is not what Republicans promised us in 2010 when they asked for (and gained) control of our state legislature. They claimed that Democrats had lost their way, that under Democrats' control state government was bloated, misdirected and expensive. They promised us a smaller, less intrusive, less socially led governance with lower taxes.Let's see how that is working out. Yes, legislators lowered taxes. There is the likelihood they cut too much too often. However, state government certainly isn't any smaller. Just look at the continued budget increases. They are off the page regarding government intrusion. Legislators are taking power away from the governor, the courts, municipalities and just about any and everything else, giving it to themselves. And theirsocial agenda makes what Democrats did look like amateurs. Give them a 25 percent grade on their promises...failing by any yardstick.The obvious answer is to change this leadership at the voting box, but that isn't likely since they have gerrymandered themselves into perpetual rule. As of September, there were 7.3 million registered voters in our state. 36 percent were registered as unaffiliated voters, 33 percent were Democrats and 30 percent were Republicans. What we've got now is a government ruled by a minority party being led by those selected from a smaller minority of voters. In other words, a minority of the minority is running our state.How can we regain control? Having studied this for some time I see only one viable course.North Carolina needs to join the 26 other states that allow citizens to take control through ballot initiatives. Here's how the procedure works: A requisite number of voters sign a petition which allows an initiative, either a proposed law or a constitutional amendment, to be voted upon by all the voters in a district or state. The majority of votes determines whether the initiative succeeds or fails. There are two types of ballot initiatives: a direct initiative puts the matter directly on the ballot without any additional approval required, whereas an indirect initiative would require legislative approval. Essentially, we would circumvent our legislature and ultimately force them to be more representative.But herein lies the problem. In order to permit ballot initiatives in our counties or state the legislature must first vote to authorize them. And you can bet the farm lawmakers don't want that to happen.What are some of the initiatives we would propose? First, I would suggest we remove the requirement that all judicial elections list the party affiliation of the candidate. Judges should be elected for their wisdom, their record and desire to support law and order. If you aren't willing to research the candidates your vote shouldn't be based solely on whether they have anorbeside their name.Another initiative would require an independent redistricting process. Other states have succeeded in this. Surely, we can also. A third would break the two-party domination in our state and allow a fair way for unaffiliated candidates to gain access on the ballot.Our list would include a mandate that our traditional public schools be adequately funded and that teachers be paid better salaries. Another would limit the number of terms legislators can serve and set limits to the number of days they can be in session? The fewer days they are in Raleigh, the less mischief they cause.You could probably find some initiatives you feel worth considering. If you could get a reasonable number of registered voters in the state - say 3 percent or 219,000 voters - to sign a potential statewide ballot initiative, then the voters could decide whether it passes or fails.Why won't legislative leaders allow citizen led ballot initiatives? The truth is leaders don't trust us to initiate and vote on measures. They are scared to hear what we really think about the issues and their leadership. Simple proof of that assertion is found in the fact that they carefully and purposefully stack, pack and crack voting district maps that guarantees they remain in control. Bottom line: legislative leaders don't want free and fair elections.You can make change happen, but you need to act quickly. The dates for candidates to file to run in North Carolina's March 5th primary elections begins next week, December 5th and closes on December 15th....a small window of time. But that's time enough to encourage candidates to run for election. Begin by asking candidates if they support free and fair elections, then ask where they stand on allowing citizen led ballot initiatives in our state. If they don't know or the answer isfind another candidate.It's time for us to take back control.
By Mitch Shin

Earlier this month, the United States-owned news network Voice of America (VOA) published an article explaining how the Yoon Suk Yeol government suppressed press freedom in South Korea.

Shedding light on his background as a prosecutor-general, the article illuminated how his government reacted by listing the number of defamation cases pursued by his government and his political allies.

According to the VOA report, 11 defamation cases have already been pursued against the media during the first 18 months of Yoons presidency. There were only four cases under his predecessor Moon Jae-ins presidency.

On his first diplomatic debut in New York in September 2022, Yoon made a hot mic gaffe which blew up into a scandal. He seemed to be using inappropriate terms toward U.S. President Joe Biden but his offices excuse was that the term was used toward the South Korean lawmakers, not Biden.

According to a poll surveyed by Jowon C&I days after the hot mic scandal, more than 60 percent of the public responded that Biden was the word that Yoon said in the video.

When I was working at the Diplomat, I too published an article about this scandal. Days after the publication, I remember that someone in the ruling People Power Party submitted a rebuttal article against mine through the submissions channel of The Diplomat but my boss rejected it due to the lack of logic and quality of the article.

Later on, some podcaster and pro-Yoon supporters started distorting my reports to spread misinformation about myself and my report but I did not make any complaints. I was recommended to file a legal suit against them but I did not because I believed and still believe that we journalists talk and behave through our reports, not legal suits.

Before writing that story about Yoons hot mic scandal, I was expecting to listen carefully to what Yoon said due to the presidential offices protestation. But I did not need to because I clearly heard him saying Biden and some other things in the reports released by MBC.

Under this circumstance, who generated fake news?

Days after this scandal, Yoon halted his signature move: his interpretation of door-stepping, a short Q&A with reporters on his way to work every morning.

The reason for the halt of the door-stepping session was a so-called accident, implying the row between a MBC reporter and a senior official of Yoons presidential office. After Yoon accused MBC of making a malicious report, the reporter asked questions regarding this but Yoon concluded the talks with reporters and headed to his office. The senior official complained about that behavior: asking questions to the president when he was heading to his office. According to the reports, the official called it rude behavior.

How can this be rude? The president should always be ready to be asked tough questions by reporters because communicating with reporters is equal to communicating with the public. The government needs to be kept in check by reporters at all times. And the public relies on the media for information on the government.

Also, in the same way, the president can suddenly conclude his talks with reporters at any time when confronted with tough questions, reporters can ask the questions at any time, even when he is heading into his office. This scene is often witnessed in the United States.

Days after he was elected, Yoon swiftly moved his administrations workplace to Yongsan District, not the Blue House, to communicate with the people better. As his door-stepping sessions have indefinitely been halted, however, he is a typical president standing behind his staff members to avoid being asked tough questions.

Lets talk about freedom of the press.

Yoon's office told VOA that it holds freedom of the press in the highest regard and called it the core value of a robust democracy.

However, if the president is not eager to face tough questions from reporters, how can freedom of the press be enhanced?

Also, the presidential office said fake news is an enemy of democracy that distorts peoples decision-making. If so, Yoons vehement denial of accusations that his mother-in-law, who was involved in serious crimes during his presidential campaign, had consequentially affected peoples decision-making on who to vote for. His mother-in-law was handed a one-year prison sentence for using a fake bank balance certificate to purchase real estate. Under the logic the presidential office used, complaints should also be filed against Yoon in accordance with laws and principles as a response to fake news.

Yoon has a right to actively respond to fake news if that contains inaccurate information with no space for him to deny. Anyone who maliciously makes fake news to downgrade freedom of the press should be punished.

However, what Yoon should know is that covering his (and his wifes) wrongdoings does not mean that journalists are trying to make fake news. Rather, he and his wife must fully respond to any allegations raised by reporters, considering the positions they hold.

President Yoon, if you sincerely respect freedom of the press and support journalists work, please take part in an interview with a range of media outlets, not just the conservative ones. Also, please be aware that if journalists start feeling that their work can be punished by the government and their families could face raids and investigations by police and prosecutors, even though they only contained factual information in their reports, no one in the field of journalism would be able to cover the governments wrongdoings.

Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democracy. Please boost press freedom and free journalistic activities for reporters who are working hard for the people and their right to information.

Mitch Shin is a young fellow at the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy. Shin was an assistant editor and chief Korea correspondent for the Diplomat, and a non-resident research fellow at the Institute for Security & Development Policy, Stockholm Korea Center.
The following is adapted from a talk delivered on November 1, 2023, at the Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship on Hillsdales Washington, D.C., campus, as part of the AWC by Sen. Rand Paul at the Family Foundation Lecture Series.

The Covid cover-up began in China. But in a way we make too big a deal of that. No one should be surprised that a totalitarian government run by the Chinese Communist Party would seek to cover up its responsibility for a worldwide pandemic. What was mind-jarringand what we should focus our attention onis the cover-up in our own country spearheaded by Dr. Anthony Fauci and his fellow public health bureaucrats. And they might have gotten away with their deception if a federal judge hadnt ordered their emails released.

In brief, these emails reveal that at the same time Dr. Fauci and other public health experts were publicly disavowing the idea that the Covid virus originated with a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, they were in general agreement among themselves that that was likely what had happened. So why hide the fact?

In January 2020, Fauci was told that the Covid virus appeared inconsistent with expectations from evolutionary theory. He and his fellow scientists were worried that it may have originated in the Wuhan lab because they knew that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), under Faucis direction, had been funding work at the lab for years. They also knew of a paper by Ralph Baric and Shi Zhengli describing gain-of-function researchwhich involves taking two viruses and combining their genetics to create something more dangerous, more lethal, or more contagiouson various coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab.

On February 1, just before 3:00 a.m., Fauci sent an email to Robert Kadlec, then-Secretary for Preparedness and Response at Health and Human Services. It read: This just came out today. Gives a balanced view. He attached an article published in Science arguing that Covid had jumped from bats to humans and seeking to discredit the lab-leak theory. When this email came to light, I was initially puzzled about its timing and urgency. But then I learned that one of Kadlecs duties was to chair the committee responsible for screening gain-of-function proposals for safety purposesand that the Wuhan coronavirus research proposal never came before his committee!

For a long time, even we in the U.S. Senate didnt know that Kadlec headed the gain-of-function screening committee because of the pervasive secrecy throughout our government. The makeup of the committee is a secret, its deliberations are secret, and those on the committee do not like answering questions asked by the American peoples elected leaders in Congress. To this day, it is an open question how gain-of-function research was funded in Wuhan without committee review. It is not a stretch to think that someone with authority skirted the safety review process. If so, that person would have had a good reason to be very worried, even to the point of dishonesty, when the pandemic broke out.

Jeremy Farrar, the Anthony Fauci of the UK, told his brother that in the early stages of the pandemic, a few scientists, including me, were beginning to suspect this might be a lab accident. Farrar writes in his book Spike: During that period, I would do things I had never done before: acquire a burner phone, hold clandestine meetings, keep difficult secrets. Indeed, many Western bureaucrats, especially in the U.S., began using various forms of communication to shield their messages from future records requests. We have an email from one of Faucis assistants instructing other government employees to avoid using government email addresses. Which, by the way, is a crime.

Kristian G. Andersen, a professor of immunology and microbiology at Scripps Research, headed up a group of virologists who, by his own account, were prompted by Jeremy Farrar, Tony Fauci, and [National Institutes of Health Director] Francis Collins to research and publish a paper that would provide agnostic and scientifically informed hypotheses around the origins of the virus. Andersen had written to Farrar a week earlier, alarmed by the fact that the virus appeared to be manmade. But now, under pressure, he and others were circling the wagons and changing their tune.

By mid-February, British zoologist Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance and a Fauci ally, organized a letter that was published in The Lancet stating that the authors stood together to strongly condemn conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin. What the letter failed to mention is the fact that Daszaks organization received many millions of taxpayer dollars from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the State Departmentbefore and during the pandemicand that millions were funneled through EcoHealth to the Wuhan lab, some of which went to coronavirus research.

In March, the Andersen groups paper, arguing that Covid didnt come from a lab, was published in Nature Medicine. By that time, corporate media and Big Tech had taken to labeling anyone who supported the lab-leak theory as a purveyor of misinformation and disinformation. An ABC News article that cited the Andersen paper is a case in point: Sorry, conspiracy theorists. Study concludes COVID-19 is not a laboratory construct.

As we now knowthanks to the release of the Twitter Files following Elon Musks purchase of the companythe mainstream media and Big Tech did not act alone. In fact, many of their efforts to censor speech about the lab-leak theory, lockdowns, masks, vaccines, school closures, and a host of pandemic-related topics were directed by the FBI and other intelligence agencies. In other words, the First Amendment was thrown out the window.

***

The moral debate over gain-of-function research has been going on for a long time. It came to prominence with the debate over avian flu research in the early 2010s. Avian flu is a very bad disease, but like most animal viruses, it is adapted for its hostin this case chickens or other birds. It does not often infect humans, but when it does, certain strains kill up to 50 percent of those infected.

During an outbreak in 2010, Dutch virologist Ron Fouchier wondered if it would be possible to make the avian flu contagious through the air to mammals, and his research became highly controversial. Proponents argued that it could provide valuable data for scientists to predict or combat future pandemics. Opponents argued that it could cause pandemics either through lab leaks or terrorism. Fauci was intimately familiar with this debate, because Fouchiers research was funded by Faucis agency, and he argued at the time that the potential benefits outweighed the risks.

A growing number of virologists and other scientists worry that a lab leak will happen again, and with even more serious consequences. With Covid, the mortality rate was far less than one percent. Experiments are now being carried out with viruses that have the potential for mortality rates between 15 and 50 percent. In 2021, MIT biochemist Kevin Esvelt wrote:

Once we consider the possibility of misuse [of gain-of-function research], let alone creative misuse, such research looks like a gamble that civilization cant afford to risk. . . . I implore every scientist, funder, and nation working in this field: Please stop. No more trying to discover or make pandemic-capable viruses, enhance their virulence, or assemble them more easily. No more attempting to learn which components allow viruses to efficiently infect or replicate within human cells, or to devise inheritable ways to evade immunity. No more experiments likely to disseminate blueprints for plagues.

The potential for disaster cannot be overstated. Right now, people can order synthetic DNA on the internet, and if they know what theyre doing, they can make the polio virus, among many others. And there are increasing numbers of individuals who have the knowhow: according to Esvelt, The U.S. grants 125 doctoral degrees in virology each year, accounting for one-third of the total worldwide. At least four times as many individuals with degrees in related fields . . . possess similar skills.

The required information is publicly available due to taxpayer-funded initiatives to identify all the viruses in the world. With the support of people like Peter Daszak and Bill Gates, the U.S. has been the top international funder of pandemic virus identification for decades. This should give us pause: these programs involve digging rare viruses out of caves where humans might never encounter them and transporting them to major metropolitan areas, manipulating viruses to make them more dangerous and transmissible, and publishing the resulting knowledge to the world.

Even if the goal is preventing future pandemics, the risk-benefit ratio doesnt add up. While advocates for identifying the worlds viruses argue that the knowledge gained will aid in developing vaccines, decades of virus identification have been fruitless, as no human vaccine has been developed in advance of a human epidemic. If we continue down this path, Esvelt believes that deliberate pandemics will kill many more people than identification could save.

To think that we can prevent future pandemics, even as we continue to seek, catalog, and manipulate dangerous viruses, is the height of hubris. Over the last few years, public health experts were wrong about almost everything. If we are to avoid these kinds of catastrophes in the future, we must reform government and rein in out-of-control scientists and their enablers.

***

In December 2022, Congress passed a 4,155-page spending bill. It had a price tag of $1.7 trillion, including over a trillion dollars that had to be borrowed. It was appropriately called an omni, since everything but the kitchen sink was thrown in. On page 3,354, the Secretary of Health and Human Services was directed not [to] fund research conducted by a foreign entity at a facility located in a country of concern . . . involving pathogens of pandemic potential or biological agents or toxins.

This was a welcome attempt to stop the funding of dangerous research around the world, but Americans and their representatives must watch carefully to see whether our public health agencies attempt to sidestep it. The recent behavior of NIAID and NIH bureaucrats, as exemplified by their attempts to deceive Congress and the American people during the Covid pandemic, does not instill confidence.

A group of 34 prominent scientists recently presented a series of reforms to strengthen the US governments enhanced potential pandemic pathogen framework. This Gain-of-Function Reform Group (GoF Group) recommended that gain-of-function experiments that confer efficient human transmissibility on a pathogen should be regulated. Adopting this standard would explicitly stop bureaucrats like Fauci from dancing around the gain-of-function definition and looking the other way as researchers create viruses that spread more easily in humans.

Current regulations allow gain-of-function research to occur if the research is said to be concerned with developing and producing vaccines. However, dangerous research should not be permitted or funded on the basis of a potential product. Rather, we should ban clearly dangerous research and highly scrutinize anything else that could enhance the virulence or transmissibility of any pathogen, as the GoF Group recommends.

We should treat this research as we do nuclear weaponsas the potential threat to human life is even greater. Ideally, as Rutgers University molecular biologist Richard Ebright recommends, responsibility for US oversight of gain-of-function research of concern should be assigned to a single, independent federal agency that does not perform research and does not fund research. The oversight of research on fissionable materials by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission provides a precedent and a model.

Another pervasive problem is conflict of interest. Under our current lax guidelines, researchers can essentially approve their own grants if they toe the official bureaucratic line. Consider the particularly egregious example of Kristian Andersen receiving a million-dollar grant mere months after abruptly switching his scientific opinion on Covids origin from a likely lab leak to natural spillover. We have always known that recipients of federal dollars might try to game the system. Conflict of interest regulations are littered throughout the federal code. One would think recusal for a conflict of interest would be the standard fallback procedure for all federal science funding. Yet when I questioned Fauci about whether any of the scientists on the vaccine-approval boards also received royalties from the drug companies that make vaccines, he responded that he did not have to inform Congress about royalty payments. In addition to the fact that he was the highest paid employee of the federal government, his own net worth is estimated to have doubled to more than $12.5 million during the pandemic. This is an insult to the American taxpayer and the American ideal. We should not allow this kind of obvious corruption.

The GoF Group calls for regulators to recuse any individual whose agency is funding or participating in the proposed [gain-of-function research] from decision making in the [pandemic] review process. Reviewers should be subject to conflict of interest rules. They also recommended including representatives of civil society in the review of potential pandemic pathogens.

For several years, I have proposed something similar for all grants funded by the federal government. Even before I became aware of the extent of Faucis abusive reign, I introduced the BASIC Research Act, which would add at least one scientist to each funding committee from a major field of research that has unanimity of support, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimers. The goal is to create more debate on the best use of limited government research funds. I would also add a taxpayer advocate to all funding committees. Perhaps then we would start to question absurd scientific research grants, such as the $2.3 million the NIH spent injecting beagle puppies with cocaine, or the $3 million NIH grant to put hamsters on steroids and watch them fight.

In addition, my legislation would prohibit grant applicants from requesting their own friends for funding review. We should also make all federal grant applications public.

To prevent what happened during the Covid pandemic from happening again, Congress must address the concentration of power over long periods of time in the hands of unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats. In particular, it should divide the power of the NIAID into three separate institutes overseeing allergic diseases, infectious diseases, and immunologic diseases. Each institute should be led by a director who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate for a limited term of five years.

Anthony Fauciwho wielded tremendous power over many decadesfunded dangerous research, lied to Congress and the American people, flip-flopped on many of his prognostications, issued edicts that defied science, and attacked and smeared his scientific critics. His reprehensible behavior reminded me of nothing so much as C.S. Lewiss description of the moral busybody: Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. . . . [T]hose who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.

We the American people must not allow bureaucratic experts to endanger our lives, lie to us, or curtail our constitutional rights. Never again.
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.
Here are 10 ASC and practice closures that Becker's has reported on in 2023:

1. In February, the Salem (Ore.) Outpatient Surgery Center shuttered due to low patient volumes.

2. In March, Phoenix-based Banner Health's surgery center in Loveland, Colo., closed. The ASC was a joint venture between Banner Health and management company Atlas Healthcare Partners.

3. In March, Marble Falls, Texas-based Hill Country Memorial Surgery Center closed following a November announcement that Hill Country Memorial Hospital was acquired by San Antonio Methodist Hospital.

4. In March, Steven Ozeran, MD, medical director of Lewiston, Idaho-based Ozeran Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, told Becker's he shuttered his practice's affiliated ASC, Syringa Surgery Center, due in part to a nursing shortage.

5. In April, Cabell Huntington Hospital, a member of Mountain Health Network, closed in response to declining patient volumes.

6. In August, the Belmont Eye Clinic in Liberty Township, Ohio, closed after operating for more than 50 years.

7. In September, Asheville, N.C.-based GenesisCare Surgical Specialists closed after its private equity-backed management company GenesisCare filed for bankruptcy.

8. In September, independent OB-GYN practice San Dimas Medical Group in Bakersfield, Calif., closed.

9. In November, Greenville, S.C.-based Gastroenterology Associates closed the GI lab at its Simpsonville, S.C.-based facility.

10. In December, two San Antonio-based cardiovascular centers owned by Peripheral Vascular Associates shut down, citing business difficulties.
Lorraine Lutton, president and CEO of Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus, Ohio, will retire in April 2024 after four years at the helm of the four-hospital system.

Ms. Lutton joined Mount Carmel, part of Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health, in April 2020. At that time, she replaced Mike Englehart, who had served as interim CEO for nine months. Ms. Lutton previously served as president and CEO of Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, S.C., for four years.

Trinity Health is launching a national search for Ms. Lutton's successor.

"We knew the system needed a special leader who could lead transformation and move the ministry forward," Ben Carter, Trinity Health's executive vice president and COO, said in the news release. "Lorraine was that leader and her work set a standard of excellence that will undoubtedly continue to guide the organization."

Mount Carmel includes 9,000 employees and 2,300 physicians. The system will soon have five hospitals, with construction in progress on its Mount Carmel Dublin (Ohio) Hospital, set to open in 2025.
The Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department filed 50 merger enforcement actions in fiscal year 2022  the highest level of enforcement activity in more than 20 years.

The commission brought 24 merger enforcement challenges in FY 2022, including:

Eleven in which it issued final consent orders after a public comment period

Seven in which the transaction was abandoned or restructured due to antitrust concerns

Six in which the FTC initiated administrative or federal court litigation

These enforcement actions preserved competition in several sectors of the economy, including consumer goods and services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, high tech and industrial goods, according to the FTC.

The findings were published Dec. 21 in the FTC and Department of Justice's annual Hart-Scott-Rodino Report, which recorded 3,152 transactions in 2022  the second-highest number of reported transactions over the past 10 years.

Of the 3,152 transactions reported, 47 transactions or 1.6% of all HSR-reportable transactions were subject to a second request issued by the agencies. The number of second requests issued by the agencies in FY 2022 is consistent with the average number of second requests issued across the last decade, according to the report.

In a statement to Congress, FTC Chair Lina Khan  along with Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya  warned that the stakes for the American people when it comes to antitrust issues are very real.

"We have heard from a wide breadth of people about how consolidation directly threatens their ability to live stable and secure lives," according to the statement. "An organization representing more than 200,000 nurses told us that hospital consolidation had reduced options for employees, and that the resulting 'threat of being blacklisted from further hiring in a system that controls many of the hospitals in the area makes workers afraid to file complaints, organize their workplace, or leave before the end of a contract.' A healthcare startup told us that healthcare mergers have made it extremely difficult for patients living in rural areas to access critical services for mental health."

The report comes during a year when the FTC and DOJ increased their scrutiny of healthcare transactions, including ramping up its post-merger investigations and looking into attempts to illegally monopolize healthcare markets.
Wisconsin officials did not substantiate complaints made by unionized nurses at UW Health, who moved outside of regular reporting processes to elevate patient safety concerns to the state amid calls for staffing changes.

In November, UW Health nurses represented by SEIU Wisconsin issued more than 100 forms with patient safety concerns to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to intensify their calls for the academic health system to make staffing changes. The group of nurses created "Notice of Risk to Patient Safety" forms and distributed them to staff nurses at the Madison, Wis.-based system, which is outside of the organization's established process for reporting safety concerns or events, known as HERO.

The health system reportedly learned about the newly created forms and filing plans in September. "Rather than submitting them through our HERO system or working through their teams to address concerns, consistent with our culture of safety, they chose to attack our work through a press release," UW Health CEO Alan Kaplan, MD, said in a Dec. 19 email to employees, which was shared with Becker's.

Dr. Kaplan notified the organization in his Dec. 19 email that the health department investigated the complaints, did not substantiate them and did not issue penalties.

Wisconsin DHS surveyors visited UW Health sites from Dec. 5-7. In that time, the agency reviewed more than 10,000 documents, HERO reports, event reports and dozens of staff interviews in what Dr. Kaplan called "one of the most broad, in-depth and comprehensive [surveys] conducted by DHS in the history of UW Health."

CMS reviewed DHS' final report and issued its findings with UW Health the week of Dec. 18, concluding that the complaint was not substantiated and no citations would be issued, Dr. Kaplan said.

"This reinforces what we already know to be true, that our quality and our culture of safety are part of the DNA of every single team member at UW Health," Dr. Kaplan wrote in his email. "While we don't enjoy having our work attacked, we don't flinch from the scrutiny, because we all believe in the quality of our care."

In November, the union said it resorted to filing forms with DHS to "investigate patient safety problems and hold the administration accountable for solutions" since nurses have pushed for staffing changes since September 2022 but their proposals have been ignored, according to an SEIU release shared with Becker's.

UW Health and the Department of Health Services should trust nurses when we document serious concerns about the spiraling crisis of extreme understaffing, turnover and burnout that could put our patients at risk," the UW Health nurses represented by SEIU Wisconsin said in a statement shared with Becker's. "We are the ones at the bedside actually doing the work of caring for our community and we are the experts and best advocates for quality care. Many of the over 100 forms we submitted to DHS detail serious patient safety issues, including an exodus of 23% of the inpatient operating staff this year; nurses working 16 hour shifts; and inexperienced nurses being assigned to train new hires.

The Department of Health Services has not sent us its report, so we are unable to comment on its contents," the nurses' statement continues. "However, we can say unequivocally that our concerns have not been addressed, we continue to struggle with ongoing systemic problems and we will likely be submitting more forms to DHS moving forward."

The nurses' move to bring patient safety forms to DHS came nearly two months after the nurses announced they would intensify pressure on hospital administrators if they did not remove salary caps and provide greater pay transparency, according to reporting from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

UW Health employee 5,800 nurses, 2,900 of which are eligible to be members of the union pending court decision on collectively bargaining.
In 2023, Becker's connected with human resources and people chiefs at hospitals and health systems nationwide to learn more about their strategies  from building a strong culture, to offering flexibility, to mediating disputes  as they navigated a transformative year for talent.

Below, find excerpts from eight notable interviews reflecting on the changing workforce and workplace:

Angie Mannino. Chief People and Culture Officer at Baptist Health (Louisville, Ky.): "We used to be a traditional 8 to 5 company, and you'd have meetings at 8 a.m. Now, we're encouraging people not to have meetings before 10 for people who have younger children that they need to get ready for school, or maybe they have classes at home that they need to help them log into. So you're allowed to say, 'Hey, I can't do anything before 9 or 10' or whatever works for you. In the past, that just wouldn't be reasonable because you've come into the office."

Read more about how Baptist Health is embracing flexible work here.

Catherine Codispoti. Chief People Officer at Mercy (St. Louis): "[I plan on] role-modeling as far as taking time off  really taking time off and recharging, and supporting folks in doing that  so they come back feeling refreshed. They're able to have that time with their family that helps fill their cups. I think that's really important because many organizations have those benefits, but people don't use them. That's actually something we want them to do, because it makes them more productive and joyful when they're at work."

Read more about why Mercy promotes PTO usage here.

Jaime Nichols. Chief Human Resources Officer at Salem (Ore.) Health: "If you take a picture of yourself on campus, and you're just talking about how you're having a good day, that could unintentionally be a HIPAA violation, because of the fact that you're on campus where we're providing care, and you could have been violating the confidentiality of somebody."

Read more about how social media can be a friend or foe to health systems' HR departments here.

Jamie Payne. Chief Human Resources Officer at Saint Francis Health System (Tulsa, Okla.):

"There's a long-standing culture within nursing to have a little bit of this lateral bullying, if you will. They often say nurses 'eat their young.' Seasoned nurses think it's their rite of passage to initiate a recent college graduate or someone new to the organization by putting them through trial-by-fire situations, like they experienced early in their career."

Read more about how Saint Francis Health System fights bullying in the nursing profession here.

Janel Allen. Chief People Officer at Children's Hospital and Medical Center (Omaha, Neb.): "I think radical flexibility is the future. That's a real advantage we believe we can have in the market as we think about attracting and retaining our talent."

Read more about how Children's Hospital and Medical Center boosted its employee engagement rate to 89% here.

Keegan Fisher. North Division Chief Human Resources Officer at Providence (Renton, Wash.): "I do think [the hybrid era] is going to require a different approach for our leaders to ensure that they're still building a team dynamic that feels accountable to one another when not everyone may be on the floor every single day. I feel like that's where HR and nursing will have to strategize together on the approaches that we will deploy to build a shared accountability and a camaraderie. Within nursing typically, that's been able to be done through patient handoffs or huddles on the unit. And now that is going to take a different direction."

Read more about how Providence utilizes in-person training to level-set expectations among hybrid workforces here.

Linda Aldred. Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Texas Children's (Houston): "One of the things we've learned is, although people want some of the same things, different generations have more patience than others, right? If you're a [baby] boomer, sometimes there's a little bit of a mindset that says, 'Yeah, you have to pay your dues, or you have to do X, Y or Z, or it could take you five years to be promoted.' But we've also found that younger generations, they're not going to be that patient, or they're going to need to understand what the career path looks like. [They want] the same things but want to acquire it differently, or connect to it differently. And those are the channels and connections we're trying to make for those generations."

Read more about how Texas Children's bridges the generational divide in the workplace here.

Susan Doughty-Smith. Manager of Recruitment Services at Gundersen Health System (La Crosse, Wis.): "When we are recruiting people, the No. 1 thing that they ask us about is, 'What are my professional development and career growth opportunities?' And the fact that we can talk about the Career Development Center and the process really engages them and makes them want to come here. And then when they are here, they feel engaged because someone cares about them. They're empowered to grow their career."



Read more about Gundersen's Career Development Center, which served 9,000 employees in its first operational year, here.
Alexander Rovt, PhD, chair of the board of trustees of One Brooklyn Health, a financially struggling health system that runs three private hospitals in New York City, faces a lawsuit over a September board vote to oust the organization's CEO, Politico reported Dec. 20.

The petition, filed by One Brooklyn Health board member Maurice Reid and former state Assemblymember Annette Robinson, accuses Dr. Rovt and each of the individual board members of "collective malfeasance and negligence in the performance of their duties." It also accuses Dr. Rovt of "conflict of interest and his personal enrichment of individual board members."

More specifically, the petition accused Dr. Rovt of making "reckless" and false statements about One Brooklyn Health CEO LaRay Brown in an interview with Politico and "lavishing expensive perks" on fellow board members, including trips by board members for their personal business and affairs, according to Politico.

According to the publication, among other allegations in the petition is that Dr. Rovt placed a new and unvetted member on the board "just in time" to vote to end Ms. Brown's contract. The board also did not institute a conflict-of-interest protocol after board members agreed to address issues related to conflicts of interest, Mr. Reid and Ms. Robinson's attorney, William Martin, said in a sworn statement included in court papers, according to Politico.

The petition calls for dissolving and/or removal of the health system's board, the dissolution and removal of Dr. Rovt as chair. It also calls for the reversal of the One Brooklyn Health board's decision to end Ms. Brown's contract, according to Politico.

Reached by Politico on Dec. 20, Dr. Rovt denied blaming Ms. Brown for One Brooklyn Health's financial struggles despite telling the publication in September, "She spends too much money on different kinds of things," including executive salaries. He declined to comment further.

Politico was unable to reach Ms. Brown for comment.

A One Brooklyn Health spokesperson told Becker's: "We have no comment on the lawsuit."

The board of trustees voted to remove Ms. Brown in September. The vote led healthcare union members to protest and urge the board and state and local leaders to commit to transparency and continued investment in the health system.

One Brooklyn Health's board voted to appoint Sandra Scott, MD, as interim CEO on Nov. 17.

"With her undeniable experience and tenure, we are elated to announce Dr. Sandra Scott's appointment as interim CEO for One Brooklyn Health," Dr. Rovt said at the time. "In this role, Dr. Scott will continue to play a vital role in OBH's operations that ensure access to care, quality of care and patient safety as top priorities at every level in our healthcare network."

One Brooklyn Health, formed in 2016, includes Brookdale, Interfaith Medical Center and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center and their affiliated facilities.

The health system said its board will consult with a leading medical executive search firm in January to conduct a national search for a permanent CEO.
Two nurses were assaulted in separate incidents Dec. 18 at Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I., part of Lifespan, hospital and police confirmed to Becker's.

GoLocal was first to report the incidents in a Dec. 18 article. The publication also spoke with leaders in the nursing community for a follow-up Dec. 19 article.

The first incident occurred at approximately 12:05 a.m., Providence Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer Lindsay Lague said in a statement shared with Becker's on Dec. 18. Police said Zharia Crawford, 27, is suspected of assaulting a nurse.

The suspect "checked in the hospital for a toothache but was not admitted," police said. "While trying to provide care, Crawford was screaming at [the] victim and shoved [the] victim in the chest with one hand, then tried to punch [the] victim, but did not strike him. Crawford was turned over for charging."

The second incident occurred at approximately 12:55 a.m., according to the police. Police said Nicole Rocha, 42, allegedly assaulted a nurse.

Ms. Rocha "was admitted in the hospital for detox," police said. "[The] victim stated Rocha got off the stretcher and began to walk away; Rocha was told to lay back down. Rocha became agitated, yelled racist epithets then slapped [the] victim in the left side of her face with an open hand. Rocha was turned over for charging."

Kathleen Hart, a spokesperson for Providence-based Lifespan, confirmed the two separate incidents to Becker's via email on Dec. 20. No further comment or information was provided.

Read the initial GoLocal report about the incidents here.

Editor's note: This story was updated on Dec. 23. Becker's will continue to update this story if more information becomes available.






By Park Jae-hyuk

Concerns are growing among small- and medium-sized construction firms in Korea, after the government announced earlier this month that it will not authorize the completion of newly built apartments if inter-floor noise levels fail to meet accepted standards, according to industry officials, Thursday.

Unlike top-tier builders that have developed various technologies to prevent disputes between neighbors over noises, smaller companies are alarmed by a potential rise in their construction costs.

Since conflicts over inter-floor noise have been pointed to as the cause of a number of violent crimes in recent years, major construction firms have made efforts to minimize potential trigger points.

Samsung C&T established the nations first lab specializing in inter-floor noise last year, while Hyundai E&C developed integrated technologies to reduce noise between floors. Daewoo E&C, GS E&C and DL E&C came up with new types of floor structures.

POSCO E&C and Lotte E&C joined hands with Samsung C&T last year to develop technologies to reduce inter-floor noise.

However, most small- and medium-sized construction firms lack departments dealing with inter-floor noise issues. They also do not have any plan investment in relevant technologies.

Mid-size builders without technologies for inter-floor noise will have no choice but to pay to adopt the technologies of larger companies, a Korea Housing Builders Association official said. The policy needs a grace period to alleviate burden on small- and medium-sized companies.

There also exists concerns that small- and medium-sized builders and their subcontractors could face lawsuits from customers, if their apartments fail to get the government approval due to substandard inter-floor noise levels.

The government plans to force construction companies to compensate home owners for subsequent delayed movements to new apartments.

It would be better if the government takes measures to alleviate the burdens on companies, instead of compelling their sacrifice, said Korea Research Institute for Construction Policy researcher Lee Eun-hyung.

Amid the growing concerns among builders, civic groups criticized the governments plan for being less effective.

Sampling of only 5 percent of households in each apartment building is not the proper way to check inter-floor noise levels, the Citizens Coalition for Economic Justice said in a statement. It is necessary to inspect all apartments in each building.
An Iowa pharmacy filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group and its pharmacy benefit manager, accusing the company of "unconscionable" DIR fees.

DIR fees, or direct and indirect remuneration fees, are collected after pharmacies fill a prescription for Medicare recipients. These fees led to the owners of Osterhaus Pharmacy, the plaintiff, to shutter operations in January 2022, according to the lawsuit.

Osterhaus accused UnitedHealth Group; its insurance company, UnitedHealthcare; and its PBM, Otpum Rx, of forcing independent pharmacies to close by "unlawfully extract[ing] huge sums of money" with DIR fees.

These costs "coerce pharmacies to produce outcomes over which they have little or no control" with "a 'take it or leave it' package," the plaintiff said. "Independents cannot afford to push back against OptumRx because they risk losing access to beneficiaries. The opposite is not true  OptumRx can steer and prefers to steer patients to its own mailorder pharmacy. To be sure, community members suffer as a result  from losing pharmacy services or receiving inadequate services."



Becker's has reached out to UnitedHealth Group and will update this story if more information becomes available.
Seattle Children's Hospital has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Office of the Attorney General after the agency requested documents related to gender transition policies and such care provided to Texas children, NBC affiliate KXAN reported Dec. 20.

In a lawsuit filed Dec. 7, Seattle Children's argues that the Texas attorney general does not have the jurisdiction to demand patient records from the hospital. It also states that Washington's Shield Law, signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on April 27, protects it from requests made by states that "restrict or criminalize reproductive and gender-affirming care," according to the report.

The Shield Law creates a cause of action for interference with protected healthcare services, which protects against lawsuits filed in other states related to reproductive or gender-affirming care that is lawful in Washington. Those harmed by such out-of-state lawsuits can also file a countersuit in Washington for damages and recover their costs and attorneys' fees.

The Texas attorney general said it is investigating misrepresentations involving gender transitioning and reassignment treatments and procedures that allegedly violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act. It has demanded that Seattle Children's provide the following documents:

All medications prescribed by the hospital to Texas children

The number of Texas children treated by the hospital

Diagnosis for every medication provided by the hospital to Texas children

Texas labs that performed tests for the hospital before prescribing medications

Protocol/guidance for treating Texas children diagnosed with gender identity disorder, gender dysphoria or endocrine disorders

Protocol/guidance on how to "wean" a Texas child off gender transitioning care

Seattle Children's maintains that it does not have property, accounts, nor employees who provide gender-affirming care or administrative services for that care in Texas, according to affidavits obtained by KXAN. Hospital leaders also said that Seattle Children's has not marketed or advertised this type of care in Texas either.

Attorneys for the hospitals argue that the demands are an "improper attempt" to enforce Texas' SB 14 bill  signed June 2 by Gov. Greg Abbott  and investigate healthcare services that did not occur in Texas.

"Seattle Children's took legal action to protect private patient information related to gender-affirming care services at our organization sought by the Texas attorney general," a spokesperson for the hospital told Becker's. "Seattle Children's complies with the law for all healthcare services provided. Due to active litigation, we cannot comment further at this time."

The Texas attorney general's office did not respond to Becker's request for comment.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, states scrambled to secure masks, medical gowns and other personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Much of those items have sat in stockpiles and with product expiration dates approaching, states are throwing out troves of PPE worth millions, according to a report from The Associated Press.

The nation's federal stockpile was not equipped for the demand that came with COVID-19's arrival, leaving states to take matters into their own hands. They purchased hundreds of millions of products in costly deals with private companies.

"There was no way to know, at the time of purchase, how long the supply deficit would last or what quantities would be needed," Ken Gordon, spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Health, told the news outlet.

Now, aging products, a surplus of supplies and a lack of takers to accept donations led to states throwing away troves of PPE. The AP sent inquiries to all 50 states regarding PPE stockpiles and learned at least 15 have had to toss tens of millions of products.

At least 18 million masks, 22 million gowns and 500,000 gloves have been tossed. These figures are likely a significant undercount as some states did not give the publication exact figures. In any case, the waste is costly. Maryland said it disposed of more than $93 million in supplies. Expiring PPE in Ohio had cost about $29 million in federal funds.

"What a real waste," Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, told the AP. "That's what happens when you don't prepare, when you have a bust-and-boom public health system. It shows we really have to do a better job of managing our stockpiles."

States told the news outlet they invested a great deal in trying to limit how much ultimately got trashed. Washington, for example, sent hundreds of thousands of supplies to the Marshall Islands in 2022. Some states said expired supplies were used for limited purposes, such as training exercises. Many states indicated they are keeping at least a portion of their remaining supplies with some planning to update their stockpiles. Missouri, for instance, is keeping even expired materials, assuming the federal government would OK their use in an emergency at an insured cost of $29 million.

Despite politicians' vows in 2020 to never be caught so off guard again, the situation has underscored the complex nature of striking a balance between supply preparedness and wastefulness, leaders told the news outlet.
Minnesota hospitals have lost nearly 1,000 hospital beds since 2020, MPR News reported Dec. 20.

That figure comes from a recent study out of APM Research Lab, and the loss of beds has contributed to a "crisis" in the state's healthcare system, according to Rahul Koranne, MD, president and CEO of the Minnesota Hospital Association.

"I'll be frank: Patient care in Minnesota is in danger," Dr. Koranne told MPR News.

The hospitals have the physical infrastructure to maintain the beds but not the manpower, Dr. Koranne said. Some hospitals in the state have a 17% job vacancy rate, and many are struggling to attract and retain employees.

"We have the beds, we have the walls, we have the physical infrastructure, but a bed doesn't treat the patient," Dr. Koranne said.

Lower capacities in group homes, mental health institutions and nursing homes have also delayed discharge for many patients. Sometimes, patients are boarding and living in the hospital for "months on end," which prevents others from receiving care, according to Dr. Koranne. He hopes that lawmakers can provide aid when the state legislature reconvenes in February.

"Given the almost $1 billion that we have lost already this year in 2023, we need state lawmakers to prioritize hospitals and healthcare systems across the state, provide a rescue package so that we have the money that we need to continue to provide access, to continue to look for workers, to continue to make healthcare a lucrative industry for our youngsters to join," Dr. Koranne said.
Ruairi McSorley  better known to most as Frostbit Boy  is back in the headlines after telling a humorous anecdote about his love life.

He was a guest on comedian Shane Todds podcast when the 27-year-old shocked the host by telling him that his former flame was almost 50 years his senior when they got together last year.

Laughing, he told the Tea With Me podcast that he sees himself as seniorsexual and goes on to say he almost made it down the aisle a couple of times  until something terrible happened.

I'm not a homosexual, I'm not a transexual. I was a seniorsexual for a while, Ruairi told the comedian, adding that she was 75-years-old at the time.

When asked why the pair didnt tie the knot, he explained: Oh, she died then in the finish up. I'd everybody at home told about the wedding and everything."

A speechless Shane Todd pulled himself enough together to joke: "That will kill a relationship 99 percent of the time."

Ruairi responded: "Well, normally the heart stopping would be a bit destructive to the relationship, aye. Wouldn't help the dynamic."

Video: 'Frostbit boy' Ruairi McSorley has an astounding voice that goes viral

McSorley first got a taste of fame as a schoolboy in 2015 when a clip of him appearing on UTV news during a cold snap saying you wouldnt be long gettin frostbit went viral.

In 2021 he was back in the spotlight again after being rescued at sea when his 'spur of the moment' early morning swim went drastically wrong.

He had been staying at a caravan park near Inch beach in County Kerry when he decided to swim out to nearby Fenit Island - but ended up spending 12 hours in the water and became 'dangerously hypothermic'.

The RNLI rescued him after someone found his clothes by the waterside and raised the alarm.

'Frostbit boy' Ruairi McSorley announces plan to run for government

Read more Tributes paid to Belfast-based fashion and beauty influencer Tanice Samuels after death

Earlier this month, the Co Derry man voiced his support for Conor McGregor to be the president of a new Ireland  with himself as prime minister.

In his new book, The Reign of King Ruairi, he sets out how the Taoiseach and Irish president would be directly elected, with qualification requirements for ministerial roles in government.
Sian Mulholland has welcomed a baby girl, the MLA shared on Thursday.

Born on Wednesday and just in time for Christmas, Mrs Mulholland said: "Her big brothers are so excited to meet her."

"Christmas has come early as we welcomed our beautiful baby daughter yesterday," she said.

A huge thank you to the wonderful staff of [the Northern Health and Social Care Trust], especially my consultants and midwives in Outpatients 4 in Antrim Area," she said. "What a year 2023 has been!"

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Many shared their congratulations. "Beautiful! Congrats," said the SDLP's Cara Hunter.

Sinn Fein councillor shared her congratulations with Sian and her husband Kieran. "A beautiful gift this Christmas."

Alliance councillor Kurtis Dickson said: "Congrats Sian! Hope you and baby are doing okay!"

Mrs Mulholland is married to Kieran Mulholland, once a Sinn Fein councillor in Causeway Coast and Glens. The couple share two sons Alfie and Cathal.

Ms Mulholland was co-opted into the partys North Antrim seat four months ago to replace Dr Patricia OLynn who quit to take up an academic post.

She had been an Alliance councillor for the last eight years and was most recently the partys councillor for the Killultagh area.

On Wednesday, Sinn Fein MP Orfhlaith Begley also announced news of a happy arrival as she and her husband welcomed a baby girl.

The West Tyrone representative shared her news on social media and praised health and social care staff.

"Christmas came early with the arrival of our beautiful daughter," she said. "Forever grateful to all the amazing maternity staff at SWAH and Omagh," she added. "We could not praise them all highly enough."
Although Ivor McNiece did not appear at Ballymena Magistrates Court, his defence lawyer confirmed he was entering guilty pleas to the two charges against him.

The 55-year-old, from Main Street in Broughshane, is charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 in that on November 25 this year he touched two girls sexually.

A Public Prosecution Service lawyer told the court the prosecution could take a plea as there had been a decision to prosecute the case in the petty sessions rather than the Crown court.

Applying for the case to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report, McNeices lawyer emphasised the defendant had a clear record and had made admissions during police interviews.

Adjourning the case to February 8, 2024, District Judge Nigel Broderick said, given the pleas, McNiece would now have to sign the police sex offenders register.
Lawyer and landlord Edmund Sinclair (56) did not appear at Newtownards Magistrates Court but a police officer gave evidence that he believed he could connect Sinclair to the charge.

Sinclair, from Browns Brae in Holywood, is accused of breaching the non-molestation order at his home on November 27 this year.

None of the surrounding circumstances were opened to the court and defence counsel Conan Rea revealed the solicitor had not attended as he was appearing at the High Court today.

Adjourning the case to January 18, District Judge Mark Hamill ordered that Sinclair must appear in court on that date and we will take it from there.

The alleged non-molestation breach is the second case in which Sinclair is the defendant.

In separate proceedings at Ards Magistrates Court, the solicitor is accused of the unlawful harassment of his tenants who lived in a property next to his own and with engaging in acts likely to interfere with the peace and comfort of the tenants which caused them to vacate their home between February and May last year.

He has previously entered not-guilty pleas to each of the counts he faces in that case and is due for contest in the New Year.
Misha Gough became violent in Altnagelvin Hospital after being found on the Craigavon Bridge with an injury to his left arm

A man who told emergency staff at Altnagelvin Hospital that he hoped an end-of-life patient there f***ing dies before assaulting a nurse and two police officers has been jailed for a year.

Misha Gough (22), who is from Belfast but whose address was given as Dacre Terrace in Londonderry, pleaded guilty to what a District Judge called an appalling tableaux of violent conduct and intimidation in a hospital setting.

A solicitor for the PPS told District Judge Paul Copeland at Derry Magistrates Court that on September 3 members of an ambulance crew found Gough on the Craigavon Bridge with an injury to his left arm.

They transported him to the hospitals accident and emergency department where, as he was treated by medical staff, he became aggressive towards them.

When asked by the staff to stop shouting because there was an end-of-life care patient present, Gough replied: Good, I hope he f***ing dies.

Staff members called the police and when they arrived, Gough, who was topless and who had a wound dressing on his left arm, ran towards them.

He assaulted two of the officers and spat blood and saliva in their faces with some of the blood spittle going into one officers mouth.

He also assaulted a nurse and attempted to damage fixtures in the accident and emergency department.

Three times he was warned about his behaviour and three times he ignored the warnings, the prosecutor said.

He went back into the waiting room where he continued to verbally abuse staff in what was a busy A&E. He was forced onto the floor and as the officers tried to handcuff him he jumped up and again ran at them and the police had to be assisted by A&E staff.

Defence barrister Ciaran Roddy said he accepted that Goughs offending passed the custody threshold.

It is difficult to conceive a case of this kind with more aggravating features. It was degrading and some of the things he shouted were absolutely appalling, he said.

I accept this is a high culpability case. He has drugs issues, he lives a transient lifestyle and he has pleaded guilty and he is ashamed by what he has done, Mr Roddy said.

Jailing Gough for 12 months and ordering him to pay 500 compensation to the officer whose mouth he spat blood into, the District Judge said Goughs behaviour was intolerable, degrading and appalling.

Having been brought to hospital in the first place by paramedics to ensure he received proper medical care, his response and conduct was to cause distress and upset to not only medical staff and patients by his behaviour but also to other patients who had the misfortune to witness his behaviour, he said.

He turned his vile drugs-fuelled behaviour on those who were trying to help him. And the horror of what he said in the presence of family members of a man who was receiving end of life care.

He has multiple convictions for offences of violence and he has little or no self control.
By Lee Min-hyung

POSCO has completed the construction of its high-efficiency, Hyper NO (non-oriented electrical steel sheet) plant, which is aimed at attracting international clients who manufacture eco-friendly vehicles and premium appliances, the steelmaker said Thursday.

The factory will have an annual capacity of 300,000 tons after finishing its second-phase of construction by the end of 2024. Last year, the company invested 1 trillion won ($767 million) for the new plant amid growing demand for value-added steel products.

As a global leading supplier of high-efficiency electrical steel, we will continue supporting the success of our clients, POSCO Group Chairman Choi Jeong-woo said. POSCO will also expand investment in eco-friendly sectors, so we can achieve the vision of carbon neutrality.

According to the company, demand for Hyper NO is on a gradual rise in line with the rapid market growth of electric vehicles (EV) and high-end appliances. The factory will help its customers alleviate concerns over supply shortages, it said.

POSCO is also considering building an electrical steel factory in North America to deal with the growing demand for Hyper NO there and around the world. The firm shared its plan to increase its annual production capacity to one million tons by 2030.

Only a few steelmakers in the world are capable of manufacturing unique non-oriented electrical steel-manufacturing technology. POSCO is stepping up its efforts to elevate its technological expertise to take the lead in the market.

After the completion of the second-phase of the construction of the factory, POSCO will be able to produce 400,000 tons of Hyper NO annually, along with its existing steel mill in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province. This is used to produce drive motor cores for some five million EVs, according to the company.
A man who claimed a paedophile priest subjected him to years of sexual and physical abuse at a Co Down school is to receive 500,000 in damages, the High Court heard today.

The settlement was reached in an action over alleged historical assaults by the late Fr Malachy Finnegan.

The plaintiff, who is not being named, sued the Diocese of Dromore and the Board of Governors at St Colmans College in Newry.

Proceedings centred on alleged attacks on him over a five-year period while a pupil at the school during the 1980s.

A statement of claim said he was targeted and groomed by Finnegan for the purposes of an abusive sexual, physical and emotional relationship.

He was sexually assaulted in a series of locations, including the vestry, priests corridor and lounge, the nuns chapel and the Presidents business office, according to court papers.

Finnegan also allegedly choked the plaintiff, punched and slapped him on multiple occasions, and threatened him not to make any disclosure.

Lawyers for the man said he believes the priest surreptitiously put vodka in his fizzy drink before molesting him.

He lived in constant fear during his time as a student at the college, became suicidal and even considered burning down the priests chapel.

It was alleged that the assaults became less frequent when Finnegan moved on to abuse a younger boy as a replacement.

Since leaving the school the plaintiff has spent several years unable to work due to his psychological injuries and trauma.

The case is one of a number of actions focused on the activities of Finnegan.

He taught and worked at St Colman's College from 1967 to 1987, spending the last decade as the school's president.

The priest, who died in 2002, was accused of a long campaign of child sexual abuse but never prosecuted or questioned by police about claims made against him.

In 2018 it emerged that the Diocese of Dromore had settled a previous claim made by one of his alleged victims.

At that stage the Board of Governors at St Colman's condemned the physical, sexual and emotional abuse inflicted by Finnegan while he worked there.

His image was also removed from the school's photographs.

Legal action against the defendants involved claims for negligence, assault, battery and trespass to the person.

In court today counsel for the plaintiff, David Ringland KC, announced that his client is to receive 500,000 damages plus costs under the terms of the resolution.

No admission of liability was made by the defendants.

Outside court the mans solicitor, Claire McKeegan of Phoenix Law, said: This settlement is a welcome vindication for our client who was repeatedly sexually abused as a young boy by the former President of St Colmans College.

Malachy Finnegan was a priest of the Catholic Church who resided in the college. For three decades he acted under the protective cloak of the Church.

Ms McKeegan added: For children like my client, there was no escape from his campaign of terror.

The pain and suffering is lifelong for children who have been violated in this grotesque manner by those in positions of trust.
An airline passenger was arrested in Dublin Airport after he refused to stop arguing with staff over a fee for the weight of his luggage, a court heard.
Alliance and the SDLP call on Westminster and DUP to publish full details of Assembly offer

No deal: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Gavin Robinson and Gordon Lyons at Hillsborough Castle earlier this week

Stormont parties have hit out at the secretive nature of the DUPs talks with the Government.

Both the biggest unionist party and the Northern Ireland Office have declined to publish the deal offered over post-Brexit trading arrangements which have kept Stormont mothballed for almost two years.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced that negotiations with the DUP had effectively concluded.

But the party insisted discussions would continue over the coming days and weeks.

Mr Heaton-Harris has said that his proposal will be published at some point because Id like to think the DUP will take up the offer and therefore I would have to publish everything concerned with it. But until that point it remains confidential".

Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has asked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to amend legislation and future-proof Northern Irelands unfettered access to the UKs internal market in all scenarios.

Downing Street said it stood ready to legislate to protect Northern Irelands integral place in the United Kingdom and the UK internal market, alongside an agreement to restore the Executive.

However, other parties expressed unease over what could emerge from the negotiations.

Alliance MLA Andrew Muir said: Alliance has expressed concern repeatedly at the secretive nature of this process from the start, which undoubtedly has been frustrating for many.

In the interests of openness and transparency, it is vital the people and businesses of Northern Ireland know what the arrangements between the DUP and UK Government are and where they intend on legislating, instead of having to piece together bits of the jigsaw.

SDLP Stormont leader Matthew OToole said his party had not been involved in the exclusive negotiations between the Government and the DUP, nor have we been presented with the text or draft legislation coming from these talks.

He added: It is outrageous that this process has been privatised to one party which has used it as a veneer to block the restoration of devolved government for almost two years.

People waiting years for hospital treatment need a government now, public sector workers out on strike for a fair pay deal need a government now, everyone who relies on crumbling public services needs a government now.

The talks are over. Its time to get back to work.

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy said his party had been very closely engaged with both the British and the Irish governments for a number of months.

He added: Jeffrey Donaldsons rollback on restoring the Assembly has cancelled Christmas for the tens of thousands of public sector workers who now face uncertainty over the pay rise they are entitled to.

The cruel reality for those workers is that they could have that pay rise now, but the DUPs continued blockade has left them high and dry.

We should have been back in an Executive and Assembly this week, electing ministers to take decisions on peoples futures and to fix public services.

People from all sections of society are crying out for political leadership.

The DUP should get back to work with the rest of us.
The cold conditions are causing problems on the roads (stock image)

A three car crash on the M2 motorway Belfast bound has been moved to the hard shoulder/bus lane.

The crash, which was in the outer lane, occurred near motorway services and junction 4 at Sandyknowes.

All traffic lanes are now open but delays are still expected.

Meanwhile, the double pedestrian crossing on the Malone Road/Rosemary Park (near House of Sport Roundabout) in Belfast was not working on Thursday morning due to damage in a crash on Wednesday afternoon.

Road users are asked to approach with caution, and be watchful for pedestrians trying to cross the road at this location.
Residents association says views of local community have been ignored

A residents association in a loyalist area of south Belfast is circulating a petition against a plan to turn UTVs former headquarters into social housing.

Darren Leighton, spokesman for the recently-formed Donegall Pass Residents Association, confirmed its members are asking people to sign a petition to oppose the proposal to build 104 social housing apartments on the site of Havelock House, where UTV was founded in 1959.

The residents say they will submit their petition to Belfast City Councils Planning Committee on January 8  the day the landmark building is set to be demolished.

Co Down property developer Lotus has said a 12-week community consultation on the plans will take place afterwards, from January 18. It has said the consultation is about its future plans, not the demolition of Havelock House itself, and had spoken to local politicians about them.

A pre-application notice submitted to Belfast City Council last month outlined plans to deliver social housing for families, older people and those with mobility needs. It will include a range of one, two and three-bedroom houses and apartments.

Mr Leighton said the petition is receiving a good response on the doorsteps.

After the association met Lotus and Clanmil on Thursday, Mr Leighton said there had been kickback in the community after internal demolition of the building started ahead of any consultation.

He said the Residents Association have requested that demolition preparation works of Havelock House are stopped until further and proper consultations are held by all stakeholders with the local residents.

Currently there is a lot of anger within the local community of Donegall Pass who feel that they and their views have been totally ignored and overlooked by both Lotus and Clanmil.

Mr Leighton expressed concerns that the plans may not meet the needs of the area, which he said has many over-55s. The former DUP election candidate also said Havelock House was sentimental, and seen as a historic building in the area.

And he also said there was some wariness, as it had acted as a buffer zone at an interface.

A spokesperson for Lotus Property said that the Donegall Pass Residents Association had been founded last week and we met them as soon it was possible on Thursday. We have offered to do a series of meetings together in the early new year, even in advance of the start of the three-month consultation which will run until March, they said.

There are plenty of issues of concern but the point of the meetings and the consultation process after will be to find a way forward so that much-needed social housing can be delivered at the Havelock site.

Lotus has said that 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.

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, 2024.

Over the last number of months, we have met with local elected representatives and advised them of our plans, both to demolish the building and start the process of community consultation on our exciting plans to create a fully social housing scheme for the city centre.
One of hundreds of Belfast students staying on campus over Christmas has spoken of the importance of having a bubble to battle loneliness when away from family over the holidays.

Gyan Wickremasinghe is a student at Queens, originally from Sri Lanka, who has been studying in Belfast for five years.

He is one of 800 students who spend their Christmas holidays at Queens University accommodation.

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Mr Wickremasinghe said it gets a lot quieter on campus over Christmas, but that events in Belfast and around Queens help them to enjoy the break.

It does get quieter, but I think that theres also a lot of things happening in Belfast, he said.

So the Christmas markets are there and that excites me to actually go around with my friends and go to the markets and just enjoy the festivities there.

He added: Also the Student Union runs several events up to Christmas so that has helped me.

At least it helps us to meet other students who are in the same boat as us, that we get to socialise with them and then we can be close friends, or we can meet them so that during the Christmas holidays when everyones back home we have people to talk to.

So that kind of event helps us meet people who will be here in Belfast over Christmas, it gives us a bubble that we can interact with so we dont feel alone.

Gyan Wickremasinghe (Claudia Savage/PA).

Mr Wickremasinghe said that for some international students, it was easier to stay on campus while the majority of students from the UK and Ireland travelled home.

It was expensive to travel back home during Christmas, and also because we have a short holiday compared to summer it makes sense to stay here, he said.

As for Christmas away from home this year, Mr Wickremasinghe said he plans to get together with his friends who are also studying abroad in Northern Ireland.

My friends would call me up for Christmas dinner and we usually wear Christmas sweaters and go out for dinner together, he said.

Usually its a potluck and my friends are pretty much international students so we have food from different cultures and we enjoy the different festivities and its usually a fun night together. A good excuse to take a break anyways.

Vice-chancellor at Queens, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said the university aims to support the international students throughout the year, including over the festive period.

Queens University welcomes people from right across the globe and many students come to Belfast alone or with their families, making it their home while they study, while many eventually make it their permanent home, he said.

We put our students and staff first throughout the year as evidenced this year with our cost-of-living support funding and we have worked closely with the Student Union to provide hot lunches and information on keeping warm in the home, and have lots of initiatives throughout the year.

Vice chancellor of Queens University Belfast Sir Ian Greer (Liam McBurney/PA)

Vice-president of students and corporate service Caroline Young said Queens has planned a range of initiatives to help students not travelling home for the holidays.

We will provide a range of support from practical help to a few little treats, making it as enjoyable experience as we can for those who are spending the festive season on campus, she said.

Included will be support like free access to washing facilities, free parking and increased heating hours.

But we have also put plans in place to deliver selection boxes to all families staying in university accommodation, survival packs, pamper packs, mince pies, sweets and hot drinks from December 22 to January 2.

The university has also arranged sightseeing day trips to the Mournes and the North Coast.

We will have staff on campus day and night to provide a range of support and we hugely appreciate the work they do.

Queens University in Belfast (PA)

Ms Young said measures are also in place to ensure that the Queens wellbeing team will check in on students to allay any concerns they may have over the holiday period.
The NIO have said provision for the pay rises have been made within the UK Governments latest offer to restore the Executive

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Northern Ireland First Minister designate Michelle O'Neill (L) and Conor Murphy exit the grounds of Hillsborough Castle during recent talks. Pic: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Denying public sector workers a paylift to which they are entitled is unacceptable, Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill has told NI Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris.

Ms ONeill said she had written to Mr Heaton-Harris to demand the UK Government immediately award workers the uplift in pay.

"A major consequence of underfunding and the absence of an Executive is that public sector workers, including nurses and teachers, have not been offered a pay rise, she said.

This is unacceptable at any time, but particularly so during a cost-of-living crisis. Workers should not be the victims of the DUPs blockade of the Assembly.

"We need a properly funded Executive to set our own budget and begin to fix the health service, deliver on education and housing, create jobs and support businesses.

Appropriate funding is fundamental to an Executives financial sustainability and ensuring the block grant does not fall below need.

It is critical that a restored Executive can function properly and does not enter a financial crisis from the outset.

The purpose of funding to stabilise public services is they have suffered from underfunding and the absence of a Budget due to the DUP blockade.

Ms ONeill also hit out at the Conservative Partys management of the economy and demanded proper funding for the NI Executive.

"Households and businesses should not be forced to pay more for more than a decade of Tory underfunding of public services, she said.

Proper funding for an Executive based on need for 2022/23 would cover the Executives overspend for this year and last.

No conditions should be attached to dealing with the overspend. Households and businesses should not be forced to pay more.

We should instead be discussing the devolution of tax powers as part of discussions on a new Fiscal Framework.

It comes just days after Mr Heaton-Harris insisted talks aimed at the restoration of Stormont had concluded, despite the DUPs claim to the contrary.

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) said support to give public sector workers a pay rise was included within their most recent offer.

The UK government has provided an offer of a fair and generous financial package for Northern Ireland, should an executive be formed, which includes support to give public sectors a pay rise, said a spokesperson.

Like any government, ministers in NI will have to make decisions on their priorities going forward.

"It is time for decisions to be made.

NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris this week said the government had 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.

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."
A package of up to 15m was announced by the NI Secretary last month.

Recent flooding caused significant damage in areas of Co Down and Co Armagh

Funding of up to 100,000 will be provided to businesses affected by recent flood damage in Northern Ireland, the Civil Service have said.

Up to 10 million has now been made available to support small and medium sized businesses who were hit by severe flooding in late October and November.

Heavy rain led to devastation across counties Armagh and Down during that period as sustained downpours led to a surge in water levels.

Newry and Downpatrick were particularly hard hit during the flooding, with extensive damage caused to homes and businesses.

The 10m is not new funding, but part of the original reallocation of 15m from capital projects announced last month by Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris.

First details of the support included a 7,500 grant, as well as 100% rates relief up to March 31 2024, which the Executive Office said had now been delivered to businesses.

Now TEO have announced a further 10m from that reallocation is to be released to those affected.

"We have been working closely with the local councils in the affected districts to develop a proposal to support the businesses which were most severely affected, said a spokesperson.

"We want to provide support that will help businesses to re-open and resume trading or remain open and continue trading, and to help secure the economic future of the town centres affected by the flooding.

NI Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris

The support is to be linked to actual costs incurred by businesses in relation to replacement of damaged or destroyed equipment, refitting of flooded property and repair of damage to buildings.

To qualify for the support, businesses must have been open and trading on the date of the flooding, be unable to obtain insurance cover or have had a payout refused due to the flooding, and must continue or resume trading in the same town centre.

Funding will be administered by district councils on behalf of the Civil Service, with details on how to apply to be released in January.

After last months funding announcement, South Down MP Chris Hazzard said the reallocation of existing funds was completely unacceptable.

"The Secretary of State is attempting to repackage money from already stretched local government departments in an effort to disguise the fact the it is not making any new money available to respond to this emergency, he said.

This is completely unacceptable. The British Government must listen to the concerns of those affected; they need a significant funding package, and they need it urgently.
The impact of legal action over the Troubles legacy law may have consequences for UK-Irish relations, a Northern Ireland Office minister has said.

Lord Caine said he deeply regretted the decision by the Irish Government to launch an interstate case over the UKs Act to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said his government was left with no option but to legally challenge the Government over the Act.

Lord Caine told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: We deeply regret the fact that the Irish have decided unilaterally to take this case in the Strasbourg court.

Of course we highly value the relationship with the Irish Government  its a hugely important bilateral relationship for us.

Can I rule out any consequences? The answer is no.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD Fergus ODowd said the human rights of victims cannot be ignored.

It comes after the Taoiseach said the strong legal advice was that the UK Legacy Act breached the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr ODowd, the chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: The fact youve no administration in the north worries me, the fact that the north-south bodies arent there worries me, the fact that the east-west relationship between Britain and Ireland is damaged worries me, of course it does, but should we ignore the human rights of victims?

"That is the question back to Lord Caine, are they not entitled to all those rights? Are they not entitled to know the truth no matter when it happened?

"Murder is murder whether it happened yesterday, today or 20 years ago, it is all wrong and that is at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement is reconciliation, you cannot reconcile the murder of your loved one with a system that doesnt allow you to get to the heart of the matter and thats the reality.

NI victims commissioner Ian Jeffers said on the programme that while he was not surprised that the Irish Government is taking legal action, it is very welcome and it is better the two governments fight this one out.

As a society we have got to have this proper debate about how were going to reconcile and thats a conversation with everybody, and thats why theres been so much angst over the Legacy Act in terms of this was foisted upon us by one political party and it hasnt been a consensus by anybody north or south, he said.

You cant pick and choose on this, look after victims and survivors, give them the truth, the knowledge and the justice that they deserve.

Mr Jeffers is urging the Irish government to listen to victims and survivors instead of putting them in the middle.

He added that the financial help the Victims Payments Scheme offers, the Victims and Survivors Service and the psychological support the Regional Trauma Network offers could be replicated in the Republic of Ireland to help victims.

This would not be an expensive thing to do, he said.

We have got to work on our relationship north and south theres no point making idle threats at each other especially when victims and survivors are in the middle of this.

The Legacy Act received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government.

Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The new Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests.

Multiple Troubles victims and family members are supporting a separate legal challenge against aspects of the Act at Belfast High Court.

The act includes a form of limited immunity for some perpetrators of crimes committed during the Troubles and would also prevent future civil cases and inquests into legacy offences.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin announced on Wednesday that the Irish Government would be taking a legal case against the UK, arguing the Legacy Act is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

This legal action has been branded misguided by the Secretary of State.

Chris Heaton-Harris also hit out at Dublins own handling of legacy investigations and said his Government would robustly defend their legislation.
The leader of Hamas visited Egypt for this first time in more than a month on Wednesday, a rare personal intervention in diplomacy amid what a source described as intensive talks on a new ceasefire to let aid reach Gaza and free more hostages.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who normally resides in Qatar, typically wades publicly into diplomacy only when progress seems likely. He last travelled to Egypt in early November before the announcement of the only ceasefire in the Gaza war so far, a week-long pause that saw the release of about 110 of 240 hostages taken by Hamas in its Oct. 7 rampage into Israel.

Islamic Jihad, a smaller Palestinian militant group that is also holding hostages in Gaza, said its leader would also visit Egypt in coming days to discuss a possible end to the conflict.

A source briefed on negotiations said envoys were intensively discussing which of the hostages still held by Palestinian Islamist militants in Gaza could be freed in a new truce and what prisoners Israel might release in return.

Israel was insisting all remaining women and infirm men among hostages be released, the source said, declining to be identified. Palestinians convicted of serious offenses could be on the list of prisoners to be freed by Israel.

Later on Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said he did not expect a second Israel-Hamas hostage release deal to be struck soon, though he added in remarks to reporters: "We're pushing."

A United Nations Security Council vote on a bid to boost aid to the Gaza Strip has again been delayed at the request of the U.S., diplomats said.

Nearly 20,000 deaths have been confirmed dead by the Gazan health ministry, with several thousand more bodies believed to be trapped under rubble. Israel says Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people, mainly civilians, on Oct. 7.

Netanyahu defiant on ceasefire calls

There remains a huge gulf between the two sides' publicly stated positions on any halt to fighting. Hamas rejects any further temporary pause and says it will discuss only a permanent ceasefire. Israel has ruled that out and says it will agree only limited humanitarian pauses until Hamas is defeated.

"Hamas' stance remains: they don't have a desire for humanitarian pauses. Hamas wants a complete end to the Israeli war on Gaza," a Palestinian official said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated that the war would end only with Hamas eradicated, all hostages freed and Gaza posing no more threat to Israel.

"Whoever thinks we will stop is detached from reality... All Hamas terrorists, from the first to the last, are dead men walking," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Israel has faced increasing pressure from its Western allies to curb a military onslaught in Gaza that has laid waste to much of the densely populated coastal enclave.

The U.S., Israel's closest ally, has stepped up calls in the past week for it to scale down its all-out war into a focused campaign against Hamas leaders and end what Biden has called "indiscriminate bombing" causing huge civilian casualties.

In a serious spillover from the war, Yemen's Houthi forces have been firing missiles and drones at commercial shipping in the Red Sea to underline support from Iran's Arab militia proxies for the Palestinians against Israel, and the U.S. this week set up a multinational force to ward off the attacks.

On Wednesday, the Houthis' leader warned they would strike U.S. warships if their forces were targeted by Washington.

Intensifying war

Inside Gaza, Reuters saw wounded victims of Israeli bombing, including at least two small children covered in blood and dust, carried into the Nasser hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis. At the hospital morgue, women wearing black abaya robes wailed by bodies laid out in black bags and white shrouds.

At least 20 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on two houses in Khan Younis, the Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank said.

Since the last truce collapsed on Dec. 1, the war has entered a more intensive phase, with ground combat previously confined to the northern half of the Gaza Strip now spread across the length of the territory.

International aid groups say Gaza's 2.3 million people have been driven to the brink of catastrophe by wholesale destruction that has driven 90 percent of them from their homes and left many malnourished and gravely short of clean water and medical care.

In the north, which Israeli forces claimed to have largely subdued last month, fighting has been fiercer than ever. Flames and smoke towered into the sky as seen from across the boundary fence in Israel, as Israeli warplanes pounded the area at dawn.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said Israeli forces had besieged its ambulance depot in Jabalia, a northern settlement that has been embattled for weeks. There are 127 people in the facility including workers, displaced people and wounded.

In the south, where most civilians are now sheltering after fleeing other areas, there has been intense fighting around the center of Khan Younis, which Israeli forces have partly stormed.

Hamas has waged guerrilla-style warfare based on a vast web of underground tunnels where it has hidden fighters, weaponry and, Israel says, political leaders and armed-wing commanders.

Hamas' armed wing Al Qassam Brigades said on Wednesday its fighters killed 25 Israeli soldiers and injured dozens more over the prior 72 hours in Gaza. The Hamas fighters targeted Israeli troops at point-blank range and booby-trapped two tunnels and a house, an Al Qassam spokesperson said. Reuters could not independently verify the account.

On Wednesday, Israel's military said soldiers had unearthed a network of tunnels, accessed by spiral staircases and an elevator, running deep beneath central Gaza City from properties registered to Yahya Sinwar and other senior Hamas figures. They had used the tunnels for "protected daily movement," it said. (Reuters)
Disgraceful: NI businessman says gardai have done nothing since planned refugee hostel was burnt down

Derry-born entrepreneur Peter Casey also calls for temporary ban on all immigration into Ireland

Peter Casey plans to run for the Irish presidency again in 2025. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Hugh O'Connell Thu 21 Dec 2023 at 11:55

Former Irish presidential candidate Peter Casey has criticised the garda investigation into the fire at a building in Donegal that he planned to use to accommodate Ukrainian refugees earlier this year.
Prince Louis, Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh during the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas service last week

Royals attends Christmas Day Church service...The Duchess of Cambridge (left) and Meghan Markle arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on December 25, 2018

While the run-up to Christmas usually comes with its fair share of stresses, no one is feeling the heat more this festive season than the royal family .

The King, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales have been dodging missiles related to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex yet again, as the recent release of Omid Scobies critically panned book Endgame named Charles and Kate as the so-called royal racists.

But the new Fab Four  as they were dubbed after Kates Together at Christmas carol concert last year  have been putting on a steadfastly united front, after they were all photographed together at the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace last week.

That photograph marked an important moment  the last time the royals posed for a formal picture at a diplomatic reception at the Palace, it was 2016 and Elizabeth II was at its heart  and sets the tone for what we can expect from the royal family this Christmas, in the wake of yet another turbulent year with the divisive Sussexes at its centre.

Rumours have been circulating for weeks that Harry and Meghan were hoping for an invitation to Sandringham for the holidays this year, after there were signs of a thaw in relations when Harry phoned Charles on his 75th birthday last month, with one friend quoted as saying, I cant imagine the Sussexes would decline an invitation to spend time with His Majesty.

But any thoughts of the drama-loving couple spending Christmas with the royals have been firmly quashed, following the fallout from Endgame.

It's hard to imagine the Sussexes being invited to spend Christmas at Sandringham now, says Christopher Andersen, author of The King: The Life of Charles III. Meghan and Harry havent spent Christmas with the royal family since 2018, and with every year it just gets less and less likely that they will ever return.

During those five long years, the Sussexes have become increasingly estranged, with Harry and William said to no longer be on speaking terms. Meanwhile, Charles has never spent a Christmas with his grandchildren Archie or Lilibet.

If the king were to invite Harry and Meghan to Christmas, you would see William and the Princess of Wales choose to spend the holiday elsewhere and right now, Charles and William must look unified, says LA-based royal expert Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di For Daily podcast.

It is crucial that senior members of the royal family show unity at this time. They are setting the tone for the upcoming year and that tone needs to be faith, strength, and harmony. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are like a tornado. They are the opposite of peace.

Royals attends Christmas Day Church service...The Duchess of Cambridge (left) and Meghan Markle arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk.

As for where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be spending Christmas, its most likely theyll either head abroad or be holed up in their Montecito mansion with Meghans mother, Doria Ragland  the only member of either family who has spent any significant amount of time with Harry and Meghans children since they were born.

With rumours swirling that the Sussexes are keen to up sticks and move to Hollywood, this could well be their last Christmas in their current home.

I could see them taking off to Canada for the holidays like they did during their first Christmas with Archie, says Schofield. They seem more comfortable travelling, but perhaps they would like one last Christmas in their Montecito mansion before Harry officially becomes The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Whatever they end up doing, it will likely be a wholesome affair, with all the activities on the day centred around the kids. We know that Meghan loves to cook and spend time in the kitchen  perhaps they will decorate Christmas cookies for Santa, says Schofield.

And while its unlikely the Sussexes and the Waleses will be swapping Christmas wishes on the day itself, theyll still have made sure to exchange Christmas presents for the kids in advance, just like they did last year.

Meanwhile, Charles and the other senior members of the royal family will be decamping en masse to Sandringham, where the Windsors have celebrated the festive season since 1988 (bar a brief hiatus during Covid).

After a black-tie dinner for the adult members of the family on Christmas Eve and the exchanging of presents in the White Drawing Room (they follow the German tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve), therell be the traditional Christmas morning walk to St Mary Magdalene Church first thing.

There, members of the public can catch of glimpse of the royals in their festive finery before they all head back for a traditional Christmas dinner.

The biggest shake-up this year comes in the form of an extended guest list, with many members of Queen Camillas family invited for the first time.

A royal source was quoted as saying, "The Queen has invited her children and grandchildren this year which is different from previous years.

The Queen has two children  Laura Lopes and Tom Parker-Bowles  and five grandchildren: Lola, Eliza, Louis, Gus and Freddy.

The extra numbers mean Christmas lunch will now be served in the larger ballroom of Sandringham House rather than the dining room, as has been the tradition, to accommodate a bigger table.

The move marks the first significant change of arrangements since the death of Queen Elizabeth.

The fact that Queen Camilla's wider family is now invited to Christmas celebrations at Sandringham can't sit well with either William or Harry, both of whom begged their father not to marry in the first place, says Andersen.

Christmas was such a special time for the late Queen, and she and Prince Phillip were adamant that only a tight-knit group of senior royals attend. [But] Camilla is by all accounts a gracious and down-to-earth hostess. She will bring an added warmth to the royals' Christmas celebration.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will be there with George, Charlotte and Louis, with the entire brood staying down the road at their country retreat, Anmer Hall.

The Waleses have been stepping up into their new roles with aplomb this year, with Kate hosting her successful Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey last week. If she was worried about the royal racism row raging in the background, she showed no sign of it.

The Waleses newly released pared-back Christmas card  which was shot in black and white by fashion and celebrity portrait photographer Josh Shinner and shows William, Kate and their children wearing casual jeans and open-necked shirts  offers an indication of the more modern style of monarchy we can expect from them in the future. In contrast, the King and Queens card depicts them in their ornate Coronation finery.

Once Christmas day itself is over, the Waleses will head over to see Kates family in Bucklebury.

William, Kate and their tribe will definitely divide the Christmas holiday between the Middletons and the royal family at Sandringham, something they've done for years, says Andersen.

Prince Louis, Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh during the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas service last week

By all accounts, Christmas at the Middletons is a thoroughly jolly affair. After years of running a successful party supplies firm, Party Pieces, Carole Middleton is known for her first-rate hosting skills and goes all out for the festive season, with not one but three Christmas trees at home.

In an interview in 2018, Carole revealed that one is themed and meticulously decorated, another is a memory tree covered in special baubles, and the third is for the grandchildren, who are able to decorate it however they like.

The family visits church in the morning, and then goes for a walk before heading home to open some presents. A second round of present opening takes place in the evening.

Wed expect Pippa and her husband James Matthews to be there, along with their three children, Arthur, Grace and Rose, while James and his wife Alizee Thevenet are also likely to be in attendance, along with their baby son Inigo, wholl be celebrating his first Christmas.

Theyll all sit down to a traditional Christmas lunch together  where the children eat with the adults as soon as they can sit up properly  and, according to Carole, the days essentials include mince pies, mulled wine and mistletoe.

Theres also plenty of game playing, with family favourites being musical statues and sardines, and even the odd bit of fancy dress.

My father has developed this funny tradition of surprising us at some point by appearing in fancy dress, Pippa revealed in 2015. He buys a new costume each year and typically gets a bit carried away  a couple of Christmases ago, he appeared in an inflatable sumo outfit.

All the usual suspects will be at Sandringham, including the Princess Royal (who had to miss out on last years festivities due to a nasty cold), Zara and Mike Tindall and their kids, Mia, Lena and Lucas, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children, Louise and James, and Peter Phillips and his daughters, Savannah and Isla.

Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson and their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as well as their husbands and children, will also be joining for the festivities, and are reported to be staying at Wood Farm, which is a short drive from Sandringham House.

The exiled Prince made a surprise appearance at the Christmas morning walkabout last year, so its thought hell be there again this year with his daughters. While all of his grandchildren are still too young to attend (the minimum age is four), last year Beatrice brought her stepson Wolfie along.

The day itself will be formal, but the royals still know how to have fun and love nothing more than a rollicking game of charades or murder-in-the dark at Christmas.

Their love of Victorian parlour games and slapstick humour is the funny bone that runs through the house of Windsor, says Tessa Dunlop, author of Elizabeth and Philip: A Story of Young Love, Marriage and Monarchy.

Theyre partial to the odd joke present, too, with Kate reportedly once buying Harry a Grow your own girlfriend kit and Meghan said to have gifted the Queen a singing toy hamster during her first Christmas at Sandringham.

One person who almost certainly wont be getting an invite this year? Princess Michael of Kent, who made headlines around the world when she wore a racist brooch to the Queen's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace in 2017  the first attended by Harrys then-fiancee Meghan. The last thing the royal family needs this Christmas is another reason for them to be branded racist and out of touch.

Instead, the Princess will most likely be spending Christmas at Kensington Palace, with her daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston and her husband Thomas Kingston, and her son Lord Frederick Windsor, his wife Sophie Winkleman (half-sister of Claudia Winkleman) and their two daughters, Maud and Isabella.

Theyll go to midnight mass on Christmas Eve before having a traditional Christmas lunch in the dining room at the palace and watching the Kings speech on telly.

[Its] such a marvellous thing, such a good way of uniting us all, Princess Michael of Kent once said about the monarchs annual Christmas message.

This year, the royal Christmas will be all about unity, and projecting a spirit of togetherness in the wake of a decidedly tricky year, which started with the publication of Harrys tell-all memoir Spare in January and has ended with even more mudslinging courtesy of Omid Scobie.

Charles's focus during the holidays will decidedly not be on trying to mend fences with Harry and Meghan, says Andersen. That ship has sailed. The king is intent on holding the rest of the royal family together, and using this festive time to create the illusion that all is well in the House of Windsor.
An Albanian asylum seeker died of compression of the neck caused by suspension by ligature aboard the Bibby Stockholm barge, an inquest into his death has heard.

Leonard Farruku was found unresponsive aboard the accommodation vessel at Portland Port in Dorset on December 12, the hearing to open the inquest into his death was told.

Coroner Rachael Griffin said there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the 27-year-old.

She told the Bournemouth hearing: At the time of his death, Mr Farruku was residing on the Bibby Stockholm at Portland Port in Dorset.

He was a single gentleman and he was unemployed at the time of his death.

He died on the 12th December 2023 on the Bibby Stockholm.

Police and paramedics had been called to reports of an unresponsive male. The gentleman was confirmed deceased at the scene.

The inquest was told that Mr Farrukus body was formally identified by his cousin Maranglen Farruku at the Holly Tree Lodge mortuary in Bournemouth.

Flowers were left at the entrance at Portland Port in Dorset, following the death (PA)

Coroners officer Nikki Muller said: He is being supported by officers of Dorset Police.

She added that a post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Russell Delaney who gave a cause of death as compression of the neck caused by suspension by ligature.

Ms Griffin said: There is no evidence of third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

The coroner said that she would be requesting statements for the full inquest from Mr Farrukus family, the Home Office, Portland Port Authority, security providers Isca, Landry and King which operates the Bibby Stockholm as well as Dorset Council.

Ms Griffin adjourned the hearing until a pre-inquest review to be held on July 9.

No family members were present at the short hearing.

Home Secretary James Cleverly previously said that Mr Farrukus sudden death would be fully investigated.

The Daily Telegraph, which first reported the deceaseds name, has stated he paid 4,000 euros to cross the English Channel in a small boat to arrive in the country.

His sister Jola Dushku, 33, who lives in Lombardy in Italy, told the newspaper: When I spoke with him last time, he told me that the conditions in that boat were not bad but they were treated by the guards like animals.

According to our relatives who are in touch with the police, Leonard that night at 11pm in the evening had some problems and was calmed down by the security guard.

At 3am he was found dead. We do not have more details about how he died.

Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft last week revealed in a letter to MPs that the cost of the Bibby Stockholm contract was 22,450,772.

He stated that this covered the vessel accommodation services portion of the contract with operators CTM.

He said the assessment of whether the vessel offered value for money was currently being updated.

The barge  the first to be used as part of Government efforts to cut the cost of asylum accommodation  has capacity to house up to 500 single men in around 200 bedrooms.

In November it was said there were 200 people aboard the Bibby Stockholm (PA)

Asylum seekers were first moved on board in August but evacuated days later after the discovery of Legionella, the bacteria which can cause the potentially fatal Legionnaires disease, in the water supply.

Migrants were taken back to the barge some two months later and Home Office interim second permanent secretary Simon Ridley told MPs in November that there were around 200 people on board.

The plan has attracted considerable opposition, prompting legal challenges and protests, with campaigners branding it cruel and inhumane.

News of the death drew criticism from charities who called for an independent review and an end to the use of such facilities for asylum accommodation, and criticised the conditions on board.
Wreaths and floral tributes laid during a ceremony to mark the 35th anniversary of the Lockerbie bombing (Jane Barlow/PA)

Scotlands most senior lawyer has welcomed the fixing of a trial date for the man suspected of building the bomb which brought down a plane over Lockerbie as she paid tribute to the victims.

Libyan Abu Agila Masud, 72, is to go on trial in the US on May 12, 2025 facing three charges which he denies.

He is alleged to have helped make the bomb which killed all 259 passengers and crew on board the jumbo jet bound to New York from London 35 years ago on December 21, 1988.

Another 11 people were killed in Lockerbie when wreckage destroyed their homes in what remains Britains deadliest terrorist attack.

Masud faces three charges, including two counts of destruction of an aircraft resulting in death and a further count of destruction of a vehicle resulting in death.

Police officers stand among debris after the explosion (PA)

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC said: The court in Washington DC has now fixed a date of May 12 2025 for the Masud trial. I welcome this development and am encouraged with the progress in the court process.

Scottish and US authorities have worked together since 1988 to bring those responsible for this atrocity to justice.

That work continues as a dedicated team of Scottish prosecutors and officers from Police Scotland support the US Department of Justice and the FBI in this prosecution.

Speaking ahead of attending a memorial in the US, she said: For 35 years now the families of the 270 people murdered on the night of December 21 1988 have borne their losses with huge dignity and my thoughts are with them.

I am honoured to have been invited to attend a memorial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in the United States and to be able to meet with so many of the families and understand how those that are gone are loved and remembered.

Former Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is so far the only man convicted in relation to the bombing after being found guilty of 270 counts of murder by a panel of three Scottish judges, sitting at a special court in the Hague in 2001.

He was sent to prison in Scotland but was controversially granted compassionate release in 2009 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, returning home to Libya where he died in 2012.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC welcomed the progress in the case (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Laura Buchan, head of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services Lockerbie investigation team, said: The court at Camp Zeist which convicted Megrahi held that this act of terrorism was orchestrated by the Libyan government and that other individuals were involved.

While people of interest are still alive and there is evidence that can continue to be gathered, this investigation will not stop. We have a duty to fully investigate this crime on behalf of every person who was impacted by the events of that dreadful night.

As can be seen from our joint work in resolving cold case murders, the passing of time is no protection for those who seek to evade justice.

Police Scotlands Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham is also attending the memorial service in Washington, which he said is a great honour.

My thoughts today remain with everyone affected by the bombing of Pan Am 103 and the terrible loss of 270 lives. They will never be forgotten, he said.

The impact of this horrific crime continues to have a profound effect in Lockerbie, across Scotland and internationally as we mark the 35th anniversary.

We continue working closely with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and in the US with colleagues from the FBI and the Department of Justice, on both the investigation and supporting the ongoing prosecution in the US courts.

Time is no barrier to justice and Police Scotland remains committed to bringing those responsible for this atrocity to justice.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during his visit to meet British troops at Tapa forward operating Nato base, near the Russian border in Estonia (PA)

Russia is a real and constant threat to Europe, Sir Keir Starmer said as he visited British troops deployed near the border with Vladimir Putins country.

The Labour leader visited soldiers stationed in Estonia to stress his partys commitment to Nato and thank them for their service over Christmas.

As well as the military threat from Mr Putins actions, underlined by the war in Ukraine, there was also the risk of other forms of interference by the Russian state.

Sir Keir said the UK and its allies need to be prepared, we need to deter in response to Moscows actions.

The Labour leader said: I think we have to be mindful of that threat from Russia to Europe, to ourselves in the UK and the interference that goes on.

He said there was a real and constant threat from Russia, measured in years, and measured back home in the UK as well.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey with troops at Tapa forward operating Nato base, near the Russian border in Estonia (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Sir Keir, accompanied by shadow defence secretary John Healey, visited the troops in the Estonian snow.

The Labour leader, who polls suggest is on track to enter No 10 after next years general election, has been at pains to highlight the policy shift from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, who has suggested military alliances such as Nato should ultimately be disbanded.

Sir Keir and Mr Healey used the visit to praise British military personnel for helping to protect Natos eastern flank.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on a military vehicle during his visit (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The pair observed military exercises before joining troops in the canteen over lunch.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Healey said: We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win. We stand ready to back further assistance to Ukraine and our Nato allies like Estonia.

Amid signs of war fatigue among Ukraines Western allies, Labour has heaped pressure on Rishi Sunaks Government to reveal the UKs plans for future military aid for Ukraine.

The UK gave 4.6 billion of military aid across 2022 and 2023.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: Sir Keir Starmer says one thing but does another on national security.

He says he supports Nato, but for many years he served in the shadow cabinet of a Labour leader who wanted to abolish Nato, even trying to make him prime minister twice.

A prime minister who says one thing but does another on national security undermines Britains defences.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has backed calls for a change in the law on assisted dying (Joe Giddens/PA)

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has backed calls for a change in the law on assisted dying.

The cause has been championed by Dame Esther Rantzen, who has called for politicians to grapple with the issue for the first time since 2015.

The Childline founder and broadcaster, 83, has stage four lung cancer and earlier this week said she has joined the assisted dying clinic Dignitas.

The Labour leader, who backed a change in the law the last time the issue was voted on in the Commons in 2015, acknowledged it would have to be addressed carefully.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was asked about his views on assisted dying during a visit to Estonia to see British troops (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

On the question of assisted dying, there are obviously strong views both ways on this, which I respect, he told reporters during a visit to Estonia.

And thats why traditionally, this has always been dealt with with a private members bill and a free vote and that seems appropriate to me.

I personally do think there are grounds for changing the law, we have to be careful, but it would have to be, I think, a free vote on an issue where there are such divided and strong views.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the issue was always treated as a matter of conscience, with MPs given a free vote.

She declined to say whether she thought it was time for another vote in Parliament, telling BBC Radio 4s Today: As Health Secretary, I think actually, its right that I dont express an opinion on this.

But she added: I think that if there was a will in Parliament that it will happen, if Members of Parliament, backbenchers, want it to happen.

On Wednesday Dame Esther told the PA news agency: I would say to parliamentarians, Think of the people you love in your own life, maybe who are older, maybe who are unwell, and think how you would wish them to spend their last days and weeks.

It is agonising to watch someone you love suffer. Nobody wants that for their family. And we live in a day and age when its perfectly possible to offer people a gentle, peaceful death.

Assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

Dame Esther Rantzen has thrust the issue of assisted dying back into the political spotlight (Jonathan Brady/PA)

In Scotland, it is not a specific criminal offence but assisting the death of someone can leave a person open to murder or other charges.

Legislation is being put forward by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, with the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill due to come before Holyrood next year.

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.
A Second World War veteran who turns 100 on Christmas Eve is celebrating the milestone by raising money for children affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Terry Holt, from Stockport in Greater Manchester, witnessed first-hand the fate of children living through war when she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the womens branch of the British Army, during the Second World War.

She was based in the Middle East between 1941 and 1948, working in Cairo, Egypt and the Suez Canal.

The impact of the recent Israel-Hamas war has motivated her to raise money for Save the Childrens Gaza Emergency Appeal, and she is asking for donations for her centenary instead of presents.

Terry has been a Save the Children volunteer for 73 years (Terry Holt/PA)

She will host a mulled wine and mince pie coffee morning at her home on Friday in the hope of reaching her fundraising target of 1,500.

Mrs Holt said: As I celebrate my 100th birthday, I feel so grateful for the life I have had, and I wanted to do something to raise much-needed funds to help children who so urgently need support.

When I was stationed in the Middle East in the 1940s, I saw first-hand the fate of children growing up in conflict zones.

Seventy years later as I watch the news and see schools, hospitals and mosques being destroyed it fills me with sadness.

It is easy to feel helpless in the face of such suffering, but we need to try to remain hopeful and do our bit.

I have supported Save the Children for as long as I can remember, and as a mother and grandmother myself I feel it is my duty to fight for the rights of children and do what I can to try and help them grow up with a brighter future.

Mrs Holt has been volunteering with Save the Children for 73 years, making her the charitys oldest known living supporter.

Over the years, her projects have raised thousands of pounds. During Covid, she raised more than 2,000 by walking half a mile a day, despite relying on a walking frame.

She is also the founder of the charitys Cheadle and Gatley branch, which was set up in 1959 and has raised more than 132,000 since records began in 1986.

Gwen Hines, chief executive of Save the Children UK, said: We are incredibly grateful to Terry for her kindness in choosing to spend her 100th birthday fundraising for Save the Childrens Gaza Emergency Appeal.
Australia will send 11 military personnel to support a US-led mission to protect cargo shipping in the Red Sea, but it will not send a warship or plane, the defence minister has said.

Defence minister Richard Marles said on Thursday Australias military needs to keep focused on the Pacific region.

The United States announced this week that several nations are creating a force to protect commercial shipping from attack by drones and ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

Mr Marles said 11 military personnel will be sent in January to Operation Prosperity Guardians headquarters in Bahrain, where five Australians are already posted.

We wont be sending a ship or a plane, he told Sky News television.

That said, we will be almost tripling our contribution to the combined maritime force.

We need to be really clear around our strategic focus, and our strategic focus is our region: the northeast Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Pacific.

The US and its allies are concerned by Chinas growing assertiveness in the region.

Australia is one of the United States closest military allies. The US Congress last week passed legislation allowing the sale of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia under a security pact that includes Britain.

Mr Marles rejected opposition law makers criticism that a failure to send a warship as the United States had requested made Australia a less reliable partner and ally.

Thats patently ridiculous, he said, adding the US is aware of the scale of the Australian defence force and the need to maintain its focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr Marles said: It is to state the obvious that to take a major asset and put it in the Middle East is to take a major asset away from what were doing in the immediate region.

Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie called on Australia to send a warship.

He said: Its in our national interest to contribute. If we want others to help us in a time of need, we need to step up and reciprocate now.

Several cargo ships in the Red Sea have been damaged by the attacks. Multiple shipping companies have ordered their ships not enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until security is improved.
A shooting in central Prague has left a number of people dead and dozens of others wounded.

Police gave no details about the victims or the circumstances of Thursdays gunfire in the Czech Republics capital.

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan told Czech public television the person who opened fire was dead.

Police officers stand on the balcony of the philosophical faculty of Charles University (Petr David Josek/AP)

He said there is no other suspect at the scene and there is no imminent further danger but he urged people to cooperate with police.

Police said officers were deployed due to a shooting at a school in Jan Palach Square.

The philosophical faculty of Charles University, located at the square has been evacuated, Prague mayor Bohuslav Svoboda said.

The police department said the square has been sealed off and urged people also to leave the surrounding streets and stay inside.

Jana Postova, a spokesperson for Pragues rescue service, confirmed numerous people were injured but had no details.
Pope Francis urged Vatican bureaucrats Thursday to avoid rigid ideological positions that prevent them from understanding todays reality, an appeal made days after he formally allowed priests to bless same-sex couples in a radical change of Vatican policy.

Francis used his annual Christmas greeting to the Holy See hierarchy to encourage the cardinals, bishops and laypeople who run the Vatican to listen to one another and to others so they can evolve to truly offer service to the Catholic Church.

Speaking in the Hall of Blessings, Francis told them it was important to keep advancing and growing in their understanding of the truth. Fearfully sticking to rules may give the appearance of avoiding problems but only ends up hurting the service that the Vatican Curia is called to give the church, he said.

Let us remain vigilant against rigid ideological positions that often, under the guise of good intentions, separate us from reality and prevent us from moving forward,"the pope said. "We are called instead to set out and journey, like the Magi, following the light that always desires to lead us on, at times along unexplored paths and new roads.

Francis annual appointment with members of the Vatican hierarchy came the same week he formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, as long as such blessings dont give the impression of a marriage ceremony.

The approval, which Francis had hinted at earlier this year, reversed a 2021 policy by the Vaticans doctrine office, which flat-out barred such blessings on the grounds that God does not and cannot bless sin.

The Vatican holds that gay people must be treated with dignity and respect but that sexual relations between people of the same sex is intrinsically disordered. Catholic teaching says that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and woman, is part of Gods plan and is intended for the sake of creating new life.

Progressives and advocates for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church hailed Francis' declaration as a long-overdue gesture of welcome and acceptance . Conservatives and traditionalists have blasted it as contrary to biblical teachings about homosexuality.

Francis didnt specifically mention the decision Thursday. He kepthis remarks vague and tied to the biblical story of the birth of Christ. Citing the teachings of the modernizing Second Vatican Council, he urged the assembled prelates to listen to one another, discern decisions and then journey forward, without being tied to preconceived prejudices.

It takes courage to journey, to move forward, he said. Sixty years after the council, we are still debating the division between progressives and conservatives. This isnt difference. The real difference is between lovers and those who have lost that initial passion.

The annual greeting is a high-profile event to which all Rome-based cardinals are invited. One conspicuous absence this year was Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted over the weekend of embezzlement in a big financial trial and sentenced to five and a half years in prison. He plans to appeal. (AP)
Judge dismisses $62m US lawsuit against controversial former NI pastor and singer wife

It follows arguments from the Scotts that the legal case is without merit

Pastor Scott with his wife Kathryn

Liam Tunney Thu 21 Dec 2023 at 07:50

A $62m (49m) fraud lawsuit against a former NI pastor and his wife has been dismissed by a California court.
Indonesian authorities have detected at least five boats packed with refugees approaching the shores of Aceh province, officials said on Thursday.

The boats are the latest in a surge of vessels that have arrived in Aceh, most carrying Rohingya refugees from southern Bangladesh, where the persecuted Muslim minority fled in 2017 following attacks by the military in their homeland of Myanmar.

Indonesia intensified patrols of its waters after a sharp rise in Rohingya refugees arriving since November, said Acehs Air Force Base commander Colonel Yoyon Kuscahyono.

He said air patrols detected at least five boats on Wednesday entering Indonesian waters, thought to be carrying Rohingya refugees. They were spotted entering the regencies of Lhokseumawe, East Aceh, Pidie, Aceh Besar and Sabang in north Aceh province.

Ethnic Rohingya people take shelter in the basement of a building in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia, on Thursday (Reza Saifullah/AP)

Indonesia appealed to the international community for help on December 12, after more than 1,500 Rohingya refugees arrived on its shores since November.

Muslims comprise nearly 90% of Indonesias 277 million people, and Indonesia once tolerated such landings while Thailand and Malaysia pushed them away.

But there has been a surge of anti-Rohingya sentiment in 2023, especially in Aceh, on the northern part of the island of Sumatra, where most land. Residents accuse the Rohingya of poor behaviour and creating a burden, and in some cases have pushed their boats away.

With pressure growing on President Joko Widodos government to take action, he said Indonesia will still help the refugees temporarily on a humanitarian basis.

Indonesia, like Thailand and Malaysia, is not a signatory to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention outlining their legal protections, so is not obligated to accept them. However, they have so far all provided at least temporary shelter to refugees in distress.

Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lalu Muhamad Iqbal told reporters on Wednesday that the government is willing to provide temporary shelters for Rohingya refugees to give time for international organisations that have a mandate to handle this matter, especially UNHCR, to able to carry out their obligations.

About 740,000 Rohingya were resettled in Bangladesh after fleeing their homes in neighbouring 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 human rights abuses.

The Muslim Rohingya are largely denied citizenship rights in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and face widespread social discrimination. Efforts to repatriate them have failed because of doubts their safety can be assured.

Most of the refugees leaving by sea attempt to reach Muslim-majority Malaysia, east of Aceh across the Malacca Strait, in search of work.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches a test launch of what it says is an intercontinental ballistic missile from an undisclosed location in North Korea (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country has a policy of not hesitating to launch a nuclear strike on its rivals if provoked, state media reported.

It comes as he praised troops involved in the countrys recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test.

Since adopting an escalatory nuclear doctrine last year, Mr Kim has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons pre-emptively. But many foreign experts say North Korea has yet to obtain functioning nuclear missiles and is also unlikely to use its nukes first because it is outgunned by the US and its allied forces.

North Korea on Monday conducted its first ICBM test in five months, calling the drill a warning over confrontational US and South Korean moves. North Korea cited a recent US-South Korean meeting on boosting their nuclear deterrence plans.

The Norths Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Mr Kim met troops from the general missile bureau on Wednesday to congratulate them on the launch of the developmental solid-fuelled Hwasong-18 missile, the Norths newest and most powerful ICBM.

US, South Korean and Japanese fighter jets fly over South Koreas southern island of Jeju during a joint air drill (South Korea Defence Ministry via AP)

During the meeting, Mr Kim said the launch demonstrated the evolution of the Norths nuclear doctrine and strategy not to hesitate even with a nuclear attack when the enemy provokes it with nukes, KCNA said.

Mr Kim said peace is guaranteed by a war posture of being willing to launch pre-emptive strikes on the enemy anywhere to make it feel fear, KCNA said.

Last year, North Korea adopted a law that stipulates a broad range of situations in which it can use nuclear weapons. Since the beginning of 2022, it has also test-fired about 100 ballistic missiles, many of them nuclear-capable weapons targeting the US and South Korea.

Mondays Hwasong-18 launch was the weapons third test-flight this year.

The US and South Korean governments have repeatedly warned that any attempt by North Korea to use nuclear weapons would result in the end of the Kim Jong Un government.

The allies have also expanded their military training, which Mr Kim views as invasion rehearsal.

After the Norths latest ICBM launch, the US, South Korea and Japan began sharing real-time missile warning data on North Korea and established details of their trilateral exercises in the coming years.

A TV screen shows an image of North Koreas missile launch during a news programme at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

On Wednesday, the US flew long-range B-1B bombers for joint aerial training with South Korean and Japanese warplanes in a demonstration of strength against North Korea.

In an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, the US, South Korea and their partners maintained that North Koreas repeated missile launches threatened international peace and violated Security Council resolutions that ban any ballistic activities by North Korea.

Mr Kims sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong, said in a statement on Thursday she feels very unpleasant over the UN council meeting, which she said was held at the brigandish demand of the US and its satellite countries.

She said the UN council must hold the US and South Korea accountable for heightened tensions as they stage all sorts of military provocations all year round.

The Norths latest ICBM launch will not likely earn the country fresh international sanctions. China and Russia  locked in separate confrontations with the US  have repeatedly blocked any UN Security Council responses to the Norths banned ballistic missile tests since last year.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, the top diplomats from South Korea, the US and Japan said the Norths ICBM and other recent missile launches serve as a reminder of the need for all countries to fully implement North Korea-related UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit the country from acquiring technologies and materials to advance its unlawful missile programme.

The statement said the three countries will work closely with the international community to block the Norths efforts to finance its weapons programmes through the exploitation of overseas workers and malicious cyber activities.
Police in Dhaka beat a woman protesting the prison death of Mushtaq Ahmed, a writer who was arrested on charges of violating a sweeping Bangladesh digital security law, Feb. 26, 2021.

Zulkarnain Saer Khan, a Bangladeshi journalist living in exile in London, recalled the scary text message he received from an unknown number in March.

Sami Bhai, check on your younger brother, Mahi. Ive heard they got his arms and legs broken, the message from the stranger said.

A startled Khan immediately dialed the WhatsApp number for his brother, Mahinur Khan, whose wife picked up the call.

She burst into tears as she reluctantly confirmed that four unidentified men had assaulted her husband. As they beat Mahinur with iron rods, they allegedly berated his brother, Zulkarnain, for writing articles that criticized the government.

My brother and his wife kept the incident secret from me for five days because they feared I would go public, and more troubles would befall them as a result, Zulkarnain Khan, who is also known as Sami, told BenarNews.

Mahi was bedridden for two months.

Khan believes the perpetrators were cadres for the Awami League, Bangladeshs ruling party. He suspects the assault was carried out because of his widely publicized story a few months earlier about corruption allegations that implicated a Bangladeshi politician close to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Freedom House, a Washington-based NGO, said the harassment and persecution back home of family members of exiled government critics and journalists is a widespread tactic in transnational repression carried out by authoritarian governments across the globe.

In the case of Bangladesh, a lot of the targeting of journalists involves this coercion by proxy, which is the targeting of family members and friends back home, Grady Vaughan, a researcher at Freedom House, told BenarNews.

On Dec. 6, Freedom House published a report detailing how authoritarian governments are escalating transnational repression to muzzle journalists. The report documented 112 acts of physical violence against exiled journalists by 26 governments.

The list does not include Bangladesh, but coercion by proxy tends to have a similar chilling effect on the targeted journalists, Vaughan said.

The goal of this type of coercion by proxy and targeting a family member is to intimidate and harass those closest to the targeted individual, he said. That often has a psychological effect on the targeted individual in exile.

Bangladesh government officials did not respond to emailed requests from BenarNews seeking comment for questions about alleged transnational repression, targeting by proxy the relatives of exiled journalists and other critics.

In previously issued public statements, government officials often have accused these journalists and commentators who are living abroad of running anti-state propaganda.

In the case of Khan, an earlier statement issued by the military branded him as a greedy and fraudulent swindler after he appeared as a whistleblower on an Al Jazeera news documentary in 2021 alleging corruption against Bangladeshs then-army chief.

Zulkarnain Saer Khan speaks at the Amnesty International U.K. Media Awards 2022 ceremony in London, May 4, 2022. [Emily Mudie/Amnesty International UK]

Ali Riaz, a prominent Bangladesh commentator and professor of political science at Illinois State University in the United States, said he began noticing the trend after Bangladesh conducted what he called a farcical election in 2018.

The Awami League party, which has been in power since 2009, won more than 95% of parliamentary seats in the 2018 general election amid widespread reports of fraud and intimidation.

After the 2018 election, even the Awami League government realized that its legitimacy was questionable, especially internationally. Then emerged a trend of targeting critics living abroad, he said.

By proxy

Numerous journalists and commentators in the Bangladeshi diaspora, using social media platforms and alternative media, have grown increasingly critical of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government in recent years.

And the repercussions have followed.

An early example unfolded in April 2020 when law enforcement officers visited the mother of Tasneem Khalil, a Sweden-based journalist who had launched Netra News, an organization focusing on Bangladesh, six months earlier.

My mother has repeatedly encountered visits from law enforcement and intelligence agencies since then, he told BenarNews.

In October 2021, Bangladesh authorities arrested Nusrat Shahrin Raka along with her three minor children. She is the sister of Kanak Sarwar, a U.S.-based journalist who often hosts high-profile dissenting figures on his YouTube channel.

In a press release cited by media sources, the Rapid Action Battalion, an elite police unit, accused Raka of being an active member of an anti-state propaganda and conspiracy circle along with her treasonous brother.

Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey asks a question at a United Nations press briefing in New York, August 2018. [Screengrab from United Nations video/YouTube]

According to Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, a Bangladeshi journalist who frequently raises questions about Bangladesh at daily press briefings at the U.S. State Department and the United Nations, journalists are targeted merely for doing their work.

About a year ago, a press release from the Bangladesh Embassy cited Congressman Gregory Meeks as saying that the U.S. government would not impose sanctions against Bangladesh anymore, he said.

When Ansarey sought clarification on this, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, which Meeks chaired at the time, issued a statement contradicting the embassys press release, the journalist recalled.

We did not ask Meeks to change his stance. We simply tried to fact-check a government press release. And that very act landed us in trouble, said Ansarey, who served as a press aide to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who is now living at home under legal restrictions.

He alleged that local ruling party activists retaliated by vandalizing his family home in northeastern Bangladeshs Sylhet region and that law enforcement officials routinely question his family members, including his elderly mother.

My father had to move to the U.K. permanently because of the harassment, and my parents have not seen each other for seven years, he said.

The police visited my brother-in-law at his workplace in a local bank, treating him as if he were a criminal. Even my distant cousin, who shares my surname, was interrogated by local police and law enforcement.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attends the EU Global Gateway Forum 2023 in Brussels, Oct. 25, 2023. [Johanna Geron/Reuters]

In September 2022, police officers in Moulvibazar, a northeastern district, arrested the brother of Abdur Rab Bhutto, a commentator based in the United Kingdom, for his Facebook propaganda against Prime Minister Hasina, a local newspaper reported.

There have been other instances when critics were targeted more directly through a different proxy.

In 2019, Riaz, the U.S.-based academic, said book events in Germany and Washington were disrupted by members of the Awami Leagues foreign units.

At one point, they tried to encircle me aggressively, and I felt physically intimidated. Until then, I was never concerned about my physical safety abroad, he said.

Digital threats

Bangladeshi dissidents say they also face a subtler form of repression: digital smearing campaigns.

Few have encountered more such campaigns than Zulkarnain Saer Khan, who earlier collaborated with the Israeli newspaper Haaretz to expose the Bangladesh governments purchase of highly sophisticated spyware from Israel.

But he is best known for his appearance on All the Prime Ministers Men, the explosive 2021 Al Jazeera news documentary that exposed allegations of corruption tied to Bangladeshs then-military chief.

On Facebook, numerous accounts routinely use a Bengali slur to label Khan as homosexual, among other derogatory terms and have published fake photos of him as a criminal and drug addict. X, formerly known as Twitter, formally notified him on multiple occasions that Bangladesh authorities had asked to take down his posts for allegedly violating local laws.

Some Bangladeshi websites accused him of being a Muslim terrorist, of planning a deadly bombing in Hungary (his former residence), and even of financing Hamas  all without any evidence, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York-based press advocacy group.

Bangladesh has built a reputation for targeting exiled journalists through transnational repression. There are a growing number of cases, from digital threats to intimidation of families. It is extremely concerning, while the perpetrators get away scot-free, Beh Lih Yi, who heads the CPJs Asia Division, told BenarNews.

Journalists have had to flee because their safety came under serious threat in their home countries  they should not continue to live in fear even when they are in exile.

Other journalists and critics are also frequently accused of being terrorists or jihadists.

Ali Riaz (left), a professor of political science at Illinois State University, participates in an event at the Wilson Center in Washington, Sept. 23, 2019. [Credit: Handout/Illinois State University]

Although many targeted journalists and academics have carried on with their work despite the risks, others find the stakes are too high.

A legal associate based in New York, who requested anonymity because of fear of reprisals, abandoned his role as a correspondent for a Bangladesh-based newspaper after his report challenged the governments claims about a U.N. award for Hasina.

My Bangladeshi passport filed for renewal was never returned to me. As a result, I couldnt travel abroad or back home for seven years, he said.

Three of my brothers are still government employees. I just did not want their livelihoods destroyed because of my work.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. salutes as troops pass during the 88th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo, the military headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Dec. 21, 2023.

The Philippines expects to broaden multinational patrols in contested waters next year by adding more participants, the defense chief said Thursday, despite a warning from Beijing about what it called Manilas repeated provocations in the South China Sea.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that sea patrols for the most part would be held in 2024 with France, India and other countries that currently do not have agreements with Manila for such joint operations.

It is very likely (that patrols would be held) with other countries like perhaps France, India, Canada, the U.K., New Zealand, Teodoro said, according to a transcript of a local television interview. This is because they really see the cumulative value of working together toward a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.

Manila earlier this year launched bilateral patrols with the United States and Australia in the West Philippine Sea, Manilas name for South China Sea waters within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Potential international involvement indicates that nobody in the world has publicly proclaimed support for Chinas appropriation of the whole of the South China Sea as its own, Teodoro said.

On the contrary, several countries have condemned their illegal actions based on contrived history, an attempt to change international law and bound other countries into submission into acquiescing or accepting their version of international law, Teodoro said.

Severe difficulties

A day earlier, Teodoro sought to debunk Beijings accusation that Manila was causing trouble in the sea region, saying, Only China believes in what they are saying.

Also on Wednesday, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo spoke by telephone with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, to discuss South China Sea issues.

We had a frank and candid exchange and ended our call with a closer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues, Manalo said in a statement on Thursday. We both noted the importance of dialogue in addressing these issues.

A Philippine Coast Guard member looks through binoculars during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in the South China Sea, Oct. 4, 2023. [Adrian Portugal/Reuters]

Speaking to journalists in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin said, It is absolutely wrong to think that there has been a major change in Chinas tone on the issue.

Wang blamed the Philippines change of policy and position, refusing to honor its commitment and repeated provocations that undermine Chinas legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

We hope that the Philippines will decide rationally, follow the effective way for neighbors to get along with each other and work with China to properly handle and manage the situation at sea.

Court ruling

In 2016, an international arbitration court ruled for the Philippines, invalidating Chinas claims to nearly all of the South China Sea. While the ruling was praised internationally, led by the United States, China has refused to acknowledge it.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who took office in 2016 just weeks before the ruling, initially refused to engage China in a diplomatic tussle, but toward the end of his term confronted Chinas leader Xi Jinping about it.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022, reversed Dutertes policies, reembraced the U.S. and pledged to protect the Philippines South China Sea territories.

The Philippines has since carried out resupply trips to its troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre, an old Navy ship purposely marooned within the South China Sea EEZ. Manila has accused the China Coast Guard of directing lasers at supply boats, shadowing them and initiating dangerous maneuvers.

The Philippines military chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., was on a small resupply boat that he said was rammed and hosed by the China Coast Guard earlier this month.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) lifts a saber given to him by military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. during the 88th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo, the military headquarters in Quezon City, Philippines, Dec. 21, 2023. [Aaron Favila/AP]

Speaking before the 88th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday, Brawner underscored that the military had intensified its maritime security operations as a response to the increasing challenges to our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We stand at the pivotal juncture where enhancing our military capabilities becomes not just an option, but a strategic imperative, he said in his message. Thus, the AFP will continuously strengthen the reserve force hand in hand with our regular force as we sustain our territorial defense operations.

He said the military was establishing a cyber command and setting up joint special operations and counter-intelligence commands.

We will continue to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our institution and with international law, Brawner said, reiterating that the country will not give up a single square inch of its territory.

Jason Gutierrez in Manila, Jeoffrey Maitem and Mark Navales in Davao City, Philippines, contributed to this report.
Gen. C.Q. Brown [left], the chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed a number of global and regional security issues with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli, the Pentagon says.

Gen. C.Q. Brown, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli, in a video call on Thursday morning, putting an end to an almost 18-month-long freeze on direct talks between the leaders of the worlds two biggest militaries.

The generals discussed a number of global and regional security issues, a readout from the Pentagon said, and the importance of working together to responsibly manage competition, avoid miscalculations, and maintain open and direct lines of communication.

Gen. Brown reiterated the importance of the Peoples Liberation Army engaging in substantive dialogue to reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings, it said, adding that the top U.S. general remains open to constructive dialogue with his Chinese counterparts.

American military leaders had complained that Chinas top generals were not picking up the phone, even amid an uptick in near-accidents between the two armed forces over the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, which spurred predictions of an accidental war.

Direct communications were severed by Chinas military leaders following then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan in August 2022, which led to nearly a year of animosity between Beijing and Washington that finally began to ebb around June.

Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to San Francisco last month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and his face-to-face talks with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the event then led to a pledge from both leaders to reinstate direct military talks.

The Chinese warship Luyang III cuts in front of the destroyer USS Chung-Hoon, as seen from the deck of the destroyer, in the Taiwan Strait, June 3, 2023. [U.S. Navy via Reuters]

Biden said after the talks that he hoped the resumption would lead to fewer incidents of brinkmanship and near-accidents over water.

Thats how accidents happen. Misunderstandings, he said of the months of no communication between the two militaries. So were back to direct, open, clear communications on a direct basis.

Status quo ante

The statement from the Pentagon also said that Gen. Brown had stressed the need to return to the annual Defense Policy Coordination Talks between lower-level U.S. and Chinese military officials that were also canceled by Beijing in the wake of Pelosis Taiwan trip last year.

The top American military chief also called for the resumption of direct talks between the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which is headquartered in Hawaii, and the commanders of the equivalent Eastern and Southern Theater Commands of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army.

However, it did not say whether Gen. Liu agreed to a resumption.

The United States has also sought direct talks between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, who until October was the now-fired but not replaced Gen. Li Shangfu. Gen. Li had refused to talk with Austin until U.S. sanctions against him were lifted, and it is unclear when Xi will appoint his replacement.

A Pentagon official told reporters that the call between Gen. Brown and Gen. Liu was a good starting point for improved military ties.

Its ... an important step, but it's not the last step, the official said.
A dozen people were still missing on Thursday after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Gansu province late Monday, and netizens questioned the speed at which rescue operations had ended.

Chinese media reported that search-and-rescue work in Gansu ended at 3 p.m. (07:00 GMT) on Tuesday, about 15 hours after the disaster hit a remote and mountainous area near the border straddling Gansu and Qinghai provinces. It was not immediately clear whether the search in Qinghai was continuing.

In Gansu, 115 people had been found dead as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday (01:00 GMT) and 784 were injured, authorities said. Gansu has not reported any missing persons.

Neighbouring Qinghai saw its death toll rose to 22 with 198 injured and 12 missing as of 8:56 p.m. on Wednesday.

More than 207,000 homes were wrecked and nearly 15,000 collapsed in Gansu, affecting more than 145,000 people.

Discussions online showed netizens curious about how quickly rescue efforts wrapped up in Gansu, with many suggesting that the sub-freezing temperatures were the main factor in shortening the "golden period" for finding survivors typically 72 hours post-disaster.

People trapped under rubble exposed to prolonged temperatures of minus 10 degrees Celsius run the risk of rapid hypothermia and may only be able to live for five to ten hours even if uninjured, local media reported, citing researchers.

"They would have been dead by the time they were found, even 24 hours is already too long. Outdoor temperatures are below minus 10 C," a user on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo commented.

Some users on Weibo considered other factors such as that the search area was not especially wide, and that people have been all accounted for, leading to rescue efforts ending in less than a day.

Surviving the cold

Rescuers on Wednesday pulled to safety victims of the earthquake, which jolted Jishishan county in Gansu a minute before midnight on Monday, sending many residents in the area out of homes into the cold in the dead of the night.

Survivors face uncertainty in the wintry months ahead without permanent shelter amid freezing temperatures.

Many of the affected families are Hui people, an ethnic minority mostly found in western Chinese provinces and regions such as Gansu, Ningxia and Shaanxi.

In Gansu's Sibuzi village, villagers worried about the freezing winter.

"Many people escaped from their homes, some without socks, just ran out barefoot. It's extremely cold standing on the ground," said Zhou Habai, an ethnic Hui woman.

The 24-year-old, now staying in a makeshift tent after her home was destroyed, said some villagers have been gathering and burning firewood to keep warm.

About 60 percent of the survivors have not received tents, 63-year-old Ye Zhiying, from the same village, told Reuters.

He said officials from the Communist Party had told them that the village would distribute tents by noon on Thursday, and would be set up in less than a week.

"Whether everyone can be accommodated or not, we don't know," said the Hui villager, who was given a tent on Wednesday.

Roads, power and water lines and agricultural production facilities have suffered damage, and the quake triggered land and mudslides that swept through villages in Qinghai's Haidong where the missing were reported from. (Reuters)
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  A Bennington defendant facing several dozen criminal cases dating back to 2020  causing frustration for the public and state prosecutors due to the perceived leniency of Vermont's bail laws  pleaded guilty to the first of 47 dockets Wednesday morning.

Joseph Hewson, 33, pleaded guilty via video link from the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield to one count of aggravated assault, a felony, stemming from a July 2021 incident in Bennington in which he attempted to cause serious bodily harm to another individual. The original charge carried a possible 15-year sentence if he was found guilty by a trial. The plea deal is considered open and calls for a possible sentence up to the maximum allowed by law.

According to a separate global plea deal filed with the court, He will also plead guilty on several other counts next week, which will clear all of his pending charges in Bennington. The aggravated assault plea deal worked out with prosecutors was separated from a global plea deal covering all open cases because a Bennington Jury had already been seated for a Dec. 27 jury trial in the aggravated assault case by the time the deal was signed.

Vermont law allows that if a jury is in place for a trial, any plea deal afterward must be pleaded open, meaning the presiding judge can sentence the defendant to anything between the minimum and maximum sentence allowed by law. A pre-sentencing investigation will be presented before Hewsons sentence is handed down. That sentencing hearing on Wednesdays plea is still pending the PSI report.

Both sides signed and filed a global resolution in all 47 cases, allowing Hewson to plead to several counts spread over all outstanding cases. After separating the aggravated assault case, Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady scheduled the global change of plea deal hearing for the same day Hewsons trial was set to begin next week.

The global resolution has Hewson pleading guilty to several charges, including three counts of unlawful trespass, 18 counts of petty larceny, a violation of conditions of release, two counts of false pretenses, identity theft, grand larceny, three counts of retail theft, possession of heroin, and burglary. In return, the state will dismiss several other counts, including multiple charges of unlawful trespass, heroin possession, false information to a police officer, burglary, failure to appear, retail theft, and disorderly conduct.

In all, Hewson is scheduled to face a minimum of 1-3 months on some of the guilty pleas and up to 3-15 years on the more serious crimes. All combined sentences will run concurrently, meaning the time spent in jail will overlap with credit for any time served. None of the charges will be eligible for a suspended sentence with probation.

Hewson is currently being held without bail for failing to appear at a scheduled competency hearing last month. He was repeatedly released back into the community by Benningtons judicial system due to Vermonts custody laws in relation to non-violent crimes. Most of Hewsons alleged crimes were non-violent misdemeanors, barring a judge from holding him for long periods, even though the cases kept piling up against him. Several new crimes were allegedly committed while Hewson was out on his own recognizance. That led to misunderstandings by the public and frustration by law enforcement and state prosecutors each time he was released.

Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage and her staff have expressed their frustration over the perceived injustice of repeated leniency in bail guidelines for someone like Hewson. Specifically, attorneys and the public questioned how someone like Hewson  who has a multitude of pending charges, including violent crimes  can be released on bail and be free to offend time and time again, gumming up the court system for years.

He was most recently arrested again on misdemeanor charges while out on probation for the 2021 aggravated assault. Hewson was initially given a diversion sentence for that assault.

Three months later, Hewson failed to complete a diversion program. When he appeared in front of McDonald-Cady on the charges, prosecutors asked that Hewson be given cash bail. The judge refused. Instead, Hewson was released yet again after McDonald-Cady told him that he needed to promise to get screened for drug treatment within 24 hours.

Hewson was found competent to stand trial in late November after a psych report confirmed his competency. He was scheduled to go on trial in December on the most serious charge- aggravated assault- a felony.

Hewson is scheduled to plead guilty according to the agreement next Wednesday morning. It is unknown whether Judge McDonald-Cady will immediately sentence Hewson on the global resolution.
Chinese envoy urges countries to help Afghanistan tackle humanitarian crisis

Xinhua) 15:50, December 21, 2023

A doctor checks up a malnourished child in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan, Oct. 3, 2023.(Photo by Ahmadi/Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged the international community to help Afghanistan respond to humanitarian crisis.

"At present, over 3 million Aghan children are malnourished and over 10 million people there do not know where their next meal is. Winter is here and the Afghan humanitarian disaster will get even worse. We once again call upon the international community to act immediately by stepping up humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, bring warmth and hope to the Afghan people, and not let ordinary Afghans become victims of political considerations," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

"We also hope that all parties will take a long-term view, increase development aid to Afghanistan, and help the country restore the functioning of its banking system, establish basic economic order, and better integrate into regional economic and trade cooperation and connectivity," he said.

The ambassador called on the returning of the frozen overseas assets of Afghanistan and their interest to the Afghan people as soon as possible.

Geng also called for efforts to help Afghanistan strengthen the protection of rights and interests of women.

"Afghan women and girls have rights to education and employment. The Afghan Taliban authorities should take concrete actions to implement the requests of the Security Council resolutions and respond to the concerns of the international community," he said.

"Meanwhile, we need to see that the rights and interests of women and girls will not be realized in a vacuum. The international community should support Afghanistan with its peaceful reconstruction and economic recovery, so as to create more enabling conditions for guaranteeing the rights and interests of women and girls. We should refuse to oversimplify the issue into absolutes and still less instrumentalize or weaponize it," said the ambassador.

The envoy underlined the importance of enhancing engagement with the Afghan authorities.

"As is pointed out in the independent assessment on Afghanistan, the international community should get a clearer picture of the political reality in the country, prioritize the interests of the Afghan people, and maintain engagement with the country," he said.

"When engaging with the Afghan authorities, the international community needs to demonstrate good faith, set no preconditions, communicate with the Afghan Taliban in ways easily acceptable to it, and strive for its understanding and cooperation," he said.

Geng said that as for the follow-up to the independent assessment, the Security Council should consider the needs of the Afghan people and expectations of the international community in an integrated manner and make its decision on the basis of full consultation.

"The council should adjust the sanctions measures in a timely manner and, in particular, reinstate the travel ban exemption on some Taliban officials to facilitate engagement with Afghanistan," he added.

In addition, Geng urged efforts to bolster support for the Afghan authorities in their counter-terrorism efforts.

"Currently, terrorist forces in Afghanistan remain active and pose threats to the security of Afghanistan and countries in the region. The international community should urge and help Afghanistan to effectively combat terrorism and resolutely prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a hub for terrorist organizations," he said.

"The Afghan authorities should, as requested by the Security Council resolutions, take robust measures to prevent terrorists from using its territory to engage in terrorist activities that threaten other countries," he said.

Citing the report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the envoy said that the area of poppy cultivation in the country dropped by 95 percent following the drug ban.

"This deserves full recognition. The international community should provide Afghanistan with targeted support such as alternative cultivation and drug rehabilitation, among others," said the ambassador.

Geng underscored that as Afghanistan's neighbor, China has always actively supported its peaceful development and taken concrete actions to help the Afghan people ease their suffering.

"We stand ready to continue our active participation in coordination and cooperation with Afghanistan under framework such as the coordination and cooperation mechanism among neighbors of Afghanistan, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the China-Central Asia Cooperation mechanism," he said.

"We will continue our support for the work of UNAMA and the positive role of the UN, and work with regional countries and the international community at large to help Afghanistan get out of the plight and achieve lasting peace and stability at an early date," Geng stressed.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi says the country will maintain military pressure on the Philippines amid a dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea that could involve U.S. forces defending their treaty partner.

In a phone conversation Wednesday with his Philippine counterpart, Enrique A. Manalo, Wang warned that if the Philippine side misjudges the situation, goes its own way, or even colludes with ill-intentioned external forces to continue to stir up troubles, China will defend its rights in accordance with law and respond resolutely, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Wangs comments follow Chinas mobilization of its coast guard and maritime militia to block Philippine supply missions to support its soldiers and fishermen. China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, one of the world's most crucial waterways for shipping, putting it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, who all maintain claims over islands, reefs and undersea resources in the region.

In particularly sharp comments, Wang was quoted as accusing the Philippines of having changed its policy stance so far, reneged on the promises it has made, provoked troubles at sea, and undermined Chinas legitimate and lawful rights.

Noting that the bilateral relationship now stands at a crossroads, with its future yet to be decided, Wang said the Philippine side must act with caution, Xinhua reported Thursday.

Instead of continuing in the wrong direction, the Philippine side should return to the right path as soon as possible, with properly handling and managing the current maritime situation as a top priority, Wang was quoted as saying. Wang gave no details on what agreements Manila had allegedly abandoned.

Manalo's office described the the conversation as a frank and candid exchange," saying the sides had reached a clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues.

Territorial disputes have grown tenser as China seeks to cement its territorial claims in defiance of the U.S. and its allies, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea and close partner Taiwan, which China claims as a breakaway province and threatens to annex by military force.

The head of the Philippine military was with his forces aboard a supply boat when it was blasted with a water cannon, surrounded and bumped by Chinese coast guard ships earlier this month in the disputed South China Sea.

China, meanwhile, accused the United States of encouraging the Philippines, its treaty ally, to provoke China for its own purposes, though it provided no direct evidence.

Along with using water cannons, Philippines officials said that Chinese coast guard ships used a military-grade laser that caused Filipino crew members temporary blindness and engaged in dangerous blocking and shadowing maneuvers that caused minor collisions.

Washington is bound by a 1951 treaty to help defend the Philippines from attack. That pledge has grown stronger with the election of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who recently said that the situation in the South China Sea has become more dire as China expands its presence.

China has showed interest in atolls and shoals that are closer and closer to the coast of the Philippines, with the nearest atoll about 60 nautical miles (111 kilometers) away, Marcos said during a visit to the U.S. state of Hawaii last month. (AP)
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PITTSFIELD  When the Pittsfield City Council voted to approve a rising tax rate, four councilors voted against the increases and argued that the city tax levies were outpacing residents abilities to pay. It turns out, those four councilors know the burden of mounting unpaid tax bills, firsthand.

At the time of that vote, properties associated with those four councilors all had outstanding property tax or water and sewer bills with the city, according to documents from the city tax collectors office obtained by a records request by The Eagle last week.

The Eagle requested documents from the tax collectors office on all properties connected to current and incoming council members.

Those records showed that Ward 1 Councilor Ken Warren, Ward 2 Councilor Charles Kronick, Ward 7 Councilor Anthony Maffuccio and Councilor at large Karen Kalinowsky all had outstanding obligations to the city.

For all but one of those councilors, the bills amount to a couple hundred dollars; Warren, however, was another story.

Kronick owes the city $365.76 in unpaid water and sewer bills from the two quarters of fiscal year 2024. Kronick did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The Eagle.

Maffuccio owes the city $616.79 in water and sewer bills from the last two quarters of fiscal 2023 and the first two quarters of fiscal 2024. The councilor told The Eagle that he was aware of the outstanding fees, but was currently unable to pay them and rising property tax bills on the fixed income he receives from his disability support.

A property owned equally by Kalinowsky, her husband and mother-in-law, had $112.78 in unpaid property taxes for fiscal 2024.

Kalinowsky explained there are two homes on the property  her home and her mother-in-laws home  and that she and her husband pay the majority of the property bills while her mother-in-law pays a smaller portion.

Kalinowsky said her mother-in-law lost track of her outstanding balance and underpaid the bill. When Kalinowsky learned about the bill from The Eagle, she went to the tax collectors office and paid the remaining balance.

Bills for properties associated with Warren are much larger.

NO DOUBT TAXES ARE OWED

Warren rents office space for his law practice out of 28 Bartlett Ave. That property, called the Chamberlin House, is owned by a trust called the Chamberlin Realty Co. Nominee Trust, which Warren says his parents established in 1995. Documents with the Berkshire Middle Registry of Deeds lists Warren as the trustee.

Warren owed the city $2,032.75 in personal property taxes for the business equipment he held at 28 Bartlett Ave.  what he says is a copy machine, a computer and other assorted items. Those bills span the fiscal years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2024.

After being interviewed by The Eagle on Monday, Warren paid off those outstanding bills.

However, theres still the matter of the outstanding real estate property taxes and water and sewer bills on the building. Records from the tax collectors office show that the Chamberlin Realty Co. Nominee Trust owes $37,527.08 in the combination of bills dating back to fiscal year 2020.

In August 2022  two years after the initial bills were sent out  the city issued an instrument of taking against the Bartlett Avenue property.

The instrument of taking allows the city to place a lien on the property for the unpaid taxes  which at that time totaled $5,897.50 for the original bill, $2,051.50 in interest and $87.50 in other fees  and to collect an additional 16 percent interest on the property to recoup the impact of lost revenue to city services.

The initial $8,000 owed grew over the years as the trust continued to fail to pay its real estate taxes for fiscal year 2021-24 and its water and sewer fees for fiscal 2023 and 2024. As of last week, the trust owed $37,527.08 in taxes and fees to the city.

Warrens residence at 399 Cheshire Road has an additional $11,056.09 in unpaid taxes and fees dating back to fiscal 2022.

This property consists of two apartments, one Warren lives in and the other his sister lives in. The property is owned by Carlopoli Realty Co. Nominee Trust  another entity Warren says his parents set up in 1994  that lists Warrens sister, Katrina Kratka, as the trustee.

Documents for that trust list the principal place of business for the trust as 28 Bartlett Ave.

The Cheshire Road property has unpaid real estate taxes from fiscal years 2022-24 and water and sewer fees from fiscal year 2023 and 2024, but the city has not issued an instrument of taking.

Theres no doubt that theres taxes owed, Warren said in an interview with The Eagle on Monday. As I said, my parents set up those trusts so theres no doubt that we feel very bad about this.

When asked if Warren could elaborate on the we in that statement or the full membership of the trust, he said he didnt want to get the other members of the trust involved at all other than to tell you that Im not the owner of the two properties.

Warren cast the outstanding real estate taxes as responsibilities of the trusts rather than his alone. He said the personal property taxes at 28 Bartlett Ave. are his to bear and chalked the unpaid bills up to financial difficulties from the pandemic.

Warren said his business took a hit during the pandemic and that while hes been handling a couple of matters for clients, its been difficult to bring in the kind of profit he was seeing from his trial court work prior to the pandemic.

When youre a sole practitioner, the cash flow comes and goes  there are times when you think youre the richest person and then there are times when youre having trouble coming up with the liquid cash to pay the bills, Warren said.

HELP FOR TAXPAYERS

When property owners have difficulty paying their bills, Tax Collector Lisa Lewis said the city can help.

She said during the pandemic she delayed issuing instruments of taking for two years  under state law collectors can delay takings for up to three fiscal years after the unpaid bill  understanding the difficult financial situation many people were in.

The city is always willing to work with the taxpayer, Lewis said.

Lewis said her office works with residents to chip away at tax bills through partial payments. She and her staff spend a good chunk of their day talking with residents through the billing and payment process.

I always think, Id want someone to explain everything to me, Lewis said.

Once a tax title taking has been issued  a process that requires placing a legal advertisement in The Eagle and posting a notice with the Berkshire Registry of Deeds  theres additional processes in place.

The bills are moved from the responsibility of the tax collector to the city treasurer. Taxpayers can start on a payment plan with the treasurers office as long as they pay the current years taxes and water and sewer bills in full, the taking advertisement, filing and posting fees and the first 25 percent of the back taxes.

Property owners who meet those requirements then have three years to pay off the remaining balance and interest in monthly installments. If the taxes are paid out in full at the end of the year then the city returns the tax title to the property owner.

Quote I don't think whether someone owes taxes or doesn't owe taxes, prevents them from trying to make sure the city is spending their money appropriately." - Ken Warren

Its a process that the city has been through before with the property at 28 Bartlett Ave. In 2016, the city issued a tax title taking for $6,515.13  $5,012.72 in taxes and $1,502.41 in fees and interest from the fiscal 2015.

The Chamberlin Realty Co. Nominee Trust paid off that balance in February 2019 and the city returned the tax title to the trust.

There is another way things can go. If the taxes arent paid within six months then the city can issue a petition to foreclose on the property with the Massachusetts Land Court.

In this instance, the city hasnt petitioned to foreclose on the 28 Bartlett Ave. property and Warren hasnt reached out to ask to start a payment plan. Warren said thats because you've got to have the ability to follow through on the payment plan.

CALLS FOR TAX CUTS

Warren said he doesnt feel that the bills should have any standing on the work hes done as a city councilor. Elected to the council in 2021 to represent the residents of Ward 1, he ran unopposed for the seat in November and will begin his second term as the ward representative in January.

You can do your civic duty and still operate as any normal citizen does, Warren said. And clearly, I can empathize and understand those people out there who have come before the council, telling us that the financial conditions make it tough for them to pay taxes.

Warren, Maffuccio, Kronick and Kalinowsky, have been consistent in calling for smaller city budgets, asking for their colleagues' support in cutting positions or voting against salary increases in favor of smaller tax bills for residents down the line.

I don't think whether someone owes taxes or doesn't owe taxes, prevents them from trying to make sure the city is spending their money appropriately, Warren added.

Kalinowsky, Kronick and Maffuccio each end their term at the close of the year. Maffuccio lost a challenge by Rhonda Serre, Kronick decided not to seek reelection and Kalinowsky lost her bid for the mayors office. The exiting councilors who spoke with The Eagle said their calls for cuts were driven by their experience with other residents or their own situations.

I know my [situation], its personal and Im on a fixed income  Im talking reality, Maffuccio said. When I used to advocate that we cannot afford this, my constituents say it and its also myself  I cannot afford this either. Im speaking from experience.
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The hefty backlog of patients waiting to be discharged from hospitals and transferred to other treatment settings is expected to grow this winter, health leaders warned Monday.
Correction: A previous version of this editorial misstated the level of access to the town of Adams' Select Board meetings. While Adams does not allow remote attendance of Select Board meetings, the meetings are broadcast live on Northern Berkshire Community Television Corp. and archived for future viewing on NBCTC's website.

One of COVIDs silver linings was that it forced municipal boards and agencies to upgrade their public access. When pandemic-era precautions prevented meeting in person, select boards, city councils and other municipal entities began allowing online attendance to open meetings via platforms like Zoom. Even after those restrictions were limited, many communities continued with so-called hybrid meetings  holding them in a public space where people can attend the old-fashioned or remotely.

As a result, civic participation in meetings actually increased in some communities amid pandemic restrictions. It turns out there are lots of folks who would attend, raise issues and comment on public business even if they cant make it out to the meeting, whether due to tight work and child care schedules, mobility issues and disabilities, or other reasons. While the pitfalls of technology and broader participation could be unwieldy for some municipal leaders, more options for public meeting attendance is a net good that resulted from communities having to drag their open meeting paradigm into the future in a pinch.

Yet some towns were too quick to go back to the past and relinquish the benefit of increased meeting access post-COVID. Alford just became one of those towns, after the towns top board last week voted to cease hybrid meetings and do away with the publics ability to Zoom in to meetings.

We understand that, as with nearly every policy decision, increasing options for public meeting participation is not an unalloyed good. Town leaders are tasked with taking on more tech-savvy responsibilities. Part of that is mitigating higher potential for disruption, either from participants who feel less compelled to be civil online or from bad actors like so-called Zoom-bombers who get sick satisfaction from purposely disrupting online public gatherings. Further, small towns like Alford that see a sudden outsize increase in local public interest might feel even more compelled to restrict meeting access. But Berkshire communities should resist the urge to pull public business out of the disinfecting spotlight of scrutiny. Its necessary for local democracy, and a modern broadening of that spotlight is therefore a democratic good.

We arent singling out Alford here. As of last weeks Select Board vote, this South County town is one of 10 Berkshire communities that have done away with hybrid meetings for their top municipal panels. Four of those, though, at least record and broadcast the meetings on public television: Sheffield on Community Television for the Southern Berkshires; Adams, Clarksburg and North Adams on Northern Berkshire Community Television Corp. Six others  Cheshire, Hancock, Peru, Tyringham, Savoy and now Alford  neither allow hybrid meeting attendance nor broadcast and archive meetings for viewing that way.

While recording and televising meetings doesnt provide the option of remote participation for those who cant attend in person, it at least allows citizens to monitor public business and elected officials with a level of detail that cant possibly be captured by meeting minutes. Having an objective video record documenting the context of how meetings unfolded and who said what to whom is good to have, too.

Massachusetts Open Meeting Law does not require the commonwealths cities or towns to provide hybrid meeting attendance options, so these six municipalities cant be legally compelled to do so. Still, we dont believe its too much to ethically compel them to reasonably expand the transparency of public business while leaving the methodology to their discretion: If they dont want to offer hybrid meetings, then they should commit to recording, broadcasting and archiving public meetings. To do neither would be to squander a modern boon for local democracy  something for which no Berkshire community should settle.
People sometimes complain that the Christmas story, the story of Jesus birth as described in the Bible, doesn't match up when you compare the two accounts. But is this true? Lets look at what the Bible tells us about Jesus birth.

Which Gospels Talk about Jesus Being Born?

Matthew and Luke both include the Christmas story (in Mathew 1-2 and Luke 1-2). Two different authors addressing two different audiences bring the reader pieces of a story that captivates and delights more year after year. While the Christmas season focuses on the events surrounding His birth, every day of the year holds reason to celebrate the incarnation of Jesus.

What Does the Gospel of Matthew Say about Jesus Birth?

The Gospel of Matthews birth narrative of Jesus begins with these words, The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1 NKJV). This immediately establishes Jesus as the heir of Abraham, giving credence to His Jewish heritage, the specific intended audience.

Matthew sets the foundation in this first book of the New Testament to present Jesus as the King of the Jews, the long-awaited Messiah. His birth narrative of Jesus documents Jesus genealogy through Davids kingly line. He presents Jesus as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming king. From the beginning, Matthew demonstrates Jesus rightful and lawful claim as the promised King of the Jews.

Matthews birth narrative of Jesus gives a glimpse of Joseph, betrothed to Mary, and the dilemma her pregnancy created. We see him troubled, kind, and just. The supernatural guidance by an angel assures Joseph the Holy Spirit conceived the child within Mary and sets Josephs course to take her as his wife.

Matthew describes the political situation of that time, introducing us to the evil Herod, his staff of chief priests, and scribes. It chronicles what we know of the story of the wise men, their travels through Jerusalem while following the star, and their eventual presentation of gifts to the young child in Bethlehem.

In the second chapter of Matthew, the birth narrative of Jesus includes a plot to kill Him. Jeremiah prophesied this massacre of babies hundreds of years before King Herod put it into action.

Thus says the Lord: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more. (Jeremiah 31:15 ESV)

Matthew wrote as a contemporary of Jesus and an eyewitness of many events in Jesus life. Living with and being a disciple of Jesus rendered unique insight into the Jewish expectation of Messiah.

What Does the Gospel of Luke Say about Jesus Birth?

Luke 2 recounts the well-known and beloved story of Jesus birth. Luke begins his birth narrative of Jesus in the first chapter with an unexpected announcement to an elder named Zechariah. An angel appeared to Zechariah as he performed his priestly duties in the temple. The angel promised his wife, Elizabeth (also advanced in years), would have a son.

The Angel Gabriel visited a virgin named Mary engaged to be married to Joseph. Gabriel astounded her with the news that she would bear a child who would be the Messiah. She hurried to visit her cousin Elizabeth, also miraculously pregnant (though by a human father). Their joyous reunion and anticipation of two babies foretold by the prophets brought praise and worship.

In the second chapter of Luke, the Christmas story we know so well unfolds. A young couple journeyed to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus ruling required Joseph to register in his city of origin. Mary and Joseph traveled from the small town of Nazareth to Bethlehem. When they arrived, the time came for Jesus to be born. Mary birthed the Son of God in humble surroundings because the inn had no room. The Infant slept in a trough used for feeding animals.

Lukes tender story stirs hearts and knits us with a predicament depicted in nativity scenes worldwide. We learn of the shepherds on the hillside and the angels announcement. We learn of Jesus presentation as a baby in the temple, where two elderly and godly people recognize Him. Simeon and Anna joyously affirm the child as the Messiah they had long waited for.

The birth narrative of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke also lists a genealogy of Jesus. However, Luke chronicles backward, beginning with Jesus and moving to Adam, while Matthew moves forward from Abraham to Joseph (Luke 3:23-38 and Matthew 1:1-17).

What Are the Differences Between The Two Christmas Stories in the Bible?

The birth narrative of Jesus in Matthew and Luke reflects their author, audience, and aim.

Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, targeted the Hebrew audience in his book. His writing points to Jesus as the legal heir to the throne of David, Israels Messiah. Matthew emphasizes prophecy and connects it to Jesus. He ties it to the events of Jesus birth and life. The reader recognizes Christ as heir to the kingly line, aided by the lived experiences of Matthew as an eyewitness to much of what he wrote.

Luke, a Gentile, wrote to the Gentile audience. His language often used Greek terminology and equivalents rather than Hebrew. His genealogy emphasized Christs human lineage yet upheld His divinity. Luke demonstrates Jesus as the redeemer of all humanity. He wrote historical details with accuracy and precision. The Apostle Paul referred to Luke as a physician (Colossians 4:14). He gives attention to medical events, including Jesus birth and His healing ministry and miracles.

Do The Two Christmas Stories Match Up?

The two birth narratives of Jesus, although distinct and unique, fit together when we realize each one highlights certain events and themes. Matthews birth narrative of Jesus covers the significance of Josephs role as husband and protector. Luke gives us a significant glimpse of Mary in her practical role as the mother of Jesus. Together we see a true account from two perspectives.

Matthew describes Josephs care for a pregnant Mary, his role in the familys night flight to Egypt, direction from angels, and their subsequent return to Nazareth. We glimpse into some of Josephs difficult decisions for their safety.

In Lukes birth narrative of Jesus, the account of their return to Nazareth occurs after the laws for a male birth and his mothers purification have been fulfilled. So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth (Luke 2:39 NKJV).

While Matthews birth narrative of Jesus brings the family to Nazareth from Egypt, Lukes account omits but never contradicts the trip to Egypt. After being warned in a dream, having heard that Archelaus reigned in Judea, he [Joseph] withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth (Matthew 2:22-23 NKJV).

Lukes account reads, when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord. This includes the circumcision in the temple and Simeon and Annas acknowledgment of the baby Messiah. It allows for Marys purification, which required 40 days, and any other obligations that Roman law might have added. Unrecorded gaps in events allowed for passing time.

From the birth narrative of Jesus in the manger given to us in Luke, the story resumes with the wise mens visit in Matthew 2. The wise men (or magi) tracked the star to Bethlehem, stopping in Jerusalem to ask Herod where they could find the King of the Jews. Advised by Herods priests and teachers, they proceeded to Bethlehem. There they found Jesus and His parents in a house, no longer in the same place where He had been born.

Matthews readers readily related to the tension of Roman rule and cruelty. Although Herod instructed the wise men to return to him with a report about the baby so he could also go and worship Him, they didnt obey. After the magi worshipped Jesus, they left another way. More time passed. In the time between the magis visit and the slaughter, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled to Egypt. When Herod discovered the magi had tricked him, he slaughtered all Bethlehems male infants two years old and under.

Although these two narratives provide differing details, the differences do not contradict each other. Matthew and Lukes accounts dovetail when they chronicle Joseph, Mary, and Jesus returning to Nazareth.

The chronology of events shows Gods miraculous plan again. Throughout history, He preserved the line of the Messiah for the right time and according to His redemptive purpose.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4 ESV)

Biblical history must be approached with an understanding that within the inspired Word of God, we are told without error what God wants us to know. Both Biblical detail and Biblical omission have a purpose.

These narratives of the birth story of Jesus flow together. Trustworthy accounts in Matthew and Luke bring curiosity and precious images of a God who fulfilled His promise to make a way for our salvation. Those pieces of the story still unknown remain mysteries of a wonderful night long ago when the sky lit up with glory when God came to dwell with us clothed in the soft skin of a baby.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/GarethHarper

Sylvia Schroeder loves connecting Gods Word with real life and writing about it. She is a contributing writer for a variety of magazines and online sites. Sylvia is co-author of a devotional book and her writing is included in several book compilations. Mom to four, grandma to 14, and wife to her one and only love, Sylvia enjoys writing about all of them.

Her love for pasta and all things Italian stems from years of ministry abroad. Shed love to tell you about it over a steaming cup of cappuccino. Connect with Sylvia on her blog, When the House is Quiet, her Facebook page, or Twitter.

This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ!

25 Hope-Filled Advent Bible Verses

Christmas Bible Verses to Share and Celebrate

The Birth of Jesus: Bible Story and Verses

Who Were the Wise Men?

Who Were the Christmas Angels?

Related podcast: The Music of Christmas - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.

Related video: 7 Prophecies That Foretold Jesus Birth
Carrefour's franchisee in Kenya, the United Arab Emirates-based Majid al Futtaim (MAF), said on Wednesday it will appeal against a 1.1 billion shilling ($7.14m) penalty imposed by the competition authority for alleged abuse of buying power.

File photo: Customers walk inside the Carrefour hypermarket at the Two Rivers Shopping Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, 8 April 2019. Reuters/Thomas Mukoya

The regulator Competition Authority of Kenya on Tuesday announced the fine, a record high in the East African nation, saying MAF Kenya was guilty of offering two local suppliers unfavourable terms.

"Majid Al Futtaim has full confidence in the fairness and integrity of our business practices and is appealing the Competition Authoritys decision," the company said in a statement.

In arriving at its decision, the authority had ignored the fact that the two local suppliers had already withdrawn their complaint and signed new contracts with the retailer, MAF said in the statement.

($1 = 154.0000 Kenyan shillings)
Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille has officially handed over a multi-million rand infrastructure maintenance project at the historic Wolwekloof Resort to CapeNature. Funded by the Department of Tourism, the project aims to revitalise the site with a focus on preserving its historical significance and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Source: Department of Tourism

The Wolwekloof Resort, located near Ceres in the Witzenberg Municipality, holds a unique place in South Africa's history as one of the few facilities accessible to people of colour during the apartheid era. After being closed to the public in recent years, CapeNature took over management of the resort in 2019, with the goal of transforming it into a thriving tourism facility.

Minister de Lille highlighted the importance of tourism in the country's economy, emphasising the need for collaboration to grow the sector. She stated, "Tourism is a key sector in our economy, injecting billions into the economy each year and providing much-needed jobs for our people."

Source: Department of Tourism

The Wolwekloof Resort project is part of the Department's funded provincial state-owned assets maintenance programme. The maintenance work, completed earlier this year, included upgrades to pools, installation of a new pool slide, new fencing, construction of braai areas, and walkway construction.

Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: "Wolwekloof is one of five tourism projects under the NDT CapeNature partnership. It is collaborations like this that help to boost the Western Cape tourism economy, offering holidaymakers even more travel choices."

Minister de Lille provided an update on South Africa's tourism sector, indicating positive signs of recovery with over 6.8 million tourists welcomed in the first 10 months of the year. Despite the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, CapeNature demonstrated impressive growth in revenue and visitor numbers during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.

Source: Department of Tourism

The Wolwekloof Resort project is still in phase one, with CapeNature planning additional work on water and electricity infrastructure in the next three phases. The vision is to reinstitute the site for recreational and leisure purposes with modern amenities.

Minister de Lille concluded by urging all partners to inject urgency into the remaining phases of the project, aiming for a public opening of the resort in the spring of 2024. She thanked the partners for their contributions and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to fulfil the tourism sector's full potential.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) announced on Tuesday, 19 December, its decision to increase the annual value of grants awarded to postdoctoral fellows.

Image source: Anna Ivanova  123RF.com

The new cohort that will start their Freestanding, Innovation and Scarce Skills (FISS) and grant holder-linked postdoctoral fellowships in 2024 will receive increased grants.

The NRFs postdoctoral fellowship programmes provide funding for young scientists and professionals of the highest calibre to receive postdoctoral research training and international exposure to strengthen their research profiles and career advancement.

These are individuals who have completed their doctoral degree studies and are working towards developing their careers as academic researchers.

Currently, the NRF-funded postdoctoral fellows receive non-taxable stipends ranging between R200,000 and R255,000 annually and an annual R50,000 research grant.

The new adjustments will move non-taxable stipends to R320,000 per annum while keeping research grants at R50,000.

Continuing postdoctoral fellowships that started in 2023 and are in their second or third year of funding will still utilise the old values and their original conditions of grant will still apply.

The implementation of the new Department of Science and Innovation-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding policy in 2023 resulted in a significant increase in the funding value of honours, masters and doctoral students to R180,735, R202,004 and R223,273 at the full cost of study, respectively.

The postdoctoral fellowships grants remained stagnant at the same time. This informed the NRFs review of its postdoctoral fellowship values. The adjustment of grant values is intended to make postdoctoral fellowships competitive and increase their uptake, particularly by South African citizens.

NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, said the agency supports postdoctoral fellowships to promote research and research capacity development in all fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH).

The NRF recognises the importance of these fellowships which are aimed at providing a comprehensive training, development and mentorship programme for the establishment of an independent researcher involved in engaged research.

We trust that the increased values of the FISS postdoctoral fellowships and grant holder-linked will make an added contribution in increasing the number and quality of postdoctoral research fellows in South Africa in all fields of research.
On Monday a New York Judge Loretta Preska ruled that the infamous Epstein Client List must be released in full in January 2024.

The 51-page ruling has caused a stir, but what is it really going to tell us?

Is it going to reveal anything of his ties to US and Israeli intelligence?

Highly improbable.

Is it going to tell us anything about his supposed suicide?

Of course not.

The judge even walked back the in full part before the end of her ruling, giving anyone on the list until January 1st to petition to have themselves removed:

Anyone on the list has until 1 January to appeal to have their name removed.

We dont know whos going to be on the full list when its released (except Prince Andrew, and you already know what we think about him) but theres no reason at all to trust it.

As we speak the contents of this full list are probably subject to feverish behind the scenes campaigning. PR firms, agents, lobbyists all jockeying to have their clients removed and their enemies added. Those in control are likely busy extorting favours from anyone who doesnt want to be a last minute addition.

Because thats always been the major point of the client list. Since the revelation that it existed, the Client List has been a potential threat hanging over the head of every politician, celebrity or high profile business owner.

Step out of line, and we might just discover youre on the list and start leaking that little tidbit all over the place.

The persons concerned dont need to have EVER actually been on the list for this to work.

Hell, there doesnt even need to be a list for this to work. Not a real solid hard copy compiled by Epstein anyhow. Just a spreadsheet on a computer somewhere, updated as necessary with the names of those deemed needful.

Consider, for a moment just how strange it is that we even know the Epstein client list exists, and indeed that thats what its called.

Consider how strange it is that we were ever told who went to what island how many times.

Now the judge has made a ruling (hooray! the system works!) and well likely be presented with nothing but a list of disposable names  the old, the dead, the already discredited and/or recently stepped out of line.

What relationship, if any, it has to Epsteins real associates or anything else real world will remain unknowable and largely irrelevant to everyone selling and consuming it.
[Source: timesofisrael.com]

On the evening of December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 traveling from Frankfurt to New York crashed over Lockerbie, Scotland, after a stopover at Londons Heathrow Airport, killing all 243 passengers and 16 crew along with 11 civilians on a residential street.

Following a three-year joint investigation by Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), arrest warrants were issued for two Libyan nationals, Abdelbaset Ali Mohamed al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah.

A Scottish court found Fhimah not guilty, though Megrahi was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

In November 2022, Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir Al-Marimi, a former senior Libyan intelligence official, was kidnapped from his home and charged with two criminal counts related to the bombingit was alleged that he set the timer before the bomb went off.

U.S. officials say that Masud admitted during an interview with Libyan law enforcement following the overthrow of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011 that the Lockerbie bombing was ordered by Libyan intelligence and that he and others who participated were personally thanked by Qaddafi for their roles.

However, the former director of that prison, Khalid al-Sharif, denies that Masud ever made such a confession while he was there. Sharif, now living in exile in Turkey, was one of the top leaders of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, an Afghan-based group that was listed in 2004 as a terrorist organization, though this designation was removed in 2015 after it participated in the 2011 U.S.-NATO-supported armed revolt that toppled Qaddafis secular national government.

Portrait of Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir Al-Marimi appearing in U.S. court. [Source: abc.net.au]

After his release from a Scottish jail in 2009 because he was suffering from pancreatic cancer, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was greeted by crowds back in Libya as a national hero, as people thought that he was innocent.

Tony Gauci [Source: keepitsimplenews.com]

Megrahis conviction had hinged on the testimony of a Maltese shopkeeper, Tony Gauci, who identified Megrahi as buying clothes, fragments of which were found among the plane wreckage.

However, the man who bought the clothes was older and taller than Megrahi and bought the clothes two weeks earlier. Furthermore, Gauci did not say he sold a slalom shirt that was found at the crash site with bomb fragments. Megrahi said that he never bought clothes at all from Gauci whom he said dealt with me very wrongly. I have never seen him in my life before he came to court.

Clothes fragments used as evidence with bomb embedded in them. [Source: keepitsimplenews.com]

Gauci admitting he never sold Megrahi a shirt. [Source: keepitsimplenews.com]

Australian Investigator Finds Hidden CIA Hand

Peter Osborne [Source: thesixtheye.org]

Peter Osborne is a physics teacher and former science adviser to the Australian government who began investigating CIA corruption in 2002 after his encryption business venture established with the Australian government and United Nations was destroyed by CIA Operation StillPoint because it had an encryption key that the National Security Agency (NSA)which operated at a U.S. spy base in Australiacould not infiltrate.

Osbornes research has followed on the heels of investigative journalist Danny Casolaro, who was murdered in August 1991 before he could write a tell-all book that would expose a web of corruption by a rogue group of CIA agents who appeared to be involved in the Lockerbie bombing.

Danny Casolaro [Source: toptenz.net]

Osborne has amassed a large amount of evidence indicating that the rogue group, led by the CIAs former Saigon Station Chief Theodore Shackley, was indeed behind the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing.

Known as the godfather of secret warriors, Shackley had worked as a translator for Nazi spy chief Reinhard Gehlen after his recruitment into the CIA and headed the CIAs JM-Wave station in Miami, which directed terrorist operations against Cuba following the Cuban Revolution.

Shackley then teamed up with jungle warfare specialists such as Richard Secord, John Singlaub, Tom Clines and Oliver North in the secret war in Laos, where the CIA created a secret army of opium-growing Hmong tribesmen to fight against the communist Pathet Lao. Millions of dollars in opium profits were siphoned off and laundered through the Nugan Hand Bank of Australia during this operation.

Shackley retired from the CIA in the late 1970s but continued to work with the Agency while heading private security companies that were involved in illicit arms deals with Iran to help fund the Nicaraguan Contras (counter-revolutionaries funded by the CIA to overthrow the left-wing Sandinistas).

The motive of Shackley and his secret team in bombing Pan Am Flight 103 was to cover up their involvement in illegal drug trafficking going back to the era of the Indochina War to fund black operations.

Among the Lockerbie victims were three U.S. intelligence specialists returning from an aborted hostage rescue mission in Lebanon: a) Matthew Gannon, the CIA Deputy Station Chief in Beirut; b) Ronald Lariviere, a special agent assigned to Beirut; and c) Major Charles McKee, a senior Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and CIA operative from Arlington, Virginia.

Theodore Shackley [Source: ordobachao.ca] Charles McKee [Source: pa10311.org]

A variety of sources have claimed that McKee got wind of illicit narcotics trafficking by Shackley and his secret team and was returning to Washington with Gannon and Lariviere to blow the whistle on them.

Pan Am Flight103 was brought down shortly after the election of ex-CIA chief George H.W. Bush, who enjoyed a close relationship with Shackley and his secret team.

Exposure of CIA drug trafficking by George H.W. Bushs CIA cronies would have damaged his political career. [Source: wsws.org]

A few months after Lockerbie, reports emerged from Lebanon that McKee and Gannons travel plans had been leaked to the bombers. The implication was that Flight 103 was targeted because they were on board.

Matthew Gannon [Source: wikispooks.com] Ronald Lariviere [Source: pa103ll.org]

McKee and companys itinerary was allegedly telexed by then-DEA Agent Micheal Hurley to the CIA Director of Operations in Washington, MI6 and SPAG, a CIA Special Action Group in Germany. CIA operative George K. Pender had alerted members of the secret team that McKee and his team had unearthed evidence of their illegal drug and arms trafficking operations and was on his way to Washington to report on it. Prior to the flight, McKee had contacted his mother, Beulah, who said he appeared to be in distress.

According to John Ashton and Ian Ferguson, authors of Cover-up of ConvenienceThe Hidden Scandal of Lockerbie, Megrahis trial did not take into account the wads of U.S. dollars, or the heroin or the Hezbollah t-shirt found in the wreckage.

Furthermore, a suitcase belonging to McKee was mysteriously carried away from the piles of wreckage left by the crash and even had a large hole cut into it before it was returned to the investigation.

Called tiny by his Army intelligence friends when he was really a burly giant, McKee had graduated first in his class from the Army Special Forces School and served with the Green Berets in Beirut before working with the CIA there.

Ohio Congressman James Traficant said that a report that McKee and Gannon had seen concluded that the CIA was covering up a drug run, protecting the terrorists Frankfurt to New York heroin route in exchange for contacts that might lead to the release of American hostages.

James Traficant [Source: wikipedia.org]

These hostages had been taken by Hezbollah after the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, which the U.S. was blamed for supporting.

The CIA-protected drug route that McKee and Gannon were going to expose was supposedly called Operation Corea.

It allowed Syrian drug dealers led by Monzer al-Kassar, an associate of Oliver North, to ship heroin produced by Christian Falangists backed by the CIA in Lebanon to the U.S. using Pan-Am flights in exchange for intelligence on Palestinian groups holding hostages in Syria.

Monzer al-Kassar with his family at his mansion in 1985 and after his arrest in 2008. [Source: newyorker.com]

The CIA protected the suitcases containing the drugs and made sure they were not searched. However, on the day of the bombing, terrorists exchanged suitcases, one with drugs, for one with a bomb.

Beulah McKee told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that, if her son had discovered that a faction of the CIA had become corrupt, he would have demanded answers and that her son was unwilling to be caught up in a drug-running ring.

Three years after the crash, she told Time that, for three years, Ive had a feeling that if Chuck hadnt been on that plane, it wouldnt have been bombed, adding that she had never been satisfied at all by what the people in Washington told me.

Traficant said that the classified report McKee and Gannon had seen detailed a web of plots and connections involving hostages, spies, bombers and drug runners.

Allegedly, West German intelligence agents told CIA agents in Frankfurt about an hour before Pan Am Flight 103 departed that they suspected a bomb may have been enclosed in a specific suitcase, Traficant said.

Traficant corroborated that McKee and Gannon knew the CIA was protecting the heroin ring and planned to tell U.S. officials this was hindering efforts to win the hostages release.

A sign that there was a cover-up in place was that FBI Agent Oliver Buck Revell, who worked with the secret team, was able to warn his son in advance not to take Pan Am Flight 103 but to change to another flight.

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon John McCarthy and Pik Botha, a South African politician and 22 other South African delegates were also booked on Pan Am Flight 103, but they either changed planes or declined to travel because of a warning.

Oliver Buck Revell [Source: jinsa.org] Pik Botha [Source: thetimes.co.uk]

According to Osborne, Shackleys co-conspirators included Richard Secord, a veteran of the secret war in Laos involved in Iran-Contra, and Vincent Cannistraro, head of the CIAs counterterrorism center who worked out of the U.S. embassy in Rome and with Oliver North. Conveniently, Cannistraro was appointed to head the CIAs investigation into the Lockerbie crash.

Vincent Cannistraro [Source: lockerbietruth.com]

Edwin Wilson claimed from his prison cell that he had been working for the CIA when his company, International Consultants, shipped 20 tons of plastic explosives from Houston, Texas, to Tripoli and trained people in Libya working for the Qaddafi regime to blow up things like airlines. (Wilson was convicted in 1983 of illegally selling weapons to Libya.)

<img class="wp-image-63784 td-animation-stack-type0-2 cursor-hover" src="https://i0.wp.com/covertactionmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/the-former-c-i-a-agent-edwin-p-wilson-was-escort.jpeg?resize=696%2C789&ssl=1" sizes="(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/covertactionmaga
This 12,000-word tome is straight from the official Chinese website, and it gives marching orders to every corner of the country to use AI to implement Technocracy in China and beyond: Smart Cities, Smart Agriculture, Smart Society, Smart Manufacturing, Smart Healthcare, Smart Economy, Smart Robots, Smart Transportation, Smart IoT, Smart Finance, Smart Logistics, Smart Homes, Smart Education, Smart Government, Smart Courts, and more. This is a cradle-to-grave, a-to-z recipe for scientific dictatorship, a.k .a. technocracy. China has long abandoned Communism in favor of Technocracy.  TN Editor

The State Council issued the Notice of the Development Plan for the New Generation of Artificial Intelligence,

Guofa [2017] No. 35

The peoples governments of all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government, all ministries and commissions of the State Council, and all agencies directly under the State Council:

The New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan is now issued to you, please implement it conscientiously.

State Council

July 8, 2017

(This article is released to the public)

New generation artificial intelligence development plan

The rapid development of artificial intelligence will profoundly change human social life and the world. In order to seize the major strategic opportunities for the development of artificial intelligence, build my countrys first-mover advantage in the development of artificial intelligence, and accelerate the construction of an innovative country and a world science and technology power, this plan is formulated in accordance with the deployment requirements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council.

1. Strategic Situation

The development of artificial intelligence has entered a new stage. After more than 60 years of evolution, especially driven by new theories and technologies such as mobile Internet, big data, supercomputing, sensor networks, and brain science, as well as the strong demand for economic and social development, artificial intelligence has accelerated its development, showing deep learning, Cross-border integration, human-machine collaboration, open crowd intelligence, autonomous control and other new features. Big data-driven knowledge learning, cross-media collaborative processing, human-computer collaboration to enhance intelligence, group integrated intelligence, and autonomous intelligent systems have become the focus of the development of artificial intelligence. Brain-like intelligence inspired by the results of brain science research is ready to go, and it will be chip-based and hardware-based. The trend of platformization has become more obvious, and the development of artificial intelligence has entered a new stage. At present, the overall advancement of the development of new-generation artificial intelligence-related disciplines, theoretical modeling, technological innovation, and software and hardware upgrades is triggering a chain of breakthroughs and promoting the accelerated leap from digitalization and networking to intelligence in all economic and social fields.

Artificial intelligence has become a new focus of international competition. Artificial intelligence is a strategic technology that will lead the future. The worlds major developed countries regard the development of artificial intelligence as a major strategy to enhance national competitiveness and safeguard national security. They have stepped up the introduction of plans and policies and strengthened deployment around core technologies, top talents, standards and regulations, etc. Strive to take the lead in the new round of international scientific and technological competition. At present, my countrys national security and international competition situation is more complex. We must look at the world, put the development of artificial intelligence at the national strategic level, plan systematically and proactively, firmly grasp the strategic initiative of international competition in the new stage of artificial intelligence development, and create new competitive advantages. Open up new space for development and effectively ensure national security.

Artificial intelligence has become a new engine for economic development. As the core driving force of a new round of industrial transformation, artificial intelligence will further release the huge energy accumulated in previous scientific and technological revolutions and industrial changes, and create new powerful engines to reconstruct all aspects of economic activities such as production, distribution, exchange, and consumption, forming a New demands for intelligence in various fields from macro to micro have spawned new technologies, new products, new industries, new formats, and new models, triggered major changes in the economic structure, profoundly changed human production, lifestyles, and thinking patterns, and achieved an overall jump in social productivity. . my countrys economic development has entered a new normal, and the task of deepening supply-side structural reform is very arduous. It is necessary to accelerate the in-depth application of artificial intelligence, cultivate and expand the artificial intelligence industry, and inject new momentum into my countrys economic development.

Artificial intelligence brings new opportunities for social construction. Our country is in the decisive stage of building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way. Challenges such as an aging population and resource and environmental constraints are still severe. Artificial intelligence is widely used in education, medical care, elderly care, environmental protection, urban operations, judicial services and other fields, which will greatly improve public health. The level of precision in services comprehensively improves the quality of peoples lives. Artificial intelligence technology can accurately perceive, predict, and provide early warning of major trends in infrastructure and social security operations, timely grasp group cognitive and psychological changes, and proactively make decisions and responses. It will significantly improve the ability and level of social governance, and is indispensable for effectively maintaining social stability. The role of substitution.

Uncertainty in the development of artificial intelligence brings new challenges. Artificial intelligence is a disruptive technology with wide impact. It may bring about problems such as changing the employment structure, impacting laws and social ethics, invading personal privacy, and challenging the norms of international relations. It will have far-reaching consequences for government management, economic security, social stability, and even global governance. Influence. While vigorously developing artificial intelligence, we must attach great importance to possible security risk challenges, strengthen forward-looking prevention and restraint guidance, minimize risks, and ensure the safe, reliable, and controllable development of artificial intelligence.

my country has a good foundation for developing artificial intelligence. The country has deployed key national research and development plan projects such as intelligent manufacturing, issued and implemented a three-year action plan for Internet + artificial intelligence, and proposed a series of measures from the aspects of scientific and technological research and development, application promotion and industrial development. After years of continuous accumulation, my country has made important progress in the field of artificial intelligence. The number of international scientific papers published and the number of invention patents granted has ranked second in the world, and core key technologies in some fields have achieved important breakthroughs. Speech recognition and visual recognition technology lead the world. Adaptive autonomous learning, intuitive perception, comprehensive reasoning, hybrid intelligence and swarm intelligence have the initial ability to develop by leaps and bounds. Chinese information processing, intelligent monitoring, biometric identification, industrial robots, service robots, Unmanned driving is gradually entering practical applications, artificial intelligence innovation and entrepreneurship are becoming increasingly active, and a number of leading enterprises have accelerated their growth and have gained widespread attention and recognition internationally. The accelerated accumulation of technical capabilities, the organic combination of massive data resources, huge application demands, and an open market environment have formed unique advantages for the development of artificial intelligence in my country.

At the same time, we must also be soberly aware that there is still a gap between the overall development level of artificial intelligence in my country and developed countries, and there is a lack of major original achievements. In basic theory, core algorithms and key equipment, high-end chips, major products and systems, basic materials, There is a big gap in components, software and interfaces; scientific research institutions and enterprises have not yet formed an ecosystem and industrial chain with international influence, and lack a systematic advanced R&D layout; cutting-edge artificial intelligence talents are far from meeting the demand; adapting to the development of artificial intelligence The infrastructure, policies, regulations, and standard systems need to be improved urgently.

In the face of new situations and new demands, we must proactively seek changes and adapt to changes, firmly grasp the major historical opportunities for the development of artificial intelligence, closely follow development, analyze the general trend, proactively plan, grasp the direction, seize opportunities, lead the new trend of artificial intelligence development in the world, and serve Economic and social development and supporting national security will drive the overall improvement and leap-forward development of national competitiveness.

2. Overall requirements

(1) Guiding ideology.

Comprehensively implement the spirit of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Plenary Sessions of the 18th Central Committee, and thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinpings series of important speeches and new concepts, new ideas and new strategies in governance, in accordance with the Five One overall layout and Four Comprehensives strategic layout, conscientiously implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, in-depth implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy, with the main line of accelerating the in-depth integration of artificial intelligence with economy, society, and national defense, and to enhance the new generation of artificial intelligence The main direction of scientific and technological innovation capabilities is to develop smart economy, build smart society, safeguard national security, build an ecosystem of interactive integration of knowledge groups, technology groups, and industrial groups and mutual support of talents, systems, and culture, proactively respond to risks and challenges, and promote human-centered development. Intelligentization with sustainable development as the center comprehensively enhances social productivity, comprehensive national strength and national competitiveness, and provides opportunities for accelerating the construction of an innovative country and a world science and technology power, realizing the Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Strong support.

(2) Basic principles.

Technology leads. Grasp the development trend of artificial intelligence in the world, highlight the forward-looking development of research and development, explore layout and long-term support in key frontier fields, strive to achieve transformative and disruptive breakthroughs in theories, methods, tools, systems, etc., and comprehensively enhance the original innovation capabilities of artificial intelligence. Accelerate the construction of first-mover advantages and achieve high-end leading development.

System layout. Formulate targeted system development strategies based on the different characteristics of basic research, technology research and development, industrial development and industry applications. Give full play to the advantages of the socialist system in concentrating efforts on big things, promote the overall layout of projects, bases, and talents. The major projects that have been deployed are organically connected with new tasks. The current urgent need is to connect with the long-term development echelon, to build innovation capabilities, to reform systems and mechanisms, and to policy environment. Create collaborative efforts.

Market dominance. Follow the laws of the market, adhere to the application orientation, highlight the main role of enterprises in the selection of technical routes and the formulation of industry product standards, accelerate the commercial application of artificial intelligence scientific and technological achievements, and form a competitive advantage. Grasp the division of labor between the government and the market, and better leverage the governments important role in planning guidance, policy support, safety precautions, market supervision, environmental creation, and formulation of ethical regulations.

Open source. Advocate the concept of open source sharing and promote the co-creation and sharing of innovative entities in industry, academia, and research. Follow the law of coordinated development of economic construction and national defense construction, promote the two-way transformation and application of military and civilian scientific and technological achievements, and the joint construction and sharing of military and civilian innovative resources, and form a new pattern of deep military-civilian integrated development with all factors, multiple fields, and high efficiency. Actively participate in the global research and development and governance of artificial intelligence, and optimize the allocation of innovative resources on a global scale.

(3) Strategic goals.

Take it in three steps:

The first step is that by 2020, the overall technology and application of artificial intelligence will be synchronized with the worlds advanced level, the artificial intelligence industry will become a new important economic growth point, and the application of artificial intelligence technology will become a new way to improve peoples livelihood, strongly supporting the entry into the ranks of innovative countries and the realization of The goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

The new generation of artificial intelligence theory and technology has made important progress. Important progress has been made in basic theories and core technologies such as big data intelligence, cross-media intelligence, swarm intelligence, hybrid enhanced intelligence, and autonomous intelligent systems, and landmark results have been achieved in artificial intelligence model methods, core devices, high-end equipment, and basic software.

The competitiveness of the artificial intelligence industry has entered the international first phalanx. Preliminarily establish artificial intelligence technology standards, service systems and industrial ecological chains, and cultivate a number of world-leading artificial intelligence backbone enterprises. The scale of the core artificial intelligence industry exceeds 150 billion yuan, driving the scale of related industries to exceed 1 trillion yuan.

The development environment of artificial intelligence has been further optimized, innovative applications have been comprehensively launched in key areas, a group of high-level talents and innovation teams have been gathered, and artificial intelligence ethical norms, policies and regulations in some fields have been initially established.

In the second step, by 2025, major breakthroughs will be achieved in the basic theory of artificial intelligence, and some technologies and applications will reach the worlds leading level. Artificial intelligence will become the main driving force for my countrys industrial upgrading and economic transformation, and positive progress will be made in the construction of an intelligent society.

The new generation of artificial intelligence theory and technology system has been initially established, artificial intelligence with autonomous learning capabilities has made breakthroughs, and has achieved leading research results in many fields.

The artificial intelligence industry has entered the high end of the global value chain. The new generation of artificial intelligence is widely used in fields such as smart manufacturing, smart medical care, smart cities, smart agriculture, and national defense construction. The scale of the core artificial intelligence industry exceeds 400 billion yuan, driving the scale of related industries to exceed 5 trillion yuan.

Initially establish an artificial intelligence legal, regulatory, ethical and policy system to form artificial intelligence safety assessment and control capabilities.

The third step is to reach the worlds leading level in artificial intelligence theory, technology and application by 2030, becoming the worlds major artificial intelligence innovation center, achieving significant results in smart economy and smart society, and laying an important foundation for becoming a leading innovative country and an economic power.

Form a relatively mature new generation of artificial intelligence theory and technology system. It has made major breakthroughs in the fields of brain-like intelligence, autonomous intelligence, hybrid intelligence and swarm intelligence. It has an important influence in the field of international artificial intelligence research and occupies the commanding heights of artificial intelligence technology.

The competitiveness of the artificial intelligence industry has reached the international leading level. The breadth and depth of the application of artificial intelligence in all aspects of production and life, social governance, and national defense construction have been greatly expanded, forming a complete industrial chain and high-end industrial cluster covering core technologies, key systems, support platforms, and intelligent applications. The scale of the core artificial intelligence industry has exceeded 1 trillion yuan, driving the scale of related industries to exceed 10 trillion yuan.

Form a number of world-leading artificial intelligence technological innovation and talent training bases, and build a more complete artificial intelligence legal, regulatory, ethical and policy system.

(4) Overall deployment.

The development of artificial intelligence is a complex system project that affects the overall situation. It must be laid out in accordance with building a system, grasping dual attributes, adhering to the trinity, and strengthening the four major supports to form a strategic path for the healthy and sustainable development of artificial intelligence.

Build an open and collaborative artificial intelligence technology innovation system. In response to key and difficult issues such as weak original theoretical foundations and lack of major products and systems, establish a new generation of basic artificial intelligence theories and key common technology systems, layout and build major scientific and technological innovation bases, strengthen the team of high-end artificial intelligence talents, and promote collaborative interaction among innovative entities. Form artificial intelligence continuous innovation capabilities.

Grasp the highly integrated characteristics of artificial intelligences technical attributes and social attributes. It is necessary to increase the research and development and application of artificial intelligence to maximize the potential of artificial intelligence; it is also necessary to predict the challenges of artificial intelligence, coordinate industrial policies, innovation policies and social policies, achieve coordination between incentive development and reasonable regulations, and prevent risks to the greatest extent .

Adhere to the three-in-one promotion of artificial intelligence research and development, product application and industry cultivation. Adapt to the characteristics and trends of artificial intelligence development, strengthen the deep integration of innovation chain and industrial chain, and the interactive evolution of technology supply and market demand, promote field applications and industrial upgrading with technological breakthroughs, and promote technology and system optimization with application demonstrations. While currently promoting technology application and industrial development on a large scale, we will strengthen mid- and long-term R&D layout and key research, achieve rolling development and continuous improvement, and ensure that we are ahead in theory, occupy the commanding heights technically, and are safe and controllable in application.

Comprehensively support science and technology, economy, social development and national security. Use artificial intelligence technology breakthroughs to comprehensively improve the countrys innovation capabilities and lead the process of building a world science and technology power; by strengthening intelligent industries and cultivating intelligent economies, we will create a new growth cycle for our countrys economic prosperity in the next ten or even decades; to build intelligent The society promotes the improvement of peoples livelihood and well-being and implements people-centered development ideas; uses artificial intelligence to enhance national defense strength and ensure and maintain national security.

3. Key tasks

Based on the overall development of the country, accurately grasp the global artificial intelligence development trend, identify breakthroughs and main directions of attack, comprehensively enhance the basic capabilities of scientific and technological innovation, comprehensively expand the depth and breadth of applications in key areas, and comprehensively improve the level of economic and social development and national defense application intelligence.

(1) Build an open and collaborative artificial intelligence technology innovation system.

Focusing on increasing the source supply of artificial intelligence innovation, strengthen deployment from cutting-edge basic theories, key common technologies, basic platforms, talent teams, etc., promote open source sharing, systematically improve continuous innovation capabilities, ensure that my countrys artificial intelligence technology level ranks among the top in the world, and serve the world Make more contributions to the development of artificial intelligence.

1. Establish a new generation of artificial intelligence basic theoretical system.

Focus on major scientific frontier issues of artificial intelligence, take into account current needs and long-term development, focus on breaking through the bottleneck of basic theories of artificial intelligence applications, and advance basic research that may trigger changes in the artificial intelligence paradigm, promote cross-disciplinary integration, and provide a basis for the sustainable development and depth of artificial intelligence. The application provides a strong scientific reserve.

Break through the bottleneck of applying basic theories. Aiming at the basic theoretical direction with clear application goals and expected to lead the upgrade of artificial intelligence technology, strengthen basic theoretical research on big data intelligence, cross-media perception computing, human-computer hybrid intelligence, swarm intelligence, autonomous collaboration and decision-making, etc. Big data intelligence theory focuses on breaking through difficult problems such as unsupervised learning and comprehensive deep reasoning, establishing a data-driven cognitive computing model with natural language understanding as the core, and forming the ability to move from big data to knowledge, and from knowledge to decision-making. Cross-media perception computing theory focuses on breakthroughs in theoretical methods such as low-cost and low-energy intelligent perception, active perception of complex scenes, natural environment auditory and speech perception, and multimedia autonomous learning to achieve superhuman perception and highly dynamic, high-dimensional, multi-modal distributed large-scene perception. . Hybrid augmented intelligence theory focuses on breakthroughs in human-computer collaboration and integration of situational understanding and decision-making learning, intuitive reasoning and causal models, memory and knowledge evolution, etc., to achieve hybrid augmented intelligence where learning and thinking are close to or exceed the level of human intelligence. The theory of swarm intelligence focuses on breaking through the theories and methods of organization, emergence, and learning of swarm intelligence, establishing expressible and computable crowd intelligence stimulation algorithms and models, and forming a swarm intelligence theoretical system based on the Internet. The theory of autonomous collaborative control and optimized decision-making focuses on breakthroughs in theories such as collaborative perception and interaction for autonomous unmanned systems, autonomous collaborative control and optimized decision-making, and knowledge-driven human-machine-object three-dimensional collaboration and interoperability, forming the innovation of autonomous intelligent unmanned systems. Theoretical architecture.

Lay out frontier basic theoretical research. Aiming at directions that may lead to changes in the artificial intelligence paradigm, we proactively plan cross-field basic theoretical research on advanced machine learning, brain-like intelligent computing, and quantum intelligent computing. Advanced machine learning theory focuses on breakthroughs in theoretical methods such as adaptive learning and autonomous learning to achieve artificial intelligence with high interpretability and strong generalization capabilities. Brain-like intelligent computing theory focuses on breaking through brain-like information coding, processing, memory, learning and reasoning theories, forming brain-like complex systems and brain-like control theories and methods, and establishing new models of large-scale brain-like intelligent computing and brain-inspired Cognitive computing models. Quantum intelligent computing theory focuses on breakthroughs in quantum accelerated machine learning methods, establishing a hybrid model of high-performance computing and quantum algorithms, and forming an efficient, accurate and autonomous quantum artificial intelligence system architecture.

Conduct interdisciplinary exploratory research. Promote the cross-integration of artificial intelligence with relevant basic disciplines such as neuroscience, cognitive science, quantum science, psychology, mathematics, economics, sociology, etc., strengthen research on basic mathematical theories that lead the development of artificial intelligence algorithms and models, and pay attention to artificial intelligence laws. Research on basic theoretical issues in ethics supports exploratory research with strong originality and non-consensus, encourages scientists to explore freely, and has the courage to overcome cutting-edge scientific problems in artificial intelligence, propose more original theories, and make more original discoveries.

Column 1 Basic Theory 1. Big data intelligence theory. Research new artificial intelligence methods that combine data-driven and knowledge guidance, cognitive computing theories and methods with natural language understanding and image graphics as the core, comprehensive deep reasoning and creative artificial intelligence theories and methods, and basic theories of intelligent decision-making under incomplete information and frameworks, data-driven general artificial intelligence mathematical models and theories, etc. 2. Cross-media perceptual computing theory. Research on perceptual acquisition beyond human visual capabilities, active visual perception and computation for the real world, auditory perception and computation of natural acoustic scenes, speech perception and computation of natural interactive environments, human-like perception and computation for asynchronous sequences, media-oriented Intelligent sensing autonomous learning, urban full-dimensional intelligent sensing reasoning engine. 3. Hybrid augmented intelligence theory. Research on human-in-the-loop hybrid augmented intelligence, behavioral enhancement and brain-machine collaboration of human-computer intelligence symbiosis, machine intuitive reasoning and causal models, associative memory models and knowledge evolution methods, hybrid augmented intelligence learning methods for complex data and tasks, cloud Robot collaborative computing methods, situation understanding in real-world environments, and human-machine group collaboration. 4. Swarm intelligence theory. Research swarm intelligence structure theory and organizational methods, swarm intelligence incentive mechanism and emergence mechanism, swarm intelligence learning theory and methods, and swarm intelligence general computing paradigms and models. 5. Autonomous collaborative control and optimal decision-making theory. Research on theories such as collaborative perception and interaction for autonomous unmanned systems, collaborative control and optimal decision-making for autonomous unmanned systems, and knowledge-driven three-dimensional collaboration and interoperability of humans, machines, and objects. 6. Advanced machine learning theory. Research basic theories of statistical learning, uncertainty reasoning and decision-making, distributed learning and interaction, privacy-preserving learning, small sample learning, deep reinforcement learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, active learning and other learning theories and efficient models. 7. Brain-like intelligent computing theory. Research theories and methods such as brain-like perception, brain-like learning, brain-like memory mechanism and computing fusion, brain-like complex systems, and brain-like control. 8. Quantum intelligent computing theory. Explore the quantum patterns and intrinsic mechanisms of brain cognition, research efficient quantum intelligence models and algorithms, high-performance and high-bit quantum artificial intelligence processors, real-time quantum artificial intelligence systems that can exchange information with the external environment, etc.

2. Establish a new generation of key common technology systems for artificial intelligence.

Focusing on the urgent need to enhance the international competitiveness of my countrys artificial intelligence, the research and development and deployment of key common technologies of the new generation of artificial intelligence must be based on algorithms and based on data and hardware to improve perception and recognition, knowledge calculation, cognitive reasoning, motion execution, Focusing on human-computer interaction capabilities, an open, compatible, stable and mature technology system has been formed.

Knowledge computing engine and knowledge service technology. Focus on breakthroughs in core technologies of knowledge processing, in-depth search and visual interaction, to achieve automatic acquisition of continuous incremental knowledge, with the capabilities of concept recognition, entity discovery, attribute prediction, knowledge evolution modeling and relationship mining, forming a scale covering billions of entities A multi-source, multi-disciplinary and multi-data type cross-media knowledge graph.

Cross-media analytical reasoning technology. Focus on breaking through technologies such as cross-media unified representation, association understanding and knowledge mining, knowledge graph construction and learning, knowledge evolution and reasoning, intelligent description and generation, etc., to realize cross-media knowledge representation, analysis, mining, reasoning, evolution and utilization, and build analytical reasoning engine.

Key technologies of swarm intelligence. Focus on breakthroughs in technologies such as Internet-based popular collaboration, large-scale collaborative knowledge resource management and open sharing, establish a group intelligence knowledge representation framework, realize knowledge acquisition based on group intelligence sensing and group intelligence integration and enhancement in an open dynamic environment, and support The perception, collaboration and evolution of tens of millions of groups covering the whole country.

Hybrid augmented intelligence new architecture and new technologies. Focus on breakthroughs in core technologies such as the integrated perception and execution model of human-machine collaboration, new sensor devices that move forward in intelligent computing, and general hybrid computing architecture, to build hybrid enhanced intelligent systems that autonomously adapt to the environment, and hybrid enhanced intelligent systems and support for human-machine groups. environment.

Intelligent technologies for autonomous unmanned systems. Focus on breakthroughs in common technologies such as autonomous unmanned system computing architecture, complex dynamic scene perception and understanding, real-time precise positioning, and adaptive intelligent navigation for complex environments, as well as intelligent technologies such as autonomous control of drones and autonomous driving of cars, ships, and rail transit. Core technologies such as service robots and special robots support the application of unmanned systems and industrial development.

Virtual reality intelligent modeling technology. Focus on breakthroughs in virtual object intelligent behavior modeling technology, improve the sociality, diversity and interactive fidelity of intelligent object behavior in virtual reality, and achieve the organic combination and efficient interaction of virtual reality, augmented reality and other technologies with artificial intelligence.

Intelligent computing chips and systems. Focus on breakthroughs in high-energy-efficiency, reconfigurable brain-like computing chips and brain-like visual sensor technologies with computational imaging functions, and develop high-performance brain-like neural network architectures and hardware systems with autonomous learning capabilities to achieve multimedia perception, information understanding and intelligent growth , brain-like intelligent system with common sense reasoning ability.

Natural language processing technology. Focus on breaking through the core technologies of grammatical logic, character concept representation and deep semantic analysis of natural language, promote effective communication and free interaction between humans and machines, and achieve intelligent understanding and automatic generation of natural language in multiple styles, languages and fields.

Column 2 Key common technologies 1. Knowledge computing engine and knowledge service technology. Research knowledge computing and visual interaction engines, research innovative design, digital creativity and business intelligence with visual media as the core and other knowledge service technologies, and carry out knowledge discovery of large-scale biological data. 2. Cross-media analysis and reasoning technology. Research technologies such as cross-media unified representation, association understanding and knowledge mining, knowledge graph construction and learning, knowledge evolution and reasoning, intelligent description and generation, and develop cross-media analysis and reasoning engines and verification systems. 3. Key technologies of swarm intelligence. Carry out research on key technologies such as active perception and discovery, knowledge acquisition and generation, collaboration and sharing, evaluation and evolution, human-machine integration and enhancement, self-sustainment and safe interaction of group intelligence, build a service architecture for group intelligence space, and study mobile groups Intelligent collaborative decision-making and control technology. 4. Mix new architectures and new technologies for enhanced intelligence. Research hybrid enhanced intelligence core technology, cognitive computing framework, new hybrid computing architecture, human-machine co-driving, online intelligent learning technology, and hybrid enhanced intelligence framework for parallel management and control. 5. Intelligent technology for autonomous unmanned systems. Research on intelligent technologies such as autonomous control of drones and autonomous driving of automobiles, ships, and rail transit, service robots, space robots, marine robots, and polar robot technologies, unmanned workshop / smart factory intelligent technologies, high-end intelligent control technologies, and autonomous unmanned operations system. Research on computer vision-based positioning, navigation, recognition and other autonomous control technologies for robots and robotic arms in complex environments. 6. Virtual reality intelligent modeling technology. Study the mathematical expression and modeling methods of intelligent behavior of virtual objects, issues such as natural, continuous and in-depth interaction between virtual objects, virtual environments and users, and the technology and method system of intelligent object modeling. 7. Intelligent computing chips and systems. Research and develop neural network processors and high-energy-efficiency, reconfigurable brain-inspired computing chips, new sensing chips and systems, intelligent computing architecture and systems, and artificial intelligence operating systems. Research hybrid computing architecture suitable for artificial intelligence, etc. 8. Natural language processing technology. Research short text computing and analysis technology, cross-language text mining technology and semantic understanding technology for machine cognitive intelligence, and human-computer dialogue systems for multimedia information understanding.

3. Coordinate the layout of the artificial intelligence innovation platform.

Build and deploy an artificial intelligence innovation platform and strengthen basic support for artificial intelligence research and development applications. The artificial intelligence open source software and hardware basic platform focuses on building a unified computing framework platform that supports artificial intelligence paradigms such as knowledge reasoning, probability statistics, and deep learning, forming an ecological chain that promotes mutual collaboration between artificial intelligence software, hardware, and intelligent clouds. The crowd intelligence service platform focuses on building knowledge resource management and open sharing tools based on large-scale Internet collaboration, forming a crowd intelligence and crowd-creation platform and service environment oriented to the innovation links of industry, academia, research and application. The hybrid enhanced intelligent support platform focuses on building heterogeneous real-time computing engines and new computing clusters that support large-scale training, and provides service-oriented and systematic platforms and solutions for complex intelligent computing. The autonomous unmanned system support platform focuses on building a support system for common artificial intelligence core technologies such as environmental perception, autonomous collaborative control, and intelligent decision-making in complex environments of autonomous unmanned systems, forming an open, modular, and reconfigurable autonomous unmanned system. Development and testing environment. The artificial intelligence basic data and security detection platform focuses on building public data resource libraries, standard test data sets, cloud service platforms, etc. for artificial intelligence to form methods, technologies, specifications and tool sets for artificial intelligence algorithm and platform security testing and evaluation. Promote the open source of various general software and technology platforms. Various platforms must promote military-civilian sharing and sharing in accordance with the requirements for in-depth military-civilian integration and relevant regulations.

Column 3 Basic Support Platform 1. Artificial intelligence open source software and hardware basic platform. Establish a big data artificial intelligence open source software basic platform, an artificial intelligence cloud service platform for terminal and cloud collaboration, a new multi-smart sensor device and integration platform, a new product design platform based on artificial intelligence hardware, and a big data intelligent service platform in future networks. wait. 2. Group intelligent service platform. Establish a crowd-intelligence and crowd-innovation computing support platform, a science and technology crowd-innovation service system, a crowd-intelligence software development and verification automation system, a crowd-intelligence software learning and innovation system, an open environment crowd-intelligence decision-making system, and a crowd-intelligence sharing economic service system. 3. Hybrid enhanced intelligent support platform. Establish an artificial intelligence supercomputing center, a large-scale superintelligent computing support environment, an online intelligent education platform, a human-in-the-loop driving brain, an intelligent platform for industrial development complexity analysis and risk assessment, an intelligent guarantee platform to support the safe operation of nuclear power, and a human R&D and testing platform for ride-sharing technology, etc. 4. Autonomous unmanned system support platform. Establish common core technology support platforms for autonomous unmanned systems, autonomous drone control and autonomous driving support platforms for automobiles, ships and rail transit, service robots, space robots, marine robots, and polar robot support platforms, and technical support for smart factories and intelligent control equipment. Platform etc. 5. Artificial intelligence basic data and security detection platform. Build public data resource libraries, standard test data sets, and cloud service platforms for artificial intelligence, establish artificial intelligence algorithm and platform security test models and evaluation models, and develop artificial intelligence algorithm and platform security evaluation tool sets.

4. Accelerate the cultivation and gathering of high-end artificial intelligence talents.

Make the construction of a high-end talent team the top priority in the development of artificial intelligence, insist on combining training and introduction, improve the artificial intelligence education system, strengthen talent reserves and echelon construction, especially accelerate the introduction of the worlds top talents and young talents, and form my countrys artificial intelligence Talent high ground.

Cultivate high-level artificial intelligence innovative talents and teams. Support and cultivate leading artificial intelligence talents with development potential, and strengthen the training of professional and technical talents in basic research, applied research, operation and maintenance of artificial intelligence. Pay attention to the cultivation of compound talents, focusing on cultivating vertical compound talents who are well versed in artificial intelligence theory, methods, technology, products and applications, as well as horizontal compound talents who master the artificial intelligence + economy, society, management, standards, laws, etc. Through major research and development tasks and base platform construction, we will gather high-end artificial intelligence talents and form a number of high-level innovation teams in several key areas of artificial intelligence. Encourage and guide domestic innovative talents and teams to strengthen cooperation and interaction with the worlds top artificial intelligence research institutions.

Increase efforts to introduce high-end artificial intelligence talents. Open up special channels and implement special policies to achieve the precise introduction of high-end artificial intelligence talents. Focus on introducing top international scientists and high-level innovation teams in neurocognition, machine learning, autonomous driving, intelligent robots, etc. Encourage the flexible introduction of artificial intelligence talents through project cooperation, technical consultation, etc. Coordinate and utilize existing talent plans such as the Thousand Talents Plan to strengthen the introduction of outstanding talents in the field of artificial intelligence, especially outstanding young talents. Improve policies related to corporate human capital cost accounting and encourage companies and scientific research institutions to introduce artificial intelligence talents.

Build the discipline of artificial intelligence. Improve the subject layout in the field of artificial intelligence, establish artificial intelligence majors, promote the construction of first-level disciplines in the field of artificial intelligence, establish artificial intelligence colleges in pilot colleges as soon as possible, and increase the enrollment quota for doctoral and masters degrees in artificial intelligence-related disciplines. Encourage colleges and universities to expand the content of artificial intelligence professional education on the original basis, form a new model of artificial intelligence + Cross-integration of professional education. Strengthen industry-university-research cooperation, and encourage universities, research institutes, enterprises and other institutions to cooperate in the construction of artificial intelligence disciplines.

(2) Cultivate a high-end and efficient smart economy.

Accelerate the cultivation of artificial intelligence industries with major leading and driving effects, promote the in-depth integration of artificial intelligence and various industrial fields, and form an intelligent economic form that is data-driven, human-machine collaboration, cross-border integration, and co-creation and sharing. Data and knowledge have become the first elements of economic growth, human-machine collaboration has become the mainstream production and service method, cross-border integration has become an important economic model, co-creation and sharing have become a basic feature of the economic ecology, personalized needs and customization have become a new trend in consumption, and productivity has increased significantly. Improve, lead the industry to move towards the high end of the value chain, strongly support the development of the real economy, and comprehensively improve the quality and efficiency of economic development.

1. Vigorously develop emerging industries of artificial intelligence.

Accelerate the transformation and application of key artificial intelligence technologies, promote technology integration and business model innovation, promote intelligent product innovation in key areas, actively cultivate emerging artificial intelligence business forms, deploy high-end industrial chains, and create an internationally competitive artificial intelligence industry cluster.

Intelligent software and hardware. Develop key basic software such as operating systems, databases, middleware, and development tools for artificial intelligence, break through core hardware such as graphics processors, and research intelligent system solutions such as image recognition, speech recognition, machine translation, intelligent interaction, knowledge processing, and control decision-making. Plan to cultivate and expand basic software and hardware industries for artificial intelligence applications.

smart robot. Overcome the core components and special sensors of intelligent robots, and improve intelligent robot hardware interface standards, software interface protocol standards and safe use standards. Develop intelligent industrial robots and intelligent service robots to achieve large-scale application and enter the international market. Develop and promote special intelligent robots such as space robots, ocean robots, and polar robots. Establish a standard system and safety rules for intelligent robots.

Smart delivery vehicle. Develop autonomous vehicles and rail transit systems, strengthen the integration and support of on-board sensing, autonomous driving, Internet of Vehicles, Internet of Things and other technologies, develop intelligent transportation sensing systems, form my countrys independent autonomous driving platform technology system and product assembly capabilities, and explore autonomous driving Driving in car sharing mode. Develop consumer and commercial drones and unmanned ships, establish professional service systems such as trial identification, testing, and competition, and improve airspace and water management measures.

Virtual reality and augmented reality. Make breakthroughs in key technologies such as high-performance software modeling, content shooting and generation, augmented reality and human-computer interaction, integrated environments and tools, develop virtual display devices, optical devices, high-performance true 3D displays, development engines and other products, and establish virtual reality and augmented reality Realistic technology, product, service standards and evaluation systems promote the integration and application of key industries.

Intelligent Terminal. Accelerate the research and development of core technologies and products for smart terminals, develop new generation smart phones, vehicle-mounted smart terminals and other mobile smart terminal products and equipment, encourage the development of wearable terminal products such as smart watches, smart headphones, and smart glasses, and expand product forms and application services.

Internet of Things basic devices. Develop high-sensitivity, high-reliability smart sensing devices and chips that support the new generation of IoT, and conquer core IoT technologies such as radio frequency identification and short-range machine communications, as well as key devices such as low-power processors.

2. Accelerate the intelligent upgrading of industries.

Promote the integration and innovation of artificial intelligence and various industries, carry out pilot demonstrations of artificial intelligence applications in key industries and fields such as manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, finance, commerce, and home furnishing, promote the large-scale application of artificial intelligence, and comprehensively improve the level of intelligent industrial development.

Smart manufacturing. Focusing on the major needs of a manufacturing power, promote the integrated application of key technical equipment, core supporting software, industrial Internet and other systems for intelligent manufacturing, develop intelligent products and intelligent interconnected products, intelligent manufacturing enabling tools and systems, intelligent manufacturing cloud service platforms, and promote process intelligent manufacturing , discrete intelligent manufacturing, networked collaborative manufacturing, remote diagnosis and operation and maintenance services and other new manufacturing models, establish an intelligent manufacturing standard system, and promote the intelligentization of manufacturing life cycle activities.

Smart agriculture. Develop agricultural intelligent sensing and control systems, intelligent agricultural equipment, autonomous agricultural machinery field operation systems, etc. Establish and improve an intelligent agricultural information remote sensing monitoring network integrating sky and ground. Establish a typical agricultural big data intelligent decision-making analysis system, and carry out integrated application demonstrations such as smart farms, smart plant factories, smart pastures, smart fisheries, smart orchards, smart agricultural product processing workshops, and green smart agricultural product supply chains.

Smart logistics. Strengthen the research, development, promotion and application of intelligent logistics equipment such as intelligent loading and unloading, sorting and packaging, processing and distribution, build a deep-sensing intelligent warehousing system, and improve the level and efficiency of warehousing operation and management. Improve the intelligent logistics public information platform and command system, product quality certification and traceability system, intelligent distribution and dispatching system, etc.

Smart finance. Establish a financial big data system to improve financial multimedia data processing and understanding capabilities. Innovate smart financial products and services and develop new financial formats. Encourage the financial industry to apply technologies and equipment such as intelligent customer service and intelligent monitoring. Establish an intelligent early warning and prevention system for financial risks.

Smart commerce. Encourage the application of new technologies such as cross-media analysis and reasoning, knowledge computing engines and knowledge services in the business field, and promote new business services and decision-making systems based on artificial intelligence. Build a cross-media big data platform covering geographical location, online media and city basic data to support enterprises in developing smart business. Encourage the provision of customized business intelligence decision-making services based on personal needs and enterprise management.

Smart home. Strengthen the integration and application of artificial intelligence technology and home building systems to improve the intelligence level of construction equipment and home products. Develop home interconnection protocols and interface standards adapted to different application scenarios to improve the perception and connectivity capabilities of household products such as home appliances and durable goods. Support smart home companies to innovate service models and provide Internet sharing solutions.

3. Vigorously develop intelligent enterprises.

Promote the intelligent upgrading of enterprises on a large scale. Support and guide enterprises to apply new artificial intelligence technologies in core business links such as design, production, management, logistics and marketing, build new corporate organizational structures and operating methods, form a business model that integrates manufacturing, services and finance with intelligence, and develop personalized customization , expand the supply of smart products. Encourage large Internet companies to build cloud manufacturing platforms and service platforms, provide key industrial software and model libraries online to manufacturing companies, carry out manufacturing capacity outsourcing services, and promote the intelligent development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Promote the application of smart factories. Strengthen the application demonstration of key technologies and system methods in smart factories, focus on promoting technologies such as production line reconstruction and dynamic intelligent scheduling, production equipment intelligent IoT and cloud data collection, multi-dimensional human-machine-thing collaboration and interoperability, and encourage and guide enterprises to build factories Big data systems, networked distributed production facilities, etc. realize the networking of production equipment, visualization of production data, transparency of the production process, and unmanned production sites, and improve the level of intelligent factory operation and management.

Accelerate the cultivation of leading enterprises in the artificial intelligence industry. Accelerate the creation of a global leading enterprise and brand in artificial intelligence in advantageous fields such as drones, speech recognition, and image recognition. Accelerate the cultivation of a number of leading companies in emerging fields such as smart robots, smart cars, wearable devices, and virtual reality. Support artificial intelligence companies to strengthen their patent layout and take the lead in or participate in the formulation of international standards. Promote domestic leading enterprises, industry organizations, scientific research institutions, universities, etc. to jointly establish the China Artificial Intelligence Industry Technology Innovation Alliance. Support leading and key enterprises to build open source hardware factories and open source software platforms, form an innovation ecosystem that gathers various resources, and promote the development of artificial intelligence, small, medium and micro enterprises and applications in various fields. Support various institutions and platforms to provide professional services to artificial intelligence enterprises.

4. Create a highland for artificial intelligence innovation.

Combining the foundation and advantages of each region, we will carry out relevant industrial layout according to the categories of artificial intelligence application fields. Encourage local governments to gather high-end elements, high-end enterprises, and high-end talents around the artificial intelligence industry chain and innovation chain to create artificial intelligence industry clusters and innovation highlands.

Carry out pilot demonstrations of innovative applications of artificial intelligence. In areas with good artificial intelligence foundation and great development potential, organize and carry out national artificial intelligence innovation experiments, explore major reforms in systems and mechanisms, policies and regulations, talent cultivation, etc., and promote the transformation of artificial intelligence achievements, major product integration innovation and demonstration applications , forming experience that can be replicated and promoted, and lead the development of smart economy and smart society.

Build a national artificial intelligence industrial park. Relying on innovation carriers such as the National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone and the National High-tech Industrial Development Zone, we will strengthen the optimal allocation and combination of technology, talent, finance, policy and other elements, and accelerate the cultivation and construction of artificial intelligence industry innovation clusters.
Des "morts et blesses" apres une fusillade dans une ecole a Prague

PRAGUE, 21 decembre (Reuters) - La police tcheque a fait etat jeudi d'un nombre indetermine de morts et de blesses sur les lieux d'une fusillade survenue dans une ecole du centre-ville de Prague.

"Sur la base des premieres informations, nous pouvons confirmer qu'il y a des morts et des blesses sur le site", a dit la police sur le reseau social X, anciennement Twitter. (Redige par Jan Lopatka et Jason Hovet, version francaise Tangi Salaun, edite par Blandine Henault)
Alison Riley Miller recently spoke with CNN about whether to teach the Holocaust, genocide, and eugenics in science classes.

Last winter, Miller was part of a fourteen-member state steering committee that helped oversee a regular review of Maine's learning standards for science, which are closely aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.

While Maine's education standards are assessed every five years, the current review comes in the wake of recently passed state laws that require schools to teach Maine Native American history, African American history, and the history of genocide, including the Holocaust.

After meeting this summer, a writing committee of science educators drafted suggestions for how to include the Holocaust, genocide, and eugenics in middle- and high-school science lessons.

In a public response period following the release of the writing committee's draft revisions, some teachers and science advocates, including the Maine Science Teachers Association, voiced concern about the proposed changes.

Miller, too, has spoken out in caution of adding these topics to the science curriculum, according to reporting by CNN and Portland Press Herald. In a recent interview with CNN, she said that while she supports every student graduating from high school with an understanding about these topics, she questions whether they should be explicitly embedded in the science standards.

The question is not if LD 1664 (the statute that prompted the inclusion of some historical events) should be integrated into Maines state standards, but rather where these topics should be integrated and who will teach them, Miller told CNN. In my experience as a teacher and as a teacher educator, making everyone responsible for teaching a particular topic often results in no one teaching it.

So where it is absolutely logical to revise the Maine learning results for social studies to include the history of genocide, it is a much greater stretch to add curriculum related to genocide within the existing science standards, particularly when there is no plan for or funding allocated to the professional learning that would be necessary for science teachers to feel confident teaching a topic of such gravity, she said.

The committee's recommendations will be reviewed by a state legislative committee in January.




NEW DELHI (PTI): The Defence Ministry on Wednesday signed a Rs 1,614 crore contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd for procurement of six next generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.



The acquisition of the platforms is aimed at boosting the Coast Guard's capability towards maritime security, the Defence Ministry said.



"The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd on December 20 for the procurement of six next generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)," the Ministry said.



It said the contract was made under the buy (Indian-IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs 1614.89 crore.



Out of the six vessels being procured, four would replace the existing aging offshore patrol vessels and the other two would augment the Coast Guard's fleet.



"The acquisition of these major ICG platforms is aimed to boost the ICG's capability and reinforces the increased focus of the Government towards maritime security," the Ministry said in a statement.



"These modern and high-tech ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime pollution response, and other important capabilities including humanitarian assistance," it said.



It said along with several high-tech advanced features and equipment, these offshore patrol vessels would be equipped with multipurpose drones, AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities, and wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy, enabling greater flexibility and operational edge.


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Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has said he believes Irelands emissions peaked years ago but that they now needed to descend like a downhill skier.

The Green Party leader mentioned end-of-year figures on how Ireland had made progress to meet its climate action goals, including on retrofitting homes, 20 new rural bus routes during December and moving to renewable energy.

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The advantage we have is the things were doing are going to be good for the economy in my mind, like switching to renewables rather than relying on imported, expensive fossil fuels is good for you. Thats not a hardship posting, thats something we want to do, Mr Ryan said.

With the #GreensInGovernment, rural public transport is taking off across Ireland.



20 new rural bus services launched in December alone.

2.3 million kilometres added to the public transport network.

Over 60 new services added over the full year. pic.twitter.com/OTmYsnowuH Advertisement  Green Party Ireland (@greenparty_ie) December 19, 2023 Advertisement

He said that he did expect a reduction in the herd size this year, mainly in the beef suckler area.

Its not a huge reduction, but there is a reduction, Mr Ryan said.

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He said there were challenges in implementing transport projects due to the acute issue of planning system resources and delays.

But he added that the public transport numbers were 15 per cent above pre-pandemic figures and said he did not believe there were many similar rises elsewhere in Europe.

He said that Ireland was smashing its retrofitting target of 37,000, and had gone over 46,000 households this year.

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Thats an incredible success story of Irish householders taking up the grants that weve put in place and starting to see the benefits of cutting emissions, but also cutting your costs and improving the home, he said.

The Green Party leader said that he believed Irelands emissions had peaked.

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The figures this year are quite startling: our coal use is down 50 per cent in power generation, our oil use is down 80 per cent and solar for the first time ever has gone from 20 million units of solar energy to 400 million units of solar energy this year. From 20 to 400 in one year, scaling up, and thats not going to stop, he said.

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We have peaked several years ago because back in the day when it was Moneypoint (power station) was our main power generation and you didnt have any of these alternative technologies. So we have already peaked. We now need to descend like a downhill skier.
The latest legal challenge to Donald Trump's campaign for a second term as US president seems likely to hand the 2024 Republican frontrunner even more firepower in his quest to win his party's nomination.

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that the former president was barred from its state ballot for engaging in "insurrection" due to a rarely used constitutional provision, an unprecedented decision that the conservative-led US Supreme Court could overturn.

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Donors and political analysts from both major parties said the ruling would inflame Mr Trump's political base, fuel his argument that he is the victim of a partisan legal process, and fill his campaign coffers, as happened earlier this year when he was indicted on a bevy of felony charges for attempting to overturn the 2020 election among other alleged crimes. Those charges did not include insurrection.

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"Trump is celebrating," said John Morgan, a Florida attorney and key fundraiser for president Joe Biden, a Democrat. He forecast a "fundraising bonanza" for the Republican.

Mr Trump vowed to appeal to US Supreme Court the Colorado ruling that the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution bars him from seeking office. The top court's 6-3 conservative majority includes three Trump appointees.

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His campaign urged supporters to donate to fight back against what it called a "tyrannical" decision.

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Mr Trump, 77, has a slight lead over Mr Biden nationally in a head-to-head match-up ahead of the November 5th, 2024, election, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The Colorado ruling could help Democrats appeal to crucial independent voters who believe Mr Trump engaged in insurrection.

In a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted December 5th-11th, 57 per cent of independent voters said it was believable that Mr Trump "tried to incite a mob to attack the US Capitol on Jan 6, 2021." Only 30 per cent said it was unbelievable.

By contrast, some 70 per cent of Republican respondents considered that allegation "not believable," while 23 per cent of Republicans said it was believable and the rest were not sure.

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Asked on Wednesday if Mr Trump is an insurrectionist, Mr Biden said it was "self evident. You saw it all."

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"Whether the 14th Amendment applies or not, we'll let the court make that decision," Mr Biden said. "But he certainly supported an insurrection. There's no question about it. None. Zero. And he seems to be doubling down on it."

Primary boost

Mr Trump remains the overwhelming favourite for the Republican nomination and being barred in Colorado would not change that. The state, which has been trending Democratic, is not seen as competitive in next year's general election.

The decision came less than a month before the first Republican nominating contest kicks off in Iowa on January 15th, thrusting the spotlight back on Mr Trump at a time when former UN ambassador Nikki Haley has been gaining some momentum.

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Ford OConnell, a Republican strategist based in Florida, said the ruling would reinforce Mr Trumps longstanding narrative that he is the victim of a politically motivated legal process, and it could push undecided Republican voters to his corner.

If the indictments propelled Trump to a significant lead in the primary, this is going to end any debate among the grassroots about who the 2024 Republican nominee will be, Mr OConnell said.

As happened with Mr Trumps previous court cases, Republican rivals for the nomination leapt to his defence rather than seek to benefit from the Colorado decision.

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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, Florida governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X.

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Ms Haley called the judges' action "truly unthinkable".

"I am going to defeat Donald Trump on my own," she told Fox News. "I don't need a judge to go take him off the ballot."

In the 4-3 ruling, the Colorado court's majority said they apply the law "without fear or favour, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach".

Biden attacks on Trump

Mr Biden has been going after Mr Trump more aggressively in recent months and has said he might not be running at all if he were not facing Mr Trump, who he believes poses a unique threat to the US.

Some of Mr Biden's aggressiveness comes after his touting of the economy has fallen flat with voters, leading donors to push him to frame his 2024 campaign more directly as a battle against Mr Trump.

In the unlikely event a number of states strike Mr Trump from the ballot, making it impossible for him to win the nomination, Mr Biden would not necessarily benefit.

Some polls have shown both Mr DeSantis and Ms Haley would run a competitive race against the 81-year-old incumbent.

Hassan Martini, executive director of No Democrat Left Behind, an advocacy group that seeks to win over rural voters, said Mr Trump would try to use the ruling to his advantage and Mr Biden must stay focused on strengths including economic progress, bipartisan outreach and steady leadership.

"Getting caught in the trap of endless Trump controversies would only benefit his opponents," Mr Martini said.
A youth addicted to pills admitted dragging a man down a street in the centre of Dublin and repeatedly attacking him during a "truly shocking" drug-fuelled early morning robbery.

The victim, a middle-aged man, was on his way to work when he first encountered the 17-year-old boy at Liffey Street at around 7 am on July 24th.

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The Dublin Children's Court heard the teenager "threatened to stab the man if he didn't give him money".

Garda Craig White said the boy followed the victim onto Middle Street Upper and stopped him.

Video evidence showed the man being approached by another male who was not known to him.

The injured party was hit and tried to go around the attacker but was blocked and "punched to the ground". He got up, received more punches and was knocked down again.

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After standing up, the mugger brought him to the Spar shop beside the Jervis St Luas stop. The man was punched and knocked down at the store entrance, but the attacker dragged him out by his feet.

He suffered several more blows, including repeated kicks, while a member of the public tried to intervene.

The teenager was caught nearby with the man's backpack and Nintendo Switch.

The victim required 20 stitches to his upper lip. Garda White agreed with defence counsel Doireann McDonagh that the accused was intoxicated.

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The teen, who cannot be named because he is a minor, appeared before Judge Paul Kelly for a preliminary hearing to decide his trial venue. He has been charged with robbery.

After hearing an outline of the evidence from the investigating garda, the defence submissions and watching CCTV evidence, Judge Kelly held that the case was too serious and should be dealt with in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

His barrister submitted that her client would plead guilty, and it happened over three weeks when he developed a dependency on pills and committed completely out-of-character acts.

The court heard he is back in education and preparing for the Leaving Certificate.

But Judge Kelly refused jurisdiction, saying it was a "truly shocking" and sustained incident.

The boy, accompanied to court by his mother, was remanded on continuing bail to appear again in January to be served with a book of evidence.
Minister for Transport and Climate Eamon Ryan has said that he expects energy prices to drop for consumers in the first half, or even the first quarter, of 2024.

He said that the wholesale forward prices for the past week or two were lower than they had been for two years, meaning that householders could see a fall in the prices they pay next year.

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He said that he did not know by how much they would fall by, but said that wind could also drive prices in Ireland down further.

Its 80 pence a term rather than 50, which was a very low cost figure over a 10-year period prior to that. So its not going to go right down to that. But it wont be the exception prices of the last two years.

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There are costs involved in the transition to a new system, we have to build the grid, thats key, we have to build new interconnectors.

So were building a new interconnector with the UK at the moment, were also building one with France. Theyre under construction.

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It goes from north Wales to Wexford, it will be open next year, the one in France the year after or probably 26 by the time its energised. They bring huge benefits, but you do have to pay up front.

And similarly, we need to make a lot of investments in all the EV charging points But its a hell of a lot cheaper than relying on imported fossil fuels. And now, I think its only a question of when we make this shift, not if.

We are going renewable, backed up by battery storage and interconnection, thatll run our system.

You cant put out false promises that its going to be low, low, low, low cost, but it will be a hell of a lot lower costs than the fossil fuel alternative, and much more predictable, because while you put the capital investment upfront, the fuel price is free, fuel price is zero for the wind or for the solar.

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And therefore, once you make the capital investment, its there for good.
The family of a man who allegedly fell while a patient at St Vincents University Hospital, Dublin and sustained an upper leg fracture but later died has settled four High Court actions over his death.

Edward Hyland (60) was in the hospital for liver transplant assessment when it is claimed he fell on the ward on the night of February 8th, 2017.

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Mr Hyland suffered a thigh-bone fracture and had to have surgery but the High Court heard he deteriorated afterwards and died three days after the operation.

Counsel for the Hyland family, Richard Kean SC with Esther Earley BL, told the court it was their case that two tragic events unfolded.

Mr Kean said Mr Hyland was assessed in hospital to be at high risk for falls. He fell in the ward late at night and suffered a thighbone fracture. After the fall Mr Hyland was found to have his slippers on the wrong feet, counsel said.

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Mr Kean said Mr Hyland required surgery as a result of the fracture, but he said there was a very poor outcome and the grandfather of seven died a number of days later.

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Mr Kean said all claims and all aspects of the case were denied by the hospital.

The case had first been brought against St Vincents University Hospital by Mr Hylands widow, Eileen Hyland, of Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7. However, Ms Hyland passed away in October this year and the case over the death of Mr Hyland was now being brought by their daughter, Melissa Hyland. Three nervous shock actions were also before the court and had also been settled.

Mr Hyland was admitted to St Vincents Hospital Liver Unit on February 2nd, 2017.

It was claimed that despite the classification as a high fall risk, he was allegedly permitted to have an unwitnessed fall on the ward on the night of February 8th.

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He had surgery the next day but died on February 12th, 2017.

In the proceedings, it was claimed Mr Hyland had allegedly been allowed to mobilise unaided when they knew or ought to have known that he had a history of falls, had mobility issues and had been assessed as being at a high falls risk and was therefore at a high risk of falling and sustaining injury.

It was claimed there was a failure to exercise the level of care, skill and diligence that Mr Hyland was entitled to expect in relation to his diagnosis, care and treatment while he was an inpatient in the hospital.

It was also alleged that Mr Hyland had been assessed as fit for surgery and the surgery proceeded at a time when he was allegedly unfit to undergo it.

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All the claims were denied.

Noting the settlement and the division of the mental distress 35,000 solatium payment, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was a very tragic case for the Hyland family, and it was made all the more poignant because Mr Hylands wife had died in October this year.

He extended his sympathy to the Hyland family on the death of Mr Hyland and later his wife.
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, has said her top priority is to ensure gardai are resourced enough to dismantle gangs involved in flooding the country with cocaine and other harmful illegal drugs.

The Minster, speaking though a spokesperson, also said that given the global nature of the drugs trade, collaboration at an inter-agency and international level is key to tackling this issue.

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Ms McEntee was commenting in response to criticism of her and the government from Independent Limerick City and County Councillor, Emmett OBrien.

He said his warnings since 2018 about supply levels of cocaine had been ignored by the minister and the government, that the gardai and the naval services had been under-resourced and, that Minister McEntee had treated rank and file Gardai with compete disregard.

Cllr OBrien made his comments on Wednesday as customs officers and gardai continued searching the Verila, a Maltese flagged bulk cargo ship at Foynes Port, Co Limerick, after 21 million worth of cocaine was found on board the vessel Tuesday.

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Tackling drug dealing and associated criminal activity, including by organised crime groups, is a top priority for An Garda Siochana and the Government, said a spokesman on behalf of Minister McEntee.

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It is a priority for An Garda Siochana to disrupt and dismantle organised crime gangs and drug dealing operations, and to remove illegal drugs from circulation, he said.

Yesterdays seizure in Foynes is an example of this in action and Minister McEntee would like to thank An Garda Siochana and Revenue for their work in stopping this large shipment of cocaine reaching communities in the Mid-West and beyond.

This follows one of the biggest ever seizures of drugs in Ireland off the South East Coast back in September and An Garda Siochana are consistently making smaller seizures all over the country every day.

He said Minister McEntee was committed to ensuring An Garda Siochana have the resources they need to tackle all drug crime.

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This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of 2.3 billion in Budget 2024 to allow for sustained investment in recruitment, technology and equipment.

The record budgetary resources allocated to An Garda Siochana in recent years have enabled the Garda Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime, including the Armed Support Unit, GNDOCB, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB).

Minister McEntees spokesperson said the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau leads in tackling all forms of drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs in Ireland, but he said, given the global nature of the drugs trade, collaboration at an inter-agency and international level is key to tackling this issue.

An Garda Siochana has strong and strategic partnerships in place at international level targeting drug trafficking, including working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies such as INTERPOL and Europol and participating in the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics (MAOC-N)
A man who sexually assaulted a young girl while her mother was out of the house has been jailed for three years.

The 42-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the victims anonymity, was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault on dates between 2016 and 2020 following a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court last month.

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The victim was aged between four and seven at the time and is now 11-years-old. The court heard one of these assaults occurred while the girl was celebrating her sixth birthday.

In sentencing on Thursday, Judge Patricia Ryan said: This was a serious assault on a child.

She said the aggravating factors include that the man was in a position of authority as the child had been left in his care. She also noted the huge age discrepancy between the man and the girl as well as the impact of the assaults on her.

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The judge said the mitigating factors include the mans good work history and mental health difficulties.

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Judge Ryan sentenced the man to four years imprisonment with the final year suspended on strict conditions. The sentence was backdated to when the man went into custody on July 29th of this year.

A local garda told the court that the man began a relationship with the child's mother in 2015.

He later moved in with the woman and her family. He worked intermittently and when he wasn't working, he looked after the woman's children while she was at work.

The court heard there were four specific instances in which he sexually assaulted the victim while her mother was out of the house.

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The man took the victim into her mother's room on multiple occasions and touched her inappropriately on her private parts. The victim could not recall whether the touching was inside or outside of her clothes.

Afterwards, the man told the child not to tell her mother.

In an impact statement read on her behalf by her mother, the girl said: I was a young kid who didn't understand what was going on at the time.

This changed my life as I don't have trust in people, she said, adding My family are upset for what has happened to me and there is nothing they can do to help me because they did not know what was going on.

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In the statement, she said: I was four years old and I was an innocent little girl. This man took my innocence away from me, knowing that this was wrong.

The man has 27 previous convictions which post-date these incidents. These include public order offences, obstruction, assault, criminal damage and possession of stolen property.

Eilis Brennan SC, defending, said her client had difficulty with mental illness all of his life and is a diagnosed schizophrenic.

She said the other convictions happened at a time that the man was homeless and was suffering a relapse of his illness. She asked the court to give him a level of leniency because of the difficulties he has had.

Ms Brennan said there was no evidence of penetration in the sexual assaults, nor was there evidence of it being inside the victim's clothes. She said it was therefore not the most serious level of offending in terms of sexual assault.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
A Dublin man has pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to having a revolver in his possession on the south side of the city two years ago.

Anthony Walker (52), with an address at Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8 appeared before the three-judge, non-jury court on Thursday morning.

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Walker admitted on Thursday to having in his possession a firearm with a .38" special calibre Smith & Wesson revolver in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose at Tallaght Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6w on November 23rd, 2021.

A charge against Walker of having in his possession ammunition with five rounds of .38" special calibre ammunition in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose on the same occasion, remains live.

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Walker is further charged that he did on the same date within the State, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, participate in, or contribute to, activity intending to, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could, facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members.

Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the court that a further plea on count two will be required from Walker on the next date.

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John Griffin BL, representing the defendant, said his client has significant medical concerns and asked for a psychological report to be prepared, which was acceded to by the court.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Ms Justice Sarah Berkeley and Mr Justice Alan Mitchell, remanded Walker on continuing bail until April 8th, when he will be sentenced.

Walker's trial date was vacated but counsel for his co-accused Ryan Kelly asked that Mr Kelly's trial date for January 11 next year remain. The trial is expected to last four weeks.

Walker's co-accused Ryan Kelly (24) of Captain's Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 is also accused of possessing a .38" special calibre Smith & Wesson make revolver in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose at that address on November 23rd, 2021.

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Mr Kelly is also charged with having in his possession five rounds of .38 special calibre ammunition in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose on the same occasion.

Mr Kelly is further charged that he did on the same date within the State, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, participate in, or contribute to, activity intending to, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could, facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members.
Taoiseach Leo Varakdar has said he hopes the Stormont Executive can be restored early in the new year ahead of a deadline for calling new Assembly elections.

Mr Varadkar also said that he believed MLAs should should come back under current rules with any reform of the powersharing institutions negotiated ahead of the next Assembly election.

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Talks between Britain's Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and political leaders in Northern Ireland broke up on Tuesday without agreement on a restoration of the institutions, despite a new improved offer of a 3.3 billion (3.9 billion) financial package to stabilise finances in the region.

Mr Heaton-Harris also said that substantive talks with the DUP over its concerns on post-Brexit trading arrangements have concluded, although Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has insisted the negotiations will continue.

Talks between Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and Stormont parties ended on Tuesday (PA)

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The powersharing institutions have been collapsed for almost two years as the DUP seeks further legislative assurances from the UK government of Northern Irelands trading position within the UK.

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Under current rules Mr Heaton-Harris is obliged to call new Assembly elections on January 18th if the powersharing Assembly has not returned.

Mr Varadkar said: What we would like to see is the Assembly, the Executive, established under the existing rules with Michelle ONeill as First Minister and the Deputy First Minister from the DUP, and then if there is going to be any change of rules, well then they should be negotiated by the two governments and the main parties and put into place in advance of the next Assembly elections.

Mr Varadkar said the UK government worked really hard to get the DUP to commit to returning to the Executive.

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He said: The Secretary of State will have to make a decision sometime around the middle of January as to whether or not to call elections or to further defer the elections.

So I think that is a deadline that exists in law.

And well be working hard in the new year to avoid the Secretary of State having to make that decision.

Because, you know, neither deferring elections yet again or calling new elections is really going to change anything.

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Hopefully, well be able to get things over the line in the new year, have a new Executive and Assembly up and running, help it to be a success and then begin conversations around what the rules might look like for the subsequent Assembly elections.

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Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has called on the DUP to return to Stormont (PA)

The Northern Ireland Secretary has also faced calls to release funding to settle public sector pay claims in Northern Ireland, with multiple unions planning widespread strike action on January 18th.

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Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said it is now clear that negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol and the Windsor Framework over Northern Irelands place within the UK internal market are over.

So its over to the DUP and Jeffrey Donaldson, who, by the way, himself acknowledged some days ago, a week ago, that the tipping point had arrived, that it was now a moment for a decision, that we have this window  and we are simply asking the DUP to step through that window now, make that right decision, she told RTE.

She added: Because public sector workers will strike again on Friday.

Theyre looking for fair pay, pay parity.

Theyre entitled to it. The money is on the table.

Its unconscionable that we go into Christmas and beyond and leave those workers and others in the lurch.

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy said a financial package offered by the UK government was only a marginal improvement on a previous offer (PA)

Party colleague Conor Murphy told the BBC that the new financial package on offer to a returning Stormont executive was only a marginal improvement on a previous offer which had been criticised by Northern Ireland parties last week.

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He said: There are some improvements but there is more work to be done in terms of improving it.

That, as we have always argued, is better done from within an Executive where you have a First and a Deputy First Minister and ministers all on the same script talking directly to Whitehall rather than going through a conduit of the Secretary of State.

We have never said that holding out for this is something which should keep an Executive down.

Mr Murphy also said he would be surprised if the UK Government was not keeping the EU informed of any potential changes to the workings of the Windsor Framework.
Two men who terrified a man and made vile threats against him and his mother over a drug debt have been jailed for various offences.

Peter McHale (38) and Robert ORourke (30) came forward on signed pleas of guilty from the District Court to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in relation to burglary, demanding money with menace, false imprisonment, threats to kill and money laundering.

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Additionally, ORourke pleaded guilty to the production of a screwdriver. The offences occurred between mid-March and April 11th, 2023.

ORourkes partner Nicole Munson (30) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to money laundering in that she allowed her Revolut account to be used so that the victims mother could transfer 5,000 to it.

ORourke of The Park, Semple Wood, Donabate, Dublin, was jailed for five and half years after Judge Martin Nolan said he was the more serious actor in the case.

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McHale of St Cronans Court, Swords, Dublin, was jailed for five years.

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Munson, also of The Park, Semple Wood, Donabate, Dublin, received a fully suspended sentence of three and half years.

Detective Garda Ross Brierly told Derek Cooney BL, prosecuting, that the victim was threatened various times and told that he would be cut up so his daughter would not recognise him and that the men would call to his mothers home and kick her to death.

The drug debt began at 1,500 but escalated continually when it was not paid. His mother transferred 2,000 and then 3,000 to Munsons Revolut account, but the demands for cash continued escalating to the men demanding 26,000.

Det Garda Brierly said that on April 11th, the victim received hundreds of phone calls before he heard a commotion outside his apartment door.

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McHale and ORourke broke into the mans home and held him there for about four hours, during which he was threatened, and a screwdriver was produced by ORourke.

The man was terrified, and McHale and ORourke continued to put demands on him for cash.

At one point, the man rang an American friend he had recently reconnected with, in an attempt to secure money.

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He also called his former partner and told her what was going on. She said she would be able to get him some money, but she also contacted the gardai.

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ORourke left the house to attend the funeral of Munsons grandmother. McHale was still in the house when gardai arrived.

The court heard that Munson admitted receiving the money, transferring it into another account, withdrawing the cash, and handing it over to ORourke. McHale was in the car with them on that trip to the bank.

A victim impact statement was prepared and handed into the court but not read aloud.

Det Garda Brierly said that from the Garda point of view, ORourke was the organiser of the offence, and McHale was in the lower tier.

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Judge Nolan said his first instinct was to jail Munson as she had involved herself in the offence. She knew where the money came from and how it was collected. She was morally culpable.

I feel she should go to prison, but I am going to stay my hand because of the impact a sentence would have on her children. I dont think justice demands an immediate custodial term, Judge Nolan said.

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Judge Nolan said McHale and ORourke had decided to try and recover this drug debt, and there was pressure placed on the victim to get that money.

They made his life totally miserable and terrified the poor man. They made the most vile threats against him and threatened his mother, the judge said.

They wanted their money, and they were prepared to terrify him to get this money, he continued before he added that the victim feared for his life and that of his mother.

He said it was a very distressing crime, and this was very culpable behaviour on behalf of both of them.

Judge Nolan acknowledged that both men had signed pleas of guilty in the District Court and accepted that ORourke had no previous convictions and that while McHale has a few previous convictions, the judge said they were mostly on the minor end of the spectrum.

He further acknowledged that both men had family responsibilities and had good sides to their character, as evidenced in their testimonials.

These are serious crimes, and the context is serious  the drug situation. I accept that they have their own pressures, but their own mistakes led them into that, Judge Nolan said.

Seamus Clarke SC, defending Munson, said his client was ORourkes partner, and they have five children together.

He asked the court to accept that she had only pleaded guilty to money laundering.

She had saved 1,000 as a token of her remorse towards the victim.

Damien Colgan SC, defending ORourke, said that although his client was considered to be in charge of the operation there were people higher up that were also putting pressure on him.

He had written a letter of apology to the victim who he had previously been friends with.

Counsel said ORourke had no intention of carrying out the threats.

Paul Comiskey OKeeffe BL, defending McHale, said his client was a chronic abuser of alcohol and drugs but came from a law-abiding family. He has four children with his partner, who was in court to support him.

He became involved as he had a debt himself, but counsel accepted that it was a sinister crime.
The UK government profoundly regrets a move by Ireland to legally challenge its legislation to deal with Northern Irelands troubled past.

In a statement, Britain's secretary of state for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris slammed the case as unnecessary and warned it came at a particularly sensitive time in Northern Ireland.

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It did not need to be taken now, given the issues are already before the UK courts, Mr Heaton-Harris said.

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But earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said his government was left with no option but to legally challenge the UK government over the Legacy Act.

The Taoiseach said the strong legal advice was that the UK Legacy Act breached the UN Convention on Human Rights.

The Act received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government.

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Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said they were taking the case reluctantly after having spent time trying to change the UK governments mind.

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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said his government was left with no option but to legally challenge the UK Government (Niall Carson/PA)

Amnesty International praised the Irish Government as doing the right thing for victims of Northern Irelands Troubles by taking a stand.

The Government is to argue that the provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the UKs obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

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Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The new Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests.

A legal challenge was brought by victims of the Northern Ireland conflict against the UK Governments Legacy Act (Liam McBurney/PA)

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Multiple Troubles victims and family members are supporting a legal challenge against aspects of the Act at Belfast High Court.

The UK government also said it was prepared for the move by the Government, and would robustly defend the legislation.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said: The government took a decision that we will take an interstate case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, seeking a judicial review of the UK Legacy Act.

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The attorney generals advice on this is very strong, his advice is that the UK Legacy Act is in breach of the UN Convention on Human Rights. Its also the view of the UN high commissioner and also the Council of Europe.

It is something that were genuinely doing with a sense of regret, and would prefer not to be in this position, but we did make a commitment to survivors in Northern Ireland and to the families of victims that we would stand by them, respect their wishes and also stand by the Good Friday Agreement, which specifically references the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Taoiseach added that the Stormont House Agreement had received consensus from both governments and parties in Northern Ireland.

He said: The UK Government decided for their own reasons, and of course they have the right to do this, to go down a different path, which is the UK legacy legislation, which is now law.

But we dont agree with that, we think that the agreement agreed by the parties in Northern Ireland, the two governments is the better approach and we think at this stage we really have no option but to ask the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to carry out a judicial review of this legislation.

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Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the British Government had removed the political option, and left us only this legal avenue (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Martin said: This decision was taken after much thought and careful consideration.

I regret that we find ourselves in a position where such a choice had to be made.

However, the decision by the British Government not to proceed with the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and instead pursue legislation unilaterally, without effective engagement with the legitimate concerns that we, and many others raised left us with few options.

The British Government removed the political option, and has left us only this legal avenue.

In his statement on Wednesday evening, Mr Heaton-Harris also challenged the Government on its approach to legacy, describing it as inconsistent.

At no time since 1998 has there been any concerted or sustained attempt on the part of the Irish state to pursue a criminal investigation and prosecution-based approach to the past, he said.

We note, in particular, the former Irish justice minister and attorney generals 2014 reference to an informal decision on behalf of the Irish government to not investigate Troubles cases  something that he restated publicly in 2021 in response to our proposals.

Indeed the Irish government should urgently clarify the number of criminal prosecutions brought in Ireland since 1998 relating to Troubles cases.

He also added: It is also a matter of public record that successive UK and Irish governments during the peace process worked closely together on a range of initiatives which have provided conditional immunity and early release from prison.

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His statement concluded by describing the UK governments bilateral relationship with Ireland as one we value deeply.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson accused the Irish government of double standards (Liam McBurney/PA)

Despite this misguided action, we will continue to work to minimise the consequences and protect the interests of the people and businesses that bind us together, he added.

Meanwhile, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson accused the Government of double standards.

Mr Donaldson told the BBC: I think there are double standards on the part of the Irish government here and whilst I am strongly opposed to the Governments amnesty plans, we voted against it, we spoke against it and we continue to oppose it, but I dont think the Irish government are in a very strong position to point the finger at the UK Government because the Irish government have no proposals to deal with the legacy issues.

No proposals to deal with the quite significant number of murders that were committed either in their jurisdiction or from their jurisdiction.

For years effectively there has been a form of amnesty in the Irish Republic because they have not actively pursued those responsible for these crimes.
One of hundreds of Belfast students staying on campus over Christmas has spoken of the importance of having a bubble to battle loneliness when away from family over the holidays.

Gyan Wickremasinghe is a student at Queens, originally from Sri Lanka, who has been studying in Belfast for five years.

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He is one of 800 students who spend their Christmas holidays at Queens University accommodation.

Looking for something to do this festive season?



We've got you covered; check out our latest blog: A Guide to Christmas in Belfast https://t.co/AAseOqhGCq pic.twitter.com/YFZrLWYCQd  Queen's Students' Union (@QueensSU_) December 14, 2023 Advertisement

Mr Wickremasinghe said it gets a lot quieter on campus over Christmas, but that events in Belfast and around Queens help them to enjoy the break.

It does get quieter, but I think that theres also a lot of things happening in Belfast, he said.

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So the Christmas markets are there and that excites me to actually go around with my friends and go to the markets and just enjoy the festivities there.

He added: Also the Student Union runs several events up to Christmas so that has helped me.

At least it helps us to meet other students who are in the same boat as us, that we get to socialise with them and then we can be close friends, or we can meet them so that during the Christmas holidays when everyones back home we have people to talk to.

So that kind of event helps us meet people who will be here in Belfast over Christmas, it gives us a bubble that we can interact with so we dont feel alone.

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Gyan Wickremasinghe (Claudia Savage/PA).

Mr Wickremasinghe said that for some international students, it was easier to stay on campus while the majority of students from the UK and Ireland travelled home.

It was expensive to travel back home during Christmas, and also because we have a short holiday compared to summer it makes sense to stay here, he said.

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As for Christmas away from home this year, Mr Wickremasinghe said he plans to get together with his friends who are also studying abroad.

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My friends would call me up for Christmas dinner and we usually wear Christmas sweaters and go out for dinner together, he said.

Usually its a potluck and my friends are pretty much international students so we have food from different cultures and we enjoy the different festivities and its usually a fun night together. A good excuse to take a break anyways.

Vice-chancellor at Queens, Professor Ian Greer, said the university aims to support the international students throughout the year, including over the festive period.

Queens University welcomes people from right across the globe and many students come to Belfast alone or with their families, making it their home while they study, while many eventually make it their permanent home, he said.

We put our students and staff first throughout the year as evidenced this year with our cost-of-living support funding and we have worked closely with the Student Union to provide hot lunches and information on keeping warm in the home, and have lots of initiatives throughout the year.

Vice chancellor of Queens University Belfast Ian Greer (Liam McBurney/PA)

Vice-president of students and corporate service Caroline Young said Queens has planned a range of initiatives to help students not travelling home for the holidays.

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We will provide a range of support from practical help to a few little treats, making it as enjoyable experience as we can for those who are spending the festive season on campus, she said.

Included will be support like free access to washing facilities, free parking and increased heating hours.

But we have also put plans in place to deliver selection boxes to all families staying in university accommodation, survival packs, pamper packs, mince pies, sweets and hot drinks from December 22 to January 2.

The university has also arranged sightseeing day trips to the Mournes and the North Coast.

We will have staff on campus day and night to provide a range of support and we hugely appreciate the work they do.

Queens University in Belfast (PA)

Ms Young said measures are also in place to ensure that the Queens wellbeing team will check in on students to allay any concerns they may have over the holiday period.
Alex Batty is fearful of the glare of publicity and will remain under special legal protection, a court has ruled.

The 17-year-old, who returned to the UK on Saturday, six years after disappearing on holiday in Spain with his mother and grandfather, was represented by lawyers at a hearing at a Family Court hearing at Manchester Civil Courts of Justice on Thursday.

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Alex, who was 11 when he went missing and is now 17, had been reportedly living an itinerant lifestyle until he approached a delivery driver while walking in southern France and he went to local authorities.

A police investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance is ongoing, the court heard.

Kirstin Beswick, barrister representing Oldham Borough Council, asked for Alex to be made a ward of the court in the care of his grandmother, as he was before he disappeared with his mother and grandfather in October 2017.

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Wardship means High Court judges will remain his legal guardian to oversee his welfare, provided by his grandmother with the support of Oldham Borough Council, until he turns 18 in two months-time.

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Normally reports of family court hearings are subject to reporting restrictions but Deputy Judge of the High Court, Sarah Singleton KC, allowed reporting of todays hearing.

Judge Singleton said: It seems to me that it would makes something of a non-sense of the medias attendance if the identity of the young person was not included with what could be reported, because, to use more casual speech, its out there already.

Alex is, perhaps entirely understandably some-what fearful of the glare of publicity around his circumstances.

There is, it seems to me, to be a legitimate public interest in reporting the outcome of a difficult set of circumstances of a young person.

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He is being supported by his maternal grandmother and Oldham Council to resume a normal life, here.

Alex Batty is back in the UK (Family/GMP/PA)

Alex was found by chiropody student Fabien Accidini while walking alone near Toulouse in the early hours of last Wednesday.

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His grandmother Susan Caruana from Oldham, Greater Manchester, said before his return to the UK: I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.

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I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again.

`The main thing is that hes safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.

It is thought Alex had been living an alternative lifestyle with his mother, Melanie Batty and grandfather  who had taken him on the pre-arranged trip to Spain in 2017- across Spain, Morocco and France while he was missing.

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Mr Accidini said the teenager told him he had been hiking in nearby mountains for more than four days in an attempt to return to England.

French prosecutors said the teenagers mother, Melanie Batty may be in Finland while his grandfather David Batty has died.

Antoine Leroy told reporters Alex had said he knew his way of life with his mother had to stop after she announced an intention to move to Finland.

This led him to walk for four days and four nights across the Pyrenees, the prosecutor said.

On the whereabouts of Alexs mother and grandfather, Mr Leroy said: It is possible that the mother at this time has in fact gone to Finland, as she planned.

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The grandfather, who has always been with his daughter and grandson, is said to have died approximately six months ago.

Alex was described as tired but in good health after being checked over by French officials and seemed intelligent even though he had not attended school for six years.

The prosecutor also said the boy did not appear to have been subjected to any physical violence.

Reports from southern France suggest Alex had been living on-and-off in a remote mountain farmhouse since autumn 2021, where his grandfather had worked as a handyman in exchange for room and board for he and Alex.

Owners of Gite de la Bastide, Frederic Hambye and Ingrid Beauve, told MailOnline Alexs mother, did not live at the property and during that time she stayed in successive places of residence between Aude and Ariege, around 50 kilometres north and 120 kilometres west of the farmhouse.

In a statement obtained by MailOnline, they said: As time went on, we saw him as part of our family and we think he appreciated the stability and security we represent for him.

We encouraged him to learn French and study.

He was eager to go to school and get back to a normal life and for that he needed his ID which he told us he no longer had.

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When we learned that he did not have an ID, we offered to drive him to the British Consulate.

He told us he would find a way to return to the UK on his own to get new (identity) papers and go back to school.

To this end, he told us, he left on December 17 to join his mother.
Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi says the country will maintain military pressure on the Philippines amid a dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea that could involve US forces defending their treaty partner.

In a phone conversation on Wednesday with his Philippine counterpart, Enrique A Manalo, Mr Wang warned that if the Philippine side misjudges the situation, goes its own way, or even colludes with ill-intentioned external forces to continue to stir up troubles, China will defend its rights in accordance with law and respond resolutely, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

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Mr Wangs comments follow Chinas mobilisation of its coastguard and maritime militia to block Philippine supply missions to support its soldiers and fishermen.

China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, one of the worlds most crucial waterways for shipping, putting it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, who all maintain claims over islands, reefs and undersea resources in the region.

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Philippine foreign affairs secretary Enrique Manalo, left, and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi before their bilateral talks in Manila, Philippines in 2022 (Jam Sta Rosa/Pool Photo via AP)

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In particularly sharp comments, Mr Wang was quoted as accusing the Philippines of having changed its policy stance so far, reneged on the promises it has made, provoked troubles at sea, and undermined Chinas legitimate and lawful rights.

Noting that the bilateral relationship now stands at a crossroads, with its future yet to be decided, (Mr) Wang said the Philippine side must act with caution, Xinhua reported on Thursday.

Instead of continuing in the wrong direction, the Philippine side should return to the right path as soon as possible, with properly handling and managing the current maritime situation as a top priority, Mr Wang was quoted as saying.

Mr Wang gave no details on what agreements Manila had allegedly abandoned.

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Mr Manalos office described the the conversation as a frank and candid exchange, saying the sides had reached a clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues.

Territorial disputes have grown tenser as China seeks to cement its territorial claims in defiance of the US and its allies, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea and close partner Taiwan, which China claims as a breakaway province and threatens to annex by military force.

The head of the Philippine military was with his forces aboard a supply boat when it was blasted with a water cannon, surrounded and bumped by Chinese coast guard ships earlier this month in the disputed South China Sea.

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China, meanwhile, accused the US of encouraging the Philippines, its treaty ally, to provoke China for its own purposes, though it provided no direct evidence.

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Along with using water cannons, Philippines officials said that Chinese coastguard ships used a military-grade laser that caused Filipino crew members temporary blindness and engaged in dangerous blocking and shadowing manoeuvres that caused minor collisions.

Washington is bound by a 1951 treaty to help defend the Philippines from attack. That pledge has grown stronger with the election of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who recently said that the situation in the South China Sea has become more dire as China expands its presence.

China has showed interest in atolls and shoals that are closer and closer to the coast of the Philippines, with the nearest atoll about 60 nautical miles (111 kilometers) away, Mr Marcos said during a visit to the US state of Hawaii last month.
Pandemic-era UK education secretary Sir Gavin Williamson has criticised Boris Johnsons panic decision to close schools in January 2021.

In a witness statement to the official UK Covid-19 Inquiry, the Tory ex-Cabinet minister said he considered resigning over the matter.

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Mr Williamson, who has not given evidence in person but provided a statement for Module 2 of Baroness Heather Halletts probe, said his advice to the then-prime minister was unequivocal: we needed to ensure that children could return to school in January 2021.

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Unlike the first lockdown, we now had unequivocal evidence that school closures were damaging for childrens education, development and health.

Mr Williamson said his advice was initially taken into account by Mr Johnson in December 2020, allowing him to work with headteachers and officials on the return-to-school plans all through the Christmas period.

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But on January 4th, 2021, Mr Johnson announced a third national lockdown for England which saw schools shut to most pupils, just hours after he told parents it was safe to send their children back to the classroom.

It was a panic decision, made without having childrens interests front and centre, Mr Williamson said, writing that it was wrong on two grounds.

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Boris Johnson has been accused of panicking by his former education secretary (Chris Radburn/PA)

Firstly, we had seen the impact, especially on the most disadvantaged children, of not having schools open and operating as normally as possible. My concern was that a second set of restrictions would set back childrens educational recovery and progress even further.

Secondly, I felt it was wholly unnecessary. We had seen exceptionally high rates of Covid-19 in a number of northern towns and cities, yet had been able to keep schools open in these areas over this period. While this would be exceptionally challenging at a national level, I felt it was the right thing to do, as keeping children in school was so beneficial to them.

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Mr Williamson continued: I did very briefly consider whether I should resign, but I felt it was not the right thing.

He was concerned quitting would distract attention away from the key policy issues and focus attention on personal political issues.

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Mr Williamson was UK education secretary from July 2019 until September 2021.

His handling of disruption to schools during the height of the pandemic and the grading of GCSEs and A-levels after exams were cancelled was widely seen as disastrous.
More than half a million people in Gaza are starving due to woefully insufficient quantities of food entering the territory since Israels military responded to Hamas October 7 attack, according to a report by the UN and other agencies.

The report highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after more than 10 weeks of relentless bombardment and fighting.

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The extent of the populations hunger eclipsed even the near-famines in Afghanistan and Yemen of recent years, according to figures in the report.

It doesnt get any worse, said Arif Husain, chief economist for the UNs World Food Programme. I have never seen something at the scale that is happening in Gaza. And at this speed. How quickly it has happened, in just a matter of two months.



Israeli troops take up positions in the Gaza Strip (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

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Israel says it is in the final stages of clearing out Hamas militants from northern Gaza but that months of fighting lie ahead in the south.

The war sparked by Hamass deadly October 7 rampage and hostage-taking in Israel has killed about 20,000 Palestinians.

Some 1.9 million Gaza residents  more than 80% of the population  have been driven from their homes, with more than a million cramming into UN shelters.

The war has also pushed Gazas health sector into collapse. Only nine of its 36 health facilities are still partially functioning  and all are located in the south, the World Health Organisation said.

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WHO relief workers on Thursday reported unbearable scenes in two hospitals they visited in northern Gaza: bedridden patients with untreated wounds cry out for water, the few remaining doctors and nurses have no supplies, and bodies are lined up in the courtyard.

Bombardment and fighting continued on Thursday but with Gazas internet and other communications cut off for a second straight day, details on the latest violence could largely not be confirmed.



Palestinians queue up for food in Rafah (Fatima Shbair/AP)

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UN Security Council members are negotiating an Arab-sponsored resolution to halt the fighting in some way to allow for an increase in desperately needed humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.

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A vote on the resolution, first scheduled for Monday, was pushed back again on Wednesday in the hopes of getting the US to support it or allow it to pass after it vetoed an earlier ceasefire call.

Thursdays report from the UN underscored the failure of weeks of US efforts to ensure greater aid reaches Palestinians.

At the start of the war, Israel stopped all deliveries of food, water, medicine and fuel into the territory. After US pressure, it began allowing a trickle of aid in through Egypt but UN agencies say it fell far short of enough.

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This week, Israel began allowing aid to be delivered through its Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza.

But a blast on Thursday morning hit the Palestinian side of the crossing, forcing the UN to stop its pick-ups of aid there, according to Juliette Touma, spokesperson of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

At least four people were killed, the nearby hospital reported. Palestinian authorities blamed Israel for the blast but its cause could not immediately be confirmed.

Delivery of aid to much of the Gaza Strip has become difficult or impossible due to continued fighting, UN officials have said.



Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike in Rafah (Hatem Ali/AP)

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The report released on Thursday by 23 UN and nongovernmental agencies found that the entire population in Gaza is in a food crisis, with 576,600 at catastrophic  or starvation  levels.

It is a situation where pretty much everybody in Gaza is hungry, Mr Husain, the World Food Programme economist, said.

The lack of food and water weakens immune systems, making the population more vulnerable to disease, he said. People are very, very close to large outbreaks of disease because their immune systems have become so weak because they dont have enough nourishment, he said.

He added that border crossings need to be operational to get in essential supplies, including food and water, and he said that humanitarian groups need safe access to the entire Gaza strip.

Israel has vowed to continue the offensive until it destroys Hamas military capabilities and returns scores of hostages captured by Palestinian militants during their October 7 rampage. Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people that day, mostly civilians, and captured around 240 others.

Hamas fired a large barrage of rockets at central Israel on Thursday, showing its military capabilities remain formidable. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage but the rocket attack set off air raid sirens in Israels commercial hub of Tel Aviv.

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Hamas militants have put up stiff resistance lately against Israeli ground troops and its forces appear to remain largely intact in southern Gaza, despite more than two-and-a-half months of heavy aerial bombardment across the territory.

The United States, Israels closest ally, has continued to support Israels campaign while also urging greater efforts to protect civilians.

Israels military says 137 of its soldiers have been killed in the Gaza ground offensive. Israel says it has killed some 7,000 militants, without providing evidence.

It blames civilian deaths in Gaza on Hamas, saying it uses them as human shields when it fights in residential areas.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country has a policy of not hesitating to launch a nuclear strike on its rivals if provoked, state media reported.

It comes as he praised troops involved in the countrys recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test.

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Since adopting an escalatory nuclear doctrine last year, Mr Kim has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons pre-emptively. But many foreign experts say North Korea has yet to obtain functioning nuclear missiles and is also unlikely to use its nukes first because it is outgunned by the US and its allied forces.

North Korea on Monday conducted its first ICBM test in five months, calling the drill a warning over confrontational US and South Korean moves. North Korea cited a recent US-South Korean meeting on boosting their nuclear deterrence plans.

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The Norths Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Mr Kim met troops from the general missile bureau on Wednesday to congratulate them on the launch of the developmental solid-fuelled Hwasong-18 missile, the Norths newest and most powerful ICBM.

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US, South Korean and Japanese fighter jets fly over South Koreas southern island of Jeju during a joint air drill (South Korea Defence Ministry via AP)

During the meeting, Mr Kim said the launch demonstrated the evolution of the Norths nuclear doctrine and strategy not to hesitate even with a nuclear attack when the enemy provokes it with nukes, KCNA said.

Mr Kim said peace is guaranteed by a war posture of being willing to launch pre-emptive strikes on the enemy anywhere to make it feel fear, KCNA said.

Last year, North Korea adopted a law that stipulates a broad range of situations in which it can use nuclear weapons. Since the beginning of 2022, it has also test-fired about 100 ballistic missiles, many of them nuclear-capable weapons targeting the US and South Korea.

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Mondays Hwasong-18 launch was the weapons third test-flight this year.

The US and South Korean governments have repeatedly warned that any attempt by North Korea to use nuclear weapons would result in the end of the Kim Jong Un government.

The allies have also expanded their military training, which Mr Kim views as invasion rehearsal.

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After the Norths latest ICBM launch, the US, South Korea and Japan began sharing real-time missile warning data on North Korea and established details of their trilateral exercises in the coming years.

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A TV screen shows an image of North Koreas missile launch during a news programme at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

On Wednesday, the US flew long-range B-1B bombers for joint aerial training with South Korean and Japanese warplanes in a demonstration of strength against North Korea.

In an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, the US, South Korea and their partners maintained that North Koreas repeated missile launches threatened international peace and violated Security Council resolutions that ban any ballistic activities by North Korea.

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Mr Kims sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong, said in a statement on Thursday she feels very unpleasant over the UN council meeting, which she said was held at the brigandish demand of the US and its satellite countries.

She said the UN council must hold the US and South Korea accountable for heightened tensions as they stage all sorts of military provocations all year round.

The Norths latest ICBM launch will not likely earn the country fresh international sanctions. China and Russia  locked in separate confrontations with the US  have repeatedly blocked any UN Security Council responses to the Norths banned ballistic missile tests since last year.

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In a joint statement released on Thursday, the top diplomats from South Korea, the US and Japan said the Norths ICBM and other recent missile launches serve as a reminder of the need for all countries to fully implement North Korea-related UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit the country from acquiring technologies and materials to advance its unlawful missile programme.

The statement said the three countries will work closely with the international community to block the Norths efforts to finance its weapons programmes through the exploitation of overseas workers and malicious cyber activities.
Serbias main opposition group on Thursday urged the European Union to help open an international investigation into reported irregularities during last weekends election in the troubled Balkan nation seeking EU membership.

The Serbia Against Violence group said in a letter to EU institutions, officials and member states that they will not recognise the outcome of last Sundays parliamentary and local election.

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They called on the EU to do the same and initiate the inquiry.

Early results showed victory for the Serbian Progressive Party of President Aleksandar Vucic in both ballots. But its main opponents, the Serbia Against Violence alliance, said they were robbed of a win in Belgrade.



Opposition leader Miroslav Aleksic speaks during a protest outside the electoral commission building in Belgrade, Serbia, on Tuesday (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

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Mr Vucic and other ruling party officials denied the claims of vote rigging and said they would do everything to defend voters will of the people.

Mr Vucic said on Thursday that authorities in Serbia are compiling an important letter about the interference of an important country in the electoral process of Serbia in the most brutal way. He did not specify which country.

Serbia Against Violence have demanded that the election be annulled and rerun. Thousands of people have rallied in Belgrade to protest against the alleged vote theft since Monday.

The European Union now has a big chance to restore the trust of the citizens of Serbia, Dragan Djilas, one of the leaders of the SPN coalition told The Associated Press.

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Djilas said election irregularities included media bias, false signatures on voters lists, vote-buying and voter migration, including bringing in people from neighbouring Bosnia to vote in Belgrade.

Opposition leaders have charged that some 40,000 people were brought in on election day.

The (election) will of the people of Belgrade has been absolutely betrayed while the result of the parliamentary election is not in line with the will of the people of Serbia, Mr Djilas said.

I think it is of utmost importance for both Serbia and the entire region to finally bring democracy into this country.

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In their preliminary statement, an observation mission made up of representatives of international rights watchdogs also reported multiple irregularities and unjust conditions for the participants because of media bias, abuse of public resources and presidential dominance during the campaign.

Serious irregularities included cases of buying votes and the stuffing of ballot boxes, according to joint conclusions by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europes Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.



People hold copies of the ballots, reading forgery during a protest when several thousand people rallied against alleged fraud at the ballot for municipal authorities in Belgrade (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

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In the letter, Serbia Against Violence called on the EU to not recognise the results of the parliamentary, provincial and especially local elections in Serbia, until a full international investigation into the electoral irregularities is completed.

They added that the EU should initiate the investigation and later help form a verification committee that would oversee the preparation of a next election and make sure international recommendations are fully applied to ensure a free and fair vote.

There was no immediate reaction from the EU to the letter. It was addressed to the president and members of the European Parliament, the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, the foreign affairs chief and committees and representatives of the EUs 27 member states.
General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to his Chinese counterpart on Thursday, in the first of what officials said will be renewed talks between the two nations senior military leaders.

It came as the Biden administration works to thaw relations with Beijing.

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The video call between Gen Brown and Gen Liu Zhenli is the first senior military communications between the US and China since August 2022, when Beijing suspended all such contacts after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan.

It comes on the heels of similar conversations between top US and Chinese diplomats, all triggered by the meeting last month between US President Joe Biden and Chinas President Xi Jinping.

Mr Bidens meeting with Mr Xi, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit in San Francisco, was aimed in part at restoring the military talks amid escalating concerns about frequent unsafe or unprofessional incidents between the two nations ships and aircraft in the Pacific region.

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Generals Brown and Liu discussed the importance of working together to responsibly manage competition, avoid miscalculations, and maintain open and direct lines of communication, said Navy Captain Jereal Dorsey, Gen Browns spokesman, in a statement.

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The US has consistently viewed military communications with China as critical to avoiding any missteps between their armed forces and to maintaining a peaceful Indo-Pacific region.



Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General CQ Brown has spoken by video call to his Chinese counterpart (Cliff Owen/AP)

Gen Browns call is the first Cabinet-level communication with China since Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on December 6 to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

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While few other details about Gen Browns call were released, a senior US defence official and a senior military official said it was an important first step.

These are the kinds of discussions that the US needs to have with China, they said, in order to avoid misunderstandings or miscalculations as the two militaries interact. The two officials spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to provide information before the call.

They said the US is talking to China at various levels to work out a series of calls and meetings in the coming weeks and months. They include plans to hold the bilateral defence policy co-ordination talks early next year and the possible resumption of the China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement talks in the spring.

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During the call Brown reaffirmed the importance of holding the policy and maritime talks as well as opening the lines of communication with top Pacific commanders from the two countries, Mr Dorsey said in his statement.

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In August 2022, Beijing suspended all military contacts with the US when Ms Pelosi became the highest-ranking American politician to visit Taiwan since 1997, when then-speaker Newt Gingrich travelled there.

Her visit sparked a surge in military manoeuvres by China. Beijing dispatched warships and aircraft across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, claiming the de facto boundary did not exist, fired missiles over Taiwan itself, and challenged established norms by firing missiles into Japans exclusive economic zone.

There also has been an increase in what the Pentagon calls risky Chinese aircraft and warship incidents. The US Defence Department in October released video footage of some of the more than 180 intercepts of US warplanes by Chinese aircraft that have occurred in the past two years  more than the total number over the previous decade.

In one of the more recent incidents, a Chinese pilot flew within 10 feet of a US Air Force B-52, which was conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace.

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While officials touted the Brown-Liu call as an important initial move, the Pentagon has continued to express concerns about Chinas aggressive military interactions in the Indo-Pacific and has worked to build alliances with other nations in the region.



US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin met defence chiefs in Australia this month (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

Earlier this month, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin met defence chiefs from Australia and the UK to forge a new agreement to increase technology co-operation and information sharing, as part of a broader effort to counter Chinas rapidly growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

The new technology agreement is the next step in widening military cooperation with Australia that includes plans to help equip Sydney with a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines. And the defence leaders pointed to efforts by China to restrict freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific as a reason to bolster their co-operation.

Also, earlier this week, Admiral John Aquilino, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, expressed concerns about the increased joint military actions by China and Russia in the region.

Speaking in Tokyo, he said it is far beyond a marriage of convenience between Beijing and Moscow, and he urged China to stop escalating maritime confrontations with its neighbors.

Chinas defence ministry, meanwhile, has criticised the US for interfering in both Taiwan and the South China Sea, charging that American arms sales to Taiwan are making the situation more dangerous.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has described an apparent failure to follow proper process when appointing ABC managing director David Anderson in 2019 as unfortunate in correspondence with the broadcasters chair Ita Buttrose earlier this year.

Buttrose, whose term as chair will end in March, wrote to Rowland on March 17 to inform her of Andersons reappointment, outlining the importance for the broadcasters board to remain independent of government in appointing its managing director.

ABC chair Ita Buttrose and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland. Credit: Aresna Villanueva

The correspondence, obtained through a freedom of information request made by opposition communications spokesman David Coleman, relates to Andersons reappointment earlier this year.

While the broadcasters chair and directors are appointed by the governor-general  upon nomination by the prime minister and communications minister  the board appoints the managing director, under the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act.
It might look like an innocent postal package containing a birthday card and a can of potato chips. But inside the tube, stuffed in a sock, is a native Australian lizard.

Within another box is a tin of chocolate, where the bright colours of the wrapping hide a snake wrapped inside another sock.

The penalty for illegally trafficking native wildlife can be up to 10 years behind bars. Credit: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment

These reptiles are being illegally trafficked from Australia to other countries, but have been discovered by groundbreaking technology. They will be taken to Taronga Zoo, where a team of vets is on standby and environmental crime officers will collect information that will be used to take the traffickers to court.

The lucrative trade of Australias native animals is increasingly an area of organised crime.
When Gavin Wright became a surgeon 22 years ago, it was unusual for him to encounter lung cancer patients who had never smoked.

These days, the research and education lead at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre estimates that about 20 per cent of the lung cancer patients he operates on have no substantial smoking history.

While the incidence of lung cancer has dropped in Australia due to a decline in tobacco smoking, the Victorian Lung Cancer Registry says an increasing number of non-smokers are now being diagnosed. Credit: Nicolas Walker

Its gone from rare to not uncommon, the associate professor said.

Wright believes that pollution is driving the increase in lung cancer among non-smokers, with women and people from Asian backgrounds at heightened risk.
Police are investigating disgraced champion jockey Danny Nikolic after he allegedly confronted a man who had just served him court documents in the middle of a busy western Melbourne road, and then allegedly damaged his car.

The Caulfield Cup-winning jockey, who was banned from horse racing in 2012 for threatening racing stewards and has a chequered past, was filmed on Wednesday being served a court order to pay legal costs for a civil case in the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, Victoria Police confirmed that a report of criminal damage in Deer Park was being investigated.

It is understood a man approached a 53-year-old Keilor man in his vehicle, which had stopped at traffic lights on Ballarat Road about 10.30am, a spokesperson said.
Australia will deploy six Defence Force personnel to a US-led operation guarding against Iran-backed rebel attacks on commercial trade routes but will not send a ship or plane, a call Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claimed would be welcomed by Hamas.

The six will join Operation Prosperity Guardian in the new year and Australia will also double from five to 10 its staff officers involved in a wider Middle East maritime operation.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin welcomes Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in October. Credit: AP

The Coalition has castigated Labor in recent days for choosing not to send a warship to the region, where Houthi rebels have been wreaking havoc in key shipping routes facilitating the transfer of oil, humanitarian aid and other products.

The Yemen-based, Iranian-backed armed group is protesting against Israels military action in Gaza, which was prompted by the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas, an entity also supported by Iran.
It has been little more than two months since the Voice referendum and the issue of Indigenous disadvantage has so comprehensively disappeared from the national agenda that its easy to forget that the 2023 political year was dominated by a highly vituperative and, at times, racialised debate.

If the Voice was a test of our society to shepherd a complex national discussion about a vulnerable group of Australians with sufficient nuance and delicacy, we have surely come up wanting.

Labor, and Australian society, have a test ahead. Credit: Joe Benke

In the new year lurks another test, and perhaps the opportunity for some redemption. Next year, the Albanese government will have to make good on its election promise to legislate a religious discrimination framework, closing a gap in federal law when it comes to protecting people with faith from discrimination.

This pledge is accompanied by the vow by Labor that it will also scrap existing legal exemptions that allow faith schools to discriminate against LGBTQ students and staff because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, including by expelling and sacking them. At the same time, it has committed to maintaining the right of religious schools to preference people of their faith when they hire staff.
Hong Kong authorities are strangling funding channels for activists overseas, including in Australia, as Chinas crackdown on the former liberal enclave targets small donations and independent media outlets.

Four people were arrested last week for donating between $1900 and $22,000 to activists Ted Hui and Nathan Law. Hui is now based in Australia and remains on the run from Hong Kong police for contempt of court and for urging Hongkongers to cast blank votes in rigged local elections.

Ted Hui has settled his family in Adelaide after fleeing Hong Kong. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

Hong Kong police said in a statement the four arrested, aged between 29 and 68, were suspected of providing pecuniary assistance via [an] online crowdfunding platform to two wanted persons, who have engaged in secessionist activities and absconded overseas.

The fear is spreading everywhere, said Hui. Its a move to spread the white terror continuously and to warn people they shouldnt be donating money to people like me.
However, when you consider that only 32 of these had financed a loan in October to either a non-financial business or a financial institution (which are typically not small businesses), the options become slimmer.
A COSCO container ship is seen at the San Antonio port (Photo: Reuters / Rodrigo Garrido)

The maritime industry is currently navigating through a turbulent period as the effectiveness of the Red Sea Convoy Alliance, formed to combat the threat from Yemen's Houthi rebels, is increasingly under scrutiny. Shipping giants like Hapag-Lloyd have opted for alternative routes, circling the Cape of Good Hope rather than risking the volatile Red Sea waters.

Despite the formation of the 20-nation alliance led by the United States, the deterrent effect has yet to manifest, and rifts within the group and increased pirate activities are raising serious concerns about the security of this vital maritime passage.

Tracking data from Kuehne+Nagel indicates that a significant number of container ships are avoiding the Red Sea, preferring the lengthy detour around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope. This shift has led to a 14% decrease in vessel traffic in the region and escalating international oil prices as companies like British Petroleum and Norway's National Oil Company suspend operations.

The ongoing crisis is not only affecting shipping schedules but also has the potential to impact global supply chains, with companies like IKEA warning of possible delivery delays and increased product costs.

Despite the joint task force's intended purpose to shield ships from Houthi insurgent attacks, skepticism remains among the maritime community. The exact operational details and rules of engagement of the convoy alliance remain unclear, leaving shipping companies uncertain about the level of protection they can expect. Furthermore, internal rifts within the alliance and the reluctance of certain member countries to fully commit their naval resources are complicating efforts to present a united front against the threats.

Adding to the complexity is the potential resurgence of Somali pirates, taking advantage of the regional chaos to reassert their presence. The recent hijacking of the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Ruen near Somalia's coast marks the first successful pirate seizure since 2017. This incident, coupled with a spike in Houthi attacks on merchant ships, signifies a worrying trend for the maritime industry. If not addressed, these threats could lead to a significant escalation of risks in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

As the Red Sea Convoy Alliance grapples with internal disagreements and the rise of pirate activities, the global shipping industry faces a period of heightened uncertainty. Companies are forced to make difficult decisions, balancing the risks of navigating through the Red Sea with the increased costs and time associated with alternative routes.

The effectiveness of the alliance's operations and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region will be critical factors in determining the future security of this crucial maritime corridor. With so much at stake, the shipping community and the world at large watch closely as events unfold in the turbulent waters of the Red Sea.
E-commerce giant Flipkart has raised nearly $600 million in fresh funds from parent company Walmart and another investor, signalling a slow return of large deal momentum amid tight liquidity conditions and a global economic slowdown, according to people familiar with the matter.

This is the first major fundraise for the Bengaluru-based firm since 2021, when it raised $3.6 billion from investors including SoftBank and Walmart, valuing the company at $37.6 billion.

SoftBank has exited the firm.

According to sources, the latest financing is likely to value the firm at a 5-10 per cent premium to its previous valuation of $33 billion. The new valuation may cross $40 billion.

Flipkarts valuation had been adjusted to $33 billion after fintech firm PhonePe was separated from the group in December 2022. Industry sources said Flipkart was in talks with investors to raise a total funding round of about $1 billion.

The company plans to deploy the capital to expand its infrastructure and seller support ecosystem and the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI, said a person familiar with the matter.

Flipkart confirmed the fund infusion but didnt comment on the capital the firm planned to raise.

This fundraise will give enough firepower to Flipkart to counter competition from Amazon, Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance JioMart, and Tata Digital. It would also help the company tap the next 200 million customers in the country, especially in Tier-II and -III cities and Bharat (rural India), according to people familiar with the companys strategy.

In July 2020, Walmart led a $1.2 billion round in Flipkart, valuing the e-commerce firm at $24.9 billion. In May 2018, Walmart announced it would pay $16 billion for an initial stake of approximately 77 per cent in the home-grown e-commerce company at a valuation of less than $21 billion.

Fintech firm PhonePe came to Walmart as part of the acquisition. After that, Walmart continued to participate in the funding rounds of Flipkart and PhonePe.

Such financing is signalling a slow return of deal momentum amid tight liquidity conditions and a global economic slowdown, according to analysts. Flipkarts funding round is one of the largest raised by a company in a single round for 2023.

Udaan, Indias largest business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce firm, recently raised $340 million in Series E financing.

Fintech firm PhonePe got up $850 million this year, and that included a single round of $350 million from General Atlantic in January and a subsequent funding of $100 million in May.

Eyewear startup Lenskart rang in $500 million from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in March and $100 million from ChrysCapital in June.

Ola Electric raised $380 million in October, although $240 million of this comprised debt.

A record 1.4 billion customers visited Flipkarts platform during its flagship festival sales event The Big Billion Days' (TBBD) 2023. The event, which started on October 8 (with early access for VIP and Plus customers from October 7) and ended on October 15, received a great response from both customers and an extensive network of sellers across the country.

However, soon after that, the e-commerce firms growing losses drew attention. Flipkart India reported a 45 per cent increase in net loss at Rs 4,890.6 crore during 2022-23 as against Rs 3,371.2 crore in the previous financial year, according to the data accessed by business intelligence platform Tofler.

The Walmart-owned companys consolidated revenues in 2022-23 were at Rs 56,013 crore, a 9 per cent jump over the revenues in the previous financial year.

The firms expenses for the financial year were reported at Rs 60,858 crore, an increase of 11.5 per cent from Rs 54,580 crore in the previous one. This included costs such as the purchase of stock in trade, employee-benefit expenses, and those related to finance.
A team of the Special Cell questioned the duo on Wednesday, they added | (Photo: X/@DrSenthil_MDRD)

The Delhi Police has questioned two more people in connection with the Parliament security breach case, sources said on Thursday.

While one of them is said to be a close friend of accused Manoranjan D and belongs to Karnataka, the other hails from Uttar Pradesh, police sources said.

A team of the Special Cell questioned the duo on Wednesday, they added.

They are suspected to be a part of the now-deleted Facebook page 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club', which was created by the accused before the security breach incident, said sources.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack last Wednesday, two men -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released coloured smoke and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs.

Two others -- Neelam and Amold Shinde -- were detained outside the Parliament complex for staging a protest.

The four were arrested and charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

They will be produced before a court as their seven days of police custody ends on Thursday. The Special Cell is likely to seek their further custody.

Meanwhile, two more people -- Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat -- were arrested later in connection with the case and they have also been interrogated, police said.
Domestic shipping companies are likely to see a further 5-7 per cent decline in revenue in the next financial year amid normalisation of the rates, a report said on Thursday.

This follows a steep 23-25 per cent fall in their revenue in the current fiscal (2023-24) after a 35 per cent growth in the last financial year when charter rates had surged because of geopolitical conflicts (including the Russia-Ukraine war) and higher demand from China post-pandemic, credit rating agency CRISIL said on Thursday.

While the margin profile may vary widely across players operating in different segments, CRISIL said the average operating margin may continue to moderate to 33-35 per cent in the next fiscal driven mainly by the correction in charter rates.

However, it will remain higher than the pre-pandemic levels of 25-30 per cent, the rating agency forecast.

This along with modest capital expenditure (capex) plans, should sustain the healthy credit risk profiles of shipping companies, CRISIL said.

A CRISIL study of five shipping companies, which account for about half of the around 20-million metric tonne (MMT) deadweight tonnage (DWT) of shipping fleet in India, indicates as much, it said.

The shipping fleet of domestic companies is dominated by tankers that carry crude oil and petroleum products (contributing to around 70 per cent of total DWT), followed by dry bulk carriers carrying unpackaged commodities such as coal, iron ore and grains (around 20 per cent), according to CRISIL.

The balance is distributed between container ships, gas carriers and others.

According to CRISIL, the charter rates correlate with the global demand-supply dynamics.

"We are seeing charter rates for crude and product tankers correcting 20-25 per cent this fiscal from the average of around USD 50,000/day last fiscal, as global uncertainties (caused by Covid-19 followed by geopolitical conflicts) ease," said Anuj Sethi, Senior Director, CRISIL Ratings.

He said that expecting the current trend in global trade continues, charter rates could further moderate next year, but will remain higher than the pre-pandemic level, supported by buoyant tonne-mile demand and limited new fleet deliveries.

"Charter rates for crude oil and petroleum product tankers will be supported by growing imports by China and India; also, to be aided by better fleet utilisation given higher tonne-mile demand due to change in trade routes following the Russia-Ukraine conflict," the rating agency said.

On the supply side, capacity addition for tankers is expected to remain limited given the decadal-low orderbook, which will keep charter rates much higher than the pre-pandemic level of USD 15,000-25,000/day, it said.

But the charter rates for dry bulk are expected to remain range-bound this fiscal and the next, with moderate growth in demand for key commodities, especially iron ore and coal (accounting for 40-45 per cent of the global dry-bulk trade), and moderate fleet orders, it said.

According to CRISIL, the average charter rates had declined last fiscal due to lower demand of these and other key commodities due to subdued industrial / construction activities in major economies.

These corrections seen in charter rates will also impact operating profitability of shipping companies. said Joanne Gonsalves, Associate Director at CRISIL Ratings.

"We expect average operating margins of shipping companies to moderate 300-500 basis points to around 38-40 per cent this fiscal and further to 33-35 per cent in fiscal 2025 as charter rates normalise. Albeit, operating margins will continue to remain higher than pre[1]pandemic levels."



CRISIL Ratings said it also expects credit profile of shipping companies to remain stable, benefitted by healthy cash flows and limited debt addition as no major fleet addition is planned.

This will ensure comfortable debt metrics, despite a slight moderation from fiscal 2023 levels, said Gonsalves.

It also said that any trade disruptions (including escalation of the Middle-East conflict) impacting charter rates, adverse movement in fuel costs or any regulatory changes which could impact fleet utilisation could alter performance expectations and will bear watching.
We wanted to raise Parliament security breach issue as to why it happened and who is responsible, Kharge said | Photo: PTI

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday alleged that Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar had brought casteism to Parliament, after the Vice President had slammed a TMC leader's mimicry of him and called it an insult to his background as a farmer and Jat.

Kharge made the remarks after opposition MPs marched to Vijay Chowk from Parliament to protest the suspension of 143 MPs from the House.

The Congress president, flanked by MPs and leaders of INDIA bloc parties, alleged that it was a matter of breach of privilege of the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had spoken outside Parliament while it was in session and did not apprise the House over the Lok Sabha security breach incident.

We wanted to raise Parliament security breach issue as to why it happened and who is responsible, Kharge said.

The opposition wanted to speak on the issue but Prime Minister Modi and Home minister Shah did not turn up, even as the PM continued to make speeches elsewhere, Kharge said.

INDIA bloc leaders will protest at Jantar Mantar Friday against suspension of MPs and nationwide protests will also be held in all district headquarters against the government's immoral and illegal behaviour of this government.

He also alleged that the government doesn't want the House to function.

In an apparent reference to the mimicry issue and Dhankhar's remarks on it, Kharge said, I am sorry to say that the Rajya Sabha Chairman has in a way brought casteism to Parliament by raising an issue.

A political row broke out on Tuesday after Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee derisively mimicked Dhankhar during the opposition's protest on the stairs of Parliament against the MPs' suspension, drawing strong condemnation from the ruling BJP.

Dhankhar had given vent to his anguish in Rajya Sabha, saying he was personally hurt as his farmer and Jat backgrounds were targeted.

Two more opposition members in Lok Sabha were suspended on Wednesday for displaying placards, taking the total number of members of the lower House against whom such action has been taken to 97.

With these fresh suspensions, the total number of members suspended from the Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha since December 14 has gone up to 143.

After two men jumped in the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13 and released smoke from canisters, the opposition has been disrupting House proceedings demanding a statement from Shah on the security breach.
India's Permanent Representative at the UN Ruchira Kamboj said that as a contiguous neighbour to Afghanistan, a friend to its people and as a country with direct stakes in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan, India was still concerned over th

Describing the situation in Afghanistan is still one of concern, India has said the formation of an inclusive and representative government structure, combating terrorism, and preserving the rights of women, children, and minorities in Afghanistan is an immediate priority for it.

Addressing a Security Council meeting on the topic of Situation in Afghanistan' on Wednesday, India's Permanent Representative at the UN Ruchira Kamboj said that as a contiguous neighbour to Afghanistan, a friend to its people and as a country with direct stakes in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan, India was still concerned over the situation in the country.

Our common and immediate priorities include providing humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people, formation of an inclusive and representative government structure, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, and preserving the rights of women, children, and minorities, Kamboj said.

India has not yet recognised the Taliban set-up and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul besides insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country.

Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban government has not honoured their earlier promises to give women the right to work and study. Women are excluded from most public spaces, and the restrictions have sparked global condemnation.

The deteriorating humanitarian situation, compounded by natural disasters such as the earthquake of October 2023, has had a devastating impact on the lives of the people, Kamboj said.

It is important for the international community to not lose its focus on Afghanistan, she reminded and added how the humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan needs to be prioritised given the distressing humanitarian situation in the country.

Between October 7 and 15, multiple earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 and above hit western Afghanistan killing more than 2,000 people.

Kamboj also listed the steps that India has taken to deliver material humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and continued its educational scholarships for the Afghan students and reassured, Our humanitarian assistance will continue for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan.

India's development partnership has included more than 500 projects spread across each of the 34 provinces of the war-torn country in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building.
From 1993 to 2015, he conspired to support terrorists in Lebanon, Argentina, Panama, Thailand and elsewhere, the indictment said as it listed six aliases for El Reda, including Salman Ramal, Sulayman Rammal, Salman Raouf Salman and Hajj | File image | (Photo: Reuters)

A high-ranking member of Hezbollah's Islamic Jihad Organisation was charged with terrorism offences, including the bombing of a building in Argentina in 1994 that killed 85 people, in an indictment unsealed Wednesday in Manhattan federal court.

Samuel Salman El Reda, 58, who remains at large and is believed to be in Lebanon, was described by federal authorities as the leader of terrorist activity carried out by Hezbollah since at least 1993.

From 1993 to 2015, he conspired to support terrorists in Lebanon, Argentina, Panama, Thailand and elsewhere, the indictment said as it listed six aliases for El Reda, including Salman Ramal, Sulayman Rammal, Salman Raouf Salman and Hajj.

He faces conspiracy charges and a count alleging he provided material support to a terrorist organisation.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G Olsen said in a release that El Reda nearly three decades ago helped plan and execute the heinous attack on a Buenos Aires Jewish community centre that murdered 85 innocent people and injured countless others.

The attack occurred on July 18, 1994, when the Asociacion Mutual Israelita Argentina building in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was bombed, killing 85 people and injuring hundreds more.

El Reda allegedly relayed information to Islamic Jihad Organisation operatives that was used to plan and execute the bombing.

In the decades afterward, he recruited, trained and managed the organization's operatives around the world, deploying them in Thailand, Panama and Peru, among other places, authorities said.

They said that in May 2009, he directed an operative to go to Thailand to destroy a cache of ammonium nitrate and other explosive materials that the organisation believed was under law enforcement surveillance.

And, in February 2011 and in January 2012, he told an operative to go to Panama to surveil the Panama Canal and embassies maintained by the US and Israel, authorities said.

US Attorney Damian Williams said the Argentina attack was part of the terrorist operations that El Reda has led for decades on behalf of the Islamic Jihad Organisation, the segment of Hezbollah that focuses on terrorism and intelligence-gathering activities outside of Lebanon.

New York Police Department Commissioner Edward A Caban said El Reda was the on-the-ground coordinator of the Argentina attack.

Caban said he has since been involved in plots all across the world.

The US Department of Treasury designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in 2001 and officials noted that the State Department in 2010 described it as the most technically capable terrorist group in the world and a continuing security threat to the United States.
Wisconsin's bipartisan elections commission, for a second time, has unanimously rejected a complaint against fake presidential electors who attempted to cast the state's ballots for Donald Trump in 2020.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission first rejected the complaint in March 2022. But a judge in May ordered the commission to rehear the complaint, this time without one of its members who served as one of the fake electors for the former president.

The commission released its unanimous 5-0 decision to reject the complaint Wednesday without explaining why. The elections commission's discussion of the complaint, as well as its vote on Tuesday, was conducted in closed meetings.

The complaint asked the elections commission to investigate the fake electors' actions and declare that they broke the law.

Last year, when it rejected the complaint the first time, the commission attached a letter from the Wisconsin Department of Justice that said that Republicans who attempted to cast the state's 10 electoral college votes for Trump did not break any election laws.



The state Justice Department concluded that Republicans were legitimately trying to preserve Trump's legal standing as courts were deciding if he or Biden won the election.

Fake electors met in Wisconsin and other battleground states that Trump lost in 2020, attempting to cast ballots for the former president even though he lost. Republicans who participated in Wisconsin said they were trying to preserve Trump's legal standing in case his defeat was overturned in court.

The fake electors settled a lawsuit filed against them by Democrats seeking more than $2 million in damages. The case is proceeding against two of Trump's attorneys.

Under the settlement, the Madison-based liberal law firm Law Forward which filed the original complaint with the elections commission against the electors agreed to withdraw the second complaint. But the elections commission was still free to take action on the complaint, which its attorney noted on Wednesday when announcing it was rejected.

One of the Wisconsin fake electors was Bob Spindell, a Republican member of the elections commission. He voted to reject the complaint last year, but did not participate this time after he agreed that his involvement was improper. There have been calls for Spindell to be removed from the elections commission over his role as a fake elector.
In a significant move towards enhanced transparency, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) mandated the Dematerialisation of securities for Private Companies through a notification on October 27, 2023.



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Under her leadership, Merck Foundation was also recognized as the NGO of the

Year 2022, the Most Influential NGO and Best Health Sector Philanthropy of the Yea
By now, youd probably think the Honda HR-V is my favorite punching bag; after all, it was the subject of our first head-to-head comparo I d...
TOKYO, Dec 21 ( News On Japan ) - ENEOS Holdings, a leading oil wholesaler, has found itself in uncharted territory with the president resigning for a second time due to inappropriate conduct towards women.

Tsuyoshi Saito, who joined the then Japan Petroleum in 1986, climbed the corporate ladder, serving as managing director and vice president before becoming president in April 2022. He also held a significant position in the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren.

At a company social event, Saito reportedly hugged a woman while intoxicated.

The successor as president is planned to be decided by the end of February 2024.

ENEOS Holdings reported consolidated sales of over 15 trillion yen in 2022, and has over 40,000 employees.
Perus cement dispatches fall by 9% in November

ICR Newsroom By 21 December 2023

Cement dispatches in Peru declined by nine per cent YoY to 1.063Mt in November 2023 from 1.166Mt in November 2022, according to the countrys cement association, ASOCEM. Of this total, its members dispatched 0.981Mt, down 12 per cent YoY from 1.119Mt.



Domestic cement production fell by 11 per cent to 0.988Mt in November 2023 from 1.114Mt in the equivalent month of 2022. Clinker output was down by nine per cent YoY to 0.843Mt from 0.922Mt in November 2022.



Cement exports slipped by six per cent to 11,000t in November 2023 from 12,000t in November 2023 but clinker exports advanced by 17 per cent YoY to 107,000t from 34,000t over the same period.



To supplement domestic output, 30,000t of cement were imported in November 2023, up from 6000t in the year-ago period. However, clinker imports dropped by 85 per cent YoY to 18,000t from 121,000t in November 2022.



January-November 2023

In the first 11 months of 2023 total domestic dispatches in Peru decreased by 8.8 per cent to 11.031Mt from 11.288Mt in the 11M22.



Cement production by Peruvian cement plants declined by 4.7 per cent YoY to 10.475Mt in the 11M23 from 10.996Mt in the equivalent period of the previous year. Clinker output increased by 3.5 per cent YoY to 8.807Mt from 8.511Mt in the 11M22.



Cement exports saw a 12.8 per cent fall to 0.136Mt in the 11M23 from 0.156Mt in the 11M22 while clinker exports dropped by 42.5 per cent YoY to 0.599Mt from 1.041Mt over the same period.



In the January-November 2023 period, 0.208Mt of cement was imported, 18.5 per cent less than in the 11M22, when 0.255Mt was imported. Clinker imports were down 28.5 per cent YoY to 0.616Mt in the 11M23 from 0.862Mt in the year-ago period.







Published under
Hoffmann Green extends contract with CSTB

21 December 2023

Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies has announced that the partnership contract it signed in 2021 with Frances Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Batiment (CSTB)) has been extended for a further three years.

According to the cement producer, thanks to the planning and coordination established between the two entities, this partnership extension will enable Hoffmann Green to benefit from optimised lead-times for the assessment of its current and future technologies, in particular its highly promising clay-based technologies such as H-EVA and H-P2A.

This extension also demonstrates the company's successful integration into the building regulatory landscape, as well as the mutual trust between the two entities that has been developing since 2017, says Hoffmann Green.

We are delighted to be continuing this collaboration with the CSTB and its Chairman Etienne Crepon, and are convinced that our extended partnership and shared planning will keep on providing us with optimised timeframes for certifying our promising future clay-based technologies, such as H-EVA and H-P2A. We look forward to bringing these new technologies to market, as they, like our current technologies, benefit from very strong interest, added Julien Blanchard and David Hoffmann, co-founders, Hoffmann Green.

Published under
OSAKA, Dec 21 ( News On Japan ) - A 38-year-old man charged with filming female students in a restroom received a guilty verdict and sentenced to 1 and a half years prison suspended for 3 years from the Osaka District Court.

The art class teacher has been charged with filming female students over a period of about four months starting from November last year in the restroom of the painting class he operated in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City.

During the trial, the defendant admitted to the charges, and the prosecution argued for a sentence of 1 year and 6 months imprisonment, pointing out that "the victim count reached nine, showing a clear pattern of habitual behavior."

In the verdict handed down on Wednesday, the Osaka District Court recognized the crime as "a vile and malicious act, exploiting the trust of students and their guardians." However, it also noted that "Isogai has admitted to his crime and shown signs of remorse and a willingness to reform," leading to a sentence of 1 year and 6 months imprisonment with a 3-year probation.
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NAGANO, Dec 21 ( NHK ) - A famous Buddhist temple in central Japan hopes to pay for restoration work by using crowdfunding. It wants to return its famed tea ceremony facility to its former glory.

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City drew some six million visitors a year before the pandemic. The roughly 1400-year-old temple has started its first-ever crowdfunding campaign to restore a structure built in 1799.

The temple estimates that it needs 10 million yen or about 69,000 dollars to repair the facility, which has a leaky roof.

But it may be difficult to pay for the project amid shrinking donations due to an aging population and a slow recovery in tourism.

A priest at Zenkoji Daikanjin Temple said that he wants more people to know about the situation and seek their help through crowdfunding.

The campaign will run through February 20 next year. Donors can get works of calligraphy created by the chief priest, stamps or daruma dolls.
The South Korean military says fighter jets from Japan, the United States and South Korea took part in an exercise, while US B-1 bombers were mobilized over the Korean Peninsula.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Wednesday that the joint drill was held in airspace east of the southern island of Jeju, where the air defense identification zones of Japan and South Korea overlap.

It is the second time that Japan's Air Self-Defense Force has carried out a joint exercise with US and South Korean air forces, following the first trilateral drill in October.

North Korea is strongly cautious about US B-1 bombers. South Korean media say the aircraft loaded with a large amount of munitions can reach the Korean Peninsula from Guam within two hours.

The South Korean military says the latest drill is aimed to show the three countries' will to strongly respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, including the firing of a solid-fuel ICBM.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp on Wednesday announced his appointment of Steven Cogswell, MD, as the new Hamilton County medical examiner succeeding the countys esteemed Medical Examiner, Dr. James Metcalfe, pending a confirmation vote from the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 3.

Dr. Cogswell is one of few medical examiners in the United States with double board certification by both the American Board of Pathology, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and the American Board of Pathology, Forensic Pathology. His credentials are backed by decades of experience in the medical field where he has spent the last 10 years as the countys associate medical examiner. His previous posts include stints at the Regional Forensic Center in Knox County, the chief medical examiner in Florida's 5th Judicial District, and the coroner for Bossier City, La.

After completing his residency in 1990, Dr. Cogswell entered the United States Air Force and served as a forensic pathologist for almost a decade. He has been invited to lecture at Quantico for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Treasury Department, and the National Forensic Academy, among others. The board of directors of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, which represents more than 1,100 physicians in the county, unanimously recommended his appointment.

Dr. James Metcalfe has served Hamilton County with the highest integrity and professionalism, and the citizens of our county owe him a debt of gratitude for his service as he enters retirement, said County Mayor Wamp.

Dr. Steven Cogswell has been at Dr. Metcalfes side for the last decade, and I have the utmost confidence that Dr. Cogswell will uphold the standard of excellence in the Hamilton County Medical Examiners Office as it transitions to a true regional forensics center in the years ahead. Considering Dr. Cogswells extraordinary career accomplishments, it is fitting that the board of directors of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society unanimously endorsed his appointment.

Greg Jackson has been appointed and confirmed as Hamilton Countys next director of Information Technology following Bart McKinney, who has diligently served the county for nearly 40 years. His previous leadership roles include chief information officer at Piedmont University, technical director at Lenoir-Rhyne University, technical director at UTC, and 11 years as the assistant vice president of Information Technology at Chattanooga State.

As we continue to modernize county government to best serve the people of Hamilton County, Greg Jackson is well qualified to step in and fill the large void being left by longtime director of Information Technology, Bart McKinney, said County Mayor Wamp. Gregs experience at both Chattanooga State and UTC have prepared him to lead a large department serving dozens of facilities across our community."
David Pennington rarely showed much emotion in the Council Chamber during his 10 years as Dalton's mayor, but he did get choked up at times Tuesday night while reflecting on the end of his tenure. While his term runs through the end of the year, Tuesday night's meeting with the City Council was scheduled to be his last as mayor. The meeting was held after an hour-long reception for well-wishers in the City Hall lobby, and before the business of the regular agenda could begin there were words of praise for the outgoing mayor.

"I dont think that folks understand the time commitment that goes into being mayor or an elected official," said City Administrator Andrew Parker. "The countless meetings over the 10 years (as mayor) I would think has to be in the thousands (in which) you brought your leadership and vision to the city."

"Ive probably known you longer than anyone in this room except for maybe your sister," said Councilmember Steve Farrow. "I had the opportunity to observe a lot of exceptional leaders (in the state legislature), and Id put you up against any one of them. Your vision for this city is just unparalleled."

Mayor Pennington first served as Dalton's mayor from 2008 until 2014 when he stepped down to run for governor. He returned to office in 2020 for a third term and served four years before announcing earlier this year he would not seek re-election. In November, former City Councilmember Annalee Harlan Sams won election to succeed him as mayor.

Dalton Chamber of Commerce President Jason Mock and Whitfield County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jevin Jensen both offered words of praise for Mayor Pennington during the meeting's public comment period. Chairman Jensen also presented Mayor Pennington with a clock with the inscription "World's Fastest City Council Meetings" as a wink towards the mayor's penchant for keeping meetings moving at a brisk pace during his time in office.

"I want to thank you for our partnership," Chairman Jensen said. "We signed a LOST agreement, we're almost done with the SPLOST, we did a service delivery agreement, we did a comprehensive strategic plan, we worked together on the library, we transitioned the senior center, I mean, it's a long (list)."

Before presenting Mayor Pennington with an award for his service, Mr. Parker went further in listing the accomplishments of his years in office. Mr. Parker referred to the goals that Mayor Pennington listed which running for office in 2019, and observed that the city had since either accomplished them or was in the process of putting them into action. Among those goals were reducing the property taxes for Dalton residents each year, growing the tax digest, delivering a budget in which sales tax revenue eclipsed property tax revenue, developing and implementing a 21st century stormwater management plan, reinvesting in the renewal of Dalton's Parks and Recreation Department, and also focusing on code enforcement in the city to improve the appearance of the city.

"I think I speak for all the department heads and city staff (in saying) that we appreciate your leadership over these last four years," Mr. Parker said. "Were going to miss you and we look forward to the service of Mayor-Elect Annalee Sams. But keep dont block our numbers, well probably call you to get some wise counsel from time to time."

"People forget that in '08 when I took office the first time, the serious situation this community was in," Mayor Pennington said, reflecting on his years in office. "I wasn't sure if we would make the payroll or whatever else... and then we were having to do a lot of difficult things. This time, (City Clerk) Bernadette (Chattam) said, 'you've become liberal, you're spending money.' And I said, 'well, first of all, we've got money this time.' And when I look at the people that I've worked around, it's been amazing. Absolutely amazing."

Mayor Pennington's voice broke as he spoke those last words, and said, "I'm getting emotional, which is unusual, so let's get to the minutes."

From there, the mayor and Council ran through their agenda. As the meeting concluded, however, Mayor Pennington offered closing remarks with a bright hope for Dalton's future.

"Very few cities can become exceptional cities," Mayor Pennington said. "This one can. We're well on our way to doing that. And I'm sure that with younger people, Annalee's leadership, the council, the best staff in Georgia, we're going to become that. Thank you."

Fittingly, Mayor Pennington's final remarks were short and to the point.




You might have heard about the day an art teacher gave her young students an assignment to paint any subject of their choice. As she circuited the room looking at the students work, she came to Billy who was working very intently.

What is your picture about? she asked. Im painting a picture of God, he responded. Well, Billy, I appreciate your effort, but nobody knows what God looks like. They will when my picture is done! he confidently replied.

You have to admire the kids spunk, but the teacher was right  no one has seen God. To experience that surely would be the ultimate mind-blowing experience. How could our finite minds begin to absorb the sight of the infinite God who created not only the earth and everything in it, but also the entire universe?

Chapter 33 of the book of Exodus gives an account of Moses speaking with the Lord, overwhelmed by the responsibility for leading a huge, headstrong throng of Israelites. During this amazing conversation, Moses makes a bold, presumptuous, request: Now show me Your glory. Gods response is, in effect, Moses, you have no idea what youre asking. He states, you cannot see My face, for no one may see Me and live (Exodus 33:12-23).

The Lord did place Moses in the cleft of a large rock and allowed him to catch a brief glimpse of Himself from the back. Even that was enough to make Moses face glow with the shekinah glory of God. When he went down Mount Sinai from receiving the Ten Commandments and returned to the Israelites, they insisted that he cover his face because it was too bright to behold.

What does this have to do with Christmas, just days away? Its simple: In the birth of Jesus Christ, God took on human form, becoming visible to those with whom He lived and encountered. As John 1:14 declares, And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.

We find this truth expressed in a different way in Hebrews 1:2-3, In these last days [God] has spoken to us in His Sonand He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature. In His incarnation as Jesus, the Lord doesnt show us everything there is to know about Himself  our brains couldnt begin to contain His totality  but He reveals everything we need to know about Him.

Joseph and Mary, a puzzled but obedient couple, had made the arduous journey from nondescript Nazareth to an equally unremarkable Bethlehem, where Jesus would be born. They both had received appearances by an angel who declared they had been chosen for the singular honor of becoming the earthly parents for the Son of God.

To Joseph the angel announced, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-21).

Mary, a virgin, heard a similar declaration: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:30-32). Not quite what the betrothed couple had been expecting, but in faith they did what Gods messenger had told them.

Prior to that initial Christmas day, humankind had a problem. A big one, called SIN. Sin means not only disobeying and rebelling against God, but also creating a separation from God we could not fix. Jesus became the one and only solution to that universal human problem. As John the Baptist would state years later as Christ was about to begin His earthly ministry, Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29).

Jesus, God in the flesh, came not only to teach and show us what God is like  His character, love, compassion and humility, but also to die on a cross to pay the penalty for sin. Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus was resurrected to declare His victory over sin and death, and pave the way for everyone who trusted in Him to become born again (John 3:3) and new creations [in Him] (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Radio commentator Paul Harvey used to tell the story of a man who had declined to attend the local churchs Christmas Eve service with his family. Instead, he had planned to spend a quiet evening reading by the fire. However, a persistent rapping at a window got his attention. A flock of birds was flying into the window, seeing the light and seeking refuge from the cold.

Finally, the man went outside and opened the door to his barn, thinking the birds would realize they could find sanctuary there. But they never understood what he was trying to get them to do. With no alternative, the man concluded the only way he could help the birds and guide them into the barn would have been to become a bird himself.

At that moment the church bells tolled. He realized that was exactly what God had done for us  in the person of Jesus Christ  becoming like us in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

This Christmas our task is not to attempt, like the little boy, to capture the image of God with paper and paint. Instead, were to accept the greatest Christmas gift ever: Yet to all who have received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). And once we have done so, we have the privilege of communicating His truth to others. Merry Christmas!

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Chattanooga Police responded to a disorder with a weapon call in the 2100 block of Wilder Street on Wednesday at 11:52 a.m. When the officer arrived, he exited his patrol vehicle and walked toward the residence. Police said the suspect that was causing the domestic disorder got into a vehicle, turned the vehicle toward the CPD officer and drove toward the officer. The officer gave multiple verbal commands for the suspect to stop the vehicle, however he did not stop. Police said the suspect caused the vehicle to strike the officer and knock him to the ground. The suspect then left the residence in the vehicle.

Hamilton County EMS responded and the officer was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The officer has been released from the hospital.

Chattanooga Police worked quickly to identify and locate the suspect, Kendric Harris, 22. CPD's Fugitive Unit developed information that Harris was in the area of Belle Vista Avenue. CPD's Fugitive Unit along with the United States Marshal Service, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and East Ridge Police Department found Harris in the back of a U-Haul truck at a residence in the 800 block of Belle Vista Avenue.

Harris was arrested and charged with several charges related to the original domestic violence incident and the attempted murder of the CPD officer. He was charged with attempted murder of a police officer, aggravated assault, domestic assault, evading arrest, vandalism, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of controlled substances.

He was transported to Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.


Converting the greenhouse gas CO into raw materials for industry using renewable energies: What electrocatalysis can do in theory should be applied as quickly as possible. However, there is still a gap between the progress of science and the requirements of industry. A research team from the University of Duisburg-Essen and Ruhr University Bochum wants to change this. With new performance parameters for industrial applications, they are building a bridge to the rapid deployment of the technology.

"In the fight against climate change, we see a great opportunity in the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide," explains Prof. Dr. Doris Segets, Head of the Chair of Particle Technology at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE). What already works well under laboratory conditions could look like this in practice: At a plant with a high emissions load, such as a cement factory, a catalyst converts the emitted CO into larger carbon compounds, such as formic acid or methanol. These in turn serve as raw materials in industry. "By using electricity from renewable energy sources for catalysis, not only would the CO be converted in a climate-neutral way, but the base chemicals would also no longer be of fossil origin," says Junior Professor Dr. Corina Andronescu (UDE).

Professors Doris Segets, Corina Andronescu (UDE) and Professor Ulf-Peter Apfel (Ruhr-Universitat Bochum RUB/Fraunhofer UMSICHT) agree that academic research must go the extra mile for such processes to work in industry. In Nature Communications, they outline this path with common key parameters. "One important aspect is the stability of the catalysts," explains Ulf-Peter Apfel. "In industry, they should function for at least 50,000 hours. In the laboratory, we can't test the material over five years, so we advocate strict protocols with high stress. This allows us to adapt our developments to industrial requirements and ensure stability."

"The processing of the catalyst itself should also be considered through coherent workflows and the systematic collection of metadata," says Segets. "The final step is a full-cell test, i.e. testing the catalyst in its functional environment." The development of the full cell has another advantage: it enables reliable gas analysis. This is particularly important for downstream processing, i.e. the separation of the resulting gas mixture. "CO electrolysis initially produces a carbon-based mixture that has to be separated for industrial use. In order for the catalysts to be of real benefit to industry, it is therefore necessary to consider the separability of the resulting product mixture during development," summarizes Professor Apfel.
This young woman is getting married soon, and her dream dress comes from a designer based in New York City.

She doesnt live remotely close to NYC, so her only way to get this specific wedding dress was to go through a retailer local to her.

This meant she would have to pay $2,400 for the dress, plus more for her alterations. Somehow, she managed to find the exact dress she wanted in her size on a website, and it was brand new.

Apparently, the woman who owned the wedding dress sadly had to cancel her own wedding, so she was selling the dress for $900 in New York City through a website.

Now, her friend S was in New York City when she found the dress online, and S said she was happy to pick up the dress and bring it home for her, as they live in the same place.

She was thrilled and appreciative that S offered to go get the dress for her. She agreed to reimburse S for the cost of the dress, as well as her Uber rides to and from the location of the dress.

She also planned on surprising S with $100 on top of everything to really show her how grateful she was.

However, my joy turned to shock/horror/dismay/disbelief when I saw Ss Instagram story showcasing her trying on MY wedding dress, she explained.

I called her out for it, telling her I wasnt happy she not only tried it without my permission but posted it for the public to see. She didnt take it down even after a conversation we had about this.

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SAPPORO, Dec 21 ( News On Japan ) - As record snowfall continues in Rumoi City, Hokkaido, local residents are facing significant hardships, with one resilient elderly man, confined to his home for three days with depleted food supplies, braving the blizzard with a walking stick for essential provisions.

The city has been beleaguered by relentless snow since Wednesday, burying infrastructure such as snow melting gutters, rendering them useless, and causing widespread disruptions.

A local resident expressed the severity of the situation: "It's terrible. It's become like this in just a day or two. There are oil tanks and gas tanks, but they are completely inaccessible due to the snow accumulation."

The snow, reaching up to a woman's chest height, has submerged more than half of the fuel tanks in the area. This has led to growing concerns among residents, with some fearing they may not be able to clear the snow in time for the New Year.

Another critical issue is the snow-covered melting gutters, making snow disposal a significant challenge.

The situation further deteriorated in the afternoon, with a fierce blizzard severely hampering visibility.

The elderly man safely reached the convenience store and emerged smiling, having purchased bread, milk, and pre-packaged rice. He hoped the weather would improve enough in the next few days to venture out again.

He had no choice but to venture out for supplies, with the nearest store being more than a 20-minute walk away.

The man, who has lived in the city for 85 years, remarked that he had never seen such heavy snowfall and would prefer not to leave his house under these conditions.

The poor visibility and lack of snow removal made even familiar paths challenging to navigate.

Fortunately, an acquaintance happened to pass by and offered him a ride to the convenience store.

The elderly man safely reached the convenience store and emerged smiling, having purchased bread, milk, and pre-packaged rice. He hoped the weather would improve enough in the next few days to venture out again.

The snowstorm has also caused logistical nightmares elsewhere in the city. A supermarket delivery vehicle became immobilized in the snow, and the local bus service, crucial for medical appointments, was suspended for four days.

The city also experienced typhoon-like winds, with gusts up to 36 meters per second, damaging coastal houses and structures.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued heavy snow warnings for several regions across Japan, signaling severe weather conditions.

In Fukuoka, the snow and ice have created dangerous driving conditions, epitomizing the widespread challenges posed by this record-breaking snowfall across Japan, not just in terms of daily life disruptions but also in matters of safety and accessibility.
Some of the underrated heroes of World War I and World War II were the women who worked as nurses and took care of wounded soldiers on and off the battlefield.

One of the most famous nurses from World War I was Edith Cavell, who devoted her life to serving her country and speaking out for what she believed in.

Edith was born in England in 1865. She briefly worked as a governess in Belgium before training to become a nurse in London. She worked at several hospitals in England before getting accepted to work at Belgiums first training hospital and school for nurses in Belgium in 1907.

By 1911, Edith was an extremely experienced nurse and was the training nurse for 24 schools.

Then, when England declared war on Germany in 1914, Ediths training school in Brussels was taken over by the Red Cross.

While Brussels was under German military law, Edith continued working as a nurse. Then, she began harboring British soldiers and smuggling them out of Belgium and into Holland, which was a neutral country.

She did this for 11 months, helping around 200 British, French, and Belgian soldiers to escape the German military and get to safety. It was a major violation of the German military law.

Not only was Edit smuggling these soldiers out of Belgium, but she was also very outspoken against the German occupation, making more German soldiers suspicious of her. In August 1915, Ediths actions were discovered, and she was arrested.

Edith was charged with harboring the enemy and admitted to everything with no defense during her deposition. Her actions were deemed punishable by death under German law, and British government officials could not help Edith get out of her situation.

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Have you ever heard of brides getting possessive over their wedding venues or destination wedding locations? Almost to the point where they get envious when someone else tries to do something in that spot?

One womans friend recently got mad at her after she invited her mom to join her and stay at the same resort with her for her friends destination wedding, even though she wont be attending the wedding.

Shes 28 and has a 30-year-old friend named Ruth. Theyve been friends for eight years and met in medical school. A few years ago, she moved to a different state for her residency and to be closer to family, but she remained friends with Ruth.

Ruth has been engaged for two years and will be getting married in the Dominican Republic at an all-inclusive resort.

I am attending as a guest, not [as a member of the] bridal party, and received my RSVP last month, she explained.

I had mentioned the wedding to my mother, who expressed the desire to also come with me. In the moment, I told her that I didnt feel comfortable asking Ruth for a plus-one since its Ruths wedding. But my mom said she only wanted to go to the resort and would do her own thing the day of the wedding [and] wed have time to do stuff on other days.

Her mom offered to pay for the trip but hadnt confirmed whether or not she could go yet. She had plans to book their spaces in the resort sometime in December. Last week, before she had booked her room at the resort, Ruth reached out to her and asked if she had plans to book a room with another one of their single friends.

I told her that I was planning to book everything in the next few weeks, as I was waiting to confirm if my mom still wanted to go to the resort but would not be attending the wedding festivities, she recalled.

Ruth then said that I should have asked her if I could bring my mom to her wedding. I reiterated that my mom would not be attending any of the wedding festivities, [shed] just [stay at] the resort.

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Vijayesh Lal is general secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India, the central network and service organization of evangelicals and Pentecostals in India, representing over 6,5000 churches across the nation. He is also a PhD scholar at SHUATS, Prayagraj.

Hinduism, a revered and intricate spiritual tradition deeply rooted in the Indian subcontinent, is largely accepted as one of the worlds oldest religions. The encounter between this faith and Christianity, which arrived in India in the first century, has been marked by cultural exchanges, theological discussions, and the ever-evolving dynamics of religious pluralism. Early interactions were so cordial and dialogical that Saint Thomas Christians were considered Christian in religion, Hindu in culture, and Oriental in worship, writes Anantanand Rambachan in Pathways to Hindu-Christian Dialogue.

However, in recent times, right-wing Hindu nationalism has begun promoting a specific interpretation of Hindu identity and values, often resulting in tensions with religious minorities, including Christians. Hinduism and Christianity now meet against a backdrop that includes not only the historical interplay of diverse beliefs but also contemporary issues of religious identity and freedom.

As Hindu communities spread across the world, there is a risk that contemporary political and cultural ideologies associated with Hindutva may accompany the diaspora, potentially shaping global perceptions of Hinduism. Hence, engaging with Hinduism is essential for nurturing genuine understanding and promoting harmonious relations. By exploring authentic teachings, philosophies, and cultural expressions of Hinduism, individuals and entire societies can move beyond stereotypes and gain a nuanced perspective.

Here is a list of five books that I think will help people understand and engage with Hinduism better:

Hinduism: A Short Introduction, by Klaus K. Klostermaier

For someone looking for a relatively short but comprehensive introduction to Hinduism, I recommend Klaus K. Klostermaiers Hinduism: A Short Introduction. This book is a good resource for both beginners and those seeking a nuanced understanding of this ancient spiritual tradition, masterfully and concisely navigating the mystical and political dimensions of Hinduism.

Klostermaier, a Catholic priest with a PhD in philosophy, served as a missionary and theology teacher in India in the 1960s. He spent ten years in India conducting primary research in many languages, and his expertise in Hinduism led to advisory roles in the papal office on non-Christian religions. He also directed academic affairs at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies for some time.

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The book strikes a balance between accessibility and depth without overwhelmingly scholarly details. It also goes into the different strands of Hinduism, such as Vedic, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktiism, enriching the narrative.

Klostermaiers inclusion of short biographies adds a personal touch, offering clarity on the various movements within Hinduism. A standout feature is his exploration of Hinduisms contemporary role in Indian society and politics.

For those willing to explore further, I would recommend A Survey of Hinduism by the same author. At 718 pages long, it is quite a longer read than this book but much more far-reaching and scholarly.

An Introduction to Hinduism, by Gavin D. Flood

Written by Gavin D. Flood, a scholar of Hinduism and comparative religions at Oxford, An Introduction to Hinduism gives readers an objective and respectful overview of Hinduism.

Secular in his approach but not condescending, Flood presents Hinduism as a set of traditions naturally evolving through interactions between various spiritual streams in India, with all their internal differences and contradictions.

The book, which can be a difficult read at times, delivers a laudable and broad overview, covering rituals, orthopraxy, common beliefs, philosophies, theologies, and the gradual evolution of Hindu thought since the Vedic period.

Flood also goes beyond the confines of traditional narratives to explore Hinduism in modern politics and its global development, from historical figures like the German idealists to contemporary theosophists. He skillfully navigates the intertwined nature of Brahmanical orthodoxy and local folk traditions, examining distinctions between householder and renouncer Hinduism. He also explains complex concepts and traditions like Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism.

For anyone seeking a well-rounded, scholarly, and engaging exploration of Hinduism, Floods work is a valuable guide, offering a thoughtful journey through the complexities of this enduring spiritual tradition.

Pathways to Hindu-Christian Dialogue, by Anantanand Rambachan

Anantanand Rambachan has a distinguished profile: Hes a professor of religion at St. Olaf College, an eminent scholar, and global interfaith leader. He specializes in Advaita Vedanta (a school of Hindu philosophy) and Hindu ethics, actively contributes to initiatives like the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and is the co-president of Religions for Peace. So when he writes a book about Hindu-Christian dialogue, it becomes a must-read.

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I recently bought Pathways to Hindu-Christian Dialogue and found it to be thought provoking in its exploration of the intricacies of interfaith engagement. Rambachan addresses challenges such as conversion, Hindutva, and the Dalit experience, skillfully suggesting alternative starting points for dialogue while emphasizing unity, humility, and shared concernssound advice to readers who seek genuine understanding between Hinduism and Christianity. His insights into theological resources and the impact of Hindu nationalism provide a valuable foundation for those who are interested in the complexities of dialogue.

With the goal of promoting human dignity and decreasing inequality, Rambachan urges readers to move beyond political and theological differences, mutually learn from one another, and embrace diversity. His book is an invitation to readers to engage in meaningful conversations that transcend politics and foster compassion, understanding, and active service in the spirit of genuine interfaith dialogue.

For those looking for a compilation of exceptional scholarly work on Hindu-Christian relations, I would recommend The Routledge Handbook of Hindu-Christian Relations edited by Chad M. Bauman and Michelle Voss Roberts.

The Christ of the Indian Road, by E. Stanley Jones

Eli Stanley Jones (18841973) has been called the greatest Christian missionary since St. Paul, and I may be a bit of a fanboy putting his book here, but not without reason. Written nearly 100 years ago, Joness The Christ of the Indian Road is still relevant and prophetic.

A seasoned American Methodist missionary to India, Jones advocated for a newer approach than one adopted by many missionaries of the time and cautioned against imposing ones culture on a community. Instead, he urged Christians to learn from other cultures, respecting their truths and allowing Christ to intertwine naturally with existing cultures.

Joness presentation of the core of the Christian faith as the person of Jesusrather than the religion of Christianity, which was viewed as a Western importshattered barriers and produced revivals even among those who were seemingly uninterested. Delivering more than 60,000 sermons in his lifetime, he preached Jesus in every major Indian city, portraying Christ as the one who walks down the Indian road, sits around the village campfire, and rescues the oppressed in India.

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Amid Indias struggle for independence, Joness message offered a unifying force. His compelling writing style, coupled with a genuine love for the Indian people, makes this book an insightful read for any Christian with a heart for missions.

Between Hindu and Christian: Khrist Bhaktas, Catholics, and the Negotiation of Devotion in Banaras, by Kerry P. C. San Chirico

I am currently reading this book, which was released in April 2023, as India is witnessing a phenomenon of several Christward movements, especially in the northern and central parts of the country.

Christward movements are people turning to the person of Jesus Christ rather than organized Christianity and is something that happens indigenously at a fast pace. The people who choose to follow Christ do so while staying within their cultural and social milieu without adopting so-called established Christian practices in the country. Most of them are simply known as vishwasi (believers). Some of them may be called Hindu followers of Christ, while others are called Yeshu Satsangis (companions of Jesus), Yeshu Darbaris (members of the royal courthouse of Jesus), or, in this case, Khrist Bhaktas (devotees of Christ).

Between Hindu and Christian explores the community of Khrist Bhaktas, comprised predominantly of Dalits and other lower castes, with a striking 85 percent being women. Primarily situated in the villages of the Banaras (Varanasi) region, the Hindu holy heartland, the movement finds its geographical locus in the Matridham Ashram, a community established in the 1970s and led by Fr. Anil Dev. This ashram has evolved into a significant center for the indigenization of Indian Catholicism, playing a pivotal role in shaping the charismatic Catholic movement in northern India.

Contrary to traditional Christian practices, many Khrist Bhaktas refrain from receiving baptism, a choice they make strategically to avoid social and family conflicts. Despite this departure from customary rituals, their commitment to Christ remains fervent, which is expressed as they participate in various services. This distinctive approach to religious practice reflects the intricate negotiations these devotees engage in to reconcile their spiritual convictions with the societal and familial challenges they face.

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The author concludes that Khrist Bhaktas can be called both Christian and Hindu. He argues that all religious categories emerge relationally and discursively. So in relation to their chosen deity, the Khrist Bhaktas are Christians, but in relation to the concept of a chosen deity, they are Hindu. In relation to the baptized Catholic, they are Hindu, but when a Saiva Brahmin joins them, the relationship of each to each other changes.

The unique practices and demographics of the Khrist Bhaktas, as outlined in San Chiricos study, offer a compelling glimpse into the complex nature of religious identity and expression in the Banaras region. The Matridham Ashram stands not only as a physical location but as a symbolic node, representing the evolving landscape of religious movements in the northern part of the country.

Honorable mentions:

I am putting these books here since I could only choose five for the list. But these books are important as they provide a perspective on various angles associated with Hinduism, caste, Hindutva, and Hindu-Christian relationships.

Why I Am a Hindu, by Shashi Tharoor

Tharoor argues for a pluralistic and inclusive Hinduism, rejecting the narrow and divisive interpretations used by Hindu nationalists. He explores the religions rich history and diverse philosophies, emphasizing its tolerance and adaptability.

Annihilation of Caste, by B. R. Ambedkar

Ambedkar argues that the caste system is not merely a social issue but is deeply rooted in Hindu scriptures and practices. He proposes that the complete eradication of caste is necessary for true social and economic equality in India.

Hindutva: Exploring the Idea of Hindu Nationalism, by Jyotirmaya Sharma

This book deep-dives into the intellectual roots of political Hindutva, examining the contributions of Dayananda Saraswati, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, and Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar while also advocating for revisiting Hindu traditions that embrace inclusivity and self-criticism.
During the last weekend in October, hundreds of Honduran Christians gathered in their countrys major cities to pray for Israel.

Attendees performed Jewish folk dances and waved Honduran and Israeli flags. Some knelt in the middle of Parque Central in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, asking God for peace after Hamas October 7 attacks spurred war in the region.

These gatherings in Honduras were just one of many ways Latin American evangelicals have rallied in support of Israel. Earlier this month, more than 10,000 people marched in support of Israel in Guatemala City in an event featuring local televangelist Cash Luna, a Palestinian bishop, a Sierra Leonean imam, as well as Jewish and evangelical leaders.

While all Latin American countries have at one point diplomatically recognized Israel, nine nationsCuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazilalso recognize the State of Palestine. (In 1973, Cuba terminated its relationship with Israel, and in 2009, Venezuela and Bolivia broke ties with Israel over what the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the gravity of the atrocities against the Palestinian people.)

Yet as the evangelical community in Latin America grew from 4 percent in 1970 to nearly 20 percent today, their countries affinity for Israel has manifested in religious and political ways. Still, on the whole, Latin American countries and their citizens hold a range of views on the current conflict.

In the wake of the October 7 attacks, evangelical leaders from countries including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia, and Argentina organized acts of prayer, demonstrations, and campaigns in favor of Israel, as well as sending letters and messages to Israeli ambassadors to express their support and friendship, said Honduran Miguel Munoz, spokesman for the Spanish-speaking world at the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ).

The war between Israel and Hamas has triggered a wave of solidarity and support from evangelicals in Latin America toward the Jewish State, he said.

Many Latin American evangelicals anchor their love for Israel in Genesis 12:3, where God tells Abraham that God will bless those who bless the new country that comes from him and curse those who curse it. For many, the modern state of Israel fulfills Gods promises to Abraham and his descendants and also has a crucial role to play in the end times.

Most of the evangelical church here understands that from Israel we have received salvation and that from Israel the Messiah has come to us, said Kevin Torres, a pastor at the Evangelical Fellowship of Honduras in Tegucigalpa. He added that his church celebrates the Festival of Booths (Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles) and dedicates that day to Israel.

The governments of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, where evangelicals now make up at least 40 percent of each population, have all stepped up for Israel in significant ways in recent years.

In 2021, Honduras followed the lead of the United States in transferring its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, where then-president Juan Orlando Hernandez received a warm welcome by Israels thenprime minister Naftali Bennett. (International consensus has historically suggested that determining the status of Jerusalem, which both Palestinians and Israelis currently claim as their capital, should be negotiated between the two parties.)

Current Honduran president Xiomara Castro, in contrast, recently recalled the Honduran ambassador to Israel over the serious humanitarian situation civilian Palestinians were enduring.

Guatemala was the first Latin American country to move its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018.

Guatemala is one of the most distinguished countries on the planet in its faithful support of Israel since its memorable vote at the United Nations in 1947 which led to the creation of Israel, said Luis Fernando Solares, a pastor who has served for years as ICEJs ambassador in Guatemala. Guatemalan cities and towns have a large number of streets, avenues, and parks that bear the name Jerusalem, Eternal Capital of Israel.

In September, the nation elected as president Bernardo Arevalo, the son of a former president who had previously served as the Guatemalan ambassador in Israel. Arevalo, who lived in Israel for ten years and speaks Hebrew, has spoken fondly of the Jewish state while also criticizing his predecessors decision to move the embassy, declaring that the move violated international law.

In neighboring El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele expressed his support for Israel following the Hamas attacks. Though he is of Palestinian descent, Bukele referred to Hamas as savage beasts, condemned their terrorist activities, and criticized the international community for not doing enough to support Israel in its fight against terrorism.

Many Latin American evangelicals admire Israels achievements in science, technology, agriculture, and defense, and see it as a model of resilience and innovation. They also identify with Israels struggle against terrorism and radical Islam, and share its values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.

This enthusiasm, along with Christian Zionist convictions, has led many evangelical leaders and organizations in Latin America and the US to advocate for Israel. For example, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) / Conela, which claims to represent more than 100 million Hispanic evangelicals in the US and Latin America, has stated that its commitment to the Jewish people and Israel is without compromise.

In recent decades, NHCLC/Conela has launched several initiatives to strengthen ties between evangelicals and Israel, such as organizing trips to the Holy Land, hosting pro-Israel events and conferences, educating pastors and churches about Israels history and significance, and lobbying governments to adopt pro-Israel policies.

Though most Latin American evangelicals support Israel, Latin Americans as a whole hold a wide array of perspectives. Some support the narrative that portrays Israel as a victim rather than as an aggressor. Others are influenced by the legacy of the Cold War, which has primed them to be sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and suspicious of the USs agenda due to Washingtons support of numerous military dictatorships in the region.

For others, its a question of demographics. About 700,000 Latin Americans of Palestinian origin live across 14 countries in the region. The vast majority of them live in Chile, where many Christians fled from the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. Today they number more than half a million people. At a Palestinian Christian celebration of Christmas last year, Chilean president Gabriel Boric announced that the country would open an embassy in the West Bank.

Along with Honduras, the governments of Chile, Colombia, and Bolivia withdrew their ambassadors from Israel over the countrys actions against Gazan civilians.

As the war continues, evangelicals must show Christian love without distinction of race or religion, Munoz said. We see ourselves as contributors to peace and justice in the Middle East and the world by supporting Israel, the only pluralistic democracy [that respects] human rights  in the Middle East, and at the same time admitting that our adversity is not against the Palestinian people but against extremists who do not respect the human right to freedom of expression and religion.

Editors note: A selection of CTs Israel-Hamas war coverage is now available in Arabic , among eight other languages

[ This article is also available in espanol. ]
Home Politics Gavin Newsom slapped with 'Ebenezer Award' for canceling in-person Christmas tree lighting 'We hope Governors heart will grow three sizes next year'

California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom was awarded an "Ebenezer Award" by a prominent religious liberty advocacy group for having canceled an in-person Christmas tree lighting ceremony and skipping a menorah lighting this year amid anti-Israel protests.

TheBecket Fund for Religious Liberty announced Tuesday that Newsom earned the dishonorable accolade for the Dec. 5 statement he issued with "First Partner" Jennifer Siebel Newsom explaining that the 92nd annual Christmas tree lighting at the California State Capitol would be virtual and streamed on his social media accounts.

The Governor who stole Christmas and Hanukkah? That title, and Beckets 2023 Ebenezer Award, goes to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who canceled the states annual in-person Christmas tree lighting in favor of a virtual event and skipped the menorah lighting over fears of pic.twitter.com/4dg1q85LzN  BECKET (@BECKETlaw) December 19, 2023

The Becket Fund also noted that Newsom skipped an annual menorah lighting typically attended by California governors, which they claimed further qualified him for the award named after the Christmas-hating Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.

A spokesperson for Newsom explained at the time that the decision came after "protests across the country" emerged in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, including in New York, where seven people were arrested at the city's Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center.

"As we continue to see protests across the country impacting the safety of events of all scales  and for the safety and security of all participating members and guests including children and families  the ceremony this year will be virtual," the statement read. "The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in Wednesday evening to watch this year's festivities."

Earlier this month, ahead of Newsom's announcement that the tree-lighting ceremony would be virtual this year, protesters with the Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights rallied at the state Capitol to call on Newsom to support a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Becket Fund criticized Newsom for his decision, saying, "Rather than allow all Californians to ring in the Christmas season at the capital, the Governor invited only his family and a few select guests."

"In canceling one of Californias most cherished holiday traditions and skipping another, Newsom can rightly be dubbed the Governor who stole Christmas and Hanukkah," Becket President and CEO Mark Rienzi said in a statement.

We hope Governors heart will grow three sizes next year, so that Californians can once again celebrate their annual holidays with joy," he added, implying the governor is behaving like the Grinch from the Dr. Seuss classic How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

During the pandemic, Newsom enacted what many saw as draconian health guidelines for gatherings during the holidays, banning gatherings of more than three households and urging people to collect names and other information for "contact tracing" purposes.

Any mention of Christmas has been scrubbed from the websites of at least two California state agencies this year, including from Newsom's official website, which said nothing about Christmas in its official announcement for the tree-lighting ceremony.

As noted by California's Department of Developmental Services, the annual tradition of lighting a Christmas tree at the California State Capitol began in 1931. However, Christmas celebrations at the Capitol have occurred since 1869.

Becket also offered its annual "Eggnog Toast," which it awards "to an individual or group who has shown persistence in the face of adversity," to Chabad Williamsburg and Rabbi Herber for continuing to conduct a menorah lighting ceremony even after the Virginia non-profit LoveLight Placemaking declined to host the event in part because of the Israel-Hamas war.

The Becket Fund has bestowed the Ebenezer Award annually since 2000 in response to what its describes as "a slew of outrageous offenses against the free exercise of religion."

"At Becket, we do Santa's dirty work for him, delivering a lump of coal as an acknowledgment of scroogery on a grand scale," the nonprofit said.

Previous winners have included King County, Washington, which last year banned government employees from displaying religious items in common areas and even on Zoom calls; the American Humanist Association, which in 2016 tried to prevent schools from assisting disadvantaged children; the Department of Veteran Affairs, which banned staff at its Salem, Virginia, facility from wishing veterans a "Merry Christmas" in 2015; and the University of Minnesota, which forbade holiday-themed items from its campus in 2017.
Home Business New York bill would force Chick-fil-A on Thruway to open on Sundays: 'Public good'

The New York State Assembly is considering a bill that would effectively mandate Chick-fil-A restaurants along the New York State Thruway and the Port Authority to remain open on Sundays in violation of its sabbatarian policy.

Bill A08336, also known as the Rest Stop Restaurant Act, was sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Tony Simone and "requires that food services at transportation facilities and rest areas owned and operated by certain public authorities remain open seven days a week."

Fellow Democratic Assemblymembers Anna Keller, Maryjane Shimsky, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas and Chris Burdick served as co-sponsors. The bill was referred to the New York State Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities & Commissions on Dec. 13.

According to local CBS 6 Albany, Chick-fil-A currently has seven locations and plans to build more along the New York State Thruway, a system of highways that stretches approximately 570 miles across the state from its southwestern border with Pennsylvania to New York City on its eastern coast.

A Thruway official told local NEWS10 that Chick-fil-A had already signed a 33-year contract with the Thruway.

Simone, who represents parts of Manhattan, told the outlet that keeping a restaurant closed along the Thruway is "just not in the public good." He finds it "ridiculous that you're able to close on Sunday  one of the busiest travel days of the week."

Simone said in a statement to local Albany outlet Spectrum 1 News that "not only does Chick-Fil-A have a long, shameful history of opposing LGBTQ rights, it simply makes no sense for them to be a provider of food services in busy travel plazas."

"A company, that by policy, is closed on one of the busiest travel days of the week should not be the company that travelers have to rely on for food services," he added.

Jennifer Givner, a spokesperson for the New York State Thruway Authority, said in a statement that the governing agency has factored in Chick-fil-A's weekly closure by providing other dining options for those traveling on Sunday.

"Our requirement is that we have at least one hot food option available," Givner said. "If Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, we have other alternatives for our customers."

The proposed legislation drew criticism from some on social media who alleged it was an attempt to punish the fast food outlet. Chick-fil-A has remained closed every Sunday since its founding in 1946 "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," according to its website.

"I understand this is needlessly hateful and bigoted, and technically speaking evil for sure, but it *is* funny they went from 'boycott Chick-fil-A' to 'we are literally forcing Chick-fil-A to serve us 7 days a week, we are THAT obsessed with this sandwich,'" tweeted Mike Solana, chief marketing officer at the San Francisco-based venture capitalist firm Founders Fund.

"Liberals hate Christianity so much they want to make it illegal for Chik-fil-A to be closed on Sundays to provide employees a day of rest," tweeted Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Conservative radio host Todd Starnes called on LGBT activists to "make up your mind!"

"A few years ago the Alphabet Activists were hellbent on blocking Chick-fil-A from opening in NYC," he tweeted. "But now the Alphabet Activists want them to stay open 7 days a week."

Power the Future CEO Daniel Turner said he hopes Chick-fil-A will close every New York location if the bill passes.

"Albany is a corrupt, fiscally & morally bankrupt hellhole plunging the state into irreversible poverty, and this is what the idiot elected officials do. 'Fallen Empire' state," Turner wrote.

Stefan Mychajliw, deputy communications director for 2024 Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, questioned the New York lawmakers' priorities.

"New York faces a deficit of $9.5 billion," Mychajliw tweeted. "The cost of housing migrants in NYC is busting budgets, leading to cuts in police and education. Crime is rampant. Taxes are high. Spending is out of control. Lawmakers' priority? Forcing [Chick-fil-A] to open Sunday."

Journalist Gordon G. Chang argued that "forcing [Chick-fil-A] to remain open on Sunday would be a clear violation of the [First Amendment]."

Chick-fil-A did not respond to The Christian Post's request for comment by press time.
Home World Persecution of Christians in Bauchi, Nigeria continues after being chased out of city

With a decades-old history of Islamic extremist attacks, Nigerias Bauchi state is home to a Christian community that continues to suffer oppression and killings, a long-time pastor said.

While Muslim officials and others drove Christians to the outlying edges of the city of Bauchi decades ago, those areas later became the city center  from which Christians were again forced out and now live far from their worship sites, said the Rev. Abraham Damina Dumus, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State, and a Baptist pastor.

In spite of the number of Christian worship places here, Christians do not live here in the city center, simply because of persecution, Pastor Dumas told Morning Star News. Christians who own these worship places are forced to live in the suburbs or outskirts of the city.

Those Christians have been faithful to make the trips back to their church worship services and other programs, he said.

The dexterity of Christians not to be deterred by Muslim authorities here in Bauchi has made them to remain steadfast, and they have continued to use their worship places, Pastor Dumas said. Without the commitment of Christians, these worship places would have been shut down completely.

At present, no Christians live in the old city center of Bauchi, he said.

Christians who were living inside the old city as tenants were chased out by Muslims, he said. They had to move out and live in the outskirts.

At the same time, the extremism of area Muslims is such that anti-Islamic events elsewhere, including internationally, lead them to vent their fury on local Christians, he said.

Anytime these Muslims are provoked by events occurring elsewhere, Christians living in the suburbs become their targets of attacks, Pastor Dumas said. For instance, the Yelwa area, a Christians suburb where Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, are located, is readily attacked by Muslims any time they feel provoked by events occurring elsewhere, even when they know that Christians in Bauchi state have nothing to do with such events. These areas have been attacked numerous times over the years.

As part of Nigerias northeastern geopolitical zone, where Islamic extremism took root in the early 1990s, Bauchi state has a history of bombed churches and assaults that continue to this day, he said.

The persecution of Christians in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area has remained a thorn in their flesh up to this very moment as I speak to you, Pastor Dumas said. From 1991 to date, there has been continuous bloodletting by Muslim terrorists targeted at Christians in that area.

Bauchi Gov. Bala Mohammed recently expressed concern over a spike in attacks by terrorists whom he said were coming from other states.

Because of the federal governments sustained war against bandits and terrorism in other zones of the country, the state is becoming a hiding place for the unscrupulous elements who are beginning to disturb the peace of the citizens, Mohammed told a meeting of traditional rulers in September. We have established a Ministry of Internal Security that will partner with the federal government just to drive the issue of providing internal security.

Armed terrorists cross state borders in their assaults. A police rescue effort in response to a kidnapping in Bauchi states Toro County on Nov. 29 resulted in the recovery later that evening of three others who had been kidnapped in neighboring Plateau state, a pastor and two other Christians.

Bauchi state, where sharia (Islamic law) has been instituted as the main body of civil and criminal law since 2001, is estimated to be about 85% Muslim. Christians make up about 6% of the population, with traditional indigenous religions followed by 9% of the inhabitants.

The history of bombings of churches in Bauchi state hit a new level with the birth of the rebel Islamic extremist group Boko Haram in 2009, Pastor Dumas said.

In three years, 2009-2012, Boko Haram terrorists bombed almost all the churches in Bauchi city, he told Morning Star News. Christians worship places were bombed on Sundays as Christians gathered for worship services. It was from here in Bauchi that the Boko Haram attacks spread to Maiduguri in Borno state. In these massive attacks against Christians, my house was burned down by the terrorists. Many houses belonging to Christians were also burned down during these attacks.

Christians in northern Bauchi state, saw their homes and church buildings burned down in Azare, Misau, Danbam, Giade, Zaki and others, and many of them were killed, he said.

Also in the southern part of Bauchi state, in places like Bauchi, Tafawa Balewa, and the rest, the situation was nasty and ugly to the church, Pastor Dumas said. It was like the church was going into extinction as there were clear signs that Christians were not going to exist in Bauchi state.

In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year.
Home Politics Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin wants to ban TikTok for minors

Virginias Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin is championing legislation that would prohibit minors from using the popular social media video app TikTok.

Im announcing that I will introduce legislation to restrict youth access  those under 18  to TikTok, said Youngkin at a press conference held in Richmond last week. Full stop, we will introduce the bill.

As indicated in a statement published by Youngkins office announcing the gathering, the governors effort to protect minors from TikToks predatory influence in the Commonwealth of Virginia is part of his Youth Mental Health Strategy.

According to the governors office, Children spend on average nearly five hours daily on social media; recent studies have suggested that children who spend more than a few hours per day on social media have double the risk of poor mental health.

Last year, Youngkin issued an executive order banning TikTok and WeChat on state government devices, citing concerns over the phone apps connections to Communist China.

TikTok and WeChat data are a channel to the Chinese Communist Party, and their continued presence represents a threat to national security, the intelligence community, and the personal privacy of every single American, said Youngkin in a statement in 2022.

We are taking this step today to secure state government devices and wireless networks from the threat of infiltration and ensure that we safeguard the data and cybersecurity of state government.

Virginias Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares said TikTok poses a threat to national security and consumer privacy and also negatively impacts the mental health of our youth.

I joined a bipartisan coalition of 43 other attorneys general to investigate TikToks physical and mental impact on children. As this investigation continues, I am glad that Governor Youngkin is addressing the serious security risks TikTok poses for the Commonwealth, stated Miyares at the time.

While multiple states have taken similar measures to bar the use of TikTok on government-owned devices, Montana became the first state to pass a law banning the app altogether.

In May, Montanas Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 419, which prohibits mobile application stores in the state from offering TikTok as an application.

The Chinese Communist Party using TikTok to spy on Americans, violate their privacy, and collect their personal, private, and sensitive information is well-documented, said Gianforte earlier this year.

Today, Montana takes the most decisive action of any state to protect Montanans private data and sensitive personal information from being harvested by the Chinese Communist Party.

In March, TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, denying that his business was an agent of the Communist Chinese government.

TikTok is led by an executive team in the United States and Singapore and has global offices, including in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Nashville, New York, Washington, D.C., Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. Our headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore. TikTok is not available in mainland China, Chew claimedin written testimony.

TikTok, as a U.S. company incorporated in the United States, is subject to the laws of the United States. TikTok has never shared, or received a request to share, U.S. user data with the Chinese government. Nor would TikTok honor such a request if one were ever made.
Home U.S. All-female Catholic college reverses policy admitting men who identify as women

An all-female Catholic college has reportedly backtracked on a new policy allowing biological men who identify as women to enroll in the school.

President Katie Conboy and Board Chair Maureen Karnatz Smith of Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, stated in an email Thursday that "the Board has decided that we will return to our previous admission policy."

A screenshot of the email was shared online Thursday by an alumna Clare Anne Ath, who works as government affairs manager for the pro-life organization Human Coalition.

"I just received an alumni email detailing the decision & would like to thank Bishop Kevin Rhoades, the @diocesefwsb, and the generations of faithful Catholic SMC alums who were prayerful on this matter and made their concerns known," Ath tweeted.

????????BREAKING:@saintmarys has issued a statement REVERSING their admissions policy that would allow biological men to attend the Catholic womens college.



I just received an alumni email detailing the decision & would like to thank Bishop Kevin Rhoades, the @diocesefwsb, and pic.twitter.com/ImERzvuOek  Clare Anne Ath (@clareanneath) December 21, 2023

The institution caused a stir last month by moving to allow males who identify as female to enroll starting in fall 2024.

"Although this has been a challenging time for our community, we believe that the College should continually grapple with the complexity of living our Catholic values in a changing world," Conboy wrote in her email, which was separately obtained by The National Catholic Reporter andThe Daily Signal.

Conboy acknowledged the impact of the community as a factor in the decision, adding that "the position we took is not shared by all members of our community."

"Some worried that this was much more than a policy decision: they felt it was a dilution of our mission or even a threat to our Catholic identity," she continued. "Moreover, we clearly underestimated our community's genuine desire to be engaged in the process of shaping a policy of such significance."

"As this last month unfolded, we lost people's trust and unintentionally created division where we had hoped for unity. For this, we are deeply sorry."

The student newspaper, The Observer, reported the Board of Trustees voted to amend Saint Mary's non-discrimination policy to say that admission will be for undergraduate applicants "whose sex is female or who consistently live and identify as women."

"We are by no means the first Catholic women's college to adopt a policy with this scope," Conboy wrote in an email earlier this year, as quoted by The Observer.

"In drafting the language for this update, I have relied on the guidance of the Executive Team and others to ensure that our message is not only in line with best practices for today's college students, but that it also encompasses our commitment to operate as a Catholic women's college."

Critics of the change include Ath, who questioned online if the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend had responded to the situation.

"Just found out my alma mater @saintmarys, an all-women's Catholic college, will be accepting BIOLOGICAL MEN starting next fall," wrote Ath. "This decision is blasphemous & a complete rejection of the Church and [its] teachings on gender and sexuality."
Home Church & Ministries Archbishop prohibits same-sex blessings, admonishes Pope Francis: 'Great deception'

A Catholic archbishop in Kazakhstan reportedly issued a formal repudiation of the Vatican doctrinal office's guidance this week allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples. He accused the Catholic Church of propagating "gender ideology."

Tomash Peta, who has served as metropolitan archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana since 2003, prohibited any form of blessing for same-sex couples and also publicly admonished Pope Francis, asking him to revoke the guidance he signed off on this week, according to The Catholic Herald.

The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a declaration Monday titled "Fiducia Supplicans," which provided "a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings, which is closely linked to a liturgical perspective."

The declaration allows "spontaneous pastoral blessing" for "same-sex couples" and other couples in "irregular situations," though it clarified that the blessing is not akin to marriage and that such relationships are still sinful.

"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," the guidance says.

"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 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 added.

In his Tuesday statement, also signed by Auxiliary Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Peta said, "[t]he fact that the document does not give permission for the 'marriage' of same-sex couples should not blind pastors and faithful to the great deception and the evil that resides in the very permission to bless couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples."

"Such a blessing directly and seriously contradicts Divine Revelation and the uninterrupted, bimillennial doctrine and practice of the Catholic Church," the prelates continued.

"To bless couples in an irregular situation and same-sex couples is a serious abuse of the most Holy Name of God, since this name is invoked upon an objectively sinful union of adultery or of homosexual activity."

Peta and Schneider accused the Vatican of causing "far-reaching and destructive consequences" by legitimizing such blessings, which they argued effectively reduces the denomination to "a propagandist of the globalist and ungodly' gender ideology.'"

Citing their oaths as successors to the apostles and their charge to preserve the deposit of the faith, Peta and Schneider exhorted and prohibited the priests and faithful in their archdiocese from performing any form of blessing for couples in an "irregular situation" or same-sex relationship.

"It goes without saying that every sincerely repentant sinner with the firm intention to no longer sin and to put an end to his public sinful situation (such as, e.g., cohabitation outside of a canonically valid marriage, union between people of the same sex) can receive a blessing," they wrote.

The two concluded by referencing Galatians 2, in which Paul recounts opposing Peter to his face for behaving inconsistently with the Gospel.

Claiming he "does not walk uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel," the bishops asked Francis "to revoke the permission to bless couples in an irregular situation and same-sex couples, so that the Catholic Church may shine clearly as the 'pillar and ground of the truth' (1 Tim 3:15) for all those who sincerely seek to know the will of God and, by fulfilling it, to attain eternal life."

The latest guidance from the Vatican has also prompted responses from some U.S. bishops, with many reaffirming the Catholic Church's teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman while noting that the guidance does not change official teaching on the subject.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stressed that the declaration from the Vatican made a "distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God's loving grace in their lives."

"The Church's 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 God's healing love and mercy in our lives," the USCCB statementreads.

In the Archdiocese of Boston, priests were advised to "be careful" that their prayers don't "become a liturgical or semi-liturgical act, similar to a sacrament."

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston in Minnesota said in a statement that it's "impossible" to bless a same-sex union because "any sexual-union outside of the marriage of one man and one woman is contrary to the Gospel." But he said churches can "bless individuals who are not yet living in full accord with the Gospel, even those in a same-sex union."

Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago said in a statement the declaration keeps with "Jesus' desire to be present to all people who desire grace and support."

"Here in the Archdiocese of Chicago, we welcome this declaration, which will help many more in our community feel the closeness and compassion of God," Cupich stated.

The guidance has drawn mixed reactions abroad.

In Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement explaining that the new guidance is "causing anxiety and even confusion among the Christians, and in general the people of God."

The chair of the German bishops' conference praised the Vatican for addressing the hot-button issue in "a theologically moderate and calm language."

"The declaration applies theological categories and terms in a responsible manner," the German conference chair's statement reads. "It draws a clear line between unwavering fidelity to the teachings of the Church and the pastoral requirements of an ecclesial practice that wants to be close to people."
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Home World Christian family flees to US amid prosecution, death threats for conversion

A Sudanese family that faced severe persecution for their Christian faith has been given refuge and will celebrate their first Christmas in the safety of the United States.

Nada and Hamouda, a married couple, along with their children, escaped a dire situation in the Arab Muslim country of Sudan, where they were criminally prosecuted and threatened with death for converting to Christianity.

In Sudan, despite the decriminalization of apostasy in 2020, Christian converts like Nada and Hamouda continue to face harsh persecution, says the legal advocacy group ADF International, which is representing the couple.

The couple was charged with "criminal adultery" after their marriage was declared invalid due to their conversion. This charge was a direct consequence of their faith conversion in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Christian converts in Sudan.

ADF International represented Nada and Hamouda in the Sudanese courts. However, the trial revealed the immediate and life-threatening risks to the couple, the group says. Collaborating with the Shai Fund and Ambassador Services International, the group successfully orchestrated the family's escape to the U.S.

Kelsey Zorzi, director of advocacy for global religious freedom at ADF International, expressed relief and joy over the family's safety.

"We are overjoyed that Nada, Hamouda, and their children are now able to practice their faith without fear for their lives," Zorzi said. "While both international and Sudanese law protect Nada and Hamouda's right to freely choose and live out their faith, it's clear that Christian converts in Sudan continue to face severe threats and hostility from the government and community."

The couple's ordeal began with Hamouda's conversion to Christianity in 2018, followed by Nada's in 2021. Their conversions led to the dissolution of their marriage by a sharia court, as it was deemed unlawful for a Muslim woman to be married to a Christian man. This ruling paved the way for the baseless adultery charges against them.

The situation was fraught with danger, as explained by Zorzi in a video posted online Wednesday.

Winning the court case could have led to their death at the hands of Nada's brother, who had vowed to kill them. Losing the case could have resulted in a death sentence from the state, Zorzi said. This dire situation necessitated their urgent relocation to the U.S.

Nada and Hamouda had known each other since childhood. Three years after they were married, Hamouda became a Christian, shocking Nada and her family. At first, Nada was angry with her husband's conversion and was urged by her family to leave him.

"My family forsook me and even my tribe hated me," Hamouda said in the video. "Indeed, I was very sad because they divorced me from my wife and took my children. ... But I stayed committed to Christ."

After three years of separation, Nada became a Christian and reunited with Hamouda. Two weeks later, her brother reported them to the authorities. They were jailed and threatened with execution.

One of Hamouda's friends from church connected him with two lawyers affiliated with the ADF International alliance.

"After months of hearings, it became clear that if we lost the case, the punishment they would face could result in death," Zorzi said. "And if we won the case, Nada's brother had vowed publicly to kill them himself."

The plight of Christian converts in Sudan remains a significant concern. Christians, who make up only 4.4% of Sudan's 44.6 million population, face various forms of discrimination and violence.

According to Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List, Sudan is ranked as the 10th worst country when it comes to Christian persecution. Christian women and girls, especially converts, are particularly vulnerable to rape, forced marriage and domestic violence. They are often denied inheritance rights and, if married, are forcibly divorced from their husbands.

Although the transitional government put in place following the ousting of former President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir in April 2019 undid some sharia provisions, a coup in Oct. 2021 led to a tenuous power-sharing agreement that advocates feared would reverse religious freedom advancements.
Home U.S. Christian colleges increased support for Planned Parenthood, abortion after Roe reversal: study

Christian colleges' support for abortion and Planned Parenthood increased by 10% since 2021, and one in 10 have maintained some relationship with America's largest abortion provider, according to a study released by a national pro-life group.

Students for Life of America's Demetree Institute for Pro-Life Advancement recently assessed 767 colleges and universities affiliated with Christian churches in the United States as part of the pro-life group's "Christian Schools Project."

SFLA's Strategic Initiatives Team spearheaded the research. Outreach for the study was conducted between Nov. 1 and 30. The list of schools was compiled using Niche's 2024 Best Christian Colleges in America and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Catalog of Catholic Colleges and Universities in the U.S.

According to the survey SFLA provided to The Christian Post, 76 of the schools investigated, or around 10%, had ties to Planned Parenthood or supported abortion. Those schools shared a combined total of 185 "infractions."

The study defined "infractions" as actions by university officials that supported abortion, including internship opportunities with Planned Parenthood, publicizing abortion vendors as a health resource and hosting Planned Parenthood events.

When broken down by denomination, the study found that Methodist schools accounted for 22% of the total infractions, Presbyterian schools accounted for 20%, Catholic schools 18% and Lutheran schools 16%.

A grading scale also rewarded schools with no infractions and ties to a pro-life pregnancy center with an A+, while schools with four or more infractions received an F.

The study found that Christian school support for abortion appears to have increased by 10% since its 2021 study.

The U.S. Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 appears to have forced those who once considered themselves "in the middle" on the issue to take a stance, the researchers note.

For this year's research, SFLA added the infraction category of "General Abortion Support Statement" to assess schools that released a statement condemning the Supreme Court's decision.

"Thus, 2022 also became a decision year for Christian schools: to apply or not to apply God's truth on the value of life," the report states. "In 2021, the conclusion of our Christian school outreach found 69 schools in total having infractions by the end of that year."

"However, following the Dobbs decision in 2022, schools with infractions skyrocketed back up to 76 in total throughout the following year, increasing by nearly 10%," it continued.

The report notes that Holy Cross College, a Jesuit college in Massachusetts, was awarded an A+ grade in 2021. But after Roe's reversal, the school's Women and Gender Studies department condemned the decision on the school's website, "thereby demonstrating their commitment to abortion over biblical values."

Another example the study provided is the West Virginia-based Bethany College, a Disciples of Christ school that once received an A grade from SFLA. The college's score decreased after it hosted a series of events featuring Planned Parenthood speakers to discuss the "state of reproductive rights."

But as the study noted, Bethany College appears to have removed its records of the event, per SFLA's recommendation.

About 45% of all infractions at Christian colleges and universities were the listing of Planned Parenthood as a health resource. The second most common infraction was schools listing Planned Parenthood as a school-accredited internship opportunity within the last two academic years.

The Monrovian College, a school of the Monrovian Church in Pennsylvania, was one of the schools that listed Planned Parenthood as a potential internship within its psychology department. According to the study, the college has defended its relationship with the abortion vendor via email communications, stating that it "'will help [students] understand the world they are entering."

"Especially at Christmas time, it's disappointing to see so many faith-affiliated institutions fail to teach the students about the irreplaceable value of every life, born and preborn," SFLA President Kristan Hawkins said in a statement provided to CP.

"Cultural change needs to begin with the church and with those who say they are dedicated to teaching enduring values."

The study also lists Oklahoma City University (OCU), a Methodist campus, as promoting Planned Parenthood on its website five times as a "Health & Wellness" resource.

"Not only should Christian schools like OCU avoid referring students to Planned Parenthood due to the organization's defiance of biblical principles, but there is no actual need for Planned Parenthood to be listed in the first place," the report reads. "A quick search on the StandingWithYou.org resource directory shows that more than ten life-affirming resources exist within Oklahoma City, offering not only the same services as Planned Parenthood (without selling abortions) but many additional for low to no cost."

According to a report by SFLA's Demetree Institute for Pro-Life Advancement released in March, 87.6% of Planned Parenthood's 563 facilities in operation are within 5 miles of a college campus. This demonstrates an increase from a similar report released around a decade ago, which found that 79% of Planned Parenthood facilities were located within 5 miles of a college campus.
Home Church & Ministries Church of England reopens investigation into former cleric who called trans priest a 'bloke'

The Church of England is reopening an investigation into a former clergy member regarding a YouTube video he made in which he referred to a transgender-identifying priest as "a bloke."

The Rev. Brett Murphy, 38, whose YouTube channel addresses weekly news from an orthodox Anglican perspective, was slapped with a Clergy Disciplinary Measure (CDM) because of his statement against the Rev. Rachel Mann, according to the London-based nonprofit Christian Concern.

Christian Concern's legal arm, Christian Legal Centre (CLC), has assisted Murphy in his defense.

CDM is the Church of England's formal disciplinary procedure in response to allegations of clerical misconduct, and Murphy is claiming that the process is being "abused and weaponized" to force out ministers who resist what he described as the church's "landslide into apostasy and irrelevance."

In his June 23 video, Murphy was critical of Mann, a biological male who identifies as a woman and had been appointed archdeacon of Bolton and Salford earlier that month.

Mann is the first transgender-identifying archdeacon in the Church of England. Murphy predicted in his video that groundwork is being laid to make Mann the first transgender bishop in the denomination.

"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 [Church of England], but this is worse than that," Murphy said in the video. "The Rev. Rachel Mann is, in fact, biologically, a bloke who identifies and lives as a woman."

Citing Mann's promotion and the glowing rhetoric by which Bishop of Manchester David Walker announced it, Murphy said, "I wonder if this is this is not positioning for [Mann] to become a bishop in the Church of England, the first transsexual bishop in the [Church of England]. Yes, my dear ones, this is a very troublesome story."

He also called Mann "a radical rainbow activist being put in a position of high authority in a diocese" and questioned whether a parishioner might struggle with accepting communion from a cleric who is in "complete rebellion against God's Word."

In addition to having formal complaints lodged against him for "misgendering" Mann, the CLC says Murphy also received three other CDMs for social media posts criticizing Mann's prayers describing Jesus as "our sister," for raising concerns in a sermon over teaching about marriage and sexuality in United Kingdome schools and for not visiting someone in the hospital who had left his church.

With the aid of the CLC, Bishop of Loughborough Saju Muthalaly dismissed each of the four complaints against him, though the Diocese of Leicester announced in a statement on Tuesday that the investigation into his YouTube video had been reopened following an appeal.

CLC maintains that Canon Carolyn Lewis is behind the complaint. She serves as the diocesan director of education in Leicester. The Christian Post has reached out to Lewis for comment.

"After due consideration, the four cases were determined and no further action was taken," the diocese said. "One, concerning a vlog by [Rev.] Murphy, was reopened after an appeal was made by the complainant and upheld by the President of Tribunals."

Murphy pastored St. David's Church in Coalville, Leicestershire, before departing the Church of England in June to join the separatist Free Church of England. He claimed during an interview in August that he felt he "had to leave" after the General Synod approved blessings for same-sex couples.

The Diocese of Leicester noted that even though Murphy has left the Church of England, "the CDM provides that the process has to continue nonetheless" because the complaint occurred while he was still a priest in the denomination.

Murphy said in a statement that the reopening of the complaint against him proves the point he was trying to make in his YouTube video last June.

"The re-opening of the complaint especially exposes the drive within the [Church of England] to censor and banish any dissenting voice that does not agree or celebrate extreme LGBT ideology," he said.

Noting that receiving a formal complaint was "a scary experience" that caused him to question whether he could maintain his livelihood, he said he is concerned by how many other clergy are potentially being silenced by the process, which he claimed has effectively been hijacked by liberals.

Murphy claimed to know other priests who have told him that "they are being pushed out and bullied if they do not go along with the same-sex marriage agenda."

"Many orthodox Anglican clergy are on the receiving end of a system that is being misused and abused," he said. "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 [Church of England's] own teaching."

"What is happening to me is a case of pure vengeance for daring to say what I have," he added. "It is an attempt to slur, slander and discredit me and take me down even though I have left the [Church of England]."

Andrea Williams, who serves as CLC's chief executive, said in a statement that her nonprofit has lately been inundated with cases of Anglican clergy being intimidated and punished by their denomination for upholding traditional teachings regarding marriage and sexuality.

"Promoting same-sex blessings is a catastrophe for the [Church of England]," she said. "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."

Williams added that the only churches thriving in the U.K. are those that adhere to biblical standards of morality.

"People expect the church to be a standard bearer for the world," she said. "They don't expect the church to be following the ever-changing culture of the world."
Home World Israel refutes claims an IDF sniper killed a Christian mother, daughter at church in Gaza

Updated at 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 19, 2023: The IDF has refuted claims made by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem that an IDF sniper killed a mother and daughter who were sheltering at the Holy Family Parish Catholic church compound in Gaza. After an internal review, the IDF released a statement saying that its soldiers did not target the church and were not responsible for any casualties at that church. The statement added that a separate incident did occur near a church located in Shejaiya where there has been intense fighting between the IDF and Hamas. The IDF is reviewing that incident.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa had claimed that IDF strikes hit the convent at Holy Family Parish on Saturday and destroyed the buildings generator. Due to damage sistained by the building, dozens of people who had sought refuge there, including those who are disabled, are now displaced. He had also claimed that an IDF sniper had killed a mother and daugher. "One was killed as she tried to carry the other to safety," Pizzaballa wrote Saturday.

The IDF says reports on these incidents do match the conclusion of an initial review that found the IDF troopers were targeting Hamas spotters in enemy lookouts at a separate location. It said this incident occurred "in the area where the two women were reportedly killed."

"Following the reports of two women that were shot in the area of the Latin Church in Shejaya, the IDF has finished conducting an initial review of the incident. The review found that on December 17th, in the early afternoon,Hamas terrorists launched a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) at IDF troops from the vicinity of the church," the IDF said.

The troops then identified three people in the vicinity, operating as spotters for Hamas by guiding their attacks in the direction of the IDF troopers. In response, our troops fired towards the spotters and hits were identified.

A review of the IDFs operational findings support this, the Israeli military added. 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 directs its operations against the Hamas terrorist organization and not against civilians, regardless of their religious affiliation. The IDF takes many measures to mitigate harm to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

The statement concluded, These efforts stand in contrast to Hamas, (which) does everything in its power to endanger civilians and exploits them, as well as religious sites, as human shields for their terrorist activities.

In a statement released Sunday, the IDF said:

Yesterday (Saturday), a letter from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem was received describing a tragic incident that took place in the Holy Family Parish which is located in the Rimal area in the Gaza Strip. Yesterday morning (Saturday), representatives of the church contacted the IDF regarding explosions that were heard near the church. During the dialogue between the IDF and representatives of the community, 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. 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. 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. The IDF only targets terrorists and terror infrastructure and does not target civilians, no matter their religion. The IDF takes vast measures to avoid harm to uninvolved civilians, while fighting against a terrorist organization which does everything to put civilians at risk  including by using civilians and holy sites as human shields for its terror activities.

Original report:

The Israeli Defense Forces have confirmed that their soldiers shot and killed two Christian women on the grounds of Gaza Citys only Catholic church. An IDF spokesperson acknowledged the civilian casualties to the media, following revelations of the incident by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

The IDF spokesperson, in a statement to Fox News Digital, confirmed the incident which took place near the church in the Shejayia area of Gaza during an operation against Hamas terrorists.

Pizzaballa, in a letter on Saturday, detailed the events leading to the deaths of Nahida and her daughter Samar at the Holy Family Church. Around noon today  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 patriarchate said.

He described the incident as unprovoked, stating the victims were shot in cold blood within the church premises, where no combatants were present. The patriarchs urgent letter also mentioned that seven other parishioners were wounded while trying to protect others inside the church compound.

The Holy See, through its official news agency Vatican News, republished Pizzaballas report with additional commentary. The statement emphasized the Israeli militarys entry into the Holy Family Catholic Parish compound, alleging that soldiers shot at anyone leaving the church, The Times of Israel reported.

The IDF, however, maintained that its operation was directed against a perceived threat in the area of the church and was part of its broader action against Hamas.

The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip, is home to the Missionaries of Charity.

Pizzaballa said the assault included a rocket fired from an Israeli tank hitting the nuns convent, disrupting the operations of the orders care for about 54 disabled civilians living in the compound. He detailed the destruction caused by the attack, including damage to the buildings generator, solar panels and water tanks, essential for the communitys survival.

Pope Francis, in his Angelus address, condemned the violence, highlighting the targeting of unarmed civilians and the attack within the parish complex, The Telegraph reported. He described the situation as war and terrorism, calling for prayers for peace.

The IDF, while acknowledging the incident, said the Latin Patriarchates initial communication about explosions near the church on Saturday morning did not mention any casualties. The IDFs statement to Fox News Digital indicated that the review of operational findings supported this claim.

The victims were part of Gazas shrinking Christian community.

Layla Moran, a Liberal Democrat MP in the United Kingdom, expressed her concerns for her relatives trapped in the church, describing a dire situation with no access to food or water and ongoing sniper fire, according to The Telegraph.

I am desperately worried for my extended family in Gaza City, Moran was quoted as saying. There are snipers at every window pointing into the church. Still shooting anyone emerging from buildings to use, for example, toilets. Still no food or water.

Hammam Farah, related to the victims, shared his account on X, painting a grim picture of the situation.

This morning Israeli snipers shot and killed my two family friends in an attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza. Nahida (Um Emad Anton) and Samar, mother and daughter, were walking to the Sisters Convent to use the only bathroom, he wrote. One was killed as she tried to carry the other to safety. Their bodies remain strewn across the church courtyard. The water tanks and solar panels were also struck. We dont know if they have enough water to survive. The Christian community in Gaza is on the verge of extinction.

Italys top diplomat, Antonio Tajani, appealed to the Israeli government and IDF to protect Christian places of worship.

The Israeli army stated that it is investigating the killings at the church, emphasizing its policy of targeting only terrorists and terror infrastructure, not civilians. The IDF spokesperson added that their operations are complicated by Hamas tactics of using civilians and holy sites as shields for their activities.

According to claims by the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, about 18,800 people have died since the war began after Hamas struck Israel on Oct. 7, with the majority being civilians, according to the Times of Israel, which says these figures are thought to include around 7,000 members or affiliates of Hamas, in addition to civilians who were casualties of Palestinian rockets that misfired.
Home U.S. North Carolina pastor's grandson accused of embezzling $470K from church

The grandson of a pastor has been arrested and charged with allegedly stealing more than $470,000 from a church in North Carolina over the past five years for personal use.

Jordan Blake Shortridge, 28, was arrested earlier this month on the charge of felony larceny for allegedly taking approximately $470,000 from the Dallas Church of God from 2018 to 2023.

According to a statement from the Dallas Police Department, church leadership contacted authorities in July, believing they were the victims of embezzlement.

The Church of God's accounting department found "discrepancies in the church funds" in 2021, which led to an audit of its finances that found "unknown withdraws and payments made through PayPal," according to police.

Soon after the church reported its concerns to the police, an investigation was launched, during which police detectives eventually centered on Shortridge as the primary suspect.

Thechurch website listed Pastor D.R. Shortridge and his wife, Karen, as being involved with the ministry. The website stated that Jordan Shortridge was "very active in the church, playing the drums and working in the A/V department."

The congregation released a statement to the Charlotte, North Carolina-based news outlet Queen City News saying they are working with police.

"Dallas Church of God has been working in full cooperation with the investigating authorities. We will continue to cooperate with any requests that are made to the church for information involving this case," the church stated.

"Dallas Church of God is continuing to pray for all parties involved and has no further comment outside of this written statement."

According to a report from Lifeway Christian Resources released in March, 8% of surveyed Protestant pastors said their congregations had been victims of embezzlement.

"The misappropriation of funds is more likely when an organization lacks necessary processes so that multiple people are aware of every expenditure before it is made," said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, as quoted in the report.

"Skipping some of those safeguards and streamlining financial accountability for the sake of ministry may sound easy to justify, but it can be a costly choice for a church."
Home Opinion Christian Nationalism and the great liberal smokescreen

Every week, as if on cue, the media stirs up another bout of hysteria over the so-called threat of Christian nationalism.

The most recent instance of this coordinated hatchet job is political strategist James Carvilles assertion that House Speaker Mike Johnson is more dangerous than the Islamists who perpetrated the September 11 terrorist attacks.

In an interview on Bill Mahers HBO program, Carville claimed that Mike Johnson and what he believes is one of the greatest threats we have today to the United States.

Youre talking about Christian nationalists, asked Maher, to which Carville replied,

Absolutely. This is a bigger threat than al-Qaeda to this country.

As weve previously highlighted, the Christian nationalism charge aims to muzzle conservative Christian voices in the public square, painting us as some sort of authoritarian bogeyman with a lust for violence.

The irony is thick, coming from the Left, a faction that hasnt met a light bulb, gas stove, dishwasher, combustion engine, healthcare plan or cow fart they didnt want to control, and whose elites have repeatedly gawked at unabashedly despotic regimes, from Cuba to China.

While conservatives strive to shrink the federal governments overreach, championing individual freedom over central planning, the Left seems hellbent on expanding it, demanding statist solutions for every societal problem.

Yes, theres an authoritarian concern, but its not emanating from the Right, and certainly not from the Christian Right, which largely advocates for a return to constitutional limitations on the federal government, a move that would vaporize 90% of government jobs overnight.

But lets park that issue for another day.

The great liberal smokescreen is this: While leftists like James Carville are busy decrying the threat of supposed Christian Nationalism, our urban landscapes are crumbling under the weight of rampant crime and disorder, thanks to left-wing policies.

The real danger to our republic is not from devoted Christians engaged in the political process, but rather from the swift unraveling of social cohesion  a trend promoted and fostered by secular progressives.

Case in point: Businesses located near the intersection where George Floyd died have filed a lawsuit accusing Minneapolis and Mayor Jacob Frey of abdicating the citys legal duty to provide police protection, thereby allowing the place to devolve into a hub for violent crime.

According to the lawsuit, criminals know the area lacks a law enforcement presence and has been dubbed a No Go Zone  for cops.

What transpired next should shock no one:

On August 14, 2022, one person was killed, and another person was severely injured in a shooting, while just a week prior, a separate individual, Mohamed A. Omar, was also gunned down.

On July 5, 2020, a man shot and killed a 27-year-old female and her unborn child.

On March 6, 2021, a man shot and killed a prominent community figure in broad daylight.

On one occasion, a tenant at one of Plaintiffs businesses was hospitalized after being shot and brutally assaulted just outside the property. The assault led to the tenant and all other tenants on the property to vacate the premises, causing Plaintiff severe economic injury.

Oh, and lets not forget about the incident on March 10, 2022, where three suspects kidnapped a guy and took him to an abandoned gas station before they reportedly assaulted the man and tried to rob him.

The area grew so dangerous that one business owner told the local news that when he comes into work each day, I dont know if Im going home.

Tragically, his fear wasnt unfounded.

In 2020, a staggering 700 gunshots were detected around George Floyd Square  nearly a 2,000% increase compared to just 34 shots the previous year.

The plaintiffs are seeking $1.5 million in compensation to cover their financial losses after Minneapolis descended into chaos.

The exponential rise in violence in left-wing cities over the last few years is a stark reminder that progressive priorities have an undeniable human cost  along with a high body count.

Yet liberals gloss over the nightly mayhem they enabled following Floyds death, fixating instead on the mostly peaceful protests of January 6.

Dont buy into the misdirection.

People like Mike Johnson, maligned by the Left as Christian nationalists, never championed abolishing police or stripping their resources.

They didnt embolden BLM agitators and Antifa foot soldiers to immolate neighborhoods, wreaking billions in damages.

Mike Johnson and allies never condoned looting as reparations.

They didnt cultivate an anarchist autonomous zone in Seattle that ultimately claimed two lives.

They never rescinded bail requirements and unleashed repeat offenders to victimize innocents.

Unlike the Left, they didnt trump up dubious legal crusades to imprison political foes.

And they certainly never smeared the Founding Fathers as bigots or defaced historic monuments.

There is a threat to America, all right, but it isnt coming from the side that believes one of the only legitimate purposes of civil government is to maintain a civil society.

The real danger lurks within the ranks of those who view Americas institutions and values as oppressive relics, ripe for demolition and reimagining.

So, if folks like James Carville truly fear threats to constitutional norms, they should turn towards their ideological kin.

But they wont.

And thats because their discomfort lies not in potential violence per se, but in the genteel defiance of those like Mike Johnson who wont abandon their biblical convictions on Capitol Hill.

In this sense, Johnson is indeed a threat  not to America but to the progressive agenda that seeks to erase every vestige of faith from our nations Christian heritage.

Thats the real reason liberals seem to be whining even more these days.

Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center.
Home Opinion In Oregon, political ideology is costing children dearly

The cost of love is rising in America.

Good faith, a compassionate heart, a kind willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others  these are no longer essential qualities for being a parent in some states. Instead, whats required is ideological correctness.

Exhibit A: Oregon, where Jessica Bates  a widow and mother of five  has been refused the opportunity to adopt children. Not because shes not a good mom. Not because her family doesnt have a great deal to offer a lonely boy or girl. Not because there isnt an incredible need in her state for foster and adoptive families who will take in and care for hurting youngsters.

No, Jessicas problem is  shes a devout Christian who holds to biblical views of human sexuality. And since those views wont let her promote gender ideology in her home, or lie to a child about human biology, the state says shes not fit to raise children.

Mind you, not just children who identify as transgender. Any child. No boy or girl  even a toddler who does not understand what gender is, or a teenager who shares Jessicas beliefs  is to be entrusted to her family.

Thats how important gender ideology is to Oregon officials. Its better for children to stay in the States foster care system than risk exposing them to commonly held religious views about the human condition.

A few thoughts to consider:

According to figures for the last fiscal year, a child typically spends nearly 21 months in Oregons foster care system. In some cases, those actually up for adoption have to wait nearly three years. Because state space is at a premium, foster agencies are forced to house some children every month in temporary lodgings  i.e., a hotel room. The state prefers all that to a warm bed, a hot meal, and a loving family if the family wont wave a proverbial Pride flag in the home to placate the state.

Its reasonable to assume that  even in a state as blue as Oregon  a significant number of potential foster parents share Jessicas affirmation of human biology. And, likewise, people who share the compassionate spirit of her Christian faith are particularly likely to take seriously the prospect of bringing a lonely child into their home. This means the state, by categorically rejecting any potential foster parent who holds such beliefs, is immediately  knowingly  decimating the odds of a boy or girl in the system being taken in or adopted.

Not only is the state effectively punishing Jessica Bates and others like her for their religious beliefs (a clear violation of their First Amendment rights)  theyre punishing a lot of innocent children in the process.

Its a terrible thing to inflict this kind of deprivation on boys and girls who may or may not understand the concept of gender identity, but who most assuredly know how it feels to be forgotten. And can only imagine what it might feel like to be loved.

This is why Jessica Bates has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Oregons unjust policy. She is embracing an uphill challenge. A district court has already decided against her. Now, shes filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, asking judges there to consider the profound consequences of the states approach  not only for the constitutional rights of willing foster and adoptive parents like herself but for the present and future of so many vulnerable children.

An ironclad political ideology that consigns children to hotel rooms is a poor substitute for the love of a caring family. Adherence to newly fashionable social trends is a petty excuse for punishing common-sense convictions and widely shared religious beliefs.

Especially when the welfare of so many lonely boys and girls is at stake.
Home Opinion Iraqi Kurdistan: Fostering coexistence amid regional challenges

In the heart of Iraqi Kurdistan lies Ain Kawa, a Christian oasis where diverse Christian communities from regions plagued by adversity find a refuge of coexistence. The resilience of Ain Kawa's inhabitants, coupled with the visionary leadership of Mr. Messud Barzani and the Kurdish government, has created a haven for Christians amidst the challenges posed by neighboring countries.

Ain Kawa stands as a unique testament to the triumph of unity over adversity. Families affected by terrorism in Syria and those who lost jobs in Lebanon due to political turmoil have found solace alongside Christians fleeing the perils of Baghdad and Mosul. Maronites, Syriac Orthodox, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Greek Orthodox, and Melkite Catholics coexist in harmony, embodying a historic convergence of Eastern Christian communities.

Crucial to Ain Kawa's success is the support and encouragement of Mr. Messud Barzani, whose policies restrict non-Christians from purchasing real estate in the neighborhood. This foresighted measure, supported by the tolerant Kurds of Erbil, safeguards Ain Kawa from suffering the fate of other Christian neighborhoods in the region, where forced sales and seizures of property occurred as native populations fled.

The optimism palpable among Ain Kawa's indigenous and newly arrived Christians is further fueled by the government's commitment to economic openness and technological advancement under the leadership of Masrour Barzani. Advanced degrees among the residents present a wealth of opportunities, creating a promising environment for Levantine and Iraqi Christians to rebuild their lives.

As the international community observes the success of Ain Kawa, Western governments should actively support the efforts of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The KRG, despite facing challenges from Iran, Turkey, and Iraq, has demonstrated a commitment to preserving religious diversity and fostering stability.

Western nations should lend their support to the KRG's initiatives, providing assistance to address political, economic and environmental challenges. Diplomatic efforts should encourage open dialogue to ensure the continued safety and security of Ain Kawa as a haven for Christians in the MENA region.

What is happening today in Erbil and Iraqs Kurdistan is the perfect recipe not only for preserving Christians in the Middle East, but for stability and peace capable of preserving security, the economy, and the ability of governments to fight any destabilizing factors such as epidemics, security, economic, and even environmental threats.

The spirit of the birth of Jesus Christ, which does not hide itself today in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, reflects a bright and hopeful picture in the Middle East, despite the many challenges facing the regional government, from financial pressures and disputes with the central government in Baghdad to security threats and others.

While American soldiers far from their families this Christmas season are exposed to bombing and threats at American bases in Iraq, Washington is not using the fullest potential of the partnership with the allies in Iraqi Kurdistan, which led to the defeat of ISIS, an important task that could not have been accomplished in Syria or Iraq without coordination and partnership with the Erbils government.

For the good of American national security and pluralism in the Middle East, Washington must focus on protecting Erbil and repeating Erbils transgressive experience in protecting endangered minorities in the Middle East because a less pluralistic and less diverse Middle East is a more violent and more harmful Middle East to the international community.

The success of Ain Kawa reflects the potential for coexistence and prosperity, even in regions rife with historical tensions. By supporting the KRG and acknowledging the importance of religious diversity in the Middle East, the West can contribute to the establishment of more safe havens for persecuted communities, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Catholic archbishop admonishes Pope over same-sex blessings

A Catholic archbishop in Kazakhstan reportedly issued a formal repudiation of the Vatican doctrinal office's guidance this week allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples. He accused the Catholic Church of propagating "gender ideology."

Tomash Peta, who has served as metropolitan archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana since 2003, prohibited any form of blessing for same-sex couples and also publicly admonished Pope Francis, asking him to revoke the guidance he signed off on this week, according to The Catholic Herald.

The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a declaration Monday titled "Fiducia Supplicans," which provided "a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings, which is closely linked to a liturgical perspective."

The declaration allows "spontaneous pastoral blessing" for "same-sex couples" and other couples in "irregular situations," though it clarified that the blessing is not akin to marriage and that such relationships are still sinful.

"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," the guidance says.

"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 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 added.

In his Tuesday statement, also signed by Auxiliary Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Peta said, "[t]he fact that the document does not give permission for the 'marriage' of same-sex couples should not blind pastors and faithful to the great deception and the evil that resides in the very permission to bless couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples."

"Such a blessing directly and seriously contradicts Divine Revelation and the uninterrupted, bimillennial doctrine and practice of the Catholic Church," the prelates continued.

"To bless couples in an irregular situation and same-sex couples is a serious abuse of the most Holy Name of God, since this name is invoked upon an objectively sinful union of adultery or of homosexual activity."

Peta and Schneider accused the Vatican of causing "far-reaching and destructive consequences" by legitimizing such blessings, which they argued effectively reduces the denomination to "a propagandist of the globalist and ungodly' gender ideology.'"

Citing their oaths as successors to the apostles and their charge to preserve the deposit of the faith, Peta and Schneider exhorted and prohibited the priests and faithful in their archdiocese from performing any form of blessing for couples in an "irregular situation" or same-sex relationship.

"It goes without saying that every sincerely repentant sinner with the firm intention to no longer sin and to put an end to his public sinful situation (such as, e.g., cohabitation outside of a canonically valid marriage, union between people of the same sex) can receive a blessing," they wrote.

The two concluded by referencing Galatians 2, in which Paul recounts opposing Peter to his face for behaving inconsistently with the Gospel.

Claiming he "does not walk uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel," the bishops asked Francis "to revoke the permission to bless couples in an irregular situation and same-sex couples, so that the Catholic Church may shine clearly as the 'pillar and ground of the truth' (1 Tim 3:15) for all those who sincerely seek to know the will of God and, by fulfilling it, to attain eternal life."

The latest guidance from the Vatican has also prompted responses from some U.S. bishops, with many reaffirming the Catholic Church's teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman while noting that the guidance does not change official teaching on the subject.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stressed that the declaration from the Vatican made a "distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God's loving grace in their lives."

"The Church's 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 God's healing love and mercy in our lives," the USCCB statement reads.

In the Archdiocese of Boston, priests were advised to "be careful" that their prayers don't "become a liturgical or semi-liturgical act, similar to a sacrament."

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston in Minnesota said in a statement that it's "impossible" to bless a same-sex union because "any sexual-union outside of the marriage of one man and one woman is contrary to the Gospel." But he said churches can "bless individuals who are not yet living in full accord with the Gospel, even those in a same-sex union."

Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago said in a statement the declaration keeps with "Jesus' desire to be present to all people who desire grace and support."

"Here in the Archdiocese of Chicago, we welcome this declaration, which will help many more in our community feel the closeness and compassion of God," Cupich stated.

The guidance has drawn mixed reactions abroad.

In Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement explaining that the new guidance is "causing anxiety and even confusion among the Christians, and in general the people of God."

The chair of the German bishops' conference praised the Vatican for addressing the hot-button issue in "a theologically moderate and calm language."

"The declaration applies theological categories and terms in a responsible manner," the German conference chair's statement reads. "It draws a clear line between unwavering fidelity to the teachings of the Church and the pastoral requirements of an ecclesial practice that wants to be close to people."

 The Christian Post
FILE - The Union Pacific International Railroad Bridge is seen behind concertina wire, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. The federal government has closed railroad crossings in two Texas border towns, including Eagle Pass, raising concerns about the potential impact on trade and goods available to American consumers. Carriers and politicians have decried the move that closes two of the six available railroad systems between Mexico and the U.S. Eric Gay/AP Razor wire coils underneath a railroad bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas on Sept. 9, 2023, to deter the thousands of migrants using the border city as a popular crossing point into the U.S. The increase crossings prompted Customs and Border Protection to temporarily shut down the railroad gateway in the city and in El Paso, Texas on Dec. 18, 2023, to reallocate officers to help Border Patrol agents take migrants into custody. Valerie Gonzalez/AP

McALLEN, Texas (AP)  The federal government has closed railroad crossings in two Texas border towns, raising concerns about the potential impact on cross-border trade and American consumers.

Customs and Border Protection announced Sunday that it would temporarily stop railroad operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso starting Monday. It did not say how long rail operations would be paused.

The railroads and politicians have decried the move that closes two of the six available railroad systems between Mexico and the U.S.

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This train doesnt just stop at Eagle Pass. This train doesnt just impact Texas," Rep. Tony Gonzalez, a Republican congressman who represents the affected region, said Tuesday during a news conference. "This train impacts all of America, goods that are going all over America."

WHY IS IT HAPPENING?

CBP reported as many as 10,000 people entering the country illegally every day through the southwest border this month. Closing the railroad would free up customs officers to assist overwhelmed U.S. Border Patrol agents who need to take migrants into custody.

Thousands of asylum-seekers who have crossed are sleeping outside along the border as they wait for federal agents to process them. Most are released with notices to appear in immigration courts, which are backlogged with more than 3 million cases.

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Operations were changed for similar reasons when CBP closed a port of entry in Lukeville, Arizona, a pedestrian crosswalk in San Diego, and an international bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas.

WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT?

Union Pacific and BNSF are the two railroads directly affected by the rail closures in Texas. Between them, 24 trains typically use the railroads daily to move agricultural products, automotive parts, finished vehicles, chemicals, and other consumer goods, according to the Association of American Railroads.

Union Pacific estimates the total losses for all impacted industries  in goods, wages and transportation costs  in excess of $200 million a day. The railroad giant said the two crossings make up 45% of its cross-border business and that it cannot shift trains to other gateways.

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BNSF did not provide a dollar estimate of losses but said it anticipates an impact to employees and a significant downstream effect across our system, since those trains then travel throughout our 32,500-mile network," according to a statement shared with the Associated Press.

WHAT GOODS COULD BE AFFECTED?

Nearly 10,000 Union Pacific rail cars are currently halted on both sides of the border. Some of those cars contain automotive parts and completed vehicles.

Automakers Ford, GM and Toyota told AP that they would not be immediately affected by the border shutdowns, but Stellantis, an automaker of 14 car brands including Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler, expressed concern.

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The suspension of rail operations at the international crossings between Texas and Mexico has the potential to significantly impact production at Stellantis North American facilities that will quickly ripple out to our U.S. supply base," spokesperson Jodi Stinson said in a statement.

Union Pacific said it has more than 60 trains  carrying automotive cars, food and beverages, industrial commodities, and agriculture products such as grain  waiting at the border.

The National Grain and Feed Association and the North America Export Grain Association raised fears that stalled grain and oilseed shipments could have an impact for their customers in Mexico, which is among the groups most important export markets.

NGFA and NAEGA have become aware this afternoon of critical tightness in feeding supplies for several livestock feeders in Mexico," the organizations said in a statement. "We have also learned of grain trains in multiple states being held for shipment due to CBPs embargo. The critical nature of this issue is growing by the hour, particularly for those livestock feeders that may run short of feed.

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NGFA President Michael Seyfert said livestock feeders in Mexico could start to run out of grain to feed their animals if the crossings don't reopen within a week because they don't keep a big supply on hand.

You can maybe stretch rations for a bit, but you can only do that so long, he said. And then its not like you shut the factory down for two days. You start making some some real difficult decisions related to animals from a humaneness standpoint.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES?

Trucks are a potential alternative to trains, although moving goods at such volume via road would be logistically problematic. It would take roughly 550 trucks to deliver the grain that one 110-car train hauls.

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Union Pacific said it moves about 450,000 rail shipments through Eagle Pass and El Paso each year and estimates it would take one million trucks to move the same volume, or 2,800 trucks daily.

ARE FREIGHT TRAINS USED BY MIGRANTS TO ENTER U.S. ILLEGALLY?

Migrants often board the trains as they travel through Mexico, but this does not guarantee entry to the U.S.

Union Pacific and BNSF use police, partnerships with federal agencies and technology to deter and detect contraband and people entering the country illegally. Union Pacific has a system that uses gamma-ray imaging to spot unwanted passengers.

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Union Pacific said it has found only five migrants trying to enter the U.S. illegally on its trains in the last five weeks.

Through our efforts, we have experienced very few people attempting to cross the border on trains at both ports of entry, BNSF said via a statement.

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Associated Press writer Josh Funk contributed to this report from Omaha, Nebraska.

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The diversification of payment methods and gradual increase in the volume of online transactions have cast a spotlight on the need for payment security compliance within the airline industry. With the new, recently onboarded Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) v4.0, its important to explore the intricacies of PCI DSS compliance and uncover some of the challenges and opportunities that are in the wings for this dynamic sector.

But first, lets look at a scenario of how PCI DSS might apply to the average vacation planner, Erin. Since Erin has a limited budget, one of the first things she might do is go to the internet and browse through meta-search engines looking for a deal. As she enters the target destination and date, the website displays a list of options with prices. She wants the cheapest price with the least number of layovers. She is also mindful of security: Is it too adventurous to book the ticket through an unfamiliar travel agency, or should I book through the airline itself? she wonders. Booking through the airline could be cheaper or more expensive, but at least it would be a safer choice for Erin considering any abrupt changes in schedule or security of her personal data, right?

Well not exactly. A simple Google search can reveal that some of the major airlines with state-of-the-art IT infrastructure had customer data stolen due to security breaches. According to Verizons 2023 Data Breach Investigation Report (DBIR), the transportation industry as a whole was breached 249 times with 349 incidents reported. As a result, PCI DSS has become a pivotal framework for the airline industry with its invaluable agenda to govern the PCI DSS for payment card transactions.

Understanding the PCI DSS Standard

PCI DSS is an information security standard designed to ensure companies that process card payments maintain a secure IT environment for their customers. The PCI DSS v4.0, released in March 2022, with mandatory compliance starting on March 31, 2024, represents an updated and refined version of the Standard. It incorporates lessons learned from previous versions, past security breaches, and emerging new threats. The updated Standard is expected to introduce more robust security controls in order to raise the bar for safeguarding cardholder data. From buying tickets online to purchasing duty-free cosmetics on the aircraft, revenue streams and payment methods are becoming more and more complex for the air carriers. In order to comply with the new Standard, the industry will need to adapt its existing security measures to meet the tightened security controls, calling for a comprehensive review and potential overhaul of its cybersecurity infrastructure.

Understanding the business of the airline industry

As previously mentioned, the revenue streams are becoming diversified in the airline sector. Loyal customers are likely to book their flight tickets directly through the airline website or mobile app, whereas sporadic customers have a plethora of options, such as third-party websites, travel agencies and even the airport counter. Up in the air, customers can choose to alleviate their flight anxiety by ordering a snack or drink, and on the ground, they can purchase neck pillows from the airlines duty-free or retail stores. If the customers are in the mood to enhance their travel experience, they can look into airline ancillaries and order extra seats, baggage, or even lounge access. In order to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors, the airlines have no choice but to constantly venture into new business opportunities while satiating the growing demands of their customers and shareholders.

In addition, the world of e-commerce technology seems to be perpetually evolving with fintech innovations and payment orchestration platforms. Following this trend, some airlines even developed their own payment application through which customers not only can book airline tickets but also make payments on other e-commerce platforms. Even with all aforementioned technological advancements and diversified payment streams, one unavoidable and common element persists: transmission of valuable financial data, such as payment card information, through the wilderness of the World Wide Web.

Understanding the difficulty of complying with PCI DSS in the airline sector

Airline passenger data repositories tend to be the holy grail for cybercriminals due to the sheer amount and value of the data. This is also due to the demographics of airline passengers, who are likely to be affluent enough to travel with platinum credit cards at their disposal. Many airlines have no choice but to store payment card data in the event of chargebacks, refunds, installments and recurring payments. To safeguard this large influx of cardholder data, the airlines are required to encrypt it when stored in their environmentas per the PCI DSS (Requirement 3, to be specific). However, this isnt enough. The newly-updated PCI DSS v4.0 is asking all organizations to encrypt the data on the application levelin other words, disk or partition-level encryption is not enough anymore. If hash algorithms were used instead to render cardholder data unreadable, they now need to be keyed hashes (hash-based MAC, cyber-based MAC, etc.) rather than one-way hashes. If one-way hashes such as SHA-256 were used, the airlines will have to replace the hashing algorithms to two-way hashes. This is not a simple task since it could potentially involve costly updates in software/hardware, significant changes in the codes, dataflow, system calls and most importantly, a downtime of end user programs.

But what if they do not store any cardholder data?

If they merely transmit cardholder data without storing it in their database, it will help reduce the number of PCI DSS requirements (most of Requirement 3) applicable to the airlines. However, the rest of the requirements can still be quite overwhelming because there are so many. Another requirement on data security is Requirement 4, which aims to protect cardholder data as it is transmitted over the internet when customers make online transactions. PCI DSS v4.0 is asking all merchants to have an automated technical solution for their public-facing web applicationsmeaning a web-based application firewall (WAF) is now a must. While most full-service carriers should already have WAFs to protect their web environment, lower-cost carriers might struggle to remain compliant because this piece of hardware or software generally does not come cheap. Several other key changes have a goal to strengthen the web environment, such as integrity protection in payment page scripts, and airlines are actively engaging with PCI Qualified Security Assessors (QSA) in order to evaluate their compliance status.

We all know that there is no one-size-fits-all type of solution to meet the rigors of the PCI DSS requirements. However, one common measure can be applied for all carriers: Do not touch (store, process, or transmit) any payment card data to begin with.[1]

Thats a great idea. But how?

This may sound too obvious or superfluous, but its the most effective way of reducing the risk of a data breach. The PCI Security Standard Council (SSC) is also recommending that organizations: Do not store cardholder data unless there is a legitimate business need. Whats even better is that the airline completely avoids touching any cardholder data by outsourcing payment capabilities in web or mobile apps to a third-party payment gateway. When the customers reach the stage of making the online transaction, they can either be redirected to the payment gateways website or simply complete the transaction through embedded iframe tags within the airlines payment page. For chargebacks, installments, refunds, credits, and vouchers, they can utilize tokenization technology in order to avoid storing full cardholder data. All these measures will assist the airlines to significantly reduce their scope and the number of applicable PCI DSS requirements down to a minimum.

But what about in-person payments?

There are many cases where airline customers would have to make in-person card payments, such as in the airports, aircrafts, or retail stores. In processing the transaction, the cardholder data traverses through many different layers of IT infrastructure, such as the point of interaction (POI) devices, computers, switches, routers, firewalls, etc. PCI DSS states that all in-between systems that touch cardholder data must be included as part of the merchant environmentand this is where most airlines would struggle. First, in-flight real-time payments are not 3DS securemeaning, the card brands (Visa, MasterCard, America Express, Discover Financial Services, China UnionPay, and JCB International) or banks cannot verify the identity of the payer. Second, if the payment isnt processed in real-time, the POI devices must hold the customers cardholder data, including the card number, sensitive authentication data (PIN, CVC, or CVV), and/or magnetic stripe data until the connectivity is established. If the hackers can get a hold of these payment-capturing POI devices, they can potentially gain access to the customers entire payment information.

As for the retail environment on the ground, the airports IT systems, such as workstations and network devices, are not usually owned by the airlinethey are commonly owned by the airport operators. These IT systems are also shared among many other airlines, and it could be challenging to properly maintain the level of security of this shared infrastructure. Per PCI DSS, all of these in-between systems must be a part of the merchants scope of compliance and validation. However, with so many airports around the world, its a challenge for airlines to ask each airport to be PCI security compliant or to have the PCI Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) evaluate the security maturity of the shared airport infrastructure. Having third-party service providers (TPSP) who are not PCI security compliant would constitute a clear violation of the PCI DSS Requirement 12.8. And this is where Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) devices could come in handy.

P2PE devices are PCI council-approved devices that can encrypt the cardholder data from the moment it is captured, all the way to the payment gateway or acquirers environment. It allows the airline to remove any of the aforementioned in-between IT systems out of the airlines PCI DSS scope. This simple scope-reduction technique can be applied to other in-person payment channels, such as retail stores or in-flight transactions. It also removes the headache of having to manage non-compliant TPSPs, except for providing security awareness training for the device handlers and maintaining the inventory of payment-accepting devices.

Managing your third-party service providers

Speaking of third parties, the PCI SSC has elaborated further on the use of TPSPs and its impact on companies in Section 4 of the updated PCI DSS v4.0. This update insinuates that the PCI SSC will be placing greater emphasis on vendor risk management when PCI DSS v4.0 becomes the only Standard available. In order to meet Requirement 12.8, any TPSPs that can potentially impact the security of the airlines cardholder data environment must be included in scope for the PCI DSS assessment. This includes the likes of cloud infrastructure, managed security providers, application development, call centers, etc.basically anything or anyone that can impact the security of the cardholder data environment.

A concept that is somewhat unique to the travel industry is the Internet Booking Engine (IBE), which allows travelers to make reservations and manage their bookings. IBE also allows the airlines to optimize their revenue through forecasting demands and fine-tuning prices. Full-service carriers often choose to develop their own IBE as part of their in-house operation. Low-cost carriers, on the other hand, often outsource their development, and integrate with popular global distribution systems (GDS), such as Navitaire, Travelport, or Sabre. Either way, they must ensure that their IBE is developed securely while meeting the secure systems development lifecycle (SSDLC) requirements in PCI DSS. However, the problem often arises from the fact that there are limited options when it comes to procuring these third-party service providers (TPSPs) that can develop and maintain IBEs. And not all of them may be PCI DSS compliant.

If the TPSPs for building and maintaining IBEs are not PCI compliant, the airlines must ensure that any operational activities performed by the TPSP personnel strictly follow the PCI DSS compliance requirements. The personnel in this context could refer to anyone that can impact the security of the IBE, including the developers, project managers and systems administrators. In a perfect world, all TPSPs that are involved in the IBEs are located within the perimeter of the airlines secure environment. But if any of the TPSP personnel were working remotely from the comfort of their homes, local coffee shop, or even from outside of the country, securing the environmentsuch as the personal firewall, anti-virus, and encryption mode on the routerswould be extremely difficult.

The responsibility of having to oversee the TPSPs environment goes beyond the area of IBEsit has to be applied for any service provider that can potentially impact the security of the airlines PCI DSS scope. For this reason, Verizon recommends that the airlines ask for PCI Attestation of Compliance (AOC) from their service providers and make it part of the contractual agreement from the beginning. In doing so, airlines can mitigate or transfer the risks coming from third parties while meeting the intent of the PCI DSS requirements. The most ideal situation would be to insert a PCI DSS clause in the organizations master contract so that all service providers agree on safeguarding the airlines cardholder data at all times or they would risk having their contracts terminated. The airlines would still have to ensure that all TPSPs provide updated PCI AOCs every year, and actively track their PCI compliance year round. But at least its better than having a much larger scope for your annual PCI DSS assessment, right?

Conclusion

As the airline industry prepares for the PCI DSS v4.0, which will soon be the only Standard from April 2024, a proactive approach is paramount to the journey of full PCI DSS compliance. Handling the complexities of the updated Standard will require rigorous planning and commitment to securing the immeasurable amounts of sensitive data transiting through satellites and circuits. In the face of these challenges, due diligence in passenger data protection is not only mandatory for compliance but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining customer trust and brand reputation of the airline sector. Learn more about Verizons PCI assessments here.

[1] PCI Security Standards Council, PCI Data Storage Dos and Donts, https://listings.pcisecuritystandards.org/pdfs/pci_fs_data_storage.pdf

Sung Chae is a QSA for Verizon Cyber Security Consulting specializing in various GRC frameworks, such as PCI DSS and ISO27001. He is based in South Korea.
The public cloud imperative

For many organizations, regardless of size or industry, the public cloud has become an essential resource for critical operations. One reason is that public cloud has proven to be 40x more cost-effective. 1 Moreover, the public cloud is easy to use and is extremely scalable. However, securing the cloud traffic from these workloads is a complex task, as cloud adoption increases, and the number of mission-critical workloads spread across multiple cloud providers. One of the most significant areas that organizations are revisiting is secure cloud and workload connectivity. With an ever-evolving threat landscape that capitalizes on an expanding attack surface, were seeing a substantial rise in the number of security breaches and threats that negatively impact businesses. Protecting these complex environments and connectivity with the right approach has become a necessity.

Many organizations rely on legacy security architectures to secure their cloud workloads. They often use a combination of:

Cloud native security solutions offered by cloud service providers Multiple security tools (firewall, VPN, TLS/SSL inspection, DLP, etc.) Backhauling to on-premises network security infrastructure for inspection and protection

But relying on legacy security architectures amplifies lateral movement, increases operational complexity, and provides inconsistent threat and data protection.

To address these challenges, organizations need a simple and automated approach based on zero trust architecture to deliver robust security as dynamic workloads move across on-prem data centers and multi-cloud environments.

Zscalers innovative approach to securing workloads Zscaler recently announced significant advancements to the Zero Trust Exchange (ZTE) platform and Workload Communications to simplify cloud workload security. The innovations radically simplify and improve cloud workload security by eliminating lateral movement, reducing operational cost and complexity, and ensuring consistent threat and data protection.

Zscaler

Fig 1: Zscaler Zero Trust Cloud Connectivity.

The latest advancements include:

Real-time resource discovery enables native integration with AWS to automatically locate VPCs, subnets, and EC2 resources. This eliminates the need for manual configurations and enterprise organizations can now effortlessly integrate security definitions based on cloud attributes.

Workload segmentation using user-defined tags allows organizations to create custom security groups based on user-defined tags and native attributes on AWS. This helps customers reduce the operational complexity associated with managing security policies based on IP Addresses, FQDNs, and CIDR blocks.

Multi-session VDI security that inspects all ports and protocols for multi-session, non-persistent VDI deployments in the public cloud. It helps to enforce granular threat and data protection policies per individual user session and maintain consistent security policies across all environments.

Comprehensive cloud coverage supporting major CSPs including support for Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Azure China Regions, and AWS GovCloud with FedRAMP certification. Enterprises can now confidently extend their deployments and effectively enforce consistent security and segmentation policies.

The new enhancements bring significant benefits to security teams seeking robust cloud workload security at cloud scale and speed

Recent enhancements enable enterprises the ability to:

Secure mission-critical cloud applications

Reduce cost and complexity by eliminating site-to-site VPNs, DC/Cloud DMZs

Enforce consistent threat and data protection policies

Secure cloud virtual desktop infrastructure

For a deep dive into the recent enhancement, read the blog New Zero Trust Innovations Radically Simplify Cloud Workload Security

Discover how Zscaler can help your organization simplify workload security:

Watch the Zscaler Workload Communications launch event to learn more about innovations mentioned in the article here

Learn more about how you can secure your cloud workloads here

Learn how Zscaler is helping organizations across the globe to simplify and improve cloud workload security

[1] How Many Companies Use Cloud Computing in 2023?
BNM anunta concurs pentru postul vacant de economist/a principal/a, pe durata determinata, responsabil/a de control si evaluare riscuri
Concurs de selectare a companiilor interesate sa elaboreze un sondaj de opinie pentru Societatea de Cruce Rosie din Moldova
Articol adaugat de: America House

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Articol adaugat de: Dexis Consulting Group

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In the 1990s, Jimmy Lai was on top of the world. He owned a large Hong Kongbased clothing chain called Giordano that had thousands of outlets and hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. He also owned a publishing company called Next that sold a popular magazine by the same name, among other titles. Then the self-made millionaire started to take shots at the Chinese government and its dictatorial practices: in 1993, for example, he published a column in which he called then-premier Li Peng the son of a turtles egg, a very derogatory phrase in Chinese. The government retaliated by shutting down Giordano stores on the mainland. Undeterred, Lai started a USA Todaystyle newspaper called Apple Daily, and used its pages to rail against the governments handling of the transfer of Hong Kong back to Chinese rule in 1997.

This week Lai, now seventy-six, stands trial in Hong Kong, accused of sedition and conspiring with foreign agents to destabilize the country, among other charges. He has been in solitary confinement since 2020, when he was arrested following a raid on his newspapers offices. The charges he is facing, including his alleged use of Apple Daily to foment dissent against the Chinese government, carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. The Chinese government has declared Lai to be a notorious anti-China activist and mastermind of anti-government riots who has been bent on destabilizing Hong Kong for years. According to a Chinese foreign ministry official, Lai blatantly colluded with external forces to undermine Chinas national security, and the governments decision to hold him accountable for these acts is beyond reproach.

Amnesty International, however, says that Lais case is an attack on press freedom and freedom of expression and that he should be released from prison immediately and unconditionally. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called the trial a travesty of justice, and Beh Lih Yi, CPJs Asia program coordinator, said that while Jimmy Lai may be the one who is in the dock, it is press freedom and the rule of law that are on trial in Hong Kong. Lih Yi added that the trial was a dark stain on Hong Kongs rule of law and is doing a disservice to the governments efforts to restore investor confidence. David Cameron, the UK foreign secretary, called it a politically motivated prosecution, and the Wall Street Journal referred to it as the most high-profile case of Hong Kongs years-long effort to snuff out dissent.

The trial is the culmination of a war of words between Lai and the Chinese authorities that has lasted for more than two decades. China experts say he used his ownership of Apple Daily to become what CNN called an unapologetically pugilistic thorn in Beijings side. His vocal position on Chinas flaws helped make the newspaper one of the most popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and by 2008 Lai was a billionaire, according to a ranking by Forbes magazine. But things changed dramatically in 2019, when Hong Kongs governor created a new national security law that for the first time allowed Beijing to extradite criminals accused of certain crimes to the Chinese mainland for punishment. Prior to that, Hong Kong maintained its own court system that was not influenced by the desires of Chinese authorities on the mainland.

The bill created four new categories of national security offenses: secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, each punishable by up to life in prison. The new law, which was passed without any public notice or consultation, sparked a series of often violent demonstrations in Hong Kong that lasted for three months, and led to the arrest of thousands of demonstrators on charges of rioting and other offenses. (Elaine Yu wrote for CJR about how the new law affected Hong Kongs independent press.) Despite the danger, Lai continued to publish critical news articles about China, and was even photographed taking part in demonstrations. He has also been accused by the government of financing some of the groups behind the protests, although he has denied being part of a US plot to destabilize Hong Kong.

As CNN noted in 2019, Lais supporters saw him as a brave warrior for democracy; the New York Times said that Lai was the only prominent Hong Kong businessman who routinely denounces the Communist Party leader Xi Jinping as a dictator and refuses to follow his fellow tycoons in paying at least token obeisance to Beijing. His detractors, howeverincluding those who wrote and published critical articles about him in government-backed Chinese newspaperssaid that Lai and Apple Daily were a black hand or puppet controlled by the US. After his opposition to the authorities became more vocal, CNN reported that Lais home was firebombed, a rival newspaper ran an obituary falsely claiming that he had died from AIDS, and Lai became the target of an anti-corruption case (which was eventually dropped).

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As Lai continued his barrage of criticism aimed at China, friends and colleagues reportedly warned him about the risks, but he refused to tone down the rhetoricor to leave Hong Kong. He told the Associated Press that if he did so, he would disgrace myself [and] discredit Apple Daily and also undermine the solidarity of the democratic movement, adding that he believed he had to take responsibility. In the summer of 2020, after pro-democracy protests had been under way for almost a year, Hong Kong police arrested Lai in the Apple Daily newsroom. A year later, hundreds of police officers raided the paper, declared the newsroom a crime scene, arrested editors, and confiscated computers and phones. A few days later, Apple Daily printed its final edition. Six other former Apple Daily executives have already pleaded guilty to collusion charges.

In addition to being charged with helping foreign agents destabilize Hong Kong and promoting violent demonstrations against the authorities in his newspaper, Lai was accused of a number of other offenses, including participating in and even organizing pro-democracy protests and attending a candlelight vigil for the victims of 1989s Tiananmen Square massacre. He was also alleged to have breached the terms of the lease for Apple Dailys headquarters, which the government defined as fraud. Lai was convicted on several of these charges last October, and sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, which is why he has been in solitary confinement awaiting his latest trial.

Under Hong Kongs national security law, Lais case will be heard not by a jury but by a panel of three national security judges, members of a committee that has been approved by the authorities. While Hong Kongs laws allow foreign lawyers to represent clients, the government has not allowed Lai to be represented by Timothy Owen, a British human rights lawyer. (This decision is still under appeal, a process that delayed the trial, which was supposed to begin last year.) Sebastian Lai, Jimmys son, says that whatever the outcome of the Hong Kong court process, he isnt expecting his father to receive justice. He told the AP that the Hong Kong security minister boasted of a 100 percent conviction rate, and so he sees the likelihood of a fair trial as remote.

The younger Lai told the Journal this week that his fathers decision to remain in Hong Kong despite the risks was proof that this intangible thing called liberty is a thing that people yearn for. Some may call it Western values, Sebastian Lai said, but its not really, in the sense that its not something that only people in the West want or deserve. In 2019, Jimmy Lai told CNN that the fight between the US and China was a battle between democracy and authoritarianism, and that it was a fight for which he was willing to risk imprisonment and even death. The Chinese government has already fulfilled the first part of that vow; whether the second comes to pass remains to be seen.

Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
A federal appellate court is asking Massachusetts top court to decide whether an insurance policy sublimit for damage caused by surface waters applies to damage from water that pooled on a parapet roof and second-floor courtyard during a rainstorm.

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals says an answer is needed so that it can resolve a declaratory judgment lawsuit filed by two insurers against the owner and lessor of a suburban Boston hospital. Zurich American and American Guarantee and Liability insurance companies contend that damage caused by water seeping through the hospitals roof was caused by a flood and subject to sublimits that capped coverage to $100 million from Zurich and $150 million from AGLIC.

The term flood was defined in the policy to include runoff and the rapid accumulation of surface waters.

The definition of surface waters in this particular context presents a novel issue of Massachusetts law not previously addressed by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the 1st District panel said. Furthermore, existing SJC case law does not point towards a clear answer and deciding this question requires policy judgments on applying Massachusetts law to this key insurance coverage issue.

The Norwood Hospital was damaged by severe thunderstorms on June 28, 2020. Torrential rain flooded the basement of the hospitals two main buildings. Rainwater also accumulated on the hospitals flat roof, which was surrounded by a law wall, or parapet. The storm also inundated an open-air courtyard on the second floor.

Medical Properties Trust had purchased an insurance policy from Zurich that provided up to $750 million in coverage, but a $100 million sublimit provided that no more than $100 million would be paid for damage caused by flood.

A company that leased the hospital, Steward Health Care System LLC, purchased a substantively identical policy from AGLIC that provided up to $850 million in coverage, but also limited damage from a flood to $150 million.

MPT and Steward both filed claims. Zurich and AGLIC first said that the damage to the basement was caused by a flood and would be subject to the sublimits, but damage to the upper floors of the hospital resulted from water intrusion caused by wind-driven rain and/or overflow of roof drains and parapet flashings.

A few months later, the companies submitted proof of loss claims for damages that exceeded $200 million. Zurich responded that substantially all of the damages were subject to the flood limit, contradicting its earlier statement that the sublimit applied only to the basement.

AGLICs response mirrored Zurichs approach. The company said it would enforce the sublimit so only $150 million in coverage was available.

Zurich filed a lawsuit against MPT seeking a declaratory judgment that the sublimit applied to the damage caused by water that pooled on the roof and in the courtyard. The US District Court ruled in favor of the insurer, finding that surface water is not limited to the accumulation of water at ground level.

MPT and Steward appealed.

The 1st District panel said the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court had ruled on similar insurance coverage disputes. In one case, the high court found that surface water included rainwater that pooled on a paved parking lot. In another, it found that water that accumulated on a slightly elevated backyard patio was surface water.

The Supreme Judicial Court has not ruled, however, on whether surface water that collects on a roof before it reaches the earths natural surface can also be defined as surface water.

The panel sent this certified question to the court:

Whether rainwater that lands and accumulates on either (i) a buildings second-floor outdoor rooftop courtyard or (ii) a buildings parapet roof and that subsequently inundates the interior of the building unambiguously constitutes surface waters under Massachusetts law for the purposes of the insurance policies at issue in this case?

Top photo: Water pooling on an improperly drained flat roof is shown. Photo courtesy of Elite Roofing and Contractors Ltd.
As global temperatures and emissions climb, people are increasingly turning to courtrooms to challenge fossil fuel companies activities, leading to wins on issues like climate-washing but also backlash as companies file countersuits.

In the last five years, the number of climate-related court cases that have been filed around the world more than doubled, according to a 2023 report by the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) and New Yorks Columbia University, from 884 filed by 2017 to nearly 2,500 as of today.

A lawsuit holds companies to account in a way that just protests or campaigns cannot do, said Joana Setzer, a climate litigation researcher at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Analysts say the strategy appears to be working, with more than half of cases with judicial outcomes leaning toward stronger climate action, according to a 2023 report from LSE.

We have seen more ambition and more action from governments thanks to litigation, Setzer said.

Here are some key trends in climate litigation:

Where Cases Are Being Filed

Most of todays climate lawsuits have been filed in the United States, including 20 filed by U.S. cities or states against major fossil fuel companies that are likely to go to trial.

Some U.S. cases, however, feature right-wing states challenging federal rules for requiring companies to disclose their environmental impacts.

About 17% of cases since 2017 have been filed in developing countries, while European courts are hearing several cases that experts say could set new legal precedents.

Climate-Washing In Focus

Companies of all kinds are being challenged over alleged climate-washing, or misleading plans and statements related to tackling emissions.

Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) is facing a proposed class action lawsuit over allegedly violating California consumer protection laws by advertising itself as carbon-neutral.

Climate litigation has really widened from large fossil fuel companies to this aspect of accountability and transparency, Setzer said. If you are able to make statements about net zero or carbon neutral, then really these should be proven.

In 2021 and 2022, more than 50 climate-washing cases were filed globally against companies, up sharply from just 15 in the previous two years, the LSE report found.

Companies Strike Back

Companies are not only on the defense. They are also filing their own cases against governments with the aim to delay or dismantle regulations on climate action, the UNEP report said.

These so-called backlash cases include one filed by 26 Republican-led states, an oil drilling company and an oil and gas trade group, challenging a Biden administration rule allowing employee retirement plans to consider environmental, social or governance issues in their investment decisions.

Not all challenges succeed, though. After a judge in September upheld the rule, the plaintiffs coalition said in October it would appeal.

In Europe, a court denied energy companies RWE and Uniper compensation for lost revenues from the Dutch government, after the Netherlands decided to close coal-fired energy plants by 2030.

Oil majors also have targeted climate protesters following a government crackdown on direct action in Europe, while Britain has made it illegal to lock or glue oneself to property as a protest stunt.

This month, Shell filed a suit against Greenpeace seeking $2.1 million in damages after protesters in January boarded the companys oil production vessel near the Canary Islands.

Other Cases To Watch

Duarte Agostinho and others v. Oortugal and 32 other states

Six Portuguese youth are suing 33 European countries for allegedly failing to avert catastrophic climate change that they say now threatens their right to life.

The case  among the first to be heard at the European Court of Human Rights  does not ask for financial compensation, but for governments to cut emissions more drastically. The case was heard in Strasbourg in September 2023. A ruling is expected in the first half of 2024.

Luciano Lliuya v. RWE AG

Peruvian farmer Saul Luciano Lliuya is suing German energy utility RWE for about $20,000. He says the companys emissions have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, swelling a lake above his hometown to dangerous levels.

Its a nominal amount, but a significant precedent, said Joe Snape, an associate at law firm Leigh Day.

The argument rests on attribution science  can the plaintiff prove the companys emissions are responsible for worsening climate change, and to what extent?

Following a May 2022 expedition to Peru to gather evidence, the case will be heard early next year in Hamm, Germany.

People of the State of California v. big oil

In September, the U.S. state of California launched a lawsuit against oil companies Exxon Mobil, Shell, ConocoPhillips, BP and Chevron.

The suit accuses the companies of deceiving the public by downplaying fossil fuel risks and argues they are responsible for tens of billions of dollars in climate-related damage.

The lawsuit is seeking a compensation fund to pay for future climate-related damages in the state.

Ambitious in scope, the case is an amalgamation of strategies, Setzer said. Its not just a compensation case, but also a deception case, which makes it stronger.
NEW YORK -- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers on Wednesday cited an Arkansas man for unlawful possession of ammunition after he was found traveling at New Yorks LaGuardia Airport with a diaper full ... of bullets.

The mans carry-on bag triggered an alarm in TSAs security checkpoint X-ray unit, at which point officers removed a diaper from the bag. A total of 17 9mm bullets were found artfully concealed inside the otherwise clean diaper, according to a news release.

The man said his girlfriend must have put the bullet-filled diaper in his bag after first denying any knowledge of how it got into his luggage, according to the release. He was cited with unlawful possession by Port Authority Police.

Arkansas man needs a new bulletproof plan for packing his bag before heading to the airport for his next flight, TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said in a tweet.

In other firearms-in-airports-related news: You may recall in April, an American woman was arrested at an airport in Sydney, Australia, after she was found in possession of a 24-karat gold-plated handgun.

The golden gun found in the womans luggage was unregistered and she did not have a permit to import or possess the weapon in Australia, according to Australian Border Force. She was charged under section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901, which prohibits specific goods from being imported or exported into Australia.
Megan Fan Munce is a reporter who joined the San Francisco Chronicle as part of the two-year Hearst Journalism Fellowship, spending her first year of the program at the Houston Chronicle.

Munce grew up in San Jose before attending Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, graduating with a B.S. and M.S. in journalism and a second major in political science.

She previously worked as an audience engagement fellow and a reporting fellow at the Texas Tribune, as well as an audience intelligence intern for KQED.

She can be reached at Megan.Munce@sfchronicle.com.
Jessica Flores is a reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. Before joining The Chronicle in 2021, she worked for USA Today, NPR affiliate KPCC and Curbed LA. Originally from L.A., she received her masters degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and a bachelors degree from Mount Saint Marys University in Los Angeles.

She can be reached at Jessica.Flores@sfchronicle.com.
Californias population dipped by about 75,000 from 2022 to 2023, data released Tuesday showed, with about 38,965,000 million people in the state this year. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

The number of people living in California fell below 39 million this year, according to new census estimates, the lowest count since 2015.

Californias population dipped by about 75,000 from 2022 to 2023, estimates released Tuesday by the Census Bureau shows, with about 38,965,000 million people in the state this year. The states population has fallen since its 2019 peak of 39.5 million, though the annual loss has also slowed each year.

Read more: New data shows a surprising demographic has joined Californias exodus

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Between 2021 and 2022, California lost a net of about 104,000 people, or 0.3%, higher than the dip of 0.2% between 2022 and 2023.

About 338,000 more people left California for other states than vice versa from July 2022 to July 2023, the Census Bureau data shows. Thats slightly greater than the 333,000 from 2021 to 2022, and the most of any state. California historically loses more people to the rest of the country than it gains.

The state partially offset its domestic loss via international migration, with a net of 151,000 people moving to California from outside the United States. That was the second-highest number of any state, behind Florida, and a 19% increase from 2021-22. And it was the highest total for California since 2015.

Also tempering Californias population loss was the number of people born in the state  about 303,000 from July 2022 to July 2023. While that was lower than the 318,000 people born in California in 2021-22, it exceeded the states number of deaths by 111,000. Only Texas had a higher total of births to deaths, at a net of 158,000.

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Californias Department of Finance, whose estimates use different data sources than the Census, suggested the states population could be even less severe. By its measure, the states 2023 population is about 39.1 million, falling by just 37,000 people from the year prior. The department, which also said San Franciscos population has grown slightly in the past two years, told the Chronicle they believe their data tracked in-migration slightly better than the Census Bureau.

California was one of just eight states that lost population between 2022 and 2023, according to the Census Bureau. New York had by far the biggest percentage decline, losing about 102,000 people, or 0.5% of the population.

South Carolina had the largest relative growth, with its population increasing 1.7% from 2022 to 2023, gaining 91,000 people. Florida, Texas and Idaho were also among the states whose populations rose by at least 1%.

The overall United States population grew from 333.3 million in 2022 to 334.9 million in 2023, a 0.5% increase.

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Wells Fargo employees at its Albuquerque, New Mexico branch voted to join a union on Wednesday, while some of the other bank employees at the bank's branch in Bethel, Alaska withdrew from the unionization effort.

Elections at the Alaska branch were going to be held on Thursday but they have now been withdrawn, the union said.

Details of the Alaska branch pulling out their petition were first reported on Wednesday by Reuters.

"We are pleased with this development and will continue to respect the rights of our employees to choose whether or not they want to be represented by a union," said Amy Bonitatibus, Wells Fargo chief communications officer.

The Committee For Better Bankers is helping with the bank unionization effort or the branch employees did not immediately provide any rationale for the move.

"Although those of us at the Bethel branch have decided to withdraw our petition and hold on moving forward with a union election at this time, our values have not changed," Walker Sexton, a personal banker at the Bethel branch, said without elaborating.

"We believe change at Wells Fargo is past due," Sexton said.

With the unionization effort at the Albuquerque branch, Wells Fargo has become the first major U.S. lender to have a unionized workforce.

The employees at that branch voted 5 to 3 in favor of joining the Communications Workers of America's Wells Fargo Workers United (WFWU), the union said.

The vote stands "as a testament to workers in the financial services industry who know we need a collective voice to improve the industry we are integral to," said Sabrina Perez, a senior premier banker at Wells Fargo's Albuquerque branch.

The vote makes the San Francisco-based lender the first big U.S. bank with a union, marking a rare win for such efforts in an industry that has largely been immune to them.

"We respect our employees' rights to vote for union representation. At the same time, we continue to believe our employees are best served by working directly with the company and its leadership," Wells Fargo said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

Recent unionization campaigns have led to tense showdowns between employees and corporate behemoths. Lucrative deals clinched by unions such as the United Auto Workers, which secured record pay hikes for employees, have bolstered support for unionization.

In the lead-up to the vote, the bank had highlighted several measures it had taken to address some of the concerns raised by its employees, such as improving compensation and benefits for lower-paid workers and bumping up median base salaries.

But at a hearing before the Senate Banking Committee earlier this month, CEO Charlie Scharf, when asked if the bank would remain neutral during the unionization effort, said Wells Fargo would exercise its right "to speak with (the employees) to make sure they make an informed decision".

Employees at the Daytona Beach, Florida branch and Atwater, California have also filed for union elections which are expected to be held in January, two sources said.

The result of the Albuquerque branch vote was first reported by Bloomberg News.
An Australian court on Wednesday ordered Airbnb to pay a 15 million Australian dollar ($10 million) fine, and the accommodation rental company could pay as much again in compensating customers who had been unaware they were being charged in U.S. rather than Australian dollars.

Airbnb admitted making false or misleading representations to Australian users between January 2018 and August 2021 that prices shown on its platform for Australian accommodations were in Australian dollars, which are worth less than the greenback. For about 63,000 customers, the prices were in U.S. dollars.

Federal Court Justice Brendan McElwaine ordered Airbnb to pay a AU$15 million fine within 30 days for breaching Australian consumer law, plus AU$400,000 in prosecution costs.

Airbnb had earlier provided the court with an undertaking that it would pay as much as AU$15 million in compensation to eligible customers.

Airbnb amended its platform on Aug. 31, 2021, so that prices in U.S. dollars were clearly denoted through the use of the abbreviation "USD."
An Apple Watch Ultra 2 device is displayed for sale at The Grove Apple retail store on release day in Los Angeles on Sept. 22, 2023.

Apple has stopped selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 smartwatches on its U.S. website, CNBC checks show.

Apple's website for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 said "currently unavailable" when viewed Thursday. The page now features a promotional image for the Apple Watch SE, a lower-cost model first introduced in 2022 that is unaffected by the patent dispute.

Apple said earlier this week that it would stop selling its latest Watch models on its website on Thursday and in Apple stores starting after Sunday. The Apple Watch SE is still available from Apple and retailers will be able to sell the latest models while they still have stock.

"Following December 24, 2023, Apple no longer sells Apple Watch units in the United States with the ability to measure blood oxygen," according to fine print on Apple's product pages.

The pause in sales is in response to orders from the International Trade Commission in October that found that the device's blood oxygen sensor had infringed on intellectual property from Masimo , a medical technology company that sells to hospitals. Apple will be prevented from importing the devices, which are manufactured in China.

The pause means Apple is not selling the latest models of one of its most important products in its largest market during the busiest time of the year for Apple sales.

It could also make it more difficult for users to get repairs for existing watches by preventing swaps of broken older hardware not under warranty, according to Bloomberg News.

An Apple representative didn't immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Apple shares were down slightly during trading on Thursday.

President Joe Biden could still veto the ITC ban before Christmas, but a White House spokesperson said earlier this week that the decision would fall to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

"We're tracking this case and the Dec. 25 deadline," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday.

The U.S. trade representative "has the President's delegated authority to make these determinations," Jean-Pierre said, adding that Ambassador Katherine Tai is "carefully considering all of the factors in this case."



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Citi has upgraded shares of Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), one of the European banks most exposed to Russia, after it announced a complex transaction that will weaken its links to Russia. The Austrian lender said it would acquire a nearly 28% stake in Austrian construction company Strabag through its Russian subsidiary. The subsidiary would then transfer the newly acquired Strabag shares to its Vienna-listed parent as a dividend-in-kind payment. RAW-DE YTD line Extracting capital from Russia has become nearly impossible for foreign entities after the Russian government introduced new countersanctions on businesses from "unfriendly" countries earlier this year. Meanwhile, RBI has come under pressure after being placed on a Ukrainian "international sponsors of war" list  which set out to shame companies doing business in Russia. While the blacklist doesn't have any legal standing, it has piled public pressure on Raiffeisen to quit Russia, which the Austrian bank has said it is willing to do. To facilitate its exit from Russia, RBI said its Russian subsidiary would purchase 28.5 million Strabag shares at 52.98 euros per share for 1.5 billion euros ($1.65 billion), representing a 38% premium over the current share price. XD4-DE YTD line The stake in Strabag is being sold by Rasperia Trading Limited, a company connected to sanctioned Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska, which currently owns 27.8% of Strabag. The construction firm had also been searching for options to reduce Deripaska's stake. RBI also told shareholders that it intends to hold the Strabag shares for the long term and benefit from Strabag's profits. The construction firm reported a 480 million euro profit last year. Simon Nellis, an analyst at Citi, also believes RBI is likely to hold on to the shares owing to the size of the premium. "While the bank will use an internal valuation model to justify the carrying value, the market price, should it stay at this level or below, will limit Raiffiesen's ability to divest from the stake without incurring a loss," Nellis said in a note to clients on Dec. 20. The Wall Street bank's analyst also "conservatively" estimated that RBI's investment will contribute around 110 million euros annually to its earnings starting in 2025, increase its capital position and improve its earnings outlook. "The upward revision to earnings and dividend forecasts lead us to increase our target price to 21 from 17 previously," Citi's Nellis added, giving the stock 27% potential upside. "Coupled with management's reiterated commitment to deconsolidate the Russia business 'by way of a sale or, as a fall-back, a spin-off,' we upgrade our rating to Buy/High Risk from Neutral/High Risk previously." RBI noted that the transaction still requires regulatory approval and sanctions compliance due diligence before completion.
This story is part of CNBC Make It's The Moment series, where highly successful people reveal the critical moment that changed the trajectory of their lives and careers, discussing what drove them to make the leap into the unknown.

Alli Webb's hairstyling empire got its start in 2009 because she needed a side hustle that would allow her to use her skills on her own schedule.

Webb lived in Santa Monica, California, with her then-husband, Cameron, a full-time creative director for a marketing firm, and their children. "The mobile blowout business, Straight At Home, was really a means to get me out of the house," Webb, now 48, tells CNBC Make It. "My kids, at the time, were [about] 2 and 4 . And I was just looking for something for myself."

She started traveling to clients' homes and charging only $40 to wash, dry, and style their hair. Since that service cost more than $80 at many hair salons around Los Angeles, Webb was able to build a large and loyal following of customers in wealthy local enclaves like Brentwood and Pacific Palisades.

"I realized: 'Maybe I should turn this into a brick-and-mortar [shop]. Instead of going to them, they come to me,'" she says.

Webb enlisted her brother, Michael Landau, a former marketing director at Yahoo. Though Landau wasn't sold on the idea at first, he was won over once he realized how many of his sister's clients were working women with disposable income and limited time, who scheduled regular styling appointments.

Landau put up $250,000. Webb and her husband chipped in their life savings at the time, around $50,000. In 2010, Webb co-founded Drybar.

The concept of a salon chain that does washing, blow outs, and styling, but not cuts, caught on. Today, Drybar has more than 160 locations across the U.S., and more than a few copycats. Landau serves as executive chairman. The company does not disclose its revenue.

In 2019, Webb sold the commercial rights to Drybar's products business, which includes branded styling tools and shampoos, for $255 million to Helen of Troy. Two years later, she sold the business's franchising rights to WellBiz Brands for an undisclosed sum.

Here, Webb discusses how she felt so confident launching Drybar, why entrepreneurs have to be willing to take risks, and why sometimes you have to think small before you can dream big.

When the first Drybar location opened in 2010, you had never run your own shop. How confident were you that you could pull it off?

I didn't really have a ton of fear doing one shop. I was not thinking big, at all, at that time. I had been doing hair forever  since I was in my early 20s  and we thought this would work on a really small scale, opening one shop. Obviously, we didn't have any idea what was about to happen.

Ignorance, in this case, was very much bliss.

I went to my brother  and he was slightly skeptical at first [but soon came around]. My husband at the time, he's also an advertising guy who, kind of, thinks everything is a bad idea. But, he would say, "You get your nails done every week, and I've really never noticed. But when you get your hair blown out, it's the first thing I notice. I think this is like the new nail salon. I love it."

They were really positive about it and that gave me a lot of confidence, in and of itself. Because we all have those people in our lives that we trust implicitly. And when those people think something you think is a good idea is a good idea, it gives you a lot of confidence.

You and your then-husband put in your life-savings at that point, around $50,000. He had a steady advertising job, but you had two small kids at home. Did that feel like a big risk?

I think the biggest fear was, "If this thing doesn't work, my brother is really gonna lose a lot of money." He put in the lion's share of the money. Cam and I put in our life savings, which wasn't very much.

I always felt if we were going to lose that amount, it would have been painful. But, we were all pretty smart and capable people. We'd come back and find something else. I think, if you're an entrepreneur, you can live with that.

There's the old cliche: No risk, no reward. It's true. And I've always been, kind of, a put-it-all-on-the-line type of gal, anyway.

I just felt like this was going to work. I wasn't thinking that big then, and I felt so strongly it was going to work for one shop. So, I didn't feel a lot of fear. I just didn't.

At what point was it clear that this idea was bigger than just one store?

I'm not kidding when I say we knew on the first day.

[DailyCandy] had run a very pithy article about us  you know, "Hot air blowing into L.A."  and they gave the website. My brother and I, I'll never forget, we were sitting at Coral Tree Cafe in Brentwood, which was a couple feet away from where the first store was going to open, and all of a sudden we both started getting all these appointment notifications on our Blackberries. We were like, "There must be a glitch. What's happening?"

We opened up to a fully booked shop. If you know the hair industry, that doesn't happen. So that was already a crazy indicator, like, 'Holy s---, we're onto something. We haven't even opened the doors yet.'

It all happened so fast. I think we had maybe, gosh, between 10 and 15 stores in the first two-ish years. We were just opening up so fast, because people wanted them everywhere. It was so crazy and intoxicating and amazing. I knew my life was going to change forever.

Did the rapid pace of expansion ever feel overwhelming, considering it was so much bigger than what you'd initially envisioned?

We obviously learned so much along the way. At the time, my brother was CEO. And I was like, 'Wow, my brother is doing such a good job!' But even he said: 'This is gonna get too big for me, we need somebody who has some real experience.'

When John Heffner [joined as CEO in 2013], he was the one who really had to put on the brakes and say, "We can't just keep opening stores. We have to reassess and get systems in place. The wheels are certainly going to come off if we keep going at this pace with no real guidance."

At that point, we were all just so excited and giddy about everything that was happening. I mean, we were opening stores like crazy and, although I think we made a lot of great decisions at that time, what was lacking was the operational stuff that we needed, like training manuals and the day-to-day things that people need to be successful. We didn't even know we needed that stuff.

What's your advice for entrepreneurs on how to spot an opportunity and turn it into something successful?

This was never meant to be as big as it got to be, at least not from the jump. And I think that that's an important distinction.

I mentor a lot of entrepreneurs and they have this vision of, like, they want to have 20 stores or 100 stores! They're thinking big, which of course, is great. But I'm like, "Whoa, whoa, whoa  first, make sure it all works. Prove the concept."

For me, it was so much about doing something that I really loved and I was really good at, and I really knew. That is hard, not impossible.

I can only really speak from my experience, but if you're doing it for the right reasons, and there's a real need for what you're doing, and a real love for it, I think it has a much better chance of making it.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Kevin Spesert, with the Sites Project Authority, describes where one of the dams will be built for the proposed reservoir while standing at Funks Reservoir near the project site in August 2022. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

A plan to build the largest reservoir in California in decades, Sites Reservoir about 70 miles north of Sacramento, is being challenged as ecologically destructive and not worth the cost in a lawsuit filed by environmental groups Wednesday.

The $4.5 billion project, which seeks to boost water supplies for drought-plagued cities and farms, was recently put on the fast track by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The suit, though, alleges the reservoirs environmental impact report was insufficient, failing to address harm to fish and greenhouse gas emissions  problems opponents say make the additional water hard to justify.

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Its not a negligible amount of (water) storage that is provided, but it comes with a big cost, said John Buse, an attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the organizations behind the suit. There are other alternatives that were really not considered that might achieve some of the same benefits.

While the legal challenge is a potential setback for the reservoir, Newsoms streamlining of the proposal, under recently passed Senate Bill 149, was done to expedite legal challenges. The new law calls for the courts to resolve disputes under the California Environmental Quality Act within 270 days. The law was among several efforts by the governor to reduce red tape for infrastructure projects.

Sites Reservoir, planned in rural Colusa and Glenn counties, would be the states eighth biggest reservoir. Its water would be piped across the state, including to the Bay Area.

The facility is designed to capture water from the Sacramento River during wet years and store up to 1.5 million acre-feet for dry years, enough to meet the annual needs of more than 3 million households.

Unlike traditional reservoirs, Sites is planned as an off-stream facility, meaning water wouldnt be stored directly on the river, thus avoiding having to dam the waterway and disturb flows for fish.

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Still, critics have long noted that any water diverted from the Sacramento would mean less for wildlife and the natural habitat along the river. Many have wondered, in an age of increasing drought, whether theres enough water to make the project worthwhile.

Joining the Center for Biological Diversity in the new lawsuit were Friends of the River, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, the California Water Impact Network and Save California Salmon. The complaint was filed in Yolo County Superior Court.

Even without the legal challenge, the reservoir faces obstacles, including closing the gap on funding and winning a water right to move forward with the diversions on the Sacramento River.

Building reservoirs in California hasnt been easy because of the increasingly known environmental toll and because most of the good spots have been taken. The last reservoir built with more than a million acre feet of capacity was New Melones Lake, about 45 miles east of Stockton, in the late 1970s.

The Sites Project Authority, the agency leading the project, hopes to break ground on Sites Reservoir in 2026 and complete construction by 2032.
WASHINGTON  A former Swiss finance executive pled guilty in New York federal court on Thursday to conspiring to defraud the U.S. in a tax evasion scheme known as the "Singapore Solution" that hid $60 million in income and assets held by wealthy Americans, prosecutors said.

Rolf Schnellmann, 61, former head of Zurich-based Allied Finance Trust AG, helped defraud the Internal Revenue Service by stashing money of U.S. taxpayer clients in undeclared accounts at a private Swiss bank, Privatbank IHAG Zurich AG, between 2008 and 2014, according to the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office.

In the "Singapore Solution," Schnellmann and colleagues conspired to transfer more than $60 million from the undeclared accounts across several countries and Hong Kong, and back to the private bank in newly opened accounts under a Singapore-based asset management firm established by a co-conspirator.

Schnellmann and the co-conspirators were paid large fees to assist the tax evasion scheme, prosecutors said.

He was arrested in August in Italy, and extradited to the U.S.

Schnellmann faces a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison when he is sentenced on July 19.



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"Fail fast, fail often" is a business mantra heralded by Silicon Valley. But Harvard Business School professor of leadership Amy C. Edmondson does not agree with it. Instead, she says, you should focus on failing intelligently. Intelligent failures are usually the result of "efforts to learn or try something new that one can't possibly do perfectly the first time," Edmondson tells CNBC Make It. Your aim when trying to succeed should be to make sure that your failures are all intelligent failures, and to make sure that you are actually learning from these mistakes, Edmondson says. Because despite our desire to get better, people tend to be reluctant to talk about failure and quite eager to hide it. Edmondson lays out the top three steps you need to take to make sure you are not just failing fast and often, but that you are also failing intelligently and learning from it, leading yourself to success.

Pick your battles wisely

Before you start failing your way to success, Edmondson says there are three key steps for picking intelligent failures. Make sure that your actions are explicitly in pursuit of a goal, like developing a new product, a new service or making an improvement on your life. To do so, you need to make sure that you recognize a concrete opportunity to move forward and know exactly what you are working toward rather than taking a shot at the dark. Do your homework on previous attempts. Are you just repeating the same mistakes that someone else has just tried and failed at? Your attempts should be novel and well-informed, Edmondson says. Make sure that you are not overspending your resources. "An intelligent failure is one that's not gigantic, it's only as big as it has to be," Edmondson says. At the end of the day, it is all about minimizing risks, she says. Figure out how your trial can be as cheap and as safe as you can make it. "If you are trying a new recipe, you try it at home and not when you're having guests over for dinner," she says. "When we know the risks are lower, that we can do this behind closed doors, without spending a lot of money and that no one will get hurt then we should be much more playful and much more willing to experiment."

Don't ask why or who, ask what

Once you have failed intelligently, you have to make sure that your analysis of the failure is correct to ensure you learn from it. We don't like to confront our mistakes and do a systematic review because we tend to want to move on quickly from failure, Edmondson explains. We either like to blame forces out of our control or gloss over the mistakes. Even if you think you don't do this, Edmondson still says that her "best advice is to assume that you've got that mindset because we all do to a certain degree." To motivate yourself to shift to a mindset of learning, you have to deliberately remind yourself that your failure is an investment in the future. "You've put money and time into this, let's get your money's worth," she says. Then you have to work to shift your blame-searching instincts. "We instinctively frame the process of learning from a failure as who's the culprit rather than what happened," Edmondson says. "And when you walk in with that frame in mind, you are very eager to find out that it wasn't you." So, approach your failures with the question of "what happened" rather than "why did it happen" or "who did it." Get as detailed as you can in your description of what went down in your trial. "Why" or "who" tend to be emotionally loaded questions unlike "what," and although they are useful to ask later in your line of questioning, they are not good questions to start with, she says. "A thoughtful retelling of figuring out exactly what happened points to the places where it broke down" without falling victim to the faulty mindset of trying to pin the blame on someone or something, Edmondson says.

Make sure the people around you feel comfortable speaking up
WASHINGTON  Democratic lawmakers on Thursday praised workers at a New Mexico branch of Wells Fargo for becoming the first branch of the nation's fourth-largest bank to unionize.

"Your success brings the fight for the Dignity of Work directly to Wall Street's front door," said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.

"I look forward to watching your movement grow from branch to branch across the country," Brown said in his statement.

Workers at the bank's Albuquerque branch voted 5 to 3 on Wednesday to unionize under the Communications Workers of America's Wells Fargo Workers United.

The vote made Wells Fargo the first major U.S. lender with a unionized workforce.

"This is the first union at a big bank in the country! #UnionStrong," Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, wrote in a post on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

The organizing move follows successful negotiations by the United Auto Workers, SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America after weeks of strikes earlier this year.

But workers at an Alaska Wells Fargo branch last week withdrew a petition to form a union.

Wells Fargo was among the banks eyed in an industry-wide investigation into discriminatory mortgage lending in 2022.



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A Ukrainian 122-mm self-propelled howitzer 2S1 Gvozdika fires onto Russian positions near the occupied Ukrainian city of Bakhmut on Dec. 18, 2023 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine.

Russia on Thursday vowed to retaliate in kind if the European Union moved ahead with plans to hand profits generated from Russia's frozen assets to Ukraine.

The EU is considering reallocating income generated from around $300 billion of frozen funds from Russian central bank reserves, amid mounting pressure to help support Ukraine's war-torn economy.

The Kremlin has collated a list of about 30 companies in which it has a stake for potential privatization, state news agency RIA cited Finance Minister Anton Siluanov as saying Thursday.

The companies involved were not immediately disclosed.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's air force said Thursday that it shot down 34 out of 35 Russian drones launched in an overnight assault on 12 Ukrainian regions.

Officials also reported three killed in Russian strikes on mines in the Donetsk region.
SINGAPORE  Singapore's latest spike in Covid cases may be starting to peak  but the public needs to stay up to date on vaccinations, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung told CNBC on Thursday.

Singapore reported 56,043 Covid cases in the week of Dec. 3 to 9, marking a 75% surge compared to the week before. The previous high recorded was 28,410 infections in the week of March 26.

Covid infections appear to have plateaued over the past week as the seven-day moving average dropped from 7,870 on Dec. 12 to 6,530 on Dec. 19.

"It may get slightly worse before it gets better. All indications [are] that we may have possibly peaked. So probably this is about it," Ong told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia."

A new Covid strain, the JN.1 variant, which has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, accounts for the "vast majority" of the country's latest wave of infections. WHO maintains that available evidence suggests the variant does not present "additional public health risks" increased compared to other circulating variants.

Asked if it's a surprise that the variant appears to be "less impactful" than earlier strains, Ong said the new Covid variants are not evidently mild, but vaccinations have helped the country to tackle the wave.
KYIV, UKRAINE - 2023/12/17: A protester draped in an AZOV flag at Sophia Square to support Ukrainian prisoners of war. 'Don't be silent! Captivity kills!' action is held to remind people about the Ukrainian POWs, particularly the defenders of Mariupol, who have been held captive for more than 1.5 years. According to Ukrainian authorities 4,337 Ukrainians are in Russian captivity as of November 17, 2023: of which 3,574 are servicepersons and 763 are civilians. (Photo by Aleksandr Gusev/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images

"Every day, regardless of whether it is an anniversary or not, I feel pain about the captivity of my only son." Ukrainian mother Natalya hasn't seen her son Dmytro, or "Dimka" as she refers to him affectionately, since the summer of 2022. Dmytro was born into a military family and dreamed of military service from a young age. Since 2018, Dmytro had been serving in the Marine Corps in Mariupol in southern Ukraine. When Russian forces surged into the east and south of the country during the initial invasion in February 2022, the port city was a key target for Russian forces looking to seize territory in the Donetsk region. An intense battle for control of the city ensued with Ukrainian forces surrounded and bombarded in what became known as the "Siege of Mariupol." The bloody siege ended in late May 2022 after several thousand Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who had been holed-up in the city's Azovstal steelworks for months surrendered and were captured, marking a bitter defeat for Ukraine.

Russian servicemen inspect an underground tunnel under the captured Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, on June 13, 2022. Yuri Kadobnov | AFP | Getty Images

Dmytro was injured in Mariupol when a tank he was in was struck by heavy shelling, leaving him with injuries to the head and spine. He was captured in another of the city's major steelworks, the Illich Steel and Iron Works, during an attempt to break out of the factory following its Russian encirclement in April 2022. Natalya told CNBC she was grateful to know her son was alive after hearing of his capture in October 2022 from a soldier who had been in the same cell as Dmytro before being released. She has not heard of or from Dmytro since, however. "It is hardest for me on his birthday, when memories of his past happy life reappear, how he grew up, how he was brought up," Natalya told CNBC in emailed comments. "It hurts me very much that I am a mother and cannot bring my son home."

Thousands of POWs

Dmytro is just one of an estimated 4,000 Ukrainians who are still being held as prisoners of war in Russian detention facilities. Around 2,000 of them are known as the "Defenders of Mariupol" in Ukraine, and are seen as heroes for their efforts and sacrifice in trying to defend the city before it fell to Russian forces. Among those captured in Mariupol were around 700 fighters belonging to the Azov Battalion, who were a significant part of the defending forces making a final stand at the Azovstal steel works. They, like other captured soldiers, were taken to Russian prison camps both in occupied parts of Ukraine and in Russia itself.

People walk past and look at an exhibition in Sophia Square of photographs of Azov battalion soldiers killed at the siege of Mariupol on October 19, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Ed Ram | Getty Images

Similarly to the experience of other hostages, Dmytro was first detained in Olenivka prison in the Russian-occupied area of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine but he was later moved to a pre-trial detention facility in the Bryansk region of western Russia. He was then transferred to Tula region, south of Moscow. Since then, Natalya has not heard any word on the health or wellbeing of her son. Many of the families of Ukrainian POWs have no idea where they are or if they are still alive after one-and-a-half years in captivity. Iryna's son Vladyslav was also captured in Mariupol before being taken to Russia. At age 21, he's likely to be one of the youngest POWs in custody. Vladyslav had dropped out of high school to join the army at 18, and had worked in air reconnaissance navigating drones before he was captured. He managed to sneak a phone into custody and was able to tell his mother what had happened to him, but they have since lost touch. There has been no new information or any communication for over a year now. Vladyslav was in Olenivka prison for just four days before he was transferred to the town of Galich in Kostroma, Russia. "I found out about his captivity from a phone call from my son and later his military base confirmed this fact. We started communicating with the Ukrainian authorities since the opening of the coordination headquarters for the treatment of prisoners of war on August 10, 2022," she told CNBC. Since his capture, Iryna has been liaising with Ukraine's authorities regarding his welfare and efforts to include him in a future prisoner exchange. She said that while the Ukrainian government was doing everything possible to return the prisoners of war, "this is not enough." "We need more international publicity and support from all countries of the world in covering this topic. And a reminder that more than 4,000 Ukrainian soldiers are in captivity and waiting to return home," she added. Iryna and Natalya preferred to keep their surname anonymous due to safety concerns.

Prisoner exchanges stall

Successful prisoner exchanges have been held between Russia and Ukraine during the war but these have stalled of late with the last one taking place in August 2023. Oleksandr Didur, a serviceman of the 36th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade, was among the last prisoner exchanges, having been released in a swap in July 2023. Didur had been captured in Mariupol in May 2022 after being severely injured when his unit was shelled at close quarters by a Russian tank.

Service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol in the course of Ukraine-Russia conflict, sit in a bus upon their arrival under escort of the pro-Russian military in the settlement of Olenivka in the Donetsk region, Ukraine May 20, 2022. Alexander Ermochenko | Reuters

Suffering numerous shrapnel wounds, Didur also lost his left eye in the attack as well as three fingers on his right hand, while his left hand was smashed by flying debris and his teeth were knocked out in the blast. Heavily-wounded, Didur was rescued by his fellow serviceman, who risked their lives to drag him from the shelled building to get him to safety. Didur was initially treated by Ukrainian medics who presumed he would die from his injuries. Defying the odds, Didur survived but was soon captured by Russian forces, an experience he remembers little of given his injuries and pain. "It is difficult to talk about the first feelings [I had] as it was difficult for me to realize  because of my injuries  where I was and who was around me," he told CNBC. Didur was initially transferred to the Olenivka prison and then was moved to Horlivka, where he said there was physical and psychological abuse. "Similarly to the others, there was physical and moral abuse. Of course there were guys who were treated even worse than me, but in principle they [the Russians] did not distinguish between the wounded and the more healthy ones," he said. During captivity, he said he thought about being freed every day, noting that "as a prisoner of war you wait for the exchange every day," he said. In July 2023, that day finally came for Didur but thousands remain in captivity.

Prisoners line up alongside a road during a prisoner exchange, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, at a location given as Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, in this handout photo released on June 29, 2022. Ukraine's Military Intelligence | Reuters

A commission set up by Ukraine's Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine said in November that, according to their analysis, 4,337 people are still prisoners of war (comprised of 3,574 military personnel and 763 civilians). It noted that 1,953 had been released from Russian captivity. The number of prisoners of war could be higher, human rights groups say, and both Russia and Ukraine are tight-lipped about the exact numbers of prisoners they hold, including those that have surrendered voluntarily.

Abuses

Both sides have also alleged that abuses have taken place in custody, ranging from degrading and humiliating treatment to torture and murder. The U.N.'s Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine expressed concern over the respective treatment of both Russian and Ukrainian POWs. In a report in October it said it had collected testimonies of survivors describing "unimaginable cruelty" in custody. Unlike Ukraine, however, Russia has not allowed independent observers to have full access to Ukrainian POWs at detention and internment facilities.

LVIV REGION, UKRAINE - AUGUST 3: Russian POWs are seen waiting in line to call home to Russia in a prisoner of war detention camp on August 3, 2023 in the Lviv region, Ukraine. Hundreds of captured Russian POWs including conscripts, mercenaries, Wagner militia and Storm-Z Russian prisoners are being held in up to 50 sites around Ukraine. Storm-Z is a series of penal military units established by Russia since April 2023. (Photo by Paula Bronstein /Getty Images Paula Bronstein | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Both sides have also seen the capture of prisoners as a bartering tool, with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praising any additions made to Ukraine's "exchange fund." He has also said previously that some prisoner exchanges take place on the battlefield, aware from public sight. Nonetheless, regular protests have been held in Ukraine by families of prisoners of war, urging the Ukrainian government to remember their plight and to continue to work for their release. Organizations such as the "Heart of Azovstal" aim to keep the sensitive issue of prisoners of war high on the public agenda and maintain close relationships with the families of POWs, looking to support them and former prisoners of war like Oleksandr Didur. Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that the recent slowdown in exchanges with Moscow was due to unspecified "reasons" on the Russian side, Reuters reported. Zelenskyy said he was hopeful the swaps could resume and that Kyiv was working on the exchange of "a good enough number of our boys." Ukraine's human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said in November that Russian POWs Ukraine had expressed a wish to be exchanged but commented on Telegram "no one from the Russian side wants to take them back." Russia's Ministry of Defense has not responded to CNBC's request for comment.

TOPSHOT - An elderly woman walks past placards set on shop windows depicting Ukrainian servicemen during the Orthodox Christmas Eve, on January 6, 2023. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images) Sergei Supinsky | Afp | Getty Images

Natalya said Kyiv had to keep trying to bring her son, and others, home, saying the "government should use all means to bring back our defenders, including [the] involvement of international organizations, especially third countries, in this process." Didur recognized that the process was difficult. "I have experienced that if Russia does not want to give up prisoners, it is difficult to force them, but I want our government to take an active part, because there are still many of our people there, there are also seriously wounded, sick, women who urgently need help," he said.

KYIV, UKRAINE - 2023/12/10: Families of Ukrainian prisoners of war hold placards calling for their return from Russian captivity during a peaceful rally on the Independence Square. The activity in support of the Ukrainian prisoners of war took place on Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) in Kyiv. The rally was attended by families of the Ukrainian border guards whose family members have been in Russian captivity for almost 650 days. The participants appealed to the entire civilized world not to forget about Ukrainian prisoners, and to help in their returning home from captivity. (Photo by Aleksandr Gusev/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images
Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to members of the media at the U.S. Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 1, 2023.

The federal special counsel prosecuting Donald Trump urged the Supreme Court on Thursday to quickly hear an appeal on whether he has presidential immunity, to avoid "undue delay" in holding a trial on criminal charges for efforts to undo his defeat in the 2020 election.

Follow our live coverage of Donald Trump's Immunity Hearing.

"The resolution of the question presented is pivotal to whether the former President himself will stand trial  which is scheduled to begin less than three months in the future," Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith wrote in a new filing with the Supreme Court.

"The public interest in a prompt resolution of this case favors an immediate, definitive decision by this Court," Smith wrote." The charges here are of the utmost gravity. This case involves  for the first time in our Nation's history  criminal charges against a former President based on his actions while in office."

The filing came a day after Trump's lawyers in their filing told the Supreme Court that it should not immediately take the case, in which they are appealing a federal trial court judge's ruling in Washington, D.C., that Trump does not have immunity even though he was president at the time of the alleged crimes.

Trump's attorneys argue that their appeal should first be heard by the federal appeals court in Washington, which at Smith's request has already expedited proceedings for that bid.
The U.K. and Switzerland are deepening the ties between their financial services sectors with a new post-Brexit deal. Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images

LONDON  The U.K. and Switzerland on Thursday signed a post-Brexit financial services deal designed to bring two of Europe's largest banking centers closer together. British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt told CNBC that the "first-of-its-kind" deal was a win for post-Brexit Britain that "wouldn't have been possible to sign" inside the European Union. He added that the mutual recognition accord, dubbed the Bern Financial Services Agreement, would provide a "blueprint" for future deals with other countries. "This is a new type of trade agreement that we can use as a model for future agreements that we have with other markets as well," Hunt said during a news conference announcing the deal.

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Hunt was in Bern, Switzerland, to sign the agreement with his Swiss counterpart, Karin Keller-Sutter, who said it would "boost the international competitiveness" of both markets over the long term. The deal, which follows more than two years of negotiations, aims to streamline business ties between financial firms and wealthy individuals in the two markets, and improve cross-border access to a range of financial services sold by banks, insurers and asset managers. It follows a so-called deference model, which allows firms to operate in the partner country while following just one set of regulations and without necessarily having to open a local base. As such, financial services providers and insurers will be able to offer certain cross-border activities in both Switzerland and the U.K.

The terms will also allow Swiss firms to serve wealthy individuals within the U.K., either locally or cross-border, replicating privileges currently available to British firms in Switzerland. Meanwhile, U.K. advisors will be permitted to "temporarily serve" wealthy clients locally in Switzerland without registering in the country. Hunt described the plans as a "light-touch, progressive, future-leaning way of opening access," which would provide a significant boost for the City of London. Hunt added that the deal could potentially be extended to include retail and sustainable finance in the future. The deal will need to be approved by parliaments in both countries before entering into force next year. However, some commentators were optimistic that it would mark an improvement on the equivalence framework Britain had with Switzerland while in the European Union.

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Passengers wait at the bottom of the stairway leading to the Eurostar platform at the Gare du Nord railway station in Paris, on December 21, 2023.

"We were probably like half an hour from reaching London, suddenly, we hear this announcement," Sonia Kapur, a 50-year old American tourist told Reuters.

Thousands of travelers were stranded at the Gare du Nord high-speed train terminal in Paris.

The surprise strike over bonus pay caused massive disruptions on the busy London-Paris route. Some trains had to return to the French capital just before reaching London, prompting the French government to call the industrial action "unacceptable".

An unexpected strike by French workers at Eurotunnel, the undersea link between Britain and continental Europe, interrupted cross-Channel rail traffic on Thursday, threatening the Christmas holiday plans of many travelers.

"Then finally, they said 'There's a strike, we have to go back to Paris.' So that was devastating, because we have a lot of plans," she added.

Getlink, the operator of the cross-Channel tunnel used by train company Eurostar, said the strike called by French unions had resulted in an interrupted service and the closure of terminals in France and Britain.

The company said trade unions had rejected a bonus payment of 1,000 euros ($1,097.60) announced by management, demanding that the amount be trebled.

Trade union officials at the company could not immediately be reached for comment.

French Transport Minister Clement Beaune said the strike was unacceptable. "A solution must be found immediately," he added in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Train operator Eurostar said on X: "We would recommend postponing your journey if you can, even if it's until tomorrow."

"Well, it's a bit of a pain, but there's not really much we can do about it," said 50 year-old Corrina Lynn, a British tourist from Essex who was heading to London from Paris.

"It's the stuff of nightmares that you really don't want to happen. But we're just going to have to deal with it and try to figure something out," she added.
Planning a vacation? Here are the countries that pose the maximum risk for travelers in 2024  and also the ones that are the safest  according to International SOS. The risk assessment firm, in its 2024 Risk Map, has ranked these countries based on several metrics, including security, medical dangers as well as the impact of climate change.

Security risks

African nations Libya and South Sudan have emerged as places with "extreme" security risks, which is associated with countries with "minimal or non-existent government control and law and order" and barely functional government and transport services, according to International SOS. Countries with "high" security risks suffer from protests that are frequently violent and could target foreigners. Venezuela, Pakistan and Burma fall in this category.

Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland. Arnaldur Halldorsson | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Contrastingly, Scandinavian countries are among the safest security-wise. The metric assesses threats posed by political violence and social unrest, alongside the prevalence of violence and petty crimes. Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Greenland have all been classified as countries with "insignificant" security risks. Switzerland and Slovenia are also among the countries with the least security risks.

Medical worries

Countries with "very high" medical risks, which are assessed based on the prevalence of infectious diseases such as Covid and the standard of emergency medical services, include Afghanistan and North Korea, alongside several African nations including Sudan and Libya. Nations with the least medical risks include the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia and Singapore. Having access to healthcare while traveling is a paramount concern for people  with 60% of travelers saying that the potential of facing a medical emergency during a trip being a primary driver to purchase travel insurance. Primary healthcare providers usually do not cover the cost of injuries or illnesses sustained overseas, which can lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses, said James Clark, content specialist at insurance company Squaremouth.
Nanette covers California's public universities - the University of California and California State University - as well as community colleges and private universities. She's written about sexual misconduct at UC and Stanford, the precarious state of accreditation at City College of San Francisco, and what happens when the UC Berkeley student government discovers a gay rights opponent in its midst. She has exposed a private art college where students rack up massive levels of debt (one student's topped $400k), and covered audits peering into UC finances, education lawsuits and countless student protests.



But writing about higher education also means getting a look at the brainy creations of students and faculty: Robotic suits that help paralyzed people walk. Online collections of folk songs going back hundreds of years. And innovations touching on everything from virtual reality to baseball.



Nanette is also covering the COVID-19 pandemic and served as health editor during the first six months of the crisis, which quickly ended her brief tenure as interim investigations editor.



Previously, Nanette covered K-12 education. Her stories led to changes in charter school laws, prompted a ban on Scientology in California public schools, and exposed cheating and censorship in testing.



A past president of the Society of Professional Journalists' Northern California chapter, Nanette has a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University and a B.A. in sociology from Queens College. She speaks English and Spanish.

She can be reached at nasimov@sfchronicle.com.
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Vacations can be fabulously relaxing. But booking one is another story. The average traveler views 141 pages of travel content in the 45 days prior to booking a trip, according to an Expedia Group report. The most popular site to visit was an OTA  or "online travel agency"  which is an industry term that describes booking websites like Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz and Priceline. Some 80% of travelers visit one, whether they book on it or not, according to the report.

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But which one has the best prices? The travel company RatePunk has a browser extension that compares hotel prices pulled from major hotel websites and hundreds of OTAs, said company CEO Justin Albertynas. The company reviewed more than 198,000 user searches from Jan. 1 to Dec. 1, 2023, to find which websites offer the lowest hotel prices, he told CNBC Travel.

Lowest hotel rates in Asia and the Middle East

The company found that, globally, Agoda had the best rates 34% of the time, followed by Priceline (23%) and Booking.com's mobile site (16%).

From 198,418 hotel searches. B. = Booking.com's mobile site. Source: RatePunk

RatePunk's regional data showed Agoda had the cheapest rates in Asia and the Middle East.

From 39,679 hotel searches. Source: RatePunk

The Singapore-based company offered the lowest rates in nearly half of the hotel searches in Asia. "Agoda  they have the really great prices," said Albertynas. "What we see from our user bookings, they usually like to start to book, or discover accommodations, from one of the biggest, like Booking.com or Expedia, and they end up buying from Agoda."

From 17,875 hotel searches. Source: RatePunk

Albertynas told CNBC Travel that Agoda's rates are about 10% to 15% lower  and on occasion "even up to 20%, but not more." For expensive bookings, "you can you can save lots of money. But if you're booking one night somewhere in Asia for $50, so it will be like much less savings," he said. Agoda is targeting Asia countries, said Albertynas. "Asia is growing market but, in the sense of spendings, it's quite a sensitive market," he said. "I think it's part of the strategy to acquire users."

Lowest hotel rates in Europe

In Europe, Agoda had the best rates 38% of the time, but Booking.com  through its mobile and desktop sites  had lower rates slightly more than 40% of the time.

From 123,304 hotel searches. Source: RatePunk

Across every region, Booking.com's mobile site  accessible via mobile phones and tablets  had better prices than its desktop version. "We see that not only for Booking but for our providers as well. But Booking has the most significant amount of cheaper properties on mobile," said Albertynas. Desktop sites have bigger customer acquisition costs, said Albertynas, adding that most desktop users find websites via searches. That means websites "need to pay for Google ads  they need to bid for keywords  and reacquire users each time the user books through them. And in case of the mobile or mobile app, it's like much more retention in terms of getting users back." Additionally, some hotels provide better prices for mobile users. "Booking.com, they have three different rates: desktop, mobile, and also a mobile app," said Albertynas. "In what we see from our data, 80% of mobile and mobile app prices are similar, but there are cases where we can actually find the cheaper rate on the app."

Lowest hotel rates in the U.S.

Travelers headed to the United States may want to lean on Priceline. The Connecticut-based company, which is owned by Booking Holdings, had the cheapest rates in nearly half of the some 40,000 searches that were analyzed.

From 40,656 hotel searches. Source: RatePunk

Agoda only had the lowest rates in 13% of the searches. But Albertynas said people traveling in the United States should keep an eye on Booking.com in 2024. "Booking Holdings, mainly the Booking.com brand, is really trying to expand into the States," he said. "They will be making some promotions and some kind of direct deals with the chains, with the hotels to provide a better price."

Lowest rates in certain countries and cities
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 20) --- China denied claims by a lawmaker that Beijing might be funding destabilization efforts in Manila through online trolls, dismissing the allegations as categorically false and baseless.

The Chinese embassy in Manila said Filipino politicians should stop hyping up the maritime tension between China and the Philippines.

Such irresponsible remarks heightened tensions over the South China Sea, poisoned the atmosphere of China-Philippines relations and undermined the diplomatic efforts to manage our differences through dialogue and consultation, the embassy said in a statement.

China has always advocated and remains committed to properly managing maritime differences through dialogue and consultation, it added. China will keep the door of dialogue and contact open.

Senator JV Ejercito told reporters on Tuesday that he was a victim of social media attacks from supposed trolls for his stance on Chinas aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

He added that the alleged destabilization efforts online also previously targeted House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Philippine Coast Guard's Commodore Jay Tarriela, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Senate President Migz Zubiri.

China said those who make such claims should do more in line with the interests of the Filipino people and China-Philippines friendship, instead of making irresponsible anti-China accusations.

We also hope that the Philippine government listens to the voice of reason, acts upon the call of the two peoples, works with China to earnestly honor the consensus of the two heads-of-state on properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation so as to ensure sound growth of China-Philippines ties and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, it added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 20)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday swore in four directors of the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC).

Asian Development Bank (ADB) veteran executive Vicky Castillo Tan along with Andrew Jerome Gan, German Lichauco, and Roman Felipe Reyes are expected to help steer the Maharlika Investment Fund, the Presidential Communications Office said.

Tan was former chairperson of the corporate governance committee of Maybank Inc. as well as former deputy president of SteelAsia Manufacturing Inc.

She also served as ADBs senior financial analyst, senior advisor to the vice president, regional cooperation and operations coordination division director, and budget and management services division director.

Gan was Singapore advisor for Picfel & Cle, Banquiers as well as managing director of Globe Land Development Corp. and Beacon Holdings Inc. He was also Nuovo Moda Inc. director and Fil Lmour Inc. treasurer and director of communications.

Lichauco was a senior partner at the Siguion Reyna, Montecillo, and Ongsiako Law Offices. He was also president of Gemarvic Holdings Inc.

Reyes is a current director of Radio Philippines Network Inc., Pampanga Sugar Development Co. (Pasudeco), All-Asian Countertrade, Philippine Geothermal Production Co. and Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

He is also the chairman and founding partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co. He was a supervisor of Ernst & Young New York and was vice-chairman and partner at SGV & Co.

Their appointment came a month after Marcos named Rafael Consing Jr. as president and chief executive officer of the MIC.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  The Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 115 has dismissed the estafa case filed against three individuals arrested for allegedly claiming to be staff members of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian in order to collect money.

In a decision signed on Dec. 11, Judge Edilwasif Baddiri said there was insufficient basis to convict Dina Joson Castro, Ma. Luisa Barlan, and Helen Remolador of the crime. He also ordered authorities to release them from detention.

The judge, however, decided that the estafa case against Ryan Lester Dino aka Davis Luis Tan (Tan) and Carlo Africa Maderazo will proceed.

They were arrested by authorities in an entrapment operation last Nov. 20 after the complainant quoted the accused as claiming they were connected with Gatchalian's office and they can help him secure a contract for the supply of aggregates for a reclamation project in Pasay City.

The victim said he was asked to pay a "lock-in payment fee" of P500,000 and an upfront payment of P100,000 to secure the contract. During the operation conducted by authorities, Tan and Maderazo received the marked money.

The court said the link between Tan and Maderazo and accused Castro, Barlan, and Remolador was based on a phone call from "ate dina new" who allegedly asked if he received the money.

It said the statement could not be interpreted to mean conspiracy between the accused without context.

"The statement has many connotations and cannot be conclusively or logically believed to mean that accused Castro, Barlan, and Remolador had knowledge of the transactions entered into by accused Tan and Maderazo," the document read.

In a statement on Friday, Gatchalian said he will continue to take a special interest in cases involving individuals who pose as staff members of his office. He added any kind of fraudulent act should not be allowed just to get favors and that those responsible would be held accountable.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the two countries' issues during a phone call on Wednesday.

Manalo described his conversation with his Chinese counterpart as "a frank and candid exchange."

"We ended our call with a clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues. We both noted the importance of dialogue in addressing these issues," he said in a statement Thursday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the call followed a meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders Summit in San Francisco last month.

But Wang warned during the call that the Philippines must act with caution as the bilateral relationship now stands at a crossroads, Xinhua reported.

"He warned that if the Philippine side misjudges the situation, goes its own way, or even colludes with ill-intentioned external forces to continue to stir up troubles, China will defend its rights in accordance with law and respond resolutely," the report added.

Wang was also quoted as saying that instead of continuing in the wrong direction, the Philippine side should return to the right path as soon as possible, with properly handling and managing the current maritime situation as a top priority.

Both countries agreed to soon hold a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, Xinhua said.

Beijing's continuous aggression in the West Philippine Sea is a major concern for Manila.

Just this month alone, Filipino vessels suffered from Chinese ships' water and sound cannon attacks, a move lambasted by a number of other nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Marcos maintained that the West Philippine Sea is part of the country's exclusive economic zone, promising that Filipino troops will continue to protect its sovereignty.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  The proposed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan is expected to be signed next year as both nations work on enhancing their bilateral ties.

Speaking to CNN Philippines The Source on Thursday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Philippine authorities are reviewing the counter draft from Tokyo and will submit comments on it.

We will review it and submit our comments and if there are no contentious issues then it can be recommended for the president for signing, he added.

Teodoro expressed hope the draft will be approved in the first quarter of 2024 so the Senate can ratify it as soon as possible.

The envisioned RAA between the Philippines and Japan is similar to a Visiting Forces Agreement that allows troops from one country to freely visit another temporarily.

Teodoro said more partnerships between Manila and Tokyo are expected when it comes to defense and military equipment.

Japan recently turned over an air surveillance radar system in La Union. This is being constructed by Mitsubishi with a price tag of more than 5 billion and is part of the long-term modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

It is surely a big boost because it gives us maritime and aerial domain awareness, up to 300 nautical miles and ballistic awareness for further scope, he said. Main part of all of these is knowing whats happening not only in the West Philippine Sea but throughout the 360 degree circumference of our archipelago.

Three more units purchased by the Philippines are expected to arrive in the coming years.

"The new package of acquirables is set to be approved by the president soon and this is a new mix of capabilities that we hope to acquire in 10 or 15 year schedule," the secretary added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Thursday suspended for 30 days the permit to operate of cruise logistics provider Ben Line Agencies and cruise agent Travel People Ltd. Inc., following their alleged mishandling of the Nov. 30 arrival of thousands of international cruise passengers at the Port of Manila.

"Sa loob ng panahong 'yun, bibigyan sila ng PPA na magnilay-nilay kung paano nila mas mai-improve 'yung serbisyo nila para hindi na mangyari 'yung similar na insidente," PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said in a statement.

[Translation: The PPA is giving them that suspension time to make improvements in the service they provide so that these kinds of incidents will not happen again.]

The PPA added that for the scheduled arrival of more than 3,000 passengers on another cruise on Jan. 6, it will opt to hire another agent and service provider.

It stressed that the viral cruise chaos, where the passengers were congested in a holding area and had to wait for an extended period to collect their baggage at the port, should not happen again.

READ: Cruise agent, terminal operator asked to explain 'cruise chaos' in Manila port

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/transportation/2023/12/15/viral-cruise-chaos-manila-port.html

The Ben Line Agencies delivered on Dec. 18 its statement to the PPA saying the TravelPeople, which is the Shore Excursion Agent of the MV Norwegian Jewel, is the one "responsible" for the passengers of the cruise.

Citing Ben Line Agencies, the PPA said the congestion of space in the port area was due to the high number of private vehicles of passengers.

It also said that TravelPeople designated some parking spaces to the passengers who availed of its bus transfer services. However, only 40% of the passengers availed of its bus transport leading to congestion in the area, it added.

For its part, terminal operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) of the MV Norwegian Jewel explained to the PPA that they were not informed by the Ben Line Agencies about its decision to conduct the baggage declaration in a small room in the terminal port.

As a result, the PPA said these miscommunications resulted in the mishandling of passengers or the "cruise chaos" as how Facebook user Nelson Terible described it in his viral post.

Meanwhile, Santiago said they have been doing port improvements to promote the Philippine tourism.

Best Cruise Destination in Asia 2023 ang Pilipinas, sa PPA we have been improving our ports para ma-promote rin ang turismo, kaya dapat nag-i-improve din ang partners natin sa pagseserbisyo sa mga pasahero, he said.

[Translation: The Philippines was hailed as the Best Cruise Destination in Asia 2023, which is why the PPA is continuously improving its ports to promote tourism. Hence, we should also improve our partnerships and our services to the passengers.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  It is China and its people alone who believe their allegation that the Philippines is the one stirring up trouble in the disputed waters, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Thursday.

Sila na lang ang niniwala at mga tao nila ma bine-brainwash naman dahil walang malayang pamamahayag sa China so they are the only one that believe their own propaganda, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told CNN Philippines' The Source.

[Translation: They are the only ones believing and their people who they brainwash since there is no freedom of expression in China so they are the only ones that believe their own propaganda.]

This was his response to the statement made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin who said it was Manila that was breaching the common understandings with China and heightening tensions in the South China Sea in the past few months.

Wang maintained Beijing will not back down and it is the Philippines own interests and the regions peace and stability that will take the toll.

Teodoro said this statement proves that China has no peaceful intentions and that its whole interest is to marginalize the Philippines and claim everything. This is also part of Chinas tactics as it failed to gain the same support that the Philippines has received from other nations, he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said the Philippines needs a paradigm shift in how it deals with Chinas aggressions in the West Philippine Sea as diplomatic efforts are going in a poor direction.

Teodoro emphasized that the Philippines remains a friend to all.

We treat everybody as a friend just as long as they dont take what is ours, he added.

Last week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed the presence of Chinese vessels at Ayungin Shoal after launching aggressive actions against Philippine vessels.

AFP Western Command (Wescom) Commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said they have monitored at least five Chinese militia ships inside Ayungin, while four others were outside the shoal where BRP Sierra Madre is grounded.

Teodoro said this is concerning for him because China is becoming more aggressive and demonstrative.

However, the rest of the worlds reaction is more concerning to them than to us, he noted. This is not a matter of Philippine law alone, this is a matter of international law and beyond the EEZ (exclusive economic zone) is a global common which cannot be appropriated by anyone.

To counter Chinas actions, Teodoro said his department will prioritize building up capabilities as soon as possible, establishing robust presence in the West Philippine Sea and throughout the Philippines EEZ, and building up interoperability and partnerships with like-minded nations

Were in a hurry because its been a long time, we havent done anything and we need to catch up right now. This does not mean that we see a looming conflict, he explained.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21)  Another witness has decided to recant his testimony against former Sen. Leila de Lima, a document obtained by CNN Philippines on Thursday showed.

Ex-police general Jerry Valeroso's letter of intent to recant in De Lima's last drug case was received by a Muntinlupa court on Tuesday. It was addressed to presiding Judge Gener Gito.

Valeroso said his retraction was to "set free all accused who were wrongfully charged in this court."

The recantation would also disclose "the real truthfulness" that the criminal complaints filed against the accused were "pure hearsay and full of lies."

"Because I was disturbed by my conscience, I planned to recant in early 2019," Valeroso wrote. "However, due to fearing for my life and the safety of my family and loved ones, I lost the guts to do so."

He said he would consult his lawyer in filing his official recantation.

Valeroso will be the latest witness to withdraw statements against De Lima, a vocal critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte's bloody war on drugs.

Those who recanted their testimonies against De Lima included former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos, self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, Marcelo Adorco, and De Lima's former bodyguard Ronnie Dayan, as well as two inmates in October and seven more in November.

RELATED: Court orders transfer of 11 inmate-witnesses in De Lima drug case to Bilibid

On Nov. 13, De Lima was granted provisional liberty after posting bail for her remaining drug case. Her release came after six years and nine months of detention.

The former senator has been acquitted in two of three drug charges filed against her by the Duterte administration.
San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone celebrates Mass in San Rafael in 2020. Cordileone, a leader of the Catholic Churchs opposition to same-sex marriage, didnt embrace the Vaticans approval on Monday for priests to bless same-sex unions. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2020

Rather than discussing how our local archdiocese will implement the pontiffs guidance, Cordileone goes out of his way to emphasize the churchs unchanging position on gay marriage. In a particularly cruel phraseology, he holds that opposition to such unions is the only way to maintain fidelity to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The archbishop might do well to remember another admonition of Pope Francis: Who am I to judge.

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James Hargarten, San Francisco

Right time to give

Regarding When it comes to disaster relief, donate now is a bad idea (Open Forum, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 18): I can only assume that the real aim in publishing this tired trope by a far away, academic  to avoid giving to any humanitarian appeal unless its proven that every penny will be used for the purposes with which it was solicited  is to set the stage to point to the Chronicles Season of Sharing Fund.

As a retired fundraising consultant and parent of a fundraiser for the Red Cross, I must say, a low blow to call out the Red Cross and old news to point out that the world is rife with scams.

But to the moment, I do indeed urge all readers to give now to the passes-all-Grinch-tests Season of Sharing Fund, a charity at the highest levels of integrity, efficiency, effectiveness, and simple, desperately needed, goodwill to all.

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Happy Holidays.

Marilyn Bancel, San Francisco

No place like home

Regarding Do those who reject shelter choose homelessness? In S.F. and beyond, the answer means everything (Politics, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 14): The article analyzed what is meant by voluntary homelessness, but we should look first at the word homeless.

A home is a place where you can come and go as you please and bring your possessions and friends. A shelter is a refuge, but not a home. People are not free to come and go, they can only bring a few possessions and no guests.

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Theres nothing irrational about someone preferring a sidewalk tent over a shelter that at least provides some independence. If we want more people in shelters, we need to make them more desirable than the street.

People taking refuge in shelters are still homeless.

Alan Crockett, Oakland

Legalize drugs

Regarding S.F. surpasses deadliest year for drug overdoses. This is the grim toll (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 14): The deadliest year for overdoses is yet another reason to try legalizing all drugs.

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If youre an addict, obtaining a known dose at a pharmacy for low cost nearly eliminates the possibility of overdose. Heroin has a wholesale cost of pennies. Other illegal drugs are similar.

This might work and it might not. But until we, as a society, are willing to try it well never know. Meanwhile, we just end up with more dead people, thanks to a misguided war on drugs.

James Thurber, Half Moon Bay

Billionaires have won

Regarding S.F. Supervisor Dean Preston blames capitalism for San Franciscos homelessness and drug crises (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 12): I can understand how some Chronicle readers might dismiss a statement by a Democratic Socialist such as Supervisor Dean Preston when he says San Franciscos homelessness and cost of housing problems are absolutely the result of capitalism and what happens in capitalism to the people at the bottom rungs of society.

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Perhaps those readers might be more willing to consider a comment by Warren Buffett, one of the richest people on Earth: Theres class warfare, all right, but its my class, the rich class, thats making war, and were winning.
Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday.
Shoppers pass Macys in Union Square in San Francisco on Black Friday in 2022. With long supply chains, it is almost inevitable to inadvertently use a product that is linked to modern slavery. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2022

As we ramp up the final week of Christmas shopping, many people are still scouring their favorite stores and websites to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. For pricier items, especially, many will invest their time to research exactly what brand, model and color would make for the ideal gift.

But theres another factor consumers might want to consider: How was that product made and by whom?

According to a 2022 report from the International Labor Organization, an estimated 49.6 million people live in modern slavery  an umbrella term that refers to the exploitation of a person for personal or monetary gain. Modern slavery covers practices such as forced labor, debt bondage, forced marriage and human trafficking.

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While all forms of modern slavery are abhorrent, when it comes to shopping, one form has a particularly direct connection: forced labor. According to that same report, 27.6 million people are in forced labor and among those, 17.3 million are exploited in the private sector.

Translation: There is a high risk of modern slavery in supply chains.

From lower-tier suppliers for extracting raw materials or harvesting, to manufacturing and shipping, modern slavery can exist in every step of the supply chain. With long tiers of supply chain, it is almost inevitable to inadvertently use a product that is linked to it. In recent weeks alone, there have been allegations of forced labor being used by fast-food chains in Alabama, the clothing retailer Guess and solar panel suppliers to the British Army. Congress is also continuing to scrutinize the fast-fashion brand Shein, which has long been accused of using slave labor.

California has been a leading force against the practice. In 2012, the state passed the landmark California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, which requires all retailers and manufacturers doing business in the state with a profit of $100 million or more to inform the public about the risk of human trafficking and forced labor in their supply chains. But even with the law in effect, California still has issues with forced labor. Although researching human trafficking is notoriously difficult, anti-trafficking experts I interviewed as part of my research in 2021 said the practice plays a role most prominently in Californias agriculture and fashion industries. Experts also noted concerns about forced labor in the states growing cannabis industry.

So how can consumers determine which products might be made with slave labor and ultimately pressure brands and governments to take action to stop it?

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The first step is awareness. Educate yourself on what products are known to be made with forced or child labor. A good place to start is the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of International Labor Affairs, which provides a list of 159 goods from 78 countries and areas it has reason to believe are produced by child or forced labor.

Consumers can also demand transparency from companies by asking them to disclose where they source their materials from, who is involved in the production of their goods and how those suppliers treat their employees. Most companies are not fully tracing the sources of their supply chain. A 2018 survey from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, for example, found that only 34% of participating companies from the textile, footwear and leather industries could trace their value chains, of which only half could track their suppliers supplier at most. But if consumers apply pressure, these companies can be motivated to investigate their supply chains.

In 2016, for example, when there was a global call for protests against Driscoll fruits over alleged labor exploitation in its supply chains, anti-trafficking activists questioned Whole Foods on its choice to continue to sell the companys products despite the protests. According to the activists I interviewed, Whole Foods responded that it was unaware the fruit producer was under investigation but that engaging the grocery chain ultimately contributed to Driscoll agreeing to come to the bargaining table to discuss, among other things, working conditions.

Consumers are also constituents. At the local, state and federal levels, consumers can educate themselves on what their elected officials are doing to combat modern slavery in supply chains and how they are working with businesses and other stakeholders to address it. Ask what types of legislation your elected officials are supporting and advocating for.

Modern slavery is embedded in the global economy because it is a lucrative business model. Companies are unlikely to make real efforts to purge it from their supply chains without government and consumer pressure.
Studying in the U.S. presents challenges for international students, impacting their mental well-being. The following strategies are tailored to support them. From staying connected with school resources to finding solace in social groups and exploring the outdoors, these tips aim to foster a balanced experience. These insights can assist in navigating the academic journey in the U.S. while prioritizing mental wellness for international students.

Here are various ways to take care of their mental well-being:

Respond to school outreach

Schools regularly check in on the mental health of international students. University of Kentucky associate vice president for student well-being Corrine Williams advises checking emails daily. The academic program, international student office, and student services often share essential resources and activities to help students connect.

Join social clubs and groups

Joining social clubs and groups can significantly benefit international students in several ways. Firstly, it helps combat social isolation by providing a sense of belonging and community, especially for those far from home.

Additionally, participating in such clubs can offer a break from academic pressures, allowing students to relax, de-stress, and engage in activities they enjoy. Clubs can also serve as platforms for cultural exchange, allowing international students to share their experiences and learn from others, enriching their overall university experience.

Spend time outdoors

Exploring the U.S. landscape benefits international students. Nature is known to have a calming effect. Spending time outdoors, even for a brief walk, supports mental wellness and relaxation. In a study, natural settings provide a place for students to share their experiences while seemingly being away from the pressures of being a student.

Understand what works

Strategies that worked at home might not be available, so it is essential to explore new options. Williams suggests trying different activities or exploring campus spots for relaxation. Socializing outside the walls of the classroom can also be a key coping strategy for international students.
San Francisco police arrest a man on Ellis Street suspected of dealing drugs. A federal judge in San Francisco rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors and defense attorneys that would have allowed two dealers to avoid additional jail time before being deported. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

A federal judge in San Francisco has slammed prosecutors for not seeking harsher penalties for suspected Tenderloin drug dealers, rejecting plea deals in two cases because the defendants would not spend any time in prison before being deported to their home country of Honduras.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup wrote in a sharply worded order Tuesday that he could not accept the proposed sentences presented to him by federal prosecutors and defense attorneys because they were far too lenient on the dealers. Both were caught selling fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid that Alsup called Public Enemy Number One, citing remarks by Attorney General Merrick Garland and President Joe Biden, as well as the drugs role in San Franciscos record overdose deaths this year.

Alsup expressed concern that the dealers would simply return to the United States to resume selling fentanyl and said he wanted to send a message to cartel leaders. He noted that the cartels who oversee a large part of the Tenderloin drug trade recruit almost all of their dealers from Honduras Siria Valley, which the Chronicle reported in an 18-month investigation published this year. But no matter where the dealers come from, no prison time will be a valuable recruitment tool for future dealers, Alsup said.

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The judges demand for prison time in the two Tenderloin cases reflects a larger debate about how the criminal justice system should respond to street-level dealers.

Federal officials have been moving to rapidly prosecute people accused of selling drugs in the city. But local and federal public defenders have pushed back, calling the operation an end-run around San Franciscos sanctuary policies intended to protect immigrant communities, saying it perpetuated a failed strategy of pushing arrests and deportations as solutions to the drug crisis.

Alsup has previously decried the no-prison deals as too lenient, even before his most recent order. And he does not appear to be alone in his thinking on the federal bench: U.S. District Judge James Donato has declined to accept a plea deal in another San Francisco drug-dealing case  also involving a defendant born in Honduras  because it was not consonant with the goals of sentencing and the ends of justice, according to a court filing.



The court cases are attendant to an ongoing police-led crackdown on open-air drug scenes in the Tenderloin and South of Market.

Under Mayor London Breed and Gov. Gavin Newsom, local and state police have worked together to arrest hundreds of drug dealers while the federal government proceeds with its operation as well. Breed has even directed city police to arrest some drug users if their behavior makes them a danger to themselves or others. Newsom, Breed and other local officials also recently announced the formation of a new task force that will investigate some opioid deaths in San Francisco as homicides, with murder charges against certain dealers possibly arising next year.

Deporting fentanyl dealers without making them spend time in prison first sends exactly the wrong message, Alsup said in his order.

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Its an open invitation to come to San Francisco to sell fentanyl, Alsup wrote. The worst that might happen to a dealer, if apprehended, will be a free trip home with no prison time. Given the cartels practice of recruiting its sales force from the same community, word of this extreme leniency will circulate quickly. Instead, the message should be loud and clear  if you come to sell fentanyl in San Francisco, you will go to prison (and then be deported).

Its not clear whether Alsups ruling will prompt attorneys to stop trying to use the federal fast-track program for Tenderloin drug-dealing cases. The U.S. Attorneys Office declined to comment on the cases when contacted by the Chronicle. Officials with the Office of the Federal Public Defender did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The fast-track prosecution approach is a key component of U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramseys crackdown on Tenderloin fentanyl dealing, dubbed Operation All Hands on Deck.

Ramsey said the urgency of San Franciscos opioid crisis  and the large number of low-level dealers  required cases to be handled with a speed rarely seen in federal court. To resolve cases more quickly and free up prosecutors to continue advancing Tenderloin cases, Ramseys office offers some low-level drug offenders plea deals that involve probation, stay-away orders from the Tenderloin and no additional jail time.

Undocumented people who agree to the deal are turned over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings. A Chronicle review last month of the 16 fast-tracked plea deals found that 14 of the defendants were undocumented. Thirteen of those defendants were Honduran and one was from El Salvador.

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The crackdown, which intensified in October, combines forces from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to arrest drug traffickers. The program has increased the share of defendants charged in federal court, where the risk of a lengthy prison sentence and deportation for noncitizens is much higher than in cases tried in San Francisco Superior Court.

Before the latest operation, San Franciscos federal agents typically focused on more high-level narcotics cases, which typically took months or even years to investigate. Ramsey said recently that those lengthier probes will continue, but that federal agents are now also arresting and prosecuting lower-level dealers. In a recent interview with the Chronicle, Ramsey said hes directed every federal prosecutor to take on at least one drug-dealing case.

When asked by the Chronicle in late October about criticisms that the fast-track deals were too lenient, Ramsey stressed that the deals were offered to first-time, low-level offenders who would have probably otherwise landed in San Francisco Superior Court.

Under that system, they may have been under diversion programs or pled to misdemeanors  and they wouldnt have had real consequences, he said.

Those who accept the fast-track offers are convicted of a federal felony, he said, and face more serious consequences if theyre caught selling drugs again in the Tenderloin.

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Both of the defendants involved in the plea deals Alsup rejected faced up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing guidelines that weigh the severity of their offenses and criminal histories would recommend 30 to 37 months for one of the defendants, Jose Alfredo Lainez Banegas, and 37 to 46 months for the other, Marlon Gustavo Valle-Acosta, Alsup wrote.

Nearly all defendants with similar case backgrounds considered by federal courts in recent years were sentenced to prison, Alsup said. He recommended a 14-month sentence for Valle-Acosta and a four-month sentence for Lainez Banegas. He said he had weighed the prompt acceptances of responsibility reflected in the defendants guilty pleas and the youth of Lainez Banegas.

Alsup was skeptical of prosecutors assertion that the plea-deal program was intended for street dealers with scant criminal history who werent supervising others or supplying large amounts of drugs. Street dealers rarely have a significant amount of drugs on them because they carry only what they need for the day and sometimes hide part of their supply with others, he said. And the dealers arent supervisors, because they represent the end of the drug distribution chain.

But Alsup was mindful of recent comments by Garland, who said that every link in the global fentanyl supply chain should be broken up by the government. To accomplish that goal, street-level dealers must also be prosecuted and go to prison, Alsup said.

He admitted it is very hard to link specific drug deaths back to individual dealers. But he said it is not hard to trace most of San Franciscos fatal overdoses as a group back to the Tenderloin vendors as a group, all of whom together make up the last link the chain of distribution  the last link that saw those victims alive.

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Alsup expressed additional concerns that federal prosecutors would move to dismiss the cases if the defendants withdraw their guilty pleas now that hes rejected their plea deals. He said that was exactly what happened in two other cases before him, so he instructed prosecutors to discuss his concerns with Justice Department leaders before moving forward.

Alsup also invoked recent comments by Ramseys office that it was seeking to raise the stakes by holding drug dealers accountable in the federal system.
Good news for fans of classic cars and movies where Adam Driver does a Super Mario-esque accent in a biopic directed by an acclaimed filmmaker  this time without Jared Leto in a Tony Clifton costume  were about to get Ferrari, Michael Manns cinematic ode to legendary auto magnate Enzo Ferrari.

Those of us who arent race car drivers and/or rich guys with micropenises likely havent had the opportunity to actually drive a real Ferrari, but still have an affection for the Ferrari brand thanks to 80s comedies, whether it was the car in Cannonball Run, the Ferrari-powered boat in One Crazy Summer or the Christie Brinkley-helmed vehicle that activated Clark Griswolds wildly unfaithful libido in National Lampoons Vacation.

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Then, in 1986, came Ferris Buellers Day Off, which famously found the titular teen sociopath pressuring his best friend Cameron into stealing his dads precious red Ferrari convertible for a clandestine trip to the city (because God forbid these affluent youths suffer the abject indignities of public transit for one lousy day).

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As you may recall, Ferris scheme ends in disaster  two parking attendants take the car for a joyride while Ferris is busy disrupting parade routes (a subplot that is soon to be the subject of a belated spin-off movie). So, in an effort to cover their tracks, Ferris and Cameron try to roll back the odometer and inadvertently send the car careening into a ravine.

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Well, it turns out, things didnt go so well in real life, either. Director John Hughes wisely opted not to use a genuine Ferrari for the shoot. According to co-star Alan Ruck, the production couldnt afford to rent the real car (worth $350,000 at the time) because the insurance costs would have been astronomical. While an actual Ferrari Spyder was procured for some close-ups, the rest of the time they shot with three Modena Spyders, replica cars literally just built by two random guys.

Car enthusiasts Neil Glassmoyer and Mark Goyette landed the high-profile gig after Paramount executives happened upon a photo of their prototype car, the Modena Spyder, at a Knotts Berry Farm show. The execs loved what they saw, despite the fact that Hughes original script called for Ferris to drive a boring old Mercedes AMG.

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The studio leased one existing car from Glassmoyer and Goyette and gave the duo seven weeks to cobble together two more faux-Ferrari kits for the movie. Even though they didnt even have their own shop to work in at the time, Glassmoyer and Goyette somehow met the tight deadline, presumably as a disembodied baritone voice intoned: Ohhhh yeaaahh.

While the replicar may have looked great on the outside, it was a far cry from an authentic Ferrari underneath the hood, which makes sense considering that each car cost just $30,000, less than one-tenth the cost of the real deal. As Ruck later recalled, the Modena Spyder was universally hated by the crew because it didnt work right. For example, the scene where the parking guys boost the car had to be filmed a dozen times because the Spyder wouldnt start. It was a piece of crap, Ruck said.

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Still, the car was unquestionably a highlight of the movie, which went on to become a monster hit. And, unfortunately for all involved, this success soon caught the attention of Ferrari, who were already pretty miffed that replicars were being passed off as bone fide Ferraris in Hollywood productions such as Miami Vice. Ferris Buellers Day Off proved to be the final straw for the company, and they decided to take legal action, suing four replicar manufacturers at the same time for allegedly violating Ferraris intellectual property rights.

Glassmoyer defended himself in the press by pointing out that, while the Modena Spyder was obviously inspired by the Ferrari, it utilized a hodgepodge of assorted car parts, including a windshield from a Fiat and Volkswagen tail lights. No two square inches of the car is like the Ferrari, he stated, while also claiming to have never actually seen the original car in person.

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Other replicar companies acceded to Ferraris suit by agreeing to go out of business, and the producers of Miami Vice took Ferrari up on their offer of two free 1986 Testarossas with the condition that the replicas be demolished. Glassmoyer and Goyette, on the other hand, decided to fight. While many details of the case havent been made public  were going to go ahead and assume that their legal team consisted of several mannequins and one synthesizer  we do know that the case was eventually settled out of court, and that the replicar company, Modena Design and Development, was allowed to continue making cars once subtle changes were made to the design.

The Ferris Bueller fakes have subsequently become high-priced commodities, with one selling for $337,500 just last year, presumably to a collector looking to invest all of his love and affection into an inanimate object at the expense of his childs emotional well-being.

Hopefully this all means that Ferrari will feature a scene set in 1986, in which Adam Driver dons old man prosthetics and angrily yells at the screen of an Italian multiplex.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
Remember when a bunch of internet weirdos banded together to attempt to storm Area 51 in order to find proof of aliens? As it turns out, all they needed to do was buy a plane ticket and a couple pints.

It can be difficult to remember that, at the end of the day, the most powerful and influential politicians in the world are still just people, with thoughts, feelings, appetites and social lives. And, just like the rest of us, when it comes time for them to indulge the latter two, its likely that the last thing on their minds is their work. Thankfully for us, those thoughts never crossed Jimmy Carrs mind when he attended a boozy dinner party hosted by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver that happened to have former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair in attendance.

According to Carr, he and Oliver confronted the guest of honor with an obvious question, asking the former Labour Party leader if the government had knowledge of extraterrestrial life to which the public is not privy. And, while Blairs answer was fittingly diplomatic, it definitely wasnt No.

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Were sort of quite drunk, a bit giddy and excited, and Tony Blair was in the corner of the room, Carr recalled of his conversation with Oliver at the aforementioned event. We went, We should go and ask him something. I was like, I dont know, what are we going to ask him? We sort of concocted the plan, Why dont we go and ask him if theres aliens?

Carr says that the pair approached the politician with all the subtlety of a cow being sucked up into a spaceship, explaining, Jamie chips in and goes, Are there aliens? And (Blair) gave like a really good, sort of really good political answer  and he goes, Its a need-to-know basis. I would be told if I needed to know. If I dont need to know then they dont tell me. Perhaps by design, that answer can have multiple interpretations  Blair might have been saying that the existence of extraterrestrials is so secret that even the head of government doesnt know all the details. He could mean that the government entities in charge of monitoring visitors dont consider them a matter of national security, and, thus, dont demand the attention of the most powerful person in the U.K.

Or, alternatively, Blair was being deliberately obfuscatory, and he isnt about to let some loud-mouth comedian blow the top off the countrys future imperial plans. Maybe the British Empire is about to be reborn in space.
The NZ Markets Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) has released a Determination in which it found that Enprise Group Limited (ENS) breached NZX Listing Rule 3.1.1 in relation to its disclosure obligations concerning Kilimanjaros recently settled dispute with MYOB.

The ENS Board is disappointed with this finding and the penalty imposed on ENS as a result of the NZ RegCo investigation and subsequent Tribunal decision.

We assure our shareholders that we take our disclosure obligations extremely seriously. We maintain that the Board acted with due care and in the best interests of our shareholders in considering ENSs disclosure obligations in this particular instance.

We note with some level of satisfaction that the Tribunal made the following statement in its Determination and rejected a number of the submissions made by NZ RegCo:

151. The Tribunal acknowledges that this was a complex and evolving situation. The Tribunal does not consider ENS's breach was negligent, but rather reflects the fact that in a developing situation, it can be difficult to determine when the obligation to disclose is triggered. Nor does the Tribunal consider ENS's breach was intentional given that it did release the Announcement, albeit later than the date the Tribunal has assessed it should have been released.

The Board has reluctantly accepted the decision of the Tribunal to enable ENS to put this matter behind us and move forward into 2024 with a focus on growing the ENS businesses.

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by Ayanjit Sen

Being Hindu in Bangladesh  An Untold Story, a recent publication of Harper Collins, is a well-researched narrative on the plight of Hindus. Written by leading Indian journalist Deep Halder and Prof. Avishek Biswas, its a book that has documented horrific incidents of violence against Hindus, both during the Noakhali riots in 1946 and in 2021, as well as in other instances.





Pancha Ratna Shiva Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Bangladesh. [ Photo: Wikimedia]





In this book, we learn about Smritikana Biswas, the grandmother of co-author Avishek Biswas. She was just 12 years old when her father contemplated killing her 7-month-old sister due to her cries, hoping to keep rioters away from the building where her family was hiding.





The author, Deep Halder, extensively traveled across Bangladesh to gather glaring case studies. He also met Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabudddin Chuppu, who led a judicial commission in 2006 to investigate the 2001 anti-Hindu violence orchestrated by the opposition BNP and Jamaat.





In the chapter titled Horror in the Countryside, the narration by a woman, Purnima Rani Shil, recounts a brutal rape after the BNP and Jamaat came to power in 2001 when she was just 12 years old. Her fault? She was a polling agent of the Awami League Party and had campaigned against the BNP, occurring right after the Awami League lost the election.





Like a burning leaf on which an old poem disappeared, the chapter titled The DNA of Hate examines the exodus of Hindus from the country. The book elucidates many such examples of brutality faced by Hindus, causing ones faith in humanity to shudder. The authors deserve praise for their tireless ground research backed by archival material, including noted old newspaper clips.





The Awami League, under Sheikh Hasina, has been lauded by the authors for the countrys economic growth since she came to power. She has implemented several welfare schemes for minorities, though much remains to be done. Despite a decline in numbers, Hindu minorities still hold a significant position in voting numbers in the country.





With elections in Bangladesh scheduled for January 7, 2024, trends indicate the re-emergence of Sheikh Hasina in power, unless the Padma River decides to flow in the opposite direction. Indian pundits predict that Hasinas friendship with New Delhi will grow further after she returns to power.





Returning to the book, it delves deeply into the story of the origin of Bangladesh from East Pakistan in 1971 and the human massacre. This book is indeed a compelling read, exploring various facets of religion, violence, and cultural identity woven through the passage of time.





The father of the nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was quoted in this book saying: This country does not belong to the Hindus. This country does not belong to Muslims. Whoever thinks this country is theirs, this country will be theirs.





Ayanjit Sen is our Special correspondent in New Delhi. He is a professor of media management in Bennett University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (part of the Times of India Group). He has worked in several parts of the globe including Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, France, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UK and Afghanistan.
The following statement was issued by M A Sumanthiran MP and Suren Surendiran on behalf of Global Tamil Forum (GTF), an influential Tamil diaspora organisation  established in 2009 following the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka.





A Delegation consisting of senior Buddhist monks from different Nikayas (Sangha for Better Sri Lanka or SBSL) and members of the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) had various engagements in Sri Lanka from December 7 to 15, 2023. This was continuation of our fruitful dialogue in Nagarkot (Nepal) in April 2023, where both parties arrived at Himalaya Declaration to facilitate our engagement and advocacy efforts among different communities in Sri Lanka. The National Conversation was officially launched in Sri Lanka and handed over to many religious, political and community leaders, and discussed during these meetings.





Colonial Architecture, Jaffna, Northern Province, Sri Lanka, Asia [ Photo: westend61.de]

Promoting interreligious understanding and harmony was fundamental to this peace building initiative and therefore the engagements were primarily focused on religious leaders  including the Mahanayaka Theros of all four Buddhist chapters, the Nallai Atheenam, the Archbishop (Cardinal) of the Archdiocese of Colombo, Bishop of Jaffna, Bishop of Colombo representing the National Christian Council and leaders of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama.





From the outset, we recognised the importance of the political process to achieve the envisioned outcomes. Hence, the Delegation met with the President, the Leader of the Opposition, all leaders of the national political parties including SLPP Party Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, key political leaders representing Tamil, Upcountry Tamil and Tamil speaking Muslim communities, and past Presidents and former Speaker of Parliament involved in reconciliation efforts.





Mahinda Rajapaksa was met as the leader of a party with substantial support base among the majority community and due to the fact that his support base was built with the assistance of Buddhist temples and as the primary means of securing and holding onto positions of power in the country.





Both, the senior Buddhist monks and GTF recognised a true and sincere effort to initiate a National Conversation must engage all  whether the leaders of political parties with substantial support base among the majority community or leaders with limited parliamentary seats in the minority communities. We made every effort to meet with those who made a kind gesture by accepting our joint invitation to hear about our work to date and the launch of the National Conversation. We appeal to that handful who didnt meet us during this engagement because of their scepticism of our joint initiative to judge us by our actions.





The Speaker of the Parliament invited all 225 MPs for a discussion with the Delegation in the Parliament Complex. We also engaged with several important civil society members from North, East and South, representatives from the Aragalaya and key media institutions and personnel from all three languages. Delegation also met with the most relevant diplomatic community based in Colombo including India, US, UK, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, South Africa, France, Canada, ICRC, UN.





The leaders and opinion makers we engaged during this one-week period were over a hundred, and the media coverage in all three languages was exceptional. The support, encouragement and blessings we received during every one of those meetings were inspiring and well beyond our expectations.





This is an initiative exclusively between two groups, SBSL and GTF with no involvement of any external political stakeholders or countries. The aim was to start the National Conversation to promote understanding between all communities by removing the suspicions and fears plaguing them for decades. For example, from the Tamil perspective it was the Buddhist monks who always thwarted any attempt at political resolution, whereas the majority community (in the recent past) felt the influential Tamil Diaspora was bent on destroying the country and preventing its progress. So, a dialogue between the two apparent antagonists seemed logical. The hope is such a process, when multiplied across the country, would create an environment conducive to address many current and past issues including the national question  a task repeatedly failed due to the inadequacies of the political classes and other main issues and concerns affecting all communities. The timing for this initiative has been questioned in some quarters. We recognise that 75 years of mistrust cannot be reversed in 7 days. But we firmly believe considering the extreme political and economic challenges the country was, and is, undergoing and the new awakening these conditions have led to, present fresh opportunities to reconcile and the National Conversation to start in earnest.





The Nagarkot Dialogue dealt with many complex issues with multiple stakeholders, and therefore the process could start only with sections from both sides that had progressive outlook. Further, it was imperative that the process remained confidential until it acquired sufficient momentum to withstand potential efforts to weaken it  such has been an established practice internationally. In addition, preparing the ground was an important requirement for successful launching of this initiative, hence the timing of last weeks many engagements, including all of the heads of various religious groups, most of the key political stakeholders and others. Furthermore, lawfully initiating a National Conversation of this magnitude between communities meant that certain protocols, local traditions and laws have to be followed, including formally engaging the Head of State.





The Declaration at its core is a framework agreement between SBSL and GTF that articulates  a shared vision for a better Sri Lanka for all its peoples. We believe this is a guiding document that a vast amount of people from all communities can identify with, hence, serve as a useful starting point for a national conversation on peace building.





Ultimately it is the national conversation among people and communities in Sri Lanka, and the political processes available to them that can lead to political outcomes in the Country. Our joint initiative is limited to facilitating such a process (led by senior Buddhist monks and GTF) and creating a trusting environment where the political outcomes are likely to satisfy the aspirations of all citizens and communities.

Despite its broader focus that avoids concepts and terminologies that are considered controversial by any one community, the Declaration pragmatically captures the issues that are important to all communities and particularly for the Tamil community. It promotes pluralistic character and equal citizenship in the country; calls for devolution of power to all the provinces (without referring to unitary state), including full implementation of the existing constitutional provisions; and stresses the importance of accountability measures and complying with international obligations.





We are very much encouraged this initiative and the declaration articulating for pluralism, power devolution and accountability have received the approval and blessings from almost all important stakeholders in the Country, including from the chief prelates of the Buddhist chapters. These are truly remarkable outcomes that could potentially transform the Country for the better.





The declaration isnt set in stone. The National Conversation, which we believe have kick started in earnest, will be shaped by the people who participate in them  GTF, along with senior Buddhist monks and other religious clergy will be one of many parties to this Conversation.





We have noted some of the criticisms aimed at this initiative from some Tamil groups in Sri Lanka and in the Diaspora. Our humble view is that these views are grossly misplaced. However, we are very much encouraged by them expressing their views. It is important that all views are heard and listened to by each other and all parties contribute and shape the National Conversation which has now truly begun. Both, the senior Buddhist monks and GTF are clear that only promoting National Conversation to facilitate a good and durable outcome, rather than prescribing a particular solution or outcome.





GTF will continue to articulate to keep Sri Lanka under international scrutiny for its past and present human rights and international and local law violations.





In the context of such misunderstanding expressed by some in the Tamil community, we want to make it crystal clear that this is not a negotiation process with the government or other leaders of the country for a political solution. It is the elected Tamil leaders on the ground who should undertake it at the appropriate time. By fostering more understanding between religious and ethnic groups, we believe when the real stakeholders negotiate a permanent solution to the national question, there will be less opposition to scuttle the outcome and support our vision of better Sri Lanka for all.





SBSL and GTF are conscious that we are groups with limited base of constituents. We acknowledged this in the joint statement that we issued last week (attached herewith for convenience). At the same time, we are aware that this initiative is unique and the first of its kind for Sri Lanka. Our immediate focus is on different religious communities and religious leaders, with a view to establishing inter-religious working groups in all twenty-five districts. As the national conversation progresses, the intention are to also initiate similar discourse within the various diaspora communities in different parts of the world.





We are certain that with progress achieved on promoting inter-religious understanding and harmony, many people in Sri Lanka and in the Diaspora will start to feel optimistic about the future trajectory of the country.





The support and encouragement shown by most of the key stakeholders in Sri Lanka, in the Diaspora and in the international community have given us confidence to take this initiative forward with much vigour and purpose. We also want to extend our thanks to all the diplomatic missions for their kind words of encouragement and wisdom.





We present below some of the quotes and experiences from the various stakeholders we met during last week.





Most Ven Asgiriya Mahanayake Thero  The day we build a Sri Lanka based on brotherhood, equality and peace is when a successful Sri Lanka will be for real explaining the point on equality, the Mahanayake Thero said, only when we make people from any religion feel as equals, is when we can claim to have created a prosperous and successful Sri Lanka you have taken up a noble task of going to the people. I wish you well









Most Ven Malwatte Mahanayake Thero  It is true what the Tamil delegates said that it was the Buddhist Monks who came to the streets to block the various agreements between parties in the past (at this meeting and in every meeting, GTF referred to the many agreements between many leaders of the past including the Chelva  Banda Pact, Chelva  Dudley Pact, the Ceasefire Agreement with the LTTE and the 13th Amendment to the Constitution). A minority of these monks who preach hatred and racism spoke loudly and won the day because majority of us who love peace and equality didnt speak loud enough at those occasions, which we must in the future.





The Mahanayake Thero himself recited section of Pirith to bless the delegation. We understood later, the Mahanayake Thero recites the Pirith himself only on occasions when he respects and loves the delegates.





Most Ven Amarapura Mahanayake Thero  To go separately, one doesnt need to have love, wisdom, common sense, or work hard. Its easy to go in separate ways. However, to come together, we need love, common sense, wisdom and have to work hard. You are embarking on a noble cause to bring people together. Its not going to be easy. It will need hard work. Many obstacles will come your way. Be determined, patient and resilient, you will eventually be successful and we pray for you and six of the Mahanayakes together recited a section of Pirith to bless the delegation





Most Ven Ramanna Nikaya Mahanayake Thero  A Sri Lanka where everyone feels safe and secured to live in any part of the country is when we have created an equal Sri Lanka for all. I bless you all for taking up this great initiative forward





Most Ven Nallai Atheenam Kurukkal  If this initiative can resolve some of the injustices that are being committed against the Hindus of this country, then it is worth the efforts you are making





His Lordship Bishop of Jaffna  History hasnt been kind to us Tamils of this country. You are taking a very important step along with the Buddhist clergy. If a future can be built on the premise of equality and justice, then it has to be a great endeavour. I wish you well.





His Eminence Cardinal Archdiocese of Colombo  Sri Lanka has to address the many injustices including to the victims of Easter Sunday bombing. Going to the people and bringing resolutions through a National Conversation is a novel idea. It is a great endeavour that I am sure the Bishops Conference too will support. Wish you all the very best





The General Council of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama  We support with whole heart of this initiative to create a national conversation on issues faced by the many communities in Sri Lanka. Please let us know how we can be of help in this process





His Lordship Bishop of Colombo-NCC  We have a long history of working with some of these Ven Buddhist Monks in many programs concerning various communities in Sri Lanka. I bless you well for successful outcomes from this noble endeavour.





Without any exceptions, all the politicians including the sitting President His Excellency Ranil Wickramasinghe, Opposition Leader and Leader of SJB Hon Sajit Premadasa, Leader of NPP Hon Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Leader of SLPP and former President His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, Leader of the TNA Hon R Sampanthan, Leader of SLFP and former President His Excellency Maithiripala Sirisena, Former President Her Excellency Chandrika Banadaranayake Kumarathunge, Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Hon Rauf Hakeem, General Secretary of Ceylon Workers Congress Hon Jeevan Thondaman, Leader of Tamil Progressive Alliance & Democratic Peoples Front Hon Mano Ganeshan, Former Speaker of Parliament Hon Karu Jayasuriya, Current Speaker of Parliament Hon Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Justice Minister Hon Wijedasa Rajapakshe and the 35 plus Members of Parliament from various parties who attended the meeting held at the parliament were all supportive and shared words of encouragement for the process of National Conversation.





To quote the TNA Leader, Mr R Sampanthan, he said We should have done this many years ago He repeated the same at least three times. He told the Buddhist Clergy that We are many years behind you





Most of the civil society members met in Jaffna, Colombo and at various towns in the East were cautiously optimistic and certainly acknowledged this initiative as the first of this kind in Sri Lanka.





The diplomatic community shared words of encouragement with the delegates. United States Ambassador Julie Chung in her tweet stated that We welcome their laudable initiative to expand cross-community understanding and seek lasting reconciliation.





The Swiss Ambassador tweeted with a photo with the delegation and representatives from the various diplomatic missions present in Colombo, It was an honour to meet with the @GTFonline and Buddhist Monks and to support the Himalayan Declaration, which outlines a vision for a united, pluralistic and peaceful Sri Lanka. A significant step towards reconciliation.
EQS-Ad-hoc: UNIQA Insurance Group AG / Key word(s): Legal Matter/Scheme of Arrangement

Complaint for damages resulting from Infinus investor claims against UNIQA Osterreich / Term sheet on key elements of out-of-court solution with key investor groups



21-Dec-2023 / 12:00 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc.



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Update of the disclosure of inside information pursuant to Art 17 MAR of 13 November 2020, 4 May 2022, 18 August 2022 and 21 February 2023.



On 13 November 2020 UNIQA Insurance Group AG published as ad hoc disclosure pursuant to Art 17 MAR that a complaint for damage claims based on private law was filed by a German special purpose entity against UNIQA Osterreich Versicherungen AG ("UNIQA Osterreich") in its capacity as legal successor of former FINANCE LIFE Lebensversicherung AG and that claims have also been alleged by other investors out of court. On 18 August 2022 UNIQA Insurance Group AG published as ad hoc disclosure that a part of these investor claims, which had previously been alleged out of court, have been asserted in court in Germany. These plaintiffs belonging to investor groups coordinated among themselves are different from those whose claims are asserted by the German special purpose entity in Vienna.



A term sheet will be signed today with the representatives of those investor groups coordinated among themselves (only not with the German special purpose entity) which reflects the agreement on the key elements of a possible out-of-court solution. For reasons of procedural economy, but without acknowledging the alleged claims and without acknowledging any legal obligation, UNIQA Osterreich would undertake to pay to the investors belonging to these groups an amount of up to EUR 59,320,000.00, the exact determination and due date of which still depend on certain perimeter. In addition to the preparation and signing of the formal and binding agreement, the agreement requires the approval by the relevant claimants with a quota of 90 % in order to become effective.



Based on current estimates of UNIQA, this is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the overall result for the 2023 financial year.



End of Inside Information

21-Dec-2023 CET/CEST News transmitted by EQS Group AG. www.eqs.com




This letter is signed by Berkeley Faculty for Justice in Palestine, Berkeley Bears for Palestine, Berkeley, Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine, Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine, Berkeley Law Jews for Palestine, Berkeley Muslim Student Association, Jewish Voice for Peace at UC Berkeley, Berkeley Islamophobia Research and Documentation Project, Berkeley Palestinian Public Health, Berkeley Palestinian Studies Working Group and Berkeley Dance Studies Working Group. Contact the opinion desk at opinion@dailycal.org or follow us on Twitter.
Currently China is increasingly aggressive in the Pacific, claiming ownership of more and more Pacific islands. Many of these islands are far from the Chinese coast. China expects to eventually take possession of these islands as they continue building more warships and basing troops and weapons on islands they have already claimed or, in some cases, built by dredging up lots of sand to expand a reef into an island capable of supporting an airstrip, a dock and a garrison. Many World War II airfields were abandoned after Japan surrendered in September 1945 and have since become overgrown with vegetation. These airfields are still usable once you remove the vegetation, make some repairs, and add some support facilities.

Since World War II the main American airbase in the Pacific was on the island of Guam. This has turned Guam into a vulnerable target for long range Chinese ballistic missiles. Guam is still important, but additional bases are needed to supplement and possibly replace Guam in the event of a major war, so the U.S. government is creating some.

The island bases currently being revived include one on Tinian and another in the Philippines. One or more of the Northern Mariana Islands will also become an emergency airbase. These air bases have several uses. One is as a divert airbase, for aircraft that need to land somewhere and that is often difficult over the Pacific. Some of the divert fields would have fuel and other items needed to get an aircraft into the air again. Having many of these airfields makes it difficult for China or anyone else to paralyze Americans land-based aviation by destroying or damaging just a few airbases. American allies in the region, like Japan, Australia, Philippines, and Taiwan can also use these remote Pacific Island bases. These allies already have their own bases that are available to allies.

Japan already has several smaller islands it can use for additional bases. Japan is expanding its military presence on and around Okinawa by building a radar station on Yonaguni Island. This is the westernmost inhabited Japanese island, although it only officially became part of Japan in 1879, along with Okinawa. Yonaguni island has a population of 1,500 and is a favorite tourist attraction for Japanese. The island is 2,000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, 505 kilometers west of Okinawa, 300 kilometers southeast of China, 110 kilometers east of Taiwan and 144 kilometers southwest of the disputed, by China, Senkaku Islands. This new radar station produced a very loud protest from China who are not happy with Japanese hostility to Chinese threats over the Senkakus. Okinawa is als0 2,280 kilometers from Guam.

The Japanese are alarmed at increasing Chinese military activity in waters and airspace around their main islands and more distant smaller islands. Its not just disputed areas, especially the Senkaku Islands, but around Okinawa and increasingly east of Japan, in the Pacific. Operating out there is what the Chinese would have to do for a blockade of Japan. There is growing support for expanding the Japanese military as a result of all this Chinese naval and air activity, especially obtaining long range UAVs for maritime patrol and ballistic missiles for hitting Chinese bases in the event of hostilities. This doesnt bother China as much as constant Japanese chatter about developing nuclear weapons, but the Chinese believe that decades of anti-nuke militancy would prevent Japan from actually going down this road. If Japan did build nukes, it would make Japan once more dangerous to China and that could cause a really dangerous situation. A related issue is that South Korea is presently considering developing its own nuclear weapons as that will definitely affect Japans decision.

Back in 2012 China became particularly angry after the Japanese government purchased the Senkaku islands from the Japanese family that had owned them since the 19th century. China and Japan were also increasingly sending small warships to patrol contested parts of the disputed Diaoyu (in Chinese) Islands (Senkaku in Japanese and Tiaoyutai in Taiwan). The islands are actually islets, which are 167 kilometers northeast of Taiwan and 426 kilometers southeast of Japan's Okinawa and have a total area of 6.3 square kilometers. Taiwan also claims the islands, which were discovered by Chinese fishermen in the 16th century and taken over by Japan in 1879. They are valuable now because of the 380 kilometer economic zone nations can claim in their coastal waters. This includes fishing and possible underwater oil and gas fields. For China, the islands are a valuable source of fish, with Chinese fishing boats taking over 150,000 tons a year from the vicinity of the Senkakus. China fears that Japan might try to prohibit Chinese fishing in the area.

A conservative Japanese political group built a lighthouse there in 1986, to further claims of Japanese ownership. The Japanese have the most powerful naval forces in the region and are backed up by a mutual defense treaty with the United States. China was long dissuaded by that, but no more. China is no longer backing off on its claims, and neither is Japan. So, these confrontations are becoming more serious. Taiwan is not considered a serious contender in this dispute but is showing up anyway.

China also has claims on Okinawa, but the Chinese government has not become aggressive about this yet, as they have with claims on Indian territory. Back in 2010, responding to Japanese media reports of menacing Chinese warships off Okinawa, China announced that these were Chinese navy ships engaged in training in international waters. Nothing special. Just training. Trust us.

Most Japanese dont trust China. There has been growing evidence since 2000 that this distrust is warranted. For example, back in 2004 China admitted that a submerged submarine the Japanese navy had been tracking off the coast of Okinawa was indeed a Chinese boat. The Japanese had always insisted that the sub was Chinese. Apparently, American P-3 patrol aircraft, operating from Guam, were the first to pick up the location of the Chinese sub and then turned the tracking over to the Japanese navy. It was American technology that confirmed the identification of the sub. During the Cold War, the United States developed techniques for identifying individual submarines according to their shape, and by the noises they made. The American navy maintains electronic databases of submarine signatures. China apologized for the incident, which had their boat inside Japanese territorial waters for a short period of time. China said the cause was a navigational accident. China has been sending its subs to see more often since 2000 in order to raise the skill levels of the crews.
Marlene Kennedy is a freelance columnist. Opinions expressed in her column are her own and not necessarily the newspapers. Reach her at marlenejkennedy@gmail.com
Gov. Kathy Hochul addresses the media during a press conference in New York, Monday, March 13, 2023. New York state will create a study commission tasked with considering reparations and addressing the persisting, harmful effects of slavery in the state under a bill signed into law by Hochul on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.
At the end of 2023 Vladimir Putin ordered the military to increase active duty troops to 1.32 million. This involves finding another 170,000 recruits. If you include civilian military employees, the Russian military now have 2.2 million personnel. Thats 1.5 percent of the Russian population. At the beginning of 2023 there were purportedly 1.15 million Russian military personnel. By the end of 2023, Russian personnel losses in Ukraine had grown to over a million, of which at least half were permanent losses, mostly dead but also prisoners, missing and those discharged because of disabling wounds. About 40% of Russian casualties are dead compared to only 20% of Ukrainian casualties because the Russians in this war get no battlefield medical treatment whatever, though even in World War Two they did have at least minimal battle treatment, largely by dragging wounded off the battlefield (by female soldiers) to medics. Wounded soldiers in freezing conditions die of exposure or shock within about an hour unless they are carried to shelter, but that is not happening for Russians in this war. Prospective recruits know this.

Putin wants to replace those losses and increase the size of the military. To that he has to depend mostly on volunteers and former soldiers, or reservists. Then there are the conscripts, young men who are obliged to spend one year in the military. Once that year is over, these men are eligible to become reservists or, now that the military service law has changed, subject to mobilization to supply the military with more troops.

Mandatory conscript service brings in nearly 300,000 new troops a year. Half these men are called up between April and July while the other have are called up during the last few months of the year. This has been the way it has been done for over a century. Conscription gives Russia some badly needed military manpower but there is a catch. Conscripts only serve for one year and nominally cannot be sent into a foreign combat zone. Russian public will not tolerate tinkering with the 12-month limit and the post-communist Russian government lacks the coercive power to overcome that. Conscripts have been sent to the Ukraine war, but an uneasy de facto compromise has arisen that they can only be used in non-combat roles.

Since Putin ordered Ukraine invaded in February 2022, he has clashed with Russian attitudes towards conscription and lost. After the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the communist rule was replaced by democracy and frequent opinion polls. There were no professional politicians to make the new democracy work. There were former Soviet officials trying to get elected to powerful positions. More than ever before, these new political candidates had to pay close attention to public opinion. Former KGB officer Putin got elected once and managed to change the rules to keep him in office for as long as he likes or can survive. Putin also put all Russian media under state control. The catch was that successful dictators, and Putin is one, pay attention to public opinion because if too many of your subjects get too angry, its the end for the supreme leader. Russians experienced this in 1991 and even zealots like Putin must pay heed. Push the Russian people too far and they will push back.

Putins solution is to make the most of a bad situation. Conscripts currently get a few weeks of training followed by service doing any work they can handle. This allows many of the volunteer, or contract, soldiers to go to Ukraine, where the Russian personnel situation is desperate. Training for the conscripts ties up the few remaining military training facilities all the time, as almost all the pre-war training staff were sent to the Ukraine after the war started and became casualties themselves. Russian non-commissioned officers are basically useless because 70 years of the Red Army predecessor of the current Russian army destroyed their role as trainers and leaders of more junior enlisted men, and all attempts to revive an effective non-com system since 1991 have failed.

This makes it impossible to provide training for the contract soldiers or older men, former conscripts, mobilized into the military for as long as the government can get away with it. Few Russian men serve in Ukraine voluntarily and most are coerced or tricked into volunteering, with a few persuaded by offers of high pay, which they rarely get, or are convicts spending six months in Ukraine to get a full pardon. Putins alleged plan is to obey the law about not sending conscripts into battle, and hope to later persuade them, after their discharge, to volunteer for some form of mobilization. Putin lacks sufficient internal security forces to overcome a lot of public opposition to his seriously unpopular or illegal schemes, so he has to be resourceful.

The fighting in Ukraine crippled the Russian ground forces and destroyed most of the modern equipment Putin had managed to manufacture since the early 2000s. Economic sanctions reduced the amount of money he has available for military operations. Sanctions have also increased the percentage of Russians living below the poverty line. Putin embarrassed himself in Ukrainian because he initially boasted that the victory in Ukraine would be quick and relatively painless because the Ukrainians were not willing or able to fight and most accepted the Putin view that Ukraine was actually part of Russia that got confused and lost their way. The Ukrainians were better prepared, armed, and motivated to defeat the invading Russians. Putins response was that it was NATO forces that inflicted all those casualties on Russian troops. That fiction worked for a short while because state-controlled media had been pushing the idea that NATO was conspiring to destroy Russia. That fable faded as the months of defeats went by and Russians were told by returning wounded soldiers that Ukrainians were fighting back and simply doing so more effectively than anyone expected. Many Russians have family, friends, or contacts in Ukraine and that, added to what Russian soldiers who had returned Ukraine said put an end to the blame NATO. Putin propagandists had to come up with a new explanation for the mess in Ukraine and he came up with a reheated version of the; NATO is trying to destroy Russia, explanation for the mess in Ukraine.

Russia has a problem with the fact that for over a year Russian soldiers have been fighting in another country and getting killed or wounded in large numbers. Russia had not been invaded and Putin sought to portray it as a successful Russian defense of the homeland. Once more, Russians eventually see through that disinformation by paying attention to Ukrainian media which makes no mention of plans to invade Russia, only efforts to get Russian soldiers out of Ukraine. Putin also tried, with some success, to persuade people in nations supporting Ukraine with weapons and money that Ukraine is not worth the expense because of a growing list of Russian short shelf-life disinformation.

Russia has few allies or foreign supporters and most of these, like Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba have little to give. China could provide lots of tangible support but prefers not to because China believes the Ukrainian operation was a stupid idea and does not want to get hit with sanctions for providing military support for Russia. China and India both advise Putin to just get out of Ukraine and out from under all those sanctions before long-term damage is done to Russia.

Putin is working on what he agrees are needed reforms so that the next time Russian troops are in combat they will perform better and perhaps even win. There have been several rounds of unsuccessful military reforms since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. One of the major causes of that collapse was their unaffordable and largely ineffective armed forces. In post-Soviet Russia there were far fewer restrictions on criticizing the military. Most Russians had a very negative attitude towards conscription and the reforms underway because of the Ukraine War disaster were seen as typical of several previous efforts to remedy problems that continue to resist any fundamental change.

The new plan calls for a massive training program to replace all the officers lost in the first few months of 2022s fighting. The immediate problem with that is all the officer instructors were sent to the front in March and April 2022 where they too became casualties. Next is another serious problem that few want to discuss, corruption. Even in wartime, especially during the recent fighting, corruption was still a problem. Officers and other government officials continued to put their own financial gain above the need to equip the troops with what they needed to survive and win. There have been several corruption scandals in Russia since the Ukraine War began. The militarys corruption is rooted in political corruption at the highest levels including Putin and his cronies, and inevitably drifted downward until even supply sergeants routinely steal back and sell gear issued to new troops when they are outside their barracks just before leaving for the front. Russia is descending into a Third World state known as a resource kleptocracy but run by a for-real gangster confederacy. Only with nuclear and biological weapons from before the Soviet Union collapsed.

By late 2022 over half of Russian military personnel were volunteers (serving on contracts) or career officers. The ability of the military to hold onto those contract (contrakti) soldiers was always weakened if there were a lot of casualties or too much chance of being sent to a combat zone. Volunteering to be a contract soldier used to be considered a smart move because the Russian economy had been increasingly weak over the last decade. After the fighting began in Ukraine, the contract soldiers suffered as much as the conscripts and junior officers did.

The result of this was contract troops refusing to renew contracts. Most of the combat units sent into Ukraine were composed of contract troops who were killed in large numbers. When the survivors got back to Russia, either because of wounds or because many combat battalions returned because of heavy losses, there was a sudden shortage of contract soldiers. That was because most contract troops were near the end of their two-to-three-year contracts and refused to renew. The army had signed up many soldiers for the new (since 2016) short term (six to twelve month) contracts for former soldiers, or conscripts willing to try it, and found that there were far fewer vets willing to sign these short contracts because, so few recent short-term contract soldiers had survived service in Ukraine.

The government then tried to solve this reluctant contract soldier problem by changing the contracts so that contract soldiers had to remain in the army for as long as the fighting continued. Realizing that it was a death sentence if they were sent back to Ukraine, many contract soldiers simply refused to go. There were so many men refusing to go that the government backed off from threats to prosecute the reluctant contrakti.

At this point the Russian armed forces have dire and apparently unsolvable manpower problems. They are taking ghastly casualties making suicidal attacks during winter with their front-line troops knowing very well what is happening. The survivors make certain other troops know it too. They have no junior officers to lead and make sacrifices with them because most officer training staff were killed in 2022 and the rest cannot produce replacements fast enough. At this point almost all prospective contrakti recruits know how little training, support, medical treatment, and effective equipment they will get, and how few of them will survive.

Both sides are being forced into mostly drone wars  the Russians for simple lack of manpower and the Ukrainians for lack of artillery shells and rockets, and lack of American support due to Congressional deadlock over funding.
The worst insult in modern politics is to accuse someone of being 'far-Right'. Such a person is immediately assumed to be obnoxious and incapable of rational discussion.

The intention behind the name-calling is usually to consign political opponents to outer darkness. Civilised people can't be expected to engage with a leader or party with a far-Right label hanging around their necks.

So it's no surprise that the term is increasingly used by the Left as a form of abuse about people who often don't warrant it. I am sorry to say that it is becoming commonplace at the BBC.

Last weekend, Rishi Sunak attended a political rally in Rome that was repeatedly described by the Beeb as 'far-Right'. Why? Because it was hosted by Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, to whom the slur is routinely applied by our national broadcaster.

It's true that her Brothers of Italy party has links with defunct political movements that could probably have legitimately been called far-Right. But it also comprises members with past connections to the centre-Right Christian Democrats, as well as some with no previous associations.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Britian's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attend Atreju 2023, conservative politcal festival, on December 16

Mr Sunak attended a political rally that was repeatedly described by the Beeb as 'far-Right'

It was hosted by Giorgia Meloni, to whom the slur is routinely applied by the BBC

More to the point, I see no evidence of extremist politics in anything Ms Meloni has done in her first year in office. She is a centre-Right pragmatist who is trying to curb illegal immigration, which is about four times higher in Italy than it is in Britain. Why does that justify describing her in such a fashion?

READ MORE - Rishi Sunak to hold migrant talks with Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Albania's Edi Rama in Rome this weekend as he seeks fresh action to tackle crisis Advertisement

The rally dismissed by the BBC as 'far-Right' was attended by a range of Right-wing politicians, as well as by centrist and centre-Left figures such as Matteo Renzi, the former Italian prime minister. This was either lazy, prejudiced reporting  or a deliberate attempt to smear Mr Sunak for attending a supposedly discreditable event.

Let's define what the expression means. There's a large overlap with fascism. Hitler, Mussolini and Franco were of the far-Right. They were undemocratic, totalitarian and oppressive. They outlawed free speech and a free Press. In almost all respects, their policies were identical to those of far-Left tyrants such as Stalin.

In more recent times, there have been several far-Right leaders in South America. I'd put General Galtieri of Argentina  the man who ordered the invasion of the Falklands in 1982  firmly in this camp. He was a brutal, unelected dictator who ordered the murder of his political opponents.

Compare him with the newly democratically elected President of Argentina, Javier Milei. This eccentric character is a free marketeer who has vowed to abolish his country's central bank. He is an extreme libertarian who is about as distant from the far-Right as it is possible to be.

Nonetheless, when Milei won the presidential elections a few weeks ago, the BBC website informed the world that 'Argentines have elected [a] far-Right outsider'. This is ignorant nonsense. Or was it simply an insult calculated to be damaging?

Earlier this week, the Times reported that moderate Tory MPs are concerned that their party could fall into the hands of 'extremists' after the election. They are thinking of inoffensive colleagues such as Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates

Can Marine Le Pen's National Rally party in France be accurately depicted in a similar light?

Mr Milei doesn't remotely deserve to be so described. He doesn't propose to lock up his enemies or control the Press. For all I know, his economic ideas may be barmy, but that is an entirely separate point.

From the BBC's point of view, any leader who doesn't sign up to the centrist policies embraced by most Western European governments is regarded with disfavour or suspicion. It therefore attempts to demonise those of whom it disapproves by describing them as 'far-Right'.

Of course, the BBC isn't the only offender. The practice is endemic. In October, El Pais, which is Spain's leading Left-wing newspaper, preposterously claimed that Rishi Sunak was 'shifting to the far-Right' because he 'spouted rhetoric similar to that of the far-Right parties in Europe, with an inflexible stance on irregular immigration and crime'.

The Guardian newspaper freely uses the term in respect of many political parties, invariably defined by their opposition to mass immigration, that are popping up all over Europe. I admit that I have myself written off some of these parties in the past as far-Right without asking myself why they should be so described.

It is largely about immigration  though not always, as the example of Javier Milei attests. Politicians are frequently described by the BBC and others as far-Right merely because they object to the large numbers of people arriving in many European countries, often illegally.

So, for example, the AfD in Germany is usually written off in these terms because it wishes to reduce immigration by democratic means. In truth, none of its policies bears any resemblance to those of Nazi Germany. All the same, the AfD is confidently declared to be far-Right, and therefore dangerous and beyond the pale.

Believe it or not, earlier this year Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan described motorists protesting against his unpopular expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone as 'far-Right'

Can Marine Le Pen's National Rally party in France be accurately depicted in a similar light? It certainly has an unsavoury past  her father and former leader, Jean-Marie Le Pen, has been a racist rabble-rouser  and I won't forget the sinister, bullet-headed bodyguards surrounding her when I met her a few years ago.

The fact remains that tougher immigration controls urged by Marine Le Pen  including delaying migrants' eligibility for housing and child benefits  have this week been pushed through the French parliament by the centrist President Macron. Marine Le Pen is delighted.

Perhaps the BBC, Guardian, El Pais and others will end up by describing even mainstream leaders such as Emmanuel Macron as far-Right. For there is no doubt that across Europe we are going to see new measures designed to curb mass migration. There's also no doubt that they will enjoy widespread popular support.

Incidentally, last month's anti-immigration riots in Dublin were instantly characterised by Irish politicians, police chiefs and the BBC as far-Right. Doubtless that was part of it. But weren't these in the main opportunistic thugs?

If only those who bandy about the insult could restrict themselves, as they generally do when it comes to using the term 'far-Left'. How often do you hear that on the BBC?

In the most humdrum Leftist circles, it's customary to denigrate critics as extremist even when there's no evidence that they are. Labour MP Stella Creasy recently grumbled on social media about the challenges of motherhood. Some Tory MPs calmly took her to task. Ms Creasy responded by fulminating about 'the alt-Right'  an American term for the far-Right.

Believe it or not, earlier this year Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan described motorists protesting against his unpopular expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone as 'far-Right'.

Conservatives aren't above vilifying some of those on their own side. Earlier this week, the Times reported that moderate Tory MPs are concerned that their party could fall into the hands of 'extremists' after the election. They are thinking of inoffensive colleagues such as Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates.

Of course, the far-Right still exists, as does the far-Left. Both have caused huge damage over the past century, and will doubtless do so again. By the way, there has been plenty of evidence of the militant, hate-filled far-Left, among otherwise well-intentioned protesters, on the streets of London these past few weekends.

We must be on our guard, and not be taken in. Nine times out of ten, when the term far-Right is used, it is a piece of baseless abuse, intended by intolerant people to shut down reasoned debate.
Calls for a change in the law relating to assisted dying rose to a crescendo this week. Yesterday Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer added his voice to that of Dame Esther Rantzen, who on Tuesday revealed that she has joined Dignitas, the Swiss clinic that facilitates suicide.

Dame Esther, who has stage four lung cancer, wants MPs to be given a free vote on assisted dying in Britain, arguing that people should have a choice about 'how you want to go and when you want to go'.

Starmer backed her stance, saying there were grounds for changing the law and the most appropriate way forward would be 'a free vote on an issue where there are such divided and strong views'.

Their interventions in one of society's most emotive debates come as the House of Commons' health and social care committee concludes a landmark inquiry into this issue and amid growing pressure from campaigners for reform.

Their cause, which preys upon our deepest fears, is promoted as a progressive ideal for civilised countries. Earlier this week, the Mail's Sarah Vine wrote a heartfelt piece explaining why she has come to support assisted dying, and it is impossible not to be moved by pleas from terminally-ill patients confronting death, such as Dame Esther.

Dame Esther Rantzen, who has stage four lung cancer , wants MPs to be given a free vote on assisted dying in Britain

Yet I profoundly disagree with both of them. And I say this as a liberal and an atheist, who would be comfortable requesting euthanasia for myself if medical need arose. So let me explain the reasons for my opposition.

The first is professional. I have investigated assisted death in the Netherlands and Belgium - the two places that pioneered such reforms - and it is clear that society slides inexorably down a slippery slope once the practice is sanctioned.

'It's impossible to keep the door open just a bit,' one Belgian psychiatrist told me, concerned over a case involving a man pressuring his elderly mother to die on grounds of tiredness with life 'because he wanted her money'.

Both countries have seen the number of assisted deaths soar as eligibility rules were extended to the point that they embraced even children with incurable conditions, teenagers with mental health problems and young adults with anorexia.

After all, if assisted dying is permitted for physical pain, why not for mental agonies? So in Holland, where mercy killings now account for one in 20 deaths, a woman's life was ended 12 months after her husband's death due to 'prolonged grief disorder'.

The Dutch were the first to legislate for assisted dying for patients with 'continuous, unbearable and incurable suffering' in 2002. Twelve years later the law permitted even a 47-year-old woman with bad tinnitus to extinguish her life.

I have investigated assisted death in the Netherlands and Belgium - the two places that pioneered such reforms - and it is clear that society slides inexorably down a slippery slope once the practice is sanctioned, writes Ian Birrell (pictured)

Latest data shows that 288 people with dementia were helped to their death last year in Holland - despite the original proviso that patients must be 'of sound mind'. And 29 couples chose to end their lives together.

One political party is pushing for 'completed life' euthanasia - death on demand for anyone aged over 75 - which follows a joint proposal six years ago from the Netherlands' health and justice ministers to give anyone over 70 years of age the right to receive a poison pill, without the need for medical involvement.

One Dutch ethicist - who sat on an official body reviewing cases - warned nations considering reform to 'look closely at the Netherlands because this is where your country may be 20 years from now'.

In Belgium, I spoke to a physician nicknamed 'Dr Death' who admitted dispatching 140 people - including two friends - and advising on 500 more cases, despite the Hippocratic oath instructing 'first do no harm'.

Later I held a disturbing discussion with a bright, friendly 23-year-old seeking to die due to mental distress. 'It won't hurt so I don't see the problem,' she told me, explaining how she saw 'a monster' when looking in the mirror.

Yet many experts insist such cases can improve with time, therapy and medication.

Activists claim legalising assisted dying reduces non-assisted suicides, but several places have recorded a rise instead.

We have seen the same downward spiral in Canada after assisted dying was legalised in 2016. In the following years, rules governing eligibility were liberalised and there was a huge rise in cases, despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promising otherwise.

Now Canadian law is being extended again to include anyone whose sole issue is mental illness despite a slew of horrifying tales about patients driven to assisted death by poverty, poor healthcare or inadequate social support.

Jaro Kotalik, a Canadian bioethics professor and co-editor of the first full analysis of his country's disastrous reform, told British MPs that patients are being offered death over treatment or care to cut medical costs.

'Some patients, particularly the elderly, feeble, frail or those with long-term disabilities, whose quality of life is perceived to be low, are now seen first and foremost as candidates,' he said.

This leads to my second source of opposition, which is a highly personal one. As the father of a woman with learning disabilities, I am only too aware of how some people are deemed second-class citizens in our society.

False and bigoted assumptions are made frequently about their quality of life. Official studies show prejudice leads to many avoidable deaths of people with autism and learning disabilities - even in the sacred NHS. And patients in both categories suffered disproportionately high death rates in the pandemic, plus the blanket imposition of 'Do Not Resuscitate' notices.

Due to a shameful lack of care support, they are too often locked in psychiatric hospitals with their human rights swept aside - a scandal that drags on despite repeated abuse revelations and condemnation of such practices on cost, medical and moral grounds.

One study published this year revealed that eight Dutch people were subjected to euthanasia simply because they felt unable to live with having a learning disability or autism, along with 16 other closely related cases. Many, heartbreakingly, included being lonely as a key cause of unbearable suffering.

'Is society really OK with sending this message: that there's no other way to help them and it's better to be dead?' asked the study's co-author Irene Tuffrey-Wijne, professor of intellectual disability and palliative care at Kingston University London.

Similar concerns have emerged in other countries. These - and the threat of legalisation here - only fuel the fears of parents such as myself over my daughter's future as her mother and I enter our 60s constantly worrying about her care.

Dame Esther Rantzen on Tuesday revealed that she has joined Dignitas, the Swiss clinic that facilitates suicide

'Anyone who embarks on euthanasia ventures on a slippery slope along which you irrevocably slide towards the indiscriminate killing of defenceless patients,' warns Bert Keizer, a prominent Dutch euthanasia doctor.

This is chilling. Yet there is an alternative, which leads to my final reason for opposing euthanasia.

In addition to her learning disabilities, my daughter has a life-threatening condition - and so I have witnessed the amazing, compassionate support of hospice and palliative care teams during intensely stressful times.

We should strengthen, not undermine, a branch of medicine pioneered in Britain to deliver the best end-of-life care and unrivalled levels of support for families.

One professor of palliative medicine told the Commons' health committee of a patient who said he would kill himself within two weeks but was alive 11 years later, underlining how a desire for assisted dying is often triggered by a fear of suffering that can be soothed.

Another palliative specialist from Wales told MPs his experiences of working with terminally ill patients left him feeling it was impossible to avoid 'subtle' and even 'unintentional' coercion of frail patients who felt like a burden on families.

Behind the debate lie tough questions about the medicalisation of mortality, the failure of care, the breakdown of families and even how we spend such a big slice of our health budget keeping people alive for a few more months in the twilight of their days.

Dame Esther has fuelled another important debate - but let us hope it goes beyond a simplistic discussion of euthanasia to embrace deeper questions over valued lives and decent deaths in a genuinely humane society.
A viral tweet has sparked a fierce discussion online about how clothing quality has gone down over the years, with shirts from 2014 lasting far longer than similar options today that are falling apart at the seams.

'F*** fast fashion but my clothes purchased in 2014 from Urban Outfitters have lasted 8x longer than your "sustainable" slow fashion brand,' US-based X (formerly Twitter) user Arianna, who goes by @virtualjew, wrote in a now-viral thread.

Arianna later tweeted, 'My American Apparel clothes mostly don't fit anymore bc (because) were form fitting but s/o (shout-out) to UO for lasting all these... years,' before continuing, 'There should be a separate review site where you only are allowed to review products after owning them for 5-10 years.'

The tweet was favorited more than 42,000 times, as commenters agreed that their newer items didn't last as long as clothing purchased in the early and mid-2000s.

US-based X user Arianna's viral tweet (pictured) has sparked a fierce discussion online about how fast fashion has ruined clothing quality over the years

'F*** fast fashion but my clothes purchased in 2014 from Urban Outfitters have lasted 8x longer than your "sustainable" slow fashion brand,' she wrote. Pictured left are Urban Outfitters shirts and on the right is another fast fashion brand American Apparel

How you shop: Why consumer perspectives need to change Baylor University Associate Professor Jay Yoo - who researches consumer perspectives - told FEMAIL: 'Consumers need to be educated on how to tell if the clothing is well made.' The professor said prices are up because 'the popularity of the designer brands and desire for consumers own it accelerated the price increase for the luxury fashion product categories.' Dr. Yoo advised that consumers should focus on sustainable items that are high quality and long lasting. Advertisement

One commenter, who tweets as Sustainable Girl, explained, 'Well back in the day, there were no "trends" changing at the speed of the light.'

A commenter joked, 'Me with my 2011 American Apparel skater dress,' as another tweeted, 'My 2007 American Eagle pieces are still in rotation. What were they making them out of? All the seams hang straight after all these years? They're all stiff cotton-y items.'

Another standout brand from the mid-aughts? Band tees from pop punk haven Hot Topic, with one person pointing out, 'I have Hot Topic band shirts from high school in better shape than shirts Ive purchased less than a year ago. Wtf happened?! (I know, it was profit chasing).'

Another commenter clarified, 'There's actually a very good reason for this! Typically, places like Urban Outfitters like to use synthetic fibers (aka plastic), which can last a lot longer than natural fibers, which is [probably] what the slow brands use.

'The trade-off is that they don't decompose, so if you're the type of person who will wear the same clothing for 10+ years, synthetic pieces would work better for you, but if you like to trend-chase, choose natural fibers, since they'll decompose. Fabric choice more nuanced than a lot of people make it seem.'

'Unfortunately most clothing's polyester/plastic now,' another fashion fan tweeted, suggesting Quince for long lasting organic cotton clothes.

One person voiced their opinion that some sustainable brands are not long lasting, explaining, 'I've never bought sustainable because I can't afford it but I've heard they don't last. I think clothes that you can use for a long time are way more sustainable then the ones that turn into rags.'

Other commenters took issue with what products are made of, with one tweeting, 'Bought vegan leather boots and it started peeling off after a few months. I was pissed off and got military hard leather boots to replace them. These will last a lifetime.'

On X, people talked about their favorite brands and clothing from the mid-2000s, while discussing how current clothing seems to fall apart quickly

Another agreed, 'Hilarious but true, somehow sustainability has been warped by capitalism.'

Many people were simply focused on how well their older clothing lasted, tweeting, 'I still wear almost all my clothes I got in 2013. I think a lot of stuff was constructed better at the time - quality fabrics, good seams, good fit. They were built more for wearing than for looking.'

One commenter joked, 'Fast fashion will either disintegrate after two wears or outlive you and your children.'

So why aren't clothes lasting more than one trend cycle? FEMAIL spoke to fast fashion and sustainable clothing experts to find out.

Brooklyn-based author and professor Elizabeth Cline, who wrote The Conscious Closet, and is an expert on fast fashion and sustainability, told FEMAIL, 'One of the main reasons quality has changed is that pricing and consumer habits have changed.'

'Because clothing is so cheap and consumers don't keep their clothing for as long, there's simply less of a need to create long-lasting products,' Elizabeth explained.

'Consumers are willing to trade some aspects of quality in place of trendiness and affordability.'

People complained their old shirts and dresses from Urban Outfitters (left is Monica Irani in 2004) and American Apparel (right) lasted longer than current brands

Elizabeth added that multiple factors led to more expensive but lower quality products, including the fact that 'very cheap polyester and other synthetic materials are far more popular and ubiquitous than they were a decade or two ago, and the quality of these materials is much better than it was in years past.'

The era of buying things to last is mostly behind us.

According to Elizabeth, 'cheap synthetics that mimic luxury materials pushed quality natural fabrics like cashmere, leather, wool, and 100 per cent cotton into more of a luxury niche.'

There's a reason affordable cotton and cashmere are hard to come by. 'Clothing manufactures know they can charge more for these better mostly natural materials than they once could because they're harder to come by and most consumers are fine to simply wear the synthetic imitation,' Elizabeth advised.

However, the fashion sustainability expert does believe that fast fashion is higher quality today, albeit not as enduring.

Now, Elizabeth thinks 'the materials feel better and perform better, the sewing is straighter, the dyes hold their color longer and the fit is better.'

Elizabeth explained the reason garments feel like they're falling apart is because many times, brands skip final steps like lining a garment or tailoring an item perfectly because they know 'most consumers are buying clothes to wear for a few seasons and the brands and retailers would rather sell more clothing versus have us wear things until they wear out.'

'The era of buying things to last is mostly behind us,' Elizabeth warned.

Today, clothing is only meant to survive the trend cycle and won't last as long because it's made out of synthetic fabrics and is not perfectly tailored or lined

While some people on X complained about sustainable brands not lasting as long, these brands are ultimately better for fashion's environmental impact in the long run.

'Many brands that market themselves as sustainable have dramatically changed the production process they're using to make new materials,' Elizabeth said.

'On the whole, they use less water, they use safer chemicals, they create less waste, they use fibers that regenerate instead of depleting the land, support ethical working conditions, and if they're not doing these things, they shouldn't market themselves as green,' Elizabeth said.

But that doesn't mean every product is perfect. 'Some of them are startups and the hiccups in quality or fit are sometimes simply growing pains,' Elizabeth clarified.

The retailers have focused on fast delivery and cheap production. Dr. Jay Yoo

Dr. Jay Yoo, an Associate Professor at Baylor University in Texas who researches consumer perspectives, told DailyMail.com, 'Overall, we see more and more consumers buying clothing as [if] clothing is disposable.'

'Relative to income, people actually spend less money on clothing, while they buy more items,' Dr. Yoo revealed.

Because they're buying more for less, Dr. Yoo explained 'fast fashion retailers produce lower-quality clothing and sell it to consumers.'

According to Dr. Yoo, who has been published in the Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, fast fashion 'looks good on mannequins, but does not last after a few washes.'

Now, retailers are more focused on 'fast delivery and cheap production' than craftsmanship, the associate professor noted.

And because the trends are changing so quickly, Dr. Yoo said that 'consumers would like to buy more clothing at an affordable price.'
Statement earrings are back in so knock it out of the park with a powerful pair

The curated ear  that is, the trend for multiple ear piercings  is dead. Instead, statement earrings are back. Its time to knock it out of the park with a pair of big, powerful earrings.

If I had to choose between statement earrings and mascara, Id take the former every time. Their face-framing ability trumps the beautifying effect of mascara, as does their ability to make even the simplest outfit elegant. But how low should you go? For some, the idea of a dazzling chandelier-style earring will conjure panicked thoughts of aching lobes, while others will attest to the philosophy: go big or go home.

Luckily, there are plenty of lengths and sizes to cater to all tastes, so everyone can find something thats glamorous, comfortable and suits their face shape. Read our guide on how to make the showstopper earring trend work for you . . .

The Princess of Wales attending the 76th British Academy Film Awards held at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London. Picture date: Sunday February 19

Chandelier

A shortcut to instant glamour, chandelier earrings can transform any outfit, but eschew all other jewellery to avoid looking over the top.

The key to a modern approach is pairing them with jeans for a casual-meets-glitz contrast. That said, a chandelier is still the perfect option for occasions when you want to go all out.

You can find wearable, bargain styles on the High Street at Mango and H&M. Indeed, the Princess of Wales turned to Zara for her Baftas bling earlier this year, letting her 18 cascading floral earrings (pictured) take centre stage.

While you may think that long earrings need to be balanced out by even longer hair, chandeliers are great at providing elongation to round faces, so dont be scared to wear with your hair up to show off them off to maximum effect.

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Gobstopper studs

Seen on Alessandra Richs SS24 catwalk, 1980s-style oversized studs have also enjoyed a revival of late thanks to The Crown  Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana wears numerous pairs of gigantesque gold and pearl studs, sourced from vintage jewellery haven Susan Caplan.

Their roundness is particularly good for balancing out square faces. The best bit? Even those with non-pierced ears can join in, as many giant studs are clip-on. Patricia Cobiella (patspats.org) handmakes hers from scratch, with prices starting from 80 and the option to choose a clip-on or pierced back.

Take your cue from Margot Robbie (pictured), the star of this years smash-hit Barbie, who paired her pearl studs with a matching multi-strand pearl choker for an 1980s homage thats decidedly 2023. Head to Zara and Mango for retro-inspired studs on the High Street.

Margot Robbie attends The European Premiere Of "Barbie" at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 12

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Cluster earrings

Consider this the least daunting approach to oversized earrings. If you usually wear diamond or pearl studs, a cluster style  which consists of several stones grouped together to make one bigger earring  provides a glamourous update.

Cara Delevingne (pictured) wore diamond clusters shaped into snake heads to this years Oscars, while Michelle Williams chose a more classic floral cluster for the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

If youre a necklace fan, clusters are a great option  theyre minimalist enough to stop them looking too much when worn together. Their comparative small size means they suit all face shapes, too. Tuck your hair behind your ears so they poke through and catch the light.

Caras earrings may have been Bulgari, but you neednt break the bank  Betty & Biddy have a pearl and diamond pair for 19.

Cara Delevingne attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12

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Mid-drop

The middle ground between giant studs and chandelier, mid-drops are generally tear-shaped. This makes them perfect for providing proportion to heart-shaped faces that have a wider forehead and narrower chin.

Generally not as heavy as their older sister the chandelier, they are an easy option for all-day wear. High-necked clothing and hair worn partially off the face allows them to be the focal point of an outfit, as shown by Rihanna (pictured), who complemented her polo-neck gown with brown and yellow diamond and emerald drop earrings at this years Oscars.

If you prefer a lower neckline, take a style note from Michelle Yeoh and complete your look with a necklace that matches your earrings, as she did with coordinating Cartier jewels at the Met Gala.

Rihanna attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California
Body positive blogger revealed she embraces her cellulite and never shies away from wearing swimsuits.

Merideth Morgan, from New York, who often shares body positive clip on social media took to her TikTok @meridethmorgan to share the a video of herself in a swimsuit.

The Instagram model, who described herself as 'curvy' and a US size 10 (UK 14), looked incredible in a blue bikini which featured cut out sides.

The clip, which racked up over 390,000 views, was captioned: 'Wear the damn suit, and jump in! #wearthebathingsuit #jump #jumpin #selflove #cellulite #thickthighs #bodypositivity #loveyourself'

The beauty oozed confidence as she stood at the back of a boat in the middle of the ocean and threw her hands in the air.

Merideth Morgan, from New York, revealed she embraces her cellulite and never shys away from wearing swimsuits

Self-love advocate Merideth beamed as she jumped into the sea in the viral clip.

Many rushed to the comments and praised the influencer for her positive message.

One person wrote: 'Good to see this being shared. Going to Greece in 17 days. I have the bikini but Im so worried about my cellulite. Thanks for sharing.

She replied: 'The easier it will get and the more youll worry less about it. Have the best time in Greece!!

Another said: 'I wish cellulite was normalized in society and not looked like as a flaw.'

Someone else wrote: 'I wish cellulite was normalized in society and not looked like as a flaw.'

While a fourth said: 'Nobody cares that you arent perfect. You are beautiful.'

To which she replied: 'No I am perfect just the way I am.'

The model, who described herself as 'curvy' and a US size 10 (UK 14), looked incredible in a blue bikini which featured cut out sides

Many rushed to the comments and praised the influencer for her positive message

On her website Merideth says she is a 'body positive advocate' and her mission is to 'shed light on what its like to be a curvy woman.'

She added:'I show women how glorious it is to love your body wholeheartedly, no matter what size you are.'

Similarly, another body positivity influencer recently said she now refuses to cover up on holiday, saying she's striking back and getting 'sassy' with those who stare at her bikini body.

British 'body acceptance' model Lauren Edge, 33, took to TikTok to explain that she was no longer hiding her size 16 figure from the world, but instead would be proudly displaying it in a bikini this summer.

The wife and mother-of-three posted a video showing how she previously concealed her bikini-clad body to please inquisitive stares. While in the next clip, she said she now 'stares back' so haters can feel as 'uncomfortable' as they once made her.

British 'body acceptance' model Lauren Edge, 33, took to TikTok to show off her size 16 curves while also striking back at the haters who, she says, stare at her

The wife and mother-of-three explained that she was no longer hiding her size 16 figure from the world, but instead would be proudly displaying it in a bikini this summer

People praised her fearless spirit saying she looked 'beautiful', while one person suggested the awkward looks were provoked by secret admiration.

Alongside the video, Lauren wrote: 'I can't stand people who stare. I love getting sassy with them!'

The clip opens up with Lauren sitting poolside while dressed in a stunning floral two-piece as she huddles up under what appears to be an extra-large towel.

She looks timid and stares away from the camera, before adding: 'How I used to act when people stared at me in a bikini'.

In the next scene, a bolder Lauren emerges and we see the content creator step out of her chair and proudly model her full figure while staring directly into the camera.

'I stare back at them to make them feel as uncomfortable as they've tried to make me. They always look away' she explained.
The granddaughter of a German businessman who was kidnapped and killed by the IRA 50 years ago has revealed her fear that she would not reach the age of 40 after the tragedy sent shockwaves through her family and had devastating consequences.

Tanya Williams-Powell is the granddaughter of Thomas Niedermayer who was kidnapped in 1973 from his home in West Belfast.

A new film investigating what happened to Thomas suggests the man behind the kidnapping was senior IRA commander Brian Keenan, who died in 2008. Following his abduction Thomas was never seen again, and is widely presumed to have been bludgeoned to death when he tried to flee his captors.

Face Down: The Disappearance of Thomas Niedermayer, which aired on RTE in Ireland this week, investigates further tragedies that plagued Thomas's family as they struggled to cope with the trauma of losing him, including his wife and daughter's suicide, and the tragic death of his other daughter.

Speaking half a century on from her grandfather's kidnapping, from her home in the UK, Tanya told the documentary she couldn't believe she reached her 40th birthday after losing so many members of her family at young ages.

Tanya Williams-Powell, who now lives in the UK and has children of her own, reveals in Face Down how the kidnapping of her grandfather Thomas Niedermayer affected her family for generations

Thomas was living in a bungalow in west Belfast with his wife Ingeborg and two daughters, Renate and Gabriele, when he was taken from his home by militants on December 27, 1973.

Ingeborg was in hospital at the time, meaning Thomas was at home with the two teenage girls, who answered the door to the militants and witnessed their father being forced out of his home.

As reported by the Irish Times, the film alleges they were acting on behalf of Keenan, in the first of what became a spate of abductions across the city as the IRA ramped up its campaign.

Thomas Niedermayer was a German businessman living in west Belfast who was kidnapped from his home by the IRA in 1973. His body was found seven years later

Ingeborg Niedermayer, pictured at her husband's funeral in 1980, took her own life 17 years after Thomas's kidnapping

It has long been suspected that former IRA commander Brian Keenan, who died in 2008, was behind Niedermayer's kidnapping

The most widely accepted theory about his fate is that he was bludgeoned to death when he tried to escape his captors, who later buried in remote woodland.

For the best part of a decade, Thomas's kidnappers did not reveal where they had buried his body or how he had come to die. But in 1980, the businessman's remains were discovered by the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

He was face down in a rubbish dump close to his home, with his hands tied and he had been gagged. A postmortem examination concluded he had died from trauma to the head after being hit with a handgun.

After his body was finally discovered, a funeral was held for Thomas in Dunmurry where he was laid to rest in the church's graveyard.

The Irish Independent reports that during the service, the priest praised Ingeborg for how she had 'come through the sorrow and the suffering with great dignity'.

Following the funeral, Ingebord returned to Germany. But in 1990, she booked a flight back to Ireland and checked herself into a hotel in Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Days later, she took her own life by walking into the sea.

The couple's daughters also came to a tragic end, with Renata dying from complications associated with bulimia, while Gabriele, who was Tanya Williams-Powell's mother, also killed herself. Gabriele's husband, and Tanya's father, took his own life following his wife's death.

In the film, Tanya and her sister Rachel discussed how they have coped following the kidnapping of their grandfather and the suicides of both their parents and grandmother.

While Tanya lives in the UK now, Rachel revealed she moved to Australia to get away from the trauma of being at home following so much tragedy.

She told the film: 'I came to Australia to escape everything that happened to us.'

Tanya, meanwhile, is now a mother herself and living in the UK. She told the documentary that, when she reached her 40th birthday, she was relieved - because none of the elders in her family have ever reached their senior years.

'I enjoy life now. Being a mother is just wonderful,' she said. 'I could have allowed myself to fall back into that dark place. I've managed to get out of it.'

They revealed they did not know about their family's troubled past until their parents died by suicide.

Following the deaths of their mother and father, the sisters discovered a box filled with Irish newspaper clippings from the 1970s, which helped them piece together their family history.

Earlier this year, ahead of the release of the film, Tanya reflected on her grandfather's kidnapping and killing and the lasting affect it has had on her family.

She said: 'And I recall seeing Inge when I was young, and all I saw of her was a very small, sad person who hadn't got over what had happened, and it seemed to just weigh her down all the time.'

Tanya also revealed she saw the impact her grandfather's death had had on her mother Gabriele and aunt Renate, who never forgave themselves for answering the front door to the men who would go on to kidnap him.

'The guilt that they felt and they couldn't really talk to each other,' she said.

'That seemed, particularly with my mum, to overshadow her entire life. I think mental health issues particularly back then was even more taboo than it still is now. It was all swept under the carpet.'

If you are struggling with your mental health, you can contact the Samaritans helpline 24/7 on 116 123
Count Nikolai of Monpezat may have joined his aunt Princess Mary and cousins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine as they visited Sydney in whirlwind trip this week.

Australian-born Mary, 51, travelled to Sydney with her 12-year-old twins last week, with a photo of the trio climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge emerging online.

In a now deleted post for the Bridge Climb Instagram page, the future queen of Denmark smiles in delight as she joins her two youngest children.

And now it appears Nikolai, 24, who is currently studying at University of Technology Sydney, joined his family putting aside any tension in the embattled royal family.

Nikolai, alongside his siblings, was stripped of his prince title by his grandmother Queen Margrethe earlier this year.

Count Nikolai of Monpezat may have joined his aunt Princess Mary and cousins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine as they visited Sydney in whirlwind trip this week (he is pictured at Sydney Bridge Climb this week)

Princess Mary and her twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent looked happy at the top of the bridge

But it seems the student has no ill will towards the family, as he enjoyed a Bridge Climb this week.

Speaking last month, Nikolai said he's excited to 'chart his own course' after being stripped of his royal title last year - but will 'still be there' for his closest cousin and future king, Prince Christian.

The royal opened up about what the future holds after making the move to Australia this summer, in an interview with Wish Magazine.

He travelled Down Under to study on exchange at University of Technology Sydney for a semester, accompanied by his glamorous designer girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup.

However, despite tensions in the family last year - when Queen Margrethe stripped Prince Joachim's four children of their prince and princess titles - it would appear Nikolai holds no bitterness towards his grandmother.

The count told the outlet he's 'blessed to be in a position' where he can decide his own path and expressed his fondness for the future king - Prince Christian, who had just turned 18.

'They are really cool and I love how expressive young guys are here. Their style is just so relaxed and nonchalant. I love how they walk around barefoot sometimes  not that I ever would  or just in their thongs.'

He explained he had a very 'conservative clothing style' growing up - but has been 'keen to explore more' of his fashion.

Crown Princess Mary appeared to shed a tear at Queenstown airport on Thursday as she and her husband bid farewell to friends on the tarmac

The appearance comes as Crown Princess Mary appeared to shed a tear at Queenstown airport as she and her husband bid farewell to friends on the tarmac.

The royal couple were departing for Brisbane to continue their family holiday on Thursday after just four days in the adventure capital of New Zealand with their three youngest children.

Crown Prince Frederik, 55, grinned and embraced airport staff, while Mary said an emotional goodbye to a male friend after making a cryptic Christmas post about loneliness on the website of her foundation.

Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, both 12, and Princess Isabella, 16, waited patiently for their parents to finish their farewells and check in for the next leg of their trip.

The holiday started early for Mary and the twins who arrived in Australia on December 6 to see family and even climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

They then crossed the ditch in a private plane where they were reunited with the Crown Prince and Princess Isabella for a much needed escape from the spotlight.

The Prince and his Australian Princess have been rocked by rumours of infidelity since November - placing their 'fairytale romance' under the microscope.

Princess Mary has shared a cryptic post about loneliness and the need for positive human connection ahead of Christmas

The rumours began when Prince Frederik was photographed enjoying a night out in Spain with his friend Genoveva Casanova without his wife.

Before the family's flight from New Zealand Princess Mary shared a cryptic post about loneliness and the need for positive human connection ahead of Christmas.

In the letter posted on the Mary Foundation website, the future queen reflected on the past year - and said she felt it was shorter than previous years.

'And at the same time, so much has happened that it is impossible to put it all into words,' she continued.

An excerpt shared on the official Instagram of the Danish Royal House had some speculating the princess was using her foundation to hint at the affair rumours.

'We need each other if we are to succeed.' And that's not only true in the working world and for those of us who are working to combat social isolation,' it read.

'This is true for all of us. Humans need humans.'

The post and powerful words were pictured alongside a gorgeous picture of the royal in the snow.

She wore a purple jacket beneath a warm woolen wrap and gave a soft smile toward the camera.

Her trip came after rumours of the prince having an affair with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova rocked the Danish Royal Household

'The Danish royal family are lucky to have you. I hope your husband realises he has embarrassed you and his children immeasurably. You will make a fine queen,' one fan commented.

Another wrote: 'I think this is a sad year for Mary, her husband's (alleged) betrayal and it's public. What a brave woman, she can handle anything. I just adore her.'

Some came to the defence of the royals calling for people to stop talking about the alleged affair.

But these people were often slammed by others.

'Have you seen the movie from that morning, where he walks around the city with his suitcase and no PET - standing at a public bus shed waiting to be picked up. He has made himself, Mary and many others a laughing stock! It is naive to remain believing he is completely innocent,' one woman wrote.

She said it doesn't matter if there was an affair - the fact he was in Spain with another woman was enough.

Others simply thanked her for her seasonal greeting.

'You are so wonderful, our beautiful Crown Princess,' one fan wrote - echoing the sentiment of dozens of others.

Princess Mary touched down in New Zealand on December 18 - where she was met by Prince Frederik and their eldest daughter Isabella.

The Crown Princess had arrived in Australia 12 days earlier alongside her twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.

The party of three were pictured atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but the photograph taken of every climber was quickly removed from the tour company's Instagram account.
Mike Tindall has cheekily revealed he calls Prince William One Pint Willy because he is not the best of drinkers and it's not the only affectionate nickname circulating in the Royal Family.

If the rumours are true some bizarre and rather unexpected nicknames include the late Queen Elizabeth being called 'Gary' and Prince George dubbed 'P.G Tips'.

Another more flattering moniker for the Prince of Wales is 'Big Willy', which was apparently Kate's name for her husband when they were in the first flush of romance in the early 2000s.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry's memoir Spare revealed how he used to call his brother Willy, when the pair were on speaking terms, while his sibling dubbed him Harold.

Here, Femail reveals some of the other nicknames favoured by the Windsors behind closed doors.

Prince William

Prince William has been dubbed 'One Pint Willy' by Mike Tindall, who is married to his cousin Zara

Nicknames started for the Prince of Wales at the age of two, as he recalls his mother, Princess Diana, calling him 'wombat' on a family trip to Australia.

In 2007, he told NBC's Matt Lauer: 'When we went to Australia with our parents, and the wombat, that's the local animal. So, I just basically got called that. Not because I look like a wombat, or maybe I do.'

According to royal sources, when William and Kate were in the first flushes of romance back in 2001, the future King, 36, was nicknamed 'Big Willy' by his wife-to-be.

But as their relationship has progressed to marriage, their nicknames for each other have gotten even more hilarious.

Kate's pet name for her husband appears to now be 'Prince Baldy' - referring to his thinning crown.

In Harry's book, Spare, it was revealed that the brothers called each other 'Willy' and 'Harold'.

Harry's nickname for William cropped up in the book just before the pair had a 'fight' and William went to get a glass of water in the kitchen. Harry said: 'Willy, I can't speak to you when you're like this.'

Mike Tindall has also revealed he calls Prince William One Pint Willy because he is not the best of drinkers.

The ex-England rugby star and his wife Zara made the revelations in a special podcast with rugby league legend Rob Burrow, who is battling motor neurone disease.

Asked by Burrow if he has any nicknames for any of the royals, Mike says: For the Prince of Wales, he is known as One Pint Willy.

He is known to me as One Pint Willy because he is not the best of drinkers, coming from a sport where it is built on the social aspect and a couple of beers being sunk quite often. That is one I will give away for the Prince of Wales.

Zara can be heard laughing before saying: Oh my god. You are in so much trouble.

Kate, Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales also revealed that she nicknamed 'squeak' when she visited her old school, St Andrew's School in Berkshire.

She said: 'I was nicknamed Squeak just like my guinea pig.

'There was one called Pip and one called Squeak because my sister was called Pippa and I was Squeak.'

Kate herself has revealed her own childhood nickname, which was Squeak

Queen Elizabeth

The late Queen, 92, has perhaps the most unlikely name; with Prince William calling her 'Gary' when he couldn't pronounce grandma as a youngster. The hard-to-believe nickname has apparently stuck.

Prince George had a very sweet term of endearment for his great-grandmother - he referred to her as 'Gan-Gan' when he struggled to pronounce the word grandma.

One of the most well-known names that people close to the Queen called her was Lilibet

Prince Philip had one of the most adorable nicknames for the late Queen. He used to regularly call her 'cabbage', which was confirmed by the Queen's biographer Robert Lacey.

The name was used in a 2006 film called 'The Queen', where a scene showed Prince Philip getting into bed and saying 'Move over, cabbage.'

But one of the most well-known names that people close to the Queen called her was Lilibet, which came about when the Queen could not pronounce her own name as a child.

The name then caught on, with even her late husband The Duke of Edinburgh calling her Lilibet, with the The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also naming their daughter Lilibet.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte

While the couple already have nicknames for Prince George too; when she was pregnant Kate referred to him as 'our little grape' while the five-year-old is now occasionally known as PG Tips or just 'Tips' after the brand of tea.

In 2019, Prince George took control of his own nickname, telling a passer-by his name was 'Archie'.

The young prince was walking with his grandmother, Carole Middleton, near her home in Berkshire, when he struck up a conversation with a stranger.

Prince George is called PG by his parents, apparently, which has evolved into PG Tips, after the tea, and is sometimes shortened to just 'Tips'. Kate revealed in 2019 that she calls her only daughter, Princess Charlotte, Lottie

The then-five-year-old started talking to the woman while stroking her dog after playing with his younger sister, Charlotte, in a stream.

Kate revealed in 2019 that she calls her only daughter, Princess Charlotte, Lottie. This was revealed when the Princess of Wales struck up a conversation with blogger Laura-Ann and she did not refer to her daughter as 'Charlotte' in the conversation, but Lottie.

Prince Louis

Five-year-old Prince Louis' nicknames 'Poppet' and 'Lou Bug' were revealed on an outing to Slough in May 2023

The Princess of Wales revealed an affectionate nickname for her youngest son during The Big Help Out, which was part of King Charles' Coronation celebrations.

Kate brought her children along to help renovate a building in Slough for the local Scouts.

And as he put his best foot forward to help out with the arduous tasks at hand, Kate, 41, praised her 'poppet's' hard work.

Elsewhere, she was heard lovingly calling her little one 'Lou bug'.

King Charles and Queen Camilla

Every couple has pet names for each other and the King and Queen Consort are no different.

Fans of the Crown may remember scenes where Charles used to call Camilla 'Gladys' and Camilla called Charles 'Fred'.

Its is thought these pet names were inspired from 'The Goon Show' on BBC radio and apparently predated Charles's relationship with Diana as the pair used them when they dated in their early twenties.

Fans of the Crown may remember scenes where Charles used to call Camilla 'Gladys' and Camilla called Charles 'Fred'

The names Fred and Gladys are thought to be inspired from 'The Goon Show' on BBC radio

Just before her wedding to Charles, Diana found a gold bracelet on Michael Colborne's desk (Charles's private secretary) which had 'G' and 'F' engraved on it, thought to stand for 'Gladys' and 'Fred'.

But there is some dispute about this as journalist Jonathan Dimbleby who wrote Prince of Wales: A Biography and also conducted the interview where Charles admitted to cheating on Diana said that the initials on the infamous bracelet stood for 'Girl Friday'.

This was another nickname that Charles had for Camilla based on the film 'His Girl Friday', which is about a man who tries to win back his ex-wife when he finds out that she is due to marry another man.

Harry and Meghan - Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle has been reportedly called 'Tungsten' by her father-in-law, King Charles, in reference to the strong metal. He apparently given the Duchess of Sussex the name based on her 'toughness'.

Meghan revealed on her blog, The Tig, that her mother has called her 'Flower' ever since she was a child.

Prince Harry was dubbed 'Flash' in his wilder days, thought to be a reference to fictional army lothario Harry Flashman.

Meghan Markle has been reportedly called 'Tungsten' by her father-in-law, King Charles, in reference to the strong metal

Prince Harry had his own Facebook account using the pseudonym 'Spike Wells', where he had more than 400 friends

Other, more endearing names for Harry include 'Potter', after J K Rowling's boy wizard and 'Gromit', referring to Nick Park's animated canine creation.

As mentioned before, Prince William called his brother 'Harold' during a fight the pair had that Harry wrote about in his book, Spare.

In the book, William is quoted saying 'I didn't attack you, Harold' when confronted by Harry.

Other nicknames for Prince Harry include 'Baz, Spike, Bazzarooni'.

The woman who took Harry's virginity Sasha Walpole, came forward and said that the Prince gifted her a Miss Piggy funfair toy and a birthday card signed 'Baz' - which is what some of his friends called him in his younger days.

The Mirror reports that Prince Harry had his own Facebook account using the pseudonym 'Spike Wells', where he had more than 400 friends.

It is said that this nickname came from those closest to him due to his spiky hairstyle.

Zara Tindall

Zara Tindall has revealed that she and her husband Mike call each other 'Munchkins' a lot

During their podcast interview with Rob Burrow, he also quizzed the Tindalls on whether they have any pet names for each other.

Mike says: We basically call each other "Munchkins" a lot. I dont know why that started but it has stuck.

I will let Zara decide whether she wants to give away what I am down in her phone as...

Zara replies: He is in my phone as something else and it ends with kitten.

Prince Philip

Adrian Tinniswood said only a select few in the household - as well as his nearest and dearest - knew about the acronym. Prince Philip pictured in 2010

The royal was known to affectionately call his wife 'cabbage' and sausage' - but the late Duke of Edinburgh also had a humorous nickname used by those close to him.

Speaking to the Mirror, a royal historian revealed that many would often call him 'P.P' in private - short for Prince Philip.

Adrian Tinniswood said only a select few in the household - as well as his nearest and dearest - knew about the acronym.

Princess Beatrice

Princess Beatrice (pictured in 2011) has a very sweet nickname from none other than her little sister Eugenie

Princess Beatrice has a very sweet nickname from none other than her little sister Eugenie.

The moniker emerged in birthday posts Eugenie has written for her 'dear Beabea' on Instagram.

'You have been bossing it since before I was born and continue to be the most wonderful person, friend and big sister' she penned in a message from 2018.

'Happy Birthday to you Beabea!!'

Princess Eugenie

Speaking to British Vogue in 2018, Beatrice was full of praise for 'Euge'. Her mother has also affectionately called her daughter 'Eugie' before. Pictured in March 2022

In typical sister fashion, it would appear that Beatrice too has a nickname for her younger sibling.

Speaking to British Vogue in 2018, Beatrice was full of praise for 'Euge'.

Her mother has also affectionately called her daughter 'Eugie' before.

Sarah Ferguson

Speaking on Loose Women in April, Sarah Ferguson revealed her grandchildren's adorable nickname for her

Earlier this year, the mother of Princess Beatrice and Eugenie also revealed her grandchildren's adorable nickname for her - and gushed that she loves being a grandmother.

Speaking on Loose Women in April, Sarah Ferguson said: 'It really annoys me though, is that "oh you're a granny now, you're a mummy now".

'I say, no I'm a woman, I'm strong, I've got a voice and I'm an author. I'm starting a new job - and also I am a new grandma and I am a mum.

'But actually they call me Gigi... like the film.'

Sarah, who is commonly affectionally called 'Fergie' also shared an Easter basket, adorned with bells and other trinkets, which she says signal to her grandchildren that she has arrived.

'They hear me coming,' she said. '"Gigi coming, Gigi coming".'

Prince Edward, The Duke of Kent

The Duke of Kent was always close to the Queen. The pair were described as 'whisper-close' confidants. Above: The Duke on Buckingham Palace's balcony in 2022

The late Queen's cousin is, to honour his lifetime of duty and devotion, thought to be dubbed 'steady Eddie' by his family.

He has largely stayed away from controversy, instead doing his best to live up to the moniker.

The Duke, a cousin to both the late monarch and Prince Philip, was among those who walked behind Elizabeth II's coffin as it was carried to Westminster Abbey.

Princess Margaret

According to a 1953 article from woman&home , the story behind the sweet title comes from the monarch's struggles with her name when he was little. Princess Margaret pictured in 1996

As can be heard in season four of The Crown, King Charles had a unique nickname for his late aunt - 'Margot'.

According to a 1953 article from woman&home, the story behind the sweet title comes from the monarch's struggles with her name when he was little.

Royal author Marguerite D. Peacocke wrote: 'Princess Margaret... was such an extremely young aunt when Prince Charles was born that he was never taught to call her "Auntie". It was taken for granted that he would use her Christian name.

'But like most children just beginning to talk he found "r's" rather a problem and therefore invented his own private version which was interpreted as "Margot".'
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway missed out on this year's royal Christmas photo after getting covid, the family's Instagram account has revealed.

The wife of Crown Prince Haakon, 50, was notably absent from a festive portrait shared by Det Norske Kongehuset earlier today.

The picture, taken at Kongssetra at Voksenkollen in Oslo, showed King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway with their son and grandchildren.

'Merry Christmas to everyone from the Royal Family,' the caption read.

'Unfortunately, the Crown Princess couldn't attend due to covid.'

The wife of Crown Prince Haakon, 50, was notably absent from a festive portrait shared by Det Norske Kongehuset earlier today

Mette-Marit was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. The disease, which has no known cure, causes breathing problems as scar tissue forms on the lungs, and has forced her to slow down her hectic schedule of royal duties.

In the photo, the monarch and his wife, both 86, are seated on cosy chairs by an ornate fireplace, which is adorned with Christmas decorations.

Meanwhile, Haakon, 50, and his kids are stood behind them.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 19, opted for a sophisticated and elegant cream blazer and black top, which she teamed witch charcoal grey trousers.

The young royal kept her chestnut tresses in a relaxed style as she stood next to her brother.

Prince Sverre Magnus, 18, looked smart in a black suit, worn with a mauve tie.

The Queen oozed elegance in an ivory dress, decorated with statement red jewellery - perfect for the holiday season.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway (pictured in October) missed out on this year's royal Christmas photo after getting covid, the family's Instagram account has revealed

The comments were full of fans sending Mette-Marit their best wishes and speedy recovery this holiday season

She also accessorised with coral slingback heels. Elsewhere, her husband and son both opted for chic black suits and scarlet ties.

The comments were full of fans sending Mette-Marit their best wishes.

'A lovely photo. Missing the Crown Princess and wishing her a speedy recovery,' one wrote.

'Our great, dear Royal Family, Am so proud of them, and sending Crown Princess Mette Marit warm thoughts and a speedy recovery,' a second penned. 'Wishing them a happy and blessed Christmas holiday.'

'A really Merry Christmas to everyone,' another expressed. 'And a speedy recovery to Mette Marit.'

In 2019, Metter-Marit spoke candidly about how the disease has changed her life.

She told German TV that the life-limiting condition causes her to become 'exhausted faster than before'.

The Norwegian royal was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis, just months after revealing that she was suffering from debilitating vertigo.

According to Royal Central, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is using medication to aid her in keeping track of the disease.

She reportedly knew about her rare lung disease 'for quite some time', before going public.

'I can decide more about my everyday life and I realise how good it is to me. I can just go for a walk and have more time to read, life has slowed down,' she told an interviewer.

Earlier this month, the Norwegian royal family released a new portrait ahead of Prince Sverre Magnus's 18th birthday - which was on December 3.

The Norwegian royals rang in celebrations slightly early by posing together for the stunning new portrait in Oslo.

Celebrating with the prince was his father and heir apparent to the Norwegian throne, Haakon and his wife both stood alongside the prince's only sibling, Ingrid Alexandra.

Mette-Marit pictured with her husband Prince Haakon, right, and son Prince Sverre Magnus, centre, in May

Also featured in the glittering snaps was his grandfather and king of Norway, Harald, along with his wife and the prince's grandmother Sonja.

Meanwhile Mette-Marit's mother Marit Tjessem - who recently mourned the loss of her long-time partner Magnar Alfred Fjeldvr - also appeared in the commemorative snaps.

The glowing prince - who is third in line to the Norwegian throne - appeared in the cheeriest of spirits while sporting traditional dress, which he teamed with a pair of black loafers adorned with a sparkling buckle.

Much of the family donned custom fits, with the exception of King Harald who wore a dapper navy blue suit, complete with a multi-blue striped tie and black leather loafers.

The monarch was positioned in the centre of his family, while both his wife and daughter were sat on either side of him.

The camera captured the family in their most happiest of elements, with the prince even posing for a few of the photos while crouched on bended knee.
To afford their Chicago mansion in 1990, they'd have to earn $305,000 a year

Now, fans are finally discovering how rich the McCallisters are

Home Alone is still a holiday classic - even 33 years after it premiered

Decades after Kevin McCallister outwitted the Wet Bandits in Home Alone, fans are finally getting an answer as to how rich the family really is in order to afford their sprawling mansion and a first class trip to Paris.

It's been 33 years since the film came out and fans have yet to get enough of Kevin's - who is played by Macaulay Culkin and was recently awarded with a Hollywood Star of Fame - mischievous nature.

Each year families gather around their TV to watch Home Alone - and while Kevin's battle with Marv and Harry never gets old - fans can't help but to focus on the McCallister's grand home where the eight-year-old defeated the thieves.

Now, movie lovers are finally discovering how the family was able to afford their lavish Chicago lifestyle as its been revealed that the McCallister family is in the top one per cent of earners.

Decades after Kevin McCallister outwitted the Wet Bandits in Home Alone, fans are finally getting an answer as to how rich the family really is in order to afford their sprawling mansion

It's been 33 years since the film came out and fans have yet to get enough of Kevin's - who is played by Macaulay Culkin - mischievous nature

Each year families gather around their TV to watch Home Alone - and while Kevin's battle with Marv and Harry never gets old - fans can't help but to focus on the McCallister's grand home

After fans couldn't stop wondering what Kevin's parents, Kate and Peter, did for a living - The New York Times took a deep dive into the family's finances, calculating how much they would have had to make in order to afford their rather lavish lifestyle.

The outlet enlisted the help of multiple economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, who crunched the numbers and examined the house's property value in 1990.

According to The Fed, the McCallisters were in the top one per cent.

To afford their lavish lifestyle, which saw them owning a grand home and splashing out cash on vacations, Peter and Kate would have had to make at least $305,000 a year in 1990  or about $665,000 in 2022.

A Zillow estimate valued the expansive home at about $2.4 million in 2022. According to Realtor.com the neighborhood the home sits in is one of the most expensive areas to live in the country.

And while it comes as no surprise that the McCallister family is wealthy, fans are still wondering how the parents made their income.

According to the Home Alone novelization, written by Todd Strasser, it has been suggested that Kate is a fashion designer and Peter is a businessman.

No matter their jobs, movie lovers are still swooning over their grand home 33 years later.

Now, movie lovers are finally discovering how the family was able to afford their lavish Chicago lifestyle as its been revealed that the McCallister family is in the top one per cent of people

To afford their lavish lifestyle and their enormous home, Peter and Kate would have had to make at least $305,000 a year in 1990  or about $665,000 in 2022

A Zillow estimate valued the expansive home at about $2.4 million in 2022. According to Realtor.com the neighborhood the home sits in is one of the most expensive areas to live

And now, fans can even get a chance to spend a few days in the lavish mansion.

The real-life Chicago home will soon be available to rent on Airbnb, with the listing revealing Kevin's older brother Buzz McCallister as the 'host'.

Buzz writes: 'You may not remember me as particularly accommodating, but Ive grown up, and Id be happy to share my family home  my pizza, even  with you this holiday season. Just try not to let my tarantula, Axl, loose this time.

'We may all be older and wiser now, but were never too old for holiday hijinks. So, this year, spend the holidays not-so-home-alone at my parents house.

'This holiday season, were playing by my little bros rules, so feel free to eat junk food, watch rubbish on TV, borrow my dads aftershave and choose your own adventure with a legendary battle plan as a guide. Just stay out of my room, okay?'

The privately owned property is located at 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, a 30-minute drive from Chicago, Illinois - where the film is set.

It was handpicked by the production team behind the 1990 flick, which starred Macaulay as a boy who cleverly fends off a pair of burglars when his parents jet off to spend Christmas in Paris - accidentally leaving him behind.

The real-life Chicago home will soon be available to rent on Airbnb , with the listing revealing Kevin's older brother Buzz McCallister as the 'host'

The privately owned property is located at 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, a 30-minute drive from Chicago, Illinois - where the film is set

This month, the stunning New York City townhouse where Kevin outwitted the Wet Bandits in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York hit the market for $6.7 million  right in time for the holidays.

The Upper West Side brownstone located at 51 West 95th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue is owned by the prankster's Uncle Rob McCallister in the 1992 holiday film.

The address is the same one that is given in the sequel, although the actual filming was done on Brownstone Street at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

The real-life property that is for sale boasts four bedrooms and four and a half baths, according to the listing on Zillow.
A teacher has revealed the hilarious gift suggestions his seventh grade students offered up for people in their 30s - from 'candles' to 'hip implants.'

Shane Frakes is a California-based educator who shares comedic stories from his classroom on TikTok, where he boasts over 118,000 followers.

Most recently, the seventh grade teacher took to the video-sharing platform to spread from holiday cheer by sharing what his students really think millennials want for Christmas.

In a viral clip, which has so far amassed over 2.1 million views, he left viewers jaw-drooped and in a fit of giggles after sharing that the 13 year-olds think people in their 30s should be gifted 'divorce lawyers', 'wine,' and 'Bingo cards.'

Shane Frakes is a California-based educator who shares comedic stories from his classroom on TikTok , where he boasts over 118,000 followers

He has revealed the hilarious gift suggestions his seventh grade students offered up from people in their 30s - from 'Bingo cards' to 'hip implants'

In a viral clip, which has so far amassed over 2.1 million views, he left viewers jaw-drooped and in a fit of giggles after sharing that the 13 year-olds think people in their 30s should be gifted

He captioned the video: 'It's me. Im 30s'

At the start of the clip, Mr. Frakes said: 'I asked my students: "What do you buy someone in their 30s for the holidays?"'

He then showed a series of sticky notes that his students had written. The first note read: 'Measuring cups,'

It was followed by suggestions for 'signs that say, "Bless this home,"' 'hard candies,' and 'Bingo cards.'

According to the seventh graders, millennials should also be gifted 'Panera gift cards' because they 'love soup', and candles that smell like 'home or back then.'

The students also tapped into 30 year old's love of coffee and noted that the perfect gift would be a mug that says, 'Don't talk to me until I have had my coffee.'

Clearly the seventh graders thought that people in their 30s are very old as they recommended purchasing them a heated blanket because their 'muscles be hurtin.'

Someone else claimed people in their 30s needed 'wine and hip implants.'

At the start of the clip, Mr. Frakes said: 'I asked my students: "What do you buy someone in their 30s for the holidays?"'

Students suggested gifting them coffee mugs and home decor

Millennials flooded the comments section and expressed their shock at how old the students thought they were.

Other suggestions included 'expensive meats', 'Candy Crush premium', 'wrinkle cream', and a 'Dyson vacuum.'

One student took it to the next level by suggesting that they should be gifted a 'lawyer for the divorce attorney.'

Millennials flooded the comments section and expressed their shock at how old the students thought they were.

One person said: 'Brutal. I would be scared to hear what they would say over 50. A grave?'

Someone else added: 'Some of those kids woke up & chose violence lol.'

Another user wrote: 'This is hilarious.'

One user added: 'Why is no one talking about the one with the hip implants?! Excuse me?'

However, other people on the web claimed the students were accurate in their suggestions

However, other people on the web claimed the students were accurate in their suggestions.

One person said: 'But are they wrong? Because I honestly love soup and candles. I'm 36.'

Someone else commented: 'The heated blanket is a win because my muscles do be hurtin.'

'Idk if my feelings are hurt cuz they suggested those things or because theyre all true,' another user wrote.

'They're not wrong,' said someone else.
Queen Letizia's ex brother-in-law appeared to double down on sensational claims that he had a relationship with the royal, 51, before and after her marriage to King Felipe.

Businessman Jaime Del Burgo - who went on to marry Letizia's sister, Telma Ortiz, who he is now separated from - in a recent social media post cryptically insisted that 'the truth will come out'.

Writing on X, he also remarked that 'Spaniards have the right to know who represents us by inheritance or election, what is behind the spotlight, the staging and the performance'.

In his elusive message, Del Burgo also referenced the Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution - which prevents a President from being elected more than twice - and painter Francisco de Goya, who is known for his works depicting the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Spain, and especially the Peninsular War.

Del Burgo encouraged people to 'firmly limit the scope of the expansive and suffocating power' - otherwise he warned we will 'continue to be slaves, and most of us without knowing it', tagging both the Royal Family and Spanish president Pedro Sanchez in the post.

Queen Letizia's ex brother-in-law appeared to double down on sensational claims that he had a relationship with the royal, 51, before and after her marriage to King Felipe. Letizia and Felipe pictured together last month

He concluded that people will be 'sheep' being 'entertained' - until they 'wake up'.

The post, from December 16, also included a photo of a book titled 'El valor de la verdad' - meaning 'The Value of Truth' - by Maria Jose Frapolli and Juan A. Nicolas.

The Spanish Royal Family have been rocked by the shocking accusations of an affair. The Spanish court has repeatedly refused to comment on the allegations.

Meanwhile, last week, the former King of Spain was accused of playing a part in 'stirring up' rumours about the alleged affair between Queen Letizia and her former brother-in-law.

A veteran Spanish journalist accused supporters of Juan Carlos, who has been all-but frozen out of the royal family, of whipping up a 'campaign' against his son Felipe.

Referring to the claims, popular radio host Federico Jimenez Losantos said: 'It's the 'nth' campaign orchestrated against Felipe VI,' before adding: 'It is Juan Carlos's circles who are stirring it up.'

Juan Carlos reigned as King of Spain from 1975 to 2014 when he abdicated in favour of his son.

The official reason was given as his age but a string of controversies ensued and there have been suggestions that he was pressured to give up the throne to protect the institution.

Jaime Del Burgo and his ex-wife Telma Ortiz seen in 2012 before their wedding. The couple split in 2014

The corruption scandals he has been caught up in since he handed over to King Felipe VI, whose wife Letizia is a former journalist, have left his reputation in tatters.

He now lives in Abu Dhabi and Spanish outlets have quoted sources close to the former monarch saying he is upset at being cast out by his family.

Now the latest rumours have plunged the Spanish monarchy into yet another scandal.

Del Burgo, 53, currently based in the UK, recently contributed to a tell-all book about the 51-year-old Spanish royal, Letizia y Yo (Letizia and I).

In it, he claims he and Letizia were dating when she met Felipe and were still romantically involved after her 2004 wedding to the Spanish King.

Following the bombshell claims, the entrepreneur shared a selfie the Queen took in a mirror during one of her pregnancies as 'evidence' of their relationship.

In the selfie, the royal can be seen wearing a black pashmina - which Del Burgo claims belonged to him - and he also typed out a message in his social media post, supposedly sent to him by Letizia.

Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain, pictured attending a charity meeting on December 13

A veteran Spanish journalist has accused supporters of the former king, Juan Carlos I (pictured) of whipping up the damaging allegations

It read: 'Love. I wear your pashmina. It's like feeling you by my side. It takes care of me. It protects me. I count the hours until we see each other again. Love you. Get out of here. Yours,'

Spanish media have reported other messages he supposedly posted on X, which the entrepreneur is understood to have removed shortly after he published them, that pointed to them having a secret affair after Letizia married Felipe.

After sharing the selfie, other X users questioned the validity of Del Burgo's claims - given there is no evidence that Letizia sent him the photo or accompanying message.

Del Burgo's tweet, and the others alluded to by some Spanish media, followed the publication of a bombshell book by veteran journalist and author Jaime Penafiel called 'Letizia y Yo' - Spanish for 'Letizia and I'.

TIMELINE OF JAIME'S CLAIMS ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SPAIN'S ROYAL FAMILY Pre-2000 - Letizia Ortiz, who was a newsreader at the time, meets Jaime del Burgo - the son of a politician - and the pair start dating

- Letizia Ortiz, who was a newsreader at the time, meets Jaime del Burgo - the son of a politician - and the pair start dating 2001 - Letizia and King Felipe meet on the site of a oil spillage. Jaime claims he was planning to propose when she told him about her new royal romance

- Letizia and King Felipe meet on the site of a oil spillage. Jaime claims he was planning to propose when she told him about her new royal romance 2003 - Letizia and Felipe announce engagement.

- Letizia and Felipe announce engagement. 2004 - the couple marry at Almudena Cathedral in Madrid. Jaime claims he was asked to be a witness during the ceremony

- the couple marry at Almudena Cathedral in Madrid. Jaime claims he was asked to be a witness during the ceremony 2005 - the couple welcome Princess Leonor

February 2007 - Letizia's sister Erika suddenly passes away

- Letizia's sister Erika suddenly passes away April 2007 - Princess Sofia is born. During one of her pregnancies, Jaime claims Letizia sends him a selfie confessing her love.

- Princess Sofia is born. During one of her pregnancies, Jaime claims Letizia sends him a selfie confessing her love. 2 010 - the couple reportedly profess their love for one another and allegedly meet with lawyers. Jaime claims they looked at properties in the US to move to. He also claims Letizia suggested they use a surrogate in LA to have a baby

- the couple reportedly profess their love for one another and allegedly meet with lawyers. Jaime claims they looked at properties in the US to move to. He also claims Letizia suggested they use a surrogate in LA to have a baby 2011 - Jaime claims Letizia ends their relationship over the phone

- Jaime claims Letizia ends their relationship over the phone 2 012 - Jaime marries Letizia's sister Telma. The couple relocate to New York

- Jaime marries Letizia's sister Telma. The couple relocate to New York 2014 - Telma and Jaime announce their separation Advertisement

Father-of-two Del Burgo, who divorced Telma Ortiz by mutual consent in 2016 four years after they married and two years after they split up, claimed in the book that he was carrying an engagement ring in his pocket during a meeting at Madrid's Ritz Hotel with his 'then-girlfriend' Letizia in 2002 when she told him she had fallen in love with the future King of Spain.

He alleged he became friends with Felipe after they met and was asked by Letizia to be a witness at their May 22 2004 wedding.

Jaime also makes the incredible claim that the Queen asked to see him the night before the wedding at the exclusive El Latigazo restaurant in Madrid - where she asked him to 'never leave' her.

He said in quotes Jaime Penafiel said he had obtained via emails and phone calls with del Burgo: 'When we met, she took hold of my hand and asked me why I had never asked her to marry me. Obviously I didn't reply.

'I encouraged her as best I could. The last thing she said to me before we said goodbye to each other in that restaurant was a request: "Never leave me."'

The businessman - who is the son of the former politician Jaime Ignacio del Burgo - claimed their romantic relationship was forged in Venice and pre-dated the year 2000.

He also recalled a moment he says occurred following Princess Leonor's birth when they were lying together in a hammock by a pool, saying in the book which was released last month: 'Letizia told me "I love you" and I responded "I love you".'

Telma is now with Irish lawyer Gavin Bonnar and the couple welcomed their first child together in October 2021. Gavin shares two children with his first wife - musician Sharon Corr.

In her recent album, The Fool & The Scorpion, Sharon wrote lyrics which included the phrase 'the queen's twisted sister' - which fans speculated were inspired by her children's new step-mother.

Meanwhile, Del Burgo married Swedish lawyer Lucia Diaz Liljestrom.

His X bio also says he is father to 'Ulla and Liv'.

Speaking to El Cierre Digitial, Letizia and I author Jaime Penafiel said Letizia was del Burgo's 'great love' and the pair's relationship turned into a 'great friendship' after she became romantically involved with Felipe.

What's more, the royal's ex-brother-in-law also made the far-fetched claim that he 'dealt' with Letizia's pre-nuptial agreement and helped to front the cost of the Queen's family's wedding outfits.

He is quoted as saying: 'When the wedding with Felipe came round, I dealt with the pre-nuptial agreement as you know, amongst other things.

'I also had to pay Letizia's family's expenses because [former King] Juan Carlos refused to pay or even go halves with me. So with the help of my friend Felipe Varela, I dressed her mum, grandmother and her sisters. And with the help of Jaime Jason, her father, grandparents and a cousin.'

In the book, Letizia's alleged ex-lover describes Felipe as a 'kind-hearted man' and even goes on to say that he had a 'great friendship' with the royal. He told the author: 'I told him my problems and he told [me] his.'

King Felipe and Queen Letizia on their wedding day in Madrid in May 2004. Jaime Del Burgo claims he was going to propose to the newsreader until she announced she had met King Felipe

The businessman even claims that Felipe 'uses [him] as a good man because he felt incapable of calming [Letizia] down' on occasions.

Following the wedding, Del Burgo described how Letizia was like a 'fox in a chicken coop' as she was 'cleverer than any of them'.

Del Burgo- who says the Queen nicknamed him her 'yogi pal' - claims he still had a romantic relationship with Letizia even after the wedding in 2004. He also claims he has kept 'photographs, videos, mobile phones' and text messages as evidence.

The businessman claimed that 'love was always there' in their relationship since they travelled to Venice together. The selfie Del Burgo shared on Twitter was taken during one of Letizia's pregnancies between 2005-2007.

Following this, Jaime alleges they 'took steps forward with the goal of being free' - which involved seeking legal advice and looking at properties in the US.

One of the most damaging claims Del Burgo reportedly makes is that Queen Letizia suggested they have a child together using a surrogate in Los Angeles.

Around this time, Del Burgo claims that he confronted Letizia after photos of her kissing Felipe appeared on the covers of Spanish magazines. He claims the Queen told him: 'I had to do it to protect us.'

Jaime Penafiel goes on to write that when Sofia was born, Jaime del Burgo became uncle to both of the girls.

It then quotes him as saying: 'It was a beautiful period. I didn't have children, and those girls made me so happy. I was working in Brazil and suffered a pulmonary embolism.

'I was in intensive care for a fortnight. I managed to get the Albert Einstein Hospital to give me a telephone Letizia and I spoke to each other every day on [the phone].

'During my visits to Madrid I would often go to the cinema with Felipe, Letizia and some friends. Letizia and I would always sit together, holding hands. They were moments of happiness.'

Telma Ortiz is seen leaving the EDP Gran Via Theater after attending the 'We Choose Earth Tour' on June 22, 2023 in Madrid

However in August 2011, Jaime alleges Letizia abruptly ended their relationship when she called him and said: 'We can't continue seeing each other.'

Following this, Del Burgo alleges that a female friend told him to get in touch with Telma - who he had met when he first started dating Letizia.

The following year, the pair got engaged after just two months of dating. The Queen's sister already had her daughter Amanda from her relationship with ex-partner Enrique Martin Llop.

In 2012, the pair relocated to New York to start their married life - but Telma returned to Barcelona the same year before announcing their permanent separation.

Letizia and Telma tragically lost their younger sister Erika in February 2007 when she passed away following a deliberate drug overdose. Queen Letizia's younger sister was only 31 years old and left behind her six-year-old daughter Carla.

At the time, the Spanish royal was six months pregnant with her second daughter - Princess Sofia.

Letizia studied her Masters in broadcast journalism and after a stint at Asturian daily paper, La Nueva Espana, she went on to work for ABC, a popular national newspaper that enjoys the third largest circulation in Spain.

Next came a stint at Spanish news agency EFE before a move to Guadalajara in Mexico saw her take on a role on local paper, Siglo 21.

Back in Spain a year later, she worked for the Spanish version of Bloomberg, a news channel and agency specialising in economics, before moving to CNN+.

Queen Letizia during her time as a newsreader for Television Espanola before her wedding to King Felipe

Before she met Felipe of Spain, Letizia was married to high school literature teacher Alonso Guerrero Perez, who was nine years her senior.

The couple wed in 1998 following a ten-year romance, with the pair meeting when the future Spanish queen was just 16.

They tied the knot in a civil ceremony in the town of Almendralejo, Badajoz, but divorced the following year.

By the time she met her husband-to-be, Felipe, in 2002, Letizia was working for popular TV channel 24 Horas, where along with anchoring the popular Telediario 2 evening news bulletin she reported on a wide range of breaking news event.

As a news anchor, she reported live from Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

Last week, the King and Queen made their first public appearance together since Letizia's ex-brother-in-law claimed he'd had an affair with the royal

She met Prince Felipe the following year  at the site of an oil spillage in Northern Spain. The year after first meeting Felipe, Letizia quit her job and a few days later their engagement was announced.

Letizia and Felipe's marriage in Madrid in 2004 prompted an upswing in support for the royal family, and her habit of championing High Street brands like Zara proved popular. She and Felipe had two daughters, Leonor in 2005 and Sofia in 2007.

Last week, the King and Queen made their first public appearance together since Letizia's ex-brother-in-law claimed he'd had an affair with the royal.

Yesterday the pair appeared loved up as ever as they arrived for Infanta Elena's 60th birthday party in Madrid

The couple brushed off the scandalous allegations and beamed as they arrived at a meeting with officials from the Princesa de Girona Foundation at the royal palace in Madrid.

Dressed in a scarlet red top and a black skirt with floral detailing, paired with knee length suede boots, mother-of-two Letizia looked up at her husband and smiled as they strolled into the room.

Meanwhile Felipe, looking sharp as always in a tailored suit, beamed back at his wife as they appeared deep in conversation.

And yesterday the pair appeared loved up as ever as they arrived for Infanta Elena's 60th birthday party in Madrid.

Letizia looked cut an elegant figure for her sister-in-law's celebrations as she arrived at the exclusive Pabu restaurant with Felipe in the country's capital.

Meanwhile the King looked equally dapper in a dark grey suit.

The royal paired his suit with a light blue shirt, red patterned tie and maroon patent shoes.

The couple were seen happily speaking to staff as they arrived, before later peering their heads around the door to wave to royal fans.

Referring to the scandal earlier this month, a spokesperson for the Spanish Royal Family told FEMAIL: 'We have no comment to make about this.'
Wrapped in the loving arms of the tall, solid, tousled blond man, I was high on happiness. It was ten days before Christmas in 2007 and anyone witnessing our tender embrace would probably assume two things. That we were in an exclusive relationship and that we were sleeping together.

While the latter assumption was absolutely true, the former very definitely wasn't.

I'm not proud to say it now, but the man I was embracing was Gordon Ramsay, very much married then, as he is today, to Tana Ramsay, the mother of his then four children.

I was in my mid-30s, living in Los Angeles, and Gordon was in the city filming his TV series Hell's Kitchen. It was on this particular December visit that the chef I'd had a seven-year relationship with presented me with a Christmas gift.

He'd flown in from Atlantic City and we met up at an LA celebrity hotspot, staying in one of the luxurious bungalows. The following morning there was a cosy familiarity between us.

Wrapped in the loving arms of the tall, solid, tousled blond man, I was high on happiness. It was ten days before Christmas in 2007 and anyone witnessing our tender embrace would probably assume two things

I'm not proud to say it now, but the man I was embracing was Gordon Ramsay, very much married then, as he is today, to Tana Ramsay, the mother of his then four children

I slipped past his driver (incognito) and told myself it was all part of the fun of the affair, spontaneous and exciting.

At 37, our relationship was the longest, albeit unwisest, I'd ever had with a man (and is, in fact, still the longest relationship I've ever been in). But the passion I felt went hand-in-hand with feelings of acute loneliness. I'd spent the previous six Christmases by myself, never once getting to wake up on Christmas morning lying next to the man I'd fallen for, and now here I was again. Alone.

Christmas is soul-sappingly miserable when you're involved with a married man. However much you believe they care for you, it's their wife they always go back to on this the most magical day of the year.

And the trouble with those agonisingly long 24 hours is that inevitably you end up with too much thinking time. The words from John Lennon's Happy Xmas, 'So this is Christmas/And what have you done? Another year over...' would twirl endlessly around my mind, reminding me that I hadn't done much. Except that is, wait around for a man who was perfectly happy with his lot. Having his (Christmas) cake and eating it.

Gordon Ramsay attends the 2023 FOX Winter Junket on December 13, 2023 in Los Angeles

That Christmas, all by myself in Los Angeles, time slowed almost to a standstill. My friends had left town with their loved ones and little ones to make precious memories together with their families. Everyone always invites you, but who wants to be a spare wheel on Christmas Day?

Besides, seeing couples together would only underline what I didn't have: a faithful and committed man who loved me and wanted to be with me. Christmas is about spending time with those you love  a notion I was very much reminded of that year.

Throughout the day there were only so many hours I could reminisce about the clandestine nights Gordon and I had spent together at various swanky hotels in Los Angeles and London.

Too much thinking time meant I was well aware that, no matter how many hotel meet-ups we had, there was never any talk of a future.

I knew, as I dined on a meal-for-one and nursed a glass of Chardonnay, opening a gift my parents had sent over from the UK while watching re-runs of Sex And The City on the TV, that I was kidding myself if I thought next year things would be any different.

I kept my mobile close to hand and jumped when it rang, but he didn't call me on Christmas Day itself, as he hadn't done the six years previously. As the day went by, many emotions coursed through me  sadness, emptiness and anger.

As much as it pains me to admit it, I would regularly indulge in 'Googling Gordon' to see where he was. Yes I kept tabs on him  what mistress doesn't? I'd religiously follow the gossip columnists and bloggers to see where he'd been spotted (and with whom), and if he was on a television programme then I'd make damn sure I watched it. At the very least so I had something to chat about next time we were in touch. Of course falling down the Gordon rabbit-hole for hours (and hours) ultimately only made me feel worse.

I was living a lifestyle I thought I wanted. I was working on television format ideas with a Hollywood production company and I was with a man who made my heart race even if he was very much married. I wanted a life for us  as 'us'  and yet the reality was I just got crumbs, glimpses of what that life could be.

There and then, I decided to put my laptop away because no good could come of focussing on what I didn't have. I vowed never to spend Christmas on my own again. Even if that mean I'd be pulling crackers with just my parents in Wales.

During our on/off relationship, Gordon never asked me what I was doing at Christmas. And I never told him how awful that day always was.

Gordon Ramsay at the 'Next Level Chef' launch party, in January 2023

Instead, when he phoned a few days later, I reverted to my bright, cheery persona, joking about when we'd next see one another.

Gordon and I met in the winter of 2001. I was 31 and working in sales for an events and limo company in London's Belgravia. Gordon was 36 and a household name, thanks to Boiling Point, an ITV fly-on-the-wall series documenting the opening of his first flagship restaurant. Back then, I was a live-for-today girl, ploughing my earnings into renting a centrally located apartment. Nothing happened that night but he asked for my number and I was happy to give it to him. I found myself attracted to him, and I thought, as I'm not seeing anyone, why not?

A couple of dates later and I couldn't get enough of him. In the early years, the appeal of spending time with him outweighed the negatives. I idolised Gordon and would have done anything for him. I really liked him and I believed the feeling was mutual.

It was while I was 'seeing' Gordon, and struggling with being the other woman that I decided to start a support group called Mistresses Anonymous. I ended up running it for a decade.

I was inundated by women wanting to sign up and chat to one another. While I primarily offered online support, I did organise a few in-person group meetings in Los Angeles and Canada, where I, at 42, eventually created and hosted a self-help reality TV series. From a 'professional' perspective I know perfectly well it was a vital lifeline for other women in the same boat as me and from a personal perspective, I'd tell myself at least I wasn't alone.

At best, it was a diversionary tactic; at worst, it reminded me what an idiot I was, placing my heart and happiness in the hands of a married man. I found myself giving the other members the very advice I couldn't follow myself  get out of the relationship now, you deserve better than this.

It will come as no surprise that the support group's busiest day was Christmas Day, when I'd be the wingwoman for mistresses who were in a desperate state. What came up again and again was that every mistress wants their married man to be with them on Christmas Day. A lot of the women who got in touch had issued ultimatums, or piled on the pressure.

Gordon Ramsay in the A Finale For The Ages two hour season finale of Hell's Kitchen

The men had often been forced to sneak out to see them or make things up to them with an expensive gift. But it was never enough.

And I knew exactly what they were going through.

Each Christmas I'd be abandoned. For 48 hours my phone would remain silent, it was as though I didn't exist. I didn't buy Gordon presents, but that's because he couldn't take them home with him. And while Gordon and I would sometimes speak over the Christmas period, waiting for the phone to ring was agonising.

Over time I became quite frustrated about the situation I was in. But then he'd phone and I'd be bright and breezy. I was always available if I was needed, a bit pathetic really. And that's what I was  someone to massage his ego and tend to his needs. Understandably, my self-esteem plummeted.

That last California Christmas gave me a lot of thinking time. I'd spent the best part of my 30s living a lifestyle I thought I wanted, but in reality I'd wasted the best years of my life. Halfway through my affair with Gordon I couldn't help but look at other women my age who were settled down with a husband and a family. While I don't think I ever wanted children, I would have enjoyed a more settled lifestyle.

And I did dream of doing the normal things people do in relationships: meeting friends and family, sharing a home, going round John Lewis sizing up crockery or curtains  even squabbling loudly in the street together  all things I could never have done.

I stopped seeing Gordon in 2008 when our seven-year affair became public after the News of the World ran a story about us. I was 38, finally older and wiser. He denied what we had at the time and attempted to erase me from his life. Hindsight has allowed me the time to understand that.

Today I'm 53 and very happily single. The loves of my life are furry and have four paws. They are my re-homed rescue dogs Benji, Charlotte and Tiny. I live in the family home, enjoy village life with my dear elderly parents and Christmas is now a time to count my blessings. I focus on what I do have, rather than what I don't.

I have no need for a man in my life, but if I did meet someone, I'd make sure they weren't married. I'd never again have an affair; take it from me, no good can come of it.
Harris Farm Markets is under fire for selling pricey flathead fillets

Harris Farm Markets has been slammed by hundreds of shoppers over the 'ridiculous' price of flathead fillets.

A customer, from Albury in regional New South Wales, noticed a tray of fresh fish selling for $79.99 per kilo.

An image shared on Reddit sparked an uproar from others who were outraged by the high price, particularly with the cost of living crisis.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Harris Farm for comment.

One shopper in Albury, NSW, noticed Harris Farm was selling skinned and boned flathead fillets for $79.99 per kilo

Many weren't afraid to share how they felt and said they would 'never' pay such an extravagant amount.

'F*** that. Cheaper to fuel up the car, drive down to the coast and catch them yourself,' one person commented.

'I'd rather eat canned tuna than pay this much for flathead fillets. Surely they got the price wrong,' another added.

'Seriously one of the easiest fish to catch, and they taste great,' a third wrote.

Someone else said: 'Skinned and boned. I'd want it cooked in a reasonable restaurant for that price.'

Others raised the fact that Albury is at least a four hour drive away from the coastline.

Another said Harris Farm is 'very expensive' compared to alternative supermarkets.

Hundreds on Reddit weren't afraid to share how they felt and said they would 'never' pay such an extravagant amount

While it's common for tiger prawns, lobsters or oysters to sell for a high prices during the festive season, customers were surprised by the cost of a common type of fish.

Comparatively Coles is selling Deli Fresh Saddletail Snapper Fillets for $36/kilo while at Woolworths shoppers can pick up skinned and boned flathead fillets for $48/kg.

Manettas Seafood Market in Sydney sell flathead fillets for $49/kg while Poseidon Oysters & Seafood Supplies in Victoria sell the fish for $27.50/kg.

Aldi doesn't sell flathead fillets.

Seafood Industry Australia chief executive Veronica Papacosta told news.com.au seeing flatheads sold for $79.99 is 'jarring'.

'But flatheads are a very particular produce. If you look at the way the fillet is cut, people like to eat it boneless and skinless and in doing that, we only retain about a quarter of the meat,' she said.

Ms Papacosta added that fish prices were not climbing 'at a rate that is accelerating past other proteins'.
A young woman has revealed what happened when she was flown to Spain on a lavish holiday by a man she met online - despite her friends raising safety concerns.

Tasha Paige, from the Gold Coast, was asked by the man if she would come and holiday in his Spanish villa and she agreed if he forked out the money for her flight.

Four days later the 23-year-old found herself on a plane to the Mediterranean to party with the internet casanova and 20 other women.

Tasha told FEMAIL she earns six figures making racy content online and has to remain tight-lipped about what went on in the villa - she did admit, however, that there was an X-rated element to the trip.

'I cant say a lot but it wasn't PG. Most of my time in Spain was spent in the villa with him and other girls,' she said.

Tasha Paige (pictured), from the Gold Coast, was asked by a man she met online if she would come on holiday in his Spanish villa and she agreed if he forked out the money for her flight

'(The man) arranged for several woman to be attending. He sent me the link to the villa so I could see if the place we were staying which was nice. I sent him my details then he then sent my flight information.'

Tasha expects to make a whopping $20,000 from the content she made on her wild Spanish adventure.

She has gained a huge following on social media thanks to her very honest anecdotes on hook ups, dating and being a young OnlyFans creator.

Tasha sparked concern among her fans who worried for her safety when she revealed she was being flown across he globe to meet a relative stranger.

'I'm on my way to Spain today, I have a guy flying me out, pretty sure he's flying out like 20 girls actually,' Tasha said in a TikTok video before her flight.

Tasha told FEMAIL she earns six-figures making racy content online and has to remain tight lipped about what went on in the villa

'This man invited me to Spain and I was like, 'I'll come if you pay for my flight'...It's a ten bedroom villa, we're going to do some s*** I can't say on here.'

The comments were flooded by viewers telling Tasha to 'stay safe' and 'be careful'.

'Is this where Tash gets kidnapped!?!' one user said and another wrote: 'Location on, girl! Don't get trafficked'.

However Tasha had no qualms about her safety as she has many mutual friends with the man and said she was excited about her first trip to Spain.

'All my friends have my location and he is also well known by my friends. I wasn't concerned of my safety with him,' she said.
Princess Mary has shared a cryptic post about loneliness and the need for positive human connection ahead of Christmas.

The post comes days after the 51-year-old Tasmanian born princess reconnected with her husband Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and three of their children in New Zealand.

It's been a month since the Danish Royal Family was rocked by rumours of an alleged affair between the future King and Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova but he and Mary have adopted a 'business as normal' attitude heading into the festive season.

In the letter which was posted on the Mary Foundation website the future queen reflects on the past year - and says she felt it was shorter than previous years.

'And at the same time, so much has happened that it is impossible to put it all into words,' she continued.

Princess Mary has shared a cryptic post about loneliness and the need for positive human connection ahead of Christmas

It's been a month since the Danish Royal Family was rocked by rumours of an alleged affair between the future King and Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova (the pair were pictured in November on a night out in Madrid)

The pair appeared to head into a Flamenco show at the Corral de la Moreria in Madrid. They are pictured outside the venue at around 1am

An excerpt posted on the official Instagram of the Danish Royal House had some speculating the princess was using her foundation to hint at the rumours which rocked her family.

'We need each other if we are to succeed.' And that's not only true in the working world and for those of us who are working to combat social isolation,' it read.

'This is true for all of us. Humans need humans.'

The post and powerful words were pictured alongside a gorgeous picture of the royal in the snow.

She wore a purple jacket beneath a warm woolen wrap and gave a soft smile toward the camera.

Princess Mary and her twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent looked happy at the top of the bridge

'The Danish royal family are lucky to have you. I hope your husband realises he has embarrassed you and his children immeasurably. You will make a fine queen,' one fan commented.

Another wrote: 'I think this is a sad year for Mary, her husband's (alleged) betrayal and it's public. What a brave woman, she can handle anything. I just adore her.'

Some came to the defence of the royals calling for people to stop talking about the alleged affair.

But these people were often slammed by others.

'Have you seen the movie from that morning, where he walks around the city with his suitcase and no PET - standing at a public bus shed waiting to be picked up. He has made himself, Mary and many others a laughing stock! It is naive to remain believing he is completely innocent,' one woman wrote.

She said it doesn't matter if there was an affair - the fact he was in Spain with another woman was enough.

Others simply thanked her for her seasonal greeting.

Her trip came after rumours of the prince having an affair with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova rocked the Danish Royal Household

'You are so wonderful, our beautiful Crown Princess,' one fan wrote - echoing the sentiment of dozens of others.

Princess Mary touched down in New Zealand on December 18 - where she was met by Prince Frederik and their eldest daughter Isabella.

The Crown Princess had been staying in Australia since December 6 - connecting with family - alongside her twince Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.

The party of three were pictured atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge - but the photograph which is taken of every climber - was quickly removed from the tour company's Instagram account..

The Princess' visit to Australia marks her most low-key return home ever - with many speculating the recent spotlight on her marriage is to blame.
Crown Princess Mary appeared to shed a tear at Queenstown airport as she and her husband bid farewell to friends on the tarmac.

The royal couple were departing for Brisbane to continue their family holiday on Thursday after just four days in the adventure capital of New Zealand with their three youngest children.

Crown Prince Frederik, 55, grinned and embraced airport staff, while Mary, 51, said an emotional goodbye to a male friend after making a cryptic Christmas post about loneliness on the website of her foundation.

Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, both 12, and Princess Isabella, 16, waited patiently for their parents to finish their farewells and check in for the next leg of their trip.

Crown Princess Mary appeared to shed a tear at Queenstown airport on Thursday as she and her husband bid farewell to friends on the tarmac

Princess Mary embraced a male friend while her husband Prince Frederik hugged airport crew

The holiday started early for Mary and the twins who arrived in Australia on December 6 to see family and even climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

They then crossed the ditch in a private plane where they were reunited with the Crown Prince and Princess Isabella for a much needed escape from the spotlight.

The Prince and his Australian Princess have been rocked by rumours of infidelity since November - placing their 'fairytale romance' under the microscope.

The rumours began when Prince Frederik was photographed enjoying a night out in Spain with his friend Genoveva Casanova without his wife.

It's the first time the couple have been photographed together since arriving in New Zealand

The children looked un-enthused as their parents bid their friends farewell

Prince Frederik gave the friends an equally firm embrace

And every move they have made has been at the centre of speculation ever since.

Before the family's flight from New Zealand Princess Mary shared a cryptic post about loneliness and the need for positive human connection ahead of Christmas.

In the letter posted on the Mary Foundation website, the future queen reflected on the past year - and said she felt it was shorter than previous years.

'And at the same time, so much has happened that it is impossible to put it all into words,' she continued.

Princess Mary has shared a cryptic post about loneliness and the need for positive human connection ahead of Christmas

An excerpt shared on the official Instagram of the Danish Royal House had some speculating the princess was using her foundation to hint at the affair rumours.

'We need each other if we are to succeed.' And that's not only true in the working world and for those of us who are working to combat social isolation,' it read.

'This is true for all of us. Humans need humans.'

The post and powerful words were pictured alongside a gorgeous picture of the royal in the snow.

She wore a purple jacket beneath a warm woolen wrap and gave a soft smile toward the camera.

Princess Mary and her twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent looked happy at the top of the bridge

'The Danish royal family are lucky to have you. I hope your husband realises he has embarrassed you and his children immeasurably. You will make a fine queen,' one fan commented.

Another wrote: 'I think this is a sad year for Mary, her husband's (alleged) betrayal and it's public. What a brave woman, she can handle anything. I just adore her.'

Some came to the defence of the royals calling for people to stop talking about the alleged affair.

But these people were often slammed by others.

'Have you seen the movie from that morning, where he walks around the city with his suitcase and no PET - standing at a public bus shed waiting to be picked up. He has made himself, Mary and many others a laughing stock! It is naive to remain believing he is completely innocent,' one woman wrote.

She said it doesn't matter if there was an affair - the fact he was in Spain with another woman was enough.

Others simply thanked her for her seasonal greeting.

Her trip came after rumours of the prince having an affair with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova rocked the Danish Royal Household

'You are so wonderful, our beautiful Crown Princess,' one fan wrote - echoing the sentiment of dozens of others.

Princess Mary touched down in New Zealand on December 18 - where she was met by Prince Frederik and their eldest daughter Isabella.

The Crown Princess had arrived in Australia 12 days earlier alongside her twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.

The party of three were pictured atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but the photograph taken of every climber was quickly removed from the tour company's Instagram account.
It's a suggestion likely to fall flat with wine lovers.

Doctors say champagne bottles should come with screw caps to avoid the risk of eye injuries.

With pressure three times of a car tyre, corks can shoot out at 50mph causing potential blindness to anyone struck in the eye.

They suggest bottles should come with warning labels and celebrants take precautions, such as pointing at a 45-degree angle away from the body.

Experts from the University of Cambridge's Department of Ophthalmology and colleagues say the warning may seem overly cautious but cork eye injuries are a substantial threat to eye health.

Injuries can occur faster than a blink of an eye  taking just 0.05 seconds from travel from a 75cl bottle to the face. More than a quarter of those who suffer issues such as retinal detachment and lens dislocation are left legally blind, including Love Island star Theo Campbell (pictured on Love Island before the incident in 2017)

Despite undergoing two surgeries, Mr Campbell lost the sight in his right eye after it 'split in two' following the accident in 2019, while on holiday in Ibiza (pictured after the incident in 2019)

A study published in 2005 also found that champagne bottle corks were responsible for 20 per cent of eye injuries related to bottle tops in the US and 71 per cent in Hungary. Pictured, Mr Campbell during the incident in 2019

SO HOW CAN YOU AVOID INJURING YOUR EYE BY OPENING CHAMPAGNE? Chill bottles to the correct temperature (6C/42.8F to (10C/50F) will helps reduce the risk of the cork popping too quickly

Remove the foil and loosen the cage

The cork must be held securely in place from the moment the wire cage is loosened

Tilt the bottle at a 30 degree angle. Grip the cork and use the other hand to grip base of the bottle

Turn the bottle, not the cork

Hold the bottle steady, resisting its tendency to fly out, and ease it out of the bottle

The sound should be a quiet 'phhhuut' and not a pop and exploding cork. Advertisement

Injuries can occur faster than a blink of an eye  taking just 0.05 seconds from travel from a 75cl bottle to the face.

More than a quarter of those who suffer issues such as retinal detachment and lens dislocation are left legally blind, including Love Island star Theo Campbell.

Despite undergoing two surgeries, he lost the sight in his right eye after it 'split in two' following the accident in 2019, while on holiday in Ibiza.

The researchers point to when Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay opened a bottle of prosecco on the winners' podium to celebrate his win at the Giro d'Italia last year.

The cork hit his eye, forcing him to withdraw from the next stage of the competition.

A study published in 2005 found that champagne bottle corks were responsible for 20 per cent of eye injuries related to bottle tops in the US and 71 per cent in Hungary.

Although many people's sight improved, the study found that, in 26 per cent of cases related to pressurised drinks, people remained legally blind.

They also highlight a 2009 review of 34 cases of eye injuries caused by corks and caps from sparkling wine bottles in Italy.

This found injuries including bleeding, lens dislocation and traumatic cataract formation.

Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay (pictured during the incident) opened a bottle of prosecco on the winners' podium to celebrate his win at the Giro d'Italia last year. The cork hit his eye, forcing him to withdraw from the next stage of the competition

Complications included pupil movement issues, separation of the iris, macular degeneration  a degenerative condition affecting the retina, and glaucoma.

Writing in the Christmas edition of the BMJ, they suggested some tips to avoid injury during toasts, in line with guidance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

These include chilling the bottle before opening to reduce pressure and cork velocity and counteracting the upward moving force of the cork by pressing down on it.

If injured, the advice is to seek prompt consultation with an ophthalmologist to minimise the risk of vision impairment.

They conclude: 'The goal of this article is to ensure that you don't begin the new year on the operating table of an eye surgeon.

'Let us toast to an excellent new year, keep the bubbly in our glass, and the sparkle in our eyes.'
They linked it to a higher likelihood of unprotected sex over the New Year period

The number of morning after pills sold in the week after New Year's Eve is expected to skyrocket by tens of thousands as people celebrate and are more likely to have unprotected sex.

Researchers in Texas analyzed data on sales of the medication in pharmacies, grocery stores and military outlets from 2016 to 2022 to uncover the trend.

They found 41,000 more morning after pills, which contain the hormone levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy, were sold in the period after the New Year compared to on average throughout the rest of the year, alongside smaller increases after Valentine's Day, Independence Day and St Patrick's day.

Scientists suggested this was because people are more likely to have sex without using a form of birth control over the New Year period, which could be attributable to an increase in alcohol consumption.

It is also possible that tighter abortion restrictions in some states may help spur record sales of the drug next year  as people reach for it to prevent pregnancy.

The researchers called their data a 'warning sign' and said there may be an 'unmet need' in states where birth control access and reproductive rights are stricter.

For the study, researchers tracked sales of the morning after pill across the US

The above graph shows the number of morning after pills sold per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. Data is shown as the week after New Year's Eve (purple dot) and the average (yellow dot). It is also split by year

The morning after pill works to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary to avoid it being fertilized by sperm.

Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days after sexual intercourse, so the morning after pill is recommended to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to be most effective - though it can still be taken up to five days after.

The pill can be 89 percent effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours.

The drug is available over the counter without a prescription and is swallowed as a single pill with water.

For their paper, published in the BMJ, researchers looked at sales data compiled by Circana Inc  which tracks sales across the US for 7,000 brands.

The data was split by week with researchers then comparing data for the week after New Year's Eve to others throughout the year.

To calculate the rate of use, sales figures were compared to the size of the female population aged 15 to 44 years old.

It showed sales of the drug rose by 0.63 units per 1,000 women after the New Year's week compared to the average  which is a 10 percent increase.

The second biggest increase was observed the week after Valentine's Day  where sales rose by 0.31 units per 1,000 women  or five percent compared to average.

Independence Day saw the third biggest increase, up by 0.2 units, and St Patrick's Day came fourth, with a rise of 0.14 units per 1,000 women.

The researchers said that as many US states had increased restrictions on abortion their data was 'indicative of unmet contraceptive need that calls for further attention.'

They wrote: 'More than ever, emergency contraception is a critically important option for people in the US, particularly those living in regions with bans or severe restrictions on abortion.'

The above shows sales of abortion pills along per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44 years across the US and highlights sales during celebrations throughout the year

'Future work will explore how other dynamics at play in the US context, including state abortion restrictions, affect emergency contraception purchasing behavior and imply potential public health interventions to provide contraceptive care to those who need it the most.'

Fourteen states have banned abortion outright, while another seven have imposed restrictions on the procedure.

Three states  Iowa, Montana and Wyoming  have had their abortion bans blocked by judges.

Republican states are leading the charge on abortion bans, but polls suggest they are repeatedly misreading public opinion.

Eighty-five percent of Americans say abortion should be legal, according to major pollster Gallup, while only 13 percent say it should be illegal.
Around 35,000 appointments a day, were cancelled during strike days so far

Medics took to picket lines again this morning as part of their three-day walkout

More than 300,000 NHS appointments could be cancelled because of junior doctors strikes over Christmas and New Year, analysis suggests.

The medics took to picket lines again this morning as part of their three-day walkout and will stage a mammoth six-day stoppage from January 3.

Around 35,000 appointments a day, on average, were cancelled during the 25 strike days already taken this year by the medics, who are calling for a 35 per cent pay rise.

The figure suggests that, if the latest action is as equally disruptive, 315,000 could be pushed back over the festive period, risking progress to bring down the 7.7million NHS backlog.

A breast cancer patient who was due to undergo a mastectomy yesterday, but had her care cancelled because of the action, shared that she 'worries all the time' the disease is spreading and hit out at the medics for making 'normal people' suffer.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins this morning said some junior doctors are 'deeply uncomfortable' about the timing of the strike and other groups of medics are being forced to 'pick up the slack' and work extra shifts over Christmas to cover for them.

The medics took to picket lines again this morning as part of their three-day walkout and will stage a mammoth six-day stoppage from January 3. Pictured: Members of the British Medical Association on the picket line outside Leicester Royal Infirmary on December 21

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One NHS boss, meanwhile, today warned that staffing levels seen during the walkout this week will not be 'sustainable' when medics take to the picket lines again in the New Year.

The 25 days of action junior doctors have taken this year has already led to around 875,000 appointments being postponed.

Health bosses say this figure is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the disruption caused by strikes because hospitals stop scheduling care for strike days when they are informed of them, which isn't reflected in the figures.

Andrea Connor is among the patients whose care has been postponed because of walkouts. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in September.

The 54-year-old was yesterday due to have a mastectomy  removing the breast in a bid to eliminate the cancer  and reconstructive surgery.

Junior doctors' pay - the truth Junior doctors were awarded a pay rise of 6 per cent plus a consolidated payment of 1,250 in July, in line with the recommendation of the Independent Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration. The package was equivalent to an average increase of 8.1 per cent from 2022/23 to 2023/24, or 10.3 per cent for those in their first year of training. Average basic pay for a first year doctor increased from 29,384 to 32,397, while a junior doctor who had been a specialty trainee for six years or more saw their pay rise from 58,398 to 63,152. Many are paid a higher sum for working overtime and receiving enhanced rates for working unsociable hours. Junior doctors pocketed the extra money despite vowing to continue striking, with some boasting the additional income would subsidise further walkouts. Steve Barclay, who was Health Secretary from October 2022 until November 2023, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had described the settlement as final and insisted there would be no more talks about pay. But the British Medical Association has held further negotiations with officials and ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care since October, resulting an offer of an extra 3 per cent, which has been rejected by union representatives. The BMA has claimed that junior doctors have seen their pay eroded by more than a quarter in real terms over the past 15 years. The trainee medics have been demanding full pay restoration  worth around 35 per cent  and have said they would not settle for anything less, although senior figures within the union have suggested they may compromise. Advertisement

But Ms Connor, who owns a dog grooming salon, was told last week that it was cancelled because of strikes and given a new provisional date in January, four months after she was diagnosed.

She told The Times that the cancellations and delays have left her with 'worries all the time of  is it spreading? How long is it going to take? It's just continuous until you get that operation done.

'The junior doctor strike is just killing it for everybody. I completely understand the position that they're in  but this isn't the way to go about it, because normal people are suffering.'

The latest walkouts come after weeks of promising talks between the British Medical Association (BMA), which is coordinating the strikes, and ministers broke down.

The Government had initially offered junior doctors an 8.8 per cent pay rise, on average, for the 2023/24 financial year.

However, the uplift was higher for first year medics, who were given a 10.3 per cent boost.

Junior doctors in their first year now have a basic pay of 32,300, while those with three years' experience make 43,900. The most senior earn 63,100.

Ministers insisted this was the final offer, despite junior doctors staging weeks of devastating strikes from March in protest.

But Ms Atkins offered the medics an additional 3 per cent on top of this rise.

However, Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi, who co-chair the BMA's junior doctor committee, said this sum was still 'completely insufficient' and pressed ahead with fresh walkouts.

The BMA has claimed that junior doctors have seen their pay eroded by more than a quarter in real terms since 2008.

Medics have been demanding full pay restoration  worth around 35 per cent  and have said they would not settle for anything less.

However, senior figures within the union have suggested they may compromise.

After talks broke down, Ms Atkins said the union walked away from the table before it was presented its 'final offer'.

The NHS has said emergency and urgent care will be prioritised during the strikes and that 'almost all' routine care will be affected.

Hospital leaders have described the walkouts as their 'worst fears realised' as they grapple with a rising number of people needing help with winter viruses, particularly norovirus.

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'There will be many, many doctors listening to this who feel deeply uncomfortable that their committee has called these strikes at this time. I would encourage anyone who feels like that quietly to consider whether this committee is in fact representing their views.

'I know, for example, that consultants and nurses and other doctors who aren't on strike are, today and yesterday, and will be over January, coming in, doing extra shifts, to ensure that that level of care is provided for patients.

'They are being expected by the junior doctors' committee to pick up the slack of their strikes.

'After the three Christmases that our medical profession has seen with Covid, I think we all wanted this Christmas to be as calm and settled as possible. Instead, this strike action is just striking through that.'

She suggested Department of Health and Social Care ministers and officials would be 'back round the table in 20 minutes' for talks if the strikes are called off 'and then we can see how much further we can go'.

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

Victoria Atkins (pictured on Tuesday) today suggested Department of Health and Social Care ministers and officials would be 'back round the table in 20 minutes' for talks if the strikes are called off 'and then we can see how much further we can go'

The 25 days of action junior doctors have taken this year has already led to around 875,000 appointments being postponed. Pictured: Members of the British Medical Association on the picket line outside Leicester Royal Infirmary on December 21

She told BBC Breakfast: 'It's not just about pay, of course this is really important and indeed this year alone junior doctors have already had a pay rise of around 8.8 per cent, the most junior of doctors, the first and second year of doctors, they've had the highest pay rises within the range up to 10.3 per cent because we understand as a Government, we've heard what the doctors are saying to us.

'I also want to do more than that, I don't just want to look at pay, I also want to look at their conditions because when I walk around hospitals, when I talk to doctors, they tell me one of the things they want to feel is valued.

'I absolutely understand that and I want to work with them to enable that to happen.'

One NHS boss, meanwhile, today warned that hospital staffing levels seen during this week's walkouts will not be 'sustainable' when medics take to the picket lines again in the New Year.

In a letter to the BMA, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: 'In a system already facing enormous demand, it is the week that most teams dread as it is likely to be the busiest for emergency care.

'Your joint letter with NHS England makes clear that in relation to the December action that the staff recall and derogations process remains largely the same as the previous strikes.

'This arrangement will not be sustainable in January.

'In the previous periods of industrial action taken solely by your junior doctor members, the core duties typically carried out by striking junior doctors have been covered by other medical colleagues and members of the wider team.

'This position will not be tenable in January.'

NHS England has already set out derogations  instances which exempt union members from striking  in three high-risk areas: fast-progressing cancers, time-critical inductions of labour or urgent elective Caesarean sections, and corneal transplant surgeries.

In a letter to the BMA, Danny Mortimer (pictured), chief executive of NHS Employers, today warned that hospital staffing levels seen during this week's walkouts will not be 'sustainable' when medics take to the picket lines again in the New Year

The latest walkouts come after weeks of promising talks between the British Medical Association (BMA), which is coordinating the strikes, and ministers broke down. Pictured: Members of the British Medical Association on the picket line outside University College London Hospital on December 20

Mr Mortimer added: 'I recognise that there are countless examples where our colleagues are not able to do their very best for their patients, but the first fortnight in January is one of the times when this risk dramatically increases.

'I would urge the leadership of the BMA to not therefore make this position worse during strike action in January.'

The BMA's junior doctors' committee has challenged the Government to make an offer first, so strikes could be cancelled.

Professor Phil Banfield, head of the BMA's council, also said the union is 'strongly committed to ensuring that patients are safe during strikes.

'Weve had regular meetings with NHS Employers and NHS England to discuss this and will continue to do so over the coming days and weeks,' he added.

Conciliation service Acas said it is 'ready to help' resolve the dispute.

Junior doctors in Wales are planning a 72-hour walkout from January 15 while doctors in training in Northern Ireland are being balloted for potential strike action.

Junior doctors in Scotland have already come to an agreement with the Scottish Government.

Consultant doctors from the BMA in England have reached a deal with the Government, with members currently voting whether or not to accept the deal.

Specialist, associate specialist and specialty doctors (SAS) in England have also come to an agreement, which is being put to members.
And Covid wastewater detections have shot up in Austria and Germany

Some virologists believe JN.1 prefers a receptor that is more common in the gut

Surging Covid cases in wastewater have led some scientists to consider whether the virus is now targeting people's guts.

Covid traditionally infects people through the nose and mouth and multiplies in the respiratory tract, sometimes migrating to the lungs.

But some virologists believe the Covid virus has altered its requirements for entering cells, meaning it can more easily infect the gut.

Scientists around the world, including in the US, are picking up traces of Covid in much higher quantities in wastewater.

Wastewater surveillance was pioneered during the pandemic to track new variants and gave officials early warning of flare-ups

Scientists around the world, including in the US, are picking up traces of Covid in much higher quantities in wastewater

Stomach bugs are shed in large amounts in the fecal waste of infected individuals.

Marc Johnson, molecular virologist and professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Missouri, told DailyMail.com: 'There were some huge spikes in wastewater in Europe, and a lot of us were pondering what the possible explanations could be - whether it's just a lot of cases or whether there's some other explanation.'

In Austria, for instance, levels of Covid in wastewater have shot up from close to zero in July this year to around 700 gene copies per person, which indicates the viral load.

One of the ideas is that the new JN.1 variant has altered its requirements for entering cells, possibly to get around vaccine immunity or previous infections.

Professor Johnson said 'it's possible' that the newly dominant JN.1 variant of Covid is more gut-focused - but he said there was no direct evidence for the theory as of yet.

But a lot of other coronaviruses infect the gut, Professor Johnson said, 'so it wouldn't be that surprising.'

He said: 'A lot of the coronaviruses cause GI problems. There are ones in cats and pigs, in bats. They aren't respiratory infections - they're GI infections.'

JN.1, the strain behind the latest spike of cases, is currently the fastest-growing variant.

Wastewater surveillance in Austria has shown an increase in the virus

The virus is also becoming more prevalent in wastewater in the Netherlands

It now accounts for up to 29 percent of Covid cases, a sharp rise from less than one percent at the start of November.

The variant is both more infectious and more able to evade the immune system than other strains. But there is no evidence it causes more severe illness than other variants that are circulating.

The latest CDC data shows almost every state reporting at least 'high' levels of Covid in wastewater.

There has also been a steady increase in virus activity in wastewater in the last six months.

Meanwhile, wastewater detections have shot up in countries such as Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Singapore.

Wastewater surveillance was pioneered during the pandemic to track new variants and gave officials early warning of flare-ups.

Studying sewage samples was pivotal for finding certain variants of Covid as if even someone had no symptoms, the virus would still be present in their sewage water.

Anybody infected with a virus sheds tiny fragments of its DNA in their poo.

Australian virologist Stuart Turville believes JN.1 is taking a new pathway into cells and preferring gut cells.

JN.1 shows a greater preference for an uncleaved version of the ACE-2 cell-surface protein, which could lead to different tissue infections, like in the gut.

Professor Johnson said: 'Dr Turville has an observation that the newer lineages prefer a slightly different version of the receptor that's more common in the GI tract, which is possibly supportive evidence.

'But a more likely explanation is that we're seeing compounding waves right now,' he added.'

The World Health Organization marked JN.1 as a variant of interest this week, and the CDC said it could leave hospitals and emergency rooms in the US forced to ration care.

'Intense GI infections' from Covid 'can happen,' Professor Johnson said.

'We find evidence of people that have been infected for years and are shedding crazy amounts of virus that we can detect them in sewer sheds with over 100,000 people.'

However, there is not yet a corresponding increase in hospitalizations or stomach-related symptoms to support the idea that JN.1 is more stomach-focused.
After coming off the drug, he says his appetite returned but he eats less

A doctor who was left 'mildly depressed' and 'totally wiped out by 8pm' while on Ozempic has revealed he found a new lease of life after quitting the drug.

The 42-year-old from the MidWest, who was not named, took Ozempic for two years to lose weight  but knew he didn't want to be on the medication forever.

Within days of coming off the drug, he said his energy levels soared and his mood brightened  with his wife previously suggesting he had 'mild depression'.

His old appetite did return, but the doctor said he was not eating as much as before he took the drug  living off three modest meals per day and barely needing any snacks.

He is just two months into an Ozempic-free life, but says he hasn't gained back any of the 25lbs he lost. The doctor hasn't ruled out taking the drug again in the future.

Doctors examined Mr Muhlheim's scans from both cases, which showed the blockage was nowhere near where the twist in his intestines was located (Pictured: Stock of Ozempic)

More than nine million Americans are on Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs, statistics suggest  which help people lose weight by suppressing appetite.

But many struggle with quitting the drug, with a number regaining all the weight they lost once coming off the medication.

A major study run in the UK, for example, found obese patients on Wegovy  which uses the same drug as Ozempic  lost 18 percent of their body weight after taking the medication for just over a year. But a year after coming off the drug, results showed they had regained 12 percent of the weight they lost.

Speaking to Business Insider, the doctor said: 'I can tell you that my old appetite has returned, and my hunger is much stronger than when I was on the medication.

'Back then, I couldn't even make room for sides like a little green salad with dinner.

'But, I have noticed that, for whatever reason, I still eat less now than I used to, before Ozempic.

'I am generally able to subsist on a modest breakfast, small to medium-sized lunch, and then dinner with the family, which is usually my biggest meal of the day.

'I feel like I don't need snacks and treats like I used to, and my three square meals last me through the day.

'Maybe my stomach got smaller? Maybe I've just been really busy lately. Who knows.'

A UK study found that people who used Wegovy experienced rapid weight loss, dropping 18% of their weight over 68 weeks. They regained two-thirds of that weight, or 12% of their original body weight in the year after dropping the weekly injections. Experts says the drug needs to be used over a lifetime to keep off the pounds

Asked whether there were any benefits to coming off the drug, he said he now appeared to be 'more energetic and upbeat' than before.

'This could all be in my head,' he said, 'but I feel like I had more low-energy days when I was on Ozempic, and I would often be totally wiped out come 8 or 9pm'.

'My wife also said it seemed like I was more negative, generally, and that she'd never seen me quite so down, almost like I had... a type of mild depression.

'I'm recognizing now that it's possible that the subtle amount of extra calories I eat these days is boosting my spirits, or perhaps there's something else we don't totally understand about how the drug works that negatively impacted my mood.'

He said he was also taking metformin, and had recently upped his dose from 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams (mg).

Available on prescription, the drug is available to diabetics and works by reducing the amount of glucose released into the body by the liver  and in helping cells absorb that sugar from the bloodstream.

He was also now on rapamycin, available on prescription as well, which can also help cells become more sensitive to insulin.

The drug is also beloved by biohackers for its claimed ability to slow down aging in cells.

Ozempic uses the active drug semaglutide which is administered to patients via weekly injections.

Known as Hollywood's worst kept secret, the popularity of the drug skyrocketed once it was revealed many celebrities were taking it to help with weight loss.

Most recently Oprah Winfrey, who helps others with weight loss, revealed she had been using weight loss drugs to help reduce her weight.

Not everyone who took the drug has seen success, however.

TikTok star Remi Bader has revealed how she regained 'double the weight' she lost once coming off the drug and said she won't take it again.
Less than 10 percent of nursing home residents received the RSV vaccine

Fewer seniors in care homes are vaccinated against RSV than those not in homes

Seniors in the US could be facing a 'great risk of serious illness' due to their low vaccination rates and health officials stress there is 'an urgent need' to protect the vulnerable population from an outbreak of respiratory viruses.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report today found that as of December 10, just one-third of residents were up to date with their Covid vaccine and just 10 percent had received a vaccine for RSV.

A higher share - 72 percent - have received their flu vaccine.

Older residents in nursing homes are at heightened risk of severe illness and death from any one of the three viruses due to their weakened immune systems.

During the 2021-2022 flu season, the death rate for people 65 years and older was around 7.4 per 100,000 population, compared to 0.1 per 100,000 people among those aged 18 to 49 years.

Health experts have warned America is battling one of the worst winter cold seasons they've seen as cases of Covid-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to climb and put pressure on hospitals.

For Covid vaccines, Vermont, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Iowa, Alaska and Hawaii had highest rates, with between 45 and 60 percent of residents vaccinated

For the flu, residents in elderly care homes with vaccination rates above 75 percent were observed in two dozen states, including Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania and Arkansas

RSV coverage was the lowest and nearly three dozen states reported between one and 15 percent of residents vaccinated

The CDC has been warning the rise in illnesses could put a strain on the healthcare system, meaning 'patients with other serious health conditions may face delays in receiving care.'

The US is already seeing crowding among hospital beds for pediatric patients.

The CDC said: 'In some parts of the country, hospital beds for children are already nearly as full as they were this time last year.

'If these trends continue, the situation at the end of this month could again strain emergency departments and hospitals.'

The low rates of RSV vaccination could partly be because this is the first year a shot has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the virus for Americans over 60 years old.

Challenges to implementing the roll out and administration of the new vaccine, along with limited time to train providers may also be a driving force behind the low coverage.

The CDC said it will be important moving forward to educate staff and residents about RSV and its vaccine.

Overall, the health agency also said vaccine fatigue, vaccine hesitancy and inaccurate health information could also be driving low numbers.

Access to vaccines in underserved areas or among vulnerable populations, as well as cost and payment barriers, is also a contributing factor.



Vaccination rates varied across the US, with some regions having more coverage than others.

For all vaccines, North and South Dakota consistently reported the highest coverage of all three.

For Covid vaccines, Vermont, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Iowa, Alaska and Hawaii had highest rates, with between 45 and 60 percent of residents vaccinated.

The lowest rates - between 15 and 30 percent - were seen in 15 states, including Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Alabama and Tennessee.

For the flu, residents in elderly care homes with vaccination rates above 75 percent were observed in two dozen states, including Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania and Arkansas.

The lowest rate - vaccination of between 30 and 45 percent of residents - was seen only in Arizona.

RSV coverage was the lowest and nearly three dozen states reported between one and 15 percent of residents vaccinated.

The above shows the levels of respiratory illnesses in the United States as of December 9

The above shows the new weekly hospitalizations due to Covid (blue bars) and the weekly positivity percentage of Covid tests (yellow line) as of December 9

States where rates were the lowest included Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, Maine, Ohio, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey and Maryland.

Rates were highest - between 30 and 45 percent - in just Alaska and Hawaii.

The low rates of vaccination are concerning as the number of respiratory illnesses spread across the US this winter.

Overall rates of respiratory illness have reached high or very high levels in 14 states and hospitalizations for these illnesses has been on the rise for eight weeks, hitting 5.3 percent of all hospitalizations for the week ending December 9.

The number of Covid hospitalizations has also been on the rise for five weeks, hitting 23,400 during the week ending December 9.

Test positivity has generally gone up as well over the five weeks, hitting 11 percent for the same week.

The increase in cases is likely due to the JN.1 variant, which experts believe could be more infectious.

The CDC recently announced it was tracking the mutation and the World Health Organization announced it was deemed a 'variant of interest.'

The agency said it is currently the fastest-growing variant in the country, and its presence will continue to increase.

The new variant was first detected in the US in September.

Due to its rapid spread, the CDC believes it is either more transmissible or better at evading the human immune system.

Still, there is no evidence the variant poses an increased risk to people and no indication it is more severe than previous variants.

Additionally, experts say the current Covid vaccine provides protection.
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My daughters each own a house (outright, no mortgage); one in Oxford and one in Cambridge.

Due to changing work locations they now wish to swap ownership of their houses.

Our solicitor has advised that this can easily be done through a Deed of Gift but has declined to advise on the implications for capital gains tax when either property is sold.

It is highly likely that the Cambridge house (which has been my eldest daughters main home from purchase in 2020) will be sold next year after she transfers ownership to her sister.

As the house has increased in value since purchase, we would like to understand any potential liability for CGT when it is sold.

SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ASK HEATHER YOUR TAX QUESTION

Swapping homes: Will my daughters face an extra tax bill for doing this?

Heather Rogers replies: The tax implications of gifting property to family members is a common inheritance tax planning question but I have not had one about house swaps before!

That said, although it may seem unusual, house swaps are not as rare as you would think.

When considering such a move, there are three taxes which have to be considered - capital gains tax, inheritance tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax.

I will look at these in turn, before making some further remarks on your daughters' situation.

It is worth noting the rules are the same regarding all the tax issues to consider whomever you are house swapping with in principle.

If the swap transaction is with someone who is not a 'connected party' (more on this below, but this includes siblings), the market value of a property is still used, unless it is a normal commercial transaction in which case it is the amount you actually paid.

1. Capital Gains Tax

Even though this transaction is that of a swap rather than two independent sales, it doesnt change the way such a transaction is treated for capital gains tax.

On any transfer of property between 'connected parties' the market value of that property must be taken into account rather than the amount of money actually being paid.

Will your daughters have to pay CGT?

If each property being swapped was the main or only residence of its owner prior to the swap, then Private Residence Relief (PRR) should be available in the same way that it is available when you sell your home and move to another, and no capital gains tax will be due.

Similarly after the swap, providing the new home remains the main residence of its new owner, then PRR should be available should the new home be sold, again in the same way as if you sell your home, move to a new one and then sell the new one to move again.

How does CGT work? Capital gains tax is payable on the profits from the sale of an asset - what you sell it for, less what you paid for it. Depending on the asset there may be certain reliefs available and each person has a capital gains tax allowance to offset against their gains. This was 12,300 in the year to April 2023, when it was cut to 6,000, and there will be a further cut to 3,000 next spring. If an asset was transferred to you as a gift, then the value at transfer will be the valuation for acquisition. When the asset is left to you through a will, then the probate value will be the value you are deemed to have acquired it for. You can deduct costs of acquisition and disposal if relevant - the estate agent's and solicitor's fees on sale, for example. You can also deduct costs where you have spent money and have added value to the asset. Capital gains rates are explained here.

There are some exceptions to the availability of Private Residence Relief which you should check do not apply in this situation.

However, if one of the properties being swapped was a second home, or was rented out at any time, capital gains tax would be payable, in the same way as if you sold a second home or a property that you had rented.

The amount due would depend on the profit made, in other words the market value at time of the swap, less what was paid and the costs of any improvements and any period where it qualified for any other relief.

What is meant by connected parties?

A person is connected with an individual if that person is:

- A spouse or civil partner

- A relative (brother, sister, ancestor or lineal descendent, but not nephews, nieces, uncles and aunts)

- A spouse or civil partner of a relative

- A relative of a spouse or civil partner

- A spouse or civil partner of a relative of a spouse or civil partner.

2. Inheritance Tax

If no money is being paid, in theory both houses in this case are gifts.

However, because for gifting one house, the gifting party is receiving another house, then the actual gift is the difference between the value of the properties.

For example, if A gives B a house worth 300,000 but only receives from B a house worth 280,000, then A has gifted B 20,000.

This gift is known as a PET (Partially Exempt Transfer). If A survives seven years, then no inheritance tax would be due on the gift.

Gifts are deducted from the persons nil rate band first (currently 325,000 - see the box below) so if A hasnt gifted more than the nil rate band in the seven years before their death, then no inheritance would be payable on the gift in any case, even if they died within seven years.

This situation can be avoided by payment of the difference by the person receiving the higher value property.

Importantly, once the swap has taken place there should be no further benefit received by the owner of the gifted property, or it will be classified as a gift with reservation of benefit and this will change the inheritance tax position.

Inheritance tax thresholds Tax of 40 per cent is typically levied on a deceased person's assets worth over and above 325,000, which is called the nil rate band. Many people are allowed to leave a further 175,000 worth of assets without them becoming liable for inheritance tax, if their home forms part of their estate and they leave it to direct descendants. That means children, including adopted, step or fostered, and those children's linear descendants. This extra sum is what is called the residence nil rate band, and it is available to claim on deaths on or after 6 April 2017. Both protected amounts or 'bands', adding up to 500,000 per person, can be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner if unused on the death of the first spouse.

> Find out more about gifts and inheritance tax

3. Stamp Duty Land Tax

Normally, there is no stamp duty payable on a gift, but there may be a liability if the properties are not equal in value, or if there is a mortgage on one or both of the properties which are being transferred.

There may be higher rates of stamp duty to pay if one party already owns another property. This is a question that your solicitor should review.

Further tips for your daughters

In this case, if the properties currently are the main homes of both the sisters and will remain so up to the date of the swap, PRR should be available subject to the exceptions in the link above.

Any difference in value will be a gift by the owner of the higher value property to the other.

To avoid a gift, the difference could be settled by a payment.

Providing the property to be sold is the main home of the new occupant from the date of the swap up to when it is sold, then it should qualify for PRR.

I recommend having both properties valued by a qualified surveyor, so if there is a query later from HMRC, you have an accurate valuation at the time of the swap.

It also means that if one of the properties does not remain as a main residence (it is rented out in future, for example), you have an accurate 'purchase price' for CGT purposes.
An investment vehicle backed by billionaire Xavier Niel will become the largest shareholder in GAM after receiving approval from Irish authorities.

NewGAMe had already gained permission from financial regulators in the UK, Italy, Switzerland, and Luxembourg to increase its stake in the Swiss fund manager from 17.5 per cent to 'no less than' 27.1 per cent.

The rebel investor group has now gained the green light from the Central Bank of Ireland and expects to finalise the purchase on 12 January.

Tycoon: NewGAMe is an investment vehicle backed by French billionaire Xavier Niel (pictured)

It marks a turbulent year for GAM, which looked set to be acquired by London-listed Liontrust Asset Management just a few months ago.

Liontrust conditionally agreed to buy the firm under a 96million deal that would have created an enlarged business with 53billion of assets under management.

However, the proposal fell through after only a third of GAM shareholders supported the offer, with many claiming Liontrust was undervaluing the company and would not bring stability due to its weak share price performance.

GAM then started discussions with NewGAMe, which comprises NJJ, the holding company of French telecoms tycoon Xavier Niel, and financial adviser Bruellan.

They proposed a partial counter-offer to buy 28 million GAM shares for 13.7million and released a 100-day turnaround plan, which included appointing a new board and a 25 million Swiss francs capital injection.

GAM agreed to promote its chief technology officer, Elmar Zumbuehl, to the chief executive role and accept 92million of bridge financing from NewGAMe so it could sustain its day-to-day operations.

Last week, the Zurich-based firm unveiled a 'four pillar' strategy aimed at boosting growth and profitability.

It includes proposals to reduce costs by simplifying business structures, building its wealth management division, focusing on clients in core markets and diversifying into new product areas.

The group announced the strategy as it warned that underlying pre-tax losses for this year were expected to total between CHF45million and CHF50million, compared to CHF42.8million in 2022.

In addition, the company anticipates that its average management fee margin in 2024 will decline to around 45 basis points.

'GAM would like to thank all shareholders for their continued support and looks forward to creating long-term value and success for all our clients, shareholders and employees in 2024 and beyond,' it said on Thursday.
No Christmas is complete without a ghost story to tell  and who better to regale the assembled royals at Sandringham with their very own spooky tale of things that go bump in the night than the Prince and Princess of Wales?

For their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall  just a couple of miles up the road from the big house where Charles will be hosting his second Christmas as King  has its own resident ghost.

The spirit of Jesuit martyr Henry Walpole is said to stalk the redbrick mansion. He was born in the grounds at Anmer back in the 16th century - and it was to Anmer he returned when fleeing the agents of the Crown.

Walpole came to a particularly sticky end, making him an ideal member of the haunting fraternity  he was tortured on the rack before being hanged, drawn and quartered, ending his days in 1595 before being made a saint for his troubles.

King Charles III and Prince William and his family attend the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church

Anmer Hall on the Royal Sandringham Estate, the Norfolk family home of Prince William, Kate and the children

The spirit of Henry Walpole, born at Anmer way back in the 16th century, is said to stalk the red brick mansion

The Waleses were warned about the ghost of Walpole before they moved into Anmer, a wedding gift from the Queen, back in 2014.

'It didn't deter them - they had a joke about it,' said a friend at the time. 'But their attitude was  no old home would be complete without its ghost.'

Ghost indeed. When the Norfolk winds blow, you can hear old Henry calling.

The house where he was born in 1558 has largely disappeared.

But since his bloody death his spectre is said to still haunt the building and its surrounds.

READ MORE: The spooky Halloween presence that haunts Balmoral Advertisement

The Waleses have been living there since a 1.5 million refurbishment was completed in 2014  though their visits have become less frequent with the death of Queen Elizabeth and their move to make Adelaide Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle their principal residence

Anmer's still their favourite place, though, even with a ghost in tow. And as Sandringham will be jam-packed full of guests this Christmas, including Camilla's children, it's likely the Waleses will be spending time in their country home.

Walpole was a follower of Edmund Campion, the Roman Catholic priest sainted for his work in trying to preserve the 'Old Religion' which had been persecuted ever since King Henry VIII's break with Rome in the 1530s.

When Campion was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn - the gallows stood where Marble Arch is now - Walpole carried on his mentor's work fighting to preserve Roman Catholicism.

Walpole even wrote an epic poem about him, a matter so serious that the publisher's ears were cut off for daring to print it.

Edmund Campion, a Jesuit martyr, was Catholic mentor to Walpole - whose ghost haunts Anmer

Walpole was executed, aged 37, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He was tortured on the rack in the Tower of London before being hung, drawn and quartered at Tyburn

The Waleses have been living at Anmer Hall since a 1.5 million refurbishment was completed in 2014

Sandringham House itself is touched by the spirit world. There is supposedly a ghost in one of the upstairs corridors who appears on Christmas Eve and stays around for several weeks

Walpole was executed in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Henry VIIIs daughter, after first being tortured on the rack in the Tower of London for his refusal to deny his Catholic faith.

Earlier, in a bid to escape his persecutors, hed hidden at Anmer Hall hoping to outwit the men who finally caught and murdered him.

So badly was he tortured that it was agreed after his death that the rack was no longer a legitimate tool for extracting confessions.

Walpole's story is both grim and heroic, full of the fanaticism and skullduggery of the age.

The fact that Queen Elizabeth's descendants live in his old home will probably cause Henry's bones to rattle extra loud this Yuletide.

However Alan Murdie, chairman of the long-established Ghost Club - past members include famous names such as Charles Dickens and First War poet Siegfried Sassoon - suggests Prince William will be used to having spectres around the place.

He reveals there are quite a number of royal related ghosts.

'For example, though Buckingham Palace is a relatively new building, it stands on monastic land.

'Henry VIII did away with the monasteries, and to this day at the Palace the ghost of a monk appears on the terrace on Christmas Day.

'Maybe thats the reason the royals prefer to spend the festive season at Sandringham!'

Around Windsor Castle on Christmas Eve, expect to hear the sound of a huntsman's horn and the barking of dogs.

'This is the day Herne the Hunter, a figure who first appears in Shakespeare, leads a pack of hounds through Windsor Great Park,' says Mr Murdie, a veteran ghostbuster.

Buckingham Palace is a relatively new building, but it stands on monastic land. To this day, it is said, the ghost of a monk appears on the terrace on Christmas Day

'Better not listen too intently - for if you hear his horn, it could be the omen of forthcoming calamities on a national or international scale.'

Even Sandringham House itself is not immune. According to Mr Murdie there's a ghost in one of the upstairs corridors who appears on Christmas Eve and stays around for several weeks.

There have been instances of bedclothes being pulled off beds and other poltergeist-type activity as well as heavy breathing noises.

Of course, these could attributed to something else entirely. But it's Christmas - let's not go there!
Are you struggling to buy a Christmas present for the political nerd in your life? Then the UK's politicians and political parties have a gift for you.

Whether their idol is Margaret Thatcher, Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer or, er, Jeremy Corbyn, there is a vast array of goodies out there to ensure there is no major swing away from your affections on Christmas morning.

From festive clothing to baubles and mugs, whichever way you and yours lean there are wallet and purse-friendly options available.

Margaret Thatcher 'no, no, no' jumper (24.95 from the Conservative shop)

Perfect for the relative who's not for turning on the heating (have you seen the size of bills right now?) this true-blue pullover is one for the true blue Tory on your list.

While The Iron Lady is catnip to all Conservative tribes it is likely to appeal most to the Brexiteers on your list.

The slogan recalls the Iron lady's response to calls for greater European integration in 1990 by then Commission president Jacques Delors.

While The Iron Lady is catnip to all Conservative tribes it is likely to appeal most to the Brexiteers on your list.

The slogan recalls the Iron lady's response to calls for greater European integration in 1990 by then Commission president Jacques Delors.

He infuriated the PM and Eurosceptics by trying to force European federalism on the UK.

In a Commons speech after a summit in Rome, she said: 'The Commission wants to increase its powers. Yes, it is a non-elected body and I do not want the Commission to increase its powers at the expense of the House, so of course we differ.

'The President of the Commission, Mr Delors, said at a press conference the other day that he wanted the European Parliament to be the democratic body of the Community, he wanted the Commission to be the Executive and he wanted the Council of Ministers to be the Senate. No. No. No.'

Sparkle with Starmer t-shirt (20 from the Labour shop)

Labour's top offering this year takes inspiration from Sir Keir's conference brush with a protester armed to the teeth with glitter.

Yaz Ashmawi tipped shimmering paper over the Labour leader and grabbed him as he was about to begin his set-piece speech in Liverpool.

Mr Ashmawi managed to reach the stage unchallenged and get his arms around the opposition leader in a grip for several seconds before bodyguards tackled him and dragged him away.

Labour's top offering this year takes inspiration from Sir Keir's conference brush with a protester armed to the teeth with glitter.

Yaz Ashmawi tipped shimmering paper over the Labour leader and grabbed him as he was about to begin his set-piece speech in Liverpool.

The Labour leader looked bemused and tried to keep Ashmawi at arm's length until security tackled the protester and led him off stage.

Sir Keir then brushed off the glitter, and told a cheering conference: 'If he thinks that bothers me, he doesn't know me.'

Supporters of the opposition can now unleash their 'inner shimmer' in the sparkly, white T-shirt, which can be ordered from the Labour Party's gift shop for 20.

For with either a tighter budget or a hankering for nostalgia, a 'New Labour, New Britain' fridge magnet referencing the Tony Blair era is just 3.

Jeremy Corbyn: Poetry for the Many (17 hardback 8 e-book)

He may not like capitalism much, but Jeremy Corbyn knows you like a bargain. His poetry book is currently on sale with 30 per cent off its RRP.

No, you are not having a medical episode. This is a Jeremy Corbyn poetry book. But you can relax, the leftwing election loser and former opposition leader has not actually written any of the work on display in this book.

Rather Mr Corbyn, assisted by the former general secretary of the Unite union, Len McCluskey, have put together an anthology of some of their favourite works.

As an added bonus there is also a smattering of offerings recommended by some of Mr Corbyn's showbiz pals.

Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey's Poetry for the Many is available with a 30% discount

Mr Corbyn, assisted by the former general secretary of the Unite union, have put together an anthology of some of their favourite works plus efforts by their friends

Within the pages of the little red book you will find works by Shakespeare, William Blake, Emily Dickinson and Bertolt Brecht recommended by the politicians, plus suggestions by comic writer Rob Delaney, Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh (left), playwright Ken Loach (right), comedian Alexei Sayle and Michael Rosen - the only actual poet among the group of acolytes.

So within the pages of the little red book you will find works by Shakespeare, William Blake, Emily Dickinson and Bertolt Brecht recommended by the politicians, plus suggestions by comic writer Rob Delaney, Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, playwright Ken Loach, comedian Alexei Sayle and Michael Rosen - the only actual poet among the group of acolytes.

But one name not on the list is Russel Brand. He was due to contribute but was dropped after he faced allegations of rape - which he denies - in September.

Publisher Or Books notes: 'With the burgeoning popularity of poetry, especially among Gen Z, this joyful celebration of the power of verse is bound to delight and inspire across a wide audience.'

Liberal Democrat EU flag (10 from the Lib Dem shop)

If the only brussels you like at the Christmas table is the beating Belgian heart of the European Union, the pro-rejoin Liberal Democrats have your back.

For a tenner you can plonk an EU flag with party branding in among the plates to remind your guests you have not got over the referendum vote, despite the intervening seven years.

It features the familiar flag of stars with the Lib Dem 'bird of liberty' at its heart.
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 union representative claims they were barred from inspecting a McDonald's after workers complained about seeing rats at the restaurant for six weeks.

Employees at the Hindley Street McDonald's, in Adelaide, reported 'almost daily' rat sightings to their union who sent a representative on December 8 to investigate.

A new report published by SafeWork SA alleges that the rep was left waiting outside for 'an hour or two' after arriving at 12:15pm and eventually left.

Workers at the diner have claimed that faulty wiring, falling ceiling tiles and the 'rat infestation' had created an unsafe work environment.

A McDonalds spokesperson said that it is now in direct contact with the franchisee of the Hindley Street store regarding allegations made in the report.

The Maccas on Hindley Street in Adelaide's CBD has been infested with rats for weeks, according to employees who have blown the whistle to the SDA (pictured rat in storage room)

The workers allege that rats are seen 'almost daily' and that they have been caught 'nibbling' on the burger buns (pictured)

One worker who wished to remain anonymous told The Advertiser that rat sightings and safety issues had become a normal part of the workplace.

READ MORE: Family of rats spotted in Sydney's David Jones Advertisement

'It has become that common people are just getting used to it which is obviously not very good,' they said.

The worker added that they once found a dead rat in the store and that photos had been taken of another rat nibbling cheese off of the floor in the storage area.

Recently the kitchen also flooded due to a hole in the roof which workers were told to ignore and 'just keep working' through.

Employees also complained of a lack of air-conditioning and inadequate supervision during weekend shifts.

All of these concerns were reported to the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) who sent a representative to confirm the allegations.

The rep was initially denied entry by management at the store who asked them to wait 'for an hour or two' which the union deemed a 'refusal of entry'.

SafeWork SA has confirmed that it was 'aware of the allegations and is conducting inquiries' of its own.

A union representative was sent to investigate the allegations on December 8 but was refused entry by management at the rest (pictured)

SDA secretary Josh Peak said that the restaurant had denied the union its 'legal right to investigate a rat infestation that was posing a risk to worker and consumer safety'.

'McDonald's should not be attempting to cover up health and safety concerns,' he said in a statement.

'Workers and consumers deserve to know that their workplaces and the products they sell are safe.'

A spokeswoman for McDonald's stressed that the fast food chain took 'safety, cleanliness and hygiene very seriously'.

'[We] and expect our restaurants to follow our strict cleaning, sanitisation and hygiene procedures at all times, including pest control,' they said.

'This clearly falls short of those standards, and we are addressing this directly with the franchisee and restaurant.

'McDonald's Australia [also] does not accept or condone 'anti-union' conduct within our business or franchisee-owned restaurants.'
Edward and Sophie are the unsung heroes of the Royal Family - but it is an insult that their titles as Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are not hereditary.

That's the view of Richard Eden, who believes King Charles should give them an immediate upgrade so they can pass the dukedom down the generations  a move which might also encourage their son James to join The Firm when the time is right.

It is sometimes easy to forget that the Royal Family is much more than just our monarch. And I would like to highlight two of my unsung royal heroes of the year: Prince Edward and Sophie, writes Eden in the latest edition of his Palace Confidential newsletter.

Sophie and Edward are the unsung heroes of the Royal Family, says Richard Eden

However, the Duke of Edinburgh title conferred by Edward's older brother Charles will only stay with the family in his lifetime. It is not hereditary

The late Queen holds her fourth child, Prince Edward, in her arms on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour in 1964. His father, the previous Duke of Edinburgh looks down fondly

The King, Queen, Duke and Duchess of Sussex at this year's Trooping the Colour. Edward and Sophie are now key figures in the working of the Monarchy

With the Duke and Duchess of Sussex having quit royal duties, or forced to quit, as Prince Harry preposterously claimed in the High Court, and Prince Andrew no longer a working royal, Edward and Sophie have become even more vital to The Firm.

They have worked as hard as ever this year, carrying out engagements around the country and overseas with little fanfare.

While Harry and Meghan have used their royal titles for personal gain, helping them make a fortune in the United States of America, Edward and Sophie have continued the tradition of quiet public service embodied by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

They have deliberately chosen often difficult, unfashionable causes to highlight, such as in Sophie's case, helping women who have been victims of sexual violence.

'Edward will meet hundreds, if not thousands, of young people who have achieved Gold in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, of which he is patron.

King Charles recognised the couple's contribution to the success of the Monarchy by announcing on Edward's 59th birthday in March that he would succeed their father as Duke of Edinburgh. This was something that our late Queen and Prince Philip had publicly made clear should happen at the time of Edward's wedding to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with Prince Edward in 1976

King Charles III wears the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State for the the State Opening of Parliament in November

Kate, Charlotte and William and joined by Sophie and Edward. The Waleses and Edinburghs now form a quartet supporting the work of King Charles

It was, however, a shame that the King turned the Dukedom of Edinburgh into a life peerage rather than the hereditary title it had previously been. In my opinion, this was an insult.

What better way to celebrate Edward and Sophie's importance than by upgrading the title to a hereditary one?

Perhaps that would be a good way to encourage their son, James, the Earl of Wessex, to join The Firm when the time comes? He could join his sister, Lady Louise Windsor, in providing vital support to their cousin Prince William.
The object was described as a white or silver sphere seen hovering near the presidential jet

President Joe Bidens December visit to Tinseltown for a campaign fundraiser caused such a hullaballoo even aliens may have wanted to see what all the fuss was about!

Planespotters caught a UFO on camera hovering above Air Force 1 in Los Angeles during Biden's December 10 trip, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The spherical white or silver object was filmed several times over LAX airport and spotted by multiple witnesses.

Explanations range from a mere balloon, to an alien probe searching for intelligent life. Either way it appeared to give up on the Presidents entourage after less than an hour.

The object caused a stir on social media due to its resemblance to metallic orb UFOs caught on camera by Reaper drones in the Middle East and studied by the governments official UFO office  while skeptics dismissed this case as having a mundane explanation.

Airplane enthusiasts Joshua and Peter Solorzano were filming at LAX airport on Sunday December 10, hoping to catch Air Force 1.

They were delighted to catch on camera two F-35 fighter jets patrolling the skies enforcing a Temporary Flight Restriction for the Commander-in-Chief, and even filmed them being refueled mid-air by a KC-10 tanker aircraft.

A UFO was caught on camera hovering in the sky above Air Force 1 last week. It was captured by airplane enthusiasts Joshua and Peter Solorzano on their Youtube channel LA Flights

The white or silver orb was likened to those seen by Reaper drones in the Middle East and appeared three times in just under an hour

But at 10.18am while running their livestream for their popular YouTube channel LA Flights, they spotted a white sphere zooming across the screen.

Three minutes later the object appeared again flitting across the top right of the camera view as it trained on the KC-10.

The object appeared a third time at 11.08am directly over cameraman Joshua Solorzano.

He can be heard on the livestream saying: Its directly above us. It is moving, its not a star. Im telling you theyre flying in from the ocean. Very strange right now.

Joshua said he thought it was a balloon, but Peter referred to it as a UAP  the governments preferred term for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena.

The two joked that the Secret Service would soon be bearing down on them to confiscate the spooky footage.

Chris Cullari, a 37-year-old screenwriter from the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles, saw what appeared to be the same object at around 12.30pm that day, while he was walking through Culver City to catch a train.

Biden and the First Lady stepped off Air Force 1 following a funding blitz across L.A.

A white sphere was spotted zooming across the screen at around 10.28am, minutes later the object appeared again flitting across the top right of the camera view as it trained on the KC-10

I didnt see it move. I watched it for about 15 minutes to see if it zipped off or anything and it just floated, he said.

Cullari, who hosts a podcast called Scared All the Time, added that he also saw an LAPD helicopter circling near the object, and shared photos of the UFO with DailyMail.com, timestamped 12.36pm that day.

It just looked like a distant white orb. The fact that it was stationary drew my attention, he said. And the fact that there was an LAPD helicopter circling drew my attention. But from where I was, I couldn't tell if the chopper was circling because of the object or something on the ground.

Movie director Robert Wood, 44, said he was walking his dog in North Hollywood between 12.30pm and 1pm when he saw a white sphere move across the sky and disappear out of sight behind some buildings.

It was a solid white spherical object, traveling north towards Burbank Airport, he told DailyMail.com.

It caught my attention because it was quite large and white against the blue of the sky. It was moving quite rapidly, not darting, but moving as fast as a plane would appear to move across the sky.

It could have been a balloon, or something else. Im really not sure.

The silver orb filmed by the Solorzanos resembles UFOs caught on Reaper drone cameras in the Middle East, published this year by the governments UFO investigation office AARO.

Biden travelled to LA in an attempt to give his reelection bid a boost

Other witnesses stated the object appeared to be headed north towards Burbank Airport

Eye witness Chris Cullari said he also saw an LAPD helicopter circling near the object

The existence of the Reaper footage was first revealed by DailyMail.com in October last year.

In testimony to the Senate in April, then-AARO director Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick showed some of the metallic orb footage and revealed statistics showing that 34% of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (the governments term for UFOs) are spherical or orb-shaped.

Since the release of the footage, filmed by an MQ-9 Reaper drone on July 12 2022, researchers have sought to explain it.

An investigation group called Bellingcat used satellite data to match AAROs UFO video to a location northeast of Deir ez-Zor, Syria.

The group then used the satellite data to estimate the objects diameter as likely less than one-and-a-half feet.

They concluded it was possibly a balloon coated in silvery, reflective material called mylar, released amid 'Eid al-Adha,' the second and largest religious holiday celebrated in the Muslim world.

Author Mick West, who has become renowned as a UFO debunker, reviewed the Los Angeles orb footage for DailyMail.com and said his best guess was a balloon.

Thats what AARO would call a balloon-like entity, he said. It looks like a balloon and moves like a balloon, but as its in the LIZ [low information zone], you cant prove its a balloon.

The object was filmed in the skies above LAX airport and experts say they cannot definitively state it was a balloon due to its position within the low information zone

West said that the objects apparent motion in the video is likely an illusion, due to it being closer to the camera than the fast-moving plane in the background.

It appears to be a white object, not moving in the air, just moving with the wind, so zero airspeed, he said. Theres nothing to suggest its not a balloon  you just cant prove it.

Los Angeles weather data for December 10 gave a wind speed measured at approximately 30ft elevation, of between 8mph and 10mph in the morning and early afternoon.

The wind direction was north between 10am and 1pm, according to the data from weatherspark.com.

Balloons flying in sensitive airspace became a national focus in February this year, when alleged Chinese spy balloons were shot down over the United States.

One balloon entered US airspace on 28 January and was shot down by an F-22 Raptor on 4 February off the coast of South Carolina after passing over US nuclear missile sites, including the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.

Top-secret intelligence documents allegedly leaked by Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira revealed that U.S. intelligence agencies were aware of up to four more Chinese spy balloons.
It was a crisp, frosty Tuesday night in December 1983 and  in sole charge of light percussion  I was central, or so I liked to think, to the school orchestras rollicking rendition of Leroy Andersons Sleigh Ride on what remains a great Edinburgh occasion: the James Gillespies High School carol concert.

I was also in a sulk. A 17-year-old sixth former denied a prefects gold braid, whose timid hopes of application to Oxford had been sniggered down by the assistant head teacher, and who had never shed his incorrigible West Highland accent.

Worse, I had been passed over for the tenor solo in what, as a 2008 poll of choirmasters the world over ascertained, is the greatest Christmas hymn ever written.

John MacLeod remembers his caroling days fondly

But I gave my percussive duties laldy. The vast pair of cymbals, the glockenspiel, the triangle, a box to rap for clip-clops and  especially  the whip. A small wooden package that had to be smacked repeatedly into my left palm... and there is a great deal of whipping in Andersons festive classic.

Ouch.

Christina Rossetti never heard In The Bleak Midwinter set to music. She had been dead for 12 years before it was first sung.

She never married (though she declined three proposals) and never had an infant of her own to cradle in her arms.

Though a noted beauty  her painter brother Dante Gabriel, one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, liked her to pose as the Madonna  her life was one of genteel poverty and dreadful ill health, and she was only 64 when she died agonisingly of breast cancer.

The Rossettis  forced to flee to England after the Italian revolutions in 1848  were an eccentric bunch.

With an English mother, they were passionate Protestants, but fast became ardent High Anglicans, and family friends included Charles Dodgson  Lewis Carroll of Alice in Wonderland fame.

When Dante Gabriel lost his wife, he quixotically buried all his unpublished poems with her. (Later he had the grave opened and the volume retrieved from her coffin. As you do.)

But Christina was rather more than a wan invalid reclining on a divan.

As her strength permitted, she worked keenly to help former prostitutes. She vehemently opposed vivisection.

Today, only Emily Dickinson rivals her as the greatest female poet, in English, before the 20th century; and even In The Bleak Midwinter  which

Rossetti herself demurely titled A Christmas Carol when she composed it in 1871  has a subtle feminist edge.

Its a striking hymn because it combines not just deep Christian conviction with high artistic sensibility, but the earthiest elements of a hard British winter  wind, water, frost, snow and hay  with a Holy Land narrative and the wondrous paradox of the Incarnation.

Might made humble. Word become flesh. God with us.

Enough for Him whom cherubim worship night and day, a breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay...

And, as the cultured Rossetti well knew, snow  a metaphor for spiritual death and moral slumber  has long been part of Nativity portrayals in European art.

As now established and beloved, In The Bleak Midwinter is remarkable in other respects.

For one, there are two beautiful tunes for it  Gustav Holsts Cranham, every plaint evoking frosted English meadows that winter has won. And the usual melody for congregational singing.

And then there is Harold Darkes gorgeous choral arrangement, with exquisite organ setting, famed worldwide thanks to its near-annual performance, in their broadcast services, by the Kings College Choir, Cambridge. (If youre like me, you too may be in the habit of listening to their Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, live on Radio 4 of a Christmas Eve afternoon, while making your mince pies.)

Darke briefly directed the choir during the Second World War. Indeed, he once proudly told his young charges that he earned three farthings for every copy sold of his In The Bleak Midwinter score.

Another oddity is that, though Rossettis original hymn has five stanzas, in neither arrangement are all of them sung.

A breastful of milk was too much for the sort of prudes generally in charge of Anglican hymn books; and Only His mother, in her maiden bliss was probably too evocative of the Perpetual Virginity  a Roman Catholic tenet  for the masters of Kings College.

But the last verse, with its call to ultimate Christian commitment, was perhaps the most personal of all for Christina Rossetti.

What can I give him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb;

If I were a wise man

I would do my part;

Yet what I can, I give him 

Give my heart.

Her brother once memorably described her as being

replete with the spirit of self-postponement

Certainly, Christina was always poor. She lived in an age when only men, wise or otherwise, could hope for a university course or enter a profession.

Like the shepherds, a recent scholar has pointed out, she was not employed; like the wise men, Rossetti held no degree.

Yet this reading of the final stanza does not invalidate the more general reading of the verse; but it gives a special sharpness and poignancy to the last verse for those who wish to find it.

Christina Rossetti would never for a moment have regarded herself as a theological writer. In Victorian times it was far safer to stay well clear of mens turf and be but a devotional one.

Yet she never complained of her lot. Beautiful, delightful, noble, memorable, as is the world you and yours frequent, as she wrote to Dante Gabriel in 1888, I yet am well content in my shady crevice  which crevice enjoys the unique advantage of being to my certain knowledge the place assigned me.

There was, 30 years later, a happy sequel to my indignities of 1983.

In 2013 I was invited back to James Gillespies High School to write a book about the place, and that December  as part of an Alumni Vocal Group  sang In The Bleak Midwinter at the schools Christmas concert.

So I finally won that tenor solo, rehearsed like mad, perfected the phrasing, and for that glorious stanza had a massed Usher Hall audience in the palm of my hand.

'Enough for Him whom angels fall down before, the ox and ass and camel which adore...'

It remains one of the most joyous experiences of my adult life and, indeed, I am to be a guest at the school concert tonight  if, these days, firmly consigned to the Upper Circle.

But I still cant hear Leroy Andersons Sleigh Ride without a shudder.
Tens of thousands of Scots workers will be hammered with one of the highest marginal tax rates in the world next year.

An eye-watering 69.5 per cent of earnings between 100,000 and 125,140 will be lost to income tax and National Insurance if the latest SNP tax rises are approved by MSPs.

It comes amid a continuing backlash against the triple tax whammy contained in the SNPs Budget, unveiled at Holyrood on Tuesday.

Concerns were raised that the new 45p rate introduced on earnings above 75,000 and the 1p increase in the top rate paid on earnings above 125,140 will lead to workers relocating away from Scotland.

First Minister Humza Yousaf and his party have been accused of being politically bankrupt by placing such a high tax burden on Scotland

According to an analysis by World Population Review, Belgium has the highest marginal personal taxation rate, at 79.5 per cent, followed by Finland at 66.7 per cent and Portugal at 64 per cent.

But the SNP Budget means that Scotland could move into second place because tens of thousands of workers will pay a 69.5 per cent marginal rate.

Tory MSP Stephen Kerr said: The bankruptcy of SNP politics glaringly manifests in their decision to burden Scotland with not just the highest tax rates in the UK but to trail only behind Belgium worldwide. Its a disgraceful position for our country, thanks to their ineptitude.

The SNPs proclamation to the world is clear: Scotland is shut down for business. And guess who foots the bill for their colossal blunder? All of us. Lets call it what it is: a recipe for immediate and future economic catastrophe.

He said the punitive tax regime will not yield much more than a trickle of tax revenue, and added: What it will certainly yield is a straightforward warning: dont bother working hard, aiming for that promotion, growing your business, or even planning a future here if you have any intentions of improving your income.

According to the Scottish Government, 114,000 people will pay its new 45p advanced rate, to be introduced on earnings above 75,000, while 40,000 will pay the top rate of 48p on earnings above 125,140.

When income tax and National Insurance are considered, taxpayers with six-figure salaries will pay a 69.5 per cent marginal tax rate on earnings between 100,000 and 125,140.

On this part of their salary, they will pay a 45 per cent income tax rate. In addition, the tax-free personal allowance, which is controlled by the UK Government, is withdrawn at a rate of 1 for every 2 earned for this section of income, which takes the overall income tax rate to 67.5 per cent, while National Insurance is charged on 2 per cent of these earnings.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison delivered a Budget which has been widely panned and includes a new tax rate for anyone earning more than 75,000

Scottish Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr described Scotlands punishing tax regime as disgraceful and accused the SNP of ineptitude

Business leaders continued to raise concerns yesterday over the widening tax gap with the rest of the UK.

Dr Pete Cheema of the Scottish Grocers Federation said: Taxation is now at crippling levels and there is no doubt the Scottish economy and any potential growth will be held back  costing communities, households and essential local businesses much more in the long run.

One senior banking industry figure yesterday warned at a breakfast event attended by Ms Robison that the tax decisions will mean some senior workers may relocate from Scotland.

Judith Cruickshank, managing director of commercial mid-market at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said she had heard many anecdotal stories of higher earners deciding to live in

cities such as Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool. She added: Thats the opposite of what it was 15 years ago when if you went to Waverley on Monday morning or Edinburgh Airport there were dedicated planes and trains taking people to work in London who were choosing to live here.

The Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) also urged the Scottish Government to do more work to assess whether the tax policies are deterring anyone from moving to Scotland.

David Stone, head of economy and income tax at the SFC, said: In terms of the longer-term effect of the cumulative change in policies that weve seen since 2017-18, I think that is a really important question... it is something that will increasingly be on the agenda in the coming years.

Asked if enough had been done to look at the impact of tax divergence, Professor Graeme Roy, chairman of the SFC, said: In short no... this is a really important question that weve never had in the UK before.

You would hope that government...would have a really clear plan for an evidence base about the impacts of its policy choices, including on tax.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: Tax policies are grounded in evidence and carefully balance the need to raise revenue with the impact on taxpayers and the economy.

They added: Taxpayers earning between 100,000 and 125,140 face a high marginal tax rate largely because of the personal allowance taper rate, which is reserved and the responsibility of the UK Government.
A historic Brazilian Congress session to enact a tax amendment was marred by a heated discussion that ended with a slap upside the head.

Dramatic video footage showed Rio de Janeiro Workers' Party Representative Washington Quaqua holding his cell phone and recording his argument with Messias Donato, his counterpart from Espirito Santo.

Republicans Representative Donato could be seen stepping towards Quaqua to grab his arm and stop him from filming, before Donato was smacked on the left side of the face.

Several other lawmakers stepped in between both politicians to prevent the incident from further escalating.

Brazilian Representative Washington Quaqua shouts at his counterpart, Messias Donato, moments before Quaqua smacked his counterpart during a joint Senate and Chamber of Representative session on Tuesday

Donato turns away after he was smacked in the face by Quaqua

Worker's Party Representative Quaqua then allegedly shouted a homophobic slur at Nikolas Ferreira, a Liberal Party Representative from Minas Gerais.

Donato shared an edited version of the video on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter and indicated that he would be seeking legal retribution.

'Representative Quaqua attacked me here  He will not go unpunished,' he wrote.

Donato joked that it was 'the slap of love, because love overcame hate.'

Quaqua issued a statement through an advisor and accused Donato of shouting disparaging comments against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

'In relation to the incident that occurred, I clarify that my reaction was triggered by a previous aggression. The representative was insulting the President of the Republic when I turned on my cell phone camera with the intention of producing evidence for a trial,' he said.

'I was then pushed, and I had the arm held to avoid filming. I never use violence as a method, but I do not tolerate verbal or physical aggression from the ultra-right, and I will always react to defend myself.'

Paraiba Republicans Representative and party president Hugo Motta called on the Chamber of Representatives to investigate the incident.

Quaqua said he was 'pushed' and had his 'arm pulled' while he was filming a Congress session before he reacted and slapped Donato

Donato is a member of Brazil's Chambers of Representatives

'To deputy Messias Donato, we express our solidarity in the face of the aggression and embarrassment suffered,' he said in a statement. 'At the same time, we urge the Chamber of Representatives to adopt the necessary measures to determine responsibilities.'

The session was attended by members of the Senate and Chamber of Representatives and was featured multiple shouting clashes between ruling and opposition lawmakers.

Congress enacted a reform of the Brazilian tax system.

A goods and services tax will replace the current state and municipal taxes. The contribution on goods and services will replace the federal tax. A selective tax will charged at a federal level and its goal is to prevent the sale of products and services that are considered an impairment to health and the environment.
The grief-stricken family of a father allegedly murdered by a teenager while walking his dog have welcomed a new baby boy.

Paul Grapsas, 40, left his Western Beach Road home in Geelong, Victoria on the night of September 14 with the family pet, but the dog returned without him.

Mr Grapsas' body was found by his pregnant wife Jessica lying next to his car outside a church in nearby Malone Street at about 4am the following morning.

The beloved father-of-three died from significant head injuries with detectives charging 18-year-old Belmont man Bailey Clifford with his alleged murder.

On Monday, three months after her husband's death Ms Grapsas gave birth to their third child - a healthy baby boy she named Alexander Paul Grapsas.

Paul Grapsas, 40, left his Western Beach Road home in Geelong, Victoria on the night of September 14 with the family pet. He was discovered the following morning by his wife

On Monday, two months after her husband's death Ms Grapsas gave birth to their third child - a healthy baby boy she named Alexander Paul Grapsas (mother and son are pictured)

She shared the happy news with loved ones on Facebook on Tuesday.

'At 8.20pm Monday 18/12/23 we welcomed 'Alexander Paul Grapsas' into the world. The meaning of his name is 'defender of men' and 'humble', she wrote.

'He will be this for our family; our little man of the house, standing for his proud daddy in humility and strength just like Paul Grapsas did.

'After a hard long labour and failed epidural he needed to be born via a caesarean. 3.5kg and super cute and cuddly.

'Girls are super excited to be big sisters to a baby brother.'

Ms Grapsas said she was using the time in hospital to process the 'joy and grief of this beautiful time' as well as relax and recover.

Family and friends shared their congratulations in the comments.

'How perfect to have a little boy for you and the girls. I'm sure he will bring so much joy, and have his dad to guide him,' one wrote.

'I'm sure Paul is watching over you and very proud,' another said.

'What a perfect little boy to join your family. He will carry Paul's name forever,' a third commented.

The beloved father-of-three (pictuered) died from significant head injuries on September 14

Mr Grapsas (left) was farewelled by loved ones at the Barrabool Auditorium on October 3

Mr Grapsas was farewelled by loved ones at the Barrabool Auditorium on October 3.

His wife said she had met her 'devoted, true and respectful' husband when they were teenagers and that they had been inseparable ever since.

'Paul and his moment of death was far from perfect like us all,' she said.

'But he knew a perfect love. And when he died, he wasn't walking. He ran straight into the arms of his loving father.

'He ran the race into his final step and leaves this truth until his final breath.'

A GoFundMe organised Mr Grapsas's sister-in-law Emmily Hunter has raised $105,841 of its $200,000 for the family.

'It's been just over 3 months since Paul Grapsas died. Jessica and the girls have been adjusting to life without a husband and a father,' she wrote on Thursday.

'This week on Monday 18/12/23 at 8.20pm, 'Alexander Paul Grapsas' was born into the world. The meaning of his name is 'defender of men' and 'humble'.

'He will be this for the family; our little man of the house, standing for his proud daddy in humility and strength just like Paul Grapsas did.

'Thank you for all your generous donations so far. Please continue to remember Jessica and her three young children in your prayers and if you can spare a donation it would be so much appreciated.'

18-year-old Belmont man Bailey Clifford has been charged with Mr Grapsas' alleged murder

Clifford is due to next appear in Geelong Magistrates Court on January 30.

The court previously heard that up to 50 exhibits will be analysed by forensic experts to determine Mr Grapsas' cause of death.

Investigators have asked for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area from September 15 to contact them.
The previous flag was nixed since many believed it was a representation of Indigenous Americans and viewed by some to be offensive

Minnesota has unveiled a new state flag after critics panned the previous flag for being racist to Native Americans.

On Tuesday, The State Emblems Redesign Committee selected the new design - a white eight-pointed North star on a dark blue background in the shape of the state and a light blue field which represents the state's waters.

The design was created by Minnesota artist Andrew Prekker from 2,500 public submissions. Pekker said it felt 'surreal' to have his design selected.

On May 11, 2024, the state - known as the land of 'Land of 10,000 Lakes' - will officially adopt the new state flag.

The previous flag design dates to 1893 and features a depiction of a Native American on horseback. Some called the old design racists as the Native American was seen leaving with a white settler in the foreground.

Democratic lawmaker Mike Freiberg branded the original flag 'a cluttered genocidal mess'.

New Flag: Minnesota debuted their new state flag on Tuesday with a redesign of the flag and state seal. It will becomes the state's official flag in May 2024

Old Flag: the previous design of the flag - that goes back to the 1960s' - featured a depiction of a Native American on horseback at the center of the seal

Minnesota's flag commission Chair Luis Fitch (pictured) is seen during the final design process

There were calls to change the flag - going back to the 1960s' - since many believed it was a representation of Indigenous Americans.

Some argued the old flag, with the Indian riding off in the sunset as a white settler plows a field with a rifle nearby was offensive, according to KARE.

'It is very consciously part of the design of the seal to depict the displacement of Native Americans, and I don't think it has any place on our state flag,' said state Rep. Mike Freiberg of Golden Valley, who pushed a bill for the redesign, according to MPRNews.

Other s said the old flag was just too complicated.

In May, the state legislature passed a bill to redesign the flag and the state seal. A committee was formed and the public was invited to participate in the process by submitting designs.

Some of the other design entries included homages to popular state symbols, including the state bird, the loon and the monarch butterfly.

Luis Fitch, chairman of the State's Emblems Redesign Commission told CNN 'he hopes the flag will bring Minnesotans together.'

'It's such a rare privilege to be able to contribute to our state's history in such a special way like this,' he said in a statement on the commission's website.

'It's an achievement that I hope brings a lot of unity and pride to our land, and I will hold that fact with great honor for the rest of my life.'

On Tuesday, Prekker issued a statement through the Minnesota Historical Society expressing his gratitude and excitement for this honor.

Minnesota artist Andrew Prekker said, in part, 'Among the many emotions I'm feeling, the strongest are a sense of honor, privilege, excitement, and gratitude.' He is pictured with a concept for what became the winning design

'The last few days have been surreal for me. Very few things make me speechless in life, but this is one of those moments where it's hard to express the sheer gratitude and amazement I've felt at this whole opportunity,' Prekker said.

'Among the many emotions I'm feeling, the strongest are a sense of honor, privilege, excitement, and gratitude.

'It's such a rare privilege to be able to contribute to our state's history in such a special way like this. And I'm so proud to be able to say I helped design the new Minnesotan state flag!

'It's an achievement that I hope brings a lot of unity and pride to our land, and I will hold that fact with great honor for the rest of my life.

'It is my greatest hope that this new flag can finally represent our state and all its people properly. '

'That every Minnesotan of every background -including the Indigenous communities and tribal nations who've been historically excluded- can look up at our flag with pride and honor, and see themselves within it.

'I'm so grateful to the committee who chose my design. I put in many hours of hard work, research, passion, revisions, and asking advice, all to try and create the best possible flag I could.'

'And knowing that the committee (and Minnesotans in general) recognize my flag as something special, means the world to me.T

'Thanks to every single person who has shown me support. Your enthusiasm, passion, and kindness has made this whole experience all the more special.'
Qantas has been praised after it came to the rescue of a couple who risked missing their wedding day because of the widespread floods caused by tropical cyclone Jasper.

Bride and groom-to-be Hannah Jefferies and Dylan Stitt were supposed to fly out of the Cape York region to Cairns airport on Tuesday morning.

From Cairns they were to travel south to Tannum Sands, near Gladstone, where they were to marry on Friday.

But their plans were thrown into disarray when their flight was cancelled due to the closure of Cairns Airport because of record-breaking floods caused by tropical cyclone Jasper.

Across Sunday and Monday, more than 50 Qantas and Jetstar flights were cancelled after the runway at the airport was flooded and planes partly submerged.

Hannah Jeffries and Dylan Stitt had their wedding plans thrown into disarray when their flight was cancelled due to the closure of Cairns airport because of the record-breaking floods

Across Sunday and Monday, more than 50 Qantas and Jetstar flights were cancelled, with Cairns runway flooded and planes partly submerged

Australia's seventh busiest airport has since been cleared and reopened on Tuesday morning, but the closure caused major flight delays and cancellations in and out of the area.

The couple were left stranded and were worried their 60 wedding guests would have to celebrate without them.

'At this stage, we aren't going to make it,' Ms Jefferies told Cape York Weekly on Tuesday.

'We know there is a disaster going on and we don't want to come across as unsympathetic because we feel awful for those impacted by the floods.

'But we'd really love to get home for our wedding.'

Admitting they were 'hoping for a miracle', one came in the form of a flying kangaroo.

After their struggle was made public, Qantas came to their rescue with a new flight scheduled.

'Customers who were due to travel to Cairns from Weipa on Tuesday have been reaccommodated on a flight on Thursday morning,' a Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'We are delighted that Hannah and Dylan are able to make their wedding on time,' the spokesperson said.

'Our team have been working hard to reaccommodate customers who were impacted by cancellations due to the closure of Cairns Airport.'

The clean-up from TC Jasper is underway, which saw thousands of residents lose power with some communities still remaining trapped in floodwater.

Up to 400 trapped residents of the town of Wujal Wujal had to be evacuated and nine people, including a seven-year-old, were rescued after becoming stranded on the roof of the Wujal Wujal health clinic

Up to 400 trapped residents of the town of Wujal Wujal had to be evacuated and nine people, including a seven-year-old, were rescued after becoming stranded on the roof of the Wujal Wujal health clinic.

The damage caused is expected to be in the tens of millions of dollars although Emergency Services Minister Murray Watt said it is still too early to know the extent of the damage.

'Its going to be a very expensive repair bill. We do know that theres widespread damage to state and local roads across the region,' he said.

'Some of the roads will take some time to repair, but we obviously want to get the freight routes opened up as we can, and work is already beginning on that.'

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child who had suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods.

People who live and work in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Mareeba, Tablelands and Wujal Wujal council areas can access this payment from 2pm on Wednesday.

The same day, Queensland Premier Steven Miles announced a donation to kick-start an appeal for donations to support recovery.

'Its important that those impacted have the support that they need, which is why my government is chipping in a $1.5 million donation,' he said.

'These funds will go to organisations on the ground providing hands-on support through the recovery.'
This is the stunning moment a volcano in Iceland spews out rivers of lava as the island is rocked by the huge eruption, which began on Monday night.

The breathtaking footage shows the bright orange lava break through the earth's surface in fountains of fiery molten rock in the dramatic eruption that has been anticipated over several weeks.

The scorching liquid ripples across its surface, carving red-hot fissures as the lava courses through venous-looking cracks in the ground.

Plumes of smoke can be seen coming from the epicenter of the eruption, demonstrating the intense heat emerging from the volcano.

The dramatic scene was filmed by an aerial drone, as gushing streams of lava glowed against the darkness of the night sky.

The scorching liquid ripples across its surface, carving red-hot fissures as the lava courses through venous-looking cracks in the ground

Scientists anticipated the eruption of a volcano in southwestern Iceland for weeks, so when it happened on Monday night, 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.

It started at about 10.20pm 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.

The breathtaking footage shows the bright orange lava break through the earth's surface in fountains of fiery molten rock

The dramatic scene was filmed by an aerial drone, as gushing streams of lava glowed against the darkness of the night sky

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.

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.
Tragic images have emerged of a mother-of-two real estate agent celebrating with colleagues before she was allegedly stabbed to death at work by a random stranger.

Julie 'Julez' Seed, 38, died in an alleged attack at the office of REAL Estate Agents Group in Plympton, Adelaide, on Wednesday, where she had worked for two years.

A female co-worker, aged 50, was also seriously injured in the alleged incident but is now said to be in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Shaun Michael Dunk, 30, allegedly stabbed Ms Seed to death around 3.40pm at her Lydia Street office.

Health chiefs have now launched an inquiry to find out why the mentally ill man - who had been on an inpatient treatment order - was released into the community by Royal Adelaide Hospital just 48 hours earlier.

Mr Dunk was charged with Ms Seed's murder and the attempted murder of her co-worker on Thursday and will appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court today.

Julie 'Julez' Seed, 38, (pictured with fiance Chris Smith) died in an alleged attack at the office of REAL Estate Agents in Plympton, Adelaide, on Wednesday

Tragic images have emerged of a mother-of-two real estate agent Julez Seed (left) celebrating with colleagues before she was allegedly stabbed to death at work

Police are investigating the allegedly random stabbing in Plympton on Wednesday afternoon

In the wake of the tragedy, close friends have paid tribute to Ms Seed, a mother of two daughters aged 12 and 18, from Morphett Vale who got engaged to partner Chris Smith a year ago.

'Julez was a beautiful soul, she had a smile that lit up a room,' close pal Cathy Black told Daily Mail Australia. 'She was very loved.

'Julez and Chris were so happy together, it's tragic. She was always happy, everyone loved her.

'She was a wonderful mum of two beautiful girls, one of which has just turned 18.

'It's heartbreaking to think that she finally had everything she had ever wanted in life, only to be taken so tragically from the world by a senseless random act of violence that should never have happened.

'Now a beautiful family has had their whole life torn apart....and right before Christmas.

'My heart breaks for her family.'

Ms Black also fondly remembered Ms Seed's lifelong affection for cows: 'She loved cows. Anything cow-related, she was obsessed with cows!

'She had just found everything that she wanted - a beautiful mum, two beautiful girls, a beautiful family, home, fiance - she'd just got her dream job,' she added tearfully.

'And then this happens.

'Innocent people are losing their lives and it's not fair.'

Close pal Cathy Black told how Ms Seed was enjoying her best life before the tragedy, after getting engaged a year ago, with a 'beautiful family' and starting her dream job two years ago

Photographs on social media reveal Ms Seed (right) celebrating Melbourne Cup Day in 2021 with her real estate workmates, who described her as a 'little diamond' and one of the 'happiest in our office'

The images show Ms Seed (right) happy and smiling, wearing a pink dress with black polka dots and a black fascinator as she studies the form guides ahead of the race at a local bar

Almost a year ago to the day she died, Ms Seed had celebrated Christmas with her co-workers with a limo trip to their Xmas party venue (pictured)

Friend Amy Drummond said Ms Seed was a 'beautiful soul' who was 'always positive and had so much kindness to give'.

'She knew how to put a smile on your face and was an amazing friend and co-worker,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'She will be missed deeply and cherished forever.'

Photographs on social media reveal Ms Seed celebrating Melbourne Cup Day in 2021 with her real estate workmates, who described her as a 'little diamond' and one of the 'happiest in our office'.

Co-worker Susan Scardigno posted the pics on Facebook and added: 'Day out with my crew.

'Trifecta and Pick 4 in the bag but would have traded the win just to share this day again with this REAL Estate Agents Group.'

The images show Ms Seed happy and smiling, wearing a pink dress with black polka dots and a black fascinator as she studies the form guides ahead of the race at a local bar.

'Such an amazing day,' said Ms Seed in a reply to one of the pictures.

South Australia Health has now launched a review into their process after admitting the alleged killer had been treated for mental health issues just two days before the tragedy.

A spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'The Chief Psychiatrist will be reviewing the circumstances around this patient's treatment and discharge.'

In the wake of the tragedy, close friends have paid tribute to Ms Seed, a mother of two daughters aged 12 and 18, from Morphett Vale who was engaged to Chris Smith (pictured together)

Witnesses told 9News that they were helpless to do anything but could hear desperate screams when the alleged attack began.

'I just hear some lady screaming and I listen to the door as it just crashed closed,' one woman said.

'To stand here and watch has been really scary and horrifying to see,' another added.

The real estate building is located next to a supermarket car park where families were among those who watched the tragic events unfold.

Police said they had recovered a knife and a small hammer from the crime scene.

'Two women were stabbed by a man not known to them,' said a police statement.

A specialist team of Medstar paramedics worked for more than an hour to save Julie Seed, 38, but were unsuccessful and she died at the scene

Another aged 50, from Henley Beach, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with murder and attempted murder

'A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempt murder.

'He will appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court today, Thursday December 21.

'Detectives from Major Crime attended and are assisting Southern District officers with the investigation. A knife and a small hammer were seized from the scene.'

Officers have now appealed for witnesses who were in the area at the time or who may have dashcam footage to come forward.
The 80-year-old actor told Rolling Stone that his main priority is now to get rid of the former president

Robert De Niro was spotted heading out with his baby in New York City after the star reignited his feud with Donald Trump last month.

The 80-year-old was spotted alongside his nanny and driver leaving their apartment in Manhattan on Wednesday.

De Niro's driver carried his youngest child Gia who he and partner Tiffany Chen welcomed into the world earlier this year.

The actor left for around two hours. Chen was later spotted arriving home with shopping bags.

The outing comes as De Niro told Rolling Stone in an exclusive interview released today that his No.1 priority is getting rid of Donald Trump.

The 80-year-old was spotted alongside his nanny and driver leaving their apartment in Manhattan on Wednesday

The actor left for around two hours with his baby and nanny in tow

The actor's driver carried De Niro's youngest child Gia who he and partner Tiffany Chen welcomed into the world earlier this year

Speaking to the outlet, De Niro said: 'And my biggest concern now, with everything else, is us getting out of this situation with a monster in Trump. This is a classic grift.

'If you look at other totalitarian countries like Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union, it will affect everybody in ways you can't even imagine.'

Last month De Niro claimed a portion of a speech he delivered at the Gotham Awards was edited out after it contained barbs aimed at the former president.

The Taxi Driver star went on to deliver the section in full and then blasted Apple, the Awards' organizer, for deleting the speech.

Speaking to the Rolling Stone, the legendary actor has since opened up about the ordeal.

'What happened was I was working on the speech with a writer, Lewis Friedman, and he gave it to them, and then one of the consultants had put something in the speech about how kids in Oklahoma aren't even able to read the book,' De Niro said.

'And then I didn't hear anything. They gave me the script, and I looked at the prompter, and I asked after, 'What happened?'

'And they assumed that I had spoken to Marty [Scorsese] or somebody about it, but I hadn't.'

Chen was later spotted arriving home with shopping bags

De Niro claimed a portion of a speech he delivered at the Gotham Awards was edited out after it contained barbs aimed at the former president

De Niro and Tiffany Chen are pictured attending the Tribeca Festival in New York in June

He continued: 'They assumed that I would be OK with it, and maybe I'm still getting it wrong, and I wasn't.

'Marty and I spoke about it the next day and he said, 'Yeah, I had sent you a text and [Apple] asked if you could dial it down, respectfully.

'I didnt even want to blame them, but I was annoyed in the moment with whoever did it.'

De Niro also added: 'All I know is: Trump brings out the worst in people. He's a monster. I didn't think that in the beginning when he was first elected.

'I thought, 'Maybe he'll straighten out.' Now, this guy is beyond dangerous, and I just hope people can realize it.'

The remarks made by De Niro in his speech last month prompted the former president to brand the actor a 'total loser' on his Truth Social platform.

'Robert De Niro, whose acting talents have greatly diminished, with his reputation now shot, must even use a teleprompter for his foul and disgusting language, so disrespectful to our Country,' Trump wrote.

'He has become unwatchable both in movies, and with the FOOLS that destroyed the Academy Awards, bringing them from one of the top shows in the Country to a Low Rated afterthought,' he added.

'De Niro should focus on his life, which is a mess, rather than the lives of others. He has become a total loser, as the World watches, waits, and laughs!'

Former president Donald Trump, seen here speaking to a rally earlier this week, branded De Niro a loser over his remarks

The two-time Academy Award winner has been open in his criticism of the former president, stepping up his barbs ahead of the 2016 election.

Last month, he sent a statement to be read in his absence at the Stop Trump Summit, which was organized by The New Republic magazine.

In November, De Niro was ordered to pay $1.2 million in damages to his former assistant as part of a gender discrimination lawsuit.

While the jury found De Niro was not personally liable for the abuse, it said his company, Canal Productions, engaged in gender discrimination and retaliation against former assistant Graham Chase Robinson and should make two payments of $632,142 to her.

DeNiro was accused of bullying Chase Robinson and branded a creep by his former staffer for requesting back scratches.

He erupted while giving evidence, shrieking 'Shame on you Chase Robinson!', after denying he was an abusive boss.

De Niro has been ensnared in dueling lawsuits with Robinson since she quit in April 2019.

Both he and Chen took the stand during the weeks long trial.
A jumping castle was only secured at four of its eight anchorage points when it became airborne at a school's end-of-year celebrations killing six children, court documents have alleged.

Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt died after the incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania on December 16, 2021.

In November, Taz-Zorb, the operator of the jumping castle, was charged with a category two offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.

It is alleged Taz-Zorb failed to comply with a health and safety duty in a way that exposed the children to a risk of death or serious injury.

In a document filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, it is alleged the jumping castle was only anchored down to half of its anchorage points, the ABC reported.

Hillcrest Primary School students Zane Mellor, 12, Peter Dodt, Addison Stewart, Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones and Jye Sheehan (pictured clockwise from top left) died in the jumping castle tragedy

The pegs were also allegedly not secured at a 45-degree angle and were not the pegs recommended by the manufacturer to hold down the jumping castle.

The manufacturer's instructions said all eight anchorage points were needed in securing the jumping castle, and that all the pegs were available on the day of the tragedy, the DPP alleges.

'The defendant failed to ensure that the anchorage system was sufficient to prevent lift of the inflatable device,' the document said.

The matter will return to Devonport Magistrates Court in February.

During the tragedy that rocked the country, three other students were also seriously injured.

Flowers and messages of support were left in Market Square in Tasmania on the first anniversary of the tragedy

Students had been celebrating their graduation when the jumping castle was suddenly swept upwards, with children still bouncing on it.

Australians raised $1.4 million for the families of the victims, although it wasn't released until March, 2022.

As a result of the tragedy several organisations have banned the use of all inflatables on their properties, including the Tasmanian Department of Education.
We do hope the people of Ukraine will find safe places and enough resources to enjoy Christmas 2023.

Especially because fragile is their safety, now that the aid money from the USA and EU is under threat from self-centred and hypocritical politicians in the respective locations. Orthodox Christians make up nearly half the population of Ukraine. They observe Christmas Day on January 7, dressing in traditional garments and walking through town singing carols. Then, they get a bit daft, with some families enjoying another traditional gesture after grabbing a spoonful of their Christmas recipe called kutya, made of cooked wheat with honey, poppy seeds and sometimes nuts. They throw it at the ceiling! If it sticks, there will be a good harvest in the new year. Perhaps they should change that alternative to a truce in the terrible war.

Gentleman

What is rather fascinating are the different names given to the gentleman who guides the reindeers into town and climbs down chimneys. If you happen to have a long white beard and the appropriate red clothing  especially the distinctive hat  you could wander into a large French department store at precisely this time of year and say; Bonjour, je suis Pere Noel. And then trot over the border to a similar store in Germany, and declare, Guten tag, ich bin Weihnachtsmann. You would be rather popular, because you would appear to be none other than Father Christmas himself. It is not a practice to recommend, not least in the event that a more legitimate Father Christmas might already be present.

The name Santa Claus is probably the one most widely recognised and has an interesting origin. The story starts with the monk Saint Nicholas. He lived in the late 200s  no, that is not a misprint  nearly 2 000 years ago. And his life was spent in what is today Turkey. You cannot help wondering whether that choice of residence determined the traditional meat for the Christmas table  if you are lucky enough to afford it! And St Nicholas, during those dark years after the fall of the Roman Empire, built a reputation from helping others, by giving away his inherited money. The Catholic church had made him a saint for his altruistic works; people idolised him as the protector of children and sailors. They celebrated his life every year on December 6, which was the day of his death.

Realise

The Dutch, who called Saint Nicholas Sinterklaas  when you say that word aloud you realise how close that is to Santa Claus  had a culture that proceeded to celebrate the memory of St Nicholas. And in New York (previously known as New Amsterdam and thus having a strong Dutch connection) the newspapers reported even in 1773 and 1774 that the Dutch residents were holding Sinterklaas gatherings on December 6 in those years. Sinterklaas is the shorter version of the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas: Sint Nikolaas, who has a land-bound white horse instead of the reindeer, and a red bishops hat rather than a floppy triangular hat with a tuft of white fur on the tip.

An even shorter version of the gentlemans name, especially enjoyed by the Americans, is St Nick and inevitably it features in numerous Christmas songs, the writers favourite being Little Saint Nick by that pop-harmony band, the Beach Boys; in their day they were as popular as the Beatles. Perhaps it was an American who told the story about the little boy who also happened to be called Nicholas. One December day, the boy made the exciting journey with his mother, down to the superstore in town, for the very special encounter at that time of year. When it was his turn, he coyly shuffled over to Santa Claus, but then proudly announced: You and I have the same name. Smiling, Santa replied, Well then, hello, Harold.

Term

As you will recall, the French use the term Noel in their Christmas greetings. The term comes from the Latin nasci, meaning to be born. In the book of Ecclesiastes, the birth of Jesus is called natalis. A variation of this word nael, made its way into Old French, as a reference to the Christmas season, and later into Middle English as nowel. One day, in a frivolous mood, a man sent his friend a cryptic Christmas card. It said: ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. The recipient puzzled over it for weeks, finally giving up and asking the sender to explain. He received a reply which said, Wake up, there is No L. Gerrit?

Mother Teresa, the Albanian-Indian Catholic nun, was another person famous for her charitable work. And, just like Saint Nicholas, she was canonised; she became Saint Teresa of Calcutta. One of her most persuasive sayings was, Its not how much we give; it is how much love we put into giving. Useful advice for when I buy the wifes Xmas present this year (lol). If, by any chance, you are a devotee of the brilliant exponents of one-line stand-up comedy  especially Tim Vine and Stewart Francis  you will enjoy the following exhortation. If we find Christmas day approaching, with the weather too hot and dry, in need of more than a little precipitation, we must all cry out in perfect unison, Make it rein, deer!
The 'nightmare neighbor' accused of terrorizing his black neighbors was seen flashing a smile as he was escorted into a New York City courtroom for a bail hearing Wednesday.

Steven Attanasso, 68, allegedly scrawled 'n*****' on his door and has had his disturbing behavior filmed multiple times.

He lives at the Ebbets Field apartment building in Brooklyn and has been caught on surveillance camera threatening to kill and burn his neighbors - and in one instance could be seen brandishing a knife.

DailyMail.com cameras captured as he stood before Judge Danny Chun at Kings County Supreme Court in Downtown Brooklyn.

Attanasso occasionally smiled for the cameras as he was brought in to find out if he would be freed on bail.

Steven Attanasso, the 'nightmare neighbor' accused of terrorizing his black neighbors was seen flashing a smile despite being escorted into a New York City courtroom for a bail hearing Wednesday

DailyMail.com cameras captured Attanasso as he stood before Judge Danny Chun at Kings County Supreme Court in Downtown Brooklyn

He was denied bail for the time being as he attempted to pay with a credit card and he was returned to Rikers' Island.

However, he was told by the judge that if he were able to post the $50,000 bail in cash, he would be set free.

The charges against him include making terroristic threats as a hate crime, which means it's motivated by racial bias and also faces harassment, weapon possession and disorderly conduct charges.

In September, the 68-year-old appeared to show no remorse for the alleged crimes as he pleaded not guilty.

His attorney argued that it was, in fact,his neighbors who had been harassing him describing the 'notorious racist' as 'frail, not dangerous and should be sent home pending trial.'

'He'd like to go back to his home, he'll stay away from his neighbors,' said attorney Morris Shamuil before the court.

Judge Chun sided with the prosecution who pushed the judge to set bail and order Attanasso to stay away from his own apartment building.

'He did say he was going to burn and kill all of the neighbors,' prosecutor Sharmalee Brooks said.

He was denied bail for the time being as he attempted to pay with a credit card and returned to Rikers' Island

Attanasso was told by the Judge Chun that if he were able to post in cash, he would be set free

Steven Attanasso, 68, who is suspected of arson and accused of terrorizing his black neighbors has been ordered to stay away from his New York City apartment as he faces new hate crime charges

Judge Chun set bail at $50,000 but it remains unclear if Attanasso would be able to pay that amount

Attanasso who scrawled 'n*****' on his door and has had his disturbing behavior filmed multiple times was charged in a grand jury indictment unsealed on Monday at the Supreme Court in Downtown Brooklyn

Judge Chun stated there was a 'full stay away order' meaning the suspect could only return home to collect his belongings with police supervision.

The 68-year-old's attorney appealed to the judge to reconsider explaining it would leave Attanasso homeless.

It was a relief to neighbors however, who have resorted to outlandish methods to stay safe.

'I slept with a fire extinguisher next to my bed,' neighbor Tony Armstrong said.

'Who wants to live under threat of violence because of the color of your skin?'

The heinous behavior was first uncovered by the NBC New York I-Team as the NYPD investigated a fatal arson attack in April of which Attanasso is the prime suspect.

For more than a year neighbors have been documenting Attanasso's unhinged behavior including catching him on camera waving a knife around the halls, slamming their doors with a hammer and shouting racial slurs.

'He'll scream 'Ahhh, f*** you n****s, I'm gonna kill you,' a neighbor named Raquel revealed to the outlet during their investigation.

The outlet revealed that neighbors had spent close to a year making 911 calls about Attanasso's alleged threats and violent behavior.

In April, Attanasso was caught on tape saying: 'Black people, we're gonna burn you. Right now you're really brown, when we get done with you you'll be black'

Three days later, police said a suspicious fire was set in the hallway using a mattress from inside Attanasso's apartment - he is the only suspect in the investigation but no charges have been laid

Despite multiple arrests and trips to a psychiatric hospital the nightmare neighbor continued to be released each time.

The fire led to the death of 66-year-old black veteran Roderick Coley

In April, Attanasso was caught on tape saying: 'Black people, we're gonna burn you. Right now you're really brown, when we get done with you you'll be black.'

Three days later, police told the outlet a suspicious fire was set in the hallway using a mattress from inside Attanasso's apartment.

The fire led to the death of 66-year-old black veteran Roderick Coley. The NYPD have said Attanasso is their only suspect in the matter but no arson charges have been filed because there were no eyewitnesses, multiple law enforcement sources told the I-Team.

Neighbors said they have been 'living in fear' as there 'never seem to be any consequences.'

'I'm not holding my breath because is this gonna be like it was the last time, he went in for a couple hours and then comes back out,' Beverly Newsome, a tenants association president, told the outlet.

The matter is still under investigation.
A Jewish man has endured a horrifying flight after he was allegedly abused by a pro-Palestine supporter.

The shocking incident occurred on a Jetstar flight that flew from Melbourne to Sydney on Monday.

The Jewish man, who asked to only be referred to his middle name Michael, claimed he was fearful of the other traveller throughout his journey.

He said he was heading to the gate to board his flight when a man shouted: 'Free Palestine'.

Michael was wearing a kippah, a traditional cap worn by Jewish men, and was with his wife when he claims he was targeted by the stranger.

'He then shouted at us, "Stop killing our babies",' he told The Australian.

A Jewish man has endured a horrifying Jetstar flight (pictured stock image) after another passenger verbally abused the man by making anti-Israel comments

The man was seated just four rows behind Michael and his wife once they boarded the flight.

Michael claims the man continued to make anti-Israeli comments while they were on the flight forcing him to keep checking over his shoulder.

'We were minding our business, but fully aware he was behind us.'

Michael claimed he informed staff on the flight about the man's comments.

He said he also contacted the airline directly and informed police and several Jewish groups about the incident.

The airline told Michael his complaint would be passed on to the company's headquarters' and said they do not tolerate harassment.

A Jetstar spokesman told Daily Mail Australia they are looking into the incident.

'We're investigating a complaint regarding the behaviour of a passenger on a flight from Melbourne to Sydney on Monday,' he said.

'We are taking this complaint seriously and are reaching out to the customers involved to better understand what took place.'

A NSW Police spokesperson told Daily Mail they are not aware of a complaint that was made about the man's alleged comments.

The incident comes as the peak Jewish body released a damning report into anti-Semitism.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry revealed a rise in abuse following the October 7 attacks in Israel launched by terrorist group Hamas.

The report found 662 antisemitic incidents were reported between between October to November 2023, a massive 738 per cent increase since last year.

There is been a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents with peak Jewish body the Executive Council of Australian Jewry releasing a report releasing a report that antisemitic incidents increased by a massive 738 per cent (picture pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Melbourne)

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich told Daily Mail Australia the incident on the Jetstar flight is a further example of attacks members of Australia's Jewish community continue to face.

'This terrifying incident provides further evidence that extremists are less inhibited about expressing their savage and ugly sentiments openly and in public and that we must all redouble our efforts to stamp out this dangerous phenomenon,' Dr Abramovich said.

'Every Jewish person has a right to feel safe and board a plane without being targeted and singled out.'

Around 1200 Israeli's were killed in the October 7 attacks but Israel has since bombed Gaza with relentless ground and aerial bombardments that has killed at least 20,000 Palestinians.
A man charged with the alleged theft of a family's car and beloved blind dog has been arrested again after returning to a state he was ordered not to step foot in.

Maximilliano Cardozo, 48, was arrested near Macksville, on NSW's North Coast, on July 5 after a manhunt from both Queensland and NSW Police to find a family's allegedly stolen Australian Shepherd pet dog, named Bowie, and a vehicle.

NSW Police charged Cardozo with receiving stolen property while Queensland Police charged him with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter dwelling to commit an indictable offence.

The accused was ordered not to return to the Sunshine State until his NSW charges were dealt with, otherwise an arrest warrant for the two charges would be triggered.

Despite the matter still being before NSW courts, Cardozo returned to his home at Southport, on the Gold Coast, and was arrested at about 6pm on Wednesday - not far from the home where the dog was allegedly stolen.

A man accused of stealing a fafmily's beloved blind dog, Maximilliano Cardozo (pictured), 48, was arrested on Wednesday night after triggering an arrest warrant upon returning to Queensland

Cardozo had the charges laid on him in person shortly after and is expected to face Southport Magistrates Court on January 11.

CCTV from a Yamba petrol station taken on the same day as the alleged theft showed Bowie in the passenger seat of a vehicle while Cardozo filled it up with petrol.

NSW Police intercepted him following a tip-off from the public who recognised him after the case gained national attention.

Bowie was found in the same passenger seat 300km away from his home and later reunited with his family who frantically drove four-hours south to collect him.

'I am just rapt he is back,' father Luke Durman told 7News at the time.

His 10-year-old son Leo was overjoyed that his furry friend was back where he belongs.

'I am just feeling fantastic now... Bad at the start but great now,' he said.

Queensland Police ordered Cardozo to not return to the state before a charge in NSW was dealt with by the courts, having been arrested by NSW Police with Bowie (pictured) in the passenger seat in July

Bowie's family, Luke Durman and son Leo (pictured), were ecstatic to be reunited with their furry friend after driving four-hours south to collect him

The family was away on a ski trip when their home was allegedly broken into and returned to find it in a mess.

They found food and other items strewn around the living room, clothes and personal documents missing, and baby photos shoved in the toilets.

'Once we realised Bowie was gone, the cars and everything was immaterial to that,' Mr Durman said.

'The focus was, we just wanted Bowie back.'
The extraordinary costs being passed down to Australians by high-rolling politicians has been revealed as Anthony Albanese splashes $4million on VIP flights.

It was revealed this week the Prime Minister has spent almost $4million on special purpose military flights in the first 13 months of being in office.

The eye-watering amount spent by the Albanese government on domestic and international flights was revealed in new figures from the Department of Defence.

However, 'Airbus Albo' was not the only politician spending big with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles also racking up considerable air miles.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell and Leader of the House Tony Burke were also among the politicians who had racked up hefty expenses.

Anthony Albanese has spent almost $4million on special purpose military flights in the first 13 months of being in office. Penny Wong spent $1,168,038 in the same period

Mr Marles has spent $2,435,694 spent on VIP flights since Labor took power in 2022.

The deputy PM flew to meetings with his defence counterparts in Japan and South Korea as well as to the United States and the UK for the AUKUS agreement.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong spent $1,168,038 while Trade Minister Don Farrell spent $558,304 on VIP flights in the same period to June 2023.

In the lead-up to the May federal election, Scott Morrison spent $224,410 flying around the country campaigning while Mr Albanese spent $204,580.

It comes as reports from the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority revealed new details on federal MP's spending habits following Labor's election win.

Mr Albanese spent the majority of his parliamentary budget, $512,232, on employee travel - $147,760 more than Mr Morrison during the same financial period in 2021.

He spent a total of $82,729 on international travel during last year's third financial quarter. However, that spend was about $2,700 less than Mr Morrison spent in the same period a year earlier.

In the lead-up to the May federal election, Scott Morrison (pictured with his wife Jenny in 2019) spent $224,410 flying around the country campaigning

Mr Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon flew to Western Australia for a romantic getaway last week where they sampled a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon which sells for $500 a bottle

Mr Morrison splurged $113,457 on office administration costs in 2021, about $83,000 more than Mr Albanese did in 2022, when he spent around $30,430 on his office.

After the prime minister, Leader of the House Tony Burke racked up the highest bill over three months, with a total of $398,410 spent in the third financial quarter.

Victorian MP Jason Wood spent more than $160,000 on printing alone between July and September 2022.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton spent $363,000 overall with $7,000 going to flags on June 2022.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek's taxpayer bill came to $326,000.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers spent $15,257, on flags and Greens leader Adam Bandt spent $15,000 on a flight from Canberra to Brisbane in May 2022.

Mr Burke leapt to his Mr Albanese's defence on Monday after the Prime Minister and his partner Jodie Haydon flew to Western Australia for a romantic getaway last week, where they visited several wineries in the renowned Margaret River region.

One of the their stops was Cullen Wines for an 'exclusive seated tasting', which included sampling the 2017 Cullen Vanya Flower Day Cabernet Sauvignon which sells for $500 a bottle.

WA Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash asked if the Prime Minister had 'lost touch' with everyday Australians. However, Mr Burke branded the backlash as a beat-up.

'I've gotta say that I've been blown away that this one's even been a story,' he said.

'An Australian prime minister takes a holiday in Australia backing Australian small businesses and good on him.

Leader of the House Tony Burke (pictured) racked up the highest bill over three months, with a total of $398,410 spent in the third financial quarter

'I know there's been some newspaper articles and Michaelia Cash is meant to actually be representing those small businesses sort of led the charge of being outraged.

'I think most people have a view, particularly at this time of year that if someone's taking a few days off, that's okay and if they're doing it by backing Australian small businesses, then good on them.'

As of June 2023, Mr Albanese travelled 371.7 hours domestically and 346.4 internationally on VIP flights that cost taxpayers a whopping $3,915,886.

The most expensive period was between June and September of 2022 when the Albanese government racked up a bill of $1.02million on flights.

The flights included travel to Paris where Mr Albanese met with French President Emmanuel Macron and to Madrid for the NATO Summit last July.

He also flew to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Mr Albanese's recent trips to the United States, China, India, Indonesia, the Philliphines and the Cook Islands have not been factored in to the bill.
The governor of Texas has begun chartering planes to fly migrants from his state to Chicago, ramping up his campaign to draw attention to the border crisis.

Greg Abbott has previously bussed tens of thousands of migrants to Chicago and other cities, trying to make the Democrat rules of their cities and states reckon with the crisis confronting his state.

On Tuesday, the first plane took off from El Paso, landing in Chicago at 7:51pm with 91 migrants on board.

Two people disembarked and fled, WTTW News reported, but the rest remained in the airport terminal - which is now home to 300 migrants. Others are sleeping in police stations, with nearly 14,100 migrants in city shelters.

Migrants are seen lining up in El Paso on Tuesday to board the plane to Chicago

Tuesday marks the first time that the governor of Texas has used planes to transport the migrants. The cost of the flight to Texan taxpayers has not been revealed

Chicago, like New York City, is struggling to cope with the influx: since Abbott began the busing policy in August 2022, 607 buses have arrived in Chicago, carrying nearly 26,100 people.

On Sunday, a five-year-old migrant boy died in the freezing cold of the Pilsen shelter, south of downtown.

Video exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com shows 2,300 migrants huddled together in freezing temperatures underneath a leaking roof.

Brandon Johnson, the mayor of Chicago, condemned Abbott for Tuesday's flight.

On Monday, he said that Abbott's policy of moving migrants north was 'evil' and was seriously harming people.

'They're just dropping off people anywhere. Do you understand how raggedy and how evil that is?' said Johnson.

'You're just going to put people on a bus, and just take them somewhere and drop them off in the middle of the night? It's sickening.'

On Wednesday, Johnson again attacked Abbott, saying the policy was inhumane.

Brandon Johnson, the mayor of Chicago, said Abbott's policy was 'evil' and inhumane

Migrants from Venezuela are seen camped out in the lobby of a police station in Chicago

'The issue is not just how we respond in the city of Chicago,' he said.

'It's the fact 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, and then they come to the city of Chicago, where we have homelessness, mental health clinics that have been shut down and closed. We have people who are seeking employment.

'The governor of Texas needs to take a look in the mirror, with the chaos he's causing for the people of this country.'

Abbott's press secretary hit back, saying Johnson needed to take the issue up with his fellow Democrat, Joe Biden.

'Because Mayor Johnson is failing to live up to his city's 'Welcoming City' ordinance by targeting migrant buses from Texas, we are expanding our operation to include flights to Chicago, like the Biden Administration has been doing across the country,' said Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Abbott.

'Until President Biden steps up and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue taking historic action to help our local partners respond to this Biden-made crisis.'

O'Hare International Airport accommodated hundreds of migrants in a screened off area as the crisis gathered steam this summer

The shelter where the five-year-old boy died on Sunday in Chicago is run by Favorite Healthcare Staffing, a Kansas-based contractor, which the city paid $100 million to operate since September 2022

Five-year-old Jean Carlo Martinez Rivero fell ill while at the Pilsen migrant shelter and was pronounced dead on arrival in hospital on Sunday days later

A photo of a small girl bundled up in a pink puffer jacket and matching pants and beanie showed the warehouse was not keeping out the winter chill

This video shows different child coughing and crying as they had their temperature taken and were examined by volunteers

It is not clear how much the flight cost, and whether Texan taxpayers were funding the scheme.

Since April 2022, Abbott has bused migrants to Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver and Los Angeles - all Democrat-run cities.

In total, Texas has bused over 80,000 people from border cities to those six cities, according to the governor's office.

The numbers of migrants crossing the border is breaking records.

There were 130,000 attempts to cross the US-Mexico border in the first 17 days of November and there have been at least 167,000 so far in December.

One popular crossing, Eagle Pass, in Texas, had 14,000 migrants arrive on Tuesday - near a town that is home to just 30,000 Texans.

Eagle Pass only has 58 uniformed police officers and many of them are also helping Border Patrol handle the masses.

Border Patrol agents normally posted at roadside checkpoints leading into the US have also been redirected to help in Eagle Pass.

Law enforcement officials fear drug cartels will take advantage of the situation to smuggle both people and drugs across the border in the chaos.

'It's an absolute collapse of the border,' said Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland, a retired border agent, who now runs neighboring Terrell County.

'You increase the amount of gotaways, you increase the opportunity for cartels to bring drugs in successfully.

'It's a wide open border. Come as you please.'

Aerial view showing migrants queuing at the border fence in an attempt to cross into the US, in Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico

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

Border Patrol agents herd hundreds of migrants into lines at a processing center

Throngs of new arrivals wait their turn to be processed by border patrol after surrendering

Photos and videos from Lukeville, Arizona, show hundreds of new arrivals wearing backpacks with their meager possessions walking along the wall

The federal government responded to the surge at the border by shutting down ports of entry entirely, causing havoc for international trade.

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, to deal with the influx of migrants.

Vehicular and pedestrian crossings at ports in San Ysidro, California, and Lukeville, Arizona, were also closed in the past few weeks.

In Eagle Pass, the migrant emergency is disrupting life for people who commute to and from Mexico every day - turning commutes between the two countries that used to take under 10 minutes into 11-hour waits due to international bridge closures.
Militants attacking vessels along a major shipping route in the Red Sea could cause stock shortages for Ikea, the Swedish furniture maker has warned.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up attacks on ships on the Suez Canal in recent days.

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.

Major shipping companies such as MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have already paused container shipments through the area due to the surge in attacks.

Now Ikea has warned of delays and shortages to some products as the budget furniture maker looks to find an alternative route for its cargo vessels.

A spokesperson for Inter Ikea Group, said: 'What we can share for now is that the situation in the Suez Canal will result in delays and may cause availability constraints for certain Ikea products.'

Thousands of Houthi graduates who completed their military training attend a military parade in Amran, Yemen, on December 20

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up attacks on ships on the Suez Canal in recent days

A Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea on November 20

Alan Baer, CEO of OL USA, has teams advising shipping and logistics clients to prepare for at least 90 days of Red Sea disruptions.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: How attacks on Red Sea shipping by Iran-backed Houthi rebels could lead to more cost-of-living pain for Britons Advertisement

'It doesn't help that it's Christmas weekend,' said Mr Baer. 'We'll have a quiet period from now until January 2, and then everybody will be frenetic.'

The shipping route is a key area for global trade, particularly for the transport of oil, grain and consumer goods from east Asia.

The busy waterway has ships traversing the Suez Canal to bring in a huge amount of Europe's energy supplies.

It comes after The Houthis warned vessels against sailing in the area amid the rebels' latest attack.

Two commercial ships - identified as the MSC Clara and Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic - were attacked with naval drones on Monday.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the attacks were carried out after their crews failed to respond to calls from the group.

Ikea has warned of delays and shortages to some products as the budget furniture maker looks to find an alternative route for its cargo vessels

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

A Houthi fighter stands on the Galaxy Leader cargo ship which was hijacked by the rebel group in November after they said it was Israeli

The Swan Atlantic's 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.

US officials said multiple 'projectiles' were fired from Houthi-controlled territory on Monday at a vessel in the southern Red Sea, U.S. officials said.

READ MORE: Groups of men seen taking tours of the Galaxy Leader after Iran-back Houthi rebels sieged the vessel in the Red Sea Advertisement

The Houthi movement has launched a series of missile and drone attacks on ships in the area, which it says are a response to Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack.

Several major freight companies have begun to sail around Africa, adding costs and delays which are expected to be compounded over the coming weeks, according to industry analysts.

About 15 percent of world shipping traffic transits via the Suez Canal, the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia.

Combined, the companies that have diverted vessels 'control around half of the global container shipping market,' ABN Amro analyst Albert Jan Swart said.

'Avoiding the Red Sea will lead to higher cost due to longer travel time,' he said.

Oil major BP has also temporarily paused all transits through the Red Sea following the attacks over the weekend.

The Galaxy Leader ship is escorted by Houthi boats. Groups of men were spotted taking selfies and touring the cargo ship

The Houthis have warned vessels against sailing in the area amid the rebels' latest attack

The Houthis have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks have increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war

Two commercial ships - identified as the MSC Clara and Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic - were attacked with naval drones on Monday (Pictured: A Houthi military parade in Amran, Yemen)

The Houthis also hailing vessels by radio to try to convince them to change course closer to the territory they control

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 said.

Rico Luman, an analyst at ING, said the diversions were adding at least a week of sailing time for container liners.

Typically, shipping goods from Shanghai to Rotterdam takes around 27 days via the Suez Canal.

'This will at least lead to delays in late December, with knock-on effects in January and probably February as the next round will also be delayed,' Mr Luman said.

While freight rates will likely increase on these longer voyages too, carriers at the moment are seeking ways to utilize excess capacity, said Zvi Schreiber, CEO of global freight platform Freightos.

'It is unlikely that rates will spike to levels experienced during the pandemic,' said Schreiber, referring to the economic effects of COVID-19 from 2020.

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.

They have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel.

That now appears to have escalated to any vessel given recent attacks, with the Houthis also hailing vessels by radio to try to convince them to change course closer to the territory they control.
A man has been rushed to hospital in a serious condition after he was stabbed on a suburban street in a terrifying incident.

The horrifying incident happened on Ipswich Road in Annerley, a few kilometers south of Brisbane, at around 8.18am on Thursday.

Paramedics arrived at the scene following reports the man was badly wounded.

The 46-year-old man is understood to have been stabbed multiple times in the chest and in the abdomen.

He was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a serious condition.

A man is in a serious condition after he was stabbed multiple times on a street in Brisbane's south on Thursday morning

The man was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital (pictured) by paramedics who arrived at the scene following reports he was badly wounded

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the man suffered 'abdominal and chest injuries following a reported wounding.'

Officers from Queensland Police are at the scene.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that officers are investigating the incident.

'A 46-year-old man was located near a service station on Ipswich Road, Annerley with several stab wounds,' she said.

'A crime scene has been declared at an address on Lambton Street.'

'Investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident.'

No charges have been laid.
motorcycles and hit one in the arm

Two brothers have been put behind bars for a total of 40 years after they ambushed and fired a gun at men who tried to steal their motorbikes in an 'extremely reckless' attack.

Christopher Nourse, 45, and his 42-year-old brother Colin, were spending an evening together at Colin's house when they noticed a group of men outside, lurking near their motorcycles in a bid to steal them.

They were eventually disturbed by a resident and fled empty-handed.

However, when two of them returned later that same evening, the brothers were lying in wait armed with guns.

Christopher Nourse opened fire, shooting one of the men in the arm and forcing them to flee.

Christopher Nourse was sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment on Wednesday, while his brother Colin was slapped with a 14-year-sentence.

Detective Superintendent Gavin Moss, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: 'These two men decided to arm themselves with firearms after somebody sought to steal their motorcycles.

Christopher Nourse, 45 (right), and his 42-year-old brother Colin (left)

Colin Nourse (left) was given 14 years behind bars whilst Christopher (right) was given 30 years

Christopher Nourse, pictured with a pair of motorcycles, opened fire, shooting one of the men in the arm and forcing them to flee

'This was extremely reckless and, when one of them discharged his weapon in a residential area, it is only by chance that a member of the public unconnected with the incident did not suffer a fatal injury.'

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Shoplifter arrested in front of policing minister Chris Philp as he talked to store staff about shoplifting admits week-long theft spree - and walks free from court Advertisement

The incident took place March 8 2020, in a communal car park on Cooper Close in Greenhithe, Kent.

During the evening, a group of people were seen trying to steal some motorcycles before fleeing empty handed when they were disturbed by a resident.

However, when two of them returned to the scene, the bikes' owners, Christopher and Colin Nourse, were waiting.

The brothers had armed themselves with guns and Christopher Nourse shot at the two men who ran away from the close.

The brothers then left in separate vehicles and travelled to Christopher Nourse's home in London.

Residents who had heard the sound of the gunshots called the police and patrols went to Cooper Close.

Officers were also alerted when a man with bullet injuries to his arm arrived at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent.

An investigation was launched and officers recovered six 9mm calibre and nine 0.4 inch calibre ammunition casings at the scene. Two vehicles in the car park had also been damaged by the shots.

Residents who had heard the sound of the gunshots called the police (Pictured: Colin Nourse)

A search of Colin Nourse's (pictured) house in Cooper Close led to the seizure of firearms accessories

The motorcycle driving brothers have been jailed for a total of 40 years for their crimes

When the brothers returned to Greenhithe while officers were still completing their inquiries, they were arrested.

A search of Christopher Nourse's address in Penge, London, and of Colin Nourse's house in Cooper Close, led to the seizure of firearms accessories.

In addition, a spent 0.4 inch calibre cartridge, a lock knife, and a Taser were recovered from the two cars the brothers had used after the incident.

Forensic examination of the vehicles located gunshot residue and a spent ammunition casing which had traces of Colin Nourse's DNA on it.

Detectives later recovered a handgun used in the shooting which had been discarded under a car in Penge.

Additionally, CCTV footage from Cooper Close was examined by detectives and showed the brothers exiting Colin Nourse's address immediately before the shots were fired.

The brothers were also forensically connected to bullet casings recovered at the scene.

Both men were charged with attempted murder on March 12, 2020.

They pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Thursday 28 July 2022, Christopher Nourse was convicted of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Investigators taped off the scene in Cooper Close, Greenhithe

While Colin Nourse was cleared of attempted murder, he was convicted of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Both men were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.

Christopher Nourse was jailed for a total of 30 years' imprisonment and his brother Colin was jailed for 14 years.

Both men will have to serve two thirds of their jail terms before they are eligible for parole, after which they will be required to complete a further four years on licence.
Two young children have been rushed to hospital, with one fighting for life, after they were hit by a car in a residential driveway in New Zealand.

Emergency services including two rescue helicopters were dispatched to Ailsa St in Te Kuiti, on the country's North Island, shortly after 4pm Wednesday afternoon.

Both children were airlifted to Waikato Hospital by helicopter with one in a serious condition and the other in critical condition.

The child who was in a serious condition is understood to be now stable with minor injuries while the other child remains critical.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances around the incident.

More to follow.

The two children were run over by a vehicle on a driveway in Alisa Tce (pictured) in the community of Te Kuiti, about an hour south of Hamilton
A man in China who borrowed 22 to get back home after being left penniless after losing his job travelled more than 200 miles to pay off his debt to a kindly cop who lent him money.

The man, who has not been named, was working in China's Hubei province when he was laid off, and left without any money.

He didn't even have a phone, as he had sold it for cash, and couldn't afford to travel anywhere.

He walked to his local police station, Yinji police station on the outskirts of Xiangyang, and asked for help, as he had no way of contacting his friends or family.

There, a police officer, whose surname is Luo, bought him a meal and lent him 200 yuan (22) to travel home to his parents in Henan province, 217 miles away.

The man (pictured, left) walked to his local police station, Yinji police station on the outskirts of Xiangyang, and asked for help, as he had no way of contacting his friends or family

He left a note which read: 'Today I am borrowing 200 yuan from a police officer at Yinji police station. When I get home, I will ask my parents for money to repay the loan from the police'

The grateful man left an IOU note that read: 'Today I am borrowing 200 yuan from a police officer at Yinji police station. When I get home, I will ask my parents for money to repay the loan from the police.'

He was later seen walking into Yinji police station carrying a bag of oranges, and asked the officer at the desk where Officer Luo was.

After sitting down in a room together, the unnamed man explained that he was back in the station to return the money to the officer.

Video of the event reportedly shows Yuo declining the money, but sharing the oranges the man. He is heard saying: 'Helping others makes us feel happy.'

But as he was leaving, the unnamed man slipped the money into Luo's pocket, before running away.

The story melted the hearts of Chinese social media users. One said: 'A policeman offers selfless help, and the boy has a heart filled with gratitude.'

Another added: 'It is wonderful when two kind-hearted people meet.'
MBABANE - A member of a syndicate has been busted with clothes stolen from five prominent shops while in a public toilet at the Mbabane Bus Rank.

It is said that Thandukukhanya Msibi left the shops with the stolen clothes after he removed the magnets attached to them, such that they were not detected by electronic devices installed at the doors. Information gathered was to the effect that Msibi was caught unawares, while packing the clothes in a plastic bag inside the restroom. It was gathered that Msibi was noticed by police officers, who became suspicious when they saw the quantity of the clothes, with different labels. Acting on the suspicion, it is said that the officers of the law took Msibi to the Mbabane Police Post for questioning. During the investigation, it is said that Msibi informed the police officers that the clothes were stolen from Edgars, The Fix Shop, Century Fashion, Mr Price and Power Factory. Information gathered was that the police officers called the shops representatives, who positively identified the clothes as their property.

Arrested

Msibi was subsequently arrested and charged with five counts of shoplifting. He appeared at the Mbabane National Court. Asked how he managed to leave the secured shops with the clothes undetected, Msibi told the court that he had an art of removing the magnet from the clothes, so that they could not be detected by the security device at the door. Asked to demonstrate how he stole the clothes, he submitted that he took the clothes and removed the magnets attached, so that he could leave the security door without being noticed. He stated that he tied the clothes with a belt around his waist before leaving the shops. I was working hand-in-hand with my colleague whom I also found in the business of stealing, using the same modus operandi. However, my colleague fled the scene leaving me in trouble, he told the court.

The Court President, Two Minutes Shongwe, asked Msibi how he would feel if the shops employees lost their jobs just because of his deeds. Recently, the King emphasised the need for job creation, so that more emaSwati could be employed and improve the economy. It is disappointing that you stole the stock which keeps some emaSwati employed in these establishments. Are you aware that theft is a threat to investment as no investor will be interested in establishing a business where there is crime? Shongwe asked Msibi.

Sentenced

Msibi was sentenced to eight months imprisonment with an option to pay a fine of E800 in each of the five counts. This meant that he had to part with E4 000 to gain his liberation. It was gathered that the E4 000 was raised and paid in a few minutes after Msibi had made calls. The court president warned Msibi that he would be booked in prison should he appear in the same court charged with the same offences in future. On another note, Shongwe advised the shop owners and the police to form an alliance aimed at curbing shoplifting in the shops. He said the alliance would assist in formulating new strategies to curb crime in the shops.
She returned home to her village in northern France on Wednesday

Eve Gilles is the first ever short haired winner of the Miss France competition

Crowned as the first-ever 'Miss France' with short hair on Saturday, Eve Gilles made a triumphant return to her home village of Quaedypre in northern France.

Arriving back in the village near Dunkirk on Wednesday, Ms Gilles rode on the back of a convertible which drove her through a crowd that had come onto the streets to celebrate her victory.

Ms Gilles, who had been the incumbent Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais, had used her short hair as a means of standing out from the competition, according to French newspaper Le Monde.

The student promised to 'defend the values of strong women' in a press conference that followed her coronation. 'We all have our imperfections. Every woman is different, we are all unique,' she added.

Beauty contests have drawn criticism as outdated from some quarters.

Ms Gilles beat Miss Guyane and Miss Guadeloupe to claim the title as the 94th 'Miss France' in front of almost 8m viewers on French TV.

Ms Gilles was crowned as the 94th 'Miss France' on Saturday in front of almost 8m viewers

'We all have our imperfections. Every woman is different, we are all unique,' she told a press conference shortly after her victory

She arrived back to her hometown in northern France on Wednesday, where she was mobbed by those wanting to celebrate her victory

'Eve, you are so beautiful, you are my idol,' read one sign that was held up among the crowd

Ms Gilles wore her crown as she sat on a convertible that guided her through the centre of town

This is the first time that a woman with short hair has won the Miss France competition

She was accompanied by Cindy Fabre, who had been elected Miss France in 2005
A former middle school teacher in Texas was arrested earlier this week after allegedly having a relationship with a student.

Adriana Mariel Rullan, a former teacher at Gonzales Middle School in Laredo, Texas, was arrested on Wednesday and booked into Webb County Jail.

Rullan was held on charges including sexual abuse of a child with the victim under 14, improper relationship between educator and student, and indecency with child sexual content.

The former educator was later released after a bond was posted on her behalf.

Adriana Mariel Rullan, a former teacher at Gonzales Middle School in Laredo, Texas, was arrested on Wednesday and booked into Webb County Jail

Rullan was held on charges including sexual abuse of a child with the victim under 14, improper relationship between educator and student, and indecency with child sexual content

According to records seen by Laredo Daily News, the United Independent School District police department was the agency behind the arrest.

No further details about the investigation have been released, such as how long the relationship lasted or how it was discovered.

It's unclear if the victim was a student of Rullan's.

UISD later issued a statement regarding the arrest of their former employee on the charges.

In a statement, the district said: 'UISD has learned of the arrest of a former employee for various charges.

The former educator was later released after a bond was posted on her behalf

No further details about the investigation have been released, such as how long the relationship lasted or how it was discovered

According to records seen by Laredo Daily News , the United Independent School District police department was the agency behind the arrest

'UISD promptly followed administrative and legal protocol and collaborated with UISD PD to investigate the serious allegations made against the former employee prior to the arrest.

'The former employee was also placed on leave once UISD was made aware of the allegations.

'Please note that UISD cannot provide public comment regarding the details or status of ongoing investigations.

'Our community can rest assured that the individual is no longer employed by the District and that UISD takes swift action to investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct once received, as required by state and federal law.'
Harvard now faces a Congressional investigation over its handling of plagiarism allegations made against embattled president Claudine Gay - even as new claims of lifting others' work emerge.

Gay has faced plagiarism allegations and calls for her removal after disastrous congressional testimony where she refused to denounce antisemtism. She has submitted 'corrections' to some articles, but Harvard has let her remain in her position despite both issues.

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce announced in a letter that it's widening the scope of it' probe into Gay, according to a letter written by Rep. Virginia Foxx.

'The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has begun a review of Harvard University's handling of credible allegations of plagiarism by President Claudine Gay over a period of 24 years,' Foxx writes.

'An allegation of plagiarism by a top school official at any university would be reason for concern, but Harvard is not just any university. It styles itself as one of the top educational institutions in the country,' the letter, which was signed by dozens of members of Congress, continues.

Harvard President Claudine Gay now faces a Congressional investigation into dozens of allegations of plagiarism that have surfaced since her derided testimony at the Capitol on campus anti-Semitism

The committee had already opened a probe into antisemitism at the Harvard campus following Gay's testimony that was heavily criticized.

Top Republicans have already called for withholding billions in federal funding to universities supportive of anti-Semitism in order to root out the 'rot' in American higher education.

'If a university is willing to look the other way and not hold faculty accountable for engaging in academically dishonest behavior, it cheapens its mission and the value of its education,' Foxx added.

Foxx warned Harvard could lose funding if it's found to have not taken the plagiarism allegations seriously.

The letter follows a complaint containing nearly 40 allegations of plagiarism by President Gay arrived at the university's Research Integrity Office Tuesday, according to the Washington Free Beacon.

The examples span seven publications authored by Gay and include missing quotation marks or entire paragraphs lifted from other sources.

They range from missing quotation marks around a few phrases or sentences to entire paragraphs lifted verbatim.

Last week, Gay submitted two corrections to articles where she was accused of plagiarism, adding 'quotation marks and citations,' a university spokesman said.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Gay is correcting two more instances of inadequate citation following the letter. The school told the Boston Globe they found 'examples of duplicative language without appropriate attribution' in her 1997 PhD dissertation.

'President Gay will update her dissertation correcting these instances of inadequate citation.'

In a Substack post, investigative journalist Christopher Rufo reported that Gay had plagiarized portions of four works over 24 years, including her 1997 Ph.D dissertation and a series of articles.

The university investigated the plagiarism allegations, and, on Friday, said corrections had been made.

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce announced in a letter that it's widening the scope of it's probe into Gay, according to a letter written by Rep. Virginia Foxx

'The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has begun a review of Harvard University's handling of credible allegations of plagiarism by President Claudine Gay over a period of 24 years,' Foxx writes

The corrections were made to a 2017 article titled 'A Room for One's Own? The Partisan Allocation of Affordable Housing,' in the Urban Affairs Review.

A 2001 article titled 'The Effect of Black Congressional Representation on Political Participation' in the American Political Science Review was also amended.

While the board says they found no violation of the school's policies in Gay's work, The Harvard Crimson, which reviewed the examples of alleged plagiarism, landed at a different conclusion

The school's paper wrote that some of Gay's writings 'appear to violate Harvard's current policies around plagiarism and academic integrity.'

It comes after the Washington Free Beacon and right-wing bloggers Rufo and Christopher Brunet claimed Gay plagiarized parts of four academic works, including her 1994 Ph.D. dissertation at Harvard, titled 'Taking Charge: Black Electoral Success and the Redefinition of American Politics.'

Billionaire Bill Ackman amplified the allegations as part of his campaign to oust Gay from his alma mater's top job.

Gay defended her work telling The Boston Globe: 'I stand by the integrity of my scholarship. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure my scholarship adheres to the highest academic standards.'

While the bloggers focused their claims on Gay's dissertation, The Free Beacon also looked at three other works by the scholar: a 1993 essay in the publication Origins and two papers from 2012 and 2017, when Gay was already a Harvard professor.

While some of the claims by the Free Beacon include minor citation issues, the Crimson said others are 'are more substantial, including some paragraphs and sentences nearly identical to other work and lacking citations.'

Gay was accused of copying two paragraphs from work by then-Harvard scholars D. Stephen Voss and Bradley Palmquist. One paragraph is nearly identical except for a few words

However, Gay did not use any quotation marks or in-text citations - Voss and Palmquist are not cited anywhere in her dissertation

D. Stephen Voss, who now teaches at the University of Kentucky, told The Crimson that while Gay 'technically plagiarized,' it is 'minor-to-inconsequential'

The student publication notes Harvard's rule on what constitutes plagiarism says when copying language 'word for word,' scholars 'must give credit to the author of the source material, either by placing the source material in quotation marks and providing a clear citation, or by paraphrasing the source material and providing a clear citation.'

Gay was accused of copying two paragraphs from work by then-Harvard scholars D. Stephen Voss and Bradley Palmquist. One paragraph is nearly identical except for a few words.

However, Gay did not use any quotation marks or in-text citations - Voss and Palmquist are not cited anywhere in her dissertation.

It's unclear whether the same rules applied when Gay turned in her dissertation in 1997.

But Voss, who now teaches at the University of Kentucky, told The Crimson that while Gay 'technically plagiarized,' it is 'minor-to-inconsequential.'

He said: 'This doesn't at all look sneaky... It looks like maybe she just didn't have a sense of what we normally tell students they're supposed to do and not do.'

Harvard professor Lawrence Lobo, one of those allegedly plagiarized by Gay, similarly told the Boston Globe: 'I find myself unconcerned about these claims as our work was explicitly acknowledged.'

Harvard President Claudine Gay is still in power despite backlash about her testimony last week

Stefanik put the liberal university's presidents in the hot seat - asking them whether 'calling for the genocide of Jews' would violate their schools' codes of conducts

Backlash erupted after the presidents of Harvard, UPenn and MIT failed to unequivocally condemn the genocide of Jews during a hearing on anti-Semitism on Capitol Hill earlier this month.

Now top Republicans are calling for withholding all federal funding to Harvard and other liberal universities supportive of anti-Semitism.

Harvard has received over $3 billion in taxpayer dollars between 2018 and 2022 and also enjoys tax breaks on its massive endowment. Between those same years, Harvard's endowment totaled over $50 billion, of which $2 billion got special tax treatment, according to an OpenTheBooks analysis.

'We must DEFUND the rot in America's higher education,' House GOP Chairwoman Elise Stefanik told DailyMail.com in a statement Thursday.

She is pledging to 'cut off' schools that are encouraging anti-Semitism from receiving federal funds.

The top Republican called it 'unacceptable and unAmerican' that taxpayer dollars are going to universities whose students and staff have 'openly called for the genocide of Jews.'

Last week, Stefanik put the liberal university presidents in the hot seat - asking them whether 'calling for the genocide of Jews' would violate their schools' codes of conducts.

She directly asked Harvard President Claudine Gay if 'calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvard's rules of bullying and harassment? Yes or no.'

'It can be depending on the context,' replied Gay. She has since received numerous calls to step down following her failure to directly condemn anti-Semitism.

UPenn President Liz Magil and MIT President Sally Kornbluth gave similar non-responses to Stefanik during the hearing.

'If the speech turns into conduct it can be harassment, yes,' UPenn President Liz Magill told Stefanik last week.

Pressed further, she said: 'It is a context-dependent decision, congresswoman.'

UPenn's Liz Magill was forced to resign following the backlash, but Harvard has continued to back up its president Claudine Gay.

The Harvard Corporation, which governs the university, announced they wanted her to stay on as president - despite her December 5 testimony before Congress.

Gay has been told that the university leadership still supports her, in the face of calls for her to resign.

Gay apologized for her remarks as the backlash intensified, telling college newspaper The Crimson she 'got caught up in what had become at that point, an extended, combative exchange about policies and procedures.'

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., has called on her to resign and says taxpayer dollars going to Harvard and other universities must be re-examined.

'President Gay's testimony was deplorable, and she should resign,' said Scalise to DailyMail.com.

'It is obvious we need a full investigation into whether universities that receive taxpayer dollars are enabling a culture of antisemitism and discrimination on campus, and I am glad that the Education and Workforce Committee is initiating that probe.'

On Wednesday evening, the House voted on a resolution to condemn anti-Semitism on college campuses and the testimonies of the presidents last week.

The vote cleared 303-126 and 125 Democrats joined only one Republican - Rep. Thomas Massie, Ky., - in voting 'no.'

Stefanik and Scalise lead the measure along with Democrats Jared Moskowitz and Josh Gottheimer.
Last month, occupancy climbed to 84 percent and the average nightly cost reached $333 - up from 79 percent and $307 in November 2022

Experts warn that accommodations may be harder to come by following a 'ban' on Airbnb rentals for under 30 days

Hotel rates are skyrocketing as tourists flood into New York City for the holidays

Tourists are packing into NYC for the holiday experience despite soaring hotel prices and a 'ban' on Airbnb bookings.

Videos show tourists packing streets and popular destinations like Rockefeller Center and 5th Avenue. In many cases, people can hardly move given the number of sightseers.

Crowds continue to pile into the Big Apple despite the city's recent 'ban' on Airbnb bookings under 30 days.

Since restrictions on short-term rentals went into place in September, the city has seen a spike in hotel prices and occupancy rates as the number of places to stay while on vacation shrinks.

In November, hotel occupancy climbed to 84 percent, up from 79 percent last year. The average nightly rate climbed to $333 from $307 in 2022.

In the first week of December, the average New York City hotel cost reached $477, a $61 increase from the same time last year.

Around 62 million visitors visited New York City throughout 2023, but those arriving during the holiday season may struggle to find places to stay as occupancy rates and prices soar

In September, restrictive new policies for short-term rentals went into effect, requiring hosts on platforms like Airbnb to get approval for listings under 30 days

The new policies appear to be fueling interest in hotel rooms, as searches for hotels during the last two weeks of December are up 25 percent year over year

Hotel occupancy also swelled to 90.3 percent, up from 89.6 percent a year prior.

Taylor Marr, a housing market economist at Airbnb, expressed concerns that tourists may be 'priced out of visiting the city.'

'Visitors to New York City have fewer accommodation options due to the rule change, which means less choice and higher prices,' Marr told Wired.

This could result in 'economic loss for local workers and businesses,' he explained.

Airbnb has faced issues in New York City since the city implemented several burdensome regulations for short-term rentals. Hosts must register with the city to be allowed to rent a space for under 30 days.

In order to collect fees from these stays, booking companies must check that a hosts registration application has been approved by the Office of Special Enforcement.

Other rules stipulate that hosts must stay in the same place as guests and keep bedroom doors unlocked.

As of Monday, the office received more than 5,000 applications from hosts. Of these, 971 were granted, 732 were denied and more than 2,000 were sent back for additional information.

The city argued that listings offered through platforms like Airbnb sent rent soaring and contributed to the housing shortage. But critics say the rule change will leave tourists struggling to find places to stay.

'The city is sending a clear message to millions of potential visitors who will now have fewer accommodation options when they visit New York City: you are not welcome,' Theo Yedinsky, Global Policy Director for Airbnb, told the New York Times .

These stringent policies appear to be fueling interest in hotel rooms. Searches for hotels during the last two weeks of December are up 25 percent year over year, according to data from Expedia Group.

Searches for Times Square hotels are up 55 percent, and neighborhoods such as Chelsea, Central Park South, Union Square, and Herald Square are also seeing boosts.

In November 2022, 79 percent of hotel rooms were occupied with an averagenightly cost of $307 per night. One year later, those figures were up to 84 percent and $333

The Big Apple's tourist count is steadily approaching pre-pandemic levels and has recovered to 93 percent

But higher hotel rates don't seem to have dissuaded tourists, as videos posted to social media show tightly packed crowds at popular destinations like Rockefeller Plaza and the Saks on Fifth window display.

One TikTok captured standstill crowds by the Christmas tree and a line stretching down the block. People caught amid the mob craned their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of the sparkling lights.

In the comments below, visitors bemoaned the jam-packed streets and winding lines.

'Yup, happened to us yesterday. It was so packed, I had a panic attack,' one woman remarked.

'Saturday night we couldnt move for two blocks by the tree. Thank God we went in the morning too,' another user wrote.

Native New Yorkers appeared equally vexed, as one man commented: 'Im from Queens and havent been to Manhattan in years for this very reason. I hate how crowded its become.'

Amid rising costs, tourists continue to pack into popular destinations like Rockefeller Plaza (pictured)

As demand continues to climb, more than 70 new hotels are anticipated to open in the next three years, bringing 10,000 new rooms

The city is only expected to get busier in years to come. Some 64.5 million people are projected to visit in 2024, according to New York City Tourism + Conventions.

CoStar data shows that he city's tourist count has recovered to 93 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

Estimates for next year would be around 3 percent shy of the 2019 record level of 66.6 million visitors.

To accommodate the rising demand, more than 70 new hotels are anticipated to open in the next three years, providing 10,000 additional rooms, according to the city's tourism organization.
The ABC has pulled down a TikTok story that portrayed consumer boycotts against Israel in a flattering light.

The social media story filed by ABC reporter Amal Wehbe on the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) protest movement that targets goods and products seen as favouring Israel was suddenly taken off the ABC TikTok account on Thursday morning.

The story has a restaurant owner suggesting the only way to hurt Israel is to 'fight money with money'.

A story on the consumer boycott movement targeting Israel was removed from the ABC's Tik Tok page

Reporter Ms Webhe, who identifies herself as Palestinian on her TikTok page and has previously worked for ABC children's current affairs show Behind the News, promised her viewers to answer the question why people were boycotting Coca-Cola.

She interviewed the owner of Cedar Wrap, a Lebanese restaurant in Bankstown, western Sydney, who was identified only as 'Oz' and waved a microphone with a large ABC logo on it throughout his appearances.

Oz said he had been boycotting Israeli and US products for two months with the most notable example being Coca-Cola and other soft drinks from the giant US beverage maker.

Ms Wehbe explained that 'the BDS site says Coca-Cola operates a factory in Adera, considered illegal under international law'.

The report, which ran just over a minute, contained no criticism of the BDS movement but instead focused on whether it was successful in punishing companies and changing their stance towards Israel.

'Since October 7 there has been a lot more talk around BDS and organisers say it makes a difference,' Ms Wehbe said.

The report then cuts back to Oz. 'A lot of people say boycotting doesn't work. Boycotting is actually extremely important,' he said.

'The only way to fight money is with money.'

Ms Wehbe the provides her sign-off summation.

'So, it's hard to tell how much financial impact this movement has on a brand but organisers say the change of sentiment among customers is powerful in itself,' she said.

A Lebanese restaurant owner told how he no longer purchased Coca Cola, instead using an alternative brand

Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich said the report was 'beyond belief'.

'While I welcome the removal of the video, I call on the board and management to investigate this alarming matter,' he said.

'This report crossed so many red lines that I stopped counting.'

He claimed the TikTok was especially inflammatory 'at a time of skyrocketing anti-semitism'

'When Jewish students at school and universities are being attacked for who they are and for supporting Israel, this story will only fan the flames of hostility,' Dr Abramovich said.

Cedar Wrap was contacted but declined to comment further.

The ABC has been sought for comment.

It comes as a fill-in radio presenter for the ABC was axed after sharing a series of pro-Palestine posts on social media.

Antoinette Lattouf has threatened legal action after she was axed from a casual announcing role by the ABC for breaching the broadcaster's social media code

Antoinette Lattouf had been hosting ABC Sydney mornings this week, filling in for Sarah Macdonald.

However, she was told on Wednesday afternoon she would not be returning to the airwaves.

A spokesperson for the national broadcaster confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that 'ABC Sydney casual presenter Antoinette Lattouf will not be back on air for her remaining two shifts this week.'

ABC chair Ita Buttrose was reportedly 'furious' at Ms Lattouf's hiring for the casual role after the ABC board received a raft of complaints over her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, an insider told The Australian newspaper.

Daily Mail Australia understands the complaints centre on social media posts Ms Lattouf made that were critical of the Jewish state in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Lattouf recently co-wrote an article that questioned the truth of claims pro-Palestine protesters had shouted 'gas the Jews' at a rally outside Sydney Opera House, which sparked backlash on social media.
A photo of a pint of beer has left Australians outraged as the country grapples with a cost-of-living crisis.

A traveller had ordered a pint of Coopers Pale Ale while they were waiting at Sydney's Domestic Airport.

They were left stunned by the sky-high cost of the drink and shared their frustration to social media platform X on Wednesday.

'New pint price record at Sydney airport'.

The pricey pint was sold at Sydney's Domestic Airport and quickly sparked debate online

A photo of the pint shows the drink resting next to an EFTPOS machine that displayed the price of the drink for $18.

Social media users were left up in arms over the exorbitant price of the beverage.

'Hello, I'd like to report a crime,' one person joked.

'You're at the airport. Time and money are not real in this place,' another said.

A third fumed: '$18 for a Coopers? Did they fly it in from Adelaide?'

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'A schooner is $10 at one place up the road from me and $4.50 at the bowling club during happy hour. Needless to say I'm a regular at the club,' a fourth wrote.

It comes just weeks after Aussies were similarly outraged over a pint of beer that cost an eye-watering $17.80 from the Harbour View Hotel in The Rocks in Sydney.

One said they found the price 'tough to swallow'.

'Stopped drinking two years ago. I honestly don't know how people can afford to go out drinking on a regular occurrence,' one person said.

'I just don't drink out anymore. It's such a ripoff. I just drink at home,' another agreed.

'Who can afford this? This is partly what's ruined the nightlife in the city,' a third said.

Another said the huge price tag was not out of the ordinary, saying they had recently paid $18.20 for a 'pint that wasn't even a pint' of Stone & Wood at Bungalow 8 in Sydney's Darling Harbour.

'Paid $27 at PJ's on Saturday for a Kilkenny and a pint,' agreed another.

A third added: 'I paid $40 for 2 pints the other day (of bloody Peroni). I almost had a heart attack when the notification popped up, and it honestly killed the buzz for the rest of the evening. Absolute insanity.'

The Australian beer excise tax rose again in August by 2.2 per cent.

The beer tax has increased from $57.79 to $59.06 per litre of pure alcohol, making Australia the third-highest taxed country in the world behind Finland and Norway.

Aussies were similarly outraged over a pint of beer that cost an eye-watering $17.80

On a carton of beer, tax alone is about half the cost at $25.

Even the alcohol industry, generally considered to be recession-proof, seems to be feeling the brunt of soaring cost-of-living pressures.

According to Australian bank data from the first quarter of this year tobacco and alcohol spending fell -8.9 per cent in NSW, -13.7 per cent in Victoria, -14 per cent in Queensland, -16.9 per cent in South Australia, -14.1 per cent in Western Australia, -9.8 per cent in Tasmania, -2.7 per cent in the Northern Territory and -4.5 per cent in the ACT.

'To allay the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, beverage alcohol consumers are becoming more selective in how and when they spend on alcohol,' said Richard Halstead, COO Consumer Insights, at IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

'After the pandemic, at-home drinking is still preferred, but there is a strong motivation to go out, just with less frequency and more mindfulness in alcohol consumption and spending.'
READ MORE: Raver claims cops forced her into an illegal strip search

It will test the legality of strip searches

The NSW government's attempt to have the Supreme Court throw out a massive class action against strip searches at music festivals has failed.

Slater and Gordon and the Redfern Legal Centre filed the proceeding in July last year on behalf of hundreds of festival-goers who were subjected to police strip searches between 2016 and 2022.

However, the NSW Government sought to have the action 'declassed', arguing the revellers should be represented on an individual basis.

Supreme Court Justice Peter Garling this week found a class action was the best way forward.

He heard attendees from 49 music festivals were identified in the case saying 'there may be many hundreds of, if not more than a thousand, individuals who are potential group members'.

The NSW Government's move to 'declass' the class action representing festivalgoers who were strip searched by police has failed

Supreme Court Justice Peter Garling this week approved the action - which representing hundreds of revellers - to go ahead

'I am abundantly satisfied that these representative proceedings should continue because they are the most effective and efficient means of determining the issues raised by the group proceedings,' Justice Garling said.

Slater and Gordon and the Redfern Legal Centre's class action will challenge the legality of police strip searches after hearing festivalgoers allegedly suffered acts that could amount to assault, battery and false imprisonment.

The case's lead plaintiff, Raya Meredith, was strip searched at Byron Bay's Splendour in the Grass in 2018.

She claims police forcibly stripped her, leaving her chest exposed, and forced her to remove a tampon.

No drugs were found during the 30-minute search.

Slater and Gordon associate Meg Lessing said the court's ruling this week highlights why class actions are important.

The action was filed in July last year after Slater and Gordon and the Redfern Legal Centre heard festivalgoers allegedly suffered acts that could amount to assault, battery and false imprisonment at the hands of NSW Police

'Hundreds of festival-goers have been subjected to strip searches in circumstances that, we allege, exceed the powers of NSW Police,' she said.

'Often, these have occurred in egregious circumstances, including searches of minors, or young women being required to strip in the presence of male police officers, or where the search was observable by other festival attendees.

'Given the widespread use by the NSW Police of strip searches, it is high time the court is asked to consider the legality and exercise of this power.

'We are preparing for these issues to be tested in the trial of the class action, which is expected to be scheduled in early to mid-2025 and will run for a number of weeks.'

The NSW Government was ordered to pay the costs of its unsuccessful application to 'declass' the action.

It had argued there weren't enough common issues between the hundreds of revellers to justify a class suit.

However, Judge Garling found there were are 'a significant number of common questions of fact and law' the group members shared.

Samantha Lee, senior police accountability solicitor at Redfern Legal Centre, said the class action aims to provide justice for the alleged victims and prevent unnecessary strip searches in the future.

The case's lead plaintiff, Raya Meredith, had her clothes forcibly removed by officers at a music festival in 2018, even though she wasn't carrying any drugs

'Strip searches are invasive, harmful and have a long-lasting impact on those who have been subject to such a humiliating search,' she said.

'We know that young people are strip searched at disproportionate rates. We work with many clients who have been deeply traumatised by strip searches.

'These searches have become routine practice amongst NSW Police.

'We hope that this class action will achieve justice for those unlawfully strip searched, and lead to legislative change to ensure strip searches only occur in circumstances of the utmost seriousness and where there is genuine urgency to necessitate the undertaking of a strip search.'
A 55-year-old woman has been charged with murder after a woman was fatally stabbed in an affluent riverfront suburb days out from Christmas.

The alleged killer, who is due before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, has also been charged with enter with intent in what the police have called 'a tragic incident'.

Police were called to a unit complex in Oxford Street, Hamilton in Brisbane's north-east at about 8.45am on Thursday following reports of a disturbance.

A critically injured woman, 43, was found inside a unit suffering from multiple wounds including a stab wound to the chest.

Police and paramedics performed first aid before the woman was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, where she died from her injuries.

A 55-year-old woman has been charged with murder after a died is dead following a fatal stabbing in an affluent riverfront suburb. The scene is pictured

Police confirmed officers had attended the unit complex (pictured) previously to investigate disturbances

'Police will allege the two women were known to each other but not in a familial setting,' a police statement read.

It is understood the two women were neighbours.

Detective Inspector John Mison confirmed officers had attended the unit complex previously 'on a number of occasions'.

'Police received a triple-0 call this morning and we're currently in the process of examining that information to try and determine an exact timeline of what occurred,' he told reporters.

He added that there was no information to suggest the stabbing was a domestic violence incident.

The unit complex is multi-unit public housing run by the Department of Housing.

Homicide detectives (pictured) arrived at the public housing unit complex to door-knock residents

Hamilton is an affluent suburb on the banks of the Brisbane River (map pictured)

A crime scene was set up at the Oxford Street complex (pictured), which is public housing

Homicide detectives set up a crime scene at the unit complex and began door-knocking and interviewing residents.

Forensic officers also attended the scene, gathering evidence in brown paper bags and searching for the weapon involved in the alleged attack.

'I have a team of detectives at the scene who will be conducting door-knocks and speaking to witnesses in the vicinity of the location to obtain the complete picture of what occurred this morning,' Det Insp Mison said.

'This is a very sad tragic loss of life.'

Anyone who may have information is urged contact Crime Stoppers.

'No matter what information it may be, it may be relevant to our investigation,' Det Insp Mison said.

Hamilton is one of the city's richest suburbs known for its waterfront dining spots on the banks of the Brisbane River.

It was the second stabbing in Brisbane on Thursday morning after a man was knifed in the chest 12.5km away in Annerley in a separate incident.

He was rushed to hospital in a serious condition.

Homicide investigators spent the afternoon trying to piece together what happened. The scene is pictured
The judge overseeing the defamation case brought by two Georgia election workers against Rudy Giuliani has ordered the former mayor pay up immediately - warning that he may try and hide his cash to avoid paying the pair.

Giuliani, 79, was ordered on December 15 to pay $148 million in damages to Ruby Moss and Shaye Moss.

His lawyers said at the time he was unable to pay, and on Tuesday petitioned the court to allow him to delay payment while he appeals.

On Wednesday, Judge Beryl Howell ordered Giuliani to pay up, saying there was a real risk he could try and defraud them.

'Giuliani has never denied that he has taken steps to hide his assets from judgment creditors, and has offered no affirmative pledge that he will take no steps to do so,' Howell wrote.

Rudy Giuliani was spotted shopping for jewelry in Manhattan, less than a week after he was ordered to pay $148 million for defaming two Georgia election workers

Shaye Moss (left) and her mother Ruby Freeman (right) are seen on December 15 outside court. On Wednesday the judge said they should be paid immediately, warning Giuliani may attempt to hide his cash

Howell said he has failed to 'contend, let alone demonstrate with documentary or other proof,' that he cannot pay some of the money, and pointed out that he owns homes in New York and Florida.

She said his claims of having no money 'are difficult to square with the fact that Giuliani affords a spokesperson, who accompanied him daily to trial.'

The former mayor of New York was seen on Tuesday browsing a Madison Avenue jewelry store, unbothered by the huge sums he now owes.

In August, he put his three-bedroom Manhattan apartment on the market for $6.5 million; at the end of October he dropped the price to $6.1 million.

Giuliani's lawyers have said that he is likely to file for bankruptcy protection - but because the $148 million is considered an 'intentional tort', that does not get him off the hook.

On Monday, after he accused Freeman and Moss of lying, they sued him again.

Giuliani, once known as America's Mayor for his leadership after 9/11, doubled down on the defamatory statements even after the second defamation suit.

He said last week's verdict was due to the 'fascist system run by the Biden regime.'

'They are suing me in order to lie to them,' Giuliani told Newsmax's Rob Schmitt on Monday night.

'I'm sorry, I can't do it.

'If I showed you the evidence right now...people would see that what I said was absolutely true and there's support for it.'

Giuliani doubled down on his claims in a recent interview with Newsmax, blaming last week's verdict on the 'fascist system run by the Biden regime

The outing came just one day after he was sued a second time by Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Moss for spreading the same 'lies' they successfully sued him for

The 79-year-old asserted that the judge reached a decision 'not based on any evidence but based on the fact that I didn't turn over some financial documents'

Giuliani claimed the judge reached the decision 'not based on any evidence but based on the fact that I didn't turn over some financial documents.'

Despite declining to testify in his own defense, Giuliani insisted he was not given the chance to make his case.

Judge Beryl Howell said that Giuliani was not to be trusted and might attempt to squirm out of paying the two women

He said his claims of cheating were 'supportable' - despite no evidence being brought forward in their favor.

'I have no doubt that my comments were made and they were supportable and are supportable today,' Giuliani said. 'I just did not have an opportunity to present the evidence that we offered.'

He added that he didn't testify because it 'didn't seem like it was going to do much to persuade anybody.'

Giuliani appears to have an ally, former President Donald Trump, in his corner.

'I think it's so sad, what's happened to Rudy,' Trump told DailyMail.com during a campaign briefing in West Palm Beach.

He characterized Giuliani as a 'great patriot' and 'the greatest mayor in the history of New York.'

Giuliani was spotted stopping by his office earlier on Tuesday

The mother-daughter election duo said Giuliani's lies left them scared to leave their homes, but the former mayor continues to assert that his claims of cheating in the election are 'supportable'

The total $148 million appears to be far beyond Giuliani's ability to pay, as he faces extensive financial challenges including several other lawsuits

Guiliani spent the week inside a federal courthouse in Washington, DC, as a jury pondered the defamation claim by Freeman and Moss, who said he turned their lives 'upside down' as part of his election overturn effort in Georgia.

The former New York mayor asserted that the duo pulled 'suitcases' of ballots from under a table at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta during the 2020 election count - a claim that was debunked by a Georgia Secretary of State investigation.

The mother-daughter duo said Giuliani's lies left them scared to leave their homes and unable to attain employment.

The jury deliberated for 10 hours before returning with a unanimous verdict to award $75 million in punitive damages and $20 million each for emotional distress, plus an additional $16 million to Freeman and $17 million to Moss for damage to their reputations.

The total $148 million appears to be far beyond Giuliani's ability to pay.

Although his net worth climbed to $30 million as he raked in security consulting contracts after 9/11, Giuliani is struggling to unload his Manhattan co-op and defend himself from a sexual harassment suit brought forth by a former employee.

Speaking outside court Friday, Freeman said money would 'never' solve her problems.

'I can never move back into the house that I call home. I will always have to be careful about where I go and who I choose to share my name with. I miss my home. I miss my neighbors and I miss my name,' she said.

Moss called Giuliani's lies 'devastating' and added: 'Our greatest wish is that no one  no election worker, or voter, or school board member, or anyone else  ever experiences anything like what we went through.'
MBABANE  Relatives who had come for their relatives post-mortems had to wait for over three hours at most, as there were no mortuary attendants at the Mbabane Government Hospital.

It is a known fact that post-mortems are conducted every Wednesday at the hospital by the police Pathologist, Dr Reddy. Information gathered from reliable sources was to the effect that the doctor refused to conduct the enquiry with the assistance of one mortuary attendant. There was only one mortuary attendant available from Piggs Peak, who had also come with corpses from Piggs Peak Government Hospital. All the mortuary attendants for the Mbabane Government Hospital were not available. The lone attendant found at the premises cited his religious beliefs in that he could not assist the doctor. Another attendant was reportedly off duty, while the other had to report for night duty.

Some of the relatives of the deceased raised concerns as they had arrived for their relatives post-mortems early. Police had to intervene and assist the doctor. At around 12:25pm, Dr Reddy was called on his mobile phone and told that a police officer had been requested to work with him.

Conduct

He arrived at the hospital to conduct the post-mortem at around 12:40pm and started working on the first corpse. There were a total of six corpses which he had to attend to. Director of Health Services Dr Velephi Okello said she was of the idea that the mortuary attendants changed their days off. She said they needed to find out what really happened that resulted in all of them being away. She said she would engage the chief administrator to investigate the matter as he was responsible for the mortuary attendants.
Aussies who wish to work from home at least three days a week have celebrated a major win as more bosses accept it as 'the norm'.

A new survey of Australia's top CEO's has revealed employers may have given up on a push for workers to return to the office five days a week.

According to The Australian's 2024 CEO Survey, a growing number of companies are now embracing the hybrid model in their workplaces.

The hybrid model allows employees to work from home some days and others in the office and is considered a more flexible approach.

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas slammed the results on Thursday, arguing that workers would only get the most out of their jobs by being in the office.

'We want people working from our city offices. That is the lifeblood of any capital city, of any big city,' he told Channel Seven's Sunrise.

Australians pushing for more work days at home have celebrated a major win (stock image)

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas (pictured) believes working from home will not last long-term

'While some may have given up for the moment, I'm not convinced that this is going to last long-term and for lots and lots of reasons.

'The best place for most employees is in the office with their fellow team members where the culture of the office can really start to run.'

Amanda Rose, from Western Sydney Women, said she was 'pro hybrid' and that expectations of working in the office should be considered on a 'case-by-case' basis.

'It is important to have people working face-to-face, I agree with that,' she said.

'The hybrid workplace helps a great deal, especially for working mums who have to juggle dropping children off to daycare and school - it saves them hours in travel.

'I think this is great that they've come to this, it might change in the future but let's incentivise people to come in instead of punishing them.'

In the survey, CEO's cited the role of in-person collaboration, teamwork, career development and productivity in their arguing for a permanent return to the office.

Many said younger employees especially would benefit from in-person work.

Up to 70 CEO's from across all sectors of the workforce show that three days is the new five day working week in the office.

Some offices had stricter requirements than others.

ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott requires his workers to spend 50 per cent of scheduled work time in the office but said expectations differed depending on the role.

The hybrid approach allows employees to work from home some days and others in the office

ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott requires employees to complete 50 per cent of work in the office

Energy major AGL requires corporate employees to work three days in the office.

Two of these days are 'anchor days' when all members of a team have to be in the office however the third day is of their choosing.

CEO of Commonwealth Bank Matt Comyn said employees were required to spend at least 50 per cent of their working month in the office.

Westpac requires workers to spend two or three days in the office per week while Telstra has adopted the hybrid approach.

Citi Australia has a minimum requirement of three days in the office.

Up to 37 per cent of Australians regularly work from home, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Up to 60 per cent of managers and other professionals are most likely to work from home compared to 22 per cent of other workers.
A teenager is missing after failing to re-surface while swimming at a popular waterhole.

Emergency services were called to a waterhole off Moledina Crescent at Mount Crosby near Ipswich, Queensland at 10.27am after reports a boy had failed to emerge from the water after going for a swim.

A teenager is missing after failing to re-surface while swimming at a popular waterhole

Emergency services were called to a waterhole off Moledina Crescent at Mount Crosby (pictured) near Ipswich, Queensland at 10.27am after reports a boy had failed to emerge from the water after going for a swim

Queensland Ambulance Service told Daily Mail Australia they still have paramedics at the scene and recently assessed a person with critical injuries

Police water rescue, dive squad and foot patrols are also in attendance, reported the Courier-Mail.

Queensland Ambulance Service told Daily Mail Australia they still have paramedics at the scene and recently assessed a person with critical injuries.

The teen is believed to be part of a group visiting the popular waterhole.

More to come.
EXCLUSIVE

A mother is fighting for her life after she was allegedly stabbed by a 'mentally-ill' stranger in a random attack at her real estate office while trying to protect her friend.

Susan Scardigno, 50, was working at the office of Real Estate Agents Group, in Plympton, Adelaide, on Wednesday when Shaun Michael Dunk, 30, allegedly burst through the door and knifed her and her colleague, Julie 'Julez' Seed, 38.

Ms Seed died at the scene. Ms Scardigno was rushed to hospital, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.

A friend of Ms Scardigno claims that she sustained her injuries while trying to protect Ms Seed.

'I am utterly devastated for Julie's family and may she rest in peace, there is no words for this [alleged] horrific event that took place,' the friend said.

'I am beyond relieved like no other that Susan survived, yet I know her scars will be (forever) a reminder of her fight to save her friend.'

Julez Seed (left) and Susan Scardigno (right) were allegedly stabbed by a stranger at their workplace on Wednesday

In a sliding doors moment, the friend revealed her mother - who also works with Ms Scardigno and Ms Seed - had only just gone on Christmas break.

'My mother had only left to go to annual leave to visit me ... this could of (sic) been her without a doubt as there are only five people in their office,' she wrote.

'So much devastation right before Christmas for all families affected.

'You never know when your time is up, so hold loved ones tight and be thankful for even the smallest things.'

Health chiefs have launched an inquiry to find out why the mentally ill man - who had been on an inpatient treatment order - was released into the community by Royal Adelaide Hospital just 48 hours earlier.

Mr Dunk was charged with Ms Seed's murder and the attempted murder of Ms Scardigno on Thursday.

Ms Scardigno has worked at the agency for five years as a business development manager while Ms Seed was employed two years ago.

A daughter of one of Ms Scardigno's colleagues has claimed she tried to save Ms Seed from their alleged attacker

Julie 'Julez' Seed, 38, is pictured with her fiance Chris Smith

Ms Scardigno is pictured with her partner, Sean Sykes, during a recent night out in Sydney

The alleged attack is yet another tragedy to afflict the Scardigno family after her husband Paul was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a terminal illness, 19 years ago.

She became his full-time carer as his illness rapidly progressed, leaving him in a wheelchair, and the couple and their daughter uprooted their lives in Melbourne to move back to Adelaide to be closer to family.

In 2017, the pair took part in a video series produced by Cara, a South Australian disability support provider, to shed light on the issues faced by couples grappling with an MS diagnosis.

The couple later separated and Ms Scardigno began a new relationship around 2019 with Sydney banking manager, Sean Sykes, who is the head of a loans division for Commonwealth Bank.

Despite her separation and new relationship, as of April 2022, Ms Scardigno remained actively involved in the care of her disabled estranged husband.

Police officers are pictured at the scene of the alleged attack on Wednesday

Close pal Cathy Black told how Ms Seed was enjoying her best life before the tragedy, after getting engaged a year ago, with a 'beautiful family' and starting her dream job two years ago

In the wake of the tragedy, close friends have paid tribute to Ms Seed, a mother of two daughters aged 12 and 18, from Morphett Vale who got engaged to partner Chris Smith a year ago.

'Julez was a beautiful soul, she had a smile that lit up a room,' close friend Cathy Black told Daily Mail Australia. 'She was very loved.

'Julez and Chris were so happy together, it's tragic. She was always happy, everyone loved her.

'She was a wonderful mum of two beautiful girls, one of which has just turned 18.

'It's heartbreaking to think that she finally had everything she had ever wanted in life, only to be taken so tragically from the world by a senseless random act of violence that should never have happened.

'Now a beautiful family has had their whole life torn apart....and right before Christmas.

'My heart breaks for her family.'

Photographs on social media reveal Ms Seed (right) celebrating Melbourne Cup Day in 2021 with her real estate workmates, who described her as a 'little diamond' and one of the 'happiest in our office'

Almost a year ago to the day she died, Ms Seed had celebrated Christmas with her co-workers with a limo trip to their Xmas party venue (pictured)

Ms Black also fondly remembered Ms Seed's lifelong affection for cows: 'She loved cows. Anything cow-related, she was obsessed with cows!

'She had just found everything that she wanted - a beautiful mum, two beautiful girls, a beautiful family, home, fiance - she'd just got her dream job,' she added tearfully.

'And then this happens.

'Innocent people are losing their lives and it's not fair.'

Friend Amy Drummond said Ms Seed was a 'beautiful soul' who was 'always positive and had so much kindness to give'.

'She knew how to put a smile on your face and was an amazing friend and co-worker,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'She will be missed deeply and cherished forever.'

Photographs on social media reveal Ms Seed celebrating Melbourne Cup Day in 2021 with her real estate workmates, who described her as a 'little diamond' and one of the 'happiest in our office'.

Ms Scardigno posted the pics on Facebook and added: 'Day out with my crew.

'Trifecta and Pick 4 in the bag but would have traded the win just to share this day again with this REAL Estate Agents Group.'

The images show Ms Seed happy and smiling, wearing a pink dress with black polka dots and a black fascinator as she studies the form guides ahead of the race at a local bar.

'Such an amazing day,' said Ms Seed in a reply to one of the pictures.

In the wake of the tragedy, close friends have paid tribute to Ms Seed, a mother of two daughters aged 12 and 18, from Morphett Vale who was engaged to Chris Smith (pictured together)

A specialist team of Medstar paramedics worked for more than an hour to save Julie Seed, 38, but were unsuccessful and she died at the scene

South Australia Health has now launched a review into their process after admitting the alleged killer had been treated for mental health issues just two days before the tragedy.

A spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'The Chief Psychiatrist will be reviewing the circumstances around this patient's treatment and discharge.'

Witnesses told Nine News that they were helpless to do anything but could hear desperate screams when the alleged attack began.

'I just hear some lady screaming and I listen to the door as it just crashed closed,' one woman said.

'To stand here and watch has been really scary and horrifying to see,' another added.

The real estate building is located next to a supermarket car park where families were among those who watched the tragic events unfold.

Police said they had recovered a knife and a small hammer from the crime scene.

'Two women were stabbed by a man not known to them,' said a police statement.

'A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempt murder.

'He will appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court today, Thursday December 21.

'Detectives from Major Crime attended and are assisting Southern District officers with the investigation. A knife and a small hammer were seized from the scene.'

Officers have now appealed for witnesses who were in the area at the time or who may have dashcam footage to come forward.

Dunk appeared via video link in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He was denied bail and the matter was adjourned until 28 March 2024.
Americans freed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a US prisoner swap have been photographed landing at a US military base in San Antonio.

The individuals were seen exiting a plane upon arrival at Joint Base San Antonio Kelly Annex Wednesday night, hours after the US release of Alex Saab, a close ally of the dictator. Maduro succeeded Hugo Chavez in 2013.

'I didn't know if I would ever make it out,' Savoi Wright, a Californian arrested in Venezuela in October, told Reuters after descending on the tarmac.

Accused of laundering millions of dollars in government money at Maduro's behest, Columbian businessman Saab was granted clemency by Joe Biden Wednesday, after being arrested and extradited to the US in 2020.

Biden Wednesday said he made the 'difficult decision' to absolve Saab so he could free prisoners opposed to the regime, including 10 US citizens. Six looked ecstatic upon touching down Wednesday, but four, for unknown reasons, went unseen.

One of the six, a middle-aged man, disembarked on a stretcher.

Scroll down for video:

Americans freed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a US prisoner swap have been photographed landing at a US military base in San Antonio.

The individuals were seen exiting a plane upon arrival at Joint Base San Antonio Kelly Annex Wednesday night, hours after the US release of Alex Saab , a close ally of the dictator. One of the six, a middle-aged man, was seen disembarking on a stretcher

As Wright walked, he also sang the famed African-American spiritual: 'Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, [I'm] free at last.'

Wright, a 38-year-old businessman, conceded he had feared for his life at times during his monthlong detainment, but was more than happy to look forward now that he was home.

He, like several others, was held under unclear allegations amid tensions with Maduro's government, and was likely being used as political pawns following the US failure to oust Maduro and install an opposition leader as Venezuelas president.

Others seen were in similarly high spirits, including Eyvin Hernandez, one of three men accused of entering the county illegally through its border with Columbia.

Hernandez, a Los Angeles County public defender who had been imprisoned since March 2022, shook hands with defense officials overseeing the photo-op and appeared in good health.

The other two men accused of entering Venezuela illegally, Jerrel Kenemore and Joseph Cristella, were also present, and were seen lining up alongside Hernandez, Wright and fellow freed prisoner Jason Saad.

Saad was arrested after being accused of being a homeless man living on the streets of the eastern city of Maturin, while Kenemore, 52, was cuffed over the alleged border offense way back in January.

'I didn't know if I would ever make it out,' Savoi Wright, a Californian arrested in Venezuela in October, told Reuters after descending on the tarmac

Others seen were in similarly high spirits, including Eyvin Hernandez, one of three men accused of entering the county illegally through its border with Columbia

Hernandez, a Los Angeles County public defender who had been imprisoned since March 2022, shook hands with defense officials overseeing the photo-op,

The other two men accused of entering Venezuela illegally, (from left) Joseph Cristella and Jerrel Kenemore and, were also present, and were seen lining up alongside Hernandez, Wright, and fellow freed prisoner Jason Saad (center)

Saad, seen here, was arrested after being accused of being a homeless man living on the streets of the eastern city of Maturin

Kenemore, far left, was cuffed over the alleged border offense way back in January. Cristella, to Kenemore's left, was cuffed in September 2022 after moving to the Dominican Republic for a contracting job and taking a trip to Colombia near the border, where he was seized

Freed American prisoners who were released in Venezuela arrive at Joint Base San Antonio Wednesday

The freed Americans are seen smiling Wednesday after being wrongfully detained overseas

The last man out of the six, the only to appear injured, was Edgar Jose Marval Moreno, who was carried on a stretcher upon arrival, and was even photographed shedding tears of joy as he clutched a prayer card

Cristella, meanwhile, moved to the Dominican Republic for a contracting job last year, where he found love with a Venezuelan native and the two are engaged.

In an interview with Click Orlando, his family said the Orlando resident took a trip to Columbia to meet his fiance near the Venezuelan border when he was suddenly detained in September of last year, and not seen since.

The last man out of the six, the only to appear injured, was Edgar Jose Marval Moreno, who was carried on a stretcher upon arrival, and was even photographed shedding tears of joy as he clutched a prayer card.

At several points, he cracked a toothy gear to photographers stationed around the military base, showing his faculties were still there and that he was ready to resume his normal life.

The extent of his health - as well as the reason behind his incarceration - was not immediately clear.

It was not immediately apparent where the other four Americans said to be part of the were being sent, with officials so far electing to not reveal their identities.

However, it is believed that the four remaining men were jailed on charges that the US technically could not deem unjust, including two former Green Berets - Luke Denman and Airan Berry - who were caught in a May 2020 failed military incursion by Venezuelan dissidents. They were both hit with 20-year sentences.

It was not immediately apparent where the other four Americans said to be part of the were being sent, with officials so far electing to not reveal their identities.

Hernandez (C) steps off a plane upon arrival at Joint Base San Antonio Kelly Annex in Texas Wednesday night

The deal - aside from serving a breakthrough in relations between the two countries after months of sanctions and powerplays - comes after months of negotiations mediated by the country Qatar.

It saw not only Saab released, but a fugitive defense contractor known as 'Fat Leonard' as well, despite his being at the center of a sprawling Pentagon bribery scandal.

At points, Moreno cracked a toothy gear to photographers stationed around the military base, showing that his faculties were still there and that he was ready to resume his normal life

The extent of his health - as well as the reason behind his incarceration - was not immediately clear.

The succession of swaps has raised concerns that the US was incentivizing hostage-taking abroad and producing a false equivalence between Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad and foreigners who have been properly prosecuted and convicted in US courts

Dahud Hanid-Ortiz, a U.S. veteran wanted in Spain for the alleged killing in Madrid of two Cuban women and an Ecuadorian man, could also be one of the four remaining freed prisoners.

Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, who accompanied the wrongfully detained Americans on the flight home, told the group: 'It does my heart good to see that you guys are back here on American soil.

'Its going to be an interesting transition for you, but at least you will be here in the loving embrace of the country and your families. Welcome home.'

Not mentioning the four other men, Carstens confirmed that no other US citizens were being held in the South America country.

The deal - aside from serving a breakthrough in relations between the two nations after months of sanctions and powerplays - comes after months of negotiations mediated by the country Qatar.

It saw not only Saab released, but a fugitive defense contractor known as 'Fat Leonard' as well, despite his being at the center of a sprawling Pentagon bribery scandal.

The owner of a ship-servicing company in Southeast Asia, Leonard Glenn Francis Francis fled house arrest last September in Malaysia, but was instead extradited to the US to face justice.

His company overcharged the US military by more than $35 million for its services and plied officers with various gifts.

The corrupt officers then redirected military vessels to ports that were lucrative for his Singapore-based ship servicing company.

Francis was arrested in 2013 and pleaded guilty in 2015 to offering bribes.

Alex Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, was released from custody Wednesday

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro - Sabb's friend and alleged string-puller- speaks during the notification ceremony for the referendum about the future of a disputed territory with Guyana

'Fat Leonard', aka Leonard Glenn Francis is a Malaysian businessman who infiltrated the US Navy in Manila and blackmailed officers into giving him favors and shipping routes

Officials have not released the names of the other Americans who will be released from Venezuelan prison, but there were reports on Tuesday that they included former US special forces soldiers Luke Denman and Airan Berry, seen here after arrested by Maduro forces after an alleged coup attempt

The deal is the latest concession by the Biden Administration in the name of bringing home Americans jailed overseas.

Perhaps the most high-profile prisoner exchange came last December when the US Government, over the objections of some Republicans in Congress and criticism from some law enforcement officials, traded Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for WNBA star Brittney Griner.

Iran released five American detainees in September in exchange for the release of nearly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets and two Iranian prisoners who had been jailed in the US.

The succession of swaps has raised concerns that the US was incentivizing hostage-taking abroad and producing a false equivalence between Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad and foreigners who have been properly prosecuted and convicted in US courts.
Toilet water flushed in California can now be treated and converted into drinking water for use in homes, schools and businesses as the state deals with water shortages.

In an effort dubbed 'toilet-to-tap,' California officials approved new regulations allowing water agencies to recycle sewage waste from showers and toilets to provide drinking water.

Suppliers are now allowed, though not required, to purify wastewater and put it back into the drinking water system for hundreds of thousands of households.

California is set to become the second state, after Colorado, to adopt these rules, as the Golden State faced extreme droughts last year, struggling to supply drinking water to its 39 million residents.

Darrin Polhemus, the Director of the Division of Drinking Water at the State Water Resources Control Board, said, 'It will truly be the highest quality water delivered in the state when it's done.'

Toilet water flushed in California will now be treated and converted into drinking water for use in homes, schools, and businesses as the state braces for water shortages. Pictured: the Salton Sea in California

California is set to become the second state, after Colorado, to adopt these rules, as the Golden State faced extreme droughts last year, struggling to supply drinking water to its 39 million residents. Pictured: Elizabeth Lake in California

Public opinion has been split on the issue after similar projects sparked backlash two decades ago

When the proposal emerged in the 1990s, opponents, who were against the idea of sending toilet water to homes for reuse, dubbed it 'toilet-to-tap.'

But the regulations were approved unanimously by the Water Resources Control Board Tuesday after the state saw more than 1,200 wells run dry and half a million acres of farmland go to fallow last year.

Officials in San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Clara have been preparing to build water purification systems, as reported by the New York Times.

Three different levels of treatment will be provided to purify wastewater, ensuring it meets drinking water standards, officials said.

'If one fails there's still two remaining in its place as backups to make sure that nothing goes untreated,' Polhemus said.

Under the new rules, wastewater will be treated for all pathogens and viruses as it passes through activated carbon filters and reverse-osmosis membranes.

The already recycled water will also be disinfected with UV light, among other different treatments.

'It's at the same drinking water quality, and probably better in many instances,' Polhemus said.

When the proposal emerged in the 1990s, opponents, who were against the idea of sending toilet water to homes for reuse, dubbed it 'toilet-to-tap'

'It's at the same drinking water quality, and probably better in many instances,' officials said

Three different levels of treatment will be provided to purify wastewater, ensuring it meets drinking water standards

Officials also noted drinking recycled wastewater is not a new practice, as treated water flows back into rivers and streams before reaching towns for everyday consumption.

'Anyone out there taking drinking water downstream from a wastewater treatment plant discharge - which, I promise you, you're all doing - is already drinking toilet to tap,' Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the board, said Tuesday.

'All water is recycled. What we have here are standards, science and - importantly - monitoring that allow us to have the faith that it is pure water,' Esquivel added.

The new rules are expected to boost the overall water supply in the state with more than 39million residents and the country's largest agriculture industry.

The Gold State's three driest years on record saw wells dry up, farmland lie fallow and wildfires ravage hillsides.

Although powerful storms that dumped record amounts of rain and snow effectively ended the state's three-year drought in 2023, officials are warning about new challenges.

'We have rain now, but we're very likely to experience a dry period again, and wastewater is always a reliable source. Every community, even during a drought, generates wastewater,' Polhemus said.

'Direct potable reuse is just a really critical strategy for our state to have... and increasing our resilience and reducing our reliance on imported water,' said Laurel Firestone, a board member.

Under the new rules, wastewater will be treated for all pathogens and viruses as it passes through activated carbon filters and reverse-osmosis membranes

The facilities, which are large and expensive to build, are expected to take about six to seven years to complete

Public opinion has been split on the issue after similar projects sparked backlash two decades ago.

A California resident told CBS Tuesday: 'From wastewater to drinking water sounds a little gross.'

The regulations will be submitted to the state's Office of Administrative Law by the summer or fall of next year, and local water agencies will vote on whether to implement them in their cities.

'Nobody is going to do this without first going through a public process, educating the public, getting their OK with it, and moving forward,' Polhemus said.

The facilities, which are large and expensive to build, are expected to take about six to seven years to complete, as reported by KTLA.

'So no one will be drinking direct potable reuse in the immediate future,' Polhemus added.
Just 18 months before a scandal involving gay sex filmed in a Senate hearing room shook Washington, a Congressman triggered a similar investigation over acts filmed in a Capitol office.

Recently, Democrat congressional aide Aidan Maese-Czeropski, 24, was fired over the emergence of an amateur sex tape - which was reportedly filmed in Hart Senate Office Building room 216

Sen. Ben Cardin has aired his disappointment over reports that his now-former staffer had taken part in filmed sexual activities in a Senate hearing room.

Rep. Dan Newhouse - a Republican from Washington who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump - confirmed reports Wednesday that a similar investigation into sex acts in a Congressional office took place in June 2022.

A spokesperson for Newhouse said that they found 'no conclusive evidence' of what they called 'purported, unbecoming behavior' involving a staffer after a Snapchat story made by an account known as 'Adam J' with the handle 'Anjackson2019' circulated on the app last year.

Rep. Dan Newhouse - a Republican from Washington State who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump - confirmed reports Wednesday that an into sex acts in a Congressional office took place in June 2022

One of the 2022 videos allegedly showed a man pleasuring himself in a House office building, identifiable by standard Capitol House furniture and carpeting, as well as a branded mousepad

A second video shows two men engaged in sexual activity in another office setting. Their faces are not visible.

The anonymous male staffer denied having taken part in any illicit recordings, according to Semafor.

Newhouse's employee said the investigation ended within a month, with Newhouse allegedly telling him there was 'no evidence to the allegation.'

The staffer left Newhouse's office in fall of that year to work outside of Washington, DC.

'As soon as the office was alerted, we immediately contacted the appropriate House entities to conduct an independent investigation,' the spokesperson for Newhouse said.

The most recent sex video depicts a graphic sex act between two men, and was reportedly leaked after being 'shared in a private group for gay men in politics.'

While not confirmed to be one of the men, Maese-Czeropski was publicly connected to the congressional hearing clip, and is no longer employed by the Senate. In a post to social media, he admitted he'd shown 'poor judgement.'

Scroll down for video:

Sen. Ben Cardin aired his disappointment Monday evening over reports that a now-former staffer had taken part in filmed sexual activities in a Senate hearing room

The video depicts a graphic sex act between two men, and was reportedly leaked after being 'shared in a private group for gay men in politics'

The Maryland senator spoke two days after his old congressional aide Aidan Maese-Czeropski, 24, was fired over the emergence of the tapes

Approached Monday evening for the first time since Capitol Police launched a full-fledged investigation, the 80-year-old Democrat said he's 'terribly angered' and 'disappointed' by the reports.

'I understand the Capitol Police are doing an investigation,' Cardin told reporters Monday evening, saying his office is 'absolutely' cooperating with law enforcement.

'My knowledge of this was over the weekend,' Cardin added, as the scandal continues to roil the House.

'When I learned about it, [I] made sure that he was separated,' he continued, not mentioning Czeropski by name.

He also expressed confusion how the staffer - who appeared in a 2020 campaign video with Joe Biden - had somehow booked the room, but reiterated he is no longer with his office.

'He left the Senate employment, and the appropriate steps were taken from the point of view of our office,' the veteran official who plans to retire after this term said.

When asked to go into detail about how well he knew the staffer, Cardin refused, claiming it was a personnel issue.

Asked about how he felt upon initially hearing the news - first reported by the Daily Caller - Cardin conceded, 'I was angry. I was disappointed.'

Asked about how he felt upon initially hearing the news of the ill-advised amateur film in Hart Senate Office Building Room 216 , Cardin conceded, 'I was angry. I was disappointed.'

Hours before the story broke, reports surfaced that an unnamed Cardin staffer had posted a social media photo of himself nude in a Hart hearing room

Cardin on Monday expressed confusion how the staffer - who appeared in a 2020 campaign video with Joe Biden (seen here) - had somehow booked the room, but reiterated how he is no longer with the office

He went to label the ill-advised flick as 'a breach of trust.'

'It's a breach of trust. All of the above,' Cardin said. '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 and the Senate staff.'

The scandal, meanwhile, first erupted Friday, when the Caller published the clip with the blurred-out faces of the two men having sex in room 216.

The location, steeped in history, has played home to several high-profile hearings over the years.

It was the site of a series of Supreme Court Justice confirmation hearings that helped shape America's legal landscape, and was the venue for the 9/11 Commission.

But last week, it was the setting for something much less stately - a sordid sex scene filmed from one of the participants' POV.

The clip quickly made it rounds on social media, and people quickly began to peg Czeropski - who Cardin on Monday indicated has yet to apologize - as responsible. Those claims, Capitol cops have since confirmed, are still unproven.

Hours later, on Friday night, Maese-Czeropski put up a post to his now-private LinkedIn stating that while he had shown 'poor judgement', he 'would never disrespect my workplace.'

Hours later, on Friday night, Maese-Czeropski put up a post to his now-private LinkedIn stating that while he had shown 'poor judgement', he 'would never disrespect my workplace.' He was fired on Friday

'This has been a difficult time for me, as I have been attacked for who I love to pursue a political agenda,' the statement read.

'While some of my actions in the past have shown poor judgement, I love my job and would never disrespect my workplace.

'Any attempts to characterize my actions otherwise are fabricated and I will be exploring what legal options are available to me in these matters.'

Contacted by DailyMail.com Saturday morning, Maese-Czeropski's mother, Magdalena Rivera Maese, said her son had been left distraught by the scandal.

'You don't want to know how he's doing,' Maese said in an interview.

In a statement Monday evening, Capitol Police told DailyMail.com it is 'still investigating' the sex tape, and that there was 'nothing new to report' at this point in their investigation.

Hours before the Caller broke the story, the Spectator reported an unnamed Cardin staffer had posted a social media photo of himself nude in a Hart hearing room.

Those reports have not been substantiated, as Capitol cops continue to investigate.

Cardin's office, meanwhile, on Friday issued the following statement, citing a rash of reports from 'right-wing' outlets.

'As this is a personnel matter and under review, we will not be commenting further at this time,' the office said.

Cardin, meanwhile, announced his retirement at the end of his current term in May. As for Maese-Czeropski, he did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's attempts to contact him.
Coles shoppers have lashed out at the supermarket giant complaining the security measures rolled out at its stores are 'triggering'.

The supermarket giant has installed anti-theft systems across their stores that include automated gates at the exit.

The move came following a 20 per cent rise in thefts with the measures striking a chord with customers.

One shopper complained she was about to leave her local store after paying for her groceries when the gates closed in on her.

Shoppers have been left furious by security gates installed by Coles (pictured) across it's stores and have slammed the new security measure which they feel is 'triggering.'

'I finished up scanning and paying for my two items and as I go to leave this little gate flashes red, like an alarm almost,' she wrote on Reddit.

'Then the gate slid shut preventing me and some 60-year-old-tradie-looking bloke from leaving.'

She said a staff member eventually let her and the man out of the store. She said the man had earlier given her a look like she was 'stealing'.

'I honestly was kinda triggered by it and struggled to have self-control, to not just kick the barrier or step over it,' she said.

'With how Woolies and Coles have been treating people with price gouging this just feels like another big slap in the face.'

Another shopper said she had a similar experience after she was barred from leaving a store after paying for her groceries.

'I couldn't get out of the self-serve checkout once I had finished my shopping until they [staff] looked at my receipt and pressed a button,' she said.

A Coles spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the gates are a part of security measures to protect the safety of staff and customers.

'While most of our customers do the right thing, unfortunately a small number don't,' he said.

'Coles has a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores including CCTV, electronic article surveillance (EAS), and in some stores new smart gate technology that automatically opens as customers make payment for their products.'

A Coles spokesperson said the gates are a part of the security measures the supermarket has in place to protect the safety of staff and customers.

The gates are among several several technologies the supermarket has put in place across its stores to combat a rise in theft.

Staff have recently begun to wear body worn cameras in some locations to reduce incidents of violence towards employees.

Overhead cameras have also been installed across stores to track the movements of shoppers.
California's Lieutenant Governor has called on her state 'to explore every legal option' to prevent Donald Trump from being on the 2024 ballot, following the decision to block the former president in Colorado.

Eleni Kounalakis said it was a 'dire matter that puts at stake the sanctity of our constitution and our democracy' - and denied that she was acting out of 'political gamesmanship.'

A decision to remove Trump in California would be hugely significant, given that California has more delegates than any other state in the union.

On Tuesday, the Colorado Supreme Court barred Trump from their state's ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits anyone who swore an oath to support the Constitution and then 'engaged in insurrection' against it from holding office.

Kounalakis - a Soros-backed progressive who is campaigning to replace term-limited Gavin Newsom as governor in 2026 - sent a public letter to the California Secretary of State, asking for an investigation into her state potentially following Colorado's lead.

A court in Colorado on Tuesday ruled Donald Trump (pictured in Iowa on Tuesday) was not eligible to be on their state's ballot for the Republican primary

Eleni Kounalakis on Tuesday urged California to follow Colorado's lead and look into blocking Trump from the 2024 ballot

Kounalakis is pictured with George Soros, who has supported her campaign financially

'California must stand on the right side of history,' she wrote.

'California is obligated to determine if Trump is ineligible for the California ballot for the same reasons described in Anderson (the Colorado decision).

'The Colorado decision can be a basis for a similar decision made in our state.'

The Colorado ruling is the first time in history the provision has been used to prohibit someone from running for the presidency, and the U..S. Supreme Court is likely to have the final say over whether the ruling will stand.

If it does  which many legal experts say is a longshot  it's the end of Trump's campaign because a Supreme Court decision would apply not just in Colorado, but to all states. It also could open a new world of political combat, as politicians in the future fish for judicial rulings to disqualify their rivals under the same provision.

'I think it may embolden other state courts or secretaries to act now that the bandage has been ripped off,' Derek Muller, a Notre Dame law professor who has closely followed the Section 3 cases, said after Tuesday's ruling.

'This is a major threat to Trump's candidacy.'

Removing Trump from the ballot in California would be hugely significant, given the weight given to the state.

Kounalakis in her letter on Tuesday stressed the urgency: California announces the certified list of candidates on December 28

Trump dominates his rivals so heavily that he is on track to win all of California's delegates for next year's Republican convention  a haul that would give him a major chunk of the votes needed to secure his third presidential nomination.

Trump could sweep each of the state's 169 delegates on March 5 - Super Tuesday, when California is among more than a dozen states holding their primary vote.

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

Colorado also votes on Super Tuesday, but their state only has 37 delegates, making the decision significantly less dramatic than California's.

With Trump already leading his rivals in many state and national polls, a dominant performance in California could move him much closer to the GOP nomination.

Kounalakis referenced the gravity of the decision in her letter.

'There will be the inevitable political punditry about a decision to remove Trump from the ballot, but this is not an issue of political gamesmanship,' she said.

'This is a dire matter that puts at stake the sanctity of our constitution and our democracy.'

Kounalakis also stressed the urgency: California announces the certified list of candidates on December 28.

The Colorado court stayed its decision until January 4, or until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the case.

Colorado officials say the issue must be settled by January 5 - the deadline for their state to print its presidential primary ballots.

Trump on Tuesday reacted to the Colorado decision on his social media platform Truth Social.

'Election interference!' he said.

On Wednesday, he added: 'What a shame for our country!!! A sad day for America!!!'

Activists have asked state election officials to kick Trump off the ballot unilaterally, citing the 14th Amendment - but none have.

Dozens of lawsuits have been filed, arguing that Trump's actions on January 6 amounted to insurrection - but all failed, until Colorado.

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

The U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled on the meaning of Section 3.

The justices can take the case as quickly as they like once Trump's campaign files its appeal, which is not expected this week. The high court then could rule in a variety of ways  from upholding the ruling to striking it down to dodging the central questions on legal technicalities.

But many experts warn that it would be risky to leave such a vital constitutional question unanswered.

'It is imperative for the political stability of the U.S. to get a definitive judicial resolution of these questions as soon as possible,' Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, wrote shortly after the ruling.

'Voters need to know if the candidate they are supporting for president is eligible.'

Legal scholar Jonathan Turley slammed the Colorado Supreme Court for its ruling, saying it was deeply flawed and 'very dangerous'.

'Well, this court just handed partisans on both sides the ultimate tool to try to shortcut elections, and it's very, very dangerous,' Turley said on Fox News, moments after the decision.

'I mean, this country is a powder keg, and this court is just throwing matches at it. And I think that it's a real mistake. But I think that they're wrong on the law,' Turley added.

Turley, a professor of law and Fox News legal analyst, added he believes the ruling endangers American democracy.

Legal scholar Jonathan Turley slammed the Colorado Supreme Court for its ruling that removed former President Donald Trump from the state's 2024 Republican primary ballot

Turley, speaking to Fox's Laura Ingraham, also disagrees with the court's premise on January 6.

'You know, January 6 was many things, most of it not good. In my view it was not an insurrection. It was a riot,' he said.

He said while he understands those in violation of the law that day should face consequences, the ruling against Trump goes a step too far.

'That doesn't mean that the people responsible for that day shouldn't be held accountable. But to call this an insurrection, for the purposes of disqualification, would create a slippery slope for every state in the Union.'

Turley concluded by saying that this gets in the way of free and fair elections just ahead of the start of primary season.

'This is a time when we actually need democracy. We need to allow the voters to vote. We need to hear their decision. And the court here just said, "You're not going to get that in Colorado. We're not going to let you vote for Donald Trump,"' he said.

'And you know you can dislike Trump, you can believe he's responsible for January 6 but this isn't the way to do it.

'I mean, it is, you know, for the people that say they're trying to protect democracy. This is hands down the most anti-democratic opinion I've seen in my life.'

Some of the strongest advocates of using Section 3 against Trump have been prominent conservative legal theorists and lawyers who argue that courts have to follow the actual words of the Constitution. Here, they argue, there's no wiggle room  Trump is clearly disqualified.

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

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump attend a campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa, U.S. December 19, 2023

Courts are very hesitant to limit voters' choices, however, and sometimes courts have dodged the essential question.

In Minnesota, the state Supreme Court allowed Trump to stay on the ballot because, it found, the state party can place whomever it likes on its primary ballot.

A Michigan appeals court came to the same conclusion.

A New Hampshire judge dismissed a lawsuit by a little-known longshot Republican presidential candidate, saying the question of whether Trump belonged on the ballot was 'non-justiciable.'

Trump's lawyers have argued that, technically, the president isn't an officer 'under the United States'  that it's a legal term of art that refers to government appointees and therefore the provision doesn't apply to him.

Even if it did, they've argued the January 6 attack wasn't an insurrection  it was more of a riot.

And even if it was an insurrection, Trump didn't 'engage' in it  all he did was exercise his rights to free speech under the First Amendment.

State courts, the argument goes, aren't in a position to determine whether January 6 was an insurrection  it would take months at least to hold a trial and get all the facts, and most witnesses are out of their jurisdiction.

Finally, even if the courts concluded January 6 was an insurrection and Trump was barred, that's not their decision to make  it's a political question for Congress.
Another bushfire is threatening lives in Western Australia, with at least one home being reduced to a 'pile of ash' in Perth's east.

An emergency warning has been issued for the hills suburb of Parkerville where residents have been warned they need to leave or in some areas where it is too late to evacuate take shelter safely to survive.

'There is a threat to lives and homes,' the alert issued on Thursday said.

Channel Nine reporter Michael Genovese said he had seen a 'number of structures go up' but the most significant one was a house that was consumed in a blazing inferno and had collapsed despite having helicopters dump fire retardant on it.

A house in the eastern outskirts of Perth has been consumed by fire with authorities warning those in Parkerville to leave while it's still possible

READ MORE: Duck Creek Pilliga Forest bushfire escalates: Urgent warning for residents as blaze engulfs over 84,000 hectares Advertisement

'It looked like a two-storey house next to a pool,' he said.

'The pool untouched, the grass untouched the car untouched but the house was just effectively a pile of embers with a roof.

'Its gone. Its now a pile of ash.

There has also been a number of sheds going up and the flames as high as the trees.'

WA Premier Roger Cook said it was a 'troubling situation' and the weather was being 'very unkind' to firefighters battling the blaze.

'We all have grave concerns for the fire in Parkerville and our hearts go out to all those people who are involved in that incident,' he told reporters.

The bushfire is moving in a westerly direction and is 'unpredictable'.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said the blaze continued to escalate.

Despite helicopters dumping fire retardant on the blazing house the fire caused it to collapse

'We know that Parkerville is an area where we've had significant fires before, including loss of home so the concern level is very high,' he said.

It is too late to leave for people east of Gliddon Road.

'You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape,' the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said.

An evacuation centre has been opened at Brown Park on Salisbury Road, Swan View.

Power has been cut to more than 150 properties and roads in and out of the densely wooded area have been closed.

A second blaze in the state's southwest continues to test fire crews in hot, dry and windy conditions.

An emergency warning is current for the Shire of Manjimup in the state's southwest, for Callcup, Crowea and Meerup.

Residents there have also been warned there is a threat to their lives and properties.

'Unfortunately this bushfire breached containment lines last night under really strong easterly winds, and the fire escalated significantly,' Mr Klemm said.

'It is burning in some very dense old-growth forest and this fire could continue and we're expecting it to continue for the next several days.'

That bushfire is out of control and moving in a westerly direction.

'We know that today's going to be a particularly difficult day expecting ... those strong easterly winds again, but also thunderstorm activity across large parts of the state,' Mr Klemm said.

The threat has eased near in the Wheatbelt, with an emergency warning downgraded to a watch and act for parts of West Toodyay, Coondle and Julimar in the Shire of Toodyay.

Residents have been told it is still not safe to return to their homes.

A bushfire that had been burning towards the fishing town of Lancelin, 126km north of Perth, was declared contained and controlled early on Thursday morning.

The single road in and out of the town has been reopened, with emergency services escorting vehicles through the fireground.

Total fire bans have been enacted for the Perth Metropolitan, Goldfields Midlands and South West districts on Thursday.
In a poll taken just after the dramatic Colorado Supreme Court ruling barring Donald Trump from the ballot in the state, over half of Americans approve of the disqualifying the former president.

The ruling, released Monday, was made under the 14th Amendment's clause against people who have committed 'insurrection,' with the Colorado justices determined to punish Trump for January 6.

A total of 54 percent of American adults approve of the ruling, according to the YouGov survey that questioned nearly 3,500 citizens. About 38 percent said they strongly approved of the decision.

Only 35 percent of adults said they disapprove of the ruling, though 28 percent clarified they 'strongly disapprove.'

Perhaps more shocking is that 24 percent of Republicans approved of the decision - though 66 percent disapproved.

In a poll taken just after the dramatic Colorado Supreme Court ruling barring Donald Trump from the ballot in the state, over half of Americans approve of the justices disqualifying the former president

Perhaps more shocking is that 24 percent of Republicans approved of the decision - though 66 percent disapproved

Those numbers track with a New York Times/Siena poll released Wednesday that showed 22 percent of the former president's own supporters say he should not be the nominee in 2024 if convicted of a crime.

However, pollster Frank Luntz and other Trump campaign officials believe the ruling will make Trump more likely to beat President Biden in November.

Unsurprisingly, among Democrats, 84 percent approved of the ruling, with 48 percent of independents also approving.

The precise questioning was: 'Do you approve or disapprove of the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that Donald Trump cant appear on the states 2024 Republican presidential primary ballot because his actions leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021 takeover of the Capitol amount to insurrection or rebellion against the United States?'

The Colorado Republican Party has threatened to nix the state's planned primary election if Donald Trump's name isn't allowed on the ballot, replacing it with a caucus instead after a bombshell state supreme court ruling.

The state GOP issued the threat on X after Trump competitor Vivek Ramaswamy threatened to try to take his own name off the ballot in protest.

Even one of the justices serving the state's highest court said in opposing the decision that there was no 'due process', warned it would cause chaos and said he has 'never seen anything like it' in his legal career.

Democrats have won Colorado in the last four general elections and Biden was victorious by 13 points in the state that will have 10 electoral college votes in 2024.

The Colorado state Republican Party says it will cancel the planned primary election and hold a caucus instead if Trump is not allowed on the ballot

But the result in the Republican primary will still be crucial in deciding who will be on the ticket next November.

Colorado's Republican Party responded when Ramaswamy threatened to pull his name off the ballot and urged rivals Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and Chris Christie to do the same.

'You won't have to because we will withdraw from the Primary as a Party and convert to a pure caucus system if this is allowed to stand,' the party tweeted.

State GOP chair Dave Williams told NBC News, 'We're at the mercy of the U.S. Supreme Court' and that the state was 'figuring it out as we go.'

'But we'll make our preparations to convert to a caucus while this is all playing out. And if it [a Supreme Court ruling] does not go in our favor, we'll plan to do a caucus. But if it does go in our favor, then nothing will change.'

It is not clear that the state party would be able to pull off such a move. Coloradans voted to switch to a primary in 2019. It would require sign-off from the national GOP, where Trump has outsized influence, but would require state support and might need to overcome a court challenge.

The office of Colorado's Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who is ordered in the ruling not to put Trump's name on the ballot, would not likely go along with the new scheme.

'Colorado law does not allow a presidential primary election to be cancelled at the request of a political party,' said Jack Todd, a Griswold spokesman.

'If the Colorado Republican Party attempts to withdraw from the presidential primary or ignore the results of the election, this would likely be a matter for the courts,' he said.

The state GOP said it would 'withdraw' from the primary if necessary, although it is not clear it could do so

The party responded to a pledge by candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to boycott the primary in the state over the court's action disqualifying Trump

'This is not democracy at all. This is something that I think the American public will find completely repugnant, and I think the Supreme Court is going to bat it down,' said Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.)

President Joe Biden said Trump 'supported an insurrection'

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

The jostling in Colorado comes amid fury from Trump and his Republican allies about the court decision, which threatens to toss the leading Republican off the ballot in other states.

'What it does is it inflames [and tells] America that there is a complete disregard for the opinions and the rights of those that don't agree with the left,' Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee told DailyMail.com.

'And they were willing to disenfranchise, using a judicial mechanism to disenfranchise half of the voters in Colorado. Yet at the same time, the Democrats are constantly talking about threats to democracy. This is an unheard of threat to democracy, that they're willing to exercise and it shows that they're desperate,' he fumed.

'This is not democracy at all. This is something that I think the American public will find completely repugnant, and I think the Supreme Court is going to bat it down,' he said.

'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 in its bombshell 4-3 ruling Tuesday.

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

The court also found that Trump's January 6 speech where he told a crowd to 'fight like hell' before a mob stormed the Capitol was not protected under the First Amendment.

Legal experts including former White House lawyer Ty Cobb have predicted the high court will swat down the decision. 'I think this case will be handled quickly, I think it could be 9-0 at the Supreme Court for Trump,' predicted Cobb on CNN.

And former Trump AG Bill Barr, now a Trump critic, said Tuesday the decision would wreak havoc on the election system.

'The core problem here is the denial of due process,' he said. 'It was a five day hearing ... The process here was a procedural Frankenstein.'

He also said of the potential political impact that Trump 'feeds on grievance, just like a fire feeds on oxygen. This is going to end up as a grievance that helps him.'

But President Joe Biden told reporters Wednesday there was 'no question' Trump engaged in insurrection, while stopping short of getting into the court's reasoning.

Former House impeachment manager Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who taught constitutional law, said the ruling was grounded in the text of the U.S. Constitution.

'If the [Supreme] Court takes remotely seriously its profession of faith in original intent and textualism, then it will have to affirm' the ruling, said Raskin. 'The original meaning ... is precisely to forbid people who have betrayed their oath by trying to overthrow the constitutional order.'

The conservative 6-3 weighed U.S. Supreme Court, which featured three Trump appointees, can turn to the three Colorado dissenters for arguments if they want to intervene.

'I have been involved in the justice system for thirty-three years now, and what took place here doesnt resemble anything Ive seen in a courtroom,' said dissenting Judge Carlos Samour.

The appointee of Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper warned of 'chaos' in the ruling's aftermath.

He said Trump had not been charged under a statute dealing with insurrection, and said he hadn't been through a jury trial or other mechanisms to preserve his rights.

'In my view, what transpired in this litigation fell woefully short of what due process demands,' he wrote in his dissent to the 4-3 decision.
MANZINI - A Stealth Security supervisor miraculously survived a hail of bullets that were shot at him at close range.

He sustained about seven bullet wounds, on various parts of his body. The incident took place about 150 metres from the Stealth Security Supervisor, Sipho Dlaminis flat at Madonsa in Manzini on Tuesday evening (after 7pm). According to one of the witnesses who were close by when the incident took place, they heard several gunshots, but when they looked towards the direction where the gunfire sound was coming from, they did not see anyone, which could have meant the men were fast in their act. The eyewitness said together with other residents, they ran towards the direction of where the gunshots sound was coming from and they found Dlamini groaning in pain, in a pool of blood.

Witness

When they asked him what happened, the witness said Dlamini only told them that he was dying and at that time, he was losing strength as he was failing to communicate with them.

Thereafter, she said she called her sister, who is a police officer, and notified her about the man who had been shot several times. She said her sister used her personal car to rush the man to hospital. She said visible gunshot wounds, which were bleeding profusely, were on the right side of his chest, right hand and at the back. The supervisor, who is currently admitted to local hospital, said he was from work in Manzini, going back to his rented flat when the incident took place.

Target

He said as he was walking, he saw three men coming from the opposite direction (from the direction of his place of residence) and he continued to mind his own business, as it did not cross his mind that he could be their target. Suddenly, he said they stopped in front of him and hurled insults at him. He said while he was still shocked by the conduct and trying to digest the situation, one of the men pulled a gun, which he believed to be a pistol, cocked it and shot him. I turned back and tried to run away, but they chased after me while the armed man fired several shots at me and I eventually fell to the ground. This was after one of the bullets hit me at the back of my right shoulder plate and came out through the right part of my chest, the survivor said. He said he did not know if the gunmen came to him after falling to the ground, but he knew that about E430, which was in his pocket, was missing, but he learnt that his cellphone and bank cards were with the police.

Later on, while he was on the ground, he said he remembered seeing a number of people around him and some cars parked on the side of the road. He said he also recalled that the person who rushed him to hospital was a woman, who said she was a police officer, but he did not know her. However, he said he believed the woman played a huge role in saving his life. When he was asked how many bullets hit him during the attack, the survivor said he did not know, because the medical practitioners were yet to take him to the theatre. However, he said judging from the areas he was bandaged, he was hit by seven bullets. However, the police told me that they collected about 10 bullet shells at the crime scene the following morning (yesterday), Dlamini said.

He said one or more bullets hit him on the right hand and his fourth finger had to be amputated. Again, he said both legs were shot about three times; once in the left and twice in the right. He added that apart from the bullet wound in his right shoulder plate and chest, he had others on the back and arm. When asked what he thought could be the motive behind the attack, he said it was hard to tell. This, he said was because he believed he did not have enemies, yet at the same time, he could not say it was a robbery. He argued that if it was a robbery, his attackers could have made an attempt to get hold of him and also fired some gunshots in the air to frighten him. On another note, he said the medical practitioners said he had lost too much blood and it would be risky to take him to the theatre. He said later in the day yesterday, he got an update that some people had donated blood to the Blood Bank, but they had to wait for about 24 hours before it could be released to him  after screening. He said he would know the extent of the injuries and the exact number of bullets that hit him after being taken to the theatre.

Meanwhile, Stealth Security management asked not to comment on the matter to allow the police to do their investigations, without the companys interference. On the other hand, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that a 34-year-old man was shot by unknown men while he was at Madonsa on Monday evening. He said the police were investigating the matter and no arrest had been made yet.

Killed

It is worth noting that on Monday night, two men, believed to be South African nationals, were killed execution-style next to Vegas City Guest House in Ezulwini. However, it was suspected that the shooting was a result of a deal gone wrong, as the men were fetched near a hotel in Mbabane by unknown men and were driven to where the incident took place. They were shot while the taxi they were travelling in was parked at the entrance of the guest house. After the shooting, the shooters used a red Polo Vivo sedan, which had local registration numbers, to flee the scene.
He faces four charges in connection to his alleged breach of the U.S. Capitol

The federal agency was tipped off by a high school classmate and Cudo's employer

Martin James Cudo, 43, was arrested Monday, nearly three years after the FBI first interviewed him

A Minnesota man was arrested and charged in connection to the January 6 riots after a high school classmate and his employer tipped off the FBI.

Martin James Cudo, 43, was taken into custody Monday, nearly three years after the law enforcement agency first interviewed him.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Washington, D.C. federal court, the FBI received a tip from a high school classmate one day after the insurrection indicating the Lakeville resident was inside the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

The tip included an incriminating selfie that Cudo posted on social media shortly after his trip to D.C.

The complaint notes the agency received additional information from Cudo's employer, who identified him in photos taken at the Capitol.

Martin James Cudo, 43, was arrested Monday, three years after the FBI questioned him about his role in the 2021 Capitol riots

The agency was tipped off by a former high school classmate of Cudo's, one day after the riot

When federal agents interviewed Cudo, he identified himself as an individual wearing a red, white and blue hat in photos taken at the U.S. Capitol

FBI agents interviewed Cudo in Minnesota, where he identified himself in a photograph taken during the insurrection.

He specifically identified himself as an individual wearing a 'red, white, and blue hat with the number '45' in a circle in the middle,' the complaint reads.

Cudo told the agents that he traveled to Washington by commercial air two days before the riots with his mother and stepfather.

He claimed the trio were attending the 'Stop the Steal' rally, during which Trump and other speakers urged the former president's supporters to march on the Capitol as Congress was certifying the results of November's presidential election.

After parting ways with his mother and stepfather, Cudo joined a crowd that breached police barricades before parading around the Capitol, investigators said.

The 43-year-old eventually left the Capitol with other rioters shortly before 3pm, but remained on the grounds until about 5pm, the complaint states.

Only upon returning to his hotel room, Cudo told the FBI, did he realize 'the trouble he may be in.'

In a telephone interview with the Star Tribune, Cudo said he was out of custody and has an attorney. He declined to comment further about the allegations against him.

It's unclear why it took agents three years to charge Cudo.

Cudo said he flew to Washington with his mother and father to attend Trump's 'Stop the Steal' rally, but he was later seen breaching the Capitol with other rioters

Only upon returning to his hotel room did Cudo realize 'the trouble he may be in,' he later told the FBI

The 43-year-old is the 14th Minnesotan to be charged in connection to the riots, and one of more than 1,230 people across the country

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear an appeal involving a federal obstruction law that has been used to prosecute hundreds of rioters and the 45th President

The Lakeville man's Facebook page is mostly blank, save for a bio reading: 'Defender of Freedom.'

He is the 14th Minnesota resident charged in connection to the Capitol riots, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

More than 1,230 people have been charged due to their role in the insurrection, and more than 440 of them are accused of committing felonies for assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

According to the complaint, Cudo was charged with entering a restricted building without lawful authority; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear an appeal involving a federal obstruction law that has been used to prosecute hundreds of rioters.

The justices will review a charge of impeding or disrupting an official proceeding that has been brought against more than 300 people, including Donald Trump.

The former president has pleaded not guilty to that charge and the three others he is facing in relation his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

A trial for his case is scheduled to begin in March 2024.
Two furious parents are suing a Michigan public school district for using male pronouns for their eighth-grade autistic daughter without their knowledge.

Dan and Jennifer Mead filed a lawsuit against the Rockford Public School District on Monday after discovering the school had been referring to their child using 'he/him' pronouns last year.

The lawsuit alleges the school violated the parents' First and 14th Amendment rights by using a masculine name and pronouns for their child, as reported by NewsNation.

According to court documents, the school complied with its policy by using the student's chosen name and pronouns.

The Meads withdrew their child from the Rockford Public School District, where the child had been attending since kindergarten, and now homeschool their daughter.

Dan and Jennifer Mead are suing a Michigan public school district for using male pronouns for their eighth-grade daughter without their knowledge

The lawsuit against the Rockford Public School District alleges that the school violated the parents' First and 14th Amendment rights

'No one with the school district told them that the school district had begun to treat her as a boy by calling her a masculine name and by male pronouns,' Vincent Wagner, who represents the parents, told WOOD-TV.

The lawsuit, filed Monday by the Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of the parents, alleges East Rockford Middle School staff referred to their daughter by a male name and pronouns for at least two months.

The parents found out in October 2022 when a school psychologist inadvertently included the child's masculine name in one section of a report that was sent home.

The eight-grader's name had been changed back to the birth name in the rest of the document, according to the lawsuit.

'At first, the Meads thought this was a mistake  that another child's information had been included in their daughter's documents,' said the Alliance Defending Freedom in a statement.

'When the Meads asked district employees to refrain from using the masculine name and male pronouns, the district refused to comply with their wishes,' the lawsuit claims.

'They weren't able to help her in a difficult time in her life,' Wagner said. 'So it prevented them from helping her and that denied them their constitutional rights. Schools shouldn't keep information like that from parents.'

The lawsuit alleges the school's policy violated the parents' First Amendment rights to freedom of religion and their 14th Amendment rights to parental rights.

The Meads are also seeking an unspecified amount in compensatory damages, saying that homeschooling has caused the couple to lose income, as reported by the Washington Times.

'Homeschooling has required Mr. Mead to remain out of the workforce, which has caused the Meads to lose his income,' said the complaint.

'These and other damages were caused by the District's actions treating G.M. as a boy named F.M. while concealing those actions from the Meads.'

'No one with the school district told them that the school district had begun to treat her as a boy by calling her a masculine name and by male pronouns,' Vincent Wagner, the parent's attorney said

The parents found out in October 2022 when a school psychologist inadvertently included the child's masculine name in one section of a report that was sent home

The student, who was born female, began meeting with a school counselor at East Rockford Middle School in 2020 and was recently diagnosed with autism.

Over the past two years, the Meads 'placed significant trust in the counselor as well as other district employees' and communicated regularly with them.

However, when the child asked the counselor and other staff to refer to them by a masculine name and pronouns, the school refrained from sharing this information with the parents, according to the complaint.

'Parents, not the government, have the right to direct the upbringing, education and health care of their children,' said Kate Anderson, senior counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom.

'Schools should never deliberately hide vital information from parents, yet that's exactly what the Rockford Public School District did,' Anderson added.

Alliance Defending Freedom said the child was 'socially transitioned' by being referred with male pronouns.

'When schools make it a policy to lie to parents, kids get hurt,' the organization said in a statement.

Superintendent Steven Matthews told NewsNation the district had not yet been served with the legal documents.

'As such we have not read through them completely, we respect the privacy of this family and as such have no comment at this time,' he said in a statement.

'Our staff continue to support all students and their families as we work together to help our students learn and grow.'
A disturbing road rage incident has been captured on video showing a man repeatedly punching a driver through a car window.

The incident on Wednesday unfolded on Spencer Road in Perth, leaving motorists stunned.

A man wearing a white t-shirt, dark pants and sneakers can be seen throwing a barrage of punches through the open window of a white sedan.

Eventually, a brave tradie wearing a hi-viz vest and shorts interveners to stop the attack.

Commenters online expressed their shock at the incident, with one writing 'What a thug. Give up your drivers license and take a bus.'

Others asked why nobody else tried to help and a couple of people asked why the driver did not put their window up.

The WA police were informed of the incident and are investigating.

Drivers in Western Australia were left stunned at a shocking peak hour road rage incident (pictured) on Spencer Road in Perth, near the Thornlie train station on Wednesday

Dashcam footage captured a man (pictured) wearing a white t-shirt, dark pants and sneakers throwing punch after punch after punch through the open window of a white sedan
Former porn star Stormy Daniels has said she would like to party with President Joe Biden's scandal-hit son Hunter.

The 44-year-old, who alleges that she once had an affair with former President Donald Trump, said she would love to spend time at the White House.

Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, told Page Six: 'If I was invited, I wouldnt say no  but would anybody? I mean, I want to check out the White House.

'I dont know anybody in there. Ive had no communications. Although  oh God, here I go again, Im going to get myself in trouble  Hunter seems like hed be fun to party with.'

She continued: 'Everybodys like, "Oh my God, he didnt pay his taxes, he used [his money] on hookers and blow." Im like, "Like you wouldnt do the exact same thing if you thought you could get away with it."'

The 44-year-old former porn star, seen, said she would love to spend time at the White House and party with Hunter Biden

President Joe Biden, and his son Hunter Biden are pictured here arriving at Fort McNair, June 25, 2023, in Washington

Biden is known for living a hard party lifestyle, which saw him spend almost $5 million on drugs, escorts and girlfriends in three years.

In a recent tax evasion indictment filed against the 53-year-old, prosecutors claim he failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes.

They allege he spent this money on drugs, escorts, girlfriends, luxury hotels, rental properties, exotic cars and clothing.

During that time, he was in the middle of a well-documented addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine.

Hunter has admitted he had a slew of substance abuse problems and completed multiple stints in rehab.

DailyMail.com previously revealed that his now infamous laptop was filled with searches for porn sites which included incest fantasies.

Dozens of videos on the laptop also reveal Hunter's penchant for filming himself having sex with prostitutes and posting the home movies on his own Pornhub account under the username 'RHEast.'

As well as the ongoing tax charges, Biden is also facing gun charges in the state of Delaware relating to him lying about his drug use when purchasing a weapon.

Hunter has admitted he had a slew of substance abuse problems and completed multiple stints in rehab

A picture from Hunter Biden's laptop showed the now 53-year-old first son posing nude with a firearm

In October, Biden pleaded not guilty to lying about his crack cocaine use when he bought the gun in 2018.

He had been offered what Republicans referred to as a 'sweetheart' plea deal that would have seen him avoid jail time, but collapsed over the summer.

In 2018, Hunter checked on a federal firearm form that he was not addicted to or using any illicit substances at the time of purchasing a Colt Cobra handgun.

His own book, however, provides insight into drug addiction and the timeline provided shows that the president's adult son was using drugs the same year he bought the firearm.

Hunter has admitted he had a slew of substance abuse problems and completed multiple stints in rehab

President Biden's interactions between his son and his brother James Biden and foreign benefactors is also now the subject of a house impeachment inquiry.

Since the Daniels scandal broke in 2016 surrounding the alleged affair, she has sat down for interviews with multiple TV networks and publications.

In May of this year, a Manhattan judge set a criminal trial for March of next year concerning Daniels 'hush money' payment case, which angered the former President.

The charges are related to a $30,000 payoff to a doorman trying to sell information about a child that Trump allegedly fathered out of wedlock; $150,000 to former Playboy model Karen McDougal, and a $130,000 payment to Daniels.

Daniels previously said she regretted going public with the details of the alleged affair and claim Trump's supporters have even attacked her horse.

Donald Trump and Daniels are pictured together in a 2006 photo. Daniels alleged that Trump paid her $130,000 in hush money after an affair together

Daniels said the NDA she had signed in reference to the alleged affair was invalid because Trump never personally signed it.

Trump, the front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination in 2024, denies having an affair with Daniels but has acknowledged the payment.

Trump has shot back at Daniels, in March saying he was the victim of a 'Stormy "Horse Face" Daniels extortion plot'.

He claimed he was being targeted by a series of 'horrible radical left Democrat investigations'.
The Metropolitan Police have recovered the body of a missing Indian student from the waters around Canary Wharf in London.

Gurashman Singh Bhatia, 23, was reported missing after going for a night out with his friends on Thursday December 14.

He was last seen on CCTV in the South Quay area of Canary Wharf at around 4:20am the next day and was later reported missing at 5:48pm.

The Met said that police divers found the body of a man in the water in South Quay on Wednesday afternoon.

The force added that while it has not formally identified the body, Gurashman's family has been informed about the development.

The Metropolitan police have recovered the body of missing student Gurashman Singh Bhatia, 23, (pictured) from the waters around Canary Wharf in London

Gurashman was reported missing after going for a night out with his friends on Thursday December 14 and was last seen on CCTV (pictured) in the South Quay area of Canary Wharf at around 4:20am the next day

The Met said that officers carried out 'extensive enquiries', including viewing CCTV footage, speaking to witnesses, analysing phone and financial data. Water searches were also carried out.

The force is now appealing for any information into Gurashman's disappearance and for any witnesses who may have seen him in the Marsh Wall area of Canary Wharf between Thursday evening and Friday morning.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for local policing in Tower Hamlets, said: 'This is an extremely tragic outcome and is not the news we were hoping to give to Gurashman's family and friends. I send them my deepest condolences.

'Gurashman's death is being treated as unexpected, and while there is nothing to suggest it was suspicious, we will ensure our investigation is as thorough as possible to confirm this.

'Because of this, we are releasing a CCTV image of Gurashman that was taken before his disappearance and would like anyone who may have seen him in the Marsh Wall area on the evening of Thursday, 14 December and in the early hours of Friday, 15 December, to contact us.'

Anyone with information about Gurashmans movements is asked to call 101 quoting the reference CAD5787/15Dec.
Ex-Culture Minister Lord Ed Vaizey has said 'there is a public interest' in naming the killers of Brianna Ghey.

Lord Vaizey, who served as the Culture and Digital Minister from 2010 to 2016, appeared on Good Morning Britain today ahead of a judge's decision over whether to lift anonymity orders protecting the identities of the teenage killers.

Brianna, 16, was stabbed with a hunting knife 28 times in the head, neck, chest and back after being lured to Linear Park, Culcheth, a village near Warrington, Cheshire, on the afternoon of February 11.

Her killers - identified only as Girl X and Boy Y, both now aged 16 but were 15 at the time of the attack - had denied murder and each blamed the other for the killing of the transgender teenager, described as 'horrific' by detectives.

Lord Vaizey said he 'wouldn't have a problem' if the killers were named and claimed it would 'help people understand what happened'.

He also pointed out that 'a lot of people' in her local community 'will know exactly who they are', adding that 'if the local community know who they are why shouldn't the general public know who they are?'

Ex-Culture Minister Lord Ed Vaizey appeared on Good Morning Britain earlier today

Brianna, 16, was stabbed with a hunting knife 28 times in a park Cheshire, on February 11

Trial judge Mrs Justice Yip has said she will deal with an application by the press to publish the defendants' names at a hearing at Manchester Crown Court today.

Yesterday, she also adjourned sentencing to an unconfirmed later date, making clear to the convicted pair that they faced life sentences.

The trial heard the defendants had a fascination for violence, torture and murder  and had a 'thirst for killing' despite being intelligent, 'high functioning' and coming from normal backgrounds.

Their lawyers asked for time for the preparation of psychologists' reports before they are sentenced.

Mrs Justice Yip agreed, but added: 'Frankly, I don't expect them to make a huge difference to the outcome in sentencing but given their ages and the unusual circumstances of the case, I think it is right I have all the information available.

'I'm very conscious that no doubt the family of Brianna would want this case to be concluded as soon as possible.'

Yesterday, Brianna's heartbroken mother paid tribute to her 'funny, witty and fearless' daughter and slammed her killers for not showing 'an ounce of remorse'.

Speaking outside court, Esther Ghey said: 'Brianna was larger than life. She was funny, witty and fearless. We miss Brianna so much and our house feels empty without her laughter.

Brianna's heartbroken mother Esther Ghey paid tribute to her 'funny, witty and fearless' daughter and criticised her killers for not showing 'an ounce of remorse'

Brianna's father, Peter Spooner, said he was 'so proud' of what his daughter achieved

'To know how scared my usually fearless child must have been when she was alone in that park with someone that she called her friend will haunt me for ever.'

Brianna's father, Peter Spooner, said he was 'so proud' of his daughter and would never stop loving her.

Follow every detail of the case on The Mail's acclaimed podcast The Trial The Trial... takes listeners behind the headlines and into the courtrooms of some of the biggest trials in the world. The first series 'The Trial of Lucy Letby' was a global hit, with more than 13million downloads, while season two focused on the murder of Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old teacher from Ireland. Its third season follows the tragic case of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl killed in Warrington, England. Follow the evidence as the jury hears it, in twice-weekly reports from The Daily Mail's Northern Correspondent Liz Hull and broadcast journalist Caroline Cheetham. Advertisement

He added: 'It is impossible to put into words how the murder of my child has affected me. I never stopped loving her and I never will. When she was little, I remember the faces she would pull to make me laugh.

'The cheeky giggle, the funny dances are engraved in my memory. I knew she was going to be a star and the amount of support she received from the followers on TikTok proved this. I was so proud of what she could do.'

Speaking of her daughter's killers, Ms Ghey said: 'Prior to the trial I had moments where I felt sorry for the defendants because they had ruined their own lives as well as ours.

'But now, knowing the true nature and seeing neither display an ounce of remorse for what they have done to Brianna, I have lost all sympathy that I may have previously had for them. And I am glad that they will spend many years in prison and away from society.'

Earlier, she recalled the horrific moment police told her Brianna had died.

'I sort of joked and said that if Brianna doesn't come home soon I'll probably have to ring the police,' she told the BBC.

'I got to the front door and the front door was open and it was two policemen stood in the house.

'And they said that they'd found a body and I remember the first thing that I said to him was that I knew, I knew, that something was going to happen.'

The killers were spotted fleeing the scene before being arrested barely 24 hours after the attack - with officers later discovering a chilling handwritten note detailing how they were going to murder her, headed: 'Saturday 11th February 2023. Victim: Brianna Ghey.'

Along with the plan to kill the 16-year-old, another note found in Girl X's bedroom read: 'Give them alcohol with sleeping pills, slit throat, dismember body, place pieces in bin bags.'

The trial heard how Brianna was found by dog walkers in Linear Park shortly after 3pm on Saturday, February 11. Her body was discovered face down in mud, having been stabbed to the head, neck, back and chest.

Her jugular vein had also been severed, causing 'catastrophic blood loss', while another knife blow penetrated Brianna's heart. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene at 4.02pm.

During their trial, both of the teenagers attempted to wash their hands of the murder, blaming each other for Brianna's killing and each telling the court that their backs were turned when the other defendant began plunging the knife into her.

But a jury at Manchester Crown Court saw through the teenagers' lies and, following a trial of more than three weeks, convicted the pair of Brianna's murder. Girl X's parents were in tears after the guilty verdicts were delivered, while Boy Y's mother was also crying.

However, there was no visible reaction from the teenage killers, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Brianna on her final bus journey before she was found stabbed to death in Linear Park

The Crown Prosecution Service released an image of the knife that killed Brianna

Following the verdicts, Mrs Justice Yip told Girl X and Boy Y: 'I'm sure you probably already know that I have to impose a life sentence.

'What I will have to decide is the minimum amount of time you will be required to serve before you can be considered for release.

'I am going to see what other steps need to be taken before I sentence.'

The judge excused jurors from serving on a jury again for life before adjourning the court hearing briefly.

Girl X, wearing a pinafore style dress, spoke to her social worker and glanced at her parents leaving the courtroom.

Boy Y, who avoids all eye contact, did not look over at his mother as he was led from the dock carrying his Sudoku puzzles book.
He travelled across NSW after wandering off from home

A dog has been reunited with his owner 500km away from where he went missing.

Duke's human Kevin, 86, last saw his beloved pooch at their property in Narrabri, on NSW's North West Slopes on November 10.

Eight days later Duke was seen wandering around The Palms restaurant in Terrey Hills on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

A couple working at the restaurant, Ricky and Taylor, spent days trying to find the Jack Russel's owners while Kevin and his granddaughter continued to search around their home.

Taylor and Ricky had no idea how Duke ended up so far from home but after checking his microchip they were able to get ahold of Kevin's phone number.

Kevin, 86, was reunited with his Jack Russel Duke, 5, after more than a week after the dog somehow travelled 517km from Narrabri to Sydney's Northern Beaches

Ricky and his partner Taylor found Duke when he stumbled into their workplace and the pair then spent the next three days trying to get ahold of Kevin

READ MORE: Incredible final act from pet-loving widow A 99-year-old woman donated more than $3m to a dog shelter after passing away. Advertisement

When they could not get through, a veterinarian told them that Duke could be held overnight before being sent the pound, but that he would be euthanised within weeks if nobody claimed him.

'We told the vet we would be keeping him with us,' Ricky told Yahoo News.

'It got to the point where we thought we now had a second dog.'

The couple posted a message to Facebook asking anyone if they recognised Duke while a member of the Northern Beaches council spent the day calling Kevin.

'Yesterday on the repeated calling of [a] landline linked to his microchip, the Northern Beaches council's call was picked up,' Ricky wrote in a status update after the councillor finally got through to Kevin.

Duke was then sent in a pet Uber to meet Kevin in Newcastle.

'Duke spent roughly five days commuting, then wandered into our family for three days. How he's covered the distance [is] very unknown.'

Kevin said that he believes that Duke simply hitched a ride from someone heading to the coast before he was found in the restaurant by Taylor and Ricky.
EXCLUSIVE

Brittany Higgins and her fiance David Sharaz have arrived at their new French chateau after leaving Australia behind with a multi-million dollar payout.

The couple stepped out of a dark-coloured Volvo at their sprawling five-bedroom chateau on the outskirts of Lunas on Thursday - a sleepy village in the south of France with a population of just 600 people.

They were wearing matching beige trench coats for the gloomy winter weather after travelling from the 4.5 star Sheraton Bordeaux Airport hotel.

The couple were later spotted walking hand-in-hand as they headed to WFS Bordeaux where they reunited with their beloved cavoodle, Kingston. They then headed to their chateau to start their new life.

'Its been a few long years; Brittany has been through the mill and we want to start afresh,' Mr Sharaz told reporters. 'I have family here and were learning to speak French.'

Ms Higgins added: 'Its what weve been aiming for  a fresh start. A new life in France after leaving Australia behind.'

Around 17,047km away back home in Australia, Bruce Lerhmann is living a less idyllic life, spotted on his Sydney apartment balcony cleaning up his dog's poo.

Brittany Higgins and her fiance David Sharaz have arrived at their new French home after leaving Australia behind with a multi-million dollar payout

The couple stepped out of a dark-coloured Volvo at their sprawling five-bedroom chateau on the outskirts of Lunas on Thursday

The property, which has a massive pool and a gazebo for entertaining, is surrounded by protective hedges and a large iron gate, and is estimated to be worth about AU$600,000.

Lunas is home to a city hall, bakery, one pizza place, a horse center and a church, along with an automatic baguette machine.

Ms Higgins received about $2.4million from the taxpayer in 2022 based on claims her political career was in ruins after she alleged she was raped by former colleague Bruce Lehrmann in Parliament House in 2019.

Mr Lehrmann has continually denied the allegations and is currently suing Channel 10 and Lisa Wilkinson - who broke the story on The Project in 2021 - for defamation.

It's been a tumultuous few years for Ms Higgins after Bruce Lehrmann's criminal trial in 2022 was abandoned because of jury misconduct and a subsequent retrial also called off due to concerns for her mental health.

She and Mr Sharaz are now hoping to start afresh at their peaceful, lush green property overlooking the quiet village - following the arrival of their dog in Bordeaux.

The couple walked hand-in-hand as they headed to WFS Bordeaux to pick their beloved pooch

Brittany Higgins was all smiles as she was reunited with pet cavoodle Kingston

As Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz started a new life in France, Bruce Lehrmann was spotted picking up his dog's poo on his balcony back in Sydney

Bruce Lehrmann was pictured on Thursday cleaning up after his dog (both pictured)

The couple left Brisbane International Airport on Monday night dressed head-to-toe in white - to show solidarity to the women's suffragette movement - and landed at the Charles de Gaulle airport on Wednesday evening (AEDT) wearing all black.

During a stopover in Singapore, Ms Higgins posted to social media: 'No matter how far or how wide I roam, I still call Australia home'.

But after extraordinary revelations earlier this week, Ms Higgins' new dream life could be in jeopardy.

Former defence minister Linda Reynolds is suing Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz for defamation in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, and will apply for and order to freeze Ms Higgins' assets.

If successful, the freezing order would stop Ms Higgins from selling or moving assets amid the ongoing legal action.

It comes as closing submissions began on Thursday at Mr Lehrmann's defamation trial where he is suing Channel 10 and Lisa Wilkinson.

Wilkinson's barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC told the court the TV star had limited responsibilities when it came to The Project broadcast featuring Ms Higgins.

Wilkinson accepted a Logie award for that interview, but Ms Chrysanthou said: 'Her role in the publication, as for the actual content that was published, was actually very limited.'

Brittany Higgins and her fiance David Sharaz have settled into their new chateau in the sleepy village pf Lunas

The couple were pictured leaving the Sheraton Hotel as they headed to WFS Bordeaux to pick their dog from quarantine

Brittany Higgins and her fiance headed home after picking up their cavoodle from quarantine

The chateau is surrounded by protective hedges and a large iron gate

The sleepy village of Lunas in the south of France with a population of just 600 people

The property has a massive pool and a gazebo for entertaining

The chateau is estimated to be worth about AU$600,000

Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz are now hoping to start fresh at their peaceful, lush green prairie overlooking the village

David Sharaz is pictured strolling outside the Sheraton Bordeaux

Brittany Higgins pictured at the Sheraton Bordeaux

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Meet Bruce Lehrmann's mysterious mentor Advertisement

She told the court Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz did contact Wilkinson about the story in the first instance, but she wasn't copied into '80 or 90 per cent' of messages and emails between her producers.

'To the extent she is included in emails and makes suggestions, for the most part [they] were not taken up,' Ms Chrysanthou said.

'She has no decision-making power.'

Ms Chrysanthou also told the court there was no doubt Ms Higgins and Mr Lehrmann went back to Parliament House on March 23, 2019, to have sex - arguing that he lied about missing calls from his girlfriend for that very reason.

'There's no other rational reason for them to go there,' she said.

'It's also possible, given the evidence one has heard from an objective perspective as to Ms Higgins' conduct and the fact that she clearly was very intoxicated, that could have been her intent as well at that point.

'She doesn't remember and arguably is too intoxicated ... in her intoxicated state, that could have been her intent.'

Ms Chrysanthou told the court there was no second phone in the CCTV footage from the pub and Parliament House that night, and Mr Lehrmann was continually seen checking one phone.

The couple departed Brisbane International Airport on Monday night dressed head-to-toe in white - to show solidarity to the women's suffragette movement - landed at the Charles de Gaulle airport on Wednesday evening (AEDT) wearing all black.

Ms Higgins received about $2.4million from the taxpayer in 2022 based on claims her political career was in ruins after she alleged she was raped by former colleague Bruce Lehrmann in Parliament House in 2019

'He loves his phone, he's always looking at his phone,' she said.

'The notion that his phone was upside-down and on silent and he missed his girlfriend's calls for 20 minutes is a lie.

'He was ignoring phone calls from his girlfriend because he was having sex with Ms Higgins.'

She said they went into Parliament House at the same time, he came down 40 minutes later alone and 'in a hurry', and there was no one else with them.

Justice Michael Lee also told the court that parts of both Ms Higgins and Mr Lehrmann's evidence in the trial can't be relied upon.

'The two principal witnesses have real credit issues and various parts of each witness' evidence simply can't be accepted,' Justice Lee said.

'And various parts of each witness's evidence simply can't be accepted, it seems to me,' he continued.

Ten's barrister Matthew Collins KC agreed with those statements.

He added: 'In respect of both key protagonists, we will seek to persuade Your Honour that there was a qualitative difference between the dishonesty of Mr Lehrmann and the successful credit attacks that were levelled at Ms Higgins.'

Mr Lehrmann is currently suing Channel 10 and Lisa Wilkinson (pictured right) - who broke the story on The Project in 2021 - for defamation

Bruce Lehrmann has continually denied the allegations of rape

Dr Collins said their separate accounts of what happened on the evening of March 23, 2019, are 'utterly irreconcilable'.

'Successful attacks were made in cross-examination on the credit of both Mr Lehrmann and Ms Higgins, but we would submit that the success of those attacks was qualitatively different.

'Mr Lehrmann was revealed to be a fundamentally dishonest man who was prepared to say and do anything that he perceived to advance his interests.

'He was wholly unconcerned with giving the court an honest account of the events of the 22nd and 23rd March 2019.'

Ms Higgins alleged Mr Lehrmann, her former colleague, raped her in Parliament House in March 2019.

He has continually denied the allegation and is now suing Lisa Wilkinson and The Project over an interview with Ms Higgins about her allegations in February 2021.

Mr Lehrmann was not named in that broadcast but claims former colleagues were able to identify him as the alleged rapist.
The school attended by murdered transgender teenager Brianna Ghey is still offering mental health support to staff and students ten months on from her death, its headteacher has revealed.

Brianna, 16, was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife in a 'frenzied' attack by two 16-year-olds, identified in court as Girl X and Boy Y, on February 11 this year. Both have been convicted of her murder and will be sentenced next year.

The brutal slaying at Culcheth Linear Park near Warrington, Cheshire shocked the community, not least that at Brianna's school, Birchwood Community High, where mental health support remains in place for pupils and staff almost a year on.

The school's headteacher, Emma Mills, says everyone was left 'shocked' and 'angry' by the killing  and today spoke warmly of the 'iconic' pupil as a campaign started by the teen's mother Esther to improve mental health awareness in schools ramps up.

She added that a cherry blossom tree, planted in Brianna's memory in the school grounds, served as a reminder of the 'fragility of life'.

Brianna Ghey was stabbed to death with a hunting knife at Culcheth Linear Park near Warrington in Cheshire in a 'frenzied' attack

Emma Mills, headteacher at Brianna's school Birchwood Community High, says staff and pupils were left 'shocked' and 'angry' by the brutal murder

Brianna's mother Esther (pictured outside court after the trial concluded on Wednesday) is leading a campaign to improve mental health among school pupils

Brianna Grey was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife on February 11  with two teens now convicted of murdering her

Following the guilty verdicts, the Crown Prosecution Service released an image of the knife

'She (Brianna) was such a huge character in school. Everyone knew who she was and losing her has hit everybody so hard,' Ms Mills told BBC Breakfast.

'The way that we lost her has just made it so much more difficult to comprehend. She was a real one-off  you couldn't fail to notice her.

'One thing was her real sense of style. She was iconic, really  her creativity, she did things her way.

'It made her very strong, a true individual, attributes that would have served her well if she had been given that chance to grow older.'

Follow every detail of the case on The Mail's acclaimed podcast The Trial The Trial...takes listeners behind the headlines and into the courtrooms of some of the biggest trials in the world. Advertisement

Ms Mills added that a variety of support had been made available to staff and pupils in the school who had been left in 'shock' and 'anger' as they tried to comprehend what drove Boy X and Girl Y to commit such a violent atrocity.

This includes private counselling and wellbeing sessions, help from external agencies and 'increased capacity' in the school's pastoral team.

Ms Mills added: 'The biggest thing we've done is support each other.'

The school has thrown itself behind the Peace In Mind campaign started by Brianna's mother Esther and local newspaper the Warrington Guardian.

It aims to raise enough money to send teachers on Mindfulness in Schools Project training courses so they can support pupils' mental health, with a mission of weaving 'empathy, compassion, and resilience' into society.

The campaign has adopted the symbol of the cherry blossom tree, which blooms at around the time of year that Brianna was killed. One such tree has been planted in the grounds of Birchwood High in her memory.

Ms Mills added of Brianna: 'The symbolic meaning of the cherry blossom, the fragility of life, it resonates with her.'

Other Birchwood staff have spoken of their grief at the killing.

Teacher Angela Clark told ITV News: 'I can't possibly say really in words how reading Brianna's name, that she'd been murdered, felt.

'Safeguarding, you keep children safe, that's what you're here for, and on this occasion that hadn't happened, we lost somebody.'

Yesterday, Brianna's heartbroken mother paid tribute to her 'funny, witty and fearless' daughter and slammed her killers for not showing 'an ounce of remorse'.

Speaking outside court, Esther Ghey said: 'Brianna was larger than life. She was funny, witty and fearless. We miss Brianna so much and our house feels empty without her laughter.

'To know how scared my usually fearless child must have been when she was alone in that park with someone that she called her friend will haunt me forever.'

Brianna's father, Peter Spooner, said he was 'so proud' of his daughter and would never stop loving her.

Brianna's heartbroken mother Esther paid tribute to her 'funny, witty and fearless' daughter and slammed her killers for not showing 'an ounce of remorse'

Brianna's father, Peter Spooner, said he was 'so proud' of his daughter and would never stop loving her

Brianna, 16, was found with fatal wounds on a path in the park near her home. She had messaged her mother on the way to the park to say she was 'scared'

The note - headed 'Saturday 11th February 2023. Victim: Brianna Ghey' - was found alongside jottings about serial killers including Jeffrey Dahmer, Richard Ramirez and Harold Shipman

Police forensics officers walk into the park in Warrington to investigate in February 2022

Her killers were spotted fleeing the scene before being arrested by cops barely 24 hours after hacking Brianna to death.

Officers later discovered a chilling handwritten note detailing how they were going to murder her, headed: 'Saturday 11th February 2023. Victim: Brianna Ghey'.

Both had sought to blame the other for the killing, but a jury at Manchester Crown Court saw through the teenagers' lies and, following a trial of more than three weeks, finally convicted the pair of Brianna's murder.

Timeline of events leading up to Brianna's murder Two youths have been found guilty of murdering teenager Brianna Ghey in a 'frenzied and ferocious' knife attack. The two teenage defendants, known as girl X and boy Y, killed the 16-year-old in Culcheth Linear Park, near Warrington, Cheshire, on February 11. Here is a timeline of events leading up to Brianna's death: 2022 November - The two teenagers discussed killing a child referred to in court as boy M. December 5 - Girl X sends boy Y a video which was apparently an advert for an underground site for people who like rape, snuff, torture and murder. December 15 - Girl X messages boy Y, telling him she is 'obsessed over someone' called Brianna but did not have feelings for them. 2023 January 1 - Boy Y sends girl X a photograph of a hunting knife and tells her: 'Spent my money. I bought a knife.' January 23 - Girl X messages boy Y, telling him she gave Brianna so many ibuprofen gel tablets it 'should have been enough to kill her'. January 26 - The two teenagers compile a list of at least four people, as well as Brianna, they wanted to kill. February 3 - Girl X sends boy Y a picture of a handwritten note of their plan of how to kill Brianna, titled 'Saturday 11th February 2023. Victim: Brianna Ghey'. February 11 1.41pm - Brianna sends her mother a message saying: 'I'm on the bus by myself, I'm scared.' 1.53pm - Brianna meets girl X and boy Y at a bus stop in Culcheth. 2.30pm - Brianna messages a friend, describing girl X as 'weird'. 3.06pm - Brianna sends a message to girl X saying 'Girl where are you'. 3.13pm - Brianna is found lifeless by dog walkers Kathryn and Andrew Vize. 4.02pm - Brianna is declared dead at the scene. February 12 - Girl X and boy Y are arrested at their homes. February 15 Police find Brianna's phone in a drain, stained with her blood in an area girl X and boy Y were seen walking shortly after the murder. Advertisement

Girl X's parents were in tears after the guilty verdicts were delivered, while Boy Y's mother was also crying.

Following the verdicts, Mrs Justice Yip told Girl X and Boy Y: 'I'm sure you probably already know that I have to impose a life sentence.

'What I will have to decide is the minimum amount of time you will be required to serve before you can be considered for release.

'I am going to see what other steps need to be taken before I sentence.'

Ex-Culture Minister Lord Ed Vaizey has said 'there is a public interest' in naming the killers of Brianna Ghey.

Lord Vaizey, who served as the Culture and Digital Minister from 2010 to 2016, appeared on Good Morning Britain today ahead of a judge's decision over whether to lift anonymity orders protecting the identities of the teenage killers.

Lord Vaizey said he 'wouldn't have a problem' if the killers were named and claimed it would 'help people understand what happened'.

He also pointed out that 'a lot of people' in her local community 'will know exactly who they are', adding that 'if the local community know who they are why shouldn't the general public know who they are?'

The trial heard how Brianna was found by dog walkers in Linear Park shortly after 3pm on Saturday, February 11. Her bloodied body was discovered face down in mud, having been stabbed to the head, neck, back and chest.

Her jugular vein had also been severed, causing 'catastrophic blood loss', while another knife blow penetrated Brianna's heart. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene at 4.02pm.

Prosecutors argued the pair were 'in it together' from start to finish, right from planning the attack to attempting to cover their tracks afterwards.

Deanna Heer KC told jurors that in law it therefore did not matter which of the duo inflicted the fatal wounds.

She added messages swapped by Girl X and Boy Y before and after Brianna's killing showed they had played equal parts in encouraging one another, in 'concocting' the murder plan, and in trying to 'cover up their guilt' afterwards.

They had also 'both played a part' in carrying out the murderous plan, a handwritten note of which was found in searches of Girl X's bedroom.

'In other words, the prosecution say that the evidence demonstrates that from first until last, these two defendants were in it together,' she said.

Jurors heard 'articulate' Girl X enjoyed watching internet torture and killing material from the dark web and had an interest in serial killers.

And the jury was shown an alleged 'murder plan' on how to kill Brianna along with phone messages they exchanged, including a 'kill list' of other children they planned to harm.

Girl X also said she wanted to stab Brianna in messages, 'jus coz its fun lol' and had lured Brianna to the park and encouraged Y to bring his knife.

In a chilling exchange a day before the murder, the court heard how the murderous teens had been discussing how they would take Brianna's life.

Showing little regard for their victim, Girl X asked Boy Y which knife he would bring when they ambushed Brianna.

'The hunting knife I showed you in person as well as on the phone,' replied the boy.

In a ruthless follow up question, the girl then asked her accomplice if that would 'definitely 100 per cent kill her' and Boy Y replied: 'Yes.'

During the horrifying chat, Manchester Crown Court heard how Girl X was watching her 'fave film', Sweeney Todd, for the 'the 9,000th time' and demanded Boy Y he should watch it.

'He kills people with one of the sharpest blades in the world,' she added.

Disturbing messages exchanged between Girl X and Boy Y reveal how they plotted the killing

Jurors heard how Girl X was obsessed with murderers, telling Boy Y in an earlier series of messages she knew a lot about US serial killer Richard Ramirez, aka The Night Stalker, who slaughtered at least 13 people in 1985.

In some messages, Brianna was referred to as 'it'.

Boy Y - who has autism and was allowed to type his testimony to police - said in one message: 'Really? All I wanted to see is what size d*** it had.'

Girl X said: 'I really want one of its eyes. They have pretty eyes.'

In another message, Boy Y said: 'I want to see if it will scream like a man or a girl.'

The court heard the 999 call made by dog walker Kathryn Vize after she found Brianna at Culcheth Linear Park and had seen her attackers running away.

In a clip of the frenzied emergency call, she said: 'She's very hurt. They probably need the air ambulance because of where she is. She's halfway down some stairs, she's bleeding heavily.'

She added Brianna was covered in so much blood she was afraid to 'do anything to her', adding: 'I don't think there's anything you can do for her, I really don't think there is.

'It's just so horrible, it's awful. Please hurry.'

Girl X and Boy Y sought to cover up their crime, with Girl X posting a tribute to Brianna on Snapchat the next day shortly before she was arrested.

It read: 'Brianna was one of the best people I have ever met and such an amazing friend, its so f****** sickening what got done to her.'

Meanwhile Boy Y was searching on the Crown Prosecution Service website for penalties for supplying or withholding information, jurors heard.

After being cautioned, Girl X said: 'Me being a suspect, is it cos I'm the last person to see her?'

Meanwhile Boy Y  who was also cautioned  told arresting officers: 'I can explain.'
Australia's eSafety Commission has launched legal action against the Elon Musk-owned social media company X, formerly known as Twitter, for breaching online safety rules designed to protect children.

The commission filed paperwork on Thursday in the Federal Court over X Corp's alleged failure to comply with a transparency notice that was issued against the social media platform in February.

The transparency notice required X Corp to provide information about how the platform was meeting online safety standards in regards to child sexual exploitation and abuse material.

The eSafety Commission, under commissioner Julie Inman Grant, has alleged X Corp failed to respond truthfully or accurately to questions about online safety standards.

Australia's eSafety Commission has launched legal action against the Elon Musk-owned social media company X, formerly known as Twitter, for breaching online safety rules designed to protect children. Mr Musk is pictured

The eSafety Commission, under commissioner Julie Inman Grant (pictured), has alleged X Corp failed to respond truthfully or accurately to questions about online safety standards

A fine was issued for $610,500 in September for X Corp failing to comply with the notice but has not been paid.

X Corp has previously requested a judicial review of the commission's reliance on the transparency notice.

The commission said it hoped the judicial review would be carried out at the same time as the civil penalty to avoid legal delays with either case.
As part of annual observances of International Migrants Day, India today launched an ambitious scheme for Promoting Regular And Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals, abbreviated as PRAYAS, reported Wam.

The majority of Indias overseas migrants are in the Gulf region.

Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson of Indias Ministry of External Affairs, said PRAYAS envisages bringing together Central and State governments and other stakeholders for greater coordination, sharing of best practices, policy recommendations and disseminating timely information on matters related to international migration.

International Migrants Day is an initiative of the United Nations, and countries around the world commemorate the occasion during the week of December 18.

The theme of this commemoration in 2023 is Act Today. The UN said, On this day we reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, On International Migrants Day, we highlight the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights.

In the spirit of the call by Guterres, India has executed PRAYAS jointly by the Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhis oldest international relations think tank and the International Organisation for Migration, a UN body, stated the report.

The aim of the project is to promote safe and orderly migration, it added.
The race to be crowned Christmas number one will be decided today on the final day of counted streams and sales with Wham!, Sam Ryder, Mariah Carey and Shane McGowan's Pogues all in the mix.

This year's contest has been closely fought after Ladbaby- who had claimed the last five Christmas number 1's respectively- announced they wouldn't compete.

Currently Wham!'s 1984 classic Last Christmas is top with Sam Ryder's You're Christmas To Me the highest ranking new song.

Also strongly in the running is Mariah Carey's timeless classic All I Want For Christmas Is You and The Pogues' Fairytale of New York.

Speaking ahead of the climax, Martin Talbot, chief executive of the Official Charts Company said this year's race feels different.

He said: '[This] feels much more exciting than it has done for a few years.

Following Shane MacGowan's death earlier in November, fans hope that his festive track Fairytale Of New York would finally top the charts

Currently Wham!'s 1984 classic Last Christmas is top of the charts

Mariah Carey's timeless classic All I Want For Christmas Is You is in the running and Sam Ryder's You're Christmas To Me is the highest ranking new song

'LadBaby have dominated for the last five years and I think by the time it reached its fifth Christmas number one last year, people were keen to see something a bit fresh and a bit new.

'We've obviously got the classics that are coming back into the charts, we've got the usual run of charity records driven by ordinary people who just want to raise some money for for good causes, and we've also got one or two really interesting releases as well, like Sam Ryder.

'Playlists have a big part to play and they are influential in terms of the chart when it comes to Christmas,' says Talbot.

'That said, particularly with a Christmas number one race, the key is not to rely on streaming - it's to it's to generate sales, whether they be downloads or physical releases.'

The official chart round up is compiled through the streams and sales in the week leading up to midnight tonight.

Both Wham! and The Pogues songs have been reissued on vinyl to aid their cause whilst Sam Ryder's single is available on CD.

Any streams of new songs. for example Sam Ryder's You're Christmas To Me, count for slightly more.

Following Shane MacGowan's death earlier in November, fans hope that his festive track Fairytale Of New York would finally top the charts.

Despite being a musical staple in the festive season, MacGowan's beloved tune - first released in 1982 - has never topped the Official Singles Chart. It peaked at number two in 1987, pipped to the summit by the Pet Shop Boys' Always On My Mind.

But since his death was announced, the song has been storming up the charts and is now firmly in the race.

The Pogues frontman Shane died aged 65 from pneumonia on November 30 after months of ill health (pictured in 2014)

Official Charts says that it's normal for The Pogues favourite - along with many other Christmas songs - to re-enter the charts as December approaches, but its boss reckons Fairytale is sizing up to be a 'genuine contender' for the crown ahead of the 25th.

Martin Talbot, CEO of the sales-tracking body, said: 'The terribly sad news about Shane MacGowans death will hit hard all lovers of his music, as well as the fans of Fairytale Of New York, which is consistently voted one of the UK publics favourite Christmas songs  and which has become a festive staple since the advent of the digital era made it available to download and stream.

'As usual, it was already heading back into the Official Singles Chart Top 40 this week and, while it is currently too early to give an indication of the scale of the streaming surge, we would very much expect it to rise back into the Top 20 over the coming days, perhaps even higher.

'It is a genuine contender for this years Christmas Number 1  a chart position which this classic has never previously reached. What a fitting tribute to Shane that would be.'
A starved tiger that was reduced to skin and bone is among 53 big cats set to 'feel grass on their paws for the first time' after they were rescued from a Thai breeding farm.

The emaciated female tiger Salamas was found struggling to stand or walk after losing so much weight inside a cage at a rundown facility in Mukdahan, northern Thailand.

Harrowing pictures show Salamas with patches of fur missing from her skeletal frame as she lays exhausted and emaciated on the dirty concrete.

Salamas is among 53 tigers and leopards who were rescued from the breeding farm facing bankruptcy and prosecution over alleged illegal wildlife trading by vets and experts from the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT).

The big cats, who have spent their lives in captivity, will now enjoy 'sunlight and grass for the first time' at a sprawling woodland sanctuary around 550 miles away in the south of the country.

Harrowing pictures show Salamas with patches of fur missing from her skeletal frame as she lays exhausted and emaciated on the dirty concrete

The emaciated female tiger Salamas was found struggling to stand or walk after losing so much weight inside a cage at a rundown facility in Mukdahan, northern Thailand

Harrowing pictures show Salamas with patches of fur missing from her skeletal frame

Salamas is among 53 tigers and leopards who were rescued from the breeding farm facing bankruptcy and prosecution over alleged illegal wildlife trading by vets and experts from the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT)

The big cats, who have spent their lives in captivity, will now enjoy 'sunlight and grass for the first time' at a sprawling woodland sanctuary around 550 miles away in the south of the country

When the experts found Salamas, she was so weak she could barely walk and they took the decision to not tranquilise her for fear she would not wake up from sedation due to her poor health.

With patches of fur missing from her skeletal frame, Salamas eventually mustered enough energy to stumble into a waiting transport cage after being coaxed inside with food.

WFFT founder Edwin Wiek said: 'It was feared that she was too weak to walk, but eventually she gathered her strength and stumbled over to the cage.

'She was then able to be lifted to the specialist wildlife ambulance that made the twelve hour overnight drive to the wildlife rescue sanctuary.

'Although alarmingly skinny and with huge patches of fur missing across her body, rescuers are hopeful that Salamas will now begin to recover.'

The other rescued animals included a timid female tiger named 'A-1' and a male tiger named 'Rambo', 20, suffering breathing problems.

The animals were confined in cramped and dirty enclosures their entire lives.

Officials said 35 tigers and 18 leopards in total will be rescued from the farm, with the first 15 chosen based on urgent medical needs.

Twelve elderly tigers and three ill leopards were the first to be saved. They were sedated and underwent health checks before being loaded in cages onto wildlife ambulances.

The rest - a further 23 tigers and 15 leopard - will be removed in the coming days.

The emaciated female tiger Salamas was found struggling to stand or walk after losing so much weight inside a cage at a rundown facility in Mukdahan, northern Thailand

A vet tranquilises a tiger at the rundown facility in Thailand

A sedated tiger is carried out of their cage by the vets and wildlife experts

A sedated tiger is carried out of their cage by the vets and wildlife experts

Officials said 35 tigers and 18 leopards in total will be rescued from the farm, with the first 15 chosen based on urgent medical needs

Wildlife experts carry a tiger in a crate before loading it onto a truck bound for the wildlife sanctuary

Wildlife experts load a tiger onto a truck bound for the wildlife sanctuary

Wiek said: 'This was an incredible rescue. It's the biggest by any NGO in Thailand. The tigers, leopards and other animals will finally see freedom for the first times in their lives.

'They will experience direct sunlight and the feel of grass on their feet. They will have the freedom every animal deserves.'

The sanctuary, located in Phetchaburi province in the south of the country, is a dedicated Tiger Rescue Centre spread across over seventeen acres of near-natural habitat.

Edwin Wiek added: 'After months of planning the biggest tiger rescue by an NGO in Thailand's history, we are thrilled to now finally give these magnificent animals a new life at WFFT's Tiger Rescue Centre.

'Sadly, they will never be able to return to the wild, but we can offer them the next best thing: a safe, sanctuary home where they can roam forested land, socialise with other tigers, and even swim in the lake.

'We are grateful to the Thai government's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNP) for taking action against the illegal wildlife trade and for collaborating with WFFT to help give these tigers the second chance that they deserve.

'The first twelve tigers and three leopards have been rescued, but there are many more who remain at the farm still waiting to be saved.

'We are desperate to return as soon as possible to rescue them, but as an NGO without government funding we rely solely on donations to make these rescue missions a reality.'

The big cats, who have spent their lives in captivity, will now enjoy 'sunlight and grass for the first time' at a sprawling woodland sanctuary around 550 miles away in the south of the country

Officials said 35 tigers and 18 leopards in total will be rescued from the farm, with the first 15 chosen based on urgent medical needs

Officials said 35 tigers and 18 leopards in total will be rescued from the farm, with the first 15 chosen based on urgent medical needs

The notorious tiger farm has been the subject of prolonged legal disputes with government wildlife officials.

Local media have reported that the facility has faced numerous government inspections, including one in 2020 when the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) found evidence of alleged illlegal wildlife trafficking such as a severed tiger's head and other tiger parts.

The farm is located in northern Thailand, close to the border with Communist Laos. The area, which sits on the Mekong River with multiple unofficial piers, is believed to be a hub for illegal wildlife transport.

WFFT said there are an estimated 1,700 captive tigers in Thailand.

Many of them are said to be bred on tiger farms to be bred and shipped in neighbouring countries as exotic pets. Their body parts - including eyes, bones, and whiskers - are also used in controversial traditional Chinese medicine.
Footage released by the Israeli military reveals a new network of tunnels in Gaza, it said on Wednesday, as well as a workplace used for constructing the passages.

The IDF said the videos show a 'large network' around Gaza City's Palestine Square, fortified by blast doors and security cameras, as well as a workshop used to build tunnel components - hidden beside a school for deaf children.

Its discovery comes as Israeli forces continue their search for the Hamas leadership responsible for the October 7 attack that saw terrorists kill around 1,200 people in Israel and take a further 240 hostages back into Gaza.

Among the homes linked to the tunnel network were those of Muhammad Deif - the shadowy leader of Hamas's military wing, and Yahya Sinwar - Hamas's top official inside Gaza, the Israeli military said.

Palestine Square is located in the upscale Rimal neighbourhood, the once bustling centre of power in the coastal territory that was heavily bombed during the early days of the on-going war as Israel attempted to knock out Hamas's leadership.

Footage released by the Israeli military revealed a new network of tunnels in Gaza , it said on Wednesday, as diplomatic efforts pressed on to secure a pause in fighting

A long stretch of tunnel is seen in the footage, before arriving at a blast door

Video released by the military shows Israeli soldiers uncovering the entrance to part of the tunnel network underneath a hatch door.

A spiral staircase leads to what appears to be a basement, where there is another tunnel shaft that delves even deeper into the ground below.

The soldiers are seen inspecting equipment set around the tunnel's entrance, that appears to include a winch and a lift, presumably used for transporting equipment in and out of the subterranean system. A ladder also runs down the side of the shaft.

A narrator in the video says the troops also found what appeared to be a prayer room, with copies of the Quran and prayer mats.

They also appeared to find military equipment, such as rifles and grenades.

The camera then descends further down into the tunnel network, which is fitted with cables for electricity and plumbing, the footage shows. The clip also shows a security camera and a blast door at the end of a long stretch of the dark tunnel.

Breaker boxes and other equipment are also highlighted in the footage.

The IDF says the tunnels were used daily by Hamas, and that they connected them to other parts of Gaza, allowing them to move underground without detection.

In a separate clip, also released by the IDF, a soldier is shown taking the camera through what the military says is a workshop used to build the tunnels 'next door to a community college and a school for deaf children.'

The soldier, named as Lieutenant colonel Ido, says his unit found the workshop boobytrapped. They 'neutralised the threat,' he says, before finding materials and equipment used to construct the underground system.

The footage also appears to show a lift that leads further underground.

The army's chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the army had located a vast underground complex. 'They all used this infrastructure routinely, during emergencies and also at the beginning of the war on Oct. 7,' he said.

He said the tunnels stretched across Gaza and into major hospitals.

The claims could not be independently verified.

The soldier, named as Lieutenant colonel Ido (pictured), says his forces found the workshop boobytrapped. They 'neutralised the threat,' he says, before finding materials and equipment used to construct the underground system

The footage (pictured) also appears to show a lift that leads further underground

Another video released by the military shows Israeli soldiers uncovering the entrance to part of the tunnel network underneath a hatch door

Breaker boxes and other equipment are highlighted in the footage, with the IDF saying the tunnel is equipped with electricity and plumbing

The footage also shows military equipment in what the IDF says was the tunnel network

As it continues with its search for the Hamas leadership, the army reported close-quarter combat and more than 300 strikes over the past day.

Israel's army said three soldiers were killed on Wednesday, bringing the death toll of its forces to 137 in the Gaza Strip since ground operations began in late October.

The United Nations said Israel had issued evacuation orders on Wednesday for large areas of Khan Yunis, where more than 140,000 displaced people were sheltering.

Israel told civilians to leave the north of the besieged Palestinian territory at the beginning of the conflict, urging them to seek safety in southern areas.

But as places for people to go continued to shrink, international outrage has mounted over the rising death toll.

The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The Hamas government's media office in the Gaza Strip said Wednesday at least 20,000 people had been killed in the Palestinian territory since the war with Israel began. It said 8,000 children and 6,200 women were among the dead.

UN relief chief Martin Griffiths deemed it a 'tragic and shameful milestone'.

In the southern city of Rafah, where fireballs and smoke rose after explosions on Wednesday, residents expressed hope that truce talks would succeed.

'I wish for a complete ceasefire, and to put an end to the series of death and suffering. It's been more than 75 days,' said Kassem Shurrab, 25.

Smoke is seen rising above Gaza following an air strike on Thursday

Hopes that Israel and Hamas could be inching towards another truce and hostage release deal have risen this week as the head of the Palestinian militant group visited Egypt and talks were held in Europe.

Qatar-based Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Egypt on Wednesday for talks with the country's intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

Haniyeh also met Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian but no details were released.

A Hamas official told AFP news agency that 'a total ceasefire and a retreat of the Israeli occupation army from the Gaza Strip are a precondition for any serious negotiation' on a hostage-prisoner swap.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there could be no ceasefire in Gaza before the 'elimination' of Hamas.

And US President Joe Biden said of a fresh hostage release deal: 'There's no expectation at this point. But we are pushing it.'

Mossad director David Barnea held a 'positive meeting' in Warsaw this week with CIA chief Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a source familiar with the talks told AFP.

Qatar, backed by Egypt and the US, last month helped broker a first week-long truce that saw 80 Israeli hostages freed in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Palestinians search for casualties at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, December 20

Meanwhile, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported Thursday that Israeli forces carried out operations overnight in the West Bank.

An AFPTV live camera on Wednesday filmed two bombs hitting Rafah, where many of the territory's estimated 1.9 million displaced have fled.

The Hamas health ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least 12 Palestinians when houses and a mosque in Rafah 'were targeted'. It said later at least 30 more people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit two houses east of Khan Yunis.

Crowds swarmed the rubble, digging with shovels and a backhoe to try to free the victims. One blackened body lay under a blue blanket on the blood-soaked ground.

'Enough, enough of this. We have lost everything and we can't take it anymore,' Samar Abu Luli, a woman in Rafah, said after Israeli strikes on the city's Al-Shabura neighbourhood.

UN rights expert Francesca Albanese said Israel was assaulting Gaza's health system, with their attacks 'taking the most sadistic forms'.

The UN Security Council was due to try once again Thursday to pass a resolution calling for a halt in fighting after previous efforts to win Washington's backing fell short.

Israel has rejected the term 'ceasefire', and the US has used its veto twice to thwart resolutions opposed by Israel since the start of the war.

The United Arab Emirates is sponsoring a draft resolution on the conflict which has already been watered down to secure compromise, according to a draft version seen by AFP.

It calls for 'the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.'

Destruction in northern Gaza resulting from weeks of Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian territory is seen from Israel on Thursday

The war has sparked fears of regional escalation, with exchanges of fire over the Lebanon border, and missiles from Iran-backed Yemeni rebels disrupting Red Sea shipping.

Israel said Wednesday it had struck an 'operational command centre' used by Iran-backed Hezbollah militants and fired on fighters heading for the Lebanon-Israel border.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who have launched missiles and drones at cargo ships in the Red Sea, warned Wednesday that they would strike back if attacked by US forces.

The warning came after the United States said it was building up a multinational naval task force to protect vessels transiting the Red Sea from the Huthi attacks, which have been carried out in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Alec Baldwin will not be called to testify against the armorer accused in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the Rust film set.

The prosecution filed its 13th amended witness list last week, which does not include Baldwin, Fox News reported.

The actor has notably been left off all 13 lists despite other crew members, including assistant director Dave Halls and director Joel Souza, being expected to take the stand during Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's trial next year.

Gutierrez-Reed faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering stemming from the fatal shooting of Hutchins during a rehearsal on the movie set on October 21, 2021.

Baldwin was holding the gun at the time of the accident shooting. He was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the state dropped the charges after 'new facts' had been revealed and required further investigation.

Alec Baldwin will not be called to testify against the armorer accused in the fatal shooting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the Rust film set, it has emerged. Baldwin (pictured on the Rust set) was not included on the prosecution's amended witness list filed on December 14

Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed (pictured) faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering stemming from the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on the movie set on October 21, 2021

Baldwin was holding the gun at the time of the accident shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins (pictured). He was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the state dropped the charges after 'new facts' had been revealed and required further investigation

Gutierrez-Reed will go to trial over the fatal shooting of Hutchins early next year. The trial is scheduled to run from February 21 through March 6 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The first day begins with jury selection.

She has pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering.

An attorney for Gutierrez-Reed has previously described the fatal shooting as a tragic accident and says the film's armorer committed no crime. Gutierrez-Reed is currently the sole criminal defendant.

Prosecutors are understood to be weighing whether to refile a charge against Baldwin after receiving a new analysis of the gun fired at Hutchins.

Special prosecutors dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin in April, saying they were informed the gun might have been modified before the shooting and malfunctioned.

Baldwin has said he pulled back the hammer - but not the trigger - and the gun fired, fatally wounding Hutchins and injuring Souza.

A final picture of Hutchins filming with Baldwin in the chapel where she was shot

Baldwin is pictured on the phone in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office shortly after the fatal shooting

In March, Rust assistant director and safety coordinator David Halls pleaded no contest to a conviction for unsafe handling of a firearm and received a suspended sentence of six months of probation. He agreed to cooperate in the investigation of the shooting.

Defense attorneys said they plan to present evidence that Gutierrez-Reed asked Halls to call her back into rehearsal if Baldwin planned to use the gun. They say that didn't happen before Hutchins was shot.

As part of their preparation for trial, special prosecutors have also issued subpoenas for documents from producers of Rust and any audio and video recordings held by a Los Angeles film production company that might include Baldwin on the set or his comments about the film elsewhere.

Legal experts have said prosecutors could repurpose documents or records uncovered in case against Gutierrez-Reed if a grand jury were to indict Baldwin.

Prosecutors have said they will present evidence to a grand jury against Baldwin in the fatal set shooting, but it's unclear when that might happen. It's a secretive process without public access, as prosecutors present evidence and witnesses possibly testify without a cross-examination or immediate vetting by defense counsel.

Baldwin fired the prop gun (pictured) that killed Hutchins and injured another crew member on the set

The filming of Rust resumed this year in Montana, under an agreement with the cinematographer's widower, Matthew Hutchins, that made him an executive producer.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez-Reed waived her arraignment in a separate case and pleaded not guilty to a charge of carrying a gun into a Santa Fe bar.

She had been set to appear in court earlier this month on the charge, but a state courts spokesperson said on December 1 that her attorneys opted instead to waive her appearance.

The firearm charge against Gutierrez-Reed stems from an incident days before she was hired to work as the armorer on Rust. According to court records, a witness told authorities that she was carrying a gun when she walked into a bar in downtown Santa Fe.
The man accused of randomly stabbing two woman allegedly warned police that he was experiencing hallucination and believed he could hurt someone.

Shaun Michaels Dunk, 30, is accused of storming into REAL Estate Agents Group in Plympton, Adelaide, on Wednesday and attacking staff with a knife, leaving Julez Seed, 38, dead.

Susan Scardigno, 50, is recovering from critical injuries at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Dunk, who has been charged with once count of murder and one count of attempted murder, was released from a mental health facility on that morning.

He was also released from hospital just two days prior, despite allegedly telling police a fortnight earlier he was worried that he might hurt someone, sources told The Advertiser.

A GoFundMe has been launched by a family friend of Ms Seed to bring her family together and cover funeral costs for the mother who was 'taken too soon'.

Julie 'Julez' Seed, 38, (pictured with fiance Chris Smith) died in an alleged attack at the office of REAL Estate Agents in Plympton, Adelaide, on Wednesday

Ms Seed's co-worker Susan Scardigno, 50, was also critically injured in the alleged attack but has since had her status upgraded to 'stable' at the Royal Adelaide Hospital

Shaun Michaels Dunk, 30, (left) has been accused of storming into the REAL Estate Agents Group in Plympton, Adelaide, on Wednesday and attacking workers with a knife and hammer

Dunk spent Tuesday night in the care of the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre on Grenfell Street in Adelaide's CBD before being let out two hours before the alleged attack.

He has also been charged with the attempted murder of Ms Seed's co-worker, Susan Scardigno, 50, who is recovering from critical injuries at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Dunk had previously been detained under the Mental Health Act on December 5 after showing up to a police station claiming that he was experiencing hallucinations of people threatening to kill him, according to The Advertiser.

The publication reported that he approached police because he had become paranoid.

It is believed that Dunk was delivered to the hospital several times in the weeks prior.

The circumstances leading up to Dunk's release on Monday from the clinic will contribute to the chief psychiatrists investigation into Ms Seed's death.

He appeared via video link before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday in the same black T-shirt and beige shorts he was arrested in.

Dunk did not apply for bail and his lawyer said that there would be an application made for a mental health assessment on his client's behalf.

He will remain in custody until March when he is due to to face the court again.

Police claim that SA Health has been releasing potentially violent and unstable patients on a 'daily' basis despite officers labelling them an 'extreme risk to society'.

Officers told the publication that it was 'an absolute failure of the system' and a 'never ending cycle'.

'Why was he free?' one asked.

'How did the system allow this to happen?'

In the wake of the tragedy, Matt Carr, a friend of Mr Smith, has launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to help Ms Seed's family cover the costs of travel and funeral arrangements (couple pictured together)

Police are investigating the allegedly random stabbing in Plympton on Wednesday afternoon

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Susan Scardigno's heroic act A mother is fighting for her life after she was allegedly stabbed by a 'mentally-ill' stranger in a random attack at her real estate office while trying to protect her friend. Advertisement

Ms Scardigno is now in a stable condition with a friend revealing she only sustained her injuries trying to protect Ms Seed.

'I am utterly devastated for Julez' family and may she rest in peace, there is no words for this [alleged] horrific event that took place,' the friend said.

'I am beyond relieved like no other that Susan survived, yet I know her scars will be [forever] a reminder of her fight to save her friend.'

Ms Scardigno has worked at the agency for five years as a business development manager while Ms Seed was employed two years ago.

A friend of Ms Seed's fiance, Chris Smith, launched a $50,000 GoFundMe campaign to help her family cope with the loss which will cover flights and funeral expenses.

'Julez was taken way too soon from those who love her, especially her two beautiful girls and adoring fiance Chris,' family friend Matt Carr wrote.

'Julezs mother, her two sisters and brother are based in the UK and are in need of some financial support to get to Adelaide as soon as possible to be with Chris and the girls at this incredibly difficult time.

'Any help to assist in their flights to Australia, and to help Chris and the girls through a very difficult period they are facing in the coming weeks would be greatly appreciated.'

On Thursday tragic images emerged of the mother-of-two celebrating with colleagues before she was allegedly stabbed to death.

Tragic images have emerged of a mother-of-two real estate agent Julez Seed (left) celebrating with workmate Susan Scardigno before both were allegedly stabbed at work

A daughter of one of Ms Scardigno's colleagues has claimed she tried to save Ms Seed from their alleged attacker

In the wake of the tragedy, close friends have paid tribute to Ms Seed, a mother of two daughters aged 12 and 18, from Morphett Vale who got engaged Mr Smith a year ago.

'Julez was a beautiful soul, she had a smile that lit up a room,' close pal Cathy Black told Daily Mail Australia. 'She was very loved.

'Julez and Chris were so happy together, it's tragic. She was always happy, everyone loved her.

'She was a wonderful mum of two beautiful girls, one of which has just turned 18.

'It's heartbreaking to think that she finally had everything she had ever wanted in life, only to be taken so tragically from the world by a senseless random act of violence that should never have happened.

'Now a beautiful family has had their whole life torn apart....and right before Christmas.

'My heart breaks for her family.'

Ms Black also fondly remembered Ms Seed's lifelong affection for cows: 'She loved cows. Anything cow-related, she was obsessed with cows!

'She had just found everything that she wanted - a beautiful mum, two beautiful girls, a beautiful family, home, fiance - she'd just got her dream job,' she added tearfully.

'And then this happens.

'Innocent people are losing their lives and it's not fair.'

Close pal Cathy Black told how Ms Seed was enjoying her best life before the tragedy, after getting engaged a year ago, with a 'beautiful family' and starting her dream job two years ago

Photographs on social media reveal Ms Seed (right) celebrating Melbourne Cup Day in 2021 with her real estate workmates, who described her as a 'little diamond' and one of the 'happiest in our office'

The images show Ms Seed (right) happy and smiling, wearing a pink dress with black polka dots and a black fascinator as she studies the form guides ahead of the race at a local bar

Almost a year ago to the day she died, Ms Seed had celebrated Christmas with her co-workers with a limo trip to their Xmas party venue (pictured)

Friend Amy Drummond said Ms Seed was a 'beautiful soul' who was 'always positive and had so much kindness to give'.

'She knew how to put a smile on your face and was an amazing friend and co-worker,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'She will be missed deeply and cherished forever.'

Photographs on social media reveal Ms Seed celebrating Melbourne Cup Day in 2021 with her real estate workmates, who described her as a 'little diamond' and one of the 'happiest in our office'.

Co-worker Susan Scardigno posted the pics on Facebook and added: 'Day out with my crew.

'Trifecta and Pick 4 in the bag but would have traded the win just to share this day again with this REAL Estate Agents Group.'

The images show Ms Seed happy and smiling, wearing a pink dress with black polka dots and a black fascinator as she studies the form guides ahead of the race at a local bar.

'Such an amazing day,' said Ms Seed in a reply to one of the pictures.

South Australia Health has now launched a review into their process after admitting the alleged killer had been treated for mental health issues just two days before the tragedy.

A spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'The Chief Psychiatrist will be reviewing the circumstances around this patient's treatment and discharge.'

Witnesses told 9News that they were helpless to do anything but could hear desperate screams when the alleged attack began.

'I just hear some lady screaming and I listen to the door as it just crashed closed,' one woman said.

'To stand here and watch has been really scary and horrifying to see,' another added.

The real estate building is located next to a supermarket car park where families were among those who watched the tragic events unfold.

Police said they had recovered a knife and a small hammer from the crime scene.

A specialist team of Medstar paramedics worked for more than an hour to save Julez Seed, 38, but were unsuccessful and she died at the scene
China is working on advanced brain warfare technology which is said to include devices that can send enemies to sleep and control their thoughts, according to an uncovered report.

Researchers have found two recent studies by China's People's Liberation Army that show the military is increasing its 'hard power' weapons with new technology to win wars without conventional weapons.

The biological weapons are designed to induce sleep, impair cognition and alertness as well as impact decision making, The Washington Times reports.

China is also said to be developing weapons that can be controlled directly by a soldier's thoughts and can manipulate enemies.

Other weapons that the Chinese army is said to be working on includes 'genetic drugs' which are reportedly capable of altering genetic and physiological traits of people and seek to impair cognitive, emotional and behavioural characteristics.

China is working on advanced brain warfare technology which is said to include devices that send enemies to sleep. Pictured: Chinese honour guards salute

The report, 'Warfare in the Cognitive Age: NeuroStrike and the PLA's Advanced Psychological Weapons and Tactics', was published earlier this month by research group The CCP Biothreats Initiative.

'The PLA is at the forefront of incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces and novel biological weapons into its military strategies,' researchers concluded.

Cognitive warfare devices include anti-sleep glasses that can increase alertness, while other weapons include 'soft-kill radio waves' which use electromagnetic energy to induce drowsiness on enemies, the report found.

'In summary, the PLA's integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, [brain-computer interfaces], and biological weapons into its military arsenal brings significant psychological dimensions to warfare, extending beyond their physical effects,' the report said.

A Chinese army report from 2022 identified 'five battles of cognition' to shape future conflicts.

'The objective is to create a powerful deterrent and asymmetric advantage,' the report added.

Analysts found the research is being carried out by two Chinese military organisations, Unit 94969 and Unit 96812, which are developing defensive and offensive cognitive warfare.

A Chinese army report from 2022 identified 'five battles of cognition' to shape future conflicts. Pictured: The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) perform a flag-raising ceremony

It comes days after a declassified intelligence assessment found that China, Russia, Iran and Cuba all tried meddling in 2022 US congressional elections.

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.
Almost eight in every 10 burglaries in England and Wales has gone unsolved in the past five years, new figures reveal today.

Almost 900,000 out of 1.1million break-ins reported to police since 2019 have seen their cases closed by struggling forces without a suspect being identified, figures reveal.

And just five per cent of investigations led to a suspect being charged, according to a pre-Christmas analysis of Home Office statistics by the Liberal Democrats.

The party's home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael called for a 'Burglary Response Guarantee' which would see officers sent to the scene of all beak-ins, saying: 'It is disgraceful to think that in just five years, the number of unsolved burglaries could fill an entire city.

Almost 900,000 out of 1.1million break-ins reported to police since 2019 have seen their cases closed by struggling forces without a suspect being identified, figures reveal.

And just five per cent of investigations led to a suspect being charged, according to Home Office statistics.

'Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home, but burglary victims are being catastrophically let down. It is clear that the Conservatives are failing to get the basics right when it comes to solving crime.

'Enough is enough. The Home Secretary must implement our Burglary Response Guarantee - to ensure that every burglary is responded to, and to end this shameful burglar bailout.'

In the summer former home secretary Sulla Braverman and police forces made an agreement to investigate all crimes.

Officers were told there was no crime too minor to be probed and police will be forced to act if there is tangible evidence to follow up, including CCTV footage, vehicle dashcams or phone tracking.

Mrs Braverman said no crime should be considered minor and insisted police forces had the resources to investigate all offences without having to divert efforts from serious investigations.

But last month the chairman of the Police Federation described the pledge as unfeasible - and said the investigation of every crime 'is not working'.

The areas with the biggest rise in the number of burglaries during the past year have been revealed (scroll down for the full table of areas)

Earlier this year new data revealed more than 500 homes were burgled every day in England and Wales last year.

The figures from insurer Churchill were based on data from 44 police forces and found there were 527 home burglaries reported each day - an increase on 2021, when there were 523 burglaries a day.

The biggest increases in burglaries annually in percentage terms were in Leicestershire, Staffordshire, and Cleveland, with an uptick of 39 per cent, 30 per cent and 26 per cent respectively.

London residents reported the most burglaries last year, with the Metropolitan Police receiving 40,257 reports, followed by Greater Manchester at 16,761 and the West Midlands at 15,844 respectively.

Some of the biggest falls in domestic burglaries last year were in Devon and Cornwall, Merseyside, and South Wales.

In Devon and Cornwall, burglaries dropped 21 per cent in 2022 compared with the previous year, while burglaries also fell by 16 per cent in Merseyside and 12 per cent in South Wales.

The research found there were 3,536 aggravated domestic burglaries in 2022, where the criminal was armed with a firearm or weapon.
Harvard initially said Gay was correcting two of her works, but on Wednesday added she would also update her dissertation

Embattled Harvard president Claudine Gay has been hit with fresh allegations of plagiarism, with claims that she lifted 'entire paragraphs' in her academic writing - but the Ivy League says it's still backing her.

The new allegations were first published in a shocking report from the Washington Free Beacon and span seven publications authored by Gay over 30 years, ranging from missing quotation marks around a few phrases or sentences to entire paragraphs lifted verbatim. Gay is now accused of plagiarizing about half of the 11 journal articles on her resume.

The academic initially submitted two corrections to papers from 2001 and 2017 after she was accused of plagiarism, adding 'quotation marks and citations,' a Harvard spokesman said. However, after additional claims of plagiarism, the Ivy League then said on Wednesday that Gay would also update three spots in her Ph.D. dissertation to add attributions.

It comes as the House Committee on Education and the Workforce announced that it's widening the scope of it' probe into Gay's work, and demanded the school hand over all documentation related to the plagiarism allegations. The committee had already opened a probe into antisemitism at the Harvard campus following Gay's testimony that was heavily criticized.

'Our concern is that standards are not being applied consistently, resulting in different rules for different members of the academic community,' said Republican rep. Virginia Foxx, the committee's chair.

Harvard President Claudine Gay is still in power despite backlash about her testimony last week and new allegations of plagiarism

Gay was accused of copying two paragraphs from work by then-Harvard scholars D. Stephen Voss and Bradley Palmquist. One paragraph is nearly identical except for a few words

However, Gay did not use any quotation marks or in-text citations - Voss and Palmquist are not cited anywhere in her dissertation

On Wednesday night Harvard told the Boston Globe they found 'examples of duplicative language without appropriate attribution' in Gay's 1997 PhD dissertation, titled 'Taking Charge: Black Electoral Success and the Redefinition of American Politics.'

The initial corrections were made to a 2017 article titled 'A Room for One's Own? The Partisan Allocation of Affordable Housing,' in the Urban Affairs Review. A 2001 article titled 'The Effect of Black Congressional Representation on Political Participation' in the American Political Science Review was also amended.

Gay was first publicly accused of plagiarism by right-wing media, particularly blogger Christopher Rufo, who earlier this month outlined issues in her dissertation and a series of articles.

Just hours after the allegation were published, the university said it was standing by Gay after having quietly investigated the claims back in October and finding her conduct fell short of academic misconduct.

While the Harvard board said they found no violation of the school's policies in Gay's work, The Harvard Crimson, which reviewed the examples of alleged plagiarism, landed at a different conclusion.

The school's paper wrote that some of Gay's writings 'appear to violate Harvard's current policies around plagiarism and academic integrity.'

Gay defended her work telling The Boston Globe: 'I stand by the integrity of my scholarship. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure my scholarship adheres to the highest academic standards.'

While the bloggers focused their claims on Gay's dissertation, The Free Beacon also looked at three other works by the scholar: a 1993 essay in the publication Origins and two papers from 2012 and 2017, when Gay was already a Harvard professor.

While some of the claims by the Free Beacon include minor citation issues, the Crimson said others are 'are more substantial, including some paragraphs and sentences nearly identical to other work and lacking citations.'

The student publication notes Harvard's rule on what constitutes plagiarism says when copying language 'word for word,' scholars 'must give credit to the author of the source material, either by placing the source material in quotation marks and providing a clear citation, or by paraphrasing the source material and providing a clear citation.'

Gay was accused of copying two paragraphs from work by then-Harvard scholars D. Stephen Voss and Bradley Palmquist. One paragraph is nearly identical except for a few words.

More examples of 'lifted' paragraphs Gay is accused of lifting language from author David Cohen in a 1993 paper she published in Origins titled Between Black and White: The Complexity of Brazilian Race Relations. In the paper, she discusses a group called the Unified Movement Against Racial Discrimination and describes the 'expulsion of four young black athletes from the volleyball team of the Tiete Yacht Club because of their color.'

Three years earlier, Cohen, who was a professor at California State University, Sacramento, wrote about 'the dismissal of four Black male children from the volleyball team of the Tiete Yacht Club in May, 1978, because of their color' in his paper 'Afrocentricity in O Movimento Negro Unificado.' However, Gay's paper does not credit Cohen for the passage.

Harvard said this instance of alleged plagiarism was beyond their probe's scope 'due to the age of the article and because articles included in that journal generally do not include citations or quotations.'

Gay is also accused of taking part of her paper titled Between Black and White from George Reid Andrews' Black Political Protest in Sao Paulo, 1888-1988.

Andrews says in his paper that 'rhetoric and aspirations' of young Afro-Brazilians with 'one or more years of university study' deferred from those without. Gay's paper says the same thing, just tweaking the order 'aspirations and rhetoric' and writing 'university education' instead of 'university study.'

Source: The New York Times Advertisement

However, Gay did not use any quotation marks or in-text citations - Voss and Palmquist are not cited anywhere in her dissertation.

It's unclear whether the same rules applied when Gay turned in her dissertation in 1997.

But Voss, who now teaches at the University of Kentucky, told The Crimson that while Gay 'technically plagiarized,' it is 'minor-to-inconsequential.'

He said: 'This doesn't at all look sneaky... It looks like maybe she just didn't have a sense of what we normally tell students they're supposed to do and not do.'

Harvard professor Lawrence Lobo, one of those allegedly plagiarized by Gay, similarly told the Boston Globe: 'I find myself unconcerned about these claims as our work was explicitly acknowledged.'
Melanie Batty and her father David pictured outside bar in Pyrenees in June

This is the first image of the mother and grandfather alleged to have abducted schoolboy Alex Batty living together as a family in the south of France.

Melanie Batty and her father David were pictured looking relaxed outside a bar in a village square in the Pyrenees mountains in June this year with Alex and a group of their friends.

The off-grid trio who were being sought by the British authorities after Alex disappeared six years ago had made a trip to a weekly market in Esperaza, which is popular with members of alternative communities they associated with.

Dressed in a white summer dress with her hair tied up and wearing sunglasses and sandals, Ms Batty looks like any tourist in the south of France.

Sitting next to her in a black T-shirt, combat trousers and trainers is her son Alex. He appears like any teenager, slightly bored but listening as the adults chat.

On the other side, with a white goatee beard, denim shirt and with sunglasses on his head is Ms Batty's father, David, 64.

Fugitive mother Melanie Batty sitting next to her father David Batty (in denim shirt) and her son Alex Batty (in Black T-shirt) at the Esperaza market in June 2023

The two are alleged to have abducted schoolboy Alex and have been living together since

Alex, from Oldham, was 11 when he did not return from a holiday to Spain with the pair

Behind the British family a street performer plays her guitar and sings to the many tourists who flock to the popular Sunday market.

But behind the relaxed, holiday facade, 43-year-old Ms Batty was hiding the secret of the kidnapping of her own son and their six-year-life on the run.

Adopting the name Rose, she lived an itinerant life, giving her son the name Zac, and dragging him around Spain and Morocco before settling in the south of France two years ago.

Supported by her father, Ms Batty was in search of a 'spiritual life' and told how she wanted to set up an alternative community with like-minded people.

However, she has also revealed a little about her reasons for fleeing Britain and taking her son on the run.

French police are understood to have concluded after ALEX was rescued by a delivery driver on a road south of Toulouse last week that his grandfather had recently died and his mother had moved to Finland.

But recent sightings suggest reports of David's death and Melanie's disappearance may be incorrect - with an alternative theory now emerging that both mother and grandfather have fled across the border to Spain 'to get away from the attention' surrounding Alex's re-emergence.

A friend explained: 'Rose, as we knew Melanie, has fled. She's long gone. She's gone to Spain.

'I think [her father] Peter has gone with her. She wanted to get away from all the attention.

'Rose, her dad and Zac are a nice family but always a bit cautious.

'I don't know the full extent of their story, but it was not for nothing that they fled Britain.

'Rose said she took her son out of a bad situation and protected him as much as she could for as long as she could.

'She would mention odd things about her past. She said the life they were living in England before was hell.'

Behind the British family a street performer plays her guitar and sings to the tourists

Alex (left) with his mother Melanie (centre) and grandfather David (right) six years ago

The Conscience Verte (Green Conscious) association holds festivals on the land in the summer

A tent inside woodland at the Garden of Eden 'spiritual community' near Chalabre, Aude

He added: 'Zac is a lovely young man. He is always willing to help and to learn.

'It was the perfect time for him to leave his mum, to spread his wings.

'She has done a good job protecting him. But it's good that he's gone back.'

Alex disappeared in 2017 when he failed to return to Britain from a pre-arranged trip to Spain with mother Melanie and grandfather David.

Greater Manchester Police put out a missing persons alert for the youngster who was 11 at the time.

Alex, now aged 17, was reunited with his grandmother Susan Caruana, who is his legal guardian, in Oldham on Saturday night.

He had been living at a remote farmhouse in the hamlet of La Bastide with his grandfather who worked as a handyman since the autumn of 2021.

He was cared for by the French family that owned the farmhouse, and was considered as part of the family.

French police said last week that Alex told them he decided to flee the commune following his grandfather's death six months ago and after his mother said she planned to move with him to Finland.

After six years of living a nomadic lifestyle travelling from Morocco to Spain and then on to France - all while never going to school and having to forage for food - Alex decided 'this had to stop', Toulouse Assistant Public Prosecutor Antoine Leroy said.

In the four days that followed, Alex trekked across the mountains in the French Pyrenees - foraging for what little food he could find from the fields and gardens - until he was found by student Fabien Accidini on December 13 at 3am.

On Saturday, he was reunited with his grandmother in an emotional reunion after six years apart.

Alex wanted to return to the UK to get identity documents so that he could study computer science at school.

Greater Manchester Police are currently considering whether to launch a criminal investigation into his disappearance.

It comes as pictures revealed life inside the Garden of Eden 'spiritual community' in southern France where Alex's fugitive mother is said to have lived - just a few miles from where the 'kidnapped' British teenager was found after six years.

Ms Batty is said to have joined the community in late summer after it sprang up in February this year at an abandoned campsite just a short drive from Chalabre, Aude.

The property was bought by some 50 members of the 'Conscience Verte' [Green Conscious] association, who cleared the farmland to hold festivals throughout the summer and took up residence in tents and ramshackle huts on the 43-hectare site.

About five miles away, a cafe owner in Chalabre claims he served Ms Batty, who he knew as 'Rose', along with Alex and his grandfather, as recently as last Saturday.

It comes amid claims that 17-year-old Alex told French police officers his mother had gone to Finland as she 'wanted to see the Northern Lights', something which residents have denied.

Spread over 43 hectares of farmland, the 'L'Eden', where Ms Batty is thought to have stayed under the name Rose, has flower meadows, woods and has a river running through it.

Tents, teepees and huts are dotted around the rolling hills and horses, dogs and cats wander around at will.

An expat Briton, who has lived in Chalabre for more than 20 years, said: 'I know Rose and her family. She is not in Finland, like it is being said in the press.

'Rose was living at the Garden of Eden community. They have lots of festivals throughout the summer and she went there frequently.

'At the end of the summer she moved in there, at the beginning of October, I should think. She was living there until about a month ago. She left when the weather got bad. She rented a room at a friend's house.

'In fact, Rose has been here until just a few days ago. She finally left the area on Saturday morning. She felt she wasn't safe with all the media attention.

'I don't know where she has gone.'

Two members of the 'Conscience Verte' association refused to discuss the whereabouts of 'Rose'  Melanie Batty  when they were approached at the Garden of Eden community.

One man said: 'I don't know an English woman called Rose. And even if I did I wouldn't tell you.'
This is the moment five hooded thieves stole $250,000 worth of bags from a Chanel store in crime-stricken Washington DC.

Video shows how the suspects exited a white vehicle before charging into the store at City Center in Northwest early Sunday evening, taking merchandise and fleeing.

One suspect was seen grabbing multiple handbags while another discharged a fire extinguisher throughout the shop.

A special police officer assigned to protect the property was struck with the contents of the extinguisher. A security guard fired one shot during the robbery, but no one was struck.

Police have not yet made any arrests and have launched an appeal to identify the suspects and vehicle pictured in the video.

A suspect was seen grabbing multiple handbags from the Chanel store on I Street NW at around 5.30pm on Sunday

One of the thieves set off a fire extinguisher in an apparent bid to create a distraction during the robbery. A special police officer assigned to protect the property was struck with the contents of the extinguisher

Surveillance video from inside the store shows one of the robbery suspects, who wore a hooded sweatshirt and apparent rubber gloves

Surveillance video from inside the store shows how a group wearing hooded sweatshirts and rubber gloves entered the Chanel store on I Street NW at around 5.30pm on Sunday.

One of the thieves set off a fire extinguisher in an apparent bid to create a distraction.

A police spokesperson told NBC Washington: 'One of the suspects discharged a fire extinguisher multiple times with its contents striking a Special Police Officer while the other suspects took merchandise from the store.'

As the thieves left the store, an armed security guard opened fire but no on was shot.

The store was previously robbed in February, during which a flash mob also set off a fire extinguisher to create a distraction.

Police are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in Sunday's case. Tips can be reported at (202) 727-9099.

Video shows how the suspects exited a white vehicle before charging into the store at City Center in Northwest. Pictured above is the white sedan the suspects are believed to have travelled in

The suspects casually strolled from their car to the Chanel store before carrying out the robbery

The suspects are seen fleeing the store after stealing $250,000 worth of merchandise

It comes after DC police earlier this month issued a warning about armed robbers targeting and stealing thousands of dollars worth of winter coats in broad daylight.

In the span of 48 hours, multiple residents were robbed of their Canada Goose and Moncler jackets at gunpoint. Canada Goose coats and parkas are known to be priced over $1,000, with the most expensive woman's parka costing $1,850.

Police said that three to four masked thieves wearing dark clothing approached the victims and demanded their jackets as well as other items before making off with them in a car.

In light of these thefts, DC police have advised residents to buy AirTags to not lose their jackets forever.

Similarly, images and videos of pharmacies being empty due to thefts and adults using children to steal items have emerged.

A CVS in DC has had its entire shelves cleared by gangs of children who attack the store every day.

A sole security guard at the store in Columbia Heights is no match for up to 50 teens who routinely strip the store both before and after school.

The pharmacist chain is in the process of closing 900 stores across the US in the face of a crimewave that the National Retail Federation says is costing the industry $112billion a year.

In Georgetown, a woman said she was walking home when a group of girls noticed she was wearing a Canada Goose jacket and attempted to steal the expensive item

Incidents involving thieves trying to steal Canada Goose jackets have occurred all over Northwest DC

Desolate shelves greet visitors to the CVS in DC that is routinely stripped by shoplifting children on their way to or from school

A homeowner in Washington, DC, was horrified to see her Halloween decorations stolen from her front porch by young children under the supervision of two adults

While multiple big chains have closed stores across the nation due to shoplifters, the situation seems worse in DC after videos of children and adults stealing Halloween decorations went viral.

The incident was caught on a Ring doorbell camera and shows the kids walking up to the property in the Hillcrest neighborhood around 8.30pm on October 12.

One adult was seemingly directing them as two baskets filled with Halloween-themed items were stolen.

A second adult was seen standing on the sidewalk outside the house and guarding while the theft occurred.

The homeowner, who was named only as Shelly, was left 'disgusted' by the incident and said she was concerned about the behavior of the young children.
UTM Offshore, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Delta State Government have signed a shareholders agreement to develop a $2.1-billion Nigeria's first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) project.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has congratulated companies for their partnership.

In line with the AEC's commitment to African resource sovereignty, this partnership marks a significant step towards eliminating energy poverty and advancing the continent's gas monetization agenda.

According to AEC, the UTM FLNG project is the first of its kind to be developed by an indigenous private company in Nigeria, reflecting the strategic importance of the project and its impact on national energy security.

UTM Offshore will take a 72 per cent equity share in the project, with NNPC and Delta State holding the remaining 20 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively.

The project will feature a capacity of 1.8 billion metric tons per year for domestic use and export and its final investment decision  valued at $2.1 billion  is expected to be taken before Q1 2024, with construction to begin next year.

Speaking to the economic benefits of the project, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, stated: Of particular interest to Delta State Government is the dividend that this UTM FLNG will generate, thus advancing the socioeconomic development of our great state The project will also help to mitigate the environmental hazards in Niger Delta by reducing gas flaring Another benefit we envisage with this project is that it will create job opportunities for our youths.

The Chamber agrees that the UTM FLNG project  and other African gas monetization initiatives like it  provide pathways to cleaner energy alternatives, reduced flaring and local job creation.

Gas monetization is at the heart of the AECs commitment to a Just Transition, which enables African nations to lead their own resource development and utilize natural gas as a transitional energy source to stimulate downstream industry and finance green projects.

Holding the largest proven gas reserves in Africa  202 trillion cubic feet, to be precise  Nigeria requires substantial investments across its natural gas value chain, from upstream facilities to processing, power plants and associated infrastructure.

Under its National Gas Expansion Program launched in 2020, Nigeria is seeking to expand its domestic gas network, boost gas-based industrialization and eliminate gas flaring.

The country has long been a hotspot for flaring due to a lack of financial incentives for oil producers to utilize associated gas.

As a result, the Federal Government has mounted a concerted effort to reduce the practice of flaring, curb carbon emissions, and importantly, generate diversified gas-based industries and new revenue sources.

"African states like Nigeria are taking control of their energy future to monetize their untapped resources and unlock new energy production and diversified revenue streams. The UTM FLNG project is a testament to Nigerias commitment to leading innovation and driving sustainable development within its energy industry. The AEC applauds the visionary leadership demonstrated by all parties in bringing this agreement to a close and anticipates that it will serve as a catalyst for further collaboration and gas-focused developments in Nigeria and the wider West African region, states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. --OGN/TradeArabia News Service
A Christian teacher who was sacked for telling children that LGBT lifestyles are sinful has been spared a classroom ban.

Glawdys Leger, 43, was dismissed from her post teaching modern foreign languages at Bishop Justus CofE in Bromley, south London, last May after she said she wouldn't teach LGBT material on the religious education syllabus to year seven pupils.

She told the school chaplain: 'This was going too far now and that I am going to tell my pupils the truth'.

Ms Leger later told pupils LGBT practices are 'sinful' and that humans are born either male or female.

But the Christian teacher, who had been employed at Bishop Justus School since August 2017, has now been cleared of bringing the profession into disrepute and undermining British values, meaning she is now free to return to the classroom.

While a misconduct panel found that her behaviour was 'serious', they decided against a classroom ban after the mother who made the complaint told them she did not expect it to 'get this far'.

Glawdys Leger was dismissed from a Church of England school after she refused to teach LGBT content that was incompatible with her views

The complaint against Ms Leger came after a student made handwritten notes of what she said and passed them onto her mother who complained to The Aquinas Church of England Education Trust, which runs the school.

The matter was then referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency to decide whether Ms Leger should be banned from the profession for life.

The panel was told Ms Leger had been employed at Bishop Justus School since August 2017, teaching modern languages and some other subjects, until February 10 2022, when 'Pupil A's mother' sent an email to the school after her daughter had informed her of 'inappropriate comments in a religious education class' by Ms Leger two days earlier.

This led to an investigation and a disciplinary hearing the same month, following which Ms Leger was sacked. Ms Leger's appeal against the dismissal was also rejected.

In her live evidence, Pupil A told the panel that during the RE lesson Ms Leger described a story about a gay man, who had 'given up being gay to become a Christian because it was not right'.

Pupil A scribbled that Ms Leger said that 'being LGBTQ+ is not fine'.

In relation to the story about a gay man living in sin. Pupil A noted Ms Leger had then told the class: '*being LGBTQ+ is*a sin'.

Giving evidence, Ms Lege clarified that same sex marriage and active sexual relationship outside of marriage is a sin in the eyes of God, adding: 'If you are a Christian, being in a LGBT relationship is a sin.'

She also talked about gay people who chose to serve God first and chose celibacy as a consequence.

That mother's email to the school also stated that Ms Leger had commented 'You will always be female in God's eyes if you were born female and male if born male'.

Another student, Pupil D, told the school in a misspelled statement: 'Miss Leguer [sic] was talking about LGBTQ+ and she said that if God created us as a man you stay as a man and you do not change personaliti [sic].'

Ms Leger told the panel that she accepted saying words to the effect of 'In God's eyes if you are born male, you will remain male and if female you will remain female'.

The email also blasted Ms Leger for saying: 'People who are transgender are just confused about themselves'.

Ms Leger said that students at Bishop Justus CofE School in Bromley were being taught ideas contrary to Christian beliefs without parents' knowledge

Ian Hylan, who chaired the TRA hearing, said: 'Ms Leger explained to the panel that she did say that transgender people are confused but that this was in relation to people with gender dysphoria.

'The panel accepted that her subsequent explanation was plausible but there was no evidence to suggest that this explanation had been offered to the class.

'The panel was provided with PowerPoint slides taken from the scheme of work which comprised of a number of lessons. Prior to delivery Ms Leger discussed concerns about LGBT content with the school chaplain.

'In her statement, she wrote 'I remember leaving and saying that this was going too far now and that I am going to tell them (my pupils) the Truth*'.

'The panel noted that Ms Leger was determined to tell the class her views. Following this, Ms Leger decided in lesson 4 on 8 February 2022 to tell her class that she would not be teaching lesson 6 because of LGBTQ+ content, which for religious reasons she could not support.'

It was also alleged he behaviour 'was contrary to Fundamental British Values in that it lacked tolerance to those with different beliefs'

But Mr Hylan concluded: 'The Panel recognised that there was a possibility that people could be upset by the comments made by Ms Leger.

'The panel referred to the Department of Education departmental advice for school leaders, school staff, governing bodies and local authorities on the Equality Act 2010 and schools, dated May 2014, which stated this at paragraph 3.11 - 'The Equality Act defines 'religion' as being any religion, and 'belief' as any religious or philosophical belief.

'No evidence was provided to the panel that LGBTQ+ was a philosophical belief in accordance with that document.'

The panel also underlined 'Fundamental British Values' according to Teachers' Standards is taken from the definition of extremism, as laid out in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

It includes 'democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs'.

The panel also looked up 'tolerance' in the Oxford English Dictionary, which defines it as 'The ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.'

Summing up, Mr Hylan said: 'In her evidence, Ms Leger told the panel that she was tolerant of people from all backgrounds. The panel found her evidence to be genuine and sincere. Therefore, the panel found the allegation not proved.'

Ms Leger has also been cleared of bringing the profession into disrepute.

Mr Hylan continued: 'Although the panel found that the conduct was serious, the panel did not consider that the conduct displayed would negatively damage public perception.

'Indeed, Pupil A's mother told the panel that she did not expect her complaint to 'get this far'. Therefore, it did not find that Ms Leger's actions constituted conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute.'

Three colleagues gave references via video links. One described her as 'a kind, genteel and decent individual who would never 16 deliberately cause harm or insult to another human being and most definitely not a young person'.

Marc Cavey, for the Education Secretary, agreed that a ban would go against the public interest, adding: 'I have also considered the impact of a prohibition order on Ms Leger herself.

'The panel considered a number of character references and heard directly from character witnesses who attested to Ms Leger's personal qualities as well as her inclusive approach when interacting with individuals.

'In this case, I have placed considerable weight on the panel's comments concerning Ms Leger's intent, and particularly that she '*had no intention of causing distress or harm to pupils.

'For these reasons, I agree with the panel that a prohibition order is not proportionate or in the public interest.

'I consider that the publication of the findings made would be sufficient to send an appropriate message to the teacher as to the standards of behaviour that 19 were not acceptable and that the publication would meet the public interest requirement of declaring proper standards of the profession.'
A monster supercell storm is smashing the east coast of Australia, with Queensland's south-east bearing the brunt of it, as the capital city forecast up to Christmas day is released.

On Thursday night, there were warnings from the Gold Coast to White Bay of severe and potentially life-threatening storms, large hail and heavy rain which could lead to flash flooding.

The worst affected areas are forecast to get anywhere from 120 to 200millimeters of rain in the hours to come.

The emergency services have urged those living in the affected areas to stay indoors, not to drive unless necessary and close doors and windows.

The situation is so severe, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings from Queensland's central coast all the way down to the Darling Downs farming region in the southern part of the state, west of the Great Dividing range.

A monster supercell storm is smashing the east coast of Australia, with Queensland's south-east bearing the brunt of it. A woman is pictured running in the rain in Cairns

Brisbane and surrounding areas have been pummelled by thunder and lightning, which is expected to intensify in the coming hours in what BOM has said is a one-in-10-year event.

A Bureau spokesman said the system will lash the city with at least 70mms in under an hour.

'The main threat currently is that it is incredibly slow moving and is sticking over one spot for a fairly long amount of time,' he told the Courier-Mail.

'With this category of rainfall that the Bureau has forecast, it means that in any given year there is a two per cent chance that we will see something like this.

'It could mean that the city gets 70mms per hour, and people should be watching the rivers for flash flooding over the coming hours especially through the metro regions.'

After pounding the state capital through the night, the system will move north up to the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay.

Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Redland City, Toowoomba, Somerset, Scenic Rim, Gympie and South Burnett are the areas expected to get the worst of the storm.

There is also a separate thunderstorm warning is in place for Warwick, Stanthorpe, Pittsworth, Chinchilla, Miles and Tara.

The thunderstorms are also likely to bring damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in parts of the Central Highlands, Coalfields and Central West districts, including Elgin Downs and Alpha.

On Thursday night, there were warnings from the Gold Coast to White Bay of severe and potentially life-threatening storms, large hail and heavy rain which could lead to flash flooding. Weather map pictured

A BOM spokesman said the weather system will lash Brisbane with at least 70mms in under an hour. A father and son are pictured walking in the rain

The latest bad weather to hit the sunshine state comes as Far North Queensland continues the clean-up from floods caused by ex-tropical cyclone Jasper.

The weather pattern smashing the south-east of the sate could last for up to 48 hours, with more rain and storms possible across the weekend and into Christmas Day on Monday.

This has already led to old Petrie Town north of Brisbane cancelling its Christmas night markets due to the forecast.

'The possibility of those severe thunderstorms does persist across large parts of the central and southern Queensland and into the south-east Queensland area right through into the early part of next week,' senior meteorologist Daniel Hayes said.
A furious clergyman is calling in police after a war memorial at one of Britain's most historic churches has been targeted by vandals 'on a daily basis'.

Father Marcus Walker told how wreaths laid on Remembrance Sunday have been damaged after being repeatedly removed from a wall and hurled to the ground at St Bartholomew the Great near Smithfield Market in the city of London.

Father Walker said he has arrived at the mediaeval church every morning for the past fortnight to find the five wreaths removed from hooks and scattered around the floor.

It is thought the attacker pounces in the dead of night after climbing over metal railings outside the memorial at the church which celebrated its 900th anniversary this year.

The church is the oldest in the capital surviving both the Great Fire of London and the blitz and featured in the hit movie Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Father Walker said he has arrived at the mediaeval church every morning for the past fortnight to find the five wreaths removed from hooks

Father Walker insisted he would not let the incident spoil the celebrations of the church which was founded in 1123 by a courtier of King Henry I

Father Walker said he hopes police will be able to examine CCTV footage from nearby premises in a bid to stop the daily acts of vandalism.

Father Walker told MailOnline: 'Every day you come in and they are all chucked on the ground. It's very frustrating.

'My feeling is that it is somebody who is hostile to the armed forces.

'You've got to be pretty angry to want to take your anger out on the war dead.'

The clergyman spoke out after posting a picture of the latest attack on X, formerly Twitter.

The image showed the wreaths piled up on the ground beneath names of the fallen and an epitaph dedicated to the memory of 'all the gallant men and women who fell in the Great War for the freedom of the world'.

Father Marcus Walker claims a war memorial at one of Britain's most historic churches has been targeted by vandals

He wrote in a caption: 'Every single day somebody is pulling down the wreaths on the war memorial. This is getting exhausting.'

Father Walker has been rector at the church for six years and told how the attacks are the first of their kind.

He said: 'We are going to contact the police. It's either that or we are going to have to pull out the wreaths if it keeps going on and you don't want to do that.

'The wreaths were all laid on Remembrance Sunday. There are six of them, five of which hang on hooks on the wall which I put up in 2019.

'We start at 10.55am outside the memorial then go into the church for a full service. There's a little act of remembrance.

'Normally the wreaths stay out the whole year without any trouble.

'There has never been any concern then one day a couple of weeks ago I came in and found they were all chucked on the ground.

'It was the same thing the next day then the next day and it has happened every day for the last few weeks.

'We don't know what time they do it. We know it happens after we go home. We tend to close up at 5pm.

'I normally notice when I come in in the morning around 9.30am but on Sunday it happened in the middle of the day between my going for lunch and coming back from lunch for the carol service.

'It's possible it is somebody who is mentally ill who needs help rather than punishment but it is possible it is somebody who is hostile to the country.

'My guess is it's somebody who walks past here every day and is annoyed to see a symbol they don't like.

'The church has cameras inside but there is nothing outside. There's not an enormous amount you can do but I was wondering whether to set up our own little camera.

'We are hoping to get hold of CCTV and will have to go through the police.'

Father Walker insisted he would not let the incident spoil the celebrations of the church which was founded in 1123 by a courtier of King Henry I alongside the next door St Bartholomew's Hospital.
A Catholic priest in New York, who has spent years as an advocate for the LGBTQ community, spoke lovingly about the moment he blessed his first same-sex union shortly after Pope Francis gave his approval.

'May the Lord bless and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his countenance to you and give you joy and peace.'

'And may almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen,' Rev. James Martin told Damian Steidl Jack, 44, and Jason Steidl Jack, 38, on Tuesday, according to The New York Times.

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 church's idea that gay couples remain inferior to heterosexual partnerships.

Damian Steidl Jack, 44, and Jason Steidl Jack, 38, shown here at their 2022 wedding, had their union blessed in Manhattan on Tuesday

Jason Stiedl Jack, shown here with Rev. James Martin, said that the priest, who he has known for some time texted him shortly after the pope's announcement to ask if he wanted his marriage blessed

Rev. Martin adhered to the new ruling when blessing Damian and Jason, he did not wear any robes or read from scripture during the blessing. The reverend has met with the pope on multiple occasions to discuss LGBQT issues within the church.

'It was really nice to be able to do that publicly,' Martin told the Times.

Jason went on to say that Rev. Martin texted him on Monday to see if he would like a blessing, shortly after Pope Francis' announcement.

'God's grace is at work in our lives, whether the Vatican issues an announcement or not. But we are eager for the support of our communities and of our pastors who look after us,' Jason said.

In Chicago, high-profile Catholic celebrant Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church told the Chicago Sun-Times that he's received numerous requests for blessings since Monday but that he plans to put them off until 2024.

Rev. Pfleger, who has been in the public thanks to his efforts on eradicating poverty and gun-violence in this community, is steadfastly in support of the pope's decision.

'Some of the same people who say we shouldn't be doing this get their pets blessed  their statues, medals and objects  but are upset with the blessings of human beings. It's just saddening,' he told the newspaper.

Parishioners Michael Thiry and Nate Washington, who are legally married, told the Sun-Times that Pfleger told them he would be 'honored' to bless their union.

Pope Francis formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced Monday

In Chicago, high-profile Catholic celebrant Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church, shown here, told the Chicago Sun-Times that he's received numerous requests for blessings

'I asked him if this is something he'd be willing to do. He said he'd be honored,' Thiry said.

'He's important to us. He is truly a man of God,' Washington said.

The overall goal of the pope's declaration is to make it abundantly clear to the couple and those around them that the blessing in no way resembles a marriage. This is because the Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman.

Nothing has changed about the church's position on marriage, its firm opposition to gay marriage, or its belief that any extramarital sex  gay or straight  is sinful.

The document from the Vatican's doctrine office explicitly says priests can offer blessings to same-sex couples provided the blessings themselves don't in any way resemble a marriage.

To avoid any confusion, the blessing should not be offered in conjunction with a civil union ceremony, gay or straight.

Nothing has changed about the Catholic Church's firm opposition to gay marriage, or its teaching that homosexual acts are 'intrinsically disordered.'

Rather, this new document aims to allow any couple in an 'irregular union' to seek and receive God's love and mercy through a blessing. That can include LGBTQ+ couples, heterosexual couples who haven't been married in the church.

These blessings can be offered during a visit to a Catholic shrine, during a meeting with a priest, a prayer recited in a group or during a pilgrimage. But they cannot be performed with 'any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding.'




This is the extraordinary moment a woman was arrested at an Indian airport after nearly a kilogram of cocaine was found hidden beneath her wig.

The smuggler, from Entebbe in Uganda, was snared at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai via Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday.

A Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) official said the woman was found to be carrying 890 grams of cocaine - worth 844,699 - which she had concealed in her wig and her bra.

After receiving a tip-off, the Mumbai zonal unit of the DRI laid a trap at the airport and apprehended the female passenger.

Incredible video shows the moment that security staff at the airport slowly cut open and unravelled the woman's wig.

Authorities are seen apprehending the woman after being tipped off that she was smuggling cocaine

Airport security staff use a blade to rip open the wig where they found nearly a kilogram of cocaine

At least three security workers were needed to help cut and rip open the wig where the stash was concealed

Using a razor, they cut through until they discover a concealed stash within the woman's curls.

As one worker cuts away, another two help out by ripping the wig apart as the woman lies on the floor.

DRI officials said that they had 'busted numerous modus operandi' in the past ranging from concealment methods like sanitary pads concealment, liquid cocaine in whisky bottles, black cocaine and cocaine in moisturiser bottles.

The Times of India reports that the woman was also hiding cocaine in her bra as well as her wig.

The drugs were seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 and the woman is being held in custody while investigators probe.

The woman, from Entebbe in Uganda, was snared at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai via Nairobi, Kenya on December 19

Security staff rip back the wig where the woman was found to be carrying 890 grams of cocaine, which had a market value of around 850,000

This is not the first time that criminals have used wigs as a way of smuggling drugs through airport security.

Last year, two women were busted trying to traffic cocaine in Colombia by sewing the drug into their wigs.

Police found 900 grams of cocaine wrapped in plastic that were sewn to the fake hair before the woman confessed to concealing 200 more grams in her genital area.

The second had 650 grams camouflaged within her wig and another 200 grams hidden wrapped around a white bag inside her vagina.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned Pyongyang will not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack on the US if 'provoked with nukes', state media said Thursday.

Kim's warning follows a meeting between South Korea and the United States last week in Washington, where they discussed nuclear deterrence in the event of conflict with the North.

The meeting's agenda included 'nuclear and strategic planning', and the allies reiterated that any nuclear attack by Pyongyang on the United States or South Korea would result in the end of the North Korean regime.

But Kim told his military's missile bureau 'not to hesitate (launching) even a nuclear attack when the enemy provokes it with nukes,' Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said Thursday.

Washington, Seoul and Tokyo released a statement shortly afterwards, urging the nuclear-armed country to 'stop conducting further provocations and accept our call for engaging in substantive dialogue without preconditions'.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (pictured watching a test launch of his country's most powerful missile system this week) warned Pyongyang will not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if 'provoked with nukes', state media said Thursday

Kim's warning follows a meeting between South Korea and the United States last week in Washington, where they discussed nuclear deterrence in the event of conflict with the North

The three countries have ramped up defence cooperation in the face of a record-breaking series of weapons tests by Pyongyang this year, and on Tuesday activated a system to share real-time data on North Korean missile launches.

On Monday, the North launched its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, later describing it as 'a warning counter-measure' against what it described as persistent acts of 'military threat' by Washington and its allies.

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 US, Seoul and Tokyo.

Pictures showed them observing as the missile blasted into the sky.

It came after a US nuclear-powered submarine arrived in the South Korean port city of Busan last week, and on Wednesday, Washington flew its long-range bombers in drills with Seoul and Tokyo.

The North has recently stressed that the 'Korean peninsula is in a state of war by law' and that 'strategic assets' deployed by Washington in the South will be 'the first targets of destruction'.

In October, when a US B-52 bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons took part in the first joint aerial drills conducted by Seoul, Tokyo and Washington, Pyongyang described the exercise as 'the intentional nuclear war provocative moves of the US'.

Pyongyang sees drills by the United States and its allies as rehearsals for invasion and has long justified its blitz of missile launches as necessary 'countermeasures'.

Seoul's defence minister has been making unusually fiery remarks of late and last week warned that Pyongyang would face a 'hell of destruction' if it engaged in any 'reckless' action that 'destroys peace'.

The two Koreas are at a 'peak of escalating rhetoric and pre-emptive strike threats,' Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.

The latest developments 'clearly reflect the seriousness of the situation and the current (turbulent) state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula', he added.

Pyongyang last year declared itself an 'irreversible' nuclear power and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nukes programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

In a separate statement Thursday, Kim's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, slammed the United Nations Security Council for convening a session to discuss the North's latest ICBM launch, arguing it was a demonstration of Pyongyang's inherent right to self-defence.

On Monday, the North launched its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, later describing it as 'a warning counter-measure' against what it described as persistent acts of 'military threat' by Washington and its allies

'The ceaseless military drills of the US and its vassal forces (remind) one of the overall preparations for invasion under the pretext of deterring threats from someone,' she said, according to KCNA.

'And the frequent appearance of the US nuclear weapons clearly (aimed) at the DPRK ... is the root cause of escalating the regional situation,' she added, using the acronym for the North's official name.

Pyongyang's launch of a military spy satellite last month, which it claimed quickly began providing images of US and South Korean military sites, further damaged inter-Korean ties.

The launch fractured a military agreement between the Koreas established to de-escalate tensions on the peninsula, with both sides then ramping up security along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates them.

In 2017, the year North Korea launched its first successful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), its foreign ministry threatened a nuclear strike on 'the heart of the US 'if Washington ever showed the 'slightest sign of attempt to remove our supreme leadership'.

That year North Korea also threatened to use its nuclear weapons to sink Japan into the sea.

In 2022 the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong, issued a statement warning that the North would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if attacked by South Korea.

Kim Yo Jong laid out a detailed scenario in which the North mobilised its nuclear forces in response to an attack by the South and used them to 'completely dampen the enemy's war spirits, prevent protracted hostilities and preserve one's own military muscle'.

North Korea has not tested a nuclear weapon since 2017, but analysts say it has most likely continued to produce uranium and plutonium for warheads.

An April study by the Institute for Science and International Security estimated Pyongyang may have 31 to 96 nuclear weapons, depending on the types of devices it is building.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (right) confirming the flight trajectory of the test launch of a Hwasongpho-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at an undisclosed location in North Korea, as his daughter (left) watches on

Kim said in 2021 said that North Korea was able to 'miniaturise, lighten and standardize nuclear weapons'. In January 2023, he said the country would 'exponentially expand'its nuclear arsenal and 'mass produce 'tactical nuclear weapons.

Pyongyang has also pushed ahead with new missiles to deliver nuclear weapons, including massive liquid- and solid-fuel ICBMs with the range to reach the US, short-range missiles to deliver tactical warheads, and its first nuclear-armed cruise missiles.

North Korea's use of the term 'launch drill' instead of test firing 'to describe an ICBM launch this week suggested the country is ready to mass-produce and deploy Hwasong-18 ICBMs, Cheong Seong-chang, an expert on North Korea's political strategy at the Sejong Institute near Seoul, said in a commentary on Tuesday.

'Next year, North Korea will carry on its power for power posture by testing solid-fuel IRBMs, and SLBMs from strategic nuclear attack submarines and developing multi-warhead ICBMs,' he wrote.
Sir Keir Starmer warned of the 'real and constant' threat from Russia today as he visited UK troops in Estonia.

The Labour leader warned that Britain and its allies 'need to be prepared' and ready to 'deter' Vladimir Putin's forces as he made a pre-Christmas trip to soldiers deployed near the Russian border.

He and shadow defence secretary John Healey made the trip to stress their commitment to Nato and burnish the party's defence credentials ahead of next year's general election.

The party is keen to get as far politically from the previous regime of Jeremy Corbyn, who was seen as being too soft on Russia and defence generally.

Speaking on his visit to the Baltic, Sir Keir said: 'I think we have to be mindful of that threat from Russia to Europe, to ourselves in the UK and the interference that goes on...

'This is a real and constant threat from Russia, measured in years, and measured back home in the UK as well.'

The Labour leader warned that Britain and its allies 'need to be prepared' and ready to 'deter' Vladimir Putin's forces as he made a pre-Christmas trip to soldiers deployed near the Russian border.

He and shadow defence secretary John Healey made the trip to stress their commitment to Nato and burnish the party's defence credentials ahead of next year's general election.

The pair watched military exercises at the base in Estonia, which shares a 182-mile border with Russia, before joining troops in the canteen over lunch.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Healey said: 'Serving in our Armed Forces is the ultimate public service. Our troops embody the values of courage, integrity, loyalty and professionalism that the British people most admire. They make Britain - and Labour - proud, not only at Christmas but throughout the year.'

The pair will observe military exercises at the base in Estonia, which shares a 182-mile border with Russia, before joining troops in the canteen over lunch.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Healey said: 'Serving in our Armed Forces is the ultimate public service. Our troops embody the values of courage, integrity, loyalty and professionalism that the British people most admire. They make Britain - and Labour - proud, not only at Christmas but throughout the year.

'On backing Nato allies on the Russian border and military support to Ukraine since the illegal invasion began, the Government has had - and will continue to have - our fullest Labour support.

'We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win. We stand ready to back further assistance to Ukraine and our Nato allies like Estonia.'

Amid signs of war fatigue among Ukraine's Western allies, Labour has heaped pressure on Rishi Sunak's Government to reveal the UK's plans for future military aid for Ukraine.

The UK gave 4.6 billion of military aid across 2022 and 2023.
Brits could have to wait longer to get their hands on goods including tea, coffee, wine and clothes in the New Year as militant attacks in the Red Sea force shipping companies to make a 4,000 mile diversion around the Cape of Good Hope.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up assaults on ships on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in recent days as part of attempts by the pro-Hamas fighters to stop supplies reaching Israel. The strait leads to the Suez Canal, an artery of global trait that handles 19,000 ships a year.

More than 100 container ships have already changed course towards South Africa, shipping company Kuehne and Nagel revealed. This route takes around 17,400miles for vessels going from China to the UK, versus 13,400miles via Suez.

Ikea is among retailers warning of delays and shortages to some products, with a spokesman saying: 'What we can share for now is that the situation in the Suez Canal will result in delays and may cause availability constraints for certain Ikea products.'

Active Freight Logistics, a shipping company that moves goods from Asia to Europe, last night warned of 'temporary delays' that would last 'a few weeks to a month'.

Freight companies are having to take alternative routes to avoid the Suez Canal following attacks by militants

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.

Mr Forgione warned the knock-on effects on consumers would start to be felt with a hit to supplies of items such as meat, clothes, shoes, Australian wine, clothes and electronic goods such as mobile phones.

Simon Heaney, senior manager in container research at maritime consultancy Drewry, said the scale of disruption would depend on how long the situation lasts.

He told MailOnline: 'Suez is effectively closed to container shipping at the moment but if naval security proves sufficient and transits are resumed then disruption should be fairly minimal.

'If this prolongs over weeks and months then the potential for delays will escalate. It will deplete retailers' inventory levels so they may well find that in a few months they have shortages of particular items.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: How attacks on Red Sea shipping by Iran-backed Houthi rebels could lead to more cost-of-living pain for Britons Advertisement

'Lots of items are brought in by ship so that could be anything. Very high-value items can justify going by air should it be necessary so it will be general lower value items and parts - which in turn could disrupt manufacturing.

'Christmas isn't a problem because items are already in the shops. There's no risk of Christmas being cancelled.

'And even if the situation persists and ships have to re-reroute by the cape it would increase delivery lines but it may only be by a week. Ships can speed up and use some of the savings from not having to pay the Suez canal toll into paying for more fuel.'

Major shipping companies such as MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have already paused container shipments through the Red Sea following a surge in attacks.

Rona Hunnisett, from Logistics UK, said products could be rerouted through rail, road and air routes as well as via the Cape of Good Hope.

She told MailOnline: 'We're very lucky there are global road, rail and air links around the world. We can drive stuff from the Far East and there's even a rail link from China to the UK.

'There are also other water routes. There could be slight delays to deliveries but things are still moving and we're not expecting long-term disruption.'

Alan Baer, CEO of OL USA, has told teams advising shipping and logistics clients to prepare for at least 90 days of Red Sea disruptions.

'It doesn't help that it's Christmas weekend,' he said. 'We'll have a quiet period from now until January 2, and then everybody will be frenetic.'

The shipping route is a key area for global trade, particularly for the transport of oil, grain and consumer goods from east Asia.

Ikea has warned of delays and shortages to some products as the budget furniture maker looks to find an alternative route for its cargo vessels

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

A Houthi fighter stands on the Galaxy Leader cargo ship which was hijacked by the rebel group in November after they said it was Israeli

The busy waterway has ships traversing the Suez Canal to bring in a huge amount of Europe's energy supplies.

It comes after The Houthis warned vessels against sailing in the area amid the rebels' latest attack.

Two commercial ships - identified as the MSC Clara and Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic - were attacked with naval drones on Monday.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the attacks were carried out after their crews failed to respond to calls from the group.

READ MORE: Groups of men seen taking tours of the Galaxy Leader after Iran-back Houthi rebels sieged the vessel in the Red Sea Advertisement

The Swan Atlantic's 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.

US officials said multiple 'projectiles' were fired from Houthi-controlled territory on Monday at a vessel in the southern Red Sea, U.S. officials said.

The Houthi movement has launched a series of missile and drone attacks on ships in the area, which it says are a response to Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack.

Several major freight companies have begun to sail around Africa, adding costs and delays which are expected to be compounded over the coming weeks, according to industry analysts.

About 15 percent of world shipping traffic transits via the Suez Canal, the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia.

Combined, the companies that have diverted vessels 'control around half of the global container shipping market,' ABN Amro analyst Albert Jan Swart said.

'Avoiding the Red Sea will lead to higher cost due to longer travel time,' he said.

Oil major BP has also temporarily paused all transits through the Red Sea following the attacks over the weekend.

The Galaxy Leader ship is escorted by Houthi boats. Groups of men were spotted taking selfies and touring the cargo ship

The Houthis have warned vessels against sailing in the area amid the rebels' latest attack

The Houthis have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks have increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war

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 said.

Rico Luman, an analyst at ING, said the diversions were adding at least a week of sailing time for container liners.

Typically, shipping goods from Shanghai to Rotterdam takes around 27 days via the Suez Canal.

'This will at least lead to delays in late December, with knock-on effects in January and probably February as the next round will also be delayed,' Mr Luman said.

While freight rates will likely increase on these longer voyages too, carriers at the moment are seeking ways to utilize excess capacity, said Zvi Schreiber, CEO of global freight platform Freightos.

'It is unlikely that rates will spike to levels experienced during the pandemic,' said Schreiber, referring to the economic effects of COVID-19 from 2020.

Two commercial ships - identified as the MSC Clara and Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic - were attacked with naval drones on Monday (Pictured: A Houthi military parade in Amran, Yemen)

The Houthis also hailing vessels by radio to try to convince them to change course closer to the territory they control

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.

They have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel.

That now appears to have escalated to any vessel given recent attacks, with the Houthis also hailing vessels by radio to try to convince them to change course closer to the territory they control.
A tube driver who led a chant of 'free free Palestine' on a London underground train has been interviewed by police who are investigating the incident.

British Transport Police detectives launched a probe after public fury over the chant as around 100,000 protesters took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in October.

Footage posted online showed the chant being led over the train's speaker system. It was travelling on the Central Line at the time.

The driver said 'free free' to which some on the train replied 'Palestine' - which is a popular chant at demonstrations.

In the middle of the chant, he asked passengers: 'Louder, please, louder!' Before people were let off the carriage, he finished: 'Hope you all have a blessed day and look after yourselves.'

Free Free Palestine @TfL London Underground Tubes driver lead the passengers in a chant, he said I wanted to join the protest but couldnt get the day off. #LondonStandsWithPalestine #Palestine #Israel #_ #_ pic.twitter.com/62jx8xLtyz  Farid Ahmed (Qureshi) (@FaridQureshi_UK) October 21, 2023

In a video shared online back in October of what appears to show a tube driver leading a chant of 'Free, free Palestine' for the hundreds of passengers

Footage was shared online and was viewed tens of thousands of times.

Now the driver has attended a police station where he was interviewed by police officers investigating the chant.

Today, a British Transport Police spokesman told MailOnline: 'The train driver has attended a voluntary interview with officers and an investigation into the incident remains ongoing.'

It is understood he is still suspended by Transport for London.

Those on the tube carriage could be seen joining in with the driver's chant

Pro-Palastine Demonstrations have been marred in controversy with some protesters holding vile signs with the Nazi symbol and photos of Hitler. Numerous arrests have taken place against those accused of holding offensive signs.

A source said: 'The incident is being taken seriously enough for the driver to be interviewed by officers. It caused a lot of upset at the time. The driver is still thought to be suspended and has not been back at work.'

At the time, the Israeli Embassy said: 'It is deeply troubling to see such intolerance on London's Tubes... public transport should be a place of safety and inclusivity for all.'

The chant was criticised by minister for London Paul Scully who said Tube staff should 'focus on the day job' and warned against stoking tension in the capital.

TfL was approached for comment.
Barclay Primary School said 'misinformation' was being used to target teacher

A primary school in east London has been forced to close early for Christmas after claiming 'malicious' lies on social media led to staff being threatened.

Barclay Primary School in Leyton, Waltham Forest, has been engulfed in a row after a TikTok video alleging that an eight-year-old pupil was bullied by teachers 'for being Palestinian' was viewed more than 250,000 times.

In a letter to parents, school chiefs said there was 'no evidence to support any allegations of bullying or misconduct' and that internal and external investigations found the claims to be 'false'.

It slammed the spread of 'misinformation', which had resulted in 'threatening and completely unacceptable conduct' from activists responding to allegations made on social media.

These included claims that the boy in question was reprimanded for wearing a Palestine badge on his coat and that he was 'denied playtime and lunchtime privileges' for refusing to remove it.

The school, responsible for the education of 1,293 children up to the age of 11, was due to break up for Christmas on Friday but education bosses took the decision to close two days early.

It came as protesters gathered outside the school this morning chanting 'Barclay, shame on you' and 'education is under attack'.

BREAKING: Parents are protesting outside London's Barclay Primary School amid a row with Muslim parents over alleged anti-Palestine censorship. pic.twitter.com/32E8XEV74K  5Pillars (@5Pillarsuk) December 21, 2023

Parents have staged a protest amid a row over students wearing Palestinian symbols at an east London school

A Palestinian flag flies above Barclay Primary School, which has been forced to break early for the holidays due to 'threats to staff'

Aaron Wright (pictured) is the Executive Headteacher at Brook House Primary School and Leigh Beck Junior School in the Lion Academy Trust

The row first erupted when some pupils used a Children in Need mufti day to show their support for Palestine with flags, badges and stickers.

A letter was then sent to eight families - out of a school of 1,325 students - warning that 'inappropriate comments made at school including extremist or divisive comments' would result in formal meetings with senior figures at the school.

The note also said it could potentially lead to referrals to the Government's counter terrorism programme, Prevent, or Waltham Forest's Hate Crime Team.

TikToker Zaki then posted a video, in which he told followers: 'Barclay Primary School is basically saying that if you support Palestine, you're going to become a terrorist - or you already are one.'

He also alleged in the clip that a boy had been 'bullied, harassed and mentally traumatised by his teachers' and that 170 parents signed a letter of complaint, citing concerns over 'freedom of speech, disparity of approach and Islamophobia'.

The school, which first opened in 1908 and operates a nursery school of pupils aged three and upwards, refutes the claims and says there is 'no evidence to support any allegations of bullying or misconduct' and that internal and external investigations with safeguarding authorities found them to be 'false'.

Education bosses then sent another letter to parents this week after the TikTok video was widely shared, saying the reference to Prevent had been 'deliberately taken out of context'.

A spokesperson for the Lion Academy Trust, which runs the school, added that it has never reported anyone to Prevent, nor would it wish to do so, but said it was 'seeking to be transparent by making individuals aware of the school's legal obligations'.

Valerie, whose young son goes to the school, told MailOnline today she thought staff had got it 'really wrong' but expressed disappointment at the early closure, and questioned if the protests were 'suitable'.

'I wasn't there this morning - I had to work,' she explained.

'I think it's basically the two things: the school's got it really wrong, but I am not sure if the protests are suitable.

'I think it would be better to raise money for Palestinian relief rather than stage protests.

'It's disappointing, because the children are so young. They're primary school children, so I think they're too young to understand.

'My son missed his Christmas dinner today [at the school]. It's just unfortunate.

'I think everybody can be a little more accommodating given where we are in the world.'

One parent at the protest criticised the school for not allowing a student 'to wear the badge of his homeland'

Video footage showed parents gathering outside the school with pro-Palestinian flags and placards, and chanting 'Education is under attack'

A parent holds a placard supporting 'the student who has not been allowed to attend school since November 23'

But Oscar Spinoza, a builder whose young son also attends Barclays, says showing solidarity with the Palestinian community is more important than children not being able to attend school for a few days.

'We were surprised in the morning,' the 34-year-old said.

'Nobody told us [the school was shut] this morning. I'm not political, but it's showing solidarity. Everyone should have a voice.

'What is most important is the people dying - one day off school is not going to change anything.

'In Ukraine as well, in many places. People's egos are so high that no one wants to make clear decisions and stop the wars.'

The school announced yesterday that the school would be closing with immediate effect - two days earlier than planned - 'in light of escalating threats against staff and the school'.

School leaders said the decision had been made 'after careful reflection and because we need the school to be a safe place for the children and staff'.

In the latest letter, seen by Sky News, the school's executive headteacher Aaron Wright said: 'Over the course of the weekend, a video was published on TikTok which has made and amplified a series of false and malicious allegations against Barclay Primary School and a Lion Academy Trust board member.

'This has been further shared on social media and misdirected and unhelpful commentary about the school and our staff are being circulated.'

Mr Wright said the school was working with the police, Department for Education, Ofsted and other local safeguarding bodies to help 'tackle the disinformation'.

The dispute escalated further when eight parents were sent a letter that allegedly 'threatened' to report them to Prevent

A Palestinian flag flies above Barclay Primary School, which has been engulfed in a row

He added: 'Sadly, it seems that there is a tiny minority of carers/parents who have elected to work against the school have been directly responsible for the malicious and false content being published online.'

Following this morning's protests, which commenced at around 8:30, victorious Palestinian flags now flutter in the strong winds after being erected on lampposts on deserted Canterbury Road, on which the school is located.

A sole Union Jack flies on a white flagpole just inside the school gates on which pro-Palestine placards have been left - its red, white and blue outnumbered by the ubiquitous red, black and green of the flags around it.

One demonstrator told Sky News: 'The school had a massive Ukrainian flag outside and promoted the fact that they were supporting Ukraine.

'We had a situation today where Israel is attacking Gaza. Why is it that they are not allowing an eight-year-old child to wear the badge of his homeland, of his heritage?'

A statement from the Lion Academy Trust said that pupils were 'being directly impacted by the actions of a misdirected and misinformed few, seeking to disrupt a primary school from exercising its proper function to educate children.'

It continued: 'We will never tolerate bullying or intimidation from any source - and have the full support of the Department for Education, Ofsted and the police in this matter.

'We will take any and all necessary steps to protect our pupils, staff and values.'

The Metropolitan Police said officers attended a protest at a school on Canterbury Road, E10, and it was 'peacefully concluded'.
Jammu, Dec 21 (UNI) Three army troops were martyred while three sustained injuries in an ongoing operation in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

A Jammu based defence spokesman said that an operation was being conducted in the general area of Dera Ki Gali (DKG), Thanamandi, Rajouri, since Thursday night.

He said that at approximately 3:45 PM on December 21, two army vehicles carrying troops were moving to the operational site, which were fired upon by the terrorists.

The fire was immediately retaliated upon by our own troops, he said.

The spokesman said that in the ongoing operation, three own troops sustained fatalities and three non-fatal.

Operation is in progress and further details are being ascertained, he added.

This year so far in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, 16 security personnel and seven civilians have lost their lives.

However, 24 terrorists have also been killed by the security forces in different operations in twin border districts this year.

UNI VBH CS1955
A young couple accidentally filmed the horrifying moment a Canadian tourist was killed in a 'shark attack' on a beach in Mexico.

Joseph 'Jeff' Bynens, 76, was swimming in the sea when he was attacked by the predator on December 14.

According to reports, he was rescued from the water with most of his leg missing and died of excessive blood loss on the beach in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.

Initial reports said Bynens was killed by a shark, but his injuries led the authorities to suspect that it may have been a crocodile. His female partner was also attacked by the same animal and is currently being treated at an area hospital.

Video taken of a young mother playing on the beach with her daughter apparently captured Bynens' final moments. Officials say the clip could possibly help shed light on what kind of animal attacked him.

Marlene Luviano was playing on the shoreline with her toddler daughter last week when her partner accidentally filmed the horrifying moment a tourist was killed in a 'shark attack'

Joseph 'Jeff' Bynens, 76, was swimming in the sea when he was attacked by the predator on December 14. According to reports, he was rescued from the water with most of his leg missing and died of excessive blood loss on the beach in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Initial reports said Bynens was killed by a shark, but his injuries led the authorities to suspect that it may have been a crocodile

Jozef 'Jeff' Bynens (pictured) died after being attacked by a marine animal on December 14

The clip shows Marlene Luviano playing on the shoreline with her toddler daughter last week. She had asked her partner to film the beach visit because it was their daughter's birthday.

In the background, Bynens is seen swimming to a buoy and waving his arm in the air for help before being dragged under the waves, presumably by the marine predator.

Luviano realized that something was not right and leads her daughter away from the shore. She then asks her partner to stop filming.

'We were enjoying the morning on the beach and that's when we heard something in the sea,' she explained.

By the time the victim was rescued from the sea, he had already 'bled to death', according to Luviano.

She said: 'When they dragged him out of the sea, the wound was already very visible. I noticed there was no longer any blood coming out.'

The authorities are still investigating whether Bynens was killed by a shark or a crocodile.

Local press have reported that Bynens was from Canada, while other officials have alleged the tourist was from Hasselt, Belgium.

His death came just minutes after a 52-year-old Los Angeles woman was severely injured after being bitten by either a shark or a crocodile in a separate attack along Mexico's Pacific coast.

The attacks happened here, in Playa Quieta, in the southern state of Guerrero, along Mexico's Pacific coast

Officials are seen on the beach along Mexico's Pacific coast in the aftermath of the horrific attack

An official holds a purple flag which indicates to swimmers that dangerous marine life has been seen in the area

Playa Quieta was closed in the aftermath of the horrific attack as the Navy searches the water for the animal, witnesses reported seeing drones deployed

The civil defense office in the southern state of Guerrero that both the 76-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were both bitten in the legs by an unidentified animal.

Valerie Haurowitz, a native of Los Angeles, was bitten in the legs around 9.15am at Playa Quieta close to a hotel, in the Zihuatanejo section, local reports said.

Around five minutes later, the same animal struck again, this time fatally.

The man was reported dead at the scene, while the woman was taken to a hospital where she is expected to recover.

Both sharks and crocodiles inhabit the area. El Pais reports that the civil defense are searching for a shark but have not ruled out a crocodile as the culprit.

However, Zihuatanejo Mayor Jorge Sanchez Allec said that the bites suffered by the victims led him to believe that a crocodile was responsible.

A crocodile invaded a beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, last Friday sending swimmers running for safety

According to one report, the tourist's leg was ripped off by the creature. That report said that the man's wife told authorities that a shark was responsible.

Playa Quieta was closed in the aftermath of the horrific attack as the Navy searches the water for the animal, witnesses reported seeing drones deployed.

The Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semaren), Angel Almazan Juarez told the media that shark sightings are rare in the region.

Last Friday, a crocodile was seen in El Palmar beach, around four miles south of where the fatal attack occurred.

Stunning footage showed the moment the crocodile invaded the beach last week, scaring off visitors and forcing one lifeguard to usher the creature back to the sea.

In early December, a Mexican woman died after she was severely bitten in the leg by a shark just off the beach town of Melaque, west of the seaport of Manzanillo.

Graphic video appeared to show the aftermath of the attack as Maria Fernanda Martinez Jimenez, whose leg was torn off, lay on the sand after being helped out of the water off Melaque Beach in the state of Jalisco.

Horrified onlookers could be heard shouting 'she's lost her leg' as they waited for emergency teams to arrive on Saturday morning.

The 26-year-old was carried to the shore by three beachgoers, but she died of blood loss from a massive bite wound just minutes later.

The dead woman has been identified locally as a 26-year-old tourist called Maria Fernandez Martinez Jimenez, a former marine biology student from the University of Guadalajara

Local reports said Martinez Jimenez helped her daughter to safety by placing her on a floating platform after becoming aware she was in danger while the pair were swimming 65ft off the beach.

The local authorities launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the attack and evaluate security measures in the coastal area.

In 2019, a US diver survived a shark bite on the forearm in Magdalena Bay off the Baja California Sur coast.

According to the International Shark File, there have been 40 shark attacks in Mexico since 1907, 12 of which occurred in Guerrero.
A female strip club boss has died just hours after she was seen partying with friends.

Rebecca Harrison, the licensee of the Show Girls strip club on Darlinghurst Road in Kings Cross, died in November after celebrating her 39th birthday at the venue.

Police say it's too early to determine Ms Harrison's cause of death but it's believed she went to bed after the party and did not wake up.

Officers are now waiting on the results of a toxicology test, which will be provided to the coroner.

Ms Harrison's sister, Joanne Roe, announced the 'devastating' news on social media.

Rebecca Harrison was found dead in her bed last month after celebrating her 39th birthday in King Cross' Show Girls strip club

Ms Harrison was the licensee of the club and police are now awaiting the results of a toxicology test to figure out her exact cause of death

READ MORE: Stripper slams proposed club ban Advertisement

Ms Roe said she was also awaiting the toxicology results to figure out what had happened to her little sister.

'I had two policemen turn up on my doorstep. They had come to inform me that my little sister Rebecca Harrison had passed away,' Ms Roe wrote.

'Obviously we are absolutely devastated with this news and in complete shock. We dont know the details, but I just wanted to share on here so people that knew Rebecca would know what had happened.'

Other friends of Ms Harrison have also paid tribute to a woman that 'everybody in the Cross knew'.

'To be in your presence was a gift [and] you have gone too soon,' best friend Hannah Extance wrote.

Another friend told the Daily Telegraph that the news 'rocked a lot of people'.

'She partied hard, but no one expected something like this to happen to our Bex,' she said.

'One minute we are all wishing her a happy birthday, the next we are writing RIP  like, how?'

Friends and family paid tribute Ms Harrison online, with one friend stating that the news 'rocked a lot of people' and her older sister Joanne Roe saying that her family was devastated

Ms Harrison began working at Show Girls after previously working as a waitress at the DreamGirls club until it was raided and shut down in 2016.

A friend said she had last seen Ms Harrison at a DreamGirls reunion a couple of weeks ago and that she had been 'the centre of fun'.

Show Girls' website describes the club as a 'hotbed of nightclub music and lap dancers' where 'the most beautiful women from around Australia' perform.

Ms Roe is expected to fly from the UK to Sydney in January for her sister's cremation.
Ex-British Army soldier Daniel Khalife will stand trial next year for escaping from prison under a food delivery van.

The fugitive veteran and alleged spy, 22, is said to have escaped from Wandsworth jail in south London earlier this year after strapping himself to the underside of a Bidfood delivery truck with a makeshift harness made from prison bedsheets.

Khalife was originally arrested in January on terrorism charges after plotting a fake bomb hoax at his army barracks at MoD Stafford and he is also accused of spying for an enemy state, which is understood to be Iran.

Khalife denies one charge of escape, one of committing an act prejudicial to the state, one of eliciting information about members of the Armed Forces and another of perpetrating a bomb hoax.

He appeared at the Old Bailey this morning via videolink from maximum security Belmarsh jail in south east London as the Judge, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker, revealed a trial will be set for October next year.

Ex-British Army soldier Daniel Khalife will stand trial next year for escaping from prison under a food delivery van

The fugitive veteran and alleged spy is said to have escaped from Wandsworth jail in south London earlier this year

HMP Wandsworth in London

Khalife, who was wearing a white, long-sleeved top, spoke only to confirm his name at the beginning of the hearing.

A further hearing will also be held in March next year after a further defence statement is submitted.

Khalife's barrister, Naeem Karbhari, told the court he had struggled to have meetings with his client, who is being held in a 'high-security unit' at Belmarsh.

Mr Karbhari said: 'There has been real difficulties in terms of getting instructions from Mr Khalife.

'He is only entitled to a laptop for an hour or max two hours a week, which he has to apply for in advance.

'Given the background to him, he's clearly in a high security unit in Belmarsh, where he's entitled to two face-to-face visits a week.'

Mr Karbhari complained that lawyers had recently arrived at the prison to speak with Khalife but were not permitted to see their client in a conference room until late afternoon.

He added: 'Those having CVP conferences have been waiting for substantial time.

'What should have been two-hour slots were actually 45 minutes.'

Mr Justice Baker, reading a statement submitted by the defence, asked if one point regarding 'the matter of generating publicity' would be intended as a defence, which Mr Karbhari said it would not.

The indictment list for Khalife accuses him of obtaining, collecting, recording, publishing or communicating information that might be 'useful to an enemy'

Mr Karbhari said of the some of the matters in the statement: 'We accept that within that section, there's little in terms of specifics as far as this defendant is concerned.

'[They were] matters, nevertheless, playing on his mind.'

The indictment list for Khalife accuses him of obtaining, collecting, recording, publishing or communicating information that might be 'useful to an enemy'.

The second charge relates to him 'eliciting information about the Armed Forces' obtained an MOD administration system which was 'likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism'.

The thrid charge relates to Khalife 'perpertrating a bomb hoax' using a device made from 'three canisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation' at his army barracks at MOD Stafford, to spark fears it would explode.

Prosecutors allege Khalife also left a handwritten note which read, 'Your options are suicide or absconding'.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC invited the judge to hold a preparatory hearing before the trial date to further discuss the defences' stance on count four - Khalife's alleged escape from prison.

She added that the 'question of unlawfulness of detention' should also be raised at the preparatory hearing.

Mr Justice Baker set a trial date for October 7, 2024, at Woolwich Crown Court, saying: 'That's the earliest date that any court could accommodate.

'Mr Khalife, no doubt it would be in your best interests to cooperate with your legal team.

'You will next be in court, in all likelihood, between March 11 and March 27.

'Until that time, you will remain in custody.'

Mr Justice Barker said he would raise the difficulties set out by Mr Karbhari of him attending conferences with Khalife with HMP Belmarsh, but added that 'the court has very little power over the prisons'.
A cannabis addict who killed his girlfriend and three generations of her family in the same savage attack that he claimed was a 'sacrifice' was today found guilty of murder.

Joshua Jacques, 29, had been bingeing on alcohol and smoking pot for 12 hours when he attacked Samantha Drummonds and her family in their own home in Bermondsey, south London, early on April 25 last year.

Police found the bodies of Ms Drummonds, 27, her mother Tanysha Ofori-Akuffo, 45, grandmother Dolet Hill, 64, and Ms Hill's partner, Denton Burke, 58, after being alerted to a disturbance by a neighbour.

Jacques had left a 'bloodbath' in his wake as he attacked the victims with a knife at the terraced home in Delaford Road. Police officers found Mr Burke's body at the foot of the stairs and the three women 'heaped together' in the kitchen.

Armed officers discovered Jacques naked and lying in the upstairs bathroom in a praying position, screaming 'Allah, take me!', 'Kill me now', 'Get rid of me', and 'God please forgive me'.

Joshua Jacques, 29, was today found guilty of murdering his girlfriend and three members of her family

Armed officers discovered Jacques naked and lying in the upstairs bathroom in a praying position, screaming 'Allah, take me!', 'Kill me now'

Jacques' girlfriend Samantha Drummonds, 29, was described as 'an upbeat, fun-loving, bubbly young lady'

Later, at Lewisham Hospital, Jacques said: 'I ain't even in the wrong, I did them for sacrifice', and also warned: 'I will do something stupid again.'

He had admitted their manslaughters but denied murder on the basis that he was mentally unwell at the time.

An Old Bailey jury deliberated for two hours to find Jacques, from Lewisham, south-east London, guilty of four counts of murder today.

Members of the victims' family expressed relief at the unanimous verdicts with one saying 'thank you, Jesus'.

The defendant looked down and shook his head in the dock as the jury foreman read out each of the four guilty verdicts.

Mr Justice Bryan adjourned sentencing until February 9 and remanded Jacques into custody.

Speaking outside court, members of the victims' family said 'justice has been served' and Jacques deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars for the murders of a 'happy, loving, caring' family.

Previously, prosecutor Tom Little KC said: 'The prosecution case is that this is a clear case of murder, or more accurately a clear case of quadruple murder.'

He argued Jacques' ability to form a rational judgment and exercise self-control were not substantially impaired by any psychiatric condition, and his behaviour was brought about by 'self-induced intoxication, taking drugs and drinking alcohol'.

He told jurors: 'This, we say, led to a transient psychotic disorder not meeting the requirements for the defendant to make out a partial defence of diminished responsibility.'

Jurors were told Jacques had 11 previous convictions for 20 offences, including for cannabis, being in possession of a silver knuckle duster, and robbery.

Dolet Hill and Denton Burke were both killed inside their three-bedroom home close to Millwall's stadium

Dolet Hill (in the multi-coloured dress), her daughter Tanysha Drummonds (with her arm around her) and her other daughter Tracey Henry (pictured in a white dress)

He first had a mental health assessment in April 2016 after seeking hospital treatment for drinking water from a toilet.

He was arrested after he threatened to stab and shoot a security officer, and, while in police custody, threw food around his cell.

He said he had took 3g of skunk cannabis a day and refused to consider cutting down, saying he would carry on smoking marijuana 'even if it killed' him.

In 2018, he was detained under the Mental Health Act after he was seen praying in the middle of a busy road in Brixton, south London, and was in hospital from April 27 to around August 7 of that year.

Initially on admission, the impression was of drug-induced mania with psychotic features, jurors were told.

In February 2020, he was jailed for 51 months for conspiring to deal heroin and crack cocaine, and possessing cannabis. He was released on November 11 2021.

In probation reports from April last year, Jacques was described as chatty and engaged.

Three days before the killing, he called his probation officer to say that he had been offered a job at a radio station.

Two days later, Ms Drummonds confided in a friend that she believed Jacques was having an 'episode' and had been 'chatting all night and was fixated on topics'.

Police officers and floral tributes were seen outside the property in Bermondsey where three generations of the same family died

Parts of the London skyline are seen in the background as police and forensic officers investigate in Bermondsey last April

Mr Little told jurors no medical calls were made before the killings nor was Jacques taken to hospital.

Last April 25, Jacques had visited the house where Mr Burke and Ms Hill lived only for the second time.

Ms Ofori-Akuffo, also known as Racquel, sometimes stayed at the property to care for her mother, who was receiving treatment for cancer, while Ms Drummonds had been living there as her own flat was undergoing renovation, Mr Little told jurors.

After Jacques launched his attack, Ms Drummonds called his mother Norma Derrivere but all she was able to say was 'Norma he's sta... sta... ahhh'.

In a voice note to her best friend, she said: 'Josh is basically getting to the point where he could basically have an episode, like I don't know what's triggered him..'

There were also FaceTime calls between Jacques and his mother that evening, and during one, after 2am, he said: 'I'm ending it, I'm gonna make a sacrifice.'

Neighbour Alice Canal heard a cat screeching, a male voice swearing, movement, banging and what she believed was someone falling down stairs, which prompted her to call 999 at around 1.42am.

It was claimed on his behalf that Jacques had exhibited manic symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder.

He doubled his skunk cannabis intake from his birthday on April 19 last year - just days before the killings.

However, that escalation came weeks after he began having trouble sleeping which was a symptom of mania, the defence argued.

The killing took place at Dolet's 600,000 home just yards away from Millwall FC's stadium

Dr Nigel Blackwood, a forensic psychiatrist for the prosecution, said the symptoms of manic behaviour were caused by the large amount of cannabis Jacques had consumed.

He told the court: 'The defence psychiatrists maintain there was a serious mental illness which recurs in the context of cannabis use.'

He said it was his view that the symptoms 'could be entirely produced by the cannabis use he was using at that time' without an underlying condition.

Jacques was a cannabis user from the age of 12 and became a drug dealer.

Dr Blackwood said he believed drug use was also the cause of Jacques' behaviour in 2018 and that he did not have bipolar disorder.

'The symptoms were consistent with a manic episode but to me, it was driven by his drug use at that time,' he said.

He said what Jacques experienced was a 'drug induced mania with psychotic features'.

Jacques had also been taking MDMA, a form of ecstasy, in the days leading up to the killings.

Giving evidence for the defence, psychiatrist Dr Raman Deo said Jacques was 'manic and paranoid on a number of issues'.

He said: 'My opinion is that on balance the abnormality of mental function arising from bipolar disorder would have been a significant factor in the killings.'
Emmanuel Macron has sparked fury by defending alleged rapist and serial sex abuser Gerard Depardieu.

The President of France appeared on a TV chat show and said he detested the actor being subjected to a 'manhunt'.

Depardieu, the 74-year-old star of hit films including Green Card and The Last Metro, has been charged with rape in connection with an alleged attack on a young actress.

He is implicated in at least 14 other cases of sexual assault, and vehemently denies all the accusations against him. Just yesterday, it was revealed that a Spanish journalist had become the latest woman to accuse the actor of rape.

Mr Macron came out in support of Depardieu on Wednesday evening, during a two-hour interview on France 5's 'C a vous' programme.

He said: 'According to our values, there is the presumption of innocence. I hate manhunts.'

The President of France appeared on a TV chat show (pictured) and said he detested the actor being subjected to a 'manhunt'

Depardieu (pictured) is implicated in at least 14 other cases of sexual assault, and vehemently denies all the accusations against him

Mr Macron added: 'If every time someone accuses you of the worst and you have a public role, you can no longer do anything, it is the air of suspicion, it is no longer a democracy. We are no longer free citizens.'

READ MORE: Spanish journalist becomes latest woman to make rape claim against Gerard Depardieu - two weeks after actress who also accused him of assault jumped to her death into the Seine Advertisement

Mr Macron has also said Depardieu should not be stripped of his Legion d'Honneur - France's highest civilian award - because 'it is not a moral tool'.

This is despite Rima Abdul Malak, Mr Macron's own Culture Minister, saying Depardieu had 'brought shame of France' with his all-round sexist behaviour, and should not retain the Legion d'Honneur.

Other politicians spoke out on Thursday, with MP Sandrine Rousseau saying on Twitter/X: 'Emmanuel Macron's words about Depardieu are once again an insult to the free speech of victims of the sexual violence movement.'

She also told French radio: 'Someone who sexualises a 10-year-old child does not make a country proud.'

Her comments came after Depardieu was reportedly filmed making sexual comments about a girl aged ten and groped his interpreter's bottom during a visit to North Korea in 2018.

Raphaelle Remy-Leleu, a Paris councillor for the Greens, said that victims of sexual assault 'will never mean as much as a man's supposed reputation' unless Depardieu is held accountable.

And Olivier Faure, first secretary of the French Socialist Party, noted how 'violence against women' had become a 'major theme' during Macron's term of office.

Mr Macron has also said Depardieu should not be stripped of his Legion d'Honneur - France's highest civilian award - because 'it is not a moral tool'

MP Sandrine Rousseau (pictured) said: 'Emmanuel Macron's words about Depardieu are once again an insult to the free speech of victims of the sexual violence movement.'

He said that if he was a Macron lieutenant, he would seriously consider resigning, along with health minister Aurelien Rousseau.

Mr Rousseau dramatically quit Mr Macron's government on Wednesday, over controversial new immigration legislation.

Paris prosecutors confirmed last week that a criminal enquiry has been opened into the 'mysterious death' of a French actress who had accused Depardieu of sexual violence.

It is feared that the last hours of Emmanuelle Debever, 60, may be linked to multiple abuse accusations levelled against Depardieu.

Ms Debever disappeared from the home she shared with an unidentified partner in Paris late last month, before apparently jumping off a bridge in the French capital eight days later.

Actress Charlotte Arnould, 28, has also accused the actor of criminal behaviour.

French actress Charlotte Arnould (pictured) went public with her accusation that Depardieu, 74, raped her in his Paris mansion. Ms Arnould, 33, renounced her legal right to anonymity at the end of 2021, to protest at how long the investigation is taking

Helene Darras, a French actress who claims Depardieu assaulted her in 2007

There is CCTV footage of Depardieu performing a sex act on Arnould at his Paris mansion in August 2018, but he insists it was consensual.

Ms Arnould renounced her legal right to anonymity at the end of 2021, following Depardieu being charged with rape and sexual assault.

Within a few days of his indictment, Depardieu was back working on the Paris location of the police drama Maigret And The Dead Girl, in which he starred with Jade Labeste.

In October, he broke his silence over claims that he is a serial sex abuser saying: 'I am neither a rapist nor a predator.'

Accusing enemies of subjecting him to a 'lynching' in the media, he expressed his anger in an open letter in Le Figaro newspaper.

The Charlotte Arnould case is currently making its way through the French courts after an attempt by Depardieu's counsel to get the charges overturned was overruled.

Accusations against Depardieu follow a series of MeToo complaints against powerful men in the Paris arts establishment who are said to have raped or otherwise abused young women working as models and actresses.

Such scandals have led to demonstrations by women's groups at high-profile showbusiness events, as they call for female actors to stop working with allegedly abusive men.

In 2017, President Macron withdrew the Legion of Honour from Harvey Weinstein after a series of accusations of sexual harassment and rape which eventually saw the Hollywood mogul imprisoned.
One of the founding members of drill rap group OneFour has revealed he plans to leave the group.

Rapper Pio 'YP' Misa was sentenced to seven months in prison with four months non-parole on Thursday for his role in a violent street fight, meaning he will be eligible for release in January.

On sentencing his barrister Brian Royce told a Sydney court Misa had reengaged with his Christian faith and his beliefs don't fit with his image as a OneFour member, the Daily Telegraph reported.

'You can see from (the psychological) reports he's matured  his Christian beliefs now set him in conflict with some of the messages that are in the lyrics of the band OneFour,' Mr Royce said.

Jailed Australian rapper Pio 'YP' Misa (pictured) is leaving the drill rap group OneFour he co-founded almost a decade ago because it does not fit with his Christian beliefs

Among the band's lyrics are those for the song The Message, was written after the stabbing death of Tino Henry in 2018 amid a so-called 'postcode war' brawl.

Nobody from OneFour had any involvement in Mr Henry's death, but the song's lyrics include the lines: 'Retaliation is a must, ain't no maybe ifs or buts/I got friends looking at 10/You watched yours get put in a box (put in a box).'

'He now feels he's internally in conflict  (between) growing his music career and his developing Christian beliefs,' Mr Royce said.

'He wants to lead a pro-social life and be involved in church activities.'

The barrister added to Misa wants to 'completely walk away from the band' he started in 2014.

The group, from Mount Druitt in western Sydney, feature in the documentary OneFour: Against All Odds, which was released on October 26 and covers their rise to fame and struggles to be allowed to perform live shows.

Misa was not at the launch of the film, though, as he was in jail on remand over the wild brawl in the north-western Sydney suburb of South Windsor in September.

Court documents said Misa beat the victim, Troy Camplin in a fight outside home on September 22.

Mr Camplin was knocked to the ground and hit his head, suffering a 2cm cut to the back of his skull which gushed blood over his neck and clothing.

Magistrate Leanne Robinson accepted the rapper reengaged with his church and had good prospects of rehabilitation.

In their Netflix documentary, OneFour were given glowing treatment, being praised by the likes of hip hop stars Skepta and The Kid Laroi.

But while the film touched on how Misa, Salec 'Lekks' Sua and Dahcell 'Celly' Ramos were all jailed over a violent attack on two men in a Rooty Hill pokies room back in July, 2018, it skipped over the severity of the assault.

In that assault, Misa pulled a chair leg out from underneath his clothes and struck one of the men three times, including twice in the head, while shocking footage showed Celly repeatedly strike the victim with a hammer and stomp on him, rendering him unconscious.

On Thursday, Misa (pictured) was sentenced to seven months in prison with four months non-parole for his role in a violent street fight, meaning he will be eligible for release in January

A court heard that a founding One Four member wants to 'completely walk away from the band' he started in 2014.

READ MORE: Australia's most notorious drill rap group OneFour were BARRED from performing at Tim Tszyu fight Advertisement

Lekks was jailed for at least four-and-a-half years, Celly - the hammer attacker - for a decade, and Misa for four for their roles in the bashing.

'I did what I felt was right at the time,' Misa said in the documentary.

'It could've been a lot different, we could have gone and spoken to them but that was just the way we handled it, we didn't know how to talk back then.'

While the documentary did air some of the CCTV from the brutal attack and mentioned the members had been jailed, the incident was quickly brushed over and the gruesome details of the bashing left out.

The film also failed to mention that Lekks, who never shows his face in public, was deported from Australia after finishing his sentence due to his criminal record.

His visa was cancelled in June 2020 and he was deported to New Zealand last year after his non-parole period was completed.

Misa was released from prison in December 2022, before finding himself back behind bars again nine months later after the attack in South Windsor.
The names of the two teenage killers who stabbed schoolgirl Brianna Ghey to death can be reported by the media when they are sentenced next year, a judge has ruled.

Brianna, 16, was stabbed with a hunting knife 28 times in the head, neck, chest and back after being lured to Linear Park, Culcheth, a village near Warrington, Cheshire, on the afternoon of February 11.

Her killers - identified only as Girl X and Boy Y, both now aged 16 but were 15 at the time of the attack - had denied murder and each blamed the other for the killing of the transgender teenager but on Wednesday were both found guilty of murder.

Lawyers representing both killers had argued for a delay in lifting reporting restrictions so the teenagers and their parents can 'prepare themselves' before they are unmasked.

But Mrs Justice Yip said the 'particularly brutal' way in which Brianna was targeted meant there was a strong public interest in knowing their names to help a full understanding of their appalling crime.

She agreed to delay lifting the orders until the sentencing hearing, which is set for February 2 next year, after hearing both killers' families had received death threats and 'hostility' as a result of their names being known in their local communities.

Brianna, 16, was stabbed with a hunting knife 28 times in a park Cheshire, on February 11

Her killers, identified only as Girl X and Boy Y, are both now aged 16 but were 15 at the time of the attack

Brianna's heartbroken mother Esther Ghey paid tribute to her 'funny, witty and fearless' daughter and criticised her killers for not showing 'an ounce of remorse'

The court heard that Brianna's parents  whose dignified conduct and moving statements after Girl X and Boy Y were convicted of her murder yesterday Mrs Justice Yip described as 'hugely impressive'  supported making their identities public.

At a hearing this morning to consider a media application to identify both murderers, Stephen Swift, junior defence counsel for Boy Y, said the judge needed to weigh 'the welfare of the defendants' against the 'public interest' in the case.

Mr Swift said he accepted that the 'grave nature' of their crime meant legal principles were 'heavily in favour' of lifting orders protecting their identity.

But he highlighted Boy Y's autism diagnosis and the 'medical complications' on display during the case  a reference to how he gave evidence by typing it on a laptop as a result 'selective mutism' which appeared after his arrest.

Mr Swift asked that if the judge did decide to lift the order in relation to Boy Y that it be delayed until they are sentenced 'to allow the family to prepare themselves and for this to be discuss with him'.

Sarah Holt, junior defence counsel for Girl X, said the focus must be on her 'welfare' and supported delaying lifting the orders until they are sentenced.

She argued the media could report the facts of the case 'in their entirety' without being able to identify her client.

Lead prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said Briannas family had been asked whether they approved making her killers names public.

She said they support the lifting of the restriction but appreciated that other facts needed to be taken into consideration.

'That seems to reflect their approach to the case generally,' the judge commented.

She made a formal ruling lifting the orders but imposed a 'stay', delaying it until the sentencing hearing, set for February 2 next year.

Brianna's body was found lying face-down in the mud at a popular beauty spot in a Cheshire village on February 11 this year

She was stabbed after her killers lured her to Linear Park, Culcheth, a village near Warrington, Cheshire, on the afternoon of February 11

Delivering her ruling, the judge said Brianna's murder had been 'a shocking event'.

Backing the media request to be able to name her killers, she said: 'The public will naturally wish to know the identities of the young people responsible as they seek to understand how children could do something so dreadful.'

Follow every detail of the case on The Mail's acclaimed podcast The Trial The Trial... takes listeners behind the headlines and into the courtrooms of some of the biggest trials in the world. The first series 'The Trial of Lucy Letby' was a global hit, with more than 13million downloads, while season two focused on the murder of Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old teacher from Ireland. Its third season follows the tragic case of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl killed in Warrington, England. Follow the evidence as the jury hears it, in twice-weekly reports from The Daily Mail's Northern Correspondent Liz Hull and broadcast journalist Caroline Cheetham. Advertisement

But she said she was delaying lifting the court order until Girl X and Boy Y are sentenced because their 'welfare' is 'likely to be detrimentally affected' if they and their families did not receive help to 'prepare them for the consequences' of being unmasked.

Mrs Justice Yip revealed that the families of both killers had suffered death threats.

But praising the 'fortitude and humanity' shown by Brianna's parents, she said that anyone who was 'tempted to direct vitriol or malice' towards them 'would do well to recognise that they would be acting against the express wishes of Brianna's bereaved mother'.

She added: 'They might also question the part they are playing in society in the context of a case in which dark thoughts and hateful messages became enacted in real life.'

Delivering her ruling, Mrs Justice Yip said: 'Brianna was only 16 years old at the date of her death.

'She was transgender and had a significant social media profile.

'Her killing attracted immediate interest and vigils were held for her at locations throughout the United Kingdom.

'As details of her murder emerged, the shock and the public interest increased.

'Brianna was murdered in a particularly brutal way.

'The two defendants are themselves children who were aged just 15 at the time of the offence.

'Messages passing between them point to a significant degree of planning.

'Full and accurate reporting of the proceedings serves an important purpose in assisting public understanding.'

She said representatives of Girl X had expressed concern for her 'mental health and rehabilitation if and when she's released as an adult'.

A letter from local children's services chiefs revealed her family 'have already received death threats', the judge said.

'Concern is expressed that lifting restrictions will cause increased hostility to them, and to her.'

Submissions in relation to Boy Y highlighted the 'long-term' effect of naming him as well as the 'increased challenges' he would face in youth detention as a result of his autism.

Concerns were also raised for Boy Y's mental health if he became 'notorious and the focus of heightened attention', she added.

Mrs Justice Yip said she had to balance the principle of open reporting of legal proceedings against the welfare of the killers.

She added that 'the overall picture has changed in light of the convictions and the inevitability now that both defendants will be incarcerated for a long time'.

Brianna Ghey was stabbed to death with a hunting knife at Culcheth Linear Park near Warrington in Cheshire in a 'frenzied' attack

Brianna Ghey pictured with her mother Esther

A vigil was held for Brianna Ghey outside the Department for Education in London in February

Acknowledging that both Girl X  who has traits of autism - and Boy Y had 'additional vulnerabilities beyond their youth', she pointed out that both would turn 18 in 2025, when the media would be able to report their identities in any case.

But she accepted that media and public interest in the case was at its height now.

Accepting that naming X and Y 'will cause concern and distress to their families', she said the purpose of protecting the identity of underage criminals was not to protect their families.

'I am afraid that I think the risk of the families experiencing further threats and harassment will remain whether the defendants are named now or in 2025,' she added.

Highlighting how Brianna's parents Esther Ghey and Peter Spooner 'spoke eloquently and movingly outside court' yesterday, the judge pointed out that Ms Ghey 'expressly called for empathy and compassion to be extended to the parents of the defendants'.

'That showed remarkable fortitude and humanity.

'Those who have seen the defendants' parents in court over the last few weeks will recognise their suffering.'

'The shock generated by Brianna's murder and the circumstances of it has spread well beyond the local community, across the nation and indeed internationally,' she said.

'The public will naturally wish to know the identities of the young people responsible as they seek to understand how children could do something so dreadful.

'Continuing restrictions inhibits full and informed debate and restricts the full reporting of the case.

Ex-Culture Minister Lord Ed Vaizey appeared on Good Morning Britain earlier today

'Having considered all the circumstances, I am unable to conclude that there is a good reason to maintain reporting restrictions following the defendants' conviction and sentence.'

But imposing a 'stay' on lifting the order until X and Y are sentenced, the judge said she recognised that 'there may be a need for some work to be done with the defendants and their families to prepare them for the consequences of the reporting that is likely to follow the lifting of restrictions'.

Otherwise the killers' 'welfare' is 'likely to be detrimentally affected'.

Delaying reporting of their identities would 'allow time for the professionals responsible for the defendants to prepare them for the consequences', she concluded.

The ruling came after ex-Culture Minister Lord Ed Vaizey, who served as the Culture and Digital Minister from 2010 to 2016, appeared on Good Morning Britain todayand said 'there is a public interest' in naming the killers.

Lord Vaizey said he 'wouldn't have a problem' if the killers were named and claimed it would 'help people understand what happened'.

He also pointed out that 'a lot of people' in her local community 'will know exactly who they are', adding that 'if the local community know who they are why shouldn't the general public know who they are?'

Yesterday, Mrs Justice Yip adjourned sentencing to a later date, making clear to the convicted pair that they faced life sentences.

The trial heard the defendants had a fascination for violence, torture and murder  and had a 'thirst for killing' despite being intelligent, 'high functioning' and coming from normal backgrounds.

Their lawyers asked for time for the preparation of psychologists' reports before they are sentenced.

Mrs Justice Yip agreed, but added: 'Frankly, I don't expect them to make a huge difference to the outcome in sentencing but given their ages and the unusual circumstances of the case, I think it is right I have all the information available.

'I'm very conscious that no doubt the family of Brianna would want this case to be concluded as soon as possible.'

Brianna's father, Peter Spooner, said he was 'so proud' of what his daughter achieved

Brianna Ghey's mother Esther Ghey arrives at Manchester Crown Court on November 27

Yesterday, Brianna's heartbroken mother paid tribute to her 'funny, witty and fearless' daughter and slammed her killers for not showing 'an ounce of remorse'.

Speaking outside court, Esther Ghey said: 'Brianna was larger than life. She was funny, witty and fearless. We miss Brianna so much and our house feels empty without her laughter.

'To know how scared my usually fearless child must have been when she was alone in that park with someone that she called her friend will haunt me for ever.'

Brianna's father, Peter Spooner, said he was 'so proud' of his daughter and would never stop loving her.

He added: 'It is impossible to put into words how the murder of my child has affected me. I never stopped loving her and I never will. When she was little, I remember the faces she would pull to make me laugh.

'The cheeky giggle, the funny dances are engraved in my memory. I knew she was going to be a star and the amount of support she received from the followers on TikTok proved this. I was so proud of what she could do.'

Speaking of her daughter's killers, Ms Ghey said: 'Prior to the trial I had moments where I felt sorry for the defendants because they had ruined their own lives as well as ours.

'But now, knowing the true nature and seeing neither display an ounce of remorse for what they have done to Brianna, I have lost all sympathy that I may have previously had for them. And I am glad that they will spend many years in prison and away from society.'

Earlier, she recalled the horrific moment police told her Brianna had died.

'I sort of joked and said that if Brianna doesn't come home soon I'll probably have to ring the police,' she told the BBC.

'I got to the front door and the front door was open and it was two policemen stood in the house.

'And they said that they'd found a body and I remember the first thing that I said to him was that I knew, I knew, that something was going to happen.'

Brianna on her final bus journey before she was found stabbed to death in Linear Park

The Crown Prosecution Service released an image of the knife that killed Brianna

Officers found a note written by girl X of an alleged 'murder plan' against Brianna

The killers were spotted fleeing the scene before being arrested barely 24 hours after the attack - with officers later discovering a chilling handwritten note detailing how they were going to murder her, headed: 'Saturday 11th February 2023. Victim: Brianna Ghey.'

Along with the plan to kill the 16-year-old, another note found in Girl X's bedroom read: 'Give them alcohol with sleeping pills, slit throat, dismember body, place pieces in bin bags.'

The trial heard how Brianna was found by dog walkers in Linear Park shortly after 3pm on Saturday, February 11. Her body was discovered face down in mud, having been stabbed to the head, neck, back and chest.

Her jugular vein had also been severed, causing 'catastrophic blood loss', while another knife blow penetrated Brianna's heart. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene at 4.02pm.

During their trial, both of the teenagers attempted to wash their hands of the murder, blaming each other for Brianna's killing and each telling the court that their backs were turned when the other defendant began plunging the knife into her.

But a jury at Manchester Crown Court saw through the teenagers' lies and, following a trial of more than three weeks, convicted the pair of Brianna's murder. Girl X's parents were in tears after the guilty verdicts were delivered, while Boy Y's mother was also crying.

However, there was no visible reaction from the teenage killers, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Following the verdicts, Mrs Justice Yip told Girl X and Boy Y: 'I'm sure you probably already know that I have to impose a life sentence.

'What I will have to decide is the minimum amount of time you will be required to serve before you can be considered for release.

'I am going to see what other steps need to be taken before I sentence.'

The judge excused jurors from serving on a jury again for life before adjourning the court hearing briefly.

Girl X, wearing a pinafore style dress, spoke to her social worker and glanced at her parents leaving the courtroom.

Boy Y, who avoids all eye contact, did not look over at his mother as he was led from the dock carrying his Sudoku puzzles book.
New Delhi, Dec 20 (UNI) Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed three criminal law bills seeking to comprehensively change the criminal justice system and replacing age-old legislations, including two introduced in the British era.

The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023 were passed by the House through voice vote.

The Bills seek to repeal and replace the Indian Penal Code 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act 1872.

Replying to the discussion of the bills, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the three criminal bills will bring comprehensive changes in the criminal justice system and free the citizens from the colonial mindset.

"We are about to eradicate all signs of the shackles of our colonial past and of our slavery and create completely Indian criminal laws".

Shah added that these laws embody the spirit of the Constitution of India, which is the spirit of justice, and will fulfil another promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The motive of the Indian Penal Code was to give punishment, not justice" said Shah.

The Home Minister had introduced the bills in monsoon session of Parliament, but they were later referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Home Affairs.

Last month, the panel submitted its reports on the proposed bills, suggesting various changes. UNI JA SSP
Amsterdam's plan to move its red light district prostitutes into an out-of-town erotic centre has been met with fury by the European Medicines Agency.

The agency had moved from London to the famous Dutch city after the UK left the European Union with Brexit, and said it was 'extremely concerned' by the Amsterdam authorities' proposal which was put forward this week.

The EMA says the new centre could put the safety of its employees at risk, particularly those working late at its offices, which are located in Amsterdam's South District - the city's first choice of location for the project.

City Mayor Femke Halsema wants to uproot the inner-city red light district to clean up Amsterdam's image as a 'sin city' and respond to residents' complaints about petty crime and rowdy tourists in the area.

On Monday, city leaders said they had chosen Europa Boulevard on the southern edge of Amsterdam's main business district for the new 'Erotic Centre'.

Amsterdam's plan to move its red light district prostitutes into an out-of-town erotic centre has been met with fury by the European Medicines Agency

The agency had moved from London to the famous Dutch city after the UK left the European Union with Brexit, and said it was 'extremely concerned' by the Amsterdam authorities' proposal which was put forward this week. Pictured: The EMA's Amsterdam offices

The proposal is set to be put forward to the local council early next year.

'EMA is extremely concerned about the impact of the decision on its surrounding environment as the proposed location for the Erotic Centre is in close proximity to the EMA premises,' the medicines watchdog said of the choice.

The site is 900 yards from its headquarters and close to residential areas.

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.

'The agency will keep monitoring the decision-making process very closely,' it said, adding that concerns it had expressed earlier this year 'still stand'.

The city's plans have also been opposed by locals who do not want the new centre on their doorstep, as well as sex workers.

They feel they are being used as scapegoats for the criminals and crowds surrounding their neon-lit booths, currently in the famed De Wallen red light district.

Europa Boulevard was one of three possible locations for the erotic centre, which would have 100 rooms for sex workers, allowing the authorities to shut an equal number of brothel rooms in the city centre.

The project could take seven years to complete.

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

Tens of thousands of people have signed various petitions opposing the move, calling instead for better crowd control and greater police surveillance in the De Wallen district, especially at night.

Mayor Halsema has long opposed the centuries-old red light district, with its neon-lined windows in canalside houses where sex workers stand waiting for customers.

'The Europa Boulevard in the South district the most suitable location for the new Erotic Centre,' Amsterdam city executive said, announcing the proposal.

'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.

'Finding a location for an erotic centre is a difficult task. Due to the enormous growth in tourism, the old town, especially the red light district, has been under pressure for years.' the city administration added.

'Windows of the erotic centre will only be located inside the building. In this way we want to combat sightseeing tourism and keep disruptive groups away.'

Moving the red light district is one of Amsterdam's efforts to transform its image as a party capital.

The EMA says the new centre could put the safety of its employees at risk, particularly those working late at its offices, which are located in Amsterdam's South District - the city's first choice of location

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.

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 glamorous prison officer who had phone sex with a convicted gangster was today cleared of having an illegal relationship with the prisoner after claiming she only took his phone calls to 'pacify him'.

Ruth Shmylo, 26, claimed she was living in fear of drug dealer Harri Pullen, 25, while working at a category B prison.

She was accused of having a five month inappropriate relationship with Pullen - and calls between them were recorded by prison bosses but she claimed she was 'terrified' of manipulative Pullen and took his calls to appease him after he threatened her family.

Shmylo told the jury that prisoners would order 'a special' for an inmate they didn't like - which would see corrupt officers spit or pour semen into their meals.

She hugged her mother and sister after leaving the dock having been cleared by the jury following a nine-day trial.

Judge Simon Mills told the jury: 'Ruth Shmylo will return to her life having endured this experience.'

Ruth Shmylo (pictured), 26, was today cleared of having an illegal relationship with a prisoner

Shmylo, 26, claimed she was living in fear of drug dealer Harri Pullen, 25 (pictured)

Shmylo told the jury that prisoners would order 'a special' for an inmate they didn't like - which would see corrupt officers spit or pour semen into their meals

Shmylo leaving court today following her nine-day trial in which she was cleared

Shmylo, described by her barrister as 'very pretty', told the court Pullen 'fixated' on her and forced her to take his calls.

She was sacked from her job at HMP Parc in Bridgend and Pullen was moved to another prison after officials at the G4S-run jail over their alleged affair.

Pullen was moved to HMP Manchester - also known as Strangeways - where he added Shmylo to his approved calls list but their conversations were recorded by officials.

The calls, played to the court, included Pullen repeatedly telling her 'I love you.'

Complaints about her included 'flirtatious' behaviour with inmates and wearing 'skin-tight trousers' to work, the court heard.

She had previously made corruption reports of her own against other staff who were colluding with inmates to tamper with prisoner's food.

She told police that when she rejected Pullen he threatened her brother-in-law who worked in another part of the prison.

She said: 'He made multiple threats to me since then. He said he knew my address, he would get my car blown up and that he would have my cats killed.'

She said she took the calls to 'pacify' him and told police she made multiple attempts to end their contact.

She said: 'I spoke to him almost to pacify him because I was terrified of him.'

Claire Wilks, defending, said Shmylo should have been treated as a whistleblower but was instead 'hung out to dry' by prison bosses and called 'a grass' by her colleagues and assaulted.

Ms Wilks said it was no surprise that given her previous treatment at the jail she wouldn't report phone calls with Pullen as she feared the consequences.

She said: 'She called out a regime of corruption, she called out a regime of food tampering. Pretty disgusting isn't it? The type of thing you might see in some sort of Netflix drama.

'Ordering 'a special' and serving it to vulnerable prisoners, these are prisoners who are new to Parc Prison and yet already within weeks there's 'a special' that can be ordered.

'A 23-year-old young woman who had nine weeks of training was brave enough to call that out. And look what she got in return. She was called a grass, assaulted, slapped on the bottom, degraded, humiliated.

'And they expect that same person to call out Harri Pullen?'

Shmylo was accused of having a five month inappropriate relationship with Pullen

Shmylo told the jury she cried when Pullen tried to initiate phone sex

Ms Wilks said: 'G4S is the private company that runs Parc Prison. It houses over 1,000 prisoners and many, many, staff.

'The truth is it oversees a regime that is rife with corruption and unable to protect either prisoners and staff.

'You may think Miss Shmylo was degraded and humiliated by both the inmates and her colleagues.

'She was called nicknames, she was harassed, and when she tried to expose significant malpractices she bore the brunt of it.'

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe told the court that after being arrested Shmylo admitted she had phone sex with Pullen.

Mr Cobbe said: 'She conceded during the course of her interview that she had had phone sex with the inmate.

'She explained this was principally the inmate saying things to her, noting that 'I was listening for the best part of it'.

'That means she was actively engaging in phone sex with the inmate - or some of it.'

Shmylo told the jury she cried when Pullen tried to initiate phone sex.

Ms Wilks asked her: 'Did you have any sexual arousal from the phone calls?'

Shmylo said when she rejected Pullen he threatened her brother-in-law who worked in another part of the prison

Shmylo answered: 'No. The first time when I came to be aware Harri was masturbating I asked him to stop. I repeatedly asked him to stop and I cried.

'It made him really angry and his exact words were: 'You're making out like I'm kind of nonce.

'It was like I had insulted him because I was crying and I was repeatedly saying: 'I'm not doing this I'm not doing this.''

Shmylo, of Treforest, Pontypridd was cleared of one charge of misconduct in a public office.
Russian war fanatics are enraged over an 'almost naked' party staged in Moscow by wealthy showbiz celebrities including Vladimir Putin's 'goddaughter'.

The 'debauched' gathering was likened to Sodom and Gomorrah by critics claiming the antics of the wealthy stars insulted those on the frontline in the Kremlin's illegal war against Ukraine.

Among the most visible guests was a pregnant and braless Ksenia Sobchak, 40, a TV presenter and 'liberal' Russian presidential candidate in 2018, in a nude-coloured Sorelle outfit.

She is known as Putin's goddaughter after he attended her baptism and viewed her late father Anatoly Sobchak as his political mentor.

The outpouring of fury had led to the high society party being reported to prosecutors who will now check it for illegality, according to reports.

Vladimir Putin's goddaughter Ksenia Sobchak is pictured at the 'Almost Naked' party in Moscow yesterday

The party sparked outrage among Vladimir's propagandists for disrespecting soldiers fighting in Ukraine. Pictured: Nastya Ivleeva

President Vladimir Putin meets Ksenia Sobchak at the Kremlin in 2020. She is known as Putin's goddaughter after he attended her baptism

Frothing TV propagandist Vladimir Solovyov stormed: 'How morally deaf do you have to be?

'Our boys are now fighting at the front. To what extent should you understand nothing at all about the country, about Putin?

'The Supreme Commander-in-Chief raises a glass to our Victory, and you b******s - who do you support?

'You cannot even imagine how people hate and despise you.'

Rapper Vacio, 25, provoked outrage by wearing nothing but a Balenciaga sock on his manhood.

The party - dress code 'almost naked' - was arranged by fashionable blogger and socialite Nastya Ivleeva, 32, a TV presenter and actress.

She boasted that she wore 200,000 diamonds and emeralds on her 'skinny' backside.

'Decided not to overdo the look with the accessories and that a diamond worth 23 million [roubles] on the bum would be enough.'

Ksenia Sobchak (pictured), 40, a TV presenter and 'liberal' Russian presidential candidate in 2018, donned a nude-coloured Sorelle outfit

The outpouring of fury had led to the high society party being reported to prosecutors who will now check it for illegality, according to reports

The party - dress code 'almost naked' - was arranged by fashionable blogger and socialite Nastya Ivleeva (pictured), 32, a TV presenter and actress

Pro-war Two majors Telegram channel told the wealthy and prominent participants: 'You are just scum, you will burn in hell.' Pictured: Ksenia Sobchak

With 18 million Instagram followers, she complained: 'Every time after my parties they write that this is demonic, depraved, although people just came beautiful in half-naked outfits.

'But we look at the West, at the appearances of beautiful, slender models and say: 'Damn! They are so beautiful and cool!'

'Our beautiful, fit artists come out, and everyone is like: 'How is this possible?'

Putin's goddaughter later rejected criticism of the semi-naked party, saying: 'Maybe it was a bad party in your opinion.

'We wanted glamour and it turned out the way it did.

'Maybe you don't like to look at it all, but, sorry, where and when grown-ups go with a bare bum is their own business.

'The world isn't fair - it always has been this way, is and always will be.

'Somewhere people are being killed, somewhere children are starving, and somewhere else [people are] drinking champagne at the same time.

'No mourning can last forever.'

It comes after one censorious report stated: 'While some of those present tried to cover their private parts, others were not particularly shy, limiting themselves to a minimum of clothing.'

Pro-war Two majors Telegram channel told the wealthy and prominent participants: 'You are just scum, you will burn in hell.'

Such outlets have long raged over the way 'beau monde'' Moscow relentlessly parties while hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers - mostly from the impoverished provinces - are killed or maimed in a war triggered by dictator Putin, but this event appeared to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Public figure Yuri Podolyaka said: 'Our soldiers at the front are clearly not fighting for this. Not for this Russia.'

Poet Anna Revyakina slammed the reprobate party staged during the war.

Nastya Ivleev boasted that she wore 200,000 diamonds and emeralds on her 'skinny' backside

Many complained that the party came as Putin has put the accent on Russia fighting for traditional values yet it showed degeneracy

'This is a fashionable party from Nastya Iveleeva... it's either Sodom or Gomorrah,' she said.

'Or both cities at the same time.

'I just can't believe that this is all really happening... It's happening right now, right at this time.'

Many complained that it came as Putin has put the accent on Russia fighting for traditional values yet it showed degeneracy.

Vladislav Pozdnyakov, the leader of the so-called Male State, a Russian patriarchal and nationalistic group, wrote: 'Nastya Ivleeva, who organised a naked satanic party in the capital's Mutabor club, will be checked by the general prosecutor's office.'

Conservative organisation Zov Naroda - the 'calling of the people' - sent an appeal to the head of the Russian Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin, Prosecutor-General Krasnov and Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev demanding a check for extremism, drug propaganda and other 'disgusting moments from the depraved party'.

Police are investigating male kisses, projections of naked women on the ceiling, and a man mimicking oral sex with rapper Vacio, said reports.

Ekaterina Mizulina, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, said: 'Our soldiers at the front are definitely not fighting for this.

'And I am absolutely sure of this, having recently talked with wounded soldiers.

'Such parties are a shot in the foot of the entire policy pursued by the state.'
An Israeli special forces Alsatian blown up by a Hamas grenade is back on its feet after becoming the first dog in the world to undergo oxygen therapy.

Mikey was weeks away from retirement when a terrorist attacked her in Gaza and she suffered catastrophic injuries to her face, body and legs.

The explosives specialist in the elite Oketz canine unit was evacuated to Israel on November 12 and vets battled to save her for two weeks.

But despite operating to remove shrapnel in her eyes, ears, leg, abdomen and head the outlook was bleak.

Remnants of explosives in her brain meant the nine-year-old may never walk again - and vets feared for her life.

With no options left, Mikey's superiors insisted she receive the best treatment possible and called Professor Shai Efrati at his world leading Hyperbaric Medicine and Research facility near Tel Aviv.

Mikey was weeks away from retirement when a terrorist attacked her in Gaza and she suffered catastrophic injuries to her face, body and legs

Mikey receives bursts of 100 per cent oxygen through a face mask in a chamber that doubles the atmospheric pressure for two hours, six times a week

Pictured: Mikey being helped out of the chamber by technician Bari Tamam

Incredibly after just a few weeks of treatment at the department of Shamir Medical Center the Alsatian is much better

While Mikey's recovery has been remarkable, she still has a long road ahead of her given the extent of her injuries

Incredibly after just a few weeks of treatment at the department of Shamir Medical Center the Alsatian is back on her feet.

'This is even better than we thought,' Professor Efrati told the Daily Mail. 'The results are so amazing, it's like a fast forward with regard to the reaction to the treatment as what's happening in humans.

'In each session that she gets it's like five session in humans. It's amazing progress that that she made.'

Since she was a puppy, Mikey had served with the Oketz Unit, and independent canine Special Forces Unit in the Israeli Defence Forces.

It comprises of dogs that specialise in attacking, tracking or sniffing out enemy munitions.

Mikey was an explosives detonator dog who was sent in to scan buildings for traps before Israeli forces enter.

She was working with her handler to root out Hamas deep in Gaza when a terrorist threw a grenade which blew up in her face.

Mikey was an explosives detonator dog who was sent in to scan buildings for traps before Israeli forces enter

Incredibly after just a few weeks of treatment at the department of Shamir Medical Center the Alsatian is much better

Professor Shai Efrati with Mikey in her cart ready to leave after treatment

Professor Shai Efrati with Mikey in her cart ready to leave after treatment

Incredibly after just a few weeks of treatment at the department of Shamir Medical Center the Alsatian is back on her feet

Mikey being helped out of the chamber by technician Bari Tamam

Mikey receives bursts of 100 per cent oxygen through a face mask in a chamber that doubles the atmospheric pressure for two hours, six times a week

Mikey receives bursts of 100 per cent oxygen through a face mask in a chamber that doubles the atmospheric pressure for two hours, six times a week.

While Professor Efrati has pioneered the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat blast wounds in soldiers, he was hesitant when asked to use it on an animal.

'I told them I do not treat dogs,' he said. 'They explained to me this is a special dog that was injured in Gaza serving Israel. I said, ok, now we are listening.

'We want to give Mikey, the best of the best treatment that we are given to any soldier that is injured during the battlefield.

'That's who we are in Israel, we want to give the best to our soldiers. And Mikey she's, she's one of our soldiers.'

Hyperbaric therapy works by flooding the blood with oxygen under pressure, so oxygen levels rise from 100mg per 100ml to 1,600mg per 100ml.

This sees oxygen bypass damaged blood vessels to induce the stem cells to grow.

Mikey receives bursts of 100 per cent oxygen through a face mask in a chamber that doubles the atmospheric pressure for two hours, six times a week.

Incredibly after just a few weeks of treatment at the department of Shamir Medical Center the Alsatian is back on her feet

Professor Shai Efrati and vet with Mikey after her treatment

While Mikey's recovery has been remarkable, she still has a long road ahead of her given the extent of her injuries

Mikey in her cart ready to leave after treatment

Professor Shai Efrati, Technician Bari Tamam & the vet wheeling Mikey in his cart leaving hospital after treatment

Pictured: Professor Shai Efrati checking on Mikey during treatment

Mikey receives bursts of 100 per cent oxygen through a face mask in a chamber that doubles the atmospheric pressure for two hours, six times a week

While Professor Efrati (pictured) has pioneered the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat blast wounds in soldiers, he was hesitant when asked to use it on an animal

But while the treatment has been a success, Professor Efrati said there are challenges.

'We need collaboration,' he jokes. 'Holding a dog in the chamber for two hours, she wants to play, she wants to move, she wants to react.

'At the beginning when we started the treatment, she was unconscious so treatment was easy. Now she wants to move  but that is no bad thing, that is why we are treating her.'

While Mikey's recovery has been remarkable, she still has a long road ahead of her given the extent of her injuries.

But professor Efrati is excited where another two months of treatment will get her. 'When she came in, there was a real threat to her life.

'She is now better than even we thought she could be. It is just amazing to see.'

However, there is one major problem with her treatment. 'After these results, I don't think this is the last time I will be asked to treat a dog,' he said.
Scotland's First Minister was branded 'high-tax Humza' today over his Budget raid on workers - as he insisted it would not lead to an exodus from the country.

Humza Yousaf went on the defensive this afternoon over his Scottish Government's new tax and spending plans, which included a new tax rate for higher earners and an extra 1p in the pound on the top rate.

Forecasters believe the changes will bring in a further 1.5 billion next year, but opponents have raised concerns it could lead to people leaving Scotland altogether.

Tens of thousands of Scots workers will be hammered with one of the highest marginal tax rates in the world in 2024.

An eye-watering 69.5 per cent of earnings between 100,000 and 125,140 will be lost to income tax and National Insurance if the latest SNP tax rises are approved by MSPs.

During First Minister's Questions on Thursday, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said 1.5 million people in Scotland are currently paying more tax than in the rest of the UK.

'It's deeply unfair that a majority of Scottish taxpayers will pay more than people south of the border who earn the same wage. These SNP tax rises on Scottish workers and businesses not getting support available elsewhere in the UK will damage our economy,' he said.

'Humza Yousaf is risking the possibility that highly skilled, valuable workers will be forced out of Scotland. We could lose those nurses, doctors and specialist NHS staff for good.

Scottish Conservative Leader Douglas Ross said: 'Humza Yousaf is risking the possibility that highly skilled, valuable workers will be forced out of Scotland. We could lose those nurses, doctors and specialist NHS staff for good.'

Mr Yousaf criticised Mr Ross's claims, pointing out that there has been a net increase in people coming to Scotland from the rest of the UK since 2021, when its tax rates rose above that of England and Wales.

Mr Yousaf criticised Mr Ross's claims, pointing out that there has been a net increase in people coming to Scotland from the rest of the UK since 2021, when its tax rates rose above that of England and Wales.

'The statistics simply don't bear that out,' the First Minister said.

'National Records of Scotland statistics from 2021 show that 56,000 people came to Scotland from the rest of the UK, a net-in migration of almost 10,000 people.'

Those who chose to come to Scotland, the First Minister said, did so because of the 'social contract' on offer - including free prescriptions, tuition fees, childcare and personal care.

Responding to Mr Ross, Mr Yousaf insisted the majority will pay less tax - 'no ifs, no buts, no maybes about it'.

He added the Scottish Budget was 'about values', with his Government favouring taxing the highest 5 per cent of earners more, compared to the UK Government's preference of cutting taxes.

The Scottish Fiscal Commission said this week anyone earning more than 28,850 will pay more in income tax, with the figure being slightly above median earnings, but it is unclear if the majority of people in Scotland face higher taxes when other levies are taken into account.

According to an analysis by World Population Review, Belgium has the highest marginal personal taxation rate, at 79.5 per cent, followed by Finland at 66.7 per cent and Portugal at 64 per cent.

But the SNP Budget means that Scotland could move into second place because tens of thousands of workers will pay a 69.5 per cent marginal rate.

Mr Ross, who was quoting concerns from BMA Scotland chairman Dr Iain Kennedy, said the UK Government had provided the highest ever level of funding and 'tight budgets are purely the SNP's fault for wasting taxpayers' money'.

The Tory leader said: 'It would be funny if it wasn't so serious.

'The wastage from this SNP Government on ferries that don't float, on doomed court cases, on Ivy League degrees for water executives, before we even start on the bar bill.'

Mr Ross went on to push the First Minister on non-domestic rates relief, following the announcement of a freeze for the lowest valued businesses and 100 per cent relief for hospitality businesses on Scotland's islands.

The decision came despite pressure from the industry for more help, with Mr Ross saying it will put Scottish businesses 'at a disadvantage'.

Mr Yousaf, however, said the Tory leader has 'no credibility' on economic matters, and he stressed offering more business support and tax cuts would have resulted in less funding for public services.
Police have launched a murder investigation after a young boy was stabbed to death at a house in East London.

Scotland Yard arrested a 41-year-old woman known to the child on suspicion of murder at an address on Montague Road in Hackney last night.

Officers and London Ambulance Service raced to the scene where they found the four-year-old suffering knife wounds. He was taken to hospital for treatment but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he subsequently died from his injuries.

Forensic officers at a property on Montague Road in Dalston

Scotland Yard arrested a 41-year-old woman known to the child on suspicion of murder at an address on Montague Road in Hackney

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

The Metropolitan Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: 'This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.

The Metropolitan Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack

'We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.

'Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young child's death, and the events that led up to it.

'This incident occurred within the home and, while is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.'
Justices on the Colorado Supreme Court who issued the stunning ruling that would kick Donald Trump off the state primary ballot after a 14th Amendment suit have been the targets of vicious online threats.

'This ends when we kill these f--kers,' went just one of the angry online missives that have been circulating since the court's 4-3 ruling Tuesday, after it found that former President Donald Trump had participated in an 'insurrection' that triggered a ban on holding office under the post-Civil War amendment.

'What do you call 7 justices from the Colorado Supreme Court at the bottom of the ocean?' one online user asked, posting a dark missive about the justices. 'A good start,' responded another.

The angry online threats were compiled by the non-partisan group Advance Democracy, which is tracking the sudden burst of threats against the normally obscure jurists, NBC News reported.

A nonpartisan group has compiled online threats that have been pouring in against justices on the Colorado Supreme Court, which ruled Trump is disqualified from the state's primary ballot under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution

It came after dissenting judges warned it could cause 'chaos' and the state Republican Party vowed to try to switch to a caucus system if Trump is not ultimately allowed back on the ballot. The Trump campaign is hurrying an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court, which is already being asked to weigh in on a separate criminal Trump prosecution on charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election.

'We are seeing significant violent language and threats being made against the Colorado justices and others perceived to be behind yesterdays Colorado Supreme Court ruling,' said Daniel J. Jones, president of the group, calling the normalization of such rhetoric cause for 'significant concern.'

Trump himself has railed against the ruling in a written statement, and reposted a quote by his lawyer Alina Habba saying rivals use 'corrupt methods' to 'cheat and steal,' with plans to battle the ruling in the courthouse.

He also reposted a post on his Truth Social site that had images of the four justices who ruled in the majority. The post called them 'Communist thugs Democrats dressed up as Justices in Colorado.'

Trump also 'retruthed' a post about a 'SMALL GROUP OF TREASONOUS TRAITORS PLUS SOROS' that went on to ask 'HOW MANY AMERICANS ARE THERE!!'

Former President Donald Trump has blasted the ruling and is readying an appeal to the Supreme Court

President Joe Biden declined to get into the court's decision, but called it 'self evident' that Trump engaged in insurrection, a key factor in Tuesday's ruling

It included a list of Trump's perceived enemies, including Special Counsel Jack Smith, along with prosecutors, judges and other figures.

The online threats against the Colorado justices are just the latest in a season where ordinarily relatively obscure figures in the judicial system have been bombarded with threats as the courts weigh high stakes legal matters involving Trump.

Judge Tanya Chutkan, who has been overseeing the January 6 case, has been the recipient of racist threats.

After Trump attacked the top clerk of New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, she was the recipient hundreds of 'serious and credible' threats, according to a New York court official. That included calling her 'treasonous' and a 'snake' and saying she 'should be killed.'

Trump himself backed off attacks on the clerk after getting a gag order and being fined. He is under scrutiny for some of his public rhetoric, however, after calling political enemies 'vermin' and saying illegal migrants are 'poisoning the blood' of the nation, prompting the Joe Biden campaign to compare the statements to fascist rhetoric of the past.
A priest is suing to stop a hitman on death row from being executed with poison gas, arguing it could put his own life at risk too.

Kenneth Eugene Smith will be executed on January 25, almost 35 years after he stabbed pastor's wife Elizabeth Sennett, 45, in a contract hit.

He was supposed to be put to death in November 2022, but the execution was botched when prison staff couldn't get the lethal injection needle into a vein.

Smith, 58, sued Alabama to instead be killed with nitrogen gas, which would suffocate him to death, and a court approved the method in May.

Reverend Jeff Hood, an anti-capital punishment Catholic priest Smith asked to give him spiritual support in his last moments, is suing to stop the execution.

Reverend Jeff Hood (pictured) is suing to stop a hitman on death row from being executed with poison gas, arguing it could put his own life at risk too

Kenneth Eugene Smith will be executed on January 25 by nitrogen hypoxia in Alabama

He claims the rules and procedures of the novel execution method put his own life at risk and prevent him from fulfilling his religious duties.

Rev. Hood filed a lawsuit in the Alabama District Court demanding the execution be halted until authorities could safely allow him to perform his duties.

The lawsuit is believed to be a pretext for buying time to stop the execution entirely, as he has spoken frequently about the moral wrong of putting Smith to death.

Hood works with Death Penalty Action and has provided spiritual counseling to numerous death row inmates during their executions.

His lawsuit argues nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method 'presents potentially significant dangers to his own life, and violates the religious liberties of both himself and Mr. Smith'.

Several states turned to nitrogen hypoxia as a substitute for lethal injection as the drugs required became more scarce and expensive.

An increasing number of botched executions and shifting public sentiment prompted some makers of the drugs to refuse to sell them to prisons.

An airtight mask is placed over the condemned inmate's face and pure nitrogen is pumped inside, causing unconsciousness and death from oxygen deprivation.

However, the state acknowledged the procedure was not without risk for others within the small chamber, should something go wrong.

Hood was therefore forbidden to come within three feet of Smith in case the gas leaked from the mask, which he argued violated Smith's religious rights.

Elizabeth Sennett, 45, was found dead on March 18, 1988, in her home in Alabama's Colbert County. She had been stabbed eight times in the chest and once on each side of neck

Smith was initially convicted of the contract killing - ordered by disgraced Rev Charles Edward Sennett (pictured) - in 1989, and a jury then voted 10-2 to recommend a death sentence, then by electric chair

His lawsuit claims the waiver requiring him to stay three feet from Smith was signed 'under duress' and was illegal.

The US Supreme Court ruled last year that spiritual advisers must be allowed to pray with and lay hands on inmates during executions.

Hood argued 'the Supreme Court does not issue suggestions, it issues rulings' and Alabama was acting like it was above the law.

The lawsuit argued the state had no scientific basis for its three-feet rule and its procedures did not follow safe practices.

'No one, however, has been able to guarantee the safety of the spiritual advisor with this never tested use of a deadly gas in a confined space,' it read.

'He has a right to minister to his parishioner during the direst time of his life. This cannot be done from three feet away demanded [by the waiver] that Dr. Hood was forced to sign.'

Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for workplace use of nitrogen gas in confined spaces call for continuous forced draft ventilation with fresh air to mitigate the risk.

'No such precautions suggested by OSHA or the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board are presently in place in the execution protocol,' Hood's lawsuit argued.

'The protocol also does not provide for constant ventilation in the area or any training for the spiritual advisor or other non-employee visitors to the execution chamber.

'Given that nitrogen does not warn of its presence and that it is ambient and can move anywhere in the room, it is unlikely it would stay within the safe area.'

Elizabeth 'Liz' had two sons, Chuck and Mike, and several grandchildren

Hood argued the effect of the state's rules were to deny Smith his religious rights by preventing him from providing spiritual support as protected by the Supreme Court.

'[The defendant's actions] are hostile toward religion,' the lawsuit read.

'Indeed, they deny a prisoner his chosen spiritual advisor's touch at the most critical juncture of his life: his death.'

Heavily redacted government documents laying out the procedure acknowledged the potential risks of using nitrogen gas for executions.

'In the highly unlikely event that the hose supplying breathing gas to the mask were to detach, an area of free-flowing nitrogen gas could result, creating a small area of risk (approximately two feet) from the outflow,' it stated.

'Additionally, overpressure could result in a small area of nitrogen gas that displaces the oxygen in the area around the condemned inmate's face and/or head.'

But the lawsuit argued there was no scientific basis for this as the protocols would not prevent a potentially deadly accident.

'Defendants guessed at what the safe area would be around the condemned and have no scientific basis for this,' it read.

'If nitrogen escapes, there is no safe area in the closed, windowless, exhaustless room. It is a catastrophe waiting to happen.'

Hood's lawsuit asked the court to declare that forcing him to stay three feet away from Smith and not touch him violated his First Amendment rights.

He also asked for an injunction to halt the execution until it could be carried out safely without violating Smith's rights.

Hood on Sunday argued strongly on his website that Smith should not be put to death because capital punishment degraded society.

'There is a whole generation of young people growing up in a world that is teaching them to kill by killing,' he wrote.

'You see, the death penalty is not some distant punishment for the worst of the worst. There are real consequences attached to it.

'In fact, the consequences of the death penalty are here and wildly apparent. Namely, we are teaching the next generation to be comfortable with killing.'

Hood claimed those who supported capital punishment justified it by calling it justice, but revenge was what was really in their hearts.

He preached that putting criminals to death was rooted in 'an eye for an eye', but this was not applied to other crimes.

'Have you ever considered that we don't rape people to teach them not to rape? We don't assault people to teach them not to assault?' he wrote.

'We don't slander people in order to teach them not to slander? We don't use drugs to teach people not to use drugs?'

Sennett's husband, who was the pastor of the Westside Church of Christ in Sheffield, killed himself one week after her death when the murder investigation started to focus on him as a suspect, according to court documents

Hood is controversial both among the judiciary and other anti-death penalty activists, both of whom accused him of being self-serving.

Critics claim he oversteps by giving inmates legal advice and drives a wedge between them and their lawyers so they can be used for self-promotion.

Public filings with the IRS show Death Penalty Action has significantly boosted its fundraising in recent years, bringing in nearly $425,000 in 2021, the most recent year for which its filings were available.

The group received around $90,000 in 2018.

Hood was profiled in GQ magazine after organizing a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas where five police officers were killed in 2016.

He claims not to earn a salary from Death Penalty Action nor make any revenue from his podcast and YouTube channel featuring interviews with death row inmates.

He also disputed the suggestion that he offers legal advice to death row inmates.

'It's ludicrous to think that some spiritual adviser could come off of the street and say, "You need to get rid of your attorneys",' he said.

'If they were doing such a great job, then these guys wouldn't want to get rid of them.'

Smith was initially convicted of the contract killing - ordered by disgraced Rev Charles Edward Sennett - in 1989, and a jury then voted 10-2 to recommend a death sentence, then by electric chair.

A judge eventually agreed to that advice, but Smith's conviction was overturned on appeal in 1992.

However, he was retried and convicted again in 1996, after which he confessed to stabbing Sennett - a grandmother - several times in her home all at the behest of her husband, who was deeply in debt and seeking to cash in on his spouse's life insurance.

This time, a jury recommended a life sentence by a vote of 11-1, but a judge overrode that recommendation and again sentenced Smith to death.

Smith's accomplice, John Forrest Parker, died by lethal injection in 2010.

Then, in 2018, Alabama - which has a history of flubbing executions - approved nitrogen as a method of execution, giving inmates one month to opt-in to changing their execution method from the default lethal injection.

John Forrest Parker, the other man convicted in the slaying, was executed by lethal injection in 2010 - a fate that awaited Smith last year but was called off because workers were unable to start an intravenous connection before the execution warrant expired at midnight

The state then tried to execute Smith by lethal injection in November of last year, but failed after workers at the state-run facility were unable to start an intravenous connection by midnight.

Smith said the botched execution was extremely painful and felt like he was being repeatedly stabbed in the chest.

He then blocked the state's next attempt to execute him by injection, citing cruel and unusual punishment when he was poked with needles for hours during their attempt to tap his veins.

The contract killer instead opted to die by nitrogen - an untested method that will be administered for at least five minutes via gasmask, before which the inmate will have the chance to make a final statement before the gas begins to flow, officials said.

A divided Alabama Supreme Court confirmed Smith's fate Wednesday, when the all-Republican court voted 6-2 to go through with the controversial method.

Smith - who filed a federal lawsuit in his successful bid to escaped death last year - has not waived his right to challenge the new, untested method.
A seven-year-old Brazilian boy miraculously survived after he was swept nearly 1,000 feet down a storm train.

Raphael dos Santos was with a group of friends when he fell into a manhole during a rainstorm in the southern city of Cruz Alta on Monday.

Unable to help him out climb out, his friends rushed to alert his father, Paulo Rocha.

He spotted his son stepping out of a manhole around the corner from their home.

'The kids called me. When I arrived, I thought there was no way to catch my son,' Rocha told RBS TV.

Raphael dos Santos fell into a manhole in Brazil and was dragged nearly 1,000 feet before he managed to come out of another drain just two blocks and a half from his home during a rainstorm in the Brazilian city of Cruz Alta

Authorities in the southern Brazilian city of Cruz Alta announced a plan to ensure that all manholes are covered after a seven-year-old boy fell into one on Monday

'He was practically sucked into the water pipe  it happened very quickly. When we realized, he was leaving two blocks away and half of my house. But he was very hurt.'

Dos Santos, who admitted he is no longer 'scared,' suffered a deep cut above his left eyebrow and received 25 stitches.

'There was a lot of water, there wasn't much space and then I couldn't move too much,' he said. 'I tried to lift my head, but I couldn't.'

Rocha said his son was fortunate to have been dragged down to the manhole that he came out from because the pipeline split at a section where water was diverted to an area under a condominium.

Paulo Rocha with his son Raphael dos Santos, who fell into a manhole in Brazil on Monday. The seven-year-old boy received 25 stitches to cover a gash above his eyebrow

It would have made it difficult for dos Santos to have come out by himself.

'He literally crossed the entire pipe until he got to the bottom. We never imagined we would find him again,' Rocha said.

'He's with me because of God, I was impressed, I'd never seen anything like it. In the last manhole, at the end of the street, where there is a 'T', he was lucky enough to go up, because he could have gone to the side, then we wouldn't be able to find him anymore.'

The Cruz Alta Public Works Department covered the manhole on Tuesday afternoon and inspected other drains throughout the city to ensure they were properly sealed after a record rainfall of two inches on Monday, a 29 percent increase for the average of December.

'We reinforce our commitment to public safety and are committed to working to create a safer and more secure environment for our children and the entire community,' the city said in a statement.
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%.
Keir Starmer's plan for a returns deal with the EU if he wins power will 'probably' mean the UK taking in a quota of asylum-seekers, a senior French politician has warned.

French MEP Fabienne Keller said Britain would also have to make a financial contribution to bloc-wide immigration efforts if it wanted to set up the opposition leader's scheme.

Ms Keller, spoke as EU states reached an agreement on an overhaul of its laws on handling asylum-seekers and migrants.

The reform includes speedier vetting of irregular arrivals, creating border detention centres, accelerated deportation for rejected asylum applicants and a solidarity mechanism to take pressure off southern countries experiencing big inflows.

Ms Keller, whose Renew Europe group led the negotiations, said it would be 'great' if a similar deal could be done with the UK, adding: 'Brexit is a trauma for us.'

Asked about a deal under a possible Starmer administration, she told the BBC it would 'probably' involve the UK taking a quota of EU arrivals and making a financial contribution 'as it is the case for all the member states'.

The Tories have suggested the Labour plan to join an EU-wide returns agreement would mean 'tens of thousands more illegal migrants coming to the UK'.

But Labour dismissed his comments and said the party 'won't be joining any EU quota scheme'.

French MEP Fabienne Keller said Britain would also have to make a financial contribution to bloc-wide immigration efforts if it wanted to set up the opposition leader's scheme.

Sir Keir revealed in the autumn that he would seek an EU-wide returns agreement for asylum seekers who come to Britain if he becomes prime minister.

Sir Keir revealed in the autumn that he would seek an EU-wide returns agreement for asylum seekers who come to Britain if he becomes prime minister.

Labour has since said the scheme would not be based on quotas nor would it be part of an existing scheme.

Yesterday the EU agreed to overhaul its asylum system to share out the cost and work of hosting migrants more evenly across the bloc.

The plan includes more border detention centres and speedier deportations in a bid to limit the number of people coming in.

Mr Cleverly seized on the announcement of the pact, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Sir Keir 'wants to join this'.

The Home Secretary said: 'He would accept forced illegal migrant quotas from the EU. This would mean tens of thousands more illegal migrants coming to the UK. We cannot accept this.'

But Stephen Kinnock, Labour's shadow immigration minister, said: 'This is made-up rubbish, we've made it clear we won't be joining any EU quota scheme.

'The Tories are so keen to distract from their own disastrous failings on Rwanda, small boats and asylum that now they are just lying about Labour.

'The Tories have undermined our border security, broken our asylum system and bust the Home Office budget. The country cannot afford more of this Conservative chaos.

'Labour has a serious plan to smash the criminal gangs with a new cross-border police unit, recruit 1000 new caseworkers to clear the backlog and end hotel use, and set up a new Returns Unit to ensure that those with no right to be here are swiftly returned.'

The EU's New Pact on Migration and Asylum should start taking effect next year, when it is expected to be formally adopted by the European Council and European Parliament.

Migrant arrivals in the EU are down from the 2015 peak of more than a million, but have steadily crept up from a 2020 low to 255,000 in the year to November, with more than half crossing the Mediterranean from Africa, mainly to Italy.

Previous efforts to share out the responsibility of hosting migrants have foundered because eastern member states were unwilling to take in people who had arrived in Greece, Italy and other countries.

Under the new system, countries not at the border will have to choose between accepting their share of 30,000 asylum applicants or paying at least 20,000 euros (17,300) per person into an EU fund.

The screening system envisaged will seek to distinguish between those in need of international protection and others who are not.

People whose asylum applications have a low chance of success, such as those from India, Tunisia or Turkey, can be prevented from entering the EU and detained at the border, as can people seen as representing a threat to security.
Pennsylvania's onetime leftist champion now insists progressivism has 'left him' and people in his own party want him to 'get another blood clot and die.'

Sen. John Fetterman has broken publicly with the grassroots activists who pushed him to power since the outbreak of war in Gaza. Now, some of those progressives have labeled him '#GenocideJohn' over his airtight support for Israel.

'What I have found out over the last couple years is that the right, and now the left, are hoping that I die,' the Pennsylvania Democrat told the New York Times. 'There are ones that are rooting for another blood clot.'

Fetterman said he has soured on progressives and their 'purity tests.'

'It's just a place where I'm not,' he said. 'I don't feel like I've left the label; it's just more that it's left me.'

Sen. John Fetterman has broken publicly with the grassroots activists who pushed him to power since the outbreak of war in Gaza . Now, some of those progressives have labeled him '#GenocideJohn' over his airtight support for Israel

Ceasefire protesters have swarmed his office on Capitol Hill, and yet their onetime torch bearer has refused to relent and join the calls for Israel to cease its bombing campaign.

A deep intra-party rift has broken out among Democrats as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise and even President Biden has accused Israel of an 'indiscriminate bombing campaign.'

Fetterman, meanwhile, plastered photos of Israeli hostages to the wall outside his office and draped himself in an Israeli flag in photos.

'I do find it confusing where the very left progressives in America don't seem to want to support really the only progressive nation in the region that really embraces the same kind of values I would expect we would want as a society,' Fetterman said.

He says he is the only senator with both an LGBTQ flag and a prisoners of war flag displayed outside his office.

'Can't it be possible that it's really appropriate to stand for both?'

Palestinians line up for a free meal in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 21

A picture taken from southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on December 21

Fetterman's break with progressivism was on display when earlier this week he posted on X: 'I'm not a progressive, I'm just a regular Democrat.' Responses poured in with TV clips from the campaign trail where Fetterman had claimed to be a progressive.

But Fetterman's staunch support for Israel goes years back.

In April 2022, the then-lieutenant governor and Senate candidate told Jewish Insider: 'Whenever I'm in a situation to be called on to take up the cause of strengthening and enhancing the security of Israel or deepening our relationship between the United States and Israel, I'm going to lean in.'

As for far-left Democrats who criticize Israel, he went on: 'I would also respectfully say that I'm not really a progressive in that sense.'

In recent days Fetterman, whose wife arrived as an undocumented immigrant at age 7, has also bucked the left wing of his party on immigration.

'I don't think it's unreasonable to have a secured border,' he said. 'I would never put Dreamers in harm's way, or support any kind of cruelty or mass expulsion of hundreds of thousands of people. But it's a reasonable conversation to talk about the border.'

The Senate is in the middle of negotiations on a package that would see border restrictions tightened in exchange for Israel and Ukraine aid - as massive hordes of migrants pour across the U.S.-Mexico line.
Anthony Bellman, 55, was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty after he was caught on surveillance video flinging a trash bag containing a 16-year-old Shih Tzu into a dumpster, police said

Accused dog strangler Anthony Bellman confessed to trying to 'snap' the neck of a tiny, nearly blind 16-year-old Shih Tzu and then hurling her into a dumpster during a 14-minute interview with detectives, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

He gives a chilling account of how he was told by his wife Colleen to take the family pet to be euthanized - but instead 'drove into the wilderness and put a rope around her and pulled it tight'.

In audio of the interview exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com, 55-year-old Bellman clearly believes the dog named Xyla is dead when he sits down to talk to detectives from Lee County Sheriff's Office, Florida.

But after they reveal she survived the horrific attempt to kill her, he breaks down whimpering, repeating 'Oh my God, oh my God.'

Bellman was nailed by a surveillance camera that filmed him tossing a black garbage bag into a dumpster behind a Family Dollar Store in Lehigh Acres, near Fort Myers, before speeding off in his blue SUV.

Amazingly, store owner Luis Llado heard rustling when he went to put out trash two hours later and discovered Xyla inside and just about breathing. She was rushed to the Blue Pearl Pet Hospital for emergency treatment.

And DailyMail.com can reveal that the brave little pooch is now looking perky and content in a special Christmas coat  and was running around the office of dog-loving Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno on Tuesday.

DailyMail.com obtained audio from the police interview where Bellman confesses to trying to 'snap' the neck of the tiny, nearly blind dog named Xyla

Xyla had a rope around her neck when she was rescued and is now cleaned up, looking perky, and awaiting adoption and was running around the office of dog-loving Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno on Tuesday

DailyMail.com can reveal that the brave little pooch is now looking perky and content in a special Christmas coat

Bellman was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty hours after the crime on December 14. He was seized at his home by members of Lee County's Animal Cruelty Task Force, which Marceno has set up in a war on the abuse.

The accused, who faces five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, told detectives Daniel Scowden and Megan Ocampo that he didn't know Xyla's breed. He said she was owned by his mother-in-law Jane Cunningham who lived with him and his wife before she died two years ago.

He claimed the dog was 'losing all her bladder control' and 'didn't really do anything but sleep' although she had not been medically diagnosed.

'My wife asked me to take her and have her put down. Our last dog I had to take and have put down and it was just a bad experience,' he tells detectives.

Ocampo asks: 'So where did you take the dog?'

Bellman replies: 'I just like took her out into the wilderness and euthanized her myself basically.

Ocampo: 'How did you euthanize her?'

Bellman: 'Erm, I guess strangulation I guess you could say.'

Ocampo: 'So did you use your hands, or how did you do it?'

Bellman: 'Erm, I tied up a rope and put a rope around her and pulled it tight, like very quickly because I wanted her to go very quickly.

Ocampo: 'What did you do after that?'

Bellman: 'Disposed of her.'

Detective Scowden asks if Xyla was still moving when he tightened the rope, with Bellman replying: 'She was lifeless. I checked for her heartbeat.'

The accused abuser is then shown a picture of Xyla being hurled into the dumpster and admits: 'That's me.'

Ocampo goes back over events, asking: 'You said that you strangled it with the rope, what did you do with it next?'

Bellman replies: 'I put her in a trash bag, tied it up tight and then put her in that dumpster.'

Scowden asks, 'Why did you throw her with no respect instead of place her down in the dumpster, you chucked her from like 10ft away'.

Bellman: 'I'm not stupid and I knew that's not the right thing to do, so I just wanted to do it quickly and get out of there. I didn't do it out of disrespect.'

Bellman told his family he was taking Xyla to be put down, but he bundled her into a trash bag and left her to die

Store owner Luis Llado heard rustling when he went to put out trash two hours later and discovered Xyla inside and just about breathing. She was rushed to the Blue Pearl Pet Hospital for emergency treatment

Asked why he didn't just take the dog to be euthanized he replies: 'When I did my last dog at the veterinarian it was a very bad experience, like emotionally. It is not a quick thing. You have to sit there and slowly watch them die, painful.

He adds: 'It was still painful. You can ask my wife. I still cried my eyes out when I got home.'

Bellman admits he didn't tell his wife about what really happened, adding: 'I lied to her.'

At this point Detective Ocampo says: 'You know the dog's still alive.'

Seemingly not listening, Bellman continues to refer to his wife saying: 'She's going to know anyway because I'm here.'

Ocampo repeats her statement. At which point there is a pause and Bellman gasps: 'What? You're kidding me. Oh my God.'

He can be heard breathing heavily and repeating 'Oh my God'. Then in tears he wails 'Oh God' as his breaths sound even heavier and the detectives allow time for it to sink in.

Bellman continues to appear to be gasping for air as Ocampo asked specifically where he took Xyla.

Still fighting for breath, he ignores the question and simply again says 'Oh my God'. He is then silent except for heavy breathing for at least 15 seconds before he can be heard sobbing.

Ocampo brings him back to the crime, pointing out: 'So basically she suffered from the time that you threw her in the dumpster that she was found.'

Bellman could only say: 'Oh my God God. Oh my God, I'm so sorry Xyla.'

The detectives make him revisit the facts again, asking where he strangled the family pet. He says it was outside the car near a canal.

Scowden asks: 'When you used the rope, did you attempt to snap her neck or just cut off her air circulation?'

Bellman: 'Like quick and hard. I held it tight, you know, for a minute. And that was it you know. And I checked and I thought she was gone.

'I just put her in a bag and no, I didn't tie it up tight or anything. I made a thing and put it around there, like a slip knot thing and held it, hold it tight, and I held it.'

'I thought that I probably snapped her neck.

'I thought she was gone. I really, oh my God, you got to be f***ing kidding me.'

If convicted, Bellman faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. His name will also be added to Lee County's animal abuse registry

Xyla is pictured recovering from her injuries at Lee County Domestic Animal Services. The sheriff's office plans to work with the State Attorney's Office to find her a 'loving home'

The Shih Tzu is seen recovering at Lee County Domestic Animal Services and will be put up for adoption

Sheriff Marceno told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview: 'Xyla is doing great, better than ever. She's got a little Christmas jacket on and she's been running around my office having the time of her life.

'People are lining up waiting to adopt her, we've had them calling in.

'She's got to be cleared medically, but she is in phenomenal spirits and that just makes your day.'

He added: 'I hope Xyla has a lot more time on earth. I know we are going to have Xyla go to a happy, healthy home no matter how long she has left. She is going to enjoy every day free of any type of abuse. She shows no signs of nervousness.

Of her horrific ordeal, he said: 'This story sickens me. How someone could throw a poor little innocent, blind, 16-year-old dog in the garbage?

'That person has no blood in their veins, they don't have a heart and they don't care about anything. This disgusting act, it's horrific.'

Marceno said he founded his office's Animal Cruelty Task Force as part of his campaign to 'protect those that have no voice.. that's animals, children and the elderly'.

He continued: 'People who abuse animals, 70 per cent go on to abuse humans. It's a particular mindset, it's disgusting, it's disgraceful and it's critically important we make certain it doesn't occur. I want this kind of initiative to make an impact nationally and internationally.'

Bellman was speedily arrested by the task force after veterinarians at the pet hospital scanned Xyla's microchip and discovered the link to the accused's family home In Lehigh Acres.

Detectives swooped and found the vehicle in the video on the driveway and Bellman wearing the same clothes as the man in the video throwing the little dog away in the trash.
A jilted husband who tried to murder his estranged wife outside a family court 'to teach her a lesson' ahead of their divorce hearing has been jailed for 24 years.

Asim Abdulrasul, 47, repeatedly stabbed Wafae Khatab during the frenzied broad daylight attack after ambushing her outside Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre.

A court heard the 'controlling' thug chased his ex through the busy city centre, before knifing her in the head in front of horrified commuters and shoppers last August.

The attack, which only lasted six seconds, was ended when brave members of the public rushed to Wafaes aid and dragged her to safety into a cafe.

Jurors were told how, after being arrested, Abdulrasul laughed and told police: 'I did it to teach her a lesson.'

Asim Abdulrasul, 47, has been jailed for 24 years for the attempted murder of his estranged wife Wafae Khatab in a knife attack he carried out in broad daylight

Members of the public were shocked by the assault in Birmingham city centre and three have been recognised for bravery by police after intervening to help fend off Abdulrasul

Abdulrasul, from Coventry, denied attempted murder, possessing a knife and coercive and controlling behaviour, but was found guilty after a trial in July.

He has now been jailed for 24 years at Birmingham Crown Court.

Sentencing him, Judge Heidi Kubic said: 'On 16 August last year you attempted to murder Wafae Khatab in broad daylight in the centre of this city.

'People were on their way to work.

'At the time you were consumed with embittered rage because Mrs Khatab had rejected you as a husband and left you some three years ago.

'You were only prevented from succeeding in this outrageous and frenzied attack by the brave actions of two members of the public.'

The judge described how Abdulrasul had previously controlled what his wife wore and who she socialised with - ahead of attacking Ms Khatab after seeing her talking to a male co-worker in August 2019.

Abdulrasul launched the attack on his wife while waiting outside a family court ahead of a hearing scheduled to discuss their divorce she wanted and he was contesting

The victim was given protection inside a nearby cafe before being taken to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital with multiple stabbing wounds

Ms Kubic said: 'As a result of that you assaulted her - telling her that she would die here in the UK, and threatened to send her head back to her family in Morocco in a box.

'She was terrified of you and two days later when she rejected your sexual advances you assaulted her, slapping and kicking her to the abdomen.'

The judge said the victim had fled to a womans refuge - even leaving her shoes behind - and later took out a non-molestation order against the defendant.

Ms Kubic added: 'You no longer knew where she lived and you then launched a smear campaign on the internet, causing enormous embarrassment for her and her parents in Morocco.'

Referring to the attack, she said: 'CCTV footage clearly shows that from the moment you caught up with her you delivered seven or eight blows towards her head with the knife within just six seconds.

'In just six seconds you managed to inflict serious injuries.'

Michael Williams, prosecuting, said the pair had met online in 2015 when Ms Wafae was living in Morocco and Abdulrasul in Coventry.

They married in Morocco and came back to Britain in 2018.

The attempted murder happened in the city's Temple Row, the central base for court buildings as well as being close to Birmingham's busiest shopping district

During the relationship Abdulrasul was violent towards her before contesting divorce proceedings she began in 2021.

She later started a relationship with another man and became pregnant.

There was an arrangement for the married couple to go to the family courts in Birmingham city centre for their divorce settlement on August 16 last year.

Mr Williams told how CCTV captured Abdulrasul hanging around near the courts, 'waiting 40 minutes to attack Mrs Khatab before she went in' before chasing her.

He added: 'You see the knife in his hand - you see the ferocity of the attack upon her, which only ended because people bravely intervened.

'Mrs Khatab was pulled into a cafe by the shop owner and the door was held shut by him and another.'

Mr Williams told the court other members of the public threw tables and an advertising sign at Abdulrasul, making him drop his knife.

The defendant then picked up the blade and walked off, while the emergency services were called, before being arrested by armed police.

West Midlands Police described Abdulrasul's actions as 'a savage attack' while praising members of the public who intervened in Temple Row to help save his victim's life

The victim, taken to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, had been stabbed twice to her head and once to the right side of her face.

She also had two deeper wounds to her left upper arm and wrist, inflicted as she tried to protect herself.

Islam Khan, defending, said Abdulrasul - who came to Britain as a refugee after fleeing Sudan's civil war - was 'deeply sorry and remorseful'.

West Midlands Police's investigating officer Rebecca Freeth said after the sentencing: 'This was a savage attack which could have had even more horrendous consequences without the courageous actions of the three men who rushed to help.

'Their actions most likely saved her life, and also enabled us to quickly locate Abdulrasul and arrest him.

'Thankfully she managed to survive her injuries and is continuing to rebuild her life following such a traumatic ordeal.

'We take any violence against women and girls extremely seriously and it won't be tolerated.

'He has now quite rightly been put behind bars for a significant period of time.'

Three members of the public were recognised in September for their quick thinking and bravery, receiving a special commendation from West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his wife, Jessica Sklar, traveled to Israel to visit Kibbutz Be'eri where more than 100 residents were slaughtered by Hamas terrorists.

The couple's first stop was at the headquarters of the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum in Tel Aviv to meet the survivors and families of the hostages whose loved ones still remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

On Tuesday, Yuval Haran, 36, escorted Seinfeld and his wife on a tour of of Kibbutz Be'eri, located in Southern Israel and miles away from the Gaza strip - one of the key areas Hamas infiltrated during the October 7 atrocity where 1,200 people were brutally murdered and 240 taken hostage.

The Jewish American comedian and his wife saw firsthand the aftermath of the terrorist attack and devastation of Be'eri and traveled to the site of Haran's family home that was burned to the ground.

Haran's father Avshalom Haran, 66, and his aunt and uncle were murdered, and seven of his family members were taken hostage, including his mother Shoshan Haran, 67, who was released on November 25 along with his extended family members.

Haran told DailyMail.com on Thursday how meaningful Seinfeld's visit was during this painful and traumatic time.

Yuval Haran stands with comedian Jerry Seinfeld at Kibbutz Be'eri, the site of where his family home once stood

Seinfeld places his hands on a community member to show his support during his trip to Israel this week as he and his wife paid their respects to the families whose loved ones were killed, and those hostages who still remain in captivity

Jerry Seinfeld and his wife Jessica Sklar (not pictured) dine in Tel Aviv during his visit to Israel

'It mean a lot to me to meet him. My father was a really big fan of Seinfeld and really appreciated the show. We used to watch many episodes together,' he said.

'Part of the family's humor and my father's humor was when something happened, he'd be like, 'Oh, that was like that episode on Seinfeld,' so it meant a lot for me to meet him for my father.'

He added: 'I am sure my father is laughing from above and would have appreciated Seinfeld coming and hearing the story even though the situation is tragic.'

Haran also spoke to Seinfeld about the hostages, including his brother-in-law Tal Shoham, 38, who remains in captivity.

'We told him the story unfortunately a tragic one, but it can have a better ending. I am sure he will do whatever he can to help them.'

At the end of tour, Seinfeld said he was 'proud to be an ambassador for spreading the truth throughout the world.'

The funnyman showed a more serious side during his meeting with the families that lasted two hours longer than was originally planned that was described as 'caring' and 'sensitive,' Channel 13 reported.

He told the families that 'he feels a deep commitment to raising awareness around the world about the issue of the hostages,' in a statement shared by The Hostages and Missing Person's Forum Headquarters.

The forum said Seinfeld and his family were clearly 'deeply affected' by the stories they heard from the family members and the released hostages.

Seinfeld, now 69, grew up in Massapequa, Long Island, and has a personal connection to Israel. When he was 16, he lived and worked on a kibbutz in Israel and expressed that he has 'loved our Jewish homeland ever since.'

Two days after the heinous attack on the Israeli people, Seinfeld issued a heartfelt message on his Instagram.

'My heart is breaking from these attacks and atrocities,' he said. 'But we are also a very strong people in our hearts and minds. We believe in justice, freedom and equality. We survive and flourish no matter what.'

'I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people.'

Pictured: Yuval Huran's father Avshalom Haran was killed on October 7 and his mother Shoshan Huran was held captive for 50 days before her release on November 25, along with other extended family members, during the ceasefire

'Seinfeld', Michael Richards, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jerry Seinfeld, 1990-98, Season 9 'Seinfeld' TV series

On October 24, he posted an urgent appeal issued by #NoHostagesLeftBehind that was an open letter to President Biden regarding the immediate release of the remaining hostages.

The letter expressed gratitude to Biden for his support and moral conviction for Jewish and Palestinian people but also shared their concerns.

'We all want the same thing: Freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace,' the letter read, in part. 'Freedom from the brutal violence spread by Hamas. And most urgently, in this moment, freedom for the hostages.'

Many Hollywood celebrities, artists and musicians signed the letter including Madonna, Gal Gadot, Bradley Cooper, Will Ferrell, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler and his wife Jackie, Jon Hamm, Octavia Spencer, Paul Rudd and his wife Julie, Josh Brolin, Jeff Goldblum, Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel.

Sting and Trudie Styler, Chelsea Handler, Kristin Chenoweth, Courtney Cox, Debra Messing, Aaron Sorkin, Amy Schumer, Diane Von Furstenberg, Andy Cohen, among others.

Seinfeld wrote in his post that he was 'proud to be a signatory to this urgent appeal to free the 220 hostages in Gaza.'

Actress Debra Messing visited Israel and met with the Israeli President and his wife and spoke about the October 7 slaughter and the women's groups and human rights

Israeli President Herzog met with actress Debra Messing during her visit this week

Two days after the heinous attack on the Israeli people Seinfeld issued a heartfelt message on his social media expressing his grief. 'My heart is breaking from these attacks and atrocities,' he said, in part

Seinfeld pictured in a van waving goodbye as he traveled to his next stop on his tour in Israel. The comedian arrived in the country on Monday

Actress Debra Messing and record executive Scooter Braun also arrived in Israel this week to show their solidarity for the Israeli people.

Messing posted on her social media sharing how honored she was to her visit with Israeli President Herzog and his wife First Lady Michael Herzog that was held at the President's residence.

'We had a very meaningful talk about the silence surrounding the barbaric sexual violence against women and girls on 10/7 as well as what the future will look like,' she said.

It is believed that 128 hostages remain in Gaza  not all of them alive  after 105 civilians were released from Hamas captivity during a weeklong truce in late November.

Haran has been very outspoken since the war began and initiated a march from Tel Aviv to Jerusaleum in mid-November that was attended by thousands and organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

The goal of the event was to reach Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem to help influence decision-makers to bring their loved ones home, The Times of Israel reported.

When Haran was asked what he thinks needs to be done he spoke candidly, saying, 'I don't know what needs to be done.'

'We are a simple family living our life. We are not military people, strategists, politicians. I don't know what needs to be done.

'What I want to know and what I hope is happening is that everyone is doing whatever they can. They are doing everything they need to. If it is the war cabinet.. if it is the prime minister...if it is all of the politicians ...and all of the entire Israeli people to do whatever they can to release the hostages.'

'We know they don't have time. Everyday we hear of new names and new people who have been killed and of new people murdered. There life is in danger everyday that goes by.

He also spoke about his brother-in-law who was taken hostage from Kibbutz Be'eri while he was visiting with his family during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.

'Tal is a simple man. A kind man. He is a father. A man all about love. A man just living his life,' he said, in part. 'He is over there and we need to do whatever needs to be done to bring them back.'

He added: 'I don't know the solution. It is not my job to know the solution. It is my job to put my faith in our government to find a solution and do everything to bring them back.'
The gunman who killed at least 14 people as he unleashed terror on Prague today has been named as student David Kozak, 24, with police saying he was shot dead after carrying out the horrific attack.

Kozak murdered his father in the nearby town of Hostoun before heading into the Czech capital where he began randomly shooting people from the balcony of Charles University Arts faculty.

In the lead up to his killing spree, he is thought to have kept a diary in Russian on messaging app Telegram, writing: 'I want to do a school shooting and possibly suicide.'

The massacre is the Czech Republic's worst ever mass shooting, and the gunman is believed to have been inspired by a school shooting carried out by 14-year-old schoolgirl Alina Afanaskina in Russia earlier this month.

Earlier, a chilling image emerged showing the gunman dressed in black aiming a rifle at people below while standing on top of the Charles University Faculty of Arts building.

Terrified students and tourists were seen fleeing while others crouched beneath a window ledge on the high building as gunshots rang out in what is one of Europe's top tourist hotspots. Reports have suggested that one person died after falling from a building as they took cover.

There are fears that tourists could be among those killed or the 25 injured in today's shooting, with police working to identify the victims and saying they will contact embassies with updates in the event of foreign nationals being affected in the atrocity.

Student David Kozak, 24, has been named as the killer by local police

Images circulating online and in Czech media purports to show the shooter on the roof of the university building

A chilling image shared on local media purports to show the man dressed in black aiming a rifle at people below while standing on top of a faculty building, with witnesses saying the gunman was picking off his victims one by one

Other extraordinary images show terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a faculty in a bid to hide from the gunman after others were told to barricade themselves in classrooms

Dramatic video shows terrified crowds of tourists and locals sprinting across the famous Charles Bridge - one of Europe's top tourist sites - after they heard the sickening sound of gunshots in the city

The shooting started at 3pm at the Charles University Faculty of Arts building and police said the gunman was 'eliminated' at 4pm after elite cops were seen storming the building

A faculty member of the university, Zora Hesova, said people were still locked in classrooms inside the building as armed police officers descended on the scene

Distressed members of the public are wrapped in foil as night draws in following the horrific attack

A police officer secures the area following the shooting at one of the buildings of Charles University in Prague on Thursday

Elite cops were seen storming the philosophy department building of Charles University, where the gunman was a student, with police saying the gunman had been 'eliminated' at 4pm - an hour after the deadly carnage began.

Police said the gunman's body had been found in the area and suggested he had taken his own life when cops closed in on him - though cops did say they had fired at him.

'Due to the devastating injury sustained by the suspect, we are unable to confirm his identity,' police spokesman Martin Vondracek said. 'From the information available to me, there should have been a suicide, however, the police also used a service weapon.'

Dramatic video showed terrified crowds of tourists and locals sprinting across the famous Charles Bridge - one of Europe's top tourist sites - after they heard the sickening sound of gunshots in the city.

The gunman fired at his victims one by one from the top of the university building - two hours after he is said to have murdered his father in the town of Hostoun.

In separate footage, people were seen running with their hands raised in the air from the prestigious University's Faculty of Arts building in the capital, as armed police officers swooped in.

The shooting started at 3pm and police said the gunman was 'eliminated' at 4pm after elite cops were seen storming the building. At least 14 people were killed in the shooting and more than 20 were injured - 11 seriously, Prague's emergency services said.

Other extraordinary images show terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a balcony in a bid to hide from the gunman after others were told to barricade themselves in classrooms.

Armed police are seen on the balcony of the university in central Prague on Thursday

People can be seen running from a building in Prague

British tourist Joe Hyland, who was on his first holiday abroad with his group of friends, said they were worried there could have been multiple attackers, and rushed to text their loved ones in case the worst happened.

'As we got onto the tube and we don't know how many attackers there are and we don't know what the attackers are, so it the tube the best place or the worst place to go? So we decided to ring our parents to say we loved them and call our friends,' he told the BBC.

Speaking from Prague, his friend added: 'It's our first holiday as us boys. When something like that happens you call you loved ones because you don't know in the confusion if you are going to be able to speak to them.'

A faculty member of the university, Zora Hesova, said people were locked in classrooms inside the building as armed police officers descended on the scene.

Police later said they killed the gunman after they stormed the building and have evacuated everyone who was trapped inside.

Were you in Prague when the shooting took place? Did you witness the attack? If so, please email: elena.salvoni@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

'The gunman was eliminated!!!' police said on X, formerly Twitter. 'The building is currently being evacuated and there are several dead and dozens of wounded people on the scene.'

Extraordinary images show the gunman, who was dressed in black, standing on the roof of the faculty building and pointing his rifle with a scope mounted on top at people down below.

Petr Nedoma, the director of the Rudolfinum - a concert hall on the square across from the Faculty of Arts - told Czech broadcaster CT24: 'Upstairs on the walkway of the Faculty of Arts, I saw a man standing with a gun in his hand and shooting towards the Manes bridge with certain delays.

'I watched what was happening from inside the Rudolfinum for a long time. I stayed in the building and was by the windows for as much cover as possible.'

Nedoma added: 'Then he put his hands up and threw the gun towards the road, it remained lying by the philosophy faculty. Then a lot of people appeared upstairs, I don't know if it was the police.

'I left the window and watched the police evacuate people from the Faculty of Philosophy, taking them away with their hands behind their heads in different directions, a large number of cars, people running around.'

Terrified teachers and students at the Charles University Faculty of Arts were instructed to lock themselves in classrooms before they were evacuated.

Klara, a student, told news site iDnes.cz she was among those who police evacuated from the building.

'It was terribly scary, there were a lot of policemen everywhere, who were shouting at us with submachine guns, telling us to run outside,' she said.

An email sent to staff and students at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University had said a shooter was in one of its buildings and had told staff to 'stay put'.

'Don't go anywhere, if you're in the offices, lock them and place furniture in front of the door, turn off the lights,' the email said.

One student, Deda Mrazek, said she was in the university's library when the gunman began shooting at his victims.

Sharing a picture of students hiding in the back of a computer lab, Deda wrote: 'I am OK. I was in the library at the time of the shooting.

'They sent us to the back of the computer lab where there are no windows. Word has now spread that the gunman is dead.'

She said as soon as they heard the gunman had been killed, the terrified students all called their families to say that they were safe.

The government said they will hold an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the shooting at 9pm.

An armed Police officer patrols near to the scene of a shooting at Charles University in central Prague on Thursday

Members of the emergency service at the scene of a shooting at Charles University in central Prague on Thursday afternoon

Medics wait near the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague on Thursday

Other extraordinary images show terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a faculty in a bid to hide from the gunman after others were told to barricade themselves in classrooms

Other extraordinary images show terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a faculty in a bid to hide from the gunman after others were told to barricade themselves in classrooms

One student, Deda Mrazek, said she was in the university's library when the gunman began shooting at his victims. Sharing a picture of students hiding in the back of a computer lab, Deda wrote: 'I am OK. I was in the library at the time of the shooting'

Armed police are seen on the balcony of the university in central Prague on Thursday

Police take security measures as several people were killed and injured in a shooting incident near a university in Prague

An armed Police officer patrols near to the scene of a shooting at Charles University in central Prague

An ambulance drives towards the building housing the Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague, Czech Republic on Thursday afternoon

Police in the Czech Republic's capital urged residents to shelter and avoid the area 'due to an ongoing shooting incident' close to Charles University in the centre of the city

Police officers stand on the balcony of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague, Czech Republic, after they stormed the building and killed the shooter

Police officers secure an area after a shooting in downtown Prague, Czech Republic, on Thursday

An ambulance drives towards the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague on Thursday following the shooting

The police have sealed off the square and the area adjacent to the university building, which is located in a busy part of town that has a popular street leading tourists to Old Town Square

'According to preliminary information, the shooter himself should be dead, there are dead and wounded on site, I will not speculate now about the final number,' Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said on Czech Television.

Rakusan added 'no other gunman has been confirmed' and called on people to follow police instructions.

Police in the Czech Republic's capital have urged residents to shelter inside and avoid the area due to the shooting.

President Petr Pavel tweeted: 'I am shocked by the events at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University.

'I would like to express my deep regret and sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims that the shooting claimed.

'I want to thank the citizens for respecting the instructions of the security forces and providing maximum cooperation.'

The British Embassy in Prague has urged people in the city, a hotspot for tourists, to avoid the around the Charles University and the Faculty of Arts.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala cancelled his trip to the east of the country and was en route to Prague, he said on X.

Gun crime is relatively rare in the Czech Republic. In December 2019, a 42-year-old gunman killed six people at a hospital waiting room in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava before fleeing and fatally shooting himself, police said.

In 2015, a man fatally shot eight people and then killed himself at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod.
A man has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of three children and assault of a care worker in a horrific Dublin knife attack last month.

Riad Bouchaker, 50, was charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy following the incident in Parnell Square East on November 23.

At Dublin District Court, Bouchaker, of no fixed abode, was also charged with the assault causing serious harm to a care worker.

A five-year-old girl and a woman in her 30s were left in a critical condition in hospital after the attack near a school. Two other young children, a five-year-old boy and six-year-old girl, were also injured.

Bouchaker was further charged with three counts of assault causing harm as well as the possession or production of a 14-inch kitchen knife.

Irish Gardai closed off Parnell Square following the stabbing where the suspect was arrested

Riots broke out in Dublin hours after the horrifying attack in Parnell Square East on November 23

Riots broke out in the Irish capital hours after the attack, in an incident that has put pressure on the government and Garda Commissioner about safety and policing in Ireland.

Detective Sergeant Padraig Cleary told the court that Bouchaker was arrested at 12.51pm on Thursday and provided details of the charges and cautions.

Wearing a green jacket, black top, green trousers and slippers, Bouchaker spoke only to the Arabic interpreter.

He was remanded in custody at Cloverhill prison to appear again at Cloverhill District Court via videolink on December 28.

A list of medication was provided to the prison and Judge Smith ordered he receive any necessary medical attention.

The judge also ordered the defendant's legal team cannot be identified by the media due to 'safety concerns'.

Following the knife attack, a nursery worker, a Deliveroo driver, an autistic child and a teenager were hailed as the 'heroes' of Dublin for intervening.

Alan Loren-Guille, a French high school student, had been working at his internship in a Dublin restaurant when the shocking incident unfolded just after 1.30pm.

Hero Deliveroo rider Caio Benicio from Brazil tackled the knifeman outside Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square

Hero Deliveroo rider Caio Benicio (pictured) from Brazil tackled the attacker outside Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square

Debris is cleared from a burned out Luas and bus on O'Connell Street in Dublin in the aftermath of the attack

Flowers lie on the street next to the school, following a stabbing that sparked outrage

Gardai closed off Parnell Square following the stabbing where the suspect was arrested

As the knifeman allegedly attacked the children in Dublin's Parnell Square, Alan, from Ardennes, bravely intervened to disarm him.

Deliveroo driver Caio Benicio, 43, also helped halt the attack, using his helmet to hit the man - saying 'I didn't have time to be afraid, I just acted'.

Heroic father Warren Donohoe rushed to tackle the alleged attacker and tried to pull the knife from him as his daughter rushed to the nearby Rotunda to get help.

Garrett FitzGerald said his son, six, was also present at the square but he was saved by his brave care worker who 'stepped in front' of children at a school outing to protect them during the bloody rampage.

Around 500 thugs fought running battles with riot cops, looted shops and torched a double-decker bus in anger over the attack.

Pictures from the Irish capital at the time showed council workers removing the wrecks of burned-out buses and cars in a major clean up operation which was condemned by the Irish government.
A majority of Americans say that the presidents of Harvard and M.I.T. should resign after being humiliated over their antisemitism policies and that public funding should be withdrawn from universities that aren't doing enough to tackle anti-Jewish hate.

Those are the damning results of a poll for DailyMail.com as the fall-out from a stormy congressional hearing continues to roil the nation's most prestigious seats of learning.

It has already claimed the head of the University of Pennsylvania.

And voters have a clear message for Sally Kornbuth, president of M.I.T., and Harvard President Claudine Gay: Go now.

J.L. Partners polled 1000 likely voters for their views on universities and antisemitism. A majority said the presidents of Harvard and M.I.T. should resign

Some 56 percent of respondents said they should resign. Only 21 percent backed them to stay in their jobs.

And 65 percent, almost two-thirds, said that universities that fail to tackle antisemitism should have their funding withdrawn.

The issue has come to the fore since Hamas terrorist attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Israel responded with a ferocious assault on the Palestinian territory of Gaza.

The result was that American campuses became flashpoints for pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli protests, testing universities' commitment to free speech against their duty to protect students.

At times students used chants such as 'From the river to the sea,' which are interpreted in some quarters as calling for the destruction of Israel.

Harvard now faces a federal investigation over allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus.

The issue exploded into public view this month when the three college presidents appeared before Congress.

They attracted widespread condemnation when they hummed and hawed their way through questions posed by Rep. Elise Setfanik about whether calls for genocide against Jewish people breached campus policies.

Liz Magill resigned from her post as president of the University of Pennsylvania four days after the blockbuster Congressional hearing

Claudine Gay, President of Harvard University, testifies before the House Education and the Workforce Committee at the Rayburn Building in the US Capitol Tuesday

Sally Kornbluth, president of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was also condemned in a fiery White House statement demanding that antisemitism be called out

In one memorable exchange, UPenn President Elizabeth Magill was asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews amounted to bullying or harassment.

'If it is directed, and severe, pervasive, it is harassment,' she answered.

'So the answer is yes,' said Stefanik.

'It is a context dependent decision,' replied Magill.

She resigned four days later.

James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, which conducted the poll of 1000 likely voters, said: 'Americans are clear that the behavior of university presidents on antisemitism has not been up to the standards they expect.

'These findings highlight the gulf between the university elite and the bulk of the public.

'To the public it is pretty simple: it doesn't require a university degree and a fancy title to identify antisemitism and it should not be ignored or underplayed. If it is then Americas view is similarly straightforward: The presidents should go.'

A billboard truck at Harvard demanding the removal of president Claudine Gay. The billboard showed NY Rep. Elise Stefanik who ripped into Gay after she failed to condemn a blatantly anti-Semitic statement

Pro-Palestine protestors at Harvard hang up a sign that reads 'Stop the genocide in Gaza'

More than 1,600 Jewish alumni have threatened to withdraw donations to Harvard University in response to the pro-Palestine protests across the campus

The head of Harvard apologized for her remarks before Congress in an interview with the Harvard Crimson.

But Gay, who is in her first semester as the university's first Black president is under additional pressure amid allegations that she plagiarized other academics throughout her career.

A university subcommittee cleared her of misconduct but said she would update her Ph.D. dissertation to add acknowledgements for other people's work.

Last week it emerged that Harvard had received its lowest number of early admission applications in years following the slew of controversies.
The heartbroken family of murdered Ashley Dale have paid tribute to their 'beautiful girl' on what would have been her 30th birthday.

Ms Dale, who died aged 28, was killed when gunman James Witham, 41, forced his way into her house in Old Swan, Liverpool, in the early hours of August 21 last year before opening fire with a Skorpion submachine gun.

Her killers were jailed for a total of 173 years last month, with Witham jailed for life with a minimum term of 43 years.

On the anniversary of the council worker's 30th birthday today, Ms Dale's family said she is 'missed beyond words' on what would have been a 'day full of happiness'.

'Ashley's family would like to pay tribute to their daughter and sister, on what would have been her 30th birthday,' the statement said.

'No words can describe the deep sadness we feel today. On what should have been a day full of happiness and celebrations.

Ashley Dale (pictured), who died aged 28, was killed when gunman James Witham forced his way into her house in Old Swan, Liverpool, on August 21 last year before opening fire with a Skorpion submachine gun

Ms Dale's heartbroken family have released new photos of their loved one today alongside an emotional tribute

'The past four weeks since the trial has ended, have probably been the worst yet. With lots of very down and low days, as we try and come to terms with the senseless loss of Ashley.'

They added: 'As people continue with their lives, enjoying the festive period, birthdays and Christmas will never be same for us again. We have been left with a huge void, that will never be filled. With no real answer as to why our beautiful girl was cruelly taken from us.

'We won't be celebrating today. Our heartbroken family will be getting together to remember the precious memories we have and cherish of Our Ash. Raising a glass to our beautiful girl, who is loved and missed beyond words every single day.'

Witham, who had admitted manslaughter, and co-defendants Joseph Peers, 29, Niall Barry, 26 and Sean Zeisz, 28, were found guilty of murder last month after a seven-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Witham, Peers, Barry and Zeisz were also convicted of conspiracy to murder Ms Dale's partner Lee Harrison - who they were targeting as part of a petty gang feud - and conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon and ammunition.

It was also revealed that two of those convicted of murdering Ms Dale  plus Harrison - were named during the trial of Olivia Pratt-Korbel's killer, Thomas Cashman, as being allegedly involved in a deadly feud that culminated in the schoolgirl's shooting.

'No words can describe the deep sadness we feel today,' Ms Dale's heartbroken family said

Ms Dale's mother Julie (left) previously said of her daughter: 'We should be celebrating her 30th birthday this year'. Pictured right is Ashley's father, Steve Dunne

The family said: 'We won't be celebrating today. Our heartbroken family will be getting together to remember the precious memories we have and cherish of Our Ash'

Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings said today: 'Today, Ashley's family should be gathered with her to mark her 30th birthday, singing to her, giving her gifts and looking forward to Christmas.

'Instead, they are left grieving her loss at such a tragically young age.

'This is the real impact of gun crime. The criminals who store, carry and so recklessly fire these weapons destroy the lives of many, leaving those left behind to go on with their lives without their loved one.

'No family should have to go through this, and Merseyside Police is committed to taking firearms out of circulation and bringing offenders to justice so that they don't.

'We continue to ask for the support of the public to tell us where firearms are stored and who is using them so that other families do not experience the devastation Ashley's have had to endure.'

If you suspect that firearms or other weapons are being stored in your community, contact @MerPolCC or you can pass information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 on 0800 555 111.
Bodies of the pilot and news photographer who were tragically killed in a horrific helicopter crash in New Jersey this week have yet not been found.

Monroe Smith, 67, and Christopher Dougherty, 45, from Pennsylvania were on board ABC Action News' Chopper 6 when it crashed in a wooded area of Burlington County on December 19.

The chopper is said to have come down at around 8pm near Quaker Bridge Atsion Road and Mullica Hill Road in Washington Township.

At a press conference today, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Todd Gunther said they would release a preliminary report about the crash in 10 to 15 days.

The report will focus on the crash's facts, conditions, and circumstances.

The safety agency said a final report on the tragedy, including a probable cause, will be released at least a year later.

Monroe Smith, 67, was identified as the pilot. Pete Kane, a retired Philadelphia journalist, was a high school friend of Smith and used to fly with him said: 'We had the same goals: that was to do the job the best we could do it. And I think we both did that. He did it till the end,'

Christopher Dougherty, 45, was identified as the photographer. Dougherty is survived by two daughters and a wife

An Action News helicopter carrying a news team pilot and a photographer has crashed in New Jersey. Both were tragically killed (File image of Chopper 6)

The NTSB statement said: 'The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation.

'A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12-24 months.'

The NTSB investigation will focus on the pilot, the helicopter and the 'operating environment'.

The investigation will also look at the previous 72 hours for any issues that could have affected the pilot's ability to operate the helicopter safely.

Gunter confirmed that the NTSB had obtained maintenance records from the flight but has yet to determine when the aircraft was inspected last.

At a press conference today, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Todd Gunther said they would release a preliminary report about the crash in 10 to 15 days

During the press conference, Gunther said they had reports from numerous witnesses that said that the crew said they were having a problem right before the crash

During the press conference, Gunther said they had reports from numerous witnesses that said that the crew said they were having a problem right before the crash.

The duo were returning to Philadelphia after covering an assignment at the Jersey Shore.

Smith and Dougherty had a 'long history' with the station and had worked there for many years.

Dougherty is survived by two daughters and a wife.

Pete Kane, a retired Philadelphia journalist, was a high school friend of Smith and used to fly with him.

'We had the same goals: that was to do the job the best we could do it. And I think we both did that. He did it till the end,' said Kane.

Colleagues of the crew members at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, where the chopper was based said both men were highly skilled and loved their craft.

The duo were returning to Philadelphia after covering an assignment at the Jersey Shore. Colleagues of the crew members at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, where the chopper was based said both men were highly skilled and loved their craft

The chopper was last airborne over Wharton State Forest at about 8pm Tuesday

According to NBC Philadelphia, it was last airborne over Wharton State Forest, recorded just 75 feet above the ground.

A Philadelphia news helicopter captured footage of the crash site, which is extremely difficult to access due to it being deep in the woods.

Officials were contacted about a missing chopper at about 11pm EST - a few hours before a state park police officer found a debris field.

New Jersey State Police rushed to the scene to seal it off and the Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation.

New Jersey State Park Police Chief George Fedorczyk said the investigation was suspended overnight until next morning because of low visibility.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement addressing the tragedy on X.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Action News family following last night's helicopter crash in Wharton State Forest,' Murphy wrote.

It's reported that 6abc lease the 2013 American Eurocopter AS-350 A-Star helicopter from U.S. Helicopters Inc. in North Carolina.

U.S. Helicopters Inc. has contacted the families of those involved in the crash.

Chopper 6 is used by the news team to access areas that are challenging to reach on the ground.
A Southwest Airlines flight made an immediate turnaround mid-air after it struck a bird.

Southwest Airlines Flight 554, en route to Tampa Bay from New Orleans, was struck by a bird shortly after its departure on Wednesday.

After the bird hit the plane during the flight's takeoff, the flight was able to U-turn and land safely back at Louis Armstrong New Orleans National Airport (MSY).

All 164 passengers were unharmed, and the airline eventually secured a new plane for the flight to Tampa Bay.

A spokesperson for MSY said the runways were closed after Flight 554 landed back in New Orleans to allow the crew to 'clear up debris.'

Southwest Airlines Flight 554, en route to Tampa Bay, was struck by a bird shortly after its departure on December 20

All 164 passengers were seemingly unharmed, and the airline secured a new plan for the flight to Tampa Bay



The flight received a five-hour delay and eventually arrived in Florida at 9:36 pm.

Southwest Airlines worked with all passengers whose travel plans were impacted by the turnaround once they landed.

The next three Southwest Airlines Flight 554 trips also received five hour delays, its last one arriving in Chicago at 1:28 am.

Southwest Airlines has had a history of flight delays and even responded to X (formerly Twitter) users that complained about their late arrivals on other flights.

'At OHare flying in from Phoenix. Its not as bad as you abandoning me and others here in Chicago last year to fend for ourselves for 3-5 days, but it is not showing me that your work has gotten better,' an X user wrote on December 19.

The amount of time it would've taken to get to Tampa International from MSY is two and a half hours. The flight received a five hour delay and arrived in Florida at 9:36 pm

Southwest Airlines worked with all passengers whose travel plans were impacted by the turnaround once they landed. The next three Southwest Airlines Flight 554 trips also received five hour delays

The airline responded: 'Sorry for any frustration this delay has caused. We know our Customers depend on consistent ontime performance, and we're sorry for falling short of expectations.'

The airline was also recently fined a record $140 million for canceling 16,900 flights in a December 2022 holiday meltdown that left two million passengers stranded.

Southwest Airlines lost up to $425 million in revenue after the cancellations and was ranked the second worst airline for 2022 delays.
A Canadian catwalk model is suing his New York employer for civil rights violations, claiming his career was destroyed after he came out as transgender.

Frances Coombe, 30, says Muse Management and its CEO Conor Kennedy dropped him from their roster for being 'insufficiently masculine' to work as a man, and forced him to continue modeling women's clothes.

Filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, the runway star's lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks damages of an unspecified amount for alleged emotional distress along with damage to his reputation, career and more than $300,000 of income.

Kennedy's lawyer, Carlos M Carvajal, described the lawsuit as 'surprising and disappointing' and said he looked forward to clearing the CEO and his company of 'any wrongdoing'. DailyMail.com has also contacted Coombe and his lawyer.

Born a woman, Coombe was discovered by Muse Management in his hometown of Toronto at the age of 18, and he has featured on the runway wearing high fashion brands including Marc Jacobs, Saint Laurent, MiuMiu and Gucci as a female model.

Canadian catwalk model Frances Coombe (pictured) is suing his New York employer for civil rights violations, claiming his career was destroyed after he came out as transgender

Coombe, 30, says Muse Management and its CEO Conor Kennedy dropped him from their roster for being 'insufficiently masculine' to work as a man, and forced him to continue modeling women's clothes

Filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, the runway star's lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks damages of an unspecified amount for alleged emotional distress along with damage to his reputation, career and more than $300,000 of income

He worked for Muse Management from 2011 until March 30 2023, initially as a woman with 'a gender expression that was female', according to the lawsuit.

But over the years, Coombe's style became increasingly androgynous 'as expressed through hair body styling and clothing' according to legal documents.

On October 15, 2021, Coombe told Muse about a change in his gender identity, 'expressed at that time as a non-binary identity', the lawsuit says.

But Muse told him he'd have to stay on the women's board and that 'clients will only look at you as a woman'.

'We'll be sending you to women's wear jobs and you have to separate your private life from your work life,' the company allegedly said.

'In modeling life, you will be "she" and "her" until you arrive on set, non-binary models are not sought after in the casting process. When you show up for a job you can tell them your pronouns then.'

Coombe said he was forced to wear women's clothes including bikinis in his promo pictures, and Muse refused to allow him to wear boxers or men's shoes.

On February 11, 2022, the model began taking testosterone hormones and changed his pronouns to he/him - while telling Kennedy and Muse about the changes.

But on May 27 last year, he was 'removed from the Muse website completely without warning' until August 25.

Coombe (center) has modeled for high-fashion brands including Marc Jacobs , Saint Laurent, MiuMiu and Gucci as a female model. (Pictured: Coombe and other models backstage at Alberta Ferretti's Fall 2014 show)

Coombe on the runway at Alberta Ferretti's fall 2014 show

Born a woman, Coombe was discovered by Muse Management in his hometown of Toronto at the age of 18, and he has featured on the runway wearing high fashion brands including Marc Jacobs , Saint Laurent, MiuMiu and Gucci as a female model

Over the years, Coombe's style became increasingly androgynous 'as expressed through hair body styling and clothing' according to legal documents

On February 11, 2022, the model began taking testosterone hormones and changed his pronouns to he/him - while telling Kennedy and Muse about the changes

Coombe said he was forced to wear women's clothes including bikinis in his promo pictures, and Muse refused to allow him to wear boxers or men's shoes

On May 27 last year, Coombe said he was 'removed from the Muse website completely without warning' until August 25

Company executives took Coombe into a meeting on July 2 to discuss his gender changes.

'Although Muse's male models includes many who are androgynous, and similar in appearance to Mr. Coombe's current appearance, his request was refused', with Kennedy telling him he was 'insufficiently masculine', the lawsuit says.

'Top officers' at the company told Coombe he had to 'appear more masculine' which the model says 'imposed a restriction on his work based on gender stereotypes'.

Another meeting was set up between Coombe and company executives in July 2022, and one men's modeling board representative repeatedly called him 'she' and 'girl' despite knowledge of their gender identity, he said.

Coombe found this 'upsetting' and complained about it - but the exec persisted in misgendering him, explaining: 'I'm gay, so I call everyone she and girl', the lawsuit says.

The Canadian model made several complaints to Muse and Kennedy saying he'd been treated 'inappropriately because of asserting his male gender identity' and refused jobs.

But this prompted the company to stop promoting Coombe, 'causing a rapid decline in his work opportunities and income', the lawsuit says.

The runway star submitted a written complaint to Muse on March 28 this year saying he had been discriminated against to the point where he felt forced to resign.

His lawsuit says the company did nothing to address this complaint and simply accepted his resignation.

Coombe wearing a long black dress with their hair plaited on top of their head on August 30, 2017 in New York City

Coombe worked for Muse Management from 2011 until March 30 2023, initially as a woman with 'a gender expression that was female', according to the lawsuit. (Pictured: Coombe before he transitioned)

The Canadian model made several complaints to Muse and Kennedy saying he'd been treated 'inappropriately because of asserting his male gender identity' and refused jobs

The runway star submitted a written complaint to Muse on March 28 this year saying he had been discriminated against to the point where he felt forced to resign

The model has requested damages including back pay, front pay, and benefits to compensate him for his 'financial losses and emotional distress', along with punitive damages to 'deter defendants from engaging in similar discriminatory conduct'

Coombe claims he also lost income because the company misclassified him as an independent contractor despite him being exclusively signed to them as a permanent staffer for 12 years.

The model has requested damages including back pay, front pay, and benefits to compensate him for his 'financial losses and emotional distress', along with punitive damages to 'deter defendants from engaging in similar discriminatory conduct'.

Coombe also wants an injunction against Muse and Kennedy to prevent 'further discriminatory conduct based on gender identity or any other protected characteristic', along with legal fees incurred.

'Muse represented Frances Coombe for over 10 years as a model,' Kennedy's lawyer Carlos M Carvajal told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'It's surprising and disappointing that Frances, after a decade of working together, has filed this lawsuit that lacks merit and is legally flawed.

'We look forward to clearing Muse and Mr. Kennedy of any alleged wrongdoing.'
A billionaire has joined the list of Harvard alumni and donors who are pausing their gifts to the school, which is standing by president Claudine Gay despite accusations of allowing anti-Semitism no campus and plagiarism.

Len Blavatnik, whose family foundation has given the Ivy League at least $270 million, is halting donations to his alma mater until it addresses what they see as 'rampant anti-Semitism on campus,' as first reported by Bloomberg.

Gay, who has apologized for her testimony, is also facing accusations that she plagiarized about half of the 11 journal articles on her resume.

Blavatnik and his wife Emily, who are Jewish, are the just the latest donors to remove financial support from the university following Gay's congressional testimony, where she declined to say calling for a genocide of Jews on campus breaks the school's rules.

Leslie Wexner, the former CEO of L Brands - the parent company of Victoria's Secret, said his foundation was pausing donations to Harvard after pro-Palestine protests broke out in the school following Hamas' attacks against Israel on October 7.

Len Blavatnik and his wife Emily are the just the latest donors to remove financial support from Harvard following president Claudine Gay's congressional testimony

Gay, who has apologized for her testimony, is also facing accusations that she plagiarized about half of the 11 journal articles on her resume

Leslie & Abigail Wexner said their foundation was pausing donations to Harvard after pro-Palestine protests broke out in the school following Hamas' attacks against Israel on October 7

The Wexner Foundation issued a letter to the Harvard Board of Overseers on October 16 and informed that their 'financial and programmatic relationship' has ended with the university.

The foundation's donations supported up to ten public and government professionals from Israel each year to purse a one-year degree from the Harvard Kennedy School. Leslie Wexner, who has previously ranked on Harvard's Business Review Top 100 Best Performing CEOs is of Russian-Jewish decent.

Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his wife Batia also removed support from Harvard in October after 31 school organizations signed a letter blaming Israel for Hamas' attacks.

The couple said they would cease donations 'in protest of the shocking and insensitive response by the president of the university, who did not condemn the letter by student organizations who blamed Israel for the massacres.'

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, who has donated hundreds of millions to his alma matter, also paused donations following the breakout of the war, and has since led a campaign to replace Gay.

Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer also removed support from Harvard in October after 31 school organizations signed a letter blaming Israel for Hamas' attacks

Billionaire Bill Ackman, who has donated hundreds of millions to his alma matter, also paused donations following the breakout of the war, and has since led a campaign to replace Gay

The school, the country's richest, heavily relies on its endowment - it's largest revenue source by far.

But Harvard has been fierce in its commitment to stand by Gay, even after fresh accusations of plagiarism moved from conservative media to more liberal outlets like CNN and The New York Times.

It comes as the House Committee on Education and the Workforce announced that it's widening the scope of it' probe into Gay's work, and demanded the school hand over all documentation related to the plagiarism allegations. The committee had already opened a probe into antisemitism at the Harvard campus following Gay's testimony that was heavily criticized.

'Our concern is that standards are not being applied consistently, resulting in different rules for different members of the academic community,' said Republican rep. Virginia Foxx, the committee's chair.

Gay was accused of copying two paragraphs from work by then-Harvard scholars D. Stephen Voss and Bradley Palmquist. One paragraph is nearly identical except for a few words

However, Gay did not use any quotation marks or in-text citations - Voss and Palmquist are not cited anywhere in her dissertation

Meanwhile top Republicans in congress have called for withholding billions in federal funding to universities supportive of anti-Semitism in order to root out the 'rot' in American higher education.

Foxx warned Harvard could lose funding if it's found to have not taken the plagiarism allegations seriously.

The academic initially submitted two corrections to papers from 2001 and 2017 after she was accused of plagiarism, adding 'quotation marks and citations,' a Harvard spokesman said. However, after additional claims of plagiarism, the Ivy League then said on Wednesday that Gay would also update three spots in her Ph.D. dissertation to add attributions.

Harvard told the Boston Globe they found 'examples of duplicative language without appropriate attribution' in Gay's 1997 PhD dissertation, titled 'Taking Charge: Black Electoral Success and the Redefinition of American Politics.'

Gay was first publicly accused of plagiarism by right-wing media, particularly blogger Christopher Rufo, who earlier this month outlined issues in her dissertation and a series of articles.

Just hours after the allegation were published, the university said it was standing by Gay after having quietly investigated the claims back in October and finding her conduct fell short of academic misconduct.

While the Harvard board said they found no violation of the school's policies in Gay's work, The Harvard Crimson, which reviewed the examples of alleged plagiarism, landed at a different conclusion.

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce announced in a letter that it's widening the scope of it's probe into Gay, according to a letter written by Rep. Virginia Foxx

The school's paper wrote that some of Gay's writings 'appear to violate Harvard's current policies around plagiarism and academic integrity.'

While some of the claims by the Free Beacon include minor citation issues, the Crimson said others are 'are more substantial, including some paragraphs and sentences nearly identical to other work and lacking citations.'

The student publication notes Harvard's rule on what constitutes plagiarism says when copying language 'word for word,' scholars 'must give credit to the author of the source material, either by placing the source material in quotation marks and providing a clear citation, or by paraphrasing the source material and providing a clear citation.'

Gay was accused of copying two paragraphs from work by then-Harvard scholars D. Stephen Voss and Bradley Palmquist. One paragraph is nearly identical except for a few words.

Gay defended her work telling The Boston Globe: 'I stand by the integrity of my scholarship. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure my scholarship adheres to the highest academic standards.'
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas warned a Republican member of Congress in early 2000 that he may resign because his pay of $173,600 wasn't enough.

Thomas' finances have been a subject of scrutiny for years, but especially since April, when ProPublica reported that the conservative justice had accepted luxury vacations from billionaire Harlan Crow nearly every year going back for two decades.

Additional reporting found that Thomas had accepted tuition payments for his grand-nephew from Crow in the 2000s and the billionaire had purchased the justice's mother's home and other houses on her block in 2014.

But in January 2000, as ProPublica reported on Monday, Thomas was hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt and complaining about his financial situation.

The justice flew between Jacksonville, Florida and Washington, D.C. with Florida Rep. Cliff Stearns, after the two had attended an off-the-record conservative summit at a five-star resort on Sea Island, Georgia.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (left) and his wife Ginni (right) depart Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's funeral service in Washington on Tuesday. ProPublica reported on Monday that Thomas was pushing to have justices' pay raised and threatened to resign

Stearns recalled being pressed by Thomas to raise the justices pay and being told if Congress didn't act, 'one of more justices will leave soon,' maybe in the next year.

ProPublica reported that Stearns walked away from the conversation fearing that Thomas would leave the bench.

At the time, there was no guarantee that a Republican would be in office to appoint another staunch conservative.

Democratic President Bill Clinton was in office, while his Vice President Al Gore was running for the White House against Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

'His importance as a conservative was paramount,' Stearns told ProPublica. 'We wanted to make sure he felt comfortable in his job and he was being paid properly.'

Stearns followed up the conversation with a letter to Thomas - which ProPublica - obtained - assuring the justice he would look into the matter.

'I intend to look into a bill to raise the salaries of members of the Supreme Court. As we agreed, it is worth a lot to Americans to have the constitution properly interpreted,' Stearns said. 'We must have the proper incentives here, too.'

Justice Clarence Thomas, seen in his official portrait in 2022, complained to Republican Rep. Cliff Stearns during a commercial flight in January 2000 about how little Supreme Court justices were paid and pushed the lawmaker to look into it

An image of billionaire Harlon Crow's yacht, the Michaela Rose, which Clarence Thomas and his wife Ginni sailed around Indonesia in 2019, weeks after the justice said that the justices' salaries were enough

At the time, Thomas' salary was equivalent to more than $300,000 - much higher than that of the average American - but much lower than what he could have brought in at a corporate law firm.

He was also pushing for justices to be allowed to make paid speeches, ProPublica reported.

Several sources close to the conservative justice told the news outlet that they never believed Thomas would actually quit the court - and may have exaggerated his salary concerns to bolster his case for a raise.

But word of Thomas' discontent spread through the legal community around that time.

'It was clear he was unhappy with his financial situation and his salary,' one friend said.

At the same time, there's no evidence that Thomas complained about his financial situation to Crow or other wealthy benefactors leading to the thousands he received in vacations and gifts.

George Priest, a Yale Law School professor who vacationed with Thomas and Crow, told the news organization that the billionaire's generosity was not intended to influence the justice but make his life more comfortable.

'He views Thomas as a Supreme Court justice as having a limited salary,' Priest said. 'So he provides benefits for him.'

And by 2019, Thomas publicly had nice things to say about his salary.

'Oh goodness, I think it's plenty,' Thomas said. 'My wife and I are doing fine. We don't live extravagantly, but we are fine.'

Several weeks later, Thomas took Crow's private jet to Indonesia and vacationed on the billionaire's 162-foot super yacht, which was decked out with a giant inflatable rubber duck.
By the time it was over an hour later, at least 15 people had been killed

Police were first called to the unfolding shooting at around 2.30pm local time

A lone gunman armed with a sniper rifle picked people off from the rooftop of a prestigious University in Prague today during an hour-long shooting spree which ended when elite police officers stormed the building.

The shocking incident unfolded over a chaotic hour this afternoon, sending people in the Czech capital fleeing in panic from the scene, and left at least 15 people dead with dozens more injured in one of the country's worst ever mass shootings.

The bulk of the bloodshed took place in the philosophy department building of Charles University, where the shooter was a student, Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek said, but began earlier in a small town ten miles away.

Reports of the attack began this afternoon at around 2.30pm local time (1.30pm GMT), with reports of an active shooter at Charles University in the centre of the city.

But this came after Czech police received information at 12.45pm of a man who had been killed in the village of Hostoun, who is understood to be the shooter's father.

The shooter has not been named publicly, but officials said he was 24 years old.

A lone gunman (pictured) armed with a sniper rifle shot at people from the rooftop of a prestigious University in Prague today during an hour-long spree which ended when elite police officers stormed the building and 'eliminated' him

Videos emerged online showing people fleeing the University's Faculty of Arts building and across the nearby, world-famous Charles Bridge.

The philosophy department of Charles University, which is located on Jan Palach Square in the city's old town, was evacuated as police responded.

The police department said the square - which sits on the Vltava River - had been sealed off. It urged people to leave the surrounding streets and stay inside.

Meanwhile, students barricaded themselves in classrooms. Witnesses said on social media they could hear shots both inside and outside the building.

A faculty member of the university, Zora Hesova, said people were locked in classrooms inside the building as armed police officers descended on the scene.

He said the shooter was on the fourth floor, while many people were barricaded on the second floor of the building.

Others were seen clinging on to windowsills on the outside of the five-storey building having climbed through windows as the shooter opened fire from the roof.

An email sent to staff and students of the university had said the shooter was in one of the buildings. 'Don't go anywhere, if you're in the offices, lock them and place furniture in front of the door, turn off the lights,' the email said.

Eyewitnesses described watching the black-clad gunmen methodically taking shots at people below in the area around the busy square popular with tourists and locals.

Pavel Nedoma, the director of Rudolfinum Gallery, which also is located on the square, told Czech public television he saw from a window a person who was shooting a gun toward the nearby Manes bridge that crosses the Vltava River.

Police said emergency response units were on the scene within 12 minutes following the initial reports of a shooting at 2.29pm local time.

Footage from the scene soon showed armed police storming the building.

They were pictured entering its large wooden doors at street level, before making their way on to the roof where the shooter was firing from. The private Nova TV reported a blast and a gunman on the roof of the building in Prague's historic centre.

Pictures of the shooters showed him holding a sniper rifle with a scope mounted on top. Nedoma said the shooter eventually stopped firing and threw the gun down onto the street below and put his hands up as a sign of surrender.

Other extraordinary images show terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a faculty in a bid to hide from the gunman after others were told to barricade themselves in classrooms

A faculty member of the university, Zora Hesova, said people were still locked in classrooms inside the building as armed police officers descended on the scene

Dramatic video shows terrified crowds of tourists and locals sprinting across the famous Charles Bridge - one of Europe's top tourist sites - after they heard the sickening sound of gunshots in the city

People can be seen running from a building in Prague

The witness said they did not see what happened after that, but police soon announced that the gunman had been 'eliminated'.

Police later said that the gunman's body was found on the sidewalk below.

'At 3.20pm, information was received that the body of the shooter was found on the sidewalk of the school building,' police said in a statement.

'We found out that he is a student at the Faculty of Philosophy and that he is supposed to give a lecture today at 2pm in the building in Celetna Street.'

'Due to the devastating injury sustained by the suspect, we are unable to confirm his identity, said police spokesman Martin Vondracek.

It was later reported that the shooter had killed his father earlier in the day.

'The shooter is dead, I'm waiting to be evacuated,' tweeted one user, adding a picture of a barricaded door, presumed to be inside the building.

'I'm praying I'm alive. I locked the door before the shooter tried to open it.'

Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said no other assailant was at the scene, but he urged people to cooperate with police.

'Upstairs on the walkway of the Faculty of Arts, I saw a man standing with a gun in his hand and shooting towards the Manes bridge with certain delays,' Nedoma said.

'I watched what was happening from inside the Rudolfinum for a long time. I stayed in the building and was by the windows for as much cover as possible.

'Then he put his hands up and threw the gun towards the road. It remained lying by the philosophy faculty. Then a lot of people appeared upstairs, I don't know if it was the police. I left the window and watched the police evacuate people from the Faculty of Philosophy, taking them away with their hands behind their heads in different directions, a large number of cars, people running around,' Nedoma said.

Armed police are seen on the balcony of the university in central Prague on Thursday

The shooting started at 3pm at the Charles University Faculty of Arts building and police said the gunman was 'eliminated' at 4pm after elite cops were seen storming the building

Czech TV live broadcasts showed several ambulances and police cars with flashing lights lined up alongside the building accompanied by the sound of sirens.

The police said more than 15 people were killed in the shooting, and that the shooter's body had been found in the area. Prague's rescue service said about 30 others suffered various injuries, including eleven with serious ones.

The police said the shooter was a student at the faculty of arts at Charles University.

Police gave no details about the victims or a possible motive for the shooting. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said investigators do not suspect a link to any extremist ideology or groups.

One witness told news website iDnes.cz that they got off at the tram stop by the school and 'suddenly I heard shooting'.

Klara, a student, told the news website she was among those who police evacuated from the building. 'It was terribly scary, there were a lot of policemen everywhere, who were shouting at us with submachine guns, telling us to run outside,' she said.

A newlywed British couple, who were also nearby, told of the moment a police officer ordered them to stay down during the active shooter situation.

Tom Leese, 34, a video producer and his wife Rachael, 31, an account director, were having a drink in the Slivovitz Museum, close to where the shooting occurred.

Mr Leese said: 'A policeman came in and started shouting loudly in what I assume was Czech. I asked for it in English and he said there was an active shooter and to stay inside and stay down.

'The staff were very calm, turned all the lights off very quickly and urged us to stay calm, the restaurant was relatively quiet.

'The policeman left urgently and we stood in the corner of the restaurant.'

The couple, from Merstham in Surrey, were kept in the museum for over an hour, hearing sirens outside.

An ambulance drives over a bridge towards the Charles University in central Prague, on December 21, 2023, following the deadly shooting

Mr Leese added: 'Rachael is still in shock. 'We were meant to be having dinner at the restaurant right by the building tonight and were going to pop in for a drink earlier on, but we crossed the bridge instead.

'With everyone else being so calm it didn't seem real to me.'

Czech President Petr Pavel said he was 'shocked' by Thursday's shooting.

'I am shocked by the events... I would like to express my deep regret and sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims claimed by the shooting,' Pavel, who is winding up a two-day visit to Paris on Thursday, said on social media.
The victims' families say they are appalled by the findings

DeAngelo Martin is now serving between 45 and 70 years in prison for the crimes, but an investigation shows he could have been caught sooner

Police repeatedly missed opportunities to stop a serial killer before he killed four women and raped two others

Police repeatedly bungled an investigation into a serial killer, failing to stop him from murdering four women and raping two others over the course of fifteen years.

DeAngelo Martin is now serving between 45 and 70 years in prison for the crimes - but an investigation revealed police missed multiple chances to stop him sooner.

The families of the victims have expressed fury at the missteps and believe police would have been more thorough if the victims weren't so vulnerable, struggling with addiction, mental illness or homelessness.

Over 15 years, since 2004, Detroit police failed to follow up on leads including forgetting about a rape test kit, arresting the wrong man in a strangling case and failing to tell other departments to be on the look out for Martin.

Jim Trainum, a retired Washington, DC, homicide detective, said: 'All the police had to do was one little thing, one little thing here or there, and they would have put a stop to this whole process and these women would still be alive.'

Martin killed four women and raped two others before being captured in 2019

The victims were Annetta Nelson, 57, whose body was found on February 26, 2018; Nancy Harrison, 52, who was discovered March 19, 2019; Trevesene Ellis, 55, was found March 24; and Tamara Jones, 55, who was found June 5.

Over 15 years, Martin lured the women one by one into vacant homes to be murdered, posing their nude or partially clothed corpses amid cheap booze pints, crumbling sheetrock and hypodermic needles.

The killings set Detroit on edge, prompting authorities to dispatch crews on overtime to scour the citys decrepit stock of abandoned properties for more bodies.

But police failed to follow up on leads or take investigative steps that may have averted the killing spree, despite having received repeated warnings that Martin was a violent predator.

An investigation has revealed that the bungling started in 2004, when evidence from the rape of a 41-year-old woman was stored in a kit - and then forgotten for years in a warehouse, along with thousands of others.

When police finally reopened the investigation, the victim had long been dead.

The lapses continued all the way into 2018, despite Martin coming into contact with the police on multiple occasions.

In 2018, police arrested the wrong man in a strangling case. Even after a state crime lab linked Martins DNA to the death, police only sought his arrest weeks after he had raped another woman in his grandmothers basement and killed thrice more.

Detroits internal affairs branch issued a 247-page report that found the agencys sex crimes unit did not properly handle DNA hits.

Martin murdered Nancy Harrison (left) and Trevesene Ellis (right)

He murdered Tamara Jones (left) and Annetta Nelson (right)

Officers were confused about what number of assaults would define a serial rapist, and they were also reluctant to re-approach victims to persuade them to cooperate.

No mistakes rose 'to the level of criminality,' the report said, but several officers had 'neglected their duties.' Two were briefly suspended. An internal affairs supervisor summed up the debacles as a 'total systemic breakdown.'

Detroit Police Commander Michael McGinnis said the department has since changed the way it deals with crime victims and manages DNA leads. Supervisors and command staff now are more involved, he said, especially in cases with a serial offender.

'We learn from our mistakes,' McGinnis said, 'and we resolve to do better.'

Relatives of Martins victims were furious when they learned through the investigation that police had chances to stop him before their loved ones were killed.

They also wondered whether the department would have been more aggressive if the victims hadnt been among the citys most vulnerable - and invisible - residents: women struggling with addiction, mental illness or homelessness.

'My sister would be alive today if the police had done their jobs,' said Anthony Ellis, the brother of Trevesene Ellis, who was found slain in May 2019. 'She always looked out for everyone and didnt deserve to die this way.'

Lisa Hohnstreiter, the daughter of Martins second victim, Nancy Harrison, said she was overwhelmed by the investigation. 'My moms death could definitely have been prevented,' she said.

Lisa Hohnstreiter holds a smartphone displaying a photograph of her mother, Nancy Harrison, and her brother

Hohnstreiter, the daughter of DeAngelo Martin's second victim, Nancy Harrison, said she was overwhelmed by the investigation showing her mother's death could have been prevented

Martin killed Nancy Harrison not long after he was released from Jail in 2019

Martin, who is serving between 45 and 70 years in prison, declined a request for an interview.

He had several run-ins with police over the years and had at least two convictions by 2009 so his DNA profile was on file in a national database.

He was first connected to a potential sexual assault in 2012. That's when a state crime laboratory alerted Detroit police that a national database had matched Martin's DNA to evidence collected in the 2004 rape of Sylvia Sampson.

Sampson, 41, told police she was walking down a deserted street when a gold-colored car pulled up, and the gun-wielding driver demanded she get inside, reports show.

He drove Sampson to a nearby field strewn with tires where he warned her to 'do what I say or Ill snap your neck.' After the rape, Sampson told police, her assailant kicked her in the face and took $10 from her coat.

Police collected evidence in a rape kit, which was stored in a warehouse. Five years later, prosecutors discovered that untested kit and more than 11,000 others in the building, sparking a push by Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy to clear the backlog.

It does not appear that police at first did anything about the 'hit' linking Martin to Sampsons assault. Four years after receiving it, records show, detectives looked into the assault and determined that Sampson was dead.

Without a living victim, they closed the case.

Then, the state crime lab in October 2016 linked Martin's DNA to a specimen collected in a second rape kit.

A 50-year-old woman had reported the previous December that a male companion had thrown 'her down and started hitting her in the face and possibly sexually assaulted her' in a vacant home, according to a police report of the incident.

Police noted in their report that the woman had suffered injuries consistent with an assault: 'two black swollen eyes' and swollen lips, as well as bruises on her legs and scratches on her neck.'

Police did not get very far. The victim declined to be a witness, records show, though an officer called the woman a second time in a failed attempt to persuade her to cooperate.

Then in 2017, the crime lab linked Martins DNA to evidence collected in a third rape kit. That specimen had been submitted by a hospital, but police could find no record of the female victim having reported the crime.

Deangelo Martin is escorted into a courtroom Thursday, June 20, 2019

Undated booking photo released by Detroit Police Department of DeAngelo Martin

The first homicide attributed to Martin took place in February 2018, though police initially arrested the wrong man.

It was a Monday afternoon when two Detroit police officers were flagged down by Rudolph Henderson, a 43-year-old vagabond. At Hendersons feet was a dead, naked woman.

Detectives arrested Henderson on murder charges after discovering security video that showed him dragging Annetta Nelson, 57, from a vacant house where she had been strangled and beaten to death.

Henderson told police that he had stumbled across Nelsons corpse in the living room as he was looking for crack cocaine. He said he decided to move the body because he didnt think anyone would find it otherwise.

Henderson was released a week after his arrest when police uncovered other video evidence that prosecutors described as proving the homeless man 'was not the perpetrator.'

Two months later, records show, the state crime lab linked Martins DNA to evidence collected from Nelsons vagina. A scientist even told police they could find his name in other case files. Henderson, meanwhile, was cleared by the same DNA testing.

The case files do not indicate what police did with the information, though the internal affairs report suggests Detective Jesus Colon created a reward flyer seeking information about him. The detective declined an interview request. His remarks to internal affairs investigators, like most others made by officers, were redacted in the report.

After obtaining the DNA hit, police dispatched an 'apprehension team' to search for Martin, according to McGinnis, the police commander.

'I dont know what specific actions they took to try to locate him but they were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, it takes time sometimes to catch people,' McGinnis said.

Two law enforcement experts - and the Detroit police chief at the time - say police missed an opportunity by not aggressively pursuing the lead.

At the very least, detectives should have obtained a search warrant to obtain a DNA sample from Martin to confirm the database match, according to Julianne Himelstein, who spent more than a decade prosecuting sex offenders in Washington, DC

The warrant would have alerted other departments to detain Martin if they came across him, she said, and given Detroit police the chance to interrogate him.

'That is just crazy they didnt get that warrant,' said Himelstein, a former federal prosecutor. 'Confirming that link is step one in Investigations 101.'

In an interview with the AP, Detroit's police chief back in 2018, James Craig, said the DNA hit was 'compelling' evidence and would have been enough to 'to try to detain' Martin. He could not say why police didnt take that step.

Police after Martin was identified as a person of interest in the cases

Detroit Police Chief James Craig answers questions during a news conference, Friday, June 7, 2019 addressing the police response to a possible serial killer

In the months after the DNA alert, Martin had repeated contact with Detroit-area police officers. He was given a ticket for disorderly conduct by Wayne State University police in September. He was arrested that same month in Ferndale for lying about his identity.

Martin was arrested again in December 2018 on charges of repeatedly hitting a girlfriend in Southfield, another suburb. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and spent about two weeks in the Oakland County jail.

Authorities in those jurisdictions did not inform Detroit police about their encounters with Martin because Detroit police never asked them to be on the lookout for him, records show.

'Had a more robust apprehension effort been made,' McGinnis said, 'I would hope we would have learned that he had contact with these other agencies and been able to chase that down. That did not occur.'

Not long after Martin was released from jail, he killed for the second time. On March 19, 2019, the body of Nancy Harrison, 52, was discovered in an abandoned house on Coventry Street.

The medical examiner ruled she had died from being struck in the head (Martin would admit he beat Harrison to death with a two-by-four).

Two months after discovering Harrison's body, police were dispatched to the home of Martins grandmother, where a 26-year-old woman told them that Martin had stabbed her in the neck and raped her in the basement.

A relative of Martins corroborated the womans account. An aunt, Linda Martin, told police that she had heard screaming from the basement and found the victim bleeding from a stab wound.

Police would not seek charges in the rape until two days after Martins final known homicide victim was discovered.

A few days after the assault in his grandmother's basement, Martin was arrested 30 miles away in Chesterfield Township after flagging down police for help in a parking lot.

Officers discovered that he was wanted in Southfield for ignoring the conditions of probation in the earlier assault of a girlfriend.

'In your favor, please look out for me,' Martin wrote to the judge overseeing his return to court. 'You have my word. ... I wanna do whats right.'

He spent 10 more days in jail. Southfield Judge Cynthia Arvant encouraged Martin to seek social services and take his medication.

'Mr. Martin, I wish you the best of luck,' said Arvant, who had no way of knowing that Martin could be a murder suspect. 'Hopefully youll be done with this. Put it behind you and move forward.'

DeAngelo Martin stands for a probable cause hearing, in Detroit on June 20, 2019 - he is now serving at least 45 years for the four murders and two rapes

Tamara Jones. Jones, 55, was found on June 5, 2019, in a vacant house on Mack Avenue in Detroit

The day after Martin was released, Ellis' decomposed body was found in a Detroit house. She was the third murder victim, authorities could not determine a cause of death, though Martin would later admit to having killed her.

The corpse of a fourth victim, Tamara Jones, 55, was found on June 5 in a vacant house on Mack Avenue. She had been beaten to death.

Martins DNA was later linked to both crimes, as well as to Harrisons slaying in March.

The discovery of the bodies shook Detroit, especially after police warned that the culprit was likely a serial killer.

At a June 7 news conference about the slayings, Mayor Mike Duggan and his police brass pledged that they were racing to inspect buildings for more bodies and scrambling to board up 2,000 properties.

Later that day, police named Martin a person of interest in the killings. Detectives obtained a warrant charging him with the rape in his grandmothers basement and arrested him without incident that night at a bus stop.

Prosecutors subsequently charged him in the four homicides and the two 2019 rapes after DNA testing linked him to all the crimes. Police declined to say whether they suspected Martin in other killings, but reports and court files suggest he was suspected in at least one disappearance and another death.

Martin eventually pleaded guilty to killing Nelson, Harrison, Ellis and Jones. He also admitted he raped two women.

At his sentencing last year, Martin said he wanted to apologize but in the next breath denied wrongdoing. His lawyer acknowledged 'these crimes were horrible, demeaning,' and a prosecutor described Martin as a serial killer and rapist who brought immeasurable pain into the world.

When it was their turn to address the judge, the victims' relatives spoke of deep anger and loss.

A year since the sentencing, family members of the victims say their emotions have grown only more complicated.

Their fury, once directed at a man, is now also focused on Detroit police. The relatives all have the same question: How did police miss so many chances to stop a killer?
A jealous fiancee who told a friend 'I'm about to stab this c***' has been jailed for manslaughter after plunging an eight-inch knife into his chest.

Monique Sullivan, 31, claimed he had been abusive and she was in fear for her life when she lashed out at Andrew Moore during a howling blizzard on a Wyoming ranch in February this year.

But she was jailed for between 12 and 17 years by a judge at Lincoln County District Court who heard she was 'in a rage' after he flirted with a friend during a night of heavy drinking.

'I know I've hurt so many people and caused so much pain to his family and friends, and I'm so sorry for that,' she wept as she was sentenced.

'I couldn't imagine my life without Andrew.'

Monique Sullivan, 31, wept and apologized as she apologized for stabbing her fiance to death

Andrew Moore and Monique Sullivan were part of an international crew of sheep shearers migrating across the US to work on farms when they found themselves stranded on a remote ranch in a bitter Wyoming winter

Sullivan claimed she had endured months of abuse from Moore who had joked about her weight and tried to choke her five months earlier

The New Zealander and his Australian fiancee were part of an international sheep-sheering crew moving between ranches across the US when they were given jobs at Taliaferro Ranch in south Lincoln County, Cowboy State Daily reported.

The pair were living in a camper and had been rowing for weeks as they struggled to cope with the harsh winter conditions on the farm outside Kemmerer.

On the night of February 19 the couple were drinking with other shearers at a rowdy party in the 'boys' trailer', and Moore spilled some beer on Sullivan's friend Stacy Hikawai.

Sullivan stormed off to her camper followed by Hikawai who tried to comfort her.

'Throughout the conversation, Miss Sullivan kept getting angrier and angrier,' Lincoln County Attorney Spencer Allred told the court.

'She wasn't part of this family. She felt lonely. She wanted to go home.'

Sullivan had sent Hikawai a series of texts the previous day complaining about her fiance.

'He's in the worst mood, he's so f***ing angry so he can cry about it,' she wrote.

On the day she killed her fiance, she texted Hikawai at 6.38am to tell her: 'I'm about to stab this c***, he's a moody c***.'

Stacy Hikawai (front) awoke to see Moore bleeding and blood on Sullivan's hands after Moore had 'flirted' with her earlier that evening

The popular Kiwi had learned his craft on tours of Scotland, Australia, and the US

Moore (right) with friends two years before he was stabbed to death by his fiancee

With Hakawai now passed out on the bed, returned to the boys' trailer and hauled her fiance back to their camper.

'He kept saying stuff. He was calling me names. He was insulting my family,' Sullivan told police later.

She claimed that he charged at her with clenched teeth before yelling and pushing her to the ground.

Hikawai opened her eyes to see Moore bleeding and blood on Sullivan's hands before fleeing the camper.

Sullivan told police she had grabbed a knife from the counter and had not realized how close her fiance was standing when she lashed out with it.

But the court heard it went through his Carhart coat, two jackets and eight inches of his chest.

'That's extreme force, folks,' Allred told the jury.

'A great amount of force was used to put this knife into his chest.'

Sullivan told police his last words had been: 'Why did you do that Mons?'

Deputy prosecutor John Bowers asked the jury: 'If you'd just attacked somebody and your dying words are, 'Why did you do that,' what does that tell us?

'He had no idea why she'd just killed him. Because he was not attacking her.'

Moore was taken to the South Lincoln Medical Centre where he died that night, and Sullivan too was taken to hospital after attempting to slash her wrist while police were on their way.

'Just cut my throat. I just want to die,' she told paramedics.

Her defense attorneys claimed she had endured months of abuse from Moore who had tried to choke her five months earlier, yanked her out of a truck and joked about her weight.

They claimed she had been left lonely and isolated among the other shearers on the remote ranch in the grim winter conditions

'It creeps into every part of your being,' Bennet tolkd the court.

'They are Andrew's friends. Not hers. And then they gaslight her: 'Aw, you're taking it too serious, we're just joking around. We'll pour beer and laugh at you'.'

The jury rejected a charge of second-degree murder but convicted her of voluntary manslaughter last month.

Judge Joseph Bluemel ordered her to pay $7,000 to Moore's family as he jailed her and noted she would probably be deported back to Australia at the end of her sentence.

'I didn't want to be the person that did that to them,' she told the court.

'I've caused so much pain and suffering to my family as well. I'm really sorry for that.

'And I'm ready to face the consequences of my actions.'

A friend of Moore's who raised the money to bring him home to New Zealand was among those who paid tribute to him.

Moore (left) recorded a 2012 charity skydive on his Facebook page

'Andrew was a very loved person throughout the shearing industry, and I know he will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him,' said friend Michael Jeffries

'For seven years we lived and breathed shearing, touring around the world, working in Scotland, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand,' Michael Jeffries wrote.

'We also competed at many speed shear competitions in Wales, Australia, and New Zealand.

'I called him my brother, as do many of our friends, he was definitely the life of the party and had such a heart of gold.

'Andrew was a very loved person throughout the shearing industry, and I know he will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him.'
As the sickening sound of gunshots echoed through a Prague university this afternoon, terrified students and professors were forced to resort to extreme measures in order to try and survive.

At least 15 people were killed and 24 injured in the devastating mass shooting which was carried out by a lone gunman at the Charles University Faculty of Arts - where the 24-year-old suspect was a student himself - at around 3pm this afternoon.

Dramatic footage from the attack shows how desperate students and teachers clung on to narrow ledges 40ft up, locked themselves in classrooms and built barricades with furniture as the sound of gunshots kept coming.

Police in Prague confirmed this afternoon that the gunman took his own life, while his father was also found dead. A chilling image shared on local media purports to show the man dressed in black aiming a rifle at people below while standing on top of a faculty building.

In the aftermath of the attack, students began to provide an insight into how they tried to survive.

One extraordinary image shows a group of nine students cowering on a ledge and clinging on for their lives in a bid to hide from the gunman, who was said to be picking off his victims one by one.

This extraordinary photo shows terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a faculty in a bid to hide from the gunman

Another student shared how students barricaded themselves into classrooms using tables and chairs

A lone student is seen calling for help as he balances on a ledge. He then tiptoes around the corner

A lone student was also seen risking his life by tiptoeing across a narrow ledge and calling for help as dozens of police cars arrived at the scene below him. A second student around the corner is then seen jumping back into the building through the window.

READ MORE: Ten dead and dozens wounded in Prague university shooting Advertisement

Another photo shows how students locked themselves in a classroom and used several chairs and tables to prevent the gunman from entering.

The student who posted the photo wrote: 'Currently stuck inside my classroom in Prague. Shooter is dead, but we are waiting to be evacuated. Praying to make it out alive. Locked the door before the shooter tried to open it. F***ing hell.'

Footage taken from inside one of the classrooms shows how a large group of students were sat in complete silence, with the only sound in the video a single gunshot.

Other remarkable footage shows terrified crowds of tourists and locals sprinting across the famous Charles Bridge - one of Europe's top tourist sites - after the gunman opened fire in a sickening broad daylight attack.

Huge groups of people had to shuffle down the steps of the bridge as they tried to piece together what was going on.

Elsewhere, people sprinted for their lives with their hands in the air as armed police officers descended on the scene and halted the attack.

And a group of students were pictured hiding out in a computer lab where they were relying on information from their phones for the latest updates.

The student who posted the photo wrote: 'I am OK. I was in the library at the time of the shooting. They sent us to the back of the computer lab where there are no windows. Word has now spread that the gunman is dead. We all call and reply to family and friends that we are ok.'

Images circulating online and in Czech media purports to show the shooter on the roof of the university building

Footage from inside this classroom shows students sitting in silence before a single gunshot is heard

One student said she was in the university's library when the gunman began shooting at his victims. Sharing a picture of students hiding in the back of a computer lab, Deda wrote: 'I am OK. I was in the library at the time of the shooting'

People can be seen running from a building in Prague with their arms up in the air as police descended on the scene

Dramatic video shows terrified crowds of tourists and locals sprinting across the famous Charles Bridge - one of Europe's top tourist sites - after they heard the sickening sound of gunshots in the city

A man is seen sprinting through central Prague, while a group of students are seen hiding out on the ledge in the background

Petr Nedoma, director of the Rudolfinum Gallery at a concert hall across Palach Square, told Czech TV he saw the shooter.

'I saw a young person on the gallery who had some weapon in his hand, like and automatic weapon, and shooting toward the Manes Bridge. Repeatedly, with some interruptions, then I saw as he shot, put hands up and threw the weapon down on the street, it lay there on the pedestrian crossing,' he said.

Police sealed off the square and the area adjacent to the building, located in a busy part of town that has a popular street leading tourists to Old Town Square.

Czech TV live broadcast showed several ambulances and police cars with flashing lights lined up alongside the building accompanied by the sound of sirens.

One witness told news website iDnes.cz that they got off at the tram stop by the school and 'suddenly I heard shooting'.

Klara, a student, told the news website she was among those who police evacuated from the building.

'It was terribly scary, there were a lot of policemen everywhere, who were shouting at us with submachine guns, telling us to run outside,' she said.

An email sent to staff and students had said the shooter was in one of the buildings.

'Don't go anywhere, if you're in the offices, lock them and place furniture in front of the door, turn off the lights,' the email said.

A newlywed British couple have also told of the moment a police officer ordered them to stay down during the central Prague shooting.

Tom Leese, 34, a video producer and his wife Rachael, 31, an account director, who are on their honeymoon in the country, were having a drink in the Slivovitz Museum, close to where the shooting occurred.

Armed police are seen on the balcony of the university in central Prague on Thursday

Medics wait near the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague on Thursday

Members of the emergency service at the scene of a shooting at Charles University in central Prague on Thursday afternoon

A police officer secures the area following the shooting at one of the buildings of Charles University in Prague on Thursday

Mr Leese said: 'A policeman came in and started shouting loudly in what I assume was Czech.

'I asked for it in English and he said there was an active shooter and to stay inside and stay down.

'The staff were very calm, turned all the lights off very quickly and urged us to stay calm, the restaurant was relatively quiet. The policeman left urgently and we stood in the corner of the restaurant.'

The couple, from Merstham in Surrey, were kept in the the museum for over an hour, hearing sirens outside.

Mr Leese added: 'Rachael is still in shock. We were meant to be having dinner at the restaurant right by the building tonight and were going to pop in for a drink earlier on, but we crossed the bridge instead.

'With everyone else being so calm it didn't seem real to me. We've been in touch with all of our families to let them know that we're safe.

'We obviously can't wait to get home now.'

Prague's rescue service confirmed that 11 people had died, including the killer. It said about 30 others suffered various injuries, including nine with serious ones.

Pavel Nedoma, the director of Rudolfinum Gallery, which also is located in the square, told Czech public television he saw from a window a person who was shooting toward the nearby Manes bridge across the Vltava River.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala cancelled his scheduled events and was heading for Prague.

Czech President Petr Pavel said he was 'shocked' by the shooting, adding: 'I would like to express my deep regret and sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims claimed by the shooting.'
Andrew Tate's mother has suffered a heart attack and is set to undergo emergency surgery in hospital.

Paramedics were called to Eileen Tate's home in Luton this afternoon just hours ahead of a crucial court hearing for Tate and his brother Tristan tomorrow.

They have been forbidden from leaving the Romanian capital of Bucharest where they are being probed on allegations of people trafficking and by coincidence the hearing comes just as their mother was taken ill.

A spokesman for the brothers said: 'It is with heavy hearts that we share the urgent news that the mother of Andrew and Tristan suffered a sudden heart attack this afternoon and was immediately rushed to the hospital.

'The situation is ongoing, and at this stage, it is our understanding that she will be undergoing emergency surgery. Her discharge from the hospital is contingent on the success of this critical procedure.

Eileen Tate - pictured on the right alongside her daughter, Janice - has been admitted to hospital

Andrew, Tristan and their sister, Janice, with their mother Eileen in Luton

The Tate brothers are currently awaiting trial in Romania for human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime group - charges which they deny. Today they asked the court to allow them to travel back to the UK to be with their mother

'The brothers kindly request privacy and consideration from the public and media as they navigate through these uncertain moments. They are profoundly grateful for the support and understanding from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers.

READ MORE - What turned the son of a chess champion and a Luton dinner lady into the world's most toxic man? Advertisement

'In light of this critical and devastating situation, Andrew and Tristan are hopeful that the court will expedite their request to temporarily leave the country to be with their mother and support her during this challenging time.'

Andrew, 36, and his younger brother Tristan, 34, grew up in Luton and are accused of leading a human trafficking ring with two others as well as rape and organised crime.

They are alleged to have lured women to their 600,000 villa on the outskirts of Bucharest and several were then reportedly forced to perform in sexually explicit videos which were sold online.

The brothers grew up on the infamous Marsh farm estate in Luton, where Eileen still lives in a 1970's end of terrace house after she divorced their father Emory Tate Jnr in 1997.

She is said to be 'proud' of her sons and regularly visited them in Romania before their arrest.

The Tate brothers with their sister and their father, a former US Air Force sergeant who died in 2015

Tate during an interview with Piers Morgan last month

A family friend previously said: 'Their mum is proud of Andrew and Tristan, of course she is. Eileen loves her boys.

'Most probably she doesn't like what's going on. What they've been accused of is very serious. I don't think she is happy with what Andrew says, the misogyny.

READ MORE - The Andrew Tate effect: The internet is fuelling a new wave of misogamy, scientist claims Advertisement

'She says he says these things for the response he gets  for the number of hits on the internet.

'He's always going on about fast cars and what a man should be, but Eileen didn't raise him like that. If you say anything to her about it, she'll say, 'That's my boys.' '

In August the brothers - who deny the allegations  were released from house arrest following their initial detention almost a year ago but they were forbidden from leaving Romania.

Earlier this month a court rejected Andrew's bid to have his seized assets worth 10 million including 15 luxury cars, watches and properties returned to him after they were seized by police.

A source close to the brothers told MailOnline:' We really do hope the Court of Appeal will look favourably on their request to leave the country given the current situation with their mother.

'This is a critical time for them, and they should be with her.'

Tate was arrested in December 2022 on allegations of rape, human trafficking and organised crime (pictured in Bucharest on November 3)

Tate has millions of followers across his various online platforms.

He was arrested in December 2022 on allegations of rape, human trafficking and organised crime, spending several months in prison before then been moved to house arrest. He was freed from this in August.

The 36-year-old has insisted he has 'done nothing wrong' and has dismissed the allegations, saying Romanian authorities have 'no substantial evidence' against him.

Speaking outside his home in Bucharest, Romania, in August, Tate told reporters he would be 'absolutely exonerated' over the charges brought against him and his younger 35-year-old brother.

In September, Tate backed disgraced comedian Russell Brand, telling fans in an 'emergency meeting' that the comedian was the victim of a 'matrix attack'.

He joined hundreds of Brand's supporters suggesting online that the sex crime allegations were a 'bunch of garbage' attacking him for 'telling the truth' about 'big pharma'.
A newlywed British couple have told of the moment a police officer ordered them to stay down during a mass shooting in central Prague.

Ten were confirmed dead after gunfire at a school in Jan Palach Square in the Czech Republic capital on Thursday. Dozens more are believed to be wounded.

Tom Leese, 34, and his wife Rachael, 31, an account director, who are on their honeymoon in the country, were having a drink in the Slivovitz Museum, close to where the shooting occurred.

Mr Leese said: 'A policeman came in and started shouting loudly in what I assume was Czech.

'I asked for it in English and he said there was an active shooter and to stay inside and stay down.

Tom Leese, 34, a video producer and his wife Rachael, 31, an account director, who are on their honeymoon in the country, were having a drink in the Slivovitz Museum, close to where the shooting occurred

Ten were confirmed dead after gunfire at a school in Jan Palach Square in the Czech Republic capital on Thursday

'The staff were very calm, turned all the lights off very quickly and urged us to stay calm, the restaurant was relatively quiet.

'The policeman left urgently and we stood in the corner of the restaurant.'

The couple, from Merstham in Surrey, were kept in the the museum for over an hour, hearing sirens outside.

Mr Leese added: 'Rachael is still in shock.

'We were meant to be having dinner at the restaurant right by the building tonight and were going to pop in for a drink earlier on, but we crossed the bridge instead.

'With everyone else being so calm it didn't seem real to me.

'We've been in touch with all of our families to let them know that we're safe.

'We obviously can't wait to get home now.'

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan told public television the gunman was dead.

Police gave no details about the victims or the circumstances of the gunfire.
A group of 19 Republican attorneys general want the Supreme Court to take its time and let Donald Trump's claim of presidential immunity from prosecution make its way through the normal appeals process  with his campaign season trial on the line.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and the other top law enforcement officers of their states blasted a filing by Special Prosecutor Jack Smith as politically motivated, aligning themselves with the former president accused of conspiring to overturn the election in Smith's January 6 case.

'It should go without saying that interference with President Trumps political campaign is not a legitimate reason to seek certiorari before judgment,' they argue in an amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court Thursday.

'The DOJs attempt to accelerate the prosecution is blatantly partisan, and SCOTUS must reject it,' wrote Missouri's AG Andrew Bailey in a post on X.

Their intervention is just the latest time state AGs have backed up Trump. A group of 17 state AGs famously asked the high court to rule in Trump's favor in December 2020 amid his election overturn effort that Smith is prosecuting as a conspiracy to interfere with an official proceeding and disenfranchise voters.

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump opposed Special Counsel Jack Smith's effort to get an expedited review of his claim of immunity. The matter could determine whether he goes on trial before the presidential primaries

That effort was spearheaded by Texas AG Ken Paxton, who was a signatory to the latest filing.

Smith issued yet another filing Thursday in response to the Trump team, who wants the court to take its time rather than act on an expedited schedule  which could bring a result before Americans go to the polls in November 2024.

'Respondent agrees that the question whether a former President of the United States enjoys absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for a conspiracy to overturn an election, and thereby prevent the lawful winner from taking office, is an issue of great constitutional moment,' Smith writes, taking a dig in his introduction.

He says the Trump team's 'principal argument in opposition is that the Court should wait. That is incorrect. This Courts immediate review of that question is the only way to achieve its timely and definitive resolution.'

'The public interest in a prompt resolution of this case favors an immediate, definitive decision by this Court. The charges here are of the utmost gravity.. The Nation has a compelling interest in a decision on respondents claim of immunity,' Smith argues.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and other state AGs filed the friend of the court brief

That came after lawyers for Trump urged the Supreme Court to take no special 'haste' by taking up the issue of his claim of presidential immunity from prosecution  in a filing that would allow his January 6 case to wind its way through lower courts.

Smith had asked the high court to take up the matter on an emergency basis  judging the matter even before an Appeals Court is able to consider it.

The appeal has put Trump's scheduled March 4 Trump trial on hold during the process  tying up a case with massive political implications that has been slotted early in the 2024 presidential primary process.

Trump's team strikes out at what it calls the 'rush to decide the issues with reckless abandon,' and urges a more ordinary procedure.

The special counsel, who Trump regularly derides as 'deranged' in public pronouncements, has stated 'no compelling reason for the extraordinary haste he proposes,' according to the court filing.

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump argued against 'haste' and asked the Supreme Court not to rush to take up an expedited appeal of his claim of presidential immunity from prosecution

Special counsel Jack Smith, who filed the petition last month and who Trump regularly attacks online, said Trump's case 'presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy' and asked the Supreme Court to bypass an appeals court to hear the matter

Instead of taking up the case, Trump's lawyers argue that prosecutors should allow the U.S. Court to consider the 'momentous, historic questions' at stake. They even cite a court case that invokes the cliche of 'haste makes waste.'

'Importance does not automatically necessitate speed. If anything, the opposite is usually true. Novel, complex, sensitive, and historic issues - such as the existence of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts - call for more careful deliberation, not less,' they wrote.

They argue that the actions invoked by his indictment  he is charged with conspiring to defraud the U.S., conspiring to disenfranchise voters, and conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding as part of his election overturn effort  were part of his official duties as president.

As such, he should be immune from prosecution for it, according to the brief, filed by Trump lawyers including John Lauro and Todd Blanche.

Trump, who is facing multiple trials, wants an appeals court to take up the matter first, while his criminal trial in D.C. set for March 4 is on hold

Trump lawyer John Lauro (l) and Todd Blanche (r) argued that 'haste makes waste.' They had earlier sought to delay Trump's trial until after the 2024 election

The high-profile case is just one where the Supreme Court's posture could have an outsized impact on the 2024 presidential election. Trump's lawyers are planning an immediate appeal of the Colorado Supreme Court's stunning ruling Tuesday that Trump should be disqualified from the state's ballot.

It agreed with a lower court's ruling that Trump had backed an insurrection, which triggered the 14th Amendment's language barring those of have engaged in insurrection and rebellion against the U.S. from holding office. Trump's team blasted the decision and said the language does not specifically apply to the president, branding it a form of election inteference.

Earlier this month, Smith has asked the Supreme Court to conduct an expedited review of Trump's claim to special immunity from prosecution  in a move to keep the former president's trial on track.

'It is of imperative public importance that (Trump's) claims of immunity be resolved by this court and that (Trump's) trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected,' Smith said.

U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who rejected Trump's immunity argument in her own ruling, has set a trial for March 4, the day before Super Tuesday.

Judge Tanya Chutkan set a March 4 trial date. Smith's team says if the immunity claim goes through the appeals court process, the Supreme Court might not even get to it this term

Trump's lawyers appealed her decision, something Smith said 'suspends the trial of the charges against him.' He called it of 'imperative public importance' to resolve the matter 'as promptly as possible.'

Chutkan on Dec. 1 rejected Trump's bid to dismiss the case, finding no legal support for the position argued by his lawyers that former presidents cannot face criminal charges for conduct related to their official responsibilities.

Smith's filing says the case poses a fundamental question: 'whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he has been impeached but not convicted before the criminal proceedings begin.'

Chutkan issued a 48-page opinion arguing against Trump's 'absolute immunity' claim for alleged crimes while in office.

'Whatever immunities a sitting President may enjoy, the United States has only one Chief Executive at a time, and that position does not confer a lifelong "get-out-of-jail-free" pass,' she wrote.
Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use 'all his power' to ensure Gaza will never threaten Israel again, ruling out the prospect of any immediate ceasefire.

The Israeli Prime Minister was speaking after the UN Security Council was due to try for a fourth day to pass a resolution calling for a halt in fighting.

Tel Aviv is under increasing pressure for a deal to free more hostages after three Israelis were killed by the IDF after being mistaken for terrorists despite holding up white flags with 'SOS' written on.

And in a statement to the people of Israel, Netanyahu promised to do everything he could to wipe out Hamas.

In a video statement shared to X he said: 'We are fighting until victory. We will not stop the war until we achieve all of its goals: completing the elimination of Hamas and releasing all of our hostages.

Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use 'all his power' to ensure Gaza will never threaten Israel again, ruling out the prospect of any immediate ceasefire

A child walks among rubbles of the destroyed buildings in Gaza

Israeli soldiers walking next to damaged buildings as smoke billows during a military operation in the north of the Gaza Strip

'The choice I propose to Hamas is very simple: Surrender or die. They do not have and will not have any other choice.

'And after we eliminate Hamas, I will use all my power to ensure that Gaza never threatens Israel again. Neither Hamas or Fatah.'

The half in fighting has so far been delayed with Israel has rejecting the term 'ceasefire', and Washington using its veto twice to thwart resolutions opposed by Israel since the start of the war.

The United Arab Emirates is sponsoring a proposed resolution which has already been watered down to secure compromise, according to a draft version seen by AFP.

It calls for 'the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities'.

Hopes that Israel and Hamas could be inching towards another truce and deal to free the remaining 129 hostages had risen this week as the head of the Palestinian militant group visited Egypt and talks took place in Europe.

However, the stated positions of Israel and Hamas remain far apart.

The Palestinian group's military wing said on Thursday that Israel's objective to eliminate it was 'doomed to fail' and that any further releases of hostages depended on a 'cessation of hostilities'.

US President Joe Biden said of a fresh hostage release deal: 'There's no expectation at this point. But we are pushing it.'

Qatar, backed by Egypt and the United States, last month helped broker a first week-long truce that saw 105 hostages released, including 80 Israelis freed in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Displaced Gazans are pleading for a ceasefire.

'My message is to put an end to this humiliation,' said Fuad Ibrahim Wadi, who found refuge at a greenhouse in Rafah. 'This war does nothing but destroy. Enough is enough.'

The war has sparked fears of wider conflict.

A fireball erupts after Israeli strike over Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on December 20 as the conflict shows no signs of stopping

Destroyed houses are seen in Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The kibbutz was overrun by Hamas on October 7

People carry the shrouded body of a person killed during Israeli bombardment at the Kuwait Hospital in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on December 20

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on December 20

There have been regular exchanges of fire over the Lebanon border, and missiles from Iran-backed Yemeni rebels have disrupted Red Sea shipping.

Israeli strikes killed a woman in a south Lebanon village on Thursday, Lebanese media and rescuers said, with retaliatory attacks by Hezbollah militants wounding two civilians, according to Israel's military.

Meanwhile Israel bombed a newly reopened aid crossing point on Thursday, Hamas authorities said, hours before the UN Security Council was to make another attempt on pausing the Gaza fighting.

Separate diplomatic efforts continued for a fresh truce and hostage release deal in the worst-ever Gaza war.

The United Nations human rights office in Ramallah said it had received reports that Israeli troops had 'summarily killed' at least 11 unarmed Palestinian men in Gaza City's Rimal neighbourhood this week.

An Israeli official rejected the allegations as 'nothing but blood libel' and 'yet another example of the partisan and prejudiced approach against Israel' by the UN body.

Israel has been under increasing pressure from allies, including the United States which provides it with billions of dollars in military aid, to protect civilians.

The UN estimates 1.9 million Gazans are displaced, out of a population of 2.4 million.

With their homes destroyed, they are living in crowded shelters and struggling to find food, fuel, water and medical supplies. Diseases are spreading, and communications have been repeatedly cut.

Hamas has said no more hostages will be released until the war ends, and is expected to insist on the release of large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, including high-level militants, for the captives that remain.

Israel has rejected the demands so far. But it has a history of lopsided exchanges for captive Israelis and the government is under heavy public pressure to bring the hostages home safely.

Hamas and other militants are still holding an estimated 129 captives.

Israeli soldiers fire mortars from southern Israel towards the Gaza Strip on December 20

An Israeli soldier writes on a mortar in a position near the Israel-Gaza border on Wednesday

Smoke rising from Israeli air strikes on the city of Khan Yunis on December 20, 2023 in Khan Yunis, Gaza

Hamas said that Haniyeh, who is believed to be based in Qatar but whose movements are rarely publicised, would discuss the war with Egyptian officials, without providing more details.

Ziad Nakhaleh, the leader of the smaller Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group, which took part in the October 7 attack and is also holding hostages, said he would also be going to Egypt in the coming days to participate in the talks.

With the death toll steadily rising, Israel has come under growing pressure to halt or scale back its offensive.

But Israeli leaders have vowed to press ahead until Hamas' military and governing capabilities are destroyed and until all hostages are freed.

'We will continue the war until the end. It will continue until Hamas is destroyed, until victory,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday.

'Whoever thinks we will stop is detached from reality', he added, saying every member of Hamas is 'marked for death'.

His defence minister, Yoav Gallant, said on Tuesday that in southern Gaza, where the military launched a ground incursion focused on Khan Younis in early December, that operations will take months.

Hamas terrorists killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack.

Israel's military says 134 of its soldiers have been killed in the Gaza ground offensive.

Israel says it has killed some 7,000 terrorists. It blames civilian deaths in Gaza on Hamas, saying it uses them as human shields when it fights in residential areas.
Outlining the case against Blade Silvano in court  an astonishing tale of a woman disguising herself as a man in order to strike up a two-year sexual relationship with an unsuspecting female victim  the prosecution said she had cooked up a 'sophisticated deception'.

There was the carefully constructed dating app profile with photos that made her look like a man, the detailed back-story of serving as an Army officer, claims of injuries or illnesses to explain absences, photos of her 'shaving', even plans for marriage.

And, of course, only having sex in the dark  using a strap-on sex toy or other unknown implements.

But at the heart of Silvano's subterfuge is a much simpler truth  that, like all con artists, she was ruthless and conniving enough to latch on to a trusting soul who took her at face value.

One former colleague  who was also duped into believing Silvano was a man who had served in the armed forces  said today: 'It's hard to explain but I didn't question what he (sic) told me, even when alarm bells were ringing.

'You just think there's no reason why he'd lie to me and accept it. It makes you wonder what else he's done.'

Blade Silvano, 41, has been jailed after duping another female into a two-year relationship

Indeed, Silvano's accuser, who can't be named for legal reasons, suspects there may be other victims who have not contacted the authorities. 'Blade is a dangerous, manipulative person,' she said.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed there are no ongoing investigations at present but added: 'We welcome other potential victims to come forward.'

Silvano's extraordinary web of lies emerged during a week-long trial at Cambridge Crown Court which ended in a conviction on two counts of sexual assault by penetration.

READ MORE - Judge blasts prison system 'shambles' after having to postpone sentencing of female cafe boss who tricked woman she met on Plenty of Fish into having sex with her by pretending to be a man Advertisement

She was jailed for ten years and six months yesterday but is appealing against the conviction and sentence, MailOnline can reveal.

Investigations by the Mail have also found her duplicitous nature predates the sex offences  more of which later.

Jurors heard how Silvano lured her victim with the Plenty of Fish dating app, where she called herself Blade Mendez and posted 'man looking for a woman' in her status.

Her victim contacted her after falling for 'his quirky haircut' and appreciating how 'his' photo was 'a little bit different to all the other pictures'.

They first got together in December 2016 and kissed, moving on to have sex at a subsequent meeting.

The victim, from Cambridgeshire, told the court: 'When we had sex, Blade would usually blindfold me and I was never allowed to look at the penetration occurring.'

She was allowed to 'move my hands freely down his side and his back but I was never able to put my hands underneath his clothes or down his boxers'.

The meetings  and intimacy  were rare, however, as there were long periods when Silvano, 41, of Lydham in Shropshire, wasn't available.

This began within days of their first tryst when Silvano, who claimed to be an Army veterinarian, cancelled plans to take the woman to an officer's ball as he had been 'trampled by a cow'.

'He sent me a picture of his leg elevated on a sofa at his house,' she told the jury.

'He said because it was the weekend they [doctors] couldn't do anything further but he'd be going back to hospital to have a small operation to rectify what the cow had done.'

From February 2017 onward, Silvano repeatedly cancelled meetings with a range of excuses.

Silvano, seen posing as a man, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months imprisonment

But the relationship continued online and in 5,000 text messages, some of which were read out in court.

In one exchange, the woman discovered one of her lover's T-shirts at her house and wrote: 'I love wearing your top  the fact you never take it off makes me smile.'

Silvano replied: 'Lol. I don't do naked.'

In another, the victim complained: 'It's been nearly a year since I've been able to touch and kiss you.'

Plans were made to get married at the end of 2017, despite the long absences, but this was postponed when Silvano claimed to have cancer. His GP told the court there was no such diagnosis in his medical records.

It was only in September 2018 that the woman synced her contacts for a new Facebook account and the defendant appeared 'with a different surname to the one that I'm aware of'.

In an anguished online exchange with Silvano's wife, Jan, she wrote: 'The last two years of my life  by the looks of it most of what I know to be is a lie. Do you know this guy?'

Ms Silvano replied: 'I think you must have been catfished love. We've been married for ten years.'

Pressed on whether her partner had 'had the op', Ms Silvano replied: 'She is still and has always been a woman.'

Silvano's defence revolved around the claim that the two had never actually met in person  even though the complainant's sister had met him in her home.

READ MORE - Female cafe boss is found guilty of tricking woman she met on Plenty of Fish into having sex with her by pretending to be a man during a 'two year relationship' Advertisement

The defendant also argued both had been willing participants in an online fantasy they played out together, that his accuser was actually bisexual  which she denied - and that she was seeking 'revenge' after discovering he was already in a long-term relationship.

The woman firmly told the court: 'She denied me the right to consent. Everyone has the right to know who they are having sex with and what they are having sex with.'

At the sentencing yesterday, the woman said in her victim impact statement: 'There were dreams and aspirations for the future and grand gestures of car giving, house buying, wedding planning and child rearing.

'The person I'd been in love with, and stood by for nearly two years, had lied to me about everything, including the basics of his gender.'

After her conviction, Judge Philip Grey remanded Silvano in prison and criticised her for concocting 'some of the most dishonest evidence I've ever heard in my time on the bench'.

Jailing her yesterday, he said: 'This case is not about any person's sexuality. It is not about gender dysphoria. It has nothing to do with the current arguments and debates about the issue of gender identity.

'This case is, at its heart, about lies, deceit and procuring sexual experiences by grossly misleading another person.

'It is about a carefully created, cruelly maintained deception that you practised on your wholly innocent victim.'

Mother-of-three Ms Silvano insisted to MailOnline today her partner had been the victim of a 'miscarriage of justice', saying: 'There is a barrister already taking action for an appeal against the sentence and the conviction.'

She added: 'The judge's comments were slanderous. There was a lot of nastiness in there.'

Silvano denied ever meeting the woman and said they had an 'online relationship'

Ms Silvano said she hadn't known about her partner's online friendship until her arrest but they had 'had a conversation' since.

She declined to explain what was discussed but insisted a physical relationship was impossible as she would have noticed the 'eight-hour round trips'.

Research by MailOnline has established that Silvano, who has no biological children of her own, was born Lyndsey Moore in October 1982. She changed her name to Blade Silvano in 2012.

In addition to the Plenty of Fish account in the name Blade Mendez, she appears to have a Facebook page under the name Xander Silvano and another with the pseudonym Shank Silvano, which features an image of a phoenix rising from the flames.

An October 2016 article from The Market Times, which used male pronouns for Silvano who was running a cafe in a former Victorian town hall in Welshpool, Powys, described how 'he' had worked as an orthopaedic surgeon for the RAF, a 'career curtailed by the combination of a road accident in which he lost a foot after a joy rider collided with his motorbike, and a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis'.

READ MORE - Female cafe boss who tricked woman she met on Plenty of Fish into having sex with her by pretending to be a man during a 'two year relationship' is jailed for more than ten years Advertisement

A fellow trader said Silvano had also claimed to be an orthopaedic surgeon with the US Air Force.

They said: 'He has betrayed our trust and friendship. The lies are hurtful and distressing because we treated him as a friend.'

Silvano has also claimed to have gained a national diploma in applied science and a BTEC in animal behaviour at Liverpool University, as well as a doctorate from an online course in ancient history with the University of Warwick.

Neither institution has a record of a student by any of her known pseudonyms and the qualification at Warwick was ridiculed in court when the prosecution pointed out she had stated her dissertation was '200 words long'. PhD dissertations are typically between 70,000 and 100,000 words.

The Royal Military Police also investigated Silvano's claims to have worked in the armed forces and found no records.

Jan also has a colourful background  although there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing.

She married Silvano in a pagan ceremony in February 2009 and has two 'family-run' businesses, both in Welshpool.

The Owl and Broomstick sells 'pagan and gothic gifts as well as comic and film merchandise'. Its website says Jan is also know as 'Lady Raven' and does tarot readings.

The other business is The Cosmic Owl, a Warhammer Games stockist and film memorabilia vendor.

Her Facebook account says she is married to Shank Silvano. Other Facebook accounts linked to her are Janice LadyRaven, which says she worked at Bingo Blitz, and Janice Patricia, which indicates she's the owner of The British Pantry.

At present, she is coming to terms as a busy working single mother while Silvano languishes behind bars.

'I just have to get on with it. I don't have a choice,' she said.

Silvano is presumably hoping the appeals will lead to her freedom and an opportunity, phoenix-like, to resurrect her sordid reputation from the flames of notoriety.
As immigration talks stall in Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson sent a letter to President Biden urging him to take use the power of the executive to stem the flow of migrants at the southern border.

The speaker directed the president to end 'catch-and-release,' turning away any migrants encountered between ports of entry and use parole only on a 'case-by-case basis.'

He also called on the president to reinstated Trump-era policies like building the wall, reinstating the Remain in Mexico program and expanding expedited removal for those who cannot demonstrate asylum eligibility.

Johnson even urged Biden to suspend all immigration - using his authority under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The provision allows the president to suspend the entry of any foreign citizens for an unspecified amount of time if allowing them in is deemed 'detrimental' to US interests.

As immigration talks stall in Congress , House Speaker Mike Johnson sent a letter to President Biden urging him to take use the power of the executive to stem the flow of migrants at the southern border

The letter came as the Senate jetted out of down without hammering out the details of its border and foreign aid plan.

'This catastrophe requires your administrations full attention and commitment, particularly since Senate Majority Leader Schumer adjourned the Senate yesterday for the year,' Johnson said, pointing to the House's hardline immigration bill that passed earlier this year, H.R.2.

The letter noted that Customs and Border Patrol had encountered nearly 2.5 million migrants in fiscal year 2023, and was on track to break that record in 2024.

Border crossings even hit 12,000 a day this week. Border agents say their resources are 'at capacity' at around 5,000 crossings per day.

'The wide-open border has caused unspeakable human tragedy for migrants and certainly for our own citizens,' Johnson wrote, noting human trafficking, fentanyl and people from the terrorist watchlist crossing the borders.

Migrants walk in a caravan with the intention of turning themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol agents, in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, December 21

Migrant caravan making its way through Mexico to claim asylum at the US border

Migrants await processing at a U.S. Border Patrol transit center in Eagle Pass, Texas. 21 December

'All of this is the direct result of your administrations policies,' he wrote.

Senators had been working up until Wednesday on a border and aid package as Republicans have insisted they will not let any foreign dollars pass through Congress without a tightened border.

But immigration reform has eluded Congress for decades. A faction of Republicans have said they oppose any new aid for Ukraine even if border restrictions sweeten the deal, and still some others say they will not vote for any compromise deal that is not as conservative as the HR 2 immigration bill.

Progressives, meanwhile have urged Biden not to 'cave' to conservative demands on the border just for temporary aid to a foreign nation.

While Senate leaders insist 'progress' has been made and they have a shell of a deal, they punted until after the holiday recess on writing out the text and selling it to the rest of Congress.
A woman connected to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein has asked a judge to keep her identity sealed as the names of 170 other former associates of the disgraced financier are set to be released.

The woman, identified as 'Doe 107' in court documents, sent a letter on Wednesday to Judge Loretta Preska claiming she lives in a culturally conservative country and would fear for her safety if her name were revealed.

Back in October judge Preska asked a lawyer for the woman to 'submit an affidavit supporting her assertion that she faces a risk of physical harm in her country of residence and providing detail concerning the hate mail she received,' as reported by The Messenger.

In the letter to the judge, the woman asked for an additional 30 days to submit an affidavit with the evidence requested, and that Preska clarify whether she is exempt from the unsealing, which was requested by the Miami Herald.

The woman had previously claimed she and the Miami Herald agreed to keep her name and identifying details under seal.

A woman connected to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein has asked a judge to keep her identity sealed as the names of 170 others are to be released

The woman, identified as 'Doe 107' in court documents, sent a letter on Wednesday to Judge Loretta Preska (pictured) claiming she lives in a culturally conservative country'

It comes as dozens of Epstein's high profile associates are in for a New Year's surprise as they will be named in court documents set to be released in the first days of 2024.

Some 177 people will be identified across hundreds of files which will shed new light on the late financier's sex trafficking operation and his network of influence.

Preska wrote 'unsealed in full' next to the names of 177 Does who are Epstein's friends, recruiters, victims and others whose names will be revealed when the material is released within the coming weeks.

The material is related to a defamation case brought by Prince Andrew's accuser Virginia Roberts in New York against Epstein's madam Ghislaine Maxwell.

Roberts sued Maxwell for defamation in 2016 and while the case was settled, The Miami Herald  which published a bombshell expose of Epstein that led to his arrest in 2019  sued to get the documents made public.

Some of the Does are identified in the ruling through links to interviews they have given to the media, which the judge cited as a reason why they should not stay private.

They include the housekeepers on Epstein's private island in the Caribbean where some of the worst abuse that he perpetrated was carried out.

In her ruling Judge Preska gave 14 days for any Does who objected to their documents being made public to object, after which they would be unsealed.

There will be documents about one of Prince Andrew's accusers, who claims he fondled her breasts at Epstein's New York mansion.

The material is related to a defamation case brought by Prince Andrew's accuser Virginia Roberts in New York against Epstein's madam Ghislaine Maxwell

There will also be material about Haley Robson, who was named as a recruiter in police files of Epstein's original investigation in 2006 in Palm Beach  though she has more recently claimed she was a victim too.

The filing suggests some documents will relate to Jean-Luc Brunel, a French model scout who was close to Epstein and allegedly abused many young women. Brunel hanged himself in a Paris prison cell in 2022 while awaiting trial on a slew of sex charges.

The documents in the case have been released on a rolling basis since 2019 when the first batch were made public days before Epstein also hanged himself in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Among the revelations in previous batches of documents were emails between Andrew and Epstein in 2015 when Roberts made allegations about him.

In previously released documents in the case Roberts named for the first time other powerful men she alleges that she had sex with including former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who died in September.

Other names include wealthy financier Glenn Dubin and now-deceased MIT scientist Marvin Minsky along with 'another prince' a 'foreign president', a 'well-known prime minister' and the owner of a 'large hotel chain' in France.
A maths teacher was sacked after sending 50 emails to three female pupils including one who he told 'you're an angel', an employment tribunal heard.

Zulfiqar Raja, who started working at Lyndon School in Solihull, West Midlands, in November 2019, told the girl that he wanted to 'touch her leg' and 'loved her', gifting her poems and chocolate, before showing her 'special treatment' by sharing a maths assessment ahead of a test.

After she complained, an investigation found the teacher who taught children from Years 7-11 had emailed three students dozens of times, out of hours, sometimes as late as 11.30pm.

Mr Raja was sacked in October last year for gross misconduct after the school found he had given out his personal mobile phone number.

He took Summit Learning Trust, which is made up of three secondary schools, four primary schools and a sixth form college, to court but had his claim of unfair dismissal thrown out.

Zulfiqar Raja, who started working at Lyndon School in Solihull (pictured), West Midlands, in November 2019, told the girl that he wanted to 'touch her leg' and 'loved her'

The judge said Mr Raja did not 'appreciate the boundaries that should exist between teacher and student'.

In a discussion with the school's safeguarding lead, Mr Raja said he had spoken to 'a number of students' and emphasised that he 'loved them as if they were his own children'.

In June 2022, he emailed a maths test paper to a student, referred to only as Student A. Two days later, he sent her his personal mobile phone number, after which Student A made a complaint to the pastoral team about him sending her the test, buying her a book as a gift and gone to touch her on the leg.

It was agreed Mr Raja should take a 'more formal approach' because some students may 'perceive staff behaviour in a different way to how it was intended'.

'The implication from this discussion and email was that the claimant should consider carefully his behaviour,' the hearing was told.

However, later that month an 'incident' occurred in the pastoral room, as Student A was 'upset' and 'wanted to be alone'.

Mr Raja arrived and ignored advice not to see Student A and spoke to her in a manner which was deemed as 'not welcome'.

In July 2022, Student A raised a formal complaint about Mr Raja - claiming that despite not being her teacher, he had sent her emails and gifted her poems and presents such as pens and chocolate.

She said he told her her 'loved her' and wanted to 'touch her leg' as well as emailing her a maths test assessment with instructions not to tell anyone.

Mr Raja took Summit Learning Trust (pictured) to court, but had his claim of unfair dismissal thrown out by a judge

As matters were investigated and Mr Raja was told to stay away from Student A, the hearing was told he did not admit to giving her his personal mobile number.

When Student A voiced a fresh concern that he had given his number, he was suspended on full pay, alleged to have 'attempted to form an inappropriate relationship and had breached the teacher standards'.

In October 2022, he was dismissed for 'gross misconduct', before Mr Raja started legal proceedings.

Dismissing his claim of unfair dismissal, Employment Judge Rob Childe said his familiar tone with students was a 'legitimate cause for concern'.

'On June 30, 2022 [Mr Raja] emailed student C again and said: 'I really miss you a lot.' [He] went on to suggest that they would 'walk to school together,' he said.

Student A raised a formal complaint about Mr Raja - claiming that despite not being her teacher, he had sent her emails and gifted her poems and presents (Pictured: stock photo)

'This was an example of the claimant using informal language, which could have been misinterpreted as overfamiliar by student C.'

The judge concluded the school were 'entitled' to find Mr Raja had 'behaved unprofessionally and crossed the boundary' in a student-teacher relationship with Student A.

He continued: 'There were a number of emails available to [the school] which were sent to the students A, B and C outside of school hours.

'For example, he sent an email to student C at 11.22pm on May 6, 2022. Earlier that day the claimant had referred to student C in the following terms 'you are such a lovely girl'

'On March 30, 2022, [Mr Raja] sent an email to student A out of hours, at 7..15pm in which he said 'you're an angel'.'

Mr Raja accepted he hadn't given anyone else the maths test, like he had Student A, and the tribunal said this was 'giving her special treatment'.

'Taking the above matters into consideration, there was evidence available to [the school] to conclude that his conduct had the potential to bring [the school] into disrepute,' he continued.

'Student A's mother had complained about [Mr Raja] conduct towards her daughter.

'There was therefore the risk that the trust's reputation was brought into disrepute.'

Dismissing his claim of unfair dismissal, he added: 'I find the trust was entitled to decide [Mr Raja] did not appreciate how his behaviour could be perceived or misinterpreted by students or the impact of his conduct on students.

'He did not seem to appreciate the boundaries that should exist between teacher and student.

'He did not seem to appreciate how his intentions could be misunderstood by him breaching those boundaries and using overfamiliar language and sending emails at inappropriate times of the day.'
Channel Tunnel workers held British holidaymakers to ransom yesterday after going on a last-minute strike over Christmas bonus demands.

Eurostar train travel between England and France was halted abruptly at midday, and Le Shuttle services between Folkestone and Calais were also stopped, after workers walked out.

The rail operator said it would not run any European rail services to or from London St Pancras for the rest of the day - cancelling 30 trains.

The strike ended shortly after 6.30pm, when the French transport minister announced the lifting of the blockade of the Channel Tunnel via X.

Staff at Eurotunnel operator Getlink are said to have taken action after their demands to triple their Christmas bonus from 1,000 euro (around 870) to 3,000 euro (2,600) were dismissed.

It meant tens of thousands of passengers were faced with attempting to rebook an alternative route during the peak Christmas getaway period, finding an alternative mode of transport, or abandoning their plans altogether.

British Transport Police officers watch as passengers wait at London St Pancras station today

Eurostar train travel between England and France was halted abruptly at midday, and Le Shuttle services between Folkestone and Calais were also stopped, after workers walked out

It means of thousands of passengers were faced with attempting to rebook an alternative route during the peak Christmas getaway period, finding an alternative mode of transport, or abandoning their plans altogether

Eurostar confirmed LeShuttle services would resume progressively this evening and Eurostar trains would start again tomorrow morning.

One passenger, known only as Nick, said it was looking increasingly unlikely he would be able to return to Britain from Lille in northern France via Eurostar.

READ MORE: Disneyland trips in chaos, festive plans ruined and trains turning back to Paris just 30 minutes from London Advertisement

The 45-year-old said: Literally five minutes ago, weve got an email to say that Eurotunnel staff are going on strike and it looks like we cant get a train today.

Theyve told us that because its December, its going to be really difficult to now get a booking with the limited space.

Sam Boyal, who was attempting to travel in the opposite direction, added: We were going to Disneyland with the kids... its just too stressful.

You cant drive suddenly with three kids, youve got to plan that.

The abrupt nature of the walkout meant four trains already heading towards the Channel Tunnel were forced to return to their starting point.

It prompted scenes of chaos at St Pancras in London and Gare du Nord station in Paris - the main hubs for cross-Channel train travel - as travellers waited for services to resume only to be told their trains were cancelled.

Operator Getlink said French trade unions rejected an end-of-year bonus of 1,000 euro announced by management and have called for a strike to demand it be tripled.

In a statement, Eurostar said: Due to a last-minute strike by Eurotunnel staff, no Channel Tunnel crossings have taken place since 12.00pm.

Unfortunately, Eurostar has had to cancel all trains to and from London until further notice.

Customers affected will receive direct communication about their journey and can exchange their tickets free of charge or claim a refund.

Eurostar said it would not run any European rail services to or from London St Pancras for the rest of the day - cancelling 30 trains

Chaotic scenes at London St Pancras station today after the mass cancellations by Eurostar

The move enraged Clement Beaune, the French transport minister.

He said: The blocking of the Channel tunnel is unacceptable. An immediate solution must be found.

I call on everyone to be responsible and ensure good conditions for traffic and holiday departures.
The parents of a British student who was murdered in France more than 30 years ago have said they wish the guillotine had been brought back for the 'evil' couple responsible.

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, with 20-year-old Joanna Parrish among their victims.

Olivier now faces a second life prison sentence after being found guilty of 'aiding and abetting' the twisted serial killer in his crimes, including the abduction, rape and murder of Ms Parrish in the Burgundy town of Auxerre in 1990.

The victim's parents have now broken years of silence to say they felt some 'relief' at the verdict - but held nothing but hatred for her killers, now dubbed the Ogre and Ogress of Ardennes.

Heartbroken mother Pauline Murrell said following this week's verdict following a three-week trial: 'I kept looking at her (Olivier) and thinking. I'd guillotine you and I'd sit there with my knitting and watch.'

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

Roger Parrish and Pauline Murrell. the parents of Joanna Parrish, who was murdered more than 30 years ago

Ms Parrish was killed in the French city of Auxerre by Olivier's ex-husband Michel Fourniret who was dubbed the 'Ogre of the Ardennes'

Ms Parrish was working as a teaching assistant at a school in France when she placed an advert offering English lessons in a local newspaper.

Fourniret, dubbed the 'Ogre of the Ardennes' and regarded as one of France's worst serial killers, responded to the advert in May 1990 and the pair met.

Ms Parrish, from Newnham-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, was never seen alive again and her body was discovered in the River Yonne, near Auxerre, France the following day.

Fourniret confessed to murdering 11 females - including Ms Parrish - but died in 2021 before he could stand trial.

At the time he was serving a life sentence for the murders of seven girls and young women - and died in 2021.

Ms Parrish's mum said: 'It really wasn't necessary for all those other girls to die. I really wish they still had hanging, actually, I thought a guillotine would be ideal.

Olivier was charged with complicity in Ms Parrish's murder, as well as complicity in the murder of 18-year-old Marie-Angele Domece in 1988.

She was also accused of the kidnap of nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, whose body has never been found.

The couple said that although Fourniret wasn't alive to be held accountable for their daughter's murder they were relieved he was no longer able to hurt anyone else.

Pauline added: 'I think I feel mainly that, thank God, he's not around to kill anybody else.

'She won't be around, but I just can't help but think that if the police at the beginning, the gens d'armes, had at the beginning done their job properly, then a lot of other girls would still be alive - because he would have been caught.

'But, I don't know why they didn't, they just were completely inadequate. That's my main feeling; it wasn't necessary.'

Dad Roger Parrish added: 'I think I would have wanted to have faced him in court, but frankly, I don't really think that would have made any difference to him anyway, knowing the kind of person that he was, a psychopath* a completely narcissistic psychopath, who only thought of himself.

'I would have wanted to have been there when he was still alive. But he's dead now and the world's a better place for it.'

Before the jury retired to consider their verdicts, Olivier said: 'I regret everything I did and I ask for forgiveness from the families of the victims, while knowing that it is unforgivable.'

The defendant, who is already serving a life sentence for her involvement in her husband's other killings, was found guilty and sentenced to a second life sentence, with a minimum of 20 years.

The couple said they had been fighting for decades for justice and would have carried on for as long as it would take.

Mr Parrish added: 'We were determined right from the start that it would just take as long as it takes.

The wife of French self-confessed serial killer Michel Fourniret (pictured) served as his foil

Monique Olivier, the wife of self-confessed French serial killer Michel Fourniret, is seen at the start of her trial in Charleville-Mezieres, northern France, in 2008

'Of course, we never really thought that it would take 33 years and there have been periods, perhaps during the 1990s, before Fourniret was identified, that we thought, maybe we're going to have to be doing this for the rest of our lives.

'But as soon as he and Monique Olivier were identified in the early 2000s, certainly I was absolutely convinced that they were responsible, with or without the evidence.'

'I think probably our strongest feeling now is one of relief, relief at the verdict and that the jurors and the court has recognised Monique Olivier's major part in our daughter's murder.'

The couple said the biggest obstacles they faced over the years was a lack of help and information from the French authorities.

Ms Parrish's parents said they felt some 'relief' at the verdict - but held nothing but hatred for her killers

Mr Parrish added: 'The hardest part was convincing the French authorities that we weren't ever going to go away, we weren't ever going to go away.

'It didn't make a difference. We'd still go on fighting, you know, we'd still go on struggling.

'We've tried to get on with our lives and I think we both have done. We've both got certain interests and pleasures and, and of course we've got our grandchildren now, a big, big part of our lives.

'If we still had to devote some of our time to carrying on this struggle, then we would have done.'

READ MORE - Widow of French 'Ogre of Ardennes' is found GUILTY of aiding her serial killer husband murder women including Brit student Joanna Parrish Advertisement

In their official statement released after the verdict, Mr Parrish said they were 'satisfied that the court has recognised Monique Olivier's part in the murder of our daughter and sister.'

He added: 'There's never been any doubt in our minds that her presence was a major part in gaining Jo's confidence and her active participation in her murder has been proved beyond any doubt.

'We do hope now, after this last obstacle, that we can remember our daughter and sister with a smile on our faces, which is how all of her friends remember her.

'After Christmas, we're going to take a holiday as this is an extremely personal moment for our family and we do ask that our privacy is respected at this time.'

And they said they wanted to remember their daughter for her kind and bright personality.

Mr Parrish said: 'I want her to be remembered for the person that she was. We've had so many letters and lately emails and comments from friends, people who were neighbours at her primary school, at her grammar school, at university. Just people that knew her, that all say very, very similar things. That she was kind, helpful, hardworking and very conscientious.

'Never ever did we have to force her to get down to work, she'd just do it and that's how we'll go on remembering her.'

Pauline added: 'And her smile. I look at the sun and the sun reminds me of Jo, actually. I always think of her. And other people in the village have said the same thing: smile and look at the sun and there's Jo.'
The police officers in St Louis who ploughed into the front of a bar with their SUV appeared to skip a red light before the crash.

Chad Morris, 37, was standing inside Bar: PM when a cop car smashed into the front of the property at 12:30 am on Monday and broke the front door and window.

He noticed it belonged to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and went outside to speak to the police officers, but he was arrested within half an hour of the accident.

Morris was accused of shoving a cop and charged with felony assault, but prosecutors reduced the charge to misdemeanor assault and resisting arrest.

He was in jail for 30 hours before he was released on Tuesday on his own recognizance, and his defense attorney, Javad Khazaeli, disputes the allegations.

The police officers in St Louis who ploughed into the front of a bar with their SUV appeared to skip a red light before the crash

Chad Morris, 37, was standing inside Bar: PM when a cop car smashed into the front of the property at 12.30am on Monday and broke the front door and window

Morris was accused of shoving a cop and charged with felony assault but prosecutors reduced the charge to misdemeanor assault and resisting arrest

A 15-second clip of the crash was shared on social media platform X by Khazaeli on Tuesday morning.

It shows the police car speeding down a dark road and appearing to skip a red light before it swerves to the left past a parked car.

The vehicle then smashes into the front of the popular gay bar.

'You all heard about the cop car that slammed into Bar: PM Sunday night. And they arrested the owner for having the audacity to question him,' Khazaeli wrote.

A second video, recorded by a witness and seen by The Washington Post, shows Morris's husband James Pence coming outside after the crash.

One of the responding police officers asks him if he is the owner of the bar and for proof of identification.

A 15-second clip of the crash was shared on social media platform X by defense attorney Javad Khazaeli on Tuesday morning

It shows the police car speeding down a dark road and appearing to skip a red light before it swerves to the left past a parked car

The vehicle then smashes into the front of the popular gay bar

'Youre not IDing me,' Pence said. 'Ive done nothing wrong.' He then shouts at the police officer who asks him not to yell.

'Youre not going to cause a disturbance,' the cop said. Pence replied: 'Im not causing a disturbance' and he was then handcuffed.

Morris then came outside to see why his husband was in handcuffs.

Another officer at the scene wrote in a probable cause statement that Morris did not listen to their requests to 'back-up so I could secure the scene'.

The officer alleged that Morris struck him 'hard in the chest with an open hand', causing him to lose his balance, according to the document.

He said Morris attempted to flee and pushed a trash can towards him when he was told he was under arrest.

The owner of the bar was then arrested and the video shows Morris with an eye injury and ripped clothing.

A second video, recorded by a witness, shows Morris's husband James Pence (pictured) coming outside after the crash

The officer alleged that Morris (left) struck him 'hard in the chest with an open hand', causing him to lose his balance. Pictured Morris and Pence walking out of St Louis City Jail on Tuesday

Attorney Khazaeli disputes the allegations and said: 'The police were clearly the aggressors here'

Police said an 'offender' came outside and 'began shouting obscenities' and when other officers arrived to 'calm the situation' the 'offender' shoved one of the cops.

Morris said he spent hours in custody worrying about whether Pence was arrested and about the bar they've owned for nearly 10 years.

'I was terrified that I was going to lose something that I put my heart and soul into for the last nine years,' he said.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said incidents like this 'can break an already fragile trust with law enforcement'.

'Everybody deserves to feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities,' she said in a statement.

Jones added that the officers involved 'will be held accountable for any and all misconduct.'

St Louis Police is yet to publicly identify the officers involved in the incident.

A spokesman for the police department confirmed the officer driving the car was distracted by his radio and lost control of the SUV.

It was traveling at less than 40 miles per hour before the crash and those in the car were not given toxicology tests.

Hours after the crash, members of the community turned up to the bar to help clean and board it up

Morris said the bar was packed with customers, including newcomers, who wanted to support the venue after the crash on Tuesday night

'The police were clearly the aggressors here,' Khazaeli claimed on Tuesday.

'They lost control of the vehicle. And immediately, the video shows the police officers being aggressive with everybody in the area to cover up what they did.'

He added that Pence was put in handcuffs for 'having the audacity to ask why they crashed into his building.'

'They unlawfully handcuffed Mr. Pence,' he said. 'They falsely claim that speaking loudly is against the law. And they use that as a predicate to arrest Mr. Morris.'

Hours after the crash, members of the community turned up to the bar to help clean and board it up.

Morris said the bar was packed with customers, including newcomers, who wanted to support the venue after the crash on Tuesday night.

'Theyve never been here, but theyve seen the story and they just wanted to come,' he said.

DailyMail.com has contacted the St Louis Police Department for comment.
A former La Vergne police officer who was embroiled in the Tennessee cops sex scandal last year is suing the city for 'racial prejudice' after he was sacked.

Five officers were fired and three others suspended earlier this year after a sex scandal within the police department was exposed.

Former officer Lewis Powell now claims he was fired - while his white colleagues were allowed to stay on the force - because of his race.

He is suing the city, the Mayor, Jason Cole, La Vergne HR Director Andrew Patton and former Police Chief Chip Davis for racial discrimination, claiming $3 million in damages as well as front and back pay.

The complaint alleges that the city 'terminated and defamed all the officers involved  except for those who were white and male  based at least partly on racial prejudice.'

Lewis Powell was fired after denying he was sexually involved with Powell. Investigators were told Hall performed oral sex on him while on duty. He later confessed to the allegations

The City launched an internal inquiry late last year after a whistleblower came forward to report that a female cop, Maegan Hall, was having 'intimate relationships' with multiple male colleagues and even on police property.

In the course of the investigation, it emerged that Hall was having sex with multiple fellow officers - including Powell - and they had carried out sex acts while on duty.

When interviewed in the investigation, Hall said she had played games of strip Uno exchanged foot fetish photos and played out wife swapping sessions with fellow officers.

During one interview about the affairs, Hall said: 'I got stupid, I got desperate, I guess, and guys are guys and they'll stick their d**k in anything.'

While discussing her affair with Powell, she said at one point they had carried out sex acts on police property, she said: 'I just gave him a blowjob in the substation.

'Me and my husband were kind of on the verge of a divorce and I just cracked and then it just kind of got out of hand.'

Powell initially denied the relationship, but later admitted to it - claiming in the latest lawsuit that then-police chief Davis had told him to lie at first.

The probe led to both Hall and Powell - as well as Patrol Officer Juan Lugo, Detective Seneca Shields, Sgt. Ty McGowan and, eventually even the police chief Davis - who initially led the inquiry - all losing their jobs.

DailyMail.com obtained interview transcripts of fired Tennessee cop Maegan Hall, 26, detailing her affairs with several fellow officers

Hall grew up in rural Tennessee dreaming of becoming an actress but eventually chose law enforcement  a career that barely lasted two years

Patrol Officer Patrick Magliocco, K-9 officer Larry Holladay and Patrol Officer Gavin Schoeberl, who traded naked pictures with Hall, were also suspended.

In the aftermath, Hall claimed that she had been 'sexually groomed' by her 'predator' superiors and had tried to 'kill herself.'

She filed her own lawsuit earlier this year, claiming that: 'Sgt. Powell positioned himself as a reliable source of companionship and advice regarding Ms. Hall's career and her marriage.

The lawsuit said: 'Sgt. Powell persisted in requests for sex despite Ms. Hall's resistance. Eventually, Ms. Hall gave in to Sgt. Powell's requests for sexual favors.'

But she said when she tried to stop that Powell threatened to kill himself. The lawsuit reads: 'Sgt. Powell was crying and told Ms. Hall he drank an entire bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey.

'He threatened to kill himself, told Ms. Hall "you did this to me," and asserted that Ms. Hall was responsible for his imminent suicide.'

Hall said the 'exploitative sexual relationship' with Powell is what led to other sexual encounters involving other officers.

K-9 officer Larry Holladay (left) and patrol officer Patrick Magliocco (right) were both suspended

Officers Ty McGowan (left) and Detective Seneca Shields (right) were fired for engaging in sexual relationships with Hall while on duty

Hall also confirmed having sexual relations with Juan Lugo-Perez (left). He confessed to having sex with Hall and sending explicit images and was fired. Patrol Officer Gavin Schoeberl (right) swapped naked pictures with Hall but escaped suspension

She also claimed in the suit that Police Chief Davis was 'no better than his subordinates, inviting Hall on lunch dates, asking her to come into his office to dance for him and questioning whether she preferred "dark, white or milk chocolate."'

It later emerged that Davis had shared explicit videos of Hall and made sexist comments on a secret burner phone he nicknamed 'Ole Boy.'

Davis feigned surprise as he oversaw the internal inquiry into the scandal.

But then court filings obtained by DailyMail.com revealed that Davis knew all about the events before the inquiry and had even pestered one of his sergeants to send him video of Hall masturbating.

In the latest lawsuit, Powell accuses Davis of instructing him to lie about his relationship with Hall during the investigation and 'deny that anything had even occurred at all'.

'Throughout the year 2022, Officer Hall slept around with a number of other police officers,' the lawsuit reads.

The suit also claims that Hall then had a mental breakdown and La Vergne Mayor, Jason Cole, found out she had been sleeping with multiple officers and decided to 'get to the bottom of the situation and uncover every juicy detail.'

DailyMail.com contacted the City of La Vergne for comment.
A screaming woman, who was covered in blood, was led away in handcuffs from the murder scene of a four-year-old boy, according to shocked neighbours.

Police have launched a murder investigation after the young boy was stabbed to death at a house on Montague Road, Hackney, East London on Wednesday night.

The 41-year woman was still in her pajamas when she was arrested by police after they were called to the address following concerns about the child's welfare.

Horrified neighbours who had often spotted the 'happy' boy playing on his scooter, also witnessed two police officers leave the scene visibly 'shaken' after finding the child with stab wounds.

The boy was taken to hospital for treatment but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he subsequently died from his injuries.

Forensic officers at a property on Montague Road in Dalston

Scotland Yard arrested a 41-year-old woman known to the child on suspicion of murder at an address on Montague Road in Hackney

A local woman in the quiet and leafy neighbourhood told the PA news agency that a 'loving family' lived at the address.

The 36-year-old hairdresser, who asked not to be named but could see the address from her home, said police forced entry to a flat on the top floor before taking away a woman who was 'covered in blood and screaming'.

The neighbour said they 'seemed like a loving family' and added: 'We often saw the boy playing on his scooter. He was happy and energetic.

'The woman was taken out in handcuffs. She was in her pyjamas. She was covered in blood and screaming.

'About an hour later the child was taken away. Two police officers also left (and they were) shaking.'

The boy's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

The Metropolitan Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: 'This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.

Police have launched a murder investigation after the young boy was stabbed to death at a house on Montague Road, Hackney, East London on Wednesday night

The Metropolitan Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack

'We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.

'Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young child's death, and the events that led up to it.

'This incident occurred within the home and, while is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.'
Four more people have been charged in connection with the murder of an innocent beautician and are due in court next year.

Elle Edwards, 26, was killed when Connor Chapman, then 23, fired 12 shots from a Skorpion pistol into a group of people outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey, Merseyside, shortly before midnight on December 24 last year.

Chapman was convicted of her murder, and seven other counts, following a three-and-a-half week trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

The killer was also convicted at Liverpool Crown Court of attempting to murder his intended targets Kieran Salkeld and Jake Duffy, in the culmination of a series of incidents between rival gangs on the Wirral's Woodchurch and Ford estates.

Merseyside Police have confirmed two men, 42 and 54, and two women, both 33, were today charged with assisting an offender in connection with the murder of Miss Edwards.

Four more people have been charged in connection with the murder of innocent Elle Edwards

Miss Edwards, 26, was killed when Connor Chapman fired 12 shots from a Skorpion pistol into a group of people outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey

Miss Edwards was shot dead while enjoying drinks with friends at a pub on Merseyside. She is seen laughing with friends moments before

All four people, who cannot be named at this stage, have all been bailed to appear at magistrates court on January, 15, 2024.

A spokesperson from Merseyside Police said: "We have today, Thursday 21st December, charged four people in connection with the murder of Elle Edwards on Christmas Eve last year. A 42 year-old man from the Wallasey area, has been charged with assisting an offender,' the Liverpool Echo reported.

Courts previously heard the attack was the culmination of a feud between groups on the Woodchurch and Beechwood estates, on either side of the M53 in Wirral.

The prosecution alleged Chapman was attempting to kill Salkeld and Duffy, both of whom were seriously injured in the shooting.

Co-defendant Thomas Waring was found guilty of the possession of a prohibited firearm and assisting an offender by helping to burn out the stolen Mercedes used in the shooting.

The jury heard Chapman laid in wait outside the pub in a stolen Mercedes for almost three hours before firing the weapon, which the court heard was capable of firing 15 rounds a second.

Liverpool Crown Court heard Connor Chapman fired 12 shots outside the Lighthouse Inn

Connor Chapman opened fire with a Skorpion sub-machine gun outside the Lighthouse

Co-defendant Thomas Waring was found guilty of the possession of a prohibited firearm and assisting an offender by helping to burn out the stolen Mercedes used in the shooting

READ MORE - Moment man is beaten up in gang attack that led to pub shooting which left innocent Elle Edwards dead Advertisement

Chapman told the jury he had not been using the vehicle, which he described as a 'pool car' for him and other criminals, on the night of the murder but had given the car key to another man, whom he refused to name.

CCTV footage showed the gunman drive away from the Lighthouse in the moments after the shooting and then arrive at Private Drive in Barnston, the home address of co-defendant Waring.

The man, with long hair, was seen in the footage appearing to drop the gun as he walked towards Waring's home.

Chapman admitted a charge of handling stolen goods before the trial started and told the jury he had travelled with the unnamed man who took the car key when the Mercedes was burnt out in Frodsham, Cheshire.

He denied that Waring had been with him, although cell site evidence showed Waring's phone travelled with the car.

Miss Edwards's father Tim stared at Chapman as the verdicts were returned, and when he was taken from the dock said: 'You coward.'

The moment balaclava-clad Connor Chapman blasted a crowd outside The Lighthouse pub

Tim Edwards is comforted after Chapman was found guilty of his daughter's murder

Mr Edwards with his mother and other family outside the court after Chapman was convicted

Ms Edwards' father, Tim, celebrates outside court after Chapman was found guilty

Speaking outside court, Mr Edwards said: 'Those two cowards in there decided to drag it out for four weeks, put all these people through that and everyone else around it, involved in the case. I can't thank the police enough for what they did and we got there in the end, the right result.

'I hope them two never see another Christmas again ever in their lives.'

Senior investigating officer in the case, Detective Superintendent Paul Grounds, described Chapman as a 'dangerous and ruthless individual' at the time.

He said: 'Connor Chapman knew exactly what he was doing when he left his home address on December 24, getting in a stolen car in possession of a Skorpion machine pistol.

'He drove to the Lighthouse pub where he spent a number of hours there before finding a car parking space that gave him a real clear view of who was outside.

'He then left his car with no regard for anybody else, intent on firing that gun at his intended targets, Kieran Salkeld and Jake Duffy, with not a care of what would happen to anybody else who was stood outside of the pub.'
The Government has abandoned plans to hike the earning threshold Britons need to bring foreign family members to the UK.

Home Secretary James Cleverly told the Commons earlier this month that the threshold for a family visa would rise from 18,600 to 38,700 by 'next spring' in a bid to cut migrant numbers.

But documents released by the Home Office state that the earning threshold Britons need to bring foreign family members will now only increase to 29,000 in the spring - while no timeline is set out for when the higher threshold of 38,700 will be introduced.

Cleverley's initial move attracted criticism as it threatened to tear families apart, with many having their future thrown into doubt as the Government considered the details of the policy.

Home Office minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom confirmed the change of plans in answer to a written parliamentary question on Thursday.

Home Secretary James Cleverly told the Commons earlier this month that the threshold for a family visa would rise from 18,600 to 38,700 by 'next spring'

But documents released by the Home Office state that the earning threshold Britons need to bring foreign family members will now only increase to 29,000

The minister said that the current threshold of 18,600 allows 75 per cent of the UK working population to bring their foreign family members into the country to live.

He added that increasing the threshold to 38,700 would limit the same right to 30 per cent of the working population.

Lord Sharpe said: 'In spring 2024, we will raise the threshold to 29,000, that is the 25th percentile of earnings for jobs which are eligible for Skilled Worker visas, moving to the 40th percentile (currently 34,500) and finally the 50th percentile (currently 38,700 and the level at which the general skilled worker threshold is set) in the final stage of implementation.'

The minister said the threshold would be 'increased in incremental stages to give predictability'.

However, no date for when the threshold would rise beyond 29,000 was given in Lord Sharpe's answer, nor did one appear in a Home Office paper published on Thursday detailing the plans.

The Prime Minister previously told MPs the Government was looking at 'transitional arrangements' for changes to the thresholds to make sure they are 'fair'.

The Liberal Democrats suggested the planned 38,700 threshold was 'unworkable'.

The party's home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael added: 'This was yet another half-thought through idea to placate the hardliners on their own back benches.

'James Cleverly needs to put down the spade and stop digging. Decisions like this should be made by experts and politicians working together.

'He should also publish the advice from the Treasury and OBR (Office for Budget Responsibility) about the impact that his package of changes will have on the economy.'

Net migration hit a record 745,000 in 2022, although it is estimated to have fallen to 672,000 in the year to June 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced backlash after the initial plans were laid out, with claims that he was 'putting a price on love'.

It prompted claims that poorer Britons will no longer be able to live together with their foreign spouses in the UK.

Tory former minister Gavin Barwell joined a growing backlash against the move.

He branded it 'morally wrong and unConservative to say that only the wealthiest can fall in love, marry someone and then bring them to the UK'.

But No10 were quick to defend the measure and insisted Britons earning less than 38,700 may still live with foreign spouses in the UK in 'exceptional circumstances'.

The PM's official spokesman stressed the 38,700 threshold would be for a 'household as a whole', rather than just one family member's earnings.

'That is just one way that people can demonstrate their ability to support a dependant,' the spokesman said.

'They can also demonstrate this through their level of savings.

'If you don't meet the minimum income requirement, you may also be able to bring a dependant to the UK if you get certain benefits, for example disability living allowance.'
The widow of Kamal Khashoggi has been granted political asylum in the US five years after the Washington Post journalist was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Turkey.

Hanan Elatr told The Washington Post she 'couldn't really believe it' when she read the letter informing her of the official decision, which she added 'shows there is one victim who is still alive.'

Khashoggi, a columnist and critic of the Saudi crown, was murdered on the grounds of Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul in 2018 by a Saudi assassination squad sent by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to US intelligence.

As she explained in her asylum application, Elatr was forced to go into hiding after Khashoggi was killed, leaving the United Arab Emirates, where she had lived for 26 years but where her life would now be in danger.

Elatr, would also be in danger in her native Egypt, an ally of the Saudis. She has claimed Egyptian authorities detained her and her family unfairly and mistreated them because of her connection with Khashoggi.

The widow of Kamal Khashoggi, Hanan Elatr, has been granted political asylum in the US five years after the Washington Post journalist was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Turkey

Khashoggi was murdered on the grounds of Saudi Arabia 's consulate in Istanbul in 2018 by a Saudi assassination squad sent by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman

The former flight attendant for Emirates airline and Khashoggi married in the US in July 1018, months before his death

Elatr also claims that four months before Kashoggi's murder, she was detained in the UAE for 10 days and interrogated about her relationship with the columnist. She said officials put spyware on her phones, which the UAE has denied.

The former flight attendant for Emirates airline and Khashoggi married in the US in July 1018, months before his death, and has remained outspoken about demanding justice.

'[Biden] has to ask what happened to his body? Where is his body? Still we do not have any answer,' she told the Associated Press last year. 'And people need to get the truth in this case. And we cannot forget.'

'We cannot forget what happened to Jamal.'

Khashoggi's murder first appeared to threaten US relations with Saudi Arabia and MBS, but both the Trump and Biden administrations eventually put the issue aside instead of risking the crucial relationship with the Arab power.

As a candidate, Joe Biden promised to make Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' for the horrific murder. But as president he bumped fists with the kingdom's de facto ruler during a visit to improve relations.

Weeks after the Biden-MBS meeting, the State Department announced that the crown prince was entitled to 'sovereign immunity' because of his role as prime minister.

District Court Judge John Bates said that although the allegations against MBS were 'credible' he had no choice but to dismiss the case.

As candidate, Biden promised to make Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' for the murder. But as president he bumped fists with the kingdom's de facto ruler, crown prince Mohammad bin Salman

Khashoggi, a journalist who had been critical of the Saudi government, walked into the consulate on October 2, 2018, to collect documents that would allow him to get married to another woman, Turkish academic Hatice Cengi. He never walked out.

Neither Cengi nor Elatr were aware they were both involved with Khashoggi at the time of his death.

Audio tape released believed to be from Khashoggi's Apple Watch captured his dying screams as he was allegedly dragged from the Saudi consul general's office to a table in a next-door study, injected with an 'unknown drug' and surgically dismembered.

A team of 15 Saudi agents had flown to Turkey to meet Khashoggi inside the consulate. They included a forensic doctor, intelligence and security officers and individuals who worked for the crown prince's office.

Turkish officials allege Khashoggi was killed and then dismembered with a bone saw.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy appeared stumped when asked by conservative activist Charlie Kirk who he would choose to be on the Supreme Court.

In a video obtained by DailyMail.com, Kennedy pauses for several seconds after being asked by Kirk to name a 'current or recent' Supreme Court justice who's in line with his views.

After an uncomfortable seven seconds, Kennedy answered, 'I couldn't answer that.'

'I would say I'm going to appoint judges who, who reflect my values,' Kennedy then said.

Kirk then asked the 2024 hopeful to articulate those values - asking Kennedy if he'd appoint justices more like liberal Justice Elena Kagan or conservative Justice Clarence Thomas.

'I don't know, I wouldn't answer that,' Kennedy replied.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk (left) sat down with independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (right) for an episode of his Charlie Kirk Show. Kennedy paused for seven seconds after Kirk asked him what kind of justices he'd appoint to the Supreme Court

Kirk then told Kennedy, 'but respectfully, you're running for president.'

'That's a huge issue for voters, especially for Second Amendment rights, abortion,' Kirk continued.

Instead, Kennedy listed his 'important issues.'

'Free market capitalism, strong environmental protection, strong liberties, human rights, civil rights, bodily autonomy and skepticism toward big business and corporate control of our country and a hostility toward corruption,' the Democrat-turned-independent candidate said.

Kirk continued to push, asking Kennedy to name his favorite Supreme Court justice ever.

'Earl Warren,' Kennedy finally answered.

Kirk pointed out that it was the Warren court that decided official prayer shouldn't be held in public schools.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. refused to answer whether he'd pick justices more in line with liberal Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan (left) or conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (right)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. first launched a presidential bid in April, announcing he'd run against President Joe Biden in the Democratic primary, before switching to an independent run in October - meaning he'll have to get his name on every state's 2024 general election ballot

'This is why I don't want to pick a particular justice,' Kennedy said. 'I'm telling you what I would look for in a justice but I'm not going to endorse every decision. So I can see the trick here, which is I name a judge and you're going to pick a decision that I would not endorse.'

Kirk pushed back, saying he wasn't trying to 'trick' Kennedy.

'It's not a trick, you're running for president and you know I have respect for you,' the Turning Point USA founder said.

Kirk asked Kennedy if he would consider nominating a judge for the Supreme Court if he or she suppored affirmative action.

Kennedy said that stance wouldn't disqualify said judge.

'I would look at the whole package,' the 2024 hopeful said.

Kennedy, a prominent anti-vaxxer, originally launched a presidential bid in April from Boston as a Democrat, but in October announced he would run as an independent instead - another uphill climb as he'll have to get access on each state's 2024 general election ballot.

A member of the prominent Kennedy clan in Democratic politics, he's the son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy.

With his positions on vaccinations and increasingly more conservative views on immigration, Kennedy has been able to peel voters away from both traditional parties and is currently polling at around 13 percent when other independent candidates - Jill Stein and Cornell West - are factored in.
A Massachusetts high school student suffered 'severe' injuries when he jumped out of a sixth-floor window after taking 'magic' mushrooms that he allegedly bought from a drug dealer, who has been arrested.

The unknown Brookline High School student had allegedly bought the illegal mushrooms from Niko, 22, and after consuming them, plunged six stories.

The student suffered severe injuries and police have not clarified his condition.

According to the Brookline Police Department, a tip was sent to the department that led them to investigate Niko.

The dealer allegedly 'took particular interest in selling drugs to underage teens', according to the police.

They also said Niko purchased drugs that are 'not suitable for kids' legally from local marijuana dispensaries, including psychedelic mushrooms and sold them to his 'many teen customers.' Niko is now facing drug charges.

An unknown Brookline High School student had allegedly bought the illegal mushrooms from Niko, 22, and after consuming them, plunged six stories.

According to the Brookline Police Department, a tip was sent to the department that led them to investigate Niko

They said Niko purchased drugs that are 'not suitable for kids' legally from local marijuana dispensaries, including psychedelic mushrooms and sold them to his 'many teen customers.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Brookline High School for a comment.

In a Facebook post, officials said: 'Based on a tip, Brookline detectives began investigating a suspected drug dealer who goes by the name Niko in Brookline Village.

'This 22-year-old man allegedly took particular interest in selling drugs to underage teens. Some of these products were purchased at local marijuana dispensaries where Niko allegedly bought products legally. However, they are not suitable for kids.'

'Many of these items have found their way onto the campus of Brookline High School, where students have been caught with items alleged to have been purchased from Niko,' the department said.

Afterward, the police department released a video warning parents of the type of drugs that were found with Niko

Multiple pictures of sour candy laced with drugs, cannabis-laced chocolate, edible gummies, vapes and a promethazine oral solution were featured in the video

Police are continuing the investigation. It has not been clarified how many students Niko allegedly sold drugs to

Afterward, the police department released a video warning parents of the type of drugs that were found with Niko.

Multiple pictures of sour candy laced with drugs, cannabis-laced chocolate, edible gummies, vapes and a promethazine oral solution were featured in the video.

The department warned: 'Niko is suspected of having many teen customers, although there is no way to know exactly how many he has had over the past several years.

'Many kids [are] unwitting victims of his harmful chemicals and toxins. So, if you see some of these items in your teens room, dont dismiss it as typical harmless pocket junk. Pay attention, and protect your kids from harmful substances.'

Police are continuing the investigation. It has not been clarified how many students Niko allegedly sold drugs to.
The gunman who unleashed terror on Prague is now suspected of shooting dead a man and his newborn baby in a 'random' attack at a forest near the Czech capital last week, police have revealed.

David Kozak, 24, killed 14 people and injured 25 during a rampage in which he targeted students at his university in downtown Prague, police said, adding that he was shot dead after carrying out the horrific attack.

Kozak murdered his father in the town of Hostoun before heading into the Czech capital where he began randomly shooting people from the balcony of Charles University Arts faculty.

He had a huge arsenal of weapons and ammunition with him, with the country's Interior Minister saying that 'if the police hadn't entered the building in time, the perpetrator wouldn't have been dead on the roof and there would have been a lot more victims.'

In the lead up to his killing spree, Kozak is thought to have kept a diary in Russian on messaging app Telegram, writing in one chilling post: 'I want to do a school shooting and possibly suicide.'

Now it has emerged that police are investigating whether Kozak may have killed a father, 32, and his two-month-old daughter in Klanovice, near Prague. Hundreds of police combed the wooded area after the perpetrator disappeared, and authorities are currently probing whether the two killing sprees could be linked.

Student David Kozak, 24, has been named as the killer by local police

Hundreds of police combed the wooded area in Klanovicky les after the perpetrator of a shooting there disappeared

Images circulating online and in Czech media purports to show the shooter on the roof of the university building

A chilling image shared on local media purports to show the man dressed in black aiming a rifle at people below while standing on top of a faculty building, with witnesses saying the gunman was picking off his victims one by one

A gun recovered by police in Prague which is thought to have been used in the attack

Other extraordinary images show terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a faculty in a bid to hide from the gunman after others were told to barricade themselves in classrooms

A police cordon was seen around a house in Hostoun, Kladensk, east of Prague, where it is believed Kozak's father lived

Distressed members of the public are wrapped in foil as night draws in following the horrific attack

A police officer secures the area following the shooting at one of the buildings of Charles University in Prague on Thursday

Thursday's massacre is the Czech Republic's worst ever mass shooting, and the gunman is believed to have been inspired by a school shooting carried out by 14-year-old schoolgirl in Russia earlier this month.

'I want to do school shooting and possibly suicide, Alina Afanaskina helped me too much,' he allegedly wrote on December 10 of the Bryansk school shooter, who killed two students before taking her own life.

The chilling post in what the writer called their 'diary' about 'life before the shooting' went on: 'I always wanted to kill, I thought I would become a maniac in the future.'

Just five days after the disturbing posts appeared online, a father and baby girl were shot dead in Klanovice, a forest area outside of Prague.

More than 250 police were sent to search the area and a helicopter with thermal imaging was used to scour the woodland area, but the gunman was never found.

At the time, police spokesman Jan Rybansky told iDNES.cz.: 'The case is being worked on by a team of several dozen of the most experienced criminologists, who were also reinforced by colleagues from the Office of the Criminal Police Service and Investigations of the Police Presidium.'

Horrified friends of the dead man said: 'I remember him as a trainee from the camp and from the tourist section. He was friendly and up for every joke.

'After school, he focused on himself and started playing a lot of sports. On that occasion he met his future wife.

'This summer he talked about how happy he is in his life. He said he had a beautiful wife, a child and more on the way. What else could you wish for. He looked happy.

'Who would do such a thing'.

Were you in Prague when the shooting took place? Did you witness the attack? If so, please email: elena.salvoni@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

As investigations into the double murder continue, Czech police now have to assess how a mass killing was able to take place just days later, a half an hour drive away in Prague - and whether the two attacks were both carried out by Kozak.

'As far as Klanovicky les is concerned, it is not known that the victims were in any way connected to the perpetrator. I am convinced that the victims were completely randomly selected by a person without any criminal history,' police spokesman Martin Vondracek said on Thursday night.

Vondracek revealed at the press conference: 'We are working very seriously with the fact that the attacker from the Faculty of Philosophy is also responsible for the two victims from the end of last week in Klanovicky les.'

Horrific scenes unfolded at the historic Charles University campus on Thursday, with pictures showing the gunman dressed in black aiming a rifle at people below while standing on top of the prestigious college's Faculty of Arts building.

Terrified students and tourists were seen fleeing while others crouched beneath a window ledge on the high building as gunshots rang out in what is one of Europe's top tourist hotspots. Reports have suggested that one person died after falling from a building as they took cover.

There are fears that tourists could be among those killed or the 25 injured in today's shooting, with police working to identify the victims and saying they will contact embassies with updates in the event of foreign nationals being affected in the atrocity.

Dramatic video shows terrified crowds of tourists and locals sprinting across the famous Charles Bridge - one of Europe's top tourist sites - after they heard the sickening sound of gunshots in the city

The shooting started at 3pm at the Charles University Faculty of Arts building and police said the gunman was 'eliminated' at 4pm after elite cops were seen storming the building

Emergency services wait at a cordon around Charles University, the location of the shooting on December 21, 2023

Elite cops were seen storming the philosophy department building of Charles University, where the gunman was a student, with police saying the gunman had been 'eliminated' at 4pm - an hour after the deadly carnage began.

Police said the gunman's body had been found in the area and suggested he had taken his own life when cops closed in on him - though cops did say they had fired at him.

'Due to the devastating injury sustained by the suspect, we are unable to confirm his identity,' Vondracek said. 'From the information available to me, there should have been a suicide, however, the police also used a service weapon.'

He added that the death toll could have been much higher: 'There was a large quantity of ammunition and if the police hadn't entered the building in time, the perpetrator wouldn't have been dead on the roof and there would have been a lot more victims.'

A faculty member of the university, Zora Hesova, said people were still locked in classrooms inside the building as armed police officers descended on the scene

Dramatic video showed terrified crowds of tourists and locals sprinting across the famous Charles Bridge - one of Europe's top tourist sites - after they heard the sickening sound of gunshots in the city.

The gunman fired at his victims one by one from the top of the university building - two hours after he is said to have murdered his father in the town of Hostoun.

In separate footage, people were seen running with their hands raised in the air from the prestigious University's Faculty of Arts building in the capital, as armed police officers swooped in.

The shooting started at 3pm and police said the gunman was 'eliminated' at 4pm after elite cops were seen storming the building. At least 14 people were killed in the shooting and more than 20 were injured - 11 seriously, Prague's emergency services said.

Other extraordinary images show terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a balcony in a bid to hide from the gunman after others were told to barricade themselves in classrooms.

Armed police are seen on the balcony of the university in central Prague on Thursday

People can be seen running from a building in Prague

British tourist Joe Hyland, who was on his first holiday abroad with his group of friends, said they were worried there could have been multiple attackers, and rushed to text their loved ones in case the worst happened.

'As we got onto the tube and we don't know how many attackers there are and we don't know what the attackers are, so it the tube the best place or the worst place to go? So we decided to ring our parents to say we loved them and call our friends,' he told the BBC.

Speaking from Prague, his friend added: 'It's our first holiday as us boys. When something like that happens you call you loved ones because you don't know in the confusion if you are going to be able to speak to them.'

A British father and daughter also witnessed the chaos unfold. The unnamed man told The Sun: 'My daughter said, 'Dad, look up there, there's a guy on the roof'. And all of a sudden it just went mental, it sounded like a load of firecrackers.

'I would have said about 30 people got shot. There was a guy lying dead on the right hand side of the square. He was shot in the chest.'

A faculty member of the university, Zora Hesova, said people were locked in classrooms inside the building as armed police officers descended on the scene.

Police later said they killed the gunman after they stormed the building and have evacuated everyone who was trapped inside.

'The gunman was eliminated!!!' police said on X, formerly Twitter. 'The building is currently being evacuated and there are several dead and dozens of wounded people on the scene.'

Extraordinary images show the gunman, who was dressed in black, standing on the roof of the faculty building and pointing his rifle with a scope mounted on top at people down below.

Petr Nedoma, the director of the Rudolfinum - a concert hall on the square across from the Faculty of Arts - told Czech broadcaster CT24: 'Upstairs on the walkway of the Faculty of Arts, I saw a man standing with a gun in his hand and shooting towards the Manes bridge with certain delays.

'I watched what was happening from inside the Rudolfinum for a long time. I stayed in the building and was by the windows for as much cover as possible.'

A woman lights candles outside the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague, Czech Republic,

People wrap up as they wait near the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague, Czech Republic

Nedoma added: 'Then he put his hands up and threw the gun towards the road, it remained lying by the philosophy faculty. Then a lot of people appeared upstairs, I don't know if it was the police.

'I left the window and watched the police evacuate people from the Faculty of Philosophy, taking them away with their hands behind their heads in different directions, a large number of cars, people running around.'

Terrified teachers and students at the Charles University Faculty of Arts were instructed to lock themselves in classrooms before they were evacuated.

Klara, a student, told news site iDnes.cz she was among those who police evacuated from the building.

'It was terribly scary, there were a lot of policemen everywhere, who were shouting at us with submachine guns, telling us to run outside,' she said.

An email sent to staff and students at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University had said a shooter was in one of its buildings and had told staff to 'stay put'.

'Don't go anywhere, if you're in the offices, lock them and place furniture in front of the door, turn off the lights,' the email said.

One student, Deda Mrazek, said she was in the university's library when the gunman began shooting at his victims.

Sharing a picture of students hiding in the back of a computer lab, Deda wrote: 'I am OK. I was in the library at the time of the shooting.

'They sent us to the back of the computer lab where there are no windows. Word has now spread that the gunman is dead.'

She said as soon as they heard the gunman had been killed, the terrified students all called their families to say that they were safe.

The government said they will hold an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the shooting at 9pm.

An armed Police officer patrols near to the scene of a shooting at Charles University in central Prague on Thursday

Members of the emergency service at the scene of a shooting at Charles University in central Prague on Thursday afternoon

Medics wait near the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague on Thursday

Other extraordinary images show terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a faculty in a bid to hide from the gunman after others were told to barricade themselves in classrooms

Other extraordinary images show terrified students cowering on a ledge high up on a faculty in a bid to hide from the gunman after others were told to barricade themselves in classrooms

One student, Deda Mrazek, said she was in the university's library when the gunman began shooting at his victims. Sharing a picture of students hiding in the back of a computer lab, Deda wrote: 'I am OK. I was in the library at the time of the shooting'

Armed police are seen on the balcony of the university in central Prague on Thursday

Police take security measures as several people were killed and injured in a shooting incident near a university in Prague

An armed Police officer patrols near to the scene of a shooting at Charles University in central Prague

An ambulance drives towards the building housing the Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague, Czech Republic on Thursday afternoon

Police in the Czech Republic's capital urged residents to shelter and avoid the area 'due to an ongoing shooting incident' close to Charles University in the centre of the city

Police officers stand on the balcony of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague, Czech Republic, after they stormed the building and killed the shooter

Police officers secure an area after a shooting in downtown Prague, Czech Republic, on Thursday

An ambulance drives towards the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague on Thursday following the shooting

The police have sealed off the square and the area adjacent to the university building, which is located in a busy part of town that has a popular street leading tourists to Old Town Square

'According to preliminary information, the shooter himself should be dead, there are dead and wounded on site, I will not speculate now about the final number,' Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said on Czech Television.

Rakusan added 'no other gunman has been confirmed' and called on people to follow police instructions.

Police in the Czech Republic's capital have urged residents to shelter inside and avoid the area due to the shooting.

President Petr Pavel tweeted: 'I am shocked by the events at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University.

'I would like to express my deep regret and sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims that the shooting claimed.

'I want to thank the citizens for respecting the instructions of the security forces and providing maximum cooperation.'

The British Embassy in Prague has urged people in the city, which is popular with tourists, to avoid the around the Charles University and the Faculty of Arts.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala cancelled his trip to the east of the country and was en route to Prague, he said on X.

Gun crime is relatively rare in the Czech Republic. In December 2019, a 42-year-old gunman killed six people at a hospital waiting room in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava before fleeing and fatally shooting himself, police said.

In 2015, a man fatally shot eight people and then killed himself at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod.
A lawyer is under arrest in connection with the deaths of her former boyfriend's father and grandmother after she allegedly poisoned them at a pastry shop in Brazil.

Amanda Partata, 31, was arrested without incident in Goiania on Wednesday night.

'I'm innocent, I didn't do this, guys. I didn't do anything,' she told reporters outside a police station.

Partata reportedly poisoned Goiania Civil Police agent Leonardo Pereira, 58, and his mother, Luzia Alves, 86, at a family breakfast on Sunday.

Pereira and Alves fell ill several hours after eating the cake. They vomited and felt stomach pain and were rushed to Santa Barbara Hospital, where they died the same day.

Partata is facing double homicide charges, according to the Goiania Civil Police Department.

Amanda Partata was arrested Wednesday by Brazilian authorities in Goiania, Brazil, for the alleged murders of her ex-boyfriend's father and grandmother, who died Sunday hours after they ate food that was poisoned

Goiania Civil Police agent Leonardo Pereira (left) and his mother, Luzia Alves (right), died at a hospital in Goiania, Brazil after eating food that had been poisoned

'The case is very complex, it involves a degree of psychopathy,' Civil Police Carlos Alfama said, according to Brazilian news outlet G1.

'Let's listen to Amanda again, because there are relevant details, including other crimes related to the one being investigated. What we say is that, in fact, it is a double homicide by poisoning.'

The victims' family members initially accused the pastry shop owners of being responsible for the deaths, but investigators cleared the confusion when they discovered that Partata was allegedly involved.

Alfama said the woman purchased grape juice, cake, cheese bread and biscuits for the family on Sunday morning.

Pereira and Alves fell ill about three hours after eating the food.

'The person ingests food and dies, it was not a bacterial infection,' Alfama said. 'What is the other possibility?  death was due to poisoning.'

Partata had become increasingly upset with the end of her relationship with Pereira's son over the summer after dating for just one month, Alfama said.

The woman threatened her former boyfriend by sending messages from fake social media profiles and phone numbers.

He reportedly blocked more than 10 phone numbers from where Partata had called him.

Partata claimed she was not behind the threats by sending her herself threatening messages.

One of the text messages read, 'I'm going to kill you and your little girlfriend.'

In an failed attempt to resume their relationship, Partata frequently visited the home of her boyfriend's father and grandmother to tell them that she was expecting a child from him.

Authorities have been unable to confirm if she faked a pregnancy, although she did tell arresting cops that she is 17 weeks pregnant.
He was charged with a 2003 rape and murder and suspected for three others

While languishing in jail, cops realized he was prime suspect in series of rapes

A homeless man who allegedly slashed two joggers with a machete is the same attacker who raped and murdered a woman 20 years ago, police claim.

Elias Diaz, 48, was charged on Sunday with the attacks on Pennypack Trail in Northeast Philadelphia, near a makeshift shelter he built.

While he sat in jail, police realized he was the same man they identified only months earlier as the suspect in four rapes between 2003 and 2007.

The most infamous was the rape and murder of medical student Rebecca Park, 30, in Fairmount Park in July 2003.

She was found strangled and buried in a shallow grave just a few yards from the trail on which she was last seen going for a run.

Elias Diaz, 48, was charged on Sunday with the attacks on Pennypack Trail in Northeast Philadelphia - and then with an unsolved rape and murder from 2003

Burned out remains of the makeshift shelter where Diaz was living in Pennypack Park, Northeast Philadelphia, when he allegedly attacked the joggers

He is believed to have also raped a 21-year-old woman at knifepoint in April 2003 in Lafayette Hill, a 29-year-old woman who was also robbed in Pennypack Park in 2007.

He also allegedly tried to rape a 37-year-old woman who fought him off near Falls Bridge in October 2003.

Diaz has now been charged with Park's murder, but not yet with the other three attacks that are still being investigated.

Police only even had a vague description of the rapist in any of the cases and only identified Diaz earlier this year through genealogy DNA matches.

However, Diaz was estranged from his family in both mainland US and Puerto Rico, and no one knew if he was even still alive.

'We had no idea if he was even still living,' Interim First Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said on Tuesday.

'Somebody said he overdosed. No one had seen him for a time. So we had no idea where to find him or if he was living at a residence or was unsheltered.'

The most infamous was the rape and murder of medical student Rebecca Park, 30, in Fairmount Park in July 2003, for which Diaz is now charged

John Stanford Jr, Interim Police Commissioner, stands in front of mug shots of the suspect during a press conference on new developments in Fairmount Park rapist after Diaz was identified as the prime suspect

He was arrested twice in that span, once for drugs and another time for failing to appear in court over that arrest, and mugshots were taken in 2007 and 2015 - but it was never connected because the charges were so minor.

DNA samples taken from Diaz after the machete attack arrest confirmed he was the suspect they were looking for all along.

Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford Jr said the rapes 'haunted' police for decades and could now finally be put to rest.

Diaz was arrested for the machete slashings after allegedly charging at the victims on a black BMX bike.

The first was a jogger who said he was about to overtake his attacker from behind, and the cyclist became enraged when he gave a polite warning.

He was slashed in the arms and hands around 8.15am on November 22 and treated in hospital.

A pair of pants hanging on a branch within the area of encampment inside Pennypack Park behind Lincoln High School in northeast Philadelphia

A pan and small barbecue grill among the other things litter the encampment

Two days later around 9am, a man walking along the trail said a cyclist slashed at him with a large knife, cutting him on his right arm and hands.

A third person reported a cyclist becoming verbally aggressive towards him, but he managed to escape unharmed.

Diaz was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and other crimes for the Pennypack Trail attacks.

On Wednesday, he was charged with murder, rape, aggravated indecent assault, possession of an instrument of crime, abuse of corpse, tampering with evidence, indecent assault and recklessly endangering another person in connection to the killing of Rebecca Park.
Her savoury sovereigns went viral after appearing in the Daily Mail earlier this year  and even won her a royal seal of approval.

But for a Christmas treat, Jackie Marshall has gone one better  and turned the extended Royal Family into a set of very special mince pies.

King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and even the estranged Duke and Duchess of Sussex have all  finally  been reunited on Mrs Marshall's kitchen table in Swaffham, Norfolk.

She spent three days baking and decorating the eye-catching shortcrust pasty creations last week.

Mrs Marshall admitted: 'I really wanted to do them proud. I'm not entirely sure I have, though!'

Jackie spent three days baking and decorating the eye-catching shortcrust pasty creations last week

Mrs Marshall admitted: 'I really wanted to do them proud. I'm not entirely sure I have, though!'

For Harry's look-alike pie she created his red hair and beard using strings of 'sour' strawberry sweets.

While Meghan's features hair made from an unravelled liquorice catherine wheel and earrings made from Smarties.

'I had high hopes for Queen Camilla and was really hopeful she would turn out nice,' adds Mrs Marshall, 65. 'So I decorated her with crushed meringues.'

The King, meanwhile, had his hair made from flaked rice.

'Out of all of them, I think he turned out the best,' she added. 'He was, actually, the easiest to do.'

Catherine was deemed particularly challenging because of how beautiful she is, while Prince William's pastry recreation possibly bears more resemblance to his uncle, Prince Edward.

Shortly after the Mail's photographer had finished his shoot he and Mrs Marshall enjoyed the Princess of Wales  with a generous helping of clotted cream.

The rest of the royals are going in the freezer and will be brought out at Christmas for her family to dine on.

The King had his hair made from flaked rice and came with his own pastry crown

Jackie has high hopes for Queen Camilla and was really hopeful she would turn out nice, so she decorated her with crushed meringues

For Harry's look-alike pie she created his red hair and beard using strings of 'sour' strawberry sweets

Prince William's pastry recreation possibly bears more resemblance to his uncle, Prince Edward

Catherine was deemed particularly challenging because of how beautiful she is

Meghan's features hair made from an unravelled liquorice catherine wheel and earrings made from Smarties

King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and even the estranged Duke and Duchess of Sussex have all  finally  been reunited on Mrs Marshall's kitchen table

Some of the royals are going in the freezer and will be brought out at Christmas for her family to dine on

Mrs Marshall  a lifelong Daily Mail and now Mail+ Editions reader  was inundated with requests for interviews

Jackie has even been awarded a prize for putting Norfolk on the map

Her savoury sovereigns went viral after appearing in the Daily Mail earlier this year  and even won Jackie a royal seal of approval

For a Christmas treat, Jackie Marshall has turned the extended Royal Family into a set of very special mince pies

Mrs Marshall carefully cuts the pastry to create a savoury sovereign crown for her royal treats

Jackie pops the Royal Christmas creations into the over to bake before a spectacular reveal

Her former creations were spotted by Queen Camilla, who was particularly impressed by the pie's resemblance to her husband

Mrs Marshall's pastries shot to fame back in the summer after she entered a King Charles pie at the Sandringham Flower Show.

The regal bake was spotted by Queen Camilla, who was particularly impressed by the pie's resemblance to her husband.

Fortunately Charles did indeed see the funny side, chuckling and joking: 'Looks like something out of Wallace and Gromit!'

The Mail captured the moment on video and the clip went viral, with the story ending up in publications as far away as Adelaide in Australia and Germany.

Mrs Marshall  a lifelong Daily Mail and now Mail+ Editions reader  was inundated with requests for interviews and has even been awarded a prize for putting Norfolk on the map.

She said: 'I just couldn't believe how it took off after the Mail featured it. My granddaughter, who is 16, even called me in excitement to say that I was now 'TikTok famous'.

'I had no idea what was going to happen so I didn't feel pressured at the time  but now everyone's expecting and I had six to make!'
The body of a teenager has been found at a popular waterhole after he failed to resurface from a swim with a group of friends.

Emergence crews were called to Kholo Creek near Mount Crosby, near Ipswich west of Brisbane around 10.30am on Thursday following reports the boy had failed to re-emerge from the water.

Swift water rescue crews along with specialist divers from Queensland police desperately tried to search for the boy.

His body was found early on Thursday afternoon by emergency services.

The body of a teenage boy was found by emergency services at Kholo Creek (pictured) on Thursday afternoon

Swift water rescue crews along with specialist divers from Queensland Police desperately searched for the boy after he failed to resurface from the water (pictured, rescuers searching for the boy)

The boy was swimming at the creek with his friends before the incident.

Family and friends of the teenager were heard screaming and crying after the rescue effort concluded, The Courier Mail reports.

Earlier, the Queensland Ambulance Service told Daily Mail Australia another person with critical injuries was assessed by paramedics after they rushed to the scene.

Several users took to Facebook to offer their condolences to the boy's loved ones.

'Prayers and thoughts with his family and friends at this time,' one user wrote.

'So so sad. Just dreadful [and] so close to Christmas prayers [and] thoughts to family [and] friends,' another user said.

'Rest in peace young fella.'

A report for will be prepared for the coroner.
President Joe Biden held urgent phone consultations with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Thursday to discuss the running border crisis, as migrants overwhelm facilities along the southern border and shatter daily records.

The president is dispatching top administration officials to Mexico City to hammer out new ways with the Mexican president to grapple with the issue, as White House national security spokesman John Kirby spoke to the intractable nature of the problem.

'There's probably more we can be doing,' Kirby admitted to reporters at the White House while describing the outlines of the conversation.

He said the two men discussed the efforts to 'manage the unprecedented migratory flows in the western hemisphere,' and described the issue as part of a global problem, not just one that impacts the U.S.

More to do: National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator John Kirby updated reporters on President Biden's talks with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador amid record daily border crossings

'The two leaders agreed that additional enforcement actions are urgently needed to keep ports of entry can be reopened across our shared border,' said Kirby.

The conversation was 'really about the migratory flow and the pressure that's being put on the southern border,' said Kirby.

His comments come after another week where lawmakers negotiating over a package that would provide $61 billion to Ukraine failed to reach a breakthrough on border changes that Republicans are demanding.

Biden will briefly pull the nation's top diplomat off his hectic portfolio dealing with Israel's war on Hamas and other global challenges to deal with the border.

Top U.S. officials - including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and U.S. Homeland Security adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall - will travel to Mexico in coming days to meet with Lopez Obrador. They will discuss 'further actions that can be taken together to address current border challenges.'

The visit will focus on efforts to stem migratory flows and how the two countries can work together, Kirby said, later adding that the leaders had spoken about what could be done from Mexico to slow down the process.

The top level talks come after 14,000 migrants crossed into Eagle Pass, pictured on Dec. 21

President Biden is dispatching top officials including Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Mexico for talks

A record 14,000 migrants crossed into into Eagle Pass on the southern border since Sunday night, according to Customs and Border Patrol figures, overwhelming authorities who must process them.

House Speaker Mike Johnson sent a letter to Biden urging him to take use the power of the executive to stem the flow of migrants at the southern border.

The speaker directed the president to end 'catch-and-release,' turning away any migrants encountered between ports of entry and use parole only on a 'case-by-case basis.'

He also called on the president to reinstated Trump-era policies like building the wall, reinstating the Remain in Mexico program and expanding expedited removal for those who cannot demonstrate asylum eligibility.

Johnson even urged Biden to suspend all immigration - using his authority under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The provision allows the president to suspend the entry of any foreign citizens for an unspecified amount of time if allowing them in is deemed 'detrimental' to US interests.

Dozens of major U.S. agricultural groups on Wednesday urged the U.S. to reopen two rail crossings on the Texas-Mexico border to restore trade routes closed due to rising migrant crossings.

The White House then said it was working with Mexico to resolve issues that led to the closures.

That step followed a temporary suspension of expulsions of migrants by Mexican immigration authorities due to an end-of-year funding crunch, according to officials.

Lopez Obrador told a press conference Biden had requested the call.

Biden, who is seeking reelection next year, has been under sustained political pressure to stem the record arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Israel is locked in 'serious negotiations' with Arab leaders for a second ceasefire but continued to ramp up its offensive in Gaza yesterday.

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas that despite the ongoing talks, it has a 'simple' choice: 'Surrender or die.'

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has escalated its fighting with some of the most intense bombardments since the start of the war. But diplomatic efforts have also intensified, with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Egypt for a second day of talks.

White House spokesman John Kirby said: 'These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope they lead somewhere. We're pushing.'

Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen confirmed negotiations on a hostage release were ongoing but declined to provide details. He repeated Israel's position that war would not end while Hamas controls Gaza and said there was 'no talk of reducing the intensity, at least not in the coming weeks'.

White House spokesman John Kirby said: 'These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope they lead somewhere. We're pushing'

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas that despite the ongoing talks, it has a 'simple' choice: 'Surrender or die'

Haniyeh's media adviser said Hamas 'cannot talk about negotiations while Israel continues its aggression'.

The terror group's military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, also taunted Israel saying their war is 'doomed to fail'. Spokesman Abu Obeida said there was 'no alternative' to negotiations, warning Israeli fire could lead to the deaths of more hostages.

He took aim at Israel's leader, whose 'decision... evades facing and recognising the truth'. But Mr Netanyahu said: 'The choice I propose to Hamas is very simple: surrender or die. They do not have  and will not have  any other choice. And after we eliminate Hamas, I will use all my power to ensure that Gaza never again threatens Israel.'

Israel unleashed a huge bomb run on northern Gaza yesterday while Hamas fired a salvo of rockets at Tel Aviv. Air defences took out the missiles but shrapnel fell on a school. It is believed to have been timed to send a message to those gathered in Egypt that after 11 weeks of war, Israel has not destroyed the terrorists' military capabilities.

Destroyed buildings lie in ruin in the Gaza Strip

Israeli soldiers stand guard as trucks carrying humanitarian aid move at the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing with the southern Gaza Strip

Smoke rises following an air strike on Gaza

Both sides also appear far from close to agreement on a ceasefire, with Hamas stating all factions in Gaza were united against a temporary truce.

A sources said they agreed 'no talk about prisoners or exchange deals, except after a full cessation of aggression'.

The UN Security Council was again due to vote on the Arab-backed ceasefire for humanitarian aid that has been repeatedly delayed since Monday. The draft would give the UN a wider role overseeing aid shipments.

But Washington said there were concerns that in its current form the resolution 'could actually slow down' deliveries.

Some 129 Israelis remain captive and the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims 20,000 people have been killed. The World Health Organization said the last hospital in the northern half of the Gaza Strip has effectively ceased to function.
There is hardly a single area of private or commercial life that the Treasury is not milking for all its worth.

Thanks largely to the freezing of thresholds and allowance, higher wages and many in work, tax receipts have hit record levels.

New figures show the Government raked in a staggering 77.6billion in income and inheritance tax and other levies last month.

So what will Chancellor Jeremy Hunt do with this massive bonanza? He could squirrel it away like Scrooge. He could chuck it into the insatiable maw of the NHS.

However, if  as he claims  he has a sincere desire to drive up economic dynamism, he will redistribute this bonanza in the form of tax cuts in the spring.

Not only would tax reductions leave people more of their own money to spend, it would boost business and stimulate growth.

What will Chancellor Jeremy Hunt do with this massive bonanza? He could squirrel it away like Scrooge. He could chuck it into the insatiable maw of the NHS

The Mail understands Mr Hunt wants to repair our creaking public finances.

The reality, though, is if he does not announce tax cuts at the first opportunity, the lights will go out on the Conservatives' already slender electoral prospects for good.

On top of that, the Chancellor should further exploit the benefits of Brexit by taking a machete to bureaucracy and public spending, in particular welfare.

Deliver these, and Britain can move back towards the small-state model that was once an unshakeable tenet of Toryism. From there, tax cuts and sound finances naturally follow.

Dying for compassion

The question of assisted dying and a terminally ill person's right to end their life is one of the most challenging moral and legal issues of our age.

This highly charged debate has been reignited this week by Esther Rantzen, who revealed she has joined Dignitas, the Swiss clinic that helps people kill themselves.

The 83-year-old broadcaster, gravely ill with lung cancer, is campaigning for Parliament to hold a free vote on letting doctors give patients the means to take their own lives.

Opinion polls suggest the public back the legalisation of assisted dying in increasing numbers. Advocates say any law would contain rigorous safeguards to protect the vulnerable.

This highly charged debate has been reignited this week by Esther Rantzen, who revealed she has joined Dignitas, the Swiss clinic that helps people kill themselves

But history shows us that in countries where the 'right to die' is permitted, these have slipped to the point where so-called mercy killing has effectively become normalised.

It is also naive to deny that assisted dying laws could be exploited by unscrupulous relatives seeking to protect their inheritance, or a health service buckling under the cost of palliative care to an ageing population.

Yet who could have anything but the deepest sympathy for those who are already close to death and want a doctor to take away their intolerable suffering? This paper has never pretended there are easy answers to this complex, sensitive matter.

But while this is a path we tread at our peril, Britain is a mature and sophisticated democracy. Let assisted dying be debated.

Keir's asylum betrayal

After fiercely opposing Tory efforts to resolve the illegal immigration crisis, why has Sir Keir Starmer been so reluctant to set out his grand vision?

Yesterday, we finally got an answer to that pressing question, courtesy of a French MEP. A Labour government, she said, would cut a deal for EU countries to take back some of those entering the UK on small boats.

After fiercely opposing Tory efforts to resolve the illegal immigration crisis, why has Sir Keir Starmer been so reluctant to set out his grand vision?

But in return, we would accept a hefty proportion of asylum seekers already in safe countries on the continent  with some estimates of 100,000  and the ensuing cost.

This confused arrangement would see Britain end up with more irregular migrants, rather than fewer. By accepting quotas, Sir Keir would be handing Brussels even greater powers over our immigration policy than when we were still in the EU's orbit.

That would be less a mutually beneficial deal  and more an abject surrender of the hard-fought sovereignty we won through Brexit.
New powers which would allow police to compare images of criminals captured on CCTV against 50million driving licence records are being prepared by ministers.

Legal changes proposed by the Home Office are the first step towards facial recognition searches of the DVLA's database  which covers most adults.

Police minister Chris Philp has called the technology a 'game-changing' crackdown on crime. He said he wants all cases of shoplifting, burglary and other thefts with security camera footage to be compared against the Home Office's passport and immigration databases.

Now, preliminary changes to laws governing how the police access DVLA records potentially open the way for motorists' records to be scanned as well. However, the change would not be introduced without a full consultation process and would be likely to require further legislation, it is understood.

A Home Office spokesman said the initial step  set out in the Criminal Justice Bill currently going through Parliament  would 'clarify the law around safeguarding and accountability of police forces' use of DVLA records'.

Now, preliminary changes to laws governing how the police access DVLA records potentially open the way for motorists' records to be scanned as well

Police minister Chris Philp has called the technology a 'game-changing' crackdown on crime

But they denied reports that the same measures would allow such data to be used for facial recognition trawls by police.

'It does not allow for automatic access to DVLA records for facial recognition,' the spokesman said. 'Any further developments would be subject to further engagement as the public would expect.'

Wide use of facial recognition technology would allow police  theoretically  to solve every theft where there is footage of an offender, such as from shop CCTV systems, dashcams and video doorbells. Advanced technology can now provide a match with even a blurred or partial image of an offender's face. Mr Philp told the Conservative Party Conference in October that the Home Office will develop a single 'integrated database' allowing police to seamlessly compare security camera footage with images held by the Government. Forces will be expected to carry out the database searches under new guidelines which require them to follow up 'all reasonable lines of inquiry'.

The College of Policing announced in August that officers in England and Wales will have to consider all potential evidence including CCTV  if it could lead to a suspect or stolen property.

Ministers believe that carrying out facial recognition checks as part of the investigation process would create a highly effective deterrent against crime.

Critics claim facial recognition technology poses a threat to privacy, however.

Chris Jones, of civil liberties group Statewatch, told The Guardian that automatic scans of DVLA records could 'put anyone in the country with a driving licence into a permanent police line-up'. He added: 'More surveillance and snooping powers will not make people safer.'
Sir Keir Starmer voiced his support for legalising assisted dying yesterday, bringing campaigners a step closer to a change in the law.

Following Dame Esther Rantzen's plea to politicians to grapple with the controversial issue, the Labour leader said he thinks there are 'grounds' for a free vote.

Sir Keir voted in favour of the last parliamentary bid to change the law in 2015, when he described the current ban on assisted dying as an 'injustice'. And yesterday he confirmed his position, even suggesting that  if he wins the next election  he could allow time for such a Bill to be debated.

'On the question of assisted dying, there are obviously strong views both ways on this, which I respect,' he told reporters.

'And that's why, traditionally, this has always been dealt with by a Private Member's Bill and a free vote, and that seems appropriate to me.

Dame Esther Rantzen asked politicians to grapple with the issue of assisted dying

'I personally do think there are grounds for changing the law. We have to be careful, but it would have to be, I think, a free vote on an issue where there are such divided and strong views.'

Assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

In Scotland, it is not a specific criminal offence but assisting the death of someone can leave a person open to murder or other charges.

Sir Keir, who was speaking while on a visit to meet British troops at a military base in Estonia, issued the current guidance on assisted dying in his former role as director of public prosecutions, which clarifies when prosecuting someone would be in the public interest.

Labour is unlikely to bring forward its own legislation to change the law, but the party could set aside time for a free vote if a Bill was introduced by a backbench MP.

A fresh debate was sparked this week by Childline and The Silver Line founder Dame Esther, who has stage four lung cancer, after she revealed that she had joined the Dignitas assisted dying clinic in Switzerland. Her daughter Rebecca Wilcox, who works for Childline, has said she supports her mother's decision.

Since then, politicians including Cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Mel Stride have said it is time for another parliamentary debate on the issue. Dame Esther urged MPs to 'think of the people you love in your own life, maybe who are older, maybe who are unwell, and think how you would wish them to spend their last days and weeks'.

She added: 'It is agonising to watch someone you love suffer,' she said. 'Nobody wants that for their family. And we live in a day and age when it's perfectly possible to offer people a gentle, peaceful death.'

Supporters of a change in the law argue that public opinion has shifted, and even several senior Church of England clergy now back a rethink.

Sir Keir Starmer voiced his support for legalising assisted dying yesterday, bringing campaigners a step closer to a change in the law

Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed that she has joined assisted-dying clinic Dignitas and will consider going there to end her life

The Bishop of Buckingham, the Rt Rev Dr Alan Wilson, and former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, are among senior church figures who submitted evidence to the health and social care committee's continuing inquiry supporting a law change.

Lord Carey said: 'Palliative care and assisted dying can and must exist alongside each other in order to offer dying people meaningful choices at the end of life.'

But the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Michael Beasley, who speaks for the Church of England on health and medical issues, said: 'During its debate last year, the General Synod of the Church of England acknowledged the breadth and strength of feeling on this matter and heard many heartfelt testimonies.

'Synod members voted to oppose a change in the law and also called for adequate funding and resourcing of palliative care services to ensure the highest possible standard of care for all.'

Campaigners against assisted dying last night warned that changing the law is a 'slippery slope', as other countries have subsequently widened eligibility for who can have an assisted death.

The General Synod of the Church of England voted to oppose a change in the law and also called for adequate funding and resourcing of palliative care services

Paralympic athlete and crossbench peer Baroness Grey-Thompson said: 'If you look at every jurisdiction around the world, whatever level they have come in at, they have widened it.

'Canada is the most aggressive...There's a case where a Canadian veteran Paralympian requested a ramp for her house, and she was offered medication to end her life.'

She said disabled people are among 'some of the most vulnerable in society', and those with expensive care packages 'may be encouraged' to think of euthanasia as an option in a cost of living crisis.

Since 2016, medical assistance in dying has been available in Canada for adults with terminal illness. The law was changed in 2021 to include those with grievous and irremediable physical conditions  even if these are not terminal.

Next year, Canadians with just a mental illness are set to be able to receive medical assistance in dying.

Alistair Thompson, of the Care Not Killing alliance, which opposes euthanasia, said Sir Keir's support 'doesn't significantly change things' as many MPs are still against a law change.

'There are many within his own party who are firmly opposed to changing the law because they recognise the massive dangers of going down this route,' he said.

'We only have to look at Canada where a law  that was introduced to help the terminally ill, mentally competent people with less than six months to live have their life ended  has spun out of control.' He also took aim at the BBC, which he said 'consistently acts as a cheerleader for changing the law', adding: 'They always seem to lack balance on this issue.'

And fellow crossbench peer Lord Alton said the issue must continue to be a 'free vote' so that parliamentarians are not whipped and act according to their conscience. Downing Street has said decisions on assisted dying are a matter for Parliament rather than Government.
It's one of the most famous monsters of science fiction.

And now scientists have discovered the real-life Godzilla - a huge aquatic lizard that dominated the Pacific seas 72 million years ago.

The Wakayama Soryu, meaning Blue Dragon, was as big as a Great White Shark and used its four huge flippers to move quickly through the water.

And, while it might not be quite as large as the radioactive Godzilla, this newly discovered creature is completely unique.

Professor Takuya Konishi of the University of Cincinnati who classified the specimen, said: 'Immediately it was something I had never seen before.'

The Wakayama Soryu was around the same size as a modern Great White Shark and would have been one of the largest aquatic predators of its time

Scientists have discovered a giant prehistoric 'dragon' lizard near the Aridagawa River, in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

The huge mosasaur was uncovered around the Aridagawa River in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.

Its skeleton was discovered accidentally in 2016 by study co-author Akihiro Misaki during a search for ammonite fossils.

Misaki stumbled onto a dark bone in the sandstone which turned out to be a vertebra of the most complete specimen of a mosasaur ever discovered in Japan or the Northwestern Pacific.

It then took four years to carefully remove the skeleton from the sandstone it had been trapped in.

Scientists say the Wakayama Soryu would have terrorised the waters off the coast of what is now Japan around 72 million years ago

While it might not be quite as large as Godzilla (pictured in a scene from 'Godzilla, King of the Monsters!'), the Wakayama Soryu still would have been at the top of the prehistoric food chain

Why is the Wakayama Soryu unique? This specimen is the most complete Mosasaur ever found in Japan.

Unlike other Mosasaurs, its rear flippers are larger than its front.

These flippers are also, unusually, larger than its head.

Uniquely, the Wakayama Soryu is also believed to have had a dorsal fin like a shark or dolphin. The Blue Dragon doesn't easily fit in with other Mosasaurs Advertisement

Professor Konishi says that he named the sea monster after the prefecture where it was discovered and the dragons of Japanese mythology.

'In China, dragons make thunder and live in the sky. They became aquatic in Japanese mythology,' he said.

The research paper published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology classifies this as a type of mosasaur - a giant prehistoric lizard.

Mosasaurs are not dinosaurs, and are actually more closely related to modern lizards and snakes.

They were the apex predators of prehistoric oceans from about 100 million to 66 million years ago.

They usually preyed on smaller fish, although some fossils have shown that they would also eat other members of their own species.

Fossil remains of Mosasaurs have now been found all over the world from Antarctica to the Sahara Desert.

They existed around the same time as the Tyrannosaurus Rex, and at 36ft (11 metres) long, the biggest specimens ever discovered were almost as large.

Mosasaurs were also wiped out when an asteroid struck what is now the Gulf of Mexico, triggering the mass extinction of the dinosaurs.

Features of the fossil's vertebrae suggested that the Blue Dragon had a dorsal fin, making it completely unique among Mosasaurs

However, the classification of the Blue Dragon is not quite so simple.

Uniquely among mosasaurs, the Japanese specimen's rear flippers are larger than its front pair and are even longer than its head.

There is also evidence that it had a dorsal fin like a shark or dolphin - something otherwise never seen among mosasuars.

Professor Konishi discovered that neural spines along the fossil's vertebrae were very similar to a harbour porpoise.

The scientists argue that the distinct differences in the neural spines from one part of the backbone match those found in today's dolphins and toothed whales.

The researchers believe that the Blue Dragon would have used its large front fins to manoeuvre rapidly while, like on a plane, the rear thins provide pitch to dive or rise to the surface.

Other mosasaurs like the Gavialimimus almaghribensis (pictured) had no dorsal fin and had a pair of rear flippers that were smaller than the front pair

Meanwhile, like other mososaurs, the creature would use its massive tail to provide the rapid acceleration that made it a deadly predator.

Professor Konishi said: 'We lack any modern analogue that has this kind of body morphology  from fish to penguins to sea turtles  none has four large flippers they use in conjunction with a tail fin.'

Some other prehistoric sea creatures such as the mosasaur also used large paddle fins but none did so as well as using a large tail.

'It opens a whole can of worms that challenges our understanding of how mosasaurs swim,' said Professor Konishi.

'It's a question just how all five of these hydrodynamic surfaces were used. Which were for steering? Which for propulsion?'
READ MORE: NASA shares image of a 'Christmas tree' 2,500 light-years away

Elsa the snow queen can freeze anything she touches, shoot ice crystals from her wrists and even build entire ice palaces.

Now the star of Disney's film Frozen looks like she's been working her magic over a picturesque spot in southern Germany.

A stunning snap shared by NASA shows a church near Fussen in Bavaria surrounded by 'ice halos'  rare phenomena caused by frozen water crystals in the air.

These stunning optical spectacles can range in shape from rings to arcs and even spots in the sky.

This image is rare, according to NASA, because it captured multiple halos in one go, including one shaped like a hot air balloon.

A new snap shared by NASA shows a church near Fussen in Bavaria surrounded by 'ice halos' - rare phenomena caused by frozen water crystals in the air

In the Disney film Frozen, Elsa the snow queen can shoot beams of ice from her wrists and freeze anything she touches

What is an ice halo? When sunlight reflects and refracts off of tiny ice crystals in the atmosphere, the result can be ice halos. These stunning optical phenomena can range in shape from rings to arcs and even spots in the sky. Typically sunlight or moonlight is reflected by ice crystals producing a white halo. Source: Caltech/Met Office Advertisement

The perfect winter scene was taken earlier this month by German photographer Bastian Werner, who was taking photos near the church.

Posting it to his Instagram account, Mr Werner called it 'a perfect motif' and 'very rare'.

'Sprinting like a maniac through the deep snow when I noticed the ice fog at the end of our St Coleman shooting session,' he said.

'Good 60-70cm of snow was next to the chapel.

'I rarely rate 10/10 for my own photo, but it really doesn't get any better.

'I have experienced so much this year, but I didn't expect anything like this!'

On Wednesday, NASA chose the photo for its Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) website, which uploads a fresh image for the public daily.

The space agency called it 'one of the greatest spectacles' and described the science behind the formation of the 'unusual sky arcs'.

In the image, two prominent ice 'halos' are visible  the 22-degree halo and the 46-degree halo, which is higher up. A halo that looks like the outline of a hot air balloon

The stunning snap taken by a photographer at St Coleman Church near Fussen in Bavaria, Germany

READ MORE NASA shares space image of a 'Christmas tree' The 'tree' is quite literally out of this world Advertisement

Under cold enough temperatures  below 32F or 0C  water suspended in the air will freeze into ice, creating a faint fog.

These ice particles are not necessarily heavy enough to fall to the ground so they stay suspended in the air and can catch the sunlight.

The sunlight reflects and refracts changes direction when it hits the crystals at an angle.

This results in an ice halo  an optical phenomenon that can range in shape from rings to arcs and even spots in the sky.

In the image, two prominent ice halos are visible  the 22-degree halo and the 46-degree halo, which is higher up.

Multiple arcs are also visible, including a horizontal arc that's parallel to the ground and a subsun arc, the top arc to the sun.

Finally, the balloon-shaped curve connecting the top arc to the sun, called the heliac arc, is the rarest of all, according to NASA.

It was created by reflection from the sides of hexagonally shaped ice crystals suspended in a horizontal orientation.

According to Caltech, 'exquisite halos' can be observed from the south pole, resulting in especially spectacular images.

In Antarctica, because the temperatures are so cold and the air is so dry, snow crystals grow very slowly.

This slow growth tends to produce very clean hexagonal prisms, which are well suited for producing beautiful atmospheric displays.
wise policy of [the current princes father], the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of the King of Saudi Arabia
The world has been captivated by terrifying footage of Iceland's latest volcanic blast this week.

And now, NASA's satellite imagery reveals the devastating power of the eruption.

Stunning before and after images of the Reykjanes peninsula show the searing heat coming from the vast lava flows.

Using infrared cameras aboard the NOAA-20 satellite, NASA uncovered how the lava has flowed around the surrounding landscape.

And, in the near-permanent darkness of the Arctic Winter, these images are vital for monitoring the ongoing eruption.

These satellite images show how the intense heat of the lava flows from the eruption (right) starkly contrasts with the cold climate before the blast (left)

Scientists are carefully monitoring the eruption's progress to predict how dangerous it might become

The eruption initially caused five vents to eject lava and gas to the surface, creating an area of heat so intense it can be detected from space

READ MORE: Scientists reveal just how bad Iceland's volcanic eruption could get as bubbling lava and smoke are spewed into the sky Advertisement

An eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula had long been expected as increasing seismic activity raised concerns over dangerous volcanic activity.

However, it was late on the night of December 18 that a swarm of earthquakes gave the final warning of the huge eruption to come.

A 2.5-mile-long fissure cracked open the ground, less than two miles North of the town of Grindavik.

Soon, five vents, openings through which magma and gas escape, were spewing hundreds of cubic meters of lava every second.

At its most intense moments, the vents put out more than 10 times the amount of lava per second as Iceland's last three volcanic eruptions.

The violence and drama of these moments has been clearly captured by NASA's satellite photography.

On late December 18, a 2.5-mile fissure split the ground and has been spewing hundreds of cubic meters of lava every second

In one photo, taken before the eruption on December 18, darker areas show the cold and still climate.

But in a second photo, taken at 4:00 am local time on December 19, bright areas capture the radiating heat of the lava.

Simon Carn, a volcanologist at Michigan Technological University said: 'What youre seeing in these images is the very high temperatures of the active lava flows compared to the surrounding land and clouds.'

Looking carefully at the bright yellow area of the lava flow, the image reveals three circular areas at a much lower temperature.

These are most likely three hills, each roughly 656ft (200m) in height, around which the lava may be flowing.

'The darker lower-temperature areas appear to be some topography that the lava is flowing around, but these could also be areas where the eruption fissure is not active and has cooler lava, or where gas plumes or clouds are obscuring the surface,' Mr Carn said.

The dark Arctic winter makes satellite observations difficult with visible light so scientists have been flying over the eruption site to monitor its progress

Closer inspection of the lava flow reveals three cooler areas shown in darker colours. It is believed that these are large hills which the lava is currently flowing around

An additional #MTGI1 FCI infrared visualisation showing 10.5m channel in background with temperature signal from the 3.8m on top in red-yellow colours 

Find out how data from @eumetsat missions underpin weather & hazard warnings in Iceland here: https://t.co/1bZnTORaGO https://t.co/UuIRYcuel6 pic.twitter.com/n6B4B5jXHZ  EUMETSAT (@eumetsat) December 19, 2023

Meanwhile, other satellites have captured the moment the eruption ripped open the ground.

A satellite operated by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites captured the infrared flare of the eruption.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the organisation explained that the bright red and yellow colours showed areas of intense heat.

These can be clearly seen even through the dense cloud cover.

Iceland has been the site of a number of spectacular eruptions in recent years, but this latest is particularly dangerous due to the large lava flows.

There are serious concerns that lava could travel south towards Gridavik as well as the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant and Blue Lagoon tourist attraction.

If the lava reached these areas, homes and key infrastructure could be totally destroyed.

NASA's satellite data bears out the theory that the lava is mainly flowing to the North and North East, away from populated areas.

The fissure formed just North of a 'watershed' point, meaning the lava will mostly flow away from Grindavik as long as it does not spread further South.

This latest eruption has put out ten times more lava every second than Iceland's last three eruptions

Current reports suggest the eruption is slowing, with only three out of the five original vents now active

However, Mr Carn warns that the eruption could very quickly become more dangerous.

Mr Carn says: 'This could change if the lava accumulates and starts flowing in different directions, if the active fissure extends southward, or if new fissures open up.'

The eruption currently appears to be slowing, having reduced to only three vents, but experts say this does not mean the eruption is close to stopping.

Iceland's Met Office recently warned that 'there is an increased likelihood that more vents may open' and that the warning time 'could be very short'.

Mr Carn adds: 'If lava continues to flow north, it could eventually reach the key main road from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik.'

There are also concerns that pollution from the eruption could be blown towards Reykjavik, although this currently has not happened.

There are concerns that lava may yet flow South towards Grindavik and the nearby power station, the area remains closed and residents are advised not to return to their homes

Less than two miles away from the eruption, if the lava begins to flow South there is a serious risk that homes in Grindavik will be destroyed

The Reykjanes peninsula is closed to visitors and residents of Grindavik have not yet been advised to return to their homes.

This has not stopped some opportunistic tourists from attempting the 11-12 mile (18-20km) hike to see the volcano.

Local police had to remove a hiker by helicopter on Tuesday after they became exhausted and cold halfway to the eruption site.

In a statement, the police said: 'A little information about the location of the eruption that will hopefully make people think four times before they set off.

'It can be assumed that it will take an experienced hiker about 4-5 hours to walk this route, which is not for everyone.'
READ MORE: Nuclear fusion could pave the way for unlimited clean energy

Ignition creates the same core processes in a lab found inside the sun

Scientists have achieved ignition in four out of its last six attempts

The US is entering a 'new era' of nuclear fusion after scientists announced they have consistently replicated the reaction.

If the technique is mastered, it could provide the world with a limitless source of clean energy.

Researchers at the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL) have spent the last year shooting nearly 200 lasers at peppercorn-sized hydrogen capsules, heating them to more than 180 million degrees Fahrenheit.

In a world first last December, the team produced a nuclear fusion reaction that released more energy than it used - a process called 'ignition.'

The team announced they had replicated the results three more times in the past year, moving the world one step closer to what could turn out to be a solution to the climate crisis.

The National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is pictured above. The system uses 192 laser beams converging at the center of this giant sphere to make a tiny hydrogen fuel pellet implode

Scientists have been trying to harness fusion energy for decades, which is the same core process that powers the sun.

One of the attempts by the team in California resulted in a record energy increase of 89 percent - 35 percent more than the first ignition one year ago.

The ultimate goal is to generate power the way the sun creates heat by pushing hydrogen atoms so close to each other that they combine into helium, which releases torrents of energy.

Without carbon emissions, a single cupful of that substance could power an average-sized house for hundreds of years.

Nuclear fission occurs when a neutron slams into a larger atom, forcing it to excite and split into two smaller atoms.

The lab's National Ignition Facility (NIF) features 192 lasers that fire beams at a frozen pellet of isotopes held within a diamond capsule suspended in a gold cylinder called a hohlraum

WHAT IS NUCLEAR FUSION? Nuclear fusion is considered a potentially limitless source of clean energy created by the same core processes inside the sun. Using intense heat, magnetic fields and pressure, the nuclei of lighter elements are fused to create heavier elements, releasing energy. By containing this star-like process in specially designed reactors, engineers can fuse hydrogen atoms to produce helium, harnessing the clean energy produced and potentially cutting dependency on fossil fuels. For the reaction to take place, the super-heated gas  in a plasma state  is subjected to pressure, which essentially squeezes the atoms together and forces them to react. Advertisement

The lab's National Ignition Facility (NIF) features 192 lasers that fire beams at a frozen pellet of isotopes held within a diamond capsule suspended in a gold cylinder called a hohlraum.

The capsules are heated to about 100 million degrees to create more pressure inside than inside the sun's core.

'The resulting implosion causes the isotopes to fuse, creating helium and copious quantities of energy, scientists shared in Nature.

The first successful attempt was on December 5, 2022, generating about 54 percent more energy than what was put in.

The fusion reaction produced about 2.5 megajoules of energy, nearly 120 percent of the 2.1 megajoules of power in the lasers.

The team set a record on July 30 with an 85 percent increase, and two other attempts were carried out in October.

The fusion during the event generated about 3.88 megajoules of fusion energy - 89 percent more than the first achievement in December.

Two other tests occurred in June and September, but the researchers said the energy output was not 'enough to confirm ignition.'

Richard Town, a physicist who heads LLNL's inertial-confinement fusion science program, said: 'I'm feeling pretty good. I think we should all be proud of the achievement.'

The $3.5 billion National Ignition Facility was initially built to test nuclear weapons by simulating explosions, but its focus has now shifted to the advance of fusion energy research.

Researchers worldwide have been working on the technology for decades, trying different approaches.

The energy of NIF's 192 beams is directed inside a gold cylinder called a hohlraum, which is about the size of a dime. A tiny capsule inside the hohlraum contains atoms of deuterium (hydrogen with one neutron) and tritium (hydrogen with two neutrons) that fuel the ignition process

The team announced they had achieved ignition in four out of its last six attempts, creating the same core processes inside the sun that convert hydrogen into helium to produce nuclear fusion

However, no other laboratory has achieved what LLNL has in its experiments.

World governments have found a new interest in fusion amid concern over the impact of climate change and the security of energy supply.

The clean energy was also on the agenda at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) earlier this month.

US Climate Envoy John Kerry said: 'We are edging ever-closer to a fusion-powered reality.

'And at the same time, yes, significant scientific and engineering challenges exist.

'Careful thought and thoughtful policy is going to be critical to navigate this.'
World renowned seabird colonies around the British Isles are being driven to the brink of extinction, warns new research.

Species including the Puffin, Fulmar and Arctic Tern have already suffered 'catastrophic' losses as a result of avian flu over the last two years.

Now, a study led by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) suggests that the majority of seabird species in Britain and Ireland are also likely to suffer long-term impacts from climate change that may even surpass those recent losses.

The study projects that under a scenario of 3.6F (2C) warming by 2050, species such as the Puffin, Fulmar and Arctic Tern could see population declines of more than 70 per cent compared to their numbers at the turn of the millennium.

The results, published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series, suggest that marine specialist species - including terns, auks and petrels - are at greater risk than more generalist and adaptable species such as gulls.

World renowned seabird colonies around the British Isles are being driven to the brink of extinction, warns new research. Pictured: a puffin

Species including the Puffin, Fulmar (pictured) and Arctic Tern have already suffered 'catastrophic' losses as a result of avian flu over the last two years

READ MORE: Two million species of plants and animals are now threatened with EXTINCTION Advertisement

Some species may colonise new areas of Britain and Ireland, according to the team.

However, most conservationists warn that is not likely to compensate for declines in areas where they currently breed.

The study found that seabirds are generally present in lower numbers where the air temperature is higher during the breeding season, although each seabird species responded in its own way to different aspects of the marine and terrestrial climate.

But the report concludes that most seabird species in Britain and Ireland will 'struggle' due to impacts from warming air and sea temperatures, as well as changes in rainfall patterns and other aspects of the marine environment.

The changes could potentially reduce food availability for seabirds or increase the likelihood of death due to extreme weather events, say scientists.

Study lead author Dr Jacob Davies said: 'Here in Britain and Ireland, we are fortunate to host internationally important breeding colonies of seabirds.

The study found that seabirds are generally present in lower numbers where the air temperature is higher during the breeding season, although each seabird species responded in its own way to different aspects of the marine and terrestrial climate. Pictured: an Arctic Tern

'Our research suggests that many of our much-loved seabird species such as the Kittiwake and Puffin are particularly sensitive to the negative effects of warming and are seriously threatened by climate change.

'Alongside the potential negative future effects of climate change, many of our seabirds are already in steep decline, due to a range of factors including overfishing and avian influenza.

'The better we understand the problems these iconic species face and how birds may respond to them, the better placed we will be to help them.'

Dr Rich Howells, Senior Marine Ornithologist, Marine Directorate, Scottish Government, who co-authored the study added: 'Climate change is the greatest threat to our internationally important seabird populations.

'This study provides important information on potential climate change impacts over the long-term, which can be used to inform our conservation actions to increase resilience in seabird populations.'
The move is due to Masimo suing Apple over claims it stole technology

Apple has officially stopped online sales for its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the US, as a complete ban could go into effect on Sunday.

The two smartwatches were labeled as 'unavailable' at 3pm ET, with no future purchase option - but customers can collect orders in-store until December 24.

The move is due to the International Trade Commission (ITC) rejecting Apple's bid to get around the cease-and-desist order due to patent infringement claims.

Medical tech company Masimo is suing Apple, claiming it stole hardware from two of its patents.

The announcement means the only available Apple Watch in the US will be the company's budget SE model.

The two smartwatches were labeled as 'unavailable' at 3pm ET, with no future purchase option - but customers can collect orders in-store until December 24

The fate of the Apple Watch now rests in the hands of the White House, and if President Joe Biden does not veto the order, the tech giant will have to wait until 2028 to begin sales because that is when Masimo's two patents expire.

Thursday's announcement was not a surprise, as Apple revealed it would pull the Series 9 and Ultra 2 from its online store 'preemptively taking steps to comply should the ruling stand.'

In October, the ITC announced its ruling, finding that the Apple Watches infringed on two patents owned by Masimo.

A Masimo spokesperson told DailyMail.com: 'Masimo is willing to settle. As Joe Kiani [CEO] indicated, we believe the path forward is to have honest, good-faith discussions with Apple to explore the various ways the parties could resolve their dispute.'

However, Apple is said to have a $17 billion rescue mission in place, in which engineers are working to tweak the algorithms that measure blood oxygen.

Details of the exact software changes are unknown, but industry experts speculate Apple will change algorithms enough to address patent violations.

The move is due to a legal dispute over the technology Apple's smartwatches use to run their blood oxygen feature. Medical tech company Masimo is suing Apple, claiming it stole hardware from two of its patents

Apple is said to have a $17 billion rescue mission in place, in which engineers are working to tweak the algorithms that measure blood oxygen

However, Masimo's patents focus on hardware, not software, which emits light on the skin to collect data on blood oxygen levels.

Masimo told Bloomberg that a software fix would be an insufficient remedy and 'the hardware needs to change.'

If Apple does change the algorithm, the tweaks could reduce that accuracy or change the sensor's functionality, making the feature irrelevant.

The report also noted that if Apple is forced to replace hardware, it will take at least three months to produce and ship corrected models.

The company's retail locations have already been told to swap out signs for the wearable, promoting the device without showing images of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 - Apple's latest smartwatches that are the focus of the ban.

Customer service teams were also informed in a memo that Apple is no longer replacing out-of-warranty models going back to Apple Watch Series 6.

If a customer has a broken screen, for instance, they would not be able to get the issue fixed by Apple, the Bloomberg News report said, adding the company will still offer help that can be done via software, such as reinstalling the operating system.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives estimates Apple's holiday-season sales will be reduced by $300 million and $400 million if the patent dispute results in the two watch models being pulled from the market during the year's final week.

The dispute began in 2013 when Masimo met with Apple to discuss a possible collaboration for the Apple Watch project.

The announcement means the only available Apple watch in the US will be the company's budget SE model

But Apple opted not to join Masimo due to its focus on hospital products, which does not align with the tech giant's consumer focus model.

Masimo sued Apple in federal court in 2020 and again in 2021 after the Apple Watch Series 6 release, the first model to have the blood oxygen feature.

According to the company website, Masimo, founded by Kiani in 1989, holds thousands of healthcare and consumer-focused patents.

Data shows that Masimo is valued at $6.69 billion, and Kiani's net worth is $1.3 billion.

According to Forbes, Kiani has spent $60 million fighting Apple in court.

A Masimo spokesperson told DailyMail.com: 'After a thorough multi-year legal investigation, the ITC found that Apple infringed certain of Masimo's patented innovations for measuring blood oxygen.

'The decision to exclude certain foreign-made models of the Apple Watch demonstrates that even the world's most powerful company must abide by the law.

'The ITCs expert judgment in this matter should be respected, protecting intellectual property rights, maintaining public trust in the United States' patent system and encouraging US industry.
It's the most wonderful time of the year.

And what better way to welcome it than with giant straw goats, deep-fried caterpillars, radish carving and decorated horse skulls.

These are just some of the strange Christmas sights that feature in our list of 10 weird and wonderful festive traditions around the world.

Scroll down for more on the customs that'll leave you exclaiming 'sleigh, what?'

Sweden - giant goat a go-go

The city of Gavle in Sweden is perhaps best known as the home of a giant straw goat. Erected every year around Christmastime

Every year a 13-metre-tall (42ft) straw goat is constructed in Slottstorget Castle Square in Gavle, Sweden.

The tradition is a young one - dating back only to 1966 - with the structure the brainchild of advertising consultant Stig Gavlen, who thought it might be nice to construct a version of the Swedish Yule Goat.

Alongside the building of the goat, a festive subtradition of attacking it has emerged. Since 1966, the giant structure has suffered an attempted helicopter kidnap, being run over by a car and there are almost yearly (illegal) attempts to set it on fire.

Another (less criminal) Scandinavian tradition is tuning in to Sweden's main public television channel on Christmas Eve for an episode of Walt Disney's Donald Duck.

Mexico - Night of the Radishes

Forget carving the Christmas turkey - in Oaxaca, Mexico, the festivities kick off with radish carving

In Oaxaca, Mexico, a radish-carving competition takes place every December that's known as 'The Night of the Radishes'.

The bizarre tradition traces back to 1897, to a time when market vendors would create sculptures with their produce to lure in shoppers. Now thousands gather in the city's main square for the annual festival.

Competitors transform the oversized vegetable into fantastical scenes - often religious in nature - and compete for a cash prize.

Austria, Germany and Eastern Europe - Krampus

St Nick's evil match, Krampus, comes out at Christmas time in Austria, Germany and Eastern Europe to scare mischievous youngsters

In many countries, the likes of Santa or St Nicholas arrive bearing gifts for children.

However, in Austria, Germany, and parts of Eastern Europe, an ominous counterpart emerges.

A curious blend of half-goat and half-demon, Krampus, is said to roam the streets while brandishing a wicker basket in search of mischievous youngsters.

South Africa - deep-fried caterpillar

In South Africa, deep-fried emperor moth caterpillars are served as a starter on Christmas Day

Nothing says Christmas like deep-fried caterpillars.

Although it sounds more like a Bushtucker Trial, emperor moth caterpillars are cooked by South Africans on Christmas Day.

The crunchy snacks, Atlas Obscura notes, are said to be quite nutritious, with a flavour reminiscent of tea.

Czech Republic - tossing shoes

Shoe tossing is a festive tradition in the Czech Republic, with the ritual indicating whether marriage could be on the cards

In the Czech Republic, it is believed that single women can predict whether they will get married in the upcoming year through a festive ritual that revolves around the tradition of tossing shoes.

The shoe is thrown over the shoulder, and if it lands with the heel towards the door, then it is believed the thrower will remain single. But if the toe points towards the door, then wedding preparations could be on the way.

To embrace the unique tradition, First Choice recommends jetting off to Prague.

Italy - La Befana

Step aside St Nick, La Befana, an old witch, is Italy's most popular gift-giver. Pictured are people dressed as the witch during a boat race in Venice called the 'Regatta of Befana'

In Italy, the end of the Christmas season is celebrated on January 6 - the day of The Epiphany.

The evening before, La Befana, a friendly witch, brings candies and goods to well-behaved children. While naughty children, instead of rewards, get chunks of coal, onions, and garlic, or even a straw from her broom.

She wears a dark shawl and enters houses through the chimney - and children will leave out food and wine for her.

Spain - red underwear

Many Spaniards will wear red underwear to welcome in the New Year

While technically a New Year's tradition, the Spanish Christmas lasts until January 5, and many welcome in the New Year by wearing red underwear called 'Bragas Rojas'.

The unique end-of-year tradition is supposed to welcome luck for the year ahead.

In the Village of La Font de la Figuera, close to Valencia, they even host a Red Underwear Run, where locals strip off to celebrate the new year, no matter the weather.

Wales - Mari Lwyd

A giant horse skull is carried door-to-door in Wales to mark Christmas. Picture courtesy of Creative Commons licensing

A well-known Welsh Christmas tradition, says Wales.com, is Mari Lwyd, meaning 'Grey Mare'. It is the name given to a giant horse skull, which is carried door-to-door by a group of people playing music.

The skull is adorned with colourful streamers, lights or baubles, and a white cloak concealing a person.

Wales.com adds: 'You'll never forget the moment you first see a Mari Lwyd.'

Guatemala - burning of the devil

This fiery festive tradition in Guatemala sees people burning effigies of the devil - and their unwanted goods

Every year on the evening of December 7, Guatemalans build bonfires and burn effigies of the devil. The fiery festivities kick off the Christmas season.

The tradition known as 'La quema del diablo' also sees people cleaning out their houses and throwing their unwanted goods onto the bonfire.

Finland - sunrise saunas

To prepare for the festivities ahead, the Finnish spend Christmas Eve in a sauna. And go back in on Christmas Day

The Christmas Sauna is one of the most traditional Finnish rituals.

According to saunafromfinland.com, many Finns have the habit of going to the sauna twice on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day.

The traditional Finnish sauna experience involves cooling off between sessions by taking dips in cold pools or rolling in the snow.
Snow my goodness!

Meet the couple who swapped their rented apartment for a 50,000 (43,330/$54,800) converted van after lockdown and are now living in the capital of Lapland above the Arctic Circle - where they 'work for Santa Claus' and can see the Northern Lights from their window.

Nahuel Rios, 38, from Buenos Aires in Argentina, and his wife, Katri Koninki, 43, from Jyvaskyla, Finland, moved to Rovaniemi in northern Finland in 2021, where they are now living full-time in their 2018 Fiat Ducato with their cat, Riepu, who they take for walks.

The town in the Finnish region of Lapland, which claims to be the official residence of Father Christmas, experiences months of darkness, also known as the polar night, as well as freezing temperatures of minus 30C during the winter.

The couple had been living in Barcelona before moving to Finland, but decided to head north after finding salaries were low, taking jobs at the Santa Claus Holiday Village, a hotel where visitors can meet the 'real Santa' all year round.

Nahuel and Katri have spent the past three winters living in Lapland, Northern Finland, where they 'work for Santa Claus'

Initially planning to do one Christmas season at the resort, the couple are now tackling their third.

Nahuel, who does housekeeping and maintenance, and Katri, who works on reception and helps with social media, said they are happy to brave the elements as it means they get to see reindeer and the Northern Lights from their van window.

'I have only been living in big cities,' Nahuel told PA Real Life.

'So to go from that to living in a van at minus 30C with aurora borealis, reindeer, Father Christmas, the polar night, is incredible. I love this life.'

Katri added: 'We work for Santa Claus. My niece still thinks that I get paid in cookies.'

Katri met Nahuel in Argentina while backpacking around South America in 2015, when she also visited Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia and Brazil.

They moved to Barcelona, but Nahuel, who was earning between 600 euros and 700 euros [500/600] a month at the time, found the quality of life was not good enough.

'Life in Spain was difficult for me. I was barely making enough money to pay the bills,' said Nahuel.

Nahuel and Katri both work at the Santa Claus Holiday Village, a hotel where guests can meet Santa Claus

LEFT: Nahuel and Katri's van under the Northern Lights in Finland. RIGHT: The couple have Santa Claus's reindeer on their doorstep

A year later they moved to Helsinki in Finland where they rented a flat 'like normal people' until the global pandemic, when they started getting itchy feet.

'We moved to Finland like normal people do,' said Katri.

'Then after the pandemic when the borders started to open we were like, "Let's see if we can work in Lapland for one winter."

'It was supposed to be one winter  this is our third winter.'

In October 2021 they swapped their one-bedroom flat for a converted 2018 Fiat Ducato and headed north to Rovaniemi.

'You can come and meet Santa Claus for 12 months of the year,' Katri said.

Temperatures in Lapland often reach -30C, according to the couple (pictured)

LEFT: Nahuel and Katri can see the Northern Lights through their window. RIGHT: One of the challenges the couple faces is having to clear their van of snow

They live in their motorhome full time, rent free, and have a five-minute commute to work.

'It's an incredible place. I would rather be here than any city because I can open the door and I've got reindeer  I can see them right now,' said Nahuel.

'Most people have to pay a lot of money to see the aurora borealis, but we can see one by simply opening the window and it's free. For us, you can't put a price on that.'

But there are also big challenges, with plunging temperatures and 24 hours of darkness for three months of the year.

'We are currently in the polar night and there is no sunshine,' said Nahuel.

'In the summer we can travel places, but in the winter it's difficult because you have to remove all the snow and ice,' added Katri.

'So we don't go anywhere in the winter, only to buy groceries.'

LEFT: Katri with their pet cat Riepu in the converted 2018 Fiat Ducato, which they bought for around 50,000 (43,330). RIGHT: Nahuel relaxing in the van with Riepu

The couple's home on wheels is equipped with a double bed, shower, toilet and gas hob, although they cannot fill the water tank during the winter as it will freeze.

'We only have bottled water in the winter time, otherwise if we put it in the tank, it will freeze and break everything,' said Katri.

To keep warm they have laid three layers of carpet on the floor and use thermal coverings on the windows to trap the heat inside.

'We also have an engine heater so that we can start the van even when it's cold,' said Katri.

Sometimes it is so cold that the van's doors are frozen shut, the couple said

But this does not prevent the van's back doors from freezing shut and the couple often have to visit a special garage, where people 'melt their cars'.

'It was [once] covered in about five or six centimetres of ice, so we're talking big blocks of ice,' said Nahuel.

'We had to take the van to a garage and melt the ice.'

This year Katri and Nahuel have Christmas Day off and will be celebrating with friends.

'In Finland we celebrate more on the 24th,' Katri explained.

'We are going to meet some colleagues and have a dinner.'

Adjusting to the extreme climate has been especially jarring for Nahuel, who had only ever lived in cities.

'For someone like me who comes from a country where we have sunshine all year round, I have had to adapt to the climate, culture and language,' he said.

Riepu going for a walk during the summer. Nahuel said: 'For someone like me who comes from a country where we have sunshine all year round, I have had to adapt to the climate, culture and language'

'And the silence,' added Katri.

Nahuel said: 'Yes, I have learnt to live with the silence, because in Argentina life is noisy and people are very loud and friendly.'

Nahuel said his friends and family have yet to come and visit as they are afraid of the cold.

Asked whether they plan on staying put for another winter, Katri said: 'We are going to stay this year and then we will see.

'It's the advantage of having the van  we can stay here or go travelling.'

Nahuel added: 'We would love to come to the UK but I'm not sure about driving on the other side of the road.'

To find out more about Nahuel and Katri's adventures follow them on social media at @landingdos or visit their YouTube channel.
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Lettuce celebrate! The top 100 nations for good food have been revealed - and it's Italy that's number one followed by runner-up Japan and Greece in third.

This is according to a recent study by the Taste Atlas Awards 2023/24, which is based on 271,819 dish ratings and 80,863 food product ratings. 'Italy and Japan recorded the same average rating,' said Taste Atlas, 'but Italy has taken first place again this year due to a higher rating of its best-rated dish - pizza.'

Completing the top five is Portugal (fourth) and China (fifth), while the U.S ranks 16th, Australia ranks 50th, England ranks 39th, Scotland is 47th and Wales only just makes the list in 99th place.

The top ten is rounded off by Indonesia (sixth); Mexico (seventh); France (eighth); Spain (ninth) and Peru (tenth).

In a separate ranking focused on the world's 100 best dishes, the crown goes to Brazil's picanha - a cut of beef from the rump of a cow.

The top 100 nations for good food have been revealed - and it's Italy that's number one followed by runner-up Japan and Greece in third

In second, it's Malaysia flatbread 'roti canai', and in third, it's Thai stir-fry dish 'phat kophrao', which is traditionally made with pork or chicken, Thai basil, chilies and garlic and served with Jasmine rice.

Italy appears in fourth place with its popular pizza Napoletana, topped with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. In fifth, it's guotie - a type of Chinese dumpling.

Not a single British dish makes the cut among the world's 100 best dishes, with Australia also conspicuous by its absence. One U.S dish features on the list - boiled Maine lobster ranks 78th.

Completing the top five in the best cuisines ranking is Portugal (fourth) and China (fifth), while the U.S ranks 16th, Australia ranks 50th, England ranks 39th, Scotland is 47th and Wales only just makes the list in 99th place

Italy's Napoletana pizza (pictured) ranks fourth among the world's 100 best dishes, according to Taste Atlas

Completing the world's top ten dishes is a Thai egg noodle soup called 'khao soi' (sixth); Indian 'butter garlic naan' (seventh); Chinese soup-filled steamed buns, known as 'tangbao' (eighth); Russian meat skewers, or 'shashlik' (ninth), and Thai 'phanaeng curry' (tenth).

Taste Atlas also charts the world's top 100 cheeses, with the top three all from Italy - Parmigiano Reggiano (first); mozzarella di bufala campana (second) and stracchino di crescenza.

The list of the world's 100 best dishes sparked debate among Taste Atlas's 997,000 Facebook followers, with many keen to point out personal favourites that were missing from the list.

'Call me average, but I don't see pepperoni pizza on here,' wrote 'Robert'.

While 'Laura Tasarkan' said 'shawarma should be No. 1' and 'Prokopis Karvounis' asked, 'Where is the moussaka?'

In a ranking focused on the world's 100 best dishes, the crown goes to Brazil's picanha - a cut of beef from the rump of a cow

Others celebrated countries that had a good showing on the list.

'Brazil wins!' wrote 'Mayra Baldini' with a party hat emoji, while 'Lezel De Guzman' said, 'Just to see a Philippines dish included is enough!'

Commenting on the complexity of the task at hand, 'Ad Aree' added: 'Even though I'm from Malaysia and our dish is second, IMO it is almost impossible to rank a wide variety of foods because their taste differs so much from one another.

'Personally, I love sarawak laksa [a Malaysian noodle soup] more than roti canai and it's not even on this list.'
Georgia Harrison has opened up about the 'traumatising' experience of losing her childhood best friend Cenk Fahri to leukaemia.

The former Love Island star, 29, has reflected on her close friendship with her 'cheeky' and 'fun-loving' best friend Cenk, and her devastation following his death.

Cenk was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when he was 17 years old, and he got a bone marrow transplant from his brother Cengiz in 2015.

However, seven years later, Cenk tragically died at the age of 26 on December 21, 2021, with Georgia describing it as the 'worst Christmas of my life'.

Speaking in support of Leukaemia UK's Christmas Appeal, Georgia has reflected on how she was left 'absolutely traumatised' following the loss of her best friend.

Georgia Harrison has opened up about the 'traumatising' experience of losing her childhood best friend Cenk Fahri to leukaemia

Cenk (pictured with Georgia) was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when he was 17 years old, and he got a bone marrow transplant from his brother Cengiz in 2015

She told the charity: 'You'd think after all that time of him being ill, it wouldn't have come as a shock - where he'd had so many treatments and overcome it so many times, I wasn't ready to accept that he was going to leave. I just remember being absolutely so traumatised.

'Even when he was given 6 months to live, he still convinced us all that he was gonna be fine. I remember my best friend's Mum called to tell me the news, and she said "Cenk's gone", I said  "gone where? Gone to the shop? What do you mean, gone?" And she said, "no, he's gone, he's passed away".

'I was absolutely traumatised. I think because he'd had so much treatment, and because he'd been so ill before but always gotten over it, I just wasn't ready to accept that he would actually die.'

Georgia, who met Cenk when they were teenagers, also recalled the devastating moment Cenk told her that he had been diagnosed with the form of blood cancer.

She said: 'Cenk was diagnosed when I was 17. I remember being in my Dad's house in Marbella, and when he rang to tell me the news, I was just devastated.

'I couldn't stop crying. At age 17, you don't expect to be told that your best friend has cancer.'

Georgia told how Cenk always stayed 'so positive' during his treatment, no matter how unwell he became, and confessed that it 'humbled' her and taught her not to be 'ungrateful' for her own health.

However, seven years later, Cenk tragically died at the age of 26 on December 21, 2021, with Georgia describing it as the 'worst Christmas of my life'

Former Love Island star Georgia, 29, has reflected on her close friendship with her 'cheeky' and 'fun-loving' best friend Cenk, and her devastation following his death

In 2015, Cenk had a bone marrow transplant from his brother Cengiz, with Georgia saying it allowed her to have another six years with her best friend.

'It was such a successful treatment for Cenk. We got five to six more years of life with Cenk and for those years, he was completely healthy,' she said. 'We travelled the world, he had such a great life, and it was all thanks to that treatment.'

However, Cenk sadly fell ill again years after the transplant, and tragically passed away just four days before Christmas in 2021 at the age of 26

Reflecting on her friendship with Cenk, Georgia added: 'Cenk was so full of life. So cheeky, so fun-loving. He just had this incredible way about him  everywhere he went people just loved him. He had the biggest heart.'

Georgia spoke about Cenk's cancer battle in support of Leukaemia UK's Christmas Appeal, which hopes to help raise the vital funds needed to support life-changing research into the disease.

Georgia said: 'There are so many amazing treatments out there now, and if it wasn't for charities like Leukaemia UK, these treatments wouldn't be available  but there is so much more than can be done.

'There are so many more treatments to be discovered, and I don't want families to keep having that empty seat at the dinner table at Christmas.

'I want there to be a cure for leukaemia, so the best thing we can do is fund research and try to find more treatments.'

Georgia spoke about Cenk's cancer battle in support of Leukaemia UK's Christmas Appeal, which hopes to help raise the vital funds needed to support research into the disease

Fiona Hazell, Chief Executive of Leukaemia UK, added: 'Christmas can be a very difficult time for families impacted by leukaemia  whether because they've lost a loved one, or because they or someone close to them is undergoing gruelling treatment that sadly, is not always successful.

'We firmly believe that research has the power to stop leukaemia devastating lives, and that's why we're investing in world-class research to find kinder, more effective treatments.

'We can't do that without support from the public, and we're so grateful to Georgia and to Cenk's family for bravely sharing their story to raise awareness. Please consider giving what you can to Leukaemia UK this Christmas and help us to stop leukaemia from devastating more lives.'
Real Housewives of Sydney fans have been left bitterly disappointed by Tuesday's reunion.

Many viewers said the women, Dr Kate Adams, Terry Biviano, Caroline Gaultier, Victoria Montano and Sally Obermeder, were too tame and there was not enough confrontation after such a dramatic season.

'We don't wanna see them laughing we want chaos!!' wrote one fan of the show, while another echoed this sentiment: 'Boring reunion let them argue not enough arguing. fight, fight, fight.'

Another comment read: 'This was so incredibly boring. This is giving bored rich women of Sydney not real housewives of Sydney.'

'Kristy Victoria and Caroline are the best on the show. Throughout the whole season though it seemed forced and like really bad acting from the rest - the reunion was horrible - worst RH I have seen,' claimed another avid housewives viewer.

Real Housewives of Sydney fans have been left bitterly disappointed by Tuesday's reunion. Pictured: Caroline Gaultier

'Worst reunion of all time, so edited and boring,' wrote yet another.

Meanwhile, others took aim at host Joel Creasey, saying the comedian cut the women off every time they were about to say something interesting.

They added that Creasey paled in comparison to Bravo star Andy Cohen, who plays moderator for reunions of the American franchise.

'The rhythm of the reunion was slightly off - not sure why?' wrote one fan asked a promo image on the RHOS Instagram page, to which one viewer replied 'because Joel was a terrible host'.

'I think they needed a middle man not a super fan,' another added.

'Imagine Joel let them actually talk about the show and not cut them off at every interesting moment,' offered another commenter.

Many viewers said the women, Dr Kate Adams, Terry Biviano, Caroline Gaultier, Victoria Montano and Sally Obermeder, were too tame and there was not enough confrontation after such a dramatic season. Pictured: Terry Biviano

'It was boring, nothing compared to Andy hosting,' wrote another.

'When the ladies are the ones carrying the conversation you know the host is not doing their jobsorry Joel, love you but bring back Alex!' yet another commenter remarked.

Meanwhile, others took aim at host Joel Creasey, saying the comedian cut the women off every time they were about to say something interesting



It comes as the RHOS stars have hinted that old friends could be returning to the new season of the show following the immense success of the Binge reboot.

Krissy Marsh teased that the upcoming series, which is slated to begin filming in early 2024, could see some more familiar faces return to the franchise.

'We're super proud of what we've created. It's been highly entertaining and has sold to so many countries,' Krissy told Daily Mail Australia.

The possibility of former housemates re-joining the cast was a hot topic during the interview.

When probed about keeping in touch with previous members, Krissy playfully hinted, 'Yes we do, and we wish they were on season two, but, you know. Hasta la vista, baby. They might be back - just saying.'

This comment was quickly downplayed by Nicole, another cast member, who joked, 'Krissy's spreading rumours, she knows nothing.'

Real Housewives of Sydney's Krissy Marsh and Nicole O'Neil recently teased that the next season of the series could see the return of more Housewives from the original 2017 season

The original season of The Real Housewives of Sydney aired in 2017 before being cancelled for being 'too mean'.

It was famously rejected by U.S. network Bravo, who opted not to air it because the extreme catfights and bad language was deemed far too extreme.

'A lot of the women in this show were nasty for nastys sake and have no redeeming features,' Foxtel boss Brian Walsh said at the time.

Lisa Oldfield and Athena X Levendi were particularly singled out for their foul-mouthed antics, which even turned physical on one occasion.

The original season of The Real Housewives of Sydney aired in 2017 before being cancelled for being 'too mean' due to its foul language and physical altercations

Producers only brought back Krissy and Nicole from the original series, opening space for Kate Adams, Terry Biviano, Caroline Gaultier, and Sally Obermeder to come on board.

Krissy emphasised to Daily Mail Australia that the strong ensemble of the seven cast members have collectively contributed to a show they are all proud of this time around.

'And they're all amazing women. Including us!' she added with a smile.

The stars also teased a fresh angle for the upcoming season, suggesting a shift in focus.

'The daughters are taking over next season,' they revealed, indicating a possible new dynamic where their children might play a more prominent role.

The upcoming season promises to delve deeper into their lives, with the assurance of retaining the essence of what fans have loved about the show.

'Next season there's going to be pretty much the same, but more into our lives,' they hinted.
Rumours are circulating that Kayla Itsines is giving up her life in Adelaide for a new one on the Gold Coast.

Several clues indicate she is preparing for the interstate move with her new husband Jae Woodroffe and their newborn son Jax.

The most recent came to light on Wednesday, when Itsines, 32, posted a video of a sauna inside what could potentially be her new home in Queensland.

The sauna was a gift from the Gold Coast based company Kiva Wellness.

Instagram watchdog account @keepingupwithaussieinfluencers, who has been keeping tabs on Itsines' rumoured move, reshared the video.

Rumours are circulating that Kayla Itsines is giving up her life in Adelaide for a new one on the Gold Coast

'Looks like Kayla Itsines has already moved from Adelaide to the Gold Coast, or at least has a house ready to go,' they said.

Another hint surfaced last month when she and her ex Tobi Pearce teamed up to re-acquire their Sweat fitness business they sold a few years ago.

The pair, who sold Sweat to US fitness conglomerate iFIT for for hundreds of millions of dollars in 2021, retook control of the digital fitness brand for an undisclosed sum in November.

The most recent clue came to light on Wednesday when Itsines posted a video of a sauna inside what could potentially be her new home in Queensland

Pearce, who is currently engaged with Move With Us founder and fellow fitness influencer Rachel Dillon, snapped up a $7million Gold Coast property in November. So perhaps Itsines is preparing to re-establish the business from the sunshine state.

Itsines and Pearce decided to re-enter their Sweat business with Itsines as the face and Mr Pearce as the brains.

Itsines will go back to her role as the platform's head trainer and Pearce will focus on the company's longevity and growth strategy going forward.

THE RISE, FALL AND RISE AGAIN OF KAYLA ITSINES AND TOBI PEARCE 2012: Kayla Itsines meets Tobi Pearce and they start dating 2014: Ms Itsines and Mr Pearce create Bikini Body Guide (BBG), a 12-week program targeted towards women to achieve dramatic weight loss results 2015: The Sweat with Kayla app launches, before being renamed Sweat two years later 2016: Ms Itsines becomes the fourth-richest young woman in Australia in the BRW Young Rich List, with a combined wealth of $46 million between her and Mr Pearce 2017: The couple rebrand their fitness workout app and name it Sweat, with Ms Itsines the face of the brand 2017: Ms Itsines is named Forbes 'Top Fitness Influencer' 2017: She is ranked 40th with Mr Pearce 41st in the 2017 AFR Rich List 2019: The couple are named joint tenth on the AFR's Young Rich List with a fortune of $486million 2020: Ms Itsines and Mr Pearce announce their shock split 2021: Ms Itsines and Mr Pearce sell Sweat to US fitness giant iFIT for $280 million AUD 2022: iFIT posts an $80 million write-down for Sweat after its first year of ownership amid momentum struggles 2023: Ms Itsines and Mr Pearce resume their business relationship and re-acquire Sweat for an undisclosed sum Advertisement

Another hint surfaced last month when she and her ex Tobi Pearce (left) teamed up to re-acquire their Sweat fitness business they sold a few years ago

In a statement, Itsines said she had not regretted selling the business and it had since come 'full circle'.

'I am thrilled to be back as an owner of Sweat, a platform that has meant so much to me and to the millions of women it serves,' she said.

'The decision to regain ownership is about ensuring the best future for Sweat. We have always been a platform built for women, by women, providing a secure and encouraging space for them to share their transformation journeys.

In November. iFIT however struggled to maintain the Sweat brand's success after taking the reins, and posted an $80million write-down after its first year of ownership

Meanwhile, the first hint for Itsines' relocation sparked in September when she revealed she was contemplating moving to Queensland for the warmer weather.

'We have been talking about moving to QLD for over two years now,' she said in an Instagram Story.

'I love my family so much - and I know it's only 2 hours away by plane but still!!'

Itsines and Woodroffe tied the knot earlier this month in an outdoor wedding ceremony in Adelaide.

The pair went public with their relationship more than a year after Kayla confirmed her split from ex-fiance Tobi Pearce in August 2020.
Aisling Bea brought some Christmas cheer to the Festive Food Drive & All Star Charity Comedy Show in London on Wednesday.

The Irish comedian, 39, co-hosted the event in aid of Hackney Foodbank with Laura Whitmore, her husband Iain Stirling and Nish Kumar also in attendance.

Aisling wore a 844 'Vote Love' embroidered jumper from Faye Dinsmore and a Father Christmas hat.

Nish, 38, wearing a full Father Christmas costume, joined Aisling on stage to perform to a crowd of eager fans, all dressed up in festive attire.

Elsewhere, Aisling appeared in good spirits as she posed with a guest on her lap.

Aisling Bea brought some Christmas cheer to the Festive Food Drive & All Star Charity Comedy Show in London on Wednesday

The Irish comedian, 39, co-hosted the event in aid of Hackney Foodbank with Laura Whitmore , her husband Iain Stirling and Nish Kumar also in attendance

Aisling wore a cream 'Vote Love' embroidered jumper from Faye Dinsmore and a Father Christmas hat

Nish joined Aisling on stage to perform to a crowd of eager fans, all dressed up in festive jumpers and hats

Also at the event was The Penny Dreadfuls troupe member Humphrey Kerr and actor Russell Tovey who also wore a Father Christmas suit.

Aisling posed next to comedian Barry Ferns, co-founder of nightly comedy show Angel Comedy, which co-hosted the event.

Hackney food bank fights for a hunger-free Hackney. It supports people who are in crisis or trapped in poverty with compassion and dignity by providing emergency food parcels, which offer practical, immediate relief.

They also connect people with local organisations that can help them to address the root causes and wider effects of poverty in their lives.

Aisling's stage surname 'Bea' is in memory of her father Brian who died by suicide when she was three years old. Her real surname is O'Sullivan.

She has starred in comedies Trollied and The Delivery Man in before acting in a serious role in The Fall.

In 2023, Aisling had a starring role in Take That jukebox musical film Greatest Days.

Nish looked fantastic in his Father Christmas costume complete with a white beard, white gloves, and a huge belt

Elsewhere, Aisling was every bit the Father Christmas when she posed with a smiling guest on her lap

Also at the event was The Penny Dreadfuls troupe member Humphrey Kerr and Being Human's Russell Tovey who also wore a Father Christmas suit

Aisling posed next to comedian Barry Ferns, co-founder of nightly comedy show Angel Comedy, which co-hosted the event
MARCH 2020

Kate revealed she and Prince Charles had got 'relatively close' at the Prince's Trust Awards on March 11 - Charles was diagnosed with coronavirus in mid-March.

She said: 'Around the 29/30 March, I came home came in and said [to Derek] 'god you look ill.'

'He said he had a headache, numbness in his right hand, and was struggling to breathe,

'I rang Dr Hilary (Jones) and tried to get through, he talked to Derek. He said put me back on, I think you need to call an ambulance'

Derek, 52, was taken into hospital on March 30 and remained in an unresponsive condition.

APRIL

Kate and her children isolated at home after she displayed 'mild symptoms'.

Kate said: 'Derek remains in intensive care and is still very ill. I'm afraid it remains an excruciatingly worrying time.

'I'm afraid he is still in a deeply critical condition, but he is still here, which means there is hope.'

MAY

Kate said: 'The journey for me and my family seems to be far from over as every day my heart sinks as I learn new and devastating ways this virus has more battles for Derek to fight.

'But he is still HERE & so there is still hope.'

That month, Kate and her family took part in the final clap for carers

She said: 'I'll never give up on that because Derek's the love of my life but at the same time I have absolute uncertainty'

JUNE

On June 5, Kate revealed Derek is now free from coronavirus but continues to fight against the damage inflicted on his body

JULY

On July 5, Kate revealed Derek has woken from his coma but he remains in a serious yet critical condition.

On July 8, she announced she would be returning to GMB, after being urged by doctors to 'get on with life' during Derek's recovery.

She added that Derek had 'opened his eyes' after waking from his coma, but has been told his recovery could take years.

On July 13, Kate returned to GMB for the first time since Derek was hospitalised.

On July 28, Kate revealed she'd paid an 'extra emotional' first visit to Derek, and admitted she's 'frustrated' by his slow progress.

AUGUST

On August 14, Kate reassured GMB viewers that Derek was 'still with us,' but it was 'a waiting game.'

On August 19, Kate revealed she celebrated Derek's birthday with their two children, and described the day as 'challenging' for her family.

SEPTEMBER

At the end of September, Derek reportedly becomes the longest surviving patient with coronavirus after spending 184 days in and out of intensive care.

Kate reveals Derek has lost eight stone during his battle.

The presenter announces she is returning to her Smooth Radio show so Derek can hear her voice.

OCTOBER

On October 30 Kate reveals that Derek has spoken for the first time in seven months, saying the word 'pain' to his wife, who watched on 'in tears' over FaceTime.

Kate says a day later that her husband no longer needs a ventilator to breathe.

NOVEMBER

Kate reveals her family car has been stolen in latest 'body blow' to her family life, as kind-hearted fans offer their cars to help.

She says she feels 'physically sick' at the prospect of facing her first Christmas without Derek.

DECEMBER

The GMB star tells viewers it is her dream to visit Derek on Christmas Day.

She also reveals she missed two weeks on GMB after her children were exposed to the virus, but thankfully she and the kids tested negative.

On December 17, Kate has an emotional conversation live on GMB with two nurses who treated Derek when he was first admitted to Whittington Hospital in North London.

On New Year's Eve she reflects on a 'calamitous' Christmas without Derek, as her house was flooded and she struggled to get a food delivery slot until her pal Emma Willis stepped in to help.

JANUARY 2021

Kate reveals she and her children got to visit Derek in hospital over the Christmas period, and it was the first time her family had seen him since he was hospitalised.

She also says she's banned from seeing him due to new restrictions introduced during the government's third lockdown.

FEBRUARY

Kate reveals she is unsure how much Derek will 'ever be able to recover' following warning from doctors that he may never wake from his coma

MARCH

Kate revealed that was in the process of adapting her home to suit Derek's needs when he is finally released from hospital, in the ITV documentary Finding Derek.

The programmed was praised by viewers for offering a heartbreaking look at the long-term effects of coronavirus.

Kate also revealed that Derek has 'no muscle left' since battling Covid

APRIL

Kate revealed that Derek was finally allowed to leave hospital, but would require round-the-clock care once he was returned home.

MAY

Kate revealed that despite now being home with his family, his communication abilities were 'minimal' and he 'couldn't really move'

DECEMBER

During an appearance on Piers Morgan's Life Stories, Kate revealed that Derek had said 'I love you' for the first time.

After celebrating Christmas, Derek was also pictured in a wheelchair during a trip to the pantomime with his family

JANUARY 2022

Kate revealed that Derek was 'very fatigued' and 'very weak' following the family outing, adding: 'I don't know what this year is going to bring.'

FEBRUARY

Kate offered a glimpse into the daily struggles of looking after her husband amid his battle with long Covid in the documentary Caring For Derek

She also revealed that Derek would die within three days if he was left alone to care for himself.

JULY

On July 6, Kate revealed that Derek had been re-admitted to hospital after suffering a 'downturn,' and in a later interview said she takes things 'day by day.'

On July 20, it was reported that Kate had pulled out of hosting Good Morning Britain to be at Derek's bedside after he took a 'very serious' turn for the worse.

Recalling the day, the presenter told The Sun: 'At one point Derek said to me, "This is it, this time. I am gone." It was just terrifying.

'His sepsis was gut-wrenching for all of us because it had gone undiagnosed until the point where it was about to take his life away again.'

JANUARY 2023

Kate became overwhelmed as she confronted former health secretary Matt Hancock over his handling of the pandemic and his decision to go on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here.

She then became tearful and looked up as she spoke about Derek, who has been unwell for approaching three years.

Describing public anger towards him, Kate added of his decision: 'This gives the impression you still don't get why they are cross. You still don't get why people are upset. They want to hold you to more account.'

APRIL

Kate revealed that Derek was once again receiving care in hospital, as she shared the emotional moment Sir Elton John dedicated a song to the 'inspiring' couple.

She shared the emotional moment Sir Elton John dedicated a song to the 'inspiring' couple, writing on Instagram: 'Yes Derek has been back in hospital this week & yes there's such a long road ahead but #eltonjohn & @davidfurnish you gave the kids & Derek a moment that we will never forget and has lifted their spirits again to feel anything is possible.'

It was also reported that Kate was planning a trip across the world for pioneering treatment in a 'final hope' to help her husband.

MAY

Kate reportedly faced a huge 716,000 tax bill after she was forced to close her husband's business two years after he became stricken with Covid-19.

The final total will be settled within the coming weeks, with friends insisting she will pay whatever is owed.

A friend told The Sun: 'The figures are terrifying and Kate is of course worried about all the financial pressures, but she has to trust the process.

'When it comes to an end, she is determined to pay back anything that's owed.

'It's no secret that Kate has been battling to keep her husband alive and working through some heartbreaking situations in her personal life in recent years.

'Sadly as well as the emotional stress of Derek's terrible illnesses the financial burden has also been crippling.'

DECEMBER

Derek was left fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack.

Kate held a 24/7 vigil by his bedside and cancelled all work commitments while the family 'prayed for a miracle'.

A source said: 'It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.

'This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him. Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.

'Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.'

JANUARY 2024

Kate announced on January 5 that Derek had passed away.

She said: 'Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.

'I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible'.

MailOnline understands he passed away on January 3 in a North London hospital.

He is survived by wife Kate and their children Darcey, 17, and son William, 14.
Kim Kardashian gave fans a laugh this week as her makeup artist Ariel Tejada shared a TikTok of the mogul using the viral aging filter.

The 43-year-old beauty maven  who recently shared BTS Balenciaga snaps  was fully done up in flawless makeup as she wore a heather gray sweatshirt and smiled into the camera at the start of the clip.

Tejada, who has collaborated with Kim and her family for years, noted in the outtake that the mother-of-four 'had no clue [the filter] was gonna start aging her.'

With her raven locks slicked back with a side part, Kim became horrified as she saw her visage progress with wrinkles forming around her eyes and mouth.

Using a black and nude ombre, pointy-manicured hand, she covered her face in revulsion.

Kim Kardashian gave fans a laugh this week as her makeup artist Ariel Tejada shared a TikTok of the mogul using the viral aging filter

Kardashian is known for her vanity and for pulling out all the stops when it comes to maintaining her natural beauty.

In August 2022, the reality television personality documented a trip to Dr. Ashkan Ghavami's office, where she received a skin tightening procedure with a Morpheus8 microneedling tool.

She received the treatment on both her stomach and her face at the time.

'This is a game changer!!! I did [Morpheus8] laser to tighten my stomach @drghavami's spa @gpsaesthetics,' she noted in an Instagram Story, People reported last year.

The billionaire entrepreneur admitted, 'It's painful lol but worth it!'

And in June 2022 Kim debuted her nine-step skincare line SKKN by Kim.

'It's very rare that I don't stick to it, because if you want a result, you have to put in the effort,' she said about her elaborate routine.

'There are obviously times when I'm tired, especially being a mom, but I've made it a priority. And it doesn't take as long as you would think,' she shared with the site.

The 43-year-old beauty maven was fully done up in flawless makeup as she wore a heather gray sweatshirt and smiled into the camera

Ariel has collaborated with Kim and her family for years; pictured in 2017

fKardashian is known for her vanity and for pulling out all the stops when it comes to maintaining her natural beauty

In June 2022 Kim debuted her nine-step skincare line SKKN by Kim

Kardashian famously made a shocking statement about the lengths she's willing to go for youthful skin when promoting SKKN last year.

In a New York Times profile, she shocked fans when she declared: 'If you told me that I literally had to eat poop every single day and I would look younger, I might. I just might.'

She also showed herself getting a 'vampire facial'  a procedure in which a doctor uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the patient's own drawn blood to rejuvenate the skin  on Kourtney And Kim Take Miami in 2013.

'It was really rough and painful for me,' she admitted years later. 'It was honestly the most painful thing ever! It's the one treatment that I'll never do again.'
Karl Stefanovic is ready to unwind after a huge year.

The Channel Nine presenter, 49, was spotted stocking up on groceries at a local Noosa supermarket on Monday, as he prepares to usher in Christmas at his holiday home on the Sunshine Coast.

Karl, who is in Queensland with wife Jasmine Yarbrough, 39, and their daughter Harper May, looked relaxed as he emerged from the supermarket with a trolley of booze, snacks and supplies.

Karl sported a pair of Christmas-inspired board shorts and a white floral shirt that he wore loosely buttoned.

He completed his very casual look with a blue bucket hat and sandals.

It's been a big year for Karl Stefanovic , and now the Today host is ready to unwind

The Channel Nine presenter, 49, was spotted stocking up on groceries at a local Noosa supermarket on Monday, as he prepares to usher in Christmas at his holiday home on the Sunshine Coast

Karl was joined by his eldest son Jackson, who helped Karl push the trolley and load his newly-purchased haul into the car boot.

Jasmine meanwhile opted for a boho-chic vibe for the outing.

The shoe designer looked stylish in a unique vibrant Zimmermann dress that features a bold blue and green pattern with lace trimmings at the edges.

Karl, who is holidaying in Queensland with wife Jasmine Yarbrough, 39, and their daughter Harper May, looked relaxed as he emerged from the supermarket with a trolley of booze, snacks and supplies

Karl looked decidedly festive, sporting a pair of Christmas-inspired board shorts and a white floral shirt that he wore loosely buttoned

Karl was joined by his eldest son Jackson, who helped Karl push the trolley and load his newly-purchased haul into the car boot.

She accessorised her look with a small, round crossbody bag that has a gold chain.

On her feet, Jasmine wore practical Birkenstock sandals.

Her hair was styled in a casual updo.

Jasmine meanwhile opted for a boho-chic vibe for the outing

The shoe designer looked stylish in a unique vibrant Zimmermann dress that features a bold blue and green pattern with lace trimmings at the edges

On her feet, Jasmine wore practical Birkenstock sandals

Karl's Queensland getaway comes after he celebrated his five-year wedding anniversary with wife Jasmine on December 8.

Jasmine celebrated the anniversary with never before seen footage of their spectacular nuptials.

Highlights of the video include scenes showing off their spectacular wedding reception which was held at the One & Only Palmilla resort.

Other highlights include Karl and Jasmine's first post-wedding kiss, as they are serenaded by a mariachi band.

Another scene features the happy pair enjoying their first dance as a married couple while surrounded by a a decoration of fairy lights as a spectacular fireworks display.
It was normally Barry Humphries cracking the jokes through his comedy alter ego Dame Edna Everage.

Yet it was Alison Hammond sparking hilarity as she revealed she mistakenly thought Dame Edna was a real woman, and that Barry Humphries was in fact her husband.

In an interview on This Morning back in 2019, resurfaced for an upcoming ITV special celebrating the legendary comic, Alison sent viewers into hysteric as she admitted to her blunder.

She said: 'I know it sounds really stupid, I didn't realise that Dame Edna wasn't Dame Edna.

'I thought Dame Edna was Dame Edna, full stop. I didn't realise . . .' she laughed.

Alison Hammond admitted she thought Dame Edna was a real woman and that Barry Humphries was her husband in hilarious resurfaced This Morning clip from 2019

Barry Humphries passed away in April, aged 89, yet the This Morning host didn't realise he and Dame Edna were the same person

Interrupted by co-host Dermot O'Leary, he asked: 'Hang on, what?'

As Alison continued: 'Does that sound really naive? I'm so sorry!

'So when someone went, "Alison, this is Barry Humphries", I was like, "Oh, nice to meet you. Are you, like, Dame Edna's partner?".'

The one of special celebrating Barry's life will air on Christmas day and Alison is just one of a host of starts to feature in the documentary.

Also featuring is talk show host Jonathon Ross, musician Nick Cave and Sharon Osbourne.

Earlier this month King Charles III paid a light-hearted tribute to the late star at a state memorial service in Australia, recalling his own apprehension when the comedian's alter ego, Dame Edna Everage, played a prank on him a decade ago.

Video of the prank during a Royal Variety Performance in London in 2013 was widely replayed after Barry died in Sydney in April at age 89.

Playing Dame Edna, she approached the then Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as they sat in the theatre's royal box.

Alison said: 'I know it sounds really stupid, I didn't realise that Dame Edna wasn't Dame Edna'

The clip of Alison's blunder features in a one of special celebrating Barry's life will air on Christmas day

Earlier this month King Charles III paid a light-hearted tribute to the late star at a state memorial service in Australia, recalling his own apprehension when the comedian's alter ego, Dame Edna Everage, played a prank on him a decade ago (pictured in 2013)

The star looked at her ticket then explained to the laughing royals before leaving, 'I'm so sorry, they found me a better seat.'

Charles alluded to the joke in a message read by Australian Arts Minister Tony Burke at the memorial service for Humphries, who died aged 89 in April, in the Sydney Opera House today.

'I suspect that all those who appeared on stage or on TV with Barrys Dame Edna, or who found her appearing at the back of the royal box, will have shared that unique sensation where fear and fun combine,' Charles wrote, prompting laughter from the audience.

'Those who tried to stand on their dignity soon lost their footing. Those who wondered whether Australias housewife superstar might this time just go too far were always proved right. No one was safe,' Charles added.
Katie Holmes showed off her winter style as she stepped out for a bit of last minute Christmas shopping in New York City on Wednesday.

The Dawson's Creek alum - who celebrated her 45th birthday earlier this week on Monday - was seen strolling through the bustling city with pink shopping bags draped over her arm.

The star was effortlessly chic wearing a pair of light blue, denim jeans as well as an oversized, black jacket on top.

She added a colorful scarf that was wrapped around her neck, which contained hues of pink, yellow and also light gray.

Holmes slipped into a pair of black, Adidas sneakers that were secured with laces to help her stay comfortable during the daytime excursion.

Katie Holmes, 45, showed off her winter style as she stepped out for a bit of last minute Christmas shopping in New York City on Wednesday

Her brunette locks flowed down naturally past her shoulders, and were partially covered by a white beanie that was placed on top of her head.

Katie opted for minimal accessories, and chose to wear a pair of black sunglasses for a fashionable flare to her outfit.

She easily carried a large, black purse over her right shoulder to hold items she needed while stepping out in the Big Apple.

The First Daughter actress was seen picking up a few gifts with Christmas just around the corner, and also held a lighthearted conversation with a pal that joined her later in the day.

While talking to Glamour earlier this year in April, the beauty opened up about her sense of casual style when she is not busy working.

'It's a funny world because the culture of celebrity and the access that exists now could be quite a distraction from who the person is,' she explained to the outlet.

Holmes added, 'I'm an actor, so people say, "Oh, do you think about what you wear before you go to the grocery store?" No, because it's not my job. You know what I mean?'

However, when it comes to attending events and walking the red carpet, the mother-of-one expressed that she also enjoys dressing up.

The star was effortlessly chic wearing a pair of light blue, denim jeans as well as an oversized, black jacket on top

She added a colorful scarf that was wrapped around her neck, which contained hues of pink, yellow and also light gray

'I mean, I enjoy the craftsmanship. I enjoy putting things together,' Katie stated. 'And I work with [stylist] Brie Welch, and she's very detail oriented, and that inspires me.'

'I think it is very creative. I love vintage shopping. I love the art of design.'

And while talking to Elle during a past interview, the star also explained that she felt confidence also comes from feeling comfortable.

'I try lots of different things. I'm not scared of certain looks. [But] I really feel like if you don't feel comfortable, don't do it.'

'You should wear what you feel comfortable with, and be confident in yourself, and know that what you like is enough, and you look great, and own it,' the beauty continued.

'I mean, that's how I've always been. If I don't feel good in something, I know I'm not pulling it off because I don't feel good in it...'

Earlier this week on Monday, the Batman Begins star was seen stepping out in NYC alongside her 17-year-old daughter, Suri Cruise, to ring in her 45th birthday.

Holmes shares her lookalike daughter with ex-husband, Tom Cruise. The pair were married from 2006 until their divorce in 2012 - with Katie also gaining full custody of Suri.

The actress dressed for the special occasion in a black dress that contained feather details and also donned a pair of white boots.

While talking to Glamour earlier this year in April, the beauty opened up about her sense of casual style when she is not busy working; seen in September in NYC

Holmes shares her lookalike daughter with ex-husband, Tom Cruise. The pair were married from 2006 until their divorce in 2012 - with Katie also gaining full custody of Suri; former couple seen in 2012

She draped a white coat over her shoulders and also carried a black purse to coincide with the color scheme of her birthday ensemble.

Suri bundled up in a stylish, gray coat and opted for a pair of black tights as well as closed-toed, black heels.

While also talking to Glamour, Holmes revealed that she is very protective of Suri. 'What has been really important for me with my daughter, because she was so visible at a young age, is I really like to protect her.'

The teenager is currently a high school senior and will head off to college later next year in the fall.
Matt Lucas and David Walliams have begun work on a rebooted series of Little Britain.

The BBC sketch show ran from 2003 to 2006 but in more recent years has received criticism for its offensive humour - including blackface and racial stereotyping.

The series followed the peculiar lives of a number of different diverse British characters.

The comedy duo are set to return for a new series, after they previously apologised for the way the original episodes came across.

However the revival will come with major changes. In the original series Matt and David portrayed all the characters but they will now be joined by a new range of actors to increase the show's diversity.

Matt Lucas (pictured) and David Walliams have begun work on a rebooted series of Little Britain

The BBC sketch show ran from 2003 to 2006 but in more recent years has received criticism for its offensive humour - including blackface and racial stereotyping

It means characters such as Emily and Florence, Vicky Pollard and Desiree DeVere - played by David in blackface - are unlikely to return.

Former Great British Bake Off host Matt said, per The Sun: 'The show will be different in many ways.

'We are talking about how we can have diverse talent on screen and in the writers' room and conceive it as something which is just not about me and David playing absolutely everyone.

'That is something we should have done but didn't do back then.'

He added that he 'respects' that 'things have changed' since the show was originally broadcast.

Little Britain episodes are still available to watch but carry a warning. They were previously taken off both Netflix and the BBC.

The controversial show is also set to grace screens during the festive season, as part of That's TV's holiday lineup, 20 years after first airing.

Last month the BBC defended an 'explicitly racist' Little Britain sketch which is still available to view on iPlayer where David Walliams describes an Asian character as 'smelling of soy source' and 'the ching-chong China man'.

David Walliams (pictured) and Matt have said the new series will come with major changes

The corporation claims the sketch was 'intended to expose and ridicule some of the outdated prejudices and racism that still exist in parts of British society' after it was revealed viewers felt the content was inappropriate in new research by Ofcom.

The sketch, originally broadcast in 2002, shows David Walliams as university employee Linda Flint describing an Asian student, Kenneth Lao, over the phone to her manager.

He is described as having 'yellowish skin, slight smell of soy sauce ... the ching-chong China man.' The scene is accompanied by a laugh track.

The clip was one of a series of videos shown to participants in a study which examined viewers' attitudes towards live television and on demand services.

Other clips included excerpts from The Handmaid's Tale and a stand-up show by Jimmy Carr.

The regulator was researching audience expectations on potentially offensive content across linear TV and streaming services.

The participants, who were questioned by polling company Ipsos, viewed the content as 'explicitly racist and outdated, and felt that society had moved on', the report said.

It added: 'A few participants said they found it funny but seemed embarrassed to say this and could recognise why it would be offensive.'

The controversial comedy sketch Little Britain will air during the festive season, as part of That's TV's holiday lineup (pictured: Matt Lucas as wheelchair user Andy and David Walliams as Lou)

Participants agreed the clip was 'not suitable' for linear TV, with some even saying it should not be available at all, even to stream.

But the BBC defended the fact it can still be watched online.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'All jokes in our output are judged on context and intent.

'The sketches in which the character Linda Flint makes reference to the appearance or race of a series of people are intended to expose and ridicule some of the outdated prejudices and racism that still exist in parts of British society, which is more apparent when viewing the sketches within the context of a full episode, and across the series as a whole.

'The programme is part of the BBC's comedy archive and information is provided for iPlayer viewers about the inclusion of discriminatory language.'

Little Britain returned to streaming services in 2022 after offensive blackface scenes were cut by producers.

Assurances were given at the time that some scenes were removed by creators Matt and David, and advisory warnings were used at the start of some episodes.

Little Britain's most iconic characters, including Vicky Pollard and wheelchair user Andy, were retained, alongside others including Matt's homosexual Welshman Dafydd Thomas and David's cross-dresser Emily Howard.

David Walliams pictured as Little Britain character Dudley Punt (left) and Matt Lucas seen as Ting Tong Macadangdang (right)

As part of the show's 2022 revival, characters donning black face including Pastor Jesse King, Desiree DeVere and other racial stereotypes such as Thai bride Ting Tong, were left in the cutting room.

In a statement at the time, the BBC said: 'Little Britain has been made available to fans on BBC iPlayer following edits made to the series by Matt and David that better reflect the changes in the cultural landscape over the last 20 years since the show was first made.'

Matt and David have both previously apologised for their use of blackface on the show, which began as a radio programme in 2000 before running as a TV series on the BBC between 2003 and 2007, launching their respective careers.
Offset was seen celebrating his 32nd birthday in Miami on Friday with a woman who was involved in a 2018 conflict at a New York City strip club with his estranged wife Cardi B, resulting in two misdemeanor convictions and years of legal headaches.

The 32-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, was seen at a gathering with Jade, whose real name is Sarah Wattley, at the Miami Beach club Playa, according to witnesses.

The Migos rapper was at the venue until 5 a.m., witnesses said, and had been seen in the same room as Jade.

Jade, who has past been linked to rapper Tekashi69, posted a clip of herself at the bash, set to the Nicki Minaj track Barbie Dangerous, to her more than 1.7 million Instagram followers on Tuesday.

At the club, Offset donned an all-black ensemble of a vest over a shirt with pants. Jade was pictured donning a purple skirt at the gathering with a diamond necklace with earrings and a watch.

Offset was seen celebrating his 32nd birthday in Miami on Friday with Jade, a woman who was involved in a 2018 conflict at an NYC strip club with his estranged wife Cardi B, 31, resulting in two misdemeanor convictions and years of legal headaches for the superstar songstress

Cardi B, 31, who declared herself 'single for a minute' in a recent Instagram clip, was pictured December 10 in Mesa, Arizona at an event sponsored by TikTok

Offset and Cardi B, who are parents to daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus, five, and son Wave Set Cephus, two, recently announced they had parted ways. They have past temporarily split, in December of 2018 and in September of 2020.

Cardi B opened up about her relationship woes with Offset in a December 11 Instagram Live clip.

'Ive been single for a minute now but I have been afraid to like - not afraid, I just dont know how to tell the world,' she said. 'But I feel like today has been a sign.

'The last time I got on Live, I kind of wanted to tell you guys, but I didnt know how to tell you, so I changed my mind.'

She continued: 'But it has been like this for a minute now. I just took it as a sign. I wanna start 2024, like, fresh, open; I dont know. Im curious for a new life, for a new beginning. And yeah, Im excited.'

On September 15, 2022, Cardi B resolved a yearslong criminal case stemming from a pair of brawls at New York City strip clubs by pleading guilty in a deal that required her to perform 15 days of community service.

The New York City native pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges stemming from the August 2018 fights. Ten other counts, including two felonies, were dismissed, and two co-defendants also pleaded guilty.

According to prosecutors, the Grammy-winning musical artist, whose full name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, and her entourage were targeting employees of Angels Strip Club in Flushing, Queens - one of whom was Jade - over an apparent personal dispute.

At the club, Offset donned an all-black ensemble of a vest over a shirt with pants

Jade posted a clip of herself at the bash, set to the Nicki Minaj track Barbie Dangerous, to her more than 1.7 million Instagram followers on Tuesday

Jade was pictured donning a purple skirt at the gathering with a diamond necklace

Offset was helped by a pal as he opened up what appeared to be a bottle of liquor at the club

Jade beamed as she posed with a fellow partygoer at Offset's birthday event

On September 15, 2022 in NYC, Cardi B resolved a yearslong criminal case stemming from a pair of brawls at New York City strip clubs by pleading guilty in a deal that required her to perform 15 days of community service

In one fight, chairs, bottles and hookah pipes were thrown as the group argued with a bartender. She and another employee had minor injuries.

'No one is above the law,' Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. 'In pleading guilty today, Ms. Belcalis Almanzar and two co-defendants have accepted responsibility for their actions. This Office is satisfied with the resolution, which includes appropriate community service.'

In 2019, Cardi B rejected a plea deal that would have given her a conditional discharge. Prosecutors then presented the case to a grand jury and obtained an indictment that included the two felony charges.

'I've made some bad decisions in my past that I am not afraid to face and own up to,' the I Like It said, adding that she wanted to set a good example for her two children.

She continued: 'These moments don't define me and they are not reflective of who I am now. I'm looking forward to moving past this situation with my family and friends and getting back to the things I love the most-the music and my fans.'

Cardi B had to go to court earlier this year over not fulfilling her community service obligations in a timely fashion. She was given an extension to take care of it.

Jade has had legal troubles as well in recent years, as she was arrested in August of 2022 for attacking Tekashi69 in Miami, and later ordered by the court to keep her distance from him.
Kevin Connolly opened up about how he found out his Nikki Cox was cheating on him while they were filming Unhappily Ever After.

While talking about his experience as a child actor, the 49-year-old Entourage star recalled his first heartbreak, which happened behind the scenes of the sitcom in the '90s.

He said that breakup with the former actress, now 45, was the 'first time' he thought he was 'going to die', he admitted on an episode of the Hey Dude... The 90s Called! podcast released on Monday.

He told podcast hosts Christine Taylor and David Lascher that he was 'heartbroken' in the final years of the series, which ran from 1995 to 1999, after he found out his then-girlfriend was having an affair with their costar Bobcat Goldthwait, 61.

The director  who was accused of sexually assaulting a costume designer in 2005  said: 'It was pretty terrible. Yeah, I was gutted. I couldn't sleep. It was one of those jobs.'

Kevin Connolly opened up about how he found out his Nikki Cox was cheating on him while they were filming Unhappily Ever After. While talking about his experience as a child actor, the 49-year-old Entourage star recalled his first heartbreak, which happened behind the scenes of the sitcom in the '90s

He said that breakup with the former actress, now 45, was the 'first time' he thought he was 'going to die', he admitted on an episode of the Hey Dude... The 90s Called! podcast released on Monday. He told podcast hosts Christine Taylor and David Lascher that he was 'heartbroken' in the final years of the series, which ran from 1995 to 1999, after he found out his then-girlfriend was having an affair with their costar Bobcat Goldthwait, 61

Connolly recalled how he and Cox played siblings on the '90s sitcom but began dating sometime between filming seasons four and five.

The series, Unhappily Ever After, followed the life of a dysfunctional family headed by a schizophrenic father named Jack, played by Geoff Pierson.

The dad had a close friendship with his son's talking toy rabbit, Mr. Floppy  a puppet voiced by Goldthwait.

Connolly said that he found out Cox was having an affair with Goldthwait 'a couple of days before the table read for season five'.

He said he received a distressing phone call from Jeremy London, who told him to check the news.

'[He] called me and said, "Kevin, get in your car..." He said, "Get in your car, drive down to 711 and open up the National Enquirer",' Connolly recalled.

'I get in the car and drive up the street,' he continued, adding that he had 'a knot in my stomach' before he 'started flipping through the Enquirer'.

'There's a picture of Bobcat and Nikki dating,' Connolly explained the moment he found out about the affair.

Connolly recalled how he and Cox played siblings on the '90s sitcom but began dating sometime between filming seasons four and five. Connolly said that he found out Cox was having an affair with Goldthwait 'a couple of days before the table read for season five'

The series, Unhappily Ever After, followed the life of a dysfunctional family headed by a schizophrenic father named Jack, played by Geoff Pierson. The dad had a close friendship with his son's talking toy rabbit, Mr. Floppy  a puppet voiced by Goldthwait

'And then the next day, or like two days later, I had to go into the table reading, and we had to just gut out 24 weeks of misery,' he said.

Despite their difficult breakup, the New York native  who welcomed his first child with his actress girlfriend, Zulay Henao, 44, in June 2021  said he and Cox 'stayed in touch over the years' and still 'catch up once in a while'.

He also joked that Taylor, the podcast co-host who also happens to be his longtime friend, got to witness the 'Bobcat incident' with a 'front-row seat'.

After Connolly and Cox's split, she got engaged to Goldthwait, who is 16 years her senior.

The pair were engaged for about five years and together for a total of seven years.

Cox and Goldthwait never married and eventually broke up in 2005 after yet another love triangle.

After Connolly and Cox's split, she got engaged to Goldthwait, who is 16 years her senior

The pair were engaged for about five years and together for a total of seven years. Cox and Goldthwait never married and eventually broke up in 2005 after yet another love triangle

They called it quits after Goldthwait discovered Cox was cheating on him

In an interview with Dave FM's Jimmy Baron and Yvonne Monet in February 2010, Goldthwait recalled how their engagement ended when he found out Cox was cheating on him.

He detailed how he called a hotel to send Cox flowers and discovered she was staying in fellow comedian Jay Mohr's room.

Cox ended up tying the knot with Mohr, the star of CBS sitcom Gary Unmarried, in 2006.

They were married for 12 years before they divorced in 2018. They share son Meredith Daniel, whom they welcomed in 2011.
Kim Kardashian has never been one to be publicity shy  as she's aired out the intimate details of her personal life on reality TV for over a decade.

But the SKIMS founder, 43, appeared to be in a testy mood as she was spotted out and about in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

She was pictured leaving the Epione skincare clinic in Beverly Hills after an appointment with celebrity dermatologist Simon Ourian.

On her way out, Kim flipped the bird before getting into her shiny black Range Rover.

The typically glamorous star braved the rainy LA weather in a black hoodie and sweatpants.

Kim Kardashian, 43, appeared to be in a testy mood as she was spotted exiting Epione skincare clinic in Los Angeles on Wednesday

On her way out, Kim flipped the bird before getting into her shiny black Range Rover

Instead of heels, the SKKN by Kim founder wore black Vans sneakers.

Kim was makeup-free and sported her favorite Balenciaga sunglasses.

She carried an Epione goodie bag and her black Hermes Birkin bag in one hand.

Kim is a longtime Epione patient as she's sought Dr. Ourian's help to treat her dark spots and other skin concerns over the years.

Last November, she revealed that she was undergoing non-surgical laser skin resurfacing on her hands and face for anti-aging.

The clinic is also loved by Kim's mother Kris Jenner, 68, who called it 'one of my favorite places for a little self care,' and her little sister Khloe, 39.

Other A-list patients include: Megan Fox, Nicole Scherzinger, Olivia Culpo and Lady Gaga.

Along with skincare essentials and facials, Epione offers a wide-array of procedures  from non-surgical face lifts to laser tattoo removal.

Kim's outing on Wednesday comes amid outrage over her ex-husband Kanye West's latest anti-Semitic rant.

The typically glamorous star braved the rainy LA weather in a black hoodie and sweatpants

Kim was makeup-free and sported her favorite Balenciaga sunglasses

Instead of heels, the SKKN by Kim founder wore black Vans sneakers

Last week, he was in Las Vegas for a listening party for his upcoming LP Vultures, and by the early morning hours of Friday he launched into a disturbing stream-of-consciousness rant blaming Jews for various societal ills and listing himself in the same company as 'Jesus Christ' and 'Hitler.'

The party, held in a large hotel suite, was eventually shut down by police.

Last year, Kanye was dropped by Adidas, Gap and other major companies after he began targeting the Jewish community  which included a since-deleted IG post where he threatened to go 'death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE'

Kim previously condemned the Flashing Lights hitmaker for his hate speech by sharing a statement to Instagram.

'Hate speech is never OK or excusable,' she began. 'I stand together with the Jewish community and call on the terrible violence and hateful rhetoric toward them to come to an immediate end.'

Kim has yet to comment publicly on his most recent outburst.

She previously confessed that she has done her best to shield her and West's four children  Psalm, four, Chicago, five, Saint, eight, and North, 10  from his controversies.

Working it! On Wednesday, she shared an Instagram post that showed her rocking a white crop top, ripped light-wash jeans and a pink Chanel purse while talking on the phone

Kim is a longtime Epione patient as she's sought Dr. Ourian's help to treat her dark spots and other skin concerns over the years

The clinic is also loved by Kim's mother Kris Jenner, 68, who called it 'one of my favorite places for a little self care'

She also admitted that it's 'really hard' co-parenting with the multi-Grammy Award-winner.

Kim and Kanye split in 2021 after nearly seven years of marriage.

She filed for divorce in February 2021 but it was not finalized until November 2022, with the pair finally coming to an agreement over child support and custody.

According to TMZ, Kim receives $200,000 in child support monthly and they agreed to joint custody and 'equal access' to their four kids.

Shortly after settling their divorce, Kanye married Australian architect Bianca Censori, 28.

The news shocked fans as they were unaware that he had been dating the Yeezy employee.

He was previously linked to actress Julia Fox, Kim Kardashian lookalike Chaney Jones and model Juliana Nalu.

Bianca was recently seen holding hands with Kanye and Kim's eldest daughter North during a trip to Disneyland.

Despite Kanye's drama, Kim has done everything she can to make the holidays a special time for her kids.

Kim's outing on Wednesday comes amid outrage over her ex-husband Kanye West's latest anti-Semitic rant; the exes seen in 2020

Last week, he was in Las Vegas for a listening party for his upcoming LP Vultures, and by the early morning hours of Friday he launched into a disturbing stream-of-consciousness rant blaming Jews for various societal ills and listing himself in the same company as 'Jesus Christ' and 'Hitler'; seen in 2015

Since divorcing the rapper in 2021, Kim has remained focus on raising their four children: Psalm, four, Chicago, five, Saint, eight, and North West, 10

Earlier this month, Kim and her brood attended a Mariah Carey Christmas concert with Kris, Khloe, Khloe's daughter True and Rob Kardashian's daughter Dream.

Kim uploaded photos from the memorable night to her Instagram on Tuesday.

The images were taken backstage with Mariah and her 12-year-old daughter Monroe.
Molly-Mae Hague looked in good spirits as she enjoyed a lunch date with her fiance Tommy Fury on Wednesday.

The Love Islanders, both 24, have sparked a lot of concern among fans following Tommy's recent wild nights out in Dubai.

But it appears they have put the recent drama behind them as they enjoyed some quality alone time together.

Tommy shared a photo of Molly-Mae where she donned a black T-shirt along with a pair of grey tracksuit bottoms.

Going makeup free, the influencer styled her blonde locks into an updo for the couple's outing.

Molly-Mae Hague looked in good spirits as she enjoyed a lunch date with her fiance Tommy Fury on Wednesday

The Love Islanders, both 24, have sparked a lot of concern among fans following Tommy's recent wild nights out in Dubai

'Lunch date,' the boxer captioned the post as they grabbed a bite to eat at San Carlo in Manchester.

After claims she was 'mortified' by his partying behaviour, Molly-Mae was spotted with and without her 600,000 engagement ring on and off on multiple occasions.

The star has since shared with fans on her YouTube account that 'things aren't always going to be perfect', while also admitting 'she'll be back soon' on her social media to fans, following the on-going speculation.

It comes after Molly-Mae teared up and admitted she's 'been going through it' as she was seen without her engagement ring on multiple occasions.

Tommy returned to Cheshire after jetting to the UAE capital for the Grand Prix.

The trip sparked rumours of trouble in their relationship after videos emerged of the boxer on nights out with Chris Brown and Molly was pictured on several occasions without her engagement ring.

Molly reportedly told her husband-to-be that he needs to change his ways with a source saying she 'has made no secret of the fact she doesn't like it when Tommy parties too hard'.

In the closing moments of the video, the former ITV2 star got emotional and admitted she wasn't 'mentally or emotionally' in a place to film.

After claims she was 'mortified' by his partying behaviour, Molly-Mae has been spotted with and without her 600,000 engagement ring on and off on multiple occasions

But the pair have since put on a united front in family snaps with their daughter Bambi

She explained: 'Guys, I don't really know what to come on here and tell you right now. I know how bad I look. Trust me, however bad I look, I feel 20 times worse.

'I have been going through it in more ways than one.

'I am hoping, in say about a week, I might be in a place mentally, physically emotionally where I can start filming some proper content for you guys again and get back on my channel.

'So please bear with me, I am really desperate to come back to you guys. I love you guys and I will speak to you very soon.'
Jackass star Bam Margera revealed he popped the question to his girlfriend, Dannii Marie, after six months of dating.

While raving about his gorgeous fiancee in a new interview, the 44-year-old former former skateboarder revealed they are 'a really good team' and described how she motivates him to live a better life.

'I never had structure before. I always woke up not knowing what to do with the day,' the actor, who got sober in August 2023, recalled. 'I would just look across the street, see an Irish pub and be like, 'That looks like fun.''

The father-of-one went on to credit her for helping him get clean within two months of their relationship, which began to blossom over the summer.

Engaged: Jackass star Bam Margera revealed he popped the question to his girlfriend, Dannii Marie, after six months of dating; seen in July 2023

'Now I wake up, I walk the dogs, I stretch, I go to the gym, I go skateboarding,' he told Us Weekly. 'Everythings a structured fun schedule. And we do it together, and its just a perfect thing.'

She told the outlet: 'He went through [detox] and I didnt go anywhere... We stayed in this beautiful crystal infested pool house where we just healed, all of us, and we shut the phones off. He didnt have a phone. I changed his number and we just Xd the bad people and here we are.'

The performer confirmed he proposed in October, 13 weeks after they were first romantically linked after he shared a snap of them together at a grocery store on July 4.

In September, he gave a shoutout to Marie for helping him maintain his first 'month of sobriety' and getting him 'month of sobriety.'

A week later, she penned a sweet birthday tribute to him, in which she called her man an 'amazing, one-of-a-kind soul.'

'Words cannot express the connection and the bond we share. Keep after your goals and your eyes on the future. I am beyond proud of you, and I love being by your side,' she gushed in her post.

The exciting news comes after reports surfaced that he scored his first court-monitored visit with his five-year-old son Phoenix Wolf in nearly a year after celebrating 120 days of sobriety.

Earlier this month, his estranged wife Nikki Boyd's attorney David Glass told TMZ that Margera can see his child with a professional supervisor sometime around Christmas in Los Angeles.

Perfect pair: While raving about his gorgeous fiancee in a new interview, the 44-year-old former former skateboarder revealed they are 'a really good team' and described how she motivates him to live a better life

'I never had structure before. I always woke up not knowing what to do with the day,' the actor, who got sober in August 2023, recalled. 'I would just look across the street, see an Irish pub and be like, 'That looks like fun''

On October 27, he told fans that it had been 200 days since he saw Phoenix, whom he loves 'more than anything.'

'It's been a legal matter with David Glass-hole, a never-ending money pit,' Bam - who boasts 8.2M social media followers - lamented.

He added: 'I just want Nikki to be happy and it's time for us to both grow up.'

The 39-year-old former PennHurst Asylum staffer filed for legal separation from Margera the day after Valentine's Day, but lists their separation date as September 2021 after nearly eight years of marriage.
The ABCs troubled current affairs flagship Q+A appears to have just managed to escape the axe, despite falling ratings.

The once hit panel show will return in 2024 with a reduced season of just 24 episodes - cut down from 40.

A staff email leaked to the Financial Review on Wednesday revealed the national broadcaster plans to run the controversial talk program in four six-week slots.

Meanwhile, Radio National presenter Patricia Karvalas has been announced as host for the new season which kicks off on Monday, February 19.

The show will break after March 25, before returning for three more six-week slots - April 29 to June 3, then August 12 to September 16, and finally October 21 to November 25.

Troubled ABC panel show Q+A will return to screens with new host Patricia Karvalas - pictured - but with a reduced number of episodes from 40 - cut down to 24

A staff email leaked to the Financial Review on Wednesday revealed the national broadcaster plans to run the controversial talk program in four six-week slots beginning Monday, February 19

The show will break after March 25, before returning for three more six-week slots - April 29 to June 3, then August 12 to September 16, and finally October 21 to November 25. Pictured: former Q+A host Stan Grant who resigned in May

Karvelas is taking the top job following a tumultuous year for the program, which included Stan Grant resigning and a dip in viewership.

Once seen as setting the news agenda with its hard-hitting discussions of current affairs, the last two years has seen the show struggling to stay afloat amidst a revolving door of hosts and changing timeslots.

One episode last year scored 194,000 viewers in the five major cities, according to OzTam overnight ratings.

A former ratings winner for the public broadcaster, Q+A began hemorrhaging viewers after it moved from its original Monday time slot to Thursdays in 2021.

One episode in March drew just 175,000 metro viewers. Another from the same month brought the show its lowest ratings ever: 168,000 across the major capitals.

Beginning in 2008 with Tony Jones as host, Q+A used to be a major drawcard for political leaders across the spectrum during its period as a ratings winner.

But there has been a major decline in its audience in recent years, and the show has frequently faced scrutiny for its perceived left-wing bias.

Some media commentators believe Q+A lost its edge when Jones stepped down from his long-term role hosting the show in 2019.

Once seen as setting the news agenda with its hard-hitting discussions of current affairs, the last two years has seen the show struggling to stay afloat amidst a revolving door of hosts and changing timeslots Pictured: David Speers hosting Q+A

Beginning in 2008 with Tony Jones as host - pictured - Q+A used to be a major drawcard for political leaders across the spectrum during its period as a ratings winner

Radio National's Hamish Macdonald was host from 2020 to mid-2021, and during this period Q+A lost ground with audiences.

A timeslot move from Monday nights to Thursdays only quickened the decline.

Despite a move back to Monday nights at the started of 2023, Q+A struggled to win audiences.
A Studio 10 star broke down on camera on Thursday as he conducted his last ever report for the axed morning talk show.

Roving reporter Daniel Doody was in the field speaking to some Sydney residents about Christmas when he suddenly became overcome with emotions.

'I'm ending this week and I just want to say thank you to my camera operator Drew, my audio guy Scott and all my colleagues as well,' Daniel tearfully said.

Daniel then burst into tears and his cameraman Drew had to run over and comfort him, with the pair began tearfully hugging.

'I just want to say thank you to my family and also to the Studio 10 viewers. Thank you so much for embracing my personality.'

A Studio 10 star broke down on camera on Thursday, as he conducted his last ever report for the axed morning talk show, ahead of its final episode on Friday. Pictured L - R: Stars Angela Bishop, Tristan MacManus, Narelda Jacobs and Daniel Doody

'I'm so sorry, it's been an absolute pleasure just being part of the Studio 10 family. I thought I wouldn't cry but here we are,' he added.

Doody has been part of the Studio 10 team for just over three years, joining in late 2020.

His sad goodbye comes after a spokesperson confirmed last month that the last episode of Studio 10 will air on Friday, December 22, after more than a decade on Australian screens.

Roving reporter Daniel Doody was in the field speaking to some Sydney residents about Christmas when he suddenly became overcome with emotions

Earlier this week, it was reported that Sarah Harris is reportedly wracked with 'survivor's guilt' after she managed to jump from the sinking Studio 10 ship a year before it went under.

As the Channel 10 breakfast show prepares to air its final episode this week, the former co-host of the program, 42, feels 'terrible' for her ex colleagues.

With Angela Bishop, Tristan MacManus, Narelda Jacobs and Daniel Doody being redeployed in the network, an insider said they have Sarah's 'defection' to thank.

'I'm ending this week and I just want to say thank you to my camera operator Drew, my audio guy Scott and all my colleagues as well,' Daniel tearfully said, before hugging his cameraman

'Her defection really was the nail in the coffin for the show, through no fault of her own,' the source told New Idea on Monday.

Anchors Angela Bishop and Tristan MacManus admitted in an emotional Instagram video at the time that it had been a 'tough day' after being informed about the news at lunchtime.

The program has become one of the lowest rating-daytime shows in Australian TV history, falling far behind rival programs on Seven, Nine and the ABC

The embattled program was haemorrhaging viewers by the tens of thousands in the past year, leading industry spies to question how long it would last on the air.
Nicky Hilton attended the Radio City Christmas Spectacular annual musical holiday stage show for her youngest daughter Teddy's sixth birthday in New York City on Wednesday.

The socialite, 40, brought along her two of her three kids and was joined by her brother, Barron Hilton II, 34, alongside his pregnant wife, Tessa Grafin von Walderdorff, 29, and their own kids.

Nicky's husband, James Rothschild, 38, and their baby boy  whose name and face have yet to be revealed since they welcomed their third child in early 2022  were not seen in photos and did not appear to be present.

The fashion designer  who joined her mother, Kathy Hilton, at the Max Mara pop-up event in Aspen just a couple days earlier  looked dazzling in a black turtleneck sweater and a shimmering, silver skirt.

To match the rest of her look, she sported a pair of slingback kitten heels covered in silver glitter and complete with black suede toecaps.

Nicky Hilton attended the Radio City Christmas Spectacular annual musical holiday stage show for her youngest daughter Teddy's sixth birthday on Wednesday

She left her honey blonde tresses down in a straight hairstyle with black headband adorned with sparkling rhinestones.

For the family get-together, she opted for a rosy and dewy makeup look featuring a copper smoky eye, baby pink blush and a glossy nude lip.

For an overall cohesive look, she also sported a manicure with shiny black varnish.

At one point, Nicky posed for a photo with the entire family and held the birthday girl in her lap.

Her daughters Lily-Grace, seven, and Teddy, now six, donned donned matching black pinafore dresses over white Peter Pan collared blouses.

Nicky's eldest child donned green leggings underneath her dress and bundled up in a lavender-colored fleece jacket.

Like her mother and younger sister, she also left her hair down and accessorized with a headband.

Teddy  who was born on December 20, 2017  sported black boots and a chunky, cream headband.

The socialite, 40, brought along her two of her three kids and was joined by her brother, Barron Hilton II, 34, alongside his pregnant wife, Tessa Grafin von Walderdorff, 29, and their own kids

The fashion designer looked dazzling in a black turtleneck sweater and a shimmering, silver skirt. To match the rest of her look, she sported a pair of slingback kitten heels covered in silver glitter and complete with black suede toecaps

Nicky's husband, James Rothschild, 38, and their baby boy were not seen in photos and did not appear to be present at the event

The couple have not yet revealed their baby boy's face nor moniker; seen with older sister Paris Hilton and her son Phoenix in March

Her brother, Barron, is currently expecting his third child with wife Tessa. The couple already share two kids  three-year-old daughter Milou Alizee and 15-month-old son Caspian Barron

The mother-of-three first shared that she had welcomed her son with James on Instagram in July 2022.

While posing for a photo with the Radio City Rockettes, they were joined by Nicky's younger brother Barron and his pregnant wife.

For the photo, the couple wrapped their arms around their children  three-year-old daughter Milou Alizee and 15-month-old son Caspian Barron.

The proud parents announced back in September that they are currently expecting their third baby together.
Madeleine West has found love with her partner Maximo Bottaro.

The notoriously private couple have been dating for more than three years now after the former Neighbours star was first seen kissing and cuddling the environmentalist at the beach in Byron Bay.

At the time, Madeleine, 44, and Maximo were seen passionately kissing and cuddling in the shallows of a secluded beach.

Two years later, the mother-of-six and her beau were seen hitting the Byron Bay beach again.

Before their sun-soaked day, the couple stopped off at a grocery store to pick up some strawberries, coconut water and other items for their day out.

Madeleine West has found love with her partner Maximo Bottaro. Both pictured

Maximo has been an environmental activist for the past two decades, having previously worked for Greenpeace, one of the largest environmental organisations in the world.

He co-founded his own environmental conservation organisation, ReForest Now, in 2018.

Madeleine has worked with ReForest Now on various projects since January, 2020.

In March, 2020, ReForest Now shared a photo to Instagram of Madeleine helping to plant trees, and thanked her for her continued support.

The notoriously private couple have been dating for more than three years now after the former Neighbours star was first seen kissing and cuddling the environmentalist at the beach in Byron Bay in 2020

'Madeline has been supporting ReForest Now through promoting our work and inviting community to our plantings and to contribute to the funding of reforestation,' the post read.

Since then, the actress has spoken out a handful of times about her love for Maximo.

'The way he carried himself was so attractive. It went beyond notions of fame or wealth or notoriety,' Madeleine said on the No Filter podcast.

'Seeing how much he cared about his cause and his passion, his self belief... was possibly the most attractive thing I've ever seen.'

Elsewhere, Madeleine said Maximo had been her biggest support when it comes to her mental health woes.

Maximo has been an environmental activist for the past two decades. Madeleine has worked on on various projects with his company ReForest Now since January, 2020

'I'm lucky to have someone who is evolved and compassionate enough to go on this journey with me without sugar-coating or trying to avoid the tough moments,' she told Stellar magazine earlier this year.

Madeleine was previously married to Shannon Bennett and share six children.

They split after 13 years together in 2018, with West later stating the separation process 'turned love toxic'.

Two years after their breakup, she left Melbourne and moved to the Byron Bay area to be near their six children, buying her own $4.6million property overlooking Tallow Beach.

Madeleine spent this year embroiled in court battles with Benny Bennett, Shannon's elderly father, who took out an AVO against her after an alleged clash at the chef's Byron mansion in 2022.

Madeleine was previously married to Shannon Bennett (left) and share six children. They split after 13 years together in 2018

Two years after their breakup, she left Melbourne and moved to the Byron Bay area to be near their six children, buying her own $4.6million property overlooking Tallow Beach

A magistrate enforced the AVO describing Madeleine as an 'evasive' and unreliable witness, and her alleged treatment of her ex father-in-law, 75, as 'verging on being aggressive'.

But the decision was thrown out when Madeleine appealed to the NSW District Court and won in a ruling by Judge Jonathan Priestley who said 'the evidence of facts supporting them is light on, and not supported by' the footage from five different CCTV cameras around Shannon Bennett's home.

In January this year, West revealed she was sexually abused from the age of five to 10. Her abuser was finally named this month.

Peter Vincent White, 73, pleaded guilty to 33 charges of child sexual abuse against seven children, one of whom was the actress, who was then named Melanie Ann Weston.
Kylie Jenner modeled yet another festive red look as she plugged her clothing line just a few days ahead of Christmas.

The 26-year-old lip kit mogul broke into the apparel industry last month with the launch of her brand-spanking-new fashion brand Khy.

And this week during the final frenzy of Christmas shopping, she appeared on the line's Instagram page to made sure it stayed at the front of her fans' minds.

She struck an arrestingly beguiling pose as she posed up a storm in a sleeveless mock turtleneck crop top that bared her impressively taut midriff.

Matching the t-shirt with a matching pair of crimson sweats, the reality TV superstar brought the look together with a sweater she held in one hand.

Kylie Jenner modeled yet another festive red look as she plugged her clothing line just a few days ahead of Christmas

Slicking her jet-black hair fashionably back in a trendy drenched look, the showbiz legacy brought out her features with a slick of red lipstick.

Taking the show to her TikTok, she also made sure to plug the cosmetics company that turned her into a global name in business.

To the tune of Let The Light In by Lana Del Rey, she filmed herself sampling her precision pout lip liner in the 'cocoa' shade.

She also smeared on a bit of her 'better not pout' lip gloss in the 'fall in love' shade, pulling her world-famous mega-pout for the camera.

Her latest posts come after her boyfriend TImothee Chalamet indulged in a rare indiscretion about their blossoming romance.

confessed he found it 'hard to be present' at a recent Beyonce concert while enjoying a steamy make-out session with Kylie.

After being trailed by dating rumors for months, the couple finally took their romance public in the audience of a Beyonce show in early September.

In spite of the performance unfolding below, Kylie and Timothee appeared to have eyes only for each other, kissing passionately while wrapped in one another's arms.

Taking the show to her TikTok, she also made sure to plug the cosmetics company that turned her into a global name in business

To the tune of Let The Light In by Lana Del Rey, she filmed herself sampling her precision pout lip liner in the 'cocoa' shade

The 27-year-old looked back at the experience during a new interview with MTV, where he was asked about his favorite concert of 2023.

At first, he could not remember attending any musical performances at all that year - but he was quickly reminded of his viral moment with Kylie at the Beyonce show.

Timothee broke out into a somewhat sheepish smile, saying the concert was 'great' but admitting it was 'hard to be present'.

Kylie and Timothee have been linked since April, although they have both studiously refrained from discussing the relationship in public.

However Kylie's mother Kris Jenner dropped a hint in an Instagram story last month, hours before Timothee was due to host Saturday Night Live.

The 68-year-old 'momager' reposted a promo for Timothee's Saturday Night Live shot and plugged: 'Tune into SNL tonight!'

Timothee, whose dating history includes Eiza Gonzalez and Lily-Rose Depp, has repeatedly hit the headlines for his current runaround with Kylie.

In October, a People insider remarked that the pair were enjoying what Kylie regards as a 'fun and uncomplicated' dalliance.

Her latest posts come after her boyfriend TImothee Chalamet indulged in a rare indiscretion about their blossoming romance

Timothee, whose dating history includes Eiza Gonzalez and Lily-Rose Depp, has repeatedly hit the headlines for his current runaround with Kylie (pictured at the 2022 Oscars)

However Kylie's mother Kris Jenner dropped a hint on her Insta Stories last month, hours before Timothee was due to host Saturday Night Live

Elsewhere in her personal life, Kylie is amicably co-parenting her daughter Stormi, five, and son Aire, one, with her rapper ex Travis Scott.

When her boy was born in February 2022, his given name was Wolf Jacques Webster  a nod to Travis, whose legal name is Jacques Webster.

However, not long afterwards, Kylie shocked her fans by revealing on social media: 'FYI OUR SONS NAME ISN'T WOLF ANYMORE.'

She explained: 'WE JUST REALLY DIDN'T FEEL LIKE IT WAS HIM. JUST WANTED TO SHARE BECAUSE I KEEP SEEING WOLF EVERYWHERE.'

Their decision prompted Eddie Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli's son Wolfgang, who goes by Wolf, to cheekily tweet: 'THANK F***.'

On an episode of Hulu's The Kardashians, Kylie told her gal pal Stassie Karanikolaou about the impetus behind the decision to name her son Aire.

'I just always wanted a name for him that had meaning. Its a Hebrew name and it means: "Lion of God",' Kylie explained.
Goldie Hawn appeared to be making the most of the holiday season while stepping out in Aspen on Wednesday afternoon.

The 78-year-old performer layered up in several layers of warm clothing as she counted down the days to Christmas during her outing.

The actress, who was recently spotted while taking her granddaughter trick-or-treating, wore a white faux fur button-up coat on top of a black long-sleeve top as she went for a walk.

Hawn also donned a pair of dark green pants that were paired with high-top fur-linted boots.

The Cactus Flower actress accessorized with a chic light beige pants and several pieces of jewelry.

Goldie Hawn appeared to be making the most of the holiday season while stepping out in Aspen on Wednesday afternoon.

The Academy Award-winning performer's beautiful blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired perfectly with the light tone of her outerwear.

Hawn has been joined by her partner of four decades, Kurt Russell, during much of her holiday getaway.

According to People, the happy couple was spotted while locking lips while going for a walk along Aspen's scenic streets.

The actress and the 72-year-old actor initially met while working on the 1968 feature The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band.

The two went on to establish a relationship on the set of the 1983 film Swing Shift, in which they costarred.

Hawn was formerly married to Bill Hudson from 1976 until 1982, and the two share a daughter and son named Kate, 44, and Oliver, 47.

She went on to start a relationship with Russell, and they welcomed a son named Wyatt, 37, in 1986.

The actor was also married to Season Hubley from 1979 until 1983, and they share a son named Boston, 43.

The actress, who was recently spotted while taking her granddaughter trick-or-treating, wore a white faux fur button-up coat on top of a black long-sleeve top as she went for a walk

Hawn has been joined by her partner of four decades, Kurt Russell, during much of her holiday getaway; they are seen in 2019

The actress and the 72-year-old actor initially met while working on the 1968 feature The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band; they are seen in 2020

Hawn opened up about her love life during an interview on Who's Talking to Chris Wallace and expressed that she was used to relationships being 'hard.'

She stated: 'They're not always easy. There's all kinds of hurdles that we go through. There's things that we believe, in things that we don't believe in.'

The actress also spoke about how she felt as if people in relationships could still hold their own viewpoints and disagree with their respective partners.

'I think, you know, ultimately staying independent with independent thinking is important. So you can hold on to yourself, and you're going to actually have that that feeling,' she said.
Lisa Hochstein accused her estranged husband Lenny of trying to paint her as an unfit mother on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives of Miami on Bravo.

Lisa, 41, called Adriana de Moura, 57, and told her that Lenny filed a motion trying to paint her as an unfit mother.

'He's trying to take the kids 100%,' Lisa said.

Lisa said in a confessional that in this latest tactic, Lenny filed a motion claiming that she was abusing prescription drugs which she said was false. Adriana met Lisa outside her children's ballet class to discuss this.

'The goal is to paint me as the worst person as the worst mother imaginable,' Lisa said. 'He claims that I was heard saying that I desire illegal controlled substances, such as Klonopin Adderall, stuff like that.'

Lisa Hochstein accused her estranged husband Lenny of trying to paint her as an unfit mother on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives of Miami on Bravo

Lisa said in a confessional that in this latest tactic, Lenny filed a motion claiming that she was abusing prescription drugs which she said was false

Adriana met Lisa outside her children's ballet class to discuss this

'First of all you have ADD,' Adriana said.

Adriana said she had a prescription for Adderall.

'This is another false accusation,' Lisa said. 'They are trying to destroy me. Take away the mother of these children. They need their mother.'

Lisa said she didn't know what she did to deserve this.

'I feel like I'm living in hell and I can't get out,' Lisa said sobbing. 'It's just too much. Now he's trying to take everything from me, everything.'

In a confessional, Lisa said Lenny knows she doesn't have the funds to keep spending on lawyers.

'He's doing this because he wants to hurt me and he wants to wear me down,' Lisa said. 'Why can't he just do the right thing and let me live.'

Lisa said she worked to help him build his business and now he was throwing her away like trash.

Adriana said she had a prescription for Adderall

'This is another false accusation,' Lisa said. 'They are trying to destroy me. Take away the mother of these children. They need their mother'

'I feel like I'm living in hell and I can't get out,' Lisa said sobbing. 'It's just too much. Now he's trying to take everything from me, everything'

'He left his children for a 25-year-old girl,' Adriana said. 'He's the bad guy, not you.'

The show titled Palm Beach Pandemonium opened on day two of the girls trip to Palm Beach. Marysol Patton, 56, announced she had a google alert on Lisa and there was a story about her that she was charging $10,000 in one month to Lenny's Instacart.

The women discussed how Lisa needed to work to stand on her own. Marysol suggested that Julia Lemigova, 51, try talking to her. The women then played croquet. Kiki Barth, 33, ran out around the court when she scored a point and then her boob popped out.

'All these senior citizens watching Kiki's boob popped out. This is probably the highlight of their year,' Larsa Pippen, 49, said in a confessional.

Marysol said she was upset with Julia for being at a dinner with her ex and listening to his vent. Alexia told her she was overreacting.

Later the group sat down for dinner. Julia asked Alexia Nepola , 56, why she said she had to ask her husband Todd for permission if they could share a room. Alexia said she was just joking.

'When I heard that I was thinking that some people, sometimes me being a lesbian could sound as if I would be like a predator,' Julia said.

'Oh my god no,' Alexia said. 'I would love all of us to be lesbians. No, it was just like a sexual joke. I'm sorry. It was a bad taste joke.'

'He left his children for a 25-year-old girl,' Adriana said. 'He's the bad guy, not you'

The women discussed how Lisa needed to work to stand on her own. Marysol suggested that Julia Lemigova, 51, try talking to her. The women then played croquet. Kiki Barth, 33, ran out around the court when she scored a point and then her boob popped ou

Julia said in a confessional that she could see that Alexia was uncomfortable with the situation but that she decided to just let it go.

Lisa then joined the dinner table. Adriana then screamed that she saw an alligator and everyone ran screaming.

'In Florida we don't play around when it comes to alligators,' Adriana said. 'You see something that could be an alligator, you just run.'

Everyone sat down at the table. Dr. Nicole Martin, 39, told Lisa that they wanted to do a Mother's Day brunch tomorrow. Julia thanked Lisa for coming to her opera party after going through that incident with Lenny. Julia told her that kids come first and that she really like Jody.

'I'm a 100% looking for a home for me and the kids,' Lisa said.

Alexia said Marysol got a google alert about how she was spending $10,000 a month on Instacart.

'Do you have a tapeworm, how do you go through $10,000 worth of groceries,' Marysol said.

'I feel like I'm being interrogated right now,' Lisa said.

'I feel like I'm being interrogated right now,' Lisa said.

Lisa said she was feeling triggered because now they were bringing these things up.

'Did you drive Lenny's car here?' Alexia asked.

'Did you drive Todd's car here?' Lisa asked.

'I drove our car here,' Alexia said. 'I'm good with Todd, you are not good with Lenny.'

Adriana said Lisa has the right to drive the Rolls because it was purchased when they were married.

'You guys, it's marital property, and I've always driven this car,' Lisa said.

Alexia said they were just trying to help her because Lenny was alleging she planted a listening device in one of their cars. Lisa said in a confessional that she also didn't appreciate them questioning her relationship with her boyfriend Jody.

'I love to be in a relationship because I don't like the whole dating scene,' Lisa said. 'I like to be home watching Netflix. I like to be having someone next to me doing that and he's that guy. '

Alexia said when she was going through her own litigation that she didn't bring Todd into it because they were just dating at the time. Alexia said when she lost Todd encouraged her to not appeal and instead focus on her mental health. She said at one point Lisa would have to make that same decision.

'Did you drive Lenny's car here?' Alexia asked

Alexia said they were just trying to help her because Lenny was alleging she planted a listening device in one of their cars. Lisa said in a confessional that she also didn't appreciate them questioning her relationship with her boyfriend Jody

'Is being right the right thing? ' Alexia said.

The women then all got up and gave her a hug.

'This feels like a gang bang and not the good kind,' Lisa said. 'Not that any of them would be good.'

Lisa walked away and left everyone at the table.

'With friends like this who need enemies,' Lisa said in a confessional.

Guerdy Abraira, 45, told her husband Russell when they got back about how they tried to talk to Lisa in Palm Beach. She told him before she went into surgery she had to do a radiation treatment. She said when they take out the tumor she will learn if she needs to do chemo.

'You are going to go step by step,' Russell said.

Guerdy started crying and said it was intense.

'This feels like a gang bang and not the good kind,' Lisa said. 'Not that any of them would be good'

Guerdy started crying and said it was intense

Nicole met her father Mike for dinner. He told her that his girlfriend Isis had sciatica and couldn't make it. Nicole said she thought it was weird that she didn't come.

Mike kept having to go to the bathroom and Nicole asked if he was having issues with his prostate. He told her that his prostate was very good.

'I'm going to have a kid soon,' Mike said.

'Excuse me?' Nicole said.

'Two not one,' Mike said. 'You still here, or have you left?'

'Hold on, you just dropped a bomb,' Nicole said. 'So, I would be their sister. But then Anthony and I are having to have baby number two.'

'Maybe I will have one before you,' Mike said.

'Your child would be my child's aunt,' Nicole said.

'I'm going to have a kid soon,' Mike said

'Excuse me?' Nicole said.

Two: 'Two not one,' Mike said. 'You still here, or have you left?'

Nicole asked him when this baby would happen and Mike said he could wait if she wanted.

'Don't let me stop you from living your best life,' Nicole said. 'I wasn't expecting this news.'

Mike said he wanted to have two more children to make it eight. Nicole said she didn't know even of all these children.

'Who are the two that I don't know about?' Nicole asked.

Mike said he had two kids that were eight and seven.

'I wasn't expecting all of this?' Nicole said. 'It's a lot.'

The show ended with a memoriam tribute to Nicole's father and read 'In Loving Memory. Miguel Martin II 1954-2023.'

The Real Housewives of Miami will return next week on Bravo.
Hailey Bieber showed off her new tattoo on her Instagram Story on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old model revealed that she got a 'new tiny baby tat' and showed off the delicate, precise bow now adorning the outside of her right hand and wrist.

In the same close-up snap, she also simultaneously flaunted the massive diamond engagement ring and mesmerizing wedding band from her musician husband, Justin Bieber, 29.

The entrepreneur  who recently got LASIK eye surgery and had to wear funny-looking goggles following the procedure  also displayed some of the other tattoos on the same hand.

She has a vast collection of dainty tattoos  one of which is a cursive 'J' and a star she got on her and the Peaches hitmaker's first wedding anniversary.

Hailey Bieber showed off her new tattoo on her Instagram Story on Wednesday

The 27-year-old model revealed that she got a 'new tiny baby tat' and showed off the delicate, precise bow now adorning the outside of her right hand and wrist

At the same session, she also got 'beleza', which means 'beauty' in Portuguese, on the right side of her neck, according to her tattoo artist's Instagram post.

One of her very first tattoos was the outline of a diamond behind her right ear, which she got around February 2019.

Her most recent piece appears to be a 'New York' tattoo on the side of her neck as her tattoo artist revealed back in December 2021.

She had also previously enlisted Doctor Woo or Brian to permanently brand the word 'lover' behind her left ear.

In March of 2021, the same tattoo artist also inked a peach onto Justin's neck  even though he confessed that Hailey asked him to stop getting neck tattoos.

In 2020, he announced on YouTube special Next Chapter that he was 'done with my neck'.

'That's a Hailey request,' he said at the time, adding that he now wants to move on to covering his back with art.

'The back is still open,' he said before explaining why he is saving the space for future tattoos. 'I don't have kids yet, so I'm thinking of getting their portraits on my back.'

She has a vast collection of dainty tattoos  one of which is a cursive 'J' and a star she got on her and the Peaches hitmaker's first wedding anniversary

Her most recent piece appears to be a 'New York' tattoo on the side of her neck as her tattoo artist revealed back in December 2021

She also has a number of delicate pieces on her right hand

She also got 'beleza', which means 'beauty' in Portuguese, on the right side of her neck, according to her tattoo artist's Instagram post

On the other side of her neck, she has a cross and a 'lover' tattoo, which complements Justin's 'forever' tattoo on the same spot on his body

Hailey also has matching 'Baldwin' tattoos with her sister Ireland

On her collarbone, she also has a small outline of a heart

One of her very first tattoos was the outline of a diamond behind her right ear, which she got around February 2019

Previously, Justin started getting tattoos when he turned 16.

Since then, he has truly become living art himself as he amassed a collection of well over 60 pieces, per a report by Page Six in 2021.

In the past, he has spoken about his many sentimental and meaningful tattoos. He has also revealed the only place on his body where he will never get inked  his hands.

'I promised myself I didn't want to get tattoos on my hand,' he had admitted while on SiriusXM's The Morning Mash Up show in March 2021.

He explained that he wants to be able to dress up in a suit and not have ink visible.

'Something about just being able to wear a suit and not having tattoos on my hand,' he explained. 'Thats really one of my only places left [to tattoo] or my feet or my legs.'

Tattoos are one of the many things Hailey and her husband, Justin Bieber, have in common. Since he started getting tattoos at age 16, he has truly become living art himself as he amassed a collection of well over 60 pieces

In the past, he has explained the sentimental meaning of many of his tattoos. He often gets ink related to his music. In March 2021, he got a peach tattooed on his neck for his hit single  even though he admitted Hailey asked him to stop getting inked there

Later, he took to his Instagram to explain why he admires the art of tattoo and admit he does not regret any of his ink.

'If [tattoos] didn't hurt everyone would have them,' he wrote on a post showing off his body art in 2018.

'Well maybe not [everyone]!! Over a hundred hours of art work on my body and I wouldn't take back a single one,' he added.

'I absolutely love art and I've made my body a canvas and it's so much fun.'
Simone Ashley looked sensational in a slew of sizzling social media snaps on Wednesday, as she enjoyed a lavish Caribbean holiday.

The Bridgerton star, 28, showed off her incredible figure in a tiny pink bikini top and matching bottoms.

Her raven tresses were styled in beach waves as she posed in front of a picturesque sunset.

Simone later slipped into a blue crop top and sheer cream maxi skirt, teamed with stylish sunglasses.

She shared with her 3.4million Instagram followers that she was staying at the Belmond Hotel in Anguilla before travelling to Saint Martin.

Simone Ashley looked sensational in a slew of sizzling social media snaps on Wednesday, as she enjoyed a lavish Caribbean holiday

The Bridgerton star, 28, showed off her incredible figure in a tiny pink bikini top and matching bottoms

Earlier this year, Simone confirmed her relationship with boyfriend Tino Klein.

The actress took to Instagram to share the first loved-up snap with him on Tuesday as they cosied up.

She had previously posted solo snaps of him to her social media and with groups of a pals as they celebrated his birthday just after Christmas .

Simone is best known for playing Kate Sharma in Bridgerton series two and Olivia Hanan in Sex Education.

In the snap taken earlier this month at Netflix's annual BAFTA Awards afterparty at Chiltern Firehouse she looked glamorous in a silver cut-out dress as she went in for a kiss with her beau.

She looked happier than ever while Tino beamed back at her in the romantic moment.

It's unclear how long Simone and Tino have been dating, but it has been reported that they met at the F1 race in Monaco.

He is the CEO of the GP Ice Race, a new winter event in Austria.

At the Netflix event they also posed for snaps together as they packed on the PDA.

Last year the Mail on Sunday revealed Simone's first serious relationship was with coffee brand manager Luke Richardson, who is 13 years her senior.

The couple met in an East London cafe where he was working as a barista and quickly moved in together.

They then moved to Los Angeles as Miss Ashley pursued her fledgling screen career, but their two-year relationship ended when Grimsby-born Mr Richardson  previously the drummer with indie rock group The Draytones, who once toured with Paul Weller  decided to leave California .

Simone previously told how the role as feisty aristocrat Kate Sharma in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton helped with her mental health after a break-up.

She shared with her 3.4million Instagram followers that she was staying at the Belmond Hotel in Anguilla before travelling to Saint Martin

Simone later slipped into a blue crop top and sheer cream maxi skirt, teamed with stylish sunglasses

The Surrey-born actress, who has 2.8 million Instagram followers, said: 'I was going through a break-up in 2019 to 2020, just before I got Bridgerton, and I wasn't taking care of myself. I was being so hard on myself.'

It is unclear if she was describing being upset at the break-up with Mr Richardson, which was thought to have been in 2017, or a split from a subsequent partner.

One of Mr Richardson's family friends said: 'Everything was great for a couple of years. We genuinely thought they were on track to marry and have kids.

'It was a serious relationship. There is no doubt that Luke was really in love with Simone and the feeling was clearly reciprocated.'

The source said that Miss Ashley quickly became 'like one of the family', but added: 'The closer they seemed to get together, the more Luke seemed to get cold feet.

'The way it ended was that it came down to this issue of him not wanting to stay in LA. They did the long-distance thing for a while, and that didn't really work.'

Confirming the romance, Mr Richardson's mother, Margaret, said: 'Simone was just starting out. She was a lovely girl. She came to our house.

'But I just think her career was taking off  she needed to go to America, so it was just one of those things. It was not the right time for both of them.'

After the split, almost all of the social-media posts linking the pair were deleted.

One of the few remaining shows them at a wedding in Ireland in 2017, while Miss Ashley was also pictured holding an ice cream.

Referring to Mr Richardson, who went on to work in Bali for coffee brand Arabica, it was captioned: 'Luke got me sprinkles.'

The MoS contacted Miss Ashley's team for comment at the time.

Last November Simone reflected on being a darker skinned actress and how it impacted her entry into the acting industry.

The beauty said that being Indian was 'restrictive' and caused her to have to wait longer for her break than her white peers.

Covering British Vogue's December issue, Simone declared that she was proud of her skin colour and did not want it to ever stand in her way.

Bridgerton actress Simone confirmed her relationship with boyfriend Tino Klein earlier this year

Last year the Mail on Sunday revealed Simone's first serious relationship was with coffee brand manager Luke Richardson, who is 13 years her senior

Recalling her entry into the profession, she told the publication: 'I didn't have the traditional entry into this industry that a lot of my white peers had, that of being a thespian, and I've always found that a bit isolating.

'But, I don't want the colour of my skin to ever stop me.'

Simone went on to discuss the possibility that the colour of her skin limited her opportunities, saying: 'I'm sure it was restrictive.

'Things have taken me longer than other young actors who maybe don't have the same restrictions. But, I never surrendered to it.

She added: 'I remember being a kid and people saying certain things that make you really aware of the colour of your skin.

'I remember seeing those Fair & Lovely [lightening] creams  they smelt so good, like baby powder, but I didn't understand what they were. Now I'm like, "Wow. That's messed up."

'But, I adore the colour of my skin. I always have.'

Simone also reminisced on her time at school, saying her ethnicity made her stand out and get bullied.

She explained: 'I went to a predominantly white all-girls school. I didn't fit in, there was bullying and I was wishing my life away.'

'I would tell myself, "You'll move away from this place, you'll find your people and you'll do whatever you want."'

Simone ended leaving home at a young age to pursue acting, which she said was the 'best thing' because it gave her a bigger voice as a woman.

She recalled: 'Looking back, I think leaving home that young was the best thing I could've done.

'I'm so deeply proud of my culture, but, if I'm very honest, I was raised in one where men had more of a voice than women.

'I always pushed against that  I wanted to get my driver's licence, I wanted to do sports, I wanted to wear whatever I wanted.'

Simone became a household name last year when she starred in season two of Bridgerton as Kate, the love interest to the viscount.

Last November Simone reflected on being a darker skinned actress and how it impacted her entry into the acting industry (pictured in Bridgerton)

Simone became a household name this year when she starred in season two of Bridgerton as Kate, the love interest to the viscount

She teased how her character will be settling into the role of viscountess after marrying Anthony Bridgerton in the upcoming third season.

She said: 'Even though she comes across as fierce, people like that are sometimes the softest on the inside. They develop that skin because they're vulnerable.

'You see her insecurities and fears. She's f**king nervous and I think there's strength in admitting that.'

After being cast in Bridgerton, Simone set up her own yet-to-be-named production company.

She said she was inspired to create it in order to create more equality and to 'be in the driver's seat.'

She explained: 'The more you work in this industry, you see the holes, you see what shouldn't be happening. I want to create sets where everyone feels equal. And I don't want to be put in a certain box. I want to be in the driver's seat.'
Nicola Peltz and her sister-in-law Harper Beckham showed off their best pouts on Wednesday on Instagram.

Actress Nicola, 28, - who is married to Harper's brother Brooklyn Beckham, 24, - posed with Harper in new snaps.

Nicola looked typically stylish in a one-shoulder black top and wore some stylish shades.

She accessorised her look with long silver earrings and showed off her flawless complexion with natural makeup.

Meanwhile beside her Harper, 12, looked pretty in a white top as she also donned sunglasses.

Nicola Peltz and her sister-in-law Harper Beckham showed off their best pouts on Wednesday on Instagram

It comes after Brooklyn and Nicola celebrated their four year anniversary.

Taking to Instagram to show their love to one another last month, the couple wrote heartfelt captions alongside sweet snaps.

The couple couldn't look more loved-up than this as they were captured sharing a steamy kiss.

The two lovebirds posed for the sweet snaps inside a Japanese train station, showing the sign above them which address trains for Nagoya, Tokyo.

Brooklyn captioned his post: 'Dear Nicola The last 4 years have been the most amazing years of my life x you complete my life  you are my everything and I cant wait to spend the rest of my life with you xx I love you xx.'

The model later shared her gratefulness on her Instagram stories, posting a pictured of two white roses bouquets gifted by her husband.

She penned: 'Happy 4 year anniversary my love thank you for the beautiful flowers I love you so much @brooklynpeltzbeckham.'

It comes as Harper's fashionista mother Victoria has started including her only daughter in her social occasions more frequently after they attended a Vogue event together recently.

Actress Nicola, 28, - who is married to Harper's brother Brooklyn Beckham , 24, - posed with Harper in new snaps

Nicola and Harper have formed a strong bond over the years and the actress often shares snaps with her on social media

The pair enjoyed some quality time together as they joined the women at Vogue magazine for a lunch and talk last week.

Victoria looked sensational for the event as she donned a chic white suit from her upcoming Spring/Summer collection.

Pairing the suit with a simple black leather belt, she and Harper perfectly complemented each other, as her daughter donned an all black floor-length dress.

The youngest of the Beckham brood smiled in the snap with her mum, while Victoria also shared it on her story with the caption: 'Love u so much #Harper Seven!!!'

She captioned her main post: 'Special day with #HarperSeven and the #Vogue100 ladies @TheWebster!! Thank you @VogueMagazine, my friends and @lhd!! Kisses from Miami xx

'I'm wearing my #VBSS24 white suit, coming soon to VictoriaBeckham.com and 36 Dover Street!!'
Waterloo Road legend Katie Griffiths has announced that she is pregnant with her first child.

The actress, 34, known for playing Chlo Grainger on the BBC drama, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share her jovial news.

She is expecting her first child with businessman Matthew Wardle, who she tied the knot with in July.

She posted a photograph of herself grinning as she showed off her blossoming bump in a black crop top and a grey skirt while cuddling her dog.

Katie also shared an amusing snap of her beloved dog lying next to a mock-up book titled 'How to still get Treats when the Humans are having Baby,' with her due date 'May 2024' written down the spine.

Waterloo Road legend Katie Griffiths has announced that she is pregnant with her first child, and confirmed her due date is in May 2024

Alongside the post, Katie gushed: 'Baby Wardle coming May 2024.'

In the comments section, her co-star Angela Griffin - who plays Kim Campbell on the school-based drama - wrote: 'That is absolutely amazingly, beautifully gorgeous news! Best Christmas pressie ever.'

Katie's baby news comes just months after she got married to her partner Matthew at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent in July.

She shared snaps from the special day to her Instagram, including a gorgeous snap of her leaving the venue with her new husband.

Katie looked stunning in a sheer bridal gown with floral embroidery for the ceremony before changing into a slip dress and platform trainers for her first dance.

The star and Matthew, who is CTO and Co-Founder of Fintech Company Kasko, beamed in the snap as friends and loved ones threw confetti over them.

She wrote: 'The perfect day. Happy to now confirm I am married to the love of my life'.

Katie also uploaded the video of their first dance, which started out romantic and slow before the duo grooved to Jump On It and Michael Jackson's Thriller.

Katie also shared a snap of her dog lying next to a mock-up book titled 'How to still get Treats when the Humans are having Baby,' with her due date 'May 2024' written down the spine

Katie landed the job as Chlo Grainger in BBC's Waterloo Road when she was 17 back in 2006. She became a fan favourite for her romance with Donte Charles (Adam Thomas)

Katie landed the job in BBC's Waterloo Road when she was 17 back in 2006.

She played Chlo Grainger for four series, and became a fan favourite for her whirlwind teenage romance with Donte Charles (Adam Thomas).

Katie left the show in 2009 but briefly reprised her role when the show was revived last year.

She said of her return at the time: 'It's been wonderful. It feels like coming back but also everything is different.

'The set's different. The classes are brand new, there's a really exciting cast and some returning faces. So it's been a bit of everything but it's been lovely.'

Her character Chlo wasn't on the new series for long, however, as she died in the first episode, leaving her childhood sweetheart and husband Donte Charles devastated.

Donte (Adam) has gone on to play a large role in the series revival along with their two children Izzy (Scarlett Thomas) and Tommy (Teddy Thomas).

She is expecting her first child with businessman Matthew Wardle, who she tied the knot with in July (pictured on their wedding day)

Katie left Waterloo Road in 2009 but briefly reprised her role when the show was revived last year. Her on-screen husband Donte (Adam) and kids Izzy (Scarlett Thomas) and Tommy (Teddy Thomas) have remained on the show

Of her brief return, she told the Metro: 'I was very intrigued from the start when the producers said they wanted the character back for one episode only, so in the days leading up to the meeting I was thinking what the storyline would be.

When they told me, I was of course shocked! It was a feeling of mixed emotions  excitement the show was coming back and being reunited with Adam and Angela but also sad as I wouldn't be able to be as involved.'

Katie's other acting credits include Rock and Chips and Hatfields and McCoys.
Dianne Buswell has given fans an update on her father Mark's cancer treatment after she returned home to Australia to support him.

The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 34, took to Instagram on Thursday to share that Mark had started the third round of his chemotherapy treatment.

She shared a video of herself in the hospital with her father as she praised him for always having a 'positive mind frame'.

In the clip, Dianne and her father Mark walked into the hospital arm-in-arm, before he gave her the thumbs up as he sat and waited for his treatment.

Dianne then flashed a smile as she reached out her hand towards her father, before the video came to an end with the pair leaving the hospital holding hands.

Dianne Buswell has given fans an update on her father Mark's cancer treatment after she returned home to Australia to support him

She gushed in a caption: 'Round 3 proud of you dad always with a positive mind frame and smile on your face.'

Her Strictly co-stars and celebrity friends were quick to send their messages of support to the dancer in the comments section.

Amy Dowden, who is battling breast cancer, wrote: 'Cmon mark you got this! Love you both.'

While Gemma Atkinson - who is married Strictly professional Gorka Marquez - commented: 'Oh bless him.'

Amanda Abbington who quit this series of Strictly for personal reasons - said: 'So beautiful. All of you. Sending you massive cuddles and the most love and light!!'

Arlene Phillips penned: 'So beautiful. With love this Xmas and the happiest and healthiest on new years,' while Graziano Di Prima also sent his support.

Dianne returned home to Australia just days after competing in last Saturday's Strictly final, where she competed with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.

After the pair missed out on the glitterball, Dianne revealed on social media that she had jetted back to Australia and reunited with her father Mark.

Sharing a snap of them together, she wrote: 'and from the concert to having our first morning coffee  I'm home @mark.3802.'

The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 34, took to Instagram on Thursday to share a video of herself in the hospital with her father as she praised him for having a 'positive mind frame'

She linked arms with her father Mark as they walked through hospital together before Mark got his latest round of treatment

Dianne returned home to Australia to reunite with her father just days after competing in last Saturday's Strictly final, where she competed with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier

Dianne broke down in tears on Strictly back in October after her father Mark was diagnosed with cancer.

In a recent interview, Dianne spoke about the difficulty of not being in Australia with her family as her dad goes through chemotherapy.

Dianne told Heat Magazine: 'I am such a hard-working, crazy dancer that it's been a really nice balance, where Bobby has brought a lot of calmness into my life.

'There has been quite a lot of going on in my personal life over these past few months, and Bobby has been really realistic and supportive, telling me everything's going to be OK.

'It's crazy that such a young guy can have such a good mind on him.'

On Sunday, Dianne shared a gushing Instagram tribute to Bobby after they missed out on the Glitterball trophy to winner Ellie Leach.

In 2018, she was a finalist on the sixteenth series with her partner and now boyfriend YouTuber Joe Sugg - but they didn't win.

But as she reflected on the 2023 series she said she was less 'obsessed' with winning the trophy and was choosing to focus instead on the friendship she found with Bobby.

She said: 'I used to be so obsessed with winning a sparkly trophy constantly thinking about that moment and what it would feel like!

In a recent interview, Dianne spoke about the difficulty of not being in Australia with her family as her dad goes through chemotherapy

The dancer competed in Saturday's final with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier , but missed out on the coveted Glitterball trophy

'But what I have realised dancing with this wonderful human is the win and the sparkle is everywhere if you want it to be.

'Last night Bobby and I danced with so much joy passion and emotion that my heart was bursting with happiness and pride and there was our win!

'Bobby's only competition in this show was himself he wanted to become a better dancer and a better professional and to help him achieve both those goals makes me a proud teacher.

She signed off by adding: 'I am so grateful that i was the lucky one to be partnered with bobs and I am so excited for his bright future ahead he is not just a real talent but a really lovely soul.

'Thanks for making me enjoy my dancing like I was a little girl again no fear no anxiety just love and passion for what I am able to do.'
Molly-Mae Hague had her engagement ring back on her ring finger on Wednesday as she went out for lunch with her fiance Tommy Fury in Manchester.

The Love Island stars, both 24, have sparked a lot of concern among fans about their relationship following Tommy's recent wild nights out in Dubai, while Molly-Mae stayed home with their baby daughter Bambi.

But it appears they have put the recent drama behind them as they enjoyed some quality alone time together at San Carlo Restaurant.

Molly-Mae was even seen sporting her 600,000 diamond ring again, after causing massive speculation over the past few weeks after being spotted without her ring on multiple times following the relationship drama.

The influencer cut a laidback figure in a pair of grey jogging bottoms and brown suede sliders.

Molly-Mae Hague had her engagement ring back on her ring finger on Wednesday as she went out for lunch with her fiance Tommy Fury in Manchester

The Love Islander stars, both 24, have sparked a lot of concern among fans about their relationship following Tommy's recent wild nights out in Dubai

But it appears they have put the recent drama behind them as they enjoyed some quality alone time together at San Carlo Restaurant

Keeping the winter chill at bay, she wrapped up in a black coat and a beige knitted beanie, while toting a quilted black handbag.

Tommy complemented his fiancee in a similarly understated ensemble, donning a grey hoodie, black sweatpants and trainers.

He also took to his Instagram Stories to share a photo of Molly-Mae at their table, captioning it: 'Lunch date.'

Molly-Mae beamed at the camera, while sporting a simple plain black T-shirt and going makeup free.

After claims she was 'mortified' by his partying behaviour, Molly-Mae was spotted with and without her engagement ring on and off on multiple occasions.

The star has since shared with fans on her YouTube account that 'things aren't always going to be perfect', while also admitting 'she'll be back soon' on her social media to fans, following the on-going speculation.

She previously teared up and admitted she's 'been going through it' after Tommy returned to Cheshire after jetting to the UAE capital for the Grand Prix.

The trip sparked rumours of trouble in their relationship after videos emerged of the boxer on nights out with Chris Brown.

Molly-Mae was even seen sporting her 600,000 diamond ring again, after causing massive speculation over the past few weeks after being spotted without her ring on multiple times following the relationship drama

The influencer cut a laidback figure in a pair of grey jogging bottoms and brown suede sliders

Keeping the winter chill at bay, she wrapped up in a black coat and a beige knitted beanie, while toting a quilted black handbag

Tommy complemented his fiancee in a similarly understated ensemble, donning a grey hoodie, black sweatpants and trainers

He also took to his Instagram Stories to share a photo of Molly-Mae at their table, captioning it: 'Lunch date'

Molly-Mae reportedly told her husband-to-be that he needs to change his ways with a source saying she 'has made no secret of the fact she doesn't like it when Tommy parties too hard'.

In the closing moments of the video, the reality star got emotional and admitted she wasn't 'mentally or emotionally' in a place to film.

She explained: 'Guys, I don't really know what to come on here and tell you right now. I know how bad I look. Trust me, however bad I look, I feel 20 times worse.

'I have been going through it in more ways than one.

'I am hoping, in say about a week, I might be in a place mentally, physically emotionally where I can start filming some proper content for you guys again and get back on my channel.

'So please bear with me, I am really desperate to come back to you guys. I love you guys and I will speak to you very soon.'

However, she returned to YouTube last week to clear the air by addressing the speculation about her relationship.

She said: 'Everyone is asking about relationships and how things are and I get it, just general questions people want to know.

Molly-Mae beamed at the camera, while sporting a simple plain black T-shirt and going makeup free

After claims she was 'mortified' by his partying behaviour, Molly-Mae was spotted with and without her engagement ring on and off on multiple occasions

The star has since shared with fans on her YouTube account that 'things aren't always going to be perfect', while also admitting 'she'll be back soon' on her social media to fans, following the on-going speculation

She previously teared up and admitted she's 'been going through it' after Tommy returned to Cheshire after jetting to the UAE capital for the Grand Prix

The trip sparked rumours of trouble in their relationship after videos emerged of the boxer on nights out with Chris Brown

'When I put that Q&A box, I should have known what everyone was going to be asking questions about.

'But speaking about it the way I feel comfortable speaking about it  someone asked 'Is it annoying seeing your relationship questioned by all the time?'

'And I'm sure people would probably expect me to say 'yeah, I hate it', but honestly what do I expect? My life is in the public eye.'

Molly-Mae went on to say that she has grown a thick skin during her time in the public eye and the speculation around her and Tommy doesn't bother her.

She said: 'It kind of sounds bad but you sign up for it in this job. I really don't care what is said about me, Tommy, my relationship.

'It sounds like a cliche but you do massively grow a thick skin like an elephant. I'm immune to it, it doesn't even resonate to me.

The star acknowledged sometimes having a relationship in the public eye can be 'tricky', particularly when people form opinions about it.

But the pair have since put on a united front in family snaps with their daughter Bambi

She explained: 'What I would say, having a relationship in the public eye, you deal with things that people in private relationships deal with but obviously everyone is commenting on it and everyone sees it and everyone's all eyes, it's like a fishbowl, that's quite tricky,' she continued.

'Things that people deal with in private or maybe they don't deal with it, everyone has different things they deal with in their relationship and lives, sometimes it's tricky that things aren't always going to be perfect and aren't always going to be sunshine and roses - but when they aren't you have millions of people giving their opinion on it and talking about it.

'I think it's so sweet that people are checking in and want to make sure we're okay but honestly I'm fine, it's just another day at the office.

'You can't have a relationship in the public eye and then not expect things to be in the public eye and spoken about when things don't go to plan, do you know what I'm saying?'
Former BBC Breakfast star Louise Minchin stood in for Lorraine on Thursday's show.

Fans swarmed Twitter during the programme to praise the host, who quit her long-running role on BBC Breakfast after almost 20 years on the show in 2021.

Lorraine is frequently absent from the show, with Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard acting as regular stand-ins for the host, however in October Louise made her debut as host following her move from BBC to ITV.

As well as praise for Louise, viewers were left grumbling over Lorraine's absence - insisting the star dodges her role thus does not deserve the eponymous show title.

Twitter users penned: 'I think someone should create a chart or something of how many times Lorraine has presented her show this year Vs other presenters. I genuinely think others have presented it more than her #lorraine...

Former BBC Breakfast star Louise Minchin stood in for Lorraine on Thursday's show

As well as praise for Louise, viewers were left grumbling over Lorraine's absence - insisting the star dodges her role thus does not deserve the eponymous show title

Fans swarmed Twitter during the programme to praise the host, who quit her long-running role on BBC Breakfast after almost 20 years on the show in 2021.

'Nah, sorry Im not having it! How can a TV presenter have a show named after them but never show up for work? Lorraine Kelly is a disgrace! The show is presented by anyone but work-shy Lorraine. It needs renaming at this point!...

'Shes gotten away with it for far too long... Why is Lorraine called Lorraine? Shes never on the show... I need the same amount of Annual Leave as Lorraine'.

When Louise quit BBC Breakfast in 2021, she explained: 'I've loved being part of it, but I've decided it is time that I stopped setting my alarm for 3:40  sometimes when I'm feeling very rebellious 3:46 in the morning  and I'm going to be leaving...

'It's not going to be for a while, and just before anything else I wanted to thank everybody who's watching for your loyalty and support over all those years. I have absolutely loved being part of it...

'I will really miss it. But it is time now to stop that alarm early in the morning, and thank you for watching all those years as well'.

Back in October, around the time of Louise's first guest appearance, Lorraine was slammed for taking the half-term week off, despite having an adult daughter.

Fans of the ITV morning show pointed out that Christine Lampard stepped in as guest presenter - even though she has two young children, Patricia, five, and Freddie, two.

An ITV spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline last week: 'Lorraine is now off for half term and will be back on Monday 6th November.'

Louise appeared on the show on both Wednesday and Thursday

Fans questioned why Lorraine was off instead of Christine, with one penning on Twitter: 'Why is Lorraine off for half-term, she doesn't have school age kids...

'It's half-term which means the woman with a 28-year-old takes the week off and the woman with toy young children does her show!...

'So Christine Lampard, who has young kids, steps in and hosts Lorraine during half term so Lorraine Kelly can also have half term off. Her daughter is 29. Her and Susanna Reid both have an air of entitlement...

'Ah yes. Lorraine has half term off despite her daughter not having been at school for about 20 years, only to be replaced by someone with school age kids. The usual makes-no-sense move'.

When Louise quit BBC Breakfast in 2021, she explained: 'I've loved being part of it, but I've decided it is time that I stopped setting my alarm for 3:40  sometimes when I'm feeling very rebellious 3:46 in the morning  and I'm going to be leaving' (pictured in 2017)

Elsewhere in the show, Andi Peters was left red-faced when he accidently called the host Christine Bleakley, her maiden name, instead of Lampard.

Christine, 44, is a doting mum to her two children, Patricia, age five, and Freddie, two, who she shares with her husband Frank Lampard.

Lorraine, 63, shares daughter Rosie, 28, with her husband Steve - who she married in 1992.
Lucy Fallon has revealed the one thing missing since she returned to Coronation Street.

The actress, 28, who plays Bethany Platt on the ITV soap, appeared on Thursday's episode of Lorraine to talk about her return after a four-year hiatus.

When speaking about her friend and former colleague Ellie Leach winning Strictly Come Dancing last weekend, Lucy said: 'We shared a dressing room together. I'm so proud of her, she did amazing. We all knew exactly what Ellie was like and how lovely and amazing she is, so it's great everyone got to see that.

'The show has encouraged her to come out of her shell and that's exactly what she's done. That's the Ellie we all know and love.'

Lucy then revealed the one thing she has been missing since her return: 'I don't have my dressing room, I don't have a house, they are still trying to find me a dressing room. Caroline if you are watching - get me a dressing room.'

Lucy Fallon has revealed the one thing missing since she returned to Coronation Street

Coronation Street fans are in for dramatic Christmas on the cobbles including the return of Bethany Platt.

Lucy posed for a stunning festive shoot alongside co-stars Tina O'Brien, 40, and Charlotte Jordan, 28, to mark her comeback.

Lucy looked sensational in a plunging red gown with a sculpted and sequinned bodice as well as racy thigh-high split to showcase her toned pins.

Bethenny will cause fireworks when she explodes back onto the street for a surprise visit at New Years, but there could very well be a hidden agenda behind her sudden arrival.

Meanwhile Tina, who plays her onscreen mum Sarah Barlow, flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in white sequinned frock and green faux fur shrug.

Completing the look with a pair of statement pearl earrings the beauty swept her blonde tresses high into a bun as strands framed her dainty features.

Following her recent affair Sarah will spend a promising New Year's Eve with estranged husband Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) with a possible reconciliation on the cards.

But former lover Damon Hay (Ciaran Griffiths) soon walks back into her life, determined to take his revenge and win Sarah back in explosive scenes.

Last but not least Charlotte, who plays Daisy Midgeley, stunned in a strapless green velvet gown with a large bow at the tiny waist.

And her character, the lovable barmaid, will resort to desperate measures alongside Rovers' landlady Jenny Bradley (Sally Ann Matthews) in order to save the iconic Coronation Street pub.

Christmas will also see her affair with Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott) finally exposed and boyfriend Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) turning his back on her.

Lucy starred on Corrie from 2015 to 2020 before Bethany left for a magazine internship in London (pictured back in 2016)

The actress, 28, revealed the one thing she has been missing since her return: 'I don't have my dressing room, I don't have a house, they are still trying to find me a dressing room. Caroline if you are watching - get me a dressing room.'

Elsewhere on the street Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) bids farewell to Weatherfield in what's both a heart warming and heart breaking Christmas for partner Carla Connor (Alison King).

Ever since he killed Stephen, Peter has been battling his old demons, increasingly tempted by the bottle, so will he leave without the factory boss?

Meanwhile Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) and Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will both be facing heartache with mum Bernie (Jane Hazlegrove) behind bars.

All too aware it might be Paul's last Christmas amid his battle with Motor Neurone disease (MND).

Meanwhile neighbour Ed Bailey (Trevor Michael Georges) spirals further into gabling addiction, which is only exasperated by the arrival of father Sarge (Ram John Holder).

As his old habit gets the better of him, the builder descends to a heartbreaking new low which will impact on Christmas for the whole Bailey family.

In October Lucy has officially returned to the cobbles, three years after she left her role on the soap.

The actress was back filming again with her Corrie family as she took to Instagram to address her fans.

Teasing her return, Lucy appeared on Coronation Street's Instagram account as she announced she was back filming and excited for her character's new chapter.

Waving at the camera, she said: 'Hello everyone, It's me, Bethany. It's my first day back filming today, I'm very excited.

'A little bit nervous and I can't wait for you all to see what Bethany is up to. Bye!'

Coronation Street fans are in for dramatic Christmas on the cobbles including the return of Bethany Platt after three years away from Weatherfield (L-R) The Soap star's Tina O'Brien , 40, Lucy Fallon , 28, and Charlotte Jordan , 28

And actress Lucy Fallon (L) who plays the fan favourite character, posed for a stunning festive shoot alongside co-stars Tina O'Brien (C) and Charlotte Jordan (R) to mark her comeback

It was announced in August that Lucy was reportedly returning to the soap and will be back on viewers screens in scenes set to air after Christmas.

A TV source told The Sun at the time: 'Lucy is one of soap's most talented actresses who won lots of awards for her powerful portrayal of Bethany's grooming storyline.

'Bosses reached out to her a few weeks ago about the possibility of coming back, and told her everything they'd planned for Bethany if she agreed.

'She discussed it with her boyfriend, and family, because she's a mum now with a baby. Once they'd talked about childcare, and how best to juggle it all, she was able to say she'd love to return.'

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She's the notorious 'fake' Sydney socialite who's been accused of everything from buying Instagram followers to Photoshopping herself into private jets.

And on Thursday, Suzan Mutesi continued to raise eyebrows after attending the premiere of Dream Circus at Luna Park.

Wearing hot pink gown with a dangerously high split, the aspiring actress turned heads when she climbed onto a nearby merry-go-around and started to flail around on the back of a horse.

Dramatically waving pieces of the garment in the air, it appeared that Mutesi was trying to create a glamorous, windswept moment for social media.

A handful of onlookers looked perplexed as she enthusiastically flapped about and pouted into her iPhone.

Socialite and 'fake influencer' Suzan Mutesi raised eyebrows after putting on an animated display on a merry-go-round on Thursday

Dramatically waving pieces of the garment in the air, it appeared that Mutesi was trying to create a glamorous, windswept moment for social media

She was later seen twirling around by herself beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Suzan has long been the subject of controversy, and in July she was accused of 'gatecrashing' the Logies.

Naysayers have also claimed that the starlet has bought a large portion of her 1.2million Instagram followers.

Last year, she denied that her followers were fake despite unexpectedly gaining over 100,000 new fans in the span of seven days.

She was later seen twirling around by herself beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge

'I did not buy any fake followers. I have been busy working and do not have time to do any of that,' she told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

'The trolls are behind it,' she insisted. 'They are the ones buying the followers to try and discredit me and make me look bad. It's not fair.'

Suzan has been called out several times by influencer watchdogs and media headlines for heavily editing her photos.

She often adds designer items or changes backgrounds completely so she appears to be living a more luxurious lifestyle than she really is.

Suzan has been accused of everything from buying Instagram followers to Photoshopping herself into private jets

However, Suzan has likened her chronic photo editing to Chris Hemsworth becoming Thor for a movie, or Beyonce sharing a professional glam photo of herself online.

'Barbie doesn't look like Barbie every day. She's just an ordinary girl in jeans... Sometimes people will hate, but I'm a digital artist and I love it,' Suzan said.

She added: 'You're not that person, but it just looks better on your socials and it just highlights that life better.'
Lottie Moss looked glamorous as she enjoyed a night out at the London Cabaret Club with her mother Inger on Wednesday.

The OnlyFans model, 25, showed off her impeccable style in a black faux fur coat and leather trousers.

She boosted her height in a pair of stilettos and accessorised with gold drop earrings.

Lottie shared a sweet selfie with her mother Inger to Instagram and wrote: 'Such a cute time'

It comes after Lottie spent the night parting with Leonardo DiCaprio, 49, at London's nightspot Chiltern Firehouse.

Lottie Moss looked glamorous as she enjoyed a night out at the London Cabaret Club with her mother Inger on Wednesday

The OnlyFans model, 25, showed off her impeccable style in a black faux fur coat and leather trousers

Lottie shared a sweet selfie with her mother Inger to Instagram and wrote: 'Such a cute time'

Spies in the celebrity haunt told MailOnline how they were sat together before leaving in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

One onlooker said: 'You've got Leonardo and Lottie in the same room, of course they gravitated towards one another.

'They were chatting and giggling until the small hours when it was time to call it a night. They left the club in the early hours after having a whale of a time.

'It got people talking, they are both celebrities who enjoy a good time.'

Earlier in the evening DiCaprio, 49, attended a special screening of his latest blockbuster movie Killers Of The Flower Moon at the East Room in London alongside his co-star Lily Gladstone.

He later went to Chiltern Firehouse - a restaurant and late night bar which is popular with A listers such as Bella Hadid, Joan Collins, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, Winnie Harlow, and Noel Gallagher - wearing the same black buttoned jacket and matching sweatshirt.

The actor arrived first before Lottie, 25, who arrived somewhat later than the Hollywood star.

Lottie partying with DiCaprio will likely alarm her older sister Kate who dated him 30 years ago. Lottie wasn't even born when the two stars had a short fling in December 1993 shortly before she dated Johnny Depp.

The pair got to know one another as young models in the US when they were in the teens and while they spent a lot of time together, their romance is thought to have been short.

On her Instagram on Wednesday, Lottie posted pictures of herself having new hair extensions which she was thought to have had done before her night with DiCaprio.

On Tuesday night she was also out celebrating with her model friend Aine Sweeney Byrne for her birthday.

DiCaprio is currently reported to be in a relationship with Italian model Vittoria Ceretti, 25, with whom friends of the star say he is 'besotted.'

Only last Friday night the pair were seen at the star-studded Art Basel festival in Miami.

Vittoria was also at his side for his 49th birthday party last month which boasted a guest list of A listers including Beyonce and husband Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, Kate Beckinsale, Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum, Rita Ora, Zoe Saldana and Snoop Dogg.

Lottie has previously dated Made In Chelsea star Alex Mytton for nine months in 2017. She has also been linked to The Vamps' drummer Tristan Evans, Brooklyn Beckham and Capital DJ and TV presenter Roman Kemp.
Julie Bishop has announced her latest career venture after leaving politics in 2019.

The former federal foreign minister, 67, has set up her own 'boutique advisory firm' that offers her personal services in everything from business development to social media influencing.

Offering herself up as a brand ambassador, her newly launched website reads, 'Julie has been referred to as Australias Minister for Fashion  she is well known for her love of fitness and fashion, and works with a few select brands she knows and loves.'

On the business side of things, Bishop says she's 'focused on providing strategic advice to boards and management on complex international and domestic business challenges.'

She's currently offering herself up for public speaking and advocacy, 'customised analysis of geopolitical and geostrategic developments', business development and much more.

Julie Bishop has launched her own 'boutique advisory firm' that offers her personal services in everything from business development to social media influencing

Announcing the venture to her 110,000 Instagram followers, Bishop teased, 'New year, new challenges. See link in bio for more.'

Indeed, Bishop has become quite the style influencer since leaving politics.

In addition to working the business and politics circuits, the 67-year-old has been spotted at events for Australian Fashion Week and Louis Vuitton.

The high profile public figure recently revealed that a trip to New York for the Met Gala was her number one 'ultimate travel bucket list'.

'Surely one year, I'll get there,' she told Marie Claire.

Announcing the venture to her 110,000 Instagram followers, Bishop teased, 'New year, new challenges. See link in bio for more.'

Bishop also said that her style inspiration was Amal Clooney, wife of Hollywood superstar George Clooney.

'I love what she wears and whenever she wears it. Shes fabulous,' she gushed over the glamorous barrister.

Back in April, she appeared to enjoy her new career as a social media influencer by promoting her stay at the five-star Gansevoort Meatpacking hotel in New York City - which costs up to $2,814 per night.

Offering herself up as a brand ambassador, her website reads, 'Julie has been referred to as Australias Minister for Fashion  she is well known for her love of fitness and fashion, and works with a few select brands she knows and loves'

After checking into the hotel, she gushed: 'So my first stop at the Gansevoort is the coffee shop and they're making me an almond milk cappuccino.'

'#Giftedstay,' she captioned the video, also tagging Luxury Escapes.

Julie then attended an Anzac Day dawn service in NYC, where she addressed the crowd wearing black pants and a long white designer coat.

The retired Liberal politician accessorised her ensemble with Louis Vuitton earrings, which retail for $37,000, and an $800 scarf.
Amy Dowden took to Instagram as she documented her last hospital appointment before Christmas on Thursday.

The Strictly star, 33, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, and underwent a mastectomy in July, was supported at the visit by her devoted husband Benjamin Jones.

Donning a festive jumper she bravely beamed in the snaps and thanked hospital staff before joking a large injection was her 'early Christmas present'.

She wrote: 'The last apt before Christmas, then we are getting into Christmas spirit and taking out lovely dance teachers out!! Ready to spend Christmas with my loved one'.

Amy and Ben tied the knot in July 2002 and found a lump in her breast the day before she jetted off for a belated honeymoon to the Maldives.

Amy Dowden took to Instagram as she documented her last hospital appointment before Christmas on Thursday.

She made her return to dance floor for Strictly's final on Saturday after being forced to miss the series due to her illness

It comes after Amy thanked the Strictly Come Dancing team in a heartfelt social media post on Sunday after she returned to the show for the final after being forced to miss the series amid cancer treatment.

She returned to the final and looked to be having a great time as she caught up with all her pals in the dressing rooms amid the show.

She shared behind-the-scene snaps with finalist Dianne Buswell, as well as crew members.

Alongside the pictures, Amy penned on Instagram: 'Strictly 2023 thank you! Congratulations to our fabulous winners and finalist but also to every member of the team! It's truly a dream team!'

'My aim this year was to be able to dance in some way and after breaking my foot the plans had to change but as always the incredible team still made it happen.

'Last night I got to be part of the opening number, thank you @jasongilkison. To have that adrenaline rush from performing in front of an audience, to be back with the gang made me feel like Amy again (the first time since my diagnosis). Thank you @bbcstrictly for helping me through these past few months.

'You've helped me more than you will ever know! This show certainly brings joy to the nation. It's bitter sweet coming to the end for me as this has been my only bit of normality the past few months and given me the distraction and focus to be there on Saturdays when I could with the team.'

Concluding the post, she wrote: 'My heart couldn't be more full than it is for this show and everyone involved. So proud to be part of the magic! Thank you!'

Donning a festive jumper she bravely beamed in the snaps and thanked hospital staff before joking a large injection was her 'early Christmas present'

She wrote: 'The last apt before Christmas, then we are getting into Christmas spirit and taking out lovely dance teachers out!! Ready to spend Christmas with my loved one'

Amy and Ben tied the knot in July 2002 and found a lump in her breast the day before she jetted off for a belated honeymoon to the Maldives

Strictly viewers were moved to tears as Amy made her return to the show's dance floor during this year's final on Saturday.

While she has made appearances on the programme and its spin-off It Takes Two , she had not danced with her fellow professionals before the final.

But on Saturday she took to the dance floor once again, opting to go without a wig having lost her hair following her chemotherapy.

The moment left viewers feeling emotional, with many taking to Twitter to express their joy at seeing her on screen.

One viewer wrote: 'Tearing up at seeing Amy Dowden dancing in the #StrictlyFinal Let's have her back on #strictly soon!'

Someone else shared: 'That Amy Dowden reveal was a MOMENT.'

It comes after Amy thanked the Strictly Come Dancing team in a heartfelt social media post on Sunday after she returned to the show for the final after being forced to miss the series amid cancer treatment

She returned to the final and looked to be having a great time as she caught up with all her pals in the dressing rooms amid the show

Alongside the pictures, Amy penned on Instagram: 'Strictly 2023 thank you! Congratulations to our fabulous winners and finalist but also to every member of the team! It's truly a dream team!'

While she has made appearances on the programme and its spin-off It Takes Two , she had not danced with her fellow professionals before the final

'@AmyDowden is dancing!!! Oh my gosh that's so good to see. Leaky eyes moment,' shared another viewer.

While someone else posted: 'OMG #Strictly A minute in and bawling seeing gorgeous #AmyDowden dancing.'

Another show fan commented: 'Amy Dowden dancing without a wig is the energy everyone needs.'

While someone else shared: 'Great to see Amy Dowden in the opening routine!!'

Amy bowed out of this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing as she underwent a course of chemotherapy, which she completed in November.

However, earlier this week, the star appeared on ITV's This Morning where she admitted that her cancer journey is far from over.

The chemo caused neuropathy, meaning she temporarily lost feeling in her hands and feet, causing her to land on her foot at a strange angle and break her metatarsal.

Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, and underwent a mastectomy in July (seen in hospital)

And just weeks after breaking her foot, Amy was rushed to hospital after suffering another health blow.

The professional dancer was diagnosed with a blood clot on her lung but is now thankfully recovering well with the help of blood thinning injections.

Amy explained : 'I'm taking every day as it comes. I though once I rang that bell I would be fine but it's not been like that, I find it mentally a lot tougher now. The journey isn't over yet.

'I've had what I love the most taken away from me and I just find that so cruel.'

As Women's Health UK's December cover star, Amy spoke about the life-changing ordeal she has faced since her cancer diagnosis in May.

The dancer insisted: 'I just want to be treated as normal. When I'm walking outside and I've got my headscarf on, I don't want looks of sympathy or feeling sorry for me  I'm Amy.

'Sometimes, people don't know how to address it. Just ask how I am  I will answer you. We don't want you to feel sorry for us. We're embracing it. Stand strong with usDon't give me that pity look  I don't need it!'.
EastEnders have confirmed that they will not be releasing their blockbuster Christmas Day episode early on iPlayer.

Typically soap fans are able to view that day's episode from 6am online, but for the hour-long special viewers will have to tune in at 9:45pm to see the drama unfold.

EastEnders viewers have been counting down the days until the identity of the mystery male Queen Vic victim is revealed, after 10 months of clues, theories and red herrings.

The fact that the episode will not be available on iPlayer in advance means the final reveal will remain a closely-guarded secret until it airs on screen.

The long-running storylines surrounding The Six - Linda Carter, Suki Panesar, Stacey Slater, Denise Fox, Kathy Beale and Sharon Mitchell - will finally come to a head on Christmas Day, as one male character meets their maker.

EastEnders have confirmed that they will not be releasing their blockbuster Christmas Day episode early on iPlayer

Over the past 10 months, fans have been given small clues hinting at the identity of the man in question, with one telling sign being a pair of cufflinks glimpsed on the body.

Already the shortlist has been narrowed down to seven - Phil Mitchell, Keanu Taylor, Ravi Gulati, Dean Wicks, Nish Panesar, Rocky Cotton and Jack Branning.

And in scenes that aired on Tuesday, viewers saw the mystery cufflinks in question, as Alfie Moon sold a huge box of the accessory ahead of the festive season.

While fans noticed that it appeared all seven of the possible victims would be wearing the cufflinks, three of the boxes Alfie was selling were a different colour.

This has led some fans to claim this meant three characters could be killed off on Christmas Day in a jaw-dropping twist.

Anticipation is building for EastEnders' upcoming Christmas Day episode, which will finally reveal the identity of the male body in the Queen Vic.

Sharon and Keanu are preparing for their wedding, with the groom unaware his wife-to-be is hiding a huge secret about her son Albie's paternity.

As her ex Phil arrives to crash the big day, it remains to be seen whether the ceremony will go ahead.

Typically soap fans are able to view that day's episode from 6am online, but for the hour-long special viewers will have to tune in at 9:45pm to see the drama unfold

The wedding proves more eventful than expected, with Sharon joining Linda, Denise, Kathy, Suki and Stacey at the Vic as they all attempt to process the events of the day in question.

None of them, however, could have predicted what happens next, with The Six's lives changed forever as a Walford male resident meets his demise.

Speaking ahead of the hour-long episode, showrunner Chris Clenshaw has hinted that new steps were taken to insure the outcome of the episode remains a closely-guarded secret.

He said: 'We've had several methods in place throughout the entire year to keep the storyline a secret and to ensure that the Christmas Day episode and the big reveal of who's on the floor  plus who does it  remains under wraps until the 25th December.

'Sadly, I can't reveal what those methods are as that would give everything away, but it would be a real shame if anyone spoiled the surprise as we know how much the audience love watching the drama unfold in real-time.'

Ahead of the Christmas episode, viewers have seen various storylines involving The Six begin to come together, culminating in the dramatic festive showdown.

Explaining where each character finds themselves in the lead-up to Christmas, Chris said: 'Stacey is struggling in the wake of Theo and, through her desperation to find out the truth about Eve's whereabouts, she finds herself connecting with someone that takes her by surprise.

'Suki is considerably worried about Eve and she'll go to great lengths, putting everything on the line, to find out if her husband, Nish, is behind Eve's sudden disappearance.

In scenes that aired on Tuesday, viewers got a glimpse of the mystery cufflinks that have hinted at the identity of the male character who will meet their maker

'Linda is tormented further by Dean Wicks and his actions lead to old habits dying hard for our landlady.

'Sharon is intent on marrying Keanu Taylor on Christmas Day while keeping the truth from him that their son Albie is in fact Phil Mitchell's, but this isn't a secret Sharon can contain and, on the Square, secrets never stay secret for very long

'Denise's marriage to Jack has been on the rocks since her dalliance with Ravi Panesar earlier in the year but it's put under more pressure when, this side of Christmas, one of them break their marriage vows.

'Kathy is heartbroken having discovered that her husband Rocky Cotton was behind the arson attack on her beloved caff that put both her grandsons in hospital, and left Peter fighting for his life. Having been swindled out of all of her savings, Kathy has had no option but to sell her pride and joy just before Christmas.'

The storylines have been praised by many viewers for reinvigorating the soap this year, and the fallout is set to continue well into 2024.

EastEnders airs on Christmas Day at 9:45pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Loose Women took a saucy turn on Thursday, as Kaye Adams made a very X-rated joke about Denise Welch's sex life.

During a discussion on the ITV daytime show about the Christmas food shop, Katie Piper revealed she gets up every Christmas Day at 6am to start on the cooking.

Her fellow panelists were impressed at her dedication, and Katie, 40, explained she loves hosting.

She added: 'My mum bought me a hostess trolley for my birthday' causing Denise, 65, to quip: 'Now you're talking!'

Kaye, 60, then jumped in and joked: 'Denise likes a hostess trolley, she likes to be bent over backwards over it!'

Loose Women took a saucy turn on Thursday, as Kaye Adams made a very X-rated joke about Denise Welch 's sex life (Denise pictured)

During a discussion on the ITV daytime show about the Christmas food shop, Katie Piper (second left) revealed she gets up every Christmas Day at 6am to start on the cooking

Kaye, 60, (pictured) then jumped in and joked: 'Denise likes a hostess trolley, she likes to be bent over backwards over it!'

The panel and audience gasped in shock and Denise gaped at the surprise quip as Katie said: 'Oh my goodness! It's a religious time of year!'

Denise then shot back: 'I think this is the time we should talk about Kayes love of dressing up at Christmas!'

Katie began fanning Kaye with a piece of paper as Jane Moore scolded her, saying: 'Where's a bar of soap for her mouth?'

Kaye rushed to defend herself, saying: 'It was Victoria woods famous sketch. Calm down everyone!'

Denise then looked at the camera as she mimed puffing on a cigarette and addressed her husband Lincoln Townley, 50, quipping: 'I hope youre watching Lincoln!'

A mortified Kaye admitted: 'I'm actually blushing now. It's just because I love Victoria Wood!'

Victoria Wood had a sketch series in the 1980s, and one sketch saw her singing a song called Ballad of Barry & Freda (Let's Do It).

In it the late comedian sang the lyrics: 'Bend me over backwards on my hostess trolley. Lets do it, lets do it tonight'.

The panel and audience gasped in shock and Katie began fanning Kaye with a piece of paper as Jane Moore scolded her, saying: 'Where's a bar of soap for her mouth?'

Kaye rushed to defend herself, saying: 'It was Victoria woods famous sketch. Calm down everyone!' before admitting: 'I'm actually blushing now'

Denise then looked at the camera as she mimed puffing on a cigarette and addressed her husband Lincoln Townley, 50, quipping: 'I hope youre watching Lincoln!'

Victoria Wood had a sketch series in the 1980s, and one sketch saw her singing a song with the lyrics: 'Bend me over backwards on my hostess trolley' (Victoria pictured on show in 1986)

It's not the first time the Loose Women have delved into the naughty topic of Denise's sex life on the show.

In 2021, Denise herself made a candid admission about her personal preferences in the bedroom, saying she likes sex 'little and often or big and often'.

Denise, who has been married to Lincoln since 2013, said the couple are 'nice and regular' and she doesn't like to 'move around too much'.

She said: 'I have a husband who I absolutely adore and I like little and often or big and often.

'I'm not bothered about chandelier swinging or whatever. Nice and regular, as long as I don't have to move around too much that's all I'm saying.'

Denise and PR manager Lincoln began dating in 2012 and their engagement was revealed in August of that year.

They tied the knot the following June in a romantic ceremony in Portugal.

Denise was previously married to David Easter from 1983 to 1988 and tied the knot with Tim Healy in 1988, with whom she shares sons Matty, 34, and Louis, 22.

She revealed that they had separated on Loose Women in 2012, and had been for a long time.

It's not the first time the show has delved into the naughty topic of Denise's sex life, as in 2021, Denise herself made a candid admission that she likes sex 'little and often or big and often'
She's never shy about showing off her surgically-enhanced figure on social media.

And Chloe Ferry put on an eye-popping display yet again as she posed for a string of lingerie-clad Instagram snaps this week.

The Geordie Shore star, 28, slipped into a sheer black lace bra and very skimpy panties which she teamed with stockings and suspenders.

Flaunting her jaw-dropping figure Chloe then modelled an identical look in white as she gazed seductivly into the camera.

Her final ensemble boasted an emerald green bra and coordinating underwear, leaving almost nothing to the imagination.

Chloe Ferry, 28, put on an eye-popping display yet again as she posed for a string of lingerie-clad social media snaps this week

The Geordie Shore star slipped into a sheer black lace bra and panties which she teamed with stockings and suspenders

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.

One commenter called Chloe 'unbelievable looking,' while another gushed over her hair and many simply used emojis.

Flaunting her jaw-dropping figure Chloe then modelled an identical look in white as she gazed seductivly into the camera

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.

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.

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

Social media users commented on the tiles not looking how they usually would behind Chloe in the images

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.'
Faye Winter was brought to tears on Thursday as she spoke about the upcoming ban on XL Bullies.

The Love Island star, 28, admitted she had been 'crying most of the morning' over fears many dogs will be put down because of the Government legislation.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the ban after a spate of violent attacks which left many people injured or dead.

The new legislation comes in on December 31 and will make it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, rehome, abandon or allow XL bully dogs to stray in England and Wales - unless owners apply for an exception.

Owners can apply to have their pets exempt from the crackdown - which means they would have to pay 92.40 for a certificate and the dog would need to be microchipped and neutered, as well as muzzled and kept on a lead in public.

Faye Winter, 28, was brought to tears on Thursday as she spoke about the upcoming ban on XL Bullies

The Love Island star admitted she had been 'crying most of the morning' over fears many dogs will be put down because of the Government legislation

Owners without a certificate of exemption will face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully as of February 1.

The second option would be to have their dogs put down, with the Government offering 200 in compensation to these owners.

And passionately voicing her fury at the new legislation, Faye, who recently claimed she 'lost work' after speaking out against the ban, got rather emotional this time around.

In a now deleted video, she said: 'I am sorry this is the face and state of somebody that has been spending the most of the morning crying because the Government released yesterday that the XL Bullies have been put into rescue centres.

'If they were put in before October 31, then rescue centres can apply for an exemption, which is amazing and that's incredible.

'But if anybody has taken a bit longer to decide if they can keep their XL Bully, if they are going to make themselves homeless, if they have needed to speak to their housing association or their landlords to see if they can keep their dog or they put their dog into a rescue centre after October 31... rescue centres cannot apply for an exemption for those dogs.

'And then on top of that they are then giving 100 as a contribution towards euthanasia.'

Faye further explained that rescue centres will have take money out of a 'fund pot' to look after the animals before they are put down.

And passionately voicing her fury at the new legislation, Faye, who recently claimed she 'lost work' after speaking out against the ban, got rather emotional this time around

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the ban after a spate of violent attacks which left many people injured or dead

The new legislation comes in on December 31 and will make it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, rehome, abandon or allow XL bully dogs to stray in England and Wales - unless owners apply for an exception

Owners can apply to have their pets exempt from the crackdown - which means they would have to pay 92.40 for a certificate and the dog would need to be microchipped and neutered, as well as muzzled and kept on a lead in public

On Monday, Faye said she has received 'hate and lost work' over her speaking out about the ban on American XL Bully dogs

Getting upset, she added: 'Dogs are already being put down and losing their lives in these centres', but quickly cut the video off because she became emotional.

On Monday, Faye said she has received 'hate and lost work' over her speaking out about the ban on American XL Bully dogs.

shared a video of her meeting with an XL Bully called Nala and shared a lengthy caption saying the breed had been misjudged.

Faye declared 'the UK wants to generalise [the breed] as evil' and that she was willing to endure the negative backlash to save 'innocent lives'.

She added that she felt sympathetic for victims of dog attacks but she couldn't 'sit back and watch' while the ban was enforced.

She penned: 'NALA - firstly what an honour to meet such an incredible, kind soul that the UK wants to generalise as evil. It was a pleasure to be in your company from the moment I saw you to the moment I left.

'Im not here to take away from anyone that has been the subject of a dog attack, Im sorry youve had to endure pain and heartbreak, Im also not here saying that there is no evil in people that own this breed.

'All I know is that most of these dogs are just like Nala preparing to have their innocent lives ended on the 31st of December because they are in rehoming centres and I cant sit back and watch.

Owners without a certificate of exemption will face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully as of February 1 - The second option would be to have their dogs put down, with the Government offering 200 in compensation

Faye declared 'the UK wants to generalise [the breed] as evil' and that she was willing to endure the negative backlash to save 'innocent lives'

She added that she felt sympathetic for victims of dog attacks but she couldn't 'sit back and watch' while the ban was enforced

'Through speaking on this subject Ive endured hate and lost work but if I can save one dogs life I know it will be for something.

'All you see in the media is one small horrendous snippet and I can see why people are fearful, Im just wanting to show you another side the true side for most of this breed. You all gave us a platform and Ill be dammed if Im not using it.

'NALA is based at @rspcalittlevalleyexeter they are looking through applications and are hopeful they will find her the perfect home however due to legislation, Nala will have to go through exception based on her physical characteristics.

'I cant say how much this breaks my heart but I know she will have the most amazing life with someone that respects and adores her because she is the most amazing girl.'

In addition to rules coming in at the end of the year, it will also be illegal to own an American bully XL in England and Wales from February 1, 2024.

Now, owners are in a panic and abandoning their pets, or begging vets to change official records to say 'Staffies' because they're worried their dogs will be put down.

Despite rescuers being able to apply for exemptions to keep the breed, the dog would be forced to live its life out in a kennel, which charities say they would never choose for welfare reasons.

Owners of the breed have staged protests against the ban, including a march through London in September.

In addition to rules coming in at the end of the year, it will also be illegal to own an American bully XL in England and Wales from February 1, 2024

Owners of the breed have staged protests against the ban. Dozens of XL Bully owners held a mass meet up with 62 of their dogs in Calludon Castle last month (pictured)

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Last month, dozens of XL Bully owners held a mass meet up with 62 of their dogs in Calludon Castle with owners strictly prohibited from bringing 'aggressive dogs' or 'dogs in season.'

The ban will not apply in Scotland after ministers turned down a request from the UK government to comply.

As a result, there have also been fears of the country becoming a 'dumping ground' for dogs.

Additionally, the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) fears the rules may lead to a 'postcode lottery' on vets being able to help owners meet the terms and could lead to more XL Bully dogs being abandoned across the UK.

The charity said: 'We fear that these factors will result in a postcode lottery on helping owners euthanise or neuter their bully XLs, and could increase abandonment rates for owners that have nowhere else to turn.'

There have been numerous reports of XL Bully attacks in the last year, including a 10-year-old boy being mauled in Blackburn as well as a campaigner for the breed describing the horrific injuries an XL Bully inflicted on him.

Two XL Bully dogs recently launched an attack on a rail platform, another dog attacked a security guard while in another video an XL Bully charged at police officers.

Injuries and deaths after attacks by XL bully-type dogs Jonathan Halstead, 35 Jonathan Halstead, 35 - January 29, 2020 Jonathan died from a severe neck injury and bites after being attacked in his home in Oldham, Greater Manchester by his pet Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bronson. It is believed the dog attacked him when its owner suffered an epileptic fit. Jack Lis, 10 Jack Lis, 10 - November 8, 2021 Schoolboy Jack Lis, ten, suffered catastrophic injuries after being mauled by an American XL bully dog called Beast while visiting a friend's home in Penyrheol in Caerphilly, Wales on November 8, 2021. Neighbours and Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics desperately tried to save him but he died at the scene. Armed police destroyed the dog on site. Adam Watts, 55 Adam Watts, 55 - December 22, 2021 Adam Watts, 55, was attacked at the Juniper Kennels and Cattery in Kirkton of Auchterhouse, near Dundee, and was pronounced dead at the scene on December 22, 2021. MARCH 21, 2022: Undated family handout photo issued by Merseyside Police of Bella-Rae Birch Bella-Rae Birch, 17 months - March 21, 2022 Toddler Bella-Rae Birch was attacked by her family's pet American bully XL dog when she was just 17 months old. The vicious dog snatched the child out of her mother's arms while they were at their home in Blackbrook, St Helens, Merseyside, on March 21 last year. Keven Jones, 62 Keven Jones, 62 - May 28, 2022 Keven Jones died after he was attacked by an American Bully XL dog in Wrexham, Wales on May 28 last year. Ambulance workers attempted to save him but they were unable to stop his left leg bleeding. Mr Jones was then pronounced dead at his son's house following the attack. Joanne Robinson, 43 Joanne Robinson, 43 - July 15, 2022 Mother-of-two Joanne Robinson, 43, was killed by her American bully XL dog, Rocco, after it 'turned mad in the extreme heat' in July last year. She died at the scene of the attack at home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire while her partner, Jamie Stead, was left with injuries to his hands, stomach and face as he tried to pull the animal off her. Joanne's mother Dot, of Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, revealed at the time that Rocco had previously fought with their other dog Lola - and she had warned her daughter to 'get rid of one of them'. Ian 'Wiggy' Symes, 34 Ian Symes, 34 - August 2022 Ian 'Wiggy' Symes, 34, who is understood to have been walking a bully XL dog himself at a recreation ground in Fareham, Hampshire, died at the scene following a horrific dog attack in August 2022. His devastated family said he was 'doing something he loved' when he died in the field in Fareham, Hampshire. Ann Dunn, 65 Ann Dunn, 65 - October 3, 2022 Ann Dunn, 65, was found collapsed with 'catastrophic injuries' at her Liverpool home she shared with seven dogs on October 3 last year. She was mauled to death by dogs including an American bully XL - and had been sent to hospital a year before her death because she had been bitten by a dog. Shirley Patrick, 83 Shirley Patrick, 83 - December 3, 2022 Widowed grandmother Shirley Patrick, 83, died after being viciously mauled by an XL bully in her own home. The retired nurse died in hospital 17 days after suffering 'life-threatening injuries' during the 'hellish' and 'violent' dog attack in Caerphilly, South Wales on December 3 last year. Jonathan Hogg, 37 Jonathan Hogg, 37 - May 18, 2023 Jonathan Hogg, 37, was mauled to death by an American XL bully dog when it turned on him while he was looking after it for a friend. He entered the pen when it went for him, leaving bite wounds on his arm, leg and head, an inquest heard. He was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries after the mauling in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on May 18 this year. Ian Price, 52 Ian Price, 52 - September 14, 2023 On Thursday, September 14, 'pillar of the community' Ian Price, 52, was attacked and killed by two 'devil' XL bully dogs after they jumped out of his neighbour's window in Stonnall, Staffordshire. Mr Price was attacked and killed by the two dogs which jumped out of a neighbour's window yards from a primary school. He reportedly died defending his elderly mother from the animals. The dogs bit him and ripped the clothes from his body leaving him dying in a pool of blood in his boxer shorts in the horror attack just feet from his home. Ian Langley, 54 Ian Langley, 54 - October 3, 2023 Ian Langley, 54, was set upon on the estate in Sunderland on October 3 this year by an enormous XL bully dog which grabbed him by the neck as he bent down to pick up his Patterdale terrier pup. The attack left Mr Langley needing CPR for around 15 minutes as emergency services fought to stop heavy bleeding from his wounds. He died from his injuries.

The XL bully joins a list of other banned dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act, including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro and Dogo Argentino.
Adam Driver has confirmed he has an eight-month-old bundle of joy.

The actor, 40, shares a six-year-old son with his wife Joanne Tucker, 41, and last week it was reported the couple welcomed their second child - a daughter - earlier this year.

Now the actor confirmed the new addition during an appearance on Live with Kelly & Mark, where he joked: 'I have an older son whose six and now she's eight months and you kinda forget how much babies kinda suck.'

While the Girls star may be a bit sleep deprived, he is learning to savor the current time with his daughter and be more 'patient' with her than he was with his son.

Asked if he was sleeping: 'Not a lot. But Im remembering this time that I have to enjoy it more. This first time, it went too fast and I was so anxious for him to kind of develop so he could communicate and tell me what was wrong. And now Im more patient with her. Im trying to enjoy it more.'

Adam Driver confirmed he has a new daughter during an appearance on Live with Kelly & Mark

'She likes me more,' he said. 'When I was with my son, he didn't want anything to do with me for the first three years.'

Last week, Page Six reported that Driver announced he and his wife had welcomed their second child during a rehearsal session for his Saturday Night Live hosting stint.

Driver, who plays Enzo Ferrari in the forthcoming biopic Ferrari, made the reveal as he went over his opening monologue, the outlet reported.

The San Diego native said, 'Last year, I asked for a baby girl, and I got it, which is exhausting - so this year, I wish for Ambien!'

The Marriage Story actor and his spouse previously welcomed a son in 2016.

Driver followed his previous pattern in confirming the news, as he previously did so while hosting SNL in January of 2020.

Driver, who has portrayed the role of Kylo Ren in the Star Wars universe, said at the time: 'I'm a husband. And a father. It's in that order though. I've been very clear with my son about that, he's second in everything.'

Tucker sported what appeared to be a baby bump in February in New York City on a shopping outing.

While the Girls star may be a bit sleep deprived, he is learning to savor the current time with his daughter and be more 'patient' with her than he was with his son

Last week, Page Six reported that Driver announced he and his wife, 41, had welcomed their second child during a rehearsal session for his Saturday Night Live hosting stint

Sources close to Driver and his spouse told Page Six in November of 2018 that relatives of Driver and Tucker had spoken of the pregnancy on their Instagram accounts, which were set to private.

Tucker's sister posted images from a joint baby shower calling them 'new moms' in a post that had accidentally been set to public, insiders told the outlet.

Driver and Tucker took their son on a trip to Italy in March of 2021, the outlet reported.

While Driver and Tucker have not spoken publicly about their children, Driver did reference being a parent in a February 2017 interview with W magazine.

The actor said that at one time, he doubted he'd 'love anything more' than his dog, adding, 'Like, I have a kid, maybe - and be like, but the dog!'

Driver said that he and Tucker had a new child during a rehearsal session ahead of his Saturday Night Live hosting stint, sources told Page Six

The Marriage Story actor reportedly said during the rehearsal, 'Last year, I asked for a baby girl, and I got it, which is exhausting - so this year, I wish for Ambien!'

Driver and Tucker initially crossed paths while studying at The Juilliard School and tied the knot in June of 2013.

Tucker is also an actress, as she's been seen alongside her spouse in the 2019 film The Report as well as a 2016 episode of the HBO series Girls.

She's also been seen in films such as 2020's Give or Take, 2016's Zero Days and 2014's Listen Up Philip.
Britney Spears' formerly-estranged mother Lynne Spears is reportedly 'hopeful' she'll return to her Louisiana hometown to spend the Christmas holiday with family after making amends.

However, the 42-year-old Grammy winner still hasn't scheduled any travel arrangements to return to her 68-year-old mother's Kentwood home at this point - according to TMZ.

Britney's $11.8M Calabasas mansion could feel even lonelier next week considering her third husband Sam Asghari filed for divorce from her in August after 13 months of marriage, but he did sign a prenuptial agreement.

Spears is also estranged from her two sons - Jayden James, 17; and Sean Preston, 18 - who moved to Oahu on August 1 with her back-up dancer-turned-ex-husband #2, Kevin Federline.

The Woman In Me author continues to pay her 45-year-old ex - whom she was only married to for two years ending 2007 - $20K a month in child support.

Britney Spears' formerly-estranged mother Lynne Spears is reportedly 'hopeful' she'll return to her Louisiana hometown to spend the Christmas holiday with family after making amends

However, the 42-year-old Grammy winner still hasn't scheduled any travel arrangements to return to her 68-year-old mother's Kentwood home at this point (pictured in 2015)

On December 1, Britney celebrated her 42nd birthday in Los Angeles with Lynne as well as her formerly-estranged brother Bryan Spears - according to People.

The Mississippi-born mother-daughter duo began their reconciliation in May - nine months after the grandmother-of-five's desperate Instagram plea to Spears and three years of 'rejections' writing: 'I have never and will never turn my back on you!'

'With family there's always things that need to be worked out, but time heals all wounds!' the semi-retired pop star - who boasts 42.7M Instagram followers - wrote on May 25.

'And after being able to communicate what I've held in for an extremely long time, I feel so blessed we were able to try to make things right! I love you so much!'

Lynne has co-written three books about Britney - Britney Spears' Heart to Heart (2000), A Mother's Gift (2001), and Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World (2008).

On Monday, Spears (born Bridges) joined her daughter Jamie Lynn Spears, 15-year-old granddaughter Maddie Aldridge, and five-year-old granddaughter Ivey Watson for festive fun at The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

The 32-year-old Sweet Magnolias actress previously revealed that she and the Hold Me Closer hitmaker spoke on the phone and made amends before she flew to Australia to compete on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here.

Meanwhile, Spears is still locked in a legal battle with her estranged father Jamie Spears, whose right leg was amputated '4in above his knee' in October due to an infection.

Britney's $11.8M Calabasas mansion could feel even lonelier next week considering her third husband Sam Asghari (R, pictured July 24) filed for divorce from her in August after 13 months of marriage, but he did sign a prenuptial agreement

Spears is also estranged from her two sons - Jayden James, 17; and Sean Preston, 18 - who moved to Oahu on August 1 with her back-up dancer-turned-ex-husband #2, Kevin Federline (pictured in 2021)

The Woman In Me author continues to pay her 45-year-old ex (L, pictured in 2005) - whom she was only married to for two years ending 2007 - $20K a month in child support

On December 1, Britney celebrated her 42nd birthday in Los Angeles with Lynne as well as her formerly-estranged brother Bryan Spears (R, pictured in 2018 with his daughter Lexie)

The Mississippi-born mother-daughter duo began their reconciliation in May - nine months after the grandmother-of-five's desperate Instagram plea to Spears and three years of 'rejections' writing: 'I have never and will never turn my back on you!'

On Monday, Lynne joined her daughter Jamie Lynn Spears (M), 15-year-old granddaughter Maddie Aldridge (L), and five-year-old granddaughter Ivey Watson (B) for festive fun at The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel

The 32-year-old Sweet Magnolias actress previously revealed that she and the Hold Me Closer hitmaker spoke on the phone and made amends before she flew to Australia to compete on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here

Meanwhile, Britney is still locked in a legal battle with her estranged father Jamie Spears (L), whose right leg was amputated '4in above his knee' in October due to an infection

The 71-year-old former construction business owner allegedly amassed $6M off Spears while keeping her working in Las Vegas and depriving her of civil liberties during the 13-year conservatorship, which finally ended in 2021

Spears (born Bridges) separated from Jamie for the second time in 2020 following their 2002 divorce and 25-year marriage (pictured in 2012)

The 71-year-old former construction business owner allegedly amassed $6M off the former Mouseketeer's while keeping her working in Las Vegas and depriving her of civil liberties during the 13-year conservatorship, which finally ended in 2021.

And the Rodan + Fields consultant separated from Jamie (for the second time) in 2020 following their 2002 divorce and 25-year marriage.

Britney's critically-acclaimed memoir The Woman In Me has is currently No. 3 on the New York Times' Bestsellers Non-Fiction list after eight weeks.

Simon & Schuster paid Spears a $12.5M advance (25% of the net profits) to pen the 288-page tell-all with three alleged ghostwriters - Ada Calhoun, Sam Lansky, and Luke Dempsey.

In October, Deadline reported that 'buyers are circling' her autobiography to make bids on the rights to make a potential limited TV series based on the book.
She's never shy about flaunting her figure on social media.

And Lottie Moss left little to the imagination as she posed for a string of racy Twitter snaps on Thursday.

The OnlyFans model, 25, looked incredible in a lace black bra which she teamed with matching underwear and stockings.

Lottie completed the saucy ensemble with a pair of sheer opera glove as she posed on her knees gazing into the camera.

Captioning the post: 'My fave set of lingerie'.

Lottie Moss,25, left little to the imagination as she posed for a string of racy Twitter snaps on Thursday

The OnlyFans model looked incredible in a lace black bra which she teamed with matching underwear and stockings

It comes after Lottie spent the night parting with Leonardo DiCaprio, 49, at London's nightspot Chiltern Firehouse.

Spies in the celebrity haunt told MailOnline how they were sat together before leaving in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

One onlooker said: 'You've got Leonardo and Lottie in the same room, of course they gravitated towards one another.

'They were chatting and giggling until the small hours when it was time to call it a night. They left the club in the early hours after having a whale of a time.

'It got people talking, they are both celebrities who enjoy a good time.'

Earlier in the evening DiCaprio attended a special screening of his latest blockbuster movie Killers Of The Flower Moon at the East Room in London alongside his co-star Lily Gladstone.

He later went to Chiltern Firehouse - a restaurant and late night bar which is popular with A listers such as Bella Hadid, Joan Collins, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, Winnie Harlow, and Noel Gallagher - wearing the same black buttoned jacket and matching sweatshirt.

DiCaprio is currently reported to be in a relationship with Italian model Vittoria Ceretti, 25, with whom friends of the star say he is 'besotted.'

It comes after Lottie spent the night parting with Leonardo DiCaprio , 49, at London's nightspot Chiltern Firehouse

Spies in the celebrity haunt told MailOnline how they were sat together before leaving in the early hours of Wednesday morning

Lottie partying with DiCaprio will likely alarm her older sister Kate who dated him 30 years ago. Lottie wasn't even born when the two stars had a short fling in December 1993 shortly before she dated Johnny Depp.

The pair got to know one another as young models in the US when they were in the teens and while they spent a lot of time together, their romance is thought to have been short.

On her Instagram on Wednesday, Lottie posted pictures of herself having new hair extensions which she was thought to have had done before her night with DiCaprio.

On Tuesday night she was also out celebrating with her model friend Aine Sweeney Byrne for her birthday.

Only last Friday night the pair were seen at the star-studded Art Basel festival in Miami.

Vittoria was also at his side for his 49th birthday party last month which boasted a guest list of A listers including Beyonce and husband Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, Kate Beckinsale, Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum, Rita Ora, Zoe Saldana and Snoop Dogg.

Lottie has previously dated Made In Chelsea star Alex Mytton for nine months in 2017. She has also been linked to The Vamps' drummer Tristan Evans, Brooklyn Beckham and Capital DJ and TV presenter Roman Kemp.
Bradley Walsh was left stunned when he learned what his The Chase co-star Jenny Ryan's old job was.

Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan had a secret former gig that helps explain how she became so good at quizzes.

There was a question about QI Elves on Wednesday's episode with chaser Mark Labbett letting slip that Jenny used to be one.

QI Elves where the team who wrote and researched for the hit panel show QI.

Mark and a contestant named Nuala got the question right with the chaser then adding: 'Jenny was a QI elf.'

Bradley Walsh was left stunned when he learned what his The Chase co-star Jenny Ryan's old job was

Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan had a secret former gig as a QI Elf before she joined The Chase

There was a question about QI Elves on Wednesday's episode with chaser Mark Labbett letting slip that Jenny used to be one

Sounding surprised, host Bradley replied: 'She was not.'

'Why do you think she has so many green outfits?' Mark asked.

Bradley then asked if Mark was joking to which he said: 'No I'm not, do you know where that knowledge base comes from, she genuinely was. QI elf.'

Jenny, who previously wrote questions for game shows, joined The Chase in 2015, having been recommended by fellow chaser Anne Hegerty.

She previously told Radio Times: 'I actually worked on the pilot of The Chase and wrote the questions on it.

'All the questions I wrote have long since been used. If I could remember every question I ever wrote I'd be the world quiz champion.'

It comes after Bradley was slammed by ITV viewers as he kicked started the Royal Variety Performance 2023 with a 'cringe' stand-up routine on Sunday.

The presenter first appeared in the annual show 30 years ago and has now taking charge of proceedings.

Bradley was slammed by ITV viewers as he kicked started the Royal Variety Performance 2023 with a rather 'painfully unfunny' stand-up routine

Kate couldn't stop giggling as Bradley opened the Royal Variety Performance show with an awkward joke about being snubbed for an MBE and OBE at the star-studded show

However, just minutes into the show fans took to social media to complain about his 'boring' opening as he made an awkward joke at the expense of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The Princess and Prince of Wales attended the event at the Royal Albert Hall with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband Prince Daniel, who were in the UK on an official visit.

William and Kate entered the event with beaming smiles before they settled into the balcony with the Swedish royals while the crowd was giving them a standing ovation.

Bradley made a joke on the 'royal highnesses' being in attendance, with the camera switching to William and Kate as they laughed away - despite Omid Scobie's 'royal racist' claims which were published on the very same day.

Bradley's awkward joke started with him greeting the 'royal highness, or royal highnesses', with him pretending to stumble over the word several times.

'It doesn't sound right, your royal highnessesses? There's too many "ssessess", innit? Your royal highness... your royal highnessesses?,' he said.

'It should be like cactus, cactussess, cacti. Your royal highness, highnessess and highni. That's it. I've got it. Your royal highni.'

Meanwhile Kate and William as well as Victoria and Daniel were seen laughing awkwardly at the joke at their expense.

The royal couple showed no signs of anguish following the release of Omid Scobie's book Endgame, the couple looked delighted to greet the crowd.

But viewers were quick to take to X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain how 'cringe' the bit was.

One wrote: 'Bradley Walsh stand-up comedy isn't for you.'

Bradley made a joke on the 'royal highnesses' being in attendance, with the camera switching to William and Kate as they laughed away - despite Omid Scobie's 'royal racist' claims which were published on the very same day

ITV viewers were quick to take to X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain how 'cringe' the bit was

The Princess and Prince of Wales attended the event at the Royal Albert Hall with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband Prince Daniel, who were in the UK on an official visit

A second agreed: 'Bradley you are going on a bit too much about noting having an OBE you're not good at stand-up.'

Another penned: 'Bradley Walsh absolutely painfully unfunny. This is one of the worst routines I have ever seen in my life. Hopefully the end of this 'career'.'

It comes after the book's Dutch translation appeared to include the names of two royals alleged to have expressed 'concerns' about the colour of Prince Archie's skin.

Scobie continues to deny that the names were added to the Dutch version of the book on purpose as a publicity stunt.

Among those performing at the show were Rick Astley, McFly, BGT winner Viggo Venn and Cher. There was also a celebration of Disney's centenary and a tribute to theatre impresario Bill Kenwright.
The revitalized Golden Globe Awards are returning for their 2024 ceremony with the comedian Jo Koy serving as host.

The 52-year-old comedian will host the 81st Golden Globes ceremony on January 7, 2024, with the broadcast streaming on the Paramount+ app at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Though Koy (real name: Joseph Glenn Herbert Sr.) has joined the ranks of the world's top comedians in recent years, Thursday's announcement from the Globes marks his first awards show hosting job.

He also stirred up headlines in recent years for his relationship with fellow comedian Chelsea Handler, on whose eponymous talk show he was a regular guest.

Koy gushed that he was 'so excited' to be hosting the Golden Globes in a statement shared with the announcement.

Jo Koy, 52, was announced as the host of the 81st Golden Globe Awards show on Wednesday. It marks the comedian's first awards show hosting gig; seen in April 2022 in Las Vegas

Koy can be seen when the show airs on the Paramount+ streaming app on January 7 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

'Ive stepped onto a lot of stages around the world in my career, but this one is going to be extra special. Im so excited to be hosting the Golden Globes this year,' he wrote. 'This is that moment where I get to make my Filipino family proud. Mahal Kita [Google it]!'

The phrase means 'I love you' in Tagalog, one of the most prominent languages in the Philippines, where his mother hails from.

In a video shared to his Instagram account around the same time, a clearly excited Jo said viewers were 'wondering' who this year's host would be, before shouting, 'It's me!'

He added, 'It's going to be me, the whole time,' after giving his fans all the details about how to watch the show.

'We are thrilled to have Jo host the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards and bring his infectious energy and relatable humor to kick off Hollywoods award season. We cant wait to see what he has in store for the stars in the room and a global audience,' added Helen Hoehne, the Golden Globes President. 'We know Jo is bringing his A-game.'

Koy previously struck up headlines for his relationship with Chelsea Handler.

After appearing on her talk show going back to 2007 to 2014, he recounted in a 2021 Hollywood Reporter interview that he messaged Handler in December of 2020 to ask if he could give her a call.

'Not if you're trying to f*** me,' she responded in deadpan, though the two struck up an blossoming series of phone chats.

By the summer of 2021, Chelsea was making regular appearances on Jo's Instagram, which led fans to speculate that the two were dating, though according to them they were just friends at the time.

But he later told THR that she made the first move in August of that year when she asked him to kiss her.

Koy breathlessly announced the news on his Instagram on Thursday. In a statement issued around the same time, he referenced his Filipino roots and said he would make his family proud

Although his career has taken off in recent years, Koy also attracted attention in 2021 and 2022 for his relationship with comedian Chelsea Handler. They announced a split in July 2022; seen in April 2022 in Las Vegas

Handler recalled saying, 'I think you have a crush on me, and if you do, you should do something about it and see what happens.'

But after being inseparable for nearly a year, they announced in July 2022 that they had broken up.

The two had nothing but praise for each other and painted a picture of an amicable split, but months later she alluded to 'behaviors' from Koy that they couldn't 'agree on.'

In December, Handler said that she and Koy were no longer on speaking terms, and in January of this year she said she would no longer be commenting on the split.

However, Koy went on to call their breakup 'beautiful' in May.

The 2024 Golden Globes ceremony comes as the show attempts to move on from the scandals of its former parent organization, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

The group was hit with payola allegations in 2011, and it was criticized that year for nomination the Best Picture contenders Burlesque and The Tourist.

Both films received terrible reviews, but the HFPA voters had been flown by Burlesque producers to a Cher concert in Las Vegas, leading critics to allege that the act had helped the film receive an inappropriate nomination.

The Tourist's star Angelina Jolie was also reported to have personally lobbied members of the group ahead of her film  which costarred Johnny Depp  receiving a nomination.

The organization was further tarnished in 2018, when Brendan Fraser alleged to GQ that former HFPA president Philip Berk had sexually assaulted him in 2003. Berk was subsequently fired from the organization in 2021 after he called Black Lives Matter a 'racist hate movement' in an email to HFPA members.

More recently, a 2021 Los Angeles Times investigation revealed several ethical issues within the organization.

The expose also revealed that the HFPA had no Black voters in the organization, which many critics took as a reason for Black actors being snubbed in previous years.

The show's then-host NBC subsequently dropped the Globes in 2022, and the organization was subsequently broken up.

Handler later attributed the split to 'behaviors' of Koy's that she couldn't 'agree on,' though they remained amicable and he called their split 'beautiful' in May of this year; seen in August 2022 in Hollywood

The Globes have been swept up in controversy in recent years over payola allegations and HFPA members were influenced by A-listers. The organization was lambasted for a 2021 LA Times report revealing it had no Black members

A new for-profit entity was created from the group's assets Eldridge Industries and its subsidiary Dick Clark Productions, which had produced the show since 1993.

Meanwhile, the HFPA's charitable activities continued via the creation of a new, separate non-profit entity.

The Globes returned to NBC under new managed in 2023, but the show featured poor ratings and was only on a one-year contract.

This year marks its debut as a streaming-only show.
Laura Whitmore looked in great spirits as she enjoyed an evening at LaplandUK at Whitmoor Forest in Windsor on Thursday.

The presenter, 38, was joined by her daughter Stevie, two, and her rarely seen mother Carmel as she celebrated her mum's birthday.

The actress cut a chic figure as she wrapped up in a black leather jacket which was adorned with a dark green fur collar and matching cuffs.

Sweeping her blonde locks back from her face in a simple plait, Laura completed the look with a fashionable black hat and black boots.

Meanwhile the star's mum donned a khaki-coloured padded jacket, patterned beanie hat and brown lace up boots.

Laura Whitmore, 38, cut a chic figure in a stylish leather coat as she celebrated her mum Carmel's birthday at Lapland UK in Windsor on Thursday

The actress cut a chic figure as she wrapped up in a black leather jacket which was adorned with a dark green fur collar and matching cuffs

Taking to Instagram, Laura shared a sweet snap with Carmel as she wished her a happy birthday.

She wrote: 'Happy actual birthday to the mothership @carmelwhitmore'.

Also joined by her daughter, Laura shared snaps of Stevie enjoying the day out at the festive attraction.

The toddler was seeing running around in the snow-covered trees with her husky dog soft toy.

Later the mother-of-one filmed her writing her letter to Santa, before she headed to the letterbox to post it.

Laura captioned another snap: 'Most magical place @laplanduk' as she walked between the trees and showed off her Princess Elsa style hair do.

It has been a festive week for the star, after she joined her husband Iain Stirling at the Festive Food Drive & All Star Charity Comedy Show in London on Wednesday.

Laura co-hosted the event alongside Irish comedian Aisling Bea, while fellow comics Nish Kumar and Suzi Ruffnell were also in attendance.

Meanwhile the star's mum donned a khaki-coloured padded jacket , patterned beanie hat and brown lace up boots.

Taking to Instagram, Laura shared a sweet snap with Carmel as she wished her a happy birthday

Also joined by her daughter Stevie, two, Laura shared snaps of her daughter enjoying the day out at the festive attraction

The toddler was seeing running around in the snow-covered trees with her husky dog soft toy

Laura captioned another snap: 'Most magical place @laplanduk' as she walked between the trees and showed off her Princess Elsa style hair do

Aisling wore a 844 'Vote Love' embroidered jumper from Faye Dinsmore and a Father Christmas hat.

Nish, 38, wearing a full Father Christmas costume, joined Aisling on stage to perform to a crowd of eager fans, all dressed up in festive attire.

Hackney food bank fights for a hunger-free Hackney. It supports people who are in crisis or trapped in poverty with compassion and dignity by providing emergency food parcels, which offer practical, immediate relief.

They also connect people with local organisations that can help them to address the root causes and wider effects of poverty in their lives.
Willie Nelson's new documentary is sure to delight fans, as the country music icon drops quite a few bombshells.

Fresh off his 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl, Nelson candidly looks back on the highs and lows of his incredible life in the four-episode series debuting on Paramount +.

Highlighting numerous interviews with musicians, family members, bandmates, and Nelson experts, the series explores the myth behind the Texas native who became a Grammy-winning American legend.

'Dad has been homeless, hes had his house burnt down, hes been through four marriages, hes been up and down, hes been broke, hes [fought] the IRS, hes lost a child ... thats what makes him inspiring to me: His resilience in the face of adversity,' Willie's 34-year-old son Lukas Nelson sums it up in the docuseries.

Below, the most jaw-dropping revelations from Willie Nelson and Family.

Willie Nelson 's new documentary 'Willie Nelson & Family' is sure to delight fans, as the country music icon drops quite a few bombshells

Fork Fight with His First Wife

Willie fell instantly for his first wife Martha Jewel Matthews when he met her working at a fast food joint in 1952.

'She was a dark-haired beauty, a full-blooded Cherokee,' Willie says in the series, per People. 'Her eyes set my soul on fire, and her name was Martha Jewel.'

Although Wille was 19 and Martha 16, the pair were soon married.

Willie fell instantly for his first wife Martha Jewel Matthews when he met her working at a fast food joint in 1952; seen in 1996

'She was a dark-haired beauty, a full-blooded Cherokee,' Willie says in the series. 'Her eyes set my soul on fire, and her name was Martha Jewel.'

'My mother didn't want me to marry because I was as young as I was, so we just ran off,' Martha, who died of liver failure in 1989, says in a voiceover.

Willie said of their romance: 'We had a lot of fun together but we fought, and we both were drinking a lot in those days.

'One morning we got in this argument, and she picked up this fork and threw it across the table and it stuck in my side. It sounded like a tuning fork.'

Willie's Wife Discovered Affair From His Mistress' Pregnancy Bill

Willie was still married to second-wife Shirley Collie when a hospital bill arrived at their Tennessee home regarding the birth of Paula Nelson by Connie Nelson in October 1969.

'Shirley wanted to know who in the hell was Connie Nelson,' Willie says.

'The truth is Connie [Koepke] had been my girlfriend for several years before becoming pregnant.'

Daughter Lana added: '[Shirley] had no idea there was a Connie. She had no idea there was a baby until she got the hospital bill. Thats how she found out about Connie. Thats how I found out about Connie."

Connie says that at the time, 'the farthest thing from my mind was getting pregnant and telling my mom and dad.'

'Anyway, it happened. Honestly, I was the next one, and I dont mean that in a bad way, it's just Shirley wasnt their mother, she was gone. I bonded with those kids so much. I loved those kids. They all became my kids, too.'

A 'Shoot-out' with His Ex-Son-in-Law

The story of how Martha met Willie's third wife Connie Koepke has all the excitement of a soap opera.

Willie was still married to second-wife Shirley Collie when a hospital bill arrived at their Tennessee home regarding the birth of Paula Nelson in October 1969.

Connie, whom Willie had met while on tour, was the mother.

While Martha was visiting Willie in Tennessee, an incident unfolded involving their daughter Lana and her abusive husband, reaching a point where the husband began shooting at the house.

'It really pissed me off when he beat her up, so I went over there and slapped him around a little bit,' Willie says in the series. 'I told him not to ever do that again. Then he come back, taking shots at the house.'

Willie grabbed his own gun, and a bandmate, and began shooting at Lana's husband's car.

In the series second episode, Connie recalls encountering Martha in the midst of the gun fight.

'I just grabbed her by the skirt and dragged her down and said, Get down, youre gonna get killed! Thats how I met Martha.'

Multiple Suicide Attempts

Willie gets candid about his heavy drinking days in the 1960s when he was living in Nashville with Martha and their three kids Lana, Susie and Billy.

'She and I were fighting worse than ever, and I started drinking more than ever, Willie says of his relationship with Martha.

'I would get drunk every night and go home with someone different every night. [I was] slowly self-destructing. I really didnt care.'

'One time in the dead of winter I was so down on myself I laid down in the middle of the street hoping a car would run over me. No such luck. I had to get up off my ass and kept on trying to figure out how to make a living'; seen in 2018

'Back in my drinking days, I tried to commit suicide a couple of times,' he continues.

'One time in the dead of winter I was so down on myself I laid down in the middle of the street hoping a car would run over me. No such luck. I had to get up off my ass and kept on trying to figure out how to make a living.'

Willie Refused to File Bankruptcy While Owing IRS $32M

Willie discovered that he owed $32 million in income taxes to the IRS in 1990.

'It seemed like a lot of money, but it was a challenge,' Willie says.

The star said he was advised to file bankruptcy, but he refused, as he didn't want to cheat anyone out of money.

'That wasnt my plan at all,' he says. 'I never intended and never will do a bankruptcy where the people I owe get screwed out of their money.'

He was also in the midst of his marriage to makeup artist Anne D'Angelo.

Willie discovered that he owed $32 million in income taxes to the IRS in 1990; seen in 2019

'The lawyer was like, 'You know hes $32 million in debt and 19 of it will be yours?' I was like, 'Yeah, but Im not here for money either way,'" D'Angelo recalls.

'I already had my own, I was fine, how can I help? I know he came off as super calm, but he wasnt that calm inside. We had two kids  it was super, super stressful. They seized our house. We were living in this little condo all four of us because Micah was a baby. It was frustrating.'

Willie 'Didn't Talk' About Son's Suicide

In 1991, Willie experienced the tragic loss of his son Billy, who took his own life at the age of 33.

Willie's daughter Lana said her brother Billy suffered mental health challenges such as depression, adding, 'He didnt want to be depressed, he didnt want to be that guy.

'He tried really hard, he did.'

In 1991, Willie experienced the tragic loss of his son Billy, who took his own life at the age of 33; seen in 1998

Willie poses with his wife Annie, second left, and children Micah, Lukas and Amy, left to right; seen in 2007

Daughter Paula said: 'He really was a wonderful guy, but its hard to be in Texas when your dads Willie Nelson. You cant get away from it ...

'When Billy passed, it was terribly hard on [Willie] on all of us. It was really hard for him because that was his first son.'

Willie's sister Bobbie added: 'Its not that we had long talks about our grief  thats not Willie's way. We didnt have to talk about it. We knew.'
Vin Diesel's ex assistant is suing the actor for sexual battery amid claims the actor 'forced himself on her' during production of Fast 5 in 2010, reports TMZ.

Asta Jonasson says she was hired by production company One Race Films to be 56-year-old Diesel's assistant while he filmed the movie in Georgia.

According to documents obtained by the publication, Jonasson claims she was at Diesel's suite at the St. Regis in Atlanta while he was 'entertaining multiple women.'

She claims when the last woman left, she was tasked with escorting Diesel out of the hotel to avoid paparazzi. She alleges the actor forcibly grabbed her, groped her breast and kissed her, while in the suite.

Jonasson claims she struggled to break free, but the actor allegedly continued.

Vin Diesel's ex assistant is suing the actor for sexual battery amid claims the actor 'forced himself on her' during production of Fast 5 in 2010, reports TMZ (pictured May 2023)

Asta Jonasson says she was hired by production company One Race Films to be 56-year-old Diesel's assistant while he filmed the movie in Georgia (Diesel pictured in Fast 5 with co-star Paul Walker)

She claims Diesel then lifted up her dress and tried to pull down her underwear, before pinning her against the wall, grabbing her hand and placing it on his erect penis.

She alleges the actor was in his underwear after pulling down his cargo shorts.

Jonasson then alleges he pulled down her underwear and began masturbating while leaning against her. She claims she kept her eyes closed to 'dissociate;.

She claims when he finished, he pulled up his shorts and said: 'No one can say s**t about Asta' and left the room.

Jonasson claims hours later Diesel's sister and president of One Race, Samantha Vincent called her and fired her, saying 'they no longer needed her help'.

In the suit, Jonasson says she believes she was fired because she resisted Diesel during the alleged assault.

Jonasson also says she remained silent 'out of fear of Diesel's power in Hollywood', and because of 'her immigration status as a green card holder'.

She says she now feels empowered by the #MeToo movement and cites California's Speak Out Act - which allows victims to file sexual assault claims for alleged incidents dating back to 2009.

Diesel has been with partner Paloma Jimenez, 40, since 2007. The pair share three kids: Hania, Vincent and Pauline (pictured 2019)

Asta Jonasson says she was hired by production company One Race Films to be 56-year-old Diesel's assistant while he filmed the movie in Georgia - and claims he forcibly grabbed her, groped her breast and kissed her (Diesel pictured in Fast 5)

Jonasson says she is suing Diesel, his sister and One Race Films for sexual battery, wrongful termination and hostile work environment.

DailyMail.com has contacted Vin Diesel's representatives for comment.

Diesel, born Mark Sinclair, is best known for playing Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise.

Diesel has been with partner Paloma Jimenez, 40, since 2007. The pair share three kids: Hania, Vincent and Pauline.
Her highly-anticipated new rom-com, Anyone But You, is now out in theatres.

And Sydney Sweeney shared a very flirty snap with her leading man Glen Powell, 35, as she urged fans to check out their new film.

The Euphoria star, 26, shared a summery snap of them holding hands as they laid out on a drifting boat on Thursday.

The duo, who have been at the center of dating rumors, raised their clasped hands into the air as they soaked up the sun together.

Sydney donned a pretty floral print bikini while her co-star showcased his rippling abs in swimming trunks.

Sydney Sweeney shared a very flirty snap with her leading man Glen Powell as she urged fans to check out Anyone But You

She cleverly referenced the film in the caption, writing: 'couldnt imagine doing this movie with anyone but you.. :) @anyonebutyoumovie in theaters now!'

It comes after Sydney addressed the on-going dating rumours between her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell once again

The actress, who is happily engaged to her fiance, Jonathan Davino, 40, has been embroiled with on-set romance speculation, when steamy photos from the set appeared online.

And addressing the rumours, Sydney admitted 'it was really hard on Glen', following his break-up with his longtime partner Gigi Paris.

Speaking to Glamour magazine, Sydney said: 'It was really hard on Glen, which made me sad  because [otherwise] it was such a beautiful experience for the both of us. I care for him so much.'

Sydney also explained she prefers to keep her love-life private because 'people really love to build someone up, and then tear them down', she added.

She disclosed: 'Everyone is always so curious about who I'm with and what's that like, but I think it's important to have something for me.

'I've been in a steady relationship for a really long time, which is not normal in this industry and not normal for my age. What I've noticed about the idea of celebrity is people really love to build someone up, and then tear them down.'

Their highly-anticipated new rom-com has finally been released in theatres

The actress, who is happily engaged to her fiance, Jonathan Davino, 40, has been embroiled with romance speculation with Glen, when photos from the set appeared (Sydney and Glen pictured in the movie)

Sydney also revealed that her fiance Jonathan helped produce the rom com.

Fans began speculating that there was a significant connection between the two when they were seen looking particularly cozy and affectionate in the snaps.

And a production member on the film claimed that a number of people on the set 'thought they were already a couple.'

They said: 'I knew him from Top Gun. But I just assumed they were a couple in real life. That's what it looked like to most of us. And to some of the extras as well.'

Adding fuel to the fire was the demise of Glen's relationship with model Gigi during the same period.

In April of this year, his then-girlfriend Gigi unfollowed both him and Sydney on Instagram, which has now become a common nonverbal sign of a rift.

And addressing the rumours, Sydney admitted 'it was really hard on Glen', following his break-up with his longtime partner Gigi Paris (pictured)

Sydney also explained she prefers to keep her love-life private because 'people really love to build someone up, and then tear them down', she added

She disclosed: 'I've been in a steady relationship for a really long time, which is not normal in this industry and not normal for my age' (pictured with Jonathan)

A cryptic video post shared around the same time showed Gigi walking down a sidewalk and flashing a smile, and she captioned it: 'Know your worth & onto the next.'

The unfollowing spree was a significant reversal, after Glen's ex previously posted a set of celebratory emojis when Sydney was announced as his costar before filming had commenced.

But a source later told Page Six that Glen and Gigi had broken up amicably weeks before rumours about him and Sydney began flying, even though her Instagram post sounded less than amiable.

Both Sydney and Glen have repeatedly denied there is anything to the speculation of a romance between them.

In August, Sydney claimed her overly affectionate public interactions with her co-star were primarily a marketing ploy for their film.

Speaking to Variety, she said: 'It's a rom-com. That's what people want! Glen and I don't really care.

'We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much; he's such a hard worker, and I'm a hard worker.'

The Reality actress teased: 'They want it. It's fun to give it to 'em.'

In August, Sydney claimed her overly affectionate public interactions with her co-star were primarily a marketing ploy for their film

Both Sydney and Glen have repeatedly denied there is anything to the speculation of a romance between them

Anyone But You will be released in US theatres on December 22, after being pushed back a week from its initial December 15 date, and December 26 in the UK

Glen also denied any romantic connection when the pair were asked about it on a joint appearance on the Today show.

He said: 'No, but we do love each other. And, honestly, this is one of the most spectacular humans I've ever met. She's really great.'

Filming for Anyone But You commenced in February 2023 in Sydney and elsewhere in New South Wales, Australia.

Sydney and Glen star as Bea and Ben, who get set up on a blind date that initially goes well before they quickly get sick of each other.

But when the two end up at the same destination wedding attended by both their exes, they pretend to be the perfect new couple despite hating each other's guts.

Anyone But You will be released in US theatres on December 21, after being pushed back a week from its initial December 15 date, and December 26 in the UK.
Sam Faiers has been slammed by fans for gushing about her seventh trip to Lapland UK where tickets cost at 140 a pop.

The former TOWIE star, 32, shared a video montage of her last trip to the Christmas experience with her partner Paul Knightley and their children Paul, seven, Rosie, six, and one-year-old Edward.

She captioned the post: 'Our family tradition.. I cant believe this is our 7th year visiting @laplanduk. Magical in every way.'

But the TV personality came in for criticism from her followers who said many people can't afford to go to Lapland once, nevermind seven times.

According to The Sun, one user wrote: 'Perhaps next year Sam could donate tickets to a family that isn't as privileged.'

Sam Faiers has been slammed by fans for gushing about her seventh trip to Lapland UK where tickets cost at 140 a pop

The former TOWIE star, 32, shared a video montage of her last trip to the Christmas experience with her partner Paul Knightley and their children

Another added: 'OK to post pictures of Lapland but to make a point of saying it's the 7th time is a little unfair.'

A third wrote: 'Love your family but some people would like to take their little one's once,' while a fourth penned: 'You're lucky you can afford it.'

It comes after Sam and her sister Billie Shepherd signed a multi-million pound deal for their podcast with Amazon.

Sam and Billie, 33, will be bringing their podcast The Sam and Billie Show to Amazon's podcast platform Wonderly in a multi year deal.

The former TOWIE stars, who launched their podcast back in 2021, are now setting their sights on conquering the US.

An insider exclusively told MailOnline: 'The deal with Amazon marks a significant milestone for Sam and Billie.

'The girls are hoping the deal will open doors for them in the US.'

The TV personality came in for criticism from her followers who said many people can't afford to go to Lapland once, nevermind seven times

One user wrote: 'Perhaps next year Sam could donate tickets to a family that isn't as privileged'

The source close to Sam and Billie said the huge signing marks a new era for the sisters, after Sam stepped down from Mummy Diaries filming in 2021.

The podcast covers the sisters' lives as they negotiate family life with being in the public eye.

The lucrative deal comes as Sam's brand Revive Collage netted more than 13million in the first three years.

Revive Collagen now claims to sell one box every 90 seconds and is stocked in over 2,000 stores across the UK, including high-profile retail locations like Harrods, Boots, and Holland & Barrett and is also stocked at Saks Fifth Avenue in the US.

Her business partner, John Bailey, has transformed Sam's brands into a great success, which has generated more than 20 million across her various sponsorships and ventures, include Revive.

Sam is also mum-of-three to baby Paul, seven, Rosie, five, and Edward, one, who she shares with her boyfriend Paul Knightley, 35.

Billie, meanwhile, has continued with ITVBe with reality show Family Diaries alongside her husband Greg Shepherd and their three children; Nelly, nine, Arthur, six, and Margot, eight months.
Lisa Barlow revealed her 19-year-old son Jack has been hospitalized during his two-year Mormon mission to Colombia.

'I miss Jack every day - he has been in the hospital for 3 days and it's killing me not being there,' the 49-year-old Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star - who boasts 477K social media followers - tweeted on Tuesday.

When Twitter user @erel124 asked precisely why Jack was in the hospital, Lisa replied: 'They are figuring it out.'

Barlow said they'd know more soon and reassured concerned fans that 'he will be [okay]' but that it's 'hard being so far away.'

The Clorox paid partner can generally 'only talk to him 1 x a week on Mondays' and she reassured Twitter user @messyboots2B that those conversations are 'private' and if he 'wanted to come home tomorrow, he could.'

Lisa Barlow revealed her 19-year-old son Jack has been hospitalized during his two-year Mormon mission to Colombia (pictured July 16)

'Generally, family and friends should not visit you during your mission,' reads the Missionary Standards Manual.

'However, under special circumstances, your mission president may approve an exception.'

After graduating from Corner Canyon High School in Utah on May 25, Jack chose to postpone college and he's been in Colombia volunteering and preaching from the Book of Mormon since August 2.

On the November 28th episode of RHOSLC, Lisa said 'this mission for Jack is so personal' and 'he's going for the right reasons.'

'He's going because he felt strongly that this is the right decision for him. He had everything at his fingertips,' Barlow explained.

'He could be doing anything else in the whole entire world, but he chose to go out there and connect with people, share a message of love and kindness, and teach people about God.

'As soon as he wakes up, until the time he goes to bed, he is going to be serving others, and, as a mom, I couldn't be more proud of him.'

The LUXE Marketing owner and her husband John Barlow - who both graduated from Brigham Young University - are also proud parents of 12-year-old son Henry.

The 49-year-old Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star - who boasts 477K social media followers - tweeted on Tuesday: 'I miss Jack every day - he has been in the hospital for 3 days and it's killing me not being there'

When Twitter user @erel124 asked precisely why Jack was in the hospital, Lisa replied: 'They are figuring it out'

Barlow said they'd know more soon and reassured concerned fans that 'he will be [okay]' but that it's 'hard being so far away' (pictured Tuesday)

The Clorox paid partner can generally 'only talk to him 1 x a week on Mondays' and she reassured Twitter user @messyboots2B that those conversations are 'private' and if he 'wanted to come home tomorrow, he could'

After graduating from Corner Canyon High School in Utah on May 25, Jack chose to postpone college and he's been in Colombia volunteering and preaching from the Book of Mormon since August 2 (pictured July 12)

On the November 28th episode of RHOSLC, Lisa said 'this mission for Jack is so personal' and 'he's going for the right reasons'

Barlow explained: 'He's going because he felt strongly that this is the right decision for him. He had everything at his fingertips. He could be doing anything else in the whole entire world, but he chose to go out there and connect with people, share a message of love and kindness, and teach people about God. As soon as he wakes up, until the time he goes to bed, he is going to be serving others, and, as a mom, I couldn't be more proud of him'

The LUXE Marketing owner and her husband John Barlow - who both graduated from Brigham Young University - are also proud parents of 12-year-old son Henry (pictured July 16)

Catch more of Lisa and her family in the 18-episode fourth season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, which resumes January 2 on Bravo

The married couple of 20 years - who consider themselves 'Mormon 2.0' - co-own Vida Tequila and Blue Jay Hard Seltzer despite the Church of LDS' strict stance on alcohol.

Meanwhile, Jack and Henry have been fronting their very own hair and body brand, Fresh Wolf, since 2020.

Catch more of Lisa and her family in the 18-episode fourth season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, which resumes January 2 on Bravo.
Jeremy Strong has been pictured in character as Roy Cohn, Donald Trump's notorious mentor and attorney, on the set of the upcoming film The Apprentice.

The Succession star, 44, was spotted in costume as the late lawyer as he filmed a scene with Stan in Toronto, Canada on Wednesday.

The film, which also stars Maria Bakalova as Trump's late ex-wife Ivana Trump, charts the former president's efforts to 'to build his real estate business' in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s.

Jeremy was suited up in grey with a blue tie and collared white shirt and a head full of silver hair.

Stan - who plays the controversial businessman - stood behind him, clad in a brown suit with a folder an coat in hand.

Jeremy Strong has been pictured in character as Roy Cohn, Donald Trump's late lawyer and mentor, on the set of the upcoming film The Apprentice in Toronto, Canada on Wednesday

The Pam & Tommy star was outfitted with Trump's signature, slicked back hairstyle.

Stan was also seen donning a midnight blue coat teamed with black trousers and a glossy tie as he filmed a scene on the street.

The actor looked like a dead ringer for the future president as he shot the camera a stern expression.

Production began last month on the motion picture directed by Ali Abbasi, the outlet reported.

Variety reported that the film's title would be The Student, adding that a logline for the forthcoming film described it as 'an exploration of power and ambition set in a world of corruption and deceit.

'It's a mentor-protege story that charts the origins of an American dynasty. Filled with larger than life characters, it reveals the moral and human cost of a culture defined by winners and losers.'

The screenplay for the film was penned by writer Gabriel Sherman, who authored the 2014 book The Loudest Voice in the Room: How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News  and Divided a Country.

The book was subsequently adapted into the 2019 Showtime miniseries The Loudest Voice.

Stan was also seen donning a midnight blue coat teamed with black trousers and a glossy tie as he filmed a scene on the street

Trump and attorney Roy Cohn pictured 1984

Trump and Cohn pictured in New York in 1981

Trump has been spoofed for decades on NBC's Saturday Night Live, with actors including Alec Baldwin, Darrell Hammond, Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam and the late Phil Hartman playing the role at different points.

Stan is surging professionally, having garnered nominations for an Emmy and Golden Globe after playing the role of Tommy Lee in Hulu's Pam & Tommy.

He was rumored to be playing Ric Flair in a film after meeting with the pro wrestling icon this past May in New York City. (Aaron Dean Eisenberg plays Flair in the upcoming The Iron Claw.)

Stan, who has also been seen in multiple MCU films playing Bucky 'Winter Soldier' Barnes, is the latest in a line of performers who have played Trump.

Few of those have been for dramatic productions, with the most recent being Irish actor Brendan Gleeson in the 2020 Showtime miniseries The Comey Rule.
Jett Kenny and his girlfriend Lily Brown have suffered a major mishap on their first anniversary as a couple.

The pair had planned a romantic and expensive trip to a bathhouse in Byron Bay, New South Wales, about an hour's drive from their home on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

But they forgot the two states have an hour time difference due to NSW's daylight savings, meaning Queensland is an hour behind.

The mixup caused Jett, 29, and Lily, 25, to miss their relaxing experience altogether.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Lily shared her disappointment and explained they won't be getting their money back for missing the appoinment.

Jett Kenny and his girlfriend Lily Brown have suffered a major mishap on their first anniversary as a couple

'Booked the nicest day in Byron at a bathhouse that was so expensive and missed it because of daylight savings,' she wrote alongside her video. 'Happy anno to us!!!! And no refund or reschedule! Epic.'

'Disgustingly pi**ed off. We're off to get drunk instead,' she added.

Jett, who is the son of former swimming champion Lisa Curry, was seen explaining the situation on the phone while in the car.

'It's our anniversary today and we've booked something in Byron. But we forgot about the timezone difference and so we've missed that entirely,' he said.

The pair had booked an expensive experience in Byron Bay, NSW, but they forgot he timezone was different to Queensland, meaning they completely missed the appointment

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Lily shared her disappointment and that they won't be getting their money back despite the mistake

Lily and Jett debuted their relationship last December after weeks of rumours.

The model and influencer both shared the same photo of them kissing to Instagram on New Year's Eve.

Jett captioned his romantic post, 'To the future,' alongside a pair of love heart emojis.

Lily meanwhile wrote alongside her own re-post of the photograph: 'You'd be a tough one to keep a secret.'

READ MORE: Jett Kenny and girlfriend Lily Brown are spotted during a tense moment on the Sunshine Coast Advertisement

The pair were forced to deny they were set to welcome their first child after a round of pregnancy speculation in May.

The rumour mill was sent into overdrive after Lily's mother appeared to let slip the pair are preparing for a baby on Instagram.

Nataly shared a photo of pink, embroidered baby clothes, writing: 'Bit of baby shopping on the way home because [excitement emoji].'
Keke Palmer's ex Darius Jackson is seeking a restraining order against the actress amid their nasty split.

In court documents filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jackson, 29, asked a judge for a temporary domestic violence restraining order requiring the star to stay 100 yards away from him, per TMZ.

Jackson, who is father to son Leodis Andrellton, nine months, with Palmer,

told the court that Palmer 'repeatedly engaged in abusive conduct' and 'acted as the primary aggressor' toward him during their two years together.

In one alleged incident cited, Jackson claimed that on August 20, 2021, Palmer 'punched [him] in the face' at a birthday party they'd attended.

The request comes a few days after Jackson had filed a counterclaim, after the actress, 30, received a temporary restraining order against him last month amid allegations of domestic violence.

Keke Palmer 's ex Darius Jackson reportedly is seeking a restraining order against the actress amid their nasty split; seen in April

In his counterclaim, Jackson told the court Palmer 'punched the windshield of [his] car while [he] was driving' in January 2022.

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.

Palmer was recently granted temporary sole custody of their baby son and a restraining order against Jackson.

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.

He 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.

In her court documents, Palmer said she was seeking protection from Jackson after he allegedly 'trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent, threatened me, then physically attacked me'

In court documents filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jackson, 29, asked a judge for a temporary domestic violence restraining order requiring the star to stay 100 yards away from him; seen in April

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 one alleged incident cited, Jackson claimed that on August 20, 2021, Palmer 'punched [him] in the face' at a birthday party they'd attended

DailyMail.com obtained shocking surveillance camera images of Palmer being beaten by Jackson, with the images obtained from court documents.

Jackson, who has past denied the abuse allegations, said the video was misleading.

In the restraining order request, which she filed in Los Angeles, it was noted that the relationship  which began in 2021  'finally ended for good' early last month 'primarily due to the physical and emotional abuse inflicted.'

Palmer alleges that Jackson would also 'love bomb' her during their relationship.

'The abuse during our relationship was not just physical, but emotional and manipulative. Darius would 'love bomb' me and make me feel like I was the most important woman in the world, only to get extremely distant and cold over a perceived insult to him.'

Other incidents listed by Palmer reportedly involved him 'destroying personal property, including diaries and prescription eyeglasses' as well as throwing her 'belongings into the street'

Palmer accused Jackson of abusing her as recently as November 5, stating that she has security footage to back up claims that he 'trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent' and 'threatened' her before 'lunging for my neck, striking me, throwing me over the couch and stealing my phone'

'If we were at a party or event, and I spoke with one person too long or looked at someone a "certain way," he would storm off in a rage  telling me I was "slut" and a "whore," accuse me of cheating on him, and that I did not love him.'

'Darius had a way of gaslighting me to make me feel like I was doing something wrong even though I wasnt,' she wrote in documents.

Palmer alleged there have been 'many instances of physical violence' with Jackson, including him 'hitting' her in front of their son.

In April 2022, Palmer said that she was out for dinner with Jackson in Santa Barbara when he accused her of flirting with a woman, forcing them to come home early.

'Darius grabbed my prescription eyeglasses away from me, threw them on the ground and stomped on them. He then opened my bag, threw all of my belongings onto the pavement in the rain, and threw my car keys across the parking lot before he got into his own car and drove off,' she alleges.

Other incidents listed by Palmer reportedly involved him 'destroying personal property, including diaries and prescription eyeglasses' as well as throwing her 'belongings into the street.'

She also accused him of 'throwing my car keys to prevent me from driving away, spewing profanities about me to our son, threatening to kill himself with a gun if I left him, harassment, and other physical and emotional abuse.'

In the request filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday, Palmer said she is seeking protection from Jackson after he allegedly 'trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent, threatened me, then physically attacked me' on Sunday

Palmer alleged there have been 'many instances of physical violence' with Jackson, including him 'hitting' her in front of their son

In her filing Palmer also expressed being 'concerned for Leo's safety' due to prior incidents.

She claimed that on September 26, 2023 Darius became 'very frustrated with him when Leo was crying while Darius changed his diaper.'

Palmer explained that her former partner 'started getting rough with Leo physically and I stepped in to make sure Darius would not hurt him.'

She continued: 'Darius was angry and it almost became a tug of war with Leo. Darius finally let go and Leo was not harmed, but as I was holding Leo trying to comfort him and finish changing his diaper, Darius hit me in the head before storming out of the room.'

Keke also shared incidents of emotional abuse, writing, 'If we were at a party or event, and I spoke with one person too long or looked at someone a "certain way", he would storm off in a rage  telling me I was 's**t' and a 'w***e,' accuse me of cheating on him, and that I did not love him.'

Keke revealed it was the birth of their son that helped her make the decision to end their relationship.

'It is because of our son, Leo, that I was finally able to end my relationship with Darius once and for all and escape the abuse. Leo is the most important thing in the entire world to me; he needs and deserves to be safe and grow up in an environment free from violence,' she wrote.
Sam Mac had his Sunrise colleagues in stitches on Friday morning when he got the Australian Girls Choir to sing their own version of an 'Aussie classic'.

The weather presenter, 42, and the choir serenade his colleagues with some Christmas carols and decided to cheekily mix things up.

'This is actually quite dangerous, letting us have the entire Australian Girls Choir at our disposal,' Sam joked.

'I have always thought that another Aussie classic doesn't get the recognition it deserves and that is, of course, the Bunnings theme.'

Sunrise presenters Matt Shirvington and Edwina Bartholomew were left stunned when the choir perfectly harmonised the Bunnings ad jingle for them.

Sam Mac had his Sunrise colleagues in stitches on Friday morning when he got the Australian Girls Choir to sing their own version of an 'Aussie classic'

'What about the commitment on the "yeah"! You guys all get a free Bunnings hat for that, just go into your local store and they will hook you up.'

'I love the idea of the parents signing up their girls for the Choir and then finding out they're going to sing the Bunnings theme on TV. The girls nailed it,' he added.

Earlier this month, Mac returned to screens after taking a month break from his role on the show to focus on full-time fatherhood.

The weather presenter, 42, and the choir serenade his colleagues with some Christmas carols and decided to cheekily mix things up

The hilarious presenter was in good spirits as she donned a Santa hat while he showed off his dance moves during a live segment from a Christmas dance party.

He announced that he was stepping away from his on-air duties in December while taking paternity leave.

Sam's decision was to allow his stylist partner Rebecca James, 35, to return to the workforce for the first time since giving birth.

Sunrise presenters Matt Shirvington and Edwina Bartholomew were left stunned when the choir perfectly harmonised the Bunnings ad jingle for them

Speaking to 7Life, Sam said he is looking forward to spending quality time with Margot, who recently started walking.

'It's my turn to be getting Margot up, feed her and basically becoming her personal assistant/servant,' Sam joked.

In an interview with New Idea magazine last month, Sam also praised Sunrise for being so supportive, saying he was 'so grateful' for the 'opportunity' to take time off for his family.

Sam and Rebecca welcomed Margot in September 2022, two years after they started dating.
Rochelle Humes shared some more beautiful snaps of her family on her Instagram Story on Wednesday from their luxurious trip to Dubai.

Marvin Humes and the couple's children Alaia-Mai, 10, Valentina, six, and Blake, two, took centre stage in these photos, with Rochelle not featuring at all.

Rochelle, 34, captioned a photo of her family 'Mine' and added a heart-eye emoji. In another, without Marvin, 38, she wrote 'Ours'.

The presenter shared a third photo of Marvin and the children in a swimming pool. Alaia-Mai wrapped her arm around Marvin and threw up a peace sign.

In a final photo, Valentina can be seen enjoying a red drink with ice and garnish, and the caption is 'Sundowners'.

Rochelle Humes, 34, shared some more beautiful snaps of her family on her Instagram Story on Wednesday from their luxurious trip to Dubai

Marvin Humes and the couple's children Alaia-Mai, 10, Valentina, six, and Blake, two, took centre stage in the photos, with Rochelle not featuring at all

The presenter shared a black and white photo of Marvin and the children in a swimming pool. Alaia-Mai wrapped her arm around Marvin and threw up a peace sign.

Rochelle began sharing sweet photos from the holiday on Tuesday, where she stunned in a black bikini.

The holiday is welcome family time after Marvin finished I'm A Celebrity ... in fifth place, spending weeks away from Rochelle and the children.

Though the JLS star did not win, Marvin renewed the public's love for him with his friendly nature and constant sweet words about his wife.

Rochelle made a surprise visit to camp and Marvin later said that seeing her evoked so many different emotions that he was reminded of his wedding day.

In the Coming Out Show, Marvin also took part in a hilarious Facetime with his JLS bandmates.

Asking what they make of 'the new fifth member' Sam Thompson, Aston replied: 'If it doesn't happen, you're going to let the whole of the UK down!'

Back at the hotel, Marvin arrived to cheers and hugs from all his fellow campmates including Frankie, Danielle and Nella among others.

He said to Sam's friend Pete Wicks: 'Thanks for looking after Rochelle' and made sure to tell Josie's son Reggie: 'Your mummy loves you so much, okay. She can't wait to see you!'
Lawmakers, unions leaders and industry executives are fighting over the acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel - but what does it mean for Americans?

Democrats and Republicans alike are concerned it will jeopardize national security, and also that American jobs may be affected - a huge worry of the union.

But some industry experts say the $14.9 billion deal could revitalize the company, and one analyst told DailyMail.com that little would change for US Steel workers besides the logo on their paychecks.

Cheerleader for the fight against the sale is John Fetterman, the Democrat senator for Pennsylvania, where US Steel is headquartered. He has vowed to 'fight for the steelworkers' and to block the proposed deal.

'I just want to say it's absolutely outrageous that they have sold themselves to a foreign nation and a company,' he said in a video clip uploaded to X, formerly Twitter.

Japan's Nippon Steel announced on Monday it would buy US Steel for $14.9 billion but lawmakers and the United Steelworkers have pledged to block the deal

US Senator John Fetterman has vowed to 'fight for steelworkers'. He is pictured on December 7 walking near the Senate Subway at the US Capitol

The Nippon deal, announced on Monday, comes after rival domestic steel producer Cleveland-Cliffs made a smaller offer of $7.3 billion in August. By contrast, that deal was vehemently backed by the union.

Nippon Steel has said it will honor all agreements between US Steel and the USW and would keep its name and headquarters in Pittsburgh.

That isn't enough to appease the union. United Steelworkers (USW), which represents almost all 22,000 US Steel workers, said in a statement: 'To say we're disappointed in the announced deal between US Steel and Nippon is an understatement.'

Josh Spoores, a steel analyst at CRU Group, told DailyMail.com little will change for workers.

'From the point of view of the steelworkers, they're going to have what looks like the same contract they had with US Steel,' he said.

'All the same US Steel people that are running sales currently, are going to be running sales in the future.'

Spoores noted that if instead the two domestic producers had combined, the union would have had less bargaining power. He pointed to the advantage the United Auto Workers recently enjoyed in negotiating with Ford, GM and Stellantis all at once.

'If there is one steel company for all the unionized steel workers, that doesn't seem very bright,' he said.

Not only would it limit the ability of steelworkers to negotiate, according to Spoores, it would also create a less competitive market in the US.

'What [the Nippon acquisition] does is it maintains a competitive force in the market and that's really what the buyers want.'

Politicians have also questioned the wisdom of selling an American industrial giant - the world's fourth-biggest steelmaker - to a foreign company.

Three Republican senators on Tuesday urged wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging her to block the deal. They cited national security concerns.

At least four Democratic senators - Sherrod Brown, Bob Casey and Joe Manchin, as well as Fetterman - have also expressed opposition to the deal, as have two Democratic members of the House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.

The acquisition of @U_S_Steel by a foreign company is wrong for workers and wrong for Pennsylvania. Im gonna do everything I can to block it. pic.twitter.com/9EqohwRhRJ  Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) December 18, 2023

Pictured are hundreds of United Steelworkers rallying in August 2018

In a television interview after the deal was announced, union boss David McCall called it bad for America and bad for steelworkers.

He said the sale also violated bargaining agreements by failing to notify the union of the proposed sale. He also suggested that under new ownerships certain blast furnaces might close.

'Now there's an opportunity for imports coming in from Japan from their facilities there,' he told KDKA-TV.

But Spoores challenged those concerns too, noting that there are quotas limiting imports from Japan.

Rutgers economics professor Tom Prusa echoed Spoores comments, questioning the backlash from politicians like Fetterman.

'I think he's 100 percent wrong,' Prusa told NPR in response to Fetterman's remarks. 'There are challenges for US Steel workers, and those challenges are going to be there at US Steel with or without Nippon Steel's ownership.'

'What's most important for US steel workers, and particularly the ones at US Steel, is that they have companies that will invest and continue to invest in state-of-the-art technology to allow them to be competitive.'
It comes after DailyMail.com raised the alarm over 'card draining' scams

A gift card maker is facing a lawsuit over claims it is not protecting customers against so-called 'card draining' scams that police warn are rife this holiday season.

Legal action raises hope for Americans who have been given gift cards for birthdays, anniversaries or Christmas only to discover they are totally worthless.

The case specifically centers around Vanilla Gift and One Vanilla pre-paid cards bought in California. These are sold in Walgreens, Walmart and CVS but can be used at any retailer much like a debit card.

The crux of the case is that attorneys say the makers of the cards - in this case InComm Financial Services - knew crooks could easily steal card information but did not do enough to stop this happening.

While this case focusses on Vanilla cards and uses a law relevant to California, it could open the door for other victims of card draining - whether from other providers or those living in other states.

InComm Financial Services produces Vanilla Gift and One Vanilla pre-paid cards which can be used at any retailer much like a debit card. They are sold in Walgreens, Walmart and CVS

The new lawsuit, filed by San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, alleges that Incomm and its partners have 'known for years' about their cards' 'lax security features.' It claims this has led to 'numerous card draining incidents'

Gift cards from all manufacturers are increasingly being targeted by crooks who steal them from store shelves and copy the card number and PIN - before putting them back.

A customer then buys and loads the card with money - which thieves can then spend online using the information they have stolen. The person given the card will only find out when they try to use it - which this holiday season could mean when they try to do online shopping on Christmas Day.

The lawsuit, filed by San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, alleges that Incomm and its partners - thought to be mean the shops selling its cards - have 'known for years' about their cards' 'lax security features.' It claims this has led to 'numerous card draining incidents.'

According to Chiu's complaint, the packaging of Vanilla cards makes it easy for thieves to take them off shelves, make a note of their details - such as the card number and PIN - and discreetly put them back.

He adds the firm has 'not sufficiently improved its 'packaging or implemented other changes to prevent those losses.' Incomm vehemently denies all the allegations.

HOW TO AVOID 'CARD DRAINING' SCAMS Make sure a card has not been tampered with - including scratches or scuff marks near the bar code on the back of the card

Make sure the gift card is sealed and any protective cover on the pin code or activation code is intact

Check to see that the full card is in the covering, and the activation code has not been cut off

Keep the store receipt in case you discover the card has been compromised

If you discover the card has been tampered with, report it to the gift card company and request the funds are frozen and a refund is issued Advertisement

Chiu filed the suit last Thursday on behalf of residents of California - where, by law, providers of gift cards are required to reimburse customers whose cards are used for unauthorized transactions.

The lawyer says Incomm - a Georgia-based company - should refund its Californian customers who have been targeted by the 'card draining' scam.

'Incomm's negligence has opened the door for scammers to defraud thousands of consumers,' Chiu said.

'As we kick off the holiday season, we are filing this lawsuit to sound the alarm, to compel InComm to adopt industry-standard security features to stop card draining, and obtain restitution for consumers who have been harmed.'

The 'restitution' would likely be a refund of money taken from cards by crooks.

A Vanilla Gift representative told CNN that the company 'categorically denies the baseless allegations made in the San Francisco complaint and are proud of our long history of innovation and consumer focus that has made us an undisputed industry leader.' DailyMail.com also reached out to the firm for comment.

It comes after police and security experts repeatedly raised the alarm over 'card draining' scams.

Christopher Peltz, cyber security expert with Guidepoint Security, told CNN: 'So far, card draining is the most prevalent scam this holiday season.'

And over the weekend victim Suzanne Gdovic told DailyMail.com that she had lost $200 on a gift card she had purchased from Target for a friend's daughter's baby shower.

Suzanne, 64, from Arvada, had bought the card back in September. Weeks later, she received a text message from the recipient to say she had tried to spend it but was told it had a $0 balance.

A message also popped up on the cashier's screen to say the gift card was connected to somebody else's account.

'It was embarrassing,' Suzanne said. 'I felt bad for her. You're ready to spend $200 and then all of a sudden it's not there. And then of course, she had to pay for it.'

She added: 'I asked for all the cards to be removed from the shelves, as people were buying them as I spoke to the manager. Target has my money, and the crook has the gift!'

Suzanne Gdovic accidentally gave a worthless gift card as a present after it was targeted by criminals - which should have been worth $200

Police are warning Americans about a rise in a holiday scam dubbed 'card draining' - that leads to people being given totally worthless gift cards

Target later refunded her for the card.

Customers are now being urged to check for signs a gift card has been tampered with before they purchase it. Tell-tale signs include scratch marks or parts of the card missing.

This is because - to get the numbers - the crooks typically will have scratched off the silver security foil. They then replace this with a near identical sticker or more foil, which is sold online on sites like Alibaba.

In some cases, fraudsters are even subtly opening the sealed envelopes cards are stored in and cutting off and keeping the part of the card with the activation code.

They are then putting the cut card back in the envelope - with the bar code still visible for a teller to scan and add funds - which they can then steal.

Last week, DailyMail.com reported how authorities across the country have been warning about this scam - which is also affecting Apple, Amazon and Visa Vanilla gift cards among others.

Victims from across the country got in touch - explaining how they had lost as much as $650 - and mistakenly handed over totally worthless gift cards to loved ones.
Prime Minister Modi took a political risk in Assembly elections and did not promise the restoration of old pension scheme

It was a farsighted, extrapolative and prophetic vision of late prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee who made a daring decision to replace the old pension scheme (OPS) with a market-driven and financially viable, national pension scheme (NPS) in 2003, which was not primarily dictated by short term benefits to present generation at the cost of future generations thereby protecting the states from an imminent fiscal distress and economic structural collapse.

Centre and RBI are opposed to OPS

According to an article published in a Sept. bulletin of the Reserve Bank of India, it was made crystal clear that states reverting to OPS may face unsustainable fiscal stress. The cumulative effect of OPDS could be 4.5 times higher than NPS with an additional burden of 0.9% of GDP annually by 2060. The authors have highlighted that while OPS may be more attractive to employees, it puts a significant financial burden on the government, unlike NPS, which aims to ensure good pensions while reducing the budgetary burden. As per research conducted 23 years back, Indias implied pension debt of centres and states coupled with the funding gap of the pension scheme was bound to reach unmanageable and unsustainable levels which may spell doom for the growing economy of the country in future.

OPS may lead to economic distress in future.

As per projection, states opting for OPS may land in serious economic distress and the burden will keep on multiplying every year especially when the burden will be exceeding lakhs of crore after ten years. BJP leadership could resist the pressure of its state leaders to counter the Cong party's poll promise of OPS though the risk of losing the elections due to employees annoyance loomed large before polls.

Prominent economists are vehemently opposed to OPS as it will have a cascading effect on the health of the economy in future. Montek Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of the now-scrapped planning commission described the move by some state governments to implement OPS as absurd as it will prove a recipe for bankruptcy. BJP spokesman, Sudhanshu Trivedi had agreed with Monteks views and asked Congress to ponder over their stand about OPS which could spell financial disaster. He asked Congress to refrain from spewing venom against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over this issue.

Congress may include OPS in INDIAs Agenda in 2024

Contrary to it, in a desperate bid to improve performance in 2024, Congress may stick to its stand about OPS and emphasise making a poll promise to states and central employees. Some of the top leaders in AICC give statistics to prove the impact of OPS on central and state employees who are bound to oppose the BJP on this issue. Congress is optimistic that a majority of more than 4 crore 60 lakh employees and their families will vote for the INDIA alliance if it includes OPS in its 2024 manifesto.

Punjab and Himachal governments have implemented OPS though they are having debt liabilities of Rs 2.63 crore and Rs 90,000 crore respectively. OPS will put an additional burden of thousands of crores on state exchequer.

As per data, pension liabilities of the states account for 2.1% of the total expenditures and it rose by 8.9 % which is expected to grow unhindered in future. It is likely to go up to 7.98 % by 2040 because it has already witnessed an increase of 15.90% from 2014 to 2019. The old pension scheme (OPS) acted as a saviour to ensure the victory of the Cong in Himachal Pradesh in 2022 and contributed substantially to Karnataka assembly polls but it miserably failed to save the Grand Old Party from a humiliating defeat in state elections including Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan which had already implemented the scheme.

Economists opine that the insignificant impact of support of employees to help beleaguered Congress in three states may act as a blessing in disguise for the economy in the states as well as the country because OPS has got potential to destroy the economic structure in states thereby affecting the country's ambition to emerge as a big economic power in the world. Employees prefer OPS as it guarantees a lifelong pension which is fifty per cent of the last drawn salary. On the other hand, NPS generates market-linked returns without any guarantee. The returns are taxable whereas OPS is free from any type of tax. Having 531.71 lakh subscribers, NPS assets were 7.36 trillion as of March 31, 2022, as against 5.78 trillion in 2021. Congress failed to retain power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh which had implemented OPS one year before polls and made a promise to revert to the old scheme in MP also. Given the disastrous fallout of OPS, BJP may opt for via media thereby making some improvement in NPS and the process may be accelerated in the coming days.

(The writer is a political analyst and senior journalist, Views are personal)
The Centre on Wednesday passed a new Criminal Bill in the Lok Sabha, introducing provisions for the death penalty for those committing the crime of mob lynching. While announcing the punishment for mob lynching, Home Minister Amit Shah questioned the previous Congress governments, asking why they had not included mob lynching in the laws during their 58 years of ruling the country.

You used the term mob lynching to criticise us (BJP), but then you forgot about it once you came into power, the Home Minister said in his response to the members, including the Opposition, during the discussion on The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The Lok Sabha passed three key Bills to overhaul the criminal justice system, with Home Minister Amit Shah asserting that the focus is on delivering speedy justice rather than merely handing down punishment.

The Bills were initially introduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament in August. After the standing committee on home affairs made several recommendations, the government decided to withdraw the Bills and introduced their redrafted versions last week.

While The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will replace the CrPC of 1973, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill will replace the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.

Shah criticised the Congress and responded to a question once asked by former Home Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram. Once I was listening to Chidambarams speech. He had said it is a test for the home minister that if he brings a new law, then what will he do with (the issue) of mob lynching?

Responding to this in the lower House, Shah stated that Chidambaram has neither understood the BJP nor its principles. Our party has only one ideology, and that is the development of the nation, Shah said.

Continuing his attack on the Opposition, Amit Shah took a dig at those who said the BJP doesnt understand.

I told them if ones heart is Indian, you will understand the laws. If it is Italian, you wont, the Home Minister quipped.

The Union Home Ministers statement came as 143 MPs, including 97 from the lower house, have been suspended from Parliament during the last four days of sitting in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session as they insisted on a statement from the Home Minister over the Parliament breach incident last week.

Replying to the debate, Shah said the three Bills also have a clear definition of terrorism and scrap sedition as a crime while introducing a new section titled offences against the State.

Members of Congress, DMK, TMC, and other Opposition parties were not present during the debate. While many Opposition parties have been critical of the Bills that seek to replace IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act, only a handful of non-NDA members, including Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, MPs of the Biju Janata Dal, and Bahujan Samaj, were present in the House.

I am astonished at how some people defend and save the lives of terrorists in the name of human rights. Remember, this is neither the rule of the Britishers nor of Congress. This is Modis rule. No arguments to save terrorists will be entertained here, Shah said, adding that the Modi Government has explicitly brought terrorism under the purview of the criminal justice system.

We have changed the definition of Sedition from Rajdroh (offences against the government) to Deshdroh (offences against the Nation), he said, noting that IPC Section 124, or the Sedition Law, has been repealed.

The purpose of the new law is not to save the government but to save the country. In a healthy democracy, everyone has the right to criticise the government, but we will not allow anyone to say anything demeaning about India, Shah said.

The sedition law, made by the British, under which Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel... Many of our freedom fighters remained in jail for years, and that law continues till date. When they were in opposition, they used to protest, but when they came to power, they misused it. For the first time, the Modi government completely abolished the sedition law, he said.

Shah said the first duty of the state is justice. Judiciary, Executive, and Legislature are the three pillars of democracy. The makers of our Constitution divided the work among these three to give strong administration to the country. Today, for the first time, these three together will give the country a justice-centric criminal system and not a punishment-centric one, he said.

For the first time, laws are going to be made according to the spirit of our Constitution under the leadership of Modi. The new laws are framed by keeping in mind the core values of our Constitution - individual freedom, human rights, and equal treatment for all, Shah said.

Replying to the debate, which started on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday, Shah said three major amendments have been brought in the bills, including giving relief to medical professionals who sometimes face intimidation from the kin of patients.

Participating in the debate, Owaisi alleged that the new criminal bills are a threat to the civil liberties and rights of the people as they give sweeping powers to the police to act as judge, jury, and executor. He said several provisions incorporated in the BNS were very dangerous.

Speaking in the same vein, former NDA ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal said such important bills should not be passed in such a way.

On the criminal justice system, the home minister said the timeline has been the biggest barrier to securing justice in the country. Justice is not delivered timely.... Tarikh pe tarikh milti hain (prolonged trial) ... Everyone keeps shifting the blame on each other, he said.

Shah added that now an FIR will have to be filed within three days of receiving the complaint, and the preliminary inquiry will have to be finished within 14 days.
This more trouble for jailed Bengal Forest Minister Jyoti Priya Mallick after Enforcement Directorate recovered `10 crore worth bank fixed deposit certificates, scores of property documents, and at least 600 blank stamp papers, according to agency sources on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the ED summoned Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav and his father and RJD chief Lalu Prasad for questioning in the Railways land-for-jobs money laundering case probe, official sources said on Wednesday.

While Tejashwi (34) has been asked to depose before the federal probe agency at its office in Delhi on December 22, Prasad (75) has been asked to appear next week on December 27 to record their statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED had previously questioned Tejashwi for about eight hours in this case on April 11, but this is the first time it has summoned Prasad for joining the probe.

The summons comes following the questioning of an alleged close associate of the Lalu family, Amit Katyal, who was arrested by the ED in November.

The alleged scam pertains to the period when Prasad was the Railway Minister in the UPA-1 Government.

Mallick was Bengal Food and Civil Supplies Minister for more than ten years in a row before he was transferred to the Forest Department in 2021 by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The ED officials conducted raids inside Mallicks Forest Ministry office at Aranya Bhavan and found FD certificates and other documents hidden at various places inside his personal enclosure.

Though it is not clear whether the recovered documents had any connection with Forest Department officials, they did not rule out the possibility, stating that they were investigating all angles.

A close confidant of the Chief Minister, Mallick, a former organisational in-charge of Trinamool Congress North 24 Parganas district  that elects 5 MPs and about 35 MLAs  was a few months ago arrested for his alleged role in the multi-crore ration-distribution scam that also saw Bakibur Rehman, a miller, going to jail for his role in the multi-crore scam.

The PDS scam saw thousands of tons of subsidised food grains meant for poorer people being channeled to the open market and even allegedly getting smuggled out to neighbouring Bangladesh. According to sources, the ED raids also had a connection with a preliminary probe last month regarding alleged tendering irregularities in the Zoo Directorate of West Bengal.

has also started enquiring into the detailed project reports (DPRs) of the Directorate for which tenders were floated. There are allegations that the outsourced agencies, which prepared the DPRs for the Directorate, also participated in the tender process with different identities, which was a clear violation of norms as specified in the process.

The ED was also trying to find out whether there were any connections between the Forest Department and the complaints of large-scale denudation of the Mangrove Forests along the Sundarbans in North and South 24 Parganas. In recent years, voices were being raised regarding large-scale cutting of Mangrove forests and conversion of forest lands into fisheries presently controlled by local politicians, mostly alleged henchmen of a particular minister.

Incidentally, the Chief Minister had earlier strongly raised her voice against the BJP Government for playing vendetta politics against TMC, which was manifest from the arrest of senior Trinamool politicians like Mallick.

Meanwhile, in a parallel development, the Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted raids at the business premises of Congress-MLA-turned-TMC-legislator Byron Biswas. The raids were conducted at Biswas bidi factories, hospitals, and other business facilities in Murshidabad district, sources said, adding that a large number of documents had been recovered from inside the premises. Some cash could also have been recovered, as the latest reports said currency note counting machines were taken inside the raided premises.
A huge political row unfolded on Wednesday after Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee derisively mimicked Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar during the Oppositions protest on the stairs of Parliament on Tuesday against the suspension of MPs. This action drew strong condemnation from President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and members of the ruling BJP.

As Dhankhar, who is also the Rajya Sabha Chairperson, declared that he would not tolerate any insult to Parliament or the post of Vice President, the TMC MP at the centre of the storm said that he did not intend to hurt anyone with his actions in the Parliament complex on Tuesday. In contrast, Jat Mahasangh volunteers held a protest march near the Congress headquarters against the mocking of Dhankhar.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday suspended two more Opposition MPs for displaying placards in the House. Thomas Chazhikadan of the Kerala Congress (Mani) and A M Ariff of the CPI(M) were suspended for misconduct after a resolution, moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, was adopted by the House. This brings the total number of suspended MPs in the Lok Sabha to 97. So far, 143 Opposition MPs have been suspended from the two Houses of Parliament.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee backed her party MP, while the Congress criticised what it termed the governments desperate attempt to divert attention from the unprecedented suspension of over 140 MPs by raising the matter.

Attacking Opposition parties over the mimicry incident, BJP chief JP Nadda alleged that their elected representatives were acting as clowns and took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, suggesting he could apply for a job as a cameraman in the studio of BJP MP Ravi Kishan.

Murmu took to social media expressing her dismay at the manner in which the vice president was humiliated in the Parliament complex. Elected representatives must be free to express themselves, but their expression should be within the norms of dignity and courtesy. That has been the parliamentary tradition we are proud of, and the people of India expect them to uphold it, Murmu said.

Responding to the presidents post, the Rajya Sabha chairperson thanked Murmu for her kind words and the timely reminder that basic courtesy must always remain. I am committed to upholding constitutional principles until my last breath. No insults can prevent me from doing so, Dhankhar responded to Murmu.

I received a telephone call from the Prime Minister. He expressed great concern over the abject theatrics of some Honourable MPs, and that too in the sacred Parliament complex on Tuesday, stated a social media post from the Vice Presidents secretariat.

He (PM) told me that he (Modi) has been at the receiving end of such insults for twenty years and counting, but the fact that it could happen to a Constitutional office like the Vice President and that too in Parliament was unfortunate, Dhankhar was quoted as saying in the post. He also expressed his anguish in the House. Dhankhar said the act of mimicking him and its videography caused an insult to the honour of the post of the vice president, the farmers, and his community.

Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge took offense at Dhankhar describing the mimicry as an insult to his background as a farmer and Jat (his caste).

I am not allowed to speak in Rajya Sabha often. Should I say it is because I am a Dalit? he said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also met Dhankhar to express his concern. It is shocking that one MP chose to amplify this ignoble act by video graphing. This is a new low, and no one believing in democracy will ever appreciate it, he said.

Expressing his solidarity with his successor, former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu said the offices of the President, Vice President, and Speaker are constitutional offices whose dignity and decorum must never be lowered.

Ruling party members, including ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, and Nitin Gadkari, expressed their solidarity with Dhankhar by participating in Question Hour proceedings in the Rajya Sabha but remaining standing for about 10 minutes.

Congress chief spokesman Jairam Ramesh criticised the prime minister for the criticism over the mimicry issue and alleged that Narendra Modi, while bidding farewell to Hamid Ansari, who was retiring as vice president and chairman of Rajya Sabha after a long 10-year tenure, mocked Ansari, reducing his identity to his religion.

Banerjee mimicked Dhankhar during the oppositions protest on the stairs of Parliament against the suspension of the MPs. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen making a video of the act. According to Banerjee, it was done casually and not to disrespect the vice president. We respect everyone, Banerjee, who was in the Parliament complex to meet the prime minister, said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Indias commitment is to the rule of law, and if someone provides information, the government would look into it. These remarks mark his first comments on the US allegations relating to an Indian link over a foiled plot targeting Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu.

Making this assertion in an interview with The Financial Times, Prime Minister Modi also mentioned that ties between India and the US are robust, and there is strong bipartisan support for strengthening relations between the two nations. He further said that it is not appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic ties.

Modi said, If someone gives us any information, we would definitely look into it. He also emphasised, If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law.

These observations from the Prime Minister come in the backdrop of US federal prosecutors charging that one Nikhil Gupta was working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.

India has already constituted a probe committee to investigate the allegations.

In the interview, Modi expressed India was deeply concerned about the activities of certain extremist groups based overseas.

He emphasised, These elements, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence.

At the same time, Modi

stated, There is strong bipartisan support for the strengthening of this relationship, which is a clear indicator of a mature and stable partnership... Security and counter-terrorism cooperation have been key components of our partnership, Modi stated.

I dont think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries, said the Prime Minister.

India-US ties have experienced significant progress in various areas, including defence, trade, investment, critical technology, energy, and climate change.

Modi emphasised, We need to accept the fact that we are living in the era of multilateralism. The world is interconnected and interdependent. This reality compels us to recognise that absolute agreement on all matters cannot be a prerequisite for collaboration.

Both sides are currently working on an ambitious roadmap for Indo-US collaboration in seven specific high-technology areas, including semiconductors, next-generation telecommunication, artificial intelligence, and defense under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).

Modi visited Washington in June, bringing new momentum to ties between the two sides. US President Joe Biden visited India in September for the G20 summit, during which he had extensive talks with Modi to further expand bilateral ties.
Gross negligence of Govindpura police has led to the loss of life of a 22-year-old youth whose body was recovered near GBM school in Govindpura.

The body of a missing auto rickshaw driver who was reportedly abducted after a fight at Chetak Bridge has been found near GBM school in Govindpura, injury marks are found at many places on his body.

The police had registered a missing complaint. But, in the footage found, some people are seen taking the young man in an auto. The family members of the youth have alleged that he was murdered after kidnapping.

On Wednesday morning, information was received that a body was lying in the bushes behind GBM School near Shukrara Market of Govindpura. The dead body has been recovered and sent for postmortem.

The deceased is identified as Zaid Uddin, a youth missing for two days. Police have registered a case of murder against unknown accused.

The young man was an e-rickshaw driver. On the day he was kidnapped, his rickshaw was hit by another auto driver. There was a dispute between both the parties regarding the loss. After which Zaid was beaten and kidnapped.

Fazal Uddin, father of the deceased, said that Zaid Uddin (22) was my elder son. He used to drive an e-rickshaw. Around 12 on Monday night, Zaid was waiting for a ride with his friend Mohammad Shahwar, who drives an electric auto, outside the fair going on at BHEL Dussehra ground.

When they did not get any ride for a long time, they went towards Chetak Bridge and got a passenger, while he was talking to the passenger, an auto driver passed by hitting his e-rickshaw . The auto rickshaw driver misbehaved with both of them and later with around half a dozen friends arrived, assaulted and kidnapped.

Today at 7 am, Govindpura police informed the family that a body had been found in the bushes behind GBM School and when the family reached the deceased was identified as Zaid.

Govindpura police and crime branch interrogated Zaid's friend who was with him at the time of accident and only came to action after CCTV footage revealed that the deceased was kidnapped.
In line with the Yogi dityanath governments instructions to ensure safety of people involved in hazardous tasks, such as cleaning of sewer and septic tanks, the Directorate of Local Bodies of Uttar Pradesh has written a letter to all the municipal commissioners, general managers of Jalkal and Jal Sansthan and all the executive officers asking them to ensure compliance with the SOP (standard operating procedure) already issued by the department in this regard.

The letter emphasises use of latest equipment and necessary protective gear during the hazardous cleaning process, as well as regular training of the sanitation workers. It clearly states that sanitation workers, who are not trained, will not be allowed to carry out the exercise in order to prevent loss of lives.

On October 20, 2023, the Supreme Court had issued orders to the states regarding the safety of workers involved in the cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. The orders included provision of a compensation of Rs 30 lakh in case of death in an accident, in addition to not allowing manual cleaning.

The Yogi government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure total compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court and the National Human Rights Commission, a government spokesman said.

According to the order issued by Director, Urban Local Bodies Directorate, Nitin Bansal the department has been regularly issuing SOP to all the bodies regarding cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.

In line with the order of the Supreme Court as well as the instructions given by the National Human Rights Commission, all municipal commissioners, executive officers and general managers of Jal Sansthan have been directed to ensure complete compliance with all the points of the previously issued SOP at their civic level. They have also been told to guide the concerned officials and employees in this regard.

According to the SOP issued earlier, no person is allowed to enter the sewer for cleaning. Therefore, entry into the sewer without proper safety measures for cleaning is prohibited. Regular cleaning and maintenance of septic tanks and sewers should be ensured with maximum mechanisation, prescribed rules and standard operating procedures and safety equipment. Getting unsafe cleaning done is a legal offense.

According to the SOP, supervisors must be present on-site with adequate machinery and safety equipment. Sewer cleaning should be carried out when the minimum quantity of sewage is present in the sewer. Besides, local authorities have been assigned responsibilities when working with registered organisations, contractors and firms, while specific responsibilities have been assigned even when local authorities directly participate in the cleaning process as per the SOP.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, on Wednesday, attacked the Yogi Adityanath government for allowing the sale of liquor at railway and metro stations, saying there was a deep relation between alcohol consumption and crime.

Yadav said if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party believed that alcohol consumption was so good, it should start selling liquor from its offices.

In a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh government, under the Excise Policy for 2024-25, allowed the sale of liquor at airports, metro, railway stations and cruise ships.

In a post on X, Yadav said, Is this the only way left for the Uttar Pradesh government to become a USD 1-trillion economy? It means that all the claims of investment worth crores of rupees are false and this is why the government is adopting such unethical means to earn revenue. Today liquor is being sold, tomorrow other intoxicants will be sold in public places.



If the BJP thinks liquor consumption is so good then it should start selling it from their offices but not make public places centres of anarchy and crime, he added.

Women and children know how alcohol causes violence whether its domestic or in public places. Alcohol can also prove fatal for youths. To protest against this decision, the women and youth of Uttar Pradesh will remove the BJP from power, he said.

There is a deep relation between alcohol and crime... The government should not ruin families with such decisions, he added.

In another post on X, Akhilesh Yadav questioned the use of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections, following the incident of fire in Farrukhabad district on Wednesday where 800 EVMs were damaged in fire. He said it was a very serious matter as the fire was caused without short-circuit.

The cause of the fire is suspicious and the government owes a reply to the people as to what caused the fire that damaged the EVMs a few months before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he said.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami heard the grievances of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) -trained guerrilla volunteers at the State secretariat on Wednesday. Large number of guerrilla volunteers belonging to different districts attended the meeting in a virtual mode. In the meeting the CM directed the officers that efforts to connect the trained guerrillas volunteers with livelihood in different departments should be made. He said that the grievances of the guerrillas which can be solved promptly should be disposed of. He assured that a proposal will be sent to the union government for extending help to the guerrillas. The CM directed the officers that efforts should be made in the direction of utilising the services of these volunteers in vibrant village programme, security guards in private security agencies, trainers in home-guards, forest fire watcher, in the works of the Public Works Department (PWD) and in different schemes of the forest department. He asked the additional chief secretary (ACS) Radha Raturi to take regular meetings to review the progress of the plan to make use of the services of SSB trained guerrillas and link them with livelihood.

The meeting was attended by ACS Radha Raturi, ACS Anand Bardhan, officiating Director General of Police (DGP) Abhinav Kumar, commandant general Kewal Khurana, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and additional secretary Nivedita Kukreti, additional secretary Vineet Kumar, AS Lalit Mohan Rayal, Atar Singh and other officers.
The Uttarakhand unit of Congress party has raised questions on the decision of the government to resume work in the under-construction tunnel in Silkyara, Uttarkashi. The vice president of the State Congress Suryakant Dhasmana said that the report of the investigation for the tunnel collapse incident is yet to be released and in such a situation the resumption of the work exposes the intent of the government.

Interacting with the media-persons on Wednesday Dhasmana said that it appears that the union ministry of road transport and State government have rejected all the objections raised in different quarters about the tunnel collapse incident.

He said it is clear that the work execution agency completely neglected the decision of the cabinet committee chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, 2018 that had approved the proposal to construct the tunnel with a condition that an escape passage will be constructed along with the tunnel. Dhasmana said that neglecting the condition laid down by the cabinet committee, the Navayuga construction company has dug the four km long tunnel without the escape passage. He added that the manner in which the work of the tunnel is done has given strength to the apprehension that blasting was done in the tunnel.

The Congress leader said that the rat- hole miners helped in evacuation of the 41 labourers who were trapped in the tunnel. He said that it is clear that the work execution agency was responsible for the tunnel collapse incident that had put the lives of the 41 labourers in peril but no punitive action against the company has been taken as yet. The government is patting it back for the rescue mission which was actually accomplished by the rat hole miners. Dhasmana said that the disaster management plan proved a failure and the preparedness of the government was exposed in the incident.


A furore marred the second day of the Chhattisgarh winter Aassembly session on Wednesday over a farmers suicide. The Congress raised the issue during the Governors address claiming it says nothing about the suicide by the farmer and steps to be taken to stop such incidents.

The suicide happened just after the new BJP government took office, Congress members said. The promise of two years paddy bonus was also raised by the Congress. The Congress members tried to disrupt the proceedings, but the Governor continued his speech and completed it. Amid chaos, the House was adjourned for the day after the Governor's address.
Delhi BJP leaders have demanded that the Opposition INDIA bloc apologise to the vice president as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was recording "like a monkey" TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee's act of mimicking Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. In a related development, Jat Mahasangh volunteers on Wednesday held a protest march near the Congress headquarters here against the "mocking" of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar by Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee. The volunteers were stopped near the Congress office where the police had put up barricades. The protesters burnt an effigy of the Congress.

A huge political row broke out on Tuesday as Banerjee derisively mimicked Dhankhar during the opposition's protest on the stairs of Parliament against the suspension of MPs, drawing strong condemnation from the ruling BJP.

Vinod Sehrawat, a member of the Jat Mahasabha, said the protest was led by Narayan Singh Sehrawat and Sukhchain. "The Jat community and farmers have come here from Najafgarh area to protest against the mocking of our vice president. There will be a Delhi Dehat Mahasabha on Sunday where the future course of action will be decided. We demand that Rahul Gandhi and Banerjee apologise," Vinod Sehrawat said. Dhankhar claimed that it was an insult to his background as a Jat, his caste, who came from a farmer's family.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and BJP MP from West Delhi Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma has demanded that the opposition INDIA bloc apologise to the vice president as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was recording "like a monkey" TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee's act of mimicking Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Bidhuri said Rahul and leaders of INDIA Alliance have insulted Jat community and they should apologise from Dhankhar. Bidhuri also demanded to sack Kalyan Banerjee from the TMC.

Rahul was seen making a video of the performance by Banerjee who appeared to mimic the way Dhankhar walked by leaning forward and made reference to having a spine. In a related development, an advocate has filed a complaint against Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee for his mimicry of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on the premises of the Parliament complex.

"INDIA alliance is showing the level of its wisdom. It is not able to digest its defeat (in the recent assembly polls). They also know that in 2024, the BJP will return to power at the Centre and Narendra Modi will be the prime minister. They are not able to digest all these things," the BJP's West Delhi MP said at Parliament Complex when asked for comment. "So they displayed their frustration yesterday," Verma said.

With Dhankhar's mimicry, the members of the opposition INDIA bloc showed that they can even make fun of a person who is sitting on such a high constitutional post, the BJP leader said. "And their leader Rahul Gandhi was doing videography like a monkey. It was quite strange. We felt very sad," Vermasaid, adding, "I want the entire INDIA alliance to apologise to the vice president."

According to police, a complaint was given by advocate Abhishek Gautam at Defence Colony Police station on Tuesday evening. We have forwarded it to the New Delhi district police.
The Delhi University on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shriram Institute for Industrial Research for collaboration in research and development.

The MoU was signed by Vikas Gupta, the registrar, on behalf of the Delhi University (DU) as the first party and the director of the Shriram Institute for Industrial Research (SRI) as the second party as authorised representatives.

The MoU will initially be in force for a period of five years and may be renewed subsequently with mutual consent of both the parties in writing, the statement said.

The DU and the SRI have under this MoU agreed to collaborate for joint activities, including research projects, trainings, workshops/conferences in areas of shared facilities and expertise.

Under the collaboration, the experts and scientific staff from the SRI may visit the DU, and reciprocally, the teachers, students and researchers from the DU may visit the SRI, fostering collaboration to share facilities and expertise between both institutions, it said.

The SRI and the DU may undertake collaborative research projects in the areas of mutual interest and may apply for other collaborative projects or assignments jointly to national and international agencies, the statement said.

The research scholars/ scientists from the SRI can register for Ph.D. With the DU, with one faculty member of the concerned department of the DU and another faculty member from the SRI as supervisors as per the mutually agreed terms. At the same time, a scientist with the SRI may become a guide for the Ph.D. Students of the DU.
In a dramatic encounter, a notorious gangster Amritpal Singh, alias Amari  wanted in connection with four murder cases  was shot dead by the Amritsar police in Jandiala Guru near Amritsar on Wednesday.



The incident unfolded on Wednesday morning when Amritpal, following his arrest on Tuesday, was brought to Jandiala Guru by the police to recover hidden heroin and a weapon allegedly in his possession.



The police had apprehended Amritpal on Tuesday, and during the subsequent interrogation, he revealed the location of two kilograms of heroin near Dhar village. The gangster, a member of the notorious Happy Jatt gang, failed to disclose the presence of a weapon at the location.



Amritsar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Satinder Singh, accompanied by Amritpal, arrived at the canal bank in Dhar village to recover the narcotics. However, Amritpal suddenly pulled out a 9 mm pistol and fired shots at the police, injuring one officer seriously. Another officer narrowly escaped harm as a bullet grazed his turban.



This person (Amritpal) was arrested yesterday and was wanted in four cases. When he tried to flee, he fired upon our team and one policeDuring interrogation on Tuesday, he disclosed that he had hidden two kg of heroin. We brought him here to recover the narcotics, said the SSP.



In self-defense, the police retaliated, and Amritpal sustained critical injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries, stated SSP Satinder Singh.



A policeman was also injured in the alleged encounter. Another officer narrowly avoided harm as a bullet pierced through his turban, said the SSP.



The gangster was involved in at least four murders and two attempted murders.


District administration staff took major action to remove encroachments from the government temple land.

Precious government land worth more than Rs 52 crore was freed from encroachers in the action.

In Indore, under the direction of Collector Ilaiyaraaja T, the district administration staff is continuously taking action to free the government lands from encroachment. In this connection on Wednesday a major action was taken by the district administration staff to remove illegal encroachment and encroachment from the land of a government temple. In this action, valuable government land worth more than Rs 52 crore was freed.

This fact came to the notice of Collector Ilaiyaraaja T that the land of Government Maruti Temple located near Robot intersection of village Khajrana is being encroached upon by illegally occupying it and constructing liquor shops, glass factory and houses. Collector Dr. Ilaiyaraaja T ordered immediate investigation. After the investigation instructions given by the Collector, SDM Juni Indore Ghanshyam Dhangar and Tehsildar Jagdish Randhawa, the said valuable land of village Khajrana situated in the middle of Indore city, Khasra number 532/1470, 532/1471 which is Madhya Pradesh Maruti Mandir Administrator Collector Indore District

During investigation, encroachers on the said land were found to be Priyanka's husband Anup Jain (by building a wine shop), Surya Kumar Hasmat Rai (by building in front of the wine shop), Gopal's son of Sukhlal Mandre (by building a glass factory and shops), Shelendra Kumar's son of Basant Joshi. (by building shops and houses under construction), Suresh son of Hiralal Aglani (by building shops), Rajendra Gholap (by building shops), Sawan Lokesh son of Rajendra Gholap (by building shops) were found to be in illegal occupation.

A case was duly registered against the said encroachers in the Tehsil Court and due opportunity of hearing was provided. After this, taking action under Section 248 of Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code 1959, the encroachers namely Priyanka husband Anup Jain, Surya Kumar Hasmat Rai, Gopal son of Sukhlal Mandre, Shelendra Kumar Basant Joshi, Suresh Hiralal Aglani, Rajendra Gholap, Sawan Lokesh Rajendra respectively.

By evicting Gholap from the said land, action was taken to free encroachment of about 57 thousand 350 square feet of land. The market value of the land freed from encroachment is Rs 52 crore 11 lakh 60 thousand. The action to free the encroachment was taken by the district administration staff as well as a joint team of Municipal Corporation and Police Department.
The Yogi Adityanath government will set up electric vehicle (EV) public charging stations along four major expressways. The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has prepared a comprehensive action plan in this regard.

In alignment with the state's EV policy and guidelines of the Union Power Ministry, the UPEIDA will come up with 26 EV public charging stations along the Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow and Gorakhpur link expressways. Besides, the state government also intends to introduce other passenger facilities along these expressways.

A detailed project plan related to this has already been presented to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority. Prior to this, in the pre-bid meeting, interest was expressed by 11 companies to install public charging stations.

Companies such as Reliance, GMR Energy, Adani Total Energy, Belectric, Light Zip Technology, EV Plugs, Siemens Limited, Cash and Drive, AM&CE E Mobilit, AmpVolts and Razz and Shine have shown interest in setting up public charging stations.

For the 26 charging stations, the Yogi government will provide a 10-year lease on 2,000 square feet area per station. The charging point operator will be required to install fast chargers for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and e-buses.

Additionally, adherence to government safety norms is mandatory. Public charging stations must be operational within 180 days of acquiring the land. After five years of setting up a charging station, the government will receive 5 per cent of the gross revenue of each charging station from the sixth year onwards.

In addition, the state government will also develop roadside amenities along the Bundelkhand, Purvanchal and Gorakhpur Link expressways. They will be developed on the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) model.

According to UPEIDA officials, a comprehensive project plan is ready for roadside amenities on all three expressways. This includes parking spaces for cars, buses and trucks, outlets for food and beverages, dhabas, ATMs, free basic medical and first-aid facilities, small repair shops, purified drinking water, restrooms, budget hotels, separate facilities for trucks, warehouses and auto workshops.

Additionally, landscaping, rainwater harvesting and high-mast lights will be installed. Furthermore, in the future, the facility of a banquet hall and wedding hall may also be provided. All these amenities will be provided within the ambit of a single vast complex.
The health minister Dhan Singh Rawat has said that the health department of Uttarakhand is alert and completely prepared to deal with the threat posed by the new variant of Covid-19. He made the claim while attending a high level meeting of the health ministers of the country on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by the union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya and was held to discuss the challenge posed by the new variant of Covid-19. In the meeting the union minister asked the States to take immediate measures in view of the arrival of a new variant of Covid-19. He stressed on better coordination between the state in dealing with the disease.

The health minister of Uttarakhand who was in New Delhi attended the meeting in the union health ministry while the ministers of other states attended the meeting in a virtual mode.

He said that in view of an increase in cases of influenza the State health department is on an alert mode and necessary guidelines have been issued for the chief medical officers. The officers have been asked to ensure that RT- PCR and antigen tests of maximum numbers of people are done. He said that though the State has not reported any case of new variant of Covid-19, regular monitoring of Influenza like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) is being done. Rawat said that the State has 5,893 oxygen supported beds, 1204 ICU beds, 894 ICU beds with ventilators, 7,561 oxygen concentrators, 93 active PSA plants and 807 active LMO storage tanks. Rawat said that the state is capable of ensuring proper supply and storage of medicines, oxygen cylinders, ventilators and vaccines with the help of the union government. He added that a mock drill will soon be organised in the State to check the preparedness of the health system.

The minister of states (MoS) SPS Baghel, Bharti Pawar and senior officers of the health ministry attended the meeting.
India is presently in a challenging phase of its socio-economic transition and at the cusp of becoming a great economic power, in the middle of global challenges that are complex as well as unpredictable, Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena said here on Wednesday.

Making these assertions on the occasion of 12the convocation of Dr B R Ambedkar University (AUD), he said Indian expertise and talent has much demand worldwide. The prospects in a liberal economic environment are immense. Yet, to take advantage of the unfolding opportunities in a globalized market, we have to galvanize our demographic strength.

Saxena said our demographic dividend of youth - 600 million people in the age group of 25 years and below, has to be converted into an asset that propels our surge for development. For this to happen, we have to undertake skilling and capacity building amongst our youth in a mission mode. Institutions and Universities, undoubtedly, have to take the lead in shaping this demographic dividend. This stupendous task can only be accomplished when public institutions, undergo a paradigm shift and enter into collaborated partnerships with all stakeholders, that includes industry, civil society and varied state and central agencies, he said.

Over the past 15 years, AUD has registered a remarkable trajectory of growth, both in terms of quality and the quantity. It has established multiple robust institutional pillars and mechanisms, that work cohesively to achieve the dual objectives of delivering, high-quality education, while upholding principles of equity and social justice, the LG said.

Despite having, much older, established and reputed institutions of higher education, as its peers in Delhi, AUD has set its own benchmark of excellence in the fields of social sciences and humanities. In fact, the University is now known for its academic excellence, creative pedagogy and innovative teaching. It has a learning ecosystem that promotes knowledge creation, not just for the benefit of the individual seekers but also keeping in focus, its social relevance, Saxena said.

For graduates to compete in a global economy, they will have to be empowered with quality education by our institutions. For this, our institutions should work relentlessly to achieve excellence, he said adding models of imparting education have to be in sync with the latest trends, technology and also the evolving profile of the students.

Delhi Higher Education Minister Atishi was also present on the occasion, honored the graduating students by awarding them degrees. Addressing Addressing the students, she expressed gratitude that, unlike many others, they had the opportunity to study in a good institution. She stated that Ambedkar University is renowned not only in Delhi but throughout India as a liberal arts university. She mentioned that liberal arts are often viewed with a critical perspective in our society. This year the university awarded a total of 1095 degrees. These include 33 PhD degrees, 13 MPhil degrees, 602 postgraduate degrees, 442 graduate degrees, and 5 diplomas.
Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez on Wednesday moved a Delhi court seeking directions for immediately restraining alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar from issuing any communication pertaining to her, directly or indirectly, to media.

In her plea, the actor sought directions to the superintendent of Mandoli prison and Delhi Police's economic offences wing (EOW) to not allow Chandrasekhar to issue any further letters, statements or messages about her. She also sought filing of a detailed report by the jail superintendent regarding the action taken against Chandrasekhar.

Citing Chandrasekhar's letter dated October 15, the plea said it was "laced with unsolicited and disturbing content," and that it was widely reported by media.

"This relentless pursuit by Chandrashekhar, aimed at establishing contact with the applicant (Jacqueline), is nothing short of a blatant attempt at witness tampering, with the clear intention of mentally intimidating her to the extent that she is compelled to withhold the truth in the criminal trial," the actor's petition said.

It said the "barrage of letters and messages" posed a "substantial threat to her safety and well-being" as a single woman residing in India, away from her family, besides inflicting "immense distress and fear" upon her.

"These letters, intentionally circulated and published widely in the print media, have caused significant financial losses to the applicant. This campaign is not only harassment and intimidation but is a direct violation of her rights as a prosecution witness," the plea said.

It said a detailed investigation is needed to understand as to how he got to write such intimidating letters to electronic and print media.

In its reply, the EOW said it was a matter of "grave concern" that an important witness in the case was harassed and threatened by the accused. This could affect the trial, it said.


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Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has chosen to immerse himself in a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat in Hoshiarpur in Punjab from Wednesday, instead of responding to the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) summons  issued for the second time.



Kejriwals decision comes in the wake of fresh summons issued by the ED on December 17, asking him to appear before the agency on December 21.



Departing from his residence at 1.40 pm on Wednesday, Kejriwal, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, headed to the airport to board a flight to Punjab. The meditation retreat was pre-scheduled from December 19 to 30, conflicting with the EDs summons.



This marks the second occasion Kejriwal has disregarded ED summonses. Previously, on November 2, he opted to campaign in Madhya Pradesh, challenging the summons as vague and unsubstantiated and politically-motivated. AAP's legal team is expected to respond formally to the ED soon.



While the Enforcement Directorate awaits a response, AAPs key figures, including former Minister Satyendar Jain, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, and communications in-charge Vijay Nair, are facing legal challenges.



Sisodia, Singh, and Nair are in custody on money laundering charges linked to the alleged Delhi Excise scam. The prevailing concern within the AAP is whether Kejriwal may eventually face arrest, prompting the party's strategists to navigate the situation legally and politically.



In the midst of this, Kejriwals commitment to Vipassana remains unwavering. He has been a dedicated practitioner, making time for meditation almost every year. Despite the ongoing controversies, Kejriwal's departure to Hoshiarpur signals his dedication to his spiritual practice.



In a symbolic gesture of support, AAPs Rajya Sabha MPs  Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak  met Kejriwal on Wednesday morning to discuss pending issues during his absence. The Delhi Chief Minister's commitment to Vipassana appears to be in line with his routine, despite the political storm surrounding him.



It remains to be seen how the ED will react to Kejriwal's non-compliance with their summons for the second time. The AAP's legal and political maneuvering indicates a preparedness to confront the challenges ahead.



In the meantime, as the controversy unfolds, Kejriwal, in line with his annual ritual, will dedicate the next 10 days to meditation at the Anandgarh Dham Vipassana Meditation Center in Hoshiarpur. The serene setting, located about 10 kilometers outside Mahilavali village, offers the Delhi Chief Minister a break from the political tumult, allowing him to focus on his spiritual journey undisturbed.


Expressing concerns over the inordinate delay of over three years in constituting the General Council of premiere Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-D) by the ruling AAP government, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena through his Secretariat, has asked the Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to ensure reconstitution of the General Council in a time bound manner for smooth functioning of the university. The file for reconstitution of the General Council of IIIT-D, whose three-year expired in March 2019, had been lying with Delhi's Education Minister - first Manish Sisodia and thereafter, Atishi - for unexplained reasons since May 2020.

According to Raj Niwas official, upon complaints received from several quarters about this deliberate inaction on part of the Education Minister, the LG Secretariat withdrew the file from the government invoking Rule 19(5) of the Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR).

"Records on file show that the General Council of IIITD was last constituted vide notification dated 15.03.2016 with three years term, which expired in March 2019. IIIT-D had requested the Department of Training and Technical Education (DTTE) for re-constitution of the General Council in July, 2019 itself. However, the proposal of the Department for approval of the General Council of IIITD was lying pending in the office of Minister Education since 20.05.2020 i.e. more than three years, without any action," they said.

"While disposing of the file, the LG Secretariat issued instructions for directing the administrative department (Department of Training & Technical Education), to process the proposal for constitution of the General Council of IIITD in a time bound manner, in terms of the statutory provisions and the extant law in force, for smooth governance and functioning of the University," official said.

"The LG Secretariat has brought on file that the General Council of IIITD, being a Statutory Authority, is mandated to perform key functions related to the functioning of the Institute viz. developing, planning, monitoring and formulating policies to execute the strategic plan for the Institute, reviewing the broad policies and programmes of the Institute, suggesting measures for the improvement and development of the Institute, considering the annual accounts of the Institute. "Any delay in constitution of such an authority leads to severely affect the governance of a premier Technology Institute like IIITD. The callous attitude of the Government towards the formulation of a statutory body is very unfortunate," they said.

Notably, the LG had also raised concerns over extraordinary delay in reconstitution of General Council of IIIT-D

in its 15th General Council meeting held on November 02, 2023.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will provide a compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of a woman passenger who died after an accident at a metro station recently. In addition, the DMRC shall also take care of the education of her two children, Delhi Metro said in a statement. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has earlier directed Delhi Metro to work out modalities to ensure guidance, care and education to children who had lost their mother in the accident. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday posted on X to offer his condolences to the victim's family members.

The incident took place on December 14 at the Inderlok Metro Station here. The 35-year-old woman, Reena, succumbed to injuries at Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday. The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) is holding an inquiry into this incident.

She was dragged along the platform as her sari got stuck in the door of a train. The woman is survived by a 12-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son.

According to the provisions in the Metro Railway (Procedure of Claims) Rules, 2017, a compensation of Rs 5 lakh shall be paid to the deceased's next of kin, the statement said.

"In addition, as humanitarian assistance to the children of the deceased, an additional amount of Rs 10 lakh shall also be provided. Since the children are both minors, DMRC is currently engaged in sorting out the legal modalities of handing over the amount to the legal heir," it said.

In addition, the Delhi Metro shall also take care of the education of the two children, the urban transporter said.

"Deeply pained to hear about the sad demise of Smt Reena Ji in a tragic incident at Inderlok Metro Station. While @OfficialDMRC is providing financial compensations, I have also directed senior officials of DMRC to work out modalities to ensure guidance, care & education of the children Riya & Hiten who had unfortunately lost their father earlier.

"I offer my heartfelt condolences to them. May God bless them & give them all the strength to bear their irreparable loss. @PMOIndia @MoHUA_India @PIB_India," he wrote.

The two children had earlier demanded financial compensation in the form of a fixed deposit.According to reports, the relatives of the children have expressed their inability to look after them due to financial constraints.

The woman's son, who studies in class 6, said he was with her mother at the time of the incident. The DMRC in its statement on Wednesday also said that a team of senior officials has been deputed to look into the matter to facilitate all requirements quickly.

Puri has also directed that caretaking and education of the children be ensured by the Delhi Metro management, it said. The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) is holding an inquiry into this incident.

The woman's daughter, a student of class 8, had earlier said, "My father died around eight years ago and now my mother has died too. We are totally helpless and seek financial help from the government in the form of a fixed deposit."

The Delhi government has written to the DMRC seeking a detailed report on the death of the woman, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said on Monday.
The way Congress and INDIA alliance people created ruckus in the Parliament and mocked Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, it is not just an insult to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, but it is an insult to the 140 crore people of the country. This is also an insult to millions of Indians living abroad and the entire country is agitated by this incident. Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi should publicly apologize to the people of the country for this shameful act, said Vishnudutt Sharma Bharatiya Janata Party State President and MP while addressing the workers present on the occasion of burning of effigy of TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee at Roshanpura intersection.

On this occasion, hundreds of party workers including National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, State General Secretary and MLA Bhagwandas Sabnani, MLA Vishwas Sarang, Rameshwar Sharma and State Media Incharge Ashish Aggarwal were present.

Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi should apologize to the public

Sharma said that even though the leaders of the Indi alliance may have been involved in this unfortunate incident of insulting the Vice President, the Congress party cannot escape its responsibility in this entire matter. The mimicry of the Vice President may have been done by TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, who does not hesitate in indecency by pulling the cheeks of a woman MLA in front of the camera. But MPs from other parties have also participated in this, encouraging with their laughter and applause.

At the same time, instead of trying to convince Kalyan Banerjee, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has made a video of him to encourage him. Therefore, the Congress Party and Rahul Gandhi are equally guilty for this incident as are Kalyan Banerjee and the members of the Indi alliance. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi should publicly apologize to the people of the country for their misdeeds.

Sharma said that the Congress Party pretends to be well-wishers of the backward classes in view of vote bank politics. Even during the recently held assembly elections in five states, the Congress party had talked about the interests of OBCs, but this incident has proved that Congress does not respect the backward classes. He has some teeth to eat and some to show.

He said that till now the Congress Party and its leader Rahul Gandhi have been doing politics of lies, deceit and fraud, but now insulting OBCs has also been included in their political agenda. Sharma said that the way Rahul Gandhi and his associates have insulted Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, it is not just an insult to him, but an insult to the constitutional position of the country, an insult to the Jat community and an insult to the entire backward class. Is. The 140 crore people of the country will never forgive leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Kalyan Banerjee for their misdeeds.

Similarly, party officials burnt the effigy of Kalyan Banerjee in all the organizational districts of the state.
State Governor Raghubar Das visited Jagatsinghpur district on Friday and inspected several development programmes of the Union and State Governments underway in different locations. He interacted with WSHG members, school students, farmers, fishermen, weavers and district officials.



Das reached weavers village in Jaipur under Raghunathpur block where he met hundreds of SHG members and laid stress on women empowerment. Our President Droupadi Murmu hails from a remote village in Odisha but she ascended the highest office. So, women need to be educated and empowered, he said.



Later, Das interacted with the PMAY beneficiaries, inspected Anganwadi centers of Jaipur village and interacted with the children in the Anganwadi centers. He visited Tarajanga High School and talked with students. Subsequently, the Governor visited Maa Sarala Temple in Tirtol block and performed Puja. He inspected Manijanga hospital and held a meeting with farmers and fishermen in Rahama RMC Kalyana Mandap.



He held a meeting with the district administration officials at the special circuit house in Paradip and inquired about several ongoing developmental works and poverty eradication schemes in the district.



The Governor was accompanied by Collector Parul Patwari, SP Rahul PR, ADMs Chinmayee Biswal and Niranjan Behera, apart from other officials.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission of India to take a decision as expeditiously as possible, preferably within eight weeks, on a notice it has issued to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his alleged "pickpocket" jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi made during a speech delivered last month.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking action against Gandhi as well as formulation of guidelines to prevent such "malpractice" by political leaders.

A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan observed that although the alleged statements are "not in good taste", the Election Commission (EC) was examining the matter and has even issued a notice to Gandhi.

"Considering that deadline for filing reply is over and no reply has been received, the court directs EC to decide the matter as expeditiously as possible preferably within 8 weeks," the bench, also comprising Justice Mini Pushkarna, ordered.

The court noted that in the notice sent on November 23, the poll panel itself said it will take appropriate action in the matter.

Petitioner Bharat Nagar told the high court that Gandhi made a speech on November 22 levelling "heinous allegations" against individuals holding "highest governmental positions", including the prime minister and referred to him as a "pick-pocket".
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Thursday, a day ahead of the scheduled end of Parliament's Winter session.

The Upper House of Parliament was adjourned sine die (indefinitely) after it passed three bills that seek to replace the colonial-era criminal laws -- the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Indian Evidence Act.

The House also cleared the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 that aims to reform the country's century-old telecom law to make the sector investor-friendly, prioritises user protection but also extends powers to the government to intercept communications.

Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die.

The Winter session began on December 4 and was scheduled to conclude on December 22.

During the Winter session, 46 MPs were suspended from the Rajya Sabha for unruly behaviour and misconduct.

The opposition repeatedly demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah in the House on the security breach on December 13.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by some MPs.
CCL Industries Inc. (TSE:CCL.B  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the eight analysts that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$73.30.

A number of research analysts have recently commented on CCL.B shares. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on CCL Industries from C$77.00 to C$76.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Scotiabank set a C$72.00 target price on shares of CCL Industries and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 28th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on shares of CCL Industries from C$75.00 to C$72.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Stifel Nicolaus set a C$65.00 price objective on shares of CCL Industries and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, CIBC decreased their target price on shares of CCL Industries from C$74.00 to C$72.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 13th.

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CCL Industries Stock Performance

About CCL Industries

TSE:CCL.B opened at C$58.21 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 54.63. The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$56.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$59.69. The stock has a market cap of C$9.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.26 and a beta of 0.58. CCL Industries has a twelve month low of C$52.82 and a twelve month high of C$71.58.

(Get Free Report

CCL Industries Inc manufactures and sells labels, containers, consumer printable media products, technology driven label solutions, polymer bank note substrates, and specialty films. The company operates through four segments: CCL, Avery, Checkpoint, and Innovia. The CCL segment offers pressure sensitive and specialty extruded film materials for decorative, instructional, functional, and security applications in the consumer packaging, healthcare, chemicals, consumer electronic device, and automotive markets.

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH  Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Buy from the seven brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation. The average 1 year price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $87.00.

WH has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $84.00 to $83.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a research report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating for the company. HSBC assumed coverage on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $87.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $87.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 27th.

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Stock Performance

NYSE WH opened at $79.06 on Monday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $75.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $73.74. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has a fifty-two week low of $63.69 and a fifty-two week high of $81.73. The company has a market cap of $6.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.05, a P/E/G ratio of 7.74 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.48, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.07.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $402.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $395.44 million. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts had a return on equity of 36.32% and a net margin of 20.98%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.21 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will post 4.01 earnings per share for the current year.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 27th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 13th will be issued a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.77%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 12th. Wyndham Hotels & Resortss dividend payout ratio is presently 40.82%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 150.2% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,001,611 shares of the companys stock valued at $347,812,000 after buying an additional 3,002,259 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 3.2% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,554,592 shares of the companys stock valued at $216,348,000 after acquiring an additional 80,119 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its holdings in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 2.7% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,492,340 shares of the companys stock valued at $173,317,000 after acquiring an additional 64,925 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,242,143 shares of the companys stock worth $189,887,000 after purchasing an additional 77,125 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Gates Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 35.9% in the 1st quarter. Gates Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,214,846 shares of the companys stock worth $150,277,000 after purchasing an additional 585,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.06% of the companys stock.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc operates as a hotel franchisor worldwide. It operates through Hotel Franchising and Hotel Management segments. The Hotel Franchising segment licenses its lodging brands and provides related services to third-party hotel owners and others. The Hotel Management segment provides hotel management services for full-service hotels.

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RVW Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Carrier Global Co. (NYSE:CARR  Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm acquired 1,143 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $63,000.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its holdings in Carrier Global by 98,174.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,790,574,025 shares of the companys stock worth $89,009,435,000 after buying an additional 1,788,752,009 shares in the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors raised its stake in shares of Carrier Global by 7.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 83,180,216 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,134,884,000 after purchasing an additional 6,104,447 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors raised its stake in shares of Carrier Global by 11.0% in the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 80,757,252 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,014,427,000 after purchasing an additional 7,996,941 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 38.0% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 78,136,207 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,884,094,000 after buying an additional 21,529,209 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 60,825,164 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,023,619,000 after buying an additional 2,282,320 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.47% of the companys stock.

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Carrier Global Stock Down 1.4 %

CARR stock opened at $56.00 on Thursday. Carrier Global Co. has a 12 month low of $40.28 and a 12 month high of $60.04. The firm has a market cap of $46.99 billion, a PE ratio of 39.72, a P/E/G ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 1.41. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $52.10 and a 200 day simple moving average of $52.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.66 and a quick ratio of 1.25.

Carrier Global Increases Dividend

Carrier Global ( NYSE:CARR Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $0.89 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.78 by $0.11. Carrier Global had a net margin of 5.43% and a return on equity of 26.60%. The business had revenue of $5.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.89 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.70 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Carrier Global Co. will post 2.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st will be given a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.36%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. This is an increase from Carrier Globals previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio is 52.48%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on CARR shares. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Carrier Global from $52.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Carrier Global from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Mizuho cut shares of Carrier Global from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $63.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. Oppenheimer decreased their target price on shares of Carrier Global from $60.00 to $58.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Wolfe Research cut shares of Carrier Global from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $56.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $58.40.

Read Our Latest Report on Carrier Global

Insider Activity at Carrier Global

In related news, VP Ajay Agrawal sold 16,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.99, for a total value of $956,835.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 89,920 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,214,460.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.38% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About Carrier Global

(Free Report)

Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies worldwide. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security. The HVAC segment provides products, controls, services, and solutions to meet the heating, cooling, and ventilation needs of residential and commercial customers.

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Legato Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW  Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 1,625 shares of the information technology services providers stock, valued at approximately $908,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in ServiceNow by 96,156.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 23,469,361 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $13,189,077,000 after acquiring an additional 23,444,979 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its holdings in ServiceNow by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,240,319 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $4,630,812,000 after acquiring an additional 158,165 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in ServiceNow by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 7,071,786 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,745,763,000 after acquiring an additional 288,522 shares during the period. Capital International Investors increased its holdings in ServiceNow by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 4,060,299 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,281,477,000 after acquiring an additional 126,326 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of ServiceNow by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,702,485 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,074,319,000 after buying an additional 112,544 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.14% of the companys stock.

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ServiceNow Stock Performance

Shares of NOW stock opened at $693.80 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $634.55 and a 200-day moving average price of $589.32. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The firm has a market capitalization of $142.23 billion, a PE ratio of 89.87, a P/E/G ratio of 6.17 and a beta of 1.03. ServiceNow, Inc. has a 52 week low of $353.62 and a 52 week high of $720.68.

Insider Activity at ServiceNow

ServiceNow ( NYSE:NOW Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The information technology services provider reported $1.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.32. The company had revenue of $2.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.27 billion. ServiceNow had a net margin of 18.72% and a return on equity of 12.25%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that ServiceNow, Inc. will post 4.06 earnings per share for the current year.

In related news, insider Christopher Bedi sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $554.75, for a total transaction of $554,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 15,484 shares in the company, valued at $8,589,749. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other ServiceNow news, CFO Gina Mastantuono sold 386 shares of ServiceNow stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $554.89, for a total transaction of $214,187.54. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 9,102 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,050,608.78. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Christopher Bedi sold 1,000 shares of ServiceNow stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $554.75, for a total transaction of $554,750.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 15,484 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,589,749. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 11,383 shares of company stock worth $7,265,612. 0.24% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. Piper Sandler increased their price target on shares of ServiceNow from $600.00 to $620.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of ServiceNow from $640.00 to $650.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of ServiceNow from $675.00 to $725.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Argus increased their price target on shares of ServiceNow from $675.00 to $770.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of ServiceNow from $630.00 to $615.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, ServiceNow currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $621.39.

Read Our Latest Analysis on NOW

About ServiceNow

(Free Report)

ServiceNow, Inc provides enterprise cloud computing solutions that defines, structures, consolidates, manages, and automates services for enterprises worldwide. The company operates the Now platform for workflow automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, process mining, performance analytics, electronic service catalogs and portals, configuration management systems, data benchmarking, encryption, and collaboration and development tools.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund bought a new position in shares of Kenvue Inc. (NYSE:KVUE  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund bought 64,049 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,286,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of KVUE. Nuveen Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Kenvue during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $223,124,000. Capital International Investors acquired a new position in Kenvue during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $216,465,000. BlackRock Inc. acquired a new position in Kenvue during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $164,895,000. Capital World Investors acquired a new position in Kenvue during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $158,520,000. Finally, Boston Partners acquired a new position in Kenvue during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $135,729,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.33% of the companys stock.

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Kenvue Stock Down 2.5 %

KVUE opened at $20.94 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. Kenvue Inc. has a 52-week low of $17.82 and a 52-week high of $27.80. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $19.87 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $22.20.

Kenvue Announces Dividend

Kenvue ( NYSE:KVUE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $3.92 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.87 billion. Kenvue had a net margin of 10.08% and a return on equity of 12.02%. As a group, research analysts predict that Kenvue Inc. will post 1.26 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 22nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 8th were issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.82%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 7th.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on KVUE. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Kenvue from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Kenvue from $29.00 to $26.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Canaccord Genuity Group began coverage on shares of Kenvue in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $28.00 price objective on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on shares of Kenvue from $29.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Kenvue from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $27.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 11th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Kenvue presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $26.50.

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Kenvue Profile

(Free Report)

Kenvue Inc operates as a consumer health company worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Self Care, Skin Health and Beauty, and Essential Health. The Self Care segment offers cough, cold and allergy, pain care, digestive health, smoking cessation, and other products under the Tylenol, Nicorette, and Zyrtec brands.

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AdvisorNet Financial Inc raised its position in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:HEFA  Free Report) by 481.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 57,162 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 47,326 shares during the period. AdvisorNet Financial Incs holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $1,721,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Baystate Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 40.3% in the 2nd quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,174 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 337 shares during the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $1,427,000. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 11.4% in the 2nd quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 46,560 shares of the companys stock worth $1,443,000 after purchasing an additional 4,756 shares during the last quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC now owns 10,517,230 shares of the companys stock worth $326,034,000 after purchasing an additional 481,932 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Partners Capital Investment Group LLP boosted its position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 48.1% in the 2nd quarter. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP now owns 5,593,841 shares of the companys stock worth $173,409,000 after purchasing an additional 1,817,110 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Down 0.7 %

BATS:HEFA opened at $31.50 on Thursday. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF has a 12-month low of $26.88 and a 12-month high of $30.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.08 and a beta of 0.70. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $30.47 and its 200-day simple moving average is $30.38.

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Profile

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted, USD-hedged index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed countries outside the US and Canada. HEFA was launched on Jan 31, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Ayrshire Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 5,936 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,188,000. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for 2.1% of Ayrshire Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest position.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 3,024 shares of the companys stock worth $1,418,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. Baystate Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 688.2% in the 2nd quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,736 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,752,000 after acquiring an additional 3,262 shares during the last quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 13.0% in the 2nd quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 1,874 shares of the companys stock valued at $879,000 after acquiring an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Martin Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at about $234,000. Finally, Physicians Financial Services Inc. grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Physicians Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,718 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,275,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 1.7 %

Shares of LLY stock opened at $570.21 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $541.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 103.30, a PEG ratio of 3.53 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. 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 firms 50-day simple moving average is $589.08 and its 200-day simple moving average is $534.45.

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 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.18. The business had revenue of $9.50 billion for 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 analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.61 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared 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 0.91%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 81.88%.

Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company

In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the 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. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently commented on LLY. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and issued a $650.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $630.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $675.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $583.24.

Get Our Latest Analysis on LLY

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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BCS Wealth Management purchased a new stake in Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 30,000 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $112,000.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of NOK. Advisors Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Nokia Oyj in the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Nokia Oyj by 265.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 9,505 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 6,905 shares in the last quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Nokia Oyj in the 2nd quarter valued at about $42,000. Executive Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Nokia Oyj in the 2nd quarter valued at about $42,000. Finally, SouthState Corp bought a new stake in shares of Nokia Oyj in the 2nd quarter valued at about $42,000. Institutional investors own 5.26% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. DNB Markets raised shares of Nokia Oyj from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $5.10 to $3.40 in a research report on Monday. Citigroup reissued a sell rating on shares of Nokia Oyj in a research report on Friday, December 15th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Nokia Oyj in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $5.06.

Nokia Oyj Stock Down 1.8 %

NYSE:NOK opened at $3.25 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.64 and a beta of 1.01. Nokia Oyj has a 1-year low of $2.94 and a 1-year high of $5.04. The companys fifty day moving average price is $3.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 1.64 and a quick ratio of 1.35.

Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The technology company reported $0.05 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $5.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.31 billion. Nokia Oyj had a return on equity of 9.08% and a net margin of 15.62%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.10 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Nokia Oyj will post 0.34 EPS for the current year.

About Nokia Oyj

(Free Report)

Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. It offers products and services for radio access networks and microwave radio links for transport networks, and solutions for network management, as well as network planning, optimization, network deployment, and technical support services.

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BCS Wealth Management purchased a new stake in Eaton Co. plc (NYSE:ETN  Free Report) in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund purchased 1,015 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $216,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Essex Savings Bank raised its stake in Eaton by 1.9% in the third quarter. Essex Savings Bank now owns 3,556 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $758,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Heartland Bank & Trust Co raised its stake in Eaton by 1.5% during the third quarter. Heartland Bank & Trust Co now owns 3,693 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $788,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund acquired a new position in Eaton during the third quarter worth about $3,203,000. Kentucky Retirement Systems acquired a new position in Eaton during the third quarter worth about $7,174,000. Finally, SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Eaton by 9.1% during the third quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,120 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,519,000 after acquiring an additional 592 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.02% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have commented on ETN shares. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Eaton from $220.00 to $257.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Eaton from $215.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Eaton from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $230.00 target price for the company in a research note on Friday, October 6th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Eaton in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on Eaton from $185.00 to $187.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Eaton presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $222.85.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Eaton news, insider Sternadt Paulo Ruiz sold 2,639 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $228.05, for a total transaction of $601,823.95. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 11,636 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,653,589.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock.

Eaton Stock Performance

Shares of ETN stock opened at $233.96 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $220.23 and its 200 day simple moving average is $213.75. Eaton Co. plc has a one year low of $150.86 and a one year high of $240.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $93.42 billion, a PE ratio of 31.32, a PEG ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 1.45 and a quick ratio of 0.96.

Eaton (NYSE:ETN  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $2.47 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.34 by $0.13. Eaton had a return on equity of 19.49% and a net margin of 13.24%. The business had revenue of $5.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.89 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.02 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 10.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Eaton Co. plc will post 9.02 earnings per share for the current year.

Eaton Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 6th were issued a dividend of $0.86 per share. This represents a $3.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.47%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 3rd. Eatons payout ratio is 46.05%.

Eaton Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eaton Corporation plc operates as a power management company worldwide. The company's Electrical Americas and Electrical Global segment provides electrical components, industrial components, power distribution and assemblies, residential products, single and three phase power quality and connectivity products, wiring devices, circuit protection products, utility power distribution products, power reliability equipment, and services, as well as hazardous duty electrical equipment, emergency lighting, fire detection, explosion-proof instrumentation, and structural support systems.

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Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC cut its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 30.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 7,818 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 3,369 shares during the period. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $454,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Northwest Capital Management Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Live Oak Investment Partners purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. 74.98% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:BMY opened at $50.95 on Thursday. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 1-year low of $48.25 and a 1-year high of $75.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $103.67 billion, a PE ratio of 12.93, a PEG ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.34. The businesss 50 day moving average is $51.86 and its 200-day moving average is $58.29. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend

Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.24. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.59% and a net margin of 18.44%. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.96 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.99 EPS. Bristol-Myers Squibbs revenue for the quarter was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.71%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. This is a positive change from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 57.87%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb declared that its board has approved a stock buyback program on Thursday, December 7th that authorizes the company to buyback $3.00 billion in 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 generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently commented on BMY shares. William Blair lowered Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. TD Cowen lowered their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $80.00 to $66.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 15th. TheStreet lowered Bristol-Myers Squibb from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $60.00 price objective (down previously from $70.00) on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, October 20th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $55.00 price objective on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $63.59.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on BMY

Insider Transactions at Bristol-Myers Squibb

In related news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner bought 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $49.78 per share, for a total transaction of $99,560.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 82,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,115,412.16. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner bought 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $49.78 per share, for a total transaction of $99,560.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 82,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,115,412.16. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Christopher S. Boerner bought 3,071 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were bought at an average price of $48.86 per share, with a total value of $150,049.06. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 79,384 shares in the company, valued at $3,878,702.24. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have bought 13,571 shares of company stock valued at $672,994. 0.08% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

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.

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Capital City Trust Co. FL increased its position in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 0.4% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 27,600 shares of the retailers stock after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the quarter. Walmart comprises 1.5% of Capital City Trust Co. FLs holdings, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. Capital City Trust Co. FLs holdings in Walmart were worth $4,414,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Moody National Bank Trust Division boosted its holdings in Walmart by 13.7% during the third quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 34,866 shares of the retailers stock valued at $5,576,000 after purchasing an additional 4,212 shares in the last quarter. Heartland Bank & Trust Co boosted its holdings in Walmart by 1.4% during the third quarter. Heartland Bank & Trust Co now owns 7,193 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,150,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC boosted its holdings in Walmart by 5.6% during the third quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC now owns 4,827 shares of the retailers stock valued at $772,000 after purchasing an additional 255 shares in the last quarter. Compton Wealth Advisory Group LLC boosted its holdings in Walmart by 6.2% during the third quarter. Compton Wealth Advisory Group LLC now owns 8,015 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,282,000 after purchasing an additional 470 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund acquired a new stake in Walmart during the third quarter valued at approximately $8,052,000. 33.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity at Walmart

In related news, Director S Robson Walton sold 885,170 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.13, for a total value of $138,201,592.10. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 233,094,355 shares in the company, valued at approximately $36,393,021,646.15. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, Director S Robson Walton sold 885,170 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.13, for a total value of $138,201,592.10. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 233,094,355 shares in the company, valued at approximately $36,393,021,646.15. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 342,956 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.03, for a total transaction of $53,168,468.68. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 230,593,461 shares of the companys stock, valued at $35,748,904,258.83. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 3,493,089 shares of company stock worth $544,456,070 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 46.51% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

WMT has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Walmart from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of Walmart from $180.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Walmart from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Walmart from $169.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 13th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $168.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $179.44.

Read Our Latest Report on WMT

Walmart Stock Performance

Shares of Walmart stock opened at $153.72 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $158.94 and a two-hundred day moving average of $158.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $413.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.49, a PEG ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 0.48. Walmart Inc. has a 52 week low of $136.09 and a 52 week high of $169.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a current ratio of 0.85.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 16th. The retailer reported $1.53 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.53. Walmart had a net margin of 2.55% and a return on equity of 21.20%. The business had revenue of $160.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $159.65 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.50 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Walmart Inc. will post 6.45 EPS for the current year.

Walmart Company Profile

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications.

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Capricorn Fund Managers Ltd bought a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm bought 12,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,150,000.

Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory LLC DE acquired a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the first quarter worth $28,000. Stone House Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 55.3% in the second quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC now owns 177 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the second quarter worth $29,000. Lee Financial Co acquired a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the second quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 165.3% in the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 124 shares during the last quarter. 6.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance

Novo Nordisk A/S stock opened at $101.31 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $454.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.04, a PEG ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.40. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $99.59 and a 200 day moving average price of $67.77. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 52 week low of $65.05 and a 52 week high of $105.69. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.04. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 86.53% and a net margin of 35.20%. The firm had revenue of $8.58 billion during the quarter. Equities research analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 2.61 earnings per share for the current year.

NVO has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Argus initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Monday, October 2nd. They issued a buy rating and a $110.00 price target for the company. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Friday, December 1st. They issued an overweight rating and a $120.00 target price for the company. TD Cowen upped their target price on Novo Nordisk A/S from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Novo Nordisk A/S presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $115.00.

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About Novo Nordisk A/S

(Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, a healthcare company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products worldwide. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity care, and Rare Disease. The Diabetes and Obesity care segment provides products in the areas of insulins, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products, obesity, glucagon, needles, and other chronic diseases.

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StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Chicago Rivet & Machine (NYSEAMERICAN:CVR  Free Report) in a research report released on Wednesday. The firm issued a sell rating on the stock.

Separately, TheStreet lowered shares of Chicago Rivet & Machine from a c rating to a d rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th.

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View Our Latest Research Report on CVR

Chicago Rivet & Machine Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN CVR opened at $17.42 on Wednesday. Chicago Rivet & Machine has a twelve month low of $15.16 and a twelve month high of $32.94. The stock has a market cap of $16.90 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.03 and a beta of 0.07. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $24.91.

Chicago Rivet & Machine (NYSEAMERICAN:CVR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported ($1.00) earnings per share for the quarter. Chicago Rivet & Machine had a negative return on equity of 14.21% and a negative net margin of 13.21%. The firm had revenue of $7.95 million during the quarter.

Chicago Rivet & Machine Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 5th were paid a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 4th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.30%. Chicago Rivet & Machines dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -9.26%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chicago Rivet & Machine

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CVR. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its holdings in Chicago Rivet & Machine by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 49,210 shares of the companys stock worth $1,402,000 after buying an additional 500 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Chicago Rivet & Machine by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 68,710 shares of the companys stock worth $1,771,000 after buying an additional 576 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in Chicago Rivet & Machine by 8.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,696 shares of the companys stock worth $363,000 after buying an additional 1,005 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors bought a new position in Chicago Rivet & Machine in the 2nd quarter worth $41,000. Finally, Advisor Group Holdings Inc. bought a new position in Chicago Rivet & Machine in the 4th quarter worth $43,000. 20.88% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Chicago Rivet & Machine

(Get Free Report)

Chicago Rivet & Machine Co operates in the fastener industry in North America. The company operates in two segments, Fasteners and Assembly Equipment. The Fastener segment manufactures and sells rivets, cold-formed fasteners and parts, and screw machine products. The Assembly Equipment segment manufactures and sells automatic rivet setting machines and assembly equipment, as well as parts and tools for related machines.

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CHURCHILL MANAGEMENT Corp decreased its stake in shares of Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Free Report) by 1.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 76,668 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 742 shares during the period. CHURCHILL MANAGEMENT Corps holdings in Edison International were worth $4,852,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of Edison International by 12.6% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,234,491 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $86,534,000 after acquiring an additional 137,840 shares in the last quarter. Aviva PLC raised its holdings in shares of Edison International by 21.5% in the 1st quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 151,158 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $10,596,000 after acquiring an additional 26,797 shares in the last quarter. Prudential PLC purchased a new stake in shares of Edison International in the 1st quarter valued at about $688,000. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in shares of Edison International by 30.5% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 6,916 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $485,000 after acquiring an additional 1,617 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Edison International by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 44,530,226 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,121,569,000 after acquiring an additional 731,841 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.17% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have weighed in on EIX. Barclays lowered their price target on Edison International from $70.00 to $67.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $81.00 price target on shares of Edison International in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Edison International from $52.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Guggenheim raised their price target on Edison International from $63.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Edison International from $79.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $71.42.

Edison International Price Performance

Shares of EIX stock opened at $68.76 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $26.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.42, a P/E/G ratio of 4.03 and a beta of 0.86. Edison International has a fifty-two week low of $58.82 and a fifty-two week high of $74.92. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $65.66 and its 200-day moving average price is $67.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.80.

Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.46 by ($0.08). The business had revenue of $4.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.71 billion. Edison International had a return on equity of 12.79% and a net margin of 8.75%. Edison Internationals quarterly revenue was down 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.48 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Edison International will post 4.71 earnings per share for the current year.

Edison International Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a $0.78 dividend. This represents a $3.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This is a boost from Edison Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.74. Edison Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 91.90%.

Edison International Company Profile

(Free Report)

Edison International, through its subsidiaries, generates and distributes electric power. The company supplies electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors. It also provides decarbonization and energy solutions to commercial, institutional, and industrial customers in North America and Europe.

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Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR  Get Free Report) was upgraded by stock analysts at Morgan Stanley from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note issued on Thursday, MarketBeat.com reports. The firm currently has a $150.00 target price on the real estate investment trusts stock, up from their previous target price of $115.00. Morgan Stanleys price objective points to a potential downside of 1.45% from the companys previous close.

A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on EXR. Bank of America cut shares of Extra Space Storage from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $155.00 to $119.00 in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on shares of Extra Space Storage from $147.00 to $145.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Extra Space Storage in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a buy rating and a $153.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com lowered shares of Extra Space Storage from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. Finally, TheStreet lowered shares of Extra Space Storage from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $147.70.

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Extra Space Storage Trading Down 0.9 %

Insider Activity

Shares of EXR stock opened at $152.20 on Thursday. Extra Space Storage has a 52-week low of $101.19 and a 52-week high of $170.30. The stock has a market cap of $32.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.98, a P/E/G ratio of 15.76 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a current ratio of 0.50. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $124.61 and a 200-day moving average of $131.68.

In other Extra Space Storage news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis bought 4,200 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The shares were bought at an average price of $118.21 per share, with a total value of $496,482.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 31,301 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,700,091.21. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis acquired 4,200 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 13th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $118.21 per share, with a total value of $496,482.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 31,301 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,700,091.21. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Joseph Saffire sold 25,000 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.10, for a total transaction of $3,852,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 42,344 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,525,210.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.55% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Extra Space Storage

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 5.6% in the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 1,404 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $289,000 after buying an additional 74 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 16.5% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 1,502 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $309,000 after buying an additional 213 shares in the last quarter. Prudential PLC bought a new stake in shares of Extra Space Storage in the first quarter worth $625,000. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in shares of Extra Space Storage by 8.2% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 2,522 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $519,000 after purchasing an additional 192 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dakota Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Extra Space Storage in the first quarter worth $332,000. 66.40% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Extra Space Storage

(Get Free Report)

Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of September 30, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,651 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 2.5 million units and approximately 279.0 million square feet of rentable space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands.

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HBW Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 2,208 shares of the healthcare product makers stock, valued at approximately $214,000.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of ABT. McLean Asset Management Corp lifted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 7.0% in the 3rd quarter. McLean Asset Management Corp now owns 2,217 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $216,000 after buying an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. Legacy Private Trust Co. lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 22.2% in the third quarter. Legacy Private Trust Co. now owns 20,683 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,003,000 after acquiring an additional 3,759 shares in the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 16.7% during the third quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 21,805 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,112,000 after purchasing an additional 3,125 shares in the last quarter. Sageworth Trust Co raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 91.7% in the 3rd quarter. Sageworth Trust Co now owns 66,276 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $6,419,000 after purchasing an additional 31,706 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Schaper Benz & Wise Investment Counsel Inc. WI lifted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Schaper Benz & Wise Investment Counsel Inc. WI now owns 167,267 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $16,200,000 after purchasing an additional 1,273 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.70% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on ABT shares. TheStreet cut shares of Abbott Laboratories from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $112.00 in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $117.80.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Down 0.9 %

NYSE:ABT opened at $107.40 on Thursday. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $89.67 and a 52 week high of $115.83. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The stocks fifty day moving average is $99.46 and its two-hundred day moving average is $102.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $186.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 0.70.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $10.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.82 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.15% and a net margin of 12.92%. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.15 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 EPS for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Friday, January 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.55 per share. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.05%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 11th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 69.39%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total transaction of $1,620,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,022,916. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total value of $4,702,500.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 6,725,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $632,515,969.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total transaction of $1,620,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,022,916. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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Roper Technologies (NYSE:ROP  Get Free Report) and Senseonics (NYSE:SENS  Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership, valuation and risk.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Roper Technologies and Senseonics gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Roper Technologies $5.37 billion 10.64 $4.54 billion $27.34 19.57 Senseonics $16.39 million 20.37 $142.12 million ($0.09) -7.02

Roper Technologies has higher revenue and earnings than Senseonics. Senseonics is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Roper Technologies, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Roper Technologies 48.77% 10.54% 6.35% Senseonics -158.75% -111.66% -28.88%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

This table compares Roper Technologies and Senseonics net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

91.6% of Roper Technologies shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 16.6% of Senseonics shares are held by institutional investors. 0.9% of Roper Technologies shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.4% of Senseonics shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Roper Technologies and Senseonics, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Roper Technologies 0 4 9 1 2.79 Senseonics 1 0 1 0 2.00

Roper Technologies currently has a consensus target price of $533.57, indicating a potential downside of 0.26%. Senseonics has a consensus target price of $1.25, indicating a potential upside of 97.75%. Given Senseonics higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Senseonics is more favorable than Roper Technologies.

Risk and Volatility

Roper Technologies has a beta of 1.02, indicating that its share price is 2% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Senseonics has a beta of 0.94, indicating that its share price is 6% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Roper Technologies beats Senseonics on 12 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Roper Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Roper Technologies, Inc. designs and develops software, and technology enabled products and solutions. The company offers management, campus solutions, diagnostic and laboratory information management, enterprise management, information solutions, transportation management, financial and compliance management, and cloud-based financial analytics and performance management software; cloud-based software to the property and casualty insurance industry; and software, services, and technologies for foodservice operations. It also provides cloud-based data, collaboration, and estimating automation software; electronic marketplace; visual effects and 3D content software; wireless sensor network and solutions; cloud-based software for the life insurance and financial services industries; supply chain software; health care service and software; RFID card readers; data analytics and information; and pharmacy software solutions. In addition, the company offers ultrasound accessories; dispensers and metering pumps; automated surgical scrub and linen dispensing equipment; water meters; optical and electromagnetic measurement systems; and medical devices. It distributes and sells its products through direct sales, manufacturers' representatives, resellers, and distributors. The company was formerly known as Roper Industries, Inc. and changed its name to Roper Technologies, Inc. in April 2015. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is based in Sarasota, Florida.

About Senseonics

(Get Free Report)

Senseonics Holdings, Inc., a medical technology company, develops and commercializes continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people with diabetes in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company's products include Eversense, Eversense XL, and Eversense E3 which are implantable CGM systems to measure glucose levels in people with diabetes through an under-the-skin sensor, a removable and rechargeable smart transmitter, and a convenient app for real-time diabetes monitoring and management for a period of up to six months. It serves healthcare providers and patients through a network of distributors and strategic fulfillment partners. The company has a collaboration agreement with the University Hospitals Accountable Care Organization. Senseonics Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Germantown, Maryland.

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Lithium Americas (Argentina) (NYSE:LAAC  Get Free Report) is one of 101 public companies in the Metal mining industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare Lithium Americas (Argentina) to related companies based on the strength of its dividends, analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, risk, institutional ownership and earnings.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Lithium Americas (Argentina) and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Lithium Americas (Argentina) 0 2 3 0 2.60 Lithium Americas (Argentina) Competitors 1064 2391 2933 103 2.32

Lithium Americas (Argentina) presently has a consensus target price of $12.10, indicating a potential upside of 100.66%. As a group, Metal mining companies have a potential upside of 40.91%. Given Lithium Americas (Argentina)s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Lithium Americas (Argentina) is more favorable than its rivals.

Volatility and Risk

Profitability

Lithium Americas (Argentina) has a beta of 1.3, meaning that its stock price is 30% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Lithium Americas (Argentina)s rivals have a beta of 0.57, meaning that their average stock price is 43% less volatile than the S&P 500.

This table compares Lithium Americas (Argentina) and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Lithium Americas (Argentina) N/A -0.05% -0.04% Lithium Americas (Argentina) Competitors -203.56% -3.13% -3.66%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Lithium Americas (Argentina) and its rivals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Lithium Americas (Argentina) N/A -$93.57 million 26.22 Lithium Americas (Argentina) Competitors $7.54 billion $1.59 billion 2.49

Lithium Americas (Argentina)s rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Lithium Americas (Argentina). Lithium Americas (Argentina) is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

27.3% of Lithium Americas (Argentina) shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 21.5% of shares of all Metal mining companies are held by institutional investors. 19.8% of Lithium Americas (Argentina) shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 12.3% of shares of all Metal mining companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Lithium Americas (Argentina) beats its rivals on 10 of the 13 factors compared.

Lithium Americas (Argentina) Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. operates as a resource company. The company explores for lithium deposits. The company owns interests in the Cauchari-Olaroz project located in Jujuy province of Argentina. It also has a pipeline of development and exploration stage projects, including the Pastos Grandes project and the Sal de la Puna project located in Salta Province in northwestern Argentina. Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM  Free Report) (TSE:ITH) in a report issued on Wednesday. The brokerage issued a sell rating on the mining companys stock.

International Tower Hill Mines Price Performance

International Tower Hill Mines stock opened at $0.52 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $0.42. International Tower Hill Mines has a 12-month low of $0.31 and a 12-month high of $0.75. The company has a market capitalization of $102.06 million, a PE ratio of -52.10 and a beta of 0.92.

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Institutional Trading of International Tower Hill Mines

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Virtu Financial LLC raised its holdings in International Tower Hill Mines by 314.9% during the 4th quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 61,808 shares of the mining companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 46,910 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its holdings in International Tower Hill Mines by 25.2% during the 4th quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 161,859 shares of the mining companys stock worth $69,000 after purchasing an additional 32,559 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN increased its stake in shares of International Tower Hill Mines by 15.8% in the 2nd quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 202,713 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $85,000 after acquiring an additional 27,713 shares during the last quarter. 53.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About International Tower Hill Mines

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. It holds or has rights to acquire interests in the Livengood gold project covering an area of approximately 19,546 hectares located to the northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska.

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Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC cut its holdings in Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM  Free Report) by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 4,814 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 178 shares during the period. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLCs holdings in Iron Mountain were worth $286,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund acquired a new position in Iron Mountain in the third quarter valued at $628,000. Kentucky Retirement Systems acquired a new position in shares of Iron Mountain during the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,407,000. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Iron Mountain by 4.7% during the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 54,877 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,262,000 after acquiring an additional 2,442 shares during the period. CWM LLC boosted its position in shares of Iron Mountain by 22.4% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 5,862 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $348,000 after acquiring an additional 1,071 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Trinity Legacy Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Iron Mountain in the third quarter worth approximately $3,571,000. 76.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have weighed in on IRM. UBS Group began coverage on shares of Iron Mountain in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. They set a sell rating and a $44.00 price target on the stock. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Iron Mountain in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company.

Iron Mountain Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of NYSE:IRM opened at $68.02 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $62.55 and a 200-day simple moving average of $60.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 71.60, a PEG ratio of 4.62 and a beta of 0.89. Iron Mountain Incorporated has a 1 year low of $48.92 and a 1 year high of $69.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 43.97, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.81.

Iron Mountain Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.65 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.82%. Iron Mountains dividend payout ratio is currently 273.69%.

Insider Transactions at Iron Mountain

In related news, CEO William L. Meaney sold 10,507 shares of Iron Mountain stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.08, for a total transaction of $620,753.56. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 295,650 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,467,002. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Deborah Marson sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.31, for a total transaction of $120,620.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 54,026 shares in the company, valued at $3,258,308.06. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO William L. Meaney sold 10,507 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.08, for a total value of $620,753.56. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 295,650 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,467,002. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 48,028 shares of company stock valued at $2,941,865 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 2.20% of the companys stock.

Iron Mountain Profile

(Free Report)

Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE: IRM) is a global leader in information management, innovative storage, data center infrastructure, and asset lifecycle management. Founded in 1951 and trusted by more than 225,000 customers worldwide, Iron Mountain serves to protect and elevate the power of our customers' work.

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AE Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:IGM  Free Report) by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 35,413 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 660 shares during the quarter. AE Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF were worth $13,534,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $85,265,000. Cerity Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 13.5% in the 1st quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 199,007 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $67,527,000 after purchasing an additional 23,626 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 7.2% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 144,877 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $56,303,000 after purchasing an additional 9,675 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 93,354 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $36,676,000 after purchasing an additional 1,317 shares during the period. Finally, UBS Group AG boosted its position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 93,186 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $36,215,000 after purchasing an additional 4,744 shares during the period.

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iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Stock Down 1.6 %

Shares of NYSEARCA IGM opened at $440.23 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $3.57 billion, a PE ratio of 32.18 and a beta of 1.18. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF has a 52-week low of $272.47 and a 52-week high of $448.84. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $409.16 and a 200 day moving average price of $398.65.

iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Profile

iShares North American Tech ETF, formerly iShares S&P North American Technology Sector Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, of the United States-traded technology companies, as represented by the S&P North American Technology Sector Index (the Index).

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Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC cut its holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWP  Free Report) by 97.2% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 346 shares of the companys stock after selling 12,202 shares during the period. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLCs holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF were worth $32,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in IWP. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the third quarter worth about $30,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the second quarter worth about $33,000. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the third quarter worth about $35,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the second quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA increased its stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF by 43.7% during the second quarter. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA now owns 408 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 124 shares during the period.

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iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF Stock Down 1.9 %

Shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF stock opened at $102.15 on Thursday. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF has a 52-week low of $81.97 and a 52-week high of $104.39. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $94.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $94.69. The firm has a market cap of $13.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.03 and a beta of 1.10.

iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF Profile

iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF, formerly iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index Fund (the Growth Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell Midcap Growth Index (the Growth Index).

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Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund bought a new stake in Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund bought 24,758 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,317,000.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in JCI. Certified Advisory Corp acquired a new position in Johnson Controls International in the first quarter valued at $26,000. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Johnson Controls International by 145.4% in the second quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 427 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 253 shares during the last quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new position in Johnson Controls International in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Quent Capital LLC increased its stake in Johnson Controls International by 12,620.0% during the third quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 636 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 631 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Salem Investment Counselors Inc. increased its stake in Johnson Controls International by 152.4% during the first quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 588 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 355 shares during the last quarter. 88.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Johnson Controls International Trading Up 1.1 %

Shares of JCI opened at $54.71 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $37.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.34, a P/E/G ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 1.25. Johnson Controls International plc has a one year low of $47.90 and a one year high of $70.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.97. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $51.95 and a 200 day moving average price of $58.28.

Johnson Controls International Dividend Announcement

Johnson Controls International ( NYSE:JCI Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 12th. The company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.09 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $6.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.40 billion. Johnson Controls International had a net margin of 6.90% and a return on equity of 13.85%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.99 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Johnson Controls International plc will post 3.68 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Investors of record on Monday, December 18th will be issued a $0.37 dividend. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.71%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 15th. Johnson Controls Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 55.02%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

JCI has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Johnson Controls International from $73.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. HSBC upgraded Johnson Controls International from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $58.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Johnson Controls International from a conviction-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Barclays dropped their price target on Johnson Controls International from $64.00 to $60.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. Finally, Citigroup upped their price target on Johnson Controls International from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $65.58.

Get Our Latest Report on Johnson Controls International

Insider Activity at Johnson Controls International

In related news, CEO George Oliver sold 103,332 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.37, for a total value of $5,411,496.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 979,759 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,309,978.83. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.71% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Johnson Controls International

(Free Report)

Johnson Controls International plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in engineering, manufacturing, commissioning, and retrofitting building products and systems in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates in four segments: Building Solutions North America, Building Solutions EMEA/LA, Building Solutions Asia Pacific, and Global Products.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund bought a new stake in shares of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor bought 9,747 shares of the restaurant operators stock, valued at approximately $1,218,000.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of YUM. HighMark Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Yum! Brands by 108.0% in the 2nd quarter. HighMark Wealth Management LLC now owns 233 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Yum! Brands by 1,190.5% in the 3rd quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 271 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC grew its stake in shares of Yum! Brands by 28,400.0% in the 4th quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 285 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 284 shares during the last quarter. KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Yum! Brands in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $41,000. Finally, Fred Alger Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Yum! Brands in the 4th quarter worth approximately $44,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.17% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,792 shares of Yum! Brands stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.17, for a total value of $493,604.64. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 57,325 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,461,995.25. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,792 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.17, for a total transaction of $493,604.64. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 57,325 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,461,995.25. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,727 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.97, for a total transaction of $476,944.19. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,335,880.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 20,626 shares of company stock valued at $2,598,157 over the last 90 days. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on YUM shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. They issued a hold rating and a $131.00 price objective on the stock. Redburn Atlantic reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $115.00 price objective on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Yum! Brands from $155.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Yum! Brands from $140.00 to $126.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Yum! Brands in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $144.19.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands Stock Performance

Shares of YUM opened at $129.03 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $36.17 billion, a PE ratio of 24.53, a PEG ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.01. The firms 50 day moving average price is $124.79 and its 200 day moving average price is $129.22. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a twelve month low of $115.53 and a twelve month high of $143.24.

Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The restaurant operator reported $1.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.26 by $0.18. Yum! Brands had a net margin of 21.32% and a negative return on equity of 17.45%. The firm had revenue of $1.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.77 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.09 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Yum! Brands Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 8th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 28th were given a $0.605 dividend. This represents a $2.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 27th. Yum! Brandss dividend payout ratio is 46.01%.

Yum! Brands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Yum! Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through four segments: the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division. It operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund bought a new position in shares of Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 18,739 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,438,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of AFL. Kentucky Retirement Systems purchased a new stake in shares of Aflac during the third quarter valued at approximately $3,221,000. SlateStone Wealth LLC grew its stake in Aflac by 36.3% in the 3rd quarter. SlateStone Wealth LLC now owns 7,635 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $586,000 after purchasing an additional 2,035 shares during the period. Legacy Private Trust Co. grew its stake in Aflac by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. Legacy Private Trust Co. now owns 14,311 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,098,000 after purchasing an additional 501 shares during the period. Platte River Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Aflac in the 3rd quarter valued at $215,000. Finally, Cullinan Associates Inc. grew its stake in Aflac by 4.5% in the 3rd quarter. Cullinan Associates Inc. now owns 274,769 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $21,089,000 after purchasing an additional 11,717 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.75% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Aflac news, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.47, for a total value of $38,235.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 26,598 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,033,949.06. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Aflac news, CFO Steven Kent Beaver sold 3,114 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.71, for a total value of $257,558.94. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 20,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,729,796.94. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.47, for a total value of $38,235.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 26,598 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,033,949.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 165,315 shares of company stock valued at $13,420,962. Corporate insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

AFL has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Raymond James upped their price objective on Aflac from $77.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 26th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on Aflac from $70.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Aflac from $74.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Aflac from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Aflac in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $79.63.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Aflac

Aflac Stock Performance

Shares of AFL opened at $80.70 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $80.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $75.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $47.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.08 and a current ratio of 0.08. Aflac Incorporated has a 52-week low of $60.20 and a 52-week high of $84.64.

Aflac (NYSE:AFL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The financial services provider reported $1.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.40. The business had revenue of $4.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.31 billion. Aflac had a return on equity of 17.86% and a net margin of 24.17%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.23 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Aflac Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th were issued a dividend of $0.42 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.08%. Aflacs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 22.13%.

Aflac Profile

(Free Report)

Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. It operates in two segments, Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund bought a new position in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund bought 7,999 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $1,306,000.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 21.4% during the second quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 9,938 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,725,000 after buying an additional 1,751 shares during the period. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 49.6% during the second quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 20,752 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $3,604,000 after buying an additional 6,881 shares during the period. SlateStone Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies during the second quarter worth approximately $661,000. UMB Bank n.a. increased its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.8% during the second quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 120,832 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $20,984,000 after buying an additional 2,136 shares during the period. Finally, Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.3% during the second quarter. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 8,392 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,457,000 after buying an additional 104 shares during the period. 81.12% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Travelers Companies Price Performance

TRV stock opened at $183.84 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $41.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.90, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.59. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $157.33 and a twelve month high of $194.51. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $173.14 and a 200-day simple moving average of $169.94. The company has a current ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The insurance provider reported $1.95 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.93 by ($0.98). The company had revenue of $10.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.42 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 10.41% and a net margin of 5.45%. Travelers Companiess revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.20 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 11.08 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be given a $1.00 dividend. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.18%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 7th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 43.29%.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Andy F. Bessette sold 3,797 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.38, for a total value of $643,135.86. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 13,005 shares in the company, valued at $2,202,786.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, EVP Andy F. Bessette sold 3,797 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.38, for a total value of $643,135.86. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 13,005 shares in the company, valued at $2,202,786.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 270 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.00, for a total value of $48,060.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 255,178 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $45,421,684. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Janney Montgomery Scott assumed coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Wednesday. They set a buy rating and a $215.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $183.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Oppenheimer assumed coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $181.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $193.00.

View Our Latest Analysis on TRV

About Travelers Companies

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems purchased a new stake in shares of Realty Income Co. (NYSE:O  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 57,177 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $2,855,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of O. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its position in Realty Income by 99,350.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 8,703,941 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $520,409,000 after buying an additional 8,695,189 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Realty Income by 100,285.5% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 8,624,121 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $547,028,000 after purchasing an additional 8,615,530 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Realty Income during the 4th quarter valued at $316,245,000. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in Realty Income by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 61,840,542 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,697,446,000 after purchasing an additional 2,523,432 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp raised its position in Realty Income by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 51,642,575 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,100,637,000 after purchasing an additional 2,460,053 shares during the period. 78.82% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In other Realty Income news, Director A. Larry Chapman sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.98, for a total transaction of $199,430.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 10,590 shares of the companys stock, valued at $603,418.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Mizuho raised Realty Income from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $48.00 to $58.00 in a research note on Monday, December 11th. StockNews.com upgraded Realty Income from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Wolfe Research upgraded Realty Income from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $66.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Realty Income from $71.00 to $69.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of Realty Income in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $59.00 target price on the stock. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Realty Income currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $61.45.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Realty Income

Realty Income Stock Performance

NYSE:O opened at $56.70 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $52.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $55.68. The stock has a market cap of $41.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.90. Realty Income Co. has a twelve month low of $45.03 and a twelve month high of $68.85.

Realty Income (NYSE:O  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.00 by ($0.67). Realty Income had a net margin of 22.64% and a return on equity of 2.90%. The company had revenue of $1.04 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $999.01 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.98 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 24.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Realty Income Co. will post 4.01 EPS for the current year.

Realty Income Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a jan 24 dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be given a $0.2565 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 1st. This represents a dividend yield of 5.4%. This is a positive change from Realty Incomes previous jan 24 dividend of $0.26. Realty Incomes dividend payout ratio is currently 232.58%.

About Realty Income

(Free Report)

Realty Income, The Monthly Dividend Company, is an S&P 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index. We invest in people and places to deliver dependable monthly dividends that increase over time. The company is structured as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), and its monthly dividends are supported by the cash flow from over 13,250 real estate properties primarily owned under long-term net lease agreements with commercial clients.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems bought a new position in Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 24,520 shares of the medical research companys stock, valued at approximately $2,742,000.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in A. Global Trust Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Agilent Technologies by 90.9% during the third quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 1,252 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $140,000 after purchasing an additional 596 shares during the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 8.1% in the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,336 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $161,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Boston Common Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Agilent Technologies by 150.1% during the third quarter. Boston Common Asset Management LLC now owns 100,930 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $11,286,000 after acquiring an additional 60,578 shares during the last quarter. Goodman Advisory Group LLC purchased a new stake in Agilent Technologies during the third quarter valued at approximately $1,488,000. Finally, AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Agilent Technologies by 20.5% in the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 119,069 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $13,314,000 after purchasing an additional 20,269 shares during the last quarter.

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Insider Activity at Agilent Technologies

In other news, CEO Michael R. Mcmullen sold 2,751 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $357,630.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 306,206 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $39,806,780. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Agilent Technologies news, CEO Michael R. Mcmullen sold 62,467 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $8,120,710.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 306,206 shares in the company, valued at $39,806,780. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Michael R. Mcmullen sold 2,751 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $357,630.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 306,206 shares in the company, valued at $39,806,780. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 93,049 shares of company stock valued at $12,328,032 over the last ninety days.

Agilent Technologies Price Performance

Shares of A stock opened at $138.18 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $40.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.82, a P/E/G ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a current ratio of 2.61, a quick ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $96.80 and a twelve month high of $159.59. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $117.80 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $118.46.

Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 20th. The medical research company reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.67 billion. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 18.15% and a return on equity of 28.24%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.53 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Agilent Technologies Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 24th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.236 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 29th. This is an increase from Agilent Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. This represents a $0.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.68%. Agilent Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 21.38%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on A shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Agilent Technologies from $140.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Agilent Technologies from $110.00 to $105.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on shares of Agilent Technologies in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. They issued an outperform rating and a $140.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Agilent Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on shares of Agilent Technologies in a research note on Thursday, September 28th. They issued a market perform rating and a $123.00 price objective for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Agilent Technologies has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $138.47.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on A

Agilent Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm bought 63,925 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $34,336,000. Eli Lilly and Company makes up 1.2% of Kentucky Retirement Systems investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest holding.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 3,024 shares of the companys stock worth $1,418,000 after buying an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 688.2% during the 2nd quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,736 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,752,000 after purchasing an additional 3,262 shares during the last quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 13.0% during the 2nd quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 1,874 shares of the companys stock valued at $879,000 after purchasing an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Martin Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth $234,000. Finally, Physicians Financial Services Inc. increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Physicians Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,718 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,275,000 after buying an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

LLY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $630.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $727.00 to $822.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Argus upped their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $583.24.

Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 1.7 %

Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $570.21 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $589.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $534.45. The company has a market cap of $541.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 103.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.53 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $309.20 and a fifty-two week high of $629.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.05.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.18. The business had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate 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 analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.91%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 81.88%.

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems bought a new stake in Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU  Free Report) in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor bought 27,925 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $2,650,000.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Bridgewater Associates LP raised its stake in shares of Prudential Financial by 80.5% in the second quarter. Bridgewater Associates LP now owns 248,877 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $21,956,000 after purchasing an additional 110,982 shares in the last quarter. Argent Trust Co raised its stake in shares of Prudential Financial by 1.6% in the first quarter. Argent Trust Co now owns 12,884 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,066,000 after purchasing an additional 203 shares in the last quarter. Brookstone Capital Management raised its stake in Prudential Financial by 11.9% during the second quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 5,705 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $513,000 after acquiring an additional 605 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP raised its stake in Prudential Financial by 4.2% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 3,758 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $332,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its stake in Prudential Financial by 98,060.5% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,968,118 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $173,627,000 after acquiring an additional 1,966,113 shares in the last quarter. 54.92% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have issued reports on PRU. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Prudential Financial in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. They set a hold rating and a $99.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Prudential Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Prudential Financial from $103.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Prudential Financial from $121.00 to $119.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $100.00 target price on shares of Prudential Financial in a research note on Friday, September 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $103.70.

Prudential Financial Price Performance

Prudential Financial stock opened at $102.51 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $95.45 and its 200 day simple moving average is $93.52. The stock has a market cap of $37.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 66.14, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.38. Prudential Financial, Inc. has a 12-month low of $75.37 and a 12-month high of $107.31. The company has a quick ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 0.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70.

Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The financial services provider reported $3.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.16 by $0.28. The company had revenue of $10.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.91 billion. Prudential Financial had a return on equity of 16.03% and a net margin of 1.21%. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.13 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Prudential Financial, Inc. will post 11.71 earnings per share for the current year.

Prudential Financial Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 14th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 21st were given a dividend of $1.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 20th. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.88%. Prudential Financials payout ratio is currently 322.58%.

Insider Transactions at Prudential Financial

In other news, CFO Kenneth Tanji sold 23,124 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.14, for a total transaction of $2,431,257.36. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 47,155 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,957,876.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, CFO Kenneth Tanji sold 23,124 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.14, for a total value of $2,431,257.36. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 47,155 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,957,876.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, SVP Timothy L. Schmidt sold 8,281 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.49, for a total value of $782,471.69. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 14,621 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,381,538.29. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock.

Prudential Financial Company Profile

(Free Report)

Prudential Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through PGIM, Retirement Strategies, Group Insurance, Individual Annuities, Individual Life, Assurance IQ, and International Businesses segments.

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Moody National Bank Trust Division lifted its stake in shares of LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Free Report) by 17.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,529 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,990 shares during the period. Moody National Bank Trust Divisions holdings in LyondellBasell Industries were worth $1,281,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Providence Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 9,672.8% during the first quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,206,344 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $34,150,000 after buying an additional 3,173,535 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in LyondellBasell Industries by 250.7% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,331,930 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $406,726,000 after acquiring an additional 3,096,710 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries by 205.3% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 4,454,483 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $458,010,000 after acquiring an additional 2,995,335 shares during the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its stake in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 170.5% during the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 3,331,033 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $276,576,000 after purchasing an additional 2,099,644 shares during the period. Finally, FMR LLC boosted its holdings in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 27.6% during the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 5,829,284 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $547,312,000 after purchasing an additional 1,262,433 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.41% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently commented on LYB shares. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on LyondellBasell Industries from $116.00 to $108.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Bank of America upgraded shares of LyondellBasell Industries from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $99.00 to $107.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. KeyCorp upgraded shares of LyondellBasell Industries from an underweight rating to a sector weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup cut shares of LyondellBasell Industries from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $105.00 to $98.00 in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, LyondellBasell Industries currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $101.00.

LyondellBasell Industries Price Performance

LYB stock opened at $95.85 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $31.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a current ratio of 1.89. LyondellBasell Industries has a 1 year low of $79.68 and a 1 year high of $102.04. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $93.33 and a 200-day simple moving average of $94.16.

LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 27th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.03 by $0.43. LyondellBasell Industries had a net margin of 5.53% and a return on equity of 22.15%. The company had revenue of $10.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.10 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.96 earnings per share. LyondellBasell Industriess revenue for the quarter was down 13.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that LyondellBasell Industries will post 8.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

LyondellBasell Industries Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 4th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 27th were issued a $1.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 24th. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.22%. LyondellBasell Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 71.63%.

LyondellBasell Industries Profile

(Free Report)

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates as a chemical company in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Poland, France, Japan, China, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company operates in six segments: Olefins and PolyolefinsAmericas; Olefins and PolyolefinsEurope, Asia, International; Intermediates and Derivatives; Advanced Polymer Solutions; Refining; and Technology.

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Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) CFO Matthew Dunnigan sold 1,462 shares of Restaurant Brands International stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.68, for a total value of $107,720.16. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 41,652 shares in the company, valued at $3,068,919.36. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

Restaurant Brands International Stock Performance

QSR stock opened at $74.74 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $69.51 and its 200-day moving average is $71.14. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.82. The company has a market cap of $23.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.96. Restaurant Brands International Inc. has a twelve month low of $59.99 and a twelve month high of $78.30.

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Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The restaurant operator reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $1.84 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.87 billion. Restaurant Brands International had a return on equity of 32.72% and a net margin of 13.22%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.96 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Restaurant Brands International Inc. will post 3.23 EPS for the current year.

Restaurant Brands International Dividend Announcement

Institutional Trading of Restaurant Brands International

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.55 per share. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.94%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. Restaurant Brands Internationals payout ratio is presently 75.60%.

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in QSR. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in Restaurant Brands International during the 2nd quarter worth $400,702,000. Holocene Advisors LP raised its stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 1,905.4% in the 2nd quarter. Holocene Advisors LP now owns 2,294,258 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $177,851,000 after purchasing an additional 2,179,856 shares during the period. FIL Ltd raised its stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 35.7% in the 1st quarter. FIL Ltd now owns 5,797,200 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $389,182,000 after purchasing an additional 1,524,652 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International in the 4th quarter valued at about $91,144,000. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors raised its stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 7.3% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 19,898,620 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,542,541,000 after purchasing an additional 1,350,491 shares during the period.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

QSR has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Restaurant Brands International in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $86.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 6th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised Restaurant Brands International from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $85.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Barclays reduced their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $86.00 to $75.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $89.00 to $83.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $78.46.

Get Our Latest Analysis on QSR

About Restaurant Brands International

(Get Free Report)

Restaurant Brands International Inc operates as a quick-service restaurant company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK), Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLK), and Firehouse Subs (FHS). The company owns and franchises TH chain of donut/coffee/tea restaurants that offer blend coffee, tea, and espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks; and fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, and other food products.

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Moody National Bank Trust Division grew its stake in shares of RTX Co. (NYSE:RTX  Free Report) by 10.4% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 28,262 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 2,668 shares during the quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Divisions holdings in RTX were worth $2,034,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Quarry LP acquired a new position in shares of RTX during the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. VitalStone Financial LLC lifted its holdings in shares of RTX by 136.5% during the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 369 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 213 shares in the last quarter. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new position in shares of RTX during the 4th quarter valued at $47,000. Milestone Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of RTX during the 1st quarter valued at $51,000. Finally, Lowe Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of RTX by 64.3% during the 2nd quarter. Lowe Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 703 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,000 after acquiring an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. 79.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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RTX Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:RTX opened at $81.64 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. RTX Co. has a fifty-two week low of $68.56 and a fifty-two week high of $108.84. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $79.86 and a 200 day simple moving average of $84.61. The company has a market cap of $117.39 billion, a PE ratio of 37.97, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 0.93.

RTX Announces Dividend

RTX ( NYSE:RTX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $1.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.19 by $0.06. RTX had a net margin of 4.76% and a return on equity of 10.05%. The business had revenue of $19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.60 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.21 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that RTX Co. will post 5 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th were given a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. RTXs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 109.77%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have commented on RTX shares. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of RTX from $83.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Bank of America lowered shares of RTX from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $95.00 to $75.00 in a report on Thursday, September 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of RTX from $100.00 to $87.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. DZ Bank lowered shares of RTX from a hold rating to a sell rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $79.00 to $68.00 in a report on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $82.00 price objective on shares of RTX in a report on Monday, September 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, RTX presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $90.21.

View Our Latest Stock Report on RTX

RTX Company Profile

(Free Report)

RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers worldwide. It operates through four segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for aircraft manufacturers and airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation; and for defense and commercial space operations.

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Highwoods Properties (NYSE:HIW  Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at Morgan Stanley from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report released on Thursday, FinViz reports. They currently have a $18.00 price target on the real estate investment trusts stock, down from their previous price target of $22.00. Morgan Stanleys target price would suggest a potential downside of 21.65% from the companys current price.

Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Truist Financial reduced their price target on Highwoods Properties from $35.00 to $28.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lowered Highwoods Properties from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and reduced their price target for the company from $27.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Mizuho cut their target price on Highwoods Properties from $31.00 to $24.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Bank of America lowered Highwoods Properties from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the company from $29.00 to $20.00 in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Highwoods Properties in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $23.43.

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Highwoods Properties Trading Down 0.6 %

Institutional Trading of Highwoods Properties

NYSE HIW opened at $22.98 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $19.56 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $21.90. Highwoods Properties has a 12 month low of $17.06 and a 12 month high of $31.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.43 billion, a PE ratio of 17.81 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of HIW. Quarry LP bought a new position in shares of Highwoods Properties in the first quarter worth $27,000. CENTRAL TRUST Co boosted its holdings in shares of Highwoods Properties by 76.6% in the third quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 1,095 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 475 shares during the period. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd bought a new position in shares of Highwoods Properties in the third quarter worth $44,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Highwoods Properties by 20,800.0% in the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 2,090 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 2,080 shares during the period. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP boosted its holdings in shares of Highwoods Properties by 165.3% in the second quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 2,181 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $74,000 after acquiring an additional 1,359 shares during the period. 96.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Highwoods Properties Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Highwoods Properties, Inc, headquartered in Raleigh, is a publicly-traded (NYSE:HIW), fully-integrated office real estate investment trust ("REIT") that owns, develops, acquires, leases and manages properties primarily in the best business districts (BBDs) of Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, Richmond and Tampa.

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Northwest Investment Counselors LLC increased its position in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 0.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 24,181 shares of the retailers stock after buying an additional 143 shares during the quarter. Walmart accounts for approximately 1.1% of Northwest Investment Counselors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest position. Northwest Investment Counselors LLCs holdings in Walmart were worth $3,867,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. BCS Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Walmart in the 3rd quarter worth $295,000. Essex Savings Bank lifted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Essex Savings Bank now owns 14,855 shares of the retailers stock worth $2,376,000 after purchasing an additional 231 shares in the last quarter. Capital City Trust Co. FL lifted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Capital City Trust Co. FL now owns 27,600 shares of the retailers stock worth $4,414,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division lifted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 13.7% in the 3rd quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 34,866 shares of the retailers stock worth $5,576,000 after purchasing an additional 4,212 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Heartland Bank & Trust Co lifted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. Heartland Bank & Trust Co now owns 7,193 shares of the retailers stock worth $1,150,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. 33.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Walmart Stock Performance

Shares of WMT opened at $153.72 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $413.85 billion, a PE ratio of 25.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 0.48. 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 stock has a 50-day moving average price of $158.94 and a 200-day moving average price of $158.58. Walmart Inc. has a 12-month low of $136.09 and a 12-month high of $169.94.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

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, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.53. The firm had revenue of $160.80 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $159.65 billion. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.20% and a net margin of 2.55%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.50 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Walmart Inc. will post 6.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

WMT has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Tigress Financial increased their price target on Walmart from $182.00 to $196.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $168.00 price target on shares of Walmart in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Walmart from $170.00 to $168.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 17th. TD Cowen reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $185.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, HSBC initiated coverage on Walmart in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $200.00 target price for the company. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $179.44.

Read Our Latest Analysis on WMT

Insider Activity

In related news, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 433,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.89, for a total transaction of $67,500,370.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 235,007,961 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,635,391,040.29. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, Director S Robson Walton sold 885,170 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was 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 sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 433,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.89, for a total value of $67,500,370.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 235,007,961 shares in the company, valued at $36,635,391,040.29. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 3,493,089 shares of company stock worth $544,456,070. 46.51% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Walmart Profile

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications.

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StockNews.com downgraded shares of Pentair (NYSE:PNR  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Wednesday morning.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Pentair from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. KeyCorp raised Pentair from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $82.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Pentair from $81.00 to $83.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on Pentair from $74.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on Pentair from $82.00 to $81.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $73.00.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on Pentair

Pentair Trading Down 1.0 %

Shares of Pentair stock opened at $70.58 on Wednesday. Pentair has a 12-month low of $43.49 and a 12-month high of $72.52. The stock has a market cap of $11.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.99, a P/E/G ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The businesss 50 day moving average is $63.65 and its 200-day moving average is $64.94.

Pentair (NYSE:PNR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.87 by $0.07. Pentair had a return on equity of 21.35% and a net margin of 12.36%. The business had revenue of $1.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $992.23 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.99 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Pentair will post 3.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Pentair Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, January 19th will be paid a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 18th. This is a positive change from Pentairs previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.30%. Pentairs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 28.66%.

Insider Activity at Pentair

In related news, EVP Philip M. Rolchigo sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.77, for a total value of $243,080.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 18,535 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,126,371.95. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other Pentair news, Director David A. /Wi Jones sold 2,260 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.85, for a total value of $153,341.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 23,081 shares in the company, valued at $1,566,045.85. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Philip M. Rolchigo sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.77, for a total value of $243,080.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 18,535 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,126,371.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 8,520 shares of company stock valued at $541,965 over the last ninety days. 0.89% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pentair

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Assetmark Inc. raised its position in Pentair by 935.1% in the third quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 383 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 346 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc raised its position in shares of Pentair by 97.6% during the third quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 409 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Pentair during the third quarter worth about $30,000. Operose Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Pentair during the third quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Rational Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Pentair during the third quarter worth about $41,000. 88.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Pentair Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Pentair plc provides various water solutions worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Pool, Water Solutions, Industrial & Flow Technologies. It designs, manufactures, and sells residential and commercial pool equipment and accessories, including pumps, filters, heaters, lights, automatic controls, automatic cleaners, maintenance equipment, and pool accessories for residential and commercial pool maintenance, repair, renovation, service, and construction applications; and water treatment products and systems comprising pressure tanks, control valves, activated carbon products, conventional filtration products, and point-of-entry and point-of-use systems for use in residential whole home water filtration, drinking water filtration, water softening solutions, commercial total water management and filtration, and foodservice operations.

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Moody National Bank Trust Division raised its position in Raymond James (NYSE:RJF  Free Report) by 71.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 15,687 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 6,538 shares during the quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Divisions holdings in Raymond James were worth $1,575,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in RJF. Vinva Investment Management Ltd purchased a new stake in Raymond James during the 1st quarter worth $459,000. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC increased its position in shares of Raymond James by 5.5% during the first quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 28,491 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,657,000 after acquiring an additional 1,475 shares during the last quarter. Comerica Bank acquired a new position in shares of Raymond James in the second quarter worth about $38,099,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Raymond James by 8.9% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,434,163 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $148,829,000 after purchasing an additional 117,155 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Raymond James by 4.7% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 17,196,715 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,784,503,000 after purchasing an additional 772,492 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.00% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

RJF has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Citigroup cut their target price on Raymond James from $120.00 to $115.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Raymond James from $110.00 to $100.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. initiated coverage on shares of Raymond James in a report on Tuesday, September 19th. They set a neutral rating and a $121.00 price objective for the company. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on shares of Raymond James from $128.00 to $118.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Raymond James in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $118.67.

Raymond James Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:RJF opened at $112.10 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $23.39 billion, a PE ratio of 14.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.02. Raymond James has a fifty-two week low of $82.00 and a fifty-two week high of $120.73. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $102.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $103.25. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39.

Raymond James (NYSE:RJF  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The financial services provider reported $2.13 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.28 by ($0.15). The company had revenue of $3.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.99 billion. Raymond James had a net margin of 13.39% and a return on equity of 18.33%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Raymond James will post 9.04 EPS for the current year.

Raymond James Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be given a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 29th. This is a positive change from Raymond Jamess previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.61%. Raymond Jamess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 21.11%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Raymond James

In related news, CEO Steven M. Raney sold 930 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.42, for a total value of $102,690.60. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 55,618 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,141,339.56. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Raymond James news, insider George Catanese sold 3,866 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.75, for a total transaction of $412,695.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 11,712 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,250,256. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Steven M. Raney sold 930 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.42, for a total value of $102,690.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 55,618 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,141,339.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 12,840 shares of company stock worth $1,315,040. 9.46% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Raymond James Company Profile

(Free Report)

Raymond James Financial, Inc, a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments.

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Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) insider Duncan Fulton sold 1,218 shares of Restaurant Brands International stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.23, for a total transaction of $89,194.14. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 14,330 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,049,385.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Restaurant Brands International Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:QSR opened at $74.74 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.82. Restaurant Brands International Inc. has a 12 month low of $59.99 and a 12 month high of $78.30. The stock has a market cap of $23.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a 50 day moving average of $69.51 and a 200 day moving average of $71.14.

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Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The restaurant operator reported $0.90 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.05. Restaurant Brands International had a net margin of 13.22% and a return on equity of 32.72%. The business had revenue of $1.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.87 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.96 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Restaurant Brands International Inc. will post 3.23 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Restaurant Brands International Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Restaurant Brands International

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be paid a $0.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.94%. Restaurant Brands Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 75.60%.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of QSR. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in Restaurant Brands International in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $400,702,000. Holocene Advisors LP grew its stake in Restaurant Brands International by 1,905.4% in the 2nd quarter. Holocene Advisors LP now owns 2,294,258 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $177,851,000 after buying an additional 2,179,856 shares in the last quarter. FIL Ltd grew its stake in Restaurant Brands International by 35.7% in the 1st quarter. FIL Ltd now owns 5,797,200 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $389,182,000 after buying an additional 1,524,652 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International in the 4th quarter valued at $91,144,000. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors boosted its stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 7.3% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 19,898,620 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,542,541,000 after purchasing an additional 1,350,491 shares in the last quarter.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $82.00 to $72.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 6th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $72.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. TD Cowen boosted their price target on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $77.00 to $81.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $75.00 price target on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $78.46.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Restaurant Brands International

Restaurant Brands International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Restaurant Brands International Inc operates as a quick-service restaurant company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK), Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLK), and Firehouse Subs (FHS). The company owns and franchises TH chain of donut/coffee/tea restaurants that offer blend coffee, tea, and espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks; and fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, and other food products.

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Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC bought a new stake in PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund bought 4,350 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $322,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund purchased a new stake in shares of PulteGroup in the third quarter valued at $591,000. Kentucky Retirement Systems purchased a new stake in shares of PulteGroup in the third quarter valued at $1,325,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 14.1% in the third quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 3,176 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $247,000 after acquiring an additional 393 shares during the period. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 9.5% in the third quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 26,018 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,927,000 after acquiring an additional 2,266 shares during the period. Finally, AE Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 25.6% in the third quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 25,237 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,869,000 after acquiring an additional 5,140 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.84% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on PHM shares. StockNews.com raised shares of PulteGroup from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Barclays raised their price target on shares of PulteGroup from $95.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of PulteGroup in a research note on Monday, November 27th. They issued a buy rating and a $107.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of PulteGroup from $90.00 to $81.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of PulteGroup from $80.00 to $91.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $93.94.

PulteGroup Stock Down 0.9 %

Shares of PulteGroup stock opened at $102.06 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.88. PulteGroup, Inc. has a 1 year low of $44.59 and a 1 year high of $105.13. The firms 50-day moving average is $84.80 and its two-hundred day moving average is $80.37. The stock has a market cap of $22.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.29, a PEG ratio of 0.30 and a beta of 1.45.

PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The construction company reported $2.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.83 by $0.07. PulteGroup had a net margin of 16.37% and a return on equity of 28.25%. The company had revenue of $4 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.05 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.69 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that PulteGroup, Inc. will post 11.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

PulteGroup Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 19th will be issued a $0.20 dividend. This is a boost from PulteGroups previous quarterly dividend of $0.16. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.78%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 18th. PulteGroups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 6.50%.

PulteGroup Profile

(Free Report)

PulteGroup, Inc, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the homebuilding business in the United States. It acquires and develops land primarily for residential purposes; and constructs housing on such land. The company also offers various home designs, including single-family detached, townhomes, condominiums, and duplexes under the Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, American West, and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods brand names.

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Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC reduced its position in The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK  Free Report) by 3.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 7,199 shares of the banks stock after selling 250 shares during the period. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLCs holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $307,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC raised its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC now owns 4,764 shares of the banks stock worth $212,000 after buying an additional 224 shares in the last quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp lifted its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 0.6% in 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 grew its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLC now owns 63,013 shares of the banks stock worth $2,805,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares during the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 14,451 shares of the banks stock worth $717,000 after purchasing an additional 245 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. boosted its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 5.6% during the first quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 4,936 shares of the banks stock worth $224,000 after buying an additional 260 shares in the last quarter. 81.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have recently weighed in on BK. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Bank of New York Mellon from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $54.50 price objective for the company in a research note on Monday. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $46.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Bank of New York Mellon in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price target on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $45.00 to $44.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $55.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $52.77.

Bank of New York Mellon Trading Down 1.6 %

Shares of NYSE:BK opened at $50.90 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $46.06 and a two-hundred day moving average of $44.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a 12-month low of $39.65 and a 12-month high of $52.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $39.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.11.

Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The bank reported $1.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.15 by $0.12. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 11.84% and a net margin of 11.81%. The firm had revenue of $4.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.32 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.21 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect 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 company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 9th. Investors of record on Friday, October 27th were paid a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 26th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.30%. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is 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.

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Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC trimmed its holdings in Parker-Hannifin Co. (NYSE:PH  Free Report) by 4.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,017 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 47 shares during the quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLCs holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $396,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. American Trust bought a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the 1st quarter worth about $334,000. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale increased its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 59.1% during the 2nd quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 575,425 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $225,261,000 after purchasing an additional 213,848 shares in the last quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in Parker-Hannifin during the 1st quarter valued at about $409,000. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co bought a new stake in Parker-Hannifin during the 1st quarter valued at about $3,446,000. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB increased its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 192,052 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $74,770,000 after purchasing an additional 5,530 shares in the last quarter. 82.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PH has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Wolfe Research restated a peer perform rating on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and set a $500.00 price objective on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research note on Monday, December 4th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $450.00 to $510.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Parker-Hannifin from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $462.00 to $506.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $458.93.

Parker-Hannifin Stock Performance

PH opened at $449.42 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. The company has a market cap of $57.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.95, a PEG ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.50. The companys 50 day moving average is $415.41 and its 200 day moving average is $401.38. Parker-Hannifin Co. has a 12-month low of $284.15 and a 12-month high of $462.17.

Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The industrial products company reported $5.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.33 by $0.63. Parker-Hannifin had a net margin of 11.92% and a return on equity of 29.56%. The company had revenue of $4.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.88 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $4.74 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Parker-Hannifin Co. will post 23.18 EPS for the current year.

Parker-Hannifin Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 13th were given a dividend of $1.48 per share. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.32%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 10th. Parker-Hannifins payout ratio is currently 32.87%.

Parker-Hannifin Profile

(Free Report)

Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment.

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Ronald Blue Trust Inc. boosted its position in WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC  Free Report) by 50.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 6,763 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 2,263 shares during the period. Ronald Blue Trust Inc.s holdings in WEC Energy Group were worth $597,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Quilter Plc purchased a new position in WEC Energy Group in the first quarter worth about $234,348,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. purchased a new position in shares of WEC Energy Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co purchased a new position in shares of WEC Energy Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. First Manhattan Co. lifted its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 102.0% during the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 303 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 153 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA purchased a new position in shares of WEC Energy Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. 75.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director Ulice Payne, Jr. sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.46, for a total transaction of $50,076.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 20,933 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,747,068.18. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

WEC Energy Group Stock Performance

NYSE:WEC opened at $81.79 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 0.42. WEC Energy Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $75.47 and a 1 year high of $99.26. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $82.55 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $85.34. The company has a market cap of $25.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.89, a PEG ratio of 3.05 and a beta of 0.43.

WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $1.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.03 billion. WEC Energy Group had a return on equity of 11.48% and a net margin of 14.80%. The companys revenue was down 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.96 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that WEC Energy Group, Inc. will post 4.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

WEC Energy Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.78 per share. This represents a $3.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.81%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 13th. WEC Energy Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 72.06%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

WEC has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. KeyCorp lowered their price objective on WEC Energy Group from $102.00 to $94.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Guggenheim lowered their price objective on WEC Energy Group from $94.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. UBS Group lowered their price target on WEC Energy Group from $87.00 to $80.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Mizuho lowered their price target on WEC Energy Group from $88.00 to $86.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Finally, Bank of America cut WEC Energy Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $102.00 to $86.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $89.58.

Read Our Latest Analysis on WEC Energy Group

About WEC Energy Group

(Free Report)

WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. The company operates through six segments: Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure, and Corporate and Other.

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Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSE:TMQ  Get Free Report) Senior Officer Elaine Sanders sold 100,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$0.42, for a total transaction of C$41,700.00.

Trilogy Metals Stock Performance

TSE TMQ opened at C$0.57 on Thursday. Trilogy Metals Inc. has a 12 month low of C$0.52 and a 12 month high of C$1.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 6.23 and a quick ratio of 5.25. The company has a market capitalization of C$88.85 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.56 and a beta of 1.23. The companys fifty day moving average price is C$0.61 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$0.66.

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Trilogy Metals (TSE:TMQ  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 11th. The company reported C($0.01) EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of C($0.01). As a group, research analysts predict that Trilogy Metals Inc. will post -0.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Raymond James decreased their target price on shares of Trilogy Metals from C$1.75 to C$1.50 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Trilogy Metals

Trilogy Metals Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Trilogy Metals Inc, a base metals exploration company, explores for and develops mineral properties in the United States. It principally holds interests in the Upper Kobuk mineral projects that include the Arctic, which contains polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits; and Bornite that contains carbonate-hosted copper  cobalt deposits covering an area of approximately 448,217 acres located in the Ambler mining district in Northwest Alaska.

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AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM  Free Report) by 26.8% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 87,939 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 18,588 shares during the quarter. AE Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Waste Management were worth $13,405,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in WM. Spirit of America Management Corp NY acquired a new position in Waste Management in the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in Waste Management in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO acquired a new position in Waste Management in the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in Waste Management in the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Beacon Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Waste Management by 179.4% in the second quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 190 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the last quarter. 78.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on Waste Management in a research note on Monday, November 27th. They set an equal weight rating and a $175.00 price target on the stock. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on Waste Management from $160.00 to $163.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. HSBC assumed coverage on Waste Management in a research note on Friday, September 15th. They set a buy rating and a $192.00 price target on the stock. Oppenheimer upped their price target on Waste Management from $181.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Waste Management in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $179.93.

Insider Activity at Waste Management

In related news, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 9,550 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $177.00, for a total value of $1,690,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 162,388 shares of the companys stock, valued at $28,742,676. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other Waste Management news, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 9,550 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $177.00, for a total transaction of $1,690,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 162,388 shares of the companys stock, valued at $28,742,676. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, VP Michael J. Watson sold 14,288 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.44, for a total value of $2,435,246.72. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 41,428 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,060,988.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 43,598 shares of company stock valued at $7,517,269 over the last quarter. 0.27% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Waste Management Stock Down 0.6 %

Waste Management stock opened at $175.76 on Thursday. Waste Management, Inc. has a twelve month low of $148.31 and a twelve month high of $179.50. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $168.61 and its 200-day simple moving average is $164.31. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $70.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.11, a P/E/G ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.70.

Waste Management (NYSE:WM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The business services provider reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $5.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.27 billion. Waste Management had a return on equity of 34.14% and a net margin of 11.47%. Waste Managements revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.56 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Waste Management, Inc. will post 5.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Waste Management Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st were issued a $0.70 dividend. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.59%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th. Waste Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 49.56%.

Waste Management Profile

(Free Report)

Waste Management, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the United States and Canada. It offers collection services, including picking up and transporting waste and recyclable materials from where it was generated to a transfer station, material recovery facility (MRF), or disposal site; and owns and operates transfer stations, as well as owns, develops, and operates landfill facilities that produce landfill gas used as renewable natural gas for generating electricity.

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Tallavajjula Patanjali Sastri. (Image By Arrangement)

KAKINADA: Several progressive writers, poets and environmentalists hailed eminent writer, poet and environmentalist Tallavajjula Patanjali Sastri for winning the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award for his Rameswaram Kakulu and other stories.



Patanjali Sastry is a renowned writer and environmentalist from Rajamahendravaram. He was born in Pithapuram and earned fame also as an environmentalist and archaeologist. He fights for the rights of different sections of people.



Sastry played a vital role in protecting Kolleru lake and won a court order to protect the migratory birds and the lake.



Eminent story writer Vadrevu Veera Lakshmi Devi said Patanjali Sastry has a special style of writing in Telugu. "The subjects he selected were unique and made his readers sit and think. He wrote more than 100 short stories, four novels and progressive Telugu poems. His novels Veera Nayakudu and Devara Kotishu (A satirical novel) are excellent subject-oriented literary creations. He wrote about the lifestyles of cities."

Eminent poet and Kavi Sandhya poetry magazine editor Sikhamani said Patanjali Sastry deserved the national award. Sastry previously won the Appajyosula award. "He is one of the rare writers and poets with expertise both in creativity and in science and technology."



"As an environmentalist, Sastry has many achievements and keeps fighting for environmental causes. He has vast knowledge in archaeology. Every poem, story and novel of his are different concepts."



Eminent critic, poet, story writer and Sahrudaya Sahithi secretary Vedula Srirama Sarma (Sirisha) said Sastry is a nature lover. His writings are awakening humanity and getting rid of superstitious beliefs from society, he said.

Sahitya Sravanthi state vice president G Nageswara Rao (GANARE) said, "Patanjali Sastri is a master, a guide and Godfather to story writers. He is an inspiration to young writers and poets."
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced the constitution of an all-party fact-finding committee to investigate the 24-hour power supply claim of the previous BRS government. (Image: DC)

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday ordered a judicial inquiry into alleged graft by the previous BRS government in signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Chhattisgarh government.

The setting up of Yadadri and Bhadradri thermal power stations, with outdated subcritical technology, causing huge losses to the state exchequer running into thousands of crores of rupees, will also be probed, Revanth Reddy said in the Legislative Assembly.

The Chief Minister also announced the constitution of an all-party fact-finding committee to investigate the 24-hour power supply claim of the previous BRS government.

The actions come against the backdrop of former energy minister G. Jagadish Reddy challenging the Congress government to order a judicial probe, after minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy alleged that there was huge corruption by the BRS regime in the power sector over the past nine years.

Revanth Reddy said that the BRS government had signed a power purchase agreement with the Chhattisgarh government in haste, soon after the formation of Telangana state in 2014, without inviting tenders.

He said despite Opposition parties and Telangana power employees JAC strongly opposing the agreement because it would impose a burden of thousands of crores of rupees on the state exchequer, then chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao turned a blind eye and proceeded with MoU.

Revanth Reddy claimed that the former chief minister targeted JAC chairman K. Raghu, who played a key role in the statehood agitation, for opposing him, demoting and sidelining the official in the department for the past nine years.

"The Centre was ready to give power to Telangana for a cheaper price, but the BRS government went ahead with its purchase of 1,000 MW from Chhattisgarh. It is imposing Rs 1,362 crore burden on state government every year due to higher price," Reddy said.

Addressing the issue of old technology being used in the construction of power projects, he said: "The Centre asked all states to build new thermal power projects only with super critical technology from 2017. But the BRS government opted for outdated sub-critical technology for setting up Bhadradri and Yadadri projects. These are big scams that happened during (the BRS) regime and a judicial probe will unearth the entire scam."

Revanth Reddy said that despite spending Rs 25,000 crore, the Yadadri plant could not be completed even in eight years, given that the BRS government claimed it would begin operations in two years. The cost of power production for one MW shot up to Rs 6.27 crore due to this delay, he said.

Similarly, the power production cost for one MW at the Bhadradri plant, which was built at a cost of Rs 10,000 crore, shot up to Rs 9.74 crore, against Rs 6.27 crore, he said.

"Despite spending Rs 35,000 crore on these two projects, the BRS government could not achieve any significant power production," Revanth Reddy said.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka says Congress was committed to providing quality and reliable power, including free power to agriculture. (Image source: Facebook)

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who holds the energy portfolio, said that despite the previous BRS government pushing TS discoms into huge losses and debts to the tune of nearly Rs 1.44 lakh crore, the Congress was committed to providing quality and reliable power, including free power to agriculture.

He said the Congress government would overcome the challenges faced by the power sector with a responsible and transparent approach.

Speaking during the debate on the White Paper on the energy department in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Bhatti said the BRS government lacked vision in planning and executing power projects to meet current and future needs.

Bhatti rubbished former minister T. Harish Rao's claims that the BRS government had increased assets of power utilities from Rs 44,431 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 1,37,571 crore in 2022-23.

"Government departments owe power bills of Rs 28,000 crore, discoms owe arrears of Rs 2,086 crore to Transco and Rs 9,743 crore to Genco. If all the arrears left by the previous BRS government are taken into consideration, the net assets of power utilities will be Rs 1,01,443 crore," Bhatti said.

Terming BRS claims of 24-hour power supply false, he said: "Twenty-four-hour power supply was never provided to the agriculture sector. At the most, they gave power up to 10 to 12 hours per day. During the Assembly polls, they campaigned asking people what they wanted  Congress or current. But people gave a clear verdict stating that they need both Congress and current."

He also criticised the BRS for failing to execute any major power project in its tenure.

"They have taken up just two projects, at Bhadradri and Yadadri. Of this, Yadadri is still incomplete even after eight years. The one at Bhadradri was commissioned but is of not much use due to its outdated subcritical technology.

It only imposes an additional financial burden on the state government. Yadadri is also based on subcritical technology," he said.
People wearing face masks as a precautionary measure after cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 were detected in the country, in Bengaluru (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: India on Wednesday reported 21 cases of the JN.1 Covid variant, a development that is neither surprising nor particularly worrying, scientists said while allaying fears but also advising adherence to existing precautionary measures. The announcement about the increasing numbers of the new sub-variant, detected in three states, came with the Union Health Ministry reporting 614 new Covid infections, marking the highest daily count since May 21.

As panic spread and Covid came under the spotlight again, experts stepped in to say there is no need to panic available treatments are effective, the infection is mild and all viruses mutate.

"As it happens with most respiratory viruses, including the influenza viruses, the circulating viruses keep changing. Therefore, a sub-variant of SARS CoV-2 is not a surprise at all," Chandrakant Lahariya, a senior consultant physician and public health expert, told PTI.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is circulating in all settings, he said.

According to official sources, 19 cases of JN.1 have been traced in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra. Over the past two weeks, 16 deaths related to COVID-19 were recorded with the victims having serious co-morbidities.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sublineages.

The WHO defines a variant of interest as one that has genetic changes which could increase its transmissibility, virulence, and its ability to evade vaccines.

Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low, WHO said.

"Despite this, with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, JN.1 could increase the burden of respiratory infections in many countries," it added.

India has also alerted states to take necessary precautionary measures.

Addressing concerns about the spread of JN.1, health experts said precautions are a must but there is no need for alarm as it is natural for viruses to mutate in the due course of evolution.

"In India, people have already been exposed to various sub-variants, including Omicron variants, and received at least two shots of COVID-19 vaccines. There is no renewed risk of SARS-CoV-2 variant or sub-variant causing severe illness," Lahariya said.

Kartik Vedula, infectious diseases consultant at Hyderabad's Yashoda Hospitals, agreed. He said JN.1 is a new sub-lineage of BA.2.86, an offshoot of the Omicron variant.

"JN.1 differs with an additional mutation in the spike protein. Studies have shown that JN.1 has enhanced immune evasion properties, with the potential for enhanced transmission. However, there is no current data that shows new or severe symptoms in JN.1 infected individuals, and the public need not panic," Vedula told PTI.

Adding a note of reassurance, Vinod Scaria, senior consultant at Mumbai's Vishwanath Cancer Foundation, said the JN.1 variant has possibly been in circulation in India as early as November 2023.

"While this would mean reinfections would pick up significantly, there is no evidence to suggest JN.1 could pose a significant threat to public health compared to other variants in circulation," he added.

JN.1 was first detected in Denmark and Israel in late July 2023.

"It has more than 35 amino acid mutations in the parent strain in spike region, which the virus uses to enter and infect human cells, that may alter its transmissibility," explained virologist Deepak Sehgal, who teaches at the Shiv Nadar University.

"Fortunately, there is currently no indication that the associated disease severity will be higher as compared to other circulating variants. The symptoms remain the same as in COVID-19," he added.

According to WHO, current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2. The global health body added that it is continuously monitoring evidence and will update the JN.1 risk evaluation as needed.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said earlier this month that the subvariant JN.1 makes up about an estimated 15 to 29 per cent of cases in the US as of December 8. Last week, China detected seven infections of the Covid sub-variant.

Experts advocate a balanced perspective while dealing with new variants of SARS-CoV-2.

Lahariya stressed the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to existing precautionary measures against JN.1, including the use of masks, maintaining hand hygiene, social distancing, avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated areas, and following proper cough etiquette.

"It is usual that once a new variant of a virus emerges, it is reported from multiple countries. What we need to remember is that if there are multiple variants, one of those would be dominant. That is the case with JN1. It is dominant amongst currently circulating variants and sub-variants of SARS CoV2. That doesn't automatically make it a cause of concern or worry," Lahariya said.

"However, the government's steps should not be over-interpreted by citizens, and there is no reason to be worried. We humans live in a world inhabited by viruses, which are many folds higher than humans on this planet," he added.

Sehgal said the symptoms due to JN.1 infection remain the same as in other variants, adding it is also speculated that the available treatments like Paxlovid, Veklury, and Lagevrio will be effective against this variant.

"However, as a part of prevention, preparedness of the hospitals and health workers, diagnostics, RT PCR Kits, Genome sequencing, etc need to be acquired in case of eventuality. Biggest prevention is for people to follow precautions, taken during COVID-19," he explained.
The Madras High Court on Thursday sentenced Tamil Nadu Education Minister K Ponmudy to 3 years of simple imprisonment in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case. (PTI file image)

Chennai: The Madras High Court on Thursday sentenced Tamil Nadu Education Minister K Ponmudy to 3 years of simple imprisonment in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case.

Justice G Jayachandran of Madras High Court sentenced the Education Minister and also imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh each on Ponmudi and his wife.

However, the judge suspended the sentence for 30 days for Ponmudi, as he currently holds the Higher Education Minister portfolio.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the Madras HC set aside the trial court's ruling that cleared Ponmudi of charges in the DA case.

While allowing an appeal filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Justice G Jayachandran set aside the trial court's judgement in which Minister Ponmudi was acquitted from the case. Justice Jayachandran directed Ponmudi and his wife to appear before the court on December 21 (Thursday).

The trial court, on June 28, 2023, in its order, acquitted Tamil Nadu Education Minister Ponmudi.

The case dates back to the period when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was in power from 2006 to 2011. Ponmudi and his wife, Visalakshi, were prosecuted during the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) regime in 2011 for allegedly accumulating assets beyond their income.

The investigation in the case was led by Villupuram District Anti-Corruption Superintendent of Police, Kanniyappan.

More than a hundred people were investigated and chargesheets were filed in the case. It was alleged that Minister Ponmudi and Visalakshi had accumulated more than Rs 1.36 crore in assets.

Initially, the case was tried in the Villupuram Chief Criminal Court but it was shifted to the Villupuram Anti-Corruption Special Court in 2015.

In November 2022, following the transition of power and DMK taking charge, the case was transferred to the Vellore District Principal Sessions Court in November 2022.

A significant turn of events occurred when Ponmudi and his wife made a court appearance on the day of judgement in the asset embezzlement case. The presiding judge ruled in favour of the accused, citing insufficient evidence as grounds for acquittal from the property transfer charge.

As there was no appeal on behalf of the anti-bribery department against this judgement on June 28, Madras High Court Judge Anand Venkatesh took up the case.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of Madras High Court took up Suo Motu of the trial court order where Higher Education Minister Ponmudi was acquitted in the DA case booked by DVAC in 2006.

Ponmudi had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court as well, seeking consideration and potential resolution in the DA matter but the plea was later dismissed by the apex court.
An Army vehicle after being ambushed by terrorists, in Poonch district, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Three soldiers were killed and as many injured when heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. (PTI Photo)

SRINAGAR: Three Army jawans were killed and as many injured in a gunbattle with a group of heavily-armed militants after they ambushed two Army vehicles -- a Gypsy and a 1-ton truck -- in the Dera ki Gali area of J&Ks border district of Poonch on Thursday afternoon. Other reports put the death toll as four.

The Army said the terrorists, after attacking its vehicles, quickly engaged in a gunbattle which continued as reports last came in. Security forces reinforcements laid siege to a vast area of the Poonch-Rajouri border districts and had plugged possible escape routes for the militants, police sources said.

A defence spokesman in Jammu said the Army with the J&K police and the CRPF was conducting an operation against terrorists at Dera Ki Gali in the Thanamandi area since Wednesday evening. "The operation was launched on hard intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the general area of Dera ki Gali," he said.

The spokesman added: "Today (Thursday) at around 3.45 pm, two Army vehicles carrying troops to the operation site to reinforce the joint operation were ambushed by terrorists at Dera ki Gali. The fire was retaliated to. However, in the exchange of fire, three soldiers got killed, while three were injured. The operation is in progress and further details are being ascertained," he said.

Local news agencies GNS and KNO reported four Army jawans identified as B. Singh, K. Kumar, C. Kumar and G. Kumar were killed in the ambush and gunfight while the injured are Sundeep Kumar, S.S. Dass and T.D. Bhaskarrav. However, the Army only confirmed three deaths.

A statement issued by the Army at Nagrota (Jammu) said: "At approximately 3.45 pm on December 21, two Army vehicles carrying troops were moving to the operational site, which were fired upon by the terrorists. The fire was immediately retaliated upon by own troops. In the ongoing operation, own troops sustained 3 fatal and 3 non-fatal casualties."

The police sources said the attackers believed to be Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) cadres -- most probably Pakistani nationals -- targeted a truck and a Gypsy of the Indian Army at Dhatyar Morh between Dera ki Gali and Bufliaz under the jurisdiction of the Surankote police station of Poonch.

A report from neighbouring Rajouri district said that the reinforcements from the Army, J&K police and the CRPF have been rushed to the area to take on the fleeing militants. The Thannamandi-Dera ki Gali-Bufliaz road has been closed and vehicular traffic to Srinagar (via Mughal Road) and Poonch has been diverted. "Since an encounter is underway in the Dera ki Gali area, all are informed to use BG-Jara Wali Gali road to travel to Srinagar or Poonch," a traffic police spokesman said.

Police officials said the attack on the Army vehicles had taken place in the same area where five Army personnel -- Naib Subedar Jaswinder Singh, Naik Mandeep Singh and Sepoys Gajjan Singh, Vaishakh H and Saraj Singh -- were killed in an attack by militants on October 11.

During this operation, two more Army soldiers including a JCO, Subedar Ajay Singh, and Naik Harendra Singh lost their lives on October 16. The duo had earlier gone missing during the massive search operation that was carried out jointly by the Army and J&K polices Special Operations Group in the Naar Khas Forest area of Poonchs Mendhar region.
The central government is in talks with concerned stakeholders to give comprehensive security of the institution to the Central Industrial Security Force PTI

New Delhi: Days after a major security breach in Parliament, the central government is in talks with concerned stakeholders to give "comprehensive" security of the institution to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Sources in the government told the ANI that the matter was raised in a recent meeting attended by officials of the Delhi Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the CISF, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other concerned divisions.

As per sources, the final decision on the matter will be taken in another round of meetings next week.

However, the sources privy to the development said, two points were majorly discussed in the meeting-- the one which suggested to handover the CISF comprehensive security of the Parliament due to its expertise and the other was to continue Delhi Police security personnel at some points.

An order has also been issued for the survey of the Parliament building complex to gather input before deployment of the CISF-- a central armed police force (CAPF) that currently guards many central government ministry buildings in Delhi apart from installations in the nuclear and aerospace domain, civil airports and the Delhi Metro.

The meeting to change the security set-up in the Parliament comes days after the Lok Sabha Secretariat suspended eight security personnel for security lapses in the Parliament security breach incident which occurred on December 13 when two intruders namely, Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma, jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery and opened smoke canisters. They were later arrested by the Delhi Police.

Two more persons namely Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde were also held outside Parliament where they opened similar smoke canisters.

All four people have been charged under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The major security breach in the Lok Sabha occurred on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament terror attack when the two arrested intruders jumped into the chamber of the Lower House from the visitor gallery during Zero Hour.

The intruders then jumped from one seat to another and took out canisters when MPs tried to catch them. They released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the legislators. The House was then adjourned till 2 pm on Wednesday.

The incident happened when members were raising matters of urgent public importance and BJP MP Khagen Murmu was raising his issue.

After the security of Parliament was breached, the Secretary General of Lok Sabha wrote to the MHA over a review of security and a decision was taken that no passes would be issued for the visitors' gallery till further orders.

On request from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the MHA on December 13 ordered an enquiry into the Parliament security breach incident, and an enquiry committee was set up under Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Anish Dayal Singh with members from other security agencies and experts.

As per MHA, the enquiry committee will investigate the reasons for the breach in the security of Parliament, identify lapses and recommend further action.

"The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest," the MHA had said.
The accused shared the entire conspiracy to breach multi-levels of security and enter Parliament on this WhatsApp group. PTI

New Delhi: The Counter Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Special Cell of Delhi Police brought all the six accused in the Parliament breach case to check if the sequence of events as claimed by each of them earlier matches, officials said on Thursday.

According to Delhi Police, all 6 were kept at five different units of the Special Cell where they were subjected to sustained grilling.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the accused were handed over to the CIU (Counter Intelligence Unit) where they faced joint interrogation.

Meanwhile, the seven-day custody of four of the accused -- Manoranjan, Amol, Sagar and Neelam -- is set to expire on Thursday.

Coming on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack on Parliament in 2001, the security breach sent shockwaves throughout the country on December 13.

Two youths -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, setting off smoke cans and raising slogans before being overpowered by some members in the Upper House.

In a separate incident that unfolded simultaneously, two more protestors -- Neelam (42) and Amol (25) -- protested outside the Parliament holding similar gas canisters.

All four were arrested from the scene and produced before a court, which remanded them in the custody of the Special Cell for seven days.

According to sources privy to the ongoing probe into the incident, the security breach accused created a WhatsApp group with 7-8 members to flesh out their plan.

The accused shared the entire conspiracy to breach multi-levels of security and enter Parliament on this WhatsApp group.

Sources said the Special Cell was in touch with all persons who were part of the social media group.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police said it was also trying to have the SIM card destroyed by the accused reissued so that they could access the email used by the former.

Police said they will seek the help of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to retrieve the email through the reissued SIM card.

Further, according to sources, to hunt for more leads in the case, the Special Cell has put together six teams that will visit locations linked to the accused in Lucknow, Mysuru, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Haryana.

The probe revealed further that two pairs of shoes were made on a special order, in Lucknow, as the accused learned that the shoes of visitors to the new Parliament are not checked and they could hide their smoke cans under their footwear, sources said.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka expressed concern that the condition of power supply in Telangana was creating anxiety. On Thursday, he placed the White Paper on the steps taken for uninterrupted power supply in separate Telangana. DC Image

Hyderabad: The new Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his team are completely into action mode.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka expressed concern that the condition of power supply in Telangana was creating anxiety. On Thursday, he placed the White Paper on the steps taken for uninterrupted power supply in separate Telangana.

He said that they were releasing the White Paper only to keep the public and officials informed about the existing power condition.

Stating that power supply was vital for industrial development and uplift of the farming sector, he said it was equally important for the functioning of the transport, information sectors too.

Power supply indicates the quality of people's life standard, he said.

The deputy CM mentioned about the various measures taken up in the sector during the last nine-and-a-half years.

He also informed that the power generating Genco, power supplying Transco, north and south power distribution organisation (discom) has loans of Rs 81,000 crore and losses to the tune of Rs 50,000 crore.

Later, the issue was taken up for discussion in the Assembly.
MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi.

Hyderabad: MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisis alleged belittling of a first-time Dalit MLA from Congress led to a war of words between him and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who dubbed the MIM as a perpetual friend of the party in power.

It all began with Congress Manakonduru legislator K. Satyanarayana, referring to Owaisis demand that the government should erect 500 electricity poles in the Old City, asked how the MIM had failed to get such a small work done in last 10 years despite cozying up to the BRS government.

"Kids should not interfere in elders conversations," Owaisi shot back.

Revanth Reddy intervened and suggested that first-timers would look up to seniors like Owaisi to learn legislative practices and the MIM leader should realise that the more humble he was the more respect he would command.

Revanth Reddy said that belittling a first-time MLA who hailed from a Dalit would only lower Owaisis image.

Revanth Reddy turned the tables on the MIM leader and said he should own responsibility along with former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and former finance minister T. Harish Rao over collecting arrears in power bills from their respective areas  Siddipet, Gajwel and Hyderabad South topped the list of defaulters.

When Owaisi asked if the Chief Minister was trying to project that power pilferage was high in the Old City. Revanth Reddy latter clarified that he was talking about arrears from customers. He wondered why Owaisi had been batting for the BRS, and went on to say that the party was in cahoots with the BJP and picked seats to contest based on mutual understanding with the two parties.

As the discussion turned into denial of opportunity for the Muslim community, Revanth Reddy asked, "Did Owaisi win only with the votes of Muslims? Did Hindus not vote for him? The development of the Old City is our responsibility. The AIMIM is in alliance with the party which denied Shabbir Ali his seat in Kamareddy as KCR contested from there, though he could have chosen Sircilla or Siddipet if he wanted a second seat. The AIMIM by fielding its candidate led to the defeat of Mohammad Azharuddin from Jubilee Hills. The AIMIM does not have a patent on Muslim issues," Revanth Reddy reiterated.

Calling former power minister G. Jagadish Reddy claims that there were no protests for power during the BRS regime, Revanth Reddy went on to read news reports of farmer protests.

The discussion then veered towards the alliances that the MIM had struck over the years with Nadendla Bhaskar Rao in unseating N.T. Rama Rao, Chandrababu Naidu, Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Kiran Kumar Reddy and Chandrashekar Rao.
Affinity Capital Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 7.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,500 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 308 shares during the period. Affinity Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $653,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of JPM. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 97,681.8% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,056,747,063 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $299,133,293,000 after buying an additional 2,054,643,659 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 105,652.2% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 98,000,567 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,141,876,000 after purchasing an additional 97,907,897 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $3,894,646,000. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 15.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 59,049,256 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,918,506,000 after purchasing an additional 8,088,433 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Providence Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 13,205.6% in the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,395,818 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $41,407,000 after purchasing an additional 5,355,265 shares in the last quarter. 68.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Down 1.1 %

JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock opened at $166.54 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $150.65 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $148.60. The firm has a market cap of $481.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.94, a PEG ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 52-week low of $123.11 and a 52-week high of $169.41.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement

JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.33 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.95 by $0.38. The company had revenue of $40.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $39.63 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 22.79% and a return on equity of 17.97%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s revenue for the quarter was up 24.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.12 EPS. Equities analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.62 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th will be given a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.52%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s payout ratio is currently 25.07%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on JPM shares. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $167.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $187.00 to $191.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $167.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $158.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Friday, September 8th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $168.80.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, CEO Marianne Lake sold 32,243 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.00, for a total transaction of $5,158,880.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 131,962 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,113,920. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.79% of the companys stock.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile

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JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Free Report).

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Bank of the Philippine Islands (OTCMKTS:BPHLF  Get Free Report) shares traded down 0.1% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $1.89 and last traded at $1.89. 200 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 93% from the average session volume of 2,975 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.89.

Bank of the Philippine Islands Stock Down 0.1 %

The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $1.89 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.87.

Bank of the Philippine Islands Company Profile

(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.

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T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF (NYSEARCA:TGRW  Get Free Report)s share price dropped 1.3% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $30.25 and last traded at $30.25. Approximately 13,768 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 139% from the average daily volume of 5,756 shares. The stock had previously closed at $30.64.

T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $55.96 million, a P/E ratio of 28.79 and a beta of 1.18. The firms fifty day moving average is $28.71 and its 200-day moving average is $28.03.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $325,000. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $206,000. DAVENPORT & Co LLC acquired a new position in shares of T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $207,000. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in shares of T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF by 35.6% during the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 15,673 shares of the companys stock valued at $424,000 after acquiring an additional 4,114 shares during the period. Finally, UBS Group AG lifted its position in shares of T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF by 1,532.3% during the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 3,836 shares of the companys stock valued at $92,000 after acquiring an additional 3,601 shares during the period.

About T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF

The T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF (TGRW) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell 3000 Growth index. The ETF currently has 38.68m in AUM and 79 holdings. TGRW is an actively-managed, non-transparent fund that focus on companies with growth characteristics TGRW was launched on Aug 4, 2020 and is managed by T.

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A Derry group has created a Christmas crib showing how the Nativity scene would look if it took place in today's Palestine.

It shows what the 180 babies born in Gaza everyday endure, with baby Jesus Christ surrounded by rubble and wrapped in a Palestinian scarf known as the keffiyeh. The 180 figure comes from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) data, which also shows there are 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza.

The Nativity will tour multiple Derry schools as well as Galliagh Community Centre on Thursday and Shantallow Community Centre on Friday during vigils for Gaza.

Catherine Hutton of the Derry Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) said the scene is inspired by one in The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church.

The Lutheran Church in Bethlehem said that they were not having their Christmas festivities this year because of the genocide in Gaza, she said.

The minister of the church was on Al Jazeera and brought them in to show what they did with their crib this year. They had filled the crib with rubble and put the figure of baby Jesus into it with some figurines and candles. Basically what they said was if Jesus was born, today, he'd be born in Gaza in the middle of all the rubble, you know, so we were really inspired by that.

With it being Christmas time everybody is so focused on toys, presents and everything. We just wanted to kind of remind people what's been going on. We're not trying to kind of scare people or anything but it's just to let people see this is the reality of what's happening.

It's not just the Lutheran Church that has cancelled Christmas plans in Bethlehem this year. Last month Palestinian leaders of Christian denominations came together and made a unanimous decision to cancel public celebrations.

Bethlehem is such a focal point for Christians both Palestinian Christians and people from around the world and this year people are just devastated. They're seeing their Christian brothers and sisters bombed and killed in Gaza as well as their Muslim brothers and sisters, Catherine said.

They probably feel a bit helpless because like us they're looking in and the only thing they could say is, no, we're not going to continue doing the things we normally do. We're not going to pretend everything's okay and there's nothing happening.

I'd say coming up to Christmas now it's going to be tough for them. The Christian community in Gaza would have been small anyway but now they've been decimated  the church they were sheltering in has been bombed.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Lutheran Pastor Munther Ishaq said their crib scene is meant to demonstrate the meaning of Christmas is Gods solidarity with those suffering.

Christmas is the solidarity of God with those who are oppressed, with those who are suffering, and if Jesus is to be born again this time, this year, he will be born in Gaza under the rubble in solidarity with the people of Gaza, he said.

Usually it's Jesus in the manger surrounded by the shepherds, surrounded by the holy family and the Magi who came from the East. Here we wanted to say it's as if they are looking for Jesus in the midst of the rubble.

We wanted to send a message to the world, while it is celebrating Christmas in festive ways, here in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, where Christmas originated from, this is what Christmas looks like to us.

Meanwhile, according to CNN, Christians seeking refuge in Gazas Christian churches are Beyond desperate. Two Christian women, an elderly mother and her daughter, reportedly were killed by IDF snipers within the grounds of a Catholic church in Gaza City according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem on December 17.

The patriarchate said that no warning was given before the shooting started and added that 'they were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the Parish'.

The IDF has refuted the claim, stating there were 'no reports of a hit on the church, nor civilians being injured or killed'.

IDF tanks also targeted the convent of the Sisters of Mother Teresa, part of the churchs compound that also houses 54 disabled people, the patriarchate said. The buildings generator, fuel resources, solar panels and water tanks were also destroyed, it added.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue hosted a reception this week for former Sinn Fein Councillor Tony Hassan to celebrate the launch of his book A Memoir of Derry, Bridge Street and Shantallow: From Old Streets to New Houses.

The book which is published by Cholmcille Press is packed with photographs and memories of Derry, with all proceeds being donated to the Foyle Hospice, one of the Mayoral charities.

Encouraging the public to buy the book in the run up to Christmas, Mayor Logue said the Memoir is an ideal stocking filler and a great way of supporting the local hospice.

Mayor Logue said:

It was a great honour for me to have Tony Hassan in the Mayoral Chamber this week and to be given an opportunity to get a copy of his book. The longest serving Councillor to serve on the Council, Tony Hassan is a stalwart of the local community and has working tirelessly for the people of Shantallow. I am delighted that he has put his thoughts and memories into a book that we can all enjoy.

I want to thank him for his generosity in giving al proceeds of the book to the Foyle Hospice and would encourage everyone to buy it and support this worthy charity.
A man who was being disorderly in Altnagelvin Hospital was told a patient was receiving end of life care, shouted 'I hope he f****** dies', Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Misha Gough (22) of Dacre Terrace in Derry, appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with disorderly behaviour, resisting and assaulting police, assault and attempted criminal damage.

Police were called to the hospital on September 3 this year when they were alerted to a man acting in an abusive manner towards hospital staff.

Upon being told the police were on their way, Gough said he'd 'nail' the first one to arrive.

When police got to the hospital Gough proceeded to shout abuse at them, even after they explained that he could be arrested.

At the time, a man nearby was receiving end of life care. After being informed of this Gough said 'I hope he f****** dies'.

Gough, who was brought to the hospital by paramedics after being found with an arm injury on the Craigavon Bridge, kicked out at police, throwing one to the ground and spitting blood at another.

He also punched a door in the A&E department.

Defence barrister said that Gough was 'quite rightly ashamed' of his actions and had pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.

Deputy District Judge Paul Copeland called Gough's behaviour 'intolerable' and 'appalling'.

He said that the courts had to hand out deterrent sentences' to those who abused staff or patients in a health care setting.

He sentenced Gough to twelve months in custody.
As part of a Mayoral Initiative, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue will officially open a Book of Solidarity for the People of Gaza and Palestine today, Thursday 21st December at 10.30 am in the Guildhall.

A book will also be available for signing at the Alley Theatre, in Strabane, as well as an online facility on the Council website.

Mayor Logue encouraging people to sign the Book of Solidarity said it was an opportunity for the public to send messages and support over the festive period.

She said: As we approach the Christmas period and we are focusing on spending time with family and friends I think its important that we all take time to consider what is happening in Palestine and in particular the children of Gaza and what they are going through. By making a Book of Solidarity available for signing we are allowing the local community to express their support to the people of Gaza, Palestie.

Our city and district has already shown its support by attending rallies, vigils and fundraising events so this is another way we can show that we are thinking of them.

The Book of Solidarity will open at the Guildhall and the Alley from 10.30am on Thursday and will also be available to sign online at - https://www.derrystrabane.com/BOS-Gaza-and-Palestine.

Its important to note that over the festive period the Guildhall and Alley Theatre will have some changed to their opening times. The Guildhall will close on Saturday 23rd December with the last entry at 3pm. It will re-open again on Wednesday 27th December with last entry at 5pm in the Guildhall between the 27th and 30th December. The last entry on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st December will be 3pm.

The Guildhall will be closed on New Years Day (Monday 1st January) and will re-open on Tuesday 2nd January as normal.

The Alley Theatre will close on Christmas Eve and will reopen on Tuesday 2nd January at 10am, as well as A space2 cafe which will reopen on 4th January.
A man who travelled from Belfast to Derry to access drugs was found unconscious in the city, Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Andrew Joseph McFadden (27) with an address in Malone Road in Belfast admitted offences that occurred on December 7, 2019.

The court heard that police were called by ambulance staff to an unconscious male McFadden.

It appeared he had taken some substance and he was taken to hospital.

Defence counsel Barry Gibson said his client had travelled to the city to access the drugs after difficulties in Belfast.

After getting the drugs he took some and was rendered unconscious.

The barrister said that his client was currently on remand for a serious offence.

Deputy District Judge Paul Copeland said that the defendant was 'no stranger' to possessing drugs.

He imposed a conditional discharge for a period of two years.
Work is set to set to begin next year on a 24 million business hub in Co Antrim to drive green energy innovation.

The business case for the new i4C Innovation and CleanTech Centre at St Patricks regeneration site in Ballymena has received the green light with 20.5 million funding from the Belfast Region City Deal.

The 15-hectare site in the centre of the town was the former home of a military base.

The new i4C centre will provide a physical base for businesses and will focus on the development of clean technology.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna said: The new i4C centre is very timely as local businesses need to continue to invest in skills and innovation if they are to grow or even survive in increasingly competitive markets.

The centre will include a manufacturing makerspace and innovation laboratory called the iLab; the base for a team of technicians using specialist equipment to provide technical innovation support to businesses.

Specialists will also provide training in areas such as the emerging hydrogen economy.

Northern Ireland Office minister Steve Baker said: Northern Irelands city and growth deals are a key example of the UK Government commitment to ensuring that Northern Ireland is a great place to work, live and invest.

This exciting development will capture the innovative flair that Northern Ireland boasts and will be a great asset to the local community.

This will drive long-term economic growth, deliver a step change in the economy and help Northern Ireland take advantage of the opportunities of the future.

The Department for Communities (DfC) is leading on the regeneration of the St Patricks site.

Permanent secretary Colum Boyle said: The i4C project has a crucial role to play in the regeneration of this site and will be a significant driver in the delivery of the departments strategic objectives there, as well as contributing to the future vitality and sustainability of Ballymena town centre and the wider area.

A competition process to appoint the design team to oversee the planning and construction phases is currently under way.

Ian Snowden, interim permanent secretary of the Department for the Economy, said: i4C will help shape the Northern Ireland clean tech and hydrogen ecosystem into a world-class attraction for industry and academic partners.

It will provide a testbed for industry, with strong academic links to the new Northern Regional College campus, Queens University Belfast and Ulster University.

Its priorities will be informed by industry, research partners and sub-regional stakeholders, in an inclusive and insightful manner, aligned to the departments 10x goals for sustainable economic growth and place.
Our smartphones are an essential part of our lives. We carry them around everywhere and in a way, our whole life exists on the smartphone. From calling to social media, and business, we do everything on our smartphones. They also contain all our essential details, documents, and even money details. Hence, losing our smartphones is a nightmare that we do not wish to live.

But at times we might lose our smartphones, someone could steal them, or we simply forget them somewhere. What should you do in case you misplace your smartphone? How can you find it? Well, let me tell you how you can find them.

How to find your Android device?

Almost all Android devices come built with Google. In case you need to find your smartphone, Google has a great feature that can help you locate it. It comes in an app and website version called Find My Device. With the help of this, you can remotely locate your missing Android smartphone, secure it, and even erase the data.

Also read: Android virus Daam will steal all your personal data: How to stay safe

Heres how you can use it:

If youre logged into your Google account and open the Find My Device page/app, you will see a map with all the other registered devices.

But, remember that to use Find My Device, your lost device should be powered on and linked to your Google device. In addition to this, your devices location and Find My Device option should also be on.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Find My Device web page. On the top left corner, you will see your registered device and its last known location on the map.

Step 2: Here you have two options: Locate the device and Play a sound.

You can zoom in on the map and try to get the exact location of your smartphone if it is still on. If the smartphone has been turned off, you will see its last active location. If you see that the smartphone is closer to you, you can blast a sound on the device. It will play the sound even if the smartphone is on mute or vibration.

Step 3: If you think that your smartphone is not anywhere near you, then you must secure it. For this just click on Secure Device. Your screen will be locked and you can even add a message to display on your lock screen. You can only do this if your internet is still on.

Step 4: If you think you will not get your smartphone back, then you can remotely factory reset it. You will lose all your data and will not be able to locate it either.

Also read: 10 interesting iOS 17 features all iPhone users should look forward to trying

How to find your iOS device?

If youve lost your iPhone then you can use Find My to help locate your device. It is quite similar in function to Googles version for Android.

Heres what you can do:

Step 1: If you think that your iPhone is nearby and you have an Apple Watch then just simply click on the Ping my iPhone option. On the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can even get directions to your phones location right on your watch.

Step 2: Use iCloud.com on a different device. When you log in, it will ask you to send a code to a trusted device. If you have lost the trusted device, click on the Find the Device option

Step 3: If you have logged into any other Apple device using the same Apple ID, then you can use Find My on that device to help locate your missing iPhone.

Step 4: If you are part of a family sharing group, then you can even use your family members devices to track your iPhone.

Remember that these steps wont work if the Find My option is disabled on your lost iPhone. Also, just like Google, you can remotely erase your data or even lock your device with a message.
iCometrue is actively promoting logic drive and field programmable multi-chip package

iCometrue received enthusiastic responses following its show at SEMICON TAIWAN 2023. Some companies have expressed great interest in iCometrue's Logic Drive and Field Programmable Multi-Chip Package (FPMCP) and approached iCometrue for further discussion.

iCometrue is making every effort to bring Logic Drive to reality. As the costly non-recurring engineering (NRE) and time-consuming process put up a high barrier preventing IC designers' access to sub-10-nm fabrication technologies, iCometrue proposed the concept of Logic Drive in 2016, to create a Public Innovation Platform that enables 99% of the common public to participate in cutting-edge technology available to the wealthy 1%.

Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chips manufactured on sub-10-nm nodes are suitable for realizing Logic Drive. With 10 nm and more advanced processes, tens of billions of transistors and more than 15 metal layers can be placed on a silicon chip, and the power supply voltage can be scaled down to 0.7V. By packaging one or more standard commodity FPGA chiplets using advanced packaging technology, such as TSMC's CoWoS or InFO or Intel's EMIB, and pairing it with a non-volatile memory (NVM) chip (for example, a flash memory chip) to store the FPGA configuration data, the Logic Drive is made into a non-volatile field-programmable standard commodity, which can be mass commercialized as an ASIC chip after configuration.

Whether iCometrue's Logic Drive will become a reality hinges on FPGA standardization. If FPGA becomes a standard commodity like DRAM, the cost will significantly decline. For FPGA standardization, iCometrue proposes retaining the programmable circuits of the FPGA while removing the I/O circuits and control circuits to form new chips, namely, an I/O chip and a control chip, which are also packaged in the same Logic Drive. This way, most of the area of the FPGA chip is used for the arrays of logic cells (logic block array), similar to the layout of DRAM cell arrays (memory block array). Standard specifications should be established for the FPGA chip size, the circuits, and quantity of logic cells, as well as the I/O layout, quantity, electrical properties, and functions (including driving capability and impedance as well as inter-chip communication). iCometrue chairman Dr. M. S. Lin urges that it's time to standardize FPGA!

With FPGA standardization, most of the area of the FPGA chip is used for the arrays of logic cells (logic block array), similar to the layout of DRAM cell arrays (memory block array).

Photo: iCometrue

iCometrue is also cooperating with partners to develop FPMCP, wherein an FPGA chip and NVM chip are added to a multi-chip package (MCP) comprising CPU, GPU, ASIC, and/or SOC. Through configuring or re-configuring the FPGA chip, the MCP becomes field-programmable, and with the NVM chip to store the FPGA configuration data, the FPMCP becomes non-volatile and field-programmable.

iCometrue is working on an FPGA/NVM package unit that packages an FPGA chip together with an NVM chip for use in a customer's MCP. It is also seeking partners interested in applying the FPGA/NVM package unit to practical applications.

Through configuring or re-configuring the FPGA chip, the MCP becomes an FPMCP and with the NVM chip to store the FPGA configuration data, the FPMCP becomes non-volatile field-programmable.

Photo: iCometrue

Last but not least, also in the spotlight at SEMICON TAIWAN was Dr. Lin's book, Moore's Journey The Magical Power of Big Numbers. Giving an in-depth look into the past and present of semiconductors and Moore's Law, the much-raved-about book has inspired and benefited a great many readers.
Pandemic sparks surge in takeout, delivery platforms: DotDot Global ventures overseas after securing Taiwanese market

During the three-year pandemic, food businesses had been impacted by decreasing in-person dining and government endemic prevention policies globally. As a result, they have been collaborating with delivery platforms to sustain their survival and increase revenue. Despite increasing diversity in delivery services, people began dining in restaurants or ordering takeout again after the pandemic eased off. To avoid hefty platform fees, food businesses are seeking collaboration with other platforms. They hope that by diversifying delivery channels, they can improve their profit margin and the overall revenue.

Bogi Huang, Chief Operating Officer of DotDot Global, pointed out that with the advent of the post-pandemic era, the top two delivery platforms in Taiwan have started offering takeout services. However, businesses still have to pay a fee as high as 18% to 20%, which significantly diminishes the profit of food businesses. These days, we find that businesses are working hard to attract new customers and meet the demands of regular customers. Therefore, apart from maintaining partnership with delivery platforms, they also indicate additional ordering channels on their menus for regular customers to avoid incurring high platform fees. DotDot Global has launched a smart ordering system that has been integrated with LINE, and in conjunction with a complete membership management and payment system. This system has been adopted by chains such as 50 Lan and Old God Kung Food Hot Pot, with more than 10,000 customers.

DotDot Global Maximizes Popularity of LINE

Following the rapid rise of delivery platforms, numerous takeout system solutions for the food industry have emerged. During the pandemic, many cloud-based point of sale (POS) providers introduced online ordering modules to meet a variety of operational demands. Unfortunately, they did not become mainstream systems.

Upon in-depth analysis, DotDot Global identifies two major challenges that are hard to overcome. First, online ordering systems are designed for general restaurant operators and are therefore, less applicable to vastly different food businesses like bubble tea shops, and street vendors. Second, cloud-based POS providers are not familiar with consumers' ordering needs. Most online ordering modules are designed to facilitate business management, causing the interfaces to be less user-friendly. As a result, they struggle to attract consumers to adopt them.

Huang said, "When entering the food market, we decided to launch our own online ordering service through LINE because it is the most popular app in Taiwan." Consumers can order online conveniently by adding the official LINE@ account of the vendor. The platform offers takeout and delivery services, as well as online payment like LINE Pay and JKOPay, making it extremely convenient for both food businesses and consumers. As businesses are facing labor shortage, online payment can eliminate the need to handle cash, make change, and save businesses from dealing with abandoned orders. Furthermore, DotDot Global has also collaborated with many logistics companies to offer delivery service for food businesses without charging high platform fees.

From Philippines to Entire ASEAN Market

DotDot Global offers a one-stop solution for food businesses, covering the POS system of stores, online ordering, in-store WiFi, digital payments, integrated delivery services, food delivery logistics, and marketing strategies for attracting customers. Food businesses can customize these services according to their needs. Take the online ordering system as an example. For stores that have limited operational space and staff, DotDot Global provides cloud-based order-taking and printing machines. Once the equipment receives an order from an online platform, it automatically prints the receipt, and the store can prepare the order on the receipt without changing their workflow. This process is also very easy to learn.

The LINE ordering service introduced by DotDot Global caters to the needs of different types of food businesses. Over the years, it has gradually incorporated various customization settings into its ordering system. Take bubble tea shops as an example. The online ordering system provides options for different sugar and ice levels. For braised food shops, the system offers a discount option of three products for NT$50. After its launch, the LINE ordering service immediately attracted users with all kinds of dining preferences. Furthermore, in 2023, DotDot Global introduced the SoftPOS payment service, adding contactless credit card payment to existing POS machines. Dine-in customers can safely making payment without any physical contact.

Huang pointed out that DotDot Global was founded in 2014 and has since joined two to three accelerator centers. In recent years, there has been noticeable growth in Taiwan's entrepreneurial environment. The number of accelerator centers has significantly increased since ten years ago, offering a more diverse range of services for startups. Whether it is acquiring venture capital, reducing time to market, or transforming creativity into actual products or services, these resources provide tremendous help that can significantly increase the success rate of startups.

DotDot Global recognizes the immense global opportunities in food delivery and takeout industry. After achieving notable success in the Taiwanese market, DotDot Global plans to expand its operations overseas, starting from the Philippines. DotDot Global is currently conducting proof of concept (POC) verification with Philippine partners in local food courts, and has received positive feedback overall. The company plans to expand into other food industries in the future.
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Panasonic terminates Oklahoma battery project while keeps considering expansion in NA

Panasonic Energy, Panasonic's battery arm, announced on December 20 that it will no longer pursue a plan to build a battery factory in Oklahoma, USA. Although not specifying the reason, the company said it will continue to seek opportunities to expand in North America.

The Oklahoma plant would have been Panasonic's third battery factory in North America. In April, the Oklahoma State government said it has signed an agreement with Panasonic to offer the battery maker investment rebates of almost US$700 million if it pursues the project.

Panasonic said then that it had not made any specific decision beyond the rebate agreement. The company also said it was considering growing production capacity at its Nevada or Kanas plants.

According to Reuters and Nikkei Asia, Panasonic decided to terminate the battery project in Oklahoma after careful deliberations. It will concentrate on opening the Kansas plant, a US$4 billion investment, by March 2025.

Nikkei also reported that Panasonic still intends to decide the location of its third battery plant in North America by the end of March 2024. With the end of the Oklahoma project, the company will likely build a new factory on the land left at the Nevada site or somewhere near the Kansas plant, which is under construction.

Panasonic has been a long-time battery supplier for Tesla. According to South Korea-based SNE Research, the Japanese company accumulated 37.3GWh of global EV battery usage from January to October 2023, ranked fourth worldwide. Its battery installation grew by 30.8% from 2022.

In November, Panasonic said EV demand in North America has shifted to more affordable vehicle models. High-end EVs are experiencing a slower market. Therefore, the profitability of Panasonic's battery business has deteriorated.

Hirokazu Umeda, Panasonic Group's chief financial officer, said last month that battery demand for high-end Tesla Model S and Model X declined rapidly, prompting Panasonic to halt part of its battery production lines in Japan. The output volume reduced by 60% from April to June 2023.
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KING COUNTY  The Bear Creek Landscaping property, at 903 Redmond-Fall City Road S.E., recently sold for a little under $4.5 million, according to King County records. The seller was Fairwood Brands LLC, a family group that acquired the land in 1995 for $95,000, then put up a small industrial building.

The buyer was SCF RC Funding IV LLC, which is associated with Essential Properties Realty Trust of New Jersey.





. . .
Gardai in Dublin have seized almost 500,000 worth of cannabis after searching a car and house in the capital on Wednesday.

As part of Operation Tara, Gardai in Tallaght stopped a vehicle on Cheeverstown Road, Tallaght and in a separate incident conducted a planned search under warrant at a residential property in Tallaght.

In a statement, gardai said: "At approximately 8pm, last night, gardai attached to the Serious Crime Unit at Tallaght Garda station stopped and searched a vehicle on Cheeverstown Road, Tallaght. During the course of the search cannabis herb with an estimated value of 100,000 (analysis pending) was seized."

They confirmed a woman in her 40s and a man in his late teens were arrested at the scene and taken to a Garda station in South Dublin.

"Both are currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996," gardai have said.

The statement continued: "At approximately 9.30pm, a search operation under warrant was conducted by the Tallaght District Drug unit of a residential property in Tallaght. During the course of the search cannabis resin with an estimated street value of 378,000 (analysis pending) was seized.

"One man, aged in his 40s was arrested at the scene and taken to a Garda station in South Dublin. He is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996."

The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

Investigations are ongoing.
Louth County Council have announced that a planning application has this week been lodged with An Bord Pleanala for significant regeneration of the Westgate area of Drogheda.

The project was commissioned by Louth County Council, led by its Placemaking & Physical Development team and is funded through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a flagship initiative of Project Ireland 2040, and match funded by Louth County Council.

The proposed improvements to the public realm in the Westgate area will encompass several streets including Georges Street to Dominick Street and from Fair Street to Father Connolly Way, included among the proposed works are:

A new gateway plaza at Georges Square

Flexible community and cultural space

Public art installation marking the location of the medieval West Gate

Revitalising the river front

Repair and restoration of the Old Abbey and the Medieval Wall

The planning application has been informed by the feedback from the local community. The public consultation phase received almost 500 submissions, providing a snapshot of how residents and businesses see the future of Drogheda.

Droghedas rich heritage proved to be a common theme, with 44% of respondents supportive of revealing and cleaning the towns medieval walls. Enhanced usage and accessibility of public spaces was also a popular request, with 26% requesting an outdoor meeting and seating area.

Joan Martin, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said:

This is a really important step forward for the town of Drogheda. Should this planning application be granted, it will allow us to improve an important part of the town, making it more attractive, accessible and sustainable for the future.

David Jones, Director of Services with Louth County Council, said:

Enhancing the public realm for Drogheda is a key aspect of futureproofing the town for new investment, making for more accessible and sustainable communities in the heart of Drogheda.

Louth County Councils Place Making Team have led the process from its inception, including the preparation of a funding application which secured funds from the URDF. The team has been supported by lead planning and communications consultant, Turley.

Full details of the proposed works are available at: https://consult.louthcoco.ie/en/consultation/westgate-2040

Any submissions on the planning application are to be submitted directly, in writing, to An Bord Pleanala up until February 9th 2024.
Fianna Fail Senator in Louth and Seanad Spokesperson on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the implementation of a new code of practice that will introduce the right to be forgotten for cancer survivors when applying for mortgage protection insurance.

The Code entered into force from 6 December 2023. It provides that insurers will disregard a disclosed cancer diagnosis where treatment ended more than seven years prior to application, or more than 5 years if the applicant was under 18 at time of diagnosis.

Senator McGreehan said: Thankfully, more people who get cancer in Ireland now have far better outcomes and this improvement will continue with extra resources and new innovative treatments.

"According to the Irish Cancer Society, there were 207,000 cancer patients or former cancer patients alive in Ireland at the end of 2020.

"This is wonderful news, but so many were being penalised and unable to get insurance cover and draw a mortgage and own a home.

"I want to acknowledge the efforts of so many people involved in getting the new code of practice implemented.

"The Irish Cancer Society, Insurance Ireland and its members as well as Tom Grant, Managing Director of OneLife Insure here in Louth, who was one of the first in the market to apply the right to be forgotten rule last month, all played such an important role in implementing the code.

"The code of practice, which my party colleague, Minister Michael McGrath, worked extremely hard on with the insurance industry, is the very welcome first step in achieving equity and fairness for so many."
THE latter part of 2023 has seen a significant number of planning applications lodged and decided on for proposed commercial developments in the city.

In recent months, there has been a grant of retention planning permission for one of the citys most popular amenities, fresh proposals for the redevelopment of a local landmark in Rochestown, and proposals for a new eatery in the heart of the city and a new cafe at a southside suburb - to name a few.

One application of note lodged with Cork City Council in September was a proposed mixed-use development at the site of the former Rochestown Inn, badly damaged by a fire in 2015.

The application, submitted by Niorsesa Ltd, includes plans for a cafe, bar and 12 apartments  made up equally of six one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units.

The plans, if green-lit, would see the demolition of the former pub and adjacent dwelling and the construction of a new structure - ranging from two to four storeys in height - to facilitate the new bar, cafe and apartments and one private office space.

Commenting following the submission, Fine Gael councillor Deirdre Forde said that any planning application that is progressive for Cork city is to be welcomed.

Obviously, any planning application must be closely scrutinised to ensure that it is beneficial to the area and doesnt impact on quality of life for residents and is in line with the City Development Plan, she added.

A proposal to redevelop the former Rochestown Inn was rejected by Cork City Council in early 2021.

City council has sought further information before it makes a decision on the latest application.

The local authority has asked the applicant to go back to the drawing board in relation to a number of aspects  including reducing the number of apartments proposed and revising the design.

An increased quantum of on-site car-parking is also among the revisions sought, with the council stating that there are concerns that the proposed development will lead to illegal parking, dangerous parking and parking in nearby residential areas causing potential safety concerns.

The applicants have until early May to submit the further information.

Marina Market

Also in September, the future of Corks Marina Market was secured after Cork City Council granted retention planning permission for the popular amenity.

A fresh planning application was lodged earlier this year with the local authority by CPR Properties Cork Limited seeking permission to maintain their use of the former Southern Fruits Distribution Company warehouse as a market/food emporium for a period of five years.

The application also sought permission for a number of other proposed measures including additional market units, the provision of 44 bicycle parking spaces, the rationalisation of the existing car park and an additional 29 spaces.

The future of Cork's Marina Market, situated in the Cork Docklands was secured after Cork City Council granted planning retention for the popular amenity. Picture: Cian O'Regan.

Speaking to The Echo following the grant of retention planning permission, the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy warmly welcomed the decision but highlighted the importance of working closely with the planning authority.

Im delighted that people sat down and went through the issues with the planning and that those have been ironed out, he said.

The Lord Mayor said that it is important that people are aware of the planning system.

The main issue is that it didnt have planning, he said.

It had woven its way into the hearts of Corkonians, but when it came to the black-and-white print, it needed to be sorted out, so I am glad that it is sorted.

But the message is to make sure you work with the planning authority as closely as possible, especially if youve got a project thats important for the city such as the Marina Market.

A spokesperson for Marina Market thanked all involved in the process, particularly Cork City Council, which the spokesperson said showed exceptional vision and were thorough and fair to all concerned at all times.

MacCurtain St

In other food-related developments, a Nua-ddition could be in store for MacCurtain St as the operators behind popular eatery Nua Asador have set their sights on establishing a second location in Cork city.

Craft butcher Tom Durcan and accomplished chef Victor Franca lodged a planning application in October under the name of Tom Durcan Meats Limited with Cork City Council seeking permission for what is described as a bespoke take-away/restaurant at the ground floor of 18 MacCurtain St.

The application, if green lit, would see the change of use from a taxi base, formerly Amer Cabs and Cara Cabs, to a second location for Nua Asador outside of its Marina Market stall.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Durcan said the idea is to duplicate the Marina Market business which he said is going very well since it was established approximately two years ago.

In November, Cork City Council submitted a request for further information (RFI) before city planners make a decision on the application.

The RFI primarily seeks clarification on how the building - a mid-19th century structure included on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage - will be preserved.

The council has sought detailed proposal drawings illustrating all proposed works to the front elevation of the building, including any signage and lighting.

Given the architectural significance of the building and its location within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), city council said the removal of items such as the historic door, doorway and overlight, the timber shopfront and any alteration to the size of the existing display window (which has historic chamfered detailing) will not be permitted.

It has requested a detailed method statement for repair and conservation works to be carried out [to] the building. The applicants have six months to submit the information requested.

Also in October, Cork Coffee Roasters was granted permission to set to open its fifth coffee shop in Cork.

In August, the company lodged a planning application with Cork City Council to open up at 12a Ballinlough Rd.

The application sought permission for some minor alterations to existing elevations and internal alterations to the existing unit and all associated site works.

The premises, adjacent to Our Lady of Lourdes National School, was previously occupied by Bean Brownie before it ceased trading in June.

Cork Coffee Roasters opened its first premises on Bridge St in the city centre in 2008, followed by a second unit on French Church St, which opened in 2015.

It also operates a coffee shop on Anglesea St and at St Lukes.

Rugby Centre of Excellence

Additionally in October, revised plans for Munster Rugbys proposed Centre of Excellence in Cork were green lit.

The original application was approved in 2019 and the fresh proposals sought a minor alteration to those plans.

The new facility at the Pearse Rd end of the stadium is set to include a synthetic all-weather playing surface, gymnasium, changing rooms, treatment rooms, storage and office space and staff welfare areas.

The plans also include a new parking area within the site and all other ancillary site works including a ticketing booth and bicycle parking.

The planned new facility is to be built primarily for Munsters underage and development sides and will also serve the surrounding community and be available to local clubs, schools and community groups.

Earlier this year, Munster Rugby sought to incorporate office space within the new development, lodging a new planning application with the city council.

A document accompanying the application stated that, since the permission was granted for the new facility in 2019, Munster Rugby had assessed the evolving operational requirements of Musgrave Park.

The office space within the new development is to replace the existing single storey office building to the south of Musgrave Park.

Cork City Council sought some further information before making a decision on the application and subsequently green lit the revised plans, subject to 18 conditions.

Penneys

And in the city centre, plans for a major expansion of the Penneys store on Patrick St were approved by An Bord Pleanala in November.

The plans will see the retail space of the store increase in size by 17,000 sq ft to 54,000 sq ft, with the project encompassing a site that stretches from Robert St to Cook St and from Patrick St to Oliver Plunkett St.

Plans for a major expansion of they Penneys store on Patrick St have been approved by An Bord Pleanala. Picture: Andy Gibson

Cork City Council had approved the plans submitted by Primark Limited and OFlynn Construction (Cork) Unlimited Company last year, but a third-party appeal was subsequently lodged with the planning board.

There are 11 conditions attached to the boards approval of the extension.
A NEW research facility set to position Corks Tyndall National Institute as an international leader of scale in translational research has been given the green light from An Bord Pleanala (ABP) following an appeal.

The new purpose-built research facility is set to be constructed at the Distillery Fields site on the North Mall.

It will range in height from four to six storeys and will include a mix of research laboratories, office accommodation, a cafe, amenity spaces, an exhibition space and conference areas.

After requesting some further information, Cork City Council had in March 2022 given the go-ahead for the proposed development subject to 36 conditions, however, a third-party appeal was subsequently lodged with ABP.

Appeal

The grounds of the appeal mainly centred on the height of the proposed research facility, with the appellant contending that the proposed building would tower over other buildings in the vicinity.

In a report, an ABP inspector deemed that the development as proposed would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area due to its height.

The inspector said that, by definition in the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, the proposed development would be categorised as a tall building, however the subject site is not identified as a location for such buildings in the plan.

However, ABP has moved to overrule the inspector and uphold planning permission for the facility.

In its reasoning, the board said that a section of the development plan provides inherent flexibility for the consideration of tall buildings, allowing for consideration of the appropriateness of this proposed development having regard to its specific context, to its detailed design and the overall site context which includes several buildings of five or six storeys.

Doubling of headcount

Tyndall and UCC, in a document submitted with the planning application, had said the new facility would position Tyndall as an international leader of scale in translational research in order to play a key role in the further development of ICT innovation and impact in Ireland.

This investment, they said, would result in a doubling of the Tyndall headcount by 2027.

It is proposed that the southern elevation composition of the glazed yellow brick, chimney, loading bay canopies and wall behind them are retained, refurbished and integrated into the new design for use as part of the Tyndall facility.

There are 25 conditions attached to ABPs approval of the development.

Part of one condition stipulates that a suitably qualified archaeologist to monitor all site investigations and other excavation works must be employed.

Another states that, due to the former industrial use of the area, there is a possibility that the site is contaminated and therefore the services of a recognised environmental consultant in the field of land contamination must be employed to carry out a site investigation.
MARYMOUNT hospice is set to benefit from full state funding as part of government measures to take effect from February of next year.

The new plans will impact four voluntary hospice providers including Marymount University Hospital and Hospice.

They will involve the redesignation of the organisation from Section 39 service level agreements with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to Section 38 agreements.

Currently, under Section 38 of the Health Act, the HSE may enter into an arrangement with a service provider for the provision of health and social services on its behalf.

This allows for the allocation of full funding by the state.

There are approximately 1,300 staff employed across the four hospices.

The government is investing a total of 18.6 million as part of the proposed measures.

Some 70% of inpatient and 74% of community adult specialist palliative care services are currently provided by voluntary hospices.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly made the announcement, describing it as a significant step towards universal access to palliative care.

"I am delighted to announce that the redesignation will take place this February, he said.

It means that all adult hospices in our country will now be fully state-funded.

"This is a significant step towards our goal of providing universal access to palliative care. There has been excellent progress made since the HSE established a National Implementation Group to carry out this transition. I'd like to thank all members of the implementation group for their commitment and hard work. We are rightly very proud of our palliative care services in Ireland.

Mr Donnelly acknowledged the work of the hospice sector to expand their services.

The voluntary hospice sector has worked tirelessly down through the years, in partnership with local communities, to expand the network of hospice services around the country, he said.

The redesignation will provide financial and staffing sustainability to ensure that these providers of adult specialist palliative care services can continue their vital work. It will strengthen their core services and mean, for example, that fundraising by the hospices will no longer be required to cover payroll or other operational costs such as electricity and heating.

"I acknowledge the essential adult specialist palliative care services provided by these four organisations and the benefits the care they provide give to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. I commend the staff in these four hospices for the vital services they provide and for striving to ensure that patients under your care have the best quality of life.
Tears were shed outside Cork Penny Dinners on Wednesday morning as the charitys volunteer co-ordinator hailed a miracle on Little Hanover Street.

Setting out at 11am, each one laden down with two bags of non-perishable groceries, some 50 students from Blarney Street School headed out down Winters Hill on their way to one of the citys oldest charities.

School council members, Lewis McCarthy, Jack Meade, Kayden Egan and Dale O'Mahony of Blarney Street National School with some of the donations of food that will be delivered to for Penny Dinners on Little Hanover Street, Cork. - Picture: David Creedon

Its a tradition that dates back nine years now, and was started by teachers Mark Russell and Paul Kennedy, but these days the annual trek is mostly organised by the schools student council.

Today were going down to Cork Penny Dinners and donating bags of non-perishable food, cans of beans, chocolates, anything that wont go off soon, weve 110 bags and every student from fifth and sixth class is going down, as well as 10 students from fourth class, said student council member Lewis McCarthy as the group set off.

Pupils from Blarney Street National School en route to Penny Dinners. Picture: David Creedon

His fellow student council member Jack Meade said they had been assembling the bags over the past fortnight, and had tried to ensure that the fourth-class students got to carry lighter bags.

Crossing St Vincents Bridge, the group was at Penny Dinners within 15 minutes and were soon singing Christmas carols with great gusto.

Teachers from Blarney Street National School Mark Russell, Brian Buckley, Caitriona Twomey, Penny Dinners David O'Keeffe and Ian Hannon after the pupils of the school delivered food to the kitchen on Little Hanover Street, Cork - Picture: David Creedon

Their arrival coincided with that of a busload of students from Midleton CBS, who delivered 150 shoeboxes each filled with personal hygiene products.

As the Cork Penny Dinners volunteers took a deserved break to listen to the carols, Caitriona Twomey, the charitys volunteer co-ordinator, said the morning was one of her favourite parts of Christmas.

Pupils from the student council with Caitriona Twomey of Penny Dinners after they made food donations to the charity at Little Hanover Street, Cork. - Picture: David Creedon

This is the big miracle on Little Hanover Street, we have little miracles here every day, but this is the big miracle. It started with Blarney Street school and its a miracle that lifts us all and just keeps us going.

These are the things that brings tears to your eyes, Ms Twomey said, adding: tears of joy.

Caitriona Twomey of Penny Dinners with some of the pupils of Blarney Street National School on Little Hanover Street, Cork.- Picture: David Creedon

Cork Penny Dinners, which was founded in Victorian times, has recorded a sharp uptick in the need for its services of late, with the cost-of-living crisis driving demand as never before.

Regularly serving over 1,000 meals every day, the charitys volunteers expect to serve in excess of 1,500 meals on Christmas Day.

Pupils from Blarney Street National School set off on a walk, carrying bags of food donations that they collected for Penny Dinners on Little Hanover Street, Cork.- Picture: David Creedon

Cork Penny Dinners will be serving takeaway meals on Little Hanover Street from 9am on Christmas morning, with sit-down meals served in the Croi na Laoi wellness centre on James Street.
The HSE is warning that a "red alert" remains in place in Cork following the detection of protonitazepyne sold as a light brown/tan powder on the heroin market.

Earlier this month, the HSE urged "extreme caution" after eight overdoses related to a powder being sold on the heroin market in the Cork region were reported in a 36-hour period.

It had said analysis conducted by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) had identified a trace amount of a nitazene-type substance in a light brown powder associated with the Cork city overdoses.

Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, said at the time: We are reminding people to be extra careful, and avoid using new drugs, new batches of drugs or buying from new sources. It is safer not to use drugs at all. Your well-being is important, remember to look after yourself and care for others."

The warning followed a similar alert issued in Dublin the previous month.

Today the HSE warned that red alerts remain in place for the Dublin and Cork regions following the detection of protonitazepyne sold as a light brown/tan powder on the heroin market.

Red Alerts remain in place for the Dublin and Cork Regions following the detection of protonitazepyne sold as a light brown/tan powder on the heroin market.



We will keep our 'Synthetic Opioid preparation' page updated with developments and resources: https://t.co/4gZLB6Xqil pic.twitter.com/GDGlGaSX8i  HSE Drugs.ie (@drugsdotie) December 20, 2023

13 overdoses in six days

The HSE said that up to December 12, there were 13 non-fatal overdoses reported to the HSE over a six-day period in Cork.

"This outbreak has been attributed to the same nitazene (N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene) which was identified in Dublin," the latest update said.

It added: "Red alerts remain in place for the Dublin and Cork regions. This means that there is an ongoing concern for people who use heroin in these areas and there is a high risk of nitazene exposure and overdose.

"These drugs are very new to the Irish market and there could be a risk of them appearing in other regions.

"At present, it is only the heroin market where they have appeared sold as a light brown/tan coloured powder sold as a new drug or as heroin without people knowing."

Support

The HSE said it is continuing to collaborate with various partners, including hospital emergency departments, emergency services, non-governmental organisation (NGO) service providers, An Garda Siochana, and laboratories at the National Drug Treatment Centre and Forensic Science Ireland to monitor the situation closely.

For further information, support and harm reduction, go to www.drugs.ie or contact the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 or email helpline@hse.ie Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm
SOME 543 adults are preparing to spend Christmas in emergency accommodation in Cork as the cost-of-living crisis forces more people into homelessness, according to homelessness charity Depaul.

It said that a total of 13,179 adults and children across Ireland will spend Christmas in emergency accommodation with many living in fear of whats ahead.

Many will mark the festive season in hotels, tented accommodation and direct provision centres.

Chief Executive of the charity, David Carroll, said they are experiencing a surge in demand for services.

The cost-of-living crisis is evident every day right across Cork, he said.

Depaul in Cork has provided 13,520 hot meals since last Christmas, and Depauls chefs will be working hard to serve up Christmas Dinner to 51 service users on Christmas Day.

Complex needs

He emphasised the difficulties for individuals and families.

Many of our clients-both individuals and families-present with multiple complex support needs, including any combination of physical health, mental health and addiction issues.

"Homelessness has a severe impact on a person's physical and mental health and takes away basic human rights such as housing and health. Homelessness can be a desperately lonely and

isolating place to be, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

Impacts

Mr Carroll described the impacts of homelessness for those affected.

The groups we work with are telling us they are at breaking point, he said.

They are feeling the pressure of being in temporary accommodation - mentally, physically and financially. People are feeling extremely overwhelmed and there is limited mental health support available. The lack of uncertainty creates stress for people in having no security long term."

He is calling for the government to take more action.

The current state of homelessness in Ireland calls for a retrospective review around policy and how well it's working. The upward trajectory can't continue and its critical that we see a turning point in the number of people enduring homelessness across the island of Ireland. Depaul is calling for a renewed focus on homelessness and housing as the new year approaches.

Readers can donate to Depauls urgent Christmas Appeal at www.depaul.ie or by calling 014537111.
THE final piece of the access jigsaw to Tramore Valley Park would connect Turners Cross, Ballyphehane and Togher with the city amenity site, according to a local councillor who has called for an update on proposals.

Former Lord Mayor Mick Finn, who opened the park in 2019, said the need for an access point from the western side of the city will not be considered following the recent connection to Frankfield Grange.

A project such as Tramore Valley Park, transforming the citys dump into a recreation area, was always going to take time and investment and now is the time to put the Togher/Turners Cross/Ballyphehane access on the table for planning, Cllr Finn said.

The council got much criticism regarding the Half Moon Lane access point but users of the park now agree that it was right to do it properly  it wasnt just about opening an old gate that was there.

Following the completion of the Vernon Mount Bridge, which opens up the park to Frankfield and Grange, there is a need to prioritise linkages with the west and new planned greenways.

Cllr Finn said that while a childrens playground has been ruled out, he feels it could be reconsidered such is the vastness of the location.

He also thinks there are areas that would be suitable to locate a dog park.

While I asked that the Lee Fields should be considered for the installation of a dog walking park  an area of it was used for this purpose during works that fenced off an area  I was informed that this could not happen.

However, it was agreed that other locations would be looked at. There are plenty of rough grass areas in Tramore Valley Park, off the Robert Heffernan Walkway towards the new bridge, that could possibly be earmarked for this purpose and I have asked for that to be looked into.

Cllr Finn said that Tramore Valley Park will continue to evolve into a superb recreational zone for people of the city and be utilised for a variety of purposes.

The more we can put in there, the better and we can try to cater for all needs.
A young man accused of having an improvised slam-bang firearm plus ammunition will be spending Christmas in prison.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case against him until January 3 at Cork District Court.

Glen Crean of 69 Colmcille Road, Cork, appeared in court by video link from prison.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said at Cork District Court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on the charges.

Consent was also given to the accused entering guilty pleas at Cork District Court for sentencing at the circuit court, should this arise.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the defence would have to consider the prosecution statements and evidence in the case to consider if the charges would be admitted or contested.

Mr Crean, 25, is charged that on August 21 2023 at an apartment on 19/20 Cove Street, Cork, he had in his possession a slam-bang improvised firearm in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he did not have it in his possession for a lawful purpose.

The second charge alleges that he had two Eley 12-gauge shotgun cartridges in similar circumstances.

Both charges were brought against the accused by Garda Dermot Crowley.

A slam-bang shotgun is an improvised weapon made from iron bars and is capable of being used to fire shots.
Uisce Eireann has announced that the Boil Water Notice on the Macroom Public Water Supply has been lifted with immediate effect, in consultation with the HSE.

The notice was issued to protect public health following elevated levels of turbidity which had impacted the treatment processes at the plant.

In a statement, the company said that crews had worked hard to lift the notice before Christmas and, following the successful completion of remedial works and the receipt of satisfactory water sampling results, the boil water notice had now been lifted with immediate effect.

"All customers supplied by Macroom Public Water Supply, including Macroom town, Codrum, Masseytown, Kilnagurteen, Coolehane, Coolcower, Macloneigh, Carrigadrohid, and surrounding areas, can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth," the statement added.

Uisce Eireanns Water Operations Lead for Cork County, Niall ORiordan said: "I want to acknowledge the impact that the restriction had on our customers.

"The notice was issued to protect public health while we worked hard to resolve the issues impacting the treatment plant. We are delighted to have been able to lift the restriction before the Christmas break and wish all our customers a safe and happy Christmas.
ALMOST 60 prisoners were on temporary release from Cork Prison yesterday.

Figures published by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) show that, on December 20, 59 prisoners were on temporary release from the prison.

The data also revealed that Cork Prison is operating above capacity, with 330 people in custody at the Rathmore Rd facility which has bed capacity for 296 inmates.

The latest figures come as the IPS confirmed that nationally, 139 prisoners will be granted varying periods of temporary release this Christmas under the Criminal Justice Act 1960.

IPS said the number represents 3% of the prison population.

It said many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public.

In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, length of sentence served to date, prior record on temporary release, behaviour while in custody and previous criminal history, IPS added.

The periods of release vary from a few hours up to seven nights.

IPS stressed that all releases are subject to stringent conditions and any prisoner who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the Gardai.

The sensitivities of victims are an issue that has also been taken into account.

Additional specific conditions will also apply in relation to victim liaison cases.

Furthermore, all registered victims with the Irish Prison Service victim liaison service will be informed in the cases where prisoners are receiving Christmas Temporary Release, IPS added.

This years figure represents more than a 7% increase on last year, when 129 prisoners were granted temporary release for Christmas.

A breakdown of the total number of prisoners to be released from the various prisons over Christmas is not available.
Cork advocate for older people Paddy OBrien has called on the public to make an extra effort to visit elderly people in their locality this Christmas in a bid to combat loneliness during the festive celebrations.

Mr OBrien, who has worked with older people for many years, described loneliness as a silent disease and one that can be cured if everyone takes action.

Speaking to Brendan Courtney RTEs Radio 1 The Nine OClock Show, Mr OBrien said: The greatest single problem facing elderly people today is loneliness. Loneliness is like one of the conventional diseases that kills people.

There is no cure for loneliness except visitation. It is a silent disease.

Mr OBrien said there are 189,000 people in Ireland living alone over the age of 55 years, a high percentage of whom he said are housebound.

Id love to see a visiting company set up in every parish to combat loneliness.

Mr OBrien, who has worked with older people for many years, described loneliness as a silent disease and one that can be cured if everyone takes action. Credit: Damian Coleman

Id love to see more taught about community care and the elderly in secondary-level education.

He also raised concerns about those elderly who will spend Christmas in a nursing home but still experience loneliness.

I come across elderly people who are broken-hearted. Elderly people in hospitals who have been put there by their own sons and daughters, he told RTE Radio 1.

They decide that the mammy or the daddy must go to a home and that they would be happier than living on their own, he said.

Loneliness is a serious problem but its not always when living on your own, people can be very lonely in nursing homes as well.

Mr OBrien, who started the Over 60s Talent Competition in 1977 as a bid to combat loneliness in parishes across Cork, encouraged everyone to do their part in trying to combat loneliness among the elderly this Christmas.

He congratulated all organisations working with the elderly who are doing tremendous work and said simple things mean a lot to people.

A knock on a neighbours door, befriend yourself, make sure they have enough food, do some shopping, send a Christmas card or drop a Christmas card through the letterbox, he said.

He said that something as simple as giving your time to an elderly neighbour this Christmas could make a huge difference to their mental health.

No matter who you are, you can help the elderly. Go and knock on your elderly neighbours door and try to adopt them at least for Christmas, bringing them to mass on Christmas morning, he said.

Mass is very important to our elderly people, and many are housebound or living far from the church so to do a good deed, knock on the door now, not Christmas Eve, and make yourself available to go in [to visit them] over Christmas.
A Tipperary student in Cork who was caught with 3,479 worth of cocaine was unsuccessful in his attempt to overturn his conviction on appeal.

The appellants barrister, Orla Meere, submitted to Cork Circuit Appeals Court that the event that occurred more than two years ago was the only time that the young man was convicted of any offence.

Ms Meere said the he was sharing the drugs with friends at the time and that the drug-dealing conviction against him was one that he was anxious to avoid from the point of view of his future career and travels.

Tadhg Carroll pleaded guilty to charges at Cork District Court and what was under appeal were the convictions themselves.

He had hoped to get the benefit of a dismissal under the Probation of Offenders Act in light of the fact that it was his first ever offence.

He has not come to the attention of gardai for or since. I am told he was collecting drugs for friends It was naive. He has started a job and he is doing well. He has remorse and shame for his actions, Ms Meere said.

Judge Helen Boyle refused the appeal and said she could not apply the probation act where it went beyond simple drugs possession.

On the basic question of whether the appeal court could be more lenient than the district court in this case, the judge answered her own question: I dont see any room for manoeuvre so I am not going to accede to the application.

In the district court, Tadhg Carroll of 16 Springfield, Clonmel, County Tipperary, was given a nine-month suspended sentence and was ordered to do 240 hours of community service.

He pleaded guilty to charges including having the drug for sale or supply.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said that on October 22 2021 at Wilton Lawn, Glasheen, County Cork, an Audi AV was stopped by Detective Garda David Hickey.

The defendant who is 23 was questioned. He had 3,479 of cocaine, a weighing scales and plastic baggies. He also had cash - 300 in six 50 notes -which he said he received as payment for dropping off cocaine at a house minutes before speaking to gardai.
I ALWAYS associate Christmas time with the beginning of my acting career - well, maybe using the word career might sound a little bit presumptuous.

In truth, I think Ive taken part in about six or eight plays - not sketches or stand up now, mind, but full length productions with a proper script, over period of 50 years.

The script in actual fact has always been my downfall - well, learning it and, most importantly, sticking to it!

I could talk for Ireland and tell stories til the cows come home from foreign holidays, but learning off lines and speaking them correctly at the right time was never my forte. Leave me ad lib with another one or two where wed maybe have a kinda general idea of what we wanted to say and do - that suits me just grand altogether.

I recall one time back in the 1970s the local Macra branch here had a one-act play going. Rehearsals went well for nearly a month - I was given the role of prompter, sure, with the script in my hand Id have no problem helping out anyone from the wings if they got stuck.

Well, didnt the grandmother of one of the cast die a day or two before the play was to go on in competition. Panic stations, and wasnt yours truly persuaded (coerced) to fall in for the bereaved actor?

I cant even recall the name of the play now but I know all I had to say was maybe ten lines - divided between about four different situations in the play. I was woeful, saying the wrong thing at the right time and the right thing at the wrong time!

I think the Adjudicator was merciful to me on my major stage debut. He said something like You cant beat experience, and that if I kept at it there was a bright future in front of me!

Well, its still in front of me!

Decades later, I played the part of Daheen Timinieen Din in John B. Keanes Many Young Men Of Twenty and every single night my wife Maynan never knew if I was coming or going!

In Ireland, traditionally Lent was the big season for plays and drama groups all over the country, when no dancing was allowed by decree of the Church.

On the other hand, Christmas and the New Year was really the pantomime season. In the 1960s, a pantomime was staged here in the Local Hall for several years with the cast members comprising the older classes from the local National School. My late mother took on the role of Producer for a good few seasons and we were usually on stage in early to mid December.

I can never remember playing a king or a prince or brave warrior, but my first role suited my limited acting ability very well. I was suited and booted and had very few, if any, lines.

Yes, I was the Big Bad Wolf in Little Red Riding Hood. My costume was mainly fashioned from a very old fur coat which had possibly originated in London.

Molly O Neill was from Knockanore in the Co. Waterford. I think she spent years in London, then returned, possibly to Dublin. In her old age she came to live with cousins in Bartlemy - the O Keefes.

Mam and Bessy O Keeffe were very friendly and I suppose one word borrowed another. Anyhow, I was given a present of Molly O Neills very old fur coat. This became my wolf outfit and was also used by the next generation from this household in the 1990s in other stage shows.

Snarling, growling, snapping and salivating were the main functions which I had to perform in that pantomime almost 60 years ago. It was an inauspicious start to a budding acting career which is still budding.

The one thing I felt about our school show back then at the start of Advent was that it truly heralded the arrival of the Christmas season, always in or around December 8. Nowadays, Halloween is scarcely gone when the Christmas stuff appears.

I often give out about the fact the Christmas is over-commercialised. Lately, however, as I get older, I am more accepting of the changes the decades have brought and often think to myself, wouldnt it be worse if Christmas was forgotten and not celebrated at all?

Its with thoughts such as these that I welcome this lovely time each year.

Our own children have long gone through their school shows and pantomimes and I marvel these weeks on seeing grandchildren treading the boards in their plays, dances, mimes and songs. It makes me feel older, but then I am older!

Still, the joy and excitement that light up little faces is something to behold - in fairness, the children growing up today are miles ahead of us half a century ago in terms of confidence and ability to speak out - God Bless em all.

I suppose I was about six when given that wolf role, so that might be this time of the year in 1963 - the year President Kennedy was killed. What do I remember of Christmas back then? Well, it was always colder -from early November right over Christmas and into the early spring we used to have frost nearly every day.

Back then, we used grow a few acres of potatoes, and coming up to Christmas Mam would be choosing the good ones from the bad and preparing to sell them in Fermoy and Cork. A lot of the little extras and treats that us five children got at Christmas were funded from potato sales.

We had maybe 12 or 14 cows back then. They were all stalled indoors for the winter and fed with hay, turnips and mangolds. Christ was born in a stable in a rural area. Growing up in the countryside, we could readily understand all about stables, mangers, straw, donkeys and shepherds.

Im not sure if we had a television then, probably not, but it didnt matter really cause Christmas was always about people coming and going - right up til Twelfth night on January 6.

Cousins we mightnt have seen for months would be calling just for a chat and catch-up on family news.

On a farm, Christmas was still a busy time with cattle, sheep and pigs to be fed - the same as ourselves! I still recall on Christmas mornings of Paddy, who worked for us, giving an extra pike of hay to each and every cow in the stall - it was Christmas for them also!

The church would be packed for Christmas morning Mass and two more Masses might be said back to back so everyone had a chance to go.

Visiting the crib was so important. It might have been up for ten days but twas only on that special morning that the Infant nestled in his bed of straw. Mam would always bring away a single sop of that straw - it brought luck to the house for the year.

At home, the fire would be lit below in the room as well as in the dining room where we ate the Christmas dinner. For the next 12 days only necessary servile work was done in the farmyard.

We didnt feast every day but keeping the 12 days of Christmas was important to us as a family.

I suppose many things, indeed most things, have changed, changed utterly in the last 50 years, but truly Christmas will never change.

At the heart of it all is the celebration of a birthday. The experts tell us nowadays that no proof exists exactly as to when the child Jesus was born, but still the world will celebrate next Monday.

God knows, in these troubled times in a troubled and battered world, we do need special occasions.

May I wish each and every reader a Happy, Holy and Peaceful Christmas Season. Thanks for your support during 2023 and may the New Year bring joy and happiness to all.

As I walk across the Glen on a Winters day with Christmas on our heels

All the hills are looking sleepy with peace and silence in the air

The holly trees with their rosary beads with crimson red on a branch green

They tell their tale of love on Christmas Day with divine display

They dazzle the eye with an inner peace in our hearts a joy to behold

All the little children waiting for the day when Santa brings his gift of love around the Christmas tree

Walk on walk slow, to the land of dreams.

(Thoughts Of Christmas, by Maurice Canning from his latest collection, The New Line)
ITS midwinter, and the year is turning back towards the light!

Jack And The Beanstalk at the Opera House is ideal for anyone seeking to banish the winter blues, but booking is heavy for all performances, especially matinees, so do make sure of your tickets before its too late.

This year, the costumes are more spectacular than ever - but did you ever think of just how much goes into getting them onstage for you to marvel at?

Muireann Doyle, the costume designer, knows only too well the work involved.

I studied fashion design and worked in fashion for a year or so, then did a stint in costume and realised that there was a whole future to be had on that side of the spectrum, she said.

Panto is totally different because fashion is one-off, always chasing the latest style, but for this the construction is very different.

With dancers, for instance, you have to think of the energetic movements they make. I work with the choreographer from the start, so that I know what the challenges will be.

I start designing the costumes around late August, shopping for fabrics in early September, and then getting into the actual making when rehearsals begin in October.

You have to find the right materials. Bright colours that will show up well on stage yes, but also lots of Lycra, stretch fabrics, that will have the essential flexibility.

Muireann is experienced in film and TV work as well as theatre.

I partner with other designers too, say on big American jobs that might be shooting in Ireland, she said.

I was on a feature in Cork Gaol a couple of years ago, set in the 1800s (The Gates). Layers and layers of petticoats for the women - it took 15 20 minutes to dress some of the extras!

With six professional dancers, a team of 19 teenagers, and three different teams of children, there was plenty to do before the first performance of Jack And The Beanstalk.

I design the childrens ones so they can be easily adjustable to the different size of the kids, said Muireann.

A scene from the panto at Cork Opera House.

That way you avoid the cost of tripling costumes. But youd always make an extra costume, just to be on the safe side.

Laundering and mending are a constant task, and here costume co-ordinator Bethany Baker is responsible, along with her team of dressers.

I do some of the dressing with Bethany, says Muireann.

The dancers look after their own changes, but with Nanny Nellie we do quick changes in the wings.

Then you need to keep an eye on maintenance, seams, and buttons, to make sure they will last the whole run of the show.

Patsy the Cow has a foam shell and a big cow onesie, and those need to be dry-cleaned or hand- washed, but for daily things like tights and shirts, we have a daily laundry. And we have a box of spares in the dressing room ready for those whove lost something at the last minute. Plus, of course, safety pins, needles and thread on hand at all times!

Gosh, just spare a thought for all that when you are enjoying the glorious costumes from the comfort of your seat!

The last three shows of The Improvised Panto in its late night slot at the Opera House are tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, December 23 at 10.30pm. All heavily booked, but still a few seats available. All Opera House bookings on 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie.

The Everyman is getting packed houses for Beauty And The Beast, and thats not surprising, since its stuffed full of fun with talking teapots, singing candlesticks and clever clocks, as well as music, dance, and that great heart-warming story of the power of love. Booking up fast though, especially the matinees, so dont delay! 021 4501673 or www.everymancork.com

May the festive season bring you joy and happiness. Merry Christmas to all!
By Jonathan McCambridge and Rebecca Black, PA

The Government has been challenged to say what it is doing to deal with Troubles legacy cases in its jurisdiction by DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson.

He accused Dublin of double standards after it launched legal action over the Troubles Legacy Act.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said on Wednesday that his Government would initiate an interstate case against the UK on the grounds that the provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the UKs obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Aspects of the laws, which received royal assent in September, include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The DUP leader told the BBC: I think there are double standards on the part of the Irish Government here and whilst I am strongly opposed to the Governments amnesty plans, we voted against it, we spoke against it and we continue to oppose it, but I dont think the Irish Government are in a very strong position to point the finger at the UK Government because the Irish Government have no proposals to deal with the legacy issues.

No proposals to deal with the quite significant number of murders that were committed either in their jurisdiction or from their jurisdiction.

For years effectively there has been a form of amnesty in the Irish Republic because they have not actively pursued those responsible for these crimes.

Mr Donaldson said: What I would like to see, and I said this to Micheal Martin last week, where are their proposals to deal with legacy?

What are they going to do? Are they going to pursue criminal justice investigations into the murders committed in their jurisdiction, which include the murder of gardai, of Irish Army soldiers, of innocent civilians?

And of course many UK citizens murdered in Northern Ireland as a result of actions carried out by the IRA using the Republic of Ireland as their base.

He added: I think it is difficult to see how this can improve relations between the UK Government and the Irish Government at this time.

I think the UK Government would take a similar view to many who would look at what the Irish Government are doing and say where are your proposals? What are you going to do about legacy?

Interstate case will strengthen challenge to shameful Legacy Act  @MaryLouMcDonald



Victims and families have been stating from the outset that this cruel and shameful Act is a flagrant breach of international human rights law"https://t.co/mypPAeKw6S  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) December 20, 2023

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald backed the Irish Governments legal challenge, describing the Legacy Act as a flagrant breach of international human rights law.

She said: The British Tory Government rushed through this legislation despite the clear opposition and concerns raised by victims and families, all political parties, the Irish Government, the US, UN, the Council of Europe and human rights experts.

It is a blatant attempt to shut the door on families efforts to achieve truth and justice through the courts and to give an amnesty to British state forces involved in the murder of, and serious human rights violations against, Irish citizens.

Heartbroken families have been fighting for years, determined to get truth and justice for their loved ones. They should not have been forced to take individual legal actions against this Act, and this action by the Government will now complement these challenges.

We will stand with those families as they challenge this cruel and cynical law, and as they continue to campaign with dignity and determination for truth and justice.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the Irish Government move was utterly necessary.

He said no political party or institution on this island supports the Act, describing it as the most extreme legislation that shuts down access to justice for victims and survivors.

The British Government has clearly undermined the international treaty entered into as part of the Stormont House Agreement, they have fought political leaders from every party in the North and they have set themselves against the needs of victims and survivors, he said.

The inter-state case being taken by the Irish Government is both welcome and utterly necessary.

If the British Government will not respect the treaties it enters into, respect international law or respect the basic tenets of justice then it must be challenged robustly.

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said the move by the Irish Government was not surprising.

He said: With an election year on the horizon they will have taken that opposition attack line off the table.

This might sound cynical, but the reality is the Irish Government have done nothing to address the legacy of our past, they have refused to open parallel mechanisms or deal with the very real fact that Ireland was not an innocent bystander in the Troubles.

He added: Any interstate case will go through the courts and there will be an outcome at the end.

But if both the United Kingdom Government and the Irish Government are not willing to fix the wrongs of the past then it will be the victims who suffer once again.
By Cillian Sherlock and David Young, PA

The Minister for Integation has expressed surprise at comments from the Garda Commissioner that gardai were not officially notified in advance of a plan to accommodate 70 asylum seekers in a Co Galway hotel.

Roderic OGorman said a briefing proposal was emailed to the Garda on Friday afternoon on the plan to use the disused hotel in Rosscahill to house the international protection applicants.

The proposal triggered a protest and blockade by locals on Saturday and later that night the property was badly damaged in a suspected arson attack.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Drew Harris told a meeting of the Policing Authority in Dublin that gardai had not received official notification about the accommodation plan and had to rely on local sources to find out what was proposed.

However, Mr OGorman has insisted established protocols for informing the gardai were followed.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said while gardai were notified it appeared the information had not been passed on to the right people on the ground. Mr Varadkar suggested more of a belt and braces approach to communicating such plans may be required.

Mr OGorman told the PA news agency that when any new international protection accommodation is opened a community engagement team takes responsibility for informing TDs, senators, councillors and statutory agencies, including the HSE, Tusla, a named contact in An Garda Siochana, the Department of Justice and the Department of Education.

So a briefing on the proposal to open the hotel in Galway was sent to An Garda Siochana on Friday afternoon, he said.

Asked if the process needed to be strengthened, he said: Well, look, were always happy to look at a process and improve a process where thats needed.

This is the process weve been using now for about four months. The community engagement team started working at the end of August, early September.

It is the process that supported the opening of a significant number of accommodation centres in that time.

It was my understanding, certainly, that was the agreed protocol that operates.

Now, obviously, as a situation evolves there may need to be further engagement but in terms of the protocol that was agreed, our officials carried it out as agreed.

So I was surprised to see that communication (that gardai werent informed) last night and this morning and, you know, we spent this morning just trying to clarify exactly what happens.

And I know weve been engaging with the gardai in terms of just confirming that the notification was provided.

Commenting on the issue, Mr Varadkar told reporters in Dublin: I think its important that the gardai are notified any time we establish a new accommodation centre.

In relation to Galway, Minister OGorman has confirmed that the gardai were informed in writing but, for whatever reason that message didnt get through to all of the right people on the ground.

So were going to have to review that now and perhaps adopt a belt and braces approach where its not just an email or a letter, but theres an email, letter and a phone call.

You know sometimes that just has to be done, but I can confirm that the gardai were informed in writing.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A new body established to investigate Troubles deaths has said it is important that legal clarity is provided by the courts over the UKs Legacy Act.

The Government announced on Wednesday that it was to initiate an interstate legal challenge over the Act, designed to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

The legislation created the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), headed by Northern Irelands former Chief Justice Declan Morgan.

The commission will investigate unsolved Troubles killings and will have the power to offer conditional immunity from prosecution.

In response to the move by the Government, an ICRIR spokesperson said: The commission has committed to following the European Convention on Human Rights and it is important that clarity in the legislation is provided by the courts.

In any process, it is important that prompt, independent and thorough investigations are carried out for families, victims and survivors and that is what the commission is seeking to deliver.

Meanwhile, a Northern Ireland Office minister has said that consequences for UK-Irish relations could not be ruled out because of the legal action from Dublin.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar had said his government had been left with no option but to legally challenge the UK Government over the Legacy Act (Niall Carson/PA)

He deeply regretted the decision by the Government to launch the interstate case.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar had said his government was left with no option but to legally challenge the UK Government over the Legacy Act.

Varadkar said the strong legal advice was that the Act breached the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Act received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish government.

Northern Ireland Office minister Lord Caine said he deeply regretted the legal action from the Irish government (Jacob King/PA)

Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the ICRIR.

The new Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests.

Multiple Troubles victims and family members are supporting a separate legal challenge against aspects of the Act at Belfast High Court.

Mr Caine told the BBC Good Morning Ulster programme: We deeply regret the fact that the Irish have decided unilaterally to take this case in the Strasbourg court.

Northern Irelands Commissioner for Victims and Survivors Ian Jeffers said the Legacy Act was always going to be challenged (Liam McBurney/PA)

Of course we highly value the relationship with the Irish government  its a hugely important bilateral relationship for us.

Can I rule out any consequences? The answer is no.

He added: We really do feel that the actions announced by the Government are very, very unnecessary, no need for them at all.

The new legacy commission is currently in the process of being established, we would like it to be given the time and space to set about its work, to establish its procedures with a view to becoming fully operational next spring and being able to provide answers to many more people in a much faster timescale than is currently available through existing legacy mechanisms.

We have always been confident that the legislation is compatible (with human rights law) and we will robustly defend the legislation against any challenges.

I think Im right in saying that theres not been a single prosecution in the Republic of Ireland for a Troubles-related legacy case since 1998.

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson accused the Irish government of double standards (Liam McBurney/PA)

Northern Irelands Commissioner for Victims and Survivors Ian Jeffers said he was not surprised by the move by the Irish government.

He said: It is inevitable that the Legacy Act was going to be challenged in Strasbourg and I would rather governments do it than put victims into court.

We have seen locally that victims have had to take this to court to try to see if they can remove it or improve it, it is better the two governments fight this out now.

The Irish governments legal challenge has been welcomed by a number of families of Troubles victims.

But DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson accused Dublin of double standards and challenged the Irish government to say what it is doing to deal with Troubles legacy cases in its jurisdiction.
Tom Tuite and Cillian Sherlock

A man has appeared in Dublin District Court charged with the attempted murder of three children and assault of a care worker during an incident at Parnell Square in the city last month.

Riad Bouchaker (50), of no fixed abode, was charged with the attempted murder of two female children and one male child.

He was also charged with assault causing serious harm to a care worker.

He was further charged with three counts of assault causing harm as well as the possession or production of a 36cm kitchen knife.

A girl, aged five, has been left fighting for her life after the incident.

Two other children were released from hospital. Creche worker Leanne Flynn Keogh, from Dublin, was also seriously injured during the incident outside Cholaiste Mhuire on the afternoon of November 23rd.

Detective Sergeant Padraig Cleary told the court that Mr Bouchaker was arrested at 12.51pm on Thursday and provided details of the charges and cautions.

The accused listened to the proceedings with the help of an Arabic interpreter after communicating that "I do not understand".

He did not address the court during the rest of the 10-minute hearing.

Judge Smyth had the garda witness restart, giving evidence to ensure the man understood.

Detective Sergeant Cleary said the accused made "no reply" when charged with "attempted murder of a female child".

Mr Bouchaker's reply to a second charge for attempted murder of a second female child was "I am a sick person".

The court heard he had no response when charged with attempted murder of a male child.

He had "no response" when charged with assault causing harm to another male child and a girl.

The court also heard he had no response when charged with causing serious harm to a care worker.

He had no reply when charged with assault, causing harm to a French national at the scene.

The final charge was for the production of a 36-centimetre kitchen knife, and in reply to that offence, he told gardai, "I am a sick person".

There was a garda application to remand him in custody. The defence barrister said, "Due to the nature of the charges, we cannot advance a bail application".

The District Court does not have the power to consider a bail application in an attempted murder case, which requires a High Court application.

Judge Smyth remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court via video link on December 28th. Legal aid was granted after a statement of the defendant's means was handed into court.

The court noted that Mr Bouchaker, dressed in a green jacket, black jumper, dark trousers and slippers, required medical attention.

Detective Sergeant Cleary confirmed a list of his medication had already been sent electronically to the medical section in Cloverhill Prison.

Judge Smyth acceded to a defence request to direct "appropriate medical attention" in custody.

Reporting restrictions

The defence lawyer also made an application which he described as "a little unusual" for Mr Bouchaker's legal team not to be identified in media reports.

He explained that this was because of "safety concerns" and "after what occurred around the city", adding there were concerns for the safety of those involved with Mr Bouchaker.

Detective Sergeant Cleary supported the request and said it had already been discussed and "deemed suitable".

Judge Smyth acceded and told reporters they must not name the members of the man's legal team.

Mandatory reporting restrictions under section 93 of the Children Act already apply to media coverage regarding the injured children who cannot be identified.

The legislation states: "No report shall be published or included in a broadcast which reveals the name, address or school of any child concerned in the proceedings or includes any particulars likely to lead to the identification of any child concerned in the proceedings."

The incident sparked a wave of unrest in the city, which led to riots, looting and vehicles being set on fire.

More than 40 people were arrested, about 30 of them have already been charged and are before the courts.

Security at the Criminal Courts of Justice was tightened for the man's hearing on Thursday.
Michael Bolton

A man has been charged and is set to appear in court on Friday after a firearm was seized in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin.

At 12.30am Thursday morning, gardai in uniform responded to reports of a disturbance in Stocking Lane, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 and on arrival observed a man carrying a firearm.

The man was approaching gardai and then proceeded to discard the firearm over a wall and run from the scene.

The man, aged 20 years, was arrested a short distance away and the firearm was recovered by the uniform gardai.

He is set to appear before a sitting of Tallaght District Court at approximately 10:30am Friday morning.
David O'Sullivan

A man who sexually abused four children, including encouraging two of them to have sex and then videotaping it, has been jailed for 11 years.

Tony Hudson (61), of Ballymurray, the Ballagh, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, was found guilty by a Central Criminal Court jury in October of 70 charges of oral rape, sexual assault, buggery, gross indecency and defilement against four children at an address in Dublin between 2000 and 2009.

The four children were aged between 12 and 17 at the time of the offending.

Imposing sentence on Thursday, Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford said the case illustrated the devastating impact this kind of sexual abuse has on so much generations  the generation above and the generation to come.

She said, the breach of trust here is egregious and that there was a determined corruption of these young people.

The judge said aggravating factors in the case included the huge disparity in age, the breach of trust, that Hudson took advantage of the children's vulnerability and the creation of a sexual environment in his house.

Ms Justice Lankford said the mitigating factors were that Hudson has no previous history of sexual offending, a good work history and that he did not come to subsequent adverse garda attention since the incidents.

Judge Lankford sentenced Hudson to 13 years in prison, with the final two years suspended. She backdated this to when Hudson went into custody on October 27th of this year.

Bravery

The judge said the complainants have shown huge bravery and that they deserve huge respect for coming forward when they did.

A local garda told Roisin Lacey SC, prosecuting, that while Hudson was living in Dublin, he befriended four local children.

At various stages, they were invited to his house to do chores. They were paid a modest amount of money, and Hudson gave them cigarettes and alcohol for the work they carried.

Over time, Hudson began touching the children sexually and other inappropriate activities.

Incidents

The court heard one complainant was sitting in the living room when Hudson put pornography on the television. He then masturbated the child and asked the child to masturbate him.

On another occasion, Hudson gave the child alcohol and got him drunk. He then brought the child to a shed in the backyard of his house and asked him to suck his penis.

Evidence was given that another complainant had to clean Hudson's shower naked and that he would come in and touch the victim's penis.

A third victim was between 12 and 13 when the abuse started. It started with mutual masturbation before progressing to oral sex and anal penetration.

Hudson recorded himself having anal sex with this child and showed the video to another one of the complainants.

The fourth victim gave evidence that Hudson encouraged her to have sex with one of the other children. She was 13 at the time, and the other child was 17. Hudson videotaped the two having sex in his shed.

Hudson then made the girl perform sexual acts on him as she owed him a favour as he let her have sex with the other child. These sexual acts included masturbation and oral sex.

When Hudson was interviewed by gardai, he denied the allegations and said: as their fathers weren't around for them, I was a stand-in.

Victim impact statements

Two of the four complainants read their victim impact statements to the court. One said, I am a survivor of sexual abuse and not a victim.

What happened to me at the hands of this evil person completely destroyed my life and my whole future, he said, before telling the court he should have been out with friends but instead was being groomed and abused.

I will go on to be a great dad and turn my life around and bring goodness into the world. The man said, children will be much safer with this dirty, evil monster locked up for a long time.

The second man said, I should be jumping with joy after he was found guilty, but how can I knowing that I'm serving a life sentence from the damage he has caused me.

He told the court, This will never be something that will just be forgotten about, and that the abuse made him lock myself away for days and constantly have thoughts of suicide.

He has damaged me so, so much. I will have these battles every day for the rest of my life.

Ms Lacey read the two other statements on behalf of the remaining victims.

The third statement said, It affects me to this day and always will, the victim added that she had looked at the man as a father figure.

The woman said she was terrified to let her children go out on their own or be left with any man. She also said, The distrust of men will not allow me to have any healthy relationship with men in the future.

In the final statement, Ms Lacey said on behalf of the final complaint, I don't trust anybody around my kids. I'm always having nightmares. What does a killer look like? What does a pedo look like?

I don't even trust my own family or friends around my kids, the man wrote.

As a man, it's very embarrassing. My only escape was drugs, he wrote, I lost my family home, my kids and the love of my life.

Patrick Gageby SC, defending, said his client had no previous convictions and had never come to adverse garda attention before these charges.

He said his client was cooperative during his interview and was someone who is hardworking, providing for him and his wife.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
Stephanie Barry Woods, travel blogger

Ill be spending Christmas in Koh Samui, Thailands second-largest island, this year.

My husband Tim and I plan to spend three nights in Koh Phangan, and on Christmas Eve, well head to Koh Samui to meet our friends and stay until the 29th. There is a group of around 20 of us heading to the island from Bangkok. Its mostly fellow ex-pats who are away from home for Christmas - so we will celebrate together. Then its back to Bangkok, where were currently based, for New Years.

Well probably cook a roast of some kind on the day and enjoy the weather on the island.

Stephanie Barry Woods in Bali. Picture: Stephanie Barry Woods

I spent last Christmas in my mums house in Cork, and Ill definitely be missing my family  just not the weather or the dark evenings! All my siblings are scattered all over the place  Dublin, Nottingham, London, and I could be anywhere, so what we love about Christmas is waking up in the same house, lazing around and being together, enjoying movies and eating junk! It happens so rarely that its a huge novelty.

This is the second year since we lost my stepdad, which makes it that bit harder being away from everyone else, so Ill definitely be taking a moment during the day to remember him, and my dad who we also lost last year.

I would definitely describe myself as a Christmas person, and luckily, so is Tim. When youre away from home, you tend to pull out all the stops to make it as memorable as possible - our Christmas tree has been up since November! Having said that, I love my job, and l love my life, so I wouldnt trade where I am for anything!

When lockdown hit we got stuck in Kuala Lumpur for five months, which was a totally unique experience, and at times I wondered if it would make us slow down a little - but it didnt!

Im already planning for next year and have just bought a guide to French Polynesia, which I want to explore in 2024. Ive always wanted to visit Bora Bora and Tahiti! Work-wise, Im running group trips to India, Thailand, Japan, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia - 2024 will be a busy year! So far, Ive been to 44 countries, and by this time next year, I would love to make that 50!

Valerie OSullivan, Chief Executive of Cork County Council

Valerie OSullivan, ceo Cork County Council

MY Christmases are very quiet, very low key, and that's how I like them. The rest of the year is the total opposite!

I always spend it at home and my family comes to my house every year since my Dad passed away, over 30 years ago.

I have to be organised before Christmas Eve because that's when I prep for Christmas dinner. I usually have the house to myself for a few hours, the ham and beef go on, candles lit, cleaning gets done, Christmas music on while I'm working away. I put the presents under the tree on Christmas Eve and I might call to relatives with my mum to deliver presents.

On Christmas morning our tradition is that everyone has to go to the Christmas tree at the same time to open presents.

My brother and his kids will arrive with my mum and my niece, the house fills up and I finish the cooking and we usually eat around 2 or 2.30pm.

We are definitely a turkey and ham household but have beef as well. Usually, we have seven people for dinner but have often had 13! There always has to be pavlova for dessert which I'll make on Christmas morning, and there will be trifle. My late mother-in-law used to make Christmas pudding and that's missed by my husband and my mum. My favourite part of Christmas dinner is my stuffing, and my favourite moment is when I sit at the table when everyone is served, that's the end of my workload!

Everyone stays late, we watch tv, eat, maybe a few games, eat some more, and there always has to be sandwiches on Christmas night. The day is just about being together really.

I love St Stephen's Day, because everything is ready from the day before, dinner can be anytime. Usually it's just us four, my husband, son, daughter and I and I usually do absolutely nothing, apart from walk my dogs. I used to be up like a lark for the Brown Thomas sale - that may or may not happen!

Unfortunately, we don't have Santa as the kids are grown up now, but we still have surprises under the tree and that excitement is still there. I would have been listening to the kids passing comments about what they like and try to get those things. My daughter wants to know what she's getting, and my son doesn't! But I don't tell either of them. So, in a way I like to think Santa still comes.

I have nothing in particular on my wish list this year. I don't need anything, just some downtime and maybe perfume!

There are lots of traditions from my childhood carried on in my own family - visit to the cemetery, Perry Como on vinyl playing, my Dad's old decorations are always on my tree, although they are around since I was tiny, everyone goes downstairs at the same time, we have to have corned beef as well as spiced beef to please everyone.

I love everything about Christmas, having my people and my dogs around me, taking time out, not having to be anywhere in particular for a few days, the food, the gifting, Christmas tv.

And I do it all again on New Year's Eve because we don't go out. I prefer home any night of the year!

Helen Murphy, teacher and Instagrams daily_divadiary

Helen Murphy, teacher and Instagrams daily_divadiary

CHRISTMAS has always been eagerly anticipated in our house and even as the four kids have grown older, that sense of anticipation has never left. With two new pups added to the house recently, the kids (now teens) are actually busily planning the dogs first Christmas so it's all go here!

We usually go out to ORiordans Christmas tree farm around the beginning of December to choose our tree in the wood.

It's then cut and delivered by the 8th. So up it goes then. I'm a bit of a sentimentalist though so there's no carefully curated theme. We decorate it with a mismatch of baubles and stuff the kids have made over the years and this year the challenge is to keep the dogs away from it!

We usually go full blast with the lights outside too  Joan from Enchanting Events Specialist does them for us. Christmas is one of my favourite times of year so I love how welcoming the place looks when they're all turned on. When I was little up at home in West Clare, my mother would have candles lighting in every window, as would all if the houses in the parish - you don't see it as much here but I like to put one up in a little round front window we have here as a nod to home.

On Dec 23rd, as a family we head into town, soak up the lights and atmosphere and do some last minute shopping.

This year well try to head to Midleton to support the local businesses there after their devastating floods.

On Christmas Eve, I get up really early and again, a throwback to home, I'll cook the Christmas ham, a huge one. I absolutely adore the smell as it's cooking and anyone who calls in will usually be treated to a Baileys coffee and some of my Aunty Jane's biscuit cake!

One of my girls is in her school choir and they sing at Mass so we'll head off there later on. I always think of Christmas Eve mass as one of the most evocative times in Church  there's such memory bound up in the hymns and readings, it always makes me feel very nostalgic We head home afterwards to our Christmas eve feast, again a throwback to what my own parents used to (and still do!) A total smorgasbord of our favourite breads, ham, potato salad, coleslaws, curried rice, noodles, and anything goes. Mam used always have a black forest gateau when we were kids in the 80s which we thought it was fierce exotic altogether! My gang won't eat it so we usually finish off with mince pies or chocolates.

We do our presents in two waves. The first on Christmas Eve after tea- it's all our gifts from family and each other and its pure mayhem, mess. Wrapping paper and craic!

Before we go to bed, carrots and oats are left out for Rudolph and the gang, milk, wine and biscuits cake is left out for Santy and a pen and paper in case he wants to write say hello.

The second wave of presents is on Christmas morning after Santy has come. Firm believers here regardless of age and now he's the two pups to spoil too.

Christmas Day is usually pretty relaxed, (I say usually - when my in-laws first came over for Christmas dinner almost 18 years ago. I ended up crying in the utility room as I was so stressed!). Lesson learned, so these days we kind of graze through a few starters, go for a few brisk laps around the Lough and come back in time to serve up a traditional turkey/ ham dinner and the more variety of potatoes the better!

Usually then we head over to the in-laws about 4 or 5pm where we 'll bring dessert (pavlova), and we'll just veg quite happily on the couch, sleepily watching films chatting, playing games till night time.

Up at home in Clare, sometimes a wren group would call or you'd have a few on St Stephens Day but that doesn't happen so much here and you'd miss that. A few years back we were up at home, and m mum, myself and the kids dressed up for The Wren and went out on St Stephens Day ...so much fun!

Miss Cork, Riona OMahony. Picture Dan Linehan

Riona OMahony, Miss Cork

ILL be spending Christmas Eve with my dad and his girlfriend. My dads a care assistant in a nursing home so hell be working Christmas Day so the staff with younger kids can have it off. We like to try make sure we still get a day together over Christmas and Im looking forward to a good cheese board and board games!

Ill be spending Christmas morning with my mum and giving her gifts and her stocking. Thats a favourite tradition we have in our family  we still do Christmas stockings, so Ive been gathering bits and pieces for that the last few weeks!

Well spend the morning together taking a walk if its fine but this is where tradition falters as we wont have a typical Christmas dinner together this year  as well as being an art student my mum is a qualified chef so its usually the ultimate feast but with my sister Lauren being away in Australia weve decided to change up our normal routine as it simply wouldnt be the same without her.

Around noon my mum will head down to Beara to spend the evening with her boyfriend and Ill be heading out to Midleton to spend the day with my boyfriend Jamies family.

Im really looking forward to this as his family still has some Santa fans! As Im the youngest in my family I havent had that magic in years and Im excited to spend the day with Jamies family and experience their family traditions.

Im a big fan of St Stephans day, taking a nice walk and then cosying up for movies and Christmas treats  my mince pie obsession has already taken hold! Jamie and I will spend the evening packing as were heading off to Edinburgh on the 27th for a few days as his birthday present to me.

Amy O'Connor captain of Cork senior camogie team. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

Amy OConnor, Cork camogie captain

ILL be at home in Churchfield/Knocknaheeny for Christmas as always. My younger brother moved to Australia this year so itll be the first time therell only be three of us at home - my mam, dad and me which will be a little different.

Christmas is always very relaxing in our house. We're not back training with Cork until January with Cork. I work as a Project Manager for Workvivo and Im actually off for the entire holiday and Im looking forward to that down time.

My mam cooks the dinner. She is a brilliant cook and is actually obsessed with making dinners so wed always have fabulous meals throughout the year anyway, but Christmas day is next level again.

We are very much a traditional turkey and ham household. My mam has introduced sausage meat alright over the last few years which has being going down well.

Theres always Christmas crackers too  I always get a kick out of the jokes and stupid they are!

Were not really a starter house, but well have meringues, profiteroles and chocolate fudge cake for desert. My boyfriend Danny will call for dessert. He always has his dinner in his own house!

Santa hasnt visited our house in a while, but Im still looking forward to a surprise or two under the tree even if theres nothing really in particular on my wish list this year.

We usually relax for the rest of the day.I love the Santa Claus movies. I might try watch all of the Harry Potters  although I say that every year and never manage to do it!
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.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his administrations efforts to address climate change and investments in climate resilience at the White House on Nov. 14, 2023. Official White House Photo by Cameron Smith

The Biden administration has announced new steps and unlocked funding to launch its new federal program, the American Climate Corps, that aims to employ thousands of young Americans in the conservation, clean energy and climate resilience sectors.

Seven federal agencies  the Departments of the Interior, Labor, Commerce, Agriculture and Energy; AmeriCorps; and the Environmental Protection Agency  are commiting to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the climate corps, a press release from AmeriCorps said. The MOU details the goals, priorities, mission and next steps for implementation of the initiative.

The American Climate Corps presents us with an opportunity to address the urgent climate crisis while training and preparing young people for good-paying union jobs in clean energy and climate resilience. From record heat to extreme flooding, we know we need to act now  and through the American Climate Corps, thats exactly what we are doing, said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith in the AmeriCorps press release.

Starting next month, senior officials from the administration will begin a series of sessions to hear from implementing partners  such as local, state and Tribal governments; educational institutions; and labor unions  as well as prospective applicants to the climate corps.

Each listening session will last roughly 90 minutes and will provide participants with the opportunity to engage directly with Administration officials who are overseeing the initiative, as the Administration works to establish the first cohort of American Climate Corps members by next summer, a press release from The White House said.

An executive committee was also established by the MOU to provide federal government leadership, in addition to a working group to implement and carry out the new program, AmeriCorps said.

In launching this new initiative, President Biden fulfilled a key promise to mobilize a new, diverse generation of Americans  putting them to work conserving and restoring our lands and waters, bolstering community resilience, deploying clean energy, implementing energy efficient technologies, advancing environmental justice, and more, the White House press release said.

President Biden first announced the start of the American Climate Corps back in September, and since then almost 50,000 people have expressed interest in joining. Approximately two-thirds of those interested are between the ages of 18 and 35, according to AmeriCorps.

A historic program like this has never been done before in the lifetime of almost every single person thats working on this program, said Maggie Thomas, the presidents special assistant for climate, as reported by NBC News.

As specified in the MOU, agencies signing on to participate in the American Climate Corps agree that the corps will expand pathways to work in and be led by underserved and marginalized communities that have been overburdened by pollution and create economic opportunities in rural, suburban, urban and remote wilderness areas, among other guiding principles, the press release from AmeriCorps said.

The American Climate Corps will look to the states of Colorado, California, Michigan, Maine and Washington, which already have climate corps programs, as partners.

We continue to think that Congress spending is still a good idea, that hasnt changed, but we continue to use our creativity, to make sure that we really are using every tool available to us to tackle the climate crisis, Thomas said, as NBC News reported. We engage every agency and we really pull in this new diverse generation of young people to ensure that we can tackle the climate crisis in all the ways we know we need to.
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 United States Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to hear oral arguments in a case looking to stop the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing a federal regulation  the Good Neighbor Rule  that protects people in states downwind from industrial and coal plant pollution that drifts across state lines, a press release from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) said.

The request was made by the states of Indiana, West Virginia and Ohio; the U.S. Steel Corporation; pipeline operators; and energy providers. The court will hear the oral arguments in February of 2024.

EPAs Good Neighbor Protections will ensure healthier longer lives for millions of people impacted by upwind smokestack pollution. The law and the science are clear and compelling that EPAs common sense pollution limits are vitally needed and thoroughly reasonable, said Vickie Patton, general counsel for EDF, in the press release. It would be a radical departure from settled law for the U.S. Supreme Court to damage these proven life-saving protections under our nations clean air laws  based on the same bedrock legal protections overwhelmingly affirmed by the Court in 2014.

Last year, the Supreme Court voted to limit the authority of the EPA to establish broad rules for reducing carbon emissions from gas- and coal-fired power plants under the Clean Air Act (CAA), reported Reuters.

The current disagreement involves the regulation of ozone gas in states the EPA said did not comply with the Good Neighbor provision of the CAA.

Every community deserves fresh air to breathe. EPAs Good Neighbor plan will lock in significant pollution reductions to ensure cleaner air and deliver public health protections for those whove suffered far too long from air-quality related impacts and illness, said Michael S. Regan, EPA administrator, when the Good Neighbor Plan was announced in February, according to a press release from the EPA. We know air pollution doesnt stop at the state line.

The EPA said a federal program was necessary to reduce emissions in 23 states with insufficient plans, Reuters reported. Lawsuits brought in several lower courts have already paused the rules enforcement in a dozen states.

The plaintiff states argue that the EPA rule will cause the destabilization of their power grids and require them to have to pay unreasonable costs.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice defended the EPA, saying to block the rule would seriously harm downwind states that suffer from their upwind neighbors emissions and endanger public health, as reported by Reuters.

With more than 127 million people residing in regions plagued by harmful ozone levels, the Good Neighbor Rule protects public health, said Earthjustice attorney Kathleen Riley following a September U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruling in favor of the EPA, a press release from Earthjustice said.
(Photo: Courtesy Open Doors)Social media is increasingly being used by Hindu extremists in India to stir up hatred of Christians; the country is number 10 on the Open Doors World Watch List.

A 20-foot (6 meter) statue of Jesus, which had stood in the village for 18 years, was demolished by authorities in India's southern Karnataka state after claims it was built on land earmarked by the government for an animal pasture.

Kolar district's administration said last week's demolition took place of the statue next to St. Francis Xavier's Church in Gokunte village, Christian Today reported.

The Karnataka High Court had ordered the destruction, but local Christian leaders said the case was still pending.

Gokunte village has a population of 500-600 people, and all but four families are Catholic, Crux News reported.

Bengaluru Roman Catholic Archbishop Peter Machado denounced the statue's demolition, stating that the church has ownership documents for the land where the statue was.

Machado said church leaders attempted to work with authorities to save the structure, but they would not cooperate.

"It is sad to note that yet another ruthless demolition of a Christian Structure, which included a 20- feet Statue of Jesus and 14 Stations of Cross was carried out by the taluka authorities in a Christian Village, Gokunte, in Kolar, a District of Karnataka touching the border of Andhra," Machado announced in a statement.

"We were not served with written notice of the impending action which she had determined to demolish," said Machado.

200-STRONG POLICE FORCE

The local authorities moved in with a 200-strong police force and pulled down the statue, which Machado said "has seriously affected not only the sentiments of the Christian community but also the people of other faiths."

The bishop said, "Though the church has documents of the two acres of the land where these structures were located, the local authorities considered them as not proper or incomplete."

The villagers believe a Hindu nationalist group filed a petition in the high court to stir tensions in the region.

"The video of the demolition was widely circulated, and the Christians are really alarmed and pained at such repeated acts by the pro-Hindu government machinery," Fr. Faustine Lobo, the spokesperson of the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops' Council, was quoted as saying.

Open Doors USA, which monitors Christian persecution in more than 60 countries, reports that persecution against Christians and other religious minorities has increased since the BJP took power in 2014, Christian Today reported.

For India's Christians, 2021 was the "most violent year" in the country's history, says a report by the United Christian Forum. At least 486 violent incidents of Christian persecution were reported in the year.

The UCF attributed the high incidence of Christian persecution to "impunity," due to which "such mobs criminally threaten, physically assault people in prayer, before handing them over to the police on allegations of forcible conversions."

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

"Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators," the UCF report states.

Christians make up only 2.3 percent of India's population of 1.38 billlion and Hindus make up some 80 percent.

Karnataka is ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has also ruled India since 2014. The BJP is linked with the the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist group said Crux News.
(Photo:  Peter Kenny)Campaign to stop violence against Christians in India on square in front of United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on June 23, 2021 during a session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) says it is alarmed by India's increased transnational targeting of religious minorities and those advocating on their behalf.

Recent efforts by the Indian government to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad pose a serious threat to religious freedom said the commission on Dec. 15.

"Due to India's systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief, USCIRF implores the U.S. Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)," said the commission.

"The Indian government's alleged involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and the plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States are deeply troubling," said USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck.

He said that the Indian activity represent a severe escalation of India's efforts to silence religious minorities and human rights defenders both within its country and abroad,

Schneck said, "We call on the Biden administration to acknowledge the Indian government's perpetration of particularly severe religious freedom violations and designate it as a country of particular concern (CPC)."

The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment, Reuters news agency reported.

INDIA DENIES ACCUSATIONS

It said that the Indian government routinely denies any discrimination in the Hindu-majority country.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said this month that an Indian national had worked with an unnamed Indian government employee on the plot to assassinate a New York City resident who advocated for a sovereign Sikh state in northern India. India's government has denied involvement in the plot, said te Reuters report.

The commission said transnational repression occurs when states use intimidation, harassment, or violence against those living outside their borders.

Transnational repression campaigns often target political and human rights activists, journalists, and members of religious and ethnic minority groups.

The commission said that in extreme cases, tactics include detention, reprisals against family members, kidnapping, or, as illustrated by India, assassinations.

In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice published an indictment alleging the Indian government's attempt to assassinate a Sikh activist was intended to prompt a series of additional killings in the United States and Canada.

In addition, said the commission, Indian authorities have used spyware and online harassment campaigns to target and intimidate journalists and activists abroad advocating on behalf of religious minorities.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to the United States in June, comments from the head of India's Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) information and technology department, Amit Malviya, prompted an online campaign against U.S. Wall Street Journal journalist Sabrina Siddiqui for posing a question about religious freedom conditions in India, according to the commission.
Robots dance at the artificial intelligence (AI) experience zone of the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 6, 2022. It is the first time for the CIIE to feature an AI zone, which has a 300-square meter exhibition area and seven application scenarios. Photo: VCG

China attaches great importance to the prevention and control of AI-related risks, and is committed to the international governance of artificial intelligence (AI), Mao Ning, a spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, said on Thursday at a press conference."China will work with the international community to properly address the risks and challenges posed by the application of AI, and promote formation of international AI governance plans with a broad consensus," Mao said.China on Wednesday submitted a position paper on strengthening the ethical governance of AI to the 2022 Meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons held in Geneva by the UN.Li Song, China's ambassador for disarmament affairs, told the participants that China believes it is important to enhance the understanding of all countries on AI ethics and to ensure that AI is safe, reliable, controllable and capable of better empowering global development and enhancing the common well-being of all mankind, according to the Xinhua News Agency.As one of the most disruptive technologies, AI brings potential huge development dividends to human society, while its uncertainty may cause challenges such as ethical concerns, Li said.The document suggests that governments should give priority to ethics, and improve rules, norms and accountability mechanisms concerning AI, while clarifying responsibilities and boundaries of AI entities, respecting and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of all groups.The paper calls on the international community to reach an agreement on the issue of AI ethics on the basis of wide participation, and work to formulate widely accepted international AI governance framework, standards and norms.It says that governments should bear in mind worst-case scenarios and enhance risk awareness, identify potential ethical risks that AI technology may entail, set up an effective early warning mechanism.Governments could require research and development (R&D) entities to strive for better data quality for AI R&D, and abide by data security regulations. Also, governments should attach importance to public education on AI ethics, the document reads.Li noted that China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind in the domain of AI, adopting people-centered approach and the principle of exploring and using AI for good."China calls on all parties to uphold the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and advance international AI governance," Li said.Global Times
Legislation to provide safeguards against gas disconnection supported by Branches of Tynwald

The Gas Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2023 passed through both the House of Keys and the Legislative Council in a single day, on December 19.

The Bill makes a key change in law to enable the Council of Ministers to make an Order (a separate form of legislation) to specify certain circumstances where a public gas supplier may not disconnect premises for non-payment of bills.

Any Order is likely to put similar safeguards in place as found in the UK and elsewhere, around disconnections during winter.

The Council of Ministers promoted the short bill following considerable concerns that vulnerable or at-risk gas customers were being disconnected, or are at risk of being disconnected, during the winter months.

Minister for the Cabinet Office, Kate Lord-Brennan MHK say that supporting this change means that we can now work quickly on an Order, which will address gas disconnections in winter months.

Adding: This is particularly important for those domestic customers who, from a health and wellbeing perspective, having their source of heating cut off could pose a serious risk.

The Bill will now be sent for Royal Assent, with the introduction of an Order expected early next year.
A London judge has sentenced the teenage hacker who infiltrated Rockstar Games, leaking Grand Theft Auto VI footage, to an indefinite hospitalization, as reported by The BBC. The 18-year-old, Arion Kurtaj, breached Rockstars servers from a Travelodge hotel while under police custody, using only an Amazon Fire TV Stick, smartphone, keyboard and mouse. (He was promptly re-arrested.) Kurtaj was a central member of the Lasus$ international hacking group.

Doctors declared Kurtaj unfit to stand trial because he has acute autism. Following the judgment, the jury was instructed to determine if he committed the alleged crimes, not whether he had criminal intent. Following a mental health assessment suggesting he continued to express the intent to return to cybercrime, the judge decided he remained too high a risk to the public. The court also heard accounts of Kurtajs allegedly violent behavior while in custody, including reports of injury and property damage. And so Kurtaj will now be committed to a hospital prison.

Despite Rockstar's claim that the hack cost it $5 million and thousands of hours of staff time, Kurtajs attorneys argued the success of the GTA 6 trailer, which racked up 128 million views in its first four days, meant his hack didnt cause serious harm.

A second Lapsus$ member was found guilty in the same trial, but the 17-year-olds name wasnt made public because theyre a minor. The unnamed hacker was accused of working with Kurtaj and other Lapsus$ members to infiltrate Nvidia and phone company BT/EE, stealing data and demanding a $4 million ransom. The minor was sentenced to an 18-month youth rehabilitation order under intense supervision, including a ban on VPN use.

The two accomplices are the first Lapsus$ members to be convicted. Authorities believe other digital bandits in the group (suspected to be primarily teenagers in the UK and Brazil) are still at large. It isnt clear what kind of payoff the hackers got from the ransom requests, if any, as none of the affected companies have admitted to ponying up.
BTS' Jimin may be fulfilling his mandatory military service in the South Korean army right now, but he seemed to have prepared something in advance for ARMYs -- BTS fans -- to enjoy while he is away and can't communicate as much with them.

On Thursday, BigHit announced through Weverse the release of Jimin's digital single, "Closer Than This."

Per the announcement, "Closer Than This" is "a heartfelt fan song that encapsulates Jimin's genuine feelings for ARMY," which aims to convey the BTS member's love and affection for his fans and bring them hope and warmth as the year ends.

"Closer Than This" is scheduled for release on Friday, 2 p.m. KST.

With this surprise announcement, ARMYs, especially Jimin stans, celebrated and shared their excitement on X, formerly Twitter, making the phrase "JIMIN IS COMING" trend on the platform.

Other Jimin-related trends, including #CloserThanThis, #ThisIsJimin, "PARK JIMIN," "Jiminie" and "NEW SONG," trended worldwide, too, per JIMIN DATA.

Jimin's Twitter Trends | Worldwide 



Jimin is taking over ALL TOP 5 trends worldwide after the announcement of his upcoming digital single, Closer Than This to be released on December 22! 



1. #CloserThanThis

2. #ThisIsJimin

3. JIMIN IS COMING

4. PARK JIMIN

5. pic.twitter.com/fa0Okca2LR December 20, 2023

"New Jimin song, new Jimin present! Jimin is sending us love and warmth as the year ends, even while he is away and communicate as much. Let's support and enjoy his precious gift, #CloserThanThis!" tweeted one Jimin fan base account.

"Everything Jimin does is so endearing and sweet," wrote a Jimin fan, while a third netizen stated, "We're loved by him."

santa mimi says here take "closer than this" since yall miss me so bad  pic.twitter.com/YjSEVS01zA  jm gigglz! (@jimimhihi) December 20, 2023

"I really think it's impossible to find artists that love their fans as much as BTS loves ARMY. We are so lucky to get actual love letter songs dedicated to us," commented another.

"Santa Mimi says, 'Here, take 'Closer Than This' since you all miss me so bad,'" quipped someone else.

Meanwhile, Cafe Magnate, a cafe owned by Jimin's dad in Busan, posted about the release of "Closer Than This" on its Instagram account and even sent a heartwarming message to ARMYs, saying, "Take care of your health. The weather is cold, but at heart, I hope you are warm."

The cafe also announced a drip bag event it will be holding on the day of the release of Jimin's new song, which will benefit 13 lucky winners.

the way jimin bowed one last time to armys before ending his last live i cant do this :(



pic.twitter.com/98kQcAXG86 December 11, 2023

Jimin enlisted in the South Korean military on Dec. 12 with his bandmate Jungkook. Before the day of his enlistment, the 28-year-old artist went live on Weverse to have a last chat with ARMYs.

Jimin will serve a total of eighteen months in the military and will be discharged around June 2025.
Montana State University welcomes students back to campus for the first day of the Fall 2023 semester. (Provided by Montana State University)

Montana State University was awarded a $26.7 million grant from the U.S. Air Force to support moving quantum technology applications from concept to market  and potentially, space.

People should know that this is the second quantum revolution, said Yves Idzerda, physicist and dean of MSUs College of Letters and Sciences and principal investigator for the grant. The first one occurred when we discovered electricity.

Out of the first came radios, televisions and the internet, Idzerda said.

It was transformational for society, he said in an interview. Quantum materials have that same potential, to be that transformational.

The grant will establish a facility, named the Applied Quantum CORE, with roughly 10 employees. It will also fund equipment to test prototype quantum components in extremely cold environments.

Idzerda, also administrator for CORE, said some of the devices that are tested might end up being used in outer space.

The 20-month grant builds on decades of work at the Bozeman flagship. It also demonstrates the close relationships between the campus and local economy and is expected to support economic development in the state, according to the head of economic development for the City of Bozeman.

Brit Fontenot, director of economic development and community relations for Bozeman, said MSU has come far in photonics, or the study of light waves, and optics over the last three decades, and the recent grant for quantum technology builds on its ongoing work.

Its the next generation of computing  It has some really enormous implications across the spectrum.

***

Fontenot said MSUs work in computing, quantum communications and sensors sets it apart, and the states photonics industry is starting to hit its stride.

Related companies spun out of MSU years ago through the technology transfer office, and Fontenot said he anticipates a similar result with more recent developments at the university.

If you cant commercialize intellectual property, its value diminishes, he said.

He pointed to Bridger Photonics as one example of commercial success that came out of academic work. The companys website describes its focus as state-of-the-art methane missions detection technology.

Fontenot said Bridger Photonics is signing multimillion dollar contracts with oil and gas companies to map pipelines.

Quantum technology has a plethora of market applications in finance, bioscience, biotechnology, medical care, computing and other fields, he said. For example, in the vaccine world, he said, it may mean modeling thats done more quickly than previous tests, bringing a safe vaccine to reality on a much accelerated timeline.

Quantum is as disruptive as anything weve seen, Fontenot said. Its going to relate to how we relate to some of these really impactful industries.

In the context of innovation, Fontenot said, its important to note that MSU is at the heart of the conversations about the recently announced Regional Innovation and Technology Hub designation in Montana, and that the entire Montana University System is bringing every asset at its disposal to bear.

The designation means a consortium of businesses and universities in the state may use portions of a $75 million grant to advance American technology.

***

The current grant builds on an earlier $20 million National Science Foundation grant to support the MonArk Quantum Foundry in Bozeman, a project led by MSU and the University of Arkansas. Its mission is to accelerate two-dimensional materials research for quantum technologies in the U.S.

This (Air Force) award wouldnt have been here if we didnt have this Quantum Foundry, Idzerda said.

In a news release about the new grant, MSU described quantum physics and the work of its researchers in relation to it. Quantum physics deals with tiny particles, smaller than the parts that make up an atom.

Scientists are discovering how to manipulate those particles to create faster, more sensitive and more precise systems in electronics, including sensors, location systems, computers and medical equipment.

The new facility at MSU will support scientists and entrepreneurs who want to incorporate the advances into useful devices.

What we will do is test new devices that people create, and well find out what the faults are with some of them, Idzerda said.

The facility will have special refrigerators that can reach temperatures as cold as minus 459.7 degrees Fahrenheit, where even small vibrations in atoms go away. Quantum components need to withstand very cold temperatures, but the refrigerators are expensive, so many components being developed havent been tested in extreme environments, according to MSU.

The facility will help troubleshoot components, refine ones that show promise, and bring products to market with a business incubator and accelerator.

Theres a lot of science driving this, but the next phase is economic development, Idzerda said. How do we take these ideas, which the first phase funded, and turn them into a product or into a company? Thats really what were headed for in the long run.

***

Although the grant to MSU may support economic development, that endeavor takes place in a community with significant housing affordability challenges.

The median cost of a single-family home in Bozeman is $837,000, according to the Bozeman Realty Group. The median family income is $74,113, according to the U.S. Census; one online calculator estimates at that income, a family could generally afford a house of $300,000 to $400,000 depending on the down payment and other factors.

Fontenot said all the pieces of the puzzle need to work together, including child care, housing, and jobs that are aligned with the prices people need to pay for those needs.

If thats not available or difficult to achieve, its going to have a negative impact on our ability to grow and to meet all these lofty goals weve set for ourselves, he said.

MSU has added more net housing, he said, and he estimated another 1,700 units of housing are in the pipeline for all different types of homes, including a significant portion considered affordable by U.S. Housing and Urban Development standards at 80% to 120% of Area Median Income.

To keep making progress, he said its important for city and university officials to continue to collaborate.

Fontenot also said he gives credit to the professors and president of MSU for having the vision and best minds in the country  perhaps the world  to keep the university and community moving forward.

These are people who are at the top of their game, Fontenot said.

The post Montana State University awarded $26.7M grant from U.S. Air Force appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Among the moves made by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission during its last meeting of the year was removing reference to the 2003 Grey Wolf Conservation and Management Plan from the guidelines for managing the species.

This change to the administrative rules for wolf management by the commission is tied the larger context of the states currently-in-progress new Wolf Plan and its usage of the controversial iPOM method to measure the states wolf population, which some say overestimates wolf numbers.

This amendment to the wolf rules  unlike changes to grizzly bear rules also made during that meeting  went into effect immediately upon approval.

In January, Gov. Gianforte instructed Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to create a new structure for managing wolves based on the public and legislatures engagement to replace the 2003 plan.

FWP spent most of this year drafting the new plan before opening it up to a 60-day public comment window starting in October and ending Dec. 19. The department will now review the comments, make changes as necessary, and then work to finalize the plan.

Greg Lemon, administrator for FWPs Communication and Education Division, said they hope to have the new plan in place in the first few months of 2024.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission, which sets regulations for FWP, moved in March to begin changing the states administrative rules so that they no longer reference a specific plan, rather the current plan, whether thats the 2003 plan currently in place, a 2023 plan, or some future plan, according to a department statement.

The reasoning for the amendment is to allow the commission the flexibility to update the management plan without having to change the administrative rules again in the case that the states new wolf plan has a different name from the old one.

We wanted to make sure we had the changes to the rules, so that when we adopt the new wolf management plan that will still be in line with statute and administrative rule, Lemon said.

Most of the comments, both submitted in writing prior to and given during the meeting, were critical of the proposed amendment. Many comments also raised broader concerns over where the states management of the species is headed.

Lemon said the commenters seemed focused on the wolf plan and whether they agreed or disagreed with state management of wolves rather than the change itself. He said he understands the concern, but that the administrative rule process is separate from the wolf management plan.

A few opponents, however, spoke directly against the removal of specific reference to the 2003 plan during a variety of stages during the process.

Jessica Karjala, executive director of Footloose Montana, said after the adoption of the amendment her biggest concern about the change is it may move the FWP towards managing wolves outside of the best available science.

Derek Goldman, national field director and Northern Rockies representative for the Endangered Species Coalition, said in the meeting that he didnt understand why the commission needed to change the administrative rules to remove reference to the 2003 plan, pointing out that the change raised the question of what Montana will use to guide wolf management moving forward.
When I was a child, my parents and I would attend Christmas Eve Mass at St. Johns Catholic Church in Whitehall, Wisconsin. When we got home, my father and I would watch the replay of Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican on television. After watching the beautiful Mass at St. Peters Basilica, we would say to each other, One day, well go there together!

Sadly, my father and mother were never able to make the trip to the Vatican. However, as the former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, I was blessed to attend Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peters on several occasions. And each time, I brought the memory of my parents with me.

Christians take part in a variety of traditions during Advent and the Christmas season.

Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. The Vatican has many beautiful traditions that take place during this time each year.

Since 1953, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the pope traditionally venerates a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Romes Piazza di Spagna. This year, while observing the annual tradition of adorning the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a wreath, Pope Francis prayed, We want to thank you because in silence, as is your style, you watch over this city, which today wraps you in flowers to tell you its love.

In early December, the Vatican unveils its Nativity scene and lights its Christmas tree.

This years Nativity scene was donated by the Diocese of Rieti and unveiled on Dec. 9. It commemorates the 800th anniversary of the first live Nativity scene staged by St. Francis of Assisi in a cave near Greccio, Italy, on Christmas Eve in 1223. The scene in St. Peters Square was inspired by a 15th-century fresco that now adorns the cave, which Pope Francis said reminded [St. Francis] of the landscape in Bethlehem.

This years 28-meter spruce came from the Piedmont region of Italy and was lit on Dec. 9.

Throughout December, small Nativity scenes are also on display at the Vatican. This exhibition has become a tradition and is held annually under the colonnade of St. Peter's Square. This years exhibit features more than 120 Christmas creches from 22 countries, including Italy, the United States, Poland, and Ukraine.

On Saturdays leading up to Christmas, visitors and pilgrims can also learn more about how the Nativity of Jesus Christ has been depicted throughout history by taking a special Nativity in Art tour at the Vatican Museums.

Sister Emanuela Edwards, who leads Educational Activities for the pontifical collections, said, What particularly moved me was the reaction of children who enthusiastically learned about the origins of the characters in the Nativity scene. For some of them, it was the first time they encountered the biblical stories of the birth of Jesus. The tour was truly an act of evangelization!"

Visitors can explore centuries of early Christian art in the pontifical collections while venturing through the Pius-Christian Museum, the Pinacoteca, and the Sistine Chapel.

Through art," Sister Emanuela said, "the events of the Lord's birth enter into our minds and hearts in a real way, contributing to making this central mystery not only for faith but also for our lives."

The Advent season concludes and the Christmas season begins with a papal Mass at St. Peters Basilica on Dec. 24. This year, Pope Francis will celebrate the Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve with millions of Catholics watching around the world.

On Christmas Day, the Holy Father delivers the Urbi et Orbi, a papal blessing extended to the city and to the world. The Pope normally gives this special blessing from the balcony of the central facade of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas and Easter.

The liturgical season of Christmas does not end, however, on Dec. 25; it extends through the beginning of January. Throughout this holy season, the Catholic Church will celebrate the Feast of Saint Stephen on Dec. 26, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, on Jan. 1, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord on Jan. 7, and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 8.

As we prepare for Christmas, let us take time to reflect on the mysteries of the Nativity and the birth of Jesus Christ.

For more commentary from Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich, visit Gingrich360.com.
As producers, we are often outside enjoying our livestock, rotating paddocks or knocking off a few items from the never-ending to-do list. As a livestock producer who grazes cattle and sheep, I have learned first-hand that there is never a solve-all answer to many questions.

As a county agriculture and natural resources extension educator, I can share knowledge and research trials pointing to where our industry is heading. One of the most interesting questions I received this year was, What is your grazing wish list? With this question, the conversation entailed some strategies livestock producers should consider for management-intensive grazing.

Stockpiled fescue

Chris Penrose, agriculture and natural resources educator and mentor within the Ohio State University Extension system, explains it best. There are many cool-season grasses that we graze throughout Ohio. However, many studies have demonstrated that fescue can maintain its quality throughout winter.

Another consideration that Penrose stated and is also quick to point out is that it is easy to increase potential yield with nitrogen fertilizer. This allows producers to stockpile fescue to reduce feeding costs and keep livestock moving throughout stockpiled paddocks in the years colder months. Another production point about why stockpiled fescue should also make your grazing wish list is it reduces the need for stored forages.

As we all experienced in southern Ohio and many other areas this summer, dry conditions negatively impacted hay yields. Late-season moisture allowed forage growth for many producers to go ahead and make hay into October. If stockpiling had been at the forefront of the producers management plan, inputs such as diesel fuel, labor, machinery and storage costs would be reduced because livestock would be harvesting the forages.

Sacrifice factory

This is a two-part item that I always wish for producers to have. The first component of this item is a sacrifice lot. A sacrifice lot can be described as one field or paddock where livestock are contained during adverse weather conditions throughout winter. This allows most of the winter damage to affect soil, grasses and legumes in one area.

After battling winter conditions and moving into spring, the next component of a sacrifice factory is to build this paddock back into a productive factory. This grass factory can utilize summer annuals to improve soil health by introducing forage varieties such as pearl millet and sorghum Sudan, which can aerate and scavenge for nutrients with their root systems.

Or if there is a need for pasture renovation to level or correct damage from using this as a sacrifice lot, a consideration for teff grass could be made. Teff grass requires good seed-to-soil contact for effective germination, which makes this an ideal candidate if tillage is required, and you could make stored forage or graze the teff grass in this factory setting.

Please note that this strategy will need another seeding come fall time to make the sacrifice factory into a productive field or paddock again. Working with this strategy means you will need to consider not using the same field or paddock as a sacrifice factory every year; this requires detailed planning to understand the placement of fencing and water systems to be successful.

Supplementation strategy

My last point to consider is winter forage supplementation. We often deal with the challenges of not possessing enough acres to incorporate a sacrifice factory and the need to make or buy hay is present. If you cannot integrate making stored forages with your current arrangement, consider these tips for your wishlist.

Developing a relationship with a hay producer is vital; once that is established, you will have a reliable source of stored forages. Producers could also consider buying auction hay in your area, which is in short supply. With this consideration, consult your agriculture and natural resources extension educator to start a discussion about what factors you should consider when buying hay.

When talking with producers, these three points are always at the top of my wish list for them. There are many options for management, intensity and grazing. Working with your countys agriculture and natural resources extension educator is always a great place to find information for your grazing questions. Ohio State University Extension also offers many outlets for online information; to see those, please visit forages.osu.edu, beef.osu.edu and sheep.osu.edu.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Dec. 13, that will allow whole, reduced fat and other milk varieties back into school cafeterias once again.

The legislation, known as the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act 2023, aims to reverse a 13-year-old ban on all milk products, permitting only low-fat milk to be served in schools.

Dairy farmers and farm advocacy organizations alike are pleased with the bills passing, which is anticipated to boost milk consumption after several years of dwindling numbers.

Access to whole milk in schools allows students to benefit from affordable, unmatched and wholesome nutrition. Todays decision is in alignment with scientific research that demonstrates the benefits of real dairy at all fat levels, and consumer preference, said the Dairy Farmers of America, in a statement.

Whole milk banned

Under the National School Lunch Program in 2010, whole and reduced milk was banned from participating schools over concerns that their consumption led to child obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. Two years later, all milk products except low-fat milk were removed from school cafeterias.

Milk consumption in the U.S. has been falling since the 70s. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, daily per-person milk consumption from 1990 to 2000 fell from 0.78 cups to 0.69 cups.

The fastest decline was seen from 2010 to 2019, with U.S. daily per-person milk consumption dropping from 0.62 cups to 0.49 cups  20.7% lower than in 2010.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall noted in a letter to Congress that schools account for about 7.5% of total U.S. milk sales, making them an essential outlet for dairy farmers.

The legislation was in regard to the belief that higher fat concentrations in whole and reduced fat milk led to obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease in children.

However, more recent research has shown the opposite. According to an analysis conducted by the National Library of Medicine, whole milk lowered the chances of obesity in 7,467 children by 18%.

Additionally, an article by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published in 2021 showed research indicating whole milk promotes the absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins such as calcium and vitamin D, both necessary for a healthy immune system.

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

The bipartisan bill saw overwhelming support through a 330-99 vote. Representatives who highly advocated for the bill include Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Kim Schrier (D-Wash.) as well as 130 other members of the U.S. Congress who co-sponsored the bill.

Thompson, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has been pushing for the bill for some time now.

He presented the House with 15 different scientific studies disproving the misconception that whole milk is bad for health and even presented some that showed positive health outcomes.

If the bill passes the Senate, it will bring whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free flavored and unflavored milk options back to school cafeteria menus once again.

Already, a companion bill has support from 10 co-sponsors, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-Ny.).

Many in the dairy industry have praised the bill including Dairy Farmers of America, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Milk Producers Federation and the Ohio Dairy Producers Federation.

NMPF is delighted that the House approved the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, said Jim Mulhern, president & CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. Expanding the milk schools can choose to serve to include 2% and whole is a common-sense solution that will help ensure kids have access to the same healthful milk options they drink at home.

He adds, House passage is a critical step, and we urge the Senate to consider this bill immediately so it may be enacted into law.

(Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 800-837-3419.) (Photo by Angela Larose.)
COLUMBUS  Results from Lake Erie trawl surveys revealed that walleye hatches were exceptional and yellow perch hatches were below average in 2023, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

Although the yellow perch hatch was below the long-term average, anglers in the western basin of Lake Erie can expect some seasonally good fishing for yellow perch during the summer of 2024.

Data from annual trawl surveys conducted by the Division of Wildlife are combined with those collected by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to indicate the combined success of spawning and early life survival of walleye and yellow perch in the western basin. In the central basin, Ohios trawls are used in conjunction with other agency surveys to gauge hatch success.

Results allow biologists to estimate how many young fish will enter the catchable population two years later. These indices are a key piece of information used by the inter-agency Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to determine annual levels of safe harvest for walleye and yellow perch.

Walleye

In an unprecedented run of great walleye hatches, four of the surveys top five hatches have occurred during the past six years. The 2023 western basin walleye hatch index was 132 fish per hectare (a standard measure of catch per area), well above the average of 56, the fifth largest in the surveys 36-year history.

In the central basin, a trend of exceptional walleye hatches continued with a survey result of 42 young-of-year walleye per hectare, well above the average of seven per hectare. This was the second highest of 34 survey years. Central basin walleye hatches are likely a small component of the lake-wide population, but tagging studies suggest that fish hatched in the central basin spend more time there compared to migratory walleye from the western basin. Good central basin walleye hatches provide local fishing opportunities when large schools of migratory walleye have left.

Western basin yellow perch

The western basin yellow perch hatch was below average but should contribute to the above-average population. The Ohio-Ontario survey index was 381 young-of-year yellow perch per hectare, below the average of 464. This years results rank 18th of the surveys 36 years. In 2023, mid-summer and late fall yellow perch fishing in the western basin provided the best angler harvest rates observed in years. Hatch contributions from previous years should continue the trend of good yellow perch fishing in 2024.

Central basin yellow perch

The central basin is split into two management zones for yellow perch, the central zone (Huron to Fairport Harbor) and the east zone (Fairport Harbor to the Ohio-Pennsylvania border). Hatch results were below average for both zones.

The central zone index of 13 young-of-year perch per hectare was below the average of 38, and the east zone index of three per hectare was below the average of 37. The central and east zone hatches ranked 20th and 28th of the 34 survey years, respectively. Limit catches of large yellow perch were again common in the late fall near central basin harbors in 2023, indicating that good seasonal opportunities still exist despite lower populations.

Variability in regional hatch success is expected on Lake Erie because of the size of the lake, differences among basins and prevailing weather conditions. Hatch success is largely determined by the timing and availability of favorable conditions for both spawning and survival of newly hatched yellow perch in the spring and summer.

Strong lake-wide yellow perch hatches are rare. It is common to observe poor hatches in the central and east zones when those in the west zone are better. When conditions favor the central basin, the pattern is anticipated to reverse. Long-term data support these observations.

For more information on the Lake Erie fisheries and to find fishing reports, maps and more resources, visit wildohio.gov. Download the HuntFish OH mobile app for fishing information on the go.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.  Penn States College of Agricultural Sciences lauded outstanding accomplishments in research during the 2023 Research Awards Ceremony, held Nov. 1 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the University Park campus.

Alex and Jessie C. Black Excellence in Research

The Black Award honors tenure-track faculty in the college for exceptional and original agricultural research conducted at Penn State. The award is a tribute to the late Alex Black, a professor of animal nutrition and the associate director of the Agricultural Experiment Station at Penn State, and his wife, the late Jessie Clements Black.

This years recipient is Andrew Patterson, John T. and Paige S. Smith Professor and professor of molecular toxicology in the college, who also has an appointment as professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in Eberly College of Science. In addition, he is affiliated with the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and the Penn State Cancer Institute. He is recognized as a leader in the field of toxicology, physiology and metabolomics, operating at the confluence of metabolism, microbiome and environmental and human health.

Early Achievement in Research

Francesco Di Gioia, assistant professor of vegetable crop science, received the Early Achievement in Research Award. His lab at Penn State focuses on addressing the needs of Pennsylvanias vegetable industry by developing and facilitating the adoption of new technologies and efficient production systems.

Since joining Penn State, Di Gioia has secured more than $7 million through 29 contracts and grants from more than nine funding agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture through its Organic Research and Education Initiative and Specialty Crops Research Initiative, the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Open Philanthropy, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Grower Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and industry partners.

Research Professional Staff Awards

Timothy Lulis, research technician and instructor in the Department of Plant Science, and Stephanie Bierly, research assistant in the Department of Animal Science, received Research Professional Staff Awards, recognizing the outstanding and meritorious contributions of research support personnel.

Lulis was recognized for his contributions to the turfgrass science team, including applying his technical expertise and methodological refinements to save weeks in field study durations, ensuring that the team could share the results with the academic community through the three peer-reviewed articles and multiple research reports completed by the team.

As a lab technician, Bierly manages multiple research projects directly impacting the farming community. Recently, she led a collaborative project with the School of International Affairs, administering surveys and collecting environmental samples from Pennsylvania dairy farms and presenting the results at the Rural Sociological Society conference.

Integrated Team

Accepting the Integrated Team Award were Jasna Kovac, Lester Earl and Veronica Casida Career Development Professor of Food Safety and associate professor of food science, and Luke LaBorde, professor of food science and extension specialist in produce food safety.

This integrated team tackled challenges posed by Listeria contamination in apples, which is a significant threat to the apple industry in Pennsylvania, the fourth-largest apple-producing state in the U.S. Collaborating with the states tree fruit industry, Kovac and LaBorde assessed the issues scope and devised effective cleaning and sanitation protocols and industry personnel training.

High-Impact Research Publication Awards

Five research groups received High-Impact Research Publication Awards, recognizing peer-reviewed research demonstrating significant impact. The award categories, papers and departments are as follows:

Climate-smart Agriculture and Forestry Impact: Nocturnal transpiration in field crops: Implications for temporal aggregation and diurnal weighing of vapor pressure deficit, published in Agricultural Water Management. This research was led by faculty in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

Nutritional and Food Security Impact: The Role of Community Food Services in Reducing US Food Insufficiency in the COVID-19 Pandemic, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics. This study was led by researchers in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education.

Biodiversity Impact: The expansion of agriculture has shaped the recent evolutionary history of a specialized squash pollinator, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences and led by faculty in the Department of Entomology.

One Health: Limited detection of shared zoonotic pathogens in deer keds and black-legged ticks co-parasitizing white-tailed deer in the eastern United States, published in Medical and Veterinary Entomology and led by scientists in the Department of Entomology.

Integrated Ecosystems: Masting is uncommon in trees that depend on mutualist dispersers in the context of global climate and fertility gradients, published in Nature Plants and led by researchers in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.

Roy C. Buck

The Roy C. Buck Award is an endowed award to honor untenured, tenure-track faculty members in the college whose research involves social or human sciences. The award was established by Roy C. Buck, a professor of rural sociology, who retired from Penn State in 1981.

Kristina Brant, assistant professor of rural sociology, was honored for her publication, When Mamaw Becomes Mom: Social Capital and Kinship Family Formation Amid the Rural Opioid Crisis, published in the Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences.

Parisa Kalantari, assistant professor of immunology, was recognized for her publication, The balance between gasdermin D and STING signaling shapes the severity of schistosome immunopathology, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Research Innovator of the Year

Also acknowledged was Jonathan Lynch, a distinguished professor of plant nutrition, who received the 2023 Research Innovator of the Year Award given by the colleges Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. Lynch was honored for participating in research commercialization  including multiple invention disclosures, patents and grant awards  to advance crop productivity and plant adaptation to stress and improve yield and food security.

For a complete list of recipients and information about their research, visit the Research Awards webpage at agsci.psu.edu/research/awards.
The Scottish government will close online applications to the Scottish suckler beef scheme (SSBSS) today in what has been called an 'unwelcome surprise' by the sector.

The scheme, which provides 40 million to support the production of beef calves, underpins the production of Scotland's iconic beef sector.

Farmers or crofters producing beef calves can claim for any calf born between 5 December 2022 and 2 December 2023.

However, the Scottish government has announced it will shut down applications from 5pm today (21 December) for maintenance, until 4 January 2024.

The deadline for applications, which was originally 31 December, has now been extended to 14 January 2024.

NFU Scotland said the late notice will have disrupted farmers' plans for submitting their applications.

"Many beef producers will have been working towards the traditional deadline of 31 December for applications and the late notice will be an unwelcome surprise," said Hugh Fraser, NFU Scotlands livestock chair.

"The value of this scheme to Scotlands iconic red meat sector cannot be underestimated as it ensures producers around the country are encouraged to keep producing beef calves to underpin the production of quality Scotch Beef.

"The iconic Scotch Beef brand continues to be the cornerstone of our red meat sector and contributes 24 percent to the total Scottish agricultural output.

For the current scheme, any farmer producing beef calves can claim, provided the calves are at least 75% beef genetics and have been kept on the holding of birth for at least 30 days.

The scheme budget of 40 million is split with 34 million for calves born on the mainland and 6 million for calves born on the islands.

The payment rates are determined by the number of eligible calves claimed. Last year, payment rates were 101.42 for mainland calves and 144.47 for island calves.
Defra has announced a new case of bluetongue in Norfolk's temporary control zone (TCZ), bringing the total number to 27 since last month's outbreak.

The UKs chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue serotype 3 following the development.

There is currently a temporary control zone (TCZ) in Kent and Norfolk after the initial outbreak of the virus on 11 November, the UK's first case since 2007.

Since then, sixteen farms and holdings have been impacted by bluetongue virus.

However, Defra said there is still no evidence that it is currently circulating in midges in Britain.

Defra said in an update: "Following active surveillance in the Norfolk TCZ, a further case of bluetongue in cattle has been identified.

"The keeper has been notified and the animal will be humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission.

"The TCZ will not be extended, and movement restrictions continue to apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants in the zone."

The bluetongue virus is usually transmitted by midge bites and affects cows, goats, sheep and other camelids such as llamas.

Midges are most active between April and November and not all susceptible animals show immediate, or any, signs of contracting the virus.

Impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly  some show no symptoms or effects at all while for others it can cause productivity issues such as reduced milk yield, while in the most severe cases can be fatal for infected animals.

Christine Middlemiss, the UKs chief veterinary officer, has urged farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus following the latest news.

Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but the disease can impact livestock farms, and cause productivity issues," she said.

This detection is an example of our robust disease surveillance procedures in action and it is also a clear reminder for farmers that the disease remains a threat, despite coming towards the end of the midge activity season.

Farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.

BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of BTV in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.

Farmers in and around the TCZ can also call Ruminant Health & Welfare's (RH&W) bluetongue hotline on 024 7771 0386 for advice.

Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety.
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Vietnam saw a trade surplus for the eighth consecutive year, with a $26-billion figure over the past 11 monthsthree times higher than the figure recorded during the corresponding period last year.

The nations total import-export turnover stood at an estimated $683 billion this year, of which exports and imports hit $354.5 billion and $328.5 billion respectively.

Vietnam saw a trade surplus for the eighth year in a row, with a $26-billion figure over the past 11 monthsthrice higher than the figure in the same period in 2022. The nation's export and import turnover hit an estimated $354.5 billion and $328.5 billion respectively this year. The economy is yet to fully recover compared to the same period last year.

Despite declining global trade and weak consumer demand in major export markets, the country has successfully seized opportunities from the recovery of traditional markets to boost exports, a recent conference in Hanoi to review the industry and trade sector learned.

The consecutive trade surplus status has maintained the overall balance of payments, by raising foreign exchange reserves and stabilising the exchange rate, a Vietnamese media outlet reported citing experts.

Deputy minister of industry and trade Phan Thi Thang said export decline has narrowed from 12 per cent in the first half of the year to about 4.6 per cent for the entire year.

Thang attributed the shrinkage to the export market diversification to African, Eastern Europe, Northern Europe and West Asian countries.

However, the domestic economy is yet to fully recover compared to the same period last year.

The reason is a high level of dependence on foreign-invested firms, with their export turnover accounting for roughly 73 per cent of total export turnover. Further, domestic producers depend heavily on imported raw materials, with imports for key product groups dropping sharply.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
A week ago, Adivi Sesh and Shruti Haasan announced their collaboration for a film directed by Shaneil Deo. Originally referred to as Sesh EX Shruti, the movie has now been officially titled Dacoit. The creators shared this news through an announcement teaser on December 20.

Dacoit features Adivi Sesh and Shruti Haasan and revolves around two former lovers who join forces to execute a series of robberies, aiming to transform their lives. Shaneil Deo makes his feature directorial debut with this project.

The announcement came with a fresh poster and a unique teaser showcasing Adivi and Shruti engaged in intense action sequences, battling through high-octane confrontations.

Adivi Sesh expressed confidence that Dacoit will deeply resonate with audiences. He commended debutant director Shaneil, praising his fantastic vision. According to Sesh, the film strikes a balance between grandeur and rawness, set against the backdrop of rural India, promising an explosive narrative that will captivate audiences.

For Shruti Haasan, Dacoit represents a distinctive narrative filled with anger, passion, and elegance. She expressed her excitement to be part of such a project.





This film marks Adivi Sesh's second consecutive Hindi endeavour following his acclaimed 2022 film Major. Presented by Annapurna Studios and produced by Supriya Yarlagadda with co-production by Suniel Narang, Dacoit is being filmed simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu.
Shah Rukh Khan Dunki Theme: Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dunki released today(December 21), the movie is based on the infamous 'Donkey Route' and is getting mixed reviews online. Videos from the jungles of Panama are widely shared on Punjabi social media, capturing the dangerous journey undertaken by migrants from India and Pakistan.

Despite ardent appeals urging against taking this risky path and horrifying videos depicting the torture and deaths of migrants, the allure of the "Donkey Route" persists. Originally prevalent in Punjab and Haryana, this route is now gaining traction in Gujarat.

Shah Rukh Khan-starrer movie, Dunki sheds light on the experiences of such migrants. Shah Rukh Khan explained at a recent event in Dubai that Dunki refers to an illegal journey taken by individuals to escape their countries across global borders, commonly known as the Donkey travels.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT "DUNKEY ROUTE"

Initiating the journey involves reaching Latin American countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, or Guyana, which offer visa on arrival for Indian citizens. The route further depends on the agent's connections to human trafficking networks. After landing in a Latin American country, migrants often proceed to Colombia before facing the treacherous Darien Gap, a dangerous forest between Colombia and Panama known for its lack of clean water, wild animals, and criminal gangs.

Guatemala serves as a coordination center, where migrants transition to new traffickers to continue their journey through Mexico towards the US border.

Avoiding the forest is possible by taking a route from San Andres, starting in Colombia, but it remains fraught with risks. Migrants traverse boats to Nicaragua, then move forward to Mexico. Crossing the US-Mexico border, which spans 3,140 kilometers, involves overcoming fences and sometimes navigating the dangerous Rio Grande river. While US authorities may not present a significant challenge during the border crossing, migrants are detained and held in camps afterward, awaiting a determination on their asylum status.

Despite the dangers and expenses, ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 40 lakh on average, with some cases reaching Rs 70 lakh, migrants are enticed by the prospect of a better life in the United States. Agents in India maintain connections with traffickers throughout the journey, with families often making payments in installments.

While a new, seemingly safer route through Europe to Mexico has emerged, the resilience of the traditional Donkey Route remains, subject to the ebb and flow of scrutiny and enforcement.
Josh, a short video app with Indian roots, has become the industry leader thanks to its loyal and sizable user base. The app's features have been met with great delight from both artists and viewers. Content on this well-liked app is renowned for covering practically every genre and event. Josh has now joined T-Series for their newest musical offering Lutt Putt Gaya from the most anticipated movie Dunki.

Shah Rukh Khan's third movie of the year debuted in theaters to much enthusiasm. In the song Lutt Putt Gaya, Manu can't help but fall in love with her when he defends Hardy against the world. See how his feelings for Manu cause him to become an unrequited romantic in song Lutt Putt Gaya.

The story of dunki revolves around close friends. Traveling to England is the shared dream of four buddies from a Punjabi hamlet. Their issue is that they do not have a ticket or a visa. They will travel to the land of dreams, a soldier assures them.

Speaking of the collaboration T-seies has gone a long way, interestingly, Josh had an interesting campaign #LuttPuttGaya and it has been a massive hit among the fans.

With over 91 Million views and 7.1 Million hearts campaign saw huge participation from the Josh community

Here are some amazing video from campaign #LuttPuttGaya :

https://share.myjosh.in/challenge/593e545c-8de1-446f-b3b1-fd889fa8c986

https://share.myjosh.in/video/0e5e5782-acc9-4a4e-b6fc-95929caa68b9

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https://share.myjosh.in/video/a8c5078e-4734-40e6-ba7b-e14d7d2cd510

https://share.myjosh.in/video/4ad08d02-ce53-4fb2-bf23-7113bc2399b4

https://share.myjosh.in/video/659c1b55-e7f5-4b76-a11d-e3bb7c8a5b64

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https://share.myjosh.in/video/9eb12d0f-4d5a-4e23-ad88-786c74260e53

https://share.myjosh.in/video/88e7775c-05fd-467c-8997-6d1fa801a64f

https://share.myjosh.in/video/f556d136-69f8-4d14-bfc8-0deb0d828cdf

https://share.myjosh.in/video/b77f8c7a-0f70-4128-96c0-f3bb2e97a9b3

https://share.myjosh.in/video/a1ae9415-00ff-4b0b-96a4-e3fa3fdd553e

https://share.myjosh.in/video/f422c21f-0009-43ee-8f5b-9ce2f9771f0e

https://share.myjosh.in/video/391e028b-649f-4ba7-a959-6a3ba7a5892d

In summary, the collaboration seeks to harmonize the star power of Dunki Movie with the influential reach of Josh platform creators, crafting a dynamic promotional campaign that resonates with the audience and builds anticipation for the movie's highly awaited release.

A lot more exciting challenges are up on Josh, download Josh app now, and don't miss out on all the fun!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eterno.shortvideos
2023 has been a stellar year for Indian cinema, kicking off with some incredible performances that set a high standard. From the year's outset, we witnessed powerful portrayals that won audiences and set the stage for what was to come. As the year progressed, both cinema, content and our actors continued to push boundaries, delivering thought-provoking narratives and exceptional acting.

As we approach the end of 2023, the excitement remains high with big releases featuring stars like Shah Rukh Khan in 'Dunki' and Prithviraj Sukumaran in 'Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire' amongst more. Encapsulating the finest essence of storytelling, these performances undoubtedly conclude the year with brilliance. Hence, below we bring to you December 2023's must-see performances that you cannot afford to miss. Take a look...

1- Shah Rukh Khan - 'Dunki'

The perfect year-ender treat for all Shah Rukh Khan fans, 'Dunki', helmed by Rajkumar Hirani is slated for release on 21st December, 2023. Having the best time at the movies, Shah Rukh Khan is set to break records and steal hearts once again after his back-to-back blockbuster hits 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan'. Essaying the role of Hardayal Singh Dhillon aka Hardy, who along with his three friends wants to reach London by any means necessary, the Bollywood megastar is expected to deliver one of his career's best. Interestingly, a fan club dedicated to Shah Rukh Khan is also organising an early morning show of the film on the day of its release at Gaiety Cinema in Mumbai.

2- Prithviraj Sukumaran - 'Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire'

SRK In Dunki To Prabhas & Prithviraj Sukumaran In Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire: 5 Performances To Watch Out For In December 2023

Pan India star Prithviraj Sukumaran has had the audiences wait with bated breath for his highly anticipated 'Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire'. Essaying the role of Varada Raja Mannaar in the action thriller, the expectations from Prithviraj Sukumaran's character arc have immensely soared after the trailer's release. Being a man of many talents, the actor has not only dubbed his character in five different languages but is also distributing the film in Kerala under his Production, Prithviraj Production with his wife Supriya Menon. Fans are super kicked to watch the acclaimed and versatile actor display his acting prowess yet again in Prashanth Neel's magnum opus.

3- Taapsee Pannu - 'Dunki'

Taapsee Pannu, known for her versatile performances, has delivered yet another noteworthy act in Director Rajkumar Hirani's 'Dunki'. Playing the character of Manu, a relatable girl next door, Taapsee's performance is hailed as one of the standout acts of 2023. Her inclusion as the sole female star on this list highlights the brilliance she brings to the film, making her performance a must-watch for anyone looking for something interesting to close out the year.

4- Prabhas - 'Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire'

Prabhas, an actor of the masses, returns to the silver screen with 'Salaar: Ceasefire Part 1', in which fans get to see him alongside co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran. Portraying the titular role in the action thriller, Prabhas left audiences impressed with the film's trailer, and now, with the film's release, expectations for his performance have truly soared. Promising an immensely entertaining and powerful portrayal, Prabhas is all geared up to leave a lasting impact with his role in this high-budget spectacle.

5- Vicky Kaushal - 'Dunki'

After delivering a stellar performance in the biographical war drama 'Sam Bahadur' recently, Vicky Kaushal is back with 'Dunki', sharing screen space with megastar Shah Rukh Khan for the first time. Portraying the character of Sukhi, the actor is seen in a refreshing, never-seen-before avatar. Fans of the actor are eagerly anticipating watching Vicky create magic in this Rajkumar Hirani directorial, which tells the story of four friends from a Punjab village aspiring to reach England without visas or tickets.
Neru X Review: Excitement is in the air as the much-anticipated film 'Neru,' directed by the acclaimed Jeethu Joseph and featuring the legendary Mohanlal in the lead role, is released today, December 21.

Neru Box Office Collection Day 1 Prediction: Mohanlal's Courtroom Drama Set To Make Waves!

The movie, titled Neru, is accompanied by the intriguing tagline "Seeking Justice." Industry insiders suggest that "Neru" is poised to be a gripping courtroom suspense thriller, adding another layer of intrigue to its narrative.

Excellent first half for #Neru !



Jeethu Joseph deliberately concealed scenes of Mohanlal's arguments and cross-examinations in the Neru trailer, and as anticipated, these moments exploded in the theater with exemplary dialogue delivery and performance by @Mohanlal - Anaswara pic.twitter.com/SKb6sWQJkQ  Kishor Gopi (@Kishorreey) December 21, 2023

"Neru" marks the fifth venture between the dynamic duo of Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph, following the successful projects "Drishyam-1," "Drishyam-2," "Twelfth Man," and the eagerly awaited "Ram."

Penned by Santhi Mayadevi and Jeethu Joseph, the screenplay is under tight wraps, promising an engaging and intriguing storyline. The film is being produced under the prestigious banner of Aashirvad Cinemas, helmed by Antony Perumbavoor, bringing together a powerhouse of talent to create cinematic magic.

#Neru Decent First Half



As makers said the first half is on the lines of emotions and court room proceedings



Everything depends on how things pan out in the second half   ForumKeralam (@Forumkeralam2) December 21, 2023

'Neru' is the 33rd film from Aashirvad Cinemas. As "Neru" unfolds, Satheesh Kurup takes charge of the cinematography, while the music is composed by Vishnu Shyam.

#Neru SUPER REPORTS 



FINALLY LALETTAN   AB George (@AbGeorge_) December 21, 2023

Neru Cast

The cast of "Neru" features Mohanlal as Advocate Vijayamohan, a special public prosecutor, Priyamani, Anaswara Rajan portraying Sara, a blind sculptor, and a roster including Siddique, Santhi Mayadevi, Jagadish, Sreedhanya, K. B. Ganesh Kumar, Sankar Induchoodan, Aditi Ravi, Nandhu, Haritha G. Nair, Mathew Varghese, Dinesh Prabhakar, Krishna Prabha, Harikrishnan, Kalesh Ramanand, Poojappura Radhakrishnan, Prashant Nair, Ramadevi, Resmi Anil, Kalabhavan Jinto, and Chef Pillai.

#Neru Jeethu Joseph strikes emotional gold this time with Mohanlal, Anaswara, and Siddique. Gripping courtroom drama, Super Second Act and Great climax, GO FOR IT. pic.twitter.com/VaPtYtrkp8  Forum Reelz (@ForumReelz) December 21, 2023

Neru Crew

Satheesh Kurup managed the cinematography, while Vinayak V. S. handled the editing. Boban served as the art director, and Linta Jeethu, Jeethu's wife, designed the costumes. Vishnu Shyam composed the film's music, with lyrics for the songs written by Vinayak Sasikumar. A pre-release single, "Roohe," was sung by Karthik alongside a chorus by Shyam and Cathy Jeethu, and it was released on December 19, 2023.

Watching #Mohanlal in #Neru...!!



Reactions of audience after a long time..  pic.twitter.com/ne09ayGsNB  What The Fuss (@W_T_F_Channel) December 21, 2023

Neru OTT Release Platform

The latest updates indicate that Disney+ Hotstar has secured the digital rights for Neru for a whopping amount, while Asianet is said to have made a substantial payment for the satellite rights to Mohanlal's film. However, an official confirmation is yet to be received. It should be noted that the OTT release of Malayalam movies will only be allowed after 42 days of their theatrical release, usually based on the decision of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce.

Saying it again, #JeethuJoseph never disappoints in the thriller genre. Brilliantly written script by #SanthiMayadevi and a tight screenplay making sure the movie is never going overboard.



#AnaswaraRajan has a scene at the rare end that gives the punch like in a commercial pic.twitter.com/CthhgnLRWA  What The Fuss (@W_T_F_Channel) December 21, 2023

The trailer for 'Neru' showcases the powerhouse pairing of Mohanlal and director Jeethu Joseph. This intense courtroom drama immerses viewers in the world of Vijayamohan, a lawyer portrayed by Mohanlal thrust into the challenge of defending an accused individual in a high-stakes trial.

#Neru : Good Court room emotional drama with better second half especially climax portions Anaswara  Good performances from @Mohanlal and Siddique. Has its share of predictability and slow areas but overall  Good watch overall pic.twitter.com/UHnbJIrZ5L  ForumKeralam (@Forumkeralam2) December 21, 2023

The trailer tantalises with glimpses of a probing investigation set in Thiruvananthapuram, suggesting the accused's presence near the incident site the day prior. Amidst escalating tension, Vijayamohan reluctantly embraces the case, admitting to his waning confidence after a prolonged absence from legal proceedings, stating, "I am not confident anymore." The trailer unfolds to reveal Vijayamohan's immersive journey through the trial, confronting scrutiny and self-doubt.

With an unexpected turn of events, the narrative reaches a gripping climax within a Kerala courtroom, promising compelling and relentless courtroom sequences that stretch into the night. The Neru trailer has garnered exceptional acclaim, sparking widespread anticipation for the Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph magic to captivate audiences once again on the silver screen.

Neru OTT Release Date And Platform: Here's When And Where To Watch Mohanlal's Courtroom Drama

The highly anticipated release of 'Neru' promises an engaging cinematic experience for film enthusiasts. Stay tuned for audience insights and reviews of this compelling courtroom drama. Watch this space for the latest audience reviews shared on X!
Hyundai will reveal its future blueprint for hydrogen energy as well as software and AI at CES 2024

Hyundai to foster human-centered innovations beyond mobility to 'Ease every way'

Media Day to take place at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, on January 8, 2024

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Company today released a teaser image and shared initial details of its CES 2024 announcements. At the event, Hyundai Motor will share its future blueprint for a hydrogen energy ecosystem and a vision for software and artificial intelligence, under the theme of 'Ease every way.'

The Hyundai Media Day will be held from 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. PST, on January 8, 2024, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. The event will be live streamed via the company's global YouTube channel.

Hyundai Motor will present how its hydrogen-powered and software-driven transformation will bring universal benefits to humanity. The company will also reveal its plan to foster human-centered innovations beyond mobility to add comfort to people's everyday lives.

Hyundai Motor's future blueprint will combine the capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group affiliates to accelerate the transition towards a hydrogen-powered society. The company will also unveil its modular hydrogen toolbox to effectively establish a clean hydrogen value chain.

Moreover, Hyundai Motor will outline the group-wide software strategy and future direction to build a fully optimized, user-centric ecosystem connecting devices, services and solutions.

During the CES exhibition from January 9 to 12, the company will display its diverse approach, from demonstrative technologies to future mobility concepts, to showcase how it will create a human-centered future society by shifting to a hydrogen energy ecosystem and focusing on software and AI.

Notes to Editors: About Teaser Image

Looking back at the downturns of technological developments in the past, the image shows Hyundai Motor's aspiration to create a future with ease.

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at:

https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/ or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai

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NEW YORK, Dec 21, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Dynamic Coalition on Blockchain Assurance & Standardizationannounces the initiation of a groundbreaking project aimed at establishing a Distributed Autonomous Organization (DAO). The pilot project is a collaborative effort showcasing how public sector organizations can leverage blockchain technology and DAO principles to foster transparent, rules-based, and high-integrity governance structures.UN - IGF Dynamic Coalitions are multistakeholder groups operating within the framework of the UN Internet Governance Forum, addressing specific issues related to internet governance. These coalitions are independent entities within the UN-IGF and bring together diverse stakeholders to collaborate on focused topics, fostering dialogue and producing outputs such as reports and guidelines.A Distributed Autonomous Organization (DAO) is an organization governed by a set of rules encoded as smart contracts on a blockchain, operating on principles of decentralization and automation. In a DAO, decision-making and governance processes are encoded into smart contracts on a blockchain, enabling members to participate in the organization's activities without the need for traditional hierarchical structures. DAOs typically utilize digital tokens for voting and decision-making, and their rules are transparently and immutably recorded on the blockchain. This decentralized approach aims to create trust, transparency, and efficiency, allowing members to collectively manage resources, make decisions, and execute actions based on predefined rules without the need for centralized control.According to one of the groups co-leaders, Mr. Dino Cataldo Dell'Accio who also is the CIO of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, "This initiative signifies a pivotal step toward establishing innovative and secure governance models, ensuring that blockchain technology can be harnessed for the benefit of public sector organizations. The UN IGF DC-BAS remains committed to fostering collaboration, transparency, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies."The Dynamic Coalition is hosted by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA), a non-profit that helps the public and private sector connect, communicate, and collaborate. The GBA provides the infrastructure support for the organization. The Dynamic Coalition is also co-led by the GBA Executive Director, Gerard Dache and along with Mr. Dino Cataldo Dell'Accio, they lead a public, open forum multi-stakeholder coalition from around the world that meets on a monthly basis.The technology being used for this pilot project is donated by a GBA member, Gosh, an Ethereum Layer 2 solution that allows developers to run smart contracts on-chain for free. The pilot will also liaise with other GBA working groups, including:Application ArchitectureDigital Asset ManagementDAO GovernanceLegal & LegislativeAnyone can join the group by requesting access to the UN IGF BAS-DC Google Group. For more information about the Dynamic Coalition , please visit https://intgovforum.org/en/content/dynamic-coalition-on-blockchain-assurance-and-standardization-dc-basFor media inquiries, please contact:Mr. Dino Cataldo Dell'AccioChief Information OfficerUnited Nations Joint Staff Pension Funddellaccio@un.orgMr. Gerard DacheExecutive DirectorGovernment Blockchain Associationgerard.dache@GBAglobal.orgCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the bustling heart of Riyadh, Dr. Yusra Alyafee, the Laboratory Director of Genalive, a joint venture between BGI Almanahil Health for Medical Services, a subsidiary of BGI Genomics, and Tibbiyah Holding, is spearheading innovative precision medicine solutions to enhance Saudi Arabia's health outcomes.

Dr. Yusra's role involves diverse responsibilities, from technical work and data analysis to support her close-knit, multicultural team of 24 dedicated professionals. Her passion for genetic technologies was ignited during her Masters in Biochemistry. BGI Genomics' reputation for innovation led her to join the company.

Genalive offers a comprehensive range of tests, including prenatal, postnatal, inherited, and cancer genetics, as well as clinical pathology services such as hematology and immunology. Testing and sample processing are localized within Saudi Arabia, further enhancing affordability and future innovative applications.

This laboratory is one of the largest and most advanced independent clinical laboratories within Saudi Arabia, covering an area of approximately 4,000 square meters. Its mission aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on preventive medicine and addressing genetic disorders through advanced screening technologies.

According to WHO statistics , colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Saudi Arabia, posing a significant challenge to the local healthcare system. BGI Genomics State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report 2023 shows that 62.7% of Saudi Arabian respondents never took CRC tests, far higher than the global average of 54.1%.

BGI Genomics 2023 Global State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report reveals 62.7% of Saudi Arabian respondents never had a CRC screening

To address these problems, Genalive offers COLOTECT, a non-invasive and accessible colorectal cancer screening test with a high sensitivity rate, aiming to raise awareness and detect disease at an early stage.

As the Kingdom embraces the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Dr. Yusra sees immense potential for positive, long-term impact in enhancing health outcomes. To meet the increasing demand for prenatal testing in the Kingdom, Genalive has introduced the NIFTY test, allowing screening for common trisomies with enhanced safety, accuracy, and a rapid turnaround time.

Dr. Yusra's story is encapsulated by her name, "the person who makes everything easy" in Arabic. Besides her professional endeavors, she cherishes quality time with her family, exploring new places, experiencing diverse cuisines, and providing her two children with compassion and social responsibility.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics , headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading provider of integrated solutions for precision medicine. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676. SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

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Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 of the SIX Listing Rules (LR)



Schweiter Technologies strengthens its architecture business

Schweiter Technologies acquired 60% of Jiangsu ZNL Coating New Materials, a newly established joint venture.

This acquisition is further strengthening the architecture business and creates growth opportunities in China and in the Asian markets.

Steinhausen, 21 December 2023 - Jiangsu ZNL Coating New Materials is an innovative aluminum solid sheet manufacturer delivering high-end, multi-color facade solutions. It is headquartered in Changzhou City in Jiangsu Province.

The acquired company has approximately 50 employees and will achieve net sales of around CHF 15 million in 2023. The purchase price for the 60% stake is in the mid-single CHF million range.

Schweiter Technologies has an option to acquire the remaining 40% of the shares of the company.

The acquisition is complementing the architecture business solution portfolio and supports the sustainable growth vision in China and the Asian markets.

3A Composites' architecture business is a global leader in providing high-quality aluminum composites material for building facades, roofs and Corporate Identity solutions. The global architecture business generated 19% of the group's net sales in 2022.

For further information please contact:

Schweiter Technologies

Group CFO

Urs Scheidegger

Tel. +41 41 757 77 00

investor@schweiter.com

ABOUT SCHWEITER TECHNOLOGIES

Schweiter Technologies, with its head office in Steinhausen, Switzerland, is a globally active Group focusing on composites solutions with its division 3A Composites. The main activities include the development, production and distribution of high-quality composites, paper and plastic sheets, foamboards and core materials based on balsa wood and PET foam. These materials are used primarily in the areas of visual communication (display), architecture, wind energy, industry, train and bus manufacturing, and marine engineering.

The company has offices, distribution facilities and production sites at 40 locations in Europe, America, and the Asia-Pacific region, and employs 4,700 people. Schweiter Technologies AG is listed on SIX Swiss Exchange with the ticker symbol SWTQ.

Please find the Media release in the PDF attached:

Media release
Opening of 4 new branches in Q4 2023

Recruitment of 30 specialist energy brokers

Regulatory News:

Mon Courtier Energie Groupe (ISIN code: FR001400H3A0 Ticker: ALMCE), a B2B energy brokerage company, reports on the development of its branch network in France in Q4 2023.

In the last quarter of 2023, Mon Courtier Energie Groupe expanded its branch network with the opening of 4 new branches:

in Nice and Troyes, thus densifying the network in the Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Grand-Est regions, and;

Dijon and Besancon, the Group's first branches in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comte region.

To date, the Group's French network comprises 30 branches, covering almost the entire country.

In addition, the Lyon branch and now the Troyes, Dijon and Besancon branches are 100% owned by Mon Courtier Energie Groupe. These 4 branches strengthen the Group's coverage of high-potential areas, and also serve as showcases and training facilities for other "brand licensee" branches. The Group bore the initial investment, is responsible for day-to-day management and retains the entire operating margin.

Lastly, 30 new brokers joined Mon Courtier Energie Groupe branches during the quarter. Their mission will be to develop the historic B2B brokerage business, as well as to support the advisory business, notably with the recent launch of "Energy Transition" services, which are expected to ramp up throughout 2024.

Charlie Evrard, Founder and CEO of Mon Courtier Energie Groupe, and Guillaume Rouaud, Deputy CEO, comment: "With this expansion of our brokerage network, we are continuing to implement the roadmap presented at the time of our IPO in May. The opening of these four new branches in different regions reflects our determination to cover the whole country efficiently. We would also like to welcome the 30 brokers who have joined us in recent weeks, with the ambition of continuing to grow our Group. These structuring developments will bear fruit in fiscal 2024, and are perfectly in line with our growth trajectory, which targets sales of more than 40m, operating income of around 5m and a network of over 40 branches by 2025."

About Mon Courtier Energie Groupe

Founded in Bordeaux in 2017, in just a few years Mon Courtier Energie Groupe has become the leading French energy broker on the B2B market. The Group's mission is to help companies with the global management of their energy budget in order to reduce or optimise their gas and/or electricity bill. Mon Courtier Energie Groupe's service offer comprises brokerage and advice regarding energy purchasing, the management and optimisation of contracts and energy transition guidance.

Mon Courtier Energie Groupe draws on the expertise of circa 180 people at its head offices and in "licenced" branches around the country.

For further information, please go to www.moncourtierenergie.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220675350/en/

Contacts:

Mon Courtier Energie Groupe

Charlie Evrard

Founder and CEO

investisseurs@moncourtierenergie.com

NewCap

Mathilde Bohin Dusan Oresansky

Investor Relations

mce@newcap.eu

Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

NewCap

Nicolas Merigeau

Media Relations

mce@newcap.eu

Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98
CHICAGO, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Military transmit and receive module market size is projected to grow from USD 5.8 billion in 2023 to USD 7.7 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. A surge in demand for miniaturized and more efficient T/R modules and rising geopolitical tensions will drive the military transmit and receive modules market during the forecast period. Along with this, Research and & development in advanced surveillance technologies have also created lucrative provided opportunities in the military transmit and receive modules market. However, stringent regulations for import and export of gallium are restraining the market growth.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Military Transmit and Receive Module Market" 250 - Tables

50 - Figures

250 - Pages

Military Transmit and Receive Module Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $ 5.8 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $ 7.7 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% Market Size Available for 2019-2028 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Type, Application, Frequency, Communication Medium, Platform and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Vulnerability to radar jamming techniques Key Market Opportunities Emphasis on developing lightweight radars Key Market Drivers Development of new transmit and receive module technologies

The Military transmit and receive module market includes major players Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), RTX Corporation (US), and CAES System LLC (US). These players have spread their business across various countries includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.

The gallium nitride segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the military transmit and receive module market during the forecast period.

Based on type, the market is segmented into gallium nitride, gallium arsenide, and others. The gallium nitride segment is projected to reach USD 3.91 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 6.3%. In the Asia Pacific region, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The radar applications is projected to register the highest CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

Based on applications, the market is segmented into radars, communication, electronic warfare, and space. The radar segment will secure leading market position in 2023. It is expected to have a market size of USD 2.76 billion in 2023 and grow at a CAGR of 6.1% to reach USD 3.72 billion in 2028. This is due to the increasing radar modernization contracts for various platforms.

The multi band segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the Military transmit and receive module market during the forecast period.

Based on frequency, the market is segmented into single band, and multiband. The Multiband segment is expected to have a market size of USD 1.49 billion in 2023 and grow at a CAGR of 6.4% to reach USD 2.04 billion in 2028. This is due to increasing requirement of scalable, customizable, and have multipurpose transmit and receive modules.

By platform, the airborne segment is estimated to account for the largest market share of the Military transmit and receive module market in 2023.

Based on platform, the market is segmented into Airborne, Naval, Land and Space. The airborne segment is estimated to account for the largest share of 42% of the military transmit and receive module market in 2023. Huge demand for Active electronically scanned array radars used in fighter jets will drive market growth.

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The North American market to contribute the largest share in 2023.

The North American market is going to contribute the largest share of 36% to the military transmit and receive module industry in 2023. This is attributed to the presence of major companies such as Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., RTX, and CAES System LLC in the US, which are continuously investing in the R&D of new and advanced technologies in the military transmit and receive module market. These investments are driving the growth of the market in North America.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), RTX Corporation (US), and CAES System LLC (US) are some of the leading players operating in the military transmit and receive module companies.

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Browse Adjacent Market: Aerospace and Defence Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Anti-aircraft Warfare Market by Capability (Support, Protection and Attack), System (Weapon System, Radar System, Electronic Warfare System, Command and Control System), Platform (Land, Naval and Airborne), Range & Region - Forecast to 2028

Military Communications Market by Platform (Land, Naval, Airborne, Unmanned Vehicles), Application, System, Point of Sale (New Installation, Upgrade), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of the World) - Global Forecast to 2028

Electronic Warfare Market by Capability (Support, Attack, Protection), Platform (Airborne, Naval, Ground, Space), Product (EW Equipment, EW Operational Support), End Use (OEM, Upgradation) and Region - Global Forecast to 2027

Military Radars Market by Component (Transmitter, Digital Signal Processor), Platform (Land, Naval, Airborne, Space), Technology (SDR, Quantum, Conventional), Waveform (FMCW, Doppler), Application, Type, Frequency Band & Region - Global Forecast to 2027

Electronically Scanned Array Market Size, Share & Industry Growth Analysis Report by Installation, Platform (Air, Marine, Land), Frequency Band, Type, Component, Range, Dimension, Array Geometry and Region (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East & Africa and Latin America) (2021-2026)

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.

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MarketsandMarkets INC.

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Amsterdam/'s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands / Antwerp in Belgium, 21 December 2023



Van Lanschot Kempen and the shareholders in Belgian investment adviser Accuro have reached agreement on the acquisition by Van Lanschot Kempen of Accuro NV. Established in 2006, Accuro has an attractive client base, focuses on investment advice and has over 0.7 billion in assets under management (AuM).

This latest acquisition is a further step in Van Lanschot Kempen's growth strategy - both organic and through bolt-on acquisitions - in Belgium as its second home market. In 2023, Van Lanschot Kempen completed the acquisition of Belgian wealth manager Mercier Vanderlinden. From 1 January 2024, Mercier Van Lanschot is the new name for the Mercier Vanderlinden and Van Lanschot Belgium combine.

Upon completion of the transaction, Accuro's clients and employees will be integrated into Mercier Van Lanschot, further expanding its offering and expertise for clients in Belgium, in particular in terms of investment advice. Accuro's founders will continue to be affiliated to Mercier Van Lanschot until 2030 at least.

Thomas Vanderlinden, CEO of Mercier Van Lanschot, said: "We're delighted about our collaboration with Accuro on the eve of the launch of Mercier Van Lanschot. We share the same vision of service: for the long haul, with the best experts and always personal. Following integration, our clients can rely on receiving investment advice from their trusted advisers, supported by the knowledge and experience of the Mercier Van Lanschot team. We're extending a very warm welcome to our Accuro colleagues, whose founders' continued engagement reflects the confidence we share in our joint future."

Hans De Schouwer, co-founder of Accuro, added: "Since inception, Accuro has grown into a prominent investment advice company in Belgium's financial industry. To continue offering our clients the best possible care and continuity in an increasingly complex world, we've been searching for a strong partner that shares our standards and values, and we're happy to have found them in Mercier Van Lanschot. We look forward to providing an even better service to our clients in this new set-up and with the scale it brings. Within our new alliance, we'll be putting our weight behind the advisory department and build it into the benchmark for investment advice in the Belgian market."

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to have a negative impact of 0.4 percentage points on Van Lanschot Kempen's capital ratio. Van Lanschot Kempen will pay 60% in cash and 40% in existing shares for the acquisition, locked up until 2030. Upon completion of the acquisition, Accuro is expected to be fully integrated into Mercier Van Lanschot from early 2025.

Media Relations

Maud van Gaal

T +31 20 354 45 85

mediarelations@vanlanschotkempen.com

Investor Relations

Judith van Tol

T +31 20 354 45 90

investorrelations@vanlanschotkempen.com

About Van Lanschot Kempen NV

Van Lanschot Kempen is an independent, specialist wealth manager active in private banking, investment management and investment banking, with the aim of preserving and creating wealth, in a sustainable way, for both its clients and the society of which it is part. Through our long-term focus, we create positive financial and nonfinancial value. Listed at Euronext Amsterdam, Van Lanschot Kempen is the Netherlands' oldest independent financial services company, with a history dating back to 1737.

For more information, please visit vanlanschotkempen.com

Important legal information and cautionary note on forward-looking statements

This press release does not constitute an offer or solicitation for the sale, purchase or acquisition in any other way or subscription to any financial instrument and is not a recommendation to perform or refrain from performing any action.

This press release is a translation of the Dutch language original and is provided as a courtesy only. In the event of any disparities, the Dutch language version will prevail. No rights can be derived from any translation thereof.

Attachment
LONDON, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After the successful public launch of the world's first digital human teacher in August 2023, Otermans Institute (OI) has taken a bold step in transforming the educational landscape as its AI-powered teachers are now teaching an entire 9-lesson course in universities and institutions across 4 continents.

Their AI teachers not only teach and test the learners, but also create the course content. The new approach entails a paradigm shift in the very essence of teaching and learning.

Thanks to the OIAI technology - the fine-tuned language model developed by the same organisation - virtual and digital education can now transcend the limitations of traditional one-directional instruction and become a dynamic, two-way conversation between students and their AI teachers.

Arab American University (Palestine), Bahria University (Pakistan), Ibn Haldun University (Turkey), Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Kenya) and Universidad de Las Americas (Chile), have become the latest pioneers to join this educational revolution, setting a precedent for other institutions worldwide.

Otermans Institute founders, Dr Pauldy Otermans and Dev Aditya said, "we will be expanding our AI-powered teaching capabilities to 40 universities by September 2024. Additionally, we are also conducting trials on how OIAI can be embedded into existing digital learning platforms."

With over 80% of students completing the OIAI course since November 2023, and a learner satisfaction rate of 94%, OIAI's impact on digital education is promising.

So far, OI has supported over 35,000 learners, working with governments and UN bodies in 13 countries to provide training and education using AI technology and bringing professional development skills to the most deprived areas.

Currently, Otermans Institute deployed their AI teachers to support the Women in STEAM Initiative in Kenya and Zambia. "Africa is hungry for the emerging technologies and there's no reason why Africans should be left behind in this fast paced 21st-century economy. As the founder of Women in STEAM initiative and partnering with Otermans Institute we have exposed educators and students to AI teachers, and this has been one rewarding experience. We look forward to continuing impacting more African educators to embrace the emerging technologies such as AI." said Caroline Nyaga.

The digital human teachers developed by Otermans Institute possess a human-like appearance and voice, allowing them to seamlessly interact with students using voice and text inputs. Co-founder Dev Aditya said, "through conversations with the students, our AI teachers can then tailor their lessons to individual student needs, providing real-time responses to questions and delivering personalised feedback".

For more information, visit oiai.oiedu.co.uk.

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SCHIPHOL-RIJK (dpa-AFX) - The Spanish Ministry of Defence ordered 16 Airbus C295 aircraft in Maritime Patrol Aircraft configuration and Maritime Surveillance Aircraft configuration. The contract is valued at 1.695 billion euros, the aerospace and defense company said in a statement. The contract also includes training systems--Full Flight Simulator and Mission System Simulator--and an initial logistics support package. The company noted that the aircraft will be assembled at its military facilities in Seville. 'The aircraft will be fully designed and manufactured in Spain, fostering the national industrial defence footprint and sovereignty' said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. 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.
Fisker celebrates six European awards for the Fisker Ocean from Germany, France, Denmark, and the United Kingdom in 2023.

The Fisker Ocean wins the internationally recognized 2023 Red Dot Product Design Award winner for Best Electric Vehicle in Germany.

The Fisker Ocean wins Best Full Electric Vehicle 2023 at the Automobile Awards 2023 in France.

The Fisker Ocean wins SUV of the Year 2023 at the Automobile Awards 2023 in France.

The Fisker Ocean wins the 2023 Danish Car of the Year's Design Award organized by Danske Motorjournalister in Denmark.

The Fisker Ocean SUV earned 'Highly Commended' accolade for 2024's Most Anticipated New Car Award at the Carwow Car of the Year Awards in the United Kingdom.

The Fisker Ocean wins German Design Award for 2024 Excellent Product Design, Passenger Vehicles in Germany.

Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) ("Fisker"), driven by a mission to create the world's most emotional and sustainable electric vehicles, celebrates an award-winning 2023 after the all-electric Fisker Ocean has won six European awards for the Fisker Ocean in Germany, France, Denmark, and the United Kingdom.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221604781/en/

Fisker celebrates numerous Fisker Ocean award wins in 2023 for Best Electric Vehicle, Best SUV, and Best Product Design. Image credit: Fisker Inc.

Judged in several competitions against gasoline vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles, the all-electric Fisker Ocean won the following awards in 2023:

Red Dot Product Design Award (Germany) Best Electric Vehicle

The all-electric Fisker Ocean wins for beautiful aesthetics, excellent function, and ease of use. An international jury of over 50 design experts evaluated the Fisker Ocean against global competition on four key design qualities including product function, aesthetics, ease of use, and responsibility sustainability.

Automobile Awards (France) Full Electric Vehicle of the Year

(ABB E-mobility Award)

The Fisker Ocean SUV wins for its design, engineering, and value in an electric vehicle in an open competition against all electric vehicles including compacts, sedans, coupes, and small, mid-size and full-size SUVs.

Automobile Awards (France) SUV of the Year

The Fisker Oceanwins most innovative SUV of the year for its outstanding aesthetics, practicality, and technology in a Sport Utility Vehicle against 20 other electric, hybrid, diesel, and gas SUVs.



The Fisker Ocean is the first double winner in the history of the prestigious French Automobile Awards.

Danish Car of the Year Awards Design Award

The all-electric Fisker Ocean wins the Design Award organized by Danske Motorjournalister, an Association of Danish Motor Journalists for its innovative approach to design in both form and function.

Carwow Car of the Year Awards 2024 (UK)

'Highly Commended' in '2024's Most Anticipated New Car'

The Fisker Ocean SUV earns 'Highly Commended' accolade in the '2024's Most Anticipated New Car'. Expert editorial judges assessed hundreds of vehicles including the Fisker Ocean against a comprehensive series of parameters including price, performance, efficiency, comfort, and practicality. Judges recognized the Fisker Ocean as class-leading for its innovations and value to the consumer in the United Kingdom.

German Design Awards Excellent Product Design, Passenger Vehicles

The Fisker Ocean won the German Design Award for Excellent Product Design 2024 in the Passenger Vehicles category for its striking, aerodynamic form and clean design. This award recognizes groundbreaking design achievements that provide solutions to contemporary challenges from sustainable and circular design processes to environmentally friendly production.

"I am honored that the Fisker Ocean has been recognized for its timeless design, innovative technology, affordability, and focus on clean mobility," Chairman and CEO Henrik Fisker said. "We have the opportunity to radically change one of the most polluting industries in the world, and these awards reaffirm our mission to create the world's most emotional and sustainable vehicles."

The Fisker Ocean is designed to disrupt the automotive industry with its futuristic exterior design, sleek surfaces, and aggressive stance. Its spacious interior appointed with sustainable materials seats up to five adults and offers space to store fun outdoor equipment for seasonal activities. Inside, the Fisker Ocean offers an immersive experience with premium features and an intuitive digital in-car experience.

The Fisker Ocean is designed with several unique and best-in-class features: the world's first digital radar in a customer vehicle; Revolve, the 17.1-inch touchscreen that rotates from portrait to 16:9 widescreen Hollywood Mode for streaming video while fast-charging; SolarSky roof, which uses the sun's rays to generate up to 2400 km of free range per year; and California Mode, which opens the SolarSky roof and all seven windows at one button push, creating a convertible feeling in a safe and functional SUV.

Fisker is currently delivering the all-electric Ocean SUV in the US, Canada, and Europe. In Europe, The Fisker Ocean Extreme has a WLTP range of 707 km/439 UK miles 1, which is the longest range of any electric SUV sold in Europe today. In the US, the Ocean has an EPA range of 360 mi 2, which is the longest range of any new electric SUV in its class 3

Customers can see local pricing, configure, and order a Fisker Ocean at fiskerinc.com.

1 This WLTP range number applies to Fisker's European markets. WLTP measurements conducted with standard 20" wheels. Actual range will vary with conditions such as external environment, vehicle configuration, wheel size and vehicle use.

2 EPA estimated range. Mid-size SUVs. Measurements conducted with standard 20" wheels. Actual results may vary for many reasons, including driving conditions, wheel size, state of battery charge, and how the vehicle is driven and maintained.

3 Mid-size SUVs with an MSRP under $200,000.

About Fisker Inc.

California-based Fisker Inc. is revolutionizing the automotive industry by designing and developing individual mobility in alignment with nature. Passionately driven by a vision of a clean future for all, the company is on a mission to create the world's most sustainable and emotional electric vehicles. To learn more, visit Fiskerinc.com and enjoy exclusive content across Fisker's social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Download the revolutionary new Fisker mobile app from the App Store or Google Play

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as "feel," "believes," expects," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "should," "is to be," or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology and include, among other things, the quotation of our CEO, the statements regarding the planned launch timing, pricing, delivery, and estimated range of the Fisker Ocean, the planned timing of the opening of Fisker facilities, the Company's future performance, and other future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein due to many factors, including, but not limited to: Fisker's limited operating history; Fisker's ability to enter into additional manufacturing and other contracts with Magna or tier-one suppliers in order to execute on its business plan; the risk that OEM and supply partners do not meet agreed-upon timelines or experience capacity constraints; Fisker may experience significant delays in the design, manufacture, regulatory approval, launch and financing of its vehicles; Fisker's ability to execute its business model, including market acceptance of its planned products and services; Fisker's inability to retain key personnel and to hire additional personnel; competition in the electric vehicle market; Fisker's inability to develop a sales distribution network; and the ability to protect its intellectual property rights; and those factors discussed in Fisker's Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the heading "Risk Factors", filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), as supplemented by Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other reports and documents Fisker files from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Fisker undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221604781/en/

Contacts:

European Media:

Press.europe@fiskerinc.com

US Media:

Fisker@GODRIVEN360.com

Customer service:

Support@fiskerinc.com

Fisker Inc. Communications:

Matthew DeBord

VP, Communications

mdebord@fiskerinc.com

Franziska Queling

Regional Head of Public Relations Europe

fqueling@fiskerinc.com

Eric Trageser

Brand Story and Creative Manager

etrageser@fiskerinc.com

Investor Relations:

Frank Boroch, VP of Investor Relations

fboroch@fiskerinc.com
Chapel House Estate is pleased to announce it has been awarded Wedding Venue of the Year at the prestigious Beautiful South Tourism Awards.

CANTERBURY, England, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking home the gold accolade in the awards, Chapel House Estate which was only established in July 2022, took home the gold award for Wedding Venue of the Year and was commended for being an 'essential and exquisite destination wedding venue'.

Chapel House Estate was up against industry leading venues across the South East of England, but was thrilled to walk away with the esteemed award, marking another momentous milestone in the venue's already successful journey.

This award comes just months after Chapel House Estate was awarded Hospitality and Events Start Up of the Year at the South East finals of the StartUp Awards 2023.

Speaking on their win, Caitlin Jarman-Hume, Estate Manager, said: "Securing the prestigious Best Wedding Venue award in the Beautiful South Awards '23 for Kent marks a significant milestone for Chapel House Estate, a destination wedding venue launched in July '22. This accolade stands as a remarkable achievement, notably triumphing over the varied wedding venues in the South East Counties of Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Kent and the Isle of Wight".

"It firmly establishes Chapel House Estate, with its origins tracing back to a private Chapel constructed in 1290, as an essential and exquisite destination wedding venue. It's not just a favourite for couples in Kent but also draws attention from neighbouring counties, now easily accessible via the recently opened High-speed Link direct from London."

Fran Downton, Chief Executive of Tourism South East, said "We could not be prouder of all our wonderful finalists at this year's Beautiful South Awards. They have all worked incredibly hard throughout 2023 and it is our pleasure to reward and recognise the high standards. They set our region amongst the best in the country. As ever, a huge thank you to The Grand Brighton and to all our sponsors, who without which, this celebration would just not be possible."

The Beautiful South Tourism Awards recognises outstanding achievements of tourism businesses and experiences from across the South East. The glittering ceremony was held at The Grand Brighton, where renowned radio and TV personality, Toby Anstis hosted and announced the esteemed winners.

About Chapel House Estate:

Blending seamlessly into the Kentish countryside, Chapel House Estate is a luxury, leading, family-run independent wedding and events venue. Located in Minster, Kent, this 732-year-old chapel surrounded by 35 acres is less than a mile from the picturesque East Kent Coast and only over an hour from London on the High Speed train.

https://chapelhouseestate.co.uk/

About the Beautiful South Awards:

The Beautiful South Tourism Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of tourism businesses and experiences from across the South East. Judging is carried out by an independent panel of past winners, industry leaders and experts in their field, selected for their impartiality, experience and suitability for each category. The annual awards are dedicated to recognising the very best in the tourism and hospitality industry.

For more details please contact:

Adam Ready adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk +44 (0)7824882086 | +44 (0)1233 226519

Charlie Bond charlie@sidewaysmedia.co.uk +44 (0)7810710759 | +44 (0)1233 226519

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London, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A battery storage project developed by Pacific Green, and owned by the Sosteneo Energy Transition Fund, a fund managed by Milan based investment manager Sosteneo Infrastructure Partners, is now connected and energised on the electricity transmission network following work by National Grid to plug the facility into its 400kV Richborough substation in Kent.

Richborough Energy Park's 100MW/100MWh battery will boost the capacity and flexibility of the network, helping balance the system by soaking up surplus clean electricity and discharging it back when the grid needs it - with a capability to power 250,000 homes for an hour.

The battery will also provide grid stability services, for example helping to manage voltage and frequency imbalances as renewable generation dips up and down. The facility is managed by Pacific Green under a long term asset management agreement and was Sosteneo's first acquisition in the UK.

To ensure a safe connection, National Grid upgraded its Richborough substation to accommodate new switchgear and installed new protection and control systems on its supergrid transformer, plugging in the project via a tertiary connection - a complex but cost-effective connection type.

Richborough substation already hosts the connection for National Grid's own 1GW Nemo Link interconnector with Belgium, while Thanet Offshore Wind Farm - the world's biggest at the time of its launch - also connects into an adjacent substation on the wider Richborough Energy Park site.

The battery will help exploit the clean electricity potential of these and other renewable projects in the region, storing and releasing green energy to power homes and businesses and also helping to relieve any system constraints.

Chris Twomey, COO & Head of Asset Management for Sosteneo said:

"We commend the work of Pacific Green and National Grid in bringing the Richborough Energy Park to life, helping establish our presence in the UK and representing an important milestone for our clients"

Scott Poulter, Chairman & CEO of Pacific Green, commented:

"It's been a pleasure to work with the National Grid to develop Richborough Energy Park, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with many more projects to come.

"Having taken control of the site in 2021, I'm proud at the speed and efficiency with which my team has steered the project to financial close in summer 2022, first energisation a year later, full energisation last month, and now into commercial operation."

Stuart Jones, Portfolio Director for the Customer Connection South Region at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said:

"Battery storage has a crucial role to play in delivering a net zero energy system in Britain, so connecting projects like Pacific Green's at Richborough Energy Park to our transmission network marks key progress on our country's clean energy journey.

"Given the Richborough site's history, it's apt that it's becoming a pivotal part of our network for the energy transition, with our substation connecting clean electricity projects like batteries and interconnectors - all of which are helping Britain harness increasing volumes of renewable power into the future."

The Richborough site embodies the energy transition from old to new, occupying land where a coal power station generated electricity from the early sixties through to 1996, and stood until its demolition in 2012.

The former coal plant, with its iconic hyperboloid cooling towers, played an important role powering Britain's early supergrid, just as the new green technologies on site today will help deliver the country's net zero ambitions. Richborough was also host to an experimental 1MW wind turbine in the late eighties, which at the time was the UK's largest.

National Grid started redeveloping the site following the demolition of the coal plant, building the converter station for Nemo Link where the plant's cooling towers once stood.

The subsequent completion of the Richborough Connection project in 2021 plugged the subsea link into the electricity transmission network via the first major new power line to be constructed in Kent since 1961.

National Grid is investing billions to innovate and evolve the transmission network in England and Wales to support Britain's net zero goals, notably through The Great Grid Upgrade - the biggest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations.





[end]

Notes to editors

About Pacific Green

Pacific Green is focused on addressing the world's need for cleaner and more sustainable energy. It offers grid-scale battery energy storage systems, renewable and environmental technologies.

For more information, visit Pacific Green's website: www.pacificgreen.com

About Sosteneo

Sosteneo is an investment manager that specialises in greenfield infrastructure projects related to the energy transition with the aim of providing an attractive long-term commercial return to clients whilst making an active contribution to the decarbonisation of the global energy system.

Sosteneo invests in a wide range of technologies, spanning clean energy production (such as solar PV and wind), clean energy enablers (such as battery storage and networks), as well as industry decarbonisation projects. The Sosteneo team brings together a wealth of investment management expertise, complemented by a practical, hands-on background in the energy sector. The team's collective experience dates back to the inception of renewable energy infrastructure as an institutional-grade asset class over 20 years ago.

Sosteneo is part of the Generali Investments ecosystem of asset management firms.

For further information, visit sosteneo.com.

About National Grid in the UK

National Grid sits at the heart of Britain's energy system. The individual companies in our group run the networks and infrastructure that connect millions of people to the electricity they use every day.

Our regulated businesses own and develop the high voltage electricity transmission (ET) network in England and Wales, and the electricity distribution (ED) network in the Midlands, South West England and South Wales. The electricity system operator (ESO) is the legally separate (and in the process of becoming fully independent) arm of our group which manages supply and demand on Britain's electricity transmission networks. Operating separately from these core regulated units, National Grid Ventures (NGV) focusses on competitive markets, investing in energy projects, technologies and partnerships such as electricity interconnectors.





Attachments
Ecowende and Sif Holding will collaborate on the construction of Ecowende's offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust West site VI, located about 53 kilometres off the Dutch coast, near IJmuiden. The collaboration for this project between the offshore wind farm developer, a joint venture of Shell and Eneco, and Sif Holding dates to February 2023 when Sif announced having taken a final investment decision on the expansion of its manufacturing facilities in Rotterdam. At that occasion Ecowende, as a launching client for the expanded factory, committed to participate in its financing through an Advance Factory Payment. The project was already in Sif's order book for 70 kilotonnes but with the signature of the final contract is now firm for production in 2025.Sif will be responsible for the manufacturing of the 52 extended monopile foundations that will have no transition pieces, but secondary steel components, and that will have a total weight of approximately 70 kilotonnes. Transition piece-less monopiles were successfully applied by Sif in earlier projects offshore the Netherlands, also in the Hollandse Kust Noord project for Crosswind, another joint venture of Shell and Eneco (see picture below). In this transition piece-less design, the secondary steel components like boat-landings, ladders, main access platforms and internal platforms, will be connected to the monopile foundations once these are installed at sea. The secondary steel components will also be delivered by Sif in the same contract.A new ecological standardEcowende, together with partners such as Sif, intends to set a new ecological standard for building and operating wind farms in the North Sea, with minimal impact on the natural habitat of birds, bats and marine mammals, and with a thriving underwater world.Folkert Visser, CEO and Project Director Ecowende: "Building a wind farm in harmony with nature is an important condition for eventually achieving the ambition of 70 GW of offshore wind energy by 2050, within the ecological limits of the North Sea.Ecowende will implement various innovations and larger-scale measures to mitigate the negative effects of the wind farm on the local ecology and to stimulate positive effects. For Sif, this implies for example that the monopiles are designed for low noise installation methods and that they can support various wildlife detection and monitoring devices, above and below the water line."Fred van Beers, CEO of Sif Holding: "We are proud for again being valued for our efficiency in delivering monopile foundations for an entire offshore wind farm within a relatively short timeframe and for the strategic position of our manufacturing facilities in Rotterdam. We are grateful that Ecowende has selected Sif for both the fabrication of the extended monopiles foundations as well as the secondary steel components, for a single point of delivery at our Maasvlakte facility. When Van Oord's new-age installation vessel Boreas will berth at our Maasvlakte facility for the load out of the project, we will have all 52 monopile foundations with their secondary steel components finished and in storage at our site. This is a significant de-risking of the project for both Ecowende and Sif. The fact that Sif has been involved in the manufacturing and supply of foundations for almost all the wind farms in the Dutch North Sea means we have built up a wealth of knowledge over the past 20 years in this specific market."About Sif Holding N.V.Sif is a total solutions provider for design engineering and excellent manufacturing of offshore foundations for wind farms, including logistics and marshalling services. Sif traditionally serves the North-Western European markets and is exploring its global presence. Sif combines two highly automated and flexible production facilities in Roermond and Rotterdam (Tweede Maasvlakte) with technology leadership in rolling and welding of heavy steel plates, which is based on 75 years of experience and innovative in-house developed techniques and processes. Sif primarily produces monopiles, transition pieces and piles that are used to anchor jacket foundations in the seabed for offshore wind turbines.Ecowende and Hollandse Kust (west) The wind farm to be constructed by Ecowende (a joint venture between Shell and Eneco) at Hollandse Kust (west) wind farm site VI will be located approximately 53 kilometres off the Dutch coast at IJmuiden. The operational capacity of some 760 MW means Ecowende will be able to generate enough renewable energy to meet around 3% of current demand for electricity in the Netherlands. The intention is that the wind farm will be brought into use in 2026.
Switzerland will likely reach about 6.2 GW of cumulative installed PV capacity by the end of this year, according to new figures released by Swissolar, the nation's PV association.From pv magazine Germany Switzerland installed more than 1.5 GW of PV systems this year. This corresponds to market growth of more than 40%, according to provisional figures from Swissolar. It said that annual growth has increased sixfold since 2017. The country added around 1 GW of new PV in 2022 and about 683 MW in 2021 The solar association attributed this year's performance to rebates for small and medium-sized ...

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.
GOTEBORG, Sweden, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OptiGroup today announces the acquisition of Top Service GmbH ("Top Service"), a German leading distributor of tabletop products, food packaging and cleaning & hygiene products. The acquisition marks the entrance of OptiGroup into Germany and further strengthen OptiGroup's position as a leading European B2B distributor of mission-critical business essentials in Europe.

Top Service, founded by Andreas Zapp more than 30 years ago, has a turnover of approximately EUR 25m and around 40 employees. The company is a German leader in critical facility management products to many well-known restaurants and hotels in the Bavarian region. With its attractive business model, based on long-term customer relationships and high quality, Top Service has demonstrated a solid track-record of profitable growth.

The acquisition of Top Service is in line with OptiGroup's international growth strategy to consolidate the large and highly fragmented and attractive European B2B distribution market, estimated at EUR ~150 billion for OptiGroup's key segments. The entry into the German market is key in pursuing this strategy that includes highly selective add-on acquisitions to develop its business portfolio towards leading positions in attractive market segments in Europe. Germany remains a priority market for all of OptiGroup's core segments.

Over the last years, OptiGroup has strengthened its position as a leading European B2B distributor of mission-critical business essentials, partly thanks to a successful M&A strategy. The group has presented a strong track-record of successful and synergistic acquisitions, recently with Van den IJssel Bedrijfskleding BV in the Netherlands, a leading distributor specialized in workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE). The acquisition of Top Service is the 8th announced add-on acquisition since December 2021, when FSN Capital VI* signed the deal with the previous owners to become the leading shareholder of OptiGroup.

Today, OptiGroup has a strong balance sheet supported by positive cash generation and its successful fund-raising of EUR 100 million additional debt from leading investors in 2023, enabling its M&A strategy including add-on acquisitions. OptiGroup has continued to deliver a solid operational and financial performance in 2023.

"Top Service is a well-established company with a leading position in Germany, and I am really impressed by its strong track-record, leadership team and customers. This leading distributor in facility management provides high-quality products and an infrastructure that is critical for the success of its customers' operations. Together we will continue to improve our customer offering for B2B customers active in facility management in Europe." Niklas Jarbur, Senior Vice President Facility & Safety.

"We look forward to welcoming Top Service, which is a growing German leading company in its segment, to OptiGroup. Top Service is a very strategic add-on transaction for OptiGroup as it marks the entrance for the important German market and will strengthen the Group on its exciting growth journey. FSN Capital VI, as the lead investor of OptiGroup, looks forward to continuing to support OptiGroup's successful M&A strategy with highly selected strategic add-on acquisitions in Germany and rest of Europe." Niclas Thiel, Board Director, and Principal at FSN Capital Partners (investment advisor to FSN Capital VI).

"Since I founded Top Service, we have had a great journey becoming a local leader within the attractive food service equipment market in Germany. Today's deal is truly an important milestone that proves everything we have accomplished. I am really excited to join OptiGroup and look forward to offering our loyal customers as well as new ones our outstanding high-quality products in a stronger setting" Andreas Zapp, Founder CEO Top Service.

The founder and management of Top Service will continue to be engaged in the company. Top Service will become part of OptiGroup's Business Area Facility & Safety and will continue to operate under its current brand Top Service.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transaction. Completion of the transaction is expected in Q1 of 2024.

* FSN Capital GP VI Limited, acting for itself and in its capacity as general partner or portfolio manager (as applicable) for and on behalf of each of FSN Capital VI L.P., FSN Capital VI Invest L.P. and FSN Capital VI Lux SCSp ("FSN Capital VI").

CONTACT:

For further information, please contact:

Niklas Jarbur, SVP Facility & Safety, OptiGroup, niklas.jarbur@optigroup.com

Stefan Sikander, Corporate Communication Director, OptiGroup, stefan.sikander@optigroup.com

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ROME (dpa-AFX) - Eni S.p.A. (E), an Italian energy major, announced Thursday an agreement, under which Switzerland's Energy Infrastructure Partners AG will invest up to 0.7 billion euros in Eni Plenitude S.p.A.



Post-transaction, the investment would represent around 9% of Plenitude's share capital.



As per the deal, Energy Infrastructure's initial capital increase amount is 0.5 billion euros, with the option for the firm to go up to 0.7 billion euros by early 2024.



Following the transaction, equity value of Plenitude post money would be up to around 8 billion euros and an enterprise value of over 10 billion euros.



Plenitude integrates power generation from renewables, the sale of energy and energy solutions, and an extensive network of EV charging points. The company currently supplies energy to around 10 million European customers in the retail market, targeting more than 11 million customers by 2026.



The company expects to deliver over 7 GW of installed renewable capacity by 2026 and 15 GW by 2030, up from 2.2 GW at the end of 2022, in addition to over 30,000 EV charging points by 2026.



The EBITDA of Plenitude is expected to triple over the 2022-2026 period reaching 1.8 billion euros.



Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi, said, 'Indeed, this is a major milestone in our satellite model development, a key strategic initiative aimed at enhancing our high potential businesses by creating the conditions for independent growth, accessing new pools of capital, and providing visibility into their market value. We have made an important step forward in the enhancement of one of our strategic companies, that, alongside our sustainable mobility company Enilive, is focused on the sale of increasingly decarbonized products and the abatement of our Scope 3 emissions in our energy transition pathway.'



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FUZHOU, China, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development, co-hosted by All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the Fujian Provincial People's Government, commenced on 20th December in Fuzhou, Fujian Province. Themed "Blessings from Five Continents in 'Fuzhou': Overseas Chinese Building Chinese Dream", the conference aims to unite overseas Chinese wisdom and collaborate towards realizing China's dream, according to the Publicity Team of the Conference. Based in Fujian, the event serves the entire nation, with a focus on engaging overseas strength. It seeks to establish a platform for sharing industry insights, talent policies and measures, fostering interactions among overseas Chinese professionals. Additionally, the event serves as a showcase for overseas Chinese academic and innovation accomplishments, and a platform to connect talents, projects and capital from overseas Chinese communities, featuring participation of over 1,000 guests from 37 countries and regions.

In the plenary session, Avram Hershko, the Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry in 2004, addressed the event via video, and Fuzhou city read out the Fuzhou Declaration of the New Generation of Overseas Chinese.

Various activities, including 4 industrial connection activities, 2 science and technology competitions, 4 thematic forums, 1 exhibition, 3 supporting activities and 2 promotion events of the guest of honour, were organized to foster collaboration. All efforts are made to highlight the strategic emerging industries such as new energy and new materials, artificial intelligence, ocean economy and biomedicine, and encourage effective connection of projects and human resources among government, enterprise and university. A series of activities of "Overseas Chinese Wisdom" are also established to invite domestic and overseas scientific and technological elites in competitions, discovering and fostering high-quality tech professionals with international vision.

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Caption: Opening ceremony of the first Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Nexus Uranium Corp. (CSE: NEXU) (OTCQB: GIDMF) (FSE: 3H1) (the "Company" or "Nexus") is pleased to announce the receipt of permits and plans for an upcoming exploration drill program at its Wray Mesa uranium project in Utah. The permits were issued by the State of Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil, Gas and Mining covering the Ajax and Dylan areas for the drilling of up to 50 holes.

"We are excited to move quickly and expedite our inaugural drill program on the Wray Mesa project," commented Jeremy Poirier, CEO of Nexus Uranium Corp. "The initial permit allows for a great degree of flexibility, given the scope of the permits, which allows us to expand or modify our initial drill program based on results."

The initial Phase 1 drill program is planned for a total of up to 10 holes over the project area, with a focus on both confirming high-grade historical drill results in addition to extending the known zones of mineralization. The drill program will utilize diamond core drilling for intersecting the mineralized zones which will provide valuable insights on geology, stratigraphy, and orientation as well as allowing for the investigation of the potential for vanadium mineralization which was previously untested by historic drilling. Highlights from historical drilling includes 7.0 feet grading 0.94% eU3O8 (WMD-08-031), 5.0 feet grading 0.98% eU3O8 (WMD-260-80), and 4.2 feet grading 0.52% eU3O8 (W-07-004). The Company has engaged Harrison Land Services LLC of Moab, Utah with drilling expected to commence in Q1/24.

The Wray Mesa project is comprised of 6,282 acres and has seen extensive historical exploration dating back to the 1980's with over 500 holes drilled outlining four principal mineralized zones: Dylan, Ajax, Whiskey and Carlin. Mineralization on the property occurs at depths of 500 to 750 feet with the drill-defined mineralization ranging from 25 to 75 feet. Mineralization is typical sandstone-hosted tabular deposits wherein the uranium occurs in reduced and altered sandstones and sandstone-mudstones in major stream channels in the Upper Salt Wash Member of the Morrison Formation.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Warren D. Robb, P.Geo. (BC), a Director and VP Exploration of Nexus Uranium Corp. and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

Cancellation of Stock Options

The Company also announces that it has cancelled 53,334 incentive stock options (the "Options") issued pursuant to its prior option plan. The Options had been granted on October 14, 2020 to certain eligible participants (the "Optionholders"). The cancelled Options had an exercise price of $7.80 and expiry date of October 14, 2025. The Options were voluntarily surrendered by the holders for good and valuable consideration of $1.00 in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in cancellation agreements between the Company and each Optionholder.

Grant of Restricted Share Units

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has engaged Resultz Ventures Inc. ("Resultz") to provide capital markets advisory services to the Company, effective December 1, 2023 for a term of one year. As compensation for these services, the Company has agreed to grant Resultz a total of 200,000 restricted share units ("RSUs").

Additionally, the Company has agreed to grant to Mr. Christopher Hill 650,000 RSUs for corporate development services provided by Mr. Hill pursuant to a corporate development agreement (the "Hill Agreement") dated February 1, 2023 between Mr. Hill and the Company. The Hill Agreement continues on a month-to-month bases until otherwise terminated. Both of Resultz and Mr. Hill are arm's-length to the Company.

The grant of RSUs is made pursuant to the Company's current omnibus equity plan. The RSUs will vest immediately on the date of grant and entitle the recipient to receive one common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share"), a cash payment equivalent thereof, or any combination of cash and Common Shares at the sole discretion of the Company. The RSUs will be governed by RSU agreements between the Company and each of Resultz and Mr. Hill.

Engagement of Marketing Services

The Company also announces the engagement of Sideways Frequency LLC ("SFLLC") to provide certain marketing and investor awareness services (the "Services"), effective January 1st, 2024. As consideration for the Services, the Company has agreed to pay SFLLC a fee of $150,000 (USD) for a term of one month (the "Term"). The Company may elect to renew the agreement at any point during the Term.

The Services will include, but are not limited to, email campaigns, native advertising, display ads, lead generation, creation of content, strategic planning, digital advertisement placement, and overseeing progress and results of digital campaigns.

Consideration offered to SFLLC does not include any securities of the Company. The Company does not have any prior relationship with SFLLC or Mr. Wesley De Souza, CEO of SFLLC.

About Sideways Frequency LLC

SFLLC is a limited liability company existing under the laws of the State of Utah. SFLLC is in the business of preparing, from publicly available information, advertisements consisting of profiles overviewing publicly traded companies, running marketing campaigns including pay-per-click (PPC) marketing, email marketing, native advertising, and display ads, and maintaining or updating clients' websites as the client sees fit. SFLLC's business address is 1389 Center Drive, Suite 200, Park City, Utah, 84098. SFLLC can be contacted by email at info@sidewaysfrequency.com.

About Nexus Uranium Corp.

Nexus Uranium Corp. is a multi-commodity development company focused on advancing the Wray Mesa uranium-vanadium project in Utah in addition to its precious metals portfolio that includes the development-stage Independence mine located adjacent to Nevada Gold Mine's Phoenix-Fortitude mine in Nevada, the Napoleon gold project in British Columbia, and a package of gold claims in the Yukon. The Wray Mesa project covers 6,282 acres within the heart of the prolific Uruvan mining district in Utah and has extensive historical drilling of over 500 holes defining multiple mineralized zones. The Independence project hosts an M&I (measured and indicated) resource of 334,300 ounces of gold (28M tonnes at 0.41 g/t gold) and an inferred resource of 847,000 ounces (9M tonnes at 3.22 g/t gold) of gold with a substantial silver credit. A 2021 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) outlined a low-cost heap leach operation focusing on the near-surface resource with total production of 195,443 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,078 (U.S.) per ounce of gold. The Napoleon project comprises over 1,000 hectares and prospective for multiple forms of gold mineralization, with exploration in the area dating back to the 1970s with the discovery of high-grade gold. The Yukon gold projects are comprised of almost 8,000 hectares of quartz claims prospective for high-grade gold mineralization with historical grab sampling highlights of 144 g/t gold.

Nexus Uranium cautions investors the preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. The Company further cautions investors Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability and further cautions investors the quantity and grade of the reported inferred Mineral Resources are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred Mineral Resources as indicated Mineral Resources.

The Company cautions investors it has yet to verify the historical data and further cautions investors grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades of sampling on the entire property.

--

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Jeremy Poirier

Chief Executive Officer

info@nexusuranium.com

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this news release. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary include, without limitation, uncertainties affecting the expected use of proceeds. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191956

SOURCE: Nexus Uranium Corp.
ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shares of PureHealth Holding PJSC ('PureHealth' or the "Company"), the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, rose as much as 84% above the Company's listing price as it made its debut on the First Market of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange ("ADX") on 20 December 2023.



Abu Dhabi-based PureHealth, which is trading under the symbol "PureHealth", witnessed a jump in its share price to AED 6.0 per share in early trading on the ADX on Wednesday 20 December, giving it a market value of AED 66.6 billion. Shares of the company surged to a high of 84% before they settled around 76% above the listing price at AED 5.74 per share at the close of trading on Wednesday (indicating a market value of AED 63.8 billion).

Farhan Malik, Founder and Managing Director of PureHealth rang the ADX market opening bell to celebrate the listing, in the presence of H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, H.E Syed Basar Shueb, CEO and Managing Director of International Holding Company, H.E. Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, H.E. Sultan Al Hemeiri Board Member of Alpha Dhabi Holding, Ms. Shaista Asif, Co-founder and Group CEO of PureHealth, and H.E Abdulla Salem Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of ADX.

Commenting on the historic milestone, Farhan Malik, Founder and Managing Director of PureHealth, said: "Following an overwhelming demand from investors resulting in the staggering levels of oversubscription, the surge in our share price on the debut day re-emphasizes the confidence the market has in the Company's fundamentals and vision for growth. Our focus will continue to create shareholder value through organic and inorganic growth, where we will work towards making PureHealth an international brand.

PureHealth sold 1.11 billion ordinary shares ("Offer Shares"), equivalent to 10 percent of its total issued share capital through its initial public offering. The Offering witnessed significant demand from investors within the UAE and the region, resulting in multiple oversubscriptions. The total gross demand for the Offering surpassed over AED 265 billion.

PureHealth's IPO will support the Company's long-term commitment towards excellence in healthcare, facilitating the development of cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and advancing the science of longevity.

The Founders, namely Alpha Dhabi Holding (ADX:ALPHADHABI), International Holding Company (IHC) Healthcare Holding LLC; and ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, will continue to retain 90% stake in the Company.

The receiving banks for the IPO were First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, WIO Bank PJSC and Al Maryah Community Bank LLC. The lead placement agent and listing advisor services were provided by International Securities LLC.

About PureHealth

By advancing the science of longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the UAE to the rest of the world. PureHealth is the largest integrated healthcare platform in the Middle East, with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 25+ hospitals, 100+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centers, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare, as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind.

PureHealth's network of healthcare facilities across Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates comprises:

SEHA - Abu Dhabi Health Services Company - One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE

- One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE Daman - The National Health Insurance Company, the UAE's leading health insurer

- The National Health Insurance Company, the UAE's leading health insurer The Medical Office - Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. the President of the UAE

- Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. the President of the UAE Rafed - The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organization

- The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organization PureLab - Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region

- Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center - Specialist healthcare center focused on cell therapy and regenerative medicine

- Specialist healthcare center focused on cell therapy and regenerative medicine One Health - Sales, service support, and engineering network that provides end-to-end medical solutions

provides end-to-end medical solutions The Life Corner - Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment

- Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment Ardent - The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the USA

To learn more, please visit www.purehealth.ae

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2306224/PH_ADX.jpg

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TOKYO, Dec 21, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has won the "The Energy Conservation Center, Japan Chairman's Award" in the "Best Practice Category" at the 2023 Energy Conservation Grand Prize sponsored by the Energy Conservation Center, Japan (ECCJ), with support from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The award was presented for measures taken by MHI Thermal Systems to eliminate boiler usage in a company plant through conversion to industrial heat pumps. This is the second time MHI Thermal Systems has received an award in the ECCJ's Best Practices Category (first in 2021). An awards presentation ceremony will take place at TOC Ariake Convention Hall in Tokyo on January 31, 2024.The award-winning measures taken by MHI Thermal Systems consisted of converting the heat sources used in the compressor plant at its Biwajima Works (Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture) from steam boilers to industrial heat pumps. The conversion eliminated reliance on steam boilers and resulted in significant energy savings. In selecting MHI Thermal Systems for its award, ECCJ gave high marks to the energy conservation and environmental performance benefits reaped by replacing the existing boilers with industrial heat pumps as production process heat sources, and to the company's achievement of technology to optimize its plant's production process heating system, from the planning stage through to actual implementation.MHI Thermal Systems has a diverse lineup of heat pumps developed to contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality. Under its award-winning measures, heat pumps were used to optimize operating efficiency by measuring the old equipment's heat usage volume. The temperature upper limit, which frequently constrains adoption of heat pumps, was expanded in range by changing the processing temperature conditions, enabling the adoption of heat pumps in all processes (Note). Conversion to heat pumps has reduced energy usage by the production plant's heat sources by a 20% oil equivalent, and cut CO2 emissions by roughly 40%. These initiatives are also expected to be applied in other plants undertaking parts cleaning, surface treatment, etc.The ECCJ Energy Conservation Grand Prize Awards were established to raise awareness of energy conservation throughout Japan and to contribute to global energy conservation through adoption of energy-saving products. The awards are presented to recognize outstanding energy conservation initiatives taken by businesses or workplaces, as well as superlative energy-saving products and business models that can serve as examples for others to follow.MHI Group has declared intent to achieve net zero carbon neutrality by 2040 and is currently working to reduce CO2 emissions both from its own production plants and from customer sites where its products are used. MHI Thermal Systems, as part of MHI Group, encouraged by its newly received ECCJ award, will continue striving to develop technologies and products that will further reduce CO2 emissions and conserve energy going forward. It will also contribute toward realizing a carbon neutral world by providing its customers with thermal solutions applicable at similar production sites.Equipment installations consisted of: MSV, air sourced heat pump chillers enabling water supply at a temperature of 60 in the parts cleaning process; the Q-ton Circulation, an air to water circular-heating heat pump that supplies water at a temperature of 75 in the surface treatment process; and Neppu-ton, a high temp wind generator using air to air heat pump capable of supplying air at 90 in the drying process. Q-ton Circulation and Neppu-ton are currently available only in the Japanese market.Tags: ECCJ award,air-cooled heat pump chillers ,Q-ton Circulation.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.


TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Japanese auto major Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling around 1 million vehicles under Toyota and Lexus brands in the United States, citing faulty sensors due to which, the front passenger air bags may not deploy properly in a crash.



The recall involves 2020-2022 Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota brand's 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, as well as 2021 Sienna Hybrid models have been called back. Further, Lexus brand's 2021 ES250; 2020-2022 ES300H; as well as 2020-2021 ES350, RX350 and RX450H models are included in the recall.



According to the company, the affected vehicles have Occupant Classification System or OCS sensors in the front passenger seat that could have been improperly manufactured, causing a short circuit.



Due to this issue, the airbag system will not be allowed to properly classify the occupant's weight, and the airbag may not deploy as designed in certain crashes, increasing the risk of injury.



Toyota noted that both brands' dealers will inspect the OCS sensors, and, if necessary, replace them at free of cost. All involved vehicle owners will be notified by the middle of February 2024.



In November, Toyota recalled 1.9 million RAV4 sport utility vehicles in the U.S. citing that the batteries can shift during sharp turns, potentially causing a fire.



Earlier in October, the company called back nearly 751,000 Toyota Highlander SUVs in the U.S. to fix a problem with the tabs that secure the vehicles' front lower bumper covers.



Among other automakers, luxury electric car maker Tesla Inc. in early December called back more than 2 million vehicles in the U.S. to fix safety issues in its Autopilot advanced driver-assistance system.



In early November, Cruise LLC, the autonomous vehicle company owned by General Motors, recalled 950 of its driverless cars across the US amid an ongoing safety review of its U.S. fleet.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Perth, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Tempus Resources Ltd (ASX: TMR) (TSXV: TMRR) (OTC Pink: TMRFF) ("Tempus" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has filed, on SEDAR+, a technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report with an Updated Mineral Resource Estimate - Elizabeth Gold Project", effective date 18 December 2023 (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, on behalf of the Company by independent consultants SRK (Canada) Ltd. The report details the updated resource estimate at the Company's Elizabeth Gold Project located in British Columbia, Canada (the "Elizabeth Project").

The filing of the Technical Report follows the Company's news release issued 2 November 2023, announcing an updated mineral resource estimate on the Elizabeth Project. The Technical Report is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and is published on the Company's website at www.tempusresources.com.au.

Competent Persons Statement

Information in this report relating to Exploration Results is based on information reviewed by Mr. Sonny Bernales, who is a Member of the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC), which is a recognised Professional Organisation (RPO), and an employee of Tempus Resources. Mr. Bernales has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, and as a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI43-101. Mr. Bernales consents to the inclusion of the information in the form and context in which it appears.

This announcement has been authorised by the Board of Directors of Tempus Resources Limited.

For further information:

TEMPUS RESOURCES LTD

Melanie Ross - Director/Company SecretaryPhone: +61 8 6188 8181

About Tempus Resources Ltd

Tempus Resources Ltd ("Tempus") is a growth orientated gold exploration company listed on ASX ("TMR") and TSX.V ("TMRR") and OTC ("TMRFF") stock exchanges. Tempus is actively exploring projects located in Canada and Ecuador. The flagship project for Tempus is the Blackdome-Elizabeth Project, a high grade gold past producing project located in Southern British Columbia. In addition, the Company holds two exploration projects located in located in South East Ecuador, the Rio Zarza and the Valle del Tigre projects.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Tempus's control. 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". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, the ability of Tempus to successfully achieve business objectives, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-Looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Tempus to control or predict, that may cause Tempus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 dated November 14, 2023 filed on SEDAR. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Tempus believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Tempus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to Tempus or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

Neither the ASX Exchange, the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191948

SOURCE: Tempus Resources Limited
Another product from the house of Radico Khaitan on the list is Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin

Radico Khaitan Limited, a leading Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) company, is proud to announce that its two distinguished brands, Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky and Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, have achieved a remarkable feat by securing coveted positions in the prestigious Top 100 Premium Wine and Spirits Brands of the World 2023, as recognized by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220369466/en/

Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky Range (Photo: Business Wire)

Demonstrating an unwavering dedication to unparalleled customer satisfaction, Rampur Indian Single Malt has not just made a mark but has etched itself as the only Indian Whisky brand in the prestigious Top 100 Premium Wine and Spirits Brands of the World 2023.

Renowned for its illustrious heritage and unparalleled mastery in the art of distillation, Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky stands tall with a luxuriously smooth profile, presenting a symphony of flavors that grace the palate with mellifluous notes and conclude with an enduring finish.

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a true testament to the artistry of blending, which brings forth a harmonious fusion of botanicals meticulously handpicked from across the country. This craft gin stands as a celebration of India's vibrant flavors, offering a sensory journey that mirrors the diverse cultural tapestry of the region.

Sanjeev Banga, President-International Business, Radico Khaitan, conveyed his appreciation for the esteemed recognition, remarking, "The inclusion of both Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky and Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin in the Top 100 Wines and Spirits Brands underscores our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation within the spirits domain. Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky being listed as the only Indian whisky in the Top 100 world spirits is not merely a nod; it's a triumphant celebration and a powerful motivator fuelling Radico Khaitan's ongoing pursuit of perfection. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin's inclusion in the Top 100 list is a testament to the ancient Indian knowledge of herbs and botanicals that we very proudly use in creating our Craft Gin. This acknowledgment not only reaffirms the Company's position as a global industry leader but also serves as a compelling testament to our steadfast dedication to producing exceptional spirits that artfully encapsulate the rich tapestry of Indian flavors and traditions. We aim to share the unique Indianess with the world in our offerings."

As Radico Khaitan persistently pioneers new frontiers and broadens the presence of Indian spirits on the global stage, the Company aims to solidify its brands' positions as unequivocal leaders in the premium spirits category worldwide, emphasizing a commitment to excellence and elevating the global recognition of Indian spirits.

Website: www.rampursinglemalt.com

Instagram: @rampursinglemalt

Facebook: @rampursinglemalt

Notes to Editors:

Rampur Indian Single Malt is a brand owned by Radico Khaitan. Radico Khaitan was established in 1943 and is the largest Indian beverage alcohol company and one of the oldest whisky distillers in India. Radico Khaitan have been distilling malt whiskies for over 32 years with a reputation for quality and innovation. Three of Radico Khaitan's distilleries are based in Uttar Pradesh in the foothills of the Himalayas, where all of Rampur's Whiskies are distilled, matured and bottled.

The Rampur range includes Rampur Select, Rampur PX Sherry Cask, Rampur Double Cask, Rampur Asava, Rampur Signature Reserve, Rampur Jugalbandi Series and Rampur Trigun Indian Single Malt Whiskies.

For trade enquiries please contact: exports@radico.co.in

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220369466/en/

Contacts:

For media enquiries in UK, please contact Rosie Frampton or Rebecca Tudor at MPR Communications:

rosie@mprcommunications.co.uk

rebecca@mprcommunications.co.uk

For media enquiries in USA, please contact Michelle Lam at michelle@blynknitemedia.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) (the "Company" or "Kuya Silver") announces it has closed the second tranche ("Second Tranche") of a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the "LIFE Exemption"), by issuing 3,572,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.25 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $893,000. Collectively under the Offering, the Company issued 13,921,000 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,480,250. The Company filed a Form 45-106F19 offering document (the "Offering Document") on November 9, 2023 related to the Offering, which may be accessed under Kuya Silver's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website https://www.kuyasilver.com.

Pursuant to the Offering, each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of CAD$0.37 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The Warrants are subject to accelerated expiration whereby if the closing trading price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange"), or such other stock exchange where the majority of the trading volume occurs, for any period of 15 consecutive trading days equals or exceeds CAD$0.50, the Company may, upon issuing a press release (the "Acceleration Notice"), accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to the date that is 15 days following the date of the Acceleration Notice. If the Warrants are not exercised by the accelerated expiry date, the Warrants will expire and be of no further force or effect.

The Units issued in the Offering are not subject to any statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws, subject to limitations prescribed by the LIFE Exemption.

In connection with the Second Tranche, the Company paid fees to qualified parties (each, a "Finder") in accordance with the policies of the Exchange, being a cash commission of $3,750, which was 6.0% on total proceeds received from subscribers introduced to the Company by each Finder and issued 15,000 in non-transferable Common Share purchase warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant"), which was 6.0% of the total Units issued to subscribers introduced to the Company by each Finder. Each Finder's Warrant issued under the Second Tranche entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of CAD$0.25 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. Securities issued to Finders are subject to a statutory hold period expiring April 21, 2024 in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for development expenses for the Company's Bethania project, the exploration program for the Company's Silver Kings project, and general working capital purposes, as more specifically detailed in the Offering Document.

The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. 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 in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

David Stein, Kuya Silver's President and CEO stated: "The successful closing of the Offering is a significant milestone for Kuya Silver, as it gives the Company the funding required to commence reconditioning of the Bethania Mine with a target to restart production by the middle of 2024. Kuya Silver is now well positioned with district-scale silver exploration at the Bethania Project, and the potential for near-term cash flow."

The Company also announces the second tranche of the non-brokered private placement pursuant to an agreement with Trafigura Pte Ltd ("Trafigura"), whereby Trafigura is to invest USD$970,000 to acquire Units at CAD$0.25. The second tranche with Trafigura is expected to close by February 5, 2024. Each Unit consists of one Common Share and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Trafigura Warrant"). Each Trafigura Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share for $0.37 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

About Kuya Silver Corporation

Kuya Silver is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company with a focus on acquiring, exploring, and advancing precious metals assets in Peru and Canada.

For more information, please contact:

David Stein, President and Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (604) 398-4493

info@kuyasilver.com

www.kuyasilver.com

Reader Advisory

This press release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the size and terms of the Offering, closing of the Offering in one or more tranches, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, and the ability of the Company to obtain requisite approvals for the Offering. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities or performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such risks, uncertainties and factors are described in the periodic filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company's quarterly and annual Management's Discussion & Analysis, which may be viewed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US 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/191915

SOURCE: Kuya Silver Corporation
San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Privado.ai, the developer-friendly privacy platform known for revolutionizing data security, has unveiled MuroChat, a groundbreaking open-source LLM chat application aimed at fortifying data protection within enterprises, addressing the escalating risks posed by LLM-based chatbots. MuroChat mitigates the data privacy risks that LLM based chatbots introduce, thus enhancing the privacy and security posture of the organization while allowing for user-driven customization.

The advent of chatbot applications based on large language models like ChatGPT has introduced new data privacy risks for businesses all over the world. Professionals across every industry are leveraging these chatbots to create content, generate ideas, write emails, generate code, and much more. They do so via sharing prompts that may inadvertently contain personal data or intellectual property, all-the-while, the business may be oblivious to the potential leak.





Wide view: MuroChat provides teams with monitoring overview of activity



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/191935_154eb22cd4c8387c_001full.jpg

As soon as these new risks emerged, the Privado team decided to take action and build a solution that would protect its own data. "We decided to build our own chat application in order to allow us to keep complete control over our data, shielding our IP and personal data from potential leaks," said Prashand Mahajan, Co-Founder and CTO of Privado.ai.

MuroChat mitigates these risks by sitting between users and LLM based chatbots to automatically detect and redact sensitive data in prompts. A critical feature for maintaining privacy and adhering to compliance standards. But what makes MuroChat truly unique are the features aimed at solving this problem for enterprise organizations.

Designed for the Enterprise

Integration with Large Language Models: out-of-the-box support for OpenAI's ChatGPT APIs and flexible architecture to allow seamless integration with any third-party LLM back-end.

Data Firewall: automatically detects and redacts sensitive data before it is sent to the LLM chatbot in use by incorporating Microsoft Presidio.

Single Sign-On (SSO): with support for systems like Okta, MuroChat simplifies authentication and access controls.

Local Chat History Retention: local storage for chat history for easy monitoring and increased accountability.

Evolving feature set: from detailed audit trails and monitoring tools to LLM cost control features, Murochat has lots of exciting features in the horizon.

Open-sourcing MuroChat is aligned with Privado's open-source roots and developer-friendly mindset. (Privado's flagship Privacy Code-Scanning solution features an open-source version). Most importantly, it's a way to enable innovative organizations to get a head start in protecting personal data and intellectual property in this new environment. Mahajan explains the thinking behind open-sourcing MuroChat: "During the development of MuroChat, we realized that many other companies faced the very same challenge and an open-source solution would not only address our own concerns but also empower other organizations to bootstrap and develop their own secure chat applications."

MuroChat can be installed by using AWS CloudFormation template or by building locally. Head to Privado's GitHub repository for the installation steps.

About Privado.ai - Privado.ai is a developer-friendly privacy platform that helps enterprises bridge the privacy engineering gap. Its Privacy Code Scanning solution embeds privacy in the product development lifecycle, and empowers privacy and security teams with complete data lifecycle visibility, programmatic privacy governance, and seamless developer collaboration. To learn more about Privado go to privado.ai.

Contact Info:

Name: Hernando Buitrago

Email: hernando.buitrago@privado.ai

Organization: Privado.ai

Website: https://www.privado.ai/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191935

SOURCE: Plentisoft
LOHNE, Germany and AMERSFOORT, Netherlands, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strategic move to fortify its standing as a leader in digitalization solutions for staffing and cleaning service providers across Europe, zvoove announces the successful acquisition of HelloFlex, a leading provider of temporary staffing software in the Dutch market. This transaction positions zvoove as the unrivalled number one provider of end-to-end software solutions for temporary staffing agencies in the Netherlands, one of largest temporary staffing markets in the world.

Building upon the momentum gained from the acquisitions of Dutch industry leaders Leviy (2021), Pivoton (2022) and RecruitNow (2023), zvoove's latest acquisition of HelloFlex propels it to the forefront of the Dutch and European markets, solidifying its position as the go-to provider for front-to-back-end temporary staffing solutions.

"zvoove is a Club of Entrepreneurs that brings together the best brands and the best minds in the industry. With the addition of HelloFlex, we are increasing our intellectual and innovative capacity to develop leading software solutions for the temporary staffing market to over 500 employees across Europe", states Oliver Muhr, CEO of zvoove. "With five strategic acquisitions in the past 18 months, resulting in massive synergies and cutting edge product portfolios within our front-to-back software solutions for the temporary staffing industry, we are making significant strides towards fulfilling our mission of creating top-tier products for industry leading customer value. Notably, The Netherlands is at the forefront in the digitalization of temp staffing companies, making it another key strategic focus for zvoove alongside our leading positions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland."

HelloFlex becoming part of zvoove: A Leap Towards the Future

Peter Loopstra, COO of HelloFlex, expresses enthusiasm about the transaction, stating, "We are thrilled to join zvoove, the leading company for temp staffing software in the European market. Being part of the nexus of the industry's best companies, solutions, and professionals, profiting from scale while maintaining our independence as a company with an autonomous product portfolio will undoubtedly be a game-changer for HelloFlex and our customers."

Capitalizing on the Dutch Market

The Netherlands has one of the world's highest share of temporary staffing work at 2.6% of its total working population[1] and a market share of 4% of the global temporary staffing market, which is amongst the highest in Europe[2].

"Bringing together the best solutions and talented individuals has already proven to be highly beneficial for our customers, as demonstrated in our partnership with RecruitNow. We are excited about the prospect of collaborating with HelloFlex within zvoove in the Netherlands," says Paul van den Bosch, CEO Pivoton.

"Since we have joined zvoove in June 2023 we've already seen remarkable innovation, synergies and rapid growth emerge from our collaborative efforts with zvoove's partner companies. With the inclusion of HelloFlex, our momentum in the Dutch market becomes unstoppable," concludes Andre Polderman, CEO of RecruitNow.

About zvoove

zvoove is the market-leading provider of cloud solutions for temporary staffing and cleaning service providers in Europe. In a dynamic ecosystem of service providers, the extended workforce and corporates, zvoove improves the world of work through end-to-end digitalization for service providers, more job offers and career opportunities for employees and reliable workforce for corporates. Around 5,000 customers and 80,000 end users trust in zvoove. Today, they manage over one million workers, 14 billion euros in annual payroll and about two million applications per year via zvoove's platforms. zvoove employs more than 500 employees at 15 locations across Europe.

[1] source: PWC

[2] source: Staffing Industry Analysts

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zvoove-cements-leadership-position-in-dutch-temp-staffing-market-with-strategic-acquisition-of-helloflex-302020362.html
Designation is based on Phase 1/2 safety and efficacy data in patients with Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 ("HER2")-expressing advanced endometrial cancer with encouraging early signs of anti-tumor activity

Breakthrough Therapy designation will allow for an expedited development and regulatory review of BNT323/DB-1303

Endometrial or uterine cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer globally with over 400,000 cases occurring each year

MAINZ, Germany and SHANGHAI, China, December 21, 2023 - BioNTech SE ) with BNT323/DB-1303 in patients with HER2-expressing advanced endometrial cancer.

Endometrial or uterine cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer globally, with over 400,000 cases occurring each year1,2 and both incidence and mortality are increasing3,4. While localized, early disease stages can be cured via surgery, the five-year survival rate for patients with advanced, metastatic or recurrent disease is only 18.4%5.

"The Breakthrough Therapy designation for BNT323/DB-1303 shows the potential of our ADC candidate to address current treatment challenges for patients with advanced HER2-expressing endometrial cancer who progressed under several lines of systemic therapy. For these patients the survival rates are still low and the medical need for new and more effective treatments remains high," said Prof. Ozlem Tureci, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder at BioNTech. "With the designation and support by the FDA, we seek to expedite further development of BNT323/DB-1303."

"The FDA's decision is an important milestone in the development of our novel differentiated ADC candidate directed at HER2. The HER2 protein overexpression and/or gene amplification is present in approximately 17% to 38%6 of patients with endometrial cancer and more than 50%7 of patients in late disease stage exhibit HER2 overexpression. We believe BNT323/DB-1303 has the potential to serve as a new therapeutic option for patients with HER2 expressing advanced endometrial carcinoma including both patients with high and low expression levels of HER2," said Vivian Gu, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at DualityBio. "We are committed to advancing BNT323/DB-1303 with the aim to improve outcomes for patients in late disease stages."

Breakthrough Therapy designation is an FDA program designed to expedite the development and regulatory review of investigational therapies that are designed to address serious or life-threatening conditions. To receive the designation, the candidate needs to demonstrate preliminary clinical evidence that indicates that it may offer substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints. With the Breakthrough Therapy designation, the development of BNT323/DB-1303 may benefit from more frequent engagement with the FDA, which will support the collection of appropriate data needed to accelerate development and may also allow for priority review if the relevant criteria are met.

Data presented from the ongoing Phase 1/2 study at ASCO 2023 and ESGO 2023 demonstrated encouraging anti-tumor activity in heavily pretreated patients with advanced endometrial cancer with an unconfirmed objective response rate of 58.8% and an unconfirmed disease control rate of 94.1%. BNT323/DB-1303 was well tolerated with a manageable safety profile across all evaluated patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors.

The BNT323/DB-1303 program received FDA Fast Track designation for the treatment of endometrial cancer in January 2023.

About BNT323/DB-1303

BNT323/DB-1303 is a third-generation topoisomerase-1 inhibitor-based ADC targeting HER2 which was built from DualityBio's proprietary Duality Immune Toxin Antibody Conjugates) in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors and in a pivotal Phase 3 study) in patients with Hormone Receptor-positive ("HR+") and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer that have progressed on hormone and/or cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 ("CDK4/6") therapy.

About BioNTech

Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) is a next generation immunotherapy company pioneering novel therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. The Company exploits a wide array of computational discovery and therapeutic drug platforms for the rapid development of novel biopharmaceuticals. Its broad portfolio of oncology product candidates includes individualized and off-the-shelf mRNA-based therapies, innovative chimeric antigen receptor ("CAR") T cells, several protein-based therapeutics, including bispecific immune checkpoint modulators, targeted cancer antibodies and antibody-drug conjugate ("ADC") therapeutics, as well as small molecules. Based on its deep expertise in mRNA vaccine development and in-house manufacturing capabilities, BioNTech and its collaborators are developing multiple mRNA vaccine candidates for a range of infectious diseases alongside its diverse oncology pipeline. BioNTech has established a broad set of relationships with multiple global pharmaceutical collaborators, including Duality Biologics, Fosun Pharma, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, Genevant, Genmab, OncoC4, Regeneron, Sanofi and Pfizer.

For more information, please visit www.BioNTech.com .

About DualityBio

DualityBio is a clinical-stage company focusing on the discovery and development of the next generation ADC therapeutics for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. DualityBio has successfully established a number of next generation Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) technology platforms with global intellectual property rights. Building upon deep understanding of disease biology and translational capability, DualityBio has advanced 4 assets into global clinical studies, and developed more than 10 innovative product candidates which are currently in preclinical stage. Additionally, DualityBio is continuing to evolve its novel protein engineering and ADC technology platforms for the next wave of "super ADC" molecules including diverse payload classes, bispecific ADCs and dual payload ADCs.

For more information, please visit www.dualitybiologics.com .

BioNTech Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, but not be limited to, statements concerning: the collaboration between BioNTech and DualityBio to jointly clinical develop the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate BNT323/DB-1303; the registrational potential of any trial we may initiate for BNT323/DB-1303; the nature and characterization of and timing for release of clinical data for BNT323/DB-1303, which is subject to peer review, regulatory review and market interpretation; planned next steps in BioNTech's pipeline programs, including, but not limited to, statements regarding timing or plans for initiation of clinical trials, enrolment or submission for and receipt of product approvals with respect to BioNTech's product candidates; the ability of BioNTech's mRNA technology to demonstrate clinical efficacy outside of BioNTech's infectious disease platform; the potential safety and efficacy of our product candidates; and BioNTech's anticipated market opportunity and size for its product candidates. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on BioNTech's current expectations and beliefs of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as risks associated with preclinical and clinical data, including the data discussed in this release, and including the possibility of unfavorable new preclinical, clinical or safety data and further analyses of existing preclinical, clinical or safety data; the nature of the clinical data, which is subject to ongoing peer review, regulatory review and market interpretation; discussions with regulatory agencies regarding timing and requirements for additional clinical trials; the ability to produce comparable clinical results in future clinical trials; the timing of and BioNTech's ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for BioNTech's product candidates; BioNTech's and its counterparties' ability to manage and source necessary energy resources; BioNTech's ability to identify research opportunities and discover and develop investigational medicines; the ability and willingness of BioNTech's third-party collaborators to continue research and development activities relating to BioNTech's development candidates and investigational medicines; unforeseen safety issues and potential claims that are alleged to arise from the use of products and product candidates developed or manufactured by BioNTech; BioNTech's and its collaborators' ability to commercialize and market, if approved, its product candidates; BioNTech's ability to manage its development and expansion; regulatory developments in the United States and other countries; BioNTech's ability to effectively scale BioNTech's production capabilities and manufacture BioNTech's products and BioNTech's product candidates; risks relating to the global financial system and markets; and other factors not known to BioNTech at this time.

You should review the risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in BioNTech's Report on Form 6-K for the period ended September 30, 2023, and in subsequent filings made by BioNTech with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Except as required by law, BioNTech disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on BioNTech's current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof.

CONTACTS

BioNTech

Investor Relations

Victoria Meissner, M.D.

+1 617 528 8293

Investors@biontech.de

Media Relations

Jasmina Alatovic

+49 (0)6131 9084 1513

Media@biontech.de

DualityBio

Business Development

bd@dualitybiologics.com

----

1 Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL et al. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021 May;71(Last access: 19.12.2023)

6 Livasy C A, et al. Gynecol Oncol. 2005; 100 (2006):101-106.

7 Grushko TA. Gynecol Oncol. 2008 Jan;108(1):3-9.








VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 21, 2023SYH)SYHBF)) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has acquired by staking two new prospective uranium exploration claims in northern Saskatchewan, increasing Skyharbour's total land package that it has ownership interest in to 523,097 ha (1,292,600 acres) across 25 projects. These 100% owned claims add an additional 4,726 ha to Skyharbour's existing holdings in and around the Athabasca Basin, which is host to the highest-grade uranium deposits in the world and is consistently ranked as a top mining jurisdiction by the Fraser Institute. As the Company remains focused on its co-flagship Russell Lake and Moore uranium projects, this new property will become a part of Skyharbour's prospect generator business as the Company will seek strategic partners to advance this asset.



Skyharbour's New Uranium Project Portfolio Map:

https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/SKY_SaskProject_Locator_20231219.jpg



Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour Resources, states: "These new mineral claims complement our existing properties and provide additional ground to option or joint-venture out to new partner companies as a part of our prospect generator business. We continue to add to our uranium project portfolio in the Athabasca Basin with this recent staking while advancing our main projects through ongoing drilling and exploration. Skyharbour is fully funded for its drilling and exploration plans in 2024 with over $10 million in the treasury. Details are forthcoming on specific plans for drilling at Russell and Moore in the new year."

Bolt Property Summary:

The Bolt Project consists of two contiguous claims 100% owned by Skyharbour Resources Ltd. totalling 4726.35 hectares and is located approximately 7 km west of the Highway 914 and about 32 km southwest of Cameco's Key Lake Operation (which produced 209.8 million pounds of U 3 O 8 at an average grade of 2.32% U 3 O 8 from 2 deposits, where ore from the McArthur River mine is currently processed).

The Bolt Project lies approximately 15 km from the southern rim of the Athabasca Basin, and is within the Eastern Mudjatik Domain of the Hearne Craton. Geological mapping conducted by the Saskatchewan Geological Survey in the 1970's and 1980's of the area determined the project is predominantly underlain by a south-trending, anastomosing package of amphibole gneisses, surrounded by regional scale felsic gneisses, which underwent granulite/upper amphibolite grade metamorphism. An ovoid area of banded iron formation was also encountered in the middle of the amphibole gneisses, which is bounded and intersected by several EM conductors. Given the vintage and scale of the historical geological mapping, it is likely that the geology of the area is more complex than the historical mapping suggests.

The Bolt Project has been subject to several exploration programs since 1969. The earliest work, taking place between 1969 and 1979, included ground and airborne EM, radiometrics, and gravity surveys, as well as lake sediment and water sampling, soil sampling, prospecting, and boulder train mapping by various operators, including Pan Ocean Oil Ltd., Canadian Southern Petroleum, Athabasca Columbia Mining, Yukon Geothermal, SAMCAM, and Darling Hydrocarbons. A single drill program (6 DDH, 5 of which are on the Bolt property: CL-1 through CL-5) was conducted by Pan Ocean Oil in 1978 to test the fertility of historic EM conductors. Four of the drillholes from this program (DDH-CL-1, -2, -3, and -6) displayed variable kaolinization and chloritization, carbonate veinlets, and intervals of structural disruption and local core loss in what was logged as granite/arkosic/augen gneiss and "pseudopegmatite". The other two holes on the property, CL-4 and CL-5, intersected a variety of metasedimentary rocks, including pelites/pelitic gneisses, marble, and iron formation, amphibolites, and minor granites, with significant quartz (i.e. pervasive silicification & veining) alteration and sulfides found intermittently throughout both holes. After 1979, the project remained unexplored for several decades.

Work on the Bolt Project resumed in 2008, with Durama Resources (on behalf of Majesta Resources and Kirrin Resources) completing several soil, outcrop, lake sediment, and soil-gas sampling programs, airborne geophysics (TEMPEST and VTEM surveys), and ground geophysics (total field and vertical gradient magnetic and VLF-EM surveys) programs in the period from 2008 to 2018. The initial work consisted of ground geochemical sampling of several historic airborne geophysical anomalies, which identified zones of anomalous uranium in several areas. This was followed by extensive modern airborne magnetic and EM surveys across several of Majesta/Kirrin's properties, including the Bolt Project. Airborne geophysics identified magnetic lows and multiple east-west and northeast-southwest trending EM conductors across the property, as well as several possible north-south and east-west trending faults. Following up on the zones of interest detected by the airborne surveys, several ground geophysical grids were developed on Majesta/Kirrin's properties. Two grids were established on the Bolt Project, the Lav Creek and CL-5 grids, which were subject to VLF-EM, total field magnetics, and vertical gradient magnetic surveys to further delineate the various airborne EM conductors and magnetics anomalies.

Combining the results of the modern geophysical and geochemical surveys allowed for identification of several promising drill targets on the property, including near the historic drill holes containing extensive kaolinite and chlorite alteration. These drill targets have yet to be tested, as despite the high prospectivity for basement-hosted unconformity-related uranium mineralization, the Bolt Project has not seen any exploration since 2018 and was eventually allowed to lapse. Exploration on the Bolt Property also indicated the potential to host pegmatite- and granite-hosted U-Th-REE mineralization, further enhancing the project's prospectivity.

Funds Received from Recent Warrant Exercise:

The Company has recently received an aggregate of CAD $959,612 from the exercise of share purchase warrants with a strike price at $0.35 since September 1st, 2023. Skyharbour now has over CAD $10 million in its treasury. A total of 2,741,751 warrants have been exercised from the batch of warrants expiring December 17th, 2023. The Company is fully funded for future drilling at its co-flagship Russell Lake and Moore Uranium Projects in 2024. Skyharbour has also continued to receive cash payments and share issuances from its various option partners as a part of its prospect generator business.

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.

*SMDI refers to the Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index and "AF" refers to Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment File.

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-five projects, ten of which are drill-ready, covering over 520,000 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://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/SKY_SaskProject_Locator_20231219.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.
ABI Research releases its latest Competitive Ranking roundup to help empower technology companies to benchmark and organizations discover top technology solution providers

NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ABI Research analysts around the globe are constantly collecting data and information from technology providers, partners, and end users. The results are routinely published in Competitive Ranking reports, which offer comprehensive insight into different markets, assessing companies' implementation and innovation strategies. Global technology intelligence firm ABI Research summarized the results of 15 recent Competitive Rankings in the just released whitepaper, 55 Technology Leaders to Watch in 2024.

The technology landscape is constantly changing, with new solutions, products, and players emerging daily. "This continuous state of flux can prove challenging-both for technology companies trying to understand how they stack up to their competition and for end users looking for the best technology providers. In a climate where value creation, innovation, and success face pressure from macro-economic conditions, understanding and demonstrating industry best practice is invaluable in developing competitive positions and effectively communicating excellence," explains Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research.

The overall leaders are:

Amdocs - Cloud-Native Network Automation and Orchestration Software Vendor

Boingo - Neutral Host Providers' Enterprise 5G Solution Vendor

Cisco - WLAN for Campus Area Networks Vendor

CommScope - Residential Wi-Fi CPE Vendor

CompoSecure - Metal Payment Cards Vendor

Geotab - Commercial Video Telematics Vendor

Huawei - 5G End-to-End Core Network Automation and Orchestration Vendor

Intel - Intelligent Accelerator Provider

Johnson Controls - Smart Building Management Platform Vendor

Kaleris - Yard Management System Vendor

Mavenir - Open Ran Vendor

Palo Alto - Industrial Firewalls for OT/IT Security Vendor

Siemens - Industrial Automation: PLC Hardware and Software Vendor / MCAD SaaS for Large Enterprises & Manufacturing at Scale Vendor

Viasat Inmarsat - Satellite Broadband Connectivity Provider Vendor

For a full look at all the leaders, top innovators, and top implementors, download the whitepaper 55 Technology Leaders to Watch in 2024.

About ABI Research

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM) (FSE: HLI) (OTCQB: HUSIF) (the "Company") announces the completion of its 2023 drilling exploration program (the "2023 Program") at the New Craigmont Copper Project ("New Craigmont"), a wholly owned venture located near Merritt, BC, and 33 km south of Teck Resources Ltd.'s Highland Valley Copper, Canada's largest open pit copper mine.

The Company initiated the 2023 Program on June 6, 2023, drilling six diamond holes totaling 2,684 metres on Mineral Lease 237643, adjacent to the historic Craigmont Copper Mine (Figure 1 and 2). The 2023 Program aimed to explore the potential of a southeastern extension of the historic Craigmont skarn ore body and to investigate the potential of a porphyry copper system.

Figure 1. Mineral tenure map of the New Craigmont Project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_f196d2e9c43e08bd_001full.jpg

Figure 2. Map of 2023 drilling program (projected in NAD 83, UTM 10N).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_f196d2e9c43e08bd_002full.jpg

KEY FINDINGS

Drill holes NC23-001, NC23-002, NC23-003, NC23-004a were drilled southeast of the historic Craigmont Copper Mine to test the potential of continued skarn mineralization. NC23-001 intercepted two intervals of (weakly mineralized) exoskarn hosted in Nicola Group limey sedimentary rocks, namely from 67.25 m to 99.8 m and 172.43 m to 185.50 m. The skarn intervals are composed of banded actinolite, magnetite, epidote, brown garnet and veinlets of chalcopyrite (Figure 3). The holes NC23-002, NC23-003 and NC23-004a have discovered extensive alteration (epidote, chlorite and biotite) in Nicola Group sedimentary and volcaniclastic rocks, while no exact skarn interval was found in the drill core. This alteration is characteristic of porphyries and supports the possibility of a proximal porphyry system.

Drill holes NC23-005 and NC23-006 were drilled northeast and north of the historic pit and targeted the Guichon Quartz Diorite. Extensive potassic alteration (K-feldspar, Figure 4), propylitic alteration (epidote and chlorite, figures 4 and 5) and veinlets of chalcopyrite +/- molybdenite (Figure 6) were observed in the core, suggesting the presence of a porphyry copper system at New Craigmont. The presence of these features along with discreet zones of significant copper grade (>0.1% Cu; Table 1), all in proximity to the historic high-grade skarn, support the hypothesis that there is a porphyry centre (or several) on the property and that a copper porphyry system is the mineralization source for the historic Craigmont skarn.

Table 1: Intercepts >=0.1% Cu*

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%) Lithology NC23-001 48.77

50.29

1.52

0.12

hydrothermal silica healed fault breccia NC23-001 51.81

53.33

1.52

0.13

intercalated polylithic vocaniclastic NC23-001 53.33

54.86

1.53

0.22

intercalated polylithic vocaniclastic NC23-001 64.01

67.06

3.05

0.33

intercalated polylithic vocaniclastic NC23-001



126.50

128.02

1.52

0.17

contact between biotite-hornfels volcaniclastic and biotite-hornfels rhyolitic lapilli tuffaceous sequence NC23-001 224.00

226.00

2.00

0.12

diorite NC23-001 247.80

249.80

2.00

0.10

diorite NC23-002 91.44

94.49

3.05

0.13

diorite NC23-002 131.00

132.00

1.00

0.10

diorite NC23-002 180.80

182.30

1.50

0.22

diorite NC23-002 246.30

247.36

1.06

0.48

diorite NC23-003 61.00

62.50

1.50

1.14

fault breccia NC23-003 74.60

77.70

3.10

0.44

rhyolitic tuffaceous volcaniclastic sequence NC23-003 200.60

202.05

1.45

0.32

diorite NC23-003 234.00

235.25

1.25

0.27

magnetite skarn NC23-004a 220.90

222.50

1.60

0.10

felsic dyke NC23-004a 247.47

251.28

3.81

0.33

rhyolitic tuffaceous volcaniclastic sequence (possible dacite volcaniclastic) NC23-004a 266.00

267.42

1.42

0.13

diorite NC23-004a 269.21

270.45

1.24

0.32

diorite NC23-004a 309.28

310.00

0.72

0.11

diorite NC23-005 115.50

116.70

1.20

0.62

rhyolitic crystal tuffaceous sequence NC23-005 137.00

138.00

1.00

0.12

polylithic volcaniclastic tuffaceous sequence NC23-005 197.50

198.50

1.00

0.11

quartz diorite NC23-005 209.50

210.60

1.10

0.12

quartz diorite NC23-005 322.64

324.00

1.36

0.16

diorite plug NC23-005 408.36

409.36

1.00

0.71

epidote-diopside-magnetite-garnet exoskarn NC23-005 411.36

412.36

1.00

0.24

massive garnet skarn NC23-005 419.40

420.62

1.22

0.18

feldspar-fragmental sediments NC23-005 520.00

521.50

1.50

0.16

feldspathic sandstone/gritty sequence NC23-005 598.67

600.00

1.33

0.16

quartz diorite NC23-005 637.00

639.00

2.00

0.12

massive to banded actinolite-epidote-garnet skarn NC23-005 648.00

649.70

1.70

0.11

massive to banded actinolite-epidote-garnet skarn NC23-005 809.22

809.75

0.53

0.71

quartz diorite NC23-006 324.69

326.52

1.83

0.45

quartz diorite NC23-006 455.00

456.00

1.00

0.24

quartz diorite

*These results are considered preliminary as they are still undergoing quality control

Figure 3. Banded actinolite-magnetite-epidote-garnet skarn with disseminated chalcopyrite at 83.5m in NC23-001.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_f196d2e9c43e08bd_003full.jpg

Figure 4. Potassic alteration and epidote alteration in in Guichon Quartz Diorite at 293 m in NC23-006.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_f196d2e9c43e08bd_004full.jpg

Figure 5. Epidote-chlorite propylitic alteration in Guichon Quartz Diorite at 198.0 m in NC23-005.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_f196d2e9c43e08bd_005full.jpg

Figure 6. Quartz vein hosting chalcopyrite with molybdenite at 326.5 m in NC23-006.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_f196d2e9c43e08bd_006full.jpg

2024 EXPLORATION PLAN

The Company continues to work diligently to compile a database of all, both historic and current, core logs and lab results. Once complete, Nicola will begin building a 3D geological interpretation using core logs, mapping data and geophysics. This will greatly aid in target generation and allow the Company to refine working hypotheses, as well as integrate subsequent data.

Induced polarization ("IP") surveys are being planned for spring of 2024 over two key areas of interest, which will help fill existing IP data gaps. Data will be utilized in conjunction with magnetic and resistivity data to augment interpretations of structure, lithology, alteration, and mineralization. Previous IP results correlate well with high-grade copper intercepts at Embayment (Figure 10).

Nicola anticipates using the results of the IP surveys, along with existing data to plan drill holes over one or both areas to be drilled later in the summer of 2024.

Nicola's exploration team continues to collaborate closely with the University of British Columbia's ("UBC") Mineral Deposit Research Unit ("MDRU") on the MDRU's ongoing study of porphyry-style alteration and mineralization at the New Craigmont property.

Figure 7. Areas of interest for 2024 exploration

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_f196d2e9c43e08bd_007full.jpg





Figure 8. Aeromagnetic MVI plan view of surface showing cross-section lines for figures 9 & 10.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_figure8.jpg

Figure 9. Aeromagnetic MVI cross-sections (200m thick) illustrating proven mineralization at (A-A') Craigmont and (B-B') Embayment corresponding with high magnetic anomalies and observed mineralization on surface at (C-C') CAS and (D-D') MARB corresponding with (not yet drill-tested) high magnetic anomalies.

NOTE: The outcroppings seen in the cross-sections coincide with the outcroppings seen at surface.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_f196d2e9c43e08bd_009full.jpg





Figure 10. IP chargeability cross-section (200m thick) through the Embayment Zone showing higher chargeability anomaly corresponding with high-grade Cu intercepts.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/191908_figure8_550.jpg

Mr. Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola Mining Inc., commented on the findings: "Overall the 2023 Program yielded encouraging results. While we would have liked to have seen more mineralization directly southeast of the historic pit, the drilling northeast uncovered extensive alteration and indicates the potential of other mineralization bodies. Particularly, we are extremely excited to see that the outcroppings, which we mapped extensively this time, coincide perfectly with the cross-section diagrams displaying electromatic anomalies. These findings reinforce our commitment to exploring and developing the New Craigmont Project."

The Company looks forward to further analysis and potential exploration based on these promising results.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL (QA/QC)

Nicola maintains tight sample security, and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) for all aspects of its exploration program. All core samples from 2023 were logged, photographed and sampled on site by staff or consulting geologists and geotechnicians. The samples were picked up and transported from site by Activation Laboratories Ltd. (Actlabs) to their ISO 17015 accredited lab in Kamloops, BC for preparation (crushing and pulverizing) and analyzed for 38-element ICP-OES by aqua regia (partial) digestion with specified limits (method code 1E3). Company protocols include the insertion of quality control (QC) samples consisting of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), blanks and duplicates into the sample stream at a rate of 1 in 20. Nicola geologists are currently reviewing the results of the QC program, pending lab re-runs of select sample batches.

Qualified Person

Kevin Wells, P.Geo, a consulting geologist to the Company, is the independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Nicola Mining

Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture and Frankfurt Exchanges that maintains a 100% owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. It has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high grade gold projects. Nicola's fully-permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes.

The Company owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property, which covers an area of 10,913 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith and is adjacent to Teck Resources Ltd.'s Highland Valley Copper, Canada's largest copper mine. The Company also owns 100% of the Treasure Mountain Property, which is comprised of 51 mineral tenures, 21 legacy claims: 100 cell units, and five crown grants for a total of approximately 2,850 hectares.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Peter Espig"

Peter Espig

CEO & Director

For additional information

Contact: Peter Espig

Phone: (778) 385-1213

Email: info@nicolamining.com

URL: www.nicolamining.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191908

SOURCE: Nicola Mining Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT) ("AJN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has received all approvals to commence work on its PR 15282 (Manono Northeast) and PR 15383 (Kabunda South). MB Exploration SARL have commenced with mobilization of their crews and the drill rig to Manono where drilling is expected to commence on PR 15282 before year end.

Figure 1: Planned Drill Fences and Results from Channel and Grab Samples on PR 15282 and the Interpreted Extension of the Manono Pegmatites onto the Project Area.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5922/191964_a3b269e1f4273955_001full.jpg

CEO and President Klaus Eckhof commented: "We are extremely excited about reaching this very important milestone to commence drilling on this highly prospective property which has excellent potential of uncovering similar lithium bearing pegmatites to those which have produced world class resources at Manono. The Manono pegmatites were only identified once tin alluvial workings reached deeper levels in a similar scenario to what our exploration teams have identified on PR 15282. We are further encouraged by the two areas identified on the licence where tin artisanal workings reported anomalous lithium results adjacent to the granite contact in a similar setting as the Manono pegmatites."

PR 15282 (Manono Northeast Project)

The Company has carried out a reconnaissance pitting programme aimed at identifying lithium bearing pegmatites below the extensive surface cover. Many of the pits were hand excavated to depths of 4-6m without reaching bedrock. It was therefore decided that a shallow percussion drilling programme would be better suited to identify underlying pegmatites in the current environment. Channel samples from the shallow pits did not return any significant results.

Two areas of artisanal workings were identified within two streams adjacent to the granite contact at locations shown in Figure 1. Results from grab samples collected from the workings reported lithium grades of up to 400ppm Li and tin grades up 1,815ppm Sn. Historically the grades of tin mined at Manono were circa800ppm which further supports the potential for the project to host lithium and tin bearing pegmatites potentially over 8-10km across the project area.

Three drill fence lines have been planned as shown in Figure 1. Drill holes will be drilled at 50m centres down to a maximum depth of 50m or until bedrock can be clearly identified. Samples will be prepared in Lubumbashi and pulps will be submitted to ALS Global in Ireland for assay.

QP Statement

Mr Stephen Alan Mawson is a consultant of AJN Resources Inc. and qualified geologist and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Geological Science) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP Reg. No. 400074/03) and a member of the Geological Society of South Africa. Mr Mawson is a qualified person (QP) under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. All of the QAQC samples (2 Certified Reference Material, 1 Blank and a Duplicate) submitted into the sampling stream (47 samples) have returned acceptable results.

About AJN Resources Inc.

AJN is a junior exploration company. AJN's management and directors possess over 75 years of collective industry experience and have been very successful in the areas of exploration, financing and developing major mines throughout the world, with a focus on Africa, especially the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

For further information, please contact Investor Relations:

Sheena Eckhof

Director, Investor Relations

sheena@eckhofconsulting.com

Visit us at www.ajnresources.com

Tel: +44 7496 291547

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Klaus Eckhof

CEO and President

klauseckhof@monaco.mc

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although AJN Resources Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, AJN Resources Inc. disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

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.

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/191964

SOURCE: AJN Resources Inc.
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XRP Healthcare, a leading player in the healthcare industry, is proud to announce the appointment of Keith Errey, founder of Isansys, as a strategic advisor to the company. With an illustrious career marked by leadership in healthcare innovation and a proven track record of success, Keith brings invaluable expertise to the XRP Healthcare team.

Keith Errey is widely recognized for his pivotal role in establishing and leading Isansys, a world-leading medtech, medical device, and digital healthcare company. The company, under his guidance, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing remote patient monitoring through its groundbreaking Patient Status Engine (PSE). This innovative platform employs wearable sensors and wireless communication to continuously collect vital signs and physiological data, enabling real-time monitoring across diverse patient populations.

Isansys has collaborated with healthcare institutions, and organisations, and supported many clinical research trials, most notably its collaboration with the NHS (National Health Service) to deploy the PSE into hospital and home care settings. These partnerships aim to improve patient care, enable early intervention, and enhance healthcare efficiency.

Isansys' commitment to excellence has garnered prestigious awards, including being named the 'Best Medtech Company' in the UK Medtech 50 and receiving the 'Best Established Medtech Company' accolade at the 2021 UK IT Industry Awards. These recognitions underscore Isansys' dedication to improving patient outcomes and enhancing healthcare efficiency on a global scale.

Keith Errey's appointment as an advisor to XRP Healthcare reflects the company's commitment to strategic growth and innovation in the healthcare sector. With his extensive experience, including successfully taking a previous company public, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to guide XRP Healthcare in its mission to consolidate the highly fragmented private healthcare industry in Africa through mergers, acquisitions, and blockchain solutions.

Commenting on his new role, Keith Errey expressed enthusiasm about joining XRP Healthcare, stating, "I am excited to be part of the XRP Healthcare team and contribute to their mission of transforming the healthcare landscape in Africa. The potential for innovation and positive impact is immense, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive strategic initiatives and contribute to the company's success."

XRP Healthcare Founder Kain Roomes welcomed Keith Errey, stating, "We are thrilled to have Keith on board as a strategic advisor. His visionary leadership and proven expertise in healthcare innovation align perfectly with our goals at XRP Healthcare. We are confident that Keith's guidance will play a crucial role in our continued success and our commitment to reshaping healthcare in Africa."

Business Development officer Laban Roomes also commented on Keith's appointment with this statement: "Keith was introduced to us through Spiritus Medical, NASA-Licensees ventilator manufacturers. Their collaboration helped deliver the first NASA-designed ventilator to Uganda. After engaging with Keith, it became evident that our goals were aligned. His wealth of experience, particularly with NHS, and pioneering technology capable of potentially saving organizations billions annually, convinced us to offer him the position. He'll play a pivotal role in navigating our roadmap's next phases."

About XRP Healthcare:

XRP Healthcare is the first Pharma and Healthcare platform on the XRP Ledger, enabling fast global payments, improving healthcare access in emerging markets, and creating real-world utility by transforming global healthcare through mergers, acquisitions and blockchain - www.xrphealthcare.com

About Isansys:

Founded in 2010, Isansys is a global leader in MedTech, medical devices, and digital healthcare, pioneering the development of the Patient Status Engine, the most comprehensive, wireless, and user-friendly advanced patient monitoring platform - www.isansys.com

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia and MADRID, Spain, Dec. 21, 2023),),), an innovative leader in the fintech industry, and Skylink Global S.L., a dynamic spin-off of Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier, join forces to offer a wide range of services to their customers, demonstrating the power of synergy between financial services and telecommunications. It also underlines both companies' commitment to create solutions that make a real difference in people's lives.



Skylink Global is committed to transforming the communications and financial industries with its all-in-one superapp, Zendy. The app offers streamlined solutions including international calls and money transfers, improving the overall customer experience for people travelling around the globe. Future plans include the addition of features such as bank accounts, credit cards and mobile payments, addressing the existing gap for an all-inclusive solution that combines communication services with a diverse array of financial options.

This pioneering collaboration is set to seamlessly integrate RevoluGROUP's cutting-edge financial technology platform with Skylink Global's communication platform, paving the way for an extensive range of services irrespective of geographical boundaries, and setting a new industry standard in the financial services industry.

"We're thrilled about our collaboration with Skylink Global and their associates. It's a partnership that blends vision, innovation, and dedication to shape the future of fintech and telecommunications," said Gavin McMillan, CEO of RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. "Our strategic partnership with Skylink Global and the collaboration with Visa Direct platform establishes a secure global network, enabling us to expand and accelerate payment settlements to minutes, not days. This collaboration marks a significant stride toward providing an efficient and comprehensive platform for seamless financial transactions."

"We are proud to partner with RevoluGROUP, a leader in the world of fintech, and we are equally proud to bring Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier technology to our customers. Skylink Global was born out of a successful project initiated within the Deutsche Telekom Lean Innovation program, and is a direct result of the passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit there. By integrating Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier's Communication Platform into our superapp Zendy, we enhance our ability to provide cutting-edge communication solutions to our users, bringing together the worlds of telecommunications and financial services in the same app," added Erika Hernandez, CEO of Skylink Global S.L.

With its significant global reach and leading technology, Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier provides Skylink Global with a robust and secure platform, bolstering its ability to provide communication services worldwide with unparalleled quality.

The partnership between RevoluGROUP and Skylink Global leverages the collaborationbetween RevoluGROUP and Visa) and the Visa Direct platform, that enables fast and secure global instant payments from business/government to small business, government-to-consumer and consumer-to-consumer payments directly to billions of recipients worldwide, demonstrating RevoluGROUP's commitment to working with globally recognized ICT companies to supply customers with rapid, secure, and more accessible money transfer solutions.

Under the terms of the agreement between RevoluGROUP and Skylink Global, the process will begin with developing the white-label financial services platform, delivered in early 2024 with a full-scale launch of Skylink Global's superapp, Zendyfollowing shortly thereafter.

About Skylink

Skylink is an innovative spin-off from Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier, committed to provide fintech solutions and high-quality communication solutions to its users. With a focus on innovation and user experience, Skylink leverages cutting-edge technologies to deliver seamless connectivity. For more information, please visit https://skylink.com.es

Skylink Global, S.L.

Tel.: +34 629 55 41 18

E-Mail: info@skylink.com.es

About RevoluGROUP Canada Inc.

RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. is a multi-asset, multidivisional, publicly traded Canadian Company deploying advanced technologies in; Banking, Mobile Apps, Money Remittance, Cross-Border Forex Payments, Mobile Phone Top-Ups, EGaming, Healthcare Payments, Esports, Invoice factoring, Online Travel, Vacation Resort, Blockchain Systems, and Fintech app sectors. Click hereto read more.

For further information on RevoluGROUP Canada Inc.), visit the Company's website at www.RevoluGROUP.com.

RevoluGROUP Canada, Inc.

"Gavin McMillan"

______________________

Gavin McMillan

CEO and Director

For further information, contact:

RevoluGROUP Canada Inc.

Telephone:

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Zesty's compelling, customer-centric value proposition, supported by its trusted cloud optimization technology and immense cost-savings earned the company 4.9 out of 5 stars for customer satisfaction

TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zesty , a pioneer of automated cloud cost optimization, today announced a nearly perfect CSAT (Customer Satisfaction Score), earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as 2023 concludes. These results are consistent with anecdotal reports of Zesty's customer experience providing accurate, and effective interactions that deliver fast resolutions to queries.

The CSAT questionnaire included questions addressing both the quality of customer care "How would you rate your most recent support interaction?", and the expediency of issue resolution "How satisfied are you with the resolution of your issue(s)?". Customer feedback for both domains reflected near-perfect scores.

Zesty's customer success practices were developed to reflect its dedication to delivering real, long-term value to customers not only through its technology offerings but also by building meaningful value for its customers.

"At Zesty, our primary objective has always been to streamline cloud cost optimization by enhancing customer experience," said Ben Larboni, Zesty's Director of Customer Success. "We're proud that Zesty's CSAT score reflects that we've achieved that goal, especially now as cloud spend continues to skyrocket. Mature FinOps practices are no longer a nice-to-have but are essential for companies that are serious about getting their cloud budget in check. We're thrilled to be a staple on that journey for our customers."

Zesty's solutions automate cloud resource allocation to meet real-time business needs, alleviating DevOps teams of manual cloud resource management and assisting FinOps teams by reducing the costs of developing and running applications in the cloud. Zesty's technology reduces cloud storage costs by up to 70% and EC2 costs by up to 50%.

Requiring minimal installation effort, Zesty's solutions harness AI machine learning to automate cloud resource allocation to match ever-changing business needs, protecting performance and stability while cutting costs. Zesty's solutions employ a success-based payment model, where customers only pay in direct correlation to the value received, cutting financial commitments and substantially minimizing risk.

Zesty's portfolio consists of thousands of users through both direct customers and an extensive network ecosystem. To read more about customer experiences with Zesty, click here .

About Zesty

Zesty helps organizations to be more adaptable to changing business needs by making their cloud infrastructure more dynamic. With offerings for compute, block storage, and Kubernetes, Zesty automatically scales resources to meet application demand in real-time. This helps DevOps teams to slash cloud costs, maintain perfect app performance, minimize the hassle of managing infra, and fully realize the true flexibility of the cloud.

Founded in 2019 Zesty was built with the vision of making the cloud more affordable and accessible. With three offices in San Mateo, Tel Aviv, and Kiev, Zesty is supporting thousands of organizations to get maximum value out of their cloud infrastructure.

Media Contact

Kate Schoenstadt

kate@headline.media

IL: +972(0)-54-7776684

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Helium Ventures Plc - Result of AGM

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 21

Helium Ventures plc

("Helium Ventures" or the "Company")

Result of AGM

Helium Ventures plc (AQSE:HEV), announces that at the Annual General Meeting, which was held earlier today, all resolutions were duly passed. Resolution 5 which related to the proposed change of name of the Company was withdrawn.

As a consequence, the Company's name will remain unchanged, as will the ticker code "HEV" and the Company's website address, which contains the information required to be published pursuant to Rule 4.14 of the AQSE Growth Market Access Rulebook.

The results of the poll voting (which includes votes submitted by proxy) will be available shortly on the Company's website: https://heliumvs.com/

ENDS



Enquiries:

Helium Ventures plc Neil Ritson +44 (0) 20 3475 6834 Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (AQSE Corporate Adviser) Liam Murray / Ludovico Lazzaretti +44 (0) 20 72130 880
CHICAGO, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterinary Imaging Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $1.9 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $2.9 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The Veterinary Imaging Market is experiencing explosive growth, fueled by a confluence of factors. Rising pet ownership and increasing awareness of animal health are driving demand for diagnostic tools, with pet insurance penetration further fueling this trend. Technological advancements are fueling this growth, with digital radiography (DR) replacing traditional X-ray films, offering faster diagnosis and lower radiation doses.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Veterinary Imaging Market"

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Veterinary Imaging Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $1.9 billion Estimated Value by 2029 $2.9 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% Market Size Available for 2021 - 2029 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By product, modality, animal type, application end user and region Geographies Covered North America

US



Canada

Europe

Germany



France



UK



Italy



Spain



Benelux



Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

Japan



China



India



Australia



South Korea



Rest of APAC

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico



Rest of LATAM

Middle East and Africa

GCC Countries Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Untapped potential of emerging markets Key Market Drivers Growing prevalence of animal diseases

Advancements in CT and ultrasound technology are also opening doors for more precise diagnoses and minimally invasive procedures. Specialization within veterinary medicine is creating a demand for imaging solutions tailored to specific needs, like equine or avian imaging. Remote patient monitoring and telemedicine are also creating new opportunities for veterinary imaging, particularly in rural areas.

Additionally, growing concerns about animal welfare and ethical considerations are driving the development of low-dose and animal-friendly imaging techniques. This dynamic market is attracting major players like GE Healthcare and Carestream, who are constantly innovating and investing in research and development.

The Veterinary Imaging Market is further segmented based on the product, modality, application, animal type, end-user, and region.

The veterinary imaging instruments segment holds the largest market share during the forecast period.

The veterinary imaging instruments market is surging, fueled by booming pet ownership, rising awareness of animal health, and increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures. Technological advancements like low-dose X-ray systems, AI-powered image reconstruction, and mobile ultrasound solutions are democratizing access and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the growing focus on preventive care and early disease detection is driving demand for point-of-care tools like portable radiography systems.

Sustainability concerns are also influencing the market, with manufacturers developing eco-friendly options and focusing on reducing radiation exposure. The trend towards cloud-based image management and AI-powered analytics is further streamlining workflows and improving collaboration between veterinarians and specialists.

The portable instruments segment is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period.

The increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures and the demand for real-time diagnostics at the point-of-care are driving the need for smaller, mobile equipment. Advancements in technology, like miniaturization and wireless connectivity, are making portable X-ray, ultrasound, and even CT scanners more accessible and user-friendly for veterinarians. This shift towards portability also aligns with the growing popularity of decentralized animal care models, including mobile clinics and farm-based veterinary services.

Additionally, the rising prevalence of zoonotic diseases and the increasing focus on preventative care are further propelling the demand for accessible and rapid diagnostic tools. The rising adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning in veterinary imaging is another exciting trend, offering faster analysis and improved diagnostic accuracy. Overall, the portable veterinary imaging instruments market is poised for continued growth, driven by technological advancements, evolving healthcare models, and a growing awareness of animal health and welfare.

In the end-user segment, veterinary clinics and diagnostic centers hold the largest market share in the Veterinary Imaging Market.

The end users market in 2022 was dominated by veterinary clinics and diagnostic centers. The Veterinary Imaging Market for clinics and diagnostic centers is booming, fueled by rising pet ownership, increased awareness of preventative care, and technological advancements. The growing popularity of pet insurance and higher disposable incomes are enabling clinics to invest in X-ray, CT, and ultrasound technologies, leading to earlier disease detection and improved patient care. The rise of minimally invasive surgeries further demands high-resolution imaging for precise planning, while AI-powered tools and cloud-based platforms are enhancing diagnostic accuracy and streamlining workflows. Ultimately, the desire to provide pets with the best possible care and the growing focus on animal welfare are driving a surge in advanced imaging adoption, transforming veterinary clinics and diagnostic centers into sophisticated centers of animal healthcare.

North America will continue to dominate the Veterinary Imaging Market in 2029.

On the basis of region, the Veterinary Imaging Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa and GCC countries. North America has various advantages-an advanced healthcare system, high public and private healthcare spending, a rise in the companion animal population, and the significant presence of prominent players in the region are the major factors contributing to the growth of North America and the largest share of the Veterinary Imaging Market APAC is known to grow at the highest rate. The growth in the market can be attributed to increasing R&D activities, and high growth in the veterinary healthcare industries.

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Veterinary Imaging Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

1. Growing prevalence of animal diseases

Restraints:

1. High cost of veterinary imaging instruments

Opportunities:

1. Untapped potential of emerging markets

Challenge:

1. Shortage of veterinary practitioners in developed markets

Key Market Players of Veterinary Imaging Industry:

The global Veterinary Imaging Market is consolidated in nature, with the top players, namely, GE Healthcare (US), Carestream Health (US), IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (US), Agfa-Gevaert N.V. (Belgium), and Esaote S.p.A (Italy) accounting for a larger share of the market.

A breakdown of the primary participants (supply-side) for the Veterinary Imaging Market referred to for this report is provided below:

By Company Type: Tier 1: 42%, Tier 2: 35%, and Tier 3: 23%

By Designation: C-level Executives: 28%, Directors: 35%, and Others: 37%

By Region: North America: 33%, Europe: 24%, Asia Pacific: 18%, Latin America: 10%; Middle East: 10%; Africa: 5%

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Recent Developments:

In October 2023, Carestream Health Inc. partnered with EXAMION, a provider and servicer of medical imaging solutions in Germany for more than 30 years. The alliance strengthens Carestream's commitment to providing healthcare organizations in Germany and throughout Europe with innovative diagnostic imaging solutions.

In June 2023, Esaote North America, Inc. launched new veterinary MyLab X90VET Ultrasound system in North America. An extension of the popular MyLab family, the MyLab X90VET comes equipped with intelligent proprietary Augmented Insight technology.

In January 2023, GE HealthCare and Sound Technologies collaborated to distribute the Vscan Air, a wireless pocket-sized ultrasound that provides crystal clear image quality, whole patient scanning capabilities, and intuitive software to veterinary practices in the United States.

Veterinary Imaging Market - Key Benefits of Buying the Report:

The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall Veterinary Imaging Market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.

This report provides insights into the following pointers:

Analysis of key drivers (increasing rate of companion animal population, growing number of veterinary practitioners and their rising income levels in developed economies, growing prevalence of animal diseases), restraints (high cost of veterinary imaging instruments, rising rate of pet care costs), opportunities (untapped emerging markets) and challenges (lack of animal healthcare awareness in emerging countries.

Shortage of veterinary practitioners, especially in developing markets) influencing the growth of the Veterinary Imaging Market

Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on product portfolios offered by the top players in the global Veterinary Imaging Market. The report analyzes this market by product, application, animal type, end user, and region.

Product Enhancement/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming trends and product launches in the global Veterinary Imaging Market.

Market Development: Comprehensive information on the lucrative emerging markets by product, application, animal type, end user, and region.

Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products and services, growing geographies, recent developments, and investments in the global Veterinary Imaging Market.

Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, product and service offerings, and capabilities of leading players in the global Veterinary Imaging Market.

Related Reports:

Veterinary Diagnostic Market - Global Forecasts to 2029

Veterinary Ultrasound Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

X-Ray Detectors Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Animal Wound Care Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Veterinary Dental Equipment Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

The Global Biotechnology Industry Outlook - 2024

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - FluroTech Ltd. (TSXV: TEST.H) ("FluroTech" or the "Company") and Great Slave Helicopters 2018 Ltd. ("GS Heli") are pleased to announce that they have entered into a non-binding letter of intent in connection with an assignment agreement dated December 21, 2023 (the "Letter of Intent"), pursuant to which the Company and GS Heli intend to complete a business combination or other similarly structured transaction which will constitute a reverse take-over of the Company by GS Heli (the "Transaction"). In connection with the Transaction, the Company intends to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of GS Heli (the "GS Heli Shares"). It is intended that the Transaction will constitute a "Reverse Take-Over" for the Company, as such term is defined in Policy 5.2 ("Policy 5.2") of the Corporate Finance Manual of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). Additionally, it is intended that the Transaction will constitute the Company's "reactivation" under the policies of the TSXV and that upon completion of the Transaction (the "Closing") and satisfaction of all conditions of the TSXV, the Company as it exists upon completion of the Transaction (the "Resulting Issuer") will have its listing transferred from the NEX board of the TSXV ("NEX") to the TSXV.

About Great Slave Helicopters 2018 Ltd.

Information regarding GS Heli

GS Heli is a privately-held corporation existing under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). Headquartered in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, GS Heli is a helicopter company with a long-standing reputation for safety, a diverse range of specialized services and logistical support. GS Heli has over 36 years of successful operations, a fleet of single and twin engine turbine helicopters and a team of experienced professionals that continue to meet the needs of its customers in the public and private sectors. The only shareholder that holds a controlling interest both directly and indirectly in GS Heli is Mr. Pat Campling, whose credentials are outlined below.

Following the Closing, the Company expects to operate in the aviation industry, addressing the needs of helicopter aviation in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. With the largest local helicopter support infrastructure in northern Canada, the Company anticipates that it will significantly expand the demand for its services, drawing on a senior executive team and board that bring experience in key target markets from aviation and aircraft sectors and its strong partnerships with First Nations throughout the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia and Alberta.

Summary of Financial Information of GS Heli

Year ended October 31, 2022 (unaudited) Year ended October 31, 2021 (unaudited) Gross profit $8,046,623 $7,665,512 Net income $584,933 $1,247,858 Total assets $53,635,376 $51,311,489 Total liabilities $24,878,719 $23,139,765 Total current assets $9,848,541 $8,922,319 Total current liabilities $9,456,849 $8,812,230





About FluroTech

FluroTech was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on May 24, 2018. FluroTech is currently inactive with limited operations and the common shares of FluroTech ("Common Shares") are currently listed on the NEX. FluroTech has no commercial operations and no assets other than cash and is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.

Transaction Terms

The material terms and conditions outlined in the Letter of Intent are non-binding on the parties and the Letter of Intent is, among other things, conditional on the execution of a definitive merger, amalgamation, share exchange agreement or other similar form of transaction agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") to be negotiated between the parties. There is no assurance that a Definitive Agreement will be successfully negotiated or entered into.

In connection with the proposed Transaction, it is currently contemplated that all of the issued and outstanding GS Heli Shares will be acquired by the Company for an acquisition price of ~$75 million, subject to customary adjustments, on a debt free basis (the "Purchase Price"). The Purchase Price is expected to be satisfied through a combination of bank term debt, cash and shares of the Resulting Issuer, in proportions to be determined by the Company and GS Heli. The Transaction as proposed is an arm's length transaction under the policies of the TSXV.

GS Heli does not currently have any securities convertible or exercisable for GS Heli Shares outstanding.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, receipt of applicable regulatory and stock exchange approvals, including the approval of the TSXV, completion of satisfactory due diligence and the execution of the Definitive Agreement and related transaction documents.

Summary of Bridge Financing

In connection with the Transaction, FluroTech intends to complete a private placement of Common Shares for minimum proceeds of $500,000 and a maximum of $1,000,000 at a price of $0.10 per Common Share (the "Bridge Financing"). In accordance with Policy 5.2, the proceeds of the Bridge Financing will be used specifically for purposes of funding the costs associated with completing the Transaction, including costs related to audit fees, legal fees, preparation of necessary documentation for the Transaction and due diligence costs. Final approval of the Bridge Financing remains subject to approval of the TSXV, develop the Business (as defined below), and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Consolidation

Prior to the closing of the Bridge Financing, FluroTech will complete a consolidation of the Common Shares on a 10:1 basis, as approved by the shareholder of FluroTech at its last annual general and special meeting.

Change of Business

Upon Closing of the Transaction and completion of the Concurrent Financing, it is anticipated that FluroTech will carry on the business of the aviation industry, addressing the needs of helicopter aviation in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, and focus on subsequent acquisition of businesses in the aviation sector (the "Business") and will meet the Tier 1 Initial Listing Requirements for an Industrial Issuer, such that FluroTech will be graduated from the NEX to the TSXV. In connection with the Closing, it is anticipated that FluroTech will change its name to "Canadian Aviation Partners Ltd." in order to more accurately reflect its operations and the Business.

Pursuant to Section 4.1 of Policy 5.2, FluroTech will not be obtaining shareholder approval of the Transaction as: (i) the Transaction is not a "Related Party Transaction" and does not involve any Non-Arm's Length Parties (as such terms are defined in the policies of the TSXV); (ii) FluroTech is without active operations and is currently listed on the NEX; and (iii) FluroTech is not subject to, and, to the best of its knowledge will not be subject to, a cease trade order on completion of the Transaction. However, the structure of the Transaction is being finalized and, based on the final structure as reflected in the Definitive Agreement, shareholder approval may be required under applicable law. Trading in the Common Shares has been halted and is not expected to resume until the Transaction is completed or until the TSXV receives the requisite documentation to resume trading.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, receipt of applicable regulatory and stock exchange approvals, including the approval of the TSXV, completion of satisfactory due diligence and the execution of the Definitive Agreement and related transaction documents.

Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer and Board Member.

The Company is also please to announce the appointment of Michael Rodyniuk as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the addition of Mr. Rodyniuk to the board of directors of FluroTech. A description of Mr. Rodyniuk's credentials is set out below. Concurrently with the appointment of Mr. Rodyniuk, Mr. Danny Dalla-Longa, the current Chief Executive Officer of the Company, has agreed to resign from his officer position with the Company. Mr. Dalla-Longa will remain as a member of the board of directors of FluroTech. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Dalla-Longa for his services as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and is excited to have him continue on as a director as the Company works to complete the Transaction.

Management and Board of Directors of the Resulting Issuer

Subject to applicable shareholder and TSXV approval, it is anticipated that management and the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer will consist of:

Michael Rodyniuk - Chief Executive Officer and Director

Mr. Rodyniuk is a distinguished leader in the aviation industry and currently spearheads Canadian Aviation Partners Inc. as President and Chief Executive Officer. He has previously held leadership roles with Canadian North Airlines and West Wind Aviation as President and Chief Executive Officer, and with Hawaii Island Air as an executive. Mr. Rodyniuk's previous industry experience is also enriched by his past roles with Winnipeg Airports Authority as Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, with WestJet as a Director of Revenue and with the Exchange Income Corporation as the Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer.

Michael Partab - Chief Financial Office

Michael Partab, CFA, CPA, FCCA, MBA, is a distinguished finance professional that served as the Chief Financial Officer at Roust. He boasts a rich educational and professional background, including credentials as a Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Public Accountant, and Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, coupled with a Master of Business Administration. Prior to his role at Roust, Michael was the Head of Finance at British American Tobacco, where he played a crucial role in financial planning and strategy. His expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and risk management has made him a pivotal figure in the industry, known for his analytical skills and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes effectively.

Dale Wang - Chief Investment Officer

At ACUIE Family Office, Mr. Wang oversaw the management of a substantial $450 million assets under management (AUM) portfolio, showcasing his profound capability in asset and investment management. His role involved a strategic approach to General Partner (GP) screening, ensuring that investments were placed with reliable and high-performing fund managers. He also exercised meticulous risk diligence, evaluating potential financial exposures and implementing measures to mitigate them effectively. Additionally, Mr. Wang provided comprehensive underwriting services, assessing the financial viability and stability of investment opportunities to guide sound decision-making. His expertise in these areas underpinned the financial success and integrity of the family office's investment portfolio.

James O'Brien - General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Former M&A partner at a national law firm for 12 years representing a broad range of clients and regularly advising on various corporate matters focusing on the sale and acquisition of businesses across a wide array of industries including agriculture, manufacturing, aviation, transport and healthcare. Founder of a Canadian real estate asset management firm focused on the development of multi-family housing. Challenged and passed CFA Level 1 and CFA Level 2 exams with the intent of gaining the CFA designation in May of 2024.

Pat Campling - Director

Mr. Campling is the current owner and CEO of GS Heli. Mr. Campling is an aviation executive from Northern Saskatchewan with over 43 years of aviation experience and comes from a long line of aviation pioneers and innovators, being the son of the late Pat Campling Sr., the founder of La Ronge Aviation. Prior to his role as CEO of Great Slave Helicopters, Pat was the co-founder of Trans West Air and served as interim chief executive of Saskatchewan-based group West Wind Aviation.

Sid Dutchak - Director

Mr. Dutchak is a current director of FluroTech and will stay on as a director of the Resulting Issuer. Mr. Dutchak has a background in corporate and commercial law from Saskatchewan, transitioned to Calgary in 1992 as CEO of a publicly traded company. He was previously Saskatchewan's Attorney General and Chairman of Saskatchewan Mining Development Corp. (now Cameco Corp.). In Calgary, Mr. Dutchak has focused on managing public companies, serving in senior roles across various exchanges in Canada and the USA. Mr. Dutchak is skilled in structuring public companies and organizing financings and has been a key player in private and public startup ventures. He holds a B.Law from the University of Saskatchewan and is honored with the Queen's Counsel designation for his legal and public service achievements.

Stefan Georgescu- Director

Mr. Georgescu has a robust background in industry roll-ups having been involved with several high-profile Canadian industry consolidators. Mr. Georgescu has been part of National Bank's M&A investment banking team and Novacap, one of Canada's most successful private equity funds with over $8B of AUM. Mr. Georgescu played a key part in the early success of MSP Corp, an MSP consolidator that achieved a landmark sale to a private equity consortium for over $100M in under 3 years. He also played a key role in driving several operational initiatives for Canada Diagnostic Centres, Canada's largest medical imaging group which is an active consolidator. His career also includes time in Private Equity at Walter Capital and BDG & Partners. Throughout all of his roles, he has had a focus on roll-ups, contributed to operational value enhancement and the execution of M&A strategies.

Details of any further proposed board appointment nominees will be disclosed by press release, when determined.

Proposed Concurrent Financing

Prior to or concurrent with the closing of the Transaction, the Company intends to complete a brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at price and aggregate gross proceeds to be determined in the context of the market (the "Offering Price"). Each Subscription Receipt will be automatically exchanged immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction for one Common Share. In connection with the Private Placement, it is anticipated that an agent or a syndicate of agents will be paid fees and a cash commission for their services commensurate with industry norms.

Debt Conversion

At Closing, it is anticipated that approximately $347,000 of FluroTech's existing debt will be converted into shares of the Resulting Issuers at the Offering Price.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship of the Transaction is required by the TSXV unless an exemption from this requirement can be obtained in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. FluroTech intends to apply for an exemption to the sponsorship requirement. There is no assurance that an exemption from this requirement will be obtained.

Trading Halt

In accordance with Policy 5.2, the Common Shares of FluroTech are currently halted from trading and are expected to remain halted pending the requirements of Section 2.5 of Policy 5.2 being met.

Additional Information

Additional information concerning the Transaction and any connected transactions of the Company, GS Heli and the Resulting Issuer, including details on the Bank Debt, Private Placement, Transaction terms, board and management appointments, and other matters, will be provided in subsequent news releases and in the Company's management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, to be filed in connection with the Transaction, which will be available under Flurotech's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

All information contained in this press release with respect to the Company and GS Heli was supplied by or from the respective party for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval, the completion of a Definitive Agreement and closing conditions customary to transactions of this nature. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

For further information contact:

Curtis Smith

403-472-1412

c.smith@flurotech.com

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements and information concerning: the Transaction; the proposed structure by which the Transaction is to be completed; the Bridge Financing; the Private Placement and the terms thereof, including the issuance of Subscription Receipts and Offering Price; the completion of the Consolidation; the proposed name change of the Company; that the Transaction will constitute the "reactivation" of FluroTech under the policies of the TSXV; satisfaction of the Purchase Price (including the Bank Debt); and the officers and directors upon completion of the Transaction. FluroTech cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of FluroTech, including expectations and assumptions concerning FluroTech, the Transaction, the timely receipt of all required TSXV and regulatory approvals and exemptions (as applicable) and the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the Letter of Intent. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of FluroTech. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and FluroTech does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law.

THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191975

SOURCE: FluroTech Ltd.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / CACI

Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, U.S. Army (Ret.) passionately strives to be the driving force behind mission success in all that he does.

As a high-school student in 1980, Thetford recalls feeling helpless while watching the news after Iranian militants overran the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, and the subsequent hostage rescue mission failed.

"I knew then that if our country ever had to conduct another mission of that significance, I wanted to be a part of that effort," he said. "This began my journey into serving the nation and the Special Operations community." Thetford completed his initial training for Infantry and Airborne at Ft. Benning the following year.

Before joining CACI, Thetford dedicated over 35 years to Special Operations, serving in roles within the Ranger Regiment and Special Missions Unit. He was later chosen to assume the position of Senior Enlisted Leader at the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and concluded his military career in 2019 as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Central Command.

In October 1993, Thetford played a pivotal role in the intense conflict known as the Battle of Mogadishu. While assigned to Task Force Ranger, he actively participated in the notorious two-day battle against Somalian forces and completed the now-famous Mogadishu Mile. In recognition of his heroic actions, Thetford was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second-highest award for valor.

During his exceptional military career, Thetford recognized the crucial nature of leading a team by example. "It's hard for me to imagine a worthy leader who will not perform at a level of what they expect of their people or work as hard as their subordinates in their duties," he said.

Accompanied by his unwavering commitment and support, Thetford joined CACI in 2019 and now serves as a Project Manager for the Special Operations Forces Emerging Threats, Operations, and Planning Support (SOFETOPS) contract. His strategic vision and drive set the standard for his team as they deliver expertise in integrated information warfare (IW) and electronic warfare (EW) solutions, training, readiness, and modernization to advance Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) missions.

Thetford has found that at CACI, upholding its culture of boundless ingenuity and opportunity takes precedence above all else. He nods to CACI President and CEO John Mengucci for fostering an environment in which employees can harness their talents and add value to the company's mission daily.

"This empowered culture that emphasizes a 'bias for action' was present in my experience in the Joint Special Operations Command and is the propulsion behind CACI's success today," he said. "I am so grateful to be a part of a company whose culture and mission are so deeply intertwined with that of the armed forces."

CACI serves as an organization in which employees are given the autonomy, trust, and support they need to thrive. Explore veteran career opportunities at CACI.

ABOUT CACI

At CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI), our 23,000 talented and dynamic employees are ever vigilant in delivering distinctive expertise and differentiated technology to meet our customers' greatest challenges in national security and government modernization. We are a company of good character, relentless innovation, and long-standing excellence. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. CACI is a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at caci.com.

Corporate Communications and Media:

Lorraine Corcoran

Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications

(703) 434-4165, lorraine.corcoran@caci.com

Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, U.S. Army (Ret.) pictured during his active-duty service and in his continued mission as a CACI employee.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CACI on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: CACI

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/caci

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: CACI

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): AGMEGM

Shareholders approve the sale of Evolva AG to Lallemand Inc. Swiss subsidiary at extraordinary general meeting



21.12.2023 / 17:45 CET/CEST





PRESS RELEASE

Shareholders approve the sale of Evolva AG to Lallemand Inc. Swiss subsidiary at extraordinary general meeting Reinach, 21 December 2023 - The shareholders of Evolva Holding SA (SIX: EVE), a pioneer in the field of natural molecules and industrial biotech, approved all the proposals put forward by the Board of Directors at today's extraordinary general meeting (EGM). The shareholders approved with large majorities (see details below) all proposals put forward by the Board of Directors: In particular, the sale by Evolva Holding SA of Evolva AG to Danstar Ferment AG, a Swiss affiliate of Lallemand Inc., was approved which secures the future of Evolva's operations. In addition, the dissolution and liquidation of Evolva Holding SA, the appointment of two board members as liquidators, the delisting of Evolva Holding SA (effective 6-12 months from the EGM) and the increase of the conditional capital to enable settlement of existing contractual obligations under remuneration programs was approved. Stephan Schindler, chairman of Evolva Holding SA, commented: "The Board of Directors regrets that, despite substantial operational improvements achieved over the last 20 months under the new management, the financing challenges made it impossible for Evolva to continue to develop its value potential as an independent stock-listed company. Given the dire alternative solutions, the transaction with Lallemand Inc. is by far the best option available for employees, partners, customers and the shareholders. We would like to thank the Evolva shareholders for their support in securing the future of Evolva AG's operations." The convocation of an EGM became necessary after Evolva Holding SA signed, on 20 November 2023, a share purchase agreement with Danstar Ferment AG regarding the sale of all shares in Evolva Holding SA's wholly owned subsidiary Evolva AG. Danstar Ferment AG is an affiliate of Lallemand Inc., a global leader in the development, production, and marketing of yeast, bacteria and specialty ingredients. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions precedent, including shareholder approval and receipt of a tax ruling. Both conditions precedent have now been satisfied. Closing is expected to occur on 28 December 2023. The shareholders today approved the proposals put forward by the Board of Directors with the following majorities: Agenda item 1 ( Approval of the sale of Evolva AG to Danstar Ferment AG ): with 90.83% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,052,011 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012).

): with 90.83% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,052,011 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012). Agenda item 2 ( Amendments to and increase of the conditional capital for employees, persons of similar status and members of the Board of Directors ): with 77.24% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,052,011 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012).

): with 77.24% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,052,011 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012). Agenda item 3 ( Dissolution and liquidation of Evolva Holding SA ): with 90.35% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,052,011 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012).

): with 90.35% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,052,011 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012). Agenda item 4 ( Appointment of two current board members as liquidators ):

4.1 Appointment of Stephan Schindler: with 92.38% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,002,825 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012).

4.2 Appointment of Beat In-Albon: with 92.46% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,011,555 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012).

): 4.1 Appointment of Stephan Schindler: with 92.38% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,002,825 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012). 4.2 Appointment of Beat In-Albon: with 92.46% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,011,555 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012). Agenda item 5 (Delisting of Evolva Holding SA from SIX Swiss Exchange): with 91.10% of the votes represented (votes represented: 3,052,011 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012). In addition, the EGM rejected a proposal by a shareholder at the meeting for a special investigation relating to the appropriateness of the purchase price consideration of the transaction with 99.85% of the votes represented (2,898,529 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 6,827,012).

Contact

Doris Rudischhauser

Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

+41 79 410 81 88

dorisr@evolva.com

About Evolva Holding SA

Evolva is a Swiss biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of ingredients based on nature. We have leading businesses in Flavors and Fragrances, Health Ingredients and Health Protection. Evolva's employees, half of which are women, are dedicated to make the best products that can contribute to health, wellness and sustainability. Find out more at evolva.com .

Disclaimer

This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws.

This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.



End of Media Release


Regulatory News:

Further to the announcement on 7 December 2023, Etablissements Maurel Prom S.A. ("M&P") (Paris:MAU) is pleased to confirm that is has successfully completed the acquisition of Wentworth Resources Plc ("Wentworth") as announced 5 December 2022 (the "Acquisition").

Following completion of the Acquisition, M&P's working interest in the Mnazi Bay asset increased from 48.06% to 80%, whilst TPDC holds the remaining 20%. TPDC, as per the Agreement signed with M&P, will now have one months to exercise its Call Option to increase its stake from 20% to 40%. The resulting working interests in the Mnazi Bay asset would be 60% for M&P and 40% for TPDC.

Commenting, Olivier de Langavant, Chief Executive Officer of M&P, said: "We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Wentworth. This is an important and exciting moment for M&P, as it sets the basis for the next phase of growth of its long and successful partnership with TPDC to bring about the continued growth and development of Tanzania's natural gas sector. We would further like to take this opportunity to thank our partners at TPDC and other Tanzanian Government stakeholders for working collaboratively to achieve a successful outcome of the Acquisition.

Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalised terms used in this announcement shall have the same meanings as defined in the announcements regarding the Acquisition made by M&P on 5 December 2022 and 7 December 2023.

Important information

This announcement is not intended to, and does not, constitute or form part of any offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to this announcement or otherwise. Any offer, if made, will be made solely by certain offer documentation which will contain the full terms and conditions of any offer, including details of how it may be accepted.

The distribution of this announcement in jurisdictions other than the United Kingdom and the availability of any offer to shareholders of Wentworth who are not resident in the United Kingdom may be affected by the laws of relevant jurisdictions. Therefore, any persons who are subject to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United Kingdom or shareholders of Wentworth who are not resident in the United Kingdom will need to inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable requirements.

Disclaimer

H&P Advisory Ltd ("Hannam Partners"), which is regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting exclusively for M&P and no-one else in connection with the possible offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than M&P for providing the protections afforded to clients of Hannam Partners nor for providing advice in relation to the acquisition or any other matters referred to in this announcement.

Disclosure requirements of the Code

Rule 8.3

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Code, any person who is interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified.

An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror, save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant dealing.

If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4).

Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure.

Publication of this announcement

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Code, a copy of this announcement will be available, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in restricted jurisdictions, at https://www.maureletprom.fr/en, by no later than 12 noon (London time) on 7 December 2023. The content of the website referred to in this announcement is not incorporated into and does not form part of this announcement.

_________________________________________ Francais English pieds cubes pc cf cubic feet millions de pieds cubes par jour Mpc/j mmcfd million cubic feet per day milliards de pieds cubes Gpc bcf billion cubic feet baril B bbl barrel barils d'huile par jour b/j bopd barrels of oil per day millions de barils Mb mmbbls million barrels barils equivalent petrole bep boe barrels of oil equivalent barils equivalent petrole par jour bep/j boepd barrels of oil equivalent per day millions de barils equivalent petrole Mbep mmboe million barrels of oil equivalent _________________________________________

For more information, please visit https://www.maureletprom.fr/en/

_________________________________________ This document may contain forecasts regarding the financial position, results, business and industrial strategy of Maurel Prom. By nature, forecasts contain risks and uncertainties to the extent that they are based on events or circumstances that may or may not happen in the future. These forecasts are based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which may prove to be incorrect and which depend on a number of risk factors, such as fluctuations in crude oil prices, changes in exchange rates, uncertainties related to the valuation of our oil reserves, actual rates of oil production and the related costs, operational problems, political stability, legislative or regulatory reforms, or even wars, terrorism and sabotage. _________________________________________

Maurel Prom is listed for trading on Euronext Paris CAC All-Tradable CAC Small CAC Mid Small Eligible PEA-PME and SRD Isin FR0000051070 Bloomberg MAU.FP Reuters MAUP.PA

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES OR ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220096979/en/

Contacts:

For further information:

Etablissements Maurel Prom S.A.

+33 1 53 83 16 00

Olivier de Langavant (CEO)

Pablo Liemann (Business Development Manager)

Matthieu Lefrancq (Business Development)

Hannam Partners Financial Advisor

+44 (0) 207 907 8500

Samuel Merlin

Ernest Bell

Mario Doerflinger

Celicourt Communications Limited

+44 (0)7525 951011

+44 (0)7947 868206

Mark Antelme

Philip Dennis

Maurel Prom

Press, shareholder and investor relations

Tel: +33 (0)1 53 83 16 45

ir@maureletprom.fr

NewCap

Financial communications and investor relations/Media relations

Louis-Victor Delouvrier/Nicolas Merigeau

Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 98 53/+33 (0)1 44 71 94 98

maureletprom@newcap.eu
Regulatory News:

Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI) signed today an agreement to sell the Becherovka brand and related assets (including the production and logistics facilities in Karlovy Vary) to Maspex Group. The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary conditions and is expected to occur before the end of June 2024.

Becherovka is an iconic Czech bitter created in 1807 whose original and unchanged recipe combines approximately 20 herbs and spices. Produced in the town of Karlovy Vary, where it holds its own visitor center, the herbal liqueur is one of the global leading bitter brands, especially across central Europe. The core original brand success has been progressively expanded over recent years with several innovative variations, such as Becherovka Lemond or Becherovka Unfiltered.

Krzysztof Pawinski, CEO of Maspex Group stated: "Becherovka is aheritage brand deeply rooted in local tradition with great growth potential. It is our 21st transaction overall and the 2nd deal in the spirits segment a category where we see vast opportunities. We would like to thank Pernod Ricard for their trust in our vision and all the parties supporting us in this competitive auction."

For Fabrice Audan, CEO of Pernod Ricard Wyborowa and of Pernod Ricard Central Eastern Europe management entity, "The sale of Becherovka is part of our active portfolio management and we will remain focused on our strong ambitions in Europe with a sharpened portfolio strategy. We wish the new owner of this iconic brand to build on the strong success we have paved over the years."

About Pernod Ricard:

Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine's, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier-Jouet champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality. Pernod Ricard's consolidated sales amounted to 12,137 million in fiscal year FY23.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code:FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices.

About Maspex Group:

Maspex is the largest private Polish company in the food industry and one of the largest in Eastern Europe. The company has nearly 70 brands in its portfolio, and its products are present in over 70 countries worldwide. Tymbark, Kubus, Lubella, Lowicz, Krakus, Kotlin, Puchatek, DecoMorreno, Cremona, Plusssz, and La Festa, Relax, Bucovina, River, Queens, Olympos, Apenta, Vellingrad are mostly market leaders, brands most valued in their categories by consumers in Poland and in the Central and Eastern European countries. In the spirits market, Maspex has been present since 2022 when it acquired CEDC, a leader in the vodka market and the largest importer of foreign alcohols in Poland. It has a portfolio of iconic and historic vodka brands such as Zubrowka (a legendary Polish brand with nearly 500 years of tradition, ranked 3rd in global vodka market volume, present in nearly 90 markets), Soplica (worldwide No. 8), Absolwent, and Bols. Products from Maspex's portfolio are manufactured in 17 modern production facilities in Poland and abroad. They produce 2.2 billion liters of juices, nectars, and beverages annually, over 280 thousand tons of pasta, grain, and instant products, nearly 180 thousand tons of jams and preserves, and 155 million liters of alcohol. Maspex focuses on organic growth and acquisitions. The company purchases 380 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables from Polish farmers annually and 130 thousand tons of wheat. In 2022, the company's sales revenue exceeded 14 billion PLN.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221081545/en/

Contacts:

Pernod Ricard

Florence Tresarrieu Global SVP Relations Investisseurs Tresorerie

+33 (0) 1 70 93 17 03

Edward Mayle Directeur Relations Investisseurs

+33 (0) 1 70 93 17 13

Charly Montet Responsable Relations Investisseurs

+33 (0) 1 70 93 17 13

Emmanuel Vouin Head of External Engagement

+33 (0) 1 70 93 16 34

Maspex Group

Director

Adam Urban M&A

a.urban@maspex.com
About Transgene Transgene (Euronext: TNG) is a biotechnology company focused on designing and developing targeted immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. Transgene's programs utilize viral vector technology with the goal of indirectly or directly killing cancer cells. The Company's clinical-stage programs consist of a portfolio of therapeutic vaccines and oncolytic viruses: TG4050, the first individualized therapeutic vaccine based on the myvac  platform, TG4001 for the treatment of HPV-positive cancers, as well as BT-001 and TG6050, two oncolytic viruses based on the Invir.IO viral backbone. With Transgene's myvac  platform, therapeutic vaccination enters the field of precision medicine with a novel immunotherapy that is fully tailored to each individual. The myvac  approach allows the generation of a virus-based immunotherapy that encodes patient-specific mutations identified and selected by Artificial Intelligence capabilities provided by its partner NEC. With its proprietary platform Invir.IO, Transgene is building on its viral vector engineering expertise to design a new generation of multifunctional oncolytic viruses. Additional information about Transgene is available at: www.transgene.fr Follow us on social media: X (ex-Twitter): @TransgeneSA LinkedIn: @Transgene

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.
Providing a Comprehensive and Efficient Solution for Remotely Managing School Displays

BREA, Calif., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, has partnered with New Rickstones Academy in Essex, England, and Academy Enterprise Trust (AET) to leverage ViewSonic Education Solutions to produce a 360-degree solution for enhancing classroom engagement and device management. Signifying an innovative approach to digital transformation, this collaboration utilizes the robust capabilities of myViewBoard Manager Advanced to achieve centralized remote control of campus devices. This effectively streamlines workflows and campus communication while driving energy savings for the trust.

"ViewSonic is committed to providing a comprehensive Education Ecosystem that not only improves learning outcomes and achievements but also implements sustainable solutions and products," said Clifford Chen, the General Manager of the Presentation Group at ViewSonic. "Our partnership with New Rickstones Academy and AET has realized our commitment to delivering a wraparound solution that empowers schools, teachers, and IT administrators to streamline their workload and communication, optimize resource allocation, and minimize energy consumption, creating a sustainable learning environment."

The Academy Enterprise Trust (AET), of which New Rickstones Academy is a part, oversees 57 schools across the United Kingdom and has implemented various interactive displays across its sites. While these technological upgrades have undoubtedly enriched the educational landscape, the extensive task of overseeing numerous devices across multiple locations has introduced notable complexity and time constraints for IT administrators. Furthermore, the absence of remote monitoring and updating tools has exacerbated the challenges associated with managing the trust's IT infrastructure.

Enhanced Efficiency with myViewBoard Manager Advanced

In pursuit of an optimal solution, AET forged a strategic alliance with ViewSonic to fortify its digital transformation efforts. The integrated solution encompasses ViewBoard interactive displays and myViewBoard software, including the cloud-based myViewBoard Manager Advanced device management platform, as well as the requisite training and support.

"The Trust is currently on a digital journey as we aim to migrate all our software to promote an eco-friendly environment," says Ben Moore, AET Technology Support Officer. "We use Manager Advanced in all our schools to schedule the displays' startup and shutdown every day, assigning profiles to devices, and digital signage across our Trust. During the trials, we observed that the ease of use was a standout feature. This is vital in classrooms as teachers want a reliable, user-friendly system, and ViewSonic has delivered that for us."

Prior to the partnership, the trust's IT administrators had to undertake the intricate and time-intensive process of manually updating the firmware for each device. Now, with the implementation of Manager Advanced, administrators can efficiently monitor device information, optimize tool usage, and update the firmware of every display seamlessly through a single web dashboard.

Manager Advanced's precise scheduling features seamlessly coordinate the daily startup and shutdown of AET's interactive displays, enabling centralized control for efficient device management and promoting energy conservation in the trust's schools. Its user-friendly QR code sign-in function grants teachers quick access, minimizing setup disruptions and allowing lessons to start almost instantly.

Thanks to its robust centralized management capabilities, Manager Advanced facilitates swift and effective communication across the entire campus. For instance, IT administrators can send text messages or multimedia content-such as videos, images, and web pages-to campus displays using the single web dashboard. This ensures that teachers and students are always up-to-date with essential information.

Beyond integrating the ViewSonic Education Ecosystem's hardware and software solutions, the trust's IT admins benefit from comprehensive after-care support and ongoing training provided by ViewSonic. This dedicated support goes beyond technical assistance, actively collaborating with the trust to design classroom spaces that maximize the potential of EdTech. Through this collaborative approach, ViewSonic empowers educators to unlock the full potential of technology, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students thrive.

For detailed insights into the digital transformation at New Rickstones Academy and AET, delve into the comprehensive case study video.

About New Rickstones Academy and AET

New Rickstones Academy is situated in Witham, Essex, and is part of Academy Enterprise Trust (AET). Established in 2008, AET is a national multi-academy trust, with over 33,000 students across 57 primary, secondary, and special schools.

About ViewSonic

Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global visual solutions provider, conducting business in over 100 countries worldwide. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, pen displays, commercial displays, All-in-One LED displays, ViewBoard interactive displays, myViewBoard software, and its ecosystem. With over 35 years of expertise in visual technology, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers "See the Difference." To find out more about ViewSonic, please visit www.viewsonic.com.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KidbOTugAyI

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1587181/Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/viewsonic-introduces-a-sustainable-display-management-ecosystem-to-new-rickstones-academy-and-aet-302020821.html
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / INETCO - the real-time fraud prevention platform trusted by financial institutions globally - has appointed Peter Sweers and Matt Dion to its Board of Directors as it prepares for its next stage of significant growth.

"We are thrilled to have Peter and Matt join INETCO's Board of Directors," said Bijan Sanii, Founder and CEO of INETCO. Peter's expertise in leading global financial services organizations, and Matt's exceptional record of driving revenue growth and shareholder value will be instrumental as INETCO embarks on its next phase of growth. I would also like to thank Mercedes DeLuca and John O'Hara for their years of dedicated service and valuable contributions to the board."

Peter Sweers is the former Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operations Officer for Interac Corp. He has a 30-year track record of executing strategies for complex and innovative technology within financial and global services organizations, including as Head of Banking and Global Wealth at CGI, and SVP Systems Development in Retail Banking at ScotiaBank.

"INETCO's real-time visibility into the entire transaction journey to prevent fraud using advanced AI is a unique differentiator," said Sweers. "The INETCO platform has been deployed by leading financial institutions and payment processors globally, and I look forward to working with the Board and Leadership team to propel continued growth for the organization."

Matt Dion helped grow Crystal Decisions from $10 million to over $300 million as a key member of the executive team, eventually driving over $22 billion in shareholder value. As VP Marketing at Apparent Networks, he repositioned the company which was subsequently acquired by Bain Capital, and at Elastic Path he rebranded and repositioned the company through several pivots, creating one of the most recognized global brands in ecommerce. Matt's experience as a board member includes 90 Degree Software (Microsoft) and Active State (Sophos), where he played a key role in both exits.

"With the fusion of fraud and advanced cyber-attacks on payment systems, financial institutions are losing billions annually," said Dion. "INETCO is solving a large and urgent problem, and I am honoured to join the INETCO Board to advance the organization's strategic vision during its scale-up."

About INETCO

INETCO protects payment systems from fraud and advanced cyber-attacks in real time. With complete visibility into the entire end-to-end transaction journey, INETCO identifies and prevents fraud with surgical precision before attacks can be carried out. INETCO is trusted by leading financial institutions and payment processors globally to protect their assets and their customers. For more information, visit www.inetco.com

Media:

Ali Solehdin

INETCO Systems Limited

604-297-1518

ali@inetco.com

Investors:

Lisa Payne

INETCO Systems Limited

604-297-1504

lpayne@inetco.com

SOURCE: INETCO Systems Limited

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The Company remains focused on securing additional financing to execute its strategic plan in rare diseases

Exclusive discussions with a leading investor to monetize royalties from TWYMEEG (Imeglimin) sales in Japan

Advanced discussions with several potential partners for each of the three Poxel's proprietary products: Imeglimin, PXL065 and PXL770

New cost-saving plan, including a significant reduction in headcount, to adapt resources to the Company's current needs pending the resumption of its research and development activities

Cash runway until March 2024, including tranches already drawn or fully available on the equity-linked financing facility with IRIS

Regulatory News:

POXEL SA (Euronext: POXEL FR0012432516) (Paris:POXEL), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for chronic serious diseases with metabolic pathophysiology, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare metabolic disorders, provides a corporate update.

With the priority objective of relaunching its R&D activities and executing its strategic plan in rare diseases, the Company has focused in recent months on securing additional financing, in particular non-dilutive solutions. In this context, the Company entered into exclusive negotiations with a leading investor to monetize royalties from TWYMEEG (Imeglimin) sales in Japan. In addition, the Company is in advanced discussions in some cases on an exclusive basis with several potential partners for each of its three products: Imeglimin, for several countries not covered by its agreement with Sumitomo Pharma, PXL065 and PXL770.

Poxel's goal is to finalize one or more of these financing options and/or partnerships by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Pending finalization of one or more of these agreements, and in a cautious approach given its limited financial visibility, the Company has entered into a new cost-saving plan, which includes a significant reduction in headcount and the departure of some members of Poxel's management team, in order to adapt the Company's cost structure to its current operating needs. Key functions that will enable the Company to finalize current transaction opportunities and continue its day-to-day operations are retained, with 6 people in charge of clinical, financial and business development functions.

As of September 30, 2023, total cash and cash equivalents were EUR 5.3 million (USD 5.6 million).

Based on:

its cash position as of September 30, 2023, the tranches already drawn1 or fully available2 as of the date of this press release under the equity-linked financing facility with IRIS, no research and development expenses, and a strict control of operating expenses,

Poxel expects that its resources, including funds available to it, will be sufficient to fund its operations and capital expenditure requirements until March 2024, by which time the Company expects to have finalized one or more of its ongoing transactions.

About Poxel SA

Poxel is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for chronic serious diseases with metabolic pathophysiology, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare disorders. For the treatment of NASH, PXL065 (deuterium-stabilized R-pioglitazone) met its primary endpoint in a streamlined Phase 2 trial (DESTINY-1). In rare diseases, development of PXL770, a first-in-class direct adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, is focused on the treatment of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). TWYMEEG (Imeglimin), Poxel's first-in-class product that targets mitochondrial dysfunction, is now marketed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Japan by Sumitomo Pharma and Poxel expects to receive royalties and sales-based payments. Poxel has a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Pharma for Imeglimin in Japan, China, and eleven other Asian countries. Listed on Euronext Paris, Poxel is headquartered in Lyon, France, and has subsidiaries in Boston, MA, and Tokyo, Japan.

For more information, please visit: www.poxelpharma.com

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim," "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the Company will enter into any of the transactions referenced above or do so in the timeframe referenced or that the Company's cash resources will last through the end of the first quarter of 2024.The Company does not endorse or is not otherwise responsible for the content of external hyperlinks referred to in this press release.

____________

1 Since March 31, 2023, 4 additional tranches have been drawn for a total amount of EUR 2.3 million.

2 The full drawdown of the IRIS equity-linked financing facility can only be executed subject to certain conditions, which are outlined in the Company's Universal Registration Document. At the date of this press release, the amount of redeemable bonds held by IRIS is EUR 6,370,000, and the Group has the ability to drawdown EUR 630,000 under the additional tranches.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221782423/en/

Contacts:

Investor relations Media

NewCap

Nicolas Fossiez, Aurelie Manavarere Arthur Rouille

poxel@newcap.eu

+33 1 44 71 94 94
Redde Northgate Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 21

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

21 December 2023

REDDE NORTHGATE PLC

("Redde Northgate" or the "Group" or the "Company")

Transaction in Own Shares

Redde Northgate plc (LSE:REDD) announces that on 21 December 2023 it purchased the following number of its own shares to be held in treasury:

Class of shares : Ordinary shares of 50p ("shares") Number of shares purchased : 50,000 Weighted average purchase price paid : 359.5 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 359.5 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 359.5 pence per share

Following the above transaction, the Company's issued share capital consists of 246,091,423 ordinary shares of 50p each, of which 17,290,071 ordinary shares are held in treasury, and 1,000,000 preference shares of 50p each which do not carry any rights to vote. Therefore the total number of voting rights in the Company is 228,801,352 which may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as incorporated into UK domestic law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the Company's buyback programme.

Schedule of Purchase - Individual Transaction (as at 21 December 2023)

Number of shares

purchased Transaction price

(GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 50000 359.50 09:46:55 00068252594TRLO0 LSE

Notes

This announcement is made in accordance with the requirements of Listing Rule 12.4.6.

For further information contact:

Buchanan

David Rydell/Jamie Hooper/Hannah Ratcliff +44 (0) 207 466 5000

Notes to Editors:

Redde Northgate is the leading integrated mobility solutions platform providing services across the vehicle lifecycle. The Company offers integrated mobility solutions to businesses, fleet operators, insurers, OEMs and other customers across seven key areas: vehicle rental, vehicle data, accident management, vehicle repairs, fleet management, service and maintenance, vehicle ancillary services and vehicle sales.

The Company's core purpose is to keep its customers mobile, whether through meeting their regular mobility needs or by servicing and supporting them when unforeseen events occur. With its considerable scale and reach, Redde Northgate's mission is to offer a market-leading customer proposition and drive enhanced returns for shareholders by creating value through sustainable compounding growth. The Group aims to achieve this through the delivery of its strategic framework of Focus, Drive and Broaden.

Redde Northgate services its customers through a network and diversified fleet of over 120,000 owned and leased vehicles, supporting over 600,000 managed vehicles, with more than 170 workshop, body shop and rental locations across the UK, Ireland and Spain and a specialist team of over 6,000 automotive services professionals.

Further information please visit the Company's website:
Birmingham, Alabama--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - With the holiday season in full swing and cyberattacks on the rise, Evolv I.T., a premier Managed Service Provider (MSP), has announced a holiday workstation special and recommends their hardware and infrastructure assurance programs to help businesses create their best defense against cybercrime. Evolv I.T. offers Hardware as a Service (Haas) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to businesses across all industries in the U.S., helping ensure they are always up-to-date with the latest hardware, software, and security.

To help ensure all businesses begin 2024 with fortified security and the latest workstation equipment, the company is offering a discount on Dell Latitude 5540 workstation laptops and a one-year free trial of the industry's most sought-after Security Awareness Training for the month of December. The goal of Evolv I.T.'s promotion is to empower businesses with a greater ability to protect their sensitive data from breaches, which increase in December each year.

CEO Daniel Herrera explains that Evolv I.T.'s engineers, cybersecurity experts, and technology support specialists typically see more hacking attempts during the holidays. "It happens for many reasons, particularly the rise in online shopping and promotional emails," he says. "When you consider that 1 in 2 North American Internet users were victims of breaches in 2021 alone and that there are 97 victims per hour, you can see why it is so important to be proactive about cybersecurity, especially in the workplace. We help combat cyber threats through our employee training and our Hardware as a Service package, which keeps businesses' equipment fortified from cyber threats."





Evolv I.T. CEO, Daniel Herrera, discussing promotions with the team at their Birmingham, AL headquarters



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8668/191670_77b067c2a4bd7be6_001full.jpg

Two of the biggest potential vulnerabilities a business may face are outdated hardware and software, which often do not have the latest security updates, and a lack of employee awareness about the tactics used by cybercriminals. Evolv I.T. is discounting the price of Dell Latitude 5540 workstation laptops to promote their most sought-after and highly recommended workstations for durability, bandwidth, and productivity. It is also providing a complimentary 12-month trial of its Security Awareness Training, which will help employees understand some of the major online threats they face, such as:

Spoofed domains (when cyber criminals fake a website name or email domain)

Malicious emails and phishing websites that seem legitimate

Tactics used by hackers to gain access to emails and personal information

Strategies for spotting fake invoices that appear to have been sent directly from employees' email addresses or a similar domain

The importance of flagging and reporting an email when in doubt

"At Evolv I.T., we believe deeply in helping businesses to fortify their cyber defenses and hope that December's promotion will empower them to guard their sensitive data and boost productivity," says Herrera. "We urge all businesses and their employees to be especially proactive about their cybersecurity this month. The top threats to workplace data and network security are your employees' lack of awareness and outdated workstation equipment. So, please take advantage of our free cybersecurity training and discounted computers. Being proactive is the first step towards understanding and combating the online risks you may face from hackers."

About Evolv I.T.

Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Evolv I.T. is a leading end-to-end Managed Services Provider with one of the industry's highest client satisfaction ratings (99.8%). Evolv I.T. offers revolutionary technology solutions to companies, such as technology lifecycle planning, asset management, 24/7/365 breach prevention, in-app shortcuts that reduce the risk of suspicious emails, ERP systems, software management, IT support, and more. Its national services increase the efficiency, productivity, security, scalability, and productivity of its clients. Evolv I.T. has been included in the Birmingham Business Journal's Best Places to Work two years in a row.

For more information, please see Evolv I.T.'s website or contact:

Danielle Womack, Director of Marketing and Communications, Evolv I.T.

dwomack@evolv.us

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191670

SOURCE: Imperium Group
Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE):

In line with its renewables business model, TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Thailand's national oil and gas company PTTEP for the sale of a 25.5% equity stake in the Seagreen offshore wind farm for a consideration of 522 million ($689 million). Following this farm down, TotalEnergies retains 25.5% of Seagreen, alongside PTTEP (25.5%) and SSE Renewables (49%).

This transaction implies an enterprise value of $4.3 billion (100%), equivalent to a multiple of 13 times the expected average EBITDA over the next 5 years, depending on future market prices.

With a total capacity of 1,075 MW, Seagreen is the world's deepest fixed bottom wind farm. Fully operational since October 2023, Seagreen is comprised of 114 turbines which can provide enough electricity to power more than 1.6 million homes, equivalent to two-thirds of all homes in Scotland.

In addition, TotalEnergies and PTTEP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint opportunities in the development of renewable energies.

"After a long history of partnership in gas production in Thailand, we are delighted to welcome PTTEP as a shareholder partner in the Seagreen offshore wind farm alongside SSE, which marks a first step in our collaboration with PTTEP in renewable energies. This transaction is a new milestone in the implementation of our transition strategy and will contribute to reaching our 12% profitability target in Integrated Power business", said Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies

"PTTEP is also very delighted to extend its partnership and collaboration with TotalEnergies in offshore wind as well as other potential renewable energy to foster mutual business growth in the future. The success also marks a significant step for PTTEP in diversifying into the high-growth potential clean energy sector for a sustainable future", said Montri Rawanchaikul, CEO of PTTEP.

The completion of the transaction is subject to receipt of applicable governmental and regulatory approvals.

TotalEnergies and offshore wind

TotalEnergies' portfolio in offshore wind has a total capacity of more than 16 GW, with most farms bottom-fixed. These projects are located in the United Kingdom (Seagreen, Outer Dowsing, West of Orkney, Erebus), South Korea (Bada), Taiwan (Yunlin, Haiding 2), France (Eolmed), the United States (Attentive Energy and Carolina Long Bay), and Germany (N-12.1 and 0-2.2).

TotalEnergies and electricity

As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a world class cost-competitive portfolio combining renewables (solar, onshore and offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. At the end of 2023, TotalEnergies' gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity was 22 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW in 2025 and more than 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

@TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221170517/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies Contacts

Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - E-Power Resources Inc (CSE: EPR) ("E-Power" or the "Company") announces that it has closed a third and final tranche of the private placement previously announced on November 16, 2023 (the "Private Placement").

An aggregate of 400,247 units (the " Units") of the Company were issued in the third and final tranche at a price of $0.06 per Unit for gross proceeds of $24,014.82, each Unit being comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"), each Warrant entitling its holder thereof to acquire one additional common share (each a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.10 per Warrant Share for a period of 60 months from the closing date. (the "Offering")

Net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for general working capital purposes. No Insiders of the Company participated in the Private Placement.

The Company paid finders' fee to Pieter Danielsson, who received a cash commission of $981.04. In addition, he received 16,350 broker warrants, with each broker warrant entitling its holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 and expiring in 24 months.

The securities offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. The securities offered pursuant to the Offering are subject to certain trade restrictions pursuant to applicable securities laws.

About E-Power Resources Inc.

E-Power Resources Inc. is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration, and development of graphite properties in Quebec. Its flagship asset, the Tetepisca Graphite Property, is located in the Tetepisca Graphite District of the North Shore Region of Quebec, approximately 215 kilometers from the Port of Baie-Comeau. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or contact the Company by email at info@e-powerresources.com.

On Behalf of the Company

James Cross

President & CEO

+1 (438) 701-3736

info@e-powerresources.com

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance are "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191987

SOURCE: E-Power Resources
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Altiplano Metals Inc. (TSXV: APN) (WKN: A2JNFG) ("Altiplano" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 6,000,000 units (the "Units") at C$0.10 per Unit to raise up to C$600,000 in gross proceeds. Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share and one (1) non-transferable share purchase warrant (the "Warrants") of the Company.

Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one (1) additional common share at a price of C$0.12 per share for two years from the closing date of the Offering provided that if the closing market price for the Company's common shares is equal to or greater than C$0.20 per share for a period of five (5) consecutive trading days at any point during the term (the "Acceleration Clause"), then the Company may deliver a notice that the Warrants must be exercised within thirty (30) days from the date of delivery of such Notice, otherwise the Warrants will expire at 4:30 p.m. (Vancouver time) on the thirty-first (31st) day after the date of delivery of the Notice.

Completion of the Offering is subject to the delivery of definitive subscription agreements and TSX Venture Exchange's acceptance. All of the securities issued pursuant to this Offering will have a hold period expiring four months and a day after the closing date. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used primarily for the Company's Farallon Project and El Penon processing facility in Chile, and for general working capital purposes. The Company may pay finder's fees raised in connection with the financing to arm's length finders in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and as permitted by law.

Previous Placement

The Company also confirms that its previously announced private placement, which closed on a first tranche on August 29, 2023 (see news release here), has received no further subscriptions and is now fully closed with all requisite and final TSX Venture Exchange approvals. All warrants issued pursuant the previous private placement are subject to the same Acceleration Clause as described above.

About Altiplano

Altiplano Metals is a growing gold, silver, and copper company focused on the Americas. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets that include an operating copper/gold/iron mine and a state-of-the-art operating copper/gold and iron processing facility in the final stages of completion. Altiplano is focused on creating long-term stakeholder value through developing safe and sustainable production, reinvesting into exploration, and pursuing acquisition opportunities to complement its existing portfolio. Management has a substantial record of success in capitalizing on opportunity, overcoming challenges and building shareholder value. Altiplano trades on the TSX.V under the symbol APN and the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol A2JNFG.

Altiplano is part of the Metals Group of companies, managed by an award-winning team of professionals who stand for technical excellence, painstaking project selection and uncompromising corporate governance, with a proven ability to capitalize on investment opportunities and deliver shareholder returns. www.metalsgroup.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

/s/ "John Williamson"

Chairman

For further information, please contact:

Alastair McIntyre, CEO

alastairm@apnmetals.com

Tel: (416) 434-3799

Jeremy Yaseniuk, Director

jeremyy@apnmetals.com

Tel: (604) 773-1467

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the (TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify any historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the issuer is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Farellon mine was previously in production dating back to the 1970's with a reported historical production (to a depth of 70 m) yielding approximately 300,000 tonnes at an average grade of 2.5% copper and 0.5g/t gold. This material was processed locally and sold to ENAMI. Altiplano is relying upon past production records, underground sampling and related activities and current diamond drilling to estimate grade and widths of the mineralization to reactivate production. The decision to commence production on the Farellon deposit is not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with any production decision. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, 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. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192030

SOURCE: Altiplano Metals Inc.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / CNH announced its partnership with the Catholic University of Cordoba (UCC) to help educate Argentina's next generation of farmers.

In Argentina, Technical Education Day was celebrated on November 15 in commemoration of the creation of the National Council of Technical Education (CONET) in 1959. The National Institute of Technological Education (INET) governs the teaching of different technological and scientific specialties in numerous schools in the country.

"Collaborations like this reinforce our pioneering spirit and commitment to the educational and social development of future generations of professionals. We are convinced that they are the ones who will continue on the path towards the digitalization and technification of agriculture," said Marcus Cheistwer, Country Manager of CNH.

The partnership puts in place professional internships for training in Agronomic Engineering at UCC, providing them with a valuable opportunity for learning and growth in the CNH business environment. More than 100 students a year will be able to carry out practical experiences with Case IH and New Holland products. They will be trained with high-tech tools such as Oculus, augmented reality headsets and the metaverse - solutions that will allow them to apply their knowledge acquired during training.

Both institutions have a common vision on this path towards innovation in the field. "The expectations of the students are very good since we did not have previous agreements signed with any other company in the area of agricultural machinery. The impact will be very positive, especially for those students who are interested in deepening their practical knowledge in areas related to business," said Carolina Ambrosino, director of the Agronomic Engineering program.

Currently, the Agronomic Engineering program at UCC includes two subjects focused on agricultural machinery. For 2024, an updated curriculum will incorporate precision agriculture. This change is in line with CNH's digitalization journey in an industry that is constantly advancing and evolving.

"We look forward with great enthusiasm to the results of this collaboration and the positive impact it will have on the future of innovation and technology applied to the field of the agricultural industry, both in Argentina and globally," said Federico Arroyo, Coordinator of Technical Training Argentina & LAI.

Based on the premise of the digitalization of agriculture, the company and the Catholic University of Cordoba joined forces to promote the professionalization of future technicians.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: CNH Industrial

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh-industrial

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: CNH Industrial

View the original press release on accesswire.com
CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - Boeing (BA) on Thursday made its first direct delivery of the 787 Dreamliner to China since 2019 and plans possible deliveries of the 737 MAX in the coming months. 787 Dreamliner was delivered to a Chinese carrier, Juneyao Airlines, and it flew to Shanghai from Seattle on Thursday. China had cancelled Boeing plane orders after 737 MAX was grounded worldwide from March 2019 to November 2020 following crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Boeing last delivered the 737 MAX to China in 2019, and in 2021, it delivered a leased Dreamliner to a Chinese customer. Additionally, the aviation company has won clearance from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to resume deliveries of the 737 MAX. However, individual MAX deliveries will still require approval from the National Development and Reform Commission. Earlier this week, Boeing received 737 MAX orders from Germany's Lufthansa airlines. Currently, Boeing's stock is moving up 0.77% to $262.29, on the New York Stock Exchange. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Canter Resources Corp. (CSE: CRC) (OTC Pink: CNRCF) (FSE: 6O1) ("Canter" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement raising gross proceeds of $3,200,700 through the issuance of 6,401,400 units (the "Units") at $0.50 per Unit (the "Offering"). The Company expects to close the final tranche of the Offering in early January 2024.

Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one transferrable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share at a price of $0.70 for a period of two years from the closing of the Offering (the "Expiry Date").

In the event that the closing price of the Shares of the Company on the CSE (or such other stock exchange on which the Shares are traded) is equal to or greater than $0.95 per Share for a period of 5 consecutive trading days during the Warrant exercise period, the Company may at its option elect to accelerate the expiry of the Warrants by providing notice to the holders thereof within 10 calendar days following the end of such 5 consecutive trading day period, in which case the Warrants will expire on the date specified in such notice, which shall be not less than 30 calendar days following delivery of such notice.

The Warrants were issued pursuant to a warrant indenture dated December 21, 2023 entered into between the Company and Odyssey Trust Company, as warrant agent.

Joness Lang, CEO and a director of the Company purchased 125,000 Units in the Offering and Brian Goss, a director of the Company, purchased 50,000 Units in the Offering. The participation by such insiders in the Offering constituted a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions.

The Company paid finder's fees of $96,460 cash and 192,920 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") in connection with the closing of the first tranche of the Offering. The Finder's Warrants are exercisable at $0.50 per Share until the Expiry Date.

The Company will use the net proceeds from the Offering to complete Phase I drilling and exploration work at the Columbus Lithium-Boron Project, evaluate and stake additional claims prospective for critical metals, and for general corporate purposes, including salaries, consulting fees, legal and accounting fees, and investor relations expenses .

All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

About Canter Resources Corp.

Canter Resources Corp. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company advancing the Columbus Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, USA, the Beaver Creek Lithium Property in Montana, USA, and the Puzzle Lake Property in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company is preparing for a Phase I drill campaign at Columbus to test a highly prospective lithium-brine target and plans to leverage the Company's critical metals targeting database to generate a portfolio of high-quality projects with the aim of defining mineral resources that support the domestic clean energy supply chain in North America.

For further information contact:

Joness Lang

Chief Executive Officer

Canter Resources Corp.

jlang@canterresources.com

For investor inquiries contact:

Tel: 604.908.1695

investors@canterresources.com

The securities to be issued pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

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Claim, a San Francisco, CA-based social network that connects friends through their favorite brands, raised $4M in seed funding.

The round was led by Sequoia Capital with participation from Susa Ventures, BoxGroup, 6th Man Ventures, Reflexive Capital, A* Capital, GSW Ventures, The Kraft Group, Theia, Luke deWilde, and many others.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts.

Co-founded by Sam Obletz, CEO, and Tap Stephenson, CTO, Claim is a new way for friends to connect and for brands to reward their customers. On it, friends earn cash back, exchange rewards, and redeem together by shopping at their favorite brands. The result is a social network that focuses on real-world value, authenticity, and communal experience  rather than manufactured content and reposts. Heres how it works:

Claim profile is based on where clients shop. It uses verified transactions on linked credit card, so in a world of sponsored posts, the status on Claim actually means something.

It uses verified transactions on linked credit card, so in a world of sponsored posts, the status on Claim actually means something. The way to interact on Claim is via multiplayer rewards. People can exchange rewards, try new places together, and earn status from spending at brands.

People can exchange rewards, try new places together, and earn status from spending at brands. Drops on Claim happen once per week. During a drop, everyone on Claim unwraps a new reward at the same time, and decides whether they want to redeem it, gift it, or trade that reward with eligible friends. If they decide to redeem, the process is completely frictionless  just swipe credit card, and Claim sends you cash back on Venmo.

Today, theyre working with brands ranging from the Fortune 500 (PepsiCo), to upstart direct-to-consumer fashion brands (For Others), to fast-casual restaurants (Life Alive), and more.

FinSMEs

21/12/2023
Birmingham, here I come. Dunkis concept was good and it was a fantastic way to end the year, but the film lacked depth. Raju Hirani known for his good filmography, Dunki could have been a better crafted movie making the journey much more adventurous. I felt the main hero was not SRK, but Vicky Kaushal who played a supporting role. It is his effortless performance and the character played by him that made the Dunki journey bearable. And as for Taapsee Pannu, it is time for her to reinvent herself.

In many a places, I felt that SRK was trying too hard to play the young Hardy Singh. The salt and pepper look was suiting Shah Rukh Khan and his older version was much more impressive than the younger Shah Rukh. Looks like King Khan tried too hard to keep up to his star status after Pathaan and Jawaan.

In the movie, Hardyal Singh Dhillon aka Hardy who is a soldier played by Shah Rukh Khan is the man who puts all his energy and power to get the three friends from Laltu- Mannu (Taapsee Pannu), Buggu (Vikram Kochhar) and Balli (Anil Grover) to reach London. The road to London is not easy and they had to cross the difficult terrain of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey to reach their final destination, London. The highlight of the film is the English preparation course to clear the VISA interview to land up in their dream land London.

Filmmaker Raju Hirani tried too hard to bring out the concept of the Dunki journey of the illegal immigrants and showed how people from India take their journey to England for better life. It is not that they dont love their country, but the fact that many a times they are left without any choice. Now coming back to the meaning of Dunki, the film is about those who to enter a country on illegal ground and the idea of this comes to their mind when they fail in the VISA test because they cant speak in English.

One of the desperate ones who wishes to go to England, but just for one day is the character played by Vicky Kaushal. This youngster wants to go to London for a day to get his girlfriend who has been forcibly married to some NRI and is a victim of domestic violence. But his VISA gets refused because he is unable to speak in English and when the message of his VISA refusal reaches her girlfriend, she commits suicide. The expression and the honesty with which Vicky Kaushal plays his role will melt your heart. And it is refreshing to see our King of hearts come back to a romantic film.

I feel the film starts picking up in the second half. Dunki has a good message and it is a good way to wrap up the year with a film which makes you feel good, but it is definitely not Hiranis best work especially when he has given us masterpieces like 3 Idiots and PK. And may be our expectations were too high, keeping in mind that it is our 58-year-old Jawans movie. But the best thing is that there is no ugly display of masculinity.

Rating: 3 out of 5

WATCH the trailer of Dunki here
The 2023 Emmy Awards will be held in 2024. Hollywoods two strikes meant a four-month delay for televisions annual celebration of itself. But both have now been resolved and the show will go on. Heres a look at the telecast, the ceremony, and the series and stars up for awards.

When are the Emmys?

The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Monday night, Jan. 15, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Anthony Anderson will host. It will be telecast live on the Fox network starting at 8 p.m. Eastern, and available to stream the following day on Hulu.

Fox is taking its turn this year in an annual rotation between the four networks. Anderson, who was nominated for lead actor in a comedy seven times for his work on ABCs  black-ish, is a first-time Emmys host, although hes hosted the NAACP Image Awards eight times.

Hell also have a fresh connection to Fox by the time he takes the Emmys stage  his new show We Are Family is set to debut in early January.

No presenters have yet been announced.

Now with a TV-themed name, downtown LAs Peacock Theater, formerly the Microsoft Theater and the Nokia Theatre, has been the go-to home for the Emmys since 2008.

EMMY NOMINEES

As is typical at the Emmys, HBO shows dominated the nominations when they were announced way back in July. The top three nominees were all from the gilded cable channel.

Succession is the leading nominee, getting 27 for its fourth and final season, including best drama, an award it has won at two of the past three Emmys. Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong and Kieran Culkin are all up for best actor in a drama. Four more men from the show are up for best supporting actor. And Sarah Snook got a best actress nomination.

HBOs The Last of Us got 24 nominations, including best drama, best actor for Pedro Pascal and best actress for Bella Ramsey.

The White Lotus, yes, also from HBO, got 23 noms for its second season. Jennifer Coolidge and Aubrey Plaza are among the whopping five nominees from the show in the single category of best supporting actress.

Ted Lasso was tops among comedies with 21 nominations, including best comedy series, and best actor for Jason Sudeikis. The Apple TV+ series won both awards for each of its first two seasons.

WHY WERE THE AWARDS POSTPONED?

Hollywoods historic work stoppage among writers and actors, both essential to the Emmys, meant the show had a rare delay for an unprecedented four months.

Leaders of the Television Academy were among those breathing a sigh of relief when actors voted to approve their new strike-ending contract on Dec. 5 and put a period on the entire stoppage.

With an autumn show date based around the traditional broadcast TV season, the Emmys have for years had some quirks based on the far more scattered schedule of cable and streaming. The delay makes those oddities even odder.

To give one example, the 13 nominations for Hulus The Bear are for its first season, even though the awards will be handed out six months after its second season dropped.

In another anomaly, by the time of the ceremony, all the winners will have been established, the metaphorical envelopes sitting unopened for more than four months. Thats because the Television Academy wanted at least the voting to be the same as always, so its approximately 20,000 members had to cast their ballots by Aug. 28.

The January date will put the Emmys within the rest of Hollywoods awards season, a week after the Golden Globes and about six weeks before the Screen Actors Guild Awards  both ceremonies that honor television along with movies.

The delay is the first time the Emmys have been postponed since 2001, when the 9/11 attacks came just five days before the planned ceremony. That ceremony would end up being held in November.
Prabhas Salaar: Part One  Ceasefire is all set to make a grand arrival at cinemas on December 22. The film has collected Rs 14.88 crore for day 1 through advanced bookings. As per the reports, 6,78,292 tickets have already been sold in advanced bookings. Now, given the buzz and positive word of mouth for the action-drama, the Telangana government reportedly issued a notice in which it granted the permission to Mythri Movie Distributors for additional show, benefit show and hike of ticket price.

The notice issued by the state government reads after careful examination of the matter hereby permit to allow 6 shows at 4.00 am on 22.12.2023 in Telangana State for Salaar movie and also a hike of rates by Rs.65/- and Rs.100/- for single screen and multiplexes respectively from 22.12.2023 to 28.12.2023 all across the State of Telangana.

In addition to that, the Telangana government granted permission to the makers of the film for its screening in various prominent theatres across Hyderabad. The screening will be done as part of a benefit show. Meanwhile, the notice also suggests that the first show will be screening from 1.00 am onwards on December 22.

The approved ticket price for Prasanth Neels directorial, as per the notice, saw an increase of Rs.65 for single screens whereas for multiplexes, the price has been hiked by Rs 100. The ticket price will be valid from December 22, 2023, to December 28, 2023, throughout the state.

Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the banner of Hombale Films, Salaar also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruthi Haasan, Tinu Anand, Eshwari Rao, Jagapathi Babu, Sriya Reddy, and Garuda Ram. The film is expected to be the first part of the pan-India film series and is poised to leave a significant impact on Telugu cinema.

Recently, in an interview with PTI, Prithviraj said, I remember the first time, the idea of being part of Salaar was pitched to meI did not expect that Salaar would be a film like this. When you imagine Prashanth Neel, the director of the KGF series, making a film with Prabhas  one of the biggest stars in the country, you dont think that it will be a film about two friendsThat is what Salaar is actuallyIts an exciting film.
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday told the Bombay High Court it was still verifying if actor Rhea Chakraborty was the brand ambassador of a company and thus needs to travel abroad for its event.

Chakraborty had filed a petition in HC challenging a lookout circular issued against her by the CBI in connection with its probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Chakraborty, former girlfriend of Rajput, also filed an application seeking temporary suspension of the circular saying she needs to travel to Dubai from December 27 to January 2 for professional commitments.

She claimed she was the brand ambassador of a pet food maker and hence she had to travel for the companys event.

CBIs advocate Shreeram Shirsat informed a division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and SC Chandak that the agency was still verifying the actors claims about her association with the company.

Shirsat said as per information received by the CBI, Chakraborty was no longer the brand ambassador of the company  Drools Pet Food Private Limited  and that someone else has been appointed.

According to the agency, actor Kiara Advani is now the brand ambassador. Shirsat sought some more time to verify this.

Chakrabortys counsel Abhinav Chandrachud urged the court to post the matter for hearing on Friday (December 22).

Actor Rajput was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14, 2020.

While the Mumbai police registered an accidental death report case and started a probe, the actors father in July 2020 lodged a complaint with the Bihar police alleging Rajputs girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty and her family members had abetted his suicide.

The case was later transferred to the CBI which has since then been carrying out a probe into the actors death.

The lookout circular was issued in August 2020 against Chakraborty and also her brother Showik Chakraborty.

In September this year, the high court had granted a temporary suspension on the circular issued against Showik enabling him to travel abroad.

Both Rhea and Showik were in 2020 arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in a drugs case related to Rajput. They were later granted bail.
Fears of a COVID wave are back as the country recorded an increase in infections  on Wednesday, India logged 614 cases, the highest since 21 May. Of the total caseload, Kerala contributed the most  reporting 292 fresh COVID-19 infections and three deaths.

In fact, the rise in COVID cases attributed to the JN.1 sub-variant was also first detected in the southern state of Kerala on 8 December when an elderly woman from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district tested positive for the new sub-variant.

Back in September, Kerala was also the first to record two deaths owing to the Nipah virus. Prior to that monkeypox was also first detected in Kerala.

This begs the question as to why is it that Kerala almost always reports the first cases of such diseases in India? We delve deeper and get you the answers.

Keralas COVID burden

Of the 614 COVID infections in India on Wednesday, Kerala carried the most burden of 292 fresh COVID-19 infections and three deaths.

Authorities have said that with the three deaths reported in the state, the total number of people who died due to COVID in Kerala since its outbreak three years ago reached 72,056.

More importantly, the state was the first to record the JN.1 sub-variant on 8 December in an elderly woman. Doctors had then said that she had mild symptoms of Influenza Like Illness (ILI), but has since recovered. Kerala Health Minister Veena George has assured the media that there is no need for any concern. It is a sub-variant. It was just found here. Months ago, this variant was detected in a few Indians who were screened at the Singapore airport. It is just that Kerala has identified the variant here through genome sequencing. There is no need to worry. The situation is being closely monitored.

Data also reveals that the nation has reported a total of 19 COVID deaths so far in December. And of these 19, 10 were in Kerala.

Other outbreaks in Kerala

And its not just COVID. The southern state has witnessed multiple health scares with the outbreak of diseases such as Monkeypox, Chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, West Nile encephalitis, Dengue, Viral Hepatitis, Nipah and Swine Flu.

In recent times, the state has also seen cases of Zika virus as well as anthrax. According to a report in South First, the state has, in the last two decades, been the first to report as many as 10 viral and non-viral disease outbreaks.

Back in September, Kerala became the first to record cases of Nipah virus; five people were identified to have contracted the disease and two of them subsequently passed away. Moreover, this was the fourth Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala. The most deadly was in 2018, with 18 laboratory-confirmed cases and five suspected cases, 17 of whom died.

Kerala also reported Indias first case of monkeypox in July 2022. The first case was reported from Keralas Kollam district, and then cases were found in Kannur and Malappuram. August of 2021 also saw Kerala health officials battling a Zika virus outbreak. In 2021, the state recorded a total of 66 cases, mostly from Thiruvananthapuram. The first case was confirmed in a 24-year-old pregnant woman on the outskirts of the capital on 8 July.

The southern state in 2022 also reported the presence of anthrax in Athirappilly of Thrissur district.

Kerala, according to a report in The Hindu, has also become increasingly susceptible to zoonotic diseases. Leptospirosis continues to be the killer zoonotic disease in the state, with 290 deaths in 2022, followed by scrub typhus, which claimed 24 lives.

State data further reveals that H1N1, swine flu, has seen a 914 per cent increase in 2023. The Times of India reports that while there were 94 cases last year, 954 cases have been reported till November.

Reasons for Keralas vulnerability

There are a multitude of reasons as to why Kerala is the first to record diseases and subsequently becoming a hotbed of them.

First and foremost, Keralas geography contributes to the frequency of outbreaks. Wildlife and animal husbandry experts believe the states sizeable forest cover  and its intense monsoon pattern  make it susceptible to outbreaks. Experts note that the state has witnessed several zoonotic outbreaks owing to the shrinkage of natural habitats and their proximity to human settlements in a densely populated state.

Take for example, the Nipah virus. A Reuters special investigation noted that humanitys drive for resources is destroying the wildlife habitat of bats  which carry tens of thousands of viruses  and creating conditions ripe for a bat-borne disease to spill over to humanity.

Dr TS Anish, community medicine chief of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, was quoted as telling The Hindu, Civet cats have almost become urban animals as their natural habitats have been wiped out. These animals are believed to be the mediators for the pathogen that caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Bats, which lost their natural habitats, moved into human habitations. These animals are now considered as the reservoirs of Nipah and Ebola virus.

Another reason for Kerala being the home of such diseases is the states population. People of Kerala are spread across the globe, with a large number of students studying medicine and many expatriates working as doctors or nurses around the world. They face the occupational hazard of viral attacks and may unwittingly spread undiagnosed diseases to others when they travel back to India.

Theres also the states management and health system. The state has rigourous testing and the states population is also highly aware. Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, an epidemiologist and expert in public policy and health systems, explains that when the first case of monkeypox was reported from Kollam in Kerala, the concerned person who returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) underwent a test after he found that his contact abroad had tested positive even though he was asymptomatic.

Renowned epidemiologist Dr Giridhara Babu speaking to South First added, Many times the state has been criticised for reporting an outbreak. That should not be done. Its active surveillance mechanism, capacity-building exercises for healthcare workers, frontline staff, community engagement and strategic interventions have not just been helpful in detecting viruses, but also in keeping the disease outbreaks in control.

It is left to be seen if COVID does make a strong comeback in the state, but Kerala is known for handling outbreaks and, in fact, virologists and epidemiologists have hailed its robust surveillance mechanism.

With inputs from agencies
The worlds insatiable chocolate appetite is wreaking havoc on one of Africas oldest and largest UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Nestled in the southwestern heart of Nigeria, the Omo Forest Reserve  a haven for critically endangered African forest elephants  is now at the centre of an alarming environmental crisis.

Deforestation, fuelled by the cultivation of cocoa, the primary ingredient in chocolate, is rapidly encroaching upon this protected rainforest, jeopardising not only the habitat of these majestic creatures but also undermining vital climate change mitigation efforts.

Farmers are expanding into conservation areas where cocoa farming is banned, conservation officials say.

The Associated Press recently conducted an investigation, shedding light on the grim reality unfolding within the Omo Forest Reserve. Lets take a closer look.

Companies get cocoa from the forest

The AP visited plantations and warehouses of farmers and licenced buying agents who acknowledge that they operate illegally in the reserves conservation area. AP also spoke with brokers working in the forest and visited facilities belonging to major cocoa trading companies just outside the reserve.

They say they supply Singapore-based Olam Group and Nigerias Starlink Global and Ideal Limited, the latter of which sends cocoa to General Cocoa in the US. A fewer number named Tulip Cocoa Processing Limited, connected to Dutch traders.

We buy from farmers and sell to big companies that export like Olam, Starlink, said Deborah Fabiyi, a manager at Kadet Agro-Allied Investments Limited, a licenced buying agent in the conservation area.

These big trading companies supply Nigerian cocoa to huge chocolate manufacturers like Mars Inc. and Ferrero, but because the chocolate supply chain is so complex and opaque, its not clear if cocoa from deforested parts of Omo Forest Reserve makes it into the sweets that they make, such as Snickers, M&Ms, Butterfinger and Nutella. Mars and Ferrero list farming sources on their websites that are close to or overlap with the forest but offer no specific locations.

In October, AP followed a van loaded with bags of cocoa beans from the conservation zone to an Olam warehouse outside the entrance of the forest. Olam confirmed the facility was theirs.

AP also photographed cocoa bags labelled with the names and logo of Olam and Tulip inside farmers warehouses inside the conservation zone. In an interview with AP, Starlink acknowledged that it gets cocoa from Omo Forest Reserve.

Reasons behind the work

An estimated 1.4 million people in Nigeria, equivalent to about half the population of Nevada, depend on cocoa production for their livelihood, according to the US Agency for International Development. But ageing cocoa trees are becoming less productive, pushing farmers into Omo reserve.

The deforestation caused by cocoa expansion also stems from the worlds demand for cocoa to make chocolate, said Emmanuel Olabode, a conservation manager who supervises the reserves rangers. It is astronomical.

The rangers blame the state government that owns the forest for failing to enforce the law barring cocoa farming. Several buildings in the conservation zone, including farmers homes and warehouses, have been marked for removal by the government, but it hasnt occurred.

The Ogun state government acknowledged the menace of illegal cocoa farming in the forest and told AP that it had forcibly evicted the farmers in 2007 before they came back.

The companies stand

Olam

The Singapore-based food conglomerate says it forbids members of its Ore Agbe Ijebu farmer group from sourcing from protected areas.

Any supplier found to be illegally deforesting will be removed from our supply chain, Olam Food Ingredients, or Ofi, said in a statement to AP, adding that its investigating thoroughly.

The company says it visits every farm to take GPS coordinates and meets with each farmer to agree on boundaries that often arent marked.

Farmers who say they sell cocoa from the forest to Olam noted that theyre not members of the Ore Agbe Ijebu farming group and hadnt heard of it.

Tulip

Tulip said its confident its supplies dont come from protected areas. It says its cocoa is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, which checks compliance with sustainability standards, and that it uses GPS mapping of farms.

Tulips managing director, Johan van der Merwe, said field operatives complete digital questionnaires about sourcing with all farmers and suppliers. He also says Tulips cocoa bags are reused and distributed widely so its possible theyre seen across Nigeria.

Farmers and buying agents who say they sell cocoa to Tulip told AP that they werent required to complete any questionnaire before their cocoa is purchased.

Starlink

The company gets cocoa from the reserve, spokesman Sambo Abubakar told AP. Although Starlink doesnt make sustainable sourcing claims on its website, it supplies at least one company that does: General Cocoa, US subsidiary of Paris-based Sucden.

Starlink has a traceability program to determine the quality of cocoa, know the farmers, and sensitise them on best practices, Abubakar said.

But this program hasnt yet been extended to Omo reserve and Ogun state, he said.

Ferrero

Ferrero says its supplies follow stringent requirements that are independently certified, adding that GPS mapping and satellite monitoring of farms show its cocoa sourcing from Nigeria does not come from protected forest areas.

The company that makes Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger and Crunch bars said cocoa it gets from Ofi through the Ore Agbe Ijebu farming group is verified by the Control Union certifying body.

The Netherlands-based body said it assessed a sample of farms against Ofis own sustainability policies and that the specific criteria and protocols established in the verification exercise are set by Ofi.

Control Union said it wouldnt disclose the results to AP, citing privacy.

Mars

The company says its suppliers follow Mars deforestation policy standards and that its committed to ensuring 100 per cent of our cocoa is responsibly sourced globally and traceable to first point of purchase by 2025.

It says farms part of its Responsibly Sourced Cocoa program are expected to be mapped, allowing the company behind Snickers, M&Ms, Dove, Twix and Milky Way to hold suppliers accountable if suspected deforestation occurs.

Mars says its preliminary findings show none of the farms that have been mapped overlap with the reserve.

General cocoa

Jean-Baptiste Lescop, secretary general of Sucden Group, says the company manages risks to forest conservation by sourcing Rainforest Alliance cocoa, mapping farms and using satellite images but that its a continuous process because most farmers in Nigeria dont have official land ownership documents.

The company investigates reports of problems and is working on a response to APs findings about Starlink, he said.

Ritter sport

The German chocolate company gets cocoa from Nigeria and uses Olam but hasnt disclosed specific locations where its supplies are sourced in Nigeria. It told AP that Olam confirmed that its supplies were outside deforested forests.

With inputs from AP
The Delhi Police have detained two other people for questioning in the Parliament security breach incident. This comes after six accused were arrested earlier for the 13 December security scare.

The Lok Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes last week after two men  Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma  jumped from the visitors gallery, entering the Houses chamber and setting off coloured smoke. Two other intruders  Neelam and Amol Shinde  raised slogans outside Parliament and opened coloured smoke canisters. All of them were arrested by the Delhi Police and booked under the stringent anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The alleged mastermind of the major breach, Lalit Jha, has also been arrested, while another accused Mahesh Kumawat is also in the police custody.

Who are the two new detainees in the Parliament breach case? Lets take a closer look.

Two detained in security breach

The Delhi Police picked up a man from Uttar Pradeshs Jalaun district on Wednesday (20 December), as per an Indian Express report. The 53-year-old, who was detained near his residence in the Orai area of the district, has been identified as Atul Kulshrestha, alias Baccha.

The suspect is a farmer who took odd jobs for a living, as per the English daily.

According to The New Indian Express (TNIE), he was in contact with Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma through social media. He was active on a WhatsApp group created by youths arrested in the Parliament breach case, police sources told the newspaper.

As per the preliminary investigation, Kulshrestha does not have any past criminal records. He has no political affiliation but has been influenced by the ideology of revolutionary freedom fighter Shaheed Bhagat Singh, reported India Today.

He is also suspected to be a member of a Bhagat Singh fan page which the other accused had also joined, according to Indian Express.

Kulshresthas acquaintances told Times of India (TOI) that he was a high school dropout who came from a financially struggling family that relied on agriculture.

The Delhi Police has also detained an engineer from Karnataka in the case. The suspect, identified as Saikrishna Jagali, was picked up from his home in Bagalkote on Wednesday night, reported NDTV.

#WATCH | Police have detained a man from Karnatakas Bagalkote, who was accused D. Manoranjans roommate during their engineering college days, in connection with the Parliament security breach case pic.twitter.com/ZSZj02C9vK  ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

He is the son of retired Deputy Superintendent of Police of Bagalkote. Sources told NDTV that Saikrishna knew the accused Manoranjan and the two were batchmates at a Bengaluru engineering college. Manoranjan reportedly named his friend during questioning.

However, a TOI report says that Saikrishnas name was discovered in Manoranjans diary.

According to News18, Saikrishna works for a multinational company in Bengaluru. His sister, Spanda, confirmed that a team of the Delhi Police came last night and took her brother with them.

It is true that the Delhi Police came. My brother was interrogated. We have fully cooperated with the inquiry, she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Spanda claimed her brother did nothing wrong. Both Manoranjan and Saikrishna Jagali were roommates. Now my brother works from home, she further told the media.

ALSO READ: Parliament security breach accused booked under UAPA: What is this stringent law?

What about the other accused?

All six accused arrested in connection with the Parliament security breach were confronted together by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on Wednesday to corroborate the sequence of the incident.

According to PTI sources, they were taken to the Counter Intelligence (CI) office of the Special Cell where they confronted each other.

The seven days of police custody of Sharma, Manoranjan, Neelam, and Shinde will end on Thursday (21 December). The investigators are expected to seek extended custody of the four to further probe various angles in the case.

Meanwhile, the Centre has decided to hand over the comprehensive security of the Parliament building complex to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)  one of the central armed police forces (CAPFs), according to a PTI report.

Sources told the news agency that the Union home ministry on Wednesday ordered a survey of the Parliament complex so that a regular deployment of the CISF security and fire wing on a comprehensive pattern could be done. The survey will be carried out later this week by experts from the government building security (GBS) unit of the CISF, its fire combat and response officers as well as officials from the current Parliament security team, reported PTI.

A committee led by CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh is looking into the overall security issues of the building and will make suggestions to the home ministry accordingly.

With inputs from agencies
The winter session of Parliament has been stormy with a mass suspension of Opposition MPs. But despite the upheaval, the government is pushing some bills. India is overhauling its criminal laws, doing away with colonial-era legislation. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860 will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Home Minister Amit Shah presented three crucial bills in the Lok Sabha including the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). The other two, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, will replace the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, of 1872.

The laws were passed without much debate because of the suspension of 143 Opposition members following protests over the recent security breach in Lok Sabha.

The IPC has been the official code of India for more than 160 years and covers all aspects of criminal law. Now with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the government wants to bring in some big changes.

We take a look at the new laws and how they compare with the IPC.

Suicide

New law: Attempting to die by suicide will no longer be considered a criminal offence, according to the BNS.

The original bill introduced the concept of community service as a form of punishment for an attempt to die by suicide.

In the proposed BNS, abetment to suicide was a punishable offence with imprisonment [up] to ten years and shall also be liable to fine.

Current law: Section 309 of the IPC which punishes an attempt to die by suicide has been one of the countrys most archaic laws. Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine, or with both, it said.

However, The Mental Healthcare Bill (MHCA) of 2017, which came into force in 2018, clarified that Section 309 IPC could be used to punish attempted suicide only as an exception.

Under Section 306, IPC, if any person commits suicide, the person found to have abetted the commission of suicide shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years and shall also be liable to a fine.

Lynching and hate crimes

New law: Mob lynching and hate crimes have been made separate offences under the BNS.

The bill penalises lynching at par with murder. The offence deals with cases when a mob of five or more individuals commits murder based on factors such as race, caste, community, or personal belief. It could attract a death penalty, depending on the severity of the crime.

In the earlier version of the bill, hate crimes carried lesser sentences than murder, which could earn the offender a life sentence. However, the revised version brings them to par.

Current law: The IPC did not have a defined provision to deal with hate crimes and mob lynchings. As punishment for mob lynching, police registered a case of murder under Section 302 of the IPC, which says, Whoever commits murder shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.

Sedition

New law: The offence of sedition is omitted. The new law penalises acts endangering the unity and integrity of India (Clause 150). While sedition criminalised acts against the government, the BNS replaces the government with the country. Rajdroh has been changed to deshdroh, according to a report in Live Law.

Citizens have the right to speak against the government and it should be protected. But acts against the nation cannot be tolerated, it says.

In the new provision, the maximum penalty could be seven years of imprisonment.

Current law: According to Section 124A of the IPC, whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.

The current law on sedition carries a penalty of up to three years in prison or life imprisonment.

Crimes against women and children

New law: Under BNS, separate provisions have been made to deal with crimes against women and children.

In the case of the rape of a minor girl, life imprisonment and death penalty can be given. A gang rape could lead to 20 years or imprisonment for the rest of life.

The age limit for consensual sex with wife has been increased to 18 years.

Current law: Section 376(d) of the IPC, which deals with gang rape, calls for rigorous imprisonment for 20 years to life imprisonment.

According to The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, gang rape of girls below the age of 12 years will carry a minimum imprisonment of 20 years and is extendable to life imprisonment or death. And, rape of girls below the age of 16 years is punishable with imprisonment of 20 years or life imprisonment.

Consensual sex with a wife aged above 15 was not an offence as per IPC.

Other new offences under BNS

The new offences include organised crime, terrorist acts, hit-and-run, sexual exploitation of a woman by deceitful means, snatching, abetment outside India, acts endangering the sovereignty, integrity, and unity of India, and publication of false or fake news.

With inputs from agencies
Its Day 666 of the Russia-Ukraine war, which continues to extract a heavy death toll and large-scale destruction. And its now emerging that front-line combat and death by a drone strike or artillery fire arent the only dangers Russian soldiers are facing.

Russian military soldiers now have to contend with a new threat  the outbreak of mouse fever on the Kupyansk Front. And making matters worse, according to Ukraines Defence Intelligence, is that the Kremlin is turning a blind eye to the soldiers complaints.

What is mouse fever?

Ukraines Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has recently reported on the outbreak of mouse fever among Russian units in Kupyansk, a city in the countrys east. There is no additional information provided on what they mean by mouse fever but some experts note that it is a streptococcal infection transmitted through direct contact with rodents or inhaling their faeces.

What Ukraine is calling mouse fever can also be described as rat-bite fever and according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a group of illnesses spread when people are exposed to urine, saliva, or droppings from rodents.

Some have said that the symptoms being described as those of mouse fever resemble leptospirosis, which is also spread through contact with rodents. However, it is not immediately clear if this is precisely the same disease Ukraine referenced.

What are the symptoms of mouse fever?

The Ukrainian intelligence has said that the common symptoms of mouse fever are headaches, body temperature rising to 40 degrees, rashes and redness, decreased blood pressure, haemorrhages in the eyes, nausea and vomiting several times a day.

The CDC has also said that sudden intense headaches, back pain, fever and chills are also common symptoms associated with mouse fever.

Medical experts add that symptoms usually begin three to 10 days after contact with the bacteria, but can be delayed as long as three weeks.

How has mouse fever affected Russian soldiers?

In its latest report, Ukraines Main Intelligence Directorate said that mouse fever was mowing down Russias frontline troops with symptoms ranging from vomiting and bleeding eyes.

In the Kupyansk direction of the front, the occupiers are mowed down en masse by mouse fever, the update posted to the Telegram messaging app said, adding, As a result, mouse fever significantly reduced the fighting ability of Russian rats.

The intelligence report added that because the disease affects the kidneys, a person infected with mouse fever experiences intense pain in the lower back and has severe difficulty urinating.

Moreover, Kyivs report added that the soldiers complaints were being ignored by the Russian high command. Complaints about fever from personnel of the Russian army, who are involved in the war against Ukraine, were ignored by the command, regarding them as another manifestation of evasion from participating in combat operations.

The complaints of rodents arent new. Earlier, Ukrainian soldiers also raised concerns about rats and mice inside the trenches, and it seems that their Russian enemies are presumably suffering from the same problems.

Incidentally, the outbreak of mouse fever comes after a cholera outbreak in June when Russian troops in the Kherson region and Crimea got sick because of a blast at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.

Where is the Russia-Ukraine war going?

The answer, it seems, nowhere. Russia and Ukraine are both unwilling to relent in the war, which first began in February 2022 Just recently, Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that there was no end in sight to Russias invasion of Ukraine and fatigue builds among Kyivs allies.

Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Could Russia benefit from conflict?

And the losses are mounting on both sides. Russias Vladimir Putin, who was quoted as saying we will not give up what is our, is believed to have lost at least 340,000 troops since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. His forces have also lost tens of thousands of tanks, armoured vehicles, rocket systems, aircraft, ships, submarines and drones alongside these troops.

In this war that seems to never end, it seems that Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are enduring the worst conditions. Last month, secretly recorded phone calls of Russian soldiers to their loved ones offered gory details of survival in the war trenches.

One of them was recorded saying that he lived off rainwater, scooped a dying mans guts back into his body, ambushed a Ukrainian dugout with knives. I already feel more pity shooting a bird than a person. Im telling you honestly, if theres even a slight chance, get exempted from service, he said, as per an Associated Press report.

It will be interesting to see how this war progresses in the New Year. While Ukraines Zelenskyy will continue to urge Western nations to loosen their purse strings and provide aid to the war-torn country, Vladimir Putin will keep up his war efforts as he prepares to contest the polls in March 2024 and secure a fifth term, joining the list of world leaders with the longest tenures.

With inputs from agencies
An Army vehicle carrying some jawans was ambushed by terrorists on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district.

The attack took place in the Thanamandi area of the district.

There was no immediate report of any casualty, PTI quoted officials as saying.

Additional forces have been rushed to the spot and further details are awaited, they added.

Meanwhile, PRO Defence Jammu said the ambush was subsequent to a joint operation based on hard intelligence that was launched in Gen Area DKG on Wednesday night, contact has been established on Thursday evening and encounter is in progress.

This was the second terror attack on the Army in the region in less than a month.

More details are awaited
Despite facing persecution elsewhere in the world, Muslims have found a safe haven in India, living happily and prospering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview when he was asked about what future the Muslim minority has in India.

In an interview to Financial Times, PM Modi said, The Indian society itself has no feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority.

The UK-based newspaper has alleged that anti-Muslim hate speech has proliferated under BJP rule.

Critics entitled to their opinions

The Prime Minister further said, Our critics are entitled to their opinions and the freedom to express them.

However, there is a fundamental issue with such allegations, which often appear as criticism, PM Modi said speaking about the concerns over the health of the Indian democracy.

Also Read: PM Modi reacts to Pannun murder plot allegations, raises concern over extremist groups abroad

These claims not only insult the intelligence of the Indian people but also underestimate their deep commitment to values like diversity and democracy, PM Modi said.

PM Modi also cited the long history of outsiders who underestimated India. In 1947, when India became independent, the British who left made a lot of very dire predictions about Indias future. But we have seen that those predictions and preconceptions have all been proven false, PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi added that those who similarly doubt his government will also be proven wrong.

PM Modi on IsraelHamas conflict

The report claimed that amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the Indian government-led by PM Modi has refrained from criticisting Benjamin Netanyahus government. However, PM Modi highlighted to the publication that India has supported the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and has been reiterating its support for a two-state solution.

Also Read: Indias national interest guiding principle of successful mix and match foreign policy: PM Modi

I remain in touch with the leaders in the region (Palestine). If there is anything India can do to take forward efforts towards peace, we will certainly do so, PM Modi said.
After Parliament security breach on 13 December, the anniversary of the 2001 terror attack in the premises, the government has decided to transfer comprehensive security of the Parliament House Complex to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Currently, the frisking and security check duties in the Parliament is being performed by the Delhi Police.

In principle approval of the competent authority is conveyed for carrying out the survey of the Parliament Premises and its buildings for regular deployment of CISF (both Security Wing and Fire Wing) on comprehensive pattern under Government Building Security (GBS) (sic), a recent Union Home Ministry survey said.

Sources told News18 that after the final approval and deployment of the CISF in the Parliament, the Delhi Police will either be removed from the security duty on the premises or fewer personnel would be deployed.

Sources further said there have been serious lapses found on the part of Delhi Police, which manages initial checks and frisking, as the intruders managed to enter the Parliament building on 13 December, 2023, with smoke canisters.

Also, a survey has been planned for regular deployment of CISF in the Security Wing and Fire Wing at Parliament premises and its building, with DIG CISF tasked with leading it.

It is requested to detail other members of the joint survey board including an officer with technical expertise. An officer of CISF Fire Wing may also be detailed in consultation with the Fire Directorate. The survey board may be directed to conduct the survey instructions/ guidelines issued from time to time on conducting surveys in association with representative(s) of the Parliament Secretariat, an official communication of the CISF, accessed by News18, said.

After the completion of the survey, reports for Security and Fire wings would be submitted and a final approval will be given for the deployment.

Meanwhile, a report by PTI quoted sources saying both the new and the old Parliament complex as well as their allied buildings will be brought under a comprehensive security cover of the CISF which will also have the existing elements of Parliament Security Service (PSS), the Delhi Police and the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) of the CRPF.

Who are CISF?

The CISF is a central armed police force (CAPF) that currently guards many building of central government ministry in Delhi. They are also deployed for security at installations in the nuclear and aerospace domain, civil airports as well as in the Delhi Metro.

13 December Parliament security breach

On 13 December, 2023, a major security breach was reported in the Indian Parliament after two people  Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D  jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs.

Around the same time, two other people  Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi  sprayed coloured smoke from canisters while shouting slogans outside the Parliament premises.

All the four accused were immediately taken into custody, while their accomplice Vishal, in whose house they stayed before reaching Parliament, was detained later from Gurugram in Haryana. Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat were arrested later.

A committee under the chairmanship of CRPF director general Anish Dayal Singh is looking into the overall security issues of the Parliament complex and will make recommendations to the Union home ministry for improvement.

With inputs from agencies
India received consular access on at least three occasions to Nikhil Gupta, who is detained in a Czech prison following charges by the US relating to a foiled assassination attempt on a Khalistani terrorist.

We received consular access to him at least on three occasions, External Affairs Ministry (EAM) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing.

The US federal prosecutors have charged that Gupta was working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.

India has already constituted a probe committee to investigate the allegations.
A day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau softened his tone saying that he does not want a fight right now over the issue of the Nijjar killing but to work with India in advancing the Indo-Pacific strategy, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday that India is expecting Canada to take action against extremist elements

Trudeau on Wednesday in an interview with CBC said We dont want to be in a situation of fighting with India right now over this. We want to be working on that trade deal. We want to be advancing the Indo-Pacific strategy,.

Indias position is consistent on the issue of Canada as it is hoping that Ottawa would take action on extremist elements that are misusing the freedom of speech and expression in their country, Bagchi said.

Addressing a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Bagchi said India has always highlighted that the core issue remains the space given to extremists, terrorists and anti-India elements in Canada.

Asked about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus remarks that he has seen a tonal shift in Indias relations with Canada after the US reported an alleged murder plot, Arindam Bagchi said, Im not exactly sure how to answer it.

In this sense, this is a comment by the Prime Minister of Canada and I wouldnt like to comment on that. But I think our position has been quite consistent and whenever this has been raised.

Notably, the ties between India and Canada have been strained after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations about India being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has outrightly rejected the allegations terming them absurd and politically motivated.

I think we have highlighted how we see the problem and frankly the core issue remains the space that is given to extremists and terrorists and anti-India elements in that country. I think you would heard from the External Affairs Minister recently as well as others about the developments of that case and the fact that if theres something that we look into it but the core of it, the problem remains this. So I would like to say whether they have noted a shift or not. Certainly, our position has remained consistent and we would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing the freedom of speech and expression in their country, he added.

Trudeau has said he believes Indias relations with Canada might have undergone a tonal shift in the days since the unsealing of a US indictment alleging a conspiracy to murder India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, Canada-based CBC News reported.

Trudeau made the remarks in an end-of-year interview with the CBCs Rosemary Barton. He said the US indictment seems to have convinced the Indian government to adopt a more sober tone, as reported by CBC News.

I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they cant bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before, he said.

With inputs from agencies.
India Thursday said it has been always supportive of free movement of commercial shipping and it will continue to monitor situation in the Red Sea.

The statement by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi comes as India deployed two warships  INS Kochi and INS Kolkata  off the coast of Aden as part of maritime security in the northern Arabian Sea.

India has always have vested interest and we have been supportive of the free movement of commercial shipping so that is something that we are interested in. We are, of course, monitoring the developments there. Were also part of international efforts to ensure free shipping, whether it be piracy or otherwise, India has been involved in it. So we will continue to monitor that, Bagchi told media in a briefing on Thursday.

Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea since 7 October, the start of Israel-Hamas war, to show support for Palestinian terrorist group.

The Houthi group has reportedly vowed to continue operations targeting Israeli ships or vessels headed to Israeli ports. The Houthis stepped up the attacks on November 19, starting with the seizure of the Galaxy Leader.

Meanwhile, the United States Monday announced a 10-nation coalition to quell Houthi missile and drone attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea, with Britain, France, Bahrain and Italy among countries joining the "multinational security initiative."

"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," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

There has been a growing security concern along the Red Sea trade route, which is the shortest trade route for movement of ships from Asia to Europe.

India too relies on the route to trade with parts of West Asia, Africa and Europe. However, after the Houthi militants hit a Liberian-flagged ship Palatium III with an anti-ship ballistic missile, a majority of insurance companies have refused to cover shipments crossing the Red Sea.

As per a report Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a think tank, frieght rates could go up in India as the country is heavily reliant on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait for its crude oil, LNG imports and trade with parts of West Asia, Africa, and Europe and any disruption to shipping through the strait could have a significant impact on Indias economy and security,

The current security concern has raised fears of increased energy costs as India may have to use longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday outlined Indias mix and match foreign policy and said the foremost guiding principle of the country in foreign affairs was its national interest. He emphasised that this approach also helped India negotiate the modern complexities of contemporary geo-politics.

The world is inter-connected and interdependent. Our foremost guiding principle in foreign affairs is our countrys national interest. This stance allows us to engage with various nations in a manner that respects mutual interests and acknowledges the complexities of contemporary geo-politics, PM Modi said in an interview to The Financial Times at his New Delhi residence.

Asked on Indias closer bilateral relationship with the United States and whether it can be described as an alliance, PM Modi said the relations were on an upward trajectory and would continue to be more than cordial despite US federal prosecutors making allegations last mon that an Indian government employee had been involved in a plot to assassinate a prominent American Sikh separatist leader on US soil.

Today the India-US relationship is broader in engagement and deeper in understanding and warmer in friendship than it has ever been before, the Prime Minister said brushing aside doubts that the recent allegations dented India-US ties.

On US-China tensions prevalent in the Indo-Pacific and global politics at large, PM Modi said, those were best addressed by the people and governments of America and China.

In September 2023, India hosted the G20 Summit in national capital Delhi, which was attended by world leaders of 29 odd countries along with financial leaders. The Summit proved to be a grand success elevating the countrys status on the global stage. A lot of the credit for the success of Indias G20 Presidency went to Prime Minister Modi.

The country also hosted a Voice of the Global South Summit and successfully led efforts to include the African Union into the ambit of the influential grouping. Not only did PM Modi maintain close ties with Russias President Vladimir Putin in keeping with Indias old non-alignment policy, he also built a closer than ever before relationship with the President of the United StatesJoe Biden, during a state visit to the US in June. During PM Modis visit, the United States and India signed a slew of deals ranging from quantum computing to jet engines.

Describing his success as a global leader, the Prime Minister emphasised, I remain in touch with leaders in the region. If there is anything India can do to take forward efforts towards peace and tranquillity, we certainly do so and that contributes to healthier bilateral ties.
In a big blow to the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court Thursday sentenced states higher education minister K Ponmudy and his wife to 3 years of imprisonment in a Rs 1.75 crore disproportionate assets case.

Also, a fine of Rs 50 lakhs each has been slapped on both Ponmudy and his wife P Visalakshi.

The High Court further said if the minister and his wife fail to pay fine, they will have to undergo six more months of imprisonment.

The Judge also suspended the sentence for 30 days since Ponmudy is currently minister of higher education of Tamil Nadu.

The Judge also said convicts can work out their remedy before the Supreme Court during the next 30 days and said a decision on extending the time will be considered later if they could not work out their remedy before the apex court by then.

On Tuesday, the High Court convicted the DMK minister and his wife in the case, setting aside a trial courts order which acquitted them.

Ponmudy disproportinate assets case

The case pertains to Ponmudy amassing wealth disproportionately to the tune of Rs 1.75 crore in his and his wifes name which was 65.99 per cent more than his known sources of income when he was a minister in the DMK-led regime between 2006 to 2011.

A trial court in Villupuram, however, acquitted them in 2016. On 19 December this year, the Madras High Court set aside that verdict and noted that the charge of offence punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, stands proved against both accused.

With inputs from agencies
It is now almost certain that elections will be held for the Pakistan National Assembly (NA) as well as the countrys four Provincial Assemblies on 8 February. The Election Commission confirmed the election date after the Supreme Court cleared objections raised by the Lahore High Court against the appointment of civil servants as returning officers for the polls. The Supreme Court has also brushed aside specific grievances with the delimitation exercise. It held that as the election date has been announced these objections cannot be entertained.

After the delimitation exercise the strength of the NA is 336. Of these 266 are to be general seats, 60 seats will be reserved for women and 10 for non-Muslims. The women and non-Muslim seats will be allotted to the parties on the basis of their performance in the general seats.

The allocation of general seats on a provincial basis is thus: Punjab141, Sindh61, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa45, Baluchistan16 and the Federal Capital area3. This election, as those in the past, will be won or lost on the basis of the performance of the parties in the general seats. Also, as in the past, Punjab has more seats than the combined number of the other three provinces and the Federal Capital Area; thus, the party which controls Punjab controls Pakistan. This is a permanent feature of Pakistans political life.

Army chief General Asim Munir will seek to make sure that former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) does not succeed in the elections. The events of 9 May when the PTI workers and supporters attacked army installations and the monuments of martyrs have ensured that the gulf between Khan and Munir cannot be bridged. Khan has been in prison since May because he has been charged in a number of cases and the courts have not given him bail. Munir has also purged a large number of senior officers who were believed to have sympathies for Khan. The army is, therefore, firmly under his control.

There have been desertions of leaders from the PTI. As of now, it appears that the armys desire to finish off the PTI electorally will prevail. With that, the PML(N) of the Sharifs should succeed in the Punjab. Its chances have increased with the return of its leader Nawaz Sharif two months ago from London where he has been since 2019. However, Nawaz Sharif, thrice prime minister in the past is a shadow of the political leader he was. He looks infirm and without vigour. Instead of rousing his supporters and others by giving out a firm programme which will seek to resolve Pakistans myriad problems, beginning with its grave economic situation, he is obsessed with the past injustices he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz have had to face. He is railing against his past adversaries, including the army, which manoeuvred the 2018 national elections in favour of Imran Khan.

Nawaz Sharif is relying on Munir to create conditions which will tilt the electoral field in PML(N)s favour in the polls. It was he who had insisted that Munir should succeed the former army chief General Qamar Bajwa in November 2022 even though there were technical difficulties in his elevation to head the army. Obviously, Nawaz Sharif feels that Munir nurses great grievances against Khan going back to the period when Khan, as prime minister, had pressured Bajwa to oust him from the DG ISIs post and place Faez Hameed in his place. And, now after the 9 May events there is no way that Munir will countenance the PTI in power. That leaves PML(N) as the only alternative.

The political scene will get heated in the coming weeks. The traditional parties, Bhuttos PPP, PML(N) Maulana Fazlul Rehmans JUI(F), and others will go to the electorate to maintain their bases. In this context, Khans PTI too will seek to hold on to at least its KP base. In the midst of all this, the armys position as the ultimate arbiter of Pakistans destinies will not be denied. If a recognition of this fact of Pakistans national life was needed it has been provided by Munirs tour of the US which began on 12 December. This visit is significant for Pakistan, of course, but it has implications for India and the region as well.

During his week-long US visit, Munir met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Deputy National Security Advisor Jonathon Finer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown and the head of the US Central Command General Michael Erik Kurilla. He also interacted with US think tanks and members of the Pakistani diaspora. Munir travelled to New York to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Clearly, by giving Munir such extensive access the US was intent on sending a message that it considered Pakistan as an important player in the region. It also showed that it had decided to put behind its period of unhappiness with the duplicitous role that Pakistan had played in Afghanistan through its support for the Taliban. That role was responsible, among other reasons for the USs strategic defeat at the hands of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

During Munirs visit US spokespersons maintained that their country would deal with whoever the Pakistani people chose as their leader in the coming elections. However, the fact is that there is a coincidence of US and Munirs interests on Imran Khan. In March 2022 a besieged Khan had blamed the US for wanting him to be ousted from the prime ministers chair because he had refused to be dictated by US choices regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other foreign policy issues. Earlier, Khan had been especially vocal against the US role in Afghanistan and had hailed the departure of US forces from that country. He had said that the Taliban had broken the chains of slavery. This history between Khan and the US would make it difficult for the US to deal with Khan. Hence, US decision makers would certainly be happy that Munir is trying to ensure Khans political demise and driving the PTI to the fringes of Pakistans politics.

There have been no public comments on Munirs conversations with his US interlocutors on Pakistans ties with Afghanistan and China. Pakistan-Afghan Taliban relations have reached a low point. Pakistan is unhappy that the Afghan Taliban have not restrained the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) from targeting the Pakistan Army. Indeed, on the day Munir reached the US, a group aligned with the TTP attacked a Pakistani army base in Dera Ismail Khan killing 23 Pakistani soldiers. On its part, Pakistan launched a drive to push Afghan refugees without papersand therefore illegalsinto Afghanistan despite the protests of the interim Afghan government.

Neither the US nor Pakistan want an anarchic Afghanistan which becomes a conducive area for terrorist groups to have a free run. Yes, Pakistan wants the Afghan Taliban to allow space for the activities of terrorist groups that are instruments of the Pakistani State but not for those which are, like the TTP, against Islamabad. Ideally, the US and Pakistan would like an inclusive government in Kabul but this is unlikely because the Taliban is not willing to cede or share power with any group. It is therefore likely that Munir and his US interlocutors would have agreed for greater bilateral intelligence cooperation on Afghanistan. This will not be easy though because it will be difficult for US intelligence to trust Pakistani intelligence on Afghanistan because of its past track record and the continuing closeness between Pakistan and China.

Notwithstanding the continuing Sino-Pak nexus it is in the US interest to not allow the Chinese to have a free run in Pakistan. it would, at least, like some pockets of influence within the Pakistani establishment and political class. Munir also seems to have reached the conclusion that China alone or along with Pakistans traditional Arab donors cannot really pull its economy out of the deep hole in which it finds itself. Hence, a benign US role in putting Pakistans economy on an upward trajectory as distinct from continuing to be on a dripis needed. It remains to be seen how much the US and Pakistan can cooperate in the economic and commercial areas in view of the inroads that China has made in the Pakistan economy, including through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

While 2024 would reveal how far US and Pakistan go to revive their relations it is clear that the General Munir visit shows that the former is serious about stabilising its ties with Pakistan. The elimination of Imran Khans PTI from the Pakistan political scene would help in that process. Unless the Pakistani electorate throws up surprises in the 8 February elections and General Munir, is unable to control the situation, 2024 will witness US-Pakistan ties moving in a positive direction. That will naturally have implications for India.

The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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In an era where corporate wellness programmes are on the rise, companies are increasingly interested in an unexpected asset  your body. However, what might sound initially creepy is, in reality, a focus on your health rather than invasive monitoring for other purposes.

Constant health surveillance

If you find yourself part of a workplace fitness programme, using a health monitoring app, or wearing a fitness tracker, youre part of a growing phenomenon  constant health surveillance. This practice has become increasingly prevalent in workplaces, where employee health is viewed as a valuable source of intelligence.

Your company, through health monitors on your wrist, can collect a wealth of sensitive data - from the number of steps you take to your heart rate, sleep patterns and more. While this may seem like an intrusion into your personal life, companies argue that its a means to promote healthier lifestyles among employees.

Incentives and rewards

Companies often entice employees to voluntarily participate in health monitoring programmes through cash rewards or reduced insurance premiums. For example, IBM offers $150 for meeting health targets, while UnitedHealthcare provides $1,500 in reimbursements on health benefit plans.

In some cases, companies take wellness incentives to the extreme, replacing traditional bonuses with health rewards systems. In China, a company ties year-end bonuses to employees running achievements, sparking ethical debates about using bonuses as bargaining chips.

Benefits versus concerns

Proponents argue that such programmes benefit both employees and companies. Healthier employees are more productive and companies can keep insurance costs down. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of these programmes is mixed and concerns about privacy and ethics persist.

The major issue is the invasion of privacy. Should employers be able to track your sleep or other personal health data? What happens to this data and could it be used against employees, perhaps in denying promotions or sold to insurance companies?

While the global corporate wellness market is booming, the question remains: Does monitoring employees actually help? Many studies suggest limited effectiveness and the ethical and privacy concerns are paramount.

Companies must tread a fine line when implementing wellness programmes, ensuring that they boost employee health without crossing ethical boundaries. Independent third-party oversight and adherence to strict privacy guidelines can help strike a balance between employee well-being and privacy concerns. After all, a healthier workplace should prioritise better work-life balance over constant surveillance, as employees deserve more than just a pedometer on their wrists.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Japan, known for its technological prowess, recently witnessed the fall of one of its corporate giants  Toshiba. With a history spanning 74 years on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Toshiba was delisted and transitioned into a private entity, owned by a consortium led by Japan Industrial Partners (JIP), a private equity firm.

Toshiba, once a Japanese powerhouse with a 150-year legacy, faced a series of challenges that led to its dramatic downfall. The story begins in 2008 when the global financial crisis struck, affecting businesses worldwide. Unlike many companies, Toshiba opted for dishonest practices, indulging in accounting malpractices to mask its losses and present a facade of profitability.

Worsening the situation, Toshiba overstated its operating profits by a staggering $1.2 billion over eight years, until 2015. The accounting scandal, once exposed, shattered public faith in the company, marking a severe blow to its reputation. Successive CEOs oversaw this period of financial deceit.

Management failures

Investigations revealed that while the leadership did not explicitly instruct accounting malpractices, they exerted pressure on subordinates. This, coupled with Japans corporate culture emphasising obedience to superiors, contributed to the tainted results and showcased the pitfalls of bad corporate governance.

In 2016, Toshiba faced another stroke of misfortune. Its US subsidiary committed to constructing a $7 billion power plant, a move that ultimately led to the subsidiarys bankruptcy later that year. Left with a massive loss and plummeting share prices, Toshiba initiated damage control by selling off valuable assets such as its mobile phones business and medical systems.

External interference and power struggles

To mitigate its financial woes in 2017, Toshiba sought a bailout from foreign investors. However, this move invited external interference and demands for change from these overseas stakeholders. A power struggle ensued, exacerbated by alleged collusion between Japans trade ministry and Toshiba to suppress foreign investors. The company, once considered a critical asset by the Japanese government, found itself in chaos, unable to recover.

The Toshiba saga serves as a cautionary tale, emphasising the importance of honesty in corporate practices. During challenging times, companies must resist the temptation of resorting to shady accounting. The fallout from such practices can be severe, potentially leading to the downfall of even longstanding organisations.

Toshibas journey from a Japanese technological powerhouse to a privately owned entity reflects a narrative of bad luck, mismanagement and external interference. As it transitions into a new chapter, the lessons learned from its downfall underscore the significance of ethical business practices and transparency in the corporate world.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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As Bangladesh gears up for the upcoming elections on the seventh of January, the atmosphere is notably tense, marked by protests rather than the typical election fervour. The unusual circumstances surrounding this election stem from the boycott by major opposition parties leading to concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Opposition boycott

Bangladeshs main opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have chosen to boycott the elections. This decision leaves the field open for the ruling Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and raises questions about the credibility of the electoral outcome.

In an effort to salvage the situation, Prime Minister Hasina has engaged in talks with the Jatiya Party (JAPA), the largest opposition party in Parliament. Previously boycotting the elections, the Jatiya Party has now decided to participate, as Sheikh Hasinas party has chosen not to contest in 26 out of 300 seats, presenting an opportunity for the opposition to make gains.

While these concessions may ease tensions with the Jatiya Party, the broader concern remains about the legitimacy of an election without the active participation of key opposition parties. With 14 parties boycotting the vote, including the BNP, there are growing apprehensions about the fairness and authenticity of the electoral process.

International and domestic ramifications

The international community, particularly the United States and Europe, has voiced concerns about the need for free and fair elections in Bangladesh. Criticism from these major markets could potentially lead to sanctions or import restrictions, posing economic challenges for the country. Additionally, domestic turmoil is escalating, with thousands of BNP supporters protesting, leaders being arrested and a nationwide strike planned demanding Prime Minister Hasinas resignation.

The BNPs boycott strategy raises internal challenges with the party aligning more closely with Islamist groups, particularly the Jamaat. The Jamaats involvement in violent protests and destruction of public property has led to fears that the BNP is adopting a more hardline stance posing a security risk for Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Hasina faces dual pressures  both internal and external. Despite her attempts to limit damage through concessions, the oppositions chosen path of brinkmanship and violence poses a significant challenge. As the nation approaches the election date, the outcome remains uncertain with implications for both Bangladeshs internal stability and its standing in the global community.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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The war in West Asia has two fronts now: One is obviously Gaza and the other is the Red Sea which is the busiest route between Asia and Europe. But right now, its a danger zone.

Yemens Houthi rebels are attacking commercial ships. Many companies have started avoiding the route. They are sailing all the way around Africa.

So, is India worried about the Houthi threat? How much trade is at stake? And what is New Delhi doing about it?

New Delhi is worried about the Red Sea situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.

Had a productive exchange of views on the Israel-Hamas conflict, including shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic, said PM Modi after speaking with PM Netanyahu.

India is deploying warships. The Indian Navy already had one warship in the region  The INS Kochi  but now, a second warship  The INS Kolkata  has been sent. Reports say they will operate off the coast of Aden which is located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Its a Yemeni port city. From Aden, one can control Red Sea trade. So that is under Indias focus.

On paper, this is not about the Houthis, but about Red Sea pirates. But the timing is key. Indias deployments coincide with the new Red Sea coalition where 10 countries have joined forces. They will defend ships against the Houthis, though India is not part of that coalition, yet, New Delhi is sending warships.

In fact, the navy is already part of the action. Last week, a commercial ship was hijacked in the Red Sea. It was a Malta-flagged vessel. The Indian navy immediately sprung to action.

It deployed a maritime patrol aircraft. Kept monitoring the crew. Even evacuated one injured soldier. So basically, India was the first responder. However, in this case, the Houthis were not responsible, it was likely Somali pirates who might have seen the chaos caused by the Houthis. So they thought to join in.

Now, lets come to the final question: What is at stake for India? As you know, the Red Sea leads into the Suez Canal which is a key transit point for India. In 2021, Indias trade via the Suez Canal was worth 200 billion dollars, this includes both exports and imports.

And around one trillion dollars was Indias total foreign trade.

It means around 20 percent of Indias trade is via the Suez Canal.

Further, there are two major worries. Number one: Oil, India now has two major suppliers, West Asia and Russia. West Asian oil is shipped via the Persian Gulf. So no problems there. But most of the Russian oil comes via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, that is 40 percent of Indias total imports (around 1.7 million barrels). If those ships are targeted or re-routed, costs will rise.

And number two is the freight costs. So some Indian industry experts are worried. They say shipping costs could rise by up to 40 percent. Meaning, Indian exports will become more expensive. And no country likes to import expensive goods.

So India is right to be worried by the Red Sea events. At the same time, India has certain advantages compared to the Western countries. For starters, New Delhi is not involved in the Yemeni civil war. In fact, India and Yemen have long been partners. Around 200 thousand people of Indian origin live in Yemen. Plus, India has close ties with Iran who is the godfather of the Houthis.

So New Delhi can pull some strings in Tehran and maybe get the Houthis to ease off their ships. Of course, these are not sustainable options. The best option would be to end the war, and thats something India has already demanded at the UN General Assembly.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
There is a slow-burner unfolding in Pakistan  a strange election with an even stranger strategy  politicians are having a sudden change of heart towards India. It is like the ninth wonder. Most Pakistani politicians are two-trick ponies  listen to the army and blame India. That is all they do.

But former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is trying a different strategy. He says not to blame India; Pakistans troubles are its own creation.

It was not India, US or Afghanistan who have brought Pakistan to the current state, we ourselves are responsible, says Pakistans Nawaz Sharif pic.twitter.com/2ZcupF1dZY  Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 20, 2023

He is right. One cannot blame India for Pakistans current situation. But what explains Sharifs honesty? Is he extending an olive branch to India? He cant just yet. Pakistans elections are due in February.

Candidates have started filing nomination papers. Sharif himself is expected to file his nomination on Thursday. He will likely contest from Mansehra, a city in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, which is also a Sharif stronghold.

But heres the fun fact. Technically, Sharif cannot contest the elections. He was given a lifelong ban by the Supreme Court. That ban is yet to be reversed. Though some of his jail sentences were overturned, the ban remains. So how will Nawaz Sharif contest?

Such technicalities dont seem to bother Pakistans political parties. For example, look at Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party. The PTI says Khan will contest from three seats  Lahore, Islamabad and Mianwali  but Khan is currently in jail.

He too has a lifelong ban on contesting elections. But his party is filing papers from three seats. This tells you the state of Pakistani politics.

But lets assume Sharif contests, and he wins and becomes the prime minister. Will he keep saying good things about India? Well, that depends on the army.

Has Pakistans army told Nawaz Sharif to change his tone? To sweet talk india?

If it has, it could signal a policy change. A possible outreach to India and frankly, its a possibility.

Sharif hasnt suddenly started sweet-talking India. It has been a trend, he started while in exile in London. He continued at his first rally after returning, and since then, he has been unstoppable.

If the army disagreed it would and could have stopped him. But it havent.

Well, Pakistan is chasing resets around the world. This week, the army chief was in the United States. He met top US officials like Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken.

And on Wednesday, the army released a statement:

The army chief said that Pakistan wishes to develop itself as a hub of connectivity and a gateway to Central Asia and beyond. However, it wants to eschew bloc politics and believes in maintaining balanced relationships with all friendly countries.

Just a reminder Pakistan is saddled with Chinese loans. Its often been called a Chinese province. Now, that same Pakistan wants to avoid bloc politics. In other words, it wants to repair relations with the West.

Pakistan needs bail-outs from global institutions where the US can help. Hence the reset. But does that reset also extend to India? Logically, it should.

India is the new engine of global growth, the fifth largest economy, so Indias prosperity will rub off on neighbours, especially those who want to be a regional transit hub. Imagine the benefits for Islamabad.

But the question is, are they genuine? Sharif has tried to repair relations before, during his prime ministership. A bus route was opened from Delhi to Lahore in 1999. In 2014, he attended PM Modis inauguration. The next year, Modi returned the favour when he attended Sharifs granddaughters wedding. So the two leaders are familiar.

But every time, the military has spoiled Sharifs plans. In 1999, it launched the Kargil war. In 2017, he was convicted in a corruption case. So will this time be any different? Only if the army supports him.

Of course, Indias red lines are clear: Terror and talks do not go hand-in-hand. If progress is made on that front, maybe a reset is on the cards.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
On December 20, 2023, Russia-Ukraine war entered on its 665th day. In this time, weve seen the momentum swing. First, a Russian blitzkrieg, and then a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Then a stalemate, and now another Russian onslaught. Its clear that Moscow has the edge. Which is why Vladimir Putins latest comments have raised eyebrows.

On Tuesday, Putin had two key meetings, one of which was with soldiers who fought in Ukraine. He awarded them Russias gold star. Its the top military honour. After that, the Russian president met with his top military aides. He told them that he was ready to negotiate with Ukraine and the West.

We wont interfere, but we wont give up our territory. This is what everyone in Ukraine, Europe, and the USAeveryone who is aggressive towards Russiashould understand. If they want to negotiate, let them negotiate. We will only do it based on our interests, said Putin.

So thats Putins message: We will talk, but on our terms. The question is, why? After all, Putin has the battlefield advantage. So why is he eyeing a political settlement? Maybe he wants to negotiate from a position of strength. Maybe he fears the momentum will swing again. Or maybe he knows the West will turn him down anyway. In which case, theres nothing to lose.

The Kremlin has now clarified Putins remarks. It says there is no basis for talks now. Apparently, the conditions are not good. Then why did Putin offer negotiations? Well, theres no point speculating.

Lets look at the battlefield first. Russia controls more than 17 percent of Ukraines land, this year, Kyiv launched a counteroffensive to take back some of it. But the operation failed.

So Ukraine is stuck. Meanwhile, Russia is putting more men on the ground. Its being called a relentless assault. Also, the airstrikes continue, Russia has launched five aerial raids this month. The latest was on Tuesday. As many as 19 drones targeted Kyiv, Odessa and Kherson.

These air raids are not just about damage. Its about psychology. Its about turning Ukrainians against their leadership. And looks like its working. A new opinion poll has been published in Ukraine. It looks at public trust, 62 percent people have trust in Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though it sounds a lot, as most Western leaders are stuck below 50. But in December last year, Zelensky polled much higher. It was then close to 84 percent. So in one year, his ratings have dropped 22 percent. Thats a huge drop.

At the same time, trust in the army is unshaken, 96 percent Ukrainians trust the military. As many as 88 percent trust the Commander-in-Chief. The same man who said the war is at a stalemate.

So what is Zelenskyy doing? On Tuesday, he organised a year-end press conference. It looks like its the new fad in town!

Zelenskyy says Russia has not achieved any victory.

Russia did not achieve any victory. Our fighters have done well, people have done well. I am once again grateful to them for this. As for financial assistance, we are working very hard on it. I am sure that the United States of America will not betray us and that what we have achieved with the United States will be fulfilled, said the Ukrainian president.

So Zelenskyy is betting on the US which is a risky bet. American senators say aid will not be approved before the new year. The US House is already on holiday. So this winter will be tough which brings us to the peace deal. Is there one on the table? Zelenskyy had proposed a 10 point formula last year. The formula had proposals that asked Russia to withdraw all its soldiers and respect Ukraines borders, while Europe must guarantee Kyivs future security. It also demanded trial of Russian soldiers for war crimes.

But for Putin, it was a non-starter. He will never agree to these terms. So the question is will Zelenskyy make concessions? He proposed the peace plan in August last year. But two months later, he signed a new decree. He outlawed any negotiations with Putin. This was after Russia formally annexed Ukrainian land.

But 2023 has been a year of setbacks for Ukraine. Could that force Zelenskyys hand? The Kremlin says the West wont let it happen. That is right. Russia claims Britain asked Ukraine to withdraw from the peace talks. Now, thats a massive allegation. Neither Kyiv, nor London has reacted yet. But its a big claim to make. And if true, it is a problem because Zelenskyy will negotiate only if the West wants him to.

And which Western leader will do that? Some do appear interested, like French President Emmanul Macron. He says he would still take calls from the Russian president.

If President Putin has a willingness to engage in dialogue and serious proposals to move forward and emerge from the conflict and build a lasting peace, that is to say one that respects international law and therefore Ukrainian interests and sovereignty, Ill take the call  and will spare no effort to obtain a result, he said.

It will be a test of leadership. Putin has elections coming up in March 2024. He will win, no doubt. But how does he want to start his next term? As a war-time leader? Or with a fresh start? Same with Zelenskyy. He always knew he couldnt win this war. But now, he could lose it.

So both Putin and Zelenskyy have many factors to weigh, like legacy, politics, and strategy. If they stick to the battlefield, there will only be one winner. Thats how wars work. However, if they negotiate, more possibilities open up. Lets see what they choose.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Apple Inc. is reportedly ramping up the production for its highly anticipated Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, with insiders revealing plans for a launch as early as February, as per a report by Bloombergs Mark Gurman.

Gurman reports that sources familiar with the matter disclosed that production is in full swing at facilities in China, having commenced several weeks ago.

The objective is to have customer-ready units by the end of January, setting the stage for retail availability in the subsequent month.

The company has recently reached out to software developers, urging them to prepare for the Vision Pro by testing their applications with the latest tools and submitting software for feedbacka clear indication of an imminent release.

The rollout of the Vision Pro marks Apples entry into a new product category since the debut of smartwatches in 2015. A departure from its traditional offerings, the mixed-reality headset melds virtual and augmented reality, a space currently led by Meta Platforms Inc.

Apple aims to make a compelling introduction to consumers, emphasizing an immersive retail experience and introducing entirely new sales strategies and equipment.

The Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, represents a significant investment for consumers, and Apple is undertaking measures to ensure a positive first impression.

Retail stores are being prepared to accommodate inventory and new fixtures specifically designed for the headset. In addition to the headsets, stores will stock accessories such as head straps, light seals, and prescription lenses, necessitating additional storage space.

Apples ambitious launch requires extensive employee training, with at least two staff members from each retail outlet scheduled to undergo a two-day training session at the companys headquarters in January. These trained employees will subsequently manage sales at their respective stores and educate their peers on marketing the Vision Pro.

The training sessions will cover the functionality of the Vision Pro, focusing on attaching the headband, optional prescription lenses, and the light seal. Employees will also learn new etiquette, such as fitting cushions around the face to ensure customer comfort.

Apple plans to introduce an app that can scan customers heads to determine the appropriate band and light seal, with retail employees tasked with confirming the apps recommendations during sales.

Unlike the Apple Watch launch, which involved two media events prior to release, the Vision Pros release is expected to be more subdued. After unveiling the product at its developers conference in June, Apple is likely to highlight additional features on its website.

Despite the headsets potential, challenges include its high price, limited initial availability in the U.S., a two-hour battery life, and concerns about the products weight.

Apple is also addressing production complexities, given the devices intricate components, including ultrahigh-resolution displays, processors, and multiple external cameras.

The Vision Pro is just the beginning of Apples foray into mixed-reality products, with plans for more comfortable and cost-effective models already in development. Apple aims to target corporate customers and schools, mirroring its successful approach with the Apple Watch and wristwatches.

The company is also actively working on the next version of the headsets operating system, visionOS, expected to launch later in 2024, alongside operating systems for other major Apple devices. In a note to developers, Apple expressed excitement about the future and the continuous evolution of its mixed-reality offerings.
In a significant milestone for the Indian automotive industry, Tata Motors, a leading automobile brand, has set a new standard for safety with its flagship SUVs, the new Safari and the premium SUV Harrier.

Both vehicles have earned the prestigious 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and child occupant protection under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat-NCAP), Indias independent safety performance evaluation protocol.

Bringing Global Safety Standards to India!Tatas Safari/Harrier shine with top-notch adult and child safety ratings in Frontal, Side, and Pole Side Impact Tests by BNCAP. Taking the first stride towards #SafetyBeyondRegulations! #MoreStarsSaferCars #SafetyFirst pic.twitter.com/E0yGund5VO  Bharat NCAP (@bncapofficial) December 20, 2023



The announcement was made today, showcasing Tata Motors commitment to delivering the safest vehicles on Indian roads.

The Bharat-NCAP, benchmarked against global standards, plays a crucial role in advancing road safety and vehicle safety standards beyond mandatory regulations.

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, praised Bharat-NCAP as Indias independent voice on vehicle safety, emphasizing its alignment with global standards.

Congratulations to @TataMotors for the historic achievement!  Presenting the first-ever Bharat  NCAP 5-star rating certification to the new Safari and Harrier is a momentous stride in enhancing consumer safety. BNCAP stands as Indias independent advocate for pic.twitter.com/rhRUAhPhHV  Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) December 20, 2023



He expressed delight that Tata Motors new Safari and Harrier achieved the highest achievable 5-star rating, marking a significant accomplishment for the automotive manufacturer.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., received the coveted certification.

Chandra highlighted the importance of Bharat-NCAP as a step forward, providing customers with an objective score to evaluate safety aspects. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the government, regulatory bodies, and the automotive industry in prioritizing vehicle safety.

Launched in October 2023, the Tata Safari and Tata Harrier, built on the OMEGARC architecture derived from Land Rovers D8 Platform, secured a five-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests as well.

Both SUVs feature the Kryotec 2.0-litre diesel engine, delivering 170PS of maximum power and 350Nm of peak torque, with transmission options including a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AT.

The Bharat-NCAP program is voluntary and applies to the M1 category of vehicles with a gross weight of less than or equal to 3,500kg, encompassing vehicles used for passenger transport with not more than eight seats.

The safety evaluation includes testing the base variant of each model across three critical domains: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and safety assist technologies. Cars undergo rigorous crash tests, including frontal impact, side impact, and pole side impact, receiving ratings ranging from zero to five stars based on their performance.

Tata Motors expressed its commitment to continually enhance vehicle safety, contributing to the broader goal of improving road safety standards in India.

(With inputs from agencies)
Mahindra & Mahindras Scorpio-N, also known as the Mahindra Scorpio in Australia and New Zealand, has faced a major setback with a 0-star safety rating in the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) crash tests.

This comes as a surprise for many Indian Petrolheads, mainly because the Scorpio-N is one of the safest SUVs plying on Indian roads today. And this is not just us saying that. After all, the Scorpio-N received the much coveted, 5-star rating in the GNCAP or Global New Car Assessment Programme crash tests

Scorpio-N in Australasia

Launched in Australia in April 2023 and in New Zealand in August 2023, the Mahindra Scorpio-N is available in both six-seat and seven-seat variants in these countries. The ANCAP safety rating applies to all versions of the SUV.

ANCAP evaluates vehicles across four key areas: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assists.

The Scorpio-N scored 44 per cent in Adult Occupant Protection, 80 per cent in Child Occupant Protection, 23 per cent in Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 0 per cent in Safety Assists, in the ANCAP crash tests. Here, the absence of ADAS features really hurt the score of the car, and failed it automatically.

Why the Scorpio-N failed in the ANCAP test?

The disparity in safety ratings is attributed to the stricter testing protocols employed by ANCAP, which mandate the inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane support system (LSS). These features are currently unavailable in the Scorpio-N.

Australian safety regulations mandate the inclusion of ADAS features in all passenger and commercial vehicles. The Mahindra Scorpio-N currently lacks these features, because of which, it scored a 0 in Safety Assists, and just 23 per cent in Vulnerable Road User Protection. Since it did not score anything in one category, and had a very low score in another category, the car failed the test.

Also, as per ANCAP, the Mahindra Scorpio-N is equipped with dual frontal, side chest-protecting, and side head-protecting airbags as standard. However, the side head-protecting airbags do not extend to protect occupants in the third row, and a centre airbag to prevent occupant-to-occupant interaction is not available.

Indian customers need not be worried

In an official statement, Mahindra emphasized its commitment to safety, highlighting the Scorpio-Ns earlier achievement as the first body-on-frame SUV in India to secure a 5-star safety rating. The company acknowledged the differences in safety regulations and pledged to meet the unique requirements for Australia in a product mid-cycle update.

Scorpio-N is a safe car, as shown by its 5-star GNCAP rating. However, it does miss out on some assisted driving features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane support system. As per the regulations in Australia and New Zealand, these features arent just optional features, but a must for any new car.

However, the traffic situation in India is drastically different, and not one that requires high levels of ADAS. Therefore, the low ANCAP safety rating should not be a concern for Indian buyers.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Microsoft has recently announced a strategic partnership with Suno, introducing innovative AI-powered music creation capabilities to the ever-evolving Copilot platform.

This latest development integrates the Suno plugin into Microsoft Copilot, offering users the ability to craft personalized songs effortlessly through the assistance of prompts.

This musical enhancement is part of a series of AI-driven updates unveiled for Microsoft Copilot, a comprehensive AI companion that consolidates various AI services, including the Bing Chat AI chatbot, into a unified platform.

In a blog post released on Tuesday, Microsoft detailed how the Suno plugin empowers Copilot users to generate complete songs, complete with lyrics, instrumentals, and vocals, based on a single sentence prompt.

A distinctive feature of this collaboration is that users need not possess musical expertise to embark on their creative musical journey with the AI assistant.

Microsoft explained that Suno utilizes the provided prompt to seamlessly compose a full song, aligning with the cues embedded in the users input.

To activate the Suno plugin on Microsoft Copilot, users can navigate to copilot.microsoft.com, sign in to their Microsoft account, and toggle on the Suno plugin or simply click on the Suno logo that invites them to Make music with Suno.

Subsequently, users can employ prompts to specify the genre and theme, enabling them to craft the song tailored to their preferences.

According to the blog post, the Suno plugin for Microsoft Copilot has commenced its rollout to select users and is expected to become widely accessible in the coming weeks.

In a recent update earlier this month, Microsoft unveiled additional features for Copilot in celebration of its one-year milestone. Among the upcoming enhancements is the integration of OpenAIs latest model, GPT-4 Turbo, which equips Copilot to tackle more intricate and lengthier tasks.

Furthermore, Copilot is set to incorporate the new DALL-E 3 model for image generation, promising richer visuals that closely align with user prompts.

In a significant move last September, Microsoft seamlessly integrated Copilot into its Windows 11 operating system. This integration not only brought the chatbot directly into the Windows 11 environment but also introduced updates to the MS Paint app, enhancing it with support for layers and graphics generation. The Snipping Tool, a screenshot utility, was also enriched with AI-based features such as text extraction and redaction.

(With inputs from agencies)
WazirX, the prominent Indian crypto trading platform, disclosed its business trajectory for the year 2023, shedding light on the challenges faced by the crypto market in India amid ongoing regulatory uncertainties.

The platform reported a substantial decline in trading volume, reaching around $1 billion (approximately Rs. 8,315 crore), marking a stark 90 per cent drop from the previous years $10 billion (approximately Rs. 83,151 crore) and 2021s figure of $43 billion (approximately Rs. 3,57,534 crore).

While WazirX refrained from elaborating on the reasons behind the decline in trading volumes, its competitor

CoinDCX attributed a 12 per cent reduction in its workforce to the impact of Indias tax regime, suggesting that regulatory uncertainties played a role in deterring investors.

Despite the challenges, WazirX provided insights into trading patterns observed in India during 2023. Bitcoin (BTC), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Ripple (XRP), Ethereum (ETH), and Polygon (MATIC) emerged as the most traded cryptocurrencies among Indian users on the platform.

WazirX shared demographic details, revealing that women constituted 22 per cent of the total trading volume, with women aged between 21-40 years contributing 83 per cent of the total volume traded by female users. Among male users, the age bracket of 21-40 years constituted 76 per cent of the total volume.

Geographically, traders from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Haryana represented the majority, while states with the highest trading volumes included Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Haryana.

Rajagopal Menon, Vice President of WazirX, expressed optimism about the future of blockchain-related sectors despite the current challenges.

Menon projected that as blockchain technologies mature, cryptocurrencies would evolve beyond speculative assets, integrating into supply chain management, healthcare, and digital identity verification.

He anticipated a revolution in user experiences across Web3 technologies in 2024 and suggested that the Bitcoin halving signalled a bullish trend in the coming times.

WazirXs disclosure aligns with recent acknowledgements from other players in the industry, such as CoinDCX and CoinSwitch, highlighting the impact of regulatory uncertainties on crypto trading volumes and user engagement in India.

The nation is currently assessing the potential impacts of integrating crypto into its existing financial systems, and concrete crypto regulations may take up to eighteen months, potentially until mid-2025, to materialize.

(With inputs from agencies)
Japans space exploration agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has redirected its Hayabusa2 spacecraft to intercept two distant asteroids, initiating tests for technology capable of diverting an asteroid on a collision course with Earth, as a report by the South China Morning Post.

While JAXA has not confirmed plans to alter the course of the asteroids, experts speculate that interception and course adjustment might occur towards the end of Hayabusa2s operational life in 2031.

Launched in December 2014, Hayabusa2 initially had a six-year mission to intercept the near-Earth asteroid 162173 Ryugu. After reaching its destination in June 2018, the spacecraft conducted an 18-month survey, collecting samples of debris by firing a pellet into the asteroids surface.

The samples were successfully returned to Earth in December 2020.

With its primary mission accomplished, JAXA engineers announced in December 2020 that they would use the remaining xenon propellant to enable Hayabusa2 to perform a fly-by of the asteroid 2002 CC21 in July 2026, followed by a final destination  the asteroid 1998 KY26.

A nearly spherical asteroid, 1998 KY26 is 30 meters in diameter and orbits the sun with a minimum distance to Earth of approximately 374,000 km.

JAXA intends for Hayabusa2 to attach a target marker to the asteroid, gaining insights into the unique physical environment near its surface.

JAXA highlighted the significance of the mission, stating that many asteroids of similar size exist in outer space, with the potential to collide with Earth every 100 to 1,000 years, causing significant damage.

Hayabusa2s mission serves as a critical first step in a Japanese or multinational effort to develop spacecraft capable of intercepting and deflecting asteroids with Earth-threatening trajectories.

Ground-based observations have limitations, and a closer examination of asteroids like 1998 KY26 and 2002 CC21 will contribute to planetary defence efforts. NASAs recent success with the Double Asteroid Redirection Test in September, altering the orbital path of an asteroid named Dimorphos, has demonstrated the feasibility of altering the trajectory of larger, easily tracked asteroids.

Lance Gatling, a security and aerospace analyst, suggests that while JAXA has not explicitly mentioned altering the asteroids orbit, it wouldnt be surprising if they attempt it in the future.

He emphasizes the challenging environment and the potential benefits of the data collected for Japans aspirations of mining operations on asteroids. The endeavour is seen as a valuable learning experience despite the difficulties posed by the small, rapidly rotating target.

(With inputs from agencies)
In a strategic move, social media giant Meta has joined forces with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to pave the way for as many as 500,000 small businesses to tap into the potential of digital commerce over the next two years.

This groundbreaking collaboration sees Meta and ONDC collaboratively spearheading integrated capacity-building programs, fusing social media expertise, AI-driven tools, and an open technology network architecture, as reported by the Indian Express.

The primary objective is to create an equitable playing field for the myriad Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) navigating the digital commerce landscape.

Thampy Koshy, the CEO of ONDC, and Sandhya Devanathan, Vice-President of Meta India, have outlined their shared vision for bolstering small businesses and weighed in on the burgeoning digital commerce landscape in India.

Expanding on the initiatives meticulously crafted to underpin the digital transformation of small businesses, Koshy explained that ONDCs overarching vision is to empower small enterprises with equal opportunities in the digital realm, steering them away from being overshadowed by a select few major players.

Devanathan echoed a similar sentiment, affirming Metas dedication to collaborating with ONDC to upskill small businesses entering the network. She underscored Metas commitment through the Small Business Academy, aiming to train up to five million small businesses in digital marketing skills over the next two years to fuel their growth.

Additionally, Meta will extend engineering support to business solutions providers, ensuring seamless buyer-seller experiences on WhatsApp integrated with ONDC. Collaboration is also underway on the development of ONDCs Sahayak chatbot to streamline seller onboarding.

Devanathan underscored that Metas platforms  Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp  empower small businesses to test, iterate, and grow audiences cost-effectively. Open networks like ONDC that democratise access will enable small sellers to make their catalogue available to wider sets of buyers. We are also focused on women-led small businesses through our skilling and enablement initiatives, she said.

Koshy emphasized the confidence he observes in Indian entrepreneurs and developers crafting innovative solutions for both national and global markets. He stressed the importance of leveraging ONDC and Metas offerings for small businesses to expand their customer bases, moving beyond mere replication of existing models. Our government is also strongly backing efforts like ONDC to move towards an inclusive, participation-driven digital economy, Koshy added.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told the Philippines to address through dialogue serious difficulties in their relations over the South China Sea, warning that any miscalculation would prompt Beijing to defend itself and respond resolutely. Beijing and Manila have traded sharp accusations in recent months over a succession of run-ins in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has accused Chinas coastguard of intentionally colliding with its vessels and using water cannon and a military-grade laser against them, while China has accused the Philippines of trespassing in its territory.

The souring of ties this year coincides with Manilas moves to boost military ties with Japan and the United States, its former colonial power and defence ally of seven decades.

China-Philippines relations are at a crossroads, Wang told his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo in a call on Wednesday, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

The top priority is to properly handle and control the current maritime situation.

If the Philippines misjudges or colludes with ill-intentioned external forces, China would defend its rights and respond resolutely, Wang was quoted saying, without elaborating. It was not immediately clear who initiated the phone call.

His remarks could intensify a dispute that has simmered for years, with the Philippines pushing back at what it sees as a Chinese campaign to prevent it from accessing fossil fuel and fisheries resources in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

An escalation towards an armed confrontation, while unlikely, would be a significant raising of the stakes, with the United States bound by a 1951 treaty to defend the Philippines should it come under attack, including in the South China Sea.

Manalo said in a statement that he had a frank and candid exchange with Wang, adding both noted the importance of dialogue.

SWEEPING CLAIM

China claims almost the entire South China Sea via a so-called nine dash line that overlaps with the EEZs of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia.

An international arbitration tribunal in 2016 invalidated Chinas claim in a ruling on a case brought by the Philippines, which Beijing did not recognise.

China has instead doubled down, maintaining a heavy coastguard presence throughout the South China Sea, including around militarised manmade islands it built upon reefs in disputed waters, some with missile systems.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has strengthened ties with the United States, including expanding U.S. access to his military bases while seeking assurances on the extent to which Washington will defend his country from attack  moves that have irked China and emboldened Manilas defence top brass.

The Philippine defence minister on Wednesday rebuked China and said no country in the world supports its maritime claim. The United States and other western powers have condemned Chinas coastguard for confronting and blocking Philippine vessels in Manilas EEZ.

The Philippines on Thursday said its military chief and Japans top general held talks about pressing regional security issues, during which they stressed the importance of alliance-building to counter aggression, including in the South China Sea.

The meeting demonstrates the (Philippine militarys) commitment to strengthening its partnership with like-minded nations and drawing support for the advancement of a rules-based international order and a free and open Indo-Pacific region, a statement from the Philippine military said.
After polling places that didnt open the day before were given an extension by the authorities, the Democratic Republic of the Congo held its second day of voting on Thursday, amid chaos and some violent incidents.

Election day in the second-biggest nation in Africa was marred on Wednesday by equipment malfunctions and multiple delivery delays of election kits. While violence caused chaos in other places, people also had difficulty finding their names on registers.

Five contenders for president have also called for a rerun, rejecting the election commissions (CENI) decision to extend the vote.

At stake is not just the legitimacy of the next administration. Congolese election disputes often spark violent unrest with potentially far-reaching consequences. Congo is the worlds third-largest copper producer, and the top producer of cobalt, a battery component needed for the green transition.

Early on Thursday in Kabare in Congos restive eastern region, 21-year-old Jean Claude Irenge Kalumuna was among the first residents to cast his vote, after leaving the polling station disappointed on Wednesday.

It makes me happy because yesterday I left here angry, Kalumuna said. I condemn this way of operating by the CENI with all this disorder, which proves that they were not ready, but they led people to believe that everything was ready.

Throughout Wednesday, observers flagged delays or failures opening polling stations and other issues, including malfunctioning electronic voting systems.

Speaking to reporters in the capital Kinshasa after polls were meant to have closed on Wednesday, CENI president Denis Kadima acknowledged that many polling stations across the country had opened late and some not at all.

He said that the delays would not affect the credibility of the process.

In a joint statement late on Wednesday, the five opposition candidates, including top challengers Martin Fayulu and Nobel Laureate Denis Mukwege, said the commission had no constitutional or legal right to extend the vote.

They demanded the reorganisation of these failed elections by a differently structured CENI and at a date agreed by all stakeholders.

The tumult of election day followed a campaign marred by political violence and repeated warnings from the opposition and observers about a lack of transparency. Their concerns included issues with the voter list and illegible ID cards.

But for months, the electoral commission rejected the oppositions allegations of mismanagement and fraud. It insisted it could deliver a free and fair vote as promised, even as critics flagged irregularities they said would jeopardise the legitimacy of the results.

(with inputs from Reuters)
In a tragic incident at a Prague university on Thursday, a gunman killed at least 15 people and wounded 30 others before being eliminated, according to information from police and Prague emergency services. This incident stands as the worst-ever mass shooting in the country.

The horrifying event unfolded in the philosophy department building of Charles University, where the assailant, identified as a student, carried out the attack. Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek provided details, although the gunmans name has not been disclosed publicly.

Police gave no details about the victims or a possible motive for the shooting at the building located near the Vltava River in Jan Palach Square. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said investigators do not suspect a link to any extremist ideology or groups.

Pavel Nedoma, the director of the nearby Rudolfinum Gallery, said he saw from a window a person standing on a balcony of the building and shooting a gun.

Police said they were still searching the area, including the balcony, for possible explosives. The building was evacuated, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda said.

The building forms part of the square and faces a bridge across the river with a view of Prague Castle, the seat of the Czech presidency. President Petr Pavel said he was shocked by what happened and offered his condolences to the relatives of the victims.

Police sealed off the square and the area adjacent to the building, located in a busy part of town with a popular street leading tourists to Old Town Square.

Czech TV live broadcast showed several ambulances and police cars with flashing lights lined up alongside the building accompanied by the sound of sirens.

One witness told news website iDnes.cz that they got off at the tram stop by the school and suddenly I heard shooting.

With inputs from agencies.
Londons High Court has dismissed an $11 billion damages claim against Nigeria over a collapsed gas processing project tainted by bribery.

The West African nation faced a significant financial burden, equivalent to approximately a third of its foreign exchange reserves, following an arbitration brought by a British Virgin Islands-based entity, Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID).

The courts ruling in October determined that the contract in question was secured through bribery, with P&ID accused of paying illicit payments to a Nigerian oil ministry official.

This decision marks a significant legal development, shedding light on corrupt practices and safeguarding Nigeria from the substantial financial liability associated with the failed gas processing project.

But the High Court ruled in October that the contract was procured by Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) paying bribes to a Nigerian oil ministry official.

Judge Robin Knowles also found that P&ID failed to disclose the bribery when it later took Nigeria to arbitration.

He said in a further ruling on Thursday that the damages award should be thrown out immediately, rejecting P&IDs argument that the case should be sent back to arbitration.

P&ID was also refused permission to appeal against the ruling, though the company can apply directly to the Court of Appeal.

With inputs from Reuters.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Pyongyang would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if an enemy provokes it with nuclear weapons, state media reported on Thursday.

Kim made the remark as he met with soldiers working for the militarys missile bureau and congratulated them over Pyongyangs recent launching drill of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), KCNA news agency said.

He said the test demonstrated the loyalty and strong stand of the armed forces and was a clear explanation of the offensive counteraction mode and the evolution of the nuclear strategy and doctrine of the DPRK not to hesitate even a nuclear attack when the enemy provoke it with nukes, KCNA reported.

DPRK is the abbreviation for the Norths official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

North Korea said this week it had tested its newest ICBM on Monday to gauge the war readiness of its nuclear forces against mounting US hostility.

The top diplomats of the United States, South Korea and Japan on Wednesday issued a joint statement condemning North Koreas recent ballistic missile launches and urged Pyongyang to engage in substantive dialogue without preconditions.

Kim said Mondays launch showed the militarys high mobility and rapid attack capability, and called for efforts to further strengthen its combat efficiency, KCNA reported.

In a separate statement, Kims sister, Kim Yo Jong, condemned the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for holding a meeting over the ICBM launch, saying it was an exercise of the countrys right to self-defence.

The UNSC should place heavy responsibility on the irresponsible behaviour and act of the US and the ROK, which have aggravated the tension on the Korean peninsula through all sorts of military provocations all year round, she said.

ROK stands for South Koreas official name, the Republic of Korea.

The United States, South Korea and Japan staged a joint air drill involving a US strategic bomber near the Korean peninsula on Wednesday, the latest US strategic asset to be deployed as part of Washingtons pledge with Seoul to boost defence readiness.
Russia on Thursday promised to retaliate if the European Union proceeds with its proposal to isolate profits generated from Russias frozen assets within the EU and allocate them to Ukraine.

The EU is suggesting to utilise the earnings derived from approximately $300 billion in frozen funds from Russias central bank reserves, potentially amounting to around $16 billion.

We also have enough assets that are frozen here, in type-C accounts, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in an interview on the Russia 24 TV channel.

The figures are not small, the income from using these funds is substantial and can certainly also be used if a decision is made by our unfriendly partners, he said.

Western sanctions over Moscows February 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Russian countermeasures have stranded billions of dollars worth of assets.

Prosecutors in Germany on Wednesday said they would move to confiscate more than 720 million euros ($790 million) from the Frankfurt bank account of a Russian financial institution.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters the institution was the National Settlement Depository (NSD), the domestic payments agent owned by Moscow Exchange, which plays an important role in Russias financial system as a key intermediary with international markets.

With inputs from Reuters.
Not far from where Russias Foreign Minister is holding meetings in Tunisia on Thursday, large green billboards advertising Russia Today, a Kremlin-backed media outlet, have been recently erected.

The ads are yet another indicator that Russia continues to expand its presence in North Africa as support for Western powers across the Arab World fades amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

With deep trade ties and large diaspora populations in Western Europe, North African countries have long maintained close, albeit complicated, relations with the European Union.

Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia also enjoy close relations with the United States.

But since October the region has been convulsed by protests about Israels latest war with Hamas, including in Tunis, where demonstrators have rallied in front of the United States and French embassies, chanting for a free Palestine.

Arab Barometer, a non-partisan research firm, published data last week that suggested the United States popularity fell 30 percentage points in the weeks after the Israel-Hamas war began. It found Frances image also suffered.

Tunisians views on the world shifted in ways that rarely happen even over a few years. There is no other issue across the Arab world to which people feel so individually and emotionally connected, Arab Barometer researchers concluded, based on 2,406 interviews.

In the vacuum created by Western powers diminishing popularity, Moscow has doubled down on efforts to strengthen its ties to North Africa and spread its narrative about issues including Ukraine and Gaza. Russian officials are exchanging visits with North African leaders, seeking new trade agreements and signing joint memorandums that cover issues ranging from Ukraine to Syria.

It has become obvious that some external forces are not averse to using the next escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in their own interest, to ignite the fire of a regional war, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at this weeks Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum in Marrakech, alluding to the United States.

Marrakech was the first destination on Lavrovs tour through North Africa. He arrived in Tunis on Wednesday evening to meet with President Kais Saied and Tunisias foreign minister, who visited Moscow in September, when the two countries announced a new grain deal.

Before Russia invaded Ukraine, Tunisia received roughly half of its total wheat imports from Ukraine.

While lamenting pressure from countries that isolate Russia, Lavrov announced new efforts to expand energy and agriculture trade with North Africa.

He also contrasted Russias positions with those of the United States in the Middle East.

We have the impression that our Western colleagues are not very willing to try to create a Palestinian state, he said Thursday.

This weeks Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum was scheduled before war broke out after Hamas militants killed roughly 1,200 people and took 240 hostage in Israel on Oct 7. Yet its timing provided Lavrov a useful stage to position Russia alongside Arab countries ahead of an anticipated United Nations vote on an Arab-backed resolution to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

We hope that the Security Council can adopt this resolution and that there will not be a veto from a permanent member, notably the United States, said Hossam Zaki, assistant secretary general of the Arab League.

The forum came weeks after Russia Today, forged new partnerships and hired journalists to open a bureau in Algeria.

In Morocco, Lavrov found a receptive audience at the forum, which culminated in a joint declaration signed Wednesday that expressed support for the Palestinians. Echoing Moscows political course, it also called for preserving the sovereignty of Syria and welcomed efforts to create conditions for a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

It is time to take a different approach in dealing with the issues and concerns of the Arab world, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said in a statement after the signing. We see Russia as a partner.

Morocco and Tunisia have historically hewed more closely to the United States and NATO than Russia. But the countries, along with Algeria, have each attempted to project neutrality and maintain trade and political ties with Russia even throughout the war in Ukraine and Israels latest war with Hamas.

Moscow is hoping frustration with the United States and European countries will work in its favour elsewhere, said Olga Oliker, the International Crisis Groups program director for Europe and Central Asia on the organizations War & Peace podcast on Wednesday.

North Africa is a key trade partner for both Europe and Russia. Morocco imports fuel and fertilizer from Russia; Tunisia has grown increasingly reliant on Russian supplies of wheat and Algeria, one of Africas largest militaries, receives a substantial supply of arms from Moscow.

Morocco and Algeria have expanded their imports of Russian diesel since the start of the war in Ukraine, while also attempting to capitalize on new energy demands from Europe as the continent weans itself off Russian gas.

Ivan Klyszcz, a fellow at Estonias International Centre for Defence and Security who researches Russian foreign policy, said Russias posture toward North Africa was in line with its broader agenda to assert its aspirations of being a great power and give its foreign policy a global scope. And North Africas response since the start of the Israel-Hamas war has been largely in line with its stances throughout the war in Ukraine.

The (North African) countries have positioned themselves in ways to maximize their relations to the great powers  Russia, United States, Europe, he said.
Fighting between Sudans military and a notorious paramilitary group has resulted in the displacement of up to 300,000 people in Jazeera province, previously a sanctuary for families affected by the countrys devastating conflict, the UN said on Thursday.

The conflict ignited in Wad Medani, the provincial capital when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked the city earlier this month. The RSF claimed control over Wad Medani this week. The military, in response, stated its withdrawal from the city and initiated an investigation.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in mid-April, stems from tensions between military chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. Both leaders orchestrated a military coup in October 2021, derailing Sudans transition to democracy after a popular uprising ousted President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019.

The UN agency International Organization for Migration said that between 250,000 and 300,000 people fled the province  many reportedly on foot  to safer areas in the provinces of al-Qadarif, Sinnar and the White Nile. Some sheltered in camps for displaced people and many sought shelter in local communities, it said.

Jazeera, Sudans breadbasket, was home to about 6 million Sudanese. Since the war, about 500,000 displaced fled to the province, mostly from the capital, Khartoum, which has been the centre of fighting, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Medani, which is about 100 kilometres (60 miles) southeast of Khartoum, had hosted more than 86,000 of the displaced, OCHA said.

The World Food Program announced Wednesday that it has temporarily halted food assistance in some parts of Jazeera, in what it described a major setback to humanitarian efforts in the province.

The U.N. food agency said that it had assisted 800,000 people in the province, including many families that fled the fighting in Khartoum.

The conflict in Sudan has wrecked the country and killed up to 9,000 people as of October, according to the United Nations. However, activists and doctors groups say the real toll is far higher.

More than 7 million people were forced out of their homes, including more than 1.5 million who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, according to the U.N. figures. Chad received more than 500,000 refugees, mostly from Sudans western region of Darfur, where the RSF conquered much of its areas.

The fighting in Wad Medani forced many aid groups, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to evacuate their staff from the city, which was a centre of humanitarian operations in the country.

The RSF takeover prompted fears among Wad Medani residents that they would carry out atrocities in their city as they did in the capital, Khartoum, and Darfur. The U.N. and rights groups have accused the RSF of atrocities in Darfur, which was the scene of a genocidal campaign in the early 2000s.

The RSF grew out of the state-backed Arab militias known as Janjaweed, which were accused of widespread killings, rapes and other atrocities in the Darfur conflict.

Ahmed Tag el-Sir, a father of three, fled along with his family to the neighbouring province of al-Qadarif after the RSF rampaged through their village of al-Sharfa Barakar north of Wad Medani.

They shelled the village and took over residents homes, like they did in Darfur, the man said from a relatives house where he shelters along with two other families. We fled out of fear of being killed or our women being raped by the Janjaweed.

With inputs from AP.
Taiwan accused China of engaging in economic coercion and election interference following Beijings announcement to terminate tariff cuts on certain chemical imports from the island. China argued that Taipei had violated a trade agreement.

This move comes just ahead of Taiwans presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 13. The elections are taking place amid increased tensions with China, which considers Taiwan as its territory.

The Taiwanese government, particularly the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has consistently asserted that China is attempting to interfere in the elections, either through military pressure or influencing Taiwanese politicians to favour Beijing.

Chinas Finance Ministry said that starting Jan. 1, tariff cuts will be suspended for 12 products, including acrylic and p-xylene, citing discriminatory prohibitions and restrictions Taiwan imposed on Chinese exports in violation of a 2010 trade deal.

It is hoped that Taiwan will take effective measures to lift trade restrictions on the mainland, it said.

China last week said it had determined Taiwan had put up trade barriers in contravention of both World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and the 2010 trade deal.

Taiwans Office of Trade Negotiations, in a statement after a weekly Cabinet meeting on Thursday, said China was carrying out typical economic coercion and that it should stop its one-sided political manipulation and have talks under the World Trade Organization, of which both are members.

Chinas investigation process has been unfair, opaque and not in line with international norms, it said.

Our government was deliberately skipped over during the investigation process, showing that (the probes) political aims were greater than their economic ones.

Taiwans China-policy-making Mainland Affairs Council said that China had many different ways to interfere in the election, and the trade probe was one of them.

The election is the Chinese communists short-term political goal, but its economic coercion against Taiwan will not end with the election and will continue for a long time, spokesperson Jan Jyh-horng told reporters.

However, National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin said the tariff move would not affect Taiwans economic outlook.

We wont change next years economic growth (forecast) because of this. It will still exceed 3%, Kung said.

Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office laid the blame on Taiwans government, saying the ruling Democratic Progressive Partys (DPP) stubborn adherence to Taiwan independence had made it hard to properly resolve problems.

China detests the DPP and its presidential candidate, current Vice President Lai Ching-te, who is leading in the polls, believing they are separatists.

Lai says only Taiwans people can decide their future and has repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed.

With inputs from Reuters.
With the first vote on the bills anticipated later on Thursday, the Thai parliament is about to start debating four draft laws pertaining to same-sex marriage, bringing the nation one step closer to legalising it.

The current governments same-sex civil union bill and related draft laws were discussed by parliament last year, but no decision was made before the session ended.

Four draft billstwo from the opposition Move Forward and the Democrats parties, one from the new government that took office following the May general election, and one each from civil society organizationsare being discussed on Thursday. They all take similar tacks.

In principle, this draft law is for the amendment of some provisions in the civic codes to open the way for lovers, regardless of their gender, to engage and get married, Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin told parliament about the governments draft bill.

This will provide rights, responsibilities and family status as equal to the marriage between a man and a woman presently in all aspects, he said.

Somsak said the government conducted a survey between Oct. 31 and Nov. 14 that showed 96.6% public support for the draft bill.

Thailand has one of Asias most open and visible lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities but many political activists say the countrys laws and institutions have yet to reflect changing social attitudes and still discriminate against LGBT people and same-sex couples.

If the draft laws are approved in parliaments first reading on Thursday, they could be tabled for final reading votes early next year, which could make Thailand the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to recognise same-sex marriage.

(with inputs from Reuters)
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily suspended food assistance in some parts of Sudans state of Gezira as fighting spreads south and east of Sudans capital Khartoum, the aid agency said in a statement on Wednesday.

Around 300,000 people have fled Gezira in a matter of days, since clashes erupted last week on Friday, WFP said.

WFP has put food deliveries on hold in some locations in Gezira, said Eddie Rowe, WFPs representative and country director in Sudan, adding that its teams are working around the clock to provide food aid in locations where it is still possible.

Sudans army said on Tuesday that its forces had withdrawn from positions in Wad Madani after the advance of its paramilitary rivals on the city triggered a mass exodus of civilians, some already displaced during an eight-month-old war.

Troops from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have gained momentum in recent weeks, consolidating their grip on the vast Darfur region and seizing new territory stretching east towards the capital Khartoum.

The RSFs entry into the city has caused up to 300,000 people to flee the area, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday.

War in Sudan broke out in mid-April after weeks of tensions over the powers of the army and the RSF under a planned transition towards civilian rule.

The rivals had shared power with political parties following a 2019 popular uprising before jointly staging a coup in 2021.

The conflict turned Khartoum into a war zone, triggered a wave of ethnically driven killings in Darfur, and caused a major humanitarian crisis.

The IOM said on Tuesday that more than 7 million people had fled their homes because of the war, including more than 1.5 million who have crossed to neighbouring countries.
The United States, key allies and Arab nations engaged in high-level diplomacy in hopes of avoiding another US veto of a new U.N. resolution addressing urgently needed aid to Gaza. The expected vote, originally scheduled for Thursday morning is expected to face further postponement.

Talking to the media, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood as he headed into a Security Council meeting on Syria that Were still working it. Were working it very hard. He said there needed to be some changes in the text that would make it worthy of our support.

The U.S. has been struggling to change the texts references to a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas war, but the key sticking point is the inspection of aid trucks entering Gaza to ensure they are only carrying humanitarian goods. The current draft calls for the U.N. to take over the job from Israel.

Nathan Evans, the spokesman for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, stressed that the resolutions goal is to expand aid getting into Gaza.

There are still serious and widespread concerns that this resolution as drafted could actually slow down the delivery of humanitarian aid by directing the U.N. to create an unworkable monitoring mechanism, Evans said. We must ensure any resolution helps and doesnt hurt the situation on the ground.

Both the U.N. and aid groups worry that if the U.N. is placed in charge of inspections, it would delay deliveries into Gaza and may not even be possible. Israel insists it must maintain the lead on inspecting deliveries.

A council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions were private, said the U.S. and Egypt are engaging directly to ensure any aid monitoring mechanism can work for everyone.

In a sign of intense U.S. efforts, President Joe Biden told reporters on his way back from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, late Wednesday that were negotiating right now at the U.N. the contours of a resolution that we may be able to agree to.

Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates, which sponsored the Arab-backed resolution, said earlier that high-level discussions are underway to try to reach agreement on a text that can be adopted.

Everyone wants to see a resolution that has impact and that is implementable on the ground, she told reporters after the 15 council members held closed consultations early Wednesday afternoon and agreed to the delay. We believe today, giving a little bit of space for additional diplomacy, could yield positive results.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to the foreign ministers of Egypt and UAE late Wednesday, according to a US official, but the results of the call were unclear.

As part of the U.S. push at the U.N., Blinken spoke Wednesday with the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom and stressed the need for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, the imperative of minimizing civilian casualties, and preventing further escalation of the conflict and underscored the U.S. commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

Nusseibeh said the UAE is optimistic, but if the negotiations yield no results by Thursday then we will assess in the council to proceed  to a vote on the resolution. The vote was first scheduled for Monday.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said Gaza faces a humanitarian catastrophe and that a total collapse of the humanitarian support system would lead to a complete breakdown of public order and increased pressure for mass displacement into Egypt.

The U.N. food agency reported last week that 56% of Gazas households are experiencing severe levels of hunger, up from 38% two weeks earlier.

The draft on the table Monday morning called for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities, but this language was watered down in a new version that was to be put to a vote on Wednesday. It would call for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

That draft also calls for Guterres to quickly establish a mechanism for exclusive U.N. monitoring of aid deliveries to Gaza  bypassing the current Israeli inspection of aid entering the strip.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also raised two other issues Wednesday morning that are not in the Arab-sponsored resolution  condemnation of Hamas deadly Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that sparked the latest war and Israels right to self-defence.

The U.S. on Dec. 8 vetoed a Security Council resolution, backed by almost all other council members and dozens of other nations, demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. The 193-member General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a similar resolution on Dec. 12 by a vote of 153-10, with 23 abstentions.

In its first unified action on Nov. 15, with the U.S. abstaining, the Security Council adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in the fighting, unhindered aid deliveries to civilians and the unconditional release of all hostages.

Security Council resolutions are important because they are legally binding, but in practice, many parties choose to ignore the councils requests for action. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are a significant barometer of world opinion.

Nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, since the war started. During the Oct. 7 attack, Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took about 240 hostages back to Gaza.

Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, and its Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Thousands more Palestinians lie buried under the rubble of Gaza, the U.N. estimates.

With inputs from AP.
A federal judge blocked a California law on Wednesday that would have made it illegal to carry a gun in most public areas. The judge reasoned that the law violates the Second Amendment of the US Constitution and robs people of their right to self-defense and the defense of those they love.

The September-signed law by Governor Gavin Newsom was scheduled to go into effect on January 1. It would have made it illegal for anyone to carry a concealed weapon in 26 locations, such as zoos, churches, and public playgrounds. Regardless of a persons eligibility for a concealed carry permit, the prohibition would still be in effect. One exception would be privately held companies that display signs indicating that firearms are permitted on their property.

U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney granted a preliminary injunction blocking the law, which he wrote was sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.

The court case against the law will proceed while the law is blocked. The judge wrote that gun rights groups are likely to succeed in proving it unconstitutional, meaning it would be permanently overturned.

The decision is a victory for the California Rifle and Pistol Association, which sued to block the law. The measure overhauled the states rules for concealed carry permits in light of the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, which set several states scrambling to react with their own laws. That decision said the constitutionality of gun laws must be assessed by whether they are consistent with the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation.

California progressive politicians refuse to accept the Supreme Courts mandate from the Bruen case and are trying every creative ploy they can imagine to get around it, the California associations president, Chuck Michel, said in a statement. The Court saw through the States gambit.

Michel said under the law, gun permit holders wouldnt be able to drive across town without passing through a prohibited area and breaking the law. He said the judges decision makes Californians safer because criminals are deterred when law-abiding citizens can defend themselves.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office will appeal the decision, which he said if allowed to stand would endanger communities by allowing guns in places where families and children gather.

Newsom said he will keep pushing for stricter gun measures.

Defying common sense, this ruling outrageously calls Californias data-backed gun safety efforts repugnant. What is repugnant is this ruling, which greenlights the proliferation of guns in our hospitals, libraries, and childrens playgrounds  spaces, which should be safe for all, the governor said in a statement Wednesday evening.

Newsom has positioned himself as a national leader on gun control while he is being increasingly eyed as a potential presidential candidate. He has called for and signed a variety of bills, including measures targeting untraceable ghost guns, the marketing of firearms to children and allowing people to bring lawsuits over gun violence. That legislation was patterned on a Texas anti-abortion law.

Carney is a former Orange County Superior Court judge who was appointed to the federal bench by President George W. Bush in 2003.

(with inputs from The Associated Press)
In an effort to piece together the final movements of Gurashman Singh Bhatia, an Indian student who went missing and whose body was discovered by police divers in a lake in the Canary Wharf neighborhood of east London, the UKs Metropolitan Police made a request for information on Thursday.

The 23-year-old was reported missing by the Met Police last Thursday, December 14, following a night out with friends.

Officers then conducted in-depth investigations, watching CCTV, interacting with witnesses, and examining financial and phone records. Police divers found a body in the water near South Quay that they believed to be that of Bhatia during water searches in the area.

Gurashmans death is being treated as unexpected, and while there is nothing to suggest it was suspicious, we will ensure our investigation is as thorough as possible to confirm this, said Detective Chief Superintendent (DCI) James Conway, responsible for local policing in the Tower Hamlets area of Canary Wharf.

Because of this, we are releasing a CCTV image of Gurashman that was taken before his disappearance and would like anyone who may have seen him in the Marsh Wall area on the evening of Thursday, 14 December and in the early hours of Friday, 15 December, to contact us, he said.

Conway added that this was an extremely tragic outcome to their missing persons inquiry and not the news he was hoping to give to Gurashmans family and friends.

I send them my deepest condolences, he said.

The police noted that although formal identification has not yet taken place, Gurashmans family has been informed. Meanwhile, anyone with information about Gurashmans movements has been asked to call 101 quoting the reference CAD5787/15Dec.

There had been widespread social media appeals by the Indian student community in the UK after the Sikh student was reported missing.

What a tragic, heartbreaking loss of one of our beautiful lives. I had spoken to his father and friends only some days ago when we first found out he was missing and had been praying for his safe discovery, said Sanam Arora, Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK.

Our thoughts are with his family & friends. Requesting all to please say a prayer for the departed soul, she said.

Bhatia was pursuing an MSc in Digital Finance at Loughborough University. After he went missing last week, his case was also flagged with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar by BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of G.S. Bhatia, a Loughborough University student who was missing since Dec 15th. Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time. May Waheguru give strength to his parents mourning this profound loss, Sirsa said in a social media post.
Ahead of a long-delayed vote that is now set for Thursday morning, the United States, major allies, and Arab countries engaged in high-level diplomacy in an attempt to prevent another veto of a new United Nations resolution on urgently needed aid to Gaza.

The United States has been having difficulty getting the texts references to an end to hostilities in the Israel-Hamas conflict changed. The inspection of aid trucks entering Gaza to make sure they are only transporting humanitarian supplies is another contentious issue. Israel is probably going to be against the idea of a U.N. role being proposed in the current draft.

U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters on his way back from Milwaukee, Wisconsin late Wednesday afternoon that were negotiating right now at the U.N. the contours of a resolution that we may be able to agree to.

Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates, which sponsored the Arab-backed resolution, said earlier that high-level discussions are underway to try to reach agreement on a text that can be adopted.

Everyone wants to see a resolution that has impact and that is implementable on the ground, she told reporters after the 15 council members held closed consultations early Wednesday afternoon and agreed to the delay. We believe today, giving a little bit of space for additional diplomacy, could yield positive results.

The vote  initially postponed from Monday and then pushed back to Tuesday and then Wednesday  is now expected on Thursday morning, said Ecuadors U.N. Ambassador Jose Javier De La Gasca Lopez-Dominguez, the current Security Council president.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomacy, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken would speak with his Egyptian and UAE counterparts to try to reach a consensus either late Wednesday or early Thursday.

As part of the U.S. push at the U.N., Blinken spoke Wednesday with the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom and stressed the need for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, the imperative of minimizing civilian casualties, and preventing further escalation of the conflict and underscored the U.S. commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

Nusseibeh said the UAE is optimistic, but if the negotiations yield no results by Thursday then we will assess in the council to proceed  to a vote on the resolution.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said Gaza faces a humanitarian catastrophe and that a total collapse of the humanitarian support system would lead to a complete breakdown of public order and increased pressure for mass displacement into Egypt.

The U.N. food agency reported last week that 56% of Gazas households are experiencing severe levels of hunger, up from 38% two weeks earlier.

The draft on the table Monday morning called for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities, but this language was watered down in a new version that was to be put to a vote on Wednesday. It would call for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

That draft also calls for Guterres to quickly establish a mechanism for exclusive U.N. monitoring of aid deliveries to Gaza  bypassing the current Israeli inspection of aid entering the strip.

A council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions were private, said the U.S. and Egypt are engaging directly to ensure any aid monitoring mechanism can work for everyone.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also raised two other issues Wednesday morning that are not in the Arab-sponsored resolution  condemnation of Hamas deadly Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that sparked the latest war and Israels right to self-defense.

The U.S. on Dec. 8 vetoed a Security Council resolution, backed by almost all other council members and dozens of other nations, demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. The 193-member General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a similar resolution on Dec. 12 by a vote of 153-10, with 23 abstentions.

In its first unified action on Nov. 15, with the U.S. abstaining, the Security Council adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in the fighting, unhindered aid deliveries to civilians and the unconditional release of all hostages.

Security Council resolutions are important because they are legally binding, but in practice many parties choose to ignore the councils requests for action. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are a significant barometer of world opinion.

Nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, since the war started. During the Oct. 7 attack, Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took about 240 hostages back to Gaza.

Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, and its Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Thousands more Palestinians lie buried under the rubble of Gaza, the U.N. estimates.

(with inputs from The Associated Press)
After CAD-based renders that surfaced a couple of months back, press renders of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S24 Ultra have surfaced before a month of launch.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra renders

The press renders show the phone in gray, black, yellow and violet colors, but we should know the exact names soon. The phone is said to get online-exclusive silver, light brown, and green colours. The phone is said to get a titanium frame.

This shows a 6.8-inch QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED screen and an S Pen stylus matching the phones color. The main camera is said to be a 200MP sensor along with a familiar ultra-wide camera, and it is said to get a 10MP 3x zoom camera is still there. Completely new, however, the phone said to get a new 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, which replaces the 10MP, 10X camera.

Just like its predecessors, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is said to pack a 5000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging and wireless charging support.

The phone is said to use Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 SoC depending on the market, and come with 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB Storage.

Samsung Galaxy S24 renders

The press renders show the phone in gray, black, yellow and violet colors, same as the Ultra. The phone is said to get an aluminium frame instead of titanium that is exclusive to the Ultra.

This shows a 6.2-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED screen. The phone should retain a 50 megapixel main camera, a 10MP telephoto camera (3x zoom), and 12MP ultra-wide and a 12MP front camera. The Galaxy S24 is said to get a 4000 mAh battery, while retaining the 25W fast charging.

The phone is said to use Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 SoC depending on the market, and come with 8GB RAM with 128GB/256GB Storage.

Launch invite

The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024 launch invite has surfaced online, thanks to @evleaks. This reveals that the event is scheduled for January 18th 2024 at 3AM KST, which is January 17th 11:30 PM IST / 10AM PT. The event is said to take place in San Jose, CA, USA.

According to earlier rumours, pre-orders will commence immediately after the launch on January 17, with early orders expected to be delivered between January 26 and 30. The general sale of the Galaxy S24 series is expected to start on January 30.

Source 1, 2, 3
After the announcement last week, Samsung has confirmed the launch of Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G smartphones in India on December 26th. The teaser shows the phones in blue and yellow colours.

The Galaxy A15 5G will showcase Samsung Galaxys #AwesomeIsForEveryone philosophy by providing a premium feel with its signature design language, said the company.

The phones will feature a Super AMOLED display. The Galaxy A15 5G will sport 50MP triple camera setup with VDIS to reduce blur or distortion in videos from unsteady or shaky movements. It will come in higher storage and RAM variants to meet the evolving needs of MZ consumers, the company added.

The Galaxy A25 5G will come with 120Hz Super AMOLED display. It will feature 50MP (OIS) triple camera setup and will house several AI-enabled photo-editing features. It will be powered by a 5nm processor, and we know that it will be Exynos 1280.

Both Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G will come with Knox Security platform, built at the chip level, ensuring users are in full control of their data with features like Auto Blocker, Secure Folder, Privacy Dashboard, Samsung Passkey and others.

The Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G will also feature Knox Vault chipset, which provides tamper-resistant environment for data that matters most on a users device.

Based on the global launch, we know that these will run One UI 6.0 based on Android 14, offering up to 4 OS versions and 5 years of security updates. These pack a 5000mAh battery with 25W charging support, and the charger is sold separately.

We should know the price and sale details of the next Samsung Galaxy A series 5G smartphone after the launch next week.
Video: Special Constabularies Who Attempted To Extort Dutch Tourist Dismissed By Nigeria Police

amasan1 at 21-12-2023 08:02 PM (2 weeks ago) (m)

The Nigeria police has dismissed two special constabularies caught on camera demanding money from a Dutch power bike cyclist in November.

The two special constabularies, Jimoh Lukmon and Kareem Fatai, who were on duty along Moniya-Iseyin road were seen in a viral video demanding money from the tourist who told them she was en route to Abuja.

The Nigeria police has dismissed two special constabularies caught on camera demanding money from a Dutch power bike cyclist in November.The two special constabularies, Jimoh Lukmon and Kareem Fatai, who were on duty along Moniya-Iseyin road were seen in a viral video demanding money from the tourist who told them she was en route to Abuja.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial)

Post Reply I am an investigative reporter at Gistmania, I conduct fact-finding investigative journalism. Posted: at 21-12-2023 08:02 PM (2 weeks ago) | Hero

Baye77 at 21-12-2023 08:58 PM (2 weeks ago)

(m) This is sad and I feel for them. No doubt, they messed up, but the question is this, has the federal government, who employs these men, been responsible in her own duties to these men?? Go to Police quarters where humans reside and see how it is. Ask how much these men are paid and you won't believe it. The price of fuel and other commodities almost tripled in the last few months in Nigeria, how has these men's salaries changed?? ....and besides, I don't know if there is any police man on Nigerian roads who doesn't demand for money. The leaders can't be grossly irresponsible and then demand responsibility from the citizens. Posted: at 21-12-2023 08:58 PM (2 weeks ago) | Hero This is sad and I feel for them. No doubt, they messed up, but the question is this, has the federal government, who employs these men, been responsible in her own duties to these men?? Go to Police quarters where humans reside and see how it is. Ask how much these men are paid and you won't believe it. The price of fuel and other commodities almost tripled in the last few months in Nigeria, how has these men's salaries changed?? ....and besides, I don't know if there is any police man on Nigerian roads who doesn't demand for money. The leaders can't be grossly irresponsible and then demand responsibility from the citizens. Reply

gogoman at 21-12-2023 11:23 PM (2 weeks ago)

(m) they should sue NPF they simply following the order so why u go sack them Posted: at 21-12-2023 11:23 PM (2 weeks ago) | Grande Master they should sue NPF they simply following the order so why u go sack them Reply

taypetdun at 21-12-2023 11:33 PM (2 weeks ago)

(m) This is wrongful dismissal, there are other punishments. after all, they will give returns, because they constables if an officer is involve, it will be swept under the carpet. Legal aid council should fight for this case Posted: at 21-12-2023 11:33 PM (2 weeks ago) | Upcoming This is wrongful dismissal, there are other punishments. after all, they will give returns, because they constables if an officer is involve, it will be swept under the carpet. Legal aid council should fight for this case Reply
PlayStation Blog Unveils 2023 Game Awards: Fan-Picked Winners Revealed News oi -Kabir Jain

As 2023 comes to a close, gaming enthusiasts are turning their attention to the accolades bestowed upon the best titles of the year. PlayStation Blog, a prominent voice in the gaming community, recently disclosed the victors of its 2023 Game Awards, reflecting the choices of gamers worldwide.

Spider-Man 2 Soars as PlayStation Blog's Game of the Year

In a unique twist, PlayStation Blog opted for a fan-centric approach, collecting votes globally and implementing the PlayStation trophy system to determine winners.

The coveted Game of the Year title went to Insomniac Games' "Spider-Man 2," a sequel to the 2018 open-world action hit. Despite minimal recognition in recent industry-wide awards, fans declared it a superhero masterpiece.

Diverse Winners Across Eighteen Categories

The winners spanned across eighteen categories, each meticulously following the PlayStation trophy hierarchy. Here's a glimpse of the victors:

PS5 Game of the Year

Platinum: Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Golden: Baldur's Gate 3

Silver: Final Fantasy XVI

Bronze: Alan Wake 2

PS4 Game of the Year

Platinum: Hogwarts Legacy

Golden: Resident Evil 4

Silver: Lies of P

Bronze: Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon

PSVR2 Game of the Year

Platinum: Resident Evil Village VR Mode

Golden: Horizon Call of the Mountain

Silver: Nock

Bronze: Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge

Studio of the Year

Platinum: Insomniac Games

Golden: Larian Studios

Silver: CD Projekt RED

Bronze: Square Enix

Best New Character

Platinum: Venom (Marvel's Spider-Man 2)

Golden: Astarion (Baldur's Gate 3)

Silver: Kraven (Marvel's Spider-Man 2)

Bronze: Clive Rosfield (Final Fantasy XVI)

Best Story

Platinum: Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Golden: Baldur's Gate 3

Silver: Alan Wake 2

Bronze: Final Fantasy XVI

Best Graphical Showcase

Platinum: Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Golden: Alan Wake 2

Silver: Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Bronze: Final Fantasy XVI

Studio Recognition and Most Anticipated Games

Insomniac Games clinched the Studio of the Year award, acknowledging their outstanding contributions. As the year concludes, fans eagerly anticipate upcoming releases, with "Grand Theft Auto VI" securing the Platinum spot for Most Anticipated PlayStation Game of 2024 and Beyond.

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iQOO Neo 9 Series Key Specifications Confirmed Ahead of December 27 Launch News oi -Carlsen Martin

The iQOO Neo 9 series is making its debut in China on December 27. The line-up will include the iQOO Neo 9 and iQOO Neo 9 Pro. The two devices will include flagship-grade MediaTek and Qualcomm chipsets.

However, ahead of the launch, iQOO has been revealing several details about its upcoming Neo 9 series, including details about the chipset, design, display, etc. Here's everything you need to know about the iQOO Neo 9 series.

iQOO Neo 9 Series Launch Date

The iQOO Neo 9 series launch date in China is set for December 27 at 07:00 pm local time or 04:30 pm IST. The Chinese smartphone maker will also unveil the iQOO Watch and iQOO TWS 1e earbuds alongside the Neo 9 series.

As of now, the brand is yet to reveal the launch date of the iQOO Neo 9 series in China. However, tipster Mukul Sharma recently said he could "confirm that the iQOO Neo 9 Pro" would be launching in India soon, somewhere in January 2024.

iQOO Neo 9 Series Specifications (Confirmed)

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC paired with a dedicated Q1 chip to improve frame rates in games. The iQOO Neo 9 will also feature the Q1 chip but opt for a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Moreover, the phones also come with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

The iQOO Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro will also be equipped with a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPO OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. The iQOO Neo 9 series will pack a 5,160 mAh battery with 120W fast charging support. Moreover, the iQOO Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro will also feature a 6K VC liquid-cooled 3D heat dissipation system.

The iQOO Neo 9 series will feature a 50 MP Sony IMX920 primary camera sensor with OIS support. The iQOO Neo 9 series will arrive in Red and White Soul, Nautical Blue, and Fighting Black color options.

iQOO Neo 9 Series Specifications (Expected)

The main camera on the iQOO Neo 9 Pro is expected to be paired with a 50 MP Samsung JN1 ultrawide lens, while the vanilla iQOO Neo 9 will be downgraded to an 8 MP ultrawide shooter. Both phones are also expected to feature an in-display fingerprint reader. The iQOO Neo 9 series could also feature a 16 MP front camera.

Source Source 2

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Apple's Attempt to Halt Watch Sales Ban Thwarted in US News -Shonit Khanna

In a recent development, Apple's attempt to postpone an import and sales ban on its Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 has been denied by the US International Trade Commission (ITC). The tech giant filed a motion on Wednesday seeking a delay in the ban while awaiting an appeal, but the ITC rejected the request.

Background: Apple's Response to ITC Ruling

Earlier this week, Apple made headlines by announcing its decision to remove the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 from its stores. This move was a response to an October ruling from the ITC, which stated that Apple's SpO2 sensors infringed on patents owned by medical device manufacturer Masimo.

The ITC's decision prompted Apple to act swiftly, with the last day to purchase the affected watches from Apple stores set for December 24th. The official implementation of the import ban is scheduled for December 26th. To address the situation, Apple is reportedly exploring options, including potential software changes, as reported by Bloomberg.

ITC's Stance: Denial of Motion and Future Implications

The ITC, in its filing, stated, "For the reasons discussed in the Commission Opinion issued concurrently herewith, the Commission has determined to deny Apple's motion to stay the remedial orders pending appeal and/or in light of a potential government shutdown." Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

It's important to note that the import and sales ban currently applies only in the United States. Third-party retailers, such as Best Buy, will continue selling the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 until their existing supplies are depleted. While Apple's efforts to halt the ban have been unsuccessful, there remains a possibility for the decision to be overturned if President Joe Biden chooses to veto it.

However, industry analysts, including Victoria Song, suggest that such a move by the president would be a rare occurrence, likening it to "lightning striking the same place twice."

In the coming days, all eyes will be on Apple as it navigates through the implications of the ITC's decision and explores potential avenues for recourse.

FAQ's What decision has the US International Trade Commission (ITC) made regarding Apple's wearable devices? The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has upheld a decision to implement an import and sales ban on Apple's Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 devices.

What is the reason behind the ITC's ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2? The ITC found that the SpO2 sensors in Apple's Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 infringed upon patents held by medical device maker Masimo.

When is the last date consumers can purchase the affected Apple watches directly from Apple? The last date for consumers to purchase the affected Apple watches directly from Apple is set as December 24th.

What is Apple reportedly considering to circumvent the ban on its wearable devices? Apple is reportedly considering making software modifications to circumvent the import and sales ban on its wearable devices.

Is there any possibility for the ITC's ban on Apple's wearable devices to be overturned? There is a slim possibility of a presidential veto to overturn the ITC's decision on Apple's wearable devices, although experts suggest the likelihood is very low.

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Thursday Night

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 13F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
Dave Williams, the divisive chairman of the Colorado GOP, announced Monday that he will run to replace U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn in the states 5
The Northeastern Montana Veterans Memorial committee will hold their annual meeting Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the VFW in Glasgow, 54087 Highway 2, Glasgow.

The public is welcome.

This is our 30-day notification for our annual meeting.
The Glasgow City Council held a work session on Dec. 11 in the Council Chambers. The agenda included discussion on requiring disconnection from water/sewer mains on a demolition permit, discussion on the rotational engineer selection process, revi...
Amendments Effectively Balance Wildlife Management, Conservation, Public Access And Hunter Dispersion

The Montana Outfitters and Guides Association has recognized the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission for making important changes to the states hunting season rules and regulations. The Commissions actions strike a delicate balance between...
Terrorists Detained and Interrogated in School in Gaza's Rimal Neighborhood

IDF Press Release

Press Release

18.12.23

IDF

A Nukhba terrorist and a terrorist who participated in the October 7th massacre were detained at a school in Rimal in Gaza City and were interrogated by Unit 504



Last Friday, an operation conducted by the 401st Brigade at the Alma'atsam in Allah School in Rimal resulted in the elimination of numerous terrorists. Additionally, Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were detained. The terrorists, including a member of the Nukhba Forces and another terrorist involved in the massacre, were transferred for investigation by Unit 504 of the Intelligence Division.

Attached is an infographic detailing the identities of the terrorists detained in the operation

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IDF and ISA Eliminate Subhi Ferwana, Prominent Hamas Financier Involved in Transferring Tens of Millions to the Hamas' Military Wing

IDF Press Release

Press Release

19.12.23

IDF

The IDF and ISA eliminated Subhi Ferwana, a prominent Hamas financier involved in transferring tens of millions of dollars to the Hamas terrorist organization's military wing



In a targeted operation in the middle of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, Subhi Ferwana was eliminated by an IAF fighter jet directed by IDF and ISA intelligence. Ferwana was a prominent financier who, together with his brother, was 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.



Hamas' military wing depends on these funds transferred to them via financiers and its capabilities are consequently diminished without them. Ferwana was one of the most prominent financiers and was able to transfer funds to Hamas' military wing as required for war.



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.



Hamas uses financiers in order to receive the funds that are transferred to the terrorist organization from Iran and various fundraising sources abroad. The money changers carry out the transfers using the netting and money laundering method, while evading the international financial system.



The IDF, ISA, and other security forces will continue their efforts to dismantle Hamas' funding lifeline.

Attached is an infographic of Subhi Ferwana, who was eliminated during a targeted operation:

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Helicopter pilots throughout Europe appreciate Storck Barracks facility

By Gerlinde Hoyle December 20, 2023

ILLESHEIM, Germany (Dec 20, 2023) -- Storck Barracks in Illesheim, Germany, is home to the only helicopter flight simulator operated by the U.S. Army in Europe. The facility, located within the United States Army Garrison (USAG) Ansbach footprint, is well known and appreciated by pilots from NATO partners and allied countries and provides critical training to helicopter pilots of the U.S. Army and other nations.

The simulator complex opened in 1985 and has undergone numerous renovations and retrofits as Army aviation has evolved. Today, it is a state-of-the-art training facility operated by U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and in high demand by helicopter pilots throughout the theater.

The U.S. Army's 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, located on nearby Katterbach Kaserne, and pilots from regionally aligned forces regularly deployed to Storck Barracks, commonly referring to the complex as the Storck "Flight Sims." All current helicopter platforms used by the U.S. Army are supported in this facility.

"We have the Apache Longbow crew trainer (LCT), the UH-60L/M Black Hawk aircrew trainer (BAT), the CH-47F Chinook Transportable Flight Proficiency Simulator (TFPS) and the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT)," says Dexter Chun, Facility Manager, Illesheim Flight Simulator Complex (IFSC).

Ignacio Gutierrez de Rubalcava, stationed in Madrid, Spain, with the Spanish Batallon de Helicopteros de Transporte, recently trained at the IFSC and praised the facility highly.

"I am assigned to the only battalion with Chinooks in the Spanish military," said Rubalcava. "We started transitioning from the Delta model to the F-model of Chinooks and this is the closest training facility to train emergency procedures that you do not want to try on the actual aircraft."

As a frequent visitor, he raved about the facility: "Early 2022 was the first time we came. Emergency training is the focus. We train with the U.S. Army often and we have been deployed with them to different theaters, so we are used to training with the U.S. Army. We are comfortable with them and the facility is very good. We do have a basic trainer back at our home station, but for more advanced training, we need this."

Also training at the IFSC during our visit was Slovakian Col. Stefan Okos with the 51st Wing "Presov." Col. Okos, a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, has visited Storck several times and greatly appreciates the training opportunity.

"The Slovak Army does not have a simulator for the UH-60 Blackhawk platform. This is the closest training facility for us," explained Okos. "It is only a 10-to-12-hour drive from home. We are usually here for one week, which gives us 40 hours of training for the team of five pilots and one instructor."

The IFSC has an excellent reputation within the Slovak Army aviation unit. According to Okos, the alternative to getting the required simulator training would be traveling to a facility in the U.S., where the initial training of the Slovak pilots takes place.

Okos also praised the simulator: "The facility is great. The staff is very helpful. Every time we need something, they are here all day. I cannot say anything negative about the facility or the staff."

"The pilots are very happy with this type of simulator. When they train for a half hour, they are so immersed in the training, and the simulated situation, they almost forget it's only a simulator. It is a very good experience for them," explained Okos.

During their week-long training, the pilots only have a little free time. After the day in the simulator, they conduct briefings every night in preparation for the next day.

"We discuss the following day's training each night. Going through the check lists, for example. It's easier for me to teach them on the ground first. I can explain all the procedures in detail before flying. The emergency procedures are discussed in the pre-brief to the simulator training, saving us time while we are in the simulator," Okos continued.

"The week is a demanding training week. But it is very beneficial. You can watch the progress and the results of the training as the week advances. At the beginning they are struggling with some procedures and at the end of the week they are like professionals. You see the results after five days. The pilots become much more confident as they are training intense emergency procedures in the simulator."

As an Army Power Projection Platform in Europe, USAG Ansbach is proud to be home to this integral training tool for pilots from our U.S. and NATO partners.

xxx

The U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach military community is located in the Franconian region of Bavaria and is spread across six sites and nine kasernes dispersed around the city of Ansbach and the village of Illesheim. Today, Ansbach is home to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, the community's largest tenant unit, as well as the 7th Engineer Brigade, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. The garrison takes pride in supporting more than 10,000 Soldiers, civilians, family members, and retirees working and living in the Ansbach area.

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Council of Europe Congress concerned about the local elections in Serbia

Council of Europe

Congress

Strasbourg

20 December 2023

The Congress spokesperson on observation of local and regional elections, Stewart Dickson, has expressed grave concern about the serious irregularities reported by the Congress' partners in their joint International Election Observation Mission of the early parliamentary elections which took place in Serbia on 17 December 2023. At the same time, the unanticipated early local by-elections following the sudden and simultaneous resignation of 65 mayors from the ruling party, were held in a third of municipalities of Serbia, including the capital.

"The reported instances of intimidation and pressure on voters, including vote-buying, and credible allegations of voter migration and bussing of voters during local elections to support the ruling party particularly in Belgrade, the inclusion of names of deceased persons on electoral lists and the misuse of administrative resources in election campaigns are very worrying allegations that could seriously infringe citizens' right to vote and undermine their trust in the democratic electoral process at all levels of government.

"In addition, the simultaneous organisation of parliamentary and local elections is not conducive to an effective electoral process at local level, and this issue has already been raised in the previous Congress recommendations on local elections in Serbia.

"In this respect, we call on the Serbian authorities to address all alleged cases of violations of the electoral process at the local level and make due and diligent investigation and to respect the standards of free and fair elections. The Congress will closely follow the situation in Serbia."

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? En medio de un gran pasacalle y musica del altiplano, realizado en el patio de Palacio de Gobierno, la presidenta de la republica, Dina Boluarte, participo de la firma del contrato de prestamo de los primeros USD 350 millones, que permitiran llevar agua potable y pic.twitter.com/zRZTeaAFU9
December 20, 2023

Transcript

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Holds a Media Availability Aboard the USS Ford

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: We've had some excellent engagements with leaders in Israel, Bahrain and Qatar. Of course, it's great to be with our outstanding troops.

We see, as we've gone from place to place, the quality of troops that are in our ranks today.

As a reminder, on October 7th, Hamas launched a vicious attack on Israel. The next day, the Department of Defense started to surge significant capabilities into the Middle East, to send a strong message that no state, no individual actor or no group should try to consider exploiting the situation to expand the conflict.

And our message to them is very simple, don't.

And here on the Ford, you can see how strong that message is. You can see the combat power that -- that we have available to be able to project on a very short timeline, to anywhere in the world.

The Ford Carrier Strike Group and its sailors are the embodiment of the U.S. commitment to regional stability and security. And the impressive capabilities that this carrier and the strike group provides gives our country options to respond to a wide range of contingencies.

Our brave men and women who serve aboard the Ford have had quite the first deployment, a brand new ship, as you know. They started out in the European AOR, and then they transited to the eastern Mediterranean. And after October 7th, they moved a little closer.

So I know the holidays are coming up, and these sailors and Marines, instead of being home with their families and friends are upholding our commitment to regional security, sending a strong message of deterrence and keeping Americans safe at home.

So I wanted to be here to personally thank them for all of their great work, their hard work, their professionalism, their sacrifices and sacrifices on behalf of their families who support them day in and day. And they couldn't do what they do without those families that really serve our country well.

Again, from just being around these sailors, being around the airmen and the soldiers that I've been around this week, you see the quality of troop that we have in our ranks. And that is what makes America great.

This is the newest carrier in the inventory. And by the way, we're moving right now. And you don't know we're moving because this ship is so well-designed that -- that, you know, it's incredible. And just talking to the leadership and the crew here, they're really proud of this platform.

Now, the platform alone that is, you know, isn't what makes us great; it's the people that -- that manage the platform.

But with that, let me just take a couple questions.

STAFF: We'll start with Phil.

Q: You have already extended the Ford's deployment three times. Are you prepared to keep it here until there's a transition in Israel away from high-intensity combat to a next phase?

SEC. AUSTIN: I feel like, as you would expect, I won't speculate on, you know, what we'll do in the future. What I will tell you is that we have the ability to project combat power anywhere in the world, at any time that we choose, on a moment's notice.

And again, you can see how quickly the Ford was able to deploy here. And it made a difference when it deployed here. And so what we do in the future, you know, again, as you know, I don't talk about those things.

STAFF: Let's go (to here.

Q: Sir, you talked about the value of deterrence the Ford represents. And yet you also talked in the remarks today about the increasing fire -- crossfire with -- in northern Israel, between Hezbollah and the Israelis. You talked about the increased attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. Just how tenuous is this deterrent (inaudible)?

SEC. AUSTIN: Well, you know, one of our goals is to make sure that the crisis in -- in Gaza doesn't expand to a regional conflict, and I think we've done a good job of managing that. And you will see, you know, from time to time things like cross-border exchanges between the Israelis on their northern border and Hezbollah, that's gone on before and it'll probably continue to go on in the future but maybe not to the volume that we're seeing today.

But certainly we were concerned, are concerned about, you know, a conflict or the crisis spreading to the wider region, but to date, I think we have done a really good job of preventing that from happening. We'll stay focused on that in the future.

Q: And should the Israelis be able to transition to a lower intensity combat and also reduce the chances of a wider regional conflict?

SEC. AUSTIN: I think if that happens, when that -- it's hard to speculate but I think, you know, it -- it's logical that -- that we would see some of that, we would see some reduction in activity. But again, that's speculation.

I think what's important right now is that we focus on doing everything we can to get humanitarian assistance in to the Palestinians, we do everything we can to reduce the amount of civilians that are being injured in the battle space, and we do everything we can to maintain the crisis in the confines of Gaza and not allow things to spread to a full blown crisis across the region.

STAFF: Last question will go to (inaudible).

Q: Mr. Secretary, I'm wondering if you could give us an update on Operation Prosperity Guardian (inaudible)?

SEC. AUSTIN: That -- we do have a number of countries that continue to come in and offer, you know, assistance in this overall effort. I think that will continue to grow going forward. And in terms of, you know, who specifically has come on board here in the last couple of hours or the last day, you know, I won't -- I'll let the countries announce for themselves who's doing what but I expect for, you know, this group to grow.

You know, I just spent -- you may know, yesterday, I was in Bahrain, and while in Bahrain, I conducted a virtual ministerial with about -- over 40 ministers and the -- 40 countries, and the focus was on freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Strait. And there's no question in my mind that this is very important, not only to the countries in the region but globally.

You know, what the Houthis are doing affects commerce around the globe. You know, some 10 to 15 percent of global commerce flows through the Red Sea and through the straits. So freedom of navigation is important to, again, countries around the globe. And I think we'll see increased participation going forward.

Q: Has your office considered striking the Houthis to deter future attacks on commercial shipping?

SEC. AUSTIN: My message -- our message -- the international message to the Houthis is they need to cease and desist this irresponsible and dangerous behavior. And again, that's the message we're hearing from the international community.

This is not an issue between two countries or, you know -- or three countries, this is a global issue. It's irresponsible behavior, dangerous behavior, and they need to desist.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3623310/

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December 20, 2023

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Call with Cypriot Minister of Defense Michalis Giorgallas

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Cypriot Minister of Defense Michalis Giorgallas to thank him for Cyprus' close partnership in enabling U.S. support for humanitarian operations and to ensure the safety and security of U.S. citizens in the region. Secretary Austin commended Cyprus for its steadfast support to Ukraine and role in supporting the flow of humanitarian aid to Israel and Gaza. The two leaders also expressed appreciation for the expanding bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Cyprus.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3622439/

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December 20, 2023

Release

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker Announces Middle East Policy Leadership Transition

Today, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Policy Ms. Dana Stroul announced her departure from her leadership role effective Dec. 20. We thank Ms. Stroul for her exceptional service and contributions to our national security, in particular her work in the Middle East region, where her tremendous leadership of defense policy and strategy was distinguished by her remarkable ability to forge strong and effective relationships with Allies and Partners. Her strategic acumen and leadership have been instrumental in advancing U.S. interests and policies in the region, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

We also extend a warm welcome to Mr. Daniel B. Shapiro as the new Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy. Mr. Shapiro's extensive experience, including his roles as U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Senior Advisor to the Special Envoy for Iran, positions him exceptionally well to pick up right where Dana left off, and guide our policy approach in this critical region of the world.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3622654/

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December 20, 2023

Release

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker Announces Recent European and NATO Policy Leadership Transition

As we continue to strengthen our nation's transatlantic alliances and partnerships, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy expresses profound appreciation for Spencer Boyer's exemplary service as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy from February 2021 to December 2023. His strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to international security and policy was pivotal in addressing vitally important European and NATO issues, which significantly impacted our approach to ensure global stability and security.

It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Ms. Lisa Sawyer to the role of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy. Lisa returns after a recent tenure at the White House as a special advisor on European, Russian, and defense matters to the Vice President and brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of international security dynamics. Her expertise and strategic vision will be invaluable. We are confident that her leadership will significantly contribute to our ongoing efforts in safeguarding national security and enhancing our transatlantic relationships.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3622631/

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US-led coalition in the Red Sea only 'band-aid solution'; an immediate cease-fire in urgent need to avoid spillovers

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Dec 20, 2023 08:48 PM Updated: Dec 20, 2023 11:25 PM

As the world's shipping and trade might be further disrupted by attacks on ships along the main Red Sea shipping route, worries among multinational companies - including Chinese ones that are entering the busiest export season - have grown.

Analysts said on Wednesday that the multinational coalition headed by the US to protect trade ships in the Red Sea is only a "band-aid solution," and that the situation can worsen unless there is a cease-fire agreement or a cooling-off period in the Gaza Strip.

On Tuesday, Yemen's Houthi rebels said the new US-led military coalition in the Red Sea would not stop their attacks on Israel-bound commercial ships. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam said in a statement carried by the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency that their naval operations aim at supporting the Palestinian people and are not "a show of force or a challenge to anyone."

Many oil tankers and cargo ships that had been sailing through the Suez Canal have changed course to avoid the danger in the Red Sea, and some ships that were already in motion have armed guards on board, according to a Reuters report on Wednesday.

The 10-nation coalition led by the US to escort ships transiting the Red Sea is to deter the Houthi militia, but it is only a short-term measure that cannot solve the issue at the root, Ding Long, a professor with the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times.

Currently, the US cannot find a better way to deal with the Houthi rebels as any direct military operation toward it would make the current situation in the Middle East more complicated. But a temporary solution like this may also lead to a conflict escalation if the Houthi militia accidentally attacks a coalition force vessel, Ding said.

Ding said that the root cause of a series of problems in the Middle East, including security issues in the Red Sea, lies in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. If there is no cease-fire, and if the Palestinian-Israeli issue cannot be completely resolved, these spillover effects will continue to expand.

The escalating attacks of Houthi rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait for the past days have affected global shipping via Suez Canal as it is the quickest maritime route between Europe and Asia. According to a report from China's Central Television on Tuesday, about 30 to 40 percent of the goods from a Yiwu-based company in China need to be transported via the Red Sea route and after detouring, an average journey on the European route will increase by about 10 days.

Freight rates have also increased. For example, for a 40-foot-high container to the Middle East and Europe, the freight rate has increased by about $600 with the rate ranging from $2,400 to $2,500. If the situation in the Red Sea does not change for better soon, prices in January will continue to rise, according to the report.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press conference on Tuesday that the US would welcome China playing "a constructive role" in trying to prevent attacks from taking place.

But Chinese analysts said China is not the only nation affected by the Red Sea shipping issue. Other nations and the global community are all involved and are influenced by this problem and the Palestinian-Israeli issue. They urged the US not to attempt to shift focus by pressuring China.

Analysts noted that instead of pressuring others, the US should exert more pressure in Israel to push for a cease-fire in Gaza, as this is the only way to ensure the security and stability of the Red Sea.

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Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 20th, 20:15

IDF Press Release

Press Briefing

20.12.23

IDF

Daily Briefing Transcript of IDF Spokesperson | December 20

Good evening. The IDF forces are intensifying the combat, extending our operations to Daraj Tuffah near Shejaiya. This completes our engagement in Jabalya, Beit Hanoun, Shejaiya, Daraj Tuffah- all of which are close to communities near the Gaza Strip including Nir Am, Kfar Aza, Meflasim. We aim to redefine the border's security in our fight against terrorism in these areas. We will ensure a different security situation allowing residents to return when the time comes.

Today, we revealed that IDF forces are operating in the elite Hamas quarter in central Gaza City. This area is concentrated with Hamas' political and military leadership institutions. This space served as cover for hundreds of terrorist infrastructures embedded within civilian buildings. Using intelligence, our ground forces exposed an intricate network of underground infrastructures used by the Hamas leadership - Haniyeh, Deif, and Yahya Sinwar, who all utilized these infrastructures, both in routine and in emergencies, including at the start of the war on October 7th, when they conducted their operations from there.

From these infrastructures, they could move and deploy across the Strip, from the heart of Gaza City, the elite quarter, they could go to Shifa Hospital and exit in an ambulance "taxi" to travel south and return to Shifa Hospital, enter the network to go south, north, and move up to the Rantisi Hospital area. Our entry into Shifa disturbed Hamas leaders not because they were hiding there, but because the infrastructure was used by Hamas battalion commanders to manage the fighting in Gaza City. This infrastructure enabled Hamas commanders to conduct operations against the IDF at the brigade and battalion level. When Hamas lost control of this infrastructure, they were weakened, leading to the defeat of the battalions in this area. Our duty to dismantle this infrastructure extends beyond the present; it is to prevent the existence of such terrorist infrastructure in the future, eliminating the capability of terrorists to fight, plan, and execute such attacks against us.

Inside this infrastructure, we also found weapons and intelligence material that enabled us to conduct operational planning and understand Hamas' plans and locations. This is now reflected in the IDF's targets and ground operations. This concludes our exposure of Hamas' underground terrorist city in the northern Gaza Strip; we will neutralize it, and destroy all its infrastructures at their strategic locations. We will also continue this operation in the southern Strip. We will reach the underground hideouts of elite Hamas officials in the Khan Yunis area. We have recently added another brigade and more engineering equipment to drill, locate, and fight the underground infrastructure of elite Hamas officials in Khan Yunis. This is a complex operation; it takes time to ensure our forces' safety, which requires us to be cautious when operating underground, and because the destruction process takes time. We are determined to do this as long as necessary. The ground operation will continue, and the airstrikes will continue in all the areas I mentioned and across the Gaza Strip. We also attacked in Rafah where we targeted commanders and will continue to pursue the Hamas leadership and officials everywhere in the Gaza Strip.

Today, we published further findings from the investigation into the incident in which the hostages, Yotam, Samer and Alon, were accidentally killed. Yesterday, we located a Go-Pro camera footage from a K-9 dog, which recorded the voices of the three abductors five days before they were killed. This happened during a battle where Golani Brigade forces encountered combat in a built complex. During this encounter, the dog entered first to clear the area. The terrorists shot at the dog, and from that point, we heard voices which, after analysis of the footage, were recognized as the voices of the hostages, all three of them fully vocally. We understand that they were in that building, located about a kilometer from where that incident occurred, where we lost the three abductees. After an initial investigation of the footage, we assess that the terrorists holding the hostages were eliminated during that encounter, allowing the hostages, it seems, to escape. From there, they embarked on a heroic escape journey until that terrible tragedy, which we focused on in the investigation. Yesterday, the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command presented the investigation to the Chief of the General Staff, who instructed the investigation to be completed in light of the new findings revealed. It will be summarized in the coming days, then presented to the families, along with all the materials and footage. We will present everything to the families; we owe these families the truth and a full presentation of the investigation, which is what will happen. We will decide on the information to share with the public and the media only after the families have had the opportunity to view it and after they and those fallen receive our respectful acknowledgment of the incident. It is our responsibility to learn the lessons of the event and do everything to prevent such an incident from recurring and to create operational opportunities in the ongoing ground operation that will lead to the rescue of hostages. The return of hostages is one of the war's objectives; the IDF is investing special forces and intelligence in locating them. It is a top priority; the forces in the field are now being trained on how to search for hostages. We will continue to make all possible efforts to return the hostages held in Gaza. We embrace the families of the hostages and continue to support them.

In the north, we attacked a series of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon from the air and land throughout the day in response to launches towards our territory. Our policy remains clear: we respond to any threat at the border, we deny Hezbollah's capabilities in Lebanese territory, especially near the border. Southern Lebanon is now a combat zone and will continue to be as long as Hezbollah operates there and attacks from within as it is currently doing. We will not tolerate any threat to the security of our citizens. Since the beginning of the war, Hezbollah has been dragging the state of Lebanon, and particularly the residents of southern Lebanon, down a dangerous slope. We will continue to attack and eliminate as we eliminated Hezbollah terrorists on the ground yesterday; we will continue to attack and eliminate them as long as they attack and target us. We will not allow them to stay near our borders. The Chief of the General Staff toured the Lebanese border today and met with the reserve soldiers. Our dear reservists fight day by day on all borders, and their extensive mobilization deserves the appreciation of all the state of Israel. We are working on creating solutions for additional assistance to the reservists and well-deserved compensation for their essential actions in combat; we meet them, know their needs, and talk with their families.

Today, soldiers of the Paratrooper Brigade, having displayed bravery and strength during weeks of intense fighting in Gaza, are taking a well-deserved break. They arrived at the City of Training Bases tonight to renew their personal equipment and combat gear, reunite with their parents, and recharge their strength to continue the fighting. This staged process will be repeated with different forces as necessary, ensuring the continuous leaves of our troops in the Gaza Strip.

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'Iran remains committed to help promote stability in Afghanistan'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

New York, IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani has said that his country remains steadfast in its commitment to help promote lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Iranian envoy made the comment on Wednesday at a UN Security Council session on the situation in Afghanistan.

He expressed hope that the Taliban de facto government in Afghanistan will fulfill its international obligations, particularly those related to the country's neighbors.

Below is the full text of Iravani's speech at the Security Council session.

Mr. President,

I thank you for convening this meeting.

I thank Ms. Otunbayeva, the Special Representative, and other briefers for their briefings.

We take note of the Secretary-General's report on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2023/941). The report highlights the unprecedented humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan, with over two-thirds of its population requiring assistance.

The October earthquakes in Herat Province directly impacted over 150,000 people, exacerbating the situation. The revised Humanitarian Response, having received only 35% of the required $3.23 billion as of November 11, aims to assist 21.3 million people. Iran emphasizes the need for impartial humanitarian aid and the importance of lifting sanctions to support Afghanistan's economic recovery.

Mr. President,

Despite the de facto authorities' anti-terrorism efforts, the persistent presence of Daesh and Al-Qaida affiliates continues to pose a severe threat to Afghanistan and neighboring countries. The United Nations documented eight attacks by Daesh affiliates from the first of August to 7 November, specifically targeting civilians, with a notable focus on the Shia community.

Mr. President,

As a directly impacted neighbor dealing with the repercussions of the situation in Afghanistan, and hosting millions of Afghan people, Iran maintained its active engagement with the de facto authorities (DFA). This engagement was conducted both bilaterally and through neighboring and regional mechanisms like the Moscow format, aiming to enhance and improve the humanitarian situation and facilitate Afghanistan's economic recovery. From 4 to 10 November, Iran hosted a delegation of Taliban economic officials. Discussions focused on strengthening economic and trade ties, covering aspects such as trade, transit, transportation, infrastructure, and railways.

Mr. President,

The de facto authorities have not taken significant steps to achieve genuine ethnic and political inclusion in Afghanistan. Instead, they impose severe restrictions on women and girls, particularly affecting their access to education.

In the Moscow format meeting on September 29 in Kazan (Russia), concerns were raised about restrictions imposed on women and girls, urging the establishment of a broad-based, inclusive government. In this meeting, Iran proposed establishing a regional contact group for enhanced and coherent engagement with the Taliban and encouraging them to honor their obligations.

Mr. President,

We commend the efforts of Mr. Feridun Sinirlioglu during his mandate as Special Coordinator and take note of the independent assessment (S/2023/856). The assessment underscores the imperative of increased and coherent international engagement with the de facto authorities and highlights positive elements, such as advocating for national political dialogue to foster inclusivity and reconciliation among Afghan political actors. This approach is crucial for uniting Afghanistan toward a secure, stable, and prosperous future. The report also calls for swift international action to address the frozen assets issue and suggests a review of the sanctions regime.

Regarding the proposed mechanisms in the recommendations, namely the international contact group and the appointment of a Special Envoy, Iran takes note but deems it premature to establish such mechanisms. We advocate for thorough discussions and comprehensive examination, considering existing regional mechanisms and UNAMA's mandate.

Moreover, addressing the challenges and concerns faced by neighboring countries, which may differ from the priorities emphasized by donors and other stakeholders, could pose significant obstacles to the success of establishing such a contact group. Importantly, granting equal standing to specific NATO countries especially those accountable for the current situation in Afghanistan, without them fulfilling their responsibilities towards the Afghan people is both unfair and counterproductive.

Meanwhile, we emphasize that international engagement should not only aim for normalization or recognition of de facto authorities; instead, it should contribute to improving the situation for the people, ensuring that they are the primary beneficiaries of any normalization process.

In conclusion, we reaffirm once more our full support for UNAMA and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and emphasize the importance of maintaining their field presence.

Iran remains steadfast in its commitment to close collaboration with neighboring countries, relevant partners, and the United Nations to promote lasting peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan. We hope that the de facto authorities will fulfill their international obligations, particularly in upholding their obligations to the neighbors.

I thank you.

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Gaza death toll reaches 20,000

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The death toll from Israel's war on Gaza has reached 20,000 as the regime presses ahead with its indiscriminate air attacks on the Palestinian territory for 75 days now.

According to an announcement by the Gaza Government Media Office on Wednesday, at least 20,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and over 55,000 injured since the war began on October 7.

Thousands more remain unaccounted for, while 90% of the whole population have been displaced.

The regime began its war following the unprecedented Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by Hamas resistance movement against Israeli positions from Gaza on October 7. The operation left 1,140 people dead in Israel, according to the regime's official figures.

During more than two months of war, Israel has continued bombing residential buildings and near hospitals.

The regime has also intensified its daily raids against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, killing more than 300 people there since October 7, according to official Palestinian figures.

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Lebanon's Hezbollah conducts missile attacks on Israeli positions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah has targeted an Israeli military base and an artillery position in the northern occupied territories of Palestine.

Hezbollah issued a statement, announcing that resistance fighters directly targeted an artillery position of Israeli forces in the Khirbet Maer village.

According to the statement, Hezbollah fighters also attacked the Al-Rahib military base with a Burkan missile.

Israeli TV Channel 14 reported that a number of missiles were fired from Lebanon toward Shomera village, but the sirens were not sounded in this Israeli settlement. However, sirens were sounded in four towns in the western Galilee region of the Israeli-occupied territories.

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US to face 'Vietnam scenario' if Yemen attacked: Ansarullah

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah movement, Seyyed Abdulmalik al-Houthi, has warned that the United States will experience a "scenario worse than Afghanistan and Vietnam" if the Yemeni armed forces come under attack.

"Our greatest desire is a direct confrontation with the United States and Israel," Houthi said in a televised speech on Wednesday.

The warning came after US media reported that planning is underway for possible military action against Yemen in response to a surge in attacks in the Red Sea on ships owned by the Israeli regime or those bound to the occupied territories.

The Ansarullah leader said the United States is complicit in Israeli war crimes in the Gaza Strip for providing banned weapons, including white phosphorus, and fighter jets to the Israeli military for the war against the Palestinians.

He also warned other countries not to get involved in a US-led task force established this week to counter Yemeni attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea.

The Yemeni operations to stop the passage of ships towards occupied territories in support of the Palestinians in Gaza have so far been effective, he said.

Al-Houthi further warned that if the US intends to militarily engage Yemen, it will experience "a scenario worse than Afghanistan and Vietnam."

The Yemeni armed forces will respond to any American attack by targeting US warships and vessels with "our missiles and drones," he warned.

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YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government has adopted a decision to compensate the tuition of forcibly displaced students of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The decision adopted at the December 21 Cabinet meeting covers 935 students.

264 million drams will be allocated for the first semester tuition.

The money will be transferred to the universities.

Over 1800 forcibly displaced students of Nagorno-Karabakh are now enrolled in Armenian universities, and over 1100 in colleges.
Iran says US must ensure any deal on Gaza ceasefire is 'durable'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says a truce agreement for Gaza appears within reach, calling on the United States -- as the main ally and supporter of the Israeli regime -- to ensure that any ceasefire is durable and leads to lifting of the humanitarian siege on the Palestinian territory.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday after meeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the prime minister of Qatar, Amirabdollahian said Hamas, as the representative of Palestinians in Gaza, believes that securing a ceasefire deal is not possible while the Israeli regime keeps killing women and children in the enclave.

He said that the United States claims some sort of a ceasefire agreement is possible before the end of the year. He added that if the US and the opposing sides are serious in securing a deal, they must engage in discussions to establish a sustainable ceasefire that results in the lifting of the complete humanitarian blockade of Gaza.

"Diplomatic negotiations indicate that the region is gradually moving towards a ceasefire, and direct and indirect talks that could bring an end to the catastrophic situation in Gaza," he said.

Amirabdollahian stressed that the ongoing talks with regional players have primarily centered on the urgency to stop the Israeli war crimes and genocide in Gaza, as well as provision of humanitarian aid.

Iran's top diplomat said that Hamas leaders have told him during recent discussions that the resistance group has used only a fraction - about 14 percent - of its military capabilities in the ongoing fight against Israeli forces.

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Iran says made great diplomatic efforts in support of Palestine

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Doha, IRNA -- Iran has made extensive diplomatic efforts at regional and international levels in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and to end the Zionist regime's criminal war against Gaza, says the Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Speaking to reporters, Nasser Kanaani pointed to Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian's meeting in the Qatari capital Doha with the head of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas's Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh, describing Iran as the most important supporter of the Palestinian nation.

He said that during their meeting, the two sides discussed the latest political and field developments in Gaza within the context of close bilateral communication and regular consultations.

Haniyeh also offered a thorough report on the situation in Gaza and hailed the resistance forces' good morale and capabilities.

"Our understanding from the meeting is that the resistance is in very good conditions both in the battlefield and in its military power, despite all the crimes that have been committed [against them]," Kanaani explained.

The Hamas leader also declared the resistance movement's readiness to reach a permanent ceasefire but made clear that they will not negotiate while being constantly attacked by the Zionist regime, he said.

He added that the Iranian foreign minister also discussed the outcomes of his diplomatic endeavors during the meeting.

Nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the Zionist regime's bloody war on the besieged territory. A temporary ceasefire agreement was reached late last month but the occupying regime violated the terms of the deal.

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Iran FM, Hamas chief discuss latest developments in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Doha, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and the Palestinian Resistance movement's (Hamas) head of political bureau Ismail Hanieh have held talks in the Qatari capital on the latest developments in Gaza.

The talks were held in Doha early on Wednesday after the arrival of the Iranian foreign minister there.

During the talks, the Hamas chief underlined that Resistance is still powerful and consistent despite the Zionist regime's considerable volume of the land and sea attacks and the air strikes against the people in Gaza after 75 days.

In response, the Resistance has inflicted heavy losses on the regime although the Israeli regime and its allies thought that they could overcome the Palestinian movement, Hanieh added.

Although the move to resist against the Zionists brought a heavy cost to the Palestinian nation, the nation has stood by the Resistance movement to defeat the regime, Hanieh stressed.

At his remarks, the Hamas chief appreciated the Islamic Republic for following up the developments in Gaza.

Referring to Amirabdollahian's visit to Doha which is the fourth since the start of war in Gaza on October 7, Hanieh said such visits are important as they show support for Gaza and Palestine.

Since the date, near 20,000 thousands of whom were children and women have been killed in Gaza.

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Haniyeh: Resistance stands strong on the battlefield

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 20 December 2023 / 11:27

The head of Hamas' political bureau says the Palestinian resistance stands "firm on the battlefield" despite two and a half months of Israeli war crimes in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Tehran-ISNA- In a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the Qatari capital Doha on Wednesday, Ismail Haniyeh said the volume of the Israeli military's aerial, naval, and ground attacks on the besieged Gaza has been unprecedented.

"The Zionist regime and its allies thought that they could eliminate the resistance this way and force it to raise the white flag," he noted as PressTV reported.

"The resistance, however, has still stood firm and steadfast on the battlefield and inflicted heavy damage on the Zionist regime after 75 days of Israeli crimes and mass murders as part of its scorched-earth policy."

Haniyeh also hailed the Palestinian nation for showing unique resilience and standing by the resistance while paying a heavy price for their position.

The Palestinian nation still continues the path of resistance in spite of the fact that Israel has killed and injured tens of thousands of people in Gaza, destroyed hundreds of houses, attacked hospitals and blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into the blockaded territory, he emphasized.

The Hamas chief further thanked Amir-Abdollahian for following up on the developments in Gaza, saying the top Iranian diplomat has made four visits to Qatar since the beginning of the war.

New Gaza truce efforts

The meeting comes as a source close to Hamas told AFP that Haniyeh was due in Egypt on Wednesday for talks on a fresh Gaza ceasefire.

Additionally, Israeli media reported that the regime is looking for another deal with Hamas to release 30 to 40 captives of the 128 still held in Gaza by the resistance group.

Israel is prepared to negotiate the number of days it will hold its fire as well as the number and type of Palestinian abductees it would release in exchange for the captives, according to the reports. It is also prepared to discuss the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

A senior Israeli official told Channel 12 that the agreement "will be difficult and will demand heavy prices."

Meanwhile, Israeli president Issac Herzog told a group of foreign ambassadors that the regime was "ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release" of the captives.

A humanitarian ceasefire took effect in Gaza from 24 to 30 November. It saw an exchange of between 240 Palestinian abductees held by Israel and 105 war prisoners, including 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners, held by Hamas in Gaza.

Israel waged the brutal war on Gaza on October 7 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 offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 19,667 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 52,586 others.

Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel.

End Item

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Iran and Syria top diplomats discuss Israeli crimes against Palestinians

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 20 December 2023 / 11:22

Iran Foreign Minister and his Syrian counterpart discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.

Tehran-ISNA- During a telephone conversation, Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, and his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad, engaged in discussions regarding bilateral relations and regional developments.

The two top diplomats delved into the positive outcomes stemming from the recent visit of the Syrian prime minister and his accompanying high-ranking delegation to Tehran.

They also touched upon the successful convening of the 15th meeting of the High Joint Cooperation Committee, the signing of new cooperation agreements, and the progressive momentum of bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and commercial domains.

Furthermore, Amirabdollahian and Mekdad exchanged perspectives on the latest regional developments. Specifically, they addressed the ongoing crimes of the Zionist regime against the defenseless Palestinian people. They also reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at immediately halting the massacre of civilians, particularly women and children. The two further underscored the urgent need to provide swift assistance to the Gaza Strip.

End Item



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Israeli military raids cities, towns all over the West Bank

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 20 December 2023 / 11:14

The Israeli occupation carried out, on Tuesday night through Wednesday early morning, wide-scale raids in the occupied West Bank.

Tehran (ISNA) - Sources told Al Mayadeen that the occupation forces raided the town of Beit Ummar north of al-Khalil in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian media outlets also announced that a young man was injured by Israeli occupation forces' gunfire during their invasion of the town of Tammun, further to the north.

The Israeli occupation forces also invaded the eastern town of al-Luban al-Sharkiya to the south of Nablus, the village of Salem east of Nablus, in addition to the town of Sair north of al-Khalil, and the town of Nabi Saleh west of Ramallah.

The occupation forces also raided the town of Beit Fajjar south of Beit Lahm Wednesday morning, as well as the suburbs of Aktaba and Shuweika in the city of Tulkarm in the western West Bank, and the city of Tubas.

In Tubas, occupation forces detained Hani Bani Awdah's wife. The occupation forces took the measure to force Hani to turn himself in. The arbitrary detainment of the family members of Palestinians, whom occupation forces are after, has become a common practice of the occupation, which takes every opportunity possible to harass Palestinians.

Occupation forces also arrested the young man Hussam Ghaith from the Kfar Aqab neighborhood north of occupied al-Quds.

However, Palestinian Resistance fighters confronted Israeli occupation forces in several areas, all over the West Bank, including Tammun, Nablus, and Jenin. In Beit Lahm, Resistance fighters detonated a locally produced improvised explosive device, targeting the invading forces.

The occupation's raids followed wide-scale incursions into Palestinian towns and cities in the occupied West Bank, which took place from Monday overnight into Tuesday morning. These tactics have been employed by the occupation on a near-daily basis, as it attempts to suppress the support of Palestinians in the West Bank, to their countrymen in the Gaza Strip.

In Jenin and Tulkarm, raids turned into wide-scale incursions, which have seen the destruction of the cities' infrastructure and the execution of tens of Palestinians. The occupation has also resorted to drone strikes in these areas, targeting civilians, shops, and homes in Tulkarm and Jenin.

In conjunction with its genocidal war in the Gaza Strip, which goes into its 75th day, the occupation has detained at least 4,605 people in the West Bank and killed more than 300 Palestinians.

End Item





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A look at the Defence news 11 - 17 December

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 20-12-2023

Netherlands has supplied Ukraine with another half a billion euros in materiel

Since 3 October, Dutch military support to Ukraine has increased by almost  550 million, mostly in commercially acquired materiel. The total value of all the materiel supplied and all the fund contributions now stands at more than  2.6 billion. The outgoing Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren reported this to the House of Representatives in her periodic update last week.

Military personnel in Cyprus move their task to the Netherlands

Marines and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft are now on standby in the Netherlands. Previously they were on standby in Cyprus. These troops and the C-130 detachment can be deployed in the region within 72 hours if the situation in the Middle East deteriorates further.

The Netherlands and South Korea to increase their military cooperation

During the two-day state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol last week, the Netherlands and South Korea agreed to greater military cooperation. This way, the Netherlands aims to contribute to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Caribbean Coast Guard to become operational 24/7

The Caribbean Coast Guard expects to complete its transition to an organisation that operates 24/7 next year. There will be more personnel, for example to strengthen border control. This is set out in the Caribbean Coast Guard Annual Plan for 2024, which the Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren sent to the House of Representatives last week.

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Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen announces extra 25 million in emergency aid for Gaza during visit to Rafah border crossing

Government of the Netherlands - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

News item | 20-12-2023

The Netherlands is making an extra 25 millionavailable for humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, announced the new funding on Wednesday during his visit to the Rafah crossing, on Egypt's border with Gaza. Minister Van Leeuwen is visiting the crossing together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot. The contribution will be used to supply food, water, medical care and fuel for electricity and heating. A sum of 15 million will be spent on aid provided by the Red Cross and Red Crescent, while the remaining 10 million will be distributed via the UN's Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA.

Minister Van Leeuwen: 'The situation in Gaza is desperate and the level of need is enormous. It is very important to hear from the Egyptian authorities and the aid organisations working here about the biggest bottlenecks. My three priorities are ensuring full access for humanitarian aid, considerably increasing the amount of aid - including vital fuel - for the people of Gaza, and enhancing the security of aid workers in Gaza. All of my government's efforts are aimed at those goals.'

At the Rafah border crossing the ministers spoke with representatives of the Egyptian Red Crescent. The vast majority of international emergency aid is currently being stored in Rafah. However, due in part to the Netherlands' ongoing diplomatic efforts, aid is now also being allowed into to Gaza via the border crossing at Kerem Shalom. According to the UN, Kerem Shalom is the only crossing equipped to rapidly process aid trucks, thanks in part to special scanners donated years ago by the Netherlands.

The new aid contribution comes on top of 25 million in additional aid the Dutch government has already pledged to Gaza, bringing the total of extra funding to 50 million. This figure itself is in addition to the Netherlands' existing 2023 budget of 51 million for development cooperation and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.

After leaving Egypt Minister Van Leeuwen will be visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories. There, too, the humanitarian situation in Gaza will be high on the minister's agenda.

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Unanimous Adoption of Pakistan-Sponsored Resolution on Universal Realization of the Right of the People to Self-Determination by the UN General Assembly

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted the Pakistan-sponsored flagship resolution on the "Universal Realization of the Right of the People to Self-determination". Adopted by consensus, the resolution was supported and co-sponsorsed by a large number of countries from different regions around the world.

The right of peoples to self-determination is a core principle of International Law, enshrined in Article 1 of the UN Charter and the Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The resolution reaffirmed unequivocal support for realization of the right to self-determination for peoples living under foreign occupation, colonial domination, and subjugation. It vehemently opposes acts of foreign occupation, intervention and aggression and calls upon responsible States to immediately cease such acts. The resolution also underscores that the universal realization of the right of all peoples to self-determination, including those under colonial, foreign and alien domination, is a fundamental condition for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights and for the preservation and promotion of these rights.

Pakistan has sponsored this flagship resolution for over four decades. This annual initiative provides a message of hope to peoples living in internationally recognized situations of foreign occupation, including in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and in Occupied Palestine, who are being denied their inalienable right to self-determination.

Islamabad

20 December 2023

232/2023

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Syrian, Iranian FMs condemn ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:20, December 20, 2023

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.

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YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The fastest home internet from Ucom is now a reality in Sevan. Ucom is dedicated to delivering quality communication services and has made significant investments to ensure the availability of the fixed network in the city of Sevan.

"The city of Sevan is the latest location where we've introduced a fixed connection, and for this expansion, we meticulously considered all the details. Ensuring the satisfaction of our subscribers remains our top priority. We are committed to further expanding our network and reaching new areas. Our fellow citizens in Sevan can now celebrate the New Year in a warm, enjoyable family atmosphere," stated Ralph Yirikian, Ucom General Director.

Sevan residents can benefit from a special offer  the Unity 9000 regional package, available at 8,000 AMD instead of 9,000 AMD. Additionally, by subscribing to the Unity 9000 regional package by February 29, 2024, residents of Sevan will enjoy the package's services for free for three months. The installation of a fixed Internet connection, whether in apartments or private houses, is completed within just 3 working days.

As part of the launch event, Ucom General Director pleasantly surprised Robert Gevorgyan, a resident of Sevan, who visited the store to subscribe to the Unity 9000 package. He was gifted with a Samsung Galaxy A14 phone.

Ucom General Director visited the apartment of Heghine Safaryan, a Sevan resident and educator, who was the first to subscribe to the package. She received the special opportunity to use it for free for six months.

"This offer was unexpected for me. I visited the Ucom store in our city to subscribe to home internet services, as my son wants to become a programmer and needs fast internet. The offer presented by the store personnel was very convenient, and I immediately agreed. I am sure that it is a wonderful New Year's gift for our family from Ucom," said Heghine Safaryan.

Ucom's Unity packages can be explored through the following link.
U.S. troops on Danish soil "breakthrough" in defense policy: PM

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:02, December 20, 2023

COPENHAGEN, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United States will be allowed to permanently station soldiers on Danish soil as part of the country's new defense cooperation agreement with Washington, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said here on Tuesday.

"The agreement gives the U.S. defense access to the three air bases at Karup, Skrydstrup and Aalborg," Frederiksen told journalists, describing the deal as a "new breakthrough in Danish defense policy."

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized Denmark's sovereignty over the three bases.

"In those areas, the Americans will station American soldiers, personnel, and equipment. It is important to stress that all activities must be coordinated with the Danish defense," he said.

The defense agreement comes after a year and a half of negotiations between Denmark and the U.S.

The U.S. and Denmark are expected to sign the agreement this week, according to reports citing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Similar bilateral defense cooperation agreements with the United States have recently been signed by Finland and Sweden. Similar terms were agreed upon in 2021, when Norway granted the U.S. access to four military bases.

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Yemen's Houthis say new U.S.-led coalition won't stop their attacks on ships

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:44, December 20, 2023

SANAA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Tuesday said the new U.S.-led military coalition in the Red Sea would not stop their attacks on Israel-bound commercial ships.

"Our naval operations aim at supporting the Palestinian people in the face of Israeli aggression and siege on Gaza, and are not a show of force or a challenge to anyone," Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said in a statement carried by Houthi-controlled Saba news agency.

"The coalition formed by America is to protect Israel and militarize the sea without any justification," he said.

On Monday, the United States announced a 10-nation coalition to quell Houthi missile and drone attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea.

"As America allowed itself to support Israel by forming an alliance, we also have full right to support Palestine ... and whoever seeks to expand the conflict must bear the consequences of his actions," the Houthi spokesman added.

Houthi rebels have escalated attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, demanding an end to Israel's aggression on the Gaza Strip and the delivery of food and medicine supplies to the enclave.

The Houthis control much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, and the strategic port city of Hodeidah on the coast of the Red Sea, where up to 12 percent of world trade passes through.

Britain, France, and Italy are among the U.S.-led multinational military coalition to secure the Red Sea.

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'External forces' seeking to turn Gaza war into regional conflict: Russia

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 7:26 PM

Russia says some "external forces" are trying to exploit the Israeli war on the besieged Gaza Strip to ignite hostilities in the Middle East.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sounded the alert at the 6th session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Wednesday, warning that the purpose of such actions is to "weaken countries that pursue an independent foreign policy course."

"It has become obvious that some external forces are not averse to using the next escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in their own interests - to ignite the fire of regional hostility in the development of numerous past adventures of the US and its allies, which have been unleashed in the Middle East over the past 20 years and the result of which is undermined statehood, hundreds of thousands of fatalities, huge flows of refugees, and sharp escalation of socio-economic problems," the top Russian diplomat said.

Israel waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's atrocities against Palestinians.

The regime unleashed its war with the stated goal of releasing all of its captives and eliminating Hamas. None of the goals however have been achieved.

Since the start of the US-backed offensive, the Israeli regime has killed more than 20,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 52,586 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble.

"The number of dead and injured is in the tens of thousands, most of them civilians in the Gaza Strip, primarily children and women. The suffering of the enclave's population is compounded by the consequences of the Israeli blockade," Lavrov added.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he stressed that Moscow is continuing to make efforts to bring the Palestinian-Israeli conflict into a diplomatic channel in coordination with its Arab counterparts.

"Russia's principled position coincides with the line of the Arab countries, which reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the crisis based on a generally recognized international legal framework during the summit of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Riyadh on November 11," Lavrov said.

The top Russian diplomat stressed that Moscow believed that violence in the region would continue until the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital.

The Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, founded in 2009 to boost economic cooperation between Russia and the League of Arab States, is a regional meeting held at foreign minister level, whose current edition is hosted by Morocco.

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Acute water shortages in war-torn Gaza pose deadly risks for children, UNICEF warns

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 5:07 PM

The United Nations children's agency has warned that acute water shortages in the war-torn Gaza, triggered by Israel's ongoing war, pose deadly risks for children in the Palestinian territory with large-scale disease outbreaks looming.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday that recently displaced children in the southern Gaza Strip were accessing only 1.5 to two liters of water each day, which is well below the recommended requirements just for survival.

"The impact of this on children is particularly dramatic because children are also more susceptible to dehydration, diarrhea, disease and malnutrition, all of which can compound to present a threat to their survival," the UN agency said.

Israel waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's atrocities against Palestinians.

The regime unleashed its war with the stated goal of releasing all of its captives and eliminating Hamas. None of the goals however have been achieved.

Since the start of the US-backed offensive, the Israeli regime has killed at least 19,667 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 52,586 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble.

"Access to sufficient amounts of clean water is a matter of life and death, and children in Gaza have barely a drop to drink. Children and their families have to use water from unsafe sources that are highly salinated or polluted. Without safe water, many more children will die from deprivation and disease in the coming days," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

The Israeli regime, since the onset of the war, has imposed a tight blockade against the densely-populated Gaza Strip, implementing harsh measures to cut electricity, food, water and fuel from entering the territory.

According to the UN agency, three liters are required daily for survival, and the amount rises to 15 liters of water required for washing and cooking is also counted.

"Concerns of waterborne diseases such as cholera and chronic diarrhea are particularly heightened given the lack of safe water, especially following this week's rains and flooding," UNICEF further said.

Figures by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that from November 29 to December 10, cases of diarrhea in Gazan children under five jumped 66 percent to 59,895, and increased by 55 percent for the rest of the population.

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Israeli airstrikes kill dozens more civilians in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 4:53 PM

The Israeli military kills dozens more civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank as the regime comes under more pressure to end its genocidal war and accept a new temporary ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Israeli warplanes and artillery on Wednesday continued to bomb various areas in the besieged Gaza Strip, especially on Jabaliya and Khan Yunis in northern and central Gaza.

Heavy Israeli bombardment targeted Jabaliya resulting in the killing and injury of scores of Palestinian civilians, most of them children and women.

The director-general of the Ministry of Health in Gaza said in a post on X that at least 46 bodies and 110 injured people have been brought to Jabalia Medical Center since the morning in northern Gaza.

Dozens were still trapped under the rubble of buildings bombed by Israeli forces, Munir al-Bursh added.

The bombing on Jabaliya comes after 16 civilians were killed and more than 70 others were injured on Tuesday evening in a bombing that targeted the town and refugee camp.

More than a dozen civilians were also killed and others were injured when the Israeli warplanes bombed a house in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

The Israeli warplanes have also reportedly launched a series of raids on the city of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, in conjunction with violent artillery shelling. At least 15 people were killed and others were injured when the aircraft bombed a house for the Hamdan family, west of Khan Yunis.

Also west of Khan Yunis, a child was killed and a number of others were wounded in a bombing that targeted a house in the Japanese neighborhood. And a number of injuries occurred as a result of an Israeli raid on the city's al-Amal neighborhood.

Homes, mosque destroyed in Israeli attack on Rafah

A large mosque in the area was completely destroyed, which also caused a lot of damage to the surrounding areas. Two residential homes have also been destroyed in the attack.

Moments before the attacks Israeli drones were circling around the area, and have been doing so for the past five days.

The occupation aircraft also bombed a house in the middle of the Shaboura camp in the center of the city of Rafah, resulting in the killing and injury of many citizens.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have raided al-Ahli Hospital, knocking it out of service and abducting staff members and patients. It was the last functioning medical facility in northern Gaza.

The Internet and phone services have been cut off in Gaza as well due to Israeli attacks.

Israel signals readiness for a new ceasefire in Gaza

Israel has reportedly signaled readiness for a new ceasefire in Gaza as the international pressure mounts on the regime to end its genocidal war.

According to Israeli media, Tel Aviv has informed Qatar about its willingness for a temporary truce.

The regime will also allow the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza in exchange for the release of Israeli captives.

Meanwhile, Hamas resistance movement's chief Ismail Haniyeh is in Egypt for truce talks. A previous agreement mediated by Qatar and Egypt led to a week-long truce at the end of November.

During that period, Hamas freed 86 captives in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinian women and children.

The regime unleashed its war for the stated goal of releasing its captives and eliminating Hamas. None of the goals however have been achieved.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 19,667 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 52,586 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble.

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Houthi: Armed Forces to target US warships in Red Sea in case of strike on Yemen

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 4:32 PM

The leader of the Yemeni Ansarullah resistance movement says the country's armed forces will not hesitate to target US military warships in the Red Sea if Washington and its allies carry out military strikes against Yemen.

Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi made the remarks in a televised speech broadcast live from the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a on Wednesday evening.

He underscored that Yemeni forces will start firing cruise missiles at US military vessels should the newly formed maritime task force in the Red Sea take a hostile action or strike Yemen.

The Ansarullah chief also advised member countries of the coalition not to sacrifice their own security at the expense of the Israeli regime's interests.

"If the United States opts to raise the ante, Yemeni Armed Forces will not stand idly by. They will promptly target American warships, and barrages of missiles will rain down on US military forces and their sensitive sites," Houthi said.

He further noted that Yemeni forces will continue to target Israeli-owned and Israel-bound ships in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, but added that they will pose no threat to other merchant vessels cruising in the waterway.

"The US is seeking to militarize the Red Sea in order to safeguard the interests of the Zionist enemy. Washington's measures in support of Zionists will definitely endanger security and stability in the region," the Ansarullah leader said.

Houthi warned US statesmen against fiendish attempts to test the resolve of the Yemeni nation in defense of their sovereignty.

US complicit in Israeli crimes against Gaza

The Ansarullah chief also sharply criticized the US for aiding and abetting the Israeli regime in its atrocities against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, saying Washington is complicit in the massacre of Palestinian children and women.

"The Zionist enemy takes pride in its ongoing criminal campaign and [genocidal] war against civilians. The Tel Aviv regime resorts to assaults on unarmed ordinary people anytime it suffers defeats in ground battles.

"Over the past 75 days of Israel's war on Gaza, the regime has perpetrated the most heinous types of crimes. It is targeting Palestinians through all means of genocide, brutally using starvation as a weapon, laying siege to the territory, preventing entry of foodstuff and medicines, and clearly targeting hospitals," the Ansarullah chief said.

While armies usually designate strategic and military installation as their targets in case of a war, Houthi added, Israel has brazenly declared Gaza hospitals as the prime target of its attacks.

While armies usually designate strategic and military installation as their targets in case of a war, Houthi added, Israel has brazenly declared Gaza hospitals as the prime target of its attacks and has struck medical centers and staff. It also bombed displaced people, who are sheltering in the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) facilities.

In his remarks, Houthi also slammed Washington's support for Israel, saying, "The US has been definitely complicit in the crimes of the Zionists against Palestinians since the very beginning of the Gaza war, as it has been providing the Israeli enemy with lethal weapons and dozens of military advisors."

Houthi emphasized that Americans threaten any country that would express solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian nation, arguing they intend to assure Zionists that conditions are ripe for them to press ahead with their brutalities in Gaza without any restraint.

"The US administration represents another face of Zionism. President Joe Biden publicly and openly acknowledges that he is affiliated to the Zionist lobby in Washington.

"The US has been overseeing the Zionist enemy's genocide in Gaza since day one. It provides Zionists with different types of weapons and financial resources to commit massacres," the Ansarullah chief said.

Houthi also lashed out at Britain, holding it responsible for war crimes and unrelenting aggression by the Israeli regime against Palestinians ever since the so-called Balfour Declaration, which led to the creation of Israel, was issued on November 2, 1917.

He also slammed certain European Union member states, namely France, Italy and Germany, for their dismal records, generous support for Israel as well as utter disregard of humanitarian and moral values.

"Muslims worldwide bear the responsibility to help Palestinians achieve victory over tyranny," Houthi said, criticizing some Arab countries for turning a blind eye to the sufferings of Palestinians.

He urged all Arab countries to assist Palestinians with military and financial resources, calling for an unflinching stance in support of the Palestinian cause.

The Ansarullah leader also reiterated the Yemeni nation's all-out support for Palestinians and their struggle for liberation, condemning certain Arab regimes over serving Israeli interests and shooting down Yemeni drones and missiles aimed the occupied territories.

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Hamas leader Haniyeh visits Egypt to discuss new Gaza truce

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 3:49 PM

The head of Hamas' political bureau has traveled to Egypt to discuss a potential new Gaza truce involving an exchange of prisoners and the entry of more aid to Gaza.

The Qatar-based Ismail Haniyeh was expected to hold talks with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

Haniyeh, before leaving Qatar, met Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also said on Wednesday a delegation of the movement headed by Secretary General Ziad Nakhaleh will visit Egypt in the coming days to "discuss ways to stop the aggression and a prisoner exchange deal."

The statement added that a potential exchange of captives will take place based on the principle of "everyone for everyone" within a political process agreed upon by the forces representing the Palestinian people, led by Hamas.

Western media reports have described the negotiations as intensive and suggested a breakthrough could be possible within days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Tuesday told relatives of some of the remaining 129 captives held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks that the head of Mossad was working on efforts to free the Israeli captives.

Mossad director David Barnea held a "positive meeting" in Warsaw this week with CIA chief Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, AFP reported, citing an unnamed source.

The source said the talks were ongoing to reach an agreement around the release of the remaining captives in Gaza in exchange for a truce and the potential release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

The regime's president also said on Tuesday they were ready for another pause and to allow additional aid into Gaza to enable the release of captives.

Qatar last month helped broker a week-long truce in which 80 Israeli captives were freed in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

But that truce fell apart, with Hamas blaming Netanyahu for that. The movement says it's ready to release Israeli military captives held in Gaza in return for the release of all Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Hamas deputy politburo chief Saleh al-Arouri told Press TV in a recent interview that Netanyahu earlier rejected the movement's offers and vowed to get the captives released militarily.

"Their prime minister was lying to his society... He was talking about the military operation to free his prisoners. This is impossible to achieve. He failed in it for about 70 days and through the ground incursion into Gaza, the Israelis succeeded in getting three corpses only. So, the idea of freeing their soldiers alive is totally impossible," Arouri told Press TV.

The bloodiest-ever war on Gaza has so far killed nearly 20,000 people, mostly women and children, with thousands more believed lost and buried under rubble. The regime has also cut off most water, food and power supplies into Gaza.

The UN estimates that 1.9 million of Gaza's 2.4 million residents have been forced to flee their homes, many sheltering in tents amid dire shortages and the biting winter cold.

"Amid displacement at an unimaginable scale and active hostilities, the humanitarian response system is on the brink," said Tor Wennesland, the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process.

The UN Security Council was set to vote later on Wednesday on a resolution calling for a pause in the conflict, diplomatic sources told AFP, after two previous votes were delayed.

The latest version of the text calls for the "suspension" of hostilities, the sources said.

The US vetoed a previous ceasefire resolution, sparking widespread condemnation.

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Hamas official says resistance movement ready for all-for-all prisoner exchange with Israeli regime

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 3:41 PM

A senior Hamas official says the Palestinian movement is ready to release all Israeli captives in Gaza in return for Israel freeing Palestinian abductees, stressing however that the regime has so far blocked an exchange deal.

Saleh al-Arouri, speaking to Press TV's "Face to Face" program, said the recent ceasefire extension talks between Hamas and Israel collapsed due to the regime's refusal to accept the movement's all-for-all offer.

He said Hamas has always said it wants Palestinian prisoners to be freed in return for the movement's release of Israeli military captives held in Gaza.

"We said it very clearly, we were ready to hand over all the prisoners and the corpses in exchange for all our prisoners and the corpses with the Israelis who used to kidnap our martyrs on the battlefield," he said.

"Therefore, from the beginning, we wanted all for all, but the Israeli regime did not reply, they were concentrating on the women and kids; even when we proposed the release of some civilian males, not soldiers, they refused the deal, saying we do not want them!"

On the exchange of settlers held in Gaza with Palestinian prisoners, he said Hamas never wanted to keep settlers in Gaza and this exchange deal didn't happen because of Israel's brutal bombardment campaign.

"Hamas offered the idea of all for all, but the Israelis are promoting lies only, they have been saying that Hamas agreed to the release of women and children under heavy pressure, so we are going to exert more pressure on Hamas to force it to release our military men and women in an unjust deal or without any deal at all."

Netanyahu lying to save himself

Arouri said Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu has blocked the Gaza ceasefire to save his political future and has refused Hamas' offers to release all Israeli military captives held in Gaza in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

"Netanyahu during his meeting with the families of the freed Israelis ... said something that was recorded and went on the air by some Hebrew channels. He said if Hamas offered all for all, we would accept it, but he was lying because we came up with an official and public offer" to that effect, he said.

He said Netanyahu lied to his people about the ceasefire talks and vowed to release the captives through the war on Gaza but to no avail.

"Their prime minister was lying to his society, practically I think this matter has become very clear for the Israeli society and the international community. What he was talking about was the military operation to free his prisoners with Hamas; this matter is impossible to achieve, and he failed in it. For about 70 days and [during] the ground incursion inside Gaza, the Israelis succeeded in getting three corpses only. So, the idea of freeing their soldiers alive is totally impossible," he said.

Hamas determination outweighs its missiles

In his remarks, Arouri also said the group's will and determination to fight the Israeli occupation outweighs its tunnels and missiles.

The Palestinian leader said the most significant strength point of the Palestinian fighters is that they fight for a just cause and are ready to sacrifice for their cause.

He said this will and determination are much more important than Hamas' tunnels and missiles.

"The most significant factor Hamas fighters possess is that they are people with a right and a just cause and people who believe in it are ready to sacrifice for it. This is the most significant thing we have and more reliable than the tunnels and missiles ...When we have the will and determination, nothing can defeat us," he said.

Palestinians capable of defeating Israel

Arouri noted that Israel can by no means wipe out Hamas no matter how hard it tries.

He emphasized that the resistance group is the "essential part" of the Palestinian people and it will continue to fight and stand against Israeli brutality with will and determination.

In the interview, Arouri said Israel has had no significant battlefield achievement so far.

He said the regime's forces have resorted to propaganda campaigns such as arresting civilians in schools claiming they are prisoners from Hamas.

"There is no doubt in that, I'm talking to the Israelis who are repeating their allegations by saying we are going to defeat Hamas and its fighters very soon. If they are Hamas fighters under your arrest, why don't you distribute photos for them? What they have been doing is a desperate movement; they arrested old people claiming they were Hamas fighters."

He said the resistance movement will not be eliminated, and it is even capable of defeating the occupation forces.

"Our ability to go ahead with fighting till the defeat of the occupation is 100% certain, that is what I said two months ago. Many people were asking would Israel succeed? I replied we would meet six months or a year later, and then the Israelis would beg the world to get them out of the hell of resistance."

Al-Aqsa Storm part of Palestinian struggle

He said Operation Al-Aqsa Storm was part of the long-running Palestinian struggle to regain its freedom, stressing that it was meant to show the world that ignoring the rights of the Palestinian people will negatively impact stability.

"October 7 wasn't something rare. That was ... part of the Palestinian struggle to get its freedom and to live like other nations in the world, having its state and own sovereignty. So this has been another stage of the Palestinian people['s struggle] ... but this stage has been a big and powerful one, [as it] created a big shock for the Israeli regime," Arouri said.

"The operation carried out by resistance factions caused surprise and shock and was meant to awaken the Israeli society and the world in general. These people did not remain silent about their rights and are capable of showing the world every time what is bigger and more dangerous. The negligence to the rights of the Palestinian people will affect the international stability," he added.

The Hamas official went on to say that this operation made it clear that the Israeli military and intelligence services are nothing "more than a mirage."

Arouri further stated that the extremist policies of the Israeli regime were also among the reasons behind Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, including the expansion of settlements and changing the status quo of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied al-Quds, as well as the years-long blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The current Israeli regime has exceeded all red lines, he said, stressing that "there is no way of remaining silent in front of it."

Iran sincere in supporting Gaza

He further hailed Iran's support for the Palestinian cause and said all Muslim countries should follow Iran's suit and take concrete actions to help the Palestinians liberate their lands.

The Hamas official also condemned the international community's disregard for Israeli actions, saying the world's silence is ruining any possible chance for a solution.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long violence against Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed over 19,600 Palestinians and injured more than 52,000 others.

The Tel Aviv regime has imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Diplomatic negotiations show region gradually moving toward ceasefire in Palestine: Iran FM

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 3:26 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says diplomatic efforts have intensified in the Western Asia region for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza where the Israeli regime has been pounding the Palestinians for 75 days.

"The diplomatic negotiations show that the region is gradually moving toward a ceasefire," Amir-Abdollahian told reporters during a Wednesday trip to Qatar, where he held talks with Qatari authorities and Palestinian resistance officials.

The minister said the aim of regional efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza is to put an end to the "catastrophic situation" in the territory or at least to reduce "the grievances of the Palestinian people."

He said that the United States, as the main supporter of the Israeli regime in its war on Gaza, claims to be working out a truce in Palestine before the start of the New Year.

Amir-Abdollahian said, however, that the US does not seek a permanent end to hostilities in Gaza.

"If the US and (Palestine's) opposite sides are serious on this issue, they should enter into talks after a type of ceasefire is reached to discuss how a permanent ceasefire and a complete lifting of humanitarian siege can function," he said.

The top Iranian diplomat made the remarks hours after he met head of Hamas politburo Ismail Haniyeh in Doha, a fourth such meeting between the two since the start of the Israeli aggression on Gaza in early October.

Later on Wednesday, Amir-Abdollahian met Qatar's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss the latest situation in Gaza and regional efforts to a reach ceasefire in the territory.

Qatar played a key role in mediation efforts and helped secure a week-long ceasefire in Gaza that ended on December 1 and allowed Palestinian resistance groups and the Israeli regime to exchange captives and prisoners while enabling international organizations to deliver badly-needed humanitarian aid to the coastal sliver.

More than 19,500 people have been killed since Israel started its full-scale military campaign in Gaza on October 7, the day on which Hamas launched a major operation into Israeli-occupied territories near Gaza, killing 1,200 settlers and military forces.

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Gaza war not only rights violation, but obliteration of mankind; US rights claims bogus: Iran's deputy FM

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 10:20 AM

What is happening in Gaza is an "annihilation of human existence" enabled by Washington despite its claim to champion human rights across the globe, says Iran's deputy foreign minister for political affairs.

Ali Bagheri Kani said in an interview with Japan's public broadcaster NHK on Tuesday that the Americans can no longer claim to be "advocates of human rights" whatsoever given their support for the brutal Israeli war.

"The Americans claim to advocate human rights but what is happening in Gaza today is not just a violation of human rights but annihilation of human existence," he said. "Therefore, the Americans can no longer claim to be advocates of human rights anywhere in the world."

"What we are witnessing in Gaza today is a full-scale genocide and a blatant crime against humanity. Israel has not launched an assault on any military targets in Gaza because there are no military targets there."

He further said Israel's targets in Gaza are either people's houses, educational places, people's places of worship, or hospitals.

"That is why a significant number of the dead are women and children," Bagheri Kani added.

Israel waged the brutal war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups 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 offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 19,667 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 52,586 others.

Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel.

Further expounding on the US role in the devastating war, Bagheri Kani said Washington's support for Tel Aviv is an important factor in encouraging the occupying regime to continue and intensify its crimes in Gaza.

The Iranian diplomat also said other countries, including Japan, can stop the continuation of Israel's crimes against the people of Gaza by exerting pressure on the US and the occupying entity, adding, "Among such measures can be a revision of the political and economic relations with the Israeli regime."

'US against rights-centeredness'

Also in a meeting with Japanese experts and thinkers at the Islamic Republic's Embassy in Tokyo, Bagheri Kani pointed to the US unilateralism as an impediment to the establishment of justice across the world, and rebuked Washington's concern about its own interests.

"In the current situation where the Americans dominate the world with unilateralism, they do not allow justice to be established in the world. From Iran's perspective, 'rights-centeredness' is a very important keyword in the foundation of international relations, but the Americans do not accept this principle," he said.

"They see everything through the lens of their interests. Therefore, they do not acknowledge any rights for any player in the international scene and they regard shares for others based on their interests," he added.

Bagheri Kani also underlined that US's "share-centric" approach in international relations cannot create lasting stability, as opposed to Iran's "rights-centeredness" view, which brings about multilateralism and stability.

The Iranian diplomat also said flow of resistance is a reality in the region, which has been the cause of stability, peace and tranquility.

"The main factor in the fight against the Takfiri terrorism and Daesh was this resistance movement. This flow cannot be eliminated as it is part of the important effort of the people of region to preserve their identity and existence."

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An Aussie couple selling an item on Facebook Marketplace claim they ran into strife after one potential buyer threatened to "bash" them following a dispute over the agreed price.

Mariah and her partner Sam listed a PlayStation with some games for $150, but Mariah shared online, the buyer had shown up with $120 saying that he'd "been in a meeting" and hadn't seen the message that his reduced offer was not accepted.

Things quickly turned sour, with the buyer allegedly "screaming" at Sam and yelling that he should "go back to England" as the seller crossed the road to get away.

"We were worried he would hang around," Mariah told Yahoo News Australia because they had originally given their apartment's address to the male, even though Sam instead met him outside on the street. "We were lucky enough to have a very private secure apartment building [though]."

Mariah told Yahoo her and Sam will no longer meet outside their apartment block after the ordeal. Source: TikTok

After contacting police in several states, all told Yahoo they recommend Aussies don't give out their home address and meet elsewhere when selling on online marketplaces. "[It] can be a convenient way to sell, however your safety is always the number one priority," Victoria Police said.

Buyer allegedly tried to negotiate a cheaper deal

Mariah said when the buyer arrived with $120 instead of $150, he started "screaming" saying that his time had been "wasted". "The guy was yelling out, 'Go back to f**king England' [and] 'come back here and Ill f**king bash your head in'," Mariah said.

Following the ordeal, Mariah said they would give an address a little further up the street [next time] instead of giving anyone their actual apartment address.

Story continues

Police warn 'avoid meeting buyers at your home'

NSW Police said that although Facebook, Gumtree and other online marketplaces are popular places to buy, sell, and swap and often it is a positive experience, online marketplaces are also "popular among thieves and scammers".

Below are a few simple preventative measures to help keep you safe selling, or buying, online:

Arrange to meet the buyer in a public place where there are CCTV cameras e.g. a shopping centre

Take a friend or a family member with you when you go to meet the buyer

Where possible, avoid meeting buyers at your home or allowing them entry to your home

Coordinate the exchange via phone call rather than text message

Remember if the advertised price looks too good to be true, it probably is

If possible, make sure to thoroughly inspect or test the item before buying it

There are also behaviours from potential buyers that may be a red flag:

Changing the agreed transaction time and location at short notice

Presenting themselves as a female buyer over the phone but a male arrives to conduct the transaction

Attending the exchange location with multiple people

Requesting to handle the item before payment is made

If you need immediate police assistance always call Triple-0. Report any suspicious behaviour to your local police station or Crime Stoppers.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
US, allies mull striking Yemen; UAE, Saudis divided over support

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 7:27 AM

The United States and its Western allies are reportedly mulling over military strikes against Yemen, after the Arab nation's armed forces struck merchant vessels owned by Israel or bound for the occupied territories in support of Palestinians in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

American-based Bloomberg television news network, citing four people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified, reported on Wednesday that planning is underway for actions intended to cripple the Yemeni military's ability to target commercial ships by hitting the forces at the source.

The report comes only two days after Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Seychelles and the United Kingdom would be among the countries joining the 10-nation alliance in the Red Sea.

Austin added that the coalition also included the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.

However, Spain's Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that the country "depends on the decisions of the European Union and NATO and, therefore, will not participate unilaterally."

Deep division

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two of the United States' closest allies in the Persian Gulf region, are deeply divided over the American military plan.

The UAE is pushing for military action against Yemen's Ansarullah and wants the US to re-designate the Yemeni resistance movement as "terrorist".

However, Riyadh supports a more measured approach, fearing that any military action could derail a fragile truce after its years-long war on Yemen.

The two have announced they will not take part in the maritime coalition.

Late on Monday, the Yemeni defense minister denounced the formation of the coalition, warning that any assault on Yemeni soil would have dire consequences.

"We are in possession of munitions and military gear that can sink your warships, submarines and aircraft carriers," Major General Mohammad al-Atifi said.

"The Yemeni Armed Forces will turn the Red Sea into a graveyard of the US-led coalition, if the alliance decides to take any action against Yemen," he warned.

The Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7.

The Yemeni forces have also launched missile and drone attacks on targets in the Israeli-occupied territories after the regime launched the war on Gaza.

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 territories will be a legitimate target until the Israeli regime completely halts its aggression against Gaza.

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Haniyeh says resistance stands 'strong, resolute' as Israel says ready for ceasefire

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 5:59 AM

The head of Hamas' political bureau says the Palestinian resistance stands "firm on the battlefield" despite two and a half months of Israeli war crimes in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the Qatari capital Doha on Wednesday, Ismail Haniyeh said the volume of the Israeli military's aerial, naval, and ground attacks on the besieged Gaza has been unprecedented.

"The Zionist regime and its allies thought that they could eliminate the resistance this way and force it to raise the white flag," he noted.

"The resistance, however, has still stood firm and steadfast on the battlefield and inflicted heavy damage on the Zionist regime after 75 days of Israeli crimes and mass murders as part of its scorched-earth policy."

Haniyeh also hailed the Palestinian nation for showing unique resilience and standing by the resistance while paying a heavy price for their position.

The Palestinian nation still continues the path of resistance in spite of the fact that Israel has killed and injured tens of thousands of people in Gaza, destroyed hundreds of houses, attacked hospitals and blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into the blockaded territory, he emphasized.

The Hamas chief further thanked Amir-Abdollahian for following up on the developments in Gaza, saying the top Iranian diplomat has made four visits to Qatar since the beginning of the war.

US confusion over Gaza crisis

Amir-Abdollahian, for his part, stressed that Iran will continue its diplomatic efforts to support "the oppressed but powerful and patient Palestinian nation" in an attempt to end Israel's criminal aggression and siege on Gaza and counter imposed pro-Israeli political schemes.

"Today, no one has doubts that the resistance and the Palestinian nation have proven their power and resolve in the face of the Zionist regime's killing machine despite enduring a lot of pain and suffering and sacrificing more than 20,000 martyrs in the past 75 days," he said.

The Iranian foreign minister also condemned the United States' "all-out and unrestricted" support for Israel in the Gaza war, urging Washington to stop its futile sponsorship of Tel Aviv's "insane military strategy" as soon as possible.

Highlighting the US's bewilderment at its strategy about the crisis in Gaza, he said, "All those at the White House believe that the Zionist regime must be victorious in the field. Now, however, they are seeking to get out of this war with dignity through a political method and save the Israeli regime from its failure of strategy given the realities on the field and the resilience of the resistance and the Palestinian people."

New Gaza ceasefire efforts

Haniyeh went to the Egyptian capital Cairo on Wednesday for talks on a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange.

Haniyeh arrived "in Cairo to hold discussions with Egyptian officials over the developments of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and other matters", Hamas said in a statement.

He earlier said, "There is no way for negotiations under Israel's attacks."

Additionally, Israeli media reported that the Tel Aviv regime is looking for another deal with Hamas to release 30 to 40 captives of the 128 still held in Gaza by the resistance group.

Israel is prepared to negotiate the number of days it will hold its fire as well as the number and type of Palestinian abductees it would release in exchange for the captives, according to the reports. It is also prepared to discuss the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

A senior Israeli official told Channel 12 that the agreement "will be difficult and will demand heavy prices."

Meanwhile, Israeli president Issac Herzog told a group of foreign ambassadors that the regime was "ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release" of the captives.

A humanitarian ceasefire took effect in Gaza from 24 to 30 November. It saw an exchange of between 240 Palestinian abductees held by Israel and 105 war prisoners, including 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners, held by Hamas in Gaza.

Israel waged the brutal war on Gaza on October 7 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 offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 19,667 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 52,586 others.

Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel.

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US upgrades to military infrastructure in Papua New Guinea to span several years

Cooperation could improve Papua New Guinea's capacity to respond to frequent natural disasters.

By Stephen Wright for BenarNews 2023.12.20 -- The U.S. military's transportation command has assessed port and airport infrastructure in Papua New Guinea for upgrade over several years under a defense cooperation agreement between the superpower and the most populous Pacific island nation, its commanding general said.

The United States and Papua New Guinea signed the defense pact in May that critics have said impinges on the Pacific island country's sovereignty. In August, just days after the U.S. State Department said the agreement had come into force, Papua New Guinea's opposition leader sought a Supreme Court review of whether it is consistent with the country's constitution.

"We've had an opportunity to assess some of the infrastructure and we had discussions on how we would be able to support that development, out fully, of that infrastructure, so that they can achieve their goals for the region," Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost told reporters on Tuesday.

"We discussed how we work together to modernize the existing infrastructure over the next several years."

Van Ovost, commander of the branch of the U.S. forces responsible for the logistics of war and disaster relief contributions, visited Papua New Guinea last week - part of a recent U.S. focus on the Pacific region in response to China's inroads with some island states.

Her comments emphasized the boost defense cooperation with the U.S. would give to Papua New Guinea's capacity to respond to natural disasters. The country of more than nine million people is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Its defense force personnel number only about 4,000.

Papua New Guinea is committed to "expanding their humanitarian assistance disaster relief capability and to developing that resilient infrastructure we talked about so that they could have a fast response either for their own people or for others in their region," Van Ovost said. "They want to be a leader in doing this."

The 15-year defense agreement allows for unrestricted U.S. use of six sea and air ports in Papua New Guinea, including the capital Port Moresby's airport and seaport, the Lombrum Naval Base and the airport and port at Lae, an industrial center.

The U.S. has sought to bolster its already significant military presence in the Pacific and East Asia in response to China's claims to the South China Sea that impinge on several Southeast Asian countries' waters, its belligerence towards Taiwan - which Beijing considers a rebel province - and other activity.

Aside from Papua New Guinea, the U.S. has strengthened its defense ties with the Philippines, which is embroiled in territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea.

The U.S. and the United Kingdom are also working to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines by next decade under the AUKUS pact - another source of concern for some Pacific island nations that fear being dragged into superpower competition.

China's military spending has grown rapidly for the past two decades but remains dwarfed by that of the U.S., which also has hundreds of military bases around the world.

Van Ovost, responding to a question from a journalist in Indonesia, said there is no territorial ambition or threat to other nations involved with the U.S. military expansion in Papua New Guinea. The Pacific country has a 760-kilometer (472-mile) border with Indonesia, which overshadows Papua New Guinea in population, economic size and military strength.

She said the agreement deepens the U.S.-Papua New Guinea relationship and also gives Papua New Guinea the ability to achieve its national security goals.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Outspoken lawmaker expelled from Communist Party

Luu Binh Nhuong was known for speaking out against law enforcement agencies.

By RFA Vietnamese 2023.12.20 -- A former lawmaker widely known for speaking out against law enforcement agencies has been expelled from Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, state media reported.

Luu Binh Nhoung was expelled for allegedly aiding and abetting extortion. He was arrested last month for his connection to the case of convicted criminal Pham Minh Cuong.

At the time of his arrest, he was the deputy head of the National Assembly's People's Petitions Committee - a role in which he had received public praise for investigating the cases of people seeking justice.

During the November 2018 National Assembly session, Nhuong criticized the Ministry of Public Security and said the police had made "terrible mistakes."

He also spoke out against the execution of Le Van Manh, who had protested his innocence in a rape and murder case, claiming the police had beaten him to force him to confess.

Being expelled from the Communist Party is the ultimate disgrace for a member of Vietnam's elite class because they no longer have the privileges and protection that party membership confers, and they can be in more legal jeopardy if suspected of crimes.

The decision to expel Nhuong was made during the 34th meeting session of the CPV Central Inspection Commission in Hanoi, held Dec. 18-20, 2023, state media reported.

On Nov. 14, 2023, Thai Binh Provincial Police's Investigation Agency issued a decision to prosecute and arrest Mr. Luu Binh Nhuong and a warrant to search his home and office on the charges of "extortion" under Article 170 of Vietnam's Penal Code.

According to the website of the Thai Binh Provincial Police, Nhuong allegedly interfered in responsible agencies' work to help Pham Minh Cuong carry out extortion activities.

He was also a member of the 14th National Assembly of Vietnam for the 2016-2021 term and a member of the National Assembly's Social Affairs Committee.

He was not recommended for re-election as a member of the 15th National Assembly because at age 60 he was said to be too old.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Thousands Of Afghans Deported From Pakistani, Iranian Prisons

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi December 20, 2023

Thousands of Afghans who were detained in Pakistani and Iranian prisons have been sent back to Afghanistan as Islamabad and Tehran ramp up the expulsion of Afghan citizens.

In Karachi, the capital of the southern Pakistani province of Sindh, the Taliban's consul-general, Abdul Jabbar Takhari, said that over 3,000 Afghans detained in the region's prisons had been sent back during the past year.

"Women and children are among the 3,053 Afghans who were sent back," he told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi on December 19.

"During the past two months, more than 460 Afghans who had been detained despite possessing legal documents were repatriated after they were released," he added.

Takhari said that 356 Afghans still languished in prisons across Sindh.

Meanwhile, Taliban officials in the southern Nimroz Province said that during the past nine months, Iran has handed over 300 Afghan detainees.

The large number of Afghans detained, mostly on charges of staying illegally in the two countries, indicates the scale of the forced expulsions of Afghans from its eastern and western neighbors.

According to the UN refugee agency, the UNHCR, Islamabad currently hosts more than 3 million Afghans, while more than 4.5 million displaced people live in Iran, the vast majority of whom are Afghan.

Taliban and Pakistani officials say that over half a million Afghans have returned to their country from Pakistan during the past three months.

In early October, Islamabad announced that all 1.7 million "undocumented foreigners" should leave the country by November 1.

During the past few months, several hundred thousand Afghans have been forced out of Iran in a similar campaign. Iranian officials say over half of the 5 million Afghans living in the country currently do not possess the documents required to stay in the country.

Most Afghans returning from Iran and Pakistan complain of harassment, abuse, and mistreatment.

"The police took away all our money after detaining us," Roman Yadgar, who was recently returned to Afghanistan after being freed from prison in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, told Radio Azadi.

"They didn't give us any food, mistreated our children and women, and treated us inhumanely," he added. "After a few days, they deported us here."

Aid agencies have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe if Islamabad and Tehran continue to send millions of Afghans back.

With more than 29 million of the country's estimated 40 million population in need of humanitarian assistance, Afghanistan is already reeling from the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Earlier this month, Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special envoy to Afghanistan, said that nearly 450,000 Afghan nationals returned to their home country since Islamabad announced two months ago that it would deport all undocumented foreigners.

Durrani shared the latest data while addressing a seminar in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, VOA reported on December 6. He was speaking the same day the United Nations renewed its warning that Afghans returning from Pakistan "face a precarious, uncertain future" in their crisis-hit and impoverished country.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-repatriation- pakistan-iran-prisons/32740380.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Western Countries Plotting Against Establishment of Palestinian State - Lavrov

Sputnik News

20231220

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The de-escalation efforts of Western countries in the Middle East are aimed at preventing the Gaza Strip from uniting with other Palestinian territories into a single political entity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, the minister took part in a RACF session in Morocco. Russia and the Arab countries that participated in the forum agree that what is taking place in the Middle East now is "an invitation to another crisis, another conflict," Lavrov added.

"Unfortunately, we are hearing many rumors these days, reports from anonymous sources, that our Western colleagues, led by the United States, are once again hatching some secret projects aimed at somehow calming the situation and preventing the unification of Gaza and the West Bank. Thereby, in fact, preventing the creation of a Palestinian state and postponing all this for later," the top Russian diplomat stressed.

Lavrov stated that Russia and Arab countries had developed a joint action plan for 2024-2026 to strengthen interaction in various fields, including economic, trade and humanitarian cooperation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Moscow would host the seventh session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum (RACF) at the ministerial level in 2024.

"It was agreed that the seventh session of the RACF would take place in 2024 in Moscow," the statement read.

The Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum was established in 2009 between Russia and the League of Arab States. According to a memorandum signed in Cairo, the main goals of the forum are to continue efforts to establish and consolidate international peace and security, as well as to contribute to the development of economic, trade and financial cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects.

 Sputnik

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China, Philippines to Hold Talks Over Disputed Islands in South China Sea

Sputnik News

20231220

BEIJING (Sputnik) - China and the Philippines have agreed to hold a round of consultations in light of recent tensions over disputed islands in the South China Sea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

"The parties agreed to hold a meeting of the bilateral consultative mechanism on the South China Sea issue as soon as possible and take active steps to arrange it," the ministry said in a statement following a phone conversation between the top diplomats of the two countries.

Tensions between the Philippines and China in the disputed waters of the South China Sea have been on the rise since October 4, when Philippine vessels completed a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal despite blocking attempts by the Chinese coast guard.

The situation is being regularly complicated by US warships passing through the South China Sea, which, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, violates international law and undermines China's sovereignty and security. Despite protests from Beijing, Washington has repeatedly stated that the US vessels would pass wherever international law permitted.

The territorial affiliation of several islands in the South China Sea has been the subject of disputes between China and several other Asia-Pacific countries for decades. Significant oil and gas reserves have been discovered on the continental shelf of those islands, including the Paracel Islands, the Spratly Islands, Thitu Island and Scarborough Shoal. Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines are part of the disputes.

In July 2016, following a lawsuit filed by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China has no grounds for territorial claims in the South China Sea. The court ruled that the islands are not disputed territory and do not constitute an exclusive economic zone, but Beijing refused to recognize or accept the ruling.

 Sputnik

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US Releases Maduro's 'Close Ally' in Exchange for Jailed Americans - Reports

Sputnik News

20231220

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Biden administration has agreed to free a "close ally" of President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for jailed Americans, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

Alex Saab, who was arrested on a US warrant for alleged money laundering in 2020, was released from custody on Wednesday, the report said.

As part of the swap, Maduro will free some, if not all, of the at least 10 US citizens who remain imprisoned in Venezuela, the report added, citing a person familiar with the situation.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported, citing a high-level Venezuelan source, that the Maduro government will release a total of 36 people, including 12 Americans.

 Sputnik

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Yemen's Houthis Reveal General Mobilization Action to Send Soldiers to Gaza

Sputnik News

20231220

DOHA (Sputnik) - A general mobilization is being carried out in northern Yemen to send soldiers to the Gaza Strip if such an opportunity arises, member of the political office of Yemen's Ansar Allah rebel movement, also known as the Houthis, Houtham Assad told Sputnik on Wednesday.

"As for the general mobilization in support of our people in the Gaza Strip, it was launched in all provinces, training camps were opened, tens of thousands of young people volunteered to study military craft, several groups have already graduated in various provinces of Yemen," the official said.

The people are being called upon to support our people in Gaza, who are being "subjected to genocide by the Israeli occupation army with the support of the United States" the official said, adding that if the conditions are right then they will take part in military operations in the Gaza Strip.

 Sputnik

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US Returns Military Base Camp Market to South Korea - Reports

Sputnik News

20231220

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States has fully returned its former military base, Camp Market, located near the capital city of Seoul, to South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday, citing the South Korean Defense Ministry.

The US Forces Korea (USFK) has transferred around 257,000 square meters (63.5 acres) of Camp Market land after the countries agreed in 2019 the hand-over of various military facilities and the first 216,000 square meters of the base were returned to South Korea. Therefore, the process of transfer of all 473,000 square meters of land was finished, the report said.

The agreement for transfer was reached at a meeting of the South Korea-US Status of Forces Agreement Joint Committee that is in charge of 28,500 US troops currently stationed in the Asian country.

The return was effected as part of the US effort to consolidate bases in South Korea into two garrisons to improve defense readiness and operational efficacy amid ongoing tensions on the peninsula. To date, the USFK has transferred 69 out of 80 facilities according to the relocation plan.

The Camp Market is located 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) west of Seoul in Bupyeong area. It was formerly used by the Japanese military as an armament manufacturing facility during the Second World War. After the war, it came under US control.

In 2019, the US agreed to return four military bases to South Korea  in Wonju, Bupyeong, and Dongducheon  that were closed for up to 10 years as well as to continue discussing with Seoul the issue of cleaning environmental contamination at the bases. Meanwhile, South Korea demanded the US take up the decontamination efforts to clean the bases.

 Sputnik

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On the morning of December 20th, the 2023 Huizhou Merchants Conference on Supporting High-quality Development in Anhui and the Founding Conference of the Huizhou Merchants Association were held in Hefei. Famous Huizhou merchants from all over the world gathered by the beautiful shore of Chaohu Lake to witness the founding of the Huizhou Merchants Association and engage in in-depth exchanges and seek cooperation. This conference was organized by the Anhui Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Anhui Provincial People's Government, with the support of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. With the theme of "Gathering the World's Huizhou Merchants, Creating a New Era of Brilliance", it aims to further inherit the spirit of Huizhou merchants and contribute to high-quality development in Anhui. The conference unveiled the plaque for the Huizhou Merchants Association and awarded the first leadership team. At the meeting, 20 projects were signed with a total investment of 34.3 billion yuan. Huizhou merchants have a profound cultural heritage, and the spirit of Huizhou merchants transcends time and space. Historically, Huizhou merchants created countless legends, prospering in the business world for hundreds of years, giving birth to and nurturing the "hardworking and persevering" spirit of the Huizhou camel. In the new era, Huizhou merchants standing at the forefront and writing a new chapter of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is understood that the Huizhou Merchants Association will prioritize strengthening its service functions, including establishing an advisory committee by hiring academicians from Anhui and with Anhui roots to promote deep integration between Huizhou merchant industries and cutting-edge scientific and technological research; forming a legal advisory group by inviting well-known national legal experts to safeguard the healthy development of Huizhou merchant enterprises; establishing specialized committees such as new energy vehicles, new generation information technology, big health industry, and young Huizhou merchants in a timely manner to build a platform for Huizhou merchants to complement each other's advantages and achieve win-win cooperation; and relying on Shanghai Global Huizhou merchants Yangtze River Delta Headquarters Base, preparing to establish the "Huizhou merchants World Meeting Room" and hosting high-profile Huizhou merchants forums to make the strongest voice of the new era Huizhou merchants heard. During the conference, events such as the New Energy Automobile Industry Chain Matchmaking Symposium, Huizhou Cultural Forum, the Industrial Matchmaking Symposium for the Construction of the Greater Huangshan Area, Hefei Metropolitan Area Industry Matchmaking Symposium, Financial Empowerment Huizhou merchants Development Forum, USTC Silicon Valley Innovation Forum, General Artificial Intelligence Empowering New Industrialization High-quality Development Forum, and Northern Anhui Revitalization Industry Matchmaking Symposium will be held concurrently.

Source: anhuinews.com
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia would not send a warship to the Middle East. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian.

Australia has officially denied a US request to send a navy warship to the Red Sea to counter escalating attacks from Houthi rebels, instead tripling its number of shore-based personnel in a bid to secure the critical waterway.

Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed on Friday that the government would not send a warship to the Middle East but would instead increase the number of Australian maritime forces staffed in Bahrain from five to 10 and deploy up to six navy personnel to contribute to a new US-led taskforce.

We wont be sending a ship or a plane. That said, we will be tripling our contribution to the combined maritime force, Mr Marles said on Friday.

Since November 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis have conducted several attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

We need to be clear about our strategic focus, and our strategic focus is our region and the northeast Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Pacific.

The confirmation follows days of speculation over Australias reluctance to participate in the US-led operation, which will include the armed forces of Britain, Bahrain, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy and France.

The expanded operation was created in response to a string of recent missile and drone attacks on oil tankers and container ships sailing through the Red Sea and Suez Canal fired by Houthis, an armed group backed by Iran that controls much of northern Yemen.

Anthony Albanese said the countrys naval efforts would be focused on the Indo-Pacific region. Picture: Nikki Short/NCA NewsWire

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham claimed the Albanese governments handling of the issue had exposed Australia to perceptions of indecisiveness.

I think our partners and allies will want reassurance that we can still be a trusted and reliable partner in other parts of the world, he said.

By not saying we dont have the capacity, its unclear whether we are incapable or whether the government is unwilling  and thats where the government is being inadequate there.

Australia expressed its diplomatic support for freedom of navigation in the Red Sea in a 44-nation joint declaration signed on Wednesday.

The statement, led by the US and EU, condemned Houthi attacks on ships as unjustified and said the seizure of a British-owned boat and capture of its 25 members and crew was appalling.
Release of U.S. Nationals and Electoral Roadmap Implementation in Venezuela

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

December 20, 2023

The United States welcomes the release today of all six wrongfully detained U.S. nationals from Venezuela  Joseph Cristella, Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, Savoi Wright, and two individuals who wish to remain private  as well as the release of four additional U.S. nationals. They have all safely departed Venezuela and will soon be reunited with their families and other loved ones. I want to thank the government of Qatar for its work helping secure their release.

The safety and security of Americans worldwide is my highest priority as Secretary. Since President Biden took office, we have secured the release of more than forty wrongfully detained Americans, and we will continue to press for the release of all U.S. nationals wrongfully detained in other countries around the world.

We also welcome the release today of twenty Venezuelan political prisoners and the November 30 announcement of a pathway for the reinstatement of all Venezuelan political candidates. These actions represent important and concrete steps toward the implementation of the electoral roadmap agreement signed by representatives of Maduro and of the Unitary Platform in Barbados in October. The United States supports the implementation of the electoral roadmap agreement for Venezuelan elections in 2024 and stands with the Venezuelan people who want a democratic future.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Press Briefing Room

Washington, D.C.

December 20, 2023

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone.

QUESTION: Good morning.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: When President Biden took office, he promised to deliver for the American people by reinvesting in America's greatest sources of strength. And since day one, that's exactly what we've done.

We've done it here at home by making historic investments in our competitiveness, in our military, in our infrastructure, in our technology, in our manufacturing base. We've also done it around the world, revitalizing and re-energizing our unmatched network of alliances and partnerships.

In 2023, we continued to show that this strategy is working. In a year of profound tests, the world looked to the United States to lead and that's just what we did. It was also a year when our friends and partners took significant - at times even unprecedented - steps to share with us the responsibility of leadership.

As we head into 2024, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who share our vision for a free, open, prosperous, and secure world, because that's what delivering for the American people demands.

First, we will continue to rally countries around the world to support Ukraine's freedom and independence and to ensure that Russia's aggression remains a strategic failure. Putin has already failed to achieve his principal objective in Ukraine: erasing it from the map, subsuming it into Russia.

It's been a hard year on the battlefield, but, once again, Ukrainians have done what no one thought was possible: They stood toe to toe with one of the world's biggest militaries, they conceded no territory despite multiple Russian offensives, and they pushed Russia's navy back in the Black Sea and opened a corridor to allow them to export their grain and other products to the world.

Russia is weaker militarily, economically, diplomatically. NATO is bigger and stronger and more united than at any point in its nearly 75-year history. This year, we added our 31st member of NATO - Finland. And Sweden will join soon, bringing even greater potency and capability to our defensive alliance.

International support has been critical to Ukraine's success. Europe has contributed more than $110 billion to Ukraine compared to about $70 billion from the United States. So we have with Ukraine and in Ukraine maybe the best example of burden sharing that I've seen in the time that I've been engaged in these issues.

Just last week, the European Union also agreed to start accession talks with Ukraine. Japan, Korea, Australia, others in the Indo-Pacific, they've stepped up too, from helping rebuild Ukraine's energy grid to providing major military and humanitarian assistance. Like us, they know that supporting Ukraine is vital to showing would-be aggressors everywhere that we will stand up to those who seek to redraw borders by force.

Our support hasn't just helped Ukrainians. Ninety percent of the security assistance that we provided to Ukraine has been spent here in the United States, benefiting American businesses, workers, communities, strengthening our nation's defense industrial base.

President Putin has boasted in recent weeks that - and I quote - "Ukraine has no future." He thinks his strategy of waiting us out while sending wave after wave of young Russians into a meat grinder of his own making will pay off. On one and only one point, I agree with Putin: America's ongoing support is critical to enabling Ukraine's brave soldiers and citizens to keep up their fight, to ensure that Russia's war remains a strategic failure, and to continue helping Ukraine move toward standing strongly on its own two feet militarily, economically, and democratically. Putin is betting that our divisions will prevent us from coming through for Ukraine. We have proven him wrong before; we will prove him wrong again.

Second, we will continue to engage with China from a position of strength. Our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific have never been stronger. In 2023, the President held his historic summit at Camp David with Japan, the Republic of Korea, cementing a new era of trilateral cooperation. We're working with the United Kingdom and Australia to produce nuclear-powered submarines. We launched new comprehensive strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, a new Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines, new trilateral initiatives with the Philippines and Japan, new embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga. We've deepened our partnership with India. We've elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, Australia.

The United States is more closely aligned, more closely aligned than ever, with the G7, with the EU, with other allies and partners on the challenges presented by Beijing. And we're working together to address them. We're deepening cooperation and coordination between NATO and our Indo-Pacific allies. These efforts have allowed us to engage more effectively when tackling areas of concern, like China's coercive trade and economic practices, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, and human rights.

At the same time, our efforts to restore high-level diplomacy, starting with my trip to Beijing in July, have allowed us to take practical steps to reduce the risk that competition veers into conflict, as well as to make progress on issues that matter in the lives of our fellow citizens. That was on full display when President Biden met with President Xi last month and made tangible progress on issues that matter, that matter to Americans as well as to people around the world.

We secured China's cooperation on using the flow of precursor chemicals that are fueling the synthetic drug crisis. We're restoring military-to-military communications at all levels to reduce the possibility of miscalculation and conflict. And we've agreed to discuss risks and safety around artificial intelligence. I look forward to continuing these discussions in the year ahead.

Third, we will keep shaping and leading coalitions to solve the problems that demand working together with others for the good of our people and for people around the world. That's exactly what we did in 2023, rallying coalitions of governments, businesses, civil society, regional and multilateral institutions to tackle food insecurity; to promote secure, safe, trustworthy AI systems; to fight the synthetic drug crisis; to stop the scourge of governments that arbitrarily detain foreign nationals for leverage; to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars to build physical, digital, clean energy, and health infrastructure across developing countries, including some of the most fragile ones.

At the same time, we championed reforms to make the international system more inclusive, more effective, more responsive to advancing these issues, from the World Bank to the G20, which will now have the African Union as a permanent member.

On every one of these priorities and on many others, delivering for the American people means improving the lives of people around the world. The reverse is also true. Leading on these global challenges is good for Americans. When we help reduce the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, we're not only tackling the number one killer of Americans aged 18 to 49, we're addressing a scourge that hurts families around the world and rooting out the criminal organizations that profit from their suffering.

When we rally democratic partners and allies to build clean energy infrastructure in countries that can't afford to build it on their own, we're preserving our shared planet and creating new opportunities for American workers, American businesses, American investors. When we team up with other countries to hold accountable and deter governments that arbitrarily detain foreign nationals as political pawns, we can apply more effective pressure to bring our fellow citizens home and we make people in all nations less vulnerable.

Fourth, in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, we will continue to focus intensely on our core priorities: helping Israel ensure that what happened on October 7th can never happen again, bringing the conflict to an end as quickly as possible while minimizing the loss of life and the suffering of civilians, getting the remaining hostages back home to their families, preventing the conflict from spreading, and once and for all breaking the devastating cycle of violence and moving toward durable, lasting peace. We continue to believe that Israel does not have to choose between removing the threat of Hamas and minimizing the toll on civilians in Gaza. It has an obligation to do both and it has a strategic interest to do both.

We're more determined than ever to ensure that out of this horrific tragedy comes a moment of possibility for Israelis, for Palestinians, for the region to live in lasting peace and lasting security; that out of this darkness comes light. Realizing that possibility will require all parties to make tough choices about the steps that they're willing to take, including the United States. We will test this proposition with the urgency and the creativity that it deserves and that America's interests demand.

This is the spirit that has long animated President Biden in the face of seemingly intractable conflicts. As vice president, he helped oversee the end to the Iraq War. As President, he ended the longest war in America's history in Afghanistan. He helped secure and later extend a truce in the Yemen conflict. He's bringing that same focus to bear right now.

Across every one of our priorities, America has been more effective because of the steps we've taken to build a stronger, a more agile, a more diverse State Department. There too we continued the effort in 2023. In partnership with Congress - and I'd note this department participated in 106 hearings this year, which by our count is a record - we secured new authorities to rapidly fill critical staffing gaps in crises.

We established a new bureau to elevate and integrate work on global health security across our diplomacy. We added hundreds of positions to the department's training float. We created dozens of new courses and professional development opportunities. We established a global pay baseline for locally employed staff. We boosted access to student loan repayment programs, expanded positions for eligible family members, among many other steps we've taken to invest in the department's greatest resource, its people.

As you've heard the President say, we are at an inflection point for our country and for the world. What we do - what we fail to do - in this moment will have profound consequences for decades to come. The stakes could not be clearer. If we want to deliver on the issues that affect the lives of the American people, we have to keep investing in ourselves, in our network of allies and partners, in our ability to solve global challenges. And to do that, we need Congress to pass the President's additional national security funding request.

Here's who benefits if Congress passes this supplemental: our fellow citizens, our businesses, our workers, our allies and partners, people around the world who are looking to the United States to lead. Here's who cheers if we fail: Moscow, Tehran, Beijing. If we come up short, it won't be our adversaries and competitors who stopped us. It will be ourselves.

Before turning to you for some questions, let me just say this. I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you, to thank our press corps, those present in the room and those outside who may be listening in. This has been an extraordinarily dangerous year for press around the world. Many killed, many more wounded, hundreds detained, attacked, threatened, injured - simply for doing their jobs. And yet you've persisted. You've stayed at it. And I am immensely grateful for that.

To all the reporters here today with whom I've clocked a few miles this past year, your relentless efforts to ask tough questions, often multipart, and get accurate, timely information to people around the globe, is a true public service. It's vital that we continue - you continue - to do that because it's so important to everything that all of us care about: informed, engaged citizens; truth; accountability; democracy. And you do it in a way that humanizes people in an ever more dehumanized world. So I'm profoundly grateful to you for the work that you do, even if I don't always show it.

With that, happy to take some questions.

MR MILLER: Matt.

QUESTION: Thank you, Matt. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Happy Holidays.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you.

QUESTION: I know that this is intended to be a kind of 30,000-foot view, year-end review. But I have to ask you about two issues of the day, pressing issues of the day. One, what can you tell us about the deal to - that's been struck with Venezuela to release detained Americans? And two, at the UN Security Council right now, if there hasn't been another delay, but - or soon, there will be a vote on this Gaza - Israel-Gaza resolution. What will it take or what does the United States need to see in such a resolution for it not to veto it? And if that can't be done and you end up vetoing it, are you not concerned that the number three priority that you mentioned in your opening, the coalition building, will be damaged, very badly damaged? The U.S. is already isolated on the - internationally on this issue, and another veto won't - or are you not concerned that another veto will further isolate you? Thanks.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Matt. So on Venezuela, let me say first this, and you've heard me say this before: We have no higher priority than doing everything we possibly can to bring our fellow citizens out of harm's way, to make sure that they're safe and secure if they get into trouble in one way or another overseas, including if they're arbitrarily detained. And as you know, we have secured the release over the past couple of years of nearly three dozen Americans who were arbitrarily detained. That is work that continues every single day in any place around the world where Americans are being wrongfully imprisoned or detained.

So this has been a priority for us broadly. It's also been a priority when it comes to Venezuela. And we want to make sure that our fellow Americans are released. We are also focused on political prisoners in Venezuela and trying to ensure their release.

So what I can say in this moment is this: We have a lot of work going on on both of those fronts right now, and we hope to have some good news to share probably later today. But for now, that's what I can share with you.

On the UN Security Council vote, you're right, this is going on as we gather here. We continue to engage extensively and constructively with a number of countries to try to resolve some of the outstanding issues in this Security Council resolution. The purpose of the resolution, as stated by the countries that put it forward, is to facilitate and help expand humanitarian assistance that's getting into Gaza, and we fully support that. In fact, the United States from day one has, I would argue, done more than any other country to make sure that that could happen.

My first trip to Israel and to the region after October 7th, we focused on getting an agreement to start getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and a few days later that started with the opening of Rafah. That was necessary but very much insufficient. We've been working ever since to expand that. Just in the last couple of days, you've seen, again as a result of work that many of us have done over the last several weeks, Kerem Shalom opening so that not only are goods inspected at Kerem Shalom, which increases the capacity of the ability of - to get goods into Gaza, but now goods are going directly from and through Kerem Shalom into Gaza.

In addition, we have commercial products going in, not just humanitarian assistance. We've made sure that we have a sustained delivery of fuel at levels that the humanitarian community tells us are necessary to make sure that desalination plants, sewage systems, telecoms, trucks, hospitals can be powered and function. And of course, we continue to work on this every day - for example, making sure that once assistance gets into Gaza, it can actually move around and be distributed safely and securely with predictable routes, times, access.

So we have been at the forefront of all of these efforts, and we want to make sure that the resolution in its - in what it calls for and requires actually advances that effort and doesn't do anything that could actually hurt the delivery of humanitarian assistance, make it more complicated. That's what we're focused on. We're engaged, as I said, in very good faith with other countries. We've been working this intensely. I've been on the phones about this for the last couple of days. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, of course, in New York has been leading our efforts. So I hope we can get to a good place.

To the last part of your question, let me say this. Look, what I have seen from day one is that countries throughout the region as well as countries around the world want to work with us and are looking for American leadership in this crisis - even countries that may disagree with us on certain issues that have come to the fore. That's been a common refrain. I've been not only in the region multiple times and traveled to not just Israel but to virtually all of our Arab partners and others, including Turkiye. We've been on the phones constantly, including this week, with all of our Arab partners. And the common refrain is they are looking for American leadership, and we're working to provide that.

MR MILLER: Michele Kelemen, all the way in the back.

QUESTION: I am way in the back.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Hi, Michele.

QUESTION: Just real quickly on Gaza: How would you characterize the talks on a new hostage deal for a pause? Is that imminent? Are you making progress on that? And then more broadly, we end this year with much of the world blaming the U.S. and Israel for - or seeing it as America's war also. It's hurting America's image in the world. There is a stalemate in Ukraine, and no new aid package. The fighting goes on in Sudan. I wonder if there is anywhere that you're rethinking strategy or have some ideas on how to change dynamics on any of those conflicts. Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Michele. On the question of hostages and a pause, this is something we'd very much like to see happen. As you know, we were instrumental in getting the first humanitarian pause that facilitated the release of 110 hostages. Israel has been very clear, including as recently as today, that it would welcome returning to a pause and the further release of hostages. The problem was, and has been, and remains Hamas. They reneged on commitments that they made during the first pause for hostage releases, and the question is whether they are in fact willing to resume this effort.

But certainly it's something that we would welcome, I know that Israel would welcome, and I think the world would welcome. So we'll see what they choose to do. We remain very actively engaged in seeing if we can get a pause back on and hostages moving out again of Gaza. That's something we're on every single day.

More broadly, I think what's important to always remember is that virtually none of the challenges we're dealing with are like flipping a light switch and you suddenly get total success in the course of a day, a week, a month, even a year. It's almost always a process and a constant effort to get to a better place.

We were talking about Ukraine a short while ago - very important to put this in context. As I said at the outset, if you look at where we were in February of 2022 and where we are now, well, February 2022, when the Russians went in, most people were predicting that they'd make very quick work of Ukraine, and Putin would succeed in his goal of erasing it from the map and subsuming it into Russia. That has failed, and it's failed first and foremost because of the courage of the Ukrainian people, but also because of the leadership we provided in making sure, with dozens of countries around the world, that Ukraine had what it needed to succeed in repelling the Russian aggression.

And now we're engaged in an effort to help Ukraine stand on its own two feet democratically, militarily, economically - not only dealing with the current challenge that Russia continues to pose but setting it up for the long term. And a lot of very important and good work has been done and continues to be done on that.

Militarily, we have 30 countries around the world now that are helping - including the United States - that are helping Ukraine build a future force, one that can deter aggression and defend against it if it comes in the future.

We're extensively engaged on trying to bring much more private sector investment and activity into Ukraine so that it can thrive economically, and we're having some real success there. And that creates a virtuous cycle where investment comes in, the tax base goes up, and increasingly Ukraine can pay for itself.

And, of course, we're working to deepen democratic reforms and help Ukraine combat corruption, which is necessary for getting that investment to flow, and also for Ukraine to be a strong democratic state going forward. And as I mentioned, we just had the EU open accession talks. Now, all of that takes time; all of that takes effort. But we're in a place where not only have we helped Ukraine repel this Russian aggression, but as I said, we're putting it in a place where it can stand on its own, stand strongly on its own, and succeed and thrive in the future.

When it comes to - you mentioned Sudan. We've been actively engaged there as well in trying to end the horror of the in effect civil war between two military groups, the SAF and the RSF. And as recently as about a week ago, we helped get an agreement that the two leaders - Burhan and Hemedti, generals - would meet and commit to a ceasefire. Now, that still has to happen, and we're pressing to make sure that it does. But this is the product of day-in, day-out work by our diplomats as well as many others around the world, including the African Union, IGAD, and other partners.

We've talked about Israel and Gaza. Let me just say this. We believe that, as we've said from the outset, Israel has not only a right but an obligation to defend itself and to try to make sure that October 7th never happens again. Any other country in the world faced with what Israel suffered on October 7th would do the same thing. We've also said - and we've been very clear - that how Israel does it matters and matters tremendously. And there, too, we've been very deeply engaged with them to maximize protections for civilians, to maximize humanitarian assistance, to minimize harm to people in Gaza.

One of the things that's striking to me is that, understandably, everyone would like to see this conflict end as quickly as possible, but if it ends with Hamas remaining in place and having the capacity and the stated intent to repeat October 7th again and again and again, that's not in the interests of Israel, it's not in the interests of the region, it's not in the interests of the world.

And what is striking to me is that even as, again, we hear many countries urging the end to this conflict, which we would all like to see, I hear virtually no one saying - demanding of Hamas that it stop hiding behind civilians, that it lay down its arms, that it surrender. This is over tomorrow if Hamas does that. This would have been over a month ago, six weeks ago, if Hamas had done that. And how could it - how can it be that there are no demands made of the aggressor and only demands made of the victim.

So it would be good if there was a strong international voice pressing Hamas to do what's necessary to end this. And again, that could be tomorrow.

MR MILLER: Leon.

QUESTION: I have a follow-up - sir.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Oh, there you are, Leon. I was looking for you. Right there. Thank you.

QUESTION: (Laughter.) Sorry. I am sorry to insist on this a little bit. I mean, I know you've just given answers. But I mean, you've - you're very careful obviously publicly as to what you say on the Israel-Gaza conflict, Hamas conflict. You mentioned far too many Palestinians have been killed. You've mentioned a gap between the intent and the result. So I'm wondering at this point and stage, that gap appears - to me, at least, or to observers - to be widening. And to what extent are you going to - going to allow that to widen even more? In other words, is there a red line for you in a sense regarding Israel's response to Hamas?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Leon, what I'd say is this. It's clear that the conflict will move and needs to move to a lower-intensity phase, and we expect to see and want to see a shift to more targeted operations with a smaller number of forces that's really focused in on dealing with the leadership of Hamas, the tunnel network, and a few other critical things. And as that happens, I think you'll see as well the harm done to civilians also decrease significantly. We've said all along - and we have these conversations almost every day - that it is vitally important how Israel conducts its operations, again, with a focus on protecting civilians, minimizing harm to them, maximizing assistance getting to them.

And the last couple of months have been gut-wrenching when you see the suffering of men, women, and especially children in Gaza. That affects each of us - well, let me speak for myself. It affects me very, very deeply, which is why we're so intent on seeing this through to completion quickly, effectively, and doing everything possible to minimize the harm to those who are caught in a crossfire of Hamas's making.

And again, I come back to this basic proposition. There seems to be silence on what Hamas could do, should do, must do if we want to end the suffering of innocent men, women, and children. It would be, I think, good if the world could unite around that proposition as well.

MR MILLER: Courtney.

QUESTION: Thank you. Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Hi, Courtney.

QUESTION: You touched on this with respect to Ukraine, but there's growing concern internationally that further delays or outright denial of U.S. and EU assistance to Ukraine could lead to a Russian victory, perhaps in 2024. The administration has said that there are no additional funds to draw upon absent congressional passage of the supplemental funding request. So realistically, I mean, how long can Ukraine hold out without additional Western support? Is it weeks? Is it months? And what is the long-term strategy? I know you talked about it being a difficult year given the struggle to regain much of the territory that Russia has seized. Thanks.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So Courtney, thanks. First, to emphasize something that that you said, other than the supplemental request that the President has made of Congress, there is no magic pot of money that we can draw from. The assistance, the support that we have designated for Ukraine, that is running out; it's running down. We are nearly out of money that we need, and we're nearly out of time. I can't put a precise date on it, but that's the direction that this is moving in, which underscores the urgency of getting this supplemental budget request through.

We have made a real investment in Ukraine's future, in its freedom. And it would - makes no sense to me that we would now renege on that investment, having already done so much and having already put Ukraine in a position where it can not only survive but actually thrive going forward. And we have a very clear plan, as I said, to make sure that Ukraine can stand on its own two feet - militarily, economically, democratically - so that these levels of support and assistance will no longer be necessary. But we have to help Ukraine get through the next period of time, get through this winter, get through the spring and summer.

I'm also focused on the fact that they have their own plans to continue not only to deter the Russian aggression, but to continue to take back territory that was seized from them by Russia. As you know, they've taken back more than 50 percent of the territory that Russia took in February of 2022, and that's going to be an ongoing effort. But the most important thing is, as I said, making sure that we get Ukraine to a place where it can stand on its own feet. And we see that, it is there before us, but we have to continue to provide the support to get them to that place.

And I want to emphasize two things again, because it bears repeating every single time. One, this is not just the United States alone doing it. It's the United States and dozens of other countries with better burden sharing than I've seen in any other crisis that I've been involved in over 30 years. I mentioned this before. We've provided about $70 billion to Ukraine over the last couple of years - our allies and partners, more than $110 billion. So they are more than picking up their share of the burden.

Second, as I mentioned before, virtually all of the security assistance that we've provided Ukraine and the security assistance that would be in - that's in this supplemental budget request, that gets invested right here in the United States. That's where it's spent. And that not only helps procure the weapons that Ukraine needs; it provides good jobs here in the United States. It builds our own defense industrial base. So in many ways, this is a win-win for us, and it's why I would hope Congress acts and acts quickly. And again, as I said before, we know who will be happy if, for whatever reason, this budget request does not go through, and they're sitting in Moscow, they're sitting in Beijing, they're sitting in Tehran.

MR MILLER: The last question, Olivia.

QUESTION: Thank you, Matt. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. You just told us here, as you've often said before, that there's no higher priority for the United States than bringing home Americans who are wrongfully or arbitrarily detained overseas or being held hostage. Dozens of American families right now are living through another holiday season, entering another new year without their loved ones by their side. Cases are lingering in Russia, China, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, many other countries that I know you know well. So what is your message to those families right now struggling to share in the joy of news of some Americans being freed, and some feeling increasingly hopeless and increasingly left behind by their own country?

And if I may specifically ask you on known cases in Russia, where Vladimir Putin appeared last week to be holding the door open to some kind of deal, saying the American side must hear us and make a decision that will satisfy the Russian side as well. Have the Russians made a counteroffer for the release of Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. My message to Americans who have their loved ones being arbitrarily detained someplace around the world is twofold. One, we're with you, the President is with you, and he is working for your every single day to bring your loved ones home. And second, do not, do not, do not give up hope, because we have demonstrated time and again that even when something seemed hopeless, it wasn't. We've brought more than three dozen Americans who were being arbitrarily detained back home to their families over the last three years. And each and every one who comes home should be a message of hope to those who remain detained and to their families and loved ones that not only is it possible, it's happening. It happens.

So it's, of course, one thing for me to say that. It's another thing if you're a member of one of these families that has a loved one being detained who have to live through that every hour of every day - the uncertainty, the not knowing. None of us can fully put ourselves in their shoes, but I've spent a lot of time meeting with the families of those who are arbitrarily detained, held hostage. And for me and for the President, this is not - these are not names on a piece of paper; these are not numbers. They're real people, real families whose lives have been torn apart by the arbitrary actions of other governments or groups. And remembering, as I do every day, that we're talking about real people, real lives, real families - that's what motivates us to do everything possible to bring them back.

With regards to Russia and Evan, Paul Whelan, all I can say is this. We're very actively working on it. And we - we'll leave no stone unturned to see if we can't find the right way to get them home and to get them home as soon as possible. I can't get into any more details than that, you'll understand why, but it's very much a focus of our actions, activities. Thanks.

MR MILLER: Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks everyone. May I wish you a very Happy New Year, holiday season. I hope we won't have occasion to see each other during this period, but you never know. And for those who are joining our next Middle East trip, which leaves in a few hours, see you then. (Laughter.) Thanks.

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 20, 2023

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. The Secretary stressed the importance of urgently addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, the imperative of minimizing civilian casualties, and the need to prevent the conflict's further escalation. Secretary Blinken underscored the U.S. commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Secretary also condemned attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea and urged cooperation among all partners to uphold maritime security. The leaders also discussed assistance and support for Ukraine in 2024 as it continues its fight against Russia's aggression.

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The international community must maintain its advocacy on women's rights in Afghanistan: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

20 December 2023

Thank you, President, let me join others in thanking SRSG Otunbayeva, and our other briefers for their important remarks today.

President, the United Kingdom remains gravely concerned at the continued curtailment of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan, particularly for women and girls. This, along with ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions, is in clear violation of the international commitments that all states must adhere to.

We echo UNAMA's recommendation that the international community should maintain its multilateral advocacy on women's rights and gender equality. The UK is, of course, a firm supporter of these values and we will continue to raise them at every opportunity.

Since UNAMA's last briefing to the Council, Herat was struck by successive devastating earthquakes. In response, the UK has provided around $4 million dollars in emergency support to those affected, including a further $13 million to support Afghans across the country during the winter months.

We have also committed $23.5 million dollars to the International Organisation for Migration to support vulnerable undocumented Afghans returning to the country.

President, it's been over two years now since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan. As the independent assessment in Afghanistan concluded, our shared goal should be an Afghanistan that is at peace with its people, its neighbours, and the international community. It's our view that the independent assessment outlines the architecture and mechanisms that are needed to achieve this.

For our part, the United Kingdom is fully committed to finding a constructive way forward. In the absence of a coherent international strategy to date, it is the responsibility of this Council to seize the momentum provided by this report.

We look forward to continuing to work constructively with international partners and the full range of Afghan stakeholders in our shared endeavour towards improving the lives of all Afghans.

Thank you.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

20 December 2023

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

All right, good afternoon.

** Security Council

Happy Wednesday. The Security Council just held an open meeting on the situation in Afghanistan.

Briefing was Roza Otunbayeva, as you know, the Secretary-General's Special Representative in Afghanistan and head of the political mission there. She noted that the lack of progress in resolving human rights issues is a key factor behind the current impasse and emphasized that accepting and working to uphold the international norms and standards, as set out in UN treaties that Afghanistan has ratified, will continue to be a non-negotiable condition for a seat at the United Nations.

Also briefing Council members was OCHA's Director of Coordination, Ramesh Rajasingham. He warned that as we come to the end of 2023, humanitarian needs continue to push record levels, with more than 29 million people requiring humanitarian assistance  1 million more than in January and a 340 per cent increase over the last five years. He stressed that the Afghan people need sustainable solutions and a longer-term approach that moves them beyond mere survival: solutions that allow support for income generation, agriculture, climate resilience and restoration of basic services.

** Gaza

Turning to Gaza. The World Food Programme reports that a 46-truck convoy, organized jointly with the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), on Wednesday  that is today  carried more than 750 metric tons of life-saving food into Gaza, marking the first time a direct aid convoy from Jordan has reached the Gaza Strip since 7 October.

Sadly, after ten weeks of the crisis in Gaza, the World Food Programme fears that half of the population is now starving. But it's hopeful that this crucial first step should pave the way for a more sustainable aid corridor through Jordan and allow for the delivery of more aid at scale.

On the ground, heavy Israeli bombardments from the air, land and sea across Gaza as well as firing of rockets by Palestinian armed groups into Israel continued for the 75th day. Reports of attacks on health facilities as well as UN facilities, which are considered protected places under international humanitarian law, have also continued.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that, for the seventh day in a row, most areas of the Gaza Strip have had no telecommunications or Internet services severely affecting emergency operations and access to information. In the southern area, as mentioned yesterday, services have been temporarily restored.

They also tell us that the Rafah governorate has become the most densely populated area within Gaza, with hundreds of thousands of displaced people squeezed into extremely overcrowded spaces and in dire living conditions. The population density is now assessed to exceed 12,000 people per square kilometre, a fourfold increase since the start of the operations.

The suffering of displaced people is compounded by the cold winter and rain that flooded tents and other makeshift shelters over the past week.

For its part, UNICEF says that the impact on children is particularly dramatic because they are more susceptible to dehydration, diarrhea, disease and malnutrition. They are also concerned about various waterborne diseases.

UNICEF  with its partners  is continuing to help and is providing fuel to operate wells, desalination plants, water trucking and waste and sewage management, bottled water and water containers, benefiting over 1.3 million people with safe drinking water since the beginning of this round of the crisis.

The current hostilities have also had a staggering impact on the economy. According to estimates released by the International Labour Organization and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, at least 66 per cent of employment has been lost in Gaza since 7 October. That is about 192,000 jobs.

** General Assembly Tribute to the Amir of Kuwait

This morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly meeting to pay tribute to the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The Amir was a determined champion of preventive diplomacy, Mr. Guterres said, an approach that helped define Kuwait's role across the Gulf region and around the world. He extended his best wishes to the new Amir, Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who has taken over the leadership of Kuwait, and reiterated our strong partnership and friendship with that country.

** Yemen

Turning to Yemen. After he concluded his meetings in Riyadh, our Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has now moved on to Muscat, in Oman, where he met with Mohamed Abdel Salam, Ansar Allah's Chief Negotiator.

The discussions focused on the ongoing efforts to foster progress toward implementing measures to improve living conditions in Yemen, securing a sustainable nationwide ceasefire and achieving tangible progress toward an inclusive political process under UN auspices.

He also met with senior Omani officials, to whom Mr. Grundberg expressed his gratitude for Oman's strong support to our mediation efforts in Yemen.

** Sudan

And just to give you a further update on the situation in Sudan, in Al-Jazirah state.

Today, our World Food Programme colleagues announced that they are temporarily suspending food assistance in some parts of Al-Jazirah state, as fighting has spread south and east of the capital, Khartoum.

Just a few days ago, our humanitarian coordination colleagues said all humanitarian fieldwork within the state have been suspended until further notice, due to the security situation.

WFP says this is a major setback to humanitarian efforts in the country's breadbasket, where WFP had been regularly providing aid to cover 800,000 people, including many who had escaped the fighting in Khartoum.

Needless to say that the ongoing fighting makes it extremely challenging for humanitarian agencies to safely deliver assistance, especially with more and more people on the move, fleeing for their lives.

We reiterate our call on both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease fighting and to commit to a durable cessation of hostilities.

** Democratic Republic of the Congo

As general elections are taking place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the head of our peacekeeping mission there, Bintou Keita, reiterated the UN's call for a peaceful and inclusive electoral process. She urged the Congolese population and political actors to calmly exercise their civic duty and to strictly follow the laws of the country.

Ms. Keita also called on political parties and their candidates to maintain calm while waiting for results to be posted by the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) and appealed to them and the general population to avoid unnecessary gatherings around polling stations to prevent the risk of confrontations. She commended the national electoral observation missions for their efforts to ensure a credible process and reiterated the Secretary-General's ongoing support for the Congolese people in their pursuit of peace, democracy and stability.

** Central African Republic

Earlier today, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of our Peace Operations Department, arrived in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, to begin a three-day mission, which we mentioned to you yesterday.

Speaking to media on arrival, he called his visit a visit of solidarity and support with Central Africans. As we told you, Mr. Lacroix is scheduled to meet with the national authorities, civil society, peacekeepers and others, and he will also travel to Birao.

And at an event taking place earlier today in Bangui, the head of our peacekeeping mission there, Valentine Rugwabiza, reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to continue its partnership with the Special Criminal Court in that country.

As such, the Mission is continuing its financial support to the Court's activities with nearly $5 million until the end of 2024, a commitment welcomed at the event by the Central African authorities.

The Special Criminal Court was set up in 2015 to investigate and prosecute serious international crimes committed since 2003.

** Ukraine

Moving back north to Europe.

The Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, condemned today's wave of attacks that damaged or destroyed the warehouses of at least three humanitarian organizations in Kherson, in the south of the country. Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that the warehouses of two organizations were burned to the ground, destroying much-needed relief supplies, while the facilities of another NGO were damaged. Other damages were recorded, and some civilians were injured.

Ms. Brown stressed that strikes continue to impact humanitarians' ability to carry out life-saving work and prevents humanitarian aid from reaching the civilians who most need it.

Despite the ongoing attacks, humanitarians are continuing to provide vital assistance to the people in Kherson, where pressing needs are compounded by the cold winter conditions. Today, the second inter-agency convoy in less than a week reached the region with winter supplies, including medicines, food, blankets, solar lamps, construction materials for home repairs and kits for people with disabilities.

In 2023, in this past year, we, along with our partners, have organized 26 humanitarian convoys to the Kherson Region alone, delivering critical supplies to about 60,000 people.

** Senior Personnel Appointment

And a senior personnel announcement to share with you.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, together with the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, and the Director General of the Food and Agricultural Organization, Qu Dongyu, are appointing Rania Dagash-Kamara of Sudan as WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Resource Mobilization.

She succeeds Ute Klamert of Germany, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedicated service to the organization.

Ms. Dagash-Kamara brings over 25 years of international and field experience in humanitarian affairs, development affairs and political affairs.

Since 2021, she has been UNICEF's Deputy Regional Director in Eastern and Southern Africa. We congratulate her.

** Human Solidarity Day

And speaking of congratulations. Today is the International Human Solidarity Day.

It is not a day to sigh, it is a day to celebrate our unity in diversity and to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity.

** Questions and Answers

Spokesman : Benno, would you be standing solidarity with me?

Question : I might, but also I have question which touches that subject. I mean, like, I think you answered. It's about the Security Council today. I think you might have answered that in the last days, but today is a new day, and today the Security Council is again supposed to vote on a resolution ramping up aid. It looks like it could be vetoed. What's at stake here? What's your message to the...? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : I mean, the 15 are meeting in conclave, they're continuing their discussions. We'll see what comes out of the discussions, not for us to interfere with those discussions, which I understand are fairly intense. The Secretary-General's own position is unchanged. He's been calling humanitarian ceasefire, and also he's been calling for the creation of the conditions on the ground to be conducive for broader delivery of humanitarian aid.

Dezhi?

Question : Today, according to local authority, after 75 days into the conflict, Gaza's death toll reached 20,000. Does the Secretary-General have anything to say about this sheer number of casualties?

Spokesman : The number has been unacceptable and huge and sheer, and whatever adjective you want to use, for quite some time. Again, we want to see a humanitarian ceasefire. We want to see the guns fall silent, so we can reach the people of Gaza who need the most help right now. And also, as Mr. Wennesland has said, as the SG has said, about re-establishing a political path to a two-State solution.

Question : Let me ask you a more detailed question. On Karem Abu Salem border crossing, do you have more details now? On how many, the numbers of truck that have passed Karem Abu Salem? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : Yes. So, we mentioned the... I've mentioned to you what went through with WFP. Today I can tell you that 64 trucks entered on the 18th through that crossing and another 60... Sorry, 64 on the 18th and 60 today and, let me try again because I...

Question : Okay.

Spokesman : Let's rewind. And let me restart. On the 18th of December, 64 trucks through Kerem Shalom, Karem Abu Salem. 60 trucks entered Gaza through Rafah. On the 19th of December, 104 trucks through Rafah and 60 through the other.

Question : So why it's smaller, the number is smaller than Al Rafah? Because you just said it's a commercial border crossing. So, it's supposed to have more trucks.

Spokesman : Listen. It kind of, it depends on the day, depends on where the trucks are.

Question : Okay. Oh, one last question. Is the SG going to have a year-end presser or not?

Spokesman : It will very likely, and I'm putting my neck out in front of you, that you will see him at the stake-out on Friday, say some words to you and take some questions.

Question : So, there's no press conference? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : Not a full-blown press conference. But an interaction.

Question : May I know why?

Spokesman : It's a scheduling issue.

Question : Okay.

Spokesman : Okay. Senor?

Question : Thank you, Steph. The governments of the United States and Venezuela landed on an agreement to swap prisoners, and that is a process that is taken... it's underway right now. In this context, did the UN take part in this process at all in any capacity?

Spokesman : No. I'm not aware that we were involved in this process. We're obviously following this event very closely, and the Secretary-General trusts that all the parties involved will use this to build confidence and address human rights concerns.

Question : Just a quick follow-up. So, this agreement is allowing six Americans to come back home, and regardless of this important step, there's still more than 100 people that are still political prisoners inside of Venezuelan jail, so could you remind us in principle the view of the SG on the situation of political prisoners?

Spokesman : You know, people should not be jailed for political activity, for what they're saying, what they're thinking, what they're advocating for.

Mr. Bulkaty, then Dennis.

Question : Thank you, Stephane. Today, the Spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said that five days ago, Moscow handed over to the SG the information regarding the Kyiv regime crimes against the civilian population since 2014 till 2023. And they're waiting for the reaction from the SG. Have you received this information? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : I will check if the letter has been received and what the status of the response is.

Question : Thank you.

Spokesman : Dennis?

Question : Lately, you told that WHO managed to go to the northern parts of Gaza. And does the UN and its partners plan any other attempts to approach humanitarian aids to northern Gaza?

Spokesman : We are trying, but we're unable... We are unable to distribute humanitarian aid in northern part of Gaza on our own. And I have no doubt that our WHO colleagues are trying to reach, go back to the hospital, as soon as they can.

Mike?

Question : With regards to the Security Council resolution, I already forgot the number. The only one that's actually gotten through on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Secretary-General sent a letter a couple of days ago to the president of the Security Council laying out some potential options to try to ramp up humanitarian aid. Has there been any initial reaction from the Council, and does the Secretary-General has a preference within those options as to what he'd like to see?

Spokesman : No. The options are... he laid out the options, and we're waiting to hear back from the Council as how they would move ahead. But I think the options also required some specific action from the Security Council.

Dawn?

Question : Thanks, Steph. I wanted to follow up on the invitation from the Israeli government to Pramila Patten. Whether or not she's... I know she welcomed it, but whether or not she's responded, is there any formal trip planned for...? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : I haven't been informed. It doesn't mean you can't contact her office. I haven't been briefed in the last week or so on her... on that invitation, but we can check.

Question : Okay. Excuse me. And then I have a question about, Ambassador Erdan of Israel posted on his Twitter that the Secretary-General was given a viewing of the IDF's film of Hamas atrocities 16 hours ago. I don't know... makes a difference, from October 7th. The Secretary-General, at least how Erdan wrote it in the tweet, was that, or the X, was that it shows humanity at its worst. Can you give any more detail about what he specifically saw? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : I mean, that was the Secretary-General's reaction. I mean, he was shown horrific footage, and that was his reaction. But I would also remind you that he had condemned these horrific acts of terror by Hamas way before having seen the video.

Question : Just a follow-up, Erdan also said in his tweet that he's waiting to see now if the Secretary-General's language changes?

Spokesman : I think... Listen, again not interested in entering into a polemic with the Ambassador. But I think the Secretary-General's language has been very direct, very clear using very simple and very understandable words.

Stefano?

Question : Thank you, Stephane. A quick follow-up on this. The United States government has been asking also about this last resolution that the condemnation of Hamas will be included in the resolution. So, does the Secretary-General have any advice on that? Or does he agree, or you think he's a...? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : Stefano you've been here quite a long time, as I have. The Security Council in its wisdom will decide on its way forward and what words to include, what words not to include. That's their affair. The Secretary-General has been clear in his own language.

Question : And then on the deal that European Union just had on the migration issue. Filippo Grandi welcomed the deal. Does the Secretary-General wants to add anything or what...? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : I mean, the Secretary-General, I think, agrees with the position of the High Commissioner for Refugees, who speaks on those issues for us.

Benno, and then we'll go back to Dennis.

Question : Thank you. I have another follow-up to the Gaza resolution. And... one of the big disagreements right now seems to be if the United Nations is trustworthy to monitor a flowing aid into Gaza. Is the UN trustworthy?

Spokesman : I will not have us inserted into the discussions that are going on right now in the Council. Because we know how delicate they are; so as much as you'd like to draw us into it... What I can tell you is that all over the world the UN does its humanitarian work based on principles of impartiality, and that happens in every corner of the world, and we will continue to do it in that manner.

Dennis?

You tried to drag me into it... [Cross talk]

Question : Just a follow-up on northern Gaza. So, what are the main impediments to get aid here? And did the UN try to get any security guarantees from Israeli government?

Spokesman : Yeah. I mean, the impediment... Sorry. I don't mean to cut you off. Sorry. The impediment is that there continues to be a conflict going on. Right? The only way we can go into those areas, as we go in any area where there is conflict, and we operate all over the world, is by having security guarantees and going through a humanitarian deconfliction process where we advise all the parties involved in the conflict, this is what we're doing. This is where we're going. This is number of vehicles that we will have. This is what they look like. So, we need... we're not... we do not send convoys into the heat of battle without having what we feel are the necessary deconfliction mechanism in place and agreed to. So, we are continuing to engage on that.

Question : And the UN talking to the Israeli...? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : We talk to everyone who is involved in this conflict to ensure the safety of our people.

Madame?

Question : Is that me?

Spokesman : That would be you.

Question : Okay. "Mademoiselle" is okay too. The possibility of Guterres naming a special envoy for Afghanistan, what is that likelihood?

Spokesman : I don't have anything to share with you on that at this point.

Question : But is he mulling it over? Or is it really up to the Security Council to say to him, go ahead and do this?

Spokesman : We would want to see some agreement from the Council, but I have nothing at this point.

Okay. Thank you all. No Monica today, I believe.

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'Barely a drop to drink': children in the Gaza Strip do not access 90 per cent of their normal water use

UNICEF

Water and sanitation services are at the point of collapse with large-scale disease outbreaks looming, UNICEF warns

20 December 2023

AMMAN, 20 December 2023 -- Recently displaced children in the southern Gaza Strip are accessing only 1.5 to 2 litres of water each day, well below the recommended requirements just for survival, according to UNICEF estimates.

According to humanitarian standards, the minimum amount of water needed in an emergency is 15 litres, which includes water for drinking, washing and cooking. For survival alone, the estimated minimum is 3 litres per day.

Hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people, half of them estimated to be children, have arrived in Rafah since early December and are in desperate need of food, water, shelter, medicines, and protection. As demand continues to rise, water and sanitation systems in the city are in an extremely critical state. The resumption of hostilities, coupled with a lack of power supply, fuel shortages, restricted access, and infrastructure damage means that at least 50 per cent of WASH facilities are damaged or destroyed.

The impact of this on children is particularly dramatic because children are also more susceptible to dehydration, diarrhea, disease and malnutrition, all of which can compound to present a threat to their survival. Concerns of waterborne diseases such as cholera and chronic diarrhea are particularly heightened given the lack of safe water, especially following this week's rains and flooding. Already, officials have recorded almost 20 times the monthly average of reported cases of diarrhea among children under the age of 5, in addition to increases of cases of scabies, lice, chicken pox, skin rashes and more than 160,000 cases of acute respiratory infection.

"Access to sufficient amounts of clean water is a matter of life and death, and children in Gaza have barely a drop to drink," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "Children and their families are having to use water from unsafe sources that are highly salinated or polluted. Without safe water, many more children will die from deprivation and disease in the coming days."

In shelters across the Strip, long queues of exhausted women and children wait to use the, on average, one toilet for every 700 people, pushing people to resort to other coping strategies, such as the use of buckets, or open defecation. Showers are even less available reducing hygiene options to nearly non-existent, impacting especially women and girls. This could further lead to an increase in the spread of disease.

UNICEF, with its partners, is providing fuel to operate wells, desalination plants, water trucking and waste and sewage management, bottled water and water containers benefiting over 1.3 million people with safe drinking water since the start of the crisis UNICEF has also distributed more than 45,000 jerry cans, more than 130,000 family hygiene kits, including menstrual health and hygiene products, and hundreds of thousands of bars of soap. Since the start of the crisis, UNICEF with partners, has reached over 189,000 people with hygiene supplies and more than 400,000 people with hygiene and sanitation services. During the humanitarian pause, UNICEF was also able to reach the northern Gaza Strip despite extremely challenging access conditions, and distributed 260,000 litres of water and 10,000 hygiene kits.

Generators to operate critical water and sanitation facilities, plastic pipes needed to provide short term repairs as well as construction material for rapid sanitation solutions are available at the Rafah border crossing, but are unable to cross into Gaza due to access restrictions imposed on such supplies, which are necessary to ensure minimum water and sanitation services critical for the survival of the people and children are restored.

"We are doing everything we can to meet the needs of the people in Gaza, but the equipment and supplies we've managed to provide are far from enough," said Russell. "The constant bombing, along with the restrictions on materials and fuel allowed into the territory, are preventing critical progress. We urgently need these supplies to repair damaged water systems."

UNICEF also continues to call for rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all children and families in need, wherever they are, including to allow for the water and sanitation needs in the Gaza Strip to be addressed through the restoring and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, and for all parties to adhere to their international legal responsibilities to protect water and sanitation facilities and workers entrusted to ensure maintenance and repair of these facilities.

#####





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Afghanistan: Taliban's return to 'international norms' is non-negotiable says UN mission chief

20 December 2023 - Lack of progress in resolving human rights issues is a key factor behind the current impasse between Afghanistan and the international community, the UN Special Representative for the country said on Wednesday in a briefing to the Security Council in New York.

Roza Otunbayeva, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), also underscored the need for greater engagement with the de facto Taliban authorities who seized power in August 2021.

She told the Council that the human rights situation in Afghanistan is characterized by systemic discrimination against women and girls, repression of political dissent and free speech, a lack of meaningful representation of minorities, and ongoing instances of extrajudicial killing, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and ill-treatment.

Uphold international standards

"Accepting and working to uphold the international norms and standards, as set out in the UN Treaties that Afghanistan has ratified, will continue to be a non-negotiable condition for a seat at the United Nations," she said.

Ms. Otunbayeva welcomed a UN-mandated independent assessment of efforts to address the challenges in Afghanistan, in line with a Security Council resolution adopted in March.

In general, the de facto authorities' response to the report has indicated "a preference for bi-lateral approaches to multilateral ones," she said, as they continue to maintain that bans on girls' education and women's employment are internal matters even though these edicts contravene current treaty obligations.

She feared this will only prolong the impasse that the report intends to resolve.

Dialogue and engagement

Ms. Otunbayeva said any future approach must be guided by two factors, namely a durable and more detailed international consensus on Afghanistan and making far greater use of the de facto authorities' willingness to engage in dialogue with members of the international community.

"Dialogue does not legitimize. It can be used to express disapproval yet encourage change," she said.

"We have often spoken of the need to learn lessons from our engagement since August 2021. One lesson, I believe, is that there has simply not been enough of it. There must be more direct engagement with the de facto authorities, including in Kabul."

Regional security fears

Ms. Otunbayeva also updated the Council on developments related to Afghan and regional security, humanitarian affairs, and other issues such as education.

She said the de facto authorities continue to maintain a generally good level of security in Afghanistan, though unexploded ordnance remains a significant concern, especially for children.

She noted that the Shia community remains at disproportionate risk of harm, with 39 members killed in three attacks in recent months, all which were claimed by the ISIL-KP terrorist group. Nine people were also killed in three further targeted attacks against Shia clerics in Herat.

Meanwhile, regional countries are concerned about additional possible threats emanating from Afghanistan. She said this is particularly the case for Pakistan, which is convinced that the Afghan de facto authorities have done too little to contain the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, which has claimed major recent terrorist attacks there.

Deportations from Pakistan

Last month, Pakistan also began deporting undocumented Afghans living in the country, nearly half a million of whom have now returned. Ms. Otunbayeva said the situation has led to a deterioration in relations between the two neighbours.

"The returnees are the poorest of the poor. 80,0000 of them have nowhere in Afghanistan to go. The human rights consequences for women and girls forced to return are particularly severe," she said.

Quality education challenge

She also highlighted how the quality of education in Afghanistan is a growing concern. She said while the international community has rightly focused on the need to reverse the Taliban's ban on girls' education, deteriorating standards and access are also affecting boys.

Although UNAMA staff are receiving increasing amounts of anecdotal evidence that girls of all ages can study at madrassas, or Islamic schools, "it is not entirely clear, however, what constitutes a madrassa, if there is a standardized curriculum that allows modern education subjects, and how many girls are able to study in madrassas."

Ms. Otunbayeva said the de facto Ministry of Education is reportedly undertaking an assessment of these schools along with a review of the public school curriculum. Educational authorities also report that they are working on establishing conditions to allow girls to return to the classroom.

"But time is passing while a generation of girls is falling behind," she warned. "A failure to provide a sufficiently modern curriculum with equality of access for both girls and boys will make it impossible to implement the de facto authorities' own agenda of economic self-sufficiency.

Ms. Otunbayeva also pointed to counter-narcotics as another area for further cooperation, noting that the de facto authorities have successfully reduced opium cultivation by 95 per cent, thus addressing a long-standing international concern.

Humanitarian crisis deepens: OCHA

Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains one of the countries with the highest levels of humanitarian needs and more than 29 million people require assistance this year.

This is one million more than in January and represents a 340 per cent increase in the past five years, said Ramesh Rajasingham, a senior leader in the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA.

Thousands of families are now also living in tents and makeshift shelters following three massive earthquakes in Herat province in October, while the sudden arrival of the returnees from Pakistan could have far-reaching consequences.

"The needs of women and girls in Afghanistan have continued to grow at a scale and intensity commensurate with the repressive approach taken by the de facto authorities," he said.

Although recent months have not seen any additional bans or restrictions imposed on women working for local and international aid organizations, or the UN, Mr. Rajasingham said there have been further attempts to limit their roles, including written requests to remove them from leadership positions.

"Nevertheless, we continue to achieve some degree of practical cooperation with the de facto authorities at the local level, which is enabling Afghan women to be involved in humanitarian action," he said.

Furthermore, "some humanitarian programmes that were initially suspended due to the bans have now resumed and even expanded operations."

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World News in Brief: WFP forced to halt some food aid in Sudan, DR Congo elections, peacekeeping chief visits CAR

20 December 2023 - The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Wednesday that it has temporarily suspended assistance in some parts of Al Jazirah State in Sudan as conflict has spread south and east of the capital, Khartoum.

WFP described the decision taken on safety grounds as a major setback to humanitarian efforts in the country's breadbasket, where staff had been regularly providing aid to over 800,000 people, including many who had escaped the fighting in Khartoum.

The ongoing fighting makes it extremely challenging for humanitarian agencies to safely deliver assistance, especially with more and more people on the move, fleeing for their lives, the UN agency said.

From refuge to battleground

"A place of refuge has now become a battleground in a war that has already taken a horrific toll on civilians," said Eddie Rowe, WFP Representative and Country Director in Sudan, where the national army and a rival military group known as the Rapid Support Forces have been locked in brutal conflict since April.

Earlier this week, humanitarians reported that all field work within Al Jazirah State had been put on hold until further notice due to the security situation.

"We are committed to supporting the people of Sudan in their hour of greatest need, but the safety of our staff and partners must be guaranteed," said Mr. Rowe.

He added that teams are working around the clock to provide food aid in locations where it is still possible and resume planned assistance in other areas when conditions allow.

UN official appeals for calm ahead of DR Congo election outcome

The UN Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has called for a peaceful and electoral process as voting got underway on Wednesday.

Bintou Keita urged the Congolese population and political actors to calmly exercise their civic duty and to strictly follow the laws of the country.

She also called on political parties and their candidates to maintain calm while waiting for results to be posted by the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) and appealed to them and the general population to avoid unnecessary gatherings around polling stations to prevent the risk of confrontations.

Ms. Keita commended official national election observers for their efforts to ensure a credible process and reiterated the Secretary-General's ongoing support for the Congolese people in their pursuit of peace, democracy, and stability.

UN peacekeeping chief on solidarity and support visit to the Central African Republic

The head of UN Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, arrived in the Central African Republic (CAR) on Wednesday, marking the start of a three-day visit to the country.

Speaking to media in the capital, Bangui, Mr. Lacroix called his mission a visit of solidarity and support for citizens of CAR.

He is scheduled to meet with the national authorities, civil society, peacekeepers and others, in addition to travelling to the northern city of Birao.

At an event taking place earlier in Bangui, the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the CAR, Valentine Rugwabiza, reiterated the Organization's commitment to continue its partnership with the Special Criminal Court in the country.

The Court was established nearly a decade ago to investigate and prosecute serious international crimes committed during conflicts dating back to 2003.

The UN Mission, known as MINUSCA, is continuing its financial support to the Court's activities with nearly $5 million until the end of 2024, which the Central African authorities have welcomed.

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Allocation of the Humanitarian Fund for Central African Republic, 20 December 2023

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

The Central African Republic Humanitarian Fund allocates 13 million US dollars to support innovative approaches to assist the most vulnerable people

Bangui, 20 December 2023 -- The Humanitarian Coordinator for the Central African Republic (CAR), Mr. Mohamed Ag Ayoya, has allocated 13 million US dollars from the Humanitarian Fund to address the most urgent humanitarian needs of approximately 150,000 internally displaced, returnees, and their host communities in the southeast region of the country and other hard-to-reach and underserved areas. This allocation aims to promote innovative approaches through a multisectoral and integrated response, taking into account child protection and gender-based violence, while supporting accountability to affected people and the localization of humanitarian aid.

The southeast part of the country, particularly Haut-Mbomou, which is already among the most affected areas by conflict in the country, has seen its security and humanitarian situation progressively deteriorate since March 2023. Armed groups clash amid community conflicts and competition over resources, have caused devastating effects on the population. Thousands of people in hard-to-reach areas, lacking vital assistance for an extended period, were at risk of worsening vulnerabilities, particularly in the sectors of health, clean water, emergency shelter, and nutrition. In the eastern town of Yalinga, it was only this year that humanitarian organizations managed to reach the population by road after three years of access difficulties.

"Fathers and mothers in the southeast, along with other community members, have been killed, thousands have moved in search of safe environments, and they deserve to see an alleviation of their suffering, but the assistance we provide alone will not be sufficient," explained Mr. Ag Ayoya. In 2023, 3.4 million Central Africans are extremely vulnerable. To address the decade-long Central African crisis, humanitarian efforts need to align with those of other actors, particularly those from the development world. "I call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians who remain the primary victims of this conflict," Mr. Ag Ayoya concluded.

This allocation particularly emphasizes progress made on localization in the country. National humanitarian organizations have been directly funded to implement humanitarian projects and capacity-building programs for other national and local NGOs. Localization is a strategic focus of the 2023 humanitarian response, with the direct funding rate of national organizations by the Humanitarian Fund increasing to 24%, up from 7% the previous year. This strategy will also facilitate access to populations in need living in isolated areas.

The allocation will further strengthen accountability to affected persons through mobile collective feedback mechanisms. Accountability has always been at the core of the humanitarian response in CAR. The analysis of the needs for 2024, for instance, greatly involved affected people, consulting 28,000 households across the country.

The allocated funds will target the most vulnerable populations in the prefectures of Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Mbomou, Kemo, Nana-Gribizi, Ouham, and Ouaka.

For more info, please contact

Anais Hotin, Public Information Officer, anais.hotin@un.org; +236 70 60 82 74

Vedaste Kalima, Head of Office, vedaste@un.org, + 236 70 60 10 66

About the Central African Republic Humanitarian Fund (CAR HF) Etablished in 2008, the Fund aims at responding to emergency situations or when an exising crisis deteriorates. Over the past three years, CAR HF has financed 227 projects for a total of 99 million US dollars to address the most pressing needs of the most vulnerable people in Central African Republic. In 2023, CAR HF received support from Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, the United States of America, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, Luxembourg and Jersey.

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Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Head and Representative of OCHA in Geneva and Director of the Coordination Division, on behalf of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Martin Griffiths

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan 20 December 2023

As delivered

Thank you, Mr. President,

It is hard to put into words the extent of the daily struggle faced by so many Afghan families. But the numbers tell their own story.

As we come to the end of 2023, humanitarian needs continue to push record levels, with more than 29 million people requiring humanitarian assistance - one million more than in January, and a 340 per cent increase in the last five years.

New developments continue to pile on the pressure.

In October, three 6.3 magnitude earthquakes in the space of just eight days in the western province of Herat damaged 40,000 homes - 10,000 of which were completely destroyed - which affected 275,000 people. Thousands of families are now living in tents and makeshift shelters, where they are exposed to rapidly falling winter temperatures.

And in the eastern and southern regions, there has been a dramatic surge in the number of Afghans returning from Pakistan, following the Government of Pakistan's announced repatriation of "illegal foreigners" from 1 November.

Since then, more than 450,000 Afghans have returned, more than 85 per cent of whom are women and children. Many have been stripped of their belongings, left disorientated by days of travel, and are arriving in poor medical condition. They require both immediate attention and assistance at the border and longer-term support for reintegration.

Their sudden arrival could have far-reaching consequences for the whole country, unless sustainable and joined-up assistance is received with support from the international community.

Mr. President,

The needs of women and girls in Afghanistan have continued to grow at a scale and intensity commensurate with the repressive approach taken by the de-facto authorities.

For two years now, girls and women have been marginalized from almost all forms of public life. They have had their access to secondary and higher education systematically denied, their movements restricted, and their ability to work, including in the humanitarian sector, prohibited.

While no additional bans or restrictions have been imposed on women working for international and national NGOs or the UN since I last addressed the Council in June, further attempts have been made to limit their role.

In recent months the de-facto authorities have issued a series of official letters to several NGOs and women-led organizations requesting the removal of women from leadership positions (including Director, Deputy Director and Board member roles), and as signatories for bank accounts.

Partners have reported that documents signed by Afghan women, or projects mentioning women beneficiaries, have also been rejected. And some local agreements authorizing Afghan women to participate in humanitarian action were revoked by de-facto authority departments after they had been secured.

Nevertheless, we continue to achieve some degree of practical cooperation with the de-facto authorities at the local level, which is enabling Afghan women to be involved in humanitarian action. To date, at least 630 local arrangements have been agreed, permitting Afghan women to participate in all manner of response activities - from assessments to registration, distribution and service delivery, and monitoring.

Some humanitarian programmes that were initially suspended due to the bans have now resumed and even expanded operations.

A recent in-country partner survey has revealed that since January, just under one third of humanitarian and women-led organizations employing both Afghan women and men are now 'fully operational'. An additional 43 per cent of organizations reported that they are partially operating with both Afghan women and men staff.

While aid delivery in Afghanistan remains far from straightforward or ideal, these are signs that principled aid delivery is both possible and ongoing.

Mr. President,

The humanitarian community remains committed to delivering this principled assistance.

Between January and October this year, the UN and our NGO partners provided direct life- saving assistance to 26.5 million people, including to 14.2 million women and girls.

In some sectors - such as Education, Food Security and Health - assistance has even increased. Adequate financial resources are required to maintain reach to women and girls moving forward. The humanitarian response has a critical funding gap of US$ 1.8 billion as we end this year.

Mr. President,

In this challenging context, the humanitarian exception provided by Security Council Resolution 2615 continues to play a vital role.

It continues to provide important reassurance, principally to commercial actors, that the provision of services and goods necessary to delivering humanitarian assistance and to supporting basic human needs - including the processing of financial transactions - does not violate UN sanctions.

This reassurance has been critical to encourage the banking sector to transfer funds into Afghanistan. This has eased many of the difficulties faced by humanitarian organisations in the aftermath of August 2021. Since the adoption of Resolution 2615, the number of UN agencies and NGOs reporting difficulties in moving funds into Afghanistan has dropped from 87 per cent, two months prior to the adoption of the exception, and now stabilized at around 50 per cent.

But challenges remain, principally around banking de-risking.

Important work is ongoing to establish at a more granular level the specific bottlenecks facing humanitarian organizations - whether these are in relation to the specific currency of transferred funds; issues with intermediary banks; or the willingness of the global financial messaging system, SWIFT, to accept money transfer instructions to Afghanistan.

The evidence collected will be vital to working with banks and states on solutions in the coming months.

Mr. President,

Guidance issued by several Member States has also contributed to understanding the exception, including the fact that when a designated person holds a leadership position in a ministry, this does not mean that ministry is also subject to sanctions.

This is important because, as a matter of operational necessity, humanitarian actors in Afghanistan must make payments to line ministries - some of which are currently headed by designated individuals.

These payments include:

rent on government-owned premises and warehouses

withholding tax on national/international NGO staff income, rent and suppliers

visas and work permits for national/international NGO staff

fees for imports

landing fees to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (headed by a designated individual) for the UN Humanitarian Air Service, and

licenses for NGO registration, communications equipment, and municipal charges, among others.

These are requirements we face in any and every humanitarian operation in the world. They are payments that have to be made if we are to even start the process of aid delivery.

Furthermore, a failure to make any, or all, of these payments would have severe consequences for humanitarian actors, including the freezing of bank accounts, the shutting of offices, and even deregistration.

Mr. President,

A further key component of resolution 2615 was the clarification that the provision of funds or assets to designated persons or entities is permitted when it is necessary for humanitarian and basic human needs programming.

However, let me reassure you. The existence of this exception in no way means that humanitarian organisations in Afghanistan approach the matter lightly.

On the contrary, all necessary precautions are taken to avoid making payments to designated individuals or entities.

For example, when using hawala providers - as two-thirds of our partners inform us they have to do at some point in the banking chain because of ongoing issues in the Afghan banking sector - strict measures are taken to avoid those providers listed under the 1988 UN sanctions regime. Indeed, there has been no reported use of these entities.

Furthermore, our humanitarian partners ensure payments strictly match the modalities for payments made during the Republic. These payments include, for example, cash payments to officials at the immigration desk at the airport (for international visas); via bank transfer to line ministries (for withholding tax on behalf of national staff, landlords or contractors); or in cash deposited in Da Afghanistan Bank (for licenses for VHF radios or armoured vehicles).

All of these payments are the cost of operating in Afghanistan, just as they were prior to August 2021. None is aid diversion.

Mr. President,

Now, let me turn to aid diversion specifically. I want to be clear about what we are seeing in Afghanistan.

Aid diversion, as frequently seen in other contexts, such as the looting of warehouses or the hijacking of aid convoys, has not occurred in Afghanistan.

To the extent that aid diversion has occurred, or poses a threat, it tends to take place post- distribution, often in the form of confiscation of assistance by the authorities or community leaders.

Aid that is confiscated tends to be taken to ensure that everyone in a community, rather than only the 70 or 80 per cent who are most in need, receives some form of assistance. It is not intended to benefit the authorities or leaders themselves.

Redistribution of this kind is a common cultural practice in Afghanistan, and something frequently undertaken by communities themselves.

This in no way means that the practice is not problematic and that it does not constitute aid diversion. It may. But it does mean that the mitigation measures and response need to be tailored to the specific nature of the practice.

The other challenge we are seeing to aid distribution in Afghanistan relates to attempted interference in aid programming by the de-facto authorities.

Over the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in the desire of the de-facto authorities to be more involved in humanitarian programming. The attempted interference has contributed to a 21 per cent increase in bureaucratic and administrative impediments between January and October 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

While the forms of interference such as intervening in beneficiary selection or recruitment, pressure to change established service delivery models, requests for data and information with regards to budget and staffing contracts, and requests for payment of new fees are the same as we see in other humanitarian operations globally and do not necessarily imply aid diversion, they do undermine our capacity to operate in a manner that is independent and impartial. And they do cause delays to assistance.

OCHA Afghanistan continues to work with our humanitarian partners to resolve these obstacles and to categorize the types of interference and nature of aid diversion more accurately. This will help to ensure that the tools we deploy to prevent and respond to these different issues are the most appropriate and effective.

Mr. President,

Humanitarian organizations take their responsibility to minimize the risk of aid diversion very seriously and take strict measures to make sure aid reaches its intended beneficiaries.

When instances of aid diversion have occurred, such as in Ghor Province- which we brought to the Council's attention during the June briefing - immediate action is taken to cease distribution while issues are resolved. Donors are kept fully informed every step of the way.

Mr. President,

OCHA has just launched the Global Humanitarian Overview for 2024. Afghanistan remains one of the countries with the highest levels of humanitarian need, and the country in which we are aiming to reach the greatest number of people with humanitarian assistance.

And the humanitarian community is committed to doing so. But we cannot be the solution. Ultimately, the Afghan people need sustainable solutions and a longer-term approach that moves them beyond mere survival: Solutions that allow support for income generation, agriculture, climate resilience, and restoration of basic services.

For this, the people of Afghanistan need, and deserve, peace and stability, and an environment in which every Afghan can enjoy respect for their human rights. I urge the Council to continue its efforts to this end.

Thank you, Mr. President.



20 December 2023

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Australians in one state have been issued a bleak Christmas warning after health officials were caught off guard by an "unusual" spike in respiratory illness.

Queenslanders are being urged to practice good hygiene habits this festive season and take care around elderly family members if they have any symptoms. The unusual warning came from health authorities on Thursday as an unseasonal spike in respiratory illnesses spreads throughout the state  and a big part of it is down to a worrying Covid resurgence.

Across Queensland there are 322 people hospitalised with Covid-19  four times the number treated in October. Meanwhile, another 66 people are in hospital with influenza.

Just last week, 2,162 cases of Covid and 836 cases of influenza were recorded.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said it was an unusual state of affairs for December.

"I'm not here to say stop Christmas," he said, but warned people in the state to be mindful and take precautions to stop the spread of any respiratory diseases. "All I'm saying is if you are sick, try and avoid your elderly and vulnerable relatives and friends.

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard says he doesn't want to be a grinch but wanted the state to take precautions. Source: AAP

"Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to respiratory infections, so its important we protect our loved ones this festive season by staying home when we are sick," he said.

Overall, there has been more than 73,000 influenza cases recorded this year, far exceeding the 2022 total of 44,431.

"While influenza hospitalisations remain far below their winter peak (more than 400), their summer rise is still unusual," Dr Gerrard added.

Surge in pneumonia 'tip of the iceberg'

Dr Gerrard said there had also been a surge in mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacterial infection most commonly occurring in children, with laboratory reports of the illness tripling since November.

"We certainly have not seen significant numbers (of mycoplasma) since before the pandemic," he said.

Story continues

Mycoplasma infections are usually mild but some children may develop severe complications including brain inflammation or mucositis affecting the eyes, mouth and skin.

"These are rare complications," Dr Gerrard said. "What we're seeing in hospital is likely to be the tip of the iceberg as to what's actually out there in the community."

The surge in cases has been put down to a flurry of interstate and international travel as well as reduced immunity in the community after Covid restrictions. It comes as authorities monitor new Covid variant JN.1 which first arrived in Australia in mid-October but has contributed to the rise in cases in recent weeks.

A flurry of interstate and international travel is thought to be behind the rising respiratory cases. Source: Getty

with AAP

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Red Hawk readies for climate chamber testing

Published Dec. 20, 2023

By Alexandra Kuehner and Samuel King Jr.

Eglin Air Force Base Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The Air Force's new bird of prey, the T-7 Red Hawk, arrived at Eglin Air Force Base Dec. 15 to begin a series of climate testing at Eglin AFB's McKinley Climatic Lab.

The purpose of the testing is to verify the T-7A's system functionality while operating in extreme environmental conditions. Among others, those conditions consist of minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 110 degrees sustained temperatures. The climatic chamber testing will evaluate the aircraft system's performance including propulsion, hydraulic, fuel, electrical, secondary power, environmental control and overall operations.

"The Red Hawk must withstand a range of environments from sitting on the ground in the Texas heat to flying at altitude," said Dr. Troy C. Hoeger, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's T-7A chief developmental tester. "The climatic lab helps us do this in a deliberate and methodical way and will give us confidence that our new aircraft meets requirements."

The relatively new T-7A only arrived at Edwards AFB, California for testing in November. It is set to be the replacement aircraft to T-38C fleet. The T-7A will drastically improve training for the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots and will better prepare student pilots to advance into fourth and fifth-generation fighter and bomber aircraft. With advanced mission systems, a glass touchscreen cockpit, stadium seating and embedded training capability the T-7A Redhawk will make a fundamental difference in future pilot training, according to Hoeger.

"The Red Hawk now joins many other Air Force aircraft tested at McKinley, from World War II to today's 21st century planes, to ensure they will operate in real world conditions." Hoeger said.

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USS Colorado Returns from Deployment

US Navy

20 December 2023

From Chief Petty Officer Joshua Karsten

GROTON, Connecticut -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Colorado (SSN 788), under the command of Cmdr. David Beam, returned to Naval Submarine Base New London on Tuesday, December 19, after completing a six-month deployment to the European area of operations.

Capt. Jason Grizzle, commander of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12, under which Colorado operates, praised the crew's successful deployment and welcomed them home "just in time for the holidays."

"It's always great to have a homecoming and see families reunited," Grizzle said. "But to have one just in time for Christmas - seeing the joy and happiness on the pier today - it really emphasizes the sacrifice and commitment a submariner and their family makes to protect our nation's interests."

"Our submarines are unparalleled in the undersea domain, but submarines cannot execute their mission without the men and women who put in the work," Grizzle added. "And they cannot operate without the love, support, and sacrifices their families make here at home - it's truly a rewarding experience."

Beam commended his crew for their performace on the submarine's third deployment saying he is "happy to be home just in time for Christmas and I couldn't be prouder of my crew and our amazing families."

During its deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, Colorado steamed nearly 36,000 nautical miles and made port calls to Grtsund, Norway, and Rota, Spain. Thirty personnel earned their submarine warfare devices - commonly referred to as "dolphins" - during the deployment and one Colorado sailor had new baby.

Taylor Hartman, wife of Lt.j.g. Forrest Hartman, said she was "happy they could be home before the holidays to be with their families before partaking in the ceremonial "first hug" with her son Riker, 5, and daughter Charlie, 2.

"It means everything because I'm going to let my kids be the first one to hug him because they've been looking forward to it, said Taylor Hartman during the homecoming event. "My son has been doing a countdown everyday looking at the calendar - and being this close to Christmas, it's better than any present.

SSN 788 was commissioned March 17, 2018 and is the fourth U.S. warship named after the state of Colorado. It has a length of 377 feet with a beam of 34 feet and a crew of more than 134 personnel.

The Virginia-class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions. Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or response to regional crises.

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Hamas Leader in Egypt for Talks as Gaza War Sides Consider Pause in Fighting

By VOA News December 20, 2023

Hamas said its top leader Ismail Haniyeh is in Cairo Wednesday to discuss the war in Gaza with Egyptian officials.

Egypt has previously played a role in mediating between Hamas and Israel, including a temporary, week-long cease-fire in late November that included the militant group releasing more than 100 hostages.

Negotiations have taken place regarding a new pause in fighting that would involve Hamas releasing more hostages, but the warring sides have not agreed to a deal.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog told a gathering of international diplomats Tuesday that Israel is prepared to enter into a further humanitarian pause in return for the release of its hostages. He also said Israel is not fighting the Palestinian people, only Hamas.

Fighting continued Wednesday in Gaza, with the Israeli military saying it had attacked more than 300 targets during the past day.

Wednesday also brought another planned vote in the U.N. Security Council on a resolution calling for a pause in fighting to facilitate scaled-up aid deliveries to Gazans in dire need of food, water and medicine.

The vote had been expected Monday but has been pushed back twice amid negotiations about the text as its drafter, the United Arab Emirates, sought support for the resolution.

The draft resolution in its current form seen by VOA "demands" that the parties to the conflict "allow, facilitate and enable the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip" by the most direct routes. It also "calls for the urgent suspension of hostilities" to allow safe and unhindered aid access.

The text also authorizes a U.N. monitoring mechanism to confirm the humanitarian nature of aid shipments into Gaza through multiple entry points.

An attempt to adopt a resolution in the council on Dec. 8 calling for a humanitarian cease-fire failed due to the United States using its veto.

As the vote was pushed from Tuesday morning to early afternoon, U.S. Deputy U.N. Ambassador Bob Wood told reporters, "We are still working on it."

The vote was then delayed until Wednesday.

UAE envoy Lana Nusseibeh said to reporters, "Ultimately, the endpoint is a cease-fire, but as you know, that was not adopted recently. So, we have to move to the space that allows humanitarian workers to work safely and at scale."

"Calls for a cease-fire on human rights and humanitarian grounds are getting louder by the day and must be heeded," Volker Turk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights, told reporters Tuesday in Geneva.

Israel vowed to destroy Hamas, which governs Gaza, after Hamas fighters crossed into southern Israel on Oct. 7. Israel said 1,200 people were killed and some 240 captives taken in the terror attack. More than 100 of the hostages remain in Gaza.

The Israeli response has killed more than 19,600 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Israel says 132 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, says the conflict has forced an estimated 85% of Gaza's population from their homes, with many of them trying to find a safe place to stay at U.N. shelters in southern Gaza that are several times over their intended capacity.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters

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UN Calls for More, Direct Engagement With Taliban

By Akmal Dawi December 20, 2023

A top United Nations official has called for more frequent and direct engagements with de facto Taliban authorities both inside and outside Afghanistan to address the country's challenging relations with the international community.

Addressing members of the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday, Roza Otunbayeva, the secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, said engagement does not equate to legitimizing Taliban rule.

"It can be used to express disapproval yet encourage change," said Otunbayeva, adding that the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has had "successful interactions" with Taliban authorities on several issues, including counternarcotics and human rights.

Otunbayeva's plea for increased engagement comes just days after a U.N. credentialing committee rejected for a third consecutive year the Taliban's attempt to secure Afghanistan's U.N. seat.

Despite having governed Afghanistan for over two years, the Taliban regime remains unrecognized by any country, and several of its key leaders, including the foreign minister, are subject to travel sanctions.

The Taliban's limitations on women's education and employment, coupled with their reluctance to establish an inclusive government, are highlighted as key factors contributing to the regime's isolation.

Otunbayeva also urged Taliban leaders to change their discriminatory policies and adhere to the international treaties and conventions that Afghanistan has signed.

To help Afghanistan return to the international arena, Otunbayeva said, compromises will be required from all sides.

Robert Wood, a U.S. representative to the U.N., urged Security Council members "to work together to press the Taliban to reverse their destructive course."

"The Taliban must engage in serious dialogue with the Afghan people to support their aspirations, to put an end to human rights abuses, and to allow assistance to reach those in need," Wood said.

Special envoy

In April, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu to conduct an independent assessment and recommend how the Security Council should engage with the Taliban.

Among the recommendations Sinirlioglu made in a report submitted last month was the appointment of a special envoy to lead international diplomacy with the Taliban. The Taliban, however, opposed such an appointment.

"The de facto foreign minister explained that the long history of U.N. special envoys in Afghanistan was not positive," Otunbayeva said.

In 2001, the Taliban were excluded from a U.N.-led intra-Afghan conference in Germany, which laid the groundwork for the post-Taliban Afghan government. An earlier U.N. plan for transitional arrangements in Afghanistan in 1992, led by U.N. special envoy Benon Sevan, did not succeed, leading to factional fighting across much of the country.

Wood voiced support for the appointment of a special envoy for Afghanistan, describing the move as "important for the development of a road map that ensures Afghanistan meets its international obligations."

Addressing the Security Council meeting on Wednesday, the Chinese representative, Geng Shuang, stressed that the Taliban must shape the current political reality in Afghanistan.

"When engaging with the Afghan authorities, the international community needs to demonstrate good faith, set no preconditions, communicate with the Afghan Taliban in ways easily acceptable to it, and strive for its understanding and cooperation," Geng said.

China and Russia, two of the five permanent members of the Security Council, have maintained diplomatic and trade relations with the Taliban. Chinese companies have also entered into oil and mineral mining contracts with the de facto government.

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US Dismisses as 'Farce' Claims of Abandoning Arms in Afghanistan

By Ayaz Gul December 20, 2023

The United States has again denied leaving any weapons in Afghanistan during the American military's withdrawal from the country in August 2021, dismissing such allegations as "farce."

John Kirby, U.S. National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, made the comments Tuesday just days after Pakistan urged the United Nations to investigate how Afghan-based militants are acquiring "sophisticated weapons" to carry out terrorist attacks in the country.

"This is a fallacy, this is a farce. What we did, over the course of our 20 years in Afghanistan, of course, with congressional approval and consultations, was arm and help equip the Afghan national security forces," Kirby told a White House news conference.

He explained that in the face of advances by the Taliban insurgency during the U.S. troop withdrawal, many Afghan forces had decided not to fight and lay down their arms.

"The 'arms' that you're talking about, and again, I can't verify these particular reports, belonged to the Afghan national security forces," Kirby said.

"That's what was left behind. Not that the United States just walked away and abandoned a bunch of weapons in a pile in Afghanistan. That's simply not historically accurate."

Pakistani authorities maintain militants linked to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, have intensified cross-border attacks from Afghan sanctuaries since the foreign troops withdrew and the Taliban seized power in the neighboring country two years ago.

The TTP and other militant groups have for years carried out bombings and other terrorist raids in Pakistan, but officials say militants are increasingly launching lethal attacks against security forces using U.S.-made modern weaponry.

Usman Jadoon, Pakistan's deputy permanent representative to the U.N., raised the issue last week during a Security Council open debate on addressing the threat posed by diversion, illicit trafficking, and misuse of small arms and light weapons to peace and security.

Jadoon demanded "an investigation into how the TTP acquired the sophisticated weapons" being used against his country.

Local media quoted him as telling the meeting that "terrorists and criminals do not manufacture these advanced arms; instead, they acquire them from illicit markets or entities with intentions to destabilize specific regions or countries."

Jadoon did not name the U.S., but Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar told foreign media journalists in September that military equipment left behind during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan had "greatly enhanced the fighting capacity" of TTP and other anti-state groups.

"We are not accusing the U.S. of anything that we would need to share evidence (for)," Kakar said when asked if Pakistan had presented evidence to Washington that its military equipment was now being used against Pakistan.

However, Kakar called for a "coordinated approach" to tackle the challenge of the leftover equipment.

The U.S. military built and trained tens of thousands of Afghan security forces at the cost of more than $80 billion during its two-decade-long presence in the country.

More than $7.1 billion in U.S.-funded military equipment was in the inventory of the former Afghan government when it collapsed in the face of insurgent Taliban nationwide attacks amid the foreign troop exit, the U.S. Defense Department estimated in a report released last year.

Taliban authorities have repeatedly rejected allegations that weapons have fallen into the hands of militants, saying "equipment and vehicles are stored and saved in depots, and no one is allowed to smuggle or sell even a single weapon.

Critics question those claims, saying TTP is a known close ally of the de facto Afghan rulers and fought with them against the U.S.-led international forces for years. The U.S. and the U.N. have listed TTP as a global terrorist organization.

Last July, the Geneva-based independent Small Arms Survey published a report warning that the groups allied with the Afghan Taliban, including TTP, continue to gain access to weapons of U.S.-trained and -equipped former Afghan security forces.

The report noted, citing field research, that "cross-border trafficking is continuing, and that Afghan-sourced arms are both available in Pakistani markets and fueling TTP violence against the Pakistani state."

Pakistan says nearly 2,500 security forces and civilians have died in militant attacks across the country in the last two years. That toll includes last week's assault on a military base in a northwestern district that killed 23 soldiers, making it the deadliest attack in Pakistan's recent history.

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Biden Administration Makes High-Stakes Prisoner Swap With Venezuela

By Robin Guess December 20, 2023

The United States has secured the freedom of 10 Americans from Venezuelan prisons in exchange for the release of a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said late Wednesday that the six Americans who were classified as wrongfully detained had safely arrived back in the United States.

That group included Joseph Cristella, Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, Edgar Jose Marval Moreno, Jason Saad and Savoi Wright.

A senior Biden administration said earlier that the other Americans who were confirmed released and on their way home were not being named at this time "out of consideration for their privacy."

"These individuals have lost far too much precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered every day in their absence. I am grateful that their ordeal is finally over, and that these families are being made whole once more," President Joe Biden said in a statement.

The high-stakes swap means clemency and freedom for Alex Saab, a Colombian national and close ally of Maduro, who was indicted by the U.S. Justice Department on eight counts of money laundering in 2019.

"This is a culmination of extraordinary efforts and perseverance across the U.S. government for many, many months to bring these 10 Americans home," a White House official said during a background briefing Wednesday.

As part of the deal, a fugitive named Leonard Francis, known as "Fat Leonard," who fled the United States before he could be sentenced for his lead role in a bribery and corruption case, is being extradited from Venezuela, Biden said.

Saab, 51, was arrested in 2020 when his private plane stopped for refueling in Cape Verde en route from Venezuela to Iran. He was extradited to the U.S. the following year.

He had been indicted in the U.S. in a bribery and low-income housing scheme that siphoned off $350 million from Venezuela and funneled it into banks in Miami, Florida, from 2011 to 2015. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Saab was among three individuals targeted by the Treasury Department in 2019 for allegedly enabling Maduro "and his illegitimate regime to corruptly profit from imports of food aid and distribution in Venezuela."

He had been in custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons in Miami.

As part of the prisoner swap, representatives of Maduro's government have also agreed to release 20 Venezuelan political prisoners. Best known among them is Roberto Abdul, president of civil association Sumate, who was arrested by Venezuela's intelligence service earlier this month. Abdul is a part of the Maduro opposition in Venezuela.

Maduro also agreed to work toward free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential election, something Biden commented on in response to a question on Wednesday.

"Looks good, and it looks like Maduro, so far, is keeping his commitment on a free election. But it ain't done yet. Got a long way to go, but it's good so far," Biden said.

The exchange does not change the outstanding U.S. indictment and charges of drug trafficking against Maduro and the $15 million reward from the State Department for help bringing him into custody.

In March 2020, the Justice Department indicted Maduro and 14 co-conspirators for allegedly running a 20-year-long narco-terrorism and cocaine dealing campaign against the U.S. That indictment claims that Maduro has looted billions of dollars from Venezuela and concealed it in South Florida banks.

The United States has limited economic engagement with Venezuela, according to the State Department, because of extensive U.S. sanctions imposed upon the Maduro government for "its extensive corruption, economic mismanagement, and violation of international norms."

In October, however, the Treasury Department eased some key sanctions against Venezuela, allowing it to make financial transactions in oil, gas, gold and limited Venezuelan sovereign bonds. That agreement also allows some transactions in these sectors for previously blocked Venezuelan banks.

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Cambodia Tries to Reassure Vietnam That Proposed Canal Won't Affect Mekong River

By Lors Liblib December 20, 2023

Cambodia is seeking to play down concerns from Vietnam about a Chinese-funded canal project that would connect the Gulf of Thailand with inland tributaries of the Mekong River.

Jean-Francois Tain, a foreign affairs aide to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, said the premier reassured Hanoi about the planned project during an official visit December 11-12. Vietnam had raised concerns that the project would affect its use of the flow of water downstream.

Hun Manet told the Vietnamese that "the project will not incur any negative impacts on the flow of the Mekong or other rivers while maintaining a stable environment, ecology and natural habitat for biodiversity," Tain told reporters on December 13. "Cambodia has presented the results of a number of studies showing that there are no environmental impacts."

VOA asked the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh for comment on the project but did not receive a response.

Cambodia's government approved the 180-kilometer-long Funan Techo Canal project in May. The $1.7 billion project, which is part of the Chinese government's Belt and Road Initiative, would connect the coastal province of Kep with Kandal and Takeo provinces inland.

The canal is designed to be 100 meters wide upstream and 80 meters wide downstream and have a consistent depth of 5.4 meters. It is the latest infrastructure project financed by China after the $2 billion Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway and the $1.3 billion Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway.

Cambodia's total foreign debt stands at almost $10 billion, 41% of which is owed to China, according to Cambodia's Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The planned canal would reduce the transit time between ports in Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh and improve the livelihoods of more than 1.6 million people living along the route, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Chea Chandara, president of the Logistics and Supply Chain Business Association in Cambodia, told The Phnom Penh Post that once completed, the canal "will be an important part of enhancing our ability to export Cambodian goods. Waterway shipping is usually cheaper than land and air transport, and the amount of goods transported by waterway is also large and does not cause damage to roads or traffic congestion."

While Cambodia signed regional cooperation agreements on Mekong management with Vietnam, Laos and Thailand in 1995, Cambodian officials have argued that the Funan Techo project is exempt because it connects to Mekong tributaries only within Cambodia, and it requires only that the other countries be informed.

"In the case whereby we use the tributaries in our country, we do not have to ask for permission from the other three countries. We will just need to inform them," Sun Chanthol, former minister of public works and transport, said in June.

VOA asked the embassies of Thailand and Laos in Cambodia for comment but received no replies. So Sophort, secretary-general of the Cambodia National Mekong Committee, did not respond to a request for comment.

Phan Rim, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said a two-phase environmental impact study was completed  the first part conducted by the ministry and the second by a water transportation consultant.

"According to the details of the study, the project will not cause any negative impacts on water flow, environment, ecology or saltwater intrusion in the country nor cause any transboundary impacts to neighboring countries," he told VOA Khmer on Telegram.

Phan Rim added the waterway "will help balance environmental sustainability" and create additional habitat for fish and other water life. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024, he said.

Kandal Provincial Governor Kong Sophorn told VOA Khmer on Monday that the project is still in the evaluation stage. The governors of Kep, Kampot and Takeo provinces did not respond to requests for comment on the canal that will traverse their jurisdictions.

Heng Kimhong, head of research and advocacy at the Cambodian Youth Network, told VOA Khmer that Cambodia should provide a transparent impact study to Vietnam and other regional stakeholders.

"Cambodia needs to reassure that there is a high possibility of preventing the flow of seawater into the freshwater tributaries in order to ensure that the freshwater ecology is not affected," he said.

Sun Narin contributed to this report.

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Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on Venezuela

December 20, 2023

Via Teleconference

10:06 A.M. EST

MODERATOR: Good morning. Thank you for joining on such short notice. This call is going to be held under an embargo. That embargo will be when we notify you that the Americans in question have been transferred to the U.S. government.

This call is on background, attributable to senior administration officials.

For your all's awareness but not for reporting, joining us on today's call is [senior administration official], [senior administration official], and [senior administration official].

Before we get started, I want to heavily caveat this  that events are still underway today, and things on the ground may change yet here. We're going to keep you all apprised as that happens. But for the moment, everything that we're speaking to is speculative, and that will be reflected in our speakers' remarks today.

So, with that, I'll hand it over to [senior administration official] to speak a little bit to the agreement that we've reached.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Great, thanks. Thanks, everybody, for joining today on such short notice. I wanted to share the good news with everybody that we have reached an agreement to secure the release of six Americans who have been wrongfully detained in Venezuela, which means that all of the Americans wrongfully detained in Venezuela, as well as four other Americans, will soon be released. And we expect that they will be very soon on their way home to their families and friends and hope to be very soon in a position to share the news with their families.

This is the result of many, many months of negotiations, regular consultations with the President, an extensive amount of work involving our senior leadership involving Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer, and has culminated in what we think is a very positive outcome.

As part of this arrangement, Leonard Francis, who is also known as "Fat Leonard," will be extradited from Venezuela [arrested and returned to the United States] and will be on a plane, hopefully very soon, on his way back to a federal detention facility.

For those of you who are not familiar with Leonard Francis's case, he oversaw one of the most brazen bribery conspiracies in the U.S. Navy's history from 2004 until his arrest until 2013. It was a long-running conspiracy to bribe U.S. Navy officials and employees and other federal employees who were public officials.

Francis pled guilty. As part of his guilty plea, he admitted that he required his Navy contacts to use their influence to benefit his company by steering contracts to it, by scheduling and directing Navy ships to various ports favored by the company, and by advocating for and advancing the company's interests with the Navy with respect to the ships' husbandry issues, and also admitted that he bribed "scores" of U.S. Navy officials with tens of millions of dollars in fraud and millions of dollars in bribes and gifts, including cash, prostitutes, and luxury travel, things like Cuban cigars, Kobe beef, and Spanish suckling pig.

While he was pending sentencing on house arrest, he cut off his ankle tracking bracelet and fled to Venezuela, where he was arrested and has been detained as he was about to board a plane to Florida. And his return to the United States will now assure that he is held fully accountable for his crimes as well as for his attempts to escape from justice.

As I said, this is the culmination of extraordinary efforts and perseverance across the U.S. government for many, many months to bring these 10 Americans home on top of the 9 wrongfully detained Americans  detainees  Americans that were returned last year. Six of these Americans have been detained  designated as wrongfully detained. They will be provided health care and a range of support upon return to the United States.

And as I said, this is part of our President, President Biden's strong prioritization of the safe return of all Americans been held hostage  held hostage and wrongfully detained abroad.

This administration is proud to have brought home American hostages and wrongfully  wrongful detainees from Afghanistan, Burma, Haiti, Russia, Venezuela, West Africa, and other parts of the world.

And we have worked diligently through various complications and continue to make this a high priority for the Americans who do remain detained in the other places in the world, including the hostages in Gaza.

In order to make this exchange, the President had to make the extremely difficult decision to offer something that the Venezuelan counterparts have actively sought, and he made the decision to grant clemency to Alex Saab, who is pending trial for money laundering, and allow his return to Venezuela in what was essentially an exchange of 10 Americans and a fugitive from justice for one person returned to Venezuela.

The consequences of this difficult decision will be to reunite parents with their children and grandchildren; children with their parents, family, and friends; and to ensure that one of the most notorious fugitives from justice, Fat Leonard, is returned and held to account for his crimes.

I am going to turn this over to [senior administration official] now, who will talk a little bit more about how this also fits in with a broader set of efforts to encourage Venezuela to hold competitive elections and to push for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Great. Thank you. I want to  in addition to what my colleague said, I wanted to also highlight that as a part of the actions that are going to take place today 

Actually, first, let me start by just, I think, kind of just underscoring that, I think as our moderator did, that this process remains extremely complex, fragile, and could still hit unanticipated hurdles.

I wanted to note that in addition to the wrongfully detained Americans, the representatives of Nicolas Maduro have also agreed to release 20 Venezuelan prisoners as well as the release of Roberto Abdul from Sumate, and then three individuals that  Venezuelan individuals that had arrest warrants issued for them. Those will  they will be actually released this morning.

As the previous speaker mentioned, the outcomes of today are the result of several months of negotiations, active internal deliberations, and regular consultation with the President, who's been apprised of every step of this process since the direct negotiations with representatives from Venezuela started in May.

I think all the decisions, as we said, really would only have been possible thanks to the President's commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Americans.

I also wanted to note specifically that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan oversaw the negotiations; from the beginning of the administration has made clear that the United States would calibrate sanctions on Venezuela on the basis of concrete outcomes from the negotiations.

Since May, Jake and the Secretary of State, as well, have made  have held regular strategy meetings on Venezuela and personally engaged with partners in the region, with Europe, and the Middle East, in support of elections in Venezuela and the liberation of Americans.

Specifically also, in the run-up to the Essequibo referendum on November [December] 3rd and the days following, Jake Sullivan engaged with President Irfaan Ali of Guyana and had numerous calls with Brazilian National Security Advisor Celso Amorim and other regional counterparts in order to avoid or discourage military confrontation between Venezuela and Guyana, to underscore the need for diplomacy and dialogue to address those border tensions.

Similarly, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer's visit to Bogota in April for a meeting hosted  of the international community on Venezuela, that was hosted by Colombia, laid the groundwork for the direct negotiations between the United States and representatives of Nicolas Maduro by laying out the U.S. policy toward Venezuela and successfully expanding the international consensus in favor of competitive and inclusive elections. Since 2021, Jon has chaired active deputy discussions on Venezuela and provided instructions in real-time to the U.S. negotiating team.

Now, how does this fit in the context of our overall U.S. policy toward Venezuela? I think it's key here to underscore that even though there have been a bump in the road, pursuing an approach where we are engaging directly with representatives of Nicolas Maduro but also engaging actively in consulting with members of the Venezuelan opposition, the Unitary Platform, and including presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado, as well as our active engagement with Congress, has really been what has allowed us to make breakthroughs not just in the signing of the Barbados agreement in October, but the release of Americans, the continued release of Venezuelan prisoners.

And it is something that demonstrates the results of dialogue, and it opens the doors for us to continue to engage in dialogue so that when Venezuela holds elections next year, that they're competitive and inclusive and that it will allow Venezuelans to really determine the future of their country.

I think this established, I think, a solid foundation for us to build upon and to continue the dialogue in the months ahead.

I will leave it there and turn it over to my other colleague. Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks very much. The events of today really reflect the President and Secretary Blinken's unwavering commitment to secure the release of wrongfully detained Americans around the world and to seek a path forward for a better, more democratic future for the people of Venezuela.

Secretary Blinken has focused our efforts on close coordination with the Unitary Platform of Venezuela, with democratic forces within Venezuela, as well as leveraging our relationships around the world to make sure that we're in the best position to achieve those goals. We've leveraged facilitation by Qatar, as well as other partners, to reach this point that we've arrived at today.

I would just agree that this remains a fragile moment. We believe that all of the pieces are moving in the right direction at this moment, but literally pieces are in movement right now.

We hope that if we are able to successfully complete the actions hoped for today, then we will be well placed to see a more democratic path in Venezuela.

There remains much work to be done and much coordination with all forces within Venezuela to achieve competitive elections in 2024. Like, giving the Venezuelan people the possibility of a more prosperous, democratic, stable nation is important for the wellbeing of our region, and it's something that we're focused on.

But again, today, we are very, very happy and proud that months of long work are coming to fruition to allow Americans to be reunited with their families, as well as Venezuelan prisoners to be reunited with their friends and families in Venezuela.

And I'll just leave it there. Thank you.

MODERATOR: And with that, we'll open it up to questions. We're going to go to Jorge with the VOA first.

Q Hi, good morning. Thank you so much for this. I have a question just for clarification. How many Americans and how many Venezuelans are going to be released in total? And if I may have the question that I didn't have.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: As a result of this deal,

there will be 10 Americans coming home today, assuming, you know, as one said, that this is  this is still in process  but assuming that things go as we're hoping, there'll be 10 Americans coming home today, along with Fat Leonard. And the Venezuelans will be releasing 20 political prisoners, and they will also be releasing Mr. Abdul as well, who's been detained for the past 

Q Perfect. So, my question is: How do you explain that Alex will be released if he has not even been convicted yet? Does the administration fear that you're sending a signal that the White House is giving orders to the DOJ?

And second, did Maduro agree to let Maria Corina Machado run in the elections? That was part of the negotiations?

Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'll take the first question. So, to be clear, the White House does not interfere with the Department of Justice investigations. This was an exercise of the President's authority to grant clemency. And as I said earlier, the President made what was a difficult choice, but the right choice, to grant clemency for Mr. Saab in exchange for the release of 10 Americans, 6 of whom have been wrongfully detained, and also to get the return of Fat Leonard, who is a fugitive from justice, so that he can be held accountable for his heinous activities.

MODERATOR: Next, we're going to go Louise Radnofsky with the Wall Street Journal.

Q Recognizing the embargo on this call, could you clarify for us who these six wrongfully detained Americans are and the names of the other four who are also being released today, please?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Hey, Louise. I'm going to take that one. We're not going to clarify just yet the names of the six. We want to make sure that our family notifications are underway before we do clarify with a group this large. I just don't want there to be a scenario in which the first word that they hear about this is from a reporter.

So, respectfully, we'll follow up a little later this morning with that information.

Q Understood.

MODERATOR: Next, we'll go to Trevor Honeycutt with Reuters.

Q Hey, good morning. Thanks for doing the call, and thanks for taking the question. Could you talk, first of all, a little bit about why the President decided to reverse his original thinking around Alex Saab, that case?

And then, could you also talk a little bit more in detail about the role that Qatar played here? Did they broker this deal? How would you frame that? Thanks.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: So I don't  so I'm not sure that it's  so, as I said, the President  there's been no reversal of decisions here. The President made a decision based on what's been presented to him after months of discussions at the highest levels with meaningful engagements, ongoing engagement by Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer in consultation with the President, and made the decision to do what is concededly a difficult decision but is resulting in the release, as I said, of 10 Americans  6 wrongfully detained  and the return of a wanted fugitive from justice for one of the most brazen corruption scandals  cases involving the U.S. military in our history. And the President made the decision that this was the right thing to do.

Q And on Qatar?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Qatar has been an important partner for the United States across a whole host of streams, as you've undoubtedly seen.

But I would say, with regard to the process in Venezuela, for months they facilitated conversations between Maduro authorities and U.S. officials, aimed at clearing a path toward a competitive election in 2024 and the return of wrongfully detained Americans. They have continued to offer their good offices when called upon, and we're quite grateful for those efforts.

MODERATOR: Next, we're going to go to Jennifer Jacobs with Bloomberg.

Q Thanks. So, can you clarify  you said that the U.S. is releasing Alex Saab. Are there other Venezuelans being released as well?

And also, I had another question about sanctions relief. Can you talk a little bit about what the next steps are on sanctions relief? Are you considering specifically individual sanctions relief or any changes in the rewards program?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah, so I'll take this. So, on the Venezuelan side, the commitment had been for Venezuela to release 20 prisoners. They're also releasing Roberto Abdul, who is a  was a member of Sumate, and also was somebody who was involved in the running of the opposition primary on October 22nd.

There also  there were three arrest warrants that were issued for three Venezuelans. Those are going to be suspended. So, in total, we're talking about 24 Venezuelans that are going to be a part of this.

And I would underscore that  to give you some insights  you know, in addition to the commitment to the release of wrongfully detained Americans, the President's National Security Advisor insisted that the release of the 20 Venezuelan prisoners and that the release of Abdul and the suspension of the arrest warrants take place to ensure that Venezuela was back in alignment with the Barbados agreement.

So I think, all in, you're talking about over 30 people that are actually  they're going to be home with their families, or back in the United States, or are going to be out of prison.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: And just to be clear, I just want to make sure that there's total clarity that the only person that the United States is releasing is Alex Saab. The release of the Venezuelans is  are Venezuelan releases of Venezuelans in Venezuelan custody.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: That's correct.

And in terms of sanctions relief, I want to underscore that at no point have we talked about sanctions relief or oil and gas relief in exchange for wrongfully detained Americans. It has not  never been a part of the discussion.

When we've looked at sanctions relief, it has been in the context of the negotiations that are ongoing with members of the Unitary Platform and representatives of Nicolas Maduro. We will return to those conversations after this.

Right now, what we're thinking about is, you know, Maria Corina Machado was able to present her appeal to the supreme tribunal for consideration. You know, our expectation is that that decision will be done promptly. And, you know, we're going to be looking at  in coordination with the Unitary Platform.

As the talks continue, we will continue to consider sanctions relief. As I mentioned, we've been very clear that the U.S. will calibrate our sanctions on the basis of concrete outcomes between Venezuelan parties. And our policy consistently has been to support a negotiated outcome that leads to competitive and inclusive elections. And that is the course that  that is the U.S. policy, and that's the course that we will continue.

Thanks.

MODERATOR: Next, we'll go to Margaret Brennan with CBS.

Q Hi there. Thanks. So just to clarify, sanctions remain suspended, the ones that were waived earlier this fall?

And then, is Nicolas Maduro still facing charges in the United States? I know the Trump administration had rolled out charges back in 2020. What's the status of that?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Nicolas Maduro is still facing pending charges in the United States. That remains in place.

And the sanctions relief has not shifted. As one said earlier, there was relief provided in response to the agreement that was announced between the Maduro regime and the opposition parties, and those  that relief remains in place. And we (inaudible) consistent with continued progress towards competitive elections.

MODERATOR: And our last question is going to go to Eric Tucker with the AP.

Q Thank you so much for doing this. I really appreciate it. I have what I hope are just two quick questions. One is, if I recall correctly after a prior prisoner (inaudible), there were a series of subsequent detentions and arrests of Americans (inaudible) in Venezuela. So I'm wondering, this time around, what steps the U.S. can take to ensure that this does not incentivize future hostage taking.

And lastly, the 20 Venezuelans who are being released, just wanted to clarify whether that's a new commitment or the one that was made two months ago as part of the Barbados agreement. Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: So we have  as part of the discussions, the administration has made abundantly clear the expectation that additional Americans are not detained, and has secured commitments along those lines. Obviously, we need to see how things play out in practice. We continue to warn Americans not to travel to Venezuela. And we obviously will take appropriate actions if Venezuelans fail to abide by their commitment not to detain further Americans and  are committed to protect against the (inaudible)  (audio drops).

MODERATOR: Folks, [senior administration official] is

traveling on Air Force One right now, so I think we may be losing her.

[Senior administration official], do you want to address the second part of that question?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Sure. Can you repeat that?

Q Oh, sure. I was just not sure whether the 20 prisoners are a new commitment or part of the Barbados agreement.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah, so this is part of the agreement that was made between the Unitary Platform and representatives of Nicolas Maduro and going into the October signing of the Barbados agreement. So this brings us back in line with Barbados.

But also, I think there's  as a part of ongoing conversations, they obviously are looking for the release of all of the Venezuelan prisoners currently in custody, underscoring the importance that competitive, inclusive elections really are not possible if there is fear of arbitrary detention.

But again, these are going to be parts of the ongoing conversations between the Venezuelan authorities, and our approach is going to be to be supportive of concrete outcomes in those talks.

MODERATOR: All right, that concludes our call, just in the nick of time for a potential gaggle here to start on the plane. We'll let you all go.

Thank you all, and we'll be back in touch about the embargo lift time.

10:34 A.M. EST

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Foreign Affairs Secretary Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Talk on PH-China Relations

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

21 December 2023 -- Enrique A. Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation yesterday.

Secretary Manalo said that "we had a frank and candid exchange and ended our call with a clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues. We both noted the importance of dialogue in addressing these issues."

The phone call follows the meeting between President Marcos and President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of APEC Economic Leaders Summit in San Francisco. END



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Operation Iron Swords - Day 75 - 20 December 2023

Today, greed and fear are the ascendent emotions: October 7 revived something last felt in Israel in 1973 -- fears that its neighbours and enemies could do away with the Jewish nation altogether, said political scientist Tamar Hermann. Alastair Crooke, Director of Conflicts Forum; Former Senior British Diplomat, noted "When the sense of the people is that they face a threat to the very existence of Israel, mixed with fear comes greed; inevitably population removal and appropriation of land becomes one option touted.

" Israel -- from their perspective  has already tried their version of a 'two-state solution' -- effectively it was an apartheid structure. Today there are 7.3 million Palestinians and 7.3 million Jews living in 'Greater Israel', and the Palestinian birth rate is the higher. One-state; two-states -- this calculus, for Israelis, has run its course; its prognostication seen as 'bad'.

"The Oslo pillars on which it was assumed the Palestinian state would be built have reversed direction: The first pillar was always demography -- the assumption was that demography would push Israel to 'give' Palestinians their separate 'state' side-by-side with Israel. Well, October 7 stopped that. Structural containment, military enforcement and deterrence failed, and demography now pushes in precisely the opposite direction -- to clearing the land of all 'hostile populations'.

"The second pillar was that the Palestinians would co-operate on security issues to reassure Israel by policing their own people; and the third was that Israel -- and Israel alone -- would decide when it had received enough security assurance to 'give' the Palestinians their state. Well, that notion 'blew up' in Gaza, in the West Bank and in the North, too. Israelis now fear what resides on the other side of their fences and walls. What if Israel concludes that its only course is massive ethnic cleansing as their macro 'solution'?

"The West Bank, Gaza and Palestinian Jerusalem were conquered. So was the Western Wall. And it is from the Western Wall of Temple Mount, metaphorically speaking, that the demon of eschatology arose. The most devouring of demons. It spawned the settlement enterprise, the Jewish underground, the Haredi ultranationalists -- and the Temple Mount Movement. And a second Nakba (violent ethnic cleansing) now hangs over everything."

David Ignatius records in the Washington Post his visit to the West Bank and how he saw that "Peace Will Require Confrontation With Israel": [His visit] was a reality check about what's possible 'the day after' the Gaza war ends. President Biden and other world leaders speak hopefully about creating a Palestinian state once Hamas is defeated (sic). I'd love to see that happen, too. But people need to get real about it A Palestinian State may seem soothing to hear, but is a version of magical thinking. Standing in the way are the Israeli settlements and outposts laid across the hilltops of the West Bank, their high fences and concrete walls symbolizing their apparent immovability.

"The settlements were put there to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state", Ignatius is frankly told -- and apparently he 'gets it'. It would require confrontation 'to unblock it'. This is so  the settlements have been a block to stop any Palestinian state from emerging. Precisely so. Many years ago, when I was seconded as 'link' between President Arafat and the Israeli government, I received an unexpected invitation: I was asked to tour the most radical West Bank settlements as a 'guest of Ariel Sharon', the then-PM.

"I was taken by one of the Prime Minister's closest friends on 'my' settlement tour. The latter said to the settler leaders -- on each occasion and very explicitly -- to treat me as Sharon's personal guest. They were to speak openly, and to hold nothing back in terms of feelings and opinions. That, they did not. Out it all poured; 'radical' would be to understate matters. They were 'crazy'; fanatics in fact. The neighbouring Palestinian villages, towards whom a pure stream of contempt and hatred was evinced, were in their sights; it was to be a matter of time until they would be swept away and their land appropriated.

"On return to Jerusalem [Al-Quds], my guide looked at me sternly, and said simply, "Do you understand? Do you understand why you were sent on this mission?" "I do". No way will those zealots be removed. Even if it were attempted by the Israeli military, it would be a bloodbath, I replied. They have their claws sunk deep into the settlement earth. "Yes". That was all that was said.

And now, some decades later and in the softest of tones, Ignatius hints at the elephant in the room: "Peace [indeed] would require confrontation with Israel". "Biden's is the latest Administration to confront this reality," Ignatius concludes. But the 'practice' is the opposite: Biden supports and facilitates "Israel's" massacre in Gaza, even as he mutters platitudes that Israel should continue to bomb; but to bomb more carefully. Thus far, so good. But then, rather than address what 'confrontation' would mean, Ignatius veers off into: "Is there a happy ending to this story? Probably not", he muses  before adding 'soothingly' how he met so many brave Israelis and Palestinians working together towards peace ( . please!)

Operational Update

Israeli raids continued, targeting the vicinity of the European Hospital east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah, and a mosque in its vicinity, causing dozens of martyrs and injuries. The occupation forces also bombed areas in Jabalia and Al-Shujaiya, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded.

During the last day, over 300 targets were attacked. The IDF forces operating in the territory of the Gaza Strip continue to conduct face-to-face battles with terrorists, to direct aircraft at armed squads and means of warfare, alongside air force and naval strikes, in the framework of which dozens of terrorists were eliminated and a number of terrorist infrastructures were destroyed in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli army Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says the military is beginning to fight Hamas in the Gaza City neighborhoods of Daraj and Tuffah, adjacent to Shejaiya, as it nears the end of the ground offensive in northern Gaza, with most of the terror group's battalions in the area dismantled.

The IDF forces have completed the takeover of Hamas' "Senior Quarter" in the center of Gaza City. From this space in the Palestine Square area, the governmental and military leadership of Hamas operated and was conducted. The complex includes a branching network of tunnels connecting hideout apartments, bureaus, offices and living apartments of the senior military wing and the politics of Hamas.

The commander of the Southern Command, Major General Yaron Finkelman, today (Wednesday), held an operational tour with the commander of the 98th Division, Brigadier General Dan Goldfuss, and the forces of the 98th Division in Khan Yunis. The general talked with the commanders and fighters about the continuation of the fighting:

His full words: "We are in another significant phase of an attack in new areas that we are currently operating there with intensity. Great intensity, many contacts with terrorists and this attack continues and will continue forward. It will continue both with pressure on the ground for the enemy and underground with our momentum moving forward all the time. You are doing an excellent job and we will continue and advance both here and in other areas that we have not yet maneuvered into with a powerful, strong maneuver and as I can see here and in other areas, the work you are doing is wonderful and wonderful, impressive leadership of the commanders, courage of the fighters, keep going, good luck!"

Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) - said that during the past 72 hours, Al-Qassam fighters were able to completely or partially destroy 41 military vehicles, and killed 25 Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip , in addition to wounding dozens of civilians. Israeli soldiers sustained varying injuries.

The Al-Qassam Phalange spokesman indicated that the Phalange fighters targeted the invading Israeli forces with missiles and explosive devices and engaged in combat from zero distance. They also targeted rescue teams, in addition to booby-trapping two tunnels and a house, blowing them up with occupation soldiers, and sniping one of the soldiers. Abu Ubaida continued, "Our mujahideen destroyed headquarters, field command rooms, and military concentrations with mortar shells and short-range missiles."

Al-Qassam Brigades said - in successive statements on Telegram - that its members clashed with an Israeli force in the Saraya area in Gaza City, and that they confirmed the killing of 4 soldiers and the injury of others. The Al-Qassam Brigades also announced that it targeted an Israeli force of 12 soldiers barricaded inside a building in the Al-Daraj neighborhood, northeast of Gaza City. Al-Qassam added that it targeted an Israeli Merkava tank with an Al-Yassin 105 shell in the Tal Al-Zaatar area in the northern Gaza Strip.

Before that, Al-Qassam announced that it had targeted 3 Israeli Merkava tanks with Al-Yassin 105 shells east of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Al-Qassam reported that its fighters targeted 8 Israeli vehicles in the Sabra and Tal al-Hawa areas in Gaza City. Al-Qassam also announced that it targeted two Israeli tanks and a troop carrier with a strobe device and Al-Yassin 10 shells, in the city of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. Al-Qassam Brigades reportd "Our mujahideen blew up the tunnel opening east of Khan Yunis as soon as Israeli forces advanced towards it, and its members were killed and wounded".

The Al-Quds Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement - said that it detonated a piercing device against an Israeli foot force and a military bulldozer east of the Shuja'iya neighborhood, killing and wounding its members. The Al-Quds Brigades said that its members were able to kill and wound 5 Israeli soldiers after clashing with them east of the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

Al Jazeera's military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, attributed the reason for the major Israeli escalation in the Gaza Strip during the past 24 hours to the occupation armys attempt to achieve several goals for future negotiations. Al-Duwairi explained that the Israeli army is trying to control the eastern strip of the Gaza Strip along a length of 42 kilometers in order to try to create a buffer zone ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 meters to be negotiated in the future.

He pointed out that a political path began with the arrival of the head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), Ismail Haniyeh, to the Egyptian capital, Cairo, noting that the occupation army is trying to use the cards it has to achieve field achievements in the hope of imposing conditions that will push the resistance to concessions.

Al-Duwairi expected an increase in the ferocity of the Israeli bombing, with the aim of flattening the land, as well as causing the greatest possible damage to the tunnels through concussion bombs, in addition to an escalation of operations in the southern region. He added that the occupation army is trying to expand its operations in Khan Yunis to the south, in addition to trying to impose a buffer zone along the Egyptian border with the Gaza Strip, noting that the Rafah area is considered a soft side that may help the occupation move from the northeast towards the city to create a new reality.

The military expert confirmed that the resistance is adopting a regional defense method, allowing the entry of Israeli vehicles, and then engaging in a zero-distance battle and operating from behind the lines, because entering into a confrontation with tanks is extremely costly. He pointed out that there is a large gap between the proposals of the resistance in Gaza and the Israeli-American talk, stressing that the resistance is demanding a very high ceiling, especially in light of the blood that has been spilled. It is not reasonable to have a ceasefire only, without there being a price and a political solution.

Al-Duwairi questioned the accuracy of the numbers announced by the occupation army about the number of dead and injured among its ranks, stressing that the number of vehicles targeted by the resistance confirms that the numbers are much larger, in addition to sniping operations, ambushes, and targeting of foot forces and those holed up in buildings.

In an operation to confiscate illegal vehicles in Kfar Zurif in the Etzion Brigade, the fighters confiscated about 40 vehicles. Also, in the village of Nelin in the Ephraim division, four wanted persons were arrested along with a gun, ammunition and military equipment that were confiscated. In addition, in an activity in Kfar Tamon in the Bekaa and Emekim Brigade, armed men shot and threw Molotov cocktails and explosives at the forces who responded by shooting, and an injury was detected.

The wanted persons who were arrested were transferred for further investigation by the security forces, there are no casualties to our forces. So far, since the beginning of the war, approximately 2,400 wanted persons have been arrested throughout the Judea and Samaria Division and the Bekaa and Valleys Division, approximately 1,200 of whom are associated with the terrorist organization Hamas.

The Lebanese Hezbollah military media announced that its fighters targeted two Israeli military helicopters in the airspace of Shtula, Shumira and Evan Menachem with surface-to-air missiles and forced them to leave the airspace immediately. The party said in a statement: In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their brave and honorable resistance, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance targeted at 05:15 pm on Wednesday 12/20/2023 two Israeli military helicopters.

The statement indicated that the missiles were launched in "the airspace of Shtoula , Shumira and Even Menachem (the occupied Lebanese village of Tarbikha), which forced them to leave the area's airspace immediately." Also earlier today, Hezbollah announced targeting Zionist sites on the border with Lebanon.

Fighter jets of the Air Force attacked an operational headquarters of Hezbollah in Lebanese territory. Following the alerts that were activated in the Golan Heights region, four launches from Syrian territory were detected that crossed into Israeli territory. IDF forces attacked the sources of the shooting as well as a military position of the Syrian army. In addition, the IDF forces identified a number of terrorists who approached the perimeter fence from Lebanese territory along the border in the Metula area. The force fired at them, hits were detected.

Fighter jets, helicopter gunships and aircraft of the air force recently attacked terrorist infrastructures, a military structure, launching positions, an operational headquarters and a weapons warehouse of Hezbollah in Lebanese territory. Also, since the morning hours, the IDF has carried out artillery fire and tank fire at a number of locations in Lebanese territory to remove a threat and attacked another terrorist infrastructure of Hezbollah. In addition, a number of launches from Lebanese territory towards the Goren and Manara areas have been detected.

The Russian newspaper "Nezavisimaya" reported that the Israeli government informed the Pentagon of its intention to establish a security zone in the border areas with Lebanon to prevent attacks by the Lebanese Hezbollah and the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) in Lebanon. In response, the administration of US President Joe Biden asked its ally to give time to diplomats, while its representatives fear the expansion of the scope of the conflict in Gaza.

A report for the newspaper prepared by writer Igor Subbotin stated that the Israeli government called for an American-brokered agreement with Lebanon that includes the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces to a distance of 10 kilometers to prevent militants from bombing Israeli positions along the border or repeating the scenario of the Hamas attack on the seventh of last October.

The newspaper said that during these weeks, Lebanese Hezbollah is trying to target the most sensitive sites of the Israeli army as an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people who are being subjected to harsh Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip. It added that Israel, for its part, also proposed applying the concept of a buffer zone to the territory of the Gaza Strip to prevent the recurrence of ground infiltration into its territory, and the Biden administration and the countries of the Arab world took note of this, but did not provide them with any details, which raised many doubts about the real goal of the initiative.

The writer stated that a study conducted by the Stratfor Center, which is close to the American intelligence services, rules out that Israel will complete an effective operation in Lebanon before the end of the operations in Gaza, and that even if Israel prefers to use secret or limited escalation and diplomatic pressure to establish stable relations with Hezbollah and Hamas on the northern border, and on Despite the major military provocations carried out by militants, the Israeli army is currently suffering from "exhaustion" with the continuation of major ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

Stratfor analysts believe that the Netanyahu government wants to avoid war in the region, as they say that while reaching a partial or informal diplomatic agreement is possible, Hezbollah is unlikely to withdraw from the southern border or pressure Hamas to prevent independent attacks on northern Israel. Which means that Israel will have to face more sporadic attacks.

The study added that Hezbollah may agree to establish indirect lines of communication with Israel to prevent a widespread conflict, and is likely to be open to finding a way to renegotiate the rules of engagement with Israel to prevent another war, but this dynamic will be unstable, and subject to additional pressures every time. A time when the Palestinians attack northern Israel. According to Stratfor, Israel's post-conflict plans in Gaza include military reoccupation of most of the Strip in 2024, which will constitute a source of inconvenience for Hezbollah, which presents itself as a defender of Palestinian interests.

The British newspaper "The Independent" said that the war in the Gaza Strip is not going well for Israel, despite its "overwhelming" superiority in conventional weapons, and what it considers a "just" cause. It stated in an editorial that the mistake made by the Israeli army in killing 3 prisoners is - from a tactical standpoint - the latest evidence that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus method of dealing with the war is counterproductive, namely undermining international support and pushing young people in Gaza towards extremism. And risking causing unrest in the Middle East.

It explained that the army's latest mistake, in which Israeli prisoners were killed, "while they were bare-chested and raising a white flag," is a "harsh" reminder that reveals the extent to which soldiers are eager to shoot. According to the editorial, Israel's failure so far to arrest senior leaders in the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), or to "deactivate" much of its infrastructure, is another indication of its inability, "as the tunnels that were discovered appeared empty."

Strategically, the war proved futile. The newspaper cited a statement by former British Defense Minister Ben Wallace, in which he pointed out that killing out of sheer rage in response to the atrocities that occurred on October 7 is now actually undermining Israels security. The newspaper said that it was fully aware that it was the "horrible mass murder" committed by Hamas that caused this reaction, but that a "great gesture" was needed to ensure that a new reaction would not be provoked and that "the poison would not seep out and infect everyone."

The editorial quotes Wallace as saying: We are entering a dangerous phase now. With its actions, Israel is weakening the original legal argument for self-defense. It is committing a mistake that loses its moral credibility as well as its legal justification. Commenting on the former British ministers statement, the newspaper confirms that Israels friends and allies in the West share the same view, noting that the pressures on Tel Aviv to end the war are becoming more fierce.

The Independent goes on to say in its editorial that unless the Israeli government shows extraordinary intransigence, change is coming in some form, and it may be a change in military tactics, rather than a cessation of them. The problem with a permanent ceasefire lies - in the newspapers opinion - in that it depends on the extent of the two parties commitment to it, and there has never been a guarantee that Hamas would be willing to suspend its war on Israel and its deadly tendency towards the Jewish people.

Perhaps, if Israel ends, in the current circumstances, its continuous bombing, use of heavy armor, and mass movements of its soldiers, Hamas may not benefit from the period of calm to avoid another massive brutal revenge. If Israeli forces continue to enter Gaza and launch limited raids on specific targets, Hamas will certainly respond, according to the editorial. The newspaper goes on to say that neither of the two possibilities means - in any sense - that Israel will win.

While international media reported that Israel was ready for a ceasefire for a period of up to two weeks in exchange for the release of many Israeli detainees, some military and political analysts believd that the developments and course of the war on Gaza were hostage to the political considerations of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

This comes as the Israeli security establishment, under pressure from the administration of US President Joe Biden , is preparing to develop an operational plan to change the nature of the fighting in Gaza, and define new features of the form of the war to avoid a clash with Washington, which insists on its supportive position for Israel, but demands a reduction in the intensity of the fighting and a reduction in raids. Intensive, heading for a truce and a new exchange deal.

Amid the military complications related to the third phase of the ground incursion towards Rafah , and the differing positions regarding the Israeli emergency government due to political considerations regarding the course and form of the war and the ground incursion, the families of Israeli detainees held by the Palestinian resistance escalated their protest steps, and demanded that the Netanyahu government put forward an initiative to liberate them.

Under the title, The security establishment is preparing to change the nature of the fighting in Gaza within about a month, but Netanyahu may have other plans..., the military analyst for the newspaper Haaretz, Amos Harel, wrote an article in which he reviewed the features of the Israeli armys plan to change the nature of the fighting in Gaza, In accordance with the recommendations of the US administration.

Harel said that a plan has begun to take shape regarding the form of the war on Gaza at the political level and in the Israeli security establishment. He says, "It is expected to move to the third phase during the next month, after the air phase and the maneuver phase."

The military analyst conveys that, according to the United States recommendation, the change in the method of fighting must include moving to establishing a buffer zone on the borders of the Gaza Strip , and perhaps also between the north of the Strip and the south, and withdrawing part of the incursive reserve forces that maintain slow and dangerous ground maneuvers, and the fighting will turn In the form of specific and specific attacks and operations.

Harel pointed out that the discussion in Israel regarding this plan revolves mainly around the issue of the best timing to work on changing the form of fighting and war, and positions vary regarding the date for this in the middle of next January or at the end of it.

But he says, There is one major obstacle to the transitional process in terms of the nature and features of the fighting and war, which is the political situation of Netanyahu, who fears the collapse of his government coalition under pressure from right-wing parties. His main concern - apparently - is to remain in power, and therefore he may choose to engage in an artificial conflict. With the Americans."

In a reading of the American position regarding the conduct and developments of the war on Gaza, political analyst Alon Pinks wrote an article in Haaretz, reviewing what he described as Bidens pressure game, saying that the American president supports Israel without reservation, and at the same time pushes it to reduce The intensity of the conflict.

Pinks reviewed a question directed to President Biden a few days ago in a private, limited event for supporters and donors to his election campaign, Are you aware of the fact that Netanyahu is trying to turn the tables and blame you, and is working on a conflict with you and the United States for his political considerations? Biden smiled and replied firmly, "I know."

The political analyst says, There are other things that raise suspicions between Biden and his political and security entourage about Netanyahu, which is that he is trying to drag the United States into a confrontation with Iran, by turning the Houthis in Yemen into evidence that this is not a war against Hamas alone, but rather a conflict between civilizations that he avoids. Biden, who is aware of Netanyahus intentions aimed at fueling a regional conflict in the Middle East.

Binks explained that the US President - for emotional and political reasons - is not interested in a public confrontation with Israel, so the analyst doubts the possibility of Biden in the coming weeks putting pressure on the Netanyahu government, or setting an ultimatum to stop the war.

Because of these considerations, the political analyst rules out the possibility that Biden will set strict demands in order to force Israel to make a change in the nature of the war and the form of fighting in Gaza, noting that the goal that Washington is focusing on is to bring about a rapid shift from a violent war to a less intense war, and not to stop it. The war is final.

Regarding the impact of the balance of political power and the parties positions on the course, developments and nature of the war on Gaza, Haaretz political and partisan affairs editor Ravit Hecht wrote an article summarizing that the ministers are certain that the majority of the public supports the war, but they will soon face disappointment with its results.

Hecht explained that the anger and shock that has accompanied the Israeli public since last October 7 is not enough to maintain popular support for a long and bloody battle. In reference to signs of a rift in popular support for the war, amid the refusal of the government coalition parties to change the nature of the fighting, and their insistence on continuing the war until the overthrow of Hamas rule.

The political and partisan affairs editor pointed out that "the war government is trying to broadcast messages as if it is moving forward with the fighting, against the backdrop of the continuing blood price that the war imposes on the Israeli army, as well as the intensification of the dispute between the kidnappers' camp and the Hamas extermination camp in Israeli society," as she described it.

She pointed out that the claims of the kidnappers camp boil down to placing the detainees file as the first target of the war, and working to liberate them within a comprehensive exchange deal, as this camp and its demands gain momentum in Israeli society at the expense of the counterproposal calling for the continuation of the war and military operations until the overthrow of Hamas rule, and this proposal is declining after it has been proven that undermining Hamas takes a long time, Hecht says.

About a week ago, the prominent leader of the Ansar Allah Houthi group , Yousef Al-Madani, told a local radio station that the force that took control of the Israeli ship Galaxy Leader and took it to the port of Al-Salif, western Yemen, had been trained for two years to carry out similar operations. Al-Madani leads the fifth military region that controls the western coast of Yemen, including the city of Hodeidah , which the Houthis were desperate to preserve, despite the advance of forces loyal to the Yemeni government supported by the coalition at the end of 2018, before the international community pressed to conclude negotiations that ended with the Stockholm Agreement between the two sides of the conflict in Yemen.

After 5 years of the agreement, the city of Hodeidah and the western coast turned into a source of danger to maritime navigation and ships linked to Israel following the Houthi attacks that came in response to the Israeli aggression on Gaza, as announced by the Houthi group. This new factor prompted 4 of the 5 largest container companies in the world, representing 53% of global container trade, to suspend its operations in the Red Sea.

In response, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the formation of a multinational force to protect trade in the Red Sea. Until this moment, the naval force of the new international coalition has not announced taking any action against the Houthis, while indications appear that its mission is to secure the routes of ships crossing the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the southern Red Sea. This will not go beyond launching an offensive operation for fear of expanding the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip .

Since the first operation on November 19 against ships linked to Israel, Houthi attacks have become a daily occurrence, and within two months the US Navy shot down 38 Houthi missiles and drones in the Red Sea. A senior military commander in the Yemeni government, who requested to remain anonymous, told Al Jazeera Net, "The Houthis took advantage of the Stockholm Agreement, which stipulated the cessation of air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition on the city of Hodeidah, to build huge workshops to remanufacture and install drones and long-range missiles."

The Stockholm Agreement is an agreement sponsored by the United Nations, and reached by the Houthis and the legitimate government in the Swedish capital, on December 13, 2018. The agreement stipulates the redeployment of forces in the coastal province of Hodeidah, the exchange of lists of prisoners and detainees (more than 15 thousand), and the lifting of the siege on the city. Taiz (southwest).

The military source explained that weapons and spare parts were arriving to the Houthis from Iran to the western coast in small boats following smuggling routes, and they appeared in Houthi military parades. Military expert Muhammad al-Kumaim told Al Jazeera Net, "Government forces warned the international community that the Stockholm Agreement allows the flow of Iranian weapons to the Houthis." Al-Kumaim added, "Today the Houthis reflect Iranian influence in the region clearly and frankly, especially after the Iranian Defense Minister's statement that the Red Sea is in their control."

Ali Al-Dhahab, a researcher specializing in military and strategic affairs, told Al Jazeera Net, "This force has previous experience in confronting piracy (on the coast of Somalia), meaning that it will accompany commercial ships and will respond to sources of threat." Al-Dhahab added, "If the threat is from sea boats, it will sink them or chase them, and if it is from land, it will respond to the sources of fire. Here the operation will expand further, and perhaps the conflict may increase in intensity and expansion."

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdel Salam told Al Jazeera that whoever seeks to expand the conflict must bear the consequences of his actions, while a statement by the Supreme Political Council - the highest authority for the Houthis - said that naval force threatens navigation in the Red Sea. A member of the Supreme Political Council, Hizam al-Assad, told Al Jazeera Net, The United States tried before to repel missiles and drones and protect Israeli ships, indicating that the new force will not take any different step.

As for Israel, whose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed US President Joe Biden that his country would move militarily against the Houthis if the United States did not do so, it was not among the countries forming the naval force. Hizam al-Assad downplayed the seriousness of the formation of this international force, and said that it was a step that was not imposed by reality or necessity, and does not have foundations or references, and its entire purpose is to protect Israeli ships, and the understanding of the countries overlooking the Red Sea prevented actual or declared participation in it.

The Houthi leader explained that the shipping companies changing their route occurred as a result of American pressure exerted on them in order to inflame world opinion and make the scene appear to be a target for movement and shipping lines in general, as well as to blackmail Egypt and the rest of the countries overlooking the Red Sea.

The Houthi drones appeared to be a concern that might disturb the Prosperity Guardian operation led by the new international force, and the American Politico magazine website quoted officials in the US Department of Defense ( Pentagon ) as saying that the cost of shooting down the Houthi drones and missiles constitutes a growing source of concern, as a missile worth two million A dollar is used to intercept a Houthi drone worth two thousand dollars.

Hizam al-Assad confirms that the Houthi naval forces will continue to track and pursue Israeli ships, or those heading to Israeli ports, and detain them until the American-backed Israeli aggression stops killing our people in Gaza, lifts the siege and allows the entry of food, medical and supply supplies. He added, "No one will prevent us from supporting and supporting our oppressed brothers in Gaza, even if all the powers of the world come together against us."

In the iron fence of Al-Saleh Mosque in the center of the capital, Sana'a, pictures of Houthi, Iranian, and Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) leaders rose, and a passerby stood and stared at these pictures with admiration, while it seemed that the group might be sending a message to its supporters that it is facing America and Israel.

The Houthi group's attacks against Israeli interests received popular support inside Yemen, and even from some of the group's opponents. The prominent Houthi leader Youssef Al-Madani says, "Now we have reached the main enemy, the real enemy of the nation, the Zionist enemy... for the sake of the central issue, the issue of Palestine, the issue of all... Nation".

The researcher specializing in military and strategic affairs, Ali Al-Dhahab, says, The Houthis have proven that they are capable of doing something, and they will be credited with being among the factors that stopped the fire, or accelerated the truce in Gaza. If that does not happen, the Houthis will attribute the cessation of their operations - in all pragmatism - to a cessation of Passage of Israeli ships in the Red Sea.

It seems that the US administration is still betting on its position that it is possible for the Houthis to play a role in Yemen after reaching a peace agreement, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin previously stated that Washington was quietly supporting the Houthis fight against Al- Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula at that time, according to the American magazine "Foreign Policy", quoting a senior officer who worked with Secretary Austin in the US Army's Central Command.

The spokesman for the legitimate government forces in Yemen apologized for commenting on the formation of the international naval force, while the Yemeni Ministry of Defense website denied, citing an official source in the ministry, reports that the government was participating in an international coalition to protect shipping lines in the Red Sea.

The legitimate government in Yemen controls the southern coast of the country, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and an area of ??the western coast of the country. A week ago, the naval forces led by Tariq Saleh, a member of the Yemeni Presidential Command Council, conducted a naval parade to show their readiness to protect the coasts.

After that, Tariq Saleh (nephew of the late President Ali Abdullah Saleh) traveled to Bahrain, where the US Fifth Fleet is based , and met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, Field Marshal Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, before the United States announced the formation of the International Naval Force in the Red Sea.

Aidaroos Al-Zubaidi, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and head of the UAE- backed Southern Transitional Council , also shows enthusiasm for participating in the international maritime coalition, as he said during his visit to Mayon Island, located on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, last Monday, that his forces are ready to participate in any effort or coalition. International to secure international shipping lines.

But it is clear that there is no consensus within the Presidential Command Council led by Rashad Al-Alimi and the Yemeni government to participate in the maritime coalition led by Washington. Military expert Muhammad Al-Kumaim says, The government will not participate in the coalition, which is a positive step, as America, Britain, and the international community are the ones who stopped the battle to liberate Hodeidah. "And now they are reaping what they sowed."

Maps

All maps are lies. But it is impossible to comprehend the war in Gaza without reference to maps, otherwise the entire conflict is reduced to an endless series of meaningless acts of random violence and the suffering of civilians. Evidently, different mappers have different ideas of how to depict the war in Gaza, notably those that seek to depict Israeli progress in the ground campaign. Part of the problem is latency. The news that forms the basis of the maps takes time to filter out to mappers, and the cartographers take time in crafting their maps, and it takes time to curate them. Thes processes are uneven among mappers, so their maps may differ in detail. Probably there is some ideological bias, or at least thematic apperception, which is understandable in wartime. It may come as no surprise that al-Jazeera maps depict rather less Israeli territorial progress than other sources. Finally, there remains the epistemological question of just exactly what are the colored in areas depicting. Naively, this might be understood as areas of Israeli control, that are no longer contested by the HAMAS. Or possibly these are areas of Israeli presence, in many of which the possibility of an RPG-wielding HAMAS militant popping out of a tunnel unexpectedly remains a live possibility. With the "zero-range" combat characterized by small unit tactics on both sides, maps may be prey to a fallacy of misplaced concreteness.

Bystanders

According to The New York Times (NYT), the United Nations Security Council postponed a highly anticipated vote on a resolution asking for a halt in the war on Gaza to deliver more aid to the besieged Strip. According to officials, the postponement to Thursday was requested by the US to allegedly enable additional time for discussions.

To continue talks, the Council entered private consultations around noon on Wednesday when the vote was initially set. In this context, UNSC diplomats expressed frustration with the US repeated demands for postponement and said it was doubtful that Washington would eventually allow the resolution to pass.

The vote was then postponed until 10 am Eastern time on Thursday. This comes as no surprise since informed sources in Geneva revealed to Al Mayadeen that Israeli officials have disclosed to some United Nations-affiliated organizations operating in Gaza that the war will continue for at least two more months in Gaza at the current intensity, and perhaps even longer.

These sources reported that talks were held in the past few days with Israeli leaders in the occupied territories regarding the possibility of a ceasefire or humanitarian truce to allow these organizations to provide life-saving humanitarian aid. However, the request was responded to in the negative. The Israeli officials affirmed that they were adamant about persisting with the aggression campaign against Gaza and that they did not intend to implement a ceasefire.

A vote was set originally for Monday, and the US and Israel have repeatedly postponed in an attempt to manipulate the structure of the formula to the benefit of the Israeli occupation. According to diplomats, a significant sticking point has been whether the UN should take over the supervision of supplies of food, water, gasoline, and other aid to Gaza from Israel.

More than 14,000 rescue workers make up the civil defense teams in Gaza and lead attempts to save the lives of those trapped under the rubble after each Israeli air strike. I cannot sleep, not even for a minute. I am constantly disturbed by the voices and moans of those trapped under the rubble as they beg us to pull them out. This is how Ibrahim Musa (27 years old), from Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, described his life since Israel began its bombing.

Ruwayda Kamal Amer began a journalistic investigation published by the leftist electronic magazine (972), which is published from Tel Aviv and run by a group of Israeli and Palestinian journalists. Although Musa worked in the Civil Defense in Gaza for 5 years - during which he experienced many Israeli attacks on the Strip and periods of relative calm during which his work focused on rescuing people from routine emergency incidents - he has never witnessed anything similar to what is happening now.

According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 8,000 people are missing since the outbreak of war, the vast majority of whom are believed to be trapped under rubble. It is possible that many of them have died, despite the tireless efforts of civil defense workers - like Musa - who are unable to deal with the extent of the devastation that has recently afflicted Gaza. Musa explained, "We do not have the necessary equipment to remove the rubble. There is not much we can do, and if the building is several floors, then it will take us long hours and a lot of effort to make any progress."

When civil defense workers reach the site of destruction, they must quickly try to identify the location of the event they are dealing with. We usually don't know who is trapped underground or how many people we are looking for, so we call through the rubble, asking if anyone is alive to tell us how many people were staying in this building, Musa says. Musa adds, "We keep screaming until someone hears us. Sometimes we get an immediate response, but many times we only hear our groaning, and we try to follow it in order to save these people."

One of the situations that rescue workers are accustomed to facing in Gaza is trying to calm children trapped under the rubble of their homes. Musa continues, saying, "Children are screaming from under the rubble, asking about their family members. Sometimes we lie to them and tell them that everyone is fine so that they will not be shocked. Other times they scream to tell us that a family member who was lying next to them was martyred."

Musa often feels that he and his colleagues are fighting a losing battle. It is not about bombing one or two houses, but entire residential complexes. An entire area is wiped out, becoming one pile of rubble. This requires us to dig with our hands to extract the wounded who are still alive. We are trying to be careful, because the rubble is heavy. "On their bodies, it may mean that we may harm them, or even cause them to lose limbs, while trying to save them."

Ruwayda interviews another member of the Civil Defense, Ahmed Abu Khudair, from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, who describes the war as more severe and violent than all previous Israeli attacks on the Strip. In fact, he believes that the Israeli army is striving to inflict as much harm as possible on the civilian population. Civil defense workers themselves are not immune to Israeli attacks. At least 32 people have been killed since the beginning of the war, including 7 members of Abu Khdeir's team, who believe this killing did not happen by mistake.

Abu Khudair says that the occupation forces deliberately target civil defense and ambulance teams. He added, "I was injured while working in a house that was bombed in the south of the Gaza Strip. We recovered the bodies of three martyrs, and saved a number of the wounded, but the house was bombed again. When I went up to the roof of one of the neighboring houses to search for people, we were hit by two more missiles."

One particularly devastating incident that remains etched in Abu Khudair's memory came in the wake of a midnight bombing near a gas station in the town of Qarara in the southern Gaza Strip. He recalled, "I went to the site and at first I could not find any victims. Then I heard moaning and headed towards the sound. I dug through the rubble and found two stuck legs, then I freed them. They were a 12-year-old girl named Aisha." The girl told him that 8 members of her family were trapped under the rubble, in addition to other families, including 9 young children.

Despite the best efforts of Abu Khudair and his colleagues, they simply did not have the means to save them. He described that moment as "one of the harshest moments I have ever experienced, which is leaving a place, and I know that there are people alive under the rubble, but you cannot do anything for them, and some of them will inevitably die."

Axis of Resistance

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian confirmed that the resistance and the Palestinian people, despite enduring a lot of pain and suffering and sacrificing more than 20,000 martyrs during the past 75 days, have proven the superiority of their ability and will over the Zionist killing machine.

During his meeting in Doha on Tuesday evening with the head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement in Palestine (Hamas), Ismail Haniyeh, Amir Abdullahian saluted the souls of the Palestinian martyrs and saluted the exemplary and historical resistance of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank during 75 days of brutal Zionist aggression, and touched on the diplomatic efforts that The Islamic Republic of Iran is making efforts to support the Palestinian people and stop the crimes of the entity.

He added: Today, no one doubts that the resistance and the Palestinian people, despite enduring a lot of pain and suffering and sacrificing more than 20,000 martyrs during the past 75 days, have proven their superior ability and will over the Zionist killing machine. He denounced the comprehensive and unlimited support that America provides to the Zionist entity in the current war against Gaza and affirmed Americas legal and international responsibility for war crimes and genocide against the Palestinians, pointing to some political efforts and messages by the American government in order to find a way out of this impasse and military strategic failure.

He said: America reaching the conclusion that war is not the solution is a major development and it is better for it to stop supporting the crazy military strategy of the occupying entity as soon as possible. Amir Abdullahian said: As in the past, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made its utmost diplomatic efforts in supporting the oppressed but strong and patient Palestinian people in The same time in order to end the criminal aggression of the Zionist entity against Gaza, completely end the blockade and send humanitarian aid on a large scale immediately, as well as confront the political plans biased by the Zionist entity.

For his part, Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas political bureau, explained in this meeting the latest developments in the war on Gaza, and reviewed the efforts, consultations and political movements of the resistance to end the brutal Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with the aim of reaching a permanent ceasefire and a complete end to the siege. And sending humanitarian aid in large quantities to citizens.

Haniyeh said: After 75 days have passed since the beginning of the devastating Zionist entity war on Gaza and the unprecedented crimes against Palestinian citizens, and despite the large number of martyrs, the resistance is still strong and in a state of brilliance and excellent condition.

He pointed out that the Zionist entity did not achieve any of its declared strategic goals despite its countless crimes, and said: This entity claimed that it controlled northern Gaza, but now resistance exists in all areas of the northern Gaza Strip, and in light of American support, the Zionist entity is committing crimes. horrific acts against the entire population of the Gaza Strip, as well as his inhumane behavior against detained Palestinian citizens.

After Iranian praise of the Houthis behavior in the Red Sea to support Gaza and its official warning against forming any international force to guarantee maritime navigation, Tehran was quick to unveil a Basij Naval Force in response to the American announcement of the formation of a multinational maritime task force to protect trade in the Red Sea.

Hours after US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed the establishment of a naval task force to confront Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Commander of the Naval Force in the Revolutionary Guard, Admiral Ali Reza Tungsiri, announced that his country had organized the Basij Naval Forces for the oceans and ships and other naval vessels capable of sailing as far as Tanzania.

Tangsiri estimated the strength of the new popular force at 55,000 members and 33,000 naval vessels present in Gulf waters during the first phase of its activity, and stated that it would begin its mission in the Caspian Sea during the next phase, confirming the establishment of a naval shadow force from the Popular Mobilization Forces and equipping it with appropriate weapons.

Last week, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani warned the United States that it will face exceptional problems if it wants to form an international force to protect navigation in the Red Sea, and said that no one can move in an area where Iran has the upper hand.

Thus, the Pentagons announcement does not come as a surprise to Tehran, but Iranian circles see the American move as an indication of the effectiveness of the Houthi operations in pressuring the Israeli occupation and confusing the calculations of its Western allies, especially regarding the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip .

Military researcher Ali Abdi reads the formation of the Western naval force in the Red Sea in the context of the Western response to the effectiveness of the Houthis behavior in the course of the Israeli war on Gaza, and the fear of what might be greater, especially regarding the obstruction of maritime navigation between the Eastern and Western powers through the Suez Canal.

Abdi explained - to Al Jazeera Net - that the distance between the occupied Palestinian territories and Yemen makes Israeli land and naval operations against the Houthi forces an impossible mission, adding that the air operations carried out by Arab, Western, and Hebrew parties in Yemen, during the past decade, have proven Its failure to restrict the Houthis' ability.

He considered that the absence of countries bordering the Red Sea - led by Saudi Arabia and Egypt - in the maritime coalition is evidence of Washington's failure to persuade these countries to participate in potential operations against the Houthis, saying that the coalition will not stop Houthi operations in the Red Sea.

The military researcher continued that several regional countries prefer to distance themselves and not confront the so-called axis of resistance after the Iranian warning because they know very well that the new alliance will be temporary, and it is not wise to sacrifice their interests with Sanaa and Tehran for the sake of Western plans aimed at supporting Israel in annihilating Gaza, as well as Some of these countries have already participated in the " Decisive Storm " coalition against the Houthis.

Abdi believed that his country has many cards to deal with the international force in the Red Sea and neutralize its dangers according to the following:

Cooperation with the Yemeni Houthi group. Coordination between members of the axis of resistance extending from the White Sea to the Arabian Sea. Classic naval power and mobilization and popular organizations. A huge military arsenal covers the ray extending to the Red Sea. Complete control over the Strait of Hormuz and influence over the Bab al-Mandab Strait .

Given Tehran's position on the new US-led naval coalition in the Red Sea, which is about 2,000 kilometers away from Iranian shores, Iranian researcher in strategic affairs, Ali Reza Taghavinia, rules out his country's participation alongside the Houthis to confront the international force.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Taqavi Nia confirmed that Tehran's support for the Houthis does not go beyond the advisory role it has been providing for years. However, the new development will prompt Iran to provide intelligence and logistical support to the so-called Yemeni National Salvation Government, which it considers a strategic ally in Yemen.

He continued that the Houthis' control of Bab al-Mandab puts the second most important sea strait in the world under the control of the Axis of Resistance, along with the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian researcher expected an intensification of tension in the Red Sea if the international force carried out operations against the Houthis, because the Yemeni side would prevent the passage of ships of all countries participating in the American coalition in the region, adding that this new coalition would fail to achieve the goals for which it was established, similar to the naval force that it had previously created. Washington in Gulf waters years ago.

Taqniyya confirmed that the Houthis possess weapons suitable for closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait to ships heading to Israel, and that the position of the Iranian Defense Minister had taken the Houthis military capabilities into consideration. He believed that his country had demonstrated relative influence in the Bab al-Mandab region in recent years, explaining that what is meant by influence does not mean a direct and continuous presence in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, and it may be through cooperation with allies, and therefore Tehran will not allow the Houthis control over Bab al-Mandab to be undermined.

He pointed out that direct or indirect control over sea straits and strategic sites enhances the international standing of important countries, increases their geopolitical capacity and influence on global budgets, and guarantees their political, economic, and security interests. The Iranian researcher concluded by saying that his country's strategy in supporting its regional allies has achieved tremendous achievements so far, and that Tehran is working to guarantee them and expand its influence, starting from Gulf waters to the Sea of ??Oman, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea during the future period.

Top Hamas official Osama Hamdan said they have reached a critical juncture with no possibility of reverting to the past, adding that their sole course of action is to attain victory and establish the Palestinian state with al-Quds as its capital. During a press conference Hamdan asserted that the Israeli occupation is conducting field executions, detaining Palestinian civilians for torture, and extracting forced confessions.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he emphasized that "there will be no negotiation regarding any prisoner exchange deal unless there is a complete halt to aggression against the Gaza Strip." He conveyed a message to the families of Israeli captives, stating that their dilemma is rooted in Netanyahu's obstruction of the captives' release.

Hamdan affirmed that the Biden administration is complicit with the Israeli occupation in its aggression against Gaza, preventing its cessation, and delaying the convening of the UN Security Council and the approval of the resolution presented for the entry of aid into the besieged Strip. He added, "We say to the Biden administration, you are partners in the crime in Gaza, and these bloodstains will be a curse that haunts you forever." Hamdan criticized the US' position in establishing a maritime alliance, calling on the participating nations in this alliance to recognize that the core issue lies in the Israeli occupation.

Yemeni Resistance leader Sayyed al-Houthi said, "If the United States is considering targeting Yemen, we will not stand idly by," adding that engaging in a direct war with the US and Israel", instead of US' proxies, is what they aspire for the most. Ansar Allah's leader called on the Arab countries not to get involved with the United States. In this context, he stressed that if America wants to fight Yemens stance in support of Palestine, then it would have to confront the entire Yemeni people, adding that if that is what America wants, then it will face a harsher situation than that it faced in Afghanistan and Vietnam. Sayyed al-Houthi warned Washington against launching any strikes because that would render it completely involved, stressing that Yemen has developed its capabilities on many levels.

Is Israel losing the media war? A natural question in light of what is happening in the Gaza Strip . Among the answers to this question is what was provided in an article by The Business Standard entitled This is the Question.

The article says: For decades, Israel has been skilled at shaping the narrative through the mainstream media.. When it comes to Israel and Palestine, often The Western media is often accused of committing the 'sin of omission'. However, the coalition of Western governments and media has recently failed to shape the narrative that 'Israel' is the victim

On the other hand, Internet platforms and social media have democratized the dissemination of information. The changing media landscape poses challenges to Israel's traditional control of the narrative. Therefore, when the media presents 'Israel' as a victim or spreads misleading information, social media accounts counter this and dispel any misleading propaganda.

As a result, media outlets affiliated with Western governments are facing a major and perhaps decisive defeat in the battle against social media. While government alliances with 'Israel' continue, the general public tends towards supporting the Palestinian cause. Suffice it to say that the media narrative is changing strongly.

One of the most prominent aspects of changing the rules of the traditional media game against the interest of the occupation is the change in public mood, especially in the United States. This is what we observe in a poll conducted by the Harris Polling Center and the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University.

For a broad trend of American youth, the cause of the region's problems is the presence of 'Israel'. Fifty-one percent of American youth between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four years consider ending the existence of 'Israel' to be the best solution to the problem. Thirty-two percent of American youth support the idea The two-state solution to end the conflict.

In the same context, only twenty-four percent of Americans absolutely support 'Israel'. While it is considered relatively preferred by thirty-one percent of Americans. On the other hand, twenty-six percent of Americans do not support 'Israel' partially or completely. What is striking is that the Hamas movement enjoys the support of about fourteen percent of Americans. About thirty-one percent of them do not have a clear position towards the movement, whether negative or positive. On the other hand, fifty-six percent of Americans do not fully support the Hamas movement.

Co-founder of The Intercept, Glenn Greenwald, who wrote. She 'stuck hard' to many things: opposition to US funding of the war in Ukraine; the neoliberal system of surveillance; CIA and FBI interference in politics; Condemning the lies of media companies.

Allied for Democracy

Hamas is entrenched and difficult to defeat. Even after waging one of the most intense aggressions in recent history, Israel has only managed to neutralize a fraction of the Resistance groups armed strength, a report by The Washington Post revealed. In the process of going after an inherent Resistance, the Israeli occupation has ravaged the Strip, forcefully displaced close to 90 percent of the population, flattened entire neighborhoods, caused a dire humanitarian disaster, and found itself flailing in a losing battle for global public opinion.

Amid mounting pressure on Israel from its allies to conduct more "surgical" operations in the Strip, Israeli President Isaac Herzog pushed back and went as far as saying, "We intend to take over the entire Gaza Strip and change the course of history." Herzog spoke, on Tuesday, in an interview facilitated by a Wahington-based think tank, the Atlantic Council, where he claimed that Hamas, the Palestinian liberation movement whose military Resistance wing launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, is a "force of evil." Herzog also claimed that the ongoing "clash" is that of "a set of civilizational values" in a statement that echoes an earlier statement he had made about Israel defending "Western Civilization".

Netanyahu faces charges of receiving bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, but he denies the validity of these charges, which are being considered by the District Court in East Jerusalem. Israeli Channel 13 said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to postpone his trial on corruption charges, due to his preoccupation with the war in the Gaza Strip, following the resumption of Netanyahus trial after a two-month hiatus. The channel reported that Netanyahu promised years ago that he would be able to run the country at the same time as his criminal trial, but it turned out that he was asking the prosecution to withhold some key evidence in his trial.

The channel added that Netanyahu's lawyer sent - the day before yesterday, Monday - a letter to the Public Prosecution requesting that the testimony of some witnesses be rejected. Because, he said, the Prime Minister would not be able to prepare for their interrogation before the war was over. She added that officials in the Public Prosecutor's Office fear that this situation will delay the trial for several more months.

The channel explained that the witnesses are important, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Knesset Member Zeev Elkin, and the legal advisor to the Prime Ministers Office, Shlomit Barnea. The channel also reported that the prosecution's witnesses are about to finish their testimony, and the next witness after them, who will be the first to testify on behalf of the defense, is Netanyahu himself. On the other hand, Netanyahu's lawyer said that the lawyers only asked to change the order of witnesses, stressing that the trial would continue as planned. Netanyahu's first trial session was held on May 24, 2020, and the law does not require him to resign from office unless the Supreme Court convicts him, a process that may last several months.

Netanyahu pledged that his government would continue the war on the Gaza Strip until the end, and said in a statement today, We will continue the war until the end. The war will continue until Hamas is eliminated, until victory is achieved, as he put it. Netanyahu added, "Anyone who believes that we will stop is deluded and has no relation to reality. We will not stop the fighting, except after we achieve all the goals that we have set: eliminating Hamas, releasing our kidnappers, and removing the threat posed by Gaza." Referring to the leaders of the Hamas movement, Netanyahu said, "They have "Only two options: surrender or death."

White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby said that attacks by Yemeni Armed Forces in the Red Sea must stop, vowing to "continue safeguarding ships from such targeting."

"Attacks on ships in the Red Sea have to stop," Kirby said during a press briefing. Kirby was asked whether Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have indicated their readiness to join the US-led multinational effort if Washington supports a ceasefire in Gaza. "Im not going to go through diplomatic conversations and details one way or another," Kirby said. "Both countries are significant partners with the United States on a range of issues across the region. Again, they should speak to their level of participation, he added. "I would let every nation who is a member, whether they wanted to acknowledge or not, speak for themselves," Kirby said. "It's a coalition of the willing and each nation has to decide for itself whether it's going to participate and under what circumstances. We respect that. The whole idea here is protecting sovereign assets and sovereign rights and that's what we're doing," he further claimed.

Butcher's Bill / Oasis of Martyrs

Palestinian armed group Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and deployed its militants to infiltrate Jewish settlements near the countrys border with Gaza on 07 October 2023. The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". PM Netanyahu stated "This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy."

It is the second largest loss inflicted on the Israeli forces after the 1973 war, as the Palestinian resistance killed more than 1,200, wounded more than 5,132 others, and captured more than 250, most of them military personnel, some of whom were high-ranking officers in the army.

According to the HAMAS government media office in Gaza, the number of victims of the Israeli aggression on Gaza reached 20,000 martyrs, including 8,000 children and 6,200 women, while the number of wounded rose to 52,600. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza had said many days earlier that the number of missing people had risen to more than 8,000 [double the 3,750 previously reported], including 1,800 children still under the rubble, including 4,700 children and women.

Palestinian Ministry of Health has announced that the total number of Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank by the Israeli occupation this year reached 505 people, including 111 children. The Palestinian Ministry of Health earlier explained that the death toll in the West Bank since the beginning of this year has risen to 465, including 257 martyrs since last October 7.

Israel revised down the death toll from the October Hamas attacks in southern Israel from 1,400 to 1,200. IDF had said previously it was holding 1,500 bodies of terrorists, a total that now would increas to about 1,700.

The Israeli occupation army announced the killing of two officers, one of them a major from the Givati ??Brigade, in battles south of Gaza. It was also announced that 29 soldiers were injured in the Gaza Strip battles The IDF acknowledged the death toll to 129 between officers and soldiers since the start of the ground incursion, while the number of wounded since the beginning of the ground operation rose to 681, including 146 seriously injured. This brings the total number of dead officers and soldiers whose names the Israeli army allowed to be published to 434 since the Palestinian resistance launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7th.

At least 1q,213 Israelis were injured, according to i24 TV. The IDF updated the number of soldiers injured in the war and attacks on October 7 to 1,683.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper had reported that 5,000 soldiers had been wounded since the beginning of the war on October 7, and that the Ministry of Defense had recognized 2,000 soldiers as disabled so far.

Hostages

Israeli reports indicated contacts to explore opportunities to reach an agreement for a new humanitarian truce, including an exchange for the release of Israeli prisoners in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians from Israeli prisons. On the other hand, a source close to Hamas said, The main entry point for discussing anything is a comprehensive ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip to enter into serious negotiations to complete a prisoner exchange deal.

Israel estimated there were 116 living hostages in Palestinian custody. Israel declared 19 out of 135 people in Gaza captivity dead in absentia, after announcing its forces had recovered the bodies of two hostages. Israel considers those still held by Hamas to be hostages regardless of whether they are dead or alive.

Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy earlier had told reporters that Hamas still held 137 captives. The resistance released 10 Israeli detainees, 4 Thais and 2 Russian women, who were released outside the agreement. Over the course of 6 days, Israel has received 102 detainees, women and children, including 78 Israelis, in exchange for the release of 234 Palestinian prisoners, women and children.

Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, told reporters 01 December 2023:

Hamas still held 137 hostages from the October attacks, in addition to four others who went missing before the war

The hostages include two children aged four and 10 months, who, Hamas now claims, are dead

117 male hostages are still kept in Gaza, including the two children, as well as 20 females

126 hostages are Israelis, and 11 others are foreign nationals

Foreign nationals are eight Thais, one Nepalese, one Tanzanian and one French Mexican citizen

Ten of the remaining hostages are 75 and older.

There are seven missing people since the October 7 attack

Hamas had released 110 hostages so far  86 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals.

Some of the rest are soldiers, seized when Hamas raided military bases in Israel. They may end up being held the longest. The Israeli military had not specified how many soldiers were captured, nor their ranks.

According to some estimates, Hamas was initially holding nearly 210 of the 240 hostages, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad was holding the remaining 30. About 40 Israelis remained missing. More than 40 hostages taken from Israel into Gaza on October 7th are not currently in the custody of Hamas, the group responsible for the attack, according to a CNN report based on a diplomatic source briefed on the negotiations, CNN's prior reports had indicated that an estimated 40 to 50 hostages were held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad or other unidentified groups or individuals.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said on Hamas telegram account that 23 bodies of the 60 missing Israel hostages were trapped under the rubble. It seems that we will never be able to reach them due to the continued brutal aggression of the occupation against Gaza, he said.

Palestinian institutions concerned with prisoners affairs announced that the Israeli authorities have arrested 4,630 Palestinians in the West Bank and the 1948 territories since last October 7. Some 150 women have been arrested thus far, both from the West Bank and the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948. Additionally, more than 255 children have been arrested. Israel had earliers aid that, since the beginning of the war, about 2,100 wanted persons have been arrested throughout the IOS Division and the Bekaa and Emekim Brigade, about 1,100 of them are affiliated with Hamas.

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Tributes have emerged for a 29-year-old woman allegedly murdered at the Canberra Zoo. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Tributes have been paid after a young woman was allegedly murdered by a co-worker at the Canberra Zoo.

Tshewang Choden, 29, was found dead with serious stab wounds in the kitchen storeroom of the National Zoo and Aquarium at Yarralumla on Monday afternoon.

Her 29-year-old co-worker at the Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Jude Wijesinghe, has been charged with her murder.

He pleaded not guilty during a bedside hearing on Tuesday.

The Australian Bhutanese Association shared their heartbreak over Ms Chodens death, remembering her as a young, vibrant member of the Bhutanese community in Australia.

Jude Wijesinghe, 29, has been charged with the murder of 29-year-old Tshewang Choden. Picture: Facebook

Ms Chodens body was found with serious stab wounds in the kitchen storeroom where they worked at the National Zoo. Picture: Facebook

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the tragic and untimely passing of Ms. Tshewang Choden, a young, vibrant and beloved member of our community, a Facebook post shared on Thursday said.

The bereaved family along with our community is in deep shock and mourning.

As a close-knit community, the Australia Bhutanese Association of Canberra and the entire Bhutanese community across Australia stand united in solidarity with the bereaved family.

People hug at the National Zoo as police established a crime scene. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The community group are raising funds to assist Ms Chodens family who live overseas in Bhutan and have been forced to grieve her sudden death from afar.

As a token of our support and solidarity, ABAC would like to initiate a Semso  meaning consolation  drive so that we can mobilise funds to support the family during this difficult period.

Therefore, ABAC encourages our community members to contribute any amount possible to the following account as Semso.

Aerial photo of the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The fundraising drive will remain open for two weeks until January 5.

The Bhutan Embassy in Canberra confirmed Ms Chodens family had been contacted and provided with support, in a statement shared on Tuesday.

The Embassy is in close contact with the bereaved family of the deceased as well as the Police and providing consular support, the Embassy said in a statement.

The close-knit Bhutanese community in Canberra is deeply affected by this tragic incident involving a member of our community and is rallying around the bereaved family during this very difficult period.

Story continues

Police at the scene after the alleged murder took place. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Forensic investigations at the scene. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

They asked on behalf of the family to allow them space to grieve this extremely tragic and sad loss.

A spokesperson for the zoo described the incident as a tragic and incredibly sad event.

Due to the incredibly sad events, both the zoo and Jamala will be closed tomorrow in respect of all those affected directly or indirectly, the statement posted to Facebook said.

Tours and encounters will be cancelled for the day and we hope that we will be ready to resume operations on Wednesday.

We request that visitors and guests recognise the significant trauma that staff have experienced and that they respect their need for privacy on this matter.

They offered their thoughts to the staff and their families and have offered trauma counselling to this impacted by the incident.

Mr Wijesinghe will return to court in April next year.
Russo-Ukraine War - 20 December 2023 - Day 664

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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 in recent weeks, Ukraine has mobilised a concerted effort to improve field fortifications as its forces pivot to a more defensive posture along much of the front line.

This follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's calls, from late November 2023, for faster fortification in key sectors. In one part of the project, Ukraine has worked to improve defences along its border with Belarus with dragon's teeth, razor wire, and anti-tank ditches as of mid-December 2023.

Russia continues local offensive options in several sectors, but individual attacks are rarely above platoon size. A major Russian breakthrough is unlikely and overall, the front is characterised by stasis.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of December 20, there were 89x combat engagements. Russian forces launched 5x missile and 31x air strikes, 53x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have wounded civilians. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and 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. Around 20x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Karpovychi (Chernihiv oblast), Khotin', Kostyantynivka, Volfyne (Sumy oblast), Veterynarne, Vovchans'k, Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 16x attacks in the vicinity of Syn'kivka east of Petropavlivka and Ivanivka (Kharkiv oblast). In that area, Russian forces used air support in attempts to break through the defenses of Ukrainian troops. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: the Ukrainian soldiers repelled 12x Russian attacks in the vicinity of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), east of Terny and Spirne (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched an air strike in the area of Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk 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, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 6x Russian attacks near Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka (Donetsk oblast).

Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 13x Russian attacks east of Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, and 18x more attacks in the vicinities of Sjeverne, Pervomais'ke and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). The Russian occupiers fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian forces in the vicinities of Mar'inka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). In that area, the Russian adversary, with air support, launched 9x unsuccessful attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders. The settlements of Heorhiivka, Mar'inka, Novomykhailivka, Pobjeda were under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. The adversary fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva (Donetsk oblast).

Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 4x Russian attacks west of Verbove and south of Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). In that area, the Russian adversary made attempts to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions. Around 20x settlements, including Poltavka, Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Huliaipilske, Kam'yans'ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Kherson axis: Russian forces fired artillery at the city of Kherson (Kherson oblast), and Dniprovs'ke, Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast). Also, the Russian invaders launched an air strike in the vicinity of Krynky (Kherson oblast).

Russia did not abandon its intention to drive Ukrainian units from the left bank of the Dnipro, made 29x failed assaults. The attacks were repelled and Russian forces retreated having suffered major losses. The Ukrainian troops are holding the line, continuing to retain their positions and firing for effect on the Russian enemy.

During the day of December 20, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 16x concentrations of Russian troops, weapons, and military equipment, and 1x strike on an air defense system. The air defense forces shot down 1x Kh-59 guided missile.

The Ukrainian missile troops hit 2x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 6x artillery systems of the russian invaders.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled five attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 115nd Mechanised Brigade and 95th Air Assault Brigade near Sinkovka and Terni (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, as well as one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled two attacks of the AFU 63rd Mechanised Brigade close to Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic), and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 180 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, as well as one D-30 howitzer.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled one attack launched by assault detachments of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade close to Shumy (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, the Group's artillery and heavy flamethrower systems inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Kleshcheyevka, Kurdyumovka, and Maryinka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 250 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, one tank, and three motor vehicles.

In the course of counterbattery warfare, one Slovakia-made Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery system, one UK-made AS-90 self-propelled artillery system, two Msta-B howitzers, two Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, one D-30 howitzer, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system were eliminated.

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by artillery and heavy flamethrower systems inflicted losses on manpower of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade and 79th Air Assault Brigade near Elizavetovka, Vladimirovka, and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 110 Ukrainian troops, two pickup trucks, and two Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems.

In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the AFU 14th National Guard Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade, and 116th Mechanised brigade close to Verbovoye and Rabotino (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 70 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, two D-20 howitzers, and one D-30 howitzer.

In Kherson direction, as a result of cohesive actions of units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery, the AFU losses amounted to up to 75 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, two motor vehicles, two Msta-B howitzers, one Giatsint-B howitzer, and one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 127 areas during the day.

Air defence units intercepted one Ukrianian Air Force Mi-24 helicopter near Uglesborochnaya railway station (Donetsk People's Republic).

Five U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles were intercepted in the past 24 hours. Moreover, 32 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Novaya Mayachka (Kherson region), Staromikhailovka, Spornoye, Krasnogorovka, Maryinka (Donetsk People's Republic), Belogorovka and Nyrkovo (Lugansk People's Republic).

In total, 553 airplanes and 260 helicopters, 9,899 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 14,202 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,189 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 7,416 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 16,502 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.





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Justice Department Announces Terrorism Charges Against High-Ranking Hezbollah Member Who Helped Plan 1994 Bombing in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Samuel Salman El Reda Participated in Terrorist Operations for Hezbollah in South America, Asia and Lebanon, and Helped Plan and Execute Hezbollah's July 18, 1994, Bombing of the AsociaciAn Mutual Israelita Argentina Building in Buenos Aires, Killing 85 People

A Manhattan federal court today unsealed terrorism charges against Samuel Salman El Reda, aka Samuel Salman El Reda El Reda, Salman Raouf Salman, Sulayman Rammal, Salman Ramal, Salman Raouf Salman, and Hajj, 58, a dual Colombian-Lebanese citizen and member of Hezbollah's Islamic Jihad Organization (IJO), in connection with El Reda's alleged role leading decades of terrorist activity on behalf of Hezbollah and the IJO.

El Reda is charged with, among other offenses, conspiring to provide and providing material support to Hezbollah, a designated foreign terrorist organization. El Reda is based in Lebanon and remains at large.

"Nearly three decades ago, long-time Hezbollah terrorist operative Samuel Salman El Reda allegedly helped plan and execute the heinous attack on a Buenos Aires Jewish community center that murdered 85 innocent people and injured countless others," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "This indictment serves as a message to those who engage in acts of terror: that the Justice Department's memory is long, and we will not relent in our efforts to bring them to justice."

"As alleged, for decades, Samuel Salman El Reda has led terrorist operations on behalf of the Islamic Jihad Organization of Hezbollah, including a 1994 bombing in Buenos Aires that massacred 85 innocent victims," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. "The career prosecutors of this office have not forgotten the pain and suffering that El Reda has allegedly caused, and we thank the dedication of our law enforcement partners for pursuing this important case. The Southern District of New York continues to be a leader in prosecuting violent terrorists and terrorist organizations, and we will not rest until those who create chaos and destruction are brought to justice."

"While it's been nearly 30 years since this horrific terrorist attack, the FBI and our partners throughout the U.S. government are committed to delivering justice for the victims' families," said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI's National Security Branch. "Our reach and our memory are long, as this investigation shows. The charges unsealed today are a result of the hard work and determination of the men and women of the FBI and Justice Department, and the assistance of our international partners in law enforcement."

According to court documents, Hezbollah is a Lebanon-based Shia Islamic organization with political, social and terrorist components. Hezbollah was founded in the 1980s with support from Iran after the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, and its mission includes establishing a fundamentalist Islamic state in Lebanon. Since Hezbollah's formation, the organization has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks that have killed hundreds, including U.S. citizens and military personnel. In 1997, the Department of State designated Hezbollah as a foreign terrorist organization, pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and it remains so designated today. In 2001, pursuant to Executive Order 13224, the Department of the Treasury designated Hezbollah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity. In 2010, State Department officials described Hezbollah as the most technically capable terrorist group in the world and a continued security threat to the United States.

The IJO, which is also known as the External Security Organization and "Unit 910," is a component of Hezbollah responsible for the planning and coordination of intelligence, counterintelligence and terrorist activities on behalf of Hezbollah outside of Lebanon. In July 2012, an IJO operative detonated explosives on a bus transporting Israeli tourists in the vicinity of an airport in Burgas, Bulgaria, killing six people and injuring 32 others. Law enforcement authorities have disrupted several other IJO attack-planning operations around the world, including through the arrest of an IJO operative surveilling Israeli targets in Cyprus in 2012, the seizure of bomb-making precursor chemicals in Thailand in 2012, the seizure of similar chemicals in May 2015 in connection with the arrest of another IJO operative, and the seizure of approximately three tons of ammonium nitrate in London in the fall of 2015. Since June 2017, multiple IJO operatives have been arrested, charged and convicted in the Southern District of New York for terrorism-related offenses.

Beginning in at least 1993, El Reda has led terrorist operations on behalf of Hezbollah and the IJO in South America, Asia and Lebanon. El Reda was responsible for, among other things, helping to plan and execute the July 18, 1994, bombing of the AsociaiAn Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) building in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people and injured hundreds more. El Reda's activities for Hezbollah in connection with the AMIA bombing included relaying information to IJO operatives that was used for planning and executing the attack. In the decades following the attack, El Reda continued to engage in terrorist activity on Hezbollah's behalf by recruiting, training and managing IJO operatives around the world. El Reda deployed IJO operatives to Thailand, Panama and Peru, among other places, to help Hezbollah and the IJO conduct pre-operational surveillance in support of attack planning and stockpile explosive precursor chemicals, including ammonium nitrate. For example, in or about May 2009, El Reda instructed an IJO operative to travel to Thailand to help destroy a cache of ammonium nitrate and other explosive materials that the IJO believed was under law enforcement surveillance. In or about February 2011, El Reda instructed an IJO operative to travel to Panama to surveil the Panama Canal and Embassies maintained by the United States and Israel, and in or about January 2012, El Reda instructed an IJO operative to travel again to Panama to conduct additional pre-operational surveillance.

El Reda is charged with: (i) providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) aiding and abetting the receipt of military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison or a fine; and (iv) conspiring to receive military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the New York Police Department, is investigating the case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob H. Gutwillig and Jason A. Richman for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Deputy Chief Larry Schneider of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

El Reda Indictment

Topic: Counterterrorism

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - New York, Southern

Press Release Number: 23-1458

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Fourteen Members of Major Drug Organization That Trafficked Hundreds of Kilograms of Cocaine and Fentanyl Sentenced

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Law Enforcement Seized 60 Firearms, 18 High-Capacity Magazines and Ammunition, and Two Tractor Trailers With Hidden Compartments for Smuggling Narcotics

Fourteen members of a major drug organization that trafficked hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area and illegally possessed firearms in support of that operation, were sentenced today, following a two-year investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

"These sentences are another example of how the Justice Department is targeting the Sinaloa and CJNG cartel networks that are poisoning the American people with fentanyl and fueling violent crime in communities across the country," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The cartels are responsible for creating the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced a we will continue to attack every aspect of their operations, including their associated drug trafficking organizations in the United States."

"Deadly drugs like fentanyl and the gun violence tied to the drug trade are responsible for shattering families and devastating our communities," said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina. "The prosecution of this trafficking organization with ties to Mexican drug cartels exemplifies our ongoing efforts to disrupt drug networks, reduce drug-induced gun violence, and build strong and safe communities. I want to thank the DEA and all of our law enforcement partners for their exemplary work in this case and for joining forces to combat drug activity and violent crime."

"Dangerous drugs continue to flow into our communities at the expense of too many lives," said Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy of the DEA Atlanta Division. "This successful operation has ensured these violent drug traffickers have been taken off our streets, ultimately making the communities safer for everyone."

According to court documents and court proceedings, from 2017 to 2022, the defendants were members of a large drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl, and other narcotics in and around the Charlotte area. Information presented in court shows that the DTO had ties to, and was directly supplied from, the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the multi-agency investigation into the DTO included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics, extensive surveillance, and the execution of dozens of search warrants, and led to the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, including approximately 328 kilograms of cocaine, 26 kilograms of fentanyl, and a kilogram of heroin. In addition to the narcotics, law enforcement seized approximately 60 firearms, 18 high-capacity magazines and ammunition, more than $2.4 million in cash drug proceeds, over $300,000 in jewelry, two residences, ten vehicles, a boat, and two tractor-trailers with hidden compartments for smuggling narcotics.

United States District Judge Robert J. Conrad sentenced the 14 defendants as follows:

Salvador Barrera Jr., 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 24 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Ricardo Johnathan Gomez, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Johnny Lane Owens Sr., 46, of Albemarle, North Carolina, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Isaac Sandoval, 31, of Salisbury, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

Adrian Christopher Solares, 33, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 135 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Luis Raymundo Macias-Robles, 32, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 121 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Norberto Macedo Jr., 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 95 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Derek Duane Crump, 42, of Albemarle, was sentenced to 77 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Christian Alexander Hernandez, 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 74 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Erik Perales, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 72 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

Jesus Adrian Perales, 32, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Janquil Josselyn Jackson, 30, of Los Angeles, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

Christok Alexander Mata, 21, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

David George Jansen, 45, of Indian Land, South Carolina, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

The DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Kansas Highway Patrol, Anderson County, South Carolina, Sheriff's Office, Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, Catawba County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Stanly County Sheriff's Office, York County, South Carolina, Sheriff's Office Drug Enforcement Unit, Albemarle Police Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Cornelius Police Department, Mint Hill Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Pineville Police Department, and Salisbury Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Taylor G. Stout and Alfredo De La Rosa for the Western District of North Carolina prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Topic: Drug Trafficking

Firearms Offenses

Components: Office of the Attorney General

USAO - North Carolina, Western

Press Release Number: 23-1462

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Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reviews COVID-19 Situation and Preparedness of public health system for Surveillance, Containment and Management in view of rising COVID-19 Cases in some parts of the country

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

It is important to be on alert and be prepared against new and emerging strains of COVID-19 virus: Dr Mandaviya

Reiterates the need for joint efforts between Centre and States to ensure efficient management of COVID-19

"Let us undertake mock drills once every three months at both Central and State levels and share best practices"

States to monitor emerging evidences of COVID-19 cases, symptoms and case severity to plan appropriate public health response

States/UTs advised to send samples of all Covid-19 positive cases to INSACOG labs to facilitate tracking of new variants

States urged to create awareness, manage infodemic and ensure dissemination of factually correct information

Posted On: 20 DEC 2023 1:01PM by PIB Delhi

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare today chaired a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in India and preparedness of public health system for surveillance, containment and management of COVID-19 in view of the recent spike in cases of COVID-19 in some states. He was joined by Prof. S P Singh Baghel and Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare. Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog was also present.



State Ministers who joined the meeting include Shri Alo Libang, Chief Minister and Minister of Health (Aruachal Pradesh); Shri Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister (Uttar Pradesh); Shri Dhan Singh Rawat, Health Minister (Uttarakhand) who was present physically; Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health Minister (Karnataka); Shri Anil Vij, Health Minister (Haryana); Smt. Veena George, Health Minister (Kerala), Shri Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane, Health Minister (Goa); Shri Keshab Mahanta, Health Minister (Assam), Shri Banna Gupta, Health Minister (Jharkhand); Dr Balbir Singh, Health Minister (Punjab); Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, Health Minister (Delhi); Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Health Minister (Himachal Pradesh); Prof. Dr. Tanajirao Sawant, Health Minister (Maharashtra); Shri Damodar Rajanarasimha, Health Minister (Telangana); Dr Sapam Ranjan, Health Minister (Manipur); Shri Niranjan Pujari, Health Minister (Odisha); Shri Rangaswamy, Administrator (Puducherry); among others.

Underlining the challenge posed by the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in some countries across the world such as China, Brazil, Germany and United States, Union Health Minister noted the importance of being prepared and remaining alert against new and emerging strains of COVID-19, especially in view of the upcoming festive season. Underlying and reiterating that COVID is not over yet, he requested states to monitor emerging evidences of COVID-19 cases, symptoms and case severity to plan appropriate public health response.

Dr Mandaviya stressed the need for collective efforts between the Centre and the States to deal with the emerging situation in the spirit of "Whole of Government" approach. He directed for strengthening the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to ensure timely detection of newer variants, circulating in the country. This would facilitate undertaking of appropriate public health measures in a timely manner, he noted. States/UTs have been requested to ramp up testing and refer large number of samples of COVID-19 positive cases and pneumonia-like illness to INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) on a daily basis, for sequencing, to track new variants, if any.

The Union Health Minister urged all the states to remain alert, increase surveillance and ensure adequate stock of medicines, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators and vaccines, He asked officials to undertake mock drills every three months at both the Central and State levels to assess functionality of PSA plants, Oxygen concentrators and cylinders, ventilators, etc., and encouraged the sharing of best practices. He also urged states to create awareness on respiratory hygiene and ensure dissemination of factually correct information and counter fake news to manage infodemic and mitigate any panic. The Union Health Minister urged States/UTs to share information on cases, tests, positivity etc., in real time on the COVID portal to enable timely monitoring and prompt public health measures. He assured the states of all support from the Centre.

Through a presentation, Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Union Health Ministry briefed the Union Health Minister on the global COVID19 situation and the domestic scenario. It was informed that while active COVID cases in India are significantly less compared to the global scenario, in the last two weeks there has been a steep rise in active cases from 115 on 6th Dec 2023 to 614 on date. It was also noted that 92.8% of the cases are home isolated, indicating mild illness. No increase in hospitalization rates have been witnessed due to COVID-19, the cases that are hospitalized are due to other medical conditions - COVID-19 is an incidental finding. A rise in daily positivity rate has been observed in a few states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Karnataka.

On the new JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2, it was informed that the variant is currently under intense scientific scrutiny, but not a cause of immediate concern. No clustering of cases has been observed in India due to JN.1 and all the cases were found to be mild and all of them have recovered without any complications.

Dr V K Paul reiterated the need for a whole-of-government approach to tackle with the challenge posed by the surge in COVID cases and the emergence of a new variant. He informed that the scientific community in India is closely investigating the new variant but stressed on the need for states to ramp up testing and strengthen their surveillance systems.

Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and DG, ICMR informed that ICMR is currently working on genome sequencing of the new JN.1 variant. He urged states to monitor the COVID-19 scenario and increase RT-PCR tests but noted that there is no cause for panic.

State Health Ministers appreciated the support and guidance received from the Centre. They assured to increase testing and surveillance measures in view of the rising cases in some states.

Smt. L S Changsan, Addl. Secretary, Union Health Ministry; senior officials from the Health Ministry, ICMR, and NCDC were present in the meeting.

****

MV

HFW/ HFM COVID Review Meeting/20December2023/1



(Release ID: 1988564)

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Australia Sets Out Vision for Middle Power Influence

By Phil Mercer December 20, 2023

In a wide-ranging foreign policy speech, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke of stabilizing fractured ties with China and the transformational benefits of a nuclear-powered submarine deal with the United States.

Anthony Albanese believes Australia has become an influential middle power that is prioritizing security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Australian prime minister delivered the annual address Tuesday at the Lowy Institute, a respected Sydney-based research organization.

Albanese used his speech to repeat calls for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and to affirm Israel's right to defend itself. He told the audience that boosting ties with India and Indonesia were priorities for his left-leaning government.

Since it came to power in May 2022, Albanese's Labor administration has also sought to ease tensions with China, Australia's biggest trading partner. There have been various disputes over human rights, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, the future status of Taiwan and Australian citizens detained in Beijing.

Albanese told the audience that relations with China were improving.

"We have brought the same sense of calm and consistency to the work of stabilizing our relationship with China," he said. "We are clear-eyed about the situation, mindful that for all the change the Australia and China relationship has undergone through 50 years now, we remain two nations with very different values and political systems. I've said before that China does not see itself as a status quo power. It seeks a region and a world that is much more accommodating of its ambitions and its interests."

Albanese said the trilateral AUKUS pact between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia would transform regional security. The accord will give Australia access for the first time to nuclear-powered submarines.

Analysts say that China's increasing assertiveness is a key motivation behind the AUKUS agreement.

But Beijing has accused Washington, London and Canberra of a "Cold War mentality." It insisted that the alliance was embarking on a "path of error and danger."

Albanese told the Lowy Institute that the alliance would promote peace.

"The submarine technology we are securing through AUKUS will deliver Australia the single-biggest boost to our defense and deterrence capability in our history," he said. "It will transform our ability to contribute to the stability and security of the region."

Tim Harcourt, chief economist at the University of Technology Sydney, told VOA on Thursday that the Canberra government has managed to stabilize relations with China.

"I think in terms of foreign policy, the Albanese government has been quite successful," he said. "It has lowered the temperature on China without giving up Australia's interests, and it has worked very strongly on other allies in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with our Pacific partners. And also, he has really geed up our India relationship and relationship with countries like South Korea and Japan. So, he has been relatively successful in this part of the world."

Albanese also spoke of Australia being "part of the solution to climate change." His government has legislated a target to cut carbon emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Environmental campaigners insist, however, that the government needs to do more to ensure those targets are met.

The increasing incidence of natural disasters in Australia, including devastating flooding this month in Queensland state, has raised concerns among politicians, activists and scientists about the impacts of global warming.

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Macao celebrates 24th anniversary of its return to motherland

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 20, 2023 10:19 PM Updated: Dec 20, 2023 10:00 PM

China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Wednesday held a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 24th anniversary of its return to the motherland, the SAR government announced Wednesday.

Ho Iat-seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR, called for further efforts to open up new development paths for the region during the reception. The Macao SAR government "had united the collective efforts of people from all walks of life, to improve continuously the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security," said a release by the Macao SAR government.

The SAR had comprehensively and accurately upheld the "one country, two systems" policy, to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, Ho noted.

The region has continuously improved and maintained its legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security over the past 24 years, which has effectively maintained long-term prosperity and stability and laid a solid security buffer for the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in the region, China's Ministry of State Security said in an article published on Wednesday.

The Law on Safeguarding National Security consists of 15 articles, which stipulate seven criminal acts and their corresponding punishments, including treason, secession, subversion against the Chinese central government, and theft of state secrets. It explicitly grants and regulates the rights of law enforcement agencies to conduct investigations and handle such cases, effectively enhancing Macao SAR's capability to combat activities that endanger national security, the ministry said.

The law has filled the legislative vacuum with regard to safeguarding national security in the SAR and has become the backbone and core of the region's national security legal system, reads the article.

In May, the legislative assembly of the Macao SAR passed a bill containing amendments to the Law on Safeguarding National Security, in response to the new requirements of the overall national security concept and the emerging new challenges in safeguarding national security.

The Macao SAR government has made efforts to optimize related legislation and law enforcement mechanisms in order to support the national security system. Ensuring the principle of "patriots administering Macao" is a guarantee for the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy, according to the ministry.

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US urged to take action for win-win cooperation as Washington adds 13 Chinese firms to Unverified List

Global Times

Washington urged to take concrete action to boost mutually beneficial cooperation

By Ma Jingjing Published: Dec 20, 2023 09:02 PM

The US on Tuesday put another 13 companies in China on its Unverified List, in the latest move to deliberately create obstacles to China-US economic and trade cooperation. Chinese analysts said the groundless and unilateral US restrictions on Chinese tech firms harm the legitimate rights and interests of those companies as well as the interests and reputation of the US itself.

They called for the US to meet China halfway and take concrete actions to implement the common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries in San Francisco and jointly advance mutually beneficial cooperation for the well-being of both peoples and the world as a whole.

The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security on Tuesday added 13 companies in China to its Unverified List, saying that it was unable to complete on-site visits to verify "the legitimacy and reliability relating to the end-use and end user of the items," according to a notice on the US government agency's website.

Chinese companies added to the list include Fulian Precision Electronics (Tianjin) Co, Guangzhou Xinyun Intelligent Technology Co, Shenzhen Bozhitongda Technologic Co and Shenzhen Jia Li Chuang Tech Development Co, among others.

The US government has used the Unverified List as a kind of sanction on Chinese companies, as US companies are required to conduct more due diligence before exporting to enterprises on the list and may even have to apply for additional licenses, analysts said.

In February 2022, the US Commerce Department added 33 entities in China to the list, although it unexpectedly lifted 27 Chinese entities from the list ahead of US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's visit to China in August 2023.

"This is typical long-arm jurisdiction, as the US government agency conducts inspections of Chinese companies so as to decide whether they will be placed on the list or be removed from the list. In the process, the US side may infringe Chinese companies' commercial secrets," said Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

More importantly, the US' unilateral and protectionist move negatively affects Chinese companies' normal operations, seriously disrupts global industry and supply chains, damages fair and free competition principles and harms the global economic recovery, Zhou told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The latest US move is in stark contrast to its statements that it is ready to keep growing economic and trade relations with China and does not seek to contain or suppress China's development, and runs counter to the common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries in San Francisco, analysts said.

Chinese and US leaders held a significant summit in November, setting the direction for the healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations. It is hoped that the US side can match its words with deeds, stop bullying Chinese enterprises and strengthen cooperation with China in order to jointly deal with global challenges, Zhou said.

Showcasing China's sincerity in stabilizing bilateral ties, the Chinese side has recently taken various practical measures, including authorizing Mastercard's Chinese joint venture to conduct bank card clearing business in China, and approving Broadcom's acquisition of VMware.

"The Biden administration's strategy of cracking down on and 'decoupling' from China will not change. But building a 'small yard, high fence' will backfire on the ability of the US to achieve its goals in next-generation technologies," Zhou said.

"Although the US will not end its crackdown on China's high-tech sector, we are confident that the US sanctions and containment will have no fundamental effect on China's sci-tech development," Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Beijing-based Information Consumption Alliance, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Even amid the severest US containment over the past several years, Chinese tech giant Huawei has made important breakthroughs with the release of its high-end Mate 60 smartphones.

"In terms of chip manufacturing, we have leading manufacturers such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp and Hua Hong Semiconductor," Xiang said.

To accelerate tech innovation, the US must take an open attitude for fair competition with China, Xiang said, noting that China is a valuable market that US companies cannot afford to lose.

In a sign of the US failure in "decoupling" from China, Raimondo said in an interview with Reuters on December 11 that Nvidia "can, will and should sell AI chips to China because most AI chips will be for commercial applications."

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Hong Kong plummets in freedom index, descends 'into tyranny'

Once one of the world's freest places, the city plunges under Chinese rule, Cato Institute finds.

By Lee Heung Yeung and Ng Ting Hong for RFA Cantonese 2023.12.20 -- Hong Kong has plummeted in the Cato Institute's Human Freedom Index, with the annual rights report describing China's crackdown in the city as a "descent into tyranny."

The city - once ranked in the top 10 freest territories in the world - dropped from 3rd place in 2010 to 46th place in 2021 out of 165 countries, the Cato Institute said in its 2023 report. It fell 17 spots from 2020.

"The territory was once one of the freest places in the world, but the Chinese Communist Party's escalating violations of Hong Kong's traditional liberties have caused its ranking ... to fall," the report said, blaming Beijing's imposition of a draconian security law and its subsequent "aggressive takeover of Hong Kong."

"Hong Kong's descent into tyranny is a tragedy," it said, adding that the city would have fallen still further down the index if it weren't for the global loss of freedoms recorded during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report, which comes amid international condemnation over the ongoing national security trial of pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai, found "notable deterioration" in nearly every kind of freedom, but particularly in its rule of law, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly ratings.

The Washington-based Cato Institute is known to embrace a libertarian philosophy. Its mission "is to originate, disseminate, and advance solutions based on the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace," its website says.

Promised freedoms

Hong Kong was promised the continuation of its rights and freedoms for 50 years following the 1997 handover to Chinese rule, and the 2020 national security law marked the acceleration of direct control from Beijing in the wake of the 2019 pro-democracy movement.

The city's ranking in freedom of expression fell from 50th in 2000 to 110th in 2021, while its freedoms of association and assembly fell from 75th to 146th over the same period, the report said.

While concluding that the current situation has effectively ended the city's autonomy, the report authors kept Hong Kong's scores separate from the rest of China - which rose two spots to 149th - to record the city's trajectory into "subjugation to Chinese Communist Party rule."

"Given ongoing attacks on freedom in Hong Kong, we will be surprised if future reports do not show a continuing and pronounced degradation in the territory's ratings, including a noticeable decline in economic freedom," the report said.

Lai's trial for "collusion with foreign forces" and "seditious" publications is taking place before a panel of government-appointment judges and no jury, and centers on opinion articles published in his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper.

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.

Judges will rule later this week on whether to drop the "sedition" charge, which Lai's lawyers say has passed the time limit for prosecution.

Banned anthem

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong government is stepping up its legal campaign for an injunction against the public playing or dissemination of "Glory to Hong Kong," the banned anthem of the 2019 protest movement, with its lawyers arguing in court on Tuesday that "music can be used as a weapon."

"Political propaganda can make citizens distrust and oppose the government, and even make people hate the government, triggering serious social unrest and chaos," Senior Counsel Benjamin Yu told the Court of Appeal.

The government quoted an interview with the songwriter, who said "music is the most powerful weapon to unite people," claiming that it could be used to overthrow the government.

Earlier attempts to win an injunction were rejected due to the potential "chilling effect" on freedom of expression, and caused a global spike in downloads of the song.

If the court injunction is granted, it will outlaw the broadcasting, performing, publishing or other dissemination of the song on any platform, especially with "seditious" or "pro-independence" intent, the government has said.

It will also become harder to track down the song online, as global platforms could seek to conform with the ruling simply by taking it down.

The anthem was regularly sung by crowds of unarmed protesters during the 2019 protest movement, which ranged from peaceful demonstrations for full democracy to intermittent, pitched battles between "front-line" protesters and armed riot police.

It calls for freedom and democracy rather than independence, but was nonetheless deemed in breach of the national security law due to its "separatist" intent, according to officials.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.

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In 2023, China Struggled With Zero-COVID Aftermath, Slowing Economy

By William Yang December 20, 2023

The year 2023 should have been the beginning of a new era for China, as Xi Jinping cemented his unprecedented third term as the country's leader. While Xi consolidated his control over the world's second-largest economy, China faced many challenges, including a rapid surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths, a historically high youth unemployment rate, and the abrupt removal of two top-level officials.

Some analysts characterize 2023 as a turbulent year for Beijing and say many events that have taken place are part of the lingering effect of China's Zero-COVID policy, which lasted almost three years.

"A lot of what happened is connected to the zero-Covid strategy," Dali Yang, an expert on Chinese politics at the University of Chicago, told VOA by phone. "Zero COVID is behind us, but the economic effect of all those policies lingers."

Chinese authorities' decision to abruptly end the Zero-COVID policy at the end of 2022 led to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths across China at the beginning of 2023. Images on social media showed Chinese citizens queuing for hours outside hospitals.

Later, social media videos, satellite images and footage shot by foreign media on the ground showed how funeral homes were overwhelmed by the sudden spike in deaths. China's National Bureau of Statistics did not release the total number of deaths in December.

"The sharp surge of confirmed cases and deaths, especially among the elderly, made me realize that the Chinese government doesn't really care about how its decisions may affect the Chinese people," Sherry Liang, a 35-year-old English teacher in Central China, told VOA by phone.

Youth unemployment rate

Apart from the surge in COVID cases and deaths in January, China also saw the youth unemployment rate rise to a historic high amid a persistent economic slowdown. For months, China's youth unemployment rate was above 20%, which exacerbated a sense of despair among the millions of college graduates.

Instead of posting joyful pictures of hat throwing at graduation ceremonies, many young people in China shared photos of themselves lying on the ground, lying face down on stairs, or throwing graduate certificates into trash bins.

The bleak job market has forced some young people to move back to their hometowns and become "full-time children" while others are struggling to maintain a normal lifestyle due to serious mental issues. "I've been diagnosed with depression since losing my job in June," Jacky Wang, a 22-year-old college graduate in Shanghai, told VOA by phone.

"I'm scared about looking for a job. Whenever I open job search websites, I would be very nervous and even have serious headaches. Whenever I read about the latest youth unemployment figures, I wonder if this is how my life is going to be as long as I stay in China," he added.

In August, China announced that it was no longer releasing youth unemployment data, citing a need to improve and optimize the way data is collected.

Political turbulence, public discontent

While struggling to cope with challenges from the end of the Zero-COVID policy, the Chinese government has also been facing some difficult political moments and growing public discontent about Xi Jinping's heavy-handed leadership style.

Since July, two top-level officials, former foreign minister Qin Gang and former defense minister Li Shangfu, have disappeared from the public's view and were later removed from their positions. Widely viewed as Xi loyalists, some observers said their abrupt removal reflects the lack of transparency and accountability under Xi's one-man politics.

As Xi becomes more heavy-handed in ruling China, tightening control over civil society and cracking down on businesses such as Alibaba, some Chinese people have used occasions like the late October death of former premier Li Keqiang to push back against Xi's one-man rule, said Alfred Wu, an expert on Chinese politics at the National University of Singapore.

"By mourning Li, Chinese people want to show that they miss the more humane era in China and in a way, they are reacting to the dramatic structural changes that have taken place in China under Xi," he told VOA by phone.

After Chinese state media announced Li's death on October 27, images and videos on social media showed hundreds of Chinese citizens lined up outside his childhood home in Anhui province to pay tribute to the former premier.

On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, some netizens called Li "the good premier who devoted himself to the people," while others said they have always "loved and respected" Li. But soon China's online censorship protocols blocked relevant search words.

During this year's celebration of Halloween, some attendees wore costumes such as hazmat suits, which were worn by authorities enforcing COVID-19 rules during the pandemic, while others put blank sheets of paper on their clothes to symbolize the nationwide protest against the zero-COVID strategy in 2022.

With China's manufacturing activity contracting for a second straight month in November and the country's economy showing no clear signs of recovery, Wu in Singapore does not expect the overall situation to improve for China in the near future.

He told VOA that while most things will likely remain the same in China next year, "the basic conditions, especially economic conditions, would be worse than 2023."

Despite the pessimistic outlook for China in 2024, some Chinese citizens think compared to people in Ukraine, who have been suffering from the war launched by Russia for more than a year, their situation seems relatively better.

"While the Chinese government's authoritarian rule is scary, the war in Ukraine is even more deadly," Allen Wang, a 37-year-old Chinese man in Jiangsu province, told VOA by phone.

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China releases first blue book on Xinjiang's human rights and legal protections

Global Times

By Xu Keyue and Xing Xiaojing in Urumqi Published: Dec 21, 2023 01:47 AM

China released the 2023 Report on Xinjiang's Human Rights and Legal Protections, which is Xinjiang's first blue book of its kind, on Wednesday in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, comprehensively demonstrating the efforts and achievements of promoting high-quality development of human rights cause in Xinjiang in Chinese modernization drive.

The newly released blue book is the first book led by scholars that examines Xinjiang's human rights and legal protections as well as future directions of the people in Xinjiang from an academic perspective, which is groundbreaking, Chang Jian, director of the Human Rights Research Center at Nankai University, told the Global Times on Wednesday at the 2023 Idea and Story Sharing Conference: Promoting High-Quality Development of Human Rights Cause in Xinjiang in Chinese Modernization Drive, where the blue book was published.

Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the people's government of Xinjiang region, revealed at the event that currently the overall social situation in Xinjiang remains stable, and there have been no incidents of violent terrorism for nearly seven years. The public's sense of security has reached an unprecedented level. In the eyes of tourists, Xinjiang has become "a place with the best public security management, the safest social environment and the most secure stability." The number of tourists to Xinjiang has increased from 48.6 million in 2012 to 260 million this year, reaching a historic high.

Over the past decade, Xinjiang's GDP has increased from 0.84 trillion yuan ($0.12 trillion) in 2013 to 1.77 trillion yuan in 2022, doubling in size. Per capita disposable income has increased from 13,700 yuan in 2013 to 27,000 yuan in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of over 8 percent. Many economic indicators have outperformed the national average, and the people of all ethnic groups are richer with more development opportunities.

For many years, more than 70 percent of the local fiscal expenditure has been used to guarantee and improve people's livelihoods. The average life expectancy has increased from over 30 years at the establishment of the autonomous region to 75.65 years today, according to a senior official.

The official added that Xinjiang attaches great importance to the excavation, inheritance, and protection of the excellent traditional cultures of all ethnic groups. For example, Uygur Muqam art, Uygur Meshrep and the Kirgiz epic Manas have been included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The promotion and standardized use of the national common language has been vigorously promoted in Xinjiang, and the languages and scripts of all ethnic groups have been widely used in education, judiciary, administration and social public affairs.

According to Erkin, in recent years, Xinjiang has actively expanded the ways for people of all ethnic groups to acquire religious knowledge and translated and published religious scriptures in multiple languages. Xinjiang has built a new campus for Islamic theological colleges and established eight branch campuses in Ili, Hotan, Kashi, and other areas, cultivating a group of high-quality Islamic talents. In particular, for religious activity venues such as mosques, Taoist temples, and Buddhist temples that have been in disrepair for a long time, Xinjiang has effectively improved their conditions by respecting the wishes of religious believers. This has been achieved through new construction, renovation, and expansion, ensuring the unhindered continuation of regular religious activities.

Practice has shown that the development of human rights in Xinjiang is in line with China's national conditions and the reality of Xinjiang, meeting the expectations of people of all ethnic groups, as well as the basic spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Erkin said.

However, some countries turn a blind eye to the increasingly prominent human rights issues in their own countries, and wear colored glasses to criticize the human rights situation in Xinjiang, using human rights issues to interfere in China's domestic affairs, Erkin noted.

The people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are the ones who know best whether the path of human rights in Xinjiang is right or not. The people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have the most say in whether the human rights situation in Xinjiang is good or not, the regional senior official remarked.

Chang stated that some countries in the international community have weaponized human rights issues to strategically contain China, desperately smearing China's human rights situation. Xinjiang, as a focus of attention, has been falsely portrayed as a region with "forced labor," despite the fact that cotton harvests are good, mechanization levels are high, and efforts have been made to improve the employment rights of the people.

In this context, we have proactively released the blue book to show the outside world and help them understand, how the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang live, showing them experiences of individuals and personal stories. This can clarify the facts and enable the international community to see the true situation of human rights protection in Xinjiang, Chang stressed.

About 200 experts and scholars in the field of human rights from universities and research institutions inside and outside Xinjiang, media journalists, representatives of relevant departments and people sharing their personal stories attended the event on Wednesday.

By sharing touching stories and personal experiences, 10 representatives from various industries and fields in Xinjiang truly demonstrated the development and progress of Xinjiang's human rights cause.

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The market for American-style pickup trucks is booming in Australia, but their owners' penchant for taking up several parking spaces has fellow motorists seeing red, leaving the vehicles to become one of the most hated in Australia.

In the latest incident, a vehicle was spotted in a KFC car park taking up not one, two, or three spaces, but four because the driver had parked longways. To add insult to injury, the photographer said it was rush hour at the fast-food restaurant and the store was overrun with customers.

The huge American-style ute was pictured taking up four car parking bays outside a KFC restaurant. Source: Facebook

"KFC Mooroolbark this evening, 7pm car park crowded, drive-thru out into the street and a shop full of people with the typical 20-30 [minute] wait," the incensed Melbourne man posted online. Facebook users slammed the motorist's move, saying he "surely could have just reversed in close to the KFC sign". Others called the driver a "selfish a**hole" and "drop kick".

Rage rising among drivers

Aussies have been venting their rage at these oversized vehicles taking up so much space for months now. In August, one frustrated driver posted a photo of an extra-large Ram ute parked across two car park bays in front of a row of shops. "The size of these things is getting a little silly," he wrote on Reddit, while others complained that Australian cities don't have the room for such large vehicles.

What can be done?

Aussie backlash against the vehicles has spiralled as more American-style models are imported in, despite rising prices at the fuel pump and greater awareness of how vehicle emissions are hurting the environment. According to Shell Australia, almost 8,000 American-style utes were sold in Australia in 2022, with that number set to rapidly rise this year.

The trend has now sparked calls for new policies to be introduced to address safety and environmental concerns, with SUVs the second-largest contributor to the increase in global CO2 emissions since 2010, according to the International Energy Agency.

Story continues

Monash University lecturer Julian O'Shea, who works on sustainable transport options, says there would need to be significant infrastructure changes to accommodate more of these vehicles. "The question becomes, how do we use this space?" he previously told Yahoo News Australia. "If we want to make our car parks bigger, we get fewer of them, we lose space for bike lanes, we lose space for parks, we lose space for shops."

Meanwhile, the huge vehicles aren't any safer for road users. "Due to the shape of the vehicles they've got this flat grill that means if you get hit by one, you're more likely to be hurt and injured," he said. He added that the visibility for those behind the wheel of large SUVs is also "really poor", making it hard to see people on the street.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the DPRK's launch of yet another inter-continental ballistic missile: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.

19 December 2023

Thank you President, and thank you ASG Khiari for your briefing. Colleagues, we are unfortunately gathered here once again to discuss the DPRK's latest violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the DPRK's launch of yet another inter-continental ballistic missile on 18 December and the launch of a short-range ballistic missile a day prior.

This is the DPRK's thirty-first ballistic missile launch this year. It is the fifth launch of an ICBM in 2023 - the most in any given year - and the third launch using solid fuel, demonstrating the DPRK's desire to test its advanced capabilities.

It is the latest in a series of the DPRK's blatant acts of defiance of this Council's decisions - a clear and worrying pattern of escalation since the start of this year.

The DPRK's actions violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and demonstrates a flagrant disregard for the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. The international community must be firm and united in our response to these violations.

And yet the DPRK continues to be shielded by two Council members, further emboldening its unlawful behaviour. This cannot become the status quo.

All UN Member States must respect and implement all relevant Security Council resolutions, including with regards to the transfer of technology to and from the DPRK.

We also call on the DPRK to, first, abandon its illegal nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes, which are impoverishing its own people and destabilising the wider region.

Second, to refrain from further provocations and return to compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Third, to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

And finally President, to take up repeated and unconditional offers of dialogue. Diplomacy is the only viable option to making progress towards a sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Thank you.

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Speech of DPRK Representative to UN at Open Meeting of UNSC

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- The representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations made a speech at an open meeting of the UNSC, which was held at the UN headquarters on Dec. 20 (Dec. 19 in U.S. local time) as regards the DPRK's launch drill of ICBM conducted on Dec. 18.

The speech is as follows:

The U.S. and other hostile forces have persistently committed acts of military threat against the DPRK throughout this year. They are becoming all the more undisguised and extremely dangerous until this moment in December close to the year-end. The ICBM launch conducted by the DPRK this time is a warning counter-measure in the face of the grave situation.

This notwithstanding, the U.S. and a few countries blindly following it forcibly convened this meeting again to be recorded as a shameful one in the history of UN, while illegally and unlawfully taking issue with the DPRK which exercised the undeniable just and legitimate right of a sovereign state to self-defence recognized by international law including the UN Charter and equally conferred on all UN member states.

I strongly denounce and categorically reject the unfair abnormal practice repeated again at the UN Security Council to deal unjustly with the legitimate exercise of the right to self-defence of the DPRK, at the brigandish demand of the U.S. and its followers.

Only ten days ago, right here in this place, the U.S. wielded the veto on the draft resolution on the settlement of the Middle East situation on the ground that it "failed to mention the right of Israel to self-defence", patronizing and shielding the Israel's crime of civilian mass killings as a "legitimate exercise of the right to the self-defence". Such being the case, it is a mockery of and disregard for the UN Charter and the height of tragicomedy in itself as the U.S. today picks on the DPRK's exercise of the right to self-defence taken as a warning dimension to cope with its military provocation.

Had it not been for the intolerable provocation of the U.S. and ROK which introduced the nuclear-powered submarine into the region of the Korean peninsula, talking about the "end of regime" of the DPRK, against the aspirations and desire of the international community to send out this complex and unhappy year in tranquility, the representatives of the UN member states would not have sat in this absurd and unwarranted room to argue for and against the just exercise of the right to self-defence of a UN member state, while wasting precious time more needed for discussion of such substantial issues directly related to the maintenance of international peace and security as the mass killing atrocities of Israel, just around 10 days ahead of the new year.

At this juncture close to the year-end of 2023, the international community needs to seriously reflect upon whether the situation of the Korean peninsula this year could have reached such an extreme phase as today, if the U.S. and ROK had stopped the acts of military provocation against the DPRK, waking themselves from the illusion of the "extended deterrence posture".

As witnessed by the world, this is bound to be recorded as the most dangerous year when the military security landscape of the Korean peninsula and the region plunged into an unprecedentedly serious crisis due to the frenzy of reckless military confrontation of the U.S. and its followers.

From the beginning to the end of the year, the U.S. conducted joint military exercises of clear aggressive nature one after another together with ROK such as "Ssangryong", "Combined Joint Fire Annihilation Drill" and "Ulji Freedom Shield". It also framed up the "Washington Declaration" which made it a policy to use nuclear weapons against the DPRK and set in motion the so-called "nuclear consultative group" whose mission is to plan, operate and implement the preemptive nuclear attack.

This year, the U.S. introduced 6 nuclear-powered submarines including the strategic nuclear submarine "Kentucky" into the area of the Korean peninsula under the disguise of the "enhanced regular visibility of strategic assets". It also pushed in nuclear aircraft carrier strike groups in succession such as "Nimitz" and "Ronald Reagan" and deployed "B-1B" and "B-52H" strategic bombers on more than 20 occasions.

The area of the Korean peninsula has literally been turned into a general depot of the strategic nuclear assets of the U.S. and the most unstable zone of nuclear war danger, due to the deployment of nuclear strategic assets and large-scale joint military exercises conducted incessantly by the U.S. all the year round.

This reality clearly shows that the vicious cycle of the aggravated situation in and around the Korean peninsula is attributable to none other than the U.S. and ROK which unilaterally heighten the level of military tensions, both in rhetoric and action.

Certain countries lend ears only to the one-sided argument of the U.S. and ROK that they were compelled to strengthen "extended deterrence posture" under the pretext of countering the so-called "nuclear threats" from the DPRK. This is a typical example of extreme double standards which turns back on the truth.

The international community needs to think at least once about the security concerns of the DPRK on the opposite side of the U.S. and ROK.

The U.S. and ROK brought in vast aggressive armed forces including nuclear submarines and strategic nuclear bombers which are more than enough to reduce the whole territory of a state to ashes and are conducting provocative nuclear war exercises before us and at any time. If this is not a violation of the DPRK's security interests, then what is it?

Who would surrender to an enemy attacking with a sword? Whichever country would remain indifferent or defenseless towards the large-scale military exercises waged by an enemy state at its doorstep?

Such a man without a future as the lame duck U.S. president may remain indifferent to it, but never in the case of the DPRK which is a dignified sovereign state.

Anyone who thinks reasonably can easily judge that the DPRK's counter-measures vis-a-vis the security threats from the U.S. and ROK are absolutely reasonable, normal and reflective response.

Overwhelmed by the high-handedness and arbitrariness of the U.S., the UN Security Council has now been reduced to a mechanism of injustice that openly allows such brigandish logic and double standards as to call into question "who did it" instead of "what was done".

The prevailing reality shows that the biggest threat to the international peace and security is coming from the UN Security Council itself.

As long as the illegal and unlawful acts of double standards of the U.S. and its followers are allowed, the UN Security Council has no moral and legal qualifications to deal with the issues on the international peace and security.

If the U.S. and its following forces again seek to divest our state of its sovereignty clamoring about implementation of the unlawful and unwarranted "sanctions resolutions" of the UN Security Council against the DPRK, it will inevitably invoke the just exercise of the right to self-defence of a sovereign state enshrined in the UN Charter.

We take this opportunity to send our stern warning once again to the U.S. and ROK. If they continue with their reckless and irresponsible military threat in an attempt to infringe upon the sovereignty and security interests of the DPRK, its armed forces will never remain an onlooker to it and the provokers will be held entirely responsible for all the consequences arising therefrom.

The DPRK will, in the future, too, continue to build up its strategic power of a more advanced type to contain and control any threat from the U.S. and its followers with immediate, overwhelming and decisive counter-measures. It will also go hand in hand with the righteous international community to establish a new independent and peaceful international order based on the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, justice and equality. -0-

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N Korean leader, powerful sister issue nuclear threat to US, S Korea

It is rare for Kim Jong Un and Kim Yo Jong to simultaneously make such threats.

By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.12.20 -- North Korean leader and his powerful sister have made a nuclear threat against the United States and South Korea, with both declaring that Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal will be practically deployed in retaliation to any actions that they consider to be "provocations."

"We will not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if provoked by nuclear weapons from our enemies," the leader Kim Jong Un said, as cited by the North's official Rodong Sinmun Thursday.

Speaking to soldiers who were responsible for its Monday intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch, Kim praised the test-launch as a "bold move" against the U.S. and its main allies - which he claimed as "the destroyer of peace and stability."

The launch was a "clear demonstration of our nation's assertive response strategy to retaliate without hesitation with a nuclear attack if provoked by nuclear weapons, and an explicit explanation of the evolution of our nuclear strategy and doctrine," he said.

North Korea fired its latest solid-fuelled ICBM, the Hwasong-18, Monday, with the launch reaching a maximum apogee approximately 6,500 kilometers, flying a distance of around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) before hitting its target off its eastern coast.

Although the Monday test was conducted at a high angle, it still represents a potential threat to the U.S. If launched at a lower trajectory, this missile may be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

Separately, North Korean leader's influential sister Kim Yo Jong also issued a sharp criticism against the U.S. and South Korea Thursday, targeting the allies for their coordinated actions during the United Nations meeting that took place Monday.

"It focused solely on condemning our self-defense actions, while neglecting the verbal and active provocations by the United States and South Korea, which directly provoked our response," she said, as cited by the North's official Korean Central News Agency.

"Hostile forces should contemplate how the Democratic People's Republic of Korea [North Korea] will perceive, categorize, and react to the upcoming military plans against us by the United States and the Republic of Korea [South Korea]," she added.

It is rare for Kim Jong Un and Kim Yo Jong to simultaneously make such threats. Typically, these statements of criticism come from either one or the other, but not both together on the same day.

Their remarks came as the U.S., South Korea and Japan conducted trilateral joint air drills off the southeastern coast of the Korean peninsula Wednesday. The drill included U.S.'s strategic asset, the supersonic B-1B, capable of carrying 57 tons of conventional armaments, according to the South's Joint Chief of Staff.

North Korea has consistently protested the trilateral military exercises involving U.S. strategic assets near the Korean Peninsula, labeling them as "practice for invasion." Pyongyang perceives these joint drills as a direct threat to its regime, especially given that its conventional military capabilities are significantly outmatched by those of the allied forces.

Edited by Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Meets and Congratulates Soldiers of Second Red Flag Company under General Missile Bureau

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, December 21 (KCNA) -- 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, invited to the office building of the Party Central Committee the soldiers of the Second Red Flag Company under the General Missile Bureau, who participated in a launching drill of ICBM Hwasongpho-18 and congratulated and encouraged them on December 20.

The soldiers were greatly excited and delighted to enter the yard of the Party Central Committee with their glorious color in high spirit of fully demonstrating the might of nuclear strategic force of the DPRK in the launching drill to be specially recorded in the history of the development of the strategic force under the personal guidance of the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un .

Attending a photo session were Kim Jong Sik, vice department director of the WPK Central Committee, and Jang Chang Ha, general director of the General Missile Bureau.

When Kim Jong Un appeared at the venue of the photo session, all the missile soldiers broke into cheers in token of the most enthusiastic respect, looking up to him, the absolute strength of powerful Juche Korea and representative of the great dignity.

Kim Jong Un congratulated the soldiers of the company on showing by practical action the steadfast stand of the Party, government, army and people of the DPRK to stand against and counter with the U.S. and successfully carrying out the Party's battle order to demonstrate the reliability and militant might of the nuclear strategic force of the DPRK by resolutely and proudly conducting the launching drill of the most powerful ICBM which greatly shocked the U.S. imperialists and their top class stooges, the wreckers of peace and stability, who have committed self-destructive acts all the year round, obsessed with the incurable hysteria of confrontation with the inviolable DPRK.

Saying that he was deeply impressed with the combat efficiency of the company which displayed high mobility and rapid attack capability in the launching drill, he expressed warm thanks to the company, reflecting the trust of all the people in it.

He said that the resolute military activity conducted by the company this time true to the Party's battle order was a demonstration of loyalty and strong stand of the DPRK's armed forces defending the sovereignty of the country and a clear explanation of the offensive counteraction mode and the evolution of the nuclear strategy and doctrine of the DPRK not to hesitate even a nuclear attack when the enemy provoke it with nukes.

Saying that defending of the country's dignity, sovereignty and interests can be certainly guaranteed only by strong power, he added that it is the genuine defence capability and defence of durable peace to have the real capability for preemptively attacking the enemy anywhere and the war posture, making any enemy feel fear.

He said that the duty of the company is very important, adding that the company should always bear deep in mind the heavy responsibility for safeguarding the final fort for defending the sovereignty and social system of our state and strive to steadily improve its combat efficiency as a force performing a part role of the strategic forces of the country.

Expressing expectation that the company would reliably carry out its sacred special mission of preventing a war and defending peace by fully preparing itself for fulfilling its mission of nuclear war deterrence anytime, he paid tribute to the brilliant honor of the Second Red Flag Company of the General Missile Bureau, a pride of the Party and the state, and had a photo session with the reliable soldiers.

The combatants of the company made a firm pledge to always remain faithful to the order of the great Party Central Committee and carry out in a responsible manner the important mission the company assumed before the Party, the country and the revolution. -0-

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INS KADMATT IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

To bolster Indo -Thai Maritime Cooperation

MPX with HTMS Rattanakosin, a corvette of the Royal Thai Navy planned

Adm R Hari Kumar, CNS would be interacting with the crew onboard the warship

Posted On: 20 DEC 2023 5:48PM by PIB Delhi

As part of her Long Range Operational Deployment to the North Pacific Ocean and South China Sea, INS Kadmatt arrived at Bangkok, Thailand, on 19 Dec 23. The aim of the visit is to further bolster India - Thailand maritime cooperation and enhance interoperability between both the navies.

Harbour activities scheduled during the operational turnaround include Cross-ship visit by personnel from Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Academy and planning conference for Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX). On departure from Bangkok, the ship will undertake MPX with HTMS Rattanakosin, a corvette of the Royal Thai Navy.

Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, would be visiting INS Kadmatt on 21 Dec 23 to interact with crew of the ship. The CNS is heading the Indian Naval delegation at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) being hosted by the Royal Thai Navy at Bangkok, Thailand from 19 - 22 Dec 23.

(https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1988673)

INS Kadmatt is second of the four indigenous ASW corvettes of the Indian Navy. Commissioned on 07 Jan 2016, the ship has participated in numerous joint naval exercises with friendly nations, contributing to regional security and fostering maritime ties. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon and sensor package, enabling her to carry out wide range of missions. She is part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam and functions under the command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

_______________________

VM/JSN 245/23



(Release ID: 1988795)

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Ministry of Defence signs Rs 1,614.89 crore contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd for procurement of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 20 DEC 2023 5:06PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, on December 20, 2023 for the procurement of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVS) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The contract was made under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs1614.89 Crore. Out of the six vessels being procured, four would replace the existing aging OPVs and the other two would augment the ICG fleet.

The acquisition of these major ICG platforms is aimed to boost the ICG's capability and reinforces the increased focus of the Government towards Maritime Security. These modern and high-tech Ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, Law enforcement, Search and Rescue, Maritime Pollution Response, and other important capabilities including humanitarian assistance by the ICG. Along with several high-tech advanced features and equipment, these 115m OPVS would be equipped with Multipurpose Drones, AI capability, and Wirelessly Controlled Remote Water Rescue Craft Lifebuoy, etc. enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the ICG to face new age multidimensional challenges.

These Multi-role State-of-the-Art vessels will be indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured by MDL, Mumbai, and will be delivered in a total period of 66 months. The contract achieves the objectives of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' to boost the nation's indigenous shipbuilding capability, bolstering maritime economic activities and fostering the growth of ancillary industries, especially the MSME sector. The project will also generate employment opportunities and expertise development in the country.

*****

ABB/Anand



(Release ID: 1988688)

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IAF AND USI CONDUCT THE FIRST MARSHAL OF AIR FORCE ARJAN SINGH ANNUAL LECTURE

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 20 DEC 2023 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United Services Institution of India (USI) jointly conducted the first Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Annual Lecture at USI, Shankar Vihar today. The inaugural lecture was delivered by former Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM (Retd). The CAS, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM ADC, members & faculty of USI, Senior Defence Officers (serving & retired) and Air Force personnel attended the event. The lecture was conceptualised by the IAF to honour the legend of Arjan Singh, and will give the IAF and USI an opportunity to commemorate his momentous achievements and extraordinary life story.

Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC was born on 15 April 1919, in Lyalpur (now Faisalabad) in present day Pakistan. He joined RAF Cranwell in 1938. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1944 for his outstanding leadership, great skill and courage during the Burma Campaign in World War II. On 01 August 1964, he took over as the Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Marshal. The Marshal successfully commanded the Air Force to a resounding victory in the 1965 Indo - Pak War. Subsequently, in recognition of the Air Force's contribution in the war, the rank of the CAS was upgraded to that of Air Chief Marshal and Arjan Singh became the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force. He was also conferred with the Presidential Award of Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his contributions in the 1965 war. On completion of five years as the Chief of the Air Staff in two ranks, Arjan Singh retired on 16 Jul 1969. After retirement, he continued to serve of the nation as India's Ambassador to Switzerland, as the High Commissioner to Kenya, as the Chairman of IIT Delhi and as the Lt Governor of Delhi.

In recognition of his services, in January 2002 the Government of India conferred the rank of the Marshal of the Air Force onto Arjan Singh making him the first and the only 'Five Star' rank officer with the Indian Air Force. He was the Marshal of the Air Force for 15 years till his demise in 2017. The IAF intends to conduct this lecture on an annual basis to inspire service personnel and citizens of this country to follow the example of the Marshal's dedication, vision and leadership.

***

ABB/AM/SM



(Release ID: 1988685)

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Raisi says hopes ties with Kuwait are further promoted under new ruler

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi has talked to the new emir of Kuwait on the phone, expressing hope that relations between the two countries are expanded further under his rule.

Raisi spoke with Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Wednesday night, four days after he replaced his half-brother Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah who passed away aged 86.

Raisi once again extended his condolences on the late emir's death, while congratulating Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on his new position.

The Iranian president said that the Islamic Republic's policy is to expand relations with its neighbors, expressing hope that ties with the friendly and Muslim country of Kuwait are expanded further under the rule of the new emir.

The Iranian president blamed foreign interference for problems in the region, and emphasized the importance of cooperation among regional countries to resolve those problems and protect collective interests.

Raisi spoke about Palestine as well, calling it the main issue in West Asia and the whole world.

He appreciated Kuwait for supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and rejecting normalization with the Israeli regime, saying that the Islamic Republic is ready to cooperate with other countries to help uphold the Palestinian rights.

Kuwait's emir, on his part, called Iran a reliable friend for Kuwait and an effective partner in the development and progress of this country.

He also said that regional cooperation is an effective solution to the existing issues in the region and protect collective interests.

Kuwait's emir added that his country's stance toward upholding the rights of the Palestinian people remains unchanged.

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Swedish ChargA d'affaires summoned by Iran's foreign ministry

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The charge d'affaires of the Swedish embassy was summoned to Iran's foreign ministry by the Director General of Western Europe following the measure by a Swedish court against Hamid Nouri, and the strong protest of the Islamic Republic of Iran was communicated to him.

In this summons, the Director General of Western Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while strongly condemning the actions taken against this Iranian citizen, said: "It is unfortunate that the false claims of individuals and groups that have committed the most heinous terrorist and anti-human acts against the people of Iran, Iraq and Europe for decades.

And, it is invoked in a court with minimum standards of fair proceedings, and it is allowed to pursue the political purposes of poisonous and destructive currents by abusing legal mechanisms.

The Director General of Western Europe added: "Swedish court has stepped in the wrong direction during the hearing of this fabricated and fake case, by filing false accusations, without considering the criteria of the judicial process."

The Director General of Western Europe pointed out that following the goals and objectives of anti-Iranian terrorist and separatist groups and a group whose hands are stained with the blood of more than 17 thousand Iranians once again proved the double behavior of human rights claimants.

The Director General of Western Europe added: The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to continue pursuing the lost rights of its citizens until complete freedom from the clutches of injustice and reserves its right to take appropriate steps.

The chargA d'affaires of the Swedish embassy stated that he will reflect the situation to the capital of his country as soon as possible.

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'Blatant act of injustice': Iran slams upholding of Nouri's sentence

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran says the upholding of a Swedish court's sentence against Hamid Nouri is a blatant act of injustice and cruelty against the former Iranian judiciary official who has been illegally incarcerated in Sweden since 2019.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Iran's Judiciary spokesman Masoud Setayeshi said Nouri's 50-month detention in a solitary cell in the Scandinavian country while deprived of access to the most basic rights of a prisoner signifies an unfair trial and the judicial insufficiency of the Swedish judicial system.

He said the unfair verdict was predictable, and it showed that the Swedish court sided with the terrorists while not allowing Nouri's witnesses to be present and even threatening to arrest them.

"This process, which was followed under the influence and pressure of the most hated terrorist groups, conveyed messages to the Iranian nation, and of course will lead to Iran's reaction," said Setayeshi.

He argued the fact that the text of the indictment was issued against Nouri 18 months after his arrest is another proof that his trial was only an apparent legal cover to his pre-determined verdict.

Elsewhere during the press conference, the Judiciary spokesman responded to a question about the latest developments in the case of a Swedish national detained in Iran.

The case of the said individual is being investigated in the 26th branch of the Justice Department of Tehran Province and the third hearing of the case was held on December 18.

"His accusations are the subject of Articles 286 and 610 of the Islamic Penal Code, as well as Article 6 of the Law on Hostile Actions of the Zionist Regime against Peace and Security," he explained.

Nouri was arrested upon arrival at Stockholm Airport in November 2019 and was immediately imprisoned. He was put on trial on false charges of being involved in the execution and torture of members of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group in 1988.

On Tuesday, an appeals court in Sweden upheld a life sentence given to him in July 2022 despite repeated objections from Tehran that the verdict is politically-motivated.

4354**7129

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A man has been charged with a string of offences after he allegedly exposed himself, vaped, and urinated all over a set of seats onboard a Jetstar flight.

The 52-year-old was headed for Melbourne from the Gold Coast on Monday night when he was caught vaping in his seat, police allege. When asked to stop by cabin crew, it's been claimed he was uncooperative and argued back.

A witness recalled that the man then attempted to use the plane's toilet, but instead lowered his pants, allegedly exposing himself, and proceeded to urinate on a set of vacant seats behind him.

The man was removed from the flight after it was forced to turn around. Source: Getty.

Man's alleged behaviour branded 'disgraceful'

The plane was then forced to return to the airport's terminal and police were called in to remove him.

Gold Coast Airport Commander Superintendent Josh Kinghorn described the man's actions as "despicable".

"I am appalled by the disgraceful behaviour exhibited on this aircraft," he said. "AFP has zero tolerance for bad behaviour at airports and this case is an example of how one person's abhorrent actions have a direct impact on those around them.

"Smoking a vape and urinating on a seat is not only repugnant but also poses a severe risk to the safety and comfort of passengers."

Kinghorn said the arrest served as a "timely reminder" to Aussies travelling this Christmas.

"Such despicable actions will never be tolerated, and we will ensure appropriate measures are taken to hold the individual accountable for the appalling conduct," he said.

The man was charged with a number of offences, including offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft , which carries a maximum penalty of $13,750. He is due to face court in February.

Story continues

Qantas bans photography onboard flights

The shocking incident comes after Qantas updated its "conditions of carriage" to ban the photography or filming of other people on board flights without their permission.

The national carrier  that owns Jetstar  claimed the ban, implemented last month, was to maximise passenger safety and comfort.

"To maximise passenger comfort, safety and security, you must comply with the following requirements, and all other reasonable directions of any crew member on your flight with us," the updated conditions stated, meaning passengers must "seek consent before filming or photographing".

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Iran condemns verdict by primary and appeal courts on Hamid Nouri

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani in response to the Swedish court's verdict on Hamid Nouri's dossier, stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the verdict of the primary and appeal courts regarding Mr. Hamid Nouri, an Iranian citizen, to be fundamentally unacceptable and strongly condemns it.

Kanaani stated on Tuesday night that it is a pity that the Swedish court has issued such a destructive judgment without considering the standards of fair proceedings.

"Unfortunately, the Swedish judicial system, by siding with the terrorist groups that have been engaged in the most heinous terrorist and anti-human acts against the people of Iran, Iraq and even Europe for decades, has harmed the interests of the two nations and the old, historical and deep-rooted relations between the two countries have been put at risk," he added.

Kanaani continued that based on its inherent duties in defending the rights of its citizens, the Islamic Republic of Iran has used all legal capacities and facilities to free the said citizen from the clutches of injustice and will continue its efforts until the full fulfillment of the rights of its citizens.

The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its right to take appropriate steps.

An appeals court in Sweden has upheld a life sentence given to a former Iranian official despite repeated objections from Tehran that the verdict is politically-motivated.

The Svea Court of Appeal said in a statement on Tuesday that it "affirmed the judgment... in significant parts" that had been given to Hamid Nouri in July 2022 for his alleged role in cases of human rights violations in Iran.

It described the case brought against Nouri in the initial court proceedings as "robust" and "correct."

The verdict comes four years after Nouri was arrested at a Stockholm airport based on complaints filed by anti-Iranian groups in Sweden for his alleged role in the death of prisoners in Iran in the 1980s.

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Tehran condemns Swedish courts ruling against Iranian citizen

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 20 December 2023 / 11:19

Tehran considers the verdict issued by the initial and appellate courts against Hamid Nouri to be fundamentally unacceptable and therefore strongly condemns it.

Tehran-ISNA- In response to the Swedish court's ruling against Hamid Nouri, Nasser Kanaani, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, stated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the verdict issued by the initial and appellate courts against Hamid Nouri, an Iranian citizen, to be fundamentally unacceptable and therefore strongly condemns it."

Kanaani expressed: "It is regrettable that the Swedish court, without considering the standards of a fair trial, has chosen to pronounce such a destructive judgment."

The Stockholm Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a controversial life sentence for 62-year-old Nouri, who was arrested in 2019 under unfounded allegations of rights abuse and for what was claimed to be his alleged role in the death of prisoners in Iran in the 1980s.

Kanaani remarked: "Unfortunately, the Swedish judicial system, by aligning with terrorist groups involved in heinous acts against the people of Iran, Iraq, and even Europe for decades, jeopardizes the interests of both nations and the long-standing, historical relations between the two countries."

He emphasized: "The Islamic Republic of Iran, in fulfilling its inherent duties to defend the rights of its citizens, has utilized all legal capacities and resources to liberate the citizen in question from injustice and will persist in its efforts until the complete realization of the rights of its citizens."

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored: "The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its right to take appropriate measures

End Item



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Iran summons Sweden's envoy to protest life sentence for ex-official Hamid Nouri

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 6:42 PM

Iran's foreign ministry has summoned Sweden's charge d'affaires to protest the life sentence handed down to a former Iranian official over his alleged role in the execution of some MKO members in Iran in the 1980s.

A Swedish appeals court on Tuesday upheld the jail term handed down to Hamid Noury, 62, in July last year for alleged breaches of international humanitarian law and murder.

On Wednesday, the general director for Western Europe at the Iranian foreign ministry expressed regret that claims made by the notorious Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization had been cited as evidence by the court.

"It's regrettable that empty claims of individuals and a group that have committed the most heinous terrorist and anti-human acts against the people of Iran, Iraq and Europe for decades, is being cited in a court with minimum standards of fair proceedings, and legal mechanisms are allowed to be misused to pursue the political goals of toxic and destructive currents," the statement cited the foreign ministry official as saying in the meeting.

"The Swedish court has taken the wrong path during the hearing of this fabricated and fake case by raising false allegations, without paying attention to the criteria of the legal process," he said.

The senior Iranian diplomat said the verdict once again proved the double standards of the Western countries who claim to be advocating human rights worldwide.

"Pursuing the goals and objectives of anti-Iran terrorist and separatist groups and a group whose hands are stained with the blood of more than 17,000 Iranians once again proved the double [standard] of human rights claimants," he said.

The official vowed Iran will use all the facilities at its disposal to help free its citizen.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to continue pursuing the lost rights of its citizen until his complete freedom from the clutches of injustice, and reserves its right to take appropriate steps," he said.

The verdict comes four years after Nouri was arrested at a Stockholm airport based on complaints filed by anti-Iranian groups in Sweden for his alleged role in the execution of a number of MKO members in Iran in the 1980s.

He was put on trial on allegations leveled against him by the MKO, which claimed Nouri was involved in the execution and torture of the grouplet's members in 1988.

Nouri and his defense team have vehemently denied the charges while the Iranian authorities have repeatedly said that the case has been based on political motives.

The case has created tensions between Iran and Sweden and has stirred anti-Sweden sentiment in Iran.

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IRGC Navy vessels equipped with indigenous missiles guided by artificial intelligence

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 3:35 PM

The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy says his force has furnished its vessels with long-range homegrown naval cruise missiles that use artificial intelligence (AI) and enjoy high controllability after launch.

Speaking at a ceremony in the southern Iranian port city of Bushehr on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri stated that introduction of the new military achievement to the IRGC Navy has dramatically boosted its deterrent power.

"Among the most distinguishing features of the new vessels are their ability to cruise at a higher velocity, and outstanding qualities which outshine their predecessors," he added.

The IRGC Navy commander further noted that missiles guided by artificial intelligence which enjoy remote controllability after launch have been fitted into the equipment.

"The design and manufacture of such vessels by Iranian experts at the IRGC Navy exhibit the country's strong resolve to attain self-sufficiency in the production of essential combat equipment and systems," Tangsiri pointed out.

The senior Iranian military commander said a number of IRGC naval units have already taken delivery of the sophisticated vessels, emphasizing that the entire combat units of the force will receive them in the near future.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Tangsiri stated that Shahid Hassan Baqeri patrol combat vessel and Shahid Sayyad Shirazi warship have already been manufactured in a class that has been named after the country's top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in a US drone strike near Baghdad airport in January 2020.

He expressed hope that domestically designed and manufactured Abu Mahdi and Rais Ali Delvari vessels will soon join the IRGC naval fleet.

Tangsiri also noted that tremendous and commendable strides have also been made as regards development of various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, improvement of their flight endurance and increase in their payload capacity, as well as production of naval subsurface vessels.

The top general said the Iranian Armed Forces are closely and constantly monitoring the enemies' moves across the Persian Gulf region by means of ground, aerial, sea-surface and underwater surveillance systems.

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.

Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran's defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran's defense capabilities.

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Sweden's verdict on Nouri 'unfair', only acquittal acceptable: Iran

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 11:09 AM

Iran's Judiciary says a Swedish court's verdict against Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian Judiciary official who has been illegally imprisoned in Sweden, is unfair and that no ruling but the exoneration of the 62-year-old will be acceptable.

Massoud Setayeshi, the Judiciary spokesman, made the remarks at a press conference on Wednesday after the Stockholm Court of Appeals upheld a controversial life sentence for Nouri, who was arrested in 2019 under unfounded allegations of human rights violations.

"The verdict against Hamid Nouri was unfair but predictable," Setayeshi was quoted as saying by ISNA. "We will not recognize any verdict except the acquittal verdict regarding Hamid Nouri's innocence."

Nouri was arrested upon arrival at Stockholm Airport in November 2019 and was immediately imprisoned.

He was put on trial on unfounded allegations staged against him by elements representing the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group that has openly boasted about carrying out terrorist operations against Iranian officials and civilians perceived to be supporters of the government.

The terrorist group had falsely claimed that Nouri was involved in the execution and torture of MKO members in 1988, baseless charges he has vehemently rejected.

In July last year, a Swedish court sentenced Nouri to life imprisonment. The court, which was described by Iran as illegitimate in the first place, convicted Nouri of "war crimes and crimes against humanity" entirely based on claims made by MKO terrorists living in exile across Europe.

The former Iranian judiciary official has been placed in solitary confinement since his illegal arrest.

Swedish national's case under investigation

Setayeshi also said that the case of Johan Floderus, a Swedish citizen detained in Iran on espionage charges, was being investigated at an official court.

"The legal proceedings for the case are underway in a court. The third session of hearings was held on December 18. He has been in temporary detention since last year," the Judiciary spokesman said.

Iran's Intelligence Ministry announced in March last year that it had arrested the Swedish national who had been visiting the country on espionage charges after having him under surveillance for some time.

The Intelligence Ministry stressed that the Swedish suspect had re-entered Iran several months earlier following the arrest of "another European spy" in order to acquire information about the identity of the detained European person and how he had been arrested by the Ministry.

The suspect had had a history of traveling to the Israeli-occupied territories before leaving for Iran.

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Iran condemns Swedish verdict against Nouri as 'fundamentally unacceptable'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 7:09 AM

Iran's Foreign Ministry has vehemently condemned as "fundamentally unacceptable" a Swedish court's verdict against Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian judiciary official who has been illegally incarcerated in Sweden.

The Stockholm Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a controversial life sentence for 62-year-old Nouri, who was arrested in 2019 under unfounded allegations of rights abuse and for what was claimed to be his alleged role in the death of prisoners in Iran in the 1980s.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran regards the primary and appeals court's verdict concerning Iranian citizen Hamid Nouri to be fundamentally unacceptable and strongly condemns it," said Nasser Kan'ani, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman.

"It is regrettable that the Swedish court, disregarding the standards of a fair trial, has moved to issue such a destructive verdict."

Kan'ani underlined that Sweden had sided with anti-Iran terrorist groups by such a ruling and has jeopardized Tehran- Stockholm relations.

"Unfortunately, Sweden's judicial system, by siding with the terrorist groups that have been engaged in the most heinous terrorist and inhumane acts against the people of Iran, Iraq, and even Europe for decades, has endangered the interests of the two nations as well as the old, historical and deep-rooted relations between the two countries," Kan'ani said.

"In light of its inherent duties in defending the rights of its citizens, the Islamic Republic of Iran has used all legal capacities and facilities to free the said citizen from the grips of injustice and will continue its efforts until the full fulfillment of the rights of its citizens," he added.

The Foreign Ministry's spokesman also stressed that the Islamic Republic reserves the right to take "appropriate" steps in that regard.

Nouri was arrested upon arrival at Stockholm Airport in November 2019 and was immediately imprisoned.

He was put on trial on unfounded allegations staged against him by elements representing the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group that has openly boasted about carrying out terrorist operations against Iranian officials and civilians perceived to be supporters of the government.

The terrorist group had falsely claimed that Nouri was involved in the execution and torture of MKO members in 1988, baseless charges he has vehemently rejected.

In July last year, a Swedish court sentenced Nouri to life imprisonment. The court, which was described by Iran as illegitimate in the first place, convicted Nouri of "war crimes and crimes against humanity" entirely based on claims made by MKO terrorists living in exile across Europe.

The former Iranian judiciary official has been placed in solitary confinement since his illegal arrest.

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Israeli-based ships to be banned from anchoring at Malaysia waters

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran -- Malaysia has said that it will not let the Israel-based integrated shipping services ZIM be berthed at any of its ports, media outlets reported.

According to a report by Canadian English language channel BNN Blomberg on Wednesday, Malaysia's move signals "rising frustration" over the war in Gaza.

Malaysia blocks ships that bear the Israeli regime's flags, and will also prevent vessels which are destined for Israel from its ports, the BNN Bloomberg quoted Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as saying in a statement.

"These sanctions are a response to Israel's actions ignoring the basic principles of humanity and breaking the international law through continued massacres and atrocities against Palestinians," Anwar said according to the report.

Malaysia is among the major supporters of the Palestinians as Anwar promised last months to keep its ties with the Palestinian Resistance movement, Hamas, despite the pressure put by the United States.

Based on the report, the Zionist regime's economy relies on seaborne trade, and Malaysia had already welcomed ZIM's vessels since 2002; meanwhile, as Anwar said the change in the country's decision will not put obstacles to the trade activities of Malaysia.

Nearly 20,000 Palestinians including thousands of women and children have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of war there on October 7.

1483**7129

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Statement by PM Netanyahu

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

The 37th Government

20.12.2023

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today , on the continuation of fighting against Hamas:

"We are continuing the war to the end. It will continue until Hamas is eliminated - until victory.

Whoever thinks that we will stop is detached from reality. We will not stop the fighting until all of the goals that we have set are achieved: The elimination of Hamas, the release of our hostages and the removal of the threat from Gaza.

We are attacking Hamas with fierce fire, everywhere, including today. We are also attacking their accomplices near and far.

All Hamas terrorists, from the first to the last, are dead men walking. They have only two possibilities: Surrender or die."

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Malaysia imposes docking ban on Israeli cargo ships in solidarity with Gaza

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 11:00 AM

The Malaysian government has imposed an indefinite ban on vessels owned by an Israeli shipping cargo company from docking at its ports in response to the bloody Israeli onslaught against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Ships en route to the occupied Palestinian territories and Israeli-flagged vessels will also be barred from loading cargo at any port in the largely Muslim Southeast Asian nation.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a statement on Wednesday that the Transport Ministry has been instructed to enforce the ban with immediate effect.

Anwar singled out Israel's biggest shipping firm ZIM.

Malaysia's cabinet had in 2002 authorized Israeli-registered companies to dock vessels at Malaysian ports; and in 2005, allowed Israeli-registered ships to anchor in Malaysia. However, Wednesday's statement said that authorizations had been rescinded.

"The Malaysian government decided to block and disallow the Israeli-based shipping company ZIM from docking at any Malaysian port," Anwar said.

"These sanctions are a response to Israel's actions that ignore basic humanitarian principles and violate international law through the ongoing massacre and brutality against Palestinians."

Malaysia "also decided to no longer accept ships using the Israeli flag to dock in the country" and ban "any ship on its way to Israel from loading cargo in Malaysian ports."

Anwar said his country was confident its trade would not be affected by the decision.

Malaysia does not have diplomatic ties with Israel.

Malaysians have kept up a strong show of support for the Palestinian people's struggle to claim their sovereign rights, and strongly condemned the cruelties being perpetrated by the Israeli regime in Gaza.

Malaysians in various parts of the country have held marches and motorcycle convoys to voice their support for the Palestinian people, who are suffering from oppression and atrocities committed by the Israeli regime.

Muslim scholars have called on all people to show undivided support for Palestine because the Palestinian issue is related to humanity and not just religion.

Israel waged the brutal war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement 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 offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 19,667 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 52,586 others.

Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel.

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Food, supplies run low at large prison in Myanmar's Kayah State

Nearby fighting between junta and ethnic forces has kept medicine and other necessities from reaching Loikaw.

By RFA Burmese 2023.12.20 -- Food and medicine shortages are putting nearly 500 prisoners in eastern Myanmar's Kayah State at risk as fighting between the military junta and resistance forces has hindered the transport of supplies into the capital of Loikaw, aid workers said.

Ethnic Karenni forces and anti-junta People's Defense Force paramilitaries began a coordinated offensive against the military on Nov. 11 in an attack that's been dubbed "Operation 1111."

Intense fighting has taken place near Loikaw Prison over the last week as food and medicine supplies continue to drop, said Thike Tun Oo, a member of the leading committee of the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar.

Basic supplies at the prison are typically stockpiled for about three months, he said.

"The military troops are defending the prison against the attacks of joint forces who are holding back on all-out attacks out of consideration for the prisoners," said Khu Nye Reh, the spokesman of the Karenni Military Information Center.

"Family members dare not visit prisoners due to security concerns," he said. "In this circumstance, the prisoners will receive only a very small quota of food. Just enough for survival."

Karenni forces have suspended attempts at taking control of the prison, but continue to occupy 85 percent of Loikaw, according to Col. Phone Naing, the Karenni Army's adjutant general.

The prison's 500 inmates include 140 pro-democracy activists and other prisoners of conscience.

Human shield worries

"Whether the prison is attacked or not, food supplies and fuel cannot be taken into the city due to the ongoing armed conflict," said Banyar, the founder of the Karenni Human Rights Group.

"The prisoners will also not receive regular meals and medicines. Patients in the prison cannot be taken out for medical treatments," he said. "They have lost their human rights."

He added that he's worried that junta troops will force prisoners to wear military uniforms if they attempt to relocate them or use them as cover.

Junta officials haven't made any statements about the situation of inmates at Loikaw Prison.

Radio Free Asia attempted to contact the office of the deputy director-general of the Prison Department, as well as junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, but no one responded to messages.

Fighting between Karenni forces and junta troops near the prison in January 2022 also caused food shortages.

"We were tightly confined in a prison cell. Food rations were significantly reduced," a member of the Karenni Political Prisoners Association and a former Loikaw Prison inmate recalled to RFA on Wednesday.

"We even had a hard time finding salt to eat," he said. "We had no chance to avoid heavy weapon shelling. While I was in this prison, some 120 mm mortars and RPG attacks hit the prison. Our lives were at risk at that time."

The former prisoner also expressed concern for the security of prisoners currently inside the facility.

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.

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An Aussie snake catcher has described the moment he came across three coastal carpet pythons laying on their eggs, all within one square metre of each other, as "one of the craziest sights" he's ever seen.

Brandon Gifford told Yahoo News Australia that he got the call out to a property on Wednesday afternoon. "It was initially going to be two carpet pythons on a clutch of eggs and one clutch of eggs that had been disturbed, and that's why they were calling us, because someone had taken the python off her eggs and showed it to other people so they didn't want that to happen again."

The three python mums-to-be were found laying on their eggs, all within one square metre of each other. Source: Supplied

The snakes were found at the site of the Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, which is set to draw thousands of people to the area when it kicks off next week. But it was what happened next that shocked the experts at Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7.

Sight on 'another level'

"I got there and lifted the tarp and that mum [the one that had been picked up] had come back and gotten back on her clutch of eggs, so there were all three there and it was one of the craziest sites I've ever seen," Gifford said, adding that the snakes had about 50 to 60 eggs between them. "I've never come across that and I was so excited. For a snake person that's on another level. It is incredibly unusual. Like it's bizarre."

While communal laying is quite common in other snakes, it's not in coastal carpet pythons. Gifford says he, his colleagues and other experts in the field had ever heard of it happening before. "We're obviously in touch with a lot of herpetologists and us ourselves have been zookeepers for many years before we became snake catchers and we know people all over Australia and everyone we were talking to hadn't seen this before, so it became very exciting very quickly," he explained. "As soon as I got out of there and started talking to people, that's when I started realising that, yeah, a lot of people had never heard of this before."

Story continues

Snakes separated from eggs

While Gifford said the three snakes laying on their eggs "was the cutest sight" and "like a little mother's meeting", the reptiles needed to be moved, which proved to be quite the operation. "I had to carefully take each one off and move each one into their own separate bag, and each clutch had to go into a separate container with substrate in it," he said, adding that he had to be careful to keep them in the same upright position.

Gifford said he relocated the coastal carpet pythons to a creek nearby. Source: Supplied

"I took the mothers to the closest patch of bush and let them go, and the only reason we don't release them with the eggs anymore is that it has been tried and tested over many years and it can have success but more often than not it fails."

He explained that this is purely because the mums take time to find the perfect spot, with the perfect temperature and humidity. "They know exactly where they want to curl up and for us to try to put them in a random patch of bush and replicate that is near impossible."

While Gifford expressed concern for the mothers-to be, their maternal instincts and "the emotion of it", he said they're used to becoming separated from their eggs. "They will just go off because they're used to that as far as weather events go and all sorts of different triggers in the environment that will compromise the clutch or when the eggs hatch," he said.

The eggs, which take 30 to 40 days to hatch, have since been transferred to the Australian Zoo Wildlife Hospital to continue their incubation.

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March To Protest Excessive Arrests Of Baluchi Men Ends Violently In Islamabad

By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal December 20, 2023

Police in Islamabad used force to disperse a protest by Baluchis in the early hours of December 21 after the protesters marched hundreds of kilometers to draw attention to excessive arrests of Baluchi men and their mistreatment by police.

The woman who led the march, Mahrang Baloch, said on X, formerly Twitter, that she was taken into custody along with other protesters, while several protesters were reportedly injured by police as the protest was dispersed and people were rounded up and placed into transport vehicles.

The march "is under attack by the Islamabad police," Baloch said on X. "I have been arrested along with several women and men by Islamabad police, but remember fascist state, we will defeat you."

Participants in the march posted videos on X showing people, mainly women, marching and decrying alleged brutal police beatings of their sons.

Before her own arrest, Baloch said many youths had been arrested and many had been injured by tear gas and violence.

"Right now, we are being treated worse than animals. Will the world raise its voice for us against this barbarism?" she said on X.

The protesters reached Islamabad nearly a month after setting off from the Turbat district in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province to demand a judicial inquiry into the killing of Balach Maula Bakhsh, whose relatives say died in police custody in November.

The killing is just one of the crimes that protesters want authorities to investigate. They also accuse Pakistani security agencies of a string of abductions and extrajudicial killings of Baluch men. The authorities reject the allegations.

The march passed through the provincial capital, Quetta, before heading toward Islamabad.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-balochistan-march- protest-police-violence-/32740747.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Meeting of the Council of Legislators

Vladimir Putin took part in the ceremonial meeting of the Council of Legislators dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

December 20, 2023

15:05

Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends,

Madam Matviyenko, Mr Volodin,

Welcome to our traditional meeting.

In the past, we met in a restricted format and in a different situation. But as I understand it, today we have met not only to review the results of the year but also on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Federal Assembly of Russia. First of all, I would like to congratulate you all, the senators and the deputies of the State Duma, on this event, the 30th anniversary of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Our present-day parliament and its two houses were established following the election held on December 12, 1993, the day when we adopted our Constitution. The entry of the new Fundamental Law into force and the start of the operation of a democratically elected representative and legislative body of power were extremely important, without any exaggeration, for strengthening our statehood and the system of power as a whole. It was extremely important for the restoration of public stability, for conducting a meaningful dialogue between various political forces on the key issues of the country's development agenda, and for addressing the practical issues that were and still are of concern to the people.

Of course, I know that some people in this room experienced all of this; they took decisions and can say that they adopted those laws, but they were not implemented. Some of them were not implemented, but others were put into operation. It is true that many laws remained ineffective. I can see Mr Zyuganov smiling, which means that he shares this view.

But do you know the meaning and value of the decisions we adopted? They created the legal foundations of our new statehood. This alone is very important: we created the foundations and set the guidelines. And after that, we used those guidelines to gradually, working jointly with deputies at all levels, including regional legislatures, restore constitutional order and discipline and ensure compliance with these laws. Without those laws, we would not have had a legal framework. It was an extremely important event in the life of our country.

One of the provisions contained in the Constitution is of critical importance. It is a matter of principle, in fact: it is the people of Russia who act as the bearers of sovereignty and the only source of power. The Constitution contained other fundamental provisions, guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of individuals, stipulating Russia's commitment to social welfare and rule of law, regulating the federal structure - an instrumental factor for preserving Russia's integrity. It provided for restoring and maintaining a single legal framework across our country in all its vastness and diversity.

The Constitutional norms have always enjoyed direct force taking precedence over all other norms and regulations. However, it was the parliament's role to make sure that we discover and harness the meaning, essence and legal potential of practically every article contained in the Fundamental Law which de facto amounted to creating our new national legislation. A legislation that would ensure unity and harmonious development of a strong sovereign state with a free, responsible, and active civil society.

This was an extremely challenging, ambitious and very demanding task, and we are continuing these efforts today as we streamline our laws and regulations to make them more effective considering the new reality we live in and the challenges we face.

Here I would like to remind you that despite all the hardships we faced at the time, our parliament has been able to adopt several major instruments during the first two years of its work, such as the Law on the Constitutional Court, the first part of the Civil Code, and the Family Code. They remain in full force and effect to this day, along with the amendments adopted over the years.

Of course, starting with its first sessions, the parliament has gradually developed its rules of procedure by giving the legislative process its own intricate logic and then by fine-tuning its key stages and procedures, as well as by developing a legal standard for its legislative acts. A parliamentary tradition of engaging in a constructive public debate was born with various political forces treating each other with respect and the tradition of taking into consideration the opposition's opinion, including when designating members of parliament to senior roles within the State Duma and regional legislative assemblies.

I would like to place a special emphasis on your joint efforts on the parliamentary diplomacy track. Members of both the Federation Council and the State Duma, as well as our colleagues in the regions and municipalities were bold, proactive and professional in the 1990s and in the 21st century when working on international platforms. They made a major contribution to reviving and gradually reinforcing our country's image and influence, as well as in promoting Russia's sovereign policy as one of the leading forces within the global majority and the backer of an objective process to build a multipolar world order with better justice for all.

The recent meeting with the leaders of parliamentary parties represented in the State Duma was substantive and specific; I think my colleagues will confirm this. Later on, we talked with each of them separately about the issues that are of interest to them and their parliamentary parties. We noted that all of us, primarily you, of course, are preserving the historical continuity and respect for the heritage of domestic parliamentarism and the people's power that took shape in the early 20th century during the first dumas and even earlier. If we recall the Novgorod Veche (we look to the Novgorod Veche all the time), it was described to us in great detail in school. But such bodies of representative authority were not limited to Novgorod. They also existed in many other lands (or regions, as we say now). It was more than just Novgorod that was distinguished by this.

People's gatherings, assemblies and later the experience of county self-government - all of them are important, all of them are our heritage. This link of times, a principle of the continuity of state development definitely enriches our experience. They emphasise and enhance our sovereign world outlook, political and parliamentary culture and help us take balanced, responsible decisions.

In the past few years, the work of both the federal and regional parliaments and local representative authorities has become more mature and professional. This reflects the quality of your work. I will also recall that the amendments introduced to the Constitution in 2020 also expanded the powers of both chambers of the Federal Assembly, significantly strengthened their influence and status in a single system of public authority.

Colleagues,

I would like to thank you and all your colleagues, Russian legislators, for your joint position on the most important steps aimed at supporting Russian families, our education, healthcare, preserving our culture and traditional values, and strengthening the security and economic sovereignty of Russia. These tasks are not easy.

I understand - you are public figures and have to meet with people and explain why these or other decisions are made. You are working professionally on these issues and sometimes, the adopted decisions are out of line. They are different from the common understanding of what is good and what is bad. But if a person understands and is convinced himself of the need to make these or other decisions, it is easier for him to bring his position home to his constituency. This is very important. A responsible attitude towards this work means a responsible attitude towards one's responsibilities and to the people voting for you.

Of course, I am talking about strengthening our national security in general and defending our compatriots in Donbass and Novorossiya. I understand we have our comrades here with us today who chair the parliaments in our four historical regions: the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, and the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. These assemblies were elected under Russian law. I suggest that we give them a special welcome. We wish you every success and all the best in your work. We do understand the challenges and the risks you face, but people there are so resilient and reliable, and they know what they are after and why they decided to serve in these bodies of authority. They are there to serve people.

Let me note that over the past year, you adopted an entire package, which includes several dozen laws, to support our heroes taking part in the special military operation, as well as their families. Importantly, in most cases, all party factions in the State Duma came together to adopt these laws which matter so much for the country and our people. This ability to consolidate around vital national causes is of great significance for our state. Thank you very much. The Federation Council then took over and demonstrated the same unanimity. I have already said this but let me reiterate that this clearly demonstrates how consolidated our society has become.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to ask the dedicated parliamentary group to continue its work regarding the special military operation. It includes senators, deputies from all State Duma party factions, as well as representatives of the Defence Ministry and frontline correspondents. I regularly receive reports from our colleagues along with their substantive proposals. Many of those proposals, including on social and legal protection of soldiers and war veterans, have already made it into law.

Friends,

There are so many tasks facing us and they require our constant attention, more decisions and of course effective legislative support at the federal and regional levels. I am certain that the sense of responsibility each of us has and the deep understanding of our common goals and vital interests of the people of Russia will guide us in our joint efforts.

Once again, congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the Federal Assembly and the Constitution of Russia, and of course, Happy New Year. My best wishes to all of you.

Thank you very much.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco Nasser Bourita, Marrakech, December 20, 2023

20 December 2023 19:36

2586-20-12-2023



We held useful bilateral talks. We discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level between King Mohammed VI of Morocco and President of Russia Vladimir Putin, as well as the implementation of the 2002 Declaration on strategic partnership and the 2016 Statement on in-depth strategic partnership. We reaffirmed that these two documents remain as relevant as ever.

We considered how we could refine our actions to implement them more effectively and fully with regard to strengthening trade, economic and investment ties in fuel and energy, digital technology, energy, the peaceful development of nuclear energy, and many other areas including agriculture and marine fisheries.

We talked about the significant opportunities we have for expanding our cultural, educational and humanitarian ties. In order to translate these opportunities into practical steps, we agreed to convene a regular meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation early next year.

As the commission's co-chair, Minister Bourita met with his counterpart, Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev, on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg in July.

In addition to the discussions that took place at the Sixth Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, we also covered most regional issues and international affairs at the bilateral meeting. Both sides are committed to the central role of the United Nations and the application of the principles stipulated in its Charter as an interrelated whole. We are adamant that everyone must fully respect the cultural and civilisational diversity in the modern world and every nation's right to determine their own future.

We discussed African affairs and developments in the Middle East and North Africa, the Mediterranean and the world in general. We touched upon the Western Sahara settlement process. Russia is interested in progress in this area. Our approaches remain unchanged, balanced and unbiased. We support making expeditious progress towards a sustainable and long-term settlement based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We intend to continue to pursue a policy aimed at working out a solution that would suit all parties. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a member of the Friends of Western Sahara group, Russia tries to promote this in every possible way, including by supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura. It is important to ensure the necessary conditions for the effective operation of the UN mission on Western Sahara, which plays an important stabilising role in the region.

We agreed to accelerate the creation of a working committee between our ministries at the level of deputy foreign ministers to coordinate our foreign policies even more effectively.

I think that our visit was very successful. Our colleagues wanted us to spend more time here, but we have a tight schedule. I am sure that we will leave with unforgettable memories, most importantly, from achieving good, useful, and pragmatic results. This applies both to our bilateral meeting and to the results of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum.

Once again, I would like to extend my gratitude to my colleague and friend Nasser Bourita.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at the plenary meeting of the 6th session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, Marrakesh, December 20, 2023

20 December 2023 14:26

2581-20-12-2023

Mr Chairman,

Dear Nasser,

Colleagues,

Friends,

I would like to express gratitude, on behalf of the Russian delegation, to His Majesty King of Morocco and to the host of this event, my good friend, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita, for their hospitality and for the excellent organisation of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum at such a high level.

Our meeting is being held amid an unprecedented deterioration in the situation in the Middle East and overall turbulence in the world. A collective approach to the task of strengthening peace and security in the region and ensuring its sustainable development is more important than ever in light of the complex and multifaceted nature of the emerging threats and challenges. This is the focus of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, which was established in 2009. Since then, it has become a vital mechanism for coordinating the positions of Russia and the Arab world on a broad range of issues of mutual interest.

Our previous meeting in this format was held in Moscow in 2019, when we adopted an action plan for the implementation of the principles, goals and objectives of the Forum. Despite the interference of the Covid-19 pandemic and the drawn-out coordination of the timeframe for this meeting, the majority of the document's provisions are being implemented, boosting the development of the multifaceted and mutually beneficial Russian-Arab cooperation.

The agenda of our meeting today is full of difficult issues. The many crises and conflicts in the vast region of the Middle East and North Africa are hindering the development of many countries in the region, which has rich economic and cultural potential.

The terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, which we expressly condemned, has dramatically worsened the situation in the oldest problem area in this part of the world - the zone of Palestinian-Israeli confrontation. This time the violence, which we can see every day, has acquired an unprecedented and truly catastrophic scale. The number of dead and wounded is estimated at tens of thousands, most of whom are peaceful Gaza civilians and predominantly children and women. The suffering of civilians in the enclave is being exacerbated by the consequences of the Israeli blockade.

We see our top-priority in ending bloodshed and creating favourable conditions to provide essential humanitarian assistance for all people in need. Unfortunately, our repeated attempts, together with our supporters, to secure the approval of a UN Security Council resolution demanding a sustained ceasefire are encountering tough resistance on the part of the United States with its one-sided position as it tries to usurp all processes and initiatives. Nevertheless, we continue with this effort, in coordination with our partners, primarily our Arab partners, in the interests of facilitating long-term stabilisation and launching political-diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Obviously, outbreaks of violence will repeat themselves, unless the long-time injustice, the root cause of the conflict, is eliminated, and unless the people of Palestine realise their right to establish their own independent state within the 1967 borders, with its capital in East Jerusalem, as required by UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. Only this well-balanced approach based on international law can facilitate sustained peace.

Russia's principled position coincides with the line of Arab countries that reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the crisis in accordance with the generally recognised international law framework at the November 11, 2023 summit of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. In this situation, it is our common task to help the parties launch the negotiating process. It is necessary to resolve all contentious issues during this process. We need a collective diplomatic mechanism aiming to create favourable conditions for implementing the international community's decisions. The reinstatement of Palestinian unity is among the key and most pressing tasks.

Even before the escalation in Gaza last spring, we suggested holding ministerial consultations to consolidate the positions of the regional parties to the issue and to help restore the unity of the Palestinian people and organisations. This initiative still stands.

We welcome the growing trend towards the Middle East countries increasing their role in efforts to resolve the problems in their region. This approach has made it possible to reach agreements on restoring relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia and has expedited comprehensive normalisation between Syria and its Arab neighbours through Syria's return to the Arab League.

These positive dynamics need support, as is particularly obvious now that it has become clear that certain outside forces are not averse to using the new escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in their interests. They are out to kindling the fire of regional hostility in order to build on the many reckless adventures the United States and its allies have launched in the Middle East during the past 20 years. As a result, we see broken statehoods, thousands of deaths, huge refugee flows, and the dramatic aggravation of social and economic problems. Their aim is clear - they want to weaken countries that pursue an independent foreign policy.

We are quite familiar with this pattern from the events in Ukraine. In their declared effort to inflict a "strategic defeat" on Russia, or, as they have recently been putting it in Washington, "to prevent Putin from winning in Ukraine," the United States and its European allies continue to sponsor the criminal regime in Kiev and pump the country full of lethal weapons. It is no secret that Vladimir Zelensky and his entourage are under direct external control. As before, the collective West views Ukraine as no more than a tool in its great game, a supplier of cannon fodder to serve the interests of the United States and other NATO members.

The crisis in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, as well as the distinct divide in the approaches to these crises between the Western minority and the global majority, indicate that the world is at a fateful crossroads. Essentially, it will decide whether a truly fair and democratic world order can be built, based on the central role of the UN and the principle of the sovereign equality of states from its Charter and on a carefully calibrated balance of interests of all countries - or whether the United States and a group of former colonial metropoles will continue to impose their "rules" and their selfish agenda on the international community.

We know that it is impossible to reverse history. New centres of global decision-making have taken the stage. The role of Arab countries is growing in this respect. The sooner our Western colleagues grasp this truth, the better for them. As I already said, given that the world remains stormy, it is important to get back to basics. I am primarily referring to the principles of the UN Charter that determine the norms of interstate relations, including the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their home affairs. It is necessary to observe the principles of the UN Charter not selectively but fully, as naturally and inseparably linked.

A Security Council permanent member, Russia will continue acting in international affairs, proceeding from a clear understanding of its responsibility. We will continue to advance a unifying agenda and help strengthen global security and settle regional conflicts.

To this end, we are always open to honest partnership with all those who, like us, are guided in international affairs by the principles of equality, mutual respect and seeking to balance interests. We are happy that our Arab friends are among such partners.

I hope that apart from regional and global security issues, we will be able to discuss in detail today the prospects for deepening Russian-Arab cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and educational, and healthcare areas. The chair of this event, Foreign Minister of Morocco and my colleague Nasser Bourita has just spoken about this.

Following the talks, we will approve a final declaration and a regular plan of action to implement the forum's principles, goals and tasks for the next three years. I am sure this will be the latest of many contributions to strengthening our partnership.

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt Sameh Shoukry

20 December 2023 13:22

2580-20-12-2023

On December 20, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt Sameh Shoukry on the sidelines of the 6th session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum held in Marrakech.

The ministers had an in-depth exchange of opinions on the situation with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict with a focus on the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Sergey Lavrov expressed gratitude to his Egyptian partner for facilitating the safe transport of Russian citizens from the enclave. He emphasised the importance of bringing about a ceasefire as soon as possible and launching negotiations based on the norms of international law and UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, so that this chronic conflict is settled peacefully and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to a sovereign state within the 1967 borders are realised.

The ministers also discussed the settlement of crises and conflicts in Yemen, Libya, Syria and Lebanon.

They reviewed a package of current issues relating to the strengthening of multifaceted cooperation between Russia and Egypt, including the maintenance of an active political dialogue and interaction at BRICS, the UN and other international platforms.

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Slovak Leader Confirms EU Extended Exemption on Selling Fuels From Russian Oil to Czechia

Sputnik News

20231220

BRATISLAVA (Sputnik) - Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed on Wednesday that his country would continue refining Russian crude and exporting fuels to the Czech Republic, after the European Union extended its exemption as part of the bloc's 12th package of Russia sanctions.

The regulation allowing Bratislava to sell Russian-origin oil products to its neighbor expired on December 5. On Tuesday, Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova said the exemption was extended for one year.

"We have been granted an exemption [from EU's ban] for processing Russian oil. As you know, Russian oil is currently under sanctions, but we are allowed to sell products made from it in Slovakia, and we have also been granted an exemption under which we can export products made from this Russian oil to the Czech Republic," Fico told the InfoVojna broadcaster.

Earlier in the day, Nikolai Tokarev, head of Russian pipeline company Transneft, said that Slovakia and the Czech Republic had asked the EU to allow imports of Russian oil as they could not take it from elsewhere.

In November, Slovak parliamentary speaker Peter Pellegrini warned that oil supplies in Europe could be disrupted if Bratislava's exemption from EU sanctions on Russian oil was not secured. Slovak oil refinery Slovnaft has already invested in changing its technology to process a different type of oil, but the transition is likely to take a while, he added.

After Russia began its special military operation in Ukraine, the West actively searched for ways to limit Moscow's energy-related income, notably from oil and gas. Moreover, the Ukraine conflict also stopped the flow of Russian gas to Europe, which led to a spike in energy prices and shortages, forcing countries to look for alternatives.

A Sputnik

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Treasury Tightens the Price Cap with New Sanctions and Updated Guidance

U.S. Department of the Treasury

December 20, 2023

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) continued to tighten enforcement of the price cap on Russian oil by building on previous actions targeting shipowners and vessels implicated in transporting Russian crude oil above the cap. In line with actions previously taken by partners in the Price Cap Coalition, OFAC is designating a Government of Russia-owned ship manager as well as several obscure oil traders who have emerged as frequent participants in the seaborne transportation of Russian-origin oil following the imposition of the price cap.

OFAC has also, in coordination with the Price Cap Coalition, updated the Guidance on Implementation of the Price Cap Policy for Crude Oil and Petroleum Products of Russian Federation Origin. Today's actions are in line with commitments made by Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) on December 6, 2023 to tighten compliance and enforcement of the price cap policy on Russian oil, including by imposing sanctions on those engaged in deceptive practices and by updating compliance rules and regulations as necessary.

"Today's designations demonstrate our commitment to upholding the principles of the price cap policy, which advance the goals of supporting stable energy markets while reducing Russian revenues to fund its war against Ukraine," said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. "Participants in the maritime transport of Russian oil, especially Tier 1 actors like traders, must adhere to the compliance guidelines agreed upon by the Price Cap Coalition or face the consequences."

THE PRICE CAP

The United States is part of an international coalition of countries (the Price Cap Coalition), including the G7, the European Union, and Australia, that have agreed to prohibit the import of crude oil and petroleum products of Russian Federation origin. These countries, home to many best-in-class financial and professional services, have also agreed to restrict a broad range of services related to the maritime transport of crude oil and petroleum products of Russian Federation originaunless that oil is bought and sold at or below the specific price caps established by the Coalition or is authorized by a license. This policy is known as the "price cap." The price cap is intended to maintain a reliable supply of crude oil and petroleum products to the global market while reducing the revenues the Russian Federation earns from oil after its own war of choice against Ukraine inflated global energy prices.

Today, OFAC, in coordination with the Coalition, updated its Guidance on Implementation of the Price Cap Policy for Crude Oil and Petroleum Products of Russian Federation Origin, implementing changes to strengthen the attestation and recordkeeping processes for certain covered service providers.

On October 12, 2023, the Price Cap Coalition published a Coalition Advisory for the Maritime Oil Industry and Related Sectors ("the Advisory"). The Advisory, which is directed at both government and private sector actors involved in the maritime trade of crude oil and refined petroleum products, provides recommendations concerning specific best practices and reflects our commitment to promoting responsible practices in the industry, preventing and disrupting sanctioned trade, and enhancing compliance with the price cap.

OFAC previously published an Alert on Possible Evasion of the Russian Oil Price Cap on April 17, 2023.

GOVERNMENT OF RUSSIA-OWNED SHIP MANAGER

United Arab Emirates-based (UAE-based) SUN Ship Management D Ltd (SUN Ship) is owned by Government of Russia-owned fleet operator Joint Stock Company Sovcomflot (SCF) and manages vessels owned by SCF. SCF is subject to certain restrictions under Directive 3 of Executive Order (E.O.) 14024.

SUN Ship manages the SCF Primorye, a vessel OFAC previously identified as having engaged in the transport of Russian crude oil priced above $60 per barrel after the price cap came into effect while using services of a covered U.S.-based provider. OFAC identified the SCF Primorye as property in which the U.S.-designated shipping company Lumber Marine SA has an interest.

SUN Ship was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for being owned or controlled by, or for having acted for or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation. SUN Ship has also been sanctioned by the European Union and United Kingdom.

UNDER-THE-RADAR TRADERS OF RUSSIAN OIL

Since the imposition of the price cap, little-known oil traders with opaque ownership structures have emerged as frequent participants in the seaborne transport of oil produced by major Russian oil companies, shipping up to half of Russia's oil exports. As underscored in the October 12, 2023 Price Cap Coalition Advisory for the Maritime Oil Industry and Related Sectors, it is recommended that industry stakeholders conduct increased diligence when dealing with intermediary companies, such as traders, that conceal their beneficial ownership or otherwise engage in unusually opaque practices. Such companies may be more likely to engage in deceptive practices and expose counterparties to heightened risks. Due diligence is especially important where market assessments indicate that Russian oil prices exceed the price cap, and Price Cap Coalition services are being used or sought.

Hong Kong-based Bellatrix Energy Limited (Bellatrix) has sharply increased its share of the trade of Russian oil since the price cap policy was implemented. Since the middle of June 2023 alone, vessels chartered by Bellatrix have made more than 150 port calls in Russia. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Bellatrix has traded tens of millions of tons of crude oil and other products of Russian state-owned oil companies and has received a loan worth hundreds of millions of dollars from a Russian state-owned bank. Bellatrix has also borrowed from Joint Stock Company Russian Regional Development Bank, which OFAC designated on November 2, 2023.

Hong Kong-based Covart Energy Limited (Covart) has sharply increased its share of the trade of Russian oil since the price cap policy was implemented. Since May 2023, vessels chartered by Covart have made at least 23 port calls in Russia. Covart also owns a Russia-flagged vessel, the Sanar 15 (IMO 9777670).

Among the vessels that have made port calls in Russia while chartered by Covart were the HS Atlantica, NS Champion, and Viktor Bakaev, all of which have been identified as having engaged in the transport of Russian crude oil priced above $60 per barrel after the price cap came into effect while using services of a covered U.S.-based provider. OFAC identified the HS Atlantica, NS Champion, and Viktor Bakaev as property in which U.S.-designated shipping companies HS Atlantica Limited, Sterling Shipping Incorporated, and Streymoy Shipping Limited, respectively, have an interest.

UAE-based Voliton DMCC (Voliton), formerly known as Petrokim Trading Middle East and Asia DMCC, has also sharply increased its share of the trade of Russian oil since the price cap policy was implemented. Since June 2023, vessels chartered by Voliton have made at least eight port calls in Russia.

Bellatrix, Covart, and Voliton were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy. The Sanar 15 was identified as property in which Covart has an interest.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the persons above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

For identifying information on the entities sanctioned and vessels identified today, click here.

###

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Iran warns about repercussions of Israel attacks on Syria

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 20, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- A senior diplomat with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the continuation of the Israeli regime's strikes against Syria as part of the regime's aggressive nature, warning about their negative consequences for the peace and security in the West Asia region.

Ali Asghar Khaji, the Iranian foreign minister's senior advisor for special political affairs, made the remarks in a video conversation with the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen.

The two sides held talks on the latest political and humanitarian developments in Syria.

Khaji condemned the Israeli regime's war crimes in the Gaza Strip; then, he related the regime's continued attacks on Syria to its "aggressive nature", and warned about the negative repercussions of the aggressions for regional peace and security.

The senior Iranian diplomat also called for adopting practical steps to halt the Israeli incursion into Syria, as well as efforts to improve the humanitarian and economic situation in Syria.

4208**2050

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Chinese balloon detected flying over Taiwan Strait median line: MND

ROC Central News Agency

12/20/2023 02:48 PM

Taipei, Dec. 20 (CNA) A Chinese balloon was detected flying across the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait late Tuesday night before continuing eastward and disappearing early Wednesday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement.

The MND said the balloon, which it described as a surveillance balloon, was first detected at 11:19 p.m. Tuesday flying around 63 nautical miles (116.68 kilometers) northwest of Keelung as it crossed the median line at an approximate altitude of 12,000 feet.

It then traveled eastward north of Taiwan for nearly three hours before disappearing at 2:05 a.m. Wednesday, the ministry said.

The median line serves as an unofficial barrier between Taiwan and China.

Meanwhile, the MND said China also sent eight military aircraft and three ships in the general vicinity of Taiwan between 6 a.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, though only one of the aircraft flew into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ).

According to the MND, it took its usual precautions to track and monitor the movements of the aircraft and ships.

(By Matt Yu and Evelyn Kao)

Enditem/ls



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Presidential candidates dig in their heels over policy toward China

ROC Central News Agency

12/20/2023 11:28 PM

Taipei, Dec. 20 (CNA) All three presidential contenders stood firm on their respective cross-Taiwan Strait policy at the first televised policy presentation Wednesday, each arguing that they are best positioned to safeguard the country while dealing with China.

While the candidates largely repeated their existing policies toward China, they also took the opportunity to criticize each other for endangering the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name).

The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih () fired the first shot, urging his main opponent Lai Ching-te () of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to "publicly renounce" his pro-independence stance.

Hou noted that Lai, the incumbent vice president, has on more than one occasions described himself as a "pragmatic political worker for Taiwanese independence."

Lai last made such a remark publicly in 2017, when he was addressing the Legislature in his capacity as premier of the President Tsai Ing-wen () government.

Hou, who is currently the New Taipei mayor, went on to say that Taiwanese voters and overseas observers remained "worried" about Lai's position, even though the DPP candidate has said he had "no plans to declare [formal] independence."

"[Advocating] Taiwanese independence will bring Taiwan closer to war [with China]," Hou argued, reiterating the KMT's framing of the presidential election scheduled for Jan. 13, 2024, as a vote for either war or peace.

Lai refuted such claim in his remarks, even though he did not address his past pro-independence comments.

"We three people here running for president are all Taiwanese independence [supporters] in the eyes of China" given that Beijing does not recognize the ROC government, according to Lai.

The DPP candidate then criticized Hou and Ko Wen-je () of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) for their approach to peace, which he said would eventually bring about Taiwan's "unification" with China.

He added that his approach would ensure the status quo of the Taiwan Strait.

Lai has proposed a "four-pillar" plan to safeguard Taiwan in the face of the growing military threat posed by China, which includes enhancing deterrence and boosting the country's defense capabilities, among other actions.

Both Hou and Ko have made similar pledges as part of their defense policy.

"No one will entrust the security of a country entirely to the goodwill of others," Ko said in his presentation, adding that Taiwan must have "enough defense power" to be able to negotiate with China on equal terms and dignity.

With that in mind, Ko, who founded the TPP in 2019, said he would raise government spending on defense, which in 2024 is expected to reach 2.5 percent of GDP, to 3 percent.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/AW





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A question raised months ago remains unanswered: What entity will receive $375,000 allocated in the Cayuga County budget for economic development?

Cayuga County Legislature Chairman David Gould confirmed to The Citizen Wednesday that no decision was made by the current 15-member legislature. The incoming 11-member legislature  county voters reduced the size of the body by four seats beginning in 2024  will decide how the economic development dollars will be spent.

The county Legislature passed the 2024 budget that included $375,000 for economic development. In past budgets, that money was directed to the Cayuga Economic Development Agency. But not this year.

A debate over the funding began after CEDA fired its executive director, Michael Miller, in August. At the time, Miller was the agency's second executive director in 14 months. His predecessor, Bradly Broadwell, was also terminated.

In the aftermath of Miller's firing, CEDA's board established a task force to review the agency's direction. Meanwhile, Cayuga County Legislator Robert Shea proposed shifting the county's economic development dollars from CEDA to the Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency.

Shea, a member of the IDA's board, wrote in an email to The Citizen that his plan "will correct a number of issues, improving staff morale, improving transparency and give economic development a (renewed) focus."

During the budget process, which began with the release of the proposed spending plan in November, there were several discussions about the future of economic development in Cayuga County. The deliberations included legislators hearing presentations from CEDA, CCIDA and the county's planning department.

IDA representatives pitched the agency as a new "one-stop shop" for economic development. Steve Lynch, the county's planning director, noted his department had economic development responsibilities in the past. To take on those duties again would cost $540,000 in the first year, according to an estimate.

Cynthia Aikman, vice chair of CEDA's board, offered a different request. Instead of funding CEDA, she wanted to ensure the county would not exercise a clawback provision that would require the agency to return any unused funds. The unspent money would allow CEDA to continue providing economic development services through April 2024, she said. A portion of those funds will be used to hire a consultant to assess CEDA's work and economic development programs in the county.

The county Legislature's discussions continued into December. When lawmakers voted on the budget at the Dec. 14 meeting, there was no mention of the economic development funding.

Gould told The Citizen that the current Legislature opted to let the new one decide how the money should be spent. With some members, including Gould, not returning next year, he felt the incoming lawmakers should make the final decision.

"This is going to be up to the new legislature to discuss in the future and work with both entities and see how they make out and see how they come out," Gould said.
Xi Tells Biden Taiwan Will Reunify With China, But Timing Not Yet Set

Sputnik News

20231220

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Joe Biden during their November summit in San Francisco that Taiwan would eventually reunify with China, but on a schedule yet to be determined, NBC reported on Wednesday, citing three current and former US officials.

Xi said during the meeting that China prefers that the reunification occurs peacefully, rather than through force, the officials said. They described his remarks as candid, but not confrontational.

Xi also said that US military leaders were incorrect to predict that China would seek to reunify with Taiwan in 2025 or 2027, as the timing had yet to be determined.

Chinese officials requested prior to the summit that Biden issue a public statement afterward that the US supported China's goal of peaceful reunification and not Taiwanese independence, the report said. However, the White House refused the request.

A Sputnik

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President: Ukraine is working on developing a military component of security guarantees

President of Ukraine

19 December 2023 - 23:42

Ukraine is working on developing a military component of security guarantees, and the relevant developments will be submitted to partner states upon completion of this work. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the end-of-year press conference in Kyiv.

The Head of State noted that the issue of developing the military component of security guarantees is within the competence of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"A lot depends on us on the platform of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. The military component - we have to convey our vision to our partners, and this is a significant core for security guarantees. We have not yet conveyed it. There are many challenges, a lot of work, but the ball is now in our court in this matter," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President also reiterated that the format of joining NATO without the temporarily occupied territories is unacceptable for Ukraine, as in case of Russia's repeated aggression, there are also no security guarantees for the part of the country that will gain membership in the Alliance.

"The question here is: will NATO countries join the fight for a part of Ukrainian territory that has a certain status in NATO? After all, we do not recognize the occupied territories as Russian," the Head of State noted.

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President of Ukraine: I believe that the new Polish government will lift the artificial blockade of the Ukrainian-Polish border

President of Ukraine

19 December 2023 - 23:29

President Volodymyr Zelensky is convinced that not only Ukraine, but also Poland has suffered losses due to the artificial blockade of the Ukrainian-Polish border. He hopes that the new Polish government led by Donald Tusk will successfully overcome this challenge.

Answering a question from a Polish journalist at the end-of-year press conference in Kyiv, the Head of State thanked Poland, Polish society and President Andrzej Duda for helping Ukraine from the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion.

"I believe we are brothers. You helped us as much as you could. That's a fact," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"Do you know how Ukrainians feel about Poles? With great sympathy and love. Even when everyone in Ukraine saw that we had a conflict at the leadership level, Ukrainians began to defend you - not me, even though I was defending their interests. This is the life of neighbors, close people," the President added.

At the same time, he noted that grain exports were a matter of survival for Ukraine, as Russia had blocked the Black Sea, so our country could only export grain by land.

"I am defending the interests of my country during wartime. I said: "Just let us take it out". But we were not allowed. And it was wrong," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

According to him, from April to September 2023, the situation with the blockade of the border was very difficult, and the Ukrainian side lost part of the harvest and hundreds of millions of dollars. The President reminded that the European Union was against the blockade of Ukrainian grain exports.

The Head of State thanked Romania for supporting Ukraine and helping Ukrainian farmers survive.

"Poland has lost financially. We have built a railroad corridor through Moldova and Romania. We have built a corridor across the Black Sea," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, the President noted that a new government had been formed in Poland after the elections, which could help resolve the situation at the border.

"I was in contact with President Duda, he congratulated us on our important holidays and vice versa, I addressed him. We have stabilized the situation. I believe that the new government will unblock (the border - Ed.). This blockade is artificial. We are ready for people in Poland not to suffer any losses, but we cannot politicize the issue of grain when everything is blocked... I had a conversation with Donald Tusk. I am grateful to him for his firm stance at the EU meeting. I believe that we will balance everything. I really believe and want to believe in it," the Head of State said.

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President: We support the production of UAVs for the army and will produce 1 million FPV drones next year

President of Ukraine

19 December 2023 - 22:45

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed support for increasing the production of domestic drones, developing infrastructure for training UAV operators and establishing special units in the Ukrainian army. The Head of State said this during the end-of-year press conference in Kyiv.

"I am positive about increasing the production of drones. And establishing special units. There should be infrastructure for drone operation. The best one, not Soviet, but very, very simple to use very quickly," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President also emphasized the importance of changing the logistics system and eliminating bureaucracy in the process of supplying drones to the military at the front line.

"But we will get over it - logistics. Our warriors will receive domestic drones for their brigades," the Head of State emphasized.

He said that next year Ukraine plans to increase UAV production, including the production of 1 million FPV drones.

"As for production, we will produce one million drones next year. We will make a million. We will do everything to make it happen. That's how it will be," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

In addition, according to him, the production of artillery and shells will be ramped up. The President noted that there are some issues in this process, but they need to be addressed.

"There are many different issues. We have to work on it. We cannot afford to relax," the President summarized.

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President: We need justice and respect for our warriors in the issue of mobilization

President of Ukraine

19 December 2023 - 22:31

The plan for further mobilization must clearly substantiate proposals and provide answers to pressing issues of concern to servicemen. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the end-of-year press conference in Kyiv.

"All the requests from our army today must be in line with modern challenges and must find a response from the military leadership. This is very important," the Head of State said.

The President informed that the issue of mobilization was discussed at the meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief with the participation of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhny and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhiy Shaptala.

"They proposed to mobilize an additional 450-500 thousand people. This is a significant number. I told them I need more arguments to support this direction, because this is a matter of people first and foremost. Secondly, it is a matter of justice, defense capability and finances," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

According to the Head of State, in addition to mobilization, the issue of rotation, leaves, assignments, and transfers to other military units needs to be resolved. Therefore, it should be a comprehensive plan. The President emphasized that the military leadership together with the Cabinet of Ministers should develop a relevant document that will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada after consideration at the meeting of the Staff.

"If we are talking about additional mobilization forces, we must find demobilization processes, and this should be done in a substantive way, with specifics and with great respect for the warriors," Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced.

"I would really like our military leadership to realize all these challenges. We cannot lose the bravest, most powerful people and their morale. I am grateful to them for their resilience," he added.

In addition, according to the President, the mobilization of more than 450,000 servicemen will require additional UAH 500 billion in expenditures.

"As the President of Ukraine and as someone who devotes a lot of his time to finding various forms of financial support for Ukraine, I would like to have an answer from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance: where will we get the money from?" Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He also called for the Ministry of Digital Transformation to be involved in working on the plan with the aim of digitizing a range of processes.

Answering journalists' questions about whether the President could agree on the possibility of mobilizing men under 27 and women, the Head of State said: "As for women, no. As for 25 years of age, if all the arguments are presented and I see that they need it today, I will agree to it."

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On the instructions of the President, Ihor Zhovkva held the second round of consultations with the Netherlands on the conclusion of a bilateral agreement on security arrangements

President of Ukraine

19 December 2023 - 22:22

On the instructions of the President of Ukraine and the Head of the Presidential Office, the second round of consultations with the Netherlands on bilateral security arrangements was held today. This was a logical continuation of the dialogue initiated at the end of October within the implementation of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian negotiating team was led by Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva. The consultations were also attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Mykola Tochytskyi, other representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Presidential Office.

The head of the Dutch delegation, Director General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Marcel de Vink, congratulated Ukraine on the recent important decision of the European Council to open negotiations on our country's accession to the EU and assured of further support on this path.

For his part, Ihor Zhovkva noted: "This decision is part of our common victory."

During the consultations, the parties discussed the key components of future bilateral security arrangements and agreed on a plan of further actions.

"The contribution of each partner is important in bringing our common victory closer and strengthening security. The contribution of the Netherlands has been extremely significant from the very beginning of the invasion, and we appreciate it," the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office emphasized.

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President: Ukraine expects to receive long-term assistance from partner states

President of Ukraine

19 December 2023 - 21:46

Ukraine expects to receive long-term assistance from partner countries, which will be used for covering budgetary expenses and military support for our country. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the end-of-year press conference in Kyiv.

"This is long-term assistance, and it serves various purposes: some for humanitarian aid, some for economic support, and social payments. But a significant portion of this aid from these countries is military assistance to Ukraine. I have confidence in our partners, and I believe that we have done nearly everything," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, such support will help offset certain risks.

"What is certain today is that Belgium, Denmark, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, France, Germany, Sweden, and Japan are helping. This indicates a strong foundation. If we face any risks, we will count on the respective amounts," noted the President.

A number of recent foreign visits by the Head of State resulted in agreements on additional supplies of air defense equipment, artillery, and ammunition to Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that substantial work with partners is currently underway to allocate financial assistance to Ukraine.

"I am confident that the United States will not let us down and that what we have agreed upon with the United States will be fully implemented," the Head of State said.

The President also expressed confidence that the European Union will pass a decision to provide a50 billion in aid to Ukraine.

"Now it's a matter of timing. The first 1.5 billion, I think, will come this week. As for the 50 billion, I'm confident that a decision will be made in the very near future when they convene. It has been arranged in a way that even if there's support for a package of 50 billion minus one, there are other mechanisms in place to ensure that Ukraine receives these 50 billion," noted Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

At the same time, he emphasized that assistance from our partners is needed right now, as the situation at the front remains difficult, and our troops need weapons and ammunition.

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Canada joins Tallinn Mechanism to support Ukraine in cyberspace

Global Affairs Canada

Statement

December 20, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

"As endorsed by the foreign ministries of Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States on December 20, 2023, the Tallinn Mechanism was officially formalized.

"In response to Russia's unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, the Tallinn Mechanism aims to coordinate and facilitate civilian cyber-capacity building to help Ukraine uphold its fundamental right to self-defence in cyberspace and address longer-term cyber-resilience needs.

"The mechanism's lines of efforts are intended to be separate from but complementary to military cyber capacity-building efforts and civilian efforts on digital development. The mechanism aims to interface routinely with other donor initiatives around those efforts to coordinate and de-conflict.

"Collectively, the mechanism's members have contributed efforts to deliver cyber-capacity-building assistance to Ukraine. These have been carried out with respect for international law and in full coordination with relevant Ukrainian counterparts.

"Members of the mechanism intend to improve coordination and delivery of civilian cyber capacity-building. Members intend to engage with the EU and NATO in this regard. Private sector and non-governmental actors are also encouraged to contribute to the mechanism."

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Switzerland steps up winter aid for Ukrainians

Swiss Government

Bern, 20.12.2023 -- Facing the severe challenges of an unforgiving winter, millions in Ukraine find themselves in dire need of assistance. In response, Switzerland's federal government is supporting the beleaguered Ukrainian population this winter too with targeted action and an additional CHF 11.8 million in aid. This brings the total investment in winter relief measures up to around CHF 26 million.

These measures include the government's support for several non-governmental organisations that are delivering life-saving winter assistance. This assistance has made it possible to repair almost 1,000 flats and houses and distribute heating material to around 1,300 households in frontline areas. In recent months, specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) have played a pivotal role in restoring water supply systems and pumping stations, securing district heating, and ensuring access to clean drinking water. In autumn, Switzerland also dispatched 20 tonnes of equipment from the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). This shipment included essential items such as winter boots and sleeping bags. In addition, Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is actively engaged in the areas of energy efficiency, municipal energy management, district heating renovation and renewable energies. For example, SECO has extended its support and is financing the renovation of district heating networks and the installation of solar power generators.

Expanding multilateral engagement

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is amplifying its support for the United Nations' Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) winter aid programme with an infusion of CHF 1.8 million, raising its total contribution to CHF 5.8 million. These funds are earmarked for heating, winter clothing, rental support (including for increased heating and energy costs) and the housing insulation.

The SDC is also supporting the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) winter aid programme with CHF 3 million. This support is aimed in particular at internally displaced persons and those living in war-affected areas, providing cash assistance and household necessities such as sleeping bags, blankets and cooking utensils. SECO is committing CHF 10 million to the European Energy Community's Energy Support Fund to repair damaged energy infrastructure.

Last winter, the SDC and SECO had already allocated CHF 54 million for durable repairs through a World Bank fund. This ongoing effort is primarily aimed at rebuilding Ukraine's energy infrastructure, damaged by targeted Russian attacks, ensuring the continued supply of electricity and heat, and maintaining decent living conditions.

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Estonia and allies establish the Tallinn Mechanism to provide cyber assistance to Ukraine

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

20.12.2023

Today 20 December, the Tallinn Mechanism is launched, created by Estonia and its allies to amplify the cyber support of donor countries to Ukraine in the civilian domain.

"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is not waged solely on the conventional battlefield," Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. "Russia's targets include Ukraine's cyber capabilities, both military and civilian, and therefore, it is crucial to support Ukraine's cyber defence and its capacity to restore and develop relevant infrastructure."

"Unfortunately, it is likely that Russia's cyberattacks will continue for the foreseeable future," Tsahkna said. "This is why with the Mechanism we are offering a chance to reinforce Ukraine's systematic preparedness and resilience to cyberattacks in the long term."

The Tallinn Mechanism was established at the first meeting of donor states this spring. With the Mechanism, Ukraine's needs will be systemised and matched to the possibilities of donors in such a way that support from various countries forms a coherent whole and Ukraine is able to defend itself in the cyber sphere.

The donors of the Tallinn Mechanism are Estonia, Netherlands, Canada, Poland, France, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom. NATO and the European Union are observer members in the Tallinn Mechanism. The Mechanism has an Estonian front office in Kyiv, a Polish back office in Warsaw and a coordination group

that unites representatives of Ukraine and all donors. The Mechanism is open to new members.

Top tech companies and NGOs of donor countries are involved in the Mechanism. It is also possible to use the Mechanism for informing Estonian companies about both urgent and long-term needs. Estonia is allocating a500 000 to the Tallinn Mechanism through its 2024 development cooperation budget.

The Tallinn Mechanism works in parallel with the IT Coalition that addresses Ukraine's cyber issues in the military domain.

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Bruce died on Dec. 1.

Bruce's passing isnt just a loss; it is like a streetlight going out in a dark alley. His life was a tapestry woven of hardship and struggle for survival, reflecting the resilience of the forgotten faces in our cities.

Far from the model citizen ideal, his life was a mosaic of frequent arrests, battling a substance use disorder, and unemployment. He embodied the stereotypes faced by those without housing access.

On this Homeless Persons Memorial Day, let me (Mary) show you the Bruce that I know  it is a portrait of profound dignity, perseverance, generosity, loyalty and humanity.

In 2011, I stumbled upon Auburn's hidden homelessness crisis. Despite being a thriving community with 28,000 residents, affordable living and great schools, Auburns streets held the startling secret of chronic homelessness. I embarked on a six-month-long investigation to uncover its causes and find solutions.

In my first month of research, tragedy struck: Steve, a 48-year-old man from Auburn's forgotten underbelly, was discovered lifeless near a stream in an area known to be a refuge for him.

In the wake of Steves heartbreaking passing, I crossed paths with a man named Bruce. Steve's loss had left a painful void in the homeless community, and Bruce, in his silent way, created a moving memorial tribute to him underneath a railroad bridge in an area known as "The Pit," where friends could gather, pay their respects and grieve together.

As a researcher, my presence stirred ripples in the community, and Bruce, sensing my mission to assist, became my unwavering protector on the unpredictable streets.

At 45, Bruces life had been a relentless battle with limited access to housing and other struggles. Left with physical and mental scars from childhood abuse incidents, Bruces path was one of lifelong disability and hardship. Despite these setbacks, he worked hard to improve his life, wrestling with the demons of trauma and substance use disorders.

His days were characterized by selfless acts of kindness. He served as a guardian for his most fragile and vulnerable companions, and dedicated his hours to forging The Pit into a haven of companionship for those grappling with the harsh realities of housing deprivation. Bruce was the warmth at The Pit, the part of his environment that was most synonymous with his care and concern.

During the December holiday season, Bruce and his girlfriend routinely gathered donated gifts and personally delivered them to recipients in need. But their mission hit a roadblock in their final year when officials accused Bruce of violating transitional housing rules. He was evicted into a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. This unjust accusation was reversed several months later pursuant to a legal appeal to social services providers, although this level of cruelty directed toward a human being was astonishing.

A beacon of compassion, Bruce led many of those in need to me. Some sought nothing more than well-fitting shoes. One person, trapped in painfully tight, donated boots, found relief in a new pair we provided. With endless patience, Bruce stood by their sides, ensuring that respect was shown. He made meeting others needs a priority amidst his own endless hardships.

Labeling Bruce "unemployed" would certainly miss the mark.

For so many like Bruce, the stark walls of incarceration were a refuge, a place that provided comfort and helpful programs in a world that offered little. But the street's cruel embrace reclaimed Bruce time and again, a testament to the oft-mentioned brutal reality that homelessness can't be done sober. A relentless cycle of temperature extremes accompanied by pain and fear meant that survival on the streets was a battle few could endure for long.

Given poor nutrition, limited access to water, severe sleep deprivation and ongoing harassment, it is not hard to understand why people with a history of homelessness die prematurely. Bruce died at age 57, reportedly from cancer, a seizure and a stroke. The average age at time of death for an American male in 2023 is 73, 15 years older than he was.

In his final years, Bruce found some solace, passing away in the dignity of having a home. Our efforts perhaps extended his life by a decade. Yet the harrowing journey of life on the streets is a chasm too vast for many to cross to a ripe old age.

Bruce's life was a story of determined dignity, untold kindness and quiet heroism. It was a testament to his extraordinary perseverance and resilience coupled with a life of service and compassion. May Bruce, Steve and all the others who have died prematurely rest in final and eternal peace among the angels.

Housing is a human right; homelessness is a humanitarian abomination.

Please support the research, training and advocacy initiatives of Cape Haven Inc. by donating to our work here. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation will be tax-deductible.

Thank you for your interest in our work.
Lithuania donated field facility equipment and MREs to Ukraine

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2023-12-20

International cooperation

On December 20 yet another shipment of Lithuania's military assistance was delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces have taken to Ukraine field facility equipment vital for the military and several thousand MRE packages.

"We continue doing everything we can to ease the hard fight of Ukraine against the brutality of the aggressor. The different field equipment is critical during the cold season. Each package of our assistance is a step towards victory," says Minister of National Defence Arvydas AnuAauskas.

Last week Lithuania also sent to Ukraine several millions of rounds and ammunition for portable short-range antitank mortars.

Besides the consistent military equipment and gear donations Lithuania is actively training, providing treatment and rehabilitation for injured Ukrainian military personnel, hold expert-level consultations and contribute financially to international funds for Ukraine.

Lithuania has also approved a long-term assistance plan which covers a new 200 million euros assistance package in 2024-2026.

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MFA statement on the announcement of the establishment of the Tallinn Mechanism

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

20.12.2023

As endorsed by the Foreign Ministries of Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States on 20 December 2023, the Tallinn Mechanism officially formalized.

As a result of Russia's unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, the Tallinn Mechanism, hereafter referred to as "The Mechanism", aims to coordinate and facilitate civilian cyber capacity building to help Ukraine uphold its fundamental right to self-defence in cyber space, and address longer-term cyber resilience needs.

The Mechanism's lines of efforts are intended to be separate, yet complementary, to military cyber capacity-building efforts and civilian efforts on digital development. The Mechanism aims to interface routinely with other donor initiatives around those efforts to coordinate and de-conflict.

All cyber capacity building efforts have been carried out with respect for international law and in full coordination with relevant Ukrainian counterparts.

Members of The Mechanism intend to improve coordination and delivery of civilian cyber capacity building. Members intend to be engaged with the EU and NATO in this regard. Private sector and non-governmental actors are also encouraged to contribute to the Mechanism.

More information about the scope and the mission of the Tallinn Mechanism.

Even before the current phase of the Russian onslaught against Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, Poland has taken steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the area of cyber security - see the Ministry of Digital Affairs website for more information.



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Western Weapons In Doubt, Ukraine Ponders How Long It Can Hold Out

By Mike Eckel December 20, 2023

Ukraine is slowly losing ground, men, morale, support from the West -- and possibly the war against Russia.

Not since the opening weeks following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, when its forces seemed poised to capture the Ukrainian capital and force the government to capitulate, has the outlook for Ukraine's military commanders and its political leadership been so gloomy.

On the battlefield, a six-month counteroffensive that began with high hopes undergirded by Western weaponry and equipment has all but ground to a halt. Russian forces are advancing in some places, albeit with significant losses.

Politically, Ukrainians are beginning to show impatience and frustration with the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, with new polling showing sliding support, while also showing growing support for the country's top military commander. Prominent public figures have started openly criticizing Zelenskiy.

Diplomatically, rhetorical support from Ukraine's Western allies remains strong, but the tap of Western weaponry and supplies is slowing to a trickle. Mired in domestic political infighting, the United States, Kyiv's biggest weapons supplier, has abandoned efforts to push through an emergency $61 billion package until after the New Year.

"Ukraine remains in a strong position to blunt further Russian offensives. But it faces serious challenges of its own, particularly when it comes to manpower," said Eric Ciaramella, a former White House National Security Council director for Ukraine.

"If the United States and Europe fail to approve any new aid, Ukraine's ability to hold the line will deteriorate steadily," Ciaramella told RFE/RL. "It will be a policy failure of historic proportions if [the West] can't figure out how to stay the course."

'We Are Not Losing This War. Absolutely.'

In Ukraine, the impatience with the trajectory of the war -- and the counteroffensive in particular -- is coupled with impatience for the West's unwillingness to step up its supplies. Ukrainian officials frequently frame their fight as a defense of Europe, as well as a low-cost investment in degrading Russia's armed forces.

But defiant optimism prevails, Oleksandr Musiyenko, a Ukrainian military analyst and head of the Center for Military and Legal Studies in Kyiv insisted.

"Ukraine is not losing this war. Ukraine is continuing to battle. We are not losing this war. Absolutely," he said.

"Ukrainians are wounded; bitter but not broken," said Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House, a London think tank.

An ambitious counteroffensive launched in June ran into a buzz saw of Russian defenses -- minefields, trenches, tank traps, choke points - that have all but immobilized Ukrainian forces. Small gains near the Zaporizhzhya region village of Robotyne have stopped, Ukrainian forces pinned down and unable to move.

Near the industrial city of Avdiyivka, Russian forces launched their own localized offensive in October, making slow, grinding progress toward encircling the city from the north and south, advancing 1.5 to 2 kilometers in some places. Western officials say Russia's losses in and around Avdiyivka, which is just northwest of the regional capital Donetsk, have been extraordinary: more than 13,000 dead and wounded, and the equivalent of six combat battalions in equipment destroyed.

But even what was initially seen as a bright spot in Ukrainian tactical creativity -- an ambitious crossing across the Dnieper River, to set up a bridgehead on the Russian-occupied eastern bank -- has failed to match expectations.

Ukrainian marine infantry are pinned down in the village of Krynky, unable to break out beyond withering Russian fire or set up a more durable means of crossing that would enable them to bring over heavier weaponry and equipment.

"Ukrainians will face very difficult months ahead as an insufficient number of artillery shells and underdeveloped fortifications will limit their defensive potential," Konrad Muzyka, a Polish-based military analyst, wrote last week. "The loss of terrain, especially around Robotyne (including the village itself), is highly likely."

"The Ukrainian counteroffensive has culminated without strategic victories," said Oscar Jonsson, a Russia military expert and researcher at the Swedish Defense University, in Stockholm. "It fell short of its goals and has run out of steam."

Russia, meanwhile, has tried to turn the momentum in its favor -- with only mixed results so far.

"As the counteroffensive wound down, the Russian forces sought to seize the initiative, and launched substantial offensives to large cost," he said. "But so far small gains."

The reality is Russia is a bigger country, with a bigger population and a bigger industrial base, not to mention having more resources to pour into its budget. And while there is glaring evidence of past incompetence, Russian commanders have learned from their mistakes.

"Russia is trying to regain the strategic initiative, which it has lost, and [has been] on the defensive since the autumn of 2023," Lutsevych told RFE/RL in an e-mail. "We [have not] seen a decisive battle so far and this war may well be the death of one of the sides by a 'thousand cuts.'"

Ukraine has achieved some successes since the start of the counteroffensive. A series of strikes using cruise missiles and aerial and maritime drones damaged several Russian naval vessels and facilities on the Black Sea. Fleet commanders pulled ships further from shore and away from ports in occupied Crimea, and moved them to more distant ports.

With notable losses of men and equipment -- no official casualty figures have been released -- Ukrainian commanders were forced to wind down offensive operations. Add to that the recognition that Ukrainian troops are running out of ammunition, including some of their most important tools: artillery shells.

"There's a problem with ammunition, especially post-Soviet [shells]. That's 122 mm, 152 mm. And today these problems exist across the entire front line," Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy said in an interview with Reuters this week.

"The volumes that we have today are not sufficient for us today, given our needs. So, we're redistributing them," he was quoted as saying. "We're rethinking plans for objectives that we had set for ourselves and scaling them back because we need to provide for them."

Manpower problems are also weighing heavily on Ukrainian commanders. Ukraine's population is motivated and patriotic, committed to defending the country from an outside invader -- but it's also a fraction of the size of Russia's. That, plus the unrelenting casualties from the front line, has led some officials to suggest mobilization might be needed for Ukraine to conscript more men.

"It is not even conceivable to think that we can do without mobilization," Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, said earlier this week. No amount of recruiting will result in enough troops, he warned.

At a year-end news conference in Kyiv on December 19, Zelenskiy hinted that was under discussion, saying commanders recommended mobilizing 450,000 to 500,000 men next year.

"This is a very serious number. I said that I need more arguments to support this direction, because it is primarily a people issue," Zelenskiy said.

How Long?

The White House announced its latest weapons and equipment shipment for Ukraine last week: a $200 million package that includes artillery rounds, small-arms ammunition, and other weaponry. In a letter to Congress three days later, the U.S. Defense Department's comptroller said the Pentagon would run out of money for weaponry for Ukraine by the end of December unless Congress approves new funding. The letter was first reported by Bloomberg.

On December 19, U.S. senators gave up on negotiations to pass a $61 billion package of new Ukraine aid, along with sweeping reforms to U.S. immigration and border policies. Senate leaders say they'll return to negotiations after the New Year holidays. Days earlier, the European Union failed to agree on its own 50-billion-euro aid package for Ukraine, after Hungary objected.

At his news conference -- which took place hours before U.S. senators gave up on negotiations until January, Zelenskiy maintained optimism.

"I am sure that the United States of America will not betray us and that what we agreed with the United States will be fully implemented," he said.

The lack of concrete long-term commitments to Ukraine is problematic for Kyiv and beneficial for Moscow, allowing Russia to just "hang in there" and wait out the West, said Ciaramella, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington.

"While it reduces Ukrainian morale and dims the prospect of a theory of victory, the Ukrainian side has showed an incredible resolve in the face of overwhelming challenges before. Moreover, the [military] still maintains an overwhelming trust in society," he said.

Resolve and trust can only go so far, analysts warned.

"If there is a gap in materiel supply in 2024, Ukraine may be forced to retreat," Lutsevych told RFE/RL. "If there is political disunity, friction, paralysis from the West to [supply] resources, the Kremlin will get the upper hand."

That trend -- of frustration, but also defiance -- was reflected in a poll published on December 18 by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

Trust in Zelenskiy fell to 62 percent, the poll found, compared with 84 percent a year earlier. Overall trust in the military remained high, at 96 percent, as did strong support for the country's top military officer, General Valeriy Zaluzhniy. The telephone poll of 1,031 Ukrainians was conducted between November 29 and December 9, and had a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.

Some observers see Zaluzhniy as a possible political challenger to Zelenskiy, particularly after the general gave a blunt assessment of the battlefield, calling it a "stalemate" in comments published by the Economist. Kyiv's powerful mayor, Vitali Klitschko, has accused Zelenskiy of authoritarianism.

"Some are disappointed because of expectations, expectations were to [achieve] more, but what I can see is that the mood is normal," Musiyenko said. "Soldiers and sergeants, they understand what's happening. They understand that they had some problems with support, with weapons, with communications, with strongholds of Russian positions, minefields, but they're not so disappointed [that] they want to just...stop this fighting."

How long Ukraine could hold out if Western weaponry was cut off is unclear.

"By early summer, Ukraine will be hard-pressed to hold back Russian attacks. Eventually, its front will crack, and the Russians will make major territorial gains. Complete collapse might follow," said Mark Cancian, a retired U.S. Marine officer and senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in Washington.

Still, Ukrainian officials have signaled that they were slowing the tempo of offensive operations to fortify defenses, and build new ones.

Mykhaylo Podolyak, a top adviser to Zelenskiy, said earlier this month that commanders were already moving to different tactics -- "effective defense in certain areas, continuation of offensive operations in other areas, special strategic operations on the Crimean Peninsula and in the Black Sea waters, and significantly reformatted missile defense of critical infrastructure."

A cutoff of Western military supplies could potentially push Zelenskiy to open cease-fire negotiations with Russia, a step that would be fraught with political consequences in Ukraine. In any case, Putin and the Kremlin have signaled clearly that they believe they have the upper hand and would want to dictate the terms of any agreement.

At his own year-end press conference last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the goals he laid out when launching the invasion, which amount to the subjugation of Ukraine, remain unchanged.

Some experts predict a dire situation for Ukrainian forces without Western weaponry; the direst warnings suggest Russian troops would push westward, all the way to Ukraine's border with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.

"It's almost a philosophical question," Jonsson said of how long Ukraine could hold out. He pointed to the Taliban, who were defeated by the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan that began in 2001 but held out for 20 years until the U.S. withdrawal.

"It is not to suggest that it should be Ukraine's strategy," he said. "It is a reminder that a determined but militarily and economically inferior part can endure the capacity of superpowers."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-western-weapons- doubt-russia-war-military/32740637.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russia Targets Ukraine With More Drones As Kremlin Rules Out Talks With Kyiv

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 20, 2023

Russia fired drones at targets across Ukraine, including Kyiv, early on December 20, Ukrainian authorities said, as the Kremlin ruled out peace talks hours after further U.S. aid to Ukraine was thrown into doubt.

The Ukrainian Air Force said 18 of 19 drones launched at Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson, and other regions of Ukraine had been destroyed.

"According to preliminary information, there were no casualties or destruction in the capital," Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app.

The Ukrainian Air Force also said Russia attacked the Kharkiv region in the east with two surface-to-air guided missiles. There were no casualties as a result of the assault, it added.

Meanwhile, the regional military administration in the southern Kherson region said on December 20 that 16 people, including four children, had been injured in Russian shelling the day before.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

The fresh attacks come as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow on December 20 that there is no current basis for talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

"We really consider that the topic of negotiations is not relevant right now," Peskov said, adding that Kyiv's proposed peace plan was absurd as it excluded Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a decree in October 2022 formally declaring the prospect of any Ukrainian talks with Putin "impossible" after Russia claimed to have annexed four regions of southern and eastern Ukraine.

Zelenskiy's 10-point peace plan calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities and the restoration of Ukraine's state borders with Russia.

Peskov's comments come hours after reports emerged that the U.S. Senate will not vote on a package to provide more aid to Ukraine and bolster U.S. border security before early next year, as Democratic and Republican negotiators continue talks.

"Our negotiators are going to be working very, very diligently over the December and January break period, and our goal is to get something done as soon as we get back," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters. In a joint statement, Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said negotiators "are making encouraging progress" but "challenging issues remain."

Schumer and McConnell said they are "committed" to passing legislation sending billions to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the southern U.S. border.

Despite the setback, Zelenskiy said earlier in Kyiv that an unspecified number of U.S.-provided air-defense systems are on the way and said the Europeans also continue to provide help, but he stressed that Ukraine needs immediate assistance to continue the fight.

"We need help from the United States right now. We need assistance from the European Union," Zelenskiy said. "I am happy that our partners listened to us and heard us. I think the assistance will come to Ukraine very soon."

Citing the expected delivery of national advanced antiaircraft missile systems (NASAMS), Zelenskiy said he is sure the United States will provide everything promised because Washington understands that all its financial support goes toward Ukraine's need to stand against the invasion.

"I am sure that the United States will not betray us and we will get everything that was promised," he said, adding that Ukraine has established "special ties" with its partners in Europe -- both in the EU and other European nations -- and they "continue to support us" with funding and military aid.

The news conference came as the White House said it planned more military aid this month, while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved a $4.3 billion capital increase to boost funding for Ukraine.

Zelenskiy can count on at least one additional package of U.S. military aid for Ukraine before the end of the year, but the larger package of $100 billion for Ukraine, Israel, and border security has stalled in Congress as President Joe Biden tries to persuade lawmakers -- mainly Republicans -- to overcome reluctance to authorize further aid.

Earlier in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared at a meeting with top military leaders that Russian troops are "holding the initiative" in Ukraine.

"We are effectively doing what we think is needed, doing what we want," Putin said. "Where our commanders consider it necessary to stick to active defenses they are doing so, and we are improving our positions where it's needed."

With reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-attack-drones-ukraine- zelenskiy-aid/32739754.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Shelling Of Kherson In Southern Ukraine, Sumy Region in East Injures At Least Four

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 20, 2023

A drone attack in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson and Russian shelling in the eastern region of Sumy injured at least four people, authorities said late on December 19.

Two people, including a child, were injured in Kherson, according to the head of the city's military administration, Roman Mrochko.

Kherson military authorities said a child and a woman were injured as a result of the attack, which damaged a school, houses, and garages.

Around 10:30 p.m. local time authorities reported more Russian shelling from the opposite bank of the Dnieper River. Russian troops shell the Kherson region, including the city of Kherson, from their positions on the opposite bank nearly every day.

In the Sumy region, the military administration reported two people were injured by Russian shelling of several villages and towns.

The Russian military regularly attacks the Sumy region and others bordering Russia using with various types of weapons.

The attacks on December 19 occurred as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a year-end news conference that Russia had not achieved any of its war aims in Ukraine in 2023, although he conceded Ukraine still faces "lots of challenges."

Hours after the news conference ended Russia launched a fresh air attack on Kyiv, prompting air-defense systems to engage, the military administration of the region that surrounds the Ukrainian capital said.

The extent of the attack was not immediately clear. The military administration urged people to stay in shelters.

Earlier on December 19, Ukraine's air force said it had shot down two Russian drones in the Starokostyantyniv district of the Khmelnytskiy region in the country's west.

Russian troops targeted the region from Russia's Primorsko-Akhtarsk district using Iranian-made Shahed drones, according to the press service of the Ukrainian Air Force.

Starokostyantyniv, where a Ukrainian military airfield is located, came under Russian missile attacks last week.

Russia said Ukrainian forces had attempted to attack Moscow with a drone, but air defenses destroyed the aircraft, and debris fell outside the center of the capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin initially announced the drone attack without saying whether Kyiv was responsible or saying where the drone had been launched from.

With reporting by AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-shelling-kherson-ukraine- sumy-/32739728.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ukraine Loses Up to 250 Soldiers in Donetsk Region in Past Day - Russian MoD

Sputnik News

20231220

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine has lost up to 250 soldiers both killed and wounded in the Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Wednesday.

Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repulsed five assault attacks by Ukrainian troops in the Kupyansk direction and another one in the direction of Donetsk.

"The total enemy losses in this [Donetsk] direction amounted to some 250 military personnel killed and wounded, a tank and three vehicles," the ministry said in a statement.

Kiev has also lost up to 180 soldiers in the Krasny Liman direction and up to 110 soldiers in the South Donetsk direction, the ministry added.

A Sputnik

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UK and partners form The Tallinn Mechanism for cyber security

UK and partners join together to establish The Tallinn Mechanism to bolster Ukraine's cyber security

20 December 2023

As part of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the world has witnessed an unrelenting cyber assault against Ukraine's critical national infrastructure, from banking to energy supplies and innocent Ukrainian people.

As a result, The Foreign Ministries of Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States have formalised the Tallinn Mechanism on 20 December 2023. It aims to coordinate and facilitate civilian cyber capacity building to help Ukraine uphold its fundamental right to self-defence in cyber space, and address longer-term cyber resilience needs.

The UK's primary delivery agent of cyber capacity building in Ukraine is our CSSF UK-Ukraine Cyber Programme, expanded by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in June 2023. The programme has delivered over A10m to bolster Ukraine's cyber defences since the invasion.

Through this programme, the UK has stood side by side with Ukrainian cyber defenders. For example, the UK funded its partner Mandiant to combat a reported Russian cyber-attack it attributed to Sandworm, a unit within Russian Military Intelligence (GRU), against Ukraine's energy infrastructure causing a power outage.

Minister of State in the Cabinet Office, and lead Minister for the Conflict Stability and Security Fund Baroness Neville-Rolfe said:

The UK and Ukraine are fighting side by side in the cyberwar against Russia whose appalling attacks know no bounds. Russia is attacking Ukraine's cyber infrastructure in order to harm innocent people, choke the economy and sow confusion. That is why the UK is supporting Ukraine with state of the art technology, tools and expertise to thwart these cruel attacks, including those on critical infrastructure. Our support remains steadfast.

The Mechanism aims to interface routinely with other donor initiatives, coordinate and de-conflict, including regular engagement with the EU and NATO.

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Ihor Zhovkva held a second round of consultations with the UK on a bilateral agreement on security commitments for Ukraine

President of Ukraine

20 December 2023 - 15:00

On the instructions of the President of Ukraine and the Head of the Presidential Office, another round of consultations with the United Kingdom was held today on the conclusion of a bilateral agreement on security commitments, as envisaged by the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian delegation was led by Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva. The delegation also included Deputy Head of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mykola Tochytskyi, and representatives of the Ministry of Defense.

"The second round of consultations reflected the progress we have made since the launch of bilateral security negotiations. The United Kingdom plays an important role in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, its economic and financial stability, as well as in gradually bringing our country closer to NATO membership, which will be the most reliable guarantee for us," emphasized Ihor Zhovkva.

The parties analyzed the main elements of security commitments and agreed on a work plan for the near future with the aim of speeding up the conclusion of the relevant agreement.

The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office and head of the British delegation Nick Catsaras also discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, the implementation of the Peace Formula and the schedule of further contacts at the level of leaders.

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The issue of negotiations with the Russian Federation may become relevant only when Russia is ready to accept the document developed on the platform of the Peace Formula - President

President of Ukraine

20 December 2023 - 00:25

Today, the only working platform on the key principles of peace in Ukraine is the Peace Formula proposed by our state. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the end-of-year press conference in Kyiv.

The Head of State reminded that the fourth meeting of national security and foreign policy advisors on the implementation of the Peace Formula would be held in Switzerland in January within the Davos Forum.

"We will work towards ensuring that this meeting gathers representatives from all continents, including the Global South. This meeting will address the last five points of the Peace Formula. The first five points were addressed by advisors at the previous meeting at the end of October in Malta," he explained.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that after this meeting of advisors, work would be done to organize the first founding summit at the level of state leaders. He believes it is necessary to do everything possible to ensure this summit takes place despite all the challenges existing in the world. This will mean that the world continues to pay attention to Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and to the Peace Formula. According to the President, his recent foreign visits to Latin America, the USA, and Europe have also helped keep the focus on the war in Ukraine.

The Head of State explained that at the first Global Peace Summit, the leaders will work out an agreement between the countries on the fundamental provisions that will be embodied in the relevant document. After this document is agreed upon by all states, it can then be presented to representatives of the Russian Federation.

"If it is ready to accept that document, it will indicate that the issue of negotiations is relevant. As of today, it is not relevant. I don't see a request from Russia, I don't see it in their actions, I see only arrogance in their rhetoric. And murder," Volodymyr Zelenskyy summarized.

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We cannot afford to lose Ukrainians abroad, and multiple citizenship can help with this - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

20 December 2023 - 00:10

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that the implementation of the idea of multiple citizenship can become one of the mechanisms to maintain a connection with the homeland for those Ukrainians who left the country after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion and have already begun to build their lives abroad.

"I was talking about this even before the full-scale war started. It was in our program. There are indeed 60 million Ukrainians in the world, and not all of them have to live in Ukraine. They have their own stories, their own families, some were born in Canada, the United States, etc. But we need to give them the opportunity to support Ukraine, to feel like Ukrainians, to help, to open businesses here, to pay taxes. All this will definitely benefit Ukraine," the Head of State said at the end-of-year press conference.

At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the resolution of this issue should not be delayed.

"I would like our people abroad, especially women and children, to hear this. So that when they find a job and build a new life, they do not rush to renounce their Ukrainian citizenship. I think we cannot lose such people. And multiple citizenship partially solves this issue," he said.

The President expressed his belief that most Ukrainians who were forced to flee abroad from the Russian war will return home when Ukraine's air defense system becomes even more powerful. In addition, European countries can review and optimize their refugee support programs over time.

"The countries of Europe and the United States will support those of our citizens who are having a hard time. But those who, for example, are employed, will have a different level of support," Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained.

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A once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon will grace the skies of central New York this spring when a total solar eclipse is visible the afternoon of Monday, April 8.

Cayuga County is already preparing for the spectacle, which is anticipated to bring an influx of sky gazers  technically known as "umbraphiles," or shadow lovers  to the region.

They travel far, even internationally, to witness total solar eclipses, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism's Claire Dunlap told The Citizen. According to space.com, a given point on Earth only sees totality  the moon's shadow fully covering the sun  every 400 to 500 years, on average. The last time an eclipse's path of totality touched Cayuga County was 1925, and the next time will be 2144.

To demonstrate the impact the rare event has on an area, Dunlap referred to a study held in Columbia, South Carolina, which saw a total solar eclipse in 2017. Hotels were 95% to 100% occupied in the days prior, increases of 40% to 60%. Breweries and restaurants were "slammed," doing more than 20% more business. Retail and museum gift shop sales tripled.

That's why the county tourism office is getting a jumpstart, Dunlap said, on the spring event. Plans include a commemorative poster, as well as participation in regional and state marketing efforts.

Traffic is another focus. Delays are anticipated, particularly around the village of Fair Haven. As the northernmost point of Cayuga County, it will be closest to the path of totality.

Fair Haven Beach State Park will be opening earlier than usual that morning for the event, Dunlap said. But due to the limited number of roads in the area, the tourism office suggests implementing safety plans for emergency vehicles. The office also noted that several New York school districts have already canceled classes that day due to the traffic concerns.

The eclipse will last around 45 minutes, the office said, but Fair Haven will see about three minutes and 23 seconds of totality. That's followed by 2:30 in Cayuga, 2:05 in Weedsport, 1:09 in Union Springs and 1:04 in Auburn. The view is subject to location and weather, but the more northern and rural areas of Cayuga County will generally offer the best, Dunlap said.

Alan Ominsky, the former director of the Southern Cayuga Planetarium, moved to the area from Minnesota in the early 2000s. He expressed his excitement about the eclipse, with a chuckle.

"We have an observatory here," he told The Citizen, "but there aren't many clear nights."

Ominsky said the eclipse will be something to see, though viewers should not directly look at it. Pinhole projectors are commonly built with paper plates, but those who want to witness the spectacle firsthand can use branded filtered glasses being released by the county tourism office. They're now available, Dunlap said, and provide safe viewing of the totality.

Ominsky said binoculars and telescopes can be used as well, but their lenses will need special filters for proper viewing.

"These (filters) will darken the light and only a small portion of the sun's light will enter your eye," he said. What viewers will see are sunspots and the sun's corona, the outermost part of its atmosphere. "People may not realize the the sun's rotating," he continued, explaining that flicks of hydrogen will be seen as little white spicules around the moon.

Though the next total solar eclipse might not come to Cayuga County for more than a century, the spectacle is somewhat common, Ominsky said.

"Total eclipses occur some eight to 10 years somewhere on Earth," he said. "It's just being in the right place at the right time."

Ominsky briefly reflected on an eclipse he witnessed in the 1950s at the University of Minnesota. It was a big deal, and NBC and CBS hosted live feeds as it took place.

"I was lucky it happened," he said. "It's one of the most magical sights in the sky."
Ukraine Says Russian Attack Injured 9 People in Kherson

By VOA News December 20, 2023

Ukrainian officials said Wednesday a Russian aerial attack on the southern city of Kherson injured nine people, including four children.

Ukraine's air forces said Russian forces targeted Ukraine with 19 attack drones, including ones aimed at Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson and six other regions.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 18 of the 19 drones, the military said.

Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said there were no reported casualties in Kyiv and no reported damage in the capital.

Russia also fired two guided missiles at Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, the military said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday his nation's military has requested an additional 450,000 to 500,000 Ukrainians to replenish the country's army as it fights Russia.

During an end-of-year news conference, Zelenskyy said no final decision has been made on the request and that top military government officials would be discussing the matter.

"I said that I would need more arguments to support this move. Because first of all, it's a question of people. Secondly, it's a question of fairness. It's a question of defense capability. And it's a question of finances," he said.

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his country's forces for repelling a Ukrainian counteroffensive that started in June.

"Our troops are holding the initiative," he said at a meeting Tuesday with military leaders. "We are effectively doing what we think is needed, doing what we want. "

The Ukrainian counteroffensive has largely stalled against entrenched Russian forces, with only limited territorial gains in the eastern part of the country.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Newark, Dec. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the global controlled release drug delivery market will grow from USD 47.97 Billion in 2022 to USD 108.45 Billion by 2032. Controlled drug distribution has many benefits. The possibility of reducing the frequency of medical administration is one of the main advantages. This aspect makes the patients' dosing schedule easier and increases compliance because patients are more likely to follow a treatment plan that calls for fewer administrations. Additionally, by avoiding high drug peak concentrations, as shown with immdiat-rlas formulations, controlled rlas drug delivery systems can reduce side effects. This is especially important for medications that have a limited therapeutic efficacy window or are linked to dose-dependent toxicities.



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Report Coverage Details



Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 USD 47.97 Billion Market Size in 2032 USD 108.45 Billion CAGR 8.5% No. of Pages in Report 238 Segments Covered Technology, Application, Release Mechanism Drivers Increasing Incidences of Chronic Diseases Opportunities Growing Research & Development Activities Within the Pharmaceutical Industry Restraints Stringent Regulatory Environment

Key Insight of the controlled release drug delivery Market



Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.



During the forecast period, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR within the global Controlled release drug delivery market. The Asia-Pacific region would significantly expand. Emerging nations such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are prominent countries in the Asia Pacific region. A major factor contributing to the Asia-Pacific market is the rising incidence of chronic illnesses and population growth. The prevalence of ailments, including diabetes, heart problems, and cancer, is on the rise in the area. Due to this demographic and epidemiological shift, there is a significant demand for sophisticated drug delivery methods, including controlled-release formulations. Asia Pacific's pharmaceutical sector is expanding and innovating significantly right now. Nations such as China and India have become prominent participants in manufacturing biosimilars, generic medications, and an increasing number of novel formulations. The pharmaceutical businesses operating in the region are allocating resources towards research and development to augment their proficiency in drug delivery technologies, encompassing controlled relay systems.



The microencapsulation segment is expected to hold the second largest market share during the forecast period.



The technology segment includes micro encapsulation, transdermal, targeted delivery, and others. The microencapsulation segment is expected to hold the second largest market share during the forecast period. The capacity of microencapsulation to increase the stability and bioavailability of medications is one of the main factors driving its market share. Microencapsulation improves the efficacy of medications or chemicals by shielding them from enzymatic activity or environmental conditions that could degrade them. This is especially important for medications likely to break down in the gastrointestinal system or have low solubility. Oral drug delivery systems frequently employ microencapsulation because it provides regulated release and long-lasting therapeutic benefits. Microencapsulation techniques are highly versatile, allowing for the creation of formulations specifically suitable for desired release patterns, including delayed, sustained, or rapid release. Microencapsulation's versatility makes it a popular choice for creating customized and extended-rlas formulations.



The injectable segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.



The application segment is bifurcated into metered dose inhalers, injectable, transdermal, oral drug delivery and others. The injectable segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The ability of injtable drug delivery to administer medications precisely and under control, making it appropriate for critical care and emergencies, is one of the main factors driving its market share. Solutions, substances, and microspheres are effective formulations that provide different receptor profiles based on therapeutic needs. Because of its adaptability, effective drug administration is now considered a mainstay in treating autoimmune diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases. The market share of injectable medication delivery encompasses depot formulations and long-acting injectables (LAIs), which offer continuous delivery over longer durations. Psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia can benefit greatly from the use of long-acting implants (LAIs) since they have been shown to decrease dose frequency and increase medication adherence.



The polymer-based systems segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.



The release mechanism segment is bifurcated into polymer-based systems, micro reservoir partition-controlled drug delivery systems, feedback regulated drug delivery systems, activation-modulated drug delivery systems, and chemically activated. The market share of polymer-based systems is primarily driven by their ability to adapt to various medication regimes. Researchers can create drug delivery systems with instant, delayed, or sustained delivery by choosing particular polymers and modifying formulation parameters. This adaptability meets a range of patient needs and therapeutic goals. The market share of polymer-based systems is increased by biodegradable polymers, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), which provide regulated release together with the advantages of biocompatibility and a lower risk of long-term toxicity. The controlled rlas formulation's safety and effectiveness are enhanced by its ability to customize the rate at which its polymers break down by the medication's intended rlas kinetics.



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Recent Developments:



 In May 2020: For an unknown sum, Adare Pharmaceutical Inc., a US-based pharmaceutical firm that offers advanced pharmaceutical technology, purchased Orbis Biosciences Inc. Adare Pharmaceutical Inc. wants to expand its product offerings and expand its platforms with these acquisitions, including the ability to manufacture medication particles that can be dosed in oral liquid, and intravenous dosage forms. To increase compliance, Orbis Biosciences Inc., a biotech business headquartered in the US, creates controlled-release delivery systems for the consumer product, medical, and oral medication sectors.



Market Dynamics



Driver: Demand for Personalized Medicines



The need for personalized medicine also shapes the landscape of controlled delivery drug delivery. Customizing medical care to each patient's unique needs is known as precision medicine, and controlled-release medications fit in particularly with this paradigm. Therapeutic effects can be optimized by tailoring these formulations to relieve medications at specific rates or in response to patient-specific circumstances. Advances in genomics, biomarker identification, and diagnostic technologies are driving the trend towards personalized medicine. These developers work in tandem with controlled-release medication delivery systems, which may be customized to each patient's specific requirements. This factor is boosting the market growth and development.



Restraint: Complexity Associated



The intricacy of developing controlled-release formulations is one of the major market challenges. A thorough understanding of the physical parameters of the drug and the delivery mechanism is necessary to formulate medications with controlled release characteristics. For researchers and formulation scientists, achieving the appropriate reliability profile while maintaining stability, responsiveness, and scalability is challenging. Development is time- and resource-intensive due to the complex interaction of variables, including polymer selection, drug loading, and receptor kinetics. These factors require advanced formulation procedures and a high degree of experience. This factor is restraining the makrut growth and development.



Opportunity: Technological Advancements



The controlled-release drug delivery market is expanding due largely to technological advancements. The creation of new polymers, nanomaterials, and formulation techniques, along with the ongoing advancement of drug delivery technology, makes it possible to create more accurate and efficient delivery systems. Nanotechnology has become a transformational aspect with the capacity to build nanoparticles and nanocarriers that can improve drug bioavailability, target particular tissues, and have controlled receptor capabilities. The field is seeing innovation due to the convergence of advanced materials science, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, which is promoting the creation of nano-generation-controlled rlas formulations.



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Some of the major players operating in the Controlled release drug delivery market are:



 Depomed, Inc.

 Coating Place, Inc.

 Corium International, Inc.

 Johnson and Johnson Services, Inc.

 Alkermes plc

 Pfizer, Inc.

 Orbis Biosciences, Inc.

 Capsugel

 Merck and Co., Inc.

 Aradigm Corporation



Key Segments Cover in the Market:



By Technology:



 Micro Encapsulation

 Transdermal

 Targeted delivery

 Other Technologies

By Application:



 Metered Dose Inhalers

 Injectable

 Transdermal

 Oral Drug Delivery

 Others

By Release Mechanism:

 Polymer Based Systems

 Micro Reservoir Partition Controlled Drug Delivery Systems

 Feedback Regulated Drug Delivery Systems

 Activation-modulated Drug Delivery Systems

 Chemically Activated

By Region



 North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

 Europe (Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)

 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)

 South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America)

 The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)



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About the report:



The market is analyzed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analyzed worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report analyzes driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges to gain critical market insight. The study includes porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, product analysis, supply, and demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channel analysis.



About The Brainy Insights:



The Brainy Insights is a market research company, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients' objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients' specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients' requirements whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.



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Pune, India, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the Latest Research by Fortune Business Insights, the global pulp and paper market size was USD 351.53 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 354.39 billion in 2022 to USD 372.70 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 0.72% during the 2022-2029 period. Fortune Business Insights publishes this information in a report titled, "Pulp and Paper Market, 2022-2029". As per the report, the market is anticipated to grow during the projected period due to increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging material from several industries.

The pulp and paper industry is a sector that involves the processing of wood and other fibrous materials to produce paper and paperboard products. It plays a crucial role in providing a wide range of paper products used in everyday life.

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List of Key Players Profiled in the Pulp and Paper Market Report :

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Japan)

The Smurfit Kappa Group (Ireland)

WestRock (U.S.)

International Paper (U.S.)

Georgia-Pacific Corporation (U.S.)

Nine Dragon Paper (Holdings) Ltd. (Hong Kong)

Stora Enso Oyj (Finland)

Sappi Limited (South Africa)

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (U.S.)

UPM-Kymmene Oyj (Finland)

Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA) (Sweden)

Oji Holding Corporation (Japan)

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Attributes Details Forecast Period 2022-2029 Forecast CAGR 0.72 2030 Value Projection USD 372.70 billion Market Size in 2022 USD 354.39 billion Historical Data 2018-2020 No. of Pages 150 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 Pulp and Paper Market Growth Drivers Increased Utilization of Tissue Paper Amid Pandemic Bolstered Market Growth Wrapping & Packaging Segment to Dominate the Global Market





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Segments:

Anticipated Dominance of the Wrapping & Packaging Sector in the Global Market

The market is segmented into various categories, and among them, the wrapping and packaging sector is anticipated to emerge as the frontrunner in global market share in the foreseeable future. This forecast is linked to the increasing footprint of the e-commerce and retail industries. Furthermore, the rising inclination towards paper bags as an economical substitute for plastic bags is expected to be a key driver of growth within this particular segment.

Geographic Segmentation

Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Increased Utilization of Tissue Paper Amid Pandemic Bolstered Market Growth



In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, several industries faced negative repercussions. Surprisingly, the pulp and paper market encountered an unforeseen upswing during this period. This unexpected surge in demand can be linked to the heightened usage of tissue papers and various hygiene products. Tissue papers became indispensable for healthcare providers, pharmacists, and the general population, playing a crucial role in upholding hygiene standards in both workplaces and households. These conditions resulted in a significant increase in the demand for pulp and paper, particularly for the manufacturing of tissue papers.

Report Coverage:

The report illuminates the industry's most recent trends and advancements. It delves into the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on growth and expansion, highlighting specific factors that have propelled pulp and paper market growth. Regional perspectives on segmented pulp and paper market areas are provided, accompanied by a roster of key market players and their recent product launches. The report also outlines the drivers and constraints influencing market growth throughout the forecast period. Incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analyses, the report furnishes accurate insights into the evolving business landscape.

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Drivers & Restraints:

Surging Demand for Sustainable Packaging to Propel Growth

The projected growth in the pulp and paper industry is propelled by the widening influence of online retail in developing countries, foreseen to generate heightened demand for paper-based packaging across diverse sectors.

Additionally, the market is poised for an upswing owing to the growing inclination towards environmentally-friendly packaging materials in the anticipated timeframe. However, potential challenges may arise from stringent regulations governing the procurement of raw materials, particularly wood, and effective resource management for industry

Regional Insights:

Asia Pacific Leads Global Market Share Thanks to its Vast Producer-Consumer Base

In the year 2021, the Asia Pacific region established its dominance in the pulp and paper market, registering an impressive valuation of USD 175.00 billion. The significant presence of a producer-consumer population in this geographic area is anticipated to play a pivotal role in propelling market growth in the region.

North America Secures Second-Highest Global Market Share During the Forecast Period

North America is projected to hold the second-highest global market share in the coming years, largely due to the increased consumption of fast-moving consumer goods. This heightened consumption pattern ensures a notable surge in the demand for packaging paper in the region.

Competitive Landscape:

Acquisition allows companies to Propel Growth

The companys focus is on strategic acquisitions to propel growth by expanding their production rate and improving their business performance. Also, enhancing and developing a strong supply chain allow companies to increase their productivity and profitability.

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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 Trends

Key Insights Global Production Overview PORTERs Five Forces Analysis Regulatory Scenario Latest technological advancements Merger and acquisition scenario

COVID-19 Impact Analysis Supply Chain Challenges Steps taken by Companies to overcome combat this impact Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 outbreak

Global Pulp and Paper Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2018-2029 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, By Category Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, By Region (Value & Volume) North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa

North America Pulp and Paper Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2018-2029 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, By Category (Value & Volume) Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, By Country (Value & Volume) U.S By Category (Value & Volume) Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others Canada By Category (Value & Volume) Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others

Europe Pulp and Paper Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2018-2029 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, By Category (Value & Volume) Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, By Country (Value & Volume) Germany By Category (Value & Volume) Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others UK By Category (Value & Volume) Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others France By Category (Value & Volume) Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others Russia By Category (Value & Volume) Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others Rest of Europe By Category (Value & Volume) Wrapping & Packaging Printing & Writing Sanitary News Print Others



TOC Continued...!

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Key Industry Development:

June 2022: Kruger acquired the paper mill from Domtars pulp mill plant in Kamloops, Canada. The plant produces bleached and unbleached softwood pulp. With this acquisition, Kruger secured the pulp supply for tissue paper manufacturing facilities in Quebec.

Read Related Insights:

Tissue Paper Market Size to Worth USD 133.75 Billion by 2030 | Fortune Business Insights

Thermal Paper Market to Hit USD 5.85 Billion by 2027 | At a CAGR of 6.9 %

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Almost half of respondents think that workers will try to pass off generative AI content as their own across the board



53% said that generative AI should be paused to enable the sector to catch-up on regulation

Key findings from the report are feeding into CLA forthcoming strategic response around data mining rights.

New research from Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) reveals that creatives including authors, photographers and visual artists are conflicted about whether generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a good thing for their livelihoods and the wider UK creative economy.

Commenting on the research, Mat Pfleger, Chief Executive at CLA said, Our research revealed a general belief that generative AI will help advance the creative industries, but there are also major concerns. Chief among these is that generative AI is not ethical in how it is currently working. 67% of the people we interviewed are aware that generative AI is using work without permission or payment.

When CLA asked creators and rights holders if they were aware of their own work being used as part of an artificial intelligence database without their consent, 100% of the publishers said they were. When that question was put into context of the wider groups of respondents, the figure remained high at 76%.

This clearly demonstrates that the owners and operators of generative AI are currently not compensating copyright holders fairly or even at all. The question was then whether respondents believed this to be a threat to their own livelihoods and to the wider creative sectors ability to continue to contribute significantly to the UK economy.

79% of respondents believe that the UKs ability to earn from its creativity will be impacted by AI. Only 6% of those polled arent at all worried by this and see only an upside.

Stop and think?

Alongside worries about loss of income, there are also concerns about integrity. Almost half of respondents think that people will try to pass off generative AI as their own work across the board. 70% of publishers are also concerned that generative AI will become too much of a crutch and people wont think for themselves.

Given these concerns, CLA asked whether the development of artificial intelligence should be stopped to protect the creative sector? 53% said that generative AI should be paused to enable the sector to catch-up on regulation. 25% said they thought it should be stopped altogether.

Trust the system

Despite the preference for a pause, there is confidence that the creative industries in the UK will eventually be compensated fairly for their works being used by artificial intelligence. 77% of respondents are confident and 27% very confident that AI will deliver fair compensation.

Commenting on the next steps around fair compensation, Mat Pfleger, continued, We found less support for general regulation and more interest in specific tools and licensing rather than depending solely on guidelines. We are on a mission to ensure that 'copy, right' practices are effectively integrated into generative AI usage. In August, we developed principles for safe, ethical, and legal generative AI development. Now, we're exploring tools to ensure fair compensation for data mining used in AI platforms."

All of the survey respondents felt pretty confident that they are across the implications of generative AI on the creative industries; 84% said they have knowingly used it at work at least one or more times. Most companies are still assessing and gathering information rather than introducing new ways of working in response to generative AI. Expected benefits include productivity gains and efficiencies from advanced tools and technology. 80% of companies are open to collaborating with generative AI tools or platforms if they think there's a benefit to them.

Mat Pfleger, concluded, "We have called the research Friend or Foe to underline that we are at a crossroads where we can still influence the direction of travel with the right interventions based on legal copyright principles. I'm going to paraphrase our Co-Chair's contribution to the report which reflects the spirit of what we are trying to achieve when he says that technology and generative AI is not the enemy of creativity, but a powerful amplifier of human potential so long as we prioritise transparency, human rights and the preservation of creative endeavours.

The full CLA Report, titled, Friend or Foe? Attitudes to Generative Artificial Intelligence Among the Creative Community, is available here .

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This announcement is an advertisement and does not constitute a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation") or, in Switzerland, the Swiss Financial Services Act (FinSA), or, in the United Kingdom, the Prospectus Regulation Rules published by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, and investors must subscribe for or purchase any shares referred to in this announcement only on the basis of information contained in the prospectus expected to be published in due course by Art Share 002 S.A. (the Prospectus) and not in reliance on this announcement.

Neither this announcement nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted as a term or condition to any offer and nothing 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, any decision to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, or dispose of, any Offered Shares (as defined below). Any offer to acquire shares in the Company pursuant to the proposed offering will be made, and any investor should make their investment decision, solely on the basis of the information that is contained in the Prospectus which is expected to be published in due course before the admission of the Companys Class B shares ("Offered Shares") to trading on the multilateral trading system operated by ARTEX MTF AG (ARTEX MTF). Following its approval by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier, Luxembourg (CSSF), a copy of the Prospectus will be available on the Company's website at https://www.artshare002.com, subject to applicable securities regulations.

Art Share 002 S.A. is a public limited liability company (societe anonyme) formed and existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 16, Rue E. Ruppert, L2453, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg Business Register (R.C.S.) under number B 273672 (the "Company").

Investing in the Offered Shares is connected with a number of risks including, but not limited to, the financial risk resulting from a decline in the price of the Offered Shares and the potential limited liquidity of the Offered Shares. With all investment decisions it is necessary to define future profit and assess the risk connected with it. Investing in the Offered Shares implies the risk of losing part or all the invested funds, and even the necessity of incurring additional costs. The Risk Factors set out in the Prospectus, once published, should be reviewed, and evaluated in full by any prospective investor prior to making any investment decision.

Announcement of Intention to Float on the ARTEX MTF

Art Share 002 ("Art Share 002", or the "Company) today announces its intention to undertake an initial public offering (the "IPO" or the "Offer") and intends to apply for listing and admission of its Offered Shares on ARTEX MTF (the "Proposed Admission").

The sole underlying Artwork held by the Company is the Three Studies for Portrait of George Dyer by Francis Bacon (the Artwork). This masterpiece by Francis Bacon is part of a unique series of five Dyer portrait triptychs created by Bacon between 1963 and 1969 at the pinnacle of his artistic career. The portrait, which holds historical significance as the first in the series featuring Dyer, Bacon's greatest muse, achieved a record auction sale of $52 million in May 2017.

The Company is a securitisation vehicle governed by the Luxembourg law of 22 March 2004 on securitisation, as amended, facilitating the public offering of ordinary shares in the Artwork. Its principal activity is to hold and securitise the Artwork as well as assuming risks, existing or future, relating to the holding of the Artwork.

Potential Offer Highlights

Should Art Share 002 proceed with an IPO, it is expected that the Offer would be comprised of ordinary shares of the Company denominated in U.S. dollars and where all cashflows relating to such shares (e.g., purchase, distributions, redemptions) shall be settled in Euro currency. The Offer would be conducted to allow investors to indirectly invest in the Artwork, hence giving investor access to a fraction of the Artwork by way of a securitisation transaction in proportion to their investment.

The Offer should consist of (i) a public offering in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and in Switzerland, including a retail offering and an institutional offering, as well as (ii) a institutional offering to qualified investors in the EEA, the UK and Switzerland.

The Issuer will be submitting a prospectus to the Luxembourg Financial Supervisory Authority (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier) ("CSSF"). Once approved by the CSSF, a copy of the Prospectus will be submitted through the Officially Appointed Mechanism tool of Luxembourg and will be available for inspection at https://www.luxse.com/ and (ii) will be filed for automatic acceptance with SIX Swiss Exchange pursuant to article 54(2) of the FinSA. A copy of the Prospectus will also be available online on Art Share 002s website at www.artshare002.com subject to certain access restrictions. The approval of the Prospectus by the CSSF should not be understood as an endorsement of the Offered Shares.

It is recommended that potential investors read the Prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and rewards associated with the decision to invest in the Offered Shares. You are reading information about a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

Enquiries :

Public Relations Adviser to ART Share 002

Margie

Alienor Miens - +33 (0)6 64 32 81 75 - alienor.miens@margie.fr

Bertrand Chambenois - +33 (0)6 11 84 34 92 - bertrand.chambenois@margie.fr

Investor Relations at ART Share 002 S.A

Name: Fabien Svarnas

Email: investor-relations@art-shares.io

Important legal information

These materials must not be published, distributed or transmitted in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, or any other state or jurisdiction in which such release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The Offered Shares of the Company may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration on exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Shares of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act. These materials do not constitute an offer of securities for sale or a solicitation of an offer to purchase Offered Shares in Luxembourg, Switzerland or any other jurisdiction.

This publication constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy securities. The offer will be made solely by means of, and on the basis of, a securities prospectus which is to be published. An investment decision regarding the publicly offered securities of Art Share 002 should only be made on the basis of the securities prospectus. The securities prospectus will be published promptly upon approval by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier, Luxembourg (CSSF) and will be available free of charge from 16, Rue E. Ruppert, L2453, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, or the Company's website at https://www.artshare002.com, subject to applicable securities regulations.

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this investor relations news or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations, or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. The Company does not assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

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Offered Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the Securities Act except pursuant to a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Offer and sale of the Offered Shares has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, South Africa, Canada or Japan and New Zealand. Subject to certain exceptions, the Offered Shares may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada or Japan, New Zealand or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, or Japan. There will be no public offer of the Offered Shares in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States.

In the United Kingdom, this announcement is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, persons who: (A) (i) are investment professionals specified in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") and/or (ii) fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (and only where the conditions contained in those Articles have been, or will at the relevant time be, satisfied); and (B) are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/1129) as it forms part of retained EU law as defined in the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons").

In the European Economic Area (the "EEA"), this announcement is addressed only to and directed only at, persons in member states who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (Regulation ((EU) 2017/1129) ("Qualified Investors"). This announcement must not be acted on or relied on (i) in the United Kingdom, by persons who are not Relevant Persons, and (ii) in any member state of the EEA, by persons who are not Qualified Investors.

Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to: (i) in the United Kingdom, Relevant Persons; and (ii) in any member state of the EEA, Qualified Investors, and will be engaged in only with such persons. For the avoidance of doubt, no offer to the public will made in the United Kingdom and no application will be made for the Offered Shares to be traded on a regulated market in the United Kingdom.

This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements may be identified by using forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect the Company's 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 Company's business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth, and strategies. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Any subscription or purchase of Offered Shares in the possible Offer should be made solely on the basis of information contained in the Prospectus which may be issued by the Company in connection with the possible Offer.

The information in this announcement is subject to change. Before subscribing for or purchasing any Offered Shares, persons viewing this announcement should ensure that they fully understand and accept the risks which will be set out in the Prospectus if published. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy or completeness. Neither this announcement, nor the references herein to the Prospectus, shall form the basis of or constitute any offer, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any Offered Shares nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract thereof.

The Company may decide not to go ahead with the IPO and there is therefore no guarantee that the Admission will occur. You should not base any financial decision on this announcement. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing all of the amount invested. Persons considering making investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. Neither this announcement, nor the Prospectus referred to herein, constitutes a recommendation concerning the Offer. The value of the Offered Shares can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the Offer for the person concerned.

Unless otherwise indicated, market, industry and competitive position data are estimates (and accordingly, approximate) and should be treated with caution. Such information has not been audited or independently verified, nor has the Company ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon therein. For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of the Company's website are not incorporated by reference into, and does not form part of, this announcement.
Linkoping, Sweden, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Epishine, a leading energy impact company, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with PowerFilm Solar, the US leader in thin, flexible solar cells. This collaboration marks a significant step in Epishines expansion into the US market, teaming up with PowerFilm Solar to be their option for ultra-low-light applications.

This venture introduces a smarter way to power electronics to the US market and aligns with Epishines US market strategy. By combining Epishines advanced, low-light indoor solar cells with PowerFilm Solar's extensive experience in integrating solar cells into various products, the partnership aims to redefine how light is captured and utilized for indoor applications.

"Joining forces with PowerFilm Solar is a great match for several reasons," said Anders Kottenauer, CEO at Epishine. "Their standing as leaders in thin, flexible solar cells enhances our vision of transforming how electronic devices are powered by introducing sustainable, efficient, and innovative solar solutions for ultra-low-light indoor environments."

This collaboration will introduce Epishine's cutting-edge technology, known for its high efficiency in ultra-low-light conditions, to a broader audience in the US. Leveraging PowerFilm Solars robust distribution network and market expertise, both companies capitalize on the advantages of innovative roll-to-roll manufacturing that enables thin and flexible solar cells for seamless integration into devices. The focus is on sustainable, smart power solutions for various indoor applications, from IoT devices to smart home technology, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable energy sources.

President of PowerFilm, Daniel Stieler added, "Epishine's innovative approach to solar technology is exactly what we look for in a partner. Their unique solar cells, ideal for ultra low-light indoor use, complement our portfolio of indoor solar technology and help us lead the way in custom sustainable energy solutions in the US."

The partnership is a powerful demonstration of both company's commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation. It's a significant step forward in adopting renewable energy sources within indoor settings throughout the US.

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PETALUMA, Calif., Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RetinalGeniX Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: RTGN) (RetinalGeniX or the Company), today announced that Anatoly Dritschilo, M.D. has joined the Companys Medical Advisory Board.



RetinalGeniX is an ophthalmic research and development med-device and therapeutic drug development company focused on developing High-Resolution Retinal Imaging and Pharmaco-Genetic Mapping technologies.

Dr. Dritschilo is a renowned educator, inventor, translational scientist, and business executive.

Dr. Dritschilo is the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shuttle Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. Formerly, as an educator and translational scientist, he was employed at the Georgetown University and the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital as a radiation oncologist and chairman of the Department of Radiation Medicine. Over a 40+ year career, he has provided clinical services to thousands of patients presenting with cancers of the breast, prostate, and the central nervous system. As a translational scientist, Dr. Dritschilo has focused his research on sensitizing cancers to ionizing radiation. He is a leader in the development of antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules directed at targets for radiation sensitization. He has also served as Medical Director of Georgetown University Hospital from 1994 to 1997, and Interim Director of the NCI-funded Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center from 2005 to 2007. He has been a member of the Boards of Directors of MedStar-Georgetown University Hospital, the National Capital Rehabilitation Hospital, and the MedStar Research Institute. His 250+ scientific publications and 12 issued patents have earned him election as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Dritschilo holds a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, his medical degree from the College of Medicine of New Jersey, and residency training from the Harvard Joint Center for Radiation Therapy.

"I look forward to working with the Retinalgenix team of clinicians and scientists to address the need for biomarker technology for guiding diagnosis and management of systemic diseases that may be reflected in the eye, said Dr. Dritschilo.

In concert with its Pharmaco-Genetic Mapping software, the Company is developing a high-resolution 24/7 real-time home and remote monitoring system to assist both physicians and patients. The use of the system does not require dilation of the pupil. The combined technologies are intended to prevent blindness through the early detection and treatment of ocular diseases and systemic diseases including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, vascular, metabolic, and diabetic conditions.

The company is making progress in conducting pharmaceutical clinical studies for treating dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) through Avania , its contract research organization (CRO). Additionally, the company is developing plans to conduct a future study of Alzheimer's/Dementia complex as part of the DNA/RNA GPS initiative.

RetinalGeniX has also filed two provisional patents related to these studies and formed an institutional review board to launch a 390-patient clinical study that is intended to validate the relative suitability of anti-VEGF ocular injection treatments for patient candidates with wet AMD.

Jerry Katzman MD, Chairman, President, and CEO of RetinalGeniX Technologies Inc., said, We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dritschilo as a Senior Consultant to assist with our Pharmaco-Genetic anti-VEGF study and the suitability of ocular injection therapy to patients prior to its use. Dr. Anatoly will oversee many aspects of the study with Dr. Larry Perich and Fred Chasalow PhD on different aspects of their work. Dr. Dritschilo's accomplishments are truly remarkable. We are looking forward to working together to advance our Anti-VEGF study for the benefit of patients worldwide.

About RetinalGeniX

RetinalGeniX is an ophthalmic research and development company focused on developing High-Resolution Retinal Imaging and Pharmaco-Genetic Mapping technologies intended to prevent blindness through the early detection and treatment of ocular diseases and also to detect initial physiological changes that could indicate possible future systemic disease including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, vascular, metabolic, and diabetic conditions.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words could, believe, anticipate, intend, estimate, expect, may, continue, predict, potential, project and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements and include statements regarding Dr. Dritschilo working with the Retinalgenix team of clinicians and scientists to address the need for biomarker technology for guiding diagnosis and management of systemic diseases that may be reflected in the eye, the Company developing a high-resolution 24/7 real-time home and remote monitoring system to assist both physicians and patients, preventing blindness through the early detection and treatment of ocular diseases and systemic diseases, developing plans to conduct a future study of Alzheimer's/Dementia complex as part of the DNA/RNA GPS initiative, launching a 390-patient clinical study that is intended to validate the relative suitability of anti-VEGF ocular injection treatments for patient candidates with wet AMD and advancing the Companys Anti-VEGF study for the benefit of patients worldwide. These forward-looking statements are based on managements expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the contribution of Dr. Dritschilo to the Company, the Companys ability to successfully complete research and further development and commercialization of Company drug candidates, the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals for the Companys drug candidates, the Companys ability to protect its intellectual property, and the risk factors described in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the Companys subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact

RetinalGeniX Technologies, Inc.

Jerry Katzman, MD, CEO

jkatzman@retinalgenix.com

+1 (415) 578-9761

www.retinalgenix.com




TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQB: SEUSF) (Sintana or the Company) is pleased to provide the following 2023 Review and 2024 Outlook, an update on management and a summary of incentive awards approved at the Companys annual general meeting.

Building off of our Namibia entry in 2022, 2023 was another year of significant progress for Sintana, said Robert Bose, President and Director. The continuing emergence of Namibias Orange Basin and the significant progress on both our licenses and on the adjacent blocks, continue to demonstrate the size and scale of the opportunity, the unmatched quality of our portfolio and the timeliness of our entry. Multiple catalysts in the near-term position the Company and its shareholders for success in 2024, he added.

Year End Review & Outlook

Since the basin opening Graff and Venus discoveries in February of 2022 by Shell and TotalEnergies respectively, the potential of the Orange Basin in Namibia has continued to emerge.

Officials at Namibias Ministry of Mines and Energy and NAMCOR, Namibias national oil and gas company, estimate that at least 11 billion barrels of light oil-in-place and up to 8.7 trillion cubic feet of gas-in-place have been discovered by Shell and TotalEnergies over the past 20 months.





Specific notable events in 2023 for Sintana included the following.

Petroleum Exploration License 83

(PEL 83)

Initiation in November of a two well drilling campaign, including an optional drill stem test.



Petroleum Exploration License 87 (PEL 87)

Entry in March by a subsidiary of Woodside Corp. (Woodside) into an agreement whereby in exchange for financing and completing a 5,500 square kilometer 3D seismic program, Woodside would earn the option to become operator with a 56% working interest. Additionally, Woodside will carry the existing working interest owners, including Sintanas local affiliate, on an initial exploration campaign. Woodside ultimately acquired 6,600 square kilometers of 3D seismic data which was completed in May 2023. Initial fast-tracked results were delivered in Q3 2023.



Petroleum Exploration License 90 (PEL 90)

Completion in March of the acquisition of 6,500 square kilometers 3D seismic data by an affiliate of Chevron Corp. (Chevron) in March.

In November, the application by Chevron to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism for the Republic of Namibia for an Environmental Clearance Certificate which would provide for the drilling of up to 5 exploration and 5 appraisal wells.

The Company expects substantial exploration and evaluation activities to occur throughout 2024, both on and around our offshore blocks including:

Completion of the initial two well drilling campaign by Galp on PEL 83 in Q1.

Delivery of the final results of the 3D seismic analysis by Woodside and the triggering of its option to become operator of PEL 87.

Initiation of a drilling campaign on PEL 90 by Chevron in Q4.

Additional exploration and appraisal activity by both Shell and TotalEnergies in the Orange Basin on their respective blocks which immediately offset blocks in which Sintana has indirect interests.

The numerous catalysts expected in the coming quarters will provide a number of opportunities to further assess and substantiate the multi-billion barrel potential of the Orange Basin in Namibia, said Robert Bose. Specifically for Sintana, we look forward to the progress of drilling and other exploration activities on our blocks unveiling the quality and opportunity associated with our unmatched position in the heart of the basin, he added.

Management Update

Effective January 1, 2024, Robert Bose will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and relinquish his role as President. Doug Manner, currently CEO, will assume the role of President. Both Mr. Bose and Mr. Manner will continue to serve on the Companys Board of Directors.

Incentive Awards

The Company reports that its Board of Directors has approved grants of a total of 5.3 million incentive common stock options to several directors and officers of the Company and four other parties. The options have an exercise price of $0.27, vest in three equal tranches over the next 24 months and will expire on December 19, 2033.

ABOUT SINTANA ENERGY:

The Company is engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities on five large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia, and also in Colombias Magdalena Basin.

On behalf of Sintana Energy Inc.,

Douglas G, Manner

Chief Executive Officer

For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintanas projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Companys website at www.sintanaenergy.com

Corporate Contacts: Investor Relations Advisors: Douglas G. Manner Sean J. Austin Jonathan Paterson Chief Executive Officer Vice-President Founder & Managing Partner 832-279-4913 713-825-9591 Harbor Access 475-477-9401

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to potential future farmout agreements on PEL 83 and/or PEL 87, and proposed future exploration and development activities on PEL 90 and neighbouring properties, as well as the prospective nature of the Companys property interests. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including, but not limited to risks relating to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, results of exploration and development activities, the ability to source joint venture partners and fund exploration, permitting and government approvals, and other risks identified in the Companys public disclosure documents from time to time. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be required by law.

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.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe766b87-b3e2-4271-aa4e-78824e61b3e0
BARTLESVILLE, Okla., Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fundable for Life, Inc. is pleased to announce it has secured a partnership with the Latino Franchise Association to provide its clients Nationwide TV media exposure on MoneyTV and Get Down to Business with Kevin Harrington, which airs on The Fox Business Network. In addition to TV media, we will provide the Latino Franchise Associations clients digital print media articles in publications such as Inc., Entrepreneur, Yahoo! Finance, Benzinga, Forbes and various other magazines. Along with media exposure, Fundable for Life will provide LFAs clients a variety of funding options tailored specifically for the Companys professional franchisees.



Rafael Alvarez, Founder of The Latino Franchise Association, states: This TV media and digital print media exposure along with access to money gives our franchisee clients the credibility, exposure and financial means necessary to grow their businesses and stand out above their competition. Our mission has always been to help Latinos and minorities become successful franchisees which creates diversity in the franchise industry. It has been my experience that many entrepreneurs and small business owners dont have the knowledge, marketing experience or working capital to grow their businesses because they are focused on the day-to-day operations. Teaming up with Fundable for Life will help eliminate these barriers for our clients. We look forward to helping our franchisees all across America and Latin America connect and create amazing highly profitable brands, which in turn will have a major positive impact in our community.

Fundable for Lifes CEO, Ray Smith, states: We put together these media and funding packages to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their businesses. Running a business is a full-time job and a lot of owners just dont know how to market their products and services or access cash. I know firsthand how difficult this is and its why we put these packages together to provide a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs. We look forward to helping the clients of the Latino Franchise Association get the exposure and access to cash needed, so their businesses thrive during these uncertain economic times.

ABOUT FUNDABLE FOR LIFE, INC.

Fundable for Life, Inc. is a company providing small businesses and entrepreneurs TV media exposure through MoneyTV and Get Down to Business with Kevin Harrington, which airs on The Fox Business Network, print/digital media in publications such as Entrepreneur, Yahoo! Finance, Benzinga, Forbes, Inc. and numerous other magazines. Fundable for Life, Inc. also helps small business owners and entrepreneurs access a variety of funding options such as ERC Tax Credits, MCA loans, SBA loans, Business Credit, Business Lines of Credit, etc. For more information: www.FundableForLife.com

ABOUT LATINO FRANCHISE

The Latino Franchise Association is a Non for Profit (501c6) trade association in the franchise industry that convenes Franchisors, Franchisees, Suppliers, Entrepreneurs, Elected/Appointed Officials, and the community at large to promote, support and expand franchising in the Latino community. The full-scale promotion and expansion of the franchise model in the Latino community represents one of the most important strategies for social and economic inclusion and equity. Aligned with this vision, the goal of the Latino Franchise Association is to promote, support and expand franchising in the Latino community. For more information: www.LatinoFranchise.org .

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof.

INVESTOR / PRESS / MEDIA CONTACT:

Email: ir@fundableforlife.com

Ph: (949) 828-1311

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/621e00df-6ae9-4c61-b476-b3ba7a03ef35
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latin Metals Inc. (Latin Metals or the Company) - (TSXV: LMS) (OTCQB: LMSQF) announces that it has issued a Notice of Default and Termination to Libero Copper & Gold Corporation (Libero) under a letter option agreement dated January 20, 2023, as amended, between Latin Metals and Libero (the Letter Agreement). Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, Latin Metals had granted to Libero the option (the Option) to acquire a 70% interest in and to the Esperanza property (Esperanza or the Project). The Letter Agreement and Option were terminated for Liberos failure to make a payment in the amount of US$350,000, on or before December 6, 2023, on account of a payment that was due to the underlying owner of the Project (the Vendor).



Latin Metals' has subsequently renegotiated the commercial terms of the underlying exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Project (the Underlying Option) and has entered into an amending agreement with the Vendor. The amending agreement postpones the December 2023 cash payment until May 5, 2024 and reduces the amount of the payment to US$100,000 (which payment is an irrevocable commitment). The payment schedule to fulfill the terms of the Underlying Option is outlined in Table 1 below.

In 2024, Latin Metals will move to secure a new partner to take Esperanza through drill testing. We are awaiting receipt of documentation related to Liberos ongoing drill permit application, which we understand to be advanced, and Latin Metals is aiming to complete the drill permitting process prior to securing a new partner. The Project has previously been successfully drill permitted three times between 2005 and 2019. stated Keith Henderson, Latin Metals CEO.

Mr Henderson continued, There are not many outcropping porphyry systems in the world with limited historical drill testing leaving potential for expansion. Results from Latin Metals drilling at Esperanza in 2018 included 357m grading 0.57% copper and 0.27 g/t gold from surface, with mineralization open at depth. The Project is in San Juan Province at an elevation of less than 3,500m. It is drill-ready, road accessible, and can be worked year-round. We expect the availability of the Project to attract interest from qualified potential partners.

Esperanza Project

Esperanza is a copper-gold porphyry exploration project where a copper-gold porphyry system has been partially defined by drilling and where a pyrite halo is exposed at surface over an area of 1,400m x 850m.

The Project has confirmed copper endowment within a multi-phase magmatic hydrothermal system. Historical exploration includes diamond drilling, rock and silt sampling, IP, and magnetic geophysics.

Drill hole 18-ESP-025 (previous news release May 8, 2018), completed by Latin Metals, returned the best results to date with 387m grading 0.57% copper and 0.27 g/t gold from surface, including 166m grading 0.84% copper and 0.37 g/t gold from surface (true width unknown) (Figure 1 and 2). Mineralization is open at depth and laterally, with multiple drill-ready, untested targets. The Project is road accessible and located in San Juan Province which is known to be a mining-friendly jurisdiction in Argentina.





Figure 1: Interpreted east-west cross section through Esperanza highlighting priority target areas.

The inset map shows the location of the cross section and drill hole 18-ESP-025 is highlighted





Figure 2: Core photographs from drill hole 18-ESP-025, which intersected 387m grading 0.57% copper and 0.27 g/t gold. Mineralization was intersected at surface and is open at depth. Photographs show intense potassic alteration; quartz-chalcopyrite vein stockwork, K-feldspar and secondary biotite.

Table 1: Revised Payment Schedule for the Underlying Option

Timing US$ Cash Payments US$ value of Latin Metals Shares Payments to Date US$910,000 (paid) -- May 5, 2024 (irrevocable commitment) US$100,000 -- 30 days following receipt of a drilling permit* US$250,000 -- 12 months following receipt of a drilling permit US$250,000 -- 18 months following receipt of a drilling permit US$250,000 US$250,000 24 months following receipt of a drilling permit US$383,000 US$250,000 US$2,143,000 US$500,000

* If a drill permit for the Project is not secured by Latin Metals on or prior to July 31, 2025, the Vendor has the right to terminate the Underlying Option.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this release has been approved for disclosure by Keith J. Henderson P.Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and the Companys CEO. Mr. Henderson is not independent of the Company, as he is an employee of the Company and holds securities of the Company.

About Latin Metals

Latin Metals is a mineral exploration company acquiring a diversified portfolio of assets in South America. The Company operates with a Prospect Generator model focusing on the acquisition of prospective exploration properties at minimum cost, completing initial evaluation through cost-effective exploration to establish drill targets, and ultimately securing joint venture partners to fund drilling and advanced exploration. Shareholders gain exposure to the upside of a significant discovery without the dilution associated with funding the highest-risk drill-based exploration.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

LATIN METALS INC.

Keith Henderson

President & CEO

For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's web site ( www.latin-metals.com ) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Suite 890

999 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC, V6C 2W2

Phone: 604-638-3456

E-mail: info@latin-metals.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the negotiation of the Underlying Option, future partners for developing Esperanza, obtaining a drill permit for Esperanza, the anticipated content, commencement, timing and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Project and otherwise, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, and the Company's expectation that it will be able to enter into agreements to acquire interests in additional mineral properties, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves on the Project, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the Companys Argentine projects in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of the Company projects, the availability of qualified partners for the development of the Company's projects, and the Companys ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at the Company's properties, including the geological mapping, prospecting and sampling programs being proposed for the properties (the "Programs"), actual results of exploration activities, including the Programs, estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, the availability of a sufficient supply of water and other materials, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals and copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including of the TSX Venture Exchange, any current or future property acquisitions, financing or other planned activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, hedging practices, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, risks related to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b465cd6f-c6b3-4a7f-8929-eaeeac208806

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb4313f6-e47e-4055-a660-45220c856baa
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 19, Ji Yue, the automotive robot (Robocar) brand jointly backed by Geely and Baidu, and China Merchants Vehicle Research Institute ("CMVR") formally inked a strategic cooperation framework agreement, according to a press release from CMVR.

Photo credit: CMVR

Under this agreement, Ji Yue and CMVR will engage in forward-looking collaboration in key automotive technologies such as intelligent connectivity and intelligent driving. The partnership extends to specific areas like vehicle collision testing, battery pack system trials, safety in new energy vehicle fires, and overall vehicle electromagnetic interference detection. Moreover, both entities will actively contribute to the development and revision of intelligent automotive industry standards at national and international levels.

As a pivotal high-tech innovation subsidiary under China Merchant Group, CMVR has been actively engaged in research, testing, and development since its establishment in 2003, with a focus on multiple areas, including automotive passive and active safety, energy conservation, carbon emission reduction, new energy vehicles, intelligent connected vehicles, and smart vehicle-road coordination. It possesses three "national-level quality inspection centers" for automobile, motorcycles, and intelligent connected vehicles, and has been approved to build a "national-level new energy vehicle quality inspection and testing center".

The "Ji Yue" brand is the result of years of deep collaboration between Geely Holding Group and Baidu, representing a renewed elevation of their strategic partnership in the automotive robot sector. It is built to embody the cutting-edge synergy of both entities.

Ji Yue 01; photo credit: Ji Yue

The Ji Yue 01 is the inaugural model under the Ji Yue brand. On September 19, 2023, the first batch of mass-produced Ji Yue 01 vehicles rolled off the production line at the Geely Hangzhou Bay Intelligent Factory.

Following this milestone, on October 8, the initial production run of the Ji Yue 01 was converged at the Geely Hangzhou Bay Intelligent Factory, marking the commencement of nationwide distribution to offline experience centers. Currently, Ji Yue has established over 40 offline experience centers nationwide, covering major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Changsha, Xi'an, and more.

On October 27th, the Ji Yue 01 officially hit the market, coming with two trim levels: the Ji Yue 01 Max and the Ji Yue 01 Max Performance, priced at 249,900 yuan and 339,900 yuan, respectively.

On November 30, Ji Yue unveiled a new pricing policy and benefits. Effective from 7:30 PM on November 30, the entire Ji Yue 01 lineup saw a reduction of 30,000 yuan, with an additional 10,000 yuan off for the optional suite of the long-range ternary-lithium battery pack (100 kWh). Following the price adjustment, the Ji Yue 01 Max is now priced from 219,900 yuan, the Ji Yue 01 Max Long-range Edition at 254,900 yuan, and the Ji Yue 01 Max Performance at 309,900 yuan.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lawyer, the affordable and accessible legal services platform, is thrilled to introduce Rocket Copilot , an intuitive, conversational new customer experience. Rocket Copilot combines powerful generative AI with professional human expertise to give customers a simple and fast way to confidently complete their legal documents and other filings alongside convenient access to legal professionals.



In combination with this release, Rocket Lawyer is pleased to announce the expansion of its existing partnership with Google Cloud. The continued collaboration between Rocket Lawyer and Google Cloud brings together the expertise and resources of two industry leaders, ensuring that Rocket Copilot delivers unparalleled value, safety, and security to its customers and network of legal professionals.

The development of Rocket Copilot advances the Rocket Lawyer mission to bring affordable and simple access to justice to millions of people around the world by enhancing human capability with technology. This journey started over ten years ago with the companys patented invention of natively digital legal documents, powered by machine learning (ML), and integrated human collaboration with legal professionals. Advances in gen AI and access to Google Clouds AI tools, including Vertex AI and Dialogflow, now make it possible to realize the full potential of the Rocket Legal Cloud platform to bring affordable legal help within reach for nearly everyone.

The first release of Rocket Copilot is available today to help entrepreneurs name their new businesses. Now, with the help of a fun and creative AI-powered business name generator, a memorable and legally valid name that everyone associated with a new business can be proud of is just a short conversation away with Rocket Copilot.

Once a name is chosen, the next steps to begin forming the new business entity, starting the trademark registration process, or customizing business documents are seamless, affordable and easy.

Future releases of Rocket Copilot will include more collaborative brainstorming functionality and continue to securely and responsibly leverage advanced LLM models through Vertex AI, our deep legal knowledge base, and our extensive network of legal professionals to provide our customers with a comprehensive legal support system.

Google Clouds expanded collaboration with Rocket Lawyer illustrates our combined commitment to responsible innovation at a critical moment in the evolution of AI across industries, said Googles Technical Director for the Office of the CTO Andy Brooks. We share the same mission, values, and belief that technology should be used responsibly for the common good.

"Collaborating with Google Cloud on Rocket Copilot is a testament to our shared commitment to leveraging technology for positive change, remarked Rocket Lawyer Founder and CEO, Charley Moore. We believe that our new copilot experience further empowers entrepreneurs and business owners to take control of their legal situations, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey."

Both companies are eagerly anticipating the positive impact Rocket Copilot will have on individuals seeking affordable solutions to legal matters. With its conversational design and powerful capabilities, Rocket Copilot is poised to revolutionize the way people approach and resolve everything legal.

To try Rocket Copilot, visit: www.rocketlawyer.com/incorporate . To learn more about the collaboration between Rocket Lawyer and Google Cloud, please contact Kelsey Hilton at rocketlawyer@highwirepr.com .

About Rocket Lawyer : At Rocket Lawyer, we believe everyone deserves affordable and simple legal services. Our laws should protect and empowerbut for too many of us, the law is a burden because of high costs and complexity. So, were changing things. Since 2008, weve helped over 30 million businesses, families, and individuals obtain the legal help they need, at a price they can afford. Thats legal made simple. Visit www.rocketlawyer.com for a free trial and follow us on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .

Media Contact: Kelsey Hilton, Highwire PR: rocketlawyer@highwirepr.com

Videos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5cd7d942-be3e-4858-8d2e-5637d72b4259

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/73198c09-f01a-4f2f-90bf-c1bbe497e0ef

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81b7aa2f-779c-4d90-8935-6218de862728
Charlotte, NC, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The South Carolina Conservation Bank (SCCB), the Open Space Institute (OSI), the Catawba Nation and partners today celebrated the protection of 600 acres of culturally and historically significant land that will ultimately become a new South Carolina state park. The purchase was made possible by the Nisbet family, who donated most of the land value.

Known as the Nisbet Tract, the property is located along one mile of the Catawba River in the heart of the Catawba Nations ancestral lands, which once totaled more than 144,000 acres. A focus of the future state park will be ensuring that the Catawba Nation has perpetual access to and co-management of the Nisbet clay pit, which contains a singular active vein of Catawba clay regarded as a sacred living resource by the Nation. An existing 151-acre conservation easement placed on the property by the Nisbet family and held by the Katawba Valley Land Trust includes the clay pits and the riverfront, providing additional protection to the propertys ecological and cultural resources.

OSI acquired the Nisbet property with funding from the SCCB, the Arras Foundation, the Knobloch Family Foundation, Lancaster County and Duke Energy. The property was once proposed for a 1,000-home development in this rapidly expanding region of Lancaster County, just a short distance from Charlotte, North Carolina, but will now be forever protected, securing unique public access and upholding the Catawba Nations cultural and traditional connections to the land.

Catawba clay is the lifeblood of the Nation and has been used continuously by its people to make their namesake pottery and sustain their community for more than 6,000 years. During the Great Depression, Catawba women made and sold pottery to help Catawba people survive. In modern times, Catawba pottery has become a well-regarded form of Native American art with pieces made from the clay located on the Nisbet Tract featured in museums throughout the world.

The Nisbet clay hole site has been an important site for Catawba Nation for generations, said Catawba Nation Executive Committee member, Roo George-Warren. Working with Open Space Institute, the Nisbet family, and SC State Parks to ensure this site is preserved and accessible to our artisans while protecting and promoting the natural beauty that surrounds it is an important step in creating a region that honors and protects all of its people."

The Nisbet property is one of the most compelling conservation projects I have seen in my tenure, commented Raleigh West, SCCB Executive Director. Its historic, archaeological, and cultural significance spans the entirety of human civilization in our state and is particularly noteworthy for its ties to the Catawba Nation. I remain extremely grateful to all parties, particularly the family who so generously offered to sell it at a steep discount, for the opportunity to conserve this incredible property for the citizens of South Carolina.

The Nisbet family sought a conservation and public recreation outcome for the land. Our family has owned the property for over 100 years. Our father, William Oliver Nisbet, believed in family, fellowship, and community involvement, said Caroline Nisbet Hewett. We are proud and truly honored for the opportunity to continue Oliver Nisbets legacy by preserving this property for the use and enjoyment of generations to come. We are thankful to Open Space Institute for their assistance to help turn the land into a community space.

The rolling, river-front property harbors mature piedmont hardwood and floodplain forests, a host of wildlife species, and a stunning bluff along the river. The property contributes to a growing network of protected lands providing publicly accessible open space, outdoor recreation opportunities, and uninterrupted wildlife habitat.

OSI is proud to have played a role in protecting this exceptional property and all it represents, said Dr. Maria Whitehead, OSIs Vice President and Southeast Director of Land. Together with the Nisbet family and our invaluable funding partners, we are securing unique public access and upholding the Nations historic and ancestral connection to this hallowed place.

South Carolina State Parks is entrusted with protecting and sharing some of the most treasured natural and cultural resources in the Palmetto State, said Duane Parish, Director of SCPRT. We are honored for the opportunity to share the Catawbas history and culture in this special place with generations of visitors, and we look forward to expanding public access to outdoor recreation in one of the states fastest-growing regions.

The Arras Foundation is proud to join the public-private partnership dedicated to preserving this important open space for current and future generations. Building a healthy community includes protecting green space, clean air, and water, said Arras Foundation Chair Lisa Bridges. Arras is grateful to all partners involved in this project for ensuring the cultural significance of this land is honored while also creating accessible space for healthy living."

The acquisition of the Nisbet property is a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve this historic and valuable open space for use and enjoyment for future generations of Lancaster County residents, stated Dennis Marstall, Lancaster County Administrator. As a rapidly growing County, with tremendous development pressures and an increasing interest in parks and open space, saving this piece of property is another way in which we can tangibly demonstrate we are working to enhance the quality of life in Lancaster County.

We think its important to work alongside community partners to ensure the natural beauty and cultural history of South Carolina can be protected and enjoyed for generations to come, said Rick Jiran, vice president of community relations for Duke Energy. We are excited to play a part in the addition of this historic land to South Carolinas state park system.

OSI intends to hold the property until the state is prepared to accept the land as a donation.

###

The South Carolina Conservation Bank was created in 2002 by the SC General Assembly to fund the preservation of, and public access to, many types of South Carolina land including wildlife habitats, natural areas, historical sites, sites of unique ecological significance, forestlands, farmlands, watersheds, open space, and urban parks. To date, the bank has protected more than 360,000 acres across South Carolina in its efforts to keep our state a special and significant place, simultaneously protecting valuable natural resources and respecting private property rights. Learn more at www.sccbank.sc.gov.

The Open Space Institute protects scenic, natural, and historic landscapes to provide public enjoyment, conserve habitat and working lands, and sustain communities. Founded in 1974 to protect significant landscapes in New York State, OSI has been a partner in the protection of nearly 2.3 million acres in North America, including more than 50,000 acres in South Carolina. Visit OSI Southeast online at openspaceinstitute.org/southeast

Attachments
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Vedder Price litigation team recently secured a notable victory when a San Francisco jury awarded nearly $1 million in damages to its client in connection with a commercial lease dispute.

Vedder Price, led by Shareholder Michelle Landry, represented Pacific States Building, LP, which owns 445 Bush Street, in an action to recover past and future rent damages against a commercial tenant, iBelieveInSwordfish, Inc., which had vacated its space prior to the end of lease term, claiming constructive eviction.

The jury awarded $904,905.00 in damages to Pacific States on its breach of contract claim. The jury also found in favor of Pacific States on the tenants cross-claim for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, awarding the tenant nothing.

We are extremely pleased with the jurys verdict in favor of our client. San Francisco commercial landlords have been struggling since COVID-19 and its good to see a jury deliver this just and fair verdict, said Landry.

In addition to Landry, the Vedder Price team also included attorneys Mindy Wong and Peter Walrod.

About Vedder Price:

Vedder Price is a thriving commercial law firm with nine offices in major global cities including Chicago, New York, Washington, DC, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Singapore, Dallas and Miami. The firm offers a unique and sophisticated mix of finance, corporate, labor and employment, and litigation legal services, including market-leading practices in global transportation finance, middle-market finance/M&A, executive compensation, employment class actions, investment services and more. Vedder Price has enduring relationships with marquee organizations, and many of the firms clients have been with the firm since its founding in 1952. For more information, visit https://www.vedderprice.com/.

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Dublin, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Polyurethane Foam Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product (Rigid Foam, Flexible Foam), Application (Bedding & Furniture, Transportation, Packaging, Construction, Electronics, Footwear), Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2024-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global polyurethane foam market is expected to reach USD 73.57 billion by 2030. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2024 to 2030.

The remarkable growth of the global market can be attributed to a combination of factors such as versatile nature of PU foam has allowed it to find widespread applications across various industries, including construction, automotive, packaging, and furniture. Its excellent insulation properties, lightweight nature, and durability have made it a preferred choice in these sectors. Additionally, the increasing demand for energy-efficient materials and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices have further fueled the adoption of PU foam. Moreover, ongoing research and development efforts have led to innovations in the production process, making PU foam more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, contributing to its rising popularity in the market.

Flexible foam has secured its dominating position in the global polyurethane (PU) foam industry primarily because of its outstanding adaptability and broad range of applications. Its exceptional comfort and softness make it a popular choice in the bedding and furniture industries, providing consumers with cozy and supportive products. Additionally, its versatility extends to automotive seating, where it offers superior cushioning for a comfortable driving experience. The widespread adoption of flexible PU foam in these key sectors such as Bedding & Furniture, Transportation, Packaging, Construction, Electronics, Footwear have contributed to its significant market dominance.



The bedding and furniture industry dominates the market due to several key factors including PU foam's exceptional comfort and support make it the preferred choice for mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture, ensuring a restful and pleasant experience for consumers. Moreover, the booming housing and construction sectors worldwide have increased the demand for comfortable and durable furniture, further driving the adoption of PU foam. Additionally, the growing consumer focus on ergonomic and high-quality products has propelled the popularity of PU foam in bedding and furniture applications, solidifying its dominant position in the market.



Asia Pacific is the dominating region segment in the global market due to several factors such as region's rapid industrialization and urbanization have fueled the demand for PU foam in construction and automotive industries. Secondly, the presence of key emerging economies, such as China and India, has driven substantial growth in manufacturing, packaging, and furniture sectors, further boosting the consumption of PU foam. Lastly, favorable government policies, coupled with increasing awareness of energy-efficient materials, have contributed to the widespread adoption of PU foam in the Asia Pacific region.



Polyurethane Foam Market Report Highlights

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest revenue share of 44.0% of the global market in 2023 and is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. This is attributed to its rapid industrialization and urbanization, driving demand in construction and automotive industries, along with the presence of key emerging economies like China and India, boosting consumption in manufacturing, packaging, and furniture sectors.

Based on application segmentation, bedding & furniture accounted for a maximum share of 31.0% in 2023 and are likely to remain dominant over the forecast period. This is attributed to PU foam's exceptional comfort, support, and versatility, making it the preferred choice for mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture worldwide.

In the product segmentation, flexible foam dominated the market in 2023, with a market share of 58.7%. This is attributed to its widespread popularity and diverse applications, offering superior comfort and cushioning in industries such as bedding, furniture, and automotive seating.

In June 2023, Trelleborg AG is planning to construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Vietnam. The construction of this new facility is scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2025, with production operations expected to commence in 2026. This strategic move reflects Trelleborg AG's vision for the future, as they seek to leverage Vietnam's growing industrial landscape and tap into the vast opportunities presented by the Asian market.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 140 Forecast Period 2023 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $43.7 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $73.57 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.8% Regions Covered Global



Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2 Executive Summary

2.1 Market Snapshot 2023

2.2 Segment Snapshot

2.3 Competitive Landscape Snapshot



Chapter 3 Polyurethane (PU) Foam Market: Variables and Trends

3.1 Market Lineage Outlook

3.2 Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping

3.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.4 Regulatory Framework

3.5 Technology Overview

3.6 Alternative Technologies to PU Foam

3.7 Sustainability Trends

3.7.1 Impact Of Plastic Circular Economy

3.7.2 Initiatives Undertaken By Market Players

3.8 Supply-Demand Analysis

3.9 Foam Type Trends

3.10 Trade Analysis (His Code- 390950)

3.11 Market Dynamics

3.11.1 Market Driver Impact Analysis

3.11.1.1 Surging Demand of Polyurethane Foam For Building Insulation 39

3.11.1.2 Increasing Demand for Lightweight and High-Performance Composites From Automotive Industry

3.11.2 Market Restraint Impact Analysis

3.11.2.1 Raw Material Price Volatility

3.11.3 Industry Opportunity Analysis

3.12 Industry Analysis Tools

3.13 East European Geopolitical Implication of The Industry Overview

3.14 Impact Of Covid-19 on Polyurethane (PU) Foam Market



Chapter 4 Polyurethane (PU) Foam Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1 Product Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2023 & 2030

4.2 Product Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2023 & 2030

4.3 Polyurethane (Pu) Foam Market Estimates & Forecast, By Product (Kilotons) (USD Million)

4.3.1 Rigid Foam

4.3.2 Flexible Foam



Chapter 5 Polyurethane (PU) Foam Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1 Application Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2023 & 2030

5.2 Application Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2023 & 2030

5.3 Polyurethane (PU) Foam Market Estimates & Forecast, By Application (Kilotons) (USD Million)

5.3.1 Bedding & Furniture

5.3.2 Transportation

5.3.3 Packaging

5.3.4 Construction

5.3.5 Electronics

5.3.6 Footwear



Chapter 6 Polyurethane (PU) Foam Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis



Chapter 7 Polyurethane (PU) Foam Market - Competitive Landscape

7.1 Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, By Key Market Participants

7.2 Vendor Landscape

7.2.1 Company Categorization

7.2.2 List Of Key Distributors And Channel Partners

7.2.3 List Of Potential Customers/End-Use

7.3 Portfolio Analysis/Kraljic Matrix

7.4 Competitive Dynamics

7.4.1 Company Market Share Analysis & Market Positioning

7.4.2 Production Capacity & Plant Location Of Major Market Players

7.4.3 Strategy Mapping

7.4.4 Company Heat Map Analysis

7.5 Participant's Overview

7.6 Financial Performance

7.7 Product Benchmarking

7.8 Company Profiles

Huntsman Corporation

The Dow Chemical Company

BASF

Sekisui Chemical

Trelleborg

Future Foam

Elliott Co. of Indianapolis

Recticel

Foamcraft

Ufp Technologies

Rogers

Wanhua Chemical Group

Saint-Gobain

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7km3gh

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Washington, D.C. Auto Show, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the 2024 Washington, D.C. Auto Show, hosted at the Walter E Washington Convention Center from January 19 to 28. This event promises a diverse range of activations that will captivate enthusiasts of all ages, ensuring the capital is buzzing with excitement. From cutting-edge test tracks to family-friendly fun zones, the DC Auto Show guarantees something for everyone.

Showcasing their dedication to a more sustainable and exhilarating form of transportation with two special indoor test track experiences is Hyundai and Nissan. Step into the fast lane at Hyundai's Test Track, immersing yourself in the excitement of Hyundai's latest models like the KONA EV, IONIQ 5, and IONIQ 6. Alternatively, feel the power of Nissan's Ariya Platinum+ on their new EV Experience, offering guests the chance to experience the seamless acceleration and serene power of Nissan's electric engines. For those craving outdoor excitement, Pepco EVsmart has partnered with Ford and Kia to provide attendees with the chance to test drive some of their latest electric models on the streets of D.C.

Not to be outdone by its four-wheeled counterparts, Strictly Ebikes is bringing its own indoor bike track experience to the show. Explore the functionality and versatility of utility/cargo bikes like the Specialized Globe Haul ST & LT, Velotric Packer, and Velotric Go; experience comfort cruisers like the Aventon Pace 500; choose the portable Aventon Sinch, or opt for the powerful and affordable Big Sur fat tire bike.

The Art-of-Motion exhibit, hosted by Automotive Rhythms, showcases the intersection of automotive design and artistic expression. Curated displays demonstrate the fusion of automotive engineering and aesthetic creativity, highlighting the practicality and artistic qualities of cars. Renowned painters, including Shawn Mitchell Perkins (aka SP the Plug), Matt Long, Josue of the Corinto Gallery at the National Harbor, and David Zambrano, transform models from Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia into works of art, surrounded by custom motorcycles, classic cars, and luxury exotics.

Discover family-friendly fun at the all-new Kids Zone, where Krazy Bounce amps up the excitement with seven giant bounce houses, two inflatable games, and loads of laughter. For a unique kid-friendly driving experience, visit the WowWheelz exhibit featuring a test drive track with remote-controlled mini electric vehicles. The event also offers thrilling driving simulators, engaging virtual-reality experiences, and interactive games as part of this year's diverse programming.

Additionally, Subaru invites attendees to celebrate the special bond between pets and their owners at the heartwarming Subaru Loves Pets activation. This exhibit underscores Subaru's commitment to pet safety and well-being, highlighting the pet-friendly features integrated into their vehicles.

Don't miss the excitementmark your calendars for the 2024 Washington, D.C. Auto Show and join us for a weekend of automotive innovation, family fun, and unforgettable experiences. For detailed information on each activation and to plan your visit, check out the Auto Shows website at www.washingtonautoshow.com .

###







About The Washington, D.C. Auto Show

The Washington, D.C. Auto Show is held each January at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is the largest annual indoor public event in the District of Columbia. For more than 80 years, the auto show has modified their programming to accommodate the latest advances and trends in car technology. With the rise in connectivity and autonomous capabilities, the 2022 Auto Show will adapt once again to highlight mobility advancements in all forms of transportation. Browse the extensive displays of battery-powered vehicles, sustainable buses, and new forms of all-electric mobility, along with the classic fan favorites like the exotic and luxury car displays. The 2022 Washington, D.C. Auto Show will be open to the public for 10 consecutive days, from January 21 through January 30, 2022.

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SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman urges Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.



Class Period: July 22, 2019  Oct. 12, 2023

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 2, 2024

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/BCS

Contact An Attorney Now: BCS@hbsslaw.com

844-916-0895

Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS) Securities Fraud Class Action:

The complaint alleges that Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that:

(1) contrary to his false public statements and assertions to Britains Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Barclays ex-CEO Jes Staley had a very close relationship with Epstein;

(2) Staley was reportedly aware of Epsteins criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein;

(3) Staleys close, personal relationship with Epstein, and potential criminal activity, if discovered could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Barclays;

(4) as a result, Barclays response to the FCA inquiry regarding Staleys relationship with Epstein was materially false; and

(5) Barclays, having become aware of information contradicting its response to the FCAs inquiry, then failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action.

Investors began to learn the truth on Nov. 1, 2021, when Barclays announced Staleys departure after becoming aware of the FCAs preliminary conclusions regarding the companys and Staleys characterization of the Epstein relationship.

Subsequently, the Financial Times reported that Staley and Epstein exchanged 1,200 emails over a four-year period and, just before joining Barclays in 2015, Staley sailed his yacht to Epsteins island in the Caribbean.

Finally, on Oct. 12, 2023, the FCA announced that Staley recklessly approved a letter sent by Barclays to the FCA, which contained two misleading statements, about the nature of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the point of their last contact. The FCA fined Staley, barred him from the financial services industry and observed that Staleys emails described Epstein as one of his deepest and most cherished friends.

Each of these events drove the price of Barclays American Depositary Shares lower.

Were focused on investors losses and are investigating whether Barclays may have intentionally misled investors about the nature of the Staley-Epstein relationship, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you invested in Barclays and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now 

If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Barclays case and our investigation, read more 

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Barclays should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email BCS@hbsslaw.com.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895




TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goliath Resources Limited (TSX-V: GOT) (OTCQB: GOTRF) (FSE: B4IF) (the "Company" or "Goliath") is pleased to announce it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement of 2,597,403 charity flow-through units (the CFT Units) at a price of $1.155 per CFT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,000,000 (the CFT Offering).



Mr. Rob McEwen increased his ownership in the Company by doubling his position to more than 5% on a partially diluted basis (P/D). Crescat Capital LLC (Crescat), Goliaths largest shareholder, and a strategic institutional shareholder also purchased units to maintain their 18.4% (P/D) and 9.9% (P/D) ownership, respectively. These add-on investments demonstrate that Goliath continues to receive the ongoing financial support of strategic investors recognized globally for mining and specializing in precious metals.

Mr. McEwen is the founder and former chairman of Goldcorp Inc. where he discovered, built, and operated the Red Lake Mine in Ontario which was acquired by Newmont Mining in 2019 for US$10 billion. Mr. McEwen is currently the Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Mining Inc., a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada, Canada, Mexico and Argentina, along with a large copper development project.

Crescat Capital is Goliaths largest shareholder and a global macro asset management firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Crescat Capital's mission is to grow and protect wealth over the long term by deploying tactical investment themes based on proprietary value-driven equity and macro models. Crescat Capital's goal is industry leading absolute and risk-adjusted returns over complete business cycles with low correlation to common benchmarks. Crescat Capital's investment process involves a mix of asset classes and strategies to assist with each client's unique needs and objectives and includes Global Macro, Long/Short and Precious Metals funds.

Crescat Capital is advised by Dr. Quinton Hennigh, its geologic and technical director on investments in gold and silver resource companies. Dr. Hennigh became an economic geologist after obtaining his PhD in Geology/Geochemistry from the Colorado School of Mines. He has more than 30 years of exploration experience with major gold mining firms that include Homestake Mining, Newcrest Mining and Newmont Mining. Recently, Dr. Hennigh founded Novo Resources Corp., and is currently serving as co-chairman. Among his notable project involvements are First Mining Gold's Springpole gold deposit in Ontario, Kirkland Lake Gold's acquisition of the Fosterville gold mine in Australia, the Rattlesnake Hills gold deposit in Wyoming, and Lion One's Tuvatu gold project in Fiji, among many others.

Crescat, is considered a "related party" of the Company. Accordingly, their purchase 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 Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such related party participation as neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration paid, insofar as it involved a related party, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Further details will be included in a material change report to be filed by the Company. The material change report will not be filed more than 21 days prior to closing of the CFT Offering because the timing of the announcement and the closing date was less than 21 days apart.

Each CFT Unit consisted of one (1) common share that will qualify as a flow-through share within the meaning of Subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Act) and one (1) common share purchase warrant (each, a Warrant), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one (1) common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.85 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

The gross proceeds of the CFT Offering will be used for Canadian exploration expenses as such term is defined in paragraph (f) of the definition of Canadian exploration expense in Subsection 66.1(6) of the Act, flow-through mining expenditures as defined in Subsection 127(9) of the Act, and B.C. flow-through mining expenditures as defined in Subsection 4.721(1) of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2024, and renounced with an effective date no later than December 31, 2023. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the CFT Offering for exploration, drilling and related programs on Goliaths Golddigger and Lucky Strike properties located in and around the Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia.

In connection with the CFT Offering, the Company paid a finders fee of 6% cash and 6% finders warrants (Finders Warrant) to eligible arms length parties on all/or a portion of certain orders. The finders fee consisted of a $15,060 cash fee and 21,514 Finders Warrants. Each Finders Warrant shall entitle the holder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.85 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

All securities issued and sold under the CFT Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from their date of issuance. Completion of the CFT Offering and the payment of any finders' fees remain subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Golddigger Property

The Golddigger Property is 100 % controlled covering an area of an area of 64,264 hectares (158,800 acres) and is in the world class geological setting of the Eskay Rift within the Golden Triangle of British Columbia and within 3 kilometers of the Red Line that is host to multiple world class deposits. With over 65,000 meters of diamond drilling in aggregate to date at the newly discovered Surebet Zone, the Company has confirmed an area of 1.8 square kilometers of multiple highly mineralized stacked zones containing Bonanza gold grades that remains open.

The Surebet discovery has exceptional metallurgy with gold recoveries of 92.2% inclusive of 48.8% free gold from gravity alone at a 327-micrometer crush (no deleterious elements and no cyanide required to recover the gold based on metallurgical work completed to date).

It is in an excellent location close in proximity to the communities of Alice Arm and Kitsault where there is a permitted mill site on private property. It is situated on tide water with direct barge access to Prince Rupert (190 kilometers via the Observatory inlet/Portland inlet). The town of Kitsault is accessible by road (190 kilometers from Terrace, 300 kilometers from Prince Rupert) and has a barge landing, dock, and infrastructure capable of housing at least 300 people, including high-tension power. Additional infrastructure in the area includes the Dolly Varden Silver Mine Road (only 7 kilometers to the East of the Surebet discovery) with direct road access to Alice Arm barge landing (18 kilometers to the south of the Surebet discovery) and high-tension power (25 kilometers to the East of Surebet discovery).

The city of Terrace (population 16,000) provides access to railway, major highways, and airport with supplies (food, fuel, lumber, etc.), while the town of Prince Rupert (population 12,000) is located on the west coast and houses an international container seaport also with direct access to railway and an airport with supplies.

Lucky Strike Property

The Goldsource and Bullseye targets are situated on Goliaths 100% controlled Lucky Strike property located near Terrace in northwestern British Columbia. It sits within a world class geological terrane of the Skeena Arch, a belt-scale structural corridor that is associated with significant porphyry and related mineralization. The property is within 2 kilometres of logging access roads with direct access to hydro-power and paved highway in close proximity to major infrastructure in Terrace B.C.

Qualified Person

Rein Turna P. Geo is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, for Goliath Resources projects, and supervised the preparation of, and has reviewed and approved, the technical information in this release.

About Goliath Resources Limited

Goliath Resources Limited is an explorer of precious metals projects in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia and Abitibi Greenstone Belt of Quebec. All its projects are in world class geological settings and geopolitical safe jurisdictions amenable to mining in Canada.

For more information please contact:

Goliath Resources Limited

Mr. Roger Rosmus

Founder and CEO

Tel: +1.416.488.2887

roger@goliathresources.com

www.goliathresourcesltd.com

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Goliaths current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the ability of the Company to complete financings and its ability to build value for its shareholders as it develops its mining properties. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to Goliath. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the proposed transactions will occur, or that if the proposed transactions do occur, will be completed on the terms described above.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Goliath is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

This announcement does not constitute an offer, invitation, or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities and neither this announcement nor anything contained in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. In particular, this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer would be illegal.

The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

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.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN.
Burlingame, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CoherentMI published a report, titled, global robotic prosthetics market is estimated to value at US$ 1.60 Billion in the year 2023, and is anticipated to reach a US$ 2.90 Billion by 2030, with growing at a CAGR of 9.5% during forecast period 2023-2030.



The global robotic prosthetics market is driven by two key drivers. Firstly, the increasing prevalence of amputations due to factors such as accidents, injuries, and chronic diseases is fueling the demand for robotic prosthetics. According to the World Health Organization, about 30 million people worldwide require prosthetic limbs, and this number is projected to increase in the coming years. Robotic prosthetics offer enhanced functionality and natural movements, which contribute to the high demand in the market. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as the development of neuroprosthetics and exoskeletons, are further propelling market growth.

Key Market Takeaways:

The global robotic prosthetics market size is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period 2023-2030, owing to the increasing demand for advanced prosthetic solutions.

On the basis of product type, the prosthetic legs/knees segment is expected to hold a dominant position, owing to the high prevalence of lower limb disabilities and the need for mobility assistance. Other types of prosthetics such as arms, feet/ankles, hands, and others also contribute to the market's growth.

In terms of technology, microprocessor knees are expected to dominate the market due to their advanced features and benefits. However, there is also a demand for myoelectric and body-powered prosthetics, as they cater to different patient needs.

Hospitals are expected to be the dominating end users of robotic prosthetics, as they provide comprehensive healthcare services and have the necessary infrastructure to support prosthetic fittings and rehabilitation. Prosthetic clinics, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities also contribute to the market's growth.

In terms of region, North America is expected to hold a dominant position over the forecast period, due to the presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure, increasing adoption of advanced technologies, and a higher prevalence of disabilities requiring prosthetic solutions.

The key players operating in the global robotic prosthetics market include Ottobock, Ossur, Blatchford Group, HDT Global, Fillauer LLC, Steeper Inc., Proteor, PROTUNIX, Endolite, and Deka Research and Development Corporation. These companies focus on technological advancements, product development, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic collaborations to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Read the complete market research report, "Global Robotic Prosthetics Market Size And Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecasts (2023 - 2030)", Published by CoherentMI.

Market Trends:

The Global Robotic Prosthetics Market is witnessing two key trends. Firstly, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in robotic prosthetics is gaining traction. These technologies allow the prosthetic limbs to adapt to the user's movement patterns and automatically adjust their functionality to provide a more natural and accurate limb movement. This trend is enhancing the user experience and improving the overall quality of life for individuals with amputations.

Secondly, the growing adoption of 3D printing technology in the manufacturing of robotic prosthetics is another prominent trend in the market. 3D printing enables the customization and personalization of prosthetic limbs, providing a better fit and comfort for the users. Moreover, it reduces the manufacturing time and costs, making the prosthetics more accessible to a larger population.

Recent Development:

In September 2022, Ossur introduced the POWER KNEE, the worlds first actively powered microprocessor prosthetic intended for people with amputations above the knee or with other limbs.

In May 2023, AMBER unveiled AMBER Lucid-1, a compact robotics arm with seven axes and an AI-powered actuators.

Market Opportunities:

Increasing Demand for Robotic Prosthetics

The global robotic prosthetics market share is set to witness significant growth in the coming years. With advancements in technology, there is an increasing demand for robotic prosthetics, especially for individuals with limb disabilities. Robotic prosthetics offer improved mobility, enhanced functionality, and a better quality of life for patients.

The market for prosthetic legs/knees is expected to dominate the segment, as it is the most common requirement for individuals with lower limb disabilities. Prosthetic arms, feet/ankles, hands, and other types of prosthetics also contribute to the market's growth.

Technological Advancements in Robotic Prosthetics

Technological advancements in robotic prosthetics are driving the market's growth. The development of microprocessor knees is a significant trend in the market, as they offer better control, stability, and a more natural gait for users. Furthermore, the integration of myoelectric technology and body-powered technology has enhanced the functionality of prosthetics, allowing users to perform complex movements with ease.

The market for microprocessor knees is expected to dominate the technology segment due to its superior features and benefits. However, there is also a demand for other technologies such as myoelectric and body-powered prosthetics, as they cater to different patient needs.

Global Robotic Prosthetics Market Segmentation:

By Product Type Prosthetic Legs/Knees Prosthetic Arms Prosthetic Feet/Ankles Prosthetic Hands Others

By Technology Microprocessor knees Myoelectric technology Body-Powered Technology Others

By End User Hospitals Prosthetic Clinics Rehabilitation Centers Others

By Region North America U.S. Canada Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Europe Germany U.K. Spain France Italy Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South Africa GCC Countries Rest of Middle East & Africa





Buy this premium report now (Discount Up to 25%) @ https://www.coherentmi.com/industry-reports/global-robotic-prosthetics-market/buyNow

In conclusion, the global robotic prosthetics market offers immense opportunities for growth and development. The increasing demand for advanced prosthetic solutions and technological advancements in the field are driving the market's growth. With North America dominating the market and key players focusing on innovation, the future looks promising for the robotic prosthetics industry.

Top Questions Answered in this Report:

What factors are impeding the growth of the Global Robotic Prosthetics Market? What are the primary drivers fueling the growth of the Global Robotic Prosthetics Market? Which segment stands out as the leading component in the Global Robotic Prosthetics Market? Who are the key players actively participating in the Global Robotic Prosthetics Market? Which region is poised to take the lead in the Global Robotic Prosthetics Market? What is the projected CAGR for the Global Robotic Prosthetics Market?

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Available in the App Store and Google Play, Thumzup Enables Virtually Everyone to Earn Cash Rewards for Posting on Social Media about the Brands They Love

Los Angeles, CA, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thumzup Media Corporation ("Thumzup" or the "Company") (OTCQB: TZUP) is excited to welcome LA School of Comedy, located in 10835 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, to its AdTech platform, where users are financially rewarded for promoting our advertising partners on social media.

The Thumzup mobile app, which is available for download in the App Store and Google Play, incentivizes virtually everyone to become social media advocates for the brands they enjoy by paying them cash for approved posts.

Were thrilled to welcome LA School of Comedy, led by Sunda Croonquist, to the Thumzup platform, stated Robert Steele, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thumzup. Thumzups users are now able to earn cash while attending the open mics as an audience or participating in stand-up comedy classes. LA School of Comedy boasts of collaborations with Tiffany Haddish and even has a podcast recording studio. Thumzup is excited to help keep spreading the word of LA Comedy School to the greater Los Angeles area.

For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com and https://www.laschoolofcomedy.com .

About Thumzup

Thumzup Media Corporation (Thumzup) is democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry. Its flagship product, the Thumzup platform, utilizes a robust programmatic advertiser dashboard coupled with a consumer-facing App to enable individuals to get paid cash for posting about participating advertisers on major social media outlets through the Thumzup App. The easy-to-use dashboard allows advertisers to programmatically customize their campaigns. Cash payments are made to App users/creators through Venmo and PayPal.

Thumzup was recently featured on CBS News Los Angeles and is a publicly traded company (OTCQB stock ticker: TZUP). For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com .

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, statements about its potential growth, impacts on the advertising industry, and planned expansion. These statements are identified by the use of the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Info:

800-403-6150

investors@ThumzupMedia.com

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BURLINGTON, Ontario, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Childrens Education Funds Inc., distributor of the Childrens Education Trust of Canada Registered Education Savings Plans consisting of the Group Option Plan, the Achievers Plan and the Self-Initiated Option Plan (collectively the Scholarship Plans) is pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2024, the insurance provider for our Scholarship Plans will be Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (Chubb Canada).

Chubb Canada is a unit of Chubb, one of the world's largest property and casualty insurers. Chubb Canada has provided insurance to clients in Canada for many years. We are very excited to partner with Chubb Canada to continue to serve our subscribers. We are also pleased to announce that NFP Canada is our broker of record for our insurance program. To learn more about Chubb Canada please visit https://www.chubb.com/ca-en/privacy-policy.html.

About Childrens Education Funds Inc.

Childrens Education Funds Inc. (CEFI) has been helping families save for Registered Education Savings Plans since 1991. CEFI promises to assist parents in fulfilling their savings goals to nurture the dreams for their childs education tailored to their individual needs by trained and licensed Dealing Representatives.

About Chubb

Chubb Canada is a unit of Chubb, one of the world's largest property and casualty insurers. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 34,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

Chubb Insurance Company of Canada has offices in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver and provides its products and services through licensed insurance brokers across Canada. For additional information, visit: chubb.com/ca.

Media Contact:

Childrens Education Funds Inc.

3221 North Service Road

Burlington, ON L7N 3G2

Canada



1 (800) 246-1203



www.cefi.ca
GLOBALink | Foreign reporter impressed by wine industry development in China's Ningxia Pub Date:23-12-21 09:29 Source:Xinhua A group of journalists from international media outlets have been deeply impressed by the development of wine industry in northwest China's Ningxia after a recent on-site visit. A correspondent from Cuba explains why. #GLOBALink Produced by Xinhua Global Service Editor:Zheng Chen

Related News GLOBALink | Multi-pronged measures taken t... GLOBALink | Figures show China's progress ... China unveils guideline for further digita... Meteorological tourism an emerging market ...
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 20, the STERRA ES from Chery's EXEED brand hit the market with five different trim levels, priced from 225,800 yuan to 339,800 yuan.







Positioned as a mid-to-large-sized pure electric sedan, the STERRA ES' entire lineup comes standard with air suspension and CDC, with an impressive maximum range of 905 kilometers under CLTC conditions.

The STERRA ES embraces a design philosophy of 'Aesthetic of the Wind', emphasizing sleek curves over intricate lines, creating a cutting-edge visual appeal. Characterized by integrated headlamps and wing-shaped lighting elements below, the vehicle incorporates the ISD intelligent interaction lights to exhibit various lighting patterns, adding to its distinctive aesthetic.

Measuring 4,945mmx1,978mmx1,480mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 3,000mm, the STERRA ES boasts concealed door handles and a commendable drag coefficient of 0.205Cd.

Photo credit: EXEED

Inside, the cabin design fosters a sense of minimalist luxury with an embedded, uniquely shaped instrument panel and a seamlessly integrated center console, housing a 15.6-inch intelligent display. Equipped with Cherys Lion Melody sound system comprising 23 speakers and a peak power of 1,000W, it supports panoramic sound effects.

Built on an 800V high-voltage platform, the STERRA ES offers both single and dual-motor versions. The single-motor variant delivers maximum power outputs of 185kW and 230kW, while the dual-motor version features 123kW for the front and 230kW for the rear motor.
LAFAYETTE, Ind., Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wabash (NYSE: WNC), the innovation leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, was recently recognized among Newsweeks Americas Most Responsible Companies 2024.



Newsweek partnered with global research and data firm Statista to recognize the top 600 most responsible companies, focusing on a holistic view of corporate responsibility that considers all three pillars of ESG: environment, social and corporate governance.

Wabash President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy expressed the companys commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, stating, We understand our responsibility to positively impact our communities through environmental and social initiatives. As members of the communities where our employees and their families live and work, we push ourselves to earn our reputation as a good neighbor through our efforts and actions.

Wabash was the only trailer and truck body manufacturer to be honored, and this recognition marks the second time in three years that Wabash has made the annual rankings.

While we strive to meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners, Wabash will continue to embrace innovations that help our customers reduce their environmental impact and improve their businesses, Yeagy added.

The Statista analysis is based on over 30 key performance indicators of the top 2,000 public companies headquartered in the U.S. and a public survey. The rankings span 14 diverse industries, including automotive, transport and logistics, financial services, healthcare, consumer goods, retail and technology.

To view the full list, visit Newsweek's list of Americas Most Responsible Companies 2024.

Wabash: Changing How the World Reaches You

Wabash (NYSE: WNC) is the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries that is Changing How the World Reaches You. Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, the company enables customers to thrive by providing insight into tomorrow and delivering pragmatic solutions today to move everything from first to final mile. Wabash designs, manufactures, and services a diverse range of products, including: dry freight and refrigerated trailers, flatbed trailers, tank trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies, structural composite panels and products, trailer aerodynamic solutions, and specialty food grade processing equipment. Learn more at onewabash.com .

Media Contact:

Dana Stelsel

Director, Communications

(765) 771-5766

dana.stelsel@onewabash.com



Investor Relations:

Ryan Reed

VP, Corporate Development, Investor Relations, and Financial Planning and Analysis

(765) 490-5664

ryan.reed@onewabash.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/664e9e94-a1bd-4279-9798-e6e3fab6f700
VANCOUVER, December 21, 2023 - Sitka Gold Corp. ("Sitka" or the "Company") (CSE:SIG) (FSE:1RF) (OTC:SITKF) is pleased to provide an update and summary of the pivotal 2023 exploration season at its year-round, road-accessible, RC Gold Property ("RC Gold" or the "Property") located in the prolific Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory, Canada. The Company has progressed RC Gold from an initial 1500 metre reconnaissance diamond drill program in 2020 to the discovery of the Blackjack and Eiger deposits with an initial pit-constrained inferred resource estimate of 1.34 million ounces of gold published in 2023 (see news release dated January 19, 2023), creating tremendous value for Sitka shareholders. 2023 exploration focused on adding to that value by conducting drilling focused on expanding the resource in the Blackjack deposit, testing the potential for additional resources in the Saddle zone, located midway between the Blackjack and Eiger deposits, and the first ever diamond drill testing of the Josephine intrusion. In addition, several drill ready intrusion-related gold deposit targets were also identified during the 2023 exploration program across the district-scale, 386 square kilometre Property. With approximately $8 million in the treasury and no debt, the Company is well positioned to substantially advance RC Gold through 2024.

2023 RC Gold Highlights:

Announced initial pit-constrained inferred mineral resource estimate of 1.34 million ounces of gold comprising the Blackjack Deposit (900,000 ounces of gold grading 0.83 g/t gold) and the Eiger Deposit (440,000 ounces of gold grading 0.50 g/t gold)(see news release dated January 19, 2023).

Completed a 16-hole, 6,515 metre resource expansion drill program that significantly expanded the known gold mineralization at the Blackjack Deposit area with the deposit still remaining open in all directions.

Drilled the best intersection to date at the Property which expands the known gold mineralization from the southern extent of the current Blackjack Deposit, returning 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in hole DDRCCC-23-047 (see news release dated September 26, 2023), along with 4.3 m of 33.10 g/t gold including 1.2 m of 108.00 g/t gold in hole DDRCCC-23-46 (see news dated September 11, 2023) demonstrating the exceptional grades that exist within this intrusion related gold system.

DDRCCC-23-54 located in the Saddle zone, 450 metres east of the Blackjack resource boundary returned the best drill result to date there with 84.0 m of 1.21 g/t gold beginning at surface (see news release dated October 30, 2023). With only four drill holes completed, the Saddle zone remains open in all directions and isunderlain by both the largest and the highest grade gold-in-soil anomaly on the Property highlighting the potential for building additional resources at the project.

First ever drilling confirmed significant gold bearing mineralization within the Josephine intrusion.

Reconnaissance field exploration work and data compilation (historical and recent) has identified five additional drill ready Intrusion related drill targets within the district scale RC Gold property as well as other prospective target areas that have potential for undiscovered intrusions to follow up on.

Completed all requirements to obtain 100% ownership of the Clear Creek property which encompasses the northern portion of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex including the Blackjack and Eiger deposits.

Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of Sitka commented: "2023 has been a very exciting year for Sitka Gold exploring the RC Gold property. Our team has accomplished several milestones starting with the publication of the initial mineral resource estimate at the Blackjack and Eiger deposits. Drilling at the Blackjack area continued to encounter exceptional grades in many of the 2023 drill holes highlighted by the 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in Hole 47. The potential for high grades within Reduced Intrusion Related Gold Systems in the Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt has been recognized with the discovery of the Valley Target by Snowline Gold and the grades intersected in our Blackjack deposit. The RC Gold project encompasses the Blackjack and Eiger Deposits, and seven other under-explored intrusive bodies with known gold mineralization. The exceptional grades intersected in many of the drill holes in the Blackjack Zone, both within and outside of the current resource area, highlight the significant potential of the property. The scale, grade and continuity of the gold system here continues to impress us and really demonstrates the potential of this area to host a multi-million ounce economic gold resource. The Company has focused drilling on the current resource discoveries while compiling information on the many additional highly prospective targets within the district scale property using both current and historical data during 2023. With a treasury of approximately $8 million and no debt, Sitka is well positioned to advance both the current drill-ready targets elsewhere on the property and continue to expand and define the very fertile, gold endowed Clear Creek Intrusive Complex area that currently hosts the Blackjack and Eiger deposits (see Figure 1)."



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Figure 1: Plan map of the Northern Extent of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex where several drill intervals and surface samples have demonstrated the high-grade nature of the Reduced Intrusion Related Gold System present. Yellow stars indicate where outcrop rock samples or drill hole intervals have returned >10 g/t gold. Several additional targets with the potential to host intrusion related gold deposits of significant size and grade have yet to be drilled within this approximately 3 km x 5 km area.



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The 2023 drilling campaign was focused on expanding the recently announced resource at the Blackjack Deposit. All 12 drill holes completed in the Blackjack zone intersected additional significant gold mineralization except for the most northeasterly drilled hole on the project which deviated from the drill target and only encountered anomalous gold values. The highlight of the drilling was the highest grade intersection at the project to date at the current southern extent of the Blackjack zone returning 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in hole DDRCCC-23-047.



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Figure 2 - Plan map of the 2023 resource expansion drilling at the Blackjack deposit with highlights from selected drill holes. The deposit remains open in all directions.



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Figure 3: Cross section of DDRCCC-23-047 where the best gold interval to date was encountered.



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Figure 4 - Cross Section of the Blackjack deposit with the Saddle Stock projected to surface and the current resource at a 0.25 g/t gold cut-off grade. Drilling demonstrated strong grades to the south and to depth while large step-outs to the north encountered gold grades at the northern contact of the Saddle stock.

The potential of the Saddle zone to host additional resources on the property was confirmed with drilling in 2023. Two drill holes were completed in the Saddle zone approximately 450 metres from the eastern margin of the Blackjack deposit and approximately 125 metres to the west of two previous drill holes completed in the Saddle zone in 2020 and 2021. Drill hole DDRCCC-23-054 intersected 84.0 m of 1.21 g/t gold beginning at surface, including 4.0 m of 5.12 g/t gold, while drill hole DDRCCC-23-053 intersected 29.0 m of 0.68 g/t gold including 3.9 m of 4.76 g/t gold (see news release dated October 30, 2023). Previously hole DDRCCC-20-001 intersected 84.8 m of 0.52 g/t gold and DDRCCC-21-019 intersected 80.0 m of 0.59 g/t gold. The Saddle zone remains open in all directions where it is underlain by the highest grade gold in soil anomaly on the project.



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Figure 5 - Saddle zone plan map with drilling highlights from 2020, 2021 and 2023 drilling and gold-in-soil geochemistry in the background. The zone has excellent potential to expand both west and east towards the Blackjack and Eiger deposits respectively.



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Figure 6 - Saddle Zone DDRCCC-23-053 and -054 Cross section.

The company continued to evaluate the potential of the northern portion of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex which encompasses both the Blackjack and Eiger deposits, the Saddle Zone and numerous other high priority exploration targets identified by soil geochemistry, geological mapping and geophysics. Several of these areas are highlighted in Figure 7 and are described in more detail in the news release of August 2, 2023 including the discovery of visible gold in metasedimentary rocks along the southern margin of the Josephine intrusion.



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Figure 7 - Northern portion of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex with selected exploration highlights.

Two drill holes were completed near the southern margin of the Josephine intrusion. Hole DDRCCC-23-055 intersected the Josephine intrusion which consisted of equigranular and feldspar megacrystic granodiorite phases. Abundant narrow 1-2 cm sheeted quartz-arsenopyrite veins were encountered throughout the drill hole. Highlights from the drill hole included 6.0 m of 0.85 g/t gold within 18.0 m of 0.41 g/t gold. A second hole DDRCCC-23-056 was collared south of the Josephine intrusion and encountered variably altered metasedimentary rocks cut by occasional narrow fine grained feldspar porphyry dykes, but did not reach the southern contact of the Josephine intrusion. Quartz, quartz-arsenopyrite and quartz-arsenopyrite-tourmaline veining was noted throughout the hole along with anomalous gold values. Sitka is pleased with these first diamond drill holes ever drilled in the vicinity of the Josephine intrusion proving the potential for the gold-bearing intrusion to host potentially economic gold grades. Future work will use these initial results to aid in further drill targeting of the Josephine zone.



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Figure 8 - Plan map of 2023 drilling in the northern Clear Creek Intrusive Complex.



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"The accomplishments at RC Gold this past year are a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of the outstanding Sitka Gold team and I would like to thank everyone who helped us reach our goals in 2023 including our supportive shareholders, investors and contractors", stated Cor Coe, CEO and Director of Sitka. "We look forward to building on the success of 2023 with continued expansion of the resource at RC Gold while testing additional drill ready targets in 2024. The initial drill testing completed at Josephine this year also returned significant results, including 6.0 m of 0.85 g/t gold within 18.0 m of 0.41 g/t gold, confirming the Josephine intrusion has the ability to host significant gold mineralization and we look forward to follow-up drilling in that area next year. We continue to be excited about the potential for additional new discoveries on the Property, not only in the Northern portion of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex but also on the many known and potentially undiscovered intrusions on the remainder of the district-scale property. With a healthy treasury and a proven exploration approach, Sitka is well positioned to create substantial value for our shareholders as we continue to develop this exciting asset through 2024 and beyond."

About the RC Gold Project

The RC Gold Project (RC Gold) consists of a 386 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the newly road accessible Clear Creek, Big Creek, and Sprague Creek districts in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold Mine - Yukon's newest gold mine which reached commercial production in the summer of 2020 - and Victoria Gold's Brewery Creek Gold Mine. The RC Gold Project land package comprises five underlying properties, namely, the RC, Bee Bop, Mahtin, Clear Creek, and Barney Ridge properties. Sitka currently owns 100% of the Clear Creek, Mahtin and other independently staked claims which comprise 86% of the total 386 square kilometre land package that comprises the RC Gold Project. The Company has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Barney Creek, Bee Bop and RC properties which comprise the remaining 14% of the RC Gold Project.*

On January 19, 2023 Sitka Gold announced an Initial Mineral Resource Estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") guidelines for the RC Gold Property of 1,340,000 ?ounces of gold(1). The road accessible, pit constrained Mineral Resource is classified as inferred and is contained in two near/on-surface zones: The Blackjack and Eiger deposits. The Mineral Resource estimate is presented in the following table at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au:



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The Initial Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,340,000 ounces of gold at the RC Gold Project is comprised of two deposits: the Blackjack deposit containing 900,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 0.83 g/t gold and the Eiger deposit containing 440,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 0.50 g/t gold (see news release dated January 19, 2023). Both of these deposits are at/near surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022).

The Blackjack and Eiger deposits are in close proximity to highway and power infrastructure, are road accessible year-round, remain open in all directions and are located within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex. The deposits are located within a large, 3 kilometre by 5 kilometre intrusion related gold system that was recently identified at the Northern Extent of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex. To date, 54 diamond drill holes have been drilled into this system for a total of approximately 18,877 metres with results of up to 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 at Blackjack (see news release dated September 26, 2023).

Several high priority intrusion related gold targets exist at RC Gold with nine outcropped intrusions identified to date over the 386 sq km property, however Sitka's main focus at the RC Gold Project has been on the underlying Clear Creek Property where a large 500 metre by 2000 metre extensional corridor hosting an intrusion related gold system covering the area over the Blackjack, Saddle and Eiger zones was identified. Additional surface work has since extended the gold corridor an additional 3000 metres east and now encompasses the Josephine intrusion. Prior to the onset of the 2023 winter drilling program, the Company had drilled 38 diamond drill holes into this system for a total of approximately 13,000 metres. This drilling culminated in the discovery of the Blackjack and Eiger deposits with an initial inferred mineral resource estimate of 1,340,000 gold ounces(1).

Sitka Gold inherited a wealth of historical and current data from these properties from work spanning the last 40 years. Recent exploration work and the compilation of historical data have defined several mineralized zones with both bulk tonnage, intrusion-related gold deposit targets and high-grade, vein- and breccia-hosted gold targets. The RC Gold Project also has a common border with Victoria Gold's Clear Creek property at its western boundary and Florin Resources' Florin Gold property at its northern boundary.

(1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory.

*For more detailed information on the underlying properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com.

Deposit Model

Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is part of the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the Florin Gold deposit, located adjacent to Sitka's RC Gold project, with a current Inferred Mineral Resource of 170.99 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t (2.47 million ounces; Simpson 2021)(4) and the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 312.90 million tonnes grading 0.61 gram per tonne gold (6.18 million ounces; Jutras 2023)(5).

(1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf

(2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf

(3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020.

https://www.goldenpredator.com/_resources/Brewery-Creek_NI-43-101-05OCT2020-File.pdf

(4) Simpson R. Florin Gold Project NI43-101 Technical Report. Geosim Services Inc. April 21, 2021. https://sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=24&issuerNo=00005795&issuerType=03&projectNo=03236138&docI d=4984158

(5) Banyan Gold News Release Dated May 24, 2023 (Technical Report to be filed within 45 days of news release) https://banyangold.com/news-releases/2023/banyan-announces-6.2-million-ounce-gold-resource-estimate-for-the-aurmac-property-yukon-canada/

About Sitka Gold Corp.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with approximately $8 million in the treasury and no debt. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka currently has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the RC, Bee Bop, Barney Ridge, and OGI properties in the Yukon and the Burro Creek Gold and Silver property in Arizona. Sitka owns a 100% interest in its Clear Creek and Mahtin properties in Yukon, the Alpha Gold property in Nevada, and the Coppermine River project in Nunavut.

The Company recently announced an NI 43-101 compliant initial inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1) beginning at surface and grading 0.68 g/t at its RC Gold Project in Yukon (see news release dated January 19, 2023). A total of 6515 metres of additional diamond drilling within 16 drill holes has been completed at RC Gold since the announcement of the Mineral Resource Estimate.

(1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory

Upcoming Events

Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events:

AME Roundup January 22 - 25, 2024

Tombstone Gold Belt Breakfast - Fireside Chat - Vancouver, January 22, 2024

VRIC, Vancouver, BC: January 21 - 22, 2024

PDAC, Toronto, ON: March 3 - 6, 2024

Swiss Mining Institute, Zurich, Switzerland: March 20-21, 2024

All events are subject to change.

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

Sitka Gold Corp.

"Donald Penner"

President and Director

For more information contact:

Donald Penner

President & Director

778-212-1950

dpenner@sitkagoldcorp.com

or

Cor Coe

CEO & Director

604-817-4753

ccoe@sitkagoldcorp.com

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward?looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the use of the proceeds raised under the Offering and the Company's anticipated work programs.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will complete its anticipated work programs and use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated.

These forward?looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty, the results of the Company's anticipated work programs and that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, December 21, 2023 - Westward Gold Inc. (CSE:WG) (OTC:WGLIF) (FSE:IM50) ("Westward" or the "Company") is pleased to reflect upon an eventful 2023 calendar year, and provide investors with a preliminary outlook for 2024. The Company made significant strides in growing and advancing its portfolio of highly-prospective gold exploration assets in Nevada, and will look to build upon its strong foundation in the near future.

Colin Moore, Westward President & CEO, noted: "2023 was a transformational year for the Company, and despite a challenging capital markets environment for gold explorers, we remained committed to our growth strategy. We secured a new foothold along the Carlin Trend, while continuing to move quickly towards full ownership of our consolidated properties on the Cortez Trend. We significantly advanced our understanding of gold mineralization at our Toiyabe Property, and completed one of the deepest diamond drillholes that property has ever seen - results of which reinforced our thesis regarding a new and underexplored gold zone. We've unlocked new areas of interest through detailed geological mapping and reconnaissance, previously untested by drilling. Westward looks forward to building upon these achievements in 2024 and beyond, and would like to thank all of our shareholders for their continued support."

Acquisition of Carlin Trend Properties

In January of 2023, Westward acquired the Coyote and Rossi Properties via a claims acquisition agreement with Fremont Gold Ltd. and its Nevada-based subsidiary, Intermont Exploration Corp. (collectively, "Fremont"). The 111 unpatented mining claims cover an area of approximately 9 square kilometres at the northern end of the prolific Carlin Trend in Nevada, a ~90 km-long gold belt that has been continuously and successfully explored and mined over the last 60 years (see Figure 1 below). Today, the area is dominated by NGM, the joint venture between top global gold producers Barrick Gold and Newmont Corporation.

The Company acquired 100% ownership of the claims on favourable terms, and Fremont was granted a 2.0% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty on the Coyote Property (of which half can be repurchased by Westward for US$2 million in cash), and a 1.0% net smelter return royalty on the Rossi Property (of which half can be repurchased by Westward for US$1.5 million in cash). Readers can refer to the Company's press release dated January 18th for additional details related to the transaction.

Andrew Nelson, Westward's CFO, commented: "It was a rare opportunity to be able to secure these properties, in an area of the Carlin Trend now dominated by majors with very little junior company presence. We view this strategic acquisition as an investment to complement our flagship land holdings on the Cortez Trend, and another lever with which to deliver future returns to our shareholders."

Figure 1: Westward's Coyote and Rossi Properties on the Carlin Trend



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Completion of Earn-In on Turquoise Canyon Property

In January of 2023, the Company successfully completed its multi-year earn-in on the Turquoise Canyon Property ("Turquoise Canyon"), acquiring a 100% ownership interest in the 188 unpatented mining claims which form an integral part of Westward's consolidated land package on the Cortez Trend (see Figure 2 below). The option agreement between the Company and First Mining Gold Corp. ("First Mining") was originally entered into in August of 2019, and included cash and share payments and exploration expenditure commitments, all of which were satisfied by Westward. First Mining retained a 2.0% NSR royalty, which was sold to Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. in a subsequent transaction. Readers can refer to the Company's press release dated January 30th for additional information related to the option exercise.

Figure 2: Westward's Consolidated Land Position on the Cortez Trend

Turquoise Canyon is the second most advanced property in the Company's exploration portfolio (after the Toiyabe Property ("Toiyabe")); work completed to date includes soil sampling, gravity surveys, induced polarization, airborne hyperspectral surveys, and detailed geological mapping. Indications are that prospective mineralization drilled at the Toiyabe Property trends eastwards onto Turquoise Canyon, making it a target-rich environment. With no historical drill holes, Westward is excited to continue advancing Turquoise Canyon towards its first-ever drilling campaign.

EMX Transaction & Toiyabe Drilling

In February of 2023, the Company entered into a multi-faceted transaction with EMX Royalty Corporation ("EMX"), whereby EMX made a strategic equity investment in Westward and provided subsidized diamond drilling services, in exchange for the assignment of certain NSR royalty buyback rights and the conditional future granting of NSR royalties on the Company's Toiyabe and Turquoise Canyon Properties. This creative deal structure enabled Westward to drill at Toiyabe at a steep discount to prices quoted by third-party contractors, while also aligning EMX's interests (as shareholders) with those of the Company. Readers are encouraged to refer to Westward's press release dated February 15th for additional details regarding the transaction.

The drilling location chosen for hole T2301 represented the culmination of all the datasets available to Westward's Technical Team, and was designed primarily to test for both near-surface gold mineralization, and the potential down-dip northeast extension of the newly-identified "SSD Zone", an area of disseminated gold mineralization at depth with very little historical exploration. T2301 was collared as a 300-meter step-out from the closest hole that had intersected the SSD Zone.

Figure 3: Hole T2301 Location (Toiyabe Property)



Click Image To View Full Size

Ultimately, T2301 was the third-deepest drillhole ever completed at the Toiyabe Property, and was instrumental in advancing the Company's geological model - now vastly improved from the understanding of previous operators due to biases created from the lack of historical deep drilling. Key findings included:

New zone of Carlin-type gold mineralization discovered down-section, to the northeast of previously-identified gold mineralization at depth (the SSD Zone)

Confirmed the mineralizing system continues to produce high-grade gold (>2 g Au/t) near surface and at depth, both zones remain open

The hydrothermally-altered SSD Zone extends and strengthens to the northeast and gold mineralization is associated with significant oxidation; SSD Zone strike length now increased to ~625 meters

Pervasive vertical alteration of favourable lower plate carbonate host rocks indicates the potential for continuation of the gold system to the north and northeast

The adjacent past-producing Toiyabe-Saddle Mine and shallow gold mineralization at Toiyabe are likely near-surface satellite deposits of a larger mineralizing system at depth

Note: Please refer to Westward's press release dated May 23, 2023, for important disclosure related to sampling methodology, chain of custody, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and data verification.

Figure 4: Significant Gold Assays - T2301

Note: Hole location (NAD83 UTM 11N): E 523084, N 4432898, Elev. 2335m. Gold intervals reported in Figure 4 were calculated using a 0.14 g Au/t cut-off. Weighted averaging was used to calculate reported intervals. True widths are estimated at 70-90% of drilled thicknesses.

Figure 5: T2301 - Gold Mineralization at Depth Associated with Oxidation

(Units shown in Boxes are Feet)

Figure 6: Updated Toiyabe Cross-Section Post T2301

Note: Figure 6 includes modelled drillhole traces and assay data inherited from previous operators, please see disclosure under endnote (1) of Westward's press release dated May 23, 2023, for additional disclosure.



Click Image To View Full Size

Toiyabe Property Earn-In

When the Company first acquired the option on the Toiyabe Property in March of 2021, there remained an aggregate total of US$760,000 in cash payments due to the underlying optionor Minquest Ltd. ("Minquest"). Over the last 2.5 years - including most recently in October of 2023 - Westward entered into a series of amending agreements with Minquest in order to reduce the cash burden on the Company (with capital subsequently re-allocated to exploration activities). Concurrently, Minquest became an important and supportive long-term shareholder.

Presently, there are no remaining cash payments to be made to Minquest; following a planned share-based payment in the amount of US$200,000 in January of 2024, Westward will complete its earn-in on the Toiyabe Property and secure 100% ownership, marking a significant milestone that has been years in the making. Investors can refer to the Company's press release dated October 16th for information related to the most recent option amendment.

Surface Sampling Program

In November of 2023, Westward completed an expansive rock chip and soil sampling program at its Toiyabe, Turquoise Canyon, and East Saddle Properties. The program was led by Mr. Rob Edie, the Company's Vice President Exploration, over the course of several weeks in the field.

A total of 353 surface rock chip samples were collected and visually logged, along with 606 soil samples with 100-meter spacings (focused on the exposed lower-plate carbonate window at East Saddle). All rock chip and soil samples will be analyzed for gold and multi-element pathfinders (see Westward's press release dated November 24, 2023, for important disclosure related to sampling methodology and quality assurance / quality control). Assay results received in conjunction with field observations will be used to prioritize areas for future mapping with detailed Anaconda-style folios. These folios will compliment the existing Anaconda-style maps that were completed on high-priority areas of the Toiyabe Project.

Robert Edie, Westward's Vice President Exploration, noted: "I'm very pleased to have discovered an array of specimens on the property which exhibit features consistent with Carlin-type gold deposition. Strong, surface-level oxidation is an important characteristic of these deposits and relates to the abundance of pyrite formed, a key component of gold-hosting systems. Tectonic breccia speaks to the structural preparation of host rocks; the gold-bearing Carlin fluid uses these structural pathways to rise from depth where it interacts with the meteoric water table and geochemically precipitates gold - preferentially into carbonate rocks."

2024 Outlook

As the Company looks forward to next year, it remains steadfast in its belief that building out and advancing a strong portfolio of gold exploration assets in one of the premier mining jurisdictions in the world will generate long-term returns for shareholders. To that end, Westward will continue to investigate opportunistic corporate and asset-level transactions; these may include acquisitions, mergers, joint-venture partnerships, option agreements, or other deal structures. The Company believes that the macroeconomic backdrop for gold investment will improve over the next year, and the aim is to be well-positioned to take advantage of the potential tailwinds.

At the asset level, Westward will take advantage of the winter months to complete valuable modeling and advanced analysis of all the data acquired throughout the busy 2023 field season. This will also include a systematic relogging of all available legacy RC and core drillholes at Toiyabe (~15,000 meters total). The program will aim to correlate stratigraphic, structural, and alteration features identified in T2301 with gold mineralization, improve upon historical interpretations based on Westward's recent findings, and standardize datasets with more thorough and detailed observations. A new set of cross-sections will be created and analyzed to identify new target opportunities on the property.

Once rock chip and soil sample assays are received (expected in early 2024), those results will be incorporated into the Company's geological models and - in conjunction with existing datasets - will improve vectoring towards high-priority targets across the entire Cortez Trend land package. Westward will also continue to undertake detailed 1:5000 Anaconda-style geologic mapping in preparation for final target selection on any undrilled ground, similar to what was accomplished prior to T2301. The Company has the ability to apply for a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in order to drill outside of its existing Plan of Operations (PoO) currently in place at Toiyabe; this process can be completed in a matter of months and Westward works closely with an expert third-party permitting contractor.

On the Carlin Trend, the Company plans to undertake low-cost exploration activities in order to better define priority target areas. This will include detailed geological mapping, sampling of altered outcrops, and a localized gravity survey to complement existing regional-scale gravity data. Westward believes that bringing on a partner for any eventual drilling on these properties is the preferable pathway to advancement and value maximization.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Robert Edie, Vice President Exploration of the Company, who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Edie is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) through the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

About Westward Gold

Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on developing the Toiyabe, Turquoise Canyon, and East Saddle Projects located in the Cortez Hills area of Lander County, Nevada, and the Coyote and Rossi Projects located along the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. From time to time, the Company may also evaluate the acquisition of other mineral exploration assets and opportunities.

For further information contact:

Colin Moore

President, CEO & Director

Westward Gold Inc.

colin@westwardgold.com

www.westwardgold.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains or incorporates by reference "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur are, or may be deemed, to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potential", "on track", "forecast", "budget", "target", "outlook", "continue", "plan" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation of such terms.

Such statements include, but may not be limited to, information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Company's expansion plans, project timelines, expected drilling targets, and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future plans and performance.

Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Company's properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Company's material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons, availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs, that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames, that current geological models and interpretations prove correct, the results of ongoing work programs may lead to a change of exploration priorities, and the efforts and abilities of the senior management team. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements or information. These and other factors may cause the Company to change its exploration and work programs, not proceed with work programs, or change the timing or order of planned work programs. Additional risk factors and details with respect to risk factors that may affect the Company's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are set out in the Company's latest management discussion and analysis under "Risks and Uncertainties", which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
'Raw Stories' By Half-brick Start-Up Connect Arrives Bengaluru After A Successful Start In Singapore Business oi-Jimit Mahyavanshi

The Half Brick Start-up Connect event is the second of its kind event, after a successful initiation in Singapore. The company clarifies they have 30 speakers per event, from all walks of human life to share their experiences and setbacks with the curious minds attending the event. This year in Bengaluru, the start-up connect event aims to ensure early-stage start-up entrepreneurs are well-equipped with the skills, knowledge and networking necessary for boosting their ventures. The event is significant for young founders, assisting them in the early challenges of capital building, ability build-up and funding requirements. A similar form of the event took place in Singapore recently by the company where founders, CEOs, Civil servants, Bureaucrats, Corporate Directors and Activists attended the event to express their successful journey to facilitate a sense of dedication, perseverance and confidence for the young generation.

"If you have Real Honey, Honey Bees will fly around you", the founder and CEO of The Half-Brick, Mr. Balasubramanian Jayam encourages the young guns of India to pursue their dreams. At the beginning of his career, he joined the company as a Business Development Executive. With passion and dedication, he rose to head the marketing department of Invision Security Group. He was part of planning, launching and executing the B2B marketing strategies for almost all products from scratch to make the company one of the most dominant brands in the segment that deals in the CCTV security and surveillance business, primarily focused on commercial estates and office premises. In 2021, Bala, before stepping out from the organisation in March 2019, spearheaded an organisation to gain funding of more than US $ 164 million from US $ 32 million in two years.

Loaded with IIM education and his achievements over the years, Mr. Bala is determined to ensure that young minds inspire themselves and pursue their dreams. Raw Stories is an inclusive people's platform that enhances young talent for inspiration and positive perspective in the presence of some of the best self-made and selfless people who have begun their journey from ground zero. The event is a gathering where some of the best entrepreneurs from all corners of the country will be present to speak regarding their journey to achieving their dreams. With 300 speakers in total and 30 speakers in each event, the Raw Stories event, initiated by The Half Brick company is scheduled for 22nd December 2023 at The Chancery Pavilion, Bengaluru from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

As per the objective of the company, only glorifying or celebrating innovators in today's world is obsolete. The Half Brick wants to promote gratitude for the sharp minds who have achieved immeasurable success in their respective sectors. They don't want the start-up founders to entangle themselves with aspiration for unicorn status, which would contaminate the core principles or service motive of the new;y founded company. After appropriate consideration, they would infuse a small push for the young founders in providing the minimum required funding for the execution of their ideas and further their momentum.

Many great minds today suffer in many ways from all corners of the country, due to the lack of strong mentorship, opportunity, exposure and platform. The Half-Brick is a Section 8 non-profit organisation that wants to promote fair play for all future entrepreneurs. This platform ensures they glorify the boot-strap founders, who push the company towards triumph. Through such events, the Half Brick community ensures these misled and high-potential minds are guided accordingly to trudge the path towards success and push India towards a trillion-dollar economy, fuelled at regional levels.

Speaking with Jimit Mahyavanshi from Goodreturns, One India News, Mr. Balasubramanian Jayam confirmed with credence that once the event in Bengaluru, India concludes successfully, the company would heed towards a similar event, likely to appear in the first half of April in Dubai, UAE.

For investment related articles, business news and mutual fund advise Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 21:14 [IST]
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 21, NIO announced the official launch of its 2,300th battery swap station in China, marking a significant achievement as it rapidly approaches the completion of its "Thousand Stations Plan" set for the year of 2023.

Photo credit: NIO

This year alone, NIO has already established 995 new battery swap stations, leaving just 5 more to fulfill its ambitious target.

In February of this year, NIO's CEO, William Bin Li, outlined the company's plans to add 1,000 new battery swap stations across China in 2023, a notable increase from the initial goal of 400 stations announced at the NIO Day 2022 in December of the previous year. The cumulative target for the end of 2023 was set at over 2,300 stations, compared to the 1,305 stations by the end of 2022.

As of December 21, 2023, NIO has achieved its cumulative goal of 2,300 battery swap stations, with 743 located along expressways. Besides, it has also deployed 3,559 electric vehicle charging stations with 20,901 charging piles, and had access to over 960,000 third-party charging piles. The company aims to complete a comprehensive battery swap network covering 9 north-south and 9 east-west expressways connecting 19 major city clusters in China by 2025.

NIO is also seeking external cooperation for its power swap business. In late November, NIO announced agreements with Changan Automobile and Geely Holding Group to cooperate in various areas, including battery swap standards, technology, service network development and operations, and the R&D and customization of battery swappable car models. Furthermore, William Bin Li disclosed plans to engage in battery swap-related collaborations with 4-5 other automakers in the near future.
Atlanta's getting back into the water business. After contracting with United Water four years ago to take over the operations and maintenance of its water and sewer systems, the city has changed its mind.City analysts projected an annual savings from the private contract of about $20 million. But once the 20-year contract was signed, questions lingered about United Water's responsibilities. "There were too many gray areas left in the contract," acknowledges Chris New, deputy commissioner of the watershed management department and manager of Atlanta's water system. One example: A timetable was specified for meter installation but not for fixing leaks.Last year, Mayor Shirley Franklin ordered a 13-week improvement plan, during which United Water addressed many of the system's problems.Despite that effort, however, Atlanta officials were not satisfied. Jack Ravan, the city's commissioner of watershed management, worked up a plan that showed the city could run the water and sewer systems for within $1 million of what it was paying United Water. When an independent audit revealed that Atlanta was saving only about $10 million a year and identified additional performance problems, the mayor took steps to dissolve the contract. In the end, the company agreed to pay Atlanta $5 million to settle claims through the end of 2002.New believes other cities planning to privatize their water--joining the more than 2,000 that already have--can learn from Atlanta's experience. He says taking ample time to review the benefits and costs of privatization will lead to more success. At least one city has already done just that: Stockton, California, awarded a contract last December to privatize its operations after a five-year planning process.
CSIR poised to pursue its 5-year strategic plan  DG pledges

Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News Dec - 21 - 2023 , 03:57

THE Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)  Ghana has expressed its commitment to pursue its five-year strategic plan which aims to accelerate socio-economic development through innovative research and industrial technologies.

In April this year, the Council launched a plan set to run from 2023 to 2027 to enhance collaboration among the 13 CSIR institutes, expedite the achievement of its objectives in real time and boost the Council's contribution to national development.

At the 9th annual thanksgiving service at its head office in Accra, the Director General of the CSIR, Professor Paul Pinnock Bosu, said to successfully execute the strategic plan, all staff of the council must exert considerable effort.

We have the strategic plan that we are implementing, we started this year 2023 and my assessment is that we are still taking baby steps. As we enter 2024, let us all rise and ensure that whatever we have to achieve in our strategic plan for the next five years we work hard to achieve them, he said.



Thanksgiving service

The thanksgiving service is a yearly celebration by the Council to commemorate the goodness of God throughout the year despite challenges along the way.

He expressed the hope that the new year would turn out well for the organisation as it continued its role of scientific and technology research, development and implementation, and the transfer of the results of research in Science and Technology to relevant institutions and agencies.

With scripture readings, songs and praises, prayers and dancing, staff, clad in their company cloth, demonstrated their gratitude to God for keeping them productive in the service to the nation.

The choir lighted up the day with sterling song ministrations made up of melodious Christian hymns, Ghanaian choral compositions, and a medley of gospel tunes.

Rev. Dr Emmanuel I.K. Addo of the Anglican Church in a word of exhortation urged staff to keep trusting God even in challenging moments.

The Director of Administration, Genevieve Yankey, said CSIR has a lot to thank God for this year, especially for his providence, abundant grace and protection. During the year various projects were birthed including the launch of the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) and another phase of the Modernising Agriculture in Ghana (MAG).

We have been able to fight to reclaim some of our lands which we are grateful for. It has been a wonderful year and we look forward to another year with more rewards and benefits.
Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC supports 2 institutions

Business Desk Report Business News Dec - 21 - 2023 , 06:22

Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, has made two separate donations to the Department of Accounting, University of Ghana School (UGBS) and the Students Financial Aid Office of the University of Ghana.

The bank donated 20 laptops to the Department of Accounting while the Students Financial Aid Office received an amount of GHC 20,000.

The gesture was towards the establishment of a computer lab for the Accounting Department of the UGBS to complement the study of accounting software and other technological enhancement in the accounting space.

Presenting the laptops on behalf of the bank, General Manager, Commercial and Retail Banking, Joseph Laryea Ashong, said the donation was in response to the universitys call for support towards the project.

He said it also formed part of the banks commitment to promote quality education under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-4, Quality Education) which the bank has adopted.

We recognise the challenges that you face in equipping students with the required logistics that will churn out the caliber of employees needed in the industry and the fact that government alone cannot absorb the full cost of tertiary education.

That is why we make this donation for the general good of the nation and also fulfilling our commitment to the sustainable development goal of quality education, Mr Ashong said.

Receiving the Laptops on behalf of the Accounting Department, the Dean of UGBS, Prof. Justice Nyigmah Bawole, expressed deep appreciation to Republic Bank for the kind gesture.

I thank you very much because this is big. It is the first time we have received twenty laptops in a single donation, and we are happy Prof. Bawole said.

The computers would create a breakthrough for some young students who will heave a big sigh of relief from having to share computers with their mates Prof. Bawole added.

The Southern Sector Manager of the Republic Bank, Pious Twum-Barima, on the other hand presented the GH20,000 cheque to the Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori.
UBA cuts sod for new head office building

By Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson & Josephine Ansah Business News Dec - 21 - 2023 , 05:02

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana has cut the sod for the construction of a new head office at West Cantonment near the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

When completed, the eight-storey edifice with two underground parking lots is expected to be the nerve centre of the bank which set up base in Ghana almost 20 years ago and was the first Nigerian bank to expand its operations to the country.

The ceremony attracted many dignitaries including the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the CEO of UBA Africa, Abiola Bawuah, the Board Chairman of UBA Ghana, Kweku A. Awotwi, the CEO of UBA Ghana, Chris Ofikulu, the Member of Parliament for La Dade Kotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah and many top officials from the banking industry.

Milestone

Mr Ofikulu said the edifice, when completed, will mark a significant milestone in the life of the UBA and will further cement its legacy as a bank that would continue to help the economic development of the country.

He said the journey for the bank to build an edifice befitting its status as one of the biggest contributors to the economy started five years ago with support from all stakeholders.

We have all gathered to witness this epic milestone. This is the beginning of a new chapter for the UBA Ghana, he said.

He said the building, when completed, would not only change the skyline of the area but would add credence to the fact that the UBA was the bank willing to go the extra mile to improve its operations for better service delivery to customers.

This building will give us enough space and credulity to better support the businesses of our customers, he said.

Iconic building

The CEO of UBA Africa, Abiola Bawuah urged the architects and developers to ensure the building would not only be iconic in terms of aesthetics but one that would have a lasting and good impression on all who utilise it.

Giving a history of UBA in Ghana, she said it was the first Nigerian indigenous bank to venture into the Ghanaian market and with hard work, dedication and excellent customer service, it now boasts a massive presence in over 20 African countries.

This building will emphasise providing strong financial services to Ghanaians. We are committed to serving the people of Ghana well, she added.

Core values

Mr Awortwi said the construction of the building was part of the banks commitment to excellence, enterprise and execution, which were its core values.

I extend my sincere gratitude to all our customers for their unwavering support. Together, we are crafting a narrative of progress and success, and I have every confidence that the UBA Ghana head office will stand as a beacon of excellence, he added.
Honour obligation to publishers

Daily Graphic Editorials Dec - 21 - 2023 , 11:25

When the Ministry of Education announced its decision to cede 100 per cent of the printing of government textbooks to local printers in 2021, it was seen as practicalising President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's Ghana Beyond Aid.

The decision generally received a groundswell of support from among Ghanaians because it was a move to empower Ghanaian publishers and grow the local printing industry as well.

The decision was very significant in two folds  growth of the local industry and creation of jobs.

Firstly, the decision came shortly after the global COVID-19 pandemic that brought economies all over the world to their knees and as a result all governments were looking for a means to revive their economies.

So, a number of big names in the global publishing industry from outside the country attempted to scuttle a well-intentioned and transformational directive by persuading our publishers so that they could generate jobs in their respective countries to the detriment of our teeming youth.

It was commendable how the ministry insisted on carrying out the directive and making sure that everything would be done locally, thus growing the local industry and creating the needed jobs for our youth.

The publishers, with their corresponding printers, accepted the challenge and made sure that they met the three-month deadline given them under the contract, starting from June 2022.

Aside from engaging more personnel, most of the printers had to take loans to refurbish their machines and place orders for the raw materials to augment their capacity.

Unfortunately, over a year after the books had been printed and handed over to the ministry, only 20 per cent of the contract sum has so far been paid, with the remaining 80 per cent still outstanding.

At the 47th annual general meeting (AGM) of the association in Accra last week, the President of GPA, Asare Konadu Yamoah, made a passionate appeal to the government to honour its side of the bargain by paying them the remaining 80 per cent of the contract sum to help them reduce further liabilities its members were saddled with.

The Daily Graphic finds this development unfortunate.

It is imperative that the ministry must take steps to ensure that the publishers are paid quickly.

The situation of the members of the association is dire because most of them went in for credit facilities from their banks and had to go through the trouble of servicing these facilities while still waiting for the ministry to pay them.

It is instructive to note that all this happened within the context of having to suffer foreign exchange losses as their production inputs were all imported.

Truth is, with all these costs in their books, even if they are paid the amount agreed on, they will be at the losing end.

It is interesting that the contract agreement weighed more on the publishers, where publishers were to be surcharged if the printing delayed beyond the agreed three months but the contract agreement was silent on what should happen when payments delayed.

That call is not too much for the Ministry of Education to lead a conversation at the highest level to ensure that these publishers are not worse off.

The GPA is justified for bringing the issue to the front burner because the longer the loans remain, the more interest they would have to pay and for us, the time to pay the publishers is now and any further delay would be a disaster to their businesses.

Let it not look as if it is a punishment for the local publishers to accept to do the work.

They did a yeomans job and, therefore, need to be commended, applauded and paid promptly, especially when they delivered the job ahead of schedule.

After all, we cannot run away from the fact that the labourer deserves his wages.

Indeed, the publishers deserve their wages and the ministry must consider the payment of the work by the publishers as an obligation.
LOS ANGELESMen.com is set to release Vers Fuck Buddies, a new scene debuting on Dec. 25, starring contract star Joey Mills and Trevor Brooks.

In the scene, Mills (in a rare topping performance) and Brooks know just what each other likes: the best of both worlds as Mills lies on his back on the bed so Brooks can bang his mouth, then Brooks rims Mills before a doggystyle pounding and more.

Mills can currently be seen in the just-released Dicks and Hoops, opposite Canadian performer Braxton Cruz. Brooks was recently seen in two popular Men.com scenes Nacho Sleaze and Saved by the Cock, both released in November.

Men.com merchandise is available now at the brands online store, MenPop.com.

For more content, visit Men.com or follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok and X/Twitter.

Pictured: Joey Mills, left, and Trevor Brooks.
DJs not key answer to #Play Ghana, lets go back to producing authentic Ghanaian sounds DJ Ashmen

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Dec - 21 - 2023 , 11:07

Michael Mensah Ashley, popularly known as DJ Ashmen, is urging relevant stakeholders in the music industry to look beyond Ghanaian Disc Jockeys (DJs) being the key answer and architects of the #PlayGhana initiative, which seeks to give more airplay to Ghanaian music during the festive holidays.

For Dj Ashmen, many things were working against the progress of our music, especially with the extinction of authentic Ghanaian sounds, and that should be of utmost concern to players in the industry.

DJ Ashmens comments are in reaction to an appeal by the Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, to our DJs to consciously promote and play Ghanaian music.

At a stakeholders engagement recently, Ms Akufo-Addo expressed genuine concern about the declining trend of Ghanaian music on our airwaves.

Hence, the #PlayGhana initiative is being championed by key institutions, including the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Arts and Tourism, Ghana Folkloric Board, seasoned and emerging music talents and DJs, among other advocates for the promotion of Ghanaian music.

She was emphatic that the conscious effort would help to elevate local music during the December in Gh festivities and potentially lead to legislation enforcing the broadcasting of local content. (Related article: Consciously play and promote GH music- Gyankroma Akufo-Addo to DJs)

DJ Ashmen, however, believes that the solution isnt with DJs playing Ghanaian music always but for musicians to go back to the production of authentic Ghanaian sounds.

For those of us who have been keen followers of Ghanaian music, we know and remember that our music was the hallmark of African music some time ago. However, something happened along the way that we didnt find a solution to and that is the results we are getting today.

In the early 2000s, Ghana music was all over the place, especially in West Africa and even in the UK, it was the only well-patronised African music. At the time, we were doing great, our sounds were banging. Our artistes and sound engineers were winning the MOBO Awards, but what happened?

Industry players are refusing to accept the fact that something has gone wrong and affecting the new generation. Our music started declining from 2008-2009, but we didnt pay attention. As a DJ, I know that people love to party with old Ghanaian songs because they have a certain melody, groove and catchy lyrics and are easy to sing along and vibe with, he stated.

DJ Ashmen explained that despite the great potential of Ghanas music at the time, we looked down on our original sounds as local and abandoned it, for other music styles such as Crunk, HipHop and Dancehall, which outlived its usefulness in a short time.

While we were exploring other foreign music styles, Nigeria was doing Highlife music. The likes of P-Square featured Akon and other global hip-hop stars on songs with Highlife tunes but we were here demonising our own.

This is the seed we sowed many years ago that has come back to haunt us hard because today, the Nigeria that came down to learn from us are miles ahead while we are now even going there and begging them for features.

Anyone who watched the recent documentary on Nigerias Afrobeats will agree with me because the producer confirmed it at the end when he disclosed that what Nigeria knows as Afrobeats is Ghanas music, Dj Ashmen said.
Here is why Trump was removed from Colorado ballot and what it means

Reuters International News Dec - 20 - 2023 , 12:16

Donald Trump was disqualified from Colorado's presidential primary ballot by the state's Supreme Court on Tuesday, an extraordinary ruling that could be struck down ahead of the November 2024 US election.

Here is a look at the decision and what it means for the former U.S. president and frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination.

What does the ruling say?

A slim majority of the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump is disqualified from appearing on the state's ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which bars anyone engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" from holding federal office.

A lower court judge previously ruled that Trump's actions on Jan. 6, 2021, during a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters amounted to insurrection but stopped short of disqualifying him, saying Section 3 does not apply to presidents.

The Colorado Supreme Court paused its own ruling pending review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which Trump said he will immediately seek.

Will the ruling stand?

The case involves a host of unprecedented legal issues related to Section 3, which was passed in the aftermath of the Civil War and has rarely been tested.

It is not clear how the Supreme Court would rule, but it is dominated by a conservative majority that includes three Trump appointees, some of whom are longtime skeptics of giving courts powers that are not clearly based in legislation.

That was a top concern for the dissenting justices in the 4-3 Colorado decision, who said the majority's ruling would strip Trump of one of his most basic rights without adequate due process.

They noted that Trump has not been convicted of insurrection by a jury and did not have the right to subpoena records or compel witnesses to testify in the case, among other basic rights afforded to criminal defendants.

What did Trump say about the ruling?

Trump's campaign called the court decision "undemocratic."

"The Colorado Supreme Court issued a completely flawed decision tonight and we will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court," a campaign spokesperson said.

He and has allies have criticized disqualification cases in Colorado and several other states as undemocratic and part of a conspiracy by his political rivals to keep him out of office.

How could the ruling impact the election?

Even if the ruling survives Supreme Court review, it could be inconsequential to the outcome of the November 2024 election because Trump does not need to win Colorado and is not expected to, given its strong Democratic leanings.

Colorado has nine of the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency. Biden won the state by more than 13 percentage points in the 2020 election.

But similar lawsuits could be filed in competitive states that Trump must win to prevail, and while none of those courts would be bound by the Colorado decision, judges will likely study it closely while reaching their own conclusions.
Set up companies to employ others - Gifty Ampofo advises KTU graduates

Haruna Yussif Wunpini Education Dec - 21 - 2023 , 09:29

The Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET), Gifty Twum Ampofo, has advised graduates of the Koforidua Technical University (KTU) to go into joint business ventures.

She said apart from that, they should also form their own companies to provide jobs for others, saying, that was because the government was ready to assist such ventures if appropriate appraisals were provided.

The deputy TVET minister made those suggestions to the graduates at the 20th congregation of the KTU at Koforidua, the Eastern regional capital, last Saturday, on the theme: "Embracing new technologies and creative thinking to drive positive change", which witnessed the passing out of 2,398 students who successfully met all the requirements for the award of degrees and diplomas.

Out of the number, 231 had First Class, while 1,379 got Second Class (Upper Division), 769 had Second Class (Lower Division) and 21, a Pass.

In the Bachelor of Technology category, five graduates had passes while at the Higher National Diploma (HND) category 16 were awarded passes.

Joint ventures

Mrs Ampofo said as students who had developed acquaintance at the university during their stay on campus they might have known one another in such a way that they could either enter into joint ventures or set up their own companies to generate income.

The graduates

That, she explained, was the reason for acquiring higher education at the technical level.

No cheating

Mrs Ampofo stated that the graduates should not think of being cheated by their partners but rather forge ahead in unity and understand each other.

She emphasised that although partnerships involving a man and his wife may fail, the graduands should not think about that but their efforts would give maximum results for their benefits and others in society.

The Deputy minister, who spoke on behalf of the sector minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, said since technical universities occupied a unique position in the educational system for providing hands-on practical and entrepreneurial skills to students to meet the needs of the labour market, the government had given the necessary assistance to such universities.

New programmes

The Vice-Chancellor of the KTU, Professor John Owusu, who took over the leadership of the university less than a month ago, said 17 new degree programmes had been introduced.

Some of the new programmes, he indicated, were Accounting and Finance, Actuarial Science, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Biomedical Engineering, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Electrical/Electronics.

The university, Professor Owusu also noted, had been linked with similar institutions in Germany, Republic of Korea, Canada, Belgium and China to enable it to produce the sort of graduands who would be required wherever they might be.

He said one of the outcomes of such links was the establishment of the Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, the National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Department of Medicine of Infectious Diseases of which Mcgill University had donated medical equipment worth nearly one million dollars to enable KTU to mount the programme.

Challenges

Professor Owusu said despite the successes chalked up by the university, it had been facing challenges such as lack of staff office space and residential facilities, inadequate library space and insufficient ICT facilities, limited hostels, and poor, inadequate infrastructure.

He pointed out that most of the students were also accommodated in nearby private hostels with huge sanitation challenges.
Accra: Truck runs over Xmas hawkers, shoppers at CMB market, one person killed, 3 injured [VIDEO]

Yaa Kuffour Senyah Dec - 21 - 2023 , 16:08

One person died and three others sustained injuries on Thursday afternoon when a KIA truck run into hawkers and Christmas shoppers at the Cocoa Marketing Board (CMB) market near the Accra Brewery Limited (ABL).

The deceased has been identified as one of the hawkers in the area.

The head was smashed.

The three injured persons were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

One of them had her intestines gushing out.

When Graphic Online got to the scene, the deceased was still lying on the ground, with the body covered with a cloth.

Police personnel had just arrived at the scene and were gathering preliminary information as to what happened.

Graphic Online saw that the truck with registration GC 334-09, which was involved in the accident was loaded with bags of sugar.

It was carrying the sugar to the market.

The eyewitnesses said the driver lost control following an alleged brake failure.

The truck run into the shoppers and hawkers at the busy CMB market.

The accident which occurred around 1:30 pm aggravated the vehicular traffic situation on the Graphic Road in front of the Graphic Press House and the Accra Brewery Limited.

How it happened?

An eyewitness Akua Serwaa, told Graphic Online that there was vehicular traffic at the junction in front of the Accra Brewery entrance.

However, to dodge the traffic, the truck driver tried to move through a narrow space but he lost control following the alleged brake failure and ran into the hawker.

One of the injured persons, a mother got hurt badly as the vehicle run over her. A bag of sugar also fell directly on her daughter.

Another lady on the same stretch was also hit as the truck run over her thigh.

Some hawkers and sellers around, who were familiar with the dead person were seen wailing at the tragic loss of their colleague.

When Graphic Online visited the scene, a crowd had gathered at the scene, which made it difficult for the police to carry out their duty with ease.
5 Professional bodies caution govt against lithium deal

Vincent Amenuveve & Josephine Ansah Dec - 21 - 2023 , 06:05

Five professional bodies have backed calls for the government to exercise caution over the lithium mining lease granted to Barari DV Ghana Ltd.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE), the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) have all urged the government to hasten slowly" to ensure proper consultations were done before the agreement was carried through.

They made their positions clear at a meeting with the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in Accra last Tuesday.

Present were a former Chief Justice and distinguished scholar of the IEA, Justice Sophia Akuffo; a member of the Council of State, Sam Okudzeto; the Board Chairman of IEA, Dr Charles Mensa, and the Director of Research at IEA, Dr John Kwakye.

Concerns

A Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, who is also the President of the UG-UTAG, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, said the lithium deal would not be beneficial to the country.

He also accused Parliament of always giving citizens false hope and having the penchant for backing agreements without scrutinising them.

We are not saying that lithium should not be mined, but if we want to mine it, let's ensure that it brings benefits to all of us; let's take control of our natural resources, the lecturer said.

The national Vice-President of UTAG, Prof. Victor Mogre, also said our workers are not excited about the lithium deal, and, therefore, the government must hasten slowly in its implementation.

The President of ICAG, Sena Dake, said exploration of mineral resources should have full value.

It is our hope that this call to have a second look at the agreement would be heeded and taken seriously.

Mining policy

The Director of Research and Policy, Labour Research and Policy Institute of the TUC, Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, advised the government to develop a new mining policy regime, adding that the TUC was very uncomfortable with the mining leases we have signed over the years.

Generally, all the mining leases need to be looked at again.

The President of GIA, Forster Osae-Akonnor, said as architects, they considered the lithium deal as a bad deal and not in the best interest of the people.

A member of the Chemical Division of GhIE, Latifatu Adjah, called for investment in research and exploration, saying we have not done well for ourselves as a country and sometimes I feel sad.

IEAs position

The IEA reiterated its position on the matter and said the lithium agreement must not be ratified by Parliament because it represented a colonial interest and must be discarded.

Justice Akuffo said beyond the lithium agreement, there was the need to develop a well-conceived policy document, as well as put in place the necessary legal structures for the exploration of the nation's mineral resources.

Ghana is a very rich country which should stand on its feet and properly manage its assets," she said.

Mr Okudzeto also said that the nations mineral resources were owned by the people and if you are giving me 10 per cent of the sale of the mineral resources, where is the remaining 90 per cent going?

For his part, Dr Mensa said if the country must avoid going back to the International Monetary Fund for the 18th time, it must avoid undertaking such colonial lithium deals.

Background

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, signed the first lease for the exploitation of lithium in the country on October 19, this year.

This followed Cabinet's approval of the Green Minerals Policy, which makes it mandatory for prospective holders of leases for lithium and other green minerals to establish a refinery for processing the resource.

Since the granting of the lithium mining lease, some CSOs, individuals and institutions have criticised the deal, describing it as bad for the country.

Mr Jinapor and some experts have, however, defended the governments decision, describing the deal as the best for the country.
Akyem Oda MP honours 31 public sector workers

Samuel Kyei-Boateng, Akyem Oda Dec - 21 - 2023 , 07:55

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has honoured 31 public sector workers and five professionals in the Birim Central Municipality in the Eastern Region.

Among the awardee professionals were the Commanding Officer of the Jungle Warfare School at Akyem Achiase, Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Cudjoe and the Eastern Regional Correspondent of Adom FM/Tv, Kwasi Azor.

Selection

The MP personally selected the professionals based on their performance and dedication to duty while the outstanding public servants were selected by their heads of departments.

The hardworking public sector workers who were honoured included Detective Corporal Yakubu Mohammed at the Oda Divisional Police Headquarters; Frank Louis Asante (Ghana Education Service); Samuel Sampson Darkwah (Birim Central Municipal Assembly); Amy Agyapomaa (Methodist College of Education); Richna Sarah Ansah (Municipal Health Directorate).

The public sector workers were presented with fridges and television sets while the outstanding professionals were given plagues as their awards.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Akwasi Acquah commended the award winners for their invaluable contribution towards the progress of the municipality and urged them not to relent on their efforts.

He urged them to let discipline, dedication and assiduity be their guiding principles in all their endeavours.

He said in spite of the current economic difficulties facing the nation, he managed to mobilise resources to honour the awardees to encourage them to continue to work harder in the years ahead.

Mr Acquah said although he promised to donate a saloon car to the overall best worker this year, that did not materialise because the award committee could not select the most outstanding worker to merit the award.

He, however, gave the assurance that by all means, the overall best worker would be presented with a saloon car next year.

Congratulations

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Victoria Adu congratulated the award winners on working tirelesdly to push the municipality forward.

She said Oda lacked many amenities and urged public sector workers to partner the municipal assembly and central government to work tirelessly to raise the quality of life of the people in the area.

Earlier in a welcome address, Castro Asumadu Addae, the Chairman of the Awards Planning Committee was grateful to the heads of departments and institutions for their cooperation to make the awards ceremony successful.
ECG loss reduction programme begins in Amasaman District

Emmanuel Bonney Dec - 21 - 2023 , 07:50

The Electricity Company of Ghana has inaugurated the Loss Reduction Programme (LRP) in the Amasaman District of the Accra West Region.

The rollout of the programme in the Amasaman District signals a complete coverage of the programme in all eight operational districts in the region.

The LRP is an initiative of the management of ECG to facilitate the installation of MMS-compliant smart meters directly from manufacturers to customers, to improve energy accounting.

Aim

The project aims to ensure the availability of meters to meet service connection requests and reduce system losses.

WINA Technologies, a local Ghanaian meter assembling company, is the contractor assigned to the Amasaman District.

The company is in partnership with Conlog Solutions, a South African-based meter manufacturing company with over 50 years of experience in providing metering solutions in several countries.

At a ceremony to inaugurate the programme, the ECG District Manager for Amasaman, Kingsley Opoku, outlined some challenges facing the district.

He noted that the district struggles with the overwhelming demand for new service connections and replacement of faulty meters, which it was unable to satisfy.

He said that the absence of adequate meters to service the requests leads to revenue loss and customer dissatisfaction.

Interference

The Chief Executive Officer of WINA Technologies, Hudson-Butler, assured ECG that the Conlog meters were designed to withstand all forms of external interference and shocks.

Throughout the years, Conlog Solutions has mastered the art of perfecting the anti-theft and anti-tampering security features of its meters.

We assure ECG that with our technology, anyone who attempts to engage in any form of illegality will be detected and a signal will be sent to the control centre.

The meter will then deactivate and await official attention from ECG, she said.

Present at the inauguration was the South African Ambassador to Ghana, Grace Jeanet Mason.

Also present were the Project Manager, Dr Belinda Yeboah Dwamena; the Meter Suppliers consultant, Jones Ofori Addo, and the Accra West Region management team.

Excitement

The Acting Accra West General Manager, Emmanuel Ankrah, expressed excitement at the pace at which districts were adapting to recent innovations introduced into the companys operations.

He noted that the digitisation of many of the companys internal processes was geared towards improving revenue and service delivery.

Mr Ankrah was hopeful that through the LRP, the shortage of meters would be a thing of the past.

According to him, inadequate meters to meet service requests have become an excuse for some people to engage in illegalities, robbing the company of much-needed revenue.

Those activities negatively affect the company, since such persons use power without paying.

He added that the LRP programme will ensure that ECG is able to serve customers promptly and efficiently.

The Accra West region has eight operational districts.

These are Ablekuma, Achimota, Amasaman, Bortianor, Dansoman, Kaneshie, Korle Bu and Nsawam districts.
Education on gender-based violence must reach all corners  Foundation

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Dec - 21 - 2023 , 07:28

Residents of Kewonon, an island community in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region, have benefited from a one-day gender-based violence sensitisation exercise.

The exercise, which was conducted by a non-governmental organisation with interest in empowering the youth, particularly women, Renel Ghana Foundation, was to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

This is a global campaign led annually by the United Nations (UN) which runs every year from November 25, (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December, commemorated as Human Rights Day.

Sensitisation

During the exercise, residents were sensitised to what acts constituted GBV even in marriages and were also made to understand that certain behaviours they deemed normal were actually not acceptable under the laws and were urged to desist from it to avoid facing punishments.

They were further taught not to discriminate and impede people from doing certain activities just because of their gender.

Equally, they were educated on the various institutions and outlets they could use to report such acts and were encouraged not to shy away from doing so because the law had provisions to ensure they were treated fairly to reach their full potential.

During the interactions, many residents lamented the lack of employment opportunities on the island and attributed it to the prevalence of the issue.

They noted that young women particularly were in unhealthy relationships because they had no means to sustain themselves and were completely dependent on their partners.

As part of the exercise, the foundation donated some relief items to the women especially, because Kewonon was also affected by the flooding caused by the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo dam in September this year which led to the displacement of many people situated at the Lower Volta Basin.

The Executive Director of the foundation, Nelson Richardson Mandela, said education on GBV should reach all four corners of the country and not be centred in Accra and a few urban areas.

So we chose today to be at Kewonon to dialogue with both men and women and discuss the various types of gender-based violence and also let them know what the law says so that together, we can build a society where the well-being of women and girls can be realised, he said.

Mr Mandela stressed that his outfit had a pre-existing relationship with the district where the foundation supported young girls to acquire skills that would make them independent so they were committed to help during such difficult times and kill two birds with one stone.

Constant education

A Midwifery Officer at the Ada Health Centre, Rabiatu Iddriss Sumaila, stressed that the residents needed constant education and empowerment to curb the issue of GBV.

She commended the foundation for taking the welfare of the residents to heart and urged them not to relent in engaging the people to ensure they were living fulfilled lives.
Ghacem Foundation supports Korle Bu childrens cancer unit

Daily Graphic Dec - 21 - 2023 , 07:04

Ghacem Cement Foundation (GCF) has handed over 3,000 bags of cement to the Oncology Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to support in the construction of a new ward for children battling with cancer.

The social investment arm of the premier cement company, Ghacem, presented the items estimated at GH250,000 through the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana.

Additionally, Ghacem has pledged a commitment to provide all the cement needed for the completion of the entire project.

The childrens cancer ward at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is a 24-bed ward with a day care unit for children undergoing chemotherapy.

According to officials at the ward, the place is often full and a lot of the children await admission at the emergency room.

The new building project is estimated to admit between 250-300 patients annually which will serve as a boost in providing quality health care for the kids as infection rate will be reduced.

The Head of the Pediatric Oncology Unit, Professor Lorna Renner, who briefed the media on the current situation at the ward, also thanked Ghacem for what she described as a noble and touching gesture of wiping away the tears of the unit.

We are overwhelmed by the fact that they are going to be with us throughout the completion of the entire project.

This will give us an opportunity to improve on the outcome of the disease, she said.

Prof. Renner added that childhood cancer was curable when detected early as such any effort to improve care was important.

We used to record about 150 cases every year and it has now doubled to about 250 to 300, so we needed this expansion project urgently, she said.

On behalf of the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana and the Oncology Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital I wish to express our gratitude to Ghacem Ltd for this kind donation, the Head of the unit stated.

The Chairman of the Ghacem Cement Foundation, Ahunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, presented the first batch of the 3,000 bags of cement to the unit.

He was supported by the Finance Director of Ghacem, Gideon Atta, and the Lead, Marketing and Public Relations of Ghacem, Frank Antwi Agyapong.

Ahunabobrim Prah Agyensaim stated that the donation was momentous for Ghacem as it embarked on a course that transcended corporate boundaries and spoke to shared humanity values.

This commitment goes beyond these materials as its one that shows solidarity and a promise to be a beacon of hope for these young souls, he said.

The Ghacem Cement Foundation, he recalled, was established in 2002 as part of the companys corporate social responsibility to assist deprived communities to improve their health and educational infrastructure and has since its establishment donated about 700,000 bags estimated at GH53 million.
GJA launches 3rd African Media Convention

Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 21 - 2023 , 12:00

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) yesterday launched the third African Media Convention (AMC) in Accra with the inauguration of a local organising committee (LOC) for the May 15-17, 2024 continent-wide media conference.

The three-day convention will discuss trends that impede freedom of expression and freedom of the media, media viability and sustainability, as well as the safety and security of journalists.

About 600 international delegates from 50 African countries are expected to participate, including delegates from the African Union Commission, civil society organisations (CSOs), the diplomatic corps, non-governmental organisations, researchers and academia, among others.

It will be held on the theme: Freedom of Expression, Sustainable Development, and Environmental Crises.

The convention, an initiative of The African Editors Forum (TAEF), is designed to safeguard the hard-won media freedoms and safety of journalists on the continent, and seeks to bring together media experts, scholars, students, journalists, journalists' unions and associations, editors, public and private sectors, including cooperating partners from around the African continent, as well as representatives from UNESCO.

Focus

The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who launched the convention and inaugurated the 18-member LOC to see to the organisation of the convention, said the event should focus on how to combat misinformation on the continents social media platforms, especially in the face of threats to democracy, and to collaborate and deepen content creation designed to positively programme Africas Gen Zs.

The AMC offers a refreshing platform that has the potential to change this narrative and lead us to work together to make significant impact in our industry on the continental level, he stated.

The convention, he said, would generate a coalition of ideas, support systems and actors to shape the future of the media in Africa in the future.

The convergence of Africas media elite should give us an opportunity to, among others, discuss how to promote a positive African narrative globally which will lead to attracting more positive interest in Africa, he added.

Reflect

The GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said the conference, which would coincide with next years World Press Freedom Day celebration, would offer an opportunity to collectively reflect on the multidimensional challenges, the fundamental role of journalism and the transformative power that reliable information had, achieve sustainable development and consolidate democracies.

He explained that the convention would, among other things, serve as a platform to assess and discuss the situation of the right to press freedom globally, identifying areas where journalists face repression, violence and censorship.

He said it would also call for the importance of reliable and accurate information, especially that which denounced and investigated the environmental crisis and its effects.

Mr Dwumfour stressed that the conference intended to benefit both the country and journalists by offering network opportunities, boost tourism, attract foreign investors and project the country as a beacon of democracy on the African continent.

He, therefore, urged journalists to take keen interest as the convention expanded the frontiers of press freedom and built the capacities of journalists.

Beacon

The Rector of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)-Institute of Journalism, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah said the country was a beacon of press freedom and journalistic excellence in Africa.

He noted that the convention underscored the country's pivotal role in shaping the future of media discourse across the African continent.

Prof. Mensah said the convention was a testament to the countrys shared commitment to elevate the standards of journalism, foster innovation and champion the principles of free speech, transparency and accountability, particularly in the upcoming 2024 general election.

Let us pledge to invest in the continual professional development of our media practitioners and let us ensure that they are equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age while upholding the highest ethical standards, he added.

Inauguration

The 18-member LOC are Fatimatu Abubakar, a Deputy Minister of Information, who co-chairs the committee with Mr Dwumfour, the GJA President; Rebecca Quaicoe Duho, a representative of the Association of Women in the Media (ASWIN), some members of the GJA executive, security agencies and others.
Aug 19, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Inter Miami CF co-owner David Beckham celebrates after winning the Leagues Cup against Nashville SC at GEODIS Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Real Madrids famous Galacticos will reportedly be the focus of a new documentary in the works from Studio 99, David Beckhams production company.

Per Deadline, the doc is expected to land under the ESPN umbrella.

Beckhams Studio 99 is working with Fulwell 73, the company behind Netflixs Sunderland Til I Die, among other features. Studio 99 was also involved in the Netflix docuseries Beckham, which premiered in October.

Its unclear which Galactico era at Real Madrid this doc will focus on, though given Beckhams involvement, Id assume its the one he was part of from the early-to-mid 2000s. Beckham joined Madrid from Manchester United in the summer of 2003. While the team won a pair of La Liga titles and a Champions League before Beckham joined, they won just one league title and one Spanish Super Cup in the four seasons Beckham was with the club.

The second Galactico era, which essentially began with the 2009-10 season and Cristiano Ronaldos period of dominance, was far more successful. Though Madrid won just two La Liga titles during that decade, the club claimed the UEFA Champions League crown four times, including three from 2016-18.

No matter which era (or both) is focused on in this doc, there is plenty of potential. The sticking point is participation from those involved. For instance, if Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who signed all these iconic players and ushered in both Galactico eras, doesnt take part, the feature will take a huge blow. Similarly, if Beckham is the only Galactico willing to go on camera, itll be a disappointment. But given Beckhams involvement with the doc, Id assume he could nudge many relevant parties into being featured.

[Deadline]
Latex Foam, others honoured at Presidents awards

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Dec - 21 - 2023 , 07:25

Ghanas leading foam manufacturing company, Latex Foam, has been recognised for its contribution to the export sector at the 31st and 32nd Presidents National Awards for Export Achievement 2023.

Awarded for the export of foam and related products for 2021 and 2022, the company was among the over 200 exporting companies in various products awarded on the night. Latex Foam was awarded under the Gold category.

Last Tuesdays awards, which was the fusion of the 31st and 32nd editions, was held on the theme: Recognising excellence: Driving sustainable exports to accelerate Ghanas prosperity,

The ceremony, which was graced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T Hammond, was held to formally recognise the contribution of exporters in the non-traditional export sector to economic growth, encourage higher levels of performance by exporters, and sustain the interest of exporters in the export business.

Awards, winners

The Presidents National awards for Export Achievement Scheme is an event organised by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) under the distinguished patronage of the President of the Republic of Ghana to honour companies that excel in export trade.

It was instituted in 1989 as part of the overall plan of government to stimulate growth of non-traditional exports and as a cushion to the volatility of earnings from traditional exports.

The event provides a tailored national platform to honour export companies that performed well in the preceding year.

The 2023 edition was a collaboration between the GEPA and the Ghana Freezones Authority.

B5 Plus Limited received the Exporter of the Year award for 2021 and 2022.

The Woman Exporter of the Year for 2022 went to DTRT Apparel Limited, exporters of clothing, while Touch Skies Ghana Limited, exporter of yam, won the 2021 Woman Exporter of the Year.

Other winners were Nestle Ghana Limited, Kingdom Exim Ghana Limited, Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Ltd, Olam Food Ingredients Ghana Limited, Azar Chemicals Industries Limited, among others.

Sustained contribution

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEPA, Dr Afua Asabea Asare, commended the various organisations that received awards for their sustained contributions to the growth of the Ghanaian export sector.

She said the organisations that received awards were not only recognised for their triumphs but were also recognised for their resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication that had led to the elevation of the countrys status on the international stage as an export nation.

GEPA, the CEO stressed, was poised on promoting sustainable export in the country, explaining that our focus on sustainability is not merely a strategic choice; it is an imperative as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.

For her, the awards recipients did not only contribute to the economic growth of our nation but also serve as beacons guiding the way for others to follow.

Collaboration key

The CEO of Ghana Freezones Authority, Michael Oquaye, noted that recognising excellence in driving sustainable exports was not just an economic strategy, but was a commitment to the well-being of and advancement of our nation.

He said collaboration was key to achieving sustainable export growth in the country and that Ghana Freezones Authority would collaborate with GEPA to promote exports in the country.

Together, we can create regional, continental, and global value chains that foster mutual benefit and accelerate our collective prosperity, Mr Oquaye said.
Media personalities push for Pan-African trade journalists body ... To support AfCFTA agenda

Daily Graphic Dec - 21 - 2023 , 08:05

Top media personalities across Africa have called for the formation of a pan-African group of trade journalists who will champion the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

The journalists are of the view that the formation of such a body is the surest way to help sensitise the continent to the merits of the AfCFTA.

Again, they underscored the need for the pan-African media group to promote an African Chamber of Commerce led by individual countries.

They made those observations at a webinar hosted jointly by the African Prosperity Network (APN), organisers of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD), and the AfCFTA secretariat in Ghana last Tuesday, (December 19, 2023).

Webinar

The webinar was meant to champion the AfCFTA concept and its economic benefits across the continent, as well as explore and strategise on how African media could engage people and promote information-disseminating services across the continent.

The webinar comes a month ahead of the next APD slated to take place from January 25 to 27, 2024 at the Peduase Presidential Lodge at Aburi Hills in the Eastern Region.

The Founder and Executive Chairman of the APN, Gabby Otchere-Darko, said the AfCFTA was arguably the biggest project for Africa, for which reason, every effort must be made to ensure its full implementation.

Mr Otchere Darko underscored the important role of the media, saying, this is where the media comes in and how we can get the media to unpack this free trade story of the continent is really what this conversation is all about.

It took a powerful media to get one country to leave a single market and I am talking about Brexit.

In the same vein, it will take a powerful media on this (African) continent to understand that if we come together to this single market, it will benefit all of us, he added.

Opportunities

The Chief Technical Advisor at the AfCFTA Secretariat, Dr Tsotetsi Makong; and a columnist at the Nation Media Group, East Africa, Charles Onyango-Obbo, observed that youth unemployment, which was the major challenge facing the continent, could be resolved through AfCFTA.

Dr Makong said the trade volumes between the African continent and countries such as China, the United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU), India, and the United Kingdom (UK) could be leveraged in favour of the continent.

Having a pan-African chamber of commerce is absolutely essential for the success of the AfCFTA.

Considering the amount of distrust between African trade and investment counter-parties, the unavailability of a credible institution to do due diligence of potential partners would prevent intra-African transactions from being consummated, another journalist, Toma Imirhe said.

Continent of choice

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC), Yofi Grant, who is a strategic partner of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues, observed that the rest of the world was coming to Africa because the continent had opportunities.

He said the huge deposits of mineral resources required for the energy transition was a unique opportunity for Africa to develop and catch-up with the developed world.

Again, he said Africa had a youthful and the fastest-growing population of about 1.4 billion which could be leveraged for development.

He observed that with a significant proportion of that demography being under 35 years, there was a major consumer market waiting to happen and a very important source of human capital for the worlds next development and growth.

Additionally, he said Africa was home to 60 per cent of the worlds remaining arable land left for cultivation, so, if you are looking at food security globally, you cannot have that conversation without talking about Africa.

Mr Yofi Grant stated that the AfCFTA was a journey that the continent must embark on together if the continent was to get out of the bottom of the pit of development.

Background

Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) is organised by the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) in collaboration with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. Next Januarys dialogues will be hosted by the President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who has invited several of his fellow African heads of state, plus the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, President Irfaan Ali.
NGO donates sanitary pads to Nsawam Prisons female inmates

Yaa Kuffour Senyah Dec - 21 - 2023 , 08:45

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Pink Roses Foundation, has donated 750 packs of sanitary pads and other items to the Nsawam Medium Security Female Ward.

Spearheaded under the 'Pad Up' initiative, the donation sought to help eradicate period poverty and contribute to the well-being of the inmates.

The items donated included disposable and reusable sanitary pads, drinks, toiletries, bread, packs of water, detergent among others.

As part of the donation, the foundation, which is aimed at empowering women and the vulnerable in the society, also organised a get together for the inmates as part of efforts to foster a positive atmosphere.

The Founder of Pink Roses Foundation, Emmanuella Osei Yeboah, noted that sanitary products were essential items women needed to ensure proper personal hygiene.

However, the existing difficulty in affording these items had created obstacles for women, particularly those who were vulnerable to access such products.

So the foundation decided to donate some items, especially the sanitary products to eradicate period poverty and ensure that even women in the reformation process were able to practice good hygiene.

Ms Osei Yeboah further said the initiative would extend its reach to other underprivileged societies while providing women and the less privileged with practical skills to empower them make a living for themselves.

Commendation

The Assistant Deputy Director of Prisons at Nswaman, Victoria Adzawuder, commended the foundation for the benevolent act towards the inmates.

She explained that the goal of the prison was not to punish but cause amendment by rehabilitating the inmates back into society.

Without the collective help of the public, the mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of such persons into the society cannot be achieved, she said.
Rice Federation calls for collaboration to aid flood affected rice farmers

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Dec - 21 - 2023 , 08:36

The Ghana Rice Federation has appealed to stakeholders and interested parties to work together to support rice farmers who were affected by flood waters as a result of the Akosombo dam spillage.

A statement issued and signed by Convenor of the Ghana Rice Federation and Chief Executive Officer of Osaagyefo HRM foods, Akuamoah Boateng Baidoo, said the government efforts to deal with the long-term effects of the Akosombo dam spillage had shifted from saving lives and property to economic recovery in the affected communities.

It said, the Ghana Rice Federation will like to draw the attention of government and other stakeholders to the fact that many rice farmers have had their farms flooded and are in urgent need of funding and other support such as soil testing to help them quickly recover and restore their livelihoods.

Farmers

The statement lamented that losses suffered by farmers from the data being collated ranged from total loss of paddy rice at the point of harvest to losses of recently planted fields.

Several farmers were unable to harvest their rice on time to take advantage of the Christmas season and some have had fields they invested in, which would have been ready for harvest next year, completely destroyed, it said.

Rice farmers have not only lost capital they invested in production but are also in debt with their financiers.

This is naturally affecting the ability of rice farmers to profitably continue rice production and cater for their families, the statement stressed.

It said beyond individual farmers suffering devastating losses, the economy of many of these affected communities was directly and indirectly largely dependent on rice farming.

To salvage the situation, the statement said the federation last month agreed to formally organise rice growers in the Asutsuare/Akuse enclave as a sub-group of the Federation to work with interested stakeholders in the rice value chain to help rice farmers affected by flooding recover their finances and livelihoods.

Harvest

Those who have lost significant harvest have resolved to redeem these losses through a scheme of organised pre-financing and provision of technical expertise being spearheaded by the Ghana Rice Federation, it added.

That, the statement said, involved reaching out and working with organisations specialising in soil research such as the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to improve the micro and macro nutrient content of the soil so as to improve yields and help farmers rapidly recover their losses and pay off their debts.

The statement appealed to stakeholders to contact the federation at No 7 Labone Arcade or on 0302797956 or 02028521117.
Supreme Court not populated  Justice Kwofie

Daniel Kenu & Nana Konadu Agyeman Dec - 21 - 2023 , 12:00

Supreme Court judge nominee, Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie, has offered a contrary opinion on the supposed packing of the Supreme Court, saying it is within the confines of the Constitution.

He said while the Constitution gave the minimum number of supreme Court judges to be not less than nine, it did not give a ceiling.

He said to say that even the United States had just nine Supreme Court judges while a small country such as Ghana had 16 could not be properly contextualised.

Justice Kwofie explained that the US ran a federal system of government where each state had a number of Supreme Court judges, so put together they could be far more.

Justice Kwofie said this yesterday when he appeared before the Appointment Committee of Parliament for his vetting.

He is one of three justices of the Appeal Court nominated last month by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the Supreme Court.

The other two are Justices Yaw Asare Darko and Justice Richard Agyei Frimpong, who also appeared at yesterdays vetting sessions.

There are currently 12 justices at the Supreme Court.

They include Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, the Chief Justice; Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie; Justice Gabriel Pwamang; Justice Mariama Owusu; Justice Avril Lovelace Johnson; Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu; Justice Prof. Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu, and Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi.

The rest are Justice Barbara F. Ackah Yensu; Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu; Justice George Kingsley Koomson and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu.

Packing of court

Justice Kwofie, the first to have attained that height from Elembele in the Western Region, said the workload at the Supreme Court was so much that very soon judges would "start falling off".

He said the volume of work and the jurisdiction justified the numbers.

The nominee said the open-door policy of Ghana's judicial system where most cases from the district courts ended up at the Supreme Court was the cause of the workload.

Unanimous FC

Sharing his thoughts on the tagging of the Supreme Court as "unanimous FC" where almost all political cases returned a unanimous verdict in favour of government, the nominee said "these are perceptions and it's difficult to deal with perception in the heads of people".

He said people went to court with their own mindset, and anything short of that was deemed as either corruption or politically motivated.

Justice Kwofie said the judiciary was not made up of miscreants who were up to mischief.

He said the Anas expose in September 2015 of the judicial scandal involving 34 judges and magistrates did not reflect the true nature of judges.

"Judges are good and hardworking people.

I agree it's a human institution, and you could have one or two people causing trouble, but that is not how the judiciary should be.

"Judges are law-abiding, honest and good people," he said.

Expose

In the expose, the 34 judges were caught on camera receiving enticements of money, goats, sheep and other items.

The documentary alleged that supposed robbers, murderers, drug traffickers, rapists and litigants in land cases went free as a result.

Outstanding issues

Justice Kwofie, however, has two issues to iron out before his approval would be considered.

First, as a practice, the nominee's document should have included a report from the national security on his criminal records, if any, and a resubmission of his tax clearance certificate from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Per the tax clearance certificate he submitted, there had been zero tax charge for the past three years even though he earned a salary.

That, the committee said, was inappropriate and needed to be sent back to GRA to be rectified.

Ex gratia

On whether Article 71 holders received ex gratia or not, the nominee said it was rather a back pay and not ex gratia.

He explained that currently, he was being paid 2020 salary, which meant that when the increment or adjustment was eventually done by 2024 and the difference paid him, that could not be termed as ex gratia but rather a back pay.

For his part, Justice Frimpong called for a review of lumping hardened criminals and those who have committed lesser crimes together in prison.

He said the practice was generous and needed to be corrected in order not the convert lesser offenders into hardened criminals.

Justice Frimpong said the practice was compounding the congestion situation in the country's prisons and should be avoided.

Members of the Appointments Committee unanimously commended his works from his days as a practising lawyer to his rise to the bench.

Corruption

On corruption among the judiciary, the nominee said the issue had been exaggerated.

He said adjudication involved a number of players, including clerks, prosecutors and registrars, among others, and that it would be wrong to single out only judges.

He said much as he agreed that the judiciary was a human institution where one or two individuals could stray, "largely, the judiciary is fair, and people still have confidence in it".

When asked about his views on the impact of the anti-LGBTQI+ bill currently before Parliament, Justice Frimpong said as a judge he would be obedient to the law and act in consonance with the law.

Judicial reforms

When Justice Asare appeared, he spent a little over two hours to respond to a number of questions from the committee members.

For instance, when he was asked what best advice he would give to the Chief Justice to enhance the dispensation of administration of justice, Justice Asare, who has been an Appeals Court Justice for four years and practised for more than 30 years before joining the bench, called for the use of practice manuals by judges to expedite the administration of justice.

In the areas of case management, he suggested the adoption of mandatory pre-trial settlement conferences to explore the means of amicably settling suits before they head for trials.

From the studies that I have seen about 90 per cent of cases that go to trial in Ghana are capable of being settled amicably, he said.

Administer justice fairly

Asked what he would do when his religious beliefs came into conflict with enforcement of some rights guaranteed by the Constitution, he said he would take an oath that would require him to administer justice to all manner of persons without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

I think that with that oath which I swear, which is an oath that I have sworn to my God, I will be bound to administer justice.

When I am in the courtroom, I will not be administering religion or faith, and I will seek to be bound by the law, he said.

Answering questions on perceived or real corruption within the judiciary, Justice Asare said while there was perceived corruption associated with the service, there was a fierce fight against the canker.

What gladdens my heart is what the Chief Justice is doing to lift the veil from the judiciary and how we are making justice work in Ghana.

In 10 years, this corruption issue will change, he said.

Citizenship proof

When the Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza, asked what document he could use to prove his nationality per what was contained in his curriculum vitae and in line with Article 6(b) of the Constitution, Justice Asare said citizenship was a question of law, and also a question of fact.

He said the evidence that would enable him to establish his legal status as a citizen was my passport.

I believe that there are various pieces of documents that one can be used, but I think that your honourable member wants to test my position on birth certificate, and this Takyi Banson vs the Attorney-General (case).

The Supreme Court has given a position on the law, and as I sit here, I am bound by that position, he said.
Tyron Iras Marhguy makes 8As in WASSCE

Bright Appiah Dec - 21 - 2023 , 08:28

The ideals which the framers of the Constitution were at pains by the letter and spirit of this Constitution to establish ought to be respected and adhered to.

They are justice and fair play; abhorrence of arbitrariness and discrimination; victimisation and vindictiveness; the protection of the individual and his fundamental human right within the walls of the Constitution - Tujfuorv. Attorney-General [1980] G.L.R 637

The law is a fortress for the voiceless in society, and the vindication of the decision of a court in dispensing justice lies in the womb of time.

In 2021, but for the court's decision, Tyron Iras Marghuy would have been denied admission to Achimota Senior High School ("School"), when he was required to choose between keeping his dreadlocks for religious purposes or cutting them as a precondition to enrol in the school.

Today, Tyron has successfully graduated from the school scoring Grade A in all subjects in the 2023 W ASSCE under the free SHS programme.

On March 31, 2021, Tyron, then 17 years, sued the School and the Attorney-General in the High Court (Human Rights Division), Accra for the School's breach of his fundamental human rights.

Tyron sat for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) as student of The Lord Shines International School and Omega School.

He obtained Aggregate Six and he was placed at the Achimota High School.

On arrival at the school, he was isolated because of his hair and further required to cut his dreadlocks as a condition precedent for enrolling in the School.

With the support offered by Child Rights International, Tyron, acting through his next friend and guardian, sued.

Principally, Tyron sought redress for the breach of his right not to be deprived of education by reason of only religious and other beliefs; freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice; right to human dignity; and right against discrimination.

Court Case

The case was such that it required expeditious trial.

This was because first, it involved a child and secondly, his education was at stake.

The trial judge rightly exercised its discretion in abridging the time for the hearing, following which she found for Tyron.

The Court held that the refusal or failure of the school to admit or enrol Tyron on the basis of his Rastafarian religious inclination, beliefs, and culture characterised by his keeping of rasta is a violation of Tyro n's rights under articles 12(1 ); 23; 21(1 )(b) and (c); 26(1 ); 17(2); and (3); 25(1)(b) and 28(4).

The Tyron Case followed the principle established in the case of James Kwabena Bomfe Jnr.

v. Attonery-Genera/, Writ No. Jl/14/2017, on January 23, 2019, where the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionally guaranteed right to religion and the manifestation of religious practices.

The Court held that: The combined effect of the letter and spirit of these provisions [articles 17, 21(1) (b) (c), 35(1) (5) (6) (a), 37(1), 56] guarantees the fundamental freedoms of the citizen including the right to practice any religion and to manifest such practice.

By the letter and spirit of these provisions religious pluralism and diversity which are features of a secular state are clearly recognised and thereby discrimination on any ground is prohibited.

Justice Addo

The trial judge, Justice Gifty Agyei Addo, stated as follows: Religious intolerance is undemocratic.

Any state that fails to tolerate the practice and manifestation of religions of its citizens and people within the state portends a serious anarchy in the state.

Therefore, any attempt to project a rule or regulation to a character that expediently frowns upon the manifestation of a person's religion without reasonable grounds, must be frowned upon in our democracy.

The said rule must therefore be construed with the necessarysubjection to the 1992 Constitution.

I reject the argument of the Respondents that this finding will amount to discriminating against the other students of the school who apparently have conformed to the rule without complaint.

Rather, I hold the view that rules and regulations of the school should only be viewed in the lens of the provisions of the Constitution to ensure that they do not sin against people's rights to manifest and practise any religion they subscribe to, except on reasonable justification for the public good, in this case the community of students.

The case also establishes the principles that school rules must conform with the laws of Ghana.

The decision is of immense significance to the educational rights of all school going children.

Tyron in school

Tyron has lived up to expectations.

He lived peacefully with all other students and studied in the school without any record of disciplinary action taken against him for one misconduct or the other.

He showed great respect to all his teachers, fellow students, and non-teaching staff.

He took his academic work seriously, for which reason he has once again chalked this academic success.

He almost represented the school in the National Science and Math Quiz.

Throughout his stay in Achimota, we never heard or recorded any acts of violence or misconduct.

The school, in this regard, respected him as a student.

We have fought the good fight; we have finished the race, and we will keep the faith. And the interests of children shall remain our priority.

The writer is the Executive Director of Child Rights International
NAM 1s companies represented themselves falsely to me  Witness who invested GH5.2 million tells court

Justice Agbenorsi Dec - 21 - 2023 , 17:31

Stephen Attipoe, the first prosecution witness in the trial of the Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, has told the Accra High Court that the accused persons companies represented themselves falsely to him, hence his decision to invest GH5.2 million.

The Civil Engineer, who received a lump sum of GH502, 000 on his investment told the court presided over by Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an additional High Court judge, that aside from the investment, he was made to pay GH335,400 non-refundable commission for the seven investments he made with NAM 1s companies.

Not guilty

NAM1 and two of his companies - Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult Ghana Limited, have been charged with 39 counts of selling gold without licence, operating a deposit-taking business, inducement to invest, defrauding by false pretence, fraudulent breach of trust and money laundering.

The allegations leveled against them relate to them defrauding their customers various sums of monies between 2016 and 2018, totaling GH340,835,650.

NAM1 has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and is on a bail of a GH500 million with four sureties.

Risk

Cross examining the witness, counsel for the accused suggested to Mr Attipoe that he [witness], knowingly took an investment risk and lost out.

But in his response, Mr Attipoe said that was so because the companies represented themselves falsely to me.

Default

Counsel further suggested to the witness that the only time a default occurred in his (witness) relationship with the companies was when the Securities and Exchange Commission Ghana (SEC) intervened by closing down the businesses.

The witness said that was not correct because NAM1s companies failed to pay him his returns on September 1, September 5 and September 13th adding that during those period SEC had not yet communicated to the public that NAM1s businesses were illegal.

The witness added that at the time SEC intervened the total amount due him was GH432,000.

However, Mr Attipoe told the court that an ECOBANK cheque with a face value of GH240, 000 given to him by NAM1s company was dishonoured.

The case has been adjourned to January 15, 2024.
Office of the Registrar of Companies takes business registration education to shops

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Dec - 21 - 2023 , 12:14

The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) as part of its efforts to enhance business compliance and awareness has organised a street float to educate and sensitise the public on the need to register their businesses and file annual returns.

The event, which took place on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Tema enclave in the Greater Accra region, featured an engaging and informative campaign where officials from the ORC distributed informational flyers to business proprietors, pedestrians, drivers, and individuals expressing interest in understanding the registration process.

Clad in branded lacoste shirts, the staff of ORC actively participated in the outreach, engaging with the public to underscore the importance of business registration and compliance.

The staff members of ORC boarded a float bus, adorned with promotional materials and banners, amplifying the message of business registration throughout the business streets of Tema.

The police provided security for the exercise, facilitating a safe street sensitisation campaign.

The Office of the Registrar of Companies is an autonomous public institution mandated to register and regulate all business entities in Ghana and was established by an Act of Parliament under section 351 of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992).

Speaking to the media after the exercise, the Deputy Companies Inspector, Mrs Matilda Osei, said the initiative by the ORC reflects a concerted effort to promote business legitimacy and compliance within the Ghanaian entrepreneurial landscape.

She explained that by reaching out directly to stakeholders through innovative approaches, the campaign endeavours to foster a culture of business accountability and legal adherence, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth and stability.

She expressed the concern that many people did not know about the need to register their businesses or even file their annual returns.

That, Mrs Osei noted, informed the ORCs initiative to come out from their offices to directly engage the business community about the significance of registering one's businesses and also fulfilling their annual filing obligations.

She said during the shop-to-shop campaign, the team observed that many business owners who had registered their businesses failed to display their business registration certificates in their shops.

That, she explained, business certificates are not to be hidden from the public, hence encouraging business owners to display their certificates in their shops.

Mrs Osei further encouraged business owners to file their annual returns, explaining that many people had lost huge contracts due to lack of business registration documents.

She said the ORC had opened its new prestige office where business owners could get their business registration done within some few hours.
Sandvik Mining unveils fresh new look

Graphic.com.gh Dec - 21 - 2023 , 18:40

The Ghana branch of global mining giant, Sandvik Mining and Construction Limited, has unveiled the companys revamped vibrant brand identity.

The unveiling event was held at the companys Pakyi No. 1 office in the Ashanti Region, marking a significant milestone for the company's West Africa Sales Area.

The Swedish mining equipment and technology leviathan breathed new life into its brand identity and held a global brand launch on September 21, 2023.

Consequently, the West Africa Sales Area operations of the company, headquartered in Accra, Ghana, unveiled the new vibrant look this week.

The Sales Area Vice President and the Managing Director, Mr. Nuhu Salifu was represented by Mr. George Antwi, the Business Line Manager for Load and Haul and the Site Manager for the Pakyi Office at the unveiling ceremony.

He said the new brand identity of the company amplifies Sandvik Minings place as a dominant player in the industry and its unyielding determination to continue to demonstrate respect for sustainability.

"Today, Sandvik presents a new visual identity. It highlights the companys commitment to lead the shift towards digitally driven and automated industries," Mr. Antwi told excited staff of the company.

He underscored the brand's alignment with Sandvik's current position as a technological pioneer, fostering improved productivity, efficiency, and sustainability for its customers.

Managers of the company say the updated brand identity is built upon three fundamental pillars for which the company is renowned - proactive partnerships, forward-thinking solutions, and sustainable progress.

Drawing inspiration from the 1962 Sandvik logo, the new logo pays homage to the company's heritage while heralding a modern era.

Additionally, a novel symbol was introduced, symbolizing progress and circularity, encapsulating Sandvik's dedication to advancing the world through engineering.

The Pakyi No. 1 unveiling event was livened by Ghanaian cultural display and culminated in the hoisting of the new Sandvik flag at the Pakyi Office.

The West African team marked the occasion with a celebratory cake, chanting their new strategic mantra - "Advancing the world through engineering."

Sandvik Mining and Construction Ghana Limited's redefined brand identity stands as a testament to its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and engineering excellence, paving the way for a future marked by technological advancement and enduring partnerships, the managers said.
SML, ICUMS fetch over GH3bn in 2 years  GRA

Della Russel Ocloo Dec - 21 - 2023 , 07:40

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has stated that extra revenue gained from the deployment of assurance systems on petroleum storage depots and the single window system have yielded more income for the country in excess of GH3 billion across two years.

The authority said sensors and real-time data reconciliation implemented by Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) significantly improved revenue collection, and that those systems, combined with the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), led to increased reported volumes from 350 million litres per month in 2018 and 2019 to 450 million litres per month from 2020/2021, representing an increment of 33 per cent.

The Communication and Public Affairs Department of GRA, which released the statement in Accra yesterday on behalf of the Board and Management of the authority, said the improvement represented an extra 100 million litres per month on the average at a levy rate of GH1.44.

The extra revenue variance gained for the two years will exceed GH3 billion.

This performance is attributable mainly to the introduction of ICUMS and SML systems, the statement said.

The GRA consequently justified its expanded contract with the company, emphasising that it was not a new venture but a continuation of a proven success in the downstream petroleum sector since 2019.

The new and consolidated contract which is for a term of five years and not 10 years (as alleged by the publication) was agreed upon based on the performance of SML in monitoring the downstream petroleum sector and the provision of instant reconciliation of real-time data in the sector, the statement said.

The five-year consolidated contract, officials said, covered downstream and upstream petroleum (2019/2023) and minerals/metals (2023), rather than a supposed 10-year contract.

The GRA and the SML have come under public scrutiny over an alleged $100 million contract said to have allegedly netted SML in excess of $100 million annually.

Performance

Outlining the performance of the system, the GRA said prior to engaging SML, the GRA's archaic dipstick system, requiring officers to climb tanks, was both inefficient and risky.

It said recognising that, the GRA revamped its approach using SML's modern technology, prioritising safety and accuracy, and ensuring that oil deliveries at depots were measured using sensor-equipped red flow meters installed by the bulk-oil distribution companies.

Similarly, the statement pointed out, that SML meticulously tracked each oil marketing companys (OMCs) fuel uplift through comprehensive measurements, ensuring complete data alignment with ICUMS.

If there are discrepancies, Customs informs the OMC to enter a post-entry to correct the differences, while SML provides additional data independent of the Customs ICUMS data capable of validating anomalies in quantities imported, discharged and accounted for by way of taxes, the statement said.

It highlighted that between 2015 and 2020, systemic weaknesses in petroleum tax accounting and collection were revealed by EY Ghana and RACE, prompting closer scrutiny.

It said it recognised the challenge of inconsistent data transmission across the petroleum downstream value chain and implemented extensive reconciliation efforts to connect platforms and institutions in order to recover lost revenue.

The mode of transmission of data from various sources and systems, it said, was fraught with inconsistencies, resulting in loss of revenue.

It added that extensive reconciliation had to be done on the various platforms and institutions within the petroleum downstream value chain to collect revenue that would otherwise have been lost.

Responses

The GRA statement said publications indicated that prior to SML's involvement, the fuel measurement system was manual and inefficient, prone to human error and revenue leaks.

It said the contract was risk-reward, which implied that SML earned only if revenue increased and there was no payment for no added value.

The statement pointed out that the contract was procured legally in line with the procurement laws of the country, allowing SML to finance all capital expenditures and technology for the downstream petroleum project.

Consolidated contract

The statement further affirmed that based on this success, the Ministry of Finance expanded the contract to cover upstream petroleum and the mining sector, leveraging SML's expertise and technology to mitigate revenue leakages.

The GRA expressed confidence that the contract, along with other initiatives and technology, would further boost revenue collection and contribute to reaching a national tax-to-GDP ratio exceeding 18 per cent.

We remain committed to exploring innovative methods to plug leakages and ensure compliance, the statement affirmed.
A Gage County District Court judge sentenced a Beatrice man who sexually assaulted a Beatrice State Developmental Center resident to prison for up to 40 years.

Allen Evans, 32, was sentenced Thursday for the October 2021 assault.

He was sentenced on two charges of first-degree sexual assault of a protected individual, class 2A felonies. Judge Rick Schreiner sentenced Evans to 18-20 years on each count with the sentences running consecutively, totaling 36-40 years.

You know that your actions were unacceptable, Schreiner said before pronouncing the sentence. Thats putting it mildly. Taking advantage of a developmentally disabled individual, the motivation for the offense was pure sexual gratification as far as I can tell. Theres no excuse for it and this court has to impose a sentence. This sentence sends a clear message to others that this behavior will not be tolerated and if you engage in it there will be a heavy price to pay.

Additional charges of tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a vulnerable adult were previously dismissed.

Prosecuting attorney George Welch said the charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement, and the state requested sentences on the two remaining charges be served consecutively.

At this time, the state is asking for the maximum sentence allowed by law, he said. The facts of this case and the victims vulnerability justifies such a sentence. The people of Gage County, and Nebraska in general, need protected from predators like Mr. Evans, predators that prey on some of the most vulnerable in our society.

Defense attorney Kelly Breen asked the court to consider a shorter sentence, saying Evans has a minimal criminal history that consists mostly of traffic violations.

Its a question of can he return to society a rehabilitated person, Breen said. I believe the evidence of the presentence investigation is that he can.

Evans was an employee at BSDC at the time of the alleged sexual assault.

In October 2021, investigators with the State Patrol were notified of allegations Evans had sexually assaulted a 34-year-old resident.

The victim told an employee that she was sexually assaulted by Evans, who the arrest warrant referred to as a supervisor.

The victim told the worker that Evans had raped her and did something to her in the bathroom. The worker took the victim to Beatrice Community Hospital, and eventually Bryan Health West in Lincoln.

A State Patrol investigator was told by a sexual assault nurse examiner that the injuries were amongst the worst she had ever observed and included vaginal and anal trauma.

While at Bryan the victim told the investigator Evans had also placed her in the shower and sexually assaulted her again before using a towel to clean both of them and then throwing the towel in a dumpster.

Authorities searched the dumpster outside of the victims residence in the 3000 block of Peterson Boulevard. During the search they found a trash bag that contained a bloody towel, pajama pants and underwear. Testing was done that connected the items to DNA from Evans, as well as the victim.
WING takes flight: Network empowers women in Ghana's insurance industry

Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 20 - 2023 , 15:51

Today marks a pivotal moment for women in Ghana's insurance industry with the launch of the Women in Insurance Network of Ghana (WING).

This all-inclusive network, spearheaded by Lena Adu-Kofi, aims to empower women and bridge the gap they face in professional growth and leadership within the sector.

The CEO of Safety Insurance Brokers Limited and Chairperson of WING, Mrs. Adu-Kofi said despite comprising over 60% of the industry's 1.6 million workforce, women occupy only 19% of board seats and 12% of top executive positions.

This stark underrepresentation extends globally, with a mere 8% of insurance companies offering formal career development programs for women and only 35% of independent agencies led by women.

"The situation in Ghana reflects the global picture," Mrs. Adu-Kofi stated.

"Lack of leadership opportunities, underrepresentation, and unequal pay hold women back. WING aims to dismantle these barriers by fostering a supportive network where women can mentor, encourage, and celebrate each other's achievements."

WING extends its invitation beyond the insurance industry, welcoming women from diverse sectors like banking, finance, healthcare, and law, whose work intersects with insurance. The network's platform will foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development, paving the way for women to rise to leadership positions across all spheres.

Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh echoed the need for a unified platform to nurture and empower women, while Acting Commissioner of Insurance Kofi Andoh underscored the importance of engaging younger generations. He emphasized the need to demystify the industry and encourage young women at the tertiary level through mentorship and education.
Seek experts advice on lithium agreement - Minority Leader to House of Chiefs

Shirley Asiedu-Addo & Francisca Eshun Politics Dec - 21 - 2023 , 06:53

The Minority leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has asked the Central Regional House of Chiefs to engage experts to ensure their communities had a fair deal in the lithium mining agreement.

Addressing the Central Regional House of Chiefs meeting last Thursday, Dr Forson said it was important that the custodians of the land and the people had a fair deal in whatever agreement is reached eventually.

He said the Minority owed it a responsibility to educate the House of Chiefs further to the agreement to ensure that the chiefs and people, especially the youth had their fair share of the resource to improve their well-being and that of their communities.

He said while the agreement, as it stood, indicated that 4.5 per cent of explored lithium would go to the custodians of the land, the chiefs and people needed an expert to scrutinise the agreement to understand who the agreement recognises as custodians and owners of the land.

Mr Forson queried who according to the agreement the custodians of the land were.

He said such an agreement involving the exploration of natural resources needed two thirds of Parliament to approve, which would be at least 184 parliamentarians.

Concensus needed

The Minority Leader said that would require proper consensus without which the approval could not happen.

He charged the chiefs, particularly those on whose land the resource was situated to speak out on the agreement and ensure that the right thing was done.

He said the agreement was not valid until Parliament approved it, saying that the resource was the new gold and must be protected in the interest of the Ghanaian people.

Concerns

Dr Forson said while individuals, civil societies, government and political parties had all expressed their stances on the agreement, Parliament would have to approve first.

Unfortunately, he said, "we are hearing the company in question intends to start mining the resource before the agreement is considered by Parliament.

He stated that as a Minority in Parliament, they would insist that the agreement was laid before Parliament for the necessary scrutiny in the interest of the country.

The President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefou Amoakwa Boadu said the House has had 74 judicial sittings and disposed of ten of the cases, leaving 46 others pending before it.

He said the goal of the House was to work to ensure that the region was the most progressive in the country, saying that the House sought to achieve this on the three pillars of peace, safety and development.

He said the house was planning to celebrate the "Afahye kese" to coincide with the black history month in America to promote tourism.

Regional minister

The Central Regional Minister, Justina Marigold Assan, in a speech read on her behalf, said the RCC was monitoring the ongoing public discourse about the content of the Lithium agreement initiated by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and would update the House accordingly.

Mrs Assan commended the Central Regional House of Chiefs for taking prudent steps through the Asomdwee Project to resolve most of the protracted chieftaincy disputes in this Region.
Convert OSP into Office of Attorney General  PPP

Daily Graphic Politics Dec - 21 - 2023 , 06:58

The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) has called for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to be converted in the Office of the Attorney-General (AG) to enhance the fight against corruption in the country.

It said until that was done, there was no way the OSP could effectively work to deal with issues of corruption.

The PPP made the call in a statement signed and issued by its National Secretary, Remy Paa Kow Edmundson, dated December 17, 2023, for the separation of the Minister of Justice from the AG and to convert the OSP to the Office of the AG.

This new Attorney General's Office must have a budget built on the percentage of the National Budget.

Access to its funding must be enshrined in the constitution, it said.

The party said it was in agreement with those echoing its long-held position of a total separation of the Minister of Justice from the AG, saying the AG must be for the people and the Minister of Justice as an advisor to the President.

Reasons

Clearly, the powers of the OSP are unfortunately embedded in the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, as per the OSP (Act 2017), Act 959 that created the Office.

The OSP has been ceded some powers of the AG which is, in of itself, problematic, it explained.

The OSP has been used to fulfil a propaganda campaign message just to deceive Ghanaians into believing something is being done about corruption, it observed.

The party said since 2012, it has championed the proposal for decoupling the Attorney General from the Minister of Justice as the only way to successfully win the fight against corruption, adding that the party has asked for the amendment of Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution.

The PPP holds the belief that within the context of the broader narrative, if given the power to govern in the 2024 general elections, within three months into the PPP Administration, Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution will be amended to separate the Attorney General from the Minister of Justice to enable the State successfully fight corruption head-on, it said.

Sympathy

As a party, we sympathise with the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng.

Competent as he is, he finds himself between a rock and a hard place.

The Constitution says that to be President, one must be 40 years and above.

Yet, a 43-year-old man is called a small boy and the information minister and his communication team sit silently on the fence as the office is bastardised and taken to the cleaners.

We infer from the lack of defence to mean a state-sponsored bastardisation of the OSP, it added.

Martin Amidu to Kissi Agyabeng have all cried about the lack of funding to carry out their functions.

The control of the Executive on an institution set up to fight corruption, for which political appointees are often subject matters of investigations, is not a healthy system, the PPP said.
The Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners took care of several points of business during their last meeting of the year on Tuesday, including hearing a presentation about election integrity and an update on the county's comments to the Bureau of Land Management concerning the Resource Management Plan (RMP) draft for the Rock Springs Field Office.

Election integrity

The commissioners heard an "election integrity proposal" from members of the group Cause of Wyoming, which is asking for Wyoming to return to a paper ballot and hand-count system in elections. Jeff Ramaj, Greg Penfold, Donna Guillen, and Cause of Wyoming President Patty Junek spoke to the commissioners.

"We want you to understand that we are going after the technology, not the people that run the elections," Ramaj said. "There is a problem with the machines."

Ramaj and the other speakers shared their concerns over the possibility of election machines being hackable and the possibility of technology being used to change the outcome of elections.

"We're asking you to take the appropriate steps to restore voter confidence by rejecting the use of machine technology and returning our elections to the hand of our people," Guillen said.

Commissioner Mary Thoman pointed out that Wyoming does use paper ballots and has paper poll books along with the technology that is used.

Commissioner Island Richards agreed, adding that Wyoming voters don't use screens on machines to cast their votes. Richards also noted that one of the main concerns brought forward by the presenters was that voting machines must be connected to the internet because it can't be proven that they're not, which Richards said is an appeal to ignorance, which is a logical fallacy.

"That presentation had so many logical fallacies in it that it's hard to take seriously," Richards said.

Both Richards and Chairman Keaton West also pointed out the possibility and concern of human error or bias impacting elections.

"We're creating a false dichotomy here that the only options we have is an electronic election or a hand-counted paper ballot election," Richards said. "What we do have is an electronic-counted system with back-up paper ballots, back-up paper poll books, and people watching the system the whole way."

RMP comments

The commissioners heard another update from Sweetwater County Land Use Director Eric Bingham about the county's comments on the BLM's resource management draft plan.

During their December 5 meeting, the commissioners had a more extensive conversation with Bingham to compare the maps of the changes under the draft's four proposed alternatives. In particular, they focused on the increase in Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and similar special designations, showing how much land they would take up and the restrictions they would impose.

"With the BLM throwing out a plan that just protects everything, then nothing is special," Commissioner Richards said, adding "You don't protect something by putting a fence around it and saying nobody can go there anymore."

During the December 19 meeting, Bingham told the commissioners that he, County Attorney John DeLeon, and Coalition of Local Governments Attorney Danielle Bettencourt are continuing to meet and develop comments for the county.

They are focusing on following the right format for comments in order to have standing during the protest period. They are also working to point out code violations and policy violations from the BLM and stating the potential harms and impacts, both environmental and socio-economic.

"The other thing that we have added to this that we're feeling we're having strong legal standing based on evidence we have found is a failure to coordinate with cooperating agencies in changing from preferred Alternative D to B," Bingham said, adding that there are policies requiring the BLM to meet and work with cooperators.

Commissioner Taylor Jones and Chairman West are both on Governor Gordon's task force for the RMP, and they reported on the task force having its first all-day meeting recently.

The deadline for public comment on the RMP draft is January 17.

Other business

During the December 19 meeting the commissioners heard from Planning and Zoning for a notice of intent hearing for language amendments to zoning resolutions to allow for higher density residential subdivisions. Land Use Director Bingham explained that some language changes were needed due to concerns over housing in the state and wanting to make plans to try to better address and prepare for upcoming housing needs.

During commissioner comments, Commissioner Robb Slaughter pointed out that Castle Rock Hospital District is a "recurring issue" the commissioners face as they receive emails and calls from disgruntled former employees and staff. Both he and Chairman West agreed it would be good to have more discussion on the concerns, with West saying it might be wise to have a workshop with the Board.
Thomas William Andrews, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday, December 17, 2023 at his home. He is a life-long resident of Rock Springs, Wyoming. He died following a lengthy illness.

He was born January 30, 1936 in Rock Springs, Wyoming; the son of Thomas Lester Andrews and Bette Davies.

Mr. Andrews attended schools in Rock Springs and was a 1955 graduate of Rock Springs High School. He earned his Bachelor Degree in Business from the University of Wyoming.

He married Gale Greenhalgh December 23,1955 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. She preceded him in death December 15, 2018.

Mr. Andrews was in the United States Air Force Reserves.

He was a member of the Wyoming Cowboy Joe's Club and Jaycees.

He owned and operated Colony Cooperation for18 years and retired in 1977.

He loved spending time with family and his friends, He enjoyed fishing; boating; hunting and spending time at Tom's Folly in Manila, Utah.

Survivors include his son, Thomas Michael Andrews and wife Tina of Rock Springs, Wyoming; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

The family respectfully requests donations be made in Thomas' memory to Hospice of Sweetwater County, 333 Broadway Street, Suite 220, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901

Cremation will take place; a Celebration of Life will be conducted at a later date.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.
Students at McKinley Elementary pick out gifts in the school gymnasium converted to Santa's Workshop by volunteers from Billings Clinic. Hospital staff donate gifts each year to the 310 students at the school according to Kacie Rodahl, left, who has been coordinating the program for 15 years.
Little metal bolts in the mountains are setting up a big fight in Washington between two branches of the U.S. government over how the Wilderness Act should be interpreted for rock climbing.

The fraught debate largely hinges on basic questions. Is a climbing bolt  specifically its installation, use or replacement on federal land  something that should be regulated nationwide by the federal government and mostly restricted in wilderness? Should the government remove existing bolts or close climbing routes it deems inappropriate, even if they predate the Wilderness Act? And, which branch of government should decide: Congress or agencies under the executive branch?

Under a joint proposal released last month by the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, climbing bolts would be defined as permanent installations  on par with a road, bridge or power line  and thus subject to agency review and analysis of installation, usage and maintenance. Permanent installations are generally prohibited in wilderness, and even outside of wilderness are subject to environmental analysis and agency approval before installation. Land managers would be advised to conduct law-enforcement patrols of climbing areas to ensure compliance. The guidance would mean that creating new rock, ice and mountain climbing routes  and even climbing or maintaining existing ones  could become heavily regulated and restricted by the federal government.

But a pair of bipartisan bills pending in Congress would affirm in law that climbing bolts are allowed by default in wilderness and on other federal lands, although still subject to some degree of management. If passed, the legislation would leave bolt installation, use and maintenance up to individual national parks and forests much the way it has been for decades.

The dueling congressional and executive-agency proposals have divided climbers and other conservationists over how the Wilderness Act should be interpreted and implemented across the U.S. In Montana, the changes would impact places like the Bitterroot Range's towering walls and Hyalite Canyon's pinnacles and prized winter ice routes.

Some wilderness-advocacy groups argue that permanently placing a manufactured bolt into a human-drilled hole in a rock face is fundamentally incompatible with wilderness character and should be eyed cautiously when allowed. And they fear that legislation affirming bolts' place in wilderness would lead to future reduction of wilderness protections. What if, they ask, the next bill is to allow mountain bikes in wilderness? Or vehicles?

George Nickas, executive director of Wilderness Watch, told The Colorado Sun that "the climbers are just one more recreational group trying to establish the first big chink in the armor of the Wilderness Act. This is an ongoing fight."

Climbing access groups point out that the diminutive bolts have long been allowed in wilderness and on nearly all federal public lands. The bolts are a crucial safety component for human-powered recreation, they argue, and preventing their installation, use or especially maintenance would jeopardize human safety.

Erik Murdock, interim executive director of climbing advocacy group the Access Fund, said last month that the agencies' proposed guidance would endanger climbers by preventing the installation, use or maintenance of hardware that has been commonplace in wilderness climbing and elsewhere for decades.

According to the American Bar Association, regulation of climbing bolts in the U.S. is currently "inconsistent, disjointed, and has failed to keep pace with the sports expansion. Unlike other uses of recreational resources, the Forest Service has no formal framework to guide climbing resource management decisions pursuant to its responsibility to provide for varied and accessible recreation opportunities." The ABA recommended the agency develop overarching guidance for managing climbing.

In the Bitterroot, a long-discussed climbing management plan being developed by the Forest Service has been delayed pending overarching national guidance. In response to complaints from environmental groups including Friends of the Bitterroot, the Forest Service enacted a bolting moratorium on a portion of Mill Creek in 2015. In 2020, the agency banned and criminalized new bolt installation across the entire Bitterroot National Forest  an unprecedented prohibition in the U.S. that remains in place.

The proposed agency guidance would reopen Bitterroot bolting in some circumstances, but only after agency analysis and approval for each proposed bolt or route. The bills in Congress would likely revert the policy closer to pre-2015 status.

The rules, whether from agencies or Congress, would apply anywhere climbing bolts exist or might be placed in a national forest or park: the vertical wilderness of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in California; the deep, shadowy wilderness in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado; Rocky Mountain National Park's iconic Diamond on Longs Peak in Colorado; and the Eastern climbing mecca at Kentucky's Red River Gorge.

Even obscure places with bolts, like southern Idaho's Little Fall Creek crag or Redfish Boulder, would be subject to possible change.

Groups split

Some wilderness and conservation groups have lauded the agencies' proposed guidance on bolts.

"This guidance is long overdue, especially considering the popularity of rock climbing throughout the country," the National Parks Conservation Association wrote in a statement last month. "Many of our countrys most iconic climbing sites are in designated wilderness in and around national parks. In fact, national parks like Joshua Tree and Black Canyon of the Gunnison hold some of the most popular climbing sites. But climbing has impacts, and this updated guidance is necessary to properly protect our most treasured cultural resources and bird nesting."

Kristen Brengel, the group's senior vice president of government affairs, wrote in the statement that the organization "has long supported the climbing community, who are deeply connected to our public lands and rely on the conservation of these landscapes to climb. We will continue to work with the Park Service to ensure we protect our natural wonders while also supporting lower-impact recreation activities like rock climbing."

Other groups have been more adversarial towards climbers.

In a May 1 letter urging Congress members to oppose the pending legislation to allow bolts, dozens of conservation groups from around the U.S.  including many from Montana  wrote that bolts "degrade wilderness character" and that climbers constitute "a subgroup of recreation interests" who shouldn't get special treatment.

The groups said that climbers want bolts to make climbs easier, and that "Lowering the difficulty of a climbing route to a climbers skill level by bolting goes against the essential spirit of the Wilderness Act."

The groups argued that affirming bolts' place in wilderness would open the door to mountain bikers who want to ride in wilderness, hunters and anglers who want to use wheeled game carts, airplanes and motorboats in wilderness, and event promotors who seek to hold commercial events in wilderness.

However, although bolts have long been allowed in wilderness, federal agencies have reaffirmed for decades that the other activities are not allowed.

Montana-based groups who signed the letter include Wilderness Watch, Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Bitterroot, Friends of the Wild Swan, Swan View Coalition, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, Footloose Montana and Bitterroot Audubon.

Nickas also worried that allowing bolts would begin a slippery-slope to other allowances in wilderness: "If we can waive prohibitions on installations for climbing, then why cant we waive the prohibition on motorized equipment and vehicles for recreation?"

Climbing access groups and many of the country's roughly 8 million climbers, which otherwise are often aligned with other conservation organizations, argue that the longstanding precedent of generally allowing climbing bolts on public land, including in wilderness, without prior agency review should remain unchanged.

The Access Fund, the primary climbing advocacy group in the U.S., states that it supports targeted management like site-specific area closures designed to reduce impacts to natural resources, or things like seasonal closures for raptor nesting. But the group opposes the agencies' draft limitations to bolts.

Some wilderness advocates, including The Wilderness Society, California Wilderness Society and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, have joined the Access Fund in opposing the federal agencies' proposed restrictions, and supporting the pending legislation that would affirm bolts' place in wilderness and other federal land. Polis, when he was a congressman, sponsored the 2009 legislation that designated much of Rocky Mountain National Park as wilderness. He maintains that wilderness designation was not intended to limit climbing bolts.

The Access Fund has argued that by reducing climbing activities in wilderness and other places, the agencies' proposed guidance would alienate a large constituency of climbers who largely supported wilderness protections.

The Access Fund stated in March that the proposed guidance, at that point drafted for Joshua Tree and Black Canyon of the Gunnison parks but recently considered nationally, "would upend 60 years of precedent that pitons, bolts, slings, and other fixed anchors are fundamentally allowed in Wilderness. Essentially, the park service was now saying they believed fixed anchors were instead prohibited by default."

Precedent or prohibited?

Climbing bolts technically constitute "fixed climbing anchors," but are often referred to simply as bolts because most are, in fact, bolts in rock. Bolt anchors are threaded steel studs of either 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch diameter placed into a hole drilled into rock with either a hand- or power-drill. The bolts generally hold a steel hanger plate about the size of a silver dollar. The hanger plate is bent at a 90-degree angle so that part of it protrudes from the rock surface; the protruding part has an eyelet for clipping carabiners.

Bolts have been a common feature of rock climbing for decades. Climbers generally do not use bolts to make progress up a route, but they clip their rope into bolts as they climb to catch them in case of a fall. Some climbs require climbers to place removable gear into cracks in rock, in lieu of bolts. That style of climbing, using camming devices or small steel wedges called nuts, is called traditional ("trad") or clean climbing. Trad gear sometimes comes loose during falls, and it is only useful on routes that have suitable gear placements. Climbs up smoother faces still require bolts. And some trad climbs  as well as some mountaineering or ice routes with exposed rock  feature an occasional bolt for increased safety or to rappel back down.

Although intended to stay in place for years, at minimum, bolts can be usually be removed with hand- or power-tools. Climbing groups and individuals often replace bolts that have become loose, rusted or outdated with new hardware.

Other fixed anchors include pitons, a much older and now less common form of climbing protection. Pitons are roughly finger- to palm-length steel spikes with an eyelet at one end that can be hammered into cracks or crevices. Those too can sometimes be removed with tools.

Proposals

The possible changes affecting bolts are contained in proposed guidance for the National Park Service and the Forest Service. The proposed guidance was released in draft form Nov. 16, with separate draft guidance documents for each agency. The agencies are accepting comments separately through Jan. 16.

The proposed guidance states that "bolt-intensive climbing opportunities may be incompatible with the preservation of wilderness character," which could amount to a blanket prohibition on sport climbing in wilderness.

The proposal leaves some room for occasional bolts in wilderness, but only if agency review determines bolts are absolutely necessary for a route to be climbed and to "provide outstanding opportunities for primitive or unconfined recreation." The proposal directs officials to consider whether bolts could alleviate resource damage  for example, preventing climbers from building anchors on a tree. But it also directs officials to consider whether climbers should be directed to climb somewhere else altogether.

The guidance further instructs the agencies to inventory and review existing bolts nationwide, particularly in designated wilderness, for possible removal or closure to climbing. And, starting with wilderness areas, the agencies would have to develop climbing management plans for individual units like parks and forests to govern if, how and where climbing bolt installation, use or maintenance could occur.

Broadly, the guidance affirms that climbing is an appropriate use of public lands the agencies manage, and that climbing bolts are more or less appropriate in different places depending on a variety of factors like historical use, resource impacts, human safety, recreation management and wilderness status.

Meanwhile in Congress, the Protect America's Rock Climbing Act would order federal land management agencies to recognize that "the placement, use, and maintenance of fixed anchors" is allowable in wilderness and elsewhere. The PARC Act, HR 1380, has since June been awaiting a committee report to the full House. Similar language is included in the much larger Americas Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023. That bill, S. 873, cleared the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in July and was sent to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on Nov. 1.

By affirming the historical allowance of bolts as the default, the legislation would offer nearly opposite guidance to the agencies as the draft guidance released last month.

Both bills have bipartisan support in Congress and enjoy broad support from outdoor industry groups, companies and advocacy organizations, as well some leaders from states with significant climbing areas.
Honor is working on the Magic6 series, and the first live photo of a phone from the lineup appeared online. A user on Weibo shared an image revealing the new Magic6 Pro will look a lot like its predecessor, the Magic5 Pro.

The device has three cameras, aligned in a triangle formation, with the top one having a periscope lens and there is also 100x zoom writing next to it. The user also shared a render, better explaining the overall design of the camera island.



Honor Magic6 Pro live photo & fan-made render

This image is quite different from a previously posted render, suggesting the previous image might be fake or a different phone. The new images reveal Honor is unlikely to go bold and will likely stick to the well-thought design and improve in the camera department, along with bringing the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.

Speaking about cameras, one report suggested Honor will use OmniVision's new sensor OV50K. The company did confirm we will see a Porsche Design-branded phone in January 2024, clearly meaning that's when the new flagship lineup would drop.

Source (in Chinese) | Via
Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits totaling $1,364,143 have been approved and is being processed.
Concern over the quality of care at the Northern and Southern Community Health Centers could soon see much of the control over the clinics taken from the Department of Public Health and Social Services.

The clinics have been providing health care to underserved residents in the south since 1984, and northern villages since 1998. They accept any form of insurance, and self-pay, and are almost entirely funded through grant money from the federal government.

But the clinics have only had a full time CEO onboard to run them for a few months over the past seven years, health center board president and Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares told senators during a Thursday oversight hearing.

By default, the director of Public Health takes the reigns if there is no CEO, on top of all other duties. Public Healths director also has the final say over the budget of clinics, and the health center board can only advise on spending, and has no final say.

Several board members on Thursday testified that it has led to a number of issues and expressed a desire for more control of their own operations. Having a full governing board is also apparently a requirement for the grant funding the clinics geta requirement thats flown under the radar with federal grantors until recently.

Mayor Savares said Guam is one of just 5% of federally funded community centers in the U.S. that are still run by the government, with nonprofits taking over in most cases.

Speaker Therese Terlaje has proposed Bill 209-37, which would hand control over the clinics budgeting to their board and give them the power to oversee clinic operations and the hiring of a CEO.

Public Health Deputy Director Joe John Camacho told Terlaje that we dont have a problem with that, though there still were issues with how hiring would be handled, given that the health centers would still be a part of Public Health.

Inalahan Mayor Anthony Chargualaf, the newest member of the health center board, said he wanted even more independence, and that the clinics should become their own agency.

Until we get self-autonomy, were never going to really have to governance of what we want to accomplish, Chargualaf said.

Members of the board include a mayor and municipal planning council member from the south, and three other members to be appointed by the governor.

Falling behind

Though opinions on what needed to be done to improve services at the government-run clinics differed during Thursdays hearing, a number of senators and members of the health centers board agreed that the quality of service has fallen in recent times.

Long-time board member Rey Edrosa told lawmakers that the government clinics were well regarded at one time.

When I first came in in 2005, until we have lost our CEO  we were actually doing well. The health center was growing, we managed to accumulate funds, we were even touted by the federal government as being the role model for our region, Edrosa said.

But things were different now, and following a federal site assessment in August, I am ashamed to say that we did not do well, Edrosa said.

Clinics also are currently unable to provide urgent care services, according to Public Health medical director Dr. Bob Leon Guerrero, though they can see sick patients and do transfer them to the hospital when needed.

Lack of adequate health care access in the south recently saw a number of southern villages take to the legislature to demand that a new hospital be built in the Barrigada-Mangilao area.

Leon Guerrero said the clinics have also lost the ability to perform X-rays, due to a lack of technicians and proper facilities.

Sen. Chris Barnett noted that the southern health center was fully equipped with a three-bed urgent care center that couldnt be used properly.

Dr. Vincent Akimoto, who did not testify at the hearing but watched it, told the Pacific Daily News that shortages with obstetrician-gynecologists have suspended high-risk gynecological cancer screenings, despite hundreds of thousands of taxpayers dollars already spent on sophisticated equipment and supplies.

The clinics have also recently fallen behind on billing, about five months, according to Mayor Savares, who said that they are working on an overtime plan to get caught up.

Supplies are another issue, Dr. Leon Guerrero said, with the clinics facing a holdup in getting new supplies due to delays from the Department of Administration processing purchased orders.

Speaker Terlaje compared billing and supply issues to problems at the cash-strapped Guam Memorial Hospital, its the disaster like the hospital if were going to do that.

But Public Health had made a number of steps to try and correct the ship at the clinics, said Annette Aguon, acting Chief Public Health officer. Teams were recovering from dealing with COVID-19, a fire at the old Public Health Building in Mangilao, and more recently, Typhoon Mawar.

Despite that, they managed to have outreach events in both November and December, where over 1,000 patients a month were serviced.

Control issues

Answering to Public Health has directly created a number of issues at the clinics, according to board members.

Mayor Savares said the CEO hired to run the clinics this year resigned, but board member Vicente Meno contradicted Savares during the hearing.

Meno said the board was elated to hire a CEO after years of not having one, but the director of Public Health fired her, without the boards knowledge.

Speaker Terlaje said she had confirmed the firing with Public Health, which had taken place after about a month.

Public Health Deputy Director Camacho said I dont know the specifics of that particular incident, when asked whether that sort of firing was being addressed in ongoing negotiations between the clinic board and Public Health.

The Department of Administration has also apparently taken money from the clinics.

Clinic board member Rey Edrosa, upon questioning by Terlaje, said that money for the clinic had been moved without the boards knowledge previously.

We actually sat with the director at one point and told him at least let us know, before you move funds, adding that the issue was sort of resolved.

Terlaje said it was her understanding that between $2 million and $8 million was taken from the account for the clinic.

They are saying that there is a law, which allows Department of Administration to transfer funds, Edrosa said.

Thats funny, we also have laws saying that special accounts should not be touched, Terlaje replied.

Without a CEO, leadership has defaulted to the director of Public Health.
A former Guam resident was indicted in a West Texas court this month for allegedly defrauding the federal government of over $100 million worth of money meant for youth development programs.

Janet Yamanaka Mello, maiden name Yamanaka and formerly Janet Taitano, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of mail fraud, four counts of wiring criminally obtained money, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Court documents state Mello had used the proceeds of her alleged fraud scheme, which she ran while working as a civilian for the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, to purchase high-end jewelry, clothing, vehicles, and real estate.

Federal courts are moving to seize 31 parcels of land in Texas, Washington, Maryland, Colorado, and New Mexico, which Mello allegedly purchased using ill-gotten proceeds. Also sought for forfeiture are 78 personal cars, pickup trucks, and motorcycles, among them a 1978 Toyota FJ-40 Landcruiser, a 1954 Maserati 124 GT Racer, and numerous Ducati and Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Over $10 million held in various bank accounts are also being eyed by the feds.

Mello faces a maximum of over 140 years in prison for the charges, according to the Department of Justice.

Her alleged fraud scheme began back in 2016, the indictment states, when she formed a youth services business called Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development, or CHYLD.

CHYLD was not an actual business, the indictment states.

It was formed solely for the purpose of receiving grants from the 4-H Military Partnership Grant program, a program funded by the Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide meaningful youth development opportunities for military connected children, court documents allege.

4-H program

Her indictment details the method by which Mello allegedly secured funding from the 4-H program to fund her lavish purchases.

Mello worked as financial program manager at Fort Sam Houston, where she was responsible for determining whether 4-H grants were available for entities that applied for the money. Mello made a determination that funds were available, her supervisor signed off on the award, and a check was cut and mailed out to the awardee.

In the course of her duties, she would draft fraudulent memos indicating that CHYLD was approved to receive grant money. She would submit the paperwork to her supervisor, and played on the trust she had developed over the years, in order to get an approval, documents state.

Checks for CHYLD were cut and sent to a UPS Store mailbox in the San Antonio area which Mello owned. She would pick up the check, deposit it into a bank account she controlled, and use the money to pay for her expensive purchases.

This allegedly happened over forty times over six years.

Mello is accused of securing over $100 million for herself this way.

Documents identify a number of wire transfers made by Mello to buy jewelry, vehicles, and property, for which she faces separate charges. In late 2022, Mello allegedly wired almost $800,000 directly from the account for her business to a retail store solely for jewelry purchases, in two, separate transactions.

At some point, Mello also allegedly secured the digital signature and I.D. of another person, identified as S.K. in court documents.

Bankruptcy

The creation of CHYLD in 2016 coincided with Mellos emergence from years-long bankruptcy payments, court records show.

In June of 2012, Yamanaka filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, reporting liabilities of over $130,000 and assets of just $101,868.

Her bankruptcy filing came a little over two years after the death of her late husband, Manuel Taitano, formerly a resident of Chalan Pago, based on an obituary published in the PDN. Taitano was married to Mello at the time of his death and living in Springfield, Virginia.

Mello attended a financial management course and made numerous payments to various debtors as part of her bankruptcy filing, before, in December of 2016, forming CHYLD.

Her bankruptcy case was discharged about nine months later, in August of 2017.

On Sept. 5, 2017, she and her current husband picked up a marriage certificate on Guam, PDN files show.

Melllo waived her appearance for an arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty, according to court filings. She has until Jan. 19, 2024, to enter into a plea agreement, or show cause for any delay in entering a plea.

Jury selection and trial are set to begin on Monday, Feb. 12, in a San Antonio courtroom.

Mello is 57-years-old.
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A man wanted by the Guam Police Department was arrested and later charged with attempted murder in a shooting case.

On Tuesday, GPD detectives with the Crimes Against Persons section published a wanted flyer for Adrian Bernard Fejeran, a suspect in a shooting and separate assault and family violence investigation, a release from GPD states.

The wanted flyer stated Fejeran was wanted in two separate investigations but didnt provide details of what they were.

Fejeran, 48, was charged in the Superior Court of Guam with attempted murder as a first-degree felony and aggravated assault as a second-degree felony with special allegations of possession or use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm without an identification card as a third-degree felony, a magistrates complaint states.

According to court documents, on Oct. 10 police responded to a disturbance in Humatak and met with a man who said he was shot by an unknown male. The victim said a vehicle drove by with a male and female inside and the vehicle turned around and drove by the residence again. The man heard five to seven gunshots as the vehicle passed by while he was inside the garage area and noticed he was shot in both feet, the complaint states.

Police noted serious bleeding and injuries to the mans big toe on his left foot and second toe on his right foot. Police confiscated seven 9mm brass casings from the scene, the complaint states.

On Nov. 15, police met with the man who was shot and told them he met Fejeran and believed he was the person present the night of the shooting, documents state.

Fejeran turned himself in to police on Wednesday and said there was a confrontation between him and the man who was shot, the complaint states. Fejeran said he didnt shoot at the man with a Glock 9mm pistol and didnt mean to kill the man, but only meant to scare him, documents state.

Fejeran told police he was unaware if he actually shot the man and also admitted to not having a firearms identification, the complaint states.

GPD arrest

On Wednesday, GPDs Criminal Investigation Section received a call from Tamuning Precinct informing them Fejeran self-surrendered at the precinct, the GPD release states.

Detectives took Fejeran into custody and interviewed him. Fejeran confessed to shooting a man in Humatak several times out of anger and was willing to provide the location of the Glock 45 mos (.9mm), which was registered to his mother, the release states.

Detectives recovered the firearm with the assistance of his mother and submitted as evidence soon thereafter, the release states.

In the family violence case, Fejeran admitted to getting into an altercation with his girlfriend sometime last year and both of them were throwing things out into the yard, the release states.

He said as he threw the flowerpots, his girlfriend walked into it and the pot struck her in the face, the release states. Fejeran provided written statements for both incidents.

The magistrate's complaint filed on Thursday only charged Fejeran with the shooting incident that occurred in October. He hasn't been charged in the family violence case.

On Wednesday, Fejeran was arrested on suspicion of the following:

Attempted murder

Aggravated assault

Use of a deadly weapon

Reckless conduct

Discharge of a firearm

Possession of firearm without valid ID

Assault

Family violence

Criminal mischief

He was booked and confined at the Department of Corrections and the case was closed and forwarded to the Attorney Generals Office for their information and disposition, the release states.
He shared so much, and taught so much. From the importance of humor in learning, to the importance of poetry and song in public memory and honoring those that have gone before, there is so much in his legacy to take.

Quote
Bruce Springsteen is said to be in talks to headline next year's Glastonbury.

The "Born to Run" rocker, 74, topped the festival and has reportedly been tapped up by organizers Michael and Emily Eavis to make a comeback at the event in Worthy Farm, Somerset, after Madonna, 65, apparently pulled out of the running.

A source told The Sun: "Bruce has a jam-packed summer schedule but after Michael and Emily failed to secure Madonna, they have been in talks with him.

"Bruce was sensational at BST Hyde Park and they think he is the perfect booking for Glastonbury.

"Talks with his team are ongoing and the Eavis' hope they can come to an agreement.

"Bruce headlined in 2009 and joined Sir Paul McCartney during his set in 2022 and now he is keen to return with his E Street Band.

"The organisers know they need to book someone with the same legendary status and gravitas as Madge, and Bruce would be ideal."

Bruce has had recent form for huge UK gigs, playing a three-hour set during his headline set at BST Hyde Park in London in July.

Also in the running to headline Glastonbury 2024 are Dua Lipa and Coldplay, who are also set to take slots on the festival's Pyramid Stage on the last weekend of June.

The Sun reported earlier this year Dua, 28, and Coldplay have already signed up, but claimed the costs of hosting Madonna was the reason she never signed up for next year's festival.

Bruce is set to kick off the European leg of his world tour in Wales on May 5 and his last show before Glastonbury is in Nijmegen in the Netherlands on Thursday June 27.

His schedule would just leave him time to play Glastonbury before he gets back on stage on July 2, when he is set to play in Werchter, Belgium.




Haiti - USA : Democratic senators question Joe Biden on the Haitian crisis





On Wednesday, December 19, 2023, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) sent a letter to President Joe Biden calling on the administration to address the growing insecurity and crisis current humanitarian situation in Haiti. In their letter, the senators expressed serious concerns about the lack of progress made by Haiti in establishing a legitimate, democratically elected Government supported by the Haitian constitution. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) are also co-signatories.



In their letter to President Biden, the lawmakers write: "In September of this year, you called upon the United Nations to approve the resulting security support mission to help Haiti stem the surging gang violence. However, without a functioning, democratically elected government, an international security mission will not sufficiently address the complexity of the current crisis and could effectively reinforce Henrys illegitimate and ineffective rule. Haiti needs a transitional government that has credibility with the Haitian people and the ability and will to hold free and fair elections."



In their letter, the senators request answers to the following questions :



1. What is the U.S. governments assessment of its efforts to rely on Ariel Henry to stabilize Haiti and organize elections? When does the U.S. expect elections to take place?

2. Will you commit to reengaging with the civil society-led process for creating a transitional government in Haiti, without granting Ariel Henry or PHTK a de facto veto over a new transitional government?

3. Will you commit to moving forward with targeted Global Magnitsky Act sanctions on Haitian elites and officials responsible for colluding with violent gangs and engaging in significant acts of corruption, including relevant leaders of PHTK?

4. What additional steps will you take to stop the flow of heavy weapons and ammunition into Haiti from the U.S. and through the Dominican Republic?



Download the letter from Democratic Senators to Biden (English PDF) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/letter_on_haitian_elections.pdf



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Alert Canada, avoid all travel to Haiti





Avoid all travel to Haiti due to the threat of kidnappings, gang-related violence and possible civil unrest throughout the country. The security situation remains unstable in Haiti. You should consider leaving the country by commercial means if you can do so safely.



Border with the Dominican Republic :



On October 30, 2023, the Government of the Dominican Republic reopened its air border with Haiti. Land and sea borders remain closed to travellers.



Canadian citizens arriving from the Dominican Republic will be only be able to enter Haiti by air. The Embassy of Canada in Port-au-Prince cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic from Haiti by land or sea.



Security situation :



The security situation remains extremely volatile in Haiti.



Gang violence is concentrated in certain areas. It is escalating in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and extends to the Artibonite region. Gangs are increasingly attacking residential neighbourhoods and kidnapping groups of people. Armed gangs control most of Port-au-Prince.



Since April 2023, vigilante groups have violently attacked and killed alleged gang members in some neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince and in the department of Artibonite



Gatherings by protesters are spontaneous and unpredictable. They sometimes lead to clashes with security forces and violent acts. Protestors may suddecely erect roadblocks and burning barricades, disrupting major roads in various regions, including Port-au-Prince and the area around the Canadian Embassy.



Access to Toussaint-Louverture International Airport could be affected.



Telecommunications and Internet access could also be disrupted.



Crime rates are high in large centres such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs operate, as well as near the border with the Dominican Republic.



The number of violent incidents has been increasing since 2020, especially kidnappings in and around Port-au-Prince.



There has also been an increase in home invasions. These incidents generally occur in middle-class neighbourhoods, but have increased in number in affluent neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince and outside Petion-Ville.



Criminality increases in the periods leading up to the holiday season in December, Carnival in February or March and the beginning of the school year in late August or early September.



Foreigners are viewed as wealthy and may arouse envy. To avoid becoming a target:



Metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince :



Several areas in greater Port-au-Prince continue to be dangerous due to criminal activity and kidnappings. Local authorities may have difficulties assisting during an emergency in these areas :



- Artibonite Central

- Bas-Delmas

- Bel Air

- Carrefour

- Carrefour Drouillard

- Champs-de-Mars

- Cite Soleil

- Croix-des-Bouquets

- Downtown Port-au-Prince

- Fontamara

- Jalousie

- Laboule 12

- Martissant

- Portail Leogane

- Road to the airport

- Santo

- Tabarre

- Torcelle

- Toussant Brave



Police presence is not guaranteed in these areas and your personal safety might be at risk. Due to the local environment, security forces may not be able to provide emergency assistance in due time.





Pour plus de details et conseils visitez : https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/haiti#risk



Advice for women travellers : https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/advice-for-women-travellers



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2023/12/20 | Source

New stills added for the upcoming Korean movie "Star of Ulsan" (2024)

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Directed by Jung Ki-hyuk

With Kim Geum-soon, Choi Woo-bin, Jang Min-young-I, Do Jung-hwan, Im Hyeong-tae, Byun Joong-hee,...

Synopsis

Star of Ulsan calmly captures a way of life that is silently collapsing. Yunhwa, who works at a shipyard to manage their livelihood after her husbands accident, receives a notice of unfair dismissal. To make matters worse, their relatives suddenly come and try to take away the family land. Her son loses a large sum of money with Bitcoin, and her daughter dreams of escaping to Seoul while giving up her studies. Instead of resolving the misfortunes and conflicts surrounding the characters at once or erasing them neatly, the film chooses to stare at the uncomfortable situations as long as possible. In that way, the film, which makes it impossible to turn away from the stains and fatigue of life, reminds us of moments and things that cannot be turned away and should not be turned away. It is trustworthy because the characters do not give up hope nor indulge in self-pity easily. SONG Kyung-won

27th Busan International Film Festival

Release date in Korea : 2024/01/24
A court-imposed Friday deadline for the North Dakota Legislature to redraw its legislative district boundaries will stand, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday, just hours after the Legislatures Redistricting Committee adjourned without a new map selected.

The Legislature earlier this month had asked the 8th Circuit for an emergency extension on the Dec. 22 deadline to Feb. 9, 2024. It also filed to intervene in the case as North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe appeals the district court ruling that voided the map lawmakers drew two years ago, arguing that it has an interest in defending its enacted legislation and has different legal priorities than the Secretary of States Office.

The 8th Circuit rejected the extension request. A decision on the request to intervene is pending.

U.S. District Chief Judge Peter Welte ruled in November that North Dakotas current legislative map, which was drawn in 2021, prevents Native American voters from having an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice." The decision came in a lawsuit filed by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Spirit Lake Tribe, who offered two alternative maps.

Welte gave Howe and the Legislature until Dec. 22 "to adopt a plan to remedy the violation. Howe last week failed at efforts to get the judge and the 8th Circuit to put Welte's decision on hold.

Members of the Redistricting Committee on Wednesday indicated they won't meet the Friday deadline. Two legislators presented new maps, and committee chair Sen. Ron Sorvaag, R-Fargo, said members would meet again, likely in the new year, for another public hearing-style meeting where residents can weigh in on the options.

History of the case

The tribes allege the map diluted Native Americans voting power as it simultaneously packs Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians members into one House district, and cracks Spirit Lake Tribe members out of any majority Native House district.

Welte ruled in their favor, saying the redrawn legislative districts violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Howe has announced plans to appeal, citing a recent 8th Circuit ruling in an Arkansas case as a factor in his decision. That ruling concluded citizens cant challenge racial gerrymandering through the Voting Rights Act. That right lies with the U.S. attorney general, the ruling said.

The tribes opposed the Legislature's failed attempt at extending the deadline for a new map, but so did Howe. He indicated that a delay in the deadline would impact statewide election timelines and could insert significant confusion, hardship and unfairness into the administration and campaigning processes for the 2024 election.

Howe doesn't oppose the Legislature's move to intervene, as his office and the Legislature have different responsibilities under the state Constitution, according to a filing, and therefore both parties have different interests.

The tribes argue that the Legislature doesnt have standing, as only the Attorney General is authorized to defend the enforceability of state laws in federal courts. They also claimed the secretary of states defense was adequate and the Legislatures motion to intervene was untimely and lacked a protectable interest.

Redistricting Committee

Lawmakers considered the two maps included in the November court ruling -- both of which include a single legislative district encompassing the two reservations, which are about 60 miles apart -- as well as two additional proposals, during Wednesdays committee meeting. They ultimately took no action, effectively ensuring the state won't meet the deadline.

The two maps presented by the plaintiffs didnt go over well with some members of the committee, with Sorvaag saying the tribes preferred map makes absolutely no sense. Thats in part because of its removal of the town of Rolla, which is home to 515 Native Americans, from the same district as the Turtle Mountain Reservation, he said.

He also expressed skepticism about the tribes second map -- an iteration of which was presented late in the 2021 redistricting process -- as well as the creation process of the two maps as a whole.

Multiple lawmakers seemed likely to write off both maps proposed by the tribes, saying they dont have an appropriate level of knowledge about the creators of the proposed maps and the motivations behind some of the changes.

Leaders of the two tribes did not attend the meeting, which saw limited public input, but they did submit written testimony in favor of the two maps the court provided to the Legislature.

In written testimony, the leaders underscored the fact that their proposed maps "comport with traditional redistricting principles," according to Welte. They urged the Legislature to "adopt a redistricting plan that complies with the VRA and protects the right to vote of all voters."

University of Colorado-Boulder law professor Doug Spencer told the Tribune that plaintiffs are required to propose some maps to the court in every redistricting case, though remedial maps arent often identical to the ones a plaintiff proposes. Thats true even in cases in which the court is the body thats responsible for redrawing the map, he said.

Those usually are similar, but they're not the same, Spencer said. It's very unlikely that a court would ever accept the maps that the plaintiffs gave in that first phase.

A map created by Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden, that was comparable to the tribes second choice option with a wider connecting region between the two reservations and a map proposed by Sen. Judy Estenson, R-Warwick, who currently represents the Spirit Lake Nation, received a more favorable reception at the meeting. Estensons proposal included the creation of a subdistrict within District 15 that would encompass the Spirit Lake Nation and part of Devils Lake.

Neither Klein nor Estenson had discussed their proposed maps with tribal leaders ahead of Wednesdays meeting, they said.

Looking forward

In cases where a legislative map has been found unlawful, courts often give the body thats responsible for drawing the maps a reasonable shot at redrawing boundaries, according to Michael Li, senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Li said judges will often consider factors like a legislative bodys session cycle, the existing calendar and election deadlines when setting a timeline for redistricting, with each scenario requiring a different time frame.

But if a legislative body doesnt meet its deadline?

Then the court will have the equitable power to import a new map in place, perhaps appointing a special master to redraw the maps or perhaps asking the parties to submit maps and picking from among the maps, he said. But this is a relatively straightforward case, compared to if a statewide map has been struck down as being partisan and gerrymandered -- then you've got multiple districts that need to be changed.

Howe has yet to file multiple aspects of his appeal requirements, and further progress in the appeal process could still result in a stay on the decision -- though that doesnt happen in all cases, according to Li.

The appeal process could be drawn out long enough that the state is forced to use existing maps for the 2024 election, postponing any further redistricting from taking effect until a later election, Li said.

Spencer said redistricting cases are essential in the effort to protect voting rights, and North Dakota residents should be attuned to the ongoing case given its electoral implications for years to come. But so far, everything has played out as it should, which is a good sign, he said.

Voters should be paying attention to whether their Legislature is acting in good faith, whether their Legislature believes in the rule of law and is willing to follow a court order, or whether, more cynically, they're trying to game the system, Spencer said.
Helsinki is set to cross the 700,000 population mark by 2027, with projections showing a growth of nearly 250,000 residents by 2060. This growth, however, is not uniformly distributed across the city, with significant variations in demographic patterns across different districts. Notably, the city's growth is largely driven by international migration, while the proportion of Swedish-speaking residents is expected to decline.

Key Points in Helsinki's Demographic Trends

Population Milestones : As of the end of 2022, Helsinki's population stood at 664,028. The city is expected to surpass 700,000 residents in 2027, reach 722,000 by 2040, and approach 906,000 by the end of the forecast period in 2060.

Growth Drivers : The primary drivers of population growth are migration, especially from abroad, and natural increase, despite a projected rise in the number of deaths due to aging population.

Aging Population : The most significant growth is expected in the oldest age groups, with the number of residents aged 75 and over projected to increase by 15,000 by the end of 2030 and nearly 30,000 by 2040.

Children and Youth: The number of children under school age (06 years) is expected to increase slightly, with an additional 5,000 children by 2040. The primary school-age group (715 years) will see a more modest growth.

Regional Disparities in Growth

High-Growth Areas : The Central district of Helsinki is forecasted to experience the most growth. Areas undergoing significant housing development, such as Kalasatama, Central and North Pasila, Kruunuvuorenranta, Yliskyla, Vuosaari, and the Malmi Airport area, are expected to see the largest population increases.

Declining Areas: Conversely, some parts of Helsinki are projected to experience a population decrease.

Changes in Linguistic Demographics

Swedish-speaking Population: While the number of Swedish-speaking residents is expected to grow by about 7,000 by 2060, their proportion of Helsinkis total population is projected to decrease from 5.6% to 5.0%.

Implications for Urban Development

These demographic trends highlight the need for strategic urban development and planning in Helsinki. The growth in various districts necessitates tailored approaches to infrastructure, housing, and community services. Additionally, the decline in certain areas underscores the importance of revitalizing and investing in these neighborhoods to ensure balanced urban growth and maintain the citys cultural diversity.

As Helsinki continues to evolve, these demographic shifts present both challenges and opportunities for city planners, policymakers, and residents alike. The city's ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial in shaping its future as a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable urban center.

HT
My own starting point is provisionally that we as the EU should strive for a 90-per-cent drop in emissions in 2040, he said to Helsingin Sanomat in Brussels on Monday.

FINLAND may be struggling to reach the climate targets of the EU for 2030, but Minister of Climate and the Environment Kai Mykkanen (NCP) is prepared to increase the level of ambition significantly for the next decade.

The European Commission is presently drafting its proposal for climate targets for the next decade, and the expectation is that will demand that the pace of emission reductions be accelerated. The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change has recommended that the target be set to 9095 per cent, receiving support from the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra.

The current target is to reduce emissions from the level of 1990 by 55 per cent by 2030.

Mykkanen on Monday revealed that he stressed to his colleagues that setting the target to 90 per cent will require that the union reform its climate policy in a way that promotes the adoption of more cost-efficient reduction measures across Europe.

It cant be that the burden-sharing sector is divided so that some member states have a 10-per-cent goal for emission reductions and others a 50-per-cent one, like Finland and Sweden currently do, he said to the newspaper.

As the 27-country bloc is mulling over additional climate measures, several of its members are struggling to reach the current 55-per-cent target.

The European Commission on Monday published its assessments of the climate and energy plans of 21 member states, concluding that additional measures are necessary. Also the Finnish plan was deemed insufficient: it, for example, fails to demonstrate how the country intends to halve emissions in the burden-sharing sector, which includes emissions from agriculture, heating and transport.

The key challenge for the country, however, is the continuing contraction of the carbon sink of forests, a development that is leaving it further and further behind the union-wide goal to grow carbon sinks.

Net removals have, notably, been diminishing since 2015, culminating in net emissions in 2021, underscoring the need for climate action, reads the assessment for Finland.

The European Commission has asked Finland to submit a concrete plan, with both new measures and estimates of their impact, for strengthening carbon sinks in the land-use sector by next summer. Mykkanen said the government will make a decision on measures to strengthen carbon sinks in its energy and climate strategy, which is to be drawn up next autumn.

This government has to adopt new measures to strengthen sinks, he conceded.

Statistics Finland last week published preliminary data indicating that emissions from the land-use sector have continued to increase, with the emissions exceeding removals by 4.5 million tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalents. The sector was earlier estimated to have returned to a net sink by the narrow margin of one million tonnes.

Mykkanen on Sunday stated to Helsingin Sanomat that the news does change the calculations of the government dramatically.

This doesnt swing the scale significantly, he said, reminding that a one-million-tonne sink would have been far from sufficient. The basic problem is that the carbon sink cant be close to zero.

The news also does not jeopardise the national carbon-neutrality goal for 2035, according to Mykkanen.

The total emissions of the country declined by three per cent last year. Mykkanen said it is positive that emissions from transport decreased despite the government decision to temporarily lower the distribution obligation for renewable fuels.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Over the past decade , Helsinki has experienced a notable rise in the overall education level of its population, attracting a highly educated workforce. However, this upward trend in education has not been uniformly distributed across the city's various districts. A new publication from the City Office reveals that the most significant disparities are evident between areas with the highest and lowest levels of education, although some narrowing of these differences is being observed.

Varied Educational Progress Across Helsinki

While all districts in Helsinki have seen a decline in the number of residents without post-basic education, the increase in higher education levels is more pronounced in certain areas. The shift is particularly evident in the 2544 age group, where fewer individuals now have only a secondary education as their highest qualification. Younger generations are increasingly pursuing education beyond secondary level. However, in some districts with historically lower education levels, the rise in educational attainment has primarily translated into a higher prevalence of secondary education qualifications rather than university degrees.

Persistent Educational Disparities

Despite overall progress, educational disadvantage in Helsinki is still concentrated in specific districts, particularly in the eastern and northeastern parts of the city. These areas have remained relatively unchanged in terms of their low educational profile, despite a decrease in the proportion of residents without any qualifications. High-education areas have not attracted a significant number of residents from these less educated districts.

Positive Developments in Previously Low-Education Areas

Many previously low-education suburban areas in Helsinki have shown positive development, with a growing proportion of highly educated residents. This trend indicates that the gap between these areas and higher-education districts is narrowing. Overall, the pace of regional segregation based on education levels seems to be slowing.

Focusing on Underdeveloped Areas

To prevent further concentration of disadvantage, it's crucial to focus on developing areas that have lagged behind. Many of these districts are designated urban renewal areas, receiving special attention and investment in Helsinki's current strategic period.

The findings suggest that targeted development can influence the attractiveness of an area, contributing to the narrowing of educational disparities. However, addressing poverty and other forms of disadvantage, as well as preventing intergenerational cycles of disadvantage, remains critical in preventing further deepening of inequality.

This analysis, part of a new publication by the City Office, examines the evolution and direction of Helsinki's districts from the perspective of the population's educational structure.

HT
The upcoming opening of the kood/Sisu coding school in Savilahti, Kuopio, scheduled for March, has garnered significant interest, attracting over 1000 applicants from 23 different nationalities. The school's innovative approach to software development education, focusing on practical, work-oriented learning rather than traditional academic qualifications, has resonated with a diverse group of aspirants, including those from Estonia, Spain, and Colombia.

Inclusive Education for a Diverse Student Body

Kood/Sisus philosophy emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity in tech education. Prospective students are not required to have prior experience or education in the field, making the school an attractive option for career switchers and beginners alike. Notably, 40% of the applicants enrolled in the upcoming sprints already hold a college degree, indicating the school's appeal to a wide range of learners.

Continuous Enrollment and Limited Sprint Seats

The schools unique admission process includes a web-based test followed by an intensive three-week programming sprint. The test is available year-round, but sprint seats are limited to 175 candidates per session. The first sprint, scheduled for late January in Kuopio, has already filled over 70% of its capacity, with strong enrollment for the subsequent February sprint. Successful sprint participants will begin their studies at kood/Sisu in March.

Uncertainty Over Study Grants

While the education at kood/Sisu is free, the matter of student financial aid eligibility remains unresolved. Laura Nykanen, the director of kood/Sisu, expressed hope for a swift resolution in collaboration with Yla-Savon Vocational College and the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela). The decision will significantly impact students ability to finance their studies.

A Thriving Educational Hub in Savilahti

The school will be located in Savilahti, an area burgeoning with educational and corporate opportunities. The district is home to a unique multi-level campus including Savon Vocational College, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Eastern Finland, forming a vibrant community of around 17,500 students. Nykanen envisions strong collaboration potentials with local businesses and educational institutions, fostering growth and innovation in the region.

Innovative Learning Environment

The school's facilities, designed by the planning office Hiili & Timantti, emphasize versatility, catering to both focused work and casual interaction. The absence of traditional classrooms and the inclusion of relaxation areas like lounges, game rooms, and kitchens aim to support student well-being. The industrial-style space will be accented with kood/Sisus brand colors, striking a balance between femininity and masculinity.

As kood/Sisu prepares to welcome its diverse cohort, it stands out as a progressive model in tech education, poised to contribute significantly to the software industry's growth and diversity.

HT
The daughter [0]

By Peter Bichsel [1]

Translated by xia23

In the evening they waited for Monika. She worked in the city, the train connections are bad. They, he and his wife, sat at the table and waited for Monika. Since she worked in the city, they did not eat until at 7:30. Previously they had eaten one hour earlier. Now they waited for one hour every day at a table which was set, at their seats, the father at the top seat of the table, the mother on the chair near the kitchen door, they waited in front of Monicas empty seat. Later they also waited in front of the steaming coffee, the butter, the bread and the marmalade.

She was taller than her mother, she was also blonde and had the fine skin like her taunt Marias. She was always a nice kid, the mother said, while they were waiting.

In her room she had a record player, and she often brought records back from the city, and she knew who sang on the records. She had also a mirror and various bottles and jars, a Moroccan leather stool, a pack of cigarettes.

The father also picked up his pay envelope from a woman clerk. Then he saw many stamps on a rack, and was amazed by the sound of the adding machine, the blonde hair of the young lady, she said youre welcome, when he thanked her.

Monika stayed in the city at noon, she ate a little something, as she said, in a tea room. She was then a young lady smoking in the tea room with a smile.

They often asked her, what she has done in the city, in the office. She did not know what to say.

At least they then tried to imagine exactly, how she casually flips and shows her commuter ticket in her red case in the train, how she walks along the platform, how she talks animatedly with her girlfriends on her way to the office, how she smiles in response to a gentlemans greeting.

And then they imagined many times at this hour, how she comes home, with a purse and a fashion magazine under her arm, her perfume; they imagined how she sits in her seat, how they would then eat together.

Soon she will take a room in the city, they know that, and that they would then eat at 6:30, and that the father would read his newspaper again after work, that there would be no more room for the record player, no more hour of waiting. On the cupboard there was a Swedish glass vase, a vase from the city, a gift suggestion from the fashion magazine.

She is like your sister, the woman said, she has everything from your sister. Do you remember how beautifully your sister could sing?

Other girls smoke too, said the mother.

Yes, he said, Ive also said that too.

Her girlfriend has recently married, the mother said.

She will also get married soon, he thought, she will live in the city.

Recently he asked Monika: Say something in French.  yes, the mother had repeated, say something in French. She did not know what to say.

She can also be a stenographer, he just thought. That would be too difficult for us, they said to each other.

Then the mother put her coffee on the table. I have heard the train, she said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[0]. Die Tochter. Peter Bichsel, p. 39. Der Weg zum Lesen. 3rd Ed. Harcourt Brace College Publishers, New York

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Tochter_(Peter_Bichsel)

The Daughter (Peter Bichsel)

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The Daughter is a short story by the Swiss writer Peter Bichsel . It appeared in 1964 in the volume Actually Mrs. Blum would like to get to know the milkman , a collection of 21 short and short stories by the author.

Contents

The short story describes a married couple who wait every evening to have dinner with their daughter, who works in the office in the city. In taciturn dialogues and snippets of thoughts from the parents, Bichsel shows that they admire their daughter and at the same time fear losing her. The double distance between parents and their child is developed in small details.

The attitude of the father, a simple worker, becomes clear when he speaks respectfully of the office lady in his company who pays him his wages. The mother admires the appearance of the daughter, who is taller than her, also blonder and had the skin, the fine skin of Aunt Maria. Both admire the daughter's abilities, her knowledge of foreign languages ??and shorthand. The parents try in vain to imagine their daughter's life in the office and in the city.

The gap is widened by changes in the lives of the younger generation. The parents try to accept that their daughter is growing up. They admire her knowledge of music and try in vain to imagine what it's like in the bars where their daughter spends her lunch break.

Topics

The core theme of the short story is communication problems, exacerbated by the gap between generations and social differences. There is only a superficial exchange of opinions between the parents, and attempts to talk to the daughter about her life fail. The parents' uneventful lives appear entangled in fixed but empty rituals. Since the daughter brings a little color into the parents' lives, the daughter's expected move out appears to be a threat that the parents have nothing to counter.

Soon she would get a room in the city, they knew that, and that they would eat again at half past seven, that her father would read his newspaper again after work, that then there would be no room with a record player anymore, none Hour of waiting more

Applications

Bichsel's short story has the prototypical characteristics of the short story and can therefore be found in numerous reading books as an introductory text for this genre. The text also contains numerous so-called blank spaces. Such open questions about the content provide an opportunity for creative development of the story and for one's own writing. Wolf Wondratschek presented such a literary treatment with his short story Lunch Break. While Bichsel's text examines the daughter's life solely from the parents' perspective, Wondratschek shows the daughter's lunch break in a cafe, dreaming of "catastrophes" that could make her late: men who approached her and with whom she fell in love .

Texts

Peter Bichsel , The Daughter, from: Mrs. Blum actually wants to get to know the milkman, (21 stories), first published in 1964, current edition Frankfurt am Main (Suhrkamp) 1993, ISBN 3-518-22125-6

Wolf Wondratschek , Lunch Break, from: The day used to start with a gunshot wound, Munich (Hanser) 1969, pp. 5253

Web links

[1]. Peter Bichsel is described as a Switzerland writer, whose stories of superficial simplicity conceal some subtlety. p. 109, Bertelsmann Universal Lexikon, Wissen Media Verlag GmbH, Gutersloh/Munchen, 2002

In Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Bichsel

Peter Bichsel (born 24 March 1935) is a popular Swiss writer and journalist representing modern German literature. He was a member of the Gruppe Olten.

Bichsel was born 1935 in Lucerne, Switzerland, the son of manual labourers. Shortly after he was born, the Bichsels moved to Olten, also in Switzerland. After finishing school, he became an elementary school teacher, a job which he held until 1968. From 1974 to 1981 he was the personal advisor and speech writer of Willy Ritschard,[1] a member of the Swiss Federal Council. Between 1972 and 1989 he made his mark as a "writer in residence" and a guest lecturer at American universities. Bichsel has lived on the outskirts of Solothurn for several decades.

He started publishing short lyric works in newspapers. In 1960, he got his first success in prose as a private printer. In the winter of 1963-1964 he took part in writing course in prose taught by Walter Hollerer.

One of his first and most well-known works is And Really Frau Blum Would Very Much Like to Meet the Milkman. Just as successful, Children's Stories, intended for adults, is written in the form of droll tales for children. Both books were translated from the German by English poet Michael Hamburger. A theme of Bichsel's works for younger readers is the stubborn desire of children to take words literally and wreak havoc on the world of communicated ideas. In the early 1970s and 1980s, Bichsel's journalistic work pushed his literary work mainly into the background. Only Der Busant (1985) and Warten in Baden-Baden appeared again with the Bichsel style that was so familiar to German readers. Peter Bichsel gave up being a professional teacher early in his lifetime, yet he has continued to teach his readers that the drudgery and banality of life is of our own making. Conversely, we have every opportunity to prevent our lives from being boring. This theme has helped make Peter Bichsel a symbol of German literary work today.

In 1981, he was a member of the jury at the 31st Berlin International Film Festival.[2]

Peter Bichsel's estate is archived in the Swiss Literary Archives in Bern.

Peter Bichsels autograph

Short story collections[edit]

Versuche uber Gino (1960)

Eigentlich mochte Frau Blum den Milchmann kennenlernen (1964) And really Frau Blum would very much like to meet the milkman. Translated by Michael Hamburger. London, Calder & Boyars (1968)

Die Jahreszeiten (1967)

Kindergeschichten (1969)

Des Schweizers Schweiz (1969)

Inhaltsangabe der Langeweile (Horspiel, 1971)

Geschichten zur falschen Zeit (Kolumnen, 1979)

Der Leser (1982)

Schulmeistereien (1985)

Der Busant (recits, 1985)

Irgendwo anderswo (1986)

Mochten Sie Mozart gewesen sein ? (1990)

Im Gegenteil (1990)

Zur Stadt Paris(1993) To the city of Paris. Text German/English. Translated by Michael Kuttner. Kolkata, Tarjama (2007)

Gegen unseren Brieftrager konnte man nichts machen. (1995)

Die Totaldemokraten (1998)

Cherubin Hammer und Cherubin Hammer (1999)

Alles von mir gelernt (2000)

Eisenbahnfahren (2002)

Doktor Schleyers isabellenfarbige Winterschule (2003)

Das susse Gift der Buchstaben(2004)

Wo wir wohnen (2004)

Cherubin Hammer und Cherubin Hammer (2005)

Kolumnen, Kolumnen (2005)

Further reading[edit]

Peter Bichsel. in: World authors, 1975-1980. Ed. Vineta Colby. New York: Wilson, 1985. ISBN 978-0-8242-0715-1

Rolf Jucker (ed.), Peter Bichsel. Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1996. ISBN 978-0-7083-1380-0

External links[edit]

[3] . In amazon, there is a book called Analysis and interpretation for the shortstory the daughter by Peter Bichsel with a lesson plan for the 10th grade:

(Analyse und Interpretation der Kurzgeschichte "Die Tochter von Peter Bichsel mit Unterrichtsentwurf fur eine 10. Klassenstufe)

https://www.amazon.com/Analyse-Interpretation-Kurzgeschichte-Unterrichtsentwurf-Klassenstufe/dp/3640690990/ref=sr_1_1?crid=183A049F8VQQR&keywords=Analyse+und+Interpretation+der+Kurzgeschichte+%C2%BFDie+Tochter%C2%BF+von+Peter+Bichsel+mit+Unterrichtsentwurf+f%C3%BCr+eine+10.+Klassenstufe+Janina+Schnormeier&qid=1700659288&sprefix=analyse+und+interpretation+der+kurzgeschichte+die+tochter+von+peter+bichsel+mit+unterrichtsentwurf+f%C3%BCr+eine+10.+klassenstufe+janina+schnormeier%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1

There are 36 pages for $40.9.

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A substitute teacher was instructing a fourth-grade class in Austin last month when the school got an urgent call: remove the teacher from campus at once! The unvetted substitute, Alexander Jeffrey Hill, had just been flagged by the Texas Department of Family Protective Services for an alleged incident at another school.

And as they were escorting Hill off the campus of IDEA Public Schools, three students that had been in his classroom complained, one saying that the teacher "grabbed their private parts," another child saying he whispered in their ear, and a third who said the teacher "began to push them against the wall with his groin," according to an affidavit, via KXAN.

Rep. James Talarico (DTX) soon after sent a statement that blamed the incident, at least in part, on Governor Greg Abbott's negligence: "I'm deeply concerned by reports that substitute teachers haven't been properly vetted, particularly in light of the current teacher shortage. That's why we need to fully fund our neighborhood schools and why Governor Abbott should stop his extreme attacks on public education. I'll be looking for real, bipartisan solutions to keep this from ever happening again."

And IDEA Public Schools sent this to KXAN:

IDEA is aware of allegations of indecency with a child involving a substitute teacher at one campus and allegations of prior improper behavior involving the same substitute teacher at another campus. The substitute teacher is no longer on the campuses. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement in the investigation. IDEA takes all allegations of abuse seriously and has taken actions in accordance with the law and network policy. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to share further details. All questions should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Hill has since been arrested and charged with indecency with a child.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Moscow, USSR  Big news! Russia make first electric car  Avtotor Amber. People say, "It's ugly," but no! In Russia, we see beauty where others see not. This car is not just car. It is symbol. Symbol of Soviet strength and smart.

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Contact: Soviet Union Public Relations
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The graphic then compared three near-verbatim Trump quotes to words plucked from the writings and speeches of Adolph Hitler, such as: (Trump) "We will root out" my political opponents that "live like vermin" within our country." (Hitler) Jews are "vermin" and "pests" that must be "exterminated." And (Trump) Immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country." (Hitler) "Contamination of the blood" by an "inferior race" will lead to the fall of Germany.

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From Politico:

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This week brings some exciting developments in the zodiac. Venus and Mercury will transit into the sign of Scorpio, and Mars will enter Sagittarius. Additionally, we will celebrate Kannada Hanuman Jayanthi, a special occasion in the Kannada calendar. To top it off, the week concludes with Margashirsha Purnima, a full moon day. Auspicious muhuratas are available for buying property and vehicles. Let's explore this weeks important Panchanga details for New Delhi, NCT, India. Get weekly Panchang to determine auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position.

Shubh Muhurat This Week

According to Vedic Astrology, the odds of accomplishing a task successfully are significantly enhanced if they are carried out during an auspicious muhurta. An auspicious muhurta provides us with the best outcome possible according to our destiny if we execute the work in harmony with the cosmic timeline. That is why it is essential to take muhurta into account while commencing any auspicious work. This weeks Shubh Muhurat for various activities is as follows:

Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here

Vivah Muhurat : No Auspicious Marriage Muhurat is available this week

: No Auspicious Marriage Muhurat is available this week Griha Pravesh Muhurat : No Auspicious Muhurat is available this week

: No Auspicious Muhurat is available this week Property Purchase Muhurat : Auspicious Muhurat is available this week on December 28, Thursday (07:13 AM to 01:05 AM, Dec 29)

: Auspicious Muhurat is available this week on December 28, Thursday (07:13 AM to 01:05 AM, Dec 29) Vehicle Purchase Muhurat: Auspicious muhurta is available this week on December 24, Sunday (09:19 PM to 05:54 AM, Dec 25)

Upcoming Planetary Transits This Week

In Vedic astrology, planetary transits are particularly crucial since they are the principal way of anticipating changes and advances in life. Planets move on a daily basis and go through several nakshatras and rashis in the process. It assists in comprehending the nature and characteristics of events as they occur. Here are the upcoming transits this week:

Venus enters Scorpio sign on December 25 (Monday) at 06:55 AM

Mars enters Sagittarius on December 28 (Thursday) at 12:36 AM

Venus enters Anuradha Nakshatra on December 28 (Thursday) at 01:02 AM

Mercury enters Jyeshtha Nakshatra on December 28 (Thursday) at 10:39 AM

Mercury enters Scorpio sign on December 28 (Thursday) at 10:39 AM

Upcoming Festivals This Week

Mokshada Ekadashi (Friday, December 22): On this day, people seek spiritual liberation through fasting, praying and donating to others. This day is said to be forgiving for all past sins and leads one the way to moksha.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Saturday, December 23): Vakunta Ekadashi, which opens the heavenly gates for Lord Vishnus abode, is a Hindu festival. Visiting temples, singing hymns and observing austerities are some rituals Hindus perform on this significant day to achieve salvation or divine grace.

Ravi Pradosh Vrat (Sunday, December 24): Ravi Pradosh Vrat is a sacred day in the Hindu culture that marks the occurrence of a Sunday and a Pradosh Vrat, which honours Lord Shiva. The devotees undertake fasting, conduct rituals and pray to seek blessings, which are thought to ease sin and good fortune.

Kannada Hanuman Jayanthi (Sunday, December 24): On this day, the birth of Lord Hanuman is celebrated in Karnataka. Lord Hanuman is a figure that embodies loyalty and courage, and people visit temples, pray to him and seek strength and protection.

Dattatreya Jayanti (Tuesday, December 26): India is filled with spiritual fervor during Dattatreya Jayanti as it is a celebration of the birth of Lord Dattatreya. People worship the undivided form of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Margashirsha Purnima (Tuesday, December 26): Margashirsha Purnima, a Hindu festival, celebrates the full moon of the month Margashirsha. It is a religious practice dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It symbolises balance, thankfulness and spiritual awakening.

Inauspicious Rahu Kalam This Week

According to Vedic astrology, Rahu is an inauspicious planet. During the transition of planets, the time under the influence of Rahu should be avoided to do any auspicious work. Doing Puja, Hawan or Yagya to propitiate auspicious planets during this time is interfered with by Rahu due to its malefic nature. It is important to consider Rahu Kaal before starting any new work. By doing so, the possibility of achieving desired results is increased. Following are the timings of Rahu Kalam for this week:

December 22: 11:02 AM to 12:20 PM

December 23: 09:45 AM to 11:03 AM

09:45 AM to 11:03 AM December 24: 04:13 PM to 05:30 PM

04:13 PM to 05:30 PM December 25: 08:29 AM to 09:46 AM

08:29 AM to 09:46 AM December 26: 02:56 PM to 04:14 PM

02:56 PM to 04:14 PM December 27: 12:22 PM to 01:40 PM

12:22 PM to 01:40 PM December 28: 01:40 PM to 02:58 PM

Panchanga is a calendar used in Vedic astrology to determine the auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position. It comprises five elements - Vaara, Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. The essence of the Panchanga is the inter-relationship between the Sun (our soul) and the Moon (mind) on a daily basis. Panchanga is used for different branches of Vedic astrology such as natal, election, prashna (horary), religious calendars, and to understand the energy of the day. The day of our birth panchanga depicts our emotions, temperament, and nature. It can provide more insight into who we are and how we feel. It can amplify the effect of the planets and endow us with additional characteristics that we may not understand only based on our natal chart. Panchanga is the life force energy that nourishes the birth chart.

----------------------

Neeraj Dhankher

(Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi)

Email: info@astrozindagi.in, neeraj@astrozindagi.in

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Adding another feather in his cap, Zerodha co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath has been appointed as one of the members of the National Start-up Advisory Council (NSAC), a new panel formed by the Narendra Modi government Nithin Kamath has been appointed as a member of the National Startup Advisory Council.

Nithin Kamath was one of the 31 new members of the council, as announced by the Centre on December 18. Kamath also took to social media to announce the same, and talked about how more people from the younger generation are now opting to be a part of startups.

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Taking to X, Nithin Kamath wrote, "More Indians today than ever before are aspiring to be entrepreneurs thanks to government initiatives and messaging, the media coverage of the start-up ecosystem, founder success stories, and more. The one thing we need to work on as a nation is to unlock domestic capital for start-ups/MSMEs. Reduce the dependence on foreign capital and get Indians to back Indian start-ups."

The Zerodha founder further said, "It is maybe time for newer products or vehicles that can be used by accredited investors or those who can take higher risks to be able to invest in equity or debt in start-ups/MSMEs. The appetite in India to invest in newer products is like never before and we need to make use of this opportunity. Apart from reducing external capital dependency, this could also mean that wealth created from startups stays in India."

All about the National Startup Advisory Council

NASC was formed by the central government in January 2020, and has the prime objective of helping the Centre create a nurturing ecosystem for startup companies and innovation to grow.

NASC has been constituted under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and is headed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal. Non-official members, like Kamath, are appointed to the committee for a term of two years.

Other members who have been made part of the startup council are Prof Amitabha Bandyopadhyay, IIT Kanpur; Karthik Reddy, Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association; Prof Yogesh Singh, University of Delhi; Nivruti Rai from Invest India and presidents of many industry chambers.
A surge in Covid-19 cases in Karnataka has prompted the Associated Managements of Primary & Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) to issue an advisory as a precautionary measure. Schools in the state have been put on alert over the increasing cases of Covid-19 Sub Variant JN.1. Schools in Karnataka have been put on alert over the increasing cases of Covid-19 Sub Variant JN.1 (Representational picture) (File photo)

KAMS has urged schools to disallow ill students from attending classes. Schools have been asked to regularly check temperature, sanitise school areas and require students to wear masks. In the wake of the matter, some schools have started taking temperature readings.

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As per the advisory, students who feel unwell while at school, must be sent to an isolation room, given first aid and a notification be sent to the parents.

ALSO READ| Lok Sabha passes 4 bills by voice vote; Trial in Absentia provision introduced in criminal law

With Christmas Day approaching, many schools will be declaring holidays and winter vacations. Considering that, the advisory urges school management to spread awareness among the student's parents to be vigilant and avoid crowded places amid rise in Covid-19 cases. Schools have been asked to take precautions after the vacation ends, as some students might be returning from out of station trips.

Soon after vacation, take extra measures for those students having travel history to different states/countries, reads the official communication to the schools.

KAMS general secretary D. Shashi Kumar has urged school management to be extra cautious while undertaking any school trips. Schools have been instructed to follow government's guidelines and carry portable oxygen kits and other emergency medical supplies with them.

Cases of Covid-19 sub variant JN.1 in India

In India, 19 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been traced in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra. Talking about the new cases, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said on Wednesday that there was no need to panic. On Wednesday, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the preparedness of health facilities across India and stressed on the need to be alert against emerging strains of coronavirus.
JD(S) state President H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday left for New Delhi amid speculation that he is likely to hold talks with the BJP central leadership on seat-sharing in Karnataka for the Lok Sabha elections. The JD(S) joined the BJP-led NDA in September after a meeting Kumaraswamy, a former Chief Minister, had with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president J P Nadda in New Delhi. Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy. (ANI)

Leaders of both parties have since been maintaining that talks are yet to take place on seat sharing for the Lok Sabha polls. Though Kumaraswamy said he was going to Delhi on personal work, his nephew and JD(S) Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna indicated about JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday. "No seat sharing talks...is my trip to Delhi also special? There is nothing special in the Delhi trip, I'm going on personal work...there is nothing, I will come back to talk to you," Kumaraswamy told reporters at the airport, before leaving for the national capital. However, Revanna said in Delhi: "Tomorrow our elders (Deve Gowda) will be meeting the Prime Minister and will discuss issues concerning the state." According to JD(S) sources, Kumaraswamy is likely to meet the BJP leadership to take the alliance forward and discuss seat sharing for the Lok Sabha polls.

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READ | Karnataka's Yuva Nidhi scheme: What is eligibility criteria and How to apply?

Also, as Deve Gowda, who is member of the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka, is in Delhi to attend the Parliament session, they are likely to meet Modi.

Meanwhile, state BJP President B Y Vijayendra, also travelling to Delhi, added to speculation about seat sharing talks. Vijayendra said he was going to the national capital to attend a party meeting.

"On December 22 and 23, there is a meeting of all state presidents of the party in Delhi, so I'm going to attend it. During the visit, naturally I will try to meet all party leaders and the national president (Nadda), and try to discuss the appointment of state office-bearers of the party," he said. Asked about talks on seat sharing with the JD(S), Vijayendra said, both parties are in alliance, but there is no information about JD(S)' expectations, as to how many seats they want to contest in the Lok Sabha polls. "They (JD(S) leaders) will discuss everything with our national leaders, we (state BJP) will also discuss with them. There has been no preliminary discussions on seat sharing yet. What JD(S) demands are will be discussed by the national leadership and the state unit will share its opinion," he said.

Vijayendra said he was going to Delhi now to attend the meeting of BJP state presidents meeting and has no information on any seat sharing talks.

The JD(S) contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Congress. The two parties were then running an alliance government under the Chief Ministership of Kumaraswamy back then.

The BJP swept the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka by winning 25 seats, while an independent (Sumalatha Ambareesh from Mandya) backed by it won in one seat. The Congress and JD(S) won one seat each.

READ | Why is Amit Shah not giving statement on House security breach incident?: Priyank Kharge

With the alliance with JD(S), BJP hopes to win "maximum number of seats" in Karnataka, party sources said, adding that it (BJP) particularly wants to increase its prospects in the Old Mysuru region, where the regional outfit has a strong presence and the saffron party is perceived to be a marginal player.

For the JD(S), it is a matter of survival, and the party hopes to better its prospects, with the forging of an alliance with the BJP in the backdrop of the Congress' reported attempts to weaken it by wooing its leaders, party sources said.

The JD(S) had earlier formed governments in coalition with both the BJP and the Congress respectively for 20 months from January 2006, and for 14 months from May 2018, with Kumaraswamy as the Chief Minister.
Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has clarified that there are no Covid restrictions imposed in any part of the state and said that any decision will only be taken after consulting the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). He also stressed that the virus, at this point, doesnt have any serious implications on public health and asked people not to panic. Two people from Karnataka reportedly died after getting infected with Covid-19 on Wednesday

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Rao said, As of now there are no restrictions on any public gatherings, travel, stay and any other movement. We are going to increase the number of tests across the state, and we are ready to face any situation. As of now, the public health in the state is not severely impacted by the new variant and we are not planning for any sort of restrictions.

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Also Read - 64-year-old man dies of Covid in Bluru; CM to hold meeting

The minister also reiterated that the senior citizens must wear masks and sanitize their hands. It is important for people above the age of 60 to be cautious, especially when they are venturing into public spaces. People with co-morbidities must also take special care, he added.

Two people from Karnataka reportedly died after getting infected with Covid-19 on Wednesday amid a surge in infections after the emergence of a new subvariant of the virus, called JN.1. Both of the deceased were male, aged 44 and 76. On Wednesday, Karnataka logged 20 fresh cases, having conducted a total of 808 tests, out of which 407 were RTPCR tests and 401 were Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT). The state had a positivity rate of 2.47 per cent.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is scheduled to hold a review meeting on Thursday. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been directed to take necessary isolation measures to avoid the spread in Bengaluru. As a precautionary measure, the state has decided to buy 30,000 additional rapid antigen kits by Saturday this week.

According to the health department, there are around seven lakh RT-PCR kits in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi and Kalaburagi divisions
Congress MP Priyank Kharge slammed the central government for suspending 143 MPs from the Parliament just for demanding a statement from the Home Minister on the Parliament security breach incident. Congress leader Priyank Kharge.(File)

"So many MPs are being suspended only for asking for a statement from the Home Minister. Why is the Home Minister not giving a statement? Why is PM not giving a statement?" Priyank Kharge said speaking to ANI on Tuesday at Karnataka's Kalaburagi.

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READ | Karnataka techie questioned by cops in Parliament security breach

"When six people have been arrested for the breach of Parliament, out of which two of them were given passes by a BJP MP, how did the other two get in? Out of six four people entered. Two of them were given passes by Pratap Simha, MP Mysore. Who gave passes to the other two? All these questions should not be asked?" Priyank Kharge said.

The Karnataka Minister also asked why the Home Minister is not giving a statement in the House when the Prime Minister has himself said that this is a serious security breach.

"And when there is such a serious breach which the Prime Minister himself claimed, why is the Home Minister not giving a statement? People who have been arrested were booked under UAPA. People who are responsible for the breach are not talking. The Home Minister is not talking. People who are asking the government to speak up are being suspended. Is this democracy? Is this constitutional?" he said.

READ | In KTR vs Priyank Kharge, a warning against Cong strategist Sunil Kanugolu

A total of 143 MPs--97 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha--have been suspended so far for creating a ruckus and disrupting proceedings in both Houses, demanding a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah about the Parliament security breach incident.

Earlier in the day, the opposition MPs, including those suspended, staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament premises against the bulk suspension. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary leader Sonia Gandhi led the protest from the Congress' side, while other opposition MPs, including those suspended, joined in the protest.
A Class 9 student of a government school died on Wednesday afternoon after he fell off a foot overbridge (FOB) on Wazirabad Road as he leaned against its decrepit guardrail, police said on Thursday. The boy, identified as 16-year-old Rakesh Singh, was in his school uniform and on his way to school with three other students when the incident occurred around 1.30pm on the FOB near Mandoli Jail in northest Delhis Harsh Vihar. (HT)

Read here: Fire breaks out at commercial building in Delhi's Connaught Place

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The boy, identified as 16-year-old Rakesh Singh, was in his school uniform and on his way to school with three other students when the incident occurred around 1.30pm on the FOB near Mandoli Jail in northest Delhis Harsh Vihar.

Police officials said the bridge is managed by the Public Works Department (PWD), and added the teen fell from a height of nearly six metres on to the road below, suffering multiple fractures and a fatal head injury.

A case for endangering life and personal safety of others and causing death by negligence was registered under Sections 336 and 304A of the Indian Penal Code against the authority concerned. Deputy commissioner of police (northeast), Joy Tirkey, said the first information report (FIR) mentions the FOB was managed by PWD and that the agency will be asked to join the probe to determine the culpability for the negligence, if any.

We will issue a notice to PWD, asking its officials concerned to tell us whether the FOB was being maintained by the agency or if it had given a contract for its upkeep to a private party, said DCP Tirkey.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government said it has ordered an inquiry into the matter. The safety and integrity of our infrastructure are a top priority for us... the PWD minister has ordered the audit of such foot overbridges across Delhi for safety. The minister has already ordered a thorough inquiry on the matter. Measures are being taken to ensure the immediate assessment and repair of the missing grills to prevent any further such incidents, said a statement from the government.

Police said the boy lived with his parents and two siblings  an 18-year-old sister and a 14-year-old brother  at Gagan Vihar in Ghaziabad. He was a Class 9 student in Sarvodaya Vidyalaya at Mandoli Extension in the Harsh Vihar area and took a bus or shared auto-rickshaws to travel between home and school. His siblings, too, went to the same school, police added.

On Wednesday, he left home around noon to attend classes in the second shift at the school. He reached the Harsh Vihar bus stop and met three classmates, all of whom usually used the FOB to cross the road and reach the school in Mandoli Extension, said a police officer aware of the case, citing the students.

The schoolmates who were accompanying Rakesh at the time of the incident told police that he was leaning against the guardrails on the FOB while climbing stairs and talking to them. The teenager then fell through the portion where the iron mesh on two sections was either broken or missing.

The students were talking to each other while climbing. The 16-year-old did not realise that its iron mesh was broken and missing at two points and fell through the gap. His schoolmates raised an alarm and rushed down. Two of them put him in an auto and rushed him to the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival, the officer added.

The post-mortem examination was conducted at GTB hospital on Thursday.

Read here: Delhi HC seeks Centre's representation on plea seeking Aadhaar-property linking

Rakeshs father, Nempal Singh, who works in construction, said he was at a site in Harsh Bazar when his wife Sunita Devi called and told him about the incident. Singh said that he initially told police that his son was thrown off the bridge by some students he fought with a month ago.

Police later told me that the students involved in the fight were not present at the spot. They say it was an accident. I have not spoken to the three boys who were with my son when he died. If I lost my son due to the negligence of the civic authority, my family should be duly compensated, said Singh.
New Delhi [India], December 21 (ANI): A 16-year-old boy died after falling from a foot-over bridge under Harsh Vihar police station limits of the city on Wednesday, said police. HT Image

The incident occurred at a foot-over bridge near Mandoli Jail on Wazirabad Road. The boy was rushed to GTB Hospital but was declared dead, they added.

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The deceased is a resident of Gagan Vihar, Ghaziabad and was a student in class 9 at a government school in Mandoli Extension, Delhi.

According to the police, it was found that the deceased was with some other schoolboys when the incident happened. The deceased was leaning against the guardrail but fell as one section of the guardrail on the foot-over the bridge was broken.

The deceased's friend, aged 15, accompanied him to the hospital, where the doctor declared him dead.

A case of an act endangering the life or personal safety of others (section 336 IPC) and causing death by negligence (section 304A IPC) against the concerned authority has been registered on complaint. (ANI)
An author who claimed that the Tolkien estate and Amazon stole his fan-fiction drew a countersuit in reply and has lost both cases. Demetrious Polychron was ordered to destroy all copies of "The Fellowship of the King" after claiming Amazon's ongoing Rings TV series infringed his copyright. Something something Eye of Sauron.

Polychron attempted to sue the Tolkien estate and Amazon over the spin-off TV series The Rings of Power, which he claimed infringed the copyright in his book. A California court dismissed the case after the judge ruled that Polychron's text was, in fact, infringing on Amazon's prequel, released in September 2022. The Tolkien estate then filed a separate lawsuit against Polychron Making the order, Judge Wilson referred to Polychron's original claim for copyright protection as "unreasonable" and "frivolous" given that his work is entirely based on characters in The Lord of the Rings.

The "destroy all copies" outcome is alarming some commentators, but given how otherwise permissive the estate has been about making and even selling Lord of the Rings derivatives it's hard to complain about the outcome of such a well-provoked counterclaim. It's not like Terry Brooks is going to be stuffing suitcases with cash and running for the hills here. Fellowship of the King is in-world canon cuckoo fanfic and suing Tolkien for copying it was ascended FAFO fandom madness.
A week after the brother of cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi alleged that he was attacked and set afire by seven unidentified men, the Faridabad Police on Thursday said that he had suffered burns after allegedly falling into a bonfire, and that there was no proof to suggest that his injuries were sustained in a murder attempt. Bittu Bajrangi has denied the police charge. (HT Archive)

Read here: Cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangis brother set afire, battling for life with 60% burns

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Senior police officers aware of the matter said that it appears that Mahesh Panchal, who suffered 60% burns, and Bajrangi lodged a false complaint to frame a suspected cow smuggler.

The officers said that Panchal complained to the police on December 14 that seven people sprinkled petrol on him before setting him on fire near Baba Mandi in Faridabad.

Police registered a case on attempt to murder charges following the complaint, and launched an investigation.

On December 15, the Faridabad Police also formed a special investigation team (SIT), questioned more than 20 people, and scanned CCTV footage from the spot where the alleged crime had occurred.

Sube Singh, spokesperson for the Faridabad Police, said two CCTV cameras installed near the spot did not capture any assault on Panchal.

The forensic team did not find any chemical substance, alcohol, petrol or diesel at the spot. The allegations mentioned in the complaint did not match with the footage and outcome of the forensic probe filed by the SIT, Singh said.

Bajrangi, meanwhile, denied the police allegations. The investigation is not over and no one has informed us that the case was fake. My brother has suffered severe burn injuries. He has been assaulted and there was an attempt to kill him. Why will we fabricate stories to implicate someone? he said. The cow vigilante has now called a press conference on Friday to refute the polices charges.

A second senior police officer, who asked not to be named, said that Panchal had claimed that a police van visited the spot after his complaint; however, no police vehicle had gone there.

No car was present on the spot. Shopkeepers and local residents also said that they did not hear any noise about any assault or fire, he said.

Panchal has also been changing statements. He was accusing a person who was not even present on the spot. We have verified all facts. It seems the complaint was fabricated, the second officer said.

Read here: Bittu Bajrangi, arrested on Aug 15 for Nuh violence, gets bail

Bajrangi, who heads the Goarakshak Bajrang Force, was booked for rioting, assault, brandishing weapons, and dacoity in connection with the communal violence in July.

He was among 292 people arrested for the incident in which he and Monu Manesar, were accused of releasing provocative videos to inflame communal tensions. Bajrangi is out on bail.
West Bengal government employees and pensioners will get an additional 4% dearness allowance (DA) with effect from January 1, chief Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) calling it a sop before the Lok Sabha polls. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee (File Photo)

With this, the state employees will get 10% of their basic salary as DA, as against 46% currently given by the Centre and a few other states.

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Although the Centre has stopped payment of Rs.1,15,0000 crore on various accounts, we have decided to give 4% more DA to 1.4 million state government employees, teachers and non-teaching staff with effect from January 1. You may see this as a New Years gift. Pensioners will also get it, Banerjee said on Thursday evening while inaugurating the Christmas carnival at Kolkatas Park Street.

The state will have to spend Rs.2,400 crore for paying this additional 4%, Banerjee said.

Also Read: Agar Rahul Ji video nahi lete...: Mamata Banerjee on mimicry row involving her MP

The announcement came a day after Banerjee met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to discuss non-payment of the Centres share for various social welfare schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). These were suspended following allegations of mismanagement and corruption.

The announcement came as a surprise as in March Banerjee had told the Assembly that the state could not give more DA because of a cash crunch.

On February 15, state finance minister (independent charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya announced while presenting the 2023-24 budget in the Assembly that the government will pay 3% additional DA from March. Till then, the state has been giving only 3% of basic salary as DA.

Thursdays announcement came at a time when a large section of state employees is demanding DA at the same rate of 46% given by the Centre.

Various organisations of state employees and school and college teachers have been carrying out agitations since January over the issue.

While Pratap Nayek, convenor of one of the organisations that supports Trinamool Congress (TMC), welcomed Banerjees announcement, Moloy Mukherjee, general secretary of the Confederation of West Bengal Government Employees, said DA cannot be announced in this manner.

DA is based on price index. One cannot announce a hike in DA in this manner. Even after the hike, Banerjee will be giving 36% less DA than the Centre. We will plan a bigger agitation in the coming days, Mukherjee told the media.

Samik Bhattacharya, chief spokesperson of the Bengal BJP, said, The chief minister offered a lollypop with her eyes on the Lok Sabha polls. In reality, she offered leftover food. State employees will get 46% DA only after there is a change in government.

TMC state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar countered the critics.

These people are so vocal with her demands. Why do they remain silent when the Centre virtually carries out an economic blockade against Bengal? said Majumdar.
Over 500 suspicious bank accounts registered in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Delhi are under the scanner of Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), which is investigating foreign fundings received by a Delhi-based NGO as donations for social welfare work, senior police officials here said. The ATS learnt about these accounts after arresting Assams Mohammed Abdul Awwal, 37, from New Delhi on Monday. Awwal was a student in Lucknow. (For representation)

The NGO, Sun Shine Health and Social Welfare Trust, is being probed for FCRA (Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act) violations as it allegedly diverted the donations through the suspicious accounts that were opened in the names of illegal migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar, officials aware of the development said. The ATS suspected that the funds were used for anti-national activities and terror funding.

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The ATS learnt about these accounts after arresting Assams Mohammed Abdul Awwal, 37, from New Delhi on Monday. Awwal, a student of Nadwa in Lucknow till 2017, opened these bank accounts in 2020 taking advantage of relaxed banking norms during the Covid period, a police official said.

We have approached the Lucknow ATS court to seek the custody remand of Abdul Awwal. Were likely to get it on Thursday after which he will be further questioned about the suspicious bank accounts and the entire money trail, said an ATS official.

The official said the investigation, so far, had revealed that the accused, in connivance with NGO operator Abdul Gaffar, transferred the donated funds to these accounts in smaller amounts, and then withdrew them. He said the NGO had received fundings from several European countries in the name of social welfare.

The ATS was still looking for Gaffar, the NGO operator, he added.

He said Awwal, however, confessed during his interrogation that Gaffar roped him in and some others in April 2020 and asked them to open fake bank accounts in the names of Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants. Donations worth around 20 crore worth was diverted in three years, the official observed.

Their modus operandi to bring funds from abroad clearly suggested that a nexus was involved in using this money for anti-national activities by violating FCRA norms, the senior ATS official added.

ATS had previously said that Abdul Awwal lived in Shram Vihar, Jamia Nagar, Okhla and New Delhi after completing class 12 under the Madrasa education system from Lucknows Nadwa in 2017.
Thane: A 21-year-old biker died and a rider pillion suffered injuries after the rider dashed a pickup van from behind in Kalyan on Tuesday afternoon. HT Image

The police said that the deceased had been identified as Akash Nandlal Mourya, 21, who worked in the Govindwadi area and resided at Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in the Govindwadi area in Kalyan East. The injured has been identified as Vishal Devidash Pangaje, 21, who riding a pillion, and resided in the same locality.

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Police sources that Mourya took the bike to his owner and rode while Panjage was riding a pillion when they met with an accident. Both were heading towards Kalyan-Shil road near Metro Mall in Kalyan East from the Govindwadi area. Mourya was speeding a bike with negligence at the breaker of the road and dashed a parked pick-up vehicle from behind. However, Mourya suffered head and bodily injuries and Panjage suffered injuries.

A passerby rushed to the spot and alerted to local police about the incident. Both were taken to a nearby Hospital in Kalyan where Mourya was declared dead during treatment and Panjage is undergoing treatment.

Darshan Patil, Assistant Police Inspector, Kolsewadi police station said, A case was registered against Mourya under section 304(A) ( causing death by negligence) 279 ( Rash and negligence) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant to 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act. Since the offences are bailable, the police have not arrested him yet, and have sent a notice summoning him.
The accused approached the victim on December 17 and sought the money to allow him to continue his business. HT Image

When the victim did not pay heed to the demand, the accused threatened him with dire consequences, the official from Nerul police station said.

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Later, the accused poured petrol at the entrance door of the victim's house and attempted to set it on fire, the police said quoting the victim's complaint.

The police registered a case against the accused on Tuesday under Indian Penal Code sections 387 (putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 506(2) (criminal intimidation).

A probe was on into the case, the official said.
MUMBAI: Mumbai zonal unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Tuesday arrested a Ugandan national after allegedly recovering smuggled cocaine worth 8.9 crore in the illicit markets. The accused had allegedly concealed the cocaine in her hair wig and bra pads, the sources said

The agency seized 890 gm of cocaine after the accused arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) from Entebbe in Uganda via Nairobi, Kenya. The accused allegedly worked as a carrier for an international drug trafficking syndicate, DRI sources said.

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The accused had allegedly concealed the cocaine in her hair wig and bra pads, the sources said. She revealed to the officials that she was promised a payment of around 1 lakh for the delivery of the contraband in the city to a designated receiver but she got intercepted by the agency, foiling her smuggling bid.

It was a meticulously planned operation, wherein officers of DRI Mumbai busted the attempt of cocaine smuggling by a female Ugandan national, adopting a unique and novel modus operandi involving the concealment in bra pads and a hair wig worn by her, a DRI source said.

The DRI, as a drugs enforcement agency, has in the past detected numerous modus operandi, ranging from the concealment of narcotic substances in sanitary pads, camouflaging liquid cocaine in whisky bottles, black cocaine, cocaine in moisturizer bottles, among others, but the current case was even more challenging, sources said.

The passenger was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and remanded in judicial custody when she was produced before a metropolitan magistrate court in the city.

On Monday, in a separate case, the DRI team nabbed an Indian national who arrived from Sierra Leone on a flight allegedly with 4 kg of cocaine, estimated to be worth around 40 crore. The carrier had intercepted him at a hotel near CSMIA. A thorough examination of his luggage resulted in the recovery of two packets allegedly containing the contraband material, which was concealed in the upper and lower compartments of his trolley bag, agency sources said.
It has been observed that people are frequently throwing garbage in drains of Mumbai after the deep cleaning drive, a BMC release on Wednesday said, adding that dumping waste in a drain blocks the wastewater drainage. "People should not throw garbage again in the area where the cleanliness drive has been carried out, otherwise the cleaning efforts become futile. People should not throw waste in drains at any place," it said. The civic administration is considering taking strict punitive action against violators, the BMC said. Around 3,700 workers were employed for the deep cleaning drive, besides 33 earth-moving machines, 148 dumpers, 21 compactors, 69 water tankers, nine road sweeping machines, seven misting machines, six suction machines, and three litter picker machines. Roads, footpaths, gutters and drains are being cleaned under this campaign.

HT Image
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 21 (ANI): Amid rising Covid cases in the state attributed to the new sub-strain JN.1, Maharashtra Health Minister, Tanaji Sawant has advised people to not panic saying that the healthcare system of the state was fully prepared and geared to deal with any possible situation. HT Image

However, he did confirm that one patient in the state has been detected with the new Covid sub-strain.

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Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sawant said, "The state's healthcare system is fully prepared to deal with the new Covid variant JN.1. There's no reason for panic. If people develop any symptoms, they should consult a doctor and take the necessary medications. They must also abide by the Covid protocols in the interest of public safety."

The state Health Department, meanwhile, informed that regular genome sequencing was being conducted after the detection of the new sub-variant in the state.

"Genetic Sequencing (WGS) is being done regularly in the state. So far, only one patient with JN.1 variant has been found in the state. The patient is a 41-year-old man from Sindhudurg. All people should wear masks where necessary, wash hands frequently and practice Covid-appropriate behaviour," the state health department said.

The department informed further that as per the instructions of the Union government, a mock drill was conducted from December 15 to 17 at all secondary and tertiary-level health institutions in the state to assess their preparedness for a fresh Covid wave.

"All the districts, municipal corporations and government medical colleges of the state participated in this important mock drill. The review was conducted in terms of beds, ICUs, facilities, equipment, oxygen facilities, medicine stocks, manpower, manpower training, and telemedicine facilities available in the hospitals of the state," the Health Department stated in a release.

"Till December 17, 1264 institutions of the state have completed this mock drill and submitted their information. 655 Government Hospitals, 575 private hospitals, 3 Government Medical Colleges, 14 private medical colleges and 5 other hospitals have taken part in this," it added.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting amid the rising Covid cases in some states.

While urging people not to panic, the minister advocated greater surveillance, checking and studious observance of protocols amid the ongoing spike in cases.

The recent upsurge has been blamed on the JN.1 sub-strain, with mild fever and cough being among its most common symptoms.

According to officials, the sub-strain is currently said to be prevalent in 36-40 countries has has led to 16 deaths over the last couple of weeks.

While most of the deceased had comorbid conditions, almost 92 per cent of the patients reported to have been detected with the new strain were recovering at home, the officials informed.

The total number of active Covid cases in the country, as of Wednesday, was 2,311, with the total number of fatalities reported since the arrival of the pandemic in India at 5,33,321, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (ANI)
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow declared the CAT 2023 results on Dec 21, 2023. CAT 2023 was conducted across the country at 375 test centers spread across 167 cities on 26 November 2023 in three shifts. 14 candidates (all Males) secured 100 percentiles in the examination. 29 candidates (28 Male and 1 Female) secured 99.99 percentiles and 29 candidates (All Males) secured 99.98 percentiles.(Sanchit Khanna/HT PHOTO)

As per the data shared in the official notification by IIM Lucknow, of the candidates in the top percentile list, only one female candidate of Engineering discipline who scored 99.99 percentile made it to the list.

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IIM Lucknow also informed that 14 candidates (all Males) secured 100 percentiles, 29 candidates (28 Males and 1 Female) secured 99.99 percentiles and 29 candidates (All Males) secured 99.98 percentiles in the examination.

Also Read: CAT 2023 Result live: IIM CAT scorecard released at iimcat.ac.in, 14 scores 100 percentile

Percentile Discipline 100 Percentiles Engg - 11 / Non Engg - 3 All Males 99.99 Percentiles Engg - 22 / Non Engg - 7 1- Female (Engg) 99.98 Percentiles Engg - 20 / Non Engg - 9 All Males

CAT 2023 was attended by around 2.88 lakh candidates of which 36 percent were females, 64 percent were males, and 5 candidates represented the transgender community.

After the conduct of the CAT 2023 examination, officials opened the Objection Management Exercise on December 5, 2023, which ended on December 8, 2023. A total of 85 objections across 3 sections and 3 shifts were received, informed Prof Sanjeet Singh, Convener of CAT 2023.

Also Read: CAT 2023 result declared at iimcat.ac.in, heres direct link to download scorecard

The press release informed that IIMs will now release their shortlists for subsequent admission processes based on, among other things, the CAT 2023 scores.
CSBC Bihar Police Exam Live Updates: The Central Selection Board of Constables will release CSBC Bihar Police Exam 2023 dates on the official website of CSBC at csbc.bih.nic.in. The date and time of release of Bihar Police Constable revised exam dates have not been shared by the Board yet. Updates on Bihar Police Constable revised dates (PTI)

The CSBC Constable examination was scheduled for October 1, 7 and 15, 2023 at various exam centres across the state. But only day 1 exam was held and later cancelled.

In the notice released by the Board, CSBC said that a large number of candidates were found cheating and therefore, it has been cancelled and October 7, 15 exams have been postponed until further orders.

This recruitment drive will fill up a total of 21,391 Constable vacancies in Bihar Police. Follow this live blog for the Bihar Police Constable exam date and other related updates.
A "despicable" man was caught vaping in his seat on a domestic Jetstar flight in Australia, and took offense when flight attendants told him to stop.

In fact, the 52-year-old gentleman became surly, allegedly arguing with the cabin crew for telling him what to do. He then showed his dissatisfaction by standing up, pulling down his pants, and urinating in front of passengers.

Fortunately, the target of his stunt was an unoccupied seat. But unfortunately, at least for the man, the plane had to return to its Gold Coast terminal, whereupon he was arrested and escorted off the plane.

From Yahoo! News:
Men with engineering background dominated the Common Admission Test (CAT 2023) conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, the result of which was declared on Thursday. Men with engineering background dominate CAT 2023 results, with only one woman in top 3 percentile(HT file)

Among the top 3 positions which comprises of 72 candidates -- 14 got 100 percentile, 29 who scored 99.99 percentile and another 28 candidate who secured 99.98 percentile, there is only one woman candidate who scored 99.99 made it in the list, according to details of CAT result made available by Prof. Sanjeet Singh, CAT Convener, 2023. Likewise of all 72 candidates who made into top 3 percentile, 53 are from engineering backgrounds and only 19 from non engineering background.

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A total of 14 candidates -- all boys -- got 100 percentile including 4 from Maharashtra, 2 from Telangana and one each from UP, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Of these 11 are from engineering backgrounds and 3 non engineering backgrounds.

In the second spot, 29 candidates got 99.99 percentile of which 9 are from Maharashtra, 7 from Delhi, 4 from Karnataka, 2 each from UP, Telangana, Haryana and one each from Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal. Of these 28 are male and 1 female. A total 22 of these from engineering backgrounds and 7 non engineering.

Another 29 candidates got 99.98 percentile including eight from Maharadhtra,

three each from Delhi, Rajasthan, Telangana and UP, two from West Bengal and one each from Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu. All are male. 20 from engineering backgrounds and 9 non engineering.

After the conduct of the CAT on the 26th November 2023, the Objection Management Exercise was opened during 5th December 2023 to 8th December 2023. The CAT Centre received a total of 85 objections across 3 sections and 3 shifts. The panels of sectional review experts for CAT 2023 reviewed all the objections which were received during this window.

CAT 2023 was conducted at 375 test centers spread across 167 cities in India on November 26 in three shifts. The duration of the test was of 120 minutes (160 minutes for Persons with

Disability). The time allotted for each Section was 40 minutes (53 minutes and 20 seconds for PwD Candidates).

Around 2.88 lakh candidates appeared for the exam out of around 3.28 lakhs registered eligible candidates. The overall attendance was approximately 88%. Out of the 2.88 lakh candidates taken the exam, 36% were Females, 64% Males, and 5 candidates represent Transgender.

Out of the 3.28 lakhs registered eligible candidates, the distribution of candidates by category and gender was as follows: Gender wise: 65% males, 35% females, and 8 candidates represent transgender; Category wise: EWS- 4.72%, General  67.65%, NC-OBC  16.70%, SC  8.60%, ST  2.33%, PWD  0.43%.

IIMs will now release their shortlists for subsequent admission processes based on, among other things, the CAT 2023 scores.

Some 91 non-IIM institutions will also use CAT 2023 scores this year for admission into their management programmes. The details of the non-IIM institutions that are registered with CAT 2023 can be found at the CAT 2023 website.

Candidates have been advised to check the CAT website to ensure the institutions you are applying with the CAT score are registered with the CAT 2023 centre.

Candidates may download their official CAT 2023 scorecards by logging into the CAT 2023 website (www.iimcat.ac.in).
The Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad will release the MICAT I 2023 scorecard on December 21, 2023. Candidates who have appeared for the Mudra Institute of Communications Admissions Test can check the scorecards through the official website of MICA at mica.ac.in. MICAT I 2023 scorecard releasing today at mica.ac.in, heres how to download

The MICAT I examination was conducted on December 2, 2023. To download the scorecard, candidates can follow the steps given below.

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MICAT I 2023 scorecard: How to download

Visit the official website of MICA at mica.ac.in.

Click on MICAT I 2023 scorecard link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates will have to enter the required details.

Click on submit and the scorecard will be displayed on the screen.

Check the scorecard and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Those who have applied for the course will have to pay 23,00,000 as tuition fees, residential charges, and infrastructure facility charges for two-year Post Graduate Diploma programmes. PGDM-C and PGDM programs are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education, AICTE. For more related details candidates can check the official website of MICA.
In the vast world of One Piece, where dreams and aspirations collide, Roronoa Zoro's ambition to become the greatest swordsman faces a formidable challenge in the form of Dracule Mihawk. While Monkey D. Luffy seeks to claim the title of the king of the pirates, Zoro's journey takes a different path toward mastering the blade. The Netflix live-action adaptation of One Piece brings the iconic Mihawk to life through the talents of Steven John Ward.(Toei Animation)

The Netflix live-action adaptation of One Piece brings the iconic Mihawk to life through the talents of Steven John Ward. In a humorous crossover video, Ward bridges the gap between the live-action and anime worlds, showcasing the amusing encounter between his portrayal of Mihawk and the animated version. This delightful interaction gives fans a glimpse into the fusion of these two distinct mediums.

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Mihawk's early appearance in the series serves as a stark reminder of Zoro's uphill battle to achieve his dream. Armed with two swords and one clenched in his teeth, Zoro initially fails to leave a mark on the indomitable Mihawk. John Gremillion breathes life into Mihawk in the English Dub, while Ward impeccably captures the essence of this formidable character in the live-action adaptation.

As the One Piece saga unfolds, Mihawk remains a pivotal figure, aligning himself with Crocodile and Buggy to form the Cross Guild in pursuit of the elusive One Piece treasure. The series introduces a dynamic MihawkVerse, where Ward's portrayal adds a new dimension to the character's legacy.

While Ward played a significant role in the first season of the live-action adaptation, the question lingers about his return in season 2. With the final saga of One Piece unfolding in the manga, Mihawk's role looms large, possibly setting the stage for a climactic battle with Zoro. The Netflix series, following the source material, promises an exciting blend of new characters alongside the established heroes and villains, offering fans a thrilling continuation of the Straw Hats' epic journey.
The latest episode of Koffee With Karan season 8 turned out to be a bit different from the chat show's popular image. Actor Ajay Devgn and filmmaker Rohit Shetty bonded with host Karan Johar over how all of them are children of fathers who witnessed a lot of struggle to make a living in the film industry. As they shared lesser known facts about their fathers, Ajay mentioned the popularity of the word nepotism these days and said, Today you go on social media, read so many things like nepotism etc but people don't realise that the generations have worked very, very hard to reach till here. It's not an easy story. Also read: Koffee With Karan promo: Ajay Devgn recalls the time Karan Johar was his 'sworn enemy'. Watch Ajay Devgn talked about nepotism on Koffee With Karan 8.

Ajay on nepotism

I have seen people getting ruined, said Ajay Devgn as he went on to describe how their people like their fathers would come to Mumbai, give themselves a year's time and if the project didn't work, they would visit production houses every six months to ask for work.

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He went on to add, 30-40 saal nikal jate hain. Chahe aap industry ke ho ya na ho, struggle to sabke liye barabar hai, hard work to karna hi padta hai (30-40 years pass by in this struggle. You belong to the industry or not, the struggle is similar for everyone, you have to work hard). We are still working hard. Both my ankles are broken, people don't see that hard work. When Rohit (Shetty) came as an assistant, he literally didn't have proper money to have food.

Veeru Devgan's journey

Ajay is the son of late stunt director Veeru Devgan. He revealed how Veeru ran from his Punjab home at 13, came to Mumbai without a train ticket and was sent behind bars. He would often go hungry. He eventually found a cab cleaning job and was allowed to sleep in that cab itself. He then turned a carpenter and went on to became a gangster in a gang. Ajay further revealed that it was senior action director Ravi Khanna who spotted him during a gang's street fight and told him, Tu ladta bahut ajha hai (you fight very well), and made him a fighter (in films).

Rohit Shetty's father's journey

Rohit Shetty also talked about his father MB Shetty, who was a stuntman, action choreographer and actor in the 70s but died when Rohit was only 8-9 years old. His mom Ratna Shetty was also a stunt artist but had stopped after settling down. In order to earn a living after his father's early demise, Ratna resume work and went on to feature in films as a junior artist until Rohit started earning at 17.

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A 50-something Manu Randhawa (Taapsee Pannu) is homesick, and desperately wants to go back to India along with her two friends Buggu Lakhanpal (Vikram Kochhar) and Balli (Anil Grover), but they won't get a visa from the British embassy. With no option left, she dials up Hardy aka Hardayal Singh Dhillon (Shah Rukh Khan) in Punjab, who she is sure can help her find a way. Dunki movie review: Shah Rukh Khan is the heart and soul of this film.

As they embark on this journey back home, we are told how it all began in 1995 in Laltu, Punjab when this trio, along with Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal in a cameo) dreamt of settling in London for a better life. And a soldier names Hardy enters their life, pledging to help them realise their dream. Now, 25 years later, they are all reunited, once again, to fulfil another dream.

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Laced with director Rajkumar Hirani's signature style, Dunki rides high on emotions, with humour peppered in quantity that at times get too much to digest. Since the trailer made it clear that Dunki has SRK playing a young and an aged man, it's no spoiler to know that the story mostly runs in flashback. We see how Manu met Hardy, how they got attracted to each other while taking the Donkey flight (illegal immigration) to reach London, and face several adversities on the way. Hirani, who returned to direction after five years since Sanju, makes sure that he engrosses us in his world full of love, heartbreaks, laughter, tears, hope, failure and topping it all with music that soothes the soul. Several portions in Dunki just rely purely on the lyrics or the background music for an impact, and it hits hard.

Humour and heart

However, Dunki isn't just a boy meets girl love story where he helps her realise her dreams. It makes for a compelling storytelling with a rather significant subject of illegal migrants from India who resort to dangerous routes to land in countries abroad, and often end up sacrificing their lives. You have to give it to Hirani for beautifully blending a pertinent issue of illegal migrants, with a love story at the core. I loved how Dunki resorts to a lighter tone to make a strong point about why the poor and non-English speaking Indians are not allowed visas in several countries. The sequences showing the actors undertaking an arduous task of crossing difficult locations and borders risking their lives, have some extremely heart-wrenching moments and a few that leave you with a lump in your throat.

The story co-written by Abhijat Joshi, Hirani and Kanika Dhillon, is flawless but the execution definitely demanded a lot more. Definitely not one of the best works from Hirani, yet Dunki effortlessly manages to keep you hooked. The slow-paced first half makes you wonder if you'd actually be able to sit through the entire film. But the 20 minutes before interval promise a better and more engaging second half.

The jokes don't always land

The whole IELTS exam preparation scene is the highlight of the film. With English speaking teacher Gulati (Boman Irani) telling everyone to mug up templates to clear their speaking exam, and Sukhi feeling helpless for not being able to pick nuances of the language. However, the writing flawed majorly on this front. There's nothing organic about the humour and neither do the jokes land well. You miss the genuine laughs and subtlety that Sanjay Dutt's Munnabhai and Aamir Khan's Rancho brought. In Dunki, everyone is seemingly struggling to make you laugh and even the one-liners and punches look so forced.

Shah Rukh and Taapsee in a still from Dunki

Star attraction

SRK is the star attraction in Dunki and the film presents him in an avatar that we have seen earlier as well, in fact, multiple times over. As the young clean shaven hero falling for the first girl he met in Punjab where he had come looking for someone, he is endearing and sweet. But, he gets better in the second half, when that stubble grows and the gang is on their way to London through paths and routes that are as difficult as it gets. Be it crossing the desserts in Iran or snowy mountains of their next destination, Khan doesn't fail to charm you. Of course after action packed Pathaan and Jawan earlier this year, Dunki is a total contrast and in that sense, it's refreshing to see SRK doing what he is best at. Taapsee as Manu is so natural, and her Punjabi genes definitely make her accent and body language way more authentic than any other female lead portraying a Punjabi woman's role. In the emotionally charged scenes, Taapsee showcases a strong grip on her character, and in the funny ones, too, she holds her ground.

Sparks (don't) fly

If you expected some sparks on seeing SRK-Taapsee chemistry, it's just about okay and doesn't give you any fodder to talk back home. The portions with Taapsee and SRK with their grey hair and wrinkled skin will instantly remind you of Preity Zinta and Khan in Veer Zara. While no complains on the prosthetic front, I quite didn't understand Hirani's understanding of the timeline. Even if Manu and her friends were 25 when they started their journey from India, how have they turned so old 25 years later!

Among other cast, Vikram and Anil are pretty convincing and lend a great support to the script. At no point, they look burdened by SRK's stardom or Taapsee's screen presence. Vicky's special appearance perhaps can be called the high point of the film. He delivers an exceptionally well and leaves a lasting impact in his few scenes. The main cast aside, the whole casting including the family members of these protagonists give you ample heartwarming moments.

Overall, Dunki is a film that leaves you with a tearful smile. And if you couldn't watch Animal with your families for the glorified violence, you must check out Dunki for it's an absolute family entertainer and will be an emotional riot.
Dunki release and review highlights: Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki is now out. The film released on Thursday amid huge fanfare across the country. It is Shah Rukh Khan's third release this year after Pathaan in January and Jawan in September. The film's first show in India is at 5.55 am at Mumbai's iconic single-screen theatre, Gaiety Galaxy, and fans have ensured that the opening of SRK's latest release is nothing short of a celebration. Dunki review live: This is Shah Rukh Khan's third release this year.

Several videos and pictures from this massive celebration by SRK fans went viral on social media. In videos shared by Shah Rukh's fan clubs, a massive crowd of people can be seen dancing to the beats of dhol and burning fireworks to kick off Dunki's release.

A big cutout of SRK was also spotted at the venue. Overwhelmed with the fans' love and excitement for the movie, Shah Rukh took to X and wrote, "Thank u guys and girls have a good show and hope u all get entertained by #Dunki."

Dunki' is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and also stars Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani.

Dunki has been co-written by Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon. It is a heartwarming tale of four friends Manu, Sukhi, Buggu, and Balli who dream of settling down in London for a better life but have to take undertake an arduous yet life-changing journey to reach their goal.

At one of the events in Dubai, SRK described Dunki as his best film.

Check out all the live updates around the film's release here:
2023 has been a year of many accolades for acclaimed and award-winning novelist Twinkle Khanna. Now, she has a new feather in her cap. Welcome to Paradise is a collection of stories centred around women who are at a crossroads in their lives.

Within the first week of her latest book, Welcome to Paradise, she is the top-selling author in the fiction category published in 2023 - Rank 1, according to the Nielson BookScan, the country's most authoritative sales chart. Welcome to Paradise is also No. 1 at Crossword Bookstore.

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Twinkle Khanna shares, I am overwhelmed by the response and reviews Welcome to Paradise has received. I have always been immersed in the world of words as a reader and now I am grateful that I have found a place in it as a writer as well. The book is also the fastest-moving title on publisher Juggernauts list and is Khannas fastest-selling book to date.

Welcome to Paradise is a collection of stories centred around women who are at a crossroads in their lives and deal with themes around marriage, parenthood, death, loneliness and love  all written with Khannas trademark humour and wry observations. These stories are, in one way or the other, a homage to her Ismaili nani and the world she inhabited.

Besides returning to academics and completing her Master of Arts in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths College, University of London, Twinkle also achieved a significant academic milestone and earned an exceptional distinction for her final thesis. Now, she is the number one women author in 2023 on Nielsen BookScan's top 10 list for fiction books released in 2023.

About the book:

Rich narratives that explore the depth of loneliness, heartbreak and deception. Humas divided family  Team Cemetery and Team Crematorium  clash hilariously over matters involving pigs and penises as they decide what to do with Ammas body. Madhura Desai writes an email to the chief justice of India, urging him to choose a nice cut-off age to die, sending shockwaves across the nation. Along the shores of Satpati, Nusrat grapples with the loss of her son, and her voice. And Amita tells her husband about her breast implants but not about Bua, Bangalore and beautiful men. Perfectly observed, shot through with light and shadow and wry humour, Welcome to Paradise confirms Khannas reputation as one of our most masterful storytellers
Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese is all set to receive the Honorary Golden Bear Lifetime Achievement Award at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. (Also Read | Killers of the Flower Moon named best film of 2023, Martin Scorsese best director by National Board of Review) Martin Scorsese recently directed Killers of the Flower Moon.

The filmmaker, who most recently directed Killers of the Flower Moon, will be honoured in an award ceremony at the Berlinale Palast on February 20, 2024, the festival announced on Thursday.

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Considered amongst the greatest filmmakers in world cinema, Scorsese has directed over 70 films, including classics such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Cape Fear, The Age of Innocence, Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street and The Irishman.

Killers of the Flower Moon, his latest film, is amongst the most buzzed titles this year. It is a strong Oscar contender.

As a cinema lover, Scorsese, 81, has also championed the cause of film preservation. With The Film Foundation, he supports the restoration and distribution of classic films.

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A Malayalam film on a legal battle ironically found itself in the midst of one a day before its release. Jeethu Josephs Neru, starring Mohanlal and Priyamani in the lead roles, almost ran into trouble on Wednesday. A writer filed a writ petition to stall the films release at Kerala High Court, alleging plagiarism, according to Live Law. The director responded to the fiasco online after the court refused to stall release. (Also Read: Mohanlal in a still from Neru

The issue

A writer by the name of Deepak Unni accused Jeethu Joseph and co-writer Shanti Mayadevi of plagiarism. In the petition he filed at the Kerala High Court, the author claimed that he had discussed the films script with Jeethu and Shanti in 2021. He also stated that the duo convinced him to hand over the 49-page script to them, claiming to seek advice from lawyers to understand the legalities written in the courtroom scene better. The author stated that he understood they had plagiarised his story when the trailer featured the exact sequences he had written. The court however refused to stay the release of the film and the matter was posted for further consideration today.

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Jeethu responds

Jeethu released a statement on Facebook on Wednesday evening, claiming that he made the film with honesty. He wrote, The film Neru was made with utmost honesty, just like any other film Ive made. A controversy was created right before the films release. As you may know, someone has come forth claiming rights to the story and has even approached the court. Asking the audience to watch the film and judge for themselves, given that the case files have been leaked online, he added, The synopsis of what that individual wrote and the case files have been leaked online. I request the audience to watch the film and decide what's true or false for themselves.

About Neru

Neru tells the story of a blind sculptor who seeks justice for her trauma. She contends with the legal system to find a solution. Jeethu previously made the hit franchise Drishyam with Mohanlal.

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Bigg Boss 17 witnessed another fight between contestants and couple Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain. In the latest episode of the reality show, Bigg Boss gave the contestants a nomination task and it resulted in arguments between the contestants. As per India Today, when Vicky Jain talked about the suffering of men in marriage, Ankita suggested getting a divorce. (Also Read | Bigg Boss 17: Ankita Lokhande weeps as Vicky Jain insults her for not cooking for him) Ankita Lokhande with her husband Vicky Jain on Bigg Boss 17.

Ayesha, Vicky spoke about marriage

In the episode, Ayesha Khan asked Vicky Jain about married life. He jokingly said that married men can never share how much they suffer. Ayesha then spoke about herself adding that she wouldn't tie the knot. She also shared that the reason she wanted to marry was because of her father.

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Ankita reacts to Vicky's take on married men in marriage

Vicky said, I can never really say how I feel. This is what married people, especially men go through. They cant really tell what they really go through and what they suffer. Ankita Lokhande replied, If you suffer so much then why are you with me? Lets take a divorce, I dont want to go back home with you.

Ankita talks to Ayesha about Vicky

Ankita later told Ayesha, I know Vicky loves me but he isnt offering me what I want. I feel controlled and dominated by him. I have noticed how he stops me every time I get into a fight with a male contestant. In the latest episode, Ankita, Aishwarya Sharma, Neil Bhatt, and Anurag Dhobal were the nominated contestants for elimination for this week.

About Ankita and Vicky

Ankita and Vicky tied the knot on December 14 2021. After her wedding, she spoke with Hindustan Times and said, I had fun at my wedding. It was beautiful. People were literally crying. Vicky was also crying when he saw me. And Im happy that I did that to him (laughs). The minute I saw my dad crying, I started tearing up.

She had also said, Everyone has their own wedding plans. Vicky and I planned a few things too...We were excited and super nervous since it was a one-take thing. I always wanted my wedding to be different. My wedding was not too much tadak bhadak (glitzy). It was very classy, just the way I wanted it.

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After ruining the lives of two former Georgia election workers by repeatedly telling defamatory lies about them on national television, Trump surrogate Rudy Giuliani was ordered to pay a $148 million judgment. Giuliani's first reaction to the judgment was to hold a press conference outside the courtroom and defame the women once again. He also said he intended to appeal the decision.

However, the federal judge in the case told Giuliani that he is going to have to pay the $148 million immediately, citing the former mayor of New York's reputation for being dishonest.

As reported in the Washington Post:

Judge Beryl A. Howell wrote that there is a strong danger Giuliani is likely to hide his assets from plaintiffs Ruby Freeman and Wandrea ArShaye "Shaye" Moss and is unlikely to succeed in having last week's jury verdict overturned or cut down on appeal. Attorneys for the two women still have to enforce the judgment against Giuliani, which may involve further court proceedings. But they do not have to wait the standard 30 days to begin trying to seize his assets. "Giuliani has never denied that he has taken steps to hide his assets from judgment creditors, and has offered no affirmative pledge that he will take no steps to do so," Howell wrote.

Giuliani said he does not have enough money to pay the judgment. His lawyer said that the $43 million the two women asked for was "the civil equivalent of the death penalty" and "would be the end of Mr. Giuliani." As the Washington Post points out, "The jury's verdict was more than three times as much."

The 79-year-old Giuliani has more fun ahead. He was criminally charged in Georgia for allegedly attempting to subvert the election results there.
Bigg Boss Telugu season-7 winner Pallavi Prashanth was arrested in Hyderabad on Wednesday for allegedly disturbing peace near the Annapurna Studios after the show finale, ANI reported. According to the police, his fans had vandalised the car of the show runner-up, Amardeep Chowdhary. Also read: Bigg Boss Telugu 7: Pallavi Prashanth declared winner, his fans attack runner-up Amardeeps car. Watch Pallavi Prashanth was declared the winner on Bigg Boss Telugu 7.

"A case has been registered against Prashanth and his followers for unlawful assembly and vandalism," said Chandra Shekhar, Sub-Inspector, Jubihills Police Station. Pallavi Prashanth was taken to the Jubihills Police Station for further investigation. The police said the post-finale celebrations on December 17 took an unexpected turn as Pallavi Prashanth's fans thronged the studio and vandalised runner-up Amardeep Chowdhary's car.

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What happened post Bigg Boss Telugu 7 finale

Gulte had shared a video of a scuffle outside the studios. Several such videos had surfaced online post the finale. According to the portal, cars of some contestants were attacked by people who claimed to be supporters of Pallavi Prashanth. As per a report, Amardeep's family tried to appeal to people to let them go but the supporters attacked the car and even broke the rear window pane. Not only this, they also attacked the window panes of some other contestants' cars besides attacking a RTC bus as well.

TSRTC MD VC Sajjanar reported the matter on X, (formerly Twitter). He wrote, During the Bigg Boss 7 finale, some people attacked the buses belonging to Krishnanagar Annapurna Studio in Hyderabad on Sunday night #TSRTC . 6 buses were damaged in this attack. The RTC officials lodged a complaint at the Jubilee Hills Police Station about this incident. Madness done in the name of fandom is not good for the society. Attacking the RTC buses that take people to their destinations safely and soundly is an attack on society. The management of TSRTC does not ignore such incidents.

According to a report on TV9, Telangana Police booked suo moto cases on Pallavi Prashanth and his fans for causing nuisance under the IPC sections 147, 148, 290, 353, 427, and 149 based on Sajjanars complaint.

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The chilling winds of Korean suspense whip in as Netflix unveils the release date for The Bequeathed, a spine-tingling series helmed by none other than Yeon Sang Ho, the visionary director who unleashed the zombie apocalypse in Train to Busan. The highly anticipated show has confirmed its release date in January 2024. The Bequeathed is a beloved webtoon of South Korea that is getting its live adaptation. A scene from the upcoming Netflix series The Bequeathed(NETFLIX)

The Bequeathed release date

Yeon Sang Ho, the critically acclaimed director known for blockbuster films like Train to Busan and Peninsula, has set January 19 as the release date for The Bequeathed. This series marks another adaptation of a webtoon, following the success of Netflix's hit show Hellbound.

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Also read: BTS members join the wealthiest shareholders list in the music industry with billions in stocks, kings own the market

The Bequeathed plot

The official synopsis of the Korean horror series reads, As disturbing incidents persist, a story unfolds, revealing deeply buried family truths when the siblings unexpectedly inherit their long-forgotten uncle's mountain estate.

Cast ofThe Bequeathed

The show boasts a stellar ensemble, featuring Kim Hyun Joo, Park Hee Soon, and Park Byung Eun in the primary roles. The Netflix series is scheduled for release concurrently with the second part of the webtoon series, both launching on the same day. Seo Has travel adventure, her family's relationships, and the cemetery she inherits will all be covered in the next installment of the novel.

Also read: Cobweb to Concrete Utopia, 5 award-winning Korean movies to watch in 2023

The Bequeathed trailer

Yoon Seo Ha (Kim Hyun Joo), who has never seen her uncle before, finds out about his demise and takes over the family wealth. Tension arises when her stepbrother Kim Young Ho (Ryu Kyung Soo) contests her claim. A series of mysterious deaths in society soon triggers an investigation leadingpolice officers Choi Seong Jun (Park Hee Soon) and Park Sang Min (Park Byung Eun) to intervene. Check out the trailer.
New Delhi: At least 10 tigers died in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu between August 16 and September 19, the union environment ministry has informed Rajya Sabha. Of the 10 deaths, six tiger cubs died due to starvation, two adult tigers died due to infighting and two were poisoned. (Representative photo/HT archives)

Of these six tiger cubs starved to death and two adult tigers died due to infighting; the death of two other tigers was due to poisoning and the accused has been arrested by the forest department, union environment minister Bhupender Yadav said.

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Yadav was responding to a question by Tamil Nadu MPs, Vaiko and M Shanmugam on whether it is a fact that more than 10 tigers recently died at the Nilgiris Biosphere in Tamil Nadu; if so, whether any team or committee was formed to investigate the deaths after conducting post-mortems on the tigers, including the cubs; whether the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols were followed while investigating the deaths of these tigers; if so, the reasons for sudden deaths of large number of tigers; and the follow-up action proposed for the prevention of unnatural deaths.

A committee was constituted by the NTCA to ascertain the reasons of said tiger deaths in Nilgiris. The reasons, as reported by the Committee, are given below: (i) 6 tiger cubs and two adult tigers died (cubs due to starvation and adult tigers due to infighting). (ii) The death of two tigers in Avalanche region was due to poisoning, the culprit has already been arrested by the Forest Department, Yadav said.

Also Read: Camera trap for Odisha tiger census spot 35 in Similipal reserve: Official

He added that the follow-up action proposed for the prevention of unnatural deaths and to conserve and protect wild animals in the region are to implement a landscape strategy with focus on potential future conflict considering movement ecology of tiger and land-use changes in the landscape, he said.

Yadav recommended a detailed monitoring involving M-STrIPES modules and intensive camera trapping of the region and investigate recent tiger sightings across the human dominated area, getting deeper into the situation analyses in terms of since when the tiger sightings occur, frequency and level of threat/risk perception by the people.

I recommended we initiate consultation with concerned stakeholders to develop a micro-plan either at local level or panchayat level, so that the conflict mitigation strategies can be visualised and implemented collaboratively by the stakeholders with the guidance of forest department, Yadav said.
Indian authorities are on alert amid the emergence of a new coronavirus subvariant JN.1, with the scientific community closely investigating the strain. A total of 21 Covid-19 cases of JN.1 sub-variant have been detected so far across the country, according to NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is working on genome sequencing. People wearing face masks as a precautionary measure after cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 were detected in the country in Bengaluru on Wednesday (PTI)

Of the 21 cases, 19 have been detected in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra.

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JN.1 (BA.2.86.1.1) variant emerged in late 2023 and is a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage (Pirola) of SARS-CoV-2. BA.2.86 lineage, first identified in August 2023, is phylogenetically distinct from the circulating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB lineages, including EG.5.1 and HK.3. BA.2.86 carries more than 30 mutations in the spike (5) protein, indicating a high potential for immune evasion, the ministry said.

The World Health Organization has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest.

Doctors at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital have advised to remain alert regarding this new variant but stressed there is no need to panic.

Dr Rohit Kumar, Head of Pulmonary Medicine at Safdarjung Hospital, said, COVID is an RNA virus that changes its form from time to time, and new variants of it emerge. And now a new variant has emerged, which has been named JN.1. However, not a single case has come to light in the capital, Delhi yet.

"We are on alert, keeping an eye on the Corona cases. Testing of patients is also being done, and the patients who are coming positive are also being sent for genome sequencing. So that new variants can also be detected, but till now no case of new variants has been reported in Delhi," Dr Kumar said.

The doctor, however, cautioned against ignoring any symptoms in patients during this period.

"If there is a sore throat, cough, cold, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, consult the doctor immediately. Especially those already suffering from respiratory diseases and asthma patients need to take special care. The doctor mentioned that during this season, individuals with serious diseases should be more careful, as those dying due to Covid often have pre-existing serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes," he added.
As Ayodhya gears up for the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, police department authorities are making arrangements to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on the special occasion. To guide tourists and devotees to the temple, police department authorities plan to install signage and direction boards on roads across the holy city. Prime Minister Modi is set to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on January 22. (File)

Additional Director General (ADG) Lucknow Zone Piyush Mordia said on Wednesday that directional signs will be placed on roads in Ayodhya to guide devotees to the temples.

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For the convenience of devotees coming from various parts of the country to Ayodhya, signboards will be installed in different languages, including those spoken on a large scale, such as Tamil and Telugu in the south, he said.

Read | Ayodhya gets ready for two major inaugurations before pran pratishtha

ADG Mordia said that plans have been made to mark the routes leading to the main temples and create arrangements for the movement of devotees on these routes as needed.

Wherever devotees will be walking, the movement of vehicles will be restricted. It is also being determined where vehicle access is necessary to ensure that their arrival does not hinder the movement of others, the ADG said.

Also Read | Ayodhya railway station likely to be ready by Dec 31

Furthermore, plans are being prepared according to the requirements of the routes. E-rickshaws might be banned on some routes, he said.

Prime Minister Modi is set to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on January 22. Preparations are underway in full swing for the event, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. (ANI)
The setback in the recently held assembly elections in Telangana has upset the ambitious plans of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) led by former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to foray into national politics, analysts say. The BRS, which was confident of returning to power in Telangana for the third consecutive term, was hoping to play a big role in national politics by contesting Lok Sabha elections in neighbouring states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and even Andhra Pradesh. (ANI)

The BRS, which was confident of returning to power in Telangana for the third consecutive term, was hoping to play a big role in the national politics by contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the neighbouring states, such as Maharashtra, Karnataka and even Andhra Pradesh.

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The BRS chief was particularly focussing on Maharashtra, where he had expanded the party network in 15 districts, covering 27 of the total 48 Lok Sabha constituencies, with an enrolment of nearly 1.5 million members.

Between February and August, KCR addressed six rallies  at Sangli, Nanded, Kandhar-Loha Aurangabad, Nanded town again and Solapur. He was planning to hold a series of around 30 public meetings in Maharashtra ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

A BRS leader familiar with the development said KCR had given instructions to the party leaders in Maharashtra to step up membership drive, appoint party committees in every district and expand the organisational network across the state to face the Lok Sabha elections.

He said KCR also had plans to field candidates in a few select Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, bordering Telangana, besides Madhya Pradesh and in Delhi, where he had established BRS central headquarters. He also established the party network in Andhra Pradesh.

However, with the announcement of schedule on October 9 for the assembly elections in Telangana, KCR put off all his plans for the national campaign and began focussing on Telangana. He extensively toured the length and breadth of Telangana by addressing public rallies in nearly 80 constituencies.

He was oblivious of the fact that there was a growing anti-incumbency across the state and was pretty confident that the BRS would return to power for a third consecutive term. By scoring a hat-trick in the home state, he was hoping to play a bigger role at the national level by next elections, political analyst Ramakrishna Sangem said.

The debacle in Telangana has shattered all his dreams of playing a bigger role at the national level, as the BRS ended up with just 39 seats in the 119-member Telangana assembly. Within hours of the declaration of results, KCR went into a virtual shell without even making an official statement on the results.

A couple of days later, KCR had suffered a major fracture to his left hip bone at his farmhouse in Siddipet district and he had to undergo hip replacement surgery in Hyderabad. After being in hospital for more than 10 days, he got discharged.

As per the doctors, it will take another eight weeks for the BRS chief to recover completely. Even after that, he has to take a lot of precautions because of his age, as he cannot travel from place to place as he had done before. That would mean he will be out of action for at least three months, the party leader quoted above said.

There are indications that the Lok Sabha elections might be held in different phases starting from the last week of March to the last week of April and as had happened in 2019, Telangana might go in for polls in the first phase itself.

In that case, the election schedule would be announced in February and there is hardly two months time for the BRS to gear up for the Lok Sabha polls. The primary focus would be on winning a good number of MP seats in Telangana, rather than venturing into the other states, the BRS leader said.

At present, the BRS has 9 MP seats out of 17 from Telangana, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has four, the Congress 3 and the AIMIM one seat. The BRS has to improve its tally to at least a dozen MP seats to nurture any dream of playing a role at the national level. But it is an uphill task, as the Congress, fresh from its victory in assembly elections, and the BJP rearing to cash in on the Modi magic, will pose a tough challenge.

With KCR being out of direct action for another 2-3 months and the other BRS leaders like his son K T Rama Rao and T Harish Rao more interested in regaining the lost hold in Telangana than entering the neighbouring states, the national plans of KCR have gone awry. In fact, he might not even nurture such thoughts at least for the next few years, Sangem said.

Another political analyst Ramu Suravajjula said KCR had gone overboard by projecting himself as a national leader. He said the changing the name of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to BRS itself was the biggest political blunder in the run-up to the crucial Telangana elections.

At a time when his detractors and intellectuals in Telangana were accusing him of leaving the spirit of Telangana to the winds, KCR announced his national ambition without proper groundwork. Many small-time leaders from various states were brought to Hyderabad to project him a Desh Ki Neta, he said.

Now that the BRS suffered an electoral debacle, it is better for him to focus all his energies to bounce back. As it is KCR is not seen as a reliable partner by all political parties and the humiliating defeat in assembly elections further alienated him from the rest of the opposition, Suravajjula said.
The Chhattisgarh government on Thursday issued an order to purchase 21 quintals of paddy from the farmers at the support price per acre, keeping up the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the assembly elections. Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai.(HT file)

With the order coming into effect from November 1, the farmers who already sold their paddy at support price will also be given the facility to sell paddy under the prescribed quantity of 21 quintals per acre, the government said in a statement.

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Before the assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party in its manifesto had announced 'Modi's Guarantee', that included several promises to the farmers. The BJP government has now started to fulfill all the promises, the statement added.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the government will fulfil all the promises made to the public under Modi's guarantee. Farmers and the poor will be the priority for his government. 21 quintals of paddy per acre will be purchased from farmers at the rate of 3100, Sai added.

The government has issued instructions to ensure better and adequate arrangements in all the procurement centres so that farmers do not face any kind of problem in selling paddy.

Paddy is being procured in the state at support price since November 01. At least 26.86 lakh farmers have registered themselves to sell paddy at support price. The registered paddy area is 33.15 lakh hectares. So far, about 9.25 lakh farmers have sold 42.20 lakh metric tonnes of paddy at support price.
India has confirmed 21 cases of the JN.1 Covid variant, sparking both attention and concern across the nation. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the global health body emphasizes that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence. While the Union Health Ministry emphasizes the need for caution, experts are quick to allay fears, underlining the effectiveness of existing treatments and the mild nature of the infection. A teacher of Gurukul School of Arts makes a painting to spread awareness on taking precaution after the recent detection of Covid subvariant JN.1 in Kerala, in Mumbai on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

As many as 19 cases of JN.1 have been traced in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra.

Follow our live blog for real-time updates, expert opinions, and insights into the unfolding situation surrounding the JN.1 Covid variant in India. Stay informed, stay vigilant.
Parliament cleared a raft of crucial bills that are set to replace British-era criminal codes, regulate the telecom industry, and shape the selection of Indias top election officials as the most acrimonious session in years, marked by a shocking breach of security and the unprecedented suspension of 146 Opposition members, closed on Thursday. New Delhi, Dec 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Pralhad Joshi, Mansukh Mandaviya along with others attend the proceedings of Lok Sabha during Winter Session of Parliament(ANI)

Read here: LS suspends 3 more MPs; Kharge accuses PM Modi of violation of privilege

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The winter session ended a day ahead of schedule after the Lok Sabha passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, and the Rajya Sabha approved the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and the Bharatiya Saksha (Second) Adhiniyam, which replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act respectively.

The Lower House also passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, with a voice vote. In almost every case, the bills sailed through Houses with near-empty Opposition benches even as a bevy of leaders protested against their suspension outside Parliament.

The passage of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is a watershed moment in our history. These bills mark the end of colonial-era laws. A new era begins with laws centered on public service and welfare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.

Today is a historic day for the country, because today India has got its new criminal justice laws. Congratulations to all Indians on this proud moment. The three bills passed in Parliament today will replace the laws enacted by the British and will realise the decades-old dream of an indigenous justice system, Union home minister Amit Shah said on X.

Both Houses were adjourned sine die, bringing to an end the 14-day-long session where fault lines between the government and the Opposition that were first on display during the expulsion of Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra only deepened after a brazen incursion into the Lok Sabha and the suspension of a record number of Opposition members over protests and the demand that Union home minister respond to the breach inside Parliament. Over eight days, 146 Opposition leaders were suspended from both Houses from the side, intensifying the bitterness and creating dispiriting scenes of crucial bills being debated in the Houses with only a handful of Opposition members present.

In all, the Lok Sabha passed 18 bills and recorded a productivity of 74%, said speaker Om Birla. The Upper House approved 17 bills and recorded a productivity of 79%, said chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.

I am pained to state that nearly 22 hours were lost due to avoidable disruptions adversely impacting our overall productivity... Weaponising disruptions and disturbance as a political strategy doesnt resonate with our constitutional obligation of keeping the interest of people at large above any other political considerations, Dhankhar added.

The Opposition hit back.

Such important bills were there, and the Opposition was suspended. The government made no effort to break the logjam... in the Rajya Sabha, the Chair did not give the Leader of the Opposition (Mallikarjun Kharge) even a chance to speak so we had to walk out. How is this democratic? asked Shiva Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

The day began with the Lok Sabha taking up the controversial bill regulating the appointment and conditions of service of Indias top election officials, reaffirming the executives grip on the Election Commission of India (ECI) months before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The legislation, which was passed by a voice vote, came months after the Supreme Court laid down a temporary selection procedure that included the Chief Justice of India (CJI) as a member of the selection panel, along with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The new bill replaces CJI with a Cabinet minister, effectively giving the government a 2-1 majority in the panel.

Before the top courts March 2 verdict, CEC and ECs used to be appointed by the Prime Minister and the council of ministers, under the seal of the President. The court, in its order, had called for a law on how the CECs and ECs should be picked, saying no such mechanism existed at the time.

The Supreme Court rendered a verdict under Article 342, mandating the formulation of election commission rules. Despite the passing of many years without a corresponding law, the issue was taken up via a PIL, and the SC provided interim measures until a law was established. However, no legislation concerning appointments was enacted. Under the Modi government, we seek to enact it, said law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

He flagged that the search committee will be under the law minister, top election officials will be shielded from judicial action while executing official responsibilities, and their salary and position will align with those of a Supreme Court judge.

The bill was supported by the YSR Congress, Shiv Sena, Telugu Desam Partty and Biju Janata Dal. But All Indian Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Assaduddin Owaisi, one of the few Opposition members in the House, opposed the bill.

If voters start feeling that ECI is not an impartial and non-partisan body, the legitimacy of our democracy comes into question, he said.

Later in the day, the Lower House also cleared the press and periodicals bill, which simplifies and digitises the process of registering newspapers and other periodicals with the Press Registrar, sets up an appellate board to deal with issues related to registration, and decriminalises all but one offence.

The Rajya Sabha took up the telecommunications bill, a day after it cleared the Lok Sabha. The bill -- which allows for the administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, replaces the licensing regime for telecommunication service providers with an authorisation regime, cements measures to protect users in the law, and provides a four-tiered structure for dispute resolution  by a voice vote in the absence of most Opposition members.

This bill has been formulated with todays requirements, with todays economic needs and with todays aspirations in mind, said communications minister Ashwini Vaishnaw while replying to the discussion in Upper House.

In the evening, the upper House took up the three bills that are meant to replace colonial-era crime codes in India. The debate continued for a little over six hours and saw at least 30 leaders speak.

IPC, which deals with a majority of criminal offences, was brought by the British in 1860. It was adopted by the Indian government after Independence and has been amended around 77 times, but there were calls from some quarters for revamping the entire criminal justice system as it was considered obsolete and a colonial legacy.

The bills were first tabled in Parliament on August 11, and then sent to a parliamentary standing committee. Some of the suggestions of the panel were incorporated, and a set of new bills (labelled as second) were tabled on December 12.

The three bills include key changes that deal with offences of terrorism and acts against the State, enable the registration of e-FIRs, factor in corruption in election processes, and make electronic evidence a form of primary proof. Crimes such as mob lynching have been separately defined for the first time, with detailed provisions and enhanced punishment for crimes against women and children.

They also set time limits for certain processes  charge sheets need to be filed within 90 days (a court may grant a maximum of a 90-day extension on an agencys request) and a magistrate has to take cognisance in 14 days, and criminalise acts such as mob lynching, while also decriminalising medical negligence allegations against doctors.

Congratulations to all Bharatwasis on this proud moment as our nation finally gets its criminal justice laws. Guided by PM @narendramodi Jis resolve to leave no one behind, it will prioritize the security of women and children, recognizing the rights of citizens as of paramount importance, Shah said on X.

Read here: Watershed moment in history: PM Modi on 3 criminal law bills passed in Rajya Sabha

Despite the bevy of important bills passed, the cloud of the suspensions hung over Parliament as only a handful of Opposition members were present in the House when key pieces of legislation were discussed.

We, the people of India need to Save Democracy. Passing important legislation by suspending Opposition MPs is not Democracy. It is the worst kind of authoritarianism. Our future generations will not forgive us, if we do not raise our voices against this dictatorship, NOW ! Kharge wrote on X.
The Congress Working Committee on Thursday decided to speed up preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections both as a party in its own right and also as a member of the INDIA group, urged Rahul Gandhi to start an east-to-west Bharat Jodo Yatra, and dissected the recently concluded assembly polls during which former Madhya Pradesh unit chief Kamal Nath was heavily criticised. Congress leaders Ambika Soni, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi during CWC meeting, in New Delhi (Vipin Kumar/HT)

Read here: Mallikarjun Kharge plays delicate balancing act in CWC rejig before 2024 polls

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At the end of the four hour-long meeting of CWC, party general secretary KC Venugopal announced that Lok Sabha candidates, and screening and manifesto committees would be decided soon, and that the party will complete state-level reviews and hold state-level workers convention from January onwards.

This meeting of the CWC expresses its firmest resolve to be fully prepared at the earliest to fight the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections both as a party in its own right and also as a member of the INDIA group. It reiterates the determination of the Indian National Congress to take all steps necessary to make the INDIA group an effective bulwark and force against the BJP and its allies, said the resolution. In the meeting, two senior leaders said on the condition of anonymity, the results in Madhya Pradesh -- where the Congress clocked its worst results in years -- were in focus, and at least two CWC members criticised Nath.

They said, in the past few years, four general secretaries were changed in Madhya Pradesh but Kamal Nath continued to function on his own. He appointed all block chiefs and district chiefs and took all decisions alone, added a CWC member, requesting anonymity.

Former party chief Rahul Gandhi questioned why the general secretaries couldnt put things in order. He was of the view that the general secretaries shouldnt have buckled down and set things right, said the CWC member quoted above.

Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge set the stage for a wide coalition with partners in the 28-party Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.

We have to win as many seats as possible by coordinating with like-minded colleagues. We have constituted a national alliance committee consisting of five members, which will decide the contours of the alliance with other parties. In view of the preparations for the Lok Sabha, a review meeting has been held with about 24 states. We will also appoint coordinators on Lok Sabha seats soon, he said at the meeting.

He also said at the meeting that the alliance had moved forward in many directions and asked party colleagues to concentrate on actionable points and the necessary steps for the upcoming general elections.

Kharge urged Rahul Gandhi in the meeting to undertake the second phase of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, said leaders present at the meeting . Gandhi replied that he would do whatever the party wanted him to do, the leaders added.

In the CWC meeting, Congress president told Gandhi he was getting massive opinion that Gandhi should do a second yatra from east to west. All CWC members also asked Gandhi to do the same. A decision and plan will be made very soon, Venugopal said.

Gandhi had conducted a 150-day yatra from Kanyakumari to Srinagar between September last year and June this year.

While the review of recent assembly polls in five states consumed a lot of time, the general mood remained strong, said a third leader, requesting anonymity. In his speech, Gandhi said there was no need to get demoralised, said this leader.

He underlined that the partys vote percentage remained more or less same in the three north Indian states where they were defeated. Gandhi also pitched for better coordination and planning and cautioned the party that it didnt get enough Tribal and Dalit votes in this election, said a leader.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor suggested that the party should declare the candidates early in the seats where it was fighting alone. This, according to Tharoor, could give the contestants more time to campaign against the BJP, said another leader.

There is no point of worry in facing a Parliament election...There is no level playing field for the Opposition. 146 Opposition MPs were suspended from Parliament. It is to send a message that only one party will rule. The agencies have one-point agenda -- make BJP win elections, said Venugopal, referring to the unprecedented number of suspensions in the winter session of Parliament.

Read here: Congress to hold CWC meeting to strategise for 2024 polls on Dec 21: Sources

The general secretary also added that the party was going into election mode without any delay.

All CWC members have been told to start campaign in respective states. With great vigour and hope we will fight the election, he added.

Some leaders also referred to Kharges name being suggested by some leaders as a PM candidate during the INDIA bloc meeting earlier this week.
On Monday, police were called to Patton Middle School in McMinnville, Oregon when someone spotted a hand grenade on school grounds. The explosive device was in a field adjacent to the middle school's track.

"All the students were secured inside the school by middle school staff during the ensuing investigation," McMinnville Police Department stated. "After immediately securing the area, officers started communicating with Oregon State Police Bomb Squad personnel."

Next, the police flew their department's drone to get a close look at the grenade.

"After reviewing the photographs, the item was determined to be a dog waste bag dispenser that is manufactured to resemble a hand grenade," the police reported. "The item was removed from school property and school activities returned to normal."

If you'd like to frighten children and cause unnecessary trouble for others, you too can purchase a Bad Dog Gang Tactical Poop Bag Holder Dispenser for $16 on Amazon.

(KOIN)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate on a plea filed by Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez seeking to quash the ECIR (FIR) and supplementary chargesheet filed by the agency in a 200 crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez. (File Photo)

The court also posted the case for the next hearing on January 29.

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Fernandez has been a co-accused in the case filed by the ED. But she has been named as a witness in the predicate offence - an extortion case registered by the Delhi police.

ED's FIR had stemmed from the extortion case filed by the Delhi police's economic offences wing (EOW) in August last year against Chandrasekhar for allegedly cheating and extorting money from Aditi Singh, the wife of former promoter of Religare Enterprises Shivinder Mohan Singh.

Seeking to quash the ECIR dated August 8, 2021, second supplementary complaint dated August 17, 2022 and the proceedings emanating therefrom, the actress in her plea has stated that the evidence filed by ED proves that she is an innocent victim of Chandrasekhar's maliciously targeted attack.

There is absolutely no indication of her involvement in aiding him to launder his purportedly ill-gotten wealth, read the plea.

The plea also stated that she instead was presented as a prosecution witness in the EOW case.

Throughout their interactions, the main accused consistently presented himself as a free individual. The Petitioner had no way of knowing that the main accused was actually incarcerated, as his conduct always resembled that of a person at liberty, the plea added.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked political parties and its leaders to not use derogatory words for persons with disability in public speeches. Election Commission of India (Representative Photo)

Usage of such semantics in speeches/campaigns by members of any political party or their candidates can be interpreted as an affront to the PwDs, said the ECI. Their public speeches, campaigns and other activities should also be accessible to PwDs, and so should their websites and social media, it said.

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It also has asked parties to provide a training module on disability to their workers and include more PwDs as party workers and members.

Common examples of ableist language are words like dumb(gunga), retarded (pagal, sirphira), blind (andha, kana), deaf (behra), lame (langda, lula, apahij) etc. It is necessary to avoid usage of such derogatory language, the ECI said.

According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, appropriate terms to refer to disabilities include blindness, low vision, deafness, locomotor disability, intellectual disability, etc.

The ECI also released a set of guidelines for political parties to promote inclusivity and respect towards persons with disabilities (PwDs).

According to the guidelines, the parties are not to use derogatory language towards PwDs and also ensure that their websites, social media, speeches, etc. are accessible for PwDs.

The guidelines instruct parties and their representatives not to use terms related to disability or disabled persons in the context of human incapacity or in a manner that is offensive or perpetuates stereotypes.

Rather, while referring to PwDs, the parties can only use rights-based terminologies as mentioned in the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the election panel said. All campaign materials must undergo an internal review to ensure that they do not contain any ableist or discriminatory language, it said.

ECI said that the the violation of these guidelines may lead to an imprisonment of up to five years under Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Parties should also ensure and declare on their website that they will use disability & gender-sensitive language and etiquette as well as respect inherent human equality, equity, dignity and autonomy.

The guidelines direct parties to provide training modules on disabilities to party workers and include more PwDs as party workers and members, shedding the attitudinal barrier between the party and the public. It also asks them to appoint a nodal authority to hear complaints of persons with disabilities about the usage of ableist language.
A massive fire broke out in a high-rise commercial building at Connaught Place in New Delhi on Thursday. The fire department received the call around 12.57pm regarding the blaze at the eleventh floor of the Gopaldas Bhawan. Fire at Gopaldas Bhawan in Connaught Place, New Delhi.(sourced)

Upon receiving the information, fifteen fire tenders were rushed to the scene and started the operation to bring the situation under control.

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Videos from the scene show a thick plume of smoke billowing from the affected floors.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries or casualties in the blaze.

The building, located on Barakhamba Road in Connaught Place, is a significant landmark in the heart of Delhi.

More details are awaited.

(This is a developing storyplease check back for updates)
The central government has recognised four institutes across the country as Centres of Excellence (CoE) in the field of urban planning and design, officials familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. HT Image

The Union ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) has selected the institutes to develop India-specific knowledge in urban planning and design, said the official.

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The four institutes selected as Centres of Excellence (CoE) are Ahmedabads Centre for Environment Planning & Technology (CEPT) University; IIT Kharagpur, School of Planning and Architecture-Delhi and NIT-Calicut, said MoHUA secretary Manoj Joshi.The proposal to identify these CoEs was announced by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech in 2022.

These institutes will be awarded an endowment of 250 crore each for developing and increasing India-specific knowledge in urban planning and design, said the people familiar with the matter.

Commenting on the development, CEPT University president Bimal Patel in a statement said, We will work with the MoHUA on moving forward with the activities of the CoE. This recognition is a testament to the tremendous efforts of all members of the University and is a moment of immense pride for everyone.

A high-level committee comprising officials from the MoHUA, the department of higher education (Ministry of Education), NITI Aayog and leading domain experts were formed to identify these CoEs in September 2022. It was decided that five such institutes would be chosen as centres of excellence, according to the initial guidelines.
At least four soldiers were killed and three were injured when a group of terrorists ambushed two Indian Army vehicles in the Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir on Thursday, officials said. Poonch: Army personnel stand guard near the site where an Army vehicle was ambushed by terrorists.(PTI)

The vehicles were navigating a blind curve at a spot known as Dhatyar Morh between Dera ki Gali (DKG) area and Bulfiaz when they came under heavy fire. They were carrying personnel to an active operation to nab terrorists at the DKG area, a few kilometres away.

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An operation was being conducted in general area DKG since the night of Wednesday. At approximately 3:45pm on Thursday, two army vehicles carrying troops to the operational site were fired upon by the terrorists. The fire was immediately retaliated upon by army troops, said defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal.

The personnel belonged to the armys 48 Rashtriya Rifles (48RR) unit.

However, in the ongoing operation, our own troops sustained three fatal (killed in action) and three non fatal (injured) casualties, he said. An army spokesperson later updated the toll to four, and it was not immediately clear if the fourth death was that of one of the three who had been hurt.

Colonel Bartwal said the operation was in progress and further details were being ascertained. At the time of going to print, the army had not disclosed identities or ranks of the dead or injured.

Thursdays attack was sixth since October 2021 in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, south of Pir Panjal. In the six attacks, 29 army personnel have lost their lives, including two captains and two JCOs.

While the area involved in Thursdays incident was not as close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan as some of the other spots where the six attacks took place, intelligence officials aware of the matter said it was still a treacherous region.

The terrain is hilly with dense jungles. The terrorists, it seems, ambushed the two vehicles with indiscriminate fire. The Gypsy that was leading the truck bore maximum brunt of the firing. The terrorists fled the spot after targeting the two vehicles, said an intelligence officer, asking not to be named.

The operation at DKG that began on Wednesday, this person added, was launched following hard intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area.

People familiar with the matter said immediately after the attack, ambulances and reinforcements of 48RR and 43 RR were rushed to the site. Public movement in the area has been restricted, the officer quoted above added.

Images and videos taken in the aftermath showed the green army SUV (a Maruti Gypsy) riddled with bullets and its windows shattered, with rifle cartridges and blood visible on the ground.

Read here: Jammu: Security forces intensify searches in Rajouri, Poonch; 3 detained

In May, five commandos of the para special forces were killed in an IED blast triggered by terrorists at Kandi forests in Rajouri. The previous month, five military personnel were killed when they were in a truck ambushed by terrorists in Tota Gali in Poonch  an attack that was similar to Thursdays.
Amid intense rainfall, Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu remained inundated on Thursday, leading to a situation resembling a flood and disrupting daily life. Authorities declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the district. Heavy rain also severely affected other southern districts of the state, including Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari, over the past few days. Thoothukudi: An aeriel view of the flood-fit Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (PTI)

"A holiday has been announced in all schools and colleges in Thoothukudi district tomorrow," the district collector of Thoothukudi was quoted as saying by ANI.

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Drone footage shared by the news agency ANI depicted the flooded areas in Thoothukudi district. Earlier, a pregnant woman, Anushiya Mayil, was airlifted from the flood-affected Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi and successfully delivered a baby at the Government Rajaji Hospital. The Indian Air Force (IAF) rescue team responded to an SOS message from her family, airlifting her to safety. Subsequently, she was transferred to Madurai and admitted to the GRH maternity ward.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted light to moderate rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal for the next five days.

CM Stalin takes stock of flood-like situation

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin took stock of the southern districts on Thursday to assess the extensive damage caused by severe flooding and to offer support to the affected residents. Stalin said that the state government has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure the well-being of the people in response to the ongoing situation.

"Heavy rainfall was received in Chennai and surrounding districts. In history, we have never seen this much rainfall in the Thoothukudi district. For rescue operations, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed," CM Stalin said.

He additionally mentioned that a total of 12,653 individuals have been rescued and are currently accommodated in 14 relief camps.

"I have advised district collectors and the officials to immediately provide food and other needful items to those who were staying in relief camps," he added.

The chief minister, arriving via helicopter from Chennai, engaged with Anthoniyarpuram residents and later provided relief to them. He toured flood-affected areas in the district and neighboring Tirunelveli, planning interactions with the respective district collectors.

Regarding relief efforts, he mentioned, On December 19, I met PM in Delhi, I requested him to provide relief funds to Tamil Nadu and 2000 cr excess money for Southern districts.

Previously, Indian Navy personnel offered aid at Srivaikuntam railway station in Thoothukudi. Both the state government and Centre coordinated a substantial rescue and relief initiative for affected residents.

Tamil Nadu transport minister Sivasankar SS said, We are recovering the buses that were waterlogged due to floods. Public transport in the district has been affected. Within 2-3 days we are expecting to normalise the situation and public transport will be restored too.

(With inputs from agencies)
Kolkata: The Congress will be routed from West Bengal if it accepts Mamata Banerjees proposal on seat sharing to honour the spirit of the INDIA coalition, several leaders of the party in the eastern state said on Thursday, refusing to accept an alliance with Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the coming Lok Sabha polls. A meeting of Opposition parties in the chamber of Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi on Wednesday. (ANI)

The Bengal unit of the CPI(M), too, made it clear that it will snap its electoral understanding with Congress if the latter finds an ally in TMC.

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Although Congress and CPI(M) earlier said the INDIA model will not work out in Bengal because they are opposed to both TMC and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), things took a turn on December 19 when the coalition leaders met in Delhi.

Banerjee, the TMC chairperson, urged the other parties to complete the seat sharing process by December 31 and said she will not field candidates from Bengals Berhampore and Malda South seats, which Congress holds since 1999 and 2009 respectively.

Sharp reactions from Bengals Congress and Left leaders have surfaced after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and senior All India Congress Committee (AICC) members called state Congress president and Berhampore MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Wednesday evening to discuss Banerjees proposal.

Recounting the Bengal assembly polls in 2011, in which Banerjee came to power for the first time with Congress as an ally, several veteran state Congress leaders, who did not wish to be named, told HT that TMC systematically weakened their organsation by triggering defections.

We had to walk out of that first coalition government. Today, we dont have a single legislator from Bengal. Our workers are attacked by the ruling party in every election. If we join hands with Banerjee once again it will be akin to writing the epitaph of the Congress in a state that it once ruled, one of the veterans said on condition of anonymity.

Stating that he was representing the voices of party workers and sympathisers from Bengal, Koustav Bagchi, one of the young state Congress leaders, sent an e-mail to party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday.

Unlike rest of the country, in West Bengal, the politics revolves around Trinamool Congress. BJP has gained ground lately because Congress is considered too soft on Trinamool. At this juncture, if we form an alliance with Trinamool, BJP would increase its vote share being the sole opposition of Trinamool and Congress will not have any ground to come back in 2026 Assembly elections, Bagchi wrote.

Trinamool leaderships reputation is marred by credible corruption charges. If Congress tries to form alliance with Trinamool, we have to take responsibility for all the corruption of Trinamool leaders, against which Congress fought all along, said the mail, a copy of which was seen by HT.

At Wednesdays meeting, Chowdhury opposed the idea of having any sort of alliance with TMC but left the decision to the national leadership saying they should bargain for seven to nine seats, instead of sticking to just the two that our party has been winning despite TMC contesting these, a state Congress leader said on condition of anonymity.

Also Read:Unnecessary comments by INDIA bloc members on others inappropriate: Mayawati

Chowdhury also told Rahul Gandhi that Congress is ready to contest more seats such as Darjeeling, Raiganj, Purulia, Basirhat and Murshidabad. Rahul Gandhi said talks on seat sharing have not started yet and no decision would be taken without consulting state office-bearers, the leader added.

We left the decision to our party high command, said PCC leader Nepal Mahato who accompanied Chowdhury to the meeting.

As Bengal CPI(M) leaders kept a close watch on the development, the partys state secretary, Md Salim, said: Mamata Banerjee is a leader who once called the BJP her natural ally and became a minister in the NDA government. We cannot have any seat sharing with a party that forms alliance with TMC.

Congress was never our political ally. In Bengal, we only had seat sharing agreements with Congress in two assembly elections but never in Lok Sabha polls, Salim added.

That the Bengal chief minister is not willing to let a split in opposition votes help BJP in Bengal became apparent on December 4 when she reacted to the its recent victory in the Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh state elections.

The Congress made some mistakes. We have to learn from it and prepare ourselves. BJP won by thin margins. It happened because of split in (opposition) votes. There should have been proper seat sharing, she said at the state legislative assembly.

TMC leaders feel that Banerjee is formulating a strategy to stop BJP from taking advantage of any split in votes cast by the Muslim community which the saffron camp sees as TMCs vote bank. Bengals Muslim population stood at 27.01 % during the 2011 census and is projected to have increased to around 30 % now. Swing in Muslim votes influence poll results in at least 120 of Bengals 294 assembly segments, surveys have shown.

TMC leaders reacted sharply to the stand taken by their Congress counterparts.

TMC Rajya Sabha member Santanu Sen said: It was the 2011 state polls that rejuvenated Bengal Congress because of its alliance with TMC. But TMC secured 184 seats on its own. It didnt need Congress to form the government. In the 2021 state elections, TMC crushed the BJP on its own. We can take BJP head on. Congress has to decide whether it wants to oust BJP from Bengal or help it.

Bengal BJP leaders on the other hand said Congress is not the right platform for Chowdhury and others who want to continue their struggle against TMC.

Bengal BJPs chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said: Chowdhury and others must realise that Congress is not the right platform for them. Chowdhury is the right player on the wrong court. Some of them may surrender to the wishes of the national leadership just to become MPs. Congress has been reduced to a signboard in Bengal in any case. The signboard, too, will vanish after 2024.
The leaders of the Opposition bloc, INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), are scheduled to protest at Jantar Mantar on Friday against the suspension of MPs from the Parliament. Additionally, nationwide protests will take place in all district headquarters, denouncing the government's "immoral and illegal" behaviour, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said in the Rajya Sabha. Opposition parties protest near Gandhi statue on Wednesday. (ANI)

Earlier in the day, Kharge said, The PM should come and speak in the house first. This is really condemnable! We are repeatedly requesting the speaker of the Lok Sabha and the chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The members of the ruling party are disturbing the proceedings. This shows that they (the BJP) don't have faith in India's democracy. The constitution and democratic practices should be upheld. Tomorrow, INDIA leaders will protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Throughout the country, opposition leaders will protest against this immoral and illegal behaviour of the BJP government.

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In a recent wave of suspensions that commenced on December 14, three more MPs from Congress  D K Suresh, Deepak Baij, and Nakul Nath  were suspended from the Lok Sabha on Friday due to unruly behaviour bringing the tally of suspended MPs to 145.

Schedule of Oppn's rally tomorrow

On Thursday, Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh Lovely, announced that Rahul Gandhi, the party leader, would arrive at Jantar Mantar at 11 am on Friday to protest the suspension of opposition MPs from Parliament.

Tomorrow at 11 am, Rahul Gandhi will be at Jantar Mantar to protest against the suspension of opposition MPs from Parliament. Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and other leaders of the INDIA alliance will address the rally, he said.

The Congress leader further highlighted the alarming number of MPs suspended from Parliament during the ongoing winter session.

Following the protest march on Thursday, the party president Kharge in a post on X wrote, We, the people of India need to Save Democracy. Passing important legislations by suspending Opposition MPs is not Democracy. It is the worst kind of authoritarianism.

Our future generations will not forgive us, if we do not raise our voices against this dictatorship, NOW! he said.

Kharge mentioned that the protest would take place at their party headquarters in districts nationwide, in addition to the Jantar Mantar demonstration.

Ongoing protests over suspension of MPs

On Thursday, INDIA bloc MPs marched from Parliament to Vijay Chowk in protest of the suspension of opposition lawmakers. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged violation of parliamentary privilege for not addressing the security breach issue in the House.

The lawmakers carried a large 'Save Democracy' banner and placards reading 'Opposition MPs Suspended,' 'Parliament Caged,' and 'Democracy Expelled' during the march.

Addressing reporters at Vijay Chowk, Kharge stressed the opposition's right to speak in a democracy. He said that as representatives of the people, it's the legislators' duty to convey public sentiments in Parliament.

Kharge further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah are not ready to speak in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha while addressing the Parliament security breach issue elsewhere. "We wanted to raise Parliament security breach issue as to why it happened and who is responsible," Kharge said.

The opposition repeatedly requested Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for an opportunity to discuss the security breach, alleging disruptions by ruling party members.

Why were MPs suspended from the Parliament?

Following an incident on December 13 where two individuals breached the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing smoke from canisters, the opposition has continuously disrupted House proceedings. Their demand includes a statement from Union home minister Amit Shah regarding the security breach.

In the ongoing Parliament winter session, a total of 145 MPs 100 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha  have faced suspension due to their involvement in creating chaos and disrupting proceedings.
The Parliamentarians of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc on Thursday held a march from Parliament House to Vijay Chowk in Delhi on the issue of suspension of Opposition MPs in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Parliamentarians of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc are holding a march from Parliament House to Vijay Chowk.(HT/Raj K Raj)

The floor leaders of the INDIA bloc also held a meeting in the office of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.

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The members of the INDIA bloc have also planned a protest at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Friday against the suspension of its MPs.

A total of 143 opposition MPs have been suspended from both Houses of Parliament over the past week after they held protests and raised slogans demanding Union home minister Amit Shahs statement on the December 13 security breach incident.

On Wednesday, the total number of suspended MPs reached 97 in the Lok Sabha and 46 in the Rajya Sabha.

The Opposition, including, the Congress has called the move dictatorial and said that it has hurt the democratic goodwill of the country.

It was the right of MPs to ask questions inside the Parliament. A large number of people from different parts of the city will raise their voice against the undemocratic move during the protest, Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely said on Wednesday.

Most of the INDIA bloc leaders, including MPs who have been suspended, are expected to participate in the demonstration (on Friday), Delhi Congress spokesperson Mukesh Sharma said.

After the lower house of the Parliament suspended the Opposition members, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a circular outlining strict measures restricting the suspended MPs from various parliamentary activities.

The circular detailed the repercussions of the suspension, stating that the MPs are prohibited from entering the Parliament chamber, lobby, and galleries for the duration of their suspension.

Meanwhile, the deadlock between the Opposition and the government deepened on Wednesday over Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee's mimicry of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar on a mobile camera held by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. The act has prompted condemnation by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhankhar and other union ministers and BJP MPs.
NEW DELHI: A Qatari court has held three hearings on the appeal filed by eight former Indian Navy personnel against the death sentence given to them and India remains focused on efforts to bring them back home, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday. External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi addresses a press conference in New Delhi (ANI FILE PHOTO)

Read here: 2 hearings by Qatar court in ex-navy men case: MEA

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While the emir of Qatar pardoned several prisoners, including Indian nationals, on the countrys national day on December 18, the Indian side has no information so far on the identities of those pardoned, Bagchi told a regular media briefing.

The eight men, including decorated officers who commanded frontline warships in the Indian Navy, were sentenced to death by Qatars Court of First Instance on October 26 after being detained for more than a year on undeclared charges. Reports have suggested the men were accused of espionage. The Indian side has said the courts verdict was not made public.

This case is now in [Qatars] Court of Appeal and there have been three hearings...on November 23, November 30 and December 7. Meanwhile, our ambassador in Doha got consular access...to meet all the eight men on December 3. But beyond this, I dont have anything to share at this stage, Bagchi said in response to questions.

Bagchi said the Indian side has no information about the people who were pardoned by Qatars ruler on December 18. We certainly have not received any indication that these eight are involved in that, and as you know, the case is going on and Id be a little surprised that this would happen while the case is going on, he said.

India has not formally received the pardon list or information on how many Indians are on it. I know there are some Indians on it, he said.

Though the Indian prime minister and the emir of Qatar recently had a conversation, Bagchi declined to go into details of the discussion. We have said this is an important issue that we are following, and [looking at] how we can get our people back to India at the earliest. That is what is driving us, he said.

Very few details about the case have been provided by the Indian and Qatari sides since the men were detained in August 2022. Soon after the Qatari court gave its verdict, the external affairs ministry expressed deep shock and pledged to look at all legal options to help the former naval personnel.

Read here: Our ambassador got consular access: MEA on 8 veterans on death row in Qatar

The eight men were employees of a subsidiary of Oman-based Dahra Engineering & Security Services, which provided training and other services to Qatars armed forces. The subsidiary was shut down in May this year.
Preston McCormick filed a lawsuit against Riverside County in California for what he claims was an illegal raid on his pot farm located on tribal land belonging to the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. McCormick says that not only did the sheriff's deputies kill $10 million in crops, trash the infrastructure, and confiscate significant personal property from his home, but the cops, um, celebrated the "destruction" of the weed with a big pizza party and left a huge mess behind.

From SFGate:

After the raid, McCormick alleges the deputies ordered pizza, along with other food and drinks, for delivery to his property to celebrate. Then the next day, the lawsuit alleges deputies returned to the property to retrieve cell phones, radios and other items that had been left behind. The lawsuit also says 75 pizza boxes were "haphazardly discarded" on the property.

But McCormick's chief complaint is that he says the raid was conducted illegally. He says he worked with the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians a few months before the raid to secure license and lease agreements, as well as permits, to grow and sell cannabis on tribal land.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the India-US relationship is broader in engagement, deeper in understanding, and warmer in friendship than ever before. In a rare interview with the British business daily Financial Times (FT), Modi maintained the relationship was on an upward trajectory. US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (REUTERS/File)

The comments came a month after the US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment implicating Indian official Nikhil Gupta for orchestrating a plot in June to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.

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Gupta allegedly hired a hitman, who turned out to be an undercover agent for US law enforcement. India acknowledged inputs on the plot from the US and announced the constitution of a committee to examine the issue while promising necessary follow-up action.

All five Indian-American members of the US Congress this month warned of significant damage to the very consequential India-US partnership unless New Delhi probes and holds those responsible for plotting to kill Pannun, an American-Canadian citizen whom India has designated as a terrorist.

Guptas indictment came to light in November, five months after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada was investigating whether Indian agents were behind the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. India rejected Trudeaus claim as absurd and asked 41 Canadian diplomats to leave the country.

Modi told FT the national interest as the foremost guiding principle in foreign affairs allows India to engage with nations in a manner that respects mutual interests and acknowledges the complexities of contemporary geopolitics. The world is interconnected as well as interdependent.

FT said Modi outlined Indias mix-and-match foreign policy while a senior government official, speaking anonymously to the paper, described Indias current position in a multipolar and multilateral world as a sweet spot.

FT noted Modi maintained close ties with Russias president, Vladimir Putin, in keeping with Indias decades-old non-alignment policy. It added he also cemented a closer-than-ever relationship with President Joe Biden during a June state visit to the US when the two countries signed a raft of agreements in areas ranging from jet engines to quantum computing.

Modi brushed aside a question about a relaxation of US-China tensions. He added they are best addressed by the people and government of America and China.

Modi said India has supported the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza while reiterating its support for a two-state solution. FT noted India has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause but has grown closer to Israel under Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit the country. It added the Modi government has mostly refrained from criticising Benjamin Netanyahus government on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

FT said Israel is the Modi governments key partner with which it shares technology and a right-wing nationalist worldview.

Modi said he remains in touch with the leaders in West Asia and if there is anything India can do to take forward efforts towards peace, it will certainly do so.
The Jharkhand assembly on Wednesday once again passed a bill that proposes to fix land records of 1932 as the basis for domicile in the state which is a mandatory eligibility to apply for Class III and Class IV government jobs. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren during the winter session of the state legislative assembly, in Ranchi on Wednesday (ANI)

Chief minister Hemant Soren moved the bill for passage while ignoring the amendments suggested by the Raj Bhavan, who has previously returned the legislation twice for reconsideration.

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We dont think there is any need to make any amendment in the bill. I request the House to pass this unanimously, Soren said in the assembly. He added that the bill represents the ethos of Jharkhand.

The bill, titled Jharkhand definition of local persons and for extending the consequential, social, cultural and other benefits to such local persons Bill, 2022, colloquially known as the 1932 Khatiyan bill, was first passed by the assembly on November 11 last year.

As per the bill, people who have their names or their ancestors name in the khatiyan (land records) of 1932 or before will be considered as a local inhabitant of Jharkhand, and only such people will be eligible for Class III and Class IV jobs in the state.

The bill was, however, returned twice by the governor since then for reconsideration, the last being on December 2, when governor CP Radhakrishnan also suggested some amendments. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government, however, refused to make any changes and got the same bill passed again on Wednesday.

According to the Constitution, if a bill is sent to the governor after being passed by the House for a second time, the governor is bound to give his assent to the legislation.
The Delhi Police on Wednesday detained a software engineer employed with an MNC from Karnataka's Vidyagiri in connection with the December 13 Lok Sabha security breach incident. According to reports, Sai Krishna Jagali, the techie, knew Manoranjan D, one of the men who entered the Lok Sabha with hidden canisters and sprayed yellow smoke in a huge security scare on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Reports said Sai Krishna is the son of a retired cop of the Karnataka Police. Parliament security breach: Police find a new link in the investigation. Two people have been detained.

Delhi Police Special Cell detained another man from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the case. 50-year-old Atul Kulshetra is a resident of Jalalpur, reports said.

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On Wednesday all six arrested in the case were confronted with each other for a corroboration of the sequence of the incident. The police custody of the four accused Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Neemal and Amol Shinde is ending on Thursday. Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat are the two other accused arrested in the case.

The six people arrested in the Parliament security breach case were part of half a dozen WhatsApp groups named after Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekar Azad, police sources said on Tuesday. The accused and other members of these groups would regularly discuss the thoughts and ideas of the freedom fighters and also share related video clips, they said

Sai Krishna was Manoranjan D's roommate in the engineering college where they studied together. Repos said Sai Krishna was picked up from his sister's place in Bagalkot. His sister Spanda said a Delhi police team came and took her brother with them. "It is true that the Delhi Police came. My brother was interrogated. We have fully cooperated with the inquiry," she said adding that his brother had done nothing wrong. "Both Manoranjan and Saikrishna Jagali were roommates. Now my brother works from home", she added as quoted by PTI.

On December 13, Manohar D and Sagar Sharma jumped inside the Lok Sabha when the session was on and sprayed yellow smoke. Outside Parliament, Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde were found protesting using the same smoke. The four were arrested under UAPA charges for the serious breach and as the police widened the net of the investigation, it was revealed that the security breach was a pre-mediated plan -- to create anarchy. No link with any organisation has been found so far.

Manoranjan D got two entry passes from BJP MP Pratap Simha's office. In their previous recce, they found out that shoes were not checked in Parliament and hence hid canisters inside their shoes and entered the Lok Sabha as visitors.
The Kerala cabinet on Wednesday approved the formation of a comprehensive urban policy commission whose recommendations and findings will play a key role in the development activities planned in the state for the next 25 years. The promise of an expert commission to deal with the challenges of urbanisation, which officials say the first in the country, was made in the Kerala budget earlier. (ANI)

The promise of an expert commission to deal with the challenges of urbanisation, which officials say the first in the country, was made in the state budget earlier.

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According to the National Population Commission, over 92.8 percent of the area in Kerala will be classified as urban by 2035.

A draft urban policy report of the central government was published in 2018 which asked the states to form their own rules as it is a state subject.

The work of the commission will be helpful in developing a global perspective on urbanisation in Kerala. As a state highly affected by global warming and as a region undergoing a highly complex urbanisation process, this (work of Commission) will help in understanding the many facets of urbanisation, a release from the Chief Ministers Office said.

As part of the urban policy formulation, provisions for financial support are available in projects like Rebuild Kerala, the project related to German bank KfW, Kerala Solid Waste Management scheme and Amrut. Grants earmarked for this purpose by such agencies are intended to be used for the functioning of the Commission in a manner that does not create new financial burden, the government release said.

The urban policy commission, which will have a tenure of one year, will be headed by M Satheesh Kumar, an expert in the field and senior associate professor at the Queens University Belfast in the UK. Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar and E Narayanan, former faculty at the CEPT University in Ahmedabad, will serve as co-chairs of the commission.
Active Covid-19 cases in Kerala crossed the 2000-mark on Wednesday as the state reported 292 fresh infections, according to the data of the union ministry of health and family welfare. Two people died of Covid in Kerala in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative toll to 72,056, according to health department data. (ANI)

The state now accounts for 88 percent of the total active Covid-19 cases in the country.

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Two people died of Covid in the state in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative toll to 72,056, according to data .

The state health department has not released details regarding the fresh infections or the deceased. The state Covid dashboard has not been updated since September 9, 2022.

Health minister Veena George convened on Tuesday a meeting of the top health officials which underscored the need to remain alert instead of spreading fear and panic. At the meeting, it was decided to make masks mandatory at all hospitals in the state. Special emphasis was to be given in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam districts which are reporting the bulk of the fresh cases.

The health minister on Monday had denied reports of a big spike in Covid infections in the state. She said the health department has been examining a small increase in cases since November and had ordered the whole genomic sequencing of the infections which led to the discovery of the JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

She also said 15 travellers from different parts of India had tested positive for the JN.1 sub-variant of Covid during routine surveillance at the Singapore airport, indicating that the variant was present in other states of the country.
A young student in Kerala's Kochi, studying in the fourth standard, received a "special gift"  a laptop  from Union minister of state for information technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The heartwarming moment's video went viral on Thursday. Sriram, fourth standard kid from Kochi was given an Acer One 14 laptop, as evident from the video.(ANI)

The gesture stemmed from the boy's encounter with the Union minister during a journey on a Vandebharat train while he was travelling to Kannur on a trip. Impressed by the boy, Chandrasekhar pledged to give him a laptop during their interaction.

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Additionally, the minister assured the boy of a trip to a computer technology park in the future. The joyous video showcased Sriram, the Kerala schoolboy, receiving the laptop from the volunteers who wished him a Happy Christmas and New Year. There was a lack of clarity regarding the individuals presenting the laptop to Sriram, and Hindustan Times couldn't authenticate the specifics of the event independently.

Sriram's face lit up with smiles as he eagerly opened the box containing the laptop, exploring its features in excitement.

"I was going for a trip to Kannur in Vande Bharat Express and I was surprised to see Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. He promised to give me a laptop and a trip to the computer technology park. I was so happy," said the 4th-standard student, Sriram.

Sriram was given an Acer One 14 laptop, as evident from the video. However, additional specifics about the device remained unclear.

The tweet from the news agency about the surprise from the Union minister to this Kerala schoolboy garnered some positive reactions, with many praising the warm gesture. "What a beautiful gesture," wrote a user.

Another user tagged the minister and thanked him for assisting the child. "Thanks for helping this kid, sir," the user wrote.
Cachar (Assam), [India], December 21 (ANI): Police seized a large quantity of areca nuts (Burmese Supari) in Assam's Cachar district on Wednesday and arrested three people, police said on Thursday. HT Image

According to the police, approximately 1,000 kg of illegal areca nuts were hidden inside the secret chambers of a vehicle.

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Numal Mahatta, Superintendent of Police of Cachar District, said that, during the special operations against the transportation of illegal Burmese areca nuts at Digorkhal toll gate, a vehicle that tried to escape was detained.

During checking, the police team recovered approximately 1,000 kg of illegal areca nuts in secret chambers on the vehicle.

Moreover, one vehicle loaded with approximately 10 bags of suspected areca nuts was also recovered from a shop in the Gumrah Bazar area in an abandoned condition, said Numal Mahatta.

The police official also said that, in this connection, three people have been arrested.

Further investigation is underway.

Last month as well, Cachar district police claimed to have seized about 20,000 kg of Burmese Supari (areca nuts) from the Assam-Mizoram border. (ANI)
West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), a key constituent of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, has offered the Congress two of the states 42 Lok Sabha constituencies as part of its bid to seal a seat-sharing agreement with the party, said people aware of the matter. HT Image

However, leaders of the Bengal Congress, in a meeting with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, said that they expect at least six or eight seats in the eastern state.

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The TMC made the offer on the sidelines of the Opposition blocs meeting in Delhi on Tuesday, said a party functionary.

TMC won 22 of the states 42 seats in the 2019 general elections, marginally inching out the BJP, which sprung a surprise, winning 18 constituencies. The Congress won the remaining two seats.

Bengal Congress leaders told the high command they expect six to eight seats from the Trinamool in an alliance, said a leader present in the meeting.

A senior TMC leader said, The Congress doesnt have any MLAs in the state. It has only two MPs. If you look at any seat-sharing formula, the Congress shouldnt get more than two Lok Sabha seats in the event of an alliance.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury are the Congress partys two parliamentarians from West Bengal.

In the meeting on Wednesday, many leaders from Bengal said they were unsure if the Congresss votes would be transferred to the TMC. Some leaders asked the partys high command to extract a few seats in the greater Kolkata region.

But Kharge, according to two leaders, said, We understand the ground situation, but have to defeat the BJP.
The Lok Sabha passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, through a voice vote on Wednesday after an hour-long debate in the absence of most, if not all, Opposition members. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw speaks in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. (ANI)

The bill allows for administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, replaces the licensing regime for telecommunication service providers with an authorisation regime, cements measures to protect users in the law, and provides a four-tiered structure for dispute resolution.

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The bill [seeks] to amend and consolidate the law relating to development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of spectrum; and for connected matters, communications minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday while introducing the Bill.

The bill will replace the Indian Telegraph Act (1885) and the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933). Industry bodies such as the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Broadband India Forum (BIF) welcomed the bill, but some MPs and privacy and technology activists expressed concern on three main fronts: inclusion of online services including OTT messaging ones; stringent user verification norms; and fears of heightened surveillance.

Opening the discussions on Wednesday, Vaishnaw said it was a historic day when three laws that had a colonial mindset are being scrapped  a reference to the criminal code bills passed by the Lower House earlier in the day. In the same way, one colonial bill is the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, which is being repealed with todays requirements, with todays economic needs and with todays aspirations in mind, he said.

Opposition members posted questions on some of the provisions of the bill.Interception of communication in the interest of national security is very much essential but at the same time, privacy of citizens should also be taken care of, Sanjeev Kumar Singari, Lok Sabha MP from YSRCP, said in the house.

Biju Janata Dals Bhartruhari Mahtab asked Vaishnaw to clarify what temporary and possession would mean when the government is allowed to take temporary possession of the telecom network.

The bill allows government to take over telecom services and intercept messages in interest of national security and in case of emergencies. I understand [the need for that] ... Perhaps the minister can tell us how it will be decided, at what level will it be decided, and under what law will it be decided, Mahtab said.

With the mention of data stream in the definition of message, one can suppose that messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram, email services like Gmail, Zoom and cloud services could come under telecom regulation. If these services are regulated under this Bill, same rules, same service can be implemented. This needs clarification from the honourable minister, Singari said.

Shiv Senas Shrirang Appa Barne asked for clarification about inclusion of services like WhatsApp and Signal. We need a clarification from the minister on that as the door to include online services has been kept open, he saidVaishnaw gave a general overview of the law in response, summarising its benefits in 10 points.

First, he said the new law will improve user protection against KYC frauds. Second is right of way reforms. We needed to reform the right of way given the speed at which the telecom industry has been growing and services are being adopted. We have done so by involving state governments and district authorities, he said.

Third, is on licenses  more than 100 have been replaced with a single authorisation, he added. Fourth is spectrum reforms. In the 1885 Act, spectrum was not even spoken about. The new law takes into account Supreme Court judgements and presidential references from Constitutional benches, he said.

The fifth highlight, he said, was the digital-by-design, four-tier dispute resolution mechanism.Sixth, we have now made a legal framework for standards for cybersecurity and protection of telecom network, he said. He identified the bills provisions on interception as the seventh point, saying its principles and checks and balances stemmed from the 1996 PUCL case judgment.

The other key points of the new law pertained with the industry and Indias position as an exporter of technology, identifying the eighth important point Digital Bharat Nidhi (to develop new technologies and products) and the ninth as the regulatory sandbox provisions for innovation.

Tenth, and the most important issue, is that the industry provides employment to nearly four million people and this Bill takes care that there are no disruptions, he said.

Internet Society, in a statement after the passage of the bill, said, The Bill must contain provisions for distinguishing between traditional telecom services and Internet-based services.

The lack of differentiation fundamentally alters their governance, risking regulatory overreach and overlap.

The organisation also said that the bill threatens end-to-end encryption. Earlier in the day, telecom secretary Neeraj Mittal briefed parliamentarians about the bill. He explained what the bill was about and how the spectrum worked. In response to a question, he also explained why satellite spectrum could not be auctioned.

For activities such as research and development, as envisioned through the proposed regulatory sandbox, participants may require access only for a short duration. Holding auctions is not feasible in such cases, he said as an illustration. Mittal clarified that the government taking temporary control of telecom services and networks was not a new provision, and that the interception provision was also borrowed from the extant law.
The Madras High Court on Thursday sentenced Tamil Nadu states higher education minister K Ponmudy to 3 years of simple imprisonment in a 1.75-crore disproportionate assets case, ANI reported. The case pertains to Ponmudy amassing wealth disproportionately to the tune of  1.75 crore in his name and in the name of his wife which was 65.99% more than his known sources of income (PTI)(HT_PRINT)

The court also imposed a fine of 50 lakhs each on Ponmudy and his wife.

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On Tuesday, the Madras High Court convicted Ponmudy and his wife in the case, setting aside a trial courts order which acquitted them.

The case pertains to Ponmudy (72) amassing wealth disproportionately to the tune of 1.75 crore in his name and in the name of his wife which was 65.99% more than his known sources of income when he was a minister in the DMK-led regime during 2006 to 2011.

They were, however, acquitted by a trial court in Villupuram in 2016. On Tuesday, the high court set aside that verdict and noted that the charge of offence punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, stands proved against both accused.

A complete miscarriage of justice had occurred by the omission of reliable evidence and by mis-interpretation of the evidence, Justice Jayachandran noted. the overwhelming evidence against the respondents and the unsustainable reasons given by the trial court for acquittal by ignoring those evidence compel this court to declare the judgment of the trial court is palpably wrong, manifestly erroneous and demonstrably unsustainable. Hence, this is a fit case for the appellate court to interfere and set it aside.

The judge also held the trial court wrong to consider the accused couple as separate entities instead of clubbing them together.

The trial court has failed to understand that, the substance of charge against A-2 is that, she being the wife of A-1 (public servant) holding the assets of A-1 which he had acquired through unknown source, the court held. Whether, the lack of capital/source to yield income proportionate to the properties acquired in the name of A-2 during the check period is the point which ought to have been first examined by the trial court
In Texas, Carroll Independent School District board president Cameron Bryan called for the public school district to use the phrase "Christmas break" instead of the much more inclusive "holiday break."

Bryan claimed that teachers, administrators, and parents were "afraid to openly recognize this holiday on our campuses due to fear of retribution," although he didn't share any specific examples of this.

"I have, as I'm sure we all have, received several correspondence this month from the district referring to a 'winter break,' 'winter parties,' 'holiday break,' 'holiday parties'  everything but 'Christmas break' and 'Christmas parties,'" Bryan said. "It's Christmas and New Year's break, and I think the district should refer to it as such."

From WFAA:



Bryan cited House Bill 308, signed into law in 2013, which states, "a school district may educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations, and allow students and district staff to offer traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including "Merry Christmas"; "Happy Hanukkah" and "Happy holidays" in making his request. "That is the law in Texas, so therefore, I want every Carroll ISD student, teacher, administrator, and parent to know it is OK to recognize and observe this holiday on our campuses if you so choose," Bryan continued.

Worth noting is that the US Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights currently has seven open investigations into numerous allegations against the Carroll Independent School District of racism, discrimination against people with disabilities, and gender or sexual discrimination and harassment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rejected allegations of discrimination towards minorities in India, cracking down on critics and any talk of amending the Constitution to make the country an explicitly Hindu republic, and said he aspires to create conditions where everyone sees value in investing and expanding operations here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi(PTI)

Read here: No feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority in India: Modi

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In an interview with the British daily Financial Times (FT), Modi called speculation about altering the Constitution meaningless. He said his governments most transformative stepsfrom a Clean India nationwide toilet-building campaign to bringing nearly 1bn people online through a path-breaking digital public infrastructure pushhave been realised without doing so and through public participation.

Modi said he is very confident of victory in the 2024 national polls as people realise that the nation is on the cusp of a take-off. They want this flight to be expedited, and they know the best party to ensure this is the one which brought them this far, he told FT in what the paper described as a rare interview and additional written responses.

Modi cited his governments record of solid change in the common mans life and said the people have different aspirations from the ones they had 10 years back.

The comments came days after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power in the heartland states of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and retained it in Madhya Pradesh in a major boost for its prospects ahead of the national polls due to be held in the summer of next year.

The Congress managed to win in the southern state of Telangana. The four states send 82 of the 543 representatives to the Lok Sabha.

FT noted a third-term victory would be a vindication for Modis legions of supporters, who say he has built Indias economy and global esteem, improved hundreds of millions of peoples lives, and put the majority Hindu religion at the centre of public life. It added the Congress-led Opposition has joined forces and promised to safeguard democracy and the Constitution in the face of what they say is an attack on the secular principles of the countrys founders.

FT said critics have accused Modis government of cracking down on rivals, curtailing civil society, and discriminating against the countrys large Muslim minority.

The BJP has rejected the claims of democratic backsliding even as FT said they have alarmed some observers in India and overseas when leaders around the world are betting heavily on the country as a geopolitical and economic partner.

FT said Modis opponents worry that he would use a third-term victory, especially if the BJP wins a large majority, to shred secular values irrevocably, possibly by amending the Constitution to make India an explicitly Hindu republic.

Modi said the BJPs critics were entitled to their opinions and the freedom to express them but there is a fundamental issue with such allegations, which often appear as criticisms. These claims [concerns over the health of Indian democracy] not only insult the intelligence of the Indian people but also underestimate their deep commitment to values like diversity and democracy, he said. He added an ecosystem is using the freedom available in the country to hurl allegations at them daily, through editorials, TV channels, social media, videos, and tweets.

Modi insisted that Indian society has no feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority. FT said Modi made no direct reference to the countrys Muslims when asked what future the 200 million-strong minority has in India. Modi instead pointed to the economic success of Indias Parsees, who he described as a religious micro-minority residing in India. Despite facing persecution elsewhere in the world, they have found a safe haven in India, living happily and prospering, Modi said. That shows that the Indian society itself has no feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority.

FT noted that anti-Muslim hate speech has proliferated under the rule of the BJP, which has no Muslim ministers. It said a question about the Modi governments alleged crackdown on his critics elicited a long and hearty laugh. Modi said his critics have the right to level allegations but others have an equal right to respond with facts.

He cited the long history of outsiders who underestimated India. In 1947, when India became independent, the British who left made a lot of very dire predictions about Indias future. But we have seen that those predictions and preconceptions have all been proven false. He added those who similarly doubt his government will also be proven wrong.

Modi cited Indias progress from being identified in 2013 as one of the Fragile Five, or economies overly reliant on foreign investment to finance current account deficits, to the worlds fifth-largest economy and said they envision a system where anyone from around the world feels at home in India. ...where our processes and standards are familiar and welcoming, he said. That is the kind of inclusive, global-standard system we aspire to build.

FT noted infrastructure building has taken off during Modis premiership. It added Modis office rattles off the numbers: a doubling of airports to 149 from 74 less than a decade ago; 905km of metro lines, from 248km a decade ago; 706 medical colleges, from 387 before he took office.

FT said despite a major infrastructure push and its status as the worlds fastest-growing big economy, India is not creating enough jobs, presenting a vulnerable point for the BJP as it enters a national campaign.

Modi cited unemployment data gathered by the Periodic Labour Force Survey, which he said points to a consistent decline in unemployment rates. When evaluating different performance parameters like productivity and infrastructure expansion, it becomes evident that employment generation in India, a vast and youthful nation, has indeed accelerated, Modi said.

FT said corruption, administrative hurdles, and the skills gap among youth are other obstacles to business about which companies, Indian and foreign, complainand which some believe could prevent the country from replicating Chinas manufacturing-led economic take-off.

Modi said it might be more apt to compare India with other democracies. Its important to recognise that India wouldnt have achieved the status of the worlds fastest-growing economy if the issues youve highlighted were as pervasive as suggested, he said. Often, these concerns stem from perceptions, and altering perceptions sometimes takes time.

FT said the idea of an economically emerging India is not a new one for the worlds largest developing nation but the narrative has taken hold powerfully lately also because tensions between Washington and Beijing have prompted a search by Western democracies for alternative trading and diplomatic partners.

Modi pointed to the presence of Indian-origin CEOs at top companies such as Google and Microsoft as counter-evidence of a skills gap.

FT said some analysts have pointed to the fact that so many skilled Indians go abroad as evidence that there are too few opportunities back home. Its not a matter of needing to bring them back, Modi said when asked whether India should not be trying to lure them to return to the country of their birth. Rather, our goal is to create such an environment in India that it naturally gets people to have a stake in India.

On foreign policy, Modi said the national interest as the foremost guiding principle allows India to engage with nations in a manner that respects mutual interests and acknowledges the complexities of contemporary geopolitics. The world is interconnected as well as interdependent.

FT said Modi outlined Indias mix-and-match foreign policy. It noted Modi maintained close ties with Russias president, Vladimir Putin, in keeping with Indias decades-old non-alignment policy. It added he also cemented a closer-than-ever relationship with President Joe Biden during a June state visit to the US when the two countries signed a raft of agreements in areas ranging from jet engines to quantum computing.

Modi said India has supported the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza while reiterating its support for a two-state solution. FT noted India has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause but has grown closer to Israel under Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit the country. It added the Modi government has mostly refrained from criticising Benjamin Netanyahus government on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

FT said Israel is the Modi governments key partner with which it shares technology and a right-wing nationalist worldview.

Modi said he remains in touch with the leaders in West Asia and if there is anything India can do to take forward efforts towards peace, it will certainly do so.

Modi said the India-US relationship is broader in engagement, deeper in understanding, and warmer in friendship than ever before. The comments came a month after the US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment implicating Indian official Nikhil Gupta for orchestrating a plot in June to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.

Read here: Watershed moment in history: PM Modi on 3 criminal law bills passed in Rajya Sabha

Gupta allegedly hired a hitman, who turned out to be an undercover agent for US law enforcement. India acknowledged inputs on the plot from the US and announced the constitution of a committee to examine the issue while promising necessary follow-up action.

All five Indian-American members of the US Congress this month warned of significant damage to the very consequential India-US partnership unless New Delhi probes and holds those responsible for plotting to kill Pannun, an American-Canadian citizen whom India has designated as a terrorist.

Guptas indictment came to light in November, five months after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada was investigating whether Indian agents were behind the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. India rejected Trudeaus claim as absurd and asked 41 Canadian diplomats to leave the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to convey his pain, and President Droupadi Murmu stressed that protests should not cross the norms of dignity and courtesy as the suspended Trinamool lawmaker Kalyan Banerjee faced strong criticism for ostensibly mimicking the Rajya Sabha Chairman in the Parliament complex on Tuesday. HT Image

Sharing details of the conversation with the Prime Minister, Dhankhar said in a post on X that Modi told him that he too has been at the receiving end of insults for the last 20 years. Dhankhar also thanked President Murmu for expressing her dismay over how the VP was treated.

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Received a telephone call from the Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi Ji. He expressed great pain over the abject theatrics of some Honourable MPs and that too in the sacred Parliament complex yesterday Dhankhar wrote.

He told me that he has been at the receiving end of such insults for twenty years and counting but the fact that it could happen to a Constitutional office like the Vice President of India and that too in the Parliament was unfortunate, Dhankhar added.

He also said that he told the PM that he remains committed to the values enshrined in the Constitution from the bottom of his heart. None of the insults will make me change my path...

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also met Dhankhar on Wednesday and said the Opposition MPs conduct was demeaning. Conveyed my deep concerns and anguish @VPIndia and Honble Chairman, Rajyasabha about serious misdemeanor by Honble MPs in Parliament complex demeaning and denigrating the constitutional office of Vice President, Birla posted on X.

Videos of Bannerjee ostensibly mimicking Dhankar on the steps of the new Parliament building were aired on TV channels and played out on social media on Tuesday, leading to a political uproar. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen filming the act as the MPs gathered to protest against a spate of suspensions from both Houses that has seen 143 Opposition MPs being ordered out for the rest of the Winter session.

On Wednesday, as the criticism grew, Banerjee told reporters that his intention was not to hurt anyone.

Did not have any intention at all to hurt anyone, including the vice-president. I have respect for constitutional positions, he said.

He, however, said mimicry is not an offence and alleged the BJP is trying to change the main issue which is whether suspension of opposition MPs was right.

Dhankhar said in the Rajya Sabhathat while he can tolerate being insulted, he will not brook any indignity shown to the Constitutional position he holds and the caste and farming community to which he belongs. Khoon ke ghoont pita hoon, but I will not tolerate if I feel that I could not protect the decorum of this position...I am not bothered if anyone insults Jagdeep Dhankhar, but I cannot bear that I could not protect the honour of my post. It is my duty to protect the honour of the House...The post was disrespected. The farmers community was insulted, he said.

As soon as Rajya Sabha assembled on Wednesday, Union minister Pralhad Joshi raised the issue. During Question Hour, as a mark of protest against the Opposition MPs, NDA MPs, including Union ministers Joshi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, Nitin Gadkari stood for about 10 minutes. MPs of the BJD, AIADMK and YSRCP also stood in solidarity with the NDA MPs.

Urging the members to take their seats, Dhankhar said he was touched by their gesture.

I am the custodian of an institution, and I am accountable to it. Any affront to the institution, the position that I hold, I have to be a protector of it...Your gesture of standing has really touched my heart. I would request you to kindly take your seats and we will proceed with the proceedings of the House. Kindly resume your seats, he said.

Speaking outside Parliament, however, Congress chief Kharge also asserted that the act of mimicking Dhankhar was not an insult to the farmers. One should not provoke people outside by talking about casteism in the House... He (Chairman) said it (mimicking) is an insult to farmers...the Chairman should provide security to the MPs inside the House... Now if I am not allowed to speak, should I say it is because I am Dalit? he said.

Gandhi, meanwhile, told reporters that the incident was a distraction to prevent discussion on the suspension of Opposition MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rejected any talk of amending the Constitution as meaningless and said his governments most transformative steps have been realised without doing so and through public participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI)

In an interview with the British business daily Financial Times (FT), Modi cited the transformative stepsfrom a Clean India nationwide toilet-building campaign to bringing nearly 1bn people online through a path-breaking digital public infrastructure push.

Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here

Modi said people realise that the nation is on the cusp of a take-off and that he is very confident of victory in the 2024 national polls. They want this flight to be expedited, and they know the best party to ensure this is the one which brought them this far, he told FT in what the paper described as a rare interview and additional written responses.

Modi cited his governments record of solid change in the common mans life and said the people have different aspirations from the ones they had 10 years back.

The comments came days after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and retained it in Madhya Pradesh in a major boost ahead of the national polls due to be held in summer of next year.

FT noted a third-term victory would be a vindication for Modis legions of supporters, who say he has built Indias economy and global esteem, improved hundreds of millions of peoples lives, and put the majority Hindu religion at the centre of public life. It added the Congress-led Opposition has joined forces in an alliance under the acronym INDIA, which promises to safeguard democracy and the constitution in the face of what they say is an attack on the secular principles of the countrys founders.

FT said critics have accused Modis government of cracking down on rivals, curtailing civil society, and discriminating against the countrys large Muslim minority.

The BJP has rejected the claims of democratic backsliding even as FT said they have alarmed some observers in India and overseas when leaders around the world are betting heavily on the country as a geopolitical and economic partner.

FT noted Modis opponents worry that he would use a third-term victory, especially if the BJP wins a large majority, to shred secular values irrevocably, possibly by amending the Constitution to make India an explicitly Hindu republic.

Modi said the BJPs critics were entitled to their opinions and the freedom to express them but there is a fundamental issue with such allegations, which often appear as criticisms. These claims [concerns over the health of Indian democracy] not only insult the intelligence of the Indian people but also underestimate their deep commitment to values like diversity and democracy, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing the passing of the three criminal law bills  Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and Bharatiya Saksha (Second) Bill  in Rajya Sabha, said it was a watershed moment in our history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Winter Session of Parliament. (ANI)

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Modi said, The passage of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is a watershed moment in our history. These Bills mark the end of colonial-era laws. A new era begins with laws centered on public service and welfare.

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The bills are set to replace a raft of British-era laws. They were passed in the absence of 46 MPs who were suspended from the upper house for unruly behaviour and misconduct.

The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita will replace the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita will replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Bharatiya Saksha (Second) Bill will be put in place of the Evidence Act, 1872.

Calling the bills transformative, Modi said that they were a testament to India's commitment to reform. They bring our legal, policing, and investigative systems into the modern era with a focus on technology and forensic science. These Bills ensure enhanced protection for the poor, marginalised and vulnerable sections of our society.

Further Modi said that these bills came down heavily on organised crime including terrorism and other offences that strike at the root of the country's peaceful journey to progress. He added that through the bills, India would bid goodbye to the outdated sections in the Constitution on sedition.

He said, In our Amrit Kaal, these legal reforms redefine our legal framework to be more relevant and empathy driven.

The Indian Penal Code (IPC), addressing a wide range of criminal offenses, was introduced by the British in 1860. Post-Independence, the Indian government adopted it and has subsequently amended it approximately 77 times. However, certain voices advocated for an overhaul of the entire criminal justice system, deeming it outdated and reminiscent of colonial times.

The three bills were passed in Lok Sabha on Wednesday through a voice vote.
NEW DELHI: India said on Thursday there have been no discussions with the Israeli government on the possibility of Indian workers replacing Palestinian labour, though there is no bar on Indian nationals travelling to Israel to seek employment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office on Tuesday said that he and PM Modi discussed advancing the arrival of foreign workers from India to Israel (REUTERS File)

A readout issued by the Israeli Prime Ministers Office on Tuesday of a phone conversation between Benjamin Netanyahu and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi had said that the two leaders discussed advancing the arrival of foreign workers from India to Israel.

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Asked about this issue at a regular media briefing, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi referred to a response given by the minister of state for external affairs to a similar question in the Rajya Sabha on December 14.

Let me clarify what we said in Parliament and what we said In Parliament stands, he said, adding that the ministers reply had clearly stated that there have been no discussions with Israel regarding possible replacement of Palestinian labourers with Indian workers.

Bagchi said Indian nationals can seek employment in foreign countries, including Israel, and there is no contradiction between this and the ministers response in the Rajya Sabha. If youre looking at specific job opportunities, Indian citizens are free to go abroad and take job opportunities. So, Im not going to comment on the Israeli readout about the conversation, he said.

He said that in a wider context, India has been looking at labour mobility agreements around the world so that citizens can access the global workplace, are treated fairly and their rights are protected. Indian nationals are not limited to seeking jobs abroad only through government-to-government mechanisms, and a large number of Indians work in several sectors in Israel, especially healthcare and caregivers.

There were about 18,000 Indians in Israel at the time of the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas, and only 1,300 or so opted to return home.

In response to another query regarding attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Bagchi said India has been supportive of the free movement of commercial shipping. That is something we are interested in. We are monitoring the developments there...We are also part of international efforts to ensure free shipping, whether it is piracy or otherwise, he said.

Bagchi said he was not aware of any invitation for India to join an international force launched by the US to protect ships in the Red Sea. This is a new initiative and we will have to get back as soon as there is something to convey on that, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said Indian society has no feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority while dismissing allegations against his government of cracking down on his critics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)

There is a whole ecosystem that is using the freedom available in our country to hurl these allegations at us every day, through editorials, TV channels, social media, videos, tweets, etc, Modi told the Financial Times (FT) in what the British business daily described as a rare interview and additional written responses.

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FT said Modi made no direct reference to the countrys Muslims when asked what future the 200 million-strong minority has in India. Modi instead pointed to the economic success of Indias Parsees, who he described as a religious micro-minority residing in India. Despite facing persecution elsewhere in the world, they have found a safe haven in India, living happily and prospering, Modi said. That shows that the Indian society itself has no feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority.

FT noted that anti-Muslim hate speech has proliferated under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has no Muslim ministers. It added critics have accused Modis government of cracking down on rivals, curtailing civil society, and discriminating against the countrys Muslim minority.

FT said a question about the Modi governments alleged crackdown on his critics elicited a long and hearty laugh. Modi said his critics have the right to level allegations but others have an equal right to respond with facts.

He cited the long history of outsiders who underestimated India. In 1947, when India became independent, the British who left made a lot of very dire predictions about Indias future. But we have seen that those predictions and preconceptions have all been proven false. He added those who similarly doubt his government will also be proven wrong.
Amid an ongoing controversy over the mimicry of Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday said he feels bad that Dhankhar feels insulted, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also does good mimicry. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh

I feel bad that he has been insulted. But he (Vice President & Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar) does not remember the insult when Tikait was crying, he was beaten up, the Congress leader told news agency ANI.

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He added, Mimicry is humour...PM Modi also does good mimicry...There is no need to be upset. I will meet the Vice President in this regard.

Amid a string of suspensions in the Parliament, a video of TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicking the Rajya Sabha chairman went viral on social media two days ago. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen recording Banerjee's mimicry on his mobile phone as the TMC MP conducted a mock sitting of the House.

Reacting to the incident, Dhankhar said, I don't care about how much you insult Jagdeep Dhankhar. But I can't tolerate (insult of) the Vice President of India, farmers community, my community... I will not tolerate that I could not protect the dignity of my post, it is my duty to protect the dignity of this House.

On Wednesday, PM Modi also called up Dhankhar over the incident saying he too had been at the receiving end of such insults for 20 years and counting. "I told him -- Mr Prime Minister, the antics of a few won't prevent me from performing my duty and upholding the principles enshrined in our Constitution. I am committed to those values from the bottom of my heart. None of the insults will make me change my path," Dhankhar wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, an advocate - Abhishek Gautam - has filed a complaint against the TMC MP for mimicking the Rajya Sabha chairman, demanding an FIR to be registered under the appropriate sections of the IPC and IT Act. According to the police, the complaint has been forwarded to the New Delhi district police. Gautam in his complaint said the video was made to insult and defame the Vice-President of India, his caste as well as his background as a farmer and as a lawyer.
NEW DELHI: India on Thursday brushed aside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus contention that US allegations about a plot to kill a Khalistani leader have resulted in a shift in New Delhis position on the issue and said the core issue continued to be the ability of extremists and terrorists to operate from Canadian soil. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated in the interview that Canada desires better relations with India but will continue to raise issues related to rights and the rule of law (AP)

Trudeau, who triggered a diplomatic storm with his accusation in September about a potential link between Indian government agents and the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, said in an interview that there was a tonal shift in Indias position after US prosecutors filed an indictment that alleged an Indian official directed a plot to kill another Khalistani activist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

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Responding to Trudeaus remarks, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told a regular media briefing Indias position had been consistent  that the main issue is the ability of anti-India elements to use Canadian soil for their activities.

This is a comment by the prime minister of Canada and I wouldnt like to comment on that. But I think our position has been quite consistent and whenever this has been raised, I think we have highlighted how we see the problem, he said.

Frankly, the core issue remains the space that is given to extremists and terrorists and anti-India elements in [Canada], he said, adding this remains the core of the problem. If the Canadian side offers any information to back up its allegations, India will look into it, he said.

I wouldnt like to say whether they have noted a shift or not. Certainly, our position has remained consistent and we would hope that they would take action against such extremist elements that are misusing freedom of speech and expression in their country, he added.

In an interview with Canadas public broadcaster CBC, Trudeau was asked if there had been a change in Indias position after US prosecutors filed the indictment last month. He replied: I wouldnt say its changed, but there might be a tonal shift perhaps.

Trudeau said, I think there is the beginning of an understanding that they cant bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before.

He added, Theres an understanding that maybe, maybe just churning out attacks against Canada isnt going to make this problem go away.

Trudeau indicated that Canada desires better relations with India but will continue to raise issues related to rights and the rule of law.

We dont want to be in a situation of having a fight with India right now over this. We want to be working on that trade deal, we want to be advancing our Indo-Pacific strategy, but it is foundational for Canada to stand up for peoples rights, for peoples safety and the rule of law, and thats what were going to do, he said.

India earlier dismissed Trudeaus allegations regarding the killing of Nijjar as absurd. New Delhi subsequently suspended visa services for Canadian citizens and sought parity in diplomatic presence, forcing Ottawa to withdraw 41 diplomats from India. India-Canada relations are currently at a fresh low, and Indian officials say Canada has not been serious about taking action against the activities of Khalistani elements.

In marked contrast to its response to Trudeaus allegations, the Indian side has said it has set up an inquiry committee to look into US allegations about the plot to kill Pannun, already declared a terrorist by New Delhi.
The mimicry row took a serious turn on Wednesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu commenting and condemning Trinamool MP's mimicking of Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. While Kalyan Banerjee, the MP under fire, said he meant no disrespect to the chairman, the Congress said PM Modi too, in past, indulged in such mimicry and that too inside the Lok Sabha. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday shared a video of PM Modi's speech for Hamid Ansari who was retiring as Vice President and chairman of the Rajya Sabha. PM Modi mocked Hamid Ansari reducing his identity to his religion and in effect alleging that his entire professional and political achievements were because of his religious identity, Jairam Ramesh wrote. Kalyan Banerjee said he did not mean to insult Jagdeep Dhankhar and he was not aware of Rajya Sabha proceedings or Dhankhar's conduct in the Rajya Sabha as he is a Lok Sabha MP.(PTI)

"Such a petty PM and his drum-beaters talking of insults being heaped at Constitutional authorities are hypocrites and opportunists of the worst kind," the Congress leader wrote.

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What is the mimicry row? Here is what happened so far

1. On Tuesday, as MPs suspended from Parliament for this session protested, Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee allegedly mimicked Jagdeep Dhankhar. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was seen taking the video on his camera.

2. As the video of the act went viral, BJP leaders severely condemned the act and called for Kalyan Banerjee's apology. Jat organisations protested the insult to their community.

3. The Congress said it was a desperate attempt to divert attention from the unprecedented suspension of 141 MPs. Two MPs were suspended on Wednesday taking the total number of suspended MPs to 143.

4. PM Modi on Wednesday called Jagdeep Dhankhar and said he too received such attacks in the last 20 years. President Droupadi Murmu tweeted that she was dismayed by the incident.

5. Kalyan Banerjee said he meant no insult to Jagdeep Dhankhar and that mimicry is a form of art. The Trinamool MP said as a member of the Lok Sabha, he was not aware of the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha or the conduct of Jagdeep Dhankhar.

6. Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee who was in Delhi on Wednesday refused to comment on the mimicry row though she said it was casual. "Had Rahul (Gandhi) not taken the video, you would not have come to know about it," Mamata said.

7. BJP chief JP Nadda said Rahul Gandhi could apply for the job of a cameraman in the studio of BJP MP Ravi Kishan. "We had to see this day also. Indian National Congress is said to have a history of more than a hundred years and its leader is making a video of a person doing mimicry," Nadda said.

8. Rahul Gandhi questioned the mimicry row and asked why there was no discussion on the suspension of so many MPs. "Who insulted and how? MPs were sitting there, I took their video which remains on my phone. The media continues to show it and is making remarks, Modi ji is making remarks, nobody has said anything," Rahul Gandhi said.

9. A police complaint has been filed against Kalyan Banerjee by advocate Abhishek Gautam at Defence Colony police station. Vineet Jindal, advocate and social activist, filed a complaint with the Ethics Committees of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha seeking the expulsion of Kalyan Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi and other MPs involved.

10. Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday said he would not tolerate any insult to the post he holds and the community he represents. "I do not care about myself. If someone insults me, I bear it, I will swallow it. But I will never tolerate that I have not been able to protect the dignity of the post I hold. It is my job to protect the dignity of this House, it is my duty to protect the dignity of the post," the chairman said.
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday suspended two more Opposition MPs till the end of the Winter session, taking the number of parliamentarians penalised in both Houses to 143 in a week, attracting further criticism from the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) that has called for a nationwide protest on Friday. Opposition parties protest near Gandhi statue on Wednesday. (ANI)

CPI(M) lawmaker AM Ariff and Kerala Congress (M)s Thomas Chazhikadan were suspended for displaying placards and entering the well of the Lok Sabha, after a resolution moved by Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi was adopted by the House.

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The development came after a record 141 MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were ordered out till at least the end of the Winter session since December 14. Of these, 97 are from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha.

The suspensions were a result of the Opposition members refusal to budge on their demand for a statement from Union home minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach last week. The cases of three Lok Sabha MPs and 11 Rajya Sabha MPs have been referred to the privileges committee.

Joshi moved the resolution in the House, taking serious note of the grave misconduct of Shri C. Thomas and Shri A. M. Arif MPs in utter disregard to the House and the authority of the Chair through display of placards and entering the well of the House.

The latest action against the Opposition MPs intensified their confrontation with the Centre. It is clear that they want an Opposition-free 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 India, Congresss Shashi Tharoor, who was suspended earlier, said.

The suspension of an unprecedented number of opposition leaders in the span of just a few days is a blatant disregard for democracy, the CPI(M) posted on X.

Parliamentarians of the INDIA bloc decided to hold a nationwide protest, including one at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, on Friday. According to Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi will also take part in the protest.

Most of the INDIA bloc leaders are expected to participate, Delhi Congress spokesperson Mukesh Sharma said. On Tuesday, after a meeting of the coalition, Kharge announced that a nationwide protest will be held on Friday. The BJP, however, slammed the Opposition for disrupting Parliament. They have been suspended due to their inappropriate behaviour. People will not participate in the rally because they have seen their hypocrisy, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said.
The number of international passenger trips at the Beijing Capital International Airport is expected to reach 8 million this year, according to the airport on Wednesday.

Since the beginning of this year, China has optimized the COVID-19 management measures, and the airport has greatly promoted the resumption of international flights. Now it has access to 75 international destinations in 47 countries on five continents, with the number of international passenger trips reaching 7 million.

On Wednesday, the airport resumed direct flights with Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, marking another step towards the recovery of the international market in the civil aviation sector.

Azerbaijan Airlines operates flights from the airport to Baku every Tuesday and Thursday.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also the 10th anniversary of Azerbaijan Airlines to open service at the airport.
Korea's Suneung exams take 8 hours to complete and are so important to academic and career success that the country grinds to a halt to ensure students aren't interrupted. But at one site in Seoul the ending bell rang early, and 39 students are suing for 20 million won (~$15,400) each, the approximate cost to stay back a year and retake the gruelling test.

The students said they were so upset that they could not focus on the rest of the exam, Yonhap news agency reports. Some reportedly gave up and returned home. Their lawyer Kim Woo-suk told local media that education authorities had not apologised. Public broadcaster KBS quoted officials who said the supervisor in charge of the specific test centre had misread the time.This is not the first time students have sued over a bell rung too early. In April, a court in Seoul awarded 7 million won ($5,250; 4,200) to students who claimed they were disadvantaged at the 2021 Suneung exam because their bell rang about two minutes earlier.

There's something fascinating about a single keju-style test being a technocratic fulcrum of everyone's lives only for sloppy timekeeping to become such a regular bug that you wonder if it's a hidden feature of the system. I remember as a kid, in Britain, the invigilators always used to wear squeaky boots and walk without rhythm. Trivial malice everywhere lurking.
Parliament Winter Session Highlights: The Lok Sabha on Thursday cleared the bill to regulate the appointment of top election officers in the Lok Sabha. The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, has already been passed by the Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla conducts the proceedings of the House during the Winter Session of Parliament.(ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved three new criminal code bills for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, and they were subsequently passed. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023 were passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The Centre also passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the Upper House. The bill seeks to amend and consolidate the law relating to the development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of the spectrum; and matters connected therewith. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the protest by Opposition leaders over the December 13 security breach and the subsequent suspension of its 143 MPs, is likely to continue today.



The suspensions were a result of the Opposition members refusal to budge on their demand for a statement from Shah on the Parliament security breach. Parliamentarians of the INDIA bloc decided to hold a nationwide protest, including one at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, on Friday.
New Delhi: Setting the stage for abroad based coalition with INDIA partners, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Thursday that we have to win as many seats as possible by coordinating with like-minded colleagues. He added that the alliance has moved forward in many directions and asked party colleagues to concentrate on actionable points and the necessary steps for the upcoming general election in 2024. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. (File photo)

Also Read: Opposition parties likely to move Supreme Court over 3 new crime code laws

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Kharge also asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to begin the second phase of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, which is likely to start from January 14.

The Congress president, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said the the biggest challenge is that the people holding constitutional posts, who are responsible for providing protection to the opposition MPs, are themselves becoming a part of party politics and doing politics using caste, region and occupation as their shield.

Kharges comments come in the backdrop of Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankar took strong exception to Opposition leaders mimicking him during their protests against the suspension of over 140 members of parliament.

On December 19, Dhankhar said: I had suffered, I tell you. On instagram, Mr Chidambram, your party put a video which was withdrawn later on. That was shame to me. You used official twitter handle of the spokesperson to demean me, insult me, insult my background as a farmer, my position as a Jat, insult my position as a Chairman.

Dhankhars mimicry saw a slew of protests with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi voicing their support for him.

Also Read: LS suspends 3 more MPs; Kharge accuses PM Modi of violation of privilege

As the CWC is set to discuss the partys preparations for the 2024 national election, in his opening speech, Kharge spoke of how the INDIA alliance have moved forward in many directions. We have to win as many seats as possible by coordinating with like-minded colleagues. We have constituted a national alliance committee (NAC) consisting of five members, which will decide the contours of the alliance with other parties. In view of the preparations for the Lok Sabha, a review meeting has been held with about 24 states. We will also appoint coordinators on Lok Sabha seats soon, he said.
People holding constitutional posts have failed to fulfil their obligations, and are indulging in politics using caste, region and occupation as their shield, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said on Thursday  an apparent reference to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar amid an ongoing tussle between the Opposition and government over the suspension of 146 MPs during the winter session of Parliament. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. (ANI)

Read here: LS suspends 3 more MPs; Kharge accuses PM Modi of violation of privilege

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Speaking at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Kharge also slammed the Union government for arbitrarily passing important bills without discussion and debate and alleged a conspiracy to convert Parliament into a platform for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking at the CWC meeting, Kharge said: The biggest challenge is that people holding constitutional posts, who are responsible for providing protection to the Opposition MPs, are themselves becoming a part of party politics and doing politics using caste, region and occupation as their shield. He has failed to fulfil his obligations under the Constitution. The whole country is watching it.

While the Congress chief did not name anyone, his remarks came two days after Vice President Dhankhar took strong exception of suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee allegedly mimicking him and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recording the act.

On Tuesday, video clips of Banerjee ostensibly mimicking Dhankhar, on the steps of the new Parliament building, were aired on television and circulated on social media platforms, triggering a political row. Gandhi was seen filming the act as the MPs gathered to protest against a spate of suspensions from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

I had suffered, I tell you. On Instagram, Mr Chidambram, your party put a video which was withdrawn later on. That was a shame to me. You used official Twitter (now X) handle of the spokesperson to demean me, insult me, insult my background as a farmer, my position as a Jat, insult my position as a Chairman, Dhankhar told senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in the Upper House.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Dhankhar to convey his pain, and President Droupadi Murmu stressed that protests should not cross the norms of dignity and courtesy. Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla also met Dhankhar and said the Opposition MPs conduct was demeaning.

Amid growing criticism, Banerjee on Wednesday said his intention was not to hurt anyone. He, however, said mimicry is not an offence and alleged the BJP is trying to change the main issue which is whether suspension of opposition MPs was right.

At the CWC meeting, Kharge accused the BJP of strangling democracy and alleged a conspiracy to convert Parliament into a platform for the ruling party.

Our example of the largest democracy in the world is in crisis. The whole country is seeing that the BJP is strangling democracy by arbitrarily passing important bills without discussion and debate. There is a conspiracy going on to convert Parliament into a platform for the ruling party, Kharge, who is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, said.

The way 143 MPs (by the end of the session, the figure rose to 146) of our INDIA bloc were suspended in both the Houses in the current Parliament session is unfortunate. The Modi government is working against the dignity of Parliament by passing all the important bills in the absence of the Opposition, he added.

The Congress chief further accused the BJP of trying to take over institutions such as the Election Commission.

By trying to take over institutions like the Election Commission, the government has put the Constitution, Parliament and democracy in danger. The Opposition gave full cooperation in the Parliament session. But after the incident in Parliament on December 13, the Opposition MPs were demanding a statement from the home minister and a comprehensive discussion in both the Houses on the issue, which the government made a question of prestige, he added, referring to last weeks security breach in Parliament.

Read here: Opposition parties likely to move Supreme Court over 3 new crime code laws

Meanwhile, the BJP slammed the Opposition. An investigation into the security breach is going on; the Opposition does not want the House to function... Does (Congress leader) Rahul Gandhi support all this?... Union minister Pralhad Joshi said.
Union minister of information and broadcasting Anurag Tahakur on Thursday said that freedom of the press and the safeguarding of journalists is a priority for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Anurag Thakur (File Photo)

Every person has freedom of expression herewe have freedom of press and it will remain so in the future also, Thakur said in response to Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen who raised a question on the policy frameworks for the protection of journalists.

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Responding to a supplementary query on steps being taken to ensure the safety of journalists, Thakur said the main question was asked by an MP from West Bengal who is not in the House.

He said that West Bengal has witnessed several examples of violence against journalists.

Sir, the original question was raised by an honourable MP from West BengalI was a little hesitant in saying this because I did not want to mention any states, but so many incidents have happened there where one after another incidents were seen in West Bengal, Thakur said.

Journalists do not feel secure over thereand this is very worrying since it is a state subject. They should be provided security and an environment should be created where they can do their work independently, Thakur said.

Thakur said that 20 journalists were beaten up and their mikes and cameras were broken on the day of civic polls in October 2015. He also listed several violent incidents against journalists that took place in 2022 during the state assembly election. Further, 10 journalists were beaten up in Kolkata and other districts at the time of filing nominations for the panchayat elections in West Bengal this year, said Thakur.

Thakur said that although the protection of journalists is a state subject, the Home Ministry issued an advisory in 2017 to all states to take precautions for their safety and to provide all possible security to journalists.

Thakur said that the central government attaches the highest importance to the safety and security of all citizens of the country, including the journalists and urged West Bengal and other states to take steps to ensure the safety of journalists in their states.

Thakur also said that the Press Council of India (PCI) aims to preserve the freedom of the press and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in the country.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former president Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have been invited to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to be held on January 22. But the senior Congress leaders may not attend the ceremony, news agency PTI reported citing sources. The invitations have been sent to them individually. Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda have also been invited. The process of sending the invites is on and in the coming days, more opposition leaders will receive the invites. Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Chowdhury have been invited to the Ram Temple inauguration ceremony on January 22.

According to reports, Sonia Gandhi and Kharge were invited by a delegation associated with the Ram Temple construction, including Nripendra Mishra. Former president Pratibha Patil and heads of all political parties have been invited.

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Read | Paag , paan, and makhana of Mithila for Shri Ram

Chief ministers and Governors are not on the invitee list

While the chiefs of all national political parties have been invited to the inauguration ceremony, chief ministers and governors are not on the invitee list though many chief ministers are the heads of the political parties.

Heads of major temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Vaishno Devi, and representatives of religious and constitutional institutions, Spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mata Amritanandamayi of Kerala, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, actors Rajnikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Arun Govil, film director Madhur Bhandarkar and industrialists such as Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, famous painter Vasudev Kamat, ISRO Director Nilesh Desai have been invited to the event.

LK Advani, MM Joshi will make 'every effort' to attend Jan 22 event

the Vishva Hindu Parishad on Tuesday invited LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi who were at the forefront of the Ram Mandir movement in the '90s. Both of them said they would make every effort to join the ceremony if their health permitted. LK Advani is 96 and MM Joshi will turn 90 in January.

Prime Minister Modi is set to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple. After the consecration ceremony, Mandal Puja will be held for 48 days from January 24 and darshan of Ram Lalla will be open for the public from January 23.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: A day after Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau took the "tonal shift" jibe at India, New Delhi on Thursday said the core issue with Canada is that it gives space to separatists, terrorists and anti-India elements. External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi addresses a press conference in New Delhi.

"Our position has been consistent. We have highlighted how we see the problem and frankly, the core issue remains the space that is given to extremists, terrorists and anti-India elements in that country," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said today.

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Trudeau on Wednesday said he felt a tonal shift in relations with India since the United States accused Indian government officials of plotting the murder of separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

"I would not like to say whether they have noted a shift or not. Certainly, our positions have remained consistent and we would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing freedom of speech and expression from their country," Bagchi added.

India and Canada's ties hit rock bottom when Trudeau accused Indian agents of conspiring to kill Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India rejected the charges as absurd.

Also read: Attacking Canada won't': Justin Trudeau claims 'tonal shift' in India relations after US plot row

"I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they cannot bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before," Trudeau said on Wednesday.

"There is an understanding that maybe, maybe just churning out attacks against Canada is not going to make this problem go away. We do not want to be in a situation of having a fight with India right now over this," Trudeau added.

Trudeau was referring to the US indictment accusing a man named Nikhil Gupta of working with Indian government employees to plot Pannun's murder. The US said it foiled the alleged plan.

On December 7, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Parliament that India has instituted an inquiry committee to look into the inputs received from the US.

He, however, said Canada's allegations won't get "equitable treatment" as it had not provided any evidence to back its allegations.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha on Thursday slammed the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, saying the entire case is fake. Alleging that the BJP has sent the summon and not the central agency, Chadha said that their purpose is to implicate Kejriwal and the AAP. AAP leader Raghav Chadha (Sanjeev Verma/ HT Photo)

The agency does not have any evidence and there is no irregularity in this case, rather all this conspiracy has been hatched to implicate AAP and CM Arvind Kejriwal... The summon was sent when CM Arvind Kejriwal had announced a week ago that he would go for Vipassana for 10 days. It was sent because their purpose is not to investigate but to implicate the CM and finish the Aam Aadmi Party...We feel that this summon has not been sent by the agency but by the BJP, the AAP leader told news agency ANI.

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Kejriwal was summoned by the ED to appear before it for questioning on Thursday, but he skipped it and went for a 10-day Vipassana meditation course at a center in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district. This was the second time he was called by the central agency in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. He was previously called by the central agency on November 2, however, Kejriwal did not depose, alleging that the notice was vague, motivated and unsustainable in law and instead flew to Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh to address a political rally.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi CM responded to the ED summons saying he has nothing to hide. I am ready to accept every legal summons. This summons of ED is also illegal like the previous ones. ED's summons are politically motivated. They should be withdrawn. I lived my life with honesty and transparency. I have nothing to hide, he said.

What is the Delhi excise policy case?

The Delhi government had come up with an excise policy in 2021-22 aiming to revitalise the city's flagging liquor business by replacing the sales-volume-based regime with a license fee for traders. The government had also promised swankier stores, free of the infamous metal grilles, ultimately giving customers a better buying experience. However, the policy was scrapped after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena sought a CBI probe into the policy alleging irregularities.

According to the ED, AAP received kickbacks to the tune of 100 crore to finalise the excise policy, and a large chunk of this money was used by the party in its Goa election campaign. The central agency in its charge sheet said that there was an involvement of certain South Group in the alleged irregularities.

The ED has so far arrested top AAP leaders - former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in the case.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 21 (ANI): The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer Ankit Tiwari who was arrested by Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) sleuths in connection with an alleged bribe case. HT Image

The ED officer was arrested by the Tamil Nadu DVAC for allegedly accepting 20 lakh bribe from a government doctor threatening to reopen a case against him.

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Earlier this month, officials said that the ED officer was caught "red-handed" while accepting a bribe of 20 lakh from a doctor in the Dindigul district.

According to officials, Ankit Tiwari, along with his team of ED officers, had been threatening several people and receiving bribes in the name of closing their case in the Enforcement Directorate.

DVAC officials caught him with 20 lakh cash in Dindigul. The DVAC also held a search at the ED Office in Madurai.

"An investigation is being probed to elucidate whether he blackmailed or threatened any other officials adopting this modus operandi and collected money in the name of the ED," the DAVC said.

According to an official release issued by DVAC Chennai, Ankit Tiwari is serving as an enforcement officer in the Madurai Enforcement Department office of the Union government.

"On October 29, 2023, he contacted a government employee from Dindigul and mentioned a case registered against him in the Dindigul Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department, which was already disposed of," the DVAC said in its release.

Further, Ankit Tiwari informed the employee that instructions had been received from the Prime Minister's Office to conduct an inquiry by the Enforcement Department in this case and asked the government employee to appear before the Enforcement Directorate office in Madurai on October 30, 2023.

Accordingly, when the Government employee went to Madurai, Ankit Tiwari got into the Government employee's car and negotiated that he should pay 3 crore to avert legal action in the case.

Later, he said that he had spoken to his superiors and as per their directions, he agreed to collect 51 lakh as a bribe. On November 1, 2023, the said employee gave him 20 lakh as the first instalment of a bribe.

Later, he intimidated the employee on several occasions through calls and text messages that he should pay the full amount of 51 lakh, otherwise, he would face dire consequences.

Having suspiciou over his activities, the government employee complained to the Dindigul district Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Unit on November 30, 2023.

On the morning of November 1, 2023, the sleuths of V&AC caught Ankit Tiwari after he had received 20 lakh as a bribe from the complainant. Subsequently, he was arrested under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Chennai: The Madras high court on Thursday sentenced Tamil Nadu higher education minister K Ponmudy and his wife to three years imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case. Tamil Nadu higher education minister K Ponmudy (PTI Photo)

Justice G Jayachandran pronouncing the order, also imposed a fine of Rs.50 lakh each on Ponmudy and his wife. The court also suspended the sentence for a month to allow him to file an appeal in the Supreme Court.

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The high court had already convicted the minister and his wife in the case and pronounced the sentence on Thursday.

The couple was booked in 2011 by the DVAC under the Prevention of Corruption Act between 2006 and 2011 when Ponmudy was minister for mines.

Ponmudy is the first serving Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam minister to be sentenced in a corruption case.

On Tuesday, the high court had set aside his acquittal by a special court (for cases against MPs/MLAs) in Villupuram in 2016. It allowed the appeal filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in 2017.

After finding the couple guilty on Tuesday, the court directed them to appear in person to pronounce the quantum of the sentence.
Describing the alliance between Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena Party as a historic necessity to liberate Andhra Pradesh from the clutches of a tyrannical rule of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that both the parties would soon come out with a common manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan during a rally at Polipalli village of Nellimarla block in Vizianagaram district held at a culmination of Yuva Galam padayatra of TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh. (HT Photo)

Addressing a huge rally at Polipalli village of Nellimarla block in Vizianagaram district held at a culmination of Yuva Galam padayatra of TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh, Naidu said the TDP and Jana Sena would organise rallies at Amaravati and Tirupati shortly to unveil the common agenda for the coming elections.

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We have already made some promises like payment of unemployment allowance of 3,000 per month to the jobless youth, free travel for women in state-run RTC buses, payment of financial assistance of 20,000 to each farmer every year and employment to 20 lakh youth in next five years. Both the parties will soon come out with a comprehensive manifesto, he said.

Naidu alleged that the Jagan government had tried to create hurdles for the padayatra of Lokesh and other public outreach programmes of the TDP leaders. I have seen several leaders who had gone into the people to understand their problems. But no chief minister had ever created any troubles for them by misusing police forces, he said.

He charged the YSRC government with encouraging land grabbing, looting of public assets and harassing the common people. The state has gone 10 years backwards under the Jagan Mohan Reddy regime, he said.

Jana Sena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan expressed confidence that the TDP-Jana Sena combine would pull down the Jagan Mohan Reddy government in the coming elections.

Stating that Andhra Pradesh needed a visionary leader like Naidu, the Jana Sena Party chief said he had joined hands with the TDP only to put an end to the autocratic rule of Jagan Mohan Reddy. I felt very bad when a leader with four decades of political experience was sent to jail. I was surprised why Jagan had acted with so much vengeance against Naidu, when it was the Congress government which had filed cases against him, he said.

He alleged that Jagan had no faith in democracy and its values and alleged that false cases were filed against anybody who criticised his government.

Expressing the hope that the BP national leadership would support the TDP-Jana Sena alliance, Pawan Kalyan said that the tie-up should continue at least till all the issues in the state are settled.

Addressing the rally, Lokesh said the battle had already begun and it would continue till the barriers of Tadepalli palace (the official residence of Jagan) were broken. Yuva Galam is the voice of the people. It is just a beginning for the end of Jagan rule, he said.

He regretted that the youth were migrating to other states in search of employment as there were no job opportunities in Andhra Pradesh. Farmers too are suffering a lot due to spurious seeds and fertilisers. Industries that have launched their units in the state during the TDP regime too are vacating the state, he said, adding, Mr Jagan is taking vicious pleasure by damaging the capital city of Amaravathi.

YSRC spokesman and advisor to the government (social justice) Jupudi Prabhakar Rao alleged that all the opposition leaders were coming together to defeat Jagan Mohan Reddy in the coming elections, but their efforts would not succeed.

Jagan is fighting alone like a lion, with the support of Dalits and other oppressed sections. They all stand by him, as they are aware only Jagan can ensure social justice and eradication of poverty. He is invincible, Rao said.
In the town of Denmark, Australia you can take an enchanting walk along this fairy doors trail. This magical walk along the Denmark river is sprinkled with wooden fairy houses and fairy art. I love the rustic, handmade look to these little wooden houses.

The hiking trail looks like it's in a wonderful location with a great view of the river. This seems like a perfect day trip to take if you're in the area, especially with your kids.

From Atlas Obscura:
After a successful 2023 that included historic milestones like Chandrayaan-3, the countrys first successful lunar landing, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is all set for another busy year with three critical launches scheduled in the first quarter of 2024 itself, senior officials said. On August 23, Isro created history by successfully landing the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the lunar south pole. (PTI)

Read here: ISRO's 6 upcoming missions in 2024

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The missions tentatively scheduled for the first three months of 2024 are Indias first polarimetry mission X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), the launch of INSAT-3DS satellites, and Isros collaborative mission with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, officials said.

The first two of these, will take place in January itself, the senior official from the department of space cited above said.

XPoSat, which was initially planned for launch on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) late in December, is now expected to be launched around January 1, the official said. XPoSat is Indias first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions, providing vital information on the nature and behaviour of celestial objects.

Just a week after that, around January 12, Isro is also planning the launch of INSAT-3DS satellites on-board its launch vehicle, Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14), the official said.

The INSAT-3DS mission will carry satellites for the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as part of its series of climate observatory satellites. The mission was initiated as part of a collaboration between Isro and IMD, to improve the network of climate services. Under the multi-mission meteorological data receiving and propulsion system, three dedicated Earth observation satellites  INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR and INSAT-3DS  were to be launched. This is the final of the three launches.

We had a very fruitful 2023 for the space industry. We hope to carry the momentum forward. The number of launches will be more next year, because there will also be a few private launches scheduled, the official said, declining to be named. But we are also excited about few significant missions, including the uncrewed test missions for Gaganyaan.

Officials also said the Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar mission (NISAR)  Indias collaborative mission with the US space agency  is also expected to take flight in the first quarter of next year, possibly around late February or early March.

NISAR, a low earth orbit observatory (LEO), is being jointly developed by Nasa and Isro to map the globe in 12 days and provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in Earths ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea-level rise, groundwater and natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides.

Read here: Not only Chandrayaan 3, ISRO also conducted 7 other flawless launches in 2023

It carries L- and S-dual band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which operates with Sweep SAR technique to achieve large swath with high resolution data. The SAR payloads mounted on integrated radar instrument structure (IRIS) and the spacecraft bus are together called an observatory. It will also track other processes, including the dynamics of forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands.

Isro had a fruitful year with seven successful launches, starting with the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle-D2 or the Earth Observation Satellite-07 launch in February. The year was also marked by two of the most significant missions in the history of Indias space journey  Chandrayaan-3, which marked Indias the historic landing on the surface of the Moon, and the launch of Aditya-L1, the countrys first Sun observatory, which is also expected to reach its intended destination by the first week of January.
The district court in Varanasi is today expected to give copies of the Gyanvapi survey report to both sides, days after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) filed it in a sealed cover. The survey was ordered by the court after the petitioners claimed the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing temple. Muslim devotees arrive to offer Friday noon prayer at the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.(AFP / File)

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, which manages the Gyanvapi mosque, filed a plea urging the court that the report should remain sealed, and not be given to any of the parties unless a personal undertaking on an affidavit is submitted that it will not be leaked.

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"The Muslim side has requested the court that the report should not be made public. The court will decide today whether it will accept the (ASI) report in a sealed envelope or it should be made public," said Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, lawyer of the Hindu side.

Chaturvedi asserted that the Supreme Court's order explicitly stated that the report should not be filed in a sealed cover.

The survey was carried out on the direction of the district court's July 21 order that mentioned the need to survey beneath the mosque's domes, the cellars and the western wall. The court had asked the ASI to ensure that no damage is done to the structure standing on the disputed land.

The survey, initiated on August 4, excluded the 'wazu khana,' following an earlier Supreme Court order protecting the spot.

The ASI was given multiple extensions to complete the survey.

Meanwhile, the Allahabad high court on Thursday allowed a similar survey of the Shahi Eidgah mosque abutting the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. The high court was on Monday due to discuss the modalities of the survey, but put the hearing off on a request from the Muslim side.

In both Varanasi and Mathura, Hindu groups argue that temples were demolished by Islamic rulers to build mosques, and therefore, the land should be returned to Hindus.

Muslim groups reject the contention, saying that the 1991 Places of Worship Act  which locks the religious character of holy sites as they existed on the day of independence, with the exception of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site  bars any such petitions. Some of these pleas are also pending before the Supreme Court.
The Lt Governor congratulated the people of J&K for their overwhelming participation in the Yatra, which aims to spread word about the central government's flagship schemes ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election. HT Image

"Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a resolve and guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfil the dreams of common man. It has a pivotal role in bringing transformation in the lives of people by ensuring that all the benefits reach citizens and to bring holistic, inclusive development in rural and urban areas," the Lt Governor said.

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He said the empowerment of the poor, women, farmers and marginalised sections of the society is essential for a developed India and a developed Jammu Kashmir.

The Lt Governor called upon the elected representatives and political leaders to actively participate in the Yatra.

"Healthy competition among the districts must be ensured to make J&K a top performer in Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme," he said.

The Lt Governor stressed on increasing the female literacy rate and ensuring that no child is deprived of education.

"Every girl child deserves a good education and it should be the paramount goal of community in Panchayats. Administration's mission is to ensure primary school in every panchayat for quality education," he said.
Jammu, Dec 21 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra signifies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to fulfil the dreams of the common man. HT Image

The Lt Governor joined the yatra, which aims to spread the word about the central government's flagship schemes ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, in Udhampur district on Wednesday and congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their overwhelming participation.

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"Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a resolve and guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfil the dreams of common man. It has a pivotal role in bringing transformation in the lives of people by ensuring that all the benefits reach citizens and to bring holistic, inclusive development in rural and urban areas," the Lt Governor said.

He said the empowerment of the poor, women, farmers and marginalised sections of the society is essential for a developed India and a developed Jammu Kashmir.

The Lt Governor called upon the elected representatives and political leaders to actively participate in the yatra.

"Healthy competition among the districts must be ensured to make J&K a top performer in Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme," he said.

The Lt Governor stressed on increasing the female literacy rate and ensuring that no child is deprived of education.

"Every girl child deserves a good education and it should be the paramount goal of panchayats. The administration's mission is to ensure primary school in every panchayat for quality education," he said.
Congress protests against the alleged attacks on its workers by the police and security officials of the chief minister resulted in violence in many parts of Kerala, particularly in capital Thiruvananthapuram, on Wednesday. Many of the demonstrations in Kerala turned violent as activists of the Youth Congress clashed with the police in riot gear, braved water cannons and climbed atop barricades to raise slogans. (PTI)

The party took out marches to several police stations across the state and the Secretariat, demonstrating against the use of excessive force by the law-and-order machinery on its workers in the guise of giving security to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the cabinet who are travelling in a bus as part of the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach.

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Many of these demonstrations turned violent as activists of the Youth Congress clashed with the police in riot gear, braved water cannons and climbed atop barricades to raise slogans. The clashes resulted in minor injuries on both sides, including state Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil.

In Thiruvananthapuram, amid the clashes, a police official allegedly tore part of a woman activists clothes which enraged the party workers and leaders. In another area of the city, the windshield of a pink police vehicle driven by women officers was allegedly damaged by party workers. This led to an hours-long standoff between the police and party workers outside the district Congress office.

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan, who led the march to the Secretariat, said, The police unnecessarily attacked the women activists which worsened the situation. Action should be taken against the male sub-inspector who tore the clothes of the woman activist. The police will fall short in trying to suppress the agitation of the Youth Congress. The chief minister should not think that he can govern peacefully by letting the police run wild.

He alleged that the police are displaying double standards while dealing with agitations taken out by the SFI, the student unit of CPI(M), compared to that of the Youth Congress.

However, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan hit back, saying that the Congress under Satheesan was trying to incite riots in the state. Their activists were damaging police property and unleashing attacks on police officials. This is totally undemocratic, he said.
Introduction In the realm of interior design, the concept of effortlessly transforming a space has gained substantial traction. Enter the world of the best wall stickers, an ingenious and simple solution to add charm and personality to any room. These decorative elements are not just about aesthetics; they represent a fusion of creativity and convenience, offering a quick, affordable, and non-permanent way to revamp your living space. In this article, we explore the 10 best wall stickers that promise to elevate the appeal of your interiors. 10 best wall stickers: Transform your space with a dash of creativity.

Firstly, the best wall stickers are known for their versatility. Whether you're looking to spruce up a living room, add a whimsical touch to a child's bedroom, or inject some inspiration into your home office, there's a wall sticker for every purpose and style. These adhesive artworks range from elegant floral designs to modern geometric patterns, from inspirational quotes to captivating landscapes, ensuring that every preference is catered to.

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Another remarkable aspect of the best wall stickers is their ease of application. Gone are the days of messy paint jobs or the permanence of wallpaper. Wall stickers can be applied effortlessly, requiring no specialized tools or skills. This DIY-friendly approach not only saves time but also allows for creativity and the freedom to change designs as often as one's taste evolves.

Moreover, the best wall stickers are not just about the visual upgrade they offer. They're a practical choice for renters or those who frequently like to change their decor. Being easy to remove and residue-free, these stickers provide a damage-free solution for decorating walls, making them a favorite among those who wish to personalize their space without the commitment of permanent alterations.

In conclusion, the 10 best wall stickers we will be discussing are more than just decorations; they are a testament to how small changes can make a significant impact. Whether you are a seasoned interior designer or someone looking to refresh your space, these wall stickers are a straightforward and stylish way to transform any room into a reflection of your personal style. Stay tuned as we dive into the world of the best wall stickers, where design meets simplicity.



1. Heaven Decors PVC Vinyl Tree And Flowers Wall Sticker - embed has been misplaced from its original location



Enhance your bedroom with the Heaven Decors PVC Vinyl Tree and Flowers Wall Sticker, sized at 87 x 55 cm. Crafted with strong adhesive, these stickers are designed for smooth surfaces and tiles, offering a touch of nature with a botanical theme. The irregular shape adds a unique flair to your space. Made from PVC Vinyl, this self-adhesive sticker ensures easy application on walls, providing a classic aesthetic. Its washable and scratch-resistant features add durability, making it a lasting addition to your decor. With dimensions of 10 x 1270 x 800 millimeters, this multicolored sticker boasts a bird-themed cartoon character, creating a visually appealing and vibrant atmosphere for your bedroom. Uplift your space with the timeless charm of Heaven Decors' botanical wall sticker. Transform your space effortlessly with the best wall stickers, adding instant charm.

Specifications of Heaven Decors PVC Vinyl Tree And Flowers Wall Sticker

Brand: Heaven Decors

Color: Multicolour

Theme: Botanical

Style: Classic

Material: PVC Vinyl

Shape: Irregular

Pros Cons Ideal For Decorating Walls Surface Dependency Come With Strong Adhesive Limited Size Options

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Also read:10 best wall stickers in November 2023: Simple way to add to appeal of any space

2. Decals Design Artistic Tribal Ladies Wall Sticker

Transform your space with the Decals Design Artistic Tribal Ladies Wall Sticker, recognized among the best wall stickers available. Crafted from high-quality PVC Vinyl, this self-adhesive sticker offers easy installation on various surfaces, recommended specifically for walls. The irregular shape and vibrant multicolor design create a visually appealing scene. Sized at 60 cm * 90 cm, the finished look on the wall measures 90 cm * 100 cm, making it ideal for diverse rooms, including restaurants, cafes, bedrooms, kid's rooms, and nurseries. This unique decal, part of the Decals Design brand, showcases an artistic theme featuring tribal ladies and animals, with a special waterproof feature for added durability. Perfect for adding a touch of nature and creativity to your living spaces, especially for kids.

Specifications of Decals Design 'Artistic Tribal Ladies with Animals Nature' Wall Sticker

Brand: Decals design

Color: Multicolour

Theme: Animal

Material: PVC Vinyl

Shape: Irregular

Pros Cons Visually Striking Design Limited Size Options Easy Installation Irregular Shape Might Pose Challenges

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3. Rawpockets Hanging Decor Light Lamps with Quote Self Adhesive Wall Sticker



Modernize your living spaces with Rawpockets Hanging Decor Light Lamps accompanied by the best wall stickers, designed for easy application in the living room or bedroom. This self-adhesive wall sticker allows a do-it-yourself installation, fostering creativity and personalization. Crafted from water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and dust-resistant vinyl, it ensures long-lasting durability. The irregular shape adds an artistic touch to the decor, creating a unique visual impact. Whether applied to bedroom or living room walls, this combination of hanging lamps and quality wall stickers effortlessly enhances your space, promising a stylish and imaginative atmosphere. Upgrade your walls with this user-friendly, resilient decor that brings both functionality and aesthetic appeal to your home.

Specifications of Rawpockets Hanging Decor Light Lamps with Quote Self Adhesive Wall Sticker

Brand: Rawpockets

Color: Multicolour

Theme: Quote

Style: Modern

Material: PVC Vinyl

Shape: Irregular

Pros Cons Installation : Do It Yourself Limited adherence on textured walls Suitable for bedroom, living room, playing room, kids room

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4. Wallstick Motivational Buddha Quotes Wallstickers - embed location has changed

The "Motivational Buddha Quotes" wall sticker by Wallstick is specially designed for wall surfaces. Crafted from high-quality vinyl, it ensures durability and ease of application. The self-adhesive installation type simplifies the process, allowing for a hassle-free and quick setup. The rectangular shape of the sticker offers a sleek and versatile design, fitting seamlessly into various spaces. Whether adorning the walls of bedrooms, living rooms, or kid's rooms, this motivational piece, with its rectangular form, adds a touch of inspiration and style to your chosen environment. Embrace the harmonious blend of meaningful quotes and aesthetic appeal with these best wall stickers and effortlessly enhance your living space with the convenience of self-adhesive technology and the quality assurance of vinyl material.



Specifications of Wallstick Motivational Buddha Quotes

Brand: Wallstick

Color: Multicolour

Theme: Quote

Style: Classic

Material: PVC Vinyl

Shape: Irregular

Pros Cons Easy to Stick & Remove Restricted color options Matte Finish

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5. Decals Design 'Realistic Daisy Flowers Falling' Wall Sticker



Transform your space with the Decals Design 'Realistic Daisy Flowers Falling' Wall Sticker, a standout among the 10 best wall stickers available. Crafted from PVC Vinyl, its self-adhesive nature ensures easy application on walls, particularly in areas like bedrooms, kid's rooms, or cafes. The irregular shape and multicolored design create a visually appealing scene, adding a touch of nature with its botanical theme. Measuring 60 cm x 90 cm, this wall sticker covers an area of 105 cm x 55 cm, providing substantial coverage for impactful decor. The matte finish adds a touch of elegance, while the waterproof feature ensures durability. Designed in India, this single-piece wall sticker from Decals Design represents the essence of botanical charm, offering a simple and stylish solution to enhance your living spaces.

Specifications of Decals Design 'Realistic Daisy Flowers Falling' Wall Sticker

Brand: Decals Design

Color: Multicolour

Theme: Botanical

Style: Classic

Material: PVC Vinyl

Shape: Irregular

Pros Cons Easy to Stick & Remove Matte Finish

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6. wolpin Wall Stickers Wallpaper DIY Decal

Upgrade your home decor with the Wolpin Wall Stickers Wallpaper, a notable entry among the 10 best wall stickers. This 3D self-adhesive wallpaper, sized at 45 x 500 cm, offers versatility in decorating various spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and more. Its application extends beyond walls, adhering seamlessly to furniture, wardrobes, and tiles. Crafted from eco-friendly PVC Vinyl, this wallpaper boasts safety for walls, being removable, waterproof, heat-resistant, and oil-resistant. The easy-to-apply design ensures a hassle-free process on smooth, clean, and dry surfaces, with gridlines for precise measurement and cutting. A standout feature is its repositionable nature, but customers are advised to handle stickers with care during removal to maintain adhesive properties. For newly painted walls, a waiting period of four weeks is recommended before applying the decal. Bring vibrancy to your living spaces with this DIY wallpaper, combining convenience and eco-conscious design.

Specifications of wolpin Wall Stickers Wallpaper DIY Decal

Brand: wolpin

Color: Active Blue

Theme: Kids

Style: Classic

Material: Polyvinyl Chloride

Shape: Irregular

Pros Cons Easy to apply May damage paint upon removal Can be applied on furniture, wardrobe, kitchen cupboards, cabinets, putty wall and tiles as well.

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7. 100yellow Vinyl PVC Diwali Wall Sticker

Transform your living spaces with the festive charm of the 100yellow Vinyl PVC Diwali Wall Sticker, a standout among the best wall stickers in the market. Its generous dimensions of 90x60 cm make it a striking addition to various settings, from restaurants and cafes to bedrooms. Crafted from durable vinyl, this peel-and-stick wall sticker ensures a hassle-free application process, and its modern rectangular shape exudes contemporary style. Embracing a religious theme, it becomes a perfect accent for Diwali celebrations, infusing traditional festivities with a modern touch. The package includes one carefully rolled wall sticker securely encased in a hard paper tube for your convenience. Elevate your decor with this 100-yellow masterpiece, representing the seamless fusion of tradition and modern aesthetics in the realm of the best wall stickers.

Specifications of 100yellow Vinyl PVC Diwali Wall Sticker

Brand: 100yellow

Color: Multicolour

Theme: Religion

Style: Moder

Material: PVC Vinyl

Shape: Rectangular

Pros Cons Easy to Stick & Remove Seasonal design limits year-round use Matte Finish

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8. Heaven Decors -Tree Branches with Birdcage and Flower- Wall Decoration Sticker

Heaven Decors' 'Tree Branches with Birdcage and Flower' Wall Decoration Sticker is a captivating and multicolored decor piece designed to transform your living space. With dimensions ideal for a 127 cm x 80 cm wall, this self-adhesive sticker features a graceful design of tree branches, a birdcage, and blooming flowers. It adds a touch of nature and elegance to your interior, creating a serene ambiance. Crafted from high-quality materials, it's durable, waterproof, and easily removable without wall damage. Perfect for living rooms or bedrooms, these are the best wall stickers that offer an effortless way to introduce a harmonious and artistic atmosphere into your home, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.

Specifications of Heaven Decors -Tree Branches with Birdcage and Flower- Wall Decoration Sticker

Brand: Heaven Decors

Color: Multicolour

Theme: Botanical

Style: Classic

Material: PVC Vinyl

Shape: Irregular

Pros Cons Ideal For Decorating Walls Potential fading over time Come With Strong Adhesive

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9. ANNA CREATIONS Self Adhesive Wallpaper Waterproof Vinyl Stickers

ANNA CREATIONS Self Adhesive Wallpaper in vibrant multicolor, crafted from durable vinyl, redefines your interior aesthetics and is the best wall stickers. With dimensions of 18 inches wide and 10 feet long, this modern design covers approximately 15 square feet, ensuring a generous transformation of your living space. The drop match feature facilitates a seamless application, adding to the wallpaper's allure. Boasting 100% removable peel-and-stick technology, it eliminates the need for water, making the application process mess-free. What sets it apart is its superior strength and properties compared to regular contact paper; it's thicker and leaves no sticky residue behind, ensuring a clean removal. Weighing 210 grams, this ANNA CREATIONS creation strikes the perfect balance between functionality and style, offering a contemporary and convenient solution for your interior decor needs.

Specifications of ANNA CREATIONS Self Adhesive Wallpaper Waterproof Vinyl Stickers

Brand: ANNA CREATIONS

Color: Multicolour

Theme: Botanical

Style: Modern

Material: PVC Vinyl

Shape: Irregular

Pros Cons 100% removable peel and stick Heavier weight may complicate installation Superior strength & properties

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10. RedChimes Wallpaper

The RedChimes Wallpaper Decal in 'Green Sparrow' is a charming and versatile home decor solution, measuring 45 x 304 cm. Transform your space with ease and style, with these the best wall stickers.This self-adhesive polyvinyl wallpaper decal features an elegant design of green sparrows and flowers, adding a refreshing and natural touch to your living space. It's perfect for decorating living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms. The high-quality vinyl PVC material is durable, and the decal is easy to apply, transforming your interior with ease. Whether you seek a soothing ambiance or a nature-inspired aesthetic, this RedChimes wallpaper decal offers an affordable and convenient way to enhance your decor with a touch of tranquility and style.

Specifications of RedChimes Wallpaper

Brand: RedChimes

Color: Green

Theme: Sparrow

Style: Classic

Material: PVC Vinyl

Shape: Irregular

Pros Cons Easy to apply Limited size coverage Matte Finish

B0BXCZ2Z8H

Three best feature for consumers:

Product Feature 1 Feature 2 Feature 3 Heaven Decors PVC Vinyl Tree And Flowers Wall Sticker Scratch Resistant Washable Self Adhesive Decals Design Artistic Tribal Ladies Wall Sticker Visually Appealing Design High-Quality PVC Vinyl Material Waterproof Rawpockets Hanging Decor Light Lamps with Quote Self Adhesive Wall Sticker Peel and Stick Dust Resistant Scratch Resistant Wallstick Motivational Buddha Quotes Wall Stickers Made in INDIA Self Adhesive Peel and Stick Decals Design 'Realistic Daisy Flowers Falling' Wall Sticker Waterproof Made in INDIA Self Adhesive wolpin Wall Stickers Wallpaper DIY Decal Oil-resistant Heat resistant Eco-friendly 100yellow Vinyl PVC Diwali Wall Sticker Peel and Stick Self Adhesive Premium Quality Heaven Decors -Tree Branches with Birdcage and Flower- Wall Decoration Sticker Scratch Resistant Washable Self Adhesive ANNA CREATIONS Self Adhesive Wallpaper Waterproof Vinyl Stickers Peel and Stick Self Adhesive Premium Quality RedChimes Wallpaper Made in INDIA Self Adhesive Peel and Stick

Best overall product:

Undoubtedly, the Decals Design Artistic Tribal Ladies Wall Sticker stands out as the best overall choice among the best wall stickers. Its high-quality PVC Vinyl construction ensures durability, while the self-adhesive feature guarantees easy installation on various surfaces, particularly walls. The irregular shape and vibrant multicolor design create a visually captivating scene, making it a versatile option for diverse spaces such as restaurants, cafes, bedrooms, kid's rooms, and nurseries. With dimensions of 60 cm * 90 cm, the finished look measuring 90 cm * 100 cm offers substantial coverage for impactful decor. As part of the Decals Design brand, this unique decal not only showcases an artistic theme featuring tribal ladies and animals but also boasts a special waterproof feature, enhancing its durability and making it the optimal choice for nature-inspired creativity in living spaces, especially for kids.

Best value for money:

Among the 10 best wall stickers, the ANNA CREATIONS Self Adhesive Wallpaper stands out as an example of value for money. Crafted from durable vinyl, this vibrant multicolored wallpaper not only redefines interior aesthetics but also ensures an extensive transformation of your living space at an affordable price. With generous dimensions of 18 inches wide and 10 feet long, it covers approximately 15 square feet, making it a cost-effective choice for impactful decor. The drop match feature adds to its appeal, facilitating a seamless application that enhances its beauty. The 100% removable peel-and-stick technology eliminates the need for water, ensuring a mess-free process. What truly distinguishes this creation is its superior strength and properties compared to regular contact paper. Being thicker, it leaves no sticky residue behind, ensuring a clean removal. Weighing 210 grams, ANNA CREATIONS strikes the perfect balance between functionality, style, and affordability, making it the best value for money among top-notch wall stickers.

How to find the best wall stickers?

To find the perfect wall stickers, follow these steps:

Define Your Style: Determine your interior decor style, whether it's minimalist, contemporary, vintage, or themed. Choose a Room: Decide which room you want to decorate, as different stickers may suit bedrooms, living rooms, or nurseries. Size Matters: Measure your wall to select the right sticker size, ensuring it fits the available space. Design and Theme: Pick a design or theme that complements your decor or adds a unique touch to the room. Quality and Material: Opt for high-quality materials like vinyl or PVC for durability and easy maintenance. Read Reviews: Check customer reviews to gauge the sticker's quality and ease of application. Budget: Set a budget to narrow down your choices. Installation: Ensure the sticker is easy to install, with clear instructions. Removal: Look for stickers that can be removed without wall damage. Personalization: Consider customizable or DIY options to add a personal touch.

By following these steps, you can find wall stickers that perfectly suit your style, space, and budget, enhancing your home decor effortlessly.

At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
National Mathematics Day 2023: Mathematics and calculations are an integral part of our lives. From learning Mathematics in school to implementing them in our regular lives, we cannot ignore the significance of this subject. There is also fun in learning Mathematics. The tricks and tips make it more interesting. Every year, National Mathematics Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of learning Mathematics in order to implement it in our regular lives. The field of Mathematics has been enriched with the contributions of Mathematicians such as Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Mahavira, Bhaskara II, Srinivasa Ramanujan and many others. On this special day, people remember and pay their respects to Srinivasa Ramanujan and laud him for his contributions to the field of Mathematics. National Mathematics Day 2023: Date, history and significance

As we gear up to celebrate National Mathematics Day for this year, here are a few things to keep in mind:

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Date:

Every year, National Mathematics Day is celebrated on December 22 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. This year, National Mathematics Day falls on Friday.

History:

In 2012, the then Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh paid his tribute to Srinivasa Ramanujan at a function organised on December 22. It was done to commemorate his birthday and remember his contributions to the field of Mathematics. December 22 was declared as National Mathematics Day to pay our respects to the legendary mathematician. Since then, National Mathematics Day has been celebrated on this day.

Significance:

On this day, people come together to raise awareness about the importance of learning Mathematics for the development of humanity. Training is also provided to teachers and students to foster a growth mindset and join hands together in learning this interesting subject. On National Mathematics Day, schools, colleges and educational institutes celebrate the day by spreading knowledge about Mathematics and teaching people how to implement them in their daily lives.
How are memories formed when sleeping? Research led by Dr Thomas Schreiner, head of the Emmy Noether junior research group at LMU's Department of Psychology, demonstrated a direct relationship between the emergence of certain sleep-related brain activity patterns and the reactivation of memory contents during sleep in 2021. Breathing in sleep affects memory processes: Study(Unsplash)

However, it was still unclear whether these rhythms were orchestrated by a central pacemaker. So the researchers joined up with scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin and the University of Oxford to reanalyze the data. Their results have identified respiration as a potential pacemaker. "That is to say, our breathing influences how memories are consolidated during sleep," says Schreiner.

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Learning processes investigated in the sleep laboratory

For their original study, the researchers showed 20 study participants 120 images over the course of two sessions. All the pictures were associated with certain words. Then the participants slept for around two hours in the sleep laboratory. When they awoke, they were questioned about the associations they had learned. During the entire learning and sleep period, their brain activity was recorded by means of EEG, along with their breathing.

The researchers discovered that previously learned contents were spontaneously reactivated by the sleeping brain during the presence of so-called slow oscillations and sleep spindles (short phases of increased brain activity). "The precision of the coupling of these sleep-related brain rhythms increases from childhood to adolescence and then declines again during ageing," says Schreiner.

Breathing and brain activity are linked

Because respiration frequency also changes with age, the researchers then analyzed the data in relation to the recorded breathing and were able to establish a connection between them: "Our results show that our breathing and the emergence of characteristic slow oscillation and spindle patterns are linked," says Schreiner. "Although other studies had already established a connection between breathing and cognition during wake, our work makes clear that respiration is also important for memory processing during sleep."

Older people often suffer from sleep disorders, respiratory disorders, and declining memory function. Schreiner plans to further investigate whether there are connections between these phenomena and whether interventions - such as the use of CPAP masks, which are already used to treat sleep apnea - make sense from a cognitive perspective.
India's drugs regulator has banned the use of an anti-cold drug combination in children aged below four and ordered that drugs should be labelled accordingly, in the wake of the deaths of at least 141 children globally linked to cough syrups. The regulator said concerns raised about promotion of an unapproved anti-cold drug formulation in infants prompted a discussion and a resulting recommendation to not use the combination for that age group. India's drugs regulator bans anti-cold drug for children aged under four(Representative image)

The order comes as India draws lessons from a spate of child deaths since 2019 that authorities linked to toxic cough syrups made in the country, including at least 141 deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan and Cameroon since the middle of last year. Within India, authorities said at least 12 children died and four others were left with severe disabilities in 2019 after consuming domestically-made cough syrups. (Also read: Instead of cough syrup, try these natural alternatives to pholcodine to get rid of cough )

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The deaths have cast a shadow over the quality of exports from India, often dubbed the "world's pharmacy" due to its supply of life-saving drugs at low prices. The order by the regulator on the fixed-drug combination (FDC), issued on Dec. 18 and made public on Wednesday, requires drugmakers to label their products with the warning that the "FDC should not be used in children below 4 years of age".

The fixed drug combination comprises chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine - medication that is often used in syrups or tablets to treat common cold symptoms. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of over-the-counter cough syrups or medicines for the treatment of coughs and cold symptoms in children younger than five years of age.

India has introduced mandatory testing for cough syrup exports since June and stepped up scrutiny of drugmakers. Drugmakers whose cough syrups were linked to child deaths have denied any wrong doing.
The number of foreign tourist arrivals in Goa is picking up after a major drop due to Covid, but is yet to touch the pre-pandemic levels, according to official figures. Goa tourist landscape expands, chartered flights from Uzbekistan boost international arrivals (File Photo by REUTERS)

For the first seven months of this calendar year, 2.81 lakh foreign tourists arrived in the coastal state, which is more compared to the figures for 2021 and 2022, when the sector was hit by the coronavirus outbreak and its aftermath.

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According to numbers provided in the Lok Sabha by the Union tourism ministry, in response to a question by Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, the year 2021 saw 22,000 foreign travellers arriving in the state and the number rose to 1.75 lakh in 2022.

A senior official from the state tourism department said that this years footfall  2.81 lakh foreign visitors  is much less compared to the pre-pandemic times. But this is not the case only with Goa. Overall, there has been a drop in international travels, he said.

The figures provided by the Union tourism ministry to Sardinha also said that 9.34 lakh foreign tourists arrived in Goa in 2018, which increased to 9.37 lakh in 2019 but then nosedived due to Covid-19.

Amid a drop in the foreign tourist arrivals compared to the pre-pandemic times in Goa, the tourism industry is banking on the new sectors to make up for the losses in the number of international arrivals, said Nilesh Shah, President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).

Shah told PTI that the conflicts in Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine are the main reason for the lower number of foreign tourists visiting Goa.

He said that there are also other reasons, including the opening of e-visa facilities by other competitive markets. It will take time for Goa to reach the pre-pandemic figures of international travellers, Shah said.

Shah said that there are a lot of tourists who now plan their holidays in destinations like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Another state tourism department official said that chartered flights from new destinations like Uzbekistan have started arriving in the state. Last week, a weekly flight from Uzbekistan to Manohar International Airport in Goa started, he said. The flight Centrum Air Q6 5545 is operated by Elaine Avia in Uzbekistan, he said.
At around 7pm last Wednesday, a woman showed up at a Waffle House in Riverdale, Georgia wearing a Waffle House uniform and told the other employees she had an evening shift. Two hours later though, she suddenly walked off the job.

Turns out though, she didn't work there at all. Before splitting the scene, she allegedly took $130 from the cash register. The restaurant management didn't realize what happened until the next day,

According to Yahoo! News, "the manager told police it's possible the woman worked at another Waffle House location where a similar theft occurred."

Is that theft or getting paid a living wage?
Kazakhstan (name Kazakh translates to wanderer or independent), the largest country in Central Asia and the worlds largest landlocked country once upon a time fell on the main route of the Great Silk Road that ran through the south of the country. And some of the cities as old as time are still existing today. Known for its mineral resources and historical remnants, Kazakhstan is a thing of beauty - from verdant mountain plateaus, turquoise lakes to ornate mosques, buildings & monuments narrating the days of its Soviet parentage and bustling cities where the modern and the traditional both walk together. (Also read: Year-end travel: Have 1 lakh? Check out Indonesia) This new year, if your holiday budget is  1 lakh, travel to Kazakhstan, the worlds largest landlocked country.(Pixabay)

In 2024, throw a dart on a map of not-so-explored destinations and head to Kazakhstan. And you do not have to loosen the pursestrings much, 1 lakh is a good budget for a 5-7 day trip including return flights.

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Heres a quick guide to must see/eat/do in Kazakhstan and a few packages that fits a budget travellers pocket perfectly.

Important cities: Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Baikonur, Semey, Aktau, Karaganda, Turkistan, Aktobe.

Must-see/do: Aral Mountains, Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kaindy Lake, Bayzhansay Ghost Town, Valley of Balls, The last wild apple forest (Fuji & granny Smith apples can be traced to Kazakhstan), Zharkent Mosque, Charyn Canyon, Zelyony Bazaar, Ascension Cathedral, Ruins of Sauran, Balbals of Oskemen, Stronger Than Death Monument, ALZhiR Museum-Memorial Complex, Lake Balkhash, one of the largest lakes in the world. Do not miss the Silk Route tour. Take time out for wildlife adventure - there are 14 national parks, 10 nature reserves, 7 reserves.

Must-eat:

 Sucuk or sujuk, a semi-dry, spicy sausage.

 Lagman or latiaozi (literally, pulled noodles) that comes in various combinations.

 Kespe, a soup made with noodles, lentils, and yogurt

 Beshbarmak (literally, 5 fingers), a dish made of horse, mutton, beef, or a combination of those meat served along thin pasta squares.

 Baursak, a fried bread.

 Kumis, fermented horse milk, is the countrys national drink.

What to buy: Kazakhstan chocolate, Kurt (a high-caloric sour milk product), Kamcha (a traditional wooden wall hanging to ward off evil eye), clothes & souvenirs made of felt, decorative yurts (miniature version of nomads house), traditional headdresses and costumes.

Where to buy: Esentai Mall, Zelyony Bazaar, Dusty Plaza, Maga Alam-Ata, Fashion Avenue, Almaty Mall, Colibri.

Packages:

Highlights of Kazakhstan: 7 days

Itinerary: Almaty - Big Almaty Lake - Astana - Almaty - Charyn Canyon

Price: Starts at 209,000 Tenge (INR 38,000)

Book on: visitkazakhstan.kz

Nature Parks of Almaty: 10 days

Itinerary: Almaty - Altyn Emel - Charyn Canyon - Ile Alatau - Almaty

Book on: visitkazakhstan.kz

Baikonur Spaceport Tour: 3 days

Price: Starts at 157,000 Tenge (INR 29,000)

Book on: visitkazakhstan.kz

Fishing in the delta of Ili river: 6 nights/7 days

Itinerary: Almaty - Aral-Tobe - Beimene passage - Aral-Tobe village - Almaty

Book on: visitkazakhstan.kz

Classical Kazakhstan: 3 nights/4 days

Price: Starts at INR 45,000+

Book on: thomascook.in

Stunning Kazakhstan: 4 nights/5 days

Price: Starts at INR 66,000+

Book on: thomascook.in

Simply Almaty: 3 nights/4 days

Price: Starts at INR 38,000+ (includes return flight)

Book on: makemytrip.com

Return Flight (Economy): New Delhi-Almaty-New Delhi starts at INR 25,000+.

Visa: Indian passport holders can enter Kazakhstan for a stay of 14 days without any visa. The Kazakhstan government permits 3 trips within 180 days with a maximum stay of 14 days per trip, i.e., 42 days in a 180-day period.

Good to know:

Currency: 1 Kazakh Tenge = 0.18 INR

Language: English is not as widely spoken as it is in Western Europe but you can easily manage even if you do not know a word of Russian, the countrys lingua franca.

Local transport: Metro is only available in Almaty. Short, medium-length trips can be done with intercity buses. Taxis are available at bus/railway stations. Trains are a good option. You can also rent self-drive cars.

Wi-fi: Check with hotel/restaurants/cafes for free wi-fi.

Security tips: Exercise high degree of caution.

 Beware of pickpockets in malls, buses, parks, shopping areas

 Dont walk or travel alone, especially at nigh

 Dont wear flashy jewellery or carry large amounts of cash

 Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance

 If youre threatened, hand over valuables without resistance

 Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

 Pay careful attention when others are handling your credit/debit cards.

 Thieves posing as police officers approach foreign travellers and ask them to pay alleged fines. Insist on going to the police station to pay fine.

 If you have booked airport transfer, check the id of the driver before getting into the car.
The Red Sea is on fire. Literally. A slew of militia attacks on civilian ships in the waters off Yemen has sent a surge of panic across global capitals with rising concern that the world economy could be irreparably affected. Earlier this week, the Houthis, a Yemen-based and Iranian-backed militant group carried out its 12th attack on a commercial ship in four weeks, acting on a promise to assault every commercial vessel with links to Israel. Shaken by the attacks, 10 of the top global shipping companies, including Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC, have suspended their services in the Red Sea. More are promising to follow suit.

The Red Sea, it merits mentioning, is no ordinary sea. It is the vital link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea that facilitates maritime trade between Europe, Asia, West Asia, and Africa. The Bab al-Mandab, at the mouth of the Red Sea, provides access to the Suez Canal, a trading conduit second only to the Malacca Strait. An estimated 15% of global trade by volume and 30% of the world's container traffic flows through the region. The rerouting of commercial ships to avoid the Red Sea entails a trip around the African continent, which adds significant time and cost to the voyages. Trade analysts say it could sharply raise oil prices by as much as $4, dealing a potential blow to the global economy.

Not unexpectedly, the United States (US) has moved to act. With Houthi attacks growing in frequency and intensity, Washington recently announced Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect civilian shipping in the Red Sea. It has the support of the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. The coalition must deal with both the audacity and unpredictability of Houthi attacks and the radical tactics adopted by the militants. Instead of the usual boarding and hijacking routine that pirates usually follow, the Iran-backed militia is resorting to drone and missile attacks on the ships. This week, an oil tanker off Yemen was attacked by an armed drone and ballistic missile, even as another cargo ship reported an explosive detonating in the water. This promises to be a qualitatively different experience for maritime forces from anti-piracy operations off Somalia more than a decade ago.

Even so, the emerging scenario in the Red Sea gives many regional States pause. India, for one, faces a peculiar predicament. Despite deploying two warships in the Gulf of Aden, it has refrained from joining the US-led coalition. Indian decision-makers acknowledge the impact of the crisis on the global economy but feel compelled to avoid participation in a military endeavour meant to fight a political-backed group in control of vast parts of Yemen that bestrides the southern Red Sea. If this had been a matter of acting against pirates or escorting civilian shipping through a troubled hotspot, India would certainly have participated, more so because the country is a member of the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). But the US-led operation potentially involves active combat against the Houthis, who are militarily no pushovers.

Aside from the political ramifications of an ostensible military alliance with the US, it appears Indian decision-makers are discouraged by the lack of consensus among regional States over the supposed nature of the US-led military operation in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, partners with India in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, have declined participation. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are themselves divided over how to fight the Houthis, with the former preferring a soft approach and the other in favour of a hardline stance. The lack of agreement among Arab States (only Bahrain has joined the CMF coalition) means the US-led military operation may be prolonged there, with no easy resolution on the cards. Given these circumstances, India has chosen to stay out.

Of course, this does not mean India has absolved itself of any involvement in naval operations in the region. Last week, the INS Kochi monitored and pursued the MV Ruen, a merchant vessel hijacked by pirates in Somalia, potentially in collaboration with the Houthis. The Indian warship pursued the vessel, and even rescued a Bulgarian sailor injured during the hijacking of the cargo vessel. Indias naval presence in the Gulf of Aden is expected to continue but Indian vessels may stay away from the fighting in and around the Red Sea. Despite declining maritime traffic in the region, the Indian Navy (IN) is expected to tighten monitoring to ensure that India-bound commercial vessels are not targeted by pirates.

For their part, Indian policymakers acknowledge the importance of dealing decisively with the Houthi challenge in the Red Sea. They recognise that Indias membership in the Bahrain-based CMF creates an expectation among Indias Euro-Atlantic partners that the IN will assist in a military operation to protect a crucial sea line of communication (SLOC). Many of Indias allies are likely to consider it as a litmus test of the countrys commitment to regional security. However, New Delhi is wary of participating since it could portray India as siding with Israel, whose actions in Gaza have recently drawn widespread international criticism. Many countries, including India, voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution last week calling for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. If New Delhi is hesitant to intervene militarily against the Houthis, it is not because their actions are unworthy of a firm response, but rather because their political demand of restoring humanitarian aid to Gaza is, in theory, unobjectionable.

That is, in fact, a conundrum for many other Indo-Pacific States that have refrained from joining the US-led coalition. They must act to safeguard their commercial interests, but in ways that are consistent with political principles. Political considerations, as often happens, trump the imperatives of geo-economics.

Abhijit Singh is head of the maritime policy initiative at the ORF, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal
CP Gurnani, former CEO and Managing Director of Tech Mahindra bid adieu after completing 19 years at the company. As he 'retired' from his corporate life, Gurnani posted a goodbye letter on LinkedIn. In the letter, he shared valuable learnings from his remarkable career. CP Gurnani shared a goodbye letter on LinkedIn. (MINT)

He wrote, "Theres grace in learning like its your first time at something and beauty in delivering like its your last  and you need both, every day. My message to you is simple  at some point of time in my life, Ive been each one of you. So, you must know that you could be anywhere if you put your heart to it. This is about individual excellence, and you should aim for nothing but the first, top, best spot on the stage. Its in your hands, make the best use of your talent and time. Build yourself."

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Gurnani further talked about how working in a team is essential. He mentioned, "At work, and in life, you will almost always need a team. You will lead one or be a part of one, or both, but its unlikely that you will accomplish something big alone. When you play together, think about your strength, and how it can help you win. However, think about your weakness more, and how you can utilize someone elses strength to win together. Think of a relay race  you will make a run, but you will eventually get tired. You cant run long enough to deliver the whole distance alone, so you pass the baton on. The actors change, the roles get passed on, and the show goes on."

At the end of the post, he urged people to find out how they can make the world a better place.

Take a look at the post here:

LinkedIn post by CP Gurnani.(LinkedIn/@CP Gurnani)

LinkedIn post by CP Gurnani.

This post was shared a few hours ago on LinkedIn. Since being posted, it has gained more than 5,500 likes and numerous comments.

Here's how people reacted to Gurnani's post:

An individual wrote, "Dear CP, very aptly written. Always loved your attitude, approach to work, and never give up mindset. I learned a lot from you during my tenure at TechM, whether it was customer meetings or during our drives from Dubai to Muscat. Cant imagine TechM without CP. Your legacy will undoubtedly continue to guide TechM in the future."

A second commented, "Sir, very inspiring! I still cant forget the warmth and humble you were! Look forward to seeing you soon."

"Wishing you a fulfilling and joyous retirement, and may your next chapter be as enriching as the legacy you've left behind," posted a third.

A fourth said, "Best Wishes to you CP - Amazing leadership, so many lessons. You need to write a book - oh I see that it's already written. Wish you the best!"
An Arkansas man discovered a 4.87-carat diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. Jerry Evans of Lepanto went to the park for the first time and picked up what he thought was a clear piece of glass. He then stuffed it into his pocket and went about his business. The diamond was discovered in Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. (Unsplash)

Even after Evans left the park, he kept thinking about the transparent 'glass' and wondered whether it was something else. He then decided to have it examined by the Gemological Institute of America. A few weeks later, the institute contacted him and informed him that this item was actually an almost colourless diamond, reports THV11.

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"I thought it might be a piece of glass, it was so clear. I really didnt know. We were picking up everything thinking it was a diamond. When they called and told me it was real, I was tickled to death," Evans told THV11. (Also Read: 7-year-old discovers a grand b'day surprise- a 2.95 carat diamond)

He later contacted Crater of Diamonds State Park to inform them about his find.

"While I get many emails from people wanting me to identify something they've found here, to my recollection, this is the first time someone has contacted me after they've had a diamond identified by the GIA. I'm glad that Mr Evans was able to bring his historic diamond back to the park to have it officially registered," Assistant Park Superintendent Waymon Cox said in a news release as per UPI.

Evans' diamond is the largest registered find since a man from Maumelle discovered a 9.07-carat brown diamond in 2020.
More than half a million people in Gaza  a quarter of the population  are starving, according to a report Thursday by the UN and other agencies that highlights the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel's bombardment and siege on the territory in response to Hamas' Oct 7 attack. Palestinians search a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike near the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza.(Bloomberg)

The extent of the population's hunger eclipsed even the near-famines in Afghanistan and Yemen of recent years, according to figures in the report. The report warned that the risk of famine is increasing each day, blaming the hunger on insufficient aid entering Gaza.

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It doesn't get any worse,'' said Arif Husain, chief economist for the UN's World Food Programme. I have never seen something at the scale that is happening in Gaza. And at this speed.

Israel says it is in the final stages of clearing out Hamas militants from northern Gaza, but that months of fighting lie ahead in the south.

The war sparked by Hamas' deadly Oct 7 rampage and hostage-taking in Israel has killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians. Some 1.9 million Gaza residents  more than 80% of the population  have been driven from their homes, and many of them are crammed into UN shelters.

The war has also pushed Gaza's health sector into collapse. Only nine of its 36 health facilities are still partially functioning, all located in the south, according to the World Health Organisation. WHO relief workers on Thursday reported unbearable scenes in two hospitals they visited in northern Gaza: Bedridden patients with untreated wounds cry out for water, the few remaining doctors and nurses have no supplies, and bodies are lined up in the courtyard.

Bombardment and fighting continued Thursday, but with Gaza's internet and other communications cut off for a second straight day, details on the latest violence could largely not be confirmed.

UN Security Council members are negotiating an Arab-sponsored resolution for a halt in fighting to allow for increased aid deliveries. A vote on the resolution has been postponed twice this week in the hopes of getting the US to support it or allow it to pass after it vetoed an earlier cease-fire call.

Thursday's report from the UN underscored the failure of weeks of US efforts to ensure greater aid reaches Palestinians. At the start of the war, Israel stopped all deliveries of food, water, medicine and fuel into the territory. After US pressure, it allowed a trickle of aid in through Egypt. But UN agencies say only 10% of Gaza's food needs has been entering for weeks.

This week, Israel began allowing aid to enter Gaza through its Kerem Shalom crossing. But a blast Thursday morning hit the Palestinian side of the crossing, forcing the UN to stop its pickups of aid there, according to Juliette Touma, spokesperson of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

At least four people were killed, the nearby hospital reported. Palestinian authorities blamed Israel for the blast, but its cause could not immediately be confirmed.

Delivery of aid to much of the Gaza Strip has become difficult or impossible due to continued fighting, UN officials have said.

The report released Thursday by 23 UN and nongovernmental agencies found that the entire population in Gaza is in a food crisis, with 576,600 at catastrophic  or starvation  levels. It is a situation where pretty much everybody in Gaza is hungry," Husain, the World Food Program economist, said.

People are very, very close to large outbreaks of disease because their immune systems have become so weak because they don't have enough nourishment, he said.

Israel has vowed to continue the offensive until it destroys Hamas' military capabilities and returns scores of hostages captured by Palestinian militants during their Oct 7 rampage. Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people that day, mostly civilians, and captured around 240 others.

Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at central Israel Thursday, showing its military capabilities remain formidable. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The United States has continued to support Israel's campaign while also urging greater efforts to protect civilians. The US wants Israel to shift to more targeted operations aimed at Hamas leaders and the group's tunnel network.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Tuesday the death toll since the start of the war had risen to more than 19,600. It does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

On Wednesday, the WHO delivered supplies to Ahli and Shifa hospitals in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops have demolished vast swaths of the city while fighting Hamas militants.

Israeli forces have raided a series of health facilities in the north in recent weeks, detaining men for interrogation and expelling others. In some facilities, patients who are unable to be moved remain, along with skeleton staff who can do little beyond first aid, according to UN and health officials

Ahli Hospital is a place where people are waiting to die, said Sean Casey, a member of the WHO team that visited the two hospitals Wednesday. Five remaining doctors and five nurses along with around 80 patients remain in Ahli, he said.

All of the hospital buildings are damaged except two buildings where patients are now being kept  the orthopedics ward and a church on the grounds, he said.

Inside the church, it was an unbearable scene, he said. Patients with traumatic wounds struggled with infections. Others had undergone amputations. Patients were crying out in pain but were also crying out for us to give them water, he said.

Israel's military says 137 of its soldiers have been killed in the Gaza ground offensive. Israel says it has killed some 7,000 militants, without providing evidence. It blames the high number civilian deaths in Gaza on Hamas, saying it uses them as human shields when it fights in residential areas.
Afghan girls of all ages are permitted to study in religious schools, which are traditionally boys-only, a Taliban official said Thursday. The Taliban have been globally condemned for banning girls and women from education beyond sixth grade, including university. (AFP)

A day earlier, U.N. special envoy Roza Otunbayeva told the Security Council and reporters that the United Nations was receiving more and more anecdotal evidence that girls could study at the Islamic schools known as madrassas.

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But Otunbayeva said it wasnt clear what constituted a madrassa, if there was a standardized curriculum that allowed modern education subjects, and how many girls were able to study in the schools.

The Taliban have been globally condemned for banning girls and women from education beyond sixth grade, including university. Madrassas are one of the few options for girls after sixth grade to receive any kind of education.

Mansor Ahmad, a spokesman at the Education Ministry in the Afghan capital Kabul, said in messages to The Associated Press that there are no age restrictions for girls at government-controlled madrassas. The only requirement is that girls must be in a madrassa class appropriate to their age.

If her age is not in line with the class and (the age) is too high, then she is not allowed, said Ahmad. Madrassas have the same principles as schools and older women are not allowed in junior classes. Privately run madrassas have no age restrictions and females of all ages, including adult women, can study in these schools, according to Ahmad.

There are around 20,000 madrassas in Afghanistan, of which 13,500 are government-controlled. Private madrassas operate out of mosques or homes, said Ahmad. He did not give details on how many girls are studying in the country's madrassas or if this number increased after the bans.

Also read: Afghanistan permanently shuts down its embassy in India

Otunbayeva addressed the Security Council on the one-year anniversary of the Taliban banning women from universities. Afghanistan is the only country in the world with restrictions on female education.

Higher education officials in Kabul were unavailable for comment Thursday on when or if the restrictions would be lifted, or what steps the Taliban are taking to make campuses and classrooms comply with their interpretation of Islamic law.

Afghanistans higher education minister, Nida Mohammed Nadim, said last December that the university ban was necessary to prevent the mixing of genders and because he believed some subjects being taught violated the principles of Islam.
An aid worker has claimed that he saw injured kids sleeping on the hospital floor at a medical facility in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. There were injured people everywhere at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, Abu Fares, 53, a volunteer with the Palestinian Childrens Relief Fund, told NBC News. A medic carries an injured Palestinian child into the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital following Israeli airstrikes in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 (Photographer: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg)(Bloomberg)

I saw injured kids sleeping on the hospital floor," he said. He also claimed there is no food in the facility. "Even if you have money, it doesn't matter," he said.

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Flour that may be available in some markets could be 100 times more expensive than usual. "We are not on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. We are in a crisis," Fares said.

Toxic mix of disease, hunger and lack of hygiene and sanitation

The World Health Organizations head has claimed that there is a "toxic mix of disease, hunger and lack of hygiene and sanitation" faced by people in the Gaza Strip. Hunger weakens the bodys defenses and opens the door to disease, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X.

He added, Gaza is already experiencing soaring rates of infectious disease outbreaks. Diarrhoea cases among children aged under 5 are 25 times what they were before the conflict. Such illnesses can be lethal for malnourished children, more so in the absence of functioning health services. We need a ceasefire now.

66% of employment lost in Gaza and the West Bank

At least 66% of employment has been lost in Gaza and the West Bank following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the U.N. agency the International Labour Organization has said. The repercussions on the lives and livelihoods of affected communities are beyond anything seen in the Occupied Palestinian Territory before," ILO regional director for Arab states Ruba Jaradat said in a statement, as per NBC News. Jaradat added that the impact has grave cascading implications on the West Bank too.

Meanwhile, it has been reported by Hamas' government media office that an estimated 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas-Israel conflict began after the October 7 attack. Among them are 8,000 children and more than 6,000 women. About 6,700 people reportedly remain missing.
People in the Gaza Strip who have Canadian relatives may apply for temporary visas to Canada, the country's immigration minister said Thursday. However, the federal government cannot guarantee safe passage out of the besieged Palestinian territory. An explosion takes place in what Israel military said was a tunnel at AI Shifa Hospital complex before a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas came into effect, in Gaza.(REUTERS)

Immigration Minister Marc Miller expects the program to be up and running by Jan. 9. Until now, the government has focused on getting 660 Canadians, permanent residents and their spouses and children out of Gaza.

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Miller said the government will start accepting applications for people with extended family connections to Canada, including parents, grandparents, siblings and grandchildren.

He said people will be offered three-year visas if they meet eligibility and admissibility criteria.

Miller said hes not sure how many people will be able to come to Canada under the program, but he expects the number will be in the hundreds.

Miller said it's been difficult to get Canadians out of Gaza. We have limited ability, he said.
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North Korea's Kim again threatens use of nukes as he praises troops for long-range missile launch

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Noa Argamani, who was believed to be a Hamas hostage, may have actually been kidnapped by Palestinian civilians, it has been reported. These civilians are believed to have followed Hamas terrorists into Israel, the Daily Mail reported. A screengrab from a social media video published on October 7, 2023 shows Noa Argamani as she is taken hostage by Palestinian militants, at an unknown location (Video obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS)(via REUTERS)

Noa, 26, became the face of hostages who were abducted from Israels Nova music festival on October 7. A horrifying video shows a group of men snatching her, taking her away on the back of a motorcycle as she screamed for help.

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The men were seen restraining her boyfriend, Avinatan Or. He was seen being made to walk with his hands held behind his back.

Noas family has been waiting to hear news about her for two months now. However, making their helplessness worse, it is now believed that she may have been kidnapped by a mob of Palestinian civilians. NBC News reported that analysis of text messages, phone records, satellite images and interviews suggests Noa was taken by these men, who followed the Hamas terrorists into Israel.

In fact, this could be a reason why Noa was not one of the many female and child hostages who were released by Hamas during the ceasefire last month. Hamas may not know where the civilians are holding her.

Noa and Avinatan were among hundreds of young people attending the music festival when Hamas launched its surprise attack. Noa messaged her friend at 8:10 am, saying she was in a parking lot and can't get out. Hide. Let me know that everything is ok, her friend replied. Noa again messaged after more than two hours, telling her friend, We don't have a car.

This was the last time anyone heard from Noa. Her chilling video later surfaced online.

Noas family found some hope when a video surfaced, appearing to show her drinking water from a bottle as she sat on a sofa. Two people were seen walking barefoot behind her.

Noas cancer-ridden mother, meanwhile, has begged for her release. Liora is battling stage 4 brain cancer, and has expressed her wish to see her daughter before the illness killed her.

My one wish would be to hug and see Noa before something happens to me due to my medical condition, which would mean I won't be able to, she told the Mail. I know she is a strong girl. We're waiting for her. Only the thought of her coming home keeps me strong.
Erie County legislators powered through a final cram session on Thursday that dealt with everything from a new jail feasibility study to a new lease for the Erie County Auto Bureau at Eastern Hills Mall.

But one highly anticipated County Legislature action to bar holiday-related overtime pay for Erie County Sheriffs Office appointees is getting put off until next month.

After it was discovered that top chiefs, superintendents and deputies in the Sheriffs Office were still receiving holiday-related overtime pay amounting to more than $72,500 this year, Comptroller Kevin Hardwick asked the Legislature to immediately act on a resolution clarifying that no top, appointed administrators in county government are eligible for overtime, including overtime pay for working on a holiday.

Appointed administrators were expected to give up all overtime pay after getting raises and being reclassified as salaried employees this year. Sheriffs Office appointees were given bigger raises than most other county appointees, in recognition of their role as public safety officials who could expect to be called upon at any time.

Erie County Sheriff's Office top administrators still paid holiday OT despite agreement From 2020 through 2022, department commissioners, chiefs and other appointees in county government who are not typically entitled to overtime were paid $3 million in OT and cashed-out comp time, according to a Buffalo News analysis.

But while sheriffs appointees have ceased collecting regular overtime, they have continued to receive overtime for working on holidays. Back in January, the Sheriffs Office clarified that worked-holiday pay could still continue and the county administration said yes.

Now the Legislature is being asked to take up the matter.

Erich Weyant, the chief of staff for the Legislatures Democratic majority, said that even though delaying action on a clarifying resolution would allow sheriffs appointees to collect more holiday-related overtime pay through New Years Day, legislators want more time and space to scrutinize and question Sheriffs Office overtime spending.

They want a real discussion about this, he said.

Other matters before the Legislature, however, moved forward.

New jail study

Erie County poised to spend $750,000 on consultants for new jail feasibility study Erie County plans to spend $750,000 on two planning and architecture firms who would spearhead a new jail feasibility study.

Despite objections from some community advocates, the County Legislature approved paying $750,000 to two planning and architecture firms who will spearhead a new jail feasibility study. The study is expected to consider the limitations of the two current county jails; reimagine what could and should be accommodated in a new facility; and broadly estimate future jail-related costs, depending on where a new facility may be located and what programs it would house.

The county operates the downtown Holding Center and Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden. Both are known to be outdated and incompatible with modern correctional facility needs. The Legislature approved hiring Buffalo-based Foit-Albert Associates, which has done smaller corrections-related projects, and New York City-based DLR Group, which has more jail planning expertise.

Debate over the need for this type of jail study was hashed out last week in committee. Daniel Castle, commissioner of the Department of Environment and Planning, said no one should expect the feasibility study to name a future construction site for the jail or offer engineering blueprints for how the next jail will be constructed. Instead, this first study will reach out to all stakeholders, from local law enforcement agencies to former inmates and their families.

Eastern Hills Mall DMV lease

Erie County Clerk Michael Mickey Kearns successfully gained Legislature approval for a new lease to keep the county auto bureau at Eastern Hills Mall on Transit Road even though much of that site is undergoing transformation and most other shops have been, or will soon be, evicted.

This county-run branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles has served thousands of residents a year since 2009, handling everything from drivers license transactions to learners permit testing.

DMV office remains open at Eastern Hills Mall despite eviction notice Erie County Clerk Michael "Mickey" Kearns said he's been pushing to keep the DMV auto bureau location open and he expects a new lease deal to be reached soon.

The new lease deal asked the Legislature to approve setting aside $64,000 that would include paying $4,539 a month in rent for the next five years, totaling $54,468, plus roughly $10,000 more in contingency costs for unexpected expenses. While the base rent is $4,000 a month, Kearns said, the county would pay an additional $539 a month to cover costs associated with renovating the space and creating a new entrance to the auto bureau, which is located near the same entrance as Duffs Famous Wings.

To be able to stay there, its definitely a win for the Northtowns, and the taxpayers, and for all of Erie County, Kearns said. This was not an easy deal.

The Eastern Hills DMV location is one of six county auto bureaus, and one of only two that offers Saturday hours. The owner of the struggling mall appreciated the influx of customers and previously allowed the auto bureau to occupy mall space rent-free. But that changed in July, when Uniland Development issued eviction notices to most of the malls tenants  including the auto bureau. The countys current lease at the mall is slated to end Jan. 14.

Uniland is redeveloping the Clarence mall as a mixed-use town center, a walkable community offering retail stores, restaurants, hotels, office space and housing.
Meghan Markle's entrance into and abrupt departure from the British royal family has been characterized as a significant setback for the Crown, according to OK! magazine. Royal commentator Jane Marguerite Tippett told the British weekly magazine that the complexity of Meghan's situation stemmed from the institution's struggle to comprehend and adapt to a woman with an independent, educated, and self-directed life, especially during her formative years. Meghan Markle.(Getty Images)

"The institution didn't understand how to deal with a woman, not so much who was divorced, but who had a very independent life, who had had an education, who had lived the first 35 years of her life as someone who called her own shots, called her own story, and they probably didn't come to grips with that in perhaps the most pragmatic way," the magazine quoted her as saying.

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Tippett pointed out the monarchy's failure to pragmatically handle Meghan's unique background, highlighting that the most successful royals historically have been those capable of gradual adjustment rather than demanding immediate change.

"It's a loss for the monarchy to not have them because they worked on interesting charities interesting projects. What's unfortunate though is that they couldn't balance these projects with how to work the system."

The departure of Meghan and Prince Harry in March 2020, known as "Megxit," positioned them as royal rebel figures, initially garnering mixed public opinions.

Tippett acknowledged the loss for the monarchy due to the couple's contributions to charities and projects, expressing regret that they couldn't strike a balance with navigating the system. Despite the initial speculation that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were better off without the Crown, conflicting reports emerged, with some arguing that the Montecito rebels still needed the royal family.

Royal expert Jan Moir had painted a grim picture of the relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family, describing it as a "burnt-out bombsite" with relations at rock bottom. While some believe the couple's departure signalled independence and freedom, others argue that their lack of understanding of key royal characteristics jeopardized their influence and standing.

Read full story here
Human Rights Watch accused Meta on Thursday of restricting pro-Palestinian content on Facebook and Instagram, decrying "systemic online censorship" since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. HRW pointed to "systemic online censorship", reporting more than 1,050 "takedowns and other suppression of content" on Instagram and Facebook from over 60 countries during October and November. (Reuters)

"Meta's policies and practises have been silencing voices in support of Palestine and Palestinian human rights on Instagram and Facebook in a wave of heightened censorship of social media," the New York-based group said in a report released Thursday.

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"Meta's censorship of content in support of Palestine adds insult to injury at a time of unspeakable atrocities and repression already stifling Palestinians' expression," said Deborah Brown, acting associate director of HRW's technology and human rights division.

On Tuesday, Meta's independent oversight board had already criticised the social media titan for removing posts that showed human suffering in the conflict.

The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Israel's ensuing military campaign in Gaza has so far killed at least 20,000 people, the majority of them children and women, according to the Hamas government.

HRW pointed to "systemic online censorship", reporting more than 1,050 "takedowns and other suppression of content" on Instagram and Facebook from over 60 countries during October and November.

The content in question was posted by "Palestinians and their supporters, including about human rights abuses".

"While this appears to be the biggest wave of suppression of content about Palestine to date, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has a well-documented record of overbroad crackdowns on content related to Palestine," the report added.

Hundreds of people continued to report censorship after the organisation completed its analysis, "meaning that the total number of cases Human Rights Watch received greatly exceeded 1,050," it added.

Of the 1,050 cases reviewed, 1,049 involved "peaceful content in support of Palestine that was censored or otherwise unduly suppressed, while one case involved removal of content in support of Israel," HRW said.

HRW said censorship on Instagram and Facebook included the removal of posts, stories and comments, suspending or disabling accounts, restricting certain features including users' ability to engage with posts or follow certain accounts, as well as limiting the visibility of users' content.

The group said its own posts suffered from restrictions, with dozens of users reporting they were unable to repost, like or comment on a HRW post "calling for evidence of online censorship, which was flagged as 'spam'," it added.

"Meta should permit protected expression, including about human rights abuses and political movements, on its platforms," HRW said.

aya/jsa

Meta
An Israeli army spokesman said Thursday that the military had killed more than 2,000 Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip since a one-week truce in war with Hamas collapsed on December 1. An Israeli military tank and soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, (REUTERS)

"Since the end of the truce, our forces have eliminated more than 2,000 terrorists by air, land and sea," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said.
Police in Ecuador rescued a prominent British businessman on Wednesday morning, four days after he was kidnapped, authorities said. Britain's former honorary consul to Guayaquil Colin Armstrong.(AFP)

Colin Armstrong, who was also Britain's former honorary consul in the industrial city of Guayaquil, was abducted on Saturday.

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He was released and was now safe, General Cesar Zapata, Commander General of the Police, wrote on X.

Zapata added that nine people had been apprehended in the operation - one foreigner and eight Ecuadoreans - without giving further details.

Zapata later told reporters that a Colombian woman was kidnapped along with Armstrong before being abandoned in a residential area of Guayaquil, with alleged explosives attached to her that turned out to be fake.

Police carried out more than 30 raids on homes, uncovering grenades, firearms, ammunition and drugs. They also located a vehicle they say was used for the kidnapping.

The kidnapping was economically motivated, police said, without giving further details and confirming the investigation remains opened.

"We will not allow impunity. Police actions continue," Interior Minister Monica Palencia added on the social media platform.

Armstrong was taken from his home in the town of Baba in Los Rios province, Ecuavisa and other local media outlets reported.

Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common in Ecuador amid rising crime largely attributed to drug trafficking gangs.

Britain's ambassador in Ecuador, Chris Campbell, thanked the police for the rescue.

"We are delighted that Colin Armstrong OBE, our former honorary consul in Guayaquil, has been safely released," Campbell wrote on X.

(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Daniel Wallis)
King Charles and Prince Harry have not spoken to each other in a while as they struggled to maintain a good relationship through the years. King Charles and his son stopped speaking in 2020 right after Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle decided to step down from their royal duties. It has now been reported that the two are on talking terms but they have not actually met face-to-face. King Charles, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seen in this combination photo.(AP)

A report claims that King Charles has one specific demand that he would need Prince Harry to meet in order to have an in-person discussion with his younger son.

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Peace talks between Prince Harry and King Charles

Prince Harry and King Charles sat down for peace talks at one point alongside Prince William, it was earlier reported. But things did not go over too well and the three men havent had much confrontation since. King Charles reportedly said that he is willing to have a sit-down meeting with Prince Harry but since there is so little trust between the two men, the monarch said that his only demand is: Everything must be documented.

If there will be a meeting, it will have to be done properly with aides and officials present, and everything documented with minutes taken, UK's Daily Express reported.

King Charles also wants his aides and officials present at the meeting as he wants others there to corroborate the conversations he has with his son, the report added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that USD 185 million is needed for providing medicines and supporting hospitals in Afghanistan. Director General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (AFP)

On Wednesday, Ghebreyesus said that funds are needed to prevent malnutrition, particularly among women and children. Currently, 13 million people in Afghanistan are facing food insecurity.

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The WHO Chief's request for funds to fight malnutrition comes at a time when it is estimated that about 2.3 million children are moderately malnourished.

In a post on X, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, "13 million of people in #Afghanistan -- 30 per cent of the total population -- face acute food insecurity. Close to 1 million children are severely malnourished and 2.3 million are suffering from moderate acute malnutrition."

"With immune systems weakened and in the face of a harsh winter, they are at higher risk of dying from infectious diseases. With limited humanitarian aid delivery, these numbers are likely to increase in coming weeks and months. @WHO needs $185 million to continue providing medicines and supporting hospitals to prevent more Afghan children and women dying of malnutrition and the consequences of food insecurity," he added.

Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, the economic situation of the country has deteriorated. The Afghans have repeatedly complained of a lack of basic amenities under the Taliban government and the country is now heavily dependent on humanitarian aid.

Earlier in November, the European Union has pledged 10 million euros to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the healthcare system and combat infectious diseases in Afghanistan, Afghanistan-based Pajhwok News reported.

The funding will improve preparedness and response systems for future disease outbreaks and health and nutrition emergencies, according to a statement issued by the EU office in Kabul. The long-lasting cooperation between the EU and WHO has contributed to stronger and more resilient health care in Afghanistan, it said.

The increased financing is intended to improve health care in all 34 provinces, benefiting almost 2 million people. The additional funding expands on the previous EU-WHO collaboration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by integrating and improving diagnostic and infectious disease management and response in Afghanistan, the EU stated, according to Pajhwok News.

Raffaella Iodice, EU Chargee d'Affaires a.i. to Afghanistan, said, "The EU is deeply committed to protecting Afghans from disease outbreaks and other health and nutrition emergencies. Building on our ongoing cooperation with WHO in Afghanistan, the new funding helps to strengthen public health across the country and ensure the well-being of Afghans."
Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif again praised India on Wednesday during his address to the party cadre on Wednesday as he said India has reached the moon but Pakistan has still not risen from the ground. Nawaz Sharif would be contesting the elections from Mansehra region of Khyber-Pakhtynkhwa. As he is warming up for his election pitch, he made several references to India. On Tuesday, Nawaz Sharif said neither India nor US were responsible for the economic condition Pakistan has been facing. "We shot ourselves in our own foot," Nawaz Sharif said a day earlier. "Our neighbours have reached the moon but we haven't even risen from the ground so far. It can't keep going on like this," Sharif said on Wednesday. Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan has not yet taken off the ground while India has reached the moon. (AP)

Nawaz Sharif is running for Prime Minister for a fourth time -- thrice he was ousted from power -- in 1993,1999 and 2017.

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"In 2013, we were facing severe load shedding of electricity, we came and ended it, ended terrorism from all over the country, restored the peace of Karachi, highways were built, CPEC came, and a new era of development and prosperity began," Nawaz Sharif said.

Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan in October this year after four years of political exile in London that he took in 2019 citing medical reasons. He went to London for medical treatment while he was serving a seven-year prison sentence for corruption. But then he never returned. His return was only for the election as he took the PML-N mantle.

Jailed former PM Imran Khan would contest from three constituencies Lahore, Mianwali and Islamabad. On Aug 5, a trial court in Islamabad convicted Imran Khan in a case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan that involved concealing details of state gifts and jailed him for three years. The verdict meant he was disqualified from contesting general elections for five years. But the Islamabad High Court suspended Imran Khans three-year sentence, but he still remains in jail in other cases.
Prince Harry revealed that his parents separation resulted in him and his brother Prince William "bouncing between two of them and never seeing either enough" as he talked about how the then Prince and Princess of Wales' split impacted his life while growing up. Royal Family: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is seen. (Reuters)

There were times when he and his older brother were not spending enough time with Princess Diana or father King Charles, Prince Harry said in 2017 while speaking in an ITV documentary about his mother.

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Read more: When Kate Middleton gave Prince Harry this savage Christmas present

What Prince Harry said on his parents divorce

Prince Harry said, There was the point of where our parents split and the two of us were bouncing between the two of them and we never saw our mother enough or we never saw our father enough. There was a lot of travelling and a lot of fights on the back seat with my brother, of which I would win. So there was all of that to contend with. And I don't pretend that we're the only people to have to deal with that. But it was an interesting way of growing up.

Separately, Prince Harry said, I've always heard people refer to my mother as paranoid, but she wasn't. She was fearful of what was actually happening to her and now I know that I was the same. I think she had a lived experience of how she was struggling living that life. She felt compelled to talk about it. She always spoke the truth of her experience.

Charles- Diana separation

The separation of then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana was announced in December 1992 after 11 years of marriage. The couple were divorced in August 1996. A year after their divorce on August 31, 1997, Princess Diana died from injuries sustained in a car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris, France.
Prince William and Kate Middleton's daughter Princess Charlotte was once given a lavish and expensive baby toy, The Daily Express reported. What was the gift? An 18-karat white gold rattle lined with sapphires, rubies and diamonds. What was its price? $45,182. (Not kidding) Princess Charlotte is seen. (kensingtonroyal/instagram.com)

When was the gift given?

The gift was given to Princess Charlotte when she was born in 2015 by the Natural Sapphire Company as a thank you to her parents because after they became engaged in 2010 sales of sapphire engagement rings went through the roof. This happened because women tried to replicate Kate Middletons ring.

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What did the company say

When Kate and William were engaged with the iconic blue sapphire ring that once belonged to Princess Diana, our sapphire ring sales rocketed, the company said at the time on its website, adding, Women everywhere wanted to be just as fashionable as Kate. Today, we continue to grow as a business, and it is with great joy that we celebrate the birth of a new royal [Charlotte]. Were thanking Kate and William for introducing our company to the world by gifting a custom-designed baby rattle fit for their princess.

The company explained, Baby gifts made from precious metals are a tradition dating back to the 18th century. Our luxury rattle, worth $45,000, is made from 18k white gold, lined with sapphires, rubies, and diamonds to produce the Union Jack flag. Such a unique gift, unlike any they will receive from well wishers around the world, will surely be treasured.

Not the most expensive gift Princess Charlotte has gotten, thought

Princess Charlotte has received more extravagant gifts. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau made a $100,000 donation to Immunize Canada in her name when she was a year old. He also gave Charlotte a more reasonably priced snowsuit and a book, it was reported.
Prince William's wife Kate Middleton once bought Prince Harry a hilarious Christmas present as a joke to mock his past failed romances. Prince Harry was said to be close to Kate Middleton before he and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to the United States. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not spent Christmas with the royals since 2018. Catherine, Princess of Wales attends The "Together At Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.(Reuters)

It was earlier reported that Kate Middleton bought Prince Harry a "grow-your-own-girlfriend" kit. Why? The royal family has a tradition to give gag gifts on Christmas Eve as they honour their German heritage by opening their presents after they've had their afternoon tea on the day.

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"The gifts were on trestle tables in the white drawing room where the names were at each table for each family, " a report claimed. During Meghan Markle's first Christmas with the royal family, she bought the late Queen Elizabeth a singing hamster.

What other Christmas traditions does the royal family have

Former royal chef Darren McGrady said that royal family's Christmas morning is usually subject to a gender divide owing to which Prince William and Kate Middleton have their coffee in separate rooms on the day.

On Christmas Day, the ladies generally opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast, and coffee delivered to their roomsthe Queens tray is delivered at exactly 9:00 a.m., Darren McGrady said.

The ex-royal chef also said, The male royals, meanwhile, come downstairs to the dining room for a hearty breakfast at 8:30 a.m., with eggs, bacon and mushrooms, kippers, and grilled kidneys, to set them up for the 11:00 a.m. church service at St Mary Magdalene. When they return, its straight into pre-lunch drinks."
If you missed out on acquiring a pair of eclipse viewing glasses in preparation for the total solar eclipse that will pass over Western New York on April 8, theres more on the way.

The Buffalo Museum of Science has announced that the remainder of the 300,000 pairs it ordered with $100,000 in funding from Erie County will soon be doled out to all 37 branches of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library.

The glasses were received by the museum earlier this week from Rainbow Symphony, which is recognized by the American Astronomical Societys Solar Eclipse Task Force as a reputable supplier of safe solar viewers/filters, and is working with the libraries to distribute them across the county. The first distribution of glasses in mid-October was picked up from libraries much faster than anticipated, and supplies ran out within weeks.

Museum officials warn that looking directly at the sun with the naked eye during the eclipse could lead to vision damage or even blindness, so securing eclipse viewing glasses from a reputable source is critical for eye safety. Officials also recommend storing the glasses in a safe location and checking them for damage in advance of using them.

There is a limit of two glasses per person. Patrons are advised to call their local library branch first to confirm the glasses are available.

- Harold McNeil
Robert De Niro pulled no punches, labelling Trump as "beyond dangerous" in an interview with Rolling Stone. The actor expressed concern over the rocky path the nation might tread if Trump returns to the Oval Office. Former U.S. President Donald Trump (Getty Images via AFP)

De Niro admitted to initial hopes that Trump might "straighten out" upon assuming the presidency. However, the actor's viewpoint has evolved, now seeing Trump's approach as a "classic grift" that poses a severe threat.

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Trump brings out the worst in people. Hes a monster. I didnt think that in the beginning when he was first elected. I thought, Maybe hell straighten out. Now, this guy is beyond dangerous, and I just hope people can realize it. Once you go down that road, it wont be easy to come back, he told Rolling Stone.

Biden on a gurney, still better than Trump

De Niro stated that even if Biden were immobilised on a gurney, blinking 'yes' or 'no,' he sees him as the best choice to counter Trump. The actor emphasises the urgency of finding a candidate to take down Trump.

Nikki Haley - A potential Trump antidote?

While endorsing Biden, De Niro suggests Nikki Haley as a potential contender to disrupt Trump's influence. He believes any change is crucial to steering away from Trump's agenda and contemplates Haley as a possible nominee.

Nikki Haley, maybe? We need anything to get rid of Trump. If she came in it could at least throw him off and have her be the nominee, he said.

The teleprompter controversy: De Niro's Gotham Awards speech

Reflecting on his Gotham Awards speech, De Niro discussed the controversy surrounding the teleprompter. He revealed that some lines of his speech were removed from the teleprompter. What happened was I was working on the speech with a writer, Lewis Friedman, and he gave it to them, and then one of the consultants had put something in the speech about how kids in Oklahoma arent even able to read the book Killers of the Flower Moon, De Niro said.

And then I didnt hear anything. They gave me the script, and I looked at the prompter, and I asked after, What happened? And they assumed that I had spoken to Marty or somebody about it, but I hadnt. They assumed that I would be OK with it, and maybe Im still getting it wrong, and I wasnt. Marty and I spoke about it the next day and he said, Yeah, I had sent you a text and [Apple] asked if you could dial it down, respectfully, he added.

Trump, responding to De Niro's Gotham Awards speech, deems the actor "unwatchable" and criticised his impact on the Academy Awards.

Drawing parallels to totalitarian regimes, De Niro warned of the potential impact of Trump's influence, urging people to recognize the gravity of the situation. If you look at other totalitarian countries like Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union, it will affect everybody in ways you cant even imagine, he said.

Urging people to vote De Niro said, All I hope is that everybody gets out to vote, and all the minorities and young people get out and vote, vote, vote. Youve gotta get out there and vote.
The Colorado Supreme Court's recent decision to disqualify Donald Trump from future office marked the first triumph in an unfolding legal saga spanning multiple states. The ruling is based on claims that Trump's involvement in the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021, constitutes insurrection, triggering challenges under the 14th Amendment. FILE - Former President Donald Trump speaks during a commit to caucus rally, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Waterloo, Iowa. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno has landed Donald Trump's endorsement in the GOP race for a 2024 contender to unseat third-term Democrat Sherrod Brown, one of his party's most vulnerable incumbents. The former president and 2024 presidential candidate backed Moreno, a wealthy Cleveland businessman, in a post on his social media network, Truth Social, Tuesday.(AP)

Legal challenges to Trump's eligibility in 16 states

Lawfare's database reveals legal challenges to Trump's eligibility in 16 states. These challenges question whether Trump's actions align with the 14th Amendment, raising concerns about his qualification for public office.

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Legal battles in Michigan, Oregon, New Jersey, and Wisconsin unfold in state courts. These cases emphasize the state-level implications of Trump's alleged involvement in the Capitol riot.

A wider range of legal cases includes those that have been filed in the federal district courts. Legal challenges are underway in several states, including Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, New York, New Mexico, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Arizona and Michigan cases faced initial dismissals but now await appeals. The legal process continues in these states, with ongoing efforts to contest Trump's eligibility.

In Maine, challenges to Trump's ballot eligibility are subject to review by the secretary of state, with potential appeals reaching the state's Superior Court.

Also Read | Donald Trump urges US Supreme Court not to expedite 2020 immunity claim

Trump to appeal Colorado's ruling

Trump's campaign plans to appeal Colorado's decision, prompting the state Supreme Court to delay enforcement until Jan. 4. If the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the appeal, it could temporarily lift Colorado's hold, allowing Trump's eligibility until a final decision is reached.

A U.S. Supreme Court appeal may halt proceedings in all states, creating a nationwide pause. J. Michael Luttig, a retired appeals court judge, highlights the potential impact, emphasizing the significance of a Supreme Court decision.

Nine federal cases challenging Trump's eligibility were brought by John Anthony Castro, a Republican presidential candidate. While the Supreme Court declined Castro's challenge, his efforts sparked legal actions in multiple states.

Political calendar pressures the Supreme Court

Colorado's Jan. 5 certification deadline for the primary election adds urgency. The Supreme Court's decision will influence Trump's eligibility on the ballot, impacting the Super Tuesday primaries in multiple states.

States, including Virginia, Texas, Vermont, and Alaska, face Super Tuesday primaries, creating a time-sensitive scenario. Legal battles and pending decisions may shape the landscape of these crucial primary elections.

The federal deadline for sending absentee ballots is a critical factor. With Jan. 10 as the deadline for South Carolina, the legal proceedings in that state gain heightened significance, aligning with the broader narrative of Trump's ballot eligibility challenges.
The National Parks Service has said that Lincoln Memorial was vandalised with "Free Gaza" graffiti on Wednesday, December 20. The destruction was seen in the Lincoln Memorial Circle and the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. The National Parks Service has said that Lincoln Memorial was vandalised with "Free Gaza" graffiti recently (REUTERS/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades - used as representational image)(REUTERS)

National Park Service conservators have begun the process of removing the paint this morning, though it may take multiple treatments over several days to remove all of it," an agency spokesperson said, according to NBC News. "The steps on the west side of the Reflecting Pool are closed to visitors while the conservation work takes place.

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NPS spokesperson Mike Litterst has said that by Wednesday, nearly all the latex and spray paint from the area around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had been removed by conservators.

The National Parks Service has said that Lincoln Memorial was vandalised with "Free Gaza" graffiti on Wednesday, December 20. The destruction was seen in the Lincoln Memorial Circle and the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.

National Park Service conservators have begun the process of removing the paint this morning, though it may take multiple treatments over several days to remove all of it," an agency spokesperson said, according to NBC News. "The steps on the west side of the Reflecting Pool are closed to visitors while the conservation work takes place.

NPS spokesperson Mike Litterst has said that by Wednesday, nearly all the latex and spray paint from the area around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had been removed by conservators.

|#+|

The incident is now being investigated. Anyone with information about the incident has been urged to contact the United States Park Police tip line at (202)379-4877 or e-mail USPP_tipline@nps.gov.

The Washington Monument was vandalised with inappropriate words and paint back in September 2022 too.

The U.S. Park Service told ABC News, "National Park Service conservators have begun the process of removing the paint this morning. It added that cleaning the place may require several treatments over many days.

This is not the first time a landmark in the nation's capital has been defaced. Demonstrators spray-painted "Free Palestine" on multiple statutes in Lafayette Square, across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House back in November. Specialised processes had to be applied to remove the paint at the time.

Meanwhile, it has been reported by Hamas' government media office that an estimated 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas-Israel conflict began after the October 7 attack. Among them are 8,000 children and more than 6,000 women. About 6,700 people reportedly remain missing.
A black girl, 2, was made to take part in aRosa Parks reenactment where a lighter-skinner child handcuffed her in front of her peers. This incident took place at a Florida preschool classroom. A black girl, 2, was made to take part in aRosa Parks reenactment where a lighter-skinner child handcuffed her in front of her peers (NAACP/Facebook)

Shocking pictures of the incident were shared online. The civil rights group NAACP has asked the Florida Department of Children and Families to investigate Building Brains Daycare in Saint Cloud, Osceola County. NAACP wrote in a letter to the department that the black child was subject to an alarming act of simulation, where she was handcuffed and fingerprinted by a white peer earlier this month.

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Although photos of the incident shared online had the childrens faces blurred, unedited versions showed the children visibly disturbed, according to the Daily Mail. Describing the situation as horrific, the parents of the child removed her from the school. A female teacher who was involved in the incident continues to work there.

Building Brains Daycare told the Daily Mail that the activity was not planned but only a spontaneous incident. It said that the teacher involved apologized profusely to the girls parents, adding that no physical restraints were used in the classroom.

She got very quiet and very, very reserved

The childs parents first saw the photos on the school app. Her hands (were) restrained behind her back as if she was being taken into custody, they told Fox 35. 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. They said that they have been seeing a change in their daughter following the incident, adding that there's so many ways to teach the Rosa Parks story.

As we were approaching the school where the incident happened, she got very quiet and very, very reserved, the family said of the child. But then we passed it, we had our daughter back. She was bubbly.

NAACP said that whether or not physical restraints were used, the incident was egregious. Under no circumstance is it acceptable for a two-year old child to have emotional trauma inflicted upon them at the hands of their educational institution, it said. Regardless of whether or not physical handcuffs were used, the Rosa Parks role-play incident that took place at Building Brains Academy is egregious.

We will continue to call on this institution to release a formal apology to the family, and for the Florida Department of Children and Families to investigate this incident to ensure it never occurs again. Our children deserve better, it added.

The daycares full statement

Meanwhile, in a full statement, the daycare said, In early December, one of our classes in our multicultural school was learning about the legacy of Rosa Parks and the importance of treating each other with respect and equality. In the spirit of the moment, the class spontaneously decided to act out the elements of Ms. Parks' story, including her arrest for refusing to give up her seat at the front of the bus.

It added, Unfortunately, photographs shared of the activity do not offer a complete or accurate representation of the full lesson about the importance of equal rights, nor do they make it clear that at no time were restraints of any kind used on any student. Because this activity was spontaneous and unplanned, it is not part of our authorized regular curriculum, and administration had no prior knowledge of the incident.

The daycare concluded by saying, In light of the situation, we have advised all of our faculty that any deviations from the approved curriculum, no matter how slight or unplanned, must first be approved by school administration. We will continue ensuring our students are exposed to a curriculum that celebrates equality and diversity.
A Republican-led congressional committee is now investigating claims that Harvard University president Claudine Gay plagiarised various content. A complaint received by Harvard on Tuesday, December 19, outlined more than 40 allegations of plagiarism against Gay. The new allegations were submitted to Harvard's research integrity officer, Stacey Springs. These included examples reported by the Washington Free Beacon and other outlets. Claudine Gay listens during Harvard Universitys 372nd Commencement Exercises in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., May 25, 2023 (REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo)(REUTERS)

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), known for chairing the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, informed Harvard that a review of the schools handling of credible allegations of plagiarism against Gay has been started. If a university is willing to look the other way and not hold faculty accountable for engaging in academically dishonest behavior, it cheapens its mission and the value of its education, Foxx wrote in a letter.

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A copy of the complaint reviewed by the Free Beacon revealed that Gay quoted or paraphrased authors without proper attribution, including missing quotation marks around phrases or sentences. Even entire paragraphs were lifted without any changes made. The list of examples include as many as seven of Gays publications, which is nearly half of her scholarly output.

Earlier this month, the Harvard Corporation said it initiated an independent review Gay's work in October. However, it apparently found "no violation of Harvard's standards for research misconduct. Notably, the investigation focused only on three papers.

Foxxs letter, meanwhile, has requested Harvard to hand over all documents and communications regarding the plagiarism issue. Among several allegations that have surfaced, CNN reported that various instances of plagiarism by Gay that were found dates back to her time as a Harvard graduate student in the 1990s. Chunks of material were lifted for Gays award-winning 1997 doctoral thesis. In one case, an entire paragraph was lifted.

Gay came under fire after her remarks at a recent Capitol Hill hearing. Presidents of various universities were asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews is against the universities respective codes of conduct. Gay simply responded to the question, saying, When speech crosses into conduct, we take action. She was heavily criticised for her silence on the issue despite getting a massive platform to voice her opinions.
Facebook postings that promoted Nazi imagery and the denigration of women have led to the punishment of a former town justice from Montezuma, near Syracuse, the state Commission on Judicial Conduct reported on Thursday.

The commission said it has recommended the removal from office of Justice William H. Futrell, a non-lawyer who owns a firearms store, but the Montezuma town supervisor told The Buffalo News that Futrell left office 10 months ago.

The commission said its investigation showed that Futrell in 2022 used Facebook to post inappropriate Nazi images, and said the judge also posted numerous likes on Facebook pages featuring scantily clad women in sexually provocative poses.

Futrell posted on Facebook an image of Facebooks co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg  who is Jewish  wearing Nazi military garb, the commission said in a press release.

Futrell, who took office in 2020, did not respond to a phone message or a social media message from The News seeking his side of the story.

The commission said Futrell should also be prohibited from ever holding a judicial office in the future.

Futrell never told me whether the resignation in February had anything to do with the state commissions investigation into his Facebook postings, Town Supervisor David Corey told The News.

He emailed me that he was leaving office but never told me why, Corey said. I became supervisor last year. Ive never met the man  I can tell you that anything that supports Nazis would not reflect the feelings of people in this town. Absolutely not. Theres no room for Nazi stuff in this town.

Montezuma  a town of about 1,800  is in Cayuga County, about 122 miles east of Buffalo and 35 miles west of Syracuse.

Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian made the following statement.

It is astonishing and utterly contemptible that anyone, let alone a judge, would adopt or promote Nazi imagery. Needing to say this in 21st century America is both mind-boggling and distressing, he said. That the same judge would denigrate women on social media is unsurprising and dispiriting. The only appropriate result in such a case is removal from office.

According to the commission, Futrell never responded to the investigation or the proceedings against him.

Futrell is one of several judges who have been admonished, removed from office, or punished in other ways by the state in recent years because of their social network posts, according to the commissions records.

In February 2022, an investigation into vulgar and sexually charged Facebook postings by another judge led to his removal from judgeships in Alma Town Court and Andover Village Court in Allegany County, the state commission said.
A Florida man has pleaded guilty to threatening to kill a Supreme Court justice, according to the Justice Department.

Neal Sidhwaney, 43, of Fernandina Beach, entered a guilty plea on Friday in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida. Court records show that Sidhwaney pleaded guilty to a single felony count of making an interstate threat to injure, as per Politico.

Florida Man Guilty of Threatening Supreme Court Justice

According to a news release from the Justice Department, the guilty plea is a result of a call made by Sidhwaney to a Supreme Court justice in July. In court documents, it has been revealed that the targeted justice remains unidentified.

However, Sidhwaney has been accused of explicitly stating his own name in a voicemail filled with profanity. Furthermore, he is alleged to have made repeated threats to kill the justice in question. In the voicemail, Sidhwaney issued a warning, stating that even if the justice involved the deputy US Marshals, he would still carry out his intention to harm and potentially kill them.

Sidhwaney faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for transmitting an interstate threat. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Court documents have revealed that the reason behind Sidhwaney's threat remains unclear. In a recent development, US Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson has made the decision to order a competency hearing for Sidhwaney, several weeks after his arrest in August. Based on a forensic psychological evaluation, Sidhwaney has reportedly denied experiencing any psychotic symptoms.

However, it was observed during the examination that Sidhwaney exhibited delusional thought processes. It has been determined that he does, in fact, meet the minimum standards necessary to proceed with a trial, according to NBC News.

Read Also: Appeals Court Rejects Mark Meadows' Request To Move Georgia Election Subversion Case to Federal Court

Biden Ensures Safety for Justices' Families

President Joe Biden took action last year by signing legislation into law. The legislation's primary objective was to ensure the safety and security of the family members of Supreme Court justices. This decision came in response to mounting concerns over their well-being, particularly in the wake of the reversal of the Roe v. Wade decision.

In the wake of the arrest of a California man accused of plotting to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh and subsequently take his own life in the Washington, DC-area, this legislation has been introduced. Nicholas John Roske, the individual in question, has entered a plea of not guilty in the case involving an alleged attempt to assassinate a Supreme Court justice.

Sidhwaney, a resident of Fernandina Beach, Florida, made an expletive-laden and threatening voicemail to the Supreme Court on July 31, according to the Justice Department. He was subsequently arrested in August. The court documents, available online, indicate that the threat was directed at Chief Justice John Roberts.

The US Supreme Court Police Protective Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with the Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section, investigated the case, stated the Justice Department. Sidhwaney now faces a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison, although a specific sentencing date has not yet been determined, WPTV reported.

Related Article: Texas Gov Greg Abbott Signs Border Bill Making Entering State Without Legal Authorization a Crime

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Two young brothers lost their lives in a tragic car accident in San Diego after a police chase ended in a devastating collision. Reports indicate that the boys, aged 8 and 4, were identified as Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero.

The boys were traveling in a Honda driven by a family friend on Interstate 405 on December 8. Simultaneously, law enforcement officers were pursuing a BMW driven by Angel Velazquez Salgado, a 20-year-old who did not possess a driver's license, as per People.

Children Killed in High-Speed Crash, Suspect Faces Charges

According to prosecutors, Velasquez Salgado was allegedly traveling at approximately 100mph when he forcefully struck the Honda from the rear, causing a violent crash. The impact caused the vehicle to collide with a tree and burst into flames almost immediately. Tragically, the two children lost their lives instantly, while their mother, Victoria, who was seated in the passenger seat, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.

Velasquez Salgado made a desperate attempt to escape the scene, resorting to a rather ill-advised strategy of removing his clothes in an effort to disguise himself. In a turn of events, the individual in question was apprehended by authorities mere blocks from the scene, taking refuge within a residential neighborhood.

It has been reported that Velasquez Salgado was involved in a prior incident where they rear-ended another vehicle. This unfortunate event resulted in injuries to an older woman. It is worth noting that this incident occurred during the course of the police chase.

A suspect is facing a number of severe charges including two counts of murder, hit and run resulting in death, vehicular manslaughter, felony evading, and driving without a license. The accused person, who was initially granted bail in the amount of $1 million, has now had his bail revoked at the request of the prosecution.

The defendant firmly declared his innocence by pleading not guilty to all charges. Velasquez Salgado, if found guilty, may potentially receive a sentence that spans from 39 years and four months to life in state prison, according to Daily Mail.

Read Also: WHO Develops LGBTQ Health Guideline-Here's What Trans, Other Gender Diverse People Should Know

Community Supports Grieving Family After Tragic Loss

The devastating loss of these young brothers has left their loved ones heartbroken. Their godmother, Brittany Phommavong, started a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses and their mother's medical bills. Phommavong stated that the boys' father, Tyrone Orozco, had passed away in December of the previous year.

She also shared that their mother had been battling lupus since the age of 11 and had been facing numerous challenges. The GoFundMe campaign has achieved more than half of its $40,000 goal, with the funds intended to provide the boys a dignified farewell and support Victoria's medical expenses.

The tragedy has deeply affected the boys' family, with their grandmother expressing immense grief and the sense that life will never be the same. She highlighted her daughter's resilience despite a difficult life and the profound impact the loss of her children will have on her.

The community has rallied around the family during this difficult time, offering support, condolences, and donations to help them navigate the aftermath of this devastating incident, Mirror reported.

Related Article: North Carolina: Probe Links Sushi Restaurant to 240+ Probable Norovirus Cases

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow is prepared to enter talks for the future of Ukraine after more than a year of fighting.

Putin is the one who ordered military troops to invade Ukraine in February 2022 and has since repeatedly said that he is ready to talk about peace. However, many Western officials believe he is waiting for the next US presidential election before making a genuine effort.

Vladimir Putin Talks About Peace

During a meeting of the defense leadership in Moscow, Putin said that in Ukraine, those who are aggressive towards Russia and in Europe and in the US who want to negotiate can do so. However, the Russian strongman argued that such discussions would be based on Moscow's national interest.

Putin said, "We will not give up what is ours," and added that Russia does not intend to fight with Europe. Moscow currently controls roughly 17.5% of the territory internationally recognized as part of Ukraine when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, as per France24.

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and Moscow said last year that the four additional regions of Ukraine that its troops partially control are part of its territory. On the other hand, Kyiv said that it would not rest until every last Russian soldier is ejected from its soil.

The Russian president spoke during a defense ministry meeting attended by the military's top brass. These include Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the general staff, and Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov.

The president said that Russian military troops now had the initiative on the battlefield in the war with Ukraine. He added that they will not abandon the "special military operation" goals but noted that his country needs better military communication, surveillance, targeting, and satellite capability.

Read Also: [BREAKING] EU Opens Membership Talks with Ukraine, Moldova

Ending the Russia-Ukraine War

According to Yahoo News, Putin added that Russia's defense industry is responding faster than the West and noted that his country would continue to upgrade its nuclear forces while keeping its combat readiness at a high level.

Shoigu said that Russia's tank production has also increased since February 2022 by 5.6 times, unmanned aerial vehicles by 16.8 times, and artillery shells by 17.5 times. He added that Moscow had taken on 490,000 contract and voluntary soldiers this year. Russia will try to bolster its contracted force to 745,000 next year.

Russia's military forces have laid 7,000 kilometers of minefields in Ukraine, some stretching for 600 meters in width. They have also set up 1.5 million anti-tank barriers and 2,000 kilometers of anti-tank ditches.

Putin also said that there will only be peace in Ukraine after Moscow achieves its goals as he called for the "denazification of Ukraine." He also seeks Kyiv's demilitarization and neutral status.

An analyst for the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, Tatiana Stanovaya said that Putin just made a peace proposal to the West on the conditions of Ukraine's total capitulation. The Guardian said Russia's year-end press conference lasted more than four hours and included questions from soldiers from the frontlines and regional journalists.

Related Article: Estonia Shares How Ukraine Can Defeat Russia in 2025

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The UK's controversial Troubles Legacy Act would face a legal challenge filed by the Irish government on Wednesday (December 20).

Dublin's opposition stemmed from the law giving an amnesty to alleged murderers during The Troubles, the 30-year conflict in Ireland marked by violence and lawlessness that took over 3,500 lives and left thousands seriously injured.

Ireland's lawsuit was filed under the European Convention on Human Rights, the BBC reported.

Separately, victims and survivors of The Troubles have already taken Westminster to court in the High Court in Belfast.

Last September, British Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said that passage of the bill marked a "significant milestone as the government aims to deliver on our pledge to deliver better outcomes for those most affected by the Troubles while helping society to look forward."

Read Also: Dublin Protesters Erupted in Riots After the Stabbing Incident Involving 5 People, Including 3 Children

Irish Deputy PM: We Have No Choice But to Sue

The bill was introduced by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021 in a bid to "draw a line" under The Troubles, including bringing an end to all new inquests and civil actions related to the conflict, which Dublin vehemently opposed.

"This decision was taken after much thought and careful consideration," Irish Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin said in a statement. "I regret that we find ourselves in a position where such a choice had to be made."

He also said that the British government "pursued legislation unilaterally" despite the concerns of the Irish government and other stakeholders.

"We are not alone in our concerns," Martin added. "Serious reservations about this legislation have also been raised by a number of international observers, including the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights."

Martin further claimed that the law was "opposed" by people in Northern Ireland, a region where the UK still holds the island as its own.

Related Article: England: Teachers Granted Autonomy to Reject Student's Request to Change Gender Identity

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A new anti-anti-resistant bacteria antibiotics class has been discovered for the first time in over 60 years. This is thanks to the help of artificial intelligence.

For the past few years, health experts have been concerned about the rise of drug-resistant bacteria, especially since they don't know yet how to effectively fend off these alarming infections.

In 2019, studies revealed that anti-resistant bacteria were responsible for over 1 million deaths. Medical researchers also warned that this number could increase in the coming decades.

Can the new anti-anti-resistant bacteria antibiotics change this predicted health crisis? Here's what researchers revealed.

New Anti-Anti-Resistant Bacteria Antibiotics Discovered by AI!

According to New Scientist's latest report, scientists and health experts at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Massachusetts tested the impact of over 39,000 compounds of three types of liver cells, Staphylococcus aureus compounds, as well as lungs and skeletal muscles.

They used their acquired results to train AI models so they could learn how to predict the antibacterial activity of such compounds and their potential toxicity.

These trained AI models used computer simulations to analyze 12 million compounds to find 3,646 compounds that could have ideal-like properties. Aside from this, involved scientists also used additional calculations that were able to identify chemical structures needed to explain each compound's properties.

After comparing the substructures in different compounds the AI models discovered new classes of anti-anti-resistant bacteria antibiotics, as well as two harmless compounds that can kill drug-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci.

Health experts checked the efficiency of the new anti-anti-resistant bacteria antibiotics via mouse experiments. They specifically tested them in skin and thigh infection treatments caused by MRSA.

The results were great since each of the compounds was able to reduce the MRSA population by a factor of 10.

Read Also: North Carolina: Probe Links Sushi Restaurant to 240+ Probable Norovirus Cases

Importance of Newly Discovered Antibiotics

The newly discovered anti-anti-resistant bacteria antibiotics showed that artificial intelligence can really help in finding medicines that can save lives.

"Our [AI] models tell us not only which compounds have selective antibiotic activity, but also why, in terms of their chemical structure," explained Felix Wong, one of the study's lead authors, via EuroNews.

He added that their work was a big deal for the health industry since they are the first to identify a new class of antibiotics, which complements other antibiotics, in over 60 years.

Related Article: Walking Pneumonia: Mysterious Disease Affects Children Worldwide; Here's the Little-Known Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of!

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Many Americans and other people are excited to travel during the holiday season. They can relax at a beach or visit families, relatives, and friends whom they haven't seen for a long time.

But, going from one place to another during the busiest time of the can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you are traveling via an airplane.

One of the things that can happen to you is if you lose your luggage. If you already experienced this scenario or never encountered it before, here's what you can do if you accidentally lose your luggage.

Holiday Travel Hassle Guide: How to Find Lost Luggage

First things first. When is luggage considered lost? CBS News explained that a a bag/luggage is considered a lost belonging if it can't be tracked between 5 to 14 days after being reported.

After that, the airline will ask for the accounting of items, especially valuables inside the lost bag. Staff might also ask for proof of content, such as receipts and photos.

Once confirmed that your luggage is lost, the best thing you can do is file a report via the airline's official website. For example, Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, and other airlines have a section on their websites that passengers can use to report their lost bags.

But, before you even lose your luggage, there are some things you need to do to be prepared for this possible travel scenario:

Don't forget to take photos of your bag's exterior and interior, as well as the items inside.

If possible, book a non-stop flight so that the baggage check logistics process will be easier.

Always use your credit card when paying for a plane ticket and checked bag since credit card companies offer protection for lost luggage.

Remember to use your carry-on bag for medications and other similar valuables.

If you have an AirTag or other tracking devices, use them on your baggage.

Read Also: US Terrorist Watchlist for Travelers Needs More Transparency; Senate's New Report Highlights Major Issues

What Compensations Can You Get?

Airlines offer compensation for lost baggage/luggage. For example, if you no longer have toiletries and other essentials for your travel because of the lost bag, the airline will help you replace them.

In some instances, lost baggage for domestic flights can be eligible for up to $3,800 compensation. If the price of the overall items you lost is higher than this, then the travel company is reliable to give you the amount.

Sadly, there are some instances when the airline will make it difficult for you to receive your compensation. According to CNN Travel, you can report this case to the Department of Transportation.

Remember, reporting to DOT doesn't mean that your compensation is guaranteed. But, authorities will be made aware of the disappointing experience you had with that airline.

Related Article: How to Save on Christmas Travel 2023: This Google Flights Feature Will Help You

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The conviction of a man from Oklahoma who had been incarcerated for almost half a century for a crime that he did not commit was overturned by a court on Wednesday, December 20. He is 71 years old now.

Former death row convict Glynn Simmons was first freed in July after prosecutors reached an agreement that critical evidence in his case was not given over to his defense attorneys. Finally, his innocence has been formally determined.

In her ruling, Oklahoma County District Judge Amy Palumbo said, "This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offense for which Mr. Simmons was convicted, sentenced and imprisoned ... was not committed by Mr. Simmons."

Upon his conviction for the 1974 murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers, Simmons served 48 years, one month, and 18 days in jail. According to the statistical information gathered by the National Registry of Exonerations, he holds the record for being the longest-serving prisoner to be exonerated in the history of the United States.

Maintaining Innocence

Simmons always claimed that he was in Louisiana at the time that Rogers was shot and killed in a liquor shop in Edmond, according to the New York Post. This was his defense throughout his trial and his imprisonment.

Death sentences were handed down to Simmons and co-defendant Don Roberts in 1975 after their conviction for the crime. A life sentence was substituted for the death penalty in 1977 as a result of decisions made by the Supreme Court on the death penalty.

While Simmons remained inside, Roberts was granted parole in 2008.

In July, the district attorney's office disclosed that the prosecution concealed information from the defense in Simmons' case, leading to Palumbo's order for a new trial.

This withheld information included a police report where witnesses would have named more suspects. In September, it was said that Simmons would not be retried since there was no physical evidence linking him to the scene.

See Also: Darien Harris Released After 12 Years in Prison Over Wrongful Conviction in Murder of Rondel Moore

'Resilience and Tenacity'

Upon hearing the judge's decision, Simmons triumphantly raised his arms outside the courtroom. Reporters asked him how he felt about finally being able to establish his innocence after decades in prison.

"It's a lesson in resilience and tenacity. Don't let nobody tell you that it (exoneration) can't happen, because it really can," he stated.

According to defense attorney Joe Norwood, who made the announcement on Wednesday, Simmons is now enjoying his freedom while surviving on contributions from a GoFundMe campaign.

Norwood revealed that his client has the legal right to seek redress from the state for a wrongful conviction of up to $175,000 and has the option to sue federally against Oklahoma City and the officials responsible for his detention and conviction. The lawyer, however, claims that the sum in question will be available in a few years.

See Also: Alabama Mayor Admits Forcing City Employees, Inmates to Private Labor

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Japan is planning to relax its restrictions on weapon exports so that the United States may get a number of Patriot air defense missiles made in the nation. This is expected to enable the US to increase its vital supply to Ukraine amid the conflict with Russia.

According to Financial Times, two sources familiar with the matter also said that Tokyo is contemplating selling 155mm artillery rounds to the United Kingdom, which it manufactures under license from BAE Systems. This proposal is seen as a way for Tokyo to somehow help Ukraine.

Easing of Restrictions

A modification of Japan's stringent regulations on arms deals, which the government is expected to announce on Friday, December 22, would allow the export of the weapons, as the Financial Times reports. After planning to spend more on the military last year, Japan changed its defense policy to be more aggressive. This easing of restrictions is part of that strategy.

For the first time in almost a decade, Japan will no longer be able to sell military hardware to Ukraine directly due to revised weapons regulations. Rather, it will allow machinery to be sent to the nation that issued the license for its production. Tokyo is now limited to exporting licensed components rather than full systems due to existing regulations.

American defense firms Lockheed Martin and RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) licensed the Patriot missiles to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan for many months, according to persons familiar with the talks. Washington has been requesting that Japan authorize the sale of these missiles. The shipments would allow the US to redirect supplies intended for the Indo-Pacific region to Ukraine.

Washington has provided Kyiv with a number of modern military systems, the most advanced of which is this Patriot air defense system.

Despite the repeated failure of the US Congress to approve a $60 billion assistance package for Ukraine, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government has devised these proposals. Republicans in Congress rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's efforts to get more cash during his visit to Washington this month.

See Also: US Senate Resume Ukraine Aid Negotiations to Secure Southern Border

The Defense Industry

Following the adoption of its pacifist constitution in the aftermath of World War II, Japan repealed its long-standing prohibition on weapons exports in 2014. Unfortunately, the country's continued limitations and extended absence from international markets have made it very difficult for them to create a substantial weapons sector.

Business leaders had hoped that Japan's new fighter jet joint development program with the UK and Italy would allow the Japanese government to relax export restrictions and open up new markets for Japan's defense industry.

However, the governing Liberal Democratic party's coalition partner, Komeito, has been opposed to relaxation beyond certification for licensed equipment. Next year, the parties want to keep talking about how to rewrite the regulations that govern the trilateral fighter aircraft program more broadly.

See Also: Japan, Italy, and UK Agree To Establish Joint Body To Build Next-Generation Fighter Jets

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As pressure mounts on Israel to reduce its catastrophic military bombardment in Gaza City, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Wednesday, December 20, that it had found a significant Hamas command center in the town center.

Vow to Carry Out Attack

In a report by The Associated Press, IDF claimed it had discovered the center of Hamas' huge subterranean network for moving weapons, militants, and supplies throughout Gaza. Israel says eliminating the tunnels is a primary offensive goal.

The news came out as the head of Hamas landed in Egypt for negotiations regarding a temporary truce and a new agreement whereby Hamas would exchange Israeli prisoners for Palestinians held by Israel.

Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the assault in response to Hamas' October 7 cross-border invasion that killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped about 240 individuals.

Israel's attack has destroyed most of northern Gaza, killed approximately 20,000 Palestinians, and displaced 1.9 million people (about 85% of its population). International demands for a cease-fire have grown due to significant devastation and human deaths.

There has been recent strong resistance by Hamas militants against Israeli ground soldiers, and it seems that their forces are mostly undamaged in southern Gaza. It also launches missiles into Israel daily.

Israel's closest ally, the US, has supported Israel's right to defend itself and urged stronger civilian protection in Gaza. On Wednesday, however, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to reduce the scope of its operation.

"It's clear that the conflict will move and needs to move to a lower intensity phase," said Blinken. According to him, the US prefers more concentrated operations with smaller groups of troops aimed against particular objectives, such as the tunnel network and Hamas' top brass.

"As that happens, I think you'll see as well, the harm done to civilians also decreases significantly," he added, as reported by The Associated Press.

Also Read: Gaza Death Toll Reaches Over 20,000 as UN Delays Aid, Again

Gaza Facing Humanitarian Catastrophe

Throughout Gaza, mobile phone and internet access were down once again on Wednesday. Hamas commanders within the region who went into hiding after the October 7 attack may find it more difficult to communicate due to the outage.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as a result of the conflict. There is a severe lack of food, medication, and other necessities, forcing tens of thousands of people into overcrowded shelters and makeshift camps.

The Israeli foreign minister visited Cyprus to have talks on opening a maritime corridor to facilitate the shipment of massive quantities of humanitarian supplies to Gaza.

According to Munir al-Bursh, a senior official from Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 46 people were killed and over 100 injured when Israel bombed the urban Jabaliya refugee camp near Gaza City early Wednesday.

Another attack damaged three residential dwellings and a mosque in Gaza's southern city of Rafah on Wednesday, injuring scores and killing at least five people, according to health authorities.

The Gaza Health Ministry, which is under Hamas's control, said earlier this week that the number of casualties since the conflict began had exceeded 20,000. It does not differentiate between the fatalities of civilians and those of soldiers.

Meanwhile, the ground battle in Gaza has claimed the lives of 134 Israeli troops, according to IDF. Also, it claims that Hamas is responsible for the murders of civilians in Gaza because the group employs them as human shields in its fighting in residential areas.

Also Read: Alec Baldwin Engages in Heated Shoutfest With Pro-Palestine Protesters

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NEW YORK (AP)  Over the objections of Mayor Eric Adams, New York City lawmakers passed legislation Wednesday meant to ban solitary confinement in the citys jails.

Adams, a Democrat, had urged the City Council to reject the bill, arguing it will make jails more dangerous for both inmates and staff. But the measure was overwhelmingly approved and has enough supporters on the council to overrule a potential veto from the mayor.

The bill places a four-hour limit on isolating inmates who pose an immediate risk of violence to others or themselves in de-escalation units. Only those involved in violent incidents could be placed in longer-term restrictive housing, and they would need to be allowed out of their cells for 14 hours each day and get access to the same programming available to other inmates.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who introduced the legislation, argued Wednesday that solitary confinement amounts to torture for those subjected to lengthy hours in isolation in small jail cells.

He and other supporters, including prominent members of New York's congressional delegation, have pointed to research showing solitary confinement, even only for a few days, increases the likelihood an inmate will die by suicide, violence or overdose. It also leads to acute anxiety, depression, psychosis and other impairments that may reduce an inmates ability to reintegrate into society when they are released, they said.

This is about safety at Rikers, Williams said, referring to New York's infamous island jail complex. If we want something different, we need to try something different.

The vote comes as the city faces a possible federal takeover of Rikers in order to curb violence at the facility, not to mention a long-gestating city plan to close the complex outright. It also comes after Californias legislature passed legislation last year to restrict segregated confinement in prisons and jails, only to have it vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Solitary confinement at Rikers gained national attention after the death of Kalief Browder, a 16-year-old who spent three years at the jail  nearly half of it in solitary  awaiting a trial that never came. Browder was freed but killed himself at age 22. His case led the city to eventually end the use of solitary confinement for 16- and 17-year-olds.

A report released by the Columbia University Center for Justice on Wednesday said that while the city Board of Correction, which oversees city-run jails, recently limited de-escalation confinement to six hours, some inmates have been locked up for far longer, even for days.

Inmates in restrictive housing can be locked up for 23 to 24 hours a day, according to the report, which urged City Council members and the mayor to support the bill.

After the vote, Adams declined to say whether he'd veto the measure, saying his legal team was still reviewing it.

In a televised interview ahead of the vote, he took specific aim at a provision of the bill that requires an inmate be granted a hearing before being placed in solitary confinement.

What City Council is saying is while theyre in jail if they commit an assault on someone, an inmate or a correction officer, before we place them into punitive segregation, we need to allow them to have a trial of due process, Adams told WNYW. That makes no sense.

The Correction Officers Benevolent Association, the union representing staff in the citys jails, also railed against the bill, as did the conservative Common Sense Caucus of the council.

Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli, who co-chairs the caucus, said the proposal would essentially take away a vital tool our correction officers have to keep everyone safe.

Adams, a former NYPD captain, also slammed another council proposal approved Wednesday dealing with police officers.

That bill requires the NYPD publicly report on all investigative stops conducted by officers, including relatively low-level encounters with civilians. Police are currently only required to fill out reports following reasonable suspicion stops, where an officer has the legal authority to search and detain someone.

The mayor warned that the expanded reporting would only serve to slow down police response times and divert officers from quickly responding to emergencies.

In every City Council district in this city, our officers will be forced to spend more time in their cars and on their phones, and less time walking the streets and engaging with New Yorkers, he said in an emailed statement.

Follow Philip Marcelo at twitter.com/philmarcelo.
Gail Johnstone paused to consider what direction she might take as she arrived here in 1979 when her husband D. Bruce Johnstone became the fifth president of Buffalo State College.

She told Buffalo News reporter Erna P. Eaton she was thinking in terms of community improvement. She said she wanted to learn what I can do that would be of most benefit to the community.

Within 18 months, she had become Buffalos director of planning. There and in her next post as vice president for planning at what was then Roswell Park Memorial Institute, she laid the groundwork for two of the brightest aspects of the citys renaissance  the revival of the waterfront along Lake Erie and the Inner Harbor, and the creation of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

Mrs. Johnstone then went on to transform the impact of local philanthropy during 10 years as president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

In the citation for a Value Award in 2009, Leadership Buffalo noted: Her ability to ensure that all voices are at the table has opened the communitys eyes to new solutions to the issues we face and clearly demonstrates the power of being inclusive.

Mrs. Johnstone died Nov. 30 in Olathe, Kan. She and her husband moved to the Kansas City area in March to be close to their children and grandchildren. She was 82.

Born Gail Eberhardt on July 10, 1941, in Wichita, Kan., she received a bachelors degree in French and history from the University of Kansas in 1963.

On a Woodrow Wilson fellowship, she earned a masters degree in education from Harvard University, where she met her husband. They were married on July 30, 1965.

She taught for three years at high schools in Weston, Mass.; New Canaan, Conn.; and Roseville, Minn. Then, while her husband completed his doctorate at the University of Minnesota, she became a research librarian at Medtronic, a maker of heart pacemakers.

In Philadelphia, where her husband was a University of Pennsylvania administrator, she was an instructor and administrator in the Graduate School of Education at Penn and studied for a masters degree in public administration at Pennsylvania State University.

In Buffalo, Mrs. Johnstone began as first chairman of Women for Downtown, a group of business and professional women who wanted a role in determining the citys future.

After Mayor James Griffin appointed her director of planning in 1981, Mrs. Johnstone led the development of master plans for the waterfront and downtown Buffalo. She also advocated for preserving the citys architectural heritage, creating more housing downtown and making the foot of Main Street a tourist attraction.

Seeking relief from what had become an 80-hour work week, she left City Hall in 1987 for Roswell Park, where she oversaw planning for the medical campus and construction of new buildings that modernized treatment and research facilities.

In 1997, she joined the Buffalo Foundation and not only changed its name  it became the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo  but also its focus. She encouraged donors to address specific community needs and started the 21st Century Fund and the Western New York Womens Fund.

Assets grew from $73 million to $159 million and more new funds were opened than had been in the foundations first 77 years. In retirement, she remained on the foundations board and chaired the Womens Fund.

Gails special mix of a gentle persona, deep values, brilliance and unwavering determination made her a force to be reckoned with, the WNY Womens Foundation said in a statement following her death.

She helped form the Western New York Grantmakers, where foundations collaborated to help cultural organizations survive cuts in public funding in the mid-2000s.

She served on the committee that evaluated firms for the massive Buffalo school reconstruction project in the 2000s and chaired the Peace Bridge Consensus Review Panel, which gathered public comment in the late 1990s and made a final recommendation on bridge design. She also chaired the states Regional Planning Task Force and was a member of Buffalos fiscal control board for four years.

With the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, she was secretary of the board of directors and an officer of the Womens Committee. She also was a vestry member at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Among her numerous honors, Mrs. Johnstone was a Buffalo News Citizen of the Year for 1987 and she and her husband jointly received the Buffalo Historical Societys Red Jacket Award in 1999.

She and her husband, a University at Buffalo professor after he stepped down as SUNY chancellor in 1994, endowed a lecture series in UBs Graduate School of Education.

Also tireless in her support of her husband and children, she enjoyed canoeing, the Metropolitan Opera, entertaining friends and spending time at the family cottage on Lake Michigan.

Survivors also include a son, Duncan; a daughter, Cameron Rostron; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for June in Trinity Episcopal Church, 371 Delaware Ave.
Mandarin Oriental is delighted to introduce the group's third property in Switzerland as it brings its legendary hospitality to the country's largest city, Zurich. Located on the famous Paradeplatz, Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich is an iconic landmark hotel sitting just steps away from the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse and its high-end fashion houses, the historic old town and charming promenade leading to Lake Zurich.

The story of Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich started back on Christmas Eve, 1838, when a young baker from Vorarlberg in Austria called Johannes Baur founded the city's first grand hotel, the Hotel Baur. Exactly 185 years later, again in the days just before Christmas, this icon is reborn as it opens its doors to international travellers and the local community following an extensive renovation.

To celebrate the spirit of Christmas and pay homage to the hotel's original 1838 opening date, Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich has partnered with legendary luxury jeweller Harry Winston to create stunning Christmas trees. The beautifully decorated trees sparkle this festive season in Harry Winston's signature blue and gold as they adorn the hotel's lobby, restaurants and signature suites.

Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich has been reimagined by the highly respected Paris-based interior designer Tristan Auer who has seamlessly combined historical details with contemporary style, while ensuring that the hotel maximises its extraordinary views over the city's landmarks. Guest rooms and suites are designed for both aesthetics and functionality, creating intimate sanctuaries of relaxation and comfort inspired by the colours of the city and Zurich's modern art scene. Many of the 44 rooms and 36 suites boast spacious terraces and private rooftops, along with beautifully handcrafted living spaces.

With four distinct restaurant and bar concepts to choose from, Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich invites guests on a culinary journey through a variety of international flavours overseen by Executive Chef Benjamin Halat. At the heart of the hotel lies the glamorous Savoy Brasserie & Bar that offers French-inspired all-day dining, Swiss classics and signature cocktails. Intimate and sophisticated, ORSINI is a fine-dining Italian restaurant conceived by Consultant Chef Antonio Guida, from the two Michelin-starred Seta restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. After a long day of shopping or sightseeing, guests can also unwind in the refined Mandarin Lounge or, from next spring, enjoy panoramic views from the new 1838 rooftop bar.

With its prime city centre location and more than 700 sqm of meeting and events space, Mandarin Oriental Savoy is also the perfect destination for special occasions such as weddings, parties, celebrations and corporate functions. Ten fully equipped venues include a protected historic guild hall and a beautifully preserved grand ballroom.

Since 1838 many famous names have stayed at the hotel. In 1845 alone, illustrious pianist and composer Franz Liszt lived in the Hotel Baur during the Beethoven Festival, while 19th century British literary giant Charles Dickens - the author, famously, of works including the short story "A Christmas Carol" - also stayed at the hotel with his family.

To celebrate the opening, Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich is offering an enticing Be the First to Stay package, affording guests exclusive benefits including daily breakfast, dining credit, and more.

For more information and reservations, please visit Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich.

Hotel website
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, announced the name of its newest Denver hotel, Kimpton Claret Hotel, and the appointment of its leader, General Manager Keith Siebenaler. Set to open in spring 2024, Kimpton Claret will be the brand's second property in Denver, creating a convergence for visitors and locals alike in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Belleview Station.

The highly anticipated Kimpton Claret Hotel gets its name from the vibrant shade of red found throughout the state, from the velvety springtime blossoms to the alpenglow of the mountain-filled landscape. The property brings a fresh yet familiar hospitality experience to the area, anchoring Belleview Station's budding lifestyle scene. From the dynamic food and beverage programming to the understated luxury of the interiors, every aspect of the hotel creates a familiar setting for connections within the community and beyond.

Kimpton Claret is situated in the heart of the fast-developing Belleview Station neighborhood along the growing Denver South Corridor. A destination in its own right, Belleview Station is home to restaurants and shops, a burgeoning tech scene, and easy access to downtown Denver via the light rail. A pioneer property for the area, Kimpton Claret will be home to Saverina, a ground floor restaurant serving Italian-inspired modern American fare, and a 19th floor rooftop bar offering dramatic, 180-degree views of the Rocky Mountains.

This property is a collaboration between Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, an IHG brand, DTC Hospitality Investors, LLC, and developer Cypress 16, LLC in conjunction with McClurg Century Investments, LLC, all working in tandem to bring this project to life. Additional partners include KGD Architecture, serving as the property architect; KARAMANN, who is outfitting the entirety of the hotel's interiors; and Harvey Cleary Builders, the general contractor for the construction of the project.

Kimpton Claret will stand as a 19-story, new-build featuring 190 beautifully appointed guest rooms including 4 spacious suites; 10,000 square feet of meetings and events spaces; and two distinct dining outlets. The hotel will offer all the beloved perks Kimpton is known for, including luxurious robes, participation in the "plant pals" program, yoga mats in every room, daily social hour, and more. The perfect location for special events of all kinds, Kimpton Claret has an indoor/outdoor event terrace and ballroom, with the option for events to be paired with personalized catering provided by the hotel's talented in-house culinary team.

Kimpton has tapped Keith Siebenaler as the property's general manager, bringing him on to lead the team and oversee all aspects of the hotel opening and operations. With over two decades of hospitality experience under his belt, Keith started his career with the Fairmont in Chicago, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. before joining the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore nearly 10 years ago. Keith is no stranger to hotel openings and was integral to the successful opening of the Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago, bringing the hotel to the top five spot on TripAdvisor within its first year. Prior to Kimpton Claret, Keith served as general manager for Kimpton Born in Denver and Kimpton Schofield in Cleveland.

"Belleview Station is a destination on the rise, and we are excited to open our doors there next year," said Siebenaler. "The Kimpton Claret team is dedicated to providing our guests unparalleled service, amenities, and experiences, and we look forward to becoming a cultural hub for locals, frequent visitors and newcomers. With close proximity to downtown Denver and sweeping views of the Front Range, our hotel is poised to offer the best of Colorado."

Kimpton Claret will be Denver's second Kimpton property and the brand's fourth property in the Intermountain West, joining Kimpton Monaco Hotel Denver, Kimpton Monaco Hotel Salt Lake City, and Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman. Exterior renderings and model room photography of the Claret can be accessed here. For more information, visit the website.

Hotel website
Today marks a momentous occasion for the culinary landscape in the Middle East, as the legendary Chef and founder of Ecole Ducasse officially opens the doors to Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio. Nestled in the historic Al Hosn site, this state-of-the-art studio represents the first of its kind in the region in partnership with Erth Abu Dabhi.

Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio boasts an excellent culinary team trained by Ecole Ducasse Paris Campus executive chefs. These culinary maestros will guide students through a comprehensive curriculum, encompassing the foundational techniques of French culinary and pastry arts, as well as the captivating nuances of Emirati cuisine. From mastering the delicate art of macarons to crafting traditional Emirati desserts, the studio promises an immersive and enriching journey for every aspiring chef.

Chef Alain Ducasse said: At Ecole Ducasse, we are extremely privileged to have the opportunity to share our vision of gastronomy with talented individuals from all over the globe. Mutual inspiration happens when passion is shared and we are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute in raising the culinary scene and talents in Abu Dhabi.

Shaikha Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Erth Abu Dhabi, the visionary force behind the studio's creation, echoes Chef Ducasse's enthusiasm. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of nurturing culinary excellence in Abu Dhabi", she states. "Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio represents a platform for cultural exchange and innovation, empowering the next generation of chefs to become culinary ambassadors for the region. We are confident that this studio will serve as a beacon of culinary inspiration for the UAE.

Elise Masurel, Ecole Ducasse Managing Director, commented:  he launch of Ecole Ducasse Studio in partnership with Erth Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi is a great milestone for us in the Middle East region, and we are very happy to contribute to enriching the local gastronomic scene and encouraging culinary talents to flourish.

The doors of culinary excellence are now open, with Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio welcoming eager students to book their courses and explore the diverse programs. From personalized amateurs cooking classes to comprehensive programs for professionals, the studio caters to every level of culinary aspiration, making it a haven for those who dream of turning passion into plate.

Beyond the intimate classrooms, Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio extends its reach through its welcoming cafe with a fantastic rooftop and breathtaking view on Qasr al-Hosn Fort, and engaging corporate events, creating a vibrant space where excellence, culinary new trends and traditions converge. In this melting pot of cultures, the studio aspires to be a catalyst for culinary diplomacy, where the world converges to savor the exquisite blend of flavors, textures, and stories that make Abu Dhabi a truly global culinary destination.

About Ecole Ducasse:

Ecole Ducasse is a network of schools founded in 1999 by multi-starred chef Alain Ducasse, dedicated to the transmission of outstanding French expertise and excellence in culinary and pastry arts.

Ecole Ducasse runs three schools in France  Paris Studio, Paris Campus and Ecole Nationale Superieure de Patisserie as well as international schools with  Manila Campus in the Philippines, Gurugram Campus in India and Nai Lert Bangkok Studio in Thailand. All are united by a desire to share a passion for gastronomy with seasoned professionals as well as food enthusiasts, career changers and students. This broad portfolio of programs aims to meet all training needs: from short programs for experts or food enthusiasts to intensive two, four-or six-month programs, to three-year undergraduate programs and bachelors degree in culinary and pastry arts. Ecole Ducasse is part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education.

For more information: https://www.ecoleducasse.com/en

About Erth Hospitality:

Erth Hospitality, nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi, stands as a beacon of Emirati warmth and culinary excellence. With a rich 25-year history in the world of catering, Erth has continuously raised the bar in culinary standards, offering unparalleled food experiences. We are honored to draw upon a diverse pool of global talent, all while remaining steadfast in preserving the cherished traditions and legacy of Emirati hospitality.

For more information: https://erth.ae/hospitality

Anouck Weiss

Chief Communication Officer Sommet Education

Sommet Education

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security extending the visa interview waiver authority for low-risk applicants, which was set to expire on December 31.

The visa interview waiver authority gives consular officers the discretion to waive in-person interviews for certain low-risk nonimmigrant visa applications. Eligible applicants have previously visited the U.S. and are still subject to the same strenuous background checks and screening that all nonimmigrants receive. Failing to extend the waiver authority would have significantly increased wait times for 40% of visa applicants, costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars in lost traveler spending.

Visa interview waivers for low-risk travelers are critical to protecting the American economy and reducing the pandemic-era visa backlog that has hindered the growth of international inbound travel to the United States. Even nearly four years after the pandemic began, the United States is welcoming 13 million fewer visitors than it did in 2019. Much of that decline is the direct result of stubbornly high visa interview wait timescurrently averaging more than 400 days in top source markets. Extending visa interview waiver authority is a major step in increasing global competitiveness and promoting a more seamless, secure travel experience. By extending the visa waiver authority, the Biden administration prevented a loss of 64 million visitors and $215 billion in spending over the next 10 years. In 2024 alone, the U.S. will retain an additional 2.2 million visitors and $5.9 billion in traveler spending that would have been lost without the extension. U.S. Travel applauds the Departments of State and Homeland Security for their efforts to uphold security, eliminate barriers and facilitate international inbound travel growth.

Last month, U.S. Travel Association sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas urging the agencies to extend the visa interview waiver authority.

See the letter here.

About U.S. Travel Association

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.2 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.

Greg Staley

U.S. Travel Association
Radisson Hotel Group has seen rapid growth of the Radisson Collection brand since its launch in 2018 as a luxury lifestyle brand of individual hotels with distinct character. By the end of 2023, the Radisson Collection brand portfolio will encompass 35 hotels in operation and 24 under development globally, offering over 7000 guest rooms and suites.

The Radisson Collection brand has developed as a hallmark of iconic hotels in unique locations, representing both famed heritage hotels and new properties. The collection of hotels united under the Radisson Collection brand occupy sought-after locations at dynamic destinations in Europe, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. The notable new additions coming in 2024 and 2025 build upon the success and heritage of existing properties within the Radisson Collection while reflecting the brand hallmarks of exceptional gastronomy, art, design and heritage experiences, and creating genuine local connections.

Art, Dining & Local Experiences lead the way for Radisson Collection

Radisson Collections ongoing Global Art Series has been formed through collaborations with emerging contemporary artists to create immersive artwork highlighting iconic Radisson Collection locations through both Instagram and in-person exhibitions. These partnerships provide not only an exclusive experience for guests to virtually discover Radisson Collection destinations from a unique angle, but also bring Radisson Collection iconic properties to life through a variety of art mediums.

The latest collaboration in the series is with 3D digital artist, Alexis Christodoulou of Color C Studio, known for creating imaginary architectural spaces that transport the imagination into his dream-like world of pastel colors and soothing environments. His first collaboration with Radisson Collection will be for Radisson Collection Strand Hotel, Stockholm. Followed by the soon-to-open Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica, Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, A Radisson Collection Hotel, and Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla.

Radisson Collection emphasizes gastronomy as a key part of the travel experiences and showcases this through partnerships such as with Michelin-starred Chef Eneko Atxa for Eneko Basque restaurant at Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla and NKO by Eneko at Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Via Bilbao. The highly anticipated debut of the Cour Des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel in 2024 will also include the re-opening of Michelin starred restaurant Les Loges under Chef Anthony Bonnet.

To date in 2023, Radisson Collection has introduced 2 new hotels, including:

Radisson Collection, Santa Sofia Milan (April 2023): A redevelopment of the centrally located historic headquarters of Allianz Italia from the 1960s into a spectacular five-star luxury hotel that exudes personality and joie de vivre combining landmark architecture, eclectic interiors designed with an elegant maximalism style and exceptional gastronomic experiences. The hotels 159 rooms and suites were designed by Studio Marco Piva while Interior public spaces were created by Milanese designers AtelierP and Alessandro Cesario. The hotel is home to destination fine dining restaurant and bar, ISSEI Rooftop, specializing in Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines.

A redevelopment of the centrally located historic headquarters of Allianz Italia from the 1960s into a spectacular five-star luxury hotel that exudes personality and joie de vivre combining landmark architecture, eclectic interiors designed with an elegant maximalism style and exceptional gastronomic experiences. The hotels 159 rooms and suites were designed by Studio Marco Piva while Interior public spaces were created by Milanese designers AtelierP and Alessandro Cesario. The hotel is home to destination fine dining restaurant and bar, ISSEI Rooftop, specializing in Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel, Vilnius (March 2023): Showcasing Baroque architecture dating back to 1901 and situated in the heart of Vilnius Old Town amongst multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites. Opened in Lithuanias capital city after a large-scale renovation of a heritage hotel property significantly known for hosting numerous dignitaries, royal families, celebrities, and heads of state over the years. The hotel building features stunning Secession and Neo-Baroque style architecture and embodies everything that the Radisson Collection brand represents  a unique, authentic experience that celebrates culture, heritage, and contemporary living.

Highlights of upcoming Radisson Collection 2024 openings include:

Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar: Q1 2024

By the Jhelum River, the Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar opening will mark the Radisson Collection lifestyle luxury brands debut in India. The hotel will have 212 guest rooms featuring city and mountain views. Hotel facilities will include a range of dining options including an authentic Kashmiri dining experience at Firdaus Restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, and LOccitane Spa. From this exceptional property guests will have direct access to discovering the rich history and urban charm of Srinagar and marvel at the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Himalayas, as well as the ancient attractions, pilgrimage trails, and magical vistas of Jammu and Kashmir territory.

By the Jhelum River, the Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar opening will mark the Radisson Collection lifestyle luxury brands debut in India. The hotel will have 212 guest rooms featuring city and mountain views. Hotel facilities will include a range of dining options including an authentic Kashmiri dining experience at Firdaus Restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, and LOccitane Spa. From this exceptional property guests will have direct access to discovering the rich history and urban charm of Srinagar and marvel at the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Himalayas, as well as the ancient attractions, pilgrimage trails, and magical vistas of Jammu and Kashmir territory. Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica: Q1 2024

Adjacent to the iconic Piazza Venezia, the hotel will have 84 beautifully appointed rooms in the meticulously restored Palazzo Lares Permarini, a testament to Romes architectural heritage. One of the crown jewels of the Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica, is the sky bar which offers an awe-inspiring 360-degree view of the Eternal City - guests are treated to a mesmerizing panorama that includes iconic landmarks such as the Altare della Patria in Piazza Venezia, the awe-inspiring Pantheon.

Adjacent to the iconic Piazza Venezia, the hotel will have 84 beautifully appointed rooms in the meticulously restored Palazzo Lares Permarini, a testament to Romes architectural heritage. One of the crown jewels of the Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica, is the sky bar which offers an awe-inspiring 360-degree view of the Eternal City - guests are treated to a mesmerizing panorama that includes iconic landmarks such as the Altare della Patria in Piazza Venezia, the awe-inspiring Pantheon. Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel: Q3, 2024

In Frances Old Lyon, on a quiet narrow street in the old town's cobbled heart, amid marvelous medieval and Renaissance architecture, boutique hotel Cour des Loges is housed within a row of historic buildings set around an old-world courtyard. Already praised for elegant accommodation and Michelin-starred restaurant Les Loges, the hotel is currently undergoing an upgrade leading up to a new unveiling as Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel.

In Frances Old Lyon, on a quiet narrow street in the old town's cobbled heart, amid marvelous medieval and Renaissance architecture, boutique hotel Cour des Loges is housed within a row of historic buildings set around an old-world courtyard. Already praised for elegant accommodation and Michelin-starred restaurant Les Loges, the hotel is currently undergoing an upgrade leading up to a new unveiling as Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel. Radisson Collection Resort, Galle: Q3, 2024

This property opening will mark the Radisson Collection lifestyle luxury brands debut in South East Asia and Pacific. Nestled along the exclusive Talpe beach enclave, the 105-key luxury lifestyle resort boasts direct beachfront access with private villas offering unparalleled exclusivity and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, including a glamourous luxury beach club. Authentic to its locality, the new Radisson Collection Resort, Galle will offer contemporary living, united by bespoke design and exceptional culinary experiences.

Highlights of upcoming Radisson Collection pipeline for 2025:
When New Yorks wrongful death law passed in 1847, it was lauded as one of the most progressive pieces of legislation ever passed in the state  but much has changed over the past 176 years and the law is now in need of some serious updating.

The families of Western New York are already too familiar with the failures of the current, outdated law, which became clear in the wake of the mass shooting at the Tops supermarket in Buffalo. Many of the surviving family members of the Tops victims discovered that their loved ones, most of whom were people of color, were not only devalued by the racist gunman who took their lives but by the state as well.

However useful the law was when it was first created, it has now become an obstacle to justice for many grieving families across the state. For starters, a life lost due to a reckless or avoidable situation is valued solely by its pecuniary or financial loss. This law is now responsible for failing to recognize the value of seniors, children, and individuals of a low income, many of whom are people of color who have been historically undervalued. As a result, many people who have lost loved ones are unable to seek the damages to which they are entitled.

In response to these obvious inequities, both chambers of the Legislature have been diligently working to amend this outdated law by introducing the Grieving Families Act.

The Grieving Families Act, which secured overwhelming bipartisan backing during this legislative session and the preceding one, now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochuls signature. Last session, the governor ultimately vetoed the bill due to concerns fueled by the insurance industry. The revised bill, introduced this year, should adequately address those concerns, and lead to its passage.

For more than two decades serving as a judge, I witnessed countless families be denied justice due to the persistent reluctance on the part of the state to reform New Yorks archaic wrongful death law, which inexplicably equates an individuals worth with their income.

The Grieving Families Act is a crucial piece of legislation that, once passed, will mark New Yorks continuing commitment to creating a more just, empathetic, and equitable legal system for all New Yorkers, while acknowledging the profound and enduring pain experienced by those who have lost loved ones due to reckless and preventable accidents.
The answer to this question may surprise you, especially when it comes to vocational education and training programs.

Vocational schools are attracting more students than ever before, but its a competitive education market. It's easy to prove that vocational programs offer a fast track with unique learning and career opportunities, but that doesnt mean the students will choose your school or the vocational method over another. In this article, well explore effective strategies to attract and engage learners in your specific vocational education programs and turn them into successful graduates and ambassadors for your brand.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Ways to attract and retain students in vocational education and training (VET) programs

VET specialties: earning money while learning and the apprenticeship model

Boosting student engagement through inclusion, personalization, and activities

Continuous evaluation and improvement efforts

The benefits of leveraging recognized partnerships such as VET by EHL

Understanding student demand for Vocational Education and training

When it comes to vocational learners, it's important to understand their unique needs and expectations.

Here are some of the factors that attract students to vocational programs.

They already have a career in mind: Unlike traditional academic students, vocational learners often seek hands-on training for a specific career path.

Unlike traditional academic students, vocational learners often seek hands-on training for a specific career path. They are looking for work-study options: The prospect of earning money while studying is a common benefit of vocational education and training (VET) programs.

The prospect of earning money while studying is a common benefit of vocational education and training (VET) programs. They like real-world experience: Hands-on learning attracts kinesthetic learners and others who want an education based on practical skills and real-world experience.

Hands-on learning attracts kinesthetic learners and others who want an education based on practical skills and real-world experience. They want to be specialists: Students who are motivated by specialized, in-demand career fields see vocational programs as a fast track and springboard to their goals.

Students who are motivated by specialized, in-demand career fields see vocational programs as a fast track and springboard to their goals. They seek accessibility and flexibility: A broad range of students are attracted to vocational training options because they are usually offered part-time and work-study options.

A broad range of students are attracted to vocational training options because they are usually offered part-time and work-study options. Recognized qualifications: Lastly, these learners are motivated by tangible, career-related accolades, such as industry-recognized professional certifications and diplomas.

Overall, its important to keep these specific student interests in mind when promoting and structuring vocational education. By understanding the unique needs and expectations of vocational learners and the factors that drive enrollment in vocational education and training (VET) programs, you can better serve your students and help them achieve their career goals.

The apprenticeship model for Vocational Education and training

VET programs are based on the Swiss Competency Framework - regarded as one of the best education models in the world. This system has proven its worth, giving Switzerland one of the worlds lowest youth unemployment rates and an excellent reputation for hospitality education.

As one of these programs, VET by EHL provides students with a practical and hands-on approach to learning hospitality skills. It allows students to gain experience in the industry and acquire a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers.

The VET Apprenticeship Model offers an 80/20 split format in partnership with local hotel partners. Learners receive daily on-the-job training in addition to classroom-based theory 1 day per week. In just 18 months, students can earn a VET diploma in their area of specialization, such as a Culinary Professional Diploma, F&B Service Professional Diploma, or Hotel Professional Diploma.

A VET diploma also allows students to further their education with top-up programs. For example, after completing the two-year Vocational Education and Training by EHL program and obtaining the Diploma in Hotel Administration, Gabe Capuano is currently completing his Top-Up Bachelor year with a concierge internship at Le Roch Hotel & Spa Paris.

The VET by EHL program at Luxury Hotelschool is a real springboard for getting your career in the luxury hotel industry off to a good start. These two years of VET by EHL met my expectations, with a first segment devoted to operational practice in all hotel and restaurant professions, before moving, gradually, towards a second segment that prepared me for a supervisory role. Gabe Capuano, Student at Luxury Hotelschool Paris (esh) / VET by EHL

MORE ABOUT HER

Educational institutions can partner with VET by EHL to offer their students access to this program and attract more students to their hospitality programs.

Creating an attractive educational environment

Offering a positive and inclusive learning environment is crucial to meeting the needs and expectations of todays discerning students.

The learning environment must promote a sense of well-being and belonging and encourage students to engage in their learning process.

When structuring promotional materials and marketing activities, its essential to highlight how your schools particular approach creates an engaging, inclusive learning environment by focusing on:

Teamwork and role-play activities are common in hospitality service courses because they encourage open communication and collaboration between students. This can also be done by promoting group activities and discussions to share ideas and perspectives.

are common in hospitality service courses because they encourage open communication and collaboration between students. This can also be done by promoting group activities and discussions to share ideas and perspectives. Vocational teachers bring real-world know-how to the classroom and act as role models for professional attitudes concerning cultural and generational differences. Specialized facilitator training is a good option for strengthening these skills in the faculty.

bring real-world know-how to the classroom and act as role models for professional attitudes concerning cultural and generational differences. Specialized facilitator training is a good option for strengthening these skills in the faculty. Enhanced physical learning spaces: The physical classroom in vocational schools often mirrors a professional work environment. It can be elevated by including colorful signage, visually engaging materials, and dynamic seating/standing options for different learning styles.

The physical classroom in vocational schools often mirrors a professional work environment. It can be elevated by including colorful signage, visually engaging materials, and dynamic seating/standing options for different learning styles. A virtual learning environment can enhance the practical learning experience by adding interactive tools and multimedia resources. Schools should prioritize creating a user-friendly interface that allows students to easily navigate through the learning materials.Additionally, teachers and staff can use social media platforms to promote communication and collaboration among students.

Implementing innovative teaching methods

Todays modern vocational students are looking for learning that links to personal and professional development. To engage learners in vocational programs, education providers must implement innovative teaching methods and best practices.

Offering personalized learning experiences, using gamification to make learning fun, and encouraging collaboration among students are techniques that generate higher levels of engagement. And engaged students are more likely to enroll in programs, complete them successfully, and become ambassadors for the institution.

When it comes to integrating technology, there are many options available to vocational education providers. For example, virtual reality can be used to simulate real-world scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, while online platforms can provide access to resources and tools that would otherwise be unavailable.

Technology can also be used in conjunction with hands-on learning to enhance the learning experience. For example, Vocational Education & Training by EHL (VET by EHL) sets schools up with ready-to-use hospitality programs that combine hands-on courses with blended learning courses that take place in the classroom and online. By combining technology with this hands-on learning, these programs can create a powerful and effective learning experience that properly engages vocational learners.

Training teachers to be facilitators

One thing that makes vocational education different from academic programs is the way students learn. Traditional methods of teaching aren't very well adapted to a professional training curriculum. This is where facilitated training is needed.

Facilitated training is a teaching method where a facilitator guides the learning process. The facilitator's role is to create an environment where learners can comfortably experiment, engage in discussions, ask questions, and collaborate with their peers to problem-solve and learn new skills.

Facilitated training is particularly effective for vocational learners who need hands-on, reality-based learning approaches to prepare them for the real world of work. By tapping into this thirst for applicable knowledge, the facilitator helps learners understand how new trends and tools fit into the existing structure of the industry and how they can integrate new concepts in a practical setting.

Traditional teachers and professionals can be upskilled in this method quite easily with programs like Train the Trainer. The VET by EHL model requires institutions to employ professionals from the industry at each licensed center, and these trainers must undergo the EHL-delivered Train the Trainer Program to become a VET by EHL Certified Facilitator. If you want to learn more about this type of facilitator training, you can check out this helpful resource on EHLs Education Consulting site, which explains what facilitated training is, how it works, and why it is an effective teaching method.

Offering personalized learning and support

Tailored learning experiences are essential for retaining todays students as they cater to the unique needs and learning styles of individuals. When the learning experience is customized to cater to the individual's needs, it can greatly enhance their knowledge retention, engagement, and overall satisfaction.

The VET model meets this need by offering students learning options based on flexible working schedules where they are paid for their work and the education fees are subsidized by the employer. VET programs offer two models, allowing students and schools to choose between a 50/50 or an 80/20 ratio of classroom-based learning to on-the-job training.

To boost student engagement, and ensure their success, it is also important to offer sufficient mentoring, counseling, and support services.

Mentoring is a form of support that provides guidance, feedback, and advice to individuals based on their personal and professional growth goals. This can help learners to improve their skills and achieve their goals with the help of an experienced mentor.

is a form of support that provides guidance, feedback, and advice to individuals based on their personal and professional growth goals. This can help learners to improve their skills and achieve their goals with the help of an experienced mentor. Counseling services provide emotional and psychological support to individuals going through personal or professional difficulties. It can help them to manage stress and anxiety, gain clarity, and make better decisions.

services provide emotional and psychological support to individuals going through personal or professional difficulties. It can help them to manage stress and anxiety, gain clarity, and make better decisions. Support services can come in various forms, such as technical support, academic support, or financial support. These services can help individuals overcome obstacles that may hinder their learning progress and enable them to achieve their desired outcomes.

Highlighting career development and employability

Career prospects and employability are major points of attraction for learners who prefer a vocational education. There are two key factors to highlight:

Opportunities to make money while learning

Many students are looking for ways to finance their education, and providing them with part-time jobs or internships in the industry can be an excellent incentive to enroll in vocational programs.

For instance, educational institutions can collaborate with hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality organizations to provide students with apprenticeship programs that allow them to gain practical experience while studying. They must also make internships a required part of the program, to ensure these students gain enough real-world experience to be successful professionals from graduation.

The right skills and connections for the job market

Its also essential to incorporate the industry into the program with workshops, seminars, and guest speakers from the field. This exposure helps students learn about different career paths and gain insight into the skills needed to succeed in those fields.

Including career-related assignments in the coursework, such as case studies, consulting projects, or research papers, is another way to immerse the learner in their future work.

Lastly, providing career-building resources such as job search tools, resume workshops, and career counseling services can also be beneficial for students.

With the launch of VET by EHL Programs at BISHT (Renamed WISE), we aim to improve the employability of youth in Bhutan and help them achieve befitting career options in the hospitality sector within the country and overseas. We are providing a Swiss benchmark course in the country without the hassle of students traveling elsewhere to get the Certification. The students are also exposed to a live working environment through the internship as part of their curriculum, allowing them to gain exceptional experience. BISHT provides support in employment opportunities for graduates. Ms. Chencho Tshering, Chief Executive Officer of BISHT (Renamed WISE)

Boosting student engagement with extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities play an important role in vocational education. They provide students with opportunities to develop skills and interests outside of their academic pursuits. The benefits of extracurricular activities in vocational education include the development of teamwork and leadership skills, improved communication and interpersonal skills, and increased confidence and self-esteem.

Clubs, competitions, and events also play a vital role in building a sense of community among vocational education students. They provide a platform for student engagement, helping them to connect and collaborate with their peers, and share their experiences and ideas. In addition, they offer opportunities for students to network with professionals in their field, and gain exposure to real-world scenarios.

Overall, extracurricular activities are an essential component of a well-rounded vocational education experience. They provide students with valuable opportunities to develop their skills, build their networks, and enhance their career prospects. The role of clubs, competitions, and events in building a sense of community among students cannot be overstated, as they foster a sense of belonging and encourage student engagement with their peers and mentors.

Creating a positive feedback loop

As a final step in the effort to improve student engagement in vocational education, it is important to establish a continuous assessment and feedback loop. Collecting data to measure students satisfaction, perceptions, and progress gives useful insights into problems and ultimately helps to improve their learning outcomes. Its a key part of quality assurance and good governance for any institution. This can be done through surveys, quizzes, and focus groups. Institutions must use the feedback received to adapt and improve their teaching strategies, course content, and delivery methods.

In the case of VET by EHL partnerships, part of this process is already established. By leveraging the EHL Brand, education partners agree to align themselves with the quality of EHLs Swiss academic rigor and professional training standards, to offer high-quality learning materials, environments, and experiences, and to maintain high education standards. This is accompanied by self-review processes to ensure adherence.

In conclusion, we can see that attracting and retaining students in vocational programs requires a multifaceted approach. It's essential to provide students with opportunities to earn money while learning, leverage an apprenticeship model like that of VET by EHL, and prioritize student inclusion, personalization, and implication in vocational education. By implementing these strategies, vocational institutions can attract and retain learners effectively and prepare them for successful careers.

If you would like to learn more about VET by EHL and see the success stories of our partner institutions, visit this page.

EHL Hospitality Business School

Communications Department

+41 21 785 1354

EHL

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Vivid Jeddah Hotel

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks the opening of the first Radisson Individuals hotel in Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah is known for its beautiful Red Sea coastline, Al-Balad, the historic UNESCO heritage site with gorgeous coral architecture, narrow alleys, and bustling souks, the world's tallest fountain, the King Fahd's Fountain, Tahlia Street, known for its prime shopping, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Formula 1), and for being a gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. For adventurous souls, scuba diving offers a thrilling opportunity to explore fascinating underwater wonders like the Chicken Wreck.

Located in the prime area of Al Hamra, Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals is near many corporate businesses and just a short walk from Jeddah Corniche. King Abdulaziz International Airport, the busiest international airport in Saudi Arabia, is the largest hub for Saudi Arabia's flag carrier, Saudia, and is only 22 kilometers away and a 26-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel boasts 339 elegantly designed rooms, including 30 exquisite suites, and a magnificent royal suite, providing guests unparalleled luxury and comfort. The rooms in the sea tower offer the most breathtaking views, allowing guests to witness stunning sunsets and indulge in mesmerizing sea vistas.

The hotel boasts a range of dining options, including the Jasmine Restaurant, where you can greet the day with unexpected culinary delights the Vivid Lounge Cafe in the heart of the lobby, offering a serene setting for beverages, desserts, and snacks; and the Changi Chinese Restaurant which bridges the gap between oriental and international dishes, complete with a stylish decor and inviting terrace. In addition, the hotel offers almost 300 m2 of meeting spaces, a business center, an indoor pool, and a salon.

"Radisson Hotel Group is thrilled to introduce our first Radisson Individuals hotel to Saudi Arabia," says Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer for Middle East and Africa, Radisson Hotel Group. "Jeddah is a city that is rapidly emerging as a leading tourist destination in Saudi Arabia, and we are proud to be part of its growth story. The hotel embodies the spirit of Radisson Individuals and offers unique and personalized experiences to our guests. We are confident it will become a preferred choice for travelers visiting Jeddah."

Annes Shinnara, Cluster General Manager of Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, adds, "I am delighted to introduce the first Radisson Individuals hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Against the current flourishing economic and hospitality landscape in the Kingdom, we are enthusiastic about contributing significantly to this success. We are committed to represent the Radisson brand and showcase genuine Arabian hospitality authentically "
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Considerable cloudiness. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Watching a potential winter storm. Cloudy with snow developing after midnight. Low 27F. Winds ESE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.
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Business / Companies

by APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org/en) has approved a $25 million trade finance line of credit facility to the Central Africa Building Society of Zimbabwe, to be used to boost local firms and small and medium-sized enterprises.This facility will enhance foreign currency liquidity support for the building society amidst a tough economic climate in Zimbabwe. The facility will cover some of the trade finance gaps developed mainly due to international lenders who having scaled down or halted their trade transactions due their perception of Zimbabwe as a high-risk jurisdiction.The facility, which would finance approximately $175 million of trade over a three-and-a-half-year period, marks the African Development Bank's fourth private sector intervention in Zimbabwe in recent years and the third to the building society.Lamin Drammeh, head of Trade Finance at the African Development Bank, commented on the transaction: "DFI collaboration is key to private sector development in Africa. This innovative facility will enable CABS to provide liquidity support for SMEs, and women-owned businesses to facilitate their import and export trade finance requirements."The facility will complement recently approved Transaction Guarantee Facility for $7.5 million to ensure support along the value chains of SMEs and local corporate businesses in Zimbabwe. lt is expected to boost the relatively low productivity of Zimbabwe's SME sector, creating jobs and indirectly improving government revenue through taxes from increased economic activity in the sector.Speaking soon after the Board approval, African Development Bank Country Manager for Zimbabwe, Moono Mupotola, described the trade line of credit as a strategic milestone expected to have an important demonstration effect which may prove vital to encouraging other international and regional lenders to offer additional support to the country's private sector.The African Development Bank Group currently supports 13 initiatives in Zimbabwe valued at $144 million. These include initiatives to improve governance and public finance management in the public sector. Other Bank-supported projects involve supporting women and youth to enable them to engage in value addition in agro-based and mining value chains. The Bank has also been supporting the rehabilitation of key regional and national energy projects, including energy reform technical assistance to support Zimbabwe's transition to climate smart energy solutions. The Bank further supports Zimbabwe's private sector through regional financial institutions that operate and invest in the country.The African Development Bank established the Trade Finance Program (TFP) in 2013 with the main objective of reducing the trade finance gap in Africa by complementing the activities of private sector actors and regional institutions already active in the field of trade finance.The Trade Finance Division offers trade finance through the provision of risk mitigation facilities, liquidity, equity and technical assistance to financial institutions and commodity aggregators. The Bank's trade finance instruments include Trade Finance Lines of Credit; Risk Participation Agreements; Transaction Guarantees and Soft Commodity Finance Facilities. Alongside these, the Bank seeks to support eligible counterparties with equity investment and technical assistance.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
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Volunteers for the annual Wreaths Across America event put out more than 3,000 wreaths and one rock at the gravesites of local veterans. PreviousNext

Thousands of Veterans Honored With Wreath-Laying at Southview Cemetery



A ceremonial wreath laying for each branch of the armed forces is held in the Drury High auditorium on Saturday. See more photos here. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  More than 3,000 wreaths with bright red bows and one rock were laid on the graves of veterans in Southview Cemetery on Saturday.

The local Wreaths Across America effort is in its sixth year honoring the city's veterans. Donations are raised to purchase the wreaths that will stay at Southview until mid-January.

"My father was a World War Two vet and my brother-in-law was in the Army as well. My brother served with the National Guard for six years," said Nancy Lescarbeau as she searched out markers in the cemetery. "And it's a good thing to do."

Lescarbeau's niece Angie Kirouac and her daughter, Emily, had come up from Chesterfield to volunteer "because it's a patriotic thing and a joyous thing to do."

"We came today because my father was a disabled veteran. He served 11 years in the Army and passed away in 2018," Kirouac said. "This is a way to honor his service and those who have served."

This year's event began with a ceremony in the Drury High School auditorium with the presentation of ceremonial wreaths for each of the armed forces, a color guard and patriotic selections performed by the Drury band. The Rev. David Andrews of First Baptist Church gave the opening prayer and the Rev. Carolyn Peck of First Congregational the closing one.

"Wreaths Across America's mission is to remember, honor and teach," said Amy Christian, a volunteer with the group. "Remember the fallen. Honor those who have served and teach the next generation.

"Remembering the fallen is the one that you do most often and probably the easiest and probably the easiest. We do this every Memorial Day, as well as today. Being here today, participating in the ceremony, and helping to lay over 3,000 wreaths and one rock for a Jewish veteran on the graves in Southview, we ensure that all veterans are not forgotten."

She encouraged those who in the audience to remember those who are serving away from home in often dangerous situations and their families  recalling her own worries when her husband was in Iraq and Afghanistan  and to understand what the nation stood to lose "if we become too complacent."

Christian offered three challenges: to write down a name from a veteran's grave and learn more about them, to find a veteran and get to know them and their families, and to talk to the next generation about the freedoms they have today.

"I challenge you to find a veteran or a family member of a veteran and talk to them about what freedom means to them," she said. "While the word freedom has the word free right in it, it was not just given to us. It was fought for and some of those who fought, paid with their life, while others were forever changed because of it."

Daniel Sumy said he and some co-workers at General Dynamics had volunteered.

"We have a lot of veterans at work," he said. "So this is just kind of supporting co-workers and supporting the troops."

He was among the dozens of volunteers who spread out across the cemetery from the drop points where boxes of wreaths were placed. They were assigned sections and sought out the grave markers denoting veterans; after saying the person's name and thanking them, they placed the wreaths.

"It's just a tremendous outpouring of volunteers from North Adams and actually Northern Berkshire who have really made this an event that they can be proud of," said state Rep. John Barrett III, who attended the ceremony. "It has grown in size and they're putting out 3,000 wreaths today at a cost of $55,000, which means that a lot of people in Berkshire County participated in this. It's a nice event."
On December 20th, a New Energy Vehicle Industry Chain Matchmaking Conference with the theme of "Mutual Integration and Collaborative Development" was held in Hefei. Leaders from various automobile companies such as Chery and NIO, as well as related enterprises from the automotive industry, gathered together. In order to accelerate the development of Anhui's NEV industry, experts and company executives present engaged in discussions around their respective fields. One out of every four exported vehicles in China is "Made in Anhui" The rapid development of Anhui's NEV industry can be illustrated by the numbers announced at the conference. In the first 11 months of this year, the production and sales of NEVs in China reached 8.426 million and 8.304 million units, respectively, representing year-on-year growth of 34.5% and 36.7%. The export volume of NEVs reached 1.091 million units, making China the world's largest exporter of automobiles. The development of NEVs is an essential path for China to transition from being a major automobile producing country to a country strong in the automotive industry. Faced with this historic opportunity, Anhui naturally will not stand idly by. Currently, the province has gathered seven complete vehicle manufacturers, including Chery, JAC, and NIO, as well as over 4,000 component and aftermarket enterprises, forming a complete automotive industry system with coordinated integration between whole vehicles and parts. It has initially formed an intelligent NEV industry cluster with significant influence and core competitiveness. In the past three years, Anhui's automobile production has maintained a growth rate of over 20%. From January to November this year, the automobile production reached 2.178 million units, a growth of 42.7%, and rose from the 7th to the 2nd place in the national ranking. The production of NEVs reached 780,000 units, a growth of 63.2%, accounting for 9.3% of the national total and rising from the 7th to the 4th place in the national ranking. Anhui's automobile exports are also continuously strengthening. In the first 11 months, a total of 1.045 million vehicles were exported, accounting for 23.7% of the national total. In other words, for every four cars exported nationally, one is manufactured in Anhui. Chery Automobile, as the first Chinese brand to exceed one million in sales and the earliest to lay out the independent NEV brand, has ranked first in China's brand passenger car exports for 25 consecutive years. Based on such a foundation, Anhui is accelerating the enhancement of the competitiveness of Anhui's NEVs, striving to build 2-3 world-class complete vehicle manufacturers and world-class automobile independent brands by 2027, gathering leading core component enterprises, research and development institutions, and innovative talents, and constructing a globally first-class gathering place for automotive innovation talents. An extraordinary laboratory Just as demonstrated by the theme of this conference, "Mutual Integration and Collaborative Development," NEVs, like all emerging industries, will undergo a process from competition to integration. To reach the competitive high ground, Anhui must rely on its innovative advantages, with platform construction being a key focus. The signing ceremony for the Anhui Open Automotive Ecology Laboratory was held at the conference. It is the most important project in Anhui Province's construction of an innovative ecological system for the automotive industry, highlighting innovation-led automotive industry development. It is a key factor for Anhui Province to break through in the NEV industry, achieve high-quality and sustainable development, accelerate the construction of an internationally competitive NEV industry cluster, and promote Anhui's advancement towards becoming a strong province in NEV industry. According to the introduction, the core members of the Open Automotive Ecology Laboratory come from Fortune 500 companies, listed companies, renowned consulting firms, and top domestic universities specializing in the automotive field. The laboratory includes an open automotive ecology laboratory for innovation system construction and several laboratories for key generic technology research. It has proposed a series of development plans under the name "Starry Sky Cloud Cluster" to help build an internationally competitive ecological and industrial cluster for the NEV industry. "Industry supply-demand matchmaking, as convenient as online shopping" To enhance the comprehensive strength and competitiveness of Anhui's NEV industry, it is necessary to achieve deep integration of the "four chains" of innovation, industry, capital, and talent. In November of this year, in order to address issues faced by automotive-related enterprises, the Anhui Provincial Development and Reform Commission (Anhui Provincial Automotive Office) officially launched and tested the Anhui Automotive Industry Supply-Demand Matchmaking Platform. This is the province's first online platform dedicated to matching supply and demand in the automotive industry. At the conference, the relevant person in charge of the Anhui Provincial Development and Reform Commission introduced during the platform promotion that business cooperation can also be as convenient as online shopping. Both buyers and sellers can "list" their respective supply and demand on the platform, and orders can be placed and accepted online. This facilitates collaboration between upstream and downstream enterprises in the automotive industry. It is reported that the platform has created six main themes, including complete vehicle enterprises, component enterprises, aftermarket enterprises, higher education institutions, financial institutions, and research institutes. It covers nine major segments, and has four functions: information collection and release, technological achievements transfer, supply-demand matching, and financing connection. Up to now, the platform has attracted 522 registered enterprises and published 129 supply and demand information, including products, technology, talent, and funding, with the supply information accounting for 83.7%, which shows strong demand for enterprise collaboration. At the conclusion of the keynote speech, Yu Dong, the Secretary-General of the Secretariat of the Anhui New Energy Vehicle Industry Cluster Construction Strategic Consultation Committee, presented two AI-drawn images. On the left was a desolate desert, while on the right was a lush forest. "If we cannot gather together, we will be lifeless like a desert. What we hope to see is the convergence of various elements in the industrial chain, working together to create a vibrant industry ecosystem," said Yu Dong.

Source: anhuinews.com
News / Health

by Agencies

Harare, 19 December 2023 - Stanbic Bank has donated US$20 000 to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) towards the purchasing of chemotherapy drugs for its members.This year is the 10th consecutive year in which the Standard Bank Group subsidiary has assisted with the acquisition of drugs for CAZ as the institution demonstrates that it values not only financial success but the well-being of the communities it serves.Stanbic Bank Manager, Brand and Advertising , Tariro Memo said the leading financial services institution is privileged to support the CAZ in its relentless fight against cancer."Our commitment to this cause goes beyond mere philanthropy; it is a testament to our dedication to the health and welfare of the people of Zimbabwe. This contribution is a tangible expression of our solidarity with those battling cancer and a reaffirmation of our belief in the importance of healthcare initiatives," said Memo.She said CAZ has been an unwavering force in the face of this formidable challenge, and Stanbic Bank is proud to stand by them as they make a difference in the lives of countless individuals.Memo emphasized that Stanbic Bank's support extended beyond financial donations adding that it reflected a shared vision of a healthier, more resilient society hence the 10 years of partnership, collaboration and shared determination with CAZ."CAZ's work is a beacon of hope, and Stanbic is honored to contribute to its cause. As we hand over these chemotherapy drugs, let it symbolize not just a material donation but a collective commitment to combating and fostering future wellness," said Memo.She noted that Zimbabwean Cancer patients continue to face several challenges such as breakdown of machinery at public cancer treatment centers, high cost of medication and cancer services, centralization of cancer services which results in some patients having to travel long distances to visit the treatment centers.CAZ general manager, Junior Mavu, said the 10-year long partnership with Stanbic Bank served as a source of inspiration for the association to keep going despite the prevailing harsh operating environment.Mavu said the donation plays a pivotal role in sustaining the lives of over 150 cancer patients who have undergone up to eight sessions of cancer treatment each with its own course of drugs."The Chemo Fund by Stanbic Bank has assisted 151 cancer patients made up of 127 women and 24 men to purchase drugs for before and after chemotherapy. We are proud to be associated with Stanbic Bank and are pleased to have this decade-long journey which has also seen institution refurbish our Home for Cancer patients at Sally Mugabe Hospital - Tariro Hostel," said Mavu.
News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

The political landscape in Zimbabwe has witnessed its fair share of controversies and questionable decisions over the years. In 2023, several political figures made headlines for their actions and decisions that raised eyebrows and invited criticism from all corners. In this article, we present a list of the 10 political mambaras or screw-ups that marked Zimbabwe's political scene in 2023.1. Douglas Mwonzora:As the leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai (MDC-T), Mwonzora drew widespread condemnation for single- handedly destroying Morgan Tsvangirais legacy. He moved the MDC from the being the largest opposition party in Zimbabwe to being a party of less than 10 000 supporters and zero wins during the elections.2. Morgan Komichi:Komichi, a prominent MDC-T member and Mwonzora side kick joins the list of the politically irrelevant for his role towards aiding Mwonzora as he destroyed Tsvangirais legacy.3. Richard Moyo:Moyo, the Minister of State for Matebeleland North, faced severe criticism for his tenure as Chairman of ZANU PF Matebelaland North Province. The party scored a mere 4 seats during the 2023 harmonised election and this was the most embarrasing performance by the province. Moyo took to the media to blame the poor performance on a last minute wave whatever that means.4. Nelson Chamisa:Chamisa, the leader of the opposition CCC made a political blunder of alienating some of his top strikers who include Tendai Biti , Welshman Ncube , and many have criticised him on how he handled the Job Sikhala issue as well as the picking of persons to represent CCC in parliament. Chamisa had built a formidable party only to weaken it by making tactical blunders and refusing to listen to advice from those who have his best interests at heart. Chamisa's stubborn ways gave birth to Sengezo Tshabangu and his world acclaimed nonsense.5. Roy Bhila:Bhila, a member of the ruling ZANU-PF party, how does one get fired less than 5 months on the job as Deputy Minister ? Definitely one of the political mambaras of the year.6. Linda Masarira:Masarira, a prominent noise maker , opinionated feminist built a strong following on social media only to fail to stand during the elections. What was the noise and the effort if not contesting elections? After the elections she sunk into oblivion becoming a political nonentity. Another political mambara for the history books.7. Godfrey Tsenengamu:A former ZANU-PF youth leader, Tsenengamu gained notoriety for his radical opinions ad style. He made a press conference announcing the formation of his political outfit in green overalls. During campaign season he ditched his own party to join the Kasukuwere train , a train which never left the station and now he and Linda Masarira share the bottom of the barrel of political irrelevance.8. Saviour Kasukuwere: he promised us fireworks. He said he was the man to reign in ZANU PF here we are still waiting for the rain.9. Chris Mutsvangwa:Mutsvangwa, a prominent ZANU-PF member and war veterans leader was very vocal during the campaigns and exercised his duty fully as spokesperson of the party. President Mnangagwa rewarded him with a ministry and he went quiet. The war veterans that he is meant to represent have not heard from him neither have they seen him since he assumed his new office. Was he loyal to the cause and struggles of War veterans or was he just loyal to himself?10. Gift Ostallos Siziba:Once upon a time there was a motormouth deputy spokesperson aka nomenclature who turned out to be all froth and no broth his claim to fame is unknown, current whereabouts currently unknown ,unseen , unheard and irrelevant.Conclusion:2023 is the year of political mambaras . Sengezo Tshabangu , Shingi Munyeza, Jacob Ngarivhume, Joana Mamombe and a few others did not make the list because the writer was lazy to go beyond 10 but in essence Zimbabwe is a land of political mambaras who literally screw up things in the political space
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Hayao Miyazakis The Boy and the Heron contains multitudes. It is beautiful, tortured, whimsical, and stoic. Not unlike his 2001 classic Spirited Away, it blends traditional Japanese constructs with Lewis Carrolls wit. An angry but vulnerable young boy, Mahito (Soma Santoki), is brought out to the countryside after his mothers death, only to be tempted into following a gravelly voiced, repugnant man-heron (Masaki Suda) into an underland of endless hallways, dictatorial parakeets and bulbous sprites called warawara.

It marks the impassioned return of one of cinemas most oft-retired directors, whose last final film, 2013s The Wind Rises, saw him struggle with the perceived futility of his legacy. This film also serves as a tribute to Miyazakis mentor, and Studio Ghibli co-founder, Isao Takahata, who died in 2018 at the age of 82. A Takahata stand-in arrives in the form of Mahitos missing grand-uncle, said to be a great wizard who read so many books he went mad. When we finally meet him, he talks obsessively of the next generation.

The film, too, borrows from Takahatas own 1988 work, Grave of the Fireflies, in its depiction of the 1943 firebombing of Tokyo, as we first meet Mahito sprinting through the city, trying to reach his mother, after he learns shes become trapped in a burning hospital. People move as shadows, their forms blurred  an impression of misery. Miyazaki, and Studio Ghibli at large, have always blissfully intermixed the personal, cultural and historical. And, here, his script not only nods to the possible future of animation, but of Japan itself.

At one point, Mahito hits himself with a rock and lets the blood pulse like an ocean wave  all because hes at a loss with what to do with all his grief. He travels to an outer realm, where the Western world pounds at its doors (Stonehenge and Wiltshires Temple of Apollo, famously featured in 2005s Pride and Prejudice, make unexpected cameos). Whispers of Japans imperialist past disrupt its sense of sanctuary, and Mahito is left to question whether, on top of all this death and cruelty, it might still be possible to establish a kingdom free from malice.

Here, Miyazaki dares to imagine that a better world might stretch out beyond him. Perhaps thats an unusually optimistic stance for Miyazaki, a man who is often labelled a traditionalist, but it would explain, too, why hes found such renewed investment in telling stories. He achieves this in a way only he knows how  with no concern that the cute and the morbid should not mix. The films most dangerous characters, the clan of oversized parakeets, are also its goofiest, with blank, curious expressions and knives behind their backs.

The Heron, too, is both ally and monster, stretching back its beak and feathers to reveal the wizened features of a human-ish man who could easily be an accountant. Sudas performance, meanwhile, is so perfectly mimicked by Robert Pattinson in the English dub that its hard to believe the latter actor was ever known for playing a sparkly, immortal heartthrob. Hes accompanied by a starry cast that features both Ghibli newcomers, like Florence Pugh and Karen Fukuhara, and returning favourites, Christian Bale and Willem Dafoe. If this really is Miyazakis final word, then its a conclusion worthy of his legacy. At the same time, his imagination remains so vast, it feels like he could keep creating forever.

Dir: Hayao Miyazaki. Starring: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Shohei Hino, Ko Shibasaki, Takuya Kimura. 12A, 124 minutes.

The Boy and the Heron is in cinemas from 26 December
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Nobody wants to write a eulogy for the love of their life, and I didnt think I had it in me to write one for Shane. I fully expected to be one of those wives who throw themselves in the coffin and refuse to go on living. I worshipped and adored and cherished that man, to his very last breath and beyond.

I fell in love with Shane MacGowan when I was 16, in a bar in Temple Fortune in north London. He walked up to me and demanded that I buy his friend Spider a drink for his birthday and I told him to f*** off.

I was mesmerised by his audacity, and I stared at him all night and thought about him all of the next day and the next, but I had no idea what was happening to me. Later on, when I saw him sing at the Wag Club, I was hooked for life and I never stopped to ask myself if it was a good idea, if he would make a suitable boyfriend. The deal was already sealed and possibly had been before I was even born.

The Shane that I shared my life with was many, many different things. He was shy and also charismatic, thoughtful and also infuriating, serious and also hilarious, brilliant and also cluelesss, humble and also arrogant, a health freak and also a junkie and a million other things that most people never got to see. But Shane was not just a multifaceted human being, he was also an idea, an archetype, the embodiment of a movement, and a moment in time.

If he hadnt been London Irish in the late Seventies and early Eighties, if he had spent his entire life on a farm in the Midwest, he would not have spoken to the people that he spoke to with the same precision and effect. I was raised in the Irish countryside at a time when Irish traditional music was sacred and Irish republicanism was volatile. Being Irish for me was something to run away from.

I emigrated to London to try to meet Boy George and Bananarama, to immerse myself in the world that I saw on Top of the Pops. But Shane brought so much emotional, political and sexual potency to his presentation and delivery in The Pogues, with their Streams of Whiskey and their Dark Streets of London that all the other pop stars were for children.

Shane and Victoria (Andrew Catlin)

When I met Shane, fame and glamour felt like important ambitions to aspire to. I was self-conscious and pretentious and I had a strong desire to feel superior to anyone who didnt look cool and who didnt hang out with the right people. I was positively phobic about rejection and disapproval. Being embarrassed in public was my personal hell. But Shane dragged me into his underworld, into Kings Cross squats and drug dealers flats and sleazy early houses. Everywhere we went he made his presence seen and felt and he demanded to be vilified by anyone who felt in the mood for it.

We were jumped on and attacked on the streets so often that it just seemed part of a normal night on the town. He devoured drugs and alcohol with determination and ferocity as if his life depended upon them, and there were times when I wanted to chain him to a radiator or handcuff him to try to stop him from scoring.

When we went on planes it always felt like a miracle if we were not thrown off them. He would set fire to hotels and vomit in restaurants and most of his suits were full of holes. But he never cared what anybody thought about him. He had a sense of self-worth and of the worth and beauty of all of humanity, no matter how low down and dirty they were, that bulldozed through my pretences. He forced me to change my perspective. And I am eternally grateful to him for everything that he changed in me.

Victoria: The Shane that I shared my life with was many, many different things' (Andrew Catlin)

Love is a complex thing. If you let yourself love you automatically make yourself vulnerable to the loss of that love. But at the same time as creating room for a gaping hole in your heart you can also discover that your heart is more ingenious than you realised, and the more you stretch it, the more capacity there is for love. And what begins as romantic love can grow into something that transcends life and death. You can find yourself feeling as if the love that started out as just fancying a guy in a pub can be a force that embraces all of it, the living and the dead. God Bless Shane.
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The United Nations Security Council should have more direct engagement with the Taliban regime that has seized power in Kabul, according to the head of the UN mission there.

Roza Otunbayeva is the UNs special envoy to Afghanistan and was giving a quarterly briefing about the situation in the country to the Security Council on Wednesday.

The UN has refused to recognise the Taliban, an Islamist militant group, as the legitimate government of Afghanistan since its fighters seized power by force in August 2021. The Taliban took control of Kabul by ousting a democratically elected government after the withdrawal of Western allied forces.

Since taking power, the Taliban regime has banned women from schools, workplaces and public recreational facilities, provoking international condemnation.

Ms Otunbayeva suggested the UN should take advantage of the groups craving for international recognition by opening channels of communication, suggesting this was the only way towards achieving a durable and more detailed consensus on Afghanistan.

Second, making far greater use of the de facto authorities willingness to engage in dialogue with members of the international community. Dialogue does not legitimise. It can be used to express disapproval yet encourage change, she told the Security Council.

She added: We have often spoken of the need to learn lessons from our engagement since August 2021. One lesson, I believe, is that there has simply not been enough of it. There must be more direct engagement with the de facto authorities, including in Kabul.

Ms Otunbayeva said the United Nations is receiving more and more anecdotal evidence that girls are being permitted to study at religious schools in Afghanistan.

We are receiving more and more anecdotal evidence that girls of all ages can study at madrassas. It is not entirely clear, however, what constitutes a madrassa, if there is a standardised curriculum that allows modern education subjects, and how many girls are able to study in madrassas, she said in her briefing to the council.

The diplomat added that the Taliban ministry of education is reportedly undertaking an assessment of these schools as well as a review of the public school curriculum.

She added that the Taliban officials have said they are working on creating conditions to allow the return of girls to school.

But time is passing while a generation of girls is falling behind. A failure to provide a sufficiently modern curriculum with equality of access for both girls and boys will make it impossible to implement the de facto authorities own agenda on economic self-sufficiency, she said.

Afghanistan under the Taliban is the only country on the planet that has banned girls and women from attending secondary school and universities, a ban which has been in place for more than two years and is expected to have wide-reaching implications for the countrys society and economy if it persists.

Pro-democracy leaders of Afghanistans previous administrations have urged the world not to offer a platform for the Taliban and its sanctioned leaders on the global stage.

In an update about the human rights situation under the Taliban, Ms Otunbayeva said that the key features in Afghanistan are a record of systemic discrimination against women and girls, repression of political dissent and free speech, a lack of meaningful representation of minorities, and ongoing instances of extrajudicial killing, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and ill-treatment.

The lack of progress in resolving human rights issues is a key factor behind the current impasse between the Taliban and the international community, she said.

Humanitarian needs in Afghanistan have continued to push to new record levels, with more than 29 million people requiring humanitarian assistance  one million more than in January, and a 340 per cent increase in the last five years, said UN humanitarian coordinator Ramesh Rajasingham.

Since the fall of Kabul to the Talibans ultra fundamentalist rule, Afghanistan has been battling an economic collapse, drought, the aftermath of a major and deadly earthquake and now faces a winter where millions of children are at risk of acute hunger.
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Demonstrators blockaded the central London office of US tech giant Palantir after it was awarded a contract worth hundreds of millions of pounds for a new NHS data platform.

The NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) will aim to make it easier for health and care organisations to work together and provide better services to patients.

It was announced earlier this year that a group led by Palantir had secured the 330 million contract to provide the new shared software system.

But concerns have been raised about how patient data will be used and Palantirs involvement with the Israeli government which critics claim it provides intelligence services to.

Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters and health workers gathered at Palantirs UK headquarters on Soho Square early on Thursday morning, where they accused the firm of being complicit in war crimes.

They held placards reading, Palantir aids apartheid and chanted, Palantir  blood on your hands.

The firm has been contacted by the PA news agency.

Alia Al Ghussain, a British human rights researcher whose uncle was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, claimed Palantir provides predictive policing to Israel.

The 32-year-old, who is of Palestinian descent, said: Palantir provides intelligence and surveillance services to the Israeli military, including a form of predictive policing.

Thats not just going to affect people in Gaza but those in the West Bank, which is under occupation and has seen a huge rise in violence since October 7.

The NHS is probably the best thing about this country, its really an expression of our common humanity.

Palantir is totally antithetical to that.

I dont think it has any place in the NHS.

Jessica, a nurse and member of Health Workers for a Free Palestine, said: It should be unthinkable for the NHS to do grubby deals with a company which is complicit in, and profiting from, Israels systematic destruction of healthcare facilities, resulting in the killing of more healthcare workers in the last ten weeks than the total number killed in all countries in conflict globally last year.

The entire purpose of the NHS is the preservation of life. As health workers we cannot turn a blind eye to the health service being implicated in the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the slaughter of our colleagues  fellow nurses, doctors, dentists, medical students and other health workers  and their patients.

Were here to blockade and disrupt Palantirs blood-soaked business, and we will continue mobilising until NHS England agrees to keep our NHS data out of bloodstained hands.

Last month Steve Brine, chairman of the Health and Social Care Committee and a Tory MP, said there were substantial concerns about the companys involvement with the NHS.

He called for more transparency and better communication about what this platform will do and how their data will be used.

Louis Mosley, Palantirs executive vice-president for the UK and Europe, previously defended the companys involvement in the NHS.

Data security and the ability to precisely control who can see what information can be a matter of life and death, he told the Times.

He said that the software enables NHS professionals to bring together data that a hospital already holds in multiple different systems that havent historically been able to talk to each other, while ensuring that staff only see information if they need to, in order to do their job.

Palantir was co-founded by billionaire tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel, who was an early backer of former US president Donald Trump, and has worked with the US government.

It will be supported by Accenture, PwC, NECS and Carnall Farrar on the NHS contract.

NHS England has said that no company involved in the Federated Data Platform can access health and care data without the explicit permission of the NHS.
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A plus-size woman has been defended after she refused to give up her extra seat to a toddler on a flight.

In a viral post shared to the popular Reddit forum Am I the A**hole?, a 34-year-old woman questioned whether she was in the wrong for refusing to give up the extra seat she had paid for to a strangers child.

I am obese. Im actively working toward losing weight and Ive made progress but Im still obese as Im typing this, she began the post, which was shared to Reddit on 19 December. She explained that she was travelling to see her brother and his husband for Christmas across the country, and booked herself an extra seat in her aisle so that she was more comfortable during the flight. I know it sucks having to pay for an extra seat but it is what it is, she wrote.

The woman explained that checking into her flight and boarding the plane had gone smoothly until another woman came to her row with her 18-month-old son. She told me to squeeze into one seat so her son could sit in the other. She told me, not asked. I told her no and that I paid for this seat for the extra space, the Reddit user said.

She makes a big fuss over it, which got the flight attendants attention, she continued. The fellow passenger told the flight attendant that the woman was stealing the seat from her son, to which the Reddit user showed her boarding pass to prove that she had indeed paid for the extra seat. The flight attendant asked me if I could try to squeeze in but I said no, that I wanted the extra seat I paid for, she said.

The airline employee eventually told the mother to sit in the seat with her son in her lap, but that didnt stop her from criticising the Reddit user. I got dirty looks and passive aggressive remarks from her for the entire flight and I do feel a little bad because the boy looked hard to control, she said.

Taking to Reddit, the plus-size woman wondered if she shouldve given her extra seat to the womans son, despite paying for it herself. However, Reddit users applauded her for sticking her ground and refusing to give up her seat.

You paid for your seat. This woman was trying to steal a free seat for her kid, one person commented under the viral post. If its too hard to have him on her lap, buy a seat for him. Its s*** that they even asked you to share or give up your seat.

Shes the a**hole for not buying a seat for her son and assuming someone else would give up a seat they paid for. Odds are she was hoping thered be extra seats on the flight so she didnt have to pay and used the lap thing as a loophole, another person said. Classic case of you snooze you lose.

Others criticised the flight attendant for not defending the plus-size woman, writing: The cabin crew should have stopped this straight away once they saw you had booked both seats, it should have been obvious why. They should not have asked you to squeeze into one seat.

Meanwhile, one person left the Reddit user an encouraging message in the comment section. You should always do what you can to be as healthy as you can, but being fat isnt a character flaw or a moral failing, they said. We all have our own challenges in life, and you deserve to not be ashamed of your body and yourself even if you arent currently meeting your goals.

If mom wants an extra seat for her kids, she should have purchased one. Shes not entitled to a seat you purchased, and you dont need to feel bad for her bad behaviour.

Southwest Airlines recently introduced its new customer of size policy, which allows plus-size passengers to use extra seats for free. Customers who encroach upon any part of the neighbouring seat(s) can buy the number of extra seats they need and receive a refund at check-in, the US airline stated. The policy is based on size, rather than weight; passengers qualify for a free ticket if any part of their body extends past their seats armrest.

The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating need and allows us to adequately plan for the number of occupied seats onboard, the policy read. It also helps us ensure we can accommodate all customers on the flight for which they purchased a ticket and avoid asking customers to relinquish their seats for unplanned accommodation.

Travellers can purchase the extra seats ahead of time and approach a Southwest customer service agent at the airport to request a refund for the additional ticket, or they can enquire once at the airport.
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Holiday cards are an annual tradition enjoyed by friends and family each Christmas season. Throughout the years, the British royal family has made it their own tradition to send out a Christmas card every year - whether its featuring their children or a moment taken during a memorable state visit.

This year, the Prince and Princess of Wales released their 2023 Christmas card, a black and white family portrait showcasing their grown-up children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five. Meanwhile, King Charles III and Queen Camilla opted for a photograph taken during their coronation in May as their Christmas Card this year.

As for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, they decided to send out a virtual card that highlights the charitable work theyve done through their Archewell Foundation.

While you can never go wrong with a sweet family portrait, the royal family has delivered a handful of not-so-memorable Christmas cards from time to time. In honour of the festive spirit, here are some of the best and worst royal Christmas cards over the years.

2023: The Prince and Princess of Wales pose for black and white portrait

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children for 2023 Christmas card (Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace/PA)

For this years Christmas card, Prince William and Kate Middleton looked like something out of a fashion magazine with their laid-back family portrait. The royal couple are seen standing front and center while their eldest son, George, stands at his mothers side. Meanwhile, William rests his hand on Louis shoulder as Charlotte sits in a chair with her legs crossed.

It marked one of the best Christmas cards from the royal family, as it showcases the modernity of the new, up-and-coming royal family.

2023: King Charles III and Queen Camilla choose photograph from their coronation

King Charles III and Queen Camillas 2023 Christmas card (Buckingham Palace/Hugo Burnand/PA/PA Wire)

King Charles III and Queen Camilla fittingly chose a photograph from their coronation this past May as their 2023 Christmas card. The image showed the couple standing side by side in their full regalia, each wearing a crown on their head. Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year, the card reads.

2023: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex send virtual Christmas card

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose a shot of them smiling and clapping at this years Invictus Games in Germany (Jordan Petitt/PA) (PA Wire)

As for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, they sent out an email with their virtual Christmas cards on behalf of their Archewell organisation. We wish you a very happy holiday season. Thanks for all the support in 2023! the card reads.

The e-holiday card also featured a link to their charities annual impact report, including a video of all of their major projects from the last year. For the photo on the card itself, Meghan and Harry chose a photo of the two of them from the closing ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games, which took place in Dusseldorf, Germany, back in September.

Compared to Christmas cards of years past, Harry and Meghans attemped to distract from an otherwise eventful year for the couple.

2022: Prince William and Kate Middleton look casual with their children

Last year, William and Kate chose a photograph of their family walking hand-in-hand through the Norfolk countryside as their Christmas card. The royals could be seen strolling along a path, with William holding Georges hand at one end, while Kate holds Louis hand on the other end, with Charlotte in the middle holding hands with her brothers.

The image was taken by royal family photographer Matt Porteous.

2022: Harry and Meghan highlight Archewell Foundation once again

Harry and Meghan shared their Christmas card just one day after final instalment of their explosive documentary arrived on Netflix (Archewell Foundation)

Just days after the release of their explosive Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, the couple redirected attention to their Archewell Foundation with their Christmas card. Wishing you a joyful holiday season, the card read, alongside a photo of the couple at the Robert F Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award Gala in New York City.

From our family to yours, and on behalf of our teams at Archewell Foundation, Archewell Audio, and Archewell Productions, we wish you health, peace and a Happy New Year.

Best wishes, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the sign-off reads.

2022: Camilla smiles at Charles in Christmas card

The 2022 Christmas card of King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort in front of a Christmas tree in Clarence House, on December 11, 2022 (Buckingham Palace via Getty Imag)

For Charles first Christmas card since he became King after the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II, he and Camilla chose a photo taken by award-winning photographer Sam Hussein. It showed the royal couple smiling at the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering in September that year.

The monarch is pictured from a side profile, dressed in a tweed suit with a red, green and beige tie, while Camilla is wearing a green suit and matching hat with a pheasant motif, with pearl earrings. The photo was taken on 3 September when Charles was still the Prince of Wales. Just days later, the Queen died on 8 September.

2021: William and Kate use photo taken during trip to Jordan for Christmas card

William and Kate use photo taken during trip to Jordan for 2021 Christmas card (PA Media)

The then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge opted to use a photo from their family trip to Jordan as their Christmas card. In the photograph, William sits beside Kate while seated on a gold pouffe with the couple resting their hands on each others knees. George and Charlotte are seated next to their parents on red stools, while Louis sits cross-legged on the floor on what appears to be a sheepskin rug.

The image marked a departure from Christmas cards of previous years.

2021: Harry and Meghan share a photo of their daugher Princess Lilibet for Christmas card

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle share 2021 Christmas card (Alexi Lubomirski/Duke and Duchess of Sussex/PA)

For the first time ever, Harry and Meghan shared with the public a photo of their daughter - Lilibet Lili Diana - who was born in June 2021. The photograph, taken by Alexi Lubomirski, showed the family of four looking casual outside their new home in Santa Barbara, California - where they relocated after stepping down as senior members of the royal family in 2020.

In the portrait, Harry, Meghan, and Archie are all pictured wearing jeans. Harry is seen holding the couples two-year-old son Archie on his lap while Meghan is raising six-month-old Lilibet in the air.

Happy Holidays. This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a Mama and a Papa, and Lili made us a family, the couple wrote. As we look forward to 2022, we have made donations on your behalf to several organisations that honour and protect families  from those being relocated from Afghanistan, to American families in need of paid parental leave.

Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year, from our family to yours.

While fans were excited to catch a glimpse at their daughter Lilibet, the duke and duchess have not featured their two children on a Christmas card since.

2020: William and Kates Christmas card leaked by fans

Royal family photo leaked in 2020 ahead of annual Christmas card (Kensington Palace via Getty Imag)

In 2020, William and Kate released their official Christmas card four days after the photograph was leaked by a fan account on Instagram. The photo, which was taken in the autumn by Matt Porteous, showed William and Kate with their three children at their home in Norfolk, Anmer Hall.

The family is pictured looking relaxed outdoors, sitting on hay bales with a pile of wood behind them. George is seen wearing a brown zip-up fleece, while Louis wears a navy blue jumper over a collared shirt. Meanwhile, Charlotte is pictured in a green Christmas jumper and leggings.

William wears blue jeans, a blue collared shirt, and a dark green roundneck jumper, while Kate is wearing a white collared shirt and a deep crimson jumper over grey skinny jeans.

2020: Sussexes share new family photo from California on Christmas card

In honour of their first Christmas in the United States and Harrys first holiday since stepping down from the royal family, the couple gave fans a glimpse at their new life in California. The Christmas card has the appearance of a painting, but was based on a photograph taken by Meghans mother, Doria Ragland, at their home.

In the photograph, Harry and Meghan are gathered around a play house with their 19-month-old son Archie and their two dogs. A miniature Christmas tree is set in front of the play house, decorated with ornaments picked out by Archie.

The original photo of the family was taken at their home earlier this month by the duchesss mother, said a spokesperson for the Sussexes. The small Christmas tree, including the homemade ornaments and other decorations, were selected by Archie, and the tree will be replanted after the holidays.

Inside the card, the message read: This year we, as a family, have made donations to several charities with you in mind.

From a local California organisation that helps families transition out of homelessness, to two of our UK patronages: one that supports animal and community welfare, and the other, a memorial fund for a cherished friend that helps to educate children and fight poverty in Uganda, we have honoured their work on behalf of all of us.

2019: Charles and Camilla use photo taken in Cuba for Christmas card

The 2019 Christmas card of Prince Charles and Camilla featuring a photograph of the royal couple driving a vintage MG TD whilst on tour in Cuba (Getty Images)

Prince Charles and Camillas 2019 Christmas card showed the royal couple during their trip to Cuba in March that year. The husband and wife are picturing driving in a vintage MG car - perhaps the coolest royal family Christmas card ever.

2019: Harry and Meghan have seven-month-old Archie front and centre

To mark their first Christmas as parents, the duke and duchess shared a photo of seven-month-old Archie. The infant is seen staring down the camera lens, while his parents laughing behind him as a Christmas tree sits in the background. The photo was released on X - formerly known as Twitter - by the Queens Commonwealth Trust, a charity that supports young people in impoverished areas.

Just sharing the sweetest Christmas Card from our president and vice-President, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Very Merry Christmas, everyone! the caption reads.

2018: William and Kates Christmas card features eight-month-old Louis

William and Kate's 2018 Christmas card features the whole family (Kensington Palace)

Everyones favourite member of the royal family, Prince Louis, made his Christmas card debut in 2018.

The family portrait, taken by Matt Porteous, featured William and Kates youngest child at nearly nine months old. Kate is seen cradling baby Louis as she rests against a tree trunk at their Anmer Hall home in Norfolk.

A three-year-old Charlotte can be seen standing on the trunk with her arms around her parents shoulders, while five-year-old George playfully holds on to his father as he stands one-legged in wellies on the trunk.

2018: Charles and Camilla gaze at each other on a bench

The photograph for Prince Charles and Camilla's 2018 Christmas card was taken by Hugo Burnand (PA)

In Charles and Camillas card, the royal couple are seen gazing lovingly at each other while sitting on a bench. Camilla is wearing a cream and crape dress by Fiona Clare, while Charles is wearing an Anderson and Sheppard suit, shoes by Crockett and Jones, and a Turnbull and Asser shirt.

The photograph was taken by Hugo Burnand, who also took the wedding pictures of Charles and Camillas big day in 2005.

2018: Harry and Meghan share unseen photograph from wedding

The Sussexes use previously unseen photo from their wedding day as their 2018 Christmas card (Kensington Palace)

For their first Christmas as husband and wife, Harry and Meghan shared an unseen image from their May 2018 wedding. The newlyweds are captured with their arms wrapped around each others waists on their wedding night.

It was taken by photographer Chris Allerton during their evening wedding reception, as fireworks erupted in the grounds of Frogmore House - the 17th century royal residence in Windsor near Frogmore Cottage, where Harry and Meghan lived until their departure from the royal family in 2020.

2016: Charles and Camilla release a more unusual Christmas card

Prince Charles and Camilla 2016 Christmas card (Getty Images via Clarence House)

Charles and Camilla released a rather unusual Christmas card in 2016, far different from holiday cards of years past. It pictured the then-Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall grinning as they were surrounded by a troupe of Croatian dancers wearing traditional national dress.

The photograph was taken during their tour of Croatia and the western Balkans earlier that year, when the Croatian Cultural Artistic Society performed a dance for the pair. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year, the card reads, as per usual.

2015: Charles and Camilla are all smiles

Charles and Camillas 2015 Christmas card (Getty Images)

The royal couple were all smiles for their 2015 Christmas card. In the photo, Charles and Camilla looked casual during their summer vacation in Scotland. According to Clarence House, the image was taken by a friend on a private estate in August that year.

2005: Royal couple choose photograph from April 2005 wedding as Christmas card

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall choose photograph taken by Hugo Burnand at their April 2005 wedding as their Christmas card (PA)

To celebrate their nuptials, newlyweds Charles and Camilla used a photograph from their April wedding as their annual Christmas card. The image showed the future King and Queen Consort posing with their children. William and Harry stood on their fathers left side, while Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes on their mothers right side.

While the image appeared to capture a happy occasion, the Christmas card may hold new meaning after Harry claimed in his 2023 memoir, Spare, that he and his brother asked their father not to marry Camilla.

1999: Charles poses with sons for Christmas card two years after Dianas death

Prince Charles put his arms around his sons in this photo on the front of his 1999 Christmas card (PA)

Two years after the untimely passing of William and Harrys mother, the late Princess of Wales, Charles and his sons put on a united front for their 1999 Christmas card. In the annual holiday card, Charles is seen sitting between his teenage sons, with the countryside in the background.

1993: Diana releases her own Christmas card with William and Harry

A 1993 Christmas card sent from Diana featuring a photograph of the Princess with Princes William and Harry (Shutterstock)

Prince Charles and Princess Diana separated in 1992 after 11 years of marriage. For her 1993 Christmas card, Diana posed solo alongside her young sons. The chic photograph pictured Diana wearing a long-sleeve blouse with popped collar, black trousers, and a large gold belt buckle.

William posed facing toward the camera, as a young Harry stared directly up at his mother.

1987: Princess Diana and Prince Charles seen as family of four

Family portrait of Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and their sons William and Harry taken for their 1987 Christmas Card (AFP via Getty Images)

Before their divorce in 1996, Charles and Diana posed as a family of four for their 1987 Christmas card. In the photo, a giggling William rested his arm on his fathers leg and his head in his hand. Charles held up the five-year-old, while Diana sat three-year-old Harry at her side.

1982: Williams first Christmas

Royal Christmas card bearing a full-color family photograph of Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and the infant Prince William from 1982 (PA)

To celebrate the first Christmas of the future King, Diana and Charles featured an infant William on their 1982 Christmas card. The new parents were seen staring directly at the camera, as they propped up their newborn son.

1969: A royal family affair

Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and the Duke of Edinburgh on board the Royal Yacht Britannia during a visit to Norway. It is the photograph used on the Queen's personal Christmas card. (PA)

During the royal familys visit to Norway on the Royal Yacht Britannia, the late Queen Elizabeth II gathered her husband - Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh - and her four children to take a family photograph. In 1969, the portrait was used for the Queens personal Christmas card.

The Queen is seen smiling at her husband, while each of her children - Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward - grin at the camera.
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Zac Efron drew concern from his fans after wearing sunglasses indoors during an interview with the Today Show.

While promoting his upcoming film The Iron Claw on the Today Show, the 36-year-old actor donned sunglasses as he sat beside his costars Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons. Efron explained to the hosts that the reason he was wearing them inside was to cover up an eye infection.

Host Craig Melvin joked as he introduced the actors, Zac Efron is a legitimate, bona fide Hollywood superstar but that is not the reason he is in shades right now.

Immediately, a sheepish Efron apologised, No, Im sorry, man. I feel weird being in shades.

I just have a bit of an eye infection, the High School Musical star explained. But I really wanted to be here. Its such a good movie, and I want to come see you guys and tell everyone about it.

Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their concerns about the actors appearance.

Omg Zac wearing shades inside is not normal, one fan wrote. Hes not well. Hes having eye problems for sure.

Another added, Zac Efron wearing these sunglasses indoors isnt gonna dispel any of the rumors or worry going on about him.

This isnt the first time the actor has faced scrutiny online for his appearance, with many commenting on his seemingly different jaw. The rumours first began to swirl in April 2021 after the actor appeared in a promotional clip for an Earth Day special with Bill Nye. Eagle-eyed fans at the time quickly pointed out a difference in Efrons facial structure, many questioned whether the actors oddly pronounced jaw was due to plastic surgery.

But the star addressed plastic surgery speculation in September of this year, reminding fans others that a year ago he shared that hed shattered his jaw after smacking his chin against a fountain. In an interview with Mens Health, Efron commented on what he dubbed jaw-gate, and he explained that the noticeable change was due to the accident and the physical therapy that he underwent.

He explained that while running through his house in socks he slipped and fell, smashing his chin against the granite corner of a fountain, and knocking himself out. The actor added that when he woke up, his chin bone was hanging off his face. According to Efron, his inner jaw muscles had to work harder to compensate as a result of the injury and they grew. He noted that he tried to mediate the growth through the help of a specialist and physical therapy.

The masseters just grew, he said. They just got really, really big.

Efron and his co-stars were promoting The Iron Claw, which follows the true story of the Von Erich brothers, who became wrestling icons in the 1980s but grappled with a series of horrific tragedies from 1959 to 1993 that has since been dubbed the Von Erich curse. The film will be released in theaters on 22 December.
Opinion / Columnist

It is not a secret that the rotten state or the coconut republic of Zimbabwe must be reformed and replaced with a well-functioning state. To establish a functional state, reform is needed in political, economic, judiciary, educational, and the electoral systems. But as a country, we are face with a dilemma--reform is anathema to the vampire elites and coconut heads, for it would threaten their lucrative businesses and their hold on power.I will summarize what we have witnessed in the past 43 years since Zimbabwe Independence. We have asked them to privatize inefficient state enterprises and they sold the underperforming companies to themselves and their cronies at fire-sale prices: examples are ZUPCO, National Railways of Zimbabwe and you can complete the list.We have asked them to develop their economies and they developed their pockets. We asked them to seek foreign investment and we end up being a Chinese colony. We asked them to establish a market based economy and place more emphasis on the private sector and they created Mutapa Investment.We asked them to enforce the rule of law and they forced the law to respect their whims. In an editorial called: The poll that Bob stole The Economist wrote: "In Zimbabwe, the thieves are in charge and their victims face prosecution."We asked them to trim their bloated bureaucracies and cut government spending and they established Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).We asked them to reform their abominable political and economic systems, and they performed the "coconut boogie"one swing forward, three swings back, a jerk to the right, and a tumble to land hard on a frozen Swiss bank account.We asked them to establish democratic pluralism and they created surrogate parties, appointed their own electoral commissioners, inflate the voters' register, manipulate the electoral rules, and hold coconut elections to return themselves to power. Even African children could see through this chicanery and fraud. In the SADC report after August 2023 elections, Dr. Mumba's team highlighted various concerns, including voting delays, the banning of opposition rallies, and biased state media coverage during the electoral process.In the end, our parliament is used as a democratic decoration. Reforms have become a charade. The reform process has stalled through vexatious chicanery, willful deception, and vaunted acrobatics. The ruling vampire elites and the coconut heads are just not interested in reform, period. They benefit from the rotten status quo. But without reform, Zimbabwe could implode or collapse.
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Jeremy Hunt has struck a post-Brexit banking deal with Switzerland aimed at easing UK finance firms access to the countrys market and vice versa.

The chancellor signed the agreement with his Swiss counterpart based on mutual recognition of each others financial laws and regulations.

The Treasury is hoping for a major boost to the City of London from the deal with Switzerland, which is not an EU or EEA member  but is part of the single market.

Mr Hunt hailed Brexit for allowing the UK to strike new deals with major finance hubs, despite Britain has lost out on access to the EUs single market.

The chancellor claimed the pact builds on the UK and Switzerlands strengths as two of the worlds largest financial centres. He said it would serve as a blueprint for future agreements with other key trading partners after Brexit.

When Britain left the bloc it risked losing the benefits of its former trading arrangements with Switzerland, which were based on EU rules despite it not being a member state.

But the Treasury said the Bern Financial Services Agreement was only possible due to new freedoms granted to the UK following its exit from the EU. It added that the two nations had a shared belief in the value of open and resilient financial markets.

Jeremy Hunt will argue Swiss deal only possible because of Brexit (AFP via Getty Images)

Rishi Sunaks government is also currently negotiating an enhanced, post-Brexit free trade agreement with Switzerland aimed at boosting economic ties.

Business secretary Kemi Badenoch said the finance deal would help British banks access this lucrative market and grow UK-Swiss trade in services.

She added: This deal complements the work were doing with Switzerland to agree a new, modernised free trade agreement and will help the UK reach our goal to export a trillion pounds of goods and services a year by 2030.

Business secretary Kemi Badenoch hailed prospect of wider Swiss deal (PA Wire)

Labour MP Paul Blomfield, co-convenor of the cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission, said the agreement will be well received across the City and is a welcome acknowledgement from the government that its must provide regulatory certainty.

But the senior backbencher warned that there was much to do in breaking down wider trade barriers for British firms still struggling to cope with Brexit red tape.

Mr Blomfield added: The EU remains the largest overseas market for most British businesses and protecting them demands similar arrangements of beneficial regulatory alignment, which will break down barriers, reduce costs and unlock the huge potential of the UK economy.

It come as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) urged Mr Sunak and Mr Hunt to consider a range of side and supplementary deals with the EU to ease ongoing trade friction.

Almost two-thirds of UK exporters say selling to the EU has become even harder in the past year, according to the BCCs latest Brexit report.

The leading business group called for a series of agreements with Brussels  on carbon taxes, VAT arrangements and food checks  to soften the impact of Boris Johnsons trade deal.
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The NHS could struggle to cope with a catastrophic flu season after leading medics warned of plunging flu vaccine uptake among its frontline staff.

NHS figures show just 39 per cent of frontline staff had a flu vaccine in November, down from 52 per cent in November 2020 and 70 per cent in 2020.

The worrying statistics mean the already under-strain service could lose crucial staff to illnesses and risk spreading the virus during its busiest winter period.

Warnings have also been issued this week over pressures on the health system as junior doctors hold a three-day strike just before Christmas and have planned a five-day strike in the new year  traditionally the busiest time of year.

Last week, the governments chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty said flu season  which traditionally takes hold in January  had officially kicked in.

Speaking to The Independent, Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: We are concerned about staff vaccination against flu. Post-pandemic, there is a certain lack of appetite and there is probably a degree of apathy about staff getting vaccinated against flu, and we think thats a problem.

We need to be doing more to get staff vaccinated against flu.

He added: I think societally, and as healthcare practitioners, we have a moral duty to get ourselves vaccinated so we dont create gaps by going off sick and we dont infect our patients.

Dr Jeanette Dickson, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said: These figures are concerning. As ever, its about making sure the vaccination is easily available in places and at times that suit the staff. However, given the extraordinary pressure staff are working under, they may have overlooked this simple way to protect themselves and their patients.

On 23 November, NHS England wrote to healthcare leaders asking them to make every effort to ensure that eligible frontline staff are offered and are easily able to access their vaccine and are encouraged to do so.

Leaders were asked to ensure there are clearly signposted local flu and Covid vaccination arrangements for staff until 31 January 2024.

There are 1,140,978 frontline NHS staff who are eligible for a flu vaccine and pre-pandemic, 43 per cent of staff had had their vaccine by this time of the year.

Area % of staff with vaccine Total vaccinated England 39% 446,429 East of England 41.6% 48,757 London 33.4% 51,148 Midlands 37.0% 80,908 North East and Yorkshire 41.3% 78,315 North West 38.4% 62,558 South East 41.9% 65,655 South West 45.3% 52,497

Figures show 28 per cent of staff had their Covid-19 booster vaccine by November this year compared to 41 per cent last year.

The figures come following a warning from NHS England over rising flu hospital admissions, with 402 patients in hospital in the first week of December, up by two-thirds on the week before.

New figures published on Thursday show admissions last week were even higher, with more than 700 beds taken up by patients with flu on 16-17 December.

On average, more than 50,000 NHS staff members were off sick each day last week, although this is lower than the same week last year when more than 60,000 were recorded to be off.

An NHS spokesperson said: The NHS continues to make it as easy as possible for eligible frontline staff to get vaccinated to protect themselves, patients and the service, with more sites offering the vaccine than ever before.

Both flu and Covid have a serious impact on the health of thousands of people every year, and the NHS needs as many of our staff as possible to be fighting fit over winter when the health service comes under pressure.

It is not too late to come forward  we urge any eligible professionals who have not been vaccinated to speak to their employer to get their vaccines as soon as possible. This could save your life.

This story was updated to reflect newer figures on flu admissions and to correct the date on which NHS Englands letter was sent
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A murder investigation has been launched after a four-year-old boy was stabbed to death inside a home in London.

Police were called to an address in Montague Road, Hackney on Wednesday night. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and inside the address they found a four-year-old boy suffering knife injuries.

He was taken to hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

A investigation has been launched with a a 41-year-old woman, who was known to the boy, arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. She remains in custody.

A forensic officer at the scene of the suspected murder in Montague Road in Hackney (PA)

The investigation is centred on one of the houses which lines the narrow street (PA)

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.

We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.

Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young childs death, and the events that led up to it.

This incident occurred within the home and, while is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.

View more

Specialist officers from the Mets homicide team are working on the investigation (The Independent)

Knife crime has continued to surge in London with figures from The Office for National Statistics showing there were 12,786 knife offences in 2022/23, compared to 11,031 in the previous year.

Recent high profile cases include the stabbing to death of Elianne Andam, who was attacked while on her way to school in Croydon in September. She was the 15th teenager to die in the capital in 2023.

Former Eastenders star Brooke Kinsella, whose brother Ben was murdered in 2008, told the Independent at the time: Knife crime is not an isolated problem with isolated solutions. It is a symptom of deeper societal issues; a failure of successive governments.

Ben was murdered 15 years ago and in that time, I have seen no meaningful change. It breaks my heart whenever I hear of another life being lost, another family torn apart and another community shattered.
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Neighbours of a four year-old boy who was stabbed to death in east London have described hearing screams when police arrived at the scene.

Met officers were called to a terraced home in Montague Road, Hackney to find a four-year-old boy with fatal knife injuries on Wednesday night.

The unnamed child was taken to hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

An investigation has been launched with a 41-year-old woman, who has not been identified but police say was known to the boy, arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. She remains in custody.

Have you been affected by this incident? Email barney.davis@independent.co.uk

A mother-of-three, 36, who lived next door to the property where the energetic boy was found said she had known him his whole life.

He was a kind, happy child always riding a scooter or his bike on the street playing out with his parents, she told The Independent.

They go to the park... things like that. He was an energetic, friendly and polite child. He was always very playful with my 4-year-old son. We heard screaming when the police broke the door.

A forensic officer at the scene of the suspected murder in Montague Road in Hackney (PA)

An investigation is underway led by homicide detectives from the Mets Specialist Crime Command. While enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing, at this time officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, the force said.

The neighbour added: Even the police came out crying. When they saw us they had to try and pull it back together. They tried to but they couldnt.

I cant tell my son what happened, he is too young. Im going to tell him they moved away.

The boys next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, the Met said.

Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, said: I was utterly devastated to hear this morning of the tragic death of a four year-old child in Hackney. My thoughts and deepest condolences, along with everyone at the council, are with the childs family.

We are working with the police and the childs school to support the childs family, friends and the wider community.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.

We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.

Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young childs death, and the events that led up to it.

This incident occurred within the home and, while is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.
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A man who killed his girlfriend and three generations of her family to death in a drug and alcohol-fuelled attack has been found guilty of murder.

Joshua Jacques was accused of killing Samantha Drummonds, 27, her mother Tanysha Ofori-Akuffo, 45, her grandmother Dolet Hill, 64, and Ms Hills partner, Denton Burke, 58, on April 25 last year.

The 29 year-old was convicted of the killings on Thursday.

Joshua Jacques has been found guilty of four murders (Facebook)

Police were called to Ms Hills terraced home in Delaford Road, Bermondsey, south London, in the early hours of the morning, finding Mr Burkes body at the foot of the stairs and the three women in the kitchen.

Officers discovered Mr Burkes body at the foot of the stairs and the three women heaped together in the kitchen.

Jacques was naked and lying in the upstairs bathroom in a praying position, screaming Allah, take me!, Kill me now, Get rid of me, and God please forgive me.

Nurse Tanysha Ofori-Akuffo was described as a doting wife and caring mother (Metropolitan Police/PA) (PA Media)

Later, at Lewisham Hospital, Jacques said: I aint even in the wrong, I did them for sacrifice, and also warned: I will do something stupid again.

He had admitted their manslaughters but denied murder on the basis that he was mentally unwell at the time.

An Old Bailey jury deliberated for two hours to find Jacques, from Minard Road, Lewisham, south-east London, guilty of four counts of murder on Thursday.

Dolent Hill, 64, and Denton Burke, 58, were also killed (Metropolitan Police/ PA)

Members of the victims family expressed relief at the unanimous verdicts with one saying thank you, Jesus.

The defendant looked down and shook his head in the dock as the jury foreman read out each of the four guilty verdicts.

Mr Justice Bryan adjourned sentencing until February 9 and remanded Jacques into custody.

Previously, prosecutor Tom Little KC said: The prosecution case is that this is a clear case of murder, or more accurately a clear case of quadruple murder.

He argued Jacques ability to form a rational judgment and exercise self-control were not substantially impaired by any psychiatric condition, and his behaviour was brought about by self-induced intoxication, taking drugs and drinking alcohol.

He told jurors: This, we say, led to a transient psychotic disorder not meeting the requirements for the defendant to make out a partial defence of diminished responsibility.

Samantha Drummonds was killed during the attack (Metropolitan Police/PA) (PA Media)

Jurors were told Jacques had 11 previous convictions for 20 offences, including for cannabis, being in possession of a silver knuckle duster, and robbery.

He first had a mental health assessment in April 2016 after seeking hospital treatment for drinking water from a toilet.

He was arrested after he threatened to stab and shoot a security officer, and, while in police custody, threw food around his cell.

He said he had took 3g of skunk cannabis a day and refused to consider cutting down, saying he would carry on smoking marijuana even if it killed him.

In 2018, he was detained under the Mental Health Act after he was seen praying in the middle of a busy road in Brixton, south London, and was in hospital from April 27 to around August 7 of that year.

Initially on admission, the impression was of drug-induced mania with psychotic features, jurors were told.

In February 2020, he was jailed for 51 months for conspiring to deal heroin and crack cocaine, and possessing cannabis. He was released on November 11 2021.

In probation reports from April last year, Jacques was described as chatty and engaged.

Three days before the killing, he called his probation officer to say that he had been offered a job at a radio station.

Joshua Jacques appearing in the dock (Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)

Two days later, Ms Drummonds confided in a friend that she believed Jacques was having an episode and had been chatting all night and was fixated on topics.

Mr Little told jurors no medical calls were made before the killings nor was Jacques taken to hospital.

Last April 25, Jacques had visited the house where Mr Burke and Ms Hill lived only for the second time.

Ms Ofori-Akuffo, also known as Racquel, sometimes stayed at the property to care for her mother, who was receiving treatment for cancer, while Ms Drummonds had been living there as her own flat was undergoing renovation, Mr Little told jurors.

After Jacques launched his attack, Ms Drummonds called his mother Norma Derrivere but all she was able to say was Norma hes sta sta ahhh.

There were also FaceTime calls between Jacques and his mother that evening, and during one, after 2am, he said: Im ending it, Im gonna make a sacrifice.

Neighbour Alice Canal heard a cat screeching, a male voice swearing, movement, banging and what she believed was someone falling down stairs, which prompted her to call 999 at around 1.42am.

It was claimed on his behalf that Jacques had exhibited manic symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder.

He doubled his skunk cannabis intake from his birthday on April 19 last year  just days before the killings.

However, that escalation came weeks after he began having trouble sleeping which was a symptom of mania, the defence argued.

Mr Justice Bryan adjourned sentencing until February 9 and remanded Jacques into custody.
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Labour have criticised Tory ministers for having a public scrap over the fate of Afghan special forces soldiers who fought with the British, and have called on the government to bring them to safety in the UK.

Shadow armed forces minister Luke Pollard has urged ministers to ensure members of two elite units, known as The Triples, are given refuge for helping Britain in its war against the Taliban.

Soldiers in the two units, Commando Force 333 and Afghan Territorial Force 444, were trained and paid by Britain and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with UK forces in the war in Afghanistan.

The Independent revealed in a joint investigation, with newsroom Lighthouse Reports and Sky News, that some of the commandos had been tortured or murdered by the Taliban after being denied sanctuary in Britain by the Ministry of Defence.

A rift has emerged in government over the fate of the Afghan soldiers, with different departments at odds over how many would qualify for relocation to the UK. Defence minister James Heappey had played down the help that could be offered when he spoke to MPs last week, saying that the soldiers were not automatically in scope for relocation.

Shadow armed forces minister Luke Pollard said we should honour the commitments made to Afghans (PA)

Two days later, veterans minister Johnny Mercer and security minister Tom Tugendhat seemingly contradicted Mr Heappey and argued that the Afghan special forces should receive sanctuary in the United Kingdom.

Mr Pollard has now written to Mr Heappey asking him to clarify the governments position, and backed Mr Mercer and Mr Tugendhats push to help the soldiers.

In the letter that has been shared with The Independent, he said: Can you now please clarify which position on the Triples and the Arap (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) scheme is official government policy: the one you set out to the Commons on Monday, 11 December; or the one expressed by the Minister for Veterans on 13 December in the Commons, shared by the Security Minister? They cannot both be right.

Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said he would do everything I can to bring the Triples to the UK (PA)

He continued: I encourage you to do all you can to ensure the Triples are brought to safety. I understand other Nato members have brought personnel from similar units to their own countries and given the high level of public support for these troops, why can the UK not do the same?

The letter comes as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer showed support for British troops stationed in a visit to Estonia on Thursday.

A YouGov poll found that 51 per cent of Britons think that members of the Triples should be allowed to settle in the UK, compared to only 19 per cent who think that they should not.

This included Tory voters who backed their relocation by 48 per cent in favour compared to 26 per cent against.

Mr Pollard criticised the contradiction of positions and confusion between ministers, adding: A public scrap between the Ministry of Defence and the Office of Veterans Affairs is unhelpful.

He said there was strong cross-party support for the Triples to be given sanctuary in the UK and asked Mr Heappey to update MPs in the Commons on the situation in the New Year.

Armed forces minister James Heappey said not everyone will be eligible [for relocation] even if they worked for the Afghan security forces (PA)

Colonel Simon Diggins, former defence attache in Kabul, said: The case for admitting the Triples should be cast iron and irrefutable. Not only were they working directly in support of the UK governments objectives; they were paid directly by us.

Because of the nature of their roles they are also especially at threat by the Taliban. I strongly support the cross-party calls, including from government ministers, for the Triples to be admitted without delay: lives, literally, depend on it.

Major General Charlie Herbert, who worked with the Triples in Afghanistan, said: No other Afghan forces were more closely aligned to the UK armed forces during the war in Afghanistan than CF333 and ATF444. Without their contribution, it is probable that many more British servicemen and women would have been killed or injured between 2003 and 2021.

Given the real, proven and ever-present threat of retribution and retaliation by the Taliban, it is incumbent on the UK to provide them with the sanctuary that they so desperately deserve and need.

A government spokesperson said that the UK governments offer under Arap is one of the most generous of any country.

They added: We have worked incredibly hard to bring over 14,300 people to safety through the scheme, but not everyone who served alongside British forces will be eligible.

Each Arap application is assessed individually and in accordance with published policy, and we do not automatically make a decision on eligibility based on a job role.
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An Albanian asylum-seeker died of compression of the neck caused by suspension by ligature, an inquest into his death on the Bibby Stockholm barge has heard.

Leonard Farruku, 27, died aboard the vessel, based at Portland Port off Dorset and used to house migrants, last Tuesday.

He was found unresponsive, the opening of the inquest was told.

Coroner Rachael Griffin said there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Ms Griffin told the hearing: At the time of his death, Mr Farruku was residing on the Bibby Stockholm at Portland Port in Dorset.

He was a single gentleman and he was unemployed at the time of his death.

He died on the 12th December 2023 on the Bibby Stockholm.

Police and paramedics had been called to reports of an unresponsive male. The gentleman was confirmed deceased at the scene.

The barge is moored off Portland Bay (PA Wire)

The inquest, at Dorset Coroners Court in Bournemouth, was told that Mr Farrukus body was formally identified by his cousin, Maranglen Farruku, at the Holly Tree Lodge mortuary in Bournemouth.

Coroners officer Nikki Muller said: He is being supported by officers of Dorset Police.

Ms Griffin adjourned the hearing until a pre-inquest review to be held on 9 July.

The coroner said she would be requesting statements for the full inquest from Mr Farrukus family, the Home Office, Portland Port Authority, security provider Isca, Landry and King which operates the Bibby Stockholm, as well as Dorset Council.

No family members were present at the short hearing. But Mr Farruku had claimed migrants there were being treated like animals, his sister has previously said.

Home secretary James Cleverly said the sudden death would be fully investigated.

A preliminary inquest hearing is normally held to formally establish the deceaseds identity, location of death and potentially a cause of death before being adjourned for a full hearing at a later date.

Mr Farruku paid 4,000 euros to cross the English Channel in a small boat to arrive in the UK, according to The Daily Telegraph.

His sister, Jola Dushku, 33, who lives in Lombardy in Italy, said her brother had expressed concerns to her about how migrants on the Bibby Stockholm were being treated.

She told The Telegraph: When I spoke with him last time, he told me that the conditions in that boat were not bad but they were treated by the guards like animals...

Protesters in Portland in Dorset after the barge arrived (PA Wire)

A bedroom on the Bibby Stockholm (PA)

According to our relatives who are in touch with the police, Leonard that night at 11pm in the evening had some problems and was calmed down by the security guard. At 3am he was found dead. We do not have more details about how he died.

The barge  the first to be used as part of government efforts to cut the cost of asylum accommodation  can house up to 500 men in 200 bedrooms.

Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft last week revealed to MPs that the cost of the Bibby Stockholm contract was 22,450,772.

He said this covered the vessel accommodation services portion of the contract with operators CTM, and that an assessment of whether the vessel offered value for money was being updated.

Asylum-seekers were first moved on board in August but were taken off days later after the discovery of Legionella  the bacteria that can cause the potentially fatal Legionnaires disease  in the water supply.

Migrants were taken back to the barge some two months later and civil servants reported last month that there were around 200 people on board.

News of the death drew criticism from charities who called for an independent review and an end to the use of such facilities for asylum accommodation.
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The UKs most lucrative bus lane has raked in more than 10 million for a council in 17 months, new data has revealed.

Drivers in Manchester have had pay out 10.2 million in fines from April 2022 to September this year for travelling through bus gates on the citys Oxford Road, a Freedom of Information Act request found.

The bus gate means parts of the road are only open to buses, black cabs and cyclists from 6:00am to 9:00pm every day, while drivers going through this section face a 60 fine that reduces to 30 if paid within 21 days.

The data was obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), and revealed that 182,707 fines had been handed out since the beginning of 2020 - the equivalent to 130 each day - if taken from January 31, 2020.

In the 17 months up to September 2023 Manchester City Council collected exactly 10,241,545.13 in revenue.

Manchester City Council has said that all of the money gained through the fines was invested into repairs and maintenance work on the citys road network.

Oxford Road is likely to be the most lucrative in the country, with the AA previously giving the title to a road in Lambeth, south London that raised 2 million between 2018 and 2019.

The section of the road which made the council the most money is between Charles Street and Brancaster Road, where 119,272 fines have been handed out between the start of 2020 and 30 September, the BBC reports.

Motorists have previously complained the signage for these restrictions is not clear enough and in 2018, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal found some signs on some sections of Oxford Road "failed to meet the required standard". The council appealed the ruling and the bus restrictions have remained in place.

The Council lost its challenge to the 2018 judgement and consequently installed upgraded signage and road markings.

A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said:There are no current plans to change or add to the number of signs already in place to alert motorists to the bus lane.

The council is content that the signs that are in place are adequate, that they meet the legal requirements and are prominent enough to make the bus lane restrictions clear to motorists.

The income generated through penalties supports the costs of operating the camera enforcement and processing penalty charge notices. The use of any surplus income that is generated beyond those costs is set out in the legislation which governs bus lane enforcement.

This essentially ringfences that income for use on environmental improvements, public transport services or highway improvements in Manchester.
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The government has performed a partial climbdown on new visa rules critics claimed would tear couples and families apart.

The move was one of a raft of measures designed to slash the number of immigrants by 300,000 a year.

But ministers have postponed plans to allow only those earning 38,700 or above to bring their spouses to the UK.

Instead, the threshold will still rise sharply in the spring, but to a lower figure of 29,000.

The Liberal Democrats, who had dubbed the original plans the family breakup bill, accused the government of a half thought through idea.

But Rishi Sunak faced a backlash from Tory MPs who called the move deeply disappointing.

And a former Tory minister suggested No 10s plans had been vetoed by the Treasury. Ex-health minister Lord Bethell said: My children arent getting everything they asked for this [Christmas]. Seems its the same in Downing Street.

The crackdown was part of plans to cut net migration after it soared to nearly three-quarters of a million in 2022.

Home Office minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom confirmed in answer to a written parliamentary question that the threshold would be raised in the spring to 29,000.

James Cleverly insists net migration to the UK will drop (PA Wire)

The current level is 18,600, which means 75 per cent of the UKs workers meet the requirement.

If it was raised to 38,700 just 30 per cent would, Lord Sharpe also confirmed. No date was given for when the threshold would rise beyond 29,000.

James Cleverly, the home secretary, insisted the Home Office would still reduce net legal migration by 300,000 a year, saying the British people were rightly, frustrated and want to see action.

But Tory MP Jonathan Gullis said: This decision is deeply disappointing and undermines our efforts [to control migration].

Yvette Cooper MP, the shadow home secretary, said: This is more evidence of Tory government chaos on immigration and the economy.

On their watch, net migration has trebled as skills shortages have got worse and worse and they still have no proper plan to link the immigration system to training or workforce planning. They failed to consult anyone on their new proposals and took no account of the impact of steep spousal visa changes on families next year, so its no surprise they are now rowing back in a rush.

Ms Cooper said the government should seek advice on detailed policy changes from the migration advisory committee  experts on both immigration and the labour market.

Lib Dem home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: You have to wonder who is in charge at the Home Office, or if anyone is. It was clear to everyone else that the raising of the earnings threshold was unworkable. This was yet another half thought through idea to placate the hardliners on their own back benches.

James Cleverly needs to put down the spade and stop digging. Decisions like this should be made by experts and politicians working together. He should also publish the advice from the Treasury and OBR [Office for Budget Responsibility] about the impact that his package of changes will have on the economy.
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David Cameron has called for a pause in the Gaza conflict "today" to get hostages out of the arms of Hamas.

The Foreign Secretary also said "everything that can be done must be done" to get aid into the besieged enclave, including possibly using British ships to bring supplies by sea.

The former prime minister, who made a surprise return to the cabinet last month, made the comments on an official visit to Egypt, a key player in the region.

At the weekend the UK shifted its stance to back calls for a sustained ceasefire in the conflict, which ministers made clear cannot see Hamas remain in place. Previously Rishi Sunak had supported only humanitarian pauses and No 10 warned a ceasefire would aide only Hamas, who killed 1200 people on October 7.

Lord Cameron said the UK was pushing very hard to ensure aid supplies reach Gaza (Desouki Ismail/Egyptian Foreign Ministry Media Office/AP) (AP)

We want to see action, he said during a joint press conference with the countrys Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. We want to see aid come from Jordan, we want to see aid come across maritime routes.

In the meantime, Im all in favour of pauses in the fighting so we can get hostages out and if we can have a pause today to start making that happen no one would be more delighted to me, he added. I want to see all the hostages released.

Lord Cameron also said the UK was "pushing very hard" to ensure aid supplies reach Gaza, both through the reopened Kerem Shalom border crossing and potentially by sea.

"Are there opportunities for aid to come from Cyprus in British ships to be delivered to Gaza? We're working on that.

"Everything that can be done, must be done to get aid into Gaza to help people in the desperate situation they are in," he said.

Sir Keir Starmer said he backed Lord Camerons calls for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. The Labour leader also said he wanted a short-term pause in hostilities aimed at allowing more aid in and the release of hostages by Hamas.

I do support a sustainable ceasefire, he told reporters on a trip to Estonia to visit British troops. What were arguing for a return to the position that we were in just a few weeks ago where hostilities did cease.

Sir Keir added that his party is strongly in favour of a two-state solution to set up a Palestinian state  saying it should not be left in the gift of Israel.

He said the last ceasefire provided a foothold for a political process to actually resolve this in favour of a two-state solution  That has to be something which international partners are very, very clear about, and is not in the gift of Israel.
Opinion / Columnist

"We have all listened to the announcement by President Jacob Zuma and we have noted what he has said and what he has announced and that is as far as we are prepared to go at this point in time and everyone in our country is free to express themselves in relation to who they will vote for and why they will vote for them and we have noted what former President Jacob Zuma has announced," said SA President Cyril Ramaphosa.So ANC is accepting that in SA every citizen has freedom of expression and can vote for whoever they like and yet a year ago the same party decreed that they would not allow regime change in Zimbabwe!There is no deny that ANC has propped up the Zanu PF dictatorship for decades and place a major role in making sure Zanu PF got away with rigged 2023 elections even after the AU, SADC and even Zimbabwe's own ZHRC condemned the process as flawed and illegal.President Ramaphosa, just like former President Jacob Zuma, has tried to undermine the country's democratic institution to hide ANC's incompetence and corruption and to hang on to power. ANC's 2022 party resolution not to allow regime change in Zimbabwe was not something out of the blue, it was the party's fervant wish for SA.SA's strong democratic institutions have stopped ANC turning SA into yet another failed African nation as Zanu PF has done in Zimbabwe.The late Nelson Mandela's greatest legacy to SA was strong democratic institutions that 30 years after the end of apartheid has remained standing.After 30 years in power ANC had run out of ideas on how to govern a long time ago and should have been given its marching orders years ago. Better late than never! Just reaffirming the concept that no party has the divine right to rule is a quantum leap for not only SA but for the region and the whole of Africa.Regime change is SA would be the best thing that could possible happen in that country and the whole SADC region.
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Rishi Sunaks government sparked anger and ridicule for boasting that its Network North transport pledge will see 235m spent on London potholes.

The much-mocked social media post bragged that road repairs in London boroughs such as Bromley and Barnet will be funded by the cash allocated for HS2 before Mr Sunaks scrapped its northern leg.

The Independent first revealed the radical move by Mr Sunak in the autumn to ditch the Birmingham to Manchester high-speed rail link.

Labour politicians such as deputy leader Angela Rayner, Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham and shadow transport minister Louise Haigh all attacked the London-focused post on social media.

Ms Rayner, who represents Ashton-under-Lyne, wrote: Hang on. HS2 money, pledged to level up the North. Cancelled. Re-directed to London. Are they for real?

Mr Burnham wrote: Network North seems to include everywhere  except the North. Ms Haigh said it was ludicrous. She added: Now it turns out Network North actually means repairing roads in London. You couldnt make it up.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said the announcement on social media amounted to gerrymandering that would even make the Republican party blush.

Mr Rotherham said: Its more smoke and mirrors from the government, a PR stunt from a photo-op prime minister who is more interested in shiny graphics for social media than tackling the issues facing real people.

The Liverpool mayor added: The question now is, if the government believes that London is now part of the north, will our area start to see the same level of public transport investment as when London was in the south?

Among the many mocking the ad posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, TV presenter and campaigner Carol Vorderman said can someone send them a map.

Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron said it was great to see the rural northern village of London finally getting the levelling up funding it deserves.

The PM was met with howls of outrage from northern leaders, business chiefs and senior Tories, after he used his Tory conference speech to confirm The Independents story that the northern phase of HS2 would be axed.

Former Tory PM David Cameron  now the foreign secretary  attacked Mr Sunaks decision  saying he had thrown away fifteen years of cross-party consensus and made future infrastructure projects much harder.

Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak were attacked for scrapping HS2s northern leg (PA)

Responding to the reaction to the social media post, transport secretary Mark Harper wrote that it was great that people are talking about our Network North plan.

The Tory cabinet minister claimed that every penny of the 19.8 billion committed to the Northern leg of HS2 will be reinvested in the North.

Mr Harper also defended the pothole spending  saying the redirected HS2 funding will ensure road users across London have smoother, faster and safer journeys. He said the government was on the side of drivers.

The Department of Transport said the funding is part of an 8.3bn investment to resurface more than 5,000 miles of roads across England.

Between now and March, 7.5m is to be made available, followed by a further 7.5m in 2024-2025, with the remainder extending until 2034. Over the next year, Hillingdon will receive 354,000, 455,000 for Bromley and 368,000 for Barnet.
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Sir Keir Starmer has backed calls to legalise assisted dying  signalling that a Labour government could support a new vote in parliament.

The Labour leader said there were grounds for changing the law to let people who want to end their lives be given help under clinical controls.

Dame Esther Rantzen has called for a Commons vote on assisted dying, after revealing that she has registered with the Dignitas clinic.

The Childline founder and broadcaster, 83, has stage four lung cancer and earlier this week said she has joined the assisted dying facility in Switzerland.

Sir Keir  who backed a change in the law when ending the ban was defeated in the Commons in 2015  said on Thursday it deserved careful attention.

On the question of assisted dying, there are obviously strong views both ways on this, which I respect, Sir Keir told reporters during his pre-Christmas visit to British troops in Estonia.

And thats why traditionally, this has always been dealt with a private members bill and a free vote and that seems appropriate to me, he said.

He added: I personally do think there are grounds for changing the law, we have to be careful  but it would have to be, I think, a free vote on an issue where there are such divided and strong views.

Keir Starmer is in Estonia to visit British troops (PA Wire)

Cabinet minister Mel Stride this week suggested he would support another free vote in parliament on legalising assisted dying.

A bill to legalise assisted dying in the UK under strict controls was defeated, 330 votes to 118, in 2015. It is still banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

Mr Stride said he wouldnt be adverse to a fresh debate and vote in the Commons. The work and pensions secretary said he would want to take a fresh look at it and come to a decision.

But he made clear that Rishi Sunaks government was not bringing forward a fresh bill.

Fellow cabinet minister Michael Gove, when asked about Dame Esthers case, told reporters: Im not yet persuaded of the case for assisted dying  but I do think that its appropriate for the Commons to revisit this.

Asked about the issue on Thursday, health secretary Victoria Atkins said the issue was always treated as a matter of conscience, with MPs given a free vote.

She initially declined to say whether she thought it was time for another, telling BBC Radio 4s Today: As health secretary, I think actually, its right that I dont express an opinion on this. But she added: I think that if there was a will in parliament, it will happen.

Esther Rantzen has revealed she is considering assisted dying in Switzerland (PA)

Dame Esther told BBC Radio 4 that she believed more people would want to choose the manner of their death if they were allowed  saying she would organise a free vote if she were PM.

She also told the PA news agency: I would say to parliamentarians: Think of the people you love in your own life, maybe who are older, maybe who are unwell, and think how you would wish them to spend their last days and weeks.

It is agonising to watch someone you love suffer. Nobody wants that for their family. And we live in a day and age when its perfectly possible to offer people a gentle, peaceful death.

Senior Tory Kit Malthouse, former minister at the Home Office, said he had been working the tea rooms in favour of a new vote.

The co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on end-of-life choice said that the sentiment in parliament has moved significantly since 2015.

In Scotland, it is not a specific criminal offence but assisting the death of someone can leave a person open to murder or other charges. Legislation is being put forward by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, with the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill due to come before Holyrood next year.

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.
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Keir Starmer has not ruled out using nuclear weapons if he becomes prime minister next year as he visited British troops near the border with Russia.

The Labour leader also appeared to suggest he could look at offshore processing to deal with migrants coming to the UK on small boats, saying he would look at any credible option.

In a wide-ranging interview, he expressed concern for his family if he did move into No 10 but said he was ready for a spring election.

And he said that he did know the meaning of rizz  the newly crowned word of the year denoting style or charm  but had forgotten.

In 2015 the then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would never use nuclear weapons as prime minister.

At the time he was accused of putting at risk the UKs relationship with Nato, which is a nuclear alliance.

But visiting a Nato base in Estonia, Sir Keir did not rule out using nuclear weapons if he wins the keys to Downing Street.

Asked during an interview with GB News if he would fire nuclear weapons to protect the UK, Sir Keir said: The nuclear deterrent is very important to us. Obviously, Im not going to discuss with you the circumstance in which they may or may not be used, but it is a very important part of the defence of our country that we are strongly committed to, along with our commitment to Nato and to the security of our nation, which is paramount.

He said: Theres been an unshakable commitment to Nato ever since Nato was first created, which of course was under a Labour government ... Theres a real driving sense of purpose here with the troops that are here on the frontline.

Starmer said: Theres been an unshakable commitment to Nato ever since Nato was first created (PA)

Sir Keir said his ambition was to increase defence spending, adding When the last Labour government was in power, it was 2.5 per cent.

He also said he had a manifesto ready when we need it even if the election is just 19 weeks away, to coincide with Mays local elections.

Days after the prime minister said the election would be in 2024, he added: We are ready for a general election. Ive had my whole team on a general election footing for some time now.

But he admitted he was concerned about the possible impact on his family, including his two teenage children.

I do worry about my family. If Im honest, Im very protective of my wife and our children, he said.

We dont name our children publicly. We dont have photo shoots with them. And so I am very mindful of the impact it could have on them.

Our boy is 15, our girl is 13. These are, you know, ages where theyre going through huge change. But my aim is to keep protecting them in every way that I can.

He did not rule out looking at offshore processing to deal with asylum seekers coming to UK shores on small boats, saying he would look at any credible option, but I think that at the moment, the single most important thing is to take out the gangs that are taking money to put people in those boats.

On taxation, he said he would go for growth rather than pulling the tax lever and seek to reduce the tax burden.

He also said Sunaks government had got this one wrong after Ireland announced its plans to take the UK to court over plans to offer immunity to UK soldiers, among others, who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

Sir Keir expressed concern the plans had no political support in Northern Ireland from any political party and most importantly when the victims and their families in Northern Ireland are not supportive.
The Irish government has decided to sue the UK under the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights over a new law that attempts to draw a line under the Troubles. Irelands deputy prime minister, Micheal Martin, explained that the UK scheme is opposed by many who were affected by Northern Irelands deadly decades-long conflict, especially the victims and families.

The decision provoked a militant reaction from the British government. The secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, suggested hypocrisy on the part of Ireland: The Irish government should urgently clarify the number of criminal prosecutions brought in Ireland since 1998 relating to Troubles cases, he said, reiterating a common complaint within unionist quarters and among some Tories.

The issue has proved another irritant to UK-Irish relations, after a period in which they had been warming a little and progress had been made on the intractable problems created by Brexit, overlaid as they are on centuries of strife.
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Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi says the country will maintain military pressure on the Philippines amid a dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea that could involve U.S. forces defending their treaty partner.

In a phone conversation Wednesday with his Philippine counterpart, Enrique A. Manalo, Wang warned that if the Philippine side misjudges the situation, goes its own way, or even colludes with ill-intentioned external forces to continue to stir up troubles, China will defend its rights in accordance with law and respond resolutely, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Wangs comments follow Chinas mobilization of its coast guard and maritime militia to block Philippine supply missions to support its soldiers and fishermen. China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, one of the world's most crucial waterways for shipping, putting it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, who all maintain claims over islands, reefs and undersea resources in the region.

In particularly sharp comments, Wang was quoted as accusing the Philippines of having changed its policy stance so far, reneged on the promises it has made, provoked troubles at sea, and undermined Chinas legitimate and lawful rights.

Noting that the bilateral relationship now stands at a crossroads, with its future yet to be decided, Wang said the Philippine side must act with caution, Xinhua reported Thursday.

Instead of continuing in the wrong direction, the Philippine side should return to the right path as soon as possible, with properly handling and managing the current maritime situation as a top priority, Wang was quoted as saying. Wang gave no details on what agreements Manila had allegedly abandoned.

Manalo's office described the the conversation as a frank and candid exchange," saying the sides had reached a clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues.

Territorial disputes have grown tenser as China seeks to cement its territorial claims in defiance of the U.S. and its allies, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea and close partner Taiwan, which China claims as a breakaway province and threatens to annex by military force.

The head of the Philippine military was with his forces aboard a supply boat when it was blasted with a water cannon, surrounded and bumped by Chinese coast guard ships earlier this month in the disputed South China Sea.

China, meanwhile, accused the United States of encouraging the Philippines, its treaty ally, to provoke China for its own purposes, though it provided no direct evidence.

Along with using water cannons, Philippines officials said that Chinese coast guard ships used a military-grade laser that caused Filipino crew members temporary blindness and engaged in dangerous blocking and shadowing maneuvers that caused minor collisions.

Washington is bound by a 1951 treaty to help defend the Philippines from attack. That pledge has grown stronger with the election of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who recently said that the situation in the South China Sea has become more dire as China expands its presence.

China has showed interest in atolls and shoals that are closer and closer to the coast of the Philippines, with the nearest atoll about 60 nautical miles (111 kilometers) away, Marcos said during a visit to the U.S. state of Hawaii last month.
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An Indiana mother has filed a lawsuit after a SWAT team mistakenly raided and destroyed her home and her county left her to shoulder the damages.

More than 30 officers with the South Bend Police Department and the St Joseph County Police Department ambushed Amy Hadleys home on the 1800 block of East Calvert Street on 10 June 2022, Ms Hadley claimed in a lawsuit filed last week. As they descended on the house, law enforcement officers threw gas grenades, smashed windows, tore down walls and launched flash bangs inside.

Ms Hadleys then 15-year-old son Noah, the only one at home at the time, was handcuffed and transported to the police station  even after officers admitted on bodycam footage of the raid that he was clearly not the suspect they were hoping to arrest.

The actual suspect, John Parnell Thomas, was believed to have been involved in a shooting miles away but had no connection with Ms Hadley and had never been seen at the residence. A detective had arrived at the wrong conclusion that Thomas was hiding out at the home after tracking Facebook posts and pulling a mistaken IP address.

The raid left Noah traumatised and the home completely ravaged, an attorney for Ms Hadley claimed in the lawsuit. Family photos of loved ones who had passed away, her childrens drawings and personal belongings were also damaged as police rifled through the home, according to the nonprofit Institute for Justice.

But more than a year after the terrifying ordeal, government agencies have refused to give her any compensation for the $16,000 worth of damage.

Police rifled through the home after arriving at the wrong conclusion that the suspect in a shootout miles away was hiding there (Institute for Justice/Court Records )

Some of the damage was partially covered by her insurance, but Ms Hadley's requests for assistance from both law enforcement departments have been ignored, according to her attorney, Marie Miller.

Amy did nothing wrong to invite the destruction that government officials deliberately inflicted on her property, Ms Miller, an attorney with the Institute for Justice, said. The public as a whole, not Amy alone, must pay for the cost of that law enforcement action.

Shortly after Noah exited the home at the request of law enforcement via bullhorns, officers were recorded on bodycam footage saying that they believed they had the wrong person.

Thats not him, an officer is heard saying. Thats a kid.

After Ms Hadley was alerted by a neighbour of the commotion at her home, she arrived at the residence and desperately tried to explain to officers that they were raiding the wrong house. They also noted that the familys kitten was the only living being inside the home.

Ms Hadley desperately tried to explain to officers that they were raiding the wrong house (Institute for Justice/Court records )

But for the following hours, Ms Hadley and her daughter were forced to see from down the street how officers continued destroying the home.

In the immediate aftermath of the raid, Ms Hadley and her two children had to sleep in their car because the air inside the home was not safe due to the toxic gases and their beds were filled with shattered glass. They returned to the home four days later.

The raid turned our lives and our home upside down, Ms Hadley told the Institute for Justice. The police clearly made a huge mistake, but there has never been an apology for the way we were treated or an offer to cover the damage. If one of the agencies wont take responsibility, I hope the court will make them.

The Independent has reached out to the South Bend Police Department and the St Joseph County Police Department for comment.
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FBI agents raided the home of a white South Carolina couple accused of terrorising their Black neighbours by hurling racist abuse and burning a cross in their backyard at Thanksgiving.

Worden Butler, 28, and Alexis Hartnett, 27, were arrested on 30 November and charged with second-degree harassment for allegedly stalking the neighbours with racially motivated words and actions, in Conway, Horry County.

According to a police report, the couple erected a cross and set it alight on 24 November, and Ms Harett allegedly directed a racist slur at a neighbour while being interviewed by police.

Mr Butler also allegedly shared a picture of the victims' mailbox showing their address on Facebook, and wrote he was summoning the devil's army and I don't care if they and I both go down in the same boat, according to the Horry County Police Department.

Worden Butler, 28, and Alexis Hartnett, 27, allegedly harassed and stalked the victims with racially motivated words and actions (Horry County Sheriffs Office)

On Wednesday, federal civil rights investigators searched the couple's home in Corbett Drive, around 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach.

This action is related to an ongoing criminal civil rights investigation involving allegations of racial discrimination, FBI special agent Steve Jensen said in a statement.

We are working jointly with the US Attorney's Office, as well as our local and state partners, to thoroughly examine this matter, and we're dedicated to ensuring equality and fairness within our communities, he said.

Ms Barnett has also been charged with third-degree assault and battery. The couple have been released from custody.

Shawn and Monica Williams, the neighbours, told WMBF-TV their lives had become a living nightmare since moving to the area to retire two years ago.

Ms Williams told the news site that the alleged stalkers had chased away surveyors and officials from the water and sewer department before allegedly lighting the cross last month.

So now, what are we to do? Still live next to a cross-burning racist whos threatened to cause us bodily harm? Ms Williams said.

Horry County Police Department Chief Joseph Hill called the couples actions appalling and unacceptable.

Such hate and harassment will not be tolerated in Horry County. The individuals responsible will be held accountable for their actions and the hurt they have caused the victims and the greater Horry County community, Mr Hill said in a statement last week.

Since the couples arrest, the NAACP has called for a new hate crime bill in South Carolina.

Cross burnings are considered symbols of hate that are inextricably intertwined with the history of the Ku Klux Klan, according to a 2003 Supreme Court decision written by the late Justice Sandra Day OConnor, according to the Associated Press.

The justices ruled that the First Amendment allows bans on cross burnings only when they are intended to intimidate because the action is a particularly virulent form of intimidation.
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A Georgia woman pretending to be a Waffle House employee came in and worked for two hours before leaving with cash from the register, according to police.

The unidentified woman wandered into a Waffle House in Riverdale, Clayton County, and proceeded to work there for two hours, despite not being an employee, Riverdale Police Department said.

The incident occurred at a Waffle House off the 6500 block of Highway 85.

She was caught on CCTV accessing the register tablet, opening the register and stealing cash.

Police have released an image of her from the CCTV footage and are asking anyone who may know who she is to contact them.

The theft occurred in this Waffle House in Riverdale (Google Maps)

A possible suspect has been identified, police told NBC, but her identity is being withheld until the sheriffs office can serve a warrant.

This incident comes months after four gunmen walked into a Waffle House in Houston, Texas, and demanded all the money out of the cash register and the belongings of all the customers, forcing them to the ground.

The gunmen cleared off with the money on 22 October, and while no one was harmed in the shooting threat, the men have yet to be found by police.
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A former South Carolina state trooper is facing charges after he allegedly bit a toddler in the face.

Jesse Phillip Brassell, 23, has been charged with cruelty to children by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

The trooper allegedly intentionally bit a two-year-old on his face, leaving a bite mark on the right cheek, according to an arrest warrant.

The incident happened in Cottegeville on 20 September, court documents state. The motive is not clear.

The Department of Public Safety suspended Mr Brassell without pay on 22 September, two days after the incident, WCSC reported.

He worked for the South Carolina Highway Patrol for around two years, most recently holding the rank of Trooper First Class while assigned to Troop 6, Post B, which covers Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Jasper counties.

He officially resigned from the agency on 15 December and has been booked into the Colleton County Detention Center.

The case is being investigated by the Public Integrity Unit of the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office.
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California firefighters found the body of a dead teacher stuffed into the trunk of a burnt-out car that had been set on fire.

Officials say that the womans body was found after they were called to a garage fire in the Quartz Hill area of Lancaster on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department quickly extinguished the blaze before finding the body and turned the scene over to law enforcement.

Neighbours said they heard a woman screaming and an explosion immediately before the fire, reported CBS News.

According to KCAL-TV news, the woman was an elementary teacher in Palmdale, California.

A man who described himself as the 27-year-old victims uncle said that the school had called the family when the victim failed to show up at work.

He told the station that the womans boyfriend owned the home and rented out rooms to several people.

The homeowner has not yet been in contact with investigators, according to CBS News.
A Black 2-year-old attending a Florida day care was handcuffed and fingerprinted by a white student peer during a racist reenactment of Rosa Parks arrest, the NAACP said. But the school disputes handcuffs were used in the role-play activity.

In letters written on Dec. 12 to the Florida Department of Children and Families and Building Brains Academy in St. Cloud, Florida, the NAACP says a toddler was subjected to psychological harm when they were involved in a historical role-play.

A 2-year-old girl, who is Black, was put in the role of Rosa Parks, and was handcuffed and then fingerprinted by her white peers to represent Parks arrest from a Montgomery, Alabama, bus after refusing to give up her seat to a white man in 1955, according to the NAACP.

The school, however, disputes handcuffs were used during the activity and said handcuffs would not have been available to the toddler-aged students.

Unfortunately, photographs shared of the activity do not offer a complete or accurate representation of the full lesson about the importance of equal rights, nor do they make it clear that at no time were restraints of any kind used on any student, Building Brains Academy spokesperson Sandi Poreda said. 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.

The school said the reenactment had been spontaneous and in the spirit of the moment, according to Poreda.

The girls parents sent photos of their daughter to the NAACP as evidence that this activity occurred as described, the organization said in the letter, which were described as disturbing.

The organization is calling upon the school to apologize to the families of its students and make changes to the curriculum that included the Rosa Parks role-play.

Poreda said the school had reached out to the students family as soon as they expressed their concern and apologized, then apologized again on multiple occasions.

Story continues

Poreda continued to say that since the activity was spontaneous and unplanned, role-playing the arrest is not an authorized part of the schools regular curriculum and the schools administration didnt know about the role-playing ahead of time.

In light of the situation, we have advised all of our faculty that any deviations from the approved curriculum, no matter how slight or unplanned, must first be approved by school administration. We will continue ensuring our students are exposed to a curriculum that celebrates equality and diversity, Poreda said.

In a statement accompanying the letters, the NAACP said the lesson was part of a greater movement in Florida to suppress and rewrite Black history.

We consider the activity an inappropriate trivialization of a significant historical event, insensitive to the struggles against segregation, and psychologically harmful to all students involved, especially Black students reenacting such a traumatic moment in American history, the NAACP said in the letter to Building Brains Academy.

Poreda said the letter from the NAACP caught the school by surprise, and the school had not been contacted by the organization before the letters were sent.

The portrayal of Rosa Parks should be a source of empathy, not a means to inflict pain. The Florida NAACP State Conference vehemently denounces this act, NAACP Florida State Conference President Adora Nweze said in the release. Our educational institutions must commit to inclusive and accurate historical representations and teachings that preserve the emotional well-being of all students.

McClatchy News reached out to the Department of Children and Families for more information on a possible investigation and is waiting for a response.

St. Cloud is about 30 miles south of Orlando.

Parents and brother beat boy because he became a Christian, Tennessee cops say

Families sue Dollar General after 3 killed in racist shooting at Florida store

Black student was shocked and scared when teacher used racist slur in class, suit says
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A preschool in Florida has come under fire after photos emerged of a two-year-old Black girl participating in a racially unethical Rosa Parks role-play.

The young girl was allegedly playing the part of civil rights activist Rosa Parks in an alarming role-play of her 1955 arrest when she refused to give her seat up for a white passenger in the segregated bus.

In the role-play photos, the toddler is placed under arrest and fingerprinted.

The photos of the classroom demonstration were circulated to parents, drawing outrage from the little girls guardians. Her parents responded by pulling her out of the Building Brains Academy daycare in Osceola within 30 minutes.

I cant believe this is happening to our daughter, Jay, the girls father, told NBC News.

It was our daughter who had her hands restrained behind her back by another child wearing a police vest, he said, describing the pictures.

What I keep relieving in my mind is the look on our daughters face.

The parents decided to take their daughter out of school within half an hour of seeing the photos (NBC News)

The NAACP, a US civil rights organisation, condemned the reenactment exercise, calling it racially unethical in a news release.

"We consider the activity an inappropriate trivialisation of a significant historical event, insensitive to the struggles against segregation, and psychologically harmful to all students involved, especially Black students reenacting such a traumatic moment in American history," the NAACP wrote in a letter to the school.

The organisation asked the school in the letter to cease such activities within their curriculum and requested a formal statement of apology for all those involved in the distressing incident.

The letter also implies that the student was handcuffed by a white peer, but a spokesperson for the preschool claimed to NBC News that the student was not white and no restraints of any kind were actually used.

"The photos of the class activity do not offer a complete or accurate representation of the full lesson about the importance of equal rights," Paola Rosado, the preschools owner and founder, wrote in a letter in response to the NAACP, the outlet said.

"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."

Even if restraints were not used, the NAACP said, per the outlet, that the emotional trauma from the class activity is egregious.

The young students mother told the outlet that when they asked the school why role-play occurred, they told her that the teacher is not from America and does not understand the true context behind Rosa Parks.

The spokesperson told the outlet the teacher has apologised and now understands why the role-play should not have taken place.

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, the school said in a statement to The Independent.

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.

The role-play allegedly was a spontaneous activity and is not part of the usual curriculum and Building Brains Academy claimed that they apologised to the parents and to the NAACP, yet the organisation is still seeking a more official apology from the preschool.

The Independent has contacted Building Brains Academy for comment.
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Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican representative, encouraged people to wear a mask when theyre in the presence of former president Donald Trump due to his apparent odor.

Mr Kinzinger, a vocal critic of Mr Trump, took to his Twitter account this week to insinuate that the former president possesses a strong smell.

Im genuinely surprised how people close to Trump havent talked about the odor, Mr Kinzinger wrote earlier this week.

Its truly something to behold. Wear a mask if you can, he added.

The accusation garnered a lot of attention on the platform, with many mocking the former president for his alleged smell.

When reached for comment about the accusation, a spokesperson for Mr Trump returned the insult to Mr Kinzinger.

Adam Kinzinger farted on live TV and is an unemployed fraud, the spokesperson said in a statement provided to The Independent.

He has disgraced his country and disrespects everyone around him because he is a sad individual who is mad about how his miserable life has turned out.

Mr Kinzinger did not describe what the former president smelled like. But critics of Mr Trump have mentioned the former president has a distinct smell.

In an interview with Mary Trump, the niece of Mr Trump, earlier this year, comedian Kathy Griffin recalled that the former president smelled like body odor with kind of like scented makeup products.

Donald has a distinct smell that doesnt get enough press, Ms Griffin said on The Mary Trump Show.

Ms Griffin spent a brief time with Mr Trump while appearing as a guest on The Apprentice.

Mr Kinzinger worked adjacent Mr Trump while serving in the House of Representatives during the former presidents term, though he never supported Mr Trump.

After the January 6 attack on the Capitol, Mr Kinzinger took a more aggressive opposition approach to the former president, joining his colleague Liz Cheney on the House Select Committee to investigate January 6.

In 2021, Mr Kinzinger left Congress and became a senior political commentator at CNN.
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The dam has officially broken following the Colorado Supreme Courts decision to bar Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot in that state.

A Democratic state official in California is now calling for the former president to be stripped of ballot access in that state too, citing the Colorado courts finding that Mr Trump had participated in an insurrection via his support and tangential leadership of the mob which attacked the US Capitol on January 6, attempting to halt the election certification process.

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis sent a letter to the secretary of state urging her to make a similar determination in the days ahead; Californias deadline for certifying ballots for the upcoming 2024 primary is this coming week.

[T]he Colorado Supreme Court held in Anderson v. Griswold... that Trumps insurrection disqualifies him under section three of the Fourteenth Amendment to stand for presidential re-election. Because the candidate is ineligible, the court ruled, it would be a wrongful act for the Colorado Secretary of State to list him as a candidate on that states presidential primary ballot."

Ms Kounalakis added in an interview with local news affiliate KCRA 3 that the final decision lay in the hands of the secretary of states office. Shirley Weber, the California secretary of state, did not respond to requests for comment from the news outlet on Wednesday.

"We will all wait to see what Dr Weber decides to do. We do understand its her call," said Ms Kounalakis.

Mr Trumps exclusion from the ballot in Colorado is almost certain to set up a battle before the US Supreme Court before primaries take place in the weeks ahead. More states  particularly those where Democrats control state government  are likely to at least make the attempt at stripping Mr Trump from appearing on the ballot.

Proponents of the idea note that Republicans in Congress refused to convict Mr Trump of high crimes and misdemeanors because he was no longer in office when the second impeachment trial took place; some of those who did participate directly in the riot, such as leaders of the rightwing Oathkeepers militia, were convicted of seditious conspiracy in their individual trials.

Other commentators like The Bulwarks Sarah Longwell have argued that regardless of whether or not Mr Trumps actions fit the bill of an insurrection, exclusion from the ballot via court decision only serves to feed into an air of illegitimacy that hangs over the US election system like a dark cloud thanks in no small part due to the former presidents constant false allegations of election fraud.

The former president has even less chance of winning California in a general election than he does of winning Colorado. The real danger for the former president is the opportunity it presents for his primary challengers like Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley  as well as the prospect that he could in the future be kicked off the ballot in a swing state.

Mr Trump remains charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding in response to the events of January 6; he faces 91 felony counts in total relating to that case and four others brought by prosecutors after his presidency ended.

In the months after the January 6 attack, the House committee to investigate the siege found that Trump White House officials had known that their supporters were likely to become violent in the days leading up to the 6th. There was also substantial evidence shown that Mr Trump refused to work with congressional leadership to deploy the DC National Guard during the attack itself, while ignoring desperate pleadings from his allies to call off his supporters.
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Former president Donald Trump has spent much of 2023 dealing with a mountain of legal battles across the country. Lets unwrap the details of those legal challenges.

How do the numbers stack up? He is facing or has faced nine separate cases, four trials, one mugshot, and one brutal ruling in Colorado, disqualifying him from the presidency in the state.

How many counts does Donald Trump face? The former president has been charged to the tune of 91 felony counts across numerous criminal cases.

In how many states did the cases concerning him take place? Five: New York, Florida, Colorado, Georgia, and Washington DC.

Whats Mr Trumps character archetype? Artist with Real Estate.

Top artist? Probably Kanye West.

His top-played song? Justice For All featuring Mr Trump and the J6 Prison Choir.

Here is a deep dive into Mr Trumps year in court dealings:

Colorado Supreme Court

Wrapped: One landmark ruling, one potential appeal.

Just this week, Colorados highest court made a landmark ruling, deciding that Mr Trump is ineligible for the presidency and should be removed from 2024 ballots given his role in the January 6 Capitol riot.

Mr Trumps campaign has since said it plans to appeal to the US Supreme Court.

After the ruling, Mr Trump took to Truth Social to air out his grievances: A SAD DAY IN AMERICA!!! He later wrote, BANANA REPUBLIC??? ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!

Election interference was probably one of Mr Trumps most replayed phrases this year.

New York civil fraud trial

Wrapped: 11 week-long trial, $250m lawsuit, 40 witnesses.

This case seems to have struck a chord with Mr Trump, who has long touted his personal wealth.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is trying to hold Mr Trump accountable for mastering the art of the steal. The lawsuit seeks to recover $250m and is aiming to block the Trump Organization from ever again conducting business in New York, Mr Trumps home state.

Mr Trump  and three of his children  testified in court. While on the stand, Donald Trump Jr described his father as an artist with real estate.

If a list of Mr Trumps top 10 list of most referenced people and phrases in 2023 existed, some of the key players in this case likely would have made the cut. The former president has slammed both Judge Arthur Engoron and Ms James repeatedly on Truth Social.

Just this week, he described the judge as a corrupt and radical Judge Engoron who is a political hack. In the same post, he blasted Ms James as the Racist Attorney General, although he frequently calls her Peekaboo.

Closing arguments are set to begin on 11 January 2024.

Federal classified documents case

Wrapped: 40 felony charges, 100 classified documents, two historic federal indictments.

Mr Trump undoubtedly marches to the beat of his own drum. In 2021, he became the first president to be twice-impeached. This year, as if setting himself one notch further from Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton and their singular impeachments, Mr Trump also became the first current or former president to be federally indicted.

Special Counsel Jack Smith handed down an indictment in June, revealing how Mr Trump showed highly classified information to unauthorised individuals on more than one occasion. The indictment came just less than a year after the FBI raided Mar-a-Lago and found over 100 classified documents in Mr Trumps possession  after he left office.

He was initially charged with 37 felony counts, including willful retention of national defence information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and withholding a document or record.

Sadly not to the tune of Billy Joels song, Mr Trump said, I am an innocent man, following the initial indictment.

A month later, Mr Smith unveiled a superseding indictment, adding three more criminal charges against the former president, reaching a total of 40 counts. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The classified documents trial is set to begin on 20 May 2024.

Federal 2020 election interference

Wrapped: Four felony counts, the third historic federal indictment, and a question of presidential immunity.

Like a song he couldnt stop listening to, Mr Trump was federally indicted for a third time in August when Mr Smith revealed an indictment in connection with the former presidents efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the lead-up to the January 6 insurrection.

Mr Trump is up against four federal counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.

The former president sang a familiar tune, calling the charges yet another Fake Indictment.

Now, Mr Trump is arguing presidential immunity as defence to these charges.

Prosecutors asked the Supreme Court to expedite consideration of the immunity claim, but Mr Trumps team on Wednesday asked the court to reject their request, citing no compelling reason for the extraordinary haste he proposes.

The trial is set to begin on 4 March 2024.

Georgia criminal case

Wrapped: 13 felony counts, 19 co-defendants, one monetized mugshot.

In August, a Georgia grand jury initially indicted Mr Trump and 18 others, including Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani, in August over their alleged attempts to subvert the 2020 presidential election outcome in Georgia.

However, since then, four defendants  including Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell  have pleaded guilty under plea agreements.

Mr Trump faces 13 criminal charges, including counts of violating the RICO Act, conspiracy to impersonate a public officer, filing false documents, and making false statements.

Prosecutors have argued for an August 2024 trial start date; but Mr Trumps attorneys have called this proposal election interference, since he is vying to return to the White House in 2024.

On 25 August, the former president was booked into Fulton County Jail and had his mugshot taken. His campaign has since made millions from slapping the mugshot onto mugs, t-shirts, Christmas stockings, and other merchandise.

New York hush-money case

Wrapped: 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, one porn star, one not guilty plea.

As is absolutely, definitely, totally precedented in US history, a former president was accused of giving hush money to a porn star.

Porn star Stormy Daniels claimed she and Mr Trump had an affair, after which he allegedly paid her  through his former fixer Michael Cohen  to keep quiet about it as the 2016 election loomed.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought the 34-count indictment against Mr Trump. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The trial is scheduled to begin in March 2024.

E Jean Carroll cases

Wrapped: Two lawsuits, $5m in damages, plus more moolah pending.

These cases are part of a different genre of lawsuit altogether.

In May, E Jean Carroll filed a civil suit against Mr Trump under the Adult Survivors Act. The former Elle columnist accused Mr Trump of raping her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s.

Ms Carroll testified that after the pair entered the dressing room, Mr Trump shut the door and shoved me up against the wall. She described how the alleged rape left her unable to ever have a romantic life again. The jury found Mr Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation and awarded her $5m in damages.

Four months after the May verdict, a judge found Mr Trump liable for defaming the writer again for comments that he made in 2019 about the incident.

A civil trial to determine the monetary damages is slated for 15 January 2024.

Michael Cohen case

Wrapped: $500m lawsuit, dodged deposition, dropped suit.

Mr Trump sued Mr Cohen in April in Florida for allegedly breaching his contract, citing multiple breaches of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, conversion, and breaches of contract.

The former president claimed Mr Cohen spread falsehoods about him with malicious intent and to wholly self-serving ends. He sought $500 from his former lawyer.

Just days before Mr Trump was going to have to sit for a deposition in early October, he decided to drop the suit altogether.

A Trump spokesperson told The Guardian: Given that President Trump is required to sit for deposition in a civil matter on Columbus Day, when he is scheduled to be in the Great State of New Hampshire President Trump has decided to temporarily pause his meritorious claims against Michael Cohen.
 Close Donald Trump jokes about Chris Christie being his running mate

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Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over Donald Trumps civil fraud trial in New York, reportedly suffered a bomb threat at his home on Thursday morning.

That followed the defendants latest attack on the justice on Truth Social for not allowing him to deliver his own closing argument at todays hearing.

Mr Trump alleged that Judge Engoron and state attorney general Letitia James are working together to screw him, accusing them of election interference for scheduling Thursdays session so close to the Iowa caucuses on Monday and labelling the trial rigged and unfair.

The Republican front-runner appeared on a Fox News town hall broadcast from Des Moines last night rather than join GOP rivals Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis for a CNN debate and tried to backtrack on his earlier declaration that he would be a dictator for the first day of his next term, should he win Novembers presidential election.

Were going to do two things  the border, were going to make it so tight you cant get in unless you come in legally, he said.

And the other is energy. Were going to drill, baby drill. After that, Im not going to be a dictator.
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Less than 24 hours after Donald Trumps attorneys told the US Supreme Court to reject a fast-tracked consideration of his presidential immunity defence, special counsel Jack Smith urged the justices for an immediate review and a definitive decision.

A filing with the nations highest court on Thursday responds to the former presidents attempts to slow down the special counsels appeal that asks the justices for the final word on whether he can claim immunity from prosecution in a federal election conspiracy case.

The federal judge overseeing the case has rejected those arguments, and Mr Trump has vowed to appeal.

Mr Trump agrees that the question whether a former President of the United States enjoys absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for a conspiracy to overturn an election, and thereby prevent the lawful winner from taking office, is an issue of great constitutional moment, prosecutors with Mr Smiths office wrote in the filing.

But the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination for president is incorrect to believe that the nations highest court should wait to weigh in, they wrote.

This courts immediate review of that question is the only way to achieve its timely and definitive resolution, they added. The public interest in a prompt resolution of this case favors an immediate, definitive decision by this court. The charges here are of the utmost gravity. This case involves  for the first time in our nations history  criminal charges against a former president based on his actions while in office.

And not just any actions, they added.

A federal grand jury indictment charges Mr Trump with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.

Those charges are based on Mr Trumps alleged acts to perpetuate himself in power by frustrating the constitutionally prescribed process for certifying the lawful winner of an election, Mr Smith wrote.

Respondent stands accused of serious crimes because the grand jury followed the facts and applied the law, the filing added, in closing. The government seeks this courts resolution of the immunity claim so that those charges may be promptly resolved, whatever the result.

Prosecutors have argued that the former president relied on knowingly false claims about the election to pressure state officials to approve fraudulent slates of electors to obstruct the certification of the results, then attempted to persuade then-Vice President Mike Pence to refuse the outcome, and, ultimately, failed to dissuade a mob of his supporters from rioting at the US Capitol on January 6.

Mr Trumps campaign has also vowed to appeal an historic decision from the Colorado Supreme Court that disqualifies him from state ballots in 2024 because of his role in the attack.

A ruling from the states highest court on Tuesday cites his ineligibility under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibits candidates who engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding public office.

The cases before the Supreme Court could inject serious constitutional questions into the 2024 presidential race, with the potential to upend Mr Trumps campaign, who has launched a violent warpath accusing his political rivals of trying to derail his path to the White House.
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Rudy Giuliani has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy days after he was ordered to pay more than $148m to a mother-daughter pair of election workers he defamed in the volatile aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, underscoring the downfall of a man once hailed as Americas Mayor.

His filing in New York comes one day after the federal judge overseeing his defamation case ordered him to immediately pay the women, pointing to his history as an uncooperative litigant and concerns that he will try to conceal his assets during any appeals.

Last week, an eight-member jury unanimously agreed that Donald Trumps former attorney owes Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss $16.2m and $16.99m respectively in compensatory damages, an additional $20m each for intentional infliction of emotional distress, and a further $75m in punitive damages.

Judge Howell had already found Mr Giuliani liable for defamation in a damning pretrial ruling earlier this year. A four-day trial in Washington DC sought to determine how much he owed.

Ms Moss, who was a clerical worker in a county election office, and Ms Freeman, her mother, who had taken a temporary job to help count ballots, were subject to relentless abuse, threats and racist attacks in the wake of the 2020 election.

During their emotional testimony on the witness stand last week, they detailed the credible threats, fears and overwhelming anxiety they have experienced in the months after the former mayor of New York City falsely claimed that they wheeled a suitcase loaded with fraudulent ballots into a vote-counting centre in Georgia and then used a flash drive to manipulate the results.

His bankruptcy filing on Thursday lists debts of as much as $500m and assets between $1m and $10m.

Asked in the filing about the nature of his debts, he simply wrote: Lawsuits.

In addition to the more than $148m owed to Ms Freeman and Ms Moss, Mr Giuliani owes roughly $1m in taxes and more than $3.5m to law firms.

The filing should be a surprise to no one, his spokesperson Ted Goodman said in a statement.

No person could have reasonably believed that Mayor Rudy Giuliani would be able to pay such a high punitive amount, he added. Chapter 11 will afford Mayor Giuliani the opportunity and time to pursue an appeal, while providing transparency for his finances under the supervision of the bankruptcy court, to ensure all creditors are treated equally and fairly throughout the process.

In a federal court filing this week, the women asked the court to immediately enforce the verdict against Mr Giuliani, fearing he will use whatever time he has to alienate or dissipate what assets are available to satisfy even a small portion of the judgment awarded to them.

In her order on Wednesday, US District Judge Beryl Howell  who has been repeatedly frustrated by Mr Giulianis attempts to evade evidence throughout the case  did just that.

Mr Giulianis claims that he has experienced financial difficulties are difficult to square against his hiring of a spokesperson who accompanied him daily to trial, the judge wrote.

The case adds to a growing pile of debts and legal obstacles, including a pending lawsuit from voting systems company Smartmatic, a lawsuit from Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden, and a sprawling criminal case in Atlanta, where he is charged alongside the former president and more than a dozen others for joining a criminal enterprise to unlawfully overturn Georgias election results.

A pressure campaign from Mr Trumps allies against Ms Freeman and Ms Moss is key evidence in that case.

Mr Giuliani also is an unnamed and unindicted co-conspirator in the federal election conspiracy case against Mr Trump for his attempts to reverse his loss to Joe Biden.
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On Wednesday night, Seth Meyers said what were all thinking right about now:

What is politics now? Like, for real, what are we all doing?

Those important questions  which mightve hit home a little too hard  were followed by a constitutional history lesson from Mr Meyers on how Colorados Supreme Court has banned former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot.

After the Civil War, Congress ratified a section of the 14th Amendment in order to keep secessionists who were disloyal to the United States out of government, Mr Meyers said on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Mr Meyers is referring to section 3 of the US Constitutions 14th Amendment , which states that no person holding government office shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.

He assured viewers not to worry if they hadnt heard of it: Its a Reconstruction-era amendment which high school history class always skipped over for some reason.

The Colorado Supreme Court cited that amendment when they issued their 4-3 decision barring Mr Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot earlier this week.

The only way this amendment could apply any more directly to Donald Trump is if it said No person shall hold any office who hasnt previously taken an oath to support the Constitution and the United States shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same including any flamboyant land-owning weirdos whose ties are too long and wont stop complaining about how toilets dont flush and windmills killing birds , Mr Meyers continued.

Following his quips about Mr Trumps previous bizarre claims, Mr Meyers cut right to the chase: I dont think anyone can reasonably dispute the fact that Donald Trump is an insurrection as defined by the plain text of the amendment.

Mr Trump has already promised to appeal the Colorado decision. After the ruling, Mr Trump lashed out on his social media platform, Truth Social.

BIDEN SHOULD DROP ALL OF THESE FAKE POLITICAL INDICTMENTS AGAINST ME, BOTH CRIMINAL & CIVIL. EVERY CASE I AM FIGHTING IS THE WORK OF THE DOJ & WHITE HOUSE. NO SUCH THING HAS EVER HAPPENED IN OUR COUNTRY BEFORE. BANANA REPUBLIC??? ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!! Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Fellow Republicans are also rejecting the decision. Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy vowed to remove himself from the Colorado ballot in protest, a move that was met with mockery on X, formerly Twitter, from fellow politicians.

In response to the decision, US President Joe Biden said theres no question Mr Trump supported an insurrection during the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots.

The Office of Donald Trump did not respond to The Independents request for comment.
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The Biden campaign has taken to comparing former President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, and the president himself has also stepped into the fray.

In the last month and a half, as Mr Trumps rhetoric has grown more extreme, calling his political opponents vermin and claiming that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country, the Biden campaign has issued statements comparing Mr Trump to the Nazi leader at least four times.

Its a continuation of Mr Bidens 2020 campaign, when he was running to restore the soul of America and the US as the global leader of the liberal international world order amid a steady rise of authoritarianism throughout the 2010s.

A new age of strongmen

Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey, Viktor Orban in Hungary, the recently ousted Law and Justice Party in Poland, ex-President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, Narendra Modi in India, and most importantly Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China, are all examples of leaders who have based their leadership on the idea that we are in a new age of strongmen.

Many of them Mr Biden will have known personally from his time as vice president and senator atop the Foreign Relations Committee.

Mr Biden has made clear that the cataclysm that led to his decision to run in 2020 was the neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 after which Mr Trump said there were very fine people on both sides  both among the counter-protesters and among the violent white supremacists carrying tiki torches and chanting Jews will not replace us.

Bidens focus on the fate of global democracy

Mr Bidens focus on the fate of global democracy was clear after he entered the White House as he hosted a Summit for Democracy within a year of becoming president "to renew democracy at home and confront autocracies abroad".

But the threats Mr Biden saw in 2020 havent gone away. If anything, they have worsened. Mr Putin is more confident than ever that he can outlast the Western world after the less-than-stellar start of his invasion of Ukraine, and Mr Xi recently became the first Chinese leader to begin a third term atop the Chinese Communist Party since the death of Mao.

At home, Mr Trump is going further than ever, bringing his admiration for dictators and strongmen into public view, using the criticism of left-of-centre leaders to whip up his base and attempting to paint himself as borderline messianic, saying again and again that hes being targeted because hes standing up for the ordinary American.

Mr Biden has even said that hes unsure he would run again if he wasnt facing Mr Trump, whose GOP nomination is seen by most observers as a foregone conclusion.

After the Colorado Supreme Court booted Mr Trump from the states ballot this week for his part in the Capitol riot, Mr Biden was asked on Wednesday if Mr Trump is an insurrectionist.

"Its self-evident. You saw it all. Now whether the 14th Amendment applies, Ill let the court make that decision. But he certainly supported an insurrection. Theres no question about it. None. Zero, Mr Biden said.

Dont compare me to the Almighty

The White House and Mr Biden appear to be using the image of Hitler, the most reviled figure in modern history, to go on the offensive against the former president in an effort to remind voters and the coalition that brought him to power in 2020 of why they ousted Mr Trump in the first place.

The president likes to quote his dad when criticising his predecessor: Dont compare me to the Almighty. Compare me to the alternative.

Mr Biden is telling voters that even if they dont like him, take a good look at who hes up against. The Biden campaign appears to want voters to believe that they must re-elect the president, or witness the rise of fascism in America.

Echoes language you heard in Nazi Germany

At a fundraiser in San Franciso in November, Mr Biden slammed Mr Trumps comments in New Hampshire, where he said he would root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country that lie and steal and cheat on elections.

Theres a lot of reasons to be against Donald Trump, but damn he shouldnt be president, Mr Biden said.

In just the last few days, Trump has said, if he returns office, hes gonna go after all those who oppose him and wipe out what he called the vermin, quote, the vermin in America  a specific phrase with a specific meaning, Mr Biden said.

Trump refers to 'radical leftists' as 'vermin' during Claremont campaign rally

It echoes language you heard in Nazi Germany in the 30s, Mr Biden said. And it isnt even the first time. Trump also recently talked about, quote, the blood of America is being poisoned  the blood of America is being poisoned. Again, echoes the same phrases used in Nazi Germany.

Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement at the time that on a weekend when most Americans were honoring our nations heroes, Donald Trump parroted the autocratic language of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini  two dictators many US veterans gave their lives fighting.

Compared Trump and GOP senators to Nazi propagandist

Mr Biden compared Mr Trump to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels in September 2020. Shortly before he would go on to beat him in the election that November, Mr Biden told MSNBC that Mr Trump was "sort of like Goebbels.

"You say the lie long enough, keep repeating it, repeating it, repeating it, it becomes common knowledge," Mr Biden said, reacting to Mr Trump trying to make his opponent out to be a socialist.

I think people see very clearly the difference between me and Donald Trump, Mr Biden said. Trump is clearing protests in front of the White House that are peaceful with the military. This guy is more Castro than Churchill.

Mr Biden also compared Texas Senator Ted Cruz to Goebbels after the 2020 election after the senator pushed Mr Trumps lies about the election being stolen.

Joe Biden certified as next US president

The then-president-elect remembered Goebbels exaggeration of civilian deaths during the firebombing of Dresden in the Second World War, which ran in newspapers across the globe. Goebbels argued that the bigger the lie and the more it was repeated, the likelier it was that it would come to be believed.

Mr Biden noted that both Mr Cruz and Mr Trump pushed the notion that there was something wrong with the election in the face of a complete lack of evidence to back up their claims.

Theyre part of the big lie, Mr Biden said at the time. When we were told that, you know, Goebbels and the great lie  when Dresden was bombed, firebombed, there were 250 people that were killed. [Or] was it 2,500 people that were killed? And Goebbels said no, 25,000, or 250,000 were killed. And our papers printed that. Our papers printed it. Its a big lie.

Around 25,000 civilians were killed in the firebombing of Dresden in early 1945, months before the surrender of Nazi Germany. Goebbels, known for his lies, claimed that 200,000 died.

Mr Biden was asked if Mr Cruz or Missouri Sen Josh Hawley, who also took part in the delaying of the certification of the results, should resign, Mr Biden said: They should be just flat beaten the next time they run.

Mr Biden said at the time that if Mr Trump was the only one saying it, thats one thing. But the acolytes that follow him, like Cruz and others, theyre as responsible as he is.

There are decent people out there who actually believe these lies because theyve heard it again and again.

The American public has a real good, clear look at who they are, he told the press at the time. Theyre part of the big lie. The big lie.

The neo-Nazi rally that inspired Biden to run

Charlottesville: Donald Trump says there were 'fine people on both sides'

Mr Biden has said that his outrage at the neo-nazi rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017, after which Mr Trump, as president, said there were very fine people on both sides even after the death of a counter-protester, was the moment he decided to run.

At a fundraiser in 2019 after his campaign launch, Mr Biden said, "When those folks came out of the fields carrying those torches, chanting the anti-Semitic bile and their veins bulging, accompanied by the Ku Klux Klan, with such ugliness  I never thought Id see something like that again in my life. Thats when I decided.

In his 2019 campaign announcement video, Mr Biden said about Mr Trumps response to the event: In that moment, I knew the threat to this nation was unlike any I had ever seen in my lifetime.
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The US Supreme Court could determine whether Donald Trump is immune from criminal prosecution for crimes connected to the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, and whether his name can be removed from ballots because of them.

Those two major constitutional questions before the nations highest court  where three of the nine justices were appointed by the former president  arrive in the middle of the 2024 race for the presidency, and could have resounding impacts beyond Mr Trumps campaign.

The Supreme Court is considering whether Mr Trump has presidential immunity from charges connected to his attempts to subvert the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, including his failure to stop a mob of his supporters from breaking into the halls of Congress to stop the certification of the results.

His campaign also pledged to go to the Supreme Court following a Colorado ruling that bars him from appearing on 2024 ballots under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibits candidates who engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding public office.

Those questions underscore the massive role that courtrooms have played in Mr Trumps brutal campaign for the White House in 2024, a campaign that frames the 91 criminal charges, fraud lawsuits and sexual abuse and defamation claims against him as evidence of a conspiracy to keep him away from the presidency. Mr Trump has promised vengeance against his political enemies if he wins another White House term.

On Tuesday night, the former president didnt issue a statement or even address the Colorado ruling from the stage of a campaign rally in Iowa, where he spoke roughly one hour later. Instead, while he was speaking, a fundraising email with the title REMOVED FROM THE BALLOT asked supporters for donations to join the fight to keep my name on the 2024 ballot and peacefully defend YOUR right to vote.

Mr Trump, who has spent years in court litigating against threats to his business and his political career, has relied on his multiple courtroom battles in several jurisdictions to raise millions of dollars for his campaign, telling his supporters that the threats he faces are also coming for them.

What he doesnt tell them is why, or even what hes been charged with, but its a narrative that is driving his campaign, and every subsequent courtroom decision against him becomes more fuel to cast himself as the victim.

Meanwhile, his attorneys have echoed his claims of election interference in court filings and courtrooms across the country.

The Supreme Court is also considering the scope of a federal statute that makes it a crime for anyone who corruptly obstructs an official proceeding  in this case, the certification of the 2020 presidential election. That charge has hit more than 300 defendants, including the former president.

Those questions before the high courts conservative supermajority also come under heightened scrutiny of the court itself. The court is facing questions about its legitimacy and ethics obligations after a wave of reporting revealed justices ties to powerful donors and special interests, including potential interference in the 2020 election.

That confluence of events  and potential answers to what are ostensibly simple questions about the role of government  close out 2023 at a critical turning point.

The presidential immunity question

A federal grand jury indictment charges the former president with four crimes, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.

He is accused of using lies about the elections outcome to wage a pressure campaign against state officials to push fraudulent slates of electors to obstruct the certification of the results, followed by a failed effort to persuade then-Vice President Mike Pence to refuse the outcome, and, ultimately, failing to stop a mob of his supporters from breaking into the Capitol.

His attorneys have argued that not only were his actions protected as core political speech, they also have stated that he is protected from prosecution for actions they consider part of his presidential duties.

No former president has ever been criminally prosecuted, let alone for actions committed while in the White House. Mr Trumps attorneys have seized on that lack of precedent to get the indictments against him thrown out.

US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, centre, speaks with his wife Ginni Thomas, seated next to Justice Samuel Alito, at Sandra Day OConnors funeral on 19 December. (Getty)

On 1 December, the federal judge overseeing his election conspiracy case wrote that Mr Trumps one term in office did not bestow on him the divine right of kings to evade criminal accountability.

The United States has only one Chief Executive at a time, and that position does not confer a lifelong get-out-of-jail-free pass, wrote US District Judge Tanya Chutkan. A former presidents exposure to federal criminal liability is essential to fulfilling our constitutional promise of equal justice under the law.

In their request for the Supreme Court to quickly settle the question ahead of a March 2024 trial date, federal prosecutors said that such liability is a cornerstone of constitutional law.

The force of that principle is at its zenith where, as here, a grand jury has accused a former president of committing federal crimes to subvert the peaceful transfer of power to his lawfully elected successor, they wrote.

Nothing could be more vital to our democracy than that a president who abuses the electoral system to remain in office is held accountable for criminal conduct, the filing added. Yet [Mr Trump] has asserted that the Constitution accords him absolute immunity from prosecution. The Constitutions text, structure, and history lend no support to that novel claim.

The 14th Amendment question

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment plainly outlines what makes a candidate ineligible for public office:

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.

A final clause, however, adds that Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

The 14th Amendment was among a suite of civil rights amendments enacted in the volatile aftermath of the US Civil War to grant equal protection under the law to all citizens, including formerly enslaved people.

Section 3 of that amendment effectively enshrined what President Abraham Lincoln had declared before Congress after the first shots of the war were fired in 1861.

A question of whether the American experiment can survive against an internal attempt to overthrow it remained in dispute, according to Lincoln, and it is now for them to demonstrate to the world that those who can fairly carry an election can also suppress a rebellion; that ballots are the rightful and peaceful successors of bullets, and that when ballots have fairly and constitutionally decided there can be no successful appeal back to bullets; that there can be no successful appeal except to ballots themselves at succeeding elections.

Such will be a great lesson of peace, teaching men that what they can not take by an election neither can they take it by a war; teaching all the folly of being the beginners of a war, he said in his address.

Section 3s authors argued during congressional debate that the rules apply to anyone who took an oath of office, including the president, which attorneys for Mr Trump and right-wing legal analysts have disputed, by pointing to language that he is neither an officer under the United States nor an officer of the United States.

A mob fuelled by Donald Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him stormed the US Capitol on 6 January, 2021, to stop the certification of Joe Bidens victory. (AP)

Republican US Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene faced a legal challenge over her eligibility for office under Section 3. So did former Republican US Rep Madison Cawthorn, whose case was declared moot after he lost a primary election.

Last year, Couy Griffin, a county commissioner in New Mexico who was convicted for his role in the 6 January attack, was permanently removed from office under a Section 3 insurrection challenge, marking the first successful attempt to disqualify a public official from holding office in more than 100 years.

A lawsuit filed by a government watchdog group on behalf of a group of Colorado voters argued that Mr Trump had also failed Section 3s test, rendering him constitutionally ineligible to appear on any Colorado ballot as a candidate for federal or state office.

Last month, Colorado District Judge Sarah Wallace found that not only did Mr Trump incite the attack on the Capitol in an effort to block the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 election, he also engaged with it.

Mr Trump acted with the specific intent to incite political violence and direct it at the Capitol with the purpose of disrupting the electoral certification, she wrote.

After an appeal to the states highest court, the justices wrote in a 4-3 majority opinion that President Trump did not merely incite the insurrection.

Even when the siege on the Capitol was fully underway, he continued to support it, they continued. These actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection.

The ruling determined that his 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.

Mr Trump and his campaign intend to appeal the Colorado Supreme Court decision to the US Supreme Court.

The Colorado case is among several stemming from similar lawsuits challenging his eligibility to appear on 2024 ballots under the provisions of the 14th Amendment.

Colorado law requires the secretary of state to certify the names that will appear on the ballot by 5 January. The state Supreme Court ruling is delayed until 4 January to allow the nations highest court to review it, if it chooses to.

Supreme Court justices could ultimately leave the 14th Amendment question up to individual states to decide. In that case, the Colorado Supreme Court ruling would not impact challenges in other states. But state courts could point to the ruling in Colorado when making their decision.

Even inaction would functionally exclude him from not just Colorado but perhaps other states, Notre Dame Law School professor Derek Muller said in a statement shared with The Independent.

There are a dozen ways the Court could go. And there is no question this is a big, big deal, he said.
Gaza war: Lord Cameron says 'absolute priority' to get more aid in as death toll reaches 20,000

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said on Thursday it was imperative for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza to reach Palestinian civilians threatened by hunger and disease.

Britain is working at the United Nations Security Council to build support for a new ceasefire resolution, he stressed during a visit to Cairo following a trip to Jordan where he saw aid trucks being loaded up.

He said that people working for the UK Government in Gaza have managed to get out but have left relatives trapped behind, who are going hungry, who are not able to eat, who are threatened with disease.

And it is a huge threat facing Gaza at the moment and aid is the absolute priority, Lord Cameron told a joint news conference with Egypts foreign minister Sameh Shoukry.

Britain is pushing very hard for Israel to fully open up the Kerem Shalom freight crossing into Gaza, and is also looking at the prospect of sending UK aid ships direct from Cyprus, the former PM said.

Everything that can be done must be done to get aid into Gaza to help people in the desperate situation that they're in, he said.

The draft UN Security Council resolution was really all about aid, the delivery of aid and the need to upscale the aid and the need for it to get through in far bigger numbers, Lord Cameron added.

Talks continue and Britain will do what it can to try and build that consensus in New York at the Security Council.

The minister added that he and Mr Shoukry discussed threats from Yemens Iranian-backed Houthi rebels to Red Sea shipping, which have forced several companies to divert their vessels.

The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond has joined a US-led maritime task force to patrol the Red Sea after an oil tanker was attacked by a drone and missile.

It's absolutely essential that those maritime corridors, the free movement of ships, of goods, manufacturers, of oil, of world trade, that they keep going, Lord Cameron said.

His comments came after the United States expressed hope that a new ceasefire deal in Gaza allowing the release of more hostages held by Hamas could be in the offing.

Story continues

The Hamas-run health ministry reported a death toll of more than 20,000 in Gaza from Israel's invasion as the Palestinian terror groups leader Ismail Haniyeh visited Egypt, which is mediating in the crisis.

"These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere," White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters, although Hamas officials have ruled out any truce unless Israel ends the invasion.

The UN Security Council has this week repeatedly delayed a vote on a ceasefire and sending desperately needed aid to Gaza, fearing a veto by Washington on behalf of its Israeli allies as negotiations intensify in the Middle East.

Sources said envoys were intensively discussing which of the hostages still held by Hamas and other Palestinian militants in Gaza could be freed, and which Palestinian prisoners might be released by Israel in return.

More than 100 hostages still remain out of some 240 who were abducted when Hamas fighters rampaged across southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people.

Israels resultant offensive has largely flattened cities in the coastal Gaza strip. The US and UK governments have been increasingly sounding the alarm about the civilian toll.

But Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the war would end only with Hamas eradicated and all of the hostages freed.

"Whoever thinks we will stop is detached from reality, he said on Wednesday. All Hamas terrorists, from the first to the last, are dead men walking."
 Close Iceland volcano erupts after weeks of earthquakes

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Stunning footage has shown 100m high lava waves lap up out of an Icelandic ridge following the eruption of a volcano on the island.

The dramatic scene can be seen up to 20km away after the skies over the eruption turned orange. You can watch a live stream of the ongoing eruption here.

It comes as a hiker was rescued by a helicopter after sending a SOS signal when he got lost near the raging lava and toxic fumes overnight.

Meanwhile, Icelands foreign minister said scientists had warned that the volcanic eruption in Iceland could go on for months.

Bjarni Benediktsson added that the eruption on Monday was much larger than those seen in recent years, which he described as nice touristic eruptions.

More vents are expected to open as the volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland continues, the Icelandic Met Office has warned.

Three out of five vents are still active after the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula began to erupt on Monday night, spewing lava and smoke over 100m into the air.
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Vladimir Putins soldiers in eastern Ukraines Kupiansk are reportedly falling sick because of a mouse fever outbreak  a viral disease that has left the invading Russian troops severely unwell.

The outbreak of the so-called mouse fever has been recorded in many units of the Russian forces in the Kupiansk direction, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defences main directorate of intelligence said on its official Telegram channel.

The disease is viral in nature and is transmitted to humans from rodents through direct contact with a causative agent as a result of inhaling dust from mouse excrement or getting it into food products consumed by humans, it said.

Symptoms of this fever mowing down Russian soldiers include vomiting, severe headache, fever up to 40 degrees celsius (104 degrees fahrenheit), rashes, redness, plummeting blood pressure, haemorrhages in the eyes and nausea.

Ukraines intelligence wing said dissatisfaction was growing among Russian soldiers who are facing abandonment on medical assistance and provision of winter items, and the recent fever outbreak was an example of Russias inability to look after its troops fighting in Ukraine.

The disease is also affecting the kidneys, as the infected Russian troops were facing intense pain in their lower back and have severe difficulty in urinating, officials said.

Complaints about fever from personnel of the Russian army, who are involved in the war against Ukraine, were ignored by the command, regarding them as another manifestation of evasion from participating in combat operations. In addition, at the first stage of the course, "mouse fever" resembles an ordinary flu, the statement added.

As a result, mouse fever significantly reduced the fighting ability of Russian rats."

Russian forces invading Ukraine have long battled neglect from their companies, commanders and Moscow.

Last month, secretly recorded calls of Russian soldiers speaking from the frontlines in Ukraine with loved ones back home recounted gory details of survival in the war trenches.

One man who was swept up in September mobilisation last year asked people to avoid this war any way you can. He said he lived off rainwater, scooped a dying mans guts back into his body, ambushed a Ukrainian dugout with knives. I already feel more pity shooting a bird than a person. Im telling you honestly, if theres even a slight chance, get exempted from service, he said.

Another soldier nicknamed Andrei concluded that his life meant nothing to Moscow.

Mobilised soldiers like him are not considered humans, he told his mother in intercepted calls. Theyre not allowed to leave  even if they get sick or injured  because commanders fear theyll never come back. Youll die in this pit where you live, he told her. Better not get sick, she said.
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Fourteen people were killed and more than 20 injured in the Czech Republics worst ever mass shooting, at a university in Prague.

Police believe the 24-year-old gunman killed his father in his home town just west of Prague, earlier in the day, and that he had also been planning to kill himself. An arrest warrant had been issued for the son.

Detectives are also working on the theory that the killer was responsible for the deaths of two people last week in the Klanovicky forest near Prague. They believe he chose his victims at random.

Armed police rushed to the university as witnesses reported seeing the killer firing from the roof of the Charles University faculty of arts in the countrys capital.

Scores of people fled the area around the university buildings, running down steps and cowering from the sound of gunfire in videos posted on social media.

Eight students perched dangerously in a crouched position on a ledge outside a high window in the faculty of arts building in an apparent bid to hide from the gunman.

There were also unconfirmed pictures showing chairs being used to barricade doors inside the university building next to Jan Palach Square.

Follow live updates here

Armed police are seen on the balcony of the Charles University in central Prague (AFP via Getty Images)

An ambulance drives towards the university in Prague (AP)

Have you been affected by this incident? Email jane.dalton@independent.co.uk

An email to staff at the faculty of arts of Charles University said a shooter was in one of its buildings and told staff to stay put. Dont go anywhere, if youre in the offices, lock them and place furniture in front of the door, turn off the lights, the message read.

Pavel Nedoma, director of Rudolfinum Gallery, which also is in the square, told Czech public television how he looked out of a window and saw a man shooting a gun towards the nearby Manes Bridge, which spans the Vltava River.

He told Czech broadcaster CT24: Upstairs on the walkway of the faculty of arts, I saw a man standing with a gun in his hand and shooting towards the Manes Bridge with certain delays.

I watched what was happening from inside the Rudolfinum for a long time. I stayed in the building and was by the windows for as much cover as possible.

The square was sealed off and people were urged to leave the surrounding streets.

Students inside the university contacted family and friends to say they were safe.

Deda Mrazek wrote on X: I am OK. I was in the library at the time of the shooting. They sent us to the back of the computer lab where there are no windows. Word has now spread that the gunman is dead. We all call and reply to family and friends that we are ok.

Another, identified only as Klara, who was among those sent outside for safety, told iDnes.cz: It was terribly scary  there were a lot of policemen everywhere, who were shouting at us with submachine guns, telling us to run outside.

Footage showed people running from the university building with their hands in the air as armed police officers entered. There was also video showing crowds of panicked tourists and residents running across the citys famous Charles Bridge.

Newlywed British couple Tom and Rachael Leese were told to stay inside and stay down while they were having a drink in the Slivovitz Museum, close to where the shooting happened.

Mr Leese, a 34-year-old video producer from Surrey, said: A policeman came in and started shouting loudly in what I assume was Czech. I asked for it in English and he said there was an active shooter and to stay inside and stay down.

The staff were very calm, turned all the lights off very quickly and urged us to stay calm.

Fourteen people were killed in the mass shooting in Prague (Getty Images)

Ambulances arrived quickly at the scene of the mass shooting (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Joe Hyland, 18, from Cornwall, another British tourist, who was in a street near the attack, told the BBC: We heard gunshots and ran for cover in the metro after police shouted at everyone to run. It was very frightening.

All of a sudden people started running. We didnt know what was going on. We saw police going past us. They were shouting run.

Czech police and the citys rescue service have so far given no details on the victims, but said the gunman had been eliminated.

The suspect suffered devastating injuries, said Prague police chief Martin Vondrasek, adding that there was nothing to suggest that he had an accomplice.

Of the people injured, nine were in a serious condition, rescue services said.

Police later said 14 people had died, but it was not clear whether that included the gunman.

Officers searched the area, including the buildings balconies, for possible explosives.

Police officers secure the area close to the university after the shooting (AP)

A police van blocks a bridge near the university (AP)

Interior minister Vit Rakusan told Czech public television there was no other suspect at the scene and no imminent further danger, but he urged people to cooperate with police.

A large number of weapons were found at a university building, he revealed, adding: We could have had high tens of victims without a quick police response.

President Petr Pavel said: I am shocked by the events at the faculty of arts of Charles University. I would like to express my deep regret and sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims that the shooting claimed.

I want to thank the citizens for respecting the instructions of the security forces and providing maximum cooperation.

Map published showing the location of Charles University faculty of arts, where the gunman launched the attack (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Gun crime is relatively rare in the Czech Republic. In December 2019, a 42-year-old gunman killed six people at a hospital waiting room in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava before fleeing and fatally shooting himself, police said.

In 2015, a man fatally shot eight people and then killed himself at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod in the countrys far east.
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The popular tourist destination of Prague has been left reeling after a lone gunman opened fire on students at a top university, in what has become the countrys worst mass shooting.

Social media videos captured the panic that broke out on Thursday afternoon at Charles University in the city centre, with tourists taking cover and a group of desperate students clinging to a building ledge in a bid to save their lives.

Czech police raced to the scene of the shooting at Jan Palach Square shortly after 3pm, and were confronted with the horrifying reality that 13 people had been killed, with the gunman taking his own life shortly afterwards.

The gunman, who has been named as 24-year-old David Kozak, killed himself after attempting to hide in a gallery and being followed to the roof.

Described as an excellent student with no previous criminal convictions, it has since emerged that Kozak is suspected to be responsible for the death of his father, and the fatal shooting of a man and his two-month-old daughter in a woodland area last week.

Follow our live updates here

David Kozak has been identified as the gunman (Czech Police)

Ahead of the mass shooting at Charles University, he is thought to have kept a diary in Russian on messaging app Telegram, writing: I want to do a school shooting and possibly suicide.

Among those that have been injured, 10 of them are in a serious condition, Pragues Police Chief Martin Vondrasek told reporters.

Heres everything we know about the shooting and suspected gunman so far:

Police said they were still searching the area on Thursday afternoon, including the balcony, for possible explosives. (AFP via Getty Images)

What has happened?

Czech police said shortly after 3pm that they were responding to a shooting at Charles Universitys faculty of arts building in Jan Palach Square, central Prague.

It has since emerged that authorities were tipped off earlier in the day that a man was likely heading to Prague from his town in the Kladno region outside the capital with intentions of taking his own life.

A friend had contacted the police at 12.26pm to say she had received a suicidal text message, and the individual was not answering his calls.

Alarmed by a series of posts on Telegram, police attended his home address and discovered Kozaks fathers body at 12.45pm. Weapons and explosives were found at the scene, and it was established that Kozak was due to attend a lecture at 2pm in a university building just off Old Town Square in Prague.

At 1.15pm, a national search was declared for the suspect, and a request was made at 1.27pm to search the Faculty of Arts. Armed police rushed to the scene and evacuated a building by 2.22pm, however information was received at 2.49pm that Kozak was at the university sit in nearby Jan Palach Square.

View more

At 2.59pm, reports were received that shots were being fired, with the first officers entering the building within four minutes. Dramatic footage played at a press conference of them methodically clearing the floors while evacuating distressed students.

An email sent to staff and students at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University had said a shooter was in one of its buildings and had told staff to stay put.

Images and videos on social media show crowds of people running from the square, while students barricaded themselves in classrooms by piling furniture up against the doors. Other images appear to show the shooter dressed in black and carrying a large gun as he aims it towards the square.

Images and videos on social media shows eight students perched on a ledge to hide from the gunman (Instagram)

The area was sealed off with people urged to leave the surrounding streets and stay inside. One British couple, who had been celebrating their honeymoon, said they were left terrified after a police officer ran into their restaurant and shouted for them to stay down.

The director of Prague Police told a press conference: I saw piles of ammunition in the corridors, it was incredible he recalls.

He believes the gunman would have gone on to harm more people if he hadnt gone to the universitys balcony, where he eventually died.

During the shooting rampage, 13 people were killed before the gunman took his own life after realising that he was surrounded. Several others have undergone critical surgery since being rushed to hospital, while various victims had been shot through the head, chest and arms.

Three of those injured are foreign nations - two people from the United Arab Emirates and one from the Netherlands.

What do we know about the gunman?

While he has not officially been identified by Czech police, David Kozak has been named as the perpetrator behind the countrys worst mass shooting.

He has not been linked to any extremist ideologies and police believe that he acted alone and had no accomplices. However, chilling posts on the encrypted social media app appear to suggest he was influenced by a recent school shooting in Russia, where a 14-year-old girl killed her classmate and injured five others in Bryansk, western Russia.

Alina Afanaskina helped me too much, the message said. I always wanted to kill, I thought I would become a maniac in the future. I realised that it was much more profitable to do mass murders rather than serial ones.

A policeman guards the area outside the building of Philosophical Faculty (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Police are also working on the theory that the gunman was responsible for the deaths of two people last week in the Klanovicky forest near Prague.

A 32-year-old man and his two-month-old daughter were killed on 15 December with investigating police believing it to be a random attack. Officers said Kovak was on the list of suspects, but they had not managed to speak to him yet.

Current evidence suggests he is the perpetrator but a police spokesperson said they are awaiting the results of ballistic tests to confirm his involvement.

Ambulances arrived quickly at the scene of the mass shooting after 14 people were killed (Anadolu via Getty Images)

What have the authorities said?

Theres no indication that it has anything to do with international terrorism, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said.

Its a horrible crime, something the Czech Republic has never experienced, he said.

The victims were all Czechs, with local media reporting that three of those injured are foreign nationals.

Authorities have confirmed that the suspected killer was a student at the university but withheld his identity (EPA)

Czech prime minister Petr Fiala has thanked emergency services that responded, saying his thoughts are with the bereaved.

There is no justification for this horrific act. Like many of you, I feel profound sadness and disgust in the face of this sickening violence, he wrote on social media.

Gun crime is relatively rare in the Czech Republic and this incident is thought to be the worst one in its history.

In December 2019, a 42-year-old gunman killed six people at a hospital waiting room in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava before fleeing and fatally shooting himself, police said.

In 2015, a man fatally shot eight people and then killed himself at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod.
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Petrified students clung onto a ledge at Charles University as a gunman carried out a frenzied attack in Prague.

Shocking video footage shows around seven people huddled together and crouched down in an apparent attempt to hide from the shooter.

The gunman killed 10 people and injured 30 others before he was eliminated by police, Czech emergency services reported. Nine people are understood to be in a serious condition.

Petr Nedoma, director of the Rudolfinum Gallery at a concert hall across Palach Square, told Czech TV he saw the shooter.

I saw a young person on the gallery who had some weapon in his hand, like and automatic weapon, and shooting toward the Manes Bridge. Repeatedly, with some interruptions, then I saw as he shot, put hands up and threw the weapon down on the street, it lay there on the pedestrian crossing, he said.

Police officers in a van secure the area in Prague (AP)

The police arrived to calls of a shooting in the popular Jan Palack Square, shortly after 3pm.

An email sent to Charles University staff and students said a shooter was in one of its buildings and had told staff to stay put.

The entire building is currently being evacuated and there are several dead and tens of injured at the site, officers said on social media.

Police gave no details about the victims or the circumstances of the gunfire in the Czech Republics capital.

The police department had said the square was sealed off and urged people to leave the surrounding streets and stay inside.

Jana Postova, a spokesperson for Pragues rescue service, confirmed numerous people were injured but had no details.

One student claims the gunman tried to enter his classroom, the photo shows a door barricaded with tables and shares.

Jakob Weizman, a student at the university, shared on X: Currently stuck inside my classroom in Prague. Shooter is dead but we are waiting to be evacuated.

Klara, a student, told news website iDnes.cz she was among those who police evacuated from the building.

"It was terribly scary, there were a lot of policemen everywhere, who were shouting at us with submachine guns, telling us to run outside," she said.
 Close Moment armed police storm Prague university after shooting captured in bodycam footage

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Bells rang across the Czech Republic and the national flags on public buildings were at half-staff as people across the country observed a minute of silence to honor the 14 victims of the worst mass killing in Czech history.

Archbishop Jan Graubner served a mass at the main St Vitus cathedral at the Prague Castle. Were all still in a shock in our own ways, the archbishop said, adding: We need to clearly condemn what happened but we also need to look into the future.

Nobody should be left alone in these tough moments, Charles University rector Milena Kralickova said in her remarks toward the end of the Mass.

The gunman behind Thursdays mass shooting has been identified as 24-year-old David Kozak.

The history student opened fire on the fourth floor of Charles University in Prague, killing at least 14 people and injuring more than 20 with legally owned weapons.

He is believed to have killed his father before carrying out the massacre at his university. Authorities on Friday announced that all victims in Thursdays shooting in Prague have been identified and none of them were foreign citizens.
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An anti-war journalist has applied to run against Vladimir Putin in the Russian presidential election in March next year.

Former TV journalist, Yekaterina Duntsova, 40, has submitted her documents to the Central Election Commission in Moscow to begin the formal process of entering the running.

The vote is expected to be a heavily staged-managed exercise that is all but certain to hand a landslide victory to Russias autocratic leader.

With dissent largely criminalised and most of Putins main opponents in jail or exile, Russia has no real opposition candidates of note who would be capable of challenging the incumbent president.

Russias election authorities also set a high bar even for candidates to enter the running  Ms Duntsova is required to submit 300,000 signatures from at least 40 Russian states supporting her candidacy by 31 January.

On being asked whether Russian authorities will allow her candidature against Putin, Ms Duntsova said: Why are we talking about permission if this is my right according to the law and I have that possibility and have the necessary qualities to put myself forward?

We are just moving according to the formula prescribed by federal law, and for that we dont need anyones permission, she said.

Now a regional legislator, Ms Duntsova is calling for peace in Ukraine and campaigning on her plank of a humane Russia that is peaceful, friendly and ready to cooperate with everyone on the principle of respect.

She asked Russians to support her fight against the incumbent leader and said: I feel a sense of accomplishment. Weve done everything that we needed to do. Weve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us.

I hope that Ill at least be registered as a candidate. But, of course, collecting signatures is a huge job and I hope that people will be actively taking part, she added.

Ms Duntsova is up against the 71-year-old Russian leader who has twice had the constitution amended so he could theoretically stay in power until hes in his mid-80s.

Mr Putin has been at the centre of power in the Kremlin  either as president or prime minister  for more than two decades.

The presidential elections will take place over a three-day period between 15 and 17 March and will likely give Mr Putin a fifth term in office.

The result of Marchs election is seen as a formality, with Mr Putin having total control of the countrys state and media and having criminalised mainstream public dissent.

His most high-profile critic and opponent, Alexei Navalny, is currently missing after a prison transfer, and has been banned from participating in polls.
 Close Kyiv suffers largest ever drone attack by Russia leaving five wounded

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A Russian strike on a hotel in Kharkiv has injured 13 people as it has been claimed Vladimir Putins exhausted troops have been hitting their own towns.

Two Russian missiles struck a hotel late on Wednesday in the centre of Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synehubov wrote on Telegram. Kharkivs prosecutors office said that among the 13 wounded is a 35-year-old man who was seriously injured and two Turkish journalists covering the war.

Meanwhile, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has claimed Russian forces have been accidentally bombing territories in their own country, or in occupied Ukraine. In its latest intelligence update, the MoD said the likelihood of these accidents had increased due to inadequate training and crew fatigue.

It comes as Ukrainian shelling injured three people in the Russian region of Belgorod late on Monday and air defences downed 10 RM-70 Vampir rockets, Russian officials and the defence ministry said.

Belgorod has come under repeated attack from Ukrainian forces in recent weeks. A missile and drone attack late last month killed 25 civilians, including five children.
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Ukrainian generals are looking to mobilise up to half a million new soldiers to push back Putins invading army, president Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Mr Zelensky said he was yet to make a final decision on the militarys request as it was a question of fairness and money as well as Ukraines defence capability.

It comes amid fears Russia could grind down Kyivs army with its huge population and resources as western military aid to Ukraine faces US and EU deadlock.

Follow live updates on the war in Ukraine

I said that I would need more arguments to support this move, the president said. Because first of all, its a question of people, secondly, its a question of fairness, its a question of defence capability, and its a question of finances.

But how many troops does Ukraine have and how does this compare to the US and British Army?

Volodymyr Zelensky said he was yet to make a decision on the suggestion as it was a question of fairness (AP)

Ukraine

The Ukrainian army counted around 500,000 servicemen, 200,000 of which are active military personnel, recent figures show.

If the figures are accurate, the Ukrainian armys suggestion would bring the total number of servicemen to nearly one million.

Under Ukrainian law, only men aged 27 to 60 can be mobilised for the front line, although younger men can volunteer to fight. As of January 2022, Ukraine had a male population of 19 million.

Men aged 18 to 20 cannot be sent to the battlefield. Most Ukrainian soldiers at the front are believed to be volunteers, many of whom have been fighting since the start of Russias invasion in February 2022.

Estimates of the number of Ukrainian men killed in the conflict have varied between 30,000 and 70,000. In November, a Ukrainian civic group put the death toll at 30,000.

But US military sources have suggested the number is closer to 70,000. Kyiv treats its losses as a state secret and officials say disclosing the figure could harm its war effort.

Ukrainian servicemen walk towards their base in Donetsk, Ukraine, earlier this year. The Ukrainian army is seeking to mobilise 500,000 more troops (AFP via Getty Images)

Russia

The Russian army has about four times more active military personnel than Ukraine some 1,330,900 men and 250,000 reservists. As of 2021, Russia had a male population of around 66 million.

In July, the Russian parliament raised the maximum age at which men can be conscripted from 27 to 30, increasing the number of young men liable for a year of compulsory military service from 1 January 2024.

It means men will be required to carry out a year of military service, or equivalent training during higher education, between the ages of 18 and 30, rather than 18 and 27.

The law also prevents men from dodging the draft by banning them from leaving Russia from the day they are summoned to a conscription office.

Russian president Vladimir Putin sits with defense minister Sergei Shoigu. Russia raised the maximum age of conscription from 27 to 30 (Sputnik)

US

The United States Army has around 1,832,000 military personnel, according to recent figures. As of 2022, the US had a male population of 165 million.

Up to 1,390,000 of these troops are said to be active personnel and 442,000 are reserve soldiers. Conscription is not in place in the United States at this point.

But all men aged between 18 and 25 are required to register with Selective Service, a government agency that keeps a record of US citizens potentially subject to conscription. This allows US Congress to identify and call upon all men of fighting age in the event of a major conflict.

The United States has introduced conscription six times: in the American Revolutionary War, the American Civil War, First World War, Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

The US army has an estimated 1,832,000 total military personnel (AFP via Getty Images)

Britain

The British army has an estimated 231,000 total military personnel. Up to 194,000 of these are active and 37,000 are reservists. As of 2021, there were 29 million men living in the UK.

Conscription has only been in place twice in the UK. It was introduced during the First World War and Second World War, lasting four and 21 years respectively.
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An Iranian woman convicted for murdering her abusive husband was executed on Wednesday, said an international NGO campaigning for her clemency.

Samira Sabzian, a child bride who was married off to her husband at the age of 15, had been a victim of domestic violence. Arrested in 2013 at the age of 19, she was sentenced for the murder of her husband, said Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO in a press release.

Samira was a victim of years of gender apartheid, child marriage, and domestic violence, and today she fell victim to the incompetent and corrupt regimes killing machine, said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of the Norway-based rights group. A regime that has sustained itself solely through killing and instilling fear. Ali Khamenei and other leaders of the Islamic Republic must be held accountable for this crime.

She had two young children when she was arrested  one a new-born baby whom she saw for the first and last time when they came to the prison to say goodbye before she was hanged to death in Ghezelhesar, in the city of Karaj, 20 km northwest of the Iranian capital Tehran.

Amnesty International also expressed its shock over the execution of the mother of two.

Samira is the eighteenth woman executed this year in Iran , out of a total of 800 hangings, said Riccardo Noury, spokesperson for Amnesty International, Italy. Iranian laws allow forced and early marriages, do not protect women from domestic violence and then kill them when they try to rebel. Samira Sabzian is the tragic testimony of a system based on the oppression of women , since their childhood.

The office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights also expressed its "alarm" by the execution of Sabzian as it urged Iran to end capital punishment.

"We again urge Iran to establish a moratorium on all executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty," it added.

The United Nations earlier raised concerns about the alarming rate of execution of people in Iran. According to a report released in November, the country putt at least 419 people to death in the first seven months of the year. Thats a 30 per cent increase from the same period in 2022.

Secretary-general Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern at the lack of transparent and independent investigations into reported human rights violations, in particular in the context of the latest nationwide protests.
Katherine Paola Santos and Colin Armstrong

The kidnappers of a British millionaire in Ecuador had police uniforms and held a dossier about him, police have said following his release.

Colin Armstrong, 78, a former honorary consul, was snatched from his farm along with his partner near the city of Guayaquil in the early hours of Saturday morning.

He was released on Wednesday after The Telegraph revealed British intelligence officers were assisting Ecuadorian detectives with their investigation.

Police said seven men were being held on suspicion of kidnap, along with two men on suspicion of extortion, which carry prison sentences in Ecuador of up to 13 and seven years respectively.

Following the arrests, officials discovered police clothing and information on Mr Armstrong in the alleged kidnappers possession.

Prosecutors said: Nine people are in preventive detention, seven of them for kidnapping for ransom and two for extortion.

The raids were carried out on Dec 16 and 17, in the Cooperativa Pancho Jacome and Beata Narcisa de Jesus sectors, north of Guayaquil; and the Daule canton.

At the latter location, seven people were arrested after being caught red-handed.

Police clothing, weapons, ammunition, cell phones and drugs were found in their possession, as well as information related to the kidnapping of the victim.

A policeman with Colin Armstrong following his release - Shutterstock

Police confirmed Mr Armstrongs release late on Wednesday night in Rocafuerte, which is nearly a four-hour drive north west of the ranch home he was kidnapped from along with Colombian partner Katherine Paola Santos.

She was interviewed by police after turning up at the house of the British businessmans son while wearing what appeared to be an explosives vest, although police subsequently confirmed the device was fake.

Detectives have described her as a victim, although initial claims in a social media post by lawyer and former MP Ricardo Vanegas earlier this week said she had been born a man called Alberto Santos and was being questioned as a suspect.

Mr Armstrong, who was awarded an OBE in 2011, is the founder and owner of agricultural company Agripac.

Story continues

He also owns the 500-acre Tupgill Park Estate in North Yorkshire.

Security officials suspect the brutal Ecuadorian gang Los Tiguerones kidnapped Mr Armstrong after he refused to pay them a monthly protection fee.

Los Tiguerones is one of the countrys biggest organised crime groups and has links to Mexican cartels.

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The White House has said that very serious negotiations are taking place in Cairo over the terms of a new ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of more Israeli hostages, even as Hamass rejection of a temporary pause threw the possibility of a deal into doubt.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Egypt on Wednesday for discussions on aggression in the Gaza Strip and other matters, the Palestinian group said in a statement.

These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere, White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One.

When asked about the anticipated outcome of the meeting, Mr Kirby said lets not get ahead of where we are right now.

Mr Haniyeh arrived in Cairo for the first time in more than a month for discussions with Egyptian officials, who are seeking to strike another truce between the warring parties. An earlier ceasefire, during which dozens of Israeli women and children were released by Hamas, was brokered by Qatar.

Taher Al-Nono, media adviser for Mr Haniyeh, told Reuters that Hamas would accept nothing less than the complete end to Israels offensive in Gaza and an increase in the volume of humanitarian aid allowed to reach Palestinian civilians before he would discuss further releases of hostages.

The issue of prisoners can be negotiated after these two matters are achieved. We cannot talk about negotiations while Israel continues its aggression. Discussing any proposal related to prisoners must occur after the cessation of aggression, Mr Nono said in Cairo.

Irans foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (left) shakes hands with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, during a meeting in Doha, Qatar (AP)

We have talked with our brothers in Egypt, outlining our stance on this aggression and the urgent need to stop it as a top priority, he added.

Hamas issued a statement on Thursday declaring: There is a Palestinian national decision that there should be no talk about prisoners or exchange deals except after a full cessation of aggression.

Islamic Jihad, a smaller Palestinian militant group, is also holding hostages in Gaza.

A source who was aware of the negotiations said envoys intensively discussed which of the hostages still held by Palestinian Islamist militants in Gaza could be released in a new truce in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Israel is demanding the release of all remaining women and infirm men among the hostages, according to an unnamed source familiar with the negotiations. There is a possibility that Palestinians convicted of serious offences might be included in the list of prisoners to be freed by Israel if this were to take place.

Mr Haniyehs trip to Egypt marked a rare personal involvement in diplomacy, a step he had taken in the past only when there was potential progress. His most recent visit to Egypt was in early November, just before the announcement of the only ceasefire in the Gaza war to date, a week-long pause resulting in the release of approximately 110 hostages held by Hamas.

About 120 hostages out of the 240 taken during the 7 October attacks remain under the control of Hamas. Families of the remaining hostages are pressuring the Israeli government to broker a new ceasefire, hoping that it will lead to their release.

Tal Almog-Goldstein stands in a bus transporting him to an army base in Israel after he was released by Hamas in the Gaza Strip on 26 November (AFP via Getty)

Israel has not commented publicly on the stalled talks in Egypt. But Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his regular refrain that the war would end only with Hamas eradicated, all hostages freed and Gaza posing no more threat to Israel.

Whoever thinks we will stop is detached from reality. All Hamas terrorists, from the first to the last, are dead men walking, he said in a statement on Wednesday.

As the near continuous bombardment of Gaza continues, the Israel Defence Forces have said they have uncovered a major Hamas command centre in the heart of Gaza City.

They said the raid on the vast underground network was a serious blow to the Islamic militant group as pressure grows on Israel to scale back its devastating military offensive in the coastal enclave.

The US, its closest ally, has continued to support Israels right to defend itself but demanded Mr Netanyahus forces conduct a more targeted operation to avoid civilian casualties.

People flee following Israeli air strikes on a neighbourhood in the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on 6 November (AFP via Getty Images)

Its clear that the conflict will move and needs to move to a lower intensity phase, the secretary of state Antony Blinken said. He said the US wants to see more targeted operations with smaller levels of forces focused on specific targets, such as Hamas leaders.

In New York, a vote on a draft Security Council resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza was delayed for the third day in a row.

The delay followed tense diplomatic negotiations regarding the wording of a text to prevent a US veto. The primary issue reportedly revolved around the inspection and monitoring of humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
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Airbnb is using artificial intelligence (AI) to clamp down on people trying to book accommodation for potentially disruptive or unauthorised New Years Eve parties.

The booking platform has said it is bringing in restrictions around New Years Eve to reduce neighbourhood disruptions caused by parties at Airbnb-booked locations.

The firm said it was using AI and machine learning technology in the UK and several other countries that analyses hundreds of signals that could indicate a booking is a higher risk for this type of incident.

Were focused on taking a thoughtful approach that aims to benefit hosts, guests and neighbourhoods Naba Banerjee - Airbnb head of trust and safety

These include duration of a stay, how far the listing is from a users location, the type of listing and if the booking is being made at the last minute.

The system builds on the sites existing global party ban.

Airbnb said the enhanced restrictions would block certain one to three night reservations for entire homes if the booking was identified by its systems as being potentially higher risk for a party incident.

Guests making local reservations will be required to confirm they understand that Airbnb bans parties before booking and that breaching this rule could mean suspension or removal from the platform.

Naba Banerjee, head of trust and safety at Airbnb, said: When it comes to how we use technology like AI, were focused on taking a thoughtful approach that aims to benefit hosts, guests and neighbourhoods.

Were optimistic these measures will help have a positive impact on the communities we serve.

The accommodation booking platform used anti-party measures around New Years Eve last year, and has revealed that around 13,200 people were blocked from booking on the site in the UK at that time.

The majority of those blocked bookings  3,300  were in London, followed by 2,100 in Manchester, 380 in Birmingham and 260 in Edinburgh.

The firm said that since first introducing party prevention measures for New Years Eve in 2020, it had seen a 73% reduction in the rate of party reports made to them in the UK.
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Apples latest smartwatch will no longer be sold online in the US from Thursday following a patent dispute over one of its sensors.

The sales ban, which impacts the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, will extend to Apple Stores from Christmas Eve.

The patent dispute relates to the Apple Watchs blood oxygen sensor, which medical technology firm Masimo claims is stolen from its products.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in October that it would uphold a judges decision from earlier this year, however there has since been a 60-day Presidential Review Period.

This review allows US President Joe Biden to veto the ruling, however it expires on Christmas Eve.

Such vetos are rare, though Apple has benefited from them in the past. A 2013 ITC ban on the iPhone 4 and certain iPad models was overturned after former President Barack Obama vetoed it.

An Apple spokesperson said that the company is preemptively taking steps to comply with the latest ban should the ruling stand.

Apple watches are seen on display at the Apple Store in Grand Central Station on December 18, 2023 in New York City (Getty Images)

This includes pausing sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple.com starting 21 December, and from Apple retail locations after 24 December, the spokesperson said.

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.

The spokesperson added that the US tech giant strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers.

The Apple Watch SE, which does not have the disputed blood oxygen Sp02 sensor, is not affected by the sales ban. Countries outside of the US are also not impacted by the sales ban.

Masimo CEO Joe Kiani told Bloomberg on Tuesday that he was open to resolving the dispute, however warned that the issue could not be fixed simply through a software update.
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An electric car maker in China has demonstrated a new battery capable of powering a vehicle for more than 1,000km on a single charge.

Shanghai-based Nio claims that the next-generation battery will enter mass production in April 2024, offering a longer range than any other electric or fuel-powered car currently on the market.

Nio chief executive William Li drove the all-electric ET7 vehicle 1,044km (649 miles) during a 14-hour live-stream, which saw the car travel from Zhejiang province to Fujian province on Sunday at an average speed of 84km/h. A separate test of the breakthrough battery reportedly saw it cover 1,145km, however this was not broadcast.

The completion of this endurance challenge proves the product power of the 150kWh ultra-long endurance battery pack, Mr Li wrote in a post on the Chinese social media site Weibo.

This battery is currently the battery pack with the highest energy density in mass production in the world and has excellent safety performance. More importantly, all models on sale can be flexibly upgraded to 150kWh batteries through the Nio battery swap system.

Nio takes an unorthodox approach to charging vehicles, favouring a battery-swap system rather than plugging the car into an outlet and waiting for the battery to recharge.

A unique mechanism built into the vehicle means that an empty battery can be swapped with a fully charged battery in less than three minutes  roughly the amount of time it takes to refill a fuel-powered vehicle.

Customers are able to buy a vehicle without a battery and then pay a monthly subscription fee to use batteries within Nios network.

The Nio ET7 aims to be the first electric car to offer a range greater than 1,000km (Nio)

Nios president Qin Lihong said that buying the new battery outright would cost 298,000 yuan (33,000)  roughly equivalent to the price of a Tesla Model 3  which is why the company advocates the use of a hire scheme for its customers as well as for the electric vehicle industry as a whole.

NIO started battery swap from the very beginning, it has been ready to open up its technologies and infrastructure to the entire industry, Mr Li said.

Similar to the cloud service provided by Internet companies, NIOs Power Swap network and Power Cloud also followed the path along which we started with developing infrastructure and achieving a closed loop internally, and then open to others after validating the service across various scenarios.

The company revealed in November that it has provided more than 32 million battery swaps for users through its network of more than 2,000 Power Swap Stations worldwide.
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An oil painting thought to be created by the famous Italian artist Raphael features a face that he did not paint, according to scientists.

Researchers in the UK used artificial intelligence technology to analyse Madonna della Rosa (Madonna of the Rose), which was painted in early 16th century and is believed to be one of the many Madonnas painted by the Renaissance master.

It depicts Mary carrying an infant Jesus, Joseph on the left, a young John the Baptist, as well as a rose on the table from which the artwork got its title.

The painting, which currently hangs in the Museo del Prado (Prado Museum) in Madrid, Spain, has long been debated by art critics, with many suggesting Raphaels pupil Giulio Romano may have been involved.

Some of the most successful computer studies of art have exploited large databases of art images to learn an artists style and other properties Study author David G Stork

Some also believe the rose and the lower portion of the painting may have been created by another artist.

However, Professor Hassan Ugail, director of the Centre for Visual Computing and Intelligent Systems at the University of Bradford, said most of the painting is indeed by Raphael, except for the face of Joseph.

He said: We used pictures of authenticated Raphael paintings to train the computer to recognise his style to a very detailed degree, from the brushstrokes, the colour palette, the shading and every aspect of the work.

The computer sees far more deeply than the human eye, to microscopic level.

Prof Ugail added: When we tested the della Rosa as a whole, the results were not conclusive.

So, then we tested the individual parts and while the rest of the picture was confirmed as Raphael, Josephs face came up as most likely not Raphael.

The AI algorithm was developed by Prof Ugail who said it can recognise authentic works by Raphael with 98% accuracy.

Study author Howell Edwards, emeritus professor of molecular spectroscopy at the University of Bradford, said the della Rosa was regarded by early art connoisseurs as a Raphael autograph, meaning he painted 100% of it.

However, he said that during the 19th century, many art historians began to question whether pupils from Raphaels workshop were also involved.

Prof Edwards said: The attribution to Raphaels workshop was gradually accepted later and attributed particularly to his pupil Giulio Romano and possibly also to Gianfrancesco Penni.

In Spain the original attribution has never been questioned.

Some connoisseurs regard the quality of the composition and painting for the Madonna, Child and Saint John as far exceeding that of Saint Joseph, whom they feel has been added at the workshop as somewhat of an afterthought.

The AI programme analysis of our work has demonstrated conclusively that whereas the three figures of the Madonna, Christ Child and Saint John the Baptist are unequivocally painted by Raphael, that of Saint Joseph is not and has been painted by someone else  possibly by Romano.

Although it is able to accurately identity a Raphael painting, the researchers say their AI system cannot be used as a sole authentication tool.

Study author David G Stork, who is adjunct professor of symbolic systems programmes at Stanford University in the US, said: The current studys results should not be taken as sufficient for an authentication decision, but a step toward improving overall authentication protocols.

Some of the most successful computer studies of art have exploited large databases of art images to learn an artists style and other properties.

As such databases grow, computer algorithms are refined, and most importantly, as humanistic art scholars criticise and refine computer methods, computer methods will improve and become widely used throughout art history and criticism.

Raphael, whose full name is Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, was born in Urbino, Italy in 1483.

He is widely considered one of the great masters of art from the High Renaissance period.

The findings have been published in the journal Heritage Science.
Croatia, or the land of a thousand islands as its sometimes lovingly called, has a diverse and vibrant cultural scene that perfectly reflects its history, traditions and influences from civilisations worldwide. The country is a patchwork of breathtaking architecture, perfectly preserved historical sites, art, literature, music and traditional folk dancing, making it an excellent destination for discerning culture seekers. Heres where to go and what to do on a cultural trip in Croatia.

Naive art and quirky museums

Enjoy an unforgettable visit to the mindbending Museum of Illusions in Zagreb (Domagoj Blazevic)

Zagreb has become the cultural beating heart of the country, home to countless museums that hold priceless collections of national significance. Croatia is a haven for naive art, a genre of art that refers to artwork by those who have received no formal training. The worlds very first Naive Art Museum can be found in Zagreb, where around 2,000 works are dedicated to the work of naive artists of the 20th century.

Just a short walk away, youll find Tkalciceva Street, the most picturesque and colourful street in the region, home to rows of pastel-coloured townhouses. It was once a flowing river meandering through the city, but because of pollution, it was converted into streets at the end of the 19th century. Its now studded with quaint boutiques, traditional shops, cafes and restaurants. Its easy to while away a few hours here simply strolling and snapping photos.

For something a little different, head to the Museum of Illusions, which boasts one of the largest hologram exhibitions in this part of Europe. Alternatively, if youre looking for some nostalgia vibes, travel back in time to the 80s at Zagrebs 80s Museum, a former flat thats been converted to look like its been plucked straight out of the era, a time that signified a period of dynamic cultural, social, and political change throughout the country. Mycophiles will also love the Mushroom Museum, where a huge collection of mushrooms is beautifully displayed and labelled.

Medieval marvels

For architecture fans, a visit to Dubrovniks Franciscan Monastery is a must (Shutterstock)

Its probably no surprise that a city steeped in as much history as Dubrovnik has bucketloads of cultural activities to get stuck into. The old town itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a stunning example of a fortified maritime city enclosed by some of the most well-preserved medieval walls in the world. They stretch for almost 2 km, and you can ramble along them while soaking up the views of the historic surrounding city and the Adriatic Sea.

The Franciscan Monastery and its Old Pharmacy Museum are must-visits for architectural enthusiasts. The monasterys solid stone walls are some of the most magnificent late-Romanesque structures in the country, and inside, youll find an old pharmacy where the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe once stood, dating all the way back to the early 1300s. Dodge the crowds by planning your visit for right at the end of the day.

Markets and music

Enjoy music from classical to pop within the incredible ancient surrounds of Pula Arena (Zoran Jelaca)

Perusing the open-air market in the baroque square of Gunduliceva Poljana makes for a mellow morning activity. Tables are stacked high with fresh produce and items like lavender oil and local products made just outside of the town, mainly in the Konavle region.

During the height of summer, Dubrovnik comes alive with the sounds of live music, and there are many venues showcasing local talent. Enjoy live performances at bars with rooftop terraces with an idyllic ocean backdrop and incredible sunsets or seek out local craft breweries where you can enjoy intimate gigs while you sip on ice-cold beers made onsite.

Festival-wise, dance fans will love Ultra Europe, a three-day event with a line-up of some of the worlds top EDM DJs. While throughout July and August in Pula, the old Roman amphitheatre hosts a series of concerts. From classical and pop to DJs and more, all with the backdrop of the historical Pula Arena, the only remaining amphitheatre to have all four sides still completely preserved.

Arts and architecture

Split has everything, from fascinating historical sites and museums to a thriving arts scene (Denis Peros)

If your itinerary allows, make time to swing by Split, a city overflowing with ancient history and known for its lively cultural scene. The UNESCO World Heritage Diocletians Palace is at the heart of the city and is a marvellous example of Roman palatial architecture. Built in the 4th century by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, its once lavish past is a distant memory.

These days, its scattered with local shops, restaurants and cafes between narrow, unassuming passageways and cobbled streets. For unbeatable views as far as the eye can see, scale the bell tower in the palace, which punctuates the skyline overlooking the citys historic centre, reaching a dizzying six storeys high.

If you happen to visit while the Split Summer Festival is in full swing, youll be treated to performances of every kind. Its an ode to the arts and is one of Croatias oldest theatre festivals with a programme of drama, ballet, opera, concerts and exhibitions.

The Split Archaeological Museum is also well worth a visit for more archaeological discoveries. It houses incredible prehistoric, Roman and early medieval artefacts, offering valuable insight into the regions remarkable archaeological heritage.

To find out more about cultural events and experiences in Croatia and to start planning your trip, click here
 Close Spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks as London welcomes 2024

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Berlin police detained over 300 people on New Years Eve after at least 14 on-duty officers were injured as people shot fireworks at each other and police throughout the city.

One of the incidents occurred near Alexanderplatz where around 500 people were letting off fireworks at each other before police dispersed the group at the landmark Neptune Fountain, reported DW.

The crowd fired at police with pyrotechnics when they tried to check them for fireworks, according to the outlet.

In Neukolln, a number of arrests were made after people attempted to make Molotov cocktails, which police say they confiscated.

It came amid jubilant scenes in the US as tens of thousands of beaming people in New Yorks Times Square, were showered with confetti and hugs and kisses after watching the descent of the colourful ball marking the birth of 2024.

The UK earlier welcomed 2024 with a bang as tens of thousands packed the streets of London and Edinburgh to watch the cities world-famous New Years Eve fireworks displays.

Tickets for the event in London sold out and official viewing areas were full. Organisers finished checks on the pyrotechnics with more than 10,000 fireworks shooting up into the nights sky after the Big Ben countdown.

The march of midnight from time zone to time zone brought the new year first to places like Australia, where more than 1 million people watched a pyrotechnic display centred around Sydneys famous Opera House and harbour bridge  a number of spectators equivalent to one in five of the citys residents.
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Four days before Christmas, hundreds of thousands of people have had their travel plans torn up as hundreds of trains, ferries and flights are cancelled due to Storm Pia.

The Met Office predicts gales of up to 80mph in some areas, with all of Scotland and large swathes of England set to be affected until Thursday evening.

In Scotland and northern England, some rail lines have been closed because of fears of obstructions being blown onto tracks. Elsewhere, speed restrictions are in place.

British Airways has cancelled at least 24 flights, with Scotlands airline, Loganair, also grounding some services. Many ferries are also staying in port.

These are the key issues facing travellers.

Trains

Some railway lines in Scotland are closed completely due to Storm Pia. Even on stretches that are open, one operator is urging passengers not to attempt to make Anglo-Scottish journeys.

TransPennine Express is advising passengers not to try to travel in or out of Edinburgh until after 3pm, with no services running between Edinburgh and north west England until Thursday afternoon.

Network Rail Scotland is telling passengers: Well suspend train services on some routes on Thursday until we can safely inspect our tracks for fallen trees and debris.

Those lines are the West Highland Line (including lines to Oban and Mallaig), Kyle of Lochalsh Line, Far North Line and Inverness-Inverurie.

Speed restrictions will also be in place across the Highland Mainline, as well as some central belt, south-west Scotland and cross-border routes.

Our local maintenance teams are well prepared, with additional chainsaw gangs ready to clear fallen trees and extra staff on hand across the country.

LNER is curtailing trains that would normally serve northern Scotland and says: Some LNER services between Edinburgh and London Kings Cross will terminate or start at Newcastle.

The train operator has lifted restrictions for tickets dated Thursday 21 December. Tickets are valid on LNER services throughout Thursday 21 December and Friday 22 December.

Northern warns of speed restrictions on a number of lines, adding 45 minutes to journeys.

Some trains on the West Coast main line, which connects London Euston with the West Midlands, northwest England, North Wales and southern Scotland, are experiencing long delays because of high winds.

In addition an Avanti West Coast train from Manchester to London has been cancelled due to a problem at the depot.

Network Rail is reporting the closure of the line between Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent due to a bag being caught in overhead wires. The infrastructure provider said: Replacement buses are operating, disruption is still expected until 12 noon. Please expect delays and cancellations.

Flights

British Airways has grounded two dozen domestic and European flights to and from London Heathrow, including multiple links to and from Amsterdam.

Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow routes also have cancellations.

A British Airways spokesperson said: Due to the high winds forecast as part of Storm Pia, we have made some adjustments to our schedule with as much notice as possible for our customers. We have apologised for the disruption to their travel plans and our teams are working hard to get their journeys back on track as quickly as possible.

In Scotland, some Loganair services are cancelled and others are delayed. The airline says: We are offering customers the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge. You can choose to re-book on an alternative flight up to seven days from your original travel date.

Ferries

Caledonian MacBrayne has cancelled some Western Isles ferry links altogether on Thursday, affecting travellers planning journeys to and from Barra, Harris, North Uist and South Uist.

Ferries linking islands in Orkney and Shetland are disrupted.

P&O Ferries has cancelled all daytime services between Cairnryan in Scotland and Larne in Northern Ireland.

In south-east England, the problem is unrelated to weather: queues are building at the Port of Dover as motorists wait to be processed through French border controls.
Watch actor and musicianDamian Lewiss lively rendition of his single "Down On The Bowery", the second track from his exclusive session for Music Box.

The Golden Globe-winning star of Band of Brothers, Homeland and Billions made his music debut this year. He spoke with The Independent's editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig, about the differences between the acting stage and the music stage, as well as performing Wanna Grow Old In Paris.

Catch a new artist on Music Box every week, with tracks released on Mondays and Wednesdays, via desktop, mobile or connected TV.
Police bodycam footage captures the moment a terror scout was arrested on suspicion of spying on a dissident Iranian television channel based in the UK after it was put on a wanted list by the hostile regime.

Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev, 31, a Chechnya-born Austrian national, was found guilty of attempting to collect information for terrorist purposes on Wednesday (20 December).

He was arrested at a nearby Starbucks after he was seen filming the Iran International building on his phone in February.

Jurors heard Iran International had been highly critical of the Iranian government for years.

State-owned Iranian media described the channel as being on a terror blacklist.
Sir Keir Starmer visited Estonia on Thursday, 21 December, to thank British troops deployed near the Russian border for their courage, integrity, loyalty and professionalism.

The Labour leader and shadow defence secretary John Healey are speaking to soldiers to stress Labours commitment to Nato and wish them a happy Christmas.

Sir Keir is also expected to use the visit to warn that the West must not lose sight of Moscows threat to Europe.

The opposition leader and Mr Healey will observe military exercises at the base before joining troops in the canteen over lunch.
Russia is a real and constant threat to Europe, Sir Keir Starmer said as he visited British troops in Estonia deployed near the border with Vladimir Putins nation

The UK and its allies need to be prepared [and] need to deter in response to Moscows actions, underlined by the war in Ukraine, the Labour leader urged.

Sir Keir's comments came as he and shadow defence secretary John Healey spoke with soldiers stationed in Estonia to stress his partys commitment to Nato and thank them for their service over Christmas.
A public Polish news channel was taken off air on Wednesday, 20 December, as the countrys new government dismissed executives from state media to restore impartiality, according to the culture ministry.

It came after Donald Tusks pro-European Union coalition took power last week from the Law and Justice (PiS) party, whose critics say damaged judicial independence and turned state-owned media into an outlet for propaganda.

Footage shows TVP news anchor Adrian Borecki interrupting programming to tell the audience that Polish media had been taken over.

The move came after Polands new parliament adopted a resolution for restoring public media impartiality on Tuesday.
A British newlywed on honeymoon in Prague describes the moment he and his fiance found out about an active gunman in the city on Thursday, 21 December.

Tom Leese, 34, and wife Rachael, 31, were in a bar when a police officer notified the couple and ordered them to stay down and inside during a mass shooting in the centre of the Czech Republic capital.

He (the police officer) responded in very clear English that there was an active shooter. Told us to get down, stay indoors, and turn all the lights off, Mr Leese said.

We went to the corner of the restaurant, we stood there in the dark corner and basically stood there for five or 10 minutes, really quite terrified and not knowing what was going on.
Thieves ranksacked a Texas woman's home while she was attending her mother's funeral.

Last Tuesday afternoon (12 December), Caryn Papantonakis and her family from Memorial, Houston, had left the ceremony when her son noticed on their home CCTV that someone was breaking in.

The mother said the burglars took items including jewellery, car keys, Christmas stockings, her childrens' rucksacks and more, amounting to around 40,000.

Papantonakis told ABC 13 that she hasn't been able to grieve her mother due to organising her home following the burglary.
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The Met Office has issued a weather warning as high winds were forecast to batter the northern half of the UK on Thursday, bringing the potential for travel disruption in the run-up to Christmas.

An area of low pressure well to the north of the UK will bring winds of 70-80mph in northern Scotland, 65-70mph on high ground, and 45-55mph elsewhere in Northern Ireland, Scotland, North Wales and England north from Birmingham as well as the top half of East Anglia.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind from midnight to 9pm on Thursday, meaning travel disruption is likely, power cuts are possible, high-sided vehicles could be affected on exposed roads and coastal routes could be sprayed by high waves.

The Shetland Islands Council said all schools will be closed on Thursday due to the high winds, extra network engineer workers are being brought in to deal with potential power cuts and inter-island ferries are expected to be disrupted.

The low pressure system has been named Storm Pia by the Danish authorities, but it was not expected to be severe enough in the UK to warrant being officially named.

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesperson, said: It is quite a wide wind warning area. Gusts are forecast quite widely to be 45-55mph, possibly 65-70mph to the east of high ground in Scotland.

The strongest winds are likely to be found in the north and north east of Scotland including the Northern Isles, with 70-80mph in the morning.

The Met Office forecast showers along with the wind, with more rain expected on Friday.

Looking ahead, Mr Dixon said there was the possibility of snow on Christmas Day but only in the far north of Scotland.

It looks like there will be a drier afternoon in the south of the UK for those post-Christmas dinner walks, he said.
The National Asset Management Agency, the states bad bank, has transferred 350m to state coffers, as it slowly winds down its operations.

The payment on Thursday brings total Nama transfers to the Exchequer to 4.25bn, including over 400m in corporation tax.

A total of 650m is left to transfer, which Nama said in a statement will be made in the coming years, once it completes its work in 2025.

Namas lifetime surplus is expected to amount to 4.5bn, with total payments to the State, including corporation tax, to amount to an estimated 4.9bn.

All future surplus transfers are subject to prevailing market conditions, Nama said in a statement.

Todays 350m payment to the Exchequer has been made possible by Namas continuous focus on maximising the value of its assets for the benefit of the State, said Brendan McDonagh, Namas chief executive.

We have now transferred over 4.25bn, comprising 3.85bn in cash, plus over 400m in tax, and will make further payments to the Exchequer by the time we complete our work in 2025.

Finance Minister Michael McGrath welcomed the transfer. Todays transfer of 350m of Namas lifetime surplus to the Exchequer represents yet another positive step as the agency approaches its orderly wind down, he said.

Nama recorded a profit of 26m after tax for the six months to June, and generated 47m in cash between July and September, it said in recently filed accounts.

It brings the surplus generated since it was set up in 2009 to 47.6bn.

To date, Nama has funded and facilitated the delivery of 32,691 new homes, with more than 14,000 of those directly funded by the agency.

In 2023, it has delivered 294 residential units, with 445 units under construction and 155 units with conditional funding committed.

However, in its most recently filed accounts, the agency warned that commercial viability continues to be a challenge and that funding might not be forthcoming for all 155 units.

"From Namas perspective, disruption to market and construction activity in Ireland has the potential to impact the pace at which Namas portfolio reduces, a note to the accounts states.

Last year Nama reported an after-tax profit of 81m, its 12th consecutive year of profitability.

Nama said its remaining land has the potential to deliver around 14,710 new homes in the medium to long term.
Dr Michelle Tierney, co-founder and chief scientific officer, SymPhysis Medical, David Breen, consultant respiratory physician and lead clinician for lung cancer services, Galway University Hospital and Tim Jones, co-founder and CEO, SymPhysis Medical

A total of 3m in funding has been announced for two medtech firms located in Galway.

SymPhysis Medical, which is based in Galway city, has raised 1.5m in its latest funding round.

The company was founded in 2018 and is currently developing a draining device for individuals with fluid in the chest, a condition that impacts around half of late-stage cancer patients.

The device, which is called releaze', works to help patients manage this independently at home. Previously, those with the condition had to rely on a nurse or family carer to assist with draining the fluid when out of the hospital.

The new funding will be used to grow the team in Galway and the US, as well as to continue the development of its device.

SymPhysis Medical currently employs 13 people, up from three two years ago. It now plans to expand its product engineering, commercialisation and research and development teams.

The company is also hoping to receive regulatory approval from the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) in the US, with SymPhysis planning to raise an additional 4.5m in early 2024 to support its expansion Stateside.

In 2022, the company also raised 1.9m.

FeelTect founder and CEO Dr Andrew Cameron pictured with Darren Burke, CTO & Co-founder at FeelTect. Picture: Andrew Downes

The funding, along with the ongoing support we have received from Enterprise Ireland, will bring us to our initial goal of getting regulatory clearance in the US  and our ultimate goal of reaching the unmet needs of cancer patients worldwide, chief executive Tim Jones said.

FeelTect, a medtech company headquartered in Spiddal, Co. Galway, has also raised 1.5m in a recent funding round.

The business was founded in 2019 and spun out from the University of Galway in 2020.

The company focuses on the treatment of leg ulcers, reducing healing times and workloads of healthcare teams.

FeelTect said it plans to use the investment to speed up the commercialisation and clinical validation of its wound treatment monitoring technology, known as Tight Alright.

Tight Alright is a wearable device featuring multiple pressure sensors which are connected wirelessly to a digital platform. It alerts care providers to the sub-bandage pressure applied to a wound during compression treatment.

FeelTect also plans to hire an additional six employees across a variety of roles, including research and development, clinical affairs, manufacturing and commercial strategy.

Some of these positions will be based in Spiddal, while a number of clinical and commercial roles will be located in the US or Europe.

The company has now secured a total of 2.7m in funding. It previously raised 1.2m last year.

It has also registered its device with the FDA in the US market and with the CE Mark in the European Union as a Class I medical device.

FeelTect is now starting a number of international patient studies to show the impacts of targeted compression.

This funding will have an immense benefit to conducting efficacy and health economic validations of the technology, building our team, and realising commercial launch in the US and Europe, chief executive Dr Andrew Cameron said.

We recognise the challenging nature of the current economic environment for investment, so we are determined to make the most of the opportunity weve been given, he added.
An oil refinery, operated by PetroNeft in the village of Nikolayevka, Russia. Photograph: Andrey Rudakov

Russia-focused energy firm Petroneft is t0 cease trading on the Irish stock exchange at the end of the year, following the suspension of its shares this summer.

The Dublin and London-listed company, which focuses on oil and gas exploration and production in Russia, said in a statement this morning that the move was a result of it being unable to appoint an auditor for the 2022 audit.

As a result, trading of its shares in both Londons AIM exchange and on Euronext Dublin will be cancelled, it said.

Dealings in the company's ordinary shares have been suspended since July this year, after it missed a June deadline to publish its 2022 audited annual report and accounts.

In October, shareholders agreed to sell the firms Russian business interests to Pavel Tetyakov, its chief executive. The deal is still awaiting final approval from the Russian authorities.

Petroneft said delays with the completion of the transaction mean it has been unable to source an auditor for its 2022 financial statements in time for an end-of-year deadline.

Consequently, the admission of the company's ordinary shares to trading on AIM and Euronext Growth will be cancelled on or around 2 January 2024, Petroneft said in a statement on Thursday morning.

The board and management will continue to work to close the disposal of the company's Russian assets in a timely fashion, it said.

Once it has paid off loans and remaining staff salaries, the Petroneft board is to seek shareholder approval to close the company through an orderly wind up.

Petroneft has seen its share price plummet in the aftermath of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Shares in the oil and gas exploration firm plunged more than 50pc in the week following the invasion. Before the share suspension they had tumbled by almost 90pc.

The company was set up in 2003 and was admitted to the London and Dublin stock exchanges in 2006. At the end of 2021, the group owned two hydrocarbon exploration and production licenses covering a total area of more than 7,000 square kilometres in western Siberia.

All of its net sales were earned in Russia.
Travel giant says claim is baseless and far-fetched

Ryanair has claimed that internet travel giant Booking.com is partly responsible for a recent malicious attack on the airlines payment processing platform.

Lawyers for Booking.com had described the allegation of a cyber-attack as baseless and far-fetched.

The allegations are baseless and refuted by Booking Holdings and Booking.com, added a spokesperson for the group.

As part of a now long-running legal battle launched in the US by Ryanair against Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries, the airline has claimed that the attack on the Monex system happened at the end of September and persisted through the start of October. Monex is owned by Kerry-based Monex Financial Services.

The airline has described the effect of the alleged attack on its website as debilitating.

While we cannot comment on ongoing court proceedings, please be advised that customers details were secure at all times, said a spokesperson for the airline.

Ryanair claimed at the time of the alleged incident that the bots currently attacking the Ryanair website are the same bots that provide Booking.com [with] its Ryanair flight inventory and booking services.

Its the latest allegation in a major lawsuit initiated by the carrier against Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries in Delaware in 2020.

Ryanair has sued Booking.com and its subsidiaries including Kayak, Agoda and Priceline for alleged screen-scraping of its fares.

Screen-scraping involves a third party accessing an airlines website and often offering that airlines fares to its own customers via its own website.

Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries claim that the first time the attack on the Ryanair website was disclosed to them was on October 6 this year- the day the discovery process in the case ceased.

Ryanair has claimed that it experienced a debilitating OTA attack on its systems in late September and early October 2023. An OTA is an online travel agency.

Around the height of the attack, on October 5 and 6, 2023, Bookings website was not displaying Ryanair flights, suggesting a connection between the attack and Booking, Ryanair has claimed in court documents filed in the US.

But lawyers for Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries have strenuously denied claims that Booking.com was in any way involved in the incident.

Without any evidence that Booking.com knew about or had any role directing this attack, Ryanair attempts to pin this event in part on Booking.com based on nothing more than speculation and inference, they have told the court.

The lawyers have asked the court to permit Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries to take additional, limited depositions in the case, given that the information related to the attack was only revealed to them on the last day of discovery.

Ryanair has objected to such a move, arguing that sufficient depositions of its employees have already been taken by lawyers for Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries.

Group chief executive Michael OLeary has already been deposed, as has Ryanair chief technology officer John Hurley.

The Monex attack is not a new theory of harm, it is merely evidence that automated queries overwhelm Ryanairs website  which Ryanair has alleged since the beginning of this case, the airline has told the court.

Lawyers for Booking.com have told a Delaware judge in the case that Booking.com licences the flight content displayed on its website from Etraveli and all Ryanair flights are booked by Etraveli or its sub-vendors.

They added: There is no evidence that Booking.com gives any instruction at all to Etraveli about how to book flights, much less to carry out a cyber-attack on Ryanair. Nor did, or would, Booking.com ever engage in such conduct.
Lender PTSB is the only one of the three main Irish retail banks that has seen its gender pay gap narrow on last year.

The difference between average male and female hourly pay across PTSB was 16.3pc, down from 17.5pc last year.

It means for every 1 men earned, women earned 0.84, on average. It is the lowest gap of the three main retail banks.

Bank of Ireland and AIB saw their pay gaps widen very slightly compared to 2022, when reporting requirements kicked in.

Both lenders had chosen to report voluntarily in the years leading up to the new gender pay legislation, and both had seen their pay gaps shrink year on year.

Reports published in the last week show that AIBs average pay gap was 18.9pc, up very slightly on last years figure of 18.4pc.

AIB said it was largely down to the impact of the transfer of employees associated with our key strategic initiatives.

Around 250 Ulster Bank staff were due to transfer to AIB in July last year, after a June cut-off date for the 2022 report. Ulster Bank, which has since exited the Irish market, had a pay gap last year of 26pc in favour of men.

Bank of Ireland, meanwhile, saw its pay gap increase by a similar amount to 21pc, from 20.5pc last year. That means for every 1 a man earns at the bank, a woman earns 0.79.

The increase is partly explained by the departure of former CEO Francesca McDonagh, who left in late summer last year, after the cut-off date for the 2022 report. She made close to 1m in 2021.

Bank of Ireland also saw an increase in part-time male colleagues in senior roles this year, the pay gap report said.

Financial firms tend to have amongst the highest pay gaps in the economy due to fewer women at senior level.

Of the companies that have reported so far  firms have until December 31 to file  Davy stockbrokers has the largest gap at 40.1pc, though that is a decrease of more than seven points on last year.

Davy was acquired by Bank of Ireland last June, but is not included in Bank of Irelands pay gap report.

Insurers FBD, Laya Healthcare, Vhi and AIG all posted pay gaps above 20pc this year, but only AIG saw that number widen on last year.
The head of the Financial Services Union has called on Irelands three main lenders to urgently address their very worrying gender pay gaps.

The call comes after the Irish Independent reported that two of the three main lenders  AIB and Bank of Ireland  saw their pay gaps inch up slightly on last year.

The gender pay gap measures the average hourly difference between male and female pay across a business, from the lowest to highest paid staff. It is not an indicator of pay discrimination.

Bank of Irelands pay gap is 21pc, meaning that for every 1 a man earns (on average) a woman earns 0.79. AIBs gap is slightly lower, at 18.9pc. PTSBs gap is 16.3pc.

The average across all three banks is 18.7pc. In median terms  which looks at the mid-point between the highest and lowest salaries and can eliminate some distortions at the top of the pay scale  the average is 13.9pc.

Irelands economy-wide pay gap was 9.6pc last year, according to the CSO.

The gender pay gap results published this week by the three main retail banks are very worrying and deserve the attention of all stakeholders in the sector, said FSU general secretary John OConnell.

It is unacceptable banks are reporting little or no progress on closing the gender pay gap. In some cases, the [gap] has widened, proving the current action plans are not working. I contrast this to the priority banks have given to awarding dividends to their shareholders.

The results for AIB and Bank of Ireland mark an increase of 0.5 percentage points on last year, following several years of shrinking gaps. However, when measured in median terms, AIBs gap fell more than a point to 13.1pc.

Pay gaps in the financial sector are amongst the highest of any sector, while bonus gaps tend to be even higher.

Stockbroker Davy, which has seen its pay gap improve substantially, by almost eight points on last year, has a pay gap of 40.1pc and a bonus gap of 62pc.

Insurer AIG has a pay gap of 28.2pc and a bonus gap of 53pc, both of which are higher than last year.

Under Irish law, companies with more than 250 staff must file their pay gap reports by the end of December.
Also reviewed this week: Society Of The Snow and Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom

Michael Mann and Enzo Ferrari are well-matched. The motor racing pioneer was notoriously remote, ruthless in his relentless pursuit of success.

Ferrari (15A, 130mins)

He pitted his drivers against each other to get the best out of them and did not seem overly sentimental about the numerous fatalities his obsession with speed entailed.

Michael Manns films, even the best of them, are slick and glossy, but cold and dead in the middle  a bit like those beautiful red cars Enzo used to knock out.

Mann has been planning to make this film for several decades, since coming across a screenplay based on Enzo Ferraris life by Scottish TV writer Troy Kennedy Martin.

Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman were due to play Ferrari at various points, but in the end, the keys were passed to Adam Driver, with Penelope Cruz cast as his magnificently unhappy wife Laura, and Shailene Woodley as his younger mistress Lina Lardi.

Biopics these days tend to ramble back and forth in time interminably, but Manns Ferrari is admirably focused, restricting itself to an atmospheric recreation of a single, action-packed year in its subjects life.

Our story opens (and closes) in the summer of 1957, as Enzo prepares for a make-or-break participation in the Mille Miglia road race.

By this time, Enzo was an Italian tabloid celebrity, his flash cars and equally racy private life providing many column inches for happy paparazzi.

The cars are marvellous in Ferrari. Photo: Neon

But behind the scenes, his legendary brand is on the brink of bankruptcy, thanks mainly to the small fortune Enzos spent trying to develop racing cars good enough to beat rivals like the detested Maserati.

Things are frosty at home too, as his wife and business partner Laura has grown sick and tired of his constant womanising. More acutely, both are devastated by the death of their only child Dino the previous year.

Lauras only child, we should say  what she doesnt know and is about to find out is Enzo had another son with Lina Lardi, whom he maintains in a separate property hes kept secret from his wife for years.

All of which plays havoc with Enzos plans to save his company by winning the prestigious Mille Miglia with a new, souped-up car and a roster of top drivers.

To do that, hell need Lauras cooperation, but she seems in no mood for compromise. And with the bank on his case as well, it seems only a matter of time before Enzo will lose his precious autonomy and be driven into the arms of a wealthy partner, like Fiat.

These are the terms of Manns endeavour, and swaggering through it with his usual rangy elegance is Driver, sporting the soft Italian accent he first road-tested in Ridley Scotts high fashion soap opera House Of Gucci.

There are obvious comparisons between those two films  both boast jaded patriarchs, well-heeled mistresses, aggrieved and potentially murderous wives. And both labour under the fond American delusion that all Italians live life in a permanent state of high drama.

Drivers Enzo, though, barely seems to have a pulse. Languid to the point of catatonia, he hardly flinches when Laura fires a gun at him, imperceptibly raises an eyebrow when one of his drivers shoots clear of his practice car and breaks his neck. Can the real Ferrari have been so bloodless?

Penelope Cruz steals the show as Laura Ferrari. Photo: Neon

Im not sure, but theres something missing in Drivers performance: his character seems so disengaged that you begin to ask yourself why you should bother to take an interest if he doesnt.

The cars are marvellous, flaming red, obscenely opulent, their deafening revs drowning out the personalities of all the people around them.

All but one: given the same slightly mannered script as everyone else, Penelope Cruz bashes out a brilliant sketch of an aggrieved and sidelined woman.

Crippled by grief, irritated beyond belief by the unhelpful interjections of Enzos adoring mother, Laura Ferrari rages magnificently against the preening entitlement of an impossible man she clearly still loves.

In cinemas 26 December

Rating: Three stars

Society Of The Snow focuses on the 1972 Andes air crash. Photo: Netflix

Society Of The Snow (15A, 124mins)

J.A. Bayonas Society Of The Snow is not the first dramatisation of the 1972 Andes air crash, but it is far and away the best.

In October of that year, a small plane carrying members of the Old Christians rugby team from Montevideo to Santiago for a match struck the top of a mountain and crash-landed on a glacier.

Of the 45 passengers and crew, 33 survived the impact, but emerged from the twisted fuselage to discover they were stuck 3,500 metres above sea level and surrounded by high mountains.

At that altitude, temperatures would drop as low as -35C, and the group would be at the mercy of vicious winter storms.

Miraculously, 16 of those passengers would last on that glacier for 72 days.

Most people will know that involved eating the bodies of the fallen, a horrendous decision that forms the dramatic centrepiece of this film.

But Society Of The Snow does not dwell on the cannibalism and investigates the spirituality among the group that rose to this impossible challenge.

The crash itself is superbly recreated and theres an eerie beauty to Bayonas depiction of the snowy wilderness that felt like hell but looked like heaven.

In cinemas now and on Netflix from Jan 4.

Rating: Four stars

Patrick Wilson and Jason Momoa make a surprisingly good comic double act. Photo: Warner Bros

Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom

First introduced to us during Zack Snyders 2017 folly Justice League, Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) came across like a beer-swilling super lout, but was suspiciously good at swimming.

In a 2018 standalone adventure, we discovered he was half-man, half-fish and heir to the long-lost undersea kingdom of Atlantis.

In this sequel, he must bury the hatchet and join forces with his chippy half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) when a new enemy threatens to wreak global havoc.

Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), whose unhinged father Aquaman killed in the first film, now plots an elaborate revenge involving a frozen undersea tyrant.

Arthur, meanwhile, has married Mera (Amber Heard) and had a kid. Hed rather be kicking back with his dad (Temuera Morrison) and drinking cans of Guinness (he says slainte at one point), but submarine duty calls.

The first Aquaman was not very good, but I have to admit, this one is an improvement.

The decision to keep most of the action on land remotes a lot of that gurgling CGI, and with Patrick Wilson, the ever likeable Mamoa forms a surprisingly effective comic double act.

In cinemas now.

Rating: Three stars
The family of Amy Fitzpatrick appeals for information about her disappearance as she has been missing for almost 16 years now.

Last January, Amys family handed a letter to Tanaiste Micheal Martin urging the Government to press Spanish authorities to help find her and conduct a proper investigation.

Mother Audrey Fitzpatrick appealed for information on Newstalks Pat Kenny Show during the week as she hopes it'll be a dig at somebody.

It will be a nudge at somebody's conscience, that somebody might speak up, that somebody might remember something: Oh God, I knew him back in the day, because it is back in the day, nearly 16 years.

That's why she's still very much in people's minds because we keep pushing it, she said.

Amy Fitzpatrick went missing aged 15 on New Years Day in Malaga in Costa Del Sol, Spain in 2008, where she lived with her mother Audrey and stepfather Dave Mahon at the time.

Amy was originally from Coolock and was last seen alive around 10pm after leaving her friends home after the sleepover.

Her walk home should have taken just 10 minutes, but she never made it home.

Once her mother and stepfather looked back at the early days after her disappearance and investigation of Guardia Civil in Spain, they thought they were great in the early days, but theres an awful lot they didnt do.

For example, they havent received the phone records of the house Amy was in on the tragic night to this day.

They admitted seeing helicopters to this day is a trigger for them.

Her stepfather Dave said: "We all watch the movies, and you see people going missing, and it's only when it knocks on your door.

When you see a helicopter of Guardia Civil over your house, it's surreal.

Until this day, when I see a helicopter, my heart skips a beat, he said.

Meanwhile, Ms Fitzpatrick said: Even yesterday, because we're so close to the border you get the army helicopters flying over, because we live in Leitrim now.

And I know it's stupid. I still look out when I see a helicopter to this day," she said.

Ms Fitzpatrick said: It's always about the basic thing.

You can go back 50 years, it's always somebody they know.

It's always somebody they know, or we know, she said.

Her mother Audrey described her daughter as a bit of a wild child like her mother.

Amy's not here to speak for herself. And a lot of the tabloids have crucified Amy, her stepfather said.

We're still hoping all these years later that shed run away. But we know she didn't run away. Our hope is that she's on a yacht somewhere, living her life, they said.
A new ban on the sale of vaping products to those under the age of 18 will come into effect from tomorrow.

The law makes it an offence to sell a nicotine-inhaling product such as e-cigarettes (commonly referred to as vapes) to a child.

The offence carries a penalty of a fine of up to 4,000 and up to a six-month jail term.

Until now, there was no mandatory age restriction on the sale of e-cigarettes in Ireland.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has signed the commencement order for the law, thanking his colleagues in the Oireachtas who understood the urgency for our children.

The remaining measures of the Public (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, such as new rules around advertising, a licensing system and taxation of vaping liquids and vending machines, will commence next year.

There are also plans to ban the advertising of vaping products near schools and on public transport in an attempt to limit the exposure to commercial messaging around the products.

I am committed to bringing this ban on the sale of vaping products to under-18s into law before Christmas and I am pleased that I have been able to do that by signing the commencement order, Mr Donnelly said on Tuesday.

I thank colleagues in both Houses of the Oireachtas who understood the urgency for our children and who supported me to get this law enacted quickly.

Id also like to thank officials in my department and the Attorney Generals office for working to get the statutory instrument complete so that we can introduce this ban from tomorrow.

In 2024, I will commence the remaining measures in the act  such as around advertising, a licensing system and vending machines  and we will examine the results of our public consultation on the further regulation of e-cigarettes and on some innovative proposals in tobacco control.

Junior Health Minister Hildegarde Naughton said the commencement of the law is a good beginning.

I look forward to the results of our public consultation on the options for the further regulation of nicotine-inhaling products, particularly around flavourings and packaging, Ms Naughton added.

The public consultation to help inform future regulation is currently open and will close on January 5.

Views are sought on the display of products in shops, flavours, packaging, taxation of vaping liquids and other measures that might decrease the appeal of nicotine-inhaling products to young people, further denormalise smoking, and improve public health.

The new age restriction on the sale of vaping products here follows similar plans to ban the products in a number of European countries, including France, Germany and the UK.

Australia has announced a total ban on the importation of disposable e-cigarettes from January 1 in an effort to stamp out the spike in vaping among young people.
The Irish divorce: Why the arrangement of celebrity couples like Jada Pinkett and Will Smith is not unusual to us
Businessman jailed for stealing getaway car used in murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe

The non-jury court found he was intimately involved in conspiring to steal the car used by the gang

James Flynn (left) and Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe (right)

Robin Schiller Thu 21 Dec 2023 at 12:48







A Northern Irish businessman has been jailed for eight years for his role in stealing the getaway car used in the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe.
The attack, on November 23, led to protests in the city that erupted into rioting

The scene of the attack on Parnell Square last month

A man has been remanded in custody after gardai charged him with the attempted murders of two young girls and a boy in a knife attack in Dublin last month.

One girl (5) was left fighting for her life after the stabbing. She is still being treated in hospital. Two other children were released from hospital.

A creche worker from Dublin was also seriously injured during the incident on Parnell Square, on the city's north side, on the afternoon of November 23.

Riad Bouchaker (50), of no fixed abode, was brought before Judge Bryan Smyth at Dublin District Court this afternoon.

Evidence was given by Detective Sergeant Padraig Cleary, who outlined how the accused was arrested at Mountjoy garda station at 12.51 pm today.

The accused listened to the proceedings with the help of an Arabic interpreter after communicating that I do not understand.

He did not address the court during the rest of the ten-minute minute hearing.

Judge Smyth had the garda witness restart, giving evidence to ensure the man understood.

Det Sgt Cleary said the accused made no reply when charged with attempted murder of a female child.

Mr Bouchaker's reply to a second charge for attempted murder of a second female child was I am a sick person.

The court heard he had no response when charged with the attempted murder of a male child.

He had no response when charged with assault causing harm to another male child and a girl.

The court also heard he had no response when charged with causing serious harm to a care worker.

He had no reply when charged with assault, causing harm to a French national at the scene.

The final charge was for the production of a 36-centimetre kitchen knife, and in reply to that offence, he told gardai: I am a sick person.

There was a garda application to remand him in custody. The defence barrister said: Due to the nature of the charges, we cannot advance a bail application.

The District Court does not have the power to consider a bail application in an attempted murder case, which requires a High Court application.

Judge Smyth remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court by video link on December 28.

Legal aid was granted after a statement of the defendant's means was handed into court.

The court noted that Mr Bouchaker, dressed in a green jacket, black jumper, dark trousers and slippers, required medical attention.

Det Sgt Cleary confirmed a list of the defendant's medication had already been sent electronically to the medical section in Cloverhill Prison.

Judge Smyth acceded to a defence request to direct appropriate medical attention in custody.

The defence lawyer also made an application, which he described as a little unusual, for Mr Bouchaker's legal team not to be identified in media reports.

He explained that this was because of safety concerns and after what occurred around the city, adding there were concerns for the safety of those involved with Mr Bouchaker.

Det Sgt Cleary supported the request and said it had already been discussed and deemed suitable.

Judge Smyth acceded and told reporters they must not name the members of the man's legal team.

Mandatory reporting restrictions under section 93 of the Children Act already apply to media coverage regarding the injured children, who cannot be identified.

The legislation states: No report shall be published or included in a broadcast which reveals the name, address or school of any child concerned in the proceedings or includes any particulars likely to lead to the identification of any child concerned in the proceedings.
Two men who terrified a man and made vile threats against him and his mother over a drug debt have been jailed for various offences.
Significant amount of cocaine found on ship in Limerick port20,000 tonne vessel arrived at Foynes at around 10.30am Tuesday morning

Cocaine worth 21m discovered on cargo ship in Limerick set to be picked up by another vessel

Detectives have seized a number of mobile phones for analysis as part of the investigation into the 21m drugs bust in Limerick.

More than 300kg of cocaine was discovered on board the Verila cargo ship, which had travelled from South America via Canada.

The discovery was made by Revenue officials and specialist search teams at the Port of Foynes on Tuesday. Local gardai, as well as members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, are assisting the inquiry. The Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (MAOC), an EU agency, which targets drug trafficking by sea and air, is also involved in the probe.

The Irish Independent has learned that detectives have so far seized a number of electronic devices and exhibits, including mobile phones, as part of the investigation.

These devices are being analysed by specialist gardai in an effort to establish any links to the drugs haul and potential evidence against those involved in organising the cocaine shipment.

Around 20 crew members, who are mostly European nationals, are also being voluntarily interviewed as part of the inquiry, although no arrests have yet been made.

At this stage, gardai have not discovered any connections between the Limerick seizure and other recent drug busts around the country.

Investigators are still attempting to establish whether the drugs were destined for the Irish market or whether they were to be distributed elsewhere in Europe.

In September, more than two tonnes of cocaine was found on board a cargo ship off the Cork coast, while the previous month 9.3m worth of the same drug was recovered at Rosslare Port.

In July, bales of cocaine valued at more than 4.5m also washed up on the Donegal shoreline.

Last week, the PSNI found more than 11m of cocaine in south Armagh, while heroin valued at more than 6m was discovered at Weston Airport in Dublin at the beginning of December.

The Kinahan organised crime group is suspected of having a significant involvement in the two tonnes of cocaine seized on board the MV Matthew in Cork, while a separate Dublin-Meath crime group has been linked to the Northern Ireland bust.

One source said: "At this stage there is nothing to link the seizure at Foynes to any other recent significant drug seizures in Ireland.

"In fact most of the operations are believed to have involved different gangs and shows how many different groupings are operating at such a high level, as well as the demand that is out there for cocaine in particular.

Another source said: "It is an awful lot of product. It's generally sold per gram, and there is a thousand grams in a kilogram, so this seizure is 300,000 deals of cocaine without even cutting it with another product, which would probably double it again.

The source said it was doubtful that any one organised crime group in Ireland would be able to finance a delivery of that size on its own.

They also said the consignment was too large to be offloaded into the water and attached to buoys and a tracker to be later collected.

The cargo ship was identified by Revenue officials as potentially being used to smuggle cocaine before it was subsequently searched.

Local Independent Limerick City and County councillor Emmett O'Brien called for "a proper task force and proper investment in our naval services to stop illegal drug shipments being imported into the country.

He said: "I'm just glad this cocaine shipment has been seized. The cocaine problem is absolutely endemic, not just in my immediate electoral district [west county Limerick] but across the country, and it seems to permeate throughout all sectors of the community and ages as well.

"There's a prejudice that younger men in their 20s are cocaine users, but this goes right across through all ages and demographics. It's a serious issue, and it is a blight on our society and it is causing very serious crimes, and something needs to be done about it fast.

A spokesperson said: "Revenue officers, including specialist search teams, supported by drug detector dogs, are continuing to search the vessel as part of an ongoing operation.

A garda spokesperson added they are "working closely with Revenue officers in this operation, the Garda investigation is being led by the Limerick Division Crime Functional Area, supported by Divisional Resources, Regional Armed Support Unit, National Units including the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and International agencies, including MAOC(N).
A total of 12 properties in the Clonmel area were searched in connection with organised criminal activity. Stock Image.

Guns, ammunition, a machete, drugs and a quantity of cash were seized following searches linked to organised criminal activity in Co Tipperary.

One man has been arrested following a search on a dozen properties in the Clonmel area by gardai, members of the Defence Forces and Revenue officers.

A garda spokesperson said: Gardai in Clonmel seized firearms and ammunition as part of a multi-agency search operation this afternoon, Wednesday 20th December 2023.

The search operation was conducted as part of ongoing investigations into organised criminal activity in the Clonmel area.

A total of 12 properties were searched by gardai alongside personnel from the Defence Forces in the Engineers No. 1 Brigade and Revenue Customs Service.

During the course of the search, two shotguns were seized by gardai as well as ammunition.

Other offensive weapons including a machete and incapacitant spray were also seized for technical examination by investigating gardai.

Over 2,500 worth of suspected crack cocaine and heroin, and 1,500 in cash, weas also seized during the course of the operation.

A garda spokesperson added: One male (aged in his 20s) was arrested earlier today and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in County Tipperary.

Investigations are ongoing.
There needs to be an informed, balanced debate on transgender policy and treatment in Ireland, the Tanaiste has said.

Micheal Martin was speaking after the broadcast of an RTE documentary on Irish referrals to the Tavistock clinic and related matters.

His call for considered analysis of the way forward also comes as the British Government issues new advice to schools over transgender students which will also apply in Northern Ireland.

Mr Martin said he had not seen the RTE documentary, but had read about it. The Labour Party has criticised the handling of the issues involved.

We must all bring a degree of understanding to this issue and avoid declaratory or simplistic conclusions, Mr Martin said.

He added that he respected all of the clinicians involved, some of whom differed on the programme. The Tavistock clinic has closed after a series of controversies.

There needs to be an informed, balanced debate on the issue, the Tanaiste said, without offering particular direction.

The Irish Governments approach to transgender issues contrasts with British Government decisions which have seen by as hostile by the transgender community.

New guidance from the UK Department for Education is to call for a presumption against allowing children to declare at school that they are changing gender  a crux that lies at the heart of the continuing incarceration of teacher Enoch Burke in Mountjoy prison.

A claimed parents first approach in Britain is seen as a response by Rishi Sunak and his Cabinet to concerns among Conservative Party voters about gender ideology.

The schools advice will call for parents 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 the childs parents or guardians not to informed before in-school protocols are put in place.

In Ireland there are no overall guidelines on these subjects from the Department of Education, despite calls for a framework to be developed by TENI, the Transgender Equality Network Ireland.

It says it has been working with both primary and post-primary schools in Ireland since 2013. During this period, we have experienced hundreds of individual and often complex situations relating to gender transition in the school environment. Our work focuses on providing a holistic wrap-around model of care, which encompasses a partnership element with key stakeholders in the care for young transgender and gender diverse TGD) people, including their families, the organisation said.

The British advice, which has yet to be officially published, reportedly says 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.

However, some schools are already saying they will shun the guidelines, which are only advisory rather than having legal force.
Donna Price with a photo of her son Darren Price, who died following a collision in 2006

The Irish Road Victims Association has welcomed Cabinet agreement on measures to reduce deaths on roads, stressing that legislative reform for bereaved families cannot come soon enough.

Earlier today, Cabinet signed off on agreements to reduce the speed limit on roads, apply multiple penalty points offences for a single traffic stop and drug testing at all serious road collisions.

IRVA President Donna Price said she hopes to see the agreed measures moved into legislation in the hopes of preventing any escalation in casualty numbers, which she described as unforgivable.

Speed is one of the main contributory causes of road crashes. In the event of a collision, speed can determine the outcome. Whether a person lives, perhaps with a serious injury, or dies, she told the Irish Independent.

Following the agreement, Ms Price said that we must do more to prevent the loss of life, following the death of 43 pedestrians so far this year, with 179 deaths in total on Irish roads.

She stressed the importance of the agreement today to reduce road speeds from 50kmh to 30kmh in built-up areas, saying that in the event of a crash at 30kmh nine out of 10 people will survive.

When hit at 50kmh, five out of 10 pedestrians will be killed, while at 60kmh, nine out of 10 will die.

Infrastructure must be put in place to protect our most vulnerable road users. They must be segregated and protected from heavy goods vehicles for example, she said.

Ms Price also highlighted the importance of reducing speeds on rural roads, highlighting that most fatal collisions occur on rural roads, as well as single carriageways with no barriers or lighting.

On these roads, speeds exceeding 80kmh are totally unsafe, she said in reference to changes from the default speed limit on rural roads from 80kmh to 60kmh.

Cabinet also agreed to reduce the speed of national secondary roads or N roads from 100kmh to 80kmh under its new updated guidelines due to be passed into law.

While welcoming the Cabinet actions on reducing speed limits, Ms Price said the IRVA are also calling for effective deterrents such as the doubling of penalty points and not just on bank holidays.

There must be a real chance of losing your licence if you continue to break the law. At the moment that isnt the case, and people are taking chances with their own lives and the lives of others.

It should be two strikes and youre off the road, as there is so little likelihood of being caught. At present youd need to be caught using your mobile phone four times before losing your licence, she said.

Ms Price also welcomed agreement on mandatory drug testing for those involved in serious collisions.

She stressed that it is not acceptable that it hasnt been in place for collisions where someone is killed.

It means the unfortunate victims of road crimes dont get any semblance of justice, and our prevention efforts and any legislative reform required cannot be truly evidence based, she said.

She is also calling for thorough investigations in all cases where a death or serious injury has been caused, with the data collected shared with all stakeholders in order to assist with prevention efforts, and spare other families the pain of such an avoidable loss.

Ms Price, who lost her own son Darren Price to a road accident in 2006 said the legislative reform cannot come soon enough for the families of the IRVA and those bereaved due to road collisions.

Gardai must also be properly resourced so that we see the high visibility enforcement needed on our roads to deter law breaking drivers, she added.
A man who attacked his former partner leaving her covered in blood after forcing her into the boot of her own car has been jailed for three years.

Soufiane Mountassir (39) went into what his former partner called a blind rage and subjected her to hours of being beaten and kicked, causing her to fear for her life, the court heard.

In a victim impact statement, which she read aloud in court, the woman said she has become afraid of her own life since the attack a year ago.

I have become a different person. I have a lot of anxiety and I struggle to leave the house alone, she said.

Mountassir, with an address at Mountjoy Square in the city centre, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment in Dublin 8 and assault causing harm on Blackhall Street, Dublin 7 in the early hours of November 13 last year.

Imposing sentence today Judge Orla Crowe said the victim opened her home and heart to Mountassir. She described the incident as a sustained, humiliating, violent series of offending that went through the city centre.

She said the aggravating factors include the huge breach of trust, the violence meted out and that he put the woman into the boot of her own car.

Judge Crowe noted the mitigating features include Mountassir's guilty plea, that he is remorseful and ashamed and that he comes from a difficult background.

She sentenced him to three years imprisonment, backdating the sentence to when he went into custody on November 13, 2022.

At an earlier sentence hearing, Garda Conall Walsh told Diarmuid Collins BL, prosecuting, that gardai were called by three separate witnesses about the attack in different areas of the city before they finally located Mountassir and the woman in Grangegorman.

The court heard that Mountassir met the woman in Temple Bar and they moved in together after a few weeks.

The woman said Mountassir was so charming and kind when they first met and that the relationship moved pretty fast.

In her statement, she said they went to the city centre on the night in question, stopping at a shop to get four cans of gin and four of lager.

She said Mountassir was talking jealously about silly things, and saying people were looking to her.

He walked up to two women and said I could have any woman I want, and they continued to argue about jealousy.

The woman then remembered Mountassir slapping her face and her glasses falling off.

A man standing nearby called Mountassir a scumbag and told him to stop hitting the woman, but she begged him to leave as she was becoming frightened and didnt want the situation to escalate.

The woman described Mountassir gripping her and forcing her to her car where he smashed her face with force onto the boot.

There was blood all over my face. I was in complete shock, the woman said.

He then forced her into the boot and began starting and stopping the car, before eventually stopping the car and forcing her into the passenger seat.

He was full of anger, punching my face and body repeatedly, I could not breathe from being punched into the side of the body. He told me to wipe blood off the window, I did what he said, she said.

The court heard Mountassir grabbed her by the hair and smashed her head off the dashboard, the gear stick, the steering wheel and the passenger door.

The woman begged him to stop but he didnt care and she was concerned he was going to kill her.

The woman described Mountassir as entering into a blind rage and said he kept punching her in the stomach and ribs, ripping the necklace off her neck and her watch from her arm.

He punched the windscreen, breaking it, and drove the car onto the footpath several times, damaging the wheel so he was driving on the rim.

A witness described seeing a man forcing a woman into a car boot and initially shutting the boot closed really hard like a crazy man on her foot. This witness called the guards.

A second witness at 1.15am was on her balcony on Blackhall Street when she saw the accused pull a woman out of the boot and put her into the passenger seat, punching her all the time. She also rang the gardai to report the matter.

A third witness in Grangegorman was awoken by banging at 2.30am and saw a man banging on a car, opening the boot and slamming it and also opening the bonnet and banging it closed hard.

Gardai found the woman with her face and clothing covered in blood. They also observed blood markings all over the inside passenger door and along the dashboard, the steering wheel and the gearstick.

Mountassir was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and later arrested for these offences.

He initially suggested to gardai that the woman had been drinking and taking drugs and that she had banged her own head off the steering wheel. He also suggested that a passerby had hit the woman.

Gda Walsh said Mountassir claimed to be Morroccan but was very vague in answering questions and couldnt give an address.

He took a trial date but later pleaded guilty.

He has no previous convictions in this jurisdiction, but the court heard a European Arrest Warrant was issued as Mountassir is wanted in Germany in relation to an arson offence.

Miceal OConnor BL, defending, said Mountassir had been seeking protection in Ireland and had a hostel address.

Mr OConnor said Mountassir had been drinking, taking Dalmane and cocaine and smoking cannabis all through that day of the attack. He said his client was ashamed and remorseful for what happened.

He said it was a Jekyll and Hyde situation and that by his client's self-induced intoxication he hurt his partner.

Counsel said the woman went to hospital that evening, was later released and no medical report was available.

The court heard Mountassir was sentenced previously to three years and one month in Germany for arson, but was released and then the sentence was re-imposed.

He was also remanded for part of this sentence to a psychiatric hospital, the court heard.
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds performing on stage with Shane MacGowan in London in 1992. Photo: Ian Dickson/Redferns via Getty Images.

Nick Cave arrives for the funeral of Shane MacGowan at Saint Mary's of the Rosary Church, Nenagh, Co Tipperary. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Cave and MacGowan became close friends after meeting in 1989 at a time when Cave said he was a fan, pure and simple.

Writing for The Guardian, Cave recalled being introduced to MacGowan as part of a summit meeting, organised by music publication NME and also attended by the Fall frontman Mark E Smith.

"Unfortunately, it was my first day out of rehab, and it probably wasnt the greatest idea to spend the day with two people who were not known for their moderation," he wrote.

"It was pure mayhem from the outset. Not the most auspicious start to a friendship, but Shane and I did become close friends soon afterwards.

Cave said the early days of his friendship with MacGowan were difficult as he tried to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

"I dont think he was used to being around someone who didnt drink. He essentially didnt trust anyone who wasnt completely s**t-faced.

"At some point, when I eventually started drinking again, we met in a bar and he asked me what I wanted.

I ordered a double vodka and his eyes just lit up. It was like he was a little kid and it was Christmas Day. And that was that. We spent the next years going out, f***ing around, getting wasted.

On MacGowans ability as a songwriter, Cave said the Tipperary native was doing something extraordinary and he envied his writing talent.

"His way of writing was steeped in the tradition of Irish balladry. It was in no way modern, whereas my songs, back then, were more of their time: darker and fractured and experimental.

There was little compassion in them. No true understanding of the ordinary. I dont think I could have written a lyric like The wind goes right through you/ Its no place for the old [from Fairytale of New York].

"It speaks volumes. You can feel the wind and the ice in the air but also the sense of learned empathy and deep compassion Shane had for people.

He said MacGowan had something that we lesser writer have to work hard to even get close to. An effortless, God-given talent.

Cave was among those in attendance at MacGowans funeral in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, where he played A Rainy Night in Soho, a Pogues hit that Cave first covered in 1992.
Its disgraceful  Former presidential candidate Peter Casey says gardai have done nothing since planned refugee hostel was burnt down

Businessman also calls for temporary ban on all immigration into Ireland

Peter Casey plans to run for the presidency again in 2025. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Hugh O'Connell Thu 21 Dec 2023 at 03:30

Former presidential candidate Peter Casey has criticised the garda investigation into the fire at a building in Donegal that he planned to use to accommodate Ukrainian refugees earlier this year.
An agreement with the Criminal Assets Bureau to sell the home of a man caught red-handed with a Kinahan Cartel weapons stash has been scrapped.

Just last month it was heard in the High Court, CAB were set to allow the sale of James Walsh and his ex-partner Lisa OHaras home to go ahead and the money be held by a solicitor
As we move into January the much-celebrated stretch in the evenings will become more apparent

Today marks the shortest day of the year, also known as the Winter Solstice.

The solstice usually happens around December 21 - today the sun will rise from 8.38am.

The event occurs because the earths path around the sun is unsteady according to Professor Emeritus at the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics, Peter Lynch.

Prof Lynch explained clocks run by mean time, which moves in and out synchronisation with naturally occurring solar time.

The orbit has various irregularities. If we went by solar time, different days would be different lengths and youd have to be constantly resetting your clocks.

"We use mean time because it is very convenient and that is the average time.

The illumination of earth happens because of solar time and that varies by about a quarter of an hour throughout the year, plus or minus, he said.

The difference between clock time and solar time is embodied in a mathematical equation called the equation of time.

Up to a 15-minute difference can exist between solar time and mean solar time, while midday is always 24 hours apart.

The orbit of the earth is not a perfect circle, in fact, it is slightly egg shaped.

The earth is closest to the sun in January and farthest from it six months later.

This determines how rapidly the earth is going around its orbit because the nearer it is to the sun the faster its going and that effects the time, according to Prof Lynch.

The fact that the earth sits on a titled, 23-degree axis means the noon day sun is over different parts of the earth at different times of the year which leads to seasonal variations.

Interestingly, while some might think the shortest day of the year would occur because the sun rises later and sets early, Prof Lynch said this is not the case.

He said the evenings actually began getting slightly longer last week.

The earliest sunset was actually on December 13 and the latest sunrise  or the darkest morning  thats on December 30. So, roughly speaking about a week before solstice is the darkest evening and about a week after it is the darkest morning, he explained.

Prof Lynch added as we move into January the much-celebrated stretch in the evenings will become more apparent.

Many people will associate the winter solstice with Irelands ancient past and historical passage tombs; the most well-known being Newgrange in Co Meath.

Built by Stone Age farmers 5,200 years ago in the Boyne Valley, Newgrange has a 19-metre passage which leads into a chamber with three alcoves. At sunrise, for 17 minutes, direct sunlight can enter the Newgrange monument to illuminate the chamber, not through the doorway, but through the specially contrived small opening above the entrance known as the roof box.

Each of the mornings from December 18 to December 23, sunrise is at 8.58am and the solar alignment of the passage tomb at Newgrange to face the rising sun on winter solstice is a significant astronomical finding of global importance.

It was originally re-discovered by Limerick man and UCC professor, Michael J O'Kelly in 1967.

Gabriel Cooney is Professor of Celtic Archaeology in UCD and a Newgrange expert.

He described Newgrange is an iconic monument and said the fact that it is aligned with the winter solstice adds to it attraction.

Newgrange is what we would call a passage tomb and there are 10 other passage tombs, give or take, around Ireland which are aligned with either the sunrise or sunset at winter solstice.

So, the people who built it were part of a cultural tradition in which this concept of marking key time points of the year was something that they incorporated into the building of these monuments, he said.

Prof Cooney said the importance of the turning point in the year is something which is evident from many other societies around the world who also sought to mark the beginning of the days getting longer once more.

He said the Stone Age builders who erected Newgrange knew exactly where the sun was going to set for several days leading up to solstice.

So accurate was their understanding, that if Newgrange did not exist, the sun would set perfectly on the southern slope of the ridge where it sits on solstice.

Prof Cooney said, Newgrange and similar passage tombs were places where ancient tribes buried their dead so they could feel closer to them as the passed on to the next life.

These were place where the remains of people were placed.

"So, if you think about that, these were monuments that contained the bones of the dead; something that would have been very important in an agricultural society.

So, to me what the alignment with the sunrise is doing is its a reminder of that; the connection between the other world and the earth and then this notion of speaking to those ancestors. So, there is a religious belief about that, he added.

This article was first published December 2021.
SINN Fein Senator Niall O Donnghaile has announced his resignation from the Seanad with immediate effect following medical advice.

In a surprise move announced on Thursday morning, O Donnghaile, who is Sinn Fein leader in the Seanad, said he had been unable to attend the Seanad since the summer recess on the advice of his doctor.

It is unlikely that this situation will change in the short-term. Therefore I feel the best decision for myself, my family and the party going forward is to resign from the Seanad and step back from public life, he said.

Mr O Donnghaile was first elected to the upper house in 2016 on the administrative panel and has previously served as Belfast Lord Mayor when he was a Belfast city councillor between 2011 and 2016.

The Belfast native and fluent Irish speaker is a former community worker who was the youngest ever lord mayor of Belfast when he was appointed in 2012.

He said in his statement: "It has been a great pleasure over the course of many years to first of all serve the people of the Short Strand as a councillor, the people of Belfast as Mayor and latterly giving a voice to those in the north in the Seanad. But the time is now right for me to step aside from this public role.

"I want to thank those who have supported me over the years and to my family and friends, particularly in the Short Strand, and to my party colleagues for their support during my time in frontline politics."

Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald paid tribute to Mr O Donnghaile, saying in a statement: "Niall has served in the Seanad for almost eight years giving voice to northern nationalists in the Oireachtas.

"Niall served diligently during that period, and indeed prior during his time as a member of Belfast City Council and as Ardmheara Beal Feirste.

"In particular, Niall made a valuable contribution to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

"I hope that Niall can overcome the health challenges that he has had to deal with over the past number of months, and I wish him and his family the very best for the future."

His resignation will trigger a Seanad by-election that could take place in the new year.

The electorate for vacancies on vocational panels is confined to members of the Oireachtas meaning a postal ballot of 160 TDs and 58 Senators. A by-election candidate must be nominated by nine TDs or Senators in order to stand.

The Coalition's majority in the upper house is likely to mean any candidate it throws its support behind would win the seat as Sinn Fein now has only three seats in the upper house.

O Donnghaile is the second Sinn Fein senator to resign in the Seanads current term. Senator Elisha McCallion resigned in October 2020 - just six months after she was elected  following revelations that her former Westminster office had erroneously received a Covid-19 small business grant from the UK government.
In the comments, people have expressed their grief with one writing: He was one in a million may he rest easy

The son of Bray man who died in hospital just days after being shot in the legs in a gangland gun attack has described him as the best man that ever walked.

Clinton McCormack (44) passed away in St Vincents Hospital on Tuesday night as a result of an undiagnosed brain condition days after being shot in Co Wicklow.

Last night, his family and friends took to social media to pay tribute to the construction worker.

Writing on Facebook, Mr McCormacks son said his death had broken his familys hearts.

Rest in peace to the best man that ever walked, the post on social media reads.

You have all our harts (sic) broke. I promise youIll do you proud love to bits till we meet again love you boss man.

The message that accompanied a series of photos also featured a love heart and an angel emoji.

In the comments, people have expressed their grief with one writing: He was one in a million may he rest easy.

Another added: A pure messer he was, always made ya laugh.

Read more Gangland shooting victim named after dying from medical complications

Hearts broke for yous all yous will do him proud, another has added, with one other person writing: Sorry for your loss buddy, you were lucky to have him as a role model. Thinking of you.

Mr McCormack had been carrying out exterior insulation work on a house in Delgany, Co Wicklow when two masked gunman arrived at the scene.

They fired multiple shots from two handguns but still failed to cause serious injury to their target even though they "cornered him behind a van" in a reckless gun attack.

Clinton McCormack from Bray, Co Wicklow, passed away in St Vincents Hospital at around 8.30pm last night.

It is believed it is unlikely that his death will lead to the probe being upgraded to murder, according to sources.

It is understood that the medical condition that Mr McCormack was suffering from was previously undiagnosed.

A post-mortem on his body will now determine the next stage of the garda probe in which there has been no arrests.

Sources said that Mr McCormack developed grave medical complications over the weekend which do not appear to be linked to the shooting.

He had been living in Co Wexford in recent times and had travelled to work at the site in a van from his home.

It is understood that the gang who shot him received intelligence that Mr McCormack had been working at the building site at the Bellevue Hill housing development in Delgany.

This is the second time in seven years that a ruthless organised criminal gang have targeted Mr McCormack but his innocent associates have also been the subject of firearms incidents.

In January a lone gunman approached a man known to him, who is aged in his 30s at his home in Bray, Co Wicklow, and discharged at least one shot before his handgun jammed and he fled the scene.

Mr McCormack received a number of gunshot wounds to his leg while in last Thursdays shooting.

The chief suspects for last weeks shooting are a Bray based organised crime gang considered the main supplier of drugs, particularly heroin, in the north Wicklow area and are led by a criminal aged in his early 40s.

Jailed rapist and gun-for hire Eoghan O'Connell (34) is currently serving a 12 year sentence for a previous attempted gun murder on Mr McCormacks life.

That incident happened in 2016 when O'Connell approached the victim and attempted to fire at him but the shotgun jammed. A struggle ensued and O'Connell was later identified before being arrested.

Gardai at Greystones are continuing to investigate a shooting incident and assault that occurred at Bellevue Hill in Delgany, County Wicklow, shortly after 4:30pm on Thursday 14th December 2023, a garda spokesman said.

The man in his 40s who sustained a number of gunshot wounds during this incident, was pronounced deceased, yesterday 19th December 2023, in hospital.

A post mortem examination will be carried out, the results of which will determine the course of the investigation.

An incident room is established at Greystones Garda station and this investigation is continuing under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO).Gardai are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Gardai are continuing to request information on the movements of a 2007 black Ford Focus hatchback on Thursday 14th December 2023 between 3pm and 5pm in the Delgany area specifically between Bellevue Hill and Kindlestown Woods car park.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Bellevue Hill/ Kindlestown Woods areas at these times are asked to make this footage available to Gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Greystones Garda station on 01 666 5800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station, he added.

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LATEST | Heartbroken family pay tribute after four-year-old son of Irish man stabbed to death in London home

Keziah Macharia (41) appeared before a London magistrate charged with the murder of her four-year-old son, Kobi Macharia-Dooly

Police officers on site where a four-year-old boy has died after suffering knife injuries

Ralph Riegel Fri 22 Dec 2023 at 15:37







A HEARTBROKEN Irish family have paid tribute to a four-year-old boy whose mother has been charged with his murder in the UK.
New services to Sicily, Turkey and Crete will be on Dublin Airport sdepartures board next year

Deborah Byrne and Nik Robinson of Aer Lingus alongside holidaymakers Marcos Peter and Melanie Poussin at Dublin Airport. Photo: Naoise Culhane

Aer Lingus has announced new flights to Sicily, Crete and Turkey as part of its summer schedule for 2024.

The direct routes will connect Dublin Airport to Heraklion in Crete twice-weekly (from May 2), Catania in Sicily three times a week (from May 1) and Dalaman in Turkey twice-weekly (from April 6).

They follow the recent announcement of two new US transatlantic routes for next year, to Denver, Colorado (from May 17) and the twin cities of Minneapolis-St Paul in Minnesota (from April 29).

The news comes together with a seat sale running to January 15, which Aer Lingus says offers 25pc off short-haul flights and North American fares from 179 each-way, when booked as part of a return trip.

Aer Lingus, like many airlines, has been adding routes and capacity since the pandemic, with new European services last year including Kos in Greece, Olbia in Sardinia and Brindisi in Italy.

Last summer saw the airlines largest-ever transatlantic schedule, with 2.25m seats to the US and Canada.

Airfares are widely predicted to continue rising in 2024, although surveys appear to show consumers remain prepared to spend on their holidays.

Aer Linguss website data showed January 11 as its busiest for traffic in 2023, with Faro, Malaga and Paris the most popular destinations booked in Europe.

The most-travelled summer sun destinations this year included Malaga, Faro, Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, it says. New York JFK, Boston and Chicago dominated its transatlantic bookings.

"Our fleet expansion in 2023 carries us into summer 2024 with a mix of exciting new routes and increased frequency on core routes, said Reid Moody, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Aer Lingus.

The airline has previously flown to Catania, so will be re-commencing that route next year. Ryanair also operates a seasonal summer service from Dublin Airport to Palermo in Sicily.

Ryanair flies to Dalaman (from March 31) too, while Aer Lingus also flies to Izmir in Turkey.

In other airline news this week, Emirates revealed that over 450,000 customers have flown its Dublin to Dubai route this year.

There was a 31pc rise in First and Business Class bookings on the service, it said, with Australia named as its top international destination from Ireland.

The demand for international travel has returned stronger than ever since the dark days of the pandemic, said its country manager in Ireland, Anita Thomas.
A young woman watches the sun come up as people gather to witness the winter solstice at Newgrange on December 21 last year. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty

The winter solstice tomorrow is the day of least daylight in the year, also known as the shortest day. After winter solstice, daylight gradually increases until the summer solstice in June.

Although winter is the dormant season of darkness and cold, the winter solstice marks the turning of the sun and the days getting longer. Celebrations of returning light are common in history, with festivals around the time of the winter solstice. Fires were lit to symbolise the heat, light and life-giving properties of the returning sun.

Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. We decorate our homes with lights to welcome the birth of the true light of the world. Similar to the old 12-day pagan festivals, which celebrated the rebirth of the sun god, Sol Invictus, at winter solstice, Christians celebrate the Twelve days of Christmas to welcome the birth of Christ.

Many struggling families have little to celebrate this Christmas, with the St Vincent De Paul (SVP) Society receiving more than 225,000 calls for help already this year as more and more families experience poverty throughout Ireland.

Last year, the number seeking help was 230,000; those figures continue to rise with requests coming in for much-needed food, fuel, clothing and toys. During the past 10 years, SVP has provided 332m of direct assistance to those who have sought its help.

Hopefully, the rebirth of light will brighten the way for people of all religions and none this festive season. The light will shine brighter if we share just a fraction of our resources with the war-torn, the needy, the isolated, the lonely and the homeless.

Billy Ryle, Tralee, Co Kerry

Government must speak clearly before asking us to amend the Constitution

The Government has confirmed there will be two referendums in the spring to amend the Constitution.

The first relates to the removal of the women in the home clause; the second to protecting families outside the traditional model based on marriage, and proposing to redefine families as durable relationships.

There are basic issues regarding both proposals that the Government has failed to clarify.

A government minister was asked by a reporter what constitutes a woman, to which the reply was that it was something the Government was exploring, whereas another minister is on record stating that it would be left to the courts to define what a durable relationship is.

Surely the absolute minimum the electorate can expect when being asked to amend Bunreacht na hEireann is clarity on what the proposed amendments entail.

Eamonn OHara, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal

Its remarkable how short our memories are when it comes to immigration

Politicians and others who complain about undocumented refugees coming into this country are conveniently ignoring the thousands of undocumented Irish people who live in the US.

Some of those Irish migrants have lived illegally in the US for many years. If the authorities there were to have a mass clampdown, the Irish political establishment would speak (or even shout) with one voice on their behalf and lobby the US government with requests that the Irish migrants be treated as a special case.

No doubt, the friends and relatives of the undocumented Irish would engage in similar lobbying.

Tim Buckley, White Street, Cork

If we close our doors to newcomers, we should expect same treatment

If, tomorrow, we hung the slogan The Inn is Full across our borders and left anyone with a whisper of a chance of entry out in the cold, would the world put the same sign up for our constantly emigrating population?

Ireland is a nation steeped in emigration. Travel to Connemara, Dingle, Letterkenny and Rosslare and families will share their stories.

Everyone across this country knows of someone who made something for themselves abroad, illegally or legally. Whether they returned or not, they will attest that the ability to travel was the making of their success.

If we decide to close our borders to incoming travellers, we should expect the same to be done to us. After all, what makes us more worthy than someone living in a country with little hope of a future?

Marie Hanna Curran, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

We have our problems, but we must look after those who are fleeing danger

There is much talk about there being no room at the inn.

Ours is a wealthy country now. Yes, too many of our own are in the margins, and we have our own problems, but people have to flee wars and famines and we cant forget them. We did it ourselves.

M OBrien, Dalkey, Co Dublin

God hasnt abandoned the Gazans, its Hamas that has made their lives hell

It is not God that has abandoned Gaza as Tom McElligott thinks, but the Gazans abandoned themselves to a bitter and twisted pursuit of a will o the wisp past.

Gaza still has decent beaches and could be a tourist resort. It has able people who could earn good money in Israel and Egypt and beyond. Gaza even has a gas field to sell fuel to Egypt and Europe.

However, the actual government of Gaza prosecutes a senseless war against it neighbours, chiefly Israel, but supporting the Moslem Brotherhood nihilists in Egypt.

No investors are risking funds in Gaza and no visitors are holidaying there while its Hamas government promotes war.

Frank Adam, Prestwich, England

Trumps return to power would show millions of Americans are stupid

As things stand, there is more than a possibility that former president Donald Trump will return to the White House.

To be fooled once is, perhaps, excusable. However, to knowingly reinstate such a questionable individual must surely be stupid.

Even the dimmest GOP member must by now see what a danger Trump is to democracy  or is everything remotely regarded as democratic now regarded as a threat?

Should that be the case, it is not only the US that is in trouble.

David Ryan, Drumree, Co Meath
For over 20 years, John Foley has opened his store Foleys Express, Beecher Street, Mallow on Christmas Day with the intent of helping anyone stuck for last minute supplies.

He opens the store for about three hours in the morning and sells anything from milk and cigarettes, to batteries for the new toys.

Being open has also allowed elderly people who otherwise might not see a soul on Christmas, call in for a chat to make their day a little less lonely.

John makes roughly 1,000 being open for a few hours and donates the entire sum to a charity. He has even been known to donate money out of his own pocket some years to make up the difference.

His niece, Rhyanna Curtin, has helped him out in the last six years in the hopes of easing some pressure off John, and it allowes him a bit of a break.

I have always loved coming into the shop on Christmas day with John, even before I was old enough to work my mum would still always bring me in. There is such a buzz from seeing all the little kids come in for batteries for their new toys.

Christmas can also be a very lonely time for people. I remember last year a customer came in and told me this was his first Christmas without his wife and they were married for over 65 years and coming into the shop for a chat made his day. That alone makes it all worth it," said Rhyanna.

John has donated the Christmas Day profits to many charities over the years with Mallow Search and Rescue being a popular choice.

This year he has chosen to raise money for Surgeon Noonan for reasons closer to home.

Surgeon Noonan is a UCC charity run by fourth year medical students, one of which is Rhyanna, Johns niece.

In the summer of 2024, Rhyanna will travel to St. Lukes Missionary Hospital in Zambia with four other students as part of her required placement.

The cost of the trip is covered by the students with all funds raised going directly to the hospital.

The medical students get the chance to see exactly how the money aided the hospital as they gather the receipts for every purchase.
Macroom angling enthusiasts were worried that construction of the N22 would damage local waterways

A group of local fishing enthusiasts have given their seal of approval to the new N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom bypass following the tremendous effort made by the roads contractors to avoid contaminating the waterways it passes by.

Developing the new dual carriageway involved the construction of 130 structures, many of which were bridges that allowed the road to cross the Rivers Sullane, Laney, Foherish and Bohill and large diameter water culverts that allowed water to be conveyed across the route.

Because work on these structures would have to be done near to waterways, Macroom Trout Fly Anglers Association were worried that local rivers and waters would be spoiled but now construction is complete they said they are happy with how work was done.

We were concerned before it started about the project impacting the rivers, but credit to the Contractor for doing all this work without any issue in the rivers or streams, tremendous efforts made in achieving that, Denis Cronin of Macroom Trout Fly Anglers Association said.

Public relations officer for the N22 bypass development, Peter ODonoghue, acknowledged there was a real risk of contamination due to amount of construction required in close proximity to waters, so necessary measures were taken to a avoid causing any damage.

Under the supervision of Cork County Council and with input from Inland Fisheries Ireland, a range of measures were taken by joint contractors Jons Civil Engineering and John Craddock Ltd, to protect rivers and watercourses.

Live river-water quality monitoring was implemented while silt fencing, settlement lagoons and the use of pre-cast concrete rather than concrete cast in-situ was used in construction to ensure the water quality was not adversely impacted by the works.

Mr ODonoghue said that a key aspect of developing the bypass, which traverses flat flood-plain to the east of Macroom and rocky terrain to the west, was accounting for the environmental constraints along the route such as the waterways and habitats for Kerry Slug and Freshwater Pearl Mussel among others.

The contractors of the bypass were delighted to get the seal of approval from Macroom Trout Fly Anglers Association for their achievements in protecting the watercourses along the route of the N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom project.

The dedication of the Environmental Team, in co-operation with the Construction Managers and Cork County Council representatives, delivered outstanding results in protecting the watercourses and all other habitats throughout the 4 years on-site construction, John Killen, Project Director of the construction of the bypass, said.
Plans for the development were conditionally approved following certain revisions

The residential development will consist of 41 new houses at the site located just outside Kanturk. Photo: Google Maps

The site of the new residential development outside Kanturk, located in Pulleen on the R580 road to Buttevant. Photo: Google Maps

A new 41-house residential development is to be constructed in Kanturk following a grant of planning permission, subject to a number of conditions, from Cork County Council.

The development will consist of 14 three-bedroom semi-detached houses, 12 three-bed townhouses, 10 two-bed townhouses, three three-bed bungalows and two two-bed bungalows, according to site layout plans submitted to the council.

In late November 2022, a company titled Kanturk Residential Developments Limited applied for planning for the development at a 2.34ha site in Pulleen, located just outside Kanturk on the R580 travelling to Buttevant.

The initial application proposed the construction of 44 dwelling houses at the site, owned by Jeremiah Dennehy, comprising of 14 three-bedroom houses, 13 two-bed houses, 12 three-bed houses and five four-bed houses. An entrance from the R580 was also proposed.

The planned development, however, was subject to submissions from concerned locals located to the north of the proposed site.

The submissions highlighted that overdevelopment may be an issue at the site, at which permission had previously been granted to the land owner, Mr Dennehy, for the construction of a 15-house development in 2016. Mr Dennehy and another applicant, Jeremiah Breen, were granted a five year extension to the permission in 2021.

Residents to the north of the site also feared that some of the houses in the proposed development would overlook their properties, that a potential archaeological feature at the site may be damaged in construction and that the planned entrance to the development would not be safe.

A submission from Pulleen residents recommended that traffic calming measures be introduced on the R580 to cope with extra traffic generated by the development and a new pedestrian crossing be placed on the R576 to make it safer for future residents walking from the estate into Kanturk.

Following two requests for further information by the local authority, some aspects of the planned development were revised.

A site layout plan submitted to the council on October 25 proposed that 41 houses be constructed at the development.

The plan also provided for features included in the developments original plan, including kickabout areas and a hedgerow to bound the majority of the site, except for along its boundary with the R580, from which an entrance to the development is shown. A pond wetland area is also included in the latest plan.

On December 18, Cork County Council granted permission for the construction of the revised 41-house residential development and ancillary works including the provision of bin stores, landscaping, public open spaces and servicing proposals.

Permission for the development also includes the provision of a new entrance from the R580.

The planning permission is subject to 71 conditions which have yet to be published by the local authority.
After four years at the helm Sharon Cregg has announced that she will be stepping down as president of Mallow Chamber.

Since taking over the role, Sharon has become a well-known figure as she supported businesses, and the Mallow community at large.

During her tenure Ms Cregg has greatly improved the various methods of communication Mallow Chamber enjoys with local business owners and the residents in the greater Mallow locality.

Various information workshops, along with a monthly newsletter, have given local business owners the opportunity to stay up to date with the latest courses and supports available to optimise local enterprise.

Mallow Chambers social media platform has also grown significantly in this period, allowing local businesses a wider reach in promoting their own news and services.

Building on the past, Mallow Chamber has continued to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders.

By continuing to work with Cork County Council and the elected local representatives, much effort has gone into the continued improvement of the town.

One-hour free daily parking, and all-day free parking over the Christmas period have been introduced, thus encouraging the community to shop local.

Mallow Chamber, along with Mallow Development Partnership, have also actively advocated for the much-needed relief road, and will continue to do so until this is delivered.

Mallow Chamber have also worked with different bodies to reduce the dereliction on Main Street and the organisation supported the petition to have the Central Hotel delisted.

A notable feature in the last four years has been Mallow Chambers involvement in community events such as the annual Light Up Mallow Festival which is funded by donations from local businesses.

Reflecting on her tenure, Ms Cregg thanked everyone who supported her during her term as president of Mallow Chamber. I have always strongly believed that if we engage with the wider community, you bring people into town, which benefits local business.

"Seeing our business community grow and flourish, has been equally rewarding, she added.
It has been a huge year of progress for the 50 million Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme according to the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group.

Plans to transform the town through public investment are well under way as work has commenced on a number of key infrastructure projects central to the massive initiative.

Four years on from the launch of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2025, the bricks and mortar transformation of Irelands youngest town is now beginning to take real shape, Professor Brian MacCraith, Chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group said.

According to the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme will transform the town.

I very much welcome the progress to date and look forward to the outcomes which will have an incredibly positive impact, he said.

Following the appointment of a contractor, work will begin on the re-development of Quay Street and the Harbour area, which includes the RNLI boathouse in 2024.

There will also be an upgrade on the Uisce Eireann pumping station which is due to be completed in late Spring.

The Quay Street car park is now closed, however the town centre car park continues to operate as normal and alternative temporary car parking has been provided at Bath Road and Bremore Castle Car Park, where upgrades are ongoing.

The Quay Street and Harbour redevelopment is due to be completed in 2025.

Significant improvements to facilities in the harbour are also nearly finished, including a utility and waste service which will potentially protect and enhance fishing along with additional lighting, seating and other measures on the East pier.

These improvements are a part of an overall vision to bring the harbour, pier and lighthouse into wider use for the public.

The demolition of 14 Bridge Street has now been completed and outbuildings to the rear of 6a-12 Bridge Street are now also being demolished.

A design team will also be appointed soon, and stakeholder engagement will take place throughout the design process.

It is estimated that work will begin on the site in 2026.

A temporary pocket park has also been opened in the location and the front of the buildings facing Bridge Street are to be maintained to preserve the street line as the buildings are all within an architectural conservation area.

The beginning work at the bathhouse and boathouse will also commence shortly and an in-depth survey and assessment of the site and buildings will follow.

This will include a full works design and planning proposal as well as a likely timeline for the completion of the project.

Fingal County Council are also currently processing plans for a swim shelter in the area.

Another key milestone for the project is the granting of planning permission for a creative hub on Dublin Street.

We look forward to working with the local community to deliver the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme for the benefit of the people of the town, ensuring a great place to live, work and do business. I am pleased to note a year of real progress in 2023, AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said.

A review of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group and its Pillar Groups will be completed in March 2024.
Dublin Zoo has seen extremely important progress this year as theyre celebrating a milestone year in their conservation journey.

The Phoenix Park Zoo has welcomed new arrivals, made a home for Irelands first aye-ayes in the new Nocturnal House and launched the National Centre for Species Survival.

Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Director of Dublin Zoo, said the Phoenix Park spectacle has achieved much this year but 2024 will look to inspire a new wave of conservationists.

With ongoing support from the Irish Government through the Office of Public Works, it has been possible for us to launch the new National Centre for Species Survival, critical to species conservation efforts in Ireland and beyond as we work with the international community to protect and save species.

This year, it has also been a great pleasure to announce the birth of our young white-naped mangabey and Southern white rhinoceros calf.

The launch of our Conservation Education Master Plan in June is another exciting step for us, as we aim to cultivate the next generation of conservationists and look to become a zoo-based conservation organisation of national and global renown, Dr Schwitzer said.

Minister Roderic OGorma launched Dublin Zoos first ever Conservation Education Master Plan in June 2023, which sits under the overall Dublin Zoo 200 strategy and aims to cultivate the next generation of conservationists to help achieve Dublin Zoos mission to save wildlife.

A Southern white rhinoceros calf was born on January 2 of this year and a white-naped mangabey joined the troop on September 26.

Welcoming these endangered species is a success for Dublin Zoos breeding programmes and broader conservation efforts, Dr Schwitzer said.

With over one million people visiting per year, and over 60,000 of these arriving in learner groups, Dublin Zoo is giving the Irish public an opportunity to join its conservation journey.

The 2023-2031 Sustainability Master Plan was also launched this year, setting out a programme of actions to ensure Dublin Zoo is creating net positive economic, environmental, and social impacts as a much-visited attraction in Ireland.

Summer 2023 also saw the launch of a Nocturnal House habitat home to Irelands first aye-ayes, a lemur species native to the island of Madagascar. The new habitat has been built to meet the needs of this nocturnal species. Visitors enter in complete darkness, guided by small lights to navigate safely, and observe the animals.

An official partnership between Dublin Zoo has become a hub for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Species Survival Commission (SSC). The centre acts on species conservation efforts in Ireland and around the world.

A particular focus of this centre is the conservation of native Irish wildlife, complementing Dublin Zoos work with their current conservation partners in Ireland, such as Bat Rehabilitation Ireland and the Irish Peatland Conservation Council. The building has been completely renovated over the last twelve months.

In October, Dublin Zoo revealed the exciting theme of this years award-winning Wild Lights event: The Enchanted Zoo, featuring fairies, mythical creatures, vibrantly coloured animals, a gnome village and even a dreamlike candy land, lit up as beautiful silk lanterns.

From November until January, visitors can visit Wild Lights to be greeted by the enchanted Wizard and a lake display, with laser beams lighting up a water fountain show complete with animations and sounds for the full enchanting experience.

Dublin Zoo will be open over the Christmas period with the exception of Christmas Day and St. Stephens Day. Dublin Zoos opening hours throughout December are 9.30am until 4pm. The Wild Lights is open from 5pm until 9pm.
Families describe heartbreaking impact of HSE decision to move elderly residents from Cherry Orchard hospital

Families have been protesting outside the Cherry Orchard hospital for several weeks

The decision to uproot elderly residents from their Dublin nursing home at short notice has been criticised as absolutely bizarre by concerned relatives.

Families of residents at Cherry Orchard nursing home in Dublin have repeated their calls on the HSE not to move their loved ones to a private nursing home facility in Clondalkin.

It follows an inspection by HIQA which found that floors in two of the nursing home units required significant upgrades, but families want residents to remain on the Cherry Orchard campus.

For several weeks they have been protesting outside the Cherry Orchard hospital over the decision to move their loved ones to a private nursing home in a neighbouring suburb.

The families gathered earlier this week to fight to keep their loved ones in the HSE nursing home.

Maria Stynes said the decision is bizarre and is extremely concerned about the impact it will have on her grandfather John Sweeney (96), a resident of Cherry Orchard for the past year.

He is a former painter and decorator who is well known in the Ballyfermot community and is in palliative care at the nursing home. She said his dying wish is to stay in the place he calls home.

Mr Sweeney was a volunteer for much of his life as a peace commissioner and was honoured by An Garda Siochana for his service.

When we told him about the move, he said why would I go there, Im from Ballyfermot, thats not my home, Ms Stynes said.

He doesnt want to be taken anywhere else; he doesnt understand why nobody is giving him a choice. These are our precious times with him now and its his wish to end his life in Ballyfermot.

To take the choice out of his hands is the most heartbreaking thing at this vulnerable time in his life. There is no respect, no dignity or compassion, she added.

Her grandfather will unlikely be able to come home for Christmas due to his illness, even though home is just a six-minute walk from the nursing home.

John Sweeney (96), from Ballyfermot, is one of the residents who faces being moved

He has little left to give and any activity could really set him back, Ms Stynes said.

It makes me wonder why they think it would be safe to move him out of the hands of the professionals that are continuing to keep him safe on a daily basis.

The facilities that are in Cherry Orchard are second to none. The multi-disciplinary team there know him within an inch of his life, they know exactly what he needs, they see him every single day, she added.

Concerns about moving the residents were raised by the team at the HSE-run hospital a number of months ago.

A briefing document sent to HIQA in August noted that an off-site decant for existing residents would be a clinical risk, with potential high mortality rates.

Families have been protesting outside Cherry Orchard Hospital since early November, when they were given just 12 days notice of the move.

Families want them to be kept on the Cherry Orchard campus because they say many will find it too difficult to cope with a new environment and new staff.

The HSE has said all residents will be invited to return to Cherry Orchard once the renovation works are complete, however protesters believe their parents and grandparents will not survive the move.

Advocacy group Care Champions has been supporting families since they got notice that residents would be moved.

Spokesperson Margo Hannon said the HSE was aware of these floor repairs for the past three years and proposed a phased internal move in June 2021.

Despite this, patients were continually admitted, and no phased move occurred, and we want to know why, Ms Hannon said.

The private nursing home being offered for the move is without 24-hour medical care and without the same staff that knows the intimate care needs of the residents in Cherry Orchard.

The HSE have said in previous statements it has no choice and has exhausted all other options as it was ordered by inspectors to carry out remedial work on floors which are deemed a health and safety hazard.

A statement from HIQA said: The HSE, as registered provider of Cherry Orchard, has identified serious structural and fire safety deficits that must be addressed.

As registered provider, the HSE must balance the risks inherent in any plan to complete these works in as timely a fashion as possible, in the best interests and for the safety of the residents, is the temporary transfer to another facility.

The HSE has committed to the Chief Inspector that, following consultation, residents will all be offered the choice of returning as soon as possible following completion of the works.

A statement from HSE Dublin South Kildare and West Wicklow Community Healthcare said that thedecision to temporarily close the Willow and Sycamore Units in Cherry Orchard Hospital is to address the current safety risks associated with the flooring in these units and to enable permanent remedial works to be completed.

"The HSE reviewed several phased plans which would enable residents to remain on the Cherry Orchard Campus during the renovation works. Following an assessment of these plans and given the nature of the works required, a single phased plan (to progress the Willow & Sycamore Units at the same time) is now being implemented, due to the safety risk associated with the flooring in both units.

There is insufficient capacity on the Cherry Orchard Campus to cater for the relocation of residents from the Sycamore and Willow units to facilitate the renovation works. Vacant units on the campus would require significant building upgrade works and registration by HIQA before any residents could be relocated to these units. Additionally, they would not provide sufficient capacity to relocate the current residents.

The statment continued: Older Persons Services are supporting residents and their families with this temporary relocation using the principles of ADM. The HSE are offering residents the opportunity to temporarily transfer to Clondalkin Lodge Nursing Home. However, a resident can transfer to another registered nursing home if they wish. The Nursing Home Support Office will provide assistance with this process.

All residents will be invited to return to Cherry Orchard once the renovation works have been completed. The project design team has advised that the project timeline for completion of works will be 12 months.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae has revealed that 1,000 dead animals were recently left rotting in Kerry as they could not be buried.

Speaking in the Dail on a fossil fuel divestment motion, Deputy Healy-Rae said while Irish politicians were at the recent COP summit in Dubai talking about protecting the environment, hundreds of dead cows, calves, pigs, and sheep were let rot in Kerry.

Does anybody in this House recognise that in County Kerry alone, in a week, there were 1,000 fallen animals? You cannot bury them at home so they were rotting on the top of the ground, Deputy Healy-Rae said.

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I will describe exactly what happened to them. Every dog from miles around and every rat from 100 miles devoured them at night. We are lucky the weather was cold. Did it bother the Minister for the environment, Deputy Ryan? Did he or the Minister for agriculture do anything about it? he added.

Deputy Healy-Rae said he had worn a path to the Department asking it to do something about the rendering plants.

Does anybody care about the thousands of animals on top of the ground, rotting, that cannot be collected? Nobody is talking about that. Talk about an environmental disaster and upset to people's families, the Kilgarvan Deputy said.

In the same week as Deputy Healy-Raes outburst, the Department of Agriculture said it was monitoring the situation whereby renderers were not accepting fallen animals for rendering.

This situation arose after increases in fees were charged by renderers to animal collectors for the disposal of non-TSE tested fallen farm stock, a commercial transaction between the renderers and the animal collectors.

As a temporary measure, Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Charlie Mc Conalogue, said a farmers first contact on discovering a fallen animal should be the local fallen animal collector.

However, in the event of a farmer not being able to get a collector to remove a dead animal carcase, a temporary licence may be applied for that would allow the farmer bury the dead animal on his land.
Warning: possibly distressing content

A dead whale which is disintegrating on a beach in Waterford is potentially a health hazard to members of the public, Waterford County Council has warned.

The large adult whale washed up on December 8 near the pier in Tramore. The carcass has disintegrated and Waterford City and County Council is actively monitoring the beach area to remove any parts that may wash up onshore.

Tramore Eco Group shared this photo of the large adult Fin Whale which washed up in Tramore earlier this month.

The Local Authority is also advising the public to report any sightings and it will arrange for these to be collected and disposed of in a safe and appropriate manner.

A deceased whale which washed up on a beach in Waterford is potentially a health hazard to members of the public. Photo by Tramore Eco Group

The public is advised to stay away from the deceased mammal parts and to particularly ensure that dogs are kept on a leash and at a distance, as the decaying whale meat may contain harmful toxins, and can cause serious illness if ingested, said a spokesperson.

Fine Gael Waterford County Cllr Lola OSullivan raised the issue at Mondays meeting of the Metropolitan Waterford Council.

"The whale itself is not at the same location it originally was, said Cllr OSullivan. Its after breaking up. My concern is that there are bits of it along the coast now in various locations in Tramore. It stinks and it carries diseases and micro-organisms.

Tramore Eco Group shared this photo of the large adult Fin Whale which washed up in Tramore earlier this month.

Cllr OSullivan is appealing to the public to keep their dogs and children away from the carcass, and to alert the Council offices if they encounter whale meat on the beach. They need to report it to the Council and a Council team will come down and clean it up in safe manner, she said.

Its understood a Chemist contacted local surfers by text message warning them of the dangers. Any carcass of any dead seal is dangerous, but this was so big  there are bits of it everywhere now, said Cllr OSullivan.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has sent a team of volunteers to collect skin samples to allow them to genetically confirm the species. The Tramore Eco Group also confirmed that research is being carried out near Tramore Pier, collecting skin samples which will genetically confirm the species of Whale of this beautiful creature.

Tramore Eco Group shared this photo of the large adult Fin Whale which washed up in Tramore earlier this month.

Researcher Clare Scott of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, helped by Grace O'Sullivan MEP, were involved in taking measurements and samples.

Grace OSullivan MEP said it was always a sad sight to see such a tremendous creature at the end of its life. No way of knowing how this creature died from just external viewing, however a dolphin carcass with discarded ropes also washed up recently - shared by Tramore Eco Group.

Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have shown plastic waste in the stomachs of dead dolphins previously too. These creatures deserve so much better. The carcass is quite bloated so advice is to stay away - wind was also kicking up some strong waves, added Ms OSullivan.

Tramore Eco Group shared this photo of the large adult Fin Whale which washed up in Tramore earlier this month

Padraig Whooley is a Sightings Officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, based in Dereen, Rossmore, Clonakilty. Mr Whooley said the their group is reasonably sure it is a Fin Whale which are quite common along the south east coast.

However, they noticed one feature on the whale, which caused them to send off a sample for DNA analysis. Were 99 per cent sure its a Fin Whale, said Mr Whooley. The lab tests could take weeks to finalise.

MEP Grace O'Sullivan took this picture of the dead whale in Tramore. Always a sad sight to see such a tremendous creature at the end of its life - see the human on the right for scale," she said.

The cause of death is not easy to determine. However, the whale did display marks which are consistent with entanglement with ropes, and markings which indicate it may have been struck by a ship.

But these could have happened post mortem, said Mr Whooley. The Whale could have died of absolutely natural causes. The markings are consistent with a strike by something hard that couldnt have been caused by it hitting off the rocky shoreline or the pier.

We will never know, he said. The condition of the animal would mitigate against being able to give a certain cause of death. The clues are subtle, and there are marks on it which are consistent with entanglement in fishing gear. On its head area, there are what looks like a trauma that looks like a ships strike, but whether these all happened when the whale was actually dead is something we cant say.

Increasing shipping and louder ocean going vessels have led to increased dangers to whales. They are slowly getting squeezed by human activity in the oceans, said Mr Whooley, compared to 50 or 100 years ago. Ship strikes are a global issue, and in some regions of the world, it is chronic problem. Ships are getting larger, and they are also getting faster, he said.

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Some whales can dive down to well over one kilometre, but become exhausted when they re-surface to get air, leaving them vulnerable to ship strikes.

When theyre on the surface resting, they cannot move, theyre just exhausted, said Mr Whooley. Whales operate chiefly by sonar, but the oceans are becoming much noisier due to the large container ships now operating at sea, meaning whales are finding it more difficult to navigate and hunt.

Mr Whooley also warned the public about the dangers of approaching the carcass, and to use common sense. Its a dead mammal. If you found a dead cow in a field, you wouldnt go poking and prodding it. We dont know what it died of. It could have died of some horrible contagious disease. Dont go over and touch it, he warned.
A no holds barred road safety initiative which targets teenagers will be rolled out to over 2,000 transition Pictured (L-R) at the launch of Just 1 Life at the National Opera House in Wexford are Gardai Elaine Farrell, Anne Quirke and Richenda Sinnott with Minister of State James Browne.

Over two thousand students from 24 secondary schools across Co Wexford will take part in a road safety initiative specifically designed to educate teenagers in the coming weeks. The Just 1 Life programme, which is run by the Wexford Rotary club in partnership with Wexford County Council (WCC), is aimed at increasing road safety awareness among young people and reducing road traffic deaths.

Over the last 17 years, in excess of 20,000 students have participated in the programme in Wexford while a further 10,000 students have taken part in it in Kildare. The programme, which originated in Australia, now operates in ten counties around Ireland.

At the launch of the Just 1 Life programme in the National Opera House, 460 pupils from Loreto Wexford, Presentation Wexford, Selskar College and St Peters College heard how a sharp rise in road traffic fatalities made this initiative all the more important.

Sadly, far too many people are being killed on Irish roads, said Kenny Fisher, District Governor of Rotary Ireland. We believe a lot of young drivers and their passengers currently do not have an awareness or appreciation of the potential life-changing consequences which road traffic accidents can have. Many young drivers often see themselves as invincible and we need to show them just how dangerous and misplaced that perception of invincibility is.

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Calodagh McCumiskey from Wexford Rotary said the feedback from students, educators, the Gardai and medical emergency teams to the programme has been overwhelmingly positive.

We believe the key to the success of Just 1 Life is that it enables us to connect with mid to late teenagers at a key stage in their development. Most of the teenagers who participate are transition year students who will not yet have gotten behind the wheel of a car. The programme allows us to show them that while driving can be hugely beneficial it also comes with a host of responsibilities.

We bring in presenters who have experienced road traffic accidents themselves as well as members of the emergency services and consultants who deal with the outcomes of road traffic accidents on a regular basis. Through these presentations and the use of relevant video we highlight to students the stark and often tragic results of inappropriate driving or road use behaviour. We have found that the hard-hitting testimonies of people who have been in accidents or those of emergency responders often have the greatest impact on students and help them to make better and more informed choices with regard to road safety in the following years.

Tom Enright Wexford County Manager said, Wexford County Council is delighted to be a partner in the Just 1 Life Initiative with Wexford Rotary Club. I have no doubt that this initiative has saved many lives that would otherwise have been lost on our roads.

We have seen how well Just 1 Life works in Wexford and other counties such as Kildare and Sligo. We have a template which works and we are very keen to explore with Government ways which we could expand the programme and make it an integral part of the secondary school curriculum.

Rotary Ireland has already had a meeting with the Road Safety Authority about the Just 1 Life programme and the launch was attended by Eilish McDonagh, Senior Road Safety Officer with the RSA. A delegation from Rotary Ireland has also met with Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers about the Just 1 Life programme.
Arklow & District Chamber of Commerce President Paul Lynch presents Allison Ryder from Wicklow Hospice with a cheque for 2,500. Wicklow Hospice was the nominated charity for the Chamber Ball raffle earlier this year.

The Arklow & District Chamber of Commerce has donated 2,500 raised through a charity raffle collection at their annual Chamber Ball to Our Lady's Hospice & Care Services, Wicklow Hospice.

One of the highlights of the Arklow social calendar, Septembers Arklow & District Chamber of Commerce Ball proved a resounding success, with attendees donating generously to a raffle in aid of a charity nominated by the Chamber Council.

After donation envelopes were collected and raffle prizes awarded, the funds were counted and later presented to the chosen charity, Wicklow Hospice, to help support their vital palliative care services.

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Fundraising Co-ordinator at Wicklow Hospice, Allison Ryder, was said to be over the moon when she collected the cheque from Arklow & District Chamber of Commerce President Paul Lynch at a recent ceremony.

Speaking after the presentation of the cheque, an Arklow Chamber of Commerce spokesperson said: On behalf of the Arklow and District Chamber of Commerce we were delighted to present a cheque for 2,500 to the Wicklow Hospice.

As our nominated charity for the Chamber Ball raffle, we are delighted to be able to support the great work the team do.

We would also like to recognise the generosity of our members
Wicklow Minister Simon Harris gave students from his former secondary school St Davids, in Greystones, a very special tour of the Dail and Seanad before the Christmas recess, giving them some valuable lessons in politics and as he led them through Government buildings.

The Higher Education Minister said he was truly delighted to have welcomed the students from his former secondary school.

Its a huge privilege as a public representative of Wicklow to be able to welcome schools and students to Leinster House every week where they get to learn about the history of the House and get to see the how both the Dail and Seanad work, he said.

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Today is particularly special as I was able to welcome two groups of students from my own former secondary school, St Davids, in Greystones, which the Taoiseach and I recently visited.

I think its very important for young children to witness how the houses of parliament work in their country and what we are doing in these Houses and what I am doing as Minister for Further and Higher Education.

I got to speak to some students about their options for third level education when they finish in secondary and tell them about the new joint tertiary degrees I have set up, which are degrees outside the CAO points race, this means no matter how many points you get in the Leaving Cert you can still get access to degrees like nursing, business, computing and so much more.

On the tour they get to learn about democracy and the State, how old you have to be to vote, how people are elected to the Dail and Seanad, how Government works, how Oireachtas Committees function, what role the Constitution of Ireland plays and also how the upcoming European and Local elections influence the countrys politics.

Politics can often seem far out of reach for young people, but these tours bring them closer to active participation in politics and most importantly shows how accessible politics is in Ireland.

Every week I welcome two or three schools to visit Leinster House and offer each student a certificate to mark their visit. The Houses of the Oireachtas will be back open in the second week of January and I hope to welcome many more students and schools through the New Year. If anybody would like to enquire about doing a tour of the Houses they can email me at simon.harris@oireachtas.ie.
Preparations at the Claus house are now under way as Santa, Mrs Claus, the reindeer and elves prepare for their busiest night of the year.

Having carefully read each and every letter delivered by the local postman Santa has collected all the presents requested by the children of Wicklow and has filled up his stockroom with the millions of toys in preparation for the big night.

There was some deliberation about whether the boys and girls of the county had been naughty or nice but The Wicklow People can exclusively reveal that Santa has decided all the children have been incredibly nice this year and will receive a visit on Christmas Eve from himself and the elves.

And right now, as you read this article, his army of elves are checking and double-checking those presents, making sure everything is working, that batteries are included, and that every item will make it under the Christmas tree come December 25.

While the elves are busy filling Santas sack with all these wonderful gifts, the big man himself has been working on his sleigh, making sure it has enough magic in its jets to fly not just to Wicklow but all over Ireland and beyond.

That sleigh, which is one of the biggest in the world and has enough space for 14 elephants and two giraffes, is the same sleigh he used when he delivered presents to the mammies and daddies of Wicklow when they were small and to their mammies and daddies before them.

It doesnt use any petrol or diesel so wont affect the environment and is powered entirely by Santas special magic dust. But where does that magic come from? According to one of the elves Santa uses the letters sent by all the boys and girls of Wicklow to power his sleigh, the love and joy contained in each letter creating enough magic dust to transport him round the world in just one night.

But not even all that magic is enough to help him make the journey, he needs a little assistance along the way. Luckily he has Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph, to give him that extra little push. When he reaches the Wicklow Mountains, Rudolph will let out a loud cry and tell the rest of the gang to fly as fast as they can so that they can soar over the hills and begin visiting the homes of all those lovely Wicklow children.

Santa knows that some boys and girls might have moved house since last year so once he gets here he has a special Santa map, created by Mrs Claus, which identifies the homes and houses of every child in the county. This map includes houses with chimneys, apartments, hotels, anywhere that children sleep at night, with instructions on what time to arrive, how to get in, and, most importantly, the names of all the children living there and where to leave their presents.

Also, Mrs Claus has used some magic of her own, and knows exactly what treats youll be leaving out for Santa and his reindeer. She knows that Santa can get caught up in the joy of Christmas, get so carried away delivering presents he forgets to eat.

So Mrs Claus has put together a list of all the goodies youll be leaving out for him and instructed him to eat all the mince pies, drink all the milk, and feed the reindeers all the carrots as he visits each house.

Once he has delivered your presents, eaten his mince pies and fed the reindeer, Santa will chuckle quietly to himself as he imagines all the happy faces in your house come Christmas morning.

Then he will pick up his sack, tell Rudolph to finish his carrots, and continue his journey through Wicklow, making sure that all your friends, all your cousins, and all the other boys and girls get the presents they have asked for too. He loves all children equally and will use his magic to make sure everyone is happy with what they receive.

With just a couple of days to go until he sets out for Wicklow, Santa had a quick chat with us and said he couldnt wait to visit all the children here again as they were some of the nicest he had ever met.

Every Christmas whenever I come to Wicklow Im always amazed at what the boys and girls leave out for me, he said. All those lovely biscuits and mince pies, milk and brandy, the children are so kind and thoughtful and it means a lot to myself and the reindeers after a long night of deliveries.

However, although he was full of praise for the children of Wicklow, Santa did have this to say about bedtimes at Christmas Eve.

I hope all the boys and girls go to bed early for their mammies and daddies on Christmas Eve so that I can come in and deliver the presents at night time. Sleep tight and have nice, happy dreams and when you wake up all your presents will be there waiting for you.

It might be his busiest night of the year, a night when he travels to millions of houses all around the world, but Santa said he wouldnt have it any other way.

I love Christmas Eve, and the reindeers love it too. We have such fun flying from house to house and delivering presents to all our old friends. We cant wait for the big night and we hope everyone is excited as we are.
Wicklow pupils were among the 27 primary schools guided through climate change workshops led by expert volunteers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of Science Week.

34 EPA volunteers were involved along with 853 students. The Climate Change & You workshop, developed by Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) in partnership with the EPA, aims to increase awareness and knowledge of global warming and encourage students to identify ways to reduce their carbon footprint and help their community. Throughout the year, 800 students nationwide participated in the workshop bringing the total student reach to more than 1,600.

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Chelsea Maguire, 4th class teacher in Newtownmountkennedy Primary School stated: Our pupils really enjoyed the workshop and learning about the impact climate change has on us, as well as the impact we have on climate change. It was a great experience, and gaining an understanding about their own carbon footprint has made them all consider our individual responsibility in caring for the environment. Thank you to Katelyn and the EPA for this impactful opportunity.

Gerard O Leary, Director of the EPAs Office of Communications and Corporate Services said: The education of young people on the importance of climate action and the environmental impact of daily activities needs to be a priority.

The EPA is delighted to partner with Junior Achievement Ireland during science week in order to increase environmental awareness among primary school children participating in JA programmes in schools around the country. The workshops are fun and an inventive way of engaging with these important issues at primary school level.

The EPA environmental workshop is just one of many opportunities afforded to students thanks to the EPAs support of JAI since 2016.

In that time more than 200 EPA volunteers have reached 7,000 young people through Junior Achievement (JA) programmes designed to encourage young people to remain in education and help them to develop the skills they need to succeed in a changing world.
The revelation that Die Hard star Bruce Willis is suffering from a rare form of dementia prompted a surge in web traffic as people researched the illness, the UKs leading dementia charity has said (PA)

The revelation that Die Hard star Bruce Willis is suffering from a rare form of dementia prompted a surge in web traffic as people researched the illness, the UKs leading dementia charity has said.

Alzheimers Society said information on frontotemporal dementia was viewed more than 126,000 times in 2023, a rise of nearly 63pc from 2022.

The charity has named the phenomenon the Bruce Willis effect after the family of the Hollywood star announced in February that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia after a previous diagnosis of aphasia, a condition affecting his cognitive abilities.

The first symptoms of the rarer form of dementia are often changes to personality and behaviour and difficulties with language, the charity said.

Williss family has described the illness as a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of that can strike anyone.

A statement from his family including his wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and his daughters said: As Bruces condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.

It added: Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.

We know in our hearts that  if he could today  he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.

The most visited page of the charitys website in 2023 was for people who want to know how to recognise and support people with dementia who are reaching the end of their lives, with more than 661,000 views.

Interactive and printable online versions of the charitys free symptoms checklist, endorsed by the Royal College of GPs, were viewed nearly 200,000 times in 2023.

Willis has five daughters, sharing his three eldest  Rumer, Scout and Tallulah  with Moore, whom he married in 1987.

Despite separating in 2000, the pair remain on amicable terms. Willis married actress Heming in 2009.

The pair share two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.
Corks can leave bottles at speeds of up to 80km per hour. Stock image

Experts have warned people to be careful when popping bottles of fizz over Christmas, saying that corks can leave bottles at speeds of up to 80km per hour and could cause permanent eye damage.
A gang of fraudsters who posed as Pudsey Bear charity collectors conned the public out of more than 500,000 in a decade-long scam.

Between 2011 and 2021, the criminals set up bogus charity collections at supermarkets across England and Scotland, pretending to raise money for organisations including Children in Need and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
The Czech government declares December 23 a national day of mourning, says Prime Minister Petr Fiala

At least 15 dead and dozens injured in Prague university mass shooting

A 24-year-old Czech student shot dead his father, then killed 14 people and wounded 25 others at his Prague university on Thursday before possibly killing himself, police said, marking the country's worst-ever mass shooting.

The government declared a day of mourning across the central European country for Dec. 23 to remember the victims, decided at a special cabinet meeting with President Petr Pavel.

"I would express my great sadness along with helpless anger at the unnecessary loss of so many young lives," Pavel said.

"I would like to express my sincere condolences to all relatives of the victims, to all who were at this tragic incident, the most tragic in the history of the Czech Republic."

A police officer stands on the bank of the Vltava river in downtown Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Czech police say a shooting in downtown Prague has killed an unspecified number of people and wounded others. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Police  who discovered a large arsenal of weapons at the downtown Prague Charles University building where the shooting took place  were tipped off earlier in the day the suspect was likely heading to Prague from his town in the Kladno region outside the capital with intentions of taking his own life.

Shortly after that, the shooter's father was found dead.

Police evacuated a Faculty of Arts building where the shooter was due to attend a lecture, but then were called to the faculty's larger main building, arriving within minutes after reports of the shooting, Police President Martin Vondrasek said.

Police had "unconfirmed information from an account on a social network that he was supposedly inspired by one terrorist attack in Russia in the autumn of this year," Vondrasek told reporters, adding the shooter was a legal holder of several firearms.

"It was a pre-mediated horrific act that started in the Kladno region and unfortunately ended here."

The gunman is also suspected in the killings of another man and his two-month-old daughter who were found last week shot dead in woods in a village outside Prague, Vondrasek said.

The gunman's death was likely a suicide but authorities are also investigating whether he may have been killed by police who returned fire, Vondrasek added.

Police said he was a high-achieving student with no prior criminal record and that he acted alone.

Police asked not to reveal the man's identity but his name reported by some Czech media matched a police search report.

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said the shooting had no connection to international terrorism.

'SHOUTED AT ME TO RUN'

Authorities sealed off the square and area adjacent to the faculty building, in a busy historical district across the river from Prague Castle on a popular street leading to Old Town Square.

Media images showed students evacuating the building with their hands in the air, and others perched on a ledge near the roof trying to hide from the attacker while students barricaded classrooms with desks and chairs.

"We always thought that this was a thing that did not concern us. Now it turns out that, unfortunately, our world is also changing and the problem of the individual shooter is emerging here as well," Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda told Czech Television.

The White House condemned the shooting and said the United States was ready to offer assistance. Leaders across Europe including France's Emmanuel Macron offered their support.

Witness Ivo Havranek, 43, told Reuters via Zoom that he initially thought the "couple of bangs" he heard might have come from loud tourists or a nearby movie set.

"Then suddenly there were students and teachers running out of the building. I went through the crowd not realising what is actually going on. I wasn't ready to admit that something like that could happen in Prague," he said. Only once he saw police officers with automatic rifles, he knew it was serious, he said.

"They shouted at me to run away."

People lit candles outside the historic headquarters of Charles University, central Europe's oldest set up in 1348.

Gun crime is relatively rare in the Czech Republic. In December 2019, a 42-year-old gunman killed six people at a hospital waiting room in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava before fleeing and fatally shooting himself, police said.

In 2015, a man fatally shot eight people and then killed himself at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod.
Psychotherapist Oleh Hukovskyi stands beside a white board in a makeshift classroom in eastern Ukraine and addresses a group of soldiers attending a session on how to cope with the stress of war.

The former psychiatrist joined the armed forces about six months after Russia invaded in February 2022, and now runs a psychological support group attached to the 67th Separate Mechanised Brigade in the direction of the ruined town of Lyman.
Hamas leader travels to Egypt for intensive talks on possible new ceasefire in Gaza

UN vote on bid to boost aid to Gaza Strip has again been delayed at the request of the US

A soldier looks on from a military helicopter over Tel Aviv after lifting off from the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre . Photo: Violeta Santos Moura

Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Bassam Massoud and Dan Williams Thu 21 Dec 2023 at 03:30







The leader of Hamas paid his first visit to Egypt for more than a month yesterday, a rare personal intervention in diplomacy amid what a source described as intensive talks on a new ceasefire to let aid reach Gaza and free more hostages.
Palestinians search for casualties at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, December 19, 2023. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

Fighting in the Gaza Strip escalated on Thursday with some of the most intense Israeli bombardment of the war and Hamas demonstrated its ability to rocket Tel Aviv, even as the foes engaged in the most serious talks for weeks on a new truce.
Footage from a GoPro camera mounted on an Israeli Defence Force (IDF) dog has been recovered showing one of the killed Israeli hostages shouting for help five days before they were shot.
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Photo courtesy: UNI

New Delhi/IBNS: The son of a retired police officer in Karnataka has been detained by Delhi Police in connection with the Parliament security breach which occurred a week ago, media reports said.

Saikrishna Jagali, who has been detained, is an engineer by profession and a friend of Manoranjan D, who is one of the two intruders into the Lok Sabha chambers.

Jagali was detained from his home in Bagalkote on Thursday night.

Speaking on his arrest, Jagali's sister Spanda said as quoted by NDTV, "It is true that Delhi Police came. My brother was questioned.

"We have fully cooperated in this inquiry. Saikrishna has done nothing wrong. He and Manoranjan were roommates. Now my brother works from home."

What's the matter?

Triggering panic and chaos in Lok Sabha last Wednesday, two men carrying smoke canisters jumped into the chamber of the Lower House from the visitors' gallery.

The incident coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament.

Six people were involved in the planning and execution of a major security breach in Parliament on Wednesday, media reports said.

Actions taken

Six people have been arrested for the security breach that has prompted the Opposition to corner the central government. They were sent to seven-day police custody.

Lalit Jha, the alleged mastermind of the security breach in Parliament, who was on the run, surrendered to the police on Thursday.

According to reports, he had gone to the police station on Kartavya Path (the boulevard renamed 'Path of Duty') and surrendered.

He has been formally arrested and the New Delhi District Police has handed him over to the Special Cell.

The Kolkata-based teacher was arrested from Delhi after being on the run for nearly two days.
Photo courtesy: facebook.com/AAPkaArvind

New Delhi/IBNS: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to retract the summons, which he called "illegal" and "politically motivated", served to him in connection with the alleged excise policy scam in the city, media reports said.

Like last month, Kejriwal on Thursday skipped the summons.

The probe agency is investigating the Delhi excise policy which has handed over liquor shop licences to private players.

The CBI alleges that liquor companies and middlemen were "actively involved in irregularities in the framing and implementation" of the excise policy.

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Kejriwal's colleague in the party, Manish Sisodia, is already in jail in the same case as the prime accused.

The agency also claims close associates of Sisodia - Amit Arora, Dinesh Arora, and Arjun Pandey - collected commissions from liquor licensees and delivered them to the accused public servants.
Photo courtesy: UNI

Chennai/UNI: The Madras High Court on Thursday awarded three years simple imprisonment to a senior leader of the ruling DMK and Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K.Ponmudy and his wife P.Visalatchi in a Rs 1.72 crore disproportionate assets case.

Delivering the quantum of punishment after he was convicted for the offence on December 19, Justice G.Jayachandran also imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh each on them.

Since Ponmudy, a six-time MLA and was elected to the State Assembly from Tirukovilur constituency in his native Villuppuram district in the May 2021 polls, was sentenced to more than two years jail term, he sands automatically disqualified as MLA and also as Minister under the Representation of People's Act.

While suspending the operation of the sentence for 30 days to allow him to file an appeal in the Supreme Court, the Court also directed the copies of the order should be sent to the State government, the Legislative Assembly Secretary and the Election Commission.

The Court also ruled that the Minister could approach this court if his appeal was not taken up for hearing by the Apex Court in 30 days.

Since the Judge had stayed the operation of the sentence for 30 days, the Minister and his wife did not face any imminent arrest.

When 72-year-old Ponmudy and his wife requested to reduce the quantum of sentence, the Judge asked them to make their plea before the Apex Court.

While convicting them, Mr Justice Jayachandran allowed an appeal preferred by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) in February 2017 and set aside an April 2016 order of acquittal passed by a Special Court for Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) cases in Villupuram.

He declared that the trial court verdict, in favour of the Minister and his wife, was "palpably wrong, manifestly erroneous and demonstrably unsustainable".

The judge said that the prosecution had clearly proved that the couple were in possession of assets worth about Rs 1.72 crore disproportionate to their known sources of income during the check period between April 13, 2006 and May 13, 2010 when Mr. Ponmudy had served as Minister for Higher Education and Mines.

Therefore, the Judge found the Minister guilty of criminal misconduct under the PCA and his wife guilty of abetment.

Justice Jayachandran pointed out that the trial court had erred in considering the Minister and his wife as two separate entities and accepting the income tax returns filed by her after the registration of the disproportionate assets case as its sole ground to acquit both of them.

He stated that the trial courts decision to accept the self-serving tax declaration was patently erroneous and contrary to the evidence on record.

"Whether the spouse of a public servant should be treated as a separate entity or as a part and parcel of the public servant would depend upon the facts of each case.

"In the present case, even if effective business was done by the firms in the names of the spouse, the evidence indicates that she was only a name lender for the operations done by the public servant," the judge observed.

He noted that Just because a person has separate income tax accounts and some business, segregating the accounts and properties of the person who has aided the public servant to hold his ill-gotten property will lead to miscarriage of justice... .A miscarriage of justice which may arise from acquittal of the guilty is no less than from the conviction of an innocent.

A complete miscarriage of justice had occurred by the omission of reliable evidence and by mis-interpretation of the evidence, Justice Jayachandran noted. the overwhelming evidence against the respondents and the unsustainable reasons given by the trial court for acquittal by ignoring those evidence compel this court to declare the judgment of the trial court is palpably wrong, manifestly erroneous and demonstrably unsustainable.

Hence, this is a fit case for the appellate court to interfere and set it aside, the Judge said, while convicting the couple.

Ponmudy is the third serving T.N. legislator to face disqualification in the past 10 years after former Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa and Minister K.Balakrishna Reddy.

According to Section 8(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a legislator convicted of an offence under the PCA should be disqualified for a period of six years, from the date of conviction, if the punishment is limited only to a fine.

However, if a legislator is sentenced to any term of imprisonment under the PCA, then he or she should be disqualified from the date of conviction till the entire period of imprisonment and also for a further period of six years from the date of release, asper the Act.

The disqualification can be avoided only if the conviction, and not just the sentence, gets stayed or set aside.

Apart from the present case, the Minister and his wife face yet another disproportionate assets case related to wealth allegedly amassed during his tenure as Transport Minister between 1996 and 2001. They were acquitted from that case on June 23 this year.

However, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court, taking a serious view over he way the lower court had handled the case in a hasty manner and hurriedly acquitted them, took up a suo motu revision against the acquittal on August 10, and it is pending adjudication.

Justice Anand Venkatesh reopened Ponmudys case on August 10 after taking up suo moto revisions of acquittals of six politicians including ministers. Justice Jayachandran heard the case following a roster change.

The Supreme Court rejected the couples pleas against Justice Venkatesh taking up the case. Thank God we have judges like Justice Anand Venkatesh in our system, said a Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud-led bench in November.Mr Ponmudy and his son Gautham Sigamani, the Lok Sabha MP from Kallakurichi, were questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a 2011 case of money laundering linked to alleged illegal sand mining.

The ED had alleged that Ponmudy violated the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concessions Act during his tenure as Minister of Mines and Minerals between 2006 and 2011 when the DMK was in power. It has also accused Ponmudy of allocating an illegal red sand quarry in Poothurai in Vanur block, valued at around Rs 28.37 crore.
Photo courtesy: UNI

New Delhi/IBNS: Opposition MPs, who were suspended from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over the week, took out a protest march in the national capital Delhi on Thursday morning, media reports said.

The march was carried out from the old Parliament building to Vijay Chowk in central Delhi.

The parliamentarians including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were seen holding placards with "Save Democracy" written on them.

Kharge posted on X, "Passing important legislations by suspending Opposition MPs is not Democracy.

"It is the worst kind of authoritarianism. Our future generations will not forgive us, if we do not raise our voices against this dictatorship, NOW !"

We, the people of India need to Save Democracy.



Passing important legislations by suspending Opposition MPs is not Democracy. It is the worst kind of authoritarianism.



Our future generations will not forgive us, if we do not raise our voices against this dictatorship, NOW ! pic.twitter.com/hGglS4GR90  Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 21, 2023

Over 140 opposition MPs from the two houses of Parliament were suspended for their "unruly behaviour".

The opposition parliamentarians were suspended while they were demanding a government statement on the Parliament security breach.

Govt strangulating democracy: Sonia Gandhi

Amid the large-scale suspension of Opposition MPs in both Houses of Parliament, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Centre of 'strangulating democracy'.

Photo courtesy: UNI

Addressing the CPP meeting here, Gandhi said, "Never before have so many Opposition members of Parliament been suspended from the House, and that too, simply for raising a perfectly reasonable and legitimate demand."

Describing the Parliament security breach incident as "inexcusable", she criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for speaking on it only outside the House.
Representational image (Credit: UNI)

Poonch (J&K): Three jawans were martyred and three injured while fighting terrorists after the attackers ambushed a military truck in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch on Thursday, media reports said.

This is the second incident of terrorist attack on the army in the region within a month.

According to reports, additional forces have been deployed to the location of the ambush, where ongoing gunfire has been reported.

The encounter started after terrorists ambushed two army vehicles passing through Dera Ki Gali in Rajouri's Poonch region, at 3.45 pm today.

The terrorists opened fire on police vehicles, which included a truck and a Gypsy.

Media reports said quoting sources that the army truck was attacked at Dera Ki Gali, also known as DKG, in the Surankote area of Poonch.

Reinforcements have been rushed to the spot to track down the terrorists, ambulances have been dispatched to assess and attend to the injured army jawans.

The jawans were travelling from an area near Bufliaz, where a cordon-and-search operation against terrorists has been ongoing since Wednesday night.

On the intervening night of December 19 and 20 in the Surankote area, an explosion took place inside an armed police unit compound in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

Some windows of the vehicles parked nearby were shattered under the impact of the explosion.
Image Credit: UNI

New Delhi/IBNS/UNI: The Parliament on Thursday passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 with Rajya Sabha approving the legislation seeking to simplify licensing and regulatory norms governing the telecom sector.

The Upper House passed the Bill by voice vote after a brief discussion. The Lok Sabha had passed the draft telecom law on Dec 20.

The Bill repeals the Indian Telegraph Act, of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, of 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, of 1950.

The Telecommunications Bill, 2023 amends and consolidates the laws relating to the development, expansion, and operation of telecom services and telecom networks. It also deals with the assignment of spectrum transparently.

Replying to the discussion on the Bill, Union Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Bill has been prepared to keep the citizens at the Centre.

The Minister said that the Bill provides for preventing impersonation and issuance of SIMs by fraudulent means.

Vaishnaw said that the punishment for acquiring a SIM card through fraudulent means using forged documents includes a three-year jail term and a monetary penalty of upto Rs 50 lakh.

He highlighted various reforms undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said that the telecom sector has in the last nine and half years come out of a difficult phase and emerged as the sunrise sector.

The Minister said that most of the equipment used in the 5G network rollout is made in India. Moreover, he said that India is now exporting telecom equipment designed and made in the country.

He noted that the ecosystem that has been developed in the last nine and half years has resulted in India exporting telecom equipment worth about Rs 8,000 crore to various countries including the US.
Image Credit: UNI

New Delhi/IBNS/UNI: A Delhi court Thursday extended the police custody of four people arrested in connection with the Parliament security breach incident by another 15 days.

The court after hearing the plea of the police as well as the defence lawyers, extended the police custody of the accused till Jan 5.

Following the expiry of the 7-day police custody of the four accused - Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Neelam Verma, and Amol Shinde - the Delhi Police produced them before the court during the day.

All four were earlier arrested under the Anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) as well as under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Police submitted before the court that an in-depth investigation was required to unearth the larger conspiracy behind their acts and urged for 15-day police custody of all the accused.

The police counsel submitted that the investigation was at a crucial stage and the accused needed to be taken to different places to find out the people behind them.

Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur after hearing the submissions passed an order to fifteen days police custody of the arrested accused persons.

In this matter, Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with an intent to cause riot), 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 452 (trespass), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servants from discharge of his duty) defined under Indian Penal Code(IPC) and Sections 16 and 18 of UAPA against the accused persons.
Photo Courtesy: UNI

Beijing: At least 12 people were killed and 13 others were injured as a result of an accident at a coal mine in China's northeastern province of Heilongjiang, the CCTV broadcaster reported on Thursday, citing local authorities.

The incident took place at 3:50 p.m. local time (07:50 GMT) on Wednesday in the city of Jixi.

Measures are currently being taken at the site to eliminate the consequences of the accident, and its cause is being clarified.

(UNI/SPUTNIK)
When presented with the chance, Ajay Devgn speaks about his father, action director Veeru Devgan. The actor spoke with Karan Johar on Koffee With Karan Season 8 on how his late father moved from being a car washer to becoming a gangster.

How Did Ajay Devgns Dad Become A Gangster?

Ajay Devgn was asked by Karan Johar if he believed his father Veeru Devgan had received his due in Bollywood. "Eventually," the actor stated. He continued by telling the story of how, when he was an extremely young boy, his father had run away from home and was discovered by a senior action director at the time.



X

The actor told how, when he was thirteen, his father fled their old Punjab home. He arrived in Bombay without a train ticket and was even jailed. He could not support himself because he had no job. However, someone came to his aid and asked that he clean his taxi each day if he wished to sleep in it.



He started from there and eventually became a carpenter, Ajay divulged. He added, Then he became one of the gangsters in Sion-Koliwada area. He was a carpenter also and there were gang wars. One day a very senior action director Mr. Ravi Khanna was passing by and there was this street fight going on. So, he stopped the car and called my dad after the fight and asked, What do you do? and he said 'Im a carpenter'. So, he said one very good line, Tu ladta acha hai, come and meet me tomorrow and made him a fighter. So thats where he started from, said the actor.



Hotstar

For the unversed, Veeru Devgn worked on more than 200 Indian films including Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Kranti, Mr. Natwarlal, Prem Rog, Phool Aur Kaante, Jigar and Ram Teri Ganga Maili.



You can stream Koffee With Karan 8 on Disney+Hotstar.



Indiatimes is conducting crowd-sourced polls to gauge the frontrunners of the massive OTT universe. Right from the nitty-gritties to the major leagues, this is a final encore that will pay a big tribute to shows and movies that struck a chord with our hearts in 2023. Have you started voting yet?
Maestro, one of Bradley Cooper's most anticipated projects in recent times is has finally started streaming. The movie centers on Leonard Bernstein's long-lasting relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan). Cooper plays the iconic musician Leonard Bernstein.

What is Maestro about?

The movie recounts Bernstein's life story, concentrating on his union with a well-known Costa-Rican actress Felicia Montealegre.



Maestro chronicles Bernstein's romance and marriage to the actress, starting when they first met at a party in 1946 and ending with her passing in 1978 after a battle with lung cancer.



Netflix

Maestro True Story

"Maestro," which has been directed by Cooper himself, has some incredibly realistic moments, but it also has fabulous creative editing.



The multi-decade biographical drama portrays all the highs and lows as well as significant occasions in Leonard's personal and professional life. Viewers are given captivating and poignant glances into the life of a musical prodigy, enabling them to comprehend the intricacies of his journey.



Actress Felicia Montealegre, portrayed by Mulligan, was a native of Chile and Costa Rica who first connected with Bernstein at a 1946 party. The two were wed by 1951.



Netflix

They were a dependable and loving family unit and welcomed three children together throughout their time together, but Bernstein's personal life made things a little unconventional.



Throughout his life, Bernstein had connections with both men and women; later, his West Side Story collaborator Arthur Laurents described Bernstein as a gay guy who got married.

Real photo: Guardian

Montealegre was aware of his affairs and subsequently addressed her husband in a private letter with her thoughts on the matter.



Bernstein temporarily moved out of their marital house to live with a colleague who was a music expert, two years prior to Montealegre's passing. But he went back to his wife's side after learning that she had lung cancer and remained by her side till her death.



netflix

Internet Reacts To Maestro

The film is now up on OTT and we see people reacting to it with different opinions.



One wrote, This film far exceeded my expectations. Carey Mulligan was superb and Bradley Cooper was fantastic. Beautiful filmmaking . #Maestro.

A second added, Seems like Twitter is mixed on MAESTRO but just rewatched tonight & still love it. Big fan of the way Bradley Cooper crafts movies.



A third added, I struggle with films like Maestro because its hard to see past the ego exercise. Every shot, no matter how beautifully framed - or indeed, precisely because of same - seems to exist not in furtherance of the story but for self-reflexive exaltation of Bradley Coopers brilliance.



x

Maestro is now streaming on Netflix.



(To read more such stories related to movies and shows released on OTTs, keep reading Indiatimes BINGE)


The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Telecom Bill 2023 which is set to bring sweeping changes to the communication sector and also to customers.

The bill would repeal two laws, including the 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act of 1885. Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha and said it "will usher in the biggest reforms in the sector."

BCCL

Govt control of telecom services

One of the biggest talking points about the bill is how it empowers the government to take control of telecom services.

The bill states that the government can take possession of a telecom network in case of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety.

On similar grounds, the bill also allows the government to intercept telecommunication.

Such grounds include:

the interest of the security of the state

friendly relations with other countries

public order

prevention of incitement of offences

How spectrum will be allocated

Another major change the bill is set to introduce is how telecom service providers will be allocated spectrum.

REUTERS

Spectrum will be assigned by auction, except for specified uses, where it will be allocated on an administrative basis.

Specified purposes include:

national security and defence

disaster management

weather forecasting

transport

satellite services such as DTH and satellite telephony

BSNL, MTNL, and public broadcasting services

BCCL

The central government may re-purpose or re-assign any frequency range and permit sharing, trading, leasing, and surrender of spectrum.

Biometrics mandatory for new SIM

As far as customers are concerned, the most significant change is in purchasing new SIM cards.

The bill makes it mandatory for companies to issue SIMs after capturing verifiable biometric data of the applicant to prevent misuse of telecom resources.

The bill has a provision for a jail term of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh for a person obtaining SIM or other telecom resource through fraud, cheating, or personation.

BCCL

Penalties and protection for telecom company

The government has proposed a cap of Rs 5 crore on penalties imposed on telecom operators, which was Rs 50 crore earlier per circle, implying a maximum penalty of around Rs 1,100 crore on a telecom company.

The bill also provides protective measures for telecom infrastructure and reinforces provision for smooth roll-out of networks, especially optical fibre cables.

The Centre has also proposed the exemption of telecom networks installed on any property from any claims, encumbrances, liquidation or the like relating to such property.

For more on news, sports, and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Borbhuin Chetia Gaon, a remote hamlet in Sivsagar district, has upped the conservation efforts with villagers going out of their way to secure an ideal habitat for the oriental pied hornbill.

BCCL

Thanks to the community conservation initiative, the village now has a small colony of dozen-odd oriental pied hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris) that are nesting and breeding in and around the locality.

Thus, the village could easily pass off as an open air zoo with a large number of colourful hornbills flying around the serene landscape, happily pecking away at the fruit on the trees the residents have very thoughtfully planted for them. Not surprisingly, the village has won a green award for the great conservation efforts of the villagers.

Vinod Bartakke

The hornbills have been living in our village for the last several years. At present there are about 20 of them. They have become a part of the daily lives of the villagers and everyone is engaged in conservation of the bird colony, said Mridul Burhagohain, a journalist and nature lover.

BCCL

The villagers hold the hornbills sacred and desist from doing anything that might harm or disturb them. They believe that hornbills are harbingers of peace and prosperity for the entire area.

Dr Chetia, who is also a resident of Borbhuin Chetia Gaon, added that a few decades back, there were just two pairs of hornbills in the village. With the growing sensitisation of the villagers on conservation, a corresponding increase was seen in the birds number. The good thing is that the birds are roosting and breeding in our village, as they are finding the habitat suitable, he said.

Signature Campaign - Assam Bandhu

The villagers have launched a signature campaign under the banner of Assam Bandhu, a voluntary organisation, for carrying the message of conservation beyond the village. The people had come forward on their own and the conservation project slowly became a successful project. The people of the village have planted banana and papaya trees in their backyards so that the birds are not short of food. Occasionally, the villagers also offer meat to the hornbills.

Facebook/beautiful birds

Moreover, since the hornbills have been nesting on some big, tall trees such as silikha, jori, etc., at Teporchali Bam, Bora Chuk for several years for breeding, the villagers are urged not to fell the trees on which the hornbills build their nests. If this is not all, the villagers are even urged to plant fruit-bearing trees so that the birds can get their food in the vicinity.

Though the birds occasionally are a nuisance to the villagers, picking fruits from the farms, the villagers have never thought of harming the birds. Thus, the villagers have ensured that the hornbills can fly around without any fear in the village. They eat the fruits on the trees generously planted by the villagers. The village has also become an example for many others in adjoining areas.

Nature

Sometimes when the hornbills are injured by strong winds and during heavy monsoons, the villagers have even treated injured birds and released them after giving them first aid. Several hoardings and posters have been put up in and around the village to disseminate information and enhance awareness about the conservation of the bird. Bharat Bora, a resident of Tepor Chali Bam, Bora Chuck said, Last year, I found a male hornbill injured by some dogs. I rescued it right from the jaws of a dog and took to the veterinary doctor at Moran. After treatment for 15 days it was able to fly again.

A tourist attraction and a paradise for bird lovers

Nested on a banyan tree near the Demou river that flows by the village, the hornbill colony has facilitated a flow of bird-lovers and tourists in the area. The hornbill colony has become a tourist attraction of sorts with large numbers of people, particularly bird watchers and nature lovers, visiting at different times of the year just to see the birds.

Uttam Ramola

Apart from tourists, the village has also been frequently visited by people from different places to see the hornbills atop the banyan tree. Bird watchers, as well as students from different universities, also visit the village to study the conservation efforts undertaken by the villagers, which is very unique. The village and its people were recently conferred the prestigious Homen Borgohain Green Award for their efforts towards conserving the hornbills as this special award would encourage them to do even more.
The UK Supreme Court found in a precedent-setting ruling that artificial intelligence (AI) is not eligible to be listed as an "inventor" in patent applications.

The historic decision has far-reaching effects on creativity and AI-related inventions in the future and establishes an important precedent in the area of technology and intellectual property law.

What Has Happened?

Credit: AP

The British Supreme Court decided on Wednesday that an artificial intelligence system cannot be listed as a patent inventor, depriving robots of the same rights as people.



The highest court in the United Kingdom determined that, to apply for a patent under the existing legislation, "an inventor must be a person."

The ruling marked the end of American technologist Stephen Thaler's protracted legal dispute with the United Kingdom to have his artificial intelligence system, known as DABUS, recognised as the creator of two patents.

According to Thaler, DABUS independently invented a food and drink container as well as a light beacon.

He is entitled to patent rights over these inventions. Tribunals in the U.S. and the E.U. have turned down Thaler's claims.

Credit: Reuters

In 2019, the U.K. Intellectual Property Office denied Thaler's application, stating that DABUS is not a person and hence cannot be legally registered as the inventor.



Thaler moved his appeal to the Supreme Court, where a group of justices unanimously dismissed the case after lower courts had sided with the patent office.

DABUS is "not a person, let alone a natural person, and it did not devise any relevant invention," according to the justices.

Legal Scholars Highlight the Need for Updated Policies as a Landmark Case Reveals Gaps in UK Laws Regarding AI, Particularly in Light of Remarkable Technological Advances, Such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Proficient in Swiftly Generating Computer Code, Songs, and Poems.



Credit: Canva

According to Nick White, a partner at the legal firm Charles Russell Speechlys, "As AI systems continue to advance in sophistication and capability, there is no denying their ability to generate new and non-obvious products and processes with minimal, or perhaps even without any, ongoing human input."



He stated, "Change may be coming, but it will probably come from the policymakers, not the judges."

What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.



For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
The decision of the Greek government toa frigate to the 'Prosperity Guardian' naval operation in the Red Sea "endangers Greek Armed Forces", especially as it is not carried out in the context of an international organization the country is member to, SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader Stefanossaid on Thursday
Nigerian businesswoman Maureen Esisi, also known as Red Vigour, has advised single people not to get married because its a scam.

The entrepreneur compiled a lengthy list of prerequisites and considerations before marriage.

Prioritise morality over religion, dont ignore moral failings, have sex with your significant other before heading down the aisle, and learn to save money for a rainy day. She wrote in part.

The ex-wife of actor, Blossom Chukwujekwu also noted that transparency in marriage is sometimes unhealthy.

She said divorce on the grounds of adultery is not a sin, be sexually compatible before marriage, do not marry a liability for the sake of love and respect is as important as food.

READ MORE: Hours After Wizkid Got Hospitalized, Tiwa Savage Announces Shes Ill

She added that understanding that your mother-in-law is not your mother, being respectful of each others privacy, and having money in a marriage are all very important.

Above all, Maureen declared in her conclusion, marriage is a fraud and no one should get married.

SEE POSTS:
Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) (I), 2024 https://career.webindia123.com/career/dates_and_events/entrance/upsc/combined-defence-service-cds1-exam.htm Details of Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) (I), 2024 2023-12-21 2024-1-9 https://career.webindia123.com/career/images/exams.png India India Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) (I), 2024 UPSC

UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I)- CDS 2024, April 21st 2024

Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) (I), 2024 Category : UPSC Recruitment 2024 Published : On December 21, 2023 By Webindia123 Editor

Important Dates

Date of Notification December 20th, 2023 The Online Applications can be filled upto January 9th, 2024 Date of Examination April 21st 2024

Applications have been invited from interested candidates for admission to Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy through Combined Defense Service Examination (I) 2024.

(a) Nationality:

A candidate must be unmarried and must either be:

(i) a Citizen of India, or

(ii) a subject of Bhutan, or

(iii) a subject of Nepal, or

(iv) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or

(v) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Certificate of eligibility will, however, not be necessary in the case of candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal.

A candidate in whose case a certificate of eligibility is necessary, may be admitted to the examination provisionally subject to the necessary certificate being given to him/her by the Govt. before declaration of result by UPSC.

(b) Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status :

For Indian Military Academy

Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 1999 and not later than 1st January, 2004 only are eligible.

For Indian Navel Academy

Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 1999 and not later than 1st January, 2004 only are eligible.

For Air Force Academy

20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2023 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January, 1999 and not later than 1st January, 2003 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January, 1997 and not later than 1st January, 2003) only are eligible.

Note: Candidate below 25 years of age must be unmarried. Marriage is not permitted during training. Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply but during training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live with family out of the premises.

For Officer's Training Academy

(SSC Course for men) unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 1998 and not later than 1st January, 2004 only are eligible.

For Officers` Training Academy

(SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd January, 1998 and not later than 1st January, 2004.

NOTE : Male divorcee/widower candidates cannot be treated as unmarried male for the purpose of their admission in IMA/INA/AFA courses and accordingly they are not eligible for these courses.

(c) Educational Qualification :

For Indian Military Academy and Officer's Training Academy

Degree of a recognized university or equivalent.



For Naval Academy

Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.



For Air Force Academy

Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering

Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are to submit proof of graduation provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB.

Candidates who are studying in the final year/semester Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply provided candidate should not have any present backlog upto the last semester / year for which results have been declared upto the time of submission of application and they will be required to submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of commencement of course to reach the IHQ of MoD (Army), Rtg `A . CDSE Entry, West Block III, R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 in case of IMA/SSC first choice candidates and Naval HQ DMPR (OI & R Section), Room No. 204, C Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011 in case of Navy first choice candidates and PO3(A)/Air Headquarters, J Block, Room No. 17, Opp. Vayu Bhawan, Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi-110 106

How to Apply :

Candidates are required to apply Online using the link www.upsconline.nic.in Detailed instructions for filling up Online Applications are available on the abovementioned website.

The applicants are advised to submit only single application; however if due to any unavoidable situation, if he/she submits another/multiple applications, then he/she must ensure that application with the higher RID (Registration ID) is complete in all respects like applicants' details, examination centre, photograph, signature, fee etc. The applicants who are submitting multiple applications should note that only the applications with higher RID (Registration ID) shall be entertained by the Commission and fee paid against one RID shall not be adjusted against any other RID.

Fee :

Candidates (excepting Female/SC/ST candidates who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay a fee of Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only) either by depositing the money in any Branch of SBI by cash, or by using net banking facility of SBI, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur/State Bank of Hyderabad/State Bank of Mysore/State Bank of Patiala/State Bank of Travancore or by using Visa/Master Credit/Debit Card.

All Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST are not required to pay any fee.

More details can be available from the official website.

Contact Details Address : Union Public Service Commission

Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069 Phone : Fax : 011-23098591 Mobile : E-mail : Website : www.upsc.gov.in

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Fire has destroyed a section of the popular Nkpor Main market in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the fire occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

It was gathered that the incident had already destroyed no fewer than 30 shops before the traders mobilised and managed to put it off.

READ MORE: Goods Worth Millions Of Naira Destroyed As Fire Guts Anambra Market

Confirming the horrible development, the Chairman of the market, Chief Paul Okafor, told newsmen in his office that the fire started from a cold room shop and spread to other nearby shops.

He added that over N300 million worth of goods were damaged in the inferno.

The market leader, whose own wine shop was also gutted, said the fire affected shops loaded with paints, curtains, gum, shoe leathers, shoe polish, wines, hot drinks, and thinners, among others.
Joe Johnson, Rivers State Commissioner for Information, says his principal, Governor Siminalayi Fubara did not sign a peace agreement with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, under force but of his own will.

Speaking on Channels Televisions programme on Wednesday, Johnson disclosed this.

I was in that meeting and the governor did not negotiate from the place of weakness.

There was no pressure from anywhere; when people disagree, they come to the round table and settle.

There is nothing to doubt it (the agreement), we have gone beyond the issue as to who signed, and who didnt sign, Johnson added when asked whether the Governor signed the peace agreement.

The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had on Monday met with Fubara and Wike at the Aso Villa in Abuja to find lasting solution to the protracted political impasse in Rivers.

After Mondays meeting, the President directed that the warring parties withdraw all matters instituted in the courts by Fubara, and his team, and that the leadership of Martin Amaewhule in the Rivers State House of Assembly be recognised, and not that of Edison Ehie.

READ ALSO: Rivers Resolution: Id Continue To Pay The Price For Peace To Reign  Fubara Insists

Amaewhule and his 26 allies were also said to have been reinstated in the House following the presidential directive.

Also, nine commissioners who resigned from Fubaras cabinet would be reinstated, according to the agreement.

On whether or not Fubara signed the document or not, the Commissioner noted that no price is too high for peace.

The Bible that we all profess says we should pursue peace will all men at all cost.

Mr Governor is a stickler for the rules, and if His Excellency, the President has intervened, he (Fubara) is not a man of perfidy. He will not say something and do the other.

In the next couple of hours, I will be unveiling some of the approvals His Excellency has already given as an indication that he is prepared for peace. Its part of the process to show that we are committed to it (agreement), Johnson said
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dino Melaye, has counselled Nigerians to put in a lot of effort if they want to become wealthy.

The Politician, has taken issue with Nigerians who, when they see wealthy people, are quick to quote the bible passage Vanity upon Vanity, all is vanity.

Dino posted a video of himself cruising in his Bentley with the caption, Start working hard and get for yourself wealth and other earthly properties rather than judging.

READ MORE: Dont Get Married; Its A Scam  Maureen Esisi Advises

No go hustle ooo. After you go dey recite vanity upon vanity is vanity. Ti eni to pegi lojuigi asi ruwe..one life yi noniiii

Watch the video he shared below
Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, Niger State Commissioner of Police has paraded Umar Aliyu, aka Babuga Dattijo, a notorious bandit leader.

Having being paraded with four suspected informants, the sum of N5 million was recovered from them.

Danmamman, while parading the suspects at his maiden press briefing in Minna, said a total of 19 suspects involved in kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, and cattle rustling were recently arrested in the State.

He explained that the notorious bandit Datijo, 37, of Kwali, FCT Abuja, was nabbed on November 24, 2023, based on credible information by police operatives attached to the Nasko Division in Salka, Magama Local Government Area (LGA).

According to him, in the course of the preliminary investigation, the sum of N5,120,000, three ATM cards, three national identity cards, two other identity cards, a drivers licence, and four mobile phones were recovered from the suspect.

Three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles with magazines and two Toyota Corolla vehicles with Reg. No. KTU 906 HM and ABJ 492 LA were also later recovered from the suspect.

READ ALSO: Thanks For Not Poisoning Me  Isreal DMW Rewards Houseboy With 200k For Christmas

His words: During interrogation, the suspect confessed to kidnapping activities in Shagamu expressway, Ogun State, Tambuwal in Sokoto State, Alieru in Kebbi State and Niger State. The money recovered was his share of a ransom collected from the kidnapping of a victim in Nasko.

The suspect further confessed that he belonged to Poyis group of bandits after the deaths of his members at Shagamu. He mentioned and provided the numbers of other members of the gang as Maidabo and Shaibu Haruna, aka Felalu of Garatu.

The Commissioner of Police also revealed that following his arrest, Datijos gang members attempted to attack Nasko Division on November 27, 2023, to rescue their leader but were repelled.

Unknown to them, however, their leader had been moved to the State Police Headquarters in Minna.

He further said that in a follow-up investigation into the attack with the aid of technical intelligence, Motse Mohammed, 47, and Aliya Mohammed, 48, both of Salka Magama LGA, were arrested as informants of bandits.

It was also established that a sum of N10,000 was sent to the two informants by the bandits through a POS point in Salka, he stated.

Danmamman however applauded the effort of all stakeholders and residents of the State for supporting the police to pull off the feat.

I also urge members of the public not to relent in giving useful information to the police and other security agencies towards ensuring a secure environment and society at large, he added.
As crisis continues to rock Rivers State, a member of the Stats House of Assembly, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party, Enemi George, has vowed not to return to PDP.

George led this out during an interview on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Wednesday, said that 27 of them that moved to the APC are committed to supporting President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said: We have crossed that Rubicon. We have move to the APC. We voted for the President, if we find Mr President worthy of our votes then I think we should find him worthy of our support.

We have moved over to join his Renewed Hope Agenda to work hands in gloves with him to ensure that the expectations of Nigerians are fulfilled. So, we have moved to the APC and we are working with the President, we have crossed that Rubicon and there is no going back for us.

READ MORE: Ben Bruce Hails Tinubu For Intervening In Rivers Political Crisis

Narrating how Fubara and Wike reached truce, George disclosed that over 150 people from both parties, including members of the National Assembly, elders in the state, among others, attended the peace meeting with the President.

He said: For every item that was considered, the President gave both parties the option of controverting or agreeing. So, each item was deliberated and was agreed on.

At the end of the deliberations, parties were asked to come up and append their signatures to the document and Mr President said, Do I have your approval to release this to the press? and everybody echoed yes.

And so, everybody signed on the document and then we moved forward. The governor signed and he gave a speech that he was committed to that agreement; Mr Speaker also made a speech and committed to accepting all the agreement.
Gunmen suspected to be herders in Ajalli River in the Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, have abducted three young men

The men, who hail from the Akama Oghe community in the area, were said to have gone to the river to perform some sacrifices when the gunmen took them.

A community leader, who confirmed the development in Enugu said, it

was because of the escape of one of the victims, that the rest were rescued.

We got the information Sunday morning after the man escaped from the den of kidnappers. Thankfully, he ran into some operatives of the Forest Guard, who ensured the rest of the victims were freed that same Sunday. And they were eventually rescued close to the RCC office along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

They had gone to Ajalli to perform the sacrifice. It is what our people do. But, what they never envisaged was that the criminals were lurking around in the forest. So, they kidnapped them and marched them into the forest from where the other person escaped. We thank God for their safety. We thank our security men. They are doing well. Without them, police cannot operate successfully in this state, the Leader said according to Vanguard.

READ ALSO: Fire Guts 30 Shops In Anambra Market, Destroys Properties Worth N300 Million

In a video shared by vigilante operatives in the area, an escaped victim, who identified himself as Chiemelie, said they were leaving the river after performing their sacrifice when they were accosted and their motorbike was taken away from them by the gunmen.

They are Fulani people. But they were mixing their Fulani with the Hausa language. They marched us across the river and further into the forest, swinging their AK-47 rifles.

But, I had to escape when they asked us to lie down for two hours. Two of them chased me but I continued and jumped into the muddy river. I stayed there inside the river for as long as I could until the gunmen turned back. I believe it was God that saved me Chiemilie said.

Meanwhile, police operatives of Enugu State Command, serving in Hawk Tactical Squad, have rescued travellers who were kidnapped along Ette Road in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, en route to Abuja.

Reports had it that between Thursday and Friday last week, some commercial buses travelling to and from Abuja were abducted and taken hostage by suspected kidnappers.
Police on the scene of a triple shooting at a gas station at Oxford Avenue and Pratt Street in Frankford Wednesday night. Read more

A 19-year-old man was killed in a triple shooting at a gas station mini-mart in the citys Frankford section Wednesday night, police said.

A man also was killed in a quadruple shooting an hour later in the Eastwick section of Southwest Philadelphia, police said.

Just after 6 p.m., police responded to reports of shooting at the corner of Oxford Avenue and Pratt Street and found the 19-year-old man lying on the floor in an aisle inside the market, said Chief Inspector Scott Small.

Police transported the man, who was shot several times, to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:34 p.m. He was not named.

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About a block away, police found a 20-year-old man shot in the leg and took him to Temple, where he was listed in stable condition, Small said.

A 28-year-old woman showed up at Jefferson Frankford Hospital with a graze wound to her toe, Small said. A bullet was found lodged inside one of her UGG boots.

Police determined that an unknown man entered the mini-mart and shot the 19-year-old man, who had just parked a Cadillac SUV near the front door, Small said.

The shooter then went outside and shot into a Cadillac SUV, wounding the 20-year-old man who was sitting in the front passenger seat, Small said.

The 28-year-old woman was pumping gas and was grazed by a stray bullet, Small said.

Police found four spent shell casings from a large-caliber gun inside the store and three casings just outside.

The motive for the shooting was unknown, Small said.

The shooting in Eastwick happened shortly before 7:10 p.m. on the 7300 block of Chelwynde Avenue. Police transported an unidentified man in his 20s to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

A 17-year-old shot in the chest was found nearby on the 7300 block of Theodore Street. Police took him to Penn Presbyterian, where he was listed in critical condition.

A 23-year-old woman shot in the right leg and a 22-year-old man shot in the left hand were taken by private vehicle to Pennsylvania Hospital in Center City. Both were listed in stable condition.

Police reported no arrests in that case.
Philadelphia police officers and patrol car inside Terminal D parking lot at Philadelphia International Airport on Friday morning October 13, 2023. Two officers were shot in the parking lot, one died. Read more

Three men accused of taking part in the fatal shooting of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez and injuring Officer Raul Ortiz during an attempted airport car theft were held for trial Wednesday on most charges, including murder, after a daylong preliminary court hearing.

Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, 18, of Camden, will face charges of murder and related offenses for Mendezs killing and attempted murder charges for the wounding of Ortiz, Municipal Court Judge David Shuter ruled after the hearing.

Alexander Batista-Polanco, 21, of Camden, and Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, 21, of Pennsauken, will face charges of second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and related offenses for Mendezs killing. The attempted-murder charge for shooting Ortiz was dropped for both men.

Prosecutors allege Martinez-Fernandez was the shooter and that the other two men did not shoot Mendez, a spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office said Thursday.

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A robbery charge for all three men was also dropped.

A fourth suspect was shot during the incident and later pronounced dead.

The attorneys for the three defendants declined to comment after the hearing. All three suspects are in jail.

For more than four hours, prosecutors sparred with the mens attorneys, saying video footage, social media posts, and cell phone records they presented proved the trio stole a Dodge Durango and then used that car days later to travel to a Philadelphia International Airport parking garage, where the two officers foiled another car theft, with Mendez fatally shot and Ortiz shot in his arm in the process.

The men then burned the stolen SUV in a parking lot in Cranbury, N.J., prosecutors said.

But attorneys for the three men argued that none of the hours worth of evidence presented showed their clients were at the airport at the time of the fatal shooting.

At this level, theres absolutely nothing that carries the commonwealths burden, said Robert Gamburg, Pena-Fernandezs attorney.

Throughout the hearing, Mendezs daughter, Mia Carrero, consoled his wife, Alex Carrero, as they sat in the front row, feet away from the three defendants.

Police have said Mendez and Ortiz were about to start their shift at Philadelphia International Airport around 11 p.m. Oct. 12 when they heard glass breaking at the Terminal D parking lot and tried to stop what they suspected might be a car theft. When the officers arrived, they found the three men and a fourth man trying to break into a car, and at least one of the men began shooting at Mendez and Ortiz from behind.

Mendez was struck four times, police said. Ortiz was shot in the arm. Both were taken to area hospitals, where Mendez was pronounced dead.

An alleged coconspirator, Jesus Madera Duran, 18, of Camden, was also shot, police said. Authorities believe he was struck by the same person who shot Mendez and Ortiz.

Duran was picked up by the three men and driven to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was dropped off and later pronounced dead, police said. Prosecutors played video footage of the stolen Dodge Durango arriving at the emergency room area of the hospital minutes after the airport shooting and leaving a person on the pavement.

Authorities searched for the suspects for two days after the fatal shooting.

Prosecutors played a 911 call from the time of the shooting. The caller is heard saying he was shot in the arm, was an off-duty officer, and that he was in the garage.

Two officers down, the caller says.

As the recording played, Mendezs daughter plugged her ears with her fingers, unable to listen.

Two travelers who were in the parking garage at the time of the shooting testified they heard loud noises that sounded like gunshots.

One witness, a woman who was looking for her car in the parking garage, remembers hearing someone yell Drop your weapon, before hearing a scuffle and then at least three gunshots before she ran for safety. She recalled seeing a black SUV speed away down toward the garage exit.

An agent from the FBIs Philadelphia field office laid out cell phone records that prosecutors said showed numbers attributed to the three defendants were at multiple locations throughout the night, including the airport, the hospital where Duran was left, and the lot where the stolen car was ultimately burned.

This story has been updated. An earlier version reported that prosecutors had not identified the suspected shooter.
Trinh Nguyen was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday at the Bucks County Justice Center. Read more

An Upper Makefield woman who killed her two young sons and attempted to kill her nephew last year was sentenced Wednesday to two consecutive life sentences in prison.

Prosecutors said that Trinh Nguyen, 40, had given into her simmering rage over her divorce and pending eviction, and had planned to execute her children and kill herself to enact revenge against the people she blamed for her misfortune.

But Nguyens attorney said that her client had long suffered from declining mental health, the result of a childhood filled with abuse.

Both sides brokered a guilty plea to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder that spared Nguyen from the death penalty, a decision that First Assistant District Attorney Jen Schorn said was made with the approval of the victims family.

Bucks County Court Judge Raymond McHugh accepted the plea, expressing sympathy for the family and also disbelief at what had transpired on May 2, 2022.

This is a crime that I dont think anyone can understand, McHugh said. It was for the wrong purpose, and it shows a true hardness of heart and wickedness of disposition.

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Nguyen shot her sons, Jeffrey and Nelson Tini, 13 and 9, in the head as they slept in their beds. Investigators said Nguyen had planned her sons deaths at least a week in advance, editing her will to include instructions on what to do with their ashes and hers.

A year before the murders, Nguyen and her husband, Ed Tini, had gone through a hotly contested divorce, in which he accused her of being a flight risk, fearful she would take their sons to Vietnam for a planned vacation and never return.

Nguyen and her sons were set to be evicted the day before the shooting from their half of the duplex they shared with Corrina Tini-Melchiondo, Tinis sister. Court records showed that Nguyen owed her former sister-in-law more than $11,000 in unpaid rent, and that Tini-Melchiondo had accused her of being abusive and harassing.

 READ MORE: A mother shot her two sons as they slept, police say. Now, a Bucks County community gathers to mourn.

In what Schorn described as a manifesto discovered after the murders, Nguyen raged against her ex-husband and his sister, saying they had mistreated her.

Im still in this prison cell because of him, Nguyen wrote of her ex-husband, according to evidence presented in court. This is the only way I can free my children. This is the only way I can free myself.

Tini-Melchiondo said Wednesday that Nguyen had caused thousands of dollars in damage in her home leading up to the eviction, including damaging its septic system. And while she said that Nguyen was initially a caring and loving mother, she clearly had a dark side.

Behind her meek exterior is a calculating, destructive individual who would do anything to get what she wants, she said.

Nguyens attorney, Deborah Weinman, told McHugh that Nguyen had suffered from years of trauma, starting in her childhood in Vietnam. She had been forced into an arranged marriage when she was 18, and sent to America where she didnt speak the language or know anyone.

When that first marriage failed  after she gave birth to her oldest son and Jeffrey  she met Tini. And when that second marriage failed, Weinman said, she experienced great shame and embarrassment.

Her mental health declined to such a point, she became so depressed, she felt the only way to be free was to end her life, Weinman said. And she believed the only way to save her kids was to take them with her.

As Nguyen fled the house after the shootings, she encountered her nephew, Gianni Melchiondo, who was preparing to leave for work.

He found Nguyen on the front lawn, holding a box of photos. She asked Melchiondo if he would take the photos to her ex-husband, who works with him, investigators said. Melchiondo agreed, and when he took the photos from Nguyen, authorities said, she pulled out a Ruger .38-caliber revolver that she owned, aimed it at him, and pulled the trigger twice.

The gun did not fire, and Melchiondo was able to wrestle it away from Nguyen, who then fled in her minivan, Schorn said. The Ruger was functioning and loaded at the time, but because Nguyen had disposed of the two empty shell casings from the shots she fired at her sons, the gun misfired.

Melchiondo, in a statement he read in court Wednesday, said he still suffers from anxiety and depression from his near-fatal encounter. He wonders what would have happened had he been unable to take the gun away from Nguyen.

Im at peace with God, he said, and I know shell have to face him when the time comes.

After fleeing, Nguyen drove to New Jersey to buy heroin, then headed to the parking lot of a church near her Upper Makefield home, prosecutors said. There, unfamiliar with drugs, she ingested it by dissolving it in water and drinking it. She hastily scrawled a note, saying Please call 911! My children are Dead in their bed and giving her address.

Police arrived in time to take Nguyen to a nearby hospital. Her sons, meanwhile, remained on life support for four days until their organs could be donated through the Gift of Life program.

After Nguyen was sentenced, Schorn said Tini and his family could continue the difficult journey of healing.

This day was a long time coming for this family, she said.
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R., N.C.), chair of the House Education Committee, holds up a copy of Republican legislation that would prohibit transgender women and girls from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity, as the House Rules Committee prepares the bill for a floor vote, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, April 17, 2023. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023 would amend Title IX, the federal education law that bars sex-based discrimination, to define sex as based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Read more

Two prominent University of Pennsylvania donors, both vocal critics of former president Liz Magill over her response to allegations of campus antisemitism, are hosting a fundraiser for the House Republican who summoned Magill before a congressional committee this month, the Daily Pennsylvanian reported.

Penn alumni and billionaires Marc Rowan and Ronald Lauder signed on to support U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R., N.C.), who is up for reelection next year, according to an invitation obtained by the student newspaper. The chair of the House Committee on Education has branded herself as a hawk on antisemitism within elite schools after Magills Dec. 5 testimony that ultimately contributed to her resignation.

Six others are hosting alongside Rowan and Lauder, the Daily Pennsylvanian reported, including a leader of the Manhattan Republican Party.

The Jan. 22 rooftop event at the Kimberly Hotel in New York will feature a Q&A discussing antisemitism on college campuses, according to the Daily Pennsylvanian. Tickets range from $1,000 to $6,600.

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Facing sharp questioning from U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R., N.Y.), Magill drew national rebuke when, pressed on whether calling for genocide of Jewish people would violate Penns rules or code of conduct, she said it was a context-dependent decision.

The aftermath saw deep-pocketed donors and alumni call for Magill to step down, some threatening to withhold donations to the university. Magill resigned within days, along with Scott L. Bok, chair of Penns board of trustees.

Faculty have since raised alarm bells over the influence of wealthy alumni over academic freedom at the Ivy League school. After Rowan peppered the board of trustees with questions about the future of some programs in a Dec. 12 email, over 900 academics signed a letter to oppose attempts by trustees, donors, and other external actors to interfere with our academic policies and to undermine academic freedom, referring to Rowans efforts to rally other donors as a hostile takeover.

The CEO of New York-based investment group Apollo Global Management, Rowan spearheaded a campaign against what he described as hate and racism by pro-Palestinian scholars at Penn this fall.

Rowan, who also chairs the Wharton Board of Advisors, publicly questioned Magills leadership after Penn agreed to host the Palestine Writes Literature Festival in late September. After Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Rowan ramped up those criticisms, appearing on CNBC to detail an op-ed he penned over the inability of leadership at Penn to exercise any moral clarity by condemning festival speakers who had a history of antisemitic comments.

As campus tensions roiled during subsequent student demonstrations, Rowan launched a daily email campaign to mobilize donors against Penns leadership.

In an email after Magills departure titled Moving Forward, Rowan offered complaints, suggestions, and articles for the 47 members of Penns board of trustees.

Lauder, of the Estee Lauder cosmetic company, has risen alongside Rowan as a vocal critic of Penns leadership this semester.

After a trip to Philadelphia to meet with Magill, who cited academic freedom and free speech in refusing to cancel the Palestine Writes festival, Lauder signed on to an Oct. 16 letter saying he would reexamine his contributions to Penn, which number in the multimillions since his 1983 funding of the Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies.

Let me be clear as I can, Lauder wrote. I do not want any of the students at the Lauder Institute ... to be taught by any of the instructors who were involved or supported the festival.

A spokesperson for Rowans Apollo Global Management declined to comment on the Foxx fundraiser. Spokespeople for Lauder and Foxx did not return requests for comment.

After the North Carolina lawmaker pledged that her congressional committee would probe Penn along with Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Foxx expanded that list to include Columbia, Cornell, and a handful of other institutions where pro-Palestinian protests have been deemed antisemitic by some.

... [T]he administrations have not reacted against those and kept their students safe, Foxx told The Hill this month, suggesting that she would be open to bringing Harvard president Claudine Gay  who testified alongside Magill and weathered similar pressure from megadonors  back before Congress for further questioning.

Meanwhile, other influential Penn alumni have taken alternative approaches to the shake-up at their alma mater.

This week, Stewart Colton  another Wharton alumni and major donor to Penn  announced he would donate to the university an unrestricted $1 million to let the healing begin under interim president J. Larry Jameson.
Union Public Service Commission NDA and NA Exam (I), 2024 https://career.webindia123.com/career/dates_and_events/entrance/upsc/national-defence-academy-and-naval-academy-examination-nda1.htm Details of Union Public Service Commission NDA and NA Exam (I), 2024 2024-12-21 2024-1-9 https://career.webindia123.com/career/images/exams.png India India Union Public Service Commission NDA and NA Exam (I), 2024 UPSC

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2024

Union Public Service Commission NDA and NA Exam (I), 2024 Category : UPSC Recruitment 2024 Published : On December 21, 2024 By Webindia123 Editor

Important Dates

Last Date for submission of Online Applications January 9, 2024 Date of Examination April 21, 2024

An Examination will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 147th Course, and for the 108th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from January 2024. The candidates Joining Indian Naval Academy would undergo 4 years B.Tech Course and would be given an opportunity to join Executive and Technical Branches of the Navy subject to availability of vacancies.

The approximate number of vacancies to be filled on the results of this examination will be 370 [(208 for the Army, 42 for Navy, 120 for the Air Force and 48 for Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)].

Vacancies are provisional and may be changed depending on the availability of training capacity of National Defense Academy.

Admission will be made on the results of the written examination to be conducted by the Commission followed by intelligence and personality test by the Services Selection Board of candidates who qualify in the written examination.

Centers of Examination :

The Examination will be held at the following Centers:

Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Bengaluru, Bareilly, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Dehradun, Delhi, Dharwad, Dispur, Gangtok, Hyderabad, Imphal, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Jorhat, Kochi, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji (Goa), Patna, Port Blair, Raipur, Ranchi, Sambalpur, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati, Udaipur and Vishakhapatnam.

Conditions of Eligibility :

(a) Nationality : A candidate must either be :

(i) a citizen of India, or

(ii) a subject of Bhutan, or

(iii) a subject of Nepal, or

(iv) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January, 1963 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or

(v) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above shall be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India. Certificate of eligibility will not, however, be necessary in the case of candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal.

Educational Qualifications :

For Army wing of National Defense Academy :- 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University. For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defense Academy and for the 10+2 (Executive Branch) Course at the Naval Academy :- 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.

Such candidates who qualify the SSB interview but could not produce Matriculation/10+2 or equivalent certificate in original at the time of SSB Interview should forward the certificates along with photocopies thereof to `Addl. Directorate General of Recruiting, Army HQ, West Block-III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066' and for Naval Academy candidates to 'Naval Headquarters, DMPR, OI&R Section, Room No. 204, `C' Wing, Sena Bhavan, New Delhi-110011' by 24th December, 2020 failing which their candidature will be cancelled. All other candidates who have produced their matriculation and 10+2 pass or equivalent certificates in original at the time of attending the SSB interview and have got the same verified by the SSB authorities are not required to submit the same to Army HQ or Naval HQ as the case may be.

Certificates in original issued by the Principals of the institutions are also acceptable in cases where Boards/ Universities have not yet issued certificates. Certified true copies/photostat copies of such certificates will not be accepted. In exceptional cases the Commission may treat a candidate, who does not possess any of the qualifications prescribed in this rule as educationally qualified provided that he possesses qualifications, the standard of which in the opinion of the Commission, justifies his admission to the examination.

Physical Standards : Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to National Defense Academy and Naval Academy Examination. More details

A candidate who has resigned or withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any of the training academics of Armed Forces is not eligible to apply.

How to Apply :

Candidates are required to apply online by using the website http://www.upsconline.nic.in/. Detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the above mentioned website.

The Online Applications can be filled upto 9th January 2024 till 6.00 PM

No other mode is allowed for submission of application.

Note : 1 - The applicants are advised to submit only single application; however, if due to any unavoidable situation, if he submits another/multiple applications, then he must ensure that application with the higher RID is complete in all respects like applicants' details, examination centre, photograph, signature, fee etc. The applicants who are submitting multiple applications should note that only the applications with higher RID (Registration ID) shall be entertained by the Commission and fee paid against one RID shall not be adjusted against any other RID.

Note -2 : All candidates whether already in Government Service including candidates serving in the Armed Forces, Sailors [including boys and artificers apprentices) of the Indian Navy, Cadets of Rashtriya Indian Military College [previously known as Sainik School, Dehradun), Students of Military Schools formerly known as King George's Schools) and Sainik Schools run by Sainik Schools Society, Government owned industrial undertakings or other similar organizations or in private employment should apply direct to the Commission.

N.B. (a) Persons already in Government service, whether in permanent or temporary capacity or as work charged employees other than casual or daily rated employees or those serving under the Public Enterprises; (b) Candidates serving in the Armed Forces, Sailors [including boys and artificers apprentices] of the Indian Navy; and (c) Cadets of Rashtriya Indian Military College [previously known as Sainik School, Dehradun), Students of Military Schools formerly known as King George's Schools) and Sainik Schools run by Sainik School Society are required to inform their Head of Office//Department, Commanding Officer, Principals of College/School concerned, as the case may be, in writing that they have applied for this examination.

Selection :

The Union Public Service Commission shall prepare a list of candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in the written examination as fixed by the Commission at their discretion. Such candidates shall appear before a Services Selection Board for Intelligence and Personality Test where candidates for the Army/Navy wings of the NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Indian Naval Academy will be assessed on Officers Potentiality and those for the Air Force in Pilot Aptitude Test and for Officers Potentiality. PABT applicable to candidates with Air Force as First choice would also be conducted for all SSB qualified candidates with one of the choice as Air Force subject to their eligibility and if they are so willing.

Two Stage Selection Procedure

Two-stage selection procedure based on Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test has been introduced at Selection Centers/Air Force Selection Boards. All the candidates will be put to stage one test on first day of reporting at Selection Centers/Air Force Selection Boards. Only those candidates who qualify at stage one will be admitted to the second stage/remaining tests. Those candidates who qualify stage II will be required to submit the original Certificates along with one photocopy each of : (I) original Matriculation pass certificate or equivalent in support of date of birth, (ii) Original 10+2 pass certificate or equivalent in support of educational qualification.

Candidates who appear before the Services Selection Board and undergo the test there, will do so at their own risk and will not be entitled to claim any compensation or other relief from Government in respect of any injury which they may sustain in the course of or as a result of any of the tests given to them at the Services Selection Board whether due to the negligence of any person or otherwise. Parents or guardians of the candidates will be required to sign a certificate to this effect.

To be acceptable, candidates for the Army/ Navy/Naval Academy and Air Force should secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in (i) Written examination as fixed by the Commission at their discretion and (ii) Officer potentiality Test as fixed by the Services Selection Board at their discretion. Over and above candidates for the Air Force, and all the SSB qualified candidates as per their willingness, eligibility and preference for Air Force, should separately qualify the PABT. Subject to these conditions the qualified candidates will then be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secured by them in the Written Examination and the Services Selection Board Tests.

The final allocation/selection for admission to the Army, Navy, Air Force of the National Defence Academy and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Indian Naval Academy will be made upto the number of vacancies available subject to eligibility, medical fitness and merit-cum-preference of the candidates. The candidates who are eligible to be admitted to multiple Services/ Courses will be considered for allocation/ selection with reference to their order of preferences and in the event of their final allocation/selection to one Service/ Course, they will not be considered for admission to other remaining Services/ Courses.



The details regarding (a) the scheme and syllabus of the examination, (b) guidelines for filling up the online Application Form, (c) Special Instructions to candidates for objective type tests, (d) Physical standards for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy and (e) Brief particulars of the service etc., for candidates joining the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy can be obtained by the upsc website.

Contact Details Address : Union Public Service Commission

Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069 Phone : Fax : 011-23098591 Mobile : E-mail : Website : www.upsc.gov.in

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Former Philadelphia Capt. John Darby, who spent some 20 years on the case, speaks during a press conference on new developments in the Fairmount Park rapist case. Read more

Philadelphia police spent years slowly closing in on a suspect in the Fairmount Park rape cases  employing DNA technology thats increasingly used to solve cold cases  before he was arrested this week for an unrelated crime.

Philadelphia Police identified 46-year-old Elias Diaz on Tuesday as the so-called Fairmount Park rapist. He is accused of assaulting four women, killing one, between 2003 and 2007. Diaz was arrested over the weekend for allegedly riding through Pennypack Park with a machete attached to his bike and slashing people. He has been charged with murder in the Fairmount Park death, and investigations into the other Fairmount Park assault cases are ongoing.

Investigators around the country are turning to forensic genealogy for leads in cold cases, using the publics affinity for commercial genetic testing to hunt for the relatives of unidentified killers and victims. The technology was used to identify the Golden State Killer in California in 2018, and to investigate at least two other high-profile cases in the Philadelphia region in the last year.

Philadelphia Police worked with Parabon Nanolabs, a leader in the crime-solving science known as forensic genealogy, to comb commercial genetic databases for new clues in the Fairmount Park assaults.

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Detectives come to us when they have an unsolved case where there is DNA, but the profile has not matched anyone, said Ellen Greytak, Parabons director of bioinformatics. Theyre looking for ways to get other leads from the DNA.

DNA evidence collected from the crime scenes initially produced no matches in national crime databases, police said. With Parabons help, authorities identified Diaz as a person of interest earlier this spring. Still, no one knew where he was.

Even when it seemed likely that Diaz might be dead, investigators kept working to find him, said Ryan Gallagher, the assistant director of the Philadelphia Police Departments office of forensic science.

There were still victims out there that would want to have closure, he said. Everyone was shocked when we found out that he was still around.

Heres a look into how law enforcement agencies use forensic genealogy and other new DNA technology.

How was forensic genealogy used to search for the Fairmount Park rapist?

Parabon helped police zero in on a suspect in the Fairmount Park assaults by performing a genealogy search to try to find family members who could lead police to the attacker.

Forensic genealogists compared a DNA profile of the suspect against public databases where millions of people have uploaded their own DNA profiles, gleaned from commercial genealogy tests like 23andMe or Ancestry.com. (People have to opt in to public databases and allow law enforcement to access their information.)

The search produced a list of everyone who shared DNA with the suspect. Investigators used it to reconstruct the suspects family tree.

Most people share 17% to 34% of their DNA with each grandparent, Paul Woodbury, a genealogist at Legacy Tree Genealogists in Salt Lake City, said in an interview with The Inquirer last year. Half-siblings share about 25% of their DNA with each other, and first cousins share 4% to 23%  meaning that a 20% match in a genealogical database could indicate a suspects first cousin, half cousin, grandparent, or grandchild. Thats when investigators start combing through birth and death records and interviewing family members.

Investigators in the Fairmount Park rapist case had found fairly close relatives to the suspect through the DNA database search. But the suspect had a large family; police had to work through a family tree of almost 1,000 people with no clear associations to the city of Philadelphia, Gallagher said at a news conference Thursday.

In some cases, police worked with the FBI and approached family members to ask them to submit DNA to help narrow the search.

We had the door slammed in our face a couple times, figuratively, Gallagher said. Other people were very helpful.

Eventually, the investigation concentrated on one branch of the family.

We had the family name, and there were multiple people in that family that could have been a potential suspect for us, Gallagher said. But there was no clear picture there until Elias popped up.

Investigators had identified Diaz by name before he was arrested, but family members who had been estranged from him for years were unclear about his whereabouts, Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said Tuesday.

Parabon also created a DNA phenotype that helped develop a composite sketch of the suspect based on his genes. The company used DNA to predict the mans ancestry, eye color, hair color, skin color, freckling, and face shape, Greytak said.

In the past, an artist may have produced a composite sketch based solely on descriptions from witnesses, who told police they had seen a Hispanic man with black hair, a widows peak, and prominent eyebrows after the Fairmount Park rapes. Parabons DNA profile added more detail to the rendering.

In 2021, Parabon sent three sketches to Philadelphia Police that were then released to the public.

Privacy concerns about forensic genealogy

Genetic genealogy has led to breaks in several cases in the Philadelphia region in the last year. Last December, a third and fourth cousin who uploaded DNA information to a public database helped identify Joseph Augustus Zarelli as the murder victim known for decades as the Boy in the Box.

The technology also led to an arrest in July 2022 in the long-unsolved murder of Lindy Sue Biechler in Lancaster County. In that case, genealogists from Parabon found that Biechlers killers DNA matched that of people who had ancestors in a small town in Italy, working through generations of records to find a suspect.

Still, using DNA and genetic databases to profile suspects has drawn criticism from some scientists and privacy advocates.

A 2020 article in Nature noted that scientists are still unsure how a persons genetic predispositions to, say, blue eyes or brown hair combine to become a unique human face. Others have raised privacy concerns about using commercial DNA databases, which are largely unregulated, WIRED reported in September.

Staff writers Tom Avril, Chris Palmer, Ellie Rushing, and Rodrigo Torrejon contributed to this article.
Leo Karruli, owner of Johnstown Galleria mall. The mall is coming back to life, Karruli said. Read more

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP, Pa.  He walked the tiled floors of the mostly empty mall alone, smiling at the occasional speed walker and chatting up the folks selling empanadas in the food court.

Hey, Leo, store owners said as he passed by.

He moved furniture and picked up dead leaves beneath a ficus tree. If Leo Karruli knew how to repair escalators, he would. Earlier that November day, Karruli even drove 300 miles to North Jersey to buy a snowplow for the parking lot. Thats how it goes when you buy a mall by yourself.

The Johnstown Galleria, on the outskirts of Cambria Countys biggest city, sold for $57 million in 2008. Karruli, an Albanian immigrant who ran his own Italian restaurant in Florida, paid $3 million for it at an online auction last year. Since then, hes taken a community-oriented approach to running a mall, wielding hope, humor, and sweetheart deals to local businesses and restaurants like a shield against the forces of capitalism.

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Karruli, 54, said hes raised occupancy by 50% and scoffs at statistics showing places like the Johnstown Galleria are shuttering and losing value in Pennsylvania, that indoor malls, all across America, are ...

Dont say it, Karruli said. The mall isnt dead. Its not dying.

Zombie malls

Still, experts say even the zombie malls still hanging on have become almost a self-fulfilling prophecy, unable to recapture the buzz they had for Generation X teens and their baby boomer parents in the 80s and 90s, no matter what owners come up with. The advent and continued rise of online shopping, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, have proven to be too much for many.

I think were talking about dreams vs. reality here, Mark Cohen, director of retail studies and adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, said of Karrulis plans. Theres always a chance you can get the burners relit, but I wouldnt bet 5 cents thats likely to happen.

According to Capital One, there were approximately 25,000 shopping malls in the United States in 1986 and they closed at a rate of 581 per year. Starting in 2017, however, malls began closing at a rate of 1,170 per year. Some estimates say theres approximately 700 left today. Even Philadelphias Fashion District, which first opened in 1977, has struggled, despite a $400 million makeover. Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) gave up its share of the Fashion District as part of a bankruptcy reorganization.

In Berks County, the Berkshire Mall where Taylor Swift once shopped is barely hanging on. According to a recent Wall Street Journal story, anchors have closed there, the parking lot is pocked with potholes, and local officials wish its owners would sell.

The two-story, glass-gabled Galleria at Johnstown opened in 1992, and at 894,646 square feet, its one of the larger malls still open in Pennsylvania. While it originally had four anchor department stores, only two  Boscovs and JCPenney  remain.

Boscovs CEO Jim Boscov wishes more people like Karruli would buy malls.

Its refreshing, a pleasure to be dealing with someone trying to get things done, Boscov said.

The Bon-Ton department store closed at the Galleria in 2018 and now looks like a dark castle with its steep walls and turret-like entrance in an unlit corner of the parking lot. Back in September, a storage facility operator outbid Karruli in an auction for the Gallerias shuttered Sears anchor, a move hes actively fighting.

First off, its not retail, he said. Its all wrong for the place and Im trying so hard here.

Like all mall owners, Karruli would love to woo large, popular brands back to the Galleria. He has a Hot Topic, T-Mobile, and Auntie Annes Pretzels but heavyweights like Target and Chick-fil-A remain out of reach. Some businesses in the mall close earlier than others, he said, giving it a half-open feel on a weeknight, and others have perplexing business models.

I have this guy, Karruli says, pointing to a closed mattress store, who only sells the beds online or by appointment. This guy was here before I got here.

Filling vacancies

Karruli has been filling vacancies, however. The occupancy rate was 30% when he purchased the mall and, today, he claims its up to 80%. The food court, for instance, is full for the first time in years and most of the eateries are local. He lets local business owners rent by the month, too, instead of forcing long-term leases. He helped turned one storefront into a skating rink. Another one sells produce; another, called This N That Bargains & Bins, sells, well, this and that: appliances, tools, pet food, etc.

I dont think most people know the mall isnt dead, that theres new businesses here, said owner Mandy Layton, 36. Leos been doing a good job. Hes really trying.

Mister Jays Comics, Toys, and Games tried to get a space in the Johnstown Galleria before but the previous owner wasnt interested. Karruli found the stores information left behind in the mall office, so he reached out and made them an offer. Mister Jays moved into a space in June, then a larger one a few months later.

Leos been nothing but fantastic, said co-owner Jodi Rupert. He has that go-get-em attitude.

Mister Jays was hosting a gaming event that weekend. Karruli has been trying to host events at the mall, including church groups, live music in the food court, and car shows.

Karrulis focus on local business and community is akin to an indoor flea or farmers market approach.

Its mom-and-pop and I like mom-and-pop, he said.

Jenna Sullivan, a manager at the Berlin Farmers Market, which has indoor and outdoor space in South Jersey, said all 76 of its indoor stores are filled. None of them are franchises. You can get clams and tires there, plus new keys, old guitars, haircuts, knives, and horchatas.

Its a very down-to--earth place to shop, she said.

If theyre not demolished outright, most malls have looked to mixed-use repurposing, with offices and professional services, or gyms, filling in the retail void. In Camden County, Voorhees moved some of its official government offices into the former Echelon Mall. Karruli has done a little bit of that, too, with a chiropractor and AAA offices, but he also rents out space to the Selfie Museum.

Give it a chance

Through it all, the Johnstown Gallerias Rise & Stride Walkers continue to rack up the miles.

Leos a very nice guy, let me start out with that. Hes doing a hell of a job trying to get people in there, said Mark Sawyer, a Johnstown resident whos been walking the mall since 2015. Were hoping for the best.

Karruli, who lived in Italy and later Queens, where he perfected a chicken Parmesan, said he can work with hope.

I say, Forget what you knew about this place and give it a chance, he said.

In late November, the Johnstown Gallerias Christmas display was still a work in progress, its hree Wise Men offering gifts to a blank wall. Winter was around the corner and Karruli had to find a snowplow driver.

Or, you know, he said, Ill do it myself.
Haverford College student Kinnan Abdalhamid, one of the three Palestinian-American men who were shot in Vermont last month in a suspected hate crime. Read more

Kinnan Abdalhamid didnt want to talk about getting shot.

The Haverford College junior already told that story  the one heard around the nation, about how Abdalhamid and his two Palestinian American friends were shot in a potential hate crime in Vermont on Thanksgiving weekend  and he saw no point in reliving the trauma.

Back on campus, he is now focused on the issue that he said matters most: calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and demanding his school leaders at Haverford do the same.

Ive gotten more than enough support as an individual, Abdalhamid, 20, said Tuesday. Im advocating for the school to back a cease-fire.

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Nearly a month after the shooting, the premed student is back in Delaware County finishing the semester. But he hopes to use the limelight now on him to keep pressure on university leaders, who, like other academic officials nationally and locally, contend with a tense climate and criticism over their handling of the conflict between pro-Israelis and pro-Palestinians on campus.

Kinnans main push is urging Haverford president Wendy E. Raymond to support a cease-fire. College spokesperson Chris Mills said Raymond felt taking such a position on an off-campus issue would be a disservice to the institution  even if she made the statement as an individual.

President Wendy Raymond has found that whenever an institutional leader offers an opinion, their position also tends to get attributed to the institution they lead, Mills said.

Haverford is not among the universities  like Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania  that are being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education over antisemitic incidents on campus. But the school has faced similarly immense pressure over its public statements regarding the war overseas.

Students at Haverford began a sit-in at a campus administrative building in early December, vowing not to leave until school leaders put the colleges weight behind a cease-fire. Administrators in turn threatened disciplinary measures for disruptive conduct, and students voluntarily ended the sit-in.

Abdalhamids shooting added a sense of urgency to pro-Palestinian activism on campus. More than 200 students, faculty, and alumni gathered for a vigil while their junior classmate was hospitalized. Some students were so troubled by the incident that they requested academic leniency.

Abdalhamid argued Raymond could independently back a cease-fire in the tradition of a previous Haverford president who opposed the Vietnam War.

I can see why its tough, given the political climate today, but  cease-fire is the morally correct thing to say, Abdalhamid said.

Mills confirmed former president Jack Coleman advocated for the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam, while delineating that Haverford College as an institution took no position.

The Vermont shooting, along with the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Palestinian- American in Illinois, accelerated concerns that the overseas conflict would exacerbate Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiment in the United States. Authorities are investigating both incidents as potential hate crimes.

Jason J. Eaton, 48, pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder in what Vermont authorities say was an unprovoked attack on Abdalhamid and his two friends. The three victims were wearing keffiyehs and speaking a mix of English and Arabic when Eaton allegedly opened fire on them without warning.

Abdalhamid said he believes the lack of respect for Palestinian lives in Gaza has contributed to the climate in the United States. While the role of American universities may seem small, Abdalhamid argued leaders everywhere have a duty to stand up to the atrocities, pointing to Haverfords Quaker roots as a duty to support pacifism.

Im not blaming them for the violence thats happening, but there is a degree of a complicity, he said. The lack of a stance from educational leaders, he argued, amounted to a moral position.

Abdalhamid said he does not support Hamas or their killing of Israeli civilians on Oct. 7. But the siege of Gaza, he argued, would not heal the decades-old divisions. It isnt a way to deter Hamas, he said. Its a way to fuel instability and create chaos.

Recent polls suggest the majority of Americans  some 68%  now support a cease-fire. Abdalhamid declined to say whether he had spoken with elected officials in Pennsylvania about the issue.

Congressional leaders in the Philadelphia area have faced numerous protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators over their support for Israels military offensive, which Gazas health ministry said has killed about 20,000 people since the war began. Gov. Josh Shapiro has also faced criticism for his handling of the wars fallout, including sharp rebuke from the local chapter of the Council on American-Islamic relations for not issuing a public statement after the Vermont shooting, especially given Abdalhamids residence in Pennsylvania.

The governor broadly addressed the Vermont shooting two weeks ago in an interview with CBS Pittsburgh, denouncing the recent uptick in reports of both antisemitism and Islamophobia.

We need to state clearly that there is no place for that,  and we certainly do not want to see it rise here in Pittsburgh, in Philadelphia or anyplace in between, Shapiro said.

Haverford officials said the college offered students academic flexibility, counseling, and other services in the wake of the shooting. Kinnan thanked Haverford faculty and his fellow students for what he described as amazing support.

Its been quite overwhelming and tiring, but Im still quite grateful for this position, he said. I would never be the type of person to let it slip. I think I would regret it forever if I didnt say something before the window of attention closes.
City Controller Christy Brady, seen at a Dec. 4 news conference, said this week her office will audit the Department of Licenses & Inspections after an Inquirer series exposed problems there. At left is former Acting City Controller Charles Edacheril. Read more

In response to The Inquirers Crumbling City investigation, which found that 50 Philadelphia homes each year are rendered unsafe during construction next door, Philadelphias city controller is planning an audit of the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections.

Seeing newspaper articles about a house collapsing ... people getting injured, people getting killed  we cant wait for the next tragedy to happen, Controller Christy Brady said in an interview.

I believe in doing audits that have to do with public safety, Brady said. This covers that. With undocumented and unlicensed workers, you have the cost of misclassification to the city, too, whether its lost tax revenue  and other costs, which would be risks to workers and residents in the form of unscrupulous contractors cutting corners in construction projects.

Brady won a special election in November and was sworn into office just last month. She said her office is in the preliminary stages of gathering information, with plans to conduct public outreach and internal conversations before launching the audit.

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But she said Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker and District Attorney Larry Krasner had expressed enthusiasm for an audit that would dig into enforcement of building safety standards and develop a series of recommendations for the department. A spokesperson for Parker said she would not comment on internal discussions.

 READ MORE: Calls for reform followed Phillys deadly Market Street collapse. A decade later, residents are still endangered by construction destruction.

Among the areas Brady is looking to examine is whether a system that allows contractors to select their own electrical inspectors and the special inspectors who oversee dangerous excavation and demolition work creates a conflict of interest.

An Inquirer investigation identified vulnerabilities in that oversight process, through the story of homebuyers who discovered their electrical work had not been installed by a licensed electrician. The work was then approved by an electrical inspector who was cited by the city on 10 different jobs since 2016 for approving work that was not up to code.

 READ MORE: Philly's inspection system is failing homebuyers

Brady also wants to know whats driving the perennial shortage of building inspectors, which has grown even more dire since the pandemic. Each inspector is now responsible for close to 1,000 building permits. Are you training them and theyre going? Is it the pay? Could there there be a program with a high school or community college that helps train people to be inspectors, some sort of partnership? How do you retain them?

In the interim, City Council has also allocated $200,000 to fund a pilot Rowhouse Protection Program that Community Legal Services of Philadelphia will launch in 2024.

City Councilmember Mark Squilla said it was funded in acknowledgment that legislation that took effect this year to protect neighbors from construction damage did not go far enough. Though contractors are now required to notify neighbors of work, develop a monitoring plan for any impact on neighboring properties, and carry substantial liability insurance, Squilla said some neighbors are not seeing the benefit.

 READ MORE: Five fixes for Philly's construction chaos

If the bill worked properly, it could protect both the developer and the adjoining neighbor  so that the insurance would cover any damage. We want to make sure they are made whole, he said.

While lawmakers figure out whats next, the Community Legal Services (CLS) pilot program will be able to hire a full-time attorney to help residents negotiate access agreements with developers and respond if damage occurs. The money will also go to a fund for hiring engineers and other experts needed to assess the damage to residents homes and the best path to repairing it.

Michael Froehlich, managing attorney of CLSs Homeownership & Consumer Rights Unit, said the new money will be the first time CLS has dedicated funding to address the issue  and was optimistic it could restore some balance to what are often lopsided disputes.

Next door neighbors do have legal rights when it comes to demolition and construction next door, and there are things that lawyers can do to enforce those rights.
2833 Poplar St., in Philadelphia, in May. Read more

Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

Welcome to Thursday, or as I like to call it, Friday Jr. It will be a cool and mostly sunny day, with a high near 43.

Every year, 50 Philadelphia rowhouses are deemed unsafe during construction next door. Todays lead story touches on how the city could stop this pattern of construction destruction. Its the latest installment in Crumbling City, an ongoing Inquirer series about construction and safety in Philadelphia and its impact on residents.

 Paola Perez (@pdesiperez, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

After Amy Freemans South Philly home was swallowed by an excavation pit, she learned she was ultimately on her own. It all started after construction work began next door.

Her home separated from her neighbors, and cracks spread up the facade and across the foundation. Freeman filed complaints and called officials, but nothing changed.

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An engineers report concluded that demolishing and rebuilding would be the best move forward. Its kind of disheartening, because there wasnt an actual solution, Freeman said.

A persistent problem: Freemans home is among the 50 or so rowhouses in the city that are rendered unsafe or destroyed each year during neighboring construction, according to an Inquirer analysis. City policymakers have adopted numerous new regulations to mitigate these challenges, but experts say bold new solutions are needed.

Key areas of focus: Stepping up enforcement, curbing risky work, making licensing more rigorous, and ensuring that those impacted by destabilization are properly compensated.

Notable quote: We need to make everyone play by the same rules. We have to do a better job of enforcement  and to hold people accountable you cant leave it to the private homeowner to go to small claims court, said City Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Keep reading to see how the city could bring an end to the cycle of construction destruction without thwarting development, including borrowing a solution from one city in the United Kingdom.

 Now Im passing the mic to my colleague Jason Nark. Jason reports on rural parts of Pennsylvania and the outdoors far from city life.

As a proud member of Generation X, I grew up in malls, both for shopping and socializing. It was, for better or worse, a place for teens to go, to be seen, or just to pass the time. Most of the malls from my childhood are vastly different today, or shuttered, but my nostalgia remains.

When I first learned that a single individual bought a relatively large mall in Johnstown, Pa., it piqued my interest. Frankly, it seemed like a bad idea, something most investors, particular one going it alone, would try to avoid. Im a sucker for dreamers, though, people trying to buck prevailing trends, the market be damned.

I spent a few months going back and forth and with owner Leo Karruli about the right time to visit and tried to wedge it into a reporting road trip into rural Pennsylvania. When I finally got out there, the mall didnt disappoint. It could easily be the backdrop of any movie set in the late 80s or early 90s.

Even more interesting, though, is Karrulis approach, treating malls like a place where mom-and-pop businesses can thrive, not just major franchises. The store owners seem to love him and despite the odds, Im rooting for him out there.  Jason Nark

Keep reading to learn about Leo Karrulis efforts to revive the Johnstown Galleria in a world of zombie malls.

What you should know today

 Trivia time

Its shaping up to be a very Philly Oscars this year.

Which Philly native and Oscar front-runner told The Inquirer they have never had a bad meal here?

A) Colman Domingo

B) Bradley Cooper

C) DaVine Joy Randolph

D) Kevin Hart

Think you know? Check your answer.

What were...

 Tasting: Phillys new Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, which serves food through Automat windows.

 Wondering: Will the Colorado Supreme Courts surprise ruling impact former President Donald Trumps run in Pennsylvania?

 Reading: The fine print of a column on the Catholic Churchs decision to bless same-sex couples.

 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: Singing contestant from South Jersey

ATRIUM JEANS

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Stacy Stone who correctly guessed Tuesdays answer, Schuylkill, and also noted there was a letter missing from the anagram. Thank you for catching that.

Photo of the day

Thats all for now. Thanks for spending a part of your morning with us.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
A Christmas tree sculpted of drift wood in the sand at 40th Street in Ocean City, N.J. Beach Christmas trees have proliferated in Jersey Shore towns, most lit with solar lights and often with their own themes. Read more

Hello out there! Since most of you left the Shore behind, a bushy-tailed red fox has found its way into the streets and beaches of Ventnor and has the rabbit population on high alert.

Whales are breaching just off the beach in Stone Harbor and Margate, and bald eagles are hanging out in Ventnor Heights.

Lets just say its been a wild offseason. Wild and, as Decembers down the Shore usually are, stunning. Just this week, those torrential rains gave way to a late afternoon sky that bathed the beach towns in a pink glow.

In Ventnor, in that happy marriage of the tilting of the suns axis and Absecon Islands slight angle from northeast to southwest, the sunsets are now directly in front of you as you walk toward Margate on the boardwalk. Or at least in front of me, as I do. Youse guys are mostly not here. Sun glare!

This time of year, its nice to labor in obscurity, but there comes a need to be marked present. The polar bear plunges on New Years Day at the Shore are one way for locals to holler out to the world when theyre least expecting it.

I write here about another winter tradition: placing Christmas trees on the beach. This has become very popular, a real thing, especially in Ocean City, where the trees have taken on all kinds of meaning, from pets to whales to international peace. Im in favor of all three. Not sure how I feel about populating beaches this way, as I think I prefer the winter beach left to its own devices. But you know, Im not going to complain about it.

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Want to see for yourself? Heres my guide to seeing all of Ocean Citys Christmas trees on the beach.

 Let me know what you think  do you like your offseason beaches spare and unadorned, or filled with holiday sentiment?  by replying to this email. Ill include your most interesting responses in a future newsletter.

 The waves are crashing as the winters familiar cycle of storms, flooding, and erosion resumes. Keep scrolling for all the news youve missed.

 Amy S. Rosenberg ( Tweet me at @amysrosenberg.  Follow me on Insta at @amysrosenberg.  Email me at downtheshore@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Shore talk

 Winds of change: rsted pulled the plug on its plans to build two massive wind farms off the Jersey coast.

 Winery change: The so-called and controversial Ocean City Winery, stymied in Upper Township, now plans to produce the wine there but sell it in Somers Point.

 Atlantic City Real Estate Part 1: How about a storied penthouse palace for $10.9 million? Philanthropists Gary Hill and John Schultz have put their nine-story property at 1616 Pacific Ave., where they lived and worked in epic opulence, for sale.

 Atlantic City Real Estate Part 2: OK, is a $10 million mid-rise at Pacific and Mt. Vernon Avenues a bit much for you? How about a brand new floating house/office/Airbnb listed for $79,000?

 Atlantic City Real Estate Part 3: Just listed is the iconic Joseph Milano house in the shadow of the Tropicana, one of Atlantic Citys legendary holdouts who fought off the Tropicanas attempt to take his property. Buy a slice of history at 1 South Brighton Ave. for $950,000.

 Barely there. The A.C. Press Selena Vazquez asks, Where have all the strip clubs gone?

 Aloha to the Royal Hawaiian Motel in Wildwood Crest, purchased for $13.3 million by Madison Resorts, which plans to combine it with the Oceanview Motel to build the largest resort in Cape May County.

 Anthonys of Sea Isle City purchased Beachwood Restaurant at 8700 Landis Ave., the old Buschs restaurant that had most recently been operated by Chef Lucas Manteca. Anthonys old space at 4400 Landis will now be a second Blitzs Market.

 Lingering smoke: The New Jersey legislature continues to frustrate workers and others trying to finally rid casinos of smoking.

 Ocean Citys council is trying to figure out how many millions of dollars they now owe the Klause brothers.

What to eat/What to do

 Jitney crawl. This Saturday, Dec. 23, hop on a jitney and go from Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall to bars at Ocean, Resort, Ballys, and Tropicana, and end at the always festive, but especially now, Irish Pub.

 Dave & Busters is open in Atlantic City, inside Jay-Zs former 40/40 Club. Heres a preview.

 Take a dip. Take advantage of deeply discounted prices at Showboats $100 million Island Waterpark. Its open every day of Christmas week. What started at an advertised $99 for a daily admission can now be had for $19.99.

 Ring in a rhyming 2024 at the Shore with all kinds of options, including all the casinos of course, with a Gatsby-themed party at the Claridge, a disco-themed party at the Waterpark, and GATTUSO at HQ2 Nightclub at Ocean.  For the tamer crowd, theres Ocean Citys First Night Celebration and Hammontons Giant Blueberry Drop.

 Do it already. Pick a Shore town (Margates is epic) and do a New Years Day polar bear plunge.

 New pub alert. Get the bourbon apple glazed wings at the new Kings Pub in A.C., which has replaced the old Pic-a-Lilli Pub on Tennessee Avenue.

 Live in A.C. at these brand new midtown apartments. Or these.

Shore snapshot

Vocab lesson

Justine Time To Vote 4 Mara Pie, proper noun. An oil and garlic pizza with blackened chicken, spinach, and balsamic glaze, served at Costellos, the pizzeria throwing their weight behind the Jersey Shores favorite contestant on The Voice, Mara Justine. Alas, Mara came in third.

 Trivia time 

Less than two months after canceling two wind projects in New Jersey, rsted installed the the first of its wind turbines for a different wind farm. Where will these turbines be generating wind energy?

A. Rhode Island

B. Long Island

C. North Carolina

D. England

If you think you know the answer, click on this story to find out.

Living local with whale boat captain Paul Eidman

Earlier this fall, I took a whale-watching trip with charter boat captain Paul Eidman, founder of Menhaden Defenders and a supporter of Anglers for Offshore Wind. He spoke passionately about the whales (a couple of which we saw), the recovery of the menhaden population, which the whales feed on, and how the wind energy projects (then) planned for the ocean off New Jersey were essential.

You used to have a lot of support among fellow fishermen for wind energy. What happened?

We had five years of support, then all of a sudden this became politicized. A lot of the fishermen are conservative. I lost everybody. Everybodys gone.

Why do the antis, as you call them, seem to have the momentum?

We blew it. Were not out there screaming like they are. Those people wake up angry. Theyre protesting, getting press.

You are confident that wind energy will save, not harm, the whales.

The ocean is dying in front of our eyes. Do I want to see steel in the water? Not really. But its the fastest way for us to get renewables enough to feed the system

Five days after our story ran, rsted pulled the plug on its New Jersey plans. I went back to Eidman. As usual, he wasnt pulling any punches.

What does rsted pulling the plug on their Jersey wind farms mean in your estimation?

The cancellation of these two N.J. projects means dirtier air and water, less good local jobs, less energy independence, and more frequent and intense storms. Our future generations are counting on us to fight for their future!

Read our full whale story (with video!) here.

Your Shore memory

From Patricia Morris, remembering the Holiday Snack Bar in Beach Haven. Of course, the HSB still exists, but continues to with a host of head-scratching demands from the municipality.

My first and fondest memories of Beach Haven are at the HSB. My grandparents, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and siblings all would go to HSB for lunch on the hottest, stickiest days.  I can still hear my grandmother at the top of the dunes yelling to my sister and I to come off the beach for lunch at the HSB. I ran faster for that than I did for the ice cream man! Double cheeseburger and a black and white shake (this was before the days of fries, onion rings, grilled cheese, etc.) and a slice of Lady Lord Baltimore. Grandmommy always got the tomato aspic  not a kid fave. For the past decade, new generations sit outside, gazing at the BH water tower, devouring Jetty Burgers (not me, I am still double cheese!) and Oreo shakes. HSB is the Shore for me, part of its heartbeat  and we are on our sixth generation this summer.

I always thought I would retire to Beach Haven. After the towns antics with HSB, I am rethinking that decision.

 Send us your Shore memory for a chance to be featured here to this email.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Professor Caine's long career in the law and activism led him to conferences and seminars all around the world. Read more

Burton Caine, 95, of Bala Cynwyd, a law professor emeritus at Temple University, longtime litigation and antitrust lawyer, former president of the American Civil Liberties Union of Greater Philadelphia, Hebrew scholar, prolific writer, peaceful protester, and veteran, died Thursday, Dec. 7, of aspiration pneumonia at Lankenau Medical Center.

A lifelong intellectual and social activist, Professor Caine traveled the world for decades, lecturing and advising politicians, religious and business leaders, judges, students, and others about constitutional law, civil rights, the First Amendment, antitrust, and paths to peace. He taught law students at Temple from 1977 to 2018 and instructed classes abroad in Japan, China, and Israel.

Over the arc of his 66-year career, he discussed civil liberties with Communist Party leaders and debated the death penalty on national TV in China. He went to the Soviet Union twice to support political dissidents and assembled diplomats and others at symposia in the United States to address peace in the Middle East.

He marched against the Vietnam War and later represented efforts to remove the Ten Commandments from government buildings and grounds. In 1987, he advised the legislature of the Philippines as it crafted the nations new constitution.

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He was an activist who always stood up for what was right, and, through his actions, taught me to do the same, said his daughter, Sara Caine Kornfeld.

As a lawyer, Professor Caine defended disadvantaged soldiers in Georgia and Alabama for the Air Forces Judge Advocate General Corps in the 1950s. He handled litigation and antitrust cases in the 1960s and 70s for the law firm Wolf, Block, Schorr & Solis-Cohen, and he successfully sued the city in 1979 as general counsel for the ACLU when Mayor Frank Rizzo wanted to violate the separation of church and state during a visit by the pope.

I hope, when I teach American constitutional law, people will not write it down because its in a book, he told the Harvard Law Bulletin in 2002. I hope it will govern their lives.

Professor Caine was a member of the ACLU for 70 years and president of the local chapter from 1983 to 1987. He made it a point to visit protesters, conscientious objectors, and other activists who had been jailed, and he won the ACLU state chapters vigilance award for service in 2003.

In a tribute, Peter Goldberger, president of the board of directors of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said Professor Caine was a teacher, champion, and inspiration who was utterly dedicated to the work and principles of the ACLU and one of our greatest members of all time.

He was director of Temples Israel Program, chair of the board for Americans for Religious Liberty, and chair of the Greater Philadelphia Lawyers Committee for Soviet Jewry. He also taught trial practice at the University of Pennsylvania for a few years before joining Temple.

He traveled often to Israel, pored over biblical Hebrew texts, and served as president of the board for the Solomon Schechter Day School, now Perelman Jewish Day School. He debated all sorts of legal issues on TV talk shows and at countless seminars and forums, and published hundreds of articles, editorial opinions, and letters to the editor in The Inquirer, Daily News, and other publications.

The most important right we have is the right to talk back to the government. Professor Burton Caine in 2015.

He had a strong and relentless intellect, said his son Gidon.

Born April 4, 1928, in Darby, Burton Caine took violin lessons as a boy and was a star on the John Bartram High School debate team. He earned a bachelors degree in English from Penn in 1949 and law degree from Harvard University in 1952. Afterward, he served two years as a first lieutenant in the Air Force.

He met Shulamith Wechter in high school during a debate, and they married in 1952. They had daughter Sara and sons Uri and Gidon, and lived in Center City, Elkins Park, and Bala Cynwyd.

We had a very fulfilling marriage, his wife said. He was my North Star.

 READ MORE: In '79, pope visit sparked church-state battle

Professor Caine spoke fluent Hebrew at home, enjoyed classical music, and attended Philadelphia Orchestra concerts. He read history books and encouraged spirited debates on controversial topics at the nightly dinner table. He and his wife also hosted countless other activists and community leaders at memorable dinner parties.

He was gentle, funny, and sweet as a father, said son Uri. He was an idealist. And when he was serious, he meant business.

In addition to his wife and children, Professor Caine is survived by eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers, and other relatives. Two brothers died earlier.

Services were Sunday, Dec. 10.

Donations in his name may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, Box 60173, Philadelphia, Pa. 19102; New Israel Fund, Box 70358, Philadelphia, Pa. 19176; and Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, 2 Commerce Square, 2001 Market St., Suite 2300, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.
Donald Trumps tumultuous time on the political stage has been filled with one unprecedented event after another, including two impeachments, four criminal indictments, his companys tax fraud conviction, and a federal courts finding that he defamed and raped a woman.

Now comes a Colorado Supreme Court ruling that disqualifies Trump from holding office again because he engaged in the deadly insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. The 213-page opinion said that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment prohibits anyone who engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding office.

Could this finally be the beginning of the end for the Trump wrecking ball?

The ruling marks the first time a court has kept a presidential candidate off the ballot. Thats because it is the first time a president tried to overturn an election. While the ruling is clear, the political ramifications will be monumental.

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 READ MORE: Trump hits new low with threat to the Constitution | Editorial

Similar legal efforts to remove Trump from the ballot have been filed in several states, including Pennsylvania. Lawsuits in Minnesota and New Hampshire were dismissed on procedural grounds, while a Michigan judge ruled the issue was political and not for him to decide.

Gene Stilp, a political activist who filed a pending suit in federal court in Harrisburg, told the Editorial Board he planned to file a second suit in state court next month that mirrors the Colorado case.

Trump plans to appeal the Colorado decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. True to form, he immediately began fundraising off the ruling and blaming  without evidence  President Joe Biden.

Its unclear if the high court will take up the Colorado case or try to avoid it. The court has already agreed to decide whether Trump is immune from criminal prosecution for his efforts to overturn the election. With the primaries set to begin next year, time is of the essence.

No matter what the court decides, the political fallout will be immense. The Supreme Court has an opportunity to rehabilitate its shabby image and remind everyone that we are a government of laws, not men.

The courts independence has been diminished over the past quarter century, starting with the way it wrongly intervened in the 2000 presidential recount in Florida to hand the White House to George W. Bush.

Trust in the court fell further after Senate Republicans delayed appointing a justice to replace the late Antonin Scalia until after the 2016 election, and then rushed to install a conservative justice on the court a week before the 2020 election. The result is a politically tainted court with a 6-3 conservative majority  including three members appointed during Trumps one term  who promptly overturned a 50-year right to abortion.

Confidence in the court further eroded as conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have come under criticism for accepting lavish trips and gifts from billionaire Republican donors, including some with business before the court.

Trump supporters  and even some critics  argue it is antidemocratic to remove him from the ballot and that voters should choose the next president, not the courts.

But the Constitution stands firmly in the way of that argument.

J. Michael Luttig, a former conservative judge who coauthored an article that detailed why Trump is disqualified from running for president, said Trumps conduct is what gives rise to the disqualification.

Just as the Constitution says no one under the age of 35 can be president, it also makes clear that no person who took an oath to support the Constitution shall hold any office if they engaged in insurrection or rebellion.

 READ MORE: Donald Trump tried to subvert democracy. He may finally face justice. | Editorial

Trumps role in the insurrection is clear. The bipartisan House committee used sworn testimony from scores of Republican witnesses to assemble an 814-page report that detailed Trumps efforts to overturn the election leading up to Jan. 6.

Many leading Republicans agreed.

President Trump summoned the mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack, said former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney.

Days after the insurrection, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said, The president bears responsibility for Wednesdays attack on Congress by mob rioters.

After Trump was impeached for his role in the insurrection, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said, Theres no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day.

Despite a mountain of evidence, Trump has never been held accountable for his words and deeds. It now falls to the U.S. Supreme Court to decide if the Constitution or politics will rule the day.
University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magills resignation is not going to bring about a renaissance for civil liberties on American campuses, Jennifer Stefano writes. Read more

The latest from the University of Pennsylvanias campus is that faculty members are now demanding a New Constitution that they say will help the elite university protect intellectual diversity and openness of thought.

Well, its about time.

How heartening this news is for those of us on the right who have been calling on institutions of higher learning to recommit themselves to open inquiry and tolerance for politically unpopular speech.

This newfound fervor comes in the wake of the rabid antisemitism at Penn that led to the resignation of university president Liz Magill after her testimony before Congress.

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Yet, one cant also help but spare a thought for Penn law professor Amy Wax.

It was just last year when the then-dean of Penns Carey Law School, Ted Ruger, launched an investigation into Wax after she made numerous controversial remarks, not the least of which involved questioning the academic credentials of Black law students.

Far from protecting Wax, 2,500 Penn students and alumni demanded her removal. Rather than champion her academic freedom, Ruger declared that Wax has caused profound harm to our students and faculty, and her escalating pattern of behavior raises risks of increased harm and escalating damage going forward.

One does wonder how Wax is reacting to the realization that had she just issued a call for genocide  with context, of course  rather than raising questions about academic credentials, she, too, could have had Penns president defend her before Congress and earned praise from the media for bravely exercising her right to free speech.

How helpful this new commitment to diversity of thought would have been when conservative students were being silenced and ostracized on campus for decades.

This newfound zealotry for academic freedom and free speech by elite universities and their mainstream media apologists could be considered satire if it werent so disingenuous  and dangerous.

For sure, prior to Oct. 7, there were some at Penn and in the media who have been consistent in their calls for a diversity of viewpoints and the protection of those pushing unpopular ideas.

But would many of these same people now hand-wringing over free speech be just as committed if the exchange between U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik and Magill were about the LGBTQ community or students of color?

Would they write in defense of academic freedom if former President Donald Trump was invited to join the Penn faculty as a guest lecturer? Will they demand an apology for Wax and fund an open discourse chair in her name?

These new calls for openness and tolerance smack of insincerity, and this sudden emphasis on free speech feels like a convenient cover for attacking Jews. Its as the Peruvian general and dictator Oscar R. Benavides said as he declared his political opposition illegal and persecuted its leaders: For my friends, everything. For my enemies, the law.

And in modern America, the law is often being meted out with prejudice by the so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and their czars that have infiltrated not just higher education, but American society at large.

As many donors are now pointing out as they pull their money from elite institutions, DEI administrators are ignoring the repeated targeting, harassment, and discrimination faced by Jewish students.

In this climate, its hard to believe there will be a newfound respect for the First Amendment.

In this climate, its hard to believe there will be a newfound respect for the First Amendment. Not only are colleges not committed to these ideals, the students they admit often dont hold dear the values of civil society.

What I used to hear in the 1990s from skinheads and Ku Klux Klan members ... I now hear from college kids, writes Matson Browning, a former undercover cop who infiltrated hate groups.

It took the largest slaughter of Jewish civilians since the Holocaust to expose the moral rot at our elite educational institutions. Magills resignation  after paying lip service to the ideals of free speech  is not going to bring about a renaissance for civil liberties on American campuses, especially if DEI is the predominant power structure in higher education.

Until DEI is dismantled and people with a demonstrated history of commitment to liberalism and open discourse are put in their place, the ugly intolerance we now see masquerading as inclusivity on our nations campuses will reign supreme.
Philadelphia Police Officer Dakieta Long (left), who was promoted to corporal, waits for her name to be called as she looks over to her mom, Stacie Smith, who was promoted to lieutenant, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Read more

For many, being a police officer may seem unappealing. I know that for me, its not a career I ever envisioned for myself. Not even once.

Luckily, not everyone is like me.

Last month, I attended a ceremony for Philly officers at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which included a mother-daughter pair who were both promoted. They were all smiles as Dakieta Long, 32, moved up to corporal and her mom, Stacie Smith, 55, became a lieutenant.

For Smith, the joy she must have felt at the public affirmation about the good job shes doing was compounded by being able to watch as her daughter was promoted, as well.

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I tried my best to set a good example for my community and for the public, but I didnt realize that I was also setting a good example for my daughter, who wound up following in my footsteps, Smith told me. Im super proud of her.

The 19-year veteran later added, I never thought that she would one day say, Mom, I want to be a police officer.

They are believed to be the first mother-daughter duo in the history of the Philadelphia Police Department to ever have been promoted on the same day. I dont want to say it hasnt happened, but in my 22 years on this job, I havent seen it, Sgt. Eric Gripp, who works in public affairs, told me.

No one else I checked in with afterward had seen it, either.

Philly could really use more cops. Recruitment has been a challenge in recent years. But policing is a hard job, not to mention a relatively thankless career. Always has been. The job has become even more fraught following the police killing of George Floyd, which led to a national reckoning about police brutality.

I wont pretend that being a woman in the police force is always easy. Recently, some female former members and one current member of the New Jersey State Police filed a lawsuit accusing the department of gender bias, which they claim kept women from being promoted.

But law enforcement needs more diversity. Research suggests that female police officers use less force  and excessive force  and, as a result, are sued less frequently than male officers. There is data to suggest they may also be more trusted in low-income neighborhoods and among residents of color.

Philly is doing better than many areas. Women make up 12% of police officers nationwide, but in our city, 22% of sworn personnel are female. During the tenure of the citys first female police commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, the department announced the 30x30 initiative, which aims to have 30% of police recruits be female by 2030.

 READ MORE: Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and the perils of being the first | Jenice Armstrong

I was present to witness in 2021 when Philadelphia made history by promoting four Black female officers to captain. That was the most women who made it that far in a single class in the history of the department. To me, that was the biggest bright spot during Outlaws tumultuous tenure.

Long agreed that having a woman in the top job made a difference for her.

She just opened it to be a more progressive department, Long said about Outlaw. To [have seen] a Black female police commissioner, it shows you theres a chance for me. Its exciting when you see the growth of our department for [people of color] and women. Its a lot of opportunities for us.

Long graduated from Smiths alma mater, Cardinal Dougherty High School, in 2009 before enrolling at Morgan State University in Baltimore. She studied political science thinking shed become a lawyer, but left after two years, in part because being away from my mom and my home was really hard for me.

The Northeast resident bounced around a bit and worked as a preschool teacher before deciding to take the plunge and join the police force nearly six years ago. Long didnt tell her mother until after she applied, just in case she didnt make it. Watching my mom excel in her career, it just makes me want to keep moving forward, Long told me.

Seeing Long and Smith interact at the promotion ceremony reminded me of my relationship with my own mom. The older I get, the more I remind myself of her  I look like her, I cook like her, and there are times I hear things coming out of my mouth that sound exactly like her. Although our lives were very different  she worked as a school librarian and raised five children while Im a journalist with no kids  we shared a special bond.

Last month, at the promotion ceremony, I saw that same bond between Smith and Long (who also look a lot alike). If Long is like her mother  and it certainly appears she is  then she has a bright future. As a city, were better off for it.
This holiday season is a bleak time for Ukrainian civilians facing another winter of brutal Russian bombing  especially when GOP members of Congress have sent Vladimir Putin a huge Christmas gift by blocking further U.S. aid to Kyiv.

It is also a tragic time for Israeli civilians traumatized by Hamas vicious attack and for Palestinian civilians in Gaza suffering horribly from Israels military response.

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For those who are frustrated by a sense of helplessness and wondering how to help, one way is to donate to charities that are reaching civilians on the ground.

In Ukraine, as soldiers battle on the front, civilian volunteer groups have held the country together. From the start of the war, women and men excused from the front lines have banded together to feed people in urban bomb shelters, rescue elderly Ukrainians from villages under fire, provide generators for those without heat and electricity, and help the internally displaced and wounded.

The courage of ordinary people who risk their lives to help their countrymen is extraordinary and continues as the war nears the second-year mark. It reflects their determination not to fall under Russias despotic rule (and shreds the argument of those who claim Ukrainians fight only at NATOs bidding).

 READ MORE: Why Ukraine can beat Russia, and why that matters to America | Trudy Rubin

That is why, when it comes to Ukraine, I prefer to recommend smaller Ukrainian organizations, founded by Ukrainians (or Ukrainian Americans) whose work I have seen in person.

As I did last Christmas, I particularly recommend Ukraine TrustChain, whose teams deliver aid directly to where it is most needed, and whose terrific work I have witnessed in my reporting.

Ukraine TrustChain was founded at the start of the war by two Ukrainian American childhood friends who had emigrated from Kyiv to Chicago and Philadelphia, respectively, when they were 10 years old. Their concept was to find team leaders among people they or their friends trusted in Ukraine and have those volunteers build regional networks of people they trusted in turn. The money raised goes directly to the teams, with constant contact and periodic visits from board members in the U.S.

In July, I traveled with a team of volunteers from the southern port of Odesa as they drove four hours in their own cars to the recently liberated city of Kherson, on the Dnieper River. The city is still under daily shelling from Russian troops on the opposite bank  we heard regular booms, sometimes close by. Parts of Kherson had been heavily flooded when the Russians blew up the Kakhovka Dam upriver to impede the movement of Ukrainian troops.

Led by Alena Prizhebolska, a real estate agent before the war, the group dropped off some equipment to two local deminers trying to clear the area around a bus stop and a walking path. The group also unloaded sacks of vegetables to volunteer cooks at a shelter who were feeding locals whose houses had been destroyed by the flood.

Then we drove to a dangerous area along the river, from which you could almost see Russian positions, where local volunteers were helping residents dig out the claylike muck that had poured into their houses when the floodwaters hit.

Right after the flood, we bought a boat and evacuated survivors from the left bank, Prizhebolska told me, as local homeowners rushed out to greet her. Now, to save houses, Ukraine TrustChain bought pumps to pump out water.

In the Kherson area, other Ukraine TrustChain teams are providing seeds, seedlings, and tools to thousands of small farmers in deoccupied areas who lost everything under Russian control.

What is so amazing  and moving  is that this volunteer spirit has continued for nearly two years. Other teams bring food to villages on the front lines and evacuate those who seek to leave while delivering firewood so residents whose power lines have been bombed can survive the winter. And these actions do not come without risk for the volunteers. In November, one volunteer truck in eastern Ukraine was nearly hit by a Russian drone.

 READ MORE: In the war between Ukraine and Russia, which side is the GOP on? | Trudy Rubin

Meantime, the number of Ukraines military war wounded has mounted. For those who want to help, I again recommend Revived Soldiers of Ukraine, which aids wounded soldiers at home and brings some to the U.S. to be fitted for prosthetics. I met one such soldier, brought to Philly for treatment, who had lost an arm and a leg defending Mariupol and was tortured by Russians while captive in a Russian hospital. He returned home to Odesa, is now married, and hopes to return to the fight.

Another dedicated Ukrainian organization that helps Ukrainian amputees is Barvy. The group is the local Ukrainian partner for the Ukraine Initiatives run by the University of Pennsylvanias Center for Global Health program. Penn medical teams train Ukrainian surgeons in special techniques to salvage and repair blast wounds and regularly consult on cases. I met some of these wonderful Ukrainian surgeons and their gutsy military amputee patients in Vinnytsia on my July trip. I have also met some of their terrific Penn Medicine counterparts and will be writing more on this project. You can read more about the program at med.upenn.edu/globalhealth/ukraine-initiatives.

When it comes to Israel and Gaza, here are a few groups I recommend:

IsraAID is Israels largest humanitarian aid organization and is supporting Israelis who have been evacuated from their homes along the Gaza border at over a dozen evacuation centers around the country, with mental health and psychosocial support. The organization is also building shelters for unrecognized Bedouin villages in Israels south, which, unlike other Israeli cities and villages, do not have access to shelters from ongoing missile fire.

New Israel Fund is an umbrella organization making grants to Israeli Jewish and Arab civil society organizations for the advancement of democracy, equal rights, and social justice. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, NIF has supported Israeli Jewish-Arab emergency efforts such as Have You Seen the Horizon Lately?, in which hundreds of Jewish and Bedouin women gather to pack relief boxes for Jewish and Bedouin towns affected by the war.

To help get humanitarian aid into Gaza, Im recommending international aid organizations that have the resources and staff inside the strip. Others  such as the International Rescue Committee and Save the Children  are trying to get aid in.

Doctors Without Borders is a renowned international medical relief organization, which has doctors working inside Gaza.

UNICEF is the United Nations childrens organization, which has support staff inside Gaza.

Anera is a long-standing Palestine refugee relief aid agency, which works with partners in the West Bank and Gaza.
There a three ways to prevent a home's pipes from bursting: keep them warm, drain your faucets, and check for leaks. Read more

When it gets colder, its not only important to be mindful of your pets and your plants but also your homes pipes and water heater.

Yes, those inanimate objects need extra care, too.

As temperatures drop across the region, the risk of your homes pipes freezing increases. There are steps, however, that homeowners can take to help stop that from happening and help you avoid a hefty plumbing bill this winter.

Heres a list of plumber-approved tips on how to keep a pipe from freezing, spotting a frozen one, and what to do if it bursts.

How to prevent your pipes from freezing

It comes down to three main things: draining outside faucets, keeping pipes warm, and checking for leaks, said Vincent Thompson, owner of Thompson Plumbing and Heating. Thompson is a master plumber of more than 50 years and for two decades taught plumbing at Dobbins Vocational School in North Philadelphia.

 Draining outside faucets

Over the summer, we use outside faucets and hoses to water the plants, rinse of sidewalks, or simply cool down. When the temperature dips, water can freeze and build pressure, ultimately causing a burst pipe, a situation far too common, according to Thompson.

He recommends disconnecting your hose (and storing it for the winter), shutting off the valve that feeds the faucet or spigot (usually found near the hot water heater), and letting the remaining water in the pipe drain out. You can leave the faucet or spigot slightly open, according to Thompson. Letting the faucet drip is also a good suggestion for inside fixtures.

If its empty, itll never freeze, Thompson said. But if theres water, it can expand and explode. Then youll come out in the spring to use your hose and the water will be shooting out of the wall.

 Keep your pipes warm

When the freezing weather descends upon us, we bundle up to stay warm. Pipes need that treatment too. Ideally, the lowest you want to keep your thermostat set at is 50 degrees, but heating is expensive. According to Thompson, the absolute lowest you can go is 40 degrees, because your pipes will start freezing at 39 degrees.

Opening the cabinets underneath your bathroom sink can be a good way to keep pipes from getting too cold. And for the ones in extra-cold spots, using electrical heating tape or fitting them with foam and rubber sleeves is a good idea. Be sure to check for any leaks beforehand, because if water is accumulating, they wont prevent a pipe from bursting and it will become an added step.

 Check for leaks

Every drop that goes down the drain will turn into an icicle and eventually can clog up the entire soil stack, explained Thompson. Not addressing it can result in frozen pipes, flooding, and even water backing up through your toilet.

After 50 years of handling these cases, he advises looking at your water meter because sometimes the leak might not be obvious. Make sure no water sources are open, and look at the blue or red triangle (depending on your meter). If its turning that can be a sign of a leak.

If you suspect the culprit is your toilet, he recommends adding a couple of food dye drops into the tank. If the water in the bowl changes color, your suspicions are correct.

How to spot a frozen pipe

Your house is filled with water pipes, and while its not hard to figure out when youre dealing with a frozen pipe, it can be tricky to figure out where the frozen section is. If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, youre going to have to do a little detective work.

The first step should be to try all the other faucets in your house. If all the faucets in a room arent working, the freeze is likely in a split from the main pipe. If all the faucets on a floor arent working, the freeze is likely between where the first- and second-floor pipes separate. If all the faucets in your house arent working, then the freeze is probably near where the main pipe enters the house.

The frozen section of the pipe, if exposed, will sometimes have condensation over it. Youll also be able to tell that its colder just by touching it.

How to thaw a frozen pipe

Before thawing a frozen section of pipe, you should open the faucet to relieve the water pressure that has been building and allow the water to escape once it thaws. You should also begin the thawing process close to the faucet and work your way down to the blockage. If melted water and ice get caught behind the blockage, the chance that the pipe will burst increases.

One of the easiest ways to thaw a frozen pipe is with a hair dryer. You can also use hot towels or a heat lamp to warm up the pipe. Never use an open flame.

What to do if a pipe bursts

Dont panic. The first thing you should do is shut off the main water line into your property. This will prevent your house from flooding. The main water valve is usually near your water meter. After youve done that, call your plumber. Locating and tagging the valve to your main water line ahead of time can help make the moment less stressful.
Pennsylvania House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, wrote a letter to University of Pennsylvania Leadership that seemed to use funding for the vet school as leverage. Read more

Pennsylvania House Republicans announced Wednesday that they would form a task force to address concerns about antisemitism at the University of Pennsylvania, and suggested lawmakers would continue to block state funding for the universitys veterinary school until its leaders meet specific demands.

In a letter to Penn on Wednesday, House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler (R., Lancaster), laid out actions that he said would address lawmakers concerns, including an unequivocal public statement from Penn that antisemitism and calls for the genocide of Jewish people violate the schools code of conduct. He said a task force of five Republican state lawmakers would work with the school on showing its commitment to rooting out and protecting against antisemitism.

The letter represented the latest development in ongoing fallout over former Penn president Liz Magills comments at a congressional hearing on antisemitism this month, when she said that determining whether calling for the genocide of Jews violates the schools code of conduct was context-dependent.

Penn Vet and the Commonwealth have traditionally enjoyed a non-controversial relationship that recognizes Penn Vets extraordinary contributions to veterinary medicine and our states agricultural foundation, Cutler wrote in the letter, addressed to Penn interim president J. Larry Jameson and vet school dean Andrew Hoffman. However, months of disturbing reports of antisemitic activity at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) have been more than troubling to many members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus in particular.

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A Penn spokesperson said in a statement that the school will respond shortly to Cutlers letter.

Interim President J. Larry Jameson and Dean Andy Hoffman appreciate that members of the legislature want to find a path forward on funding the School of Veterinary Medicine, the spokesperson said. As part of Penns Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism, we pledged to engage broadly and deeply and welcome input from all who share our commitment to combatting hate in all its forms.

In the days after Magills testimony, Cutler said hed seek to withhold $33 million in annual funding for Penns veterinary school from this years state budget until the university proved it could keep students safe from antisemitism. Even after her resignation last week, House Republicans blocked the funding while approving other parts of a state budget deal.

Penn Vet has received some form of state funding since 1889, and the $33 million in state money accounts for about one-fifth of its annual budget.

Those funds, which require approval from two-thirds of the General Assembly, are now likely in limbo until at least March, when the House will return to Harrisburg.

Cutler said the task force will help the university work toward specific goals, including: a public statement from Jameson or the next Penn president that calling for the genocide of Jews is against school policy; support from Penn on a package of state bills meant to address antisemitism; a discussion of legislation about free speech; and a review of student organizations and university spending to make sure there is no financial support going toward antisemitic causes.

He said the task force also hopes to meet with Penns board of trustees.

The task force has five members: Rep. Jesse Topper (R., Bedford), Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R., Luzerne), Rep. Rob Mercuri (R., Allegheny), Rep. Kristin Marcell (R., Bucks), and Rep. Tom Jones (R., Lancaster). Their work is intended to supplement investigations by the U.S. Department of Education and a congressional committee, Cutler said.

He said that while Magills resignation and a new university-led task force to address antisemitism on campus are good first steps towards change, the efforts wont have an immediate impact because the university task forces first report is due in February and the final report will be issued in May.

It will not help students currently enrolled at the university experiencing this abhorrent form of hate, and it will be too late for students currently deciding whether to attend Penn, Cutler added.

While Cutler said his task force will start work soon, he did not provide a timeline for the goals in the letter.
The educational programs funded by Mayor Jim Kenney's signature beverage tax, including pre-K and an effort to establish community schools, fell short of some of the administrations own goals. Read more

Outgoing Mayor Jim Kenney stood this week in the ornate reception room in City Hall alongside a poster board with a message scrawled in blue crayon: Thank you, Mayor Kenney.

He was celebrating PHLpreK, the free pre-kindergarten program funded by his signature tax on sweetened beverages that he considers to be his crowning achievement over his eight years as mayor. Kenney has long said that expanded pre-K is a key tool to address long-term poverty and to improve educational outcomes in a city with an underfunded public-school system.

Its the highlight of my career and my life, he said during the celebration, held less than two weeks before he leaves office.

But the educational programs funded by the beverage tax, including pre-K and an effort to establish community schools, fell short of some of the administrations own goals.

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Officials said in 2017 that they expected to offer 6,500 pre-K seats by 2023. The city is short of that  there are currently 5,250 seats at more than 200 centers across Philadelphia  due to challenges including lower-than-expected tax revenue and a shortage of educators.

In addition, pre-K is still far from universal in Philadelphia, as Kenney had initially pitched it. There are about 40,000 3- and 4-year-olds in the city, and some estimates say as many as half of them either dont attend preschool or are enrolled in a program that doesnt meet state standards.

And while PHLpreK seats are at providers in more than 40 zip codes, there remain some neighborhoods that still dont have enough publicly funded seats to meet demand.

Vanessa Garrett Harley, deputy mayor for the Office of Children and Families, said theres a clear need for more free pre-K seats to supplement the ones already subsidized by the state and federal governments. Incoming Mayor Cherelle Parker has said she supports the city program and hopes to expand it.

Is it sufficient? No, its never sufficient, Garrett Harley said. We have a lot more young people who could and would qualify for it, so were looking forward into the future to continue to expand at the rate that we are expanding.

Still, Kenney and his top officials say the program has been a success. More than 17,000 of the citys 3- and 4-year-olds have attended preschool for free, and nearly all of the seats are at providers considered high quality under state standards.

In an interview last month, Kenney teared up recalling a woman who stopped him on the street toward the end of his first term and told him that she was able to get a job as a SEPTA bus driver because her sons were enrolled in pre-K.

Thats pretty powerful, Kenney said. To be able to educate those kids, to empower this woman, a single mom, with more income for her family, were results I never expected.

A seven-year pre-K expansion project

Would-be Kenney administration officials began working on designing the pre-K program even before he took office. At the time, there was a nationwide movement to improve pre-K offerings in cities, and former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had implemented a city-funded program just two years earlier.

Anne Gemmell, who served on Kenneys transition team and had long advocated for early childhood education, said she started talking to potential providers and gathering community feedback during the transition phase. She became Kenneys first pre-K director, and worked to design the program in 2016 so Kenney could pitch City Council on his controversial beverage tax.

After the tax became law, its opponents sued and its future was unclear. But the administration pressed forward and launched PHLpreK in early 2017 anyway, initially funding 2,000 seats across the city for children to attend for free. They projected theyd serve 6,500 by 2023.

But a year after the program launched, that goal changed. Beverage tax revenue fell short of projections, and in 2018, the Kenney administration adjusted its estimate, saying PHLpreK could fund a maximum of 5,500 seats by 2023.

With more than 5,200 seats and the majority of them filled, the administration has come close to that goal. Gemmell, now a collaboration consultant and a member of Parkers transition committee, said the fact that the program has grown to what it is today is an incredible point of pride.

I always thought Philly could do big things, she said. I think it was just really a great thing for the city to say they were going to do  and then do it.

 READ MORE: How Mayor Kenneys soda tax ignited controversy and impacted Philadelphia

To subsidize seats, the city partnered mostly with existing pre-K providers and relied on the states system of quality ranking, in which operators can range from one to four stars, with four being top quality.

In addition to funding seats, the city created a program to increase the number of high-quality pre-K centers by providing operators with workforce development, training, and other support. The administration says that about 57% of city-funded seats were at providers ranked three or four stars in 2017  that number is now 95%.

While PHLpreK is available to all children, regardless of income, officials said this week that its a continuing challenge to expand access in an equitable way.

 READ MORE: How to find free pre-K in Philadelphia

In its search for providers each year, the citys Office of Children and Families lists priority zip codes that have a low number of publicly funded pre-K seats or a high number of children in poverty.

This fall, the city listed 16 priority zip codes. In 11 of those zip codes, theres a low number of seats, meaning there are 10 or more children under 5 years old per seat. And two zip codes  19137 in Bridesburg and 19127 in Manayunk  had no publicly funded pre-K seats, according to the city.

Thats an improvement over just two years ago, when the city said there were five neighborhoods without publicly funded seats.

What comes next for pre-K

There are several barriers to expanding PHLpreK.

The city budget, currently flush with cash, may tighten in the coming year as the city prepares for federal pandemic relief dollars to be exhausted. In addition, early childhood education centers have experienced high levels of staff turnover and teacher shortages, particularly since the pandemic.

Parker, a former City Council member who voted in favor of the beverage tax, said repeatedly on the campaign trail that she supports the programs it funds, including PHLpreK. During a May interview with the child welfare nonprofit Children First, Parker said her administration will look to increase the number of available seats and sees raising the salaries of educators as a critical step.

So Im going to the public sector, the private sector, local, state, and federal government to secure funding, she said.

Donna Cooper, executive director of Children First, said pre-K was a win for Kenney and that the Parker administration has a clear path to expansion.

The takeaway is when you lead, you can succeed, Cooper said. Jim Kenney chose to step forward on pre-K. The next mayors going to have to step forward on facilities, on funding.

What was left unsaid

Not mentioned during Kenneys news conference this week was that his beverage tax also paid for 20 so-called community schools  district schools selected to receive a dedicated city-paid worker embedded in their building solely to assess needs, find community partnerships, and provide supports for students and families that remove barriers to learning.

For the schools that received the supports, some community schools liaison worked on food access for families; others focused on job opportunities for students. But while some made deep community connections and thrived, others were hampered by personnel changes and other complications.

The vision articulated by Kenney and City Council President Darrell L. Clarke  who was especially bullish on community schools  never reached full execution.

Kenney and Clarke initially pledged 25 community schools in the first four years. The city managed 20 in eight years.
I have some good real estate market news for us here in the Philly region.

Ive been watching national housing market recaps and forecasts for a while now to get more context about the wider real estate market. And usually, the closest I get to hearing about our area are stats about the Northeast.

So my ears perked up when I was watching a National Association of Realtors presentation last week and heard that the trade group chose the Philadelphia region as one of its top 10 housing markets to watch in 2024.

Keep scrolling for that story and to see why a plan for homes in New Jerseys Pine Barrens is facing pushback, and peek into the Delaware County home of someone who really likes Christmas.

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 Next week, well have a special edition of the newsletter to wrap up the year. Did you make any significant or memorable home moves in 2023? For a chance to be featured in my newsletter, email me.

 Michaelle Bond

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

2024 could be our year to stand out.

The National Association of Realtors has chosen the Philadelphia metropolitan area (which includes Camden and Wilmington) as one of the countrys top-10 markets with the highest potential for strong growth in home sales next year.

Why? Because we have a lot of pent-up demand when it comes to both buyers and sellers.

Compared to metros nationally, the Philly area has a much higher percentage of listings that first-time home buyers can afford. It also has a higher share of high-income millennials moving in from out of state.

And it has a higher share of homeowners who have lived in their properties longer than average. That points to a population that could choose to sell if market conditions improve.

See why economists are optimistic for 2024; learn how the Philly region stacked up against others in factors such as job and wage growth, crime, and home price growth; and find out where we fell on the list and which other places made the cut.

When I was a seventh grader in South Jersey, our teacher made us give dreaded group presentations to our classmates about various aspects of the Pine Barrens. I remember I had to talk about recreation.

Fast forward to today, and I enjoy kayaking in the state forests there.

Residents of the region enjoy its rural nature, and thats one reason hundreds of people who live in and around Pemberton Township say they oppose a plan to build 456 single-family homes and 105 townhouses on a piece of 700 acres of forest in the town. The land is privately owned but widely used for recreation.

The site is in the federally designated Pinelands National Reserve. But its also in the zone earmarked for growth under a plan by the states Pinelands Commission and has long been zoned for housing.

This month, township officials voted to repeal a land designation in a move residents believed would make it harder to develop the site. But the developer plans to proceed.

Read on to learn more about the housing proposal, why some residents are against it, and the road ahead.

The latest news to pay attention to

Since June, my colleague Samantha Melamed has been bringing you stories about the construction destruction happening in Philadelphia as part of her Crumbling City series.

Shes told you about a developer slowly taking over a West Philly block.

Shes highlighted how the people affected the most by construction damage are longtime residents of gentrifying neighborhoods who can least afford repairs.

Shes noted how the citys inspection system fails to catch major problems in homes.

And shes shown that for builders accused of repeatedly damaging neighboring homes, accountability has been scarce.

Now, shes talking solutions. Her latest piece explores five steps Philadelphia could take to help homeowners. One idea takes a page from Londons book.

Charley McGrath really loves Christmastime. So much that he makes it last. He puts up decorations at his three-story home just after Halloween and keeps them up deep into February.

I added some more Christmas decorations to my collection this year, but Charleys definitely got me beat.

Green garlands wind around white columns on his two porches, one he rebuilt and another he added. Wreaths hang above black-shuttered windows. A snowman stands on one porch and a Santa wearing a velvet suit stands holding a teddy bear on the other.

Inside, red and green stockings hang above the fireplace for McGrath; his wife, Rayna; and their three children. Hundreds of ornaments fill the tree in the living room, and a gold angel on top touches the 15-foot ceiling.

Beyond holiday decorations, Charley and Rayna have revamped and modernized the home they bought in 2014.

Learn how the McGraths adapted after a 2019 tornado struck their community, and peek inside their home.

 Trivia time

The Philadelphia Art Commission has postponed a vote on whether to approve a $32 million development on the Diamond Street Historic Corridor in North Philadelphia. The commission told city officials to hold more public meetings about the proposal, which has faced some community opposition.

Question: What is planned for West Diamond Street?

A) apartments for low-income residents

B) a police headquarters

C) luxury apartments

D) warehouses

This story has the answer.

 Photo quiz

Do you know the location this photo shows?

 If you think you do, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter.

No one got the location of last weeks photo quiz. That picture of tons of Christmas decorations covering a home at the end of a block was taken on Passmore Street in the Oxford Circle neighborhood of Northeast Philly.



This section goes out to the renters.

A year-end report on rental markets found that in 2023, fewer renters were competing for homes and that apartments stayed vacant longer. Philadelphia saw those shifts, too, according to a RentCafe report.

But the rental market stayed competitive in the city and was even more so in its surrounding counties.

Suburban Philadelphia ranked as the eighth most competitive rental market in the country.

But remember that at least nows a good time to be looking for apartments if you want a deal.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Starr Hawkins is removing her Ye tattoo because of antisemitic comments made by the rapper who was formally known as Kanye West. MUST CREDIT: Alexa Juliana Ard/The Washington Post Read more

Much of Starr Hawkinss body is covered in tattoos, including one of her ex-boyfriends car and the nickname of her childs father, also an ex.

But the one tattoo the Miami Pilates instructor has spent months trying to remove is the face of Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West.

"I've always liked Kanye West, his music, and his clothing line and as a designer," said Hawkins, 35, who shares the same June birthday as Ye. She said that when she sat in a Harlem tattoo parlor for six hours in 2018, getting Ye's face tattooed on her right thigh, she felt she could relate to the star as a fellow Gemini.

That was before what she called the musician's "most recent programming," specifically the antisemitic statements he has made. "That was when I was like, okay, this got to go," she said.

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But removing a tattoo can take longer and be more painful than getting one. To get Ye off her body, Hawkins has gone through several rounds of tattoo removal sessions by Michael Abrouk, a Coral Gables dermatologist of Skin Associates of South Florida. Hawkins described it as "one of the most painful things" she has ever done. "And I've had a child," she added.

Why tattoos are hard to remove

Because the outer layer of skin  the epidermis  is always shedding, tattoo needles deliver ink to the second layer, called the dermis. During the tattoo process, the needle creates thousands of tiny wounds, waking up the immune system. Cells called macrophages rush to the area and start mopping up some of the ink.

Some of the ink-gobbling macrophages stay, which helps the tattoo to remain visible.

The removal process takes advantage of the immune response. A blast of light from a laser shatters the ink particles in the tattoo, then the body's lymphatic system cleans up the mess and helps the particles exit the body.

Laser operators target different colors with different wavelengths of light, said Joshua Weitz, a physician and chief medical officer for the Removery, an Austin-based chain of tattoo removal centers. Green, yellow, and red pigments are more difficult to remove while black is the simplest. White ink, according to Weitz, is extremely difficult, yet is used more frequently in current tattooing practices. Skin color factors into the efficacy of the procedure as well.

Todays lasers are a big improvement over early efforts to remove tattoos, which involved skin abrasion, creams, surgical excision, and lasers that damaged adjacent tissue and were not especially effective.

About a decade ago, the introduction of the picosecond laser was considered a major breakthrough, said Jeremy Brauer, a Purchase, N.Y., dermatologist who was involved in early studies of the device. The pico delivers ultrashort pulses of light, each lasting a pico (or one-trillionth of a second).

Although it can take many laser sessions to remove a tattoo, people see fading within the first few weeks.

More tattoos mean more regrets

About 32% of Americans have a tattoo and 22% have more than one, according to a recent Pew Research survey. As tattooing has increased so has tattoo removal.

When Mark Beasley, a former professional poker player, switched to a career in corporate finance, he wanted to remove a large neck tattoo of Storm, the Marvel Comics superhero.

"I was really concerned that they might not be able to take off the tattoo because of my skin tone," said Beasley, who is African American. The 34-year-old from Fort Washington, Md., said the laser "felt like a hot rubber band popping me." As the tattoo began to fade, the laser treatment became less painful.

But it took time. His first appointment at the Removery was in 2021. With six to eight weeks between each visit, he is still not finished. He bought a package of unlimited visits for $1,900. Each session lasts only a few minutes.

"Removing this was life-changing for me," he said. "I wanted a more professional image. I didn't want to wear turtlenecks anymore."

Kevin James, 33, of D.C. was 17 when he got the word "California" across his chest, and his last name across his abdomen. The tattoos, large and shaded to look 3D, had a "gang" style to them, he said. "I was always afraid to take my shirt off because every time I did, somebody would assume that I lived a life of crime, or that I'd been in prison," he said. "It was giving off the wrong message."

Now married and an intelligence specialist in the Navy, James finally is getting them removed, a decision that cost him $3,200.

He also described the laser as like "having someone snap a rubber band against your skin, but about 10 times more painful." Still, he's pleased with his decision. He's already seen fading, and "that gives me positive motivation, like all right, well, you know, I can just suck up the pain and just deal with it a little bit more."

Deciding on a removal plan

Regulations on who can use a laser to remove a tattoo vary by state. In New Jersey, only a doctor can do it. But in most states, no physician is required. Weitz said employees at the Removery receive a rigorous, 160-hour training program.

"The results of tattoo removal can depend on who is performing the procedure," said Terrence A. Cronin Jr., a physician and president of the American Academy of Dermatology, which recommends consulting with a board-certified dermatologist for advice.

Redness, swelling, and possibly blisters occur after each procedure. Skin could scar or become significantly darker or lighter at the site of the tattoo. You could have an allergic reaction to the procedure, especially if your tattoo has red ink, which is more prone to causing such reactions, said Nayoung Lee, a physician and assistant professor at the Ronald O. Perelman department of dermatology at NYU Langone Health.

Certain scenarios, such as eyeliner tattoo removal, will be safer with a physician, who will take steps to protect the eyes from the laser. If you have a history of keloid scarring, the laser can produce a thickened scar at the site of the tattoo.

If the procedure will not be performed by a physician, protect yourself by asking who will operate the laser and what their credentials and experience are, Lee said. She suggested that before treating the entire tattoo, request that the laser operator perform a test patch on a small area.

Abrouk warned against taking a phone video of the removal process because the lasers can break your phone. He also said patients should always wear protective eyewear.

"Laser tattoo removal is extremely advanced," he said. "I know we often treat these devices almost like they're toys, but they are absolutely not to be messed around with."

Fees for tattoo removal vary depending on the size of the tattoo and the number of sessions required, but the cost can easily reach thousands of dollars. Typically, dermatologists charge more for tattoo removal.

Physicians also can give you a shot of lidocaine to numb the area before the procedure, but nonmedical professionals cannot. Brian DeMaio, co-owner of Burning Phoenix Studio in Yonkers, uses a "cryo machine," which blows cold, numbing air on the area.

Results can vary

Skin type, location on the body, and the colors and amount of ink used all play a role in the cost, time, and success of tattoo removal. Tattoos on extremities, where there is less blood circulating, are more difficult to erase than those on the torso. After removal, the tattoo might look like a shadow, a bruise or be mostly undetectable.

"We'd love to replace the tattoo-removed skin with normal skin, but how many hundreds of times did the needle pierce the skin to make the tattoo? It's never truly going to be what it was prior to the tattoo placement," Brauer said.

Abrouk estimated that the value of the sessions to remove Hawkins's Ye tattoo has reached about $10,000. But Abrouk said he hasn't charged Hawkins for removing her tattoo because of the nature of Ye's remarks. (A London tattoo shop has also offered free removal of Ye tattoos.)

Hawkins said she's trying to have enough of Ye's face removed to cover it with something else. She thought about Dolly Parton, "but she's still alive," Hawkins said. "I kind of want to, like, limit the people that are still alive."

Tattoo regret is not the only thing that spurs removal. People joining the police department or the military can't have tattoos on their hands or faces. Some people remove old tattoos to make room for new tattoos.

The Removery offers free removal to formerly incarcerated people. "Those are really the emotional stories. Most of the time, it's somebody just getting out of prison and changing their life," said Carmen Vanderheiden Brodies, vice president of clinical operations.

DeMaio said removing tattoos is gratifying because it brings joy to people. But now, when people come in asking to be tattooed with a name, DeMaio said he discourages them.

I tell them, Kids are the only names you should be tattooing  or pets, he said. But, you know, they do it anyway. And then they come back six months later to get it removed.
Commenting on Sumners appointment, Xavier Veyry, CEO for APAC & Europe at AXA XL, said: Outstanding claims service is a real differentiator in our industry. And we know that claims excellence requires strong leadership, deep technical expertise and a client-first mindset, especially when working with complex, global organisations. These are all qualities that Julijana embodies, and I am delighted to see her move into this new role.
We believe this was an important case to bring, given our view that it was appropriate for procedural fairness to be provided before avoiding a customers insurance policy. ASIC enforcement action plays an essential role in testing legislation to ensure it affords consumers with appropriate protection, Court said.
Beyond her legal pursuits, Ingram currently holds the position of chair at Sunnyfield disAbility Services and serves as a senior advisor for the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA). Her academic background, said the release, includes a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney, coupled with a Masters in Dispute Resolution from the University of Technology Sydney.
Despite being established as an insurer of last resort, Citizens holds around 1.3 million policies. Its expanding market share has become a major point of concern, with the US Senate Budget Committee recently launching an investigation to look into its financial viability.
Just days before the Christmas holiday, people across the northeastern U.S. were mopping up Tuesday after a major storm dumped torrential rains and brought damaging winds from Pennsylvania to Maine, as some rivers in the region rose even higher. At least five people were killed.

Karen Williams, owner of Woodbury Mountain Toys in Montpelier, Vermont, which flooded in July and relocated across the street, said Monday`s weather put a damper on holiday business.

It was about half of expectations, she said.

By Tuesday, customers were calling to see if the store was open. Its been a good day so far, she said Tuesday, noting this time she just got a couple of inches (centimeters) of water in her basement.

In South Berwick, Maine, Jessica Hyland said her family was told they`d be without power until after Christmas  a hardship for her daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. It was also going to be difficult to finish buying holiday gifts, Hyland said.

Im praying thats a mistake, Hyland said. I wont be able to finish my Christmas shopping and today is the last day for most places.

In Hallowell, Maine, just south of the state capital of Augusta, the Kennebec River was spilling over its banks.

Hip Deep Water

Nathan Sennett, a cook at the Quarry Tap Room in town, was wading through hip- deep water after the weather upended planning for holiday-related business.

We were supposed to have a couple of parties today and tomorrow, and just kind of sporadically throughout the weekend, he said. But obviously, weve had to cancel those.

Utility crews worked to restore power to hundreds of thousands of customers after the powerful storm. Wind gusts reached nearly 70 mph (113 kph) along the southern New England shoreline.

It was pretty loud. The wind was pretty strong. Branches are breaking, said Drew Landry of Hallowell, who lost power and was looking at a street that was underwater Tuesday. All the basements are pretty much flooded.

More than 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain fell in parts of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania, and portions of several other states got more than 4 inches (10 centimeters), according to the National Weather Service.

Maine State Police were looking Tuesday for two people whose car was swept away by floodwaters. Some towns in Vermont, which had suffered major flooding from a storm in July, were seeing more flood damage. Seventeen people were rescued from floodwaters in Conway, New Hampshire, four of them by helicopter.

Maine Emergency

Maine Gov. Janet Mills declared a civil state of emergency for most of the state, noting the storm had left hundreds of thousands of people without power and caused significant flooding and infrastructure damage, including to the states federal-aid highways.

In Portland, a 60-foot (18-meter) white pine tree came crashing down at the home of Ellen Briggs, who was away at the time. Her neighbor, Nate Woodin, said he heard the collapse while wrapping Christmas gifts and it sounded like a lightning crash.

Pete Chagnon, 75, in Oxford, Maine, helped a couple of people remove a tree blocking a road, one of many that had fallen in his neighborhood.

Since moving here (in 2015), I have seen some wicked storms, but yesterday took the cake, said Chagnon, who lost power but had a generator.

Some rivers in the region crested. The Androscoggin River in Rumford, Maine, reached a maximum stage of 22 feet (6.7 meters) in a 24-hour period ending early Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. Flood stage is 15 feet (4.6 meters). The river was expected to fall below flood stage Tuesday afternoon.

The Kennebec River at Augusta was expected to reach a crest of 25 feet (7.6 meters) Thursday evening, the weather service said. Flood stage is 12 feet (3.6 meters).

Police in the town of Fairfield along the river issued a voluntary evacuation order for some areas. In the town of Mexico, along the Swift River, police searched for two people after their car tried to turn around while crossing a bridge and got swept into the rising floodwaters. Two other occupants of the car were rescued and were treated for hypothermia.

Vermont Capital

Five months after flooding inundated Vermonts capital, water entered the basements of some downtown Montpelier businesses as the city monitored the level of the Winooski River. Sandbags were back out on the streets, just in case they flooded.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said that although waters were receding  and the damage was not as severe as that from the July storm  it was hard on residents still recovering from the earlier flooding. No deaths related to the storm were reported in Vermont.

Seeing homes and businesses surrounded by water once again has been heartbreaking, Scott told reporters Tuesday. I cant imagine the toll that has on anyone.

Authorities in northwestern Connecticut said they responded to numerous accidents Tuesday morning as roads drenched from Mondays rain froze and created slippery conditions. In New Jersey, an unoccupied house surrounded by floodwaters caught fire in Lincoln Park and was engulfed by flames. Firefighters were unable to get to it.

Deaths were reported in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Maine. Several people died in submerged vehicles while others were killed by falling trees.

___

Rathke reported from Montpelier and Waterbury, Vermont. McCormack reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press reporters Robert Bukaty in Hallowell, Maine; Nick Perry in Gilford, New Hampshire; and David Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.

Photo: Cars are flooded in a parking lot at the Hathaway Creative Center alongside the Kennebec River, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Waterville, Maine. A severe storm on Monday flooded rivers and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Windstorm Flood Pennsylvania Maine Vermont New Hampshire
(Bloomberg)  Citgo Petroleum Corp. was awarded an insurance payment of more than $54 million for almost 1 million barrels of crude seized by the Venezuelan government.

A jury in federal court in Manhattan decided late Monday that insurers must pay Citgo for its claims over the lost crude, which it purchased in 2019 from its nominal parent, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PDVSA, the national oil company controlled by President Nicolas Maduro.

The case stems from the US governments decision in 2019 to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the countrys legitimate ruler after a contested election. Guaido was also given the reins of US-based refiner Citgo and its direct corporate parent, though they also remain units of PDVSA.

The oil was being transferred to a tanker when the US announced it was recognizing Guaido and imposed other restrictions on Venezuela and PDVSA. In response, Maduro ordered vessels halted in Venezuelan territorial waters. Armed forces loyal to Maduro eventually commandeered the ship and directed it to a terminal controlled by PDVSA, where the oil was discharged.

Citgo filed a claim with the insurers, a group of Lloyds of London syndicates, seeking coverage under a provision of its policy that covers losses from seizures arising from insurrections. But the insurers denied the claim, saying the political turmoil did not amount to an insurrection and that the seizure, in any case, stemmed from Citgos failure to pay for the oil.

The court had already ruled that the upheaval surrounding the Venezuelan election constituted an insurrection, but told the jury to determine whether that caused the seizure. Jurors decided that it did.

Lloyds didnt have an immediate comment on the verdict.

Photo: (Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg)

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Carriers Excess Surplus Energy Oil Gas Lloyd's
A volcanic eruption on Icelands Reykjanes Peninsula sent lava flowing through a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) crack in the Earths crust.

The eruption began in earnest on Monday and occurred near the evacuated fishing town of Grindavik, with lava shooting into the sky as high as 100 meters (330 feet).

While volcanic eruptions can help temporarily cool the planet, this one isnt likely to provide any type of significant climate impact, despite the dramatic videos and images.

Eruptions typically have a cooling effect when they eject ash and other compounds, including sulfur dioxide, into the atmosphere. Once aloft, sulfur dioxide interacts with water to form what are known as aerosols, which are tiny particles that act like a mirror, reflecting incoming solar radiation back into space. This means that less heat reaches the Earth. Adding extra sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere can also enhance cloud formation in certain cases, which further reflects solar radiation away from the planet. When volcanoes put enough aerosols in the atmosphere, the cooling effect can last several years and span an entire hemisphere.

An example of this phenomenon was on display in 1991 when Mount Pinatubo erupted. The volcano sent about 15 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. In response, the global average temperature dropped 0.6C (1.1F).

In the case of the Icelandic eruption, however, a large ash cloud is unlikely. This is in part because the magma burbled out of the Earth on land, which can generate less explosive ash plumes than when lava interacts with water. In 2010, lava from Volcano Eyjafjallajokull in the south of Iceland made contact with ice on the mountains flanks, creating a massive cloud of ash that grounded European air travel for weeks.

The chemical composition of the magma coming up from the Earth also makes it unlikely to result in major ash clouds, according to Jonathan Fink, professor of geology at Portland State University.

Its a particular kind of magma  basalt, he said. Those eruptions dont tend to eject as much material high up where they can reflect sunlight.

Volcanic eruptions can sometimes also have a warming effect on the planet by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. But thats generally far outweighed by the amount humans emit, according to Drew Shindell, a professor of Earth sciences at Duke Universitys Nicholas School of the Environment.

The relatively small size of the eruption, and thus low emissions of greenhouse gases, means that theres likely to be no warming, Fink said.

And with the Icelandic eruption unlikely to produce enough aerosols to have a meaningful impact on the Earths temperature either, the world wont get a reprieve from global warming. In addition to climate change fueled by greenhouse gases, El Nino  another natural phenomenon  is much more likely to increase temperatures in the coming year.

Photograph: 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 Icelands Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
Yemens Houthi rebels vowed to continue targeting ships in the Red Sea despite a US move to compile an international naval task force to protect maritime trade in one of the worlds most important waterways.

The Iran-backed group also warned Washington its willing to retaliate if the US opts for military attacks on Houthi bases.

Were seeking to develop our military capabilities to overcome any obstacles and reach our targets, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said in a televised speech on Wednesday. If the US attacks Yemen, we will target it by firing missile and drones at US battleships and other vessels, he added.

Shipping Insurance for Red Sea Transit Soars After Mounting Houthi Attacks

The Houthis have looked to disrupt the Red Sea voyages of several fuel tankers and cargo ships, ostensibly in support of the Hamas militant group in its war against Israel. They have stepped up assaults in the past week, roiling shipping markets and helping push up oil prices. Over the weekend, the US and UK navies shot down 15 drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The US is considering military action against the Houthis, though still prefers a diplomatic solution, Bloomberg has reported. Washington announced Monday its working with Western and Arab allies to bolster a maritime protection force thats meant to secure ships navigating the Red Sea, which carries nearly 12% of global trade.

More than 100 container ships are now taking the long route around Africa to avoid violence, creating extra costs and delays, according to Swiss logistics giant Kuehne+Nagel International AG.

The Houthi attacks do not hurt international navigation but only look to harm Israel, the rebel groups leader claimed. Theyve hijacked one vessel and tried to seize others, while firing missiles at several more. Last week, a senior commander threatened to start sinking ships.

Transportation firms though are increasingly concerned vessels related to any country are fair game. On Monday, oil and gas giant BP Plc said it will pause all shipments through the Red Sea.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co., the worlds largest container line, and A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S made similar moves days before. That means their ships will have to go around southern Africa instead of through the Suez Canal, adding thousands of miles to voyages.

Saudi Arabia supports a measured approach to the crisis to prevent the Houthis becoming more aggressive, a member of the Saudi team negotiating with the Yemeni group has said. That could imperil a fragile truce in Yemens war and scupper the kingdoms attempt to reach a permanent cease-fire, the person said.

The Houthis have repeatedly proven their ability to disrupt or damage crucial infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The most devastating attack theyve claimed came in 2019, when they briefly knocked out half of Saudi Arabias oil production with a drone strike on a crude-processing plant. Since the truce with the Saudis in early 2022, theyve largely refrained from firing drones and missiles against regional neighbors.

The US blames Iran for enabling the Houthis to attack ships, which the Islamic Republic denies. The Houthis have received funding and training from Tehran over the past eight years. They are part of the countrys axis of resistance to the US and Israel along with Hamas, Lebanon-based Hezbollah and other groups.

Unless the US bombs the Houthis missile launch sites, radars, airfields and boats, its efforts to combat the threat to shipping wont be effective, said Riad Kahwaji, founder of INEGMA, a Dubai-based security research group.

If its only about escorting ships, its going to have very limited effectiveness, because youre going to need to have a destroyer or frigate accompany every single ship going through in either direction, he said.

Photograph: Houthi fighters approach the Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea on Nov. 20, 2023. (Houthi Media Center via Getty)

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Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics USA
Global shippers of crude and fuels are grappling with a spike in booking costs for some tankers taking lengthy diversions to avoid disruptions at the Suez and Panama canals.

Chartering costs for a so-called Suezmax, the largest class of oil tankers that can pass through the Suez Canal with its tanks full, soared as more ships opted to sail around Africa to avoid attacks in the Red Sea. They can carry 1 million barrels of oil when fully laden, and are often used to transport crude from Russia or the Mediterranean Sea to Asia, or from the Middle East to Europe.

Rates for another class of ships known as long-range tankers also jumped. They can move about 600,000 barrels of oil, and are used to carry crude and fuels such as diesel and naphtha through the Suez and Panama canals. LR-tankers, sometimes referred to as Panamaxes, have also been impacted by diversions from the Panama Canal, where record-low water levels have contributed to a snarl.

In recent weeks, attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have caused panic across the shipping industry, with everything from oil to container vessels targeted as the Israel-Hamas war spreads across the region. The market for vessels purpose-built for the Suez Canal and smaller ships is being upended as more tankers get stuck on longer voyages, crimping their availability, while its business-as-usual for supertankers that dont use any canals nor shortcuts due to their large size.

This week, provisional chartering rates for a Suezmax tanker to move oil from Iraq to the Mediterranean rose above 90 worldscale points, said shipbrokers. Thats a sharp jump from between 75 to 85 points in provisional bookings made in the past week. These points represent a percentage of a fixed, pre-determined rate for a given route, and tend to fluctuate according to demand versus supply dynamics.

Rates for LR-ships from the Middle East to Northwest Europe  or TC8 route  also jumped to the highest since January, according to Baltic Exchange data.

A steep decline in the number of tankers entering a vital Red Sea conduit suggests that attacks on ships in the area are already disrupting trade flows.

So far this week, only about 30 tankers, including crude oil and fuel carriers, have entered the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which lies at the seas southern end, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Thats equivalent to a drop of more than 40% versus the daily average over the previous three weeks.

Photograph: A Suezmax crude oil tanker, right. Photo credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

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Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
A dozen people were still missing on Thursday after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Gansu province late Monday, and netizens questioned the speed at which rescue operations had ended.

Chinese media reported that search-and-rescue work in Gansu ended at 3 p.m. (0700 GMT) on Tuesday, about 15 hours after the disaster hit a remote and mountainous area near the border straddling Gansu and Qinghai provinces. It was not immediately clear whether the search in Qinghai was continuing.

In Gansu, 115 people had been found dead as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday (0100 GMT) and 784 were injured, authorities said. Gansu has not reported any missing persons.

Death Toll Climbs in Chinas Worst Earthquake in Nearly a Decade

Neighboring Qinghai saw its death toll rose to 22 with 198 injured and 12 missing as of 8:56 p.m. on Wednesday.

More than 207,000 homes were wrecked and nearly 15,000 collapsed in Gansu, affecting more than 145,000 people.

Discussions online showed netizens curious about how quickly rescue efforts wrapped up in Gansu, with many suggesting that the sub-freezing temperatures were the main factor in shortening the golden period for finding survivors  typically 72 hours post-disaster.

People trapped under rubble exposed to prolonged temperatures of -10 Celsius (14F) run the risk of rapid hypothermia and may only be able to live for five to 10 hours even if uninjured, local media reported, citing researchers.

They would have been dead by the time they were found, even 24 hours is already too long. Outdoor temperatures are below minus 10 C, a user on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo commented.

Some users on Weibo considered other factors such as that the search area was not especially wide, and that people have been all accounted for, leading to rescue efforts ending in less than a day.

Surviving the Cold

Rescuers on Wednesday pulled to safety victims of the earthquake, which jolted Jishishan county in Gansu a minute before midnight on Monday, sending many residents in the area out of homes into the cold in the dead of the night.

Survivors face uncertainty in the wintry months ahead without permanent shelter amid freezing temperatures.

Many of the affected families are Hui people, an ethnic minority mostly found in western Chinese provinces and regions such as Gansu, Ningxia and Shaanxi.

In Gansus Sibuzi village, villagers worried about the freezing winter.

Many people escaped from their homes, some without socks, just ran out barefoot. Its extremely cold standing on the ground, said Zhou Habai, an ethnic Hui woman.

The 24-year-old, now staying in a makeshift tent after her home was destroyed, said some villagers have been gathering and burning firewood to keep warm.

About 60% of the survivors have not received tents, 63-year-old Ye Zhiying, from the same village, told Reuters.

He said officials from the Communist Party had told them that the village would distribute tents by noon on Thursday, and would be set up in less than a week.

Whether everyone can be accommodated or not, we dont know, said the Hui villager, who was given a tent on Wednesday.

Roads, power and water lines and agricultural production facilities have suffered damage, and the quake triggered land and mudslides that swept through villages in Qinghais Haidong where the missing were reported from.

(Reporting by Alessandro Diviggiano and Xiaoyu Yin in Dahejia, Liz Lee and Ella Cao in Beijing, and Shanghai newsroom; editing by Gerry Doyle)

Photograph: In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, rescuers search for survivors at a collapsed houses following a massive earthquake in Dahejia Township of Jishishan Baoan, Dongxiang, Salar Autonomous County in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest Chinas Gansu Province, on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (Zhang Ling/Xinhua via AP)

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters China Earthquake
Ardith Lindseys lawsuit accusing Citigroup Inc. of tolerating years of sexual harassment and assault against her struck a chord across Wall Street for many reasons, not least of which was her title: managing director.

Its typically the most senior rank in finance apart from those in executive management positions, one that comes with enhanced compensation and, presumably, power. Women at that level are often touted by banks as examples of how gender is no bar to advancement. But Lindsey, 40, says seniority didnt protect her, nor did the elevation of another woman, Jane Fraser, to be Citigroups chief executive officer.

Lindsey joined Citigroup in October 2007 after graduating from the University of Virginia. According to her suit, she spent her entire career in the banks equities division, starting as the most junior member on the electronic sales trading desk. She became head of that desk in 2021, when she was promoted to managing director.

I was definitely someone that very much had a spotlight on me as being someone who was going to continue to grow and take on more responsibility within the firm, she said in a recent interview. Thats changed since shes come forward, Lindsey said.

Numerous senior people in the industry have told me my career in finance is finished, she said. Lindsey said shes currently on leave from bank.

When asked for comment, Citigroup referred to an earlier statement on the matter in which it said, Our values and expectations are clear  no one should ever be discriminated against or harassed in the workplace. The bank said at the time Lindseys suit was filed that it would defend itself against her claims.

Lindsey joins other senior Wall Street women whove said they experienced workplace mistreatment despite their rank. Last year, Bloomberg reported that Goldman Sachs Group Inc. had paid out well over $12 million to a female partner, a position above managing director at that bank, whod complained internally that women made less than men and were subject to vulgar and dismissive comments by senior executives. Jamie Fiore Higgins, a former Goldman managing director, made similar accusations in a 2022 book, Bully Market.

It Gets Worse

The allegations challenge the banks efforts to present a picture of greater gender equality, often by pointing to rising numbers of female managing directors. Earlier this month, Citigroup announced it had promoted 304 people to that position, 30% of whom were women. Last month, Goldman said women accounted for 31% of its latest managing director class.

Youre at the top of the food chain, and youre still being objectified by people who are on the trading floor, said Marjorie Mesidor, a partner at law firm Wigdor LLP who specializes in sexual harassment suits but is not involved in Lindseys case.

Higgins, the former Goldman managing director, said that, in her experience, banks actually expect higher-ranked women to put up with even more bad behavior by their male colleagues.

It gets worse as you get more senior, she said, noting that the larger compensation packages for managing directors give the banks more leverage. They can effectively ask, Where are you going to go thats going to pay you this much?

Goldman said last year that it strongly disagreed with Higgins characterization of its culture but declined to respond to her specific allegations, which included changed names, composites, compressed timelines and recreated dialogue. Regarding its settlement with the partner, Goldman last year said it disputed Bloombergs story but declined to provide specifics. A judge who reviewed the partners complaint in a separate case said it described repugnant bros club behavior and Goldmans tolerance of it.

Most senior Wall Street women arent quite at the top of the food chain. With the exception of Fraser, the CEOs of the biggest US banks are all men, and female managing directors still often report to even more senior male executives.

Fraser has hailed Citigroups success in meeting targets for diversifying its executive ranks. Last year, she announced that the bank was aiming to have women account for 43.5% of people in positions ranging from assistant vice president to managing director by 2025, up from 40.6% in 2021.

Boys Club Lives On

At the heart of Lindseys Nov. 20 lawsuit are allegations that Mani Singh, another Citigroup managing director who was always more senior than her, coerced her into an abusive relationship and threatened her and her family with violence after she ended it in October 2022. Over the years, she alleges, he often belittled her accomplishments and suggested he had the power to block womens advancement. According to the suit, when Lindsey was not promoted to managing director the first time she was considered, Singh hinted that he was responsible.

Singh, who wasnt named as a defendant in Lindseys suit, couldnt be reached for comment. He didnt respond to earlier emails and phone calls seeking comment as well as a request passed through a lawyer representing him in an unrelated matter.

Citigroup has said Singh was put on leave and then resigned after Lindsey complained to human resources about hundreds of text messages he sent her in October 2022. In her suit, she noted that the bank allowed Singh to leave with dignity, casting his departure as completely his own decision and saying it would be sorry to see him go.

Lindsey said she found that farewell email, sent by an executive she considered a mentor, demoralizing.

Its just this horrible feeling of the boys club lives on,' she said, adding, It makes me question, were people aware of it the whole time?'

In a statement shortly after Lindseys suit was filed, Citigroup called Singhs alleged conduct deplorable but said she had described him as only a friend when previously asked about their relationship. The bank said Singh resigned before an internal investigation into his conduct could be completed.

After Lindseys suit was filed though, the bank took the unusual step of communicating to all traders that they should act decisively if they see inappropriate behavior. Part of everyones role in creating a culture of the highest standards involves stepping in at the moment we see something wrong, Andy Morton, Citigroups global head of markets, said in a memo to staff seen by Bloomberg.

Wall Street White Noise

Lindseys lawsuit also describes a sexual assault by a superior when she first started at the bank and details numerous examples of a boys club culture at Citigroups equities group, including suggestive comments, traders mocking the firms sexual harassment policies and frequent outings to strip clubs. Higgins calls that sort of thing the white noise of Wall Street.

For Lindsey, there was the added pressure of being held up as an example to other women even as she was putting up with the harassment and mistreatment she alleges in her lawsuit. She said she was the longest-serving of three leaders of Citigroups internal networking group for women: Recruit, Inspire, Support and Engage, or RISE.

She says women were expected to participate in groups like RISE in addition to their jobs. It was one of the most rewarding experiences because it enabled me to work very closely with a lot of talented and powerful females, Lindsey said. At the same time, however, she felt like it was a lot of lip service that people cared about helping women, but there wasnt a lot of support beyond that.

Lindseys suit comes nearly three decades after Wall Street was first shaken by lawsuits alleging widespread sexual harassment and discrimination, including the infamous 1990s boom-boom room case Smith Barney Inc. settled for $150 million and, a few years later, a bias suit against Morgan Stanley led by bond saleswoman Allison Schieffelin. The $54 million settlement in that case was described by one judge as a watershed in safeguarding and promoting the rights of women on Wall Street in 2004.

But Lindsey says its clear things havent changed enough. Since filing her suit, she said shes received dozens of messages from both men and women within the firm, many lending support while others thanked her for voicing claims they havent felt able to come forward with themselves.

My case can be an example to firms across Wall Street that, if you do not change how the culture is, people now have the ability to come forward and talk about it, Lindsey said. They cant be silenced.

Photo: Photo credit: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits Claims
Rite Aid Corp. must stop using facial recognition for the next five years as part of a privacy settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission, which said the pharmacy chain misused the technology to mistakenly tag consumers as shoplifters.

In a complaint filed in federal court Tuesday, the FTC said Rite Aid used a facial recognition system at stores based in large cities around the US, including New York City, Los Angeles, Baltimore and elsewhere, without notifying customers. The system used low-quality images often taken from security cameras to create a database of alleged shoplifters, and would send alerts to employees when it flagged a match against a customer entering a store, the agency said.

Rite Aids facial recognition system generated thousands of improper matches, often involving Blacks, Latinos or women, according to the agency. As a result of the improper matches, Rite Aid employees would follow customers around the store, call the police or sometimes falsely accuse people of shoplifting, the FTC said.

As part of a settlement with the FTC, the chain agreed not to use facial recognition technology for surveillance for the next five years, delete the images it has collected so far and provide annual reports to the FTC on its compliance.

Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy in October and is seeking to sell off the entire chain or big chunks of the company.

Photo: Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
Tax collectors in more than 30 Florida counties have joined a lawsuit against a home-hardening and energy efficiency program, arguing that it misleads homeowners and saddles them with huge property tax bills.

The Florida PACE Funding Agency has pushed back, winning a court order earlier this month that requires one county to keep the programs assessments on tax bills this year and in the future.

This victory is not only a pivotal moment for FPFA but also carries far-reaching implications for residents and special districts throughout Florida, a program official said in a statement. The decision ensures the continued support for essential home improvements that countless Florida families rely on.

The issue has gained attention around the state as homeowners struggle with soaring property insurance premiums. A similar, state-run program, known as My Safe Florida Home, provides matching grants for wind-mitigation work on homes, which can result in premium discounts or smaller premium increases for homeowners.

But that program has proven so popular that it has seen a backlog of applicants. The Florida governor has proposed another $107 million in funding for the My Safe Florida Home program for next year. Critics have charged thats not enough to help thousands of needy homes in storm-swept Florida.

Meanwhile, the PACE program, which stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy, has made its own headlines, as many county officials have railed against it. Unlike a loan mechanism, homeowners who sign up with PACE agree to have the funding tacked on to their property tax bills each year. The program was authorized by the Florida Legislature years ago.

But some county leaders have warned that many residents dont understand the process and have been surprised by 300% increases in their property taxes, according to news reports and court records.

In the suit filed in Leon County Circuit Court, tax collectors are asking a judge to bar PACE from utilizing the property tax assessment system. The complaint cites a July resolution from the Leon County Board of Commissioners, declaring that PACE poses an immediate danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of the County and compromises significant legal rights The judge had previously ruled that PACE did not need county government approval for the added assessments.

Supporters of PACE have said that it provides badly needed new roofs and windows for lower- and middle-income residents and for those who cant obtain bank loans for the mitigation work.

Topics Lawsuits Florida
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee prisons are severely understaffed, with a vacancy rate at one prison of 61%, leading to unsafe conditions for both inmates and guards, a state audit of the prison system found.

The audit by the state comptroller`s office also found a shortage of such prisoner services as therapy, substance abuse treatment, education and re-entry assistance. It also found problems safeguarding against sexual assault that included housing potential predators with potential victims, as well as a shortage of medical and behavioral health staff.

Some problems have surfaced repeatedly, including in audits from 2017 and 2020.

Auditors surveyed correctional officers at prisons operated by both the Tennessee Department of Correction and private contractor CoreCivic about how the staffing affects them.

(W)e have no help and really if you get assaulted, youre going to get assaulted until the inmates get tired of beating you because there are really no (correctional officers) available to come help you out, one officer wrote.

The prison staffing problems persist despite years of efforts to attract and retain officers, including through pay increases, bonuses and relocation assistance. Turnover among officers at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, operated by Brentwood, Tennessee-based private contractor CoreCivic, was 188% last fiscal year. Average turnover at CoreCivic facilities stood at 146% while state-run facilities had an average turnover rate of 37%.

Of the officers hired after bonuses were implemented, 44% left within 12 months, the audit showed.

Other responses from officers included, While at Trousdale I feel unsafe at all times, and, Correction Officers are working blocks by themselves. We haven`t had partners in over 2 years.

Average correctional officer vacancy rates for fiscal year 2023 were 30% for state-run facilities and 42% for CoreCivic facilities, which house over a third of Tennessees 19,000 prison inmates. (Another 3,500 are housed in jails.) The state-run Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville had the highest vacancy rate at 61%.

At a recent legislative hearing, Correction Department Commissioner Frank Strada said the state has changed Northwest`s leadership.

He added that the high turnover at CoreCivic facilities is partly due to staff rotating in from out-of-state for up to three months stints.

Both TDOC and CoreCivic relied heavily on overtime to fill vacant shifts, and CoreCivic paid Tennessee $10.8 million in fines for not maintaining minimum staff levels.

CoreCivic, which runs four Tennessee prisons on an annual contract worth upwards of $200 million, has paid the state some $20 million in fines since 2020. The company has deep roots in Tennessee and is a prominent campaign donor.

CoreCivic spokesperson Brian Todd said the state has total transparency into our operations, and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure our administrative processes are fully compliant.

State-run prisons are helping fill shifts with the augmentee program, where other Correction Department staff take correctional officer shifts for overtime in addition to their regular jobs.

The program has inadequate training and supervision, according to the audit. It found participants claiming overtime who are contractually ineligible to receive overtime. At least one employee who claimed more than 1,800 hours of overtime through the program was not working his regular hours.

Many staffers working the augmentee program have higher base pay than the officers and make more for working overtime, a disparity the audit called expensive and unfair to correctional officers. It called reliance on overtime and the augmentee program unsustainable.

Tennessee law requires prisons to deliver a comprehensive program of rehabilitative treatment for offenders. However, many programs have limited capacity that effectively moves them out of reach. Waitlists for therapy and substance abuse treatment programs are in the thousands, leaving prisoners waiting months or even years.

Waitlists for educational programs are not as long but still in the hundreds. Meanwhile, CoreCivic facilities did not offer any post-secondary education or group therapy despite Tennessee`s law requiring private prisons to offer services at least as good as those provided by the state. Department officials said there are plans for community and technical schools to work with CoreCivic inmates.

Offenders on probation and parole also have trouble accessing needed services. The audit found that 40% of offenders completing community supervision between September 2022 and February 2023 did not complete their risk-needs-assessment recommended or board of parole-mandated programming or meet with a social worker for mental health or substance use evaluation and treatment.

The audit also noted problems with the system meant to prevent sexual assault. Prisons are supposed to conduct an assessment at intake and every year thereafter to ensure potential assailants are not housed with potential victims. In many cases, that is not happening. The audit also found that both TDOC and CoreCivic failed to investigate sexual abuse allegations according to federal standards and department policy. In one example, CoreCivic closed 12 allegations before receiving the results of rape kit tests.

Asked by a lawmaker about whether TDOC should stop contracting with CoreCivic given the problems, Strada said no.

We value CoreCivic as a partner, he said. We have a need for CoreCivic. We have a need for those beds.  When the contract runs out, if theres a still a need for those beds, then we send out a new contract and folks bid on it.

Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, managed by CoreCivic. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Tennessee
Research done during the filming of a just-aired documentary has found evidence of a second chamber at Newgrange.

Run na Boinne [Secret of the Boyne], which aired on TG4 on Wednesday night, followed a geophysics team from Ireland and Slovakia as they carried out a micro-gravity survey and geo-radar scan of Newgrange, a Neolithic passage tomb dated at over 5,200 years old.

Newgrange was first excavated in the 1960s when the Winter Solstice alignment was rediscovered and the cairns decorated kerbstones were revealed.

The site in Co Meath was never fully excavated and the vast majority of this ancient structure remained untouched. Rumours persisted of a second, as yet undiscovered chamber.

The results of the recent survey indicate two anomalies deep inside the cairn, positioned side by side and bearing the hallmarks of a collapsed cavity.

The possible chamber  which could even be two chambers  is at the rear of the mound and is in alignment with the existing chamber and passage.

The sun shines along the passage floor into the inner chamber at Newgrange during the Winter Solstice. Picture: Alan Betson / The Irish Times

The survey, carried out in 2022, was run by Neal Boyle, the filmmaker behind this project and director and producer of the Run na Boinne documentary.

Boyle commissioned Slovakian geophysicists Prof Roman Pasteka and his team, Dr Pavel Zahorec, Dr Juraj Papco, Ema Nogova and Mayo-based archaeological geophysicist Kevin Barton, to survey Newgrange using non-invasive technology of microgravity and geo-radar.

In Run na Boinne, they embark on a tight, nine-day survey of the mound and the documentary revealed the findings of evidence for a second chamber at Newgrange.

"What this project and team has done is put some new pieces on the board in our attempt to understand this monument and the culture who built it, said Neal Boyle.

And its given future research a target to consider at Newgrange. Im very grateful to the funders for their commitment to a project and documentary that had absolutely no guarantees. But this is an incredible result and more than we could have hoped to find.

The findings were revealed ahead of the Winter Solstice sunrise at the site, which will be live-streamed from Newgrange on December 21.
Members of one of Irelands largest migrant communities have said they are going to mix an Irish Christmas with Brazilian traditions this year to mark their love of the country.

There are more 70,000 Brazilians registered as living and working here, according to the latest Census figures.

Many have moved here to study English, with some opting to stay on permanently and secure work visas.

Earlier this year, the Brazil-Ireland Chamber of Commerce said 1,300 Brazilian businesses have been established in Ireland which have generated more than 100 million in revenue.

Traditionally the Brazilian community celebrates Christmas on the evening of December 24.

They attend midnight mass, exchange gifts, and celebrate with large family gatherings ahead of Christmas day.

However, this year, some have said they will mix both traditions and celebrate over two days.

Samantha Goulart came to Ireland with her mother Dalava Angela Divina Guimareous in December 2014 to do a course in English.

Nine years on she is working for a software company and running her own ballet for adults classes which she set up before the covid pandemic.

The 38-year-old from Goias said she has made Ireland her permanent home and does not see herself returning to live in Brazil.

I wanted to come to Ireland because it was a nice place, she told the Irish Examiner. "I could study English and I heard good things about this country, I love it here.

I never thought I would stay permanently, but here I am with my business and my job and preparing for a traditional Irish Christmas.

"I also spent a lot of money to bring my dog Jimi here."

Ms Goulart was living and working in the UK before she decided to return home to Brazil where she found it difficult to settle.

I was not happy at home, I have a nice life there, a good job and family but was interested in Ireland, so I looked into courses before I moved.

My mother came with me to help me get a place to live and to register for the courses. I felt I didnt get a chance to learn English in London.

I am here nine years now; I went back to Brazil for one year in 2017 but I just could not settle. So, I came back.

I dont feel safe in Brazil. If I walk my dog and bring my phone, you worry your phone will be taken, so I leave my phone at home. You live with a threat to your safety.

My life is good here; I am really happy, and I made a lot of friends. I study a lot; I work hard, and I set up my ballet classes.

I was always a ballet dancer but now I know that adults here want to do it too."

For Christmas, Samantha will celebrate the traditional Brazilian festivities with her friends on December 24.

In Brazil we spend Christmas different, she said. We celebrate it on December 24. After midnight we start eating and drinking and then we talk and drink and after that, on the December 25 we eat the left overs.

But now in Ireland, I celebrate Christmas twice. I have the traditional Brazilian Christmas, and I will meet with my friends they cook, they all eat different things its a big variety.

The dishes include farofa, salpicao, suckling pig, turkey, rice with raisins, and sweet panettone for dessert and many other desserts.

Then on December 25, I do it again with my Irish friends in their house, and we have the turkey and ham."

Dublin stabbings

More recently, the profile of Brazilian people made the headlines when Caio Benicio, a Deliveroo cyclist intervened in a school stabbing incident on Parnell Street in Dublin which involved three children and a creche worker.

Deliveroo driver Caio Benicio, stopped a knife attacker outside a school in Dublin.

The 43-year-old from Rio de Janeiro received more than 360,000 in GoFundMe donations from the public who described him as a hero when he took part in the rescue with others.

He told the Irish Examiner: I will go home for a month to see my wife and my two children. I am really excited.

I have come to Ireland for one year and I love it here. I feel very responsible now since the incident, and it has helped immigrant workers to receive much respect in their work.

I will have the traditional Brazilian Christmas at home with my family on December 24, but then I will be back in the new year, I love Ireland and people have been nothing but kind to me."

'This will be my fifth Christmas in Ireland'

Another Brazilian woman Stephanie Marques, 28, moved to Ireland from Sao Paulo five years ago, also to study English.

I was only supposed to stay for six months but now I am here five years, she said. I live in Dublin city centre with my friends.

I rent a house and I share with three other girls. I have my working visa and am in full-time employment in administration. This will be my fifth Christmas in Ireland.

Stephanie Marques, who is originally from Sao Paolo.

The first year I celebrated with some friends, we met in my course and then I went to live with an Irish lady, and I attended the last three celebrations with my friends.

I then had two traditional Irish Christmas days with my Irish friend. With my friends, we had a small party on December 24 but now as time goes on and I am here longer, our friends have grown in numbers.

I am a chef by trade, so I absolutely love to cook. So, this year I will have the normal turkey and ham and Chester chicken which is just a massive chicken.

We would roast pork leg and we have rice we have amazing salad and green beans and all sorts of vegetables.

There is bacon, sausage, grated carrots, coriander garlic and onions on the menu. We make a big deal of it."
Christmas cheer is in short supply for Irish consumers this festive period, with a reduction in the cost of living on the majority of letters to Santa this year.

The latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index for December 2023 suggests that Irish consumers see a little more light but feel they are not yet out of the tunnel according to former KBC chief economist Austin Hughes.

Overall, Irish consumers remain concerned about their financial circumstances and cautious in their thinking about the year ahead, but they are notably less negative and fearful than they were 12 months ago, Mr Hughes said.

In broad terms, the December 2023 reading might be described as signalling an easing in Christmas fear rather than overwhelming Christmas cheer.

According to statistics from the Central Statistics Office, inflation in Ireland reached its lowest level in over two years last month. At 3.9% for November 2023, this was the first month since September 2021 that inflation was below 5%.

The recent reduction in energy prices  albeit from an incredibly high level  contributed to the fall in inflation but the rise in the cost of groceries remains high.

Consumer sentiment this month is considerably higher than it was in December 2022, and this is the first year-on-year improvement in the survey results since 2017. This may suggest that Irish consumers feel the pressure will continue to ease heading into 2024.

Mr Hughes said: While the recent uptick in sentiment seems consistent with a slight easing in cost-of-living pressures of late, it should be emphasised that the general tone of the survey is still cautious.

The December sentiment reading is still slightly below those seen in June and July and a good deal lower than the surveys near 28-year average (of 84.7). As such, the December survey hints at an Irish consumer whose concerns are easing but far from over.

The index, undertaken with Core Research, also suggested Irish consumers appear to fear a cooling in the jobs market heading into 2024 but do suggest that we are feeling better about our own household finances than before.

While pressures on household finances may be easing, the sentiment survey is very clear that cost of living pressures are far from over, Mr Hughes said. As a result, Irish consumers remain careful in their thinking and in their spending at present. For the December edition of the index, consumers were asked what economic or financial present they would most like Santa to deliver.

Three quarters of people see cost of living as the key issue to be addressed, but two in five (43%) said they dont think an improvement here is likely in the new year.

Healthcare and housing were also considered high priorities, with housing a particular problem cited among those aged 25-34.

Mr Hughes added: It might seem that with the exception of longstanding and vexed problem issues, Irish consumers think the year ahead is likely to see improvements across a range of areas that if realised might suggest 2024 will be on the comparatively nice rather than nasty list for Irish consumers.
The recent commitment by HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster to engage directly with the Department of Health on behalf of the residents of the Owenacurra mental health facility brought with it a sense of finality.

Since the HSE announced suddenly in June 2021 that Owenacurra was to close within three months, the number of people living in the 24-hour staffed mental health facility  most of whom had been there for decades  has fallen from 20 to just six residents.

The centre closed after being decimated in the Midleton floods last October, but before that, the residents had endured 30 months of pressure: the pressure to move, of stressful campaigns, Oireachtas hearings, and endless stonewalling from the bureaucratic machine in charge.

Liam Quaide with Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns: The East Cork councillor along with Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan have lobbied relentlessly on behalf of the residents.

Despite all that, it is undeniable things are looking more positive at present for the six remaining residents than at any point in the last two and a half years.

For that, they can thank their families and the campaign to preserve Owenacurra, and in particular councillor Liam Quaide and Green TD Neasa Hourigan, who have lobbied relentlessly on behalf of the residents.

Those who remained at Owenacurra now have a new chief executive of the health service advocating directly on their behalf. This is in stark contrast from when Mr Glosters predecessor Paul Reid repeatedly backed the closure decision during appearances before the Oireachtas.

The residents face into a future where appropriate accommodation, importantly within the Midleton locality, is being sourced for them, and where a new 10-person facility will be built to help others on the grounds of Owenacurra itself. At least, thats the promise.

It has been a long 30 months for those who remain. Not everyone who does is especially enamoured of the HSE. It is unlikely they will be so again.

Maureen OSullivan, whose brother Michael  who had described himself as feeling like a pawn in some game between the HSE and the Mental Health Commission  had lived in Owenacurra for years, said her interactions with the HSE remain less than clear in terms of what will come next, despite Mr Glosters assurances.

Lack of trust

Well the first thing is it was a relief, she said. But still when we have had the discussions with them its very mixed. The move still isnt based on a medical assessment. And there is no trust at all left.

They have bought the house at Lauriston [a three-bed house in Midleton], but when we try to find out whats happening next we get fobbed off. We havent agreed to a move yet as we havent seen the accommodation. And we have to be vigilant with every single step as otherwise they could end up being moved one morning without notice, Ms OSullivan says.

It is great to hear that Bernard Gloster is taking an interest, but this shouldnt be reliant on Bernard Gloster. What if something happens to him?

The trust issue is not confined to Maureen OSullivan  it is echoed by others directly connected with the situation who do not wish to speak on the record.

You cannot trust them one bit, said one. Were still waiting for guarantees. Weve had a commitment that accommodation is nearly ready, but it has been nearly ready for the past four months.

Mary Hurley and Dr Maureen O'Sullivan have campaigned tirelessly to keep Owenacurra open. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Mary Hurley, whose sister had lived at Owenacurra for more than two decades, presents a more optimistic figure.

I suppose that while I still have worries and uncertainty, I do feel a bit more optimistic than before  the reason is I found the response to the floods and that crisis very humane. There was a human attitude to the residents and their concerns at the time were met with good responses, she said

She said the flooding situation was something you wouldnt have been able to write as a drama.

But the response was more appropriate in terms of the accommodation that was sought, with the residents able to remain in Midleton close to everyone and everything that is familiar to them, she says.

It may be amazing that I should be saying that but it really does make a difference in terms of how they communicate with us. Its a qualitative thing, in how they communicate with the residents themselves, it has improved.

Services

Much will depend upon the services that are provided in the new residential homes where the remaining residents will be accommodated.

There is no clear guarantee that the services that were in place will be continued, said Maureen OSullivan. She is speaking in terms of meals and laundry primarily.

Owenacurra had all meals and coffee and tea breaks each day. Five opportunities to meet with people. People with long-term mental illness have very solitary lives. Its much better for them to be in with a lot of people. If youre in a house and there are just three of you and you fall out with one, well what happens then?

My brother isnt worried about his room, its the services that will make his life bearable.

A HSE spokesperson said, without going into specifics, that the two new three-bed residences will be run on the same model as other mental health community residences, with 24-hour staffing providing high, appropriate care.

The provision of community residences is an exciting development for mental health services in the area, and will allow for people to access residential services within the Midleton community, they said, adding the two new homes will be ready in the coming months. They acknowledged further, however, that the purchase of the second residence was not yet completed.

'There was a complete lack of accountability in the early days, and how the decision to close was made is an important question that needs answering.' Picture: Howard Crowdy

The hope that is now in place for what remains of Owenacurras former complement is tempered with sadness that so many of the residents were not able to stay in their home. Of the 14 that left, two went to St Stephens Hospital in Glanmire, one went to St Finbarrs in Cork City, and roughly six more were transferred to nursing homes.

Those who stayed were those with the highest levels of familial support, who had been in a position to say no to what was on offer.

'Treated like cattle'

It isnt a positive reflection on the HSE that those with no families were moved on. They were treated like cattle, says Maureen OSullivan.

The rest of us just happened to be an unusual group that were prepared to stick it out.

At the end of the day, you have to remember that these 20 people had their lives totally upended by the same people who were charged with their welfare.

"I cant speak for other families but the places that people were transferred to were just very different from Owenacurra, which was community-based, says Mary Hurley.

There was a complete lack of accountability in the early days, and how the decision to close was made is an important question that needs answering, she says.

But its important that the service stays in the town. I do think the Save Owenacurra campaign was influential in keeping this in the public eye, but also for keeping pressure on public service providers to be accountable for their decision-making.
Israels Ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, has said that the conflict in Gaza could be over tomorrow if Hamas laid down their weapons.

Speaking this morning, Ms Erlich said that Israel could not support any calls for a ceasefire until they saw the text of any agreement. When you say that we need a secession of all the aggressions in Gaza, you are right," she said.

"We need Hamas to lay down their weapons. And this is what we need the entire world to say. This is not just a ceasefire."

Ms Erlich said that if Hamas lay down its weapons and released those who it had kidnapped "this can be over tomorrow. Palestinian civilians were hostages of Hamas, she said, and they needed to be liberated from the group.

This is not helping the Palestinian cause in any way. And we hear the outcry of the Palestinian people.

"What I'm surprised about is that we don't hear that outcry from the UN organisations.

We don't hear that outcry from people here in Ireland who are so supportive of the Palestinian cause.

"We see what they're doing in schools, in hospitals. We see the abuse, the international aid going in. So, yes, they need liberation from Hamas.

International aid

When asked what abuse there was of international aid, the ambassador said there was no guarantee that when the trucks go into Gaza that the aid is going to the civilian population.

We've opened the Kerem Shalom Crossing to make sure that more and more trucks of aid go in. There are hundreds of trucks going in," she said.

"We're making everything in our power to make sure of that. And you see the trucks lining up to get into Gaza. What we also see is Hamas terrorists on those trucks firing at people who try to take that aid. And we are not sure that it's getting to the actual population.

Ms Erlich said that the leaders of Hamas were "sitting in other countries" with a net worth of billions of dollars while their population was starving.

Their aim is to perpetuate that poverty. They're not giving that aid to the population. What happens right now in Gaza is a tragedy and we should all work together to resolve it for the benefit of the Palestinian people. But letting Hamas off the hook, this is not the way to help the Palestinian people.

Israeli response

Pressed on whether the Israeli response had been disproportionate, she said: We didn't start this war. Every person getting killed is a tragedy not just from our end, but from the Palestinian side. And in Gaza, we don't have the actual numbers. And unfortunately, we may never know the actual numbers because the numbers we are getting are by the Hamas-led Ministry of Health.

But what we do know, that this can stop tomorrow if Hamas stops," she told Newstalk's Pat Kenny Show.

"But they're so embedded within their population, within hospitals, within schools, within mosques, the fact that they're not letting their people evacuate, the fact that in everywhere, even underneath the humanitarian zone, we found one of the biggest tunnels.

"Just imagine all of that infrastructure, all of that money, if they would have been invested in their own population and not in terror.

The Palestinian people are helpless from Hamas, she added, but the international community is not.

And the Irish people who are so vocal about it are not. Where is the outcry for what Hamas is doing? How is this protecting Palestinians when we don't hold Hamas accountable for what they're doing?

Ms Erlich claimed Israel was doing everything in its power to make sure civilians are not hurt.

"But the use of drones is to make sure that it's as surgical as possible under the rules of law. All of it is tragic. Any person getting killed is tragic," she said.

She said there were no victories in war.

What we want is the same objective that we have said from October 7th when we realised the scale of this horrific atrocity, massacre," she added.

"We want our kidnapped back. We want our borders safe and we want to eliminate the threat of Hamas. So this is not about numbers or an equation that you can make, because all of it, when you look at it, this is tragic. It needs to be stopped.
A nurse who assaulted a female colleague at University Hospital Galway (UHG) with a syringe filled with a strong sedative has been found guilty of professional misconduct.

The nurse, Kofi Kyeremateng Kankam, 53, also had several allegations of professional misconduct proven against him about the care of an elderly man in the same hospital where he failed to observe basic warning signs that the patients condition was deteriorating.

Evidence was heard from an expert witness that the patient was displaying severe sepsis with a high risk of mortality and that Mr Kankams failure to monitor the patient had prevented the man from receiving time-critical interventions".

A fitness-to-practice inquiry held by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland also found that Mr Kankam had claimed money from a nursing agency for working shifts at UHG over two-and-a-half months at a time when he was employed as a full-time staff member by the HSE.

The chairperson of the NMBIs Fitness to Practice Committee, Muireann Ni Shuilleabhain, issued a ruling which found Mr Kankam guilty on eight different allegations of professional misconduct.

Attack on nurse

They included that the nurse had attacked a colleague with a syringe filled with haloperidol while working at UHG on February 5, 2017, and a related criminal conviction for assault handed down at Galway Circuit Criminal Court in February 2019.

The investigating garda, Nigel Silke, gave evidence during a four-day inquiry that Mr Kankam claimed his actions were a prank that went wrong. Ms Ni Shuilleabhain said the nurses actions in relation to the assault and subsequent conviction were disgraceful.

She said Mr Kankam had been extremely reckless with his actions having serious harmful consequences for his victim. The inquiry heard she was off work for three weeks following the unprovoked attack but found she was struggling to eat and sleep and suffered ongoing trauma.

The nurse told the hearing that she decided she could no longer work in the same unit and was granted a transfer to another hospital. Mr Kankam, who had an address in Athenry, Co Galway, did not participate in the inquiry and was not legally represented during the hearings.

Care of elderly patient

The committee also found four allegations proven against Mr Kankam over his care of an elderly patient in UHG on November 6, 2016. They included that he put the patient at risk by failing to act appropriately when the patient had abnormal oxygen saturation levels.

The inquiry heard the patient had shown signs of acute multi-organ dysfunction but Mr Kankam had failed to consult with other medical staff to review his condition. Ms Ni Shuilleabhain said the nurses conduct represented a serious falling short of the standards of competence expected of a registered nurse.

However, two other allegations relating to the care of the elderly patient were found not proven due to insufficient evidence on the overall management plan for the patient in question.

Payments

Ms Ni Shuilleabhain said the findings in relation to double payments of salary for dates between December 13, 2015, and February 28, 2016, amounted to dishonesty by the nurse.

The committee found that several of the proven allegations also constituted breaches of the NMBIs Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics. It did not disclose its recommended sanction which will be a decision for the NMBI board.
AI Vibes | A Decade of China: Witnessing surging trade and increasing innovation

17:27, December 20, 2023 By Sheng Chuyi ( People's Daily Online

The best way to understand the changes in China's development in the new era is by looking at the real data.

Since 2017, China has maintained its position as the world's largest trading nation for goods for six consecutive years. The proportion of the annual import and export scale of private enterprises has surpassed 50 percent for the first time. The annual average growth rate of goods trade with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries has exceeded 8 percent. Over the past decade, China's foreign trade has continually made new breakthroughs, with the total import and export value exceeding 42 trillion yuan in 2022. In the first 10 months of this year, China's total import and export value of goods trade exceeded 34 trillion yuan.

In 2020, the total value of goods and services trade exceeded that of the United States for the first time, making China the world's largest trading nation. In 2022, the scale of cross-border e-commerce imports and exports exceeded 2 trillion yuan for the first time, and the volume of digital trade reached a historic high. China's international market share of exports further increased to 14.7 percent in 2022, ranking first globally for 14 consecutive years.

In 2022, China's innovation index reached 155.7, a 5.9 percent increase from 2021, averaging a growth of 6.5 percent annually since 2015. Chinas global innovation index ranking has significantly surged, making the country an increasingly important part of the global innovation landscape. China ranked 11th on the World Intellectual Property Organization's "Global Innovation Index (GII) 2022", steadily climbing for 10 years, leading among 36 middle-to-high-income economies.

(Meng Yufei, as an intern, also contributed to this video.)

(Web editor: Sheng Chuyi, Wu Chengliang)
Spencer Kort of Schuyler is among a new class of State Troopers ready to hit the road in service to the people of Nebraska. Members of the Nebraska State Patrols 68th Basic Recruit Class received their badges and were sworn-in Friday, Dec. 15, during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lincoln.

Were incredibly grateful for these six troopers who are joining our ranks, said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. Its a great team and they are going to get out and serve Nebraska. They are ready. They are well trained. They have the right mindset to be public servants.

The six members of Camp 68 come to NSP from several communities across Nebraska. The newly sworn-in troopers have completed 22 weeks of intense training, including extensive live-action training scenarios and rigorous academic instruction. Their training now continues in the field, paired with veteran troopers in the field training process.

Kort received Badge 122 and will be stationed out of Beatrice.

Outstanding performance in several areas of training was recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony. Recruit Marco Vera Chavez, of Ord, received the Superintendents Leadership Award. Recruit Kort, of Schuyler, was honored with the O.H. Witt Academic Achievement Award. Recruit Braden Heidbrink, of Lincoln, was the recipient of the D.R. Shearer Marksmanship Award as well as the Captain Mark Williams Core Values Award. Recruit Chad Reutlinger, of Lexington, was honored with the R. J. Buchholz Physical Fitness Award.

Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers provided remarks during todays graduation ceremony, held in the rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol. Secretary of State Robert Evnen administered the oath of office.

I have extraordinary confidence that you six will be incredible leaders, incredible public servants, that all Nebraskans will be really proud of, Pillen told the camp during todays ceremony. You join a great team. I couldnt be more proud of you.

Seventeen new recruits are set to being their journey to earning the badge next month. The 69th Basic Recruit Camp for NSP is scheduled to begin training on Jan. 2, 2024.

Applications for Camp 70 are scheduled to open in the next few months with camp scheduled to begin in July 2024. Anyone interested in a career serving the people of Nebraska can get information about the hiring process, the training provided to recruits, and the benefits of becoming a trooper by visiting NebraskaTroopers.com.
The three maritime safety organisations are appealing to people to be careful during water-based or coastal activities during the festive season.

The Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are asking people to check that they have the right information to safely enjoy water activities and that they know what to do in an emergency.

For those taking part in winter dips and swims, the advice is to never swim alone and ensure someone ashore is monitoring your activity.

Swimmers are advised to acclimatise to the water at their own pace, always remain in the line of sight and to stay within their depths.

Organisers of Christmas day or New Year swims are advised to have suitably trained personnel in attendance and to appoint a safety officer.

The Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are asking people to check that they have the right information to safely enjoy water-based and that they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Water-based activities at this or any time of year are not limited to swimming, however, as the popularity of kayaking, canoeing, boating and paddle-boarding remains high.

Safety advice for these activities includes:

 Always have a means for calling for help and make sure you can access it when you are out on the water;

 Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return;

 Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid;.

 Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off;

 If you're exploring somewhere new, seek knowledge from experienced practitioners in the area.

Water Safety Irelands deputy chief executive Roger Sweeney highlighted the full moon on December 27 will result in high tides, which could cause precarious conditions.

"Stay away from the waters edge on family walks and swimmers should watch out for stronger rip currents. Stranding will also be a risk for many walkers as the lower low tides caused by the full moon will expose even greater areas of the coastline."

He also stressed that children are often tempted to explore these sandbanks but risk being surrounded by an incoming tide.

'This time of year sees a huge increase in people doing seasonal swims and dips, particularly for charity.' Picture: David Creedon

RNLI water safety lead Linda Gene Byrne urged the public to swim safely as charity swims attract more swimmers.

"This time of year sees a huge increase in people doing seasonal swims and dips, particularly for charity.

"We would urge people when they decide to take to the water, to make time to ensure they are doing it safely and with the correct knowledge and equipment.

"That time taken could save a life or another persons life."

The Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI would like to thank all the volunteers and staff of the search and rescue organisations who dedicated their time throughout the year.

Coast Guard operations manager Gerard OFlynn said: Please plan your activity, whether it be on the water or along the coast and only swim or walk in areas with which you are familiar.

"Be mindful that less busy walkways may have suffered erosion since the summer time."

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
There were emotional scenes in Dublin Airport on Thursday as families flew in to be reunited with their loved ones for the festive season.

More than 200,000 passengers are expected to travel through the airport by Friday evening and more than 1.6m over the entire Christmas period.

An early flight from New York saw Grainne DAlton (24) from Schull in West Cork being reunited with her best friend.

The Trinity Drama and Sociology student has been living in the US since March where she is doing an internship with the Irish Arts Centre for a year.

Grainnes family are the owners of the well-known DAltons pub where she will be working behind the bar over the Christmas period.

Rushing into the arms of her college pal Olivia Masetti-Nolan from Dublin, whom she met while studying in Trinity, the Cork woman said she was so happy to be home for Christmas.

Ms Masetti-Nolan told the Irish Examiner: I came to meet her (Grainne) in the airport so she can stay with me tonight in Dublin.

We went to Trinity together and weve been friends for a long time, and all through covid, so Im just delighted to see her.

Grainne said: Its just great to see her and lovely to be home."

Clutching a balloon and flowers, Maureen OConnor from Dublin waited patiently to greet her daughter Amy (27) who has been living in Melbourne, Australia, for the past two years.

She is coming home with her boyfriend from Belfast, she met him there which is lovely, she said. She is working in a school for the underprivileged children and loves it, this is the first time shes home since going."

Amys father John and her sister Ashley, who is expecting her first baby, were also there.

'Great to be back'

Kim Egling, right, and Cameron Egling, left, welcome her brother, James and his partner, Simone home from Boston. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

When Amy arrived, she said she was full of adrenaline and that it was great to be back.

Her boyfriend Matthew said he would be able to spend Christmas with both families before they go back.

Kevin Murphy, originally from Mayo but living in Dublin was also in the arrivals hall to meet his daughter Bebhinn, her husband Paul Gallon, and her four sons, Hugh, 18, Finn, 16, and 10-year-old twins Pearse and Ronan, from New York.

"We havent been together for Christmas for 10 years, so this is serious," he said.

"There will be 27 of us in Dalkey in my other daughters home.

"They are home until January. We will all be cooking. Ill be doing the pudding and the brandy."

There was a surprise engagement for two families when James Kavanagh proposed to his partner of 11 years Caoimhe Sheahan during a weeklong break in New York while en route from Australia to Dublin.

The couple have been living and working in north Sydney for more than six years and James popped the question in Central Park.

Parents Helena and Denis Sheahan who are from Mayo and Waterford but living in Dublin, said it was the best Christmas present.

Mr Sheehan said he was very proud of his daughter.

She is just 29 and very successful and we are delighted to have her home," he said.

James tearful mother Patricia Kavanagh said: "Its been tough because hes away. we will all be here together."

Grandparents Ger and Brian McGuiness sobbed as they met their seven-month-old grandson James for the first time. Hes just beautiful, she said.

Her son Derek and his Australian wife Rebecca flew in from Perth with his in-laws Leachelle and Craig Archibald for Christmas.

Mrs Archibald said her grandson had smiled for the entire 17-hour trip and that he is joy.

This is a pretty special moment for all of us, she said.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has asked health officials to meet a group of grieving mothers who are campaigning for health service reform as well as a review into 21 hospital baby deaths.

The request follows concerns raised earlier this year by Safer Births Ireland about the deaths of four babies born in Portlaoise Hospital since 2013.

It is also concerned about the deaths of 17 babies in other maternity units.

In a number of the inquests into those 21 deaths, a verdict of medical misadventure was recorded.

Asked by the Irish Examiner if the minister is planning to conduct a look-back review of the deaths, a Department of Health spokesperson said: It is vital our health services take steps to ensure serious adverse events in maternity care are appropriately reviewed and responded to at a national level.

The minister has asked the National Patient Safety Office to engage with the National Women and Infants Health Programme to meet [Safer Births Ireland] to discuss their issues. We will work to do this in the coming weeks.

As well as looking for a look-back review of the 21 deaths, Safer Births Ireland wants to see the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 up and running.

Although enacted in May, the act  which provides a legal framework for mandatory open disclosure by health service providers of a range of serious incidents  has not been fully introduced by the various hospital groups. It also wants to see legislation put in place to hold health service managers accountable for the decisions they make.

During an interview on RTE, the health minister was asked about the 21 deaths which were the subject of an 'Irish Examiner' article on Monday.

Pressed on whether or not he will be conducting a look- back review, the minister said: The advice I have over the 21 baby deaths where there was a coroners inquest is that there has been no trend identified in terms of baby heart monitoring.

However, he said the health service is looking for extra training for all maternity units and for national guidelines to be put in place.

Safer Births Ireland co-founder Lisa Duffy, whose baby son Luke was stillborn in Portlaoise Hospital on October 29, 2018, welcomed the announcement from the Department of Health.

This is great news, she said. There are at least another 20 families who will be without a loved one this Christmas because they too have suffered a tragedy like our family.

We know there are similarities in almost all the deaths; there are common themes and if anybody were to just look back over all those cases, they will see them.

Time and time again, women  who were mostly first-time mothers  were not listened to.

Time and time again, there was an issue with CTG monitoring along with issues around a lack of communication and the lack of obstetric availability.
A four-year-old boy stabbed to death by a woman in east London is understood to be the son of an Irish national with close ties to the south-east.

Police were called to an address in Montague Road, Hackney, on Wednesday night following concerns about the welfare of a child.

Inside, officers found the boy who had suffered knife injuries and arrested a 41-year-old woman who was known to him.

A woman was taken away in handcuffs covered in blood, a neighbour has said.

The child was taken to hospital but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he later died from his injuries.

A 41-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder (Yui Mok/PA)

A local woman in the quiet and leafy neighbourhood told the PA news agency that a loving family lived at the address.

The 36-year-old hairdresser, who asked not to be named but could see the address from her home, said police forced entry to a flat on the top floor before taking away a woman who was covered in blood and screaming.

The neighbour said they seemed like a loving family and added: We often saw the boy playing on his scooter. He was happy and energetic.

The woman was taken out in handcuffs. She was in her pyjamas. She was covered in blood and screaming.

About an hour later the child was taken away. Two police officers also left (and they were) shaking.

Police at the scene in east London (Yui Mok/PA)

The Met Police said earlier on Thursday they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and that the boys next of kin had been informed.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.

We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.

Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young childs death, and the events that led up to it.

This incident occurred within the home and, while there is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.

The child's father has close ties to a well-known business in the south-east of Ireland.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is "aware of the case and providing consular assistance" but does not comment on the details of individual cases.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
A man allegedly caught with cash and 20 deals of heroin in Cork city centre on Tuesday morning was released on bail despite objection from An Garda Siochana who believed he would continue to deal the drug if released.

Mark Corcoran, aged 52 and with an address at a flat at Ivy House, Wellington Terrace, Grattan Hill, Cork, was arrested and brought before Cork District Court where there was an objection to bail being granted to the accused.

Garda Emer McCarthy said the grounds for the objection included the seriousness of the alleged offence.

I firmly believe he will continue to commit offences of a similar nature if granted bail. I believe he will commit crimes to fund his own habit. He is a drug addict.

He is charged with being in possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sale or supply and having it for his own use.

The evidence is that on December 19, 2023, Garda Vincent McCarthy observed him in a transaction in Daunt Square. Garda McCarthy approached him and Mr Corcoran became nervous. He was searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act and found to have 20 deals of Diamorphine and 685 in cash. It is alleged that he was caught red-handed, Garda Emer McCarthy said.

Diarmuid Kelleher solicitor challenged any evidence that the accused was a flight risk and other reasons given for the objection to bail. I say he is well entitled to bail, Mr Kelleher said.

Judge Marian OLeary granted bail and remanded the accused on bail until March 27, 2024, to allow time for the Director of Public Prosecutions to give directions in the case.

Bail conditions imposed on Mr Corcoran require him to keep a cufew, to be home each night from 11pm until 7am, abstain from intoxicants, and sign daily at Mayfield garda station.
But every time one of the participants voiced the call to action (Choose screening  book your cervical screening test today) a hushed pause followed as we absorbed the life-saving significance of the message.



The Irish Cancer Society has given Read My Lips its support. It is a fitting tribute to Vicky Phelan on the first anniversary of her death and all the other women who arent with us today because of cervical cancer. Despite her own experience, Vicky was a staunch champion of screening and tirelessly encouraged others to take up the offer when it was their turn. It is the promotion of screening that is such an important part of Vickys legacy, which will go on to save many lives.



Vicky was not alone in promoting cervical cancer awareness. Lynsey Bennett, who died aged 34, just weeks before Vicky, and Emma Mhic Mhathuna, who died in 2018, at 37, forfeited their privacy to bring public attention to their misdiagnosis and warn other women about prioritising their health. Members of 221+, set up to support those affected by the CervicalCheck scandal, including Lorraine Walsh, also spoke openly about their experience of cervical cancer. Laura Brennan, who was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer at 25, devoted the final year of her life to promoting the HPV vaccine  a campaign that saw the uptake in secondary schools soar from 51% to 81% and to over 90% in her home county Clare.



Due to the successful rollout of the vaccine and new HPV testing, Ireland is now one of the first countries in the world to commit to cervical cancer elimination or fewer than four cases diagnosed for every 100,000.



Cervical screening offers women the best chance of early detection. Every year, it identifies and treats precancerous cells in 12,500 women. Many of these women could have developed cervical cancer  some 290 are diagnosed every year  if their rogue cells had not been found and treated in the initial stages.



Vicky wrote in her memoir Overcoming: If even one young woman had a smear test because she heard me speak, and it helped her to avoid this awful illness, then it would be worthwhile.



In todays special Feelgood edition, we hope to do just that in memory of a trailblazing woman who left an extraordinary legacy.
Pat Lavelle has to buy a bigger turkey this Christmas and he couldnt be more delighted. His daughter  the disability rights campaigner, neuroscientist, and author Geraldine Lavelle  is finally back in her native Castlebar. Not just for Christmas, but for good.

Ms Lavelle knows more than most that change can happen in an instant, or sometimes a lot longer. Her destiny changed in a heartbeat one morning in October 2013 when a lorry knocked her off her bicycle, leaving her paralysed from the chest down. She fought for her life that day but didnt know her longest fight was yet to come, one it would take a decade to win.

Her victory eventually came to pass last month when the HSE finally provided her with the 56 hours a week of care support she needs to live independently in a specially-adapted home of her own, like any other 37-year-old.

It meant she was able to leave the residential care home in Sligo she had been stranded in for a decade and move into a bungalow in a quiet suburb of Castlebar just a few weeks ago.

Being back in Castlebar means Geraldine sees family members, including her niece and nephew, Saoirse and James, much more often. Her new year plans include returning to the workforce, writing her second book  and a lovely summer holiday. Picture: Karen Cox

It was worth the fight, Ms Lavelle tells the Irish Examiner as she gazes around at her new living room with a look of disbelief. A silver-baubled Christmas tree stands proudly beside a high insert stove which her 11-year-old nephew James has assumed special responsibility for lighting regularly; he even advises on fuel quality. A jolly Santa sits on the mantlepiece above, his green and gold legs dangling off the ledge. To think that this is all her own still feels surreal to her.

It hasnt fully sunk in yet. She even wonders if she has to return to the care home. I havent fully realised that Im here now. The fights over, she says. I can relax. Its the calm after the storm, she says, closing her eyes with relief.

The fight was a 10-year campaign Ms Lavelle took all the way to the Dail in her bid to live as an independent woman. It took about 90% of her energy, strength, and willpower between day-to-day meetings, emails, and calls.

It was a constant drain on her personality and motivation levels. It just consumed all your free time. Youd wake up at night thinking about it. Youd go to bed thinking about it, it was just constantly there, like weights, or anchors and now I just feel like theyve been released, she says.

Geraldine Lavelle says of her new home in Castlebar, County Mayo: 'Its far more relaxed. And even outside theres no constant traffic all the time, morning to night. Its definitely a lot more peaceful.' Picture: Karen Cox

Between her ongoing battle with the HSE for care hours and the busy physical environment of the Sligo care home fronting a noisy town centre road, Ms Lavelle was living in constant fight or flight mode and felt like she was living on a conveyor belt system.

I think I was really running on adrenalin in the other place because there was nowhere to relax, to just shut down and have quiet time, she says. She cant get over the calm of her new neighbourhood, both inside and out. Its far more relaxed. And even outside theres no constant traffic all the time, morning to night. Its definitely a lot more peaceful, she says.

Moving wasnt easy once she finally got the go-ahead. Self-doubt had set in. Am I making the right choice? Will I be able to manage? she asked of her care staff in Sligo. Yet she kept going.

Theyve since texted her saying how sad they feel passing the closed curtains of her former room  but at the end of the day they know I made the right choice, she says.

The first few nights were a bit trickier going to sleep.

President Michael D Higgins with Road Safety Association chairwoman Liz ODonnell lighting a candle in Aras an Uachtarain during the event in November on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Picture: Maxwells

It was my first time sleeping alone in a house in the guts of 10-15 years. That was at the beginning but now its grand. Ive settled in. I have my home alarm system and I dont need help at night.

I thought I would because I had been getting help at night time in the home so that was a fear, will I be able to manage when I move out? But its been fine, she says.

Its gone even better than she hoped. The talented artist is now sleeping a solid nine hours every night.

In Sligo I cant remember ever getting nine hours sleep in one go. I was getting on average six hours every night, she recalls. Another worry was having to get to know all the new care staff, wondering if shed get along on with them, if theyd handle her routine but its all gone very well and the extra care hours have changed her life: Theyre lovely, its great. I actually dont know how I managed on so little [care hours]. Now I dont know myself. Its definitely mind over matter.

I feel so much more normal, just having your own space, your own corner, your own time to have friends over. I just cant even believe how I lived the other way for so long. My family are only 12 minutes away. They can just pop in and out, friends can come and go, its just so much better, she says.

'Its brilliant to have her back'

Almost on cue, the doorbell rings. Its her father Pat with a gift of a bacon and chicken dinner carefully wrapped in foil. She doesnt need it but the offer is touching. Theres dinner there will you eat it? Arrah have another biteen, youre getting thin, he tells her gently, full of fatherly concern.

Its brilliant to have her back, its unbelievable, he says. Call me Pat. Or Padraighin for short, he chuckles.

Pat had a stroke four or five years ago which prevented him from driving to visit his daughter while she was in Sligo. But he can now happily manage the short drive along the back roads to her new home, especially since shes on the right side of town.

Shes a great little womaneen. I was always proud of this lady, he beams with obvious pride. She never caused us problems, good at school and everything. She was a great little farmer and everything. Its great to have her back in Castlebar. Its been rough, he adds in an aside. Shes still plenty far away from us though, he adds with a merry wink.

Hes very excited about having Geraldine over for Christmas dinner, her first at home in 15 years.

Well just get a size bigger turkey thats all. An extra leg. Youll be handy for the cooking. Well get a job for you! he laughs. He jumps up to leave, winces at a pain in his leg then quickly stops himself  mustnt complain  and hes gone in a flurry of goodbyes and promises of more calls and dinners.

In October, Health Correspondent Niamh Griffin, Special Correspondent Mick Clifford, and reporters Sorcha Crowley and Ann Murphy heard the voices of people affected by the care crisis, including Geraldine Lavelle. You can read the full series of articles online here or on the 'Irish Examiner' ePaper.

The 'Irish Examiner' is given a tour of the specially-adapted bungalow and all its smart technology which controls access to her front and rear sensored doors, blinds, lights, and heating. Friends are helping the University of Galway neuroscience graduate set up the smart tech that allows her control her front door from her bed.

Its amazing what you can do, once its set up.

Friends have helped me too. In one way, I didnt need that much [for independent living] except the doors  they were expensive because theyre sensored. I wouldnt be able to pull them open because theyre so heavy  but they make it sound like youd need so much more to live independently  not really. Just living space and accessible bathroom, just access to things and ramps obviously in and out.

I cant believe I fitted everything into one room. Before, it was all shoved into a bathroom, now its all clearly organised and labelled. Now instead of everything being cramped in one small spot, its all in places I can actually use them and dont need to ask for help, she says.

Its been a busy end of year. In November, Geraldine was awarded a certificate by President Michael D Higgins at a day of remembrance for road traffic victims in Aras an Uachtarain. She also presented him with a painting of her own. I know it looks like I wasnt a lucky one but at least Im still alive. It was a lovely day, a great honour, she added.

Ms Lavelles biggest goal of the new year  apart from a lovely summer holiday  is to return to the workforce, along with publishing her second book.

Id definitely like to enter the workforce for sure. Just even to get out, meet people, have a day-to-day routine. Thats not about just surviving, its about living and being part of a group, part of something. I havent given up on the second book, its just a way to word it.

Geraldine Lavelle's plans for the new year include returning to the workforce, writing her second book  and a lovely summer holiday. Picture: Karen Cox

Its about perseverance, thats the element of my book I want to promote to people. Its a good motivator. Even for my nieces and nephews, to see auntie Gerry has a disability but she can live independently, hopefully shell have a job, she has a normal life to everyone else despite her disability, she says brightly.

Her positive outlook and determination comes from her mother Margaret who never allows herself to complain. Growing up, the Lavelle family just got on with it. Geraldine is determined to stay positive. I dont like negative energy because you just get sucked into a whirlwind thats downhill. Im strong, Im a young person, I know I have a disability but theres a lot worse off. Look at all you can do with technology, theres no excuse not to get work and theres no excuse not to live on your own. Its just about things being more accessible, she adds.

She shudders when she thinks of how close she often came to giving up. There were so many times I was planning on giving up because the hassle was just unbelievable. Im sure there are loads who may have just lost the will or the fight to try and get out, she tells us.

Keep going and keep trying. It might seem difficult and impossible some days but it is 100% worth it when you finally get your own home. Just keep trying.
There is nothing to celebrate in the European Unions new deal on migration and asylum. The agreement that EU leaders have made will cause a surge of suffering for refugees and migrants on every step of their journey towards a new life.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a long-awaited political agreement on several key elements of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum.

In theory, this new deal is an attempt to make the EU better equipped at dealing with surges in asylum applications, the likes of which we have seen recently, when millions fled war-torn Syria and Afghanistan in search of safety in 2015. In reality, the terms that have been agreed do not solve the underlying issues of the current asylum model and, in many cases, make the issues worse.

The new deal brings in mechanisms for applications to be processed in centres away from the EUs borders, such as in seaports and airports. The deal also establishes what is being referred to as an emergency response in the event of a surge in asylum seekers. This would, among other things, require member states to reduce protection for refugees and allow them to hold people in detention centres longer than usually permitted.

While the EU wants to frame this agreement as one that brings "certainty, clarity and decent conditions for people arriving in the EU", it must be called out for what it is. This agreement is designed to make it harder for people to access safety.

This pact will almost certainly cause more people to be put into detention at EU borders, including families with children and people in vulnerable situations.

The emergency response measures, essentially, allow countries to opt out of a broad range of EU asylum rules in times of increased arrivals. These exemptions risk breaching international obligations under refugee and international human rights law.

They undermine a common, humane response to people in need of protection, place people at risk of severe human rights violations, and risk normalising disproportionate emergency measures at European borders, setting a dangerous precedent for the right to asylum globally.

Simply put, it sends a message that protecting peoples human rights is something that can be sidelined when it becomes inconvenient. This is unacceptable.

One of the key concerns going into this agreement was to ensure support for those states that lie on the outer borders of the EU. These countries are where many of those seeking protection first arrive, and include the likes of Italy, Spain and Greece. This agreement has failed to offer these supports.

Instead of prioritising solidarity through relocations and strengthening protection systems, states will be able to simply pay to strengthen external borders, or fund countries outside the EU to prevent people from reaching Europe.

Deterring entry to EU

The EUs reliance on countries outside the EU to help prop up its asylum procedures is particularly concerning.

Earlier this year, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the EU and Tunisia, to give Tunisia financial and technical support to deter Europe-bound migration. This is despite mounting evidence of human rights abuses in the country.

Stephen Bowen: "This agreement will set back European asylum law for decades to come."

Tunisias President, Kais Saied, has concentrated, near-total power to rule since suspending the countrys former parliament in 2021. Authorities have investigated and, in some cases, arrested at least 72 opposition figures and other perceived critics of the president accused of various offenses.

At the same time as Tunisia and the EU were preparing to sign this agreement in July, Tunisian authorities left hundreds of people, including children, stranded at Tunisias desert borders, initially without water, food or shelter.

This pact re-inforces the EUs dependence on agreements such as this and builds on recent deals with Albania, Libya and Turkiye. The EU could invest in dignified reception within the bloc and expand safe and regular pathways to allow people to reach protection in Europe without relying on dangerous journeys.

Instead, the EU has decided to take a further step towards externalising border control and evading Europes refugee protection responsibilities.

Reforms

The pact wont solve the pressing problems facing asylum systems in the EU. These include underinvestment in asylum and reception systems, unlawful and often violent pushbacks, policies that deny people the right to asylum, and impunity at EU borders.

Without a renewed commitment to enforce EU law and ensure accountability for pushbacks and other violations, the pact will do nothing to improve protections for asylum seekers in Europe or improve Europe's response to migration.

The EU must address these well-documented violations and take steps to ensure a human rights compliant, sustainable, and well-resourced response to people arriving at Europes borders.

This agreement will set back European asylum law for decades to come. Amnesty International has long called on EU institutions and member states to put human rights at the centre of negotiations on EU asylum reforms. However, after years of complex negotiations, the EU now risks sleepwalking into a system in even greater need of reform than the current one.

Read More EU agrees new rules on hosting migrants, seeks to cut numbers
South Koreas top court has ordered two Japanese companies to financially compensate more of their wartime Korean workers for forced labour.

Previous verdicts in 2018 caused a huge setback in relations between the two countries.

But observers say Thursdays ruling will be unlikely to hurt bilateral ties much since Seoul and Tokyo, now governed by different leaders, are pushing hard to bolster their partnerships in the face of shared challenges such as North Koreas evolving nuclear threats and Chinas increasing assertiveness.

The Supreme Court ruled that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries must provide between 100 million and 150 million won (60,745 and 91,078) in compensation to each of four plaintiffs  bereaved families of its former employees who were forced to work for the company during Japans 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

Family members of forced labour victims speak to the media at the Supreme Court in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

The court also said Nippon Steel Corp must give 100 million won to each of seven Korean plaintiffs for similar colonial-era forced labour.

In two separate verdicts in 2018, the top South Korean court ordered Mitsubishi and Nippon Steel to compensate a total of 15 other Korean employees for forced labour.

That irked Japan, which has insisted all compensation issues were already settled by a 1965 bilateral treaty that normalised their diplomatic relations.

But the 2018 South Korean court rulings said the treaty cannot prevent individual rights to seek compensations for forced labour because Japanese companies use of such labourers were acts of illegality against humanity that were linked to Tokyos illegal colonial occupation and its war of aggression.

In Thursdays ruling, the South Korean Supreme Court cited that argument in one of the 2018 verdicts, saying it paved the way for a judicial remedy for forced labour victims within Republic of Korea.

Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi called the ruling absolutely unacceptable as it clearly violated the 1965 treaty.

I felt so sad when I heard the name of (my father) being stated as the deceased at todays trial, but I was still really glad that we won  though its a bit late, said Joo Soon-ja, daughter of the late Joo Seok-bong, a forced labourer

Following the 2018 rulings the two countries downgraded each others trade status, and Seouls previous liberal government threatened to spike a military intelligence-sharing pact. Their strained ties complicated efforts by the US to build a stronger trilateral co-operation to counter challenges posed by North Korea and China.

Victims relatives outside the Supreme Court in Seoul, South Korea, with a sign reading Mitsubishi Heavy Industries should compensate and apologise (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

The Seoul-Tokyo relations, however, began thawing after South Koreas current conservative president, Yoon Suk Yeol, announced in March that his country would use a local corporate fund to compensate the forced labour victims without demanding Japanese contributions.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida later expressed sympathy for the suffering of Korean forced labourers during a Seoul visit. The two countries revived high-level talks and withdrew economic retaliatory steps against each other.

Eleven of the 15 former forced labourers or their families involved in the 2018 rulings had accepted compensation under Seouls third-party reimbursement plan, but the remaining four still refuse to accept it, according to their support group.

I believe the South Korean government will continue its utmost effort in order to gain the understanding of the plaintiffs, Mr Hayashi said.

Mr Yoons push to improve ties with Japan drew strong backlash from some of the forced labour victims and liberal opposition politicians, who have demanded direct compensation from the Japanese companies.

But Mr Yoon defended his move, saying it is essential to boosting ties with Japan to jointly cope with North Koreas advancing nuclear arsenal, the intensifying US-China rivalry and global supply chain challenges.

On Thursday, the two countries held their first high-level economic talks in Seoul in about eight years.
Albanias parliament voted on Thursday to lift the legal immunity of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who leads the opposition Democratic Party and is accused of corruption.

Opposition politicians inside the hall boycotted the vote and tried to disrupt the session by collecting chairs and flares, but security guards stopped them. Mr Berisha declined to take the floor to speak against the motion.

The ruling Socialist Party holds 74 of the 140 seats in Albanias national legislature, and 75 members agreed to grant a request from prosecutors to strip Mr Berisha of his parliamentary immunity.

Thursdays vote clears prosecutors to seek a courts permission to put Mr Berisha under arrest or house arrest.

Sali Berisha, 79, the main leader of the center-right Democratic Party, delivers a speech to hundreds of protesters during an anti-government rally outside the Parliament building in Tirana, Albania on Monday (Armando Babani/AP)

With the opposition refusing the participate, there were no votes against the move or any abstentions.

Mr Berisha, 79, was charged with corruption in October for allegedly abusing his post to help his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, buy land in Tirana owned by both private citizens and the defence ministry, and to build 17 apartment buildings on the property.

Mr Berisha and Mr Malltezi have both proclaimed their innocence, alleging the case was a political move by the ruling Socialist Party of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Prosecutors have said that if Mr Berisha is convicted, he faces a prison sentence of up to 12 years.

Democratic Party supporters protested outside the parliament building on Thursday with anti-government banners and Down with dictatorship chants.

Flamur Noka, of the Democratic Party, points a smoke flare into the face of a bodyguard during a parliament meeting in Tirana, Albania, on Thursday (Armando Babani/AP)

Mr Berisha called on his supporters join a no-return battle against the authoritarian regime of the Socialists.

That decision wont destroy the opposition but will mobilise it, and under the motto Today or never, it will respond to that regime, Mr Berisha told reporters after the vote.

Mr Berisha served as Albanias prime minister from 2005-2013, and as president from 1992-1997. He was re-elected as a lawmaker for the Democratic Party in the 2021 parliamentary elections.

The US government in May 2021 and the UK in July 2022 barred Mr Berisha and close family members from entering their countries because of alleged involvement in corruption.

Since Mr Berisha was charged in October, opposition politicians have regularly disrupted sessions of parliament to protest against the Socialists refusal to create commissions to investigate alleged cases of corruption involving Mr Rama and other top government officials.

The disruptions are an obstacle to much-needed reforms at a time when the European Union has agreed to start the process of harmonising Albanian laws with those of the EU as part of the Balkan countrys path toward full membership in the bloc.
Court Freezes 3AC Co-Founders Assets Worth $1.14 Billion

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A British Virgin Islands court has issued an order freezing approximately $1.14 billion in assets belonging to the co-founders of Three Arrows Capital (3AC).

According to Teneo, the firms liquidator, the court order prohibits co-founders Su Zhu and Kyle Davies, as well as Davies wife Kelly Chen, from transferring or selling the assets, Bloomberg reported Thursday.

Teneo estimates that creditors are owed around $3.3 billion.

Three Arrows Capital, formerly one of the largest crypto-native hedge funds, collapsed in 2022 due to a series of poor investments as well as a broader cryptocurrency market downturn.

The worldwide freezing order has been sought in connection with claims that are being pursued by the liquidators that allege, amongst other things, that the founders should be held responsible for causing 3ACs position to deteriorate by an amount that is equivalent to the value of the freezing orders sought, Teneo said.

Previously based in Singapore, Three Arrows Capital filed for bankruptcy in the British Virgin Islands.

Teneo has accused the founders of failing to cooperate meaningfully in the liquidation process.

Singapore Court Froze 3AC Assets



In addition to the recent court order in the British Virgin Islands, the Singapore Court has previously issued a domestic freezing order.

The developments follow the arrest of Su Zhu in September at Singapores Changi Airport as he attempted to leave the country.

Zhu and Davies were sentenced to four months in prison through a committal order for contempt of court.

The former Three Arrow executives were issued subpoenas to cooperate with the investigations and activities of Teneo in unraveling issues that led to the implosion of the fund.

Both Zhu and Davies have been banned by Singapore from conducting any regulated activity.

Su Zhu and Kyle Davies were once prominent figures during the bullish phase of the cryptocurrency market.

However, their reputations and fortunes have suffered as risky practices within the industry were exposed.

Su Zhu Expected to be Released



As reported, Zhu is set to be released this month based on standard good behavior. The liquidators will continue to pursue all available opportunities to recover creditor assets worth billions in the coming months.

3AC co-founded by Zhu and Kyle Davies imploded in 2022 after leveraged bets went south leading to wider market losses and reduced investor sentiment.

2022 was a year riddled with several industry collapses putting traders and investors on the edge as the bear market pressed on.

Apart from 3AC, the Terra Network also suffered a similar fate causing billions of losses before the implosion of FTX capped the series of unfortunate events in November.
Australia will send 11 military personnel to support a US-led mission to protect cargo shipping in the Red Sea, but it will not send a warship or plane, the defence minister has said.

Defence minister Richard Marles said on Thursday Australias military needs to keep focused on the Pacific region.

The United States announced this week that several nations are creating a force to protect commercial shipping from attack by drones and ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

Mr Marles said 11 military personnel will be sent in January to Operation Prosperity Guardians headquarters in Bahrain, where five Australians are already posted.

We need to be really clear around our strategic focus, and our strategic focus is our region: the northeast Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Pacific

We wont be sending a ship or a plane, he told Sky News television.

That said, we will be almost tripling our contribution to the combined maritime force.

We need to be really clear around our strategic focus, and our strategic focus is our region: the northeast Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Pacific.

The US and its allies are concerned by Chinas growing assertiveness in the region.

Australia is one of the United States closest military allies. The US Congress last week passed legislation allowing the sale of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia under a security pact that includes Britain.

Mr Marles rejected opposition law makers criticism that a failure to send a warship as the United States had requested made Australia a less reliable partner and ally.

Thats patently ridiculous, he said, adding the US is aware of the scale of the Australian defence force and the need to maintain its focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr Marles said: It is to state the obvious that to take a major asset and put it in the Middle East is to take a major asset away from what were doing in the immediate region.

Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie called on Australia to send a warship.

He said: Its in our national interest to contribute. If we want others to help us in a time of need, we need to step up and reciprocate now.

Several cargo ships in the Red Sea have been damaged by the attacks. Multiple shipping companies have ordered their ships not enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until security is improved.
Israeli shelling in the Lebanese border town of Maroun El-Ras on Thursday killed an elderly woman in her 80s and wounded her husband, Lebanons state-run National News Agency said.

The Israeli military said it launched artillery and airstrikes on Hezbollah militant positions in southern Lebanon late on Wednesday and early on Thursday. It did not immediately comment on the strike that was reported to have killed the Lebanese civilian.

Israeli forces and members of Hezbollah have clashed along the Lebanon-Israel border almost daily since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war.

Lebanese state media said Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes deep inside Lebanon late on Wednesday, hitting a forested area more than 20km (12 miles) from the border.

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from southern Israel towards the Gaza Strip, in a position near the Israel-Gaza border on Thursday (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Earlier in the day, Hezbollah announced it had launched surface-to-air missiles at Israeli military helicopters. The group later announced that one of its fighters had been killed in an Israeli strike on a house in the town of Markaba.

More than 110 Hezbollah fighters and at least 16 civilians have been killed on the Lebanese side of the border, while at least nine soldiers and five civilians have been killed on the Israeli side during the Israel-Hamas war.

Also on Thursday, Hamas fired another barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, setting off air raid sirens in central Israel.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from Thursdays attack, but it underscored the militant groups resilience more than 10 weeks into Israels blistering air and ground campaign in Gaza.

Israel was carrying out strikes and other operations across Gaza, but a territory-wide communications outage made it difficult to confirm details about the fighting.

The offensive has devastated much of northern Gaza, killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, and driven some 1.9 million people  nearly 85% of the Palestinian territorys population  from their homes.

Palestinians inspect a house after it was hit by an Israeli bombardment on Rafah, southern Gaza Strip (Fatima Shbair/AP)

The widespread destruction and heavy civilian death toll has drawn increasing international calls for a ceasefire. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it destroys Hamas.

The war was ignited by Hamass October 7 attack into southern Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 240.

On Thursday Israeli police said 19 Israeli prison guards are under investigation in the death of a 38-year-old Palestinian security prisoner in their custody.

Thaer Abu Assab was found with severe signs of violence on his body, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group. He died on November 18 at the Ketziot prison in the southern Negev Desert.

Abu Assab was arrested in 2005 and was serving a 25-year sentence for attempted murder.

The Prisoners Club demanded an investigation, including an autopsy. Police originally told the group that it was difficult to identify the guards involved due to their helmets.

Police announced the investigation of the guards on Thursday, after a gag order expired. The Israel Prison Service said it was co-operating.

The Prisoners Club says about 7,800 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons. Hundreds were rounded up since October 7.

Rights activists say the number of so-called administrative detainees, who are people held without trial or charges, is a record high.
A lone gunman opened fire in a university building in central Prague, killing at least 14 people and injuring more than 20 in the Czech Republics worst mass shooting.

The bloodshed took place in the philosophy department building of Charles University, where the killer was a student, Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek said.

The suspected gunman also died. His name has not been released.

Mr Vondrasek said 25 people were injured and authorities warned that the death toll could rise.

Police gave no details about the victims or a possible motive for the shooting at the building near the Vltava River in Jan Palach Square. Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said investigators do not suspect a link to any extremist ideology or groups.

Mr Vondrasek said police believe the suspect killed his father in his home town of Hostoun, just west of Prague, earlier in the day, and that he had also been planning to kill himself.

Later on Thursday, Mr Vondrasek said that, based on a search of his home, the gunman was also suspected of killing another man and his two-month-old daughter on December 15 in the east of Prague.

The police chief described the suspect as an excellent student but did not provide any other information.

The suspect suffered devastating injuries but it was not clear if he killed himself or was shot dead in an exchange of gunfire with officers, Mr Vondrasek said, adding that there was nothing to suggest that he had an accomplice.

The suspect legally owned several guns, and what he did was well thought out, a horrible act, Mr Vondrasek said.

We mourn the loss of life of members of our university community, express our deepest condolences to all the bereaved and our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy, Charles University said in a statement.

University authorities said they would tighten security in buildings with immediate effect.

The building where the shooting took place is located near the Vltava River in Jan Palach Square, a busy tourist area in Pragues Old Town.

It is just a few minutes walk from the picturesque Old Town Square, a major tourist attraction where thousands of visitors have been enjoying a popular Christmas market.

Czech Republic's Minister of the Interior Vit Rakusan Picture: PA

The government quickly sought to quell concerns that the massacre was backed by foreign interests.

Theres no indication that it has anything to do with international terrorism, Mr Rakusan said.

Its a horrible crime, something the Czech Republic has never experienced, he said.

Pavel Nedoma, the director of the nearby Rudolfinum Gallery, said he watched from a window as a person standing on a balcony of the building fired a gun.

Authorities evacuated everyone from the building and police said they were still searching the area, including the balcony, for explosives.

The building forms part of the square and faces a bridge across the river with a view of Prague Castle, the seat of the Czech presidency.

President Petr Pavel said he was shocked by what happened and offered his condolences to the relatives of the victims.

Where tourists, students and others would normally be enjoying the view of the iconic monument, chaos and terror instead took hold. Police vehicles and ambulances sped across the bridge with their sirens wailing as officers sealed off the empty square.

Some video footage showed people being evacuated from the building and others trying to hide by a wall.

Police said officers were deployed due to a shooting at a school in Jan Palach Square shortly after 2pm (Irish time).

The philosophical faculty of Charles University, located at the square has been evacuated, Prague mayor Bohuslav Svoboda said.

An email sent to staff and students at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, seen by Reuters, had said a shooter was in one of its buildings and had told staff to "stay put".

"Don't go anywhere, if you're in the offices, lock them and place furniture in front of the door, turn off the lights," the email said.

One X user posted a photo of a group of students, hiding crouched on a ledge of the building.

Pavel Nedoma, the director of Rudolfinum Gallery, which also is located in the square, told Czech public television he saw from a window a person who was shooting toward the nearby Manes bridge across the Vltava River.

Picture: Elmurod Usubaliev/Anadolu via Getty Images

The police department said the square has been sealed off and urged people also to leave the surrounding streets and stay inside.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala cancelled his trip to the east of the country and was en route to Prague, he said on X.

Pragues rescue service said about 30 people suffered various injuries, including nine with serious ones.

Gun crime is relatively rare in the Czech Republic. In December 2019, a 42-year-old gunman killed six people at a hospital waiting room in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava before fleeing and fatally shooting himself, police said.

In 2015, a man fatally shot eight people and then killed himself at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod.

'It didnt seem real to me'

Police officers guard a street in Prague. Picture: Petr David Josek/AP

A newlywed British couple have told of the moment a police officer ordered them to stay down during a mass shooting in central Prague.

Tom Leese, 34, a video producer and his wife Rachael, 31, an account director, who are on their honeymoon in the country, were having a drink in the Slivovitz Museum, close to where the shooting occurred.

Mr Leese said: A policeman came in and started shouting loudly in what I assume was Czech.

I asked for it in English and he said there was an active shooter and to stay inside and stay down.

The staff were very calm, turned all the lights off very quickly and urged us to stay calm, the restaurant was relatively quiet.

The policeman left urgently and we stood in the corner of the restaurant.

The couple, from Merstham in Surrey, were kept in the the museum for over an hour, hearing sirens outside.

Mr Leese added: Rachael is still in shock.

We were meant to be having dinner at the restaurant right by the building tonight and were going to pop in for a drink earlier on, but we crossed the bridge instead.

With everyone else being so calm it didnt seem real to me.

Weve been in touch with all of our families to let them know that were safe.

We obviously cant wait to get home now.

- Additional reporting by Reuters
The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) is forcibly recruiting ethnic Shan and Lisu villagers in Nawnghkio Township, northern Shan State, according to residents.

Headquartered at Wanhai in Kyethi Township, the rebel group boasts eight brigades and over 30 battalions in Mong Hsu, Kyethi, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mongyai, Tangyan, Namtu, Namkham, Momauk, Panglong and Lawksawk townships.

Forced recruitment reportedly began this month when around 10 armed SSPP members led by a company commander seized random villagers, releasing them in exchange for over-18s.

An Inma villager told The Irrawaddy: They suddenly appear and seize people, especially in the evening, and ask households to exchange detainees for young men. They have lists. If a family includes two sons, it has to give one. They would seize anyone in a village and only release them when the young men arrive.

If a village cannot supply recruits, around 2 million kyats must be paid per month to the SSPP and ransoms can be paid to release the detainees, residents said.

Fifteen Nawnghkio villages have reportedly faced forced SSPP recruitment.

An activist said: It happens in villages beside the Pyin Oo Lwin-Mogoke road and Nawnghkio road and Shan villages on the border of Mogoke and Madaya townships.

One Thabyay Doe villager said: They take the elderly, women and children. The area is unstable. There is no one to complain to.

Junta troops and the Brotherhood Alliance have been fighting in Nawnghkio Township and many residents have fled their homes amid junta artillery strikes.

The SSPP mainly asks for males. It demands at least four men from each village and that families with more than one son give at least one.

The Inma villager said: Some families include three or four children. But many work abroad as life becomes increasingly difficult. Only teenagers are left so villagers struggle to supply recruits.

Villagers have reported the issue to the Taang National Liberation Army and Peoples Defense Forces but they are busy fighting the junta, he said.

I am Shan and I love my people. But their recruitment is abduction and it is not good, he added.

The SSPP and Shan human rights organizations were unable to comment.

MNDAA recruitment

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) of the Brotherhood Alliance has reportedly told males aged 16 to 50 in occupied towns to enlist or have all their property confiscated.

A video on social media shows an MNDAA member telling civilians sheltering at a Pansai monastery that families with two sons or three children of either gender must enlist one. Families with five children must supply two.

The MNDAA said it would confiscate abandoned homes in Pansai and, if residents fail to produce their household registration certificates, their homes will be seized.

The Brotherhood Alliance continues to fight the junta in Muse Township on the Chinese border. Repeated regime airstrikes and shelling mean residents have not returned to their homes.

The MNDAA conscripted novices at a monastery in Mone Koe on November 27 and seized seven men aged 18 to 27 that fled Laukkai and destroyed their citizenship ID cards, according to the Shan Herald News Agency.

MNDAA spokesman Li Jiawen told the media that the group was following its recruitment policy.
The junta has detained more than 170 civilians in Rakhine State since fighting resumed between its troops and Arakan Army (AA) last month, according to data collected by civil society organizations (CSOs) in the western state.

A former lawmaker said the purpose of the arrests is to create fear.

The regime cant defeat the AA, so it has been arresting and prosecuting civilians to instill fear, explained U Aung Thaung Swe, a former Lower House lawmaker from Rakhines Buthidaung Town.

He also accused the regime of trying to starve Rakhine State residents. It imposes travel restrictions and cuts off delivery of food to starve the local population  They do not hesitate to commit any war crime, he explained.

A member of a Sittwe-based CSO told The Irrawaddy that the number of civilians arrested in Rakhine could be higher than the data collected shows. He estimated that more than 200 civilians had been detained since fighting erupted between the AA and junta troops.

Some of the detainees are business owners and wealthy people. [Their] families do not want their arrests known  There are also cases in which family members dare not post [on social media] about arrests, or they dont have access to the internet, he explained.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been arrested for leaving camps that are running out of food. On Dec. 17, junta troops arrested 13 Rohingya from Kyauktalone IDP camp after they entered Kyaukphyu Town for food.

We are running out of food, but the military does not allow us to enter the town, a resident of the camp told The Irrawaddy. The camp opened in 2012 to temporarily house Rohingya people displaced by sectarian violence in the state.

When [camp residents] tried to enter town through another entrance point [besides the main one], they were arrested by soldiers on patrol. We dont know where they are, the camp resident said.

The regime has reportedly demanded ransoms of 30 million kyats (about US$ 14,300) for the release of detained business owners. It has also charged ethnic Rakhine detainees under the Unlawful Association Act for alleged ties to the AA.

On Dec. 14, junta troops arrested 54 boat crew members at a port in Sittwe. Only four of them were released after paying fines.

Data collected by CSOs found that 174 civilians had been detained from Nov. 13 to Dec. 17 in 11 of the states 17 townships.

The number of civilians arrested by township are: 50 from Sittwe, 33 from Kyaukphyu, 30 from Thandwe, 21 from Buthidaung, 17 from Taungup, six from Maungdaw, five each from Mrauk-U and Ponnagyun, three from Pauktaw, and two each from Ramree and Rathedaung.

Junta troops and the AA are fighting in northern Rakhine State as well as neighboring Paletwa Township in Chin State. The two sides also clashed in Ramree and Taungup townships in southern Rakhine State on Monday.

The regime habitually dismisses reports of civilian arrests in Rakhine State as fake news designed to create misunderstandings between it and local communities.
Regime troops killed six resistance members in less than a week in Sagaings Katha Township as tension escalates throughout the region.

Three members of a drone unit were killed by junta troops on Wednesday, a member of the Katha Township Peoples Defense Force (PDF) said.

Junta troops also slit the throats of three resistance fighters during a raid of a village about eight kilometers from Katha Town on Dec. 16, a local official said.

Around 60 troops from the 66th Light Infantry Division and the pro-junta Shan Nationalities Army raided Pinmalut Village, arresting and killing three men.

Brang Shaun, 40, an information officer in the townships PDF, Ko Jetli, 30, a member of a resistance logistical support unit, and Bauk Mai, 40, a resident of the village and resistance fighter, were killed during the Dec. 16 raid.

They were caught off guard. Their throats were slit, a member of the townships peoples administration said. Phone lines were down, and village residents had not received a tip that a raid was imminent, the official explained.

He said the raid began suddenly at dawn. It appears that someone tipped off junta soldiers about the presence of our comrades [in the village]. As soon as they entered the village, junta soldiers raided the house the three were staying in and torched it. The three were arrested together.

Regime troops torched four other homes in the village, residents said.

A pro-junta Telegram channel said junta soldiers raided the house of a medical officer in Pinmalut Village, killing three PDF members and seizing their weapons.

Although there has been no fighting in Katha Township, junta troops deployed in Katha Town frequently raid nearby villages, village residents said.

Military tensions have been running high between junta troops and resistance forces in Katha Township. Junta troops have been building bunkers in Katha Town, residents say.
Fierce clashes were ongoing in northern Shan State on Wednesday as the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) attempted to seize the town of Mantong, according to locals and the ethnic army.

Junta troops deployed artillery and aircraft to bombard the town during the latest battle to erupt in the expanding 1027 resistance offensive.

TNLA forces have occupied Mantongs junta-run government offices and township police station. Junta troops are now confined to the Infantry Battalion 130 base just outside the town, according to local media reports.

The TNLA said it attacked the base on Wednesday, sparking a fierce response as junta forces deployed a fighter jet and Harbin Y12 plane to drop over 200 bombs on the town and nearby areas.

The airstrikes damaged a dozen homes and a monastery, the TNLA said.

Meanwhile, the junta base bombarded eight surrounding villages and locations with 78 rounds of artillery, it added.

Wednesday also saw clashes break out in nearby Namtu and Kutkai townships, as TNLA troops attacked regime bases there. The junta bases responded by randomly shelling surrounding villages, the TNLA said.

The junta also used MI 17 helicopters to airlift reinforcements and ammunition to junta bases at Namtu, Kutkai and Muse Town on the Chinese border on Wednesday.

On Monday, the TNLA took complete control of Namkham Town near the border after seizing the last junta strategic base of Sakhan Thit Kone, where 900 troops were stationed, following over a month of attacks. It also seized Namhsan town on December 15 after five days of attacks on military bases and a police station in and nearby the town.

Since launching Operation 1027 on Oct. 27, the Brotherhood Alliance of the TNLA, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Arakan Army (AA) has seized around 300 junta outposts, bases and police stations, as well as eight towns, including vital Myanmar-China trade and border hubs.
Judge Denies Sam Bankman-Frieds Request for Adjournment of Sentencing Hearing

Disclosure: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. By using this website, you agree to our terms and conditions. We may utilise affiliate links within our content, and receive commission.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan has denied a request for adjournment made by Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX.

Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Frieds request for a four-to-six-week adjournment of his sentencing hearing has been denied by Judge Lewis Kaplan. The proposal, made on December 20 through a letter, sought to delay his presentencing interview scheduled for Thursday, December 21, and the sentencing hearing set for March 28, 2024.

Bankman-Fried, found guilty on seven charges in November, is scheduled for sentencing on March 28, facing a maximum sentence of 110 years in prison.

Bankman-Frieds lawyer, Mark Cohen, argued that the defence needed more time to prepare for the presentencing interview. They also aimed to use the extra time to prepare for potential charges dropped from the initial trial, with a second trial scheduled for March 11. The defence also suggested planned disclosures for the presentence investigation report to be January 5, 2024, and February 2, 2024.

However, the government had yet to confirm whether it would proceed with a second trial on the five charges he objected to because they were not part of the original indictment leading to his extradition from the Bahamas.

The charges in the second trial allege that Bankman-Fried gave around $100 million to politicians in an illegal campaign finance scheme. The government initially dropped these charges after the Bahamas didnt extradite Bankman-Fried on the charge.

However, the lawyer argued that the sentencing process should begin once the dropped counts are resolved. If the trial on the severed charges occurs on March 11, 2024, Cohen suggested that combining all relevant conduct in a single sentencing hearing would be fair and efficient.

We submit that Mr Bankman-Fried should not begin the sentencing process on the counts of conviction, including the presentence interview until the severed counts are resolved, Cohen wrote. Doing so could potentially result in a separate PSR and a separate sentencing hearing on conduct that was already part of the governments proof at trial. For fairness and efficiency, the Court should consider the relevant conduct all at once in a single sentencing hearing.

District Judge Lewis Kaplan, overseeing the case in the Southern District of New York, rejected the request, stating that the defence had not objected to the sentencing date when it was initially set. He noted that Bankman-Fried had already had over six weeks to prepare for the presentence interview, which will proceed as scheduled, and he had already received one extension for filing sentencing submissions.

Judge Lewis wrote,

The defendants application, dated December 20, 2023, to adjourn the sentencing date and to postpone the dates for the first and second disclosures of the PSR is denied. The sentencing date was fixed without objection from the defendant. The defendant already has been granted one extension for the filing of sentencing submissions. The defendant already has had over six weeks in which to prepare for the presentence interview, which shall take place tomorrow as scheduled.

However, the judge acknowledged that sentencing could be delayed if the Department of Justice chooses to proceed with a second trial on bank fraud and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act conspiracy charges.

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Found Guilty on Seven Counts of Fraud in Historic Crypto-Related Financial Scandal



On November 7, Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty on all seven counts of fraud for misusing billions in customer funds before FTX collapsed in bankruptcy in November 2022. The charges include two counts of wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of securities fraud, one count of commodities fraud conspiracy, and one count of money laundering conspiracy.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, described Bankman-Frieds crimes as a multibillion-dollar scheme designed to make him the king of crypto and one of the biggest financial frauds in American history.

Other key FTX executives, including former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison, FTX co-founder Gary Wang, and former FTX engineering head Nishad Singh, pleaded guilty to various charges and testified against Bankman-Fried during the trial.

He has been detained at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center since a judge revoked his bail in August after claims that he attempted to tamper with witnesses.

However, Bankman-Fried had pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintained his innocence during the trial, attributing FTXs November 2022 collapse to a number of big mistakes but denying any wrongdoing in the relationship between FTX and Alameda. He attempted to distance himself from key decisions and placed blame on other executives for certain functions and risk management lapses.
Thursday, Dec 21st, 2023 (10:05 am) - Score 880

Rural broadband ISP GoFibre (BorderLink) has announced that theyve completed their first phase of build under the 7.3m state-aid supported Project Gigabit broadband rollout contract for North Northumberland (England), which has seen their network cover more than 1,100 hard-to-reach homes in three areas.

The first three areas include Wooler, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Belford, with the first connections to GoFibre customers being made in the last few weeks. We should add that every one of the 1,100+ premises is Ready for Service (RFS) and the announcement also notes that the contract aims to deliver 3,900 premises by 2025, which is up from the 3,750+ originally announced (here) due to a small misalignment in previously reported numbers.

The project complements the operators existing commercial effort to deploy a Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across 500,000 premises in the North of England and Scottish Borders by around the end of 2025, which is being supported by a huge investment of 164m from Gresham House (here). GoFibre also holds the separate Project Gigabit contract for Teesdale (here).

Neil Conaghan, CEO of GoFibre, said: To have our first group of customers connected to our full fibre broadband network in North Northumberland is tremendously exciting. With the support of the UK Government and Northumberland County Council, our customers in the region will now be able to notice a marked improvement in their ability to perform fundamental online activities for both work and leisure, free of the hassle that older methods of connectivity provided. We appreciate the communitys patience during the ongoing construction and are excited to continue to bring the benefits of full fibre connectivity to even more homes and businesses across North Northumberland.

Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said: Homes and businesses from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Belford can now benefit from faster internet speeds, thanks to the swift rollout of the Governments Project Gigabit. Its vital that people in hard-to-reach areas can access modern digital infrastructure, not only boosting opportunities in their communities, but fuelling wider economic growth. Rural towns and villages like these now have connectivity fit for the future, delivering for local people for generations to come.

Customers of the new service can expect to pay from 36 per month for a 100Mbps package on a 24-month term with an included wireless router, which rises to 69 per month for their top 1000Mbps plan. The latter also comes with a bonus Wi-Fi extender (this can optionally be taken on other plans too for just 5 per month extra).
Shelton, CT  December 21, 2023  As MSP Expo (part of the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, the premier conference and networking summit for MSPs) fast approaches, we are pleased to announce the addition of Cebod Telecom to the already impressive lineup of exhibitors and sponsors.

TMC once again projects total attendance of more than 7,000 business and technology professionals at the MSP Expo #TECHSUPERSHOW.

Cebod Telecom will showcase their innovations and contribute to the dynamic discussions shaping the future of business technology.

Details:

Event Name: MSP Expo part of the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW

Dates: February 13-15, 2024

Location: Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Event Website: https://www.mspexpo.com/east/

Exhibitor Company: Cebod Telecom

Exhibitor Booth Number: #533

Exhibitor Website: www.cebodtelecom.com

Media Opportunities at MSP Expo part of the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW:

Explore innovations and new releases from more than 400 exhibitors.

Conduct interviews with company representatives.

Gain insights into the latest business technology trends, including AI, automation and new contact center technologies.

For Media Inquiries or Press Passes:

Michelle Connolly

Senior Marketing Manager

[email protected]

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Edited by Alex Passett
Putin Green-lights Russian Digital Ruble Tax Law

Disclosure: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. By using this website, you agree to our terms and conditions. We may utilise affiliate links within our content, and receive commission.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a law that will see the digital ruble incorporated into the nations tax code.

Per Telesputnik, the new law sees terms like digital ruble and digital ruble wallet added to the code.

The law also allows bailiffs and other court-appointed individuals to recover CBDC funds from wallets in the event that taxpayers do not have enough [fiat] in their bank accounts.

 The European Union revealed details on their latest package of sanctions against Russia, which includes provisions on crypto, in a newly released Q&A this week.#CryptoNewshttps://t.co/gsSnsdRGma  Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 19, 2023

Furthermore, the law allows tax authorities to suspend transactions on digital ruble wallets.

Tax officials can also ask platform operators to provide documents confirming the fact that funds have been written off from the taxpayers account.

Additionally, the law allows tax officers to transfer confiscated coins to the Russian Treasury.

The legislation is the second major CBD-related law to pass in 2023, as the nation eyes a fast-tracked rollout.

The countrys Ministry of Finance has previously said that all Russians will have the chance to use digital RUB wallets to make payments in 2024.

The Central Bank appears to have contradicted the ministry, however. Bank officials recently stated that a national rollout will not take place before 2025.

Other key clauses included in the new law:

The law outlines the Central Banks obligations as the operator of the digital ruble platform and includes liability procedures should the bank fail to honor these

A set of rules for the taxation of transactions with digital rubles, including VAT exemption for those opening and holding accounts

Rules about the transfer of CBDC funds

Russia Edges Closer to Digital Ruble Rollout



With US and EU sanctions still targeting the Russian economy, Moscow is keen to use its CBDC as a tool in international trade.

Ministers think the coin will play an important role in international trade.

Government spokespeople say the coin will help domestic firms reduce costs and risks in foreign trade.

 Russia Poised to Let Miners Sell Coins Abroad as Exports Russian industrial miners may be given the right to sell crypto assets as export products, the nations finance ministry said.#CryptoNews #Russiahttps://t.co/nsoOutjuTR  Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 14, 2023

Russias Deputy Minister of Finance Alexey Moiseev indicated that Moscow wants to start doing business in its CBDC as soon as possible.

Cross-border CBDC Ambitions



Moiseev made a presentation named The digital ruble as a tool of foreign trade in the EAEU at a customs-related forum this month.

The EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) is a five-member economic bloc of former Soviet states including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.

Belarus and Kazakhstan are also fast-tracking their own CBDC projects. Both have made mention of cross-border trading functions.

Russia has also indicated that it is keen to do CBDC business with China, although Beijing has not yet made clear its own intentions on this matter.

However, Beijing has recently floated the idea of using its digital fiat to do business with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partners and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.

The Central Bank is currently piloting the digital ruble in 11 Russian cities with 13 partner commercial banks.

A group of 16 banks, including the megabank Sber, will join the trial next year.

The finance ministry is hoping to use the coin to pay government subsidies and make welfare payments in 2024.


Leading IoT company provides insight to attendees at Fort Lauderdale, Florida Event



Shelton, CT  December 21, 2023  TMC and Crossfire Media today announced Cradlepoint has signed on as a Gold sponsor for 5G Expo, which is held February 13-15, 2024 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Country Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 5G Expo is an end user focused event that explores the exciting new communications paradigm of 5G. Attendees  including both technology executives and business leaders  will learn about the applications, use cases, and competitive landscape enabled by this new and exciting shift in fixed and mobile communications.

As enterprises strive to be more competitive in an evolving global economy, they are turning to new and innovative technologies that can help transform their businesses, said Cheryl Kasper, Vice President of Sales, Southeast for Cradlepoint. Were attending 5G Expo so we can spend time with channel partners and enterprises, showing them how public and private 5G coupled with modern security and traffic optimization unlock new opportunities for innovative enterprises to grow their business anywhere, with confidence.

Cradlepoint enables the freedom to securely connect people, places, and things that drive more experiences, new ways to work, and better business results  anywhere. The company is a pioneer in advanced 4G and 5G routers and adapters for Wireless WAN  controlled through Cradlepoint NetCloudTM  and offers a range of solutions for security and private cellular networking. Enterprises and public sector agencies rely on Cradlepoint and its Cellular Intelligence to securely connect fixed and temporary sites, vehicles, IoT devices, and remote employees.

Registration for 5G Expo is now open. For the latest 5G Expo news, updates and information follow the event on Twitter at @5GExpo_.

Registration for 5G Expo is now open. For more information, contact Scott Kargman. For media registration, contact Michelle Connolly. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages should contact Dave Rodriguez at 203.852.6800 ext. 146 or Maureen Gambino 203-852-6800 x 109.

For the latest 5G Expo news, updates and information, follow the event on Twitter at @5GExpo_.

About TMC

Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all participants. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360-degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet .

About Crossfire Media

Crossfire Media is an integrated marketing company with a core focus on future trends in technology. We service communities of interest with conferences, tradeshows, webinars and newsletters. Crossfire Media has a partnership with Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) to produce events and websites related to disruptive technologies. Crossfire Media is a division of Crossfire Consulting, a full service Information Technology company based in New York.

Media and Analyst Contact:

Michelle Connolly

Senior Marketing Manager

203.852.6800 ext.170

[email protected]

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Leading Communications and Technology Event Returns to Florida for the 24th Consecutive Year



Shelton, CT  December 21, 2023  TMC today announced that RemoteWinBox (soon to be rebranded to Admiral) has signed on a Silver sponsor for MSP Expo, the #TECHSUPERSHOW, being held February 13-15, 2024 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. MSP Expo is the premier conference and networking summit for MSPs. This is where MSP business owners and technology specialists share strategies to grow their managed services businesses.

Were glad to welcome RemoteWinBox as a Silver sponsor of MSP Expo in 2024, said Rich Tehrani, TMCs CEO. RemoteWinBox is an American company that was founded in 2020 to develop software for MikroTik routers. RemoteWinBox provides control and visibility for fleet management of MikroTiks and has customers around the world. Their experience in network architecture, software development, engineering and full-stack design allowed them to create RemoteWinBox and to continue to provide custom development for MikroTik. They are a must-see at MSP Expo.

"RemoteWinBox is excited to be a sponsor at the MSP Expo event. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, our commitment to empower Managed Service Providers to leverage the powerful MikroTik routers remains steadfast. We look forward to connecting with industry leaders, sharing insights, and exploring new opportunities that will drive the future of managed services." - Marc Perea, CEO of Admiral (RemoteWinBox)

RemoteWinBox/Admiral is a leading solution for MikroTik management, offering a robust platform designed to streamline and enhance the management of MikroTik devices. With a focus on efficiency and accessibility, RemoteWinBox provides MSP professionals and network administrators with powerful tools to configure, monitor and troubleshoot MikroTik routers and devices remotely. Our user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it easier than ever to manage MikroTik networks, ensuring optimal performance and security while reducing operational complexities. Trusted by MikroTik enthusiasts and network experts worldwide, RemoteWinBox is the go-to choice for efficient, reliable, and secure MikroTik management.

For more information or to register for MSP Expo, contact [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact Michelle Connolly. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for ITEXPO or MSP Expo should contact TMC's Joe Fabiano at 203-852-6800 x132 or Maureen Gambino at 203-852-6800 x109.

For the latest MSP Expo news, updates and information follow the event on X at @MSPExpo.

About TMC

Through our news and solutions-focused editorial platforms, live events, webinars, and online advertising, TMC provides global buyers with valuable insights for making informed technology purchase decisions and successfully navigating markets.

In turn, leading technology vendors rely on TMC, TMCnet and our family of sites and events for exceptional branding, thought leadership, and lead generation opportunities.

Our live events, including the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, offer unparalleled visibility and sales prospects for all participants. With our customized lead generation programs, including a turnkey webinar program, we consistently deliver a steady stream of leads that translate into sales opportunities and database growth.

In addition, display advertising on respected news sites and newsletters generates millions of impressions, bolstering brand reputations.

TMC offers a comprehensive 360-degree marketing solution, with services such as event and road show management, as well as expertly crafted content creation including blogs, press releases, articles, and marketing collateral. These efforts contribute to SEO, branding, and overall marketing success.

To discover more about how TMC can assist you in achieving your marketing goals through our events and online advertising, please visit www.tmcnet.com. Stay connected with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X by following @tmcnet.

Media and Analyst Contact:

Michelle Connolly

Senior Marketing Manager

TMC

203-852-6800 x 170

[email protected]

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Leading Communications and Technology Event Returns to Florida for the 24th Consecutive Year



Shelton, CT  December 21, 2023  TMC today announced that Compliology has signed on a Silver sponsor for MSP Expo, the #TECHSUPERSHOW, being held February 13-15, 2024 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. MSP Expo is the premier conference and networking summit for MSPs. This is where MSP business owners and technology specialists share strategies to grow their managed services businesses.

Were glad to welcome Compliology as a Silver sponsor of MSP Expo in 2024, said Rich Tehrani, TMCs CEO. Compliology does more than help with compliance. They strive to go beyond with cybersecurity awareness training and simulated phishing attacks, based on real-world events. They are a must-see at MSP Expo.

We're excited to showcase Compliology at the MSP Expo in Fort Lauderdale," said, Geoffrey Wisman, National Sales Director, Compliology. "Our blend of IT expertise and compliance experience has uniquely shaped this product, designed to boost efficiency and compliance for businesses both domestically and internationally. We're particularly enthusiastic about partnering with MSPs, offering them a new tool to enhance their clients' security and compliance, while also introducing an additional revenue opportunity. This event is a great platform for us to connect with industry leaders and share our innovative approach."

Compliology, a flagship product of Summit Solutions, was born out of a profound journey in the F&I sector, specializing in the Auto and RV Industries. Its founder, Doug Wisman, brings a 40-year legacy to the table, with the last 15 years focused on F&I outsourcing within the RV industry. This extensive background set the stage for recognizing the need for an advanced Dealer Management System (DMS) to boost operational efficiency.

This path hasn't been without challenges. A critical cyberattack, due to an oversight by a former developer, transformed from a minor threat into a significant financial and operational crisis. This experience was a pivotal moment, leading us to reevaluate and strengthen this approach to cybersecurity and compliance.

At the heart of Compliology are industry veterans and IT experts, creating a unique synergy of experience and innovation. Spearheading technical division is Jesse Tuttle, a reformed hacker with a history of consulting for the FBI and the Department of Defense, bringing invaluable 'gray hat' hacking insights. Complementing his experience is his daughter, Reese Tuttle, a young prodigy whose academic achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Before graduating high school, Reese earned four associate degrees and a bachelor's degree. Currently, she is working on her second bachelors degree and has already been accepted into Harvard's Masters Degree program for the Fall Semester of 2024.

The company's firsthand experience with cyber threats, combined with the unique expertise of its team members like Jesse and Reese, gives us an unparalleled perspective in developing data security and compliance solutions. Compliology isn't just a product; it's the culmination of real-world challenges and state-of-the-art technology, dedicated to equipping businesses with robust, cutting-edge security and compliance tools. With Compliology, Summit Solutions stands at the forefront of protecting businesses against the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats and ensuring they remain compliant in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

For more information or to register for MSP Expo, contact [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact Michelle Connolly. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for ITEXPO or MSP Expo should contact TMC's Joe Fabiano at 203-852-6800 x132 or Maureen Gambino at 203-852-6800 x109.

For the latest MSP Expo news, updates and information follow the event on Twitter at @MSPExpo.

About TMC

Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all participants. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360-degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet.

Media and Analyst Contact:

Michelle Connolly

Senior Marketing Manager

TMC

203-852-6800 x 170

[email protected]

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A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
The timing of drainage repairs to Ridge Road in Mount Holly Springs hinges on a commitment letter from a state agency and the signatures of seven landowners, including Cumberland County.

Earlier this month, Borough Manager Tom Day briefed the borough council on the progress of acquiring the right-of-way for the stretch of road that starts at Lakeside Drive and climbs up South Mountain to where the borough line crosses the summit.

The borough needs the right-of-way to fix the road base and drainage system to correct conditions that lead to localized flooding and the potential for a delay in the emergency response time should there be a mountain fire, Day said.

While the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources owns the right-of-way to maintain the road, it does not own the land over which the road is constructed, said Jason Hall, the forest field operations manager who supervises the nearby Michaux State Forest.

A portion of Ridge Road in the borough goes through the Marsh Preserve, which is owned by the county. As the road climbs and levels off, it passes through or along property owned by Terry Rickert, Carol Wilcox, Mike King, Marcia Heckert, Frederick Kraft and Anita and Jay Raines, according to the county online property mapper.

The borough is close to securing the paperwork it needs to get clearances from each property owner so that the right-of-way could be transferred from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to Mount Holly Springs, Day said.

If we dont get signatures from everybody, then we cant get the right-of-way and we cant fix the road, Day said. Im hoping we dont run into any roadblocks.

DCNR has pledged a quarter of a million dollars to take care of the road, he said. But we want a commitment letter from them because, when the time comes to collect, they could easily say we allocated the funds someplace else. We want a letter before we engage in taking over the right-of-way.

Deterioration and issues

Years ago, the department stopped maintaining the stretch and, as a result, Ridge Road has deteriorated to the point where runoff from heavy rain flows down the slope and floods parts of the borough, especially Hill Street, Mooreland Avenue and West Pine Street, Day said.

We had a small pond form, he said. It was 10 feet deep at Trine Park. We had a safety concern. A kid could drown. We ended up filling that in and redirecting the water.

Beyond the run-off, the borough has another concern.

With the road being impassable, a brush truck is the only thing that can make it up there, said Day, who also is the borough police chief. If we have a mountain fire, its going to be almost impossible to fight it without having access. I know the emergency services have all changed how they handle getting up there.

Dickinson Township Manager Larry Barrick Jr. said theres no way that local fire companies could move larger apparatus up that stretch of Ridge Road. They would have to take the long way, Barrick said. They would have to take Cold Springs Road.

A better surface, Cold Springs intersects with Ridge Road about four miles west of the borough. Day is concerned about the extra time that would be needed to take that alternate route.

DCNR

During a phone interview, Hall confirmed that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources no longer maintains that stretch of Ridge Road.

When this road was put in, times were different, he said. Reality wise, the road is poorly placed. Its not conducive to being sustainable with respect to slope and topography. Hence, its a difficult challenge to maintain. This road isnt needed by our agency to the lands we maintain and manage. That stretch is not in a state forest it all. It primarily crosses private and county lands.

As for the threat of a mountain fire, Hall said the department has heard Days concerns.

We are comfortable there are adequate means to access the mountain should such a situation arise, Hall said. Our agency has been dealing with wildfires for 100 years. There have been locations even worse to try to get into, that are far more remote. We understand what he [Day] is saying, but, in reality, we dont feel that is a significant concern.

Hall said he was not an engineer and was not at liberty to form an opinion on whether the condition of the road is contributing to flooding. If the road was not there, there would still be a natural wooded slope, he said. The problem is it [the road] was so poorly and quickly located, it actually needs to be abandoned and removed, but thats not a viable option per the concerns of the borough.

We have the right-of-way, Hall said. We could have just abandoned and gated the road, but we didnt want to take that drastic approach. We wanted to work with the borough. If we up and abandon the right-of-way, the ownership goes back to the landowners and it would be even more challenging for the borough to acquire its own right-of-way.

Funding for repairs

The department and the county conservation district each receive an annual allocation of funds to maintain dirt and gravel roads in more rural, less developed areas. The county department can distribute a portion of its money in the form of grants to municipalities.

Talks have been going on for years over what to do about the problem stretch of Ridge Road, said Carl Goshorn, conservation district director. It really took shape last spring when Mount Holly applied for funding from us. They were deemed ineligible because they didnt have a right-of-way to move forward. That really stirred up discussions with DCNR over what we can do.

The district got involved because sedimentation from run-off was polluting Mountain Creek, Goshorn said. One solution was a design to install cross pipes, culverts and other structures to draw off and control the flow of storm water drainage, he said.

Once you get the water off the road, you can put down a good base, he said. Roll it, get it tight, and then put a surface aggregate on the top. Then you have a good surface for vehicles.

Because the current stretch lacks culverts and cross pipes, the water tends to concentrate in a few areas leading to erosion, Goshorn said. We do have about $100,000 that we can contribute to the borough to start to fix the issue. We are waiting for the DCNR right-of-way to be transferred over to Mount Holly. That takes some time. Hopefully, that can be resolved in the next month or two.

Sometime in January, a representative from the Penn State Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies will visit the area to provide an updated design and cost estimate for the work to improve the drainage and road base. The borough, meanwhile, can reapply for a $100,000 grant that could be combined with money earmarked by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

We want to address the worst section of road, Hall said. For any road to have any possibility of long-term sustainability, it needs to have a good base. Our agency is prepared to put aside $250,000 to help improve the road base and drainage. We recognize that our money and the [county] Dirt and Gravel money may not be enough to do the project 100%, but we feel we can get the bulk of the prep and base work addressed.

As for sedimentation going into Mountain Creek, Hall said that would be issue even with the best drainage system. About the only way youre not going to have sedimentation is if that road was not there. Thats the unfortunate truth.
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Angelo Jewelry: Sentiment in Place, landscapes by V-Anne Evans, can be seen through Tuesday. (434) 971-9256.

Art Guild of Greene: More than 50 paintings and drawings by The Four Ferrante Sisters (Dianne, Inez, Noreen and Toni [Tucker]) are at Stanardsville Station through Dec. 29. The venue is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. most Fridays and Saturdays. artguildgreene.org.

The Arts Center in Orange: The final glaze firing of the year will take place early Friday morning. Glazed ceramic pieces will be cool and ready for pickup Saturday afternoon. The center will reopen Jan. 3, 2024. Form + Vision, featuring works created by the Art and Art History faculty at the University of Mary Washington, remains on view through Jan. 27, 2024. artscenterinorange.com. (540) 672-7311.

The Barn Swallow: Gallery will be open every day in December except Mondays. Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Other times available by appointment. 796 Gillums Ridge Road in Charlottesville. thebarnswallow.com.

Botanical Fare Restaurant: Works by Judith Ely will be on display in December. Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. botanicalfare.com. (434) 217-4496.

Cville Arts Cooperative Gallery: Making Spirits Bright, a group show by members, continues throughout December. 118 E. Main St. (434) 972-9500.

Carver 4-County Museum is making Being a Citizen, its new traveling exhibit, available during the 75th-anniversary year of George Washington Carver Regional High School, Carver Forever: A Diamond Jubilee. carver4cm@gmail.com. carver4cm.org.

The Center at Belvedere: Near and Far: Oil Paintings from Virginia, Maine and Tennessee by Randy Baskerville will be on view from Jan. 2 to Feb. 29, 2024. A reception is planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4. https://thecentercville.org/.

Chroma Projects: Edie (Edith) Reads Wing in the Great Hall South of Vault Virginia and Sara Clark: Ornatus Mundi in the Great Front Hall of Vault Virginia remain on view through December. Aggie Zed: Congregation can be seen through Friday on the main floor of Vault Virginia. Third Street Southeast, just off the Downtown Mall. artlab@chroma projects.com. chromaprojects.com.

Crozet Artisan Depot: crozetartisandepot.com.

Cuppa Joe Coffee: Paintings and etchings by Tom Tartaglino on display at 90 Joshua Lane in Palmyra. Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (434) 906-4172.

The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia: Processing Abstraction, NDakinna Landscapes Acknowledged and Look Three Ways: Maya Painted Pottery can be seen through Dec. 31. Look for an upcoming artist talk by Cara Romero at a later date. Madayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Paintings from Yirrkala, one of the most significant touring exhibitions of Aboriginal Australian art ever stages, will be on display from Feb. 3 to July 14, 2024. uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu.

The Gallery at Studio Ix and The Charlottesville Black Arts Collective: Gallery of the Year: A Collection of Eight Quilts by Amanda Wagstaff will be on view through Dec. 31. An Artist Talk is set for 5 p.m. Thursday. Gallery hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. studioix.co. (434) 242-0905.

Grace Estate Winery: 5273 Mount Juliet Farm in Crozet. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. graceestatewinery@gmail.com.

The Guild Gallery: 300 E. Main St. (434) 227-1333.

Harrison Institute and Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia: Their World As Big As They Made It: Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance, featuring works of writers, artists and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance, through June 8, 2024, at 170 McCormick Road. library@virginia.edu. (434) 924-3021.

Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection: Performing Country, which explores the ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists explore the complex idea of Country, on exhibition through March 3, 2024. Free tours are offered by volunteer guides at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. 400 Worrell Drive. (434) 243-8500.

The Looking Glass: Open Saturdays and Sundays. Ix Art Park Foundation has opened a major expansion of its immersive art museum featuring works by new and returning artists. ixartpark.org.

Louisa Arts Center: Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at 212 Fredericksburg Ave. in Louisa. louisaarts.org. (540) 967-2200.

Loving Cup Vineyard and Winery: Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. (434) 984-0774.

McGuffey Art Center: Members Holiday Show and Shop continues through Dec. 31 in the Smith Gallery. Members Annual Holiday Show is in the First- and Second-Floor Hallway Galleries (cash and carry). mcguffeyartcenter.com.

Museum of Culpeper History: The Culpeper Minute Men Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a new exhibit recognizing 100 years of DAR activity in Culpeper County, will run through July 2024. www.culppermuseum.com or (540) 829-1749.

Northside Library: Works by BozART members Judith Ely, Katharine Eisaman Maus and Shirley Paul can be seen in the main hallway through Dec. 30. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Phaeton Gallery: 114 Old Preston Ave. phaetongallery.org.

Piedmont Virginia Community College: pvcc.edu/performingarts. (434) 961-5362.

Possums Store Art and Artisan Gallery: 914 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike in Criglersville. www.firnewfarmartistscircle.com. (540) 718-0370.

Pour la maison: pourlamaisoncville.com. (434) 284-8706.

Quirk Gallery Charlottesville: game of telephone by Michael Reisor is on display through Jan. 22, 2024. (434) 365-3774.

Random Row Brewery: Juliette Swensons newest watercolors can be seen in December. Hours: 4:30 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 4:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Revalation Vineyards: 2710 Hebron Valley Road in Madison. (540) 407-1236.

Rockfish Valley Community Center: Strangely Human: Student-Directed, AI-Generated Art by Nelson County High School art students can be seen through December. Look for works by Jaidyn Smith, Abbey Hobbs, Amari Tinsley, Amelia Lannen, Audrey Watts, Danica McGeehan, MaryJo Allen, Nathan Oneida, Eli Dixon, Emma Craig and Kat Critzer. (434) 361-0100.

Nan Rothwell Studio: 700 Wilder Drive. (434) 263-4023.

Scottsville Museum: Museum is closed for the winter season and will reopen in April for regular weekend hours. To research local history, go to scottsvillemuseum.com. To schedule special tours, email info@scottsvillemuseum.com or call (434) 286-2247. 90 E. Main St. scottsvillemuseum.com. (434) 286-2247.

Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital: 500 Martha Jefferson Drive.

Shenandoah Valley Art Center: Winter Market continues through Jan. 13, 2024, with ornaments, dinnerware sets, vases, jewelry and more by Make Waynesboro members. The Stroke of a Brush by Beryl Jazvic will run from Jan. 7 to 20, 2024. www.svacart.org.

Sweet Art Emporium: New work by jewelry artist Erika Mitchell and sculptor Cheryl Falkenburry among works by more than 70 artists on view. Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. 264 Turkeysag Trail, Unit E, in Palmyra. www.sweetartemporium.com. (434) 882-2087.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville: Members art will be presented in Season of Light during December. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. (434) 293-8179.

University of Virginia Hospital: Nature Big and Small, photography by Seth Silverstein and Bill Shaw, can be seen in the Main Hospital Lobby through Jan. 3, 2024.

Welcome Gallery: repair is the dream of the broken thing, an installation by Matt Shelton, remains on view through Dec. 28. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. newcityarts.org. (434) 202-5277.

Woodberry Forest School: Two: Lincoln Perry and Frank Hobbes is on display through Dec. 29. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. www.woodberry.org/arts/baker-gallery.

Les Yeux du Monde: Gallery will be closed during January for renovations. LYDMGallery@gmail.com. LYDM.co. (434) 882-2622.

Editors Note: Exhibits shares information about exhibitions presented on display or online in Charlottesville and Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Orange counties. Items must be received by noon Friday for the next weeks issue. Include the opening and closing dates of your exhibit and a telephone number the public may call with questions. Send your information to jsathe@dailyprogress.com.

DAILY PROGRESS STAFF
Highly pathogenic avian influenza was seen for the first time in Benton and Clatsop counties.

The affected flocks included around 75 birds, including chickens, ducks and geese, according to a news release from the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

A Place to Sleep, episode 10: Wrapping up We check back with some of the people we've met along our travels and we catch up with politicos who are trying to come up with solutions.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic bird flu in both counties, the news release states.

All of the affected birds are dead and did not enter the food system, according to the release, which states there is no immediate public health concern due to the avian influenza virus detection.

Avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat, the release states. As always, both wild and domestic poultry should be adequately prepared and cooked.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus strains are extremely infectious, often fatal to chickens, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock, according to the release. The Oregon Department of Agriculture advises flock owners to be vigilant with biosecurity measures and surveillance including keeping birds enclosed without access to wild birds or other domestic flocks.

Biosecurity measures can include:

Wash your hands before and after handling your flock.

Cleaning vehicles tools or equipment.

Limiting unnecessary visitors.

Sanitizing shoes in clean foot baths.

Changing clothes upon contact with birds and more.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today.

In November, commercial and backyard poultry operations in Linn and Marion counties euthanized around 790,000 birds after an outbreak of bird flu.

For more tips on protecting your backyard flock, please visit the ODA online at https://bit.ly/3vgslKC or en Espanol at https://bit.ly/48s662J.

Death or illness among domestic birds should be immediately reported to ODA. Please report by calling 503-986-4711 or 1-800-347-7028.

For wild birds, the public is asked to contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Do not collect or handle the birds but report the incident directly to ODFW at 866-968-2600 or Wildlife.Health@odfw.oregon.gov.
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( Michigan Advance )  As a symbolic gesture and demonstration of solidarity with the people in Gaza, Hamtramcks all-Muslim City Council has decided to rename a stretch of Holbrook Street to Palestine Avenue, between Buffalo Street and Saint Aubin Street.

A resolution posted online before the council meeting on Dec. 12 says that Mayor Amer Ghalib and Hamtramcks City Council acknowledge the profound impact of the recent and ongoing events in Gaza resulting in the loss of almost 20,000 people since October 7, 2023, comprising mostly of completely innocent women and children, referring to Israels military campaign there.

The renaming will not have any impact on official postal addresses or other legal designations and is solely a show of solidarity, remembrance, and compassion for the lives lost in Gaza.

Council members approved the resolution 4-3, according to Michigan Radio.

One council member who voted no said he was against the resolution because of Hamtramcks controversial neutrality flag resolution, which banned LGBTQ+ pride flags from being flown on city property. The policy also prohibits the display of religious, ethnic, racial, and political flags and states that the city wont provide special treatment to any group, though critics say the resolution, which was voted on unanimously, was mainly rooted in homophobia.

Click on Detroit | Local 4 | Hamtramck to rename part of Holbrook in gesture of solidarity amid Gaza war 

Its not anything against Palestinians. I just want to stand on the same point when we decided no other flag would fly, council member Muhith Mahmood said. While Hamtramcks resolution allows the flying of nations flags that represent the international character of our City, Palestine is not recognized as a state by the U.S.

Others expressed the same concern, including a Reddit post that asked: Is this casual political gesture any different than the gay pride flag?

The new resolution was almost removed from the council meetings agenda due to a vote by four members, according to an article by the Detroit Free Press. However, it was brought back following complaints from the public as well as Ghalib, who didnt want to disappoint residents.

There is no timeline yet for when the new name will be implemented, but signs to mark Palestine Avenue are reportedly currently being made, Metro Times reports.

This story first ran in the Detroit Metro Times. Follow them: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
(all dollar amounts in USD)

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 21, 2023 /CNW/ - Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding share purchase agreement (the "SPA") with subsidiaries of Gold Fields Limited ("Gold Fields") to acquire Gold Fields' 45% interest in the Asanko Gold Mine (the "AGM") (the "Acquisition"). Upon completion of the Acquisition, Galiano will establish itself as a growing gold producer with robust financial strength, owning and operating one of the largest gold mines in West Africa.

Under the terms of the SPA, Gold Fields will receive $20 million satisfied by the issuance of common shares of Galiano ("Galiano Shares"), future cash consideration of up to $85 million and a capped 1% net smelter return royalty on 447,000 ounces of gold production from the Nkran deposit. Upon closing of the Acquisition, Gold Fields will also receive $65 million in cash, equivalent to its effective interest in the cash balance of the joint venture (the "JV").

Key Transaction Highlights

Creates a Unique High-Growth Gold Producer : Fully funded organic growth at the AGM, with expected average annual gold production of approximately 240,000 ounces from 2024 through 2030.

: Fully funded organic growth at the AGM, with expected average annual gold production of approximately 240,000 ounces from 2024 through 2030. Consolidation of the AGM creates relevant scale : Immediately doubles Galiano's attributable gold production, cash flow and Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources.

: Immediately doubles Galiano's attributable gold production, cash flow and Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources. Attractive Transaction Structure : Existing JV cash provides majority of upfront consideration, with limited equity dilution. More than 50% of total consideration is deferred and paid following an expected period of elevated cash flows.

: Existing JV cash provides majority of upfront consideration, with limited equity dilution. More than 50% of total consideration is deferred and paid following an expected period of elevated cash flows. Highly Accretive to Key Metrics : Attractive acquisition multiples coupled with significant accretion to the Galiano shareholders on all financial and operating metrics.

: Attractive acquisition multiples coupled with significant accretion to the Galiano shareholders on all financial and operating metrics. Robust Financial Position : Continued balance sheet strength with pro forma consolidated cash of approximately $130M (based on September 30, 2023 , unaudited) and no debt.

: Continued balance sheet strength with pro forma consolidated cash of approximately (based on , unaudited) and no debt. Compelling Value Proposition : Significant catalyst for potential re-rating and enhanced leverage to gold.

: Significant catalyst for potential re-rating and enhanced leverage to gold. Focused Vision at the AGM: Elimination of JV structure will streamline operational and financial decision making.

Matt Badylak, President and CEO, stated, "This transaction marks a significant value adding event for the shareholders of Galiano, transforming the Company into a relevant, emerging mid-tier gold producer by consolidating one of the largest gold producing mines in West Africa. Upon closing of the Acquisition, Galiano immediately doubles attributable gold production and will further increase this to an expected average of 240,000 ounces per year over the life of mine. The transaction structure results in a strongly accretive acquisition and galvanizes a significant rerate opportunity for our shareholders. This includes Gold Fields, who continue to be a supportive shareholder through an increased share ownership In Galiano."

Asanko Gold Mine Highlights

Pro forma Ownership Galiano 90% / Government of Ghana 10% LOM Average Annual Gold Production Approximately 240,000 ounces LOM Average AISC2 $1,063 per ounce Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves 2.1 million ounces of gold Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources 3.5 million ounces of gold (inclusive of reserves) Inferred Resources 1.1 million ounces of gold Post-tax NPV (5%) at US$1,700/oz $343M Post-tax NPV (5%) at US$2,000/oz $630M

1Refer to Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report and Feasibility Study for Asanko Gold Mine, Ghana" with an effective date of December 31, 2022. Note: Life-of-mine average values based on 2024 to 2030 onwards 2See Non-IFRS Performance Measures

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the SPA, Gold Fields will receive $20 million satisfied by the issuance of Galiano Shares, resulting in Gold Fields owning 19.9% of Galiano's issued and outstanding shares, and retain $65 million in cash, equivalent to its effective interest in the cash balance at the JV.

Gold Fields will also receive total future consideration of up to $85 million, comprised of (i) $25 million on or before December 31, 2025 (the "First Deferred Consideration"), (ii) $30 million on or before December 31, 2026 (the "Second Deferred Consideration"), and (iii) $30 million upon the production of 100,000 ounces of gold from the Nkran deposit (the "Contingent Consideration"). Galiano has the right to satisfy up to 20% of each of the First Deferred Consideration and Second Deferred Consideration with Galiano common shares, subject to Gold Fields not owning more than 19.9% of Galiano's issued and outstanding shares.

Gold Fields will also receive a 1% net smelter returns royalty on production from the Nkran deposit beginning upon 100,000 ounces being produced (on a 100% basis) (the "Royalty"). The Royalty will be capped and subject to a maximum of 447,000 ounces of production (on a 100% basis). Galiano has a right of first refusal on any full or partial disposition of the Royalty by Gold Fields.

Upon closing of the Acquisition, Gold Fields will enter into an amended investor rights agreement with Galiano, which includes a 12-month standstill period and other customary rights, including a pre-emptive right for Gold Fields to maintain its ownership interest as at closing of the Acquisition.

The Acquisition is not subject to shareholder votes, but is subject to various conditions, including receipt of all required regulatory approvals, which includes the approval of the TSX and NYSE American stock exchanges, and the receipt of a No Objection Letter from the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources of Ghana.

The Acquisition is expected to close in Q1 2024.

Advisors

Edgehill Advisory Ltd. acted as financial advisor in connection with the Acquisition and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP acted as legal advisor.

Conference Call

Galiano will be holding a conference call and webcast on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 7:00am PST (10:00am EST).

To participate in the conference call, please dial the following:

Toll Free Canada & USA: 1-888-390-0546

Outside of Canada & USA: 416-764-8688

Webcast: https://app.webinar.net/w8X9M6PA3W5

Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the conference.

Click on WEBCAST on the Galiano homepage as a simultaneous audio webcast of the conference call at www.galianogold.com.

The conference call will be recorded and you can listen to an archive of the conference by calling:

Toll Free Canada & USA: 1-888-390-0541

Outside of Canada & USA: 416-764-8677

Access Code: 481064#

An archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at www.galianogold.com.

Non-IFRS Performance Measures

The Company has included certain non-IFRS performance measures in this news release. These non-IFRS performance measures do not have any standardized meaning and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Accordingly, these performance measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Total Cash Costs per Gold Ounce

Management of the Company uses total cash costs per gold ounce sold to monitor the operating performance of the JV . Total cash costs include the cost of production, adjusted for share-based compensation expense, by-product revenue and production royalties per ounce of gold sold.

All-in Sustaining Costs per Gold Ounce

The Company has adopted the reporting of "all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce" ("AISC ") as per the World Gold Council's guidance. AISC include total cash costs, corporate overhead expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, sustaining capitalized stripping costs, reclamation cost accretion and lease payments made to and interest expense on the AGM's mining and service lease agreements per ounce of gold sold.

Qualified Person

Richard Miller, P.Eng., Vice President Technical Services with Galiano., is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About Galiano Gold Inc.

Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of value creation for all stakeholders through production, exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The Company operates and manages the Asanko Gold Mine, which is located in Ghana, West Africa, and jointly owned with Gold Fields. Galiano is committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and the health and safety of its employees and neighbouring communities. For more information, please visit www.galianogold.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which we refer to collectively as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: statements with respect to the completion and timing of the Acquisition, the benefits of the Acquisition to the Company and its shareholders, the merits of the AGM, the operating plans for the AGM; opportunities for growth at the corporate level; commitment to health and safety; anticipated production and cost guidance and related matters. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions requested to close the Acquisition, receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals in connection with the Acquisition, the ability of the Company to meet the expected timing for closing the Acquisition; development plans and capital expenditures; the price of gold will not decline significantly or for a protracted period of time; the accuracy of the estimates and assumptions underlying mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; the Company's ability to raise sufficient funds from future equity financings to support its operations, and general business and economic conditions; the global financial markets and general economic conditions will be stable and prosperous in the future; the ability of the JV and the Company to comply with applicable governmental regulations and standards; the mining laws, tax laws and other laws in Ghana applicable to the AGM and the JV will not change, and there will be no imposition of additional exchange controls in Ghana; the success of the JV and the Company in implementing its development strategies and achieving its business objectives; the JV will have sufficient working capital necessary to sustain its operations on an ongoing basis and the Company will continue to have sufficient working capital to fund its operations and contributions to the JV; and the key personnel of the Company and the JV will continue their employment.

The foregoing list of assumptions cannot be considered exhaustive.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, include, but are not limited to: risks related to the Company's ability to close the Acquisition, risks related to the expected benefits of the Acquisition; the mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates may change and may prove to be inaccurate; metallurgical recoveries may not be economically viable; LOM estimates are based on a number of factors and assumptions and may prove to be incorrect; actual production, costs, returns and other economic and financial performance may vary from the Company's estimates in response to a variety of factors, many of which are not within the Company's control; inflationary pressures and the effects thereof; the AGM has a limited operating history and is subject to risks associated with establishing new mining operations; sustained increases in costs, or decreases in the availability, of commodities consumed or otherwise used by the Company may adversely affect the Company; adverse geotechnical and geological conditions (including geotechnical failures) may result in operating delays and lower throughput or recovery, closures or damage to mine infrastructure; the ability of the Company to treat the number of tonnes planned, recover valuable materials, remove deleterious materials and process ore, concentrate and tailings as planned is dependent on a number of factors and assumptions which may not be present or occur as expected; the JV's mineral properties may experience a loss of ore due to illegal mining activities; the Company's operations may encounter delays in or losses of production due to equipment delays or the availability of equipment; outbreaks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases may have a negative impact on global financial conditions, demand for commodities and supply chains and could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and the market price of the common shares of the Company; the Company's operations are subject to continuously evolving legislation, compliance with which may be difficult, uneconomic or require significant expenditures; the Company may be unsuccessful in attracting and retaining key personnel; labour disruptions could adversely affect the Company's operations; recoveries may be lower in the future and have a negative impact on the Company's financial results; the lower recoveries may persist and be detrimental to the AGM and the Company; the Company's business is subject to risks associated with operating in a foreign country; risks related to the Company's use of contractors; the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold; the Company's operations are subject to environmental hazards and compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations; the effects of climate change or extreme weather events may cause prolonged disruption to the delivery of essential commodities which could negatively affect production efficiency; the Company's operations and workforce are exposed to health and safety risks; unexpected costs and delays related to, or the failure of the Company to obtain, necessary permits could impede the Company's operations; the Company's title to exploration, development and mining interests can be uncertain and may be contested; geotechnical risks associated with the design and operation of a mine and related civil structures; the Company's properties may be subject to claims by various community stakeholders; risks related to limited access to infrastructure and water; risks associated with establishing new mining operations; the Company's revenues are dependent on the market prices for gold, which have experienced significant recent fluctuations; the Company may not be able to secure additional financing when needed or on acceptable terms; the Company's shareholders may be subject to future dilution; risks related to the control of AGM cashflows and operation through a joint venture; risks related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; risks relating to credit rating downgrades; changes to taxation laws applicable to the Company may affect the Company's profitability and ability to repatriate funds; risks related to the Company's internal controls over financial reporting and compliance with applicable accounting regulations and securities laws; risks related to information systems security threats; non-compliance with public disclosure obligations could have an adverse effect on the Company's stock price; the carrying value of the Company's assets may change and these assets may be subject to impairment charges; risks associated with changes in reporting standards; the Company's primary asset is held through a joint venture, which exposes the Company to risks inherent to joint ventures, including disagreements with joint venture partners and similar risks; the Company may be liable for uninsured or partially insured losses; the Company may be subject to litigation; damage to the Company's reputation could result in decreased investor confidence and increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations which may have adverse effects on the business, results of operations and financial conditions of the joint venture and the Company and the Company's share price; the Company may be unsuccessful in identifying targets for acquisition or completing suitable corporate transactions, and any such transactions may not be beneficial to the Company or its shareholders; the Company must compete with other mining companies and individuals for mining interests; the Company's growth, future profitability and ability to obtain financing may be impacted by global financial conditions; the Company's common shares may experience price and trading volume volatility; the Company has never paid dividends and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future; the Company's shareholders may be unable to sell significant quantities of the Company's common shares into the public trading markets without a significant reduction in the price of its common shares, or at all; and the risk factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in, this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, Dec. 21, 2023 /CNW/ - Comet Lithium Corporation (TSXV: CLIC) ) (FSE: 8QY) ("Comet Lithium" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has held a second and final closing of a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") in which it issued 1,048,000 common shares (the "Shares") at a price of $0.50 per Share, and 76,461 "flow-through" common shares (the "Flow-Through Shares") at a price of $0.85 per Flow-Through Share, for aggregate gross proceeds to Comet Lithium of $588,991.85.

Comet Lithium will use the net proceeds from the sales of the Shares for general and administrative purposes and for exploring the Corporation's mining properties and will use the net proceeds from the sales of the Flow-Through Shares for exploring the Corporation's mining properties the located in the provinces of Quebec, with a focus on its 100%-owned Liberty and Troilus lithium properties.

"The completion of this financing marks another great milestone for Comet Lithium as we are now well positioned to move our 2024 exploration plans forward. We look forward to receiving the results from our gravity survey, as we move towards the drilling phase at our Liberty Property", commented Vincent Metcalfe, Executive Chairman.

As previously announced, following a first closing of the private placement held on December 18, 2023, Comet Lithium issued 1,673,000 Shares as well as 1,356,836 Flow-Through Shares for aggregate gross proceeds to Comet Lithium of $1,989,810.60. As a result of the second closing, Comet Lithium issued a total of 2,721,000 Shares and 1,433,297 Flow-Through Shares in the Private Placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,578,802.45 from the Private Placement of the Shares and Flow-Through Shares.

As a result of the second and final closing, there are 24,728,990 common shares of Comet Lithium issued and outstanding. Under applicable securities legislation and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the securities issued at the second closing are subject to a four-month hold period expiring on April 21, 2024.

In connection with the second and final closing of the Private Placement, Comet Lithium paid a cash commission to Argonaut Securities PTY Limited in an amount of $6,930, which represents 7% of the gross proceeds raised through such securities dealer.

Related Party Transactions

Two officers, one of which is also a director of the Comet Lithium, and one director of Comet Lithium (collectively, the "Insiders") purchased indirectly, an aggregate of 150,000 Shares for a total consideration of $75,000, as follows: (i) Vincent Metcalfe, the Executive Chair of the Board of the Director of the Corporation, purchased 100,000 Shares at a price of $0.50 per Share (representing approximately 0.40% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Corporation following the closing of the Private Placement); (ii) Vincent Cardin-Tremblay, the Vice President, Exploration of the Corporation, purchased 20,000 Shares at a price $0.50 per Share (representing approximately 0.08% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Corporation following the closing of the Private Placement); and (iii) Sebastien Bellefleur, a director of the Corporation, purchased 30,000 Shares at a price $0.50 per Share (representing approximately 0.12% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Corporation following the closing of the Private Placement).

Immediately after the closing of the Private Placement, (i) Mr. Metcalfe owned, directly and indirectly, 183,000 common shares of the Corporation; (ii) Mr. Cardin-Tremblay owned, directly and indirectly, 32,500 common shares of the Corporation; and (iii) Mr. Bellefleur owned, directly 30,000 common shares of the Corporation, 66,425 stock options and 25,000 deferred share units of the Corporation. Messrs. Metcalfe and Cardin-Tremblay are two of the three officers and directors of Nomad Resource Partners Inc. ("Nomad Resource Partners"), a company that owns 1,850,000 common shares of the Corporation. The ultimate control of Nomad Resource Partners is shared equally among Vincent Metcalfe, Vincent Cardin-Tremblay and Joseph de la Plante through their respective family trusts. No individual director of Resource Partners exercises control or direction over the common shares of Comet Lithium.

Each of the Insiders is considered a "related party" and an "insider" of the Corporation for the purposes of applicable securities laws and stock exchange rules. The subscription and issuance of Shares to each of the Insiders constitute a related party transaction, but is exempt from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as the Corporation's securities are not listed on any stock exchange identified in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and neither the fair market value of the Shares issued to each of the Insiders, nor the fair market value of the subscription of each Insider under the Private Placement, exceeds 25% of the Corporation's market capitalization. The Corporation did not file a material change report with respect to the participation of the Insiders at least 21 days prior to the closing of the Private Placement as the Insiders participation was not determined at that time.

Messrs. Metcalfe and Bellefleur, each of whom is a director of the Corporation (collectively, the "Non-Independent Directors"), have disclosed their interest to the Board of the Directors of the Corporation pursuant to Section 120 of the Canada Business Corporations Act to the effect that they may participate in the Private Placement and subscribe to Shares. The terms of the Private Placement and the agreements relating thereto were submitted to and unanimously approved by way of a resolution adopted by all the directors of the Corporation other than the Non-Independent Directors. The Non-Independent Directors did not vote on the resolution to approve the Private Placement and the agreements relating thereto. The remaining directors determined that the Private Placement was in the best interest of the Corporation.

About Comet Lithium Corporation

Comet Lithium is a dynamic lithium-focused exploration company active in the prolific James Bay District of Quebec. Comet Lithium's flagship asset is its 100%-owned Liberty Property contiguous to Winsome Resources' Adina deposit, a growing high-grade discovery. Comet Lithium is advancing Liberty to first-ever drilling.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include, among others, statements regarding the future plans, costs, objectives or performance of Comet Lithium, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including the results of any exploration program on the Corporation's mining properties. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Comet Lithium's control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions described under "Financial Instruments" and "Risk and Uncertainties" in Comet Lithium's Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Comet Lithium does not intend, nor does it undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2023 / FireFox Gold Corp. (TSXV:FFOX) (OTCQB:FFOXF) ("FireFox" or the "Company") today announced that it closed a non-brokered private placement of 22,507,840 units of the Company ("Units") at a purchase price of $0.075 per Unit, for total gross proceeds of $1,688,088 (the "Private Placement"). Concurrent with the Private Placement, FireFox, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary FireFox Gold Oy, entered into an earn-in agreement (the "Earn-in Agreement"), pursuant to which FireFox Gold Oy granted a subsidiary of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico") the right to earn an interest in the Kolho properties located in northern Finland (the "Kolho Property").

Patrick Highsmith, Chairman of FireFox commented on the transactions, "We are excited to form this alliance with Agnico Eagle. Not only does the strategic investment recognize the potential of our more advanced projects, such as Mustajarvi, but the option agreement also demonstrates the geological potential of our Kolho Property. We are proud to add Agnico Eagle to our roster of strong shareholders as the strategic backbone for our future growth through discovery."

Carl Lofberg, CEO of FireFox added, "Our company was the first junior gold explorer built around a Finland-based CEO and Finland-based exploration management. Now we are part of a growing community of local and international mining professionals in Finland, and we find ourselves working closely with Europe's largest gold miner. We look forward to working with the Agnico Eagle team at the Kolho Property."

Private Placement

Pursuant to the Private Placement, the Company issued 19,010,000 Units to Agnico at a purchase price of $0.075 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $1,425,750. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company ("Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), with each Warrant being exercisable to acquire one Common Share (a "WarrantShare") at an exercise price of $0.10 per Warrant Share for a term of five years following the closing of the Private Placement, subject to adjustment and an acceleration of the expiry date upon the occurrence of certain events. The proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for drilling and exploration expenditures on FireFox's Mustajarvi project, other exploration investment on the Company's projects in Lapland, and general working capital.

On closing of the Private Placement, Agnico will own 19,010,000 Common Shares and 19,010,000 Warrants, representing approximately 10.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis and 19.6% of the Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis.

In connection with the Private Placement, FireFox entered into an investor rights agreement with Agnico (the "Investor Rights Agreement"). Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, Agnico is entitled to certain rights, provided Agnico maintains certain ownership thresholds in FireFox, including: (i) the right to participate in equity financings and top-up its holdings in relation to dilutive issuances in order to maintain its pro rata ownership interest in FireFox at the time of such financing or acquire up to a 19.99% ownership interest, on a partially diluted basis, in FireFox; and (ii) the right to nominate one person to the board of directors of FireFox. Agnico has not elected to exercise this right as of the closing of the Private Placement.

Crescat Portfolio Management LLC ("Crescat") exercised its participation right and subscribed for 3,497,840 Units on the same terms as Agnico for additional gross proceeds of $262,388. Upon closing, Crescat will own 31,188,969 Common Shares and 8,050,678 Warrants, representing approximately 17.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis and 21.5% of the Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis. Crescat has agreed to restrict the exercise of any Warrants if to do so would result in Crescat owning or controlling 20% or more of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company (calculated on a non-diluted basis), provided that Crescat may exercise all of its Warrants in certain circumstances (including for the purpose of participating in a take over bid, arrangement, amalgamation or similar transaction, or change in control of the Company), subject to compliance with applicable securities laws including obtaining prior requisite disinterested shareholder and TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approvals.

The participation of Crescat 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") and TSXV Policy 5.9 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. In connection with his related party transaction, the Company is relying on the formal valuation and minority approval exemptions of 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the portion of the Private Placement subscribed for by Crescat does not exceed 25 percent of the Company's market capitalization.

The Common Shares and Warrants issued in connection with the Private Placement and the Warrant Shares underlying the Warrants are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of completion of the Private Placement, in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

Option Agreement

The Kolho Property is a group of exploration permit applications and one exploration permit (Nuttio) that occupies a prospective structural corridor northeast of Rupert Resources' Ikkari discovery and FireFox's Sarvi property (see Figure 1 below). The Kolho Property covers more than 120 km2, and FireFox has completed detailed airborne magnetic surveys and limited reconnaissance mapping and sampling in the area.

Pursuant to the terms of the Earn-in Agreement, FireFox granted Agnico an exclusive right to earn a 51% interest in the Kolho Property by incurring exploration expenditures totaling US$5,000,000 before the fifth anniversary of entering into the Earn-in Agreement (the "Earn-in Grant Date"), of which US$2,000,000 will be a committed amount required to be spent on or prior to the third anniversary of the date that certain permits are granted in respect of the Kolho Property.

Upon Agnico earning a 51% interest in the Kolho Property, Agnico and FireFox will enter into a joint venture agreement (the "JV Agreement"), pursuant to which, Agnico will become the operator of the venture and be entitled to a 5% management fee. Under the JV Agreement, Agnico will be granted the right to acquire an additional 24% interest in the Kolho Property by incurring additional exploration expenditures totaling US$7,500,000 before the eighth anniversary of the Earn-in Grant Date. A portion of the Kolho Property is subject to an existing 1.5% net smelter return royalty.

Neither the Earn-in Agreement nor the Private Placement affect any of FireFox's other mineral rights in Lapland. The Company maintains 100% control of its Mustajarvi Project, as well as the Jeesio and Sarvi properties where earlier stage exploration targets are being advanced.

For more information concerning the Company, please refer to the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at www.firefoxgold.com.

Figure 1: Location of Kolho Property.

About FireFox Gold Corp.

FireFox Gold Corp. is listed on the TSX Venture Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FFOX. FireFox also trades on the OTCQB Venture Market Exchange in the US under the ticker symbol FFOXF. The Company has been exploring for gold in Finland since 2017 where it holds a large portfolio of prospective ground.

Finland is one of the top mining investment jurisdictions in the world as indicated by its multiple top-10 rankings in recent Fraser Institute Surveys of Mining Companies. Having a strong mining law and long mining tradition, Finland remains underexplored for gold. Recent exploration results in the country have highlighted its prospectivity, and FireFox is proud to have a Finland based CEO and technical team.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the terms and conditions of the JV Agreement; anticipated payments under the Earn-in Agreement and JV Agreement, including any advancement on the Kolho Property; the terms and conditions of the Private Placement; anticipated use of net proceeds from the Private Placement, including any advancement on the Mustajarvi project; and Crescat's exercise of all of its Warrants and the Company obtaining requisite disinterest shareholder and TSXV approvals in connection therewith. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, FireFox has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of FireFox believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to FireFox's financing efforts; risks associated with the business of FireFox; business and economic conditions in the industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. FireFox does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

For more information, please contact:

FireFox Gold Corp.

Carl Lofberg

Chief Executive Officer

FireFox Gold Corp.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Telephone: +1-778-938-1994

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release.

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws.

THE SECURITIES OFFERED HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE 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 ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Archer Exploration Corp. (CSE: RCHR) (OTCQB: RCHRF) (FSE: 6YR0) (the "Company" or "Archer") is pleased to announce the results of its Summer 2023 field program at the Gargoyle Ni-Cu-Co project in the Lumby Lake Greenstone Belt, located approximately 55 kilometres northeast of Atikokan, Ontario.

Highlights

The Gargoyle property hosts a 10 kilometre long succession of favourable ultramafic rocks hosting numerous untested conductors

Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mineralization has been traced across intermittent outcrops over a 1 kilometre strike length

Four well-mineralized samples collected from two outcrops, contained anomalous nickel concentrations ranging from 0.54% to 0.76% Ni

Memorandum of Understanding completed with Lac des Mille Lacs First Nations

The Gargoyle Ni-Cu-Co project consists of three separate claim blocks (Gargoyle, Goblin and Ghost properties) that together comprise 719 mineral claims totaling 15,216 hectares (Figure 1 and 2). The Gargoyle property is host to a 10 kilometre long succession of ultramafic rocks hosting numerous airborne conductors, none of which have been drill tested. Significant Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mineralization has been traced across intermittent outcrops for an approximately 1 kilometre strike length.

Tom Meyer, Archer's Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are excited for our first opportunity to follow-up on the work carried out in this area by the previous landholders since we acquired the Gargoyle project in November 2022. Previous work on this highly prospective and easily accessible property identified magmatic nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide mineralization within a local abundance of favourable ultramafic rocks in the area. The focus of our current work is to further explore nickel sulphide targets and manifest the upside potential of Gargoyle within our large portfolio of Canadian nickel sulphide exploration projects."

John Townend, Archer's Senior Manager of Technical Services & Exploration, commented: "During the Spring and Summer of 2023, we targeted the highest priority VTEM conductors that were coincident with either mapped mafic/ultramafic rocks or unmapped and unexplained magnetic highs which could potentially be hosting magmatic nickel sulphide mineralization. Prospecting identified and delineated many new mafic and ultramafic outcrops (Figures 2 and 3) and discovered new occurrences of iron formation that helped explain some of the geophysical targets of interest (Figures 2 and 4)."

"Prospecting also confirmed the presence of an approximately 1 kilometre strike length of disseminated nickel sulphide mineralization that makes up the original Gargoyle Lake showing outlined by previous landholders."

The Gargoyle, Goblin and Ghost properties are situated within the Archean age Lumby Lake Greenstone Belt, approximately 90 kilometres from the former Shebandowan mine, which produced 9.29 million tons at 1.75% Ni, 0.88% Cu, 0.063% Co and 1.83 g/t PGE's. The geology is comprised of mafic metavolcanics with lesser mafic/ultramafic intrusions, high-MgO komatiitic flows and subvolcanic intrusions (Figure 3), felsic plutons, and chemical and clastic meta-sedimentary rocks (Figure 4). The komatiitic volcanic succession contain common interflow, sulphide-bearing sedimentary units, which are an ideal sulphur source for the local formation of nickel sulphide mineralization within the adjacent komatiites. Previous work identified disseminated magmatic Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mineralization on the Gargoyle property, hosted by prospective ultramafic rocks that have a marked accumulation in the area.

Figure 1 - Goblin, Ghost & Gargoyle Project Location

Memorandum of Understanding with Lac des Mille Lacs First Nations

Archer would also like to recognize that the Gargoyle, Goblin and Ghost properties are part of the traditional territories of the Lac des Mille Lacs First Nations (the "LDMLFN"). The LDMLFN holds and exercises aboriginal and treaty rights to and over their traditional territories.

Archer is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU") with the LDMLFN whereby Archer recognizes and agrees to respect the aboriginal and treaty rights of the LDMLFN while engaged in all exploration activities within LDMLFM traditional territories. Archer and the LDMLFN both believe that effective communication, transparency, two-way learning, and engagement between the parties is essential to the success of building a long-term relationship. Archer and the LDMLFN jointly acknowledge that this MOU is mutually beneficial and provides respective understanding and obligations while working together.

2023 Summer Exploration Program

Archer's 2023 summer exploration program on the Gargoyle property was focused on following up the 2018 discovery of magmatic Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mineralization and exploring for additional mineralization associated with the mafic and ultramafic rock units. Outcrop exposure on the eastern portion of the Gargoyle property is limited due to thick overburden and so the focus of the summer field exploration program was on the western portion of the property. Four samples collected from two outcrops near the historical showing returned strongly anomalous nickel values ranging from 0.54% to 0.76% Ni (Table 1 and Figure 2).

A review and interpretation of the electromagnetic ("EM") data collected during a 2018 airborne VTEM Plus survey was highly successful and identified numerous new EM conductors across the property (see Figure 2). The EM modeling helped to identify the location, size, orientation, and conductivity of the source EM response, allowing targeted follow up for ground exploration activities.

Targeted ground exploration outlined areas within mafic and ultramafic bodies which have anomalous nickel concentrations that may be indicative of contained nickel sulphides. Some of these areas with elevated nickel also have coincident, unsourced conductors which may represent higher concentrations of nickel sulphides.

The geophysical interpretation modelled numerous conductors which may represent higher concentrations of nickel sulphide mineralization. Several higher conductance anomalies have yet to be explained, with several being interpreted to be coincident with mafic/ultramafic bodies that are along strike of known ultramafic bodies. These anomalies are in areas that have never been followed up and will be a focus of future prospecting programs (Figure 2).

Table 1 - 2023 Assays > 5,000 ppm Ni

Sample Description Ni (ppm) Ni (%) F088222 7% stringer blebs of pyrrhotite>>chalcopyrite <4cm long x 8mm thick 7,580 0.76 F088223 7% stringer blebs of pyrrhotite>>chalcopyrite 5mm long x 8mm thick 5,390 0.54 F088303 Blebs and disseminated pyrrhotite with chalcopyrite mixed in blebs. 6,390 0.64 F088304 Blebs and disseminated pyrrhotite with chalcopyrite mixed in blebs. 7,290 0.73

Figure 2 - Goblin, Ghost & Gargoyle Properties

Next Steps

Further field work, sample collection, and mechanical stripping is anticipated to be conducted over the highest priority areas identified during the 2024 summer exploration program, focusing on the unexplained conductors coincident with or on strike of known mafic/ultramafic bodies and any other unexplained moderate to strong conductors. Only two thirds of the 2019 VTEM Plus geophysical survey was interpreted and further modeling may result in additional EM targets being identified, necessitating further investigation.

This systematic approach to modeling, investigating, and explaining the EM anomalies will drive further exploration towards delineating and extending the most favourable areas of known mafic/ultra mafic bodies that have the best potential for hosting nickel sulphide concentrations and may lead to future, more detailed ground geophysics, geochemistry and potential drill testing.

Given the lack of outcrops in the eastern third of the property yet to be prospected, and the large number of conductors identified to be followed up, a more reconnaissance type exploration approach, such as a property wide soil sample survey, may be effective at identifying the prospective areas for more advanced target development work. This approach is supported by the results of a historic soil survey carried out in the southwest corner of the Gargoyle claim block which successfully identified elevated nickel concentrations over areas with mapped ultramafic rocks.

Figure 3 - Spinifex Texture in Thicker Komatiite Flow

Figure 4 - Banded Iron Formation

QA/QC

Through May, June and early July, prospecting and sampling was carried out resulting in 304 rock samples being collected on the properties. These, along with 34 standards and blanks, were sent to ALS Canada prep laboratory in Thunder Bay, ON, for standard preparation (Crush to 70% less than 2mm, riffle split off 250g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns) and the resulting pulps shipped to ALS Vancouver for assay. All samples were analyzed with PGM-ICP23 and ME-ICP61 packages and 111 of those were also analyzed with ME_XRF26.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. John Townend, P.Geo, Sr. Manager Technical Services & Exploration, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Townend is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information disclosed in this news release. This news release refers to neighboring properties in which the Company has no interest. Mineralization on those neighboring properties does not necessarily indicate mineralization on the Company's properties.

Annual Equity Awards Grant

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has granted an aggregate of 5,269,274 incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company. The Options have an exercise price of $0.08 per common share, are exercisable for a period of five-years from the date of the grant and will vest in three equal annual instalments commencing on the grant date.

In addition, the Company has granted an aggregate of 3,036,421 restricted share units (the "RSUs") to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company and 3,812,500 deferred share units (the "DSUs") to certain directors of the Company. The RSUs will vest in three equal annual instalments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date and the DSUs will not vest until such time as the recipient director ceases to be a director of the Company, provided that no DSUs will vest within 12 months of the grant date. The Options, RSUs, and DSUs were granted in accordance with the Company's omnibus equity incentive compensation plan dated September 14, 2022, which was approved on February 24, 2023 by the shareholders of the Company.

About Archer

Archer Exploration is a Canadian Ni-Cu-Co-PGE focused exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of assets in Quebec and Ontario, Canada. The Company's flagship asset is the Grasset Project, located within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, with an Indicated Resource of 5.5 Mt @ 1.53% NiEq. In addition, the Company holds a portfolio of 37 properties and over 300 km2 in the world-class mining district of Sudbury, Ontario.

The Company's growth strategy is focused on the exploration and development of its nickel sulphide properties within its portfolio. Archer's vision is to be a responsible nickel sulphide project developer in stable pro-mining jurisdictions. Archer is committed to socially responsible exploration and development, working safely, ethically, and with integrity. For more information, please visit www.archerexploration.com.

Tom Meyer

President & Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +1 866 899 7247 (RCHR)

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that Archer expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct Archer's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by Archer in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

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 and risks include, among others: risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine; the ongoing military conflict in Israel, West Bank and Gaza Strip; general economic factors (including inflationary pressure); the price of commodities; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Archer as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Archer does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that there was no end in sight to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as fatigue builds among Kyiv's allies nearly two years into the war and the Kremlin voices growing confidence of victory.

Zelensky said he had turned down a request from the military -- for now -- to mobilise as many as 500,000 Ukrainians for the army, an unpopular proposal that could hit his worsening poll ratings among Ukrainians.

His meeting with local and foreign journalists wraps a difficult year in Ukraine, with Kyiv's forces under pressure on the front and allies wavering on military and financial backing.

"No one knows the answer," Zelensky told reporters in response to a question of whether the war with Russia could end next year.

"Even respected people, our commanders and our Western partners, who say that this is a war for many years, they do not know," he said.

The question of how long Western countries will provide essential support for Kyiv has grown increasingly urgent.

Zelensky last week embarked on a tour of Western countries to make the case for more military and political support as Russia's invasion grinds closer to its two-year-anniversary in February.

But he failed to convince the US Congress to immediately approve $60 billion in support, while in Brussels, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban blocked an aid package of around 50 billion euros ($55 billion).

- Washington will 'not betray us' -

Zelensky said Tuesday that he wanted to organise talks with Orban to "find solutions" to their differences, and voiced confidence that Washington would follow through on aid.

"I am confident that the United States will not betray us," he said.

But hours later, the Democratic and Republican leaders of the US Senate, said that Washington would not be able to approve new aid for Ukraine before year's end as the two sides continued to seek a compromise.

With elections looming in the United States next year, Zelensky acknowledged that the result of the November poll could have a "very strong impact" on the course of the war, saying Republican favourite Donald Trump would "surely have a different policy" from Joe Biden.

Those setbacks on the diplomatic front come in the wake of a disappointing counteroffensive that Kyiv launched in June using Western-supplied tanks and weapons stockpiled over months.

Responding to growing weariness over the war, UN human rights chief Volker Turk said Tuesday that the world had become "jaded" by the Ukraine conflict, where war crimes continue to be committed "primarily by the forces of the Russian Federation".

In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed victory and said during a Tuesday meeting with defence officials that society had rallied behind the war effort.

Putin, who has announced he will run for re-election in March, lashed out at the West and claimed it was seeking Moscow's destruction.

"Well, we are not going to give up the goals of the special military operation, either," he said, using the Kremlin's term for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

- Trust in leader waning -

Zelensky was facing growing discontent at home before becoming the global face of Ukrainian resistance after Russia's invasion, but he is once again feeling political pressure.

Recent polling shows that the number of Ukrainians who trust Zelensky has dropped to 62 percent compared to 84 percent one year ago, when Kyiv's forces were celebrating gains in the east and south.

The advances from this year's counteroffensive were much more modest, with just a few villages in the south and east recaptured after months of fighting against entrenched Russian forces.

Zelensky said he had received a request from the army to mobilise hundreds of thousands of people to replenish Kyiv's forces, but that he had told the military it "needed more arguments to support this idea".

Hours before Zelensky was due to speak, Russia's defence ministry said its forces had foiled a drone attack on a facility in Moscow.

But a senior Ukrainian military official at the same time conceded that fighting with Russian forces in the eastern Kharkiv region was "complicated", with Ukrainian forces outgunned and outnumbered.

In an overnight attack, meanwhile, Ukraine reported that nine people were wounded by Russian shelling in the southern city of Kherson, as drones also targeted the capital Kyiv and second-largest city Kharkiv.

Despite recent setbacks, Ukrainians still overwhelmingly back both the armed forces and its commander, Valery Zaluzhny.

In a move that illustrates growing political divides, Kyiv residents have been gathering in the city centre to demand more funds to help the military reclaim territory.

Zelensky has highlighted the Black Sea as a recent success story.

Ukrainian drones have forced some Russian warships to redeploy following several successful attacks.

Ukraine also re-opened a maritime corridor for commercial cargo ships using its Black Sea ports, despite threats from Moscow that vessels using the hubs could be treated as military targets.
A French court on Wednesday sentenced former Rwandan doctor Sosthene Munyemana to 24 years in prison for his involvement in the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in his native East African country.

After a deliberation lasting nearly 15 hours, the 68-year-old former gynaecologist was found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity and participation in a conspiracy to prepare those crimes.

He is the sixth suspect to have faced trial in France over the 1994 massacres in which an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus died in 100 days of mass killings.

The six-week-long trial at the Assize Court in Paris came nearly three decades after a complaint was filed against Munyemana in the southwestern French city of Bordeaux in 1995.

Munyemana, who was impassive as the verdict was handed down, was immediately incarcerated.

His lawyers said they planned to appeal the verdict, slamming the court's decision as "unacceptable". They argued that major contradictions in the defence testimonies left "room for doubt".

The public prosecutor had sought a sentence of 30 years, arguing the "sum total" of his choices showed "the traits of a genocidaire".

Munyemana was accused of helping draft a letter of support for the then interim government, which encouraged the massacre of the Tutsis.

He was also accused of helping set up roadblocks to round people up and keeping them in inhumane conditions in local government offices before they were killed in the southern Rwandan prefecture of Butare, where he lived at the time.

During the trial, Munyemana repeatedly disputed the accusations, claiming he had been a moderate Hutu who had tried to "save" Tutsis by offering them "refuge" in local government offices.

'Organised and steered the genocide'

Reading the verdict, the judge said Munyemana was part of a group that "prepared, organised and steered the genocide of the Tutsis... on a daily basis".

After arriving in France in September 1994, where his wife was already living, the father of three rebuilt his life in the country's southwest, first as an emergency doctor and then as a geriatrician.

He recently retired.

Munyemana was close to Jean Kambanda, prime minister of the interim government established after the plane carrying then-president Juvenal Habyarimana was shot down by a missile in 1994.

Kambanda is currently serving a life sentence imposed by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) for his role in the genocide.

Munyemana's case is the latest trial in France of alleged participants in the massacres, in which around 800,000 people, most of them ethnic Tutsis, were slaughtered over 100 days by Hutu soldiers and extremist militias, according to UN figures.

France has been one of the top destinations for those implicated in the Rwandan slaughter fleeing justice at home.

It has long been under pressure from activists to act against suspected Rwandan perpetrators who took refuge on French soil.

The French government at the time of the genocide had been a long-standing backer of the Hutu regime in power, a fact that has caused decades of tensions between the countries since.

Under President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has accused Paris of being unwilling to extradite genocide suspects or bring them to justice.

Among those tried and convicted in France are a former spy chief, two ex-mayors and a former hotel chauffeur.
"Among Arab nations, Tunisia stands out for its ability to provide real support for Palestine, rather than just empty rhetoric. Tunisia is one of the few Arab countries -- along with Palestine and Jordan -- to have signed the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). So it could have joined South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, the Comoros and Djibouti in their request to the ICC prosecutor [on November 17] to open an investigation into Israeli crimes in Gaza."

This was how renowned Tunisian mathematician Ahmed Abbes expressed his incomprehension on November 23 on his Facebook page. Abbes, a research director at the CNRS in Paris, is known for his activism in support of the Palestinian cause. He is secretary of the Association of Academics for the Respect of International Law in Palestine, an organisation based in France. "Since the Algerian War, there has always been a hard core of French mathematicians committed to just causes, and to Palestine in particular. There are many points of contact between law and mathematics: rationality, method and a sense of how to argue," explains the researcher.

Government stays silent

Abbes' post very quickly turned into a petition, as the Israeli army's bombardment of Gaza intensified and the war between Hamas and Israel that started on October 7 claimed many civilian lives. The petition was published on December 5 when, according to Hamas, the death toll in Gaza had risen to 16,248, over 70% of whom were women and children. The petition mobilised a group of academics in Tunisia, who circulated it among public figures and NGOs. The text, written in Arabic, calls on the authorities to "officially refer the matter to the ICC Prosecutor requesting he open an investigation into the crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Israeli settlers over the past 75 years. These crimes have increased dramatically since October 7, 2023".

Although Palestinian ambassador to Tunisia Hayel Al-Fahoum welcomed this initiative on December 13, it did not elicit any reaction from the Tunisian government. The authorities have remained silent on the actions, protests and requests of local NGOs, which it has labelled "corrupt", "sold out to foreigners" and even "close to the Zionist movement" since President Kais Saied's coup de force on 25 July 2021 and his seizure of full powers.

Total support for the Palestinian cause

Since October7, Saied has repeatedly expressed in fiery speeches his country's total and unconditional support for the Palestinian resistance, going so far as to break with the "two-state solution" usually defended in Tunisia. And never before has Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar made so many declarations around the world, summit after summit, in favour of "Tunisia's firm and unchanging position on the legitimate and immutable rights of the Palestinian people".

But two and a half months after the start of this war, and while the images show Gaza in ruins, Tunisia is still not seizing the opportunity offered by the ICC to symbolically come to the aid of "brotherly and friendly people", to use its own words. This is "incomprehensible" to Abbes, who continues to follow from afar the progress of the petition- It has so far been endorsed by 101 prominent figures and a dozen NGOs.

First Arab judge at the ICC

Does Tunisia not trust the ICC, which several developing countries accuse of "double standards" for prosecuting war criminals from African countries and ignoring those from the North? This hypothesis does not seem valid given the way Saied's diplomacy has mobilised to get Tunisian judge Haykel Ben Mahfoudh elected to the court in The Hague. Following the Assembly of States Parties in New York, Ben Mahfoudh became the first Arab judge to sit at the ICC.

"This success is recognition of the Tunisian candidates high calibre. It is also the fruit of an election campaign that lasted several months in Tunisia and abroad, and to which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic and permanent missions abroad devoted themselves (...) under the impetus of the country's senior authorities," says the foreign affairs ministry in a December 6 statement.

But the contradiction is also evident in official reactions to the ongoing war. On October 27, against all expectations, Tunisia abstained from voting for a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. But on December 12 it changed its position and this time voted in favour of the same ceasefire call. At the same time, Tunisia on November 12 expressed reservations about most provisions in a Resolution of the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh in support of Palestine -- including one calling for recourse to the ICC!

"We are not ruling out any option"

"We are not ruling out any option that would enable the Palestinian people to regain their rights, said foreign affairs ministry communications director Mohamed Trabelsi when Justice Info asked about the reasons for this reluctance. "Our current priority is an immediate ceasefire. We are working to pursue this objective through our diplomatic and political channels. To this end, the Minister of Foreign Affairs continues to hold bilateral talks with the heads of diplomacy of brotherly and friendly countries. Secondly, communication is an essential part of our strategy: we need to focus on the real cause of the conflict. It's a question of colonisation, which we condemn and call a crime."

Tunisia is up to its neck in debt and dependent on blocs considered to be Israel's allies, such as the United States and Europe. According to some analysts, this economic fragility could explain why the authorities have not resorted to international criminal justice. Hatem M'rad, a professor of political science at El Manar University in Tunis, believes that would be considered an insolent act".

And while the diplomats stall, virulent official rhetoric led by Saied is probably intended more for "internal consumption", thinks a former Tunisian foreign minister wishing not to be named in view of arrests of government critics in the past year. This rhetoric is in tune with the emotions and passions of the crowds, who took to the streets as soon as the bombing of Gaza began. It has been accompanied by Tunisia sending several trucks of humanitarian aid and receiving some of the wounded in Tunisian hospitals.

Tunisia's position on an ICC referral may not be definitive. "A new group of countries is preparing to refer Palestine to the ICC. We would like Tunisia to join them," says Shawan Jabarin, director of Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq.

On December 6, former head of the Tunisian National Bar Association Chawki Tabib said on Facebook that the Palestinian Bar Association had asked him to seize the ICC. He has filed a communication to the ICC on alleged war crimes committed by 19 Israeli political and security officials. Tabib points out that under Article 13 of the Rome Statute (ICC founding treaty), only States Parties (ICC member states) or the UN Security Council may "refer" cases to the ICC. But for the group he represents, this communication represents a "duty of conscience".

"We want to confront the court in The Hague with its legal, moral and political responsibilities, Tabib said on December 9 on Palestinian radio station Sawt Falastin, so that we, as Arabs and Palestinians, are not one day reproached for having remained silent and not considered this legal alternative to a humanitarian tragedy that is still unfolding before our very eyes."
Choi Woo Sik gave a sneak peek of his soon-to-be released thriller drama "A Killer Paradox."

Want to know more about the actor's comeback drama? Then read on!

Choi Woo Sik Graces Esquire Korea January 2024 Cover Page

Choi Woo Sik signals his much-awaited return as he lands on the cover page of Esquire magazine. Through his participation in the Janaury 2034 issue, the actor mentioned in the interview his forthcoming drama.

Following the success of his melo-romance series "Our Beloved Summer," Choi Woo Sik is about to transform into a new character. He takes the role of Lee Tang in the Netflix series "A Killer Paradox."

The drama already completed its filming earlier this 2023 and is in the process of post-production, preparing for its release.

Choi Woo Sik Gives Sneak Peek of Upcoming Thriller Netflix Series 'A Killer Paradox'

Regarding his new work, the "Fight for My Way" star looked back on his experience filming it. He admitted to being a fan of the original webtoon

"I am curious about how the remake version will be received by the audience, especially considering its dedicated fan base."

According to the young actor, the original work has a minimalist style with no backgrounds explained and only a few facial expressions were depicted. With that, the cast, staff, and the director of the series Lee Chang Hee had to fill in those gaps and add more details to the play.

"The whole process made the filming exciting. It will totally blow your mind with scenes that are completely different from what you might have imagined."

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Choi Woo Sik Spotted in Philippines + Is He Filming For Drama?

"A Killer Paradox" is based on a webtoon of the same name that depicts the story of a man who accidentally murders a serial killer and a detective who pursues him relentlessly.

Choi Woo Sik will headline the series alongside Son Seok Ku and Lee Hee Joon. The thriller drama is scheduled to hit the small screen beginning in the first half of 2024.

Choi Woo Shik Talks About Transitional Phase in Acting

Meanwhile, when talking about his career, he shared the most exciting part of it.

"I just had my first fan meeting in Japan and the Philippines for my 12th anniversary in the acting industry. Honestly, my self-esteem's been low, and I used to wonder why fans liked me. But connecting with them in person made me realize their genuine love."

Choi Woo Sik expressed that he's been lucky in his acting career. And since it's been a decade already since he entered the business, it seemed like it was the time for him to prove his worth on his own.

He concluded that he is momentarily slowing down and entering a transitional phase in his career.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Park Seo Joon Recalls Kiss Scene With Choi Woo Sik: 'He was always...'

What do you anticipate from Choi Woo Sik's new drama? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Shai Collins wrote this.
The 20th of December at 9 am local time saw the start of an auction to assign 5G spectrum to various players in Colombia. But was everyone happy with the result?

After nine rounds involving various participants, four 80MHz blocks were awarded in the 3.5GHz band, for a claimed value of US$1.37 billion. Each of four operators was assigned a block.

Tigo-Movistar  aka Union Temporal Colombia Movil-Telefonica  bid US$318,306 million for its block. As we reported in October, plans for Colombian operators Tigo and Movistar to move towards unifying their networks have been approved by Colombian business regulator the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), but the companies are expected to stop sharing infrastructure in July 2025.

WOM, which entered the market in 2021, bid US$318,340 million. The even newer entrant Telecall offered US$318,333 million. Claro put forward US $411,384 million.

However, the news in other bands wasnt quite so positive. According to TeleGeography's CommsUpdate, a number of other bands were for sale. Claro bid US$157.057 million for a block of 4G-suitable 2.5GHz spectrum. There were no other bidders. The 700MHz, 1900MHz and Extended AWS bands, which range from 1,700 MHz to 2,100 MHz, attracted no bids.

As for who has benefited, despite the apparent indifference to bands outside 3.5GHz and the fees of US$347 million earned by the government coming in well below the hoped-for US$500 million, ICT Minister Mauricio Lizcano suggested that 82.5% of the total available spectrum was acquired during the process. He was also quoted as calling this auction "Historic, adding: 5G is a reality for Colombians,".

But operators dont have a completely free hand by any means. BNamericas says that under the coverage obligations established in the auction, operators must implement networks in nearly 1,200 schools across the country. 4G coverage will also be expanded on some 700 kilometres of primary and secondary roads in the country.

It may not have earned as much as the government hoped but the auction may be good for the country in other ways, with projections of potential long-term investments of around US$7.11 billion.

All four bidders will be able to go ahead with technical trials from January 2024. Commercial 5G deployments are permitted not long after this, in February 2024.
FILE - New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks to the media, Nov. 6, 2023, in New York. New Yorks attorney general filed suit Wednesday, Dec. 20, against SiriusXM, accusing the satellite radio and streaming service of making it intentionally difficult for its customers to cancel their subscriptions. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
Deb sorts through the books and puzzles for a gift for her teenage son at the Westside Salvation Armys toy shop set up last week at Lakeview Heights Baptist Church.
Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas' decision-making political bureau, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. In a video this week, Hamad thanked Canada, Australia and New Zealand for asking Israel to end its bombardment of Gaza, without mentioning that it called for Hamas to stop using Palestinians as human shields. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Bilal Hussein
Malaysian operator Maxis announced Wednesday it has extended its existing agreement to lease Telekom Malaysias high-speed broadband (HSBB) access services to 2029.

According to a filing from Maxis with Bursa Malaysia, the deal was signed by Maxis broadband unit, Maxis Broadband, and TM subsidiary TM Technology Services (TMT).

Maxis has been using TMs broadband access network since 2010. That agreement was extended in 2019. The latest deal, which modifies the 2019 agreement, not only extends the duration, but also gives Maxis access to enhanced features and functionalities in TMs premium HSSB service.

Maxis said the extended partnership will help it expand the reach of its high-speed internet connectivity to even more premises nationwide, complementing its own fibre network, which currently covers over 700,000 homes and businesses.

The access to TMs premium HSBB service also enables Maxis to offer one-stop connectivity and digital solutions offerings for enterprise customers.

The partnership in conjunction with our own extensive fibre network and core mobile business allows us to deploy our resources more efficiently and effectively so we are able to place greater focus on customer experience, said Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng in a statement.

The partnership cuts both ways. Earlier this year, TM and Maxis signed an infrastructure-sharing deal under which TM secured access to Maxis 4G multi operator core network (MOCN) and domestic 2G and 4G roaming services to expand its 4G coverage nationwide.
In 1999, Sally Clark was convicted of murder. Her son, Christopher, had been born in September of 1996 and by all accounts, had been a healthy baby. Just three months later, an ambulance was called to the home, and the baby was dead.

The mother, Sally, said that she had just put him to bed and found him unresponsive not long after. The police were suspicious; she seemed a little cold and unemotional about the whole thing to them, but they couldnt prove anything. After treatment for depression, Sally tried again and had another baby in November 1997. Just eight weeks later, he was dead, too. On both occasions, Sally had been alone with the babies, and there were some signs of trauma. Possibly due to the resuscitation attempts, but prior injury could not be excluded.

Sally was charged with the murder of her two infant sons. During court proceedings, she became pregnant again and had a third son. At trial, a learned professor of pediatrics, Dr. (Sir) Roy Meadow, opined that the chance of two children from an affluent British family both dying from cot death, what we call SIDS, was one in 73 million. During deliberations, the jury asked about blood and other tests and, in truth, Staph aureus had been found in the second babys CSF, but the pathologist, Dr. Alan Williams, didnt want to confuse the jury with these inconvenient facts and testified that no, there were no significant tests.

Sally was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, and it was upheld on appeal. It was her husband, doggedly going through all the records to try to regain his wifes freedom, that came across the truth. Then, the Royal Statistical Society stepped in. It turns out that Sir Meadows calculation of the odds, very persuasive to a jury, was flawed. The Society proved that you cant just multiply risk factors together and hope to find the truth and that the one in 73 million quoted to the jury was flawed. Going on to calculate that, while double SIDS is very rare, double infant homicide is much more so.

In America, the appeals court would say, Who cares? but in England, they overturned the conviction, saying,  the evidence should never have been before the jury in the way that it was when they considered their verdicts. Sally was released in 2003, and all was well, right? Not quite. Sally had been sent to prison as a child killer and had been treated horribly by other prisoners and even the prison staff. She was an attorney herself and the daughter of a police officer, and the stress of being so publicly destroyed caused her immense stress. She drank herself to death within four years of her release. This is one of the things we do not address in the U.S. The post-traumatic stress of wrongful prosecution. And that brings us back to this country.

The DEA often quotes big numbers to reporters, who dutifully throw them into the news without context. In a DOJ press release after a physicians arrest, it was announced that the doctor had In the two-year period analyzed prescribed approximately 1.2 million dosage units of opiates, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, to approximately 1,508 patients (approximately 847 dosage units per patient). That sounded like a lot to the public, each of whom is a potential juror, and even to other doctors in the area. When one doctor remarked about the extreme prescribing practices to a colleague who happened to be a pain specialist, he was slapped down.

You see, the pain specialist had run the numbers the right way. If a doctor prescribed 1.2 million MDE to 1,508 patients, the dosage per patient would have actually been 795.8. This should have cued any reporter with a calculator on their phone to look closer, but sadly, it did not. There would need to be 1,277,276 total MDE to result in 847 MDE per patient for 1,508 patients. But the pain specialist didnt stop there. This was over a two-year period. Twenty-four months. Divide the 847 MDE per patient by 24 months, and you come out with an average MDE per month per patient of 35.3. Well below the 50 MDE recommended by the state and far below the CDC 90 MDE.

Why does the DEA report numbers this way? Because they trust that the U.S. media will not bother to fact-check what they are told, and the government is not often disappointed. Our patients will fall on a bell curve and the government will sift through the data, aided by unscrupulous data technicians, to identify a few out of thousands that had extreme problems or were particularly difficult to get on the right track. Out of 36,192 patient visits that would have occurred with that many patients over that period of time, the doctor was brought to trial on charges for just five visits. These five problematic patients are then held up to jury alone, without context, as indicative of criminal intent by willful ignorance of the risk of overdose and addiction.

That doctor was me, and I was convicted on four of the five charges. I had begged the attorneys to get a statistician, but they refused. I think because they didnt understand statistics sufficiently themselves. Many doctors dont. All those numbers are just too much. We dont want to confuse the jury with facts, after all.

L. Joseph Parker is a distinguished professional with a diverse and accomplished career spanning the fields of science, military service, and medical practice. He currently serves as the chief science officer and operations officer, Advanced Research Concepts LLC, a pioneering company dedicated to propelling humanity into the realms of space exploration. At Advanced Research Concepts LLC, Dr. Parker leads a team of experts committed to developing innovative solutions for the complex challenges of space travel, including space transportation, energy storage, radiation shielding, artificial gravity, and space-related medical issues.

He can be reached on LinkedIn and YouTube.
The Interpol, trials in absentia, extradition: the Cuban regime reveals its arsenal against alleged terrorists It says that is has the tools in and outside Cuba to bring to justice alleged perpetrators of crimes defined by the Prosecutor's Office as imprescriptible.

On Tuesday Cuban authorities appeared in a "special broadcast" of the propaganda TV program Hacemos Cuba, where they unveiled the arsenal of laws against people and organizations on and off the island that the regime is investigating for alleged terrorist acts and whose names appear on a list recently published in the Official State Gazette.

The Deputy Attorney General of the Republic, Marcos Caraballo, said that dangerous crimes carry sanctions in the Criminal Code of 10 to 30 years of incarceration, and even life imprisonment and the death penalty for the worst cases, according to a summary published by Prensa Latina.

Caraballo said that the Prosecutor's Office carries out "rigorous work so that the accused do not go unpunished."

According to the official, these are "imprescriptible crimes, and it is up to the Prosecutor's Office to oversee the investigation to establish rights and guarantees and obtain evidence for subsequent convictions."

With reference to the legal implications for people who are on this list and live outside of Cuba, he said that the regime's laws "are informed by international regulations."

"Cuba can ask other nations for extradition, and also provides for international criminal assistance, such as joint investigations, seizures of funds and the taking of statements for the carrying out of effective investigations outside national borders," he added.

He also said that in, this case, it is possible to resort to trials in absentia.

For his part, the head of State Security's investigative body, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Estrada, said that several of the people designated on the list are subjects of International Police (Interpol) red notices.

According to Estrada, for the investigation of all the accused, both those who are abroad and for those who are in the country, the investigative bodies are backed by "objective evidentiary materials demonstrating their direct participation."

Thus far the alleged evidence comes from the testimony of purported suspects presented in the official media after confessions recorded by the Political Police.

The two authorities again repeatedly stressed their "incitement" of actions affecting the social order in Cuba through violent acts against public officials and the normal functioning of socioeconomic entities, as well as promoting armed aggression.

In the words of both officials, the use of technologies to encourage the execution of terrorist acts, and even contact perpetrators, cannot be considered as freedom of expression.

Deputy Justice Minister Pilar Varona said that all provisions published in the Official Gazette are legally valid, and compliance with its contents is mandatory.

Opposition figures from on and off the island consulted by DIARIO DE CUBA stated that the publication of the list of Cuban organizations and citizens under investigation by the regime for alleged terrorist acts is an act of reprisal by Havana for its inclusion on the US's blacklist.

In the words of historian Manuel Cuesta Morua, founder of the opposition group Arco Progresista, "it is curious and contradictory that Cuba has given refuge to members of ETA, from Spain, and Americans who killed police officers; that is, citizens who clearly committed crimes defined as acts of terrorism, while people only operating on digital platforms to express their opinions are included on this list."

"The purpose of this national list is symmetrical, bilateral action with the United States. The US Government has included Cuba on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, so the Cuban Government is playing tit for tat, placing Cuban citizens residing in that country on its list. This attempt at political retaliation is a dangerous one, as it is extraterritorial (it deems acts to be crimes that are not conceived as such in any country) and threatens citizens who, we are now learning, are being sought and, eventually, persecuted by the Cuban authorities," said Cuesta Morua.

Last week the US State Department denied it was planning violent attacks in Cuba, a day after the regime accused Washington of trying to foment unrest before New Year's.

On social media, the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) warned Cubans about alleged "plans by the State Department and the intelligence community to ramp up subversive and violent attacks in Cuba in order to trigger a social outbreak before the end of 2023," a statement echoed by the Communist Party's propaganda machine.

A State Department official rejected this idea in remarks to Reuters: "Allegations that the United States is encouraging violent actions against the Cuban government are absurd."
By David Awori

Hundreds of Ugandans are currently crossing the Busia border into Kenya to buy cheap goods, especially textiles, ahead of Christmas.

Mr David Basalirwa, a trader and resident of Bugiri District, says he prefers to buy textiles from Kenya because they are cheap compared to buying them in Iganga District and other Ugandan towns.

I buy many clothes in Kenya with KShs1,000 (about Shs24,000), yet with the same money in Uganda, I will only buy one cloth, Mr Basalirwa said on Tuesday, adding that because the clothes in Kenya are cheap, he is able to get good profit after selling in Uganda.

The latest development is in sharp contrast to the past, where Kenyans instead flocked to Uganda in droves to buy mostly textiles.

Such a shift in business is partly attributed to the declining value of the Kenyan currency against the Ugandan Shilling  which has made goods in Kenya cheaper compared to Uganda.

Last year, the Kenyan Shilling was trading at KSh35 against the Ugandan currency, meaning if one had 1KSh, they would get Shs35; but currently, it has hit as low as KSh24.5, accounting for a drop in value by about KShs11 over a period of one year.

Ms Deborah Babirye, who traveled all the way from Namayingo District to Busia border town on Monday to buy curtains from Kenya, says the relatively low prices of goods is pushing traders to buy clothes during the festive season to make some good profit.

Ms Babirye says she has bought two pairs of curtains at KShs400 (about Shs9,000) and hopes to resale each in Namayingo at Shs40,000.

Mr Ivan Wandera, a resident of Busime Sub-county in Busia District, says he crossed the border into Kenya to buy trousers cheaply. I have bought each trouser at KShs250 (about Shs6,000) which could have cost me not less than Shs15,000 back home (in Uganda), he says.

Mr James Wanjala, a Kenyan and a resident of Burumba Ward in Busia-Kenya, says he is surprised by the big number of Ugandans crossing into Kenya to buy commodities, adding that he has never witnessed such an influx of Ugandans crossing into Kenya for shopping.

Mr Wanjala says he thinks the Ugandan economy is doing better than Kenya, and that Ugandans have the money to shop at whatever cost.

We have less than a week until Christmas, but I am yet to do any shopping for myself, children and my wife in terms of food and clothes, Mr Wanjala added.

Mr Baker Ssebanakitta, a resident at the border, says he has witnessed Kenyans crossing into Uganda to buy food and textiles, while Ugandans, on the other hand, are mainly buying textiles from Kenya.

Mr Eddy Juma, a resident of Airstrip in Busia-Kenya, says he was in Uganda to shop because of its good quality textiles, the unfavorable exchange rate notwithstanding.

Ms Christine Juma, a resident of Kakamega in Kenya , says she prefers buying Kitenge, an East African cotton fabric printed in various colours and designs with distinctive borders, used especially by women, from Uganda because of its very good quality.

Mr Ibrahim Wairagala, who sells assorted merchandise along Custom Road in Busia town, says his sales were still too low compared to previous years.

In the past, we would have Kenyans flocking to our shops during this (Christmas) period, but for this particular Christmas, the numbers are too low, Mr Wairagala said.

Mr Francis Magambo, a trader dealing in textiles, says the falling exchange rates of the Kenyan Shilling against the Ugandan currency is the cause for the low business.
By Priscilla Maloba

President Museveni yesterday condemned the deadly Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Tuesday attack on a small village in Kamwenge District, western Uganda, denouncing the attackers aspigs [who] will pay for their crimes.

With 10 people confirmed to have been hacked to death in the bloody raid, the President also announced he has ordered the army to redeploy auxilliary support troops in the Rwenzori Sub-region to counter an upsurge in ADF terrorist activity across the area.

On account of these repeated atrocities by these infiltrators from Congo, I have directed the UPDF to reactivate the force of the LDUs (Local Defence Units) in the areas surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Parks, Kibaale For-

est, the forests in Kyenjojo and Kagadi, Semuliki National Park and Bwindi National Park,Mr Museveni said in a press statement.

The President explained that since the terrorists are carrying out coward ly attacks on soft targets (unarmed civilians),we are reactivating our old method of transforming the village soft targets into lethal local hard points.

We are not short of manpower. It only means deploying more resources to sup- port the manpower,he said.

In recent months, suspected ADF militants have carried out an increasing number of attacks on civilians in mainly Kasese District, including the horrific June 16 slaughter at Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secodnary School in which 37 students lost their lives.The army says these attacks are part of a desperate bid by the militants,under pressure from the UPDF in the Congo,to divert attention.

President Museveni also gave his latest update on the ongoing Ugandan army counterinsurgency operations against ADF elements in the DR Congo, announcing more aerial bombardments on targets across the border.

The President also said he has directed the State House Comptroller (SHC) to send financial support to families that lost their loved ones in the Kamwenge massacre.
Three suspects implicated in the shooting of city businessman Henry Katanga will spend Christmas and New Year behind bars at Luzira prison after Nakawa Court declined to hear their bail application.

The accused include the deceaseds daughter, Kakwanza Patricia, 31, charged with destroying evidence; Amanyire George, 30, a shamba boy at the Katanga home; and Otai Charles, a health worker, both charged with accessory after the fact of murder.

Renowned lawyer Mac Dusman Kabega has been hired to represent the trio. While Kabega prepared to file a new bail application, state attorney Ms. Samalie Wakooli requested more time to review the case details as she was newly assigned.

Prosecutors allege that Henry Katanga was shot dead on November 2, 2023, at his residence on Mbuya Chwa 2 road, Nakawa Division, Kampala, by his wife, Molly Katanga, 55. They further allege that his daughters, Nkwazi Martha Katanga and Kakwanza Patricia, knowing that items at the scene could be evidence, removed or destroyed them, hindering identification. Additionally, Amanyire and Otai are accused of aiding those responsible for the crime to escape punishment.

Meanwhile, Molly Katanga and her daughter Nkwazi are reported to be unwell and unable to appear in court. Criminal summons have been issued requiring their presence on January 8, 2024, for formal charges regarding Katangas murder.
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Walking the streets of Kilkenny, you arent simply walking on pavements, you are walking on the multi-layered history of the city itself. Names such as Friary Street, Rose Inn Street and Parliament Street all have their origins in the Citys history and the commercial and religious activity that coursed through its busy and diverse communities over hundreds of years.

The following is a short summary of some of the most distinctive and colourful street names that adorn the high-ways and by-ways of Kilkenny City. They are a fascinating glimpse into the centuries of local history that shaped and created this unique place.

High Street - is a long narrow street that broadens in the middle, a legacy of its past when it hosted a medieval marketplace. There is a plaque at the end of High Street which states High Street 1200 - widened in 1860. The street is named because it was the highway from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice's Cathedral built by William Marshal. The Tholsel is the defining building on the High street and its name derives from two words toll (tax) and sael (hall) - the place where tolls were paid. Now Kilkennys City Hall, the Tholsel in medieval times acted as a courthouse, custom house, guildhall and also a meeting place for the citys merchant class. There was also once a public gallows on the street while the Hole in the Wall tavern was a supper house and watering hole with a colourful reputation. Both Charles Stewart Parnell and Eamon De Valera spoke at public events on the High Street.



Kieran Street - this street which runs parallel to High Street was also known in the past as Low Lane, Back Lane and King Street. It was named for Ciarans Well, the site of an ancient church at its northern end which was demolished, the site later forming part of the public market. It was the original thoroughfare from the Castle to St Canices and is probably one of the oldest streets in Kilkenny. It was also reportedly home to Alice Kyteler, the infamous witch of Kilkenny who escaped the City after being condemned for heresy in the 14th century.



Parliament Street - this street was named for the Confederate Parliament of 1648 but was earlier known as Coal Market Street as it was the site of the public market where coal from the Castlecomer mines was sold. The street was built as an extension of the High Street on the request of the occupying English who agreed a lease of the ground from the Church for an annual rent of 4 ounces of gold. Apart from Graces Castle, the other notable building on the street is Rothe House, a 16th century merchants house restored in 1966, where the Gaelic League once taught Irish. Where the Watergate Theatre now stands, was once a defensive city gate.



The Parade - this open area outside Kilkenny Castle was so named because soldiers used to drill or parade on the site. Up until the 17th century it was known simply as Castle Street. From 1758 on it was called the Parade. On assuming the title, the 16th Earl of Ormonde launched the restoration of the Castle, part of which involved the construction of a public road. The 17th Earl commissioned the buildings where the Design and Crafts Council Ireland are now homed between 1800 and 1820. The areas artistic legacy also includes the site of the Kilkenny Theatre which dates from about 1794.



Friary Street - this street was named after the Capuchin Friars on the street. The Capuchins first arrived in Kilkenny in 1643. In 1756 they built a friary known as the Poor House Chapel on Walkin Street just off the central thoroughfare of High Street. In 1848 the present-day Church of St Francis was built on this site. The current classical-style friary residence was constructed in 1897, over the basement and incorporating the fabric of the earlier, eighteenth-century building. Friary Street was the site of an ambush by the First Battalion of the IRA on a convoy of British soldiers in 1921. There were three fatalities, two IRA members and one unlucky passing civilian.



Rose Inn Street - is situated in the Cathedral parish of St Marys in the townland of the Dukes Meadows and the street name is of Norman origin. Prior to the Norman occupation of Kilkenny, only one bridge spanned the Nore, situated where Greens Bridge is now. With the building of St Johns Abbey about 1200 by the Earl Mareschal, a bridge was constructed across the Nore near the present Johns Bridge. This meant that a roadway to connect with Castle Street, now the Parade, was needed.

There is a lot of uncertainty around the origin of the name. Rose Inn Street. Some say it derives from the Rose Inn which was situated on the street but this appears to be incorrect as in a Corporation record dated 1637 it appears as Rosin Street, and in Rocques survey of the city, dated 1757, it is spelled Rozon Street. In a document from1668, it is referred to as Rosin Street, and only when the inn on the street was christened the Rose Inn later, did people then begin to call it Rose Inn Street.

Taking time to absorb these stories transforms a walk around the City into a trip back though time and allows you to imagine the life of the streets in long ago eras.
The Great Escape is an enduringly popular Christmas movie that is a film classic but Kilkenny once had a 'great escape' of its own. On November 11, 1921, 44 prisoners escaped from the old Kilkenny Gaol in an audacious and daring escape that gives the celluloid version a run for its money.



The escapees were political prisoners from the War of Independence incarcerated in the old Kilkenny Gaol whose numbers had swelled due to an influx of new prisoners from Corks infamous Spike Island. The prison population at the time of the escape featured men from across Ireland, some of whom were facing the death penalty. Amongst these were an Edward Punch and a Tim Murphy from Limerick. One of the escapees was a priest, Fr. PH Delahunty



The legend of the jail break still lives on today primarily in family memory but the wider population can still learn about it courtesy of a pamphlet written by local historian Fergal Donoghue and published by Kilkenny Library.



The first escape from Kilkenny jail was in 1770 when a single prisoner escaped from the County Jail. At that time the jail was under the courthouse now on the modern Parliament Street, then known as Coalmarket. In 1801, a new jail, a distance removed from the centre of the city, was constructed by William Roberston. This prison had nine yards, 48 separate cells and six day rooms. This large, secure and very imposing building from 1808 became known as the County Jail to distinguish it from the City Jail in Coalmarket.



In the 1840s it was decided that a new jail was needed due to a rising crime rate in KIlkenny combined with a growing population. Plans were approved in 1842 and William Deane Butler designed the new building with the addition of three new multi-storey wings at the front. It was from one of these that the 1921 escape was launched. This jail closed in 1929 but it stood until 1948, when it was demolished and the rubble from it used in the construction of a stand at Nowlan Park.



Back in November 1921, Ireland was in a highly volatile state as the War of Independence had been raging for 2 years. There had been a ceasefire since July 11, 1921 and the Treaty negotiations in early October followed by its signing in December but these events had resulted in the fall of the UK government. There were hundreds of IRA prisoners in jails across Ireland, with Kilkenny Jail just one such place of incarceration. At any given time in Kilkenny Jail there were usually 30 prisoners.



Reports of conditions within the prison varied.. One prisoner, William McNamara said: Conditions in Kilkenny were very bad. The military guards there were a bad lot and gave us a tough time. While another prisoner, Martin Kealy gave a different version saying that conditions were modified for prisoners as requested.



Whatever the actual conditions, security within the prison seems to have been lax. Items smuggled into the prison included messages and articles. Evidence of these smuggled items possibly remain in the form of three autograph books that still survive intact and are in the possession of Kilkenny Archaeological Society today. These contain sketches, limericks and short poems written by prisoners while they were in the jail and offer a fascinating insight into life within the prison walls.

By the end of the summer of 1921, the number of prisoners had risen with an additional 80 to 85 prisoners from Spike Island on November 18. Plans to escape via a tunnel were already well in place in the prison since August/September. Obviously the shorter the tunnel the better to avoid collapse and possible detection. Access to unused solitary confinement cells which were below ground level provided the perfect place to start digging: from these to the outside was about 40 to 50 yards. This section of the jail was also cut off by rows of barbed wire across the stairway to the cells.



The prisoners pried up the floors of the room above to get access to the solitary cell using a hacksaw given to them by a sympathetic warder. They had only very basic tools to hand but this didnt deter them - they managed to loosen the stone walls using tools made from pokers, cutlery and a trowel taken from prison stores. They then disposed of the earth, using blankets as bags tied to a rope to pull the earth up from the cell they were tunnelling from.

This earth was then disposed of in adjoining cells which were rarely entered.

The tunnel because of its depth had to be shored up to prevent it collapsing and trapping the escapees. The prisoners were very resourceful: they used bed boards as props to strengthen the tunnel while they dug by candle-light. They worked in long shifts over weeks to gradually and painstakingly move closer and closer to freedom.



A lot of the tunnelling was reportedly done when a friendly Warder Power was on duty. The work was largely done at night with 8 tons of earth removed in total. The tunnel was 50 yards long and six feet deep underground. Prisoners exited along the foundation of the outer prison wall with the three feet exit coming out in Rioch Street. This final stage of the tunnel was positioned at a 45 degree angle to make the exit for prisoners easier.



On November 22, the prisoners after much long and arduous work, finally put their plan to escape into action. The friendly Warder Power was invited to play draughts and was then gagged and tied to conceal his collusion. Those serving the longest and those facing the death sentence were allowed out first.



Larry Condon entered the tunnel at 6.40pm on November 22, and got out remaining outside to help each successive escapee out of the hole. They must have been some site - all muddied and dishevelled, and not wearing much clothing as they emerged from the tunnel in the dark winter night.



Initially it was thought that 27 or 28 men escaped but others later calculated the number at 43 or 44 escapees. Twenty four names appeared in the Kilkenny Moderator the Saturday after the escape under the headline Stone walls do not a prison make and later Forty four pass free.



Later in 1955, there was a list of 43 escapes in an article in the Kilkenny People about Fr Delahunty who was incorrectly reported as first through the tunnel. Apparently he refused that offer, to let men who were facing the death penalty out before him.



Those first out, took up watch outside the warder's house until the escapees dispersed through the streets and lanes of Kilkenny. The event had been well planned as the Dunamaggin IRA had ponies and traps waiting to pick up some prisoners. There was a letter tied around a stone with all the details thrown over the wall in advance of the escape. Two locals in Rioch Street also helped escapees; they were Paddy Donoghue and Matty Power, both later Kilkenny hurling stars.



There was a colourful story that one prisoner tried to bring his suitcase through the tunnel and then blocked it, alerting the guards who apprehended some escapees as a result. This may however be a creative recollection as there were so many prisoners passing through the tunnel that it was probably damaged by the sheer volume of men. The last man into the tunnel was a Maurice of Limerick: unluckily for him it collapsed ahead of him, forcing him back. On his return he was met by armed soldiers.



One of the most interesting facts about prison life was provided by Edward Balfe in his later testimony to the Bureau of Military History who said he had access to a camera while in the prison. Some of his unique photos now remain in private collections, with the Brennan family in Waterford owning nine historical prison shots.



Developing photos in prison was difficult but again the inventive prisoners found a way around this using window glass and pieces of bed-board as developing tools. When Reverend P Holland was transferred to Ballyfoyle, he was given a sheet of paper with head and shoulder images of 28 prisoners on it alongside Fr Delahunty. This photographic collage, created by Edward Balfe, was also decorated with artwork by Peter Quinlan and Sean Quilter. The original is now in Rothe House.

These grainy images offer a glimpse of the brave men who risked all of a winter night to enter into Irish history and Kilkenny legend.
Up the steep stairs of Rothe House on the top floor in the Phelan room are two striking portraits by Sir John Lavery that symbolise the connection between John and Hazel Lavery and Kilkenny. The two portraits are of the famous painter and his glamorous socialite wife who combined their roles as the toast of London society with activism to support both Irish independence and the nascent Free State.



A third painting sits alongside the adult portraits and it is the key to the Laverys connection to Kilkenny - it is of Hazel Laverys daughter Alice Gwynn as a young girl. It was Alice who donated all three paintings to Rothe House after Laverys death. The famous painter died in Rossenarra House at Kilmoganny in Kilkenny on January 10, 1941 where he had been staying with Alice who had married local man, Jack McEnery.



Lavery had left a Blitz torn London to seek refuge with his step- daughter as a superannuated evacuee earlier in 1940. He painted his last paintings at Rossenarra House notably Gypsy Encampment. On the morning of his death he had been planning to paint the local hunt in Kilmoganny before he passed away. His funeral held in Kilmoganny was attended by Liam Cosgrave the son of WT Cosgrave.

The Rothe House self portrait of Sir John Lavery was originally painted in 1909 for the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Its stark simplicity is striking but Lavery had second thoughts about it when friends commented unfavourably on it, after seeing it in situ in the gallery, and he subsequently requested its return so he could replace it with a more distinguished version. The Uffizis loss has been Kilkennys gain.



The portrait of Hazel Lavery painted in 1926 displays Laverys tenderness and affection for his young and beautiful wife: he painted Hazel over 400 times during their relationship. The portrait highlights Hazels luminous complexion and long graceful neck while also hinting at her passionate nature in the vivid colour of her lips and her intelligence in the book she holds.



Sir John Lavery was an accomplished and successful portrait painter in London and Dublin in the early 20th century. His portraits include those of Michael Collins, Edward Carson, and prime ministers of Great Britain. He was made a Freeman of both Belfast and Dublin during his lifetime, the only one to hold such a dual honour.



He was born in Belfast in 1856, and after both his parents died prematurely was separated from his two siblings and sent to live with relatives first in Co Down and later in Glasgow. Unhappy in his new Glasgow home he ran away, aged 15 and was homeless. When he was found he was returned to Co Down where he first learned to draw by copying from engravings. He later returned to Glasgow where he worked as an apprentice to a newspaper photographer and attended the Halidane Academy of Art. By the second year of art school he was already expressing his ambition to become a portrait painter.



In 1888 Lavery was commissioned to paint the state visit of Queen Victoria to the Glasgow International Exhibition, an event which launched his career as a society painter and he moved to London shortly after. Lavery always worked extremely hard at his artistic career and had a prolific output during his lifetime. His first wife, Kathleen MacDermott, whom he married in 1889, died of tuberculosis in 1891, shortly after the birth of their daughter, Eileen.

Johns second wife was Hazel Martyn, an Irish American known for her beauty and style whom he married when she was 29 and he was 53. Her first husband had died only months into their marriage and Hazel was left with a young daughter Alice to rear. She was described by her biographer Sinead McCoole as: An astonishing beauty with an immense presence despite her five-foot two-inch stature. Her small, rather pointed face was dominated by lustrous almond-shaped hazel eyes.

Despite their age gap the couple had an intense and immediate attraction with Hazel moving from her native Chicago to London to a new home at 5 Cromwell Place, opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum. Here, she established not only a marital home but also a very successful social salon where the great and good of London came to meet.

During WWI John Lavery was a war artist and after the war he was knighted to become Sir John Lavery. In 1921 he was also elected to the Royal Academy, another professional and social elevation. By the 1920s Lavery was an extremely successful society artist aided by Hazel who used her charm and beauty to successfully promote his artistic career. Together they became a power couple and stars of London Society. Their friends and guests included politicians, writers, artists and the city's theatre set with Winston Churchill a close neighbour. Hazel taught Churchill to paint, a release he used to combat his depression throughout his life.

During this time Hazel had many admirers including the Prime Minister Asquith, Lord Londonderry and Sir Shane Leslie. She and John Lavery were reported to have a tempestuous relationship with both indulging in extra marital affairs, yet still remaining loyal to their marriage.

As an Irish American, Hazel had always had an interest in Ireland and she suggested to John that he paint Irish subjects including Edward Carson and Sir John Redmond. The couple made their first visit to Ireland in 1913 and as a mixed marriage (John was Catholic and Hazel was Protestant, though she later converted to Catholicism) they were always keen to promote reconciliation between the two traditions.

The 1916 Rising shocked them but after the executions, Lavery pledged support to the interned. He also painted the trial of Sir Roger Casement, which Hazel attended and was deeply affected by. After Casement was condemned to death she became passionate about Ireland's welfare.

Seeing the devastation wreaked on Ireland by the Black and Tans during a visit Hazel became more active in her campaign. She pleaded Irelands cause with Lloyd George and wrote to Churchill who was then the Minister for War for the Dublin Castle administration to leave Ireland. When a truce was declared in July 1921, the Laverys offered their London home as neutral ground where both sides could meet and interact on a more human level. When De Valera and Arthur Griffith travelled to London for negotiations, John Lavery not only hosted them in Cromwell Place, he also painted their portraits.



These initial talks failed and when a second Irish delegation went to London in September 1921 it featured Griffith and Michael Collins. Throughout October the negotiations continued by day with social sessions at the Laverys home by night. Sir John painted Michael Collins on November 16, 1921 while Hazel interceded with Lloyd George to promote Irelands cause. Hazel and Michael Collins met at 8am Mass daily at nearby Brompton Oratory, with their intense friendship leading to rumours of a romance.



The pair did have an intense bond and it seems that Collins used Hazel as a de facto agent, writing frequently to give her instructions but always phrased in almost romantic language, a tactic he adopted with all his most successful agents, who were largely female.



In the end Lloyd George manipulated Griffith into signing up for the boundary commission claiming that it would solve the North South issue. Hazel too urged Griffith to compromise and defer their long term goal of total independence to later. When George declared an ultimatum to the Irish delegation on December 5, 1921, they conceded and signed the Treaty at 2am on December 6. Collins returned to the Laverys home in a state of agitation at the situation. The Dail voted on the Treaty on January 2, 1922 by a majority of 64 to 57 upholding the agreement and De Valera and his followers walked out.



By June 1922, the country was in a state of Civil War. The Laverys arrived in Ireland the day after Arthur Griffiths death that August and spent time with Collins, now the Commander in Chief of the Free State Army. They were also with him when attempts were made on his life, once when his car was fired on and another, when a sniper was apprehended in the grounds of the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire. Despite escaping these attempts within a week Collins was dead, shot at Beal na Blath. On his body was a book of poems by Rossetti within which was a letter from Hazel.



John Lavery painted two images in tribute to Collins. One Love of Ireland depicts Collins in death with the emblems of the crucifix and tricolour emphasising that he died for his country. The other Pro Cathedral Dublin 1922 was sketched from the gallery of the Pro-Cathedral while the funeral Mass was taking place.



Laverys high profile continued throughout the 20s and 30s while he continued to support Irish causes. As reward he received the task of designing the new currency for which he used Hazels image as Mother Ireland, Kathleen Ni Houlihan. These notes remained in use for nearly fifty years from 1928 to the 70s. Lavery also continued to paint people from both traditions while Hazel continued to lobby on Irish issues.



When Hazel Lavery died in 1935, John Lavery was utterly devastated and at a loss. Her funeral was held at the Brompton Oratory and she was buried in Putney Vale. When he died six years later in Kilmoganny, his body was brought back to London to be reunited with his beloved Hazel, where they now share a very simple and unadorned headstone.



Today, the Laverys remain united too in Rothe House, their serene portraits revealing little of the eventful and exceptional lives they led.
Family research detective work has revealed emigration links between rural Kilkenny, Canada and the USA.



Members of the Doran family left Coolagh, near Callan, at the time of the Famine. Generations later the descendants of that family have found their way home from Bangor, Maine.



In some ways a familiar tale, for Mary Alice Wildasin it was a personal one, and a genealogy search she was introduced to as a little girl.

When I was nine years old I remember going to the Maine State Archives in Augusta (the state capital) with my grandparents. They were researching our family history and I remember pulling books off the shelves, I wasnt into genealogy then, Mary Alice recalls.



On a trip to Ireland in 1981, with her grandparents and her mother, Mary Alice remembers sitting in the reading room of the National Library looking for references to their ancestor Patrick Doran. At that stage they still had no idea even what county to search in.



Fast forward to 2023 and Mary Alice has tracked down her four times great grandfather to Summerslane in Coolagh, in the mid 1840s.

Its been a fascinating detective story and one that the locals in Coolagh, near Callan, were delighted to hear when Mary Alice, who now lives in Co Clare, visited recently.



She stressed to the Kilkenny People that although she has not yet found a DNA family match to the nowadays local Dorans (including Councillor Matt Doran who has taken a DNA test for Mary Alice to compare to her family) the community of Coolagh has welcomed her and her mother like family.



The pieces of the family history jigsaw came together for Mary Alice and her mother through a mix of commitment to the search and some good luck.



In 2008 Mary Alice was living in Florida. Her mother belonged to an Irish research group who had planned a research trip to Salt Lake City, Utah. Mary Alice joined her at the last minute, expecting to be bored by day two of the trip.

But the curiosity to know where the Dorans came from kicked in. She was still in the research library on the Saturday and with just five minutes to go to closing time her mother entered the names of Patrick Doran and his brother in a computer. But she couldnt press enter. She just had a funny feeling.

Mary Alice stepped in, hit enter and for the very first time the two ladies saw the location Callan appear on a record, on the screen in front of them.



A chance meeting between Mary Alice and an Irish genealogist in an Irish bar on a visit to Providence, Rhode Island, unlocked the next big revelation.

Having taken a note of Mary Alices story on a cocktail napkin, the genealogist was back to her in just three days - Ive found your family - in Quebec!



The other woman had been researching French immigrant families to Canada, and a search in French records found the Dorans from Summerslane. Not the english language records that Mary Alices family had been studying.

Six weeks later Mary Alice and her grandfather visited Summerslane for the first time.



What the genealogist had discovered was that the Dorans had travelled from Callan to Quebec in Canada. Mary Alices fourth great grandfather, Timothy Doran, was born in Coolagh circa 1800 and died in Quebec in 1850. He emigrated with his wife and six of their seven children. Records show their youngest child, Johanna, was born in Coolagh on May 17, 1849, and that she died in Quebec on July 17, 1850.



Patrick Doran, Timothys son and Mary Alices direct ancestor, worked in the lumber industry. Huge in the region at the time lumber was exported from Canada to Ireland and the UK.

Patrick and his brother would have taken the Old Canada Road from Quebec to Bangor following work in this industry.



The rest of the family stayed in Quebec. One sister married in Montreal, another two stayed in Quebec city and are buried there in St Patricks church - the first ethnic church in Canada, built by the Irish.



Birth dates and death certs for the family match up, so even though she has not been able to find emmigration records, Mary Alice is as sure as she can be that she has found her ancestors. A find she described as thrilling.



It also matches up with a family story passed down through the generations that the Dorans went to Canada from Callan, a father and two or three sons. Mary Alice, and her grandparents before her, didnt know where to look in Canada.



When Mary Alices grandfather passed away she used her small inheritance to study to become a geneaologist. Something he would have been proud of. Then in 2019 she was accepted to University of Limerick to do a Masters of Family History. Her dissertation was The Dorans from Summerslane, Kilkenny, to Bangor, Maine, 1820-1900. A case study in step migration.



Mary Alice now works as a genealogist and social historian, despite having fibromyalgia which can make sitting at a computer for long periods uncomfortable. Its wonderful to see records, she said, but you really need the story behind them, what was going on locally, in the county and country at that time.



For Mary Alice this search has only started. She still wants to find out what happened to one of the Doran children, Catherine, who she thinks emigrated to Australia when she was just five years old. Who she was with or how that came about is the next big family mystery, but there are clues she can work with in the baptismal records of the Summerslane family as well as Australian marriage and DNA records she has found.

The next chapter of the Doran family history is just waiting to be discovered by Mary Alice.
ABOVE: Philip Cushen, Paddy Morgan and Miriam Cushen sorting the new fleeces.

The shirt youre wearing, or your favourite pair of jeans - do you know where they came from? Not just the shop, but the individual strands used to make the material that was conjured into a piece of clothing?



Remarkably, there is a family business in Kilkenny where not only can you buy textiles that are woven on the premises, but now you can visit some of the sheep the wool came from, just a few miles down the road!



The stars of this new development are a herd of Galway Sheep. A heritage Irish breed, they are a protected breed and Irelands only indigenous breed, but remain in small numbers in this country.

They are a specialised wool breed, not favoured by the changing farming business that has focussed on food supply for many years.



The Galway Sheeps thick, high quality wool is perfect for processing into yarns and textiles. At Cushendale Woolen Mill it has long been the wool of choice.



In the past Miriam Cushen and her husband Trevor Ging have travelled all over Ireland to visit Galway Sheep herds, choosing the wool by hand and forming friendships with their farmer-suppliers. However, until now there hasnt been a local herd of the special sheep.



That changed this year, when friend and local farmer Paddy Morgan fulfilled his own dream of owning a herd of Galway Sheep.



Introduced to one of their suppliers by Cushendale, Paddy - like all Galway sheep farmers - was impressed and enamoured by the docile friendly sheep and last year brought some of the breed to his farm on the outskirts of Graignamanagh where they sheep settled in and are enjoying their new home at Dalton Farm, in the shade of Brandon Hill.
A long line of artistic trailblazers have been cultivated from the land that sweeps the banks of the Nore over the years.

One artist all-too-often left on the margins is the prodigious talent of William John Hennessy.

Born in Thomastown in 1839, William John Hennessy was brought up in a household that valued Irish cultural traditions.

Williams father, John, was a Young Irelander. He advocated for the revival of the Irish language and for the study of Irish history from a young age to further the aims of Irish nationalism.

Fearing a rebellion, the British Government ruled in 1848 that Young Irelanders could be arrested without trial, putting the family at risk.

The danger of persecution forced John Hennessys hand and the patriarch fled the country alone, as an exile, landing in Canada in 1848 before settling down in New York City shortly after.

Back in Ireland, William, his mother Catherine and his brother summoned the funds to join their father in New York in 1849.

The United States offered a fresh start and fresh opportunities for young William, as it has for the many generations of Irish immigrants that have landed on its shores.

Pursuing his interests, he began drawing while still in his early teens.

At 15 he attended the National Academy of Design to study fine art painting, a feat illustrating his talent.

Hennessy exhibited at the National Academy in New York in 1857 and was elected as a full member only six years later in 1863.

The predominant medium of his work was painting (oil and watercolour) but he was also a very skilled sketch artist, woodcarver and illustrator.

He went on to win commissions to illustrate the literary works of many famous poets including Lord Tennyson, Henry Longfellow and John Whittier.

William would become lauded both in the art community and among the public for his slice of life painted scenes that synthesised the atmosphere of French Naturalism with the skilled precision of the Pre-Raphaelite artists.

Two famous examples of his work are The Pride of Dijon (1879), an iconic depiction of romance, and The Votive Offering' (1875).

The Pride of Dijon (1879)

Hennessy went on to co-found the Artists Fund Society in New York City. The society assisted members and their families in cases of illness, old age, and death and even assisted non-members in cases of great distress.

He became an honorary member of the American Society of Painters in Watercolours soon after.

William and his wife Charlotte eventually moved to London in 1870, joining a large expatriate community there, and he became a welcome member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1902.

The Royal Hibernian Academy displayed a number of his paintings between 1879 and 1907.

He passed away in Sussex, England in December, 1917.
According to local legend, St Nicholas was buried in Newtown at Jerpoint in Kilkenny about 800 years ago.

A French family, the de Frainets, allegedly removed Nicholas' remains from Myra (Turkey) to Italy to France and eventually to Ireland, where his remains are now buried in a decorative grave in the Kilkenny countryside.

To add to the mystery, the location where St. Nicholas is interred is the site of an abandoned town which is known as the Lost Town of Newtown at Jerpoint. The town was founded by either Earl Marshal or Griffin Fitzwilliam in the 12th century, west of the local Cistercian Abbey, and was abandoned sometime early in the 18th century.

St. Nicholas was venerated in both the Catholic and Orhodox churches and is a prominent figure in ancient Celtic Christianity. He died in Myrna in Turkey in 343AD and the Normans, travelling through the region during the Crusades, are reported to have taken his remains back to Barri, then Venice and eventually Jerpoint.

Such saintly relics and remains were believed to confer immense status on monasteries.

St. Nicholas of Myra was also known as Nicholas of Bari and was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor during the time of the Roman Empire. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. He is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, unmarried people, and students.

His reputation evolved among the pious, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional figure of Santa Claus.

The decorative tomb in the graveyard at Jerpoint which claims to be the final resting place of St. Nicholas, remains a popular site for tourists to visit. The origin of this myth may be traced to the mapping of the area for the first edition of the Ordnance Survey in 1839 as the surveyors of the day inserted a label, 'St. Nicholas Tomb, near the location of the church.

The trail of the saints remains is complex and dimmed by time. However, less than 200 years after Nicholas' death, the St. Nicholas Church was built over the site of the church where he had served as bishop, and his remains were moved to a sarcophagus in that church.

Later when the Greek Christian inhabitants of the region were subjugated by the newly arrived Muslim Turks, and their church was declared to be in schism, a group of merchants from the Italian city of Bari removed the major bones of Nicholas' skeleton from his sarcophagus and brought them to their hometown. According to this story, they are now enshrined in the Basilica di San Nicola.

The remaining bone fragments from the sarcophagus in Turkey were later removed by Venetian sailors and taken to Venice during the First Crusade.

Small bones quickly began to be dispersed across western Europe as the cult of St Nicholas grew and demand for relics of the saint escalated. Allegedly one tooth and two fragments chipped from Nicholas' sarcophagus were given to the Norman knight William Pantulf. Pantulf then took these relics to his hometown in Normandy while the clergy at Bari strategically gave away samples of Nicholas' bones to promote the cult and enhance its prestige.

If all the locations where St. Nicholas (or parts of him) are reputed to be buried he would have to have many more bones than a normal human skeleton.

Most recently a team of archaeologists now claim that they have found St. Nicholas' tomb underneath a Byzantine church in Turkey.

The Kilkenny tradition which states that the relics of St. Nicholas were stolen from Myra by Norman crusading knights in the twelfth century and later buried at Newtown may actually be more grounded in myth than fact. According to the Irish antiquarian John Hunt, the tomb probably belongs to a local priest from Jerpoint Abbey.

However, we are holding on firmly to the legend of St. Nicholas at Jerpoint as it adds a spice of excitement to Christmas in Kilkenny. Happy St. Nicholas' Day to all.
Witches, wells, piseogs, pike, curses, Fionn Mac Cumhaill and ghost hurlers all form part of the rich heritage surrounding Kilkennys only lake, Lough Cullen.

Having read the various accounts of what was supposed to have gone on there in prehistoric times, you would be almost afraid to go anywhere near it.

It is also known by its English name, Holly Lake and amazingly there has never been a major feature written on what I found to be a little piece of heaven situated in the heart of South Kilkenny.

My favourite myth surrounding the lake is the tale that when there is a full moon, ghost hurlers come out and play on top of the shimmering surface of the lake.

According to the Journal of The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, the hurlers, after a protracted and violent struggle, unleash unearthly shouts, which float in wild reverberations around the distant hills with the lake becoming unusually agitated.

The hurlers are then engulfed and a witch, disguised as an old woman lets out venomous wails of destruction and cries out in a loud voice, An luachair, an luachair (the rushes, the rushes.)

This ties in with the local superstition of how Lough Cullen was formed and the following story was written down by John ODonovan from Slieverue who did so much work on Irish place names proves this.

A wicked witch wished to destroy a number of young men who were hurling on the plain over which the waters of Lough Cullen spreads itself, he wrote.

One of the hurlers turned off the hurling green (faithche) to quench his thirst but not finding any water, he wandered about in search of a well.

He was met by the witch in disguise, who told him that there was no well near at hand but that if he went over to a tuft of rushes which she pointed out, and pulled one rush, a well would issue from the earth.

He did what she suggested and forthwith a deluge of water issued from the earth, which overflowed the plain, drowned the thirsty youth and all his companions on the green.

Getting to Lough Cullen is simple. Just go to Mullinavat and take the R448 which will bring you out on to the Fahee road out of Kilmacow

It is located on the tip of Kilmacow parish and is closely associated with Big Wood, Mullinavat and with Gracedieu, Kells, Kilmacow.



John Fitzgerald has lived his whole life close to Lough Cullen.

His childhood was spent exploring the lake, its shore and the bog and natural habitat surrounding it.

While other people went to Tramore, John and his friends made do with swimming at Dans Hole where they spent endless afternoons and evenings.

Alas, that has all stopped and all the fish that were in the lake have vanished.

The lake is fed by The Cats Rock stream and was home to trout and pike none of which remain.

John, a keen environmentalist, has noted that the wild iris flower, once common around Lough Cullen and especially along the waters edge, is completely gone.

He feels that in terms of size and quality, the lake he has always loved, has deteriorated. He blames Irelands entry into the EEC (now EU) in 1973 for leading to more intensive farming practices as a reason for its current state.



The Burkes or Gauls of Gaulstown in the parish of Lower Kilmacow were descended from William de Burgh, grandson of Edmond na feasoige de Burgh of Clanwilliam and ancestor of Walter de Burgh of (Ardmayle on the Suir), Co Tipperary, and who came to Kilmacow after 1370.

They built a castle, which became a ruin over looking Holly Lake, but is now gone.



Locals maintain that the remains of this castle still can be seen in a field between the road which leads from Gaulstown to Charlestown, and at the stream from Holly Lake, which flows between both places, nearer to the road than the stream.

Ringville National School was part of a project operated by Duchas and now retained for posterity in the National Folklore Collection. It centred on a man, called Laurence Roche who was handed down this story by his father.

About five miles north east of my house two miles from the village of Ballinerea, and three fields from ONeills of Fahee, is a lake which is called Holly Lake.

It is said that a man was going along the fields and he saw a woman with a pail of water in her hand. He asked her for a drink and she said pull up that rush and put it back the same way.

The man pulled up the rush, got the drink, but he could not put it back so the water gushed up and formed into a lake, and the lake is there still.

It is said that the woman was a witch and that there is no bottom to the lake, Mr Roche told a volunteer in the project overseen by teacher, Sile de Paor.

One time it was frozen and people came and skated and burled on it with holly burls. This is the reason they called it Holly Lake, he said.



The final story about Lough Cullen involves Fionn Mac Cumhaill, leader of the Fianna.

We are indebted to the late John ODonovan, the Irish scholar and topographer for this tale: Fionn was staying close to the lake and to make a long story short, saw a hare with a golden coat on one side and a shiny, silver coat on the other pass by.

He and his dog, Bran gave chase. After days and days, they found the hare, which had turned into a beautiful woman, crying by the waters edge because she had lost her golden ring in the lake.

Being chivalrous, Fionn eventually found the ring at the bottom of the lake and when he presented it to her, she took his hand and he immediately found himself metamorphosised into a wizened old man, near death.

Eventually, the Fianna found the witch who was living on Tory Hill. They started to dig up the hill and throw it into the lake.

Suddenly she appeared as they were demolishing the hill and asked them to stop, restoring Fionn to full health for doing so.

She disclosed her name as Grinn and said that the hill was her; habitation and the lake my power.

Fionn replied to her: We shall always know you by Cuillinn Grinn and this hill will be known as Sliabh Cuillinn to the end of time.
A Kilkenny councillor has raised the level of garda resources in Kilkenny and policing in rural towns with the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris.

In a proactive move to address the concerns surrounding policing in rural towns, North Kilkenny Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick met with Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris at a Joint Policing Committee meeting in Wicklow earlier this month to emphasise the critical importance of maintaining adequate Garda numbers in Kilkenny and across the country as the representative of Ailg (Association of Irish Local Government).

"I took the opportunity to meet directly with Commissioner Harris and seek assurances that Kilkenny will not see any reduction in garda numbers following on from the fallout of the Dublin disturbances," he said referring to the riots in the capital on November 23.

"We also discussed many other issues such as improving equipment and a commitment that no garda station in this country would close under his watch," he said.

The meeting served as a platform for Cllr Fitzpatrick to relay the pressing concerns of the local community and highlight the pivotal role of An Garda Siochana in addressing key issues in Kilkenny.

During the meeting, Cllr Fitzpatrick commended the efforts of An Garda Siochana in Kilkenny in addressing issues related to drug abuse and crime rates. The councillor also underscored the significance of sustaining these efforts and stressed that a shortage of manpower could undermine the progress made in tackling such crucial matters.

"Citizens in rural towns deserve a strong and visible police presence to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. I want to express my gratitude for the outstanding work of An Garda Siochana in Kilkenny and emphasise the need for continued support to maintain and bolster our local policing efforts," remarked Cllr Fitzpatrick.

It is vital to advocate for the welfare of the people of Kilkenny and to ensure that An Garda Siochana has the necessary resources to continue their crucial work.

The discussion delved into the unique challenges faced by rural areas and the importance of tailored strategies to address them effectively. Cllr Fitzpatrick presented data and community feedback to substantiate the need for sustained resources and personnel in tackling local issues.

Garda Commissioner Harris acknowledged the insights provided by Cllr Fitzpatrick and assured him of his commitment to working collaboratively to address the concerns raised. The Commissioner also expressed his appreciation for the proactive engagement of local representatives in fostering a safer environment for residents.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Cloudy skies with a few snow showers this afternoon. High 24F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%..

Tonight

Watching a potential winter storm. Snow. Winds will be gusty at times this evening. Low 11F. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 100%. 5 to 8 inches of snow expected.
MARIES COUNTY - The city of Belle is facing a lawsuit for allegedly violating Missouri's open meetings law. The office of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed the petition against the city of Belle on Tuesday, which alleges Mayor Daryl White failed to ensure the city complied with Missouri's open meetings law.

The petition alleges the city of Belle violated the Missouri Sunshine Law by failing to post notices of Board of Aldermen public meetings in accordance with the law, failing to include specificity on meetings agendas, failing to keep meeting minutes, deviating from items on the agenda during meetings, and hosting unauthorized closed meetings.

Missouri's open meeting law requires public meetings, records and votes of public governmental bodies be open to the public.

The law states it is public policy that "meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies to be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law."

Notice for public meetings

The petition alleges the city of Belle failed to provide sufficient notice for at least three public Board of Aldermen meetings this year.

The open meeting law requires governmental bodies to give notice of public meetings' time, date, place and tentative agenda "in a manner reasonably calculated to advise the public of the matters to be considered" at least 24 hours in advance, excluding weekends and holidays.

The petition claims the Board of Aldermen held public meetings on May 31 and June 6 without posting notice at the main office of the body holding the meeting. The petition also claims the attorney general's office made public records requests for the notices and agendas of those meetings, but the city did not provide them.

The petition claims the Board of Aldermen held a rescheduled meeting on July 31 without providing sufficient notice. While the board typically meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., the petition claims the board held a meeting on July 31 captioned a "special meeting."

The petition states the city posted a notice on Friday, July 28, that the board would meet on July 11. Then, the petition reads, the city changed the notice at about 4:15 p.m. on Monday, July 31, to read that the meeting would be on July 31, which the petition claims was about two hours before the meeting started.

Specificity in meeting agendas

The petition also alleges meeting agendas lacked specificity necessary to inform the public of matters the board was considering.

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The petition claims the Board of Aldermen discussed at least six additional items and took four public votes that weren't disclosed on the agenda at a meeting on April 24. It also claims the board discussed items of public business on a May 9 meeting that were not included in the notice for that meeting, including ordinance rezoning, resignation of the public works director, a sidewalk project, a city-wide cleanup, a police car and a franchise electric agreement.

The petition alleges the board discussed items of public interest at a public meeting on April 11 that were not included on the posted meeting notice or meeting agenda. The items included a vote on a property damage claim to the city's insurance carrier following a lightning strike to a lift station and a vote for purchasing new pumps for lift stations, the petition states.

The petition claims that during a Feb. 21 meeting, the board discussed the purchase of a police dog from the Maries County Sheriff's Office and voted on imposing a cap on a counteroffer to present to the sheriff's office. The petition claims the city labeled the discussion as "police department" in the meeting agenda, which the petition says was "too broad ... to provide meaningful information to the public on what, specifically, about the police department would be discussed."

The petition alleges the board passed a motion to accept the resignation of former Alderperson Gina Tegart at a Feb. 13 meeting during a section the city labeled "Old Business" with the topic "Accept Resignation" below. The petition claims "Accept Resignation" does not sufficiently inform the public of the matters the board will consider because "the agenda items does not identify the employee, official, or title that is being resigned."

Tracking meeting minutes

The petition alleges the city did not provide the attorney general's office with meeting minutes for meetings on March 23, May 11 and May 30 after the office made a records request that included meeting minutes for Board of Aldermen meetings.

The petition claims meeting notices were posted for meetings on those dates and that cancellation notices were not posted, and if there was a cancellation, the city did not inform the attorney general's office. The petition states the attorney general's office believes the Board of Aldermen or the Board of Adjustment met on those dates and alleges the city failed to keep minutes for the meetings.

Closed meetings

The petition alleges the city violated the Sunshine Law's requirement that closed meetings of public governmental bodies must have a specific announced reason that aligns with the law's authorized reasons.

The petition alleges the Board of Aldermen violated this at its meeting Feb. 21 in which it discussed a counteroffer for purchasing a police dog. This part of the meeting was in a closed session, which the petition alleges was not an authorized reason to host a closed meeting.

The petition alleges the board held closed meetings on Jan. 10, Feb. 13, Feb. 21, March 9, March 14, April 6, April 11, April 24, May 9 and May 31 that did not include a specific reason in the meeting minutes for being a closed meeting, which the petition alleges violates the open meetings law.

The city of Belle was summoned to appear before Judge William Hickle in the 25th Circuit Court in Maries County, according to online court records.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
British Smaller Companies VCT2 (LON:BSC  Get Free Report) was down 0.9% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as GBX 54 ($0.68) and last traded at GBX 54 ($0.68). Approximately 35,842 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 76% from the average daily volume of 20,324 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 54.50 ($0.69).

British Smaller Companies VCT2 Stock Down 0.9 %

The company has a market cap of 123.43 million, a PE ratio of 1,800.00 and a beta of -0.01. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 53.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 55.08.

British Smaller Companies VCT2 Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

British Smaller Companies VCT 2 plc is a venture capital trust specializing in emerging growth, growth capital, acquisition funding, and development funding. It is an evergreen fund. The fund invests in a range of securities which may include ordinary and preference shares and fixed income securities, such as corporate bonds and gilts in VCT qualifying and non-qualifying securities.

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OneAscent Financial Services LLC purchased a new stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report) in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm purchased 17,382 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $682,000.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 108,287.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 296,468,035 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $11,556,324,000 after buying an additional 296,194,508 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 5.4% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 80,014,266 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,232,576,000 after acquiring an additional 4,112,351 shares during the period. Betterment LLC grew its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 72,563,778 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,931,577,000 after acquiring an additional 787,088 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 55,415,031 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,556,296,000 after purchasing an additional 1,508,810 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 8.4% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 45,951,617 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,791,194,000 after purchasing an additional 3,566,685 shares in the last quarter.

Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts:

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Trading Up 1.7 %

Shares of VWO traded up $0.66 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $40.29. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,893,089 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,975,266. The companys 50-day moving average is $39.68 and its 200-day moving average is $40.33. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 52-week low of $37.46 and a 52-week high of $43.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $72.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.69.

About Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Watching a potential winter storm. Cloudy. Low 26F. SW winds shifting to ESE at 10 to 15 mph.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 35F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Watching a potential winter storm. Cloudy skies. Low 26F. SSW winds shifting to ESE at 10 to 20 mph.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 35F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Watching a potential winter storm. Mainly cloudy. Low 27F. SSW winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph.
In a recent update on the official Korean military app, striking new images of BTS's Jimin and Jungkook, who recently commenced their mandatory military service, have been made public.

Enlisting Side by Side

Earlier this month, Jimin and Jungkook bid farewell as they joined the military, becoming the final members of BTS to fulfill their mandatory service. Suga and J-Hope were present to see them off, and Jin, already in the same unit, greeted them from inside. The reassuring "Buddy system" saw Jimin and Jungkook beginning their service together, a fact that resonated emotionally with many fans.

Insights from "The Camp" App

ARMYs seeking real-time updates on the duo's military journey can turn to "The Camp," the official military application. This platform not only shares official military photos but also offers details about their daily meals and a virtual space for sending letters.

Training Updates and Camaraderie

Among the app's updates, pictures of military trainees, including Jungkook and Jimin, surfaced. Netizens were touched by the images of the duo standing side by side, identified by their respective numbers "59" and "60." Additionally, snapshots from their actual training sessions showcased Jimin proudly sporting his "60" hat.

READ ALSO: BTS Jungkook & Jimin Go for 'Companion Soldier' Enlistment- Why This Choice Matters

Netizens' Reaction

Here are the online community's responses to the photos of BTS members during their military training.

"Jimin is so good that he becomes a model assistant? I'm working as a demonstration assistant. It's so cold and I'm having a hard time." "Oh my, it must be cold  Be careful not to catch a cold!" "Maybe it's because you use your body well, but your posture is also a work of art." "Wow Jungkook... A handsome person is handsome just by looking at his eyes." "Your posture is so cool" "Jimin's shooting stance is cool" "Wow, it's cold, but I fall in love again. 59 60 The trainees are doing well Jimin's posture is cool."

While it marks the initial phase of their enlistment, continuous official updates through the app will keep fans informed about Jimin and Jungkook's military activities. Designed to reassure the loved ones of those enlisted, "The Camp" serves a similar purpose for ARMYs and BTS members alike, fostering a sense of connection during this period of service.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: BTS Jin to Train Jungkook & Jimin in Military? Here's Why ARMYs Can't Stop Laughing

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KpopStarz own this article.

Cassidy Jones wrote this.
The holiday season is peak time for increased scam activity. Alabama Power is reminding customers to be aware of scam activity and take measures to protect themselves.

Alabama Power business and residential customers are currently being targeted by scammers through a phone scam. In the latest variation of this old con, scammers are calling customers and using the customers account information to trick customers into providing fraudulent payments. The caller is demanding immediate payment via money card and warning service will be disconnected if payment is not received.

Alabama Power will never call asking for immediate payment, nor request payment through an alternate form of payment, such as a money card.

Alabama Power encourages customers unsure if a call is a scam to hang up immediately and contact Customer Service. Business customers can call 1-888-430-5787 on weekdays from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. and residential customers can call 1-800-245-2244 on weekdays from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

An automated voice system is also available 24/7 to check account balances and payment status. Please do not call any other 800 number that isnt listed as one of our official numbers online here.

When going online to pay your bill or to look up our contact numbers, please only visit our official website at alabamapower.com.

Alabama Powers digital tools enable customers to securely manage their accounts online, check account balances and verify payment status 24/7. Set up an online account or download the free Alabama Power app at alabamapower.com/digitaltools.

Alabama Power customers can combat scammers and protect themselves from false tactics by remembering these quick tips:

We will never call you and demand an immediate payment.

We will never ask you to use an alternate form of payment, such as a money card.

We will never call you and request bank or credit card information.

We will never come to your door and demand an immediate payment.

For more information, visit www.alabamapower.com/scam.
1.2 billion from the Just Transition Fund to Bulgaria

Bulgaria will receive 1.2 billion from the Just Transition Fund (JTF), following the adoption of Bulgaria's Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs) by the European Commission today. The JTF will help deliver new jobs and economic activities for a just transition in the Bulgarian regions of Stara Zagora, Kyustendil and Pernik that face the biggest socio-economic challenges in phasing out coal and reducing CO2 emissions. It will also support Bulgaria to reach the EU 2030 climate and energy targets, and a climate-neutral economy by 2050.

Today's adoption of the TJTPs completes the approval of a total 11 billion Cohesion Policy investments (2021-2027) supporting a more competitive, cohesive and greener Bulgaria, leaving no one behind.

The JTF will help the transition from coal-based energy production and support reskilling and upskilling and the creation of new employment opportunities for over 15,000 workers in the three regions. Moreover, 2,190 hectares of land surface area will be rehabilitated to develop industrial areas and construct renewable energy source capacities. Energy efficiency measures in residential buildings focused on energy-poor households and vulnerable consumers will help tackle energy poverty. In addition, the JTF will support prosumers and help establish renewable energy communities. This will reduce energy consumption, lower electricity bills, and cut greenhouse gas emissions, on top of improving living conditions.

To ensure that the JTF responds to local needs, local sub-committees will be set up with JTF support in each of the three Bulgarian regions, directly involving a wide range of stakeholders for local representation and participation in the governance of the JTF.

In total, 96 regions from all EU Member States receive support from the Fund through 70 plans. With the adoption of the Bulgarian Territorial Just Transition Plans, the programming of JTF in the EU has been completed, and efforts now focus on implementation.

Economic diversification in Stara Zagora

In the region of Stara Zagora, which hosts coal mines and four thermal power plants, EU funding will support the region's citizens in the transition to a green economy with new job opportunities, including across ten satellite municipalities of the Sliven, Yambol and Haskovo regions, where part of the labour force resides.

The JTF, together with the European Social Fund Plus, will develop the mapping of the skills of the employees in power plants and coal mines as well as of the persons indirectly affected, such as family members. This crucial information will feed into the JTF employment measures aimed to reskill and upskill, career counsel and develop entrepreneurial skills.

The Just Transition Fund will also be channelled to degraded sites in line with the polluter pays' principle to prepare them for alternative economic activities and a shift to green energy, such as those related to photovoltaic parks, pilot projects for virtual power plants, industrial parks for clean technologies, and hydrogen-based value chains.

Finally, the fund will support the diversification of the local economy by investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and in research and development (R&D) related to the circular and climate-neutral economy.

Supporting job creation in Kyustendil

In the Kyustendil region, where coal phasing-out started two decades ago, the JTF will also support the reskilling and upskilling of workers and offer assistance to jobseekers. The measures will particularly benefit disadvantaged groups and young people.

SMEs will be supported to put up renewable energy installations and focus will be put on the decarbonisation of the energy sector. The creation of industrial parks with clean technology solutions will provide a suitable environment for investors. In addition, the funding will help Kyustendil extend the use of its significant geothermal energy resources.

Boosting the socio-economic development of Pernik

The region of Pernik, which neighbours Kyustendil and is located in the proximity of the capital Sofia, will also benefit from the Just Transition Fund. By 2030, around 1,000 alternative jobs will be needed and JTF will contribute to addressing this challenge.

JTF will support SMEs focused on R&D, design and installation of photovoltaic panels, the production of biogas, as well as pilot projects for the production and storage of renewable hydrogen and the deployment of renewables.

The fund will further develop the Pernik Industrial and Logistics Area and create an R&D centre focusing on industrial design and a material science centre.

Background

The three territories were identified during negotiations between the Bulgarian authorities and the Commission of the 2021-2027 Partnership Agreement and the associated Programme Development of Regions. The TJTPs identify the challenges and development needs in each territory and the objectives to be met by 2030. They also identify the planned actions with specific governance mechanisms.

The Partnership Agreement with Bulgaria was approved in July 2022.

The approval of the TJTPs opens the door also to dedicated funding under the other two pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM): a just transition scheme under InvestEU and a Public Sector Loan Facility for Just Transition that combines Commission grants with European Investment Bank loans.

Local partners and all stakeholders can receive support and exchange best practices and experiences all across the EU via different projects and initiatives under the Just Transition Platform. JTP Groundwork supports eligible JTF regions in implementing their Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs), by providing tailored technical assistance and advisory services. Programmes such as JTPeers Exchange and JTPeers Experts complement the available technical assistance.

Upon request by the Bulgarian Authorities, the Commission provided tailor-made technical expertise for the preparation of the Territorial Just Transition Plans of the concerned Bulgarian regions. The support was provided by the Technical Support Instrument.

The JTF EU budget contribution totals 19.2 billion. In combination with national co-financing, this will finance 25 billion in investments. With the remaining two pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism, by the 2030 the EU expects to mobilise 55 billion over the period 2021-2027 to finance investments and social measures in the regions most affected by the transition to a neutral climate economy.

Other EU instruments such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility will also help Bulgaria in its decarbonisation effort, for which further decarbonisation commitments made by Bulgaria will need to be implemented.

Quote

We stand at a pivotal moment as we put the Just Transition Fund into action. I welcome the adoption of the Bulgarian Territorial Just Transition Plans. The JTF now supports 96 regions in our Union, with 70 comprehensive plans. Our commitment to a sustainable future is taking tangible shape. Now is the time to dedicate ourselves to executing these plans, fostering economic diversity, empowering small and medium enterprises, driving innovation, honing the skills of our workforce, championing renewable energy, and embracing the circular economy.

Maros Sefcovic, Executive Vice-President for European Green deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight 2023-12-20

It is crucial that Bulgarias green transition from the most carbon-intensive economy in the EU towards a climate-neutral economy happens in a fair way. The JTF will support particularly the most impacted workers and regions by investing in new job opportunities, training and skilling for workers and their families to benefit from the economic diversification that will be offered by renewables and modern businesses and industry. Together, we pave the way for a more competitive and greener Bulgaria, leaving no one behind.

Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms 2023-12-20

Zarazeno ct 21.12.2023 11:12:00 Zdroj Evropska komise en Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=IP/23/6756&language=en lang en guid /IP/23/6756/
As we approach the end of 2023, the horizon of workplace dynamics for the coming year is taking shape. Specialised recruiter Robert Half has discerned six key trends that will significantly impact employers and professionals in 2024.

These trends illuminate the evolving landscape, signaling a shift towards an employer-driven market, a growing emphasis on skills in hiring decisions, and a stabilization of salaries.

Despite office day mandates, a persistent demand for workplace flexibility underscores a need for thoughtful consideration from employers. Furthermore, businesses are broadening their talent search, exploring unconventional avenues such as rehiring retirees and engaging with international talent.

Shift to an employer-driven market as demand cools

The Australian job market is recalibrating after a few years of rampant hiring which has tipped the scales in favour of an employer-driven landscape. Businesses are focusing on making strategic, value-adding hires, which is altering the dynamics of candidate-employer negotiations. Candidates do not have the leverage they once had, and only those with in-demand skills are in a position to negotiate higher salaries.

Hiring for skills, not just qualifications

Companies are increasingly prioritising skills over traditional qualifications when making hiring decisions. 74% of employers are not too concerned if a candidate doesnt have the required certifications when assessing them for a role. This shift is driven by the recognition that possessing specific skills is often more indicative of an individuals ability to contribute effectively to the workplace.

Stabilising salaries

Even as cost-of-living pressures escalate, candidates will not be presented with above-market-rate offers unless they have niche skill sets in 2024.

Offering higher salaries was a strategy employed by businesses to attract top talent at a time when there was a chronic skills shortage across the board. But in 2024, companies are re-engineering their salary offerings and will propose salaries mostly in line with market rates.

As the economic landscape transitions into a state of moderation in 2024, the dynamic surge in salaries will stabilise. Employers will need to demonstrate the compelling factors that differentiate their job offerings, while employees should carefully articulate their unique contributions and align their expectations with whats happening in the job market. said Director of Robert Half, Nicole Gorton.

More employers will mandate office days for employees to increase their number of in-office days in 2024. In 2023, 87% of Australian employers implemented mandatory office days.

However, the impact of mandated days may also see candidates and staff look for new opportunities. In 2023, 31% of employers said they have lost at least one employee due to mandates, while 40% anticipate resignations, which could play out in 2024.

While the benefits of bringing people back are evident, careful consideration needs to be taken when making changes to a policy that is of utmost importance to many professionals, especially if a businesss work-life harmony benefits are what got candidates through the door in the first place, said Gorton.

Looking for talent beyond traditional groups

To fill skills shortages, business leaders are more willing to explore different hiring avenues, including reintroducing retirees back into the workforce or engaging with international talent. Hiring retirees has been a smart strategy for employers in 2023, as about half who have (47%) would do it again. More than a third (37%) have not yet brought on a retiree but would consider it in the future.

A great candidate  regardless of their work history  should have the technical expertise to perform core job functions efficiently and effectively, and the ability to situate their skills within the wider organisational context, using power skills such as problem-solving or stakeholder management. Employers are looking beyond traditional groups of people for their roles and are relying on word of mouth or networking to final specialised talent, said Gorton.

The combination of evolving technologies and a heightened focus on productivity means employees are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to addressing their skills development in 2024. In 2023, about half (49%) of Australian employers say employees have asked for training and professional development opportunities to improve their capability in their current position, and this will continue during the next 12 months.

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Marchio e contenuto di questo sito sono di interesse storico ai sensi del D. Lgs 42/2004 (decreto Soprintendenza archivistica e Bibliografica Puglia 18 settembre 2020)
Surging exports of sweet potato and chili to China have brought Vietnamese farmers their highest profit margins ever.

Sweet potato exports jumped nine times over the period to $2.1 million, while chili exports multiplied six times to $23 million, according to Vietnam Customs.

Rising demand in China prompted a surged in exports over the first 10 months that now has chili and sweet potato farmers reporting profits of VND200-300 million ($8,217-12,325) per hectare, more than theyve ever made.

Farmers in the central highlands province of Gia Lai said prices on the two products have doubled year-on-year. Sweet potato is now at VND18,000-20,000 per kilogram, while chili is at VND25,000-55,000.

Vietnam and China signed a protocol on sweet potato in April this year, allowing the product to enter China under higher quality standards.

China also resumed the imports of chili from some Vietnamese companies after banning the produce for two years due to overuse of pesticides.

China now allows 14 types of agriculture produce from Vietnam to be imported officially, meaning that local exporters need to follow its strict standards concerning origins and packaging but will be able to sell more to Chinese buyers.

Vietnamese farmers have been raising their production quality in the last three years, and exports to China have therefore been rising fast.

In the first 10 months China imported $3.2 billion worth of vegetables and fruits from Vietnam, bringing agriculture imports to a new record of $7.5 billion. Vietnam now accounts for 10% of Chinas agriculture imports.

Sweet potato and chili account for 86% of total vegetables and fruits exports to China.
NewsVoir

New Delhi [India], December 21: The 4th Edition of the Indo-European Conference on Standards & Emerging Technologies organised in the framework of Project SESEI, which concluded on December 7, 2023, in New Delhi, served as a pivotal platform for global experts, policymakers, standards makers, and industry leaders. The conference facilitated the exchange of insights and the cultivation of collaborations in critical areas such as circular economy, connectivity in smart cities, cyber security, and data privacy.

Also Read | Bihar Shocker: Five Robbers Loot Jewellery Shop in Begusarai, Shoot Employee.

The conference kicked off with a comprehensive plenary session that set the stage by providing context, overview, and emphasizing the vital role of policies and standards in today's widespread adoption of technologies, including emerging ones like AI, IoT, digital public infrastructure (DPI), and digital surveillance. Senior dignitaries from India and Europe underscored the close cooperation established between the two regions in the realm of emerging technologies and the development of standards.

During the plenary session, a study report focusing on the conference topics was presented. This report encapsulated key aspects of the collaborative journey between India and Europe, including market dynamics, future potential, policy standardizations, and identified gaps and challenges. The release of this study report added valuable insights to the discussions and highlighted the progress made in addressing the complex landscape of standards and emerging technologies.

Also Read | Delhi Air Pollution: Air Quality Dips to 'Severe' Levels at Several Sites in National Capital.

The conference not only provided a platform for information exchange but also showcased the tangible outcomes of collaboration, contributing to the advancement of standards and technologies on a global scale. The emphasis on cooperation and understanding between India and Europe reflected the commitment to addressing challenges and driving innovation in the rapidly evolving landscape of emerging technologies.

The second half of the conference featured enriching panel discussions, breaking into three parallel sessions where speakers from Europe and India delved into opportunities and challenges, best practices, case studies, and identified areas for further collaboration and engagement.

In the session on Circular economy practices with a focus on e-waste and plastic waste management, delegates from India and Europe explored successful case studies and collaborative initiatives aimed at reducing waste generation, improving resource efficiency, and fostering sustainable development. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of circular economy principles and the importance of standards d policies in addressing environmental challenges.

Session on Connectivity in Smart Cities highlighted the technological advancements, particularly the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Smart Cities development. Attendees gained insights into ongoing projects and public-private partnerships that leverage smart technologies to transform urban planning and development. The conference underscored the potential of standards and policies in making cities intelligent, connected spaces, thereby enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and overall quality of life.

The session on data privacy and cybersecurity delved deep into the complex landscape and ever-evolving nature of cyber threats and data privacy laws. Expert speakers and panellists discussed collaborative efforts between India and the EU and the benefits of harmonized standards and collaborative regulations to address the delicate balance between individual privacy rights and the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures.

The recommendations and key takeaways from the conference will be further funnelled into creating comprehensive roadmap for EU and India to work together and foster cooperation and knowledge exchange in the areas of circular economy, smart cities, and data privacy & cybersecurity, contributing to the global efforts towards sustainable development and technological advancement.

Conference Website: ecset2023.bharatexhibitions.com.

The SESEI (Seconded European Standardization Expert in India - sesei.eu/) is a project co-funded by five European partners - European Committee for Standardization (CEN), the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), as well as by the European Commission's Directorate General for GROWTH (EC DG GROW) and by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Thane, Dec 21 (PTI) Police have registered a case against a man and his parents in Navi Mumbai for allegedly running an investment firm illegally and cheating four investors to the tune of Rs 52.08 lakh by assuring them high returns, an official said on Thursday.

The accused, from Uran area in Navi Mumbai, accepted deposits from the four victims between January and April this year while promising to get their money doubled in 30 days, the official from Uran police station said.

Also Read | London: Missing Indian Student Found Dead Near Lake in South Quay, Cops Appeal for Assistance.

According to the official, the accused operated the investment business without due permission from the government and the Reserve Bank of India.

Following a complaint by the victims, the police registered offences on Wednesday against the three accused under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, and the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, he added.

Also Read | Mumbai: Kurla Man Who Raped 19-Year-Old Daughter Multiple Times in 2019 Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata, Dec 21 (PTI) Navigating a history of animosity and mistrust, negotiations for a potential Congress-TMC alliance in West Bengal face significant challenges while addressing the shared adversary of the BJP, with the Bengal Congress unit appearing reluctant to engage in an electoral pact.

With both the Congress and TMC key allies of INDIA opposition bloc, unofficial reports have indicated initiation of seat-sharing talks between the two.

Also Read | UGC NET 2023: NTA Likely To Release December Answer Key of National Eligibility Test Exam Soon at ugcnet.nta.ac.in, Know How To Download.

The political landscape shifted notably when West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence in a three-way alliance involving the TMC, Congress, and the Left, eliciting mixed reactions from the CPI(M) and Congress in the eastern state.

According to TMC sources, the ruling party in Bengal is inclined to allocate four out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats to Congress.

Also Read | Parliament Security Breach Case: Delhi Police Detains Retired Deputy SPs Son From Karnataka.

Currently, the grand old party has two seats in West Bengal, both in minority-dominated districts of Malda and Murshidabad.

TMC MP Sougata Roy affirmed, "Our party supremo has said a three-way alliance is possible. It reflects our commitment to fight and defeat the BJP in the next general elections."

A senior TMC leader, who did not want to be named, said a Congress-TMC alliance could potentially secure 36-37 seats out of the 42 in the state, challenging the BJP's dominance in previous elections. The saffron camp had bagged 18 Lok Sabha seats from the state in 2019.

On Wednesday, the Bengal Congress leadership met the party high command in New Delhi to deliberate on the possibility of an alliance with the TMC. Presently aligned with the CPI(M) in Bengal, the state Congress leadership remains cautious about allying with the Trinamool.

Both the parties have fought elections in an alliance  2001 assembly polls, 2009 Lok Sabha elections and 2011 assembly polls.

In 2011, the Congress-TMC alliance beat the 34-year-old Left Front regime in West Bengal.

The history of their alliance has been marked by discontent, with Congress accusing the TMC of depriving them of legitimate seats in previous elections.

Senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan emphasized, "If the party asks us to ally with the TMC, which has ruined the Congress in Bengal, we will follow their instructions."

Former state Congress president Pradip Bhattacharya acknowledged the legacy of mistrust but stressed the need to unite against the common enemy, saying, "It is not a state assembly election, it is parliamentary elections where we have to defeat the BJP at any cost."

Regarding seat-sharing deals in West Bengal, Congress Working Committee member Deepa Dasmunsi suggested focusing on seats won by the BJP in 2019.

"There is no need for talks on the seats that Congress and TMC had won respectively. The seat-sharing has to be for the 18 seats that BJP won in 2019," she had recently said.

Since 2011, the Congress's political influence in the state has dwindled, experiencing an exodus of legislators, MPs, and leaders to the TMC.

From 2011-2021, nearly 70 MLAs and one MP of the Congress switched over to the Trinamool.

The vote share of the grand old party, which ruled the state till 1977 and was in the opposition till 2011, dipped from 14 per cent in 2011 to 3 per cent in 2021 and no representation in the state assembly.

The last blow to the Congress-TMC relationship came with the defection of Congress MLA Bayron Biswas from the minority-dominated Sagardighi seat earlier this year.

The CPI(M), however, ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the TMC.

"There can be no alliance with the TMC in Bengal as it is not trustworthy. And regarding Congress, it is for them to be clear with whom they want to have an understanding," CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim told PTI.

Political scientist Biswnath Chakraborty said the mistrust between the two is hard to ignore. "With both the Congress and TMC having a lot of animosity, vote transfer at the ground level will be a major issue," he said.

Political analyst Suman Bhattacharya said, "The Congress high command has to choose whether they can win by fighting it alone or having an alliance with the TMC would be more beneficial. Having an alliance would provide them with an ally which can bring them seats," he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Thane, Dec 21 (PTI) Two persons have allegedly cheated a 37-year-old man from Navi Mumbai of Rs 30 lakh under the pretext of good returns by investment in shares, police said on Thursday.

The accused father-son duo assured 20 per cent returns per month to the man, resident of Uran area, and made him invest Rs 30 lakh in shares in August this year, an official from Uran police station said.

Also Read | Air India Delhi-Mumbai Flight Experienced Fire Indication Warning in Engine.

When the man did not get any returns as promised, he filed a police complaint against the two persons.

Based on the complaint, the police on Tuesday registered offences against the accused under Indian Penal Code sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 34 (common intention), the official said.

Also Read | EU Members Strike Deal on Looser Fiscal Rules.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Patna (Bihar) [India], December 21 (ANI): A woman constable sustained bullet injuries while she was shooting a video with another police sub-inspector in Patna on Wednesday evening, said police.

The woman Constable, Pammi Khatoon isposted in Patna while the Police Sub-Inspector (probationer) Shabana Azmi is posted in Purnea.

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At the time of the incident, the duo was shooting a video when an unknown assailant opened fire and Khatoon sustained a bullet injury to her left hand.

Subsequently, she was rushed to PMCH and is currently under treatment and out of danger.

Also Read | Parliament Security Breach Case: Delhi Police Detains Retired Deputy SPs Son From Karnataka.

Krishna Murari, DSP (law and order) said, "An incident came to our knowledge. A woman Constable, Pammi Khatoon - posted in Patna - and Police sub-inspector Shabana Azmi, posted in Purnea - were shooting video and Pammi sustained a bullet injury in her left hand. She has been brought to PMCH, she is out of danger."

"We have received some input regarding the incident; she said that there is some personal matter too...We are investigating the matter. We are also investigating the statement of Shabana Azmi," the DSP added further.

A day ahead of this incident, a police inspector was killed and a homeguard was seriously injured when a police team was allegedly attacked by liquor smugglers in Bihar's Begursarai district.

The incident happened on the intervening nights of Tuesday and Wednesday, when Begusarai's Naokothi Police Station received information that liquor was being transported in a car.

As the police team tried to stop the car, the smugglers increased its speed and hit the inspector and others, a senior police officer said.

Later, in swift action, police managed to arrest the owner of the vehicle involved in the incident. A special team has been formed to apprehend the other suspects, and an interrogation is currently underway. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Malappuram (Kerala), Dec 21 (PTI) Tension prevailed at Calicut University campus on Thursday after workers of the Students Federation of India (SFI) prevented the entry of a section of Senate members, alleging their Sangh Parivar background.

The protesters blocked the gates of the hall of the university when the members reached there to attend the meeting.

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However, they allowed the entry of Senate members, excluding those allegedly linked to Sangh Parivar.

The Left student outfit stated that the Sangh Parivar nominees would never be allowed into the hall where the Senate is meeting, and they assert that this stance will be implemented.

Also Read | UGC NET 2023: NTA Likely To Release December Answer Key of National Eligibility Test Exam Soon at ugcnet.nta.ac.in, Know How To Download.

The members had come to attend the first meeting of the new Senate nominated by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

The protesting SFI workers were later removed by police.

The SFI has alleged that half of the newly nominated members of the Senate are supporters of the Sangh Parivar.

The university witnessed a massive protest by the SFI a few days ago when Governor Khan visited Kozhikode and stayed at the University Guest House. They accused Khan of attempting to saffronise the state's education sector.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jaipur, Dec 21 (PTI) Senior BJP leader and former minister Vasudev Devnani was on Thursday unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 16th Rajasthan Assembly.

The House passed the proposal by voice vote.

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Protem Speaker Kalicharan Saraf asked Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to move a proposal to elect Devnani as the Speaker, following which Congress leader Sachin Pilot seconded the proposal.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot was also asked to approve the proposal, but he was not present in the House.

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After that, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje's proposal to this effect was seconded by MLA Rajkumar Roat. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari's proposal was seconded by MLA Chandrabhan Singh. MLA Hanuman Beniwal's proposal to elect Devnani as the Speaker of the Assembly was seconded by MLA Dr. Subhash Garg.

Later, other MLAs approved the proposal, following which the House passed the proposal to elect Devnani as the Speaker by voice vote.

Chief Minister Sharma, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Govind Singh Dotasara, Sachin Pilot and other leaders accompanied him to the seat.

The newly elected Assembly Speaker won from Ajmer (North) seat and belongs to the Sindhi community. Devnani, a five-time MLA, is a graduate in engineering. Before entering politics, he was a teacher at the Government Polytechnic College, Udaipur.

In the 16th Legislative Assembly, BJP has 115 MLAs, Congress 69, Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) three, BSP two, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) have one each, eight are independent while one seat is vacant. --

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
More demand for heat pumps, increasing solar energy in the power supply and a boom in battery construction benefiting e-mobility were just a few of the green energy trends this year.Fossil fuels still supply around 80% of the world's energy needs but 2023 saw some significant advancements in renewable power.

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The intergovernmental International Energy Agency (IAE) said that global renewable energy capacity experienced its largest ever growth, calling the increase "unprecedented."

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Overall, 2023 was a watershed moment for the global energy landscape, with renewable sources like solar and wind as well as other innovative technologies shaping a more sustainable future, according to experts.

Solar driving energy transformation

Claudia Kemfert of the Berlin-based German Institute for Economic Research told DW that the increasing affordability of renewable power had led to a turning point for energy systems.

"For the first time, more investments are flowing into solar energy than into oil extraction," added Kemfert.

Solar completely exceeded expectations "once again" as a result, said Gunnar Luderer, an energy systems expert at Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

New solar power installations around the globe were expected to hit a total capacity of 400 gigawatts (GW), according to forecasts. In 2022, the increase was 239 GW.

Some 110 GW of wind power was newly connected to the grid in 2023, according to the World Wind Energy Association.

This year also saw the completion of four new nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 4 GW, while five old reactors with a capacity of 6 GW were decommissioned in Germany, Belgium, and Taiwan.

Solar and wind power make electricity generation cheaper

The favorable cost of electricity from renewables was one of the main reasons behind a strong growth in wind and solar.

Electricity produced by new onshore wind turbines cost 3-euro cents (3-US cents) per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2022 on average worldwide, according to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Electricity produced in large solar parks was 4.5-euro cents per kWh. That's significantly cheaper than fossil fuels, which cost up to 22-euro cents per kWh globally.

The price of electricity from new solar installations continued to drop in the past 12 months, primarily because solar modules have become more affordable. In Europe, costs were 40% lower than last year.

Solar modules produced more affordably, especially in China

China's expansion of solar module production was one of the main drivers of falling prices. According to UK-based environment website Carbon Brief, the country is producing 600 GW of solar cells annually  225 GW more than in 2022. By 2025, it could reach 1000 GW.

India, the US, and the EU also plan to invest more in large solar factories. In India, modules with an annual capacity of 100 GW are set to be manufactured from 2027, and companies in the EU will start manufacturing modules with a 30 GW in 2025.

"It's happening faster than expected," said Niklas Hohne from the New Climate Institute, a think tank based in Cologne, Germany. "In particular, photovoltaics are being expanded extremely quickly. And, in fact, so quickly as to align with the 1.5-degree Celsius goal."

New battery technologies and more electric vehicles

"The year 2023 could go down in history as the turning point for batteries in the global energy transition," said Christian Breyer, a professor of solar economics at LUT University in Finland.

Lithium, cobalt and nickel batteries are all well-established "but now sodium-ion batteries are also being introduced to the market," said Breyer.

Lithium is rare and expensive, whereas sodium for new sodium-ion batteries is much cheaper and the supply virtually unlimited, for example, in table salt.

According to business magazine Clean Thinking, the price of sodium batteries is already 40% lower than lithium-ion cells. However, they are still in the early stages of commercial development, and currently make up less than 1% of batteries. In the future, sodium could be used primarily for stationary batteries.

Still, commonly used lithium-ion batteries are becoming cheaper due to the falling price of raw materials.

Batteries are increasingly being used with small solar systems and in solar parks to store inexpensive electricity for nighttime use. More batteries are also required as electric mobility expands. The share of electric cars in global vehicle sales rose from 1.6% in 2018 to around 18% in 2023.

Global demand for heat pumps increasing

Progress is also being made in heating technology. According to the IEA, heat pumps are becoming a key technology in the global transition to a sustainable heating supply.

"The technology can be deployed on a large scale. Many countries, especially in Scandinavia, show how well the technology works, even when it gets very cold, as it is in Finland," said LUT's Breyer.

Heat pumps cover about 10% of global heat demand in buildings, according to the IEA. In 2022, sales of the technology increased 11% globally, and 38% in Europe. In Germany, preliminary figures show 2023 sales soared almost 50% on the previous year.

Despite the growth, "investments in heat pumps still lag behind what's necessary to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement," says Roland Rosch, Director of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre.

To keep within the 1.5 C limit and avoid catastrophic climate change, the current $64 billion in annual global financing for heat pumps needs to quadruple by 2030, according to IRENA.

This article originally appeared in German and was adapted by Anne-Sophie Brandlin.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2023 03:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
United Nations, Dec 21 (PTI) Pakistan has urged the United Nations to conduct a thorough investigation on how the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group acquired sophisticated military equipment left behind by "foreign forces" in Afghanistan.

Drawing attention to several terrorist groups that are operating from neighbouring Afghanistan, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, Munir Akram on Wednesday said, We have lost hundreds of our brave soldiers and civilians in these attacks just this year alone and last week, TTP affiliated group carried out a heinous attack on our security personnel in Dera Ismail Khan, resulting in the loss of more than 23 precious lives.

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Six terrorists linked to Tehrik-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a newly formed militant group that is an affiliate of the TTP, rammed an explosive-laden truck into the security post in Dera Ismail Khan in the South Waziristan tribal district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on December 12, killing 23 soldiers.

Akram was speaking at the United Nations Security Council's UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) briefing on the topic of Situation in Afghanistan' prepared by Special Coordinator Feridun Sinirlioglu (Turkiye).

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He said the TTP and its affiliates have carried out a series of organised cross-border terrorist attacks on his country's soil, evidently under the protection of the interim Government.

These attacks have become more lethal and sophisticated since the TTP terrorists have acquired and used advanced military equipment. These weapons obviously originate from the considerable stocks left behind by foreign forces. Yet, the question is: how did the TTP  a listed terrorist organisation  secure these weapons?

Akram was apparently referring to some of the American weapons that were left behind by the US military in Afghanistan after the US completed its withdrawal from the war-torn country in August 2021.

Akram then said Pakistan demanded that the United Nations  whether UNAMA or another agency  conduct a thorough investigation to elicit how these weapons got in the hands of the TTP and to identify ways of retrieving them.

UNAMA is the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), whose Secretary General Roza Isakovna Otunbayeva, said that there must be more direct engagement with the de facto authorities, including in Kabul.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), said that more than 20 million people require humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan after the October quakes, and also mentioned the Afghan nationals repatriated from Pakistan.

Following three earthquakes in October in Herat, thousands of families are now living in tents and makeshift shelters, exposed to fast-falling winter temperatures. The eastern and southern regions have, meanwhile, seen a dramatic surge in the number of Afghans returning from Pakistan, following that country's decision to send back undocumented Afghan nationals, Rajasingham said.

The UN official was referring to the mass exodus of Afghans returning to their home country after Pakistan threatened them with a deadline. An estimated 1.7 million Afghans had been living in Pakistan when authorities announced its nationwide crackdown, saying that anyone without proper documents had to leave the country by October 31 or else get arrested.

However, even as hundreds and thousands of Afghan nationals made a beeline to exit Pakistan, amidst mounting international pressure, Pakistan on December 13 extended the deadline for the repatriation of Afghan nationals without proper documents and waiting to relocate to Western countries till February 29.

Akram, the Pakistan representative at the UN, went on to claim that his country has paid an enormous price for 40 years of generosity to Afghanistan and said, (we) have been hosting 1.4 million registered refugees with little or no support from the international community.

He said that there were another 2.2 million Afghans, who are undocumented and illegally present in Pakistan, including 7,00,000, who crossed into Pakistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021.

Besides the security threat posed by terrorist sleeper cells', many of the illegal refugees are involved in drug trafficking, and operated property mafias and other crimes," Akram said.

The inflow of such large numbers had hurt Pakistan's economy and jobs market, he said, adding that peace in Afghanistan is a "strategic imperative" for Pakistan.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], December 21 (ANI): Pakistan's former National Assembly (NA) speaker and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser was released from jail on Wednesday following the withdrawal of his detention order under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO), Dawn newspaper reported.

Dawn is a Pakistani English-language newspaper.

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The Peshawar High Court (PHC) had directed Swabi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tariqullah a day ago to withdraw his detention orders for Qaiser and warned that non-compliance would lead to action.

The DC's release order, a copy of which is available with Dawn was issued today on the condition that Qaiser would not disturb the peace, instigate the public against the government, raise slogans against state institutions, abide by the home department's standard operating procedures and that he would produce bail bond worth Pakistani rupee PKR 100,000 with two sureties each, along with an affidavit that Qaiser would not disturb the district's peace and tranquillity.

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Qaiser was initially arrested on November 3 at his Banigala residence on charges of causing losses to the national exchequer through procurement irregularities in the Gajju Khan Medical College.

He was granted bail by an anti-corruption court in the case on November 23. But the PTI leader was re-arrested from his Marghuz residence hours later in a case on ransacking of the Charsadda Toll Plaza on the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway on May 9 -- the day violent protests broke out across the country following ex-premier Imran Khan's arrest.

Following Qaiser's release from Swabi prison, a joint team of Swabi and Charsadda police had arrested him. Qaiser's brother, Waheed Khan, had told Dawn that three cases were registered against his brother in connection with the May 9 violence: one was in Swabi, another in Islamabad and the third in Charsadda.

He was re-arrested on December 2 by the police outside the Mardan prison soon after his release in cases related to the May 9 riots. Qaiser was detained yet again by the police under the MPO Ordinance on Dec 9 after securing bail in a case about the May 9 protests.

DC Tariqullah had ordered 30 days of detention for the former NA speaker on December 8 under Section 3 of the MPO Ordinance. The DC had ordered the district police to arrest Qaiser and shift him to Mardan Central Prison for 30 days.

Until now, the PTI leader has been arrested five times, Dawn reported. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
The Quang Ninh provincial authorities have urgently requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the state-owned electricity company EVN to address the electricity shortfall in its industrial zones.

The province had 520 hectares of industrial zones with all the necessary infrastructure except for electricity, Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh Province Peoples Committee Bui Van Khang said at the ministrys year-end meeting Wednesday.

"There is land and infrastructure but not enough electricity for production activities," he said.

He specifically pointed out the Nam Tien Phong and Bac Tien Phong industrial zones, which receive only 50 MW of electricity daily, far below the several hundred MW required for daily operations.

Additionally, Khang mentioned that the Texhong  Hai Ha industrial zone's electrical substation is operating at full capacity and needs upgrading.

"Increasing power supply for industrial zones is an urgent task. I suggest the ministry and EVN look into it," he said.

In response, an energy industry official cited delayed electrical infrastructure projects in some provinces, including Quang Ninh, attributing them to slow approval processes and land clearance issues.

EVN Chairman Dang Hoang An stressed the need for collaboration between local authorities and investors to expedite these projects.

"Provinces with the need to upgrade their substations for industrial zones should promptly notify the energy industry so it can make timely preparations and investments, as electrical infrastructure projects take a long time to deploy," he said.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has set a goal for 2024 to achieve a total energy production and import of 306.26 billion kWh, with 52% generated in the wet season and the remainder in the dry season.

Vietnam's total energy production and imports in 2023 amounted to 280.1 billion kWh, a 4.6% increase from 2022.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is reportedly set to launch on January 18, with hints of Google AI integration suggested by a leaked teaser. Check out and find out the further details.
A New York judge has ordered that the list of associates named in a lawsuit linked to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein be released. The list of over 170 names may contain some very powerful people, including Prince Andrew and former Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.

The documents were previously sealed but the judge has ordered them to be released within weeks, according to News.com.au. The list has been called the "naughty list." It was sealed because it might not just contain suspected accomplices of Epstein in his sex trafficking ring but also some innocent associates who could face ramifications just by being associated with the late disgraced financier.

Despite this possibility, Manhattan Judge Loretta Preska ordered that the full list of names be released, and it may happen within two weeks. Some of the names are already known by the public but many believe even more powerful people tied to Epstein might soon be exposed by this.

The "Naughty List" possibly including Prince Andrew has many in Buckingham Palace worried, as the Royals have called the claims against the prince "categorically untrue." However, the prince has been accused by alleged victim Johanna Sjoberg of groping her when she was 21 at Epstein's apartment.

Virginia Giuffre, one of the alleged victims of Epstein's sex trafficking ring, took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the judge's decision.

"There's going to be a lot of nervous people over Christmas and New Year's -170 to be exact," she wrote.

Finally we are hearing members of the US government senators about the need for transparency and a call to arms for accountability!! Theres going to be a lot of nervous ppl over Christmas and New Years, 170 to be exact, whos on the naughty list? This would t be possible without https://t.co/xVfFfQ0UMH December 20, 2023

READ MORE: Jeffrey Epstein Victims Reach $290 Million Settlement: What Happened?





List of Names on Jeffrey Epstein's 'Naughty List' May Also Include Names of Possible Victims

The list was brought about when Virginia Giuffre sued infamous Jeffrey Epstein associate, Ghislane Maxwell, in 2015, a lawsuit that the alleged Epstein victim won. The list includes Epstein's possible co-conspirators but it could also include the names of several "Jane Does" who were actually victims of Epstein.

However, as CBS News pointed out, the final list of who will be revealed has not yet been decided as the list of these "Jane Does" and "John Does" includes some minors and some whose names appeared twice. Judge Preska ruled that while she ordered all of the names to be unsealed, she also ruled that any names of possible victims included on the list, especially the minors, would remain sealed.

The listed "Jane Does" and "John Does" can still argue against their names being released, but they only have 14 days to do so as the judge ordered the full list to be released on January 1, 2024.

Who May Be Included in Jeffrey Epstein's List of Associates

While the list includes possible victims, it also includes some very powerful people. Chief among them is Prince Andrew, who has been an infamous Epstein associate for years.

In the US, his two most powerful associates are a Republican and a Democrat, with former President Bill Clinton having flown in his infamous private jet. However, former President Donald Trump, who also flew in that said jet, also had Epstein as a regular guest at Mar-a-Lago, being friends with the accused sex offender for decades.

Another person who might be revealed as part of the list is former US Senator George Mitchell, a Democrat, who was the Senate Majority Leader from 1989 to 1995. Giuffre said she was once sent to have sex with him, according to WION.

READ MORE: Mexican Megachurch Leader Jailed in California for Sexually Abusing Minors

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Dozens of Names Linked to Jeffrey Epstein To Be Unsealed in January - Law&Crime Network
The United States and Venezuela agreed to a prisoner swap as the US gets 10 Americans imprisoned by the Nicolas Maduro regime, as well as the infamous fugitive "Fat Leonard." In exchange, the US has agreed to free top Maduro ally, Alex Saab.

The biggest fish in the deal is, of course, the man known as "Fat Leonard," who is at the center of one of the biggest Pentagon bribery scandals in US military history. He escaped detainment in the US and fled to Venezuela where he was captured by Interpol.

The Associated Press noted that this deal between the two countries which have been at odds with one another represents the boldest moves by the Biden administration yet in regards to US-Venezuela relations. The South American country is a major oil producer but has been a political opponent of the US for years, ever since Hugo Chavez won the presidency and it continued into the Maduro regime.

The deal is largely seen as a win for the US as this is now the largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela's history. It came weeks after the White House agreed to suspend some sanctions in exchange for Maduro agreeing to conduct free and fair elections in Venezuela.

As part of their agreement, the US also announced that Venezuela has agreed to free 20 Venezuelan political prisoners, including opposition leader Roberto Abdul. The Venezuelan government also agreed to suspend the arrest warrants of three other Venezuelan citizens opposing the Maduro government.

Who Did Venezuela Get in Exchange for 10 American Prisoners and 'Fat Leonard?'

As for Venezuela, the Maduro regime will get the man accused of money laundering on behalf of Nicolas Maduro, Alex Saab. He was arrested in 2021 during a stopover in the African country of Cape Verde. Authorities there then extradited him to the US where he remained imprisoned until the US-Venezuela prisoner swap.

READ MORE: Fat Leonard Asks Venezuela for Asylum After Escaping From House Arrest

The Maduro government maintains Saab is a diplomat, but he is accused by the United States of siphoning off $350 million from Venezuelan government contracts by fraudulently using favorable exchange rates, per the BBC.

He was described by the US Department of Treasury as a "profiteer orchestrating a vast corruption network" that enabled d "President Nicolas Maduro and his regime to significantly profit from food imports and distribution in Venezuela."

Who Is Infamous Fraudster 'Fat Leonard,' Whom Venezuela Is Releasing to US Custody?

Leonard "Fat Leonard" Francis is a Malaysian businessman who was at the center of a decade-long bribery scheme involving dozens of American Navy officers. This scandal has led to one of the largest bribery investigations in US military history and has led to nearly two dozen Navy officials, defense contractors and others being convicted and sentenced over various fraud and corruption charges.

"Fat Leonard," who was 6-foot-3 and weighed 350 pounds at one time, owned and operated the Singapore-based Glenn Defense Marine Asia Ltd. or GDMA. it supplied food, water, and fuel to US Navy vessels as they traveled across Asia and he reportedly bribed naval officers with expensive cigars, concert tickets, and wild sex parties at luxury hotels to get those lucrative government contracts.

He was arrested in San Diego during a federal sting operation in 2013. He was found guilty of his crimes and was scheduled to be sentenced in September before he snipped off his ankle monitor and escaped the country. He was trying to flee to Russia but was arrested in Venezuela.

READ MORE: U.S. Navy Bribery Scandal: Fat Leonard Arrested in Venezuela While Trying to Flee to Russia

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Venezuela Turns Over Fugitive 'Fat Leonard' to U.S. in Prisoner Swap | WSJ News
Donald Trump's lawyers have now employed his usual "delay delay delay" tactics by asking the US Supreme Court to stay out of the former president's disqualification case in Colorado after the state's Supreme Court found that he is not qualified to hold the office of president because he engaged in an insurrection, as prescribed by the 14th Amendment.

This motion to ask the US Supreme Court not to intervene came after Special Counsel Jack Smith went directly to the highest court in the land to decide the question of whether or not Trump is immune from prosecution.

In an effort not to speed up the Trump disqualification case and delay it, Trump's lawyers have told the US Supreme Court that there was no reason for them to take up the matter now because a lower appeals court in Washington is already considering the same question. Arguments for that case are scheduled for January 9, according to the Associated Press.

"Importance does not automatically necessitate speed. If anything, the opposite is usually true. Novel, complex, sensitive, and historic issues - such as the existence of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts - call for more careful deliberation, not less," the lawyers wrote in their appeal to the US Supreme Court.

Trump and his attorneys have been trying to delay his various cases until after the 2024 presidential elections. The former president has been open about having his DOJ dismiss the cases filed against him should he win the presidency.

Donald Trump Only Disqualified from Ballot in Colorado, But Other States Might Apply Ruling as Well

The Colorado Supreme Court's ruling reversed a previous lower court ruling that found Trump did participate in an insurrection but did not disqualify him because of a technicality.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Legal Problems Grow as Reports Indicate Kenneth Chesebro Cooperating With Multiple Investigations

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 majority of the Colorado Supreme Court wrote in its decision to disqualify Trump. "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."

However, as CBS News pointed out, this decision only applies to Colorado. The decision is also stayed until January 5 when Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is scheduled to certify the candidates for the state's March 5 primary.

Should the disqualification push through, the ruling can be used by other states as precedent in disqualifying Trump or other future candidates though.

Some of Donald Trump's GOP Rivals Are Rallying Behind Him

Despite losing to him badly in the polls, some of Donald Trump 's Republican rivals are rallying behind him after the Colorado Supreme Court ruling. While this may represent a good opportunity to attack the Republican frontrunner, many of the other presidential candidates may be afraid of some blowback from the former president's diehard supporters.

According to the Associated Press, this includes Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor, who is currently in distant second place after Trump, claimed that the ruling "was a plot to ensure Trump wins the nomination because Democrats view him as the weakest Republican candidate."

Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy, pledged to withdraw his name from the Colorado GOP primary, according to the Associated Press, He also demanded his other rivals do the same. Others, including Nikki Haley and even Trump critic Chris Christie, also slammed the ruling.

READ MORE: Donald Trump is Confused Why Co-Defendants Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro Pleaded Guilty

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Maddow: Trump getting kicked off Colorado ballot 'a real surprise' - MSNBC
After seven years together, Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka have decided to part ways, with the primary reason reportedly being Tanaka's desire to start a family, per the Daily Mail.

The couple's split was initially reported, and now sources close to the situation have shed light on the underlying factors contributing to their decision.

The age gap between Carey, 54, and Tanaka, 40, is noted to be 14 years, and according to insiders, this difference played a role in their diverse aspirations.

Tanaka expressed a desire to have a family, a path Carey, who shares 12-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-husband Nick Cannon.

"He wants to have a family. That's not where she is at," said the insider.

READ NEXT: Mariah Carey Spends Holiday Getaway in Aspen With Bryan Tanaka and her Twins

Maria Carey's Recent Trip Hints Breakup

This week, during Carey's annual trip to Aspen, Colorado, eyebrows were raised as she ventured solo, marking a departure from her usual holiday traditions, according to Page Six.

Additionally, Tanaka was noticeably absent from Carey's "Merry Christmas One and All!" tour that commenced in November at the Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland, California.

The couple, who began their professional relationship in 2006 when Tanaka worked as a dancer for Carey, officially started dating in 2016.

Tanaka's desire to carve out his own path is cited as a significant factor in their decision to part ways.

Adding to the speculation surrounding their breakup, Carey shared with People earlier this month that she had a challenging year and expressed anticipation for the holiday season.

Despite thanking her fans, she acknowledged that the previous Christmas was not her most enjoyable, vowing to have fun during the 2023 holiday season.

"I'm thankful for them all, but it wasn't my most fun version of Christmas ever," Carey said.

The Grammy winner and Tanaka were last seen together during Carey's birthday celebrations in March, marking a period of notable public appearances as a couple.

Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka

Carey and Tanaka's connection goes back to 2006 when they collaborated professionally, initially in a dancer-artist capacity, ET Online noted.

Over the years, their relationship evolved, gaining attention during a beachy Thanksgiving vacation and their travels to New York City.

Their romance even became part of Carey's reality TV series, "Mariah's World."

The couple briefly parted ways in 2017 after an intense St. Patrick's Day altercation but quickly reconciled.

Mariah Carey's romantic history includes marriage to music executive Tommy Mottola in the late 1990s, relationships with Derek Jeter and Luis Miguel, and a six-year marriage to Nick Cannon that ended in 2014, The Sun reports.

Following her split from Cannon, Carey was engaged to billionaire James Packer in 2016, but the engagement was called off by the end of the year.

READ MORE: Jennifer Love Hewitt Reacts to 'Unrecognizable' Remarks

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(From L) Vietnam's president Vo Van Thuong grants the 2023 VinFuture Grand to four scientists Martin Andrew Green (Australia), Stanley Whittingham (U.S.), Rachid Yazami (Morocco), and Akira Yoshino (Japan) in Hanoi, Dec. 20, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Four researchers received Vietnam's VinFuture award worth US$3 million Wednesday for their work on solar and lithium-ion batteries for storing energy.

The VinFuture Grand Prize was given to Professor Martin Andrew Green of Australia, a pioneer in the field of photovoltaics who developed the Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell; Professor Stanley Whittingham, a British-American chemist considered the founding father of lithium-ion batteries; Professor Rachid Yazami, a Moroccan scientist best known for his role in the development of the graphite anode (negative pole) for lithium-ion batteries and research into fluoride ion batteries; and Professor Akira Yoshino, a Japanese chemist who created the first safe, production-viable lithium-ion battery.

After receiving the award, Green thanked scientists across the world for their endless efforts to seek solutions to help people gradually turn from fossil fuels to more sustainable energies.

He thanked Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong and Vuongs wife for founding the award, and his wife, calling her his own "renewable energy."

There were special awards worth $500,000 each for innovators in emerging fields and from developing countries and women innovators.

Vietnamese professor Vo Tong Xuan and Indian-American professor Gurdev Singh Khush received the award for innovators from developing countries.

They were honored for their work on rice varieties with high yields and disease resistance, contributing to global food security.

Vietnamese professor Vo Tong Xuan (R) and Indian American professor Gurdev Singh Khush receive the VinFuture award in Hanoi, Dec. 20, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Xuan, 83, an agronomist who created many high-quality rice varieties, thanked the award council on behalf of his late wife, his students at Can Tho University and millions of farmers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnams rice basket.

He said the use of new rice strains has helped diversify production in the delta.

The award for innovators in emerging fields was given to Professor Daniel Joshua Drucker of Canada, Professor Joel Francis Habener of the U.S., Professor Jens Juul Holst of Denmark, and Associate Professor Svetlana Mojsov of the U.S., for their discovery of the role of glucagon-like peptide 1, creating the foundation for effective treatment of diabetes and obesity.

The Special Prize for Female Innovators went to Professor Susan Solomon of the U.S. for the discovery of the ozone depletion mechanism in Antarctica, contributing to the establishment of the Montreal Protocol.

She studied the unusually large hole in the ozone layer caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) over Antarctica, laying the groundwork for bringing the protocol to fruition. It is one of the most successful international accords in tackling global environmental concerns, contributing to a global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting compounds like CFCs.

Professor Susan Solomon (L) from the U.S. receives the VinFuture award from Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha in Hanoi, Dec. 20, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

The VinFuture Prize is given away by the VinFuture Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2020 by Vuong and his wife Pham Thu Huong.

It aims to recognize transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant changes to the lives of millions around the world.
Pennsylvanias lieutenant governor visited Bethlehem on Wednesday to announce $275,000 in state grants for the Lehigh Valley to help combat a police recruiting crisis.

The grants were approved last week by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency led by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street railway police, airport authority and county park police are invited to apply for a share of $14 million available through the competitive Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement program. More information is available to departments at pccd.pa.gov.

The funding announced Wednesday is $75,000 for the Bethlehem Police Department to recruit and train an additional 15 new police officers and $200,000 for Allentown to recruit 40 new police officers.

Every Pennsylvanian  whether they live in a city like Allentown or Bethlehem, or they live and study on a college campus or they take public transit to their job  everyone should have the freedom to be safe and feel safe in their community, Davis said in a news release, adding that 20 law enforcement agencies are receiving more than $1 million from this initial round of the grant program to fill 225 vacancies statewide.

Bethlehem police Chief Michelle Kott said the citys grant would go toward signing bonuses as recruitment incentives. The department has five new officers who just completed police academy training last Friday, and the city hired an additional four recruits on Monday, she and Mayor J. William Reynolds said. The 154-member department has five openings, Kott said.

Law enforcement agencies across the country are facing a historic crisis in recruiting qualified candidates, the police chief said Wednesday.

That statement inside Bethlehem Town Hall echoed comments during an Oct. 3 meeting of the city council in the same room from Bethlehems police union president, Robert Nichelson. Nichelson at that time said law enforcement agencies are facing a national shortage, with multiple departments competing for the same pool of candidates.

We need more people to want to be police officers in the state of Pennsylvania, and this is a huge step that will allow us to continue to recruit, Reynolds said Wednesday. But I do want to say weve made a lot of progress in the last couple of years getting great new police officers.

Wednesdays announcement follows a groundbreaking Monday for a new $300 million, state-of-the-art Pennsylvania State Police Academy thats part of efforts to fill the states law enforcement ranks. In August, Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris announced that the state police would remove the college credit requirement for Pennsylvanians who want to serve as state troopers. In the two months following that announcement, the PSP saw a 258% increase in applicants taking the test to pursue a career as a state trooper.

Its a stressful job being a police officer but when our communities are safe and families feel safe people want to move in, businesses want to open, and our whole community gets stronger and safer, and its just the quality of life is just enhanced, said state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton, alongside state Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, at Wednesdays announcement.

Pennlive.com contributed to this report.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
A restaurant serving authentic Puerto Rican cuisine will open at the site of a former iconic Southside Bethlehem hot dog shop.

Petes Hot Dog Shop, 400 Broadway, closed for good on March 15. By mid-January, the 1,820-square-foot shop will become the second Sams Restaurant. The original Sams has operated for over a year at 29 Bridge St. in Catasauqua. Sams is owned and run by Sam Rodriguez with help from father, Carlos Rodriguez.

Sam Rodriguez unveiled plans for the bigger and better business Wednesday on Facebook.

Reed Rutherford, the propertys listing agent with Northampton-based Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Realty, told lehighvalleylive.com the Rodriguezes were in a bind when their Catasauqua restaurant, as well as a neighboring building and upstairs apartments, were condemned by the borough in September due to code violations.

The buildings landlord is resolving the issues, Rutherford said. If all goes well, both Sams locations could be open in 2024, he said.

Sams is known for its made to order, fresh dishes. Menu items include pastelillos, which are deep-frried pastries stuffed with meat; relleno de papa, which are deep-fried potatoes stuffed with meat; alcapurria, which are fried fritters made with green plantains and yautia stuffed with meat; as well as burgers, Cuban sandwiches and quesadillas.

While Petes signature Greeker dogs (Hatfield-brand hot dogs made with a secret chili sauce, spicy mustard and raw onions) might not make the menu, the Rodriguezes plan to serve New York-style hot dogs, pretzels and knishes. Breakfast sandwiches are also planned, Rutherford said.

Rutherford said the decor wont change: orange booths and an eating counter with gray and chrome stools. Food will still be prepared in an open kitchen layout, Rutherford said.

Former Petes Hot Dog Shop operator Effie Ramirez in December 2022 announced her plans to move on. Her youngest son was in a carseat when she started working there, and now hell graduate high school in the spring, she said.

Generations of the Ramirez family worked at Petes alongside Effie Ramirezs parents and former owners, John and Stacy Mamounas. The Mamounases purchased Petes in 1988 from Teddy Kourpas, whose uncle Pete Kourpas founded the business in 1937.

Ramirez then sold the property to business partners Yongkang Gao of California and Bill Geddes of southern New Jersey, who took over Petes this past spring. Gao and Geddes initially had plans to turn the former Petes into a new restaurant. That vision fell through and their search for a restaurateur to take over eventually led them to Sam Rodriguez.

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A former William Allen High School teacher is facing felony drug charges after authorities raided her Whitehall home in March, court records state.

Jennifer Anne Bennis, 52, of the 700 block of Second Street is charged with felony possession with intent to manufacture or deliver drugs; misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office agents shortly after 2 p.m. March 29 found a gun; 54 grams of crystal methamphetamine worth $5,300; $778 in cash; and five digital scales with white residue in her home, according to court records.

Bennis allegedly told police she received the drugs from co-defendant, 59-year-old Michael Ohl of Whitehall, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Matthew Paul Sedacca, the defense attorney listed as representing Bennis, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Thursday morning.

Bennis resigned effective April 20 from the Allentown School District, according to the April 27 school board personnel agenda. Pennsylvania Department of Education records show Benniss state teaching certifications were suspended on Nov. 22 due to the drug charges.

Allentown School District spokeswoman Melissa Reese told lehighvalleylive.com Thursday Bennis was previously employed as a social studies teacher at William Allen High School. Bennis was employed by the Allentown School District since 2005, according to state Board of Education records.

This matter was a result of a police arrest that took place for activities that were conducted off district premises, district officials stated in a statement. The district responded promptly upon finding out about the arrest and this employee was never around students in any district capacity after the arrest took place.

Benniss LinkedIn page indicates she previously taught at the districts William Penn School, home to alternative programs for students with behavioral needs.

Bennis on April 3 was arraigned before District Judge Todd P. Heffelfinger, who set bail at $25,000 unsecured. She later gave up her right to a preliminary hearing, sending the case onto Lehigh County Court.

Ohl is charged with felony possession with intent to manufacture or deliver drugs; felony possession of a controlled substance; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arraigned March 29 before District Judge Amy Zanelli, who set bail at 10% of $25,000. In lieu of bail, Ohl was initially sent to the Lehigh County jail, however, court records indicate he has since posted bail.

Kathryn Rose Smith, the public defender assigned to Ohl, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Thursday morning.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
A pilot and photographer killed in a crash involving a 6ABC helicopter were identified by the television station Wednesday afternoon.

The pilot was 67-year-old Monroe Smith, and the photographer was 45-year-old Christopher Dougherty, 6ABC said on its website. Both men live in Pennsylvania, Smith in Glenside and Dougherty in Oreland.

We are devastated by the news that two of our extended 6ABC family members were lost last night when Chopper 6 went down while returning from an assignment in the Jersey Shore, a television spokesperson said in a statement. Our hearts break as we send our deepest condolences and prayers to their families, loved ones and everyone at US Helicopters.

The two men, according to the station, were returning from an assignment near Galloway Township, Atlantic County. Details of the assignment were unclear Wednesday.

The helicopter was a 2013 American Eurocopter AS-350A-STAR, which 6abc leases from U.S. Helicopters Inc., based in North Carolina.

The crash occurred shortly after 8 p.m. near Quaker Bridge Atsion Road and Mullica River Road, a section of Wharton State Forest in Washington Township.

New Jersey State Park Police located the wreckage in a wooded area a few hundred yards off Mullica River Road shortly after midnight, according to George Fedorczyk, chief of the NJ State Park Police. The site is several miles from the Atsion Mansion off Route 206.

Know that our thoughts are with the pilots, their families and the media community, George Fedorczyk, chief of the state park police said during a news conference Wednesday morning.

New Jersey State Park Police were called to the area about 10:50 p.m. and an officer located a debris field a few hundred yards off Mullica River Road shortly after midnight, Fedorczyk said.

New Jersey Park Police vehicles were staged outside the mansion on Wednesday. Several ventured between the woods and parking lot outside the mansion.

Federal Aviation Administration representative was on the scene about 3:15 a.m. and members of the National Transportation Safety Board were expected to lead the investigation later Tuesday, Fedorczyk said.

Due to the remote location of the scene and the limited visibility, it was determined at that point that the investigation will be suspended until sometime after daybreak, Fedorczyk said.

Quaker Bridge Road, Mullica River Road and Middle Road were all closed as the investigation continues, Fedorczyk said.

The news station initially did not disclose Smiths or Doughertys names while families were being notified of the fatal crash.

Katherine Scott, general assignment reporter for 6ABC, said in a report that the victims have a long history with the news station and have been part of the Action News team for years.

Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land within New Jerseys state park system and is nestled in the heart of the Pinelands National Reserve, according to the states Department of Environmental Protection.

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The banning of the sale of vapes to teens in Laois and elsewhere is significant because of the hazardous products that can lead to detrimental effects and smoking cigarettes.

That's according to Laois Offaly TD and Minister of Sean Fleming who has welcomed the ban on the sale of vapes to people under the age of 18 from Friday, December 22.

The measure is just one of a suite of regulations to be introduced or under consideration to tighten up on vaping and smoking.

Minister Fleming said the first element of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill comes into effect this week. It will outlaw the sale of single-use disposable vapes to people under the age of 18.

He said the legislation also bans the self-service sale of these products, so young people will not be able to buy single-use disposable vapes through this method either.

The Fianna Fail TD said his Government is also banning the advertising of vapes around schools and bus stops. These elements of the legislation will be enforced throughout 2024.

"I am pleased to see this significant step in banning the sale of these harmful products to people. Recently, I was invited by a number of Laois schools to discuss with them the Governments legislation and the effects of smoking vapes.

"We are staunchly in favour of preventing people from using these hazardous products that can lead to detrimental effects on your health, but can also lead to people smoking cigarettes.

"Fianna Fail introduced the smoking ban in the workplace and we are committed to furthering a ban on harmful nicotine inhaling products," he said.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, commenced section 28 of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act to prohibit the sale of nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes on December 20. A statement said the new law takes effect from Friday 22 December 2023.

The Department of Health said it would be a crime to sell a nicotine-inhaling product to a child. The offence carries a penalty of a fine of up to 4,000 and / up to a six-month term of imprisonment.

EXPLAINER

The Department of Health says Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill contains wide-ranging measures to tackle smoking and vaping among children and adults. It says these measures focus on preventing young people from beginning to smoke or vape to protect their health.

Along with prohibiting the sale of nicotine-inhaling products to under 18s, the remaining measures of the Bill will:

Prohibit the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products at events for children;

Prohibit the self-service sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products;

Introduce a strict licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products;

Prohibit the advertising of nicotine-inhaling products around schools and on public transport;

Provide additional enforcement powers to the Environmental Health Service for measures in the Bill and for all previous Tobacco Control Acts.

On 25 November 2023 a public consultation to help inform future regulation of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes or vapes was launched.

The Department says this consultation looks at what further measures could be introduced to decrease the appeal of nicotine inhaling products to young people, further denormalise smoking, and improve public health.

The areas where views are being sought include:

The display of nicotine-inhaling products in shops;

Nicotine inhaling product flavours;

The appearance of nicotine-inhaling products and their packaging;

Proxy sales of tobacco and nicotine-inhaling products;

Smoking in outdoor dining areas;

Extending smoke-free restrictions to vaping;

Increasing the age of sale for tobacco products;

Taxation of vaping liquids.

The consultation is currently open and will close on Friday 5 January 2024. More information on the consultation and to make a submission.
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A major step has been taken in the long-promised multi-million overhaul and expansion of the Laois Offaly Garda headquarters in Portlaoise.

The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick ODonovan, has announced that Portlaoise Garda Divisional HQ would go to tender on Thursday, December 21.

A brief statement from the OPW was issued confirming the details on December 21.

"This is the third tendered element of the project. The conservation works to the Fort are completed. The replacement Defence Forces building are due to be finished in March in time to allow the Army to move and for OPW to commence the main Garda divisional HQ project. There are additional ancillary works required to facilitate the overall project," it said.

Confirmation that builders are to be sought is the latest stage in a long-running process that has featured several false starts.

The project has been listed in two National Development Plans for investment of taxpayers' money. Details plans have been drawn up for the project during the lifetime of the plan which expired in 2021 but the money needed never materialised.

The project also hit a stumbling block because the Defence Forces turned down a relocation to a new building on the Mountrath Road. Soldiers used the a building at the back of the Garda Station as a transit base before going on duty at Portlaoise Prison.

This hitch was overcome when a site near the Irish Prison Service Training College on the town's Dublin Road was found. This is now nearing completion.

Another obstacle was the merging of the Laois and Offaly Garda Division with Kildare. This caused designers to draw up plans for a bigger building. Ultimately the merger was abandoned in 2023.

Under the finalised plans, the old building will be refurbished with and a new linked building constructed in the place of the building being used by the Defence Forces.

It's a year since the OPW updated Leinster Express / Laois Live as to the status of the project. It said the following developments are required;

refurbishment of the existing building,

A 2 and 3 storey extension and a new significant building on the rear site

"The construction of a building at the rear of the existing premises is integral to the effective redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda station to meet Garda requirements and has increased the total size of accommodation to be provided by 30%," it said.

The statement said the OPW added that the delivery of the new Defence Force building would not delay the placing of the main contract works.

The OPW had previously said the project would take three years to complete. The limestone former military barracks was built around the start of the 19th century.

Former Laois Offaly Garda Superintendent John Scanlan had campaigned for the station's overhaul for nearly a decade. When he was serving he said the project would be a big enconomic and jobs boost for Laois and Portlaoise.
GARDAI in the Ballymun district coordinated a search operation this Wednesday morning, targeting the use of illegal scramblers and quad bikes and reports of dangerous driving.

Search warrants were executed at nine properties in Ballymun by gardai attached to the Community Policing Unit, with assistance from the Divisional Drugs Unit, Divisional Task Force, and Finglas Community Policing Unit.

During the course of the search operation, 12 scramblers, four quad bikes and one motorbike was seized.

Following a number of recent attacks on dogs in the Ballymun district, four XL Bully dogs were also seized by gardai in collaboration with the Dublin City Council dog wardens.

An imitation firearm, a quantity of suspected crack cocaine and over 2,500 in cash was also seized by investigating gardai.

The Divisional Roads Policing Unit conducted rolling checkpoints throughout the day and a total of 13 vehicles were seized under the Road Traffic Act. A total of 25 fixed charge penalty notices were also issued.

Three persons were arrested for offences contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act and the Public Order Act. Two people have since been charged to appear before court at a later date. One person was released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Garda Youth Diversion Bureau.

Investigations are ongoing.
It is in 2023 that AI stopped being a niche field and became a household name that served millions of Vietnamese.

OpenAI announced ChatGPT, a generative AI based on a large language model, in late 2022 and made its name early this year.

Soon afterwards several other tech giants released their own chatbots, including Googles Bard, Microsofts Bing Chat and Baidus Ernie Bot.

Generative AI has helped dispel the image of boring, inflexible and traditional AI that has been around for decades.

From a technology that was thought to be out of reach, AI has now become much more accessible and intuitive to use, opening the door for their application in daily life.

In a report on trending searches in Vietnam this year, Google said AI has become a hot topic in the country. Vietnamese are most interested in AIs benefits and a course of study and ways it can be applied to specific fields.

In January, when OpenAI still had not allowed ChatGPT registration in Vietnam, people were trying to create or purchase accounts to access the chatbot.

Using its vast capabilities, users have been enlisting its help to write essays and poetry, even reports, among other uses.

ChatGPT used on a smartphone. Photo by VnExpress

In schools, ChatGPT is used by both teachers and students to assist with subjects where large amounts of information need to be processed.

In the office, a few keywords are enough for ChatGPT to generate speeches to be delivered to dozens of employees.

Writers use ChatGPT to find topics to write about.

Despite its numerous imperfections, the AI is considered a valuable tool to save time and effort in doing daily tasks.

ChatGPT is also considered to be more competent at translation than other software since, instead of merely translating words and phrases, it can "understand" the context of entire paragraphs and so deliver a translation that is easier to understand.

Chatbots were not the only AI to be all the rage in Vietnam this year: Midjourney, another generative AI capable of creating pictures and images out of prompts, was also trending.

People have been using AI to create drawings and photos since last year, but mostly in tech communities.

However, with the advent of ChatGPT, other tools which are used to generate photos have also come into the limelight and saw much higher user numbers in 2023.

With simple word prompts, anyone can create drawings done in various styles and categories, including comic strips.

A photo of people in anime style generated by Loopsie. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Anh

The rise of AI in Vietnam has also created a new job: prompt engineers. These engineers do not need to know how to code or program; they only need good language and communication skills to effectively tell AI what to do.

With knowledge in the field of AI, these engineers can also "train" bots to better their final results.

AI can also be used to create personal avatars. While such avatars have been around for a long time, the real wave only began with the rise of generative AI, especially in the latter half of 2023.

In July Remini, an app that transforms selfies into avatars, eclipsed Metas Threads to become the No.1 application on App Store. In Vietnam, it was among the top six photo editing apps to be installed.

All users need to do is upload seven photos, and Remini helps them create customizable avatars with different shapes, clothing, age, and even skin color.

In August a wave of anime-style photos flooded social media platforms in Vietnam. They were generated by Loopsie, another AI application that was capable of not only changing peoples appearances, but also their surroundings.

Two months later Zalo integrated its new AI Avatar function to help users design their own avatars in six different styles.

However, experts are sounding a warning that AI can be used for nefarious purposes, including creating deepfakes that can be used to scam people.

They suggest that people should think twice before uploading their personal pictures on AI platforms.

"Once data is exploited, not only the users themselves but also their families, friends and everyone around will lose," an expert from the anti-scamming Chongluadao project said.
The UK Government profoundly regrets a move by the Irish to legally challenge its legislation to deal with Northern Irelands troubled past.

In a statement, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris slammed the case as unnecessary and warned it came at a particularly sensitive time in Northern Ireland.

It did not need to be taken now, given the issues are already before the UK courts, Mr Heaton-Harris said.

But earlier, Irish premier Leo Varadkar said his government was left with no option but to legally challenge the UK Government over the Legacy Act.

The Taoiseach said the strong legal advice was that the UK Legacy Act breached the UN Convention on Human Rights.

The Act received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish government.

Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin said they were taking the case reluctantly after having spent time trying to change the UK Governments mind.

Amnesty International praised the Irish government as doing the right thing for victims of Northern Irelands Troubles by taking a stand.

The Irish government is to argue that the provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the UKs obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The new Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests.

Multiple Troubles victims and family members are supporting a legal challenge against aspects of the Act at Belfast High Court.

The UK Government also said it was prepared for the move by the Irish government, and would robustly defend the legislation.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said: The government took a decision that we will take an interstate case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, seeking a judicial review of the UK Legacy Act.

The attorney generals advice on this is very strong, his advice is that the UK Legacy Act is in breach of the UN Convention on Human Rights. Its also the view of the UN high commissioner and also the Council of Europe.

It is something that were genuinely doing with a sense of regret, and would prefer not to be in this position, but we did make a commitment to survivors in Northern Ireland and to the families of victims that we would stand by them, respect their wishes and also stand by the Good Friday Agreement, which specifically references the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Taoiseach added that the Stormont House Agreement had received consensus from both governments and parties in Northern Ireland.

He said: The UK Government decided for their own reasons, and of course they have the right to do this, to go down a different path, which is the UK legacy legislation, which is now law.

But we dont agree with that, we think that the agreement agreed by the parties in Northern Ireland, the two governments is the better approach and we think at this stage we really have no option but to ask the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to carry out a judicial review of this legislation.

Mr Martin said: This decision was taken after much thought and careful consideration.

I regret that we find ourselves in a position where such a choice had to be made.

However, the decision by the British Government not to proceed with the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and instead pursue legislation unilaterally, without effective engagement with the legitimate concerns that we, and many others raised left us with few options.

The British Government removed the political option, and has left us only this legal avenue.

In his statement on Wednesday evening, Mr Heaton-Harris also challenged the Irish government on its approach to legacy, describing it as inconsistent.

At no time since 1998 has there been any concerted or sustained attempt on the part of the Irish state to pursue a criminal investigation and prosecution-based approach to the past, he said.

We note, in particular, the former Irish justice minister and attorney generals 2014 reference to an informal decision on behalf of the Irish government to not investigate Troubles cases  something that he restated publicly in 2021 in response to our proposals.

Indeed the Irish government should urgently clarify the number of criminal prosecutions brought in Ireland since 1998 relating to Troubles cases.

He also added: It is also a matter of public record that successive UK and Irish governments during the peace process worked closely together on a range of initiatives which have provided conditional immunity and early release from prison.

His statement concluded by describing the UK Governments bilateral relationship with Ireland as one we value deeply.

Despite this misguided action, we will continue to work to minimise the consequences and protect the interests of the people and businesses that bind us together, he added.

Meanwhile, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson accused the Irish government of double standards.

Sir Jeffrey told the BBC: I think there are double standards on the part of the Irish government here and whilst I am strongly opposed to the Governments amnesty plans, we voted against it, we spoke against it and we continue to oppose it, but I dont think the Irish government are in a very strong position to point the finger at the UK Government because the Irish government have no proposals to deal with the legacy issues.

No proposals to deal with the quite significant number of murders that were committed either in their jurisdiction or from their jurisdiction.

For years effectively there has been a form of amnesty in the Irish Republic because they have not actively pursued those responsible for these crimes.
The December meeting of the Laois branch of the Irish Farmers Association represented a special night in that it honoured the work of local man Michael Bergin.

The IFA President Tim Cullinan, who will soon pass the reins to Francie Gorman, travelled to Laois to bestow an Honorary Life Membership on the Mountrath IFA Branch member in Portlaoise.

The IFA National Council confers Honorary Life Membership on any person who they believe has rendered outstanding service to the Association.

The association said afterwards that Mr Bergin was awarded Life Membership for his outstanding commitment, dedication, contribution and loyalty to IFA both at a local and national level.

The IFA said that Michael was to the fore of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) campaign within the county.

He also served as Laois IFA County Chairman and was the National Chairman of the IFA National Rural Development Committee.

He also served on the Farm Business Committee and was instrumental in organising Leader Programme funding for projects within the county through his chairmanship of Laois Partnership.
A November trip to Dublin where she saw the extent of the homelessness crisis inspired Martha Perris to pen a song and to take action.



Martha wrote the song Half the Irish after speaking briefly to a homeless lady in Dublin in November.

She then approached Scoil Mhuire Clane Community School Chaplain Mr. Kavanagh about doing a fundraiser for the Peter McVerry Trust.

Fr. Peter McVerry has been a guest speaker on Scoil Mhuire's 6th yr Religion Programme since 1990 and the school has a strong connection with him.

On Wednesday this week Martha performed her song at the Scoil Mhuire Senior Carol Service in Clane Parish Church.

Fr. Peter McVerry was invited to attend which he did with one of his service users Stephen.

ABOVE: Fr. Paul O Boyle, Clane Parish, Martha Perris, Fr. Peter McVerry and Scoil Mhuire Clane Principal, Kevin Martin

Fr. Peter was delighted to hear the song and Martha then made a presentation to the Peter Mc Verry Trust from the 6th year student body.

Martha hopes to study music in college after her Leaving Certificate exams next year.

HALF THE IRISH

by Marth Perris 6th year

Walk across the Hapenny

Early December

Nice of you to acknowledge me

Although my cup is empty

My glass is three quarters full

Cause your simple smile made me feel a little less invisible

Strolling down Grafton

Buskers galore

Were all trying to make a few bob

Cause the tiger's here no more

I hear the American accents

Taking pictures with Molly Malone

They all claim to be Irish but half the Irish dont have a home

I see the sun setting off the spire

I know I wont sleep tonight

But theres something Id like for Christmas

Just a little bit of light

Heading across temple bar

Found a step for a bed

Its not much more than a cobble but its somewhere to rest my head

And the cold is getting violent

Soaking into my bones

Feel the gates beginning to open

Im on my way

On my way to what I think is

I see American tourists outside the GPO theyre all wishing they were Irish but not the Irish without a home

I see the buses on the quays

To the brim with passengers with lives theyre probably wondering whats for dinner while Im scheming to stay alive

I hear the American accents

Taking pictures with Molly Malone

They all claim to be Irish but half the Irish dont have a home.
A brand-new awareness campaign centering on supports for survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence has been welcomed by a Senator based in County Kildare.

Fianna Fail Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, said that she welcomes the launch of a new campaign to raise awareness on pathways to safety and supports available for survibors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

The 'Always Here' campaign seeks to highlight and signpost survivors and wider society to the available support services and encourage them to reach out for help and to report what has happened or is happening to them.

The campaign is launching just before Christmas, a time when reports of domestic abuse in particular can escalate.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin welcomed the news. File photograph.

Commenting on the latest announcement, Senator O'Loughlin, who is also the Chairperson of the Oireachtas Womens Caucus, said: "Sadly, as Womens Aid have said, it is the case that Christmas is a time of hurt, fear, intimidation and intentional cruelty for women affected by domestic abuse.

"That is why the Always Here campaign is so important, to assure victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence that they are not alone during what is an extremely difficult time of the year."

The Newbridge-based politician continued: "We have to let victims know they are not alone; there are many supports and pathways to safety.

"We need to make sure that victims as well as wider society are aware of these supports.

"I would encourage any victim of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to ask for help because their voice will be heard," Senator O'Loughlin concluded.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The campaign follows on from the 'Still Here' campaign. which was focused on telling survivors of domestic violence that help and support remained available during the Covid pandemic.

The 'Always Here' assets produced for the campaign seeks to empower survivors by reassuring them that they will be believed, that the issue will be taken seriously, that there are organisations ready to support them, and that the wider Irish society stands with them and condemns the behaviour of perpetrators.

A new website, alwayshere.ie, has also been launched which provides advice and information on available supports to survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

It explains the various manifestations of domestic violence and coercive control, including targeted advice and information for young people who are concerned about domestic abuse.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Women's Aid at 1800 341 900 or emailing helpline@womensaid.ie, or Men's Aid by ringing 01 554 3811 or emailing hello@mensaid.ie.

Additionally, you can find resources to help you by emailing Samaritans Ireland at jo@samaritans.ie, or by ringing 116 123.
Martin Kenny, Sinn Fein TD for Sligo Leitrim North Roscommon and South Donegal, has expressed disappointment that only one school in Co Leitrim will receive STEM funding from the Department of Education that was announced yesterday.

Deputy Kenny said; Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Art (STEM) play a pivotal role in our education system to help develop the skills that students need in all aspects of life. I understand that there was very large number of applications over 2,700 and a limited amount of funding with only 531 schools receiving a grant.

I was very disappointed to see that only 1 School in Co Leitrim received funding St Aidans NS in Ballaghmeehan in North Leitrim. Congratulations to them it is well deserved of course. I believe many schools in the county applied for this grant and put in considerable amount of time filling out application forms and getting costings for their applications.

I am led to believe that the process of deciding what schools were to receive funding was done by way of a lottery. This has left many of those schools who were unsuccessful annoyed that their application were not even looked at.

Leitrim is the only County in the state that had just one school with a successful application. All other counties had multiple successful schools with many in the high teens and some with over twenty successful schools.

While Im sure all successful schools are deserving of this funding it seems like a very unfair way of deciding what schools get funding and I will be writing to the minister in relation to this matter.

Meanwhile, Brendan Smith TD, Cavan-Monaghan, welcomed 138,479 for 9 Cavan and 7 Monaghan schools in STEM grants.
Palestinians gather at UNRWA Logistics Base in Rafah, the Gaza Strip, the southern Israeli-occupied territory on Dec. 17, 2023. Photo by The Yomiuri Shimbun via AFP

Vietnam has called for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, unconditional release of hostages, and an end to hostile actions and violence in the escalating conflict between Hamas forces and Israel.

Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN Minister Counsellor, made the urgent call statement while addressing a debate on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip within the framework of the 10th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly from Dec. 15 - 18, and Dec. 20 in New York.

The Vietnamese diplomat expressed deep concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and her sympathy for the losses and casualties of innocent people.

She called on all parties to protect civilians in line with international law, stressing that Vietnam strongly condemns attacks targeting civilians and essential civilian infrastructure.

Thoa announced the Vietnamese government's decision to donate US$500,000 to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA) in a bid to support the UN's efforts in Gaza, saying that sustainable peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive solution based on international law and relevant resolutions of the UN.

Previously, on Dec. 12, the UNGA adopted the resolution "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations," which calls for an immediate, sustained humanitarian truce leading to cessation of hostilities between Israel, Hamas, the unconditional release of hostages, and ensuring humanitarian access. It also reiterates the call for all parties to adhere to international law and international humanitarian law, and protect civilians.
Linamar Acquires Seeding Expert Bourgault Industries, Significantly Bolstering its Agriculture Business





GUELPH, ON, Dec. 20, 2023 /CNW/ - Linamar Corporation (TSX: LNR) today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Bourgault Industries Ltd. of St. Brieux, Saskatchewan, further enhancing its Industrial segment's diversified offerings and advancing its position as a leading short-line agriculture equipment manufacturer. Bourgault is a world-class agriculture equipment manufacturer regarded as a market and technology leader in broad acre seeding. Linamar's existing agricultural brands include harvesting specialist MacDon, and tillage and crop nutrition expert Salford. Bourgault is highly complimentary to these existing divisions and enables Linamar to increase its market position as it now possesses a full lineup of products in the broader crop production cycle, from field preparation, to seeding, crop nutrition, harvest and post harvest.

The transaction, representing the purchase of 100% of the equity interest of Bourgault, is for CAD $640 Million, subject to customary adjustments. Bourgault will become part of a new Linamar Agriculture division within the broader Industrial Segment. The industrial segment also includes Skyjack, a manufacturer of aerial work platforms. This new Agriculture group will continue to operate the shortline brands of MacDon, Salford, and Bourgault independently while maximizing overall growth opportunities globally, better enabling future Agriculture technologies, improving the overall farm customer experience, as well as enhancing product support. The acquisition includes Bourgault's Highline Manufacturing division which produces hay handling and livestock feeding equipment, as well as roto-moulding producer Free Form Plastics.

Linda Hasenfratz, Linamar Executive Chair and CEO said "We are thrilled to welcome Bourgault Industries into the Linamar family. Bourgault is another Canadian manufacturing success story that draws many similarities to Linamar's history of entrepreneurism and technical innovation. The Bourgault name is synonymous with broad acre agricultural seeding innovation and offers a tremendous opportunity for Linamar to further diversify and grow our agriculture platform, as well as our Industrial segment overall. It also further enhances our powerful synergistic diversification strategy whereby our Industrial businesses benefit from purchasing leverage, global footprint and access to industry leading lean manufacturing expertise from our Mobility businesses, while our Mobility business benefits from the strong cash generation and brand expertise of our Industrial businesses. Together our business model provides an excellent formula for consistent, sustainable growth with strong margins and excellent balance sheet strength."

Jim Jarrell, Linamar's President and COO added, "Bourgault is our third strategic acquisition of 2023, following two previous transactions within the Mobility sector earlier this year. This work is the result of a well-defined strategy to grow our business with diversified product offerings, creating a larger potential addressable market and new pathways for future revenue growth. Bourgault strengthens our short-line agriculture platform with strong brand recognition, a portfolio of advanced seeding technologies and an operational footprint that will enable us to better serve the core Western Canadian and US Midwest farm base."

Bourgault President Gerry Bourgault commented, "Bourgault was started by my father and has a rich history in agriculture. The Bourgault family is incredibly proud of the legacy we have created both here in in St. Brieux, Saskatchewan, but also around the world. We are excited to have our team of over nine-hundred people in Saskatchewan, and over one thousand worldwide, join the Linamar family. Linamar has a proven track record for not only successfully integrating acquired companies, but also for their manufacturing expertise and business execution overall. I am confident Linamar will take the Bourgault brand to new heights in its next chapter, while also allowing Bourgault to maintain and build upon its deep-rooted connections to its stakeholders in Saskatchewan and around the world."

Linamar will hold a webcast & conference call today Wednesday December 20 at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss the Transaction in greater detail. The event will be simulcast and can be accessed at the following URL https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/553482801. The webcast can also be navigated to via the Company's website. For those who wish to listen to an audio only call-in option, the numbers for this call are (+1) 888 259 6580 (North America) or (+1) 416 764 8624 (International) Conference ID 75145440, with a call-in required 15 minutes prior to the start of the webcast. The conference call will be chaired by Ms. Hasenfratz. The webcast replay will be available at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/553482801 after the call. A taped replay of the conference call will also be made available Linamar Corporation starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on December 20, 2023, for seven days. The number for the replay is (+1) (877) 674-7070 or (+1) (416) 764-8692, Passcode: 145440 #. In addition, a recording of the call will be posted at https://www.linamar.com/event/linamar-bil-acquisition/

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and expected to close in Q1 2024. A new term loan facility will fund the acquisition under similar terms and conditions as Linamar's existing revolving credit facility. The term loan will mature in three years to closely align to the maturing of Linamar's existing revolving credit facility. This term loan agreement has been fully underwritten by commitments of BMO Capital Markets, TD, Scotiabank, and National Bank.

TD Securities are acting as financial advisors to Linamar in connection with the Transaction. Aird & Berlis LLP was retained as legal counsel for Linamar. KPMG Corporate Finance are acting as financial advisors to Bourgault in connection with the transaction. McDougall Gauley LLP is retained as legal counsel for Bourgault.

Linamar Corporation (TSX:LNR) is an advanced manufacturing company where the intersection of leading-edge technology and deep manufacturing expertise is creating solutions that power vehicles, motion, work and lives for the future. The Company is made up of two operating segments ? the Industrial segment and the Mobility segment, both global leaders in manufacturing solutions and world-class developers of highly engineered products. The Industrial segment is comprised of Skyjack, MacDon and Salford. Skyjack manufactures scissor, boom and telehandler lifts for the aerial work platform industry. MacDon manufactures combine draper headers and self-propelled windrowers for the agricultural harvesting industry. Salford also supplies the agriculture market with farm tillage and crop fertilizer applicator equipment. The Mobility segment is focused on propulsion systems, structural and chassis systems, energy storage and power generation for both the global electrified and traditionally powered vehicle markets, and is subdivided into three regional groups and one global product group: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the newly formed Structures Group. The Regional Mobility groups are vertically integrated operations combining expertise in light metal casting, forging, machining and assembly. The Linamar Structures Group offers competitive lightweight innovations for safety-critical components and systems for the global mobility market. In addition, the eLIN Product Solutions Group focuses on Electrification and McLaren Engineering provides design, development, and testing services for the Mobility segment. Linamar's medical solutions group, Linamar MedTech, focuses on manufacturing solutions for medical devices and precision medical components. Linamar has over 31,000 employees in 70 manufacturing locations, 14 R&D centres and 28 sales offices in 19 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia, which generated sales of more than $7.9 billion in 2022. For more information about Linamar Corporation and its industry-leading products and services, visit www.linamar.com or follow us on our social media channels.

Guelph, Ontario

December 20, 2023

SOURCE Linamar Corporation

20 december 2023 at 16:37

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RECONAFRICA ANNOUNCES AN OPERATIONAL UPDATE, A LICENCING UPDATE, A FILING UPDATE, AND AN UPDATE ON THE NAMCOR TRANSACTION





VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 21, 2023 /CNW/ - Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (the "Company" or "ReconAfrica") (TSXV: RECO) (OTCQX: RECAF) (Frankfurt: 0XD) announces an operational update, an update to Petroleum Exploration Licence ("PEL") 073, onshore Namibia, a filing update, and an update on the transaction with Namcor Exploration and Production (Pty) ("NAMCOR") announced in the Company's news release dated September 22, 2022.

Operational Update

The Company continues to advance activities in preparation for the drilling program planned for 2024 with land access work, community engagement, demining activities, and key equipment and services procurement in progress. Minor amendments to the approved Environmental Clearance Certificate have been approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, to reflect the specific locations of the planned wells to be drilled. As previously announced, the Company is undertaking activities to have a well pad ready for drilling to commence in late Q1 2024 in each focus basin, an oil targeted well in the Rift Basin and a gas focused well in the Damara Fold Belt. Some recent basin modelling work undertaken by our technical team has increased the potential for some parts of the Damara Fold Belt to be more oil prone than previously expected.

Licencing Update

As part of the approval for the Second Renewal Exploration Period by the Ministry of Mines and Energy ("MME"), announced on October 30, 2023, the Company requested and has been granted a relinquishment exemption based on the provisions of Section 37 (5) of the Petroleum Act of 1991. The request was based on the Company's belief following the evaluation of acquired subsurface data over the past three years that a significant portion of the PEL 73 will be prospective for the exploration of oil and gas. As a result, the Company does not have to relinquish any of the acreage and retains access to the entire licence covering approximately 6.3 million acres in northeast Namibia. The Second Renewal Exploration Period begins from January 30, 2024, extending through January 29, 2026, with options for extensions and an additional exploration period available under the Petroleum Act of 1991.

Filing Update

The Company has filed an updated version of the Netherland Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), report entitled "Estimates of Prospective Resources to the Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. Interest in Certain Opportunities located in the Damara Fold and Thrust Belt Play Area in Petroleum Exploration Licence 73, Kavango Basin, Namibia, as of March 31, 2023," (the "NSAI Report"), on Sedar+, www.sedarplus.ca.

The updated NSAI Report supersedes the original document filed on June 26, 2023 (the "June 26th Report"), and an amended NSAI Report filed on November 7, 2023 (the "November 7th Report"), which were not compliant with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation ("COGE") Handbook as they did not include development risk. The updated NSAI Report, the June 26th Report and the November 27th Report have all been superseded by the risked prospective resource information contained in "Form 51-101F1," filed on Sedar+ on July 31, 2023.

Update on NAMCOR Transaction

The Company and NAMCOR have not yet completed the transaction pursuant to the definitive purchase and sale agreement but report that discussions are ongoing.

About ReconAfrica

ReconAfrica is a Canadian oil and gas company engaged in the opening of the newly discovered Kavango Sedimentary Basin, in the Kalahari Desert of northeastern Namibia and northwestern Botswana, where the Company holds petroleum licenses comprising approximately ~8.0 million contiguous acres. In all aspects of its operations, ReconAfrica is committed to minimal disturbances of habitat in line with international standards and will implement environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian, United States and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the prospectivity of PEL 73, the ability to get additional exploration phase extensions, and the completion of the NAMCOR transaction. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on ReconAfrica's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's annual information form dated December 4, 2023, available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to ReconAfrica. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and ReconAfrica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

SOURCE Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd.

21 december 2023 at 06:00

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Midland is ECOLOGO Certified for Mineral Exploration





MONTREAL, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midland Exploration Inc. ("Midland") (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to announce that it has received UL 2723 ECOLOGO Certification ("ECOLOGO certification") for Mineral Exploration Companies. This comprehensive certification is the first certification for mineral exploration companies to consider the identification, management, and application of the best environmental, social, and economic practices.



Midland goal is to create long-term value in the mining exploration industry. The Company works in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure that the principles of transparency and responsibility are respected in all our activities. The certification confirms Midland ability to have better relationships with its stakeholders, contributing to the social acceptability of our projects. Additionally, being certified allows Midland to be prepared for possible future changes to the legislations.

Gino Roger, President and CEO of Midland, states "We are proud of this achievement. Being one of the most active exploration companies in Quebec, good practices are at the heart of our organization and obtaining ECOLOGO certification is the next logical step and it supports Midland's Sustainable Development Policy put in place. a few years ago. We intend to continue our commitment and our continuous improvement efforts to move towards a sustainable and responsible mineral exploration industry."

For more information on the ECOLOGO certification, please visit Underwriters Laboratories of Canada website: https://canada.ul.com/ulcprograms/explore/

About Midland

Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world-class deposits of gold and critical metals. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as BHP Canada Inc., Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc., Barrick Gold Corp., Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd, Probe Gold Inc., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Electric Element Mining, SOQUEM Inc., Brunswick Exploration Inc., Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund, Cosmos Exploration Limited and Abcourt Mines Inc. Midland prefers to work in partnership and intends to quickly conclude additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties. Management is currently reviewing other opportunities and projects to build up Midland's portfolio and generate shareholder value.

Gino Roger, President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 450 420-5977

Fax: 450 420-5978

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.midlandexploration.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Midland's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Midland from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

21 december 2023 at 07:30

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Arctic Blue Offers a Superior Fish Oil Supplement





The Dutch Health and Wellness Brand's Pure Fish Oil Is Backed By a Unique Combination of Certifications, Expertise, and Business Principles

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arctic Blue is an innovative health and wellness brand that offers clean, top-shelf, full-spectrum fish oil supplements. These are sourced from wild cod, taste remarkably fresh, and use plastic-free packaging. The Arctic Blue team has been able to create such an impeccable line of marine-based nutraceuticals thanks to its commitment to a unique combination of certifications, principles, and expertise ? starting with the credentials of its founder, Ludo van de Wiel.

"I have always been committed to finding high-quality natural health solutions for my family," explains the Arctic Blue owner. "On a work trip to Norway several years back, I came across a fish oil that was fresher and tastier than the fish oils I had used up until then, which is how I got the idea for the company."

Van de Wiel himself is a fish oil expert and alumnus with a master's degree in biotechnology from the renowned Dutch Wageningen University ? an academic institution with a reputation for emphasizing health, nutrition, and agriculture. This made it easy for the health-trained entrepreneur to recognize the value of oil sourced from the fillet trim of wild-caught cod in the Barents Sea.

"The natural, non-concentrated form of cod oil has a very broad fatty acid profile," Van de Wiel explains. "This 'full spectrum' fish oil is loaded with dozens of mono and polyunsaturated fats that are good for the body."

Along with finding a quality source for the oil itself, Van de Wiel worked to establish a clear ethical standard for the brand. This included several key principles , such as avoiding krill oil (the food of whales), using fillet trimmings (as a sustainable pre-existing byproduct of the fishing industry), and working with fisheries that adhere to the strict regulations of the MSC certification program.

In the end, this all comes together to form the three key elements that are always present in every Arctic Blue product. The oil in every bottle and capsule is clean, fresh, and natural. This instantly makes it a superior range of fish oil supplements and the top option on the market, both from a nutritional and experiential perspective.

About Arctic Blue

Arctic Blue is a Dutch brand that was created in 2015 by Ludo van de Wiel and operates out of Utrecht in the Netherlands. The founder and CEO is a fish oil expert with a master's degree in biotechnology from the renowned Dutch Wageningen University (an elite institution that focuses on health, nutrition, and agricultural studies). As a father of three, Van de Wiel wished to find a clean fish oil that could nourish his family without everyone struggling to swallow it in the first place. Arctic Blue is the realization of that wish. The brand's fish oils have an agreeable flavor profile and are sourced from the Arctic (Norway and Alaska) along with algae-based vegan alternatives, marine collagen, and other related products. Learn more at arctic-blue.com .

Contact:

Ludo van de Wiel

Arctic Blue Omega BV

030-2447097

370352@email4pr.com

SOURCE Arctic Blue

21 december 2023 at 08:40

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2023 Design Intelligence Award Held at China Academy of Art





HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 Design Intelligence Award (DIA) ceremony series events, including an exhibition, a conference, launch of DIU (Design Intelligence Union) Headquarters (Shanghai), and debut of "DIA Project", took place from December 14 to 15 at the Liangzhu Campus of the China Academy of Art (CAA).

DIA is China's first international academic competition in industrial design jointly launched by the People's Government of Zhejiang Province and CAA. With many years of development, DIA has become the most influential industrial design competition in China, which is professional, international and forward-looking, as well as an important platform for the global design community to explore design intelligence.

The 2023 DIA was launched on March 12, 2023 and received more than 7,000 entries from 41 countries and regions. Among the shortlisted works, 43% are from overseas designers, 67% are global debuts, and 30% are pioneering projects in AI, brain-computer interface and lab research. These works, covering the latest industrial ideas and cutting-edge designs from around the world, show a new trend of integrating digital technology and physical industries, a new lifestyle integrating virtuality and reality, and new products of co-evolution of human wisdom and AI, which all spur deeper insights into design, technology and creativity.

The winners are "Healthy Body-Braille Phonetic Font Bank" and "BrainRobotics Intelligent Bionic Hand". The former, fitted with real-time translation in Chinese braille, encompasses 1,001 living scenarios of the visually impaired in their lifetime. It bridges the language gap by associating the power of design with human vision and touch. The latter is a combination of AI and individualized programming. It can capture the muscle signal in the stump EMG sensor and convert it into action, going beyond the limitations of physical buttons or joysticks that traditional prosthetic limbs rely on to perform preset gestures. With this intelligent bionic hand, the amputee can intuitively perform the anticipated gestures and movements.

SOURCE China Academy of Art

21 december 2023 at 10:00

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USPS Rings In Lunar New Year With Year of the Dragon Stamp





WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

What: The U.S. Postal Service commemorates the Lunar New Year with the unveiling of the Year of the Dragon stamp.









The first-day-of-issue event for this Forever stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtags #LunarNewYearDragon and #LunarNewYearStamps.







Who: Eduardo H. Ruiz, Jr., vice president, Retail and Delivery Operations ? Western-Pacific Area, U.S. Postal Service







When: Jan. 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. PST







Where: International District/Chinatown Community Center



719 Eighth Ave. S.



Seattle, WA 98104







RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/lunarnewyeardragon.







Background: As the auspicious Year of the Dragon begins, the U.S. Postal Service commemorates the Lunar New Year with a colorful new stamp. The Year of the Dragon begins Feb. 10, 2024, and ends Jan. 28, 2025.









Parades, customary foods, and red and gold lanterns mark the Lunar New Year festival for people all over the world. Celebrants set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and clean their houses to signify a moment of renewal before spring. They write couplets, give gifts and prepare traditional meals to celebrate the coming year.









People born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be successful, wise and powerful. In fact, many consider the dragon to be so favorable, they plan for children to be born under the sign. Every 12 years, many Asian communities experience a baby boom because of the allure of the dragon, the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac.



Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 167 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

National contact: David P. Coleman

Cell 202-425-1476

[email protected]

Local contact: Kim Frum

[email protected]

usps.com/news

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

21 december 2023 at 11:00

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Fluvanna Women's Prison in Virginia Ignores Inmate Jennifer Emmi's Reports of Heart Attack Symptoms





TROY, Va., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jennifer Emmi, a current inmate at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Virginia is fighting for her life behind bars and being denied critical medical care. Over the past seven days, Jennifer has submitted five separate Emergency Grievances with the prison begging for treatment of symptoms commonly associated with heart attacks. These reports indicate that Jennifer is experiencing pain radiating down her left arm and chest, fatigue and difficulty walking.

" Fluvanna is turning a blind eye to Jennifer's cries for help because they want her dead."

On Thursday December 14, Jennifer was taken to a cardiologist at the University of Virginia for treatment. Following this visit, the prison has reportedly not taken any action to treat Jennifer's growing cardiac-related symptoms.

Over the past few weeks, Jennifer's attorney has been exploring administrative options available to see Jennifer transferred from Fluvanna back to Colorado under conditions that would enable her to receive the medical care she needs. These potential alternatives have taken on new urgency given the apparent dramatic decline in Jennifer's health over the last week. Providing Jennifer a transfer or release has become life-or-death, but Fluvanna has yet to respond to Jennifer's attorneys.

"Fluvanna is turning a blind eye to her cries for help because they want Jennifer dead," said Barbara Crist, Jennifer's mother, who lives in Colorado and cannot easily visit her daughter in prison. "Jennifer is in pain and needs immediate treatment for life-threatening symptoms. I just want my little girl to be alive and safe."

Jennifer has been repeatedly denied critical medical care and has been physically abused during her time in prison. On Jennifer's website Bruised Behind Bars, her frequent blog posts indicate that she is not receiving basic medical care, such as the necessary cleaning of her chest port and being denied a wheelchair.

On December 11, Jennifer stated, "I need to get to my medical team. I was transferred to this facility illegally and I am being kept here as what feels like a hostage since I should have been released quite some time ago. I could be experiencing endocarditis, or an inflamed heart, which could lead to cardiac arrest or even death. Yet, I am ignored here at Fluvanna like so many inmates before me. I have been allowed to catastrophically decline over the last few years in prison, been beaten, and raped and no one has been held accountable. All that remains now are the scars and my voice trying to get medical care now." Now, ten days later, Jennifer's condition has worsened to catastrophic levels.

Fluvanna has been contacted by numerous medical professionals pleading for Jennifer's transfer to save her life. In a letter sent to the prison by a physician on August 11, 2023, Dr. Charles Howard states, "It is clear from the Medical Records...that Ms. Emmi belongs in an inpatient hospital, where she can receive the necessary Medical Care for her multitude of severe medical conditions. These services are NOT available in a Jail, nor in most Federal Prison facilities...Ms. Emmi medically requires immediate transfer to a major tertiary medical center. This is the only type of facility with resources needed to treat her."

Since beginning her sentence behind bars, Jennifer has endured abuse, harassment, deprivation, arbitrary penalization, and sexual assault, as well as 22 weeks of solitary confinement. Following her report of sexual abuse by prison guards in Colorado, Jennifer was transferred from Colorado without explanation to Virginia ? halfway across the country from her family and support system. Her experience at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women has only caused further harm to Jennifer's declining health.

Fluvanna has a well-documented pattern of abuse and medical neglect; the prison has been forced to settle a lawsuit accusing them of violating inmates' constitutional rights. Fluvanna has been plagued with accusations of neglect, overcrowding, and sexual abuse on the part of the predominantly male guards ever since its founding. A list of some of Fluvanna's misdeeds can be found on Jennifer's website here.

Press contact:

Maria Stagliano

[email protected]

SOURCE Bruised Behind Bars

21 december 2023 at 14:29

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GARDAI across Limerick are encouraging people to take part in property marking days to help those who could be the potential victims of theft.

The initiative involves farmers, tradesmen or those with valuable tools and equipment availing of a laser like machine which stamps a specific number chosen by the owner on to the property.

Inspector Gearoid Thompson explained that if people have marked their property in such a way and it is stolen, it gives gardai a better chance at returning the items to their rightful owner.

The marking goes on a number of places and then the owners take note of the locations.

If they are taken then it makes it easier for us to spot the numbers and hopefully return them.

Inspector Thompson recently organised a property marking day, with the assistance of Diarmuid Cronin from Muintir na Tire, in Loughill where there was a good uptake by locals.

Inspector Thompson said they expect to run a number of similar events in locations throughout the county in 2024.

If you are a member of a local community group or association and you would like to hold a property marking day in your locality you can contact gardai in Bruff or Askeaton garda stations for assistance.
IN A HUGE boost to Limericks economic landscape, a top European process engineering company is marking its 40th year in business with a 10 million investment for a new cutting-edge facility.

The BCD Engineering facility in Charleville has now doubled in size, thanks to this investment, and Limerick employees are set to benefit as more jobs are to be created in the area.

The 3,000 sqm state-of-the-art expansion comes four years after BCD joined the Italian Masco Group.

The company develops solutions for industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, food and beverages, and chemicals.

BCD, currently employ over 240 full-time staff and 100 contractors, delivering design and engineered solutions for world leading brands such as Pfizer, Eli Lily, JNJ, MSD, AstraZeneca, Abbvie, MSD, Carbery, Dairygold, Danone, and Irish Distillers.

Aside from making room for more production, the investment will allow the company to become more eco-friendly.

The expansion includes the installation of solar panels, meeting the companys commitment to having 60% of its energy from renewable resources by the end of 2024.

Crecora man and CEO of BCD, Richard Keays, highlighted how the expanded capacity now allows BCD to serve more markets in Europe and the US.

As a leading supplier to the Irish Pharma market, which is the largest pharma market in Europe, we now have extra capacity and automated manufacturing to deliver to wider European markets.

Along with the expansion, BCD has achieved accreditation to allow us to deliver our equipment to the US market.

John McMahon, the founder of BCD, looks back on the companys first days with pride, saying: Golden Vale Engineering was where it all originated but when that closed it was far from the end but instead a new beginning for this sector and for employment in this area.

Having made a big impact on the economies of north Cork and south Limerick, Mr McMahon added that it is his greatest joy knowing that this impact will continue in the region.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new facility, Luca Borella, CEO of Masco Group, is happy with the progress of BCD, saying:

Weve given BCD its autonomy, and it has delivered thanks to an amazing team.
Foreign tourists take a boat tour in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh during the rice harvest season, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Le Hoang

Though the tourism industry achieved its targets in 2023, it still faces challenges amid the economic slowdown, forcing many businesses to cut staff and scale down operations.

Hoang Van Duong, owner of Duong Restaurant in Huyen Alley in Hanoi, has laid off his manager, assistant manager and others and only retains essential staff.

The menu has also been abridged, he said.

Nguyen Van Tho, who used to own four restaurants specializing in serving foreign tourists in Hanoi, Hue and HCMC before the pandemic, closed them because of lack of customers.

Late last year he reopened the two in Hanoi but those in Hue and HCMC remain closed.

"European customers coming to the restaurant only number 50% of pre-pandemic levels," he said, adding that he had to reduce prices.

Hoang Tien, owner of a business offering inbound tourism, said the number of European visitors is currently less than 60% of pre-pandemic levels.

Due to the lack of customers, he reduced his sales staff from six to two to cut costs.

The situation is likely to remain gloomy in 2024 due to global uncertainties.

A group of Brazilian tourists canceled a tour with his company because of concerns about aviation safety due to the Israel-Hamas war.

Data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism shows that in the first 11 months of this year Vietnam received more than 11.2 million foreign visitors, 1.5 times the target of eight million.

But it was only 62% of the 2019 figure, the peak year for tourism, of 18 million.

Accommodation facilities at major tourist destinations also faced difficulties this year, according to data from Mustgo, a booking platform with 2,000 hotel partners in the country.

During the five-day Reunification Day and May Day holidays (April 29-May 3), hotel occupancy rates in Phu Quoc were only 60%.

During the peak summer travel season occupancy rates at four- and five-star hotels on the island was 40-50%.

In Da Nang, the occupancy rate at three- and four-star hotels on weekdays is 60%.

The situation has been the same in places like Nha Trang and Quy Nhon.

Due to low demand, flights from Da Nang, Nha Trang and Can Tho to Phu Quoc have been suspended.

Phuong Bui of Mustgos research and market development department said people have reduced spending on travel due to the economic slowdown, but airfares have steadily increased, forcing many people to switch to foreign travel to cut costs.

This caused the number of domestic tourists at many destinations to decrease significantly from 2022, and with the number of foreign tourists not recovering to pre-pandemic levels, the tourism industry is in dire straits.

Phan Dinh Hue, a tourism expert in the Mekong Delta, said Vietnam's statistics might not be accurate, pointing out for instance that a foreign visitor arriving at a locality and visiting five destinations is counted as five visitors.

The inaccurate statistics partly cause tourism businesses to work out wrong investment strategies.

When looking at the "achievements" of the tourism industry in 2023, Tho wondered "how it was so good" when he and others are struggling to daily survive.

In 2019 China had been Vietnam's biggest source of tourists with 5.8 million arrivals.

But in the first 11 months of this year only 1.5 million Chinese visitors came, or 28.8% of pre-pandemic levels.

Recent surveys have found that Vietnam is no longer the top choice for Chinese tourists, who now prefer Singapore to other Asian destinations.

According to the Asian Tourism Development Institute, tourism authorities need to find ways to promote domestic travel, better manage prices and create more attractive products to diversify travel experiences for foreigners.
A LIMERICK woman who stole over 400 worth of goods from a store in Nenagh has been fined for theft offences.

Ciara Curtin, aged 24, of Castlequarter Heights, Fedamore, County Limerick, pleaded to theft relating to an incident at Homesavers, Nenagh, on September 14, 2022.

The court heard that there were other parties involved and they had been dealt with in another forum. The goods, worth 403, were recovered by gardai.

Ms Curtin, who was in custody on the date of the hearing, has 10 previous convictions, including three for theft, the court heard.

Her solicitor, David Peters, told the court that his client is a single parent with a four-year-old child. She was four months pregnant.

Mr Peters said that Ms Curtin had never been in custody before and the prospect of being in prison for Christmas was a real wake-up call.

Ms Curtin told the judge that she was very sorry for what had happened and that she would never engage in such behaviour in the future.

Imposing sentence, Judge Elizabeth MacGrath pointed out that Ms Curtin has previous convictions for theft and she warned that at some point she could face a prison sentence.

She fined Ms Curtin 100 and ordered that she engage with the Probation Services.

Recognizance were fixed in the event of an appeal in Ms Curtins own bond of 250.
A WORKING group is to be established to develop sustainable cruising at Foynes Port in Limerick.

This has been revealed following the release of the first report of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce.

Chaired by former Johnson and Johnson boss Barry O'Sullivan, the group was set up earlier this year in a bid to find ways to exploit the economic potential of the estuary area.

They were asked to produce an initial report within six months of their convening.

And they have done just this, with various State agencies accepting a number of recommendations they have made.

Among these is the setting up of another taskforce to look at sustainable cruising in Foynes.

This follows a Failte Ireland assessment of the feasibility and value of this activity.

A feasibility study for a national logistics hub at some point along the Shannon Estuary - which covers Clare, Limerick and Kerry - has also been mooted.

And Irish Rail has made a commitment to assess the case for passenger rail services on the Limerick to Foynes rail line.

This will help facilitate tourism and cruise ship related to demand.

However, a recommendation by the group that a new conference and events centre be delivered along the estuary has been dismissed by Failte Ireland, which has said there may not be a business case at present.

Almost 90 actions have been put in place by the group in its interim report.

Government says its committed to assessing the potential for accelerating the development of a West Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan and examining the cost and viability of initiating floating offshore wind projects in this as Ireland seeks to support the development of this sector.

Taskforce chair Mr O'Sullivan has urged more "ambition and speed" in relation to offshore wind from government.

"This includes developing port infrastructure, expediting planning procedures and providing for a West Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan. In that respect, I warmly welcome Governments commitment to assess the potential for accelerating the development of this. I look forward to tangible progress being made in forthcoming progress reports," he said.
Clarity is on the cards for conglomerates heading for bankruptcy, with the government working on a new legal regime to decide how and which group companies should be selected for the rescue act.

Central ministries are discussing a bill that will amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to expand the resolution rules from individual entities to groups of enterprises, a person aware of the matter said.

Group insolvency is not absolutely new under IBC, the person said. There are a few instances of group insolvency process undertaken by tribunals under existing IBC provisions. However, the proposed amendments to IBC will bring clarity and an overarching regime for the benefit of stakeholders including creditors, investors, resolution professionals and the judiciary," the person said on condition of anonymity.

In the case of Videocon Industries Ltd, the company law court had ordered the resolution of over a dozen group companies under IBCs existing provisions.

The proposed regime will allow selection of group entities with significant interlinkages for bankruptcy action, the person said. Besides, financially healthy enterprises within a group that have not defaulted on payment obligations may be kept outside group insolvency proceedings.

It (the proposed regime) would facilitate clubbing of enterprises within a group that has forward or backward integration, common assets or vital material or service supply arrangements, for coordinated insolvency proceedings," said a second person aware of the matter, also on condition of anonymity. If an enterprise within a group is independent in operations, it could be kept out of group insolvency proceedings, said this person.

Queries sent to a spokesperson for the corporate affairs ministry on Wednesday remained unanswered until press time.

Given the significance of the proposed amendments and the nuances involved, the government does not want to hurry with the changes, the first person cited above said. The proposed regime has to strike a balance between coordinated bankruptcy action against several companies together, and honouring the limited liability of individual entities.

With the bill not having made it to Parliament in the winter session concluding on Friday, it is now expected only next year.

The group insolvency framework under IBC is a long-felt need enabling value maximization of the group entities and avoiding multiple insolvency proceedings, said Ashok Haldia, an expert in accounting and auditing. The framework may provide for procedural and substantive consolidation of group entities so identified based on criteria of control, significant ownership, backward and forward linkages, etc. The framework may give clear guidance on what constitutes a group applicable to all entities that would fall within the definition of corporate debtor for the purposes of IBC," Haldia said.

So far, of the over 7,050 cases admitted to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), over 800 cases have seen resolution under IBC, while 2,294 cases went into liquidation. Many of these are legacy cases. However, the bankruptcy code has led to the settlement of a large number of payment defaults prior to their admission in tribunals. According to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), till August, over 26,500 applications to NCLT involving default of 9.3 trillion have been withdrawn.

Improving the outcomes of debt resolutionsalvaging the business as quickly as possible and reducing the haircut for creditorshas been a key goal of the government. IBBI has been trying to address this by quickening the admission of cases in bankruptcy tribunals, and expediting the process of stitching together a revival plan.

The NCLT was assigned in June 2016 to handle both Companies Act-related disputes and IBC cases. The IBC came into force towards the end of 2016, and the cases under the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) were shifted to the NCLT after that.

While IBC has achieved significant progress over the erstwhile regime under the Sick Industrial Companies Act, many legacy cases that were transferred from the erstwhile judicial forum, the BIFR to the NCLT that replaced it, have affected the overall statistics of IBC outcomes.

In these legacy cases, the companies had little assets for preparing a recovery plan, leading to their liquidation orders or high haircuts for lenders in many cases.
Santa Clara-based IT major Intel Corporation is set to undertake its fifth round of job cuts from December 31, 2023. The company will lay off around 235 employees at its research and development facility in Folsom, Sacramento County over two weeks, as per the Hindustan Times.

In an official statement to various news sources, the semiconductor giant confirmed the impending job cuts. The statement highlighted Intel's efforts to speed up its strategy while reducing expenses across various business areas and functions.

Intel is working to accelerate its strategy while reducing costs through multiple initiatives, including some business and function-specific workplace reductions across the company," the statement read.

The release also indicated the potential for further cuts within the tech giant in 2024.

Also Read: Is this the end of 'Intel Inside'?

Previous Layoffs and Impact

Earlier in the year, Intel had eliminated 549 positions at its Folsom campus, amounting to around 10 percent of the organisation's total workforce. The facility serves diverse functions including R&D activities such as SSDs, graphic processors, software, and chipsets.

Reports further suggested that there might be layoffs affecting up to 20 percent of employees in Intel's client computer and data centre divisions.

In California, the home state of Intel's Santa Clara headquarters, the company employs over 13,000 individuals, nearly constituting 10 percent of its global workforce of 131,900.

Intel in India

Earlier this year there were rumors that Intel intended to sell its Bengaluru office to commit to a "Hybrid-first" approach. The company reportedly planned to engage in a lease arrangement with the prospective new owners.

In an interview in early November, managing director of Intel India Santhosh Viswanathan said the company is betting on the digital transformation and Make in India initiatives to accelerate growth in India for the long term. He added that these initiatives are also driving momentum for domestic technology spending.

If you look at market sentiment in India, theres a lot of momentum on technology and tech spending. The entire conversation around the digital foundation is strong, and in the long run, it gives us a good appetite to grow, and grow faster in India. Further, initiatives around Make in India and building a resilient supply chain are other factors where were starting to see a lot of innovations," he added.

The company also partnered with eight electronics manufacturing services companies and original design manufacturers (ODMs) in India to accelerate laptop manufacturing in the country.

The eight companies are Bhagwati Products, Dixon Technologies India, Kaynes Technology India, Optiemus Electronics, Panache Digilife, Smile Electronics, VVDN Technologies, and Syrma SGS Technology.

In a statement, the American multinational tech giant said the collaboration with the eight firms, some of which will mark their first foray into laptop manufacturing, will help it meet both domestic and global demand.

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Amid the persistent trend of layoffs in major companies, the year 2023 also witnessed a significant rise in CEO exits from top firms. According to a report, more than 1,400 chief executives left their jobs in US-based firms till September this year. The number was almost up by 50% from last year. In India, many top leadership exits made headlines this year, with many of them having a long-term impact on the companies.

The banking industry witnessed the end of Uday Kotak era when he stepped down from the position of managing director and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank on September 1 after 15 years. His resignation four months before the end of his tenure came as a surprise for many. Apart from Uday Kotak, Tata Consultancy Services CEO Rajesh Gopinathan announced his decision to move out of the IT giant in March. As we move ahead to welcome 2024, take a look at the top five CEO exits of 2023: Revisitng 2023: Top CEO exits Kotak Mahindra Bank- Uday Kotak Uday Kotak announced his separation from the companys top executive role in September. In his handwritten resignation submitted to the banks chairman, Uday Kotak said, I have mulled over this decision for some time and believe this is the right thing for the institution". Nearly one-and-a-half months after his resignation, Ashok Vaswani was appointed as the new managing director and chief executive officer of the company for three years. He will take charge from January 1, 2024. Uday Kotak, the founder of the bank, tweeted, I am delighted that the RBI has approved our recommendation, Ashok Vaswani, as the next CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank. Ashok is a world-class leader and banker with a digital and customer focus. I am proud that we bring a Global Indian home to build Kotak and India of tomorrow."

His exit from the company months ahead of his scheduled departure came as a surprise to the market experts. The exact reason for the resignation was not disclosed officially. However, Kotak had mentioned in his handwritten letter that he would be significantly occupied with personal work, ie the marriage of his son, Jay Kotak.

Tata Consultancy Services-Rajesh Gopinathan

One of Indias largest tech giants, Tata Consultancy Services came in headlines in March for the sudden exit of its CEO Rajesh Gopinathan i on March 16. Even though Gopinathans exit came as a shocker for many experts, the transition of top management was rather smooth with a seasoned top leader, K Kritheevasan, taking over the responsibilities of the firm as the next CEO. According to a Forbes report, a narrative emerged that Gopinathans style was more laid back", as opposed to the bags-always-packed-and-ready attitude" of executives like Infosys CEO Salil Parekh.

TCS leadership is known to have been more stable compared to frequent CEO appointments and exits at other rival firms like Infosys and Wipro. The company has had just four CEOs in its five-decade history.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my exciting 22-year tenure at TCS. It has been a pleasure working closely with Chandra, who has mentored me through this entire period. The last six years of leading this iconic organisation have been most enriching and fulfilling, adding over $10 billion in incremental revenues and over $70 billion increase in market capitalisation," said Gopinathan in a press statement after the confirmation of his resignation.

In August this year, Venu Nair resigned from the post of CEO at Indias leading department store chain, Shoppers Stop citing personal reasons. The company stated that Nair will continue to guide and advise its new CEO for the next six months. He tendered his resignation to explore other options and spend more time with family, the company said in its stock exchange filing. He was replaced by Kavindra Mishra, Chief Commercial Officer and CEO of Homestop in September this year.

Venu Nair joined Shoppers Stop post-pandemic and played a prominent role in its transformation into an omnichannel retailer. His resignation came after he was re-appointed as the CEO of Shopper Stop for three years in April this year. Nairs resignation came as a surprise for the stock market investors as the Shoppers Stop share price crashed over 11 per cent a day after the CEOs resignation, LiveMint reported in August this year.

MD and CEO of South Indian Bank, Murali Ramakrishnan opted out of seeking another term of reappointment in March this year.

Due to personal reasons, I do not want to see a reappointment. My family requires my presence. I have six more months," former CEO of the Thrissur-based private lender South Indian Bank said in a statement.

Ramakrishnan had joined the bank as an advisor in July 2020. Within four months of joining the company, he took charge as the MD and CEO in October 2020. Before handling the responsibility of the private bank, he worked with ICICI Bank as a senior general manager.

After a tumultuous announcement of the departure of Ramakrishnan, South Indian Bank appointed PR Seshadri as the Managing Director and CEO.

In April this year, CEO of Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, Mathew Job, announced his surprise resignation from the post. Job had resigned from the post citing his other career interests. In his place, the consumer electrical company appointed Promeet Ghosh as the new managing director and CEO for five years.

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals shares suffered massively a day after the surprise resignation of Mathew Job. Apart from the appointment of ex-Temasek India Deputy Head Promeet Ghosh as MD and CEO, the company had also elevated Shantanu Khosla as the Executive Vice Chairman of the company.

CROMPTON GREAVES CONSUMER ELECTRICALS More Information

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Russia continued to be the top source for Indias oil imports in October, accounting for nearly 30% of the crude brought into the country, official data showed. At $3.78 billion, the value of the crude oil supply from Russia increased 44% year-on-year (y-o-y) in October from $2.62 billion in October 2022. On a sequential basis, too, crude imports from that country increased 9% from $3.48 billion in September 2023, commerce ministry data showed.

The increase in crude imports comes despite discounts offered by Russia staying at low levels of around $5-6 per barrel. The rise in imports in October has been backed by festive demand for petroleum products, after it dipped in September.

Indias overall oil imports also increased month-on-month, from $10.42 billion in September to $12.43 billion in October. Last October, it stood at $12.32 billion.

Petroleum product demand generally picks up due to festive demand in October, which must have led to higher imports during the month," said Prashant Vashisht, senior vice-president and co-group head, corporate ratings, Icra Ltd. Going ahead, however, the demand may taper somewhat."

Overall, in the April-October period, Indias crude import bill actually fell 19.53% y-o-y to $76.57 billion. But imports from Russia have increased 83.95% in the same period to $26.9 billion.

In FY22, before the Ukraine crisis broke, Russian oil accounted for only 2% of Indias total oil imports, with the top supplier being Iraq, followed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has climbed to the top on the back of deep discounts, which crossed $30 per barrel last year. However, the discounts have declined this year to single digits, currently standing at $5-6 a barrel, according to people aware of developments in the industry.

On 18 December, Mint reported that discounts on Russian oil purchased by Indian refiners are likely to rise to $12 per barrel following a fall in global demand and with India looking at diversifying its import sources.

Iraq continues to be the second largest supplier of crude oil to India with $2.83 billion worth supplied in October, which was 7.18% higher than the $2.64 billion supplied last October. The other countries in the top five were Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Nigeria, with supplies worth $1.72 billion, $1.23 billion and $7.76 billion, respectively. While imports from Saudi Arabia increased 5.87% on a y-o-y basis, those from the UAE and Nigeria fell 27.94% and 24.97%, respectively.

The standing committee on petroleum and natural gas in its report submitted on 20 December cited data from the International Energy Agencys World Energy Outlook 2022, and said that Indias energy demand is expected to grow at about 3% per annum till 2040, compared to the global growth rate of 1%.

Noting that a significant portion of Indias crude oil imports still comes from West Asia, the committee said that overdependence on any one region for crude oil and gas supplies can impact the countrys energy security, which entails getting uninterrupted supplies at reasonable prices to support its rapidly growing economy.

In fact, India is already looking at diversifying its oil sources, and one country that looks promising is Venezuela, following the lifting of US sanctions on the country in September. Indicating that Indian refiners may import from the South American country, union minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri said in November that Indian refineries can now refine the extra-heavy crude oil from Venezuela. We will buy from wherever we can get cheapest, and Venezuelan oil by the way can be used in our refineries now," he told media persons.

Further, the panel, headed by Lok Sabha member Ramesh Bidhuri, said in its report that about 250 grades of crude oil are traded globally, while Indian refineries buy only about 50 grades in a year. It recommended to the petroleum ministry to explore the feasibility of buying more grades of crude oil with the objective of reducing the cost of the Indian basket. On 20 December, the Indian basket of crude oil stood at $ 79.74 per barrel.
Mumbai: The Centre is considering splitting the sops as part of the production-linked incentives scheme for advanced chemistry cells (PLI-ACC) between mobility and stationary storage applications, two people aware of the development told Mint.

The government has a budgetary allocation for extending subsidies for 20 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of cell manufacturing capacity, and the plan likely involves splitting this allocation evenly between the two applications.

While the mobility applications will be overseen by the ministry of heavy industries, the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) will step in to handle the capacity allocated for stationary applications.

This rethink follows a proposal by the MNRE to create a specific PLI scheme for battery cells for stationary applications, the people cited above said. However, the government is considering splitting the existing capacity rather than having multiple PLI schemes for the same product.

This new approach may further delay the tender process for the scheme, as modalities are still being finalized. Tenders were likely in December, Mint had reported earlier.

The concerned ministries had not responded to Mint's requests for comments till press time.

The PLI-ACC scheme, with a budget of 18,100 crore, aims to foster 50 GWh of cell manufacturing in India. Initially, four companies were selected in March last year. However, Hyundai Global Motors was disqualified in August for misrepresentation, leading to a reselection process for the 20 GWh capacity previously assigned to them.

Current participants include Ola Electric (20 GWh), Rajesh Exports (5 GWh), and Reliance New Energy Solar Limited (5 GWh). Other major companies like Tata Group, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Exide Industries, Larsen & Toubro, Amara Raja Batteries, and India Power Corp Ltd, among others, have expressed interest and have been involved in consultations with the ministry of heavy industries, said people in the know.

This scheme, along with the PLI for semiconductors, is crucial for India, which currently depends entirely on imports for these critical products. The Narendra Modi-led government is focused on reducing import reliance for these critical products on which the future of mobility and renewable energy hinges.

The three shortlisted companies are expected to increase their manufacturing capacities by March 2024, with incentives to be disbursed over the following five years based on sales.

Notably, several firms, including the Tata Group, have announced plans to establish cell manufacturing facilities in India, independent of PLI benefits. The Tata Group, for example, signed a deal to build a giga-factory in Gujarat with an initial investment of around 13,000 crore. Other companies like Lucas TVS, Exide, and Amara Raja have also planned similar ventures.
The government plans to bin an earlier proposal to dictate the size and shape of electric vehicle (EV) battery packs to qualify for incentives as it leans towards an industry-led solution to encourage battery swapping.

The ministry of heavy industries will seek inputs on how to encourage the industry to come up with its own solution to ensure interoperability in battery swapping networks, Hanif Qureshi, joint secretary in the ministry, said. He added that inputs will be sought from stakeholders such as federal think tank NITI Aayog (which had first recommended fixed form factor standards), the ministry of road transport, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Automotive Research Association of India and industry participants. The meeting could be held as early as January.

Interoperability refers to compatibility of a battery with different EV models and charging stations.

The consumer affairs ministry, the nodal ministry for BIS that was to come up with battery standards, believes a market-driven solution is ideal. We have said we can be flexible on the battery form factor and the connector dimensions," secretary Rohit Singh said. We are in favour of whats called horizontal standards, which are outcome-driven and not prescriptive." Standards for battery performance and safety are set by the ministries of heavy industries and road transport.

The upcoming policy will incentivize battery swapping for two- and three-wheelers, primarily for commercial fleets in e-commerce and last-mile logistics.

Drivers of such EVs can exchange drained battery packs for a fully charged ones at a swap station for a fee, obviating the need to wait long at charging stations. Battery-as-a-service (BaaS) is also a possibility, where new EVs are sold with a pre-leased, swappable battery. This can sharply reduce the cost of buying an EV, because the battery accounts for a big chunk of its price.

Consumer affairs secretary Singh said interoperability has to be market-driven and determined by industry. Regulation in emerging technologies has to be such that it doesnt lose sight of innovation. At the moment, we will not be prescriptive on standards. We will let the technology evolve. The market itself will encourage interoperability; the customer will not be willing to adopt it otherwise," he said.

It is great to see that the government is looking at a policy for battery swapping and rethinking standardization of batteries. The safety standards proposed by the government earlier this year are a step forward in this direction," said Chetan Maini, co-founder and chairman, SUN Mobility.

At this stage, the focus should be to encourage R&D (research and development) and pave the way for advanced and scalable solutions that can accelerate EV adoption in the country. Standardization would also pose challenges with safety and liability that concern OEMs (original equipment manufacturers)," he added. A market-driven solution in battery swapping is expected to encourage more participants to join the ecosystem and compete on the efficiency of their networks and customer adoption.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had proposed the battery swapping policy for EVs in the FY23 budget. However, a draft policy prepared by NITI Aayog since then has met with resistance from the industry over standards on dimensions.

Battery swapping is common in countries with a large two-wheeler base such as Taiwan. I believe one uniform standard for swappable batteries has been done with," said Horace Luke, CEO of Gogoro, a Taiwanese battery swapping major. As we look into India, the most important thing is to solve the chicken-and-egg problem and get the flywheel going between the network, technology, the vehicle and the customer ecosystem."

Gogoro, which operates in nine countries, has launched a network of swapping stations in Delhi. It plans to go live in Goa, Mumbai and Pune early next year. The company has also launched three new e-scooters in India that operate on the battery swapping model, for B2B (business-to-business) and ride-sharing applications such as FutureEV, Nebula Energy and Zypp. Gogoro is manufacturing the e-scooters with a contract partner in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Maini said the battery swapping industry in India is nascent, and bringing in one standardized battery (dimension) would affect customer adoption, as different customer requirements would need different solutions. The customer must be allowed the flexibility of choosing the battery as well as the operator that best suits his/her requirements".

Gogoro CEO Luke added: Weve picked B2B first because of its predictability. When we open up the tech and products for consumers, we will have a base of network stations ready. Consumers go everywhere they want; B2B is hub-and-spoke or fixed route, so its more predictable."

Battery swapping incentives should not be linked with dimensions or capacity, and should be looked at from the broader horizon of BaaS," said Varun Goenka, chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Chargeup, an EV battery charging station company. Battery swapping or BaaS will reduce cost of ownership for drivers," he added.
New Delhi: Bulk bookings for big-ticket films, featuring popular actors, now make up for almost 20% of weekend box office collectionsan emerging trend that is attributed by trade experts to the fervour generated by the brands endorsed by the stars.

While it is common for fan clubs to engage in bulk bookings for top stars, it is emerging as an important part of promotional campaigns for brands as well, primarily involving purchasing tickets in large quantities to generate excitement around the film.

Nevertheless, this strategy can backfire if theres a lack of actual audience turnout in cinemas, and draws criticism on social media platforms as well.

Producers spend a lot on production and promotions, hence it isnt feasible for them to incur these additional marketing expenses. That is where actors step in to route the costs through brands they endorse. If theres a certain amount that a brand owes an actor, a chunk of it is kept on hold, and spent during the release of big-ticket films," producer and distributor Sunny Khanna explained.

The strategy works, Khanna said, because the direct brand endorsement fee is taxable but actors favoured by brands can cash in through this alternative route to help their films gain more traction.

To be sure, these strategies are not just limited to top stars preferred by big brands, but also for big-budget films with huge expectations and promotional campaigns.

Earlier distributors or producers used to buy tickets in bulk for the first day or weekend to drive theatrical footfalls, but now brands loyal to actors create the hype around a film.

That said, fan clubs of some of the biggest stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth, and Mahesh Babu, independently purchase bulk tickets.

These tactics takes place in big cities like Delhi or Mumbai, ensuring there is at least an opening to help sustain a stars reputation. There is nothing illegal but the buzz is, often, artificial. That said, there is no real way to verify who bought the tickets," independent trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai said.

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The distribution of private equity investments during the year 2023 witnessed the office taking the lead with 58 per cent, followed by warehousing at 23 per cent, and residential properties at 19 per cent, according to a report by Knight Frank India.

However, PE investments in Indian real estate declined by 44 per cent to USD 3.0 billion in 2023, the report added. Mumbai, NCR, and Bengaluru emerged as critical destinations for office investments.

Mumbai led the PE investment trend at USD 1,685 million, followed by the National Capital Region (Delhi NCR) at USD 835 million. Bengaluru received USD 347 million in 2023.

Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said, "The office segment in India continued to attract investors' preference owing to the resilience shown by high-quality assets, while the warehousing sector maintained its position as a growing favourite among investors. Foreign investors remained the primary contributors to investments in 2023, followed by domestic investment firms.

"We have also witnessed a rise in interest from Asian private equity (PE) players in the recent past. This increased attention from Asians, particularly amid the impact on investments from Western countries, could signal a positive shift for the Indian PE market. As global challenges gradually subside, the Indian economy's resilience and the favourable economics of real estate assets are anticipated to spark a resurgence in PE investment activities within the sector," Baijal added.

Investors exhibited caution, with 91 per cent directed at ready assets and 9 per cent at under-construction assets. Private equity investments in the sector saw a significant 29 per cent YoY decline. While H1 witnessed major transactions, such as GIC's USD 1.4 billion investment in Brookfield India Real Estate Trust REIT, the latter part of the year experienced a subdued private equity pattern.

What is the trend for residential space?

The residential sector garnered substantial attention in 2023, drawing in investments totalling USD 577 million. Notably, private equity investments in this sector were strategically channelled towards under-construction projects, emphasising a focus on early-stage commitments. A noteworthy trend emerged as 82% of these residential investments originated from foreign private equity players.

BROOKFIELD INDIA REAL ESTATE TRUST REIT More Information

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Tourists from abroad wait for Yokozuna Tonkatsu Dosukoi Tanaka, a sumo wrestling themed restaurant, to open, in Tokyo, Japan, June 30, 2023. Photo by Reuters

The number of Vietnamese visitors to Japan in the first 11 months of 2023 reached a new record 536,800, according to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said he is happy about the figure, released by the JNTO Vietnam office on Wednesday.

The number surpassed the previous record of 495,051 visitors in 2019.

Takio noted that 2023 is a special year, when Vietnam and Japan mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

He went on to say that the bilateral relationship is at the highest level in all fields, including politics, economy, and culture.

At the meeting between Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida last November, the two sides agreed to elevate their relationship to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world."

Takio expressed his hope that the opportunity will start the growth of exchanges and travel between the two countries and further deepen the relationship between Japan and Vietnam.

Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Ha Van Sieu said that Japan is one of the top foreign destinations of Vietnamese holiday-makers while Vietnam is also popular among Japanese tourists.

In the first 11 months of 2023, Vietnam welcomed nearly 530,000 Japanese visitors.

Yoshida Kenji, head of JNTO representative office in Vietnam revealed that in 2024, the office will carry out measures to increase the number of Japanese visitors to Vietnam.

The office will also work with organizations and individuals in the industry to implement the Japanese Governments three new tourism strategies, which are "sustainable tourism development", "increase in tourism consumption" and " regional attraction," in order to promote tourist exchange between the two countries.
New Delhi: At a time when the Indian aviation industry is witnessing record demand, nearly 140 aircraft of scheduled commercial airlines are lying idle across the country. The primary reason for 95% of these groundings is linked to supply chain issues faced by US engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said.

We have been in direct touch with Pratt and Whitney and conveyed to them that this situation is unacceptable because air traffic in India is growing exponentially," Scindia said.

Currently, the Indian aviation sector has a fleet of 644 aircraft as compared with 626 aircraft a year ago. By March, this number is projected to rise to 686, with an average monthly addition of two-five aircraft.

A total of 164 aircraft across various Indian airports remain idle which includes planes of regional airlines and private jets. IndiGo leads with 44 grounded aircraft, followed by SpiceJet with 26, Air India with six, and Alliance Air with three.

The highest concentration of inactive aircraft is at Delhi airport with 64 grounded planes, followed by Bengaluru airport with 27, Mumbai airport wit 24, and Chennai airport 20.

The idle fleet, including the segments of regional aircraft and business jets, are also parked at Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Cochin, Mopa airport in Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Juhu, Kolkata, Kannur, Nagpur, and Raipur airports. The idle fleet also includes nine aircraft of Jet Airways and 52 aircraft of Go First, which suspended operations in May and is currently undergoing insolvency proceedings.

As per aviation research firm CAPA (Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation) India, the grounded fleet of IndiGo and Air India is largely on account of engine supply chain issues, while there are strategic issues behind the idle fleet of SpiceJet.

Recent reports said the Director General of Civil Aviation has asked officials of P&W to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul unit in India given the large number of aircraft expected to join Indian airlines in the coming years.

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As the Indian stock market reaches new all-time highs, large-cap companies , including those in the Tata Group, are enjoying a significant rally.

Fund managers are now recognizing the resurgence of blue-chip stocks, which had previously underperformed compared to their broader market counterparts.

Among large-cap stocks, Tata Group's shares are noteworthy. For instance, Trent's share price has surged by 122% in 2023, Tata Elxsi has gained 42%, Titan has increased by 40%, and both TCS and Tata Steel are up by about 15%.

However, out of the 29 listed Tata Group stocks, which one has been the top performer in 2023 in terms of returns? It's not the recently listed Tata Technologies, Tata Motors, or even Trent.

Here's a clue: This stock was trading around 3,000 in January 2023 and has soared to 8,740. Yes, it has more than doubled investors' wealth in just a year.

View Full Image (EM)

So, which company are we talking about?

The surprising achiever is Benares Hotels, a subsidiary of Indian Hotels.

About Benares Hotels

Benares Hotels, less known compared to the Taj Hotels chain, became a subsidiary of Indian Hotels Company (IHC) in 2011. Two of its hotels, Taj Ganges and Taj Nadesar Palace in Varanasi, operate under the Taj brand, while The Gateway Hotel in Maharashtra has been rebranded to Ginger Hotel. As of 2022, Benares Hotels primarily earned revenue from room, food, and banquet services.

Recently, the company expanded, adding new rooms across its properties. Taj Ganges and Nadesar Palace now offer 144 rooms and suites, while Ginger Hotel has 34 rooms.

The factors behind Benares Hotel's share price rally in 2023 include:

#1 Strong financials

Benares Hotels, leveraging the Taj IHC's brand, has seen exceptional financial growth, evident in its revenue per available room (RevPAR).

As Taj Ganges and Taj Nadesar Palace are a part of Taj hotel portfolio, they enjoy high occupancy rates which benefit Benares Hotel.

In the September 2023 quarter, the hotel's net sales jumped by 46.2% to 259 million, and net profit soared by 130.4% to 68 million. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) surged to 160 million, a 187% surge from 56 million a year ago.

Now, if you see, the business has seen a steep turnaround in its financials from 2021 to 2023.

The company's revenue has nearly doubled from 500 million in 2021-22 to 950 million in 2022-23, with Ebitda more than doubling as well.

In fact, after the pandemic, the business has been consistently reporting positive quarters which was not the case in 2021 and this is why there is increased investor optimism for the stock.

The chairman of Benares Hotels believes that the growth was due to a sharp revival in the Indian hospitality industry in 2023.

#2 Uptick in travel tourism

The end-of-year holiday season often boosts demand for luxury hotels. And, its no different for the Taj portfolio of hotels, which will be in high demand during this period which will boost the profitability of its hotel businesses.

This expected surge in the hospitality sector during the holiday season is reflected in the rising stock prices of hotel companies.

#3 Wedding season boom

With the onset of winter comes the much-celebrated wedding season. Every year a staggering 10 million marriages take place during this period.

You would be surprised to know that the marriage industry is India's fourth-largest industry, surpassing even cars, steel, and technology.

This glory of big fat weddings brings back to back booking of banquets across hotels, particularly 5-star hotels, which can boost revenues for the hotel.

With this expectation, the stock price of Benares Hotels is rallying.

Whats Next?

In line with the consistent increase in demand and high occupancies, Benares Hotels has been focusing on growth.

In its annual report, the management said that Taj Ganges will add a 100-room tower with larger rooms, pushing the total inventory to 230 rooms.

Moreover, industry experts believe that the average revenue per available room at the sector level is likely to grow by 15-20% in the second half of the financial year.

In Conclusion

From the long list of Tata Group stocks, Benares Hotel stood out as a standout performer in 2023, demonstrating the market's appreciation for companies showing positive growth.

However, investors must also be cautious as the hospitality industry is sensitive to economic fluctuations and unforeseen events.

For more, here is a compiled list of Tata Group stocks you can refer to. This will help you understand more about the companys financials.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has presented a survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex to the district court in a sealed cover, the court has set the next hearing for Thursday.

As reported by PTI, on Wednesday, Maulana Arshad Madani, the President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, said that the Muslim party plans will appeal to the Supreme Court. This decision comes after petitions contesting the validity of a 1991 lawsuit, which seeks the "restoration" of a temple beneath the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, was rejected by the Allahabad High Court. Allahabad High Court on Tuesday dismissed pleas challenging the maintainability of a 1991 lawsuit seeking the restoration" of a temple where the Gyanvapi mosque stands and observed that the "religious character" of a disputed place can only be decided by the court. Also Read: Gyanvapi mosque: ASI begins survey to determine whether masjid was built demolishing Kashi Vishwanath temple Earlier, advocate Madan Mohan Yadav, representing the Hindu petitioners, said that the report in sealed cover was placed before the court by the ASI's standing counsel Amit Srivastava.

Following the petitioners' assertion that the 17th-century mosque was built over an existing temple, the court-mandated the survey.

Also Read: Gyanvapi mosque report submitted in Varanasi court by Archaeological Survey of India

During the submission of the report, four high-ranking ASI officials were in attendance in court. The ASI received several extensions to finalize the survey.

Yadav said, The court has fixed December 21 to open the sealed report and submit its copies to the advocates of either side. The Muslim side pleaded before the court not to make the survey report public. We countered this plea by requesting the court to make it public."

Also Read: 'Shivling' found at Gyanvapi, claims petitioner; Varanasi court orders sealing of area

ASI conducted a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi premises, situated adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The objective was to ascertain whether the mosque was built atop the remains of a pre-existing Hindu temple structure. This survey was initiated in response to the district court's directive on July 21, instructing an examination beneath the mosque's domes, cellars, and the western wall.

Also Read: Gyanvapi Mosque: Muslim side refutes trishul, kalash' discovery claim as rumours, threatens to boycott survey

As per the Hindu plaintiff's perspective, the Gyanvapi mosque is considered an integral part of the temple.

Yet, the main argument presented by the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee and the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board is that the lawsuit is barred by the Places of Worship Act (Special Provisions) Act of 1991.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Allahabad High Court ruled that civil suits filed by Hindu worshippers and deities inter alia seeking restoration of the temple on the mosque premises are not barred by the Places of Worship Act.

Notably, the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991 prohibits the conversion of a religious structure from its nature as it stood on August 15, 1947, the date of independence.

The Places of Worship Act excluded only the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute from its scope.

Following a significant Supreme Court ruling four years ago, the initial stage of constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya is almost complete, with the consecration ceremony scheduled for next month.

On December 8, the high court reserved its decision on all five petitions questioning the suitability of the lawsuit currently under consideration by the Varanasi court.

(With inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi and Seoul are in discussions to deepen their bilateral partnership by strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

South Korea is considering joining the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which aims to restore maritime stability and strengthen international governance in this strategically vital region.

The IPOI was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2019 East Asia summit in Bangkok.

The IPOI is a comprehensive and inclusive construct for regional cooperation that is focused on seven interconnected spokes or pillars: maritime security, maritime ecology, maritime resources, disaster risk-reduction and management, trade-connectivity and maritime transport, capacity-building and resource sharing, and science, technology and academic cooperation," Indias defence ministry said in 2022.

A number of major powers have worked with India under the IPOI. For example, the United States announced its decision to join the IPOI in June 2023. Washington will also co-lead the pillar on trade connectivity and maritime transport.

In addition, India has urged South Korea to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA)the first multilateral institution headquartered in India, according to persons aware of the matter.

A total of 95 countries have signed and ratified the ISA agreement but South Korea has thus far refrained from joining.

Queries mailed to the ministry of external affairs and the South Korean embassy in New Delhi went unanswered.

This development comes just as India and South Korea have unveiled a new trilateral with the United States on critical technologies.

Earlier in December, the US and South Korea agreed to hold National Security Council and National Security Office-led consultations with like-minded partners on critical and emerging technologies including through launching an informal trilateral technology dialogue with India in the first quarter of 2024."

An increased threat from China and a shared closeness with the United States have brought New Delhi and Seoul together in recent years.

Modi met with his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Seok-Yeol, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in September. The two leaders discussed their bilateral special strategic partnership trade, investment, defence, semiconductors and battery technology. Regional and global issues were also discussed.

Seoul has been keen to deepen its partnership with India. Under the administration of former president Moon Jae-in, the countrys New Southern Policy" aimed to put greater focus on India and ASEAN.

First, we will advance our special strategic partnership with India, a leading regional partner with shared values. India presents great potential for growth, having the worlds second largest population and cutting-edge IT and space technologies. We will increase strategic communication and cooperation through high-level exchanges in foreign affairs and defence, while strengthening the foundation for enhanced economic cooperation by upgrading the ROK-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)," reads Koreas newly released Indo-Pacific strategy, laying out its emphasis on closer ties with India.

ALLIANCE More Information

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The Chandigarh administration has advised people to wear masks in the wake of the spread of the JN.1 sub-variant of Covid-19, Hindustan reported on Thursday.

The administration made it mandatory for attendants, doctors and other hospital staff to wear masks in hospitals. It also advised people to avoid crowded areas as much as possible.

"Consult doctors even if you have cold or minor viral infection because this will minimise the risk of spreading the disease. The administration has asked people to cooperate with the government and remain alert instead of panicking," the advisory further said, as per the report.

Earlier, Karnataka had made masks mandatory for people above the age of 60 years and those with co-morbidities. "People need not panic. Rather, precautions need to be taken to stay out of the risk zone. People above the age of 60 should compulsorily wear masks in public spaces," Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah said in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The recent upsurge in Covid-19 cases has been blamed on the JN.1 sub-strain, with mild fever and cough being among its most common symptoms. According to officials, the sub-strain is currently said to be prevalent in 36-40 countries.

On Thursday, India recorded 594 fresh COVID-19 infections while the number of active cases increased to 2,669 from 2,311 the previous day, according to Union health ministry data.

What is happening in other states:

Kerala was the first state in India to report the JN.1 Covid variant. The Kerala health minister said only one person was infected with the new variant and has also recovered. The state reported 300 new active cases of COVID-19 and three deaths on December 20, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr VK Paul said on Wednesday that over 20 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected across the country. About 91 to 92 per cent of those infected are opting for home-based treatment," Paul was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.

Sources told PTI that 19 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been traced in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, two more Covid cases of the new sub-variant were reported in Rajasthan on Thursday, which took the tally of such cases in the state to four, another PTI report said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday held a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in the state in view of the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant in some parts of the country. "The state was fully prepared to tackle the situation and people must not panic but should take precautions, especially due to the upcoming festival and new year season," Shinde was quoted by PTI as saying.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had earlier urged all the states to remain alert, increase surveillance and ensure an adequate stock of medicines, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators and vaccines.

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Three more Congress MPs, including DK Suresh, Nakul Nath and Deepak Baij, were suspended from the Lok Sabha on Thursday. They were suspended for the remainder of the Winter Session for causing utter disregard to the Housedisplay of placards and entering into the Well of the House".

MPS More Information

Here's all you need to know about the suspension spree in Parliament

1. After Thursday's suspension, a total of 100 MPs have been suspended from the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session. These include 13 MPs who were suspended from the Lower House on December 14, 33 were suspended this Monday, 49 on Tuesday, two on Wednesday and three more on Thursday.

2. Meanwhile, 46 MPs  one on December 14 and 45 on Monday  were suspended from the Rajya Sabha in the Winter Session 2023. In total, 146 MPs have been suspended from Parliament since December 14.

3. With the historic suspensions, only 33 MPs from the Opposition INDIA bloc have been left in the Lok Sabha. According to news agency PTI, the INDIA bloc has a total strength of 133 MPs in the Lower House. In the Rajya Sabha, the INDIA bloc has 95 MPs, of which 46 remain suspended. AAP member Sanjay Singh was suspended as a Rajya Sabha member on July 24. This left only 48 members of the INDIA bloc in the Upper House.

4. As the Lok Sabha proceedings began on Thursday, Opposition MPs continued their protest against suspension of a large number of MPs, and demanded a discussion on the Parliament security breach issue and a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

5. On Thursday, INDIA bloc MPs marched from Parliament to Vijay Chowk in Delhi to protest the suspension of opposition lawmakers. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had violated parliamentary privilege by not speaking on the security breach issue inside the House.

The lawmakers took out the march while carrying a huge 'Save Democracy' banner and placards with messages like 'Opposition MPs Suspended' 'Parliament Caged' and 'Democracy Expelled' written on them.

View Full Image Placards rest on a chair after suspended lawmakers briefly marched outside the Parliament House in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (AP)

6. INDIA bloc leaders will hold a nationwide protests on Friday, December 22, in all district headquarters against the government's "immoral and illegal" behaviour of this government, Kharge, the Leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha, was quoted by PTI as saying.

7. Earlier this week, a political row broke out after Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee seemingly mimicked Rajya Sabha Chiarman Jagdeep Dhankhar during the Opposition's protest on the stairs of Parliament against the MPs' suspension.

8. The Opposition has been disrupting Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings, demanding a statement from AMit Shah on the security breach. In a major security lapse, two men had jumped in the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13 and released smoke from canisters.

9. Amid the suspension spree, the government passed key Bills, including the three criminal code bills, NCT of Delhi Law, Taxes Bill and the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.

10. Opposition leaders condemned the mass suspension of MPs from Parliament. In a post on , Kharge said, "We, the people of India need to Save Democracy. Passing important legislations by suspending Opposition MPs is not Democracy. It is the worst kind of authoritarianism."

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Parliament Security Breach: A youth from Karnataka has been taken into custody by the Delhi police on Thursday in connection with the security breach in Parliament.

As reported by PTI citing official sources the Delhi Police have apprehended Saikrishna Jagali, a youth from Karnataka, in connection with the security breach at Parliament. Saikrishna Jagali, a techie and the son of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police was taken into custody from his residence in Vidyagiri, located in the district headquarters town of Bagalkote, on Wednesday night.

Jagali, employed at a multinational company in Bengaluru, is reportedly a friend of Manoranjan D, a resident of Mysuru and one of the two intruders involved in the trespass into the Lok Sabha chamber last week. Sources indicate that Jagali was also Manoranjan's roommate during their college days.

Jagali's sister, Spanda, mentioned that a Delhi police team arrived and took her brother into custody.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has questioned two more people in connection with the Parliament security breach case who are suspected to be a part of the now-deleted Facebook page 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club', which was created by the accused before the security breach incident, sources told PTI.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Speaker forms committee to probe Parliament breach, says no link between security lapse and MPs suspension

While one of them is said to be a close friend of accused Manoranjan D and belongs to Karnataka, the other hails from Uttar Pradesh, police sources said.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack last Wednesday, two men -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released coloured smoke and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs.

Also Read: Parliament security breach: Government orders probe, inquiry panel formed

Neelam and Amold Shinde, among others, were apprehended for staging a protest outside the Parliament complex. The four individuals, including Neelam and Amold Shinde, were arrested and faced charges under the rigorous Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. As their seven days of police custody conclude on Thursday, they are scheduled to appear before a court, with the Special Cell likely to seek an extension of their custody.

Also Read: 'Modi running away from debate to protect...': Congress slams PM over remarks on Parliament security breach

In addition, Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat were subsequently arrested in connection with the case, and they too have undergone interrogation, as informed by the police.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India on Thursday rejected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 's jibe that New Delhi's ties with Ottawa may have undergone a tonal shift saying that the core issue with Canada is that it gives space to separatists, terrorists and anti-India elements.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "Our position has been consistent. We have highlighted how we see the problem and frankly, the core issue remains the space that is given to extremists, terrorists and anti-India elements in that country."

"I would not like to say whether they have noted a shift or not. Certainly, our positions have remained consistent and we would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing freedom of speech and expression from their country," Bagchi added.

The Canadian prime minister had on Wednesday said he felt a tonal shift in relations with India after the United States indictment of an Indian national in the alleged plot of the murder of separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

The ties between India and Canada hit rock bottom after Trudeau accused Indian agents of conspiring to kill Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. New Delhi rejected the charges as absurd."

"I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they cannot bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before," the Canadian prime minister said on Wednesday.

"There is an understanding that maybe, maybe just churning out attacks against Canada is not going to make this problem go away. We do not want to be in a situation of having a fight with India right now over this," he added.

"We want to be working on that trade deal. We want to advance the Indo-Pacific strategy. But it is foundational for Canada to stand up for people's rights, for people's safety and for the rule of law. And that is what we are going to do," Trudeau said.

Trudeau was referring to the US indictment accusing a man named Nikhil Gupta of working with an Indian government employee to plot to kill Pannun on American soil. The US said it foiled the alleged plan.

On December 7, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Parliament that the Indian government has instituted an inquiry committee to look into the inputs received from the US. However, he made it clear that there will be "no equitable treatment" to Canada's allegations as no specific evidence or inputs were provided to New Delhi by Ottawa.

(With Agency inputs)

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Tamil Nadu rains: In the aftermath of heavy rainfall, several districts of South Tamil Nadu namely Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari continued to reel under severe flood-like situation. With the relief operation underway, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rain over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during the next six days i.e. till 26 December.

"Light to moderate rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Tamilnadu, Puducherry & Karaikal area from December 21 to 26, 2023," the release said. Also Read: Weather News: IMD predicts snowfall in J&K, fog alert in Punjab, Haryana; Check latest updates Here are top 10 points to know on Tamil Nadu 1. All schools in the Tirunelveli district will remain shut on 21 December. Apart from schools, all colleges will continue to function as usual, except those that are being used as relief camps in the district. 2. NDRF teams distribute food and relief material to people stuck in waterlogged KTR Nagar area in Tuticorin.

3. A team of Central government officials visited Tamil Nadu on Wednesday to assess the damage caused by unprecedented flooding and rainfall in four southern districts.

4. CM MK Stalin is scheduled to visit Thoothukudi district today to inspect progress of work related to relief and rescue initiatives. Normal life continues to be affected in Thoothukudi district in view of heavy inundation and road network continuing to be cut-off in several areas. Earlier on Wednesday, flight operations were resumed at Thoothukudi airport, however, power supply is yet to be resumed in several parts of the Thoothukudi and nearby areas.

5. On 19 December, CM Stalin met PM Modi in Delhi and sought an interim relief of 2,000 crore for rain battered districts.

6. The Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard are also involved in relief work alongside the NDRF, TNDRF (TN Disaster Response Force), Fire and Rescue Services, and police personnel. Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena said 10 helicopters along with 323 boats were also involved in the rescue operation and 27 tonnes of food materials have been provided to people.

7. In view of strong water current in several regions even boats could not be used and hence, in such places, 'we rely on helicopters to deliver food to people.'

8. On Wednesday, a special train with rescue passengers from Srivaikuntam reached Chennai. Passengers were stranded at Srivakuntam Railway station for almost three days due to heavy rains since December 18. We are alive today because of the Srivaikuntam people. We suffered a lot but their help gave us hope. There is a temple near the station where they prepared Lemon Rice and Sambar rice and gave it to 300-plus passengers. In future when I visit Srivaikuntam we need to do something for Srivaikuntam people," Nivetha, one of the stranded passengers, told ANI.

9. A total of 10 individuals have lost their lives due to the unprecedented rainfall on December 17 and 18, causing widespread devastation in various areas of Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts

10. Kayalpattinam, located in Tuticorin district, recorded the highest rainfall, with an alarming 1,192 mm in two days, while Tiruchendur received 916 mm.

(With agency inputs)

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Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Thursday said the city government is likely to launch its WhatsApp-based bus ticketing system in a couple of months, adding that the trial run for the project is slated to commence in a fortnight.

"We plan to start a trial run around January 15 and after that we will take one or two months to completely launch it," news agency PTI quoted the Delhi transport minister as saying.

Also Read | Terrorists fire at Indian Army vehicle in J&K's Poonch, 3 soldiers killed

"We have already tied up with WhatsApp for this initiative. Only digital money will be involved. Either you buy the NCMC card or the digital ticket. This will also give a huge push to digital money," he said.

The digital ticketing system will check pilferage and theft that is usually witnessed in the handling of cash, the minister added.

Earlier the Delhi government officers had said the WhatsApp-based bus ticketing system will operate on similar lines as the one in use for the Delhi Metro.

Also Read | Adani Group plans to infuse $1 billion in green energy unit amid maturing bonds

It is important to note that Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) already has a WhatsApp-based ticketing system in place. The service was launched in May 2023 and subsequently extended to all corridors of the Delhi Metro, including the Gurugram Rapid Metro.

How does this work?

The WhatsApp-based metro ticketing system allows passengers to purchase tickets quickly and easily from the comfort of their homes or workplaces. The chatbot is available in both English and Hindi and now covers all metro lines and metro stations in the Delhi-NCR. The ticket booking is available only between 6 am and 9 pm. Users can generate a maximum of 6 QR tickets in a single transaction and ticket cancellations are not permitted in WhatsApp Ticketing.

How a metro ticket is booked from WhatsApp

Send a message with the text "Hi" to +91 9650855800, OR scan the provided QR code at any metro station

Select your preferred language.

Tap on the "Buy Ticket"

Enter your journey details.

Select the number of tickets you need.

Review your source and destination stations before proceeding to pay.

You will get a link for payment.

After paying for the ticket, a QR-based ticket is generated on WhatsApp.

Each QR-based metro ticket remains valid for the entire day of purchase, but after entering the metro station, passengers have a 65-minute window to exit.

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This month marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the most influential documents in modern history. Less widely known is the fact that this year also saw the 10th anniversary of the creation of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the DPRK, or North Korea. In its reports, this Commission concluded that the DPRKs human rights violations amount to crimes against humanity.

Indeed, South Koreas Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho noted in mid-December that Despite the long-standing international endeavors, including the North Korean human rights resolutions, human rights violations are still the status quo in North Korea.

On December 15, Albania, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States issued a Joint Statement expressing their deep concern over the North Korean regimes egregious mistreatment of its own citizens.

The DPRK government continues to commit widespread human rights violations and abuses and the North Korean people are unable to exercise their rights, according to the Statement. This includes the freedoms of expression, thought, conscience, and religion, peaceful assembly, association, and movement, and their privacy rights and the right to be free from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy. The DPRK government  continues to repress its people through the lack of rule of law, censorship, and discrimination on the grounds of political opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, and other statuses.

In late August, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea re-opened its borders, after a three and a half year shut-down to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But it only allows the return of its citizens who had been stranded abroad, raising new fears of forced re-patriation, also known as re-foulement, of North Korean asylum seekers.

Indeed, as recently as early October, Chinese authorities forcibly returned over 500 people who had escaped North Korea, putting them at grave risk of harsh punishment, including execution.

We call on all Member States to uphold their international legal obligations and respect the principle of non-refoulement, said the statement.

We call on the DPRK to abide by its obligations under international law, to take immediate steps to end all human rights violations and abuses and engage with the UNs human rights experts for that purpose. We also call on all Member States to join us in holding the DPRK government to account for its human rights violations and abuses.
From receiving a gallantry award to taking charge of key roles in combat unit  women in the Indian defence forces continued to break the glass ceiling in 2023. This year too, several women made their mark in history, taking the Narendra Modi government's vision of gender inclusivity to new heights.

In a major push to promote inclusivity this year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a proposal for extending the rules for maternity, child care and child adoption leave for women soldiers, sailors, and air warriors in the armed forces on a par with their officer counterparts.

Besides this, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said on December 1 that more than 1,000 women Agniveers have been incorporated into the Indian Navy.

As another year ends, here are 10 women who created history in Indian defence forces this year:

1. Commander Prerna Deosthalee is set to be the first woman officer of the Indian Navy to command the Indian Naval Warship, the Indian Navys Western Fleet posted on X in December. The officer is currently the First Lieutenant of the warship INS Chennai.

2. Group Captain Shaliza Dhami became the first woman Air Force officer to take charge of a frontline combat unit. Group Captain Shaliza Dhami was chosen to lead a missile squadron in the western sector. In 2019, she became the first woman officer in the Air Force to get promoted to the post of flight commander of the flying unit.

3. On April 20, Wing Commander Deepika Misra became the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force to be presented with a gallantry award. She received her Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry from IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari at an investiture ceremony on April 20. She had helped in saving 47 lives during floods in Madhya Pradesh in 2021.

4. Captain Shiva Chouhan became the first woman officer to get operationally deployed at the world's highest battlefield, Siachen, after training at Siachen Battle School along with other personnel. "Capt Chouhan got inducted to the Siachen Glacier on January 2 this year after an arduous climb. The team of Sappers led by Captain Shiva Chouhan will be responsible for numerous combat engineering tasks and will be deployed at the post for a duration of three months," the Indian Army said.

5. In a historic first, the Indian Army inducted its first batch of "Five Women Officers" into the Regiment of Artillery on April 29. According to an NDTV report, Lt Mehak Saini, Lt Sakshi Dubey, Lt Aditi Yadav, Lt Pious Mudgil and Lt Akanksha joined the Army's premier artillery units after completing their training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. The Regiment of Artillery is a combat/fighting arm of the Indian Army.

6. On November 22, 2023, Army Medical Corps Officer Col Sunita became the first woman to command the Armed Forces Transfusion Centre, Delhi Cantt, the largest blood transfusion centre of the Armed Force. Graduating from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences

7. Captain Surbhi Jakhmola, an Indian Army officer from 117 Engineer Regiment, was posted to Border Road Organisations Project Dantak in Bhutan. She became the first woman officer to be posted on foreign assignment in the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

8. Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi was appointed as Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Mizoram. Squadron Leader Manisha is Indias first Woman Indian Armed Forces officer to be appointed as Aide-De-Camp(ADC) to the Governor in the country, said the Governor of Mizoram.

9. Colonel Shuchita Shekhar became the first women officer of the Army Service Corps to assume command of a Communication Zone Mechanical Transport Battalion responsible for the maintenance of the Supply Chain of the fully operational Northern Command, Indian Army Officials were quoted by ANI as saying.

10. Colonel Geeta Rana of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers became the first woman officer to take over command of an Independent Field Workshop in a forward and remote location in Eastern Ladakh, said Indian Army officials.

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Brazil's First Lady Rosangela da Silva is locked in a feud with Elon Musk over the recent hacking of her account on the social media platform X after he brushed off responsibility for the breach.

Janja, as the wife of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is known, on Wednesday accused the billionaire who owns the platform formerly known as Twitter of using irony to downplay what she called a misogynistic hacking of her account last week.

Also Read: Brazil has digital public infrastructure that India could learn from

He minimizes a serious event that doesnt just affect me, but thousands of women on his platform every day," she said in a statement.

The Dec. 11 breach of the social media-savvy first ladys account made national headlines in Brazil after a hacker posted lewd images and insults directed at the president on the profile that has 1.2 million followers.

Janja earlier this week threatened to sue the company, claiming that it was too slow to respond to requests to freeze the account, take down the posts, and help her regain access.

Also Read: Brazil's economy ekes out 0.1% growth in Q3

Musk, who completed his acquisition of the platform last year, said Wednesday that his company bore no blame.

It is not clear how someone guessing her email password is our responsibility," he wrote in a post replying to an account that mentioned the legal threat.

Janja categorized the response as symptomatic" of Musk, who regularly clashes with critics on the website.

Also Read: Rainforests provide a public good, the world should pay to conserve them

I didnt say its Xs responsibility for someone to guess my account password, but it should be the platforms responsibility to act as quickly as possible when crimes are committed within it," she said in the statement, adding that she will continue to raise questions and fight for accountability on the platforms."

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
Donald Trump, the former US President and Republican frontrunner for the US elections, was disqualified from Colorado's presidential primary ballot on Tuesday. In an unprecedented ruling, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump is ineligible to serve as US president because of his actions inciting the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.

Trump was disqualified under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which bars anyone engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" from holding federal office. This was the first time Section 3 was used to disqualify a presidential candidate.

Here's what Colorado disqualification means for Trump:

The ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court on Wednesday only applies to Colorado. Moreover, it only mentions the state's primary election on March 5  when Republican voters will choose their candidate for US president.

This means, Trump might not appear on the ballot in Colorado for that vote and he can still able to run in other Republican primaries, the Guardian reported. The Colorado court ruling does not directly address the general election.

However, Colorado temporarily stayed its ruling until January 4, which would allow the US Supreme Court until then to decide whether to take the case, the Guardian reported.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign said it will appeal to the US Supreme Court against the Colorado ruling.

This would probably make a historic case because: If the US Supreme Court rules "directly on whether Trump is disqualified under the Constitution, their ruling would apply in every state, not only Colorado", Bloomberg reported.

The report added that given the unprecedented nature of the case and the courts composition, "its likely that the justices will overturn the Colorado decision".

Could the ruling impact the 2024 US election?

Even if the ruling survives Supreme Court review, it could be inconsequential to the outcome of the November 2024 election. This is because Trump does not need to win Colorado and is not expected to, given its strong Democratic leanings, Reuters said.

Colorado has nine of the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency. Joe Biden had won the state by more than 13 percentage points in the 2020 election. According to the BBC, Trump is far ahead of his Republican rivals, and therefore, he can still win his party's nomination without competing in Colorado.

On the contrary, BBC also reported which noted that the Colorado case might have "wider implications for the general election".

There are similar lawsuits seeking to bar Trump from running for 2024 elections. Moreover, there could be more such cases filed in competitive states that Trump must win to prevail. If courts in more competitive states followed suit on Tuesday's ruling, Trump's White House bid in 2024 could face serious problems.

"While none of those courts would be bound by the Colorado decision, judges will likely study it closely while reaching their own conclusions," Reuters reported.

So far, Trump has faced multiple 14th Amendment challenges in various states. Lawsuits citing the 14th Amendment were dismissed by nine courts: in Michigan, by the district court in Colorado -- leading to the appeals battle there -- and by the Minnesota Supreme Court, a district court in Washington and federal courts in Arizona, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Florida, reports said.

Trump is currently the front-runner in the Republican Party's nomination process for the race for the White House in 2024. Trump's campaign has vowed to appeal against the "flawed" ruling by the Supreme Court of Colorado in the US Supreme Court.

The fallout

Apart from this, Republican Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy pledged to exit the GOP primary ballot in Colorado unless former US President Donald Trump is reinstated.

"I pledge to withdraw from the Colorado GOP primary unless Trump is also allowed to be on the state's 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 manoeuvre, which will have disastrous consequences for our country," Ramaswamy posted on X, calling out his fellow candidates in the GOP presidential primary.

Another prominent GOP presidential candidate, Chris Christie, asserted that it is the voters, not the courts, who should determine whether Trump should be prevented" from seeking re-election to the White House.

(With inputs from agencies)

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BERLIN, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Rosneft representatives will travel to Berlin on Friday to discuss a possible sale of the Russian oil giant's German assets, among other options, with government officials, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The meeting is the first of its kind since Berlin placed local units of Rosneft, which owns 54.17% of the PCK Schwedt refinery, under trusteeship, keeping Rosneft as the legal owner of the stake but stripping it of its ability to exert control.

It also comes a week after Shell announced the sale of its 37.5% stake in the refinery, which supplies most of Berlin's fuel, to Britain's Prax Group, and after Rosneft filed a case at Germany's Federal Constitutional Court against the trusteeship.

The sale of Rosneft's stake is one option that will be discussed in the meeting with Philipp Steinberg, the head of the economic stabilisation and energy security unit in the ministry, the source said.

"It will be an exchange of positions of possibilities and ... there will certainly be no concrete decision on a solution on Friday," the source added.

A spokesperson for the economy ministry declined to comment.

Rosneft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Riham Alkousaa and Sarah Marsh Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin Editing by Sabine Wollrab, Miranda Murray, Kirsten Donovan)

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
Switzerland's "war on drugs has failed" and therefore, it is now considering legalising it. Several reports emerged this week, claiming that Switzerland's capital Bern is considering a pilot scheme to allow the sale of cocaine for recreational use.

BMJ, a weekly peer-reviewed medical journal, says, "'Recreational drugs' is a loose term that refers to legal and illegal drugs that are used without medical supervision." Meanwhile, Science Direct says, "'Recreational drug' use is a nonclinical term describing the use of a drug with the intention of enhancing life, inducing euphoria, or creating pleasure."

Now, Parliament in Bern has supported the idea of selling cocaine for recreational use. It is seen as a radical approach to the war on drugs that is not thought to have been tried elsewhere.

According to Reuters, the city's parliament still needs to overcome opposition from the city government and will also require a change in national law.

This comes as Switzerland is re-examining its stance on the drug. Some politicians and experts reportedly criticised a complete ban on drugs as ineffective.

The latest proposal is currently in its early stages, while trials are underway to permit the legal sale of cannabis.

Eva Chen, a member of the Bern council from the Alternative Left Party, who co-sponsored the proposal, was quoted as saying, "The war on drugs has failed, and we have to look at new ideas...Control and legalisation can do better than mere repression."

Chen said it was too early to say how a pilot scheme would develop, including where the drug would be sold or how it would be sourced.

"We are still far away from potential legalisation, but we should look at new approaches. We are calling for a scientifically supervised pilot scheme trial," Chen was quoted by Mirror as saying.

The report term the proposal at Bern Parliament as the "world's first".

Switzerland's cocaine use

Switzerland has one of the highest rates of cocaine use in Europe, according to the levels of illicit drugs and their metabolites measured in waste water. Prices for the drug in Switzerland have also halved over the past five years, Mirror reported.

"We have a lot of cocaine in Switzerland right now, at the cheapest prices and the highest quality we have ever seen," Frank Zobel, deputy director at Addiction Switzerland, was quoted by Reuters as saying.

ALSO READ: Cocaine found in cubby hole at White House's visitors area, cameras, visitor logs searched

He added, "You can get a dose of cocaine for about 10 francs these days, not much more than the price for a beer."

Meanwhile, the Bern government said, "Cocaine can be life-threatening for both first-time and long-term users. The consequences of an overdose, but also individual intolerance to even the smallest amounts, can lead to death."

Drug policies across globe

Drugs policy around the world is evolving, with the US state of Oregon, for example, decriminalising possession of small amounts of cocaine in 2021 in favour of drug treatment.

Many European countries, including Spain, Italy and Portugal, no longer have prison sentences for possession of drugs including cocaine, although nowhere has gone as far as the proposal under discussion in Bern.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Every time I meet my good friend Ajay, he is bubbling with fascinating ideas and nuggets. Most recently, he told me of a visit to Chichen Itza, the famous ruins of a large Mayan city in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Now theres a lot to savour in such a visit. I wanted to ask if he had seen any signs of Chicxulub, the enormous crater formed about 65 million years ago when a large asteroid slammed into Yucatan. After all, this impact is commonly thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs. But Ajay brought up something else that stopped me in my tracks. The guide they had there, said Ajay, told him that the Mayans invented the number zero.

What?" sputtered Ajay, as I might have, too. After all, in India weve grown up believing zero was invented here. In a sense, both those are true, for different peoples in different parts of the world came up with the idea independently. Heres how a scientist once explained this in Scientific American (https://t.ly/sqBHd):

The first recorded zero appeared in Mesopotamia around 3 B.C. The Mayans invented it independently circa 4 A.D. It was later devised in India in the mid-fifth century, spread to Cambodia near the end of the seventh century, and into China and the Islamic countries at the end of the eighth."

So yes, India can still lay claim to the invention. But claims apart, why was zero a significant mathematical advance, to the extent that we try to trace its origins? Probably two major reasons. One, it stands for the concept of nothing, which, in a world full of things, is not simple at all. Two, it is a placeholder in our number system, which makes numbers easy to grasp and manipulate. Consider the conniptions ancient Romans would have gone through in adding CCCVII and MMXLIII to produce MMCCCL, and then compare it with how youd do the same thing: Add 307 and 2,043 to produce 2,350.

Thats the power of zero. Thats also all Ill say on those lines in the rest of this column. Because in the rest of this column, I want to focus on bees. Specifically, on pretty strong evidence that bees can understand the idea of zero.

As you scoff at that, Ill remind you that Ive written in this space before about a team of Australian scientists who taught bees to add and subtract (https://t.ly/yUIk7). The same team extended their research to show that bees could...extrapolate the concept of less than to order zero numerosity." And in doing so, they demonstrated an understanding that parallels animals such as the African grey parrot, non-human primates, and even preschool children." (Numerical ordering of zero in honey bees, Scarlett R. Howard et al., Science, 8 June 2018, https://t.ly/ngycI).

How they did this is, to me, even more compelling than addition and subtraction.

To begin, though, think about how we come to understand all that zero actually means. The scientists suggest four stages in this process of understanding. First, we learn to define zero as nothing. Second, the contrast between nothing" and something". Third, the position of zero at the low end of the positive numbers, meaning it is less than all of them. Fourth, and perhaps most complex, the way zero is represented and then used in numbers and mathematics (as a placeholder, for example).

Keep those in mind as we walk through some of the experiments the scientists subjected the bees to.

The first experiment prompts bees to grasp the ideas of less" and greater". They were shown white squares that contained between one and four shapes and tasked with distinguishing between them. Selecting right was rewarded with a sweet treat, wrong led to mild bitterness (a charmingly-named appetitive-aversive" protocol). After a number of repetitions, the bees showed they had learned these ideas, to the extent that they even used them to deduce that five was more shapes than two or three. But they also seemed to have understood that zero lies at the lower end of the numerical continuum"they could both choose an empty square as less than" a square with some shapes, and choose a square containing some shapes as greater than" an empty one.

In the second experiment, bees that had shown an understanding of less" when working with the numbers two to five were then offered one and zero, numbers they had not seen. They chose zero as a lower number than one, which choice, the scientists note, is challenging for some other animals."

Note here that in their training, twobeing less than the other numbers the bees worked withwas always rewarded. When they were later tasked with choosing between two and zero as possible answers to whats less than" one, they chose zero only about half the time. No better than chance. That showed that the potential reward for choosing twoa choice always rewarded in this experiment, rememberalso weighed on the insects minds.

But then there was the third experiment. This one measured the effect of numerical distance from zero on bee behaviour. If bees really do see zero as another number, but lower than all the rest, then how would they consider zero versus six compared with zero versus smaller numbers? That is, compare an empty plate with one with a lone peanut on it. Then compare it with a plate with six peanuts. If asked in each case to point out the plate with fewer peanuts, which of those two comparisons would be easier to decide? If you think about it, youll agree that zero versus six peanuts makes a more obvious difference than zero versus one.

Turns out that the bees were reasonably good in deciding that zero was less than the other numbers on offer. But their choices grew noticeably more accurate as the gap widened: There was a significant effect of numerical distance on accuracy." Number magnitudes, clearly, made sense to these bees.

To sum up: The scientists showed that their bees used less than" and greater than" to understand that zero means nothing. But they also placed zero correctly relative to other numbers; in particular, as less than one.

Those are truly impressive achievements. The ancient Romans could have taken note, youd think.

(Today is Srinivasa Ramanujans birthday, National Mathematics Day. Find a nearby circle and walk around it. Then walk across its diameter. Think of Ramanujan as you do.)

Once a computer scientist, Dilip DSouza now lives in Mumbai and writes for his dinners. His Twitter handle is @DeathEndsFun.

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Luck plays a big and often unacknowledged part in career success, starting in the womb. Warren Buffett has talked of winning the ovarian lottery" by being born in America when he was, and being wired in a way that pays off in a market economy. Good looks are associated with higher pay and a greater chance of being called to interview in hiring processes. Your experience of discrimination will reflect your circumstances of birth.

The early way-stations in a career are often marked by chance: a particularly encouraging boss, say, or an assignment that leads you off in an unexpected but defining direction. Luck can affect the pathways of the most rational-minded professions. A paper published in 2022 by Qi Ge of Vassar College and Stephen Wu of Hamilton College found that economists with harder-to-pronounce names, including within ethnic groups, were less likely to be placed into academic jobs or get tenure-track positions.

Names can work against economists in other ways. Another study, by Liran Einav of Stanford University and Leeat Yariv, now of Princeton University, found that faculty with earlier surname initials were more likely to receive tenure at top departments, an effect they put down to the fact that authors of economics papers tend to be listed alphabetically.

Performing well can be due to luck, not talent. In financial markets, asset managers who shine in one period often lose their lustre in the next. The rise of passive investing reflects the fact that few stockpickers are able persistently to outperform the overall market. The history of the oil industry is shot through with stories of unexpected discoveries. A recent paper by Alexei Milkov and William Navidi of the Colorado School of Mines found that 90% of industry practitioners believe that luck affects the outcome of exploration projects. The authors analysis of 50 years of drilling on the Norwegian Continental Shelf concluded that the differences in success rates between individual firms were random.

There is a long-running debate about whether luck affects executives pay. A recent paper by Martina Andreani and Lakshmanan Shivakumar of London Business School and Atif Ellahie of the University of Utah suggests that it does. The academics looked at the impact of a big corporate-tax cut in America in 2017, an event which resulted in large one-off tax gains and losses for firms that were based on past transactions and that could not be attributed to managers skills. They found that larger windfall gains led to higher pay for CEOs of less scrutinised firms; tax losses did not seem to affect their earnings. Lucky things.

Just as some people blindly believe that merit determines success, so it is possible to get too hung up on the role of chance. CEOs may well be rewarded for luck but slogging to the top of companies involves talent and hard work. Although some have argued that entrepreneurs are simply people fortunate enough to have a large appetite for risk, skill does matter. A paper from 2006 by Paul Gompers of Harvard University and his co-authors showed that founders of one successful company have a higher chance of succeeding in their next venture than entrepreneurs who previously failed. Better technology and greater expertise reduce the role of chance; the average success rates in oil exploration, for example, have gone up over time.

But if luck does play a more important role in outcomes than is often acknowledged, what does that mean? For individuals, it suggests you should increase the chances that chance will work in your favour. Partners at Y Combinator, a startup accelerator, encourage founders to apply to their programmes by talking about increasing the surface area of luck": putting yourself in situations where you may be rejected is a way of giving luck more opportunity to strike.

An awareness of the role that luck plays ought to affect the behaviour of managers, too. Portfolio thinking reduces the role of luck: Messrs Milkov and Navidi make the point that the probability of striking it lucky in oil exploration goes up if firms complete numerous independent wells. If luck can mean a bad decision has a good result, or vice versa, managers should learn to assess the success of an initiative on the basis of process as well as outcome.

And if the difference between skill and luck becomes discernible over time, then reward people on consistency of performance, not one-off highs. Mr Buffett might have had a slice of luck at the outset, but a lifetime of investing success suggests he has maximised it.

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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has alleged a conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to "convert" Parliament into a platform only for the ruling party. This comes in the wake of the suspension of 146 MPs from both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha during the winter session, while the government continues passing Bills with minimal opposition.

Speaking on the suspension of the Opposition MPs from Parliament as they demanded a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah over the December 13 Parliament security breach, Mallikarjun Kharge said the entire country is watching how the BJP is strangulating democracy by arbitrarily passing key bills without discussion or debate".

Also Read | 100 MPs now suspended from Lok Sabha as Opposition leaders protest, total tally reaches 146

"The biggest challenge is that the people holding constitutional positions, who are responsible for providing protection to the opposition MPs, are themselves becoming a part of party politics and doing politics using caste, region and occupation as their shield," Mallikarjun Kharge said at the CWC meet, adding, "[There is a] conspiracy to convert Parliament into platform for ruling party."

"Country [is] watching how BJP is strangulating democracy by arbitrarily passing key bills without discussion," Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Addressing party leaders at a crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress has learnt valuable lessons from its mistakes in the Assembly elections and is "committed to not repeating them". "Outcomes of recent Assembly polls disappointing," he said.

Mallikarjun Kharge also said several Congress leaders want Rahul Gandhi to undertake another Bharat Jodo Yatra from east to west but the final decision is up to him and the CWC, the Congress' highest decision-making body. "Congress leaders want Rahul Gandhi to undertake another Bharat Jodo Yatra from east to west, final decision is up to him," Kharge said.

The Congress president also urged the party leaders to "concentrate on actionable points" for Lok Sabha elections.

This is the first CWC meeting after the Congress' recent poll debacle. The Assembly elections were held in five states -- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram. The Congress won only in Telangana.

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When news of the Oct. 7 attacks on southern Israel by Hamas militants reached Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, many took to the streets in celebration, distributing sweets and cheering fighters as they paraded hostages through the enclave.

Since then, however, quiet criticism has begun spreading against the militant group, with Gazans blaming the militants for having provoked Israels wrath and for their inability to shield the population from a devastating war and a humanitarian crisis that deepens by the day.

People are dying every minute," said a 56-year-old businessman from Gaza. Hamas is the one that dragged us into this terrible vortex."

Nearly 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, Palestinian health officials said. A majority of the fatalities in Gaza are women and children, they say. The figures dont distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The overwhelming majority of Palestinians blame Israel for the death, destruction and dislocation caused by the war. Yet many Gazans say that Hamas is also responsible for the suffering, and that those voices are getting louder.

A survey by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, a Ramallah-based think tank, found that one in five Gazans polled blamed Hamas for their suffering in the war. The survey, completed in early December, also found that support for Hamas, which has ruled the enclave with an iron fist for years, had increased slightly since Oct. 7, with 42% of respondents choosing it over other Palestinian parties.

In the West Bank, which is far from the fighting in Gaza, by contrast, support for Hamas more than tripled between September and early December, when 44% of respondents said they backed the group, according to the survey.

Gaza, which usually gives Hamas greater support, is showing more criticism of Hamas than the West Bank. There is more questioning of the decision to go to war," said Khalil Shikaki, director of the think tank and a professor of political science based in Ramallah.

Hamass popularity among Gazans got a boost in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 incursions into Israeli territory, with many Palestinians seeing the attacks as a response to what they decry as mistreatment by Israel. The survey also found that most respondents were unaware of the scale of the killings and other violence committed by Hamas militants during the attacks.

The Hamas-led assault, which included terrorist attacks on a music festival and agricultural communities, left some 1,200 people deadmost of them civilians, according to Israeli authorities.

During the hourslong attacks, parts of which were captured on camera, militants pursued and killed fleeing civilians, including children, with guns and grenades. Some victims were mutilated, including some who were decapitated, and there is mounting evidence of sexual violence, based on survivor accounts, first responders and witnesses. Around 240 people were kidnapped and brought to Gaza.

On the first day, people were happy. But as Israel started pounding Gaza, destroying infrastructure and killing civilians, things started to change," said Mkhaimar Abusada, a political scientist at Gazas Al-Azhar University. There is a lot of criticism among Palestinians that the Oct. 7 attackthe killing of Israeli civilians, women and childrenwas a strategic mistake that provoked Israel into the current war."

Damn Hamas," said a hairdresser originally from Gaza City who is now sheltering in Rafah, near the Egyptian border. May God be my witness: If I see Ismail Haniyeh, I will hit him with my slippers," she said, referring to Hamass political leader. Throwing slippers or shoes at somebody is considered highly insulting in the Arab world.

The woman is one of about 1.9 million people, around 85% of the Gaza Strips population, who fled their homes because of the war and are now internally displaced. Like many Gazans, she said she worries she may never be able to return home.

Next week, we may end up in Sinai," the desert region across the Egyptian border, she said. What for? What did the resistance do for us?"

Across Gaza, residents are struggling to find food and clean water. The enclaves disintegrating healthcare system is incapable of coping with the flow of sick and injured people.

Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, came to power in Gaza through elections held in 2006. It has since imposed authoritarian rule over the territory, clashing with the more moderate Fatah partywhich runs the Palestinian Authority that controls parts of the West Bankand losing much of its popularity. Hamas generally cracks down on public dissent in peacetime and is unlikely to be influenced by public opinion in wartime.

In private, locals say, the group is often harshly criticized. And now, some public signs of discontent are beginning to appear.

The spokesman for Hamass Interior Ministry was speaking on live TV in Gaza City last month when a passerby walked into the frame. I complain about you to God, Hamas," he said, waving his bandaged hand in the air.

The clip was widely shared by Gazans on social media, prompting Hamas authorities to issue a public statement: We warn against publishing any pictures, videos or materials that are offensive to the image of the steadfastness and unity of our people in Gaza."

Despite the rising discontent with Hamas, residents of Gaza are unlikely to openly challenge the group while the war is continuing.

I hate Hamas, the government. I never respected them. But the militants? I believe in them so much, they are sacrificing their souls for the sake of Palestine," said a 36-year-old banker from Gaza City.

Yet she does hold one thing against the militants: their failure to prepare for the consequences of the war, such as food and medical supplies running out.

If they prepared for the attack for two years, why didnt they also make plans for the two million Palestinians they put under fire without asking their opinion?" she added.

Such simmering opposition raises questions about the groups long-term hold over the strip.

Hamas is in a war, they are fighting back and defending themselves," said Abusada, the political scientist, who left Gaza for Cairo last month. But once the war is over, you will hear more and more criticism against Hamas."

Anas Baba and Fatima AbdulKarim contributed to this article.

Write to Margherita Stancati at margherita.stancati@wsj.com
JD(U) MP Sunil Kumar Pintu on Wednesday spoke on the recently held INDIA meeting and took a jibe at the Congress party saying the meeting was only restricted to tea and concluded without any discussion on any serious issue. He also added that no samosas were served in the meeting as the party is short on funds.

While speaking to news agency ANI, Sunil Kumar Pintu said, "In the meeting yesterday, big leaders of several parties had come for sharing in the alliance. But no discussion on the same could be done. Yesterday's meeting was restricted to tea and biscuits."

Pointing out Congress statements that they are short on funds, JD(U) MP said, "They are seeking donations of 138, 1380 or 13,800. The donations are yet to come in. So, yesterday's meeting finished on just tea and biscuits without samosa and without any discussion on any serious issue."

In order to raise funds ahead of the general election which is due next year, Kharge launched the party's crowdfunding campaign 'Donate for Desh' in the national capital on 18 December and asked people to join the fight against unemployment and rising costs

This statement comes as recent media reports claimed that Bihar Chief Minister and JDU Supremo Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Yadav were "unhappy" and left the meeting early over proposal of Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge as the Prime Ministerial candidate. The Congress has, however, dismissed the rumours stating that the meeting was concluded on a good note.

Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir while speaking to ANI said, The meeting went on for five to six hours. The meeting was crucial and effective. It was concluded on a good note. If some media reports are claiming that Nitish Kumarji was unhappy over the meeting, there might be some 'vested interest' but I reckon that he is the convener of the alliance and he will make it reach its destination."

Meanwhile, the fourth meeting of the 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc took place in the national capital on 19 December. The 28 parties participated in our fourth meeting and kept their thoughts before the committee of the alliance. West Bengal CM and TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee floated Mallikarjun Kharge's name as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the mega alliance.

The fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc concluded with the passing of the resolution on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the suspension of MPs from Parliament. As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections loom just four months away, the allocation of seats becomes pivotal for the Congress, especially after recent electoral setbacks.

Today, the Congress is set to hold a meeting with top party leaders to discuss party's strategy for upcoming Lok Sabha polls and chalk out plans on seat sharing with like-minded parties of the INDIA bloc. Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former party chief Rahul Gandhi would also attend the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

After its debacle in recently held assembly elections in five states, the party has maintained that its morale is not down. The party has already held a first round of analysis of the poll results and the CWC is likely to hold further discussions on the reasons of the defeat.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)

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Finland recently signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States to grant the U.S. military broad access to the Nordic country and the border it shares with Russia. Finland became NATOs newest member earlier this year in response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The defense agreement lists 15 facilities and areas in Finland to which the U.S. military will have unimpeded access and where it can also store military equipment and ammunition. The areas will include four airbases, a military port and railway access to northern Finland, where the U.S. military will have a storage area near a railway leading to the Russian border.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Finlands decision to further strengthen our security bonds by signing a Defense Cooperation Agreement.

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, he said. This agreement builds on three decades of security cooperation between our nations on everything from countering terrorism to boosting Finlands defense capabilities, including through the recent purchase of F-35 fighter jets.

The treaty with Finland is just the latest demonstration of the United States comprehensive effort to bolster transatlantic security, recounted Secretary Blinken. Last year we amended our Defense Cooperation Agreement with Norway. Earlier this month we signed a new defense agreement with Sweden. Denmark has also made a similar agreement.

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, he said.

Finland knows almost better than anyone what is at stake for Ukraine, said Secretary Blinken. In 1939, the Finns also faced a Russian invasion and proved that a free nation can put up an incredibly powerful and resilient resistance.

Finlands history is a reminder of why its so important that we all continue to stand with Ukraine, for autocrats who try to redraw one nations border by force almost certainly will not stop there, warned Secretary Blinken. And thats precisely why well 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.
The Israeli military released footage of a tunnel network in Gaza City that it said provided Hamass senior leadership and operatives covert passage across the enclave.

The military said that tunnel shafts were found in the residences and offices of senior Hamas officials and that they allowed for covert descent through elevators and stairs and allowed for both escape and prolonged stays.

Hamas leaders, including political head Ismail Haniyeh, military chief Mohammed Deif and top Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, used the integrated above-to-below-ground infrastructure, with Hamas commanders directing the Oct. 7 attacks against Israel from the complex, said Daniel Hagari, the Israeli militarys chief spokesperson.

From this infrastructure, they could move and spread out across the Strip," said Hagari. The central Gaza City complex connected to nodes from which Hamas leaders could exit above ground and obtain protected passage to other areas of Gaza.

From the heart of Gaza City," said Hagari, they could go to Shifa Hospital, and from there take an ambulance as a taxi southward, and come back to Shifa, enter the network, move northward toward the Rantisi hospital area."

The Israeli military has long held that Hamas uses medical infrastructure for operational cover, and Israel has raided both Shifa and Rantisi, among other hospitals, in search of militants, weapons and tunnels.

Representatives of Hamas couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

The footage was released days after the Israeli military took a group of reporters, including from The Wall Street Journal, into what it said was the largest tunnel it had discovered in the enclave, one big enough for large vehicles to drive through it.

Daphne Richemond-Barak, a professor at Israels Reichman University and author of a book on underground combat, said that the newly revealed tunnels were the first time Israel had exposed a network of interconnected tunnels.

The footage included a video showing a tunnel 20 meters deep that the Israeli military said emerged from the residence of Sinwars aide-de-camp and included a spiral staircase, blast door and panel board.
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Kerala Students Union (KSU) took out a march in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday to protest against the alleged attacks on KSU and Youth Congress activists by members of the ruling CPI(M), its youth outfit Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), police and the chief ministers gunman. To disperse the members of KSU, the police resorted to lathi-charge. Later, many protesters were detained. According to an ANI post on social media platform X, Police resort to lathi-charge to disperse the members of Kerala Students Union (KSU) who were carrying out a protest march, in Thiruvananthapuram. Later they were detained by the Police." The march was organised by KSU, the student outfit of the opposition Congress, to the office of the Director General of Police. On Wednesday, the Youth Congress marched to the secretariat to protest against their alleged manhandling.

According to a PTI report, the trouble erupted when a protesting KSU worker allegedly hurled chilli powder at the police, prompting them to respond with a lathi- charge.

Citing police sources, the PTI report said that 15 student activists, including three with injuries requiring hospitalisation, were arrested in connection with the incident.

KPCC general secretary Mathew Kuzhalnadan tried to intervene and was allegedly beaten up by the police.

He criticised the police's use of force, claiming that the violence occurred without any provocation. He also said that the Congress party would continue to protest.

The police have registered a case against Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, making him the first accused in connection with the violence during a Youth Congress march to the state secretariat.

When the police registered the case, Satheesan said: They have initiated a case against me...The CM is trying to threaten me, I don't have any problem... They are sending young people to jail, I'm also going to jail with them. When they are sending the youngsters of the Congress party and UDF to jail, we will go with them...For the last so many weeks they have been brutally attacking our youth..."

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New Delhi: Attacks by Yemens Houthi militant group on vessels traversing the vital Red Sea shipping route have posed a significant threat to the global economy. The Houthis, supported by Iran, have committed to continue their assaults on shipping in the region. These attacks, involving missiles and drones against cargo ships, are declared by the Houthis as acts of solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group in Gaza. In response to the threats, the US has mobilised its partners to take on the crisis and form an international naval force. Mint takes a look at the crisis and Indias stakes in it.

Who are the Houthis?

Originating from northern Yemen, the Houthis have been embroiled in a decade-long civil war, gaining significant territorial control, including Sanaa, the capital. The Houthis are considered close to Iran and have maintained a hardline stance against Israel and the US. The group was labeled a terrorist organization by the US.

Why are the Houthis targeting shipping routes?

Since mid-November, the group has launched a series of attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandab. They have attacked an estimated 12 shipping vessels so far. The Houthis have announced that the goal of this campaign is to punish Israel for its military strikes against Gaza, which have killed thousands of people. The group also undertook direct attacks on Israel by launching missiles towards the country. However, these efforts are understood to have had limited success, which may explain the new focus on disrupting shipping. They say the attacks will continue till Israel ends its campaign in Gaza and allows humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians

What is the rationale behind these attacks?

Experts suggest that the group wants to ride a wave of sympathy for Palestinians in the Middle East by taking on Israel. This has given them much popularity in the region. It also allows them to cut a striking contrast to many governments in the region, who are criticised by the general public for doing little to help the Palestinians. The Houthis may hope to use this popularity to win legitimacy for their control over northern Yemen.

What are the global economic implications?

The Houthi attacks on the Red Sea shipping routes threaten to disrupt the global economy. The route allows trade to pass through the Suez Canal. The canal, which opened in 1869, is a vital link between Eastern and Western economies. Rather than sail around Africa, ships can carry their cargo faster through this canal. Now, the Houthi attacks on ships passing through this route have scared global shipping companies. Four of the world's biggest shipping firms have halted operations in the Red Sea, causing economic ripple effects.

How will this impact India?

India sees a significant amount of its maritime trade flowing through the Suez Canal-Red Sea route. Long delays in shipping, estimated between 19 and 30 days currently, could disrupt supply chains. Energy prices have jumped in recent days as the Red Sea route is also essential for oil and natural gas transports. The price increases are a risk to India's import bill given that India imports vast quantities of oil and gas for domestic use.
Congress leaders lashed out Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday amid the escalating Jagdeep Dhankhar mimicry row. The development came even as as BJP leaders and senior officials criticised Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee and other Opposition leaders for mocking the Rajya Sabha chairman during a protest. Following the incident Modi had dialed Dhankhar to express his anguish over the theatrics of a member in the 'sacred' Parliament complex.

Indiscriminate efforts are being made to divert attention from the suspension of 142 MPs by raising the issue of 'mimicry'. Never in the history of Parliament has there been suspension of MPs on such a large scale. But those who talk about mimicry, just remember who mimicked whom and that too in the Lok Sabha?" said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. The former Union Minister also took to social media with videos where the PM can be seen hitting out at senior Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He also accused the Prime Minister of mocking former Vice President Hamid Ansari during his farewell event in August 2017. It was then most shockingly that the Prime Minister mocked Mr. Ansari, one of India's most distinguished diplomats, reducing his identity to his religion and in effect alleging that his entire professional and political achievements were because of his religious identity," he contended.

Ramesh also accused the ruling party of remaining silent on a slew of pertinent issues  from the summary suspension of 142 MPs for making a perfectly legitimate demand to the recent Lok Sabha breach.

The entire Modi ecosystem now being galvanised on the so-called mimicry non-issue, while it remains silent on the real issue of why and how a BJP MP from Mysuru facilitated entry of two intruders into Lok Sabha on December 13th  who are now charged under the anti-terror law UAPA," he wrote in another tweet.

(With inputs from agencies)

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ON THE EVENING of October 17th a blast struck al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City. Thousands of civilians had been sheltering there, alongside the sick. Palestinian officials say that hundreds died. Hamas , the militant group that runs Gaza, and several Arab countries blamed Israel . Israels army, citing drone footage as evidence, said that the explosion was caused by a malfunctioning rocket fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another militant group. PIJ, which operates in the West Bank and Gaza, denied the allegation. On October 18th, on a visit to Israel, President Joe Biden also blamed the other team", backing up Israels account. What is PIJ and what threat does it pose in this conflict?

The group was founded by Fathi Shaqaqi, a Palestinian doctor, and Abd al-Aziz Awda, a Muslim preacher born in Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. The pair were students in Egypt in the 1970s, where they were members of the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist group. Mr Awda and Shaqaqi advocated violent resistance against the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. Inspired by the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979, they hoped to establish an Islamic state on the territory of the British mandate of Palestine, part of which became the state of Israel after 1948. They thought the Muslim Brotherhood was insufficiently committed to the cause, and began recruiting for their own militant alternative. After returning to Gaza in 1981 they spent several years building support. The group claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli soldiers in Gaza in the early 1980s, at least half a decade before Hamas carried out its first attack.

Throughout the 1980s PIJ was a loose network of military cells, with only a few hundred members in total. In 1988 Israeli authorities deported Dr Shaqaqi to Lebanon, where he was later joined by other PIJ deportees. While in exile these fighters formed ties with Iran and Hizbullah, an Iran-backed militia in Lebanon. PIJ members began participating in Hizbullahs training camps. The group founded the al-Quds Brigades, a more structured military operation than it had had before. Seeking to undermine peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, it carried out a series of suicide attacks in Israel. The most serious, in 1995, killed 21 Israeli soldiers and one civilian.

Despite their ideological similarities, PIJ has remained at arms length from Hamas. During the first Intifada, or shaking off", an uprising against Israeli rule that ended in 1993, the two groups collaborated on several operations but never formally joined forces. Hamas won an election in Gaza in 2006 and, after failing to strike a power-sharing deal with Fatah, its rival, fought a brief war for sole control of the strip in 2007. PIJ limits itself to armed conflict. It has never participated in elections and, unlike Hamas, has provided little support to Gazans.

PIJs influence declined in the 1990s, after Israel jailed many of its fighters in the West Bank. But many were released around 2000 and PIJs military capacities have since grown, assisted by arms supplies from Iran. In 2014, PIJ fired more than 100 rockets from Gaza at Israel. It is the second-largest of around a dozen armed groups in Gaza, after Hamas. Its presence in the West Bank has grown recently, particularly in Jenin, a city in the north. In 2022 several brigades linked to PIJ carried out a series of shootings on Israeli military checkpoints.

PIJ has played a large role in the violence that began when Hamas invaded Israel on October 7th this year. PIJ fighters are thought to have joined the attack, in which more than 1,300 people died. The group later claimed to be holding 30 Israeli hostages in Gaza; Hamas is thought to be holding around 200. PIJ has since claimed responsibility for several rocket and mortar attacks on Israel. Israel is preparing for a ground invasion to destroy Hamas". PIJ will be in its sights, too.
DAVENPORT, IowaIn a party that often rejects identity politics, Nikki Haley is trying to walk a fine line as the only woman in the Republican presidential field.

The former South Carolina governor, like other high-profile female politicians, has long had to weigh how much to talk about being a woman. It is an especially challenging task in the GOP, where voters are sometimes less interested in hearing about topics related to race and gender.

At an event here Wednesday evening billed as a Women for Nikki" town hall in the state that starts the GOP nomination balloting on Jan. 15, it was mostly those introducing Haley, instead of the candidate herself, who highlighted her gender.

Maybe its time we send a woman to the White House," said Jim von Maur, chief executive of a department store chain based here that provided warehouse space for the event.

Ladies, we are the most important voting bloc," said Rachel Geilenfeld, the co-chair of Women for Nikki in Iowa, as she urged women to back her candidate.

Haley referenced the gender split in the GOP field only obliquely, saying she planned to talk more about the fellas" because they have been lying about her in campaign ads. As she undertakes her long-shot primary challenge to former President Donald Trump, whom she served as United Nations ambassador, Haley picks her moments for when to mention her gender.

During her first rally as a candidate in February, Haley drew applause for saying: May the best woman win." And in a video announcing her campaign, Haley said: You should know this about meI dont put up with bullies. And when you kick back, it hurts them more if you are wearing heels."

Part of her quest is to try to win back suburban women, a general election demographic that has moved away from the GOP during Trumps tenure as the partys dominant figure. Her strength among suburban and independent voters is one reason she leads other Republican presidential candidates in hypothetical matchups against President Biden. The latest Wall Street Journal poll had her beating him by 17 percentage points.

Linnea Stockwell, a financial-services industry manager who attended a recent Haley event in a Des Moines suburb, said the candidates hawkish foreign-policy views are a top reason she is considering supporting her. But Stockwell said she also thinks a woman and mother would bring unique strengths to the Oval Office.

Its important to see women step up," she said. Being a woman comes with a lot of different roles and titles and shes doing all of them well, while also being real."

Kevin Laraia, a salesman for a business consulting firm who attended the same event in suburban Des Moines, said Haleys gender is a plus.

Her political experience is great and I think shes a common-sense person," he said. I also think its about time for a woman."

The Journals poll showed Trump leading Haley 61% to 14% among Republican women. That is virtually identical to the advantage he has over her with Republican men.

It seems to me that among the Democrats, in general, they are more interested in talking about how we are different and I think Republicans are more interested in talking about how we are the same," said Barbara Hames-Bryant, president of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women. She has not made a big deal out of her gender, but her competitors sure have."

Haleys high heels didnt come up in this months primary debate in Alabamaas they have in past candidate face-offs this fallbut her gender was noted by others.

Having two X chromosomes does not immunize you from criticism," entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy said as part of an attack against Haley. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, came to her defense and told Ramaswamy to knock it off before calling Haley a smart, accomplished woman."

Her approach is a contrast with that of Democrat Hillary Clinton, who spoke explicitly of the importance of shattering the political glass ceiling for women in both her 2008 and 2016 presidential bids. Clintons invocation of gender might have helped her win the 2016 Democratic nomination, but it isnt clear whether it helped her in a failed general election bid against Trump.

Haley is the fifth major female candidate to run for the White House as a Republican, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. Carly Fiorina, a former Hewlett Packard chief executive, was the most recent before Haley, in 2016.

Just days after Haley entered the race in February, her gender was highlighted when CNN anchor Don Lemon called her, at age 51, past her prime." Haley used the put-down as a fundraising tool and Lemon later lost his job.

At a recent event in Iowa, Haley repeated the familiar political refrain, We have to raise strong girls," adding a criticism of some transgender policies.

Strong girls become strong women," she said. Strong women become strong leaders. And none of that happens if you have biological boys playing in girls sports. Weve got to put an end to that."

Haley is part of a generation that has seen women increasingly elected as governors, giving them the executive office experience often considered important for a White House bid. A record number12were elected as governors in 2022, eight Democrats and four Republicans.

In a recent interview, Haley spoke of an incident shortly after she graduated from college when she was working as an accounting supervisor. About a month into the job, she said, she was attending a meeting of executives where she was the only woman and the chief financial officer asked her to fetch a cup of coffee for the chief executive officer.

However I handled it was going to reflect how they treated me going forward," she said. I said, Absolutely. And I leaned to the phone in the middle of the desk and called my assistant, and I said, Emily, could you please get Paul a cup of coffee? They never asked me to do that again."

Allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is competing with Haley to be the sole alternative to Trump in the primary, have tried to tie Haley to Clinton, a deeply unpopular figure within the Republican base.

In a recent television ad that has been heavily criticized by fact-checkers, the Fight Right super PAC uses an out-of-context quote from Haley where she says Clinton was the reason she first ran for office. In more recent history, Haley often lists Margaret Thatcher, the deceased former British prime minister known as the Iron Lady," as a role model.

As Haley travels the country, her campaign bubble includes a large number of women. Her campaign manager, Betsy Ankeny, and many of her senior aides are women.

Ankeny dismissed the notion that women arent rallying to her candidate. I absolutely think that there is enthusiasm from women across the country for Nikkis candidacy, and I think you see that in the momentum she has," she said.

In the interview, Haley said she only talks about her heels because others do, pointing to the third primary debate, when Ramaswamy brought them up. But that isnt always the case.

She mentioned them in her campaign announcement speech and has joked about them as a potential weapon in speeches for more than a decade. At the debate in Miami, Haley corrected Ramaswamy for underestimating the height of her heels.

I was being serious," she said in the interview. It was offensive. He was calling them 3-inch heels. I mean, the bigger the threat, the higher the heels, always."

Write to John McCormick at mccormick.john@wsj.com
India recorded 358 new cases of COVID-19 and six fatalities, as reported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday.

Notably, Kerala alone accounted for 300 new active cases of COVID-19 and reported three deaths.

The ministry further informed that the total number of active COVID cases in the country is currently at 2,669, with the total number of fatalities reported since the arrival of the pandemic in India at 5,33,327.

Also Read: New covid variant JN.1: India logs 21 cases; Know mask guidelines, other details | 10 updates

View Full Image COVID19 state-wise data.

View Full Image Covid-19 state-wise data.

The death toll in Kerala reached three, while Punjab recorded one death. Odisha is currently in the process of reconciling its mortality figures. Additionally, Karnataka reported two deaths due to Covid-19, the ministry stated.

Also Read: Covid is spiking again. Just how serious is it now?

With the three reported deaths in the state, the total number of COVID-19-related fatalities in Kerala since the outbreak three years ago reached 72,059. In the last 24 hours, 211 individuals diagnosed with the infection were either cured, discharged, or migrated, bringing the overall count in this category to 68,37,414.

State Health Minister Veena George reassured on Tuesday that despite the surge in COVID cases in Kerala, there was no cause for concern as hospitals were well-prepared to manage the virus infection.

Also Read: Centre issues Covid advisory to states with Omicron sub-variant on the rise

Previously, NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul urged the public not to panic concerning the recently discovered COVID-19 variant JN.1. He reassured citizens that the central government is implementing necessary measures to address the situation.

On Wednesday, in response to the increasing COVID-19 cases in five statesKerala, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, and KarnatakaUnion Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presided over a high-level meeting with senior officials and chief health secretaries.

Also Read: Mint Explainer: Everything you need to know about the latest Covid variant

"There should be no laxity in our preparedness. There is no room for politics when it comes to public health. The Union Health Ministry is available for every support," he said.

Mandaviya assured complete central support to states grappling with the recent surge in COVID cases, emphasizing a comprehensive government approach. He recommended that healthcare authorities in the affected states conduct regular mock drills in hospitals every three months to maintain readiness in addressing the surge in COVID cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

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MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's drugs regulator has banned the use of an anti-cold drug combination in children aged below four and ordered that drugs should be labelled accordingly, in the wake of the deaths of at least 141 children globally linked to cough syrups.

The regulator said concerns raised about promotion of an unapproved anti-cold drug formulation in infants prompted a discussion and a resulting recommendation to not use the combination for that age group.

The order comes as India draws lessons from a spate of child deaths since 2019 that authorities linked to toxic cough syrups made in the country, including at least 141 deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan and Cameroon since the middle of last year.

Within India, authorities said at least 12 children died and four others were left with severe disabilities in 2019 after consuming domestically-made cough syrups.

The deaths have cast a shadow over the quality of exports from India, often dubbed the "world's pharmacy" due to its supply of life-saving drugs at low prices.

The order by the regulator on the fixed-drug combination (FDC), issued on Dec. 18 and made public on Wednesday, requires drugmakers to label their products with the warning that the "FDC should not be used in children below 4 years of age".

The fixed drug combination comprises chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine - medication that is often used in syrups or tablets to treat common cold symptoms.

The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of over-the-counter cough syrups or medicines for the treatment of coughs and cold symptoms in children younger than five years of age.

India has introduced mandatory testing for cough syrup exports since June and stepped up scrutiny of drugmakers. Drugmakers whose cough syrups were linked to child deaths have denied any wrong doing.

(Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh; Writing by Shivam Patel; Editing by Toby Chopra)

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
ROMEConservative Catholic bishops in various countries have objected to Pope Francis recent permission on blessings for gay couples, underscoring the divisiveness of the issue in the global church.The bishops of Zambia, Malawi and the principal archdiocese of Kazakhstan prohibited their priests from offering such blessings. The bishops of Ukraine lamented what they called a recent Vatican declarations wording, which they warned could suggest approval of gay behavior.

Meanwhile, bishops in some European countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland welcomed the new policy.

On Monday, the Vatican issued guidelines for the blessing of gay couples, saying that such ceremonies are permitted as long as they dont imply that same-sex relationships are the equivalent of heterosexual marriage. Mondays declaration confirmed and elaborated on a letter by the pope released in October.

The Zambian bishops declared in response that they would not implement the new Vatican guidelines, in order to avoid any pastoral confusion and ambiguity as well as not to break the law of our country which forbids same sex unions and activities, and while listening to our cultural heritage which does not accept same sex relationships."

In his Christmas speech to Vatican officials on Thursday morning, Francis didnt mention the policy on blessings, but called for vigilance against rigid ideological positions that often, under the guise of good intentions, separate us from reality and prevent us from moving forward."

Francis has taken a conciliatory approach to LGBTQ people, without formally changing church teaching, which holds that gay acts are intrinsically disordered" and under no circumstances can they be approved." In 2021, he approved a Vatican statement prohibiting blessings on the grounds that God cannot bless sin," but he reversed the ban this year.

Catholic priests in Germany and some other northern European countries have for years held ceremonies to bless same-sex couples, in defiance of the Vaticans earlier ban.

In March, Germanys Catholic bishops voted in favor of adopting formal ceremonies to bless same-sex relationships. Bishop Georg Batzing, head of the German bishops conference, expressed gratitude for the new Vatican guidelines this week, even though they specify that blessings of gay couples must be spontaneous and not part of the official liturgy.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which largely opposes Francis liberalizing agenda, issued a terse response to Mondays guidelines from the Vatican, stressing that the document didnt change the churchs teaching on marriage.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minn., described the declaration as speaking about offering blessings to people who currently live outside of the way of life commanded by Jesus."

Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, one of the progressive minority in the U.S. episcopate, said: Here in the Archdiocese of Chicago, we welcome this declaration, which will help many more in our community feel the closeness and compassion of God."

Some Catholic prelates have warned that the issue could provoke a schism, or permanent split in the church, pointing to the more stark divergences over homosexuality in the Anglican Communion.

Conservative Anglican churches, including some in Africa that include nearly half of the worlds estimated 100 million Anglicans, have broken off relations with sister churches that espouse liberal teaching and practice on homosexuality, including the Episcopal Church in the U.S.

In February, a dozen leading Anglican archbishops, mostly from the global South, called for a break with the Church of England, the historical progenitor of the denomination, after it decided to allow the blessing of same-sex relationships.

Write to Francis X. Rocca at francis.rocca@wsj.com
The festive season of Christmas brings a wave of joy, warmth, and the cherished tradition of gift-giving. In this time of festivity, we often seek the perfect present that resonates with our loved ones' lives, one that fits within our budget yet doesn't skimp on quality. In today's technology-driven age, a smartphone is more than just a thoughtful gift; it's a window to a world of possibilities. Especially in a market conscious of price like India, finding a top-tier smartphone under 15,000, which balances cost and capability, is a true gem.

In the competitive world of smartphones, this price segment is crucial. These devices have evolved beyond mere tools for communication; they are integral to our daily lives, from capturing life's moments to streamlining tasks. Thus, selecting a smartphone as a gift requires considering what would enhance the recipient's day-to-day experience.

This article explores the best smartphones available under 15,000. We're looking at devices that offer not just affordability, but also a rich array of features. Whether you're in search of a phone with a top-notch camera for a family member who loves photography, a robust battery for a friend always on the move, or a device with an elegant design for someone with a keen eye for aesthetics, we have options for you. These smartphones are not only easy on the wallet; they come equipped with features that are on par with more expensive models.

Let's explore the top smartphones under 15,000 that stand out as ideal Christmas gifts. These gifts bring a touch of modernity, wrapped in the festive spirit, ensuring your loved ones feel cherished and connected in the best possible way.

1. Motorola E13 4G (Aurora Green, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)

The Motorola E13 4G in Aurora Green is a testament to the adage that good things come in budget-friendly packages, making it one of the best Christmas gift ideas for those who value both style and substance. Boasting an impressive 8GB RAM and a generous 128GB storage, expandable up to 1 terabyte, this device handles multitasking with ease. Its 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, offering a standard 60Hz refresh rate, presents a vibrant and clear viewing experience. Powered by the UNISOC T606 processor, the E13 4G promises reliable performance for everyday tasks. The face unlock feature, combined with IP52 water repellent design, adds to its practicality. Its camera capabilities, led by a 13MP rear camera, are sufficient for casual photography. The 5000mAh battery ensures prolonged usage, making it a thoughtful gift for someone always on the move.

Specifications of Motorola E13 4G:

RAM, ROM, and Expandable Memory: 8GB RAM, 128GB ROM, expandable up to 1TB.

Display: 6.5 inches HD+ IPS LCD.

Processor: UNISOC T606.

Battery: 5000mAh.

Camera: 13MP Rear Camera.

Additional Features: Face Unlock, IP52 Water Repellent.

Pros Cons Large storage and expandable memory Standard refresh rate display Durable design with water repellency Camera performance adequate for casual use

2. POCO M5 (6GB RAM, 128GB Storage)

The POCO M5 emerges as a standout choice for a Christmas gift, especially for those who appreciate a blend of power and design without stretching the budget. This device features a substantial 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, expandable up to 512GB, ensuring ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The 6.58-inch Full HD+ display provides crisp and vibrant visuals, ideal for media consumption. Photography enthusiasts will be delighted with its triple camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor, complemented by a depth sensor and macro sensor. Selfie lovers aren't left out either, thanks to an 8MP front camera. Powered by a Mediatek Helio G99 processor and backed by a 5000mAh battery, the POCO M5 balances performance with endurance, making it a smart choice for those seeking a capable yet affordable smartphone.

Specifications of POCO M5:

RAM and Storage: 6GB RAM, 128GB ROM, expandable up to 512GB.

Display: 6.58 inches Full HD+.

Camera: 50MP + 2MP Depth Sensor + 2MP Macro Sensor, 8MP Front Camera.

Battery: 5000mAh Lithium-ion Polymer.

Processor: Mediatek Helio G99.

Pros Cons High-resolution triple camera setup None Full HD+ display for enhanced visuals

3. realme narzo 60X 5G

Gifting the realme narzo 60X 5G could be a game-changer this Christmas for those in your life who crave speed and efficiency. Decked in a striking Nebula Purple, the phone is a style statement in itself. The device's key highlight, a 50MP AI Primary Camera, captures every detail with precision, making it a perfect fit for photography lovers. The 33W SUPERVOOC Charge technology is a boon for the busy and on-the-go, offering rapid charging capabilities. A large 5000mAh battery complements this, ensuring the phone keeps pace with demanding lifestyles. With 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, expandable up to 2TB, storage woes are a thing of the past. The phone's fast refresh display enhances the user experience, especially in gaming and video playback, making it a great choice for tech-savvy individuals.

Specifications of realme narzo 60X 5G:

RAM and Storage: 4GB RAM, 128GB ROM, expandable up to 2TB.

Camera: 50MP AI Primary Camera.

Battery: 5000mAh with 33W SUPERVOOC Charge.

Additional Features: Fast refresh display, side fingerprint unlock.

Pros Cons Rapid charging with SUPERVOOC technology Limited RAM for power users High-resolution camera for quality photography

4. Redmi 12 5G

The Redmi 12 5G in Moonstone Silver is a fitting Christmas gift for those who value both aesthetics and performance. With 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM, this phone provides smooth operation and ample storage for apps and media. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Mobile Platform ensures efficient performance, making it suitable for everyday use and light gaming. The 17.24cm FHD+ display with a 90Hz AdaptiveSync offers a fluid and immersive viewing experience, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The 50MP AI Dual camera system is a treat for photography enthusiasts, while the 8MP selfie camera caters well to casual photo needs. The 5000mAh battery, coupled with a 22.5W charger, provides good endurance and quick charging. With its sleek design and practical features, the Redmi 12 5G is an ideal gift for someone seeking a modern, feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank.

Specifications of Redmi 12 5G:

RAM and Storage: 4GB RAM, 128GB ROM.

Display: 17.24cm FHD+ 90Hz AdaptiveSync, Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Camera: 50MP AI Dual camera, 8MP Selfie camera.

Battery: 5000mAh with 22.5W charger.

Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Mobile Platform.

Pros Cons High-refresh-rate FHD+ display 4GB RAM may be limiting for heavy multitasking Strong battery life with fast charging

Also read: Christmas gifting guide: 8 best Bluetooth speakers to gift this season

5. realme narzo N53 (Feather Black, 8GB+128GB)

The realme narzo N53, presented in a sleek Feather Black, is a top choice for a Christmas gift, especially for those who appreciate a blend of elegance and performance. Its 8GB RAM and 128GB storage capacity offer smooth multitasking and abundant space for personal content. The 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging is a standout feature, ensuring quick power-ups and minimizing downtime. The phone's slim design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances handling comfort. Photography enthusiasts will be captivated by the high-resolution 50MP AI camera, perfect for capturing detailed and vibrant images. The 90Hz smooth display enhances the viewing experience, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. Coupled with a massive 5000mAh battery, the realme narzo N53 stands out as a practical and stylish gift option.

Specifications of realme narzo N53:

RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB ROM.

Camera: 50MP AI camera.

Battery: 5000mAh with 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging.

Display: 90Hz smooth display.

Design: Slim and sleek with Feather Black finish.

Pros Cons Fast charging with 33W SUPERVOOC Not the fastest processor High-resolution camera for quality photos

6. Samsung Galaxy M13 (Aqua Green, 4GB, 64GB Storage)

This Christmas, consider the Samsung Galaxy M13 in Aqua Green as a gift for those who value brand reliability and solid performance. The phone's 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage, expandable up to 1TB, provide sufficient space for everyday use. Its standout feature is the 6000mAh battery, offering extended usage without frequent charging, ideal for those always on the move. The Galaxy M13's triple camera setup, with a 50MP main sensor, ensures good photographic capabilities. The 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display offers clear and bright visuals, enhancing the user experience. The device's Android 12 operating system, combined with a powerful Octa-Core processor, ensures smooth operation. The Samsung Galaxy M13, with its durable build and practical features, is an excellent gift choice for anyone looking for a dependable smartphone.

Specifications of Samsung Galaxy M13:

RAM and Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, expandable up to 1TB.

Camera: 50MP+5MP+2MP Triple camera setup, 8MP front camera.

Battery: 6000mAh.

Display: 6.6 inches FHD+ LCD.

Processor: Octa-Core.

Pros Cons Massive 6000mAh battery for long usage Limited RAM for advanced multitasking Good camera setup for the price range

7. Redmi 12C

The Redmi 12C in Matte Black is an ideal Christmas gift for those seeking a blend of style and substance at an affordable price. Its 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, further expandable, ensure adequate performance for daily tasks. The MediaTek Helio G85 processor provides a smooth experience, particularly noticeable in casual gaming and multimedia use. The 17cm HD+ display, coupled with a 5000mAh battery, offers a balanced mix of visual clarity and battery longevity. The 50MP AI Dual camera is a notable feature, allowing for decent photography in various lighting conditions. With additional features like dual-band WiFi for better connectivity and an oleophobic coating for durability, the Redmi 12C stands out as a practical choice for those looking for a reliable yet budget-friendly smartphone.

Specifications of Redmi 12C:

RAM and Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, expandable.

Camera: 50MP AI Dual camera, 5MP Selfie camera.

Battery: 5000mAh.

Display: 17cm HD+.

Processor: MediaTek Helio G85.

Pros Cons Capable processor for smooth operation HD+ resolution might be underwhelming for some Long-lasting battery life

Also read: 10 best Christmas gift ideas: Choose from wide range of earphones and headphones

8. Redmi 13C

The Redmi 13C in Stardust Black is a delightful Christmas gift for anyone seeking a blend of functionality and style. Its 4GB RAM, supplemented by 128GB storage, caters to the needs of the average user. The MediaTek Helio G85 processor ensures smooth operation, suitable for everyday tasks and casual gaming. The 6.74-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate offers a fluid visual experience, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The 50MP AI Triple camera setup is a boon for photography enthusiasts, allowing for versatile shooting in various conditions. With a 5000mAh battery, the Redmi 13C promises extended usage, ideal for users who are frequently on the go. Its design, combined with practical features, makes it an attractive gift choice for those who value a good balance between performance and aesthetics.

Specifications of Redmi 13C:

RAM and Storage: 4GB RAM, 128GB ROM.

Display: 6.74 inches HD+ 90Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Camera: 50MP AI Triple camera.

Battery: 5000mAh.

Processor: MediaTek Helio G85.

Pros Cons High-refresh-rate display for smooth visuals HD+ resolution may not appeal to all Versatile triple camera setup

9. Samsung Galaxy M04

The Samsung Galaxy M04 in Light Green is an excellent Christmas gift choice for those who prioritize brand reliability and efficient performance. Equipped with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, expandable to meet higher demands, it's a practical option for everyday use. The MediaTek Helio P35 processor delivers decent performance, handling daily tasks with ease. The 6.5-inch HD+ display provides clear and vibrant visuals, enhancing the overall user experience. The camera setup, featuring a 13MP dual camera system, is capable of capturing good quality photos in various lighting conditions. The 5000mAh battery ensures that the phone lasts through the day, making it suitable for users with active lifestyles. The Samsung Galaxy M04 combines essential features with the trusted Samsung brand quality, making it a thoughtful and valuable gift.

Specifications of Samsung Galaxy M04:

RAM and Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, expandable.

Camera: 13MP Dual camera setup, 5MP front camera.

Battery: 5000mAh.

Display: 6.5 inches HD+ LCD.

Processor: MediaTek Helio P35.

Pros Cons Reliable performance for daily use Camera setup may be basic for some users Long-lasting battery life HD+ resolution might be limited for some

10. Redmi A2 (Sea Green, 2GB RAM, 64GB Storage)

The Redmi A2 in Sea Green is a charming and budget-friendly Christmas gift, perfect for those seeking a simple yet functional smartphone. With 2GB RAM and 64GB storage, it's well-suited for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media. The MediaTek Helio G36 processor provides adequate performance for light use. The 6.5-inch HD+ display, while not the highest resolution, offers clear visuals for everyday media consumption. The 8MP dual camera setup caters to basic photography needs, and the 5MP front camera is sufficient for casual selfies. The 5000mAh battery is a significant feature, providing ample power for a day's usage. The Redmi A2 is an ideal choice for first-time smartphone users or those who prefer a no-frills, easy-to-use device.

Specifications of Redmi A2:

RAM and Storage: 2GB RAM, 64GB Storage, expandable.

Camera: 8MP Dual camera, 5MP Front camera.

Battery: 5000mAh.

Display: 6.5 inches HD+.

Processor: MediaTek Helio G36.

Pros Cons Suitable for basic tasks and light use Limited RAM may restrict multitasking Long battery life for extended use Basic camera setup

Best 3 features for you

Product Name Feature 1 Feature 2 Feature 3 Motorola E13 4G (Aurora Green) 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage 6.5-inch IPS LCD Display 5000mAh Battery POCO M5 50MP Triple Camera Setup 6.58-inch Full HD+ Display Mediatek Helio G99 Processor realme narzo 60X 5G (Nebula Purple) 50MP AI Primary Camera 33W SUPERVOOC Charge Fast Refresh Display Redmi 12 5G (Moonstone Silver) Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Platform 17.24cm FHD+ 90Hz Display 5000mAh Battery realme narzo N53 (Feather Black) 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage 33W SUPERVOOC Charging 90 Hz Smooth Display Samsung Galaxy M13 (Aqua Green) 6000mAh Battery 50MP Triple Camera Setup 16.72cm FHD+ LCD Display Redmi 12C (Matte Black) MediaTek Helio G85 Processor 17cm HD+ Display 50MP AI Dual Camera Redmi 13C (Stardust Black) MediaTek Helio G85 Processor 6.74-inch HD+ 90Hz Display 50MP AI Triple Camera Samsung Galaxy M04 (Light Green) MediaTek Helio P35 Processor 13MP Dual Camera Setup 5000mAh Battery Redmi A2 (Sea Green) MediaTek Helio G36 Processor 6.5-inch HD+ Display 5000mAh Battery

Best value for money

The POCO M5 stands out as the best value for money in this segment. It offers a robust 50MP triple camera setup, ideal for photography enthusiasts. The 6.58-inch Full HD+ display ensures vivid and crisp visuals, enhancing the user experience. Coupled with the powerful Mediatek Helio G99 processor, it provides smooth performance, whether it's for gaming or multitasking. All these features, packed into an affordable price point, make the POCO M5 an excellent choice for those seeking high-end features without a hefty price tag.

Best overall product

The best overall product in this category is the realme narzo N53. It boasts an impressive combination of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, ensuring smooth performance and ample space. The 33W SUPERVOOC charging technology is a significant advantage, offering rapid charging capabilities. The 90Hz smooth display enhances the viewing and gaming experience. This phone is not just about specifications; its sleek design and Feather Black finish add to its appeal. The realme narzo N53 strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics, performance, and features, making it an outstanding choice in this price range.

How to find the right smartphone under  15,000?

Finding the right smartphone under 15,000 involves considering several key factors. Firstly, prioritize your needs: whether it's camera quality, battery life, performance, or display. For photography enthusiasts, a phone with a high-resolution camera and good image processing should be a priority. If battery life is crucial, look for phones with a battery capacity of 5000mAh or more. Performance-oriented users should focus on processors and RAM, especially for gaming or heavy multitasking.

Next, consider the brand and after-sales service. A reliable brand with a good track record in updates and customer service adds value. Also, look at the software experience - a clean, user-friendly interface can significantly enhance daily usage.

Finally, read reviews and watch comparison videos. Real-world usage reviews provide insights that spec sheets cannot. This comprehensive approach will help you make an informed decision, ensuring you get the best smartphone for your needs within the 15,000 budget.

FAQs

Question : What should I prioritize when choosing a smartphone under 15,000?

Ans : Prioritize based on your primary usage: camera quality for photography, battery life for extended usage, processor and RAM for performance, and display quality for media consumption.

Question : Are smartphones under 15,000 good for gaming?

Ans : Yes, many smartphones under 15,000 offer decent performance for casual gaming. Look for devices with a powerful processor and adequate RAM.

Question : Can I expect a good camera in this price range?

Ans : Absolutely. Many smartphones under 15,000 come with impressive camera setups, including high-resolution sensors and multiple camera features.

Question : How important is battery life in this segment?

Ans : Battery life is crucial, especially for heavy users. Look for phones with at least a 5000mAh battery to ensure it lasts through a day of extensive use.

Question : Should I consider brand value when buying a budget smartphone?

Ans : Yes, choosing a reputable brand can ensure better quality, software updates, and after-sales service, which are important aspects of your smartphone experience.

Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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WELLS  A man and young woman on the lam since a Tuesday morning police chase were captured the following day with the help of an anonymous caller who spotted the pair along Interstate 80, Undersheriff Justin Ames said on Thursday morning.

Travis Weatherly, 32, of Fort Bragg, California; and Kaylee Covell, 23, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, were jailed following the two-day search, which began after a stolen 2023 Ford F150 pickup they were in was reported in Wells on Tuesday morning, Ames said.

A deputy responding to the the call, spotted the pickup and tried to pull it over. Instead, the driver took off and led the deputy and others on a chase along Interstate 80 and SR 230.

The pickup eventually drove across a field, crossed the interstate, crashed through a DOT fence and eventually had to stop when a tire and wheel were damaged, authorities said. The pair took off on foot and hid from the subsequent search for over a day.

The deputys vehicle also sustained damage in the chase, Ames said.

The sheriffs office, Ames said, deployed the Elko Combined SWAT unit after the two were spotted near mile marker 336 on Wednesday. A drone was used in the search. Nevada State Police were the first to reach the location, Ames said.

Weatherly and Covell initially were in the stolen pickup, which was reported out of Wyoming, Ames said.

Ames said the initial investigation determined Weatherly took off from the initial deputy in Wells because he had a revoked driver license and was driving without an interlock device mandated by a previous DUI.

He was charged on Wednesday with felony counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, destruction of private property, felony eluding a police officer and obstructing. His bail was set at $201,280.

Covell was charged with obstructing an officer.

Its likely theyll be out of jail before Christmas, though Ames said Wyoming authorities were working on charges and might take Weatherly into custody upon his release in Nevada.

Ames said tips had been phoned in through about midnight Tuesday and then picked up again on Wednesday.

One of those tips, reporting them along the interstate at mile marker 336, proved correct, he said.

We got a tip. Im not even sure from who, he said. We kept getting tips from all areas.
Hamilton County Superintendent Justin Robertson speaks with state Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds, Hamilton County Schools Chief Strategy Officer Shannon Moody and Hamilton County Schools Deputy Superintendent Sonia Stewart. The Tennessee Department of Education hosted a public town hall Aug. 29 to receive input on the school letter grading system that launches later this year.
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Crime

By Long Island Published: December 20 2023

Police responded to a 911 call reporting an intoxicated and suicidal man with a handgun inside a home.

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating after a man shot at police and then killed himself at his Lake Ronkonkoma home this morning.

Police responded to a 911 call reporting an intoxicated and suicidal man with a handgun inside a home, located at 26 Wiggins St., at 8:58 a.m. Shortly after police arrival, Pedro Laureano, a resident of the home, exited the house and exchanged gunfire with an officer. The man retreated and barricaded himself in the home.

A short while later, police heard gunshots and Emergency Service Section officers made entry into the home where they found Laureano, 55, dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York (USAO-NDNY) Carla Freedman today announced they have secured $656,000 in a settlement with Chaim Mutty Scheinbaum, an unlicensed operator of the Saratoga Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care (Saratoga Center) for years of fraud and resident neglect. From 2017 to 2021, Scheinbaum operated the nursing home without a license from the state, in violation of New York law. Under his control, conditions at Saratoga Center rapidly declined. The facility lacked hot water and clean linens, and residents suffered falls, pressure sores, and other significant lapses in care. Todays settlement follows four prior settlements as part of a resolution in February 2023 with Saratoga Centers owners, a second unlicensed operator, and the facilitys landlord, for over $7.1 million. As part of the settlement, Scheinbaum will return $656,000 to Medicaid, with $393,600 going to New York. Every resident of New Yorks nursing homes deserves high-quality care and proper staffing to meet their needs, said Attorney General James. Rather than ensure vulnerable residents got the care they deserved, this individual mismanaged Saratoga Centers finances and failed to adequately staff the facility, causing residents to suffer the consequences of neglect and unsanitary conditions. I want to thank United States Attorney Carla Freedman and our partners in law enforcement for their assistance in bringing this unacceptable situation to light and to justice. My office will continue to ensure nursing home residents are protected, and I encourage anyone who has witnessed alarming conditions, resident neglect, or abuse at a nursing home to contact my office. Nursing homes should protect the health and well-being of every resident, said U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman for the Northern District of New York. That did not happen at Saratoga Center. An individual with no lawful authority controlled the finances and failed to pay vendors. This unlawful arrangement resulted in false claims to Medicaid for worthless services. We will continue to hold responsible people accountable when they receive federal funds while providing substandard care. Thank you to Attorney General James and her office for collaborating on this case. Saratoga Center operated as a 257-bed nursing home from 2015 until it closed in 2021. In 2017, the landlord pressured the owners to relinquish control of Saratoga Center to unlicensed operators, including Scheinbaum, but did not report the change to the Department of Health (DOH). The conditions at Saratoga Center declined under the control of the new, unlicensed operators, leading to a breakdown in the quality of care provided to residents. From when they took over in 2017 to when Saratoga Center closed in 2021, Scheinbaum and the other unlicensed operator mismanaged the nursing homes finances and failed to adequately staff the facility, causing residents to suffer the consequences. The investigation revealed that residents at Saratoga Center experienced excessive and unnecessary falls and injuries, including the development of pressure sores that went untreated. Under the management of Scheinbaum, Saratoga Center also failed to: Maintain consistent and reliable hot water throughout the facility;

Properly maintain the fire alarm system;

Keep a sufficient stock of clean bed linens for residents; and

Manage trash and waste removal in a timely fashion, subjecting residents to unsanitary and unhealthy conditions. Scheinbaum and the other operators then billed New Yorks Medicaid program for services provided to the residents. However, as the investigation revealed, these were claims for worthless services, and amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars of fraudulent claims. Under New York law, owners of nursing homes have a special obligation to ensure the highest possible quality of life for residents, and to staff the facility at a level sufficient to provide adequate care. Nursing home operators are also prohibited from delegating key duties to other individuals who have not been approved as operators by DOH. In 2018, both DOH and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) fined Saratoga Center for serious deficiencies and violations, and in 2019, CMS designated Saratoga Center a Special Focus Facility, signifying it was among the poorest performing nursing homes in the country. The parties to the settlement announced today are Chaim Scheinbaum, Alliance NJ Care LLC, and Alliance HC II LLC, the entities through which Scheinbaum conducted business. Under the settlements, Scheinbaum will pay $656,000 to Medicaid, of which $393,600 will go directly to New York state. The remaining $262,400 will be paid to the federal government. Attorney General James has been investigating nursing homes throughout New York based on concerns of resident neglect and other unacceptable conduct, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2021, Attorney General James released a report revealing that many nursing homes were ill-equipped and ill-prepared to deal with the pandemic crisis because of poor staffing levels, which resulted in a lack of compliance with infection control protocols and increased risk to residents. In November and December 2022 and June 2023, Attorney General James filed four special proceedings against skilled nursing facilities and their owners due to findings of repeated and persistent fraud, resident neglect, and false and misleading representations to DOH. These facilities include: The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Orleans County, Fulton Commons Care Center in Nassau County, Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Nassau County, and four Centers Healthcare facilities throughout New York state. Attorney General James encourages anyone with information or concerns about alarming nursing home conditions, or resident abuse or neglect, to file a confidential complaint online or call the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) Toll-Free Tip Line 1-866-697-3444, option 1. The investigation and settlements were the result of a coordinated effort among OAG, USAO-NDNY, the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). Attorney General James thanks USAO-NDNY, DOJ, HHS-OIG, and DOH for their partnership and assistance. The MFCU investigation was conducted by Detective Supervisor John Benshoff under the supervision of Deputy Chief, Commanding Officer William Falk, with Principal Auditor-Investigator Cheryl Abraham and Senior Auditor-Investigator Nathaniel J. Wood, both under the supervision of Regional Chief Auditor Sarah Finning, and with assistance from Medical Analyst Stephanie Keyser, R.N. The settlements were handled for MFCU by Special Assistant Attorney General Emily Auletta of the Civil Enforcement Division, under the supervision of Deputy Chief of Civil Enforcement Konrad Payne. The MFCU Albany Regional Office is led by Albany Regional Director Kathleen Boland and the Civil Enforcement Division is led by Chief Alee N. Scott. MFCU is led by Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul J. Mahoney. MFCU is a part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. New York MFCUs total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 is $68,997,928. Of that total, 75 percent, or $51,748,448, is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $17,249,480 for FY 2024, is funded by New York state. Through MFCUs recoveries in law enforcement actions, it regularly returns more to the state than it receives in state funding.
Hempstead Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Role in Narcotics Trafficking Ring

Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: December 21 2023

Darren Devane helped run Hempstead drug ring; 400 grams of Fentanyl seized in 2019.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Hempstead man was sentenced today to 22 years in prison for his role in a violent drug ring operating in Hempstead.

Darren Devane, a/k/a Buck, 37, was convicted after a jury trial before Judge Terence Murphy of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (an A-I felony); three counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (an A-II felony); eight counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a B felony); Conspiracy in the Second Degree (a B felony) and two counts of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (an E felony). The defendant was acquitted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a B felony) and one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a B felony).

The trial started on September 11, 2023, and the jury delivered their verdict on October 2, 2023.

Devane was sentenced today to 22 years in prison and five years post release supervision.

Darren Devane and his narcotics trafficking ring funneled more than 400 grams of fentanyl into Hempstead  enough for 150,000 potentially fatal doses, said DA Donnelly. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to take down these criminal operations and stop this poison from reaching our streets.

DA Donnelly said that, according to the indictment and investigation, beginning in April 2019, members of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) Long Island Firearms Task Force, FBI, and NCDA began an investigation into a drug ring that operated in and around 100 Terrace Avenue in Hempstead.

Devane was one of the ringleaders of an eight-person drug ring and business partner to Ricky Jackson, an inmate at FMC Devens Federal Prison in Massachusetts.

On September 15, 2019, Devane arranged to pick up 100 grams of Fentanyl from Jacksons girlfriend, Angelique White, and sell it on his behalf.

NCDA investigators and members of the FBI intercepted and seized the drugs and searched Whites apartment the next day, finding an additional 300 grams of Fentanyl.

In total, the 400 grams of seized fentanyl represents 150,000 potentially fatal overdoses.

The defendant also instructed his pregnant girlfriend, Shariah Usher, to conduct a drug deal involving 100 grams of cocaine on his behalf as he stood nearby and personally sold cocaine in amounts of 20 grams twice and 50 grams on separate occasions.

Devane, a Bloods gang member, also directed the sale of cocaine to numerous individuals in the Hempstead area.

It is believed that the drug ring packaged and sold approximately $10,000 worth of cocaine a week.

Jackson pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and was sentenced to 15 years in prison on January 13, 2020.

Usher pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years probation on July 27, 2020.

White pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years probation on February 10, 2020.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: December 21 2023

Defendants Dennis Ray and Tyrell Guthrie allegedly robbed and beat Jose Osma behind Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Hempstead in April 2022.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Roosevelt man was arraigned today on murder charges for allegedly beating a man outside a Hempstead restaurant. The victim died from his injuries a year after the attack.

Dennis Ray, a/k/a Midnight, 62, was arraigned before Judge Howard Sturim on a charge of Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony). The defendant pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on January 11, 2024.

The defendant was previously indicted in July 2022 on two counts of Assault in the First Degree (a B violent felony), two counts of Robbery in the First Degree (a B violent felony), two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree (a C violent felony), three counts of Assault in the Second Degree (a D violent felony), Robbery in the Third Degree (a D felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (a D felony), Assault in the Third Degree (an A misdemeanor), and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (an A misdemeanor). The two indictments were consolidated today.

Ray faces a potential maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Co-defendant Tyrell Guthrie pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree (a B violent felony) on November 9, 2023. This defendant is expected to be sentenced to 18 years in prison on his next court date of January 17, 2024.

Jose Osma was brutally beaten during a robbery in April 2022, and both of his orbital sockets were left concaved after the attack allegedly committed by these defendants, DA Donnelly said. Thanks to a Good Samaritan, Mr. Osma was found eight hours later and taken to the hospital. Remarkably, he survived multiple brain surgeries, but sadly passed away earlier this year. The Osma family deserves justice and we will hold these defendants accountable for their alleged actions.

DA Donnelly said that, according to the indictment and investigation, on April 22, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Tyrell Guthrie and Dennis Ray, allegedly during the course of a robbery, brutally beat Jose Osma in the rear of 162 Fulton Avenue  a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant  in Hempstead.

The 59-year-old victim was discovered by a passerby at approximately 7:00 a.m. the following morning. Osma, who lived in Copiague, had no identification or personal property on him, and was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state with numerous skull and orbital fractures.

Osmas family filed a missing persons report in Suffolk County, and he was eventually discovered on April 24, 2022, at NYU Langone Hospital  Long Island (formerly Winthrop Hospital) where he was listed as a John Doe.

Guthrie was arrested near the scene by members of the Nassau County Police Department with the victims blood on his clothing. Ray was arrested on May 7, 2022, by members of the NCPD.

Osma slipped into and out of a coma several times after the assault and underwent five separate brain surgeries. Ultimately, Osma succumbed to his injuries on April 30, 2023, approximately a year after the attack.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Stefanie Palma of the Homicide Bureau and Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Grasso. Ray is represented by Joseph Lo Piccolo, Esq. Guthrie is represented by David Haber, Esq.
Chinese customs inspect Vietnamese watermelons at Huu Nghi Quan border gate (Guangxi). (Photo: nhandan.vn)

On December 15, Chinas General Administration of Customs issued a notice on plant quarantine requirements for watermelon imported from Vietnam. Accordingly, Vietnamese fresh watermelon products that meet official quarantine requirements can be exported to the Chinese market.

The announcement said that the export of Vietnamese watermelon products to China is based on regulations on plant quarantine requirements reached between the Chinas General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam.

At the request of Chinese authorities, Vietnamese watermelon products must strictly comply with management and supervision processes before export, including requirements on field management and packaging facility management, testing and quarantine before export.

The fresh watermelon permitted to enter the Chinese market must come from the cultivation and processing establishments registering with the MARD. Meanwhile, the GACC will verify the list of businesses provided by Vietnamese authorities and regularly update the list on its website.

Chinese statistics show that considerable room remains for agricultural cooperation between the two countries, whose trade in farm produce has been growing continuously. In Jan-Dec 2023, China imported 44.62 billion CNY (nearly 6.3 billion USD) worth of Vietnams agricultural products, up 20.3% year on year./.
Arts & Culture

By Lon Cohen Published: December 20 2023

The cherished 1970 and original 1966 versions of the iconic WPIX Yule Log will be shown on Christmas, a beloved annual tradition with the enduring warmth of the fireplace footage captivating audiences since 1970.

PIX11 News says it will showcase the 1970 WPIX Yule Log footage on Christmas from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., alongside the original 1966 version airing from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m this year. Both renditions of the holiday classic can also be streamed on PIX11.com/live.

The globally acclaimed WPIX Yule Log has become a cherished annual tradition, synonymous with holiday celebrations for families.

Debuting in full color on Dec. 24, 1966, at 9:30 p.m. on WPIX Channel 11 in New York City, the Yule Log has evolved into an enduring symbol of festive warmth.

Filmed in 1966 on 16-millimeter film at Gracie Mansion, the residence of then-Mayor John Lindsay, the original footage underwent a 1970 re-shoot on state-of-the-art 35-millimeter film due to wear. A mishap during the initial shoot, where a protective screen was removed, resulted in damage to an antique rug at Gracie Mansion, necessitating a change in location.

A matching fireplace was eventually discovered in Palo Alto, California, prompting a crew to conduct the re-shoot. This time, a flawless 7-minute loop was captured, showcasing the fire at its peak. Since 1970, this iconic fireplace footage has enthralled audiences in the tri-state area and beyond.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: December 21 2023

Christopher Terranova, a New York City police officer, is accused of attempting to exploit children and coercion and enticement of a minor.

A four-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Christopher Terranova, a New York City police officer, with attempting to exploit children and coercion and enticement of a minor. In at least one instance, Terranova is alleged to have used his position as a police officer to gain access to a victim who had previously been the victim of a crime. Terranova was arrested this morning and will be arraigned later today before United States Magistrate Judge Marcia M. Henry.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.

The defendant allegedly preyed upon vulnerable youth in the same community he was sworn to protect, stated United States Attorney Peace. Protecting minors from those who violate their position of trust will always be a priority of this Office. I urge parents and caregivers to have conversations with their children about the dangers of communicating online with strangers and individuals who seek to exploit them.

Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department's Internal Affairs Bureau and the Richmond County District Attorneys Office for its significant cooperation and assistance during the investigation.

The FBI takes crimes against children seriouslyeven more so when it involves someone who took an oath to serve and protect, and whom the public holds to a higher standard, stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. The damage done by Terranovas alleged depravity will likely outlast any punishment he ultimately receives. The FBI is dedicated to doing the work to restore public faith in law enforcement when individuals attempt to use the badge to hide their illegal behavior. We thank the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this case.

As set forth in the indictment and other court documents, Terranova is charged with using social media to engage in sexually explicit conversations with underage boys and attempting to entice those victims into taking sexually explicit photographs of themselves and sharing them with the defendant. Terranova used popular social media applications, such as Snapchat, to message with underage boys whom he encountered socially or through his job as a police officer. After establishing a relationship with the boys, Terranova solicited them for nude photographs. On at least one occasion, in the guise of giving a boy a ride home from a party, Terranova brought the boy to a secluded location where he directed the victim to engage in sex acts with him.

Between March 2023 and May 2023, the defendant targeted a 15-year-old boy (John Doe 3) who was the victim of a robbery. After viewing John Doe 3s personal information in an NYPD database, Terranova messaged the victims personal phone under the pretense of checking on him after the robbery. The defendant wrote, its Chris Terranova the cop you met at the 121 [Precinct] that day with mom, i just wanted to reach out to see if you were doing ok after the incident, I hate seeing these things happen to good Guys like yourself. Terranova then connected with John Doe 3 via social media and attempted to engage him in conversation about sexual activity and pornography. After sending John Doe 3 a sexually explicit photograph of himself, Terranova messaged the victim: See its nothing[.] Your turn[.]

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 212-384-1000.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Terranova faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
NCPD: Jamaica Man Arrested After Allegedly Bilking Disabled 9/11 Victim, Widow Out of Tens of Thousands of Dollars

Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: December 21 2023

Richard Yasnis, 42, with the intent to defraud, identified himself as a licensed investment advisor and a legitimate representative of Cahill Financial Group, cops say.

The Major Case Bureau reports an Arrest for a Grand Larceny that occurred on Monday, July 31, 2023 in Locust Valley.

According to Fraud and Forgery Detectives, Defendant Richard Yasnis, 42, of 8850 179th Street Apt. 1a Jamaica with the intent to defraud did identify himself as a licensed investment advisor and a legitimate representative of Cahill Financial Group.

Defendant Yasnis did receive approximately $79,000.00 USC from a disabled female victim, 53, which was awarded to her from the 911 Victims Compensation Fund.

The Defendant also received approximately $88,000.00 USC from a second female victim, 77, who cashed in a deceased husbands life insurance policy.

The victims believed their funds would be legitimately invested in real estate and stocks. The Defendant refused to provide documentation and ceased all communication.
Members of Israels IDF 99th Division forces operate in Gaza. (IDF)

Hamas in Gaza fired several large barrages of rockets at Israel on December 21 as Hezbollah in Lebanon targeted the northern Israeli community of Avivim with anti-tank missiles. While most civilians have been evacuated from border communities, this attack by Hezbollah still managed to cause damage to Avivim. The rocket fire from Gaza did not cause any casualties, but it does mark an increase in rocket fire following a day and a half of relative quiet.

The rocket fire came amid discussions of another possible pause in fighting and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. While discussions about a potential deal increased in the last five days, reports on December 21 said that Hamas rejected a deal for a weeklong ceasefire because they want a longer pause. The last pause in fighting from November 24 to December 1 ended when Hamas violated the agreement and resumed rocket fire.

The IDF said on December 21 that it had expanded operations inside Gaza. This comes after more than two weeks of fighting in Khan Yunis and as battles in Shujaiya and Jabalya have degraded Hamas battalions. According to The Jerusalem Post, more than 500 terrorists have been eliminated and 1,000 arrested from fighting in Jabalya. In northern Gaza, counter-terrorism forces from the elite Lotar unit were also involved fighting Hamas in Beit Hanoun. According to a report from the IDF and footage released on the evening of December 21, the unit was involved in battles in Shujaiya operating with the IDFs 188th armored brigade. The IDF taps elite units like this for assistance in eliminating Hamas terrorists in operations complicated by the nature of the urban environment, such as securing tunnel shafts.

In northern Israel, in addition to the anti-tank missiles fired at Avivim, there were several rocket launches. The IDF said that an aircraft struck Hezbollah infrastructure overnight between December 20 and 21. A more complex series of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah developed during the day on December 21. A number of launches toward the areas of Dovev, Avivim, and Har Dov in northern Israel were identified earlier today. In response, the IDF struck the sources of the fire, the IDF noted. Two Israeli civilians were lightly injured as a result of the launches toward the area of Dovev. In addition, a number of launches toward the area of Arab al-Aramshe were identified, which did not cross into Israeli territory. In response, an IAF aircraft struck the terrorist cell who carried out the launches, the IDF said. A number of drones were also used by Hezbollah on December 21. The numerous incidents reflect an escalation in the north that also coincided with Hamas rocket fire from Gaza targeting Ashdod, Ashkelon and central Israel. The rocket fire occurred in two salvos over a five minute period.

Israels President Isaac Herzog met with the President of the French Senate, Gerard Larcher, at the Presidents Residence in Jerusalem, according to a statement from Herzogs office. This war is a war against a lunatic terrorist organization, similar to ISIS, which led a sick, barbaric, sadistic campaign on 7 October. Since then, every day we learn of the never-ending tragedies and pain, Herzog said. We are fighting a war for the entire Western world, the entire free world. This is a war we didnt want, it was forced upon us, and it was forced upon us by burning our citizens, cutting off their heads, raping our wives and daughters, and kidnapping our children and elders, he went on to note. He also stressed that Israel was providing Gaza with a dramatic increase in humanitarian aid. This now includes between 300 and 400 trucks entering Gaza each day, he said.

The clashes on the northern front and expanded operations in Gaza came a day after Israel Defense Minister visited the Israeli Navys Saar 6 corvette off the coast of Eilat. The visit occurred amid tensions in the Red Sea and the US announcement this week of a new maritime force to provide security for ships. The threat to freedom of navigation in the Straits of Bab al-Mandab, two thousand kilometers from the State of Israel, is not only a threat on traffic to Israel, but also to international freedom of navigation in waters belonging to all countries, Gallant said, according to a statement from his spokesperson. We will not tolerate threats against the State of Israel. If they continue to provoke us, try to attack Eilat with missiles or by other means, we will know what to do, he said. He also thanked the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for establishing the multinational force tasked with ensuring freedom of navigation for all, in the Strait of Bab al Mandab.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the acting news editor and senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
(Alliance News) - French unions on Thursday announced the end of a wildcat strike that paralysed train travel through the Channel tunnel between France and Britain, saying the route would shortly reopen.

"The crisis Eurotunnel industrial action is coming to an end... Channel tunnel activity will resume this evening," said union delegate Franck Herent, citing negotiations with management that "bore results that satisfy us".

source: AFP

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
BENNINGTON  As a boy, my eyes always misted up at the end of Frank Capras 1946 silver screen Christmas classic, Its a Wonderful Life.

So when I recently took in the Bennington Players 2023 rendition of Joe Landrys highly-regarded 1996 stage version, Its a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play  which I had seen before performed by Equity companies  the jaded journalist in me expected a bit more schmaltz.

Silly me. I should have never doubted that the shows director, the inimitable Amy Gaither, would get something far more out of this community troupes inaugural production. The musical director was Matt Music Man Edwards, and stage manager was J. David Moore.

Eh, forget the schmaltz; those vibes are endemic to productions of the actual period. But Mr. Landry wrote something very different, and Ms. Gaither molded her deeply talented cast and crew to deliver the goods, and then some.

The story is familiar, of do-gooder George Bailey from the tiny savings and loan, standing up to the One Percenter Grinch Mr. Henry F. Potter, of the powerful bank and business conglomerate.

Their dueling, in postcard-perfect Bedford Falls N.Y., is framed by the loyalty and love of Mary Bailey, Georges wife, and the bumbling of Uncle Billy Bailey, the timely intervention of the guardian angel Clarence Oddbody, as well as countless loyal villagers  many of whom are immigrants  who owe their chance at the American Dream to the Bailey Savings and Loan.

What is different is the point of view. We do not see the actual story, per se, but rather radio actors, all playing multiple parts of the original tale, portray it in what can only be described as a feast for the senses. In words, that may seem like splitting hairs, but on stage, the difference is stark  and exciting.

As such, we are taken to Studio A of station WBFR in New York City, in 1945. The principal roles, among many others, are all radio actors of the era, Jake Laurents (played by Tony Malikowski), Lana Sherwood (Kim Johnson-Turner), Freddie Filmore (sxr gripp), Sally Applewhite (Erika Floriani) and Harry Jazzbo Heywood (David Samuels). Mary Jo Greco was a clever local insertion to the cast by Don Cingrani, as Foley Girl and stage manager, a gadfly, laugh inducer, and ersatz Greek chorus all rolled into one.

The show ran about 90 minutes with no intermission, and its raucous, standing ovation said all there was to say of the six onstage actors.

Richard Howes set was a brilliant amalgamation of backdrops and props. It was beautifully complemented by Kaiya Kirks sound, and Cory Wheats lights.

The period sense was enhanced by the costumes of Starr Nachman, and Edwards added much gusto with his lively piano performance. Following a path to excellence, Moore did justice to the Herculean task of stage managing this play, all while Amanda Bierbauers technical assistance nicely complemented the entire production.

In this same vein, Ms. Gaither sat transfixed in the front edge of house left, taking mental notes and offering evident encouragement and confidence to her charges with her expressiveness, smiles and applause.

It was no surprise, then, that the effort her actors put into their performance was superb, and the results, spectacular. After the show, in the lobby, I ran into a friend who had also attended and noted one of the great strengths of this play in a way I had never considered.

Ive seen the movie dozens of times. And yet, this is the first Ive been able to clearly understand certain underlying elements about the story that I took for granted, or that were lost to me.

Once I digested this statement, everything about Its a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play  this time at the hand of a very professional amateur cohort  made sense.

This wasnt just a few talented actors standing at microphones and emoting. What Ms. Gaithers cast and crew succeeded at was making this like a 1940s radio play, when families sat around the wireless waiting for their favorite stories  and their imaginations  to come to life.

And in doing that, it makes us look past the 1940s era schmaltz to what lies at the heart of the human condition  and ultimately, how to make the world a better place, with the family at its core (however we choose to define that unit):

Empathy. Compassion. Selflessness. Generosity. Moral Courage. Duty. Love.

Despite our flaws, faults and frailties, these values are not just steeped in the history of this nation and its people, but are also quintessentially human.

As are their opposites. And here is where the Bennington Players version of this play  their inaugural production under the aegis of the newly minted Bennington Theater  really makes us look inward first, and then again outward to see how, even in small ways, we all can be better people, better neighbors, better parents, better citizens.

And, as BT executive director Kevin Carlon reminded the audience beforehand  in what was an emotional and respectful salute to the past  this was the last play scheduled by the venerable Oldcastle Theatre Company which never came to light because of pandemic-era cancellations. As such, in its resurrection, it was heartwarming to see one of Oldcastles five co-founders, Gary Allan Poe, in attendance.

Its been a long ride back, for everyone: audiences, actors, theaters. So if you get a chance to ever see this play in the future during the holidays, jump at it.

Just dont forget the Kleenex.

The Bennington Theater is at 331 Main St., Bennington. For a full and ever-evolving schedule of upcoming programs and events, call 802-500-5500 or visit benningtontheater.org
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Phan Van Mai (R) and Hyogo Governor Saito Motohiko. (Photo: SGGP)

At the reception, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Phan Van Mai expressed his hope that Saitos visit will open up more substantive, effective cooperation opportunities for the two localities after Vietnam and Japan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.

He asked Governor Saito Motohikom to pay attention to promoting the province's businesses to invest in fields of banking, finance, tourism, trade, agriculture, electronics, semiconductors and new materials in HCMC, adding that the two sides also boast potential for collaboration in other spheres like high-tech medicine, in-depth diagnostics, health products, and personnel training.

On this occasion, he invited Mr. Saito Motohikom to attend the Friendship Dialogue that will take place in September 2024.

For his part, Saito spoke highly of HCMCs development potential, saying many Hyogo businesses want to cooperate with the city and engage in its development process.

Hyogo also hopes to strengthen cooperation with the city in such fields as personnel training, high added value production, and exchanges between residents, especially youths, he stressed
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers developing for the afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low around 30F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing on Wednesday.

Noting that since the beginning of this year, he has met with President Putin twice, Xi said the governments, legislative bodies, political parties and localities of the two countries have carried out in-depth exchanges, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has developed in a sound and steady manner.

In the first 11 months of this year, the bilateral trade between China and Russia achieved the annual trade volume target of 200 billion U.S. dollars jointly set by the two heads of state, which shows the strong resilience and broad prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, Xi said.

He noted that maintaining and developing China-Russia relations is a strategic choice made by both sides based on the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

China supports the Russian people in taking the development path of their own choice, Xi said, expressing the hope of taking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia next year as a new starting point to continuously expand the positive effects of the high-level political relations and jointly move forward in the process of comprehensively promoting economic and social development and realizing national rejuvenation.

The Chinese economy has strong resilience, great potential and wide room for maneuver, and its long-term sound fundamentals remain unchanged, Xi said. China firmly promotes high-quality development and high-level opening up, which will provide new opportunities for the development of various countries including Russia, he said.

Xi called on the two sides to give full play to the advantages of political mutual trust, economic complementarity, infrastructure connectivity and people-to-people exchanges; continuously enrich the connotation of cooperation; deepen cooperation on economy, trade, energy and connectivity; and jointly maintain the security and stability of the industrial and supply chains.

He also called for joint efforts to make the China-Russia Cultural Year in 2024 and 2025 a success, design and carry out diverse cultural activities, and consolidate the social and public support for the ever-lasting friendship between the two countries.

Mishustin said the two successful meetings between President Putin and President Xi this year have demonstrated the firm will of Russia and China to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, and that Russia is willing to work with China to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.

The 28th regular meeting between the two heads of government was held on Tuesday. Mishustin said Russia is satisfied with the steady growth of bilateral practical cooperation and is willing to work with China to further tap potential, expand cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, energy and connectivity, make the Cultural Year a success, and consolidate the ever-lasting friendship between the two peoples.

Mishustin also conveyed the condolences of the Russian government and people to Xi on the earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province, saying that Russia is willing to provide rescue assistance according to China's needs.

Xi expressed his gratitude and noted that after the earthquake, President Putin and many foreign leaders have sent messages of condolences.

China is making every effort to carry out rescue efforts and is doing its best to protect the lives and property of the people, Xi said.

At present, rescue forces and supplies in the quake-hit areas are sufficient and the basic living needs of the local people are guaranteed, Xi said, adding that under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the people in the affected areas will surely overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Editor: ZAD
SPRINGFIELD  A Springfield Technical Community College student and a graduate alum have joined financial services company MassMutual in Springfield as interns as part of STCCs new one-year internship program.

MassMutual hired cybersecurity student Michael Lavallee and recent grad Michael Buckley to work as information technology interns; they started last month as cybersecurity analysts.

The paid internships give the students real world experience and could lead to permanent positions, said Scott Duquette, their supervisor and director of the U.S. Security Operations Center at MassMutual.

STCCs partnership with MassMutual comes at a time when cybersecurity jobs are in demand, and the colleges cybersecurity degree program is growing along with it.

The college recently received local, state and federal funding for a cyber range facility at Springfield Union Station. Scheduled to open next year, the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence will serve as a regional cybersecurity center for Western Massachusetts and beyond.

Duquette reached out to STCC upon hearing of the center announcement. As an STCC student in the 1980s, Duquette knew of both the colleges proximity to MassMutual and of its cybersecurity program.

STCC is a stones throw away from us and their technology programs have been in play for about 15 years, Duquette said of the business, which is 2 miles from the college.

Earlier this year, college leaders and faculty met with MassMutual to discuss a plan for hiring interns.

Several (IT) graduates are already working at MassMutual, and they wish to build a pipeline of talent each year, said cybersecurity Professor Brian Candido.

Candido and Professor Jason Alves recommended students for the new internship program.

Buckley, a Springfield resident and a May STCC graduate, said he absolutely loved the schools cybersecurity program and the tools it gave him to begin his internship, where he could advance his knowledge.

I didnt realize how much I didnt know about IT until I started going through the education programs, said Buckley.

Lavallee, the other MassMutual intern from STCC, said he was thrilled to receive the opportunity.

The fact that it was even presented to me is a blessing in itself, Lavallee said. I couldnt have gotten here without STCCs program.

Lara Sharp, dean of STCCs School of STEM, said its cybersecurity program aligns with industry needs. STCC gives students the option to pursue a two-year degree or one-year certificate. Classes are taught online.

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field, and there are not enough trained professionals to meet the demand for these high-paying jobs, Sharp said. Our cybersecurity programs prepare students to work at companies like MassMutual. Thank you to MassMutual for giving our students this opportunity.

This is a really exciting time for our program, Candido said. Besides growing the relationship with MassMutual, we will be launching the cyber range at Union Station. Students will receive valuable training at the security operations center and could move into paid internships.

Candido said 201 students were enrolled in cybersecurity in fall 2023, up from 123 students a year earlier. He attributes the 63.4 percent increase to the quality of the program and the demand for jobs. Security is a hot topic now, he said.

Earning a degree from the college is more attainable now than ever thanks to MassReconnect, a program for Massachusetts residents 25 years of age or older who meet eligibility requirements to earn an associate degree or certificate for free.

Whats more, college students interning at MassMutual will gain experience rapidly in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity. For example, they will take part in security investigations where they look for and respond to threats.

Having that background from STCC will definitely help in running those investigations, Duquette said.

We are excited about the new internship program and continuing our relationship with STCC, he added. This is a great opportunity not only for students but for MassMutual.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call admissions at 413-755-3333.

The commonwealths only technical community college, STCC offers higher education degrees in multiple areas in manufacturing, STEM, health care, business, social services and the liberal arts. Founded in 1967, the school seeks to lift up all students who face societal barriers.
Oh baby, these Boston newborns have the best holiday fashion in all the land.

The infants of the newborn intensive care units (NICUs) at Brigham and Womens Hospital and Mass General for Children (MGfC) got to celebrate their first Christmas season in style.

The annual tradition that started as a photo keepsake for families many years ago has turned into a bright spot for patients and our community, a spokesperson with the hospital told MassLive Thursday.

Babies were adorned in holiday attire, including Santa and elf costumes. The infants also got to have their first encounter with Santa Claus, played by Dr. Kevin Raskin, chief of the Orthopedic Oncology Service at Massachusetts General Hospital.

You can scroll through the gallery of holiday baby photos below:
Boston, meat your newest steakhouse.

STK Steakhouse is now taking reservations at its new Boston restaurant that is located at 222 Berkley St. in Back Bay, the restaurant chain said on Facebook Tuesday.

This is the first Massachusetts location for the steakhouse chain, which boasts a dynamic, fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse, STKs website reads.

STK distinguishes itself by emphasizing the social experience and taking a vibe-driven approach to fine dining, the website continues. Every venue has a DJ to create an infectious, high-energy atmosphere and the sleek environment is designed to encourage guests to interact and mingle. Ultimately, STK aims to define the modern dining experience complete with incredible food, world-class service and the perfect ambiance.

The STK Boston menu features a raw bar, shellfish platters, entrees and  of course  plenty of steaks. That includes the Ribeye filet, a Dry-Aged Porterhouse and Tomahawk, as well as Australian Flat Iron.

Those looking to combine land and sea can indulge in a Surf & Turf platter of a 6-ounce filet with either lobster tail or three grilled prawns. Finish your meal with a dessert like the Bag ODonuts or the chocolate cake.

STK Boston also serves lunch and weekend brunch and has a Happy Hour, Night Out and Pre-Theater menus. More information, including hours and how to make a reservation, can be found online.
A group of Christmas carolers singing on Johnston Street in Dorchester to support a friend, two members were attacked from behind and punched in the head, according to a police report from Boston police.

The incident took place shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday, the report said.

The carolers were able to provide descriptions of the two people involved, though police were unable to find them at the time, according to the report.

Since then, two teen suspects  both male  have been identified by police, who declined to release their names, but listed their ages as 15 and 16. Detectives interviewed the two teens with their parents, and they admitted to the attack, police said.

Read more: Watch gingerbread person surprise travelers with candy canes at Boston Logan Airport

Detectives will seek criminal complaints for charges of assault and batter on a person 60 and over, the report said.
A Springfield man who admitted in a Connecticut federal court hearing that he helped kidnap and murder a Chicopee man on Christmas Eve four years ago learned Wednesday how much time hes sentenced to serve in prison.

Brandon Batiste, 36, also known as B, admitted in U.S. District Court in New Haven in June that he and an accomplice, Calvin Roberson of Waterbury, Connecticut, kidnapped Francisco Roman Jr., 28, from his Chicopee home Dec. 24, 2020, and later shot him to death as the three drove to Hartford in Romans car, The Republican reported.

U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford sentenced Batiste to 504 months (about 42 years) in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, according to a press release issued Wednesday by United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery.

Read more: Springfield man admits Christmas Eve kidnapping and murder of Chicopee man

Batiste had been detained since his arrest on Feb. 11, 2021, Averys office said. On June 30, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm.

Roberson pleaded guilty to the same charges on April 27, Averys office said, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.

According to court documents, Batiste and Roberson went to Romans Chicopee home the night of Dec. 24, 2020, and threatened him with a gun. The two stole cash, marijuana and other items from the handcuffed Roman, then forced him into his own car and drove away from the scene, The Republican reported.

As the three traveled on Interstate 91 toward Hartford, prosecutors said Batiste shot and killed Roman.

Once in Hartford, the pair parked Romans car, with his body inside, on a Hartford street. Two days later, Hartford police and firefighters responded to a reported car fire, put out the fire and discovered Romans charred body riddled with bullet holes in the rear of the wreckage.

Batiste and Roberson were arrested following an investigation.

Read more: Police arrest 2 in homicide of Chicopee man

In April, Roberson pleaded guilty to three separate murders in Hampden Superior Court, The Republican reported.

In his plea agreement, Roberson admitted to killing Loan Nguyen in a 2006 unsuccessful nail salon robbery. He also admitted shooting brothers Yonaides and David Pichardo in separate incidents.

Yoniades Pichardo was found shot to death in his car on Sycamore Street in Springfield in 2016, while David Pichardo was shot and killed as he did his laundry in a Boston Road laundromat in Springfield in December 2017.
PITTSFIELD  One day after attending the funeral Mass for Pittsfield-born Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher, a group of U.S. lawmakers representing the commonwealth questioned the safety of the militarys V-22 Osprey.

Galliher, 24 and the father of two sons, was killed when an Osprey V-22 carrying eight crewmembers crashed in the ocean off the coast of Japan on Nov. 29. All were killed.
A 22-year-old Boston man was sentenced to about eight years in state prison on Wednesday for three shootings that happened over the course of two years, the Middlesex District Attorneys Office announced.

Lennox Pierre-Louis pleaded guilty in connection with two Cambridge shootings in 2022, on March 11 and June 18, and to a shooting in Somerville on Dec. 27, 2021.

The 22-year-old was sentenced to two and a half years for the March 11 incident and to five to six years for each of the other shootings, the latter of which will be served simultaneously.

It was two days after Christmas in 2021 and early in the morning, the office said, when a man was leaving to go to work on Marshall Street in Somerville and a gunshot ripped through his passenger side door and out the drivers side.

The bullet missed the driver, but the gunfire left behind ballistic evidence on a playground, the office said.

About three months later on March 11, 2022, three gunshots were fired in Cambridge  this time, the bullets hit a house and a nearby building on Windsor Street, the office said.

It wasnt until a third shooting three months later and Pierre-Louis unsuccessful fleeing from the scene that police were able to link all three incidents to the Boston man.

On June 18, 2022, Cambridge officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired on Hurley and Charles streets and found about a dozen shell casings, along with at least four vehicles and one building riddled with bullets.

Pierre-Louis initially fled the scene but crashed the car a short time later, and was arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant, the office said.

Detectives investigating the June 18 shooting reviewed surveillance footage and said Pierre-Louis involvement and his subsequent crash were caught on video, the DAs office said.

In the video, Pierre-Louis shot at another man across the street but missed, and ran from he scene, the office said.

He was initially charged with armed assault to murder, carrying a firearm without a license, trafficking cocaine over 18 grams, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of personal injury and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, the office said.

Following the investigations that connected Pierre-Louis to the other incidents of shots fired in Cambridge and Somerville, he also pleaded guilty with attempted assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling in connection to the Windsor Street shooting in Cambridge.

He was also pleaded guilty to attempted assault and battery by discharging a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition and discharging a firearm without a license in connection to the Marshall Street shooting in Somerville.

Read more: RI man who drove high on fentanyl and killed driver returning from work gets 5 years

Over the course of the past year we have seen an alarming increase in the frequency of random gun violence, especially among young people. These bullets are striking homes and vehicles indiscriminately. Clearly, it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed, said District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Yet, we have not done enough to address the perpetrators complete lack of concern for the public safety and the ripple effect that these dangerous incidents have on the well-being of the entire community, said Ryan.

We must attack this problem on all fronts. We have put tremendous resources into investigating these incidents and this case reflects that work. Beyond that, we are championing legislation to address this issue, engaging the community, and working on progressive prevention, Ryan said.
A summary of a Harvard University review, obtained by the Boston Globe, indicates that Dr. Claudine Gay  Harvards president  must update more of her writing due to inadequate citation.

Harvard did not immediately return a request for comment on the summary.

Gay has been under scrutiny following the universitys handling of comments from campus groups about the Israel-Hamas war that have been called antisemitic, and then a Congressional hearing during which she equivocated over a question about whether calls for genocide violated Harvards code of conduct. Gay had said that those calls would depend on the context.

In a letter of support following the hearing, Harvards governing board said it believed Gay should continue to lead the university. However, the letter also addressed issues with Gays academic writings following accusations of plagiarism.

The governing boards support letter stated that an independent review uncovered a few instances of inadequate citation, which led to Gay requesting corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks.

In the summary reviewed by the Globe, a review also found issues with Gays 1997 PhD dissertation, which she wrote through Harvards government department.

The review found examples of duplicative language without appropriate attribution, the Globe reported.

The summary said that Gay will update her dissertation correcting these instances of inadequate citation, the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce submitted Wednesday a letter to Harvards governing board stating it is looking into the universitys handling of plagiarism accusations against Gay.

An allegation of plagiarism by a top school official at any university would be reason for concern, but Harvard is not just any university. It styles itself as one of the top educational institutions in the country, the letter reads.

The letter threatened that Harvards federal funding could be placed in jeopardy as a result of the plagiarism claims.
A Lawrence city councilor-elect is among two women indicted by a grand jury on voter fraud charges connected to the November 2023 local election, the Essex County District Attorneys Office announced Wednesday evening.

Lawrence District A Councilor-Elect Fidelina Santiago was indicted on four counts each of illegal voting or attempt to vote, conspiracy to vote or attempt to vote illegally, unlawful interference with voters, and obstruction of voting, the district attorneys office said in a news release. A woman named Jennifer Lopez was also indicted on the same counts.

Santiago did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the charges Thursday morning.

The district attorneys office did not say what the women did to warrant the charges, but said the investigation into the women was sparked by a referral from the Secretary of States Office about concerning allegations of fraudulent voting associated with the November 2023 local election.

Interfering with an election not only undermines the legitimacy of government but erodes the publics confidence in the process. My office will vigorously prosecute individuals that threaten the integrity of elections, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said in the release.

In November, NBC10 Boston reported that the district attorneys office was investigating voter fraud related to Ring camera footage that appeared to show a woman removing ballots from a mans mailbox in Lawrence. It is unclear whether the footage is related to the charges against Santiago and Lopez.

According to the city of Lawrences official election results, Santiago beat her opponent, Vladimir Acevado, by about 16 points on Nov. 7. Her Facebook profile says she is from the Dominican Republic, that she studied medicine there, and that she also attended Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill.

Your voice matters, and your vote can make a difference. By casting your ballot, you are actively shaping the future of our community. Lets come together, exercise our civic duty, and ensure that our voices are heard, she wrote in one post this fall.

WCVB-TV reported that Santiago is set to be sworn in as a city councilor in less than two weeks, but that the charges shouldnt affect her inauguration. The station spoke to Lawrence City Council President Marc Laplante, who said he will wait for more information on what happened before passing judgement.

Those allegations and the indictments are serious. Theres no question about that. But, again, lets not leap to what we all think could or could not be happening, Laplante said.
The MA60 firefighting aircraft conducts the water drop over a simulated fire scene during an emergency rescue drill at the Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 27, 2023. China's independently-developed MA60 firefighting aircraft, a new member of the Modern Ark multipurpose aircraft family, is progressing forward on its airworthiness certification process, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). (Aviation Industry Corporation of China/Handout via Xinhua)

by Xinhua writer Hu Tao

BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's independently-developed MA60 firefighting aircraft, a new member of the Modern Ark multipurpose aircraft family, is progressing forward on its airworthiness certification process, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

As an aircraft model tailored to serve emergency rescue missions, MA60 successfully completed a key test flight, which consisted of hedgehopping and dropping six tonnes of water, said the AVIC, China's leading aircraft manufacturer.

The aircraft successfully conducted the water drop over the scheduled site at a very low altitude of 55 meters. The test took place at an airport in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The development and flight-test teams undertook a phased approach to carry out this flight test. They evaluated the aerial water-dropping performance of the aircraft by loading it with half of its maximum water-carrying capacity and gradually increasing it to its full capacity. Finally, they were able to complete this key flight test mission.

This success marked a breakthrough in core tech-indicators of the firefighting mission system of this special-purpose aircraft. It is a milestone of the MA60 firefighting aircraft project and lays a solid foundation for its airworthiness certification process, said the AVIC.

The development team will now accelerate follow-up flight tests for the aircraft's airworthiness compliance verification, stepping closer towards obtaining the airworthiness certification and delivering the aircraft to customers, it added.

The MA60 firefighting aircraft is a large and medium-sized fixed-wing plane model that is specially tailored to serve aerial firefighting and other emergency rescue missions, enhancing the country's emergency air rescue capabilities, said the AVIC.

It is developed by AVIC XAC Commercial Aircraft Co., Ltd. in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, with independent intellectual property rights. It is also in full compliance with the airworthiness regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Inheriting the mature technologies and advantages of the Modern Ark aircraft family, the MA60 firefighting aircraft features a high cruising speed, long range, flight in low speeds at low altitudes and good reliability.

Furthermore, the developer has improved the aircraft's fuselage, added multiple functional systems, such as those for water-dropping and fire monitoring. It has also made a series of adaptive changes to the cabin configuration, air conditioning, oxygen supply and multiple other systems.

Notably, this new aircraft model is capable of quickly transitioning from firefighting missions to transport. Following a convenient configuration modification at airport, the aircraft can flexibly carry out both emergency rescue operations and transport tasks for both personnel and supplies. Therefore, it will play an important role in enhancing the effectiveness of disaster relief and other emergency rescue operations, according to the developer.

The comprehensive improvements and new systems empower the newly-developed MA60 firefighting aircraft to carry out multiple roles in emergency rescue.

It can effectively perform multiple rescue operations, such as aerial water dropping, airborne telecommunications support, fire prevention and monitoring, according to the developer.

Prior to the newly-developed MA60 firefighting model, the Modern Ark family has cultivated a series of aircraft models: MA60 and MA600 turboprop regional aircraft, civil freighter, and multipurpose aircraft models for precipitation enhancement and other fields, according to the developer.

By now, more than 100 aircraft of the Modern Ark family has been delivered globally and served around 300 routes at home and abroad, according to the AVIC.

Crew members pose as the MA60 firefighting aircraft completed a key test flight, which consisted of hedgehopping and dropping six tonnes of water, in Suining, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 9, 2023. China's independently-developed MA60 firefighting aircraft, a new member of the Modern Ark multipurpose aircraft family, is progressing forward on its airworthiness certification process, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). (Aviation Industry Corporation of China/Handout via Xinhua)

Editor: ZAD
A man was hit and killed by a commuter bus on the campus of Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill on Wednesday morning, the Essex County District Attorneys office confirmed.

It was 8:40 a.m. when a Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority commuter bus hit the pedestrian, the office said. The unidentified man was near the MVRTA bus stop on the college grounds at 100 Elliott St., the office said.

The man was brought to Holy Family Hospital and was pronounced dead, the office said.

Read more: Lawyer for Longmeadow teen accused in fatal crash said client tried to revive classmate

The college did not have information on whether any students were involved in the incident as of Wednesday evening, the colleges director of public relations, Melissa Bouse, said.

We at Northern Essex Community College send our deepest condolences to the victims family and friends. We will continue to work closely with state and local police in their investigation into this tragedy, the spokesperson said.

Multiple state police units are assisting Haverhill police with the investigation, the district attorney said, including the state polices Truck Team.

State police are also checking for security cameras that may have captured video of the crash, which would help determine whether charges are warranted in the fatal incident, the department said.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation first reported the fatal crash at 2:47 p.m. on Wednesday.

Our hearts break for the friends and family of the individual who was struck and killed today, said MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt in a statement.

There is a MA State Police investigation into how this happened, and its my promise to the community that the investigation will be thorough and the results transparent, the secretary continued.

Again, we are heartbroken that a life has been lost, Tibbits-Nutt concluded.
A Worcester County grand jury has indicted three people in connection with the Oct. 28 fatal shooting at Worcester State University, the Worcester County District Attorneys Office announced.

The indictments, which were handed down Wednesday, indicate that 18-year-old Lawrence resident Kevin Rodriguez, who authorities have accused of killing 19-year-old Randy Melendez Jr. during the incident, was not responsible for injuring a second victim.

That victim, an unidentified 21-year-old man who survived but is now paralyzed at the waist down, was shot by 19-year-old Spencer resident Richard Nieves, the district attorneys office said in a press release Thursday. Nieves is also accused of having robbed the second victim, with the help of 20-year-old Southbridge resident Kenneth Doelter, before shooting him.

Read more: Teen fatally shot at Worcester State days after 19th birthday, GoFundMe says

The grand jury also indicted Rodriguez on a murder charge in connection with Melendezs death, as well as on firearms charges, the district attorneys office said. Previously, Rodriguez was only facing a charge of armed assault with intent to murder and firearms charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Doelter and Nieves were both indicted on charges of armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping, the district attorneys office said. Nieves is facing additional charges of armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and other firearms charges.

Rodriguez is to be arraigned in Worcester Superior Court on Jan. 12, 2024, the district attorneys office said. Nieves and Doelter will also be arraigned there in the future.

What happened the night of the shootings

It is unclear exactly what led to the shootings, but authorities have repeatedly said they were sparked by a confrontation between two groups, and that none of the people involved were Worcester State students.

Video confirmed to be of part of the confrontation shows several males running around a parking lot before shots are heard and a man can be seen stumbling over, apparently injured. It is unclear who the man is.

Assistant District Attorney Lina Pashou also gave an account of the shootings at a dangerousness hearing for Rodriguez last month. She said two groups  a group of four from Southbridge and a group of six from Lawrence  attended a party at a Worcester pub on Oct. 27, but then went to Worcester State for a party afterwards.

What started with the groups doing burnouts in a campus parking lot escalated into physical fights, Pashou said. One unnamed member of the Southbridge group fired a gun in the air, after which Rodriguez fired three shots at Melendez and Nieves shot a person from the Lawrence group, who has now been identified as the 21-year-old victim, she said.

Rodriguezs lawyer claimed at the hearing that his client was trying to protect his friends, and said his client has no criminal record.

Worcester State police responded to the shooting near Wasylean Hall and Sheehan Hall, two student dormitories, on Oct. 28 around 2:30 a.m. At the scene, officers found Melendez and the second victim with gunshot wounds, and they were soon rushed to a hospital where Melendez died.

Nieves was arrested at the scene and was soon charged with trespassing and carrying a firearm without a license, while Rodriguez went on the run from police for several days following the shooting, authorities said previously. He was eventually arrested in New York and brought back to Massachusetts.
A coalition of state lawmakers who represent Massachusetts Gateway Cities have called on the Healey administration to change the states admission rules for vocational schools, arguing that the current system is discriminatory.

The Legislatures Gateway Cities Caucus made that request in a Dec. 20 letter to Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, calling on them to scrap the selective admissions system used by 26 of the states 28 vocational schools and replace it with a lottery.

The letter, led by the caucus House and Senate chairpersons, Rep. Antonio F. D. Cabral, D-13th Bristol, and Sen. John J. Cronin, D-Worcester/Middlesex, was signed by two dozen lawmakers across the two chambers.

In it, the lawmakers sketch out an admissions system that has foreclosed opportunities for thousands of students across the state, compared to their similarly situated peers.

The selective admissions system used by those schools discriminates against students of color, students from low-income families, English language learners, and students with disabilities, all of whom are protected classes of students, the lawmakers wrote.

We believe children who grow up in poverty in Massachusetts  thousands of whom live in Gateway Cities deserve the same opportunity to attend a vocational school, the lawmakers wrote.

There are 26 such Gateway Cities across the state, according to MassINC. Those communities are midsize urban centers that face stubborn social and economic challenges.

Their ranks include Holyoke, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester in western and central Massachusetts, along with Fall River and New Bedford on the states south coast, as well as Lawrence and Lowell, among other cities.

In 2003, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ordered the states vocational schools to adopt a ranked admissions system that included such selective criteria as middle school grades, attendance, disciplinary record and subjective interviews.

The lawmakers said the agencys internal data showed those criteria were discriminatory. In response, the agency changed its rules in 2021 to allow districts the flexibility they needed to to address these systemic opportunity gaps.

Nonetheless, the lawmakers noted, the regulatory change proved to be inadequate, as 26 of 28 schools chose to continue the use of selective criteria. And, since 2021, the admission rates for the impacted students dropped, while opportunity gaps grew wider, they wrote.

In every measurable equity metric, the Commonwealth is moving in the wrong direction, the lawmakers wrote.

However in the two schools that adopted a lottery system last year  Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough and Worcester Technical High School  those opportunity gaps between the protected classes of students and their peers closed, the lawmakers said.

The bottom line?

Lotteries worked to create an admissions standard that is fair to all students of all backgrounds, they wrote.

The concerns the lawmakers raised are not new.

Earlier this year, an advocacy group known as the Vocational Education Justice Coalition, made up of community and civil rights advocates, filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, making the same argument, WBUR reported at the time.

The advocacy group argued that students from traditionally marginalized backgrounds were admitted into the vocational schools at a rate that lagged their peers, the station reported.

Any student who successfully completes middle school should have an equal shot at admission to a vocational education program, Andrea Sheppard Lomba, the executive director of United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts, a coalition member, said in a statement, according to WBUR. Rank-ordering students based on their grades or attendance, and only admitting the top students, is antithetical to the whole purpose behind vocational education.

Lawyers for Civil Rights and the Center for Law and Education filed the complaint against the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on behalf of the coalition, and four students in Chelsea and Gardner, the station reported.

Healeys spokesperson, Karissa Hand, told MassLive Thursday that the administration is committed to ensuring equitable access to vocational schools in Massachusetts. We have received the outreach from state officials and have been closely reviewing their recommendations and engaging with stakeholders on this issue.
Nearly half of the Legislature signed onto a letter to Attorney General Andrea Campbell this week, imploring the state to join Worcester firefighters diagnosed with cancer in their lawsuit against companies that make firefighting gear alleged to include toxic PFAS chemicals.

Ninety-seven lawmakers -- 24 senators, representing a majority of that chamber, plus 73 representatives -- signed the letter, which asked Campbell to join and expand upon the suit that alleges manufacturers of turnout gear treated their products with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and sold them to fire departments and governments despite knowing the health risks of PFAS exposure. The federal suit was filed last year by 10 Worcester firefighters diagnosed with cancer.

Our firefighters place themselves in harms way to protect the Commonwealths residents and property. In doing so, they utilize gear, procured by the government, with the expectation that the gear will help protect them from harm. That gear should not provide short term protection at the cost of long-term harm. We respectfully request that your office undertake litigation related to firefighter turnout gear and help protect those who protect us, the lawmakers wrote in Mondays letter to Campbell.

PFAS is a class of man-made chemicals that do not break down entirely in the environment, and exposure to their long-lasting presence has been linked to serious and negative health impacts like thyroid disease and kidney cancer. PFAS chemicals are all around us; they are used in non-stick cookware, food packaging, childrens products, carpets, leather goods, ski wax, firefighting foams and more, and they have leached into drinking water supplies and the soil.

Serious levels of PFAS contamination have been found in more than 126 public drinking water systems in at least 86 Massachusetts communities.

Sen. Michael Moore, 2nd-Worcester, and Rep. James Hawkins, D-2nd Bristol, circulated the letter for signatures, expanding on their legislative efforts to address PFAS exposure among firefighters.

The duo filed a bills in the Senate and House to require all protective firefighting equipment sold in Massachusetts to specify whether it contains PFAS chemicals and for what reasons by 2025, and to ban PFAS in firefighting gear by 2027.

The proposals are now before the Legislatures Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Ask anyone how the majority of firefighter line-of-duty deaths occur  most will probably say smoke inhalation or on-call injury. The shocking truth is that, from 2002 to 2019, cancer accounted for 66% of firefighter deaths, according to the International Association of Firefighters, Moore said in a statement.

PFAS exposure from firefighting equipment is a crisis for firefighters and the communities they serve. It is unacceptable that our firefighters must every day step into gear that is slowly poisoning them with few alternatives. It is time for the Commonwealth to step in to join the fight against the manufacturers who are knowingly using toxic chemicals in this equipment  I hope this letter will move the needle and help demand accountability for our brave firefighters, Moore said.

Campbells office said it has received the letter and is reviewing it.

AG Campbell is committed to continuing the offices work at both the state and national level to address PFAS contamination and its significant impacts on Massachusetts residents, including our first responders, a Campbell spokesperson said.

In June, a top official from Campbells Environmental Protection Division registered support for legislation that would implement many of the recommendations made last year by the PFAS Interagency Task Force. The official, Assistant Attorney General Andrew Goldberg, also said that studies have estimated that 99 percent of the U.S. population has detectable levels of PFAS in their bloodstream.

PFAS contamination has become an increasingly urgent issue on Beacon Hill as the ubiquity of the chemicals and their negative health consequences have become better known.

In May 2022, then-AG Maura Healey filed a lawsuit, which was combined in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina with other similar suits, against manufacturers like 3M, Dupont and Tyco that manufacture PFAS chemicals contained in firefighting foam. The suit alleged 13 manufacturers deceptively advertised products containing PFAS as safe despite knowing the chemicals were highly toxic and dangerous to the environment.

During a February radio interview, Healey, now governor, described PFAS contamination as a big problem and said reining in the impact of PFAS chemicals is a priority for her administration.

The PFAS Interagency Task Force released a report in 2022 with 30 recommendations, including an entire section about fire departments and firefighters. Then-Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, who served on the task force, said PFAS exposure was something that fire departments are very concerned about.

The report said that only firefighting gear with PFAS is able to meet current standards, which likely contributes to the higher rates of cancer diagnosis and cancer-related deaths that firefighters experience compared to the general population.

The task force recommended prohibiting the use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) for firefighter training, funding a second round of an AFFF take-back and disposal program, requiring fire departments to notify state environmental officials whenever AFFF is used, supporting efforts to develop turnout gear that is completely free from PFAS, and requiring turnout gear manufacturers to provide written notice of the inclusion of PFAS in the gear at the time of purchase.
SPRINGFIELD  The only bank in the citys Mason Square neighborhood, a TD Bank branch located at 958 State St., expanded its hours of operation from two days to five to better serve its residents.

The bank expanded its hours in November, according to Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarnos office.

TD Bank spokesperson Scott Holden said in an email the expanded hours reflect the banks strong commitment to serving the community and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

During a press conference at the branch Monday celebrating the expanded hours, Sheryl McQuade, TD Banks regional president of its New England metro, said the increased hours include the continuation of financial literacy events in the communities the bank serves.

This unique purpose is rooted in enhancing the lives of our community members, customers, and colleagues, she said during the press conference.

The move comes several years after the bank announced plans to close the branch. After it said it would close the facility in January 2020, the bank changed course and kept the location open two days a week in response to protests from local officials and customers.

Luiz Lopez, who has lived in the Mason Square neighborhood for 34 years, welcomed the new, extended hours.

As you look at our neighborhood, we have zero banks, Lopez wrote in an email. Having a bank in the neighborhood and giving us the opportunity to succeed financially is critical, and so I applaud TD Bank for resuming operations five days a week.

He added, The bank treats us like people and not just a number. We need to rally around TD Bank and make it a success. They are the only bank to believe in our community, and they are putting their money where their mouth is.

Older residents in the neighborhood regularly visit the branch to use its services, according to Ward 4 City Councilor Malo Brown.

Features include an ATM that operates seven days a week, notary services by appointment, and a specialist who can offer tailored services to small business owners. In addition, a wealth relationship manager and financial advisor are available, according to the banks website.

TD Bank currently operates over 1,100 locations and 2,600 ATMs nationwide, with locations in Florida and states stretching from South Carolina to Maine. TD Bank, headquartered in New Jersey, is a subsidiary of Canadian company Toronto-Dominion Bank.

The extended hours of operation of the bank are a result of a collaborative effort between state Rep. Bud L. Williams and U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, among other community organizers and residents, according to Williams.

Williams, elated to see the bank returning to full-time hours, said, Its a shot in the arm to the community, psychologically.

We got a win, and most times within Black and brown communities, we dont get a lot of victories, he said. This is positive news. Its going to resonate through the community, and its going to create hope within the community.

Brown said a lot of times it took him contacting Williams, Neal and other political figures to keep pressure on the branch to keep it open.

The city councilor said the bank extending its hours is huge. He reiterated that many older adults in the neighborhood use the bank to cash their checks.

Brown said hes looking for the bank to not just make investments in the neighborhood but also to be more creative with issues surrounding banking and housing.

I would hope that they would also take on educating the community on banking and financial literacy itself, he said.
Known for its pristine beaches, dramatic lagoon, charming landscapes and vibrant culture, Mauritius has experienced a notable recovery in its tourism sector in 2023.

A marked rebound after being hard-hit by the health crisis, confirming the resilience of the destination, which meets the current trends and expectations of travellers looking to unwind and recharge while enjoying authentic and memorable experiences.

Tourism is an activity that contributes to the countrys economic and social development. The sector is of vital importance due to its economic significance, accounting for some 24% of gross domestic product and employing around 10% of the local workforce. It is also a major source of foreign currency. Additionally, there is awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources and promoting sustainability, with the destination aiming to achieve green certification by 2030.

The Feel our island energy campaign, launched in March 2023 by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), has achieved significant success among industry professionals and tourists. It is an invitation to discov-er the unique, intense energy of Mauritius, the placevto embrace every energy, a destination to feel connected and be free.

The campaign achieved international acclaim as Destination Media Campaign at the Hospitality ON Awards held in November 2023 in Paris, France. Showcasing the most innovative approaches and concepts, the event was held under the patronage of the French President, Emmanuel Macron.

Donald Payen and Arvind Bundhun, respectively Chairperson and Director of the MTPA, jointly express their appreciation for the considerable efforts made by all stakeholders and the results achieved.

 We are delighted to see the results of the collaborative work carried out under the aegis of the Public/Private Tourism Sector Committee, initiated by the Deputy Prime Minister and responsible Minister, Mr Steven Obeegadoo. We have high hopes for the future and firmly intend to continue expanding our destinations global reach.

Messrs Payen and Bundhun both look forward to a promising 2024 and another productive and fulfilling year for all stakeholders of our destination.
JUST when you thought the world could not get any madder, or more depressing, mutterings emanating from the cesspit formerly known as Twitter, now X, suggest that a new Presidential candidate may be emerging. Yes, it appears that the man who did more to whip up a frenzy online ahead of the Dublin Riots on November 23 has deemed the role of statesman one of which he is worthy.

Conor McGregor, who is known for (checks notes) UFC fighting, whiskey selling, violent behaviour and general loud-mouthedness is seeking the honour of becoming Irelands next President.

In a string of tweets, the fighter appeared to launch his campaign, boasting about his youth, his lack of political affiliation and his intention to revamp Irelands immigration system. The third topic it appears will power his crusade. McGregor points to a real lapse in national security in Ireland and the need to form a task force to assess all entrants into Ireland. On what evidence this is based is unclear.

If his implication is that migrants are increasingly responsible for crime, then he should probably open a newspaper once in a while to remind himself of the fact that Irish people are perfectly capable of being criminals all on their own.

McGregor also appears ignorant to the fact that all refugees are already registered and screened at immigration.

Mixed response

ALONGSIDE throwing some of his spare change to soup kitchens  a cynical move, which of course, has been lauded  McGregor has also announced his intention to hold weekly votes to hold the Government to account. Someone should really send this man a copy of the Constitution for Christmas and demand an explanation for how he expects the Irish people to fund and submit to a public vote every single week.

A series of vox pops conducted recently by the Irish Examiner demonstrated a mixed response to the prospect of McGregor as President, with some vehemently rejecting the idea of the UFC star as a statesman. But others suggested he has much to offer and would make a refreshing change. The Government is doing nothing for us, the ordinary person, said one. Most people have nothing, and the likes of Conor McGregor is using his voice for the Irish people and showing them that he speaks up for them. Hell help the ones who are down. He doesnt need the backing of the State. He will do more for this country. He is strong willed and good for the country.

Rhetoric like this shows not only a fundamental misunderstanding of Conor McGregors motivations, but also of the role of the Presidency, a role McGregor also appears to think would be his to decide. It is not up to the President to do things for the ordinary person, nor to speak up for them. It is primarily a ceremonial role and does not allow for interference in how the country is run. Our current President, Michael D Higgins has had his knuckles rapped more than once for deviating from the diplomatic line, and it has even been suggested that this has emboldened the likes of McGregor.

I think he should be given a chance, said another. He is very good to his family and his parents. He is a good ambassador for Ireland, and we should give him a go.

It is hard to fathom how McGregors violent outbursts could be seen as positive ambassadorship anywhere, but these are the times in which we live.

Change needed

HOWEVER, these types of responses also demonstrate that there is a certain cohort of people that feel disenfranchised, unrepresented, frustrated and want political change. Young people in particular, who find themselves in a position where they are unable to access housing and basic services and for whom the cost of living is becoming prohibitive. People whose communities have been starved during austerity, and who are completely alienated from the current system.

McGregor says it himself: The real nation of Ireland is fed up with you people inside that Dail and change is coming, change is coming for the benefit of Ireland, for the progression of Ireland. We have had enough and it is time our nation stands up. McGregors support of selected charities, of working class communities and his apparent family values also resonate strongly.

The type of change they are seeking, however, will not be found in a Presidential election. It is unlikely that Conor McGregor will truly put his money where his mouth is and run for a general election, because that would involve having to do some real work.

But the need for a new type of politics, one that does not leave people behind, is very clear. In the absence of this, we will see more riots, more disenfranchisement, more racism and more self-serving behaviour like McGregors.

You would hope that a man with very obvious anger management issues who has been accused of multiple violent assaults in recent years, including against several women (mostly of sexual assault), an elderly man, and eh, a bus, would be immediately rejected by the Irish electorate, who have increasingly shown themselves to be considered and compassionate voters, capable of rewarding intelligence, both emotional and otherwise.

But in the current climate, who knows?
A MEDAL of gallantry has been recommended to be awarded to a Ballyhaunis native, Private Billy Kedian who was killed while serving with the Defence Forces in Lebanon.

The Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence published its report on the awarding of Defence Force Medals to provide a more cohesive framework for the awarding of medals for gallantry.

These recommendations come as some soldiers have never been recognised, such as Ballyhaunis-native Private Billy Kedian, a soldier of the 1st Battalion in Galway, who was killed on May 31, 1999 while serving in Lebanon.

Private Billy Kedian was just 21 years old when he was fatally injured when the compound he was in while serving as a Peacekeeper in south Lebanon came under mortar attack. A former colleague who served with Private Kedian told a meeting of Mayo County Council in May that his actions saved the lives of 14 of his colleagues.

To mark the 25th anniversary of his death, Mayo County Council has given a commitment to honour Private Kedian with a memorial in his home town of Ballyhaunis.

Medals in the Defence Forces are usually awarded to personnel based on criteria such as length of service, service overseas and acts of bravery.

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence noted that the awarding of medals is a matter for the military authorities. Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded Defence Forces Medals.

Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell, who sits on the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence commented on the report, saying: I welcome the introduction of this report, but we in the Committee are limited in our ability to help implement this report.

I call upon the Defence Forces Chief of Staff to expedite the recommendations in this report as soon as possible. Those serving our Defence Forces do not get nearly enough recognition for their bravery and sacrifice. While a lot more needs to be done, I hope this report's recommendations will be taken on board.

The Senator concluded his remarks by saying: I also think we need to look back and see if there are other military honours that we could grant to those whove engaged in distinguished acts. I hope the Irish Defence Forces could consider this at some point in the future as other military organisations across the globe have looked at ways in which they can commemorate acts of bravery by their soldiers over the last 100 years.

Defence Forces Regulations state the award of medals for bravery is time-bound. They may not be awarded unless a recommendation is made through the usual channels to the Chief of Staff, not later than two years in the case of the Military Medal for Gallantry, and not later than four years in the case of the Distinguished Service Medal, after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made.

After consideration by Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence the Committee agreed the following:

Noting that the award and the criteria for the award of Military Medal of Gallantry (MMG) are provided for in Defence Force Regulation DFR A9 the Committee recommends for a change to the governing regulation by the removal of the timeline of two years for submission of such cases for review.

Notwithstanding the Committee's request for a review of the two-year rule, a simple granting of a derogation by the Minister to allow for the specific case of Pte Billy Kedian RIP to be examined, due to the time-sensitive nature of this case, is strongly recommended.

The Committee calls for the early completion of the review of Pte Billy Kedians Case.
IN A TOUCHING tribute to the late Joe Drennan, Irish folk artist Emma Langford and journalist Molly Cantwell have come together to release a Christmas charity single.

The duo has covered Joni Mitchell's unconventional Christmas track, River, with all proceeds going to the Gay Community News (GCN), a vital resource for the LGBTQ+ community since 1988.

The collaboration is dedicated to the memory of Joe Drennan, a talented Limerick-based journalist and a prominent voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Joe tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run collision on October 13, 2023, leaving behind a void felt deeply by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Molly Cantwell, managing editor of Limerick Voice, expressed her admiration for her late friend, saying: "Joe was destined for greatness. His passion, talent, charisma, and absolute gra for his work were so evident in absolutely everything he did, and so incredibly enviable."

The choice of the song River was poignant, with Molly selecting it while walking by the Shannon River, a spot cherished by Joe. The project quickly gained support from various Limerick creatives, including Aaron Griffin, Nora Casey, Emer OFlaherty, and Aoife Hennessy, who contributed their talents to the charity single.

Ms Cantwell shared gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Limerick creative community, emphasising the selflessness and generosity that characterised the collaborative effort. She stated: "Losing Joe has been incredibly difficult, but knowing that he has all of this support around him, even in his passing, is such a blessing."

The charity single will be exclusively available on Bandcamp until 2024, after which it will be accessible on all streaming platforms. This decision aims to maximise fundraising during the Christmas season of 2023.
Five defendants have been sent forward for trial to the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court for allegedly obstructing the Ashling Murphy murder investigation.

Today's sitting of Tullamore District Court was told that a Book of Evidence had been served on all five defendants and the cases would be heard in the Central Criminal Court, Dublin.

Judge Andrew Cody told each of the defendants that they had 14 days from today's date to supply an alibi to the Courts.

The court was told that there is a restriction on the media from publishing the defendants' addresses.

Before the court were Marek Puska, Lubomir Puska, Lucia Istokova, Jozefina Grundzova and Viera Gazoiva.

They were all charged with, on dates unknown, between varying dates in January 2022, failing "without reasonable excuse to disclose as soon as was practicable to a member of the Garda Siochana information which you knew or believed might be of material assistance in securing the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of Jozef Puska for a serious offence to wit murder of Ashling Murphy contrary to common law that occurred on the 12/01/2022 at Grand Canal Way Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly, contrary to Section 9 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998."

Three of the defendant were charged with committing this offence in Tullamore Garda Station.
Zelenskyy: We're working to increase efficiency of drones in all areas

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following a conference call on Wednesday, announced the need to increase the level of efficiency in the use of drones, in particular FPV drones, in all directions of the front.

"Conference call... A separate discussion focused on drones  what's in the warehouses and what's needed at the front. Logistics will be expedited. We are also working to increase the efficiency of drones, including FPV, in all areas," he said in a video address.

This, according to the president, is "an obvious priority of the state and a concrete way to protect the lives of our warriors."

During the conference call, the head of state also heard reports from the military on the situation at the front. The law enforcers reported on the internal situation and security, the aftermath of the Russian shelling of Kherson  heavy shelling.

"We will retaliate against the enemy," he said.

In addition, Zelenskyy heard reports from the Main Intelligence Agency on occupiers' plans and Ukraine's counteraction and the Foreign Intelligence Service on the near-term trends and important operations.
France will continue to allocate funds to help Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron has said on Wednesday.

"We should continue to support Ukraine, as this will give us the opportunity to live in peace," he said on the France 5 television channel.

"We are not at war with Russia. But we must not allow Russia to win," he said, referring to the situation in Ukraine.

According to him, for this reason, "we will have to make important decisions in the coming months." "We see that they are beginning to doubt in Europe. It is felt that they are also doubting in the United States. We need to continue to support and strengthen the security of Kyiv in the most important areas," Macron said.
Kyivstar to compensate clients for failure with free month of services, to provide UAH 100 mln to Ukrainian military

The largest Ukrainian telecom operator Kyivstar, as compensation for communication problems during a large-scale outage, will provide existing customers with the opportunity to use the services they subscribe to free of charge for a month, and will provide UAH 100 million to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the company reported on Thursday.

"We saw many proposals on social networks to redirect personal compensations of clients to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We decided not to choose between compensation or donation. Therefore, in addition to canceling the tariff fee, Kyivstar provides UAH 100 million for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Kyivstar President Oleksandr Komarov, quoted in a press release, said.

Prepaid, contract and contract subscribers with the Home Internet service will not be charged the planned fee for the service package in the period from December 22 to January 21, while all other subscribers will have services provided free of charge from January 1 to January 31.

For corporate clients this will be in the form of a 100% discount on tariff fees using mobile services, fixed-line Internet, data transfer and telephony from January 1 to January 31.

As reported, after a failure early in the morning of December 12, caused by a massive cyber attack, Kyivstar began resuming voice services on the evening of December 13; a day later, mobile Internet from the company was relaunched in some regions, and the company announced its full restoration in the country in the evening December 15.

The company announced the full restoration of all services, including SMS text messaging and mobile Internet in roaming, on December 20.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, December 20, 2023

The Biden Administration is urging the Supreme Court to strike down a lower court injunction that could prevent officials from discussing controversial subjects with personnel at social media platforms.

The injunction, issued in September by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, prohibits officials in the White House, Surgeon General's office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Centers for Disease Control from attempting to coerce or significantly encourage a platforms content-moderation decisions.

The appellate court said when it issued the injunction that federal officials likely violated the First Amendment by pressuring social media platforms to suppress posts about topics including vaccines and COVID-19 and other topics.

The Supreme Court temporarily halted the injunction in September, but hasn't considered whether to more permanently set it aside.

On Tuesday, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar argued in a written appeal to the Supreme Court that the injunction, if allowed to take effect, would impose grave harms on the government and the public because it could chill vital governmental communications.

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She also urged the Supreme Court to reject the finding that the administration violated the First Amendment.

Government officials are and must be free to inform, to persuade, and to criticize, she wrote.

The solicitor general added that the 5th Circuit's injunction imposed unprecedented limits on the ability of the presidents closest aides to speak about matters of public concern, on the FBIs ability to address threats to the Nations security, and on CDCs ability to relay public-health information.

The dispute dates to last year, when attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri, and several individuals alleged in that their social media posts relating to COVID-19 policies and vaccines were suppressed due to government pressure. The attorneys general and individuals specifically claimed that federal officials violated the First Amendment by wrongly pressuring tech platforms to censor disfavored speakers and viewpoints.

U.S. District Court Judge Terry Doughty in Monroe, Louisiana, sided with the plaintiffs and on July 4 issued a broad injunction prohibiting a numerous federal agencies and officials from attempting to persuade social media platforms to take down posts that are protected by the First Amendment.

The administration appealed Doughty's order to the 5th Circuit, which narrowed the injunction, but still prohibited some officials, including White House staff, from attempting to coerce or significantly encourage platforms' decisions about content moderation

The White House disputes that it coerced platforms into removing speech, writing that the platforms often declined to remove flagged content.

Despite the platforms routine refusals to act in response to the governments outreach, neither respondents nor the Fifth Circuit have identified even a single instance in which the government imposed any adverse consequences in retaliation, the administration argues. Indeed, Twitter ceased enforcement of its COVID-19 misinformation policy in November 2022, yet suffered no adverse consequences from the federal government.
by Tanya Gazdik , December 20, 2023

Audi of America is giving customers more options to personalize their vehicle screens, much as users customize their computer desktop or cell phone screen.

Audi Themes is a new feature that allows Audi owners to update the appearance of their vehicles interior with display wallpapers. The specially curated content aims to transform the interior into a personal expression with travel landscapes, animals, and shapes, as well as cinema and sports.

Seasonal images for the holiday season are also available. Additional image offerings like movie characters and other themes are expected to become available in the future, according to the automaker.

Customers can also have available in-vehicle ambient lighting selections automatically set to complement the image when the vehicle is equipped with the optional ambient light package.

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Audi Themes are available for purchase in the myAudi Marketplace on the myAudi smartphone app for a one-time cost with prices starting from $12.99 plus taxes and fees. Audi Themes are specific to the vehicle for which they are purchased and are not transferable to another user or another vehicle.

The new Audi App Store allows customers to access their favorite apps directly via the vehicle touch screen. The integrated and ever-expanding store has apps across music, video, gaming, navigation, parking, charging, productivity, weather and news.

In other news, Audi joins sibling companies Volkswagen, Porsche and Scout in being the latest automakers to begin implementing the North American Charging Standard in future electric vehicles starting in 2025.

Other automakers who have already announced similar plans include Subaru, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Rolls Royce, Mini, Volvo, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian and Mercedes-Benz.

Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi are exploring adapter solutions for existing vehicles to access the Tesla Supercharger network, starting in 2025. Scout Motors customers will be able to access the Tesla network once its vehicles go on sale.

The agreement will expand customer charging access to more than 15,000 Tesla Superchargers. This is in addition to the more than 3,800 DC fast charging outlets currently in operation by Electrify America and Electrify Canada.

Electrify America has already announced it will work to offer the NACS connector at charging stations by 2025 in North America, as well as continuing to support CCS.
by Teresa Buyikian , December 20, 2023

Norms 24/7 diner is a Los Angeles restaurant institution, still standing after more than 70 years in a town where not even buildings are allowed to get old. With their immediately recognizable orange and black sign rising up in classic geometric formation, the 23 Norms southern California locations have been one of Los Angeles most identifiable landmarks since the chain's launch in 1949.

Norms location on La Cienega in Los Angeles, built in 1957, has been designated a historic and cultural monument. Designed by Eldon Davis, of Armet Davis Newlove Architects in Santa Monica, the oldest standing location features upswept roofs and unusual angles and includes glass, neon, and steel.

Now the chain has re-opened a Hollywood location at Hollywood Blvd. and Western Ave., mere blocks from where founder Norm Roybark opened the first Norms at the famous intersection of Sunset and Vine.

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Hollywood is where it all started for Norms. It only makes sense to come back home, Norms CEO Eric Wyatt told Marketing Daily. There is a need for a 24/7 diner in this market and Norms fits the trade area needs.

Earlier this year the chain announced the appointment of industry veteran Wyatt, who joined Norms after more than 30 years in the restaurant business, holding senior operations roles for such brands as Starbucks, Panera and various Yum! Brands restaurants.

Subsequently the chain also brought on LA-based ad agency Moontide, which recently launched a new campaign targeting both English- and Spanish-speaking audiences.

The new campaign introduces audiences to Norma, the charismatic bicultural and bilingual face of Norms, who embodies the warmth and familiarity for which every Norms Restaurant is already known, according to a release. The work continues the usage of Norms longtime tag, Where Life Happens."

With our diverse clientele and Moontide's distinct omnicultural storytelling approach, we aim to convey Norms unique dining experience in relatable ways that everyone can appreciate," said Wyatt in a release.

In addition to the new Hollywood location, the chain has announced plans to open a Las Vegas store, just west of the famous Las Vegas strip. The new 24/7 diner will serve beer and wine and have countertop slots ubiquitous to every restaurant in Sin City.

Were excited  to grow outside of Southern California for the first time in our almost 75-year history, Wyatt told Marketing Daily. We will be opening in Las Vegas in summer of 2024.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, December 20, 2023

Stagwell and RealClearPolitics today unveiled a new polling experience that theyre calling RealClearPolling that will assess political races during the 2024 election cycle.

According to the companies, the new platform offers an interactive view of current polling numbers and offers the following features:

advertisement advertisement A streamlined mobile-first experience

Access to multimedia content, including video segments and a podcast featuring the country's top pollsters

Historical data from decades of election cycles

"The Takeaway," a new weekly newsletter with polling analysis and insight from RCP's team of experts

The firms also said they are developing additional features such as:

Artificial intelligence (AI) overlay that allows users to pull from decades of RCP polling data for a customized historical look

Ability to customize user experience by choosing which elections/races they are specifically interested in

Opportunity to sign up for alerts about the latest election polls

Stagwell agency Code and Theory led the strategy, development, and implementation of the new polling experience, which includes a variety of custom and programmatic advertising units as well as new email content opportunities. Sibling shops Gale and Multiview are leading ad sales and direct brand partnerships that will monetize the effort.

Stagwell Chairman and CEO Mark Penn says, "It's a special time to be doing this kind of work with RCP, especially ahead of the next presidential election. With this one-stop shop we're empowering viewers and advertisers to use it as a reliable destination for news and poll results. Code and Theory's advancements have already upgraded the overall digital experience and we know there's a lot more coming."

By most accounts RCPs content is considered right-leaning, while its polling data is considered non-partisan and highly accurate. It was formed in 2000 by Tom Bevan, a former ad account executive with Leo Burnett and Crispin Porter & Bogusky, and former options trader John McIntyre.
by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, December 21, 2023

Critics of the tech industry are lining up in support of California's controversial Age-Appropriate Design Code, a 2022 law requiring companies likely to be accessed by users under 18 to prioritize their best interests and well-being, and largely prohibiting those businesses from collecting or sharing minors' personal information.

That law is a valid regulation of data capitalism, Fairplay, Center for Digital Democracy, Accountable Tech, and others write in a friend-of-the-court brief filed Wednesday with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Under data capitalism, companies make profit by extracting personal data of individuals and selling data-driven services back to other individuals or corporations, they add.

Powerful social platforms targeting and profiling tools are designed not to advertise, but to hypnotize children, the watchdogs contend. User engagement generates data; data collection brings in advertisers; ad space increases profits; and the cycle repeats.

The legal battle over the law dates to last December, when the tech industry group NetChoice challenged the law in court. That group argued the design code is unconstitutional for several reasons, including that mandate to prioritize young users' well-being interferes with web publishers' decisions about editorial content, and is unconstitutionally vague.

In September, U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman in the Northern District of California agreed with NetChoice and blocked enforcement, ruling that measure likely violated the First Amendment. For instance, she wrote, a provision banning tech companies from drawing on minors' data for profiling and targeting didn't take into account beneficial aspects of targeted information.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is now appealing that decision to the 9th Circuit.

Fairplay and the others not only say the law is an enforceable privacy measure, but also take issue with NetChoice's contention that the California law violates the First Amendment by regulating content.

Big Tech is not in the market of speech, the groups write. It is in the business of extracting personal data from users interactions, expressions, and preferences and selling that data to various marketing and advertising companies.

It's worth noting that tech companies aren't the only ones seeking to block the law. The New York Times Company and Student Press Law Center also argued to Freeman that the law would unconstitutionally restrict news organizations' ability to distribute editorial material to minors, and also wrongly limit teens' ability to access content.

Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya separately defended one aspect of the law. He argues in a friend-of-the-court that Freeman didn't fully consider how the law's privacy provisions could protect children under the age of 13.

He writes that the FTC's experience enforcing the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (which prohibits web companies' from knowingly collecting personal data from users under 13 without parental permission) shows that companies take advantage of childrens vulnerabilities to collect information to build increasingly sophisticated profiles on them, and to build commercial relationships with children.

The FTC has encountered this most frequently in the context of free online apps that attract children with cute animals or other activities to harvest their data through direct requests or the otherwise invisible collection and sale of their personal information, including persistent identifiers that can be used to track children across the web, he writes.

He adds that widespread collection and use of children's data can pose risks to their safety, and also allow third-party companies to develop commercial relationships with children that prey on their trust and vulnerability.
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Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis Requiring Long-term Tracheostomy After SARS-CoV-2 Infection



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COVID-19 & Its Post-Viral Neuropathy in Teenagers



The long-term neurotrophic effects of COVID-19 like vocal cord paralysis significantly redefines patient care for the broader pediatric community. #covid19 #neuroeffect #vocalcordparlaysis #teenhealth

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Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis Requiring Long-term Tracheostomy After SARS-CoV-2 Infection - (https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2023-061897/196221/Bilateral-Vocal-Cord-Paralysis-Requiring-Long-term)



A 15-year-old girl contracted COVID-19 and went on to develop bilateral vocal cord paralysis, in a first-of-its-kind occurrence. Vocal cord paralysis can be a nervous system-related (neuropathic) consequence of the SARS-CoV virus , according to a case report published in the journal).The patient, an otherwise healthy girl, was presented at the emergency department at Massachusetts General Hospital with symptoms of respiratory distress nine days after diagnosis with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Examination with an endoscope revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis, which is an immobility of both vocal cords found in the larynx or voice box.According to physician-researchers at Mass Eye and Ear, a member of Mass General Brigham, it is The first pediatric case of bilateral vocal cord paralysis after COVID and was likely a downstream effect of the COVID.Given how common this virus is among children, this newly-recognized potential complication should be considered in any child presenting with breathing, talking, or swallowing complaint after a recent COVID-19 diagnosis, said first author Danielle Reny Larrow, a resident in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Mass Eye and Ear.This is especially important as such complaints could be easily attributed to more common diagnoses such as asthma . While at the hospital, the patient underwent a detailed battery of diagnostic tests including blood work, imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and consultations with otolaryngology, neurology, psychiatry, speech-language pathology, and neurosurgery.When speech therapy failed-- a surgically created opening in the windpipe -- to relieve the patients breathing difficulties. She remained tracheostomy-dependent for more than 13 months after initial treatment, suggesting that this type of nerve complication may not be temporary.Following the submission of this case report, the physicians were able to remove the tracheostomy -- 15 months after it was inserted and just in time for the patients high school graduation and prom. 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, Hartnick said.We decided to intervene so that she could graduate high school and go to her prom tracheostomy-free, which she did.as a complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but this is the first report of the complication in an adolescent.This is important, the team said, because these types of complications are not usually expected in young, healthy individuals and there have been more than 15 million reported cases of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection. 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, said senior author Christopher Hartnick, director of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Mass Eye and Ear.Source-IANS
Highlights: Childhood trauma, or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), increases the risk of chronic pain in adulthood

Physical abuse during childhood heightens the likelihood of chronic pain and pain-related disability

A cumulative impact is observed, emphasizing the need for interventions to break the cycle and improve long-term health outcomes

adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

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Adverse childhood experience is associated with an increased risk of reporting chronic pain in adulthood: a stystematic review and meta-analysis



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Childhood trauma increases the risk of chronic pain in adulthood. With over 1 billion children facing ACEs yearly, urgent interventions are needed. Let's break the cycle and safeguard well-being. #childhoodtrauma #chronicpain

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What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

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Childhood Trauma Amplifies the Threat of Chronic Pain in Adulthood

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Adverse Childhood Experiences, Chronic Pain, and Urgent Calls for Intervention

Chronic pain

arthritis

headaches

Childhood Trauma and Adult Chronic Pain: Decoding the Impact of Early Trauma

Individuals exposed to direct ACEs, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect, were 45% more likely to report chronic pain in adulthood.

Childhood physical abuse correlated with a higher likelihood of reporting both chronic pain and pain-related disability.

The risk of reporting chronic pain increased with exposure to any direct ACE, either alone or combined with indirect ACEs.

A dose-response relationship was observed, with the risk of chronic pain significantly escalating from exposure to one ACE to four or more ACEs.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Chronic Pain: Urgent Calls for Intervention and a Path Forward

Adverse childhood experience is associated with an increased risk of reporting chronic pain in adulthood: a stystematic review and meta-analysis - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38111090/)

Embarking on a comprehensive exploration spanning 75 years and involving over 800,000 adults, a recent study published in thedelves into the lasting repercussions of). These potentially traumatic events, occurring before the age of 18, have been revealed to significantly elevate the risk of chronic pain and pain-related disabilities in adulthood. With more than a billion children worldwide exposed to ACEs annually, the study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to break the cycle of adversity and enhance long-term health outcomes.ACEs encompass a range of potentially traumatic events that impact children and teenagers either directly or indirectly. Direct forms include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, as well as neglect. Indirect exposure involves environmental factors like domestic violence, substance abuse, or parental loss. The study, conducted by Dr. Andre Bussieres from McGill University, Canada, and his team, emphasizes the breadth of ACEs' reach and their potential to influence long-term health outcomes.The research illuminates a disturbing realitythe cumulative impact of exposure to multiple ACEs exacerbates the risk of experiencing chronic pain and pain-related disability in adulthood. Children subjected to physical abuse face a particularly heightened risk. The findings sound a clarion call, highlighting the urgent necessity for interventions and support systems to mitigate the pervasive influence of childhood trauma on adult health., affecting up to half of the UK population and being a leading cause of disability worldwide, is a significant public health concern. Conditions like low back pain,, and migraines can severely impede daily functioning. This study draws attention to the positive relationship between ACEs and chronic pain in adulthood, underscoring the pressing need for a more nuanced understanding of this connection.To bridge existing knowledge gaps, the authors conducted a systematic review, encompassing 85 studies, with results from 57 studies being pooled for meta-analyses. The findings were revealing:Professor Jan Hartvigsen from the University of Southern Denmark, the senior author of the study, emphasizes the urgency of addressing ACEs in light of their prevalence and profound health repercussions. The study concludes with a call for future research to delve into the biological mechanisms linking ACEs to health across the lifespan. This deeper understanding will empower healthcare professionals and policymakers to devise targeted strategies aimed at mitigating the enduring impact of early-life adversity on adult health.In essence, this groundbreaking research not only sheds light on the alarming connection between childhood trauma and adult chronic pain but also serves as a clarion call for comprehensive interventions and support systems to safeguard the well-being of the millions of children grappling with ACEs worldwide.Source-Medindia
The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is strengthening its work behind enemy lines, among the priority targets are Russian warships and bases, logistics corridors for arms supplies, the SBU press service said, citing Head of the Ukrainian special service Vasyl Maliuk.

"Ukraine's spies aim to intensify intelligence operations and conduct sabotage strikes deep in Russian-controlled territory next year to bring the war as close to the Kremlin as possible. Among the priority targets are Russian warships, military bases, logistics corridors for arms supplies, etc.," the SBU press service said on the Telegram channel on Thursday, based on Maliuk's statement to Politico.

"The SBU carries out targeted point strikes. We stab the enemy with a needle right in the heart. Each of our special operations pursues a specific goal and gives its result. All this in a complex complicates the capabilities of the Russian Federation for waging war and brings our victory closer," Maliuk told Politico.

According to him, the special service is already working to push the Russian Black Sea Fleet out of Crimea.

"With the help of those little guys we are gradually pushing the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation out of Crimea," Maliuk said.

The publication also said Sea baby drone attacks forced Moscow to transfer most of its fleet from occupied Crimea, allowing Ukraine to restore the use of its ports for shipping.

According to Maliuk, the SBU carefully selects targets before striking, first of all working on military targets or those that the enemy uses to carry out their combat missions and logistically support the army.

"It is a legitimate target for us, according to international law and the rules of war," the SBU head said.

The SBU carries out most of its operations on the territory of Ukraine  in Donbas, Crimea and the Black Sea.

"This is our land and we will use all possible methods to free it from the occupiers," the SBU head said, promising that the "cotton" (explosions in Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine) will continue to burn.
Finland will provide Ukraine with a new package of defense assistance worth EUR 106 million, Ministry of Defense has announced.

"Finland supplies Ukraine with new models of defense equipment. The decision on this was made by President of the Republic Sauli Niinisto on December 21 at the suggestion of the Government. This is the 21st delivery of defense equipment from Finland to Ukraine. It is estimated that the replacement of the equipment included in this batch will cost Finland about EUR 106 million," the Finnish Defense Ministry said on its website.
WENATCHEE, Wash. -- The man shot and wounded by police Sunday after authorities say he fired into an empty Veterans Affairs clinic was identified as Army veteran Troy Allen McMaster of East Wenatchee.

Investigators believe McMaster rammed the Department of Veterans Affairs Elwood "Bud" Link Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Olds Station with a pickup truck and then fired shots into the building.

He was pursued by members of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office and Wenatchee Police Department to the 2500 block of Eastmont Avenue outside East Wenatchee where he was shot multiple times following an armed confrontation, according to the North Central Washington Special Investigation Unit.

McMaster, 54, was later arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault, first-degree malicious mischief and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

No officers were wounded in the shooting.

The Special Investigation Unit identified McMaster in a news release Wednesday afternoon.

The officers and deputies involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure. Their identities were not released. It's not clear how many law enforcement officers were involved in the shooting.

McMaster served in the U.S. Army from November 1987 to November 1991 as a military police officer, according to Lt. Colonel Ruth Castro, Army spokesperson. He deployed to Southwest Asia from August 1990 to April 1991. He held the rank of specialist at the end of his enlistment.

After the shooting, McMaster was transported to Confluence Health Hospital in Wenatchee and then airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he underwent surgery Monday, according to Douglas County Undersheriff Tyler Caille.

He moved out of the intensive care unit Tuesday and was in satisfactory condition, said Harborview spokeswoman Susan Gregg.

Douglas County deputies were first alerted to McMaster after they received a report at 8:42 p.m. Sunday that McMaster was sending text messages saying he wanted to harm himself. Attempts by deputies to contact him were unsuccessful.

He was located by police at 10:05 p.m. at the VA clinic. McMaster fled and was pursued into Douglas County where his vehicle stopped on the 2500 block of Eastmont Avenue, the news release said.

Investigators say he exited the vehicle and confronted police while armed with a firearm and was shot and wounded by the officers at 11:16 p.m.

The clinic was closed Monday and Tuesday and reopened Wednesday, according to Bret Bowers, spokesman for the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane. Services have been offered to employees to help with stress or anxiety.

The shooting will be investigated by the Special Investigation Unit. It's made up of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Okanogan County Sheriff's Office, East Wenatchee Police Department, Wenatchee Police Department, and Washington State Patrol.

The Special Investigation Unit does not expect to release more information about the shooting until next week.

(c) 2023 The Wenatchee World (Wenatchee, Wash.)

Visit The Wenatchee World (Wenatchee, Wash.) at www.wenatcheeworld.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Navy dive and salvage team has recovered the bodies of three soldiers and the Army MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter they were in that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in November, the service announced Thursday.

"Everyone onboard was humbled by the opportunity to play a small role in helping to bring closure to grieving families," Cmdr. John Kennedy, the Navy officer leading the task group in charge of the effort, said in the Thursday press release.

According to the Army's Special Operations Command, which also released a statement Thursday, the aircraft was recovered on Dec. 15 and the remains of three soldiers that were aboard were flown to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, for identification. Two others died when the helicopter crashed, but their remains were found in the immediate aftermath of the accident.

Read Next: The US Wanted Out of the Middle East. The Middle East Had Other Ideas.

The five-soldier crew was part of the Army's Special Operations Command and assigned to 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). The Black Hawk was conducting aerial refueling training when "the aircraft experienced an in-flight emergency, resulting in the crash," the Army said.

The crash took place amid a U.S. force buildup in response to Hamas' brutal terror attack on Israeli civilians and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza.

At the time, a senior defense official wouldn't say whether the Army special operations unit was in the area to support Israel but did say that it was "there in response to the dynamic security environment in the region." A statement from U.S. European Command also stressed that "the aircraft sortie was purely related to training and there are no indications of hostile activity."

The Navy used experts from its Supervisor of Salvage and Diving command, as well as sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 and soldiers from the Army's Special Operations Aviation Command, in the search, the Navy's statement said. The team contracted a multipurpose vessel, the NG Worker, and proceeded to the crash site on Dec. 8.

"Once on station, highly skilled operators located and recovered the aircraft using state-of-the-art underwater survey and recovery equipment mounted on the Deep Drone remote operated vehicle," the Navy said in its statement.

Although neither statement noted the depth of the sunken helicopter, the Deep Drone used in the effort has a maximum operating depth of 8,000 feet.

The Navy's Supervisor of Salvage and Diving is routinely called in to recover aircraft and other objects that sink to the bottom of the ocean. In March 2022, the command recovered a F-35C Lightning II fighter that had crashed into the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson several months prior before sliding off and sinking more than 12,000 feet into the South China Sea.

The command also provided equipment and expertise to the massive rescue-and-recovery effort of the Titan -- a private submersible that imploded while conducting a dive to the wreck of the Titanic.

The victims of the crash are Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire; Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.

Neither the Navy nor Army offered the identities of the three soldiers who were recovered as part of the salvage effort. The Navy cited pending next-of-kin notification as the reason.

The remains of two soldiers were recovered during initial search-and-recovery efforts in November.

Army Special Operations Command said that the cause of the crash is still being investigated.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on X at @ktoropin.

Related: Army Identifies 5 Special Operations Soldiers Killed in Black Hawk Crash in Mediterranean Sea
A string of incidents involving V-22 Ospreys, including the crash off the coast of Japan last month that killed eight special operations airmen, is prompting a congressional investigation into the aircraft's safety and performance.

In a letter Thursday, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., requested Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin turn over a slew of documents on the Osprey program, including safety records, maintenance logs, accident investigations, performance evaluations and more.

"It is crucial for the safety of our service members to ensure transparency, accountability and a thorough understanding of the steps DoD is taking to mitigate any further mechanical risks," Comer wrote in the letter.

Read Next: The US Wanted Out of the Middle East. The Middle East Had Other Ideas.

Comer gave Austin a Jan. 4 deadline to provide the documents to his committee.

The Oversight Committee's probe comes after what was the Air Force's deadliest Osprey crash to date. On Nov. 29, a CV-22B Osprey assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing went down into the ocean during a training mission off the shore of Yakushima Island, killing all eight crew members aboard.

After a preliminary investigation suggested the cause of the crash was a mechanical failure, the Air Force, Marines and Navy announced they were grounding their entire fleets of Ospreys to conduct maintenance and inspections. It's the first time all three services that fly the aircraft have grounded it at once.

The November crash was just the latest in a series of incidents and mechanical issues that has plagued the aircraft since its first flight in 1989. More than 60 service members have died in more than a dozen Osprey accidents since its first fatal crash in 1992, including 20 deaths just since 2022.

Last year, after the Air Force announced a surprise safety stand-down for the aircraft, the military services revealed they were aware of a mechanical issue known as a hard clutch engagement, or HCE, that had caused at least 15 known Osprey incidents between 2010 and 2022.

The underlying cause of the HCEs, which happen when the aircraft's clutches jam and shred internal components connected to the rotors, remains unknown.

Still, the military services have said they remain confident in the aircraft, which provides a unique capability with its tiltrotor technology that allows it to take off and land like a helicopter but fly at higher speeds like an airplane.

The aircraft's defenders also highlight a Marine Corps statistic that, for every 100,000 hours of flight, the Osprey has fewer mishaps than the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, the CH-53E Super Stallion and other service aircraft. But that statistic doesn't account for what is believed to be the most common type of HCE incident, mishaps that are still costly and harrowing but that fall short of the top definition for incident reporting by the military that requires death, total destruction of the aircraft or more than $2.5 million in damages.

In his letter, Comer acknowledged the "significant advantages the Osprey can bring to combat" and that "statistically, the Osprey is not considered as dangerous as some other military aircraft."

But he also pointed to past watchdog reports on continued mechanical issues, the $120 million price tag to buy each Osprey, and the fact that most fatalities involving the aircraft have happened during training rather than combat, something he said his panel "remains alarmed" by.

"Given the gravity of the loss of service members' lives, increasing costs, and the future economic impact and innovative applications of Osprey program technology," he wrote, "the committee requests documents and information to shed light on aspects of the program's safety and performance."

Related: During Osprey Stand-Down, Some Forward Units Are Limiting Their Use in Operations
MIAMI  A defense contractor at the center of one of the biggest bribery scandals in U.S. military history is expected to face additional charges following his return to the United States from Venezuela as part of a broader prisoner swap between the two countries, a federal prosecutor said Thursday.

Leonard Glenn Francis, who is nicknamed Fat Leonard, faced a federal judge for the first time since snipping off his ankle monitor last year and disappearing weeks before a sentencing hearing on charges that he offered more than $500,000 in cash bribes to Navy officials, defense contractors and others.

He was later arrested in Venezuela and had been in custody there since, but was returned to the U.S. in a large swap that also saw the release of 10 American detainees by Venezuela in exchange for the Biden administration freeing Alex Saab, a Colombian-born businessman and close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was facing money laundering charges in Miami.

Francis, shackled and in a beige jumpsuit, stood by quietly as a federal magistrate judge in Miami ordered him to be transferred to the Southern District of California, the region where his case was initially filed.

Prosecutors said additional charges would be presented against Francis for failing to appear at a hearing in his ongoing bribery case in San Diego.

Not right now, an otherwise expressionless but soft-spoken Francis said in response to Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Becerras question about whether he could afford an attorney.

Francis was arrested in a San Diego hotel nearly a decade ago as part of a federal sting operation. Investigators say he bilked the U.S. military out of more than $35 million by buying off dozens of top-ranking Navy officers with booze, sex, lavish parties and other gifts.

The scandal led to the conviction and sentencing of nearly two dozen Navy officials, defense contractors and others on various fraud and corruption charges. Investigators say Francis, who owned and operated his family's ship-servicing business, abused his position as a key contact for U.S. Navy shops at ports across Asia, wooing naval officers with Kobe beef, expensive cigars, concert tickets and wild sex parties at luxury hotels from Thailand to the Philippines.

He pleaded guilty in 2015 and was allowed to stay out of jail at a rental home, on house arrest with a GPS ankle monitor and security guards.

But weeks before he faced sentencing in September 2022, Francis made a daring escape as he cut off his ankle monitor and disappeared. Officials said he fled to Mexico, made his way to Cuba and eventually got to Venezuela.

He was arrested a couple weeks later before boarding a flight at the Simon Bolivar International Airport outside Caracas. Venezuelan officials said he intended to reach Russia.

He had been in custody in Venezuela ever since, and officials said he sought asylum there.

___

Tucker reported from Washington.
After a spate of reports alleging misconduct, some Marines stationed in Japan have been ordered to adhere to a stricter leave policy, according to a new order signed by the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marines Forces Japan, or MARFORJ.

The new policy, which was issued by Lt. Gen. James Bierman Jr. on Dec. 11, requires all sergeants and below to carry liberty cards while on short, authorized periods of leave -- also known as liberty. It also requires all corporals and below to take a "liberty buddy" with them when drinking off-post, a policy that was nixed last year.

The order follows reports of alleged Marine misconduct on the island, including a lance corporal assaulting an elderly Japanese woman in November, according to Stars and Stripes, which first reported the liberty change and misconduct. The publication also said another service member was involved in a fight in Iwakuni that same month.

Read Next: What Does the Space Force Do? 4 Years After Its Birth, Glimpses of the Service's Mission Emerge

"Professional and responsible conduct on liberty reinforces to friends and potential adversaries alike that the service members of MARFORJ are disciplined, reliable, ready, and take care of each other." the policy said. "Misconduct negatively impacts readiness, how friends and adversaries view MARFORJ, and erodes support among local populations and governments at a critical time."

The liberty buddy program, as it is called in the new order, requires that service members E-4 and below be accompanied by either another active-duty service member, Defense Department civilian, command-recognized spouse or another adult family member while consuming alcohol off-post.

The policy also broke down liberty rules into three tiers. Marines in tier three, the strictest contained in the order, are prohibited from off-post leave, cannot consume alcohol, and must return to their home or installation by 10 p.m.

Marines assigned to tier two may not buy or drink alcohol off-post unless it is consumed in the service member's off-base quarters. These personnel can drink alcohol aboard military installations, but have an 11 p.m. curfew.

Tier one, which all MARFORJ personnel are assigned to by default and is unchanged from last year's policy, outlines that, regardless of age or rank, drinking off-base between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. is forbidden unless in a personal residence or hotel room.

Marines at the paygrade of E-5 and below assigned to any tier must carry a card identifying which tier they are assigned to.

Commanders can assign Marines tiers based on their merit, personal conduct and perceived trustworthiness without requiring administrative action or legal review, according to the policy. The specific reasoning must be put in writing, however, and commanders can direct a requirement for a liberty buddy at their discretion.

"MARFORJ members take care of one another and should make every reasonable effort to prevent inappropriate or illegal activities by other service members," the policy said. "If service members are aware of such misconduct, they must directly report the information to their chain of command or other appropriate organization/office as soon as possible."

III Marine Expeditionary Force, or III MEF, did not respond to a request for comment regarding the policy or questions asking whether it was tightened due to reports of alleged misconduct.

At the highest levels of government, the alliance between Japan and the United States is being bolstered in the face of increased Chinese military presence in the Pacific. According to Reuters, Japan is undergoing its greatest military overhaul since World War II, and the United States has worked hand-in-hand with the country to reinforce its southern island chain to contain China's influence in the region.

Yet the Marine presence in Japan has often been a point of contention for residents of the island nation and local leaders, going back decades. Earlier this year, thousands of protesters gathered near Kadena Air Base in Okinawa to challenge the U.S. presence there, according to Axios. Those concerns follow years of the Marine Corps having an enormous military presence on the island; Okinawa hosts more than 70% of all U.S. military facilities in the country.

In November, the Marine Corps redesignated a Japan-based unit into a Marine littoral regiment capable of quickly responding to threats in the Indo-Pacific. The announcement was part of an agreement with the Japanese government that meant no new units would be added to Okinawa.

Related: Okinawa-Based Marine Regiment Set to Rebrand as Littoral Unit Next Month After Deal with Japan
SEOUL, South Korea  South Koreas top court ordered two Japanese companies to financially compensate more of their wartime Korean workers for forced labor, as it sided Thursday with its contentious 2018 verdicts on the firms that caused a huge setback in relations between the Asian neighbors.

But observers said that Thursdays ruling wont likely hurt bilateral ties much since Seoul and Tokyo, now governed by different leaders, are pushing hard to bolster their partnerships in the face of shared challenges like North Koreas evolving nuclear threats and Chinas increasing assertiveness.

The Supreme Court ruled that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries must provide between 100 million and 150 million won ($76,700 and $115,000) in compensation to each of four plaintiffs  all bereaved families of its former employees who were forced to work for the company during Japans 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. The court also said Nippon Steel Corp. must give 100 million won (about $76,700) to each of seven Korean plaintiffs, also all bereaved relatives, for similar colonial-era forced labor.

I felt so sad when I heard the name of (my father) being stated as the deceased at todays trial, but I was still really glad that we won  though its a bit late, said Joo Soon-ja, daughter of the late Joo Seok-bong, a forced laborer, as she held her fathers large framed photo.

In two separate verdicts in 2018, the top South Korean court ordered Mitsubishi and Nippon Steel to compensate a total of 15 other Korean employees for forced labor. That irked Japan, which has insisted all compensation issues were already settled by a 1965 bilateral treaty that normalized their diplomatic relations. But the 2018 South Korean court rulings said that the treaty can't prevent individuals from seeking compensation for forced labor, because Japanese companies use of such laborers were acts of illegality against humanity that were linked to Tokyos illegal colonial occupation and its war of aggression.

In Thursdays ruling, the South Korean Supreme Court cited that argument in one of the 2018 verdicts, saying it paved the way for a judicial remedy for forced labor victims within Republic of Korea. Japans chief Cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, called the ruling absolutely unacceptable, saying it clearly violated the 1965 treaty.

The wrangling touched off by the 2018 rulings led to the two countries downgrading each others trade status, and Seouls previous liberal government threatening to spike a military intelligence-sharing pact. Their strained ties complicated efforts by the United States to build a stronger trilateral Washington-Seoul-Tokyo cooperation to counter challenges posed by North Korea and China.

The Seoul-Tokyo relations, however, began thawing after South Koreas current conservative president, Yoon Suk Yeol, announced in March that his country would use a local corporate fund to compensate forced labor victims without demanding Japanese contributions. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida later expressed sympathy for the suffering of Korean forced laborers during a Seoul visit. The two countries revived high-level talks and withdrew economic retaliatory steps against each other.

On Thursday, the two countries held their first high-level economic talks in Seoul in about eight years and agreed to work together to realize substantial cooperation on economic sectors based on improving ties, according to South Korea's Foreign Ministry.

Eleven of the 15 former forced laborers or their families involved in the 2018 rulings had accepted compensation under Seouls third-party reimbursement plan, but the remaining four still refuse to accept it, according to Lee Kook Un, a leader of their support group. He said that about 70 other suits seeking damages from more than 10 Japanese companies are still pending in South Korean courts.

Lim Soosuk, spokesperson of South Koreas Foreign Ministry, told reporters Thursday that the government would try to provide compensation to the Korean plaintiffs related to Thursdays ruling through the third-party reimbursement system as well. He said that the South Korean government would also continue necessary communication with Japan.

Choi Eunmi, a Japan expert at the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said that Thursdays ruling wont likely cause big troubles in Korea-Japan relationships, because South Korea has already determined how to handle such verdicts with the establishment of the domestic compensation fund.

Choi said that because some forced labor victims refuse to accept compensation under the third-party reimbursement system, the South Korean fund hasnt completely resolved the issue. But she said an attempt by a future South Korean government to spike the system would undermine South Koreas credibility in Japan and deteriorate bilateral ties severely.

Yoons push to improve ties with Japan drew strong backlash from some of the forced labor victims and liberal opposition politicians, who have demanded direct compensation from the Japanese companies. But Yoon defended his move, saying its essential to boosting ties with Japan to jointly cope with North Koreas advancing nuclear arsenal, the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and global supply chain challenges.

Associated Press writers Jiwon Song in Seoul and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON -- Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his Chinese counterpart on Thursday, in the first of what officials said will be renewed talks between the two nations' senior military leaders, as the Biden administration works to thaw relations with Beijing.

The video call between Brown and Gen. Liu Zhenli is the first senior military communications between the U.S. and China since August 2022, when Beijing suspended all such contacts after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. It comes on the heels of similar conversations between top U.S. and Chinese diplomats, all triggered by the meeting last month between U.S. President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping.

Biden's meeting with Xi, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, was aimed in part at restoring the military talks amid escalating concerns about frequent unsafe or unprofessional incidents between the two nations' ships and aircraft in the Pacific region.

Brown and Liu "discussed the importance of working together to responsibly manage competition, avoid miscalculations, and maintain open and direct lines of communication," said Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey, Brown's spokesman, in a statement.

The U.S. has consistently viewed military communications with China as critical to avoiding any missteps between their armed forces and to maintaining a peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

Brown's call is the first Cabinet-level communication with China since Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Dec. 6 with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

While few other details about Brown's call were released, a senior U.S. defense official and a senior military official said it was an important first step. These are the kinds of discussions that the U.S. needs to have with China, they said, in order to avoid misunderstandings or miscalculations as the two militaries interact. The two officials spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to provide information before the call.

They said the U.S. is talking with China at various levels to work out a series of calls and meetings in the coming weeks and months. They include plans to hold the bilateral Defense Policy Coordination Talks early next year and the possible resumption of the China-U.S. Military Maritime Consultative Agreement talks in the spring.

During the call Brown reaffirmed the importance of holding the policy and maritime talks as well as opening the lines of communication with top Pacific commanders from the two countries, Dorsey said in his statement.

In August 2022, Beijing suspended all military contacts with the U.S. when Pelosi became the highest-ranking American lawmaker to visit Taiwan since 1997, when then-Speaker Newt Gingrich traveled there. Her visit sparked a surge in military maneuvers by China. Beijing dispatched warships and aircraft across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, claiming the de facto boundary did not exist, fired missiles over Taiwan itself, and challenged established norms by firing missiles into Japan's exclusive economic zone.

There also has been an increase in what the Pentagon calls risky Chinese aircraft and warship incidents. The Defense Department in October released video footage of some of the more than 180 intercepts of U.S. warplanes by Chinese aircraft that have occurred in the past two years -- more than the total number over the previous decade. In one of the more recent incidents, a Chinese pilot flew within 10 feet (3 meters) of a U.S. Air Force B-52, which was conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace.

While officials touted the Brown-Liu call as an important initial move, the Pentagon has continued to express concerns about China's aggressive military interactions in the Indo-Pacific and has worked to build alliances with other nations in the region.

Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with defense chiefs from Australia and the United Kingdom to forge a new agreement to increase technology cooperation and information sharing, as part of a broader effort to counter China's rapidly growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

The new technology agreement is the next step in widening military cooperation with Australia that includes plans to help equip Sydney with a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines. And the defense leaders pointed to efforts by China to restrict freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific as a reason to bolster their cooperation.

Also, earlier this week, Adm. John Aquilino, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, expressed concerns about the increased joint military actions by China and Russia in the region. Speaking in Tokyo, he said it is far beyond a "marriage of convenience" between Beijing and Moscow, and he urged China to stop escalating maritime confrontations with its neighbors.

China's defense ministry, meanwhile, has criticized the U.S. for interfering in both Taiwan and the South China Sea, charging that American arms sales to Taiwan are making the situation more dangerous.
Facing a growing list of attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Charles "C.Q." Brown was pressed at a recent conference on why the American military wasn't responding more aggressively.

Two decades of war in the region, a war that much of the American public is eager to move on from, have made military leaders cautious when talking about battlefields that have claimed thousands of service members' lives.

"We're being very thoughtful about the approach we take, and I do that when I provide my advice on how best to respond but also not to broaden the conflict," Brown said on stage at the Reagan National Defense Forum at the beginning of the month.

Read Next: What Does the Space Force Do? 4 Years After Its Birth, Glimpses of the Service's Mission Emerge

A day later, the list grew, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels launching one of their biggest drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, prompting the destroyer USS Carney to shoot down multiple drones.

That same day, U.S. forces in Iraq killed five Iran-linked militants in a drone strike intended to prevent an imminent attack on American troops.

Since then, U.S. forces have faced dozens more attacks in Iraq and Syria, with the total topping 100 and at least 66 American troops suffering injuries. U.S. warships have also been called upon several more times to respond to continued Houthi attacks on commercial ships, and American military involvement in protecting commercial shipping is poised to grow with the announcement of a new multinational task force to patrol the Red Sea, an escalation as the year draws to a close.

Despite efforts to avoid a larger war and as the U.S. watches close ally Israel's ground campaign in Gaza continue, the American military by all appearances is, yet again, getting pulled deeper and deeper into the Middle East.

Taken as a whole, events since October demonstrate that, as much as the country has sought to extract itself from the Middle East in recent years, the region is not done with the United States, and 2024 is likely to see U.S. forces still confronting threats and facing the risk of casualties.

"The fact that there are several frozen conflicts in the region that have been unresolved, neither militarily nor politically, certainly creates an enabling environment for various cycles of violence to keep repeating themselves," said Merissa Khurma, director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center. "Everyone looks to the West for leadership in resolving these conflicts because that responsibility comes with the power the United States yields, both politically and militarily."

Further, the danger of a broader, conventional Middle East war still looms.

"It's sheer good luck that we have not lost any Americans in this growing number of attacks," said Mona Yacoubian, vice president of the Middle East and North Africa Center at the U.S. Institute of Peace. "This is far from over, and I think, unfortunately, we have not yet seen what the full scope of escalation looks like."

The start of the Biden administration saw a concerted effort to turn the page on America's so-called endless wars in the Middle East and South Asia, and in turn focus more on the Indo-Pacific region and America's strategic adversary of China.

Last year, a new National Defense Strategy named China as the United States' top "pacing challenge" while placing the threats that had consumed U.S. attention in the beginning of the 21st century, including terrorism and the Middle East, on a lower tier.

President Joe Biden withdrew the last remaining U.S. troops from Afghanistan, despite warnings that came to fruition that doing so would lead to the Afghan government's collapse.

And while the administration left untouched about 2,500 troops in Iraq and about 900 troops in Syria to keep any remnants of the ISIS terrorist group at bay, Biden made a high-profile announcement in 2021 that the combat mission in Iraq was over, and officials rarely drew attention to U.S. military activities in Iraq and Syria.

Then Oct. 7 happened.

Hamas terrorists snuck across the border from the Gaza Strip to Israel, slaughtering about 1,200 people and abducting about 250 others in the bloodiest day in Israel's history. Americans were among both the dead and the hostages. The Israeli government responded by launching a war on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip that has included a blistering airstrike campaign and ground invasion.

Iranian proxy forces in the region have taken advantage of the chaos by launching a flurry of attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Israel and Hezbollah have also regularly been trading fire across the Israel-Lebanon border since Oct. 7.

The United States responded by rushing forces into the region in what officials described as an effort to deter a wider Middle East war. Two aircraft carriers and their associated strike groups steamed into the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and air defenses were bolstered throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, among other elements of the buildup.

Defense officials have stressed that no assets are being taken from the Indo-Pacific region to help the buildup in the Middle East. They also argue that they remain focused on China despite Gaza, as well as the war in Ukraine before that, consuming the most immediate attention.

"We've not lost any readiness," Gen. Charles Flynn, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, said at the Reagan forum when asked how competing priorities for weapons, particularly for the war in Ukraine, could affect his forces. "There's a lot of ways to weight your effort, and it's not just steel coming off of a production line."

Still, public attention has undeniably shifted recently, as has many U.S. leaders' rhetoric.

The Reagan National Defense Survey, released annually ahead of the conference, found the Middle East jumped as a priority for Americans in the last year. While 11% of respondents said in 2022 that the U.S. military should focus its forces in the Middle East, 31% said so this year. This year's iteration of the poll was taken weeks after the Hamas attack.

By comparison, 25% of respondents this year said the U.S. military should focus on East Asia, including China, compared to 31% last year.

When given free range to decide how to allocate U.S. military resources, poll respondents split forces fairly evenly between the Middle East and Asia. On average, respondents said about 19% of U.S. military resources should be focused on the Middle East and about 18% should be focused on East Asia.

Still, 51% said they believe China is the greatest threat to the United States, with the country retaining its perch atop the list from last year.

"It depends on what the leaders are talking about, that's what Americans are going to focus on," Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said on a panel at the Reagan forum about the poll results.

While the annual confab of military officials, lawmakers and defense contractors did not officially include any panels on the Middle East or the war in Israel, talk about the conflict permeated discussions at the Reagan Library.

During his speech at the conference, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke almost twice as long about Israel and the Middle East as he did about America's supposed priority theater of the Indo-Pacific.

"As we are working to stabilize the region, Iran is raising tensions," Austin said in his speech. "After attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria, our forces repeatedly struck facilities in Iraq and eastern Syria used by Iran's IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and by militias affiliated with Iran. We will not tolerate attacks on American personnel. These attacks must stop. And until they do, we will do what we need to do to protect our troops -- and to impose costs on those who attack them."

Even with the tit-for-tat between U.S. forces and Iran-backed militias in the region, warnings at the beginning of the war in Israel that it could escalate into an all-out war in the Middle East haven't borne out. But regional experts say the skirmishes in Iraq and Syria, the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the violence on the Israel-Lebanon border all still risk spiraling into a more conventional war that would further entangle the United States.

"Nobody wants this to escalate further because they understand how high the risks are for contagion," said the Wilson Center's Khurma, who said she's spoken to regional diplomats who have open channels of communication with Iran. "It is very delicate. The risks remain high."

Related: 5 Purple Hearts Awarded to Injured Troops After Spike in Attacks on Bases in Iraq, Syria
The Russian army carried out two airstrikes on Toretsk (Donetsk region): the strike hit two mines, two bombs were dropped on each of them, said Ihor Klymenko, head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

"Two bombs hit the territory of one of the mines of Toretsk. One person was killed and two others were injured. The company is de-energized. There were 32 miners underground, they have already been brought to the surface," he wrote on the Telegram channel on Thursday evening.

According to him, two more bombs hit the territory of another mine. "Two people were killed and three injured. As a result of the strikes, administrative buildings and equipment were damaged."

The police are conducting investigative actions, and criminal proceedings have been initiated.

Earlier, with reference to the regional prosecutor's office, it was reported that at 12:00 on December 21, 2023, the Russian army launched two airstrikes on Toretsk. "The type of weapons used by the invaders is still being established. The strikes hit civilian infrastructure facilities. Three men aged 41, 42, 45 died from their injuries. Five more employees of two enterprises received injuries of varying severity."
The Astros have signed reliever Tayler Scott to a minor league contract, according to the transaction tracker at MLB.com. He qualified for minor league free agency shortly after seasons end upon being outrighted by the As.

Scott pitched in 18 MLB contests last season, logging a personal-high 17 2/3 innings. He split that across three clubs. Scott began the year in Los Angeles after signing a minor league contract with the Dodgers. He was traded to the Red Sox in June and claimed off waivers by Oakland a month thereafter.

The big league results werent particularly impressive. Scott allowed 12 runs (11 earned), striking out 17 while issuing 10 walks. On the other hand, the 31-year-old had excellent numbers in the minors. He worked to a 1.64 ERA over 38 1/3 Triple-A frames. Scott struck out more than 29% of opponents compared to a manageable 8.7% walk percentage at that level.

That makes him a sensible target for clubs seeking non-roster bullpen depth. Scott finds a solid landing spot with a Houston team that has a few vacancies in the middle innings. The Astros have a strong back end anchored by Ryan Pressly, Bryan Abreu and Kendall Graveman, while Rafael Montero is sure to get another look. Theres not a ton of depth, though, as each of Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek and Phil Maton got to free agency.

While the Astros have shown some interest in retaining Neris and Maton, GM Dana Brown has acknowledged they could look to plug some of those vacancies internally. That affords opportunities for non-roster signees like Scott and Wander Suero, who signed with Houston two weeks ago. Scott is out of options, so if the Astros give him an MLB look at any point, theyd have to keep him on the big league roster or risk losing him via trade or waivers.
The Pirates have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran corner infielder Jake Lamb, reports Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The CAA client will head to big league camp this spring and compete for a roster spot.

Now 33 years old, Lamb is a veteran of 10 seasons at the Major League level  most of which came with the Diamondbacks. Earlier in his career, Lamb was a highly touted prospect who enjoyed a few seasons as the D-backs everyday third baseman, most notably slugging 59 home runs from 2016-17 combined. However, shoulder injuries have derailed his once-promising trajectory; Lamb underwent surgery to repair his rotator cuff in 2018 and has also dealt with a sprain of the AC joint in his problematic left shoulder.

The operation marked a clear turning point in his career. Prior to the injury and subsequent surgery, Lamb posted a .247/.332/.448 batting line (including a .248/.345/.498 showing in that 2016-17 peak, which included an All-Star nod). In 223 games post-surgery, Lamb is a .199/.306/.363 hitter.

While his recent track record in the big leagues is generally underwhelming, Lamb still hits the ball quite hard when putting it in play (90.6 mph average exit velocity, 44.7% hard-hit rate since 2019). Thats a notable caveat for Lamb, however, given an ugly 28% strikeout rate dating back to 2018. Still, hes posted outstanding numbers at the Triple-A level both in 2023 (.289/.420/.454) and in 2022 (.290/.395/.537), and the pact in question carries no real risk for the Pirates.

If Lamb has a strong showing in spring training, he could make the club as a left-handed bat off the bench  one with ample experience at both infield corners and a bit of work in the outfield corners as well. If not, hell likely open the year in Indianapolis as Triple-A depth, where he could be an option to join the big league roster in the event of an injury to third baseman KeBryan Hayes or first baseman Rowdy Tellez.
DETROIT -- One man was killed and an officer with the Detroit Police Department was injured following a traffic stop in the area of Fenkell and Southfield Freeway Wednesday night. According to Fox 2 Detroit, the stop began around 10:15 p.m. when police spotted a white SUV that didnt use a blinker while turning.

When police stopped the SUV and approached the driver, they learned he did not have a license and asked him to step out of the vehicle. The suspect then tried to flee, but one of the officers stuck his foot into the vehicle to press on the brake. However, the suspect was able to accelerate the SUV and ended up dragging the officer.

Another officer on scene attempted to deploy their taser, but the device did not take. That officer then opened fire on the suspect, striking him. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The officer who was dragged also suffered injuries in the ordeal, but is expected to recover.

While analyzing the scene, police found a handgun on the floor of the SUV that had been illegally modified to be a fully automatic weapon.

A passenger in the suspect vehicle was arrested and an investigation is ongoing.
LAPEER, MI -- Twelve-year-old saliva remnants on a Marlboro cigarette butt may help prosecutors convict 42-year-old Chadwick Mobley of murder.

On Thursday, Dec. 21, Lapeer County District Judge Laura C. Barnard determined there is enough evidence to bind Mobley over for trial.

Mobley, who lived in Auburn Hills and worked as a paramedic at the time, is accused of killing 19-year-old Andrea Eilber, found dead from a single gunshot to the head in the basement of her aunt and uncles Mayfield Township home in Lapeer County on Nov. 16, 2011.

Investigators believe she was killed two days prior.

During the 2011 investigation, state police discovered the remnants of a cigarette that State Police Forensics DNA Supervisor Joel Schultze testified contained DNA linking Mobley to the crime scene.

We also know the defendants buccal swap was sent to (state police) for analysis, assistant state Attorney General Robyn Liddell said during closing arguments at Mobleys preliminary examination. What do we know from that analysis? The defendants DNA matches the DNA on that cigarette butt.

For nearly a decade, Mobley lived free of police suspicion that he had anything to do with the crime.

Less than an hour after Eilbers body was found in 2011, police picked up her boyfriend at the time, then-19-year-old Kenneth KC Grondin, whom prosecutors would eventually charge with open murder in connection to her death.

Grondin in 2015 was convicted by a jury of killing Eilber and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, his conviction was overturned in 2018 after state courts ruled there were issues with the verdict form used at trial.

He has since been on house arrest awaiting a new trial.

Kenneth Grondin walks in the courtroom for his sentencing on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016 at the Lapeer County Circuit Court in Lapeer. With a new suspect charged in the case, Grondin's attorneys have asked he be released from tether. Rachel Woolf | MLive.com Rachel Woolf | MLive.comRachel Woolf | MLive.com

While investigators were preparing for Grondins second trial, Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Amy Hofmeister in 2021 was appointed to lead the investigation, taking it over from a retiring predecessor.

Hofmeister testified that she ordered further DNA analysis, using a third-party lab that has greater capabilities than the state police forensics lab.

The new testing led state police to suspect Mobley, who by now was living out of his semi in Utah and working as a long-haul truck driver, Hofmeister said.

Hofmeister testified she and three other state police investigators set off for Utah with the goal of collecting Mobleys DNA, the analysis of which they believed would either solidify his connection to the crime scene or, potentially, eliminate him as a suspect.

State troopers located Mobley at a trucking yard owned by the company he worked for in West Valley, Utah and brought him to law enforcement offices Taylorsville, Utah for DNA collection. Hofmeister said Mobley refused to provide a DNA swab, so officials obtained a search warrant to forcibly collect DNA.

An expedited, unofficial DNA test revealed Mobley was likely the person who left his saliva on that cigarette butt 12 years prior. That confirmation was used to obtain a second warrant to search Mobleys property, including a 2013 white pickup he owned, testified Hofmeister. She said investigators found a 38 Special Colt revolver inside.

State police firearms specialist James Horn testified that tests of the gun revealed with practical certainty that it was the same gun used to fire the bullet medical examiners removed from Eilbers head during the autopsy. Mobley originally registered the gun in 2008, Hofmeister testified.

A newspaper article published in the days after Andrea Eilber was found shot and killed in Lapeer County shows a cropped photo of the 20-year-old woman. Her boyfriend was originally charged in her death, and new information has led authorities to issue an arrest warrant for an additional man accused in the murder.

Hofmeister said Mobley claimed to be in Japan at the time of the shooting, but Randolph Kahn, a state police Technical Services Unit member, testified a phone using a number linked to Mobley was in the area when its believed Eilber was killed.

He said there were 17 communications, including text messages, made or sent using a phone number linked to Mobley between 6:03 p.m. and 9:32 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2011. Kahn said there was only one voice call during that time frame, but didnt disclose to whom.

The Michigan AGs office previously told MLive of its continued belief that Grondin was involved in Eilbers death, but investigators havent revealed the suspected connection with Mobley or the home where Eilbers body was discovered.

I cant answer any of that at this time, Hofmeister said in the hallway following Thursdays preliminary examination.

The intersection of Kings Mill and Five Lakes roads is pictured in May 2023. The intersection is near where Andrea Eilber was shot and killed in November 2011.

Mobley went into hiding after murder charges were issued in June. Hofmeister testified Mobley was later found living at a makeshift camp in Montana. Sheriffs officials arrested him in Libby, Montana, but Mobley escaped while being transported to Michigan by a private extradition company. The AGs Office announced he was located, re-arrested and returned to Michigan for arraignment on July 17.

Mobley didnt speak at his preliminary hearing but appeared clean-shaven in an orange jail uniform and flip-flops with handcuffs and shackles around his waist. He appeared attentive during testimony.

No surprises at all, said Mobleys defense attorney, Frederick Miller, following the hearing. I knew it was going to be bound over, they had enough evidence to proceed, but I wanted to hear what some of the witnesses had to say just to help figure out where to go.

Members of Grondins and Eilbers families also attended the hearing.
IRON COUNTY, MI - An 81-year-old man had a miraculous recovery after the top of a tree fell on his head while he was hunting with a group in a remote area of the Upper Peninsula, officials said.

Doctors initially said Ed Mongin, of Coleman, Wis., was lucky to be alive and would never walk again, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Several days later, he stood up on his own.

Mongin was rescued in a collaborative effort between conservation officers, EMS personnel and members of his hunting party.

Our camp members want to thank (the officers) for their effort and professionalism, said Mike Kinziger of Pound, Wis., in an email to the DNR. They responded in a very timely manner to a remote location. They not only coordinated with several members of the hunting party in a somewhat chaotic and stressful situation but worked hand-and-hand [sic] with the two EMS personnel out of Iron River.

The injury happened on Nov. 17 on federal land in Iron County. Mongin was hunting with 10 others, all from Wisconsin except one person from Colorado. They were all familiar with the area and were using radios to stay in touch.

When Mongin didnt answer an attempt to contact him, the group went to his hunting location and found the fallen section of the tree on top of him. It had been blown down in a windstorm.

They called 911. DNR conservation officer Alex VanWagner and probationary conservation officer Kyle Romzek were dispatched to the scene.

They met a member of the hunting party north of Smoky Lake Road and east of Pendleton Creek. The officers were led about 1 mile into the woods to Mongins location.

Mongin told them he thought he was paralyzed and that they should not move him.

VanWagner and Romzek determined that an ambulance would not make it through the muddy, swamp terrain. The officers met EMS personnel at Smoky Lake Road and transported them and their medical equipment in the back of a DNR patrol truck to Mongins location. The hunting group cleared trees to make a path.

EMS and officers provided first-aid treatment at the scene for head and possible spinal injuries. Mongin was placed on a backboard and then in the back of the patrol truck.

Once out to the road, Mongin was transferred to the ambulance. VanWagner drove the ambulance to Aspirus Iron River Hospital, allowing both EMS workers to tend to Mongin. Romzek followed behind in the DNR patrol truck.

Mongin was later transported via EMS MedEvac helicopter to a hospital in Wausau, Wis., for further treatment.

Doctors initially told Mongins family that he was lucky to be alive and probably would not walk again following head and vertebrae surgery.

Several days later, family members told VanWagner that Mongin had regained mobility in all limbs. He had stood up for the first time and could have a conversation. He has since started physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Doctors described his recovery as miraculous.
ANTRIM COUNTY, MI  A Michigan man was taken to the hospital in serious condition after his vehicle crossed the centerline and crashed into a semi-truck in Northern Michigan.

Michigan State Police in Gaylord say the crash occurred on U.S. 31 near Old Dixie Highway in Antrim Countys Banks Township at approximately 2:54 p.m. on Wednesday.

Witnesses told police that a 2002 Jeep Liberty driven by a 33-year-old man from Boyne Falls was traveling south on U.S. 31, when it entered the right shoulder, re-entered the road and crossed the centerline, striking a 2023 Freightliner truck head-on.

The driver of the Jeep was airlifted to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City with serious injuries. His condition is unknown, police said.

The driver of the Freightliner, a 66-year-old man from Roscommon, suffered two broken ribs and was transported by ambulance to McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. He was later released.

The Antrim County Sheriffs Office, Banks Township Fire and Rescue and EMS responded to the scene.
WEXFORD COUNTY, MI  A Michigan man was arrested after he allegedly spray painted a swastika on his mothers house in Northern Michigan.

Brandon James Wetterman, 37, was arraigned last week in the 84th District Court in Wexford County for malicious destruction of a building over $1,000 but less than $20,000.

Michigan State Police in Cadillac began investigating him after responding to a report of vandalism at a residence on N 41  Road in Cedar Creek Township on Nov. 1.

Troopers arrived and spoke with the resident, who stated he wanted to pursue charges against his brother for spray painting a swastika and several phrases like cocain town USA and human trafficking sucks on the home where he lives, which is owned by their mother.

The mother said she was in the process of evicting Wetterman and was seeking a personal protection order against him since he had allegedly been damaging siding on the home, stolen items and damaged vehicles in the driveway.

Bond was set at $5,000. His next scheduled court appearance is at 10 a.m. on Jan. 3.
NOVI, MI  The girlfriend of a California-based drug kingpin is sentenced to more than three years in prison for money laundering related to the operation, which extended to the Detroit area.

The case began with the delivery of drugs in a Sony PlayStation box and led agents to a stash in Novi where the drug organization stored more than $500,000 and over 30 kilograms of fentanyl, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

This week, Teeauna White, 36, of Moreno Valley, Calif., was sentenced to three years and six months in federal prison. She was also ordered to forfeit her interest in a laundered home.

She was found guilty after a jury trial. White laundered drug money for the organization and lived lavishly off the proceeds, prosecutors said.

Money launderers are an essential, but often unseen, part of the drug trade, said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Their relative anonymity allows money launderers to profit handsomely from the drug business, while avoiding the more significant risks of drug dealing. But they help drug dealers access and enjoy the proceeds of a crime that poisons our communities.

According to court documents, White conspired with her boyfriend Maurice McCoy to conceal his drug money by setting up multiple businesses and controlling access to the bank accounts. Members of the organization deposited drug proceeds into the bank accounts and delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars in bulk cash to McCoy and White.

McCoy and White used the drug proceeds to purchase expensive cars, including a Porsche Panamera for McCoy, and a Bentley and a Mercedes Benz for White, according to court records. They used one of McCoys relatives to try to conceal their purchase of a home worth more than $500,000 in Southern California, which they paid off in less than six months by funneling cash from drug sales through a labyrinth of bank accounts. They also purchased expensive jewelry, including diamond and gold pendants, for themselves and members of the drug organization.

White often bragged on social media, posting pictures of her cars, jewelry and lavish vacations with McCoy, records show.

White knew McCoy, who had served 10 years in federal prison for a prior drug trafficking conviction, was a convicted felon when she helped him launder drug money, prosecutors said.

A drug and money laundering investigation was led by the DEA and IRS. They discovered distribution hubs in multiple cities across the country, including the one in Novi. The seizure of 30 kilograms of fentanyl was the largest in Michigan at that time, and one of the largest in the U.S.

Eighteen people were charged related to the operation. White was one of two to go to trial. The remaining defendants, including couriers, large-scale drug customers, and McCoy himself, pleaded guilty.

White was convicted by a jury in July 2023. After the verdict, she used social media to threaten the witnesses who had testified at trial. Her bond was immediately revoked, and she spent nearly four months in jail awaiting her sentence.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- The Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office is one of eight Michigan organizations receiving grant funding for violence prevention.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services awarded nearly $1 million to the sheriffs office for preventative programming. The sheriffs office is the only police agency of the list of eight organizations receiving more than $7 million in total funding.

Other organizations include Oakland Community Health Network, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation and Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan. Funding will support programs through 2024 and 2025.

In Washtenaw County, the funds will be used for the annual Community Violence Summit, rapid relocation needs, survivors of gun violence and stipends for an upcoming commission on violence, as well as other programs, according to Derrick Jackson, Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office spokesperson.

In 2023, Washtenaw County had its most violent year in recent history, according to reports from the countys medical examiner.

The county had 22 homicides this year, more than it has had in a single year since 2013. Many of the homicides occurred during the summer, with 12 people being killed during nine weeks. At one point, someone in the county had been killed by another person for four consecutive Thursdays.

Read more: 11 people have been killed in Washtenaw County since June 1. Whats behind the rise in homicides?

Despite the violent year, the grant is not reactionary, Jackson said.

This is in alignment with the ongoing work weve been doing around community violence intervention and not specifically tied to any incident or series of incidents, Jackson wrote in an email.

The application for the grant closed in October, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton echoed Jackson, saying being able to deal with the timing of the grant was only possible because they were already thinking about violence prevention.

We were already working in many of those spaces, Clayton said. It really was just us coming together and talk about how would we better utilize those monies if its awarded to us, to enhance our collaboration around the work in this area.

The grant is also recognition from the state that Washtenaw County can be a potential model for other agencies, Clayton said.

I think what this underscores is a recognition of us and our partners that we cannot operate in silos if we really want to create the most effective strategies for addressing these issues, that we must collaborate, Clayton said. That grant is a recognition of our desire to collaborate.

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ANN ARBOR, MI-- The cases of three former Eastern Michigan University students accused of sexual assault will move to another jurisdiction after another Washtenaw County judge has been disqualified.

Both the defense and prosecution agreed to move the case out of county.

Dustyn Durbin and DAngelo McWilliams, both age 27, face several felony sexual assault charges including first-degree-criminal sexual conduct, a potential life offense. Both were bound over to trial court back in the fall of 2020. Thomas Hernandez, 25, is charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual misconduct and was bound over in Sept. 2022.

Judge Tracy Van den Bergh disqualified herself on Friday, Dec. 15 over an appearance of impropriety. Van den Bergh had only briefly presided over the case. This is the third time the cases have been reassigned.

The new judge will be appointed by the state.

Judge Patrick Conlin was previously assigned to Durbins case. Judge Arianne Slay was presiding over the cases of Hernandez and McWilliams. Both judges recused themselves as of Oct. 30, according to court records, also over an appearance of impropriety.

The potential conflicts are with a witness the defense is calling  former Washtenaw County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Vella who was the initial prosecutor on the case  for an evidentiary hearing.

Van den Bergh said she initially took the cases because she doesnt have a criminal docket and does not normally interact with people and attorneys in the criminal realm. However, she said she generally presides over family cases and Vella is now a family law attorney, raising some issues.

Assistant Attorney General Danielle Hagaman-Clark said the courts are clear that its not about if a judge can be fair, but rather whether it appears that they may not be. Hagaman-Clark also said relationships have been disclosed regarding another witness Kelly Carter, the former Assistant Attorney General on the case, making way for further appearance of impropriety.

Defense attorney Douglas Gutscher, representing McWilliams, added that because the defense raised concerns with the integrity of Washtenaw Countys prosecution in general, the case would be better taken outside the county.

Van den Bergh agreed and recused herself saying she did not believe she was biased, but would not want to create the appearance of there being any bias. She also said that as members of the bar, relationships between prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges are going to be there wherever you go, unless the case were to be taken outside the county.

The evidentiary hearing has to do with motions filed by the three defendants to dismiss the cases, alleging that police deleted evidence, per court records. According to the motions, Vella told the court that the Ypsilanti Police Department never recorded their interviews of the alleged victims. However, it was later found that Ypsilanti Police Department detectives Jessica Lowry and Annette Coppock recorded the interviews for notetaking material and disposed of them afterward, according to court records.

Prosecutors from the Michigan Attorney Generals Office responded to the motion by saying that none of the parties knew of these recordings, court records say, and that they were not deleted in an attempt to jeopardize the defenses cases.

The three former students are also mentioned in a federal civil rights lawsuit filed against EMU in 2021 claiming the school mishandled sexual assault reports against several male students.

Durbin was originally arraigned in 2020. He was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity at EMU where, according to victim testimony at his preliminary examination, he allegedly sexually assaulted multiple women in the fraternity house. Durbin was immediately and permanently expelled from his membership and will never be involved with the fraternity again, fraternity officials told MLive/The Ann Arbor News in 2020.

McWilliams was a member of EMUs chapter of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He was hired as a deputy with the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office in 2019 after graduating, officials said, before the alleged crimes occurred. McWilliams was placed on unpaid administrative leave after Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office officials became aware of the charges filed against him.

All three men remain free on bond.

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Zelenskyy hosts Japanese Ambassador, thanks him for support of Japanese people, govt

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori on Thursday.

Today, I received Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori to express my gratitude to Japan for its leading role during the G7 Presidency, Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

As the President stressed, Ukraine appreciates the support of the Japanese people and the government of Fumio Kishida for their comprehensive support in the field of security and macro-financial assistance.

We are glad to have such a powerful ally by our side, Zelenskyy said.

As reported, on Thursday, the state budget of Ukraine received about $950 million from Japan within the framework of World Bank projects for rehabilitation and social protection.
ANN ARBOR, MI - In 2015, a University of Michigan study found 41% of its students are food insecure, or lacking reliable access to affordable and nutritious food.

If that percentage still exists today, it equates to more than 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students combined.

The Maize and Blue Cupboard aims to fill that access gap, and has restocked its shelves before the holiday weekend for anyone in the university community still in Ann Arbor who needs nutritious food.

The university-sponsored food bank at 420 S. State St. has emergency food outreach locations open through Friday, Dec. 22, before closing for the year, said Director Kelly OMara.

These locations include unmanned tables of food at the Hatcher Graduate Library, 913 S. University Ave., and Duderstadt Library, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd. in North Campus. The tables will have 10-pound bags filled with peanut butter, pasta, oatmeal and pre-made meals that those in need can just grab, OMara said.

Weve really beefed up their supply (at these locations), she said, adding that the locations help meet need for a few days after the food bank closed on Monday, Dec. 18.

The food bank, which will reopen Jan. 8, was founded in 2014 by then-students Wesley Zhu, Forest Burczak and others as a monthly mobile food distribution program. It went from being called the Student Hunger Initiative to the University of Michigan Food Pantry to its current name, OMara said.

Wes is an alum living in New York and he still donates on a monthly basis to the cupboard, she said.

The cupboard, currently within the universitys Office of Student Life, caters to everyone from students to faculty to staff, currently serving 500 to 600 shoppers, as OMara prefers they be called rather than clients.

We ensure that all members of the university community, whether on a tight budget or physically restrained from getting to a grocery store, receive equitable access to healthy, nutritious and nourishing food, she said.

Recent survey results from the cupboard show more than half its shoppers are graduate students, with roughly equal percentages representing staff and undergraduates, OMara said.

Those shoppers get everything from milk, eggs, cheese, meat, canned goods, produce, cereal and personal care items like toilet paper and toothpaste, she said.

The cupboards restocking on Dec. 18 involved about eight people unloading and processing donations of 3,000 pounds of food delivered by Ann Arbor food bank Food Gatherers.

Theres volunteer opportunities year round, but this is top of mind this time of year, she said.

To learn more about Maize and Blue cupboard and its mission, visit mbc.studentlife.umich.edu.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

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WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- As Christmas approaches, you may already have plans for this weekend, but luckily Washtenaw County still has events for those looking for something to do.

Here are some fun things happening around Ann Arbor from Friday, Dec. 22, to Sunday, Dec. 24.

Its A Wonderful Life at the Michigan Theater

The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., is showing the classic Christmas movie Its A Wonderful Life at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23. Christmas carolers will fill the theater an hour before each showtime.

This film has become a tradition for the Michigan Theater over the years as movie-goers grab their popcorn and watch as the movies main character, George Bailey, learns the impact he has on others.

Related: Michigan Theater to show Its A Wonderful Life for first time after Ann Arbor stars death

Tickets are $10.50 for adults or $8.50 for children younger than 12, senior citizens older than 65, students with valid IDs and veterans or active-duty military members. Learn more online.

Ypsi Holifest

Get in the holiday spirit with the inaugural Ypsi Holifest in downtown Ypsilanti.

The new event being hosted by Ypsilantis Downtown Development Authority is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, throughout various participating downtown businesses.

The event helps people finish their last-minute holiday shopping while also giving them an excuse to explore the city.

Some festivities planned for the day include holiday carolers, Santa appearances, gift wrapping stations and late hours for participating businesses. Learn more online.

Vegan Holiday Market in Ypsilanti

Stone & Spoon, 110 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti, is hosting a Vegan Holiday Market, with vegan vendors serving holiday favorites from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23

Participating businesses include Craveable Food Trailer, More Life Foods, Shimmy Shack and Zellas Bakery.

Learn more online.

Lottie and Kacis Holiday Show at Robin Hills Farm

If youre looking for a holiday show with live music, then Robin Hills Farm, 20390 M-52 near Chelsea, has you covered.

Local musicians Lottie Mae and Kaci will perform some new takes on Christmas classics, along with some original written pieces, starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23

Tickets are $15 per person for general admission. Tickets for dinner and the show cost $75 each.

Learn more online.

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LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI  One of five woman accused of committing an organized shoplifting raid at a beauty retail store in Livingston County has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison.

Tirezah Renee Scott was sentenced, Dec. 7, to serve 17 to 40 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges in connection with the raid at the Ulta Beauty store in Green Oak Township, near Brighton, on Jan. 12.

Scott, 51, was also ordered to pay more than $9,000 in restitution for her role in the incident.

She was one of five woman who raided the store, grabbing thousands of dollars worth of products and attempting to flee police.

Her codefendants, Laronda Nashea Chase,26; Shanel Jean Webster, 30; Joya Omega Williams, 37; and Kari Deloris William, 28, also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Related: 5 arrested in organized shoplifting raid at Ulta makeup store, police say

Scott, was charged with one count each of organized retail crime, first-degree retail fraud, concealing stolen property less than $20,000, fleeing a police officer, assaulting a police officer and removal of an anti-theft device.

Chase was charged with one count each of organized retail crime, concealing stolen property less than $20,000 and second-degree retail fraud. Prosecutors noted in court she had 20 active bench warrants for her arrest at the time of the incident.

Webster was charged with one count each of organized retail crime, first-degree retail fraud, concealing stolen property less than $20,000, uttering and publishing, assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts each of assaulting a police officer, fleeing a police and malicious destruction of property. She is accused of ramming into a police vehicle while trying to flee the scene of the raid.

Joya Williams was charged with one count each of organized retail crime, concealing stolen property less than $20,000 and first-degree retail fraud and driving while license suspended.

Kari Williams was charged with one count each of organized retail crime, concealing stolen property less than $20,000 and second-degree retail fraud.

The cases stem from an 8 p.m. incident on Jan. 12, when police were called to the Ulta Beauty store inside the Green Oak Village Place Mall, 9930 Village Place Blvd., for a report of multiple suspects filling bags with merchandise, according to the Green Oak Township Police Department.

Officers arrived to find five women stealing items from the store in an apparent organized raid, police said.

Two of the women attempting to flee on foot were caught. A third suspect, Webster, got into a vehicle and tried driving away, but struck a police vehicle, police said.

A Michigan State Police trooper fired shots at the fleeing vehicle, but there were no reported injuries. Webster was apprehended after striking a wall in the parking lot, police said.

The trooper who shot at the vehicle was placed on paid administrative leave while police investigated. The trooper returned to service Feb. 3 after the Livingston County Prosecutors Office cleared him of any wrongdoing, according to Michigan State Police.

Sentencing dates for the remaining woman are set for Jan. 4 and Jan. 25.

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UPDATE: Police say Campbell was found at a hospital outside of Washtenaw County. He has been reunited with his family.

YPSILANTI, MI - A 69-year-old Ypsilanti man has been missing nearly two days, and authorities are requesting help locating him.

Henry Lee Campbell has been missing since noon, Dec. 19 after leaving his home in the 1500 block of E. Clark Road in Ypsilanti Township, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office.

The sheriffs office is requesting help locating Campbell, who left his home to visit a friend but never arrived there, police said.

His phone is currently disabled, police said, and no one has had contact with him since. Campbell was wearing a blue University of Michigan hoodie and a red and navy knitted beanie, police said.

Campbell drives a silver Honda Civic with the Michigan plate of ESM 6091, police said.

Campbell suffers from serious medical conditions which require medication, police said.

Anyone with information on where Campbell is located may contact Washtenaw Metro Dispatch by phone at 734-994-2911 or through the sheriffs offices confidential tip line by phone at 734-973-7711.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A gun owner who fell asleep while a 2-year-old fatally shot himself has been ordered to prison in what a judge called a tragedy.

Markus Nevills, 23, was sentenced Wednesday, Dec. 20 to 18 months of 10 years in prison for second-degree child abuse.

Its a tragedy, Judge Paul Denenfeld said to Nevills. I can tell you regret what happened here, but unfortunately a 2-year-old is no longer with us.

The boy shot himself May 19 at an apartment on Mariner Drive SE at Hidden Lake Apartments.

Nevills told police he had zoned out after smoking marijuana and scrolling on his phone. He had left his Glock 22, a .40 caliber handgun, between a seat cushion and the armrest.

His girlfriends toddler, Kiaire Marquis McCoy, found the gun and shot himself.

Related: Man zoned out on marijuana when toddler shot himself in head: court records

In court Wednesday, Nevills apologized.

Im sorry for not being more responsible than I should have been, he said. I wish I would have been paying way more attention.

The judge said there was no evidence that Nevills was anything more than significantly negligent and that he didnt intend for the child to be harmed.

Nevills attorney, Charles Clapp, said his client was truly remorseful.

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WYOMING, MI  Bloom Credit Union has sold its Wyoming building at 1414 Burton St. SW to Godfrey-Lee Public Schools.

Godfrey-Lee, whose administration building is located next door to the Burton Street building, plans to use the building for administrative services and potentially as a conference and community center, said Joe Beckwith, marketing director at the credit union.

The terms of the sale were not disclosed in a news release announcing the transaction. Beckwith said he was not immediately sure how much the district paid for the building.

Finding space to expand in the Godfrey-Lee School district has been a challenge, so being able to do it right next door to the districts Administration Building is an ideal situation, Arnetta Thompson, Godfrey-Lees superintendent, said in a statement.

Godfrey Lee Public Schools enrolled 1,650 students last school year, according to the most recent state data. The administration building is located at 1324 Burton Street. Expansion details were not immediately available.

Bloom Credit union housed administrative offices and a branch services at the Burton Street location.

Moving forward, the credit union will continue to operate a branch at a portion of the building through a lease with the district, Beckwith said. Bloom will move its administrative offices to a larger building at 401 Hall St. SW.

Beckwith wasnt immediately sure of the exact date on which the credit union would make the move. But he said it would happen before mid-2024.

We ran out of office space and the growing school district needed additional, nearby space, so this is a solution that works well for both organizations, Joe Heintskill, the credit unions CEO, said in a news release.

Read more:

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The Grand Rapids Public Schools chief of staff showed threatening, rude and unprofessional behavior during an October conference call with a parent, according to a reprimand letter.

The reprimand letter from district Superintendent Leadriane Roby became public Wednesday, Dec. 20 and notes that Larry Johnson, district chief of staff and executive director of public safety and school security, violated several district policies.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  An 18-year-old is charged with reckless driving causing death in a crash that killed a motorcyclist.

Atem Mathiang was arraigned on the lone charge Wednesday, Dec. 20, in Grand Rapids District Court in the crash that killed Jared Gossage, 21, of Wyoming.

Mathiang, whose last confirmed address is in Oklahoma, is currently being held in the Kent County Correctional Facility on a $15,000 bond, Grand Rapids police said.

RELATED: Driver arrested after motorcyclist fatally struck by vehicle in Grand Rapids

The vehicle versus motorcycle crash happened shortly after midnight on Aug. 26 near Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and B Street SW.

Police said four people inside the vehicle drove away from the crash, but officers later found the driver  Mathiang  and one of the passengers.

A preliminary examination is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2024, where a judge will review evidence presented and determine if the case moves forward to trial.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A man pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a child after using online advertisements to offer sexual services of a teen to prospective customers.

Torey Franklin, 29, of Grand Rapids, faces at least 10 years in prison, and up to life, when sentenced in April by U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney in Kalamazoo.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Ottawa Countys attorney is asking a judge to cancel an upcoming court hearing into whether county commissioners entered into an enforceable $4 million settlement with embattled Health Officer Adeline Hambley.

Ottawa County Corporate Counsel David Kallman filed a motion on Dec. 20 for a protective order to prevent any testimony from Board Chair Joe Moss, commissioners Doug Zylstra, Roger Bergman, Jacob Bonnema and Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck.

Related: Judge to hear testimony in dispute over Ottawa County $4 million health officer settlement

The upcoming court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19 before Muskegon Count Circuit Judge Jenny McNeill.

McNeill set the Jan. 19 date following a Dec. 4 hearing in which she ordered Roebuck to relinquish closed session meeting minutes from a Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meeting the previous month. McNeill intended to look at the minutes privately without disclosing them to the public.

Related: Dispute over Ottawa County health officer and $4 million settlement headed toward mediation

It was at the conclusion of the Nov. 6 meeting that Ottawa County commissioners voted 7-3 to accept a recommendation from Kallman on litigation and settlement activities. The vote came just minutes after an hours-long closed session ended.

Hambleys attorney has suggested the vote was to approve a $4 million settlement with Hambley to ensure her resignation. County commissioners affiliated with an ultra-right conservative group called Ottawa Impact have sought to replace Hambley since January, but she filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the board.

But Kallman said the Nov. 6 vote was simply to continue settlement negotiations.

In his new motion, Kallman said the meeting minutes bear out his assertion and that McNeill does not need an evidentiary hearing to take testimony.

No amount of... testimony can change the minutes, he wrote in the motion.

Kallman also argued that allowing testimony will violate the boards right to attorney-client privilege.

No date has yet been set to hear the motion for a protective order.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A man charged in a 1985 homicide in Grand Rapids was still living in the city when DNA testing in August tied him to the killing, police said.

Ronald Davis, 68, is charged with felony murder in the killing of Burnett Frierson, 48.

Frierson was fatally stabbed in the living room of his house on Sheldon Avenue SE near Logan Street. Grand Rapids police responded Sept. 4, 1985, to the house after a friend to the victim became concerned after not hearing from him.

The victims wallet was missing and his pockets had been turned inside out. Police found blood droplets inside the house, in the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Tests showed the blood did not belong to the victim.

Related: Man arrested in 1985 killing in Grand Rapids

The droplets appear indicative of someone walking around Friersons home after the homicide, potentially to steal additional items, Detective Case Weston wrote in a probable-cause affidavit filed in Grand Rapids District Court.

Police said that Davis arrest in an unrelated case led investigators to enter his DNA into the national Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS. Police learned in August that the blood droplets found at the scene matched the suspects DNA.

Weston and another detective then went to Davis home to talk to him. He denied knowing the victim, having been in his home or having been present during the killing.

Police continued to interview Davis before he eventually abruptly changed his story and admitted that he was present during the homicide. Davis acknowledged the reason for the murder was robbery, Weston wrote.

He said that the blood droplets showed that Davis had searched through Friersons house before fleeing.
A Berrien County judge was admonished by the Judicial Tenure Commission for treatment of criminal defendants and defense attorneys. The Berrien County courthouse in St. Joseph is shown here. (MLive File Photo)
LANSING, MI  Headwinds and tailwinds.

Thats how Mike Johnston of the Michigan Manufacturing Association (MMA) sums up life for businesses after a year under liberal trifecta control.

Republicans are generally considered more friendly to businesses, but 2023  the first year in the past four decades with Democrats leading the legislature  saw some successes along with the drawbacks. 2024 is shaping up to be a similar mix.

The majority of the calls I get are Im still concerned, Johnston, MMAs executive vice president of government affairs, told reporters Wednesday in a roundtable with organization leadership.

Manufacturing is Michigans heartbeat industry, accounting for more than 600,000 jobs, 15% of the workforce and 20% of gross domestic product.

It is essential to the wealth of our state, said MMA president and CEO John Walsh, and other states and nations want to ween away these jobs.

Thats why business policy is a recurring topic in Lansing. After 2023 focused much on civil rights, economic development will be a focus of 2024, legislative leaders have said. Manufacturers want to stay competitive with other states, capitalize on emerging sectors  like electric vehicles  and attract and retain investments and jobs.

The MMA was pleased to see $55 million in this years state budget for the Going PRO Talent Fund, which helps employers train, upskill and retain employees. There is also more money for Michigan Reconnect, which pays tuition for people pursuing an associate degree or skills certificate at their local community college.

Broadly, the MMA is aligned with Democrats on prioritizing job retention and investment, especially via the SOAR fund, which doles out hundreds of millions to attract new business and thus increase population.

People follow jobs, Johnston said.

More on SOAR: Michigan communities could get cut of $2B big business fund

But the MMA was disheartened by other major policies. Democrats repealed Michigans right-to-work law  which allowed workers to choose not to join their workplaces union  and they passed a 100% clean energy target by 2040 that businesses worry will hike their utility bills.

One MMA member, Johnston said, is considering moving to Mississippi, which told that company it can save $600,000 in energy costs by moving south.

Manufacturers are also concerned about how quickly Democrats moved on priorities, Walsh said. MMA members, which tend to be smaller businesses, are still committed to their communities but dont like the rapidity of change from Lansing.

Business loves stability, and theyre a little shellshocked, Walsh said.

In next years state budget, which is completed in June, manufacturers are hoping for more Going PRO money and are looking forward to lawmakers advancing a research and development tax credit, something Michigan is one of 14 states without.

Related: New EV company resurrecting American icon to set up Michigan facility

Legislation passed the House that applies this tax credit to big and small companies and to existing and new investment. Advocates see it as a gamechanger in attracting out-of-state investment.

Innovation is the engine of economic growth, Johnston said.

He added that streamlining the tax code and permitting process are other things the MMA is hoping for, along with reducing companies tax and regulatory burdens overall.

Among the MMAs biggest concerns for 2024 are Gov. Gretchen Whitmers promise of paid family and medical leave, plus legislation to require companies that own polluted land to pay for cleanup.

One upcoming wrinkle is that the House  normally a two-seat Democratic majority  will be tied at 54 seats apiece until at least April, when special elections are held in two liberal-leaning districts to replace a couple Democrats who resigned to become mayors.

Related: Whitmer sets special election dates to resolve tie in Michigan House

Despite the gridlock, MMA leadership said, manufacturing is an ideal sector for bipartisanship, and advocates can work with any legislators in any political climate who want to support these jobs.

Were not partisan, were not throwing bombs at either party, Walsh said. Were looking for solutions that are good for the economy and make us competitive.
LANSING, MI - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Monday warned Michigan customers of Comcast/Xfinity of a nationwide data breach of the companies.

The Dec. 20 alert lets customers know that their personal information may have been compromised in the brief, and to take certain steps to protect themselves from scammers and identity thieves.
BELLEVILLE  Jeremiah Beasley showed up late to his own signing day ceremony at Belleville high school on Wednesday, but the class of 2024 four-star linebacker had a valid excuse.

He had just completed his fourth practice with the top-ranked Wolverines, who are preparing to face No. 4 Alabama in the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl national semifinal. Because Beasley has already graduated high school and signed his financial aid tender, he is permitted to participate in bowl practices and will travel with the team to California.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented regular certificates for apartments to servicemen of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, who were awarded the title Hero of Ukraine, as well as to the families of the fallen Heroes.

During the presentation of certificates, which took place at the Mariinsky Palace on Thursday, the head of state stressed that it was an extraordinary honor for him to thank Ukrainians whose bravery and whose name will forever remain in the history of Ukraine's independence.

"We celebrate the Heroes of Ukraine - soldiers and sailors, sergeants and officers who proved capable of such a rank that its weight affects the life of the state, the morale of our soldiers and the overall strength of Ukraine. These are people whose courage inspires. These are soldiers who behaved exemplary in battles and who, without sparing themselves, showed absolute dedication - absolute loyalty to the task of defending Ukraine and taking care of their fellow men," Zelenskyy said.

The President also once again noted that every Hero of Ukraine and the families of the fallen Heroes will receive an apartment from the state.

"And this is the least that the state can do now so that everyone feels that Ukrainian gratitude does not remain and will not remain mere words," he said.

As reported, on December 5, on the eve of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the President of Ukraine said that all military personnel who have received the title of Hero of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, as well as the families of the fallen Heroes will receive certificates for their own housing.

According to the website of the head of state, since February 24, 2022, 360 servicemen have been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, 210 of them were awarded posthumously.
Zelenskyy discusses with Guterres proposals to ensure safety of civil navigation in Black Sea

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday.

"I have had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. We discussed proposals to ensure the safety of civil navigation in the Black Sea," the President wrote on his Telegram.

He also stressed that he expects the approval of the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for 2024.

The Head of State invited the representative of the United Nations to the 4th meeting of advisers on the implementation of the Peace Formula and thanked for a separate UN plan for the winter season for Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the shooting at the Charles University building in the center of Prague, and wished recovery to the victims.

Shocking reports of tragic events in Prague. Innocent people were killed and injured. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. I wish those injured a speedy recovery, Zelenskyy said on X Thursday.

It is reported that more than 15 people were killed in a shooting at a university in the center of the Czech capital, and 24 more people were injured.
Zelenskyy holding meeting with govt on continuation of financial support from EU for next four years

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with members of the government on Thursday on the continuation of financial support from the European Union at a sufficient level for the next four years.

I have had a rather extensive and substantive meeting with government officials regarding our work with the European Union to ensure that financial support for Ukraine continues at a sufficient level for the next four years. The Prime Minister, the First Deputy Prime Minister, and ministers were present. We discussed the details and specific decisions needed, he said in a video address.

He stressed that we are working as actively as possible to guarantee stability for our country and resilience in all its institutions, in all systems and functions of the state. And this will be achieved.

The Head of State thanked everyone who ensures the realization of the state interests of Ukraine not only by fair, but also by detailed actions.
Shares of Canada Goose Holdings Inc. (NYSE:GOOS  Get Free Report) fell 4.5% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $12.07 and last traded at $12.10. 825,591 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 44% from the average session volume of 1,468,523 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.67.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

GOOS has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price objective on Canada Goose from $18.00 to $11.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Evercore set a $11.00 price objective on shares of Canada Goose and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered shares of Canada Goose from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $25.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Canada Goose from $18.00 to $11.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Raymond James initiated coverage on shares of Canada Goose in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Canada Goose has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $17.18.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on GOOS

Canada Goose Trading Down 3.0 %

The companys 50 day simple moving average is $11.46 and its 200 day simple moving average is $14.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 2.03 and a quick ratio of 0.72. The firm has a market cap of $1.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.41, a P/E/G ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.61.

Canada Goose (NYSE:GOOS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.17) by $0.29. The company had revenue of $209.55 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $208.78 million. Canada Goose had a return on equity of 21.12% and a net margin of 4.33%. As a group, research analysts expect that Canada Goose Holdings Inc. will post 0.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Canada Goose during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Gyon Technologies Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Canada Goose during the 4th quarter worth about $38,000. Deutsche Bank AG purchased a new stake in Canada Goose during the 4th quarter worth about $49,000. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can boosted its position in shares of Canada Goose by 44.3% during the 2nd quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 3,732 shares of the companys stock worth $66,000 after acquiring an additional 1,146 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JCIC Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Canada Goose in the 2nd quarter valued at about $76,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 50.24% of the companys stock.

About Canada Goose

(Get Free Report)

Canada Goose Holdings Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells performance luxury apparel for men, women, youth, children, and babies in Canada, the United States, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through three segments: Direct-to-Consumer, Wholesale, and Other.

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Intercorp Financial Services Inc. (NYSE:IFS  Get Free Report) major shareholder Peru Ltd Intercorp purchased 321,466 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 20th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $20.00 per share, for a total transaction of $6,429,320.00. Following the purchase, the insider now owns 816,166 shares in the company, valued at $16,323,320. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Peru Ltd Intercorp also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, November 9th, Peru Ltd Intercorp bought 482,199 shares of Intercorp Financial Services stock. The shares were bought at an average price of $20.00 per share, for a total transaction of $9,643,980.00.

Intercorp Financial Services Trading Up 1.1 %

IFS stock traded up $0.23 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $21.19. 39,078 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 48,616. Intercorp Financial Services Inc. has a one year low of $17.94 and a one year high of $26.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.15. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $19.27 and its 200-day moving average price is $22.17.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Intercorp Financial Services ( NYSE:IFS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported $0.46 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.63 by ($0.17). Intercorp Financial Services had a net margin of 19.56% and a return on equity of 12.37%. The business had revenue of $418.08 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $411.56 million. Research analysts forecast that Intercorp Financial Services Inc. will post 2.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Separately, Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Intercorp Financial Services in a research note on Monday, October 16th. They set a buy rating and a $34.90 price objective on the stock.

Get Our Latest Research Report on Intercorp Financial Services

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in IFS. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Intercorp Financial Services in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd bought a new position in Intercorp Financial Services in the third quarter valued at $42,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC acquired a new stake in Intercorp Financial Services in the 3rd quarter valued at $47,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp bought a new stake in Intercorp Financial Services during the 1st quarter worth about $225,000. Finally, Northern Trust Corp acquired a new position in shares of Intercorp Financial Services during the 2nd quarter worth about $307,000.

About Intercorp Financial Services

(Get Free Report)

Intercorp Financial Services Inc provides banking, insurance, wealth management, and payment services for retail and commercial clients in Peru. The company provides loans, credit facilities, deposits, and current accounts; life annuity products with single-premium payment and conventional life insurance products, as well as other retail insurance products; and brokerage and investment management services.

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Shares of Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:EQAL  Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Monday . 924,358 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 1,506% from the previous sessions volume of 57,562 shares.The stock last traded at $43.50 and had previously closed at $43.61.

Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF Stock Down 1.7 %

The companys 50 day moving average price is $40.25 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $41.12. The firm has a market cap of $666.82 million, a PE ratio of 16.57 and a beta of 1.11.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of EQAL. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Bartlett & Co. LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Blair William & Co. IL bought a new position in Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $61,000. Comerica Bank purchased a new position in Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $65,000. Finally, Aptus Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $75,000.

Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF Company Profile

The Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (EQAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell 1000 Equal Weight index. The fund tracks an index of the 1,000 largest US stocks. Each sector receives equal weight, and each stock within a sector receives equal weight. EQAL was launched on Dec 23, 2014 and is managed by Invesco.

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Shares of Pampa Energia S.A. (NYSE:PAM  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $50.36 and last traded at $50.05, with a volume of 150674 shares. The stock had previously closed at $48.80.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on PAM shares. HSBC cut Pampa Energia from a hold rating to a reduce rating and set a $30.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Thursday, September 7th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of Pampa Energia in a report on Thursday, September 21st. They set a buy rating for the company. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Pampa Energia from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Pampa Energia from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $33.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Monday, December 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.50.

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Pampa Energia Trading Down 0.8 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 2.21 and a quick ratio of 1.92. The firm has a market cap of $2.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.00. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $42.17 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $41.99.

Pampa Energia (NYSE:PAM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The utilities provider reported $2.80 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.73 by $1.07. The firm had revenue of $474.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $479.02 million. Pampa Energia had a return on equity of 20.70% and a net margin of 31.37%. Equities analysts expect that Pampa Energia S.A. will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pampa Energia

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Pampa Energia by 2,210.9% during the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 314,905 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $959,000 after purchasing an additional 301,278 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its position in Pampa Energia by 174.2% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 400,081 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $12,779,000 after buying an additional 254,193 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC purchased a new position in Pampa Energia in the 4th quarter valued at about $7,606,000. Eaton Vance Management grew its stake in shares of Pampa Energia by 420,600.0% during the first quarter. Eaton Vance Management now owns 210,350 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,971,000 after acquiring an additional 210,300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. increased its position in shares of Pampa Energia by 122.5% during the second quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 362,504 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $15,704,000 after acquiring an additional 199,577 shares during the last quarter. 12.86% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Pampa Energia

(Get Free Report)

Pampa Energia SA operates as an independent energy integrated company in Argentina. The company operates through Electricity Generation, Oil and Gas, Petrochemicals, and Holding and Other Business segments. It generates electricity through thermal generation plants, thermal gas-fired thermal generation plants, and hydroelectric power generation systems, as well as through a wind farm.

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PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF  Get Free Report) SVP Trecia M. Canty sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.69, for a total transaction of $466,900.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 89,587 shares in the company, valued at $4,182,817.03. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

PBF Energy Stock Down 3.4 %

Shares of NYSE PBF traded down $1.61 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $45.27. 2,430,899 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,549,948. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $45.18 and a 200 day simple moving average of $45.68. PBF Energy Inc. has a twelve month low of $31.25 and a twelve month high of $56.38. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.73.

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PBF Energy (NYSE:PBF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $6.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.86 by $1.75. The firm had revenue of $10.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.84 billion. PBF Energy had a net margin of 7.06% and a return on equity of 36.11%. As a group, equities analysts expect that PBF Energy Inc. will post 12.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

PBF Energy Increases Dividend

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were given a dividend of $0.25 per share. This is a boost from PBF Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. PBF Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 4.61%.

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its position in PBF Energy by 39.8% during the 3rd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 808 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $43,000 after acquiring an additional 230 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of PBF Energy by 51.4% in the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 695 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 236 shares in the last quarter. C M Bidwell & Associates Ltd. boosted its holdings in PBF Energy by 6.7% during the third quarter. C M Bidwell & Associates Ltd. now owns 4,875 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $261,000 after purchasing an additional 305 shares during the last quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY increased its stake in PBF Energy by 6.1% in the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 6,136 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $250,000 after buying an additional 352 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV increased its stake in PBF Energy by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 16,027 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $858,000 after buying an additional 354 shares during the last quarter. 89.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of PBF Energy from $48.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, September 1st. BMO Capital Markets began coverage on PBF Energy in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued an outperform rating and a $60.00 price target on the stock. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on PBF Energy from $63.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 9th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on PBF Energy from $53.00 to $49.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 7th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their target price on PBF Energy from $63.00 to $53.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 6th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $57.78.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PBF

About PBF Energy

(Get Free Report)

PBF Energy Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in refining and supplying petroleum products. The company operates in two segments, Refining and Logistics. It produces gasoline, ultra-low-sulfur diesel, heating oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel, lubricants, petrochemicals, and asphalt, as well as unbranded transportation fuels, petrochemical feedstocks, blending components, and other petroleum products from crude oil.

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African Gold Acquisition Co. (NYSE:AGACF  Get Free Report)s share price shot up 1.2% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $10.12 and last traded at $10.12. 315 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 100% from the average session volume of 90,482 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.00.

African Gold Acquisition Price Performance

About African Gold Acquisition

(Get Free Report)

African Gold Acquisition Corporation does not have significant operations. The company focuses on effecting a merger or mergers, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. African Gold Acquisition Corporation was incorporated in 2020 and is based in New York, New York.

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The Russian Federation launched a missile attack on Zaporizhia on Thursday evening, civilian infrastructure was damaged, said head of the Regional Military Administration Yuriy Malashko.

"At 18:38, the Russian military launched a missile attack on the regional center. As a result of the attack, civilian infrastructure was damaged. There was no information about the victims. The type of missile is being clarified," he wrote on the Telegram channel.
ASA International Group PLC (LON:ASAI  Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 8.5% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 59.33 ($0.75) and last traded at GBX 57.25 ($0.72). 38,605 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 35% from the average session volume of 59,095 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 52.75 ($0.67).

ASA International Group Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 365.74, a current ratio of 1.75 and a quick ratio of 1.62. The stock has a market cap of 57.25 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 817.86 and a beta of 1.62. The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 38.68 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 62.96.

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Insider Activity at ASA International Group

In other news, insider Karin Kersten acquired 74,399 shares of ASA International Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 47 ($0.59) per share, for a total transaction of 34,967.53 ($44,223.51). 21.00% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About ASA International Group

ASA International Group PLC provides microfinancing services in Africa and Asia. It offers loans to low-income female micro-entrepreneurs. It provides various collateral-free loans, including small and small business loans to start or grow businesses. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

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Bank of Georgia Group PLC (OTCMKTS:BDGSF  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week low on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $41.92 and last traded at $41.92, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $41.92.

Bank of Georgia Group Price Performance

The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $41.92 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $40.32.

Bank of Georgia Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Georgia Group PLC, through its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services in Georgia. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and BNB. The Retail Banking segment offers consumer loans, mortgage loans, overdrafts, credit cards, and other credit facilities; funds transfer and settlement services; and customers' deposits for individuals and legal entities under the Express, Bank of Georgia, MSME, and SOLO brands.

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Shares of Baru Gold Corp. (EAS.V) (CVE:EAS  Get Free Report) were down 3.1% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as C$0.15 and last traded at C$0.16. Approximately 136,956 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 60% from the average daily volume of 345,802 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.16.

Baru Gold Corp. (EAS.V) Stock Down 3.1 %

The business has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.16. The firm has a market cap of C$22.97 million and a PE ratio of -15.50.

About Baru Gold Corp. (EAS.V)

(Get Free Report)

East Asia Minerals Corporation engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in Indonesia. It holds 70% interest in Sangihe gold-copper project, which is located on the island of Sangihe covering an area of 42,000 hectares; and the Miwah gold project that consists of three contiguous exploration mining business permits covering 30,000 hectares located southeast of Banda Aceh in Aceh Province.

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Shares of BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ  Get Free Report) fell 1.6% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $65.35 and last traded at $65.37. 340,532 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 80% from the average session volume of 1,729,528 shares. The stock had previously closed at $66.43.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on BJ. Bank of America cut their price target on BJs Wholesale Club from $85.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, August 23rd. TD Cowen initiated coverage on BJs Wholesale Club in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. They set an outperform rating and a $80.00 price objective on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded BJs Wholesale Club from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $79.00 to $71.00 in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Gordon Haskett raised BJs Wholesale Club from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on BJs Wholesale Club from $72.00 to $69.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, August 23rd. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, BJs Wholesale Club presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $71.31.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on BJ

BJs Wholesale Club Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $8.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.77, a PEG ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.32. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $67.44 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $66.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.12 and a current ratio of 0.73.

BJs Wholesale Club (NYSE:BJ  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 17th. The company reported $0.98 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $4.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.90 billion. BJs Wholesale Club had a return on equity of 43.26% and a net margin of 2.61%. BJs Wholesale Clubs revenue for the quarter was up .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.99 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. will post 3.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, SVP Joseph Mcgrail sold 1,000 shares of BJs Wholesale Club stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.87, for a total transaction of $65,870.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 10,464 shares in the company, valued at $689,263.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, EVP William C. Werner sold 890 shares of BJs Wholesale Club stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.47, for a total value of $64,498.30. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 29,357 shares in the company, valued at $2,127,501.79. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Joseph Mcgrail sold 1,000 shares of BJs Wholesale Club stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.87, for a total transaction of $65,870.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 10,464 shares of the companys stock, valued at $689,263.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 82,410 shares of company stock worth $5,753,919. Company insiders own 2.20% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BJs Wholesale Club

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. FMR LLC raised its position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 39.7% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 16,013,702 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,142,898,000 after buying an additional 4,548,963 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in BJs Wholesale Club by 1.2% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 12,142,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $923,666,000 after purchasing an additional 139,425 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its position in BJs Wholesale Club by 22.2% during the third quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,546,169 shares of the companys stock valued at $324,460,000 after purchasing an additional 826,591 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in BJs Wholesale Club by 3.4% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,445,807 shares of the companys stock valued at $300,581,000 after purchasing an additional 147,014 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its position in BJs Wholesale Club by 10.3% during the third quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 3,940,441 shares of the companys stock valued at $281,229,000 after purchasing an additional 369,317 shares in the last quarter. 98.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

BJs Wholesale Club Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates warehouse clubs on the eastern half of the United States. It provides perishable, general merchandise, gasoline, coupon books, promotions, and other ancillary services. The company sells its products through the websites BJs.com, BerkleyJensen.com, and Wellsleyfarms.com, as well as the mobile app.

Further Reading

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Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $39.24 and last traded at $39.12, with a volume of 1558213 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $38.43.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Scotiabank boosted their price target on Brookfield Asset Management from $37.50 to $42.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Brookfield Asset Management from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $33.00 to $45.00 in a research report on Monday. StockNews.com began coverage on Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. HSBC assumed coverage on Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Friday, October 6th. They issued a buy rating and a $39.00 target price for the company. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on Brookfield Asset Management from $50.92 to $41.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, six 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 price target of $39.10.

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Read Our Latest Report on BAM

Brookfield Asset Management Trading Up 1.1 %

The business has a 50-day moving average price of $33.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $33.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.23 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.60.

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The financial services provider reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $893.00 million for the quarter. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 91.07% and a net margin of 51.79%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Brookfield Asset Management Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be issued a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.26%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 101.65%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brookfield Asset Management

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BAM. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 30,651.5% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 31,097,454 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $891,564,000 after buying an additional 30,996,329 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in Brookfield Asset Management during the 2nd quarter valued at $391,679,000. Capital International Investors boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 39.8% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 25,723,697 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $839,364,000 after purchasing an additional 7,329,168 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Brookfield Asset Management during the 4th quarter valued at $152,180,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 166.2% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 7,051,145 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $398,883,000 after purchasing an additional 4,402,115 shares in the last quarter. 61.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Brookfield Asset Management

(Get Free Report)

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors.

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Shares of Canuc Resources Co. (CVE:CDA  Get Free Report) traded up 16.7% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$0.14 and last traded at C$0.14. 131,000 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 108% from the average session volume of 63,095 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.12.

Canuc Resources Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of C$16.20 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -12.00 and a beta of 1.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.03, a current ratio of 4.74 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The businesss 50-day moving average price is C$0.13 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$0.13.

About Canuc Resources

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Canuc Resources Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and extraction of natural resources and precious metals in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It explores for silver, lead, gold, copper, and zinc deposits. The company holds interest in the San Javier Project located in the state of Sonora, Mexico.

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Shares of CIP Merchant Capital Limited (LON:CIP  Get Free Report) rose 25% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as GBX 60 ($0.76) and last traded at GBX 50 ($0.63). Approximately 425,493 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 88% from the average daily volume of 226,325 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 40 ($0.51).

CIP Merchant Capital Stock Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 50 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 50. The firm has a market capitalization of 27.50 million and a P/E ratio of 3.65.

About CIP Merchant Capital

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CIP Merchant Capital Limited specializes in growth capital and intends to invest in listed equity and other financial products and instruments. It focuses on investing in oil and gas, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and real estate sectors. It seeks investments in concentrated portfolio of significant holdings in approximately 5 to 10 publically traded companies, with a focus on UK markets.

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Courier Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 45,378 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 264 shares during the quarter. Courier Capital LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $2,491,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 93,993.8% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 965,692,348 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $54,735,442,000 after buying an additional 964,666,040 shares during the period. Dodge & Cox increased its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 1.3% during the first quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 78,462,490 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,109,865,000 after buying an additional 1,033,760 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its stake in Charles Schwab by 0.7% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 60,391,016 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,422,963,000 after purchasing an additional 398,367 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in Charles Schwab by 5.0% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 41,880,424 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,193,697,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000,383 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Charles Schwab by 1.5% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 27,050,168 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,413,244,000 after purchasing an additional 391,238 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.61% of the companys stock.

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Charles Schwab Stock Performance

NYSE:SCHW traded up $0.96 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $68.08. The company had a trading volume of 2,140,602 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,067,094. The firm has a market cap of $120.62 billion, a PE ratio of 22.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 0.99. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 1-year low of $45.00 and a 1-year high of $86.63. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $57.34 and its 200-day moving average price is $58.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.66.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.62 billion. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 24.58% and a net margin of 30.14%. The businesss revenue was down 16.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.10 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.14 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th were given a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.47%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 9th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 33.33%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have issued reports on SCHW. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $64.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Raymond James lifted their target price on Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Barclays lifted their target price on Charles Schwab from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price target on Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $75.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $69.44.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Charles Schwab

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,208 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 directly owns 1,722,400 shares in the company, valued at $105,548,672. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,208 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 directly owns 1,722,400 shares in the company, valued at $105,548,672. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 7,162 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was 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 worth $1,945,960 over the last three months. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About Charles Schwab

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Shares of European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:ERE.UN  Get Free Report) fell 1.6% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$2.52 and last traded at C$2.52. 36,657 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 60% from the average session volume of 91,229 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$2.56.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently commented on ERE.UN. Cormark dropped their target price on shares of European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$4.15 to C$4.00 in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$3.50 to C$3.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Raymond James dropped their target price on shares of European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$3.50 to C$2.75 in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Scotiabank upgraded shares of European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and dropped their target price for the stock from C$4.00 to C$3.50 in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, CIBC dropped their target price on shares of European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$3.75 to C$3.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$3.29.

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European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Stock Performance

European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Company Profile

The stock has a market capitalization of C$229.65 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.11 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a quick ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 266.13. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$2.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$2.54.

(Get Free Report)

European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust  ERES is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. ERESs REIT units are listed on the TSX under the symbol ERE.UN. ERES is Canadas only European-focused multi-residential REIT, with a current initial focus on investing in high-quality multi-residential real estate properties in the Netherlands.

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Shares of Farmers Bankshares, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FBVA  Get Free Report) traded up 2% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $18.85 and last traded at $18.81. 900 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 4% from the average session volume of 933 shares. The stock had previously closed at $18.45.

Farmers Bankshares Stock Performance

The stocks 50 day moving average price is $18.81 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $18.81.

About Farmers Bankshares

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Farmers Bankshares, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Farmers Bank that provides various banking products and services to small and mid-sized businesses, professionals, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs primarily in southeastern Virginia. The company offers personal and business checking and savings accounts.

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that he accepted the invitation of the President of Ukraine to hold a bilateral meeting in the future, Sky News reported.

According to Orban, Zelenskyy proposed the meeting earlier this month and suggested the pair should "negotiate".

"I told him I'd be at his disposal. We just have to clarify one question: about what?" Orban said a press conference.

At the same time, Orban claimed that the Ukrainian president wanted to discuss Ukraine's bid to join the EU - a move Hungary is strongly opposed to.
Fresenius Medical Care AG (ETR:FME  Get Free Report) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of 40.72 ($44.26) and traded as low as 38.00 ($41.30). Fresenius Medical Care shares last traded at 38.34 ($41.67), with a volume of 1,334,865 shares traded.

Fresenius Medical Care Stock Performance

The stocks 50-day moving average is 34.82 and its 200-day moving average is 40.67. The stock has a market cap of $10.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 84.06, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 0.80.

Fresenius Medical Care Company Profile

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Fresenius Medical Care AG provides dialysis and related services for individuals with renal diseases in Germany, North America, and internationally. The company offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure.

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The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSE:TGOD  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 2.9% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$0.17 and last traded at C$0.17. Approximately 19,704,275 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 642% from the average daily volume of 2,656,874 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.18.

Green Organic Dutchman Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of C$89.95 million and a P/E ratio of -0.65. The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$0.17. The company has a current ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.77.

Green Organic Dutchman Company Profile

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The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd., through its subsidiaries, produces and sells organic cannabis in Canada. It offers organic cannabis products, such as cannabis plants, cannabis plant seeds, dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, cannabis oils, cannabis topicals, cannabis extracts, and edible cannabis to retailers or distributors, and federal licensed entities.

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Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (OTCMKTS:HTZZ  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $9.92 and last traded at $9.98, with a volume of 5144774 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $10.03.

Hertz Global Stock Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average price of $9.32 and a 200 day moving average price of $14.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.07, a quick ratio of 2.91 and a current ratio of 2.91.

Hertz Global Company Profile

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Hertz Global Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides airport and off airport vehicle rental and leasing services. It operates through three segments: U.S. RAC, International RAC, and All Other Operations. The company provides its vehicle rental services under the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Firefly, and Flexicar brands from approximately 12,000 corporate and franchisee locations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and New Zealand.

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InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (LON:IHG  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 5,896.11 ($74.57) and traded as high as GBX 7,114 ($89.97). InterContinental Hotels Group shares last traded at GBX 7,072 ($89.44), with a volume of 181,070 shares traded.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently issued reports on IHG shares. Bank of America started coverage on InterContinental Hotels Group in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. They set a buy rating and a GBX 7,200 ($91.06) target price for the company. Berenberg Bank cut InterContinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the stock from GBX 6,500 ($82.21) to GBX 6,000 ($75.88) in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Citigroup reiterated a sell rating on shares of InterContinental Hotels Group in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on InterContinental Hotels Group from GBX 5,900 ($74.62) to GBX 6,000 ($75.88) in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, InterContinental Hotels Group presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 6,048.75 ($76.50).

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InterContinental Hotels Group Trading Up 0.3 %

InterContinental Hotels Group Company Profile

The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 6,214.84 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 5,916.50. The firm has a market capitalization of 11.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 2,569.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 0.89.

(Get Free Report)

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC owns, manages, franchises, and leases hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Greater China. The company operates hotels under the Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, voco, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, EVEN, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, avid, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Candlewood Suites brand names.

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Shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:RYT  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $32.08 and last traded at $32.24, with a volume of 390464 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $32.26.

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF Stock Down 2.0 %

The companys 50 day moving average price is $39.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $89.31. The stock has a market cap of $3.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.16 and a beta of 1.18.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 2.5% in the first quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 1,717 shares of the companys stock worth $474,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the period. Equitable Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 2.7% during the first quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 1,774 shares of the companys stock valued at $513,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. HBW Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 9.3% during the second quarter. HBW Advisory Services LLC now owns 961 shares of the companys stock valued at $283,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 10.8% during the second quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,003 shares of the companys stock valued at $237,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 8.3% during the third quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $294,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter.

About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF

The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF (RYT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in information technology equity. The fund tracks an equal-weighted index of S&P 500 technology companies. RYT was launched on Nov 1, 2006 and is managed by Invesco.

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SES AI Co. (NYSE:SES  Get Free Report) CFO Jing Nealis sold 11,242 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.09, for a total transaction of $23,495.78. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 1,510,122 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,156,154.98. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

Jing Nealis also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Friday, November 17th, Jing Nealis sold 10,802 shares of SES AI stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.37, for a total transaction of $25,600.74.

On Tuesday, October 17th, Jing Nealis sold 10,910 shares of SES AI stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.51, for a total transaction of $27,384.10.

SES AI Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:SES traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $2.13. 510,535 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 708,805. The firm has a market capitalization of $749.18 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -13.56 and a beta of 2.66. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $2.17 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.29. SES AI Co. has a twelve month low of $1.33 and a twelve month high of $3.92.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

SES AI ( NYSE:SES Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported ($0.04) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Analysts predict that SES AI Co. will post -0.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. William Blair assumed coverage on shares of SES AI in a report on Monday. They set a market perform rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on shares of SES AI from $8.50 to $9.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, November 2nd.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SES

Hedge Funds Weigh In On SES AI

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of SES. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in SES AI by 681.1% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,959,563 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,483,000 after buying an additional 9,556,507 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in SES AI by 193.3% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 8,729,851 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,301,000 after buying an additional 5,753,859 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. acquired a new position in SES AI in the first quarter valued at $18,817,000. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in SES AI by 207.9% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,620,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,394,000 after buying an additional 1,769,509 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in SES AI by 110.9% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,636,669 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,433,000 after buying an additional 1,386,462 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 30.39% of the companys stock.

About SES AI

(Get Free Report)

SES AI Corporation engages in the development and production of high-performance Lithium-metal rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, electric vehicle take-off and landing, and other applications. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

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John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF (NYSEARCA:JHMD  Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Monday . 129,110 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 253% from the previous sessions volume of 36,606 shares.The stock last traded at $32.18 and had previously closed at $32.12.

John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF Trading Down 1.0 %

The stock has a market cap of $527.59 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.48 and a beta of 0.85. The stocks 50 day moving average is $30.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $30.74.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in JHMD. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company increased its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 6.8% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 9,717,614 shares of the companys stock worth $302,218,000 after acquiring an additional 622,081 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 16.8% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 574,892 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,195,000 after buying an additional 82,502 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 384.3% during the second quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 512,614 shares of the companys stock worth $13,851,000 after acquiring an additional 406,774 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC raised its position in John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 13.4% in the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 476,939 shares of the companys stock worth $14,642,000 after acquiring an additional 56,405 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Merit Financial Group LLC raised its position in John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF by 6.7% in the third quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 411,768 shares of the companys stock worth $12,316,000 after acquiring an additional 25,772 shares in the last quarter.

About John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF

The John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF (JHMD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of stocks from developed markets ex-US and Canada, covering 85% of the market capitalization. Holdings are weighted based on fundamental and technical factors JHMD was launched on Dec 15, 2016 and is managed by John Hancock.

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Johnson Bixby & Associates LLC grew its position in shares of Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF (NYSEARCA:FNDA  Free Report) by 3.2% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 151,607 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 4,694 shares during the quarter. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF comprises about 1.5% of Johnson Bixby & Associates LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th largest position. Johnson Bixby & Associates LLCs holdings in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF were worth $7,351,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO bought a new position in shares of Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF during the third quarter valued at about $35,000. Godsey & Gibb Inc. bought a new position in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF in the second quarter worth about $44,000. FAS Wealth Partners Inc. raised its stake in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF by 199.7% in the second quarter. FAS Wealth Partners Inc. now owns 872 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $44,000 after buying an additional 581 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. bought a new position in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF in the first quarter worth about $52,000. Finally, Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory LLC DE bought a new position in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF in the first quarter worth about $55,000.

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Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF Price Performance

FNDA stock traded up $0.54 during trading on Thursday, reaching $54.83. The company had a trading volume of 63,229 shares, compared to its average volume of 274,576. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF has a 52 week low of $44.85 and a 52 week high of $55.74. The company has a market cap of $7.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.99 and a beta of 1.19. The business has a 50 day moving average of $49.18 and a 200 day moving average of $49.98.

About Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF

The Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company Index ETF (FNDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell RAFI Small Company US index. The fund tracks a fundamentally selected and weighted Russell index of small firms based on adjusted sales, retained operation cash flow, and dividends plus buybacks.

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Buckingham Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT  Free Report) by 6.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 14,566 shares of the medical technology companys stock after buying an additional 946 shares during the quarter. Buckingham Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Medtronic were worth $1,141,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in MDT. Venturi Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Medtronic by 48.9% in the second quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 344 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the period. OLD National Bancorp IN increased its position in shares of Medtronic by 0.9% in the second quarter. OLD National Bancorp IN now owns 13,252 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $1,168,000 after acquiring an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Medtronic by 3.8% during the second quarter. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. now owns 3,219 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $284,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares during the period. First PREMIER Bank lifted its position in shares of Medtronic by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. First PREMIER Bank now owns 4,829 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $425,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hall Capital Management Co. Inc. boosted its stake in Medtronic by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Hall Capital Management Co. Inc. now owns 4,226 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $372,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. 80.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $82.00 target price on shares of Medtronic in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Medtronic from $100.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 23rd. Oppenheimer reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $89.00 target price on shares of Medtronic in a research note on Wednesday, August 23rd. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Medtronic from $79.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, August 23rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of Medtronic from $104.00 to $98.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $93.33.

Medtronic Stock Up 1.3 %

NYSE:MDT traded up $1.01 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $81.62. The companys stock had a trading volume of 778,850 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,022,673. Medtronic plc has a one year low of $68.84 and a one year high of $92.02. The businesss 50-day moving average is $75.58 and its 200-day moving average is $80.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 2.29 and a quick ratio of 1.69. The company has a market cap of $108.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.05 and a beta of 0.73.

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 21st. The medical technology company reported $1.25 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.18 by $0.07. Medtronic had a return on equity of 13.73% and a net margin of 12.83%. The business had revenue of $7.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.93 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.30 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Medtronic plc will post 5.16 EPS for the current year.

Medtronic Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.69 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 19th. This represents a $2.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.38%. Medtronics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 89.90%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Medtronic

In other Medtronic news, EVP Brett A. Wall sold 4,997 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.17, for a total transaction of $410,603.49. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 28,910 shares in the company, valued at $2,375,534.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock.

Medtronic Company Profile

(Free Report)

Medtronic plc develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Its Cardiovascular Portfolio segment offers implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices; cardiac ablation products; insertable cardiac monitor systems; TYRX products; and remote monitoring and patient-centered software.

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MNC Media Investment Ltd (OTCMKTS:LTONY  Get Free Report) shares were down 42.2% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $0.15 and last traded at $0.15. Approximately 113,100 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 1,408% from the average daily volume of 7,500 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.26.

MNC Media Investment Price Performance

The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $0.15.

About MNC Media Investment

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MNC Media Investment Ltd (MMIL), formerly Linktone Ltd., is a provider of services and content to a range of traditional and new media consumers and enterprises. The Companys segments include China VAS, mobile game and PC game; Indonesia Digital Media, Media Content and Investment; Indonesia Digital Media; Media content, and Investment.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Azerbaijan and Turkiye have held hundreds of business events and business forums, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said at the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani-Turkish investment forum, Trend reports.

"Today, Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood, friendship, close cooperation, and strategic allied relations are at an all-time high, thanks to the persistent efforts of Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Personal relationships based on mutual trust between our presidents, as well as regular contacts and mutual support in the political arena, create the foundation for the advancement of our alliance relations. The signing of the Shusha Declaration on June 15, 2021, elevated Azerbaijan-Turkiye relations to the status of a strategic alliance," Mikayil Jabbarov noted.

"The fraternal atmosphere based on mutual trust stimulates business circles to develop cooperation. To date, hundreds of business events, as well as business forums, export missions and business meetings have been held between the two countries," he said.

Azerbaijani-Turkish investment forum has started in Baku.

The forum will look at ways to boost Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in numerous areas, as well as sign investment and partnership agreements.

The event is attended by around 600 representatives from both countries' government and corporate sectors entailing panel discussions on investment, commerce, agriculture, the defense industry, green energy, and health tourism.
NIPPON STL & SU/S (OTCMKTS:NSSMY  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $7.08 and last traded at $7.27, with a volume of 232056 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $7.60.

NIPPON STL & SU/S Stock Up 1.0 %

The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 2.68, a P/E/G ratio of 3.94 and a beta of 1.35. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $7.44 and a 200 day moving average price of $7.48.

About NIPPON STL & SU/S

(Get Free Report)

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation engages in steelmaking and steel fabrication businesses worldwide. It operates in five segments: Steelmaking and Steel Fabrication, Engineering and Construction, Chemicals, New materials, and System Solutions. The company offers steel plates; hot- and cold-rolled steel sheets and coils, coated steel sheets, color coated steel sheets, electrolytic tin plates, and electrical steel sheets; bar and rod materials; and structural steel products.

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Old Mutual Limited (LON:OMU  Get Free Report)s share price shot up 1.4% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 52.50 ($0.66) and last traded at GBX 52.10 ($0.66). 128,163 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 50% from the average session volume of 257,406 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 51.40 ($0.65).

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Old Mutual from GBX 60 ($0.76) to GBX 59 ($0.75) and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 7th.

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Old Mutual Price Performance

Old Mutual Cuts Dividend

The stock has a market capitalization of 2.50 billion, a PE ratio of 868.33 and a beta of 0.98. The businesss 50-day moving average price is GBX 51.82 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 52.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.22, a quick ratio of 0.37 and a current ratio of 0.65.

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 17th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 19th were given a dividend of GBX 1.38 ($0.02) per share. This represents a yield of 2.67%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 19th. Old Mutuals payout ratio is 6,666.67%.

About Old Mutual

(Get Free Report)

Old Mutual Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial services primarily in South Africa and rest of Africa. The company operates through Mass and Foundation Cluster, Personal Finance and Wealth Management, Old Mutual Investments, Old Mutual Corporate, Old Mutual Insure, and Old Mutual Africa Regions segments.

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Peoples Ltd. (OTCMKTS:PPLL  Get Free Report) shares were down 0.9% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $69.38 and last traded at $69.38. Approximately 3 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 99% from the average daily volume of 404 shares. The stock had previously closed at $70.00.

Peoples Stock Up 0.9 %

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $68.53 and a 200 day moving average price of $69.25.

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Peoples Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st were given a dividend of $0.62 per share. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.54%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th.

About Peoples

Peoples Ltd. operates as the holding company for PS Bank that provides various financial services to individuals, small businesses, and corporate customers in Pennsylvania, the United States. It offers savings, checking, money market, business checking, NOW checking, and individual retirement accounts, as well as certificates of deposit.

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Premier Oil plc (OTCMKTS:PMOIY  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $3.02 and last traded at $3.02, with a volume of 16000 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $2.93.

Premier Oil Stock Down 0.7 %

The firm has a market capitalization of $2.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.76 and a beta of 2.77. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $2.99 and a 200-day moving average of $3.06.

About Premier Oil

(Get Free Report)

Premier Oil plc, an oil and gas company, engages in the exploration, production, and development of oil and gas properties in the Falkland Islands, Indonesia, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and internationally. As of December 31, 2019, its proved and probable reserves (2P) were 175 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe); and 2P and estimated contingent resources were 847 mmboe.

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Razor Energy Corp. (OTCMKTS:RZREF  Get Free Report) shares were up 9.3% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $0.22 and last traded at $0.22. Approximately 1,000 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 93% from the average daily volume of 14,026 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.21.

Razor Energy Price Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $0.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $0.42.

Razor Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Razor Energy Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas properties in western Canada. The Company produces primarily light oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in Alberta. It operates assets in the Swan Hills area covering 155,520 gross acres of total land and the Kaybob area covering 84,320 gross acres of total land located in the west central Alberta, as well as the District South area covering 79,093 gross acres of total land located in the southern Alberta.

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SolarWinds Co. (NYSE:SWI  Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $10.47 and traded as high as $11.78. SolarWinds shares last traded at $11.68, with a volume of 468,245 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, TheStreet upgraded shares of SolarWinds from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th.

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View Our Latest Analysis on SWI

SolarWinds Stock Up 3.7 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.83. The companys 50-day moving average price is $10.79 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $10.48.

SolarWinds (NYSE:SWI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The software maker reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.11. SolarWinds had a negative net margin of 2.53% and a positive return on equity of 4.78%. The company had revenue of $189.59 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $184.09 million. As a group, research analysts anticipate that SolarWinds Co. will post 0.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SWI. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its stake in SolarWinds by 96.6% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,517 shares of the software makers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 1,237 shares in the last quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank bought a new position in shares of SolarWinds in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc bought a new position in shares of SolarWinds in the third quarter valued at $40,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its stake in shares of SolarWinds by 118.1% in the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 5,461 shares of the software makers stock valued at $52,000 after buying an additional 2,957 shares in the last quarter. Finally, US Bancorp DE lifted its stake in shares of SolarWinds by 3,591.5% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 4,762 shares of the software makers stock valued at $64,000 after buying an additional 4,633 shares in the last quarter. 95.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

SolarWinds Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

SolarWinds Corporation provides information technology (IT) management software products in the United States and internationally. The company offers a portfolio of solutions to technology professionals for monitoring, managing, and optimizing networks, systems, desktops, applications, storage, databases, website infrastructures, and IT service desks.

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Suruga Bank Ltd. (OTCMKTS:SUGBY  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $52.10 and last traded at $52.10, with a volume of 10 shares. The stock had previously closed at $45.82.

Suruga Bank Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $981.04 million, a PE ratio of 17.84 and a beta of -0.09. The firms fifty day moving average is $45.95 and its two-hundred day moving average is $41.34.

Suruga Bank Company Profile

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Suruga Bank Ltd. provides various banking and financial products and services to individuals and corporate customers in Japan. The company offers deposit products, such as time, ordinary, savings, foreign currency, and other deposits, as well as current and general accounts; card, housing, second house, startup, and business up term loans, as well as loans by purpose; credit and debit cards; overdrafts; and other financing products.

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Taseko Mines Limited (LON:TKO  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 4.8% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 98.50 ($1.25) and last traded at GBX 98.50 ($1.25). Approximately 2,011 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 69% from the average daily volume of 6,516 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 103.50 ($1.31).

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 220 ($2.78) price objective on shares of Taseko Mines in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd.

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Taseko Mines Trading Up 3.9 %

Taseko Mines Company Profile

The business has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 96.66 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 102.78. The company has a market cap of 310.38 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5,375.00 and a beta of 2.14.

(Get Free Report)

Taseko Mines Limited, a mining company, acquires, develops, and operates mineral properties. It explores for copper, molybdenum, gold, niobium, and silver deposits. The company holds 75% interest in the Gibraltar mine located in British Columbia. It also holds 100% interest in Yellowhead copper project, the Aley niobium project, and the New Prosperity gold and copper project located in British Columbia; and the Florence copper project located in Arizona.

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Telecom Italia S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:TIIAY  Get Free Report) rose 4.3% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $3.23 and last traded at $3.17. Approximately 9,152 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 66% from the average daily volume of 27,130 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.04.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TIIAY has been the topic of several analyst reports. Barclays upgraded Telecom Italia from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, September 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Telecom Italia from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, October 5th.

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Telecom Italia Stock Performance

Telecom Italia Company Profile

The company has a quick ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $2.74 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.87.

(Get Free Report)

Telecom Italia S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Italy and internationally. The company operates through Domestic, Brazil, and Other Operations segments. It offers fixed and mobile voice and Internet, and public telephony services, as well as products managed and developed for individuals and families; and voice, data, and Internet services and products, and information and communications technology solutions for small and medium-size enterprises, small offices/home offices, the public sector, large accounts, and enterprises in the fixed and mobile telecommunications markets.

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Shares of The Korea Fund, Inc. (NYSE:KF  Get Free Report) traded down 0.4% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $22.69 and last traded at $22.90. 7,870 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 22% from the average session volume of 10,090 shares. The stock had previously closed at $23.00.

The Korea Fund Stock Down 0.9 %

The companys fifty day simple moving average is $20.99 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $22.06.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Korea Fund

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its position in The Korea Fund by 13.5% in the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 453,678 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,498,000 after purchasing an additional 54,032 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in shares of The Korea Fund by 10.4% during the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 27,142 shares of the companys stock worth $817,000 after buying an additional 2,563 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of The Korea Fund by 3,005.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 32,174 shares of the companys stock worth $670,000 after buying an additional 31,138 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Korea Fund by 22.6% during the 3rd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 12,355 shares of the companys stock worth $260,000 after buying an additional 2,280 shares during the period. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd bought a new stake in shares of The Korea Fund during the 3rd quarter worth about $55,000. 54.75% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

The Korea Fund Company Profile

The Korea Fund, Inc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC. The fund invests in the public equity markets of Korea. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in growth stocks of companies.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Joint projects implemented by the private sector play a crucial role in the development of the economies of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, the Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov said during the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum, Trend reports.

"These initiatives represent the strengthening of our brotherhood, the development of the non-oil sector, the increase of prosperity, competitive manufacturing, and the creation of new jobs," added the minister.

Jabbarov highlighted that mega-projects implemented through joint initiatives and the participation of Azerbaijan and Turkiye globally contribute to regional development and security.

"Effective cooperation in the energy sector, signed documents, successfully implemented joint initiatives, and projects further strengthen the positions of our countries on the international stage and play a crucial role in regional energy security," he said. "The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, and the Southern Gas Corridor are of great importance in shaping the energy infrastructure between Europe and Asia."

The Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum started in Baku today.

The forum will explore opportunities for expanding Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various fields, and investment agreements and cooperation agreements will be signed.

More than 600 representatives from government institutions and the private sector from both countries are participating in the event.

The forum will include panel sessions covering investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, and health tourism sectors.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Watches of Switzerland Group plc (LON:WOSG  Get Free Report) was down 1% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 676.55 ($8.56) and last traded at GBX 688.50 ($8.71). Approximately 435,090 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 28% from the average daily volume of 605,015 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 695.50 ($8.80).

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Watches of Switzerland Group in a research report on Monday, November 6th.

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Watches of Switzerland Group Stock Performance

About Watches of Switzerland Group

The firm has a market capitalization of 1.69 billion, a PE ratio of 1,604.55, a P/E/G ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 2.11. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 588.39 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 618.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 102.29, a current ratio of 1.69 and a quick ratio of 0.48.

(Get Free Report)

Watches of Switzerland Group PLC operates as a retailer of luxury watches and jewelry in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. It offers its products under the Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb, Watches of Switzerland, Mayors Jewelers, and Betteridge brands. The company also engages in sale of fashion and classic watches, and jewelry; and gifts, as well as provides servicing, repairs, and product insurance services.

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Xerox Holdings Co. (NYSE:XRX  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $18.77 and last traded at $18.77, with a volume of 1597003 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $18.29.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have issued reports on XRX shares. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Xerox from $13.00 to $12.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com downgraded Xerox from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on Xerox from $16.00 to $15.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th.

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Xerox Stock Performance

The firm has a market cap of $2.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.10 and a beta of 1.71. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $14.22 and a 200-day moving average price of $15.08.

Xerox (NYSE:XRX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The information technology services provider reported $0.46 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.11. Xerox had a return on equity of 11.59% and a net margin of 2.55%. The firm had revenue of $1.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.73 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.19 earnings per share. Xeroxs quarterly revenue was down 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Xerox Holdings Co. will post 1.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Xerox Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.33%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. Xeroxs dividend payout ratio is presently 96.15%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Xerox news, major shareholder Carl C. Icahn sold 34,245,314 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.84, for a total transaction of $542,445,773.76. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Xerox

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of XRX. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Xerox by 87.2% in the third quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,627 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 758 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Xerox in the first quarter valued at about $29,000. National Bank of Canada FI raised its holdings in Xerox by 133.8% in the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 3,872 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $58,000 after acquiring an additional 2,216 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Xerox in the second quarter worth about $75,000. Finally, US Bancorp DE raised its stake in Xerox by 68.1% during the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 5,360 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $80,000 after buying an additional 2,171 shares in the last quarter. 83.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Xerox Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Xerox Holdings Corporation, a workplace technology company, designs, develops, and sells document management systems and solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and internationally. It offers workplace solutions, including desktop monochrome, and color and multifunction printers; digital printing presses and light production devices, and solutions; and digital services that leverage workflow automation, personalization and communication software, content management solutions, and digitization services.

Further Reading

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Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has announced that as of January 2024, the Tbilisi City Hall will completely cover all costs for the Breast Cancer Medicine program, providing 100% funding for all beneficiaries.Under the previously existing program, the mentioned medicines were funded at 80%, and in some cases, at 50%, for individuals without the status of social vulnerability."Within the framework of the program, expensive medicinal drugs will be 100% financed for all beneficiaries, similar to citizens classified as socially vulnerable.Before the mentioned change, the city's health care and social services provided only 80%, and in some cases, 50%, of the services offered by the program to individuals without socially vulnerable status. This decision will significantly ease the financial burden of patients and their families," Kaladze said.The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, held a meeting with Javier Colomina, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia.According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting covered priority issues related to NATO-Georgia political and practical cooperation."A positive assessment was provided for the dynamic and content-laden agenda of the current year. During the meeting, particular emphasis was placed on the European Union's decision of historical importance for Georgia, which will also contribute to the country's NATO accession process.The parties discussed the security environment in the region, and Javier Colomina once again confirmed the Alliance's unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. The conversation also touched on the NATO Washington Summit planned for 2024.Ilia Darchiashvili thanked Javier Colomina for his contribution to the progress in the Euro-Atlantic integration process," reads the statement.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. The volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkiye amounted to $6.7 billion from January through November 2023, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said, Trend reports.

He spoke at the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum.

During this period, Turkiye's exports to Azerbaijan were $2.5 billion, while imports from Azerbaijan totaled $4.2 billion, according to him.

The Minister said that the total volume of trade transaction between the nations in 2022 was less than the indication for the first 11 months of 2023. At the time, the total annual commercial turnover was $6.5 billion. Exports to Azerbaijan are $2.5 billion, while imports from Azerbaijan total $4 billion.

The Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum started in Baku today.

The forum will explore opportunities for expanding Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various fields, and investment agreements and cooperation agreements will be signed.

More than 600 representatives from government institutions and the private sector from both countries are participating in the event.

The forum will include panel sessions covering investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, and health tourism sectors.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Souptik Datta Reports real estate, infra and city in Bengaluru. Btw, curiosity never kills the cat.

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Mehul R Thakkar is Special Correspondent, Moneycontrol, Indias leading financial news platform, based in Mumbai where he is focussed on covering the real estate sector.
Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21.Turkish businessmen see unique opportunities for development in Azerbaijan, Head of the Financial Office of the Office of the President of Turkiye Goksel Asan said during the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum, Trend reports.

"Transformations are occurring in Baku and other parts of Azerbaijan, and it is crucial to highlight that these modifications occurred during the occupation of 20 percent of the country's territory. Azerbaijan has assumed an exceptional position among the countries in our region, becoming the fastest-growing state in the last two decades," Asan noted.

"We must skillfully harness the potential of this development, both in the framework of the growth itself and in the form of investments that accelerate its pace," he noted.

Investors and businessmen, seeing the prospects, are ready to invest their resources in the development of Azerbaijan, the official pointed out.

"Azerbaijan offers numerous options for anyone who wants to contribute to the country's economic and social prosperity. Future investment opportunities are available in both directions. Azerbaijan welcomes foreign investors but also allows its residents to participate in international investments. Reciprocity is essential in this case. We anticipate that these reciprocal investment relationships will strengthen and grow, benefiting both parties," he added.

In conclusion, Asan expressed hope that Azerbaijan will continue to thrive not only in trade but also in various aspects of its social and economic development and that mutual investments between Turkiye and Azerbaijan will become the foundation for sustainable growth and fruitful cooperation between the two countries.

The Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum started in Baku today.

The forum will explore opportunities for expanding Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various fields, and investment agreements and cooperation agreements will be signed.

More than 600 representatives from government institutions and the private sector from both countries are participating in the event.

The forum will include panel sessions covering investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, and health tourism sectors.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
News Highlights: Congress MP KC Venugopal shared insights into the second phase of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, stating, that during the CWC meeting, the Congress president informed Rahul Gandhi about widespread support from party members across India, urging him to embark on a second Yatra from east to west.

He said, subsequently, all CWC members unanimously endorsed the idea, requesting Rahul Gandhi to undertake the Yatra.

KC Venugopal further said details and decisions regarding the Yatra will be expedited without delay.

Congress MP KC Venugopal on the second phase of Bharat Jodo Yatra, says, "In the CWC meeting, Congress president initially told Rahul Gandhi that he's getting massive opinions from the party workers and leaders from all over India that Rahul Gandhi should do a second Yatra from east to west. After that, all the CWC members, unanimously also requested Rahul Gandhi to do the Yatra. The details of the Yatra and the decision of the Yatra will be taken without any delay."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Baku is one of the most important sections of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM or Middle Corridor), Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said, Trend reports.

He spoke at the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum.

"The opening of the Zangezur corridor will ensure continuous road communication between our country and Azerbaijan via Nakhchivan. Providing free transportation between our countries will act as a stimulus for the growth of our trade and economic connections. Baku is one of the most vital segments of the Middle Corridor. We seek to provide barrier-free, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective transportation from Istanbul to Baku. We are prepared to provide any assistance necessary to attain this goal," minister noted.

According to him, Nakhchivan is an important region for Turkiye.

"We wish the development of trade and economy of Nakhchivan," he added.

The Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum started in Baku today.

The forum will explore opportunities for expanding Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various fields, and investment agreements and cooperation agreements will be signed.

More than 600 representatives from government institutions and the private sector from both countries are participating in the event.

The forum will include panel sessions covering investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, and health tourism sectors.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Pratim Ranjan Bose is an independent columnist, researcher, and consultant. His Twitter handle is @pratimbose. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Planned work on the railroad line that will connect the western regions of Azerbaijan with the country's Nakhchivan has started, said Deputy Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan Rahman Hummatov during a panel speech at the Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum, Trend reports.

According to Hummatov, this matter is being discussed with Iran.

"Our railroad experts together with Iranian colleagues are already working on the route of the railway," he emphasized.

The Zangezur corridor project proposed by Azerbaijan is aimed at establishing a transportation link between the main part of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, passing through the territory of Armenia. This route has great potential and could become one of the extensions of the "One Belt - One Road" project, as well as part of the North-South corridor.

The creation of new transport infrastructure in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from Armenian occupation, including the launch of the Zangezur corridor, will play a decisive role in terms of opening a new transport hub on the Middle Corridor route.

From this point of view, it is important to take joint effective measures towards the full realization of the transport and transit potential of the region, increase and diversification of trade turnover, simplification and improvement of transit procedures.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Manik Sharma is an independent entertainment journalist. Views expressed are personal.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Work on the process of certification of Azerbaijan's naftalan oil is underway, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau Rashad Aliyev said during a panel discussion at the Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum, Trend reports.

According to him, jointly with the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan and the Health Tourism Association of Germany, work on the process of certification of Naftalan oil is underway, and an action plan is being prepared.

"This is an extremely difficult procedure. The main part of the certification process will begin with SOCAR. Naftalan is one of the first sites that comes to mind when discussing health tourism. Certain operations and initiatives in the sphere of health tourism are being continued in Naftalan at the expense of Naftalan oil. We developed tourism in collaboration with the Naftalan Executive Authority. The primary focus of this approach is health tourism. The most essential aspect of Naftalan is the distinguished project - the draft plan of extra measures connected to increasing the role of Naftalan oil in the development of health tourism. This project will be completed shortly. We will apply an overall strategic approach to Naftalan oil within the project. Following project approval, we will begin the process of international certification of naftalan oil," he said.

The Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum started in Baku today.

The forum explores opportunities for expanding Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various fields, and investment agreements and cooperation agreements will be signed.

More than 600 representatives from government institutions and the private sector from both countries are participating in the event.

The forum will include panel sessions covering investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, and health tourism sectors.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Although the managing committee of a cooperative housing society (CHS or Society) can levy 'non-occupancy' charges in addition to the maintenance charges to owner-members of flats leased to tenants, there can be no other charges separately levied on tenants. Unfortunately, tenants often face undue discrimination from residents and the managing committees of housing societies. They are forced to pay separately for privileges such as using a gym or clubhouse or parking their vehicle within the Society premises. Such charges are illegal and should not be taken from tenants.

On the issue of parking, such space has to be allotted as per the rules mentioned in the model bye-laws. Parking space cannot be allocated or sold by the builder, the managing committee or residents of the Society. Any sale agreement made for a parking space in a housing society is illegal and will not hold legally.

This week, I will address these problems and provide solutions to other issues, such as the commercial use of flats by tenants in a residential building and the necessity of maintaining a copy of the sale agreement in the records of the Society. This week, I will address these problems and provide solutions to other issues, such as the commercial use of flats by tenants in a residential building and the necessity of maintaining a copy of the sale agreement in the records of the Society.

Separate Additional Charges Levied on Tenants

Question: Our Society has resorted to charging a hefty amount from tenants for clubhouse usage while it remains free for owners. As owners of a flat in the building, we are paying charges which already include maintenance and use of the clubhouse. By charging separate clubhouse usage charges from my tenant, they essentially charge twice. Though a resolution for this was passed in the annual general meeting (AGM), I feel it is unfair and illegal. Can I challenge them on this, and under what bye-law?

Answer: For giving the flat on rent, a Society can ask only an additional 10% on the service charges (part of the maintenance bill), referred to as non-occupancy charges and nothing more. Maharashtra government's circular dated 1 August 2001 capped the non-occupancy charges at 10% of the service charges (excluding municipal corporation/ municipal taxes) levied by the Society.

If your Society is charging such non-occupancy charges, that are anything more than the stipulated 10% as explained above, then under bye-law no. 172, you can write a complaint to the society, not to charge such additional amount for your flat.

Within 15 days of your written complaint to your Society, if it does not take any action, then under the bye-law no. 174(B)(ix) make a complaint against your Society in a cooperative court. For this you will need a good, experienced advocate who has handled such cases.

Allotment and Sale of Parking Space in Society

Question: I have bought a property and am the second owner. The first owner had purchased car parking from the builder. However, this has not been mentioned in the registered sale agreement of the first owner. However, the builder has given them an allotment letter for parking. When I purchased the flat, I had ensured that stilt parking would be mentioned in the sale agreement. Recently, a new managing committee is formed and they have started creating a ruckus, that parking allocated by builder or purchased from him was illegal. They are challenging it with respective owners and are planning to raise the issue with the deputy registrar. Please guide me on how should I proceed to safeguard my interest.

Answer: The deputy registrar will not take up a complaint made by your Society on the issue of parking. Suppose there is any dispute for car parking between the Society and the flat-owners. In that case, the Society or flat-owners have to make a civil suit in a cooperative court, by hiring a good experienced advocate.

Allotment of parking is managed under bye-law nos. 78 to 84 of the CHS. Parking cannot be sold by the builder or the Society. Even if they are sold by a registered sale deed, such a sale is not a valid sale in terms of law.

NOTE We will not be answering queries posted in the comments. Only questions sent through the Moneylife Foundation's Legal Helpline will be answered. If you want to seek guidance or ask questions to Mr Shanbhag, kindly send it through Moneylife Foundation's Free Legal Helpline. Here is the link: https://www.moneylife.in/lrc.html#ask-question

Copy of a Sale Agreement Kept on Society's Record

Question: I am the secretary in our Society. A flat-owner from our Society has been having daily arguments with managing committee members, as he needs a copy of his sale agreement, which is with the Society's office. He says he does not want his documents to be kept in the Society office. Despite informing him several times that the copies held in the Society's office are part of a set kept on record with the Society, he is being uncooperative and is creating a nuisance on an insignificant matter. Please advise.

Answer: You have rightly said that one copy of the sale deed of every flat has to be kept with the Society. However, if the original sale deed has been kept in the Society's office, it has to be returned to the owner with a request that a photocopy be held on the Society's record.

If a flat-owner asks for a photocopy of his flat's sale deed to be returned, then for causing such a nuisance, kindly make a police complaint against him, and the authorities will take proper action against him.

Tenants Conducting Small Commercial Business in Residential Flat

Question: I have rented my house to a couple for the past six years. Of late, they are bringing small gift articles in the house, packing them and loading them in their car. The packing in the boxes is done by hand, and sometimes a maid is called to help. Not a single member has raised any objections to this activity, except for the secretary, who has termed this as 'commercial use' and thereby misuse of society property by tenants. Is the Society's stand correct and would they impose a fine and penalty for this? So far they have not given anything in writing, only a few WhatsApp messages. Please advise.

Answer: Let me ask you this: in what way does the packing business done by your tenants pose any hindrance to the peaceful existence of the residents in your Society? Is it creating a nuisance for them?

If the tenant's packing business is not causing any nuisance or damage to the Society's building or residents, then the managing committee can not raise any objections and should let them continue. Also, in legal terms, as per the municipality, certain businesses that cause no nuisance or trouble to the residents of the building can be conducted in a residential building.

Ask your Society to make a formal complaint against you to the local municipal ward office to find out whether a business that causes no harm or nuisance to the residents can be allowed in a residential building.

Indeed, you yourself can also write a letter to the local municipal ward office, inquiring about the packing business that your tenant has undertaken. The response you receive from the municipal ward office can be shared with your secretary to substantiate that the municipality has no objection to it, so the managing committee cannot act.

Disclaimer: The guidance provided in these columns and on our Legal Helpline is on the sole basis of the facts provided by the reader/questioner and does not amount to formal legal advice in any form whatsoever.

(Shirish Shanbhag has an MSc in Organic Chemistry, a Diploma in Higher Education, and a Diploma in French and has completed his LL.B. in first class in 2021. Before his retirement, he was a junior college teacher at Patkar College from July 1980 to May 2012, teaching theoretical and practical chemistry. Post-retirement in 2012, he started providing guidance and counselling to people on several issues, specifically focusing on cooperative housing society-related matters. He has over 30 years of hands-on experience in all matters about housing societies and can provide out-of-box solutions for any practical issue.)
Coming down heavily on National Securities Depositaries Ltd (NSDL) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for transferring, without any authority of law, fungible shares pledged by Karvy Stock Broking Ltd with four banks and one non-banking finance company (NBFC), the securities appellate tribunal (SAT) directed SEBI, National Stock Exchange (NSE) and NSDL to restore the pledge which was made in favour of these lenders within four weeks. Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank and Bajaj Finance Ltd have filed appeals against two orders passed by SEBI rejecting representation from the lenders.

In an order , the SAT bench of justice Tarun Agarwala (presiding officer) and Meera Swarup (technical member) says, "In our view, if SEBI, NSE and NSDL were of the opinion that the pledge was wrongly created by Karvy as it included clients securities who had no debit balance then the appropriate remedy for SEBI or to the depository was that the depository should file an application before the national company law tribunal (NCLT) for rectification of its register. This process was not done and like a highway robber, NSDL, through illegal directions from SEBI, transferred the pledged shares (which were fungible) to the clients of Karvy, whose action was without any authority of law."

"Thus, in our view, the action of the respondents in not allowing the appellants to revoke the pledge under the Depositories Act and in removing the pledged shares without the appellant's consent was wholly illegal and without any authority of law. The shares so removed and transferred by NSDL under the directions of SEBI are liable to be restituted," the bench says.

As an alternative to restore pledged shares, the Tribunal directed SEBI, NSE and NSDL to compensate Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank and Bajaj Finance with the value of the underlined securities pledged in their favour along with interest at 10%pa (per annum) within four weeks.

The appeals filed by Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank and Bajaj Finance are against the SEBI order, where their representations were rejected under similar circumstances.

These lenders advanced loans against securities pledged by Karvy. Since Karvy defaulted, they wanted to invoke the pledge. However, before that, SEBI passed an ex-parte ad interim order on 22 September 2019 directing the depositories not to allow the transfer of securities from the depository participant (DP) account.

According to the lenders, the securities pledged by Karvy were from a DP account. They filed appeals before SAT seeking relief to invoke the pledge following the default committed by Karvy. Their appeals were disposed of with SAT directing them to make a representation. The lenders made representations before SEBI which were rejected.

While disposing the appeals on 17 December 2019, the tribunal directed the parties to maintain the status quo regarding the securities in DP account no19502787.

As a result of the interim order, the pledged shares are still intact and have not been encashed. On the other hand, even though the shares were pledged in favour of the lenders, NSDL issued a press release on 2 December 2019.

In the release, NSDL says, "As per the directions of SEBI and under the supervision of NSE, securities have been transferred from the demat account IN300394-11458979 named Karvy Stock Broking Ltd (BSE) to the demat accounts of respective clients who have paid in full against these securities. The number of such clients who have received securities is 82,559."

SAT says, "NSDL, without revoking or cancelling the pledge in accordance with the Depositories Act and the DP Regulations 1996, transferred the pledged shares to the clients of the broker."

As reported by Moneylife in September 2020, a set of lendersAxis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank and Bajaj Finance Ltd had allowed Karvy to borrow money by pledging clients' shares, putting the investment of over 90,000 investors at risk. ( Read: How Exchanges, Clearing Houses, Clearing Brokers and Banks are Permitting Frauds by Brokers

In the course of its business, Axis Bank has been extending overdraft facilities against shares to Karvy from time to time. This overdraft facility was according to an agreement under which a total sum of Rs100 crore had been disbursed. As of 7 December 2019, an aggregate amount of Rs80.64 crore, along with interest, was due from Karvy.

The overdraft facility was secured by shares pledged by Karvy from its demat account having client ID  19502787, which was named 'KSBL  client account  NSE-CM'. The shares pledged under the overdraft facility agreement were of clients of Karvy, who had debit balances with the stockbroker. According to Axis Bank, the pledge was in compliance with the SEBI circulars issued from time to time, namely, the circular on 26 September 2016.

Later, in a circular on 30 June 2019, SEBI issued directions to the participants in the securities market, stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, trading members, clearing members and depository participants, requiring all clients' securities, which were pledged earlier under the earlier circulars, to be either unpledged or returned to the clients upon fulfilment of pay in obligation or disposed of after giving five days notice to the clients. Such unpledging of the clients' shares was to be done by 31 August 2019 which was subsequently extended to 30 September 2019.

Axis Bank communicated with Karvy about clearing the outstanding and with SEBI about the status. In a letter on 3 October 2019, Axis Bank informed SEBI that the broker had requested three months' time to clear the outstanding amount.

While all this was happening, SEBI's whole-time member (WTM) issued an ex-parte ad interim order on 2 November 2019 against Karvy, alleging that the broker had misused its clients' securities. The ex-parte ad interim order found that Karvy did not report DP account no11458979 named Karvy Stock Broking Ltd to the stock exchange in which clients securities were pledged. Further, Karvy credited the funds raised by pledging clients securities to six of its own bank accounts instead of crediting it in the stock brokerclient account and did not report the six bank accounts to the stock exchange.

The WTM further prima facie found that the securities in the DP account no11458979 belonged to the clients who are legitimate owners of the pledged securities.

The WTM directed that the depositories will not transfer securities from DP account no11458979 named Karvy Stock Broking Ltd (BSE).

Pursuant to the ex-parte ad interim order passed by the SEBI WTM, NSDL issued a communication intimating the lenders that the clients securities that Karvy pledged would remain in a state of abeyance.

On 29 November 2019, the WTM rejected Karvy's request on an application seeking flexibility in using a power of attorney (PoA) issued by its clients. On 3 December 2019, Axis Bank invoked the pledge through NSDL and filed an appeal challenging NSDL's 23 November 2019 order of NSDL before SAT. While disposing of the appeal, the tribunal directed Axis Bank to make an appropriate representation to SEBI which would be decided.

Accordingly, a representation was made praying that the ex-parte ad interim order passed by the WTM on 22 November 2019 was not applicable and that Axis Bank should be allowed to invoke the pledge on account of the default made by Karvy.

The representation of Axis Bank was rejected by an order on 14 January 2020 passed by the SEBI WTM, holding that the shares pledged by Karvy were invalid and, therefore, could not be invoked by Axis Bank.

In November 2019, SEBI banned KSBL over client defaults worth Rs2,000 crore. The brokerage house was prohibited from taking on new clients and executing trades for existing customers.

This followed an investigation by NSE, which found that Karvy had allegedly sold client stocks pledged with it through associated entities. The regulator had told depositories not to act upon any instructions by KSBL based on powers of attorney given to the brokerage house in order to prevent further misuse of client securities.

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The Madras High Court on Thursday sentenced K Ponmudi, the minister for higher education in Tamil Nadu and his wife Visalatchi to three years of simple imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case, says a report from Bar & Bench

According to the report, Mr. Ponmudi and his wife were also ordered to pay a fine of Rs50 lakh in addition to their jail sentence.

Earlier this week, the HC bench of justice G Jayachandran overturned the trial court's decision to acquit the couple in the corruption case. The minister and his wife were asked to appear before the court for the imposition of punishment.

In April 2016, T Sundaramoorthy, a special judge for cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, had acquitted Mr Ponmudi and Ms Visalatchi, saying that the prosecution, who had claimed that the couple possessed wealth and assets worth Rs1.75 crore in excess of their known sources of income, had failed to establish the guilt of the accused.

DVAC, the prosecution in the case, had filed an appeal challenging this order, and the HC upheld the DVAC's appeal.

The minister and his wife are also parties to a suo motu revision case initiated by the HC earlier this year questioning the couple's acquittal in another case of disproportionate assets in June this year by now-retired principal district judge N Vasanthaleela, Bar & Bench says.
In a strategic move to bolster SpiceJet's financial position and spur growth, Mumbai-based businessman Harihara Mahapatra and his wife Preeti have announced a substantial investment of Rs 1,100 crore in the airline. The acquisition secures the couple a 19% stake in SpiceJet, as revealed in a stock exchange filing by the airline.

The investment plan includes participation from Aries Opportunities Fund, holding 3%, and Elara Capital, securing an 8% stake through the conversion of warrants.

Earlier, the board of directors of SpiceJet unanimously approved the infusion of fresh capital exceeding Rs2,250 crore.

This move involves issuing equity shares to financial institutions, foreign institutional investors (FIIs), high net worth individuals (HNIs) and private investors.

An official from SpiceJet said, "The Board's unanimous decision reflects our commitment to strengthening the airline's financial foundation and propelling its growth trajectory. The issuance of equity shares and warrants under private placement is subject to necessary approvals from shareholders and regulatory bodies."

The proposed preferential issues encompass a diverse group of investors, including Elara India Opportunities Fund, Aries Opportunities Fund, Mahapatra Universal Limited, Nexus Global Fund, Prabhudas Lilladher, Resonance Opportunities Fund, among others, aiming to raise funds aggregating over Rs2,250 Crore.

The board of directors, in a meeting held on 12th December 12 gave the green light for issuing up to 31,83,00,000 equity shares of face value Rs10 each ('Tranche I Issue') and up to 13,00,00,000 warrants, convertible to equity shares ('Tranche II Issue'), on a preferential basis.

The funds from the Tranche I and Tranche II issues, totaling Rs15,91,50,00,000 and Rs6,50,00,00,000, respectively, are earmarked for addressing statutory obligations, settling past dues with creditors, uplifting and ungrounding the fleet, acquiring new aircraft, meeting ATF expenses, employee-related expenses, and general corporate purposes.

Approximately 25% of the funds from each preferential issue will be allocated to these purposes.

If approved by shareholders, the investment will result in a reduction of airline promoter Ajay Singh's current shareholding from 56.49% to at least 38.55%. Presently, 37.9% of Singh's stake is pledged with various banks, marking a significant development in SpiceJet's ownership structure.

Meanwhile, the stock exchange filing announced the annual general meeting of the members on 30th December.

This is to inform you that the 39th Annual General Meeting of the members of SpiceJet Limited will be held on Wednesday, the 10th day of January, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. through video conference and other audio visual means to transact business as per attached Notice of Annual General Meeting, the airline said in the notice.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
On Thursday, 2669 stocks advanced, 1106 declined and 121 remained unchanged, with an advance decline ratio of 2.41 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), indicating positive closing of stocks in broader markets. The trend of the major indices on Thursdays trading is given in the table below.

On NSE, 52 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 27 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. All sectoral indices were positive today among which Nifty Media, Nifty PSE, Nifty Energy were the biggest gainers.

Bharti Airtel (+0.65%) has formed a strategic partnership to power up to 20 million smart meters with IntelliSmart Infrastructure, a leading smart metering and digital solutions provider.

Sonata Software (-0.94%) has signed a contract with AMMEGA Group, a global leader in Conveyor Belts and Power Transmission with manufacturing sites and Customer Solution Centers (CSCs) around the world.

Coforge (+1.47%) has collaborated with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to aid the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) across enterprises.

Marine Electricals (+4.96%) (India) has received four orders amounting to total Rs27.97 crore (excluding GST). The company has received first order from Hooghly Cochin Shipyard, Howrah, and West Bengal for procurement of Electrical Package for IWAI Hybrid Vessel.

Reliance Industries (+1.40%) (RIL) telecom arm -- Reliance Jio Infocomm (Jio) has added 34.75 lakh customers in September 2023. Following this, the companys total customer base has increased to 44.92 crore with market share of 39.06% in terms of wireless subscribers as on September 30, 2023.

IndusInd Bank (+0.89%) has sold its entire 2.86% stake in Nippon Life India Asset Management for Rs795 crore through open market transactions.

Praveg (+1.75%) has received work order for Development, Operation, Maintenance and Management of at least 50 tents at Agatti Island, UT of Lakshwadeep. The work order is for a period of three years that could be extended up to another two years.

UltraTech (+0.68%) Cement has entered into Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement to acquire 26% equity shares of Clean Max Terra, a company engaged in generation and transmission of renewable energy.

Samvardhana Motherson (+1.90%) International has acquired 100% stake of Samvardhana Motherson Adsys Tech from Motherson Auto, subject to satisfactory completion of conditions precedent. With this, Samvardhana Motherson Adsys Tech became wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

Ashok Leyland (-0.06%) has bagged an order from Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) for 552 Ultra-Low Entry (ULE) Diesel Non-AC buses.

Adani Green Energys (+4.64%) wholly-owned subsidiary -- Adani Saur Urja (KA) has incorporated three Wholly-owned subsidiaries, namely, Adani Renewable Energy Fifty-Two (ARE52L), Adani Renewable Energy Fifty-Three (ARE53L) and Adani Renewable Energy Fifty-Four (ARE54L)

Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders (+3.65%) (MDL) has signed a contract with acquisition wing of Ministry of Defence for construction and delivery of six Next generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Size of the order is around Rs1600 crore.

The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below:

The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below:
In recent years, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been in the news for slapping monetary penalties on regulated financial entities (REs) like banks, non-bank finance companies (NBFCs) and cooperative banks for various violations and non-compliance with guidelines issued by the regulator.

In the past two years, which ended June 2023, the number of REs subjected to fines rose from 90 to 122, according to RBIs financial stability reports (FSRs). The total penalty levied was Rs35.63 crore in December 2021; it declined to Rs9.98 crore in the first half of 2022 and climbed again to Rs26.34 crore in the latest half year.

Such non-compliance by REs raises questions about the efficacy of the compliance machinery in commercial banks.

RBIs Power To Impose Fines

Section 46 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949 (BRA) lists circumstances in which RBI is empowered to impose monetary penalties on the banks as under:

1. If the bank makes a statement which is materially false or willfully omits to make a material statement

2. If the bank fails to produce certain documents/ books or to answer questions relating to its business during an inspection or scrutiny by RBI

3. If the bank receives any deposit in violation of an order from RBI under BRA Section 35(4)(a)

4. If the bank contravenes any other provision of BRA or has not complied with any rule or order made under the said Act.

Section 35 of BRA deals with bank inspections and guidelines regarding the acceptance of deposits. Section 35A empowers RBI to issue directions to banks for compliance and section 35AB, to issue directions for stressed assets.

The penalty for willful suppression of facts or failure to supply material facts is imprisonment of up to three years and monetary fines of up to Rs3 crore for violation of any direction or guideline issued by RBI. Continued default would lead to additional fines for every such instance.

A List of the Delinquents among Banks

For the purpose of this article, the delinquents in the commercial banking sector, which figured during the period from January 2022 to November 2023, have been taken into account. A list of such banks with the penalty levied on them is given in the following table. A few were penalised more than once. Among the public sector banks (PSBs), Bank of Baroda was slapped with the highest fine of Rs4.34 crore (November 2023) and among the private banks, ICICI Bank was fined Rs12.19 crore (October 2023) followed by Paytm Payments Bank with Rs5.39 crore.

Table: List of some commercial banks penalised in 2022 and 2023 (till November)

Since most commercial banks are earning huge revenues, these penalties would only be a fleabite. There are, however, larger implications which deserve attention.

Common Features Observed

A study of the circumstances leading to penalties reveals certain common features. a) Failure to exercise due diligence; b) Lapses in reporting; c) Failure to ensure integrity of data; d) Customer unfriendly behavior; e) Ignoring conflict of interests in loan sanctions.

The one common denominator in all situations attracting penalties is the non-compliance by REs with the regulators directives under the BRA and anti-money laundering guidelines.

A few illustrations will be useful.

Banks are required to conduct due diligence about the background of a prospective customer. In the case of a loan account, the due diligence becomes more rigorous as the bank is required to assess the new clients creditworthiness. Non-compliance with these protocols enhances the vulnerability of the bank to fraud and loan losses.

In a regulated system, reporting on worrisome developments is of critical significance. For instance, when a loan account turns out to be fraudulentas when there is a diversion of loan proceeds, misrepresentation about security charged to the bank, or a loan is availed by doctored datait has to be classified as fraudulent as early as the bank comes to know of it or, if it is a joint loan, when the lead lender comes to know of the fraud. If there is a delay in classifying, follow-up efforts will be delayed and it can affect not only the bank concerned but it can have a cascading effect on the sector.

The integrity of data supplied to the regulator is equally critical for effective monitoring of the operations in the financial sector. Timely reporting and ensuring the correctness of the report help the initiation of prompt corrective actions on the part of the regulator.

There have also been instances of overcharging the customers under diverse pretexts like levying flat charges for SMS as against actuals, imposing penalties for premature loan closure when there is no provision in the loan agreement, collecting interest even before the loan is actually disbursed to the borrower, contacting the customers between 7pm and 7am and unacceptable conduct of loan recovery agents. Such acts are in violation of RBIs specific instructions.

Important decisions by the banks should not be influenced by the decision-makers personal connections with the beneficiaries of such decisions. For instance, if the banks directors are also directors in another company, any decision beneficial to such a company could attract an allegation of conflict of interest.

How Does the Process Get Triggered?

As the regulator, RBI conducts inspections for supervisory evaluation (ISE) of the financial entities to evaluate their supervisory functioning during a particular year. The evaluation is in relation to compliance with the guidelines and directions issued by RBI. If there are failures in compliance, it will call for a detailed response from the bank concerned.

After examining the response so received, RBI may take a decision to impose a monetary penalty and also give further directions to be complied with, within a time frame. The amount of penalty will depend on the gravity and the duration of the non-compliance by the bank concerned.

Most of the cases of fines arise out of non-compliance with the regulators directives and guidelines. That takes us to the efficacy of the compliance system in the banks.

(TR Bhat is former general secretary of All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) and former officer of Corporation Bank)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Three months ago, Khankendi was liberated from occupation. As a result of a one-day anti-terrorism operation, Azerbaijan fully restored its state sovereignty. Today, the Azerbaijani flag is flying across the entire Karabakh region. This is a significant historical event, said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the audience before the start of the Azerbaijani Cup round of 16 match between FC Qarabag (Aghdam) and MOIK (Baku) at the Khankendi Stadium, Trend reports.

"This story will forever live in our hearts. The Azerbaijani people and Azerbaijanis around the world will now forever take pride in this Victory," said the head of the state.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. The Azerbaijani Embassy in Poland has addressed Azerbaijani citizens living in the country concerning the upcoming extraordinary presidential elections, said the embassy in X (Twitter), Trend reports.

Azerbaijani individuals above the age of 18 with active voting rights should be listed on the voter list in order to participate in the elections.

"To be registered on the voter list, Azerbaijani citizens residing in Poland are requested to send the following information to [email protected]:

1. Surname, first name, patronymic;

2. Year, month and day of birth;

3. Address of permanent or temporary residence.

Citizens whose data has not been submitted by December 26 will not be included in the voter list," the publication says.

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Alex Saab, who was facing U.S. bribery charges, leaves the Miraflores Palace accompanied by his family and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, after he was released by the U.S. government in a prisoner swap, in Caracas, Venezuela, December 20, 2023.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) speaks to reporters following a closed briefing for all senators to discuss the leak of classified U.S. intelligence documents on the war in Ukraine, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 19, 2023.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. A spy agent cell, connected to the French Embassy has been revealed on the territory of Azerbaijan, which carried out intel against representatives of countries known as "partners" of France, Trend reports, referring to the "Identificator".

The website, citing its own sources, claims a French citizen, who has been a non-staff member of the French intelligence community for many years, voluntarily initiated cooperation with the law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan.

As a result of this cooperation, dozens of French secret agents have been revealed, some of whom served and continue to work in Azerbaijan, and some of whom are currently working in a number of neighboring countries and international organizations.

Along with this, the special services of Azerbaijan were provided with evidence and documents regarding the activities of the French residency in the region of the South Caucasus, the Middle East, Ukraine, and Moldova.

The scale of the failure is expected to be a serious blow to the reputation of French intelligence.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 22. Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conveyed condolences to the Czech Republic in light of the existence of victims as a result of the shooting at the university of this country, Trend reports, referring to the post of the ministry in X (Twitter).

We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives as a result of mass shooting at the Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. We express heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this tragic attack and we wish speedy recovery to the injured ones," said in the post.

Yesterday, 15 people were killed as a result of the shooting in the building of Charles University in Prague.
Myanmars military should be investigated for war crimes, Amnesty International says View Photo

BANGKOK (AP) 

The human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday accused the Myanmar military of indiscriminate killings, detaining civilians, and using air-dropped cluster munitions in response to an insurgency in the northeast and west, and demanded an investigation into war crimes.

Fighting has been raging in the northern part of Shan state since the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Taang National Liberation Army, calling themselves the Three Brotherhood Alliance, launched a coordinated offensive on Oct. 27. A little more than two weeks later, the Arakan Army also attacked outposts in its home state of Rakhine in the west.

The offensive of the well-trained and well-armed ethnic militias has been seen as a significant challenge for the army, which has struggled to contain a nationwide uprising by members of the Peoples Defense Forces, a pro-democracy armed group established after the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

The alliance has claimed widespread victories including the capture of four border crossings in the northern part of Shan state. Soon after the fighting began, the military government acknowledged that it had lost three towns and vowed counterattacks on the alliance.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, known as OCHA, said in its report on Dec.15 that 378 civilians have reportedly died and 505 others have been injured while more than 660,000 people have been displaced by the fighting that began in late October. According to OCHAs estimates, more than 2.6 million people have been displaced nationwide since the army takeover nearly three years ago.

In its report, Amnesty International said it had documented a nighttime airstrike by the military on Namhkam township in Shan in early December, most likely using cluster munitions that are internationally banned. Cluster munitions open in the air, releasing smaller bomblets across a wide area.

One of the groups in the Three Brotherhood Alliance, the Taang National Liberation Army also said in a statement on Dec. 2 that the militarys jet fighters dropped cluster munitions twice at night on Namhkam township, killing one local resident, injuring five others and damaging more than 12 houses.

Amnesty International said civilians and civilian sites were indiscriminately attacked by the military in Rakhines Pauktaw township. The report said the armys attacks on civilians and the use of banned cluster munitions should be investigated as war crimes.

The Myanmar military has a blood-stained resume of indiscriminate attacks with devastating consequences for civilians, and its brutal response to a major offensive by armed groups fits a longstanding pattern, said Matt Wells, Director of Amnesty Internationals Crisis Response Program. Nearly three years after the coup, the suffering of civilians across Myanmar shows no signs of easing, even as the issue has largely fallen off the international agenda.

Amnesty said it based its findings on interviews with 10 people from Pauktaw and analyses of photographs, video material and satellite imagery.

In a separate report released on Thursday, another monitoring group, Human Rights Watch, charged that another faction in the Three Brotherhood Alliance, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, had abducted and forcibly recruited civilians fleeing fighting in Shan.

The MNDAA, which is an armed grouping of the Kokang minority, is seeking to oust a rival faction from power by seizing the town of Laukkaing, which is the capital of what is officially called the Kokang Self-Administered Zone, in the northeast, near the border with China.

Two residents of Laukkaing told the AP on Thursday that their colleagues were forcibly taken by the MNDAA for recruitment while fleeing the fighting.

The Associated Press reached out to MNDAA representatives seeking comment but received no response.

Associated Press
Authorities return restored golden crosses to the domes of Kyivs St Sophia Cathedral View Photo

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Workers using cranes on Thursday installed two more restored crosses on top of the domes of Kyivs 11th-century St. Sophia Cathedral as part of ongoing repair work at the landmark site.

The seven golden crosses atop the iconic cathedrals seven domes had become corroded. Officials said they required urgent attention.

The final cross, on the cathedrals main golden dome, is due to be removed next week. It is expected to be put back in May.

The cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is in the heart of Kyiv. It has not sustained any major damage from the bombing of the Ukrainian capital by Russia since its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24 2022, but it has occasionally been struck by debris from explosions.

In September, the U.N.s World Heritage Committee placed the cathedral on a list of sites it considers to be in danger.

The cathedral was built to rival the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The monument to Byzantine art contains the biggest collection of mosaics and frescoes from that period. It is surrounded by monastic buildings dating back to the 17th century.

It is one of Kyivs main tourist sites.

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Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Lead plane with C-130 fighting Ferguson Fire View Photo

Sonora, CA  A signature is all that is needed to bring long-promised military planes to California to combat wildfires.

The state is poised to receive seven C-130 aircraft. The effort was spearheaded by the Newsom Administration along with two U.S. senators, which resulted in Congress authorizing and accelerating the aircraft transfers from the United States Coast Guard to CAL Fire. This initiative allows for the state to take sole ownership of these planes, speed up the time to have them fly firefighting operations, and expand CAL Fires firefighting capabilities.

The aircraft will be strategically located throughout the state at CAL Fire bases to mobilize when needed, adding to the helicopters, other aircraft, and firefighters ready to protect Californians.

These are aircraft that can mobilize quickly and attack wildfires to better protect our communities. This was a collaborative effort with our partners, Sen. Padilla, the late Sen. Feinstein, and others to deliver for Californians, stated Newsom.

All that is needed now is for President Biden to sign the National Defense Authorization Act into law, which he is set to do soon. The first of the seven planes will likely be ready in time for the height of the 2024 fire year, according to the governors office.
Suspect in killing of TV news anchors mother has been captured in Connecticut

GROTON, Conn. (AP)  A man wanted in the killing of a television news anchors mother in Vermont in February was captured at a Connecticut hotel Wednesday, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

Shawn Conlon, 44, was arrested in Groton by marshals, local police and Rhode Island State Police. Authorities said Conlon was arraigned in a Connecticut court later Wednesday and detained on $1 million bail, pending extradition to Vermont to face a second-degree murder charge.

Claudia Voight, 73, of Windham, Vermont, died in her home Feb. 20. She was the mother of Heidi Voight, an NBC Connecticut news anchor and Miss Connecticut 2006.

Law enforcement officials initially believed she suffered from a medical event but later determined she died from neck compression that was detectable only during an autopsy.

In new details released Wednesday, Vermont State Police said Conlon rented a room in Claudia Voights home and stopped paying rent in late 2022 but remained in the home until allegedly attacking and killing her in February 2023. The reason for the attack was not disclosed.

A public defender who represented Conlon on Wednesday did not immediately return phone and email messages.

Heidi Voight did not immediately return an email message Wednesday. On her Facebook page, she posted HALLELUJAH.

In a July Facebook posting, Heidi Voight revealed the manner of her mothers death.

I have been carrying this painful secret: My mothers death was not natural, nor peaceful, she wrote. My mother was murdered, violently, in the place she should have felt safest  her own home in Windham, Vermont.  This has broken me and changed me. But I am my mothers daughter, and I will come back stronger. I will fight for her.

The Marshals Service said Vermont State Police identified Conlon, of Rhode Island, as a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant Monday. Vermont State Police, Groton police and the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force worked together to find Conlon, authorities said.

The Marshals Service said the effort to find Conlon first led to Rhode Island before authorities determined he had traveled to Groton, Connecticut.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. The extraordinary XXVI general meeting of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society was held today, Trend reports.

President of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzQAC), MP Novruz Aslanov opened the meeting with an introductory speech and welcomed the participants.

The national anthem was played and a minute of silence was observed to honor the memory of the martyrs. The agenda of the meeting was presented and discussion of the matters began.

Chairman of the Mandate Committee Shaban Shaev presented the report of the committee and informed about the sufficient number of representatives of the General Assembly.

Executive Secretary of AzQAC Jeyhun Mirzaev reported on the activities and achievements of the organization during 2018-2023. His speech highlighted the restoration of AzQAC's activities in the Karabakh Economic Zone and the activities of the Great Return Project and emphasized important factors that ultimately determine the plans, long-term goals, and directions of the organization and support its mission and vision.

Rena Ibrahimova, the coordinator of the Baku regional center, Firuza Aliyeva, deputy chairperson of the Aghdam district branch, and Ramig Sadigov, chairperson of the Fuzuli district branch, made speeches at the event and expressed their wishes for the success of the meeting.

AzQAC Vice President Gafar Askerzadeh informed about the approval of decisions of the Governing Council in his speech.

Along with current issues, the representatives of the General Assembly unanimously adopted a statement supporting the candidacy of the honorary member of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society Ilham Aliyev in the extraordinary presidential election to be held on February 7, 2024.

At the end, the anthem of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society was played, and the XXVI extraordinary general meeting finished its session.

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Iran summons Germanys ambassador over Berlin accusing Tehran in a plot to attack a synagogue View Photo

TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Irans foreign ministry summoned the German ambassador to Tehran on Wednesday in protest against a ruling that implicated the Islamic Republic in a plan to attack a synagogue in Germany last year, the state-run IRNA news agency said.

The report said the ministry summoned German Ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel to deliver the protest after the Duesseldorf state court convicted a 36-year-old German-Iranian man of attempted arson and agreeing to commit arson and sentenced him to two years and nine months in prison.

Judges found that the man threw an incendiary device at a school in the western city of Bochum in November 2022 because the neighboring synagogue appeared too well secured. The defendant denied planning to attack the synagogue. The school reportedly sustained had minor damage.

The court found the defendant had been tasked with the attack by a former Hells Angels member who had gone to Iran, and that Iran was behind the latter man. The German judges established that the plan for the attack stems from an Iranian state institution, according to a statement, which didnt give more precise details.

Iran slammed the ruling as a baseless accusation, IRNA said.

On Tuesday, the German Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian charge daffaires to discuss the matter, which Tehran also condemned as an unacceptable measure.

In a separate development, the Iranian media said the foreign ministry in Tehran also summoned the Swedish charge daffaires after a Swedish appeals court on Tuesday endorsed the life sentence given to Hamid Noury for war crimes and murder during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.

According to the Stockholm District Court, Noury took part in severe atrocities in July-August 1988 while working as an assistant to the deputy prosecutor in a prison outside the Iranian city of Karaj. Noury, who was arrested in November 2019 when he arrived in Stockholm on a tourist trip, had appealed the ruling.
CCTV: Recently, Steven Barnett, IMF Senior Resident Representative in China, said in an interview that China will contribute one-third of global economic growth in 2023. He predicted that higher and more resilient growth is within reach for China in 2024. Whats your comments?

Wang Wenbin: We noted that interview. Lately, many international organizations like the IMF and the OECD have revised up their 2023 growth projections for China and are confident in Chinas economic prospects next year. China is widely considered the biggest driver for the world economy. The research of the IMF shows that faster growth in China has positive spillovers on the rest of the world. A one percentage point increase in China would, on average, increase the level of output in other economies by 0.3 percent.

China has a hyper-scale market with the biggest potential in the world. Macroeconomic policies introduced by the Chinese government have given the economy a strong push. There is ample room for enhanced implementation of monetary and fiscal polices. Chinas deepening of reform and opening up across the board provides strong impetus for sustained sound economic development. A new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation in the world also presents a broad stage for the Chinese economy. All in all, there are more favorable conditions than adverse factors for Chinas development, the trend of economic rebound and sound long-term trajectory has not changed, and the factors and conditions supporting high-quality development are increasing. We welcome businesses from around the world to continue coming to China for global success. We will continue to expand high-level opening up, improve the business environment, step up intellectual property protection, form an open and globally competitive innovation eco-system and share with the world Chinas development achievements.

AFP: On Tuesday, the spokesperson said that Chinas maritime disputes with the Philippines do not represent the entirety of the bilateral relationship and that China was willing to handle them through dialogue and consultation. However, yesterday, the Chinese side said the bilateral relationship is at a crossroads until the Philippines to proceed with caution. Can the Foreign Ministry provide a reason for this sudden change in the tone of the statement towards the Philippines?

Wang Wenbin: I suggest that you take another close look at the readout that we released on the phone call between Chinese and Philippine foreign ministers. It is absolutely wrong to think that there has been a major change in Chinas tone on the issue.

Yesterday, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo at the request of the Philippines. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China-Philippines relations face serious difficulty and the root cause lies in the Philippines change of policy and position, refusing to honor its commitment and repeated provocations that undermine Chinas legitimate and lawful rights and interests. The bilateral relationship is now at a crossroads. Where it will go depends on what choice will be made. The Philippines must be very prudent about it.

On what you said, I would like to stress that when it comes to maritime disputes with our neighbors, Chinas position is consistent and clear without any change. Our commitment to properly managing disputes through dialogue and consultation has not changed. Our willingness to work with the Philippines to implement the previously reached understandings has not changed. Our policy of working with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea has not changed. Last but not least, our resolve to safeguard our sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests has not changed and will not change.

We hope that the Philippines will decide rationally, follow the effective way for neighbors to get along with each other and work with China to properly handle and manage the situation at sea.

Bloomberg: Reports show that the Chinese leader said Beijing would reunify with Taiwan, but the timing has not yet been decided. Can I get your reaction?

Wang Wenbin: During his meeting with President Biden in San Francisco this November, President Xi Jinping outlined Chinas principled position on the Taiwan question. He pointed out that the Taiwan question remains the most important and most sensitive issue in China-US relations. China takes seriously the positive statements made by the United States in the Bali meeting, and the US side should take real actions to honor its commitment of not supporting Taiwan independence, stop arming Taiwan, and support Chinas peaceful reunification.

RIA Novosti: The US State Departments spokesperson Matthew Miller said earlier that the United States would welcome China playing a constructive role in trying to prevent attacks in the Red Sea. I wonder if China is ready to play more active role in ensuring security in the Red Sea region.

Wang Wenbin: The Red Sea is an important international trade route for goods and energy. Safeguarding the security and stability of the region serves the common interest of the international community. China stands for protecting the safety of international sea lanes and against causing disturbance to civilian ships. We believe relevant parties, especially major countries with influence, need to play a constructive and responsible role in keeping the shipping lanes safe in the Red Sea.

AFP: Given the continued fighting in Myanmar especially the fighting near planned development along the China-Myanmar economic corridor, does the Foreign Ministry have any new comments on the conflict there?

Wand Wenbin: We have repeated Chinas position on the situation in northern Myanmar. China has been working actively to get relevant parties in Myanmar to effectively implement what has been agreed, exercise maximum restraint, actively ease the situation on the ground, properly manage sporadic confrontation events during ceasefire and maintain the momentum of ceasefire and peace talks.

China will continue its effort in helping to stop the fighting and promote talks in northern Myanmar and jointly work for a soft landing of the situation in northern Myanmar. We also hope that parties concerned in Myanmar will keep the China-Myanmar border area peaceful and stable and protect the safety and security of Chinese projects and personnel in Myanmar.

TASS: Ukraine yesterday added China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) to the list of international sponsors of the war. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: On the Ukrainian issue, China always stands on the side of peace and justice. We firmly oppose relevant Ukraine agency adding Chinese company to the relevant list. We ask Ukraine to correct its mistake at once and undo the negative effect.

Bloomberg: Theres a report that the Biden administration is considering increasing trade tariffs, particularly on Chinese electric vehicles. Can you respond?

Wang Wenbin: China has made it very clear that there is no winner in a trade or tariff war. The US unilateral tariff increases are against the principles of market economy and fair competition and threaten global industrial and supply chain security. This is textbook protectionism and may have violated WTOs most-favored-nation principle and national treatment principle. China is strongly opposed to it. We urge the US to abide by WTO rules, uphold the trade order for fair competition and provide a fair, just and nondiscriminatory business environment for foreign companies.

China will follow closely whats to happen and do whats needed to protect our lawful rights and interests.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. As part of the 'Great Return' program, offices of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzQAC) will be built on territories liberated from Armenian occupation, the AzQAC Executive Secretary Jeyhun Mirzayev said at the extraordinary XXVI general meeting of the organization, Trend reports.

Within the 'Great Return' project, AzQAC is expected to build offices in three cities.

The executive secretary stressed the importance of giving aid to the population dwelling in the Karabakh economic region as part of AzQAC's humanitarian policy following the Azerbaijani Army's local anti-terrorist efforts in September of this year.

The extraordinary XXVI general meeting of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society is being held.

The meeting, having around 400 attendees, is expected to conclude with the adoption of a final statement.

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Justice Served: Pius Mukandi sentenced to 30 years for gruesome murder of CCC activist

In a harrowing case that shocked the nation, Pius Mukandi, also known as Pius Jamba, was handed a 30-year prison sentence by High Court judge Justice Esther Muremba for the brutal murder of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist, Moreblessing Ali.

The sentence was confirmed by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ).

The court proceedings revealed the gruesome details surrounding Alis tragic demise, as her dismembered body was discovered in a disused well. Mukandi, who had denied the allegations, claimed that he was being used as a scapegoat to quell political tensions between Zanu PF and CCC supporters in the Nyatsime area.

Justice Muremba, however, emphasized the overwhelming evidence against Mukandi, stating that he was the only person known to have had an altercation with Ali prior to her disappearance. The judge highlighted that Mukandis warned and cautioned statement aligned with the evidence found at the crime scene, solidifying his culpability in Alis murder. Justice Muremba further clarified that the motive behind the heinous act was not politically driven.

Alis decomposing remains were discovered in sacks, having been callously dismembered before being discarded in the well. The discovery took place more than two weeks after her disappearance, casting a dark shadow over the community.

The sentencing of Mukandi brings some measure of closure to the grieving family and friends of Moreblessing Ali, who were left devastated by the brutal loss. The courts decision reflects the seriousness with which such crimes are treated, sending a strong message that acts of violence will not be tolerated in Zimbabwean society.

As the case concludes, the nation reflects on the importance of justice and the need to protect the rights and safety of all citizens. The memory of Moreblessing Ali will serve as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of a fair and thorough legal process.

The sentencing of Pius Mukandi stands as a testament to the dedication and commitment of the judicial system in upholding the principles of justice, ensuring that those responsible for heinous crimes are held accountable.

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South African robbery gang foiled in Harare: Two suspects killed, four accomplices arrested

In a dramatic turn of events, two suspected robbers operating from South Africa were shot dead in Harare as they planned to carry out a series of criminal activities, including kidnapping prominent individuals for ransom. Following a shootout with detectives at a guest house in the city, their four accomplices were also apprehended.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, confirmed the incident in a statement. He identified the deceased as Jabulani Ngobeni (45) and Godknows Machingura (44), who lost their lives during the shoot-out in Arcadia, Harare. Additionally, Ndiafhi Makhado (39), Andrew Masubelele (38), Paul Zhou (55), and Emmanuel Makamo (22) were arrested for their involvement in a conspiracy to commit armed robbery in Kwekwe on December 19, 2023.

According to Assistant Commissioner Nyathi, the suspects had recently traveled from South Africa with the intention of carrying out armed robberies. Acting on a tip-off, detectives from CID Homicide in Harare raided the guest house on Mauritius Road in Arcadia, leading to the shootout.

During the operation, the police recovered two 9mm pistols and 13 rounds of ammunition. Further investigations unveiled that the gang had rented two vehicles, a Toyota Fortuner (registration number AFX 0554) and a Honda Fit (registration number AFO 7446), which they intended to employ in their criminal activities.

The swift action taken by the Zimbabwe Republic Police thwarted the planned crimes and resulted in the neutralization of two suspects while capturing their associates.

This incident highlights the vigilance and commitment of law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime. The timely intervention by the Zimbabwe Republic Police serves as a stern warning to criminals attempting to operate within the countrys borders.

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Human error and lack of licensed drivers contribute to alarming road safety concerns

According to the latest report from the Zimbabwe Statistical Agency (ZimStat), road traffic accidents in the country during the third quarter of 2023 resulted in a tragic toll of at least 604 lives lost. Despite a slight decrease in overall accidents, fatalities surged by 15%, painting a grim picture of road safety in Zimbabwe.

ZimStats report revealed that out of the 12,564 road traffic accidents reported during the quarter, fatalities accounted for 604 deaths, while injuries numbered 2,624. Although the total number of accidents decreased by 3.2% compared to the second quarter, the rise in fatalities is a troubling trend.

The data further highlighted that during the start of the festive season alone, approximately 20 lives were claimed by traffic accidents in just four days. The primary causes of these accidents continue to be attributed to human error and the poor state of the countrys roads.

Another concerning revelation from ZimStats report was the fact that less than half of motorists possess legal drivers licenses. The agency disclosed that during the third quarter of 2023, only 43.2% of the 61,644 candidates who took the certificate of competency test succeeded. This indicates a significant gap in drivers training and qualification, posing a potential risk to road safety.

On a regional level, the statistics varied across Zimbabwes provinces. With the exception of Bulawayo, the proportion of candidates passing provisional drivers license tests in the third quarter ranged from 59.9% in Midlands to an impressive 78.0% in Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central.

Zimbabwes road safety challenges have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. A previous report by World of Statistics ranked the country among the top two nations with the most unsafe road networks. Shockingly, the report revealed that 41 out of every 100,000 people in Zimbabwe succumb to road traffic injuries.

In the period between 2019 and 2022, a staggering total of 8,897 lives were lost due to traffic accidents. Last year alone, 2,079 fatalities were recorded from 52,585 reported accidents, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.

As Zimbabwe grapples with these alarming statistics, it is crucial for authorities to address the root causes of these accidents. Strengthening road infrastructure, implementing effective driver training programs, and promoting greater awareness of responsible driving behaviours are essential steps toward curbing this devastating loss of life on the nations roads.

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Yves here. I must confess to being ignorant of the fact that there was protectable technology involved in the processing of rare earths. My understanding had been that despite the name, rare earths are not all that rare, and that the US had been willing to cede mining to other countries, particularly China due to the high environmental cost, particularly water use/contamination.

In a new round of tit for tat, China has added to its restrictions on exports of key materials, including rare earths, by also halting exports of processing technology. And as the article below makes clear, Chinas real choke point is not in mining but in processing.

By Tsvetana Paraskova, a writer for Oilprice.com with over a decade of experience writing for news outlets such as iNVEZZ and SeeNews. Originally published at OilPrice

China is prohibiting the export of some technologies to process rare earth elements to protect its national security as the race for critical minerals supply intensifies.

Chinas Commerce Ministry banned on Thursday the export of technology to extract and separate rare earth elements (REEs), a group of 17 critical metals used in the manufacturing of permanent magnets that are used in electronics, EV technologies, and wind turbines.

The move follows last months directive from the Chinese authorities to exporters of rare earth minerals to report transactions and is the latest escalation of the trade spat between China and the West.

Earlier this year, China, the worlds largest producer and supplier of graphite, said it would require export permits for some graphite products as of December 1 as it seeks to protect its national security. Graphite and graphite products are critical for the manufacturing of any electric vehicle battery, and China is the dominant player in the market.

The restriction on exports of graphite products was the latest Chinese attempt to exert its market influence to control the supply of critical minerals.

Now China bans the export of production technology for rare earth metals and alloy materials, and technology to produce some rare earth magnets.

In rare earths, China controls 60% of global supply and a massive 90% of the global refining of rare earth elements, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report on the vulnerabilities of the clean energy supply chains earlier this year. China is also the only large-scale producer of heavy rare earth ores.

Limited diversification of supply could present a challenge to the global critical minerals industry, the IEA warned in a report earlier this year. China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia continue to dominate a large part of the critical raw material supply, while China is a dominant player in refining operations, the IEA noted.
Yves here. Alexander Mercouris covered much of the ground in this post in his latest talk, with more detail about the feelers that resulted from Lavrov having customary informal talks at a UN meeting. They went absolutely nowhere, confirming the Biden Administration lack of interest in them. It also reflects the continuing denial that Russia will in due course be able to impose its will on Ukraine and the West might want to try to influence that. But the US and NATO seem deeply committed to being obstructionist, even if the results continue to amount to cutting off their nose to spite their face.

Again, given the degree of Western denial and the Russian control of the tempo, it would seen the best course for Russia to continue grinding and avoid the big task of attacking major cities. There are presumably enough important targets such as ones at transportation hubsw hich at the biggest would amount to secondary population centers, to enable Russia to keep attriting Ukraine forces until the military or government collapses. That may take awhile but seems the soundest course. The question is if the Russian public can be as patient as Putin.

By Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based American political analyst who specializes in the global systemic transition to multipolarity in the New Cold War. He has a PhD from MGIMO, which is under the umbrella of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Originally published at his website

He signaled that he wont let himself be duped a third time after falling for Merkel and Zelenskys tricks. A Korean-like land-for-peace armistice deal does entail some benefits for Russia, but the Kremlin isnt interested in any agreement that only pauses the conflict. It would have to also achieve Russias three stated goals.

A lot of Russian-friendly folks across the world were taken aback by President Putins candid admission in a recent interview that he was naive about the West up until recently. He acknowledged his mistake in thinking that they no longer considered Russia a rival after the USSRs dissolution brought about the end of communism in his country. Nowadays hes convinced that the West was plotting to Balkanize Russia all along after they dropped their friendly charade throughout the course of the ongoing special operation.

To be sure, President Putin already signaled as much a year back after former German Chancellor Angela Merkel boasted about how she duped him with the Minsk Accords, which she said her country never had any intention of honoring and only agreed to for the purpose of buying Ukraine valuable time to rearm. This revelation was followed several months later in March by Russian National Security chief Nikolai Patrushev casually mentioning in an interview that the US had actually controlled her for years.

These reminders make one wonder why President Putin returned to the subject in his recent interview, which was aired shortly after his annual Q&A session where he said that hed warn his past self from 2000 against naivety and excessive trust in our so-called partners. This coincided with the Ukrainian Conflict winding down after the failed counteroffensive, of which there was no Plan B, thus explaining the popularityof former NATO Supreme Commander Admiral James Stavridis proposal from November.

His suggestion for a Korean-like land-for-peace armistice deal, which was initially floated by Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over the summer and then taken up earlier this month by Senator JD Vance, has since attracted the attention of the Financial Times chief foreign affairs columnist. Gideon Rachman quoted an unnamed former US official who explicitly said that We have to flip the narrative and say that Putin has failed in order to manufacture the pretext for freezing the conflict.

That columnist then referenced the abovementioned proposal without attribution to either of those figures whove publicly embraced it as one alternative to a formal agreement, which he justified by spinning Ukraines defeat as a victory over Russia with several misleading arguments. After being duped by Merkel with Minsk and by Zelensky during the spring 2022 peace talks that ultimately fell through due to Western pressure, however, President Putin is unlikely to agree to any simple armistice deal.

He already declared during the previously cited Q&A session last week that his country will achieve its stated goals of demilitarizing Ukraine, denazifying it, and ensuring its neutrality through military means if diplomatic ones dont suffice. This was followed a few days later by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recalling how the American think tank experts who he met with in New York during his trip in April admitted that the US only wanted to pause the conflict to rearm Ukraine and then resume hostilities.

By candidly admitting that he used to be naive about the Wests intentions towards Russia, President Putin was therefore signaling that he wont let himself be duped a third time after falling for Merkel and Zelenskys tricks as was earlier explained. That said, a Korean-like land-for-peace armistice deal does entail some benefits for Russia, but the Kremlin isnt interested in any agreement that only pauses the conflict like the American think tank experts who Lavrov spoke with earlier this year suggested.

This proposal could form the basis for resuming peace talks, but only with a view towards advancing Russias stated goals in the conflict through diplomatic means that would result in a legally binding agreement that sustainably ensures its security, the details of which can only be speculated. Even so, its likely that Ukraine wouldnt be allowed to formally join NATO and a mechanism would be devised for monitoring strict limitations on its armed forces, military-industrial complex, and foreign arms transfers.

The West doesnt yet seem ready for such significant security concessions, which would be very difficult for even its most masterful perception managers to spin as anything other than a defeat for their side, so the chances of that happening absent some game-changing developments are nil for now. The most realistic way for bringing about that scenario is for Russia to achieve a military breakthrough by sometime early next year, though Zelensky wants to thwart that by fortifying the entire front.

If his increasingly mutinous and rapidly depleting armed forces fail to prevent that from happening, then the government of national unity that an Atlantic Council expert just demanded that he assemble in a piece earlier this week for Politico could become a fait accompli. The purpose of doing so would be to give Zelensky a face-saving exit from the political scene and manufacture the pretext for reversing Kievs ban on peace talks with Russia out of desperation to stop its advance by capitulating to its terms.

The worst that could transpire if that doesnt unfold is that NATO launches a conventional intervention into Ukraine aimed at drawing a red line as far east as possible for stopping the Russian steamroller. The risks of a larger war by miscalculation would briefly spike and the inevitable post-conflict military-strategic reality would be equally more challenging for NATO and Russia than if Kiev capitulated. Nevertheless, that might be a gamble that President Putin is willing to take after finally losing his naivety.
Yves here. Readers will hopefully be relieved that interviewee Benjamin Page, who in an important paper found that typical US voters have almost no influence over policy, mentions in passing that democracy has yet to be attempted. Even so, it remains to be see if even our Potemkin democracy can be salvaged.

By Lynn Parramore, Senior Research Analyst at the Institute of New Economic Thinking. Originally published at the Institute of New Economic Thinking website

The term democracy in peril is so often heard these days it seems to have overtaken traditional expressions like land of opportunity or American dream in the contemporary U.S. lexicon. Norms and institutions are threatened. Concentrated wealth and power leave ordinary people forgotten. Gridlock shackles policymaking.

Political scientist Benjamin Page, professor emeritus at Northwestern University, is a veteran observer of the American political landscape whose research interests include public opinion, policy making, the mass media, and U.S. foreign policy. In a groundbreaking 2014 study with co-author Martin Gilens, Page exposed a disconcerting reality: ordinary citizens wield negligible influence over government policy. Page and Gilens data confirmed long-standing suspicions about the predominant role played by the wealthy and business interests in shaping the political landscape.

In the following interview with the Institute for New Economic Thinking, Page reflects on the seismic shifts he has witnessed in American politics, from the promising era of Lyndon Johnsons Great Society to the current landscape dominated by obstruction, gridlock, and social media frenzy. Drawing parallels with historical periods of crisis, he contemplates the challenges currently confronting our democracy. In doing so, he provides valuable insights into the barriers obstructing progress and outlines his recipe for reform.

Lynn Parramore: Youve witnessed so much change in American politics over the course of your life and career. Whats fundamentally different now from when you were growing up? What has surprised you?

Ben Page: Back in the sixties, a lot of things looked promising. You had Lyndon Johnsons Great Society program to tackle poverty and racial injustice. Women were achieving improvements. Change was happening. I thought it looked great!

Fast forward to today, and nothing is happening. Its all obstruction and gridlock. Polarized parties. Moreover, theres all this craziness going around in social media  even in so-called mainstream media. Back in the sixties, I wouldnt have envisioned any of this. I mean, back then, my heavens, Republicans and Democrats thought they disagreed! Even if you look back to the fifties, during the Eisenhower administration, you see that some fairly progressive things happened. It was a Republican administration that was tolerant, open, and in favor of civil rights. More so, actually, than the Democrats at the time. So what a change! The Republican Party is very different today.

LP: American democracy has had several moments of crisis going all the way back to Jefferson, but somehow weve hung on and moved forward. We had the Great Depression, but eventually, we got the New Deal. We managed to get something done for ordinary Americans even though there were big challenges baked into the cake, such as the undemocratic nature of the Senate, which youve pointed to in your work. Why cant we seem to address the needs of the people today?

BP: Good question. When you mention the Senate, youve put your finger on what I view as the biggest single problem in American politics. The reason the New Deal worked is that at the time, the Democratic Party was this peculiar coalition of conservative Southern Democrats and liberal Northern Democrats. They basically made a deal with each other. The big weakness of the New Deal is that it treated Black people terribly. They were left out of almost everything. Thats why the white Southern reactionary senators went along.

So thats part of it. Another part of it is that thanks to the Great Depression, there was an enormous majority, a one-party majority in the House and Senate. Thats not the case now.

Another big difference between now and then is these closely divided parties  polarized and closely divided. Thats a recipe for big trouble.

LP: A lot of people around the world are saying that American democracy is failing. Are they right?

BP: When they say democracy may be failing, I would disagree. I think it hasnt been tried! Really, its never fully been tried in the United States. But its true that were farther from it today than we have been for a long time. The current period is a lot like the first Gilded Age in the late 19th century. Our current situation also has some similarities to the period before the Civil War: sharp polarization, concentrated wealth, and big problems in the political system.

LP: In more recent decades, as the New Deal has been gradually undone, we have experienced economic globalization, which, you note, has boosted the power of the wealthy over working people. You argue that this has been handled particularly badly in the U.S. compared to other wealthy countries. In what ways? Why has that been the case?

BP: If you look at Western Europe, Japan, or pretty much any rich country in the world, theyve done much better than the United States at creating and maintaining a generous safety net. Theyve done a better job of taking care of people who got wiped out by globalization, who had their jobs go away, their wages go down, and so forth. Its not astrophysics to know what to do about that. Everybody knows what you can do if you want to. In the United States, there are two big problems. One is lack of will in the sense that we dont have much of an organized labor movement at this point, and we have enormously powerful billionaires pushing against progressive policies or efforts to reform. We have a Democratic Party thats dominated by professional people and heavily dependent on liberal billionaires who favor liberal social issues but oppose economic progressivism. Thats a very different scene.

The forces in the U.S. are different, but so is the structure of U.S. politics. Our system just makes it very, very easy to block things. The public doesnt get its will done mostly because the billionaires and corporate interest groups are able to prevent anything progressive from happening, even when it has popular support. They can prevent taxing capital gains. They can prevent us from enacting a really good safety net. They can keep the earned income tax credit down, etc., etc. Our research shows that even when 70% or 80% of the American public favors a new policy, it usually doesnt happen. It only happens maybe 35% or 40% of the time. A wealthy minority is able to block things that the majority wants.

LP: Are we witnessing a shift where the few can not only hinder progress but also actively change laws on popularly supported issues, such as reproductive rights? Policies that disproportionately impact the well-being and security of less affluent folks?

BP: Yes, and that, of course, points a finger at the Supreme Court. Republican state legislatures and governors are in on this, but the Supreme Court is crucial. Democracy has not been tried there. Its an institution that can just do pretty much what it wants to do at changing laws and policies. Sooner or later were going to have to deal with that. Its very tough. It will take a constitutional amendment, probably, but putting term limits on justices would make a very big difference because justices would be appointed more often and would better reflect the politics of today instead of decades ago. We could arrange it so that the court is a bit larger court too. We could arrange for every president to get a few appointments, rather than these Mitch McConnell situations where you cram three, four, five new justices onto the court and completely go against what the public wants about a lot of things. And enlarging the Court could be done within the existing Constitution; Congress could do it.

LP: How much does the reinvigoration of democracy depend on more economic democracy?

BP: A lot, I think. This is a serious problem. Inequality of wealth has gotten so huge that the power of Elon Musk, Charles Koch, and so forth is just overwhelming. The Democratic Party is scared of them. The Democrats have their own favorite billionaires who are generally, as I say, socially liberal but economically conservative. In the end, there are so many pathways by which money can be turned into political power that it may simply be impossible to change things without getting at the structure of the economy and the concentration of wealth. Thats a little discouraging because the political system being screwed up makes it hard to do much of anything. We cant even get simple taxes on unrealized capital gains. It seems obvious that weve got decades of huge gains in the economy from international trade, from automation and so forth, but an enormous amount of that has gone to very few people. They ought to share. But how do you make them share? Philanthropy wont do it. Youve got to do it politically, but our system is so messed up that it is very hard to do so.

LP: Its been rather rare in human history that the wealthy just simply offered to hand over to the people their fair share. They have to feel a lot of pressure.

BP: Actually, a little comment on that. My friends who study comparative politics keep pointing out to me that though the wealthy run things pretty much everywhere, even in Sweden, they run things in a very different way.

LP: How so?

BP: Well, they go along with doing something for workers. Its an interesting question as to why. One reason, almost certainly, is that labor is so much better organized and more powerful almost everywhere other than the U.S.

LP: Why is it that workers have been able to stay organized in places like Sweden when ours cant?

BP: Well, you have to ask how they ever got started organizing. In the United States, they barely did. Here, the working class has been divided from the beginning by slavery. Thats a crucial factor. Black strike breakers used to be deployed by bosses who wanted to resist segregated white unions. But beyond that, the union movement has been divided by craft unions versus industrial unions. Labor has been repressed in many ways at many times. The most recent real disaster was probably the 1940s, early 1950s, when Hubert Humphrey and other politicians of both parties basically clamped down on any political left-wing tendencies of labor, purging anybody whod talked to a Communist Party person ever, and so forth. But the weakness of U.S. labor goes back a long way, and it has deep roots.

LP: Where do you think todays Democrats should focus on addressing issues faced by ordinary people?

BP: Theres quite a lot of work to do. The Democratic Party is no longer a working-class party the way it was during the New Deal. When you look at voting statistics, professionals are the heart of the Democratic Party now, with some support from Black, brown, and public service workers, but not much support elsewhere in the working class. The professionals are just not enthusiastic about steeply progressive taxation. They like Social Security and Medicare. They like middle-class and upper-middle-class programs, but they really dont favor redistributing wealth.

LP: Redistribution is kind of a dirty word, even to the Democrats.

BP: If not a dirty word, at least its not a banner that you want to wave around and try to march up the hill with. So thats part of it, but in terms of concrete things, its really interesting to look at the Biden administrations history on tax reform. Joe Biden, to his credit, picked up a whole lot of ideas from Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders about taxes. He actually had what I thought was quite a good tax proposal. But it got watered down step by step in the House and the Senate. Part of that had to do with the Senate being extremely unrepresentative. The Democrats, even when they supposedly control the Senate, are really held hostage by people like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. At any given moment there are half a dozen Democrats from red states who are not very interested in progressive economic matters. Thats beyond the control of the Democrats unless we reform the Senate, and thats one of the key kinds of reforms I favor. Similarly, the Democrats have to get money to run a political party, and they get it from professionals. They get a fair amount of it from really wealthy people.

LP: Research has shown that Democrats receive substantial funding from private equity. Not quite as much as Republicans, it appears, but plenty. There has been a lot of concern about the growing influence of private equity on the political system and its impact on democracy. Whats your take?

BP: A good way to personalize this is to think about Chuck Schumer. A lot of people view him as a very liberal guy, and in many respects he is. But when it comes to Wall Street, private equity, and big banks, hes their guy.

LP: Can we really disconnect social matters from economic matters? For example, there have been many reports of private equity firms coming into communities and decimating local businesses and negatively impacting peoples livelihoods, their lives. That cant be helpful for social justice matters either, can it?

BP: Social matters and economic matters come together, particularly as they affect ordinary people, thats right. But not in the minds of billionaires. I spent quite a bit of time studying the wealthiest billionaires, and its pretty clear that close to a quarter or a third of their money goes to Democrats. Its also pretty clear that the reason it does is almost exclusively social issues. Liberal billionaires dont like MAGA Republicans, their social conservatism, their religious conservatism, and so forth. But Im afraid the Democratic billionaires well, Ive only known one or two in my lifetime, but its certainly true of them, they just are not very keen on progressive economic policies.

LP: Youve expressed your concern about the possibility of a Trump presidency. Can you highlight specific scenarios or policy changes that particularly concern you if that transpires?

BP: Well, lets see. Theres a spectrum of scenarios you can imagine if Trump were elected again. Some of them are just mild nightmares. Others are truly frightening. I dont have a crystal ball, but the thing thats totally clear is that he does not want politics to be run by the majority of average citizens. He wants to disenfranchise people who believe things he doesnt. Especially persons of color, especially poor people. Thats potentially a very grave danger. It has started already. If its carried through to the end, were going to have minority rule for a very long time. Definitely not democracy.

LP: What do you think should be done to prevent these frightening scenarios?

BP: The key thing is that there has got to be a bipartisan project to stop Trump. There are a lot of thoughtful Republicans who realize that this is an inflection point in American history. This is a singularity. Something very unusual could happen. A good many Republicans want to stop it. So one thing that reformers or academics or ordinary citizens can do is to help Republicans who want to stop Trump. Make it easy for them to do it without forcing them to vote for a party that they dont like: the Democrats. Any place we can get fusion tickets, for example, that could really help. Like the old way in New York when the liberal party would get together with the Democrats, but people who hated the Democrats could vote for it.

LP: The fusion possibility is interesting. I think of its occasional successes during challenging periods, such as the 1890s in North Carolina. Despite significant differences, the Republicans and the Peoples Party collaborated in state elections, with Black people and white farmers able to unite against Democratic elites. There was backlash, of course, but they got things done  securing the governorship and making strides in voter rights, education policy.

BP: Absolutely. Thats a very important comparison, because back then the Gilded Age resembled the present period. You had a reactionary government like Trumps  McKinley and so forth. You had a huge concentration of wealth, big wealth power. Rich people owned senators through corrupt state legislatures. So a lot of political reforms were needed. And the Peoples Party (the word populist seems to have been ruined for all time) was very inclusive as far as working with Black people, women as leaders, and so forth. As you say, those people got together, particularly in the Progressive period, through fusion. They worked on democratic reforms. We got the right for women to vote. We got a direct election of senators. We got a number of achievements out of that period.

LP: How might something like that work today?

BP: Well, I think there are two somewhat separate ways of thinking about it. The immediate crisis concerns stopping Trump. Democrats need to keep talking to Republicans like Liz Cheney, whos a tremendous force for good on Trump, even though I disagree with her about almost every kind of public policy. Adam Kinzinger from Illinois, ditto. There are a fair number of people like that, including even ex-Trump officials, which is rather amazing. Many of them have become pretty reasonable about the dangers of Trump. So we have to work with those people. On the other hand, they arent really part of the democratic reform coalition, just a stop-Trump coalition. I think the more important long-term thing, and its getting late to do it, is for the Democrats to start appealing again to workers, all workers, including small-town and rural white workers, including the agricultural workers whove been ignored forever. Its hard for the Democrats because they are a party of professionals. People like me. I sort of look around a room where Im talking to friends and theres a little diversity, but not nearly as much as there should be. There are no workers.

LP: You note that a big part of the problem with American democracy is just getting people to the polls. And then theres making sure theres somebody they actually want to vote for once theyre there. How do we do that?

BP: You know, we need to have a holiday for election time. Veterans Day is a great choice.

We need to have automatic voter registration. Why should people have to go through a lot of hassle to get the right to vote? Thats ridiculous. We need to make it easy to get your ballot in. That means encouraging  instead of forbidding  people to help collect ballots from nursing homes and the like. There are a string of obvious reforms like that. But the thing that doesnt get talked about as much is that if you want people to vote, youve got to give them attractive choices. Were stuck in a two-party system. Lee Drutman calls it a two-party doom loop. Thats a frightening phrase, but its a good way to put it. We need a political system in which people can look at a number of candidates and express more nuanced views. Picking just one out of two unpopular candidates provides no real choice at all. When a third party shows up, plurality voting cannot even guarantee that the least unpopular candidate will win. Most people around the world think the U.S. system is just nutty.

LP: There are only two things on the menu and I dont want to order either one of them.

BP: Right. Many people dont like either one. And why dont we like either one? Well, it has to do with party control of nominations, which happens with these ridiculous one-party primary elections, low turnout of 15 or 20 percent a lot of the time. Very unrepresentative of average citizens. Highly representative of extremist party activists who ring the doorbells, get their friends out to vote. They can nominate yellow dogs or blue dogs or any kind of dogs they want to nominate, and get their dog elected in November in one-party districts. Crazy system!

I have some ideas on how we could get away from that. Proportional representation, American style. Give people a lot of choices by having multiple-member congressional and legislative districts within a state. If its a big state, create several different mega-districts where you elect four or five congresspeople at once in each. And you do it in a very easy way. You have maybe seven or eight candidates, and voters rank them. Simple computer programs can turn those rankings into the most popular four or five candidates. The great thing is, that way you represent the whole district. Say youre electing five: any group that has around 20 percent of the population will get at least one official they like, for sure. Important minorities will almost always get representation. It also means that you dont have so many representatives who are unpopular and unrepresentative of large parts of their districts.

LP: What about partisan gridlock? What do you think is the key to cutting through that Gordian knot?

BP: Proportional representation with multi-member districts will help. But I think cutting through that knot is also very closely related to making things more democratic within all our institutions. A lot of gridlock comes from veto points among the many officials and institutions that all have to agree on legislation: the House of Representatives (often captured by an extremist minority); or just the Rules Committee within the House; or small groups of Senators who can filibuster; or the Senate itself, if too many of those small, rural red states oppose a progressive policy. There are veto points everywhere. Thats what makes it so difficult to get anything done, especially when there are two parties that are polarized and have roughly equal strength. It means that at any given moment, theres going to be one obstructive party, almost for sure, that controls at least one veto point.

So heres the magic trick. If you reform all our political institutions so that theyre all more democratic, reliable, responsive  the House, the Senate, the Supreme Court, the Presidency  then they wont be as obstructive. And they wont be so different from each other. They wont be fighting all the time, and there wont be as much gridlock among institutions. There will be action and efficiency. But there will also be democratic responsiveness.

LP: You remain optimistic despite all the challenges that face American democracy. What keeps your belief in this system and the idea that it can be reformed alive?

BP: Well, I have bad days, but I am generally optimistic. I think my optimism mostly comes from a sense of history and a sense of what the world is like outside the United States. If the U.S. wants to compete as any kind of great power in the world, its on the wrong track. I have quoted President Xi of China because Im especially interested in China. Xi is saying, you guys basically are failing. Well, theres something to that. I would hope that is going to lead Americans of all sorts to wake up and take notice. One good moment, in a strange way, was when the Republicans had their bizarre Speaker fights. It was ludicrous. We almost shut the government down. We had trouble raising the debt ceiling. We had trouble approving any sort of government budget. Could hardly do a thing. The world looks at that, and we look at that, and I think an awful lot of principled conservatives  as well as progressives  say, ok, this is intolerable. Theres got to be a change.

So Im hoping that therell be a really large social movement. I hope that millions of people, like during the Peoples Party and Progressive periods, will insist on changing the system and making things happen. Weve done it before.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. The territories where the offices of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzQAC) will function have been named, President of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society Novruz Aslan told journalists, Trend reports.

He noted that after assessing the existing infrastructure in Azerbaijan's territories liberated from Armenian occupation, AzQAC offices will operate in Khojaly, Khankendi, and Asgaran.

"This topic will most likely be discussed in depth next year," he emphasized.

The extraordinary XXVI general meeting of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society is being held.

The meeting, with around 400 attendees, is expected to conclude with the adoption of a final statement.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Armed suspects steal a UPS truck in Prince Georges County in broad daylight

A doorbell camera caught an armed carjacking of a UPS truck last month in Prince George's County, Maryland.

A UPS driver was out delivering packages when several suspects surrounded her. The armed suspects then took off with her truck in broad daylight.

According to Prince George's County police, the carjacking was recorded on camera via a Ring doorbell. In the video, the female UPS driver can be seen surrounded by several suspects. The driver can also be heard yelling that her truck was taken at gunpoint.

According to the neighbor who shared the video, he originally thought that a couple was fighting out on the street. However, he was shocked to find out that a carjacking had happened in broad daylight.

"Its very brazen, in the middle of the day. Most of the homes have cameras, so to do that right in front of everybodys house who has front view cameras, it's a little unnerving," said the neighbor who did not want to be identified.

"You hope things get a little better. Maybe its the climate, but its unfortunate you have to be vigilant and watch your back," he added. (Related: CULTURE of THEFT: D.C. neighborhood CVS retailer gets routinely ransacked by a mob of kids.)

UPS released a statement saying in part that they are aware of the incident and are cooperating with the investigation. Police officers reported that the victim was not injured, but no arrests have been made as of press time.

The neighbor said the stolen UPS truck was abandoned not far from where it was stolen. He added that he also saw a tow truck pull it through the neighborhood shortly after the incident.

4 Philadelphia men charged with stealing from UPS warehouses

Late in November, prosecutors reported that four Philadelphia men were facing charges related to a widespread conspiracy to steal merchandise from UPS warehouses throughout the United States.

The four men are Quamaire Brown, Shamaire Brown, Aboudramane Karamoko and Sekou Fofanah, all of whom are either 19 or 20 years old. They were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit cargo theft each.

According to prosecutors, the men were all arrested in November. Karamoko was arrested in State College, Pennsylvania, and the three other men were taken into custody in Philadelphia.

The group and its other accomplices are accused of targeting several UPS facilities in Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island between January 2021 and April 2023.

The men often targeted warehouses during the late hours of Saturday night or early Sunday morning by either breaking windows or prying open loading bay doors. Once inside, the men would look for packages marked with "lithium-ion battery" warnings, which indicated high-value electronic devices like cell phones, often containing Apple products. The men also stole a gun.

Prosecutors reported that the stolen products were worth an estimated $1.6 million. If convicted, the men will face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The fine could also be double the amount involved in the theft, whichever is greater.

Collapse.news has more reports about crime in the United States.

Watch the video below to learn more about the tragic ending of another UPS hijacking in 2019.

This video is from the zolnareport.com channel on Brighteon.com.

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CCP is embedding itself into U.S. utility infrastructure; Biden administration issues warning about situation they created

President Joe Biden's administration warned that Chinese hackers have been positioning themselves inside critical U.S. infrastructure to cause "societal chaos" from within should war break out.

According to reports, the Communist Party of China's military has burrowed into more than 20 major utilities suppliers in the last year including a water utility in Hawaii, a major West Coast port and at least one oil and gas pipeline. They reportedly also bypassed elaborate cyber security systems by intercepting passwords and log-ins unguarded by junior employees.

This project they are conducting amid growing tension over Taiwan was codenamed Volt Typhoon. Analysts commented this could unplug U.S. efforts to protect its interests in the South China Sea. "It is very clear that Chinese attempts to compromise critical infrastructure are in part to pre-position themselves to be able to disrupt or destroy that critical infrastructure in the event of a conflict," said Brandon Wales of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS') Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Reports reveal that hackers often cover their tracks by using unsuspicious devices such as home or office routers in a bid to steal employee credentials. Once inside the systems, they can pose as legitimate users, in a technique known as "living off the land."

Moreover, the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines also alerted back in February that China is already almost certainly capable of launching cyberattacks to disable oil and gas pipelines and rail systems. "If Beijing feared that a major conflict with the United States was imminent, it almost certainly would consider undertaking aggressive cyber operations against U.S. homeland critical infrastructure and military assets worldwide," the annual assessment included. In August, the Chinese hackers were allegedly caught trying to penetrate systems run by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas which provide the state's power. But Hawaii is thought to be the biggest target given the crucial role it would play for the U.S. if conflict broke out over Taiwan.

Chinese military planners were said to have intended network warfare to play a crucial role in amphibious assaults with air and missile strikes coordinated alongside cyber-attacks on command networks, critical infrastructure, satellite networks and military logistics, according to Jamestown Foundation's China expert Joe McReynolds. "This is stuff they pretty clearly see as relevant to a Taiwan scenario though they don't explicitly say this is how we're going to take over Taiwan." It has been fairly easy to get operatives in place with through the open borders.

Volt Typhoon was also reported to target communications, manufacturing, transportation, construction, maritime, government, information technology and education organizations. Biden was expected to raise the concerns during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last month at the APEC summit in San Francisco but the topic was avoided. "Security experts" have warned that this is a battle the U.S. cannot afford to lose. The Trump administration had taken steps to fortify U.S. infrastructure by requiring the removal of Chinese technology from key components. However, these polices were among those canceled by executive order on Biden's first day in office.

Meanwhile, critics have raised a significant concern. Are these hacking warnings just false flag claims to invite China to war with the United States? Worse, mainstream media outlets, even the independent ones, are just parroting these warnings without question.

U.S. insists China has been accelerating military buildup to encroach on Western allies in the Indo-Pacific

Sticking to the narrative that the United States should be ready any time to "war" with China  which would mean massive defense budget allocation  Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall back in September warned that the Asian country was already beefing up its military. He also urged that America must optimize its forces to counter the rising threat. "Our job is to deter that war and to be ready to win if it occurs," Kendall said. "We're all talking about the fact that the Air and Space Forces must change, or we could fail to prevent and might even lose a war."

He also said that it was vital to prepare for war because China has already created two new military branches: a force designed to counter aircraft carriers, airfields and other critical assets, and a strategic support service that works to achieve information dominance in the space and cyber domains. "China has been reoptimizing its forces for great power competition and to prevail against the U.S. in the Western Pacific for over 20 years," he added. "China has been building a military capability specifically designed to achieve their national goals and to do so if opposed by the United States," he added.

U.S.-China relations have reached a low point amid rising tensions over the self-governing island nation of Taiwan, which Beijing sees as historically part of the mainland. According to Andrew Krepinevich, Jr., a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, China has become increasingly assertive across a wide swath of the Pacific, advancing its expansionist maritime claims and encroaching on the waters of key U.S. allies and important security partners, including Japan, the Philippines, and of course, Taiwan. (Related: Another PROXY WAR in the works? U.S. shaping the Philippines into the next Ukraine.)

Given that both China and the United States possess nuclear arsenals, many strategists are concerned about a more catastrophic outcome. People see a direct war between the two countries that could lead to uncontrolled escalation, a possibility that Biden's regime has been trying to instill in the public's perception as a from of mind conditioning. For critics, a scenario like this should be taken seriously by U.S. policymakers. But then again, what if this is what the government would intend to happen?

WWIII.news has more stories related to wars the United States is waging against other nations.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

WashingtonPost.com

TheHill.com

ForeignAffairs.com
Successful 20-minute conversation with humpback whale could lay the groundwork for contacting extraterrestrials

It might resemble a scene from Avatar 2, but scientists now assert that engaging in a conversation with a whale is not just a fantasy. This revelation follows a 20-minute dialogue with a 38-year-old humpback whale named Twain in southeastern Alaska.

Researchers from the SETI Institute and the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) orchestrated this unprecedented encounter by playing a pre-recorded "contact call" to which Twain responded. The significance of this event lies in it being the inaugural communication between humans and whales conducted in the whales' language, as declared by the research team. (Related: Whales and dolphins engage in social talk just like humans, and much more.)

Looking ahead, these groundbreaking interactions may potentially lay the groundwork for future conversations with extraterrestrial beings.

In their study, SETI and UC Davis researchers delved into understanding how whales communicate, aiming to develop "intelligence filters" for the quest to discover alien life. The scientists utilized underwater speakers to broadcast a "whup/throp," a type of greeting call. As the call resonated through the water, Twain approached the boat and reciprocated with her greeting call.

Crucially, the researchers observed that Twain adjusted the frequency of her calls in response to the broadcast, indicating a form of interactive conversation with the recorded call.

Animal behavior expert Brenda McCowan of UC Davis, the lead author of the study, noted that this mirroring behavior signifies the first communicative exchange between humans and humpback whales in their unique "language."

While the researchers propose that Twain's motivation to reply may be rooted in excitement and possible agitation, they also highlight that such "behavioral synchrony" is associated with bonding and group cohesion. This suggests that Twain actively participated in a communicative exchange.

The ultimate objective of the researchers extends beyond conversing with whales; they seek to understand even more peculiar forms of life. Much like how scientists study Antarctica as a proxy for Mars, SETI researchers consider Earth as a source of insights into extraterrestrial intelligence.

Learning to communicate with intelligent animals could help humans communicate with aliens

In the absence of direct contact with aliens, whales serve as valuable proxies due to their exceptional intelligence and communication abilities.

The researchers aim to decipher information within whale calls, with the hope that this knowledge will one day help make sense of potential communications from extraterrestrial beings.

Dr. Laurence Doyle of the SETI Institute notes that the assumption guiding the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that aliens would be interested in making contact and targeting human receivers  a premise supported by the behavior of humpback whales.

Previously, SETI focused on detecting extraterrestrial life through radio signals, hypothesizing that advanced alien civilizations might use high-energy pulses to communicate.

However, given the uncertainty about how aliens communicate, SETI concentrates on developing tools to scan for signals of intelligence amid the constant background noise of space.

Despite the limited scope of the human-whale interaction, the study sheds light on the potential complexity of whale communication, according to Judith Denkinger, a professor of marine ecology at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. While extensive research has been conducted on whale songs, the focus on social, non-song calls is relatively scarce, as explained by Denkinger, who was not involved in the research.

"This marks a notable advancement in understanding the social communication of baleen whales," she remarked, referring to the broader category of toothless whales that includes humpbacks.

The research, which captured a single encounter with one whale, was constrained to altering the timing of intervals between recorded calls

Future playback studies of this nature may incorporate various types of calls or introduce more extensive modifications to the calls. Additionally, researchers could explore non-vocal methods of communication.

The team has another study under review, examining how the "bubble rings" created by whales to corral fish might function as a non-vocal means of communication with humans.

Read more stories like this at Breakthrough.news.

Watch this video as KC Sunbeam discusses whether humans are alone in the universe and the theological and philosophical implications of extraterrestrial life.

This video is from the KC Sunbeam channel on Brighteon.com.

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Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari says globalists have created a useless class of humans: Keep them happy with drugs and computer games

Did you know that the hordes of seemingly useless, braindead people who do whatever the government tells them to do without question were intentionally created by the globalists to be the fulfillment of what Israeli Zionist Yuval Noah Harari calls "the useless class?"

Back in 2015, and again in 2017, Harari, a proud homosexual, discussed the creation of this massive class of useless people. When asked at the time if his 2015 book provided any solutions, Harari responded that the best he and his cohorts have "is to keep them [the useless class] happy with drugs and computer games."

There are actually two books Harari wrote about all this: "Sapiens: A Brief History of Human Kind" and "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow."

To clarify, Harari is a leftist Jew who seems to stand in opposition to the agenda of the right-wing Zionists. He does not want the Israel-Hamas conflict to escalate any further, but he is also a believer in a technological takeover of the world, including a technological "Noah's Ark" to deliver he and others like him from the horrors to come.

(Related: Harari also says that "non-organic entities," i.e., demons, and their "emotionless algorithms" are taking over the world with artificial intelligence [AI].)

Experts worry about Harari's toxic influence in the world

Harari has said some really bizarre things over the years, often related to his dystopian vision of the future. Because he is so well known, some worry that the types of things he is suggesting will one day take hold globally.

"He really is an influencer," commented Dr. John Lennox, a renowned Oxford mathematician and author of the book "2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity."

"What he actually has to say concerns me more because of its inaccuracy and his reading of history seems, to me, to be very strange."

Dr. Lennox then commented on two major agenda items that Harari outlines in his book "Homo Deus."

"The first is to solve the technological problem of human death. He regards it as a technical problem and a technical problem with technical solutions. And then secondly, to enhance human happiness ... [On] enhancing human happiness his target is, and this is more or less a quote, 'is to turn Homo sapiens into Homo Deus.' In other words, turn humans into gods."

Not long after he released "Homo Deus," Harari gave a speech about his other book, "Sapiens," at TEDTalks. Following the speech, Harari was asked to elaborate on statements he made in "Sapiens," including a passage about "new classes and new class struggles, just as the industrial revolution did."

"In the industrial revolution, we saw the creation of a new class of the urban proletariat," Harari responded. "And much of the political and social history of the last 200 years involved what to do with this class and the new problems and opportunities."

"Now, we see the creation of a new massive class of useless people."

Harari seems to see the world through the lens of survival of the fittest. He envisions a future in which computers "become better and better in more and more fields" to the point that they will eventually out-perform humans in most things, which he says "will make humans redundant."

"And then the big political and economic question of the 21st century will be, 'What do we need humans for?' or at least, 'What do we need so many humans for?'"

Harari clarified that he is not predicting the future so much as laying out possibilities for it.

"It's not a prophecy," he added. "It's seeing all kinds of possibilities before us."

Will hacks like Harari succeed in their global domination plans? Find out more at Globalism.news.

Sources for this article include:

Expose-News.com

NaturalNews.com
Spains idea to help Ukraine using SEIZED profits from frozen Russian assets deemed unviable

Spain's proposal to help Ukraine with transferring frozen Russian assets to Kyiv has been deemed unviable , drawing serious criticism in the process.

According to Egyptian geopolitics researcher Ahmed Adel, the move "creates doubt about its legality and presumed risks to financial stability." He then explained that the proposal has its roots in an October plan put forward by European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen. She said at the time that the EC is still working on this plan, which involves seizing the profits derived from Russian state assets frozen in Brussels and transferring them to Ukraine for the latter's post-war reconstruction.

Von der Leyen remarked that the value of frozen Russian sovereign assets amounts to 211 billion ($230.83 billion). Meanwhile, authorities in Belgium  where most of Moscow's assets are deposited  said the assets frozen there could yield around 3 billion ($3.28 billion) annually.

Spain, which will assume the rotating presidency of the European Union's Council of Ministers for this semester, has continued to push von der Leyen's plan. According to Madrid's estimates, the benefits from Central Bank of Russia reserves frozen in EU countries could generate between 15 billion ($16.41 billion) and 17 billion ($18.6 billion) for Kyiv by 2027.

Under the proposal, the EC will provide Kyiv with 17 billion ($18.6 billion) in subsidies and another 33 billion ($36.1 billion) in low-interest loans until 2027 to avoid Ukraine's bankruptcy. But Adel could not help but point out: "Amid the EU's economic recession, the confiscation and sale of frozen Russian assets emerge as a possible way to raise funds for Ukraine at a time when they are scarce for community policies."

The idea of reinvesting frozen Russian assets and using the profits to support Ukraine isn't new as the EC first put forward the idea in late November 2022. According to the commission's estimate, rebuilding Ukraine would require at least 600 billion ($656.34 billion). The cost, however, has likely skyrocketed since then. (Related: "Reconstruction bank" set up by globalist financiers to help Ukraine secure more than $411bn needed to rebuild.)

Madrid's idea met with skepticism

The idea generated much skepticism in some EU member states such as France and Germany. Diplomatic sources told POLITICO magazine that the skepticism arose from the conviction that it may take years before the money reaches Kyiv. Moreover, the calculation Madrid used to come up with the amount has also generated confusion.

Adel also noted that the EC could find itself in legal trouble if it appropriates frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's use. "Under international law, state assets enjoy immunity from execution," he wrote. "Regardless of the changes that are introduced in legislation, the EU cannot confiscate these reserves."

International law practitioner Francis Bond told Euronews that for instance, Russian entities could claim they are entitled to some of the profits generated from the investment of the frozen assets. They could also challenge the decision to send the profits to Ukraine in both the European General Court and the European Court of Human Rights.

Bond, a senior associate at the London-based Macfarlanes law firm, also noted that Russia will have the right to go to the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The ICSID, which is the World Bank's arbitration court, is often the venue where these disputes are ironed out. Adel noted that such a prospect won't bode well for Spain, "which has a long history of losing these types of cases."

Most of Russia's frozen foreign exchange reserves are at the Brussels-based Euroclear, a financial security clearing and settlement house that acts as a depository. Euroclear holds around 180 billion ($196.81 billion) in Russian securities. Clearstream, another clearing house based in Luxembourg, also holds Moscow's assets.

However, both Belgium and Luxembourg want guarantees that they will not be forced to assume all the legal and financial risks of an unprecedented measure. If the investments lose money, Bond explained, the EC would have to guarantee the Russian assets with public money or risk an avalanche of legal action from the asset owners.

"Given these conditions, attempts to redirect Russian assets and profits to Kyiv is nothing more than a pipe dream that will not eventuate  unless the entire EU wants to ruin its reputation and trustworthiness across the world," concluded Adel.

Head over to UkraineWitness.com for similar stories.

Watch Col. Douglas Macgregor explains Russia's pivot to gold-backed currency, which will begin when it assumes the presidency of BRICS in 2024.

This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com.

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Israeli government propagandist WRECKED over Oct. 7 intelligence failure narrative

Tal Heinrich, spokesperson (the HR term for credentialed propagandist), appeared for a PR job on MSNBC, at which time she was made to earn her paycheck.

(Article by Ben Bartee republished from ArmageddonProse.Substack.com)

Given the usual kid gloves with which Israeli government propagandists are used to being treated in American corporate state media, she likely didnt expect the level of scrutiny she received.

In some respects, MSNBC didnt disappoint in its long tradition of toeing the Israeli line, sprinkling in the routine caveats about the evil of Hamas, Israels right to self-defense, etc.

It goes pretty well, in fact, for the propagandist upon initial questioning from the resident Eric Swalwell body double (his name doesnt matter), but then Mika Brzezinski, of all people  nepo-baby of infamous neocon Zbigniew Brzezi?ski  jumps in with some heaters down the middle of the plate.

The ensuing stammering by the propagandist did no favors to the Israeli position.

Its been two months, Tal. A lot of us have been asking this question repeatedly: how its possible that so many hours passed before this attack was contained, Mika asks.

Specifically, it has been widely reported that roughly 7-8 hours (!) passed from the inaugural onslaught until the world-class Israeli military arrived on the scene in a country the size of New Jersey. Make that make sense assuming the national security apparatus was acting in good faith.

This is a good question, the propagandist starts. And we are also asking it we will share these answers when the time will come.

Historically, this has been the line from the Bibi regime that has mostly gone unchallenged in the Western corporate media  although, notably not among the outraged Israeli populace itself.

(All of this we need time to investigate is merely code for give us more time to figure out how to lie to you effectively, or else put it off until the news cycle is engulfed by the next crisis and moves on.)

But there has to be some immediate answer Its beyond a major failure, Mika presses. Physically to get to these victims and to this attack couldve been minutes and it was hours.

The propagandist stumbles through her tired talking points once more, which doesnt deter Mika.

Thats not an explanation, Mika interjects at the end of the propagandists filibuster.

The whole exchange is worth a watch.

In her defense  to the extent government liars deserve any defense  the propagandist cant come up with any kind of intelligible answer because its transparent as the waters of a crystalline Thai beach that there is no answer aside from that the intelligence services and military let it happen, which she is not permitted to admit on American television for obvious reasons.

Another interesting, and related, question is: why has the MSNBC dog Mika been unleashed by her masters on the Netanyahu government? This is a decidedly brand-new development.

I have a theory in this regard that Ill expound on in the near future.

Read more at: ArmageddonProse.Substack.com
Steve Kirsch: Vaccine damage data being DELIBERATELY HIDDEN

Data regarding the damage caused by vaccines on people are being deliberately hidden , according to investigative journalist Steve Kirsch.

"There are some things you can do, which is to appeal to their common sense that if the vaccines really work and we are really saving people's lives, then why are they hiding the data that would prove that? It's critical thinking skills," he told the Health Ranger Mike Adams during an appearance on the "Health Ranger Report" last Dec. 14.

He called for an end to ad hominem attacks and character assassinations for vaccine skeptics like him, adding: "They are tying to reduce vaccine hesitancy because there are people like me who they accuse of spreading misinformation."

Kirsch, the executive director of the Vaccine Safety Research Foundation (VSRF), appealed to authorities to focus on the data. "We are calling for data transparency; we want the data to be made public," he stressed. Kirsch also pointed out that the number of daily deaths among people injected with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine went up instead of down.

"It's supposed to slope down. That is the law of gravity. And when you defy the law of gravity, it means you have a killing machine."

Meanwhile, the Health Ranger remarked that the corporate media are making all kinds of excuses for the excess deaths caused by the vaccine that have happened since 2021. If people look closely at those excuses, they don't make any sense, he added. Adams also lamented how the mainstream science industry has gone overboard to shut down Kirsch's message aside from trying to attack him personally and censor him as well.

Kirsch: Autism causes already known for more than two decades

Kirsch continued by citing a similar problem, this time with vaccines causing autism. He remarked: "Autism is a huge, huge problem and it's getting worse and worse every day. And the thing is that it's been known what the causes of all of these autism cases are for at least 25 years."

The VSRF executive director cited a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The paper examined vaccines and autism, and found a danger signal. (Related: Autism risk 420% higher in vaccinated children vs. non-vaccinated, published science confirms.)

Dr. William Thompson, the researcher who worked on the paper, was instructed to destroy all the data linking vaccines to autism. He covered it up for 10 years before speaking out, and was eventually silenced.

"He's not allowed to testify in Congress about it," said Kirsch. "And to this day, the American public has been told they are being gaslighted saying vaccines don't cause autism."

Adams recalled a similar thing happening to Dr. Andrew Wakefield. His decision to reveal the gastrointestinal side effects linked to vaccination came at a huge price. He was struck off the medical register and his career and reputation were destroyed.

The founder of Natural News and Brighteon.com initially thought the number of autistic children in America was either one in 40 or one in 50. Kirsch replied that at present, the official figure is one in 30  but he believes it is much higher.

Nevertheless, Adams remarked that a horror show is happening and federal agencies are fully aware of the links between vaccinations and autism. However, they are covering up those links to protect the reputation of the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Kirsch agreed, saying that top researchers are staying silent about vaccines causing autism for fear that they will lose their grants. When people find out that the FDA and CDC are pushing harmful medicines responsible for the autism epidemic, they will surely be furious.

Follow VaccineDamage.news for more news about vaccines causing health damage to people.

Watch the full interview between Steve Kirsch and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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Prominent Philadelphia LGBT activist ARRESTED for allegedly sexually assaulting 2 kids

A prominent LGBT activist in Philadelphia was arrested for the sexual assault of two underage children.

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (PA OAG) confirmed to WPVI 6 that male-to-female transgender Kendall Stephens, 37, was arrested on Dec. 18, three months after the Philadelphia Police Department's (PPD) Special Victims Unit received reports of the abuse.

Stephens was subsequently charged with two counts of rape, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of a minors and other related crimes. Judge Vincent Furlong of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas set his bail at $250,000, with the latter's next court appearance scheduled for Dec. 29. According to court records, Stephens had a preliminary arraignment in Philadelphia municipal court on the evening of Dec. 18.

A spokesman for the office of Philadelphia District Attorney (DA) Larry Krasner said in a statement: "The investigation of allegations against [him] is being led by another agency, and as such we have no comment." The OAG often takes on cases from local DAs if they have a conflict in the case, according to WPVI 6.

"The arrest of Stephens sparked a firestorm on social media from those pointing out [his] ties to various [Democratic] political campaigns, [with] some saying the penalty for the alleged crimes should be significant," Fox News wrote.

The Libs of TikTok account elaborated on Stephens' involvement in various campaigns in a post on the X platform. According to the account, he reportedly campaigned for former Pennsylvania AG-turned-Gov. Josh Shapiro. Stephens also supported Krasner and was publicly friendly with Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), with the arrested activist calling the lawmaker an "ally."

"These allegations are abhorrent," said the governor's spokesman Manuel Bonder. "This individual should be prosecuted to the fullest extent and process of the law."

Abuse happened on multiple occasions

According to Fox News, the PPD's probe into Stephens began when the grandmother of one of his victims told police about the sexual assault. The abuse happened on more than one occasion, starting when the boy was eight years old.

Meanwhile, the second victim was reportedly given "gifts out of nowhere"  which his parents claim serve to "keep him quiet." Stephens also allegedly warned one of the victims that he would be put in jail if he told anyone about the encounter.

Stephens previously made headlines after he was assaulted in his South Philadelphia home back in August 2020. He previously claimed that a violent group attacked him for being an MTF transgender, but only one assailant was apprehended.

Tymesha Wearing, the attacker, was convicted of hate crimes  which the City of Brotherly Love lists as summary offenses. She was sentenced in February of this year to 11.5 to 23 months of house arrest for aggravated assault and conspiracy charges related to her role in the assault. Wearing will be eligible for parole upon completion of 18 months of home confinement, 120 hours of community service, an apology letter addressed to Stephens and court-monitored anger management program.

Meanwhile, Stephens became a prominent activist for Philadelphia's LGBT community. He urged lawmakers to revise the Keystone State's hate crimes statute to include protections for LGBT individuals. In 2021, Stephens and other activists stood by Krasner to help launch the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board  which aims to be a source of information and resources for victims and survivors of crime within the community. (Related: Child rapist and murderer lauded as 'feminist' and 'advocate' for LGBTQ Rights.)

"I went to class the next day I was beaten, because let me tell you something: No one is going to steal my pride, no one is going to steal my power. We deserve better than we have gotten; we are human beings," he said in March.

Head over to Evil.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video explaining why LGBT Pride is a form of child abuse.

This video is from the TheRealStephenHilton channel on Brighteon.com.

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Gay former Democratic mayor sentenced to 150 years behind bars for 140+ counts of child pornography, but will only serve 30 years.

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Sources include:

6ABC.com

MSN.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
Tesla recalls more than 2 million cars to fix a defective driving system following DEADLY CRASHES

Tesla is recalling nearly all cars it sold in the U.S, including more than two million across its model lineup, to repair a defective system that was supposed to make sure drivers are paying attention when they use the Autopilot feature.

According to documents posted by safety regulators, Tesla will send out a software update to fix the problems.

The recall follows a two-year investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into a series of crashes that happened while the Autopilot partially automated driving system was in use. Some of the investigated crashes were fatal.

The NHTSA reported that Autopilot's method of ensuring that drivers are paying attention can be inadequate and may result in the "foreseeable misuse of the system."

The recall includes Tesla models Y, S, 3 and X produced between October 5, 2012, and December 7, 2023. (Related: Over 90% of reported crashes involving self-driving cars were caused by Tesla vehicles  some led to DEATHS.)

The software update includes additional controls and alerts that will allegedly help encourage drivers to "adhere to their continuous driving responsibility," according to the documents.

The update was to be sent to certain affected vehicles on Dec. 12, with the rest getting it at a later time.

Autopilot includes features called Autosteer and Traffic Aware Cruise Control. Autosteer is intended for use on limited access freeways when it's not operating with a more sophisticated feature called Autosteer on City Streets.

The software update will reportedly limit where Autosteer can be used.

According to the recall documents, if a driver tries to engage Autosteer when the proper conditions are not met for engagement, the feature will notify the driver that it is unavailable through visual and audible alerts. Additionally, Autosteer will not engage.

Depending on a Tesla's hardware, the added controls include "increasing prominence" of visual alerts, simplifying how Autosteer is turned on and off, "additional checks on whether Autosteer is being used outside of controlled access roads and when approaching traffic control devices and eventual suspension from Autosteer use if the driver repeatedly fails to demonstrate continuous and sustained driving responsibility."

The documents also revealed that agency investigators met with Tesla starting in October to explain "tentative conclusions" about fixing the monitoring system.

While Tesla did not agree with the agency's analysis, the company agreed to the recall on Dec. 5 to help resolve the investigation.

Auto safety advocates call for stronger regulation of driver monitoring system

For years, auto safety advocates have been calling for stronger regulation of the driver monitoring system, which mainly detects if a driver's hands are on the steering wheel.

Advocates have also demanded cameras, which are used by other automakers with similar systems, to make sure that a driver is paying attention.

While Autopilot can steer, accelerate and brake automatically in its lane, it is just a driver-assist system and cannot drive itself despite its name.

According to independent tests, the monitoring system is easy to fool. Some drivers have been caught while driving drunk or sitting in the back seat.

In a defect report filed with the NHTSA, Tesla claimed that Autopilot's controls "may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse."

On the Tesla website, the company said Autopilot and a more sophisticated Full Self Driving system cannot drive autonomously, with both only meant to help drivers who have to be ready to intervene at all times.

Full Self-Driving is still being tested by Tesla owners on public roads.

In a statement posted on X, Tesla claimed that safety is stronger when Autopilot is engaged.

NHTSA has dispatched investigators to look into 35 Tesla crashes since 2016 in which the agency believes that the vehicles were running on an automated system. At least 17 people have been killed in the investigated crashes.

The investigations are part of a larger inquiry by the agency NHTSA into several instances of Teslas using Autopilot crashing into parked emergency vehicles that are tending to other crashes. The agency has become more aggressive in tracking safety problems with Teslas in 2022, announcing several recalls and investigations, including a recall of Full Self Driving software.

Buttigieg: Tesla's automatic system shouldn't be called Autopilot because it can't drive itself

In May, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose department includes the NHTSA, said Tesla shouldn't be calling the system Autopilot because it can't drive itself.

In a statement, the NHTSA announced that the Tesla investigation remains open as the agency continues to monitor the efficacy of the company's corrections. The agency also continues to work with the automaker to "ensure the highest level of safety."

In January, California prosecutors filed charges against Kevin George Aziz Riad who reportedly ran a red light. He killed two people in 2019 while driving a Tesla on Autopilot. The man pled not guilty to two counts of vehicular manslaughter.

Tesla's automatic system was questioned again when a Model Y car crashed into a Hyundai, killing the drivers of both cars.

The Tesla driven by mortgage adviser Fredrick Scheffler II, 49, lost control and veered into oncoming traffic along the Sunset Highway, close to the Pacific Coast near Necanicum. Scheffler's 2020 car crashed into a Hyundai Santa Fe being driven by Kyle Riegler, 26.

Riegler was a band teacher who worked at the nearby Seaside Middle and High Schools. Scheffler, a married father from Portland, died shortly following the accident.

In July, an unnamed female driver, 66, and her male passenger, 67, were killed when their Tesla crashed into the back of a Walmart truck. The impact cut the roof off their vehicle.

The NHTSA reported that, at the time, it was too early to disclose a possible cause. However, Tesla's controversial autopilot self-driving technology was being probed because of the incident.

In another incident in July, one motorcyclist was killed by a Tesla driving on autopilot on a Utah highway.

Landon Embry, 34, was killed when a 2020 Tesla Model 3 merged into his lane and struck the back of his motorcycle. Embry was catapulted from his bike, where he died at the scene.

The motorcycle and car collision was similar to several Tesla crashes that have occurred since 2015, where drivers were killed when their cars merged into tractor-trailers and wound up beneath them.

While the 2015 Teslas were the first to utilize autopilot technology, the cars did not include fully automated options. Instead, the 2015 cars used several features designed to assist drivers, such as automated in-lane steering and automated lane changing prompted by the driver's commands.

Meanwhile, the electronic door handles of a Tesla that crashed in May are being investigated as part of the cause of death of Dr. Omar Awan, 48, who died in February 2019.

While Awan survived the initial impact, his family sued Tesla because they claimed his death could have been avoided if it weren't for the Tesla's door handles.

One Davie Police officer who witnessed the crash rushed to the scene. He told investigators that he and others tried to get Awan out of his car but they couldn't open the doors.

Watch the video below to learn why car companies are struggling with electric vehicles.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Widow SUES Tesla over dangerous electric vehicle that KILLED HER HUSBAND.

Social media influencer exposes problems that come with owning a Tesla Model 3.

German police officers chase Tesla on autopilot, driver literally asleep.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Static.NHTSA.gov[PDF]

APNews.com

NBCMiami.com

Brighteon.com
The leading mobile operator continues to promote our cultural heritage on digital platforms

Azercell Telecom introduced the next "Audiobook" collection dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev at the Baku Book Center.

Heydar Aliyev who saw the book as the gateway to spiritual wealth and acquiring knowledge, always encouraged the youth and the people around him to read.

In the special content series of the "Audiobook" project, Azercell brought together the favorite works of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the digital library in audio and e-book formats, as well as audio plays. The leading mobile operator of the country has provided for the narration of more than 50 works of prominent writers and poets of Azerbaijan in Turkish, English, French and Russian languages. The content was also posted on the official YouTube channel of the company. A digital comic book and a short animated film were prepared for the new series, based on Jalil Mammadguluzade's play Olulr ("The Dead") and Huseyn Javid's works. Azercell also digitized "Molla Nasreddin" magazine, one of the most valuable publications of the national press. 100 editions of the magazine converted to the Azerbaijani alphabet were presented in electronic and audiobook formats.

Rashad Majid, the Press Council Chairman, Kamran Musayev, consultant for the Ministry of Culture's Book Industry Department, Tehran Alishanoglu, writer and critic, representative of ANAS, Teymur Najafzade, Head of the "Colorit" Creative Workshop and media representatives attended the event. Sona Abbasova, director of the Corporate Communication department of Azercell Telecom, spoke about the principles and projects of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility: As the leader of the country's market, we define trends based on our strategic goal of "Easing connectivity, empowering lives!", bring innovative solutions to improve people's quality of life, and try to promote the cultural heritage of our people at the global level. Rashad Majid praised the project, he said: "Promoting literature is also a service to the country and the people, and promotion of Heydar Aliyev's beloved books is especially important."

Heydar Aliyev's favorite musical compositions have also been played at the presentation ceremony.

It should be noted that "Azercell Telecom" LLC, with the view to support the reading culture in modern society and literary content in our native language, has so far published the ghazals of Imadaddin Nasimi, more than 100 works of Nizami Ganjavi, 10 chapters of the "Epic of Koroglu", various scientific works related to the history of Karabakh, as well as some poetry and prose of Karabakh writers in audio and e-book formats within the framework of its digital library project.

The digital library and Audiobook project implemented by Azercell since 2017, preserves our cultural history, and enriches Azerbaijani digital content, playing an exceptional role in the distribution and recognition of this heritage both in our native language and in world languages.

More information about the content within the framework of the project can be obtained through Litres, Bookmate apps, as well as Azercell's YouTube channel. Please, visit https://www.azercell.com/en/personal/digital-solutions.html for detailed data on Azercells e-library applications.
Trump to launch biggest DEPORTATION effort in U.S. history if elected

Former President Donald Trump has vowed to launch and oversee the biggest deportation of illegals in U.S. history if he gets elected for a second term in 2024.

He made this remark during a Dec. 17 campaign rally in Reno, Nevada. Trump, the frontrunner among the other Republican presidential candidates for the party's nomination, also denounced the immigration policies of incumbent President Joe Biden.

The real estate mogul-turned-chief executive minced no words, calling Biden a "low-IQ individual" and the "most incompetent and most corrupt" president. Trump added that his successor's lax immigration policies have created a scenario where large-scale action is required to counteract the issue.

"Given the unprecedented millions of Biden illegal aliens who are invading our country, it is only common sense that when I'm reelected, we will begin  and we have no choice  the largest deportation operation in American history," he told the crowd in Reno.

Trump added that on his first day in the White House, he would "terminate every open-borders policy of the Biden administration." He also promised to invoke the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that doing so would lead to the removal of "all known or suspected gang members, drug dealers or cartel members" from the United States.

Trump's remarks followed statements he delivered the previous day at a rally in New Hampshire. The former president lamented the illegal immigrants "from Africa, from Asia [and] all over the world" were "poisoning the blood of [the] country."

Biden's campaign team quickly pounced on the remarks, denouncing Trump's rhetoric as similar to that of Adolf Hitler. In his book "Mein Kampf" (My Struggle), the Nazi leader referred to superior cultures of the past perishing and dying out due to what he called "blood poisoning."

"Trump channeled his role models as he parroted Adolf Hitler," the Biden campaign said. It added that the GOP frontrunner is "not shying away from his plan to lock millions of people into detention camps." (Related: Get ready for large-scale military-run concentration camps across America.)

Trump also promises IDEOLOGICAL SCREENING for potential immigrants

Aside from mass deportation, Trump has also pledged to implement strict ideological screening for all immigrants seeking entry to the United States. He announced the move back in October, amid Hamas' attack on Israel early that month. "No longer will we allow dangerous lunatics, haters, bigots and maniacs to get residency in our country," Trump told his supporters during a campaign event in Iowa at the time.

He warned that those who "empathize with radical Islamic terrorists and extremists," wish to "abolish the state of Israel" or "support Hamas," and the ideology behind it would be "disqualified" from potential citizenship. Communists, Marxists and fascists would likewise be disqualified, Trump added. The former president cited the Oct. 7 Hamas attack as a main factor behind his proposal, and his advocacy toward hardline immigration issues.

"The atrocities in Israel are a horrific reminder that immigration security is national security. The purpose of U.S. immigration law is not to protect the world  it's to protect the United States of America." Trump said. He continued that refusing to take in "anyone from Gaza, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Libya or anywhere else that threatens [American] security" also counts as a form of support toward Israel.

The former president also promised to suspend refugee resettlement once more. He also pledged to reinstate a travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries he put in place during his term, with a planned expansion. Trump also vowed to proactively deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to address pro-jihadist demonstrations and remove immigration law violators from the country.

Visit Trump.news for more stories about the former president and his stance on immigration.

Watch Evelyn Li and Kevin Hogan of NTD TV discuss Trump outlining his agenda for his 2024 presidential run below.

This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump vows to implement the largest domestic deportation operation in American history if re-elected as president in 2024.

On The Fringe with Dan Radiostyle: Trump blasts anti-America Biden for siding with cartels on border policy.

Trump to GO HARD against ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and human traffickers if elected for a second term.

Trump promises IDEOLOGICAL SCREENING for potential immigrants if reelected as president.

NYC Mayor Adams: Illegal immigration under Biden has become a NATIONAL CRISIS.

Sources include:

RT.com

TheEpochTimes.com

Brighteon.com
Wyoming woman says Newcastle Hospital tried to have her involuntarily committed as INSANE for whistleblowing about health groups alleged ethics and legal violations

A former employee of Newcastle Hospital in Wyoming says she was maliciously targeted by officials at the medical facility after she reported alleged ethics and legal violations while serving as its human resources go-to.

Amanda McDade of Upton is suing Weston County Health Services, which oversees Newcastle Hospital, in the U.S. District Court for Wyoming over the matter. She says the hospital is retaliating against her for voicing her concerns about what she saw.

According to McDade, Newcastle Hospital retaliated against her for whistleblowing by trying to have her involuntarily committed as if she had a mental illness. This alleged mental illness, the hospital claimed, caused McDade to develop anxiety, which in turn forced her to resign.

"The Defendant is a governmental entity under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act. Certainly, the government cannot threaten to strip us of our civil liberty and freedom when their illegality and ethics are called out through the proper process," the lawsuit states.

"To silence the voice of those who speak against you and threaten to place them in an involuntary mental health hold, as a government employer, is nothing that should ever occur in the free United States of America."

(Related: Did you know that drug giant Pfizer is being sued for "knowingly" distributing unsafe drugs to children?)

No good deed goes unpunished

McDade worked for Weston County Health Services from June 11, 2019, to Oct. 14, 2021. Not long after being hired, she became a human resources generalist with full access to employee records, payroll, timekeeping and operation documentation.

"During the course of her employment, the Plaintiff raised concerns of money mismanagement, illegality and ethics through the proper chain of command," the suit further states.

"Instead of this being remedied, Plaintiff was retaliated against and subjected to a hostile work environment."

This "proper chain of command" involved McDade reporting the issues she identified as a whistleblower through the proper process, including by taking the matter to the organization's then-president of the Board of Trustees.

Instead of taking McDade's matter seriously, the hospital asked her to change records and cover up their "errors." McDade found this request to be "unethical and likely illegal," and she reportedly did not comply with it.

This is around the time when Newcastle Hospital became "malevolent" against McDade, forcing her into a Title 25 mental health hold. This is Wyoming's way of involuntarily committing a dangerous and mentally ill person against his or her will.

On Oct. 14, 2021, the final day of McDade's employment at Newcastle Hospital, a nurse called McDade at work to arrange a meeting for McDade's own treating physician, Dr. Sara Thurgood, to discuss medication and concerns about medication.

McDade was confused about the request, seeing as how she never made any appointment with Dr. Thurgood and had no medication concerns. Immediately upon hanging up, McDade hung up the phone and started to suffer what sounds like a panic attack with her chest tightening and breath growing short.

A few hours later, Dr. Thurgood marched into McDade's office in person, prompting McDade to try to explain that there must have been some sort of mistake.

"Well, that is not what [the nurse] told me," is how Dr. Thurgood reportedly responded. "Do you mind if I close these doors in your office so that we can have a confidential conversation with me here as your doctor first and foremost?"

McDade would record the conversation that ensued, which involved accusations from upper management that she was mentally ill and in need of care. McDade would challenge this by telling Dr. Thurgood that officials at Newcastle Hospital were not concerned for her, but instead were "concerned in saving their own [expletive] right now."

More of the latest news about the corrupt health care system's war on truth can be found at Tyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

CowboyStateDaily.com

NaturalNews.com
Zionists still fabricating LIES about Hamas sexual violence to maintain public support for bombing women and children in Gaza

The Biden regime cannot stop lying about the Hamas "atrocities" that Israel claims,, occurred on October 7.

We continue to hear bizarre stories about babies being baked in ovens and Hamas fighters raping and killing Israeli women, but where is the proof?

This past week, Sec. of State Antony Blinken told CNN's Jake Tapper the "sexual violence that we saw on October 7 [by Hamas] is beyond anything that I have seen." It turns out that Blinken saw nothing at all, which makes his statement to Tapper technically true.

"I don't know why countries, leaders, international organizations were so slow to focus on this, to bring it to people's attention," Blinken added in a rant. "I'm glad it is finally happening."

"The atrocities that we saw on October 7 are almost beyond human description or beyond our capacity to digest. And we've talked about them before."

Tapper then asked Blinken why he believes the United Nations (UN) and the international community have been slow to respond to these unfounded allegations. Blinken responded with:

"I think it is a question that these organizations, these countries need to ask themselves."

(Related: It increasingly appears as though Israel Defense Forces [IDF] are rounding up innocent young men and boys from Gaza and abusing and torturing them as if they were "Hamas fighters.")

Israel's "enhanced interrogation" is torture to push a false narrative

Since Israel has no actual proof of any of the atrocities it claims Hamas committed during the October 7 false flag attack, the Jewish state is resorting to "enhanced interrogation" techniques designed to produce false admissions from captured Palestinians.

What Israel is basically doing is torturing Palestinian captives into admitting to crimes they probably never committed, just to generate the "proof" that Israel needs to twist the world's arm into supporting its campaign of genocide.

"Israeli police are interrogating suspects and compiling evidence, including video, forensics and witness testimony, to investigate accusations of rape during the attacks," CNN reported about this, adding that it "cannot independently verify individual allegations and claims."

In other words, we are just supposed to accept and believe whatever Blinken and the rest of the Zionist establishment both here in the United States and across the sea in Israel are claiming about the Hamas attack because there is no actual evidence to back any of it.

Hamas continues to deny that its militants committed any kind of rape during the attack, calling claims to the contrary "the coordination of some Western media outlets with the Zionist misleading campaigns that promoted unfounded lies and allegations aimed at demonizing the Palestinian resistance."

Just like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently did, Tapper quickly called the entire unbelieving world "antisemitic" for expecting proof from Israel and its war arm known as the U.S. before believing any of the atrocity stories coming out of the Jewish state.

"These two might as well be working directly for Netanyahu's press office as they're repeating all his talking points," says Information Liberation's Chris Menahan about Blinken and Tapper.

Keep in mind that Israel's most ridiculous propaganda story thus far, the one about "mass rape and sexual violence" by Hamas on October 7, was recently debunked by The Grayzone as a complete fabrication.

From beheaded babies to fetuses ripped from mothers on 10/7, Yossi Landau of the corrupt "rescue" org ZAKA has spun out heinous atrocity fabrications Both Biden & Blinken have echoed his lies Now he says those who question his fables "should be killed" https://t.co/meiFySnyB1 pic.twitter.com/ZOXe7Cow8h  Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) December 7, 2023

The latest news about Israel's war on Gaza can be found at WWIII.news.

Sources for this article include:

InformationLiberation.com

NaturalNews.com

TheGrayzone.com
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs law allowing police to ARREST illegals

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a bill that allows law enforcement officers in the Lone Star State to apprehend illegal aliens entering the country unlawfully.

Abbott signed the new bill on Dec. 18, the same day as U.S. Customs and Border Protection temporarily shut down railroad border crossings in Texas. The closure sought to shift officers from field duty to assist in migrant processing. But, according to rail operators, the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso would hamper trade ahead of Christmas.

Under the new law, any Texas law enforcement officer can arrest people suspected of entering the country illegally. Once in custody, they could either agree to a Texas judge's order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on charges of illegal entry, a misdemeanor. Migrants who refuse to comply could be arrested again, this time under more serious felony charges.

According to POLITICO, "immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility." But the Biden administration appears to be shirking from its duty, instead turning a blind eye to the ongoing migrant crisis. Thus, Texas has assumed this duty  busing more than 65,000 migrants to so-called "sanctuary cities" across the U.S. and installing razor wire along the banks of the Rio Grande. (Related: Gov. Abbott invokes "invasion clauses" to defend Texas against illegal alien onslaught.)

"Opponents have called the measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law  that was largely struck down by the Supreme Court," the outlet added. "Texas' law is also likely to face swift legal challenges."

State Rep. David Spiller, a Republican, pushed back against concerns that the law would be used as a dragnet to arrest immigrants across the state during debates at the Texas House of Representatives. "This is not 'Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico,'" he said.

Spiller also clarified that the new law's enforcement would mostly take place in border counties. He also shot down efforts by Democrats to narrow down the law's scope, including a proposed carve-out for police on college campuses.

New law widely criticized

However, the new law signed by Abbott received much criticism. Legal experts dubbed the law a violation of the government's purview over immigration enforcement. A group of 30 former U.S. immigration judges who served under both Republican and Democratic administrations signed a letter denouncing the law as unconstitutional.

Priscilla Olivarez, an attorney and strategist for the San Antonio-based Immigrant Legal Resource Center, denounced the law as "sanctioned racial profiling." She continued: "All Texans must stand up and demand this measure, which will no doubt cause massive family separations, be struck down."

Under the newly signed Texas law, migrants ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico even if they aren't Mexican citizens. However, Mexico is required to accept deportations of its own citizens under bilateral and international agreements  but not other nationals.

"The Mexican government categorically rejects any measure that would allow local or state authorities to detain or deport Mexicans or other nationalities to Mexican soil," the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs wrote in a statement.

Visit BorderSecurity.news for more stories about Texas' efforts to secure the southern border.

Watch this Fox News report about Texas police officers assuming border patrol duties due to the influx of illegals.

This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

More Texas counties declare INVASION at the southern border.

Texas SUES Biden administration's DHS over interim rule on asylum seekers.

24 Republican governors pledge to support Texas in securing US-Mexico border.

Texas to place FLOATING BARRIERS along Rio Grande River to block border crossers.

Texas developing plan to protect, defend its own border from migrant invasion, drug-smuggling after Biden refuses to act.

Sources include:

POLITICO.com

Brighteon.com
COVID-19 vaccinated pilots to cause airline industry DISASTER, warns whistleblower pilot

A pilot has warned that the airline industry is "poised on the precipice of disaster," with data suggesting that many tragedies in the industry are linked to the mandated COVID-19 vaccines

At the height of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, nearly all major airlines around the world mandated vaccines for their employees.

Vaccinated pilots not declaring ill health for fear of losing their jobs

In 2021, several of the largest pilots associations and most major carriers, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, confirmed that they would follow President Biden's executive order requiring all staff to get vaccinated.

Airlines are considered government contractors under Biden's federal vaccine plan. Biden also thanked United Airlines for being the first carrier to implement a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

According to United, hundreds of vaccine holdouts changed course because they risked losing their jobs. As of Sept. 28, 2021, 593 employees refused to get the vaccine. However, by Oct. 7, that number decreased to 232.

Now, Captain Shane Murdock, 60, is warning that the airline industry is headed for disaster.

A pilot for more than 40 years and a qualified air accident investigator, Murdock has discovered official data that supports his claim of an impending global catastrophe involving the airline industry. When correlated, the data suggests "[there] is enough evidence to be sending out red flags."

There's no denying that 2023 was a year of several tragedies.

Back in March, there were at least seven recorded pilot incapacitations. One was a British Airways pilot who collapsed and died in Cairo, Egypt, not long before he was scheduled to fly Airbus A321 from Cairo to London.

In April, Phil Thomas, a young graduate of the Cadiz, Spain, flight training academy, fell ill. He died soon after.

Pilots are generally healthy, so why did many of them die suddenly or collapse?

Murdock suspects that they suffered severe adverse side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines, which have been linked to health issues such as anaphylaxis, blood clots, brain fog, insomnia and myocarditis (heart inflammation).

He warned that some pilots are "ticking timebombs," with many not declaring ill-health for fear of losing their jobs.

Pilots undergo comprehensive annual health checks, and those who have been sick get examined after six months. According to the rules, aviators can only pass health checks with a less than one percent chance of suffering an illness that could incapacitate them.

But how are pilots passing medical exams if they are suffering serious adverse reactions?

In 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the global aviation regulator, changed the electrocardiogram (ECG) markers used to measure the "PR interval." The PR interval refers to the time it takes for an electrical impulse to travel from one part of the heart to another. It is an indicator of heart health.

The FAA's new limit is 50 percent longer than the previous limit, meaning that if a pilot has developed a heart condition, it could remain undetected.

Pilots who refused to get vaccinated have lost their jobs

On November 15, 2020, Australian airlines mandated COVID-19 vaccines for 900 pilots and all air and ground crew. The AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were all rolled out in Australia.

Murdock was one of 12 pilots who refused to get vaccinated. He lost his job and was accused of serious professional misconduct, a charge often reserved for inappropriate sexual behavior or reckless and dangerous behavior.

Murdock, who lives near Sydney, Australia, flew as Captain for Virgin Australia for 20 years. He has held a license since 1984.

According to Murdock: "Somewhere on the international network daily, you will find a plane has been turned back because of a health emergency. Either a passenger health emergency or crew health emergency."

The nickname for a pilot's mayday radio call to air traffic control is a "squawk." The code 7700 is used for all mayday calls and is reserved for serious incidents like pilot incapacitation or an uncontained fire on board. Few scenarios require a mayday because it means passengers and crew are facing genuine peril.

A bot set up by the X (formerly Twitter) account @GCFlightAlerts has tracked "an unprecedented rise in the numbers of mayday calls." The account posts whenever a pilot squawks 7700 anywhere in the world.

Between 2018 and 2019, the mayday average was 29.1 percent of all distress calls. By 2022, mayday calls increased by an alarming 272 percent. In the first three months of 2023, the increase was 386 percent.

This increase coincides with the time COVID-19 vaccines were mandated to pilots. (Related: America is witnessing DELIBERATE DESTRUCTION of its aviation industry.)

The average age of death in Australia during the pandemic was 85.3 years. The figures did not justify mandating vaccination to overall healthy pilots and implementing a no vaccine, no job policy.

The mandate also violated FAA rules, which state that a pilot is not allowed to take any type of medicine unless it has been approved and in use in the general population for at least 12 months. In the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines only received emergency use authorization, not approval, from the FDA during the pandemic.

Murdock also analyzed the number of multi-crew licenses issued by Australias regulator, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). CASA has the authority to impose restrictions on Airline Transport Pilot's Licenses (APTL).

A multi-crew license is issued to pilots when their medical status indicates there is a chance they may become incapacitated while flying. CASA monitors and administers medical certification and licensing for all Australian pilots. Data shows that there has been an unprecedented increase of 126 percent on limitations since COVID vaccines were mandated.

This alone should prompt a major review by CASA, but they did nothing while Australias drug watchdog, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), still encourages COVID-19 vaccinations.

Murdock said this lack of action by regulatory agencies can have only one result, especially with the spike in plane emergency landings caused by pilot incapacitations.

"Disasters will occur and both aircrew and the traveling public will die unnecessarily," warned Murdock.

Visit VaccineWars.com for more stories about COVID-19 vaccine injuries and deaths.

Watch the video below as a U.S. Navy Medical Officer talks about how COVID-19 vaccination is linked to an increase in heart-related health problems among pilots.

This video is from The Missing Link channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Southwest pilot suffered medical emergency, prompting off-duty pilot to enter cockpit and seize control.

COVID JABS? Commercial pilot DIES SUDDENLY in Boeing 787 lavatory, co-pilots forced to make emergency landing.

American Airlines cuts flights due to covid jab-induced pilot shortage.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca 1

CBSNews.com

TheSun.co.uk

GlobalResearch.ca 2

Brighteon.com
Former FBI counterintelligence chief who helped lead Trump-Russia collusion investigation sentenced to four years in prison himself FOR COLLUDING WITH RUSSIA

One of the lead witch hunters in the Russian collusion investigation on Donald Trump has been sentenced to prison himself for violating sanctions on Russia.

According to reports, 55-year-old Charles McGonigal, a former top counterintelligence official at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), was ordered to serve four years and two months in prison after it was determined that he had worked for a Russian oligarch seeking dirt on a wealthy rival after his government career had ended.

Judge Jennifer H. Rearden in Manhattan federal court ruled that McGonigal harmed national security by repeatedly flouting sanctions that were imposed on Russia in an effort to obtain results without having to use military force. McGonigal was also ordered to pay a $40,000 fine, as well as forfeit $17,500.

Judge Rearden's decision came after a prosecutor framed McGonigal's crime as a greedy money-grab effort that leveraged the knowledge he gained while working at the FBI to gain entry into the circle of a notorious Russian oligarch and billionaire industrialist by the name of Oleg Deripaska.

Ironically, McGonigal had once investigated Deripaska as part of the Trump probe, siding with those who claimed that Trump had colluded with Deripaska and other Russian oligarchs himself in his bid for the presidency in 2016.

(Related: Check out the proof that the January 6 "insurrection" was an inside job staged by the very same people trying to take down Trump and his followers.)

When the one pursuing Russian collusion charges against Trump gets caught colluding with Russia himself

For reasons related to Russia's occupation of Crimea, Deripaska has been under U.S. sanctions since 2018. McGonigal was given the chance to speak during the hearing, and he did so nervously and sometimes with a shaky voice, expressing a "deep sense of remorse" while stating that he is "sorry for my actions."

"I recognize more than ever that I've betrayed the confidence and trust of those close to me," McGonigal said about his involvement with Deripaska. "For the rest of my life, I will be fighting to regain that trust."

While leaving the courthouse with his hand in that of his wife Pamela, McGonigal told reporters: "Happy holidays, everybody."

Back in August, Deripaska pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to launder money and violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. He admitted to the judge that McGonigal had accepted over $17,000 to help Deripaska collect derogatory information about another Russian oligarch who was one of Deripaska's business competitors.

Prosecutors also accused McGonigal of trying to help Deripaska get himself removed from the U.S. sanctions list. He was also allegedly involved in negotiations with several other co-conspirators to take a fee of anywhere from $650,000 to $3 million to look for electronic files exposing hidden assets worth around $500 million that belong to Deripaska's business rival.

Citing McGonigal's career achievements, including his work after the September 11 terrorist attack and his investigation of two deadly terrorist bombings at U.S. embassies in Africa in 1998, defense attorney Seth DuCharme called for a sentence without incarceration.

That request was denied after Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten argued for a maximum five-year prison sentence for McGonigal, stating that McGonigal was raking in $200,000 annually before he retired from the FBI, and that he now makes over $850,000 a year in the private sector working as head of global security for a prominent international corporation at the time when he carried out his crime.

"This is less time than a lot of January 6ers got," noted one commenter about McGonigal's relatively short prison sentence. "On top of that, he'll probably get a Biden pardon along with Hunter."

The latest news about the establishment's war on Trump can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

APNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Israel deploying prohibited NEUTRON BOMBS to destroy Gaza and carry out ethnic cleansing, warns nuclear weapons expert

British scientist Dr. Christopher Busby appeared with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, this week to talk about evidence that has emerged to suggest that Israel is using neutron uranium warheads in Gaza.

Despite their being prohibited for such use, Israel has been dropping neutron bombs on the Palestinians to clear them out of the Gaza Strip, just like Israel used them in Fallujah and Lebanon back in the day.

"Don't forget, by the way, that depleted uranium shells were sent by the United Kingdom to Ukrainian forces to be used in Ukraine," Adams explained while introducing Busby. "And depleted uranium is a form of uranium where certain isotopes have been removed, and it has very high density, and it is radioactive at some relatively low level."

Adams further explained that when depleted uranium shells strike their targets, they ignite instantly due to their aerosolized uranium content reacting to very high temperatures, around 600 to 700 degrees Celsius, and pressures, igniting them "into kind of a mini thermobaric bomb."

"And the reason these are used by tanks is because when a depleted uranium shell strikes another tank, the DU (depleted uranium) has the density to penetrate the tank's armor, and once that shell penetrates the armor the uranium material is vaporized or aerosolized," he said.

"It's sprayed in essence inside the enemy tank where it ignites, creating a thermobaric bomb inside the tank, killing everybody inside instantly not just from the explosion, but the fire and the heat."

(Related: Check out this partial transcript of the most important parts of Adams' interview with Busby.)

When nanoscale depleted uranium goes airborne, people inhale it

Busby authored a paper on the subject that was published earlier this month. It highlights evidence dating back to 2003 showing that Israel has been using depleted uranium in violation of international law for at least the past 20 years.

"Results from independent laboratories in Europe and the UK, using different techniques, revealed the presence of enriched uranium in biological materials and environmental samples including soil, bomb craters and air (as recorded in vehicle air filter dust)," Busby wrote in his abstract.

"More recently, 2021 results published in the journal Nature, show that uranium enrichment levels in background samples from Gaza have been increasing markedly since 2008. Since enriched uranium is an anthropogenic substance which does not exist in nature, the question arises as to the source, in the weapons employed by the USA (Fallujah) and Israel (Lebanon, Gaza). It is proposed that the only logical answer is that a uranium-based weapon exists that produces U-235 by neutron activation and has been deployed. Such a weapon must be some kind of neutron bomb."

First invented in 1958 by Samuel Cohen of the Livermore Laboratory of California, then RAND, neutron bomb technology can be used to build a "radioactive wall" around an entire country. Cohen actually proposed this for Israel back in 1984.

"What I am suggesting is the construction of a border barrier whose most effective component is an extremely intense field of nuclear radiation (produced by the operation of underground nuclear reactors), sharply confined to the barrier zone, which practically guarantees the death of anyone attempting to breach the barrier," Cohen said in his 1984 proposition.

"Establishing such a 'nuclear wall' at the borders of a threatened country can make virtually impossible any successful penetration by ground forces  as well as a preemptive ground attack by the threatened country."

A self-proclaimed "unbelieving Jew," Cohen expressed his belief at the time that Israel's construction of a radioactive wall would protect the Jewish state from any kind of Arab state attack. This same radioactive wall could also protect the United States, Cohen added.

"Clearly, the most responsible thing the United States can do to ensure its own security is to make drastic changes in its military assistance to Israel (and to other Mideast countries as well) to prevent such a situation from ever arising," he said.

"Otherwise, based on the wretched history of this turbulent arena, there is every reason to expect that one of these days a nuclear showdown will arise."

Enriched uranium residues wouldn't be present on battlefields if neutron bombs weren't being produced

The fact that extra enriched uranium is being found in Fallujah, Lebanon, Gaza and elsewhere points to the production of nuclear weapons of the kind Busby says Israel has been using for decades.

"What's being found in Gaza and in other locations is a much higher ratio of uranium 235 than is normal," Adams explained during the segment. "And when I say normal, I'm referring to what are called naturally occurring isotopic ratios."

"So, if you go dig up a bunch of dirt in your backyard, let's say, you're going to get some small amount of uranium. For every kilogram of dirt that you dig up, I think there's something like one or two milligrams of uranium in every kilogram of dirt, just typically speaking, as an average, it's a relatively small amount. However, if you take that uranium and you were to break it down into its isotopic ratios, then you would get mostly uranium 238, and a little bit at 235 and an even smaller amount of 234. Those ratios are known as the naturally occurring isotopic ratios, and, of course, many other elements, but not all have other naturally occurring isotopic ratios, as well."

What do you think about the Israel-Gaza conflict? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to also check out WWIII.news for more insights.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

ResearchGate.net

TheIntelDrop.org
Italys former health minister and AIFA chief concealed deaths and adverse effects caused by COVID vaccines

Italy's former health minister and drug regulatory agency head are currently under investigation for not disclosing their knowledge of the dangers that come with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.

Roberto Speranza, formerly the country's health minister, is now facing a homicide probe from the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office over COVID-19 vaccine deaths. Based on emails from the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), the country's drug regulatory agency, Speranza was aware that COVID-19 vaccines could kill. Nicola Magrini, AIFA's former head, is also under investigation.

According to the Daily Expose, Speranza gave instructions to local health authorities not to reveal deaths or serious side effects caused by COVID vaccines. The move sought to "reassure" Italians that the vaccines are "safe," and to prevent the country's vaccination campaign from being jeopardized. (Related: Italy poised to prosecute AstraZeneca for deadly coronavirus vaccines.)

The public prosecutor launched the investigation following complaints to AIFA. It accused Speranza and Magrini of knowingly and deliberately exposing the unsuspecting Italian population to this risk by encouraging them to get vaccinated.

Reuters reported that on July 19, 2021, Speranza called on his fellow politicians to throw their weight behind the country's COVID-19 vaccination campaign. At the time, a recent rise in infections fueled by the B16172 delta variant had given a renewed sense of urgency to the vaccination program. The Italian government was concerned that almost 40 percent of Italy's adult population had not yet been injected.

"No political force can be ambiguous about vaccines. The relaunch and the future of the country depends on the vaccination campaign," said Speranza. He added that two-thirds of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units, as well as half of the patients being treated in ordinary wards, were unvaccinated.

"We are making these choices in order to restrict the unvaccinated as much as possible, as this is what is causing the burden on our hospital system," he told the Italian media. Speranza later stepped down from his post as health minister in October 2022 when incumbent Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni assumed power and was replaced by incumbent Health Minister Orazio Schillaci.

Speranza, Magrini to answer for their crimes

Italy has made it obligatory for people aged 50 or more to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as the country scrambled to ease pressure on hospitals and reduce deaths amid a dramatic surge in infections in January 2021. Business leaders had urged the government to make the vaccine mandatory for all workers because of fears that the latest wave of the pandemic could slow down the economy.

"We want to slow the growth of the infection curve and push Italians who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated," former Prime Minister Mario Draghi said, as reported by the ANSA news agency. "We are targeting the age groups, which are most at risk of hospitalization in order to reduce pressure on hospitals and save lives. At the same time, we want to keep schools and businesses open."

Vaccination was even made mandatory for certain professional groups. Consequently, many side effects, including fatal ones were revealed.

Despite this, Speranza still bragged about Italy's huge vaccine uptake. "We have now reached a massively significant percentage of vaccinated people in Italy, 89.41 percent. Therefore, currently in Italy, just over 10 percent of the population remains unvaccinated," he said.

Now, he and Magrini are expected to answer for their actions that caused many vaccine-related deaths and injuries.

Watch Dr. Sam Bailey recount the medical tyranny in Italy back in 2020 below.

This video is from the Vigilent Citizen channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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Italy makes COVID-19 health pass mandatory for all workers.

Italy launches manslaughter case after AstraZenecas coronavirus vaccine kills teacher.

Italy emerged from lockdown last week  and people are already flouting social distancing.

Italy: 627 reported dead from coronavirus, number of confirmed cases jumps by 15 percent.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
Massachusetts hospital reveals 450 patients were possibly EXPOSED to hepatitis, HIV

A hospital in Massachusetts has issued a statement announcing that at least 450 patients might have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV due to improper administration of IV medications.

Salem Hospital revealed that several patients undergoing endoscopy, including bronchoscopies, colonoscopies and laparoscopies, may have been exposed to viral pathogens over the last few years. The exposure is due to IV medications that were given "in a manner not consistent with our best practice."

According to spokesperson for Mass General Brigham, which owns Salem Hospital, the hospital is testing for infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, "which are standard tests for a potential exposure of this kind."

"A small portion of our endoscopy patients, nearly 450 patients, were potentially impacted over a period of roughly two years," the spokesperson told PEOPLE. However, the hospital was quick to claim that the risk of infection is "extremely small" and that there were no reported infections as of November. (Related: Hidden epidemic: Oral infections and how to prevent them.)

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has investigated the hospital and worked with an onsite team to address the situation. The agency told the hospital to notify all affected patients in writing about the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and "to offer free-of-charge follow-up care, including testing." Hepatitis and HIV are "common blood-borne pathogenic viruses that often dont produce symptomatic infection."

Salem Hospital offered an apology to the people who were potentially exposed.

"We sincerely apologize to those who have been impacted and we remain committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate health care to our community."

A spokesperson for Mass General Brigham also apologized to those who were impacted, reiterating their "commitment to patient safety and high-quality healthcare."

Hepatitis and HIV symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), both hepatitis B and C can be treated with antiviral medications, with hepatitis C having a 95 percent cure rate.

However, some health officials have warned that there is no cure for hepatitis B, and chronic sufferers have a greater risk of developing liver cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure.

Symptoms of both hepatitis B and C include jaundice (the yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

According to the National Institutes of Health, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is not curable but can be managed or treated with antiretroviral drugs, which reduce the viral load in a person's body.

HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of the disease, wherein your immune system is significantly damaged due to the virus.

The CDC warned that those who have HIV have a higher chance of being re-infected with COVID-19 compared with those who do not have HIV.

Similar incidents have occurred before

In 2018, reports revealed that at least 3,000 patients at HealthPlus Surgery Center in New Jersey were potentially exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Sometime after, the New Jersey Department of Health announced that workers at the center were not following the right sterilization protocols and that medical instruments used on patients were not being properly sterilized.

In 2007, the CDC reported that an outbreak of hepatitis C was linked to an endoscopy center in Nevada. The agency also attributed the outbreak to "unsafe injection practices."

Back in August, Clark Memorial Health in Jeffersonville, Indiana, notified at least 500 patients that they might have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB), a potentially deadly bacterial infection that has killed a significant number of people throughout human history, after a staff member tested positive. Reports revealed that two others later tested positive for the same bacteria.

The Clark County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Health set up special clinics at the Clark County Fairgrounds from August 7 to 10 to test patients who received a notice from the hospital.

Visit Outbreak.news for more articles about infections and other health issues.

Watch the video below to learn about natural treatments for hepatitis.

This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

6 Things you can do to protect yourself from viral infections.

Chlorine dioxide proven to kill hospital superbugs, including MRSA.

TOXIC MEAT ALERT: E. coli-contaminated meat causing hundreds of thousands of cases of urinary tract infections across USA.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

People.com

CDC.gov

NewsAndTribune.com

Brighteon.com
Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples  as long as it doesnt resemble an actual marriage ceremony

Pope Francis has allowed priests to bless same sex couples, but with a caveat: They should not resemble the actual marriage ceremony for heterosexual couples.

The permission came in the form of a document released on Dec. 18 by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF). It elaborated on a letter the pontiff sent to two conservative cardinals, which was published in October.

The preliminary response from October suggested that such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if they didn't confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage. The recent response stressed this argument, noting that blessings should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union, using set rituals or even with the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding. (Related: Pope Francis endorses LGBTQ marriage in new documentary film.)

Francis' response reaffirmed that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman. However, it said requests for such blessings for same-sex couples shouldn't be denied full stop.

It also offered an extensive definition of the term "blessing" as written in the Holy Scripture. People seeking a transcendent relationship with God and looking for His love and mercy should not be subject to "an exhaustive moral analysis" as a precondition for receiving it.

"Ultimately, a blessing offers people a meaning 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 document said.

"It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered. Thus, when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it."

Pope's approval to bless same-sex couples a radical departure from Catholic doctrine on marriage

The Vatican holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between man and woman. Paragraph 1614 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions marriage as "the union of man and woman"  not woman and woman, or man and man. As a result, it has long opposed same-sex marriage.

In 2021, the DDF said that the Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions because "God cannot bless sin." The New York Post remarked: "That document created an outcry, one it appeared even Francis was blindsided by even though he had technically approved its publication."

Instead of standing the church's ground, Pope Francis removed the DDF official responsible for the 2021 declaration. The pontiff also set about laying the groundwork for a reversal.

According to the Dec. 18 document, the Vatican said the church must eschew "doctrinal or disciplinary schemes, especially when they lead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others; and instead of opening the door to grace, one exhausts [their] energies in inspecting and verifying."

The document also emphasized that people in "irregular" unions  whether homosexual or heterosexual  are in a state of sin. But it added that those in such unions do not deserve to be deprived of God's love or mercy.

The Jesuit pontiff has long supported same-sex marriage, going against the grain of Catholic doctrine. Conservative Catholics have denounced this "radical" stance, however. The Rev. Gerard Murray of the Archdiocese of New York blasted the edict as "absurd" and "horrific."

"It's the groundwork for redefining the nature of sin," he told Newsmax's Chris Salcedo. "The church is saying that your behavior is gravely sinful, offensive to God, but the church should bless you. And what does a blessing mean? It means that we ask God to favor you in that relationship."

"It's an innovation, meaning it's something new that was never there before. But it's not a development of the church's teaching; it's a contradiction and a corruption of that teaching."

Visit GodsWrath.news for more similar stories.

Watch LifeSiteNews founder John-Henry Westen discuss Pope Francis' new guidance on blessing same-sex couples below.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Corporate media hypes Pope Francis' support of SAME-SEX MARRIAGE.

WOKE POPE says transgender people may be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents.

Pope Francis' American cardinals are pro-LGBT revolutionaries with a radical agenda for the Church.

Pope Francis parties with transgender prostitutes in the Vatican to commemorate 'World Day of the Poor.'

False prophet? Pope Francis hosts bizarre drag queen-like circus performance in creepy reptilian-shaped Vatican Hall.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

SCBorromeo.org

Newsmax.com

Brighteon.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. The screening of a documentary made by the Storyfire Swedish company on the activities and legacy of the Nobel brothers in Baku (late XIX - early XX century) is planned in Sweden in early 2024, the Azerbaijani embassy to the Kingdom of Sweden told Trend.

Azerbaijan celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Nobel brothers' coming to the territory of Azerbaijan in 2023. In this regard, a book by famous Swedish writer and historian Bengt Jangfeldt, detailing this topic, was translated into Azerbaijani on the initiative of the Embassy and presented to the public as part of a joint event at the Villa Petrolea (house museum of Nobel brothers) in Baku.

The documentary, made jointly by Storyfire and the Baku Media Center, the world premiere of which took place in Baku, is also based on this book.

The documentary, which will shed light on the historical ties between the Nobel brothers and Azerbaijan as well as contribute greatly to the international promotion of Azerbaijan, including the role of the country and its natural resources in the formation of the world-famous Nobel Prize, is already receiving interest from television and film distribution platforms in many foreign countries in Europe and the US.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BRICS core member South Africa urges ICC to PROSECUTE Israel for war crimes

South Africa, the "S" in the BRICS group of nations, has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute Israel for war crimes against the Palestinian people.

"In South Africa, we have an accord with many other countries in the world. So we see it fit to refer this whole Israeli government action to the ICC," said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. "We have put through a referral because we believe that war crimes have been committed there."

According to Russia Today, Pretoria has already sent all relevant paperwork to the ICC, which is based in The Hague. Ramaphosa also requested that the ICC begin its probe into Tel Aviv's alleged war crimes at the soonest.

"Once a case has been referred to them, they need to take it up seriously. So South Africa, as well as a number of other countries, are presenting their full documentation to the ICC."

The South African leader previously condemned Hamas' Oct. 7 attack during an emergency virtual meeting of the BRICS+ group, accusing the militant group of violating international law. However, he insisted that Israel is committing genocide and blamed the raging conflict on the Jewish state's occupation of Palestinian territory.

"Of course, we do not condone the actions that were taken by Hamas earlier," said Ramaphosa. "But similarly, we condemn the actions that are now currently underway, and believe that they warrant investigation by the ICC."

According to line reports, more than 19,000 people  mostly women and children  have been killed in Israeli air and ground assaults in the Gaza Strip. This followed a promise by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "eliminate" Hamas in retaliation for its Oct. 7 cross-border attack. The group, formally the Islamic Resistance Movement, killed about 1,200 people and abducted 240.

Pretoria isn't alone in calling for ICC probe of Israel

In late November, South African lawmakers endorsed a motion to suspend ties with Israel until Netanyahu commits to a ceasefire. Tel Aviv recalled its ambassador to South Africa due to comments made by officials. Pretoria had earlier withdrawn its envoy and diplomatic staff from Israel  following the footsteps of other countries such as Bolivia, Belize, Bahrain, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Jordan and Turkey.

Meanwhile, the South African government has warned its citizens against joining the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the Gaza conflict, citing the risk of violating both domestic and international law. "Any person joining the IDF without the necessary permission of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee is breaking the law and can be prosecuted," the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement.

The virtual meeting of the BRICS+ group, which South Africa hosted, articulated varied positions on the conflict that together reflected the reluctance of some nations outside the worlds largest industrialized democracies to fall in line behind Washingtons support for Israel. The group also released a joint statement that the office of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres signed.

"We condemn any kind of individual or mass forcible transfer and deportation of Palestinians from their own land," the statement said. It also called for the release of all civilians who are being illegally held captive, as well as a humanitarian truce that would lead to a cessation of hostilities.

Aside from South Africa, Iran  which will officially join the BRICS group next month  has urged bloc members to designate the Israeli government and military as terrorist organizations because of atrocities against the Palestinians. (Related: BRICS nations may call for Israel to officially be labeled a terrorist state.)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu would face war crimes charges at the ICC "as the butcher of Gaza."

Visit IsraelCollapse.com for more stories about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Watch this clip about BRICS member South Africa charging Israel with war crimes.

This video is from the DWP97048 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WAR CRIMES: Israel's admission to bombing Jabalia refugee camp confirms Jewish state is also bombing hospitals, churches and residential buildings ON PURPOSE.

Turkey files lawsuit against Netanyahu, accusing him and Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza.

Human rights group wants Israeli attacks on Gaza hospitals "investigated as war crimes."

Sources include:

RT.com

NYTimes.com

Brighteon.com
World Economic Forum tells governments and corporations: Spend $3.5 TRILLION ANNUALLY to decarbonize the planet

The globalists at the World Economic Forum (WEF) believe the world's governments and corporations need to come together and spend $3.5 trillion a year on the climate to "restore nature," "reach net zero emissions" and fully "decarbonize" the planet.

This is according to a new white paper published by the WEF in partnership with global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company on Wednesday, Dec. 13. The paper, titled "The Role of Public-Private-Philanthropic Partnerships in Driving Climate and Nature Transitions," stressed that the world needs to spend up to $3.5 trillion on additional climate-focused investments each year "to reach net zero and restore nature" by the United Nations' end-date of 2050. (Related: Whistleblower calls for WEF founder Klaus Schwab to be ARRESTED over "crimes against humanity.")

This is equivalent to increasing today's level of private and public sector investments in climate change-related projects by over 60 percent. This also represents around half of global corporate profits, a quarter of world tax revenue and approximately seven percent of household consumer spending.

This also does not include the $1 trillion in additional spending the WEF estimates the world needs to divert from high-emission to low-carbon assets.

"Achieving net zero emissions by 2050 would entail a fundamental transformation of the global economy," wrote McKinsey.

To put the WEF's demand in perspective, the $3.5 trillion it wants on global climate spending annually is equivalent to nearly 60 percent of the annual federal budget of the United States.

WEF wants governments and the private sector to contribute to climate funding

The WEF is painting the transition to a global net zero emission economy as "a critical and necessary shift" that is also "unavoidably costly." To this end, the WEF is calling on governments to provide taxpayer dollars and for corporations to provide significant portions of their yearly profits to fund these investments.

"For partnerships to work effectively, various stakeholders should be willing to come together to bring collective as well as individual expertise and resources to find solutions," noted WEF Managing Director Gim Huay Neo. "Without working with other partners to find the right intervention points, it is difficult for a single institution to deploy their funds."

The massive costs allegedly lie in the extensive overhaul required of certain supposedly unclean industries that need to adopt more climate-friendly technologies and environmentally sustainable practices.

"The initial investments demand substantial funding, often beyond the capacity of many individual businesses or governments," wrote the WEF in a press release that accompanied the McKinsey report. "Bridging this divide necessitates collaborative efforts and innovative financing models to mitigate risks and incentivize investments."

"Joining private and public actors with philanthropic efforts offers a strategic approach to unlocking the transition to net zero and restore nature," the WEF continued. "Philanthropy, with its nimble and risk-tolerant characteristics, plays a pivotal role in providing early-stage funding, catalyzing wider investments while securing the most equitable outcomes."

The model of using philanthropy to spur more investments from corporations and governments when it becomes less risky to do so has already seen some initial successes, according to the WEF. Over the past 20 years, over 50 climate and nature-focused "philanthropic-public-private partnerships" have already been launched.

More globalist madness can be found at Globalism.news.

Watch this clip discussing how outgoing Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte is shutting down farms all over the country to pave the way for WEF-owned, "climate-friendly" food hubs.

This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.

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CNN writer suggests forcing "carbon passport" on travelers to meet carbon footprint target by 2050.

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IMF wants governments to punish people for using "too much" energy by imposing harsh carbon taxes.

Many countries investing in nuclear energy generation while America LANGUISHES in pursuit of less capable renewables.

Sources include:

Dossier.Today

WEForum.org 1

WEForum.org 2

Brighteon.com
Weather experts said that inches of rain would bring drought relief over the southeast. They said that this weather condition would actually bring threats of floods in the region.

Moisture-Packed Storm

Meteorologists said that the moisture-packed storm would move across the nation's midsection and the southern portion over the long Christmas weekend. This will then bring a threat of flooding downpours.

The storm, which comes from the heels of soaking Southern California and the Southwest deserts, will bring rain across most areas of the Plains and lower Mississippi Valley through Christmas Eve.

This weather condition will also deliver some snow to the Intermountain West and Rockies. It is expected that by Christmas Day, the rain will expand across the Midwest and Southeast.

Weather experts said that after a relatively dry stretch of weather across much of the Plains and Southeast during the days leading up to the Christmas holiday, a change in the weather pattern will result in a soggy holiday for many areas.

Based on the weather forecast, the heavy downpours can cause slow holiday travel and localized floods as well as a few strong thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, as the storm is set to combine forces with moisture coming from the Gulf of Mexico, rain is expected to break out from Texas northward along the Plains late in the day on Saturday as well as into Saturday night.

Meteorologists said that on Sunday, the rain is expected to advance across much of the Upper Midwest, Mississippi Valley and even into the South.

The heaviest downpours, which are seen to tally a couple of inches of rain as they move repeatedly over the same areas, will likely go towards the zone from the Texas Hill Country through the Arklatex on Saturday afternoon and into Saturday night then closer to the Ozarks, Mississippi Valley and Gulf Coast come by Sunday.

Moreover, the repeated downpours can unload one to three inches in rain gauges, often in just a few hours, which can lead to floods in cities such as Dallas, Houston, Little Rock and Memphis, as well as portions of interstates 10, 20, 30, 35, 40, 49 and 55.

On the other hand, some locally higher amounts near four inches are not out of the question.

Read Also: Pacific Northeast Weather Forecast: Wet Weather Pattern To Unload Before Christmas

Busiest Travel

Authorities said that the 2023 holiday season will be the busiest ever for air travel, with Thursday, December 21, and Friday, December 22, likely the most active days for flight departures.

Furthermore, a few developing storms can impact portions of California, the Pacific Northwest and the southern Plains later this week, which will pose a risk for bumpy travel conditions.

Meteorologists said that a round of wet weather will cross the southern Plains from Thursday into Friday, bringing the potential for heavy rain to cities such as Oklahoma City, Dallas and Houston by the end of the week.

The wet conditions across California could spell trouble for those traveling through Los Angeles, San Diego and even San Francisco during the second half of the week.

Weather forecasters said that through the middle of the week, forecasters say that damp weather is projected to continue spreading across parts of California.

Related Article: Light Snow, Freezing Rain Likely in Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, Central Plains This Weekend
Despite the area being rather dry at the time, satellite footage in certain portions of Surrey reveals three sizable, white bands on the ground which is considered a rare phenomenon known as "industrial snowfall." The snow was reported to spread close to industrial sites southeast of Heathrow airport on January 23.

Industrial Snow in UK

Dr. Julian Mayes, an independent meteorological and climate expert who observed the snowstorm and authored the research, claimed that pollution was the "only real explanation" for the snowfall.

Anthropogenic or industrial snowfall can happen when atmospheric moisture condenses around minute pollution particles, creating snowflakes, for example. The perfect combination of low enough temperatures and plenty of atmospheric moisture must exist.

Mayes was made aware of a satellite photograph of eastern Surrey by a colleague on the morning of January 23. The image showed three bands of what appeared to be light snowfall.

Mayes surmised that the industrial snow had been deposited along these tracks due to a light wind that had moved it in a north-northwest direction. He also added additional variables than industrial contamination from ground sources could have influenced events that day.

These include potential ice trails left in the wake of planes flying in and out of the airport, and there is also a chance that nearby reservoir moisture played a role.

He also observed that the snow during that day was incredibly dry, like "desiccated coconut," and, unlike frost, it looked to have been dropped on surfaces from above. This was first confusing, Mayes said, because the area was under a ridge of high pressure and there was little if any precipitation forecast at the time.

The evidence pointed towards something prompting water droplets in the fog to enlarge and freeze, becoming snowflakes. Pollution is likely to have given footholds or nucleation sites, allowing the droplets to become ice crystals. Mayes said that his witnessing the phenomenon was "an absolute chance," considering that the precipitation was so limited.

"If I'd lived a mile and a half away, I probably wouldn't have noticed it," he underscored.

Read Also: Global Decline In Snowfall Caused By Human-Induced Climate Change, Study Says

Rare Phenomenon

There was also a small quantity of passing clouds seen in the satellite image. However, Prof. Giles Harrison of the University of Reading's meteorology department said it was "extremely unlikely" that the snow had been generated by clouds in a more common way.

There was no sign of a weather front moving through the area, which would have been necessary for regular snowfall. Harrison added that industrial snowfall was not normally expected, which is why it could startle observers.

The phenomenon has also been documented in the US. One event in 2014 in Amarillo, Texas, was blamed on steam from major power plants, which is suspected to have changed to snow in the chilly February weather.

This uncommon sort of snow will probably grow rarer still in the UK, said Harrison, as average temperatures are likely to continue rising due to global warming.

Related Article: Nanoplastic Particles Have Been Detected in Snowfall Over High-Altitude Alps
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, visited the Azerbaijani office of the Independent Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Association (MUSIAD), Trend reports.

Chairman of the Board of MUSIAD Azerbaijan Rashad Jabirli, Turkish Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagci attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Rashad Jabirli, who gave information on MUSAD Azerbaijan's activities, stated that one of the organization's key goals is to enhance the volume of mutual trade and investment between the two brotherly countries.

The chairman also informed the Turkish minister about key events held in the country by MUSAD Azerbaijan.

MUSAD's actions in Azerbaijan were highly praised by Omer Bolat, who remarked that the organization plays an important role in promoting trade links between the two nations.

He highlighted that Azerbaijani-Turkish ties are expanding at a high level in all directions as a result of the successful policies of the two countries' presidents.

MUSIAD has more than 12,000 members in 164 locations in 81 countries, and 83 branches in Turkiye. This year, MUSIAD celebrated its 33rd anniversary.

TurkicWorld Media Platform was chosen as the official media partner of the forum.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Azerbaijan and Turkiye have prepared a project on restoration of 5 small HPPs in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said, Trend reports.

He spoke at the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum.

Jabbarov noted that opportunities have been created for investors in Azerbaijan to participate in projects.

"Opportunities have been created for investors in Azerbaijan to participate in projects in which Azerbaijan Investment Company is a partner within the framework of public-private partnership. In this context, the Azerbaijan Investment Company is negotiating with colleagues from Turkiye, and this year a project for restoration of 5 small HPPs in our territories liberated from occupation has been prepared," he said.

The Minister noted that Turkiye is ranked 1st in terms of Azerbaijan's investments in foreign countries.

"This definitely demonstrates the extent of development of our countries' investment partnership. From 1995 to the first six months of 2023, our country invested $19.9 billion in Turkiye. It is encouraging that Turkiye is the first country to engage in Azerbaijan's non-oil and gas economy," he said.

The Azerbaijani-Turkish investment forum started in Baku.

The forum will consider opportunities to expand Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various directions, sign investment and cooperation agreements.

More than 600 representatives of state institutions and private sector from both countries are taking part in the event.

Panel sessions covering investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, health tourism sectors will be held within the forum.
Rakesh Kumar By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, which replaces the three existing legislations. The bill was introduced in the lower house on 18 December 2023 as a Money Bill by telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The Bill (seeks) to amend and consolidate the law relating to development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of spectrum; and for connected matters, said Vaishnaw while introducing it in the parliament.

The Bill that will replace three existing legislations including the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the Telegraph Wires Act, 1950 proposes many changes in the sector. It includes provisions like the direct allocation of satellite spectrum, the prohibition of companies from using devices that are not from trusted sources, mandating biometric identification by telecom companies (telcos) before issuing SIM cards to consumers.

The government also moved away from the licensing regime, now as per the bill, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) only need authorisation for telecom service, telecom network and radio equipment in the country. It also prescribes punitive consequences for damaging the telecom infrastructure. Its provision of allocating satellite spectrum directly to the companies will benefit satellite communication players such as Sunil Mittal-led OneWeb, Jio Satellite and Elon Musk-led-Starlink.

The bill was hailed by the industry players and policy experts. Vodafone Idea, Indias third largest telecom operator, applauded the clause which prescribes punitive consequences for damaging the telecom infrastructure while Cellular Operator Association of India (COAI), in its statement liked the provisions that the Bill prevents coercive actions like sealing/shutdowns without due permission from the Central Government. However, it received flak from civil rights organizations as it called it the bill may allow mass surveillance.

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NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, which replaces the three existing legislations. The bill was introduced in the lower house on 18 December 2023 as a Money Bill by telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Bill (seeks) to amend and consolidate the law relating to development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of spectrum; and for connected matters, said Vaishnaw while introducing it in the parliament. The Bill that will replace three existing legislations including the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the Telegraph Wires Act, 1950 proposes many changes in the sector. It includes provisions like the direct allocation of satellite spectrum, the prohibition of companies from using devices that are not from trusted sources, mandating biometric identification by telecom companies (telcos) before issuing SIM cards to consumers. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The government also moved away from the licensing regime, now as per the bill, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) only need authorisation for telecom service, telecom network and radio equipment in the country. It also prescribes punitive consequences for damaging the telecom infrastructure. Its provision of allocating satellite spectrum directly to the companies will benefit satellite communication players such as Sunil Mittal-led OneWeb, Jio Satellite and Elon Musk-led-Starlink. The bill was hailed by the industry players and policy experts. Vodafone Idea, Indias third largest telecom operator, applauded the clause which prescribes punitive consequences for damaging the telecom infrastructure while Cellular Operator Association of India (COAI), in its statement liked the provisions that the Bill prevents coercive actions like sealing/shutdowns without due permission from the Central Government. However, it received flak from civil rights organizations as it called it the bill may allow mass surveillance. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Mumbai-based business couple Harihara Mahapatra and Preeti Mahapatra will together acquire a 19% stake in SpiceJet for Rs 1,100 crore in the cash-starved airline. The funding by the Mahapatras comes soon after SpiceJet reached out to its shareholders to vote on a proposal to raise Rs 2,254 crore through the issue of up to 130 million convertible warrants and 320.8 million fresh equity shares at an issue price of Rs 50 each to more than 60 investors.

The funding will mainly be used to meet various debt obligations, increase its operational fleet size, clearing jet fuel payments, among other things. The funding comes at a time when SpiceJet has shown interest in acquiring the grounded and bankrupt Go First airline.

The Board of Directors of the Company, recently approved a strategic move to raise fresh capital, totalling over Rs 2,240 crore (about $270 million). This initiative involves the issuance of equity shares to Financial Institutions, FIIs, HNIs, and private investors, aiming to fortify our airlines financial strength and accelerate our growth trajectory, said Ajay Singh Chairman & Managing Director of SpiceJet in the companys annual report filed on Wednesday.

Singh said `200 crore has been infused in the airline and that they will be infusing another Rs 300 crore. With this equity contribution, SpiceJet is entitled to additional credit facilities of Rs 200 crore under the emergency credit line guarantee scheme. As per a company filing, Preeti will be issued 20 crore shares worth Rs 1,000 crore and will hold a 17.66% stake in SpiceJet, following the allotment of shares and warrants. Hariahara will be issued 2 crore shares against an investment of Rs 100 crore for a 1.775 stake. Elara Capital and Aries Opportunities will be other prominent stakeholders. Post the transaction, promoter Singhs shareholding in the airline will come down from 56.49% to 38.55%.

Harihara Mahapatra is the co-founder of Mahapatra Universal Limited. While not much is known about the group, its website notes that it has a presence in multiple sectors, such as real estate, infrastructure, consulting, consumer, and retail.

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NEW DELHI: Mumbai-based business couple Harihara Mahapatra and Preeti Mahapatra will together acquire a 19% stake in SpiceJet for Rs 1,100 crore in the cash-starved airline. The funding by the Mahapatras comes soon after SpiceJet reached out to its shareholders to vote on a proposal to raise Rs 2,254 crore through the issue of up to 130 million convertible warrants and 320.8 million fresh equity shares at an issue price of Rs 50 each to more than 60 investors. The funding will mainly be used to meet various debt obligations, increase its operational fleet size, clearing jet fuel payments, among other things. The funding comes at a time when SpiceJet has shown interest in acquiring the grounded and bankrupt Go First airline. The Board of Directors of the Company, recently approved a strategic move to raise fresh capital, totalling over Rs 2,240 crore (about $270 million). This initiative involves the issuance of equity shares to Financial Institutions, FIIs, HNIs, and private investors, aiming to fortify our airlines financial strength and accelerate our growth trajectory, said Ajay Singh Chairman & Managing Director of SpiceJet in the companys annual report filed on Wednesday. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Singh said `200 crore has been infused in the airline and that they will be infusing another Rs 300 crore. With this equity contribution, SpiceJet is entitled to additional credit facilities of Rs 200 crore under the emergency credit line guarantee scheme. As per a company filing, Preeti will be issued 20 crore shares worth Rs 1,000 crore and will hold a 17.66% stake in SpiceJet, following the allotment of shares and warrants. Hariahara will be issued 2 crore shares against an investment of Rs 100 crore for a 1.775 stake. Elara Capital and Aries Opportunities will be other prominent stakeholders. Post the transaction, promoter Singhs shareholding in the airline will come down from 56.49% to 38.55%. Harihara Mahapatra is the co-founder of Mahapatra Universal Limited. While not much is known about the group, its website notes that it has a presence in multiple sectors, such as real estate, infrastructure, consulting, consumer, and retail. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Anup Verma and Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: A day after he attended the INDIA bloc meeting, Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday left for a 10-day Vipassana in Anandgarh village of Punjabs Hoshiarpur district, and is likely to skip the Enforcement Directorates second summons in the liquor policy case. According to the Chief Ministers Office, Kejriwal will be wholly cut off from his political life till December 30.

On Monday, the ED had issued a second summons to him for questioning. Kejriwal was first summoned on November 2, which he skipped, terming it vague, motivated and unsustainable in law.Sources said he left at around 1.30 pm on Wednesday for the pre-scheduled meditation course. This is Kejriwals first visit to a vipassana session in Punjab. Drones with cameras have been banned over and near the Chauhal rest house and the Vipassana centre. Security has been tightened around the centre.

Sources in the ED said that if the Delhi CM fails to appear on December 21, the central agency will reissue third summons to him. Kejriwal can only skip a summons thrice before he faces a non-bailable arrest warrant.

On Tuesday, the AAP questioned the timing of the summons, saying the partys lawyers are studying the notice and legally correct steps will be taken. They said Kejriwals Vipassana session was pre-scheduled, and the information was in the public domain. He regularly goes for this meditation course, AAP MP Raghav Chadha had said.

Kejriwals former deputy, Manish Sisodia, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh have been arrested in connection with the case.

Mann comes under sad attack

Accusing Punjab CM Bhagwat Mann of giving political asylum to Kejriwal, SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler said the move has put the government on a collision course with central agencies and the Supreme Court

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NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: A day after he attended the INDIA bloc meeting, Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday left for a 10-day Vipassana in Anandgarh village of Punjabs Hoshiarpur district, and is likely to skip the Enforcement Directorates second summons in the liquor policy case. According to the Chief Ministers Office, Kejriwal will be wholly cut off from his political life till December 30. On Monday, the ED had issued a second summons to him for questioning. Kejriwal was first summoned on November 2, which he skipped, terming it vague, motivated and unsustainable in law.Sources said he left at around 1.30 pm on Wednesday for the pre-scheduled meditation course. This is Kejriwals first visit to a vipassana session in Punjab. Drones with cameras have been banned over and near the Chauhal rest house and the Vipassana centre. Security has been tightened around the centre. Sources in the ED said that if the Delhi CM fails to appear on December 21, the central agency will reissue third summons to him. Kejriwal can only skip a summons thrice before he faces a non-bailable arrest warrant.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On Tuesday, the AAP questioned the timing of the summons, saying the partys lawyers are studying the notice and legally correct steps will be taken. They said Kejriwals Vipassana session was pre-scheduled, and the information was in the public domain. He regularly goes for this meditation course, AAP MP Raghav Chadha had said. Kejriwals former deputy, Manish Sisodia, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh have been arrested in connection with the case. Mann comes under sad attack Accusing Punjab CM Bhagwat Mann of giving political asylum to Kejriwal, SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler said the move has put the government on a collision course with central agencies and the Supreme Court Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: The MP/MLA court in Basti, eastern Uttar Pradesh, has granted the district police an additional 20 days to seize the assets of former minister Amarmani Tripathi, who has been declared a 'proclaimed offender' in a 2001 kidnapping case.

Originally, on December 2, the court had declared Amarmani a 'proclaimed offender' and ordered the attachment of his property related to the abduction of businessman Dharmraj Guptas son in 2001.

The court had instructed the district police to appear by December 20 for the attachment of properties. However, on Wednesday, the court extended the deadline to January 10, 2024, for the property attachment.

Earlier, on November 16, the court had summoned Amarmani to appear, but he failed to comply. In response, the court directed the Superintendent of Police (SP) Basti to form a special team to ensure Amarmanis presence at the next hearing on December 20. The case stems from the 2001 abduction of Rahul Madhesia, son of Dharmraj, who was later recovered by the Special Task Force (STF) in Lucknow.

Despite a non-bailable warrant, Amarmani had been avoiding court appearances. Recently, his lawyers informed the court that he was unwell and undergoing treatment at his Gorakhpur residence. In response, the court directed the Gorakhpur chief medical officer (CMO) to form a medical board, which found Amarmani suffering from depression. However, the court ruled that his medical condition did not exempt him from physical appearance, emphasizing that he must be present in court.

Amarmani and his wife, Madhumani, were imprisoned in 2007 for their involvement in the 2003 Madhumita murder case.

They were released on August 25, 2023, under the Uttar Pradesh Prison Administration and Reforms provisions. In addition to Amarmani, two associates, Nainish and Shivam Kumar, were declared absconders in the kidnapping case.

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LUCKNOW: The MP/MLA court in Basti, eastern Uttar Pradesh, has granted the district police an additional 20 days to seize the assets of former minister Amarmani Tripathi, who has been declared a 'proclaimed offender' in a 2001 kidnapping case. Originally, on December 2, the court had declared Amarmani a 'proclaimed offender' and ordered the attachment of his property related to the abduction of businessman Dharmraj Guptas son in 2001. The court had instructed the district police to appear by December 20 for the attachment of properties. However, on Wednesday, the court extended the deadline to January 10, 2024, for the property attachment.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Earlier, on November 16, the court had summoned Amarmani to appear, but he failed to comply. In response, the court directed the Superintendent of Police (SP) Basti to form a special team to ensure Amarmanis presence at the next hearing on December 20. The case stems from the 2001 abduction of Rahul Madhesia, son of Dharmraj, who was later recovered by the Special Task Force (STF) in Lucknow. Despite a non-bailable warrant, Amarmani had been avoiding court appearances. Recently, his lawyers informed the court that he was unwell and undergoing treatment at his Gorakhpur residence. In response, the court directed the Gorakhpur chief medical officer (CMO) to form a medical board, which found Amarmani suffering from depression. However, the court ruled that his medical condition did not exempt him from physical appearance, emphasizing that he must be present in court. Amarmani and his wife, Madhumani, were imprisoned in 2007 for their involvement in the 2003 Madhumita murder case. They were released on August 25, 2023, under the Uttar Pradesh Prison Administration and Reforms provisions. In addition to Amarmani, two associates, Nainish and Shivam Kumar, were declared absconders in the kidnapping case. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: The inaugural session of the 16th Assembly in Rajasthan commenced on Wednesday, with newly elected MLAs taking their oath on the first day of the two-day session. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma initiated the oath-taking ceremony, followed by Deputy CMs Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa.

Subsequently, all MLAs pledged their commitment as assembly members. On Thursday, the MLAs will convene to elect the Speaker of the Assembly. The BJP has already nominated Vasudev Devnani for the role, and being in majority, his election seems inevitable.

As the House proceedings began, Congress members, including former CM Ashok Gehlot and former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, wore black bands in protest against the suspension of Opposition MPs in Parliament. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara opposed the suspension from the day of oath-taking, condemning it as an attack on democracy. Protem Speaker Kalicharan Saraf intervened, stating it was not allowed, leading to Dotasaras removal from the House proceedings.

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JAIPUR: The inaugural session of the 16th Assembly in Rajasthan commenced on Wednesday, with newly elected MLAs taking their oath on the first day of the two-day session. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma initiated the oath-taking ceremony, followed by Deputy CMs Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa. Subsequently, all MLAs pledged their commitment as assembly members. On Thursday, the MLAs will convene to elect the Speaker of the Assembly. The BJP has already nominated Vasudev Devnani for the role, and being in majority, his election seems inevitable. As the House proceedings began, Congress members, including former CM Ashok Gehlot and former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, wore black bands in protest against the suspension of Opposition MPs in Parliament. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara opposed the suspension from the day of oath-taking, condemning it as an attack on democracy. Protem Speaker Kalicharan Saraf intervened, stating it was not allowed, leading to Dotasaras removal from the House proceedings.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Dilip Singh Kshatriya By

Express News Service

AHMEDABAD: A new trend of resignations in Gujarat politics has started with the recent resignations of an MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and one from the Congress. Meanwhile, Kirit Patel, Congress Patan MLA, told the media on Wednesday that three to four resignations from Congress are coming soon.

I believe three to four MLAs (from Congress) will leave soon. If the Congress party wants to win in Gujarat, it must convene an immediate organizational meeting. Steps must be taken to prevent MLAs from resigning. BJP would have tackled the issue by holding an emergency organizational meeting. If a persons voice is not heard, he will step out, said Patel.

Kirit Patel is not the only Congress representative to suggest that additional MLAs may resign; earlier this week, its Khambhat MLA Chirag Patel, who resigned from the party on Tuesday, told the media that several Congress MLAs will leave the party in the coming days.

In Gujarat, the pattern of Congress MLAs leaving the party is not new. According to statistics, over 100 Gujarat Congress leaders have joined the BJP thus far. From 2002 to 2017, as many as 80 state Congress leaders defected to the BJP, according to the state Congresss political history.

From 2017 to 2022, the BJP provided tickets to 12 former MLAs who left the Congress and fielded them in the last Assembly elections, but only nine of them were elected. With Congress lawmakers defecting to the BJP, the BJP gained 156 seats in the 2022 elections, while the Congress won only 17 seats out of 182

Assembly seats. With the resignation of Khambhat MLA Chirag Patel, the Congress tally has shrunk from 17 to 16.

Pattern not new

In Gujarat, the pattern of Congress MLAs leaving the party is not new. According to statistics, over 100 Gujarat Congress leaders have joined the BJP so far. From 2002 to 2017, as many as 80 state Congress leaders defected to the BJP, as per the state Congresss political history.

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AHMEDABAD: A new trend of resignations in Gujarat politics has started with the recent resignations of an MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and one from the Congress. Meanwhile, Kirit Patel, Congress Patan MLA, told the media on Wednesday that three to four resignations from Congress are coming soon. I believe three to four MLAs (from Congress) will leave soon. If the Congress party wants to win in Gujarat, it must convene an immediate organizational meeting. Steps must be taken to prevent MLAs from resigning. BJP would have tackled the issue by holding an emergency organizational meeting. If a persons voice is not heard, he will step out, said Patel. Kirit Patel is not the only Congress representative to suggest that additional MLAs may resign; earlier this week, its Khambhat MLA Chirag Patel, who resigned from the party on Tuesday, told the media that several Congress MLAs will leave the party in the coming days.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In Gujarat, the pattern of Congress MLAs leaving the party is not new. According to statistics, over 100 Gujarat Congress leaders have joined the BJP thus far. From 2002 to 2017, as many as 80 state Congress leaders defected to the BJP, according to the state Congresss political history. From 2017 to 2022, the BJP provided tickets to 12 former MLAs who left the Congress and fielded them in the last Assembly elections, but only nine of them were elected. With Congress lawmakers defecting to the BJP, the BJP gained 156 seats in the 2022 elections, while the Congress won only 17 seats out of 182 Assembly seats. With the resignation of Khambhat MLA Chirag Patel, the Congress tally has shrunk from 17 to 16. Pattern not new In Gujarat, the pattern of Congress MLAs leaving the party is not new. According to statistics, over 100 Gujarat Congress leaders have joined the BJP so far. From 2002 to 2017, as many as 80 state Congress leaders defected to the BJP, as per the state Congresss political history. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Sudhir Suryawanshi By

Express News Service

MUMBAI: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on the last day of Maharashtra state assemblys winter session reads out the various allegedly corruption scandals BMC during the pandemic ruled by Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.

CM Eknath Shinde said that during the pandemic, in BMC, a lot of corruption took place in different work and even alleged that the customized tenders were made to suit the relatives and people close to Uddhav Thackeray.

Shinde alleged that Varun Sardesai, cousin brother of Aaditya Thackeray bagged the maximum tender during the previous government.

He said that the stories of the corruption of BMC are more interesting than Arabian Nights and myths.

The central investigative agency Enforcement Directorate and CAG carried out a probe and several facts emerged. People were struggling to live their lives, but on the other side, the ruling party people were looting the system. It is like eating the butter from the mouth of the dead person, Shinde alleged.

CM Eknath Shinde alleged the road construction company from Uttar Pradesh bagged the major contract in Mumbai; it started with Penguin Park at Jijamata Udyan at Byculla.

ALSO READ| Supplementary provisions of Rs 26,000 crore proved to be unnecessary: CAG report in Maha assembly

Highway was a road construction company but was given contracts other than road construction. This company was even given a contract to set up an oxygen plant during the pandemic. Another person, who runs a mercantile shop in a suburb of Mumbai, was also given the oxygen plant contract. The firm failed to complete the oxygen plant work as per schedule. It was fined Rs 9 crore for delay in work, but only Rs 3 crore was recovered.

The firm was given different contracts such as with water purifiers and supplying of fish to penguins. Fake doctors were also hired during the pandemic to earn money, Shinde alleged.

He said due to the incompetence of the firm giving the health-related work without any experience, the health facility suffered a lot.

Shinde said that he did not want to read out such details of corruption, but Shiv Sena (UBT) reads all the wild allegations against them every day and therefore he has to speak out.

Oppositions before making allegations, should think twice, otherwise I will bring more such details into the public domain. These people also committed corruption in Khichadi, the contractor provided less quantity of Khichadi (100 gm) against the actual contract of 300 gm. The probe is on and it was also revealed the money was paid through the cheque, he added.

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MUMBAI: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on the last day of Maharashtra state assemblys winter session reads out the various allegedly corruption scandals BMC during the pandemic ruled by Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. CM Eknath Shinde said that during the pandemic, in BMC, a lot of corruption took place in different work and even alleged that the customized tenders were made to suit the relatives and people close to Uddhav Thackeray. Shinde alleged that Varun Sardesai, cousin brother of Aaditya Thackeray bagged the maximum tender during the previous government.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said that the stories of the corruption of BMC are more interesting than Arabian Nights and myths. The central investigative agency Enforcement Directorate and CAG carried out a probe and several facts emerged. People were struggling to live their lives, but on the other side, the ruling party people were looting the system. It is like eating the butter from the mouth of the dead person, Shinde alleged. CM Eknath Shinde alleged the road construction company from Uttar Pradesh bagged the major contract in Mumbai; it started with Penguin Park at Jijamata Udyan at Byculla. ALSO READ| Supplementary provisions of Rs 26,000 crore proved to be unnecessary: CAG report in Maha assembly Highway was a road construction company but was given contracts other than road construction. This company was even given a contract to set up an oxygen plant during the pandemic. Another person, who runs a mercantile shop in a suburb of Mumbai, was also given the oxygen plant contract. The firm failed to complete the oxygen plant work as per schedule. It was fined Rs 9 crore for delay in work, but only Rs 3 crore was recovered. The firm was given different contracts such as with water purifiers and supplying of fish to penguins. Fake doctors were also hired during the pandemic to earn money, Shinde alleged. He said due to the incompetence of the firm giving the health-related work without any experience, the health facility suffered a lot. Shinde said that he did not want to read out such details of corruption, but Shiv Sena (UBT) reads all the wild allegations against them every day and therefore he has to speak out. Oppositions before making allegations, should think twice, otherwise I will bring more such details into the public domain. These people also committed corruption in Khichadi, the contractor provided less quantity of Khichadi (100 gm) against the actual contract of 300 gm. The probe is on and it was also revealed the money was paid through the cheque, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed a contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai for procurement of six next generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard. The contract was made under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) (Indigenously designed, developed and manufactured) category at a total cost of Rs 1,614.89 crore. Out of the six vessels being procured, four would replace the existing aging offshore petrol vessels and the other two would augment the Indian Coast Guard fleet, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The acquisition of these patrol vessels is aimed at boosting the Indian Coast Guards capability and reinforcing the governments focus on maritime security, the statement said. These modern and high-tech ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime pollution response, and other capabilities such as humanitarian assistance by the Indian Coast Guard, according to the ministry.

Informing about the high-tech advanced features and equipment, the defence ministry said that these 115m offshore patrol vessels would be equipped with multi-purpose drones, Artificial Intelligence capability, and wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy, enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the coast guard to face new age multidimensional challenges.

These multi-role vessels will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by MDL and is expected to be delivered in 66 months. The contract achieves the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat to boost the nations indigenous ship-building capability, bolstering maritime economic activities and fostering the growth of ancillary industries, especially the MSME sector. The project will also generate employment opportunities and expertise development in the country.

The Indian Coast Guard came into being in February 1977 with a fleet strength of just seven ships for surveillance in the Indian waters and 2.01 million square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone. At present, it comprises 184 surface ships. The Indian Coast Guard is an auxiliary service for Maritime Law Enforcement, undertaking safety and protection tasks in Indian waters.

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NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed a contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai for procurement of six next generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard. The contract was made under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) (Indigenously designed, developed and manufactured) category at a total cost of Rs 1,614.89 crore. Out of the six vessels being procured, four would replace the existing aging offshore petrol vessels and the other two would augment the Indian Coast Guard fleet, the defence ministry said in a statement. The acquisition of these patrol vessels is aimed at boosting the Indian Coast Guards capability and reinforcing the governments focus on maritime security, the statement said. These modern and high-tech ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime pollution response, and other capabilities such as humanitarian assistance by the Indian Coast Guard, according to the ministry.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Informing about the high-tech advanced features and equipment, the defence ministry said that these 115m offshore patrol vessels would be equipped with multi-purpose drones, Artificial Intelligence capability, and wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy, enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the coast guard to face new age multidimensional challenges. These multi-role vessels will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by MDL and is expected to be delivered in 66 months. The contract achieves the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat to boost the nations indigenous ship-building capability, bolstering maritime economic activities and fostering the growth of ancillary industries, especially the MSME sector. The project will also generate employment opportunities and expertise development in the country. The Indian Coast Guard came into being in February 1977 with a fleet strength of just seven ships for surveillance in the Indian waters and 2.01 million square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone. At present, it comprises 184 surface ships. The Indian Coast Guard is an auxiliary service for Maritime Law Enforcement, undertaking safety and protection tasks in Indian waters. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and party leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have received invitations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

Sources said the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust sent the invitations to them. But the senior Congress leaders are unlikely to attend the ceremony, they added.

The invitations were sent individually to Kharge, Gandhi and Chowdhury, the sources said. Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda have also received invitations for the function.

The invitations, the sources said, were delivered by a delegation of those associated with the Trust.

More invitations are likely to be sent to other opposition leaders in the coming days.

The Trust has said that invitations have been extended to revered saints from different traditions, along with all prominent individuals contributing to the honour of the country in every domain.

In the new Teerthakshetrapuram (Bag Bijaisi), a Tent City has been established which includes six tubewells, six kitchen houses, and a hospital with ten beds, the Trust has said.

Approximately 150 doctors from around the country have agreed to provide their services in rotation at this hospital. About 4,000 saints from different sects have been invited to participate in the ceremony, the Trust has said.

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NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and party leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have received invitations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. Sources said the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust sent the invitations to them. But the senior Congress leaders are unlikely to attend the ceremony, they added. The invitations were sent individually to Kharge, Gandhi and Chowdhury, the sources said. Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda have also received invitations for the function.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The invitations, the sources said, were delivered by a delegation of those associated with the Trust. More invitations are likely to be sent to other opposition leaders in the coming days. The Trust has said that invitations have been extended to revered saints from different traditions, along with all prominent individuals contributing to the honour of the country in every domain. In the new Teerthakshetrapuram (Bag Bijaisi), a Tent City has been established which includes six tubewells, six kitchen houses, and a hospital with ten beds, the Trust has said. Approximately 150 doctors from around the country have agreed to provide their services in rotation at this hospital. About 4,000 saints from different sects have been invited to participate in the ceremony, the Trust has said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Speaking at the Azerbaijani-Turkish investment forum, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov named four areas of cooperation that have great prospects in the development of ties with Turkiye, Trend reports.

"Our balance of payments is in surplus. We have accumulated large foreign currency reserves. That is, we have capital for new projects, and we can create JVs with Turkish partners, as well as carry out other forms of cooperation for the economic development of both states," he noted.

According to him, the tariff and fiscal policy in Azerbaijan contributes to this.

Mentioning that Azerbaijan has large-scale energy projects, including with Turkish companies, the minister emphasized that the main goal of the government at this stage is to diversify the economy.

"In this regard, the technology sector, transportation sector and development of economic zones are important. For example, Azerbaijan is interested in the development of Alat FEZ, because it has a favorable geographical location and is of interest to companies of the Russian Federation, Central Asian countries and may be of interest to Turkish companies. If this corresponds to your medium- and long-term plans, then pay attention to our industrial parks and other economic zones. They have tax and customs privileges. We have the necessary infrastructure," the minister said, addressing the representatives of Turkish business circles.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan's geographical location allows transportation of cargoes along North-South and West-East corridors, and that interconnectors through Turkiye with access to the open sea are also important for their large-scale development.

"There are a number of attractive investment opportunities in transportation projects, and we recommend evaluating them," Jabbarov said.

He also mentioned that Turkiye has rich experience in the field of construction, and this is very important taking into account the planned work in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, where Azerbaijan's main capital investments are going.

"We offer the format of public-private partnership for investment in the development of Karabakh and East Zangezur," the minister added.

According to him, Azerbaijan has an attractive business environment and the economy is growing after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We create an average of 70,000 jobs annually. Moreover, this statistic is only for the private sector. This figure means that the number of people entering the labor market exceeds the number of retirees. This is a positive sign. An important area is the transfer of technologies, know-how, and there are great opportunities here," the minister said.

He wished success to the forum and emphasized that any questions of businessmen can be solved by AZPROMO organization.

The Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum started in Baku today.

The forum explores opportunities for expanding Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various fields, and investment agreements and cooperation agreements will be signed. More than 600 representatives from government institutions and the private sector from both countries are participating in the event.

The forum will include panel sessions covering investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, and health tourism sectors.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
By PTI

KOLKATA: Kalyan Banerjee, the TMC MP who is amid an uproar for mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, is no stranger to controversy, he has a prolonged history of issuing contentious remarks aimed at political adversaries.

The political row unfolded as Banerjee mimicked Dhankhar during the opposition's protest on the Parliament stairs on Tuesday, condemning the suspension of MPs.

The act drew sharp criticism from the ruling BJP, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi video-recording the performance.

The controversy surrounding TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee's mimicry of Dhankhar took centre stage on Wednesday, resonating both inside and outside Parliament.

President Droupadi Murmu, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed dismay over the incident.

READ MORE | Police complaint against TMC MP for mimicry of Vice-Prez in Parliament complex

Dhankhar, who is also the Rajya Sabha chairperson, said in the House that he would not tolerate any disrespect to Parliament or the constitutional post of the vice president.

In response, Banerjee clarified that he did not intend to harm anyone with his actions in the Parliament complex on Tuesday.

The 66-year-old former lawyer-turned-politician has earned the moniker "loose cannon" from political opponents due to a track record of making derogatory remarks against former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar during his tenure as the governor of West Bengal.

Banerjee, baptized in student politics and a law graduate, has been a loyal supporter of Mamata Banerjee.

He first became a Member of the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal in 2001.

Serving as a three-time Member of Parliament from the Serampore Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, Banerjee first gained notoriety in 2009 for criticizing then Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya's time spent at the city's cultural hub, Nandan.

In 2012, during the TMC's withdrawal of support from the Congress-led UPA government, Banerjee engaged in a verbal spat with then-Union Minister Anand Sharma over the issue of allowing foreign direct investment (FDI).

Four years later, amid protests against demonetisation outside the Reserve Bank of India office in Kolkata, Banerjee made some controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to widespread condemnation.

ALSO READ | Will not tolerate any insult to Parliament, post of vice president: Dhankhar on mimicry row

In January 2021, just months before the assembly polls, Kalyan Banerjee stirred controversy by invoking Goddess Sita and Lord Ram while criticising the BJP over the Hathras incident in Uttar Pradesh.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the BJP vehemently criticised Banerjee, demanding his immediate arrest for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

During Dhankhar's tenure as the West Bengal governor, the state government frequently clashed with him.

On numerous occasions, Banerjee, along with other leaders, spearheaded protests against the Raj Bhavan.

He even urged TMC workers to file police complaints against Dhankhar, suggesting that legal action be initiated once he ceases to be the Governor of the state.

Renowned for his legal acumen within the party, Banerjee is the go-to person for advice on most legal matters that the party or the state government may need to litigate.

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KOLKATA: Kalyan Banerjee, the TMC MP who is amid an uproar for mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, is no stranger to controversy, he has a prolonged history of issuing contentious remarks aimed at political adversaries. The political row unfolded as Banerjee mimicked Dhankhar during the opposition's protest on the Parliament stairs on Tuesday, condemning the suspension of MPs. The act drew sharp criticism from the ruling BJP, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi video-recording the performance.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The controversy surrounding TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee's mimicry of Dhankhar took centre stage on Wednesday, resonating both inside and outside Parliament. President Droupadi Murmu, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed dismay over the incident. READ MORE | Police complaint against TMC MP for mimicry of Vice-Prez in Parliament complex Dhankhar, who is also the Rajya Sabha chairperson, said in the House that he would not tolerate any disrespect to Parliament or the constitutional post of the vice president. In response, Banerjee clarified that he did not intend to harm anyone with his actions in the Parliament complex on Tuesday. The 66-year-old former lawyer-turned-politician has earned the moniker "loose cannon" from political opponents due to a track record of making derogatory remarks against former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar during his tenure as the governor of West Bengal. Banerjee, baptized in student politics and a law graduate, has been a loyal supporter of Mamata Banerjee. He first became a Member of the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal in 2001. Serving as a three-time Member of Parliament from the Serampore Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, Banerjee first gained notoriety in 2009 for criticizing then Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya's time spent at the city's cultural hub, Nandan. In 2012, during the TMC's withdrawal of support from the Congress-led UPA government, Banerjee engaged in a verbal spat with then-Union Minister Anand Sharma over the issue of allowing foreign direct investment (FDI). Four years later, amid protests against demonetisation outside the Reserve Bank of India office in Kolkata, Banerjee made some controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to widespread condemnation. ALSO READ | Will not tolerate any insult to Parliament, post of vice president: Dhankhar on mimicry row In January 2021, just months before the assembly polls, Kalyan Banerjee stirred controversy by invoking Goddess Sita and Lord Ram while criticising the BJP over the Hathras incident in Uttar Pradesh. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the BJP vehemently criticised Banerjee, demanding his immediate arrest for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. During Dhankhar's tenure as the West Bengal governor, the state government frequently clashed with him. On numerous occasions, Banerjee, along with other leaders, spearheaded protests against the Raj Bhavan. He even urged TMC workers to file police complaints against Dhankhar, suggesting that legal action be initiated once he ceases to be the Governor of the state. Renowned for his legal acumen within the party, Banerjee is the go-to person for advice on most legal matters that the party or the state government may need to litigate. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ejaz Kaiser By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: With yet another resignation, this time by a veteran tribal leader, the unrest and disappointment persist within the Chhattisgarh unit of the Congress following the defeat the party faced in the recent Assembly polls.

Nand Kumar Sai, 77, who resigned from the BJP after a 45-year old association with the saffron party, joined the Congress in May this year. The BJP stalwart switching allegiance then to the ruling party in an election year was cited as a significant political development.

He was a popular tribal face for the BJP and the Centre had appointed him as the chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in 2017. Sai on Wednesday cited the existing circumstances as the reason behind his decision to resign from the primary membership of the party as conveyed to the state Congress president Deepak Baij. Incidentally, Nand Kumar Sai and chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai are both from Jashpur and had represented the BJP from Tapkara Assembly constituency on different occasions in the undivided Madhya Pradesh.

A three-time Lok Sabha member and three-time MLA, Sai while joining the Congress had claimed that he was deeply pained to see the BJP as created by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani no longer existed. He was also a member of Rajya Sabha twice.

Earlier, ex-MLA Chunnilal Sahu tendered his resignation as the state vice-president of Congress, underlining dejection after the partys unexpected defeat. Two-time legislator and chief of Dudhadhari Matha (Hindu monastery) Mahant Ramsundar Das who lost to BJPs Brijmohan Agrawal in Raipur-south constituency by a record margin and another ex-MLA Mohit Kerkatta who represented Pali-Tanakhar seat have already resigned from the primary membership.

Post-defeat, the Congress party has been witnessing turmoil with many party leaders and cadres engaged in serious arguments, blaming each other for the loss. The party expelled two former MLAs on grounds of anti-party activities and accusing senior Congress leaders for the poll drubbing.

Blame game for Cong

Post-defeat, the Congress has seen turmoil with many party leaders and cadres engaged in arguments, blaming each other for the loss. The party expelled two ex-MLAs for anti-party activities and poll drubbing.

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JAIPUR: With yet another resignation, this time by a veteran tribal leader, the unrest and disappointment persist within the Chhattisgarh unit of the Congress following the defeat the party faced in the recent Assembly polls. Nand Kumar Sai, 77, who resigned from the BJP after a 45-year old association with the saffron party, joined the Congress in May this year. The BJP stalwart switching allegiance then to the ruling party in an election year was cited as a significant political development. He was a popular tribal face for the BJP and the Centre had appointed him as the chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in 2017. Sai on Wednesday cited the existing circumstances as the reason behind his decision to resign from the primary membership of the party as conveyed to the state Congress president Deepak Baij. Incidentally, Nand Kumar Sai and chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai are both from Jashpur and had represented the BJP from Tapkara Assembly constituency on different occasions in the undivided Madhya Pradesh.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A three-time Lok Sabha member and three-time MLA, Sai while joining the Congress had claimed that he was deeply pained to see the BJP as created by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani no longer existed. He was also a member of Rajya Sabha twice. Earlier, ex-MLA Chunnilal Sahu tendered his resignation as the state vice-president of Congress, underlining dejection after the partys unexpected defeat. Two-time legislator and chief of Dudhadhari Matha (Hindu monastery) Mahant Ramsundar Das who lost to BJPs Brijmohan Agrawal in Raipur-south constituency by a record margin and another ex-MLA Mohit Kerkatta who represented Pali-Tanakhar seat have already resigned from the primary membership. Post-defeat, the Congress party has been witnessing turmoil with many party leaders and cadres engaged in serious arguments, blaming each other for the loss. The party expelled two former MLAs on grounds of anti-party activities and accusing senior Congress leaders for the poll drubbing. Blame game for Cong Post-defeat, the Congress has seen turmoil with many party leaders and cadres engaged in arguments, blaming each other for the loss. The party expelled two ex-MLAs for anti-party activities and poll drubbing. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with a delegation of party MPs to demand the release of Rs 1.15 lakh crore that the Centre owes the state on account of various central schemes and claims for natural disasters over the past years.

Mamata met Modi along with TMC MPs. Kalyan Banerjee, who courted controversy by mimicking Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, was removed from the delegation at the instance of the PMO.

During the meeting, the Bengal CM told the PM that despite performing well in all areas, her state is yet to get its due share of Central resources. Modi proposed that officials of the state and the Centre sit together and sort out things.

Speaking to reporters later, Mamata said 155 central teams have already visited West Bengal and the state government has clarified all the issues raised by them. We have given clarification 155 times. We can do that once again. In a federal structure, the Central government has a share and the state also has a share, she said.

On MGNREGA funds, she said it is mandatory to pay the workers. We didnt get a penny for 100 days of work in the Budget for FY23. A memorandum was also submitted to the PM stating that when her government came to power, it acquired the legacy of a burden of Rs 2 lakh crore of debt of the previous regime and it had to repay a Rs 5 lakh crore including interest. Despite this, the state achieved progress in 2011-2023.

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NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with a delegation of party MPs to demand the release of Rs 1.15 lakh crore that the Centre owes the state on account of various central schemes and claims for natural disasters over the past years. Mamata met Modi along with TMC MPs. Kalyan Banerjee, who courted controversy by mimicking Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, was removed from the delegation at the instance of the PMO. During the meeting, the Bengal CM told the PM that despite performing well in all areas, her state is yet to get its due share of Central resources. Modi proposed that officials of the state and the Centre sit together and sort out things. Speaking to reporters later, Mamata said 155 central teams have already visited West Bengal and the state government has clarified all the issues raised by them. We have given clarification 155 times. We can do that once again. In a federal structure, the Central government has a share and the state also has a share, she said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On MGNREGA funds, she said it is mandatory to pay the workers. We didnt get a penny for 100 days of work in the Budget for FY23. A memorandum was also submitted to the PM stating that when her government came to power, it acquired the legacy of a burden of Rs 2 lakh crore of debt of the previous regime and it had to repay a Rs 5 lakh crore including interest. Despite this, the state achieved progress in 2011-2023. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Sudhir Suryawanshi By

Express News Service

After their major victory in three northern states, the BJP is contemplating whether they can contest the 2024 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections on their own and win as many seats as possible. The second option emerging is to ask prominent leaders of alliance partners, who are strong in their constituencies, to contest on the BJP symbol. Brainstorming and surveys are being carried out to get ground feedback. The BJP believes it no longer needs to carry the baggage of tainted and compromised members of its alliance partners.

Rs 100 cr spent on repair work by ministers, officials

The Maharashtra State Assemblys winter session takes place in Nagpur for three weeks. After the session, the state governments Public Works Department undertakes repair work of the residences of ministers, MLAs/MLCs, and bureaucrats, where over Rs 100 crore is squandered each year for 15 days. Ministers and bureaucrats ask civil contractors to replace pairs of everything from refrigerators to washing machines, along with a varied number of chappals as well. The contractors have a hard time providing specific maids that ministers have used for years. They prefer not to have new but prefer experienced ones.

Seat-sharing for LS polls must take place in Delhi

The INDIA alliance partners, Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), asked the top leadership of the Congress that the seat-sharing for the Lok Sabha should take place in Delhi with the central leaders of the party only. Both regional parties complained that in the last Lok Sabha election, the Congress party won only a few seats but is demanding 15 to 18 seats and laying claim over seats traditionally contested and won by alliance partners. They believe that the discussion of seat-sharing will not proceed in a positive direction if local Congress leaders are involved in the talks.

Sudhir Suryawanshi

Our correspondent in Maharashtra

suryawanshi.sudhir@gmail.com

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After their major victory in three northern states, the BJP is contemplating whether they can contest the 2024 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections on their own and win as many seats as possible. The second option emerging is to ask prominent leaders of alliance partners, who are strong in their constituencies, to contest on the BJP symbol. Brainstorming and surveys are being carried out to get ground feedback. The BJP believes it no longer needs to carry the baggage of tainted and compromised members of its alliance partners. Rs 100 cr spent on repair work by ministers, officials The Maharashtra State Assemblys winter session takes place in Nagpur for three weeks. After the session, the state governments Public Works Department undertakes repair work of the residences of ministers, MLAs/MLCs, and bureaucrats, where over Rs 100 crore is squandered each year for 15 days. Ministers and bureaucrats ask civil contractors to replace pairs of everything from refrigerators to washing machines, along with a varied number of chappals as well. The contractors have a hard time providing specific maids that ministers have used for years. They prefer not to have new but prefer experienced ones. Seat-sharing for LS polls must take place in Delhi The INDIA alliance partners, Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), asked the top leadership of the Congress that the seat-sharing for the Lok Sabha should take place in Delhi with the central leaders of the party only. Both regional parties complained that in the last Lok Sabha election, the Congress party won only a few seats but is demanding 15 to 18 seats and laying claim over seats traditionally contested and won by alliance partners. They believe that the discussion of seat-sharing will not proceed in a positive direction if local Congress leaders are involved in the talks. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sudhir Suryawanshi Our correspondent in Maharashtra suryawanshi.sudhir@gmail.com Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Nikhil Gupta, who has been named by the US Justice Department in the foiled assassination attempt of Khalistani separatist Gurupatwant Pannun  has been granted consular access thrice in Prague, since his arrest on June 30th.

The 52-year-old, also known as Nick, is detained in Pragues Pankrac prison. The US has been seeking his extradition since August. India has granted consular support to Gupta as he is an Indian citizen.

"An Indian national is currently in the custody of the Czech authorities pending a request for extradition to the US. We have received consular access at least on three occasions, said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi adding that the family of Gupta had gone to the Supreme Court, and since the matter is sub judice they would not make any further comments.

Gupta had approached the Supreme Court last week seeking intervention in the extradition and ensuring a fair trial in the case.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Court in Prague has said that the extradition of Gupta to the US is admissible, however, the decision of the municipal court in Prague is not yet legal force, according to the spokesperson of the Czech justice ministry.

"The Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic can confirm that Nikhil Gupta was apprehended and afterwards taken into provisional custody in the Czech Republic at the request of the competent authority of the US  which subsequently submitted a request for his extradition, read the statement issued by the Czech Justice Ministry.

The Czech Justice Ministry has also said that the extradition request has been made for the US for a conspiracy to murder for hire.

After a preliminary investigation, the Municipal Public Prosecution Office in Prague filed a motion to declare the extradition is admissible. The decisions of the Czech courts are also not publicly available online.

Meanwhile, the writ petition that has been filed by Guptas family, states that he was illegally detained in Prague Airport on June 30th.

"From the outset, the petitioner contends that the circumstances surrounding his arrest were marked by irregularities with no formal arrest warrant presented and the apprehension executed by self-claimed US agents rather than Czech authorities.

The petitioner also implores the court to delve into the intricate diplomatic nuances, scrutinise the violations of human rights and invoke its constitutional authority to safeguard his interests in the face of perilous and allegedly wrongful detention.

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NEW DELHI: Nikhil Gupta, who has been named by the US Justice Department in the foiled assassination attempt of Khalistani separatist Gurupatwant Pannun  has been granted consular access thrice in Prague, since his arrest on June 30th. The 52-year-old, also known as Nick, is detained in Pragues Pankrac prison. The US has been seeking his extradition since August. India has granted consular support to Gupta as he is an Indian citizen. "An Indian national is currently in the custody of the Czech authorities pending a request for extradition to the US. We have received consular access at least on three occasions, said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi adding that the family of Gupta had gone to the Supreme Court, and since the matter is sub judice they would not make any further comments.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Gupta had approached the Supreme Court last week seeking intervention in the extradition and ensuring a fair trial in the case. Meanwhile, the Municipal Court in Prague has said that the extradition of Gupta to the US is admissible, however, the decision of the municipal court in Prague is not yet legal force, according to the spokesperson of the Czech justice ministry. "The Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic can confirm that Nikhil Gupta was apprehended and afterwards taken into provisional custody in the Czech Republic at the request of the competent authority of the US  which subsequently submitted a request for his extradition, read the statement issued by the Czech Justice Ministry. The Czech Justice Ministry has also said that the extradition request has been made for the US for a conspiracy to murder for hire. After a preliminary investigation, the Municipal Public Prosecution Office in Prague filed a motion to declare the extradition is admissible. The decisions of the Czech courts are also not publicly available online. Meanwhile, the writ petition that has been filed by Guptas family, states that he was illegally detained in Prague Airport on June 30th. "From the outset, the petitioner contends that the circumstances surrounding his arrest were marked by irregularities with no formal arrest warrant presented and the apprehension executed by self-claimed US agents rather than Czech authorities. The petitioner also implores the court to delve into the intricate diplomatic nuances, scrutinise the violations of human rights and invoke its constitutional authority to safeguard his interests in the face of perilous and allegedly wrongful detention. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court in its judgment granting bail to activist Gautam Navlakha, an accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, has noted that there was no material on record to infer prima facie that he conspired to or committed any terrorist act.

A division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and S G Dige granted bail to Navlakha on Tuesday. The full text of the judgement became available on Wednesday.

"From the material on record, it appears to us that no covert or overt terrorist act has been attributed to the appellant (Navlakha)," the high court said.

Navlakha, arrested in the case in August 2018, was in November 2022 permitted by the Supreme Court to be placed under house arrest. He is presently residing in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

ALSO READ: What the Battle of Bhima Koregaon means to the Dalits

While granting him bail, the bench stayed the order for three weeks so that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) could approach the Supreme Court for an appeal.

"We are of the prima facie opinion that based on the material placed before us by the NIA, it cannot be said that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusation against the appellant is prima facie true," the judgement said.

"According to us, the record prima facie indicates that it was at the most the intention of the appellant to commit the alleged crime and not more than it. The said intention has not been further transformed into preparation or attempt to commit a terrorist act," the court said.

The witness statements at the most indicated that Navlakha was a member of the CPI (Maoist) which would attract only the provisions of sections 13 (participating in an unlawful activity) and 38 (membership of a terrorist organization) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the judges noted.

Both these sections provide for a maximum punishment not exceeding ten years.

The court also remarked that the documents, which have not been recovered from Navlakha but mention his name, have "weak probative value or quality".

"The content of these letters/documents through which the appellant is sought to be implicated are in the form of hearsay evidence, as they are recovered from co-accused," it said.

Through these documents and communications, the NIA was trying to establish Navlakha's association with the activities of a terrorist organization.

"The actual involvement of the appellant in any terrorist act cannot be even inferred from any of the communications and or statements of the witnesses. According to us, there is no material to infer conspiracy to commit an offence as contemplated under Chapter IV of the UAPA (terrorist activities)," the HC said.

It cannot even be said at this stage that the provisions of sections 15 (terrorist act), 18 (conspiracy) or 20 (being a member of a terrorist organization) can be "prima facie" applied to Navlakha, it said.

The bench also cited the Supreme Court order granting bail to co-accused Vernon Gonsalves which said mere possession of literature, even if the content thereof inspires or propagates violence, by itself cannot constitute any offence under the UAPA.

"Therefore, in the present case, the said documents which have been recovered from the appellant (Navlakha) such as the Agenda or Constitution of the Party or other related documents, which allegedly propagated violence, would not attract the provisions of section 15 of the UAPA (terrorist act)," the court said.

In some of the documents and letters addressed to each other by the co-accused, the name "Gautam" could be another person by the name Gautam @ Sadha who is a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist), it said.

"Therefore, it cannot be safely inferred that it is the appellant (Navlakha) who has been referred to in those documents.

At this stage prima facie, we cannot presume that 'Gautam' is the same person as the identity of the said 'Gautam' is yet to be established beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution," the HC said.

Referring to the documents submitted by the NIA where the writers have expressed their intention to cause fatality to politically influential persons or cause tremendous disturbance in society at large, the court said, "The appellant only being a member of the party cannot be prima facie held to be a co-conspirator to it."

The court also refused to accept the NIA's claim that Navlakha had connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as he had written a letter to a US court judge seeking clemency for Ghulam Fai (a US-based Kashmiri separatist).

It appeared that Navlakha had written the letter in his capacity, and at the most it can be said, being a member of his party, the judges said.

He was in jail for three years and the trial court was yet to frame charges in the case, and hence the possibility of the trial being concluded in the near future was very bleak, the court said.

The case against Navlakha and others originally related to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017.

Pune Police, who probed the case initially, claimed that the conclave had been backed by the Maoists, and the speeches triggered caste violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune district.

READ MORE: Life and liberty in the Bhima Koregaon case

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MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court in its judgment granting bail to activist Gautam Navlakha, an accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, has noted that there was no material on record to infer prima facie that he conspired to or committed any terrorist act. A division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and S G Dige granted bail to Navlakha on Tuesday. The full text of the judgement became available on Wednesday. "From the material on record, it appears to us that no covert or overt terrorist act has been attributed to the appellant (Navlakha)," the high court said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Navlakha, arrested in the case in August 2018, was in November 2022 permitted by the Supreme Court to be placed under house arrest. He is presently residing in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. ALSO READ: What the Battle of Bhima Koregaon means to the Dalits While granting him bail, the bench stayed the order for three weeks so that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) could approach the Supreme Court for an appeal. "We are of the prima facie opinion that based on the material placed before us by the NIA, it cannot be said that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusation against the appellant is prima facie true," the judgement said. "According to us, the record prima facie indicates that it was at the most the intention of the appellant to commit the alleged crime and not more than it. The said intention has not been further transformed into preparation or attempt to commit a terrorist act," the court said. The witness statements at the most indicated that Navlakha was a member of the CPI (Maoist) which would attract only the provisions of sections 13 (participating in an unlawful activity) and 38 (membership of a terrorist organization) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the judges noted. Both these sections provide for a maximum punishment not exceeding ten years. The court also remarked that the documents, which have not been recovered from Navlakha but mention his name, have "weak probative value or quality". "The content of these letters/documents through which the appellant is sought to be implicated are in the form of hearsay evidence, as they are recovered from co-accused," it said. Through these documents and communications, the NIA was trying to establish Navlakha's association with the activities of a terrorist organization. "The actual involvement of the appellant in any terrorist act cannot be even inferred from any of the communications and or statements of the witnesses. According to us, there is no material to infer conspiracy to commit an offence as contemplated under Chapter IV of the UAPA (terrorist activities)," the HC said. It cannot even be said at this stage that the provisions of sections 15 (terrorist act), 18 (conspiracy) or 20 (being a member of a terrorist organization) can be "prima facie" applied to Navlakha, it said. The bench also cited the Supreme Court order granting bail to co-accused Vernon Gonsalves which said mere possession of literature, even if the content thereof inspires or propagates violence, by itself cannot constitute any offence under the UAPA. "Therefore, in the present case, the said documents which have been recovered from the appellant (Navlakha) such as the Agenda or Constitution of the Party or other related documents, which allegedly propagated violence, would not attract the provisions of section 15 of the UAPA (terrorist act)," the court said. In some of the documents and letters addressed to each other by the co-accused, the name "Gautam" could be another person by the name Gautam @ Sadha who is a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist), it said. "Therefore, it cannot be safely inferred that it is the appellant (Navlakha) who has been referred to in those documents. At this stage prima facie, we cannot presume that 'Gautam' is the same person as the identity of the said 'Gautam' is yet to be established beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution," the HC said. Referring to the documents submitted by the NIA where the writers have expressed their intention to cause fatality to politically influential persons or cause tremendous disturbance in society at large, the court said, "The appellant only being a member of the party cannot be prima facie held to be a co-conspirator to it." The court also refused to accept the NIA's claim that Navlakha had connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as he had written a letter to a US court judge seeking clemency for Ghulam Fai (a US-based Kashmiri separatist). It appeared that Navlakha had written the letter in his capacity, and at the most it can be said, being a member of his party, the judges said. He was in jail for three years and the trial court was yet to frame charges in the case, and hence the possibility of the trial being concluded in the near future was very bleak, the court said. The case against Navlakha and others originally related to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017. Pune Police, who probed the case initially, claimed that the conclave had been backed by the Maoists, and the speeches triggered caste violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune district. READ MORE: Life and liberty in the Bhima Koregaon case Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Express News Service

BENGALURU/BAGALKOT: The Delhi police have taken Sai Krishna Jagali (30), son of retired police officer deputy superintendent of police Vittal Jagali for questioning in the December 13, Lok Sabha security breach case.

According to the sources, after being taken into custody from his house, he was later taken to Navanagar Police Station where the police of Delhi held some talks. Later, at night, he was taken to Delhi.

The sources said that Saikrishna, who is a software engineer, was a friend and classmate of Manorajan, who is one of the prime accused in the Parliament attack case. He was also sharing the room with Manorajan during his studies in 2008-09.

Sai Krishna is a friend of one of the accused D Manoranjan from Mysuru. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Superintendent of Police, Bagalkot Amarnath Reddy confirmed that the Delhi police took Sai Krishna from his house in Vidyagiri in Bagalkot on Wednesday night around 10 pm to Delhi for questioning.

He has not been arrested so far. Sai Krishna is a software engineer and is said to be in close touch with Manoranjan. According to sources, the investigation in the case and interrogation of Manoranjan may have thrown up the name of Sai Krishna. No other details are known so far. Manoranjan had opened the yellow smoke canister from the visitors gallery at the ongoing session in the Lok Sabha leading to panic and chaos.

He had allegedly met the other accused Sagar Sharma in Mysuru and had made four visits to New Delhi this year but did not share the reasons for those visits and the people he met in the National capital. Sharma had jumped down from the visitors gallery and was seen jumping on the rows towards the Speakers chair, when he was overpowered by an MP.

According to unconfirmed sources, there is a possibility that the plot of December 13 was hatched in Mysuru. It was a planned conspiracy. The five accused arrested in the case - Manoranjan, Sharma, Neelam Azad (Devi) from Haryana, Amol Shinde from Maharashtra and Lalit Jha from Bihar - knew each other. Sagar is an e-rickshaw driver from Lucknow. He was in Bengaluru during the pandemic years after which he returned to Lucknow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grave concern at the Parliament security breach and said it was important to know who is behind the incident. So far 143 Opposition MPS have been suspended for protesting against the LS breach.

Meanwhile reacting to the incident, Spandana, the sister of Saikrishna, told media persons that her brother is innocent and the police have taken into custody merely for getting some clarification.

She said that the police wanted to know his links with Manoranjan as both had spent time together as roommates.

My brother is innocent and has no connection with the Parliament incident. I am confident that he will be back soon clean, she said.

Resident of Sector 11 of Vidyagiri locality, she said that her brother was no longer working for an IT company and was busy developing his own App.

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BENGALURU/BAGALKOT: The Delhi police have taken Sai Krishna Jagali (30), son of retired police officer deputy superintendent of police Vittal Jagali for questioning in the December 13, Lok Sabha security breach case. According to the sources, after being taken into custody from his house, he was later taken to Navanagar Police Station where the police of Delhi held some talks. Later, at night, he was taken to Delhi. The sources said that Saikrishna, who is a software engineer, was a friend and classmate of Manorajan, who is one of the prime accused in the Parliament attack case. He was also sharing the room with Manorajan during his studies in 2008-09.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sai Krishna is a friend of one of the accused D Manoranjan from Mysuru. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Superintendent of Police, Bagalkot Amarnath Reddy confirmed that the Delhi police took Sai Krishna from his house in Vidyagiri in Bagalkot on Wednesday night around 10 pm to Delhi for questioning. He has not been arrested so far. Sai Krishna is a software engineer and is said to be in close touch with Manoranjan. According to sources, the investigation in the case and interrogation of Manoranjan may have thrown up the name of Sai Krishna. No other details are known so far. Manoranjan had opened the yellow smoke canister from the visitors gallery at the ongoing session in the Lok Sabha leading to panic and chaos. He had allegedly met the other accused Sagar Sharma in Mysuru and had made four visits to New Delhi this year but did not share the reasons for those visits and the people he met in the National capital. Sharma had jumped down from the visitors gallery and was seen jumping on the rows towards the Speakers chair, when he was overpowered by an MP. According to unconfirmed sources, there is a possibility that the plot of December 13 was hatched in Mysuru. It was a planned conspiracy. The five accused arrested in the case - Manoranjan, Sharma, Neelam Azad (Devi) from Haryana, Amol Shinde from Maharashtra and Lalit Jha from Bihar - knew each other. Sagar is an e-rickshaw driver from Lucknow. He was in Bengaluru during the pandemic years after which he returned to Lucknow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grave concern at the Parliament security breach and said it was important to know who is behind the incident. So far 143 Opposition MPS have been suspended for protesting against the LS breach. Meanwhile reacting to the incident, Spandana, the sister of Saikrishna, told media persons that her brother is innocent and the police have taken into custody merely for getting some clarification. She said that the police wanted to know his links with Manoranjan as both had spent time together as roommates. My brother is innocent and has no connection with the Parliament incident. I am confident that he will be back soon clean, she said. Resident of Sector 11 of Vidyagiri locality, she said that her brother was no longer working for an IT company and was busy developing his own App. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By ANI

NEW DELHI: Parliament passed a bill on Thursday to regulate the appointment and service terms of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners, with Law Minister Arjun Meghwal stating that legislation has been brought following a judgement of the Supreme Court.

The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 was passed by Lok Sabha after a brief debate. It was passed by Rajya Sabha last week.

Major opposition political parties did take part in the debate on the bill, as 97 of their members have been suspended for "misconduct" for the remainder of the winter session.

The bill provides for the appointment, qualifications, Search Committee, Selection Committee, term of office, salary, resignation and removal, leave, and pension of the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners.

Meghwal said that the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 does not contain provisions regarding the qualifications, search committee for preparing a panel of persons for consideration and recommendation by the Selection Committee for appointment as CEC and election commissioners.

The Supreme Court, in a writ petition, declared that the appointment of CEC and ECs shall be made by the President on the basis of advice tendered by a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha or the leader of the largest opposition party in the House and the Chief Justice of India. Meghwal said the judgment had noted that the norm provided by the Supreme Court will continue to hold good till a law is made by the Parliament.

"We are bringing the law for this purpose," he said.

He said an amendment in the bill is that the search committee will be headed by the Law Minister instead of the cabinet secretary.

The bill provides that CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will consist of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and Leader of Opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.

The Bill will replace the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.

Opposition members have earlier expressed their serious concern over the provisions of the bill, saying it is "one of the biggest blows to democracy" by the Modi government in the last nine years.

Congress leaders said there was a time when EC meant electoral credibility' but today it means 'elections compromised'.

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NEW DELHI: Parliament passed a bill on Thursday to regulate the appointment and service terms of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners, with Law Minister Arjun Meghwal stating that legislation has been brought following a judgement of the Supreme Court. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 was passed by Lok Sabha after a brief debate. It was passed by Rajya Sabha last week. Major opposition political parties did take part in the debate on the bill, as 97 of their members have been suspended for "misconduct" for the remainder of the winter session.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The bill provides for the appointment, qualifications, Search Committee, Selection Committee, term of office, salary, resignation and removal, leave, and pension of the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners. Meghwal said that the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 does not contain provisions regarding the qualifications, search committee for preparing a panel of persons for consideration and recommendation by the Selection Committee for appointment as CEC and election commissioners. The Supreme Court, in a writ petition, declared that the appointment of CEC and ECs shall be made by the President on the basis of advice tendered by a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha or the leader of the largest opposition party in the House and the Chief Justice of India. Meghwal said the judgment had noted that the norm provided by the Supreme Court will continue to hold good till a law is made by the Parliament. "We are bringing the law for this purpose," he said. He said an amendment in the bill is that the search committee will be headed by the Law Minister instead of the cabinet secretary. The bill provides that CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will consist of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and Leader of Opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha. The Bill will replace the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991. Opposition members have earlier expressed their serious concern over the provisions of the bill, saying it is "one of the biggest blows to democracy" by the Modi government in the last nine years. Congress leaders said there was a time when EC meant electoral credibility' but today it means 'elections compromised'. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Thursday extended till January 5 the police custody of four accused arrested in the Parliament security breach case, after the city police said they needed to uncover all those involved in the conspiracy.

Special Judge Hardeep Kaur extended the custody of accused Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Amol Dhanraj Shinde and Neelam Devi by 15 days on an application moved by the city police.

The Delhi Police sought an extension of their custody by 15 days, saying the accused were to be taken to various places for investigation which was "at a crucial stage".

Public Prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh told the court the accused were required to be quizzed further to find out the entire conspiracy and to get to the root of the matter.

"We have to find out the actual persons involved in the conspiracy. All are required to be looked into in totality while investigating this matter. We have to find out the ultimate objective of the offence," the prosecutor told the court, emphasising the need for their sustained custodial interrogation.

ALSO READ | Parliament breach probe: Delhi Police questions two more people, one detained in Karnataka

The counsel for the accused opposed the police's application seeking further remand.

The lawyer contended that based on the arguments put forward by the prosecutor, a maximum of three more days of custodial interrogation should be enough.

The court, meanwhile, directed the Investigating Officer (IO) to hand over a copy of the FIR to the counsel appearing for Neelam, the only woman accused arrested in the case.

"The concerned IO (investigating officer) is directed to furnish the copy of the present FIR to the applicant/accused as per law," the judge said in the order passed on Neelam's application.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on December 13, two of them- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by some MPs.

Around the same time, two others- Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi- also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting "tanashahi nahi chalegi" outside the Parliament House premises.

Besides the four accused, police have also arrested Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat in the case. All are being interrogated in police custody.

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NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Thursday extended till January 5 the police custody of four accused arrested in the Parliament security breach case, after the city police said they needed to uncover all those involved in the conspiracy. Special Judge Hardeep Kaur extended the custody of accused Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Amol Dhanraj Shinde and Neelam Devi by 15 days on an application moved by the city police. The Delhi Police sought an extension of their custody by 15 days, saying the accused were to be taken to various places for investigation which was "at a crucial stage".googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Public Prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh told the court the accused were required to be quizzed further to find out the entire conspiracy and to get to the root of the matter. "We have to find out the actual persons involved in the conspiracy. All are required to be looked into in totality while investigating this matter. We have to find out the ultimate objective of the offence," the prosecutor told the court, emphasising the need for their sustained custodial interrogation. ALSO READ | Parliament breach probe: Delhi Police questions two more people, one detained in Karnataka The counsel for the accused opposed the police's application seeking further remand. The lawyer contended that based on the arguments put forward by the prosecutor, a maximum of three more days of custodial interrogation should be enough. The court, meanwhile, directed the Investigating Officer (IO) to hand over a copy of the FIR to the counsel appearing for Neelam, the only woman accused arrested in the case. "The concerned IO (investigating officer) is directed to furnish the copy of the present FIR to the applicant/accused as per law," the judge said in the order passed on Neelam's application. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on December 13, two of them- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by some MPs. Around the same time, two others- Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi- also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting "tanashahi nahi chalegi" outside the Parliament House premises. Besides the four accused, police have also arrested Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat in the case. All are being interrogated in police custody. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Kumar Thakur and Preetha Nair By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A political crisis erupted on Wednesday over Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament (MP) Kalyan Banerjees mimicking of Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar during a protest by Opposition parties outside the new Parliament building on Tuesday.

The incident attracted widespread condemnation from senior officials, including the President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, and former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Banerjee, while protesting alongside other MPs against the suspension of opposition members, imitated Dhankhar. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others captured this act on their cellphones, sparking a significant debate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted the Vice-President, expressing his distress over the incident, which he termed abject theatrics. Modi expressed disappointment, particularly because the mockery was directed at a constitutional office within the Parliament. In response, Dhankhar affirmed his commitment to constitutional values, resolving not to be deterred by such insults.

Dhankhar later posted on microblogging site X about receiving a call from Modi. Received a telephone call from Prime Minister @narendramodi. He expressed great pain over the abject theatrics of some MPs, and that too in the sacred Parliament complex, yesterday, the Vice-President posted.

President Draupadi Murmu also expressed her dismay at the humiliation of the Vice -President within the Parliament complex, emphasizing the need for elected representatives to adhere to norms of dignity and courtesy. Foremer Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu too condemned the act on social media, highlighting the importance of maintaining the dignity of constitutional offices.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Dhankhar, describing the incident as a new low in parliamentary conduct. In solidarity, ruling party members, including ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal

and Nitin Gadkari, stood for about 10 minutes during Rajya Sabha proceedings.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee advised taking the incident lightly and refrained from further comment. Kalyan Banerjee defended his actions, stating he had no intention of causing harm, and questioned why his mimicry was taken so seriously.

He compared it to past mimicries by PM Modi in the Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi criticised the medias focus on the mimicry, urging coverage of other significant issues such as the suspension of MPs, economic concerns, and defence deals, while highlighting the disheartened perspective of MPs.

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NEW DELHI: A political crisis erupted on Wednesday over Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament (MP) Kalyan Banerjees mimicking of Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar during a protest by Opposition parties outside the new Parliament building on Tuesday. The incident attracted widespread condemnation from senior officials, including the President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, and former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. Banerjee, while protesting alongside other MPs against the suspension of opposition members, imitated Dhankhar. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others captured this act on their cellphones, sparking a significant debate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted the Vice-President, expressing his distress over the incident, which he termed abject theatrics. Modi expressed disappointment, particularly because the mockery was directed at a constitutional office within the Parliament. In response, Dhankhar affirmed his commitment to constitutional values, resolving not to be deterred by such insults. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Dhankhar later posted on microblogging site X about receiving a call from Modi. Received a telephone call from Prime Minister @narendramodi. He expressed great pain over the abject theatrics of some MPs, and that too in the sacred Parliament complex, yesterday, the Vice-President posted. President Draupadi Murmu also expressed her dismay at the humiliation of the Vice -President within the Parliament complex, emphasizing the need for elected representatives to adhere to norms of dignity and courtesy. Foremer Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu too condemned the act on social media, highlighting the importance of maintaining the dignity of constitutional offices. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Dhankhar, describing the incident as a new low in parliamentary conduct. In solidarity, ruling party members, including ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal and Nitin Gadkari, stood for about 10 minutes during Rajya Sabha proceedings. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee advised taking the incident lightly and refrained from further comment. Kalyan Banerjee defended his actions, stating he had no intention of causing harm, and questioned why his mimicry was taken so seriously. He compared it to past mimicries by PM Modi in the Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi criticised the medias focus on the mimicry, urging coverage of other significant issues such as the suspension of MPs, economic concerns, and defence deals, while highlighting the disheartened perspective of MPs. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC) and Turkish Demiroren Holding will sign an agreement on construction of five hydroelectric power plants in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region in the last week of 2023, AIC executive director Ulvi Mansurov told Trend.

The project is expected to cost $15 million, according to him. He did not specify the capacity of the planned power plants.

Mansurov stated that AIC is working on a $35 million project with Turkish capital to develop a medication manufacturing plant by mid-2023.

He stated that the company is being developed in Azerbaijan's Pirallahi and plans to produce approximately 70 different types of pharmaceuticals.

Mansurov further stated that the pharmaceutical plant will be operational in 2026.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Preetha Nair By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A day after the key meeting of the INDIA bloc in the capital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Wednesday that she has proposed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharges name as the prime ministerial candidate for the opposition alliance. It was widely reported on Tuesday that Banerjee was the first to propose the name of the Congress President as the prospective PM face of the alliance.

At least 28 opposition parties have attended the meeting to chalk out strategies for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Speaking to reporters, Mamata Banerjee said, Everyone was asking us who is the face of the alliance. I proposed Kharges name and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also backed my proposal. I have no news of anyone being unhappy with this.

However, Kharge responded on Tuesday that the priority is to win elections and the rest will be decided later. It was also learnt that Mamata Banerjee has suggested Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the candidate from Varanasi seat against PM Modi. When asked about this, Banerjee said that not all details of the meeting can be divulged.

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NEW DELHI: A day after the key meeting of the INDIA bloc in the capital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Wednesday that she has proposed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharges name as the prime ministerial candidate for the opposition alliance. It was widely reported on Tuesday that Banerjee was the first to propose the name of the Congress President as the prospective PM face of the alliance. At least 28 opposition parties have attended the meeting to chalk out strategies for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Speaking to reporters, Mamata Banerjee said, Everyone was asking us who is the face of the alliance. I proposed Kharges name and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also backed my proposal. I have no news of anyone being unhappy with this. However, Kharge responded on Tuesday that the priority is to win elections and the rest will be decided later. It was also learnt that Mamata Banerjee has suggested Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the candidate from Varanasi seat against PM Modi. When asked about this, Banerjee said that not all details of the meeting can be divulged. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday assured the Delhi High Court that he would delete his tweet that disclosed the identity and sensitive details connected to a nine-year-old dalit minor girl who was allegedly raped and murdered in August 2021.

It is to be noted that Gandhi had met the minor's family and posted a picture on X (formerly known as Twitter) following the brutal rape and alleged murder of the nine-year-old girl by a priest inside a crematorium in August 2021 in the Delhi Cantonment area.

The two-judge bench of the Delhi HC, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, and Justice Mini Pushkarna was hearing a plea filed by Makarand Suresh Mhadlekar, a social activist, seeking registration of an FIR (First Information Report) against Gandhi for allegedly disclosing the identity of the minor victim.

During the hearing today, the judges asked Gandhi's lawyer that they did not want to pass a judicial order for this. They thereby asked him to delete the tweet and protect the identity of the girl. "We are concerned about that," the HC said.

To this, Gandhi's counsel assured the HC that he would remove the tweet from X.

Mhadlekar, in his petition, claimed that by posting the photograph with the parents of the child victim, Gandhi had allegedly violated the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, which prohibit the disclosure of the identity of minor victims of sexual offences.

Lawyer Mehmood Pracha, appearing for the victim's family, while talking to TNIE, said that he argued that the details of the case should not be discussed in open court as it will affect the trial.

On the other hand, senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani appearing for the petitioner, Mhadlekar, held court that it did not matter whether the crime or allegation was proved or not, but strict action should be initiated against Gandhi, keeping in view the fact that the identity of the minor victim was allegedly being disclosed by him in the public domain, which is an offence under the POCSO Act.

The court directed the Delhi Police to file an accurate and elaborate further status report on the matter, in a sealed cover, indicating the current status of the investigation against Gandhi within four weeks and fixed the matter for further hearing till January 24, 2024.

Attachments:

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NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday assured the Delhi High Court that he would delete his tweet that disclosed the identity and sensitive details connected to a nine-year-old dalit minor girl who was allegedly raped and murdered in August 2021. It is to be noted that Gandhi had met the minor's family and posted a picture on X (formerly known as Twitter) following the brutal rape and alleged murder of the nine-year-old girl by a priest inside a crematorium in August 2021 in the Delhi Cantonment area. The two-judge bench of the Delhi HC, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, and Justice Mini Pushkarna was hearing a plea filed by Makarand Suresh Mhadlekar, a social activist, seeking registration of an FIR (First Information Report) against Gandhi for allegedly disclosing the identity of the minor victim. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); During the hearing today, the judges asked Gandhi's lawyer that they did not want to pass a judicial order for this. They thereby asked him to delete the tweet and protect the identity of the girl. "We are concerned about that," the HC said. To this, Gandhi's counsel assured the HC that he would remove the tweet from X. Mhadlekar, in his petition, claimed that by posting the photograph with the parents of the child victim, Gandhi had allegedly violated the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, which prohibit the disclosure of the identity of minor victims of sexual offences. Lawyer Mehmood Pracha, appearing for the victim's family, while talking to TNIE, said that he argued that the details of the case should not be discussed in open court as it will affect the trial. On the other hand, senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani appearing for the petitioner, Mhadlekar, held court that it did not matter whether the crime or allegation was proved or not, but strict action should be initiated against Gandhi, keeping in view the fact that the identity of the minor victim was allegedly being disclosed by him in the public domain, which is an offence under the POCSO Act. The court directed the Delhi Police to file an accurate and elaborate further status report on the matter, in a sealed cover, indicating the current status of the investigation against Gandhi within four weeks and fixed the matter for further hearing till January 24, 2024. Attachments: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take appropriate action, under law and statute, within eight weeks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'pickpocket' during a public speech.

This order of the Delhi HC seemed to be a major setback for Gandhi, who is already fighting many legal battles across the country.

The Delhi High Court asked the ECI to take action against Gandhi in 8 weeks after hearing a plea filed by a lawyer, Bharat Nagar.

The petitioner, Nagar told the HC that Gandhi made a speech allegedly on November 22 levelling heinous and very very serious allegations against individuals holding "highest governmental positions", including the Prime Minister and referred to him as a "pick-pocket".

"These kinds of allegations are not acceptable and this court should take strict action against Gandhi. He is a senior leader of Congress Party," the petition said.

He had moved the HC seeking strict action against Gandhi for his various public comments, including when he called PM Modi 'Panauti' (a person who brings ill omen).

During the hearing today, a bench of the Delhi High Court, headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan made it clear that the alleged statements are "not in good taste". It also noted in the record that the ECI had issued a notice to Gandhi, after thoroughly considering the gravity of the matter as allegedly commented upon by the Prime Minister of India.

The HC asked the EC to take action against Gandhi after keeping in view the fact that the deadline for filing his reply is over and no reply has been received by the EC so far.

Thereby the court today directed the EC to decide the matter as expeditiously as possible preferably within 8 weeks.

The court noted in its order today that the notice was sent by the ECI to Gandhi on November 23, and the poll panel itself said it would take appropriate action in the matter against Gandhi.

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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take appropriate action, under law and statute, within eight weeks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'pickpocket' during a public speech. This order of the Delhi HC seemed to be a major setback for Gandhi, who is already fighting many legal battles across the country. The Delhi High Court asked the ECI to take action against Gandhi in 8 weeks after hearing a plea filed by a lawyer, Bharat Nagar.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The petitioner, Nagar told the HC that Gandhi made a speech allegedly on November 22 levelling heinous and very very serious allegations against individuals holding "highest governmental positions", including the Prime Minister and referred to him as a "pick-pocket". "These kinds of allegations are not acceptable and this court should take strict action against Gandhi. He is a senior leader of Congress Party," the petition said. He had moved the HC seeking strict action against Gandhi for his various public comments, including when he called PM Modi 'Panauti' (a person who brings ill omen). During the hearing today, a bench of the Delhi High Court, headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan made it clear that the alleged statements are "not in good taste". It also noted in the record that the ECI had issued a notice to Gandhi, after thoroughly considering the gravity of the matter as allegedly commented upon by the Prime Minister of India. The HC asked the EC to take action against Gandhi after keeping in view the fact that the deadline for filing his reply is over and no reply has been received by the EC so far. Thereby the court today directed the EC to decide the matter as expeditiously as possible preferably within 8 weeks. The court noted in its order today that the notice was sent by the ECI to Gandhi on November 23, and the poll panel itself said it would take appropriate action in the matter against Gandhi. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

POONCH/JAMMU: Four soldiers were killed and two injured when heavily-armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

The bodies of two of the slain soldiers were mutilated, they said.

The vehicles carrying the personnel to the site of a cordon-and-search operation came under attack at a blind curve at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz under the jurisdiction of the Surankote police station around 3.45 pm, according to the officials.

Two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir -- Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mehbooba Mufti -- strongly condemned the attack.

The People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the ambush.

Jammu-based defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal said a joint search operation was launched in the general area of Dhera Ki Gali in the Thanamandi-Surankote region of Poonch on Wednesday night on the basis of "hard intelligence" about the presence of terrorists.

As additional forces were moving to the site, the ultras fired upon the Army vehicles -- a truck and a Maruti Gypsy.

The troops swiftly responded to the attack, the defence spokesperson said.

In the ongoing operation, four soldiers were killed and two injured, the officials said.

The injured have been admitted to a hospital.

The operation is in progress and further details are being ascertained, the officials said.

Disturbing images and videos emerging from the site showed blood on the street, broken helmets of soldiers and shattered windscreens of the two Army vehicles.

The officials have not ruled out the possibility of the soldiers engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the terrorists during the intense confrontation.

They said there was a possibility that the terrorists had walked away with the arms of the targeted soldiers.

As the operation continues, authorities are diligently working to gather more information and do away with the threat posed by terrorists in the region.

The ambush came weeks after a major gunfight in the Dharmsal belt of the Bajimaal forest area in nearby Rajouri district that left five Army personnel, including two captains, dead last month.

A top commander of the LeT, Quari, who masterminded several attacks, including the killing of 10 civilians and five Army personnel, and one of his associates were killed in the two-day-long encounter in November.

The stretch between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz on the boundary of Rajouri and Poonch districts is densely forested and leads to Chamrer forest and then Bhata Dhurian forest, where five soldiers were killed in an ambush on an Army vehicle on April 20.

In May, five more Army personnel were killed and a major-rank officer was injured in Chamrer forest during an anti-terrorist operation.

A foreign terrorist was also killed in the operation.

This year, Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts have witnessed a series of encounters that have left 54 people, including 19 security personnel and 28 terrorists, dead so far, the officials said, ascribing the uptick in violence to "desperate attempts from across the border" to revive terrorism in the region.

While 31 people, including 10 terrorists and 14 security personnel, were killed in Rajouri, 15 terrorists and five security personnel were killed in Poonch.

Three terrorists were killed in Reasi.

Most of the terrorists were killed while attempting to sneak into the Indian side of the border, the officials said.

In October 2021, nine soldiers were killed in two separate attacks by terrorists in the forested region.

While five Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed in Chamrer on October 11, a JCO and three soldiers were killed in a nearby forest on October 14.

Taking to X to condemn the dastardly ambush of Thursday, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Azad termed the incident "devastating" and said the casualties are "deeply saddening."

"Terrorism hitting Jammu is alarming and we stand united against this menace. Urging the government to take swift and decisive action for the safety of all citizens. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured," he said.

Mufti, who heads the People's Democratic Party (PDP), described the incident as "terrible".

She condemned the "dastardly attack" and expressed her deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the slain soldiers.

Apni Party president and former Jammu and Kashmir minister Altaf Bukhari said he was distressed to hear about the loss of the brave soldiers.

"May the departed souls be blessed with peace and the injured personnel see a swift recovery. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and at the same time urge the authorities to take enough measures to ensure long lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir," he posted on X.

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POONCH/JAMMU: Four soldiers were killed and two injured when heavily-armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday, officials said. The bodies of two of the slain soldiers were mutilated, they said. The vehicles carrying the personnel to the site of a cordon-and-search operation came under attack at a blind curve at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz under the jurisdiction of the Surankote police station around 3.45 pm, according to the officials.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir -- Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mehbooba Mufti -- strongly condemned the attack. The People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the ambush. Jammu-based defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal said a joint search operation was launched in the general area of Dhera Ki Gali in the Thanamandi-Surankote region of Poonch on Wednesday night on the basis of "hard intelligence" about the presence of terrorists. As additional forces were moving to the site, the ultras fired upon the Army vehicles -- a truck and a Maruti Gypsy. The troops swiftly responded to the attack, the defence spokesperson said. In the ongoing operation, four soldiers were killed and two injured, the officials said. The injured have been admitted to a hospital. The operation is in progress and further details are being ascertained, the officials said. Disturbing images and videos emerging from the site showed blood on the street, broken helmets of soldiers and shattered windscreens of the two Army vehicles. The officials have not ruled out the possibility of the soldiers engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the terrorists during the intense confrontation. They said there was a possibility that the terrorists had walked away with the arms of the targeted soldiers. As the operation continues, authorities are diligently working to gather more information and do away with the threat posed by terrorists in the region. The ambush came weeks after a major gunfight in the Dharmsal belt of the Bajimaal forest area in nearby Rajouri district that left five Army personnel, including two captains, dead last month. A top commander of the LeT, Quari, who masterminded several attacks, including the killing of 10 civilians and five Army personnel, and one of his associates were killed in the two-day-long encounter in November. The stretch between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz on the boundary of Rajouri and Poonch districts is densely forested and leads to Chamrer forest and then Bhata Dhurian forest, where five soldiers were killed in an ambush on an Army vehicle on April 20. In May, five more Army personnel were killed and a major-rank officer was injured in Chamrer forest during an anti-terrorist operation. A foreign terrorist was also killed in the operation. This year, Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts have witnessed a series of encounters that have left 54 people, including 19 security personnel and 28 terrorists, dead so far, the officials said, ascribing the uptick in violence to "desperate attempts from across the border" to revive terrorism in the region. While 31 people, including 10 terrorists and 14 security personnel, were killed in Rajouri, 15 terrorists and five security personnel were killed in Poonch. Three terrorists were killed in Reasi. Most of the terrorists were killed while attempting to sneak into the Indian side of the border, the officials said. In October 2021, nine soldiers were killed in two separate attacks by terrorists in the forested region. While five Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed in Chamrer on October 11, a JCO and three soldiers were killed in a nearby forest on October 14. Taking to X to condemn the dastardly ambush of Thursday, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Azad termed the incident "devastating" and said the casualties are "deeply saddening." "Terrorism hitting Jammu is alarming and we stand united against this menace. Urging the government to take swift and decisive action for the safety of all citizens. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured," he said. Mufti, who heads the People's Democratic Party (PDP), described the incident as "terrible". She condemned the "dastardly attack" and expressed her deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the slain soldiers. Apni Party president and former Jammu and Kashmir minister Altaf Bukhari said he was distressed to hear about the loss of the brave soldiers. "May the departed souls be blessed with peace and the injured personnel see a swift recovery. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and at the same time urge the authorities to take enough measures to ensure long lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir," he posted on X. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said his party has learnt valuable lessons from the recent assembly polls and urged party workers to focus on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections now.

Addressing party leaders at a crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) at the AICC headquarters here, Kharge said the Congress is committed to not repeating the same mistakes.

He also said several Congress leaders want Rahul Gandhi to undertake another Bharat Jodo Yatra from east to west but the final decision is up to him and the CWC, the Congress' highest decision-making body.

This is the first CWC meeting after the Congress' recent poll debacle.

The assembly elections were held in five states -- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.

The Congress won only in Telangana.

While the BJP swept Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, the Zoram People's Movement won in Mizoram.

Noting that the outcomes of the elections in the five states, barring Telangana, were "disappointing", Kharge said the Congress has conducted a preliminary analysis of the results and identified the reasons behind its performance.

"Despite the results, there are some positive indicators, such as the vote share in these states, that give us definite hope that given due attention, we can certainly turn things around."

"We have learnt valuable lessons from the mistakes we have made and are committed to not repeating them," he said.

Kharge said the fourth meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc was held on December 19 and it was unanimously decided that the seat-sharing talks must start immediately.

In this regard, he said, the Congress has constituted a five-member panel which will engage with various parties in different states.

"The Lok Sabha elections are not too far, we don't have much time left. I would urge everyone to concentrate on actionable points and the necessary steps that can be taken for the upcoming general elections," the Congress chief said at the meeting.

On the suspension of opposition MPs from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the last eight days, Kharge alleged it was part of a "conspiracy" to convert the Parliament into a platform for the ruling party.

The entire country is watching how the BJP is strangulating democracy by arbitrarily passing key bills without discussion or debate, he said.

Kharge also accused the BJP of trying to take over institutions like the Election Commission and said the government has put the Constitution, the Parliament and democracy in danger.

"The biggest challenge is that the people holding constitutional positions, who are responsible for providing protection to the opposition MPs, are themselves becoming a part of party politics and doing politics using caste, region and occupation as their shield.

"They have failed to fulfil their obligations under the Constitution. The whole country is watching it," he said, in an apparent attack on the Lok Sabha speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman over the suspension of opposition members.

After two men jumped in the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13 and released smoke from canisters, the opposition has been disrupting parliamentary proceedings demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach.

More than 140 MPs have been suspended from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha since December 14.

Earlier on Thursday, opposition MPs marched to Vijay Chowk from the Parliament to protest the suspension of MPs.

A fresh political row erupted on Tuesday after Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee derisively mimicked Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar during the opposition's protest on the stairs of the Parliament against the MPs' suspension, drawing strong condemnation from the ruling BJP.

Rahul Gandhi was seen making a video of Banerjee's performance.

Dhankhar had given vent to his anguish in the Rajya Sabha, saying he was personally hurt as his farmer and Jat backgrounds were targeted.

ALSO READ | Opposition holds protest against suspension of MPs from Parliament

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NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said his party has learnt valuable lessons from the recent assembly polls and urged party workers to focus on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections now. Addressing party leaders at a crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) at the AICC headquarters here, Kharge said the Congress is committed to not repeating the same mistakes. He also said several Congress leaders want Rahul Gandhi to undertake another Bharat Jodo Yatra from east to west but the final decision is up to him and the CWC, the Congress' highest decision-making body.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); This is the first CWC meeting after the Congress' recent poll debacle. The assembly elections were held in five states -- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram. The Congress won only in Telangana. While the BJP swept Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, the Zoram People's Movement won in Mizoram. Noting that the outcomes of the elections in the five states, barring Telangana, were "disappointing", Kharge said the Congress has conducted a preliminary analysis of the results and identified the reasons behind its performance. "Despite the results, there are some positive indicators, such as the vote share in these states, that give us definite hope that given due attention, we can certainly turn things around." "We have learnt valuable lessons from the mistakes we have made and are committed to not repeating them," he said. Kharge said the fourth meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc was held on December 19 and it was unanimously decided that the seat-sharing talks must start immediately. In this regard, he said, the Congress has constituted a five-member panel which will engage with various parties in different states. "The Lok Sabha elections are not too far, we don't have much time left. I would urge everyone to concentrate on actionable points and the necessary steps that can be taken for the upcoming general elections," the Congress chief said at the meeting. On the suspension of opposition MPs from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the last eight days, Kharge alleged it was part of a "conspiracy" to convert the Parliament into a platform for the ruling party. The entire country is watching how the BJP is strangulating democracy by arbitrarily passing key bills without discussion or debate, he said. Kharge also accused the BJP of trying to take over institutions like the Election Commission and said the government has put the Constitution, the Parliament and democracy in danger. "The biggest challenge is that the people holding constitutional positions, who are responsible for providing protection to the opposition MPs, are themselves becoming a part of party politics and doing politics using caste, region and occupation as their shield. "They have failed to fulfil their obligations under the Constitution. The whole country is watching it," he said, in an apparent attack on the Lok Sabha speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman over the suspension of opposition members. After two men jumped in the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13 and released smoke from canisters, the opposition has been disrupting parliamentary proceedings demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach. More than 140 MPs have been suspended from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha since December 14. Earlier on Thursday, opposition MPs marched to Vijay Chowk from the Parliament to protest the suspension of MPs. A fresh political row erupted on Tuesday after Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee derisively mimicked Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar during the opposition's protest on the stairs of the Parliament against the MPs' suspension, drawing strong condemnation from the ruling BJP. Rahul Gandhi was seen making a video of Banerjee's performance. Dhankhar had given vent to his anguish in the Rajya Sabha, saying he was personally hurt as his farmer and Jat backgrounds were targeted. ALSO READ | Opposition holds protest against suspension of MPs from Parliament Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

RAIPUR: Senior BJP MLA and former education minister of Rajasthan Vasudev Devnani was elected as the new Speaker of the state assembly on December 21.

Devnani who has been closely associated with the RSS faction of the party has a long legislative innings over five tenures and with the opposition Congress not raising any candidate, Devnani the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Ajmer North was elected unopposed unanimously amid an atmosphere of friendship and bonhoime in the state assembly.

In a unanimous decision, the Rajasthan Assembly welcomed Vasudev Devnani as its new Speaker, marking a significant development in the state's political landscape.

Chief Minister BhajanLal Sharma initiated the proceedings, proposing Devnani for the role, with support from Sachin Pilot. Subsequently, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot presented an alternative proposal, backed by Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasara.

Vasundhara Raje and Deputy CM Diya Kumari further solidified the consensus by putting forth additional proposals, each gaining support from various members, including BAP MLA Rajkumar Roat and independent MLA Chandrabhan Singh Akya. RLP MLA Hanuman Beniwal's proposal received backing from RLD MLA Subhash Garg, adding to the overwhelming support for Devnani.

Following the successful election, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma congratulated Vasudev Devnani, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of unanimous Speaker elections in the Assembly and expressing optimism about the positive impact of Devnani's leadership.

Congress Party President Govind Dotasara highlighted the collaborative effort in electing the new Speaker and urged Devnani to remain impartial despite external pressures. Sachin Pilot echoed similar sentiments, extending his congratulations to Devnani and affirming the commitment to uphold established conventions during legislative discussions.

In other political developments, CM Sharma returned to Jaipur from Delhi after meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Speculation surrounds an imminent cabinet expansion, with sources suggesting approval from the Central High Command for the inclusion of 15 new ministers.

The expansion, expected in the next two to three days, is anticipated to prioritise young faces in a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Party sources revealed a list of 30 potential ministerial candidates, emphasizing a blend of experience and fresh perspectives. The party contemplating an innovative approach by introducing new faces into the cabinet.

While some senior MLAs may secure ministerial positions, the emphasis appears to be on infusing new energy and ideas into the state's leadership.

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RAIPUR: Senior BJP MLA and former education minister of Rajasthan Vasudev Devnani was elected as the new Speaker of the state assembly on December 21. Devnani who has been closely associated with the RSS faction of the party has a long legislative innings over five tenures and with the opposition Congress not raising any candidate, Devnani the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Ajmer North was elected unopposed unanimously amid an atmosphere of friendship and bonhoime in the state assembly. In a unanimous decision, the Rajasthan Assembly welcomed Vasudev Devnani as its new Speaker, marking a significant development in the state's political landscape. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Chief Minister BhajanLal Sharma initiated the proceedings, proposing Devnani for the role, with support from Sachin Pilot. Subsequently, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot presented an alternative proposal, backed by Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasara. Vasundhara Raje and Deputy CM Diya Kumari further solidified the consensus by putting forth additional proposals, each gaining support from various members, including BAP MLA Rajkumar Roat and independent MLA Chandrabhan Singh Akya. RLP MLA Hanuman Beniwal's proposal received backing from RLD MLA Subhash Garg, adding to the overwhelming support for Devnani. Following the successful election, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma congratulated Vasudev Devnani, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of unanimous Speaker elections in the Assembly and expressing optimism about the positive impact of Devnani's leadership. Congress Party President Govind Dotasara highlighted the collaborative effort in electing the new Speaker and urged Devnani to remain impartial despite external pressures. Sachin Pilot echoed similar sentiments, extending his congratulations to Devnani and affirming the commitment to uphold established conventions during legislative discussions. In other political developments, CM Sharma returned to Jaipur from Delhi after meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Speculation surrounds an imminent cabinet expansion, with sources suggesting approval from the Central High Command for the inclusion of 15 new ministers. The expansion, expected in the next two to three days, is anticipated to prioritise young faces in a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Party sources revealed a list of 30 potential ministerial candidates, emphasizing a blend of experience and fresh perspectives. The party contemplating an innovative approach by introducing new faces into the cabinet. While some senior MLAs may secure ministerial positions, the emphasis appears to be on infusing new energy and ideas into the state's leadership. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Wednesday took cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Chinese smartphone maker Vivo-India and others in a money laundering case.

Four individuals -- the MD of Lava International mobile company, Hari Om Rai, Chinese national Guangwen alias Andrew Kuang, and chartered accountants Nitin Garg and Rajan Malik, have been named as accused in the prosecution complaint (ED's equivalent of a chargesheet).

Special Judge Kiran Gupta summoned the accused, who are in judicial custody, on February 19.

The chargesheet was filed earlier this month under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The ED claimed the alleged activities of the four accused enabled Vivo-India to make wrongful gains that were detrimental to the economic sovereignty of the country.

The anti-money laundering agency had raided Vivo-India and persons linked to it in July last year and claimed to have busted a major money laundering racket involving Chinese nationals and multiple Indian companies.

The ED had then alleged that a whopping Rs 62,476 crore was "illegally" transferred by Vivo-India to China to avoid payment of taxes in India.

The company had rejected the allegations, saying it "firmly adheres to its ethical principles and remains dedicated to legal compliance.

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NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Wednesday took cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Chinese smartphone maker Vivo-India and others in a money laundering case. Four individuals -- the MD of Lava International mobile company, Hari Om Rai, Chinese national Guangwen alias Andrew Kuang, and chartered accountants Nitin Garg and Rajan Malik, have been named as accused in the prosecution complaint (ED's equivalent of a chargesheet). Special Judge Kiran Gupta summoned the accused, who are in judicial custody, on February 19.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The chargesheet was filed earlier this month under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED claimed the alleged activities of the four accused enabled Vivo-India to make wrongful gains that were detrimental to the economic sovereignty of the country. The anti-money laundering agency had raided Vivo-India and persons linked to it in July last year and claimed to have busted a major money laundering racket involving Chinese nationals and multiple Indian companies. The ED had then alleged that a whopping Rs 62,476 crore was "illegally" transferred by Vivo-India to China to avoid payment of taxes in India. The company had rejected the allegations, saying it "firmly adheres to its ethical principles and remains dedicated to legal compliance. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

MALAPPURAM: Students Federation of India (SFI) activists on Thursday staged a protest to prevent the participation of five Senate members associated with Sangh Parivar, nominated by Governor and Chancellor Arif Mohammed Khan, in the scheduled Senate meeting at 10:30 am.

The members had come to attend the first meeting of the new Senate nominated by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

Just minutes before the meeting, SFI activists obstructed the five members at the entrance of the Senate house, subsequently staging a sit-in protest in front of the venue.

The Left student outfit stated that the Sangh Parivar nominees would never be allowed into the hall where the Senate is meeting, and they assert that this stance will be implemented.

"We will not allow Sangh Parivar supporters to attend the Senate meeting. Kerala stands united against Sangh Parivar and the BJP. However, the Chancellor has been appointing Sangh Parivar supporters to the Senate and Syndicate in universities. Any such attempt will be strongly opposed," SFI leader Afsal said.

In response, the police intervened and arrested the SFI activists.

Meanwhile, the Senate meeting proceeded to approve the students' graduations.

SFI activists had previously protested against the Chancellor during his stay at the university guest house from Saturday to Monday.

Accusing Khan of attempting to saffronise the state's education sector, they alleged that the Chancellor was favoring the Sangh Parivar by appointing individuals connected to Sangh to the senates and syndicates.

However, Chancellor Khan had earlier claimed that he exercised his discretion independently, and no external influence guided his nominations of Sangh Parivar-affiliated individuals to the senates and syndicates.

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MALAPPURAM: Students Federation of India (SFI) activists on Thursday staged a protest to prevent the participation of five Senate members associated with Sangh Parivar, nominated by Governor and Chancellor Arif Mohammed Khan, in the scheduled Senate meeting at 10:30 am. The members had come to attend the first meeting of the new Senate nominated by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. Just minutes before the meeting, SFI activists obstructed the five members at the entrance of the Senate house, subsequently staging a sit-in protest in front of the venue.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Left student outfit stated that the Sangh Parivar nominees would never be allowed into the hall where the Senate is meeting, and they assert that this stance will be implemented. "We will not allow Sangh Parivar supporters to attend the Senate meeting. Kerala stands united against Sangh Parivar and the BJP. However, the Chancellor has been appointing Sangh Parivar supporters to the Senate and Syndicate in universities. Any such attempt will be strongly opposed," SFI leader Afsal said. In response, the police intervened and arrested the SFI activists. Meanwhile, the Senate meeting proceeded to approve the students' graduations. SFI activists had previously protested against the Chancellor during his stay at the university guest house from Saturday to Monday. Accusing Khan of attempting to saffronise the state's education sector, they alleged that the Chancellor was favoring the Sangh Parivar by appointing individuals connected to Sangh to the senates and syndicates. However, Chancellor Khan had earlier claimed that he exercised his discretion independently, and no external influence guided his nominations of Sangh Parivar-affiliated individuals to the senates and syndicates. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
T Muruganandham By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Following the Madras High Court verdict that sentenced Higher Education Minister K Ponmudi to three years of imprisonment in a disproportionate wealth case, the portfolios held by him - Higher Education and a few other subjects - have been allocated to RS Rajakannappan, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, as additional charges.

A Raj Bhavan communication here said on the recommendation of Chief Minister MK Stalin, Governor RN Ravi has allocated the portfolios of Higher Education, Technical Education, Electronics, Science, and Technology, hitherto dealt with by Ponmudy to Rajakannappan.

The Governor has also approved the recommendation of the Chief Minister that the portfolios of Khadi and Village Industries Board looked after by Rajakannappan be allocated to Minister for Handlooms and Textiles R Gandhi. This is in addition to the portfolios of handlooms and textiles, Boodhan and Gramadhan already looked after by Gandhi.

On March 29, 2022, on the recommendation of the Chief Minister, the portfolios - Transport, Nationalised Transport, and Motor Vehicles Act, dealt with by Rajakannappan, were allocated to Minister SS Sivasankar. Kannappan was then also made the Minister for Backward Classes Welfare. Later, in December last, Kannappan was given the portfolios - Khadi and Village Industries Board - as additional charges. These portfolios were taken from Gandhi. Now, the portfolios taken from Gandhi have been restored to him.

When asked if the Tirukoyilur Assembly constituency represented by Ponmudy would be declared vacant following the verdict of the Madras High Court, a senior official said, The Assembly Secretariat will take an appropriate decision after perusing the judgment. Since Ponmudy will be challenging the HC verdict before the SC very soon, the Assembly Secretariat may wait for the legal developments before declaring the Thirukoyilur Assembly constituency vacant.

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CHENNAI: Following the Madras High Court verdict that sentenced Higher Education Minister K Ponmudi to three years of imprisonment in a disproportionate wealth case, the portfolios held by him - Higher Education and a few other subjects - have been allocated to RS Rajakannappan, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, as additional charges. A Raj Bhavan communication here said on the recommendation of Chief Minister MK Stalin, Governor RN Ravi has allocated the portfolios of Higher Education, Technical Education, Electronics, Science, and Technology, hitherto dealt with by Ponmudy to Rajakannappan. The Governor has also approved the recommendation of the Chief Minister that the portfolios of Khadi and Village Industries Board looked after by Rajakannappan be allocated to Minister for Handlooms and Textiles R Gandhi. This is in addition to the portfolios of handlooms and textiles, Boodhan and Gramadhan already looked after by Gandhi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On March 29, 2022, on the recommendation of the Chief Minister, the portfolios - Transport, Nationalised Transport, and Motor Vehicles Act, dealt with by Rajakannappan, were allocated to Minister SS Sivasankar. Kannappan was then also made the Minister for Backward Classes Welfare. Later, in December last, Kannappan was given the portfolios - Khadi and Village Industries Board - as additional charges. These portfolios were taken from Gandhi. Now, the portfolios taken from Gandhi have been restored to him. When asked if the Tirukoyilur Assembly constituency represented by Ponmudy would be declared vacant following the verdict of the Madras High Court, a senior official said, The Assembly Secretariat will take an appropriate decision after perusing the judgment. Since Ponmudy will be challenging the HC verdict before the SC very soon, the Assembly Secretariat may wait for the legal developments before declaring the Thirukoyilur Assembly constituency vacant. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
R Sivakumar By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: In a lethal blow to Tamil Nadu Minister for Higher Education K Ponmudi and the ruling DMK, the Madras High Court on Thursday sentenced him to three years of imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case.

Justice G Jayachandran pronounced the sentence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, in the jam packed court hall number 46 of the Madras High Court. His wife P Visalakhsi is sentenced to undergo imprisonment of same quantum of three years. Both of them have also been fined Rs 50 lakhs each.

As per order of Justice G Jayachandran, Ponmudi gets 30 days to surrender before Trial Court to undergo sentence . In case, the couple fail to surrender on or before Jan.22, 2024, trial Court shall secure them by executing the warrant.

Justice G Jayachandran of #MadrasHighCourt sentences DMK Minister K Ponmudi to 3 years of imprisonment, Rs. 50 lakh fine in a wealth case under the PCA; the prison term of 3 years renders him automatically disqualified as a member of the TN Legislative Assembly @xpresstn

Appearing before the court, Ponmudy and his wife Visalakshi submitted their medical records and prayed for a minimum sentence citing their age and poor health. Since the sentence is for three years, he stands automatically disqualified as a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, to which, he was elected in 2021 polls.

The court verdict has deprived him of the eligibility to contest for elections for six years, leaving him in the sunset of his illustrious political career, and given his age, 72 years, a comeback appears to have remote chances.

The Minister is sentenced for the offence under section 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (e) of PCA for amassing wealth to tune of Rs. 1.72 crore, which accounts for 64.90%, more than his known sources of income during his tenure as Minister for Higher Education, Mines and Minerals during 2006-11.

Ponmudi, an influential leader of DMK, started his career as a teaching faculty in a University, turned to politics later and became a close confidante of late party patriarch M Karunanidhi and his son and current Chief Minister MK Stalin.

He is the second top leader of a political party and a sitting Ministet in Tamil Nadu to be disqualified from the membership of the Legislative Assembly after late CM J Jayalalithaa who had to be stripped of the public position of CM and MLA after a special court in Bengaluru convicted and sentenced her in a wealth case.

A PhD holder, Ponmudi is known for his sharp political comments and remains a face of the party in the northern region of the State.

A 2011 FIR filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), after the AIADMK came back to power, over the disproportionate wealth, has now done him in. Ponmudi and his wife were acquitted by the special court for PCA cases in Villupuram on April 18, 2016.

Challenging this order, the DVAC filed an appeal in the High Court in 2017. After almost six years, the High Court convicted him on December 19 and announced that the sentence would be pronounced on December 21, 2023.

The charge of offence punishable under section 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (e) of PCA framed against A-1 (Ponmudi) stands proved. The charges under section 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (e) of PCA and 109 IPC against A-2 (Visalakshi) stands proved, Justice Jayachandran said in the conviction order.

He found that Rs. 1.72 crore worth assets were amassed by the couple disproportionate (64.90%) to known sources of income.

Trial court order is erroneous

Considering the overwhelming evidence against the respondents, and the unsustainable reasons given by the trial court for acquittal by ignoring those evidence, compel this court to declare the judgment of the trial court is palpably wrong, manifestly erroneous and demonstrably unsustainable. Hence, this is a fit case for the appellate court to interfere and set it aside, the judge ruled.

He assailed the trial judge saying that acceptance of the self-serving declaration of income to the Income Tax authority by an accused in a DA case, by ignoring the first principle of law and the judicial pronouncements, is not a possible view but an erroneous view conceived due to misconception.

He termed the trial courts misinterpretation the bank account statements as proof of income, as a complete miscarriage of justice occurred by the omission of reliable evidence and by misinterpretation of evidence.

Further, he said the trial courts ready acceptance of I-T returns of Ponmudis wife without any independent evidence is palpably wrong and manifestly erroneous.

In the light of the above observations, the dictum and principles postulated by the Apex Court, applied to the case on hand, this court find that, the trial court on superficial reading of the evidence had proceeded with the process of decision making on the premise that A-1 and A-2 are separate entities and they both cannot be clubbed together. This is basically a fallacious approach by the trial court, the judge said.

The DVACs September 26, 2011 FIR charged the couple of amassing wealth to the tune of Rs. 1.75 crore (65.90%) more than his known sources of income during the check period from April 4, 2006 to May 13, 2010. The trial court acquitted the couple in 2016. Challenging this order, the DVAC preferred the appeal in 2017.

READ MORE | 'DMK is not worried a wee bit': TN CM Stalin over ED raids on minister Ponmudy's properties

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CHENNAI: In a lethal blow to Tamil Nadu Minister for Higher Education K Ponmudi and the ruling DMK, the Madras High Court on Thursday sentenced him to three years of imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case. Justice G Jayachandran pronounced the sentence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, in the jam packed court hall number 46 of the Madras High Court. His wife P Visalakhsi is sentenced to undergo imprisonment of same quantum of three years. Both of them have also been fined Rs 50 lakhs each. As per order of Justice G Jayachandran, Ponmudi gets 30 days to surrender before Trial Court to undergo sentence . In case, the couple fail to surrender on or before Jan.22, 2024, trial Court shall secure them by executing the warrant.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Justice G Jayachandran of #MadrasHighCourt sentences DMK Minister K Ponmudi to 3 years of imprisonment, Rs. 50 lakh fine in a wealth case under the PCA; the prison term of 3 years renders him automatically disqualified as a member of the TN Legislative Assembly @xpresstn  Sivakumar_TNIE (@sivakumarie) December 21, 2023 Appearing before the court, Ponmudy and his wife Visalakshi submitted their medical records and prayed for a minimum sentence citing their age and poor health. Since the sentence is for three years, he stands automatically disqualified as a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, to which, he was elected in 2021 polls. The court verdict has deprived him of the eligibility to contest for elections for six years, leaving him in the sunset of his illustrious political career, and given his age, 72 years, a comeback appears to have remote chances. The Minister is sentenced for the offence under section 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (e) of PCA for amassing wealth to tune of Rs. 1.72 crore, which accounts for 64.90%, more than his known sources of income during his tenure as Minister for Higher Education, Mines and Minerals during 2006-11. Ponmudi, an influential leader of DMK, started his career as a teaching faculty in a University, turned to politics later and became a close confidante of late party patriarch M Karunanidhi and his son and current Chief Minister MK Stalin. He is the second top leader of a political party and a sitting Ministet in Tamil Nadu to be disqualified from the membership of the Legislative Assembly after late CM J Jayalalithaa who had to be stripped of the public position of CM and MLA after a special court in Bengaluru convicted and sentenced her in a wealth case. A PhD holder, Ponmudi is known for his sharp political comments and remains a face of the party in the northern region of the State. A 2011 FIR filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), after the AIADMK came back to power, over the disproportionate wealth, has now done him in. Ponmudi and his wife were acquitted by the special court for PCA cases in Villupuram on April 18, 2016. Challenging this order, the DVAC filed an appeal in the High Court in 2017. After almost six years, the High Court convicted him on December 19 and announced that the sentence would be pronounced on December 21, 2023. The charge of offence punishable under section 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (e) of PCA framed against A-1 (Ponmudi) stands proved. The charges under section 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (e) of PCA and 109 IPC against A-2 (Visalakshi) stands proved, Justice Jayachandran said in the conviction order. He found that Rs. 1.72 crore worth assets were amassed by the couple disproportionate (64.90%) to known sources of income. Trial court order is erroneous Considering the overwhelming evidence against the respondents, and the unsustainable reasons given by the trial court for acquittal by ignoring those evidence, compel this court to declare the judgment of the trial court is palpably wrong, manifestly erroneous and demonstrably unsustainable. Hence, this is a fit case for the appellate court to interfere and set it aside, the judge ruled. He assailed the trial judge saying that acceptance of the self-serving declaration of income to the Income Tax authority by an accused in a DA case, by ignoring the first principle of law and the judicial pronouncements, is not a possible view but an erroneous view conceived due to misconception. He termed the trial courts misinterpretation the bank account statements as proof of income, as a complete miscarriage of justice occurred by the omission of reliable evidence and by misinterpretation of evidence. Further, he said the trial courts ready acceptance of I-T returns of Ponmudis wife without any independent evidence is palpably wrong and manifestly erroneous. In the light of the above observations, the dictum and principles postulated by the Apex Court, applied to the case on hand, this court find that, the trial court on superficial reading of the evidence had proceeded with the process of decision making on the premise that A-1 and A-2 are separate entities and they both cannot be clubbed together. This is basically a fallacious approach by the trial court, the judge said. The DVACs September 26, 2011 FIR charged the couple of amassing wealth to the tune of Rs. 1.75 crore (65.90%) more than his known sources of income during the check period from April 4, 2006 to May 13, 2010. The trial court acquitted the couple in 2016. Challenging this order, the DVAC preferred the appeal in 2017. READ MORE | 'DMK is not worried a wee bit': TN CM Stalin over ED raids on minister Ponmudy's properties Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. The remaining funds for the implementation of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) project have been utilized in full recently, Teodora Georgieva, Executive Officer of ICGB, the pipeline operator, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

"The total cost of the project is EUR 253 million  secured through investment by the shareholders, a loan from the European Investment Bank, funds under the European energy programme for recovery and Operational Program "Innovations and Competitiveness" (OPIC 2014-2020)," she said.

Georgieva pointed out that all funds were utilized in tranches, each received after careful evaluation and independent audits to ensure ICGB had implemented all works on the pipeline according to the highest standards in the industry.

"Although this process is rather slow and quite administratively heavy, it introduced another level of transparency and control to our work and helped us introduce full compliance to national and European legislation as well. We received the last remaining tranche for the project just last month - EUR 22.1 million under the EEPR," she added.

The IGB gas pipeline connects with the Greek national gas transmission system (DESFA S.A.) and the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP AG) in the area of Komotini (Greece), and with the Bulgarian gas transmission system (Bulgartransgaz EAD) in the area of Stara Zagora. The total length of the gas pipeline is 182 km, the diameter of the pipe - 32'' - and a design capacity of up to 3 billion m3/year in the direction Greece - Bulgaria. The gas pipeline enables the transportation of natural gas from new sources to other countries in the region as well, including Moldova and Ukraine.

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By PTI

OTTAWA: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said India's ties with Canada may have undergone "a tonal shift" following the indictment of an Indian national in the US for plotting an assassination attempt on a Sikh separatist on American soil.

"I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they can't bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before," Trudeau told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

He said the US indictment appears to have convinced the Indian government to adopt a more sober tone.

"There's an understanding that maybe, maybe just churning out attacks against Canada isn't going to make this problem go away."

"We don't want to be in a situation of having a fight with India right now over this," he said.

"We want to be working on that trade deal. We want to be advancing the Indo-Pacific strategy. But it is foundational for Canada to stand up for people's rights, for people's safety, and for the rule of law. And that's what we're going to do."

READ MORE | 'Will look into it': PM Modi responds to US allegations over Indian's role in plot to kill Pannun

The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Trudeau's allegations on September 18 of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia.

India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.

India rejected Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "motivated".

In November, the US federal prosecutors charged that one Nikhil Gupta was working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.

Though the separatist Sikh leader was not named, media reports identified him as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the Sikhs for Justice, an organisation banned in India.

India has already constituted a probe committee to investigate allegations.

Last week, Trudeau said that his decision to make allegations in public was intended to "put a chill" on them from repeating a similar action.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha earlier this month that Canada has not shared any specific evidence or inputs with India.

Days after Trudeau's allegations in September, India temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity.

India resumed some visa services in Canada last month, more than a month after they were suspended.

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OTTAWA: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said India's ties with Canada may have undergone "a tonal shift" following the indictment of an Indian national in the US for plotting an assassination attempt on a Sikh separatist on American soil. "I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they can't bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before," Trudeau told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He said the US indictment appears to have convinced the Indian government to adopt a more sober tone.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "There's an understanding that maybe, maybe just churning out attacks against Canada isn't going to make this problem go away." "We don't want to be in a situation of having a fight with India right now over this," he said. "We want to be working on that trade deal. We want to be advancing the Indo-Pacific strategy. But it is foundational for Canada to stand up for people's rights, for people's safety, and for the rule of law. And that's what we're going to do." READ MORE | 'Will look into it': PM Modi responds to US allegations over Indian's role in plot to kill Pannun The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Trudeau's allegations on September 18 of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India rejected Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "motivated". In November, the US federal prosecutors charged that one Nikhil Gupta was working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada. Though the separatist Sikh leader was not named, media reports identified him as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the Sikhs for Justice, an organisation banned in India. India has already constituted a probe committee to investigate allegations. Last week, Trudeau said that his decision to make allegations in public was intended to "put a chill" on them from repeating a similar action. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha earlier this month that Canada has not shared any specific evidence or inputs with India. Days after Trudeau's allegations in September, India temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity. India resumed some visa services in Canada last month, more than a month after they were suspended. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

Hostage exchange deal prospects uncertain after Egyptian talks with Hamas end without results, reports said.

Prospects for an exchange deal involving the release of more hostages remained uncertain as Hamas insisted it would not discuss anything less than a complete end to Israels offensive in Gaza, according to The Guardian.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh visited Egypt on Wednesday for the first time in more than a month for discussions with Egyptian officials who are seeking to mediate another truce, the report said.

Reuters reports that, according to The Guardian, a source said envoys were intensively discussing which of the hostages still held by Palestinian militants in Gaza could be freed in a new truce and which Palestinian prisoners Israel might release in return.

However, the meeting with Haniyeh ended without results, a Palestinian official told the BBC.

Taher Al-Nono, Haniyehs media adviser, told Reuters that Hamas was not willing to discuss releasing more Israeli hostages until Israel permanently ends its military campaign in Gaza and humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians increases.

ALSO READ | UN Security Council again delays Gaza aid resolution vote as high-level talks try to avoid US veto

We cannot talk about negotiations while Israel continues its aggression. Discussing any proposal related to prisoners must occur after the cessation of aggression.

Israel has insisted all remaining women and infirm men among the hostages be released, the source briefed on the negotiations said.

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Hostage exchange deal prospects uncertain after Egyptian talks with Hamas end without results, reports said. Prospects for an exchange deal involving the release of more hostages remained uncertain as Hamas insisted it would not discuss anything less than a complete end to Israels offensive in Gaza, according to The Guardian. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh visited Egypt on Wednesday for the first time in more than a month for discussions with Egyptian officials who are seeking to mediate another truce, the report said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Reuters reports that, according to The Guardian, a source said envoys were intensively discussing which of the hostages still held by Palestinian militants in Gaza could be freed in a new truce and which Palestinian prisoners Israel might release in return. However, the meeting with Haniyeh ended without results, a Palestinian official told the BBC. Taher Al-Nono, Haniyehs media adviser, told Reuters that Hamas was not willing to discuss releasing more Israeli hostages until Israel permanently ends its military campaign in Gaza and humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians increases. ALSO READ | UN Security Council again delays Gaza aid resolution vote as high-level talks try to avoid US veto We cannot talk about negotiations while Israel continues its aggression. Discussing any proposal related to prisoners must occur after the cessation of aggression. Israel has insisted all remaining women and infirm men among the hostages be released, the source briefed on the negotiations said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council again Wednesday delayed the vote on a new UN resolution on desperately needed aid to Gaza for another day as the Biden administration struggles to change key wording in high-level negotiations seeking to avoid a US veto.

The United States is seeking to change the texts references to a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas war and to putting the United Nations in charge of inspecting trucks to ensure they are actually carrying humanitarian goods, which Israel opposes.

US President Joe Biden told reporters on his way back from Milwaukee, Wisconsin that were negotiating right now at the UN the contours of a resolution that we may be able to agree to.

Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates, which sponsored the Arab-backed resolution, said earlier that very high-level discussions are underway to try to reach agreement on a text that can be adopted.

Everyone wants to see a resolution that has impact and that is implementable on the ground, she told reporters after the 15 council members held closed consultations. We believe today, giving a little bit of space for additional diplomacy, could yield positive results.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomacy, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will speak with his Egyptian and UAE counterparts to try to reach a consensus either late Wednesday or early Thursday.

As part of the US push at the UN, Blinken spoke Wednesday with the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom. He stressed the importance of urgently addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, the imperative of minimizing civilian casualties, and the need to prevent the conflicts further escalation ... and underscored the U.S. commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

Nusseibeh said the UAE is optimistic, but if the negotiations yield no results by Thursday then we will assess in the council to proceed ... to a vote on the resolution.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said Gaza faces a humanitarian catastrophe and that a total collapse of the humanitarian support system would lead to a complete breakdown of public order and increased pressure for mass displacement into Egypt.

The UN food agency reported last week that 56% of Gazas households are experiencing severe levels of hunger, up from 38% two weeks earlier.

The vote  initially postponed from Monday and then pushed back to Tuesday and then Wednesday  is now expected on Thursday morning, Ecuadors UN Ambassador Jose Javier De La Gasca Lopez-Dominguez, the current Security Council president, said.

The draft on the table Monday morning called for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities, but this language was watered down in a new version that was to be put to a vote on Wednesday. It would call for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

That draft also calls for Guterres to quickly establish a mechanism for exclusive UN monitoring of aid deliveries to Gaza  bypassing the current Israeli inspection of aid entering the strip.

A council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions were private, said the US and Egypt are engaging directly to ensure any aid monitoring mechanism can work for everyone.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also raised two other issues Wednesday morning that are not in the Arab-sponsored resolution  condemnation of Hamas deadly Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that sparked the latest war and Israels right to self-defense.

Its important for us, if the Security Council is going to speak on this, that theres a condemnation of Hamas and what they did on the 7th of October, theres a recognition of the need for Israel to be able to defend itself, and theres of course, significant commitment by all members on getting humanitarian assistance into the people of Gaza, Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One.

The US has repeatedly called for condemnation of Hamas Oct. 7 surprise attack and recognition of Israels right to self-defense, which have not been included in any of the adopted resolutions or the latest draft.

Blinken told a Washington news conference later Wednesday that the US has engaged intensively and in very good faith in negotiations on the resolution, so I hope we can get to a new place.

The US on Dec. 8 vetoed a Security Council resolution, backed by almost all other council members and dozens of other nations, demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. The 193-member General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a similar resolution on Dec. 12 by a vote of 153-10, with 23 abstentions.

In its first unified action on Nov. 15, with the U.S. abstaining, the Security Council adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in the fighting, unhindered aid deliveries to civilians and the unconditional release of all hostages.

ALSO READ | Hamas leader visits Cairo as talks over another Gaza cease-fire gather pace

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said during a briefing with ambassadors Tuesday that Israel is ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release of hostages.

But the UAEs Nusseibeh said the new resolution must go a little bit further.

Security Council resolutions are important because they are legally binding, but in practice many parties choose to ignore the councils requests for action. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are a significant barometer of world opinion.

Nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry since the war started. During the Oct. 7 attack, the militants also took about 240 hostages back to Gaza.

Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, and its Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Thousands more Palestinians lie buried under the rubble of Gaza, the UN estimates.

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UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council again Wednesday delayed the vote on a new UN resolution on desperately needed aid to Gaza for another day as the Biden administration struggles to change key wording in high-level negotiations seeking to avoid a US veto. The United States is seeking to change the texts references to a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas war and to putting the United Nations in charge of inspecting trucks to ensure they are actually carrying humanitarian goods, which Israel opposes. US President Joe Biden told reporters on his way back from Milwaukee, Wisconsin that were negotiating right now at the UN the contours of a resolution that we may be able to agree to.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates, which sponsored the Arab-backed resolution, said earlier that very high-level discussions are underway to try to reach agreement on a text that can be adopted. Everyone wants to see a resolution that has impact and that is implementable on the ground, she told reporters after the 15 council members held closed consultations. We believe today, giving a little bit of space for additional diplomacy, could yield positive results. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomacy, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will speak with his Egyptian and UAE counterparts to try to reach a consensus either late Wednesday or early Thursday. As part of the US push at the UN, Blinken spoke Wednesday with the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom. He stressed the importance of urgently addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, the imperative of minimizing civilian casualties, and the need to prevent the conflicts further escalation ... and underscored the U.S. commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. Nusseibeh said the UAE is optimistic, but if the negotiations yield no results by Thursday then we will assess in the council to proceed ... to a vote on the resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said Gaza faces a humanitarian catastrophe and that a total collapse of the humanitarian support system would lead to a complete breakdown of public order and increased pressure for mass displacement into Egypt. The UN food agency reported last week that 56% of Gazas households are experiencing severe levels of hunger, up from 38% two weeks earlier. The vote  initially postponed from Monday and then pushed back to Tuesday and then Wednesday  is now expected on Thursday morning, Ecuadors UN Ambassador Jose Javier De La Gasca Lopez-Dominguez, the current Security Council president, said. The draft on the table Monday morning called for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities, but this language was watered down in a new version that was to be put to a vote on Wednesday. It would call for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities. That draft also calls for Guterres to quickly establish a mechanism for exclusive UN monitoring of aid deliveries to Gaza  bypassing the current Israeli inspection of aid entering the strip. A council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions were private, said the US and Egypt are engaging directly to ensure any aid monitoring mechanism can work for everyone. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also raised two other issues Wednesday morning that are not in the Arab-sponsored resolution  condemnation of Hamas deadly Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that sparked the latest war and Israels right to self-defense. Its important for us, if the Security Council is going to speak on this, that theres a condemnation of Hamas and what they did on the 7th of October, theres a recognition of the need for Israel to be able to defend itself, and theres of course, significant commitment by all members on getting humanitarian assistance into the people of Gaza, Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One. The US has repeatedly called for condemnation of Hamas Oct. 7 surprise attack and recognition of Israels right to self-defense, which have not been included in any of the adopted resolutions or the latest draft. Blinken told a Washington news conference later Wednesday that the US has engaged intensively and in very good faith in negotiations on the resolution, so I hope we can get to a new place. The US on Dec. 8 vetoed a Security Council resolution, backed by almost all other council members and dozens of other nations, demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. The 193-member General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a similar resolution on Dec. 12 by a vote of 153-10, with 23 abstentions. In its first unified action on Nov. 15, with the U.S. abstaining, the Security Council adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in the fighting, unhindered aid deliveries to civilians and the unconditional release of all hostages. ALSO READ | Hamas leader visits Cairo as talks over another Gaza cease-fire gather pace Israeli President Isaac Herzog said during a briefing with ambassadors Tuesday that Israel is ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release of hostages. But the UAEs Nusseibeh said the new resolution must go a little bit further. Security Council resolutions are important because they are legally binding, but in practice many parties choose to ignore the councils requests for action. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are a significant barometer of world opinion. Nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry since the war started. During the Oct. 7 attack, the militants also took about 240 hostages back to Gaza. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, and its Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Thousands more Palestinians lie buried under the rubble of Gaza, the UN estimates. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW YORK: The US has deepened its partnership with India in 2023 and elevated cooperation with it through the Quad along with Japan and Australia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

Blinken's remarks came at his end-of-year press availability at the State Department in Washington on Wednesday.

"We've deepened our partnership with India. We've elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, and Australia," he said.

The US, Japan, India and Australia had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the resource-rich Indo-Pacific region.

US President Joe Biden hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a State Visit in Washington in June this year and the US leader had then travelled to Delhi for the G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by PM Modi under India's presidency of the grouping.

Blinken said that Washington's partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region have never been stronger and the US will continue to engage with China from a position of strength.

He noted that in 2023, Biden held his historic summit at Camp David with Japan and South Korea, cementing a new era of trilateral cooperation.

The US is working with the United Kingdom and Australia to produce nuclear-powered submarines.

Washington launched new comprehensive strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, a new Defence Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines, new trilateral initiatives with the Philippines and Japan, and new embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga, he said.

"The United States is more closely aligned, more closely aligned than ever, with the G7, with the EU, with other allies and partners on the challenges presented by Beijing. And we're working together to address them," he said, adding that the US is deepening cooperation and coordination between NATO and its Indo-Pacific allies.

"These efforts have allowed us to engage more effectively when tackling areas of concern, like China's coercive trade and economic practices, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, and human rights," he said.

Blinken noted that Washington's efforts to restore high-level diplomacy, starting with his trip to Beijing in July, "have allowed us to take practical steps to reduce the risk that competition veers into conflict, as well as to make progress on issues that matter in the lives of our fellow citizens."

"That was on full display when President Biden met with President Xi (Jinping) last month and made tangible progress on issues that matter, that matter to Americans as well as to people around the world," he said.

The US and Chinese leaders had met for a Summit in Woodside, California last month during the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, their first meeting in about a year.

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NEW YORK: The US has deepened its partnership with India in 2023 and elevated cooperation with it through the Quad along with Japan and Australia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said. Blinken's remarks came at his end-of-year press availability at the State Department in Washington on Wednesday. "We've deepened our partnership with India. We've elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, and Australia," he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The US, Japan, India and Australia had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the resource-rich Indo-Pacific region. US President Joe Biden hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a State Visit in Washington in June this year and the US leader had then travelled to Delhi for the G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by PM Modi under India's presidency of the grouping. Blinken said that Washington's partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region have never been stronger and the US will continue to engage with China from a position of strength. He noted that in 2023, Biden held his historic summit at Camp David with Japan and South Korea, cementing a new era of trilateral cooperation. The US is working with the United Kingdom and Australia to produce nuclear-powered submarines. Washington launched new comprehensive strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, a new Defence Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines, new trilateral initiatives with the Philippines and Japan, and new embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga, he said. "The United States is more closely aligned, more closely aligned than ever, with the G7, with the EU, with other allies and partners on the challenges presented by Beijing. And we're working together to address them," he said, adding that the US is deepening cooperation and coordination between NATO and its Indo-Pacific allies. "These efforts have allowed us to engage more effectively when tackling areas of concern, like China's coercive trade and economic practices, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, and human rights," he said. Blinken noted that Washington's efforts to restore high-level diplomacy, starting with his trip to Beijing in July, "have allowed us to take practical steps to reduce the risk that competition veers into conflict, as well as to make progress on issues that matter in the lives of our fellow citizens." "That was on full display when President Biden met with President Xi (Jinping) last month and made tangible progress on issues that matter, that matter to Americans as well as to people around the world," he said. The US and Chinese leaders had met for a Summit in Woodside, California last month during the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, their first meeting in about a year. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mumbai, Dec 21

P ooja Vastrakar claimed her best Test figures in her third Test, 4/53 and Sneh Rana bagged 3-56 as India Women bundled out Australia Women for 219 and then knocked off 98 runs for the loss of one wicket to take the honours on the opening day of the only Test of the multi-format series, at the Wankhede Stadium here on Thursday.

Australia's first innings, which lasted 77.4 overs and 305 minutes, was boosted by a superb counter-attacking half-century by Tahila McGrath (50 off 56 balls), who hammered the fastest Test half-century by an Australian woman batter off 52 deliveries. Beth Mooney contributed a patient 40 and skipper Alyssa Healy scored 38 but the rest of the batters failed to fire.

In reply, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma batted freely, hitting some beautiful shots as India raced to 50 in 46 balls) Both capitalised on the wayward bowling by the Australians, hitting 12 boundaries in the first nine overs. They added 90 runs for the opening wicket before Shafali Verma was out for 40, trapped before the wicket as she missed a straight one. Her 40 off 59 was studded with eight boundaries.

The Indian batters, who had blasted 410/7 on the opening day of the previous Test against England, scored at a fast pace once again. Australia skipper Alyssa Healy used five bowlers but none of them could make much impression on the Indian openers.

At stumps, Smriti Mandhana was batting on 43 off 49 balls (8x4) with Sneh Rana keeping her company at four. India would now look to bat through the second day to take a big lead and put further pressure on the Australian Women, who are playing a Test in India after 40 years.

Earlier, Healy could not have imagined that they would be out cheaply when she won the toss and elected to bat in her debut Test as captain They got off to a poor start but recovered a bit before losing two wickets late in the first session as the hosts took control of the proceedings on the first day.

Australia were in trouble soon after the start as they lost Phoebe Litchfield (0) and Ellyse Perry with only seven runs on the board.

Litchfield was run out for a diamond duck on the sixth ball of the first over as she got into a huge misunderstanding with Beth Mooney and had to sacrifice her wicket for her senior partner.

Perry (4) started with a four but got out on the next ball as Pooja Vastrakar brought the ball in and it went through the gap between bat and pad to disturb the stumps.

But Mooney and Tahlia McGrath rescued Australia with an 80-run partnership for the third wicket. Tahlia played a counter-attacking half-century, cutting, slashing and driving deliveries that were bowled wide off the off-stump as she scored the fastest-ever half-century in Tests for Australia off 52 balls.

In the 4th over, McGrath struck back-to-back boundaries off Renuka Thakur -- the first a drive through covers off a length ball, followed by an even better square drive through the gully.

India could have had a third wicket but Mooney survived as a DRS review by India goes in favour of the batter. The ball by Renuka Thakur jags in past the outside edge and hits the left-hander on the front pad. The ball tracker shows it was going down leg and the TV umpire rules it as an umpire's call.

McGrath struck Renuka Thakur for two more fours -- a superb punch past point in the seventh over and then another one off a wide delivery in the ninth over. She also drilled a stunning cover drive off Vastrakar in the 10th over, a copybook shot with a long stride forward and the back knee bent perfectly.

McGrath, who was dropped on 18 when the ball burst through Deepti Sharma's hands at the second slip, rubbed salt into the wound by punching the next delivery through point for a boundary. Mooney and McGrath completed the half-century of their partnership off 67 balls.

But just when it looked like Australia had taken control of the first session, Sneh Rana struck for India, getting McGrath to play an uppish flick towards midwicket. The batter failed to time it and Gayakwad jumped high to pluck a good catch, ending McGrath's superb innings.

Mooney, who held up one end with a patient knock, used the DRS to good effect by getting an lbw decision in her favour as she tried to build a partnership with skipper Alyssa Healy, who opened her account with a superb six off Deepti Sharma after going scoreless for 12 deliveries.

But India made another breakthrough when Harmanpreet Kaur brought back Pooja Vastrakar before lunch and the pacer struck off the final delivery before the break. Pooja pitched it short outside off and Mooney (40b, 2x4)tried to cut it but only managed to glove it to Sneh Rana at first slip.

After lunch, Alyssa Healy (38) and Annabel Sutherland added 40 runs for the fifth wicket but Pooja Sharma ended their partnership when she bowled the Australian skipper trying to sweep a delivery that stayed low. Kim Garth was the next major contributor to the Australian score as she remained unbeaten on 28, adding 30 runs for the ninth wicket with Jess Jonassen (19).

Vastrakar continued to torment Australia in the post-lunch session as she claimed two more wickets in her third spell, adding the scalps of Sutherland (16, 58b, 2x4) and Ashleigh Gardner (11, 26b, 1x4).

Landing the ball around the good length spot repeatedly, Vastrakar, who claimed her best figures of 3/23 in the second innings of the previous Test against England at the DY Patil Stadium last week, moved the ball both ways and used the early juice in the wicket to trouble the Australian batters.

Bowling in four spells, three of them from the Garware end, Vastrakar claimed one wicket from the Tata End in his first spell and then claimed the all-important wicket of Beth Mooney from the Garware end in her second spell on the stroke of lunch.

With the 24-year-old pacer from Bilaspur, Madhya Pradesh, being India's best bowler of the day, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur used her judiciously, bringing her in to break the rhythm of the Australian batters. And Vastrakar did not disappoint her as she claimed wickets at crucial intervals.

Sneh Rana picked the key wicket of Tahlia McGrath, getting her to flick uppishly to midwicket, and added Alana King (5) and Lauren Cheatle (6) to her tally after Tea for a 3-56 haul.

Pooja Sharma, the star of India's 347-run triumph against England with a 9/39 haul at the DY Patil Stadium last week, claimed two wickets for 45 runs, including the key wicket of Alyssa Healy.

Though the Indians bowled superbly and used the assistance in the wicket to good effect, they could have restricted Australia to fewer runs if they had not dropped four catches in the field.

Brief scores:

Australia 219 all out in 77.4 overs (Tahlia McGrath 50, Beth Mooney 40, Alyssa Healy 38, Kim Garth 28 not out; Pooja Vastrakar 4-53, Sneh Rana 3-56, Deepti Sharma 2-45) vs India Women 98/1 in 19 overs (Shafali Verma 40, Smriti Mandhana batting 43; Jess Jonassen 1-4).

IND W v AUS W: Shafali, Smriti hammer Australia after Pooja, Sneh bowl them out for 219

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 21. Work on the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline project will begin in the near future, Trend reports.

This was stated by Afghan acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi after a meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov.

According to him, during the negotiations, the large Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project running through the territory of Afghanistan was discussed, and issues of launching this project were also considered.

Furthermore, Muttaqi and Meredov discussed at the meeting the expansion of the Torghondi-Herat railway, the export of energy resources to the Afghan province of Herat and the expansion of trade between the countries.

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan is making significant efforts in the development of the TAPI gas pipeline, seeking to strengthen its role as a leading supplier of natural gas in the region. Turkmenistan's strategic participation in this project highlights its commitment to diversify export routes and strengthen energy security.
JLo says she and Ben Affleck have 'PTSD' from their first romance

Los Angeles, Dec 21

S inger-actress Jennifer Lopez has admitted that not everyone in her camp initially supported the idea to document her romance with husband Ben Affleck in her upcoming This Is Me Now album and companion film.

JLo said, As artistes, we have to follow our heart and this is me following my heart and doing something that maybe everybody didnt think was the best idea, but I had to do it," reports Variety.

She is set to drop This Is Me Now, a new album that marks the 20th anniversary of This Is MeThen, on February 16. The Dave Meyers-directed companion short film will be released at the same time by Amazon MGM Studios.

As per Variety, JLo has some worries about putting her and Afflecks life in the spotlight because we both have PTSD caused by the media scrutiny they endured back when they first dated.

"But were older now. Were wiser. We also know whats important, whats really important in life, and its not so much what other people think. Its about being true to who you are, she said.

Asked if the film is a scripted feature or documentary, JLo said, You have to see it and youll have to experience it to understand it. Thats why I call it a musical experience'. Because theres music, you can see it, you can hear it and then youll get to live it."

A recent teaser for the film included a clip of Lopez saying, When I was a little girl, when someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always in love."

JLo says she and Ben Affleck have 'PTSD' from their first romance

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Researchers from the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia (MRCG) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) will continue to evaluate the mechanisms behind the acute and chronic effects of extreme heat on expectant mothers and their unborn children, as part of a 1.4m grant from the Wellcome Trust.

Environmental heat exposure during pregnancy can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and fatigue in expectant mothers, and predicts multiple adverse birth outcomes, including a greater risk of stillbirth across affected populations globally.

During pregnancy, changes occur in the body that affect its ability to regulate temperature. The challenge to maintain a steady temperature as a pregnant woman working or living in extreme heat is one of many factors that could be implicated in the adverse birth outcomes recorded but further research is needed to determine which pathways may be responsible.

Extreme heat from climate change is of growing global concern. Its effects disproportionately impact the Global South and pregnant women and their unborn children are particularly vulnerable. Our study aims to understand the biological and physiological pathways that may be affected by extreme heat exposure, in order to inform real-world safety guidance and develop evidence-based adaptation interventions." Dr Ana Bonell, Assistant Professor based at MRCG

Dr Bonell, alongside Professor Andrew Prentice and Dr Bubacarr Bah at LSHTM, will lead the project, supported by researchers from the University of Cambridge and University of Thessaly. Their funding is part of a full 2m award from the Wellcome Trust.

Over the course of the four-year project, the team will look to collate and analyse global evidence for maternal responses to heat exposure, to identify the specific biological pathways affected and to determine the thresholds for which heat stress results in physiological changes.

Utilising wearable devices, placental samples and neurological assessments, the team also plan to conduct a large-scale study of over 700 pregnant women working in three distinct environments affected by extreme heat across The Gambia. The study will expand on the team's previous research, which found that the unborn children of women working in fields in extreme heat can show signs of strain before their mothers are affected.
Be careful this holiday season, warn researchers in the Christmas issue of The BMJ. Eye injuries while opening bottles of fizz can be significant and easily avoided.

This warning might at first sound overly cautious, write Ethan Waisberg and colleagues, but cork eye injuries are an often overlooked and substantial threat to eye health.

They explain that the pressure in a 750 ml bottle of champagne or sparkling wine is about three times that of a standard car tyre, with the potential to launch a cork up to 13 m at speeds of up to 80 kph.

What's more, a cork can travel from bottle to eye in less than 0.05 seconds, making the blinking reflex ineffective. And a cork hitting an eye can cause permanent blindness, retinal detachment, and lens dislocation, among other conditions.

They point to a case in 2022 when cyclist Biniam Girmay opened a bottle of prosecco on the winners' podium to celebrate his win at the Giro d'Italia. The cork hit his eye and he had to withdraw from the next stage of the competition.

Several studies have examined the impact of cork related eye injuries.

For example, a study published in 2005 found that champagne bottle corks were responsible for 20% of eye injuries related to bottle tops in the US and 71% in Hungary. And although many people's sight improved, the study found that, in 26% of cases related to pressurised drinks, people remained legally blind.

And a 2009 review of 34 cases of eye injuries caused by corks and caps from sparkling wine bottles in Italy found injuries including bleeding, lens dislocation and traumatic cataract formation. Complications included pupil movement issues, separation of the iris, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

These studies underscore the need for awareness and preventive measures, including warning labels and alternative packaging materials, such as a screw cap, to safeguard people, write the authors.

As such, they offer some practical tips to reduce risks of eye injury during toasts, in line with guidance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

These include chilling the bottle before opening to reduce pressure and cork velocity, pointing the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and others, and counteracting the upward moving force of the cork by pressing down on it.

Should an injury occur, the authors recommend prompt consultation with an ophthalmologist to minimise the risk of vision impairment.

"Let us toast to an excellent new year, keep the bubbly in our glass, and the sparkle in our eyes," they conclude.
Oscoda, Michigan, has the distinction as the first community where "forever chemicals" were found seeping from a military installation into the surrounding community. Beginning in 2010, state officials and later residents who lived near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base were horrified to learn that the chemicals, collectively called PFAS, had leached into their rivers, lakes, and drinking water.

Thirteen years later, the community is still waiting on whatever it will take to clean its water. As a result of dogged activism and pressure from government officials, the Air Force has finally taken initial steps simply to contain the chemicals.

Wurtsmith is just one of hundreds of contaminated U.S. military sites. Under congressional pressure, the Defense Department has acknowledged it has a big mess to clean up. It has spent years trying to grasp the scale of the contamination and assess the costs U.S. taxpayers will shoulder to clean it all up. Further, there's no clear scientific agreement on how to destroy the chemicals, even as companies pitch their scientists' best solutions in a bid for a share of billions of dollars in looming government contracts.

"We're really at the forefront," said Tony Spaniola, a lawyer turned activist whose family owns a home across Van Etten Lake from the former base. "There has been gross mismanagement of this entire program  a lot of stonewalling, a lot of foot-dragging." He added: "In the meantime, this stuff is continuing to spew into groundwater continuously, into lakes, rivers."

PFAS chemicals have been linked to increased cholesterol levels, preeclampsia in pregnant women, decreased birth weights, and decreased immune response to vaccines, as well as certain types of cancer. A federal study of U.S. military personnel published in July was the first to show a direct connection between PFAS and testicular cancer, and the chemicals have been linked to increased risk of kidney cancer.

Pentagon has lacked 'urgency'

Despite rising concerns over the potential effects of these substances, Pentagon officials have defended their use as a matter of national security, asserting in a report to Congress in August that banning them would undermine military readiness.

As many as 600 active or former military installations and adjacent communities are or may be contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The chemicals are found in a bevy of products used by the U.S. military for decades, including industrial solvents, stain retardants, waterproofing compounds, and firefighting foam.

While the Pentagon was aware of the potential health effects of PFAS as early as the 1970s, the individual military services didn't begin responding to PFAS pollution at bases until 2014. More than nine years into the Defense Department's work to analyze its contamination problem and plan for cleanup, frustrated advocates and community residents continue to worry about the safety of their drinking water.

"There hasnt been an urgency from the DOD that weve seen to actually clean up their mess," said Jared Hayes, a senior policy analyst with the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization that focuses on pollution issues nationwide.

The Defense Department did not respond to questions about the pace of the cleanup or provide updated cost estimates.

A spokesperson said the Pentagon is committed to addressing its PFAS contamination. "The Department recognizes the importance of this issue and is committed to addressing PFAS in a deliberative, holistic, and transparent manner," Jeff Jurgensen wrote in an email to KFF Health News.

Cleanup costs balloon

By June 30, the Defense Department had determined that 359 of 714 active and former bases and National Guard facilities were polluted with PFAS and 107 didn't meet a threshold for action. Investigations are underway at the remaining 248 sites, with nearly all results expected by year's end, according to Defense Department records.

Cleanup cost assessments have ballooned as the list of contaminated installations grows and researchers work to develop technologies to remove or destroy the toxic compounds. The Defense Department estimated in 2016 that the "total cleanup liability"  only a portion of which applies to PFAS cleanup  was $27.3 billion.

But according to a Sept. 21 letter from 52 members of Congress, that estimate climbed to $38.7 billion by 2022.

The House version of the Pentagon's fiscal year 2024 funding bill includes more than $1.1 billion for cleanup of PFAS and contaminants such as PCBs, dioxins, and radiation at active and former installations, while the Senate's version would boost the military's PFAS-specific $250 million funding request by more than $67 million to address water contamination. The legislation has yet to pass, mired in congressional debate over the fiscal 2024 appropriations process.

"DOD has a massive backlog of cleanup at their sites and the funding just wasn't adding up.  The amount of funding that they are putting toward cleaning up the problem isn't matching the need of the problem," Hayes said, referring to an analysis conducted by EWG.

A November analysis of Pentagon data found that the extent of the contamination may even be broader, with tests showing thousands of samples from private wells near military installations contained levels of PFAS that the Environmental Protection Agency considers unsafe.

The EPA has proposed stringent limits on multiple types of PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, in drinking water. The new standard, expected to take effect by the end of the year, would set a cap of 4 parts per trillion for those two compounds. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been evaluating its sites using a 2016 EPA health advisory of 70 parts per trillion.

If the EPA limit becomes the standard, the Defense Department will need to incorporate it into the review, planning, and cleanup process, Jurgensen said.

But activists, including Spaniola, are pushing the Biden administration to start the cleanup process even while investigations are ongoing. In a July memorandum, Brendan Owens, assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations, and environment, directed the Defense Department to find locations near current and former bases where PFAS can be extracted from groundwater and soil while a cleanup plan is developed.

At Wurtsmith  the first military site where contamination was discovered  officials started by installing two groundwater treatment systems, adding to a handful of other pumps installed over the years.

The two systems won't destroy the chemicals, but they will stop some of the flow of contaminated groundwater into Van Etten Lake from a landfill and a repository that once held discarded or unused equipment, according to Air Force officials.

As for completely ridding the environment of PFAS chemicals, a long, bumpy road remains.

'Multiple decades of cleanup'

For years, the Defense Department had disposed of the chemicals by burning them in incinerators. In 2018, the Defense Department paid contractors to begin work to incinerate more than 2 million gallons of stockpiled firefighting foam. In 2021, Congress ordered the Pentagon to stop the practice in anticipation of new EPA guidelines for PFAS disposal and destruction, which the agency says it expects to update this winter, but the Pentagon lifted its moratorium on incineration on July 11.

Studies have shown burning the chemicals can release toxic gases into the air.

In suspending the moratorium, the Defense Department said it had found four commercially available options for effectively burning PFAS.

EPA spokesperson Tim Carroll said in a statement the agency understands the Pentagon needed to provide guidance to its personnel regarding destruction and disposal of PFAS.

But communities already affected by PFAS contamination should be protected when making decisions about how to dispose of the chemicals, according to the statement.

"EPA understands that DoD considers high temperature incinerators to be an effective destruction option," Carroll said. "EPA notes that, at this time, it is difficult to determine whether high temperature incinerators are an effective PFAS destruction option because data on PFAS releases from incinerators are generally lacking."

Besides incinerating waste, injecting it deep into the earth, and putting it in landfills, a number of companies are testing technologies they hope will work to destroy PFAS. Among those methods is supercritical water oxidation, known as SCWO, which oxidizes organic compounds at high temperatures.

Conventional incineration plants are "nowhere close to being able to destroy PFAS," said Zhuoyan Cai, director of Denmark-based Aquarden Technologies, which he said is currently in talks with U.S. companies about its SCWO technology. "The PFAS is used in firefighting foam, so its highly thermally resistant, so it's very difficult to just burn it away in a traditional plant."

Supercritical water is essentially a fourth state of water under extremely high pressure and temperature  different from ice, liquid water, and steam  with special characteristics that dissolve oil and other organic compounds, including PFAS and pesticides.

When wastewater is under those conditions, the salts fall away and the oils and pesticides blend into the supercritical water. Mix in oxygen and it reacts aggressively and rips the PFAS carbon bonds apart, with greater than 99.999% destruction, Cai said. A study from EPA scientists said the method "could be a permanent solution for PFAS-laden wastewaters."

A handful of companies are working with the Pentagon to bring mobile SCWO technology to widespread use, including Revive Environmental, a spinoff of the Ohio-based nonprofit Battelle, and 374Water, which originated from research at Duke University in North Carolina.

"Unfortunately, we as a society are still manufacturing and selling [PFAS] into the market. So I think the first thing we need to do is stop putting it in our ecosystem," 374Water's board chairman, Kobe Nagar, said. "Its multiple decades of cleanup."

Other companies are developing and testing their own approaches, using everything from ultraviolet light to plasma.

Dallas-based AECOM, a consulting firm that handles PFAS response work for the U.S. military, uses electrodes to break down the chemicals by removing electrons.

But Rosa Gwinn, global PFAS technical lead at AECOM, cautioned that none of these emerging technologies is a perfect response to the cleanup predicament. "There is not going to be a single solution, no matter what somebody says," she said.

But as industry chases billions of dollars in government contracts, towns like Oscoda linger under a cloud of health concerns with little action.

Well over a decade after the discovery of the chemicals surrounding Wurtsmith, a bounty of public health warnings about PFAS exposure remain, including for drinking water, fish and wildlife, and the chemical-laced foam that still washes ashore. One site now finally being targeted is a beach with a YMCA camp for children, Spaniola said.

"Am I concerned for my health? Yes," he said. "Am I concerned for my familys health? Yes."
By Azernews

Asim Aliyev

Azerbaijani-Turkish Investment Forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the establishment of the Turkish Republic has started its work today in Baku, Azernews reports.

The event has been organized by the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the Public Association of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkiye and Azerbaijan (TUIB).

Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and Head of the Financial Department of the (Turkish) President's Office Goksel Ashan are participating in the forum.

The event, which aims to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries, is also intended to make an important contribution to regional development. The forum will discuss strategic issues related to the expansion of economic cooperation, steps to be taken to create strong economic relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Potential investment opportunities were also discussed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. An agreement has already been reached with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on export of green energy through Azerbaijan to Europe, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said, Trend reports.

He spoke at the Azerbaijani-Turkish investment forum.

He spoke about the formation of a larger working group of the two countries on the energy corridor from Nakhchivan to Turkiye.

Shahbazov emphasized that Azerbaijan intends to export up to 5,000 MW of green energy in the future, including 1,000 MW through the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

According to the Minister, Turkish enterprises' experience in the sector of energy efficiency is critical.

He emphasized the significance of the Turkish Baltech company's project on 50 MW solar power plants in Nakhchivan and 200 MW wind power plants in the East Zangezur and Karabakh economic zones.

"Furthermore, the Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Europe energy corridor is one of the promising routes for Central Asian electricity transportation. A deal has already been negotiated with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to export green electricity to Europe via Azerbaijan," minister emphasized.

The Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum started in Baku today.

The forum explores opportunities for expanding Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various fields, and investment agreements and cooperation agreements will be signed.

More than 600 representatives from government institutions and the private sector from both countries are participating in the event.

The forum will include panel sessions covering investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, and health tourism sectors.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
This year, about $1.5 billion has landed in state and local government coffers from court settlements made with more than a dozen companies that manufactured, sold, or distributed prescription painkillers and were sued for their role in fueling the opioid crisis.

That money has gone from an emerging funding stream for which people had lofty but uncertain aspirations to a coveted pot of billions of dollars being invested in real time to address addiction.

Altogether, the companies are expected to pay more than $50 billion to state and local governments over nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, more than 100,000 Americans have died of drug overdoses annually in recent years, underscoring the urgent nature of the crisis.

KFF Health News has been tracking the funds all year and covering the windfall's mixed impact in communities across the country. Here are five things we've noticed in 2023 and plan to keep an eye on next year:

1. The total amount of settlement money state and local governments expect to receive is a moving target.

Before the start of the year, national settlements were in place with at least five companies, and several other deals were in the final stages, said Christine Minhee, founder of OpioidSettlementTracker.com.

Today, most states are participating in settlements with opioid manufacturers Johnson & Johnson, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, and Allergan; pharmaceutical distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson; and retail pharmacies Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS. Many are also settling with the national supermarket chain Kroger.

Several of these deals began paying out in the second half of this year, leading to bumps in states' opioid settlement pots.

But there have been dents and slowdowns too.

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, a manufacturer of generic opioids, originally agreed to pay $1.7 billion as a result of its 2020 bankruptcy filing to state and local governments, as well as people directly affected by the crisis. But the company filed a second bankruptcy in August, slashing $1 billion from that figure.

Purdue Pharma, perhaps the best known of all the companies for its creation and marketing of OxyContin, had agreed to pay $6 billion as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. But the Biden administration objected to the deal this summer, and the case now lies in the hands of the Supreme Court. At its core is the question of whether it's legal for the Sackler family to gain immunity from future civil cases about the opioid crisis under the company's bankruptcy deal when they have not filed for bankruptcy as individuals.

The Supreme Court heard arguments in December and is expected to rule on the case next spring or summer. Until then, no Purdue money will flow.

2. Most states still aren't being transparent about how the money is used.

In March, KFF Health News and Minhee published a comprehensive investigation showing that only 12 states had promised to publicly report how they were using all their settlement dollars.

Since then, that number has inched up to 16.

But 15 states still have not committed to publicly reporting anything at all, and others have promised to publicize only a portion of their spending.

Many people aren't happy about the secrecy.

In Ohio, a local advocacy group, Harm Reduction Ohio, sued the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, which controls most of the state's settlement dollars, for violating public records and open-meeting laws. Although a judge ruled in favor of the advocacy group, it became a moot point in July, when the state passed a budget that included language exempting the foundation from such requirements.

In Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services came under fire for not publicly reporting how it was spending upward of $40 million in settlement funds. In October  just hours before a legislative subcommittee hearing in which lawmakers asked critical questions about the money  the department launched a website, displaying a breakdown of organizations to which it had awarded funds.

At the national level, a dozen Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about a lack of transparency and oversight via a Sept. 25 letter to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which is leading the federal government's response to the opioid crisis.

"We urge the Biden administration to closely track opioid settlement fund spending, to ensure that populations in need of additional support receive it," the lawmakers wrote.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy responded this month that it did not have the statutory authority from Congress to do so.

"Currently, no mechanism exists that would allow ONDCP to require states to disclose their spending," the office wrote in a letter obtained by KFF Health News. "ONDCP cannot effectively monitor how states use these funds."

3. Nationwide, money is being spent in several common areas.

Although there is no national data on how settlement dollars are spent, piecemeal tracking by journalists and advocates has surfaced some favorites.

One of the biggest is investing in treatment. Many jurisdictions are building residential rehab facilities or expanding existing ones. They're covering the cost of care for uninsured people and trying to increase the number of clinicians prescribing medications for opioid use disorder, which have been shown to save lives.

Another common expense is naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Wisconsin is spending about $8 million on this effort. Kentucky has dedicated $1 million. And many local governments are allocating smaller amounts.

Some other choices have sparked controversies.

Several governments used settlement dollars to purchase police patrol cars, technology to help officers hack into phones, and body scanners for jails. Supporters say these tools are critical to crack down on drug trafficking, but research suggests law enforcement efforts don't prevent overdoses.

People are also divided over school-based programs to prevent kids from developing addictions. While they agree on the goal, some people favor programs that teach kids about the dangers of drugs  like D.A.R.E. in the '80s  while others prefer programs focused on improving mental health, resiliency, and communication skills.

Perhaps the most contentious use, though, is shoring up county budgets and paying back old bills. Even if it's legal, many people directly affected by the epidemic say this misses the goal of the settlement money, which is to address today's ongoing crisis.

4. The settlements required companies to change problematic business practices, but that has had unintended consequences.

As part of their settlements, manufacturers like Allergan and Johnson & Johnson agreed not to sell opioids for 10 years and curb marketing and promotion activities. Pharmaceutical distributors were required to step up efforts to identify suspicious orders from pharmacies, under the oversight of an independent third-party monitor. Retail pharmacy chains must conduct audits and site visits to their pharmacies, as well as share data with state agencies about problematic prescribers.

The goal of these stipulations is to prevent further misuse of prescription opioids. But some people see unintended consequences.

Distributors have placed stricter limits not only on pharmacy orders of opioids, but on many drugs considered potentially addictive, known as "controlled substances." As a result, orders for these medications are being canceled more often and some pharmacies are hesitant to fill prescriptions for new patients. That has left people struggling to obtain medications for chronic pain, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder  and, ironically, even medication that treats opioid addiction.

Bayla Ostrach, a researcher in North Carolina who studies substance use and health policy, said buprenorphine, which is considered a gold-standard treatment for opioid use disorder, was already difficult to obtain at many community pharmacies and in rural areas. But the settlements appear to be making it worse.

Instead of increasing access to treatment  which is critical to stemming the number of overdoses  "I really worry the settlements may be having the opposite effect," Ostrach said.

5. Many places havent decided what to do with the money yet.

Several states, including Montana and Hawaii, have yet to spend any of the settlement funds controlled by their state agencies. In Maine and West Virginia, councils overseeing the lion's share of funds are still in the process of identifying priorities and developing processes to award grants.

Across the nation, some county officials say they need more guidance on appropriate uses of the money. Others are surveying residents on what they want before making decisions.

The slow pace has frustrated some advocates, who say there should be greater urgency at a time when the drug supply is becoming increasingly deadly. But others say the money will continue arriving through 2038, so setting up thoughtful processes now could pay off for years to come.

It's a trade-off between putting out current fires and preventing future ones, said Shelly Weizman, project director of the addiction and public policy initiative at Georgetown University's O'Neill Institute. She's hopeful officials will strike the right balance.

"Is there a vision in each state about where we're going to be when the settlement monies are done?" she said. "My hope is that 18 years from now we're not still where we are today."
As technology started taking over the country, a lot of car manufacturers began experimenting with new features in cars, trying to eliminate the physical appearance of drivers. After seeing the rapid growth in the segment on the tech front, Union Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his strong objection to this particular feature.

As per the details shared by HT, the minister said he will not allow driverless cars in India. He pointed out that if self-driving cars came into the country, more than 80 lakh drivers would become unemployed.

Heres What Nitin Gadkari Says About Idea

According to HT, the remark has been made by Gadkari, who is taking care of the Road Transport and Highways segment, at an event hosted by IIM Nagpur. While addressing the gathering, he recalled his statement saying I said in the US itself that I will not allow driverless cars in India at any cost. This is because, in our country, a large number of people work as drivers.driverless cars will, therefore, snatch their jobs, said Gadkari, quoted by HT.

Not Suitable for India

In addition, he continued saying that such technology with cars is suitable for countries, which have lower or small populations. However, such ideas might not benefit the countries like India, which has a bigger population. It will become another issue if the technology lands here in India, says the transport minister.

This is not the first time the ministers have shown concern over self-driving vehicle technology. He was seen a few times speaking against the idea, citing the above-mentioned reasons.
Entitled Solutions, a financial solutions platform for blue-collar workers, has conducted a study in collaboration with BFA Global, an impact innovation firm on the financial well-being of low-income workers in India, with a specific emphasis on gig economy participants. The study aimed to identify the state of the financial health of delivery drivers, develop personas, and explore ways to improve their financial health.

The study conducted over two months, collected data over telephone interviews that lasted an average of 8-10 minutes. Around 60% of the sample consisted of delivery riders and the other 40% of cab and auto drivers.

Also Read: From Lower Wages To Safety: Report Reveals Unjust Life Of Women In Blue-Collar Jobs

The survey focused on understanding indicators of financial health for the gig workers across four domains: Day-to-day management (alignment of expected income to expenses), Opportunities (ability to meet non-financial goals), Resilience (availability of meaningful reserves as a hedge against shocks), agency (retaining control while interacting with financial service providers).

Key findings;

Among the key demographic insights, the average gig worker emerged as a 34-year-old male, earning Rs 6,000 per week. All respondents in the sample were male, highlighting a major gender gap in delivery and driving-related gig work opportunities. This is in line with overall trends reported nationally and globally.

With regards to education, drivers are young and typically have completed only high school (42%), followed by some type of schooling (18%), college (18%), and diploma courses (12%).

The study provided a comparison between delivery drivers and auto/cab drivers.

Delivery riders are younger and earn less than cab drivers. Although cab drivers earn more, they are also more stressed and lag in financial management and planning. While there is no difference in the overall financial health score, there are differences in the four dimensions considered.

Delivery drivers score higher on day-to-day management and resilience, while auto/cab drivers score higher on opportunities and agency.

The analysis resulted in the identification of three distinct personas or groups, each requiring targeted interventions for improved financial well-being.

The first group comprises delivery drivers and high earners who can cover their financial needs, have debt and cushion, but also deal with stress. The second group consists of delivery drivers who suffer or have suffered from financial hardships but still believe they have control over their financial situation. Lastly, the third group is likely to include auto/cab drivers and low earners who plan their finances but often rely on charities and subsidies. This segmentation emphasised the need for tailored solutions to address the unique challenges faced by each group.

The report added that recognising the diverse challenges faced by these different groups, tailored solutions are imperative.

Way forward

The study suggested that delivery riders can benefit from flexible savings products, enhancing their overall financial health. Cab drivers, on the other hand, require financial education tools and management products to bolster savings and resilience to unexpected shocks.

For those with low indebtedness and stress, micro-lending and flexible payment loans offer viable solutions. Introducing features like automatic deductions towards savings or emergency savings products proves beneficial for cab drivers.

Additionally, a focus on the integration of financial health data with work history and employer information will enhance the precision in targeting products, ensuring a more effective approach to addressing the unique needs of each segment.

The study also proposed a comprehensive set of short and long-term recommendations such as continued measurement of financial health scores and the implementation of targeted interventions, such as automatic savings deductions and micro-lending for low-stress customers.

Additionally, product-based solutions such as loans with flexible and automatic repayment options, gold-based savings products, EMI-based motor vehicle insurance, etc. will work well for enhancing access to financial services.

Furthermore, building the right habits is crucial for good financial health and since it is difficult to be disciplined with these habits when ones finances are tight, tools such as financial literacy and reminders or alerts based on preset triggers might work.

Anshul Khurana, co-founder, Entitled Solutions, said, This study not only reveals the diverse demographics of gig workers but, more importantly, identifies nuanced personas based on their financial health. By combining financial health data with work history and employer data, we aim to revolutionise how financial products are tailored for this segment, fostering long-term resilience and well-being. 

Ashirul Amin, managing principal consultant and head of quantitative analytics practice, BFA Global, said, This study highlights the need for financial health measurement to become an integral part of assessing gig workers needs and designing customised solutions that aim to maximise the benefits.
In India, few brands have achieved the iconic status that Parle-G has attained over the years. The biscuit brand, known to almost every Indian, has been a market leader for an extended period, owing its success to a combination of minimalistic strategies and effective branding. The mastermind behind Parle-G is Mohanlal Dayal, whose entrepreneurial journey tells a remarkable success story.

The journey of Parle-G traces back to its foundation in Mumbai by Mohanlal Dayal, who initially ventured into the candy business in 1928. However, recognizing the limited reach of biscuits primarily among the British elite and affluent Indians, Dayal shifted his focus entirely to biscuits by 1938. This strategic move aligned with his vision to introduce biscuits accessible to the common people of India.

The brands name, Parle-G, incorporates the term Parle, reflecting the companys Mumbai origins. In its early years, G denoted glucose, as the biscuits were marketed as having glucose content. The product gained widespread acceptance, especially during the Swadeshi movement, garnering recognition from Indian consumers.

The 1960s brought fierce competition from Britannia, prompting Parle-G to devise a new strategy. The introduction of a young girl on their packaging, a symbol that later became iconic, marked a shift in consumer perception. Additionally, the G was rebranded to signify genius. The company effectively managed to control the pricing of its biscuits and navigated the competitive landscape.

Parle-G has evolved, diversifying into three distinct brandsMonaco, Crackjack, and Hide and Seek. In a notable achievement, the brand became the first FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) brand to achieve sales worth Rs 5000 crore in the retail market in 2013. The years 2018-20 witnessed an impressive sales figure, with approximately Rs 8,000 crore worth of Parle-G biscuits sold.

Mohanlal Dayals strategic vision and adaptability to market dynamics have solidified Parle-G as a household name, reflecting the success of an indigenous brand that resonates with the diverse population of India.
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) will begin the registration process for recruitment to various posts falling under Group II Services. Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can visit the official website of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission at psc.ap.gov.in and apply for the vacancies. It is important to note that the last date to apply for the posts is January 10, 2024 (till 11:59 PM).

The notification has been issued by the commission to fill up a total of 897 vacancies in the commission. Out of the 897 vacancies, 331 seats are reserved for executive posts and 566 for non-executive posts.

APPSC GROUP 2 RECRUITMENT 2023: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Age limit: The age limit to register for the exam is between 18 to 42 years of age. Candidates should note that age relaxation is provided to those belonging to reserved categories.

Educational Qualification: Candidates applying for group 2 vacancies must have a bachelors degree or its equivalent qualifications from any recognised university/institution.

APPSC GROUP 2 RECRUITMENT 2023: STEPS TO APPLY

Step 1: Go to the official portal of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission at www.psc.ap.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on the link available on the web page that reads, APPSC Group 2 Recruitment 2023.

Step 3: Once done, candidates will be redirected to a new page where they need to key in the registration details and log into their account.

Step 4: Fill out the application form as directed in the form.

Step 5: Scan and upload the essential documents in the prescribed size and format.

Step 6: Pay the prescribed fees and submit the application form.

Step 7: Download the confirmation page and print out a hard copy of the same for future records.

APPSC GROUP 2 RECRUITMENT 2023: APPLICATION FEES

Candidates applying for APPSC recruitment are required to pay Rs 360 as an application fee. However, candidates falling under Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Backward Class (BC), Physically Handicapped (PH) and Ex-Servicemen categories will have to pay Rs 110.

APPSC GROUP 2 RECRUITMENT 2023: SELECTION PROCEDURE

According to the notification, the recruitment will be held in three stages. The screening test for APPSC Group 2 Prelims Exam 2023 is scheduled to be held on February 25, 2024. Those who qualify for the prelims examination will be shortlisted for the Mains Examination. Candidates should note that the commission has not yet announced the date of the Main Examination as of now.

Candidates will have to go through a screening test, which will be an objective-type examination in OMR-based format in offline mode. However, the main examination would comprise OMR-based objective-type questions in offline mode or a computer-based test (CBT). Aspirants will then be shortlisted for the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) based on merit in the main written exam.
The 12th convocation ceremony of Dr BR Ambedkar University, Delhi, honoured 1,095 students on Wednesday, December 20. The ceremony, held on Ambedkar Universitys Kashmere Gate campus in Delhi, celebrated the academic achievements of 442 undergraduates, 602 postgraduates, 13 MPhils, and an additional 33 PhD scholars, according to the Times of India. In addition to that, five students received diplomas.

The media outlet further reported that among the 1,095 degree holders, an impressive 77 per cent in MPhil, 72 per cent in PhD, and 58 per cent in combined undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses are accomplished young women. In absolute numbers, out of the 1,095 students, there were 635 female students.

Vice-chancellor Anu Singh Lather stated that the university ranked 4th on the priority list of top 10 universities chosen by candidates in the 2023-24 admission cycle, conducted through Common University Entrance Test (CUET).

AUD Merit Research Fellowship Scheme (AUDMRFS) for PhD scholars at par with UGCs Junior Research Fellowship /Senior Research Fellowship has been implemented. A total of 28 PhD scholars were awarded with the scholarship. The university has increased the monthly stipend for non-NET/JRF research scholars from Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000 across programmes, the Vice-chancellor said.

In addition to that, Education Minister Atishi graced the convocation ceremony as the chief guest and addressed the students enthusiastically. Highlighting the unique holistic approach of liberal arts students, she stated that their contributions can help the country. Liberal arts are looked down upon in our country. The holistic approach that liberal arts students possess sets them apart and 5 years down the line, those earning degrees in liberal arts will likely be at the forefront of leading the country, she said, reported Times Of India.

At the 12th Convocation of Dr. BR Ambedkar University with Honble @LtGovDelhi, we bid farewell to nearly 1100 youngsters whore proudly stepping out as graduate, postgraduate, and PhD scholars.Each one of them is a Change-maker. No matter where they are, I am sure that these pic.twitter.com/7D1W8d3ntY  Atishi (@AtishiAAP) December 21, 2023

Elaborating further, Atishi directed the students to make well-informed decisions and be grateful for their parents contribution in this rapidly evolving world. She further asked the students to think about the country. In a deeply divided society, whether rich or poor, and marked by caste and religion, todays students bear the responsibility of making our country better. I hope you will strive to fulfil this goal, she concluded.

Lieutenant Governor and chancellor VK Saxena were also among those who graced the event with their presence. The Lieutenant Governor, during his address to the student, praised the university for implementing the vision and focus of NE. He advised students to take inspiration from Dr BR Ambedkars philosophy to reach out to more and more students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Saxena highlighted that the prospects in a liberal economic environment are immense. He said, Our demographic dividend of youth600 million people in the age group of 25 and belowmust be converted into an asset that propels our surge for development. For this, we must undertake skilling and capacity building among our youth in a mission mode.

Saxena concluded by telling the students that he would like them to remember that positions are temporary and ranks and titles are limited. But the way they treat people and serve society will always be remembered.
The Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) in India has been consistently rising over the years, according to the information provided by the Education Ministry in the Lok Sabha. From Rs 60,196.75 crore in 201011 to Rs 1,27,380.96 crore in 202021, it has more than doubled. As per the data released by Dr Subhas Sarkar, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, India ranks third in the world in terms of the number of PhDs awarded in Science and Engineering (S&E). The overall number of publications has also climbed from 6,61,912 in 2012-2016 to 10,12,624 in 2017-2021, according to the Elsevier Report.

While responding to the question in Parliament, the minister highlighted that the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) receive funds under various research schemes from various central ministries, reported The Indian Express. These ministries include the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology through their various departments such as the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Department of Bio-Technology (DBT).

Elaborating further, Dr Subhas Sarkar added that these institutes also receive research grants from the industry, alumni, and also philanthropic contributions. The education ministry releases funds under different research schemes such as Uchchatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY), Scheme for Promotion of Research and Academic Collaboration (SPARC), Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT), Scheme for Transformational and Advanced Research in Sciences (STARS), etc., for promotion of research ecosystem of countrys Higher Education Institutes.

The ministry also issues funds to the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for salary, scholarships/ fellowships, pension, equipment-related expenses, and other recurring or non-recurring expenditures on a monthly basis. The funds released are based on the demand estimates received from these Institutions and their budgetary allocation, he added.

It is important to note that fund flow is a continuous process in which funds are disbursed to various institutions depending on the approved cost of the research project in question and demand raised under recurring and non-recurring heads.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) announced the Central Police Organization (SSC CPO) 2023 result for the Physical Endurance Test (PET) / Physical Standard Test (PST) on Wednesday, December 20. Candidates who appeared for the PET/PST examination of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination can visit the official website of Staff Selection Commission at ssc.nic.in and download their SSC CPO PET, PST results 2023. Candidates can download the SSC CPO PET, PST result 2023 by logging in on the official website with their registration number and birthdate.

Under this recruiting campaign, the department is looking to fill a total of 1,876 positions in the organization. According to the official notification, a total of 8,543 candidates have qualified for the Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST).

In addition to that, the commission issued the result of Paper-I of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination, 2023 on October 25, 2023. A total of 31, 277 distinct candidates were announced as qualified under various lists.

SSC CPO 2023 PET/PST RESULT: HOW TO DOWNLOAD

Step 1: Candidates need to go to the official website of Staff Selection Commission atwww.ssc.nic.in.

Step 2: Look for and click on the result section available on the homepage and then navigate to the CAPF option.

Step 3: Post this, click on the link that says, Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination, 2023: Declaration of result of PET/PST for appearing in Paper-II.

Step 4: Once done, a PDF will open up on the screen which contains the names of shortlisted candidates.

Step 5: Cross-check the details and download the result PDF.

Step 6: For future reference, take a printout of the PET/PST Result PDF.

In addition to that, candidates who qualified in the PET/ PST are now eligible to appear in Paper II of the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination, 2023. The SSC SI in Delhi Police and CAPF exam is scheduled to be held by the commission on January 8, 2024. Admit cards for the same will be released by the commission in due course.

SSC CPO is a common recruitment examination for the Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB) and Sub-Inspector (Executive) (male or female) in Delhi Police. The Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) conducted by the commission are often used in police forces, armed forces, firefighters, or other government job recruitment processes that require a certain level of physical fitness and agility.
On a tiny piece of land in a farmers field in a remote Karnataka village, school kids in uniform were seen harvesting paddy like a pro and piling them neatly. Suddenly, one might think of this as a case of child labor until you know what a wonderful act is taking place here. Around 30 students of a government school in Hulkatri village of Siddapura taluk, Uttara Kannada signed up for practical farming classes this year.

However, teaching farming isnt a new thing for rural schools in India. Kids, especially from farming families would be quite well versed with the nuances already. But teaching this as a subject and with raw practical exposure is something that is very special and needs accolades as well. Farming is considered a kind of education that is necessary for everyone, after all, thats how humans entered civilization. From learning how to grow crops to improvising skill sets to sustain family and community as a whole, this is a craft that is certainly introduced and known about in the school curriculum.

Darshan Harikantra, a teacher at the government higher primary school decided to take this thought rather seriously. Last year he presented an idea to the students about learning how to grow paddy from scratch. He even found a farmer who agreed to teach interested students how to grow paddy and also lend a piece of his land for this practical experiment. teacher Darshan Harikantra was delighted for sure. The number of students interested in this unique class had doubled in a year, last year it was just 13 students that took this up.

Nityananda Gowda, a farmer lent 4 guntas (4356 sq ft) to the school kids. A total of 30 students began work on this piece of land in August this year. Gowda, the farmer began guiding them from the basics  how to hold the sickle. Interestingly, only four out of the 30 students are from farming backgrounds. For the rest, this agriculture class was a maiden experience.

They are very enthusiastic. They listen carefully to what I say and then jump into action. They have a hundred questions on everything which makes it all the more interesting for me. I look forward to spending this precious time with these children. Once they all grow up, I only hope they value agriculture as much since now they know the effort that goes behind growing each grain on our plate, says Nityananda Gowda, the farmer. He owns 2 acres of land where he grows only paddy. If not working in his field, he works as a farm laborer in others fields.

Last year, only class 7 students were involved in this project. This year we have merged classes 6 and 7. Kids have been enjoying the whole process. From tilling the land, sowing the seeds, arranging saplings, watering, using fertilizers, and pest control to now the final harvest they have been a part of all the steps of growing paddy. I am sure this part of their school life will be their most memorable one and humbles them a little more when they grow up. Anything that is learned in life is priceless, the same goes for this as well. The things that they learned with nature and being a part of this journey will help shape them into better humans, that is all I hope, the teacher spearheading this special project said.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal responded to the Enforcement Directorate summons and mentioned that they are illegal, politically motivated adding that they should be withdrawn.

He said that he is willing to abide by all the legal summons, however these illegal ones should be withdrawn.

This ED summon is also illegal like the previous summons, Kejriwal said in his response.

The AAP chief said that these politically motivated summons should be withdrawn. I have lived my life with honesty and transparency. I have nothing to hide, Kejriwal added.

Kejriwal noted that the timing at which he was summoned strengthens his belief that they are not based on any objective criteria but purely for propaganda.

He said that the summons were intended to create sensationalised news in the final few months ahead of the much awaited 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Reiterating his earlier stand from his previous letter, he also asked the ED, You have issued the latest summons without considering and responding to the issues raised in my response dated November 2, 2023.

The Delhi CM also said he is unaware about the capacity he has being summoned in. I am not aware in which capacity I am being summoned  as witness or suspect, CM or AAP Convenor? adding that, You have chosen not to inform me or provide details of the case.

Giving the example of Mewa Ram vs State of Rajasthan and Ors, the AAP chief said that the ED summons appear to be a fishing and roving enquiry. He added that in such cases, the High Court have declared such summons invalid and quashed them.

Referring to him missing the ED summons, he said that his schedule, about him attending the Vipassana session from December 20, was publicly known.

Your summons are (as I am advised) not in consonance with law, Kejriwal said in his response.

Kejriwal said that the summons do not indicate what document or information is required of him.

The AAP chiefs response comes after the anti-corruption agency issued fresh summons to him on December 17 in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. Kejriwal was asked to appear before the agency on December 21.

However, the AAP chief decided to go to the Vipassana session  meditation session  giving a skip to the ED summons for the second time. It is to be noted that Kejriwals meditation retreat was pre-scheduled from December 19-30.

Kejriwal was expected to leave for Punjab on Tuesday after the INDIA meet but since he got late in the evening, his departure was postponed for December 20.

ALSO READ | Kejriwal Keeps His Date With Vipassana in Punjab, Gives ED Summons a Miss Once Again

The Delhi CM has been an ardent Vipassana practitioner and is known to have made time for the meditative practice almost every year.

This was the second time that Kejriwal gave the ED summons a miss. He was first asked to appear before the central agency on November 2, but he skipped it by choosing to campaign in Madhya Pradesh on the same day.

He challenged the summons, asking for them to be withdrawn. In his letter to the ED, he termed the summons vague and unsubstantiated, politically motivated and had asked for clarity on the reasons for which he had been summoned.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Current scientific and technological breakthroughs will enable Azerbaijan's State Oil Company (SOCAR) to meet its obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero, SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf said at the Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum, Trend reports.

"We aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The current scientific research will allow us to achieve these goals in a short time," the official noted.

Najaf pointed out that green energy projects are currently being implemented in Azerbaijan by a number of companies.

Many of them are directed at the home market. Thus, the power generated as part of the collaboration between SOCAR and bp is intended to be consumed as part of the project in which both businesses are partners, he added.

The Azerbaijan-Turkiye Investment Forum started in Baku today.

The forum will explore opportunities for expanding Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation in various fields, and investment agreements and cooperation agreements will be signed.

More than 600 representatives from government institutions and the private sector from both countries are participating in the event.

The forum is featuring panel sessions covering investment, trade, agriculture, defense industry, green energy, and health tourism sectors.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations next week, India on Thursday recorded 594 new Covid cases. Six more people succumbed to the virus  three from Kerala, two from Karnataka and one from Punjab.

Health ministry data updated at 8 am showed that the number of active cases increased to 2,669 from 2,311 in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases now stands at 4.50 crore.

With the new JN.1 subvariant in circulation in India and amid a surge in infections in the US and China, there is no plan to make Covid testing mandatory at airports as of now. The country has now reported at least 25 cases of the Covid variant, as the Rajasthan government confirmed four cases and issued a health advisory.

In the last two weeks, India has recorded 22 Covid-related deaths. But, there is no increase in hospitalisation rates and Covid-19 is an incidental finding in people hospitalised due to other medical conditions. On Wednesday (December 20), at 614, India recorded the highest number of daily cases since May 21.

Rajasthan confirms 4 JN.1 cases, 25 Cases of New Subvariant in India

India has detected 25 cases of the JN.1 subvariant, which has been classified as a separate variant of interest by the World Health Organization. According to official sources, 19 cases of JN.1 have been traced in Goa, four in Rajasthan, as well as one each in Kerala and Maharashtra.

In Rajasthan, two cases of the new subvariant were reported on Thursday from Jaipur while two other cases were recorded in Jaisalmer on Wednesday (December 20).

Dr VK Paul, NITI Aayog member (health), said the scientific community in India is closely investigating the new variant. He, however, stressed the need for states to ramp up testing and strengthen surveillance systems.

The ministry of health and family welfare said it is not yet known if the JN.1 infection produces symptoms different from other variants. There is also no indication of increased severity and, at this time, no evidence that it presents an increased risk to public health as compared to other circulating variants.

The existing treatment line for Covid-19 is expected to be effective against JN.1 infection and updated vaccines are expected to increase protection against the variant, the ministry said.

Scientists, however, said the emergence of the variant and the 21 cases in India is neither surprising nor particularly worrying. Experts said there is no need to panic as available treatments are effective and the infection is mild.

As it happens with most respiratory viruses, including the influenza viruses, the circulating viruses keep changing. Therefore, a sub-variant of SARS CoV-2 is not a surprise at all, Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, a senior consultant physician and public health expert, told PTI.

The WHO has also said the global public health risk posed by JN.1, based on the available evidence, is currently evaluated as low. In India, people have already been exposed to various sub-variants, including Omicron variants, and received at least two shots of Covid-19 vaccines. There is no renewed risk of SARS-CoV-2 variant or subvariant causing severe illness, Dr Lahariya said.

In India, the first case of this variant was found in Kerala on December 8. After this, the Centre urged states and union territories to maintain constant vigil, including monitoring and reporting district-wise cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in all health facilities regularly for early detection.

JN.1 was first detected in Denmark and Israel in late July. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said earlier this month that JN.1 makes up about an estimated 15 to 29 percent of cases in the US as of December 8. Last week, China detected seven infections of the new subvariant.

No plan for mandatory Covid testing at airports

Health ministry sources said there is no plan to introduce mandatory RT-PCR testing for Covid-19 at airports amid an uptick in fresh infections. In July, India had issued revised guidelines, dropping the requirement for RT-PCR testing of a random 2 percent travellers entering the country.

But, the central government has urged states and union territories to maintain constant vigil. In a letter to all, union health secretary Sudhansh Pant underlined the critical Covid-19 control and management strategies considering the upcoming festive season and advised that requisite public health measures should be put in place to minimise the risk of increase in transmission.

Here are some updates from across India:

KARNATAKA

Karnataka, which recorded two Covid-related deaths the day before, reported 24 new infections on Thursday. Out of these, 23 were reported in Bengaluru urban district alone while the city accounts for 93 active cases.

In all, the state reported three deaths in the last one week. At present, however, 20 patients have been hospitalised of whom nine are in the intensive care unit.

The state government has intensified testing while the chief minister Siddaramaiah said a cabinet subcommittee will be formed for proper coordination with experts. This is to take necessary decisions aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19, including precautions to be taken and treatment provided.

A cabinet subcommittee will be constituted. Who will head it and who will be its members will be decided at the cabinet meeting. The cabinet sub-committee will meet frequently, and will also meet the technical advisory committee (TAC consisting of experts). There must be proper coordination between the cabinet sub-committee and the TAC, Siddaramaiah said.

Urging people not to panic or worry but to be cautious and follow precautionary measures, the chief minister noted that the new JN.1 subvariant, is a subvariant of Omicron, which was prevalent in the past.

KERALA

Kerala has recorded three deaths in the last 24 hours and 300 fresh infections. Out of 358 new cases nationwide, 300 are from the state.

State health minister Veena George said despite the surge in cases, there was nothing to be concerned about as the hospitals were well-prepared to handle the viral infection.

MAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra detected at least 11 new positive cases, taking the tally of active patients in the state to 53. At present, the dominant variant of Covid is Omicron XBB.1.16 that has been found in a total of 1,972 cases so far. At least 19 deaths were reported. On Wednesday (December 20), a 41-year-old man tested positive for the JN.1 subvariant in Sindhudurg district.

Chief minister Eknath Shinde held a review meeting related to the Covid situation. He said the state is fully prepared to tackle the situation and people must not panic but take precautions, especially due to the upcoming festival and new year season. The meeting especially focused on the new JN.1 subvariant and its effects.

Shinde said the symptoms of the new subvariant were mild but it seems to spread faster. During the meeting, he was informed that Maharashtra has 63,000 isolation beds to tackle the ailment. He directed officials to ensure hospitals are fully equipped with oxygen plants, ventilators, beds and also took stock of the availability of medicines and vaccines, stated a press release.

Due to the upcoming (Christmas) festival season and new year, people should take utmost precaution. They should take medical help if they show any symptom, the CM said, asking officials to conduct structural, electrical and fire audits of all health facilities in the state.

RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan detected four cases of the Covid subvariant JN.1 following which the state health department issued an advisory. Two more cases were reported from Jaipur on Thursday while two were recorded in Jaisalmer the day before.

The state health and medical department advised people to seek timely medical advice in case of mild cold, cough, fever, or sore throat. In case of symptoms of common cold, cough, fever, and sore throat, home isolation is advised and in case of severe or prolonged duration of the above symptoms and in case of severe infection, hospitalisation is advised, the advisory stated.

GOA

In Goa, the JN.1 subvariant was found in 19 samples tested over a period of time but these are old cases and no longer active, said a top health official. All the 19 cases of JN.1 subvariant traced in Goa are not active. They are old cases and have crossed the window period. This variant was found during genome sequencing of samples collected from patients, state epidemiologist Dr Prashant Suryavanshi told PTI.

All those with this variant had mild symptoms. They have recovered now. These samples were collected over a period of time, he added.

Goa now has 16 active cases, including four detected on Thursday. A total of 193 samples were tested for the virus on the day, as per a bulletin issued by the states directorate of health services.

DELHI

The Delhi health department has ordered authorities to send an adequate number of Covid samples for RT-PCR testing. The department has also ordered them to conduct the genome sequencing of Covid-positive RT-PCR samples.

A meeting was convened by the Delhi health minister to review the preparedness of health facilities to tackle ILI/SARI (influenza-like illness/severe acute respiratory infections) on Wednesday (December 20), officials said.

Adequate number of Covid samples are to be sent for RT-PCR testing, as per guidelines. Genome sequencing of positive RT-PCR samples is to be performed, as per guidelines. And, measures are to be taken for raising community awareness for avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings, and wearing masks in crowded and close settings and in hospital premises, an official said.

The data on Covid-19 testing is presently being maintained by the Indian Council of Medical Research, which has been requested by the Delhi government to share it.

UTTARAKHAND

Genome sequencing of all Covid positive samples will be done in Uttarakhand, said health secretary R Rajesh Kumar. Though there is no case of the new Covid sub variant JN.1 in the state, a detailed guideline has been issued while hospitals and health centres have been asked to remain alert.

Kumar said daily monitoring has begun and officials have been asked to start campaigns to create awareness about the new Covid subvariant. The state health secretary held a meeting with all DMs and CMOs via videoconferencing and said: The health department is ready to deal with any situation. We appeal to people in general to follow the Covid guidelines. Sampling is being done at all hospitals and suspected patients are being monitored, he said.

WEST BENGAL

West Bengal will continue its surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases, in accordance with central guidelines, a senior official from the state health department said.

We will continue our surveillance activity as per the guidelines of the health ministry. At present, there is not a single Covid-19 case in our state. However, we are ready with the infrastructure, the official said.

(With PTI inputs)
The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to form a cabinet sub-committee for proper coordination with experts to take necessary decisions aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19, including precautions to be taken, and treatment provided. Karnataka has recorded three coronavirus deaths in the last one week.

After chairing a meeting with ministers, officials and experts, chief minister Siddaramaiah appealed to people not to panic but to be cautious and take precautionary measures like wearing face masks. A cabinet sub-committee will be constituted. Who will head it and who will be its members will be decided at the cabinet meeting. The cabinet sub-committee will meet frequently, and will also meet the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC consisting of experts). There must be proper coordination between the cabinet sub-committee and the TAC, he said.

Whatever is the advice given by the TAC, should be implemented in toto, he added. The meeting was attended by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, home minister G Parameshwara, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, medical education minister Sharan Prakash Patil, top government officials and TAC members.

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were seen masked up at the meeting. The chief minister noted that Covid cases are increasing and recently three people who tested positive for the virus have died in Karnataka. It cannot be said that they died (only) due to Covid, because they had other comorbidities or associated diseases like issues related to kidney, heart, lungs, blood pressure, diabetes, along with Covid-19 infection, he added.

Siddaramaiah said at the meeting, inputs from the TAC were taken. He instructed officials to ensure that the mistakes of the past  shortage of oxygen, beds, ventilators and medicines  are not repeated. Along with providing treatment to Covid patients, those with comorbidities should also get medical care.

I have suggested that, if required, a vaccination drive should be started, for those who have not taken vaccination as it is an important preventive measure, he said.

Urging people not to panic or worry, but to remain cautious and follow the precautionary measures, the CM noted that the new JN.1 subvariant, is a subvariant of Omicron variant, which was prevalent in the past. He said there are, at present, 92 Covid positive cases in the state, including 80 from Bengaluru urban district.

Out of 92 cases, 72 are under home isolation, while 20 are hospitalised. Out of these 20 hospitalised, 7 are in ICU, not only because of Covid, they have other comorbidities too, he said.

Siddaramaiah further said 5,000 Covid tests  1,500 rapid antigen and 3,500 RT-PCR tests  will be conducted daily. About 1,000 of them will be done in Bengaluru, he added.

Suggesting people to wear masks at crowded places, he said those above the age of 60 should compulsorily wear masks, as also persons who come in contact with a large number of people. It is only an advisory, such a situation has not come to make it mandatory, he said.

Siddaramaiah suggested that dedicated wards be set up at private and government hospitals with all the required facilities for treatment of Covid patients. Instructions have been given to health department officials to make arrangements for required oxygen, ventilators and beds among other essential requirements, he said.

Siddaramaiah also asked authorities to have the required amount of vaccination stocks ready, instead of waiting for the central government to provide them. Asked about any guidelines for New Year celebrations, he said there is no advisory; only that people need to wear masks as a large number of people gather for celebrations. He said with increase in testing, there may be a spike in cases being reported.

On fixing the cost of testing and treatment at private hospitals, Siddaramaiah said the cabinet subcommittee will decide on it, as and when the situation arises. The cabinet subcommittee will also look into purchasing necessary requirements for combating the disease, and ensure that there is no shortage. Necessary funds will be given, and there will be no shortage of funds, he said, adding that the panel will decide in the coming days on whether the vaccination will be done free of cost.

On private schools reportedly making masks compulsory for students, the CM said: Its good. The government  the cabinet subcommittee too will decide in this regard in the days to come after consulting the TAC.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday honoured 12 rat-hole miners who played a vital role in the rescue of 41 workers trapped at the Silkyara tunnel.

The rat-hole miners had manually drilled the final stretch of about 15 metres through the debris in the collapsed part of the tunnel in claustrophobic conditions to prepare an escape passage made of MS steel pipes for the trapped workers.

Dhami offered each of them cheques of Rs 50,000 and shawls.

The chief minister praised them for working in difficult conditions without caring for their own lives. Rat-hole miners made a huge contribution to making the Silkyara rescue operation a success, he said.

The rat-hole miners also thanked the chief minister for honouring them, and said they considered themselves lucky to get a role to play along with various other agencies in saving the lives of the trapped workers.

Rat-hole mining was the last strategy adopted by the rescuers after several attempts to reach the workers with the help of auger machines failed to produce the desired results.

The workers remained locked up in a part of the tunnel for 17 days after its partial collapse on November 12. A multi-agency rescue operation finally led to their safe evacuation on November 29.
The Madras High Court on Thursday sent Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister and DMK leader K Ponmudy and his wife P Visalakshi to three years of imprisonment three years in prison under the Prevention of Corruption Act, in a Rs 1.75 crore disproportionate assets case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50 Lakh on both the accused.

As per the order, if Ponmudy and his wife failed to pay the fine, they would have to undergo six more months of imprisonment.

Senior counsel N R Ellango, appearing for the accused, prayed the court to grant leave to enable them to file a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court and also to suspend the sentence.

The judge granted leave for 30 days and also suspended the sentence for 30 days. On completion of the duration of the suspension, they have to surrender before the trial court in Villupuram, the judge added.

Legal experts said Ponmudy, following his conviction and prison term, stands disqualified from the post of MLA and he will also lose the post of Minister.

Madras High Courts Order

The court on Tuesday set aside an order of a trial court, acquitting Ponmudy and his wife in the case.

Passing orders on an appeal filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Justice G Jayachandran set aside the order of the Principal District Judge, Villupuram, acquitting Ponmudy and his wife in the case.

The charge of an offence punishable under Section 13 (2) read with Section 13 (1) (e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act framed against Ponmudy stands proved.

Such sections are related to criminal misconduct by a public servant and illicit enrichment.

The charges under the same sections of the PC Act read with section 109 of the Indian Penal Code (abetment) against Visalakshi are proved, the court held.

HC Sets Aside Trial Court Order

The judge pointed to the overwhelming evidence against the accused and the unsustainable reasons given by the trial court for acquitting them by ignoring evidence.

The judgment of the trial Court is palpably wrong, manifestly erroneous and demonstrably unsustainable. Hence, this is a fit case for the Appellate Court to interfere and set it aside.

The judge said the ready acceptance of Income Tax returns of Visalakshi by the trial Court without appreciating independent evidence was palpably wrong and manifestly erroneous. The trial Court, before jumping into the said conclusion ought to have searched for supportive and independent evidence.

In the absence of independent evidence, accepting the fanciful claim of agricultural income to a tune of Rs 55,36,488 as against the estimated agricultural income of Rs 13,81,182 was infirm and demonstrably unsustainable, the judge added.

The judge said ignoring the first principle of law and the judicial pronouncements, acceptance of the self-serving declaration of income to the Income Tax Authority, by an accused in a disproportionate assets case was not a possible view but an erroneous view conceived due to misconception. It was a conclusion arrived by ignoring the most reliable evidence let in by the prosecution regarding the income of A-1 (Ponmudy) and A-2 (Visalakshi).

The trial Judge has also misinterpreted bank account statements as proof of income. A complete miscarriage of justice had occurred by the omission of reliable evidence and by misinterpretation of the evidence.

What Was The Case?

The prosecution case was that Ponmudy had amassed wealth to the tune of Rs 1.75 crore in his name and in the name of his wife, disproportionate to his known sources of income when he was a Minister between 2006 and 2011 in the DMK regime.

(With PTI Inputs)
France has officially responded to the Indian Navys request for 26 marine Rafale fighter jets with a detailed bid, which will be closely evaluated by New Delhi. The navys INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya are likely to be equipped with these aircraft as India continues its effort to boost its strategic edge in the Indian Ocean Region amid increasing threat from China.

According to a report published by NDTV, India and France will enter contract negotiations over a deal that is expected to be at least 5.5 billion euros (nearly Rs 50,000 crore).

Both the aircraft carriers of the navy already have MiG-29K jets onboard, but these have been plagued with reliability issues as per a 2016 audit report. The MiG-29K, which is a carrier-borne multi-role aircraft and the mainstay of integral fleet air defence, is riddled with problems [In] a best case scenario, a MiG-29 jet will be fully fit for operations less than 50 percent of the time it is required to be deployed, the report had stated.

Hence, the navy is planning to supplement the MiG aircraft with the Rafale jets. In August, navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar had also stressed that the state-of-the-art French fighter jets Rafale-M will replace MiG-29s.

China, meanwhile, is all set to induct its third aircraft carrier. Navy sources told NDTV that there is every possibility of China operating a carrier battle group in the Indian Ocean in the future. This makes it all the more important for India to strengthen its sea arsenal, which is the motive behind the decision to procure the marine Rafale planes.

This is Indias second major acquisition of fighter aircraft from Frances Dassault Aviation in recent years  the first being the purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

How are the marine Rafale jets different?

India had submitted a request for 22 single-seater fighter jets and four twin-seater trainers of the marine Rafale jets. The marine Rafale is different from its land-based variant.

Naval fighter jets are built to cater to the demands of operations on aircraft carriers. These challenges include high-impact landings, catapult or ramp launches, and exposure to corrosive saltwater environments.

The Defence Acquisition Council had approved the purchase of marine Rafales shortly before Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to France to attend the Bastille Day parade in July.

What else is there in the navy arsenal?

The Centre has recently signed off on major purchases for submarines, drones and air defence systems over the past few years as part of the militarys modernisation. In July, the Defence Acquisition Council also cleared proposals to buy three additional Scorpene submarines  also from France.

Aircraft

The navy is planning to buy more Poseidon-8I aircraft from the US after a billion-dollar deal in 2016. Seen as Indias eye in the sky, it can remain in the air for about 10 hours.

Submarines

India already has six Scorpene-class submarines, also known as Kalvari class, in service. They are diesel-electric submarines designed to act like stealthy predators against enemy submarines and surface ships.

Three more such submarines will strengthen the navys underwater capabilities as part of the P75 (I) programme in India. This focuses on the construction of six conventional submarines equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems for extended underwater operations.

Under this project, India is seeking six more submarines from prospective sellers, including Germany and Spain. They will be built in India and involve a substantial transfer of technology.

Drones

India is also purchasing 31 MQ-9B armed drones from the US, worth $3 billion. Out of these, 15 will be for the navy and eight each for the army as well as the air force. This, too, involves significant technology transfer.

The navy has been using two Predator drones from the US on lease. The purchase of the MQ-9B Predator is expected to revolutionise Indias military surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The killer drones sky guardian variant can stay airborne for up to 40 hours while the sea guardian up to 30 hours.

This could well be an advantage as China does not have a high-altitude long-endurance drone in its arsenal as of now. India is also in the process of domestically producing 97 drones to meet the medium-altitude long-endurance range needs.
Around 150 meetings held by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and 3,200 suggestions received from 18 states, six Union Territories, the Supreme Court of India, 16 High Courts, 27 judicial academies, several MPs and bureaucrats  the mammoth exercise to decolonise Indias criminal justice system crossed the Lok Sabha hurdle on Wednesday with the Lower House passing three key bills to replace the British-era IPC, CrPC and the Evidence Act.

The focus of the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, Amit Shah said, is on delivering speedy justice rather than handing down punishment. The legislations have a clear definition of terrorism and scrap sedition as a crime while introducing a new section titled offences against the State.

The bills set timeline for initiating criminal proceedings, arrests, investigations, filing of chargesheets, proceedings before magistrates, trial, bail, judgment, and mercy petition, among others. One of the sections also emphasises on wrapping up cases within 45 days.

The bills were first introduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament in August. After the Standing Committee on Home Affairs made several recommendations, the government decided to withdraw the bills and introduced their redrafted version last week.

Heres a look at the important aspects of the new criminal justice legislations:

What Has Changed

The amendments to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), encompass comprehensive restructuring. From 511 sections earlier to 358 now, notable changes include the introduction of 20 new offences, tougher penalties with term of imprisonment raised in 33 cases, and heightened fines in 83 instances. Additionally, mandatory minimum sentences have been instituted for 23 offences, and community service has been prescribed as a penalty in six cases. Simultaneously, 19 sections have been repealed, marking a substantial revision of the Indian Penal Code.

Similarly, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaces the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), has undergone significant modifications. The act now comprises 531 sections, an increase from 484 under the CrPC. This alteration involves nuanced adjustments in a total of 177 provisions, with the incorporation of nine new sections and 39 subsections. Furthermore, 44 new provisions and clarifications have been seamlessly integrated. The inclusion of timelines in 35 sections and the provision for audio-video in 35 instances underscore the contemporary adaptability of the legislation. In tandem, 14 sections have been repealed, aligning the Indian Civil Security Act with evolving legal dynamics.

The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, which will replace the Indian Evidence Act, has experienced a massive shift as well. The section count has risen from the original 167 to 170, reflecting changes in 24 sections. Notable adjustments include the addition of two new sections and six sub-sections, coupled with the removal of six sections. This calibrated transformation seeks to enhance the efficacy and relevance of the Indian Evidence Act in the evolving legal landscape.

Shift in Focus

According to the government, during British rule, the priority was to safeguard against murders, abuse of women, and protection to those who were in power. The new laws prioritise offences against women, children, homicide, and crimes against the nation. The focus of the new legislations is to provide justice and protect human rights.

Crimes Against Women and Children

A new chapter, titled Crimes Against Women and Children, has been added to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to address sexual offenses. Proposed amendments include changes to provisions related to rape of women under 18 years.

Gang-rape of minor girls has been deemed as an offence punishable with life imprisonment or the death penalty. In all gang-rape cases, provisions for a 20-year sentence or life imprisonment have been made. A new category to punish the gang-rape of girls under 18 has been introduced. There is also provision of punishment for individuals making false promises of marriage without genuine intent.

Terrorism

The government has defined terrorism for the first time through these new laws. Section 113 states that anyone who commits an act of terrorism causing death, property damage, or currency manipulation will be considered a terrorist. Punishment for terrorist acts includes the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.

The government has also, for the first time, defined organised crime. Unlawful activities carried out by a syndicate have been made punishable. The new provisions include armed destructive activities, separatist activities, or actions endangering Indias sovereignty, integrity, and unity. Small organised crimes are declared offences, carrying up to seven years of imprisonment under Section 112.

Mob Lynching & Snatching

A new provision has been included to address crimes related to murder based on factors such as race, caste, community etc, with the provision of life imprisonment or the death penalty. To deal with snatching cases, stricter penalties shall be imposed in situations where victims are either temporarily or permanently disabled due to serious injuries.

Victims Rights

The new legislations also protect and promote victims rights. The right to obtain a free copy of the FIR, notification to the victim about the progress of the investigation within 90 days, inclusion of provisions for victims to receive crucial information about their cases through mandatory disclosure of police reports, FIRs, and witness statements have been added.

Sedition

Sedition has been done away with completely in the new laws. Section 152 now defines crimes against the nation. Anyone who intentionally or purposefully, through spoken or written words, symbols, or visual representation, or through electronic communication or the use of financial resources, incites or attempts to incite armed rebellion, destructive activities, or separatist activities, or encourages the feelings of separatism or endangers the sovereignty, integrity, and unity of India, or participates or engages in such activities, shall be punished with life imprisonment or imprisonment up to seven years, and a fine may also be imposed, the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita says.
Both Houses of the Parliaments Winter Session were adjourned sine die on Thursday, a day ahead of schedule. The highlights of the three-week-long proceedings include a security breach in Lok Sabha, the suspension of 146 MPs and the expulsion of Trinamool Congress member Mahua Moitra in the bribe-for-query case and the passing of three new Criminal Bills.

The Winter Session of the Parliament also marked the first session to be held in the new Parliament building.

Heres What All Happened in Winter Session of Parliament 2023 
A 55-year-old man was injured in a fire that started after a gas cylinder explosion in Wadala East in Mumbai on Thursday, a civic official said.

The incident took place near Husainiya Masjid in Deenbandhu Nagar on the salt pan road at 2:15pm, he said.

Harishchandra Tripathi suffered 25-30 per cent burns and has been admitted in Sion hospital. The blaze was doused at 3:30pm by Fire Brigade personnel, he said.
The Delhi Police will conduct a psychoanalysis test on all six people who were allegedly involved in Parliament security breach case, officials said on Thursday.

The test is done by a team of doctors and psychiatrists to know the mental condition of the accused, they said.

Six people, Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Neelam, Amol Shinde, Lalit Jha, and Mahesh Kumawat, have been arrested and booked in UAPA by the Delhi Police Special Cell in connection with the December 13 breach.

According to a police officer, the accused are highly motivated and mind washed and do not cooperate during the investigations. The accused have not even given the proper sequence of the whole act till, officials said.

This test will help us ascertain their mental condition as they are regularly changing their statements, said the officer.

The Special Cell has not ruled out the possibility of a kingpin who may have mobilised these youths to execute such a plan. The police have also scanned the financial transactions of all six.

Several teams of Special Cell have questioned the family members and friends of all six accused to know their activities, behaviour, and their contacts.

Police said the accused were part of multiple WhatsApp groups, including the now-deleted Facebook page Bhagat Singh Fan Club, which was created by them before the security breach incident.

On Wednesday, the police questioned two more members who were associated with that page.

A psychoanalysis test was recently done on the main accused in the murder of Swiss woman Nina Berger in west Delhis Tilak Nagar area. The accused, Gurdeep Singh, admitted to have killed the woman but was not revealing how he came to kill her, the officer said.

Earlier, a psychoanalysis was done on the accused in the murder of a 16-year-old girl in northwest Delhis Shahbad Dairy area. In the horrific killing, 20-year-old Sahil Khan stabbed the girl at least 22 times before smashing her head with a slab of stone.

On Thursday, police custody of Sagar, Manoranjan, Neelam, and Amol was extended for 15 more days. Lalit will be produced on Friday and Mahesh on Saturday, when police may seek their further custody.
The CISF, which has been handed over the responsibility of securing Parliament, will only control access to the House, while the Delhi Police will continue to manage the outer periphery and radial of Parliament, top sources have told CNN-News18.

The sources said the idea is to give foolproof security to Parliament like what is provided to airports and other crucial buildings.

The idea of giving security to CISF was very old and thought over many times, but it never materialised because of various views from Parliamentarians. CISF was always viewed as an autonomous body and the same will be maintained now, they said.

The inside access control will be in close coordination with the Parliament Security Group. The force will not touch the inside working of Parliament or regulate any Parliamentarian, they added.

Sources said given that the intruders managed to enter the Parliament building with smoke canisters on December 13, serious lapses have been found on the part of Delhi Police which manages initial checks and frisking.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two persons  Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D  jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors gallery, set off yellow coloured smoke from canisters, and shouted slogans before being overpowered by some MPs and watch and ward staff.

Around the same time, two other accused  Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi  sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting tanashahi nahi chalegi outside Parliament premises.

So far, the Delhi police have filed terrorism charges under Sections 16 and 18 of the stringent UAPA related to terrorism and conspiracy for terrorism respectively against four people in the case. As many as eight Delhi Police personnel have also been suspended.

During the hearing of arguments, the Delhi police accused the four of indulging in an act of terrorism and said they tried to incite fear. It was a well-planned attack on Parliament, it said.
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The Delhi Police was granted 15 days remand of four accusedManoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Amol Dhanraj Shinde and Neelam Deviarrested in the Parliament security breach case. They were produced before a Delhi court on the expiry of their seven-day police custody on Thursday.

The accused were produced before Special Judge Hardeep Kaur. Police told the court that some devices had been recovered from the accused and their 15-day remand was necessary to unearth a larger conspiracy in the matter.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on December 13, Sharma and Manoranjan jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters, while shouting slogans before being overpowered by some MPs.

Around the same time, Shinde and Neelam also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting tanashahi nahi chalegi outside the Parliament House premises.
As the custody of four accused in the Parliament security breach ends on Thursday, a new name has emerged in the investigation. According to sources, Delhi Police while probing the breach incident learnt that apart from the accused in custody, a retired cops son was also involved in the conspiracy.

During the investigation, the police suspected the involvement of Saikrishna Jagali, the son of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police of Bagalakote (Karnataka). Saikrishnas name popped up after his name was mentioned in accused Manoranjans diary.

Saikrishna Jagali, a techie and son of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, was picked up from his house at Vidyagiri in the district headquarters town of Bagalkote on Wednesday night.

Saikrishna was reportedly a classmate of Manoranjan at BIT Bengaluru and is a Software engineer at a multinational company in Bengaluru. Jagali was also Manoranjans roommate during his college days.

Informing about the incident, Jagalis sister, Spanda, said that a Delhi police team on Wednesday night came and took her brother with them. It is true that the Delhi Police came. My brother was interrogated. We have fully cooperated with the inquiry, she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Spanda further stated that her brother had done nothing wrong. Both Manoranjan and Saikrishna Jagali were roommates. Now my brother works from home, she added.

Police to Seek Further Custody of All 6 Accused

All six people arrested in connection with Parliament security breach case were confronted with one another to corroborate the sequence of the incident. All the accused were kept at five different units of Delhi Polices Special Cell where they were interrogated. The police is likely to seek further custody of the accused on Thursday, December 21.

The seven days custody of the four accused  Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Neelam, and Amol Shide  is ending on Thursday. The accused will be produced in Patiala House Court, sources informed.

Parliament Security Breach

Erupting a major controversy, two persons  Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D  jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber during the proceedings from the public gallery and released yellow gas from canisters. The security breach was planned to coincide with the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack.

During the same time, other two accused  Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi  released the coloured gas from canisters and raised slogans such as Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi outside Parliament premises.

Meanwhile, Lalit Jha, termed to be the mastermind of the incident, walked into a police station and surrendered himself.
The provision of trial in absentia will instill fear in mind of those who commit crimes in India and flee, Amit Shah said, adding that a timeframe has been stipulated for the police, lawyers and the court because justice delayed is justice denied.

The biggest loophole in our criminal justice system is delay. Justice delayed is justice denied, and therefore, keeping this in mind, we have tried to stipulate a timeframe for the police, lawyers and court, he added.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to take down his social media post which revealed the identity of a minor Dalit girl, raped and murdered in 2021, so that the childs identity is protected worldwide.

In the post, which stands geo-blocked by social media platform X in the country, Gandhi published a photograph with the parents of the nine-year-old Dalit girl who died under suspicious circumstances on August 1, 2021, with her parents alleging that she was raped, murdered and cremated by a crematoriums priest in southwest Delhis Old Nangal village.

Following the post, Gandhis account was suspended by the social media platform for some time but it was subsequently restored.

A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan Thursday observed although the post was stated to have been taken down by X, it continued to be available outside India and asked the counsel for Gandhi to have it removed.

If we have to protect the identity of the victim, it is necessary it is done all over the world, the court said. Why dont you take it down? Please take down your post because worldwide it must come down. Please seek instructionsotherwise it will be picked up by press all over the world. It cant be done like this. Please get it down, the bench, also comprising Justice Mini Pushkarna, told Gandhis counsel advocate Tarannum Cheema.

The court was hearing a 2021 petition by social activist Makarand Suresh Mhadlekar seeking registration of an FIR against Gandhi for revealing the identity of the victim by publishing a photograph with her parents on X, formerly called Twitter.

In response to the petition, the Delhi Police said the petition has become infructuous after an investigation was ordered and the post made unavailable in India, and sought permission to file a status report in a sealed cover as it did not want to scandalise the matter.

Delhi government lawyer Santosh Kumar Tripathi said unless the main crime of rape was proven, the subsequent act of publishing the identity of an alleged victim does not become a crime and investigation on the issue of revelation of the victims identity by Gandhi was underway. The petition does not survive. It has become infructuous. Investigation has been ordered, he said.

The court granted four weeks time to police to file a status report in a sealed cover. Counsel for the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) contended that the identity of a victim of sexual assault has to be protected from the moment the crime comes to light and the protection does not come into force after the trial has concluded.

The NCPCR earlier said there are no exceptions to the law protecting the identity of minor victims of sexual offences, and police must register an FIR and take consequential action.

The counsel for the family of the child victim raised objections with respect to the discussion on the criminal case in an open court.

Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for the petitioner, also opposed the polices stand, saying the agency failed to understand the seriousness of the matter and the identity of the child has to be protected even at the stage of allegations. It was also emphasised that the content continued to be available and was withheld only in India.

Xs counsel said the removal of the post worldwide involved issues concerning extraterritorial application of Indian laws. On October 5, 2021, a bench headed by then Chief Justice DN Patel had issued notice to Twitter on the petition which alleged that Gandhi was attempting to take political mileage out of the unfortunate incident.

The court had then refused to issue notice to other respondents, i.e. Gandhi, the Delhi Police and NCPCR on the public interest litigation (PIL) at that stage.

The petitioner has alleged that Gandhi violated the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, which prohibit the disclosure of identity of minor victims of sexual offences.

The plea also sought initiation of appropriate legal action against Gandhi by NCPCR. The matter would be heard next in January.
Tamil Nadu continued to battle with heavy rainfall and waterlogging causing widespread damage while the Indian Air Force and the Navy took on relief and rescue operations.

Here are latest Updates on Tamil Nadu Rain 

Personnel of the Indian Navy distributed food and relief materials to flood-hit people in Madurai and Tuticor on Wednesday. A car with three passengers was also rescued by the Indian Army in a flood-affected area of Kurukattur in Thoothukudi district.

Meanwhile, the office of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured that the Centre will provide all possible assistance to Tamil Nadu.

The IAF helicopters are carrying out rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected areas of Tamil Nadu. The central government is providing all possible assistance to Tamil Nadu, a statement by the Defence Ministers office said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin along with DMK MP K Kanimozhi on Thursday met flood-affected people and visited a relief centre to distribute relief items in Thoothukudi.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Several areas in Thoothukudi remain waterlogged following heavy rainfall in the region. pic.twitter.com/P5YxHNja0G ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

I travelled to Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts today and met the people affected by the floods caused by the unprecedented heavy rains. I gave comfort and courage to those who are recovering after facing severe natural calamity that the government will support them. I express my sincere appreciation and congratulations to all the honourable ministers who are leading the rescue and relief operations, the government officials who are working day and night and the employees of all the local bodies and peoples representatives, Stalin said in X post.

CM Stalin on Tuesday had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund for livelihood support and repair of public infrastructure damaged by the recent flooding in the states southern districts.

While a comprehensive assessment of the permanent damage will take time, we request an interim assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the NDRF (National Disaster Relief Fund) to bolster the ongoing efforts for livelihood support and repairs and restoration of the public infrastructure battered by the unprecedented floods, he said in the memorandum.

Met with Honble Prime Minister Thiru @NarendraModi to discuss the urgent situation in flood-hit areas of Tamil Nadu. Submitted a memorandum seeking funds from #NDRF to enhance ongoing rescue efforts and restore vital infrastructure. Grateful for the @PMOIndias attention to Tamil Nadus needs during these challenging times, the Tamil Nadu CM later said in an X post.

Tamil Nadus Tuticorin and Alanthalai areas witnessed heavy downpours resulting in flooding and waterlogging in streets. According to officials, southern districts, particularly Tirunelveli and Tuticorin witnessed record rainfall and flooding.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a light rain warning for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal for the next six days.

Light to moderate rain is likely to occur at one or two places in Tamilnadu, Puducherry and Karaikal area from December 21 to 26, 2023, the weather agency said.

(With PTI inputs)
The Telangana Legislative Assembly witnessed fireworks over a white paper on state finances released by deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday. While the Congress government maintained that the paper was meant to educate people about the way the previous K Chandrashekar Raos government destroyed the state financially, the Opposition, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), said the paper was full of white lies and has maligned the image of a developed state.

What Does the White Paper Say?

There is a gap of almost 20% between the budgeted and the actual money spent on welfare scheme such as Dalit Bandhu and others by the BRS government, the paper pointed out. This figure is not only high when compared to other states, but also in comparison to the expenditure achieved in the united Andhra Pradesh.

After the formation of the state, the total debt of the state and the Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) has gone up to Rs 6,71,757 crore from Rs 72,658 crore in 2014-15. The gigantic increase in the debt (almost 10 times) has created an enormous fiscal stress. No tangible fiscal assets in proportion to the money spent were created in the past 10 years.

The debt servicing burden of monies, which are borrowed on the budget and off budget, has increased enormously and is consuming 34% of the states revenue receipts.

Due to the increased fiscal stress, the state has to depend on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on a daily basis. The state has not been able to spend enough money on critical sectors such as education and health where the budgeted amount as the proportion of the total expenditure is amongst the lowest in the country.

BRS Counter

In response to the white paper, the BRS released a fact sheet and a list of assets created, and enumerated several reasons for the increase in the state debt.

 The previous government took over Discom debts of Rs 8,923 crore in 2016 under the Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana

 The Centre allowed additional borrowings of Rs 1,435 crore in 2019 on account of lower tax devolution

 Additional borrowings of Rs 2459 crore was allowed as per recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission

 Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Telangana was allowed additional borrowing to the extent of 2% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)

 In 2021, the Centre allowed additional borrowing of 1% of GSDP

In addition to this, former minister Harish Rao said debt to GSDP ratio is taken into consideration but instead the Congress government mentioned debt to revenue receipt. He further said the paper was prepared to manipulate facts and attack rivals.

However, chief minister A Revanth Reddy maintained that the BRS has ruined the state with its financial mismanagement and corruption. He further said the facts were put before the public to make them aware but this would not affect the implementation of six guarantees by the Congress.
Muslims have found safe haven in India despite facing persecution in several other countries, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview with Financial Times, a British business daily. Despite facing persecution elsewhere in the world, they have found a safe haven in India, living happily and prospering, the Prime Minister said. That shows that the Indian society itself has no feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority.

The FT asked Modi about the future of Muslim minority in India, to which, the Prime Minister instead pointed to the economic success of Parsees, who he describes as a religious micro-minority residing in India.

There are roughly 20 crore Muslims living in India, thus constituting 14.28% of the entire population, according to government estimates for year 2023.

PM Modi had earlier this year in June, during his official State visit to the US, denied any discrimination against Muslims in India. At a press conference on June 23, Modi was asked what steps he was willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country and to uphold freedom of speech. He said they did not need to be improved.

Alleged Crackdown on Critics

When FT asked the Prime Minister about his governments alleged crackdown on his critics, he had a long and hearty laugh, and said, There is a whole ecosystem that is using the freedom available in our country to hurl these allegations at us every day, through editorials, TV channels, social media, videos, tweets, etc. They have the right to do so. But others have an equal right to respond with facts.

Modi pointed to the long history of outsiders who came to India and underestimated its might. In 1947, when India became independent, the British who left made a lot of very dire predictions about Indias future. But we have seen that those predictions and preconceptions have all been proven false.

Those who today similarly doubt his government, will also be proven wrong, Modi adds.

The FT interviewed PM Modi after his partys (BJP) recent victory in three states  Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh , which has given a huge boost to the party ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

On seeking the third term next year, PM Modi told FT that he is very confident of victory thanks to a record of solid change in the common mans life.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the passage of the three criminal justice bills  Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam  as a watershed moment in Indias history. He said it marked the beginning of a new era with laws centered on public service and welfare.

Through them, we have also bid goodbye to the outdated sections on sedition, he said on X, formerly Twitter, after Parliament gave its nod to the three redrafted bills introduced by union home minister Amit Shah on December 12. The bills will replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act.

These bills mark the end of colonial-era laws. A new era begins with laws centered on public service and welfare, the prime minister said.

He added: These transformative Bills are a testament to Indias commitment to reform. They bring our legal, policing, and investigative systems into the modern era with a focus on technology and forensic science. These bills ensure enhanced protection for the poor, marginalised and vulnerable sections of our society.

Prime Minister Modi said the new laws will focus on organised crime, terrorism and such offences that strike at the root of the countrys peaceful journey to progress.

In our Amrit Kaal, these legal reforms redefine our legal framework to be more relevant and empathy driven, he said, highlighting speeches by Shah that elaborated on the key features of these bills.

Replying to a debate on the bills in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (December 20), Shah said the existing criminal laws were reflective of the colonial mindset with the intention to punish and not impart justice. The three new bills seek to establish a justice system based on Indian thinking The three proposed criminal laws will free people from colonial mindset and its symbols, he said before the bills were passed in the lower house of Parliament by voice vote.

Some members of the opposition have, however, pointed to loopholes in the proposed legislations claiming that it will give discretionary powers to enforcement agencies. A 31-member parliamentary standing committee on home affairs headed by BJP MP Brij Lal had made several recommendations on the three bills, which were initially introduced in August, with dissent notes by opposition members. The central government had withdrawn those and introduced the redrafted bills earlier this month.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is going to be the primary legislation governing criminal offences. While it preserves several sections of the IPC, excluded from consideration are specific violations that have been invalidated or modified by judicial rulings. These include acts of adultery and same sex intercourse.

According to the provisions of the new legislation, search and seizure operations will now be videographed through electronic devices and, for the first time, the Centre has defined terrorism. Remissions have also been rationalised in the new legislation and a new provision added to include crime related to murder on the basis of race, caste, community for which a provision of minimum seven years imprisonment or life imprisonment or death penalty has been made.

Certain colonial words have been removed, especially those in rampant use even after independence. These words include Parliament of the United Kingdom, Provincial Act, London Gazette, jury, barrister, Lahore, Commonwealth, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Her Majestys Government, Possession of the British Crown, Court of Justice in England, Her Majestys Dominions among others.

(With PTI inputs)
Months after ace wrestlers demanded early elections for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association vice-president Sanjay Singh won the Presidents position.

The WFI top spot election grabbed public attention after sexual harassment allegations were levelled against its chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

#WATCH | Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's aide Sanjay Singh elected as the new president of the Wrestling Federation of India"National Camps (for wrestling) will be organised. Wrestlers who want to do politics can do politics, those want to do wrestling will do pic.twitter.com/wUsYpFNvIT  ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

The decision came after the wrestling body took to the polls on Thursday, December 21.

The contest for the presidents post took place between Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association vice-president Sanjay Singh and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran.

Apart from the new president for WFI, the polls will also fill up posts for a senior vice-president, four vice-presidents, a secretary-general, a treasurer, two joint secretaries and five executive members.

Tough Contest for Presidents Post

Sanjay Singh, loyalist of outgoing WFI president Brij Bhushan Singh, was contesting the polls for the post of president of the wrestling body against former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Anita Sheoran. Notably, Sheoran was backed by the wrestlers who accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment protests against him demanding his arrest.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Singh was confident of winning the polls, reported news agency ANI. I am confident of becoming the president of the WFI. My whole panel will win the WFI elections. The polls are happening after SC directive, he was quoted as saying.

MP Chief Minister Among Other Candidates

Interestingly, the newly-elected Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is also among the candidates contesting for the WFI polls. Yadav, who was a former wrestler, was also contesting for the post of vice-president.

Mohan Yadav, an MLA from the Ujjain Dakshin constituency, sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh last week on December 13.

The process for the WFI election began in July, however, the elections were delayed due to the pending court cases. The elections are taking place after the Supreme Court recently set aside a stay imposed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Keralas aggressive Covid-19 testing and detection are the main reasons why the state consistently finds itself at the top of the list each time theres a surge in cases, say epidemiologists and doctors News18 spoke to. According to the union ministry of health and family welfare, the southern state has seen a rush of 292 cases (as of December 20), taking the total positive count to 2,041 with three deaths.

Kerala replicates the Covid-19 situation globally, rather than how the rest of India reacts, said Dr Anish TS, who was part of the states task force to handle the pandemic. Whenever Europe, Singapore, the Netherlands, the US, etc, are affected by Covid, so does Kerala, he said. The rest of India has a different picture, especially when it comes to the spread of the virus. The pattern of Kerala is slightly different from the rest of India because the testing patterns, detection being more rigorous, and population density also contribute to the virus lingering longer, Dr Anish told News18. One should understand that the spread of the virus in Kerala is also much slower compared to other states despite the dense population.

Around the first Covid wave in 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) praised Keralas efforts to control the pandemic. The leadership helmed a robust response to the novel coronavirus disease very early, following the news of outbreak in China in January 2020. As the state registered Indias first COVID-19 case on 30 January 2020, the Government declared a health emergency in the state, after two more cases were confirmed on February 2 and 3, 2020. The initial response focused on surveillance and screening of all incoming passengers from China and others who had come in close contact with these travelers, the WHO said in a report. As on 30 June 2020, Kerala had sent 1,71,846 samples for testing. In addition, more than 46,689 samples were taken from high-risk groups like healthcare workers as part of the sentinel surveillance carried out in all 14 districts in the state to check the prevalence of a disease in a community or population. Further, 1193 samples have been tested from three districts, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad by ICMR in Kerala as part of ICMR Sero-surveillance study. True NAAT and CB NAAT (Xpert-SARS-CoV testing) has been initiated in eight government institutions and nine private institutions for testing samples for patients undergoing an emergency surgery, symptomatic health workers, sick patients or COVID suspected death.

At that time, the increasing spread of Covid in the Gulf countries had also become a major cause of concern in Kerala, which has a sizeable section of its population working there, a lot of them ordinary workers and labourers. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had then pointed out that nearly one million of the total 2.8 million Indians in the UAE were from Kerala.

On the matter of the deaths that took place in Kerala, Dr Anish also pointed out that almost all except one were those who were above the age of 60 years and had severe comorbidities. He called it a major concern in Kerala, where the states elderly population is almost double the national average.

We havent had a census conducted since 2011. According to that census, Keralas elderly population was around 15 per cent compared to the national average, which was around 8 to 9 per cent. If a population census is conducted now, we would possibly find Keralas aged comprising close to 20 per cent, almost double compared to the national average at maybe 10 to 13 per cent, the doctor said.

When Covid-19 strikes, it affects Keralas aged community, especially those who are above the age of 65 years, he said. The pattern of age structure is something that contributes to Covid-19 mortality numbers, Dr Anish told News18. Of the 13 deaths reported, 12 were above the age of 65 with severe comorbidities. If this variant (JN.1) is allowed to transfer like this, then it is our elders who are at risk.

According to a source in the Kerala health department, the state saw a slight increase in respiratory and influenza-like illness (ILI)-related cases in November.

We sent samples for genome sequencing and testing in November and one of them has come positive for the JN.1 strain, the results of which we received in December. More tests are being done after we noticed the slight increase in respiratory infections and many were found to be mildly symptomatic. Some of the variants that were tested were found circulating in Kerala and other parts of India as well, the official said.

Keralas health minister Veena George attributed the number of positive cases being reported to the states excellent and robust health system. Things are detected early and correctly and should not be misinterpreted as the spread of the disease and should not affect peoples lives. We, however, do advise the elderly and seriously ill people to take precautions like wearing masks to prevent Covid-19, the minister added.

15 people went to Singapore from India in the past months where the JN.1 variant already existed. It means that this coronavirus variant is also present in other states of India. It is unique that it was found through testing in Kerala and this was discovered due to our solid detection and vigilance system, minister George had said when the first set of cases was detected in the state.

Another senior doctor who is part of the advisory group for the state added that people from Kerala travel across the world. The doctor, who did not want to be named, also spoke of how the JN.1 strain was first detected in the US in September 2023, and by the end of October, it had spread across Europe and several countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore.

Dr Sulphi Nuhu, who is also the Kerala IMA state president, pointed out that the state, apart from rigorous testing and detection, also sends samples for mutation checks regularly.

There is no sudden increase in Covid-19 cases in Kerala. The cases that are being reported are very mild, but one should remain cautious and keep a close watch on any symptoms that may aggravate, the doctor warned.

After the festive season of Dussehra and Diwali, doctors have also found an upward tick in respiratory cases, coupled with the number of travellers who go in and out of Kerala for the holidays.

Dr NM Arun, another Palakkad-based Covid expert, added that one expects an increase in respiratory issues after Diwali and the months of November and December.

There has been no major upward tick as there has been more and more sequence testing. There is expected to be an upward tick with Christmas and New Year celebrations as many people will interact with each other as part of celebrations, the doctor said.
Ranbir Kapoor-led Animal is one of the most-talked-about films of the year. The film was finally released on December 1 amid much anticipation surrounding its gripping storyline and the interesting characters played by the stellar star cast, especially Bobby Deol. Bobby Deol was seen on screen after a long time and his performance in the film has been greatly appreciated. However, this success didnt come without its own share of controversies owing to the themes and characters of the film. Now adding more to it, writer Gazal Dhaliwal known for penning the hit Netflix series Mismatched has accused Sandeep Reddy Vanga for not attributing credits to the screenwriters.

Sharing a screenshot of the credits title which shows Sandeep Reddy Vanga as the writer, editor and director of Animal, Gazal wrote her observations in the caption. It read, There is a particular kind of filmmaker who claims the Writer title in the top credit of their film, even when there are other writers who have written the Screenplay and Dialogues of the film. It happens a lot, by the way, in our world. These filmmakers have a deep-seated need of power. Even though being a director is the most powerful anyway. For some reason, it would seem that claiming the Writer credit is what gives them the biggest high.

She further shared her commentary on one of the scenes of the film where Ranbir Kapoor comments on the qualities of an alpha male. Her note continued, Although there were numerous things in the film which I found disturbing, there is a seemingly-small thing that refuses to leave me and is truly the reason I felt compelled to write this post. The protagonist, claiming to be an alpha male, tells the girl he likes that evolutionarily, women would always choose the alpha man to mate with. So, then the beta men were like  and I paraphrase  what should they do? After all, they had desires too. And thats how, says this alpha protagonist condescendingly, poetry came to be  so that the beta men could seduce women by cooking up words. And I couldnt help but think  how small, how very petty of this alpha male, who is cooking up words to seduce the woman.

Although Animal is doing phenomenal business, it has been hit by controversy. The film has been accused of glorifying misogyny and toxic masculinity by several social media users.
Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain are often seen indulging in ugly fights in the Bigg Boss 17 house. However, the two left everyone shocked on Wednesday when they made some big remarks during their heated argument. It all started after Ayesha Khan asked Vicky about his married life to which the latter joked and said about the sufferings of a married man.

This left Ankita disappointed and upset. She confronted her husband and asked him the reason for saying such things. I can never really say how I feel. This is what married people, especially men go through. They cant really tell what they really go through and what they suffer, Vicky told her.

This left Ankita even more upset. She then asked Vicky for divorce if he feels this way. If you suffer so much then why are you with me? Lets take a divorce, I dont want to go back home with you, she said as quoted by E-Times.

The former Pavitra Rishta later got emotional and told Ayesha that she feels dominated by Vicky. I know Vicky loves me but he isnt offering me what I really want. I feel controlled and dominated by him at times. Ive noticed how he stops me every time I get into a fight with a male contestant, she said.

Ankita Lokhande married businessman Vicky Jain in December 2021. The two entered the Bigg Boss 17 house together in October this year. They are often seen getting into heated arguments and ugly war-of-words with each other. Recently, Vicky also called his marriage with Ankita an investment. He has also been accused of not behaving properly with his actress-wife by fans. Vicky and Ankitas respective mothers also graced the show recently when they asked the duo to live with love in the controversial reality show. In one of the previous Weekend Ka Vaar episodes, Salman Khan also schooled Vicky for allegedly dominating his wifes decisions in the show.
Bipasha Basu is currently relishing a joyful phase in her life. She is crafting cherished moments with her husband, Karan Singh Grover, and their adorable daughter, Devi Basu Singh Grover. The actress loves to share glimpses of their vibrant life, particularly the heartwarming moments spent with their little one. After a fabulous getaway to celebrate the holiday season, the family is now back in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, known for portraying Dr. Armaan Malik in the popular Indian drama series Dill Mill Gayye, actor Karan Singh Grover is set to grace the screen in Siddharth Anands highly awaited film, Fighter. The filmmaker recently revealed his character details and look on Tuesday. Similar to Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, Karan is taking on the role of an air force pilot in the film. Karan makes his entrance as Squadron Leader Sartaj Gill, as featured in the newly-unveiled poster where he exudes a commanding presence in his military uniform. The emblem bearing his call name, Taj Gill, is displayed on his chest.

Before the release, Karan was spotted out and about with his wife Bipasha and daughter Devi. Bipasha looked lovely in a white dress accessorised with stacked necklaces and sunglasses. Karan looked sharp in a monochrome shirt paired with white trousers and a white t-shirt. When paparazzi asked Bipasha about her reaction to seeing him on the poster, she said, Too hot. She added, Sab hee hot lag rahe hai  Deepika, Hrithik and Karan toh hot hai hee. Shaadi kyun karti warna? Aur, definitely, Siddharth Anand ki film hai, hit toh hogi hee. (Everyone looks hot, Deepika, Hrithik, and of course, Karan is hot! Why else would I marry him? Definitely Sidharth Anands film, its bound to be a hit).

Check out the video here:

Directed by Siddharth Anand and presented by Viacom18 Studios in collaboration with Marflix Pictures, Fighter will release on January 12.
Speculations were rife that after hearing that exhibitors are favouring Shah Rukh Khans Dunki over Prabhas Salaar, the producers of Salaar had decided not to release their film in PVR-Inox and Miraj theaters in certain states, as per Times Now.

Amit Sharma, Miraj Group CEO, is puzzled by Salaars producers feeling hurt, saying that the decision on the number of shows should be up to the exhibitor. He said that exhibitors understand the audiences preferences and are best equipped to decide how films should be allocated based on their knowledge of viewer choices.

PVR Inox issued a formal statement today. It read, We have come across some speculative media reports about the film SALAAR and its release at PVR INOX Cinemas. We would like to clarify that these reports are incorrect, SALAAR is one of the most anticipated films of the year and its releasing across pan India PVR INOX cinemas on the scheduled release date i.e. 22 December 2023 (sic).

On Wednesday, PVR pictures CEO Kam Gianchandani has also reacted to the reports about Salaar makers refusing to release film in certain PVR Inox outlets. Taking to X, he wrote, Normally, we try to keep Producers related matters to ourself. But this is one of those times for us to share our point of view. We have come across some absurd internet posts regarding unfair showcasing practices at PVRINOX. No one has greater respect and appreciation for all the Producers releasing their films in our theatres than all of us at PVRINOX. Commercial disagreements is par for the course with big films releasing on the same date. Not the first time. Wont be the last time. Everything will fall in place soon. Please put these ridiculous theories to bed (sic).

Shah Rukh Khans Dunki released on Thursday, while Salaar is set to hit theatres on Friday.
Dunki First Review Out: Shah Rukh Khans Dunki has finally released worldwide on Thursday, December 21, and it is being lauded by fans across the globe. One of the first shows took place in New Zealand and an audience member from the country has taken to X, previously known as Twitter, to share his Dunki review. The social media user lauded Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani for delivering an outstanding patriotic film with Dunki. He also said that Vicky Kaushal will move you with his performance. Dunki also stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead.

For more info: Dunki FIRST Review Out: SRKs Patriotic Film is a Timeless Masterpiece and Gem of Hindi Cinema

Sunny Deols Gadar 2 was released earlier this year and people still cannot stop talking about it. The much-awaited sequel of Gadar: Ek Prem Katha was a massive blockbuster success and Karan Johar discussed it on his popular chat show Koffee with Karan 8, with his guests Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn. Karan called it a phenomenon and Ajay mentioned what he said to Sunny after the films success.

For more info: Karan Johar Reveals No One Had Faith In Sunny Deols Gadar 2, Ajay Devgn Says I Told Him

Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain are often seen indulging in ugly fights in the Bigg Boss 17 house. However, the two left everyone shocked on Wednesday when they made some big remarks during their heated argument. It all started after Ayesha Khan asked Vicky about his married life to which the latter joked and said about the sufferings of a married man.

For more info: Ankita Lokhande Asks Vicky Jain For DIVORCE On Bigg Boss 17: I Dont Want To Go Home With You

For the latest episode of Karan Johars popular chat show Koffee with Karan 8, the Koffee Couch was graced by long-time friends and collaborators Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty. Ajay and Rohit have been friends for over 20 years. They said that the industry used to be quite close-knit earlier, but now the next generation of Bollywood is insecure and overthinks.

For more info: Ajay Devgn, Rohit Shetty Feel New-Gen Stars Insecure, Tell Karan Johar They Take 3 Yrs To Decide If

Prabhas starrer Salaar has been making headlines ever since it was announced. Fans have been waiting for its release. The action drama trailer was released recently and in no time it garnered a million views on social media. Well, Salaar is all set to release tomorrow and as per reports it has already sold over 30 lakh tickets for the opening day. The reports of this staggering achievement have sent waves of excitement among fans.

For more info: Salaar Creates History, Prabhas Starrer Sells Over 30 Lakh Tickets For Release Day; Reports
Shreyas Talpade has been discharged from the hospital and is now back home, shared his wife Deepti Talpade with a heartfelt note on Instagram on Wednesday night, December 21. Deepti shared a carousel of adorable photos of herself with Shreyas and called him my life. Shreyas Talpade was hospitalised recently after he had a heart attack and underwent an angioplasty in Mumbai.

Deepti wrote, My life. Shreyas, is back home safe and sound. I would argue with Shreyas saying I dont know where to put my faith in. Today I know the answer to my question, God Almighty. He was with me that evening when this drastic event happened in our lives. I dont think Ill ever question his existence henceforth.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepti Shreyas Talpade (@deeptitalpade)

I wish to take a moment and thank the good samaritans of our city. That evening I called for help, sought a hand and I got 10 of them. While Shreyas lay inside the car, they didnt know who they were helpingyet they came running. To all those people, you were God incarnate that evening for us. Thank you. I hope my message reaches you. Please know that I shall be eternally grateful to you from the core of my being. Thats the spirit of this great city Mumbai. Thats what makes Mumbai. We were not left to fend for ourselves. We were taken care of, she added.

Deepti wrote, I wish to thank our friends, family and our film industryHindi and Marathi for all the love and concern. Some of whom left everything they were doing and were there standing with me. Its because of you all, I wasnt alone. I had shoulders to lean on and immense support to stay strong.

Shreyas was hospitalised in Mumbai on December 14 after he reportedly complained of uneasiness and collapsed at his residence in Mumbai. He had just just returned from the shoot of Welcome 3, as per the reports.
Indias Digital Infrastructure Drive: Finance Sector Poised for Tech-Fuelled Boost

India is emerging as a leader in establishing a robust digital public infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem not just domestically, but globally. It has already earned a reputation for being a game-changer in Indias goal of achieving financial inclusion of citizens. Now, India is concentrating more energy towards propelling the financial sector, and digital infrastructure will play a crucial role in the country achieving greater success on this front.

The success that India is registering on the digital front today can be traced back to 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Digital India initiative. That was certainly not the government shooting in the dark. It knew what was to be done, and every step taken since has been to make India a leader in the digital world.

On December 19, the Centre approved the project for computerising 63,000 functional Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) with a total financial outlay of Rs 2,516 crore. PACS are community-run financial institutions that grant loans, mostly to rural and agricultural borrowers. India is home to around 100,000 such organisations.

The ambitious project entails bringing all the functional PACS onto an Enterprise Resource Planning-based common national software. Additionally, these credit societies will also be linked with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) through State Cooperative Banks and District Central Cooperative Banks. This will give a significant boost to the creation of robust digital infrastructure that directly benefits rural India.

This project would improve governance and transparency in PACS, thereby leading to speedy disbursal of loans, lowering of transaction costs, reduction in imbalances in payments, and seamless accounting with state and district-level cooperative banks, while also increasing efficiency.

Farmers stand to gain big, as the implementation of a Common Accounting System (CAS) and Management Information System (MIS) will improve access to short-term, medium-term and long-term credit.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India on December 8 announced that the central bank would be establishing a cloud facility for Indias financial sector in order to enhance data security. Today, financial institutions, especially banks, make use of extensive data, the volume of which is only increasing. To handle this rise in data volume, banks and financial entities resort to using the services of various public and private cloud facilities. Therefore, establishing a single cloud facility for the entire Indian financial sector would enhance the security, integrity and privacy of such data. The RBI also anticipates the move to facilitate scalability and business continuity in the country.

Earlier, in October, a project for the development of a common platform for 1,851 Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) was launched. Under the project, the Centre has also approved the project of computerisation of 1,851 ARDB units, including their branches and supervisory units, with a total outlay of Rs 119.40 crore.

India has made a timely digital infrastructure push and continues to build on the work done over the past eight years. Today, the world exists on both the physical and digital planes. We know for a fact that physical infrastructure development is crucial to countries development and economic expansion. India is expanding its physical infrastructure at an unprecedented scale for the same reason. However, digital infrastructure is as much important to a nations growth.

Aadhaar, bank accounts for all Indians, data exchange (account aggregators and DigiLocker) and the United Payments Interface (UPI) have today become a cornerstone of Indias digital public infrastructure, and are known together as the India Stack.

Success of India Stack: What the World Can Learn from Indias DPI Journey

Indias Digital Public Infrastructure push has the potential to usher in a global revolution. Today, the world is in awe of what the India Stack has been able to achieve in less than a decade. Consider this: A World Bank report from September 2023 has hailed the success of Indias DPI to enhance financial inclusion and delivery of public goods and services. As a result of the Modi governments DPI push, the World Bank claims India has achieved a remarkable 80 per cent financial inclusion rate. The report said, The India Stack exemplifies this approach, combining digital ID, interoperable payments, a digital credentials ledger, and account aggregation. In just six years, it has achieved a remarkable 80% financial inclusion rate  a feat that would have taken nearly five decades without DPI. That definitely puts Indias achievement in perspective. The rapidity with which DPI is able to deliver results is the reason why there is so much international appreciation and interest for the India Model.

The World Bank also cited Indias Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) and Account Aggregator (AA) Framework to drive home the point that the international community has much to learn from India. Referring to the enormous popularity of UPI, the report added that in some countries, such as India, the adoption of fast payment systems has been particularly quick and transformative.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), earlier in 2023, went on to proclaim that India has developed a world-class digital public infrastructure (DPI) to support its sustainable development goals. The IMFs working paper, titled Stacking up the Benefits: Lessons from Indias Digital Journey highlighted several of the countrys DPI successes. For example, it said that by using DPI, India was able to mitigate suffering during the Covid-19 pandemic and provide quick support to poor households. The IMF observed that a robust digital infrastructure helped India scale its vaccine delivery quickly and overcome challenges such as large-scale internal migration. It also hailed the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which has today led to over 80 per cent of adults in India having a bank account.

Recognising the potential of Indias DPI model, and knowing that it can have a transformative impact globally, the government has been working to share the India Stack with a host of countries. Indias G20 Presidency over the last one year was instrumental in showcasing the countrys DPI potential to the world, especially to countries in the Global South. As India looks at a larger role for itself on the global stage, sharing its digital infrastructure model with the developing and underdeveloped world is a high-priority mission of the Modi government.

Eight countries have already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with India for the stack. Several others, especially African nations, have shown a keen interest in adopting the payments and healthcare systems. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics & IT, went a step further and revealed that international interest in Indias DPI is such that the country can sign deals with 30 more countries.

Importantly, it is not just the developing world that is showing a keen interest in the India Stack. In fact, countries like France and Germany are also in awe of what India has achieved over the past eight-odd years.

In order to make Indias DPI readily available for countries that seek to emulate it, the Centre is also going to build and maintain a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), a virtual repository of DPI, for the use of other G20 members and beyond.

Indias digital infrastructure expertise can become a force for global good, and the world realises this. The success of India Stack is not an ordinary story. It is one which is having a transformative impact on the Indian economy. As the focus now turns to accelerating the growth of the financial sector using DPI, India is poised to become a pioneer in a critical front that many countries are yet to start earnest work on.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
In a major development, Myanmar has overtaken Afghanistan to become the worlds largest source of opium. The decades-long uninterrupted reign of Afghanistan as the worlds largest supplier of opium has been disrupted by Myanmar. UNODC Bangkok office, on December 18, 2023, disclosed that opium cultivation areas expanded most in Myanmars border regions in northern Shan state, followed by Chin and Kachin states, as yield expanded by 16 per cent to 22.9 kilogrammes per hectare because of sophisticated farming practices.

Myanmar farmers now earn about 75 per cent more from Opium poppy farming, as average prices of the flower have reached about $355 per kilogram and the cultivation area has increased by 18 per cent year on year, from 40,100 to 47,000 hectares, boosting the potential yield to its highest level since 2001.

For India, this development should ring an ominous bell. When Afghanistan dominated opium production, despite the presence of a buffer territory like Pakistan, Indias Western land borders and maritime borders witnessed a continual bombardment of opium and other narcotic concoctions by every conceivable mode of transportation, from ships to drones. Narco-terrorism remains a big challenge on the Western borders for the defence forces, para-military forces and every enforcement agency. The sudden emergence of Myanmar in northeast Indias land borders, as the worlds largest source of opium, is being felt in the ongoing Manipur tribal drug wars.

The Golden Triangle has been in existence simultaneously with the Golden Crescent for several decades, and India was being inundated by opium from both sides, but the alter ego of the narcotics trade is narco-terrorism. India bore a great impact of the drug trade and narco-terrorism on the Western sector, which is directed and controlled even today by Islamabad. The Afghan-Pakistan drug trade is in the firm grip of Islamic fundamentalists and a wide variety of terror organisations, actively supported and trained by the ISI of Pakistan. Despite decades of unabated and concentrated military efforts by the Americans and to a limited extent by the Russians, no serious disruption occurred for the opium production and distribution across the globe, from Afghanistan. The present estimated 95 per cent decline in opium cultivation in Afghanistan after a drug ban by the Taliban in 2022 is seen as the reason for the global opium supply chain getting shifted to Myanmar.

For decades, northern Thailand in the Golden Triangle, with Laos and Myanmar sharing the Mekong River, has been one of the biggest drug trafficking corridors in the world. In Shan state, Myanmar, there is not only the major production of heroin and opium, but also that of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine which feeds the whole of the Asia-Pacific region, stretching from Japan all the way down to New Zealand.

Unlike in Afghanistan, there are complex internal governance issues inside Myanmar, with a lot of vicious drug gangs, not terrorists, controlling different territories. Drug production is happening in very remote areas and is supervised, monitored, controlled, and trafficked to every neighbouring country, even India. Drug trafficking also comes with a package of assorted organised crimes like money laundering, trafficking in wildlife products, arms, and human trafficking, especially in women and children. Such criminal activities also need strong political support which is granted only for an inexhaustible supply of liquid cash or gold.

The Rohingya refugee problem is another offshoot of the drug trade. The Rohingyas, who are a fierce Muslim ethnic minority group in Myanmar, are not recognised as an official ethnic group and have been denied citizenship since 1982 by the majority Buddhist rulers of Myanmar, making them the worlds largest stateless population. Fleeing from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and abuse, these refugees, infiltrating into India and Bangladesh, have also been utilised as drug carriers, especially for Methamphetamines, and the crazy drug Yaba. Bangladesh is inundated with Yaba, and the estimated consumption is an average of a mind-boggling two million pills a day! In Myanmar, most of the Yaba production labs are in Shan state along the border with China, which is controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), a rebel group, and also the Rohingya territory of Rakhine state and Sagaing division, where a similar item called the World Is Yours is also produced.

Indias Northeast is identified as an active corridor linking Myanmar and Bangladesh. One route passes through Manipur, which is contiguous to Myanmars Sagaing division. Another route lies through Mizoram, originating at Champhai, which leads to different locations on the India-Bangladesh border. Indias long, porous land border, measuring 1,643 kilometres with Myanmar as also the 4,096-kilometre-long international border, between India and Bangladesh which is the fifth-longest land border in the world, is all set to see a massive surge in drug-trafficking of all kinds.

The Shan state in Myanmar will soon become the Kandahar of the East. ISI of Pakistan has already geared itself to create disturbances in the Northeast, by linking with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), whose chieftain is Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi. He was born in Karachi to a migrant family, which had fled from Rakhine state in Myanmar sometime in the 1960s. It is estimated that the ARSA has over 2,000 Rohingyas as well as approximately 150 females.

While a section of the Rohingyas has been trained by the Pakistani spy agency ISI within the mountainous areas in Nepal, funding has been coming from several countries including Turkey, Iran, and Qatar. It is reported that preparations are underway for taking total control over the Cox Bazar district in Bangladesh and finally proclaiming it as an ARSA Caliphate. ARSA has taken over control of trafficking in Yaba pills and has been trafficking consignments of this drug to Bangladesh, Thailand, India, Philippines, Japan, and South Korea, as well as Lebanese Hezbollah and Palestinian Hamas. Generally, the consignments of Yaba pills are sent from Myanmar through various shipping lines in concealed consignments to the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon, where these are later re-routed to Middle Eastern nations, especially Saudi Arabia. The multi-billion-dollar drug trade will receive an added impetus with the present boom in opium production in Myanmar.

India is all set to face major challenges in the Northeast. This writer would suggest that the Government of India should set up a multi-disciplinary joint force of all para-military forces and enforcement agencies, under a Central Narcotics Interdiction Command (CNIC), based at Guwahati, and not delegate the work to the State agencies as most are lacking funds, training, and competence. A single NDPS Court for the entire region is a dire necessity as judicial officers and prosecutors need to know about the nuances of the aggravating complex drug problem, as also the critical legal intricacies of the NDPS Act.

A cadre of Village Security Units along the international borders needs to be raised to assist the security agencies. On the international borders, assistance can be sought from UNODC which has set up Border Liaison Offices or BLOs under its border management programme. There are 120 BLOs from Myanmar in the west, to China in the east, and Indonesia to the south as well as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They enable countries in the region to work more effectively to combat illegal trafficking as they can quickly share information and act together. India and Bangladesh need to join this network.

Sergio Troncoso, in his book Our Lost Border: Essays on Life amid the Narco-Violence writes, So the Juarez/El Paso area before the recent drug violence was not a bilingual, bi-national, bicultural Zion, but it was one world. One entity. One place. One city where you could live in between worlds and have the hope of creating something new. A third way to be, not along the border, but on the border.

That is what the violence has destroyed, that unity, however tenuous it ever was. It has destroyed the idea of that unity and the reality of living so uniquely astride an international border. This real idea was always a work-in-progress, and for the moment it is lost. Yet that real idea of unity had great value.

The writer is a retired officer of the IRS and the former director-general of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday said the BJP s manifesto was like the Ramayan and Gita and assured that all welfare schemes of the previous government will continue in the state.

Yadavs statement came a day after women-centric Ladli Behna programme did not find mention in the governors address to the newly constituted assembly. The four-day-long first session of MPs 16th assembly concluded on Thursday and it was adjourned sine die (indefinitely).

All schemes from Ladli Laxmi to others being run by the previous government will continue and funds will be transferred to beneficiaries accounts on the due date, Yadav said in reply to the thanksgiving motion moved by senior BJP MLA Kailash Vijayvargiya after Governor Mangubhai Patels address to the house on Wednesday. However, when leader of opposition Umang Singhar specifically asked about Ladli Behna Yojana, Yadav said all schemes would continue.

Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans flagship scheme Ladli Behna provides Rs 1,250 per month financial assistance to eligible women and in the run-up to the November 17 assembly polls, the ruling BJP had promised to raise the amount to Rs 3,000 in a gradual manner. Addressing the first session of the newly constituted assembly, Patel on Wednesday listed various central and state welfare schemes, but did not mention Ladli Behna Yojana.

Citing the governors address, Congress members, including senior MLA Ramniwas Rawat and former minister Jaivardhan Singh, on Thursday demanded that CM Yadav clarify the status of the Ladli Behna scheme. The Sankalp Patra (manifesto) is like Gita and Ramayan to us and will be fulfilled in total. No government scheme would be stopped. We have earmarked funds for them, CM Yadav said.

Speaking in the House, Yadav said King Vikramaditya of Ujjain had gone to Ayodhya and built a Ram Temple 2000 years ago. This was mentioned recently by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he added.

He assured the BJP government in MP will facilitate visits to Ayodhya for the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22. The Congress put roadblocks in the construction of the Ram Temple and had even questioned the existence of Lord Ram, Yadav said in a swipe at the opposition party.

Places associated with Lord Krishna in the state will be turned into pilgrimage centres, Yadav added. While Yadav was speaking about Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar said he must give sermons in a temple and asked the CM to come to the point and speak on the oppositions concerns. On this, Yadav said he would reply to the opposition.

Referring to the implementation of the Supreme Court order on fixing decibel levels for loudspeakers installed at religious places, Yadav said his government has just implemented the directives of the apex court which the erstwhile Congress government had failed to do so. Hours after being appointed as the CM, Yadav last week issued a directive prohibiting the use of loudspeakers at religious places beyond permissible decibel levels.

Yadav also said the worlds standard time was set by India some 300 years ago, and an instrument for this was still available in Ujjain. The practice of setting the time was carried out by the French for 50 years and now for the past 250 years by the British as per the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), he said. A suggestion by Congress MLA Jaivardhan Singh to the MP CM to set time as per Indian standard in the state right away elicited laughter from the opposition.

Yadav said his government will work to help India regain its lost glory. He also said the double engine government will ensure the welfare of eight crore people of MP. The BJP often refers to its governments in the states and at the Centre as a double engine mechanism that speeds up development.

After completing the listed business of the day, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar adjourned the House sine die.

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The Congress on Thursday said its candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will be decided very soon and asserted that it would take all necessary steps to make the INDIA bloc an effective bulwark against the ruling BJP and its allies.

During a four-hour meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) here at the AICC headquarters, former party chief Rahul Gandhi was requested to undertake Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0 from east to west and the proposal is being considered with positive intent, a senior leader said.

Asked about the possibility of such a yatra, which was mentioned by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge in his initial remarks at the CWC meet, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said a decision on it will be taken without any delay.

The opposition party also vowed to concentrate on actionable points and said its alliance committee is in the process of taking feedback from states for moving forward on seat sharing with the other INDIA bloc constituents.

It has also been decided that January onwards, party workers conventions will be held in various states, in which the president and other leaders will participate.

Addressing a press conference alongside All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh after the meeting, Venugopal asserted that the party would be in the election mode without any delay and the candidates for the Lok Sabha polls would be decided very soon with the screening committee being constituted this month.

He also said the manifesto committee for the general election would be formed in a day or two.

Asked about seat sharing among the INDIA bloc partners, Venugopal said the Congress has already constituted an alliance committee and it has been given a clear direction by the party chief that discussions on alliances have to start this month itself.

They (the committee) are in the process of calling the state units and taking their views. After that there will be a conversation with the allies also, he said after the meeting of the Congresss highest decision-making body, which was chaired by Kharge.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were among the 76 leaders who attended the meeting that saw a discussion on recent Assembly poll results, the Lok Sabha election and the current political situation in the country, including issues related to Parliament.

In his remarks at the CWC meet, Kharge said the Congress has learnt valuable lessons from the recent Assembly polls and urged the party workers to focus on the Lok Sabha election. The Congress is committed to not repeating the same mistakes, he said.

This is the first CWC meeting after the partys debacle in the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan polls. The Congress, however, won the electoral battle in Telangana.

At the meeting, the partys top brass discussed the Assembly poll results and the in-charges of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan explained the reasons behind the disappointing performance.

Noting that the outcomes of the elections were disappointing, Kharge said the Congress has conducted a preliminary analysis of the results and identified the reasons behind its poor performance.

Despite the results, there are some positive indicators, such as the vote share in these states, that give us definite hope that given due attention, we can certainly turn things around, he said.

We have learnt valuable lessons from the mistakes we have made and are committed to not repeating them, Kharge asserted.

He said the fourth meeting of the Indian National Inclusive Developmental Alliance (INDIA) was held on December 19 and it was unanimously decided that the seat-sharing talks must start immediately.

The Lok Sabha election is not too far, we do not have much time left. I would urge everyone to concentrate on the actionable points and necessary steps that can be taken for the upcoming general election, the Congress chief said.

On the suspension of opposition MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over the last eight days, Kharge alleged that it was part of a conspiracy to convert Parliament into a platform for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In a resolution that was passed unanimously after the CWC meet, the party also alleged that the suspension of MPs from Parliament was done to ensure that the opposition was not present to challenge the Narendra Modi government as it bulldozed three draconian criminal justice laws through.

The opposition party asserted that it would take all necessary steps to make the INDIA bloc an effective bulwark and force against the BJP and its allies, while vowing to be fully prepared at the earliest to fight the Lok Sabha election.

The Congress expressed its firmest resolve to be fully prepared to fight the general election as a party as well as a member of the INDIA bloc, it said.

The CWC members were also urged to launch election campaigns in states.

Asked about the Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0 proposal, Venugopal said, The Congress president told Rahul Gandhiji that he is getting the feedback from party workers and leaders from across the country that he should do a second yatra from east to west and after that, all the CWC members unanimously requested him for the same. The details of the yatra (if it takes place)  and the decision on the yatra will be taken without any delay, he added.
Its not what Mamata Banerjee said that should grab attention. Its what she insinuated or left unsaid that is slowly dawning on the Congress and has rendered its leaders angry but helpless.

When Mamata Banerjee, backed by Arvind Kejriwal, suggested Mallikarjun Kharge as the opposition INDIA blocs prime ministerial face for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls against PM Narendra Modi, most were left stunned. Kharge, a shrewd politician, understood the message. And, hence, the immediate clarification that one should wait for the results.

Mamatas yes to Kharge suggested a no to a Gandhi being the face. There is little doubt about the fact that Mamata has been more comfortable with Sonia Gandhi than Rahul. She has often indicated in the past that Rahul needs more time to mature, and he has time.

Also, she can never forget the fact that it was Rahul who was keen on and has a soft corner for the Left. Plus, she is believed to have been upset with Rahuls rant on the Adani issue at the Mumbai INDIA meet.

Its a fact that many in the Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party feel that Rahul being the PM face would give the edge to Modi even further. That he would be the BJPs asset. Instead, a Dalit like Kharge, someone who comes from a humble background, would negate the entitled tag the Gandhis bear.

Also, theres the age factor. In the past, Sharad Pawar refused to work under a younger Rahul. The same is the case with Mamata.

Add to this the fact that Congress leaders have always projected Rahul as their PM candidate. At least three leaders News18 spoke to refused to come on record. Their dilemma: they cant reject Kharge but cannot accept the rejection of Rahul as PM either.

The question is, will Mamata and Kejriwals inferred preference for a non-Gandhi strain INDIAs ties?
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) president H D Deve Gowda and lauded his exemplary contribution to the nations progress.

Deve Gowdas two sons, former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and MLA H D Revanna, as well as grandson Prajwal Revanna, who is an MP from Hassan, accompanied him for the meeting with Modi at his residence here.

It is always a delight to meet them, the prime minister said in a post on X. India greatly cherishes Deve Gowda Jis exemplary contribution to the nations progress. His thoughts on diverse policy matters are insightful and futuristic, Modi said.

The BJP and the JD(S) have announced an alliance in Karnataka following the Congress victory in the assembly polls earlier this year.
Independent MLC Satyajeet Tambe has questioned the quality of Samruddhi highway, which recently completed one year, noting the number of accidents on the stretch.

As per data available, the highway witnessed 1,282 accidents in the last one year in which 135 people lost their lives. Tambe said the quality of the highway is not uniform, which could be the leading cause of accidents.

The work was done in 14 phases between Nagpur and Ghoti. With 14 different contractors doing the job, the quality of work has varied enormously. While in some phases the cars go smoothly, in some areas, the car almost flies off the ground. This is also a major reason why accidents occur on the highway. The question is, will the government try to standardise the quality of the highway and whether they will put a patch-like coating on the entire road that will even it out? asked Tambe.

He also blamed police and RTO officials for appearing in front of the vehicles suddenly, leading to accidents. In order to catch drivers flouting rules, they suddenly appear from behind trees or diversions and turns, thereby startling drivers. Due to this, the driver either puts sudden brakes or accelerates further out of fear. This leads to many accidents. Are they on a prowl to hunt violators? he said.

Reacting to the issue, state excise minister Shambhuraj Desai assured that directions would be given to the Road Development Corporation to check the quality of the road.

Apart from that, instructions will be given to the highway police superintendent and transport commissioner that police should stand at a place where the motorists can see them and not suddenly come in front of the drivers, he said.

Tambe also raised concerns about the increase in robbery cases on the highway. Although it is a 701-km six-lane highway, it crosses 10 districts and passes outside settlements. As a result, the highway is deserted due to which incidents of theft and robbery are becoming common. What measures will the government take to address the issue? Desai responded that the highway police will be instructed to patrol the stretch.

Samruddhi Mahamarg, officially known as Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, is a 701-km stretch connecting Mumbai and Nagpur.

The countrys second-longest expressway is expected to reduce the travel time between Nagpur and Mumbai to eight hours from 16 once it is fully operational. A total of 600 km of the stretch has been opened for public use in two phases. The first phase of 520 km, between Nagpur and Shirdi, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2022, while the second phase, between Shirdi and Bharvir, was inaugurated in May by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Work is underway on the stretch between Bharvir in Igatpuri and Mumbai.

KILLER ROAD?

Two major accidents have caused 37 deaths on the stretch. In one, a private AC sleeper bus caught fire after an intoxicated driver lost control in July, while on October 15, 12 people died and 23 others were injured when a Tempo Traveller rammed a truck from behind.

On August 1 this year, 20 workers, including engineers and supervisors, were crushed to death and three others injured after a crane collapsed on a bridge slab during the construction of the third phase of the expressway in Thane district.

On May 24, four members of two families from Surat died, while another member sustained injuries, when their car met with an accident on the Jaipur-Siwar patch in rural Aurangabad early morning. Preliminary probe indicated highway hypnosis as the cause.

On May 29, three people were killed after a car rammed a road divider and caught fire in Buldhana. One person was flung out of the vehicle and died of serious injuries, while two others got trapped in the car and were charred to death.
In the recently released trailer of the upcoming Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, declares his intent to eliminate Aquaman, driven by a vengeful quest that originated in the 2018 Aquaman film. Blaming Arthur Curry for his fathers demise, Black Manta strikes a pact with the enigmatic King Kordax, revealed as the nefarious Lost King. The trailer further teases Kordax empowering Manta to seek retribution, promising the destruction of Aquamans world. Having been rescued by Dr. Shin, Black Manta assembles a crew to pursue his mission.

Now, in a recent conversation with DC Nation, Abdul-Mateen, the American architect and actor who portrayed David Kane/Black Manta in Aquaman and its sequel, has shared insights, highlighting Mantas ongoing resentment and the need for additional assistance. To enhance his capabilities, Black Manta seeks Atlantean technology globally, aiming to rebuild his suit for the impending confrontation, he reveals.

Watch the teaser here:

He still has the hate, the passion, and the rage, but he needs more help. So, hes got a whole army of new cats and hes travelling all over the globe to find more Atlantean technology because he has to rebuild his suit," says Mateen.

The narrative introduces King Kordax and his long-lost undersea realm, the titular Lost Kingdom.

Unlike the trident quest in the previous film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom centres around the Black Trident, a cursed relic forged by Kordax through dark arts. Unveiling the backstory, Abdul-Mateen narrates Kordaxs claim to the throne, the forging of the malevolent trident, and its rediscovery by Black Mantas crew.

The plot takes a dark turn as Kordaxs spirit possesses Black Manta, posing a significant threat to Aquamans realm and his lineage. To liberate Kordax, Black Manta must eliminate Aquamans family, including his mother Atlanna, half-brother Orm, and young son, the heir to Atlantis.

In exploring the origins of King Kordax, the article draws from the DC comics, portraying Kordax as the forsaken offspring of Dardanus and Cora of Atlantis. Born with a sea creatures appearance and gifted with telepathic abilities, Kordax rises to become the ruler of Tritonis, home to the Merpeople.

As Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom approaches its theatrical release, the storyline promises a gripping tale of vengeance, ancient relics, and the perilous consequences of striking deals with malevolent forces.
With the agility and courage of a Railway Police Force (RPF) Official, a fatal accident was avoided at a railway station in Mumbai. The whole incident was captured on camera thanks to the CCTV footage of the platform. The alert RPF constable saved a woman from possibly being killed (or harmed) after she fell while trying to board a moving train in Mumbai. The accident happened on Wednesday, December 20, with heavy foot traffic on the platforms.

The harrowing CCTV footage was shared by Western Railway on their official X handle. The 33-second clip unfolds to show a couple rushing to board an express train. As the video progressed, the woman aimed to enter through the wide-open doorway of the train, which can be seen slowly accelerating, but she failed to do so, and she suddenly slipped and fell. The lady constable quickly springs into action, and a passenger in the train pushes her legs outside, ensuring any threatening injuries. While the RPF cop pulls the woman from being run over by the train.

The timely action of a passenger and the RPF personnel rescued her from a close shave with death. The brave act was shared by the Western Railway with a vital message, Do not board or alight from a moving train.

#Narishakti: From creating to saving livesIn the face of danger, #RPF Constable Pallabhi Biswas acted with swift courage and saved the life of a passenger at Purulia station.#MissionJeevanRaksha #WeServeAndProtect #SewaHiSankalp pic.twitter.com/wHkubgfeuY  RPF INDIA (@RPF_INDIA) April 26, 2023

The bravery of the female constable was highly praised by the X users. She did a great job but equal credit to the man in train who pushed her legs outside and saved her from getting any threatening injuries, a user commented. Another user said, Congratulations and Salute to Female RPF officer for quickly action and save life of lady, Present of mind save life. Put photo at Station of such incident and one copy at victim family to remember long life. An account remarked, Salute to Sharply Active & alert lady officer. She followed them from behind start to end expecting such event. BRAVO.

Nevertheless, this is not the first time an RPF officer came to the rescue of a passengers life from a fast-moving train in Mumbai. In April 2023, RPF personnel Pallabhi Biswas saved an old man from slipping between the locomotive and the platform while trying to climb on a slow-moving train at the Purulia railway station. The old man wearing a lungi loses balance and slips while trying to climb the train. He was getting dragged by the train and was almost about to fall when a female police constable on the rounds saw him and ran towards him. The constable grabs his hand and pulls him away from the train, avoiding a fatal accident.

#Narishakti: From creating to saving livesIn the face of danger, #RPF Constable Pallabhi Biswas acted with swift courage and saved the life of a passenger at Purulia station.#MissionJeevanRaksha #WeServeAndProtect #SewaHiSankalp pic.twitter.com/wHkubgfeuY  RPF INDIA (@RPF_INDIA) April 26, 2023

Deboarding or boarding a moving train has been quite a common occurrence for people in all parts of the country. Despite several warnings, these actions dont seem to stop leading to dangerous accidents.
The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday was told that a lack of progress in resolving human rights issues is one of the key reasons behind the current impasse between Afghanistan and the international community. In a briefing to the Security Council in New York, the UN Special Representative for the country Roza Otunbayeva, underlined the need for greater engagement with the Taliban.

Otunbayveva, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), told the Security Council that the human rights situation in the country is characterised by systemic discrimination against women and girls, repression of political dissent and free speech, a lack of meaningful representation of minorities, and ongoing instances of extrajudicial killing, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and ill-treatment.

Accepting and working to uphold the international norms and standards, as set out in the UN Treaties that Afghanistan has ratified, will continue to be a non-negotiable condition for a seat at the United Nations, she said in a statement, a copy of which was posted on UNAMA website.

The de facto authority in Afghanistan which took over the country in August 2021, has indicated a preference for bi-lateral approaches to multilateral ones, she said, as they continue to maintain that bans on girls education and womens employment are internal matters even though these edicts contravene current treaty obligations. She feared this would only prolong the impasse that the report intends to resolve.

Two factors approach

Otunbayeva said any future approach must be guided by two factors, namely a durable and more detailed international consensus on Afghanistan and making far greater use of the de facto authorities willingness to engage in dialogue with members of the international community. Dialogue does not legitimize. It can be used to express disapproval yet encourage change, she said. We have often spoken of the need to learn lessons from our engagement since August 2021. One lesson, I believe, is that there has simply not been enough of it. There must be more direct engagement with the de facto authorities, including in Kabul.

Otunbayeva also updated the Council on developments related to Afghan and regional security, humanitarian affairs, and other such issues. She noted that the Shia community remains at disproportionate risk of harm, with 39 members killed in three attacks in recent months, all of which were claimed by the ISIL-KP terrorist group. Nine people were also killed in three further targeted attacks against Shia clerics in Herat. Meanwhile, regional countries are concerned about additional possible threats emanating from Afghanistan.

What India said

Speaking at the UN high table, India extended its unwavering commitment to the people of Afghanistan, stressing the need for continued international attention and support for the country. As a contiguous neighbour to Afghanistan, a friend to its people, and as a country with direct stakes in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan, allow me to place the following observations before the council, Ambassador Kamboj said at the briefing.

On Indias behalf, she expressed particular concern about the deteriorating humanitarian conditions exacerbated by natural disasters, including massive earthquakes this year. The situation in Afghanistan is still one of concern. The deteriorating humanitarian situation, compounded by natural disasters such as the earthquake of October 2023, have had a devastating impact on the lives of the people, she said. The Indian diplomat also highlighted that the importance of the international community not losing focus on Afghanistan during these challenging times.
Bangladesh police on Thursday said they have identified four suspects who set on fire an inter-district train that killed four passengers earlier this week in Dhaka, amid unrest over January 7 elections being boycotted by the main opposition BNP.

Arsonists torched three compartments of the Dhaka-bound Mohanganj Express train near Tejgaon area on Tuesday in which one child and three others were killed.

We have found pictures of four suspected saboteurs and are now keeping a vigil on their movements, Lieutenant Colonel Arif Mohiuddin Ahmed of the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) told reporters.

Ahmed said RAB would come up with details after arresting the four suspects and collecting more related evidence.

Tuesdays attack was the latest such incident in the last few weeks.

One passenger was killed and dozens others wounded last week after seven compartments of the same train derailed in Gazipur on the outskirts of Dhaka as saboteurs uprooted railway tracks on the same route.

There were five other such attacks or attempted attacks on trains in the past one month.

Soon after the Gazipur incident, police arrested seven leaders and activists, including a municipal ward councilor of the suburban district, of ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on charges of uprooting railway tracks.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman on Thursday admitted that acts of sabotage were increasing ahead of Bangladeshs 12th general elections but law enforcement agencies have beefed up security vigils.

A frightening situation has arisen centering the political programmes of one or two political parties for the past two months, he told reporters here.

However, police have arrested most of the saboteurs and have taken steps to prevent such activities in the coming days in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, he said.

According to a media tally, 11 people died and 376 vehicles were torched in the past two months in political violence. Police arrested thousands of opposition activists and figures, including de-facto BNP leader and party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, over charges of violence.

BNP on Wednesday called for a non-cooperation movement against the Awami League-led government, urging people not to pay taxes and utility bills, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched her poll campaign amid political unrest ahead of the January 7 elections.

BNP and its mostly far-right allies allege that no election under the incumbent dispensation would be fair and demand the restoration of a non-party interim government for election oversight by amending the countrys Constitution.

Since October 29, the BNP has been holding intermittent nationwide strikes and transport blockades to press for their demand for elections under a neutral government, which the ruling party rejected saying the poll would be held in line with the existing Constitution.

The BNP is boycotting the election after its demand for an interim non-party neutral government to organise the voting was rejected by Hasinas government. The party had boycotted the 2014 election but took part in 2018 polls.

With the BNP boycotting the election, and no other credible opposition party against it, Hasinas Awami League is likely to gain an upper hand and likely to form the government for the fourth consecutive term.

Awami League last week decided to spare 26 out of the 300 parliamentary seats to the technically opposition Jatiya Party (JAPA) in an apparent effort to pursue it to take part in the January 7 elections in BNPs absence, while its own nominees withdrew their candidature from these seats.

JAPA was reluctant to take part in elections until recently, exposing the ruling party to a major challenge of legitimising the polling and ensuring its participatory nature amid boycott by BNP.

JAPA on Thursday announced its election manifesto as an opposition party.

Asked if JAPA is taking part in elections under any deal with the government, its secretary general Mujibul Haque Chunnu replied in the negative. It is them (Awami League) who can tell you why they have withdrawn their candidature (from 26 seats), he said.

Chunnu said JAPA was a sensible opposition which was loud enough in Parliament against the governments corruptions, misdeeds and misrule.

Awami League has also left six seats to its partners in the 14-party ruling alliance  three seats to left-leaning Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASOD) and two to Workers Party and one to another Jatiya Party faction called JP.
A man in Turkey was arrested by police following the death of his girlfriend, who fell 100ft from a cliff in the seaport city of Canakkale. Yesim Demir and her boyfriend, Nizamettin Gursu, were on vacation, celebrating their recent engagement at the famous Polente Cape in the city.

At the time of Demirs death, 42-year-old Gursu claimed the tragic incident occurred as they enjoyed a romantic moment on the cliffs, with her girlfriend accidentally falling after losing her balance. We chose the cliffs to have a romantic memory after the proposal. We drank some alcohol. Everything happened at once. She lost her balance and fell down, he was quoted as saying by UKs Daily Mail.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by NB (@notibomba)

However, suspicions arose when Demirs family filed a criminal complaint, alleging that the couple had a heated argument following her rejection of Gursus proposal. Contrary to expectations, her engagement ring was found in Gursus pocket, not on her finger. Moreover, signs of a serious argument between the two were found at the clifftop sunset spot.

The family said that Demir, fearful of heights, wouldnt have willingly approached the cliff edge. The tides started turning against Gursu when signs of a violent struggle, including broken glasses and a damaged speaker, were discovered at the scene. The family insisted that Demir had intended to end the relationship.

Gursu was taken into custody on suspicion of deliberate homicide, the UK newspaper said. The family highlighted Demirs struggles with panic attacks, asserting that she would never have willingly approached the cliff edge. Gursu remains in custody pending trial.
The United States has announced the limits and procedures for its much-anticipated pilot programme to renew H-1B nonimmigrant visas. Starting January 29, 2024, individuals can apply at the dedicated State Department web address.

Limited to 20,000 applicants, eligibility extends to those with H-1B visas issued within specific dates at US consulates in Canada and India. Notably, the pilot will not include the dependents of H-1B professionals, only principal visa holders. The Department is limiting the scope of the pilot to applicants who were previously issued visas within specified dates by Missions Canada or India to properly assess the performance and capabilities of contractors who manage the majority of the Departments worldwide visa processing, the US Federal Register notice read.

The population of visa applicants in India and Canada is sufficiently representative of the global population and visa issuances during the referenced periods provide enough cases to make the pilot results meaningful, without overwhelming available resources. Additionally, the Department is limiting the scope of the pilot to include only H-1B applicants, it added.

Who is Eligible?

In its Federal Register notice, the US State Department listed 12 limitations on participating in the visa renewal pilot programme. One of the significant limitations read, Prior H-1B visa that is being renewed was issued by Mission Canada with an issuance date from January 1, 2020, through April 1, 2023; or by Mission India with an issuance date of February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021.

Applicants also need an approved, unexpired H-1B petition, active status, and intent to return to the US after a temporary stay abroad. They must not be subject to a reciprocity fee, must have submitted fingerprints in the previous visa application, and their current visa should lack clearance received annotation or visa ineligibility.

Procedures for Participation

The pilot, running until April 1, 2024, or when slots are filled, will accept applications on the State Department website. In order to control the number of applications received, the Department will, each week, release approximately 2,000 application slots for applicants whose most recent H-1B visas were issued by Mission Canada, and approximately 2,000 application slots for those whose most recent H-1B visas were issued by Mission India (approximately 4,000 total each week) on the following dates: January 29, February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26, the notice read.

Every application received will be counted against an approximate 2,000 maximum weekly limit for each participating Mission. Once the limit is reached, the online portal will be locked until the next tranche of slots are released for each participating Mission group on the next application date, it added.

Documents Required

Each applicant for a domestic H-1B visa renewal must submit the following documentation:

A properly completed and electronically filed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.

One photograph (taken within the last six months), which meets the specifications at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html.

A passport valid for travel to the United States, which is valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date, and contains a blank, unmarked page for placement of a visa foil.

The original or a copy of the applicants current Form I-797, Notice of Action.  The original or a copy of the applicants Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record (available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home or on the Form I-797).

Background

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Tech firms depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees from countries like India. The pilot 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 December 15, the qualified H-1B visa applicants will not have to travel abroad to renew the work visa.

Earlier in November, Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services told PTI, 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.

(With agency inputs)
Islamabad police clashed with protestors participating in the March Against Baloch Genocide on Wednesday and prevented them from visiting the camp of missing persons. In an unprecedented display of solidarity, thousands reached the capital city of Pakistan on Wednesday to support the ongoing march against the ethnic minority.

Baloch women, leading the march from the city of Turbat, towards Islamabad, faced arrests and injuries as they protested against human rights abuses and forced disappearances. The march, which began on December 6, aims to address the Baloch Genocide, custodial killings of missing persons, and widespread enforced disappearances in Balochistan.

Baloch activist Dr Mahrang Baloch condemned the police actions, saying, Right now, we are being treated worse than animals. Will the world raise its voice for us against this barbarism? The sit-in, currently marking its 25th day, involves families of missing Baloch persons and is part of a broader movement to bring the issue of enforced disappearances in violence-marred Balochistan province into the international spotlight.

HRCP strongly condemns the states use of excessive force against peaceful protestors in Dera Ghazi Khan, where members of the #longmarch from #Turbat to Islamabad were baton-charged by the police, many of their leaders as well as local activists arrested and their camp Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) December 18, 2023

In a statement issued earlier on Monday, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the use of excessive force against protestors in Dera Ghazi Khan and urged the authorities that those arrested must be released unconditionally.

HRCP strongly condemns the states use of excessive force against peaceful protestors in Dera Ghazi Khan, where members of the #longmarch from #Turbat to Islamabad were baton-charged by the police, many of their leaders as well as local activists arrested and their camp demolished, HRCP wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The long march has been organized in protest against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Balochistan, with protestors demanding that the state protect Baloch citizens right to life, liberty and due process as much as that of any other citizen. In responding with force, the state has once again violated the protestors constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of peaceful assembly, it added.
The London Police on Thursday launched an appeal for information to reconstruct the last movements of a missing Indian student whose body was found by police divers in a lake near East London.

Gurashman Singh Bhatia, 23, was reported missing after a night out with friends last week. Bhatia, who hails from India and was studying in London, was last seen on CCTV in the South Quay area on Friday (local time). Officers went on to carry out extensive enquiries, including viewing CCTV, speaking to witnesses and analysing phone and financial data. Water searches were also carried out in the area and a body believed to be that of Bhatia was recovered by police divers in the water in South Quay.

#APPEAL | We are appealing for information after a body, believed to be that of a missing man, was found in Canary Wharf.Gurashman Singh Bhatia was reported missing after a night out with friends last Thursday. Our thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/ZhXhaA3Prn  Tower Hamlets Police (@MPSTowerHam) December 20, 2023

Nothing suspicious yet

Gurashmans death is being treated as unexpected, and while there is nothing to suggest it was suspicious, we will ensure our investigation is as thorough as possible to confirm this, said Detective Chief Superintendent (DCI) James Conway, responsible for local policing in the Tower Hamlets area of Canary Wharf. Because of this, we are releasing a CCTV image of Gurashman that was taken before his disappearance and would like anyone who may have seen him in the Marsh Wall area on the evening of Thursday, 14 December and in the early hours of Friday, 15 December, to contact us, he said.

Conway added that this was an extremely tragic outcome to their missing persons inquiry and not the news he was hoping to give to Gurashmans family and friends. I send them my deepest condolences, he said. The police noted that although formal identification has not yet taken place, Gurashmans family has been informed. Meanwhile, anyone with information about Gurashmans movements has been asked to call 101 quoting the reference CAD5787/15Dec.

Bhatia was pursuing an MSc in Digital Finance at Loughborough University. There had been widespread social media appeals by the Indian student community in the UK after the Sikh student was reported missing. What a tragic, heartbreaking loss of one of our beautiful lives. I had spoken to his father and friends only some days ago when we first found out he was missing and had been praying for his safe discovery, said Sanam Arora, Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK. Our thoughts are with his family & friends. Requesting all to please say a prayer for the departed soul, she said.

(With agency inputs)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country has a policy of not hesitating to launch a nuclear strike on a rival if provoked, state media reported on Thursday. He made these remarks as he met with soldiers under the militarys missile bureau over its recent launching drill of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), KCNA news agency said.

He (Kim) said that the resolute military activity conducted by the company this time true to the Partys battle order was a demonstration of loyalty and strong stand of the DPRKs armed forces defending the sovereignty of the country and a clear explanation of the offensive counteraction mode and the evolution of the nuclear strategy and doctrine of the DPRK not to hesitate even a nuclear attack when the enemy provoke it with nukes, KCNA reported.

On Tuesday, North Korea said it had tested its newest ICBM this week to gauge the war readiness of its nuclear force against mounting US hostility, drawing condemnation from the United States and its allies. The North Korean strongman said Mondays launch demonstrated the militarys high mobility and rapid attack capability, and called for efforts to further strengthen its combat efficiency, KCNA reported.

I feel very unpleasant

In a separate statement, Kims sister, Kim Yo Jong condemned the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for holding a meeting over its ICBM launch, saying it was an exercise of the countrys right to self-defence. I feel very unpleasant over the fact that the UNSC convened an open meeting according to the brigandish demand of the US and its satellite countries and brought up the sovereign right of the DPRK into discussion, and strongly condemn it, she said. The UNSC should place heavy responsibility on the irresponsible behavior and act of the US and the ROK, which have aggravated the tension on the Korean peninsula through all sorts of military provocations all year round, she added.

Since adopting its nuclear doctrine last year, Kim has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons preemptively. However, several foreign experts say North Korea has yet to obtain functioning nuclear missiles and is also unlikely to use its nukes first because its outgunned by the US. North Korea Monday conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile tests in five months, calling the drill a warning over confrontational US and South Korean moves. North Korea cited a recent US-South Korean meeting on boosting their nuclear deterrence plans.

Last year, North Korea legislated a law that stipulates a broad range of situations in which it can use nuclear weapons. Since the start of 2022, it has also test-fired about 100 ballistic missiles and Mondays Hwasong-18 launch was the weapons third test-flight this year. The US and South Korea have repeatedly warned that any attempt by North Korea to use nuclear weapons would result in the end of the Kim Jong Un government.

(With agency inputs)
Pakistans former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif once again hailed India saying neighbouring countries have reached the moon but Pakistan has still not risen from the earth.

Earlier this year, India created history by becoming the first country to land on the south pole of the Moon with the spectacular success of the Chandrayan-3 mission.

Our neighbours have reached the moon but we havent even risen from the ground so far. It cant keep going on like this, Sharif said while addressing the Pakistan Muslim League_ Nawaz (PML-N) cadre in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Speaking on the economic crisis faced by the country, Sharif further stressed that Pakistan is responsible for its downfall.

We have been responsible for our own downfall, otherwise this nation would have reached a different place, said Sharif, who is running for Prime Minister for a fourth time.

In 2013, we were facing severe load shedding of electricity, we came and ended it, ended terrorism from all over the country, restored the peace of Karachi, highways were built, CPEC came, and a new era of development and prosperity began, he added.

Earlier, while addressing the (PML-N) event in Lahore on Tuesday, Sharif casually remarked that neither India nor the United States were behind Pakistans miseries, but the cash-strapped nation shot itself in the foot.

Today where Pakistan has reached (poor economic state) this is not done by India, the US or even Afghanistan. We shot ourselves in our own footthey (military) imposed a selected (government) on this nation by rigging the 2018 polls that led to the sufferings of the people and downfall of the economy, Sharif was quoted by PTI as saying.

The three-time prime minister went on to slam the judges for legitimising military dictators. The judges garland them (dictators) and legitimise their rule when they break the Constitution. When it comes to a prime minister the judges stamp his ouster. The judges also approve the act of dissolution of the parliamentwhy? he asked.

(With ANI inputs)
The Islamabad High Court dismissed today former Pakistans prime minister Imran Khans petition to stay the order in the Toshakhana case, top government sources told News18.

Khan was arrested in Toshakhana, Al Qadir Trust and cypher cases, and is currently in Adiala Jail.

The District and Sessions Court in last August sentenced Imran Khan to a three-year jail term in Toshakhana criminal case, imposing a fine of 100,000 Pakistani Rupee on him. The court also banned the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief from holding any public office.

The Islamabad High Court had earlier stated that Khan had been found guilty of corrupt practices, deliberately submitting fake details of Toshakhana gifts to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

News18 has already reported that Khan will not contest elections because of his court cases.

The PTI had said yesterday that Imran Khan will contest from three constituencies  Lahore, Islamabad and Mianwali  in the 2024 general elections.

PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, who was nominated by Imran Khan for the top post in the recent intra-party polls, had earlier said the party wanted general elections to be held on February 8 at any cost. When elections take place, we will defeat everyone, he had said.

Pakistan daily Dawn had quoted Barrister Ali Zafar saying all the PTI workers had been given directions to file their nomination papers as the country had entered into the election mode. As long as the PTI candidates are concerned, our workers in jail, who have rendered sacrifices for the party in this difficult time, would be 100% allotted tickets on a priority basis, he said.

The Pakistans President Office stated in November, The President heard about the progress the Election Commission of Pakistan has made in delimitation and for elections. After a detailed discussion, the meeting unanimously agreed to hold general elections in the country on February 8, 2024.

PTI Intra-Polls

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to decide the matter of PTIs intra-party polls and electoral symbol by December 22 in accordance with the law.

Estranged PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar had declared that he would challenge the entire election process within PTI. He had alleged that the PTI had carried out a selection process aimed at throwing out party workers to give the reins to a few lawyers, as quoted by Dawn.
Former US president Donald Trump, who has come under attack for his remarks on immigrants, which some say are reminiscent of Nazi philosophy, says hes never read Adolf Hitlers manifesto Mein Kampf.

Its true that theyre destroying the blood of our country. Thats what theyre doing  theyre destroying our country, the 77-year-old Republican said late Tuesday at a rally in Iowa.

READ MORE: On Campaign Trail, Trump Repeats Poisoning The Blood Anti-Immigrant Remark

Trump, who is the clear frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, made similar comments over the weekend, causing backlash, with a White House spokesperson accusing him of echoing the grotesque rhetoric of fascists and violent white supremacists.

Last month, President Joe Biden accused the Republican of echoing Hitler when he described political opponents as vermin. On Tuesday night, Trump denied any parallels. I never read Mein Kampf, he was quoted as saying by AFP. The former US President added that the Nazi leader used such language in a much different way.

This is not a coincidence pic.twitter.com/oaSDcb0yzs Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) December 20, 2023

A Biden campaign account on X, on Wednesday, published a graphic juxtaposing three comments from Trump and statements from Hitler. This is not a coincidence, the Biden camp said. Trumps rhetoric has put Republican Party heavyweights in a highly uncomfortable position.

Top Republican Senator Mitch McConnell has publicly slammed Trumps remarks. During his first White House campaign, Trump in 2015 said some immigrants from Mexico were bringing crime and rapists. He then made his infamous pledge to build a huge wall along the US-Mexico border to keep migrants out.

(With agency inputs)
The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday will once again attempt to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after previous efforts to win Washingtons support fell short. The council had initially been due to vote on Monday, Tuesday and then Wednesday.

This diplomatic discord at the UN comes in the wake of deteriorating conditions in Gaza and a mounting death toll. The United Arab Emirates is sponsoring a draft resolution on the conflict which has already been watered down to secure compromise. It calls for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities, according to a draft version seen by AFP.

Diplomacy takes time

Countries are engaging at the highest level of diplomacy to reach a text that will have impact on the ground. Diplomacy takes time, said the UAEs ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh. If this fails, then we will continue to keep trying There is too much suffering on the ground for the council to continue to fail on this.

Members of the 15-member council have been grappling for days to find common ground on the resolution. Israel, backed by its ally the United States, a veto-wielding member, has opposed the term ceasefire, and Washington has used its veto twice to foil resolutions opposed by Israel. The latest delay was again at the request of the United States, according to news agencies.

Whats the Hold-Up?

The latest delay hinges on negotiations between the US and Egypt over a proposal for UN aid monitoring as Washington seeks to avoid using its veto power, diplomats told Reuters. Israel inspects all humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza via the Rafah crossing from Egypt, but a Security Council resolution  drafted by the United Arab Emirates and backed by Egypt  essentially aims to water down Israels control.

More than a week into the negotiations, the US is reportedly unhappy that the draft asks UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to establish a UN mechanism in Gaza to exclusively monitor all humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza provided through land, sea and air routes of those States that are not parties to the conflict.

UN Weighs In

The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it is not for us to interfere with those discussions, which I understand are fairly intense. The secretary-generals own position is unchanged  hes been calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, said the spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.

Earlier this month the 193-member UN. General Assembly demanded a humanitarian ceasefire, with 153 states voting in favor of the move that the US had vetoed in the Security Council days earlier. A week-long pause ended on December 1 after some hostages from Gaza and some Palestinians were freed from Israeli jails and there was an increase in aid to Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)
A retired fisherman from Australia claims he found a large piece of the missing Malaysia Airlines plane MH370 near the countrys southern coast in 2014. Kit Olver, now 77, claims that authorities ignored this crucial discovery at the time.

The plane vanished on March 8, 2014, with 227 passengers and 12 crew members. Despite extensive searches, its wreckage has never been located. I wish to Christ Id never seen the thing  but there it is. It was a jets wing, Olver said, in an interview with Sydney Morning Herald.

The Australian fisherman says that he pulled up a bloody great wing of a big jet airliner in September or October of 2014, just months after MH370 disappeared. He described it as larger than a private plane. Despite the crews efforts, the wing was too heavy to lift onto the vessel, and they were forced to cut the $20,000 net.

Olver claims he contacted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) upon returning to port but received little interest. Authorities reportedly dismissed his find as part of a shipping container, likely fallen from a Russian ship. The retired fisherman insists he can provide the coordinates of where he found the wing. The discovery occurred around 55km west of Robe in South Australia, a secret trawling area for Olver.

Motivated to help the families of those on MH370, Olver has decided to come forward with his story. He said that he had questioned himself and wished he had never seen the wing, but he believed it was essential to share the information. The mystery of MH370 has baffled investigators and families for years. The wreckage has not been located despite numerous searches, including a $200 million joint underwater search by Australia, Malaysia, and China.

The planes disappearance has long been the subject of a host of theories  ranging from the credible to outlandish  including that veteran pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah had gone rogue. In 2016, Malaysian officials revealed the pilot had plotted a path over the Indian Ocean on a home flight simulator but stressed this did not prove he deliberately crashed the plane. A final report into the tragedy released in 2018 pointed to failings by air traffic control and said the course of the plane was changed manually. However, they failed to come up with any firm conclusions.

(With agency inputs)
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 21. Russia is committed to further deepening the strategic bilateral partnership with Turkmenistan, Trend reports.

This was stated by Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko during phone talks with Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Confidence was expressed that the parties would continue to create the necessary opportunities to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia, promote the development of their close ties, strengthen mutual respect and trust.

Continuing the topic of bilateral relations, the parties stressed the need to increase trade and economic cooperation and interaction in the socio-cultural sphere.

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan and Russia maintain close relations based on a long-term strategic partnership.

Thus, in the field of politics, the emphasis is on regular high-level meetings and the coordination of common approaches to global and regional issues, and economic cooperation is actively developing, with a focus on trade and investment, which contributes to the mutual well-being of both countries.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 21. The next meeting of the Russian-Turkmen Intergovernmental Commission will be held in Ashgabat in early 2024, Trend reports.

Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko discussed the organization of the meeting during recent phone talks.

A wide range of issues related to the realization of the potential of Turkmen-Russian cooperation in the economic, scientific and educational spheres will be put on the agenda of the forum.

Turkmenistan and Russia maintain close relations based on a long-term strategic partnership.

Thus, in the field of politics, the emphasis is on regular high-level meetings and the coordination of common approaches to global and regional issues, and economic cooperation is actively developing, with a focus on trade and investment, which contributes to the mutual well-being of both countries.
GWERU City Council has given its debtors an ultimatum to pay their dues by December 31 and those that fail to meet the deadline will have their arrears converted to United States dollars.

The local authority is battling to recover $54 billion it is owed by residents, businesses and Government entities.

In a public notice, Gweru City Council also threatened to take legal action against defaulters.

Clear your bills before 31 December 2023 and failure to comply may result in your bill being converted into USD. Failure to clear your bills will result in litigation, read the statement.

Gweru City Council spokesperson Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee said as of October 31, ratepayers owed the local authority $54 billion.

She attributed the ballooning debt to ratepayers who are not paying their monthly bills.

As of 31 October, Gweru City Council was owed $54 billion and this is adversely affecting service delivery. We need to use that money to meet service delivery expenses such as buying fuel and other such expenses, said Ms Chingwaramusee.

She said due to non-payment of bills by ratepayers, the city council is now struggling to pay its service providers and now owes Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company (ZETDC) and the Local Authorities Pension Fund (LAPF) a lot of money.

We owe the service providers about $10 billion. If we could get the money from residents and other ratepayers, we could easily clear this debt, said Ms Chingwaramusee.

Gweru Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko said it was unfortunate that the council was in this situation because ratepayers were not paying their bills.

He said the council needs money to meet its obligation of providing services to residents and the business community.

If residents and other ratepayers pay their bills, council will also be able to pay its service providers as well as meet other financial obligations, said Clr Chivhoko.

The director of the Gweru Residents and Ratepayer Association (GRRP) Mr Cornelius Selipiwe urged defaulting residents to clear their arrears.

Yes, we understand that residents are saying the economy is not performing well but they should strive to pay their bills every month to enable council to operate, he said.

Early this year, council came up with a raft of debt recovery measures including taking legal action against defaulters.

The local authority also suspended the levying of interest on arrears to encourage residents to clear their debts. Herald
TEACHERS are up in arms with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) over outstanding payments after the electoral body engaged them as election officers for the disputed August polls.

According to unions representing teachers, educators who participated in various election-related duties are being sent from one office to the next when they inquire about payment.

This is not the first time Zec has clashed with teachers over non-payment for election-related work.

Educators Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general, Tapedza Zhou, threatened court action against the electoral body over the matter.

Last time, we warned Zec against engaging teachers without contracts as this opened doors to abuse, Zhou said.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe leader, Obert Masaraure, accused Zec of taking teachers for granted.

Zec has been contacted by individual teachers and the unions with regards to the payment but the electoral body has been pledging but without fulfilling the promise.

Zec deputy chairperson, Rodney Kiwa, referred NewsDay to the chief elections officer Utloile Silaigwana when contacted for comment.

He added: I would advise the unions to approach Mr Silaigwana with the necessary documents which show that they were indeed employed and at which station.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Silaigwana were fruitless.

He also did not respond to WhatsApp messages sent to him.

Zimbabwe National Teachers Union chief executive, Manuel Nyawo, however, blasted Zec for dishonesty.

"Such dishonest behaviour is uncalled for because it puts the name of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF into disrepute because Zec acted on the instructions of the Zanu PF government that was and is still in power, Nyawo said.

It's a miscarriage of justice to see teachers being abused to this extent considering that they are struggling to survive with the little earnings they are getting in the form of salaries. Newsday
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu delivered what she said was a "long overdue" apology Wednesday to two Black men who were wrongly accused of murdering a pregnant white woman in 1989. Boston police targeted the city's Black community and wrongly linked Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett to the killing after Charles Stuart told police a Black man in a track suit shot his wife, Carol Stuart, during a carjacking on Oct. 25, 1989. She died the next morning and her baby, delivered by cesarean section, died 17 days later. Charles Stuart killed himself on Jan. 4, 1990, hours after his brother went to police to tell them the truth: Stuart murdered his wife to collect a life insurance payout and shot himself in the stomach to deflect suspicion.

"We are here today to acknowledge the tremendous pain that the city of Boston inflicted on Black residents throughout our neighborhoods 34 years ago," Wu said at a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday. The mayor was joined by Swanson, members of Bennett's family, and Boston police Commissioner Michael Cox, the Boston Globe reports. "I want to say to Mr. Swanson and Mr. Bennett, the entire Bennett family, and Boston's entire Black community, I am so sorry for what you endured," Wu said. "I am so sorry for the pain that you have carried for so many years. What was done to you was unjust, unfair, racist, and wrong."

Cox apologized on behalf of the police department for its "poor investigation, overzealous behavior, and more than likely unconstitutional behavior," the AP reports. After the killing, police targeted Black men in a "stop-and-frisk campaign" focusing on the city's Mission Hill neighborhood, and sidelined the first two detectives on the case, who had immediate doubts about Stuart's story. In its investigation of the case, the Globe found that no fewer than 33 people were aware that Stuart had killed his wife by the time his brother Matthew, who confessed to being an accomplice, went to police. (Read more Boston stories.)
A federal judge on Tuesday allowed 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 Alexandria, Virginia, US District Judge Rossie Alston said he issued the temporary injunction Monday after receiving an urgent phone call from the memorial's defenders saying that gravesites adjacent to the memorial were being desecrated as contractors began work to remove the memorial. Alston said he toured the site before Tuesday's hearing and saw the site being treated respectfully, the AP reports.

"I saw no desecration of any graves," the judge said. "The grass wasn't even disturbed." Alston issued an 18-page opinion Tuesday evening to lift the injunction. Cemetery officials sought to have the injunction lifted quickly. They said that 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."

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.

(Read more Arlington National Cemetery stories.)
Harvard President Claudine Gay, lately facing backlash for her congressional testimony addressing antisemitism on campus, is now accused of plagiarism. A CNN investigation found what it says are clear examples of plagiarism in academic papers she has written, including as a PhD candidate at Harvard in the 1990s. "Gay recently requested corrections for two of her academic papers, but she did not address even clearer examples of plagiarism from earlier in her academic history at the school," CNN reports. The outlet claims Gay, in her 1997 doctoral dissertation, "lifted one paragraph almost verbatim from a paper published in 1996 by scholars without citation and, in another instance, copied specific language without attribution."

An earlier analysis by the Washington Free Beacon found Gay "paraphrased or quoted nearly 20 authorsincluding two of her colleagues in Harvard University's department of governmentwithout proper attribution" in "four papers published between 1993 and 2017," including in her dissertation, "Taking Charge: Black Electoral Success and the Redefinition of American Politics," which won Harvard's Toppan Prize for best essay or dissertation in political science. "The decades-long pattern paints a picture of sloppiness, at best, and willful dishonesty at worst," per the Free Beacon. According to Harvard's plagiarism policy, "it is considered plagiarism to draw any idea or any language from someone else without adequately crediting that source in your paper."

The university learned of the plagiarism allegations in October. Gay requested corrections to two published articles after a panel of outside scholars uncovered "instances of inadequate citation" but "no violation of Harvard's standards for research misconduct." On Wednesday, however, the university said two more instances of insufficient citation had been found, including in Gay's dissertation, per the New York Times. A House standing committee is conducting a separate review. "Our concern is that standards are not being applied consistently, resulting in different rules for different members of the academic community," Virginia Foxx, chair of the Republican-led Committee on Education and the Workforce, wrote to the leader of Harvard's board on Wednesday, per the BBC. (Read more Harvard stories.)
A 70-year-old Oklahoma man has been exonerated after spending more than 48 years in prison for a murder he didn't commitlonger than any other wrongfully convicted inmate in US history, according to the National Registry of Exonerations . Glynn Simmons was declared innocent by Judge Amy Palumbo of Oklahoma County District Court, the New York Times reports. "This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offense for which Mr Simmons was convicted, sentenced and imprisoned... was not committed by Mr Simmons," she said in her ruling Tuesday, per the AP . "It's a lesson in resilience and tenacity," Simmons said after the ruling. "Don't let nobody tell you that it can't happen, because it really can."

Simmons was freed in July after the court found that critical evidence wasn't turned over to his defense lawyers, the BBC reports. Simmons and Don Roberts, who was released on parole in 2008, were initially sentenced to death in 1975 for the 1974 murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers, who was shot during a liquor store robbery. Their sentences were reduced to life in prison in 1977. Simmons said that at the time of the robbery, he was in his home state, Louisiana, and had never been to Oklahoma. He moved to the state around a week after the crime. An 18-year-old woman who had been shot in the head during the robbery and told police she didn't remember much identified Simmons and Robert from a lineup of Black men, but she later contradicted some of her testimony.

Simmons was only in the police lineup because two brothers suspected of two other murders had attended a party at his aunt's house and police brought in everybody they could find who had been at the party, according to the exonerations registry. The finding of actual innocence will allow Simmons to sue for compensation for his decades behind bars, though Oklahoma law limits such settlements to $175,000, KFOR reports. For now, he is "living off the generosity of other people," attorney Joe Norwood says. A GoFundMe appeal for Simmons, who was diagnosed with cancer after his release, has raised more than $80,000. (Read more wrongful conviction stories.)
Who needs guard dogs when you have guard geese? Perhaps not as intimidating as a dog with bared teeth, a gaggle of the vigilant, honking birds have replaced canines as guards at a prison in Brazil's southern state of Santa Catarina, Reuters reports. "We have electronic surveillance, in-person surveillance ... and finally the surveillance of the geese, which replaced the dogs," Marcos Roberto de Souza, director of the Penitentiary Complex near Florianopolis, tells the outlet. The so-called "geese agents," led by a male goose named Piu-Piu, patrol a green space between the prison's inner fence and main outer wall. If anything is amiss, they sound the alarm by honking.

It's not a new idea. A decade-old report from New China TV describes how "goose squads" were organized to monitor 12 rural police stations in China's Xinjiang region. "If someone climbs over the wall, the geese will start to honk and try to bite the stranger," a police officer told the outlet, which described the animals as "highly cautious ... especially at night." A gaggle of 500 geese also helped guard China's border with Vietnam as the COVID-19 pandemic raged, as National Geographic reported last year. The outlet explained geese are thought to be among the oldest domesticated animals, with a rich history of assisting in security. One gaggle was even "credited with trumpeting the alert and saving Rome from a secret Gaul invasion in 390BC."

"When sleeping, geese can also leave one side of the brain awake and the eye connected to it open to detect threatsa rare phenomenon known as unihemispheric slow wave sleep," per the outlet. Geese are also cheaper to keep than dogs. "They basically take care of themselves, feeding on grass and not requiring veterinary care," per Nat Geo. Not every prison is suited to geese guards, but the Penitentiary Complex near Florianopolis is "a very silent place and at night even more so," Souza tells Reuters. Geese are known to have excellent hearing, as well as excellent eyesight, according to zoologists. Dogs have the upper hand when it comes to scent, however. (Read more Brazil stories.)
Gerard Depardieu is facing a growing number of rape and sexual assault allegations but the French actor appears to have a powerful ally: President Emmanuel Macron. The French president is being strongly criticized for defending Depardieu in an interview with broadcaster France 5 on Wednesday, the Guardian reports. Asked about the accusations against Depardieu and suggestions that the 74-year-old be stripped of the Legion of Honor award he received in 1996, Macron said, "You will never see me participate in a manhunt," adding that he hates "that type of thing." He described himself as a "great admirer" of Depardieu. "I say this as president and as a citizen, he makes France proud," Macron said.

A documentary that aired on the France 2 channel earlier this month shows Depardieu sexually harassing a female translator and making sexual remarks about a 10-year-old girl riding a horse during a 2018 trip to North Korea. On Wednesday, Macron said the Legion of Honor is not a "moral tool" and a person shouldn't be stripped of it based on "a report." Quebec stripped Depardieu of the province's National Order honor last week, the BBC reports. AFP notes that Macron withdrew the Legion of Honor from Harvey Weinstein in 2017, years before he was convicted of rape and sexual assault.

Green Party MP Sandrine Rousseau accused Macron of insulting victims of sexual violence. "Someone who sexualizes a 10-year-old child does not make a country proud," she said. Anne-Cecile Mailfert, president of the country's Women's Foundation, said the president's remarks were "disgraceful, despicable, and of another era." She said Macron is "taking sides" and "judging women who filed a complaint, women who spoke out." According to the France 2 documentary, 16 women have accused Depardieu of sexual misconduct, the AP reports. Emmanuelle Debever, who said he groped her while they were making a movie in 1982, took her own life last week. (Read more Gerard Depardieu stories.)
US and Chinese military leaders have ended their 16-month estrangement, speaking in a videoconference about global security issues. When they met last month in California, President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping had agreed to have their top generals resume communication. So Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Liu Zhenli of the People's Liberation Army's Joint Staff Department, spoke Thursday morning, the Wall Street Journal reports. Chinese defense officials said the principal topics were Taiwan and the South China Sea.

China cut off the communication after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022. The US readout said the generals discussed "the importance of working together to responsibly manage competition, avoid miscalculations, and maintain open and direct lines of communication." In the past two years, per Politico, China and the US have been harshly critical of the other over Pelosi's trip, US arms sales to Taiwan, Chinese intercepts of Western aircraft in the South China Sea, and the American downing of a Chinese spy balloon off the East Coast in February.

Both political leaders expressed hope that regular talks between their militaries would reduce the chances of a blowup. That could be tested in the near future, per the Journal, with the two nations already at odds over the Israel-Hamas war and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Also, US and Chinese forces often are deployed in close quarters near Taiwan and in the South China Sea. Both nations have been concerned about a mistake sparking a broad confrontation. (Read more US-China relations stories.)
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 21. Mongolian TML company has invested in the development of leather and footwear production in Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

The news followed a meeting between Chairman of the Uzbek Uzcharmsanoat Leather and Footwear Association Fahriddin Boboev and representatives of TML.

The parties discussed the expansion of bilateral relations and luring investments from enterprises in the leather and shoe industries to Uzbekistan during the meeting.

During the debate, the Mongolian side emphasized the attractive investment climate developed today in Uzbekistan for foreign enterprises, as well as the government's assistance, which contribute to increase the flow of foreign investment. The company is interested in collaborating on leather and shoe projects as well as selling finished leather products to Mongolia.

As a consequence of the conference, the participants decided to start systematic negotiations with local Uzbek firms.

Meanwhile, the TML representative office was opened in Uzbekistan in September of 2023. which gave the company the opportunity to develop in our market in various industries.

Meanwhile, to date, the trade turnover between the two countries has reached $7 million. Uzbekistan and Mongolia aim to expand trade in fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, wool and cashmere products.

Moreover, currently Uzbekistan and Mongolia have a 30 day visa-free regime for each others citizens.
The two-person crew of a Philadelphia television news helicopter had filmed a Christmas lights display before crashing into the forest in southern New Jersey, an investigator said Thursday. Todd Gunther, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, told reporters near the crash site that WPVI's Chopper 6 took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport Tuesday night and "had flown over to report on some Christmas light activity, and then they were returning back to base when the accident occurred," per the AP . He did not specify the precise location the crew was filming, but the station previously reported the crew had been sent to a story assignment in Galloway Township, just outside Atlantic City.

One of the main attractions in Galloway is Historic Smithville, a tourist attraction that in winter includes a lavish holiday light display with over 120 Christmas trees decorated with more than 50,000 lights on a lake. The federal agency, which investigates fatal accidents involving transportation, has an eight-member team on-site in Washington Township in Burlington County, at Wharton State Forest. They plan to remain there for three days and then issue a preliminary report 10 to 15 days after that time. Gunther said investigators will look at anything that may have either contributed to or caused the crash, which occurred on a clear, cold night. The chopper made two previous flights on Tuesday, he said.

Elements to be examined include the structural integrity of the helicopter; its rotor, drive, and flight control systems; its maintenance history; and "the physiology of the pilot on board," Gunther said. Killed in the crash were the pilot, 67-year-old Monroe Smith of Glenside, Pennsylvania, and a photographer, 45-year-old Christopher Dougherty of Oreland, Pennsylvania. On its website Thursday, the TV station quoted Pete Kane, a retired journalist who was friends with Smith and used to fly with him. "We'd have problems with the instruments on my chopper and he would tell me, 'This is what you have to do.' Just a great guy. He took away my fear of flying," Kane said. (Read more helicopter crash stories.)
Updated throughout with new details. A lone gunman opened fire Thursday in a university building in downtown Prague, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 20 in the Czech Republic's worst mass shooting, authorities said. The bloodshed took place in the philosophy department building of Charles University, where the shooter was a student, said Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek, per the AP . The gunman also died, authorities said. His name has not been released. Vondrasek said 24 were injured, and authorities warned the death toll could rise.

Police gave no details about the victims or a possible motive for the shooting at the building located near the Vltava River in Jan Palach Square. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said investigators do not suspect a link to any extremist ideology or groups. Vondrasek said police believe the suspect killed his father in his hometown of Hostoun, just west of Prague, earlier in the day, and that he had also been planning to kill himself. He didn't elaborate. The chief described the suspect as an excellent student but didn't provide any other information.



The suspect suffered "devastating injuries" but it wasn't clear if he killed himself or was shot to death in an exchange of gunfire with officers, Vondrasek said, adding that there was "nothing to suggest that he had an accomplice." Reuters quotes witness Petr Nedoma, who saw the shooter, apparently on a balcony of the building: "I saw a young person ... who had some weapon in his hand, like and automatic weapon, and shooting toward the Manes Bridge," he said. (The bridge spans the Vltave River.) "Repeatedly, with some interruptions, then I saw as he shot, put hands up and threw the weapon down on the street; it lay there on the pedestrian crossing." (Read more Prague stories.)
President Biden says he agrees with a Colorado court's assessment that Donald Trump is an insurrectionist. On Thursday, Trump fired back. "I'm not an Insurrectionist ("PEACEFULLY & PATRIOTICALLY"), Crooked Joe Biden is!!!" the former president wrote on Truth Social, per the Messenger. The line alludes to remarks then-President Trump made just ahead of the riot at the Capitol in 2021, notes NBC News. "I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard," he told supporters at the White House Ellipse that day.
One day after being order to immediately pay two Georgia election workers nearly $150 million, Rudy Giuliani has filed for bankruptcy. In Chapter 11 paperwork filed in New York on Thursday, the former New York City mayor listed assets of about $10 million and debts of nearly $500 million, reports the Washington Post. The biggest debt is to the election workers he falsely accused of helping steal the 2020 election, per the AP. Giuliani also says he owes election tech companies Smartmatic and Dominion Voting System, both of whom he similarly accused of rigging the 2020 vote, as well his lawyers.
The Colombian government said Thursday it will try to raise objects from the 1708 shipwreck of the galleon San Jose, which is believed to contain a cargo worth billions of dollars. The 300-year-old wreck, often called the "holy grail of shipwrecks," has been contentious, because it is both an archaeological and economic treasure. Culture Minister Juan David Correa said the first attempts will be made in April or May, depending on ocean conditions in the Caribbean. Correa pledged it would be a scientific expedition, the AP reports. The three-decked San Jose was reportedly 150 feet long, with a beam of 45 feet, and armed with 64 guns.

"This is an archaeological wreck, not a treasure," Correa said following a meeting with President Gustavo Petro. "This is an opportunity for us to become a country at the forefront of underwater archaeological research." But the ship is believed to hold 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds, and other precious cargo from Spanish-controlled colonies, which could be worth billions of dollars if ever recovered. Correa said the material extracted from the wreck, probably by robotic or submersible craft, would be taken aboard a navy ship for analysis. Depending on the results, a second effort might be scheduled. The San Jose sank in battle with British ships. It was located in 2015 but has been mired in legal and diplomatic disputes.

In 2018, the Colombia government abandoned plans to excavate the wreck during disputes with a private firm that claims some salvage rights based on a 1980s agreement with Colombian government. In 2018, the United Nations cultural agency called on Colombia not to commercially exploit the wreck. A UNESCO experts' body protecting underwater cultural heritage sent a letter to Colombia expressing concern that recovering the treasure for sale rather than for its historical value "would cause the irretrievable loss of significant heritage." Colombia has not signed the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which would subject it to international standards and require it to inform UNESCO of its plans for the wreck, whose location is a secret.

(Read more shipwrecks stories.)
"Creating a safer online environment for our children is an enforcement priority under the DSA," European Commissioner Thierry Breton said on X as he unveiled the three additions.

The commission said in a statement that, following an investigation, it had found that all three platforms had at least 45 million average monthly users in the EU -- the threshold for becoming a VLOP.

Pornhub said in a statement on its site that, in the six months to the end of July, it had 33 million average monthly users in the EU.

A European Commission told CNN Wednesday that it judged Pornhub to have met its higher threshold through its investigation, which included an analysis of information provided by third-party sources and discussion with Pornhub. One example of such sources is search engines.

Stripchat did not respond to CNN's request for comment. XVideos could not be reached.



The sites have four months to comply with rules specific to VLOPs, on top of general obligations applicable to nearly all online platforms by February 17.



As a result of their new designation, the three sites will be required to adopt new measures to prevent the spread of sexual content shared without its participants' permission, and so-called "deepfake" pornography, where participants' images are digitally altered to make them look like other people.

The European Commission is also demanding that the sites use age verification tools to prevent minors from accessing their content, and inform law enforcement authorities if they suspect an actual or likely criminal offence "involving a threat to the life or safety of a person," including child sexual abuse.



Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos will need to arrange external audits of their compliance with all the obligations under the new law, enacted in August.



In addition, they will need to publish "transparency reports on content moderation decisions and risk management every six months," according to the commission's statement.



Companies found to have flouted the Digital Services Act can be fined up to 6% of their annual global revenue.



In recent weeks, the European Commission has used the new law to ask TikTok, X and Facebook parent Meta for more information on the measures they are taking to protect users from illegal content and disinformation.



On Monday, the body said it had opened a formal investigation into X on everything from its handling of content about the Israel-Hamas war to a new paid verification system unveiled under owner Elon Musk.

CNN
By Jeremy Herb of CNN

ANALYSIS: Donald Trump's request to the Supreme Court on Wednesday was perhaps his most brazen delay tactic yet.

He urged the high court not to get involved right now in the question of whether he is immune from federal prosecution for alleged crimes committed while in office - his latest attempt to ask the legal system to effectively bend to his political will.

The move echoed what Trump's legal strategy has been in all of his criminal cases to date - to delay the proceedings, ideally beyond the 2024 election.

It came less than a day after the Colorado Supreme Court's stunning decision to bar Trump from appearing on the state's primary ballot, a ruling he is also expected to appeal to the US Supreme Court.

That means the nation's highest court is poised to consider next year whether Trump can be prosecuted for crimes committed after the 2020 election and whether the actions he took in office can bar him from being on the ballot again in 2024.

It's just the kind of chaos where Trump thrives - and finds a way to turn the tables to his advantage.

"He feeds on grievance just like a fire feeds on oxygen. And this is going to end up as a grievance that helps him," former Trump Attorney General Bill Barr, who is opposing Trump's 2024 candidacy, told CNN's Jake Tapper when asked about the Colorado ruling.

On Wednesday, Trump's lawyers asked the Supreme Court to reject special counsel Jack Smith's request to bypass a federal appeals court and take up the case deciding if Trump, as a President, is immune from charges related to election subversion efforts after his 2020 loss to Joe Biden, a decision that could ultimately shape the former President's legal fate.

The speed with which the Supreme Court takes up the case, which has been paused while the immunity question is being decided, will determine whether the case begins in March 2024, just before Super Tuesday, as Judge Tanya Chutkan has planned - or if the case gets kicked closer to or after November's election.

It's hardly the first time Trump has turned to the Supreme Court. After his election loss in 2020, he asked the justices - three of whom he appointed - to help overturn his defeat, and he publicly expressed his displeasure when they swiftly dismissed a lawsuit challenging the election results.

Now Trump, the front-runner for the GOP nomination, is looking for help from the Supreme Court in his 2024 campaign - just weeks before the first votes are cast in the primary. The dual-track Trump litigation puts the court - and the country - in an unprecedented and chaotic position that is sure to inflame the partisans no matter how the court rules.
Two British teenagers were found guilty on Wednesday of killing 16-year-old transgender girl Brianna Ghey in a "ferocious attack" in a park in northwest England earlier this year.

The court heard the boy and girl, who were 15 at the time of the murder and cannot be named because of their age, spent months plotting to kill someone and had a list of several potential victims who they knew.

Ghey, who had agreed to meet the girl in a local park, was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife before her body was spotted by a couple walking their dogs.
Police evacuated a Charles University Faculty of Arts building where the shooter was due to attend a lecture, but then were called in at the faculty's different building, arriving within minutes after reports of the shooting came in, Vondrasek said.

"We have very fresh unconfirmed information from an account on a social network that he was supposedly inspired by one terrorist attack in Russia in the autumn of this year," Vondrasek told reporters, adding the shooter was a legal holder of several firearms.

"It was a pre-mediated horrific act that started in the Kladno region and unfortunately ended here."

The gunman's death could have been a suicide but authorities are also investigating whether he may have been killed by a police bullet, Vondrasek added.

Police asked not to reveal the man's identity, but his name as reported by some Czech media matched a police search report and an account on a social network where its owner talked about being inspired by a mass shooting in Russia.

Police sealed off the square and the area adjacent to the building, located in a busy part of town down the hill from Prague Castle on a popular street leading tourists to Old Town Square.

Media images showed students evacuating the building with their hands up in the air and others perched on a ledge near the roof trying to hide from the attacker.

"We always thought that this was a thing that did not concern us. Now it turns out that, unfortunately, our world is also changing and the problem of the individual shooter is emerging here as well," Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda told Czech Television.

Petr Nedoma, director of the Rudolfinum Gallery at a concert hall across Palach Square, told Czech TV he saw the shooter.

"I saw a young person on the gallery who had some weapon in his hand, like and automatic weapon, and shooting toward the Manes Bridge," he said. "Then I saw as he shot, put hands up and threw the weapon down on the street, it lay there on the pedestrian crossing," he said.

Another witness, Ivo Havranek, 43, told Reuters via Zoom that he initially thought the "couple of bangs" he heard might have come from loud tourists or a nearby movie set.

"Then suddenly there were students and teachers running out of the building. I went through the crowd not realising what is actually going on. I wasn't ready to admit that something like that could happen in Prague," he said. Only once he saw police officers with automatic rifles, he knew it was serious, he said.

"They shouted at me to run."

Prime Minister Petr Fiala cancelled his trip to the east of the country and was en route to Prague, he said on X.

Gun crime is relatively rare in the Czech Republic. In December 2019, a 42-year-old gunman killed six people at a hospital waiting room in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava before fleeing and fatally shooting himself, police said.

In 2015, a man fatally shot eight people and then killed himself at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod.

Reuters
Nearly all the labs listed on the August SEDENA dataset were labeled meth facilities, with no fentanyl labs reported, in line with Mexico's statements until recently that no fentanyl was being synthesized on its soil  a claim widely dismissed by Washington and traffickers. Mexico had asserted the synthetic drug was brought over by drug cartels from Asia.

The new August data featuring no fentanyl labs contradicted a video presented by SEDENA in a government press conference in April that said officials had located 37 sites where final-stage precursors were converted into finished fentanyl and pressed into pills. SEDENA did not respond to Reuters questions about why those sites do not appear in the dataset obtained by Reuters.

A SEDENA official who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity said that criminal organizations often leave laboratories inactive between rounds of drug synthesis, which means that a laboratory classified as "inactive" in the August dataset might have been used to produce drugs again had it not been raided by SEDENA.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) forwarded Reuters' questions about the data to the State Department, which said it was working with Mexico to "strengthen the effectiveness of our security cooperation" and recognizes Mexico's challenges in seizing and dismantling labs.

A White House spokesperson told Reuters Mexico and the United States were working side-by-side to address fentanyl trafficking and "we are grateful for the commitment President Lopez Obrador has made to confront this challenge through domestic efforts" and with foreign partners.

However, another U.S. government official told Reuters that Mexico does not inform the United States how many SEDENA lab raids were conducted on functioning labs versus raids on deserted facilities.

Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a non-partisan think tank, said the Reuters reporting "just reinforces how the data is being manipulated to placate the United States without really serious effort to move against...fentanyl production and trafficking."

Her view was echoed by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, co-chairman of the senate's international narcotics control caucus.

The figures suggest Mexico is "fighting an imaginary war on drugs designed to score political points rather than save lives," said Grassley, a conservative Republican.

INCONSISTENT REPORTING

SEDENA's reporting of its lab raids data has been inconsistent in recent years, with frequent modifications in the total numbers of labs raided, according to a Reuters review of over 20 datasets published by SEDENA via Mexico's freedom of information institute (INAI) since early 2022.

The August dataset, which specifies that most raided labs have been inactive, is consistent with internal military documents about inactive labs, first reported on by Reuters in March. Reuters was unable to find any responses to freedom of information requests prior to the August data release in which the military indicated that there were inactive labs among their raids.

One week after Reuters asked SEDENA to comment on the findings of this story, INAI on Dec. 11 released an updated version of what appeared to be largely the same data, but the column indicating active or inactive labs was changed to show all entries marked as "active"  contradicting the August dataset.

The pre-August lab raids presented in the new dataset, which was requested by Reuters on Nov. 15, were otherwise nearly identical to those presented in the August dataset, and the data included 339 additional lab raids from August through October of this year.

SEDENA did not respond to further questions about why all raids have recently been reclassified as being on active labs. Reuters is seeking to clarify the December SEDENA data set with INAI, and has requested an explanation for the discrepancies in the two responses, as well as the apparent change in classification and the criteria used to determine whether a laboratory is active or inactive.

"FOR SHOW"

Discoveries of inactive labs are sometimes linked to collusion between cartels and army figures, according to two current and two former traffickers, who said they were not surprised by reports of so many inactive laboratories being discovered.

Two active traffickers from the northern state of Sinaloa, a fentanyl trafficking hotspot, told Reuters it was common for the cartel to give up drugs or locations of labs to friendly soldiers who leaked information about planned military action against criminal groups.

One of the traffickers, who declined to be identified, said the lab raids were often "for show."

The four traffickers said cartel members build quid-pro-quo relationships with army commanders, bribing the soldiers as well as helping them impress their superiors in return for cooperation over military operations and protecting valuable assets.

Margarito Flores, a former American kingpin who was a close associate of El Chapo before becoming a U.S. government informant in 2008, told Reuters the cartel frequently used to strike deals with military commanders on the ground, including giving up small meth labs on the understanding bigger labs would be left alone.

"The trade offs happened a lot," Flores said, referring to his time with the cartel.

Reuters could not independently verify the traffickers' claims, and they did not cite specific instances or identify the military commanders involved in such deals. SEDENA and other law enforcement agencies did not respond to requests for comment.

On taking office, Lopez Obrador overhauled Mexico's security policy, abandoning the previous "kingpin" strategy that focused on capturing top capos but contributed to violence spiraling nationwide. He favored a less confrontational approach that tried to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty.

Reporting by Drazen Jorgic and Jackie Botts in Mexico, additional reporting by Jeff Mason and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; editing by Christian Plumb and Claudia Parsons.

Reuters
But legal scholars on all sides of the debate agree that the decision won't be the final word. All eyes are now on the US Supreme Court -- which is posed to play a major role in the 2024 election as it grapples with a series of major Trump --related cases.

And Trump has mastered the art of converting legal setbacks into polling bounces. He's already in a stronger position today to beat President Joe Biden than he was one year ago, before he was criminally indicted in four jurisdictions. And he and his GOP allies kicked into high gear Tuesday night, playing the victim card and railing against the ruling.

Here are the key takeaways from the decision and what comes next:

Trump engaged in insurrection, court says

The top Colorado court upheld the trial judges conclusions that the January 6 assault on the US Capitol was an insurrection and that Trump "engaged in" that insurrection.



These are key legal hurdles that the challengers needed to clear before Trump could be removed from any ballot, largely because the text of the 14th Amendment doesn't actually define an "insurrection" or spell out what it means to "engage in" insurrection.



The justices also affirmed the decision that Trump's January 6 speech at the Ellipse was not protected by the First Amendment. Trump has unsuccessfully pushed this argument in state and federal courts, which found that he incited violence when he told supporters to "walk down to the Capitol" and "fight like hell" to "take back our country."



"President Trump incited and encouraged the use of violence and lawless action to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power," the justices wrote in the 134-page majority opinion.



The 'insurrectionist ban' does apply to Trump

The justices broke from the trial judge on one key issue, reversing her controversial decision that the "insurrectionist ban" applies to every office except the presidency.

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment says oath-breaking insurrectionists can't serve as senators, representatives, presidential electors, "or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State." But it doesn't mention the presidency.

This textual vagueness is why the trial judge kept Trump on the 2024 ballot. But the high court disagreed. And this was the linchpin of their decision to disqualify Trump.



"It seems most likely that the Presidency is not specifically included because it is so evidently an 'office,'" the court said, adding that "a conclusion that the Presidency is something other than an office 'under' the United States is fundamentally at odds with the idea that all government officials, including the President, serve 'we the people.'"



The US Supreme Court will have the ultimate say

Everyone knows this isn't the final word. The case is headed to the US Supreme Court.

It's anyone's guess how the justices will handle the case. How fast will they decide to take up the appeal? Will they hold oral arguments? How quickly will they issue a final decision? The answers to these questions will have implications for the political calendar, with the Iowa caucuses kicking off the GOP primary season in less than a month.



With the stunner coming out of Colorado, the dynamic has shifted. Trump is now on the losing side of the case, and he needs the nation's top court to restore his spot on the ballot. That means he's going to be asking the US Supreme Court - with its conservative supermajority, and with three justices he appointed - to keep his campaign alive.

"This is an extraordinary and unprecedented holding," said Derek Muller, an election law expert at Notre Dame Law School who filed a brief in the case that provided legal analysis of the key questions at hand but was neutral on Trump's eligibility.

"It puts Trump's entire election campaign in serious legal jeopardy," he added. "And the Supreme Court will be asked to hear this election-altering case, something I'm sure it has little appetite to hear."



Paused ruling is good news for Trump



The ruling said if Trump appeals to the Supreme Court by January 4, which is a near certainty, then the decision will be paused until the nation's highest court announces whether it will take the case - and, if it does, until it hands down its final decision.

January 4 is one day before state law requires Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold to certify the list of candidates for the March 5 Republican presidential primary.



Griswold, a Democrat, has said she believes Trump incited the insurrection but hasn't taken a position on Trump's eligibility under the 14th Amendment. She said Tuesday on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" that she'll "follow whatever court decision is in place."



The Colorado justices said Griswold "will continue to be required to include President Trump's name on the 2024 presidential primary ballot until the receipt of any order or mandate from the Supreme Court." So even if he stays on the primary ballot, and wins the GOP nomination, that means he could still be disqualified for the general election - and every other state will be watching as it plays out.



Dissents offer path to Trump victory

The dissents from the sharply divided 4-3 court offer some legal foundations for Trump to overturn the historic ruling when he inevitably appeals to the US Supreme Court.

One justice concluded that a candidate shouldn't be disqualified under the 14th Amendment if they haven't been convicted of insurrection, which is a federal crime. (Trump is facing other felony charges, but not insurrection, in his federal election subversion case.) Another justice raised due process concerns and said only Congress has the power to enforce the ban. Trump previously raised some of these arguments in the case.



Even though Trump has bashed the seven-member court for only having Democratic appointees, his team is also embracing the dissents. Talking points circulated by the Trump campaign Tuesday highlighted a stinging comment from Justice Carlos Samour.



"I have been involved in the justice system for thirty-three years now, and what took place here doesn't resemble anything I've seen in a courtroom," Samour wrote in his dissent.



Colorado justices knew history was watching



The majority opinion acknowledged right off the bat that the case forced them to "travel in uncharted territory" and that the case "presents several issues of first impression."

Indeed, judges have never weighed in on these questions because they never needed to. There has never before been even a remote possibility that a president-turned-insurrectionist would run for office again. The case provides yet another solemn reminder of how Trump made history by becoming the first president to try to stay in power after losing.



"We do not reach these conclusions lightly," the majority wrote. "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."



CNN's Devan Cole, Holmes Lybrand and Alayna Treene contributed to this report.


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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Lately, it's become even clearer how strong the support for Armenians is in France. Those resolutions that don't seem to make a difference, the flood of posts on social media  it all adds up to French politicians giving Armenians some extra special attention.

Armenians aren't just getting support from regular folks; even high-ranking officials, like the Minister of the Interior in the country, Gerald Darmanin, are in on it. In videos making the rounds on social media, you can see the French minister hanging out with one of the Armenian bloggers. Liana Margaryan, the Armenian blogger in the video cozying up to the minister, is known to be associated with figures from the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA), a terrorist organization.

The so-called 'friends' of Margaryan, Franck Papazian, and Ara Toranyan, are deeply intertwined with ASALA. For instance, Toranyan held a significant role in ASALA and now fancies himself as a journalist and fighter for Armenian rights in France. Papazian is the guy pulling out all the stops to push an anti-Azerbaijani agenda in France. He's closely linked with the radical 'Dashnaktsutyun' party, basically the ideological heirs of ASALA.

ASALA first emerged in Beirut in 1975 under the guidance of Agop Agopian. The group carried out a series of terrorist attacks specifically targeting Turkish diplomats. ASALA found a base in Lebanon for about seven years, during which it expanded its operations. However, the group's fortunes took a downturn in 1982 when Beirut came under Israeli control. With diminishing support, ASALA had to leave the Middle East, and it was at this point that France, figuratively speaking, extended a helping hand, offering refuge to the organization.

It's worth noting that ASALA is currently undergoing a rehabilitation process in France, supported by French intelligence and special services. Reports indicate that certain French institutions, including schools, are providing training for potential Armenian extremists with links to terrorism.

Minister Darmanin's ties and cozying up to ASALA terrorists naturally prompt a critical question. Just how dependable is he when it comes to championing the interests of the French people? But, whatever move the minister pulls, his reputation takes a hit. His personal views put the safety of the French and public order on the line. And that's a real conundrum.
By Chief Editor of The Daily Tribune MAHMOOD AL MAHMOOD

Bahrain eagerly anticipates the joyous celebration of its National Day, a momentous occasion marked by patriotic fervour and unity. On this auspicious day, the vibrant nation reflects on its rich history, cultural heritage, and the remarkable progress achieved since gaining independence.

Festivities are set to unfold with colourful parades, traditional performances, and dazzling fireworks illuminating the night sky. Young and old, Bahrainis come together to honour their shared identity, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

As the nation commemorates its achievements and looks towards a promising future, the air is filled with optimism and a deep understanding of national pride. Bahrains Economic Vision 2030 outlines a strategic roadmap for sustainable development, focusing on economic diversification, innovation, and social progress.

The ambitious plan aims to transform the kingdom into a diversified, competitive economy with a robust private sector. Key pillars include enhancing infrastructure, promoting the financial sector, nurturing a knowledge-based economy, and fostering a business-friendly environment.

Emphasising human capital development, the vision seeks to empower Bahrainis through education and training, ensuring a skilled workforce. Bahrain aspires to position itself as a regional economic hub by promoting innovation and attracting foreign investment, promoting long-term growth, job creation, and a higher quality of life.

Bahrain is unwavering in its commitment to sustainable development, exemplified by its Economic Vision 2030 initiatives. Embracing a holistic approach, the kingdom prioritises environmental stewardship, social well-being, and economic resilience. Bahrain aims to reduce its ecological footprint through investments in renewable energy, eco-friendly infrastructure, and green technologies.

The Sustainable Energy Unit and other regulatory bodies actively promote the adoption of clean energy. Socially, education and healthcare emphasise the commitment to human capital development.

With a keen eye on balanced growth, Bahrains dedication to sustainable practices ensures a harmonious coexistence of economic prosperity, social progress, and environmental responsibility. It is noteworthy that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa delivered a compelling address at the World Climate Action Summit, which was part of the 28th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

During his speech, His Majesty the King unveiled the National Action Plan, Blueprint Bahrain, aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. The Kingdom of Bahrain remains steadfast in implementing initiatives that actively bolster environmental security in both the region and the world. His Majesty reaffirmed the nations commitment to the Paris Agreement and its ongoing endeavours to reduce emissions by 30% by 2035, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060a commitment initially announced at the Glasgow Summit.

Bahrain National Day is a momentous occasion, signifying the nations autonomy and the founding of the Kingdom. This yearly observance not only cultivates a spirit of national unity, pride, and patriotism but also reinforces a collective identity among the people of Bahrain. The festivities play a vital role in promoting and preserving cultural heritage and traditions by commemorating historical triumphs and challenges.

Moreover, the event symbolises the enduring resilience of the nation, underscoring the values of unity and progress. Beyond its historical significance, Bahrain National Day is a platform for nurturing social harmony and fostering international goodwill. In essence, this celebration is a vital reflection of Bahrains rich history and the shared aspirations of its people.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has experienced significant advancements and implemented various reforms across various domains, particularly during the past challenging years. I congratulate the Daily Tribune for presenting the National Day Supplement 2023, showcasing the Kingdoms accomplishments. Heres to hoping for continued progress and prosperity in the years ahead! Wishing everyone a joyful Bahrain National Day celebration!
By MANAGING DIRECTOR of AMAD GROUP OF COMPANIES PAMBAVASAN NAIR

In pursuing economic prosperity by 2030, Bahrain is a beacon of vision and strategic planning. The nation is witnessing rapid growth and development under the leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Beyond economic goals, Bahrain shines in humanitarian efforts, providing a welcoming environment for expatriates, preserving cultural values, and demonstrating unparalleled compassion during challenging times.

Many developing countries across the globe have envisaged a vision towards economic growth by the year 2030. By setting a prospective goal, the government can encourage their youth and citizens to have a definitive idea which will boost economic growth to the next level.

Bahrain is emerging as one of the leading countries pacing with its brilliant strategies and innovative planning. The rapid progression in the growth and development of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa is evident and highly appreciable.

The vision of His Royal Highness to elevate the country to the next level by 2030, integrating highly advanced techno-commercial parameters, will undoubtedly bring about significant and remarkable changes in the coming years.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa plays a vital role in channelling the economic and institutional reforms in the kingdom. The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is entrusted with the overall responsibility of attracting investment into the Kingdom of Bahrain and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate.

The EDB has prioritised the development of several economic sectors, including financial services, professional services, education, manufacturing, information and communications technology, logistics, and transportation. Labour reform is a crucial plank of Vision 2030. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, conveyed his resolute belief to HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa that Bahrain harbours the epitome of financial prowess, an assertion grounded in undeniable truth.

The acknowledgement underscores Bahrains standing as a beacon of economic excellence, with its distinguished team receiving. Bahrain is renowned for its philanthropic endeavours and unwavering commitment to championing humanitarian causes. Expatriates in Bahrain lead contented lives, enjoying the freedom to uphold their traditional and inherited cultures, thereby imparting essential values to the succeeding generations.

Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bahrain swiftly implemented comprehensive measures under the direct guidance of His Royal Highness. The expeditious availability of vaccines, accomplished within 15 minutes, reflects the meticulous organisation and proactive response to combat the virus.

Bahrain exemplified unparalleled treatment for expatriates, extending equal care to COVID-19 patients on visit visas. The country set a remarkable example globally by providing excellent healthcare facilities and treatment to citizens, expatriates, and tourists, ensuring proper remedies were administered without discrimination.

The profound compassion and love for humanity witnessed in Bahrain during the challenging times of the pandemic are truly indescribable. The Economic Vision 2030 provides practical directives for Bahrain to become a global contender, offering citizens better living standards, resulting in increased employment and high salary packages in a safe and secure living environment. The Industrial and business sectors will focus on the three guiding principles of Vision 2030: sustainability, competitiveness, and fairness.

Sustainability

Sustainable development requires a unified advent of economic growth considering environmental concerns. In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It is understood that in the present times, there are almost 140 developing countries who, with times, are seeking economic growth and development. Change is good and change is inevitable, but with the increasing threat of global warming, there must be concrete efforts to ensure that product does not hurt our future generations.

Bahrain emerges as a fast-developing country and garners massive scope for many big foreign ventures coming in with promising schemes; many investors are speculated to join in this. There must be a collective drive towards economic growth in Bahrain by 2030. We must use our resources to invest in the future.

We must improve human capital through education and training, particularly in applied sciences. This will contemplate high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cloud computing technologies, automation, robotics for research, analytics, and running operations, giving a massive advantage against the competition.

Advanced technologies will make business operations sustainable and cost-effective; this, in turn, will boost the consumers confidence in products and services. With the onset of modern technology and new competitors worldwide minimising the overall production period, modern entrepreneurship and innovation will ensure the sustainability of the vibrant private sector. But it must be assured that economic growth must never come at the expense of the environment or the long-term well-being of Bahrainis and residents.

All efforts must be considered to protect Bahrains environment and preserve the Kingdoms cultural heritage. Amad Group is very keen to invest in immaculate and resilient infrastructure. This is evident in our projects in Bahrain as well as Saudi Arabia. Amad has always prioritised workers safety as well as protecting the environment.

Our company is introducing new changes in work patterns with all the advanced technical support and paperless systems. In the interest of the employee and the well-being of his family, other than GOSI, we have already taken insurance in the name of every single employee as compensation for their family in case of any unfortunate incidents in future.

Competitiveness

Effective competitiveness generates more productivity and better quality of products and services. This leads to companies becoming more competitive, innovative, and efficient based on merit. This market dynamic enables economic growth, creating jobs and well-being for society. When we take the manufacturing sector, it is becoming essential for it to digitalise and automate to compete and establish Bahrain in the global manufacturing map.

To actualise Vision 2030 for manufacturing, we need to transform operations, processes and energy footprint and manage manufacturing supply chains. This transformation will help us with autonomy on technology development, security, and digital infrastructure; with interoperability and open ecosystems, permitting plurality and flexibility in the regulatory framework, standards and integrations, decentralised system and artificial intelligence; and promote sustainable value creation, which ensures a high standard of living, including decent work culture, education, climate change mitigation, circular economy and social participation.

With increased productivity, a competitive environment naturally drives economic growth, profitability, and wages. Effective production is impacted by skilled people deployed in their rightful positions. The key is to make Bahrain a great place to do business for both local and foreign companies.

Many factors are combined to create a country attractive to investors in high-value-added industries: a high-quality public service, a cutting-edge infrastructure, and a better living environment. Amad Group is already at the forefront by expanding its branches into the manufacturing sector.

Bahrain Vision 2030 is a vision of every investor who invests and contributes to the growth of Bahrain. We have meticulously procured cutting-edge technologies to establish a state-of-the-art advanced factory, marking a pioneering venture. With a solid 25-year presence, Amad Group transitioned from its successful trading endeavours to venture into manufacturing in 2007, focusing exclusively on the production of switchgear and panels.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, we demonstrated our commitment to the countrys growth by investing BD 2 million and inaugurating our new switchgear factory in Al Mazraa Industrial Park. This highly automated facility boasts CNC machines and automatic powder coating, functioning as a computerised manufacturing unit that spans from fabrication to the final finishing stage of the product.

While contemplating the introduction of robotic assistance, we have prioritised job creation, preceding automation plans to provide more employment opportunities. Our trading house is operational in a well-equipped professional capacity with different divisions such as cable management, power and distribution, lighting, cable, earthing and lightning protection, etc.

Standing unique compared to other trading competitors, we have a technical directors, engineering managers and qualified engineers to support. And we are the exclusive agents of many major brands in Bahrain. Fairness Bahrains Vision is that the countrys future economic success will impact society more widely, creating a broader base of prosperity. We must confront the challenge of motivating our workforce.

By generating job opportunities, there will be stable income in all segments of society. This will improve the quality of life of the people. With the increase in productivity, there will be GDP growth, accelerating foreign investment, leading to augmentation in Bahrains infrastructure. Organisational justice consistently finds that employees are more motivated when they feel that corporate resources are allocated fairly, administrative decisions are justified, and their organisation treats them fairly.

The employees should be given appropriate information about decision-making. Provide clear explanations for findings, especially those that may be unpopular and uncomfortable to discuss. Allow them to voice their perspective and provide adequate responses to the points they raise. Moreover, employees who experience fairness at work are more likely to internalise the organisations goals and values and to develop close bonds with other organisational members.

In this way, a management-by-fairness approach motivates employees to work collaboratively for the organisations and its members long-term good. Such a long-term collaborative focus tends to produce ethical behaviour. Amad Group is always committed to retaining very close relations with each of its employees who have been an integral part of the company. We dont believe in following the typical employee-employer cliche standards. Being in a challenging position, I consider myself a responsible member of the extended family of my employees.

The hard-earned goodwill and credibility we achieved through our commitment to the customers has brought us this far. As a part of Vision 2030, our employees will further come into leadership to fulfil our aim of escalating this company to another level of hierarchy. With the brilliant visionary and effectual economic planning under the leadership of His Royal Highness, Bahrain will transcend with its 2030 vision.
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SIMSBURY  As the proposition of a 580-unit development looms over Simsbury, multiple residents passionately expressed their opposition to its construction, saying that it could destroy the rural character of the town they call home.

Located at the site of The Hartford's former campus on Hopmeadow Street, the development will comprise 580 units, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses, an uptick from the 540 units depicted in an earlier proposal.

Citing concerns over overcrowding local schools and damaging the rural character of the town, more than 15 residents spoke out against The Silverman Group's, a New Jersey-based developer, plans for a residential development at a Zoning Commission public hearing Monday night.

"We live here, and purchased our homes here because of the character of Simsbury," one long-time resident said, which resulted in applause from the audience.

As a counterpart to the already developed The Ridge at Talcott Mountain North, the new development would occupy the site of the 645,239-square-foot former office complex, which closed in 2013 and was demolished in 2016 to prepare for redevelopment. Developer representatives emphasized Monday that the design of the project prioritized staying within the already disturbed area occupied by The Hartford and its parking lot infrastructure.

But at 124 acres, the sheer size of the residential community  called The Ridge at Talcott Mountain South  was the source of many residents' opposition, who feared that the construction could mean the beginning of Simsbury's spiral into a more developed town.

"The town is turning out like the town I left," said Simsbury resident Mary Turner.

Another reason that many residents love Simsbury is because of its quality school system, but building more developments will overcrowd these schools, they said.

The number of public school students that will be generated by The Ridge at Talcott Mountain South development and enrolled in the Simsbury Public School District is estimated at between 96 to 115, according to the school impact study conducted for the developer. But multiple community members said at the meeting that they felt that was an extremely conservative number.

Developers projected that the increases in enrollment would not result in increases above the recommended class size. But Latimer Lane School, which is located less than one mile from the development, is already struggling with capacity, residents said.

Additionally, several residents said that the traffic in this area was terrible when The Hartford complex was active, and now that there are additional developments nearby as well as potentially this new one, it will be even worse. The project site abuts Hopmeadow Street (Route 10/Route 202), which serves as the main southern gateway and commercial corridor of Simsbury.

"The commission should be representing not people who want to live here, but people who do already live here," said resident Lori Boyko at the public hearing. "By speaking to literally anyone in this town, you know, that this is unequivocally not what any of us want."

But resident Pete Harrison, who is the director of Desegregate Connecticut, also spoke at the public hearing, saying that the need for affordable housing should take precedent.

The Ridge at Talcott Mountain South will set aside 10 percent, or 58, of the dwelling units across all building types as affordable units in a manner consistent with the requirements contained in Connecticut General Statutes 8-30g, according to the application.

Simsbury's affordable housing stock is currently at 5.1 percent, according to a recent statewide report.

However, Harrison did also note that the town should be doing more to create not only rental homes, but homes to buy, an idea that many other residents at the meeting agreed with.

I would strongly recommend this admission push for some homeownership options, he said. We do not have enough homes in Simsbury.

The one-bedroom apartments will be priced at around $1,600 per month, and the two-bedroom apartments at $2,100 per month, said Holden Sabato, development director of The Silverman Group, at the meeting. The duplex units are priced at $3,500 a month, and the single-family houses are estimated at just over $5,000 in monthly rent.

In addition to the residential units, a 5,500-square-foot community building, including a playground, gym, game room, and other amenities, is proposed to be centrally located among the cluster of apartment buildings.

The project site is also surrounded by protected wetlands that abut the Farmington River, and development plans also include a multi-use trail system along the sites frontage that would link the newly extended Farmington River Trail to the north and continue toward the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail Rail Trail (off site) to the west.

The Zoning Commission voted Monday to continue the public hearing to its Jan. 3 meeting.

Full build-out of The Ridge at Talcott Mountain South is estimated to be completed some time between the middle of 2026 and the start of 2027, according to the project application documents.
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WASHINGTON  Just one day before outgoing Superintendent Marc Gosselin Jr.s resignation from the district was publicly announced, Lorrie Rodrigue was appointed to Region 12's interim superintendent for a second time.

Gosselin, who started his role as superintendent this past January, is resigning from his position for personal reasons, according to the school boards Dec. 12 message to the district community.

His resignation was announced the day after the school board was expected to discuss the superintendent contract during a special meeting on Dec. 11, according to the school board agenda. The board also held special meetings on Dec. 9 and Nov. 29 where the superintendent contract was on the agenda.

Gosselins last day was expected to be Dec. 31, though Rodrigue said Gosselin is currently on leave. The Region 12 school board chairman could not be reached for comment.

Following her retirement as superintendent of Newtown, Rodrigue served as interim superintendent of Region 12  a district that includes Washington, Bridgewater and Roxbury  from July to December 2022. Gosselin was named superintendent of Region 12 in October 2022, replacing Megan Bennett, who resigned as superintendent at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

Rodrigue said she was working part-time as a human resources coordinator at Region 12 when the school board approached her about the interim superintendent position. She said she was appointed interim superintendent on Dec. 11 and will assume the role on Jan. 1.

Rodrigue said her goals include ensuring the districts teachers have what they need in terms of resources and that the districts staff development and Agriscience program continue.

Additionally, she said the district will hold community conversations on a variety of topics, including a January conversation on safety and security, which Rodrigue said is something I happen to be well versed in coming out of Newtown.

Theres a lot of important work going on right now that I want to make sure that momentum continues in a positive and productive way, Rodrigue said.

From Newtown to Region 12

In Newtown, Rodrigue said she spent eight years as an English teacher, with six years of teaching at Newtown Middle School and two years of teaching at Newtown High. She later served as assistant principal of Newtown High for five years.

From 2005 to 2008, Rodrigue served as principal of Shepaug Valley Middle School, and while she was only in Region 12 for a few years, Rodrigue said she really grew to love the community.

It just is a caring, warm, smaller community, she said of Region 12, and I really have a lot of respect for the staff, the administrators, the Board of Education and the whole community.

Rodrigue served as principal at Pomeraug High School in Southbury and later became principal of Newtown High from 2014 to 2017. She was named Connecticut Association of Schools' Principal of the Year in 2017 while at Newtown High and, after a year as interim superintendent, became superintendent of Newtown in 2018.

Rodrigue announced her decision in December 2021 to retire as superintendent in order to attend to her aging parents. Her retirement became official June 30, 2022, and she began working as a part-time human resources coordinator for Region 12 this past February.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. As a result of the shooting in the center of Prague, 15 people were killed, Trend reports.

20:54 (GMT +4) As a result of the shooting in the center of Prague, at least 10 people were killed, and even more got wounded, Trend reports, referring to Euronews.

The incident was reported by the Czech rescue services.

According to available information, the shooting occurred at the department of Philosophy of Charles University, located on Jan Palach Square (it was initially reported that the shooting occurred at a school located on the same square).

The representative of the Prague rescue service specified that 30 people were injured.

Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, who arrived on the scene, told Czech public television that the man who opened fire is dead.

The minister said there was no other gunman at the scene and the danger had passed, but he urged people to follow the instructions of the police.

Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda said the philosophy department of Charles University had been evacuated. The police department said Jan Palach Square had been cordoned off. Police also urged people to leave the surrounding streets and stay inside the buildings.

Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2023 /CNW/ - In Canada's dynamic housing landscape, where affordability and housing continue to be the leading issues for Canadians, non-profit real estate developer Options for Homes (OFH) and non-profit financing corporation Home Ownership Alternatives (HOA), have agreed to unite under the same leadership.

OFH and HOA have worked in conjunction for over 30 years, championing attainable housing in Ontario. Together, they are committed to building more homes by increasing the supply of high-quality attainable housing suites on the market.

Options for Homes Logo (CNW Group/Home Ownership Alternatives)

The agreement between OFH and HOA is the result of a collaborative multi-month process between the companies' respective executive teams and board members to determine how both organizations can make homeownership attainable in today's challenging housing market. Daniel Ger, CEO of HOA, served as Options for Homes' Chief Development Officer prior to joining HOA. Going forward, Ger will take over leadership of OFH pursuant to a management services agreement, to help align and realize their joint missions.

"While Options for Homes and Home Ownership Alternatives have worked in tandem to champion attainable housing for nearly 30 years, we have determined the best way to address the ongoing housing crisis is to bring our two organizations together under this agreement," Ger said. "This will allow us to develop, deliver, and expand attainable homes in our pipeline more nimbly and efficiently. I'm incredibly thankful for the hard work of the Options for Homes team, which has resulted in the highest number of new home ownership units delivered by any non-for-profit developer in the Greater Toronto Area."

After nine years, Heather Tremain has decided to step down as Options for Homes' Chief Executive Officer. "I believe Options is ready for an evolution and this is the next logical step for these organizations," said Tremain. "I couldn't be prouder of the work we have accomplished in the past decade and I'm confident these changes will allow OFH and HOA to operate even more effectively while building on the team's track record."

"By uniting our efforts, we are not just streamlining operations but also reaffirming our commitment to addressing the affordable housing needs in our communities. Under new management, we are poised to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both the organizations to amplify our impact" said Elaine Crossland, Board Chair and Director, HOA.

The vision of OFH and HOA extends beyond simply constructing houses. It's about building dynamic, vibrant communities and providing more Canadian families with affordable, quality homes. This announcement marks a commitment to explore new partnerships with community stakeholders and government bodies, fostering a collaborative effort to develop and protect attainable housing.

About Home Ownership Alternatives

Founded in 1994, Home Ownership Alternatives (HOA) is a social impact fund devoted to investing in affordable and attainable housing developments across Canada. As a non-profit entity, HOA is pivotal in facilitating home ownership for moderate-income households. Central to its mission is providing down payment loans, a unique approach empowering those who might otherwise face barriers to owning a home. HOA's comprehensive strategy includes funding the upfront capital for land acquisition, rezoning and the pre-construction phases of a development as well as guarantees for Tarion and construction financing. Additionally, the organization actively supports the development of housing policies and programs that align with its vision of inclusive, attainable housing. Through these efforts, HOA has been instrumental in helping over 4,000 families become homeowners, showcasing its enduring dedication to creating impactful housing solutions.

About Options for Homes

Options for Homes (OFH) is Canada's largest non-profit developer of attainable ownership condominiums with the sole mission of making homeownership more affordable. Operating since 1994, Options has built over 3,300 homes in the Greater Toronto Area helping bridge the gap to homeownership by providing access to down payment support. Options currently has 2,500 homes in its pipeline.

SOURCE Home Ownership Alternatives

For further information: Vaibhav Joshi, [email protected]; Marnie Myszko, [email protected]
Ukrainian actress Lyubava Greshnova, who in 2017 baptized the daughter of her colleague Galina Bezruk, told why she stayed in Russia to build her career after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Born and raised in Kramatorsk, Bezruk is known to Ukrainian audiences for her leading roles in the films The Last Muscovite and House of Fortune.

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According to Lyubava Greshnova, it was difficult for Galina to make a choice because her husband would not allow her to take her daughter Vasilisa out of Russia. Greshnova spoke about this in an interview with OBOZ.UA.

"We haven't been in touch since the beginning of the full-scale invasion," says Greshnova, "and I have no information about how she is living now. I know for sure that it was very difficult for her, she was worried. She couldn't make a choice - a child with a Russian passport, and her husband too. And he would not allow her to be taken away. I know that Galia loves Ukraine in her heart. I think it was a difficult decision for her to stay in Russia. I treat her with warmth and love, even though we do not communicate. We used to be family."

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"Everyone in our family has a Ukrainian passport," added the actress, who left Russia with her husband, actor Mikhail Pshenychny, and son. "Katia Kuznetsova, who also left Russia, has a civilian husband who is Russian but has long lived abroad. By the way, we did not know Katia before the invasion. Of course, we crossed paths on the set, but we were not friends. And now we are very close."

Actresses Galina Bezruk and Lyubava Greshnova became godmothers on February 14, 2017, when Galina's daughter was just two months old. Bezruk is married to Russian actor Artem Alekseev. After the start of the full-scale war, the actress did not leave Russia and did not publicly condemn Russia's war against Ukraine.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that People's Artist of Ukraine Nazar Zadniprovskyi, who starred with Galina Bezruk for several years in the TV series "House of Fortune," claims that Galina chose to live in Russia because she plans to build an artistic career there. Nazar recalled the difficult conversations he had with her about this during the filming of the fourth season of the show.

"We finished the fourth season of the House on December 5, 2021. I had serious conversations with her: "Let's go home, you see how everything is escalating. Take the baby, move." For some reason, she believed that no one in Kyiv needed her. They write that she chose her family, her husband is a Russian actor. No, her family did not keep her. There were problems with her husband, she told me herself that he was looking into a glass. Galina chose to work in Moscow, and that's the reason," Zadniprovskyi is sure.

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Read the full interview with Lyubava Greshnova on OBOZ.UA here.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes.




Some Boko Haram terrorists have on Tuesday evening, stormed Chibok in Borno State, killing two persons and causing injury to others.





The terrorists reportedly started attacking around 7 pm by shooting rapidly, a development which made many residents flee their homes in a stampede. The terrorists were said to have burnt homes and looted food items.





The locals said two people died though the number could be higher than that. But the Borno Police Command said the attackers were swiftly repelled by a joint team of the military, the police and the local vigilante.





The attack was repelled by the joint effort of the military and the police. Unfortunately, two persons were killed  one of the deceased, named Mr. Badi, aged 75, and one Ngule, aged 45, died during the attack. However, the situation has since returned to normal, said the police spokesman, Nahum Kenneth.





Chibok first got the worlds attention in April 2014 when Boko Haram terrorists attacked the Government Girls Secondary School located there, and abducted over 300 students.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has said that Catholic Churches in the country would not bless same-sex unions.

The bishops said the blessing of the same-sex union is against Gods law, the teachings of the church, and the law of the country.

They made this known in a statement released and signed by the President of the conference, Lucius Ugirji and the Secretary, Donayus Ogun on Wednesday.

They said, The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria assures the entire People of God that the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage remains the same. There is, therefore, no possibility in the teaching of the Church of blessing same-sex unions and activities.

That would go against Gods law, the teachings of the Church, the laws of our nation, and the cultural sensibilities of our people.

The bishops, however, stated that Pope Franciss permitting of the blessing of same-sex marriage was misinterpreted.

The PUNCH reported that Pope Francis officially permitted priests to bless same-sex and irregular couples, under certain circumstances.

Related News

Same-sex marriage not biblical, says Kumuyi

Same-sex marriage: Nigerian priest defends Pope Francis

Pope Francis okays blessings for same-sex couples

Clarifying the Popes statement, the bishops said, The declaration seeks to clarify the different forms of blessing that can be given to persons and objects in the Catholic Church, including the possibility of blessing persons in irregular unions. Such unions include but are not limited to divorced and remarried couples whose previous marriages had not been annulled, those living in same-sex unions, those in polygamous unions, in concubinage, etc.

The declaration acknowledges and carefully distinguishes between ritual, liturgical, and informal blessings. While ritual or liturgical blessings are imparted according to the established norms of the Church, informal blessings refer to prayers over people who ask for them outside the liturgy or any formal declaration offers a consideration of the possibility of extending the informal blessing to all Cods children, irrespective their moral condition, when they ask to be blessed.

Nevertheless, the Declaration insists that the blessing of persons in irregular unions- and never the union of itself- can only take a non-liturgical form to avoid confusion. It should not be imparted during or in connection with connection with a civil wedding ceremony or with clothing, words, and signs associated with a wedding.

The Declaration reiterates the Catholic Churchs perennial teaching on marriage as an exclusive, stable and indissoluble union of a man and woman, naturally open to the generation of children and emphatically states that the Church does not have the power to impart a blessing on irregular unions.

The Declaration also reinforces the truth about Gods mercy. For one to willingly ask for a blessing demonstrates ones trust in God and the desire to live according to Gods commandments. Asking for Gods blessing is not dependent on how good one is. Imperfection is the reason for seeking Gods grace.

Therefore, those in irregular unions are invited never to lose hope but rather to ask for Gods grace and mercy while remaining open to conversion.

The bishops, however, urged priests to not defy the sacredness of the holy matrimony, saying, The CBCN thanks all the Priests for their accompaniment of married couples, asking them to continue to stain the sacrament of holy matrimony and never to do anything that would detract from the sacredness of this sacrament. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Amen! We wish everyone a merry Christmas.




The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged civil society organisations, CSOs, in the South East on proper collaboration with the Commission especially in spreading anti-corruption messages at the grassroots.





He gave this charge on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Enugu Zonal Command of the EFCC in a brief interactive session with CSOs, immediately after the commissioning of the new structure of the Command.





The Chairman, who spoke through the Secretary to the Commission, Muhammad Hammajoda said the EFCC cannot achieve its mandate of ridding the country of economic and financial crimes alone and we need you the CSOs who are our major stakeholders to put in your energy, time and other resources to support us in this fight against corruption.





Describing corruption as a cancer, the Chairman said every effort must be made to tackle it. Please, we have to do this work together. The menace is just like cancer and we should fight it with all our strength. You are our eyes and ears in the public, you are our whistle blowers. Help us spread the anti-corruption message to the grassroots so that we can effectively fight corruption and win together, he said.





Responding, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Enugu chapter, Chief C.N.N Nwagbara, commended Olukoyede for recognising the roles of the CSOs in the fight against corruption and pledged total support of the Association to the Commission in achieving its mandate.





We will be looking out for crimes, especially the ones that are within the jurisdiction of EFCC and probably make a report. I want to commend the Chairman and the Secretary to the Commission for calling for this meeting and I want to encourage you that there is a need for a repeat of this from time to time, he said.





Another contributor, Mazi Ikechukwu Bismark Oji drew the attention of the Chairman to difficulties being faced in getting SCUML certificates. Olukoyede explained that if information required by SCUML are rightly placed in the digital application procedures, no difficulty or delay would be suffered by any applicant.





Please, come to the office if you have any challenge in applying for it. Thats why we have SCUML offices across the Commands. You will be properly guided, he said.





Enugu Zonal Commander, ACE I Aliyu Nuhu Naibi , further explained that if procedures for filling the form are properly followed, there will be no difficulty of any form. Here in our Command, we have over four hundred SCUML certificates uncollected. We produce certificates every month. The issue is, if you are filling the form, make sure that you follow the procedures, he said.




No fewer than 250 police, military retirees, and other senior citizens across the country will be supported with a N950m by the wife of the President, Mrs Remi Tinubu.





According to her, each of the beneficiaries will receive N100,000.





Tinubu disclosed this at the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme on Thursday in Abuja.





She noted that the scheme is to cushion the effect of the economic situation on senior citizens.





Tinubu said, This economic empowerment programme is borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our elderly citizens and it marks a significant stride in our collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.





This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association.





These selected beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period.





The total sum to be disbursed is N950m as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.





She noted the 36 states of the federation would be given N25m each to give to beneficiaries.





Tinubu added, Each state of the federation will receive the sum of N25m. We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination.





By reaching out to the elderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face.





She urged the senior citizens to support and pray for the president.





Tinubu said, This period should be a time of joy and comfort for all, even as we hope for a greater Nigeria, in security, education, health, employment, and business opportunities for all. We seek your continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as we look forward to better days ahead.





The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the efforts of the First Lady towards the retirees would motivate those still in service.





Represented by the Director, Veteran Affairs, Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Danladi Saliu, noted that history would be kind to the First Lady for her gestures to the military.





Musa said, I most sincerely appreciate Her Excellency for this gesture towards our retirees. You have demonstrated once again that the welfare of our armed forces both serving and retired and their families are of ultimate priority to you. This noble act is one which you will forever be remembered for.





And prosperity will judge you fairly for repeatedly bringing renewed hope to the members of the armed forces and their families. This will have a multiplier effect on the morale and efficiency of the serving members of the armed forces.
Tomash Peta, archbishop of Saint Mary in Astana, Kazakhstan, has condemned the Vaticans approval of blessings for same-sex couples.

In a significant shift in Catholic doctrine on Monday, Pope Francis permitted priests to look kindly on queer couples seeking favours from God.

Although the Vatican clarified that such blessings should not be conducted with any church rites that offer the impression of a marriage, the pope said pastoral charity requires patience and understanding.

He added that priests should not become judges who only deny, reject and exclude.

In a joint statement on Tuesday alongside Athanasius Schneider, auxiliary bishop, Peta called the popes new stance a great deception.

The archbishop forbade all priests and parishes in his archdiocese from blessing same-sex couples, noting that it directly and seriously contradicts Divine Revelation and the uninterrupted, bimillennial doctrine and practice of the Catholic Church.

The clergymen said the Vaticans orders do not walk uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel and called on the Pope to revoke the permission to bless couples in an irregular situation and same-sex couples, so that the Catholic Church may shine clearly as the pillar and ground of the truth.

Peta also warned priests that this effort to legitimize such blessings will have far-reaching and destructive consequences and, at least in practice, turns the Catholic Church into a propagandist of gender ideology.

Since Pope Francis took office in 2013, he has worked to reform church governance, making it less hierarchical and paying more attention to those who have expressed concerns about exclusion.

In 2021, the Vatican decreed that the Catholic Church would not bless gay marriages because God cannot bless sin.

But in a turn of events two months ago, the Pope hinted that he would be open to having the Catholic Church bless same-sex unions.

The Popes attempts at reforming the church has been met with stiff internal resistance with Peta being the first prelate to publicly condemn the Vaticans declaration allowing same-sex blessings.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that despite the current challenges confronting his administration, he would not be distracted from the oath he to defend the people of the state.

He added that he would do his best to provide equitable development to the state.

The governor made the declaration while speaking to newsmen at Ngo Town, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area, shortly after inspecting the stretch of the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road, yesterday.

Speaking, Fubara noted that during his campaigns leading to his election, the Andoni section of the road was in horrible condition, but that months after the decision was taken to re-award the contract, the milestone achieved has been commendable.

20-year-long road project

Fubara said his administration is determined to complete the road that has lingered on for over twenty years as a commitment to bequeath an enduring project that will serve the needs of the people for years.

He said, I have to say that the contractor has done a very good job.

Although, we did observe that about 1km of road that will lead to the council secretariate was somehow not captured in the scope and I think it will be proper that we do that alongside.

So, we will continue to do our best not minding the challenges we are facing. The most important thing is that we have taken our oath to defend our people and protect their interest, and we are not going back on that.

What I keep saying to everyone is, what are we bequeathing to our people? Their interest is the most important thing and governance is about the protection of lives and property.

These include providing quality services and one of those things is like this road. Posterity has just blessed me with this project. It is something that they couldnt achieve for over twenty years but within the space of six months, and I have been able to sort it out. It is a credit and a big one to our administration.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dele Momodu, has charged the partys leadership to punish the Minister of the Federal Capital Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Momodu said he would have punished Wike long ago for working against the party if he had his way.

This cones after the PDPs acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, had vowed to sanction Wike at the right time for working against the PDP.

Recall that Wike had supported President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, against PDPs presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the February 25 election.

Lately, the minister has been at loggerheads with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State over control of the state resources.

His rift with Fubara led to 25 members of the state House of Assembly loyal to him dumping PDP for APC while some commissioners also resigned from the state executive council.

However, Momodu said the PDP leadership cannot continue to tolerate Wikes excesses and must stop his antics.

Featuring on Arise Television, Momodu said that if he had the power to be in charge of the party, he would have sanctioned Wike long ago.

He said: If I had the power, I would have punished Wike long ago. The PDP leadership must have its reasons for keeping him while he continues to trouble the party.

He wants to eat his cake and have it.




Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has expressed hope that the Kaduna refinery would commence operation soon.





Sani made the remark while reacting to reports that the Port Harcourt refinery has commenced operation.





He affirmed that the National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, kept its promise of December deadline for the refinery to commence operation.





Posting on X, Sani wrote: The commencement of operations of the Port Harcourt Refinery is commendable.





The NNPCL has kept to its promise of meeting up the December deadline. Kudos to the GCEO, the management and the FG.





We hope the Kaduna refinery that has been inactive for over a decade will come back to operation soon.





The Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC, Limited, with a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per stream day, has commenced operation.





According to a video sighted by newsmen, the refinerys flare indicated the commencement of oil refining.





The development comes months after the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said in August that the Port Harcourt refinery will commence operation in December 2023.





According to the Minister, the objective is to ensure the country stops importing fuel.
Albania, located a stone's throw from Greece and Italy, claims to be one of the hottest vacation destinations in Europe. Still relatively undiscovered, this Balkan country of 2.8 million people is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe.

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White beaches, beautiful landscapes, eclectic cuisine and friendly locals - Albania is like Greece, but without the crowds and sky-high prices. The pearls of this Adriatic paradise are Lukove and Xamil, two resorts on the Albanian Riviera. The tourism industry has dubbed them the "European Maldives," Metro writes.

Overall, the Albanian Riviera's popularity is growing in part due to its status as a promising destination for music and wellness festivals. But while the village of Xamil has already gained popularity among travelers over the past year, Lukove remains an unexplored tourist destination.

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The village is located a short boat ride from the Greek island of Corfu and an hour from the Blue Eye, an incredible mountain spring that is one of the attractions of Albania.

When is the best time to travel to the "European Maldives"

If you want to save money on accommodation, it is better to plan a trip in May or October: hotel prices, according to Booking.com, are about 1600 hryvnias per night in May compared to two thousand hryvnias in August.

In general, September and October are the cheapest months of the warm season to travel to Lukove.

What to see in Lukove

First of all, Lukove is a beach resort, so it's not hard to guess what the main attraction is. Although the village's coastline is not in high demand, tourists are delighted with this place. It is noted that Lukove beach is one of the most beautiful in Albania with white sand and beautiful clear sea.

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Although a trip to the Albanian resort is mostly for relaxation, there are other activities to do, such as hiking to the mysterious Church of St. Friday, which stands on a high hill.

Since the village is located high above the sea, there are many places from which you can watch the sunset and just enjoy nature.

If you're a fan of good food, there are some great restaurants both on the beach and in the village. One of the beach establishments is located on top of an old bunker that was built by the communists during the Cold War. Here you can get fresh seafood or meat dishes for less than 500 hryvnias.

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Depending on the restaurant, dinner at an inexpensive place can cost about 250 hryvnia per person. Beer is also cheap - about 100 hryvnia per bottle.

According to budgetmytrip.com, tourists planning to visit Albania can expect to spend up to 2500 hryvnias per day: this includes food, drinks and activities.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told about the top 20 best cities in the world: 12 of them are located in Europe.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!




The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has raised an alarm that the N35,000 wage award given to workers by the Federal Government to cushion the effects of the economic crisis caused by the fuel subsidy removal has been stopped.





The workers, on Thursday, alleged that the Federal Government paid only one month out of the six months promised to the workers.





National Coordinator of FWF, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, in a statement made available to newsmen noted that the workers are passing through tortuous moments since the removal of fuel subsidy.





He noted that minimum wage has remained at N30,000 monthly while prices continue to soar and a bag of rice now is above N60,000.





Federal Government workers nationwide have been going through tortuous moments since the removal of petroleum subsidy. Our take home pay has been made meaningless as a result of the rising cost of living crisis and the constant devaluation of our naira. Salaries have remained the same while prices of goods and services have tripled within this period.





We are surprised to note that the meager 35,000 naira wage award grudgingly given to the federal workers by the federal government to cushion the effects of the economic crisis caused by the subsidy removal have been stopped. The federal government paid only one month out of the six months promised.





We the federal government workers feel betrayed by the federal government. Our employer has been very unfair and unfaithful to us. We have not been treated as if we matter. We are citizens, we are not beggers and we are supposed to be worthy of a fair wage. We the federal workers feel cheated.





Civil servants have been financially embarrassed. Minimum wage has remained at 30,000 naira monthly while prices of everything continue to soar and a bag of rice now is above 60,000 naira.





Most unfortunately, it is within this period that salaries are been delayed, some workers are being blocked from receiving salaries, promotion arrears not paid, etc, he said.
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria to speed up the adoption of the Chinese Yuan as an alternative trading currency.

This call was contained in a resolution adopted on Wednesday following a motion moved by Jafaru Leko.

DAILY POST recalls that the Federal Government announced a bilateral currency swap agreement between Nigeria and China.

In the motion, Leko urged the government to adopt the currency amidst the struggle of the naira against major Western currencies.

He said the government should adopt the currency as part of Nigerias foreign reserve.

Chinese Yuan as an additional foreign exchange reserve currency might mitigate the adverse effects of Naira depreciation, reduce the risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations, and enhance Nigerias economic stability, he said.

He argued that China had already assumed a leading role in the global economy.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved that the committees on Banking Regulations, Banking, and Other Ancillary Institutions liaise with the Central Bank of Nigeria to explore the appropriate mechanisms to speed up the 2018 agreement on Yuan.
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos State for the Yuletide.

The presidents plane touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Muritala Muhammad Airport in Lagos at 3.55 pm on Thursday.

He was received at the airport by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, other members of his cabinet.

President Tinubu also received cheers from a crowd of supporters, before boarding a chopper to Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi.

Tinubu will be joining the Christian faithful to mark the Christmas celebration.
A Hudson County man was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office announced Wednesday.

Cesar Ixcoy-Perez, 35, a car wash attendant from Union City, is charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The Bergen County Prosecutors Office of Special Victims was contacted on Dec. 4 by the Hudson County Prosecutors Office about an alleged sexual assault of a juvenile that took place in Bergen County.

A joint investigation between the Fairview Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutors Office alleged Ixcoy-Perez sexually assaulted a child in Fairview on two occasions. According to the complaint from the prosecutors office, Ixcoy-Perez confessed to the allegations during a forensic interview.

The complaint also states the victim was under 13 years old at the time of the assaults. The first assault took place between Nov. 2015 and Dec. 2016, and the second assault happened between Nov. 2018 and Nov. 2020, the document alleges.

He was arrested and charged on Tuesday and is being held in the Bergen County Jail awaiting his first court hearing, authorities said. There was no defense attorney listed for Ixcoy-Perez with the prosecutors office Wednesday night.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
The 6ABC Philadelphia helicopter that crashed Tuesday evening killing the pilot and photographer descended into a heavily wooded area of a New Jersey state forest while returning from videoing Christmas lights near the Jersey Shore, officials investigating the crash said Thursday.

They were returning back to base when the accident occurred. It was a clear, cold night, National Transportation Safety Board Investigator Todd Gunther said in a morning briefing. It was on course when the accident occurred.
The victim killed in a shooting in Woodbury earlier this month conspired with another man to rob the juvenile charged in the homicide, according to court documents and statements made during a recent hearing.

Woodbury police officers responded to Wing-Dickerson Park around 1:15 a.m. on Dec. 2 and found 21-year-old Tijere K. Jackson dead of a gunshot wound to the chest.

A juvenile was identified as the shooter and later arrested. The Gloucester County Prosecutors Office has not announced the charges filed against the juvenile or revealed his age, citing state law that prohibits release of such details in juvenile cases.

Police also arrested Amante Black-Thompson, 18, of Woodbury, on a charge of criminal attempted robbery.

Black-Thompson conspired with Jackson to rob the juvenile, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with his charges.

Around 11 p.m. on Dec. 1, Black-Thompson contacted Jackson via Instagram and arranged the robbery, detectives state in the affidavit.

Jackson and the juvenile communicated over Instagram about three hours later and then met in Woodbury and traveled to the park, investigators said.

Black-Thompson was then observed arriving and the three walked to a separate area of the park, the affidavit states.

Several minutes later, the juvenile was seen fleeing the area and police soon found Jackson dead, authorities said.

In an interview with police, Black-Thompson said that he had agreed to be present with Jackson for the attempted robbery of the juvenile, according to the affidavit.

During a hearing last week, Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Gaskill said Black-Thompson and Jackson conspired to rob the juvenile during a transaction.

The investigation revealed that there was some type of deal to sell some type of item between these individuals at 2 a.m. and the resulting incident ended up in the death of another individual, Gaskill said.

The item being sold was never disclosed in court or identified in the complaint.

Gaskill described Black-Thompson and Jackson as associates and said they knew the juvenile, but that their relationship to that juvenile was unclear to investigators at this stage.

While the prosecution asked that Black-Thompson remain jailed pending trial, describing him as a flight risk and danger to the community, his defense attorney noted that he had no prior juvenile or adult criminal record. Black-Thompson turned 18 a week before the incident.

Michael Ortiz said his client is struggling since Jacksons death in the shooting and described the men as friends.

The circumstances of this case are tragic. My clients best friend  passed away during this incident. And the only evidence of a weapon is of the juvenile having a weapon, not of my client and, to my knowledge, the  decedent.

Ortiz noted that his client has cooperated with investigators.

He called the cops. He stayed on the scene. He gave a statement to police, Ortiz said. He turned over evidence to police.

A judge ordered Black-Thompsons pre-trial release with the requirement that he maintain weekly contact with court staff. Hes due back in court next month for a pre-indictment hearing.

While details about the juvenile are shielded from public view, he was arrested later in the day on Dec. 2 , according to the prosecutors office and details filed with charges against a 20-year-old who was not involved in the shooting incident.

As detectives were conducting surveillance on the juveniles residence, James Workman, of Barrington, arrived in a vehicle. The juvenile left his residence, entered Workmans vehicle and they drove off, investigators said.

Plainclothes detectives pulled over the vehicle in Woodbury Heights and approached it while wearing ballistic vests labeled with Police on them, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Workman pointed a handgun at an approaching detective, officials stated, but complied with orders to lower the weapon.

Workman was taken into custody and the firearm was found to be a ghost gun  a weapon that is unregistered and has no serial number  loaded with hollow-point ammunition, authorities said.

He was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer by pointing a firearm, along with multiple weapons charges.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
More than two dozen Jersey City preschools feared the worst when an unexpected state directive threatened to cut funding this month. But appeals to Trenton have apparently staved off possible mid-year disruption for the young students.

The issue stems from a COVID-era change in how private preschools in so-called Abbott districts receive state funding to pay the students tuition, making it free early childhood education for families.
A woman has admitted to robbing three businesses in one night with a man who allegedly shot a restaurant worker during one of the robberies.

Siobhan Chandler, 21, of Newark, pleaded guilty to her involvement in the three Jersey City robberies in Newark federal court on Wednesday, a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey said.

An indictment charged Chandler with robbing a store, a gas station and a restaurant in Jersey City along with co-defendant Rodney Williams on the night of Nov. 14, 2021.

Authorities have alleged that Williams pointed a gun at employees at all three businesses, while demanding cash.

In the restaurant robbery, Williams allegedly shot a cashier in the chest before he and Chandler fled with stolen cash.

At Chandlers detention hearing in November 2021, public defender Katie Matejcak told the court that Chandler was not an accomplice to Williams, but instead a naive acquaintance who was with him so that she could get a ride home. Prosecutors disagreed and called her an active participant in the crimes.

Her current attorney, Joseph R. Rubino, could not immediately be reached for comment on Wednesday evening.

Chandler pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of conspiracy and carrying a firearm in relation to crime of violence. Williams has been charged with the same offenses in addition possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Chandler will be sentenced on April 17, 2024.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
Nearly a decade ago, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority awarded Holtec International  a national company that builds nuclear fuel storage systems  $260 million in economic incentives to do business in Camden.

The award, one of the biggest tax breaks ever awarded by the state, later came under major scrutiny as part of a focus of a wide-ranging investigation by the Office of the State Comptroller and a special governors task force into the states tax incentive programs. Their findings, citing a litany of allegations of failed oversight and due diligence by the NJEDA that had gone on unabated for years, led to efforts to withhold or seek the return of millions in credits from companies it said did not create or retain the number of jobs they promised.
A Salem County grand jury has indicted a Penns Grove police sergeant on charges he severely injured a toddler left in his care while he was off-duty.

Anthony J. Minguez, 38, of Carneys Point, was looking after a womans 2-year-old son at his residence on Feb. 12 when he called 911 to report the child had fallen and needed an ambulance, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Carneys Point Police.

Doctors who evaluated the boy found a serious head injury and concluded he was the victim of child abuse, police said. Minguez was charged later that month and suspended with pay from his position with the Penns Grove Police Department.

An attorney for Minguez did not respond to requests to comment on the case Wednesday.

When he called 911 on Feb. 12, Minguez said he was performing CPR on the child, authorities said. The boy was then taken by ambulance to Nemours Childrens Hospital in Delaware, authorities said.

Doctors determined the 2-year-old suffered a severe injury to the head, which was causing brain swelling, and a portion of his skull had to be removed to alleviate the swelling, authorities said.

Once the childs head was shaved, a neurosurgeon noticed a cluster of bruises which in his words resembled fingers or knuckles, police stated in the affidavit. Other bruises on the toddler were noted as areas of concern and the doctor believed they were caused by a blow, pinch or pull, authorities said.

Another doctor found broken blood vessels in the childs retinas, which would be caused by violent shaking of the victim, authorities said.

Court documents do not describe the relationship between Minguez and the boys mother, who had left the toddler with him while she went to take care of errands at her own residence, according to the affidavit.

The mother told investigators her son seemed fine when she left him at Minguezs residence that day.

A grand jury indicted the police officer last week on charges of second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Penns Grove Police Director Richard Rivera said he had not been notified by the Salem County Prosecutors Office that the officer was indicted.

Typically, an officers status would shift to suspension without pay after an indictment and Rivera said the borough will review the case this week.

Rivera criticized the prosecutors office for allowing a local police department to handle the case, saying matters involving charges against municipal police officers are usually investigated by county prosecutors to avoid the appearance of favoritism or conflict of interest at the local level.

This entire matter  the investigation and charging  should have been handled at the county prosecutor level, Rivera said.

Salem County Prosecutor Kristin Telsey declined to comment on Riveras remarks.

Rivera praised Minguezs service in Penns Groves police department.

Anthony is a supervisor and he works very well with the community, the police director said.

Minguez is due back in court Jan. 12 for a post-indictment arraignment hearing.

Minguez previously faced charges in an unrelated case. He was off-duty and dining at a restaurant in Salem County in 2017 when he was accused of exposing himself to two children in the restroom.

The Salem County Prosecutors office said in a statement at the time that it reviewed the case and found the boys had gone into a bathroom stall while Minguez was relieving himself and surprised the man. The prosecutor found the case did not rise to an indictable offense and referred it back to municipal court.

Minguez was found not guilty following a municipal court trial in 2018.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Every year, Eurostat conducts a study to determine the most unhappy country in Europe. For the second year in a row, Bulgaria has been awarded this status.

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It is the only country in Europe with a satisfaction index of less than six. This information was published by Metro magazine.

During the year, Eurostat asked Europeans to rate their life satisfaction on a scale from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). The average level of satisfaction among representatives of different countries was above 6. However, only in Bulgaria was this figure lower - 5.6 out of 10.

Although Bulgaria is popular among tourists for its ski resorts, hot springs, beautiful Black Sea beaches and cheap beer, Bulgarians themselves are apparently dissatisfied with their standard of living.

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However, as the source notes, "not everything is so gloomy." Bulgaria has a rich history. It is known for its monasteries, mountains, and even wine. The country's capital, Sofia, boasts monuments dating back more than 2000 years.

Earlier, we wrote that the rating of the happiest EU countries was also published. Find out who is in the first place and why Germany is lagging behind because of the war in Ukraine in our article.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Ukraine was recognized as one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Read here to find out where else it is risky to travel in 2024.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
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Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Periods of snow. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches..

Tonight

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the evening. Low 24F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Proceeds from the raffle will be used to fund a pediatric stem cell transplant unit at the hospital, according to Children's President and CEO Lucio Fragoso.

This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and for no greater cause, Fragoso said in a press release.

Here's all you need to know about the raffle:

How the raffle works

+9 Calling all Swifties: This Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour ticket raffle will help children with cancer Childrens Hospital New Orleans announced a ticket raffle to raise funds for a new Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit that will help children

Children's Hospital is selling a maximum of 5,000 raffle tickets for $200 per ticket. Seven people will win four tickets each. The winners will be drawn at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024 and notified the same day.

Tickets will be transferred to the winners three days before the concert and the tickets cannot be resold.
2023 was a year of settling scores amid unsettled issues. Statewide, GOP hardliners purged the legislative and executive ranks of moderates while lawmakers punted on the property insurance crisis and flouted federal judges on redistricting.

Locally, the New Orleans City Council continued to hound Mayor LaToya Cantrell, firing her communications director and kicking her out of her Pontalba crash pad.

In Washington, several rounds of palace intrigue led to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise falling short in his bid to become speaker  but fellow Louisianan Mike Johnson ultimately captured the gavel.

Those and other stories made headlines this year, and some will continue to hold our attention in 2024. For now, lets take one last look back  at the top 10 political stories of 2023.

1. Jeff Landrys Election  The activist attorney general harnessed voters fears about crime and parlayed big name endorsements including from both Donald Trumps into a dominant win in the Oct. 14 primary. Landry ran a flawless campaign, which for him meant ducking debates and offering no specifics on major issues. It was crime, crime, all the time, and that was enough  particularly after none of his GOP opponents gained traction. Landrys election capped a clean sweep of statewide offices by the GOP, including wins by two women  Nancy Landry as secretary of state and Liz Murrill as attorney general. Republicans also gained supermajorities in both legislative chambers and dominance on the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

2. House Speaker Mike Johnson  The gentlemanly theocrat from Benton is now second in line to the presidency after less than eight years in Congress. His election followed weeks of bitter GOP infighting, including an Et tu, Garret moment for Louisiana Reps. Garret Graves and Steve Scalise. Graves denies it, but local and national media say he undercut Scalises bid for speaker after right-wingers sacked Speaker Kevin McCarthy (whom Graves served as a top lieutenant). Hard feelings linger, but Louisiana now holds the top two House posts.

+2 Da Winnas & Da Loozas 2023 Edition: GOP ideologues purge moderates, Democrats fail to eat their own The results of the October 14 primary call to mind the old saying, all over but the shoutin. Republicans are poised to make a clean sweep o

3. The NOLaToya Recall  It was a clown car show from day one, even though recallers had money to burn, thanks to Republican businessman Rick Farrell at least $1.2 million. The effort garnered barely half the signatures needed to force a referendum, which shows how difficult it is to recall an elected official in a large parish. It also emboldened Cantrell, who didnt need more encouragement.

4. Cantrells Conundrums Continue  Heronner survived the recall, only to get booted from her city-owned pad in the Upper Pontalba, named in a divorce petition filed by the wife of her favorite bodyguard, and subjected to additional scrutiny from the media, the City Council and (reportedly) the feds. The council fired her communications director for using city funds to pay for an anti-recall flyer  and then lying about it under oath. Whats an embattled mayor to do? For Cantrell, nothing says Up yours like world travel. As time goes by, shell always have Paris. And Singapore. And Dubai. And Switzerland. And Kenya. And South Korea. And

5. Redistricting  Legislative Republicans overrode Gov. John Bel Edwards veto of their congressional redistricting plan, which kept five safe GOP House seats and only one majority-Black district. Federal judges at all levels decreed otherwise, holding that Black citizens, who comprise 33% of Louisianas population, should comprise a majority in two of the states six House districts. The same principle may apply to state legislative districts, which face a similar challenge in federal court. This story will continue in 2024.

6. Crime & NOPD  Landry appears poised to send state troopers to town (likely the French Quarter), no doubt hoping to fulfill a campaign pledge to reduce New Orleans crime. However, he wont go after New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams. The new guv and Williams, along with Attorney General-elect Liz Murrill, recently announced a crimefighting partnership. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Police Department remains under a federal consent decree, and it continues to lose veteran officers faster than it can replace them. On the bright side, New Orleans got a new police chief in Anne Kirkpatrick, who appears to have gotten off to a good start after her predecessors delivered significant year-over-year reductions in violent crime and homicides.

7. Dems in Distress  The Louisiana Democratic Party has rarely, if ever, functioned at a high level. Dem candidates mostly won or lost based on their own (or their opponents) merits and shortcomings, not so much because of voters party loyalty. Meanwhile, Republicans offered conservative voters an alternative that Dems couldnt match: a state party that moved in sync with its national counterpart. This years elections were a perfect storm for Dems. They failed to field a viable candidate for governor, and some of them turned on one of their own  state Rep. Mandie Landry, who, like the GOP in statewide contests, wiped the floor with them.

8. War and Peace in Jefferson  All parish-wide, non-council incumbents in Jefferson were re-elected without opposition, but it was all-out war for several council seats. In the two at-large council races, incumbent council members repped by veteran media consultant-turned-power broker Greg Buisson lost to colleagues who ran against the machine. In majority-Black Council District 3, convicted felon and former state Sen. Derrick Shepherd, who last year won a school board seat, narrowly failed to unseat incumbent Byron Lee.

9. The Insurance Crisis  Homeowners and businesses face existential threats from skyrocketing property insurance premiums, but too many lawmakers opted to fiddle while Louisiana burned. Hopefully, new Insurance Commish Tim Temple and a new (sort of) Legislature will take action to bring rates down in 2024.

10. The Great Disengagement  Pundits, pollsters and politicos are pondering why voters stayed home in droves during the October primary. Statewide turnout was a mere 36.3%  and only 27.3% in New Orleans (lowest in the state, by far). Black people, moderate Republicans and Democrats all seemed dispirited and disengaged. Trump Republicans, by contrast, were fired up  which was a major factor in Jeff Landrys primary win.

Here's hoping for better news in 2024.
Despite the sanctions, Western countries continue to supply Russia with products necessary for its defense industry, in particular, for the production of tanks. These countries include Italy, Germany, the United States, and others.

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This is reported in The Insider. In particular, these are Armata and Breakthrough tanks.

Italy

According to the authors of the article, Uralvagonzavod produces T-90M "Breakthrough" tanks for the Russian Federation. At the same time:

they are fitted with Sosna-U sights manufactured by the Volgograd Optical and Mechanical Plant (VOMP);

this plant receives machine tools from the Finval company;

this company purchases spare parts from the Italian company MTSRL.

In addition, VOMP receives machines from Pumori-Northwest in St. Petersburg. The company bought a shot blasting machine manufactured by Norblast SRL from Bologna. It also buys milling machines for metal processing from Milan-based Devco SRL.

Germany

According to analysts, Russian defense companies cooperate with the German company WTO Werkzeug-Einrichtungen GmbH, which supplies lathes to Russia. At the same time, its clients - Unimatik, TD SMS and OTS-Technologies - transfer machines to Uralvagonzavod and Plant No. 9, which produces barrels for Armata tanks, as well as T-72 and T-90.

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In addition, Oxapa GmbH from Jena supplied optically processed glass blanks to Macro Optics LLC in November 2022. And Rudi Gebel GmbH & Co. Kg from Helmbrechts supplies parts for assembling power semiconductor devices to Proton, which provides optoelectronics to Russian military enterprises.

USA

According to the authors of the article, the Russian "SPC Macrooptics" and "TPK RZM" receive aluminum oxide and polishing powders from the American company Universal Photonics from New York. Macro Optics and RZM help to produce sights for tanks.

Other countries

Companies from other countries also help Russia produce weapons. In particular:

Estonia.

For example, Gold Solution OU and Leolart.com transport Italian goods from Tallinn to Pumori-Northwest.

South Korea.

In particular, Mabuchi Korea Corporation, a Seoul-based company, sells lens grinding machines, polishing powder, and other goods to NPK Macrooptika;

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Japan.

JSC Elekond, which manufactures and develops electrolytic capacitors, cooperates with Japanese companies Japan Industrial Trading and Kaga Electronics. However, Elekond is only subject to Ukrainian sanctions, and therefore Japanese companies, according to the law, can trade with it.

Serbia.

According to analysts, Grindex DOO, a company that manufactures high-precision grinding machines for grinding cylindrical surfaces, sells its products to the Russian Unimatik, which helps to produce guns for tanks.

Lithuania.

Baltic Machinery from Riga used to supply Unimatik with O-rings, couplings and other goods. However, the company has now been liquidated.

Latvia.

According to the article, the local UAB Elfanta supplies Unimatik with washers and plugs for lathes.

Austria.

According to analysts, the local EMCO GmbH is one of Unimatic's main suppliers.

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Finland.

Meconet OY was selling copper tape and parts of semiconductor devices for JSC TD Proton-Electroteks, which works with Rostec, Almaz-Antey, and Tactical Missile Arms.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, meanwhile, Russia intends to buy about 1.2 billion chicken eggs from Turkey and Iran. The reason is that the production of the product in Russia itself has fallen, and its cost has increased.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Members of the Verkhovna Rada have passed a bill on the legalization of medical cannabis by a majority vote, allowing the use of cannabis-based medicines, their production and research. The law will come into force six months after its publication.

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In the second reading, 248 MPs voted in favor of the bill No. 7457. MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak said that the vote for the legalization of medical cannabis was "on the verge."

"For clarity, the votes dropped to 227 on the amendments... It was on the verge," he wrote on his Telegram channel and added that the law would come into effect approximately in the second half of 2024.

What does the law on medical cannabis legalization provide for?

The adopted draft law regulates the circulation of cannabis only in medical, industrial, and scientific activities. The distribution of marijuana for recreational use will remain prohibited.

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According to the draft law, the production of medicines based on medical cannabis will be strictly controlled at all stages. Only legal entities that obtain a license and a GMP certificate will be able to grow it.

The cultivation process will take place under round-the-clock video surveillance with access for the National Police. Each plant will be individually coded to track the movement of plants to the patient.

Medical cannabis-based medicines will be available only by electronic prescription. The doctor will prescribe it according to the patient's condition, as is currently the case with morphine.

On December 20, Maria Mezentseva, MP, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration with the EU, Head of the Ukrainian delegation to PACE, said that more than 70% of Ukrainians support the legalization of medical cannabis for medicinal purposes.

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According to her, there are currently more than 6 million patients with various diagnoses who need such medicines. These include seriously ill patients, cancer patients, civilians with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and wounded soldiers.

According to the new law, the National Police and the State Agency on Medicines will oversee the licenses and circulation of medical cannabis.

"We have taken into account many of the fundamental points emphasized by our colleagues. But now it is very important not to trust the fakes that are spreading on social media. The draft law on medical cannabis is aimed exclusively at treating Ukrainians who really need it. Medicines only by prescription, only medicinal products and modern production in Ukraine to avoid all possible corruption risks," the press service of the Verkhovna Rada quoted Mezentseva as saying.

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The MP added that common sense should prevail in the issue of medical cannabis circulation, as it affects the health of Ukrainians and the country's defenders.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, earlier Olga Stefanishyna, a member of the parliament and one of the authors of the bill, said that cannabis would be grown only in special greenhouses, where each bush would be marked with a unique barcode.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the terrorist country Russia has launched thousands of missiles. The enemy has been hitting civilians, civilian and critical infrastructure with cruise and ballistic missiles.

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In addition, Russian terrorists continue to actively attack with kamikaze drones. Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said this on Hromadske Radio.

According to him, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has used 7,400 missiles of various types in Ukraine. Ihnat noted that about 1600 missiles were destroyed by the air defense forces.

Ihnat also clarified that the number of 7400 includes, in particular, S-300 and S-400 missiles, which account for about a third of the total number. The number also includes X-22 missiles.

The spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force emphasized that Russian troops have fired about 900 Iskander-M ballistic missiles at Ukraine.

As for kamikaze attack drones, Russian terrorists began using them against Ukraine on a massive scale in September 2022. In more than a year, the enemy has attacked our country with 3700 UAVs. The air defense forces destroyed about 2900 drones.

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Earlier, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that Russian shelling was more intense in the summer than throughout the fall.

As a reminder, the enemy currently has almost 1,000 high-precision long-range missiles. Moreover, Russia continues to produce them.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Russian occupation army has not been using Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles to fire at Ukraine for a long time. Putin's terrorists are probably trying to accumulate high-precision missile weapons.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Kris Bowers grew up in Los Angeles, just a few minutes away from The World Stage performance space, and immersed in jazz. Music, he knew, was always his path.

I told them (my parents) when I was 12, I want to go to school for jazz and tour as a jazz artist and then transition into film scoring, the pianist-turned-composer says. I never had a moment where I thought, Oh, maybe Ill do something else. I was always like, Oh, thats the path. And like, yeah, Ill try to figure out how to make it happen.

Scarcely two decades after that preteen declaration, the 34-year-old is an Emmy- and Grammy-nominated composer whose resume could fill pages. He's created moving compositions for prominent filmmakers, including Ava DuVernay and Justin Simien, and Oscar-winning films like King Richard and Green Book.

This year alone, Bowers has scored Marvel's Secret Invasion series, Chevalier and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (he's a veteran of Shonda Rhimes projects ), earning him a spot among The Associated Press' Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023.

Having been nominated once for an Oscar  as a filmmaker, for his short documentary, A Concerto is a Conversation  his scores for Blitz Bazawule's The Color Purple and DuVernay's Origin could land him once again at the Academy Awards in March.

Bowers is grateful to the filmmakers who he says have allowed him to explore different styles and genres.

As a Black composer, I feel like, you know, before those people gave me opportunities, I always had these roadblocks of typecasting. If I wanted to do a certain kind of film, it was hard to get considered for it," he says, remembering how easy it was for others to only consider him if they needed a hip-hop score.

Now, his close working relationships with artists like DuVernay allow him the freedom to experiment with various blends of sound. His scores ebb and flow seamlessly, from the upbeat, drum-filled tempos of Space Jam: A New Legacy to the quirky reimagining of The Haunted Mansion to the heart-wrenching soundtrack of When They See Us.

I feel like that type of trust and belief is really what has helped me kind of build my career, he says.

Bowers looked to collaborators and mentors to guide him through navigating Hollywood. His mentality when it comes to composing was inspired by one of those high-profile collaborators: the late Kobe Bryant, with whom he worked on the 2015 documentary, Kobe Bryant's Muse.

I feel like a lot of my mentality is inspired by him and also like my mentality when it comes to composing was directly inspired by him in that project, Bowers says.

Throughout his early days of film scoring, Bowers says he felt imposter syndrome, but made it a point to tackle challenging projects.

What could be seen as confidence was really me being like, I dont know how to do it, but Ill figure it out, he says. I feel like the daily process is always trying to figure out the voice inside thats telling me that I dont belong or shouldnt be here.

The recurring imposter syndrome was central to Bowers 2021 Oscar-nominated short, which he co-directed, composed, and co-starred in alongside his grandfather, telling his familys story from the American South to Los Angeles.

I kept asking him questions to try to get him to acknowledge that feeling, Bowers says of his grandfather. At some point, he was like, Why would I doubt myself? Why would I generate those thoughts in my own head? Theres already doubt out here that Im dealing with like, why would I double down and do that internally?

Bowers still remembers one of the first standout moments of his career, one that assuaged some of his early self-doubt. He was selected to perform two songs in front of then-President Barack Obama at the White House, alongside a group of musical icons.

To be able to invite my dad to that space to see me be a part of a show like that, I think, was one moment that definitely stands out for me as feeling a little bit more confident or comfortable in this feeling of having a secure position in an industry, he recalls.

As Bowers continues his rise in the industry, his I made it moments and sense of security no longer revolve around public recognition. As a husband and the father of a baby girl, Bowers is more concerned with impressing and providing for the two people he holds dear.

Now its so much more driven by wanting to make my daughter proud, like in the future when she looks back on my career to have some sort of sense of pride in who her dad is or like how her dad decided to work, same with my wife, just making sure that they feel taken care of, he says.
Birds take flight at a new national traveling exhibit in the south suburbs.

Birds in Art, first displayed at a Wisconsin museum, opens on Jan. 2 at the Forest Preserve District of Will Countys Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township.

Paintings, sculptures and graphics by artists from around the globe will be displayed at the Plum Creek Nature Center at 27064 Dutton Road in Beecher.

Jessica Prince, facility supervisor at Plum Creek said it was a big get for Plum Creek to host a prestigious exhibit from the world-renowned Wausau, Wis.-based Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, which is known for its Birds in Art exhibitions, which change out every fall.

"Thirty-three artists reside internationally, representing 12 different countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Scotland, Spain and Sweden," she said. "The exhibition also showcases work from 11 artists residing in Wisconsin," said Bryce Cebula, the museum's marketing and communications manager.

The museum's traveling "Birds in Art" exhibit consists of 60 works of art and is making its first stop at Plum Creek. Exhibits attract new audiences, and they keep things exciting, new and fresh for our return audiences. Visitors will get inspiration, and an appreciation for diverse art by viewing these beautiful bird-themed creations.

It will feature different mediums including watercolor, oil, acrylic, sculpture, drawings, textile art, cut paper, serigraphy, woodcut, linocut and etching. It will include work from Chicago artist Doug Stapleton.

The hope is to shed light on birds and conservation efforts.

"Art can connect us to the natural world in a way that photographs cannot. The expression of the artist can illustrate the less tangible emotional impact that birds have on us as humans," said Shannon Peuschner, curator of exhibitions at the Woodson museum.

The exhibit runs through Feb. 25.

The Plum Creek Nature Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.
The Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City will host its First Friday Open Mic Night on Friday, Jan. 5.

The open mic night will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts at 101 W. 2nd St. between the lakefront and downtown Michigan City.

Open mic night is one of my favorite First Friday events," Executive Director Janet Bloch said. "The talent out there is pretty amazing. It encourages people to be brave and share their creativity. And I love our supportive audience.

The free event includes light refreshments, a cash bar and a variety of performances. Musicians, poets, stand-up comics and spoken word artists from the community can take the stage.

It will be hosted by emcee Tim Rounds.

First Friday attendees can check out the "Abstraction + Love" exhibit.

"This exhibition provides a glimpse of where several, mostly Midwestern, contemporary artists have taken abstraction in the 21st century," the Lubeznik Center for the Arts said in a press release. "From the works of Bernard Williams and Sarah Krepp, which are more solidly rooted in historic forms, to the quirky experimental works by Edwin P. Shelton and Roland Santana, to the expressive, humorous animation of Selina Trepp and colorful, unruly inflatables by Claire Ashley, each artist has developed a personal artistic language using varied art-making materials, experimentation, upbeat optimism and a big dose of love."

People can also see an exhibit by the Social and Learning Institute and Paladin in the NIPSCO Art Education Studios. "Creative Communities," which is on display through Jan. 26, shows artworks created by artists with cognitive disabilities in classes at the Lubeznik.

Support from the Duneland Health Council, Inc. and Horizon Cares makes this program possible.

For more information, visit lubeznikcenter.org.
Three Region trail projects are among 14 to receive state funding in the latest round of grants in the Next Level Trails program.

Governor Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Bortner announced the grants, including one each for the towns of LaCrosse, Burns Harbor and Porter, Wednesday afternoon in LaCrosse.

Fourteen communities will receive a combined $31.2 million for 28 miles of new trail as a part of the fourth round of the Next Level Trails program. Of that, LaCrosse will receive $2.1 million for 3.1 miles of of the Grand Kankakee Marsh Trail, Burns Harbor will receive $5 million for 0.82 miles of the Marquette Greenway, and Porter will receive $2.1 million for 1.04 miles of the Marquette Greenway.

Across the state, trails are making connections  bringing people and communities together in ways weve never seen before, Holcomb said. The Next Level Trails program has elevated those connections with record trail funding and palpable energy. Through $180 million across four rounds, were funding important infrastructure that is making an impact now and will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Grant projects included extensions to the Poka-Bache Trail in Steuben County and local projects in Evansville, Oldenburg, Yorktown and Santa Claus.

Through Next Level Trails and its $180 million in grants, Indiana continues making history, said Dan Bortner, DNR director. Never before in our state have so many Hoosiers come together with the shared mission of connecting communities. Over the last five years, that shared mission, historic funding, and Gov. Holcombs steadfast commitment have created a tangible impact in the form of nearly 100 miles of new trail open in all corners of our state and more soon to come.

The fourth-round grant recipients are contributing $15.5 million in matching value, resulting in a $46.7 million total investment in trails. The program requires a minimum 20% project match.

NLT objectives and more information on the grants program is at on.IN.gov/nextleveltrails.

Specifics of the three Northwest Indiana grants are:

Grand Kankakee Marsh Trail, Town of LaCrosse

Grant amount: $2.1 million

Total project cost: $2.7 million

Description: A 3.1-mile multi-use trail from the public library in LaCrosse to County Road 2200 South along a former railroad corridor. The project is part of the Great American Rail Trail, a proposed trail route from Washington, D.C. to Washington state. Partners on the project include LaPorte County and the Health Foundation of LaPorte. Future plans include extending the trail south to North Judson and the existing 11-mile Erie Trail.

Marquette Greenway, Town of Burns Harbor

Grant amount: $5 million

Total project cost: $7.5 million

Description: Adds 0.82 miles of paved multi-use trail along the Marquette Greenway from the existing Marquette Greenway east of Indiana 149 traversing along the Little Calumet River, beneath an active railroad line and toward the town of Porter. Construction of this segment will require extensive retaining wall and boardwalk. The Marquette Greenway is a proposed 50-mile trail corridor that will connect Chicago and New Buffalo, Michigan.

Marquette Greenway, Town of Porter

Grant amount: $2.1 million

Total project cost: $2.6 million

Description: A 1.04-mile paved multi-use trail connecting Burns Harbors Marquette Greenway segment to the Porter Brickyard Trail at Howe Road. The Porter Brickyard Trail extends east to Indiana 49, the Calumet Trail and Indiana Dunes National Park.
The United States has information that North Korea has transferred more than a thousand containers of artillery shells to the aggressor state of Russia for use in the war against Ukraine. This information is confirmed by satellite images.

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This statement was made on Wednesday, December 20, at a briefing in Washington by US Ambassador to NATO Julian Smith, Ukrinform reports. According to her, the supply of ammunition took place recently.

"According to our data, the DPRK has transferred more than a thousand containers of military equipment and ammunition to Russia," Smith said.

According to the U.S. representative, satellite footage showed the movement of these containers on cargo ships from North Korea to Russia.

Washington strongly condemns Pyongyang for helping Moscow with weapons that will undoubtedly be used by the Russians against the Ukrainian people, to shell cities and wage an illegal war, she said.

Smith also said that the United States believes that the DPRK is seeking to obtain certain military technologies from Russia in exchange for ammunition. Pyongyang's "wish list" may include surface-to-air missiles, fighter jets, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, and other weapons.

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According to Bloomberg, since August 2023, the DPRK has sent more than a million artillery shells to Russia, which the aggressor needs to continue the war in Ukraine. Several North Korean instructors were also sent to the Russian occupiers to teach them how to use these warheads.

To transport ammunition from the DPRK, the Russian army uses the Danube port near Vladivostok.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby emphasized that the governments of the Russian Federation, China, and North Korea are deepening cooperation and ties with each other. This is happening against the backdrop of these states' dissatisfaction with the current world order.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
MICHIGAN CITY  The city council is attempting to keep the U.S. Coast Guard station in the lakefront community open around the clock all year long.

The council Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution asking federal lawmakers representing the area to try and have its decision to reduce staffing reversed. According to the resolution, the U.S. Coast Guard station has been operating year-round 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1888.

Its definitely something critical for our lakefront with the amount of tourists we have annually and just the amount of people that frequent that lakefront, said Council President Sean Fitzpatrick.

It adds to the safety and security of our community, said Councilman Vidya Kora.

The resolution announcing the councils opposition to the plans will be submitted to U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, and U.S. Senators Mike Braun and Todd Young, both Republicans of Indiana.

Currently, the plan is to fully staff and equip the U.S. Coast Guard station on weekends during the summer when use of Lake Michigan is greatest, said Phil Gurtler, a public affairs officer at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Cleveland. He said whether it would be open from Friday through Sunday or strictly two days on weekends has not been decided.

Gurtler said a manpower shortage nationwide is forcing the decision to downsize a select number of U.S. Coast Guard stations across the country to restore staffing and other resources to levels they should be in areas where service calls are highest.

We are going to reallocate some of the personnel and assets, he said.

On average, Gurtler said, staffing at all locations is down by about 10% from what the Coast Guard feels a station should have to be optimally manned.

He said the numbers reflect the growing challenge of recruiting people into the military over the past few years.

Its been a continuous issue. Its just kind of reaching a point now where some decisions have to be made, he said.

The Michigan City station averages about 125 search and rescue calls a year, according to figures provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. The primary coverage area of the station includes a stretch of the Northwest Indiana shoreline and east into Michigan, including Grand Beach and New Buffalo.

Gurtler said service calls when the station is not open will come from either the Coast Guard locations at Calumet Harbor near Chicago or St. Joseph, Michigan. Whichever site is closest to the emergency will provide the response.

He said local first responders with access to boats, helicopters and other water rescue gear will be relied on to handle calls until the U.S. Coast Guard can get there in a boat or by air.

Already, Gurtler said, police and firefighters begin rescue attempts if theyre the first ones to arrive.

Its kind of a coin flip sometimes to see if we get on scene first, he said.

The U.S. Coast Guard helicopters serving the southern end of Lake Michigan are stationed in Traverse City and Detroit.

Councilman Don Przybylinski expressed concerns about longer response times in a city that has a lot of boaters using the lake to fish in the spring, summer and fall, and for recreation primarily during the summer.

He said the decision would be like police and fire departments becoming part-time.

To me, this is a very serious situation, he said.

LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jack Arnett is also involved in the effort to keep the U.S. Coast guard station open every minute of every day.

He said securing federal grants for dredging Trail Creek leading to and from Lake Michigan is difficult enough, but could become harder without a full time U.S. Coast Guard station to help lend credibility to funding requests.

Its a huge deal. We've got to put the full court press on to get elected officials to understand that, Arnett said.

Gurtler said he doesnt argue that U.S. Coast Guard response times in the Michigan City area would suffer.

However, Gurtler said, a U.S. Coast Guard boat from Chicago or St. Joseph can still be there within the two hour timeframe mandated by Congress for coverage areas.

I can say with certainty if the Coast Guard wasnt confident we could meet all of the requirements and, frankly, keep the public safe, we wouldnt be selecting these particular spots, he said.
Climate activists are raising concerns about Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel and whether it will slow the steel industry's decarbonization.

Both Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have been pursuing climate reduction goals, including by shifting more production away from coal-fed blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces.

Nippon Steel operates 10 blast furnaces in Japan and will gain eight blast furnaces from U.S. Steel, including six in the United States. Blast furnaces are fueled with coke, a purified form of coal, and are considered to be one of the major sources of carbon emissions worldwide.

The Hague, Netherlands-based SteelWatch, an international group dedicated to the decarbonization of the steel industry, expressed concerns that "Nippon Steel has no plans to end their coal-based blast furnace production."

SteelWatch said the Japanese steelmaker plans to be running blast furnaces in 2050 at which point new technology would cut emissions by an estimated 50% at most. In the meantime, it will continue to emit carbon in an uncontrolled fashion until new technologies are implemented starting in the 2040s.

The group said the company's carbon emissions of two tons of carbon per ton of steel would be in line with 2.4 degrees of global warming for decades.

Within Japan, Nippon Steel portray themselves as an industry leader and innovator, even on decarbonization. The reality is so very different. They are doubling down on coal-based blast furnaces production and have shoddy inadequate targets for 2050, said Caroline Ashley, director of SteelWatch. It will set back global decarbonization if they export this coal-addiction and backwards-facing mindset to their new U.S. operations.

SteelWatch said Nippon Steel has blocked climate policies like carbon pricing in Japan, has not developed a timeline for using cleaner direct reduced iron and has not looked at using green hydrogen in conjunction with direct reduced iron.

Nippon Steel said in a news release it will have reduced carbon emissions by 30% as compared to 2013. SteelWatch said that's largely the result of the steelmaker shuttering blast furnaces because of declines in demand.
VALPARAISO  A 38-year-old Chesterton man pleaded guilty this week to molesting a 12-year-old family member and in return was given a cap of 10 years on his potential prison sentence, records show.

Brian Hill had faced multiple charges including child molesting, incest and vicarious sexual gratification, but all but one count was dropped as part of the proposed plea agreement before Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish.

The plea also calls for Hill to take part in a sex offender evaluation and treatment, and to register as a sex offender and comply with those restrictions.

Fish scheduled a hearing for Jan. 22 to decide whether to accept the proposal and carry out sentencing.

In the case, which was filed in April 2021, a 12-year-old girl told police that she was unsure at first what Hill meant when he asked her to "help him with something."

Affair with married man said to be behind Porter County shooting, police say The woman "stated Rebecca then pointed the handgun in her direction towards the vehicle and fired a couple more shots towards her as she was attempting to back up," Chesterton police said.

What followed was four weekly incidents of sexual abuse beginning near the start of the school year in 2019, according to charging information.

"Brian then told her not to tell anyone or he would go to jail for a long time," according to a police description of the first incident of the alleged abuse.

The first incident occurred in a garage, and Hill then asked again a week later "if she could help him with something," court records state. The girl "knew what that meant since he had asked her this way before."

Region boy struck in roadway; police seeking tips Police know the identity of the driver, but ask that anyone with information about the crash contact Traffic Division Commander Cpl. Brian Wright at 219-874-3221, extension 1008.

Hill is accused of attempting to carry out more advanced sex acts on the girl during the second incident.

Hill told officers about moving out of the home where he had been staying during the period in question and then living in his van, police said.
CROWN POINT  Prosecutors secured murder charges for the killing of Rafeial Traywick last December on the 600 block of Burr Street in Gary, court documents show.

Laron Major is accused of shooting Traywick eight times, court records allege.

Major, of Gary, was charged with two counts of murder, robbery, armed robbery and unlawful carrying of a handgun. He was taken into custody Wednesday and is currently being held at Lake County Jail without bail, according to the prosecutor's office.

Gary police responded to a shots fired call on Dec. 20, 2022, discovering Traywick dead in the driver's seat of a Dodge Durango parked on Burr Street. Traywick's death was confirmed a homicide, documents state.

Officers found spent shell casings inside and outside of the vehicle, with no exterior damage. A detective observed a visible finger and hand print on the passenger side door of the Durango, a probable-cause affidavit said.

"The evidence appears as though Rafeial Traywick was shot by an individual positioned at the front passenger side of the vehicle, and most likely through an open passenger door due to the absence of exterior bullet damage, and given that the windows were rolled up," court records state.

An AFIX Tracker system for fingerprints was recognized as a match for Major, from a prior fingerprint card from the Lake County Jail. Traywick's recovered cell phone revealed he was texting a number that was later determined to be Major leading up to his death, documents said. Text messages showed Traywick intended to sell Major numerous ounces of marijuana.

During the investigation, detectives recovered a backpack from the passenger seat containing marijuana. Records say the backpack was located unzipped and upside down as it had been rummaged through.

Investigators learned Major was incarcerated at Lake County for an unrelated charge in January and made a phone call to his nephew where he expressed interest in having him sell his "Glizzy," which can refer to a handgun capable of firing 9mm rounds  which would match the spent bullets and casings found at the crime scene, documents state.

Major identified himself by his own admission during an interview with police, records allege. Major's statements appeared inconsistent with evidence. He denied ever possessing a firearm and denied seeing a backpack in the Durango. He later admitted to seeing the backpack.

"He denied referring to a firearm as a 'Glizzy' and claimed he thought a 'Glizzy' was a hot dog," a probable-cause affidavit states.

Investigators determined his notion to have his nephew sell his "hot dog" was unrealistic. Lake County online court dockets revealed Major has had pending felony charges of robbery resulting in bodily injury, which would have prohibited him from carrying a handgun.

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VALPARAISO  The 22-year-old woman accused of firing several rounds at a driver in Chesterton last week allegedly had had "relations" with the husband of her intended target, according to a court document.

The purported victim in the case told police following the Dec. 11 shooting that the accused, Rebecca Blake, of Michigan City, had "relations" with her husband at the beginning of this year.

The target of the shooting also said she has had "issues" with Blake in the past, according to police.

Blake appeared Thursday morning before Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish, who set bond at $3,000 cash and ordered that if Blake is released, she take part in pretrial supervision.

The judge further ordered Blake to have no further contact with the purported victim in the case and appointed her the services of a public defender.

Blake, who remained behind bars at the Porter County Jail as of Thursday morning, is charged with felony counts of attempted aggravated battery, criminal recklessness, intimidation and pointing a firearm.

Region boy struck in roadway; police seeking tips Police know the identity of the driver, but ask that anyone with information about the crash contact Traffic Division Commander Cpl. Brian Wright at 219-874-3221, extension 1008.

The alleged victim reportedly told police that as she left her house late on Dec. 11, she noticed a running vehicle parked next door that began to follow her. She was able to lose the vehicle and then wound up behind it at which time the driver, identified by her as Blake, allegedly rolled down her window, stuck out an arm and fired a couple shots into the air from a handgun, police said.

The woman "stated Rebecca then pointed the handgun in her direction towards the vehicle and fired a couple more shots towards her as she was attempting to back up," Chesterton police said. The woman "reported Rebecca yelled, 'I'll (expletive) kill you, (expletive).'"

While Blake fled the site before police arrived, officers found shell casings from the gun in the area of East Morgan Avenue and Jeffrey Street. A license plate detection system also placed Blake's vehicle in the area around 11:35 p.m. and then in Indianapolis a few hours later around 2 a.m.

Portage Walmart shopper nabbed with $1,600 in stolen merchandise and meth, cops say Jail officials then found a nasal spray bottle that Miller said she had used to spray the drug into her nose, police said.

The purported victim identified Blake from a photo lineup as the shooter and video surveillance from an area home captured the two vehicles in question, as well as screaming and the sound of five gunshots, police said.

A state trooper and Michigan City police located Blake Friday in Michigan City and said she was carrying a .40-caliber handgun that contained bullets matching those from the Chesterton shooting.

Blake reportedly told police she was in Indianapolis on the day of the shooting, but could not provide a time that she arrived. When questioned about being in Chesterton, she asked for an attorney and the police interview ended, police said.
EAST CHICAGO  A celebration was held at Carrie Gosch Early Learning Center Wednesday to commemorate the preschool's new Paths to QUALITY designation and unveil its remodeled library.

Paths to QUALITY is Indiana's ratings system for child care facilities.

Last month, Carrie Gosch was upgraded to a Level 3 rating, which demonstrates the school has implemented a planned curriculum for students, and the staff has undergone at least 20 hours of professional development.

Parents were given a tour of new additions to the building, such as the "parent cafe" where they can meet with community partners, and Josey's Place, which has free clothing for students and residents in need.

Following the tour, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the upgraded library. The modernized space now has smaller furniture better suiter for the younger students, as well as sensory features to meet the needs of kids with special needs.

Principal Daria Rancifer said the new rating and upgrades signifies a change for the better at the preschool.

"I hope parents will see that Carrie Gosch has been a transformed school," Rancifer said.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Tuesday night's School City of Hammond Board of Trustees meeting was abruptly cut short as a board member attempted to ask for the superintendent's resignation, and a packed audience of parents and teachers expressed their frustrations with the district's administration.

Hammond schools CFO Eric Kurtz provided the school board with the district's monthly financial report. It was noted that without temporary loans, the education and operating referendum had low cash balances and the operation fund was nearly 18% over budget and had a negative balance of nearly $3.3 million.

Kurtz also asked the board to allow him to seek a delay in repaying $6 million in this year's tax anticipation warrants, or temporary loans taken out by local governments in anticipation of future tax revenue, to maintain cash liquidity for the first few months of next year. He told the board while it wasn't good fiscal practice, he was concerned next year's TAWs wouldn't be enough to pay for their expenditures.

It was noted that it wasn't a certainty the delay in repayment would be granted by their lender.

The school board unanimously approved Kurtz's request.

The board also approved $10 million in TAWs for 2024 with an interest amount of $532,076.50. The full amount of the loan plus interest will have to be repaid by the end of next year.

During the public expression period, several Hammond teachers accused the school district's administration of bad faith bargaining during their contract negotiations by holding back proposals during their initial discussions in addition to reneging on previous tentative agreements. Some teachers also expressed they had lost confidence in the administration.

Hammond schools and the Hammond Teachers Federation have been at a deadlock in contract negotiations after both sides failed to reach an agreement by the state's deadline of Nov. 15.

Teachers have previously expressed frustrations over the lack of salary increases, larger class sizes and reduction in planning periods.

Several teachers and parents from Franklin Elementary School also spoke in support of keeping the school open, given rumors the district is considering closing down the school as part of its consolidation efforts.

They noted Franklin is the last public school open in the Robertsdale neighborhood following the closure of Clark High School, and it would add to further hardships for kids in the northern Hammond area since the school board voted at its previous meeting to give notice of its intent to eliminate bus transportation services in three years.

Several educators from Franklin wore orange t-shirts in support of the school.

School closures are currently being considered as part of Hammond Schools' efforts to adjust its spending following last month's defeat of its operating referendum. According to Superintendent Scott Miller, all schools are being considered as part of its consolidation talks.

A couple of residents also expressed their concerns about the incident at Eggers Middle School earlier this week where a school resource officer's gun was fired inside the building when a student attempted to grab the officer's weapon.

Following the public comments, Trustee Carlotta Blake-King asked to be acknowledged by board President Lisa Miller, who refused to do so. Blake-King continued until the board president called for a brief recess. After the break, Lisa Miller adjourned the meeting. Blake-King then said out loud she was planning to ask for Superintendent Miller to resign.

Blake-King told The Times she will be asking for the superintendent's resignation at school board meetings moving forward.

The next Hammond School Board meeting is Jan. 9.

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GARY  Two Region city councilman are interested in Mayor-elect Eddie Melton's state senate seat.

Melton resigned from his District 3 senate on Dec. 5, with one year remaining on his second term, to prepare to take over the Gary mayor's office on Jan. 1. Melton's successor will be selected during a Jan. 3 caucus in Merrillville.

The replacement senator chosen at the caucus will be expected to almost immediately head to Indianapolis to participate in the 9-week session of the Indiana General Assembly that begins Jan. 8.

Melton has endorsed at-large Gary Common Councilman Mark Spencer to replace him. Spencer, a longtime educator, secured one of the city's three at-large council seats during the Nov. 7 general election. Spencer joined the Gary Common Council before the usual Jan. 1 start date because he was caucused in to replace Lori Latham, an at-large councilwoman who was caucused in to represent Gary's 1st District. The political switch-around was prompted by former District One Democratic Representative William Godwin resigning from the council after being selected for a White House Fellowship.

Latham had already won the 1st District seat during the May primary and ran unopposed during the November general election.

Spencer said he is "proud" to be on the Gary Common Council.

"But with the Melton Administration asking me to serve (in the state senate) I have to consider it," Spencer added.

Hobart City Councilman Dave Vinzant, D-4, has also thrown his hat in the ring. The longtime councilman officially declared candidacy Wednesday morning. Vinzant previously ran for the 3rd District senate seat in 2012. He competed against incumbent Earline Rogers and current at-large Gary Common Councilman Darren Washington; Rogers won.

During that 2012 election, Vinzant said he learned a lot about the 3rd District, which includes parts of Gary, Lake Station, New Chicago, Hobart and Merrillville.

"My experience the last 16 years with city government puts me in a position to really deal with the issues that impact those five communities," Vinzant said his focus will be on ensuring the municipalities in his district get the state funding they need.

"The cost of government is going through the roof," Vinzant said a lot of communities are struggling to pay for essential services.

Vinzant has an educational background in finance, but primarily worked in software development. He started Vinzant Software in 1988 and retired from the business in 2022. His introduction to government came when he was appointed to the Hobart Plan Commission. He joined the City Council as a 4th District representative in 2007 and has served as council president, as secretary and vice president of the Plan Commission, as a board member of the Hobart Chamber of Commerce and as president of the School City of Hobart Educational Foundation. He opted not to run for a fourth City Council term this year; Democrat Lisa Winstead will fill his council seat in January.

Spencer currently serves as the fine-arts director for the Gary Community School Corp. and helped found the West Side Theater Guild 26 years ago. In 2019, after Melton announced his bid for Indiana governor, Spencer considered a run for the Democratic nomination in House District 3. At the time, incumbent Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, planned on running for Meltons seat in the state senate. However, when Melton dropped out of the gubernatorial race, Hatcher filed for reelection and Spencer opted not to run.

If selected in the caucus, Spencer said he will focus on investing in education and public health. He also wants to continue the work Melton did pushing for a Lake County convention center.

Candidates interested in participating in the Jan. 3 caucus must fill out the required paperwork at Lake County Democratic Party Chair Jim Wieser's office, located at 429 West Lincoln Highway in Schererville, by 6 p.m. on Dec. 31.

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The Circle Centre Mall, one of Indiana's highest-profile malls, will undergo a major transformation under new ownership.

Indianapolis-based Simon Properties, which runs the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlet Mall in Michigan City, originally developed the mall in downtown Indianapolis three decades ago, converting existing buildings like the former L.S. Ayres department store into an indoor shopping mall as part of a redevelopment bid that was common during that era. The mall since has lost many longtime anchors, including Nordstrom and the defunct Carson Pirie Scott department store, as traditional brick-and-mortar retail has reeled in an era of one-click shopping.

The current mall owner, Circle Centre Development Co., a partnership of 17 investors that bought out Simon's remaining stake in 2021, is selling the mall in downtown Indianapolis for an undisclosed sum to Hendricks Commercial Properties, a Wisconsin-based firm that transformed a historic Coca-Cola bottling plant into the Bottleworks District off Mass Ave in downtown Indianapolis and Ironworks at Keystone on the city's northeast side.

The responsible and strategic redevelopment of Circle Centre will have a profound impact on downtown Indianapolis and both residents and visitors who travel here each year," said Adam Collins, partner at Wallack, Somers & Haas and legal counsel to the Circle Center Development Corp., in a news release. "Hendricks Commercial Properties is the best caretaker and redevelopment partner we could have wished for. Their track record of stewardship and transforming public spaces in Indiana is unparalleled, and their vision will be critical in reimagining Circle Centre, one of our states crown jewels.

The state is backing the redevelopment project.

As Indiana continues to recruit and retain future-focused businesses looking to grow statewide, it is critical for assets like Circle Centre to reflect the needs of the economy of the future. This property can and should continue to be transformative for our state, and by working with our partners at the City of Indianapolis and a trusted developer like Hendricks Commercial Properties, we will ensure that legacy continues for many years to come," Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg said in a news release.

The urban mall, which is home to tenants like Harry & Izzy, Punch Bowl Social, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, P.F. Chang's and the Indianapolis Star newsroom, will undergo an overhaul.

Thirty years ago, Circle Centre Mall defined Downtown Indianapolis as we know it to be. With more than $9 billion already in the development pipeline, weve created a downtown that innovative businesses want to invest in. The opportunity to reimagine Circle Centre, which sits on more than two city blocks at the heart of our community, represents a monumental transformation, and continues our commitment to strengthening the economic and cultural core of our state. This visionary partnership between Hendricks, IEDC, and the City secures the future of the largest asset in downtown for the next era," Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a news release.

The new owner has done some high-profile redevelopment projects and won an Indiana Landmarks award for turning the Art Deco bottling plant into the thriving Bottleworks District that includes a hotel, food hall, movie theater and night life.

The IEDC convened all parties over a year ago, and we appreciate the leadership and vision of Governor Holcomb, the IEDC, and the City of Indianapolis. We are humbled to have been selected for such an incredible opportunity," Hendricks President and CEO Rob Gerbitz said in a news release. "At Hendricks, we live by our Ultimate Objective: We make an Impact on communities by Stimulating Growth, Creating Jobs, and Honoring History. With Ironworks Keystone, Bottleworks District, and now Circle Centre, our team could not be more grateful for the opportunities we have been given to create uniquely designed and constructed spaces in Indiana, and we do not take that privilege lightly or for granted. We look forward to executing a shared vision of the new Circle Centre that will represent the place Indiana has become and is striving to be in the coming decades.
The alarm and panic with which some elected officials have reacted to the pending purchase of U.S. Steel by Japan-based Nippon Steel isn't shared by the governor of Indiana.

In an exclusive interview with The Times, Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb said Wednesday he's closely monitoring the impact of the $14.1 billion acquisition on the thousands of U.S. Steel workers and the company's numerous production facilities in Northwest Indiana.

"Obviously, the contract is paramount and how the workers are taken care of," Holcomb said. "As I understand it, just a few days later, there are conditions that have been built into this contract that are taking care of, and respecting, Hoosier workers  rightfully."

But the governor also said foreign direct investment in the Hoosier State is nothing new and Japanese companies have invested more per capita in Indiana than any other American state, including auto manufacturing plants for Honda, Subaru and Toyota.

"We live in an internationally connected world," Holcomb said. "To see an iconic company like U.S. Steel decide to now sell to a foreign direct investor that's going to do business in the state of Indiana, well then I want to make sure they're growing in the state of Indiana and not moving operations somewhere else  including another state, not just another country."

According to the Indiana Economic Development Corp., more than 300 Japanese businesses operating in Indiana employ more than 55,000 Hoosier workers across the state.

Holcomb is confident Nippon Steel quickly will realize, as other companies have, that the strength and quality of the Hoosier workforce makes Indiana a superb place for businesses like U.S. Steel to grow and thrive.

"What I do know is I want steel to be made and processed in the state of Indiana, and we're doing about 28% of the nation's production  No. 1 state in the country  and I want that to continue," Holcomb said.

The governor explained that attracting foreign investment to Indiana is part of his comprehensive strategy to develop a manufacturing ecosystem where a company, such as an electric vehicle or microchip manufacturer, can acquire all of its component parts nearby.

"Obviously this decision isn't based on any one site. This is a more global decision that U.S. Steel came to, and this was always one of those options that was in play," Holcomb said. "But when you look at the influence of foreign direct investment on the state of Indiana's bottom-line gross domestic product  it's critically important."

Especially when it comes to Japan, the governor said he's pleased his predecessors, going back decades, have consistently engaged with Japanese business and government leaders on the benefits of investing in the Hoosier State.

He noted Indiana and Japan also have a track record of longstanding, mutually beneficial business and personal connections, ranging from Indiana-based subsidiaries of Japanese companies to sister-state and sister-city links between communities in Indiana and Japan.

"I'm very grateful for the long-standing, deep-rooted relationship we have with the nation of Japan," Holcomb said. "They're simply one of the best partners we have in the world and very important to the future of the state of Indiana."

PHOTOS: Holcomb visits Valparaiso High School to celebrate its football state championship Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School
On December 21, 2023, at 12:00, the Russian army carried out two air strikes on the city of Toretsk. The occupiers' attack killed three people and wounded five others.

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This information was released by the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office. An investigation has been launched into the murder. Law enforcement is also currently establishing the type of munitions used by the invaders.

The occupiers attacked civilian infrastructure facilities, which resulted in the deaths of three men aged 41, 42 and 45 from their injuries. Five other employees of two enterprises sustained injuries of varying severity. The victims, aged 33 to 54, were hospitalized for medical care.

Prosecutors are taking all possible measures to document the war crimes committed by the Russian Federation against civilians.

Under the procedural supervision of the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, a pre-trial investigation was initiated in the framework of criminal proceedings on the facts of violation of the laws and norms of war (Article 438, part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

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Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko also noted that the enemy attacked Toretsk mines.

"Two bombs hit the territory of one of the mines in Toretsk. One person was killed and two others were injured. The enterprise is without electricity. There were 32 miners underground, they have been brought to the surface. Two more bombs hit the territory of another mine. Two people were killed and three were injured. The strikes damaged administrative buildings and equipment," Klymenko said.

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Earlier it was reported that Russia shelled a Ukrainian thermal power plant. On December 21, a power unit at a thermal power plant in Donetsk Oblast was shut down due to Russian shelling. At the same time, there is no shortage of electricity in the country's unified energy system, and no scheduled blackouts are applied in any region.

As a reminder, the enemy currently has almost 1,000 high-precision long-range missiles. Moreover, Russia continues to produce them.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A man involved in a brazen plot to manipulate the stock price of a New Jersey delis parent company pleaded guilty to securities fraud on Wednesday.

James T. Patten, 64, of North Carolina, admitted to orchestrating a series of misleading trades in an apparent bid to enrich himself and two co-defendants in U.S. District Court in Camden, N.J.

Mr. Patten faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million for securities fraud. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Mr. Pattens lawyer, Ira Lee Sorkin, said in an interview on Wednesday that attention on the case was exaggerated beyond any perception  that this was some $100 million fraud involving a delicatessen. He said prosecutors had made no mention of any ill-gotten gains.
The city of Boston issued a formal apology on Wednesday to two Black men who had been falsely linked to the death of Carol Stuart, a 30-year-old pregnant woman who was shot in 1989, in one of the most famous cases in the citys history that spotlighted its racial disparities.

Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett were publicly and falsely named by news outlets as suspects in the murder, but they were never formally charged.

Michelle Wu, the mayor of Boston, made the apology at a news conference, on the heels of an extensive investigation by The Boston Globe published this month and a related HBO documentary series detailing how Bostons history of racism led to the botched investigation.

We are here today to acknowledge the tremendous pain that the city of Boston inflicted on Black residents throughout our neighborhoods 34 years ago, Ms. Wu said. The mayors office, city officials and the Boston Police Department took actions that directly harmed these families and continue to impact the larger community, reopening a wound that has gone untended for decades.
The Colorado Supreme Court, which barred former President Donald J. Trump from the states primary ballot, is composed of seven justices who were all appointed by Democratic governors.

Justices on the court serve 10-year terms, and Democrats have held the governors office for the last 16 years, so all of the current justices were appointed by that party, with five appointed by one man: John Hickenlooper, who was governor from 2011 to 2019 and is now one of the states U.S. senators.

Still, the chief justice, Brian Boatright, is a Republican, while three justices are Democrats and three are listed in voter registration records as unaffiliated with a party.

And the court was not of one mind on whether Mr. Trump should appear on the ballot. The decision was 4-3, with the court ruling that the 14th Amendment forbade Mr. Trump from holding office because he had engaged in insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, when his supporters overran the Capitol. (Of the four who voted with the majority, two are registered Democrats and two are not registered with a party.)
For weeks, polls have shown President Biden trailing his likely challenger, former President Donald J. Trump. Protesters have streamed through Washington, demanding that Mr. Biden call for a cease-fire in Gaza. Groups of key voters, including young people and voters of color, have suggested that they might not support Mr. Biden in the 2024 election.

With so many troubling signals, what is a president seeking re-election to do? The answer, according to people in Mr. Bidens orbit, is to stay the course.

Several officials in the Biden campaign and the White House are adamant that unflattering polls and vocal criticism from key constituents over Gaza, immigration and other issues simply have not been enough to shift a strategy that is centered on comparing the Biden agenda with policies favored by Republicans.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations, said Mr. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris would turn up the volume on that battle cry beginning in 2024.
Justice Clarence Thomas pressed congressional lawmakers for a higher salary early in his tenure on the Supreme Court, threatening to resign and inspiring a campaign by Republican backers to meet his demands, according to a memo addressed to the chief justice in June 2000.

The memo, reported earlier by ProPublica and obtained by The New York Times, underscores the financial pressures Justice Thomas may have faced at the time and laid bare some of the accompanying political risks were Congress to increase the pay of the justices. The memo was contained in Chief Justice William H. Rehnquists papers held at the Hoover Institution at Stanford.

According to the memo, written by a top official of the federal courts system, L. Ralph Mecham, Justice Thomas broached the issue of pay with Representative Cliff Stearns, Republican of Florida. Salaries at the Supreme Court were unsatisfactory, the justice said, and one or more justices will soon leave if compensation were not increased.
Two teenagers were found guilty on Wednesday of murdering Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl who was stabbed 28 times at a park in northwest England in February, local prosecutors said.

The two, both 16 and referred to by prosecutors only as Girl X and Boy Y, had carefully planned the killing in a series of WhatsApp messages, before attempting to cover up their crime, the Crown Prosecution Service in the United Kingdom said in a statement.

The two had pleaded not guilty, but were convicted by a jury after an 18-day trial in Manchester Crown Court, local authorities said. Their lawyers could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday evening.

Justice Amanda Yip told the two teens, who will not be named because of their age, that she would have to impose a life sentence but would need to consider the minimum time they would be required to serve before being considered for release, the BBC reported.

The planning, the violence and the age of the killers is beyond belief, prosecutors said in the statement, noting that Brianna, a student in the town of Birchwood, had been stabbed in a public park in broad daylight in a frenzied and ferocious attack. Prosecutors described the deadly influence of the two teens upon one another, as their fantasies of torture and murder manifested into a reality that left Brianna dead.
The top political leader of Hamas was holding talks with Egyptian officials on Wednesday about a possible truce in its war with Israel in the Gaza Strip, as the United Nations Security Council separately worked frantically to craft a resolution to suspend the fighting that would not draw a veto from Israels staunchest ally, the United States.

The talks in Egypt were taking place as concerns in Israel grow over the fate of the dozens of hostages still being held in Gaza, and as pressure grew on the Israelis to stop their military campaign and allow more desperately needed aid into the devastated enclave.

Diplomats at the U.N. Security Council were engaged in their own intense negotiations in New York on Wednesday over a resolution that would call for extended pauses in the war, allow more aid into Gaza by land, air and sea, and urge the immediate release of all the hostages being held by Hamas.

A vote had initially been scheduled for Monday, but was delayed repeatedly, including on Wednesday, and is now not expected until Thursday morning at the earliest.

Council members have been fielding multiple last-minute requests by the Biden administration, according to several diplomats who spoke on the condition that they not be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The United States vetoed two previous cease-fire resolutions.

The diplomats said the United States was concerned about part of the resolution calling for the establishment of a United Nations monitoring system to screen aid deliveries into Gaza. They said Israel had urged the United States to reject the monitoring system, because it would leave Israel with no role in searching cargo entering Gaza.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said on Wednesday that fears of a wider regional war in the Middle East would probably subside once Israel transitioned its military mission in Gaza to lower-intensity combat operations.

Asked whether a decision by Israel to shift from high-intensity operations to more targeted, intelligence-driven missions, as the Biden administration has repeatedly urged in recent days, could reduce the risk of broader conflict with Iran and its regional proxies, Mr. Austin indicated that it would help.

If that happens, when that happens, Mr. Austin said, its logical that we would see some of that, you would see some reduction in activity.

Mr. Austin did not elaborate on his comments, which were made in response to questions from reporters traveling with him aboard the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford. But other senior administration officials have said privately that the rising death toll in Gaza  now about 20,000 people, according to health officials there  is fueling the momentum of Iranian proxy attacks against Israel and its allies.
The creation of American modern dance, in the first half of the 20th century, was akin to the development of jazz or the Broadway musical, all potent new forms of expression for a country on the rise. Its history has often been framed as a simple genealogy of mavericks and rebels  almost all white  big personalities who commanded a lot of attention: Isadora Duncan and Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn begat Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey who begat Paul Taylor, Merce Cunningham and Jose Limon. Border Crossings: Exile and American Modern Dance 1900-1955, an exhibition at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts through March 16, tells quite a different story.

It begins with Matachines, a dance-drama that has been performed by both Pueblo Indian and Hispanic people in the American Southwest for hundreds of years. The next section is about jazz modernism: how Black artists developed new aesthetic possibilities for dance at the start of the 20th century.

We wanted to see what happens if you start somewhere else, the art historian E. Bruce Robertson said in a joint interview with his co-curator, the dance scholar Ninotchka Bennahum.

Were not saying that Martha Graham and Ruth St. Denis arent important, said Linda Murray, the curator of the librarys Jerome Robbins Dance Division. But if you move those people out of the center, what are the other voices that move in?
Having been labeled as the cook of the art world, Rirkrit Tiravanija said, I think people come to see my work expecting to interact. Indeed, they expect to eat.

The 62-year-old artist is easily the most influential of the loose cadre that rose to prominence in the early 1990s under the banner of relational aesthetics  a kind of installation- and performance-based conceptual work that makes spectators feel like participants. Tiravanijas untitled 1990 (pad Thai), in which he cooked and served noodles in the back room of Paula Allen Gallery, is quintessential.

Tiravanijas early relational pieces  offering curry and tom ka soup, sodas and beers, grass mats and pillows for weary visitors  appeared as museums increasingly promoted the politics of multiculturalism. The relative unfamiliarity of Thai cuisine in the United States was part of the works thrust. Thirty years later, theres nothing unusual about a soup line at an art museum, and institutions heap adjectives like interactive, immersive and inclusive on their exhibitions like sprinkles on ice cream.

Image Tiravanija, left, cooking tom ka soup at his show at Jack Tilton Gallery in New York, 1991. Credit... via Tilton Gallery, New York

For Tiravanijas largest survey to date, A Lot of People, on view at MoMA PS1 through March 4, the organizers tout the activities. An ad for the show reads: Play Ping-Pong. Taste curry. Make music. (Its unclear why youd want to do these things in a museum.)
In the near future, Ukraine will have "very good news" in the field of ammunition production. Both domestic public and private enterprises and allied countries are working on this issue today.

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National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksii Danilov said this during a national telethon . He noted that he could not disclose the relevant information.

"But I'll give you a little spoiler: in the near future we will have very good news on this very issue," Danilov said.

According to him, even privately owned enterprises understand that the world will be in a state of turbulence in the coming decades, so the military-industrial complex will play a significant role in industrial markets.

In addition, Danilov expressed confidence that in January Ukraine will have a positive result in approving additional funding for assistance from the United States. He urged not to panic about this, as there is an understanding that the decision will be made.

When asked about Plan B, if the U.S. Congress does not pass the decision Ukraine needs, the NSDC Secretary emphasized that "we will still fight, destroy the enemy and bring our victory closer."

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He reminded that our state is used to working in extreme conditions, so life does not end.

"We have to do our part, we have to kill the enemy every day, drive him out of our territory in order to put an end to this story," Danilov added.

"We were, are and will be. We will fight, destroy the enemy and bring our victory closer. The only question is that we need to do it together," the NSDC Secretary emphasized.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- The White House said that there is progress in the negotiations between Democrats and Republicans on the migration issue. The dialog is moving "in the right direction".

- National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said that the US presidential administration has approached the negotiations on migration reform in good faith. The White House expects the same approach from Republicans in Congress to unblock aid to Ukraine.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
It was supposed to be what a fan described as a loving homage to his hero, the author J.R.R. Tolkien, and to The Lord of the Rings, which he called one of the most defining experiences of his life.

A judge in California had another view.

The fan, Demetrious Polychron of Santa Monica, Calif., violated copyright protections this year when he wrote and published a sequel to the epic Rings series, U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson of the Central District of California ruled last week.

In a summary judgment, Judge Wilson found direct evidence of copying and barred Polychron from further distributing the book or any others in a planned series. He also ordered Polychron to destroy all electronic and physical copies of the published work, The Fellowship of the King, by Sunday. As of Wednesday, Amazon and Barnes & Noble were no longer listing the book for sale online.

The saga began in 2017, when Polychron emailed and then hand-delivered a gift-wrapped copy of his book to Simon Tolkien, a grandson of the author, at his home in Santa Barbara, Calif. Accompanying the gift was a letter in which Polychron said that he had written the obvious pitch-perfect sequel to Tolkiens fantastical trilogy about Middle-earth and that he really didnt have a choice, according to court documents. He said his goal was to stick as close to canon as I could.
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep  and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.

Banned in Colorado

Colorados top court on Tuesday ruled that former President Donald Trump was disqualified from returning to office, banning him from its primary ballot based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which disallows candidates who engage in insurrection against the Constitution.

Jimmy Fallon joked about the timing of the news, saying, Christmas is almost here, and people are already returning gifts. In fact, last night Colorado returned Donald Trump.
December has been a momentous month for Omid Scobie, the British journalist who is best known for his coverage of the royal family. Not only did Endgame, his second book about palace intrigue, debut at No. 12 on the hardcover nonfiction list, Scobie also learned that a judge ruled in Prince Harrys favor in a lawsuit against a phone-hacking tabloid publisher.

Scobie provided testimony in the case, recalling his own experience as a college intern in the newsroom at Mirror Group Newspapers. There, he writes, I witnessed conversations about phone hacking by senior staff, including The Mirrors editor in chief at the time, Piers Morgan.

In a phone interview, Scobie rejected the notion that Prince Harry  who, along with his wife, Meghan, was the subject of Scobies first book  might have been motivated by petty revenge with the press for making his life difficult. Scobie said, In this case, it was about so much more than his own victories. It was about bringing this culture of illegal and unethical news-gathering methods into the public domain.

Thanks to his association with the most outspoken and prolific members of the royal family, Scobie has endured his own violations of privacy. He recalled strangers attempting to access his medical files. You see a name pop up on your credit searches and you know its linked to a private investigator, he said. Obviously I cant prove anything, but I see the digging and snooping and think how that must affect people who deal with this on a major scale.
Two of our recommended books this week use fiction to delve into Korean history and its relation to America, to strikingly different effect: Ed Parks novel Same Bed Different Dreams is a sprawling, exuberant confection rife with wordplay and shades of Thomas Pynchon or Don DeLillo, while Paul Yoons The Hive and the Honey is a pointillist collection of spare, evocative short stories whose power derives from their restraint. Taken together the contrast is bracing, like sea salt and caramel, but of course you can choose to read either one without the other; we serve all tastes.

Also up this week, a handful of business-related books, including a history of the father-son conflict that shaped IBM and a look back at the Jewish immigrants who, bound together by the impact of antisemitism, transformed American banking. Other recommendations include a novel of immigration, a memoir by the author of Maid, a true-crime account of a drug kingpin in a college fraternity, and more. Happy reading.  Gregory Cowles

In this book about Watsons struggle with his father over the fate of IBM (and by extension the computer industry), the combatants seem nearly Shakespearean.
Gaza peace talks hit road blocks

In Cairo and at the U.N., talks about a possible truce between Israel and Hamas over the war in the Gaza Strip are making slow progress, as negotiators struggled to come up with plans for pausing the fighting, freeing hostages and speeding up help for Gazans.

A full cease-fire, enacted without preconditions, would be unacceptable for Israel, since it would allow Hamas to remain in control of parts of Gaza. Israel vowed to topple the group after it launched the devastating Oct. 7 attack in which, the Israelis say, some 1,200 people were killed and about 240 abducted.

At the same time, pressure is growing on Israel to stop its deadly military campaign in Gaza, where about 20,000 people have been killed according to health authorities, and to allow more desperately needed aid into the devastated enclave.

Details: Aid inspections have become a particular sticking point. The U.A.E. and Egypt say the current system is too cumbersome and have called for a U.N. inspection system that would leave Israel with no role in searching cargo entering Gaza  something Israel has urged the U.S. to reject.
U.N. Security Council prepares to vote on Gaza aid

After a week of delays, the U.S. held high-level negotiations with Egypt yesterday to find a compromise on a U.N. Security Council resolution that would allow for scaled-up, safe delivery of aid to Gaza, an American official said.

Heres the latest.

The U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the U.N., Robert Wood, told reporters earlier in the day that the U.S. was still in talks but was not yet ready to sign off on the resolution, which also called for pauses in fighting.

Egypt, which controls the Rafah border crossing into Gaza, wants the U.N. to take over the delivery of aid to the enclave. The U.S., under pressure from Israel, has said that Israel must be involved in checking aid deliveries and disputes that U.N. inspections will speed them up.

A vote, which the Council has delayed three times this week at the request of the U.S., could come later in the day.
At its core, the Colorado lawsuit trying to keep Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot involves a clash between constitutional textualism and voter empowerment.

If you simply read the 14th Amendment, you will understand the argument that Trump should be disqualified from serving as president again. Section 3 of the amendment states that nobody who has taken an oath to support the Constitution should hold any office in the United States if that person has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. On Jan. 6, 2021, of course, Trump encouraged a mob that later attacked Congress, and he praised the attackers that day and afterward.

There are important legal technicalities, including a debate over whether the authors of the amendment intended for the word officer to describe appointed officials rather than elected ones. But many legal scholars, including some conservatives, have concluded that the amendment applies to Trump. The ordinary sense of the text and the evident design to be comprehensive indicate that it bars Trump from holding future office, William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen, who are members of the conservative Federalist Society, concluded in a recent law review article.

The clearer philosophical argument against the lawsuit is democratic rather than technical: If the American people do not believe Trump is fit to be president, they can vote against him next year. For that matter, the Senate, an elected body of representatives, had the power to convict Trump during the impeachment trial over his Jan. 6 actions and bar him from future office, and it did not do so.
In a sign of lingering tensions among oil producers, Angola said Thursday that the country would be leaving OPEC. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting led by President Joao Lourenco, the state-owned Jornal de Angola reported.

Angolas announcement was not surprising. The countrys leaders have been seething ever since Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, orchestrated a move last June to reduce the oil output quotas of Angola, Nigeria and other countries, while increasing the ceiling for the United Arab Emirates.

Angola never reconciled to the deal that enabled the U.A.E. to increase for 2024 at the expense of the underperforming African producers, said Helima Croft, head of global commodities at RBC Capital Markets, a research firm, in an email. Ms. Croft said Angola had been one of the moodier members, having staged multiple meeting walkouts in recent years.

Angolas decision to leave OPEC is an indication of how the current dynamics of the oil industry are squeezing some producers. Once one of the more promising oil countries, Angola has seen its output plummet nearly 40 percent in the last eight years as international oil companies tightening their belts no longer found it an attractive destination for investment, given the aging of its oil fields. Nigerias production has fallen for similar reasons.
On Chinas snowy border with Russia, a dealership that sells trucks has seen its sales double in the past year thanks to Russian customers. Chinas exports to its neighbor are so strong that Chinese construction workers built warehouses and 20-story office towers at the border this summer.

The border town Heihe is a microcosm of Chinas ever closer economic relationship with Russia. China is profiting from Russias invasion of Ukraine, which has led Russia to switch from the West to China for purchases of everything from cars to computer chips.

Russia, in turn, has sold oil and natural gas to China at deep discounts. Russian chocolates, sausages and other consumer goods have become plentiful in Chinese supermarkets. Trade between Russia and China surpassed $200 billion in the first 11 months of this year, a level the countries had not expected to reach until 2024.
When Patrick Pacious, the chief executive of a large portfolio of hotel brands, promoted a blockbuster attempt to acquire a competitor in October, he said the proposed merger would lower costs and attract more customers for the families and small businesses that own most of the companys locations.

Our franchisees instantly grasped the strategic benefit this would bring to their hotels, Mr. Pacious, who leads Choice Hotels, said on CNBC.

As the weeks have passed, however, the reaction has not been positive. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, the target of the proposed deal, rejected the offer from Choice, which is now pursuing a hostile takeover. And in early December, an association representing the majority of hoteliers who own Choice and Wyndham-branded properties came out strongly against it.

We all dont know whats driving this merger. Many of us feel its not needed, said Bharat Patel, the chairman of the organization, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. The group surveyed its 20,000 members and found that about 77 percent of respondents who own hotels under either brand or both thought a merger would hurt their business.
The Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Malyuk said that the SSU strikes the enemy "with a needle in the heart". According to him, one of the areas of focus of the Ukrainian special service will be Crimea and the Black Sea, where the Black Sea Fleet of the occupiers is gradually being driven out with the help of Sea Baby marine drones.

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Malyuk made the statement in an interview with the American newspaper Politico. "We cannot disclose our plans. They must remain a shocker for the enemy. We are preparing surprises. The occupiers must realize that they will not be able to hide. We will find the enemy everywhere," he said.

According to the article, the SSU's actions not only boost the morale of Ukrainians, but also damage the combat capabilities of the Russian Federation.

"The SSU conducts targeted pinpoint strikes. We strike the enemy with a needle in the heart. Each of our special operations has a specific goal and gives its result. All this together complicates Russia's ability to wage war and brings our victory closer," Malyuk said.

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The SSU head's favorite project is the Sea Baby marine drone, which carries about 850 kilograms of explosives and is able to operate in stormy conditions, making it difficult to detect.

"With the help of these guys, we are gradually pushing the Russian Black Sea Fleet out of Crimea," Malyuk said.

In July, the Sea Baby was used to attack the Kerch Bridge and to engage Russian ships. In October 2022, SSU maritime drones attacked the Sevastopol Bay, damaging four Russian warships.

This year, the drones hit two missile carriers, a tanker, a landing ship, and damaged a large military tugboat and Russia's newest reconnaissance and hydrographic ship, the article says.

This forced Moscow to withdraw most of its fleet from occupied Sevastopol, freeing the western Black Sea and allowing Ukraine to resume using its ports for shipping.

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Vasyl Malyuk also noted that the Crimean bridge is still operational after the 2022 truck bombing and the July strike, but is only partially open.

"This is a legitimate target for us under international law and the rules of war. Ukrainian legislation also allows us to attack this facility. And we must destroy the logistics of our enemy," the SSU chief said.

Malyuk said that Kyiv carefully considers its targets before launching a strike, seeking to stay within the rules of war, unlike Russia, which launches missiles, artillery and UAVs at both military and civilian targets.

"When planning and preparing a special operation, the SSU carefully selects targets. We work on military targets or those used by the enemy to fulfill their military tasks. We act in full compliance with international law," emphasized Malyuk.

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The SSU carries out most of its operations on the territory of Ukraine - in the occupied territories of Donbas, Crimea and the Black Sea.

"This is our land, and we will use all possible methods to liberate it from the occupiers," Malyuk said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- The New York Times wrote that a unique Ukrainian development in the form of maritime drones "shows the way" in Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. The tactic of using these drones in a "swarm" has proven to be deadly and effective against Russian forces in the Black Sea.

- During his final press conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky promised that Ukraine would produce one million drones by 2024.

- Minister of Strategic Industry Oleksandr Kamyshin clarified that these will be FPV drones. In addition, it is planned to produce more than a thousand drones with a flight range of more than 1000 km and more than 10,000 medium-range strike UAVs.

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- The Ukrainian military received the first batch of long-range AQ 400 Scythe drones with a range of up to 750 km. The new UAVs have already been put into mass production in Ukraine.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Paramount Pictures, the storied studio behind hits like The Godfather and Raiders of the Lost Ark, has had several owners over the last century: Its co-founder Adolph Zukor. The industrial conglomerate Gulf+Western. At one point, it was a stand-alone public company.

But for nearly three decades, Paramounts fate has been controlled by the Redstone family, after its pugnacious patriarch, Sumner Redstone, won a bidding war for the studio in 1994.

That may be about to change. Shari Redstone, Mr. Redstones daughter, is weighing a sale of her familys controlling interest in Paramounts parent company just five years after she won a fight to retain control of her familys media empire.

Suitors for both Ms. Redstones stake and the company she controls are already lining up, including Warner Bros. Discovery, the owner of HBO and the Warner Bros. movie studio, and Skydance, the movie studio that helps produce hit Paramount franchises like Top Gun and Mission: Impossible.
Scientists have long wondered whether the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is a ticking time bomb in terms of sea level rise. New evidence from the DNA of a small octopus that lives in the Southern Ocean suggests that the ice sheet is indeed at risk of collapsing, according to a study published on Thursday in the journal Science.

The research doesnt predict when this might happen, but it indicates that 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming over the preindustrial global average, or perhaps even less than that, might be a tipping point for the ice sheet. The Earth is close to that temperature level now.

Several distinct populations of Pareledone turqueti, commonly known as Turquets octopus, live in the waters around Antarctica today. These octopuses crawl along the sea floor and generally dont stray far from home. A few individuals or their eggs might occasionally drift on currents to neighboring groups, but populations in the Ross Sea and Weddell Sea are separated by the impassable West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

And yet, genetic analysis of octopuses from different locations around Antarctica show that these two populations were mingling and swapping DNA about 120,000 years ago. This was a time in Earths history called the Last Interglacial period, before the most recent ice age, when temperatures were similar to today.
President Emmanuel Macron of France this week condemned what he called a manhunt targeting Gerard Depardieu, the embattled French actor whose worldwide fame has been tarnished in recent years by allegations of sexual harassment and assault.

Macrons comments, which prompted swift criticism, came after a documentary that aired in France this month showed the actor making crude sexual and sexist comments during a 2018 trip to North Korea.

Depardieu, 74, has faced renewed scrutiny in the wake of the documentary, including new accusations of sexual assault, the stripping of several international honors and the removal of a likeness of him from the Musee Grevin, a Paris wax museum. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Rima Abdul Malak, Frances culture minister, said she was disgusted by Depardieus comments in the documentary and that disciplinary proceedings would determine whether he should also lose his Legion of Honor, Frances highest award.
Classic cartoon wisdom deems that ducks are brash and brazen creatures. See Donald and Daffy, ill-tempered anthropomorphic animals who arent afraid of making a display of their displeasure.

Mack Mallard, the waterfowl patriarch voiced by Kumail Nanjiani in the animated family picture Migration, is not exactly a shy bird himself. He displays a rapid-fire volubility when telling his kids a bedtime story at the movies opening. But hes very timid in one respect. The emphatic point of the bedtime story is: Never leave the pond. Its the only place thats safe.

But when his kids, Dax and Gwen, encounter a flock flying from their home in upstate New York to Jamaica for the winter, Macks wife, Pam (Elizabeth Banks), takes the kids side.
A former assistant to Vin Diesel, one of Hollywoods most bankable action stars, filed a sexual battery lawsuit against the actor on Thursday, saying that he groped her and pinned her against the wall of an Atlanta hotel room during the filming of the fifth Fast & Furious movie in 2010.

In the lawsuit, the former assistant, Asta Jonasson, said the encounter took place less than two weeks after she was hired to work for Mr. Diesel. The actor grabbed her, groped her breasts and forcibly kissed her while she repeatedly said no, according to the lawsuit. Mr. Diesel pulled her dress up and moved to pull down her underwear, the lawsuit said, before Ms. Jonasson screamed and ran toward the bathroom.

The complaint said Mr. Diesel then pinned her against the wall with his body, and grabbed Ms. Jonassons hand and placed it on his erect penis. When she again refused to engage, the lawsuit says, Mr. Diesel began masturbating while keeping her pinned to the wall.

A lawyer for Mr. Diesel, Bryan J. Freedman, said in a statement that Mr. Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety.
They are almost as much a part of the cityscape as the buildings: Cars or delivery trucks stopped in lanes painted red and marked for buses only.

Richard Davey  the president of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority unit that runs the buses and subways in the city  said he saw multiple cars and trucks parked in bus lanes when he took the M31 bus to a news conference last week. The route includes a 1.1-mile-long stretch of bus lanes on 57th Street.
The grenade was not without precedent. Two months before, Mr. Kane managed to pull a gun out of a lake near where he lives. It might have been used in a murder, he suggested, and he was told there was a chance he might be subpoenaed. He was eager to avoid that entanglement.

On that unseasonably warm November afternoon, Mr. Kane, who is 39 and looks a bit like the actor Seth Rogen playing a deckhand, just yanked the thing right off his magnet. It took quite a bit of effort, given that the magnet (from Kratos Magnetics, for $140) was advertised as having a pull force of 3,800 pounds. The gunpowder had been emptied out of the bottom, so he figured the corroded explosive was something that would put him on the map, rather than blow him off it. Still, he put it on the ground and covered it with a plastic bucket  just in case.

As he dialed 911, he paused to wonder: Would the operator remember him? Was he something of a known quantity by now? Just the week before, hed found a top-loading Smith & Wesson in Prospect Park Lake. And hed also found a completely different grenade about a month ago, which he said led the police to evacuate a restaurant near the United Nations. But to his disappointment, that days dispatcher didnt react.

Youre gonna know Lets Get Magnetic, Mr. Kane told the operator, referencing the name of his YouTube channel. Im getting famous.
After John Skeene served prison time for beating his mother to death with a chair leg, after he attacked a man with a radiator cover and threatened to murder his therapist, New York State placed him in its gold-standard program for treating mentally ill people at risk of committing violence.

The program, which grew out of legislation known as Kendras Law and has been held up as a national model, was supposed to ensure that Mr. Skeene complied with a court-ordered treatment plan despite being homeless and living with schizoaffective disorder.

But by late 2018, there were signs that he was once again becoming unstable. He terrorized workers in his Queens transitional housing program, records show, banging on desks and kicking doors until they called 911. After subsequent outbursts, and while he was off his medications, the workers tried to send him for a hospital psychiatric evaluation, but he refused.

Under Kendras Law, his treatment team could have forced him to go anyway, but it apparently did not take that step, records show. Soon after, Mr. Skeene cornered a mental health worker in her office and punched her 30 times in the face, fracturing her eye socket and damaging her brain. She spent the next six months in the hospital, and, when she emerged, had to relearn how to walk. Mr. Skeene, then 59, went to prison.
On Dec. 14, a Christian veteran named Michael Cassidy walked into the Iowa State Capitol and destroyed a display erected by the Satanic Temple of Iowa. The display was an idol of Baphomet, a robed figure with a goat head. Cassidy told the Fox News host Jesse Watters that he had destroyed the statue in an act of Christian civil disobedience.

By itself, Cassidys action wasnt remarkable or unusual. It was simply one more act of ideologically or religiously motivated vandalism against constitutionally protected speech. In recent months weve seen pro-Palestinian activists rip down posters of Israeli hostages, for example, in a manner that is both similarly outrageous and, depending on the circumstances, similarly illegal. The legal principle is simple: My right to speak does not include a right to destroy another persons speech.

There is little doubt that the Satanic Temples display is constitutionally protected. Supreme Court jurisprudence prohibits state governments from privileging one religion over another in access to state facilities. Given that the Iowa State Capitol had allowed other groups to set up religious displays, they were required by law to let the Satanic Temple set one up, too; indeed, the temple explained it had placed the statue as a symbol of its members right to religious freedom. Its easy not to take the Satanists seriously  the temple doesnt even really believe in Satan, calling him a mythological framework  but the free-speech principle here is no joke.

None of this is radical or new. Its been settled constitutional law for decades. You dont have a true free speech regime if the law doesnt protect the speech of ideological or religious minorities.
It will be a long time before any of us understand what happened after Oct. 7, but it seems important first to recognize how news of everything comes to us today. Newspaper headlines arent fixed  they change over the course of a day; social media presents tragedies in fragmented shards, which are then contested and rejected and reaffirmed; television news, especially on foreign affairs, remains too hyper and flashy to take seriously. Every single one of us had our own individualized experience of that day and the days after it. No one can confidently say who knew what when.

As I remember it, first there was news that Hamas attacked Israel, that it had somehow broken out of Gaza and through Israels supposedly impenetrable wall. Then came evidence of deaths, a number that ticked up over the day, because the improbable invasion was improbably continuing, lasting for hours. What was happening? Who could know?

At some point that day, I felt a reflexive fear: that if Hamas, an Islamic militant group, had attacked Israel, an American-backed nuclear power, and killed large numbers of people, the military response would be something extraordinary, in a form we could not yet conceive. That fear was as thunderous as my horror at the attack itself, an emotional eclipse. I wasnt the only one who felt it.

Some viewed this response as a sort of erasure. Why this desperate attempt to disappear Oct. 7, as if it is already ancient  or irrelevant  history? the social theorist Susie Linfield wrote weeks later, after it was known that on Oct. 7 Hamas brutally killed around 1,200 Israelis, injured over 3,300 and kidnapped 240. Their targets included soldiers, women, children and the elderly. It was the deadliest day in Israels history, an unending nightmare for its people.
The German tabloid Bild has distorted the words of Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umierov about the timing of the Ukrainian army's liberation of Crimea from Russian occupation. The publication attributed to the Minister words that he did not say.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by Illarion Pavlyuk, head of the Defense Ministry's Press and Information Department, who was present at Umierov's interview with Bild. He commented on the situation to Hromadske.

The German tabloid quoted Umierov as saying that Crimea could be liberated next year. The minister allegedly stated that he was "100% sure of this".

In fact, Rustem Umierov said in an interview: "Crimea will be liberated - one hundred percent. This is our strategic goal".

The Minister did not claim that Crimea would be liberated in 2024.

The journalist asked about the timing several times, but Umierov avoided making any precise predictions with dates, the Defense Ministry press service emphasized.

As a reminder, the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in Crimea Tamila Tasheva said that the Ukrainian Defense Forces were unable to enter the territory of Crimea in 2023 due to a number of objective reasons. "Due to the difficult situation on the peninsula, our troops are somewhat behind schedule, but they are still making progress.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Crimea, which was seized by Russia in 2014, would probably be easier to de-occupy than Donbas. It is not only about liberating the territories, but also about the mental return of people to Ukraine.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Defense Ministry also denied Minister Umierov's statement to WELT TV, Bild and Politico that Ukraine wants to draft men living abroad. A spokesperson for the ministry emphasized that Umerov's quotes used in the media were distorted.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
I got into politics when I was 15, joining Fatah Youth in Jerusalem during the first intifada in 1987. Several years later, and with other young Fatah leaders, I met Mahmoud Abbas in his office in Ramallah, West Bank. He was the No. 2 in the Palestine Liberation Organization back then. He was in his 50s; we were in our 20s. Despite the age gap, we always enjoyed spending time with him. You are tomorrows leaders, he would tell us.

Today, Mr. Abbas is in his late 80s, we are in our 50s, and that tomorrow never came.

Thirty years after the Oslo Accords, the Palestinians who led the first intifada  and helped bring some of their exiled leaders back from Tunisia  feel they have been betrayed. Mr. Abbass leadership as president of the Palestinian Authority has failed to deliver democracy to his people, failed to keep them safe, failed to ensure they can live a dignified lives and failed to manage a viable economy. Sometimes it seems as if all we get from Mr. Abbas these days is an embarrassing speech once a year at the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York.

The Palestinian Authoritys leadership has lost its moral conviction and grown increasingly detached from what Palestinians need and want. Over the past decade, several public opinion polls have shown that between 70 percent and 90 percent of Palestinians want Mr. Abbas, who is 88, to resign. The last Palestinian elections, held in 2006, resulted in a deep political rift that left the Islamist party Hamas governing Gaza and Mr. Abbas and his Fatah party leading the authority in the West Bank. Today, most Palestinians want to choose new leaders in a free, fair and safe vote.

So much of what will happen after this war remains unclear. But what seems inevitable is that Hamass rule in the Gaza Strip will be over. The Palestinian Authority is increasingly invoked as the one entity that could step into the breach and bring unity back to Gaza and the West Bank. But for us Palestinians, that solution will have legitimacy only if there are fundamental changes in the authoritys structure  and that includes removing Mr. Abbas and his cronies from power.
This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email transcripts@nytimes.com with any questions.

You can pet her on the head if you want to.

Back in August, on a much warmer day than today in New York, my colleagues Elisa, Anna, and I partook in a time-honored political tradition 

And we leaned all the way in. Days full of food.

Excuse me. What are you all waiting in line for?

Wow, I just really walked through that samples, had three different types of meat in 5 seconds.

Yeah, that was lamb. And brisket all in the wok.

So when I went to the fair. It was less to follow around a bunch of candidates, who were milking a cow or flipping a pork chop, but instead to ask Iowas voters, whats different this time?

By the time we arrived in Des Moines, Trump was polling at around 42 percent in Iowa, nearly 20 percent more than the share of voters he got in 2016, when he finished second in the caucuses. Now his lead has only continued to grow. And increasingly, it looks like rather than giving momentum to Trump alternatives, Iowa might be the state to coronate him.

Iowa was supposed to be fertile ground for that. Its a disproportionately evangelical state that was expected to coalesce around a more faith-driven alternative to Trump. But thats not whats happened.

If its not clear by now, Ive been trying to figure out how best to cover a very unusual presidential primary, one that has been dominated by Donald Trump despite his legal troubles. And when it comes to Iowa, the first state to vote, the big question is why all of Trumps challengers to this point have struggled to even threaten his lead in the polls.

All right, you can step on out there for me.

Here it goes. Here it goes again!

Hey, how are yall? My name is Astead. This is Elisa. Were from The New York Times. Were talking to people about the Iowa State Fair and what they think about it, what brought them here. Were also talking to people about the presidential primary. Do you all have maybe 5, 10 minutes we can chat?

We started at the fair on the fifth day. At this point, Vivek Ramaswamy had already rapped to Eminem. And former Vice President Mike Pence, who was then still in the race, had been heckled by Trump supporters, easily spotted throughout the fairgrounds in their red MAGA hats.

Well all get to know each other at the same time. How are you all doing?

I was just sitting here, and she wanted to sit down.

Post corn dog, we sat down on a bench and got to know some Iowans.

You dont think you would vote for him now? Its just too much baggage?

I mean, I voted for Trump in 16 and 20. And I dont think Id vote for him now.

Yep. Thats what I would be doing too. So my vote probably wouldnt count, but at least I did something about it.

As two people who are kind of skeptical of Trump again, if he is the nominee again, are you all in for the general election?

And we do need to pull our positive people forward, the ones who really want to make a change and march forward instead of going back four years ago to see what we can pull up out of the garbage to put somebody under indictments.

Its all negative. And I dont think we need to run this country on negativism. I think we need to start pulling out the positive and start making good decisions without the drama.

Youre talking about the indictments? What are you talking about? OK. And what is it about that that makes you think that it might be too much?

I like Trump. But I think hes got too much garbage going on right now.

Do you have any person who really sticks out to you when you look at this field, someone who you want to be the nominee?

Are you a Republican, someone wholl vote next year in the caucus?

Yeah. They think that were uneducated. And I think this shows them that we are educated. Whether its the right person that we pick or not, were still educated. And we still know how to voice our opinion.

Its important to the Iowa people because I think were kind of left in the middle of the country, as they say. And they think that were  I hate to say it 

It brings the country to the city so that they can learn what the country is all about. Its an opportunity to educate people on how our country really is, where we grow the crops and harvest them. We grow the animals, harvest them to whatever degree we need to. And a lot of people dont know that. They dont understand that. This helps understand that.

Well, its our tradition as far as farmers, cattlemen, people that raise hogs. Thats the big thing. About for Iowa, thats the Midwest.

How has it changed over the years? And whats kind of the  I see more people. If youre thinking about The New York Times audience whos never been to something like this, it seems like this holds a pretty big place culturally in the state. How would you describe the state fair and what it means to Iowa?

And so Ive done that for probably six years. Yeah.

This is your second one? OK.

So give me like a number of state fair  how many of these have you all been to?

It was a move aimed at stealing the spotlight from his Republican rival. And it seemed to work, as Trump dominated headlines for days. But like our friends on the bench, we talked to plenty of Iowa Republicans who were growing sick of it all.

Trumps antics, or what this woman might call drama, have recently made news in Iowa. Just days before, Trump had made a last-minute announcement that he would be attending the fair on the same day as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. When he arrived, he brought a group of Florida lawmakers who had endorsed him over DeSantis and spent just an hour or so at the fairgrounds.

I think we might be talking about the same person, huh?

And Ive got my opinions about the candidates who are running. And theres a lot of good ones. And theres some that have been good in the past. And I dont know for sure if they can be good in the future.

I would prefer that he didnt run, because of all of the baggage hes going to bring to the White House if he does win.

I dont know. He just kind of comes along to me as a bully, trying to bully his way through. And yeah, he has ideas that are beneficial probably to different people and different groups. But yeah, it just kind of seems like its his way or the highway.

I think when it comes to what were going to do in the end, I think we  I think we got to find somebody else.

Well, I think hes a good businessman. I would like to see him in there for that. But you just cant go with his personality anymore and the things hes done, which I believe hes done.

It seemed like it could be good news for the candidates other than DeSantis, like Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott, who were dutifully going all in on the traditional expectations of a candidate at the fair  the shaking of hands, the taking of selfies. I decided to focus on Scott, who, at this point, was still in the race and was participating in a forum with the states Republican governor, Kim Reynolds.

Among the fairgoers who didnt like Trump, there was much less agreement on who theyd prefer instead. That was bad news for DeSantis, whose campaign apparatus had already invested heavily in Iowa.

Im a Southern preacher wannabe. So I like to stand up and talk to the audience, get right close to you, you know what I mean? So it is not 

And while Scott was always a long shot, there were some aspects of his candidacy that stood out to me in Iowa.

And the goodness of America can be found in the pages of our foundation, the Judeo-Christian foundation.

And I will tell you, as a kid that was as lost as a goose in a rainstorm, I found my faith in Jesus.

And nothing like Trump in terms of tone or style.

So since those are qualities often associated with Iowa, it felt worth asking these voters, why not Tim Scott or someone like him?

Thank you so much for talking to us. Can I have  know where you all are from?

For the next four years, we need somebody strong to handle whats going on around. Tim Scott is wonderful. I dont think hes quite there yet strength-wise to do what needs to be done with our country.

I like that explanation. Youre like, you trust that Scott is a good Christian man. Youre saying for you as a voter and the priorities, the choices youre making now, there could be other things that also matter too.

Trump is not inspirational. Hes a strong candidate with  I mean, he know  hes a businessman. I dont know yet about Tim Scott. Weve not had any experience with him. Tim Scott is a good Christian man. I dont know where Trump is. We dont need  we need strength. And we need smarts to get our country back to where it needs to be. And I think Trump can do it.

How does that lead back to Trump, someone who doesnt really talk like that?

But he has a different type of message than DeSantis or Trump, right? He doesnt really sound the same way. Hes really trying to pitch a more inspirational message. Im curious what you think about that piece.

I dont think he has quite the following or the strength that he needs yet. I think DeSantis has it. I think Trump has it. Scott is not there yet. Maybe the next election he would be more. Hes great. Hes a great candidate. Maybe not as many people know his name yet or know about him.

I have some questions about that. When you say you dont think Scott is there yet. What specifically  what do you mean?

Ive been with Trump the whole way. I think he is the strongest, which  what the Republican Party needs is strength. I like the other candidates. I like Tim Scott very well. I dont think hes quite there yet. But Trump is  I dont like some of the things hes done. But I think hes the one that can get us where we need to go first.

So Im curious about that. Is that because of the other candidates? Or have you been with Trump the whole way?

Awesome. What about you? Do you have someone youre kind of leaning towards? Or you feel really open?

Yep. Im going to go on the 26th. Theres something up in Waterloo. And theyre trying to get all the candidates to come and listen. So Ill go and listen.

Hello. Do you have a person youre interested in when you think about the Republican caucus already?

Because we thought that some people said, yeah, I dont like Trump. But for the means of getting Biden out, like what you said in 2016, we need a change. Youre saying even that is not the same motivating factor for you anymore?

I probably wont vote for either individual then. Ill vote for the other candidates on the ballot, the  but I cant vote for Biden. And I couldnt vote for Trump again.

Yeah. If Trump is the nominee, youre not voting for him in the general election?

Well, I think theyre going to have to be more critical to him if they truly want to get the independents and other voters that are going to be swayed to come the direction. If youre going to just try and dance around the fact that I dont want to belittle or speak out against Trump because I dont want to upset his supporters, youre not going to win.

Thats the thing about Tim Scott too. He doesnt say a bad word about Donald Trump. And part of that is because a lot of Republicans have been penalizing people who really come out against Trump. Is there a way for these alternatives to really get past him if they wont talk about him?

The country needed a definite change. It needed a new direction. But again, once he lost the election, its like  its the peaceful transfer of power. And he wouldnt relinquish it. And now anybody that speaks against him, he just barrages them with just anything and everything. He belittles them and he calls them names and everything else. Its like 

I guess, just to push on that, though, Trump was never  he was never humble. And so I guess, what was about it at that time that was made you willing to look over it in 2016 and 2020?

Well, they have to be sincere and caring. You cant dominate and belittle everybody that you talk to. And thats a Trump quality is, how can I belittle everybody?

Yeah. I just want to go back to when you were talking about Trump, it seems like personality is also a big thing. Personality-wise, what are you looking for?

Not sure. Im just hoping thats not the case, because we need somebody else to lead the country besides him. Think about it, even if he were to run, hes a lame duck. Hes four years, and hes out. So whats he going to do other than executive order everything that Biden did? Hell change every executive order that Biden did. And then how is he going to work with the Senate and Congress that dont like him?

What would it say about the Republican Party if he were still to  were he to become the nominee again? What would you do?

Yeah, but we needed a change. And at that time, he was the person. But when he lost the election and refused to concede and then became disruptive  and its pretty clear the only way hes staying out of jail is if he wins the election. Otherwise, hes going to go to jail at some point.

It sounds like youre really sick of Trumps style too just overall. OK. Thats interesting to me as someone who voted for him twice. He was loud and interrupting those first times too.

Well, obviously, the economy, national defense are probably the keys. Border security. Are they going to be professional? Or are they going to be like Trump and just interrupt and call people names and everything else? Thats not how 

Well, tell me, if you could describe your perfect candidate, what qualities would they have?

Not particularly. Just looking at the candidates in general to make a decision.

Just Trump. You felt it was a Trump-specific problem. So when you look at this field of candidates, Im guessing youre not looking to Trump. But there are some other options there too. Is there anybody whos at the top of your list of the other options?

Did that make you think differently just about Trump or about Republicans largely?

Well, its supposed to be a peaceful transfer of power. But he refused to concede even though its clearly been proven there was absolutely no fraud in the election.

Yeah. And January 6, that felt like a breaking point. This could be kind of obvious, but what exactly about January 6 was your breaking point?

January 6. So did you vote for him in 2020?

Totally understand that. Im saying, was there a breaking point for you that you remember?

Oh, when did you feel like that?

Hey, hows it going? My names Astead. This is Anna. Were from The New York Times. Were talking to people about the presidential primary and talking to Iowans about who they prefer, looking forward. I saw you just shake Senator Tim Scotts hand. Do you have someone who  a candidate youre kind of interested in right now? Or youre just surveying the field?

Most of the Republicans we talked to largely like the field of candidates  Scott, DeSantis, Haley, even Ramaswamy.

OK, pussyfooting around on this shit. He tells how it is. And I think theres corruption in both parties.

No, you can say that. This is audio. You can say what you want.

I dont think there is. I think hes the man. He tells it how it is. Theres no pussy  Im sorry.

What would you say to the idea that maybe someone else is better suited than Donald Trump to be the Republican?

But there was a clear gap in enthusiasm between fans of the other Republican candidates and the voters who supported Trump.

Im 70 years old. I think that hes the best president that weve ever had in my lifetime. The Democrats are doing everything they can do to keep him  they think this is going to keep him from running and being elected. And I think it just increases people like myselfs resolve to vote for President Trump.

This process helps explain why presidential candidates are so willing to engage in the retail politics that Iowa loves, because it incentivizes the candidates to make connections with state and local officials who could advocate for them in a caucus. So after the fair, I went to another political event.

When Iowans go to caucus on January 15, theyll be participating in a unique political ritual. While most Americans vote in a booth, Iowans, depending on where they live, go to small gatherings at school gymnasiums, churches, local fire stations to vote in a caucus, where theyll hear a pitch from the candidates local supporters.

Back in 2016, Trump voters said they felt silenced, scared of openly supporting a candidate who was an outsider within the party. Now its the opposite. Trump Republicans are calling the shots. And theyll tell anyone who will listen. More after the break.

For everyone here at this thing, they are going to be caucus-goers. There are going to be people who are here because they are trying to suss out the candidates. And theyre here because they think they have a real vital role to play in terms of kicking off the nomination process.

We are driving to Story County, which is a county outside of Des Moines, Iowa, which is hosting a fundraising dinner tonight that is going to feature Senator Tim Scott. So again, one of the classic campaign stops as a way to pitch yourself to the party faithful.

OK. You want to tell us where were going while youre driving?

The dinner was at one of those old barns thats been converted into an event space. It was surrounded by corn stalks for as far as I could see. Inside, a few dozen people were seated at long banquet-style tables with white tablecloths. And When it was time for the event to start, the guests were invited to participate in an opening prayer.

It was unlike any Id ever heard. And Ive heard a lot of prayers.

And we also pray that we might network to spread that message of freedom and liberty to everybody around us. So thank you for our food, nourish our bodies use. All these things we ask in Jesus precious name. Amen.

And we thank you so much even for the veiled blessing maybe of COVID when a lot of parents began to understand what their kids were being exposed to in the public schools. Lord, we pray that we might do our part that we might witness to others about your love for us and our country.

Lord, help us to realize that our nation is at a tipping point, that people on the left literally hate you. They hate your word. They, many times, hate our country. And, Lord, help us to be ever vigilant.

Father, we thank you that we can come together as free Americans, as free Iowans. And, Lord, help us to never take for granted the freedoms of liberty  liberties that we do have. Lord, we thank you for our founding fathers who founded this country based on religious freedom, personal freedoms.

This is great. So I believe that if we just went back to commonsense conservatism, we will have another American Century. This is not that complicated. Weve got some serious problems in our nation. But with an optimistic, positive approach anchored in conservatism with a strong backbone, we will have another American Century. God bless you. Im happy to answer some questions.

The juxtaposition between the prayer and Scotts positive message help me get closer to understanding whats different in Iowa this time. And I wanted to talk to some guests who had come to this dinner and had heard both messages.

astead w. herndon

Are you all from Story County?

speaker 17

Yes, were from Ames.

astead w. herndon

Youre from Ames?

speaker 17

Yep.

astead w. herndon

So how long have you been involved with the Story County Republican Party?

teresa

Since 1965.

speaker 17

Since I retired. She was in Iowa legislature.

astead w. herndon

Oh, OK. When? What years?

teresa

87 to 2002.

astead w. herndon

To 2002. OK, OK. Youve seen that probably a lot of presidential candidates come through too.

teresa

Oh yes.

astead w. herndon

How do you all make those kind of decisions? How do you all do your homework to decide who to caucus for in the end?

teresa

I was known for doing the background work when I was in the legislature. Just recently, we were at a Republican meeting, womens meeting. And this lady came over to talk to me about what it was like when I was in the legislature. And my former secretary was sitting by me. And she said, Ill tell you what it was like when she was there. And I thought, uh-oh, what am I going to hear? And she said, if a vote came up and every Republican voted yes and Teresa voted no, thered be 15 people at the desk immediately saying, what do you know that I dont know, because I did the research on every bill.

speaker 17

She did her homework.

astead w. herndon

Yes, she did her homework. Well, youre the right person to talk to then, huh? I mean, when you look at Tim Scott in there, when you look at this Republican field, whats your homework telling you?

teresa

I have respected Tim Scott for a long time. I have respected him, the way he grew up, what he has become. Im very proud of him. Hes one of the people that I am considering. But I havent done all my homework yet.

astead w. herndon

OK, OK. So youre still kind of looking through the field. When you look back at the last caucus in 2016, can I ask who yall caucused for in 2016?

speaker 17

I caucused for Trump.

astead w. herndon

You caucused for Trump?

speaker 17

Mhm.

teresa

Im pretty sure I did too.

astead w. herndon

Yeah, obviously, hes back. How do you factor that in? Are you someone whos thinking about caucusing for him again?

speaker 17

Mhm.

astead w. herndon

Is that kind of where your vote is, do you feel?

speaker 17

Definitely.

astead w. herndon

How do you 

speaker 17

I would love to see Tim Scott as his VP. And then when Trump is out, Scott slides right into the presidency.

astead w. herndon

Tell me why you see that as the combination you want rather than Scott at the top of the ticket.

speaker 17

[DEEPLY EXHALES]: Let me say this. Trump knows where all the bodies are buried right now.

astead w. herndon

Youre the second, maybe third person, to say that exact phrase to me today.

speaker 17

He didnt know that much the first time around. He does now. He does now. And hes going to clean house. Hes going to do it up right this time. He was a little naive the first time around. He didnt do what he should have done to clean it out. But he had incoming arrows day after day after day after day. And he tried. But they were after him. And they were bound and determined to make him fail. And he still got a lot done. Theyre still after him. Hes still standing. And hes coming back for more.

teresa

I will say, Im 85 years old. I dont think we ever had a better economy than we had under Trump. But I would like to have someone who I respected, who didnt do and say some of the things he does and say as my president. And I think there are other people who would do the right thing also.

astead w. herndon

Is there anything specific? Are we talking about the indictments? Are we talking about his personal conduct? What is it about what he does and says that think this time around, youre looking for somebody else?

teresa

I dont like a lot of the things he says about people. You need to respect other people if youre  especially if youre in that position. And I would like to have him be more kind to people, whether he likes them or not.

astead w. herndon

Its curious. Im going to ask you that question because 

speaker 17

Theyre not kind to him. Theyre not kind not to him. Theres only so much you can take before you start fighting back. And thats what hes doing.

astead w. herndon

Someone like Tim Scott will  makes his faith, says his personal conviction, his personal role modelness as a reason to  that he should be president, as a reason that him being in that office would be important. You resonate with those qualities. You seem like you all of those.

speaker 17

Oh, yeah. I think him and Trump would be a good fit. Hes a solid conservative. And like I said, it is so bad right now that we need somebody in there thats just going to bull in a China shop, clean it up. And as soon as Trump has had his four years, Tim Scott slides right in.

astead w. herndon

It sounds like I kind of hear you saying that you hear what hes offering, and you like it. You just have a different priority right now. Tim Scott describes his message as inspiration, as hope. Thats through his faith. Thats through his story as a Black son coming up with a single mother and what opportunities he was able to get. If you could describe what Trumps message is, what is it? If I know that Tim Scotts is inspiration and hope, it seems like Trumps is different. Whats Trump promising that is resonating with you?

speaker 17

He loves his country. He always has. He says, I will fight every day of my life for this country.

astead w. herndon

Hes promising a fight?

speaker 17

A fight. And we are in a fight. We are in a war. We are in a war, whether we want to believe it or not. This country is in trouble.

anna foley

What are the sides of the war to you?

astead w. herndon

What makes it  yeah.

speaker 17

We are fighting for our children. The education in this country is deplorable. And I think this latest movie The Sound of Freedom has exposed, big time, whats going on with Hollywood, pedophilia, trafficking. And were not stopping it.

astead w. herndon

And so I see what youre saying. So because of these existential threats, because of this war, the answer 

speaker 17

The morality of our country 

astead w. herndon

One plus one equals Trump.

speaker 17

 has deteriorated horribly. Were not the country that we should be or were or was. And its got to stop. Were on a slippery slope.

astead w. herndon

When we go to the Democrats, they all say that they feel like this is a really kind of war time  war isnt the language they would use. But this is a really existential moment for the country too, a real crossroads moment. It seems like both sides are in agreement that the stakes of this election are really, really, really high. What feels unclear is that somebody is going to lose here. And both sides say they think if they lose, the country is gone.

teresa

If we dont get control, we are going to be a socialist nation. Thats the direction we are headed. And Im very, very concerned about that.

astead w. herndon

Do you feel that, existential about this moment?

teresa

Id like to go back to the 50s. Those were the perfect years.

speaker 17

I know.

teresa

I mean, everybody dressed perfectly. They acted perfectly. You didnt hear naughty words. Id like us to go back to that, when moms stayed in the home and raised their children. Thats part of our problem today is that we dont have families raising their children. And then they go to school. And the teachers cant do anything with them. And thats why weve got a lot of the problems we have today.

astead w. herndon

Yeah. Do you worry about the tone any? If people feel this afraid, if Trump is  we just heard him in South Carolina. Hes promising his fight back. Do you do you worry about what this could mean in terms of a kind of vitriolic election year? Or is that 

speaker 17

Well, its going to get nasty. Its going to get nasty.

astead w. herndon

It reminds me of something a woman told me earlier today at the state fair. And I was asking her about Tim Scott. And she said, you know, hes a good Christian man. And I like that. But right now, Im worried about strength. And she was going to vote for Donald Trump because what she was really prioritizing more than values, more than personal conviction was she wanted someone who she felt could fight back.

speaker 17

Take the reins and go with it.

astead w. herndon

If Trumps the nominee, as someone who is looking at the alternatives, if hes the nominee, are you still voting for him?

teresa

Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Ill vote Republican. I sure want to get rid of the Democrats that we have and what theyre doing.

astead w. herndon

I appreciate your time. I really appreciate yall talking with us. Thank you so much.

speaker 17

Thank you.

astead w. herndon
Christian Beyer worked around the ground-shaking blasts of one of the Armys most powerful weapons  the M1 Abrams tank  for 23 years. And for nearly all that time, he was a model soldier, given awards for meritorious service and promoted all the way up to master sergeant in charge of training young tank crews.

Then in 2020, at age 38, he started to fall apart.

He couldnt sleep. His family noticed that his balance had turned unsteady and he began to slur his speech. He would weep about small things and dwell on imagined conspiracies.

He grew mean, then dangerous. One night late in 2021, according to Army documents, he shoved his wife during an argument and then grabbed for a kitchen knife when a senior sergeant tried to calm him down.

As Sergeant Beyers struggles were beginning, the military was just starting to recognize that firing heavy weapons could lead to brain damage. Under a mandate from Congress, it began to set up programs to track and limit exposure, announced its first safety threshold for blast intensity to avoid adverse brain health outcomes, and drew up a list of 14 weapons that might pose a significant risk.
Bob Pardo, a fighter pilot who, during the Vietnam War, kept a wingmans damaged plane aloft in a daring feat of aviation that became known as the Pardo Push, died on Dec. 5 in a hospital near his home in College Station, Texas. He was 89.

His wife, Kathryn Pardo, said the cause was lung cancer.

In March 1967, Captain Pardo was on a mission over North Vietnam in an F-4 Phantom when antiaircraft fire hit his plane, inflicting damage, while more badly ripping into the fuel tank of another fighter in the strike force. Both jets pulled away to head home. But the second plane had lost too much fuel to make it to safety. Captain Pardo realized that its two-man crew would be forced to eject over enemy territory and face capture or worse.

Flying beneath the compromised plane, Captain Pardo told its pilot, Capt. Earl Aman, to lower his tailhook  a metal pole at the rear of a fighter used to arrest its landing. At 300 miles per hour, Captain Pardo nudged his planes glass windshield against the tip of the pole. For almost 90 miles, he pushed the other plane as both jets hemorrhaged fuel, until they crossed the border with Laos. Both crews ejected by parachute, and all four men were rescued.
There is only one place the Rev. Cecil Williams would think to spend Christmas Day: Glide Memorial Church in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco.

Williams could be called a founding father of modern-day San Francisco, known for more than half a century as a fighter for racial equality, L.G.B.T.Q. rights and dignity for homeless people and those addicted to drugs.

At 94, hes mostly out of the spotlight, so I decided to chat with him about his memories over 60 years at Glide and his thoughts on the city in which we both live.

In 1963, the Methodist church sent Williams, who grew up in a little town in West Texas, to lead a small struggling church at Taylor and Ellis Streets in San Francisco. He joked that he found six old white people in the pews, all wrapped in the same shawl.
Harvards president, Dr. Claudine Gay, is accused of lifting words, phrases and sentences from other sources without proper attribution. Most, if not all, of the examples below are written in technical and academic jargon, not meant to convey sweeping or original ideas.

But her papers sometimes lift passages verbatim from other scholars and at other times make minor adjustments, like changing the word adage to popular saying or Black male children to young black athletes.

Here are five examples of Dr. Gays work that are under scrutiny, comparing her writing with that of the scholars listed.

Jennifer L. Hochschild

Dr. Gay is accused of plagiarizing two sentences in the acknowledgments of her 1997 Harvard dissertation from the acknowledgments in the 1996 book Facing Up to the American Dream: Race, Class, and the Soul of the Nation, by the Harvard political scientist Jennifer L. Hochschild.
Claudine Gay had served as president of Harvard University only since July, but had faced criticism on two fronts: her response to rising tensions on campus over the Israel-Gaza war, and questions about possible plagiarism in her academic work.

On Tuesday, she resigned her position as president, writing in a letter to the university community that it has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than any individual.

Dec. 15, 2022

Harvard University announces that Dr. Gay, the schools dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, will become president the following year. The daughter of Haitian immigrants, she will be the universitys first Black leader and the second woman to hold the position. Dr. Gay received an undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in government from Harvard.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida said that the indictments of former President Donald J. Trump had distorted the Republican presidential primary, tacitly admitting that the former presidents legal problems have helped him.

If I could have one thing change, I wish Trump hadnt been indicted on any of this stuff, Mr. DeSantis told David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network in an interview that aired on Thursday. He added that the indictments had just crowded out, I think, so much other stuff and its sucked out all the oxygen.

With just weeks until Iowans cast the first votes in the race, Mr. DeSantiss campaign has struggled to gain ground on Mr. Trump and has had to focus more on battling former Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina for second place.

When Mr. DeSantis entered the race in May, he was widely regarded as the most viable challenger to Mr. Trump. That reputation frayed as his campaign struggled to articulate an effective message, organize in key early primary states and guard against internal turmoil. Last week, the top strategist for Mr. DeSantiss super PAC, Jeff Roe, stepped down from his post.
In April 2022, during his Senate primary campaign in Pennsylvania, John Fetterman spoke enthusiastically about his unqualified support for Israel and said he did not consider himself a progressive when it came to his views on the Jewish state.

Whenever Im in a situation to be called on to take up the cause of strengthening and enhancing the security of Israel or deepening our relationship between the United States and Israel, Im going to lean in, Mr. Fetterman, then the lieutenant governor, told Jewish Insider at the time. When it came to far-left Democrats who harshly criticized Israel, he added, I would also respectfully say that Im not really a progressive in that sense.

So as the left has turned against Mr. Fetterman in recent weeks, branding him #GenocideJohn for his unequivocal support of Israels fierce retaliation against Hamas in response to the groups Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, the senator has dug in.

Once a darling of progressives who positioned himself as a champion of the underdog and highlighted his association with Senator Bernie Sanders, the self-described democratic socialist from Vermont, Mr. Fetterman now has a less rosy view of the left and says the label of progressive does not fit him anymore.
Her event on Wednesday at the Von Maur warehouse in Davenport may have been billed as a Women for Nikki event, but aside from three coalition T-shirts on display near the entrance, the venue carried few signs of the all-female, grass-roots groups that have helped spread her message.

Both Republican strategists and gender studies scholars say that Ms. Haleys relatively muted approach to gender on the trail makes sense: The path to higher office for women is often paved with double standards and gender biases, regardless of a candidates party or ideology. But it can be particularly difficult for Republican women. Conservative voters tend to harbor traditional views about femininity while expecting candidates to seem tough.

A recent study from the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University found that Republicans were less likely than Democrats to see distinct barriers to womens political representation, support targeted efforts to increase diversity in politics and pressure party leaders to embrace strategies to expand the ranks of women in power.

Kelly Dittmar, who as the centers research director worked on the report and has analyzed Ms. Haleys political bids, said she saw parallels between Ms. Haleys campaigns for governor and president. In both, Ms. Haleys ads have talked about being new and different, offering cues to voters about her race and gender but, Ms. Dittmar said, allowing them to interpret the words as they wished.

It is both strategic and in line with her own conservative identity, Ms. Dittmar said, adding that as a candidate for governor Ms. Haley rejected calls from her constituents to promise that she would appoint an even number of men and women to her administration.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umierov said that Ukrainian soldiers could liberate the Autonomous Republic of Crimea next year. According to him, the expulsion of Russian occupants from the peninsula is a strategic goal.

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Umierov emphasized that Vladimir Putin's dictatorial regime is condemned by the entire civilized world, so there is no doubt about Ukraine's success. He said this in an interview with the German newspaper Bild.

The head of the defense ministry did not elaborate on the details of the planned operations for 2024. However, he noted that he was optimistic.

In particular, Umierov said that the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by the terrorist country Russia in 2014, could be liberated next year.

"I am 100 percent sure. This is our strategic goal. The Russian Federation is on the dark side of the world. And more importantly, the Putin regime is condemned by the entire civilized world. There is no doubt that we will win," Umierov said.

In a comment to Hromadske, Defense Ministry spokesman Ilarion Pavlyuk said that the German tabloid newspaper Bild had distorted the words of Defense Minister Rustem Umierov about the timing of the liberation of Crimea.

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Pavlyuk explained that the defense minister did not claim that Crimea would be liberated in 2024. The journalist asked this question several times, but the minister avoided making any precise predictions with dates.

As a reminder, the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in Crimea Tamila Tasheva said that the Ukrainian Defense Forces were unable to enter the territory of Crimea in 2023 due to a number of objective reasons. "Due to the difficult situation on the peninsula, our troops are somewhat behind schedule, but they are still making progress.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Crimea, which was seized by Russia in 2014, would probably be easier to de-occupy than Donbas. It is not only about liberating the territories, but also about the mental return of people to Ukraine.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Former President Donald J. Trump has long spoken admiringly of police officers who use aggressive force on the job. For years, he has pointed to his unwavering support for local law enforcement, presenting himself as a law and order candidate who would help the police tackle violent crime.

But now, as Mr. Trump campaigns again for the White House, he has added a new promise to his speeches on the trail: to indemnify police officers and protect them from the financial consequences of lawsuits accusing them of misconduct.

We are going to indemnify them, so they dont lose their wife, their family, their pension and their job, he said during a speech this month in New York.

Legal experts say Mr. Trumps proposal  which he first raised in an interview in October and has floated five times this month  would have little effect and would largely enforce the status quo. Police officers in most jurisdictions are already protected from being held financially responsible for potential wrongdoing. They also benefit from a legal doctrine that can shield officers accused of misconduct from lawsuits seeking damages.
The United States and China restored communications between their two militaries on Thursday, as President Bidens senior military adviser, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, held a videoconference call with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli.

The call signaled a significant step in the relationship between two of the worlds most powerful militaries. The Pentagon and the Chinese military have had frosty relations over the past few years amid tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Relations further deteriorated earlier this year after the Pentagon shot down a Chinese spy balloon that had traversed the continental United States.

But within days of taking office as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff this fall, General Brown wrote a letter to his Chinese counterpart saying the United States was open to resuming military-to-military communications, which Beijing suspended last year to protest Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan.
Chasing away an infection with the right antibiotic can feel magical.

Stabbing throat pain improves, coughs subside, ear aches fade. A course can save us from pneumonia and protect us during surgery. The advent of penicillin has been hailed as one of the greatest discoveries in medicine.

But an antibiotic can also be a temptress. While the drugs work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria, we often seek them out for runny noses and chest colds, most of which are caused by viruses. An estimated 28 percent of antibiotics prescribed to children and adults are unnecessary. When a virus like those that cause the flu or Covid is causing your symptoms, antibiotics not only dont help, they can hurt.

Swallowing an antibiotic is like carpet-bombing the trillions of microorganisms that live in the gut, killing not just the bad but the good too, said Dr. Martin Blaser, author of the book Missing Microbes and director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University. Drug-resistant bacteria are already in all of us; beneficial bacteria help keep them controlled. When an antibiotic wipes out beneficial bacteria, the resistant bugs can flourish, making present and future infections harder to treat. With the overuse of antibiotics, our microbes are disappearing, a crisis with far-ranging consequences scientists dont fully understand yet. I think the health profession in general has systematically overestimated the value of antibiotics and underestimated the cost, Dr. Blaser said.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top global public health threats, according to the World Health Organization. Each year in the United States, an estimated 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur, leading to more than 35,000 deaths. If you take a lot of antibiotics, you are at greater risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection and spreading it to others. That can contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, sometimes referred to as superbugs. To top it off, taking antibiotics regularly may also make you more susceptible to other illnesses.
Rail traffic under the English Channel was gradually returning to normal on Thursday after the end of an unexpected walkout by railway workers that had blocked the Channel Tunnel, stranding passengers and causing several hours of travel chaos just days before Christmas.

Clement Beaune, Frances transportation minister, announced at 7:30 p.m. in Paris that the Channel Tunnel closure had been lifted. Mr. Beaune had previously called the blockage unacceptable.

Traffic can resume, Mr. Beaune said on social media. I salute the spirit of responsibility of all those involved.

Eurostar, the high-speed passenger train line that runs under the English Channel, said that traffic would resume on Friday with a normal timetable out of London, Paris and Brussels.
The authorities in Iceland on Thursday reiterated calls to tourists to avoid the site of a volcanic eruption, a spectacular show of spewing lava, after a hiker had to be rescued by helicopter earlier in the week.

The eruption occurred Monday night in Icelands most populated area, sending fountains of lava into the sky. The area, the Reykjanes Peninsula, had been experiencing strong seismic activity since October, leading to the evacuation last month of Grindavik, a fishing town of 3,600 people.

As soon as initial reports of the eruption emerged, tourists and locals alike started to flock to sites where they could see the glowing river of lava for themselves, even as the authorities called for people to steer clear of the area. The volume of lava has diminished since the eruption, as craters form along the 2.5-mile-long fissure.
In March 2021, as stunned L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics grappled with a Vatican document approved by Pope Francis that ruled against blessing same-sex unions, one of his confidants, who is gay, says they spoke on the phone.

Juan Carlos Cruz, a sexual abuse survivor who had befriended the pope over years of conversations, says that Francis, who had just returned from Iraq, gave him the sense that the Vatican machine had gotten ahead of him in the ruling; it stated that God cannot bless sin.

But he says Francis acknowledged that the buck stops with him. I got the impression that he wanted to fix it.

For Mr. Cruz, who visited Francis for his 87th birthday over the weekend, and for many L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics, Francis did just that this week. He signed off on a major declaration by the same Vatican office on church doctrine that had issued the negative ruling two years before.
Fourteen people were killed and more than 20 others wounded in a shooting rampage at Charles University in the Czech Republic on Thursday, the authorities said. The gunman, a 24-year-old student in world history at the university, also killed himself after the shooting spree in central Prague.

The police say they believe he first killed his father in their family home in a village near the town of Kladno, outside of Prague, Ondrej Moravcik, a spokesman for the Czech police, said in an interview. Some of the injured were in critical condition, he added.

The gunman was partly identified by the police as David K. European police officials often give only a first name and last initial for privacy reasons. Speaking at a news conference in Prague, the chief of the national police force, Martin Vondrasek, said the assailant got inspired by a similar terrible event abroad. He did not specify where.

But the authorities said they did not believe that the gunmans actions were connected to international or domestic terrorism.
The number of Gaza residents reported killed during Israels 10-week-old war in the territory has already surpassed the toll for any other Arab conflict with Israel in more than 40 years and perhaps any since Israels founding in 1948.

The Gaza Health Ministry said on Thursday that the death toll had exceeded 20,000 for the first time, putting it just above one of the most authoritative estimates of those killed in Lebanon by Israels 1982 invasion.

And though Gaza officials have said counting the dead has become increasingly challenging, most experts say the figure is likely an undercount and express shock at the enormity of the loss. Some military experts said more people had been killed more quickly in this war than during the deadliest stages of the U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Azmi Keshawi, the Gaza analyst for the International Crisis Group think tank, said this war was more horrifying than any he had experienced before. He said he and his family had fled his home in northern Gaza and moved six times so far. They now live in a tent near a U.N. shelter in the southern city of Rafah.
Northern Gaza has no more functioning hospitals, the director general of the World Health Organization said, describing scenes of horror witnessed by aid workers in the ruins of two partially destroyed medical facilities.

Aid workers who visited Al-Ahli and Al-Shifa hospitals on Wednesday during a rare humanitarian mission to deliver supplies struggled to describe the immense impact recent attacks have had on these health facilities, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O. chief, said in a statement posted to social media.

At Al-Ahli, the aid workers found rows of dead bodies lined up outside the hospital, while severely injured civilians writhed in pain on the floor and the pews of the chapel inside of it, he said.

In a video that Dr. Tedros posted to social media, a member of the medical mission stands inside the chapel, with injured people and crucifixes on the wall visible behind him.

There are patients here who have been injured for more than a month and have had no surgery; there are patients who have been operated on and are now getting post-operative infections because the hospital doesnt have sufficient antibiotics, the aid worker in the video, Sean Casey, says.

They are suffering enormously here, he adds. This is a completely unacceptable situation.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs took part in the mission, which it said was only the third humanitarian convoy to reach northern Gaza since a pause in fighting ended on Dec. 1 because of the ongoing hostilities.
In the 52 days that Sahar Kalderon, 16, spent as a hostage in Gaza, it was not only her captors who terrified her.

It was also the relentless Israeli strikes on the enclave, she said, as the Israeli Air Force pummeled the territory night after night in one of the most intense air campaigns this century.

Many times I told myself that, in the end, I will die from Israels missiles and not from Hamas, the teenager said in her first interview with the international news media since being released from captivity on Nov. 27.

Will I ever see my family again? she remembered wondering. Will I return to my normal life? Will I not be killed? Its complete helplessness.
The Defense Ministry wants to mobilize men living abroad. Men who do not comply with the request will face sanctions.

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This was stated by Defense Minister Rustem Umierov during an interview with WELT TV, Bild, and Politico. However, the Defense Ministry later denied the minister's statement.

Despite the ban, many Ukrainian men went abroad to avoid the draft. As noted in the publication, soon men aged 25 to 60 living in Germany and other countries will be invited to report to the recruiting stations of the Armed Forces.

Umierov said that this would most likely take place in the form of an invitation, but he noted that sanctions would be imposed if any of the conscripts did not respond to this request.

"We are still discussing what will happen if they do not come voluntarily," he said.

Later, the Ministry of Defense denied the information about the possible conscription of Ukrainians abroad. Illarion Pavlyuk, a spokesman for the Ministry, said in a comment to Babel that the quotes of Rustem Umierov used in the media were distorted. In general, Umierov spoke to journalists about recruitment and the importance of explaining to citizens abroad why they should join the army.

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It is worth noting that the Ukrainian military is considering mobilizing another 450 to 500 thousand soldiers to defend itself against a Russian invasion. However, the financial and political conditions for this have not yet been determined. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called this mobilization process a "sensitive issue."

Umierov emphasized the importance of justice in this matter. He expressed the opinion that future conscripts should be clearly informed how they will be trained, what they will receive in terms of military equipment, where and when they will serve, and when they will be released.

As a reminder, MP from the Servant of the People party, Mariana Bezuhla, said that parliamentarians want to regulate the issue of military service for women. The innovations in the draft version of the bill stipulate that women must be registered with the military and undergo basic military training.

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Subsequently, during the final press conference on Tuesday, December 19, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clearly answered whether he supported the provisions on women's mobilization proposed in the new mobilization law. If the Verkhovna Rada adopts such a document, the head of state will not sign it.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Fluttering down from the skies over Gaza on a recent day were clouds of fliers dropped by the Israeli military asking for tips on the whereabouts of top Hamas leaders.

The end of Hamas is near, the fliers proclaimed in Arabic, promising hefty bounties to anyone who helped bring about the arrest of those who had brought destruction and ruin to the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, headed the list in exchange for a reward of $400,000  more than 1,500 times Gazas average monthly wage.

Israels stated goal in the war is to destroy Hamas, the armed Palestinian group that rules Gaza and set off the war there by attacking Israel on Oct. 7. But despite a military campaign that has caused nearly 20,000 deaths in Gaza and reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble, Israel has yet to locate Mr. Sinwar and other senior Hamas figures considered key plotters of the attack 10 weeks ago.
After nearly a week of intense negotiations, the United States said on Thursday night that it was ready to support a United Nations Security Council resolution that would call for more desperately needed aid to enter the Gaza Strip. A vote was not expected until Friday at the earliest.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told reporters that the United States had worked hard and diligently over the course of the past week with the countries that had proposed the resolution, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, to ensure that we put a mechanism on the ground that will support humanitarian assistance and were ready to vote for it.

I wont share how I will vote, she said, but added that if the resolution were put forward as written, it would be one we can support.

Earlier on Thursday, a U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the talks, said that high-level negotiators from Washington and Cairo had been seeking common ground on who would inspect the aid for weapons and other contraband before it entered Gaza.
Israels military said it has learned that its forces had come close to finding three hostages before they were mistakenly killed by Israeli troops in Gaza last week, an episode that has roiled the country and raised pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to quickly reach a deal to free Hamass remaining captives.

The news was the latest to emerge since the fatal shooting of the three hostages, who were unarmed and bearing a makeshift white flag. Israels military has been quick in disclosing details of the shooting, which it said violated its rules of engagement.

In a briefing late Wednesday, Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, said that five days before the deadly hostage shooting, Israeli forces had been patrolling the area where they now know that the hostages were held.

They engaged in a firefight with Palestinian militants and sent a combat dog equipped with a GoPro camera into a building for reconnaissance. The military said Palestinian fighters shot the dog, and the Israeli soldiers prevailed in the fight, killing the militants.
BERLIN, MONDAY  The following curious notice appears in a Berlin paper: Its said that Russian officials holding a high position in their own country are now on a secret mission in England, where they have been negotiating for the last month with officials in the British Civil Service. Their alleged object is to obtain information, maps and plans concerning English concessions in Persia and Arabia.

After leaving London they are to go to Paris in order to contract a large loan there, and to obtain the support of France. Russias intention is to build a gigantic railway through Russia, Turkestan, Persia, and Arabia to the Red Sea. At the terminus of the Red Sea a Muscovite naval station is to be erected, and an agreement with the Government of the Shah of Persia has already been concluded and signed.

 The New York Herald, European Edition, Dec. 21, 1898
An artificial intelligence model developed by an international team of researchers has demonstrated the ability to predict future events in peoples lives, including the time of their death.

Life2vec, a so-called transformer model trained on a massive volume of data to predict various aspects of a persons life, was created by scientists in Denmark and the United States. After being fed data from Danish health and demographic records for six million people, like time of birth, schooling, education, salary, housing, and health, the AI model was trained to predict what would come next. According to its creators, Life2vec demonstrated an eerie ability to predict when people would die based on data analysis. For example, when tested on a group of people between the ages of 35 and 65, half of whom died between 2016 and 2020, it was able to predict who would die and who would live, with 78% accuracy.

Photo: Unsplash+/Getty Images

The research team led by Professor Sune Lehmann Jrgensen at the Technical University of Denmark pointed out that Life2vec was trained exclusively on data from Denmark, so the results may not be quite the same for people in other countries. However, Jrgensen also stressed that models like this one should not fall into the hands of corporations, although they are probably using such technology on us.

Clearly, our model should not be used by an insurance company, because the whole idea of insurance is that, by sharing the lack of knowledge of who is going to be the unlucky person struck by some incident, or death, or losing your backpack, we can kind of share this burden, Professor Jrgensen said.

Life2vec is currently not available for use by the public, but its creators suspect that similar models have already been developed and are being used by big tech companies with massive amounts of data to train them on.



Despite the ethical implications of using an AI model capable of estimating how much you have to live with startling accuracy, there is one undeniable upside  such a prediction can help you prevent your untimely death.

Our framework allows researchers to discover potential mechanisms that impact life outcomes as well as the associated possibilities for personalized interventions, the team behind Life2vec wrote.


Chula Vista, CA Calls for PR Support Mon., Jan. 8, 2024 The San Diego County city of Chula Vista is looking for an agency that can boost its economic tourism by promoting its downtown as a unique destination.
The people of Kilcormac unanimously said 'No' last week to a government plan to move a number of Ukrainian refugees out of the town to accommodation elsewhere.

Last Friday week, December 8th, locals were shocked when letters were sent to 16 refugees living in Casey's Bar and Guesthouse stating they would be moved out of Casey's on Monday December 11th at midday and taken to accommodation in Daingean, Tullamore or Sligo.

There was an outcry in the town about this, Cllr John Leahy told The Midland Tribune, and a number of locals approached me and other local councillors asking us to do something about it. They said to me the Ukrainian refugees had settled well in the town and this was an unkind way to treat them, a bolt out of the blue lacking in compassion. I contacted the Council executive who in turn contacted the Governmental Department, and we got it stopped. I think the Department were a bit taken aback by the level of opposition to moving the 16 refugees.

The Council told the Department that the 16 refugees could be moved to the convent in Kilcormac and the Department agreed to this.

He said the Ukrainians will therefore move to the convent bringing the number of Ukrainian refugees living in there to 60.

The councillor pointed out that the convent is sufficiently big to adequately accommodate 60 people. There are rules, he stated, regarding the square footage which each person should be given in their accommodation and the convent situation is abiding by this.

The refugees have settled well in Kilcormac since they moved here last Spring. They are now part of the community. Their children are attending our schools.

The letters received by the refugees in Casey's Bar were sent by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Most of the people accommodated in Casey's were family units, mothers and children, most of whom are attending local schools. Locals said treating these people in this way just two weeks before Christmas was appalling. They pointed out, in an email sent to The Midland Tribune, that the families are settled in Kilcormac and with the children in schools, and it would have been very disruptive moving them at short notice like this."

Some locals believe the convent is crowded and is now over capacity, which is creating further problems, however the people were happy to be able to stay in Kilcormac for the time being. Cllr Leahy reiterated that the accommodation set-up is sticking to the rules.

The concerned locals were very unhappy with the way the people were treated and weren't pleased with the contents of the letter sent to them from the Department, which they felt "lacked compassion for the people concerned. The letter also stated that the refugees would not be able to bring their pets with them when they moved to Tullamore, Daingean or Sligo (this passage was highlighted).

This is the letter sent to the 16 refugees by the Department:

As a Beneficiary of Temporary Protection, you were accommodated in Casey's Bar and Guesthouse. However it is no longer possible to accommodate you at this location and, accordingly, new accommodation is being provided.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for the provision of suitable short term emergency accommodation to beneficiaries of temporary protection arriving in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive who indicate that they require assistance in obtaining accommodation.

Given the large number of people seeking assistance with short term emergency accommodation, it is not possible to facilitate requests for accommodation of a certain type or in a particular location except on specific medical or disability grounds, as verified by the HSE. You should note that at present almost all accommodation on offer is temporary in nature and further moves may be required into the future. You should be aware that in some instances accommodation provided may be shared with other Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. It is also important to note that parents with children under 18 will be responsible, at all times, for their children in such settings.

A further reminder in relation to any residents who have pets in the accommodation, please ensure that you have secured appropriate accommodation for your pet, as the Department cannot provide for any accommodation for pets at future facilities.

It is also important to note that due to acute shortage of accommodation available, should you refuse an offer of re-location to alternative suitable accommodation, you will not receive further offers of accommodation from DCEDIY. You will not be permitted to remain in your current accommodation, if alternative accommodation has been allocated to you. You will not be permitted access to CityWest Transit Hub.

You are, of course, free to source your own accommodation. If you do so please inform the Department so that an accurate record may be maintained.

If you have children of school going age who are current enrolled in local schools, you can contact Tusla Education Support Services to arrange for re-enrolment in schools servicing the local area where your new accommodation is located.

Please bring belongings with you, including any medication that may have been prescribed for you, to your new accommodation, Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

Kind regards

Ukrainian Temporary Accommodation Team.

It was not clear why the Department decided it wanted to move the refugees from their original accommodation or what was to become of that accommodation when it had been vacated.

The locals ended their email to this newspaper stating, The Ukrainians residents have integrated well into life in Kilcormac and have been an addition to the town. We were therefore very annoyed to see them being treated in this manner by the Department.
THE Diocese of Killaloe is undertaking a year-long initiative to encourage men to consider joining the priesthood.

Visits to parishes across the Diocese in Clare, Laois, Offaly, Limerick and Tipperary are already underway and will continue throughout 2024.

With just over half of the 58 parishes in the Diocese currently served by a resident priest, Vocations Director Fr Iggy McCormack says there is hope the three vocations recorded in the Diocese of Killaloe during the past 12 months can be built on during the Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood.

Geographically, we are the third largest Diocese in the country and is it has become increasingly difficult to maintain full cover across the five counties due to retirements and a lower number of vocations, he explained. The idea of young men taking up a vocation has arguably become more countercultural in recent years, but we are very hopeful that we can build on recent progress whereby three men from the Diocese will enter the seminary at Maynooth over the next 12 months.

Fr McCormack, who also is Principal of St. Flannans College in Ennis, said the vocations initiative will encourage people to discover more about vocations on the Diocesan website while the parish church visits are aimed at kickstarting conversations within family groups, with local priests and in communities across the Diocese on the vocation of priesthood.

He continued, I am encouraging any man who has been considering a vocation and is exploring their calling to make contact today with the Vocations Office or to speak with their local priest. Most newly ordained priests will comment on how the encouragement and counsel they received from their local priest greatly assisted in commencing their journey to priestly ministry.

Ennis native Mark Nestor, a former secondary school teacher and Clare County Councillor, entered the National Seminary at Saint Patrick's College Maynooth in September having spent the past year at the Royal English College of St Alban in Valladolid, Spain.

Answering yes to my vocation to the priesthood has resulted in a great sense of contentment in my life, Mark explained. The support I have received from family, friends and the Diocese over the last two years has been phenomenal. I would encourage anyone who feels they have a vocation to priesthood to reach out and talk about their vocation.

Visit www.killaloediocese.ie or follow the Killaloe Diocese on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more on the Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood.
A teenage student from Oaklands Community College in Edenderry has been praised for her kind gesture to an elderly local woman in St Mary's Cemetery this week.

The touching interaction was the subject of a post on the Edenderry community Facebook page when one follower posted a message.

"A big thank you to the lovely young lady who walked my elderly mother out of the cemetery in Edenderry today," the post on Wednesday began.

"There was a guy acting suspiciously and this girl got out of the car and walked her to the main road and made sure she got across the road safely," the person added.

"She was wearing an Oaklands uniform and my mother did not get her name but said she was an extraordinary lovely girl and was very appreciative of her help. Thank you so much and it's great to see these young people looking out for the older generation. If anyone reading this message knows who this girl is can you please pass on our sincere thanks."

One of the comments was from the girl's father who said: "Delighted your mother is OK. It was my daughter Aoibheann Kirwan and she said your mother was an absolute lady."

Others were quick to praise Aoibheann and her thoughtfulness during Christmas week.

One person wrote: "Such a lovely girl to help a woman out, you should be so proud."

Another added: "Well done to your daughter, you must be very proud of her having read this post."
The U.S. presidential administration has approached negotiations on migration reform in good faith. The White House expects the same approach from Republicans in Congress to unblock aid to Ukraine.

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This was stated by National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby during a briefing on Wednesday, December 19. He was responding to a request from journalists to comment on Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement that the US and EU would not betray Ukraine.

"The President - he said it personally - is confident that we are approaching this in good faith. We want our colleagues in Congress to approach these discussions in good faith as well," the National Security Council coordinator emphasized.

Mr. Kirby also confirmed that "some progress" had been made in the negotiations between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, including with the participation of representatives of the Presidential Administration. However, he noted that he did not want to get ahead of events with predictions.

"Some progress has been made, I won't get ahead of myself, we have to see how things develop," he said.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented at a press conference on December 19 on the possibility of a new aid package from the United States, which Congress has not been able to agree on for several weeks. He expressed confidence that "the United States will not betray us, and that what we have agreed on, the United States will fulfill in full."

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The sale of vapes and e-cigarettes to children will be banned in Ireland.

The ban will cover the sale of nicotine inhaling products to those under the age of 18 from Friday.

From then, it will be an offence to sell a nicotine inhaling product to a child, with a fine of up to 4,000 euros and up to a six-month term of imprisonment.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said he was committed to bringing the move into law before Christmas, and thanked all for the support in passing the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act.

In 2024 I will commence the remaining measures in the Act (such as around advertising, a licensing system and vending machines) and we will examine the results of our public consultation on the further regulation of e-cigarettes and on some innovative proposals in tobacco control, he said.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Hildegarde Naughton added: I look forward to the results of our public consultation on the options for the further regulation of nicotine inhaling products, particularly around flavourings and packaging.

The protection of children is at the centre of our national tobacco control policy, Tobacco Free Ireland, and I welcome this major step forward in that direction.

We know that young people who vape are more likely to go on to smoke, so it is important that they are not drawn to these products.
Minister with responsibility for Forestry at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, this week launched the 2024 ITGA Forestry and Timber Yearbook.

In welcoming the Yearbook publication, its 35th edition, the Minister stated, The 2024 ITGA Forestry and Timber Yearbook is an excellent resource for everyone involved in forestry. This years edition has in-depth information and advice on establishing new forests and support for sustainable forest management through the new afforestation scheme. The new Forestry Programme is a great opportunity for people to get the best value from our forests. It pays to plant trees.

The Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) Chairman, Brendan Lacey, thanked the Minister and said, The 2024 Yearbook reflects the ongoing changes in Irish forestry and outlines the various measures in the new Forestry Programme, additional schemes to be introduced over the coming months, and any changes in woodland taxation and in recent timber prices paid to growers reflecting market conditions". He also outlined that the Yearbook highlights the many attributes of forestry including its economic, environmental and social importance through the articles and statistical information in the publication.

Donal Whelan of the Irish Timber Growers Association said, the 2024 Yearbook is one of the most important sources of information for the sector and it highlights the sectors profile nationally. The new Forestry Programme will be particularly important for timber growers and landowners. The Forestry Yearbook contains 208 pages of invaluable information for timber growers, forestry professionals, the timber industry and the general public.

Brendan Lacey also thanked the Yearbook sponsors Coillte, the Murray Timber Group, Bord na Mona and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the various companies, organisations and individuals who continue to support the yearbook publication.

Yearbooks can be ordered online at www.forestryyearbook.ie or by contacting ITGA at

17 Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin; email info@itga.ie
The Hamas terrorist group has rejected Israel's proposal for another phase of a temporary truce in the Gaza Strip to free hostages. They did not appreciate Jerusalem's readiness for a seven-day pause and the release of 40 people.

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The terrorists voiced their response to Israel's proposal to representatives of Egypt, who are mediators in the negotiations. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, December 20.

Hamas said that before any agreement can be discussed, Israel must stop its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

In addition, the terrorists demand that Israel release all Palestinian prisoners - only then will they agree to release Israeli hostages. As you know, Hamas is holding about a hundred more people captured during the October 7 attack on Israel.

Israel, for its part, has stated that it has no intention of stopping the operation in the Gaza Strip, the newspaper writes.

As a reminder, the day before, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that the state is ready for a second pause in the fighting with Hamas in exchange for the release of more hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Jerusalem also believes that humanitarian aid to Gaza could be tripled.

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Earlier, Reuters, citing sources, wrote that Israel and Hamas are trying to agree on another stage of the hostage exchange. The terrorists demand that the list of hostages be determined unilaterally, and that the IDF withdraw behind a pre-determined line during the ceasefire.

Israel allegedly rejected the demand for the withdrawal of the military, but agreed to the proposal for a list of hostages.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the country would gradually move to the next phase of the operation in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian refugees may be allowed to return to northern Gaza.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Did Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth Overdose Her Son With Cough Syrup Before Smothering?

Pro-Kannada Activists Rally For Kannada Signboards In Bengaluru Shops

Bengaluru

oi-Madhuri Adnal

A group of pro-Kannada activists staged a protest outside shops in Bengaluru on Wednesday, demanding that shop signboards prominently feature Kannada, with at least 65% of the signage written in the local language.

The protest, led by the Kannada Rakshana Vedike group, unfolded in the market precinct of Chikkapete in Bengaluru.

Advocates of the movement highlight Karnataka's cultural essence residing in its language, emphasizing that the visibility of Kannada on signboards signifies regional pride and identity.

Their demands extend to the translation of brand logos into Kannada, believing this measure will foster a stronger sense of community and inclusivity among the local populace.

The demonstrations yesterday left shop owners in Chikkapete surprised by the intensity of the protest. However, many vendors expressed their willingness to comply with the stipulations while requesting time to implement the changes.

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Story first published: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 22:35 [IST]
Vijay Deverakonda And Rashmika Mandanna Engagement In Feb: Is It True Or Just Buzz?

Was NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad Assaulted For His 'Non-Veg' Remark? Here's The Truth

Fact Check: Did Taran Adarsh Give Negative Review For 'Dunki'? Here's The Truth

Fact Check

oi-Prakash KL

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Dunki' has opened to fairly positive reviews from overseas with a section of netizens trying to spread negative words on social media sites.

The much-hyped film was released to a huge hype on Thursday. While the movie hit the screens on Wednesday in overseas centres, it opened to early morning shows in India.

Even as the fans of King Khan are celebrating the release of 'Dunki', a review attributed to leading critic and box-office tracker Taran Adarsh is doing rounds on social media sites. A screenshot claiming that he is disappointed with the Christmas release has gone viral on social media sites.

Fact Check: Dawood Ibrahim's Death News Confirmed By Pakistan's Care Taker PM?

The message from the screenshot read: "#OneWordReview... #Dunki: DISAPPOINTING. #Dunki is an EPIC DISAPPOINTMENT... just doesn't meet the mammoth expectations... Director #RajkumarHrani had a dream cast and a massive budget on hand, bu creates a HUGE MESS."

However, this is a fake tweet and the critic has not shared the said post. He is hospitalised for over a week. He is recovering after surgery at the Kokilaben Hospital. In fact, he sent his best wishes to both 'Dunki' and 'Salaar' teams on Thursday.

He wrote, "Good morning, extremely keen to watch #Dunki and #Salaar, both... Still under observation in hospital, have almost recovered after a major surgery... Thank you veryyy much for the wishes... Feeling blessed ."

Fact Check: Is BJP Govt Set To Introduce 3-Day Off Policy In Budget 2024?

The viral tweet attributed to Taran Adarsh seems like has been spread by a fan of Prabhas as there are hashtags of 'Salaar' in the said screenshot.

While 'Dunki' has been released on Thursday, 'Salaar' will be out on Friday. Meanwhile, the movie has hit the screens today and met with fairly positive reviews.

#WATCH | Mumbai | Moviegoers come out of Gaiety Galaxy Movie Theatre after watching actor Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dunki.



"Overall, it is very good. I liked the first half a lot, typical Rajkumar Hirani film. The second half is a little all over the place but overall a very good pic.twitter.com/MKZIlUKF61  ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

Fact Check Claim Taran Adarsh Gives Thumbs Down For 'Dunki' Conclusion No, Taran Adarsh is hospitalised and not reviewed 'Dunki'. Rating False Raise your request for FACT CHECKING. Mail us at [email protected]
Punjab Minister Aman Arora Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Assault

Punjab Minister Aman Arora and eight others have been sentenced to two years in prison for an assault case that occurred in 2008. The court found them guilty of attacking Aroras brother-in-law in his house.

India

-Krishna Kripa

In a significant development, Punjab Minister Aman Arora and eight others were sentenced to two years of imprisonment by a court in Sangrur district on Thursday, December 21. The verdict came in a 15-year-old case where Arora's relative had accused him of assault within his residence.

Court's Verdict

The court of Gurbhinder Singh Johal, Sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate, Sunam, found Arora and the other eight individuals guilty in a case filed in 2008 based on a complaint lodged by the Minister's brother-in-law, Rajinder Deepa. Arora currently holds various portfolios in the Bhagwant Mann cabinet, including new and renewable energy, printing and stationery, employment generation, and training and governance reforms.

Charges and Sentence

The nine individuals were booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 452 (house-trespass) and 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt). The court sentenced them to two years of imprisonment under section 452 and one year of imprisonment under section 323 of the IPC. Notably, both sentences will run concurrently.

Court's Reasoning

In its order, the court stated that the prosecution successfully proved the guilt of the accused individuals beyond a reasonable doubt. The court relied on oral and documentary evidence to conclude that the accused persons, acting with a common intention, caused simple injuries to the complainant after trespassing into his house with the intent to cause harm.

Arora's Response

Following the conviction, Arora addressed reporters in Sangrur, expressing his intention to challenge the verdict in a higher court. He asserted his unwavering faith in the judicial system. Arora also revealed that a compromise had been reached between him and Deepa in 2012, but his brother-in-law later reneged on the agreement.

Legal Proceedings

Advocate Sushil, representing Deepa, disclosed that Deepa had filed complaints against ten individuals, out of which one passed away during the trial. He further mentioned that the convicts filed an application before the court, seeking permission to file an appeal in a higher court. According to Advocate Sushil, the convicts have a 30-day timeframe to file their appeal.

The sentencing of Punjab Minister Aman Arora and eight others in a 15-year-old assault case has garnered significant attention. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the higher court will address the appeal filed by the convicts. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have implications for the political landscape of Punjab and the ongoing discourse surrounding accountability and justice.
Odisha High Court Ends Anubhav Mohantys Troubled Marriage

The Orissa High Court has put an end to the tumultuous marriage of BJD MP and Odia actor Anubhav Mohanty, granting him a divorce from his wife Varsha Priyadarshini due to cruelty and fear of intimacy.

India

-Krishna Kripa

In a significant development, the Orissa High Court has granted divorce to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP and renowned Odia actor Anubhav Mohanty from his wife Varsha Priyadarshini. The decision came after a prolonged legal battle between the estranged couple, marked by multiple lawsuits and public disputes.

High Court Quashes Earlier Ruling

A division bench of the high court, comprising justices Arindam Sinha and Sibo Sankar Mishra, overturned an earlier ruling by a local family court that had dismissed Mohanty's appeal for divorce in September 2022. The division bench meticulously examined the case and determined that Mohanty had indeed faced cruelty from his spouse, particularly in the form of her apprehension towards intimacy following their marriage in 2014.

Grounds for Divorce Established

Based on this compelling evidence, the high court declared the marriage between Mohanty and Priyadarshini to be dissolved through a decree of divorce under Section 131IB of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Mohanty's counsel, Lalitendu Mishra, confirmed the judgment, highlighting the court's recognition of the cruelty inflicted upon his client.

Legal Battle and Social Media Spats

The divorce proceedings between Mohanty and Priyadarshini have been protracted and contentious. Mohanty initially filed a divorce lawsuit in a New Delhi court in 2019, which was subsequently transferred to the Cuttack family court in 2020 by the Supreme Court upon Priyadarshini's plea. During this period, both parties engaged in a series of complaints and lawsuits against each other, seeking intervention from local police stations and magisterial courts.

The situation escalated to the point where the estranged couple resorted to public mudslinging on social media platforms. In response, the high court intervened in May 2022, issuing a restraining order to prevent Mohanty and Priyadarshini from engaging in further ugly spats on social media. They were prohibited from posting or uploading any videos related to their troubled marriage.

The Orissa High Court's decision to grant divorce to Anubhav Mohanty brings an end to a tumultuous chapter in the lives of the estranged couple. The court's meticulous examination of the case and its recognition of the cruelty faced by Mohanty underscore the importance of upholding the rights and well-being of individuals within marital relationships.
Cong Chief Kharge, Sonia Get Invites To Ram Temple Inauguration In Ayodhya

India

oi-Prakash KL

Top leaders from the Opposition party Congress have been invited to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple scheduled for January 22 in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and party leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have received invitations, according to news agency PTI.

However, the senior Congress leaders are unlikely to attend the ceremony, sources told the news agency. Kharge, Gandhi and Chowdhury have received the invitations, individually, the report said.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration: Who's Attending Pran Pratishtha Ceremony?

Former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda have also received invitations for the function. Sources claimed that the invitations were delivered by a delegation of those associated with the Trust. More invitations are likely to be sent to other opposition leaders in the coming days.

The Trust has said that invitations have been extended to revered saints from different traditions, along with all prominent individuals contributing to the honour of the country in every domain.

In the new Teerthakshetrapuram (Bag Bijaisi), a Tent City has been established which includes six tubewells, six kitchen houses, and a hospital with ten beds, the Trust has said.

Approximately 150 doctors from around the country have agreed to provide their services in rotation at this hospital.

About 4,000 saints from different sects have been invited to participate in the ceremony, the Trust has said.

LK Advani, MM Joshi Requested Not To Come For Ram Temple Event: Ayodhya Trust Official

On the other hand, Ram Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai said recently that BJP veterans L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who were at the forefront of agitation for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, might not attend the consecration ceremony due to health and age-related reasons.

"Both are elders of the family and considering their age, they were requested not to come, which was accepted by both," Rai had told reporters.

Vishva Hindu Parishad working president Alok Kumar on Tuesday said he has invited BJP veterans L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi to attend the event.

Ram Mandir Inauguration: Schedule Of Rituals Of Ayodhya Temple

VHP working president Kumar said in a statement, "Invited respected Lal Krishna Advani ji and respected Dr Murali Manohar Joshi ji, who were at the forefront of Ram Mandir movement, to attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) programme at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024." "Both the seniors said that they will make every effort" to attend the event, Kumar added.

Advani is 96 while Joshi will turn 90 next month.

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Story first published: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 9:08 [IST]
Congress Keeps Mum on Attending Ram Temple Consecration in Ayodhya

The Congress party has received invitations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya but has not yet revealed whether its top leaders will attend.

India

-Krishna Kripa

The Congress party on Thursday refrained from disclosing its stance on whether its top leaders would attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, despite expressing gratitude for the invitations received.

Invitations Extended to Congress Leaders

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Sonia Gandhi, and the party's leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, have all been invited to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for January 22. According to sources, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust extended the invitations.

Congress Response

When asked if the party leaders would attend the ceremony, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal remained noncommittal during a press conference. He stated, "You will know about the party's stand. You will know on January 22 about the participation. They have invited us, we are very much thankful to them for inviting us, let us see."

Individual Invitations

The sources revealed that the invitations were sent individually to Kharge, Gandhi, and Chowdhury. Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda have also received invitations for the event.

Invitation Delivery

The invitations were reportedly delivered by a delegation associated with the trust. The trust has indicated that more invitations are likely to be sent to other opposition leaders in the coming days.

Inclusive Invitations

The trust has stated that invitations have also been extended to revered seers from various traditions, along with prominent individuals who have contributed to the country's honor in different domains.

As the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya draws closer, the Congress party's decision on whether its top leaders will attend remains uncertain. The party has expressed gratitude for the invitations but has not yet disclosed its official stance on participation.
India To Discuss Air India Security With Canada In Wake Of Alleged SFJ Threat

Delhi To Ayodhya In 80 Minutes; Air India Starts Flights Ahead Of Ram Mandir Inaugural

India

oi-Prakash KL

Air India Express is set to launch its first flight to Ayodhya from Delhi on December 30, with regular daily services scheduled to begin on the route starting January 16.

As per a report in PTI, the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport at Ayodhya has an extended runway suitable for A-321/B-737 type aircraft operations.

The airport will be inaugurated before the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Air India Express announced that the inaugural flight, IX 2789 on December 30, is planned to take off from Delhi at 11:00 AM and touch down in Ayodhya at 12:20 PM. Subsequently, flight IX 1769 is slated to depart from Ayodhya to Delhi at 12:50 PM, with an expected arrival time of 2:10 PM.

"Air India Express is excited to commence operations from Ayodhya right after the airport opens. This underlines our commitment to enhancing connectivity from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the country," the news agency quoted the airline's Managing Director Aloke Singh as saying.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the aerodrome license for the upcoming Ayodhya airport on December 14. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has developed the airport at an approximate cost of Rs 350 crore.

IndiGo announced on December 13 that it will operate the inaugural flight from the national capital to Ayodhya airport on December 30. Commercial services are scheduled to commence from January 6.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, on December 8, said the airport at Ayodhya will be ready by the end of this month and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the airport.

As a subsidiary of Air India, the airline conducts over 300 daily flights and possesses a fleet comprising 59 aircraft.
In the event of an armed attack by the terrorist country of Russia on Poland, only a small proportion of citizens would be willing to voluntarily join the army. At the same time, one in three Poles would decide to evacuate their place of residence.

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According to a sociological survey, only 15.7% of Polish citizens would be ready to defend their country with arms. This is reported by Rzeczpospolita.

In the survey, 29% of Poles said that in the event of a full-scale war, they would engage in volunteer activities. Another 37.4% of people said they would evacuate to safer places. In particular, almost 12% of respondents are ready to leave their home country.

It is also worth noting that 11.6% of Poles could not predict how they would behave in the event of an armed attack by Russia, and 22% of people said they would do nothing at all. It is noteworthy that people aged 30-39 are mostly planning to leave the country in the event of a war.

By the way, Poland decided to conduct such a survey against the backdrop of statements by the head of the National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewier. According to him, Russia is preparing for a confrontation with NATO countries. He warned that the North Atlantic Alliance has three years to prepare for a confrontation with Russia.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, Polish President Andrzej Duda convened a meeting of the National Defense Council. The country's National Security Bureau believes that Poland has three years to prepare for a possible confrontation with Russia.

Earlier, Duda said that Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO is in the national interest of his country. Moreover, our country's accession to these blocs is extremely important for Warsaw.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Hasdeo Arand: Tree Felling Begins Amid Protests in Surguja

Tree felling for coal mining in the biodiverse Hasdeo Arand region of Surguja, Chhattisgarh, commenced under police protection, sparking protests and allegations of activist detentions. The Opposition raised concerns in the Assembly, accusing the government of favoring industrialist Gautam Adani.

India

-Krishna Kripa

In a controversial move, tree felling has commenced for the Parsa East and Kete Basan PEKB phase-2 extension coal mines in the ecologically sensitive Hasdeo Arand region of Chhattisgarh's Surguja district. The commencement of tree felling was met with strong opposition from activists and local residents, who allege that police detained those protesting against coal mining in the area.

Opposition Raises Concerns in State Assembly

The Opposition Congress party raised the issue in the state Assembly, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of favoring industrialist Gautam Adani. Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant expressed concerns about the impact of coal mining on the region and the displacement of tribal communities. He highlighted that the previous government had passed a resolution to protect the Hasdeo area from mining activities, and urged the current government to uphold this resolution.

Local Administration Claims Necessary Permissions

The local administration maintains that it has obtained all the necessary permissions to proceed with tree felling. District administration officials stated that the state government had granted permission for non-forestry use of over 1,136 hectares of forest land for the PEKKB phase-II mine in Surguja, which was allotted to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) last year. The first phase of mining in the area began in 2013 and has been completed.

Protests and Opposition from Local Villagers

Local villagers under the banner of Hasdeo Arand Bachao Sangharsh Samiti have been protesting against the allotment of these mines for several years. They argue that the gram sabhas have not given their consent for coal mining in the area, and that the Chhattisgarh Assembly had passed a unanimous resolution in July 2021 to prohibit mining activities in Hasdeo. Despite these objections, the state government has proceeded with tree felling under heavy police security.

Activists Detained, Concerns Raised

Alok Shukla, Convener of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA), which has been at the forefront of the protest against coal mine allotment, expressed strong condemnation of the government's actions. He alleged that activists and members of Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, including the sarpanch of Ghatbarra, were detained by the police to facilitate the tree felling. Shukla also raised concerns about the interception of himself and another activist by unidentified individuals while they were heading towards Hasdeo.

The commencement of tree felling for coal mines in the Hasdeo Arand region has sparked widespread outrage and concern among activists, local residents, and opposition parties. The issue highlights the ongoing conflict between environmental conservation and industrial development in India. The government's decision to proceed with tree felling despite strong opposition raises questions about its commitment to protecting ecologically sensitive areas and respecting the rights of local communities.
India Reports 358 New COVID-19 Cases With 6 Deaths; 300 Fresh Infections In Kerala Alone

India

oi-Prakash KL

India on Thursday reported 358 new COVID-19 cases with six deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry data said.

Out of 358, Kerala has recorded 300 fresh cases. It is followed by Karnataka (13), Tamil Nadu (12), Gujarat (11), Maharashtra (10) and Telangana (5). However, the number of active cases in Kerala has now surpassed 2000.

According to the released data, the death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 533,327.

Amidst the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases in India, the Health Ministry has urged all states to remain vigilant and avoid panic. State governments have been instructed to intensify testing efforts and closely monitor and trace any emerging developments related to COVID-19.

Covid-19 Cases In Karnataka: Following 2 Covid Deaths In Bengaluru, Masks Mandatory In Public Transport

Assuring the states of receiving all support from the Centre, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Wednesday, said, "We need to be on the alert but there is no need to panic." It is important to be prepared with mock drills of hospital preparedness, increased surveillance and effective communication with people, the minister said.

"There should be no laxity in our preparedness. Health is not an area for any politics. The Union Health Ministry is available for every support," Mandaviya said, adding that it was time to work together in a "whole-of-government" approach.

The JN.1 Variant, first identified in a 79-year-old woman in Kerala earlier this month, has contributed to the rising number of COVID cases in the state. As of December 21, Kerala has reported an active caseload of 2,041.

The World Health Organization has categorized JN.1 as a separate "variant of interest" due to its rapid and widespread dissemination. However, it has clarified that this variant poses a "low" risk to global public health.

Initially, the JN.1 variant was considered a variant of interest (VOI) within the BA.2.86 sublineages, which is the parent lineage classified as a VOI, as per the world body's statement on Tuesday. Nevertheless, in recent weeks, there has been a continual reporting of JN.1 cases in various countries, and its prevalence has swiftly escalated worldwide.
MEA Confirms Envoy Meeting With 8 Ex-Indian Navy Men Amid Death Penalty Case

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that the case involving eight Indian Navy officials given a death sentence in Qatar is currently under review at the Qatari Court of Appeal. The Indian envoy to Doha was granted consular access to meet all eight men on December 3, as disclosed by MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

Bagchi stated, "This case is presently undergoing proceedings in the court of appeal, with three hearings conducted so far in the Qatar Court of Appeal. Our ambassador in Doha had consular access and met with all eight men on December 3rd. However, I don't have further details to share at this point."

India had filed an appeal on behalf of the families of these former Navy personnel, resulting in three hearings conducted to date. Bagchi emphasized India's commitment to offering comprehensive legal and consular support, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue while assuring continued monitoring and disclosure of relevant updates.

Indian Navy Responds To Distress Call, Counters Hijacking Incident In Arabian Sea

He highlighted Prime Minister Modi's recent meeting with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad, the Amir of Qatar, during CoP28 in Dubai, where discussions encompassed bilateral relations and the welfare of the Indian community.

Earlier reports indicated Qatar's acceptance of India's appeal against the death penalty for the eight Navy veterans, who were apprehended in August last year while employed with Al Dahra, a private company, on alleged espionage charges. Neither Qatari authorities nor New Delhi have publicly disclosed the specific charges against the individuals.

Former military officials affirmed that all the former Navy officers held impeccable service records of up to 20 years, having served in significant roles, including as instructors in the Indian Navy. Al-Dhara Global ceased its operations in Doha in May, leading to the return of its employees, primarily Indians.

India Secures Consular Access For All 8 Ex-Navy Personnel Sentenced To Death In Qatar

The eight Navy veterans-Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh-were sentenced to death on undisclosed charges following their tenure in the Indian Navy.

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Story first published: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 18:17 [IST]
Parliament Passes 3 Criminal Law Bills, Shah Says These Will End 'Tareekh-Pe-Tareekh' Era

India

oi-PTI

The three bills to replace the colonial-era criminal laws will not only make India's criminal justice system the world's best but also put an end to the ''tareekh-pe-tareekh'' system, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday.

The bills, making punishments more stringent for terrorism, lynching, and offences endangering national security, were approved by Parliament.

These laws, once implemented, will ensure the end of the ''tareekh-pe-tareekh'' era and justice will be delivered within three years, Shah said during a debate on the bills in the Upper House of Parliament.

The three bills were passed in the Rajya Sabha by voice vote in the absence of most opposition MPs as many were suspended for unruly behaviour while they were pressing for a discussion on the December 13 Parliament security breach. The Lok Sabha had approved the bills on Wednesday. The bills that repeal and replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act will usher in a new era in the criminal justice system, Shah said.

The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bills will now go to the president for her assent, upon which these will become laws.

''I feel proud that for the first time, India's Parliament is framing laws for the country's criminal justice system that have a purely 'Bharatiya' soul, body and thought,'' he said, adding that this will help the country leapfrog from the 19th to the 21st century.

Highlighting the bills' key features, Shah said terrorism has been defined for the first time and made a punishable offence. ''Those who ask what will happen after these laws, I want to say that they did not have the definition of terrorism even after ruling for several decades. The Narendra Modi government has shown zero tolerance towards terrorism and has given its definition in these laws,'' Shah said.

Forensics will be made compulsory in offences with a punishment of seven years or more. Contrary to the British era when these laws were primarily aimed at punishing people who went against the regime, the home minister said the intent of the three bills is ''to provide justice and not punishment''. Stating that the sedition law has been scrapped, he said the new law provides for punishment of acts against sovereignty and integrity of the country but not against criticism of state.

'These are to protect the country, not any individual or government,'' he said.

''Now 'rajdroh' has changed into 'deshdroh' and stringent provisions have been framed for those going against the country. We have ended the English concept of 'rajdroh'. If anyone speaks against the country or works against its interest will face stringent punishment,'' the home minister said.

''...once these laws are implemented, the era of 'tareekh pe tareekh' will end and justice will be provided within three years,'' Shah said.

The new laws ensure that all police stations and courts will be integrated and digitised, Shah said and expressed hope that the Union Territory of Chandigarh will be the first to be completely digitised.

Attacking the Congress, he said the grand old party used the sedition law extensively when it was in power for 60 of the 75 years since Independence but sought its removal the moment it was out of power.

''The Congress never wanted to end the sedition law. It is the Modi government that is ending it forever,'' he asserted.

''I am happy to say that the Modi government has dropped the provisions under which Gandhi, Tilak and Savarkar went to jail,'' Shah said.

By passing these laws in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has helped enhance its prestige.

The absence of the opposition Congress did not stop him from taking a swipe at the party, as he said those who wear ''Italian glasses'' cannot be proud of the Indian Parliament framing the new criminal laws. His jibe was directed at the party's former chief Sonia Gandhi, who is of Italian descent.

Shah said the old laws were made to protect the British rule after the 1857 freedom struggle. The objectives of these laws were only to protect the British rule, he said, adding that there was no protection of the Indian citizen's safety, honour, and human rights.

''We have abolished the English practice of sedition. Now anyone can speak against the government because everyone has the right to freedom of speech. But you cannot speak against the country. If you speak against the country, if you harm the country's resources, you will get the harshest punishment,'' Shah said.

Replying during the debate, Shah said once the new criminal laws are implemented, the entire process from FIR registrations to judgments will be online.

The home minister said there will be no compromise in crimes against women and that the Modi Government is sensitive towards sexual harassment.

A provision for community service has been included in these laws for the first time. There are also provisions against those indulging in organised crime, he said.

Those who fled the country after committing crimes will be tried in absentia and punished, he asserted.

Shah said the bills had perhaps the widest consultations ever and 72 per cent of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee which scrutinised the bills were accepted.

Further elaborating on the new provisions, Shah said mob lynching has been made punishable with capital punishment.

''We were charged for protecting mob lynching. But you (Congress) did not make law, we have. There is no bigger crime than killing a human being and it will be dealt with stringently,'' he said, adding the least number of mob lynching cases happened during the Modi government.

The process of e-courts, e-prisons and e-prosecution is complete, he said and added trials can also be held online.

Hit-and-run cases will be punishable by 10 years' imprisonment while a lenient view is taken in cases of road accidents where the accused attends to the victims by taking them to hospital, Shah said.

The bills provide for timelines from the registration of FIRs to the investigation and filing of charge sheets.

Trials in absentia will now take place for accused such as those involved in bomb blasts or economic offences who, after committing the crimes, go into hiding, Shah said.

A timeframe has also been prescribed for filing of mercy petitions, Shah said and added only those on death row can file such petitions and tha too within 30 days of the Supreme Court confirming the punishment and no one else can file such pleas.

The home minister said the new laws provide for stringent punishment for anyone establishing sexual relationships on false promises or the pretext of marriage.

Seizure of properties of proclaimed offenders has been provided. Community service has been provided for petty offences which will ease the pressure of jails, he said.

Shah said FIRs will now have to be filed within three days of receiving a complaint and the preliminary inquiry will have to be finished within 14 days.

He said judges will not be able to reserve judgment for more than 45 days and the accused will get seven days to file a plea for acquittal. The judge has to hold the hearing in those seven days and, in a maximum time of 120 days, the case will come to trial, Shah said.

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Story first published: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 22:47 [IST]
Terrorists Ambush Army Vehicles in Poonch, Five Soldiers Killed

Terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district, resulting in the death of five soldiers and injuries to two others. The attack was claimed by the Peoples Anti-Fascist Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

India

-Krishna Kripa

In a tragic incident, five soldiers lost their lives, and two others were injured when heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday, December 21. The attack occurred at around 3:45 pm when the vehicles were carrying personnel to the site of a cordon-and-search operation. The ambush took place at a blind curve at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz, falling under the jurisdiction of the Surankote police station.

Condemnation from Former Chief Ministers

The incident drew strong condemnation from two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir. Ghulam Nabi Azad, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), expressed his grief and termed the attack devastating. He emphasized the alarming nature of terrorism in Jammu and urged the government to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety of all citizens.

Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described the incident as terrible and conveyed her deepest condolences to the families of the slain soldiers. She condemned the dastardly attack and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.

Responsibility Claimed by Terrorist Outfit

The Peoples Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the ambush. This revelation adds another layer of concern to the already tense situation in the region.

Ongoing Search Operation

In response to the attack, a joint search operation was launched in the general area of Dhera Ki Gali in the Thanamandi-Surankote region of Poonch. The operation aims to neutralize any remaining threats and gather more information about the incident. The injured soldiers have been admitted to a hospital, and their condition is being closely monitored.

History of Violence in the Region

The ambush in Poonch comes after a series of encounters in the Rajouri and Poonch districts this year. In November, a two-day-long encounter in the Dharmsal belt of the Bajimaal forest area resulted in the deaths of five Army personnel, including two captains, and a top LeT commander. Additionally, in April and May, separate incidents in the Chamrer forest led to the deaths of five and five Army personnel, respectively.

The stretch between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz, located on the boundary of Rajouri and Poonch districts, has seen frequent terrorist activity due to its dense forest cover. This area provides a convenient route for terrorists to infiltrate the Indian side of the border.

Call for Lasting Peace

The recent spate of violence in Jammu and Kashmir has raised concerns about the resurgence of terrorism in the region. Authorities are working diligently to address this threat and ensure the safety of citizens. Former Jammu and Kashmir minister Altaf Bukhari expressed his distress over the loss of brave soldiers and urged the authorities to take necessary measures to establish long-lasting peace in the region.

The ambush in Poonch serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. The loss of brave soldiers is a profound tragedy, and the nation stands united in condemning such acts of violence. The government must remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of the people in the region.
Request You To Avoid Such Banal Statements: Sadhuguru To Nitish Over Hindi Remark Row At INDIA Bloc Meet

India

oi-Prakash KL

Spiritual guru Sadhguru aka Jaggi Vasudev has asked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to avoid "banal statements" after the JDU leader reportedly snapped at the DMK leader for seeking translation of Hindi speech delivered by Kumar during the recent INDIA alliance meeting.

"Respected Shri Nitish Kumar ji, Hindustan means the land that lies between the Himalayas and Indu Sagara or the land of Hindus not the land of Hindi language. Linguistic division of states was done with the wisdom that all languages in the country will have same status even though there may be big differences in the populations that speak them. Respectfully request you to avoid such banal statements as there are many states with their own language, literature and culture associated with it," Sadhguru said on X, formerly Twitter.

The controversy broke out during the INDIA bloc meeting on Tuesday when DMK leader TR Baalu, unable to comprehend a speech delivered in Hindi by Nitish Kumar, signaled for translation.

RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha volunteered to translate, but Nitish Kumar lost his cool and said, "We call our country Hindustan, and Hindi is our national language. We should be familiar with the language."

India Reports 358 New COVID-19 Cases With 6 Deaths; 300 Fresh Infections In Kerala Alone

Kumar said that India had long ousted the British, and Indians should discard colonial influences. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also attended this crucial meeting of the Opposition alliance.

The INDIA bloc parties convened for their fourth meeting in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss matters like seat-sharing and campaign strategies for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

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Story first published: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 12:25 [IST]
DK Shivakumar Refrains From Commenting On Cabinet Move To Withdraw Approval For CBI Probe Against Him

Wealth Case: Madras HC Sentences TN Minister To Three Years In Prison

India

pti-PTI

In a disproportionate assets case, the Madras High Court on Thursday sentenced Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy to three years in prison under the Prevention of Corruption Act and consequently, he stands disqualified as a legislator and loses the post of Minister.

Justice G Jayachandran also sentenced Ponmudy's wife P Visalakshi to three years in jail. The judge also imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh each on Ponmudy and his wife.

The HC had already convicted the minister and his wife in the case and pronounced the sentence today. Senior counsel N R Ellango, appearing for the accused, prayed the court to grant leave to enable them to file Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court and also to suspend the sentence.

Madras HC Rejects TN Minister V Senthil Balaji's Bail Plea In Money Laundering Case

The judge granted leave for 30 days and also suspended the sentence for 30 days. On completion of the duration of suspension, they have to surrender before the trial court in Villupuram, the judge added.

Legal experts said Ponmudy, following his conviction and prison term, stands disqualified from the post of MLA and he also loses the post of Minister.
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In the Red Sea, the US and other countries want to stop attacks on cargo ships by Yemeni Houthi rebels. The German military will probably also be involved, if the Bundestag agrees.
While Egypt is seeking to mediate another truce, tangible differences remain between both sides. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on a delayed resolution to halt the fighting. DW has the latest.
President of Poland Andrzej Duda believes that Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO is in the national interest of his country. Moreover, our country's accession to these blocs is extremely important for Warsaw.

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Duda made the statement on Wednesday, December 20, during a meeting of the National Defense Council of Poland, Ukrinform reports. The meeting was attended by the new composition of the Council of Ministers.

Duda emphasized that he and the Polish government must work together to support the realization of these Euro-Atlantic intentions of Ukraine.

"From the security point of view, the issue of Ukraine's future membership in NATO is extremely important. The decision made by the North Atlantic Alliance in this area would be invaluable. First, we are pushing NATO's eastern flank in this part of our border east of Poland, which is obviously important for our country's security. And besides, we are gaining another strong military partner in NATO, which at the moment already has a huge military experience, given the two years of defense against Russia," the President said.

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According to him, our country's accession to the EU and NATO will be "a very important moment for Ukraine, Ukrainian society, for the morale of Ukrainian defenders and for the process of rebuilding Ukraine."

Duda hopes that Poland will also take an active part in Ukraine's reconstruction in the future. This will be beneficial for both Polish business and our neighborly relations.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Polish President Andrzej Duda convened a meeting of the National Defense Council. The country's National Security Bureau believes that Poland has three years to prepare for a possible confrontation with Russia.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The BJP in Kerala has resumed its 'Sneha Yatra' outreach programme aimed at connecting with the Christian community ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. BJP state chief K Surendran visited Cardinal George Alencherry and Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparbil to convey Christmas greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The objective of the yatra is to bring the Christian community closer to the party, and party leaders and workers will visit Christian homes with the message from the Prime Minister till December 30.
Democrat Sen. Tammy Baldwin called for a humanitarian ceasefire Thursday just one week after meeting with an anti-Israel group who urged the Senator to end to Israel.
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The presidents of Iran and Turkmenistan discussed plans for the promotion of economic cooperation between the two neighbors, particularly in the energy and transportation fields.



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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has questioned whether it is appropriate to call Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine a "war ." He said that it is rather a "military operation," thus echoing the rhetoric of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who calls the war in Ukraine that he has unleashed a " military operation."

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This was reported by Bloomberg. Orban "shared" Russian narratives with journalists at his annual press conference in Budapest.

"There was no declaration of war between the two countries. When Russia declares war, there will be war," the prime minister said.

"We should be happy that there is no declaration of war, because then there will be general mobilization in Russia. I do not wish this to anyone," he added.

Earlier, Orban gave another reason why he is against Ukraine's accession to the European Union. He complained that if our country joined the bloc, all Central European support - including that addressed to Hungary - would go to Kyiv.

The odious politician also added that it has never happened before that a country at war wanted to be included in the European Union.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

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- President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that despite the fact that Orban's policy is not very friendly to Ukraine, we are neighboring countries, so we should try to find solutions to problems and answers to questions.

- The EU may deprive Hungary of its voting rights in order to conclude a 50 billion deal for Ukraine. It was the odious Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban who recently vetoed this package, although it also included spending on other programs.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
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By Joel D. Joseph

I attempted to file a small claims case in San Diego recently by paying the filing fee in cash. The clerk stated that fees could not be paid in cash. I told her that the Constitution of the United States, and federal law, required the court to accept cash. She said she could not because the court's policy did not allow her to do so. Nonetheless, I returned with a check in order to get the case filed. But millions of Americans do not have bank accounts and thus may be deterred from filing a small claims case.

Congress passed a law in 1884 that requires stores and other establishments to accept cash payments. 31 U.S.C. 5103. The United States Supreme Court upheld this law that required that cash be accepted as payment in The Legal Tender Cases, 110 U.S. 421 (1884). The Court ruled, "The constitutional authority of Congress to provide a currency for the whole country is now firmly established... Congress has the constitutional power to make the Treasury notes of the United States a legal tender in payment of private debts, in time of peace as well as in time of war."

Unbanked

They're known as the unbanked, and the most recent numbers from the U.S. GAO, Government Accountability Office, revealed that more than seven million U.S. households did not have a bank account in 2019. Black and Hispanic households are about 60% less likely than white households to have a bank account.

Households without a bank account are also more likely to use costlier, alternative financial services such as check cashing and payday loans. Further, it is the unbanked poor who need small claims services more than wealthier individuals.

Decline of Small Claims Court

California's Small Claims court system was established in 1921. The filing fee was zero dollars in that year. In California, it now costs $75 to file a small claim for $5,000 or more. For smaller claims the fees start at $30. These fees have increased dramatically over the past decade, nearly doubling. Filings have declined by 241,258 cases (43%) between 1981 and 2000. This drop constitutes the greatest drop of any type of case.

Small claims court was established to help ordinary citizens to resolve disputes quickly and inexpensively. The decline in small claims court filing demonstrates that it is no longer the place to resolve disputes quickly and inexpensively. Requiring the payment of filing fees by credit card or check makes it less available for the poor and unbanked. To bring small claims courts back to their initial purpose, filing fees should be significantly reduced and cash payments accepted. In addition, small claims court should schedule cases at intervals and not require parties to wait around for hours and hours to get their cases heard. Consumers with disputes need a court where they can get their issues resolved with reasonable cost in a timely manner.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

A UN Security Council vote on December 8, demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the Israel-Gaza war, failed because the US used their veto power in the sole dissenting vote. The US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, did not cast the damning vote, she sent her assistant instead, shielding herself from the disgust of the international community. Thomas-Greenfield is the direct descendant of African slaves held in America without citizenship or human rights, similar to the Palestinian people today.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani ahead of the December 8 meeting with the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, including Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Al-Safadi, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry, Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riyad Al-Maliki, and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan.

Some had envisioned the meeting between Blinken and the Arab ministers would take place prior to the UN vote, and the ministers could present their case as to why a ceasefire to save children's lives should be supported by the US, as initiated by Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres.

But, instead Blinken waited until after the US voted no, and the ceasefire was an impossibility, to sit around the table with the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, who all looked dejected, and hopeless. They all told Blinken they reject the US-Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza, and called on the US to assume its responsibilities and take the necessary measures to push Israel towards an immediate ceasefire. They also called for a lifting of the siege that prevents adequate amounts of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

They voiced their rejection against attempts to displace Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing on "creating a real political climate that leads to a two-state solution," after over 75 years of brutal occupation of the Palestinian people.

However, their concerns have fallen on deaf ears. The Biden administration is stuck in the past, thinking itself immune to criticism from the international community, and the Middle Eastern countries that are key allies of the US, energy providers, and housing some of the largest American military bases in the world.

"Our message is consistent and clear that we believe that it is absolutely necessary to end the fighting immediately," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said.

"I certainly would hope that our partners in the US will do more... we certainly believe they can do more," the Saudi minister added.

Before the vote

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said prior to the UN vote that if the resolution fails, it would be giving a license to Israel "to continue with its massacre".

"Our priority for now is to stop the war, stop the killing, stop the destruction of Gaza's infrastructure," Safadi said, adding, "The message that's being sent is that Israel is acting above international law... and the world is simply not doing much. We disagree with the United States on its position vis-a-vis on the cease-fire."

"The solution is a cease-fire," said Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry,

What can the Arab world do?

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt are all stanch American allies. They host some of the largest US military bases on earth. Most of them buy their weapons from the US, and all of them are consumers of very large amounts of products made in the USA. Saudi King Faisal shut-off the oil in support of the Palestinians in the past, but they would never do that now as they are locked into OPEC pumping schedules. But, the Arabs have other leverage they could use to move the US position from blind acquiescence to Israeli orders.

Israeli plan to wipe-out Gaza

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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Honestly, as 2021 ended, if I had predicted a Russian invasion of and unrelenting globalized war in Ukraine in 2022 and, in 2023, an explosion in the Middle East, beginning with a horrific Hamas incursion into Israel followed by the utter devastation of Gaza (while the Greater Middle East teetered at the edge of worse), you might have thought of me as the Mad Hatter of that winter season.

But of course, that's just where we find ourselves as this year ends. The question remains: Could there be worse on a planet that may itself prove to be in the ultimate crisis, thanks to our inability to stop using fossil fuels? I mention all of this because today TomDispatch regular Michael Klare brings up yet another possibility that might seem beyond the bounds right now: the potential for an actual war (even a nuclear one) between the United States and China. Absurd, right? I mean, the two great powers left on Earth one rising (assuming anything can truly rise on this planet anymore), the other falling facing off on the battlefield? Wouldn't that be a tale from hell in 2024?

And I must admit that the very thought holds a deep sadness for me, since I've long felt a curious warmth for China that I can trace deep into my own life. Admittedly, the closest I ever came to that country was Japan, which wasn't exactly close. Still, to put it bluntly, China saved my life. I'm thinking here of the China that stretches back into the most ancient realms of history, a civilization and a literature that were remarkable and about which, growing up, I hadn't learned a damn thing. (In my childhood, China was the place in downtown New York City where you went to get dinner" oh wait, that was Chinatown!) But in 1962, this Jewish kid from that city found himself, at the insistence of his parents and against his own wishes, a freshman at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, just after that then-WASPy redoubt had removed its Jewish quotas.

What saved me was stumbling into the introductory Chinese history course taught by a husband-and-wife team, Arthur and Mary Wright. (She was a sign of those times the only female tenured professor at Yale then.) She taught the more modern part of the course and I found myself riveted. She would later let me into a graduate seminar of hers, and her assistant, Jonathan Spence, would oversee my undergraduate thesis on Mao Zedong's "long march." I would then go on to Harvard graduate school in Chinese history (while returning to New Haven a summer later to help Spence write his still-superb book To Change China: Western Advisors in China).

A year or two after that, the antiwar moment of the Vietnam era swept me away and out of graduate school (but that's another story!).

So, I must admit, as this year ends and my 23rd year at TomDispatch begins, in a world where, given the ongoing horrors in Ukraine and Gaza (not to speak of the overheating of the planet), carnage seems to be our everyday reality, it saddens me to think that my country and China might find themselves at each other's throats. I truly hope otherwise but feel that Klare's superb piece couldn't be a more sadly appropriate way to end 2023 at this site. Tom

The U.S. and China at Year's End

Still Treading on the Precipice

By Michael Klare

This hasn't exactly been a year of good news when it comes to our war-torn, beleaguered planet, but on November 15th, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping took one small step back from the precipice. Until they talked in a mansion near San Francisco, it seemed as if their countries were locked in a downward spiral of taunts and provocations that might, many experts feared, result in a full-blown crisis, even a war even, god save us all, the world's first nuclear war. Thanks to that encounter, though, such dangers appear to have receded. Still, the looming question facing both countries is whether that retreat from disaster what the Chinese are now calling the "San Francisco vision" will last through 2024.

Prior to the summit, there seemed few discernible obstacles to some kind of trainwreck, whether a complete breakdown in relations, a disastrous trade war, or even a military clash over Taiwan or contested islands in the South China Sea. Beginning with last February's Chinese balloon incident and continuing with a series of bitter trade disputes and recurring naval and air incidents over the summer and fall, events seemed to be leading with a certain grim inevitability toward some sort of catastrophe. After one such incident last spring, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman warned that "the smallest misstep by either side could ignite a U.S.-China war that would make Ukraine look like a neighborhood dust-up."

In recent months, top leaders in both Beijing and Washington were becoming ever more concerned that a major U.S.-China crisis and certainly a war would prove catastrophic for all involved. Even a major trade war, they understood, would create economic chaos on both sides of the Pacific. A complete breakdown in relations would undermine any efforts to come to grips with the climate crisis, prevent new pandemics, or disrupt illegal drug networks. And a war? Well, every authoritative nongovernmental simulation of a U.S.-China conflict has ended in staggering losses for both sides, as well as a significant possibility of nuclear escalation (and there's no reason to assume that simulations conducted by the American and Chinese militaries have turned out any differently).

As summer turned into fall, both sides were still searching for a mutually acceptable "offramp" from catastrophe. For months, top officials had been visiting each other's capitals in a frantic effort to bring a growing sense of crisis under control. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Beijing in June (a trip rescheduled after he cancelled a February visit thanks to that balloon incident); Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen arrived in July; and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in August. Similarly, Foreign Minister Wang Yi traveled to Washington in October. Their meetings, according to New York Times reporters Vivian Wang and David Pierson, were arranged "in the hope of arresting the downward spiral" in relations and to pave the way for a Biden-Xi meeting that might truly ease tensions.

Mission Accomplished?

Not surprisingly, for both Biden and Xi, the primary objective of the San Francisco summit was to halt that downward spiral. As Xi reportedly asked Biden, "Should [the U.S. and China] engage in mutually beneficial cooperation or antagonism and confrontation? This is a fundamental question on which disastrous mistakes must be avoided."

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"the effectiveness of managing a large bureaucracy isn't solely determined by its size but by the leadership, organizational structures, policies, and practices in place."



- BD3 Candidate Andreas Farmakalidis



Andreas Farmakalidis

(Image by Carl J. Petersen) Details DMCA



Andreas Farmakalidis is the first of the potential LAUSD candidates to participate in all three editions of my ongoing Candidate Forum series. In past months he has answered questions about PROP-39 Co-Locations and Special Education. This month Farmakalidis was asked five questions about how the District is governed. For the introduction to this subject along with answers from other candidates, please see the article LAUSD Candidate Forum: Governance.

The following are the candidate's responses, printed exactly how he provided them with the exception of some minor formatting edits:

Would you agree with the statement: "The elected LAUSD Board is responsible for setting policy. The job of the Superintendent is to ensure that the bureaucracy follows this policy."? YES

The LAUSD Board of Education, comprised of elected members, acts as the policymaking body for the district. They deliberate, decide, and set the direction for the district's educational strategies, goals, and resource allocations. This can include decisions on budget priorities, curriculum changes, school policies, and initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes and educational equity.

In contrast, the superintendent serves as the district's top executive, responsible for translating the board's policies into actionable plans and initiatives. They oversee the day-to-day operations, manage district personnel, allocate resources, and ensure that the schools and administrative offices effectively execute the established policies and directives. The superintendent often collaborates with various stakeholders, including teachers, principals, parents, and community members, to implement the board's vision while navigating challenges and fostering a conducive learning environment for students.

Do you agree with the statement: "The bureaucracy of the LAUSD is too big to be managed effectively."? NO

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the United States, serving a vast number of students, each with unique needs and backgrounds. Managing such a large bureaucracy comes with inherent complexities.

Challenges in overseeing a large system like the LAUSD might include issues related to coordination among numerous schools, administrative offices, and personnel spread across a wide geographical area. Communication, decision-making processes, and resource allocation can become intricate due to the sheer scale of operations.

However, the effectiveness of managing a large bureaucracy isn't solely determined by its size but by the leadership, organizational structures, policies, and practices in place. Strategies to streamline operations, allocate resources efficiently, foster communication, and adapt to changing educational needs can enhance the management of a large system like the LAUSD. Continuous evaluation and improvement are crucial to addressing challenges and ensuring that the district effectively serves its students, educators, and communities.

Do you think that the evaluation of the Superintendent's job performance is something that the school board should do in full view of the public? YES

Yes! The evaluation of the Superintendent's job performance by the school board is a critical aspect of ensuring effective leadership within a school district like the Los Angeles Unified School District. This evaluation typically involves assessing the Superintendent's achievements, adherence to district goals, leadership qualities, management of resources, and overall effectiveness in executing the board's policies and directives.

Conducting this evaluation transparently, such as in open board meetings or through publicly shared reports, fosters accountability to the community. It allows stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, and the general public, to understand how the district's top executive is performing in their role. Transparency in this process also helps build trust and confidence in the district's governance by demonstrating a commitment to openness and accountability in evaluating the Superintendent's contributions and effectiveness in serving the educational needs of the community.

Should the number of Board Districts be increased beyond the existing seven? Leaning towards YES

The number of Board Districts within the Los Angeles Unified School District has significant implications for representation and governance. Factors such as population shifts, demographic changes, and the need for equitable representation influence discussions about potentially increasing the number of districts.

As the district's population grows and evolves, there might be considerations for additional districts to ensure that each area receives fair and adequate representation. A larger number of districts could potentially lead to more localized representation, allowing board members to focus more closely on the unique needs of their respective communities.

However, altering the number of districts requires careful analysis. It involves considerations regarding the impact on the overall efficiency of governance, the allocation of resources, the potential for increased administrative costs, and maintaining a balanced and fair representation of diverse communities within the district.

Stakeholder engagement, community input, and comprehensive studies are vital in assessing whether an increase in Board Districts is warranted and how it might affect the district's ability to serve its students effectively.

Always keep in mind that priority is our kids and the best for the district therefore by adding more districts, the board members would likely have a better focus on addressing the unique challenges and concerns of individual neighborhoods or regions. This localized approach might lead to more targeted solutions and policies that cater directly to the diverse needs of various communities within the larger district.

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If youve felt like your flights have been delayed rather than canceled altogether this year, youre not alone.

This year, airlines heavily improved network reliability. According to travel tracker site Hopper, this October saw the lowest cancellation rate among U.S. departures since 2019. In October, 15% of flights were delayed on departure, down 25% during July.

Passenger delays and cancellations came under intense pressure from consumer watchdogs and politicians after a bumpy ramp-up for airlines after the downturn of the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines in the U.S. canceled almost 140,000 flights in 2022, the highest number in recent history  except the pandemic-induced cancellations of 2020. A bumpy 2022 came to a crescendo last December, when snowstorms in Denver and Chicago caused thousands of cancellations, a problem so bad that Southwests network completely fell apart and resulted in nearly 17,000 nixed flights around the Christmas holidays.

We know how frustrating delays, cancellations and rebookings are, President Joe Biden said during a speech at the White House in May. While flight delays and cancellations have come down since then, theres still a problem.

The rate of cancellations has dropped this year to 1.62% for data available through September from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, down 41% from the prior year.

Global travel data provider OAG reported Delta Air Lines had an on-time performance of 81.79%, United Airlines had a 79.1% on-time performance, American Airlines had a 77.38% on-time performance and Southwest Airlines had a 71.61% on-time performance in 2022.

At Fort Worth-based American Airlines, the airline reported a record third-quarter completion factor in October, operating over 515,000 flights with an average load factor of 84%. American also had a cancelation rate of 2.67% in 2022, according to OAG.

Jim Moses, senior vice president of DFW Hub Operations at American said the air carrier has a HEAT tool, which stands for Hub Efficiency Analytics Tool.

This helps us keep our operation on track when there is a disruption outside of our control, Moses said in an interview with The Dallas Morning News last month.

Conditions outside of an airlines control prevent the carrier from operating a schedule on time, he said. Its better to keep the crew with the aircraft and push the schedule back a bit, to make sure everything stays afloat.

We will delay parts of our operation to allow our crew members to stay intact and cancel less to ensure our customers are getting our customers to their final destination, Moses said.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines shares the same sentiment. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan told The News the airline is focused on getting passengers to their destination, but called it a trade-off with a delay that ultimately gets the passenger there.

You always make that choice because I think our data would tell us that customers would rather be modestly delayed than have their flight canceled, Jordan told The News in November.

Southwest also had a cancellation rate of 3.17% in 2022, according to OAG.

Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper said the majority of delays are shorter than 15 or 30 minutes, but sometimes it can feel like its longer than what it actually is.

Youre stuck in a little queue with all the other people who want to get on the plane too, Berg said. Most delays are actually extremely short and then there is a very small tail of delays that that go on forever. From the airlines perspective, their goal is to get their customers to their destination.

-- Alexandra Skores, The Dallas Morning News

2023 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Nike on Thursday announced plans to cut $2 billion in costs over the next three years, part of an effort to regain lost momentum and spark the companys sleepy innovation engine.

On a conference call with stock analysts, CEO John Donahoe and Chief Financial Officer Matt Friend said Nike will eventually be a stronger and more efficient company, but thats less certain than what lies immediately ahead, which is a painful period of corporate belt-tightening.

Nike expects to incur as much as $450 million in restructuring charges in the quarter that ends Feb. 28, mostly from severance costs, suggesting Oregons largest company is in the process of parting with a significant number of employees.

To put that cost in perspective, Nike predicted it would incur between $200 million and $250 million in severance costs in 2020 when it eliminated 700 jobs.

This ruined everybodys Christmas because nobody knows whats going to happen, said Matt Powell, a senior adviser for BCE Consulting. Its not good.

The Oregonian/OregonLive this month reported on ongoing layoffs at the company, but details have remained unclear.

Nike announced the plan as part of a quarterly earnings report. It marked Nikes first comments about the layoffs. On the conference call, Donahoe and Friend didnt give details about the number of workers who will be impacted, but Donahoe said the process will be led with respect and thoughtfulness.

Nike employs 83,700, including 11,400 at its roughly 400-acre corporate headquarters campus near Beaverton, according to its last annual report.

The executives also didnt offer specifics about how Nike plans to save $2 billion over the next three years, but they said the company could save money by doing everything from streamlining its organizational chart to reducing the number of Nike products and eliminating layers of management.

It sounds like theyre going to simplify the business, Powell said, noting recent talk about Nike possibly scaling down its presence in golf, including maybe splitting with Tiger Woods, as one example of where Nike might cut costs.

For the quarter, which ended Nov. 30, Nike reported $13.4 billion in quarterly sales, a 1% increase, and $1.03 in profits per share, a 21% increase. Nike was roughly in line with Wall Streets sales forecasts and beat profit expectations.

As part of the earnings report, Nike also lowered its sales guidance to roughly 1% growth for the fiscal year that ends May 31.

Shares were down around 10% in after-hours trading within an hour of the earnings report.

Analysts continue to criticize the companys product pipeline. Nikes been in a bit of a slump, having lost market share in running, its legacy category. Its lack of innovation has become a national talking point.

They havent created enough newness, said Sam Poser, a Williams Trading analyst, in an appearance on Yahoo Finance after the earnings report.

On the earnings call, Donahoe said the cost-cutting will enable Nike to invest more in innovation and other growing areas of the company, such as its womens category, the Jordan brand and running.

He said the company is getting back on its front foot, noting early momentum in trail running and basketball, where Donahoe said theres been huge momentum in the sales of signature sneakers of players Sabrina Ionescu, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic and Ja Morant.

The quarter was the midpoint of Nikes fiscal year. Donahoe said the next two quarters will be the start of a multi-year product innovation cycle.

This new innovation cycle will take some time to fully ramp up, Donahoe said.

 Matthew Kish; mkish@oregonian.com
Christmas falls on a Monday this year. Here are some closures and service adjustments for the holiday. And if youve not had your fill of holiday lighting displays, weve included a list of displays open on Christmas.

Public transportation:

TriMet  Buses, MAX and Portland Streetcar are on Sunday schedule Monday, Dec. 25. If your bus does not run on Sundays, it will not run on Monday in observance of the holiday. No service on WES Dec. 23-25.

Portland Aerial Tram  Closed on Christmas day (Note: tram doesnt run on Sundays).

C-Tran  Buses will be on a on Sunday schedule Christmas day, Dec. 25.

Government offices:

Federal offices and courts  Closed Dec. 25.

Oregon and Washington state offices and courts  Closed Dec. 25.

Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Clark county offices, city of Portland and Vancouver offices, Metro regional center  Closed Dec. 25.

Portland parking meters: Free on Monday, Dec. 25 only, except for in Portland Parks that charge for parking.

Regular postal mail (USPS) will not be delivered Monday, Dec. 25, and post offices will be closed.

County libraries: Multnomah County branches all closed Dec. 24-25. Most Washington County branches are also closed both days. Check with your local branch for hours of operation during the holiday. Clackamas County libraries are closed Dec. 24-25.

Oregon Zoo  Closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Note: Admission to ZooLights must be purchased online in advance; www.oregonzoo.org

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)  Closed Christmas day, Dec. 25.

Holiday light displays open on Christmas Day include:

Magic of Lights (Salem)

New this year in Salem is the Fox 12 Magic of Lights display at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center. This drive-through attraction features lighting displays and animation made from millions of individual LED lights. Stay warm inside your car as you drive through classic holiday favorites including Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves, and Reindeer Road.

Hours: 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Dec. 31, State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St N.E., Salem; tickets are per vehicle and prices vary by night starting at $30; tickets.magicoflights.com.

PIR Winter Wonderland

The drive-through light display at the Portland International Raceway, which claims to be the largest holiday light display in the Pacific Northwest, is back with another drive-through event for 2023. Stay dry and warm inside your own vehicle as you view more than 250 colorful light set pieces and many fully animated scenes along the racetrack. All proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Divisions year-round hunger relief efforts that provide thousands of free, nutritious meals to Portland families in need.

Hours: 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4:30-11 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, through Dec. 31, Portland International Raceway, 1940 N. Victory Blvd.; general single vehicle admission varies depending on date, and starts at $37; winterwonderlandportland.com/general-info.

Peacock Lane

Peacock Lane is open and welcomes the commuting for what has been one of Portlands must-do holiday traditions for 100 years.

6-11 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31, Peacock Lane, along Southeast Peacock Lane north of Belmont Street; free; peacocklane.org
Palestinian death toll in Gaza hits 20,000: Hamas media office

Xinhua) 08:19, December 21, 2023

People conduct rescue work after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 20, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

GAZA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 has reached 20,000, according to a statement issued by the Hamas-run government media office on Wednesday.

The statement said the victims included more than 8,000 children and 6,200 women, while more than 52,000 people were injured and 6,700 others were missing.

A total of 310 medical personnel, 35 civil defense personnel and 97 journalists were killed in the Israeli attacks, it added.

People conduct rescue work after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 19, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

Meanwhile, two Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank cities of Hebron and Bethlehem, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

It raised the death toll of Palestinians from Israeli gunfire in the occupied territory to 303 since this new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict broke out on Oct. 7, according to WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive in Gaza to retaliate against a surprise Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 when about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage, according to the Israeli tallies.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited the village of Daghdaghan in the Khojaly district.

The head of state examined the territory of the village.

Situated at the foot of the Karabakh mountain range, the village of Daghdaghan was occupied by the Armenian armed forces in 1992. On September 19-20 of this year, the village was cleared of separatists as a result of the anti-terrorist measures carried out by the Azerbaijani Army in Karabakh.
Russia has disrupted a contract to supply Ukraine with fighter jets from an unnamed country "on the other side of the planet." To achieve its goals, the terrorist state used diplomatic pressure.

ADVERTISIMENT

Vladyslav Belbas, director of Ukrainian Armor, told about it Ekonomichna Pravda

According to him, Ukraine had agreed with one of the countries about the planes, emphasizing their need. The seller was ready to deliver.

However, one of the letters on this issue got to the Russians, after which the aggressor's diplomat began threatening local officials to "cover up" some projects for this country.

"As a result, the deal fell through because the supplier country changed its mind about offering these fighters," Belbas said.

Earlier, Defense Minister Rustem Umierov said that the fourth-generation F-16 fighters, which Ukraine needs to achieve air superiority over the enemy, would be delivered to our military in the short term. Not only F-16s are being discussed, the list is huge, the official said. Currently, Ukraine is preparing infrastructure, hangars and a team of pilots. Along with combat aircraft, the package will include other equipment.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Belgium has confirmed its intention to provide Ukraine with F-16 multi-purpose fighters to cover its skies. However, the planes may arrive no earlier than 2025.

- Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine will receive F-16s after resolving technical issues: training of pilots, aircraft technicians, and infrastructure in the country. Kyiv's partners are discussing increasing the number of planes to be transferred to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A man caught hauling more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment of a car he was driving through southern Oregon in 2021 was sentenced Wednesday to five years in federal prison.

Daniel Martin Ponce-Gonzalez, believed to live in Yakima, Washington, was stopped for unspecified traffic violations while driving a black sedan north on U.S. 97 on June 19, 2021, according to a federal prosecutor. He wasnt legally in the U.S. and gave officers a false name and fake ID documents, according to court records.
A man who unleashed a fatal 52-shot fusillade at an armed robber four years ago received an effective sentence of time served Wednesday.

While a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge technically handed down a five-year sentence, Curtis Harris is expected to leave state prison in just days once a 20% reduction for good behavior is applied by the state Department of Corrections.
Dos Hermanos is leveling up.

The busy bakery from Yucatan-born brothers Gabriel and Josue Azcorra will debut a new Southeast Portland facility with its own grain silo and retail cafe starting Friday, December 22.

Anchoring a ChefStable-backed complex also home to Lil America food cart pod, Fracture Brewings taproom and seafood raw bar Cache Cache, the new bakery is quadruple the size of the North Portland original.

In addition to fresh-baked bread, the bakerys upcoming cafe will highlight Yucatecan pastries, Mexican coffee from Portlands Tostado roasters and a new lineup of chopped sandwiches from Lardo chef Rick Gencarelli.

Having this bigger space allows us to work on our Mexican pastries, empanadas, conchas, cuernitos, hojaldras, and to incorporate more flavors from our Mexican roots into our regular stuff, like danishes, croissants, but incorporating more flavors from our Mexican roots said Josue Azcorra.

The cafe  with ample light from south- and west-facing windows  also features a tall mural of Chichen Itza, the historic Mayan city 90 minutes east of Merida, where the brothers were born.

Visit Friday, and you might find five Azcorra brothers, plus mom and dad, among some 64 employees mixing, proofing, baking and packaging an impressive amount of bread.

Since firing up the new ovens in October, the brothers and their team have been making around 18,000 sandwich-sized loaves of ciabatta alone each week, putting Dos Hermanos on par with larger bakeries such as Grand Central and Portland French.

Theyre also producing a special 16-inch roll exclusively for a new lineup of chopped sandwiches from Gencarelli. Those include the Beast Master, with roast beef and horseradish; the Papa Gabe, with ham, queso fresco and chicharrones; and the Bada Bing, with Italian cold cuts, mayo, mustard, red wine vinaigrette and olive oil all chopped to order and stuffed into those fluffy rolls. Sandwiches will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

The pastries and sandwiches should be interesting, but bread is what the Azcorras know best, and what will pay the bills. In addition to ciabatta, Gabriel, Josue and their team produce full-sized sourdough loaves, San Francisco-style Dutch crunch rolls and fluffy English muffins you might have already discovered at your nearest New Seasons.

The brothers began baking two decades ago at Delphinas, the former Northeast Portland bakery from Carolyn Mistell that Josue describes as a our school.

I started as a dishwasher, Josue Azcorra said. Then they gave me the opportunity to learn mixing, shaping, everything. Then to be part of the supervisory team, learn how to run the schedules, come up with new recipes, they taught us all that stuff.

By 2016, when Delphinas abruptly closed, the brothers were managing the business, selling $400,000 worth of bread per month and sending shipments north to Washington and south to California through large accounts including Trader Joes and Costco.

Gabriel Azcorra left town for a job at The Essential Baking Company, the Seattle bakery that had quietly bought Delphinas in 2012. Meanwhile, Josue Azcorra landed at Fleur de Lis, the great Hollywood neighborhood bakery, where he worked under Delphinas and Pearl Bakery co-founder Greg Mistell.

In 2017, ChefStable owner Kurt Huffman reached out to the brothers to see if they might be interested in taking over Philippes Bread, an 1,800-square-foot bakery originally opened by French baker Philippe Garcia to fuel several ChefStable restaurants, including the rapidly growing Lardo.

Huffman told the brothers that if they managed to turn the business around, they could earn an ownership stake in the business. After rebranding as Dos Hermanos in 2018, the bakery quickly turned a profit. The brothers now own 50.1% of the business.

Its a blessing, man, said Josue Azcorra. Like my dad, Ive got five kids, and I want them to go to college. And to do that, it takes money. That is one of the things that makes me stand up and work hard every day, to know that one day my oldest son could come in and run this place. Its a dream for me and Gabe.

Dos Hermanos will open for sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting on Friday, Dec. 22, with earlier hours (but no sandwiches) starting on Dec. 26. at 1015 S.E. Stark St., 971-266-8348, doshermanosbakery.com

 Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com
Oregon secured its second straight top 10 recruiting class for 2024 on Wednesday, signing 26 players and landing a prominent transfer to a group that could end up as the best in program history.

UOs class ranks No. 6 in the 247Sports Composite on On3.com and No. 7 by Rivals (high school signees only).

RELATED: Oregon flips pair of receivers, signs 26 to 2024 recruiting class that could be best in program history

Heres a roundup of what was written nationally about Oregons newest recruiting class:

There was some buzz over the last two days that Ohio State would hang on to the nations No. 72 overall prospect, but Dan Lanning and the Ducks got it done late Tuesday night with him going public late Wednesday morning. (247Sports)

Much in the mold of his mentors Kirby Smart and Nick Saban, Dan Lanning went defense-heavy in the 2024 cycle, prioritizing defensive linemen, edge rushers and corners. (On3)

The Ducks already had 24 commitments entering signing day but two big flips of four-star receivers made Oregons class even stronger. (Rivals)

CBCs Jeremiah McClellan reverses course, signs with Oregon (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Ryan Pellum Flips to Oregon as Four Millikan Rams Sign NLIs (The 562)

MORE DUCKS COVERAGE
Towering at 41 feet, the worlds largest nutcracker, Herr Woody Winterguard, stands watch over the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights in Roseburg each December. For his 10th season, Woody this year received a refurbishing with a power wash and fresh coat of paint.

But he might soon be facing competition. Theres an effort in Luverne, Minnesota, to build an even taller nutcracker.

Woody, and the entire Festival of Lights, were the creations of Kerwin Doughton, a member of the Roseburg Rotary Club who started the drive-thru light display in 1993. The event raises money for the Rotary Club, which uses proceeds to pay for student scholarships and club service projects.

Today, the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights includes more than 90 displays and half a million lights across River Forks Park. An estimated 25,000 people visit every year.

I came through here as a little girl just years after it opened, said Tabbitha Layman, the festivals current chair. This is a big piece of Christmas for me. I bring my kids now every year.

Doughton, who died in 2021 at age 82, was constantly looking for ways to expand and improve the light display. In 2014, he decided Roseburg, located in timber country, ought to have the worlds largest wooden nutcracker. He contracted with an artist in Canby, who carved the creation from fallen timber. A contest was held to name the nutcracker, and Woody Winterguard was born.

The nutcracker is installed each year at the River Forks Park via a crane and held in place by guide wires. When hes powered up for the evening light show, the nutcrackers jaw opens and closes, and his arms swing slowly from side to side.

Its pretty special to have the worlds largest nutcracker, or really anything for that matter, right here in Roseburg, Oregon, Layman said. We have people that travel from all over the United States. We started tracking a couple of years ago, and I think weve recorded 38 states that people have come from just to visit.

If you look up the Guinness World Record for largest nutcracker, youll find the one in Neuhausen, Germany, which stands 33 feet and one inch tall. A common internet search will tell you the one in Roseburg is taller, even if it doesnt have the official title.

But thats what the folks in Luverne, Minnesota, are hoping to claim next summer, when they plan to unveil an even bigger nutcracker.

The owners of a rock shop and memorial business called Those Blasted Things, Vance Walgrave and his wife, Becky, formed a nonprofit last year called Just for Nuts with the goal of erecting a 65-foot nutcracker on their property, just off Interstate 90 in Minnesotas southwest corner. Theyve collected donations for the fabrication of the massive, fiberglass nutcracker, estimated to cost about $350,000. This nutcracker will be a year-round fixture, and the Walgraves hope it will draw tourists to their small town.

A design inspiration for the 65-foot fiberglass nutcracker planned for Luverne, Minnesota.Courtesy of Vance Walgrave

Luverne is famous for having more nutcrackers than people. In 2016, the town museum received a donated collection of nutcrackers that now totals close to 6,000. The town itself has just 5,000 residents.

This giant nutcracker will be a patriotic one, adorned in stars and stripes like Uncle Sam and holding one hand over his heart. It will be bigger than two other well-known roadside attractions in Minnesota: the Jolly Green Giant statue in Blue Earth (55 feet) and the biggest ball of twine in Darwin (12 feet).

In Roseburg, Layman has no hard feelings for the Luverne effort. Woodys had a decade on top, and even if the Luverne project is successful, hell still be the tallest nutcracker made of wood.

IF YOU GO: The Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights is open daily through Jan. 1, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cost is $10 per car or $40 for a season pass with unlimited visits for the month. The Roseburg Rotary Club also operates the Grange Holiday Village four miles away, where children can get free photos with Santa. For tickets and more info, visit uvfestivaloflights.com.

-- Samantha Swindler, sswindler@oregonian.com, @editorswindler
All Oregon adult couples, regardless of gender, will be able to register as legal domestic partners beginning Jan. 1 of next year.

The Oregon Family Fairness Act, first passed by the state Legislature in 2007, currently allows same-sex couples to enter into Oregon Registered Domestic Partnerships.

Registered domestic couples have many of the same rights as married couples in Oregon, such as access to each others health care information, rights after death of a partner and employment benefits for public employees. The federal government and other states are not obligated to recognize the status, though federal and other state agencies may choose to do so.

The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2032 earlier this year to amend the act and remove the same-sex requirement.

 Carlos Fuentes; cfuentes@oregonian.com; 503-221-5386; @carlos_reports

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Protesters who were injured by federal law enforcement officers in Portland more than three years ago have filed a new lawsuit alleging negligence and battery.

In July 2020, the federal government unleashed unprecedented and sustained violence and intimidation on the people of Portland, the lawsuit states. Protesters after that filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, federal law enforcement agencies and individual officers, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. Many of the lawsuits relied on a type of claim that the U.S. Supreme Court has since gutted.

Tuesdays lawsuit raises similar issues and involves the same injured protesters but was filed under a different federal legal theory, said David Sugerman, one of the attorneys involved.

Thousands of protesters in Portland took to the streets in 2020 following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, part of a wave of protests nationally. The protesters in Portland at times clashed with police, and militarized federal agents were deployed to the city to quell racial justice protests as they wore on.

A 2021 report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General found agents lacked proper training or equipment to deal with riots and that there was no plan for operating without the help of local police, who were eventually ordered to stand down by the city. Agents also reported injuries.

Tuesdays lawsuit against the federal government is brought by three named protesters on behalf of at least 162 people, the lawsuit states.

One of the protesters, Nathaniel West, told Oregon Public Broadcasting he protested peacefully for more than 40 nights and was exposed to tear gas and shot at with pepper balls for doing so.

Its about the next set of activists, the next set of protesters that come along, he said of the lawsuit. The First Amendment right is something that we have to constantly work to preserve.  Were really thinking about what it means to protest in America.

-- The Associated Press
A Pacific storm pounded parts of Southern California on Thursday with heavy rain and street flooding, adding to hassles as holiday travel got underway.

The downpours targeted coastal Ventura and Santa Barbara counties northwest of Los Angeles County, swamping areas in the cities of Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Santa Barbara.

Rainfall rates exceeding 3 inches an hour unleashed flash flooding in Ventura County, the National Weather Service said. Later in the morning, streets began filling with water in parts of Santa Barbara as the storm delivered another deluge.

The city of Port Hueneme issued evacuation orders for residences on four streets and warned of potential evacuations on four other streets. About 60 houses were affected by the orders, all in a senior citizen community, said Firefighter Andy VanSciver, a Ventura County fire spokesperson. An evacuation center was set up at a college gymnasium.

Three people from the senior community were taken to hospitals out of an abundance of caution, and there were multiple rescues of drivers from flooded vehicles, he said.

The city of Oxnard said in a social media post that many streets and intersections were heavily impacted. Please stay off the city streets for the next several hours until the water recedes, the post said.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Oxnard and the city of Ventura at 1:28 a.m. due to a high-intensity thunderstorm, but no tornado activity was immediately observed, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office said in a social media post.

The storm swept through Northern California earlier in the week as the center of the low-pressure system slowly moved south off the coast. Forecasters described it as a cutoff low, a storm that is cut off from the general west-to-east flow and can linger for days, increasing the amount of rainfall.

The system was producing hit-and-miss bands of precipitation rather than generalized widespread rainfall. Forecasters said the low would wobble slightly away from the coast on Thursday, drawing moisture away and allowing some sunshine, but will return.

The San Diego-area weather office warned that rather than fizzling, the storm was gathering energy and its main core would move through that region overnight through Friday morning.

Meanwhile, Californians were gearing up for holiday travel and finishing preparations for Christmas. The Automobile Club of Southern California predicted 9.5 million people in the region would travel during the year-end holiday period.

The Northeast was hit with an unexpectedly strong storm earlier this week, and some parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont were still digging out from rain and wind damage. Parts of Maine along the Androscoggin and Kennebec rivers were hit especially hard.

Floodwaters were receding throughout northern New England, though some localized areas were still in the flood stage, said Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Flood warnings were also still in effect in parts of Maine and New Hampshire, he said.

At least four people died in Maine as a result of the storm. The storm cut power to 400,000 customers in Maine, and restoration was still underway Thursday morning.
In the Czech capital of Prague , a shooting took place at a university on Jan Palach Square. The incident killed 10 people and injured about 25. Afterward, the shooter committed suicide.

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Law enforcement officers are at the scene, and the surrounding area has been completely blocked off. This was reported on the social network X of the Czech Republic Police.

According to media reports, the shooter's name was David Kozak, and he opened fire on the fourth floor of the Philosophy Faculty building. Preliminarily, the man shot himself when dozens of law enforcement vehicles arrived at the scene.

Photos from the scene published online show that students climbed onto the roof of the building in an attempt to escape the shooter. Also, some of the people in the building barricaded themselves in the classroom and library. The server tn.cz published a photo of an armed man in dark clothes on the roof of the building.

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After a while, the police announced that the shooter had been eliminated. The university building was evacuated. Thus, the total number of dead is 11, including the attacker himself.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko said that (as of 18:00) there was no information about any injured Ukrainians. For citizens of our country in the Czech Republic, the embassy's hotline is open at +420 602 224 938.

As a reminder, on December 17, a shooting occurred in Mexico after a Christmas party. The attack killed 18 people. It is noted that the victims were leaving the event hall after the Christmas party when they were shot.

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Guanajuato has become the scene of bloody attacks for spheres of influence between the Jalisco cartel and local gangs supported by the Sinaloa cartel. The state has long had the highest number of murders in Mexico.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- On December 14, a verbal conflict between two colleagues occurred in Kyiv. During the showdown, one of them pulled out a gun and started shooting.

- On December 6, a shooting occurred in the center of Brussels, resulting in injuries. The incident occurred at around 19:30 on Avenue de la Toison d'Or, a popular street with many shops.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Bujumbura, Burundi (PANA) - The Kingdom of Belgium is to provide financial support worth 75 million euros to Burundi, its former colony in the Great Lakes region of Africa, as part of a bilateral cooperation programme running from 2024 to 2028, the two parties said on Thursday
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it is continuously monitoring the global spread of JN
New York, US (PANA) - After intense negotiations all week behind closed doors at the 15-member Security Council, ambassadors are still negotiating over a draft resolution penned by the United Arab Emirates which calls for an urgent suspension of the Israel-Gaza conflict to allow safe and unhindered delivery of aid to stricken civilians in the Gaza Strip
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A security meeting of Libya's Defence and Security Council on Wednesday discussed the task of entrusting border guards from the Army and the Ministry of the Interior with the task of securing border posts in the western region, an official statement said
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al Dbaiba has stressed the need to pursue the Economic and Social Development Fund's (ESDF) plan to organise its companies and prepare consolidated outstanding financial statements
Photo: (Photo : Max Fleischmann on Unsplash)

A fifth teenager, 17-year-old Jahmeer Beauziel, surrendered to police in a recent development in Florida. He was charged with felony battery. The charge was related to a violent attack near Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. This incident adds to the ongoing concerns about violence in and around school environments.

The attack occurred on December 12 at North Community Park. It is an overflow parking area for the high school. The attack was captured on video and has since drawn significant attention.

Beauziel surrendered after four other teenagers were arrested. They are Caleb Hensley, 17; Sylvester Hicks Jr., 16; Chinua Leefatt, 15; and Jordan Thompson, 16. They were charged with the same offense last week. All, except for Leefatt, are students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The four teenagers initially arrested appeared in court on Friday. They were then given to their parents or legal guardians. Tuesday was Beauziel's court appearance date. Due to the fact that it took place at a school with a troubled history and the nature of the incident, the court proceedings are being closely scrutinized by the public eye.

Accounts state that the attackers broke and pummeled the 18-year-old victim to the pavement. The victim, who remains unidentified, acquired serious but non-life threatening wounds. The authorities have not provided any further details on the victim's circumstances, citing medical privacy laws.

Detectives are actively seeking a sixth suspect. They are also working to determine the motive behind the attack. Coral Springs Police Sgt. Ernesto Bruna indicated that the altercation began in school. It led to the subsequent violent incident. However, the exact motive remains unclear.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School's Response

The incident has caused considerable distress in the community. This is especially true given the school's history. In 2018, a deadly shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. It killed 17 students, teachers, and staff members.

The school's principal, Michelle Kefford, expressed her dismay at the recent event. She assured that measures are being taken to prevent the involved students from returning to the campus.

Wider concerns about school safety are brought up by this occurrence. It also begs concerns about the safeguards put in place to keep kids safe from harm. It also emphasizes the need to use successful dispute resolution techniques in learning environments. Local and educational authorities are attempting to address the effects of this kind of violence. They are worried about the safety and wellbeing of the pupils.

The five teenagers are charged in connection with a brutal beating near Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety in school environments. The legal process is unfolding.

The community is still in need of clarification and assurance on the steps being taken to safeguard its youth. The event is a clear reminder of the need of being watchful and taking preventative action. Preventing and addressing violence in schools is crucial.

There are more incidents than the one that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. It is a component of a wider nationwide trend of violence in schools.

It highlights the urgent need for thorough safety protocols, and the need for mental health support in educational institutions. The involvement of teenagers in such a violent act raises concerns. It also raises questions about societal and family factors contributing to youth aggression.

Read Also: Former Texas Teacher Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Sexual Assault For Getting Pregnant By 13-Year-Old Student, Might Get 30 Years Jail Time

The Role of Law Enforcement

Law enforcement responded quickly to apprehend the suspects. They're still looking for the sixth suspect, showing their commitment to community safety. But this occurrence also necessitates a closer look at preventative measures. It also demands a closer look at how law enforcement functions to maintain a secure learning environment.

The community of Parkland is navigating a challenging situation. They demand as a group that the underlying causes of this kind of violence be addressed, and also look for practical ways to stop such occurrences from happening again.

The focus is not only on punitive measures. It also involves education, counseling, and community support. This guidance aims to direct youth toward positive and constructive behavior.

The tragic history of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School serves as a poignant backdrop to this recent incident. It reminds everyone of the ongoing need for vigilance, compassion, and action in creating safe spaces for learning and growth.

Related Article: Teenage Perpetrators of Marine Assault to Face Accountability, Official Asserts
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Francois Turretin (1623-1687) was a Genevan-Italian Reformed scholastic theologian and renowned defender of the Calvinistic (Reformed) orthodoxy represented by the Synod of Dort, and was one of the authors of the Helvetic Consensus (1675). He is generally considered to be the best Calvinist apologist besides John Calvin himself. His Institutes of Elenctic Theology (three volumes, Geneva, 16791685) used the scholastic method. Elenctic means refuting an argument by proving the falsehood of its conclusion. Turretin contended against the conflicting Christian perspectives of Catholicism and Arminianism. It was a popular textbook; notably at Princeton Theological Seminary, until it was replaced by Charles Hodges Systematic Theology in the late 19th century. Turretin also greatly influenced the Puritans.

This is a reply to a portion of Institutes of Elenctic Theology (Vol. 2, Eleventh Topic: The Law of God, Seventh Question: The First Commandment), in which he addresses the communion of saints, including the invocation and veneration of saints. I utilize the edition translated by George Musgrave Giger and edited by James T. Dennison, Jr. (Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, Phillipsburg, New Jersey: 1992 / 1994 / 1997; 2320 pages). It uses the KJV for Bible verses. I will use RSV unless otherwise indicated. All installments of this series of replies can be found on my Calvinism & General Protestantism web page, under the category, Replies to Francois Turretin (1632-1687). Turretins words will be in blue.

*****

Is God alone to be worshipped and invoked? Or is it lawful to invoke and religiously worship deceased saints? We affirm the former and deny the latter against the papists.

As Turretin was well aware, Catholics distinguish between adoration, reserved for God, and veneration, which is more or less honoring the saints. Worship has a range of meaning in English. So, for example, in the ceremony of matrimony in the 1552 Book of Common Prayer (Anglican), are the words, With this ring I thee wed: with my body I thee worship . . .

I. By the first precept thou shalt have no other gods before me, the true object of religious worship is sanctioned.

Yes, of course. Christians are to be monotheists and adore God alone and accept or believe in no other (nonexistent) gods. Since there is no disagreement here, Turretin, in the final analysis, presupposes that any veneration collapses into (or at best interferes with) adoration meant for God alone. But this is untrue and is the fundamental error in play. Its part and parcel of one of the most basic and repeated errors of Protestantism (especially Calvinism): its relentless either/or false dichotomies. In this instance, the mentality is seen in the belief that if we worship God we cant even honor or venerate anyone else, lest they become an idol. And we cant invoke anyone but God. Ill be more than happy, as we proceed, to explain, with support from the Bible, why these premises are untrue.

Turretin shortly after brings up Galatians 4:8 (. . . you were in bondage to beings that by nature are no gods). Again, this is rank idolatry: making that which is not God in effect function as or replace God in ones religious practice, or as Turretin describes it: what is not God is esteemed and served as God. But the Catholic communion of saints is not the same thing as this blasphemous idolatry, because we simply arent replacing God with anyone or anything else. He mentions the faith, adoration, and invocation due to God alone. We agree that the first two are for God alone, but we deny that He is the only one who can be invoked, because the Bible teaches otherwise. Turretin assumes that this is the case, but what is his biblical proof for it? Perhaps later he attempts to produce that. I am answering as I read.

The papists sin in many ways about this: by the religious worship of creatures, angels, saints, relics, the host of the Mass, and of the pope himself. Thus they are guilty of not one kind of idolatry.

Where to start?! We dont worship (in the sense he means: adoration) any of these persons or things, except for the consecrated host, which we believe to be Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus being God (as both sides agree), thats not idolatry  it cant possibly be idolatry  , because its directed at God Himself. So the argument there comes down to whether Jesus is truly, substantially present in the consecrated host and thus properly worshiped via the host as an image to focus attention on.

Even if the truth of the matter (assuming for the sake of argument) is that Jesus is not present in the consecrated host, its still not idolatry, because that sin has to do with the interior intentions of a person. He or she must be intending to place someone or something in the place of the true God. The Mass is not doing that at all. Were not worshiping bread and wine. The whole point for us is that they miraculously transform into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. No Catholic who knows anything ever intended to, or actually did, worship a piece of mere bread or a cup of mere wine as God, which would indeed be idolatry.

Thus, this entire line of argument, insofar as it is applied to the Catholic Mass, is wrongheaded and a complete straw man. The statement above is a non sequitur, because the non-host items are never idolatrously worshiped by Catholics as God. Turretin seems confused about the very definition of idolatry. And this is elementary, so I must say that we appear to see an irrational and unbiblical bias affecting his thought processes. As so often with anti-Catholics, he is more so overreacting to Catholicism and its falsely alleged errors than arguing from the actual Bible.

Nor is eucharistic realism or adoration solely Catholic, by any stretch of the imagination. Martin Luther believed in the eucharistic real presence and even adoration of the consecrated host (he would bow before it), and regarded those who denied it, like Zwingli (and by logical extension, Calvinists and Turretin himself) as non-Christians and damned (e.g., blasphemers and enemies of Christ: Luthers Works, Vol. 39, 302). This is why Calvin once referred to him as half-papist, and why Luther stated, sooner than have mere wine with the fanatics, I would agree with the pope that there is only blood (Confession Concerning Christs Supper, 1528, in Luthers Works, Vol. 37, 317).

II. The question is not whether the saints piously dying in the Lord are to be held in any respect and honor. We do not deny that they are to be honored by us according to the degree of their excellence, both by thinking highly of them as servants of God most happy and admitted into the fellowship of the Lord and by cherishing their memory with a grateful and pleasant recollection (Lk. 1:48; Mk. 14:9), extolling their conflicts and victories, preserving their doctrine, celebrating and imitating their virtues (Heb. 12:1), praising God in and for them and giving him thanks for raising up such for the good of his church. Rather the question is whether they are to be reverenced with religious worship properly so called.

Here we see a classic methodological and presuppositional error of anti-Catholics that I have observed a thousand times. They will accurately describe what we actually believe (the above virtually is a definition of Catholic veneration of saints), and then without missing a beat go on to falsely describe what they vainly imagine Catholic beliefs to be, and pretend that our actual beliefs are not what they are. In other words, they prefer to war against a straw man. Its almost as if they want there to be more differences than there actually are, and to refuse to admit common ground when it exists. So they quixotically battle against fictional windmills of their own making. It gets very tiresome as an apologist having to deal with such nonsense over and over, even from very sharp and learned men like Turretin, but the good news is that it fully and decisively demonstrates the great weakness of the anti-Catholic polemic and enterprise.

. . . we think that care should be diligently taken that they be not worshipped to the injury of God.

No disagreement there. What we differ on is the definition of injury of God. We say that honoring Gods creatures is, in fact, ultimately honoring Him as their Creator and enabler  by His grace  of every good thing that they do. The praising of a masterpiece of art is the same as praising its creator. If we praise the Mona Lisa, we praise da Vinci, etc. But Protestant either/or thinking cant comprehend this Or rather, precludes it), oddly enough.

Nay, we think grievous injury is done to them by those who turn them into idols and abuse the friends of God to provoke him to jealousy.

Hes assuming what he needs to prove. I await such proof as I read on, but doubt that I will see it. Ive been through this routine many times before. Anti-Catholic polemics is usually like an onion. One keeps peeling it, hoping to get to a core, only to find out that there is none. Catholic apologetics has a core, like an apple. The anti-Catholic slings around the word idolatry so ubiquitously, yet often neglects proving what he asserts by rational argument and example. He knows his readers will accept without question any accusation levied against the Catholic Church, and this is a large part of the problem. Not enough critical feedback is received or interacted with. Consequently, the methodology and the thinking become very sloppy, and is, therefore, easily refuted.

*

The question is whether they are to be reverenced, not with that respect of love and fellowship exhibited to holy men of God in this life on account of imitation, but with a sacred worship of piety on account of religion . . .

*

the sacrifices and invocations presented to saints and then cites St. Augustine, from Turretin refers tosaints and then cites St. Augustine, from Contra Faustus, Book XX, 21 . If we take a look at that, we see that Augustine is a good Catholic, as always (even though Calvinists invariably pretend that he is one of them).

*

Augustine states that Catholics are paying honor to the memory of the martyrs over against the accusation of Faustus, that we worship them. Faustus is arguing just as Protestants do. The heretic is analogous to Protestants, as Newman famously argued in his Apologia pro vita sua. Turretin claimed that Catholics make sacrifices . . . to the saints. Augustine refutes this false accusation:

It is true that Christians pay religious honor to the memory of the martyrs, both to excite us to imitate them and to obtain a share in their merits, and the assistance of their prayers. But we build altars not to any martyr, but to the God of martyrs, although it is to the memory of the martyrs. No one officiating at the altar in the saints burying-place ever says, We bring an offering to you, O Peter! Or O Paul! Or O Cyprian! The offering is made to God, who gave the crown of martyrdom, while it is in memory of those thus crowned. The emotion is increased by the associations of the place, and love is excited both towards those who are our examples, and towards Him by whose help we may follow such examples. We regard the martyrs with the same affectionate intimacy that we feel towards holy men of God in this life, . . .

Augustine then distinguishes between adoration and worship of God and the veneration of saints:

What is properly divine worship, which the Greeks call latria , and for which there is no word in Latin, both in doctrine and in practice, we give only to God. To this worship belongs the offering of sacrifices; as we see in the word idolatry, which means the giving of this worship to idols. Accordingly we never offer, or require any one to offer, sacrifice to a martyr, or to a holy soul, or to any angel. Any one falling into this error is instructed by doctrine, either in the way of correction or of caution. For holy beings themselves, whether saints or angels, refuse to accept what they know to be due to God alone.

[T]he question is whether they are to be invoked as our mediators and intercessors. Nor only as intercessors who may obtain for us by their prayers and merits the blessings asked from them; but as the bestowers of them . . .

*

This gets into the massive scriptural motif of the prayers of righteous men having greater power (Jas 5:14-18), which I examined at great length . This is why we ask saints in heaven to intercede, because their prayers to God have a far greater effect or efficacy than ours do. I summarized the biblical data as follows:

We conclude that its best to go straight to God in prayer, unless there happens to be a person more righteous than we are, who is willing to make the same prayer request. Then the Bible recommends that we ask them to intercede for us or any righteous cause, rather than asking God directly.

Turretin questions whether anyone but God can be involved. The Bible contains a very clear, undeniable example of this, straight from the mouth of Jesus. Its in the story (not parable) of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16). It presents the rich man making two petitionary requests to Abraham, not God. I recently summarized what is to be concluded from the information we have in this remarkable passage, and it is very unProtestant indeed:

Luke 16:24 And he called out, Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. Abraham says no (16:25-26), just as God will say no to a prayer not according to His will. He asks him again, begging (16:27-28). Abraham refuses again, saying (16:29): They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. He asks a third time (16:30), and Abraham refuses again, reiterating the reason why (16:31). How this supposedly does not support the principle of saints interceding and being able to intercede is a mystery to me. If we were not supposed to ask saints to pray for us, I think this story would be almost the very last way to make that supposed point. Abraham would simply have said, you shouldnt be asking me for anything; ask God! In the same way, analogously, angels refuse worship when it is offered, because only God can be worshiped [I cited Rev 19:9-10 and 22:8-9]. St. Peter did the same thing [Acts 10:25-26]. So did St Paul and Barnabas [Acts 14:11-15]. If the true theology is that Abraham cannot be asked an intercessory request, then Abraham would have noted this and refused to even hear it. But instead he heard the request and said no. Jesus couldnt possibly have taught a false principle. Game, set, match, right in the Bible, from Jesus Himself. . . . Its not that Abraham couldnt intercede (if that were true, he would have said so and Jesus would have made it clear), but that he wouldnt intercede in this instance (i.e., he refused to answer the request). Refusing a request is not the same thing as not being able to grant the request. Otherwise, we would have to say that God is unable to answer a prayer request when He refuses one. . . . Luke 16 (from Jesus) clearly teaches them. Hence lies the dilemma. It matters not if both men are dead; the rich man still cant do what he did, according to Protestant categories of thought and theology. Whether Dives [the rich man] was dead or not is irrelevant, since standard Protestant theology holds that no one can make such a request to anyone but God. Hes asking Abraham to send Lazarus to him, and then to his brothers, to prevent them from going to hell. That is very much prayer: asking for supernatural aid from those who have left the earthly life and attained sainthood and perfection, with God. . . . Jesus told this story, and in the story is a guy praying to a dead man, to request things that the dead man appears to be able to fulfill by his own powers. That is quite sufficient to prove the point. . . . In fact, God is never mentioned in the entire story (!!!) . . . So why did Jesus teach in this fashion? Why did He teach that Dives was asking Abraham to do things that Protestant theology would hold that only God can do? And why is the whole story about him asking Abraham for requests, rather than going directly to God and asking Him: which would seem to be required by [Protestant] theology? . . . This just isnt how its supposed to be, from a Protestant perspective. All the emphases are wrong, and there are serous theological errors, committed by Jesus Himself (i.e., from the erroneous Protestant perspective).

In another similar paper , I described the import of this story as follows:

Abraham is not supposed to be able to fulfill intercessory requests in the manner of Jesus, according to Protestant theology.

Why, then, does Jesus describe Dives praying to Abraham for precisely that? Note also that Abraham in turn never rebukes Dives, nor tells him that he shouldnt be praying to him; that he should only pray to God. He merely turns down his request (which in turn proves that he had the power to do it but chose not to). Otherwise, he would or should have said (it seems to me), I cant do that; only God can or pray only to God, not to me.

Turretin brought up his objection, and I just refuted it. I would give up a lot if it were possible to bring back Turretin for an hour and persuade him to try to refute what I just wrote. Protestants rarely do that because they simply ignore most of our best counter-arguments against their endless criticisms of Catholicism. So, by and large, we dont know how they would answer. They love to throw out accusations. They do not like at all having to deal with the best Catholic apologists replies to same. Thats not part of the plan. It doesnt work that way. It sure doesnt. Their anti-Catholic and anti-traditional arguments are weak and easily refuted, and from Scripture, as I just did (or the Church fathers, as the case may be). Protestants dont own Scripture or biblical argumentation and exegesis. Often, their exegesis is quite shallow, especially when it comes to what I have called the Catholic verses.

*

Turretin makes reference to the hope of salvation . . . placed in saints and states, Thus they are invoked, not only as intercessors, but also as protectors from evil and bestowers both of grace and glory. This is eminently scriptural as well. But thus far, Turretin has not many many scriptural arguments. He simply rails about what he seems to think is self-evidently false (no biblical proofs needed, I guess . . .). The Bible refers to others besides God spreading His grace. In Revelation 1:4, grace is said to come from God and also from the seven spirits who are before his throne. God gives us partial credit for spreading His grace:

2 Corinthians 4:15 For it [his many sufferings: 4:8-12, 17] is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. Ephesians 3:2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of Gods grace that was given to me for you . . . Ephesians 4:29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of Gods varied grace:

Yet Turretin denies that anyone besides God can distribute His grace. Why? Was he unfamiliar with the above passages? Or did he choose to ignore them, since they are so unProtestant? How about creatures assisting others in being saved, though? Thats quite biblical as well:

Romans 11:13-14 . . . I magnify my ministry [14] in order to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 1 Corinthians 1:21 . . . it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, . . . 1 Corinthians 7:16 Wife, how do you know whether you will save your husband? Husband, how do you know whether you will save your wife? 1 Corinthians 9:22 I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 2 Corinthians 1:6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; . . . 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to your teaching: hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. 2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory. James 5:19-20 My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, [20] let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 3:1 Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives

Thats ten biblical passages. Was Turretin unfamiliar with all of them, too? If men on earth can help in bestowing Gods gift of salvation, how much more can saints, who are perfected in heaven and without sin, do so, because their prayers are unimaginably effective, per James 5. Turretin then mentions two Catholic prayers:

Thus invocation is directed to all the saints: Also ye happy hosts of souls in heaven; Let present, past and future ills from us be driven (cf. Festa Novembris: Ad Vesperas, in Breviarium Romanum [1884], 2:817). And to the apostles: O happy apostles, deliver me from sin, Defend, comfort and lead me into the kingdom of heaven (Hortulus Animae [1602], pp. 45051).

Yeah, thats biblical too. Moses was able to do that:

Exodus 32:30 On the morrow Moses said to the people, You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin. * Numbers 11:1-2 And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes; and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. [2] Then the people cried to Moses; and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire abated. Numbers 14:13, 19-20 But Moses said to the LORD, . . . [19] Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray thee, according to the greatness of thy steadfast love, and according as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. [20] Then the LORD said, I have pardoned, according to your word; Numbers 21:7-9 And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. So Moses prayed for the people. [8] And the LORD said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live. [9] So Moses made a bronze serpent, and set it on a pole; and if a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

He can do this by the power and will of God, but no one in heaven can? That makes no sense. Of course they can do so. We ask them to pray for our deliverance from sin, and their powerful prayers help make it possible. This is how God designed things. Otherwise, all of these Catholic verses simply wouldnt be in the Bible in the first place. Turretin doesnt refute them; he ignores them.

*

Moses brother Aaron atoned for his people and stopped a plague (Num 16:46-48). Phinehas likewise atoned and prevented Gods wrath from consum[ing] the people of Israel (Num 25:11-13). But Turretin denies that this could happen (these are his false premises, before he even gets to saints in heaven), and appears to think that only God can do these things. God says otherwise in His revelation!

*

Also: I seek to be saved by you in the last judgment.

*

Ho hum. Paul casually noted at least four times that he saved people (Rom 11:14; 1 Cor 9:22; 2 Cor 1:6; 2 Tim 2:10: all seen above). James wrote that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will do the same (Jas 5:20). Paul told Timothy that he could save his hearers (1 Tim 4:16). These Catholic prayers are to be understood in the same sense: a biblical sense. Its not rocket science. Turretin is the one being unbiblical, in denying clear biblical affirmations.

*

To Peter: O Shepherd Peter, mild and good, receive My prayersfrom bonds of sin my soul relieve; By that great power which unto thee was given Who by thy word dost open and shut the gate of heaven (Festa Junii: SS. Petri et Pauli, in Breviarium Romanum [1884], 2:499).

*

The apostles (including Peter: Mt 16:19) were given the power to forgive sins and relieve people of their sins (what we call absolution):

Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. John 20:21-23 Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. This was later delegated to the elders of the church:

James 5:14-15 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; [15] and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Wheres the beef? All of this stuff is so eminently biblical that no Christians should have to argue about it at all. But because Protestants ignore or seek to rationalize away all of this Scripture (and its a lot, as we see above), we have to engage in these should-be-unnecessary conflicts, in order that the Bible doesnt get trampled underfoot and neglected: ironically by those who always claim to be its exemplary expositors and champions.

*

Photo credit: Landauer Altar (1511), by Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]

Summary: As part of my series of replies to Calvinist expositor Francois Turretin, I address the topic of the communion of saints, particularly their powerful intercession.
Telecom Egypt announced an increase in the prices of its landline internet plans by over 30 percent, with the new rates set to take effect from 5 January, according to the companys website.
The 21st meeting of the Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) Board of Trustees, held at the Knowledge City Campus in Kokomlemle, Accra, saw the election and swearing-in of Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah as the new Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees.



Emeritus Professor Addae-Mensah is a world-renowned Professor of Chemistry and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon. He holds the position of Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the same institution. He is a Life Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Fellow of the Ghana Chemical Society. Having served as the Vice Chairman of the AIT Board since 2017, Professor Addae-Mensah now succeeds the late Professor Edward S. Ayensu, the former Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees.



Additionally, the Board elected and swore in the Very Rev. Professor Samuel K. Adjepong, a globally recognized academician and a founding member of the AIT Board of Trustees, as the new Vice Chairman. Very Rev. Professor Samuel K. Adjepong, the Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.



The distinguished membership of the AIT Board of Trustees includes Dr. K.Y. Amoako, Former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; Professor William Otoo Ellis, Former Vice Chancellor, KNUST; Dr. Grace Bediako, Former Government Statistician; Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Education, Winneba; Very Rev. Ama Afo Blay, Former Director General, Ghana Education Service; Mr. K.S Yamoah, Former Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE); Professor Anuwar Ali, Former Vice Chancellor of Open University of Malaysia; and Professor Clement Dzidonu, President of AIT.



Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) [www.ait.edu.gh], recognized as the leading private university in Ghana by Ghana Tertiary Awards, is an independent technology-focused university committed to academic excellence and cutting-edge scientific and industrial research and development.



Accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), AIT offers both campus-based and Open University undergraduate and postgraduate programs. AIT is affiliated with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for campus-based undergraduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science/IT, and Business Administration and with the Open University of Malaysia for Open University undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the Masters and PhD levels.









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Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has justified the Special Prosecutors request for armored vehicles, as contained in a 2021 application for the clearance of some vehicles.



Recently, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), led by Mr. Kissi Adjabeng, has been subjected to scores of backlashes online, after the said document addressed to the finance ministry, went viral.



The request for four types of armoured-plated vehicles and 12 types of soft or light-body vehicles totaled at GH29,952,000, were captured, among others.



Scores of netizens including the likes of Blakk Rasta, have since kicked against the request, describing it as insane and insensitive.



However, A Plus has argued that an armoured vehicle is an essential requirement for the Special Prosecutor, who has encountered a series of assassination attempts.



You want to assassinate someone. You have made five attempts on his life this year alone, but you are angry he has requested bulletproof cars which is a requirement under the law that set up his office.



"Did the special prosecutor set up the OSP? Should I release the photos of all the attempts or you'll shut up over there and allow the man to do his job? Like, he should avail himself for k!ln abi? I'm surprised he didn't even request for bulletproof bulldozers. You have children but every day you want to k!l somebody. If you like, ask police to invite me for questioning. Like the things I'll say h! I'm calling your bluff! he wrote in a long Facebook post.



He also bemoaned what he described as the constant habit of frustrating anti-corruption leaders by this current NPP-led administration.



Me I no dey see any of you ooo, You people did same to Charlotte Osei, you did same to Domelovo, you did same to Martin Amidu, you did same to Dr Anyah, just to mention a few, and Abdul Malik Kwaku Barko ooo s Kwaku One too, he added.





Source: ghanaweb.com









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The trial of CEO of defunct gold dealership firm, Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah aka NAM1 begins today, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 as prosecution is expected to call first of its 11 witnesses.



The presiding judge in the case says he hopes to deliver judgement by March 2024.



Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an Additional High Court judge gave the assurance after a successful completion of Case Management Conference (CMC).



NAM1 had on Friday December 8, pleaded not guilty to 39 counts on an amended Charge Sheet filed by the Prosecution on November 16.



They include a count each of selling gold contrary to section, operating deposit-taking business without license and inducement to invest.



The others are  22 counts of defrauding by false pretenses, seven counts of fraudulent breach of trust and seven counts of Money Laundering.



The latest Charge Sheet though similar to the previous one, the GHc1.6 billion total sums in the previous charged sheet has reduced to GHc340 millions.



The Judge, Justice Owusu-Dapaa said his Court is open the option of Plea Bargaining if the parties with to explore that option.



The testimonies of all 11 witnesses for the Prosecution are expected to last for 35 hours.





Source: kasapaonline









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The National Development Planning (NPDC) Commission has organized a two-day National Development Summit to provide a critical platform to deliberate on Ghana's development agenda.



It prompts reflection on the nation's current state. Discussions were based on key issues and challenges that need to be addressed, and encouraged innovative ideas, strategic planning, and policy formulation that align with the envisioned future.



The Director-General of National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Kodjo Essiem Mensah-Abrampa said it is also an opportunity to foster national consensus and create ownership of a joint long term vision. By engaging key stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector and international partners, the summit aims to create a collaborative and inclusive environment for dialogue and decision-making on national progress.



Ultimately, the Summit seeks to establish strategic recommendations that transcend political cycles and guide the nation towards sustainable, inclusive, and transformative development which emphasizes the need for continuity, coherence, and effective resource allocation in the pursuit of Ghana's development aspirations.



He said, the issue of long term project national developments framework is very germane at the moment when the nation is facing a complex array of internal shocks such as economic challenge, environmental hazards, geopolitics conflict and these shocks makes the citizens ponder and wonder where the existence of a long term project or plan could have minimized the negative impact of these forces .



Dr. Kodjo Essiem Mensah-Abrampa, noted that the view of the commission will allow the flexibility needed by future generations and governments to steer the state of affairs towards universally accepted pursuit or vision of creating just a free and prosperous nation for Ghana as enshrined in the 1992 constitution.



Talking about the long term development project of the document, he said the document will focus less on the historical and geographical context of Ghana as these are fully discussed in the 40 year plan . Instead it will be more futuristic looking at where they want to be by 2057 when Ghana celebrates its centenary.



The document is not intended to supplant existing documents such as the 40 year plan but rather to simplify and sharpen the focus on development efforts in the document and they shall continue to use the document side by side to pursue the development aspiration of the country.







Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah









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Nutrifoods Ghana, a joint venture by Olam International and Sanyo Foods Japan, and a leading manufacturer of snacks in the country, has introduced exciting new premium cookies to the Ghanaian market.



Inspired by the overwhelming success of Perk Chocolate Chip last year, Nutrifoods has moved on to unveil the Danish Cookies assorted box, considered a perfect Christmas gift pack for cookie enthusiasts.



Management sources at Nutrifoods have confirmed that in keeping with the companys strong commitment to delivering top-grade quality biscuits, Nutrifoods Ghana has recently made some strategic investments in upgrading its state-of-the-art production facility with the addition of a new production line.



The Multifunctional Line, having been assembled from diverse origins like Japan, Denmark, and Sweden is the first of its kind in West Africa and ordered to enable an ambitious foray into the premium segment taking on the best products from Europe & Gulf.



"At Nutrifoods, we are committed to elevating the cookie experience for our valued customers. The launch of our new cookie varieties and the investment in cutting-edge machinery reflect our dedication to providing the finest quality confections." Vice President and Head of Marketing at Nutrifoods Ghana, Jay Anjaria, said.



Mr. Amitabh Coomar, the business head of Nutrifoods, expressed optimism about the potential of the new product and highlighted the companys commitment to bringing a world-class experience to the consumers of the Region.



We are very excited about the new premium Perk Danish Butter Cookies and its potential to bring a new twist to Christmas gifting with this premium yet affordable Gift Pack. Our recent expansion projects double up our efforts to introduce innovative and delightful products to the market." Said Mr. Coomar



Located at Tema New Town, in the Greater Accra Region, Nutrifoods Ghana operates a modern culinary plant and remains the leading biscuit manufacturer in the country. The company boasts of an assorted brand portfolio which includes market favorites like the Nutrisnax, Royal King Cracker, Perk Shortcake, Milky Magic, and Royal Digestive.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Stanbic Bank Ghana, a member of the Standard Bank Group, Africas largest bank by assets, on Friday December 8th unveiled a new brand cloth at their end-of-year staff durbar held at the Labadi Beach Hotel under the theme, This is Us. Our life, our story, our home.



The new cloth design was revealed as staff and executive members from the bank showcased it on the runway in various styles. The fabric incorporated shades of blue and white with the official Stanbic logo with Besa Saka the symbol of the Kola Nut. This symbol represents affluence, power, abundance, trade, and commerce, and is closely associated with social status and economic success.



Speaking at the event, Kwamina Asomaning, Chief Executive, of Stanbic Bank, took the opportunity to congratulate the bank staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.



He said, The past few years have not been easy, especially for the banking sector. After the pandemic came in and changed the world as we know it, we were also faced with an economic crisis. I am proud to lead a team of resilient men and women who have never backed down and continued to work hard despite the challenges. It is through your hard work that even amid tumultuous times we have been able to chalk several successes.



Stanbic Bank Ghana has secured an outstanding rating of 98% in the recent Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana Customer Satisfaction Index; solidifying our position as the second-best bank for customer service excellence in Ghana. Well done to those of you at the forefront of this fight to improve our customer service. It is because of your tireless efforts and your dedication to excellence that have made this possible. As we continue to provide good services to clients, they will be more willing to do business with us not because of price but on the basis that the services we provide and our customer experience are superior., he added.



Mr. Asomaning also urged the team to stay vigilant to protect client data as they continue to drive the digitalization agenda across the country.



He advised that, Data has become a very precious commodity; some might even call it the new gold. We have a responsibility to our clients to ensure that their data is well-protected and kept. Even as we continue to explore new ways to leverage technology to support our clients we must put in effort as well to make sure that we protect their data and manage our risks effectively and efficiently. Let us continue to do the hard work and make 2024 an even better year than this one. Special thanks to all the members of the various branches who have continued working even through the pandemic till now to make sure our customers receive the top-notch services they have come to expect from us.



Other speakers at the durbar led staff through discussions of the banks key strategic pillars for 2024 and beyond, and also touched on the successes of the bank in 2023, the areas which needed improvements, as well as the roadmap to achieving them. Staff were thrilled by highly energized and dazzling performances by Kofi Kinaata and Femi De Bank Buoy.













Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Staff of the Compliance Department of Stanbic Bank Ghana have donated a sum of GHS 20,000 to the Marian Kwofie Foundation to support the tertiary education of needy but brilliant young girls in Ghana.



Akosua Asaa Yelbert, Head of Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering, at Stanbic Bank, presented the donation on behalf of her outfit. She mentioned that the donation was in in line with the banks mission of driving national growth through quality education.



She said, At Stanbic Bank, we do not only focus on providing solutions to our valued clients but also on providing solutions to the many challenges in the communities we find ourselves. As a department, we searched for an area to support and knew that the Marian Kwofie Foundation would be the best. Marian Kwofie was a former member of staff of Stanbic Bank who was very passionate about giving and supporting women and young ladies in any way she could. We are proud to be making this contribution today to honor her legacy and support the efforts of the foundation to help young women in the country, especially with their education.



I am grateful to all the members of the compliance department who gave generously to make this donation possible. Although the Marian Kwofie Foundation is new, we believe in its capability to contribute to the development of the country by supporting young girls in need. We are proud to be supporting them at this stage and we will continue to contribute to their efforts whenever the need arises., she continued.



Barbara Okai Tettey, Senior Manager, Compliance at Stanbic Bank also added that, It is impressive to see how they are reaching across to the northern regions in Ghana and seeking out ways to provide young ladies from there with access to quality education and we are proud to support their efforts.



A trustee of the Marian Kwofie Foundation Ayesha Abukari, received the donation and thanked the team from Stanbic Bank for their kind gesture. She said, The Foundation is a legacy project to sustain the good work that Marian Kwofie had begun during her lifetime. Her selfless support for women and girls will be continued through this foundation. We are grateful to the team from Stanbic Bank for this generous donation. The funds they have provided today will create a lasting impact on the lives of brilliant young girls to further their education to the tertiary level. We are truly grateful to them for their donation. I encourage other departments and organizations to keep us in mind as far as their CSR activities are concerned. With their support, we can touch the lives of women and young girls around the country.



The Mariam Kwofie Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organization that aims to provide opportunities for young women from less privileged or deprived homes to change their life trajectories by providing them with scholarships to pursue tertiary education.













Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Executive Secretary for Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo has called on the government to stop interfering the public services with politics as it could have harmful effects on the country.



He stated that the government is carving out institutions from the services and branding them as commissions and Authorities where the Civil Service and the Local Government Service are gradually being weakened.



Continuing, Dr Bampoe Addo said that the presidential Office Act, 1993, (Act 463) has been a legal instrument that has emboldened governments to pursue the politicization of the services.



He added that "the Presidential Office Act empowers the President to appoint officers into the services who does not have the qualification and competencies as well as experience to work in those areas.



He, therefore, said these political apparatchiks and "goro" boys enter the Civil Service and Local Government Service without being qualified for the service and they are made to superintendent over career officers within the Civil Service and Local Government Service.



From the ruling of the Supreme Court on neutrality in June 2017, it was made clear that "No Civil Servant must owe or be seen to owe appointment or promotion to partisan activities since visible partisanship by Civil Servants would severely impair, if not destroy, the public perception of neutrality," he said.



Therefore the use of the Presidential Office Act in appointing Officers into the Civil Service and Local Government Service is against the supreme court ruling on neutrality.



Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo urged all his members to continue to give off their best for the development of Ghana.



He made all this known to the public at the CLOGSAG Thanksgiving Service when he was delivering his 2023 Christmas message.

Source: Clinton Akwasi Amoako









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Ghanaian indigenous Start-Up, Husk Technologies led by John Arday Ardayfio on Wednesday 20th December 2023, won the ultimate grand prize of GHC100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis) funding at the climax of the maiden National Innovation Challenge (NIC) organised by the National Entrepreneurship Innovation Programme (NEIP) at the Accra Digital Centre.



Husk Technologies emerged as the winner among 9 other finalists.



Husk Tecnologies is an agritech company that provides hardware manufacturing for the cocoa industry.



Its maiden product is an automated mobile cocoa pod breaking machine that is designed to relieve cocoa farmers from labour stress and post-harvest losses.



The panel of judges was thrilled by amazing ideas, innovations as well as the overall delivery and presentations of all the 10 contestants.



The top 10 contestants had been camped together at the Accra Digital Centre since Monday, to engage with the judges as well as top business mentors and entrepreneurship trainers.



Nullwood Fabrications led by Abigail Boadu emerged as the second and took home a cash cheque of GHC70,000 (Seventy Thousand Ghana Cedis) while Smart Code Academy's Senyogbe Agbomabiese took the third position and a cash cheque of GHC50,000 (Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis).



Below is the Full List of the 10 Winners:



1st

John Arday Ardayfio---Husk Technologies



2nd

Abigail Boadu----Nullwood Fabrications



3rd

Senyogbe Agbomabiese----Smart Code Academy



4th

David Arkoh----Leta Agronova



5th

Aboagye Theophilus---Age Engineering



6th

Linda Lariba---Hope Givers Company Limited



7th

Ella Oduom & Paul Mensah---Smart Farm



8th

Ismaila Ayiku & Isaac Eshun---Coastal Animation Studios



9th

Emmanuel Amegadzie--Locasa Hospitality Services



10th

Muslim Mahama---DawaShrimp



It would be recalled that the National Innovation Challenge was launched in September this year.



After some months of pitching and mentorship, the competition shortlisted the top 10 innovations to benefit from various funding rewards.



The NIC targeted the best 10 innovations and business ideas geared towards supporting innovative and new Ghanaian entrepreneurs right from scratch.



The NIC is also meant among other things to expose new entrepreneurship innovations and ideas to funding opportunities.



NEIP continues to demonstrate its socio-economic commitment to national development by living up to its core mandate of providing business development services, startup incubators, and funding for young businesses, new innovations, and ideas in order to help them become a full-blown success.



NEIP, since its inception, has promoted economic growth and job creation by supporting business ideas, stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship, which in turn have immensely led to the creation of new jobs and the growth of industries.



These interventions, undoubtedly, have had some positive boomerang effects on the overall economy under His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo.



Addressing the winners after the event, the Deputy CEO of NEIP, Miss Abigail Swad Laryea, commended all 10 winners and encouraged them to continue to inspire and do more than even what the competition demanded.



"I would like to say Congratulations to all the 10 winners. We launched the National Innovation Challenge one very simple reason to boost entrepreneurship among Ghanaian youth.



...This is why we always welcome ideas and innovations from all quarters. Our doors are always open so come and let's see what you have so that we can support you to develop your dream concepts," she said.



In an interview with the media, the winner John Arday Ardayfio thanked the entire leadership of NEIP, the judges, as well as the trainers and all stakeholders for the big opportunity.



"This GHC100,000 funding is indeed a giant leap for us at Husk Technologies and we are very grateful indeed to NEIP and its partners for such an opportunity," he emphasized.

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.

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) will today open nominations for aspiring parliamentary candidates in constituencies where the party has sitting Members of Parliament.



While the nominations are expected to close on December 25, 2023, the party has fixed January 27, 2024, to conduct the final leg of its internal election to elect its parliamentary candidates.



Already, some aspirants such as Michael Oquaye Jnr., Roni Nicol, Hayford Siaw, Alois Mohl and Bice Osei Kuffuor alias Obour are ready to contest to represent the party in the Dome-Kwabenya, Ablekuma West, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Nandom and Asante Akyem South respectively.



The others are Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, who will be seeking to unseat the incumbent Kennedy Nyarko Osei; Commissioner of Police (retd) Alex Mensah for Bekwai and Raphael Agyapong for Bantama.



Another area of interest will be the Fomena constituency, where the incumbent, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, won the seat as an independent candidate after quitting the NPP.



However, he has been the bargaining chip for the ruling NPP and is also the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament.



It is unclear how many sitting MPs will be seeking re-election.



From history, some incumbent MPs indicate they would not be seeking re-election but turn around to contest.



Forms



Ahead of the opening of the nominations, a December 11, 2023 statement signed and issued by the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua, said no aspirant should be denied access to nomination forms.



An aspiring parliamentary candidate denied access to the nomination forms at the constituency shall purchase same at the regional secretariat, and if denied, same may be downloaded from the party's website (www.newpatrioticparty. org).



It said forms printed from the party's website should be submitted to the general secretary at the national secretariat of the party in Accra and aspirants who downloaded nomination forms from the party's website should, upon submission, show proof that they were denied an opportunity to purchase the forms at both the constituency and regional levels.



Filing fees



The statement said the nomination forms would be sold at GH3,000 while aspirants shall pay a non-refundable filing fee of GH35,000.



Women, Persons with Disability and the youth shall be granted a 50 per cent rebate on the filing fee.



For emphasis, a youth is an individual between 18-40 years, it said.



In addition, aspirants are to pay a non-refundable Development Fee of GH40,000 while all payments shall be made in Bankers Draft to the New Patriotic Party National Headquarters, Accra.



Appeals



Additionally, it said there shall be a National Parliamentary Appeals Committee to decide on appeals from disqualified parliamentary aspirants from Wednesday, January 10, 2024, to Friday, January 12, 2024 (if any), with the deadline for the submission of appeals to the National Parliamentary Appeals Committee being Tuesday, January 9, 2024.



It stated further that detailed rules and regulations for the parliamentary primaries would be attached to the nomination forms which would be made available to aspiring parliamentary candidates upon purchasing of forms.



The statement reiterated the partys commitment to free, fair and transparent parliamentary primaries and called for the support of all stakeholders.

Source: graphiconline









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The US and the West in general have consistently used their terrorism laws to put pressure on supporters of Palestinian rights in order to achieve their own political ends and in support of Israel.

The West, meaning the US and Europe, use terrorist laws to identify security threats, whether from individuals, groups, or states, and each country has developed its own set of criteria for classification and ranking purposes.

However, these criteria are shaped by these countries own outlooks and interests, rather than by any impartial scientific process. As a result, double standards are the rule, not the exception, in these countries application of the terrorist branding.

This is easily observable through an analysis of terrorist-related legal provisions at the international or country level in Europe and the US. Such an analysis, substantiated by statements by government officials, shows that the US leads the way in using the terrorist label to achieve its own political ends, rather than to help safeguard international peace and security.

This hypocritical behaviour is on fuller display than ever in the Wests handling of the Palestinian crisis. Throughout the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the US and its European satellites have consistently used their terrorist laws to exert pressure on individuals and groups who support Palestinian rights and the pursuit of justice against the Israeli occupation.

Whether a Palestinian resistance movement is secular and pro-democratic, leftist or Islamist, the kneejerk reaction of Western governments has been to designate it as a terrorist group. The rule of thumb is that any individual or group that opposes Israel or Israeli policies is a terrorist or a terrorist sympathiser.

This irrational and biased approach has become more extreme than ever since 7 October this year. Not only Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) but virtually every Palestinian group or faction has been lumped into the terrorist basket out of deference to Israel, which sees every Palestinian who moves as a terrorist.

This is the same attitude that has now led to over 70 days of indiscriminate slaughter in Gaza, where the death toll now exceeds 20,000 people, at least half of whom are women and children. The US and many European countries are complicit in perpetuating the atrocities carried out by Israel through their determination to silence all voices that defend the Palestinian right to life and dignity and oppose Israels racist policies.

The question is why does the West behave in this way? Why does it refuse to treat the Palestinian factions as resistance and national-liberation movements?

The first reason has to do with the dominance of the Israeli narrative. Since UN Resolution 181 of 1947 partitioning Palestine and establishing the Israeli state on Palestinian land, the Zionist Movement has managed to ensure that its narrative has prevailed in Western minds and, more importantly, in the newly formed international order that emerged after World War II.

This narrative rests on four pillars of Zionism: the right of Jews to create an ethnic state; the historical victimhood of the Jews which culminated in the Holocaust in Europe; the need for Israel as an oasis of democracy in an anti-democratic environment; and its existence as an outpost of Western military might with the ability to take on the threats that some of its Arab neighbours might pose to Western interests in the region.

The grip of these ideas, combined with other instruments of Zionist influence in the West, such as lobby groups, financial support for pro-Israel politicians, and economic clout, have convinced many Western countries to broadcast and defend the Israeli narrative and to suppress any Palestinian, Arab, or allied voice that defends Palestinian and Arab rights and legitimate demands.

These include the right to Palestinian self-determination in a sovereign independent state, the Israeli withdrawal from the Occupied Syrian Golan Heights and the Lebanese Shebaa Farms, and the need for Israel to implement the UN Resolutions regarding the Palestinian right of return, as well as a halt to settlement construction and the cessation of provocative actions such as the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and attempts to claim Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

The second reason why the Israeli narrative has continued to dominate in the West stems from the schism between the Palestinian national liberation and resistance groups and the collapse of the unifying symbolic value of the Palestinian Authority (PA) since the death of former Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) chairman Yasser Arafat.

These developments accelerated the weakening of the Palestinian cause that had begun with the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. With the death of Arafat and the rise of Hamas to power in Gaza, the antagonism between Fatah and Hamas increased as each side focused on asserting its influence in internal Palestinian power dynamics instead of working together to forge a unified vision for an assembly of groups that share the same goals.

As a result, the Palestinian political scene descended into a battleground, and this contributed to the declining international concern for the rights of the Palestinian people and to the Western thrall to the Israeli discourse.

The third factor is the divergence in Arab attitudes and outlooks on the Palestinian cause. Although the Arab states have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative (API) adopted at the Arab Summit in Beirut in 2002, some Arab governments have shifted their positions in practice by establishing bilateral relations with Tel Aviv.

Such unilateral steps depart from the spirit and substance of the API. Some Arab parties have gone even further and have tried to reorder regional political and security arrangements through security and intelligence alliances with Israel. There were even moves to create a Middle East NATO that would include Israel and whose ostensible purpose was to forge a geopolitical axis to fill the security vacuum after a planned US withdrawal from the Middle East.

All this naturally lent itself to reinforcing the fourth pillar of the Zionist narrative, namely Israel as the military arm of the US and the West in the Middle East. This outlook was translated into the so-called Deal of the Century that sought to purchase Arab/Palestinian acquiescence, help Israel evade its obligations under international law, and circumvent the Palestinian peoples right to self-determination in a sovereign independent state.

Despite Israels relative success in imposing its narrative, the scale of the atrocities that are unfolding in Gaza has plunged the international community into a moral crisis, to the extent that even some of Israels staunchest backers have been forced to revise their positions and even re-examine some of the premises of the Israeli narrative.

Some European countries have been more courageous than others, of course. Belgium and Spain, for example, have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the international recognition of a Palestinian state.

Even the US, the main material and political backer of the war on Gaza, has been forced to modify its uncritical support of Israel. On 12 December, in a speech to Democratic Party donors in Washington, US President Joe Biden said that Israel had begun to lose support in Europe and elsewhere in the world because of the mounting civilian death toll from Israels indiscriminate bombing of the Gaza Strip.

He urged Israel to learn the lessons from US mistakes after the 11 September attacks on New York and Washington, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, which Biden described as the most right wing in Israels history, had to change course.

The whole worlds public opinion can shift overnight. We cant let that happen, Biden said, advising Netanyahu to take tough decisions if he wants to avoid losing international support.

Although Bidens remarks and the new positions of some of the European countries reflect a marked shift in the discourse of the international community, this has yet to translate into actions to force Israel to cease its aggression and impose a solution that will lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

On the other hand, if the outlooks of the Western governments continue to shift due to mounting public pressure, this may be reflected in their attitudes towards Palestinian movements and activists, leading to their removal from the Wests politicised terrorist lists and their recognition as national liberation and resistance movements.

Essentially, a two-fold crisis has led the international community to misperceive the Palestinian movements as violent extremist groups: the hold of the Israeli narrative over the West and Palestinian political divisions and factional infighting and the consequent decline of Palestinian influence in the international arena since the death of Arafat.

However, an opportunity is at hand to redress the balance now that the Israeli narrative is crumbling under the weight of its crimes. The starting point is to reorder the Palestinian house, reunite the resistance movements, and strengthen the defence of the Palestinian cause, and the key to the success of this is famous Palestinian political figure Marwan Barghouti, now in his 21st year of confinement in the Israeli occupations jails.

On 15 April 2002, Israeli forces arrested this prominent leader of the Palestinian Intifada in Kobar northwest of Ramallah. Two years later, he and five others were sentenced to 40 years in prison by Israeli courts.

While it is clearly a moral and political duty to call for this freedom-fighters release, to champion his cause is also to champion the drive to free the current Palestinian political situation from its internal contradictions and to properly develop the Palestinian struggle for justice.

Barghouti can help in bringing the leadership of Fatah (or, more precisely, what is left of Fatah) back on course, in reassembling the Palestinian factions beneath one umbrella, and in restructuring the PLO. In this sense, he is the solution.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 21 December, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Prof. Smart Sarpong, a Research Fellow at the Kumasi Technical University, has expressed disappointment in the Electoral Commission over their mishap yesterday in the district elections across the country.



The Electoral Commission (EC) rescheduled the district-level elections in some electoral areas in the Ashanti and Eastern Regions due to technical challenges involving the printing of ballots.



The affected districts which included Bantama, South Sontreso, Atwima Nwabiagya, Atwima Mponua, Dadeso and Santasi; according to a statement by the Acting Head of Public Relations at the EC, Michael Boadu, will vote on Thursday, December 21, 2023.



Discussing the matter during Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", Prof. Smart Sarpong feared the chaos that such a blunder on the part of the EC could erupt into should it occur in the 2024 national elections.



He wondered how come the EC failed to do due diligence before the day of the district elections to avoid these challenges and cautioned them not to repeat this problem in next year's elections stressing it would be extremely unacceptable for the Commission to interrupt elections.



"Learn from your mistakes. The EC job is more action than talk...Technical challenges could have been avoided...if the teams in charge did their work and did their work well," Prof. Smart Sarpong advised, hoping the Commission will up their game.







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.

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We thought that our message was more important than the messenger. Had you not noticed, we wore a mask?



The New Force is a grassroots movement that stands for a renewal and a rejuvenation for the people of Ghana.



A young woman named Shalimar Abbiusi (Shallie), distinguished for her role as a TV presenter and for her compassion to the plight of Ghanaians, saw this movement and volunteered herself as our lead spokesperson.



She was not born in Ghana; she chose to come here. She understood the preoccupation that her race might have, as one of our spokespeople.



Accepting the possibility of public rejection, she was welcomed with open arms, into our community.



Where we saw genuine, heartfelt support for our people, others saw subterfuge.



Consequently, The New Force, express our profound regret for the reported instances of; abuse faced by Shallie, unwarranted detention for up to seven (7) days, the unwarranted search, and ransacking of her home.



The movement acknowledges the strain on her family and sympathizes with their aggrieved feelings over reported gross misconduct and malpractice by trusted officials. Shallie has since returned to the Kingdom of Belgium.



The New Force stands for the empowerment of people. Therefore, it deeply saddens us, hearing the unsettling circumstances and experiences she had. Shallies impeccable conduct is a reminder to the international community about the importance of fully embracing human rights laws, democracy, justice, the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof even in difficult circumstances. An honourable life is not lived without friction.



We apologise for the disregard of international human rights laws in our Republic of Ghana.



In a gesture of accountability, we extend apologies to the Kingdom of Belgium, the EU committee and the international community at large. We hope that you do not retaliate in kind.

We hope that Ghana reconsiders their reported misuse of power for political interests and realigns herself with a robust legal framework that preserves our global standing as a country of justice and peace.



To us, the integrity of our country and its international reputation is more important than partisan political interest.



Signed:

#TheNewForce

Source: TheNewForce









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Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a Governance Lecturer at the Central University, has slammed the Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustafa Gbande, for instructing members and supporters of the party to go into the 2024 polls with machetes and guns.



He charged the NDC members to to protect themselves against the governing New Patriotic Party during next year's elections, saying "they think the way to go is violence, so I've told our leaders that if possible let's prepare twice the NPP and wait for them".



"When you are going to the polling station put a cutlass in your pocket . . . if we do, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not be able to misbehave toward us", he added in an interview on Okay FM's "Ade Akye Abia" programme.



Dr. Otchere-Ankrah found these words extremely unfortunate wondering how any person would incite people to engage in violence.



He prayed the youth disregard the message by the NDC General Secretary, stressing some ordinary Ghanaians have nowhere to travel to should the nation erupt into civil war.



"The youth of Ghana should listen; be wise!", he exclaimed in his address on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show.



He also emphasized; "It is because of God's love for us, that is why such things don't happen to us. Should those things happen here, we have nowhere to go".



He warned those inciting others to violence to be very "careful. Let's be measured in our utterances".





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Kwabena Osei, an engineer led a team of young men who have in several ways benefited from Hon Kwadwo Baah Agyemang both in Ghana and in the diaspora and elected assemblymen on Wednesday afternoon picked nomination forms for their choice, Hon Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, Chief Executive of the Ghana Digital Centers Limited.



The CEO is seeking re-election as NPP Parliamentary candidate having been successful in 2012.



Baah Agyemang subsequently won the Parliamentary elections in 2012 to represent Asante Akyem North in Parliament from 2012 to 2016 as he served as a Member of Parliament.



"We are here in our numbers to pick the NPP nomination forms for a man who we can perfectly describe as a complete human being whose efforts has been to make our lives and tfamily members beautiful by offering us job opportunities and employment, Im not here a line, I represent a number of people who in diverse ways have benefited from KBA, some are in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, others are in the security services and all forms of employment opportunities ", the former Assembly Member stated.



Recollection



Doing a recollection of the humanitarian acts of the GDCL CEO when the team handed over the nomination forms to their favourite aspirant, Kwabena Osei said Hon Baah Agyemang had for over ten years secured scholarships for indigenes of Asante Akyem North to further their education in tertiary institutions both in Ghana and overseas.



He noted that many youth who were idling around have been provided some employment avenues by Kwadwo Baah including enlisting them in the Navy, Army, Fire Service and the Police service.



Others, he disclosed have had training in digital skills through the efforts of the former MP.



The former Assembly Member said the GDCL CEO has touched the lives of the people of the entire Asante Akyem North and had embarked on several philanthropic enterprises with the needy and those at the hospitals receiving such kind gestures every year.



"All of us standing here are a testament of the kindness of Hon Baah Agyemang and for me, I am now a Mechanical Engineer at Ghana Gas because of our brother gave that opportunity. We believe that if this man can do abundantly for our people when we grant him the opportunity to lead this constituency as MP", Kwabena Osei stressed.



Appreciation



The nomination form was presented to Kwadwo Baah Agyemang at Afrisie where he went to commission a community center he funded and built by himself for the community on behalf of the group by Hon Agyarko Frimpong, an assemblyman for Pekyerekye electoral area. Receiving the forms from the team, Hon Baah Agyemang thanked them for the confidence they had reposed in him.



He noted that the singular act of purchasing the forms alone and ensuring that they submit same to him showed that he could count on their support.



Hon Baah Agyemang asked delegates in Asante Akyem North to vote massively for him so that he could use his influence to lobby for more projects in the constituency.



"I am humbled by your recollection of the history of my generous act but i do them because people must be happy since that's the only thing that gladdens my heart and i promise to work hard and win this parliamentary election with the help of God and make Asante Akyem North great again", Hon Baah Agyemang stated.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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A Butler County borough manager was charged Wednesday with animal cruelty after police accused him of fatally shooting his neighbors dog with a crossbow and tossing the dead animal into a dumpster outside the municipal building where he works, according to news reports.

Steven Thomas May, 43, of Saxonburg was charged with a felony count of aggravated animal cruelty to animals along with counts of criminal mischief, tampering with evidence, and causing damage to property, according to WPXI.

Police said that on Nov. 11, two dogs that belonged to Mays neighbor ran away from the property, but only one of them came back home a half hour later. The neighbors soon began looking for the lost dog, a Red Merle Australian Shepherd, TribLive reported.

Then, three days later on Nov. 14, May called the owner of the missing dog and said he found the dog hit by a car and disposed of its body in a dumpster by the Saxonburg borough building, police said.

Two days after that, the owners mother contacted May to get additional details about what happened. May then confessed to shooting the dog with a crossbow because he thought the animal was a coyote. After he realized it was just a dog, he dumped the dead animal in a dumpster at the municipal building. He offered to pay for a new dog, TribLive said.

The woman reported the incident to the authorities that same day, police said. May then went to the police chiefs office and told him what hed done and that he dumped the animal in the dumpster by the municipal building because he knew itd be emptied two days later, TribLive reported.

Its a mistaken identity, Mays attorney, Phil DiLucente said to WPXI. Hunters, every day, shoot at people by accident thinking theyre animals. Now imagine a four-legged creature, no dog tags, no anything, and it looks like a coyote. That is the mistaken identity of a dog.

He feels horribly because, like all of us, he loves animals, DiLucente added.

The municipal buildings cameras also captured May placing something in the trash before driving away on Nov. 11, TribLive said.

Right now, May wants to make amends with the family and return to serving the Saxonburg community, according to DiLucente.

This is a newer position for him. He takes his job very seriously and its unfortunate for someone like him to have to experience this, DiLucente said to WPXI.

May was released from custody and has been ordered to appear for a preliminary court hearing on Jan. 23, TribLive reported.
The managing editor of a Pennsylvania news publication was arrested Wednesday after police say he attempted to have sexual relations with a girl he knew was underage.

Christopher Z. Morelli, 54, of Spring Township, Centre County, was promoted to managing editor of the Centre County Gazette in June 2023. According to the news organizations website, he previously held the title from 2012 to 2016 and returned to the publication in November 2022 as an assistant editor.

In September 2023, police in Spring Township were contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding Morelli and his involvement with an undercover agent in the FBIs Pittsburgh Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to a criminal affidavit.

The affidavit said the undercover agent  who is referred to as UC in the complaint  began talking to Morelli on an unnamed social media platform on July 23, 2022, posing as a 14-year-old girl in eighth grade.

Morelli told the undercover agent he lived near Penn State University and exchanged phone numbers with whom he understood was an underage girl, the affidavit said.

While texting and messaging with the undercover agent through the social media platform, Morelli requested sexually explicit pictures, sent pictures of himself, and tried to meet the undercover 14-year-old to engage in sexual activity, the criminal complaint said.

On July 24, 2022, Morelli continued to send messages acknowledging he was talking with a 14-year-old and spoke about the minor attending Penn State in the future, writing Then you will be legal lol, according to the criminal complaint.

Throughout the conversations, police confirmed that Morelli lived in Pleasant Gap, Centre County  where he worked as a news journalist near Penn State  and tied the phone number used to contact the minor to Morellis name, the complaint said.

Morelli then told the undercover agent, You are the youngest person Ive talked to on July 27, 2022, and asked for pictures that would be a turn on, police said.

A few days later, Morelli sent messages about hanging out with the minor to buy sexy things, such as bras and underwear, as well as holding a photo shoot at Morellis hotel room, the affidavit said.

Then, in late July and August 2022, Morelli sent messages about his preference for younger girls, the minors sexual experiences, and requesting specific poses for the photo shoot, police said. He also tried to set times to pick her up on Aug. 16 and 17.

There is a reference in the complaint to a conversation the two had on Oct. 7, 2022. The next exchange noted in the complaint took place on Sept. 24, 2023.

Morelli continued to solicit pictures from the minor in October 2023, which he planned to use while touching himself sexually, and sent messages saying, I delete everything and So send me something, police said.

The undercover agent and Morelli stayed in contact throughout November and December.

The last conversation detailed in the complaint says Morelli tried to meet the minor in person when he learned she might be visiting the State College area.

Morellis preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 3, 2024, before Magisterial District Judge Gregory M. Koehle at 11 a.m. He is charged with one count of unlawful contact with a minor  sexual offenses and one count of the criminal use of a communication facility.

He was briefly incarcerated in the Centre County Prison before posting $500,000 bail, according to court documents.

The Gazette told WTAJ on Wednesday that Morelli has been removed from his position while the investigation is continuing.
Following their surprise split and divorce, more drama is unfolding for rapper and entrepreneur Jay Jeezy Wayne Jenkins and estranged wife, TV personality and host Jeannie Mai Jenkins, according to media reports.

Now that Mai denied previous accusations of gatekeeping 23-month-old daughter Monaco from spending quality time with her father made in late November, she refuted those claims and filed a response in a new court filing Tuesday.

In the document, she emphasizes her concerns for their childs safety, further muddying the waters of a nasty divorce battle.

It is essential to clarify that Ms. Jenkins insistence on reasonable safety measures being put in place, such as safely securing and locking away all firearms that have been unsecured in the past, as well as having familiarity and properly trained caregivers is absolutely not gatekeeping, but rather a responsible effort to prioritize their daughters well-being, the filing stated.

These requests are grounded in Ms. Jenkins genuine concern for the parties daughters safety and security, especially when under the care of others and traveling across the country, and are reasonable protective measures, not an attempt to restrict Mr. Jenkins access to their daughter, it continued.

Court documents filed in Fulton County last month reveal the 46-year-old Grammy-nominated rapper requested a judge to address temporary custodial arrangements after he and the 44-year-old television host had previously agreed-upon visitation schedule through the end of 2023. But over time the situation became increasingly less feasible.

The lack of consistency, continuity and stability inherently associated with such a haphazard and fluid parenting time schedule is stressful to the Child (Monaco), and it has, as is unfortunately inevitable with all families in transition, created unnecessary tension and confusion regarding not only parenting time but also in regard to each parents role and rights when the Child is in their respective custody, the document stated.

The documents went on to state that Monaco has been temporarily residing with Mai in the former couples Los Angeles home since the rapper filed for divorce in September. They claim that Mai is the one causing confusion and tension between the parties and is working to stifle the development between her estranged husband and their daughter, ETonline reported.

Going further, the filing requested that the court separate, structure and clearly define the parties temporary legal and physical custody rights and set a parenting time schedule consistent with the best interests of the Child.

Mais lawyers denied claims that she is preventing time for Jenkins to spend time with their daughter and went on to most recently claim she has given Jenkins every visitation date he has requested and even granted him additional time with their daughter during the Christmas holiday, both media outlets reported.

The TV personality recently hinted toward infidelity on Jenkins part, which the rapper vehemently denied. A rep for Jenkins called the claim 100 percent false, People reported.

As previously reported, after two years of marriage, Jenkins filed for divorce from the former The Real host in mid-September.
A pair of decades-old oceanfront New Jersey hotels have been purchased by the same company, paving the way for them to be renovated and combined into one larger resort, the new owners announced Monday.

Madison Resorts said it expects to open the largest resort-style hotel in Cape May County after purchasing the Royal Hawaiian hotel in Wildwood Crest.

The company already owns the old Oceanview Motel next door. Once renovated, Madison Resorts plans to have more than 200 rooms, multiple pools and expanded event space at the two spaces, the company said in the announcement.

The company purchased the Royal Hawaiian for $13.4 million and has plans for $7 million in renovations. Madison Resorts purchased the Oceanview in August 2022 for $10 million.

When I received the call about the availability of the Royal Hawaiian, it became clear that we had an opportunity to weave its timeless architecture into the fabric of Madison Resort, president of Madison Resorts Dan Alicea said in a press release Tuesday.

In a world where such architectural marvels are scarce, embracing the legacy of the past is not just a choice; its a commitment to preserving the extraordinary in a rapidly changing landscape.

The Royal Hawaiian is undergoing renovations that include updating rooms and renovating the pool. Madison Resorts owns four properties in Cape May County including Montreal Beach Resort, Harrys Ocean Bar & Grille and the Madison House.

Renovations to the Oceanview Motel are expected to finish in the spring, just in time for the 2024 season. Improvements to the Royal Hawaiian are expected to wrap up later in the spring or early summer.

The Oceanview Motel and Royal Hawaiian will combine to form the largest resort in Cape May County with over 200 rooms, three restaurants, two pools and two roof-top event spaces.Madison Resorts

The two beach-front hotels are separated by East Orchid Road off Beach Avenue. Renovations to the Oceanview began a year ago. DAS architects of Philadelphia designed the renovations for the Oceanview and completed other design work at the Jersey Shore, including The Reeds in Stone Harbor and The Boarding House in Cape May.

The Oceanview motel was built in 1964 using recognizable architectural themes from the 60s, and at the time it was the largest hotel in The Wildwoods.

The Doo-Wop Preservation League, Wildwood Historical Society and Greater Wildwood Hotel and Motel Association sought to ensure the architectural survival of the building. A letter to the zoning board from the community also pleaded with the city to ensure the continued existence of the architectural features.

We are thrilled that Madison Resorts is taking over this mid-century modern gem and restoring it to its former glory but with the modern amenities that todays sophisticated guests demand, John Donio, president of the Doo-Wop Preservation League, said in a press release when Madison Resorts bought the hotel in 2022.

Based on the renderings weve seen from the new owners Madison Resort Wildwood Crest will be a Doo Wop showplace and will prove, once again, that todays discerning traveler wants to visit historic destinations that are incredibly unique, and not just another beige box.

The combination of the Royal Hawaiian and the Oceanview Motel will have three restaurants, two pools, five conference rooms, two rooftop event spaces, beach service for guests and also be pet friendly, the company said.

Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
Buyer beware this holiday season.

Authorities are warning consumers nationwide to watch out about a gift card draining scam thats literally draining gift card purchases at retailers and leaving them worthless.

Its all a trick used to steal money from gift cards before you even get the chance to use them, according to media reports.

Falling victim to the scam was Colorado shopper Suzanne Gdovic, who bought a $200 Target gift card for a friend whose daughter was having a baby.

I was really shocked by it, Gdovic told Fox & Friends First on Monday. I gave it to her. She went to Target to try to use it, and she was at the cash register checking out, and she was told there was a zero balance on the card and was also told that the gift card was assigned to another persons account. There was no money there for her to use for all of the things that she was buying for the new baby.

Once the friend told Gdovic about what happened, Gdovic then spoke to a store manager who informed her about the nationwide scam.

My particular gift card, the back of it was exposed, so it was very easy for them to access the information off the back of the card. There was a silver lining on there. That protective security code had been scratched off, numbers were taken when they took that gift card out of the store. Then they expertly [put] back on that silver lining, she said to Fox & Friends First.

I picked it up. They had all the information. I loaded it, and when they have an elaborate scheme [they use] the computer with the coding to figure out when you put the money on the card, and then they stole that money off the card way before she went into the store to use it.

But Gdovic wasnt the only one scammed out of her money.

The Better Business Bureau revealed that 50 percent more people reported gift card fraud this year as compared to last year.

Nicole Cordero from the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas explained to WRAL News that the tactic fools shoppers into thinking theyre adding value to the card theyre buying, but little do they know, it transfers the money to the scammers instead.

One thing scammers are doing is they are taking different barcodes [and] putting them on top of the barcodes on the back of the gift card, Cordero said to the news outlet.

Barry Duggan, a patrol sergeant with the Pinole Police Department in California, explained another method thieves are using to nab gift card codes, according to a report from Patch.

Somebody was taking [gift] cards from the store without paying for them and without loading them up and what they do is they heat up these envelopes to where they can open them as carefully as they can, remove the card and actually cut the top of the card off, he said in a now viral video.

As a result, the scammer keeps the portion of the card that contains the code and places the bottom portion back into the envelope before gluing the envelope shut once again.

Just like that, you have a brand new gift card that you think that youre getting for your person for Christmas, Duggan said.

So, when it comes to shoppers protecting themselves, Cordero advises shoppers to observe the package the gift card comes in closely.

[They are] going to have to stop and look and see if the packaging is intact, Cordero said to WRAL News. See if its ripped or wrinkled where the barcode is and that a scammer hasnt been there first.

She also suggested that shoppers should run their finger over the back of the gift card to see if theres a sticker on top.

Other experts are urging shoppers to make sure there are no scuff marks on barcodes or security codes.

These preventative measures could potentially save shoppers from losing hundreds or thousands of dollars, the outlet added.

Another helpful tip experts are suggesting is to purchase gift cards near the register or behind the counter and to constantly check balances, WRAL News reported.

As for Gdovic, she was fortunate enough to eventually get her $200 back from Target. She gave shoppers advice for purchasing gift cards as well, advising them to photocopy the cards they purchase and to keep all receipts.

When you do make that phone call you need to be able to send them all of this information and be persistent and dont take no for an answer. Also, you can dispute the charge on your credit card, and theyre very helpful because they consider this fraud and theft, and they will dispute that charge until youre able to resolve it. But I was able to get that gift card replaced by Target gift card services, she said to Fox & Friends First.
As many on the left persist in condemning him for saying he is not a progressive, Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman said Wednesday that he is puzzled by the reaction.

Im confused by it, Fetterman told PennLive toward the end of a Zoom interview that mainly covered his opposition to the sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese company.

Ive been very clear that Im not a progressive, he said. Im just a very strong Democrat.

On Monday, Fetterman countered the criticism with a post on X showing a clip of an MSNBC interview from May 2022, before the Senate primary election, in which he says, Im not a progressive. Im just a regular Democrat.

Im not a progressive, I'm just a regular Democrat. https://t.co/M1OER4beUI  John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) December 18, 2023

Fetterman told PennLive on Wednesday that the reaction from progressives seems almost disingenuous when anybody can just look and see that Ive been very clear about that.

The backlash was swift and sometimes harsh, though, after Fetterman told NBC News on Dec. 15 that he was not a progressive while discussing his pro-Israel stance. His position has infuriated many on the left who are backing Palestinians and demanding that Israel stop its counterattack on the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza, after Hamas attacked Israel in October.

Fetterman has also called for tougher immigration laws  his wife, Gisele, came to the United States as an undocumented immigrant from Brazil  and for Democratic New Jersey Sen. Bob Melendez to resign while facing federal corruption charges.

Im not a progressive, Fetterman told NBC News. 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.

Fetterman also supports raising the minimum wage, universal healthcare, unions, legalizing marijuana and LGBTQ+ rights.

Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Will Bunch, a leading media voice on the left, wrote in a Dec. 17 column that Fetterman compared himself to Sen. Bernie Sanders when running for the Senate in 2016 and frequently talked about being part of the progressive movement.

Now, some of those early supporters say they were betrayed, or even feel lied to, wrote Bunch, who included comments via X/Twitter users angry at Fetterman for rejecting the progressive label.

We contributed a LOT of money (for our income bracket) and I now regret every single penny we contributed, one person told Bunch.

Another X user not in Bunchs story said, Fetterman is the perfect example of why we cant simply vote away fascism in a bourgeois political system. No matter how many progressives we get in there, they will inevitably conform to whatever is necessary to stay in office. Which is being a servant to power & capital.

And The New Republic, a progressive publication, wrote that Fetterman has eagerly identified with the progressive movement, referencing tweets in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Fettermans announcement comes after weeks spent disagreeing with other congressional progressives like the Squad over his unwavering support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas and his calls for tougher immigration laws, TNR wrote. But if you asked Fetterman during the campaign season where he stood, his words were more than a little different.

NBC News Sahil Kapur wrote that Fettermans recent stances point to an unorthodox brand of blue-collar liberalism, with a dash of outsider populism, in a purple state that is expected to be hotly contested again in the 2024 elections.

Others pointed out that Fetterman bucked many on the left by supporting fracking during the 2022 campaign and sharing his unwavering support for Israel.
Visitors of Luxor witnessed on Thursday the breathtaking annual solar alignment at Karnak Temples marking the start of winter, which reveals the architectural brilliance of ancient Egyptians.

In this remarkable event, the rising sun casts its golden rays upon the Karnak Temples, illuminating a carefully orchestrated alignment, which highlights the temple's intricate design and astronomical significance.

The solar alignment comes upon the main holy shrine of the Amun-Re sanctuary in Karnak Temples. This alignment phenomenon occurs annually on 21 December, announcing the beginning of the winter solstice.

Sun shines on the main axis of Amun-Re temple in Karnak Temples, passing through the eastern gate and ending at the temples main pylon.

During the event, the sun appears in the middle of the temples eastern gate and then illuminates the sacred parts of the site, including the open courtyard, the hall of columns, and the sanctuary of the god Amun-Re.

Mostafa El-Sagheer, director-general of Karnak Temples, said that an area was allocated at the Karnak Temples to ensure clear visibility for all visitors. This was accompanied by the broadcast of historical musical tunes as part of the sound and light show. Additionally, scout members lined up with flags and school students participated, dressed in distinctive Pharaonic attire.

It is a distinguished phenomenon, where the ancient Egyptians showcased their genius by linking astronomical calculations with architectural engineering, temple planning, and orientations, El-Sagheer pointed out.

Archaeological studies on the texts presented by King Senusret I, related to the construction of his temple dedicated to Amun-Re, indicated a specific direction for the temple's axis. Recent archaeological discoveries from the Middle Kingdom's 11th and 12th Dynasties supported the idea of a unique axis for the temple, different from the main axes of the ancient city of Thebes, he explained.

Ancient Egyptian texts explained the connection between the construction of the temple, the determination of its direction, and its movement and axis with the sun at the beginning of the winter season.









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By Addison Hiner

We need stricter gun laws in America. The amount of school shootings has gotten out of control. Even though the constitution allows you to have a gun does not mean you should have one. The Second Amendment is the right to keep and bear arms. In 1791 when it was ratified, the most powerful gun was a flintlock musket. The musket lets you shoot once, maybe twice in a minute if you are skilled. When the founding fathers wrote the Second Amendment, they didnt imagine the creation of semi-automatics and large magazines.

The AR-15 is a gun that can shoot forty-five bullets in a minute. However, not everyone has an AR-15, most people have a pistol. The Glock 18 can shoot 1,200 rounds per minute, thats a maximum of 33 rounds in less than 3 seconds, which is much more than one round per minute.

Like myself, many children of all ages are afraid to go to school due to the increased number of school shootings. I was scrolling through social media and a video popped up about Abby Zwerner. The video was about her working as a first grade teacher when one of her students brought a gun to school and shot her. It had been reported to the administration that the child was in possession of the gun three separate times that day.

The administration didnt do anything about the accusations. Later that day, Abby was shot; the bullet went through her hand and got lodged in her upper chest.

The first school shooting that I remember coming out in the media, was the Sandy Hook shooting. This mass shooting took place at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. The shooter brought an AR-15 assault rifle, two pistols, and a shotgun. He also brought numerous fully loaded magazines. In this shooting 26 people were shot and killed 20 of which were children and the other six being teachers and faculty who were trying to protect the children.

As of November 9, 2023, there have already been 71 school shootings this year. Last year there were 51 school shootings. There has remained a steady increase in school shootings throughout the years. Since the uptick in school shooting brands have been using Kevlar, a bullet proof material to line backpacks and create inserts for bags.

Other brands have had Kevlar lined bookshelves produced and made available to schools.

A few countries such as Australia and Ireland have rarely experienced incidences of gun violence. Australia had a mass shooting at Port Arthur in 1996. The massacre killed 35 people and injured 25 others. After the shooting, the Prime minister remodeled the gun laws in Australia.

Now in Australia you must have a license. You must have a safe place to store your gun and take a safety course. To get a license you also need to have a good reason, a few listed are Hunting, Animal Welfare, and Occupation, however self-defense is not included. They do not believe that self-defense is a good enough reason to keep a gun.

After the prime minister set these new laws there havent been any mass shootings. Other acts of gun violence have remained very minimal.

Ireland has many laws restricting gun ownership. This has led them to not have any major mass shootings. In order to own a gun: you must have all firearms licensed individually, you must have a good reason for having the firearm, you must have a safe place to use it, you must also have a secure place to store it, and you must be in sound mind and temperate habits. Some listed good reasons would be hunting, target shooting, and humane dispatch of large animals, but personal protection does not qualify.

To have target shooting as a reason you must be in a pistol or rifle club. The regular police dont get certified to carry. They only have batons and pepper spray. Although there is a special force that is certified to carry guns if needed.

To achieve a state of peace equivalent to the example set by Australia and Ireland we must change our laws. Making laws stricter through specific requirements such as a license to own a gun, a safe and secure spot to store it, and where you can use it are effective ways to lower gun violence. Altering laws against who is allowed to own a gun and what types of guns are authorized for use are other considerable options.

Addison Hiner is a student at Dauphin County Technical School and a resident of Susquehanna Township.
Gaza and the Palestinians are experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis beyond comprehension. Bombs rain out of the sky killing and maiming people. Homes, schools, hospitals, places of worship and business enterprises are leveled. Medical supplies are limited. Fuel and electricity shortages exist. Food and water, the basic supplies of life, are limited.

While this is happening, the United States vetoes a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire. U.S. officials talk with high-level Israeli representatives urging a pause in the conflict. We plead for no airstrikes against civilians. Nevertheless, the bombardment continues and supplies of humanitarian aid continue to be severely limited.

Its time the United States realizes talking with the Israelis about this conflict changes nothing. Action must be taken. Limiting or eliminating the $4 billion we give Israel each year for military aid would be a start.

We must do something other than talk while this unbelievable humanitarian crisis continues.

Roger J. Olson, Mechanicsburg
By Dave Goldiner | New York Daily News

New York  New York Democrats Wednesday vowed to renew their push to get former President Donald Trump banned from the states presidential ballot after a bombshell ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court.

Manhattan Democratic Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal told he is elated by the Colorado ruling, which he predicted will boost a Democratic-led effort to get the state Board of Elections to remove Trump from the ballot in the Empire State too. New York is next, Hoylman-Sigal tweeted after the Colorado court ruled late Tuesday.

Hoylman-Sigal and Upper East Side Democratic Sen. Liz Krueger wrote a letter earlier this month to the elections board pushing their case to bar Trump.

(I)neligible candidates who have engaged in insurrection in violation of the Constitution are not eligible for candidacy under New York law, the senators wrote. Donald Trump, as the leader of such an insurrection, should not be listed on New York ballots.

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment of the Constitution bars Trump from serving as president because he participated in an insurrection by inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, D-Bronx, last week introduced a proposed amendment to the states election law that would direct the state Board of Elections to bar anyone from the ballot who has engaged in an insurrection.

This legislation will ensure there is a process in place to preclude an individual who participated in an insurrection or rebellion against the United States from being able to serve in elective office, Dinowltz wrote in his legislative justification.

Its not clear if the stunning Colorado decision will have any direct impact on whether Trump will appear on the ballot in the Empire State.

Colorado state election officials say they will remove Trumps name from the states primary election ballot unless the U.S. Supreme Court overrules the decision or takes some other action before a Jan. 5 deadline.

Trump has said he will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court but has not yet done so.

If the Supreme Court affirms the Colorado it could lead to many other states following suit. If it overturns the decision and orders Trump reinstated, it would likely end the debate, at least for the 2024 election cycle.

Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states and are working their way through the state court systems. So far, New York state courts have not been asked to rule on the issue.

Little-known GOP presidential hopeful John Anthony Castro filed a federal lawsuit in the Northern District of New York asking the court to order Trump removed from the states ballot.

Responding to that suit, the state Board of Elections on Nov. 3 said it took no position and would abide by the courts judgment.

Its unlikely that a federal district court would order state election officials to take any such significant action unless the Supreme Court weighed in first.

_____

2023 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com.
Outside pressure continues to build on the University of Pennsylvania to address concerns about antisemitism on its campus that has held up the release of state funding for its veterinary school.

House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler of Lancaster County on Wednesday sent a letter to university officials indicating he has appointed a five-member delegation to work with the school to develop policies that combat antisemitism.

Cutler stated in the letter to Penns interim president, Dr. J. Larry Jameson, and Andrew Hoffman, dean of its veterinary school, the Dec. 9 resignation of the universitys President Liz Magill and the schools formation of a task force are good first steps.

But he indicated they dont go far enough or fast enough to allay lawmakers concerns that have held up the release of more than $33 million in state funding to Pennsylvanias only veterinary school.

These actions have yet to help students feel safe and welcomed, Cutler stated.

Penn spokesman Ron Ozio confirmed receipt of Cutlers letter.

Interim President J. Larry Jameson and Dean Andy Hoffman appreciate that members of the legislature want to find a path forward on funding the School of Veterinary Medicine, Ozio stated in an email. As part of Penns Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism, we pledged to engage broadly and deeply and welcome input from all who share our commitment to combatting hate in all its forms.

With Penns appointed task forces initial report due in February and final report in May, Cutler stated in his letter, That time frame does nothing to bring about immediate change. It will not help students currently enrolled at the university experiencing this abhorrent form of hate, and it will be too late for students currently deciding whether to attend Penn.

A vote in the state House last week to fund Penns vet school failed to reach the two-thirds majority that the state constitution requires for appropriations to schools that arent directly state-controlled. All the Democratic members voted for it but most Republicans didnt.

Cutler was among those who opposed the funding that accounts for 18% of the vet schools budget.

Additionally, the House Republicans began drafting a package of bills that, among other areas, require higher education institutions that receive state aid to adopt codes of conduct that make it clear calling for genocide is a form of bullying or harassment.

It was Magills repeated refusal during recent testimony before a congressional committee to say whether such behavior violated the schools policy that sparked a sharply critical reaction that led to her resignation. A major donor threatened to pull a $100 million donation from the school. Criticism came from the White House and Gov. Josh Shapiro, who called Magills sworn testimony unacceptable and shameful. State lawmakers also made their outrage known, culminating in nixing the state funding for the vet school.

Cutler appointed GOP Reps. Jesse Topper of Bedford County, Aaron Kaufer of Luzerne County, Rob Mercuri of Allegheny County, Kristin Marcell of Bucks County and Tom Jones of Lebanon County to work with Penn to achieve such goals as getting an unequivocal public statement from Penns president stating what Magill didnt say. They want the president to expressly say calls for the genocide of Jewish people afre not consistent with the schools cultural values and to affirm that action would be taken in response to such conduct.

In his letter, The Republican lawmaker further seeks:

Support from Penn for the upcoming package of bills the legislatures members are introducing to address antisemitism in Pennsylvanias basic and higher education systems.

A discussion of other pending free speech legislation in the General Assembly.

A review of Penns student organizations and university spending to ensure there is no financial support for or promotion of antisemitism.

Penn is already being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education and a congressional committee. Cutler said the House GOP-led effort will supplement those reviews.

While we remain supportive of Penn Vets contributions to Pennsylvania, we are also mindful of the oversight role entrusted to us to ensure that expenditure of taxpayer funds is consistent with values and principles that do not include the type of hate-based activities that have become so disconcerting, Cutler said.

This push from lawmakers comes at the same time as Penns faculty are raising concerns about outside interference from influential alumni and donors affecting how they teach and what they teach and undermining academic freedom at the school.

According to a story in the schools newspaper The Daily Pennsylvanian, more than 900 faculty signed an open letter to the trustees expressing their opposition to attempts by trustees, donors, and other external actors to interfere with our academic policies and to undermine academic freedom.

Three professors, voicing their own views, stated: Shared governance is the universitys guiding principle, and it ensures effective collaboration and mutual respect across the administration, faculty, staff, students, the Trustees, and the larger Penn community. They stated shared governance is essential for academic freedom and distinguishes [Penn] as one of the foremost leaders in higher education in the U.S. and globally.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy.

The schools Faculty Senate is expected to vote on a resolution on academic freedom and open expression at is Jan. 24 meeting.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy.
Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander of United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command looks on as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to members of the media at the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station facility in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Canada's intelligence watchdog says a program that has diplomats collecting sensitive information abroad runs the risk of blowback from foreign states. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly delivers remarks at the Global Heads of Mission Meeting discussing the Future of Diplomacy Initiative in Ottawa, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
The Damietta Port Authority (DPA) and Damietta Alliance Container Terminals signed agreements with an international consortium led by HSBC Egypt and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to facilitate providing $455 million to finance constructing the superstructure of the Second Container Terminal Tahya Misr 1 in Damietta Port.

According to a statement by the Ministry of International Cooperation on Thursday, the DPA, Damietta Alliance, and HSBC further signed solution agreements for the terminal.

The financing package includes $125 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), $120 million from the IFC, $100 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), $60 million from the German development finance institution DEG, and $50 million from Proparco, according to a statement by EBRD.

Damietta Alliance Container Terminals will triple the capacity of the port, located near the Suez Canal, by expanding facilities to handle larger ships that can carry 18 metres of cargo.

The financing package also includes training the environmental safeguards and the workforce, including women, following the lenders' guidelines.

Egypt aims to increase annual freight volumes to 400 million tons by 2030. The terminal will cut costs and make Damietta a strategic transport hub in the eastern Mediterranean.

The new infrastructure advances Egypt's goals as a global trade centre while generating over 80,000 permanent jobs by 2038 through collaborations that include no asset sales.

The terminal should begin operating in 2025.

According to the Ministry of International Cooperation, Egypt received $38.8 billion of soft development loans and grants from international development partners between 2020 and 2023.

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Mikita Badziakouski Ships $1 Million Buy-In WPT Big One for One Drop ($7.1 Million)

December 20, 2023 Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S.

Mikita Badziakouski became $7,114,500 richer on Wednesday by winning a thrilling World Poker Tour (WPT) Big One for One Drop final table, defeating Mario Mosboeck heads-up to close it out.

Six players returned to Wynn Las Vegas for one final session  Day 3  but only four would go home with money. Two others left the casino with nothing but memories of the $1 million they spent to enter the tournament.

WPT Big One for One Drop Final Table Results

Rank Player Prize 1 Mikita Badziakouski $7,114,500 2 Mario Mosboeck $4,663,950 3 Dan Smith $2,806,750 4 Isaac Haxton $1,224,800

Final Table Action

Dan Smith

The bubble in this type of event is far more stressful than any other tournament as the player who bubbled left down $1 million, and everyone who cashed was guaranteed at least a $224,800 profit.

Santhosh Suvarna, a high-stakes regular who owns a casino in India, busted first at the final table when he lost a race to Mosboeck. Nick Petrangelo then finished on the stone bubble in the 17-player super high roller.

The pressure of reaching the money and avoiding a seven-figure loss was gone for the remaining four players. But there was still plenty of business to take care of given the jump from fourth to first place was nearly $6 million.

Haxton held the chip lead at the time, but barely over Mosboeck. Badziakouski also wasn't too far behind, and Smith, who finished Day 1 and Day 2 with the chip lead, had become the short stack.

Mosboeck made his big move on Haxton in a 3.2 million chip pot that ended in a Haxton river fold. For quite some time, the match remained four-handed with the same chip leader. Smith began to fade below the 10-big blind threshold. Haxton, with 2,600,000, went all in with AQ against the 88 Badziakouski had been dealt.

The board ran out 42510J and Haxton was out in fourth place, good for $1,224,800.

Three-Handed Play Begins

Mario Mosboeck had an enthusiastic rail during the WPT Big One for One Drop final table.

At the start of three-handed play, it appeared Mosboeck and Badziakouski were destined to soon battle heads-up given Smith was down to just seven big blinds. Would he go on to spin it up? The answer is no.

Smith, who now has over $52 million in cashes on The Hendon Mob, quickly moved all in with A4 against Mosboeck's K7. The board came 107Q5K, and that was ballgame for the man with the cowboy hat. Third place paid the future Poker Hall of Famer $2,806,750.

At the start of heads-up play, Mosboeck was up nearly 2-1 in chips, but ran into a bad break with A5 on a board of A795K because his opponent, who earned a full double-up on the hand, had 86 for the stone-cold nuts.

Mosboeck, however, who inevitably fell into a deep hole, would find a doulbe up, but was still down approximately 3-1 in chips. Badziakouski, who now has over $50 million in live tournament cashes, would finish off the tournament with with A9 against KJ when the best hand preflop held up through the river on the 8101084 board.

Had Mosboeck won the hand, he would have nearly tied up the match. As a consolation prize, Mosboeck took home $4,663,950, which should lessen the sting of not winning the tournament.

Mikita Badziakouski

$1 Million One Drop Tournament History

The $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop was started in 2012 by recreational poker player Guy Laliberte, the founder of Cirque du Soleil and the One Drop clean water initiative charity. Laliberte, who was a prominent figure at the time, brought the seven-figure charity event to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) that year.

Antonio Esfandiari won the inaugural event, originally slated to be hosted every other year at the WSOP, for $18,346,673, a live poker tournament record at the time. The "Magician" outlasted a field of 48 players to capture his career-defining victory in a bracelet event televised on ESPN.

Two years later, again on ESPN, Dan Colman won the 42-player tournament at the WSOP for $15,306,668, beating Daniel Negreanu heads-up for the title. Attendance in the event has declined each time, starting in 2016 in Monte Carlo where Elton Tsang beat a 28-player field for $12,246,912.

The event then returned to the Rio in Las Vegas in 2018 for the last time with Justin Bonomo defeating 27 players for a $10,000,000 score.

Year Host Entries Winner Prize 2012 WSOP 48 Antonio Esfandiari $18,346,673 2014 WSOP 42 Dan Colman $15,306,668 2016 WSOP Monte Carlo 28 Elton Tsang $12,246,912 2018 WSOP 27 Justin Bonomo $10,000,000 2023 WPT 17 Mikita Badziakouski $7,114,500

Join WPT Global Today

With WPT Global, poker players around the world now have the chance to qualify for WPT events, win prizes and enjoy exciting games on one of the world's largest cash game poker networks. WPT Global is available in over 50 countries and territories around the world.

Find out how to win a $12,400 WPT Passport to December's WPT World Championship

WPT Global offers a large deposit match bonus: 100% on deposits up to $1,200 (using any payment method). New players depositing a minimum of $20 automatically receive this match bonus which is unlocked in $5 increments (credited straight to the cashier) for every $20 of rake contribution.

Both tournaments and cash games count towards bonus unlocking; new players have 90 days from the date of first deposit to unlock and claim their full bonus amount.

*Image courtesy of World Poker Tour.

Sharelines Find out how it all went down in the $1 million buy-in @WPT Big One for One Drop.
Vodafone Egypt and Vodafone Egypt Foundation signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) for enhancing students digital skills, according to a statement by Vodafone on Wednesday.

These MoUs aim to strengthen endeavours for equipping students with digital skills and fostering expertise in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, according to the statement.

The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat, along with other prominent figures.

The first MoU entailed the involvement of Vodafone's cybersecurity team in the Digital Egypt Builders Initiative (DEBI), which seeks to support students from public Egyptian universities by assisting them in implementing their graduation project ideas.

Vodafone's team will evaluate these projects and provide sponsorship to ensure their alignment with the current and future demands of the job market, the statement added.

Furthermore, Vodafone Egypt will conduct specialized seminars covering a wide range of technological topics, including 5G networks, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and cybersecurity.

The second MOU encompassed multiple initiatives such as the Digital Egypt Marvels Initiative (DEMI) and the Digital Egypt Pioneers Initiative (DEPI).

DEMI aims to enhance the technological skills of students in fourth to sixth grades, while DEPI focuses on nurturing technological leadership in modern technologies among university students and graduates from all fields of study, the statement explained.

Additionally, students participating in these initiatives will have free access to the foundation's "Ta3limy" platform, facilitated by the Vodafone Egypt Foundation.

Notably, the DEBI was launched by MCIT in September 2020 to cultivate skilled professionals in the ICT sector, with a particular emphasis on nurturing the creative abilities of Egyptian youth.

In March, Vodacom announced that Vodafone Egypt's contribution to its revenue and profit growth since December amounted to $418.47 million, adding that Vodafone Cash services generated $20.8 million during this period.

E-wallet services like Vodafone Cash have helped improve Egypt's financial inclusion rates, which saw a 5.4 percent increase to reach 67.3 percent during the first half of 2023, according to data released by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

The number of Egyptians aged 16 and above with accounts in banks, Egypt Post, mobile phone wallets, or prepaid cards rose to 44.6 million by the end of June 2023, up from 42.3 million by the end of December 2022.

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Editor's note: The Aiken Standard is counting down its top 10 local stories for 2023 from Dec. 19-30.

The Aiken County Public School Districts 2023-24 modified academic calendar went into effect in July with the beginning of the school year.

One of the most significant changes to this new calendar was the implementation of two-week long fall, winter and spring break periods.

The new calendar shortened the summer break, but added more breaks throughout the school year. This shift to year-round school was meant to aid in learning retention and to provide more significant mental rest periods for students and teachers, school officials said.

The Aiken Standard asked parents, students and educators for their opinions on these changes through a public social media post, and received mixed responses.

One frequent issue raised was that parents may struggle to find childcare during the extra breaks. I like the concept for the kids but its going to be a challenge for the parents, said one commenter. I think it puts working parents in a huge bind having to figure out childcare for multiple breaks, said another.

One commenter pointed out the difficulties that this could pose for teachers: Growing up, I remember teachers always being frustrated after winter break. We had two weeks off and it took about a week to get back into the swing of things.

Others said that the change would likely be positive.

Children regress so much over the long break I also think it will be helpful. With change there will always be push back and adjustment, said one commenter.

Another said: Back in the day, I was an exchange student in Germany and fell in love with the year-round school. It truly helps students in my opinion. I have been clamoring for it since and that was in the 1970s!

A large Aiken High School fight on Aug. 3  just eight days after classes began  led some parents to wonder about the modified calendar and if students were really benefiting. The incident led to several arrests and statewide scrutiny of school security.
In the rapidly evolving global landscape, the ascent of China stands as the ultimate challenge of our times, one that demands a bold and innovative response. As the new generation of conservative leaders in South Carolina, we are acutely aware of the shortcomings in the approaches of both th Read moreGuest column: Reclaiming American supremacy: The path forward in an era of Chinese dominance
COLUMBIA  As South Carolina decommissions coal- and gas-fired power plants, the state will need to find new ways to secure its vulnerable electric grid.

With a new federal designation, researchers see a path forward, not only to improve its own grid, but to play a key role in the country's transition away from fossil fuels toward clean energy.

In the next decade and beyond, the SC Nexus project will focus on creating a smart grid made up of small nuclear reactors supplemented by renewable energy and, importantly, batteries  a crucial part of the transition and one researchers see an opportunity for the state to lead in.

South Carolina has long been an importer of its energy sources, given the state's lack of resources.

"This is an opportunity for us to actually become part of the supply chain," said Hossein Haj-Hariri, dean of the University of South Carolina's engineering school. "Now all of a sudden, we are supplying. We control the future oil, if you will."

What is SC Nexus?

South Carolinas Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy, or SC Nexus, was among 31 organizations across the country designated regional technology and innovation hubs by the U.S. Department of Commerce in October.

SC Nexus is made up of several universities, businesses and organizations spanning the state's Midlands and Upstate, and into eastern Georgia.

USC will play a key role in the project, according to USC President Michael Amiridis, who gave three main reasons why South Carolina's proposal beat out other regions:
BEAUFORT  Workforce housing, internal training programs and stipends to keep recent grads in the state. Lowcountry hospitals and organizations have developed creative solutions in recent years to recruit and retain nurses, but a slew of challenges still contribute to hospital staffing shortages statewide.

Beaufort County is no exception. The area's aging population and increasingly high cost of living contribute to what one local organization calls a "looming crisis."

Retention rates are improving, said Bob Elliott, co-founder of the South Carolina Nurse Retention Initiative. Still, Elliott's organization in June 2023 counted more than 1,000 registered nurse job openings within a 25-mile radius of Bluffton.

It's a need that will grow. The county predicts that by 2040, residents over the age of 65 will account for the greatest projected growth by household age group, adding to the demand for general health care, assisted living facilities and continuing care facilities.

"The big issue now is unprecedented population growth," Elliott said.

Meeting the need

The demand for nurses is seen nationally. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses will be needed in the U.S. from 2020 to 2030, and that employment opportunities for nurses will grow at 9 percent, faster than all other occupations from 2016 through 2026.

In December 2022, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration updated its healthcare workforce supply-and-demand predictions. South Carolina is now projected to have the 10th largest shortage in the nation by 2035, which is an improvement from previous projections that placed the state with the fourth largest shortage by 2030.
Williamsburg County School District is hosting a job fair on Saturday, January 20, at the district office, 500 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, in the Dr. Rose H. Wilder Multipurpose Room. This event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. Read moreWilliamsburg County School District to host job fair
Colliers International South Carolina, Inc. Board of Directors recently announced leadership changes in electing David M. Feild, CCIM, as its President. John W. Folsom, who has led the company as President for over 30 years, will continue as the companys Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Read moreColliers elects new president
CONWAY  A Bennettsville woman was sentenced to life in prison Dec. 20 after a jury found her guilty of fatally shooting a 21-year-old woman in Longs last year.

Yunique Demesa Weathers, 24, was convicted of murdering DeErica Fisher, who was shot at least five times on Jan. 23, 2022, according to a news release from the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office. Weathers is not eligible for parole.

The shooting happened along S.C. 9 near Pine Needle Drive.

This was a public execution in front of others who tried to stop it in the middle of the day, said Senior Assistant Solicitor Josh Holford, one of the prosecutors in the case. The victims family has been involved every step of the process and we hope they can find peace in this verdict and sentence.
SUMMERVILLE  Gun violence killed a 15-year-old and 21-year-old the morning of Dec. 20 at a mobile home park, according to local authorities.

Deputies with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office were dispatched after 9:30 a.m. to the Summer Creek Mobile Home Park, located at 1147 College Park Road, in response to a report of gunshots and an individual lying in the roadway, according to Deputy Chief Jeremy Baker.

At the scene, officers found a person unresponsive and covered in blood lying on the ground next to a cellphone, according to an incident report. Deputies walked across the street, where they noticed the front door to a residence was left open. They discovered a person covered in blood lying in the threshold to the front door. Inside, deputies saw blood on the floor, as well as several spent shell casings.

Deputies spoke on scene with the property manager and groundskeeper, according to the report.

The sheriff's office has not announced any arrests.

Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Harwell identified the victims as 15-year-old Jose Nieto of North Charleston and Ismael Rodriguez, a 21-year-old from Goose Creek.

Nieto is the youngest homicide victim in the tri-county so far in 2023, according to a database maintained by The Post and Courier. This calendar year, gun violence has killed 51 people in Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston counties, including five people in Summerville. At this time last year, 64 people had been fatally shot in the three counties.
In 2023, Egypts foreign policy has consolidated bilateral relations and advanced causes that Cairo has been pursuing for years.

For the past three months Egypt has been working around the clock to end the Israeli war against Gaza. It has been just as indefatigable in its efforts to resolve wars in Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Syria and help bring the latter back into the Arab League.

Egypt has also been engaging in processes to revive relations with Turkey and Qatar at the regional level and, internationally, sustained balance in its relations with the US, Russia, and China.

In the Arab region, Egypt strove to resolve conflicts that emerged this year or carried over from last year, contributing to the search for peaceful solutions in bilateral or multilateral formats. It has communicated with all parties and tried to bridge their differences and participated in regional and international meetings.

It has worked independently or with others to provide humanitarian relief, aid, reconstruction and development assistance, and other forms of support to peoples in conflict or natural disaster zones. Sudan, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Libya, and Lebanon were among the recipients of Egyptian assistance in 2023.

PALESTINE

Egypt pursued three parallel courses of action regarding the war in Gaza. It campaigned to end the Israeli assault and revive the negotiating process, towards which end it hosted a peace conference attended by more than 30 heads of state. In addition to its drive to bring food, medicine, and other basic necessities to the people of Gaza, Egypt launched a campaign to urge other countries to help the Palestinians as they faced the relentless Israeli assault and acted as mediator alongside Qatar and the US to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Egyptian diplomacy worked to prevent the export or liquidation of the Palestinian cause and to keep the conflict from spreading to other regions. It attempted to build on the desire expressed by world powers to work together to revive the peace process with the aim of implementing the two-state solution. One of the most important accomplishments of Egyptian diplomacy was its ability to shift the American approach to the crisis, securing a commitment from Washington to prevent the illegal expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza into Egypt or any other country. Washingtons acquiescence on this issue was an affirmation of its respect for Egyptian sovereignty and national security needs and an acknowledgement of Egypts regional and international influence.

SUDAN

From the outset of the conflict that erupted in April 2023, Egypt has appealed to the two sides Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and President of the Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)  to lay down arms and return to the negotiating table. At the same time, it despatched humanitarian relief caravans and hosted 400,000 Sudanese refugees from the war.

President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi hosted a conference for Sudans neighbours to explore ways to end the bloodshed in Sudan and prevent the conflict from spilling over into neighbouring countries. The summit reaffirmed full respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Sudan, the principle of non-intervention in Sudanese domestic affairs and the need for foreign parties not to intervene in the conflict which could hamper efforts to contain it.

SYRIA

Following the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023, regional powers leveraged the collective humanitarian spirit to conclude a rapid succession of visits, meetings, and agreements aimed at reducing regional tensions. Starting on 28 February, President Bashar Al-Assad received, in turn, the Egyptian foreign minister, an eight-member parliamentary delegation and then the foreign ministers of Jordan and the UAE.

Egypt was among the strongest advocates of restoring Arab-Syrian relations to their pre-2011 level and welcoming Syria back to the Arab League. In early May, Syria was reinstated in the Arab League, ending a nearly 12-year hiatus. Two months later, on 26 June, Syria appointed an ambassador to Cairo.

LIBYA

The direct impact of the Libyan crisis on Egyptian national security forced Egyptian foreign-policy decision-makers to focus on ways to restore stability in Egypts eastern neighbour. Egypts approach was anchored in a set of cardinal principles which include support for legitimate institutions, the need for Libyan stakeholders to commit to a political solution, securing borders and monitoring the activities of terrorist organisations operating in Libya.

Egypt underscored the need to unify efforts, safeguard the integrity of the political process, and ensure regional and international peace-making efforts do not attempt to impose unilateral arrangements or agreements.

On 9 November, Egypt brokered a meeting between the Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh, and the head of the High Council of State Mohamed Tekala, in the framework of ongoing consultations between the two officials. Saleh and Tekala reviewed the latest developments and agreed to continue consultations aimed at reaching a solution to the crisis that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people.

The year also saw Libya suffer a natural disaster. In the aftermath of hurricane Daniel, which struck northeastern Libya on 10 September, President Al-Sisi expressed Egypts solidarity with Libya and rushed in emergency relief, medical supplies, search and rescue teams, and other urgent assistance.

THE US

Close and stable relations between Egypt and Washington have remained a constant over successive US administrations, with military cooperation a cornerstone in the bilateral relationship. Such cooperation is indispensable to maintaining regional balances, especially between Arab and non-Arab regional powers, on which regional stability hinges. Washington sees Egypt as a dynamic political player in the Arab, Mediterranean, and African spheres and a partner in de-escalating conflicts.

Egypt and the US were among the first powers to try to defuse the crisis in Sudan. When Cairo announced plans to host the summit of Sudans neighbours on 13 July, the US immediately issued a statement supporting Egypts efforts.

Egypt supported the mediating initiative jointly pursued by Saudi Arabia and the US, known as the Jeddah Platform. The talks, hosted in Jeddah, brought together representatives of the SAF and RSF.

The fight against terrorism has long been a priority of the Egyptian-US relationship and questions of democracy and human rights would often arise in their dialogue on this issue. The new Egyptian strategy to advance human rights was a major step in this regard. A response to domestic dynamics and considerations of national interest, it will have a positive impact on Egypts relations with the US.

This year, the situation in Gaza and, before that, events in Jenin, foregrounded Egypts regional weight. Egypt and the US have been coordinating closely since day one of the Hamas offensive against Israel. On 8 October, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri discussed with his US counterpart Antony Blinken the need for an immediate ceasefire.

RUSSIA

In the last 12 months Egypt-Russia relations have progressed on the political, economic, military, and cultural levels. The two countries views converge on major regional and international issues, from terrorism to Arab causes which Russia has consistently advocated. The growing friendship was reflected in the exchange of official visits, the last of which was President Al-Sisis visit to Russia on 26 July to attend the second Russian African Summit and meet with President Vladimir Putin to discuss ways to boost the bilateral relationship.

Cairo and Moscow have been in constant communication: most recently President Al-Sisi received a phone call from President Putin to discuss regional issues and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Russia sees Egypt as a pivotal player in the Middle East and North Africa and, as such, improving relations with Cairo has been high on its list of regional priorities. Egypt views Russia as a desirable partner for a number of reasons. Their outlooks on many issues are similar and they share common interests in Libya, Syria, and Sudan. Russia is important to Egypt as a source of wheat and other commodities as well as tourism while Russia imports many agricultural products from Egypt. By last August, the volume of Egyptian-Russian trade exceeded $3 billion. They are also engaged in joint projects, including the Dabaa Nuclear Plant on the North Coast.

In keeping with Egypts pursuit of balanced foreign relations, Cairo has called for a halt to the Russia-Ukraine war and urged the resumption of negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv while Russia has called for an end to the Israeli war on Gaza and supported ceasefire resolutions in the UN Security Council and General Assembly.

CHINA

Egypts relationship with China received a huge boost in 2023 as China became Egypts foremost trade partner and Egypt became Chinas third largest trade partner in Africa.

Egypt has supported China diplomatically at the UN on several important initiatives while China has supported Egypt in the face of many challenges, from terrorism to foreign intervention in Egypts domestic affairs. Like Russia, China supports Arab causes and has worked to help Palestine, Syria, Libya, and other Arab countries by using its sway in international forums and access to modern technologies. Cairo and Beijing have remained in close contact since the outbreak of the war against Gaza. China agrees with Egypt on the need to establish a sovereign, independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

TURKEY

The year saw a breakthrough in Egyptian-Turkish relations. In July, the two countries restored their relationship to the ambassadorial level, ending a 10-year diplomatic rupture during which the two countries clashed over Libya, Eastern Mediterranean natural gas reserves, and Ankaras support for the Muslim Brotherhood.

In February, President Al-Sisi phoned his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to convey his sympathies in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck southwestern Anatolia and northwestern Syria. Al-Sisi phoned Erdogan again on 28 May to congratulate him on his success in winning another presidential term. The following day, they agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to the ambassadorial level.

Despite the decade-long freeze in diplomatic relations between Egypt and Turkey, economic and trade relations were relatively unaffected. According to official figures, bilateral trade during the last six years saw $21.9 billion worth of Turkish exports to Egypt and $12.1 billion of Egyptian exports to Turkey.

Cairo and Ankara have been in frequent communication since the crisis in Gaza erupted. They have agreed to intensify efforts to promote an immediate ceasefire and implement measures to protect civilians and both governments have expressed their alarm over deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 21 December, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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ISLE OF PALMS  A former policewoman says she was subject to a culture hostile toward women inside this barrier island's police force, according to a new lawsuit, which further alleges the department retaliated against her for speaking up against perceived discrimination based on gender and disability.

Louise Hardy, who joined the Isle of Palms Police Department in 2014, was "constantly" subjected to male colleagues' derogatory comments about women, according to a complaint filed Dec. 14 in Charleston County's Court of Common Pleas. Officers allegedly said women have "the brains of acorns" and could not be doctors and judges.

Hardy, who held the rank of corporal and carried out duties as a victim's advocate and community relations officer, contends the department threatened to terminate her after she suffered an injury that required her to take protected leave. After she filed a complaint stating the department was discriminating against her and not affording her the same benefits as her male counterparts, the department allegedly retaliated against her by stripping her of her duties and dragging out an internal affairs investigation into her.

Hardy filed two complaints in 2023 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission before she resigned from the force in June. The 37-year-old native of Maine has served in law enforcement in South Carolina since 2010, when she joined the Summerville Police Department, according to her S.C. Criminal Justice Academy training file. She left Summerville after three years and served a year in Citadel Public Safety before joining the Isle of Palms force.

Hardy's attorneys brought the complaint on the grounds of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of identity, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which outlaws discrimination in the workplace based on disability. On her behalf, her attorneys request a jury trial and monetary award for lost past and future wages, punitive damages and attorneys fees.
Friends are leaning on memories of Nancy Morrow  a talented teacher, stylish interior designer and devout Catholic who loved her family more than anything  after she unexpectedly died over the weekend in an intense storm.

Morrow drowned Dec. 17 when a noreaster brought heavy rain to South Carolinas coast, which coupled with a high tide, produced some of the worst flooding the Charleston area has ever seen. She was trapped in a submerged vehicle near her home on Omni Boulevard close to the Isle of Palms Connector. She was 72.

Her death is the only known casualty of the flood that damaged storefronts, wiped away cars and overwhelmed residents as parts of Charleston and surrounding areas temporarily became part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Morrow was a native Charlestonian who graduated from St. Andrews Parish High School before earning an English degree at the College of Charleston. She later attended The Citadel, where she worked towards a masters degree in secondary education.

She taught for 17 years at various schools across South Carolina, moving as her husband, David Morrow, worked to establish banks across the Palmetto State  from Beaufort County in the Lowcountry to Myrtle Beach in the Grand Strand and back in her native Charleston.

Students remember her as a teacher who did everything in her power to ensure their success. Whether it was teaching in the classroom, running extracurricular clubs or pushing students to accomplish their goals, she was their motivator, they said.

She was my light that I needed on the front of my vehicle in order to get where I needed to go, said one former student, the Rev. Timothy Shaw, pastor of Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church on the Charleston peninsula.
The first hearing in a case aimed at removing medical entrepreneur Doug Smith from the telemedicine company he founded ended before it began Dec. 20 when the judge recused herself from the case.

"That is a case that I cannot hear," Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein said at the beginning of the virtual proceeding.

Smith's last-minute hiring of Charleston lawyer Lynn Seithel led to Goodstein's decision to step aside, according to a message sent by her clerk. It offered no further explanation as to why Seithel's involvement posed an issue.

Goodstein and Seithel, a former Republican state lawmaker, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The lawsuit, filed by a former consultant from Charleston, accuses Smith of violating federal and state regulations surrounding addiction treatment while using its nonprofit bank account to fund his lavish lifestyle. The lawsuit seeks to have Smith removed from the company, which operates under the names Bupe.me, Church Ekklasia Sozo and Rural Opioid Treatment Program.

The company uses telemedicine to prescribe treatment drugs like Suboxone to patients addicted to opioids.

Ned Brown, who filed the lawsuit in May, said he's moving forward with discovery that will demand financial records and other documents from the company.

Smith told The Post and Courier last month that the lawsuit was so trivial he didn't intend to hire a lawyer to defend him.

On Dec. 5, he sent a handwritten note to the judge stating that he had holiday plans and would be too busy to attend a court hearing on the case until late January. The judge, however, denied his request for a continuance, setting the stage for the Dec. 20 hearing.

In the interim, Smith hired Seithel, who filed his formal response to Brown's allegations just before the hearing was set to begin. In it, Seithel argues in part that the Charleston County court doesn't have jurisdiction to hear the case and that Brown is a disgruntled former contractor whose goal is to "shake down" and destroy the company.
Parenting these days is hard. Kids have phones and tablets in their hands at an early age, a fact that leaves parents like me worrying about whether our children are getting too much screen time and what they're stumbling onto online. Of course, technology comes with plenty of benefits, but  Read moreCommentary: Parents want to protect kids online, but SC device filter bill won't help
The Stratford High School wrestling team let one get away two days earlier, falling to top-ranked Summerville High School by a single point in a heartbreaker, and didnt exactly race out to a great start in the Region 6-5A opener. Read moreKnights pull away in Region 6-5A opener
FLORENCE  Throughout the holidays, most people see a slight uptick in their adult beverage consumption.

We find ourselves encouraged by social, family or marital pressures to socialize with the very same people we choose to avoid the entire rest of the year. I believe this accounts for only one reason for increasing our imbibing since most of us have more than just one reason we drink. In this situation, I personally open more bottles directly related to that amazing holiday fare that we inexplicably see only this time of year. Likewise, I refrain from opening certain bottles depending on the milieu of said gathering.

I honestly open good, but not ridiculous, wines over the holiday season for a number of reasons.

First, it remains difficult to prevent that inebriate from overpouring into their glass and downing your aged Burgundy with blissful disregard.

Also, I really want my attentions focused on the event and those I wish to spend time with, all while attempting to avoid those I do not. It may seem crass or reek of pretense, but some wines you really want to savor without being verbally accosted by your relative sharing their colonoscopy experience.

Although Christmas Eve is our big gathering and dining experience, these same wines will suffice for any and all of your seasonal swigging.

Although there are times sparkling wine is a bit overplayed, this is not one of those times. With the impressive volume of sparkling I anticipate pouring, keeping the price down helps with my post-holiday credit card statement regrets. I still wish to serve my guests something better than quaffable, so my choice of Charles Meras Brut Rose ($12) fits the bill.

This Pinot Noir-based sparkling boasts abundant red fruit thanks to the Charmat production, where the second ferment takes place in stainless steel (like Prosecco) instead of bottle. With the acidity to balance the small amount of residual sugar, this crowd-pleaser drinks well above its price point. Unfortunately, this gem will be passed over by many shoppers, thinking it too good to be true. As savvy wine buyers, we know it will pair well with our cured meats and cheese tray.
COLUMBIA  What happened with former President Donald Trump getting kicked off the ballot in Colorado this week might soon play out in South Carolina as well.

A federal judge is likely to rule soon on a longshot lawsuit arguing Trump should be barred from the South Carolina Republican primary ballot for engaging in an insurrection in violation of the 14th Amendment.

That follows the stunning 4-3 ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court Dec. 19 that forbids Trump from appearing on the ballot in that state for inciting the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

The Colorado ruling has placed renewed attention on similar legal actions filed this fall in South Carolina and elsewhere in the country to disqualify the former president on 14th Amendment grounds.

The complaints likely will force the U.S. Supreme Court to act.

John Anthony Castro, a Texas man who owns a tax preparation company and is mounting a longshot bid for the Republican presidential nomination, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Columbia on Sept. 4 against the South Carolina Election Commission and Trump, arguing the former presidents candidacy violates Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

Section 3 bars those who took a constitutional oath for certain state or federal offices and who engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the (United States), or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof from becoming state and federal elected officials.

The section was included to prevent former confederates from seeking office after the Civil War.

In November, a federal magistrate recommended that U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis dismiss the parts of the lawsuit related to Trump and the 14th Amendment, writing that Castro does not have standing to sue over the issue.

Federal judges have tossed similar lawsuits Castro filed in four other states.

A ruling in South Carolina is likely in the coming weeks.

The South Carolina Election Commission must send out GOP primary ballots to military and overseas voters on Jan. 10, said John Michael Catalano, a spokesman for the commission. The state's Republican presidential preference primary is Feb. 24 with 10 candidates on the ballot, including Castro.
COLUMBIA  Vice President Kamala Harris will be returning to the Palmetto State next month as the state's Democrats begin working to stoke voter enthusiasm ahead of their first-in-the-nation presidential primary in February.

Harris will travel to Myrtle Beach on Jan. 6 to deliver the keynote address at the 7th Episcopal District AME Church Womens Missionary Society annual retreat, according to a White House news release.

The visit will come three days after Harris travels to Nevada  another early voting state  whose primary will take place three days after South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary on Feb. 3.

In Nevada, she will meet with hospitality workers of the heavily Latino Culinary Workers Union Local 226, an influential labor union that has proven critical to Democrats' coalition in the purple state.

Her trip to South Carolina will mark her seventh visit since becoming vice president and her second since Oct. 11, when she delivered remarks to students at the College of Charleston as part of a larger youth outreach effort.

Harris made a brief visit to Columbia the following month, where she traveled to South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters to file paperwork for her and President Joe Biden's re-election campaign.

For Harris, the visits come as Biden has wrestled against poor poll numbers and lagging enthusiasm for his campaign, though most voter surveys show to be a lock to secure his party's nomination for president in 2024.

Biden's path to the presidency in 2020 was heavily reliant on his support from South Carolina's Black community, who helped revive his flailing campaign with a victory in the state's primary that year.

Today, some of the most concerning trendlines for the campaign have been among voters of color, where polls show once-reliable Democratic voting Hispanic and Black populations have slowly but increasingly shown favorability toward Republicans.
NORTH CHARLESTON  An episode of the "Twilight Zone" ends with actor Art Carney's character wishing he could play Santa Claus every year.

Timothy "Colorado" Davis has that same wish, and he was willing to lose his day job for it.

"Santa gives me the opportunity to be who I want to be," the 60-year-old Chester County resident and Rock Hill native said. "I get to spread joy."

Unlike the story told in the episode, "Night of the Meek," Davis has needed much more than 30 minutes and a compact Hollywood script to make this dream happen. It also involved a write-in campaign in support of him as a Chester County school teacher.

Visitors to the Northwoods Mall in North Charleston will find Davis in his red-and-white hat and his thick white beard. He started his one-month stint as Santa on November 22  by chance, his birthday. He'll be there through Christmas Eve.

After Christmas, Davis said he was hoping he could return to his day job, teaching Earth science at Lewisville Middle School in Richburg in Chester County. Instead, he said he made a definitive choice to step away from the classroom for the temporary job as Santa.

He's had a few opportunities to play Santa in recent years, including at a program for the Charlotte Symphony. This year, Davis wanted a longer stint as Saint Nicklaus and sought out a mall Santa job.

It would take a significant amount of time away from the classroom, however. Last summer, he said he notified the Chester County School District that he would need 17 school days off in November and December.

"I was willing to have my pay docked, I was willing to teach summer school, which I've done in the past," Davis said. "I wish we could have worked something out."

Months passed, and he did not receive approval for the time off.

On the approach to Thanksgiving, Davis said he was resolute about his commitment to becoming Santa. Prior to the Thanksgiving break, he let his students know he would be away when they returned after the break, and why he might not be back in class even after Christmas break.
Editor in Chief

Autumn Phillips is editor in chief of The Post and Courier. Over the coming year, she will take readers traveling around the world and teach them how to write about the experience. Learn more at Post and Courier Travel.
A UN Security Council vote on a much-delayed resolution calling for a pause to Israel's Gaza war was postponed again Wednesday as members wrangled over wording while the civilian death toll in Gaza mounts.

The debate at the UN's Manhattan headquarters came against a backdrop of deteriorating conditions in Gaza, with a senior UN official saying Israel's steps to allow in aid were "far short" of mounting need.

"The Security Council has agreed to continue negotiations today to allow for additional time for diplomacy. And the presidency will reschedule the adoption for tomorrow (Thursday) morning," said Ecuador's Jose Javier De La Gasca Lopez-Dominguez, who holds the council's rotating presidency.

Members of the council have been grappling for days to find common ground on the resolution, a vote on which was pushed back several times throughout Tuesday, after being postponed Monday.

Israel, backed by its ally the United States, a veto-wielding permanent Security Council member, has opposed the use of the term "ceasefire."

The latest delay was at the request of the United States, a diplomatic source said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday there would be no ceasefire in Gaza until the "elimination" of Hamas.

But Russia and the Arab League stepped up diplomatic pressure on Israel to bring fighting to a close, using the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum in Morocco to call for a ceasefire.

Richard Gowan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, said ahead of the latest postponement that "everyone is basically stuck waiting to see what the US will decide to do."

"It looks like even US diplomats do not know how this saga will end," he added.

The envoy of the United Arab Emirates, the resolution's sponsor, said "(we) are part of very high-level discussions that are happening between capitals to try and reach a text that could be in fact be adopted."

"We need today a little bit of space for additional diplomacy... and we are going to be optimistic trying to do that," added Lana Zaki Nusseibeh. "This will go to a vote."

This week's back and forth comes after an impasse earlier this month when the United States, despite unprecedented pressure from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, blocked the adoption of a Security Council resolution on the war.

That resolution had called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip, where Israel continues its deadly strikes on hospitals, schools, and other civilian-packed areas.

'Human catastrophe'



Last week, the UN General Assembly adopted the same nonbinding resolution by 153 votes to 10, with 23 abstentions, out of 193 member states.

Bolstered by that overwhelming support, Arab countries announced the new attempt at the Security Council.

A draft text prepared by the UAE, 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."

The last version seen by AFP was, however, a modified text that seemingly sought to salvage a compromise.

It was less direct, calling for "the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities."

United Nations official Tor Wennesland said Tuesday that Israel's "limited" steps to allow aid into Gaza "are positive, but fall far short of what is needed to address the human catastrophe on the ground."

The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza says Israel's war has killed nearly 20,000 people, mainly women and children, and wounded more than 50,000 others.

The war has also displaced 1.9 million people (80 percent of the strip's population) sparking a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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Reflecting the Democrat mania to control free speech, Minnesota Democrats enacted a law conflicting with the proposition that corporations have a constitutional right to speak independently about politics. I learned about the law from the December 18 Wall Street Journal column Minnesotas Xenophobic Restrictions on Speech by Brad Smith and Eric Wang.

The xenophobia flagged in the Journal headline is entirely pretextual. The subhead homes in on the problem: [The] ban on political speech by foreign influenced companies defies U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

The law in issue is now codified at Minn. Stat.  211B.15. The text of the statute is accessible here.

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit to enjoin enforcement of this blatantly unconstitutional law. The case is pending before Minnesota federal district judge Eric Tostrud. As Smith and Wang anticipated at the top of their column, Judge Tostrud held a hearing on the chambers motion for a preliminary injunction this past Monday.

I doubt that the law is original with Minnesota Democrats. I would guess theyre just trying to keep up. Smith and Wang get to the heart of the matter:

While Citizens United and other judicial decisions have loosened restrictions on corporate political speech, courts have upheld longstanding bans on political speech by foreign nationals. Therefore, Minnesota and other opponents of corporate speech now seek to redefine large swaths of American businesses as foreign influenced to stop their political engagement. Seattle, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Alaska have joined Minnesota in passing laws banning political speech by so-called foreign-influenced corporations. Lawmakers in numerous other states and Congress have introduced similar bills. The Minnesota law is typical of these measures, making Mondays hearing an early test of their constitutionality. The law defines foreign-influenced corporations as including any U.S. company in which a single foreign investor has direct or indirect beneficial ownership of as little as 1% of total equity. This status also may be triggered if hundreds or even thousands of foreign stockholders collectively own 5% of shares. It doesnt require these stockholders to be of the same nationality or to collude to influence so much as the corporate cafeteria menu. The laws breadth is matched by its vagueness. Foreign-influenced status also may be triggered if any foreign investor participates directly or indirectly in the corporations decision-making process with respect to the corporations political activities in the United States. If a single foreign stockholder casts a proxy vote on an activist-shareholder proposal, that could bring the states corporate speech ban into effect. The charade is obvious: The left-wing Center for American Progress estimates that 98% of publicly traded companies would trigger these thresholds. Many privately held business likely would as well. Once defined as foreign-influenced, a corporation is prohibited from making contributions or independent expenditures to promote or oppose candidates for public office. This includes lobbying legislators and the governor on appointed positions. The ban further applies to corporate activities that promote or oppose ballot measures. Foreign-influenced corporations also may not contribute to organizations that support or oppose candidates or ballot measures. The Minnesota law even seems to ban companies from engaging in these activities at the federal level, despite federal law to the contrary.

By the way, the law incorporating this monstrosity (and worse) is titled Democracy for the People Act. Shouldnt that be Our Democracy for the People Act? Or Our Democracy for the People Act? It might more aptly have been titled DFL Forever Act. Thats the gist of it and thats what its all about.

The law in its entirety is to become effective on January 1. See the celebration here. Happy new year, Democrat style.

Yesterday Judge Tostrud put a damper on the celebration with a 34-page opinion and order preliminarily enjoining enforcement of the challenged provisions of the act. MPRs Brian Bakst covered the ruling here. I have embedded Judge Tostruds opinion and order below for those who want the gory details. We will continue to follow this symptomatic case.

Minnesota Chamber of Commerce v. Choi by Scott Johnson on Scribd
Cliff May is founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a columnist for the Washington Times. He is a veteran reporter, foreign correspondent, and editor for the New York Times and other publications. Cliffs current column is Its not just Zelenskys war (at FDD, where it is posted with links). Cliff has kindly given us his permission to post his column on Power Line. He writes:

Volodymyr Zelensky has not made them wait.

Wearing his signature khaki shirt  his way of communicating that hes a fulltime wartime leader  hes energetically shaking hand after hand.

Is he really feeling so upbeat or is he drawing on his experience as a professional actor?

Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova asks everyone to take a seat at a long, rectangular table. Still standing, she welcomes her guests, then turns to President Zelensky, who is already sitting, and suggests he makes opening remarks.

Youve just done that, he says. Lets talk.

Though this get-together was not on the record, I dont think Im disclosing secrets when I tell you that Mr. Zelensky believes Ukrainians have made more progress in their defensive war than his critics acknowledge.

True, the recent Ukrainian counteroffensive failed to oust the Russian invaders from Donbas, a strip of eastern Ukraine, and from the northern coast of the Sea of Azov.

But the Ukrainians have prevented the Russians from seizing more territory, in the process, destroying nearly 90 percent of Russias prewar military machine, including much of Russias Black Sea fleet. Ukrainian grain is again being shipped to countries that need it.

This could not have been accomplished without American support and Mr. Zelensky is grateful.

But while that support has kept Ukrainians from losing, it hasnt been sufficient to give them a serious chance of winning.

What would winning look like? Ideally, Ukrainians would reclaim every inch of their territory.

Failing that, Russian ruler Vladimir Putin would calculate that the price of conquering and subjugating Ukrainians is too high. Hed then seek the proverbial off-ramp.

Ukrainians are wary of diplomatic solutions. Among their reasons: In 1994, they gave up their nuclear weapons. In exchange, Russia signed the Budapest Memorandum pledging to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine. Russias word is, obviously, not its bond.

In that same memo, the U.S. and Britain promised to provide assistanceif Ukraine should become a victim of an act of aggression.

Some Republicans now want to end that assistance. That would confirm Mr. Putins belief that Americans, sooner or later, will abandon Ukrainians, as Americans abandoned their Afghan allies in 2021.

The reasons some Republicans oppose assistance are various. A few are so delusional as to believe that Mr. Putin  an ex-KGB colonel allied with Communist China and Islamist Iran  is a defender of the Christian West.

Others are simply frightened of him.

The United States isnt going to risk World War III to guarantee Ukraines 1991 borders, John Daniel Davidson, a senior editor at The Federalist wrote last week.

Would the United States risk World War III to guarantee that Taiwan is not swallowed by Chinese forces commanded by Xi Jinping? I suspect Mr. Xi will think that highly unlikely should the U.S. now give up on Ukraine.

Bolstering this analysis are President Bidens relentless attempts to appease Irans rulers even as their proxies are attacking American outposts in the Middle East  more than 90 times over the last two months alone.

Simultaneously, the Houthis in Yemen, another client of Tehran, are attacking commercial ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the worlds most strategic waterways.

Speaking of strategy, back in 1990, President George H.W. Bush deployed American troops to force Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. That was not because he regarded the emirate as a Jeffersonian democracy.

Rather, he recognized the strategic necessity of upholding the most fundamental rule of the international order established by the U.S. after World War II: Big, bully nations are not to gobble up smaller, weaker nations.

Ukrainians now, unlike Kuwaitis then, are not asking Americans to fight for them  only to give them the guns and bullets they need to defend their lands and independence.

Also unlike Kuwait, Ukraine is a fledgling democracy. The countrys last elections in 2019 were free and fair, as on-the-ground election observers  I was one of them  attested.

Has Ukrainian democracy been attenuated two years into a grueling existential war? Sure, but the same was true in America during the Civil War. Should Republicans therefore join the woke mobs toppling statues of Lincoln?

What about corruption? Thats a malady that afflicts many countries  the U.S. not excluded. South Korea was deeply corrupt after the U.S. fought a bloody war to prevent it from falling under the jackboot of a North Korean tyrant backed by Beijing and Moscow.

Worth noting: Mr. Zelensky has passed five new anti-corruption laws in the past six months.

Also relevant: Most of the money being spent on Ukraine is not being spent in Ukraine. Its being spent in America on weapons made by Americans in American factories in at least 31 states. Those weapons are then replaced by new and more advanced versions for use by American forces.

Thats furthering what should be recognized as the urgent task of restoring Americas atrophied defense-industrial base at a time of increasing global disorder.

At the embassy meeting last week, Mr. Zelensky was adamant that Ukrainians will never submit to Mr. Putin, a wannabe czar espousing an anti-Western ideology.

Ukrainians, he made clear, aspire to become a full-fledged European nation  one willing and able to help defend the American-led Free World.

An America that turns its back on Ukraine will be seen as an America in steep decline. What Americas enemies will do then should not be difficult to imagine.
Robert S. Wistrich was the Neuburger Professor of European and Jewish history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the director of the universitys Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism. He may also have been the leading academic authority on anti-Semitism. Witness his histories A Lethal Obsession: Anti-Semitism From Antiquity to the Global Jihad (2010) and From Ambivalence to Betrayal: The Left, The Jews and Israel (2012). Professor Wistrich died in 2015 at the age of 70. The New York Times obituary by Sam Roberts is here. Would that he were alive in this hour.

I interviewed Professor Wistrich by email in connection with his 2012 book. It occurred to me that it might be a good time to revisit the interview. Here it is.

PL: You begin your new book with an autobiographical account dating back to your time on the Left. How did you get from there to here, so to speak?

RSW: I belonged, at one point, to the radical 1968 generation in the West who were intoxicated (in my case, briefly) with the secular utopianism of radical Marxism and the mirage of cultural revolution. I was physically present in Paris when the French students shouted We are all German Jews in support of their leader Dany the Red, who had just been prevented by De Gaulle from returning from Germany to France. Today, their equivalents in Europe might well be shouting Death to Israel or Hamas, Hamas, Jews to the gas! That is one strand of the journey that led me to retrospectively subject the contemporary Left to intense critical scrutiny.

PL: Would you talk a little bit about your scholarly interest in the subject of anti-Semitism?

RSW: Ever since I was a student at Cambridge University in the late 1960s (and probably much earlier), I have been both intrigued and repulsed by the sheer persistence of anti-Semitism in its many forms. Living as I did in Great Britain for the first thirty years of my life, I always felt an outsider and my Jewish identity was clearly part of that. The more that I subsequently studied the history of Jew-hatred, the more I began to see it as an embedded part of the cultural DNA of the West (especially of European history). The return of anti-Semitism in our time  much of it under the guise of loathing Israel  has confirmed for me its near-ubiquity and perennial nature. But already in 1991, I had invented the term the longest hatred to describe its extraordinary tenacity.

PL: What would you like prospective readers to know about your book?

RSW: I believe that my most recent book does expose for the first time in such a systematic fashion the enduring Judeophobic passions prevalent in so many left-wing revolutionary movements; the emptiness of the dream of proletarian solidarity; and the political fantasy-world of Communist egalitarianism, some of it ardently espoused by Jewish intellectuals. Moreover, my book unmistakably shows that conspiracy theories are as much a proclivity of the Left as of the Right. I see it as a much-needed demystification of all the standard leftist stereotypes and delusions about the Jews and Israel, whose exposure is long overdue.

PL: Would you briefly summarize your findings for us?

RSW: One of the key points in my study is that anti-Semitism has been an important feature of left-wing thought ever since its beginnings in the 1840s with Karl Marx and Pierre-Joseph Proudhon. This animosity derives in part from a distorted post-Christian Enlightenment perception of Judaism as a fundamentally reactionary tribalist religion and an obstacle to human emancipation; from a grossly simplistic identification of Jews with banks, money, financial speculation and capitalist injustices; as well as a stubborn refusal in our own time to recognize the indubitably national character of the Jewish people and the overwhelming historic legitimacy of the Jewish State in the Land of Israel.

PL: What role did the Soviet Union play in creating the current anti-Semitism and its tropes?

RSW: The Soviet Union may have collapsed in 1991 but twenty years later, we can still see in the West, the Middle East and in the Third World the truly poisonous legacy of its vile demonology concerning the Jews and Israel. All the more malevolent and mendacious amalgams of our own day, equating Zionism with racism, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, fascism, Nazism and the totally imaginary genocide of the Palestinians were originally concoctions of the Soviet propaganda apparatus. That is rarely understood and mostly forgotten.

PL: What has been the response of the Left to your book? Silence or disagreement?

RSW: Not surprisingly, there are few on the Left willing or able to accept the challenge that Ive thrown down to them or to revise their tired and worn-out dogmas. The last thing that one can accuse the leftists I write about (and their heirs) of being is open-minded or self-critical.

PL: How does left-wing anti-Semitism fit into the history of anti-Semitism?

RSW: Left-wing anti-Semitism is a consistently underrated feature of the history of Jew-hatred since the mid-19th century. One aspect that makes it rather unusual is that it usually adopts a secular, rationalist and universalist standpoint; that it purports to be humanistic and in its anti-Zionist mutation usually clothes itself in the banner of human rights and preaches defense of the oppressed  especially the Palestinians. This world-view sounds nice on paper but in practice it does not immunize leftists from falling into a morass of self-delusion, bias and prejudice against Jews or Israelis, even though this is often vehemently contested. This is an anti-Semitism which denies its name.

PL: Do you see an alliance between the Left and Islamists based on their shared hatreds? If so, would you elaborate on that?

RSW: The radical Left and the Islamists do share a common hatred of the West (especially America) and of Israel as symbols of successful modernity, entrepreneurial capitalism and secular freedoms. They increasingly align with one another over solidarity with Palestine, rejection of any American involvement in the Middle East, and in their efforts to subvert the moral foundations of Western culture. Such is the potency of these irrational hatreds that they even trump the Lefts traditional support for causes like womens emancipation and gay rights  which are total anathema to Islamists.

PL: What is at stake for those of us outside Israel in the Islamist war against Israel?

RSW: The Islamist onslaught against Israel is to a considerable extent a war by proxy against the West  in which defense of the Jewish State becomes the litmus-test for Islamic probing whether the Western world is really serious about commitment to its core-values of individual freedom and liberal democracy. The Islamic radicals are today not only the spearhead of an annihilationist anti-Jewish ideology but also of a fanatical jihadist war against civilization as it has hitherto been understood in the West.

PL: Anything else youd like to add?

RSW: In conclusion, I would simply add that the contemporary Left can no longer claim any kind of moral high ground. It has never truly come to terms with the abominable crimes of the Stalinist regimes, with the Soviet Gulag and Communist totalitarianism. Its uncritical and selective solidarity with victims like the Palestinians is highly suspect; its relentless efforts to blacken the good name of America and Israel at all costs are often grotesque; its frequent whitewashing of Islamic extremism and naked terrorism are morally reprehensible; and its Judeophobic legacy requires urgent detoxification. Anti-Semitism, I would maintain, has always been a remarkably accurate barometer for measuring bigoted, prejudiced and dogmatic attitudes, not to mention blatant double standards. Much of the contemporary Left, when it comes to the Jews and especially to Israel, has miserably failed the test of elementary honesty and intellectual integrity.
California Democrat Eric Swalwell recently appeared at Hunter Bidens press conference at the Capitol, reportedly acting as kind of sherpa for Joe Bidens embattled son. As some observers recalled, Swalwell was a key player in impeachment bids against President Trump, and according to an Axios report become entangled with Chinese spy Fang Fang, also known as Christine Fang and dubbed PoonFang by Rush Limbaugh.

As Debra Saunders noted, Fang raised money for Swalwells 2014 reelection campaign and also helped place at least one intern in Swalwells House office. After falling for the honey trap, the oldest trick in the book, Swalwell faithfully repeated Chinese Communist propaganda practically word for word.

The California Democrat was the biggest haul in PoonFangs operations between 2011 and 2015. Nobody in Congress seemed interested in finding out what the spy may have learned from Swalwell, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, and passed on to China.

In May, the House Ethics Committee closed its investigation and took no action against Swalwell. His former squeeze is reportedly back China, where she may have filed a report something like this.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 19:00:21

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MORGAN HILL, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / EMQ, the pioneer of the world's leading open-source MQTT messaging platform EMQX, proudly announces its latest milestone - MQTTX 1.9.7. This new release of the MQTT 5.0 client tool introduces MQTTX Copilot, a state-of-the-art AI-powered MQTT assistant. Representing a significant advancement in user interaction and convenience, MQTT Copilot is an AI assistant intricately designed to enhance user understanding and utilization of MQTT and EMQX through intuitive support.With MQTTX Copilot, using MQTTX and EMQX becomes more accessible than ever. It streamlines testing MQTT connections, publishing and subscribing to topics, debugging, and developing MQTT applications and brokers, thereby enriching the overall MQTT experience.Key Features of MQTTX Copilot:OpenAI GPT Models Integration: Powered by OpenAI's GPT models, MQTTX Copilot ensures a seamless user experience. Users can configure their OpenAI API key in the MQTTX settings to fully harness the capabilities of this AI assistant. Remember to select a language model version (e.g., GPT-3.5 or GPT-4) that suits your specific needs and OpenAI API Key requirements.Error Analysis Made Easy: Encountering an error? Simply click the "Ask Copilot" button within the error prompt, and MQTTX Copilot will assist in analyzing potential causes, guiding users through a systematic troubleshooting process.AI-Powered Code Generation: Generate MQTT client code tailored to your current test connections with a single click. MQTTX Copilot currently supports code generation in JavaScript, Python, Java, Golang, and more, streamlining and enhancing the development process.AI Assistance for MQTT FAQs and EMQX Tutorials: MQTTX Copilot serves to be an invaluable resource, adeptly handling MQTT-related queries and offering comprehensive tutorials on EMQX. From installation guides to usage tips, it provides solutions for prevalent issues and imparts insights on best practices, making it an indispensable tool for both beginners and experienced users alike.Automated Test Data Generation: Simplify test payload generation with MQTTX Copilot, allowing for quick analysis and optimization of MQTT data implementations.Insightful Connection Information: Gain valuable insights into MQTT connections with just one click, enabling effective management and optimization.Acknowledgments and Roadmap:EMQ sincerely thanks contributors @ni00 and @Rotzbua for their invaluable contributions! As we look to the future, exciting enhancements are on the horizon for MQTTX Copilot, including:Stream Output Payload Autofill Sparkplug B Support QoS 0 Message Storage Optimization Enhanced MQTT Debugging Capabilities Automatic Chart Drawing Expanded Plugin Functionality Avro Message Format Support Script Test AutomationThese upcoming features promise to further elevate the capabilities and user experience of MQTTX Copilot.Join us on this exciting journey with MQTTX Copilot!For an in-depth look at its transformative features, explore our latest blog for the detailed release notes. Discover how MQTT Copilot is reshaping MQTT technology and enhancing user experiences: Read More.About EMQEMQ is a leading global provider in the MQTT-based Messaging Platform domain. Its flagship product, EMQX, is a robust and unified MQTT platform, serving as a foundational component for modern IoT solutions. It supports up to 100 million concurrent IoT device connections per cluster, boasts a throughput of up to 1 million messages per second, and ensures sub-millisecond latency. EMQX is trusted by over 20,000 enterprise users worldwide, connecting more than 100 million IoT devices, and catering to over 400 customers in critical IoT scenarios. This includes prestigious brands like HPE, VMware, Verifone, SAIC Volkswagen, and Ericsson.EMQ's global R&D center, a hub for innovation and development, is located in Stockholm, Sweden. With over ten offices spread across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, EMQ demonstrates its extensive global reach and commitment to providing top-tier IoT solutions on a worldwide scale.305 Vineyard Town Center, Morgan Hill, CA, USA 95037 www.emqx.com | contact@ emqx.io Contact:MelaniePR Manager melanie@ emqx.io SOURCE: EMQ Technologies Inc.
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ORANGE COUNTY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / ALL Trial Lawyers proudly announces the prestigious recognition of Attorney Mohammad Abuershaid as one of the leading Juvenile Dependency attorneys in Orange County. Renowned legal rating service SuperLawyers has distinguished Abuershaid for his exceptional prowess and unwavering commitment to his clients in this specialized legal domain.SuperLawyers, a respected authority in the legal industry, employs a rigorous selection process to identify the most exemplary attorneys across various practice areas. Through meticulous evaluation encompassing factors like experience, notable case outcomes, certifications, awards, community contributions, and pro bono work, Abuershaid has emerged as a standout in Juvenile Dependency law.A seasoned professional based in Orange County, Mohammad Abuershaid's dedication to his clientele has garnered him recognition as a Rising Star and a top-rated CPS (Child Protective Services) Lawyer by SuperLawyers. His extensive track record in assisting numerous parents in reuniting with their children and navigating the complexities of Juvenile Dependency law underscores his exceptional legal understanding and compassionate approach.As the founding partner of ALL Trial Lawyers, Abuershaid continues to demonstrate unparalleled expertise and relentless advocacy in representing families in juvenile dependency cases. His commitment to ensuring the best interests of his clients has solidified his reputation as a distinguished legal professional in Orange County."I am deeply honored by this recognition as a top Juvenile Dependency attorney in Orange County," stated Mohammad Abuershaid. "Helping families navigate challenging legal situations, especially those involving children, has been a calling close to my heart. This acknowledgment by SuperLawyers reaffirms my commitment to serving the community and upholding the principles of justice." The acknowledgment of Attorney Mohammad Abuershaid by SuperLawyers as a top-tier Juvenile Dependency attorney attests to his unwavering dedication, legal expertise, and remarkable contributions to advocating for families in need.For media inquiries or to learn more about Attorney Mohammad Abuershaid and ALL Trial Lawyers, please get in touch with the firm for a free consultation at (866) 811-4255.About ALL Trial Lawyers:ALL Trial Lawyers is a distinguished legal firm based in Orange County, specializing in various legal areas, including Juvenile Dependency, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury. Founded by Mohammad Abuershaid, the firm is committed to providing exceptional legal representation while prioritizing the best interests of their clients.Orange County Juvenile Dependency and CPS Defense Law Firm OfficeContact Information:Contact Person Name: Mo AbuershaidCompany: Abuershaid Law, APCE-mail: info@ alltriallawyers.com Location: Orange County, California, USAWebsite: https://alltriallawyers.com/ SOURCE: Abuershaid Law, APC
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / National plaintiffs law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP encourages investors in ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. ("ChargePoint" or the "Company") (NYSE:CHPT) who suffered losses from purchasing or otherwise acquiring the securities of ChargePoint between June 1, 2023 and November 16, 2023 to contact us immediately regarding a pending securities fraud class action against ChargePoint. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff is January 29, 2024.Class Period: June 1, 2023 - November 16, 2023Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: January 29, 2024Case information: lieffcabraser.com/securities/chargepoint Contact us: Email or text investorinfo@ lchb.com or call 1-800-541-7358ChargePoint is an electric vehicle infrastructure company. Its core business involves providing networked solutions for charging electric vehicles, including the ChargePoint cloud subscription platform and charging hardware.The action alleges ChargePoint made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that it was experiencing elevated component costs and supply overruns for first generation direct current ("DC") charging products and, as a result, the Company's business and prospects were much worse than defendants claimed.On September 6, 2023, after the market closed, ChargePoint reported its second quarter fiscal year 2024 financial results, including an "$28.0 million, or 19 percentage point, inventory impairment charge." The Company stated the "inventory impairment charge was taken to address legacy supply chain-related costs and supply overruns on a particular DC product." As a result, ChargePoint reported a second quarter generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") gross margin of 1%, down from 17% in the prior year's same quarter. On this news, the Company's share price declined $0.77 per share, or 11%, from its closing price of $7.06 on September 6, 2023, to close at $6.29 per share on September 7, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume.Then, on November 16, 2023, after the market closed, ChargePoint released preliminary financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, which included an "additional non-cash inventory impairment charge" in the amount of $42 million "related to product transitions and to better align inventory with current demand." As a result, the Company expected to report "GAAP gross margin of negative 23% to negative 21%." ChargePoint also reported revenue had fallen to "$108 million to $113 million, as compared to $150 to $165 million as previously expected." Moreover, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer were both replaced, effective immediately. On this news, the ChargePoint's share price declined $1.11 per share, or 35%, from its closing price of $3.13 on November 16, 2023, to close at $2.02 per share on November 17, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume.About Lieff CabraserLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, with over 120 attorneys in offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich, Germany, is an internationally recognized law firm committed to advancing the rights of investors and promoting corporate responsibility. Recognized as a "Plaintiffs' Powerhouse" by Law360, Lieff Cabraser has litigated some of the most important civil cases in the United States, and has assisted clients in recovering over $129 billion in verdicts and settlements. For over 50 years, Lieff Cabraser has remained committed to ensuring access to justice for all.Source/ContactSharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Condor Resources Inc. - ("Condor" or the "Company") (TSXV:CN) is pleased to announce that it concluded the diamond drill program at its Pucamayo East project located in the Ica Department, Peru, on December 20th.The drill program consisted of 2,353m in nine drillholes, and was completed in compliance with all environmental requirements. Remediation of the drill platforms is currently underway.Sample preparation and delivery for analysis was active during the drill program, and the final sample shipment is expected to be delivered to the lab this week. Results of the first four drillholes have been received and are currently being compiled and evaluated, with results for the final five drillholes not expected until January. Once all results are received, the results will be summarized and released at that time.Six of the drillholes tested the extent of the high sulphidation type epithermal gold and silver mineralized outcropping ledges of breccia and silicification associated with large areas of high-sulphidation type alteration assemblages including extensive vuggy silica. Three of the drillholes tested an outcropping area of multi phase stockwork and alteration interpreted to be a porphyry system associated with anomalous gold and copper.Condor is an active explorer focused exclusively on Peru, supplemented by a project generator and royalty model designed to generate exploration capital whilst minimizing shareholder dilution. Our objective in advancing our portfolio of projects is the discovery of a major new precious metals or base metals deposit in Peru. Project acquisition and exploration activities are managed by the Company's Lima based exploration team.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDLyle Davis,President & Chief Executive OfficerFor further information please contactthe Company at 1-866-642-5707, or by email at info@ condorresources.com Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur.Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in applicable forward-looking statements 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 such statements.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.SOURCE: Condor Resources Inc.
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Coppernico Metals Inc. ("Coppernico" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that effective December 20, 2023, the Company has closed the second tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the "Placement"). The Placement was initially announced on September 28, 2023. The terms and conditions were amended on October 20, 2023, to a C$0.15 unit consisting of a common share and a share purchase warrant, exercisable at C$0.30 until the fifth anniversary of listing the common shares on a recognized stock exchange.In the second tranche of the Placement, the Company issued 9,719,432 units at a price of C$0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of C$1,457,914.80, bringing the total gross proceeds of the Placement to date to C$2,244,557.40. In connection with the closing of the second tranche, the Company paid cash finder's fees of C$13,608.00.Participation in the second tranche of the Placement by insiders of the Company ("Insider Participation") totalled 790,000 units for gross proceeds of C$118,500.00, bringing the total Insider Participation of the Placement to date to C$198,902.55. The Insider Participation constitutes "related-party transactions" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(b), respectively, with regard to the Insider Subscriptions.Coppernico plans to use the total net proceeds from the Placement to carry out surface exploration work from January 2024 and obtain the final permits required for the Company's planned drill program that is expected to commence in Q1 2024 at the Company's Sombrero project, which is held by Coppernico's wholly-owned Peruvian subsidiary, Sombrero Minerales S.A.C., in southern Peru. The Company will also use the proceeds for general working capital purposes.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSIvan BebekPresident, CEO & DirectorFor further information on Coppernico, please visit www.coppernicometals.com or contact Katie Bromley, Manager of Corporate Communications, at +1 778 729 0600 or info@ coppernicometals.com About CoppernicoCoppernico is a mineral exploration company focused on creating value for shareholders and stakeholders through careful project evaluation and exploration excellence in pursuit of the discovery of world-class copper-gold deposits in South America. The Company's management and technical teams have a successful track record of raising capital, discovery and the monetization of exploration successes. The Company is currently focused on the Sombrero project in Peru, its flagship project, and is reviewing additional premium projects in South America.Coppernico is currently a public company and an unlisted reporting issuer. The Company intends to be listed on a recognized stock exchange once it qualifies. For more information, please visit www.coppernicometals.com Cautionary NoteNo regulatory organization has approved the contents hereof.This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should refer to the risks discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca SOURCE: Coppernico Metals Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 21:32:26

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Dollar General Corporation ("Dollar General" or "the Company") (NYSE:DG) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Dollar General securities between May 28, 2020 and August 30, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/dg Case Details:The Complaint alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Dollar General stores were chronically understaffed and suffering from logistical and inventory management problems which left stores with tens of millions of dollars' worth of outdated and unwanted inventory, mispriced goods, and lost and damaged items; (ii) large backlogs of unsellable merchandise had built up at Dollar General's stores, which inventory had not been timely written down due to understaffing and Dollar General's failure to manage its inventory; (iii) the allotment of employee hours per store per week imposed by Dollar General management placed employees in virtually impossible situations where assigned tasks, including those necessary to effective store operations, could not be completed within the allotted time; (iv) Dollar General was systematically overcharging customers for items upon checkout above the listed price in violation of state laws, including state law violations identified by state regulators in Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio; (v) Dollar General's reported revenue and earnings during the Class Period were artificially inflated by defendants' over-pricing scheme; (vi) Dollar General's failure to manage store inventories and accurately price items upon checkout risked the loss of customers, lower sales, adverse regulatory actions, and reputational fallout; and (vii) Dollar General was not on track to achieve its guidance during the Class Period and such guidance lacked a reasonable factual basis.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/dg or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Dollar General you have until January 26, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
Two key European leaders stress rejection of Israeli indiscriminate bombing of civilians in Gaza, reiterating calls for a truce and ceasefire in the war as Israel continues pounding the strip.

21:45 The Palestinian telecoms provider Paltel said Thursday evening that communications were gradually returning to the central and southern areas of Gaza, after a two-day blackout.

Landline connections, mobile networks and internet connections were all disrupted during the day Wednesday. Paltel blamed the outage on the current conflict, without providing details.

There have been at least four communication blackouts in besieged Gaza since the war began on Oct. 7.

20:00 Nebal Farsakh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent, said Thursday that the communications blackout across Gaza means that they can only contact staff at the group's main base in Khan Younis by using VHF radio waves.

More worrying, she said, is the effect the blackout is having on The Red Crescents emergency response work

This means civilians cant call the 101 emergency line to get ambulances, she told The Associated Press by phone. Our staff are just following the sounds of bombardments

Farsakh said her team has resorted to stationing ambulances at all the major working hospitals, so that when the first casualties arrive, they can find out the location of the strike.

There have been at least three communication blackouts in Gaza since the conflict erupted on Oct. 7.

According to Paltel, the Palestinian telecoms provider, the current disruptions started Wednesday.

18:55 An interagency U.N. and NGO report finds that a staggering half a million people in Gaza  one quarter of the population  are starving due woefully insufficient quantities of food entering the territory since the outbreak of hostilities on Oct. 7.

It is a situation where pretty much everybody in Gaza is hungry. More than 500,000 people, half a million people, are starving. That means that one in every four people is starving in Gaza as we speak, said World Food Program chief economist Arif Husain.

He warned that if the war continues at the same levels and food deliveries are not restored that the population could face a full-fledged famine within the next six months with widespread outbreaks of disease.

The report released Thursday by 23 U.N and nongovernmental agencies found that the entire population of 2.2 million Gazans are in a food crisis or worse: 478,000 are at crisis levels, 1.17 million are at emergency levels and 576,600 are at catastrophic  that is starvation  levels.

It doesnt get any worse, Hasain said. I have never seen something at the scale that is happening in Gaza. And at this speed. How quickly it has happened, in just a matter of two months.

17:30 Israeli strikes killed a woman in her eighties in a south Lebanon village on Thursday, Lebanese media and rescuers said.

Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) said that Israeli "bombing on the town of Maroun al-Ras this morning killed a woman and wounded her husband".

Artillery shells struck "residential neighbourhoods" in the town, hitting the house of the couple in their eighties, the agency added.

Rescuers who transported the pair to hospital confirmed her death to AFP, also blaming Israel for the strike.

16:00 Palestinians described to Al Jazeera the grisly details of how the Israeli army summarily executed 11 unarmed Palestinian men in the Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza City in the early evening hours on 19 December.

On Wednesday, The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - Occupied Palestinian Territory (OHCHR - OPT) in Ramallah said it had received reports that Israeli troops "summarily executed" at least 11 unarmed Palestinians in a possible war crime in Gaza.

According to the OHCHR statement: "On 19 December 2023, between 2000 and 2300 hours, IDF reportedly surrounded and raided Al Awda building, also known as the Annan building," in Al Remal neighbourhood, Gaza City, where three related families were sheltering in addition to Annan family."

"According to witness accounts circulated by media sources and Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, while in control of the building and the civilians sheltering there, the IDF allegedly separated the men from the women and children, and then shot and killed at least 11 of the men, mostly aged in their late 20s and early 30s, in front of their family members, " continued the statement.

"The IDF then allegedly ordered the women and children into a room, and either shot at them or threw a grenade into the room, reportedly seriously injuring some of them, including an infant and a child. OHCHR has confirmed the killings at Al-Awda building, although the details and circumstances of the killings are still under verification. IDF has not released any information on the incident," added the OHCHR.

15:00 The Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, pelted Tel Aviv with a barrage of rockets on Thursday afternoon, in what it described as a response to "the Zionist massacres against Palestinian civilians in Gaza," according to Al Jazeera.

As warning sirens blared, residents in Israel's largest city left cars in the middle of the street and ran to hide in bomb shelters.

Israeli sources estimated that at least 35 rockets targeted the city.

It was not clear how many rockets Israeli air defences intercepted.

                 # #_ pic.twitter.com/Zz0srWbVK9    (@AJArabic) December 21, 2023

14:30 Al Qahera News reported on Thursday that Colonel Bassam Ghaben, the head of the Palestinian side of the Karm Abu Salem crossing, was killed in an Israeli strike targeting the crossing's facilities inside Gaza.

Three other people were also killed in the attack, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Last week, under international pressure, Israel agreed to open the Karm Abu Salem crossing - between Egypt, Gaza and Israel, to speed up the process of the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

14:00 Belgian International Cooperation Minister Caroline Gennez reaffirmed her country's rejection of the indiscriminate bombing of civilians in the Gaza Strip and reasserted its call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Israeli war in Gaza.

In remarks to Al Jazeera, Gennez called for the unconditional release of Israeli captives and the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

In contrast to other European leaders who pushed the idea that the current conflict started on 7 October, Gennez noted: " 2023, before 7 October, was already the deadliest year in the West Bank with more than 390 Palestinians killed till now - with too many children."

"We voted in the UNGA for an immediate ceasefire and we call on the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution for an immediate ceasefire," Gennez added.

    :           #      #_ pic.twitter.com/vZPnS6In42    (@AJArabic) December 21, 2023

13:00 Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry urged the United Nations Security Council to bear its responsibility regarding the destruction in Gaza and the number of victims in the Israeli war on the strip.

This came during a press conference with UK Foreign Minister David Cameron in Cairo.

In his remarks, Cameron acknowledged that there is "a major humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where people are facing hunger and sickness."

He stressed that Israel must adhere to international law and take action to reduce the number of civilian victims.

In early December, under increasing domestic opposition to the war in Gaza, the UK, a staunch supporter of Israel, abstained in the vote on a resolution in the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in the war.

12:00 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that it is his country's responsibility to assume the task of recognizing the State of Palestine during his term as president of the European Union before the end of the year.

In a speech before the Spanish Parliament, Sanchez said: I call on the Europeans to speak clearly and with one voice about the brutal Israeli attacks on Gaza - not because the world is watching us or because history will judge us but because human beings are suffering.

He added: Young children of Gaza are suffering and losing their lives.

Amid strong applause, Sanchez stressed the need for Spanish politicians to seek out the recognition of a Palestinian state.

The European Union must recognize the State of Palestine.

The bombing must stop immediately, Sanchez stated.

He added: Humanitarian aid must be able to reach people suffering from cold, hunger, and pain.

Last month, PM Sanchez angered Israeli officials with his outspoken condemnation of Israel's indiscriminate bombing of Palestinian civilians.

Also on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his country's rejection of the Israeli military indiscriminate bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip.

"We cannot let the idea take root that an efficient fight against terrorism implies to flatten Gaza or attack civilian populations indiscriminately," Macron told the France 5 broadcaster.

He called on Israel "to stop such response because it is not appropriate since all lives are worth the same and we defend them."

"We call for a truce that leads to a ceasefire," Macron stressed.

The French president is facing increasing domestic pressure to speak out against the atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinians in Gaza.

In early December, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, France voted for a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the war. This resolution failed to pass per a US veto.

As Israel carries out a genocidal campaign in Gaza, millions around the world continue demonstrations calling for a ceasefire and in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

An account on Twitter compiled scenes of people raising the Palestinian flag around the globe!

Posted  @omar_rammal

The flag was banned .

Hung in secret on walls.

Today the flag is raised...

Raised with strength, love and determination.



Video editor by: @odai.emran pic.twitter.com/xojtrmUq5W  Miz Voltz (@miz_voltz) December 21, 2023

11:00 Israeli strikes killed a woman in her eighties in a south Lebanon village early Thursday morning, Lebanese state media said, with rescuers confirming the death to AFP.

"Hostile bombing in the town of Maroun al-Ras this morning killed a woman and wounded her husband," Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) said.

Israeli artillery shells struck "residential neighbourhoods" in the town, hitting the house of the couple in their eighties, the agency added.

Meanwhile, several sites in southern Lebanon were targeted by heavy Israeli artillery after sirens were sounded in the Upper Galilee northern Israeli settlements, Al-Arabiya reported.

Around the same time, the Israeli army said it launched air strikes targeting Hezbollah sites in Lebanon.

This comes after Hezbollah said early Thursday that it had carried out an attack using Katyusha missiles on the northern Israel town of Kiryat Shmona near the Lebanese border.

According to an AFP tally, more than 140 people have been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters but also a Lebanese soldier and 19 civilians, including three journalists.

On the Israeli side, four civilians and seven soldiers have been killed, according to officials.

10:00 Israel has ordered more "evacuations" in southern Gaza's main city as it continues in attempts to displace the civilian population further south toward Rafah.

The United Nations said Israel had issued evacuation orders on Wednesday for large areas of Khan Younis, where more than 140,000 displaced people were sheltering.

Palestinian Radio reported Thursday that 55 people were killed in Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis within the last 24 hours.

Al Arabiya reported that Israeli warships were bombing Rafah and Khan Younis.

Israel's war on the Gaza Strip has so far killed at least 20,000 people, mainly women and children, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The ministry said 8,000 children and 6,200 women were among the dead.

UN relief chief Martin Griffiths deemed it a "tragic and shameful milestone."

"That such a brutal conflict has been allowed to continue and for this long  despite the widespread condemnation, the physical and mental toll and the massive destruction  is an indelible stain on our collective conscience," Griffiths wrote on his X account.

That such a brutal conflict has been allowed to continue and for this long  despite the widespread condemnation, the physical and mental toll and the massive destruction  is an indelible stain on our collective conscience. pic.twitter.com/M7awX8b8nC  Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) December 20, 2023

Meanwhile, in north Gaza, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Jabalia and Gaza City.

The Israeli army announced that two of its officers and one soldier were killed in fierce fighting in southern Gaza.

09:00 Diplomats pressed on with efforts to secure a pause in the war.

A UN Security Council vote on a much-delayed resolution calling for a pause to Israel's Gaza war was postponed again Wednesday as members wrangled over wording while the civilian death toll in Gaza mounts.

Also on Wednesday, Russia and the Arab League called jointly for a UN ceasefire resolution in the Gaza Strip during the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum in Marrakesh, Morocco.

"We hope that the Security Council will raise its voice for a mature resolution (calling for a ceasefire)," said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Egypt on Wednesday for talks with the country's intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

Haniyeh also met Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian but no details were released.

A Hamas official told AFP that "a total ceasefire and a retreat of the Israeli occupation army from the Gaza Strip are a precondition for any serious negotiation" on a captive-prisoner swap.

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / DreamOway , by Justine Sinclair, is a marketing agency that excels in all things related to personal branding and startup guidance. They focus on business consulting, marketing, personal branding, and social media for anyone who wants to expand in South Korea, Japan, and Dubai.In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, DreamOway emerges as a pivotal player, underscoring the critical role of a robust personal brand and global business strategy in securing financial stability and fulfillment. This firm transcends the traditional boundaries of a marketing agency, positioning itself as a guiding light for entities vying for distinction in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Central to DreamOway's philosophy is a commitment to deliver measurable outcomes for its clients. This includes enhancing global brand visibility, stimulating lead generation, and boosting sales figures, thereby cementing its status as a catalyst for client success in the digital age.DreamOway, a forward-thinking marketing agency, adeptly navigates the nuanced landscapes of South Korea, Japan, and Dubai, offering its clients more than mere business solutions-it's a transformative journey. With a keen eye on these specific markets, DreamOway bridges the gap between career aspirations and tangible business outcomes, particularly for ventures falling short of their sales targets.In a world where traditional business tactics are both costly and education-centric, DreamOway stands at the forefront of the digital revolution. The agency recognizes that in today's global economy, success hinges on capturing attention across international borders. Their approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique market dynamics and cultural nuances of South Korea, Japan, and Dubai, leveraging this knowledge to craft bespoke strategies for their clients.Beyond creating digital profiles, DreamOway focuses on the strategic development of an online presence that seizes growth opportunities in these key regions. Their methodology emphasizes authenticity, audience engagement, and reputation building-essential components for professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers breaking free from the confines of traditional job markets.As a navigator in personal brand-building, particularly in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets, DreamOway offers a comprehensive suite of services. This includes tailored brand building, adept crisis management, and the formulation of digital strategies that resonate with regional audiences. Their expertise extends to forging partnerships with influential figures in these markets, amplifying their clients' reach and authenticity.DreamOway's mastery in brand building is evident as they elevate client profiles, ensuring a standout market presence. Their crisis response capabilities are particularly tailored for the sensitivities of the South Korean, Japanese, and Dubai markets, safeguarding brand images against negative press.Their media engagement strategies are crafted with a deep understanding of regional press dynamics, fostering lasting connections that enhance brand representation. Digital strategies are not just global but localized, ensuring a strong online presence that aligns with regional preferences and trends.The agency's ability to partner with key influencers is a testament to its strong network and market insights, particularly effective in the distinct landscapes of South Korea, Japan, and Dubai. Their content creation is not just engaging but culturally attuned, telling each brand's story in a way that resonates with local audiences.Image management, a critical component of their services, is handled with a keen understanding of the impact of public perception in these regions. Event promotion, too, is tailored to not just enhance brand perception but to forge meaningful connections with local audiences.Finally, DreamOway's approach to leadership branding and competitive positioning is deeply informed by their insights into these markets, propelling their clients to prominent positions in an increasingly competitive global arena. Their services are designed not just for market penetration but for a transformational impact, ensuring sustainable growth and a resonant presence in South Korea, Japan, and Dubai.About DeamOwayDreamOway is a forward-thinking Global Marketing Agency that leverages the power of personal branding and digital strategies to help individuals and businesses thrive in the modern era. It offers a unique blend of expertise, guiding clients through the intricacies of building a strong online presence and navigating the complexities of a crowded marketplace.Contact:Paula Henderson561-768-4444 phendersonnews@ gmail.com SOURCE: DreamOway
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In a fragmented industry, Triago will join Houlihan Lokey's Private Funds Group, forming a one-stop-shop for all the financial needs of private equity managers & investors.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Leading private equity advisory firm Triago signed a definitive agreement on December 20, 2023 to be acquired by Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI), the global investment bank. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2024, following customary regulatory approvals.Founded in Paris in 1992 as one of the world's first private equity placement agents, and with a 50-person staff operating from offices in New York, San Diego, London, Paris and Dubai, Triago will join with Houlihan Lokey's Private Funds Group ("PFG"), creating a fully integrated global operation and the market-leading private capital advisory platform.Antoine Drean, Triago founder and Chairman, will become Chairman Emeritus in the expanded Houlihan Lokey Private Funds Group while Triago's Global CEO, Matt Swain, will become Head of Direct Placements and Secondaries in the PFG unit. Following the completion of the transaction, the merged private equity advisory activities will operate under the Houlihan Lokey name."Everything that this acquisition achieves for both parties boils down to providing better client service," said Drean. "That's the best way to ensure the long-term expansion of our already fast-growing private equity advisory teams." "Merging with Houlihan Lokey means we can offer every conceivable financial service that a private equity fund manager or an investor might need or could desire," said Swain. "Like us, Houlihan Lokey has an entrepreneurial culture and they operate in our sweet spot in terms of deal size." Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1972, Houlihan Lokey is a leader in corporate finance, financial restructuring, and valuation services. In 2022, the firm ranked as the #1 investment banking advisor for all global M&A transactions under US$1 billion. Houlihan Lokey also has established itself as a premier advisor to the financial sponsor and alternative assets community, with a dedicated Financial Sponsors coverage team, global private Capital Markets group, Private Funds Group, and valuation and other services dedicated to serving hundreds of financial sponsors, hedge funds, credit managers, and others in the alternative capital space."We could not be more excited to bring the Triago team on board, allowing us to deliver a truly comprehensive suite of world-class services to both general and limited Partners. With PFG's newly expanded capabilities alongside our outstanding Capital Markets advisory team, our deep Financial Sponsors coverage group, and other partners across the firm, allied with the client-centric focus of our firm, we are now better-positioned than ever to serve Private Capital clients, and are now among the absolute best advisors in this increasingly important asset class," said Scott Adelson, Co-President and Co-Head of Corporate Finance at Houlihan Lokey."As a result of this consolidation, we will be the only fully-integrated advisory platform offering clients Primary, Secondary, Directs and GP Advisory services on a global basis," said Andy Lund, Co-Head of Houlihan Lokey's Private Funds Group. "Of particular note, we're integrating Triago's private equity Directs team, the largest of its kind in the world, in what's widely considered the fastest growing space in private equity." Direct private equity transactions focus on an identified asset and are organized outside of traditional blind-pool funds or co-investment programs. They typically offer greater influence and agency to investors than traditional funds or more passively structured co-investments.In the past five years, Triago has grown across all its business lines, which include capital raising for funds and directs; private equity secondary transactions (both sales of limited partner-owned stakes and general partner-led deals); and strategic advisory (mostly manager M&A or other forms of capital raising against management company equity).About Triago - With offices in New York, London, Paris, Dubai and San Diego, Triago provides capital raising services, secondary transaction advisory, and strategic solutions for general partners and limited partners seeking to optimize success in the global private equity market. Founded in 1992 as one of the first PE fund placement agents, Triago has completed over 200 fundraisings and over 30 direct financings on six continents. Triago has advised on the transfer of more than 3,500 PE fund stakes on the secondary market on behalf of some 200 clients across the world. The group has also undertaken more than 50 strategic advisory mandates for general partners and limited partners looking to launch, boost or restructure PE operations. Triago's fastest growing and largest business today is private equity directs. http://www.triago.com About Houlihan Lokey - Houlihan Lokey Inc, (NYSE:HLI) is a global investment bank with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory. Houlihan Lokey serves corporations, institutions, and governments worldwide with offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. Independent advice and intellectual rigor are hallmarks of the firm's commitment to client success across its advisory services. The firm is the No. 1 investment bank for global M&A transactions under $1 billion, the No. 1 M&A advisor for the past eight consecutive years in the U.S., the No. 1 global restructuring advisor for the past nine consecutive years, and the No. 1 global M&A fairness opinion advisor over the past 25 years, all based on number of transactions and according to data provided by Refinitiv.Triago AdvisorsFinancial - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a Stifel CompanyLegal - Willkie Farr & Gallagher; Mayer BrownContact InformationDavid LanchnerHead of Communicationsdlanchner@ lanchner.com +33 6 33 43 50 76SOURCE: TriagoView the original press release on newswire.com
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HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages Barclays PLC (BCS) Investors with Substantial Losses to Contact Firm's Attorneys Before Jan. 2nd Deadline in Securities Fraud LawsuitSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: July 22, 2019 - Oct. 12, 2023 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 2, 2024 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/BCSContact An Attorney Now: BCS@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS) Securities Fraud Class Action:The complaint alleges that Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that:(1) contrary to his false public statements and assertions to Britain's Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), Barclays' ex-CEO Jes Staley had a very close relationship with Epstein;(2) Staley was reportedly aware of Epstein's criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein;(3) Staley's close, personal relationship with Epstein, and potential criminal activity, if discovered could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Barclays;(4) as a result, Barclays' response to the FCA inquiry regarding Staley's relationship with Epstein was materially false; and(5) Barclays, having become aware of information contradicting its response to the FCA's inquiry, then failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action.Investors began to learn the truth on Nov. 1, 2021, when Barclays announced Staley's departure after becoming aware of the FCA's preliminary conclusions regarding the company's and Staley's characterization of the Epstein relationship.Subsequently, the Financial Times reported that Staley and Epstein exchanged 1,200 emails over a four-year period and, just before joining Barclays in 2015, Staley sailed his yacht to Epstein's island in the Caribbean.Finally, on Oct. 12, 2023, the FCA announced that "Staley recklessly approved a letter sent by Barclays to the FCA, which contained two misleading statements, about the nature of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the point of their last contact." The FCA fined Staley, barred him from the financial services industry and observed that Staley's emails described Epstein as one of his "deepest" and "most cherished" friends.Each of these events drove the price of Barclays American Depositary Shares lower."We're focused on investors' losses and are investigating whether Barclays may have intentionally misled investors about the nature of the Staley-Epstein relationship," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Barclays and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Barclays case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Barclays should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email BCS@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 00:35:55

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HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages CHPT Investors with Substantial Losses to Contact FirmSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CHPT) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: June 1, 2023 - Nov. 16, 2023 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 29, 2024 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/CHPTContact An Attorney Now: CHPT@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CHPT) Securities Fraud Class Action:"The litigation focuses on whether ChargePoint may have misrepresented product demand and omitted to disclose rising inventory costs," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation.On Dec. 6, ChargePoint posted disappointing quarterly results, reporting a fiscal third-quarter net loss of $158.2 million, or 43 cents a share, compared with a net loss of $84.5 million, or 25 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. Revenue also declined 12% to $110.3 million from $124.3 million a year ago, missing analyst expectations.The poor results come on the heels of a recently filed securities class action suit. The complaint there alleges that Defendants misrepresented and concealed that: (1) ChargePoint was experiencing higher component costs and supply overruns for first generation DC charging products; (2) that, as a result, the Company was likely to incur impairment charges impacting profitability.The truth began to emerge on Sep. 6, 2023, when ChargePoint reported its 2Q 2024 financial results, including a "$28.0 million, or 19 percentage point, inventory impairment charge." The Company stated the "inventory impairment charge was taken to address legacy supply chain-related costs and supply overruns on a particular DC product." Then, on Nov. 16, 2023, ChargePoint announced preliminary Q3 2024 financial results, which would include an "additional non-cash inventory impairment charge" in the amount of $42 million "related to product transitions and to better align inventory with current demand." As a result, the Company expected to report "GAAP gross margin of negative 23% to negative 21%." The Company also reported revenue had fallen to "$108 million to $113 million, as compared to $150 to $165 million as previously expected." Moreover, ChargePoint announced the abrupt departures of its CEO (Pasquale Romano) and, at the request of its board, its CFO (Rex S. Jackson).Shares of ChargePoint have cratered 78.5% this year, as compared to the S&P 500 index that has increased nearly 20%."Based on ChargePoint's recent disclosures and share performance, we are investigating whether the alleged fraudulent period should be extended," said Mr. Kathrein.If you invested in ChargePoint and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the ChargePoint case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding ChargePoint should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email CHPT@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 02:33:45

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A Fusion of Urban Subculture and Hotel Sophistication - The Group Unveils the Hostel of Tomorrow in the Heart of ShibuyaTOKYO, JAPAN / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2023 / Global Agents , a foremost Japanese hospitality powerhouse celebrated for curating the distinctiveLIVELY HOTELScollection, proudly announces the upcoming launch ofHOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA . As part of the unique ensemble of boutique hotels across Japan, LIVELY HOTELS continues its legacy of redefining hospitality experiences. Set to open its doors in February 2024, HOTEL GRAPHY promises an immersive experience at the intersection of modern hotel sophistication and the dynamic spirit found in overseas hostels. Nestled in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, this innovative property represents a paradigm shift in urban hospitality experiences, with reservations for lodging scheduled to begin around late January 2024.The hotel boasts a 24-hour lounge, a top-floor terrace with captivating views of Ebisu and Daikanyama, a billiard room, and a self-service refreshment corner with free hot drinks. The first-floor lobby doubles as a spacious restaurant and bar space, featuring complimentary beer during the daily Happy Hour. Here, travelers can connect with locals while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The "Graphic Grill & Bar" restaurant offers a unique twist on the American diner experience, providing visually pleasing dishes and drinks designed to create a buzz among patrons.Embracing the changing work landscape, HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA will also offer a co-working service, " .andwork ," providing freelancers and remote workers with a dynamic base for their professional endeavors.With a total of 74 rooms ranging from standard to unique dormitories, HOTEL GRAPHY caters to travelers seeking an authentic yet diverse accommodation experience by seamlessly blending the perks of a modern hotel with the financial advantage and rich human interaction opportunities synonymous with hostels. Budget-friendly rates between 6,000 and 20,000 yen ensure accessibility for both hostel aficionados and those eager to explore the energetic hostel atmosphere.Situated on the redeveloped "Shibuya Bridge," the hotel pays homage to the elevated railroad tracks of the former Tokyu Toyoko Line, expressing its history through graphic art and utilizing the former tracks as a key visual throughout the space. The location serves as a testament to the revitalization of Shibuya, connecting it with Daikanyama and creating a vibrant atmosphere in the southern area of the district. The unique design incorporates elements of Shibuya's history and the old railway, with "rails" as a central visual theme throughout the hotel. Graphic art depicting the past of the elevated railway line and the evolution of Shibuya enhances the guest experience, providing valuable insights into the rich history of the location.As a part of the renowned LIVELY HOTELS collection, known for its six brands and 11 hotels across Japan, HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA expands the footprint to 12 locations. Following the success of "The Millennials" Shibuya, famous for its groundbreaking "SmartPod" sleeping units that have attracted waves of overseas guests and media, HOTEL GRAPHY aims to establish a new genre of the "hostel hotel" fusion in the trendsetting district of Shibuya.Founded in 2005, Global Agents, the parent company of LIVELY HOTELS, has experienced tremendous success in Japan's rental market, notably with their brand of co-living spaces, Social Apartment. The consolidation of six lifestyle hotel brands under the name LIVELY HOTELS in 2020 solidified their position as a prominent player in Japan's hospitality industry. With a current portfolio of 11 hotels and over 50 co-living apartments, Global Agents is dedicated to providing exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences, catering to the needs of today's modern travelers.HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA - Offical WebsiteContact InformationZacharie CoskunInternational Marketing Managerintl-pr@ global-agents.co.jp +81-50-3503-3625Related ImagesSOURCE: Global Agents Co., LtdView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 18:55:30

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SHENZHEN, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Lamarck Group , one of the leading regional wealth management and financial advisory companies, is pleased to announce it has opened its 5th OffshoreTax Advisory Branch . The Barbados office will increase Lamarck's presence in the Caribbean and is part of a broader desire to develop and strengthen its global services.As international lifestyles become increasingly common, managing wealth and taxes across borders has become more complex.Lamarck Grouprecognizes the need to seek expert guidance in these areas and has opened this office to support established, independently operated Tax Advisory Branches in London, Luxembourg, Netherlands Antilles, and Singapore.With a new team of highly skilled and experienced tax professionals joining the extensive existing company expertise, Lamarck Group is now in an even stronger position to cater to all its clients' international wealth needs. Services at all five Offshore Tax Advisory branches are available to both clients and non-clients of Lamarck Group.Some of the services offered include:International Tax Planning: Developing custom tax strategies that optimize tax efficiency while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.Offshore Asset Protection: Protecting offshore assets while minimizing tax liabilities and including advice on structuring offshore trusts, corporations, and other entities.Tax Compliance and Reporting: Guidance of completion, filing, and reporting obligations, and reducing the risk of penalties while ensuring full compliance with relevant tax authorities.Cross-Border Investments: Comprehensive and extensive guidance on cross-border tax implications and available planning strategies.CEO Edward Martin commented on the launch, saying, "We are excited to open what is now our fifth Offshore Tax Advisory Branch to meet the growing demand for international tax services for those living or working in the Caribbean or those with assets in multiple countries. Complex tax challenges require specialized expertise, and our Offshore Tax Advisory Branches provide the guidance and solutions needed to navigate these challenges successfully." The new branch will be led by Claire Mortimer, a seasoned tax professional with over thirty years of experience in international tax. Ms Mortimer expressed her enthusiasm for her appointment, stating, "I am extremely honored to lead this new branch and look forward to getting started helping clients to achieve their financial goals." For more information about Lamarck Group and its services, please visit https://www.lamarckgroup.com/or contactinfo@ lamarckgroup.com About Lamarck Group:Lamarck Groupstands out through a distinctive approach that prioritizes building enduring relationships with clients and treating them as members of an extended family. By genuinely understanding circumstances, aspirations, and long-term goals, the company crafts bespoke wealth management strategies that precisely align with unique client needs.Media Contact:Natasha Xiaon.xiao@lamarckgroup.com SOURCE: Lamarck Group
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 16:08:07

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Leading the Way in Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis during the Festive SeasonWACO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / In anticipation of the heightened risk of airborne respiratory illnesses this holiday season, Premier ER & Urgent Care announces its commitment to providing rapid testing and treatment for COVID-19, Influenza (Flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Aligning with the community's needs, Premier ER & Urgent Care is prepared to deliver swift healthcare services, with most patients receiving testing and treatment in typically under an hour. No appointments are needed.Health Concerns Amidst the Holidays With the festive season upon us and the rise in respiratory illnesses, Premier ER & Urgent Care addresses the community's concerns about the simultaneous surge in COVID-19, Flu and RSV cases. The facility is geared up to meet the challenge head-on.Streamlined Testing and Treatment Premier ER & Urgent Care has optimized its testing and treatment protocols to provide rapid results and immediate care. This efficiency is crucial in managing the spread of these viruses and offering peace of mind to patients and their families.Community-Centric Healthcare Approach Understanding the importance of quick and reliable healthcare, especially during the holidays, Premier ER & Urgent Care strongly emphasizes community health and well-being. Their approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of their patients, with a focus on reducing wait times, transparent billing and excellent care.Adaptability and Preparedness To adequately respond to the expected increase in respiratory illnesses, Premier ER & Urgent Care has bolstered its resources to ensure uninterrupted and efficient care. The staff, trained in emergency medicine, is well-equipped to handle the expected increase in patient volume , and are well-prepared for the holiday season."This holiday season, our focus at Premier ER & Urgent Care is to ensure the health and safety of our community by offering swift and efficient testing and treatment for COVID-19, Flu and RSV," stated Dr. Jay Woody, MD, FACEP, ABEM, Chief Medical Officer of Intuitive Health, Premier ER & Urgent Care's parent company. "Our unique hybrid model, combining the strengths of an ER and an urgent care center, is designed to provide precisely the level of care needed, mitigating the cost concerns that often arise from misjudging medical situations. Our approach optimizes patient care and delivers considerable cost efficiencies to the Central Texas community by effectively categorizing cases that require ER intervention from those that can be managed through urgent care services." An up-to-date listing of all in-network health insurance plans for Urgent Care and Emergency Care can be found here at https://www.premier.care/insurance/ Premier ER & Urgent Care Central Texas LocationsSan Marcos - 1509 N Interstate 35, San Marcos, TX 78666, 512-648-6188Temple - 7010 West Adams Avenue, Temple, TX 76502, 254-228-1200Waco - 221 S Jack Kultgen Expressway, Waco, TX 76704, 254-537-9452Woodway - 9110 Jordan Lane, Woodway, TX 76712, 254-399-0740Premier ER & Urgent Care's emergency department is open 24 hours a day and its urgent care is available 7 AM - 9 PM daily. For more information, please visit Premier ER & Urgent Care. For more information on Intuitive Health, please visit https://www.iheruc.com/ ###ABOUT PREMIER ER & URGENT CARE Founded in 2015, Premier ER & Urgent Care offers both urgent care and emergency room treatment options under one roof. By providing transparent billing, a welcoming clinical environment and one-on-one service with board-certified, emergency-trained physicians, Premier ER & Urgent Care has built an exceptional customer service program with industry-leading ratings. The Hybrid care model gives patients access to immediate full-service care while only paying for the level of service required. Each state-of-the-art location is equipped with modern, comfortable amenities, including X-ray, Ultrasound, CT scan, and a full-service laboratory to cater to a wide range of medical needs. The Emergency Room operates 24/7, and urgent care is available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. At Premier ER & Urgent Care, we are dedicated to providing the best possible care at an appropriate price. Our commitment to excellence and patient-centered care has established us as a trusted name in healthcare within our communities. For more information, please visit https://www.premier.care/ ABOUT INTUITIVE HEALTH Founded in 2008, Intuitive Health pioneered the combined emergency room and urgent care model. Intuitive Health partners with established health systems nationwide to build, operate and launch retail healthcare facilities that provide urgent care and emergency room services under one roof. Intuitive Health partners with leading health systems nationwide, including Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Intuitive's patient-centric approach to immediate care has saved payors and patients hundreds of millions in unnecessary emergency care spending. In addition, the Intuitive Health model increases market share for partnered healthcare systems by expanding their footprint with conveniently located centers. For more information, please visit IHERUC.com Media: Jo Trizila, TrizCom PR, on behalf of Premier ER & Urgent Care and Intuitive HealthOffice: 972-247-1369Cell/text: 214-232-0078Email: Jo@ TrizCom.com SOURCE: Intuitive Health
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 15:16:55

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LAFAYETTE, LA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / RIGID Constructors, a prominent leader in the heavy civil and marine construction industry, celebrated a successful collaboration with the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center during a recent event at its corporate office in Lafayette, Louisiana. Held on December 7, 2023, the event marked a significant milestone in the company's commitment to the health and well-being of its workforce through the Mary Bird Perkins' Prevention on the Go-Workplace Program.RIGID Constructors & Mary Bird Perkins Charity Gay, Regional Director, Early Detection and Education. Scott Gibson, Director, Human Resources (RIGID). Dr. Sarah McGinty, Board-Certified Dermatologist. and others at the event.During this impactful initiative, screenings were conducted for an impressive 65% of RIGID executives and managers. Notably, 70% of these employees had never undergone cancer screenings before, emphasizing the event's success in reaching individuals who had previously not prioritized preventive care.Mickey Suire, Chief Operations Officer of RIGID Constructors, expressed the company's dedication to employee health, stating, "At RIGID Constructors, we are committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of our employees. The collaboration with the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center allowed us to make a significant impact, reaching employees who had not previously accessed essential cancer screenings." RIGID Constructors is actively collaborating with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to introduce the Prevention-On-The-Go Units program at field locations beginning in 2024, aiming to extend this initiative to employees beyond office settings. This endeavor underscores RIGID's commitment to employee health and its overarching dedication to creating a positive impact in the communities it serves.About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer CenterMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 50 years. The cancer care organization provides care at 10 centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Gonzales, Hammond, Houma, Opelousas, Slidell, and Natchez, Mississippi, and its service area encompasses southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi regions. Mary Bird Perkins has a strategic affiliation with OneOncology and the largest radiation and medical oncology groups from across the area including exclusive partnerships with Southeastern Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group, which provides radiation therapy throughout Mary Bird Perkins' service areas, Northshore Oncology Associates, serving St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, specifically the communities of Covington and Slidell and Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates, which services the Greater Baton Rouge area. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org Contact InformationMegan MurphyMarketing Manager, Ivory Digitalmegan@ ivorydigitalstudio.com (225) 255-0359SOURCE: RIGID ConstructorsView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 09:55:24

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BANGKOK, Dec 20, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - SCG Decor PCL (SET: SCGD) debuted on the SET with the largest IPO of the year. The company is advancing its investment plan to foster stronger growth while implementing a strategy to grow its business by expanding into the decorative surface materials and sanitary ware markets in the ASEAN region.Mr. Numpol Malichai, CEO and President of SCG Decor PCL (SCGD), reported that the company successfully traded its shares (SET: SCGD) for the first time on December 20, 2023, on the SET under the construction materials category. This significant move is part of the strategic restructuring of SCGD's business to position itself as the core company within the SCG group, focusing on decorative surface materials and sanitary ware products. It aims to strengthen its financial position to support business expansion plans, ensure working capital for ongoing operations, and adjust capital structures. With over 40 years of experience and expertise in the industry, SCGD is confident that its plans to expand into the decorative surface materials and sanitary ware markets in the ASEAN region will drive robust growth.The company has continuous plans for investment expansion, having already invested in various projects. These include initiatives such as:1. Investments to reduce energy costs and enhance production efficiency, such as installing solar power generation systems in factories utilizing biomass for hot air production in the production powder for tile manufacturing in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam to reduce natural gas and coal consumption; reusing heat from furnaces in the production processes in Vietnam and the Philippines; upgrading production lines and kilns to accommodate new products and improve efficiency.2. Production line investment projects, including establishing a state-of-the-art SPC tile factory in Saraburi; expanding the production capacity for large-sized tiles and glazed porcelain in Vietnam; studying plans for setting up a new sanitary ware factory.The company sees opportunities to expand the market for sanitary ware and a diverse range of decorative surface material products in the ASEAN region. This market has great growth potential due to economic trends, growing population, and rising incomes. The company has formulated key strategies for business expansion, including:1) Expanding the sanitary ware business in ASEAN by leveraging strong production bases in Thailand, sourcing products from China and Vietnam, accepting a broad range of branded products, and expanding its retail and online channels, including distributor networks in Vietnam.2) Strengthen Thailand's decorative surface materials business and expand it to ASEAN. This involves increasing sales of High-Value Added (HVA) products, studying investment plans for tile factories in southern Vietnam, expanding markets through SCG's sales channels, expanding the SPC tile market in ASEAN, and investing in projects to expand and enhance production efficiency.3) Expanding related products and services to reinforce leadership in comprehensive surface decoration and sanitary ware services. This includes adding to the product portfolio and collaborating with potential partners in ASEAN.4) Managing the production supply chain efficiently, focusing on cost management, sourcing, and improving production efficiency towards a Smart & Green Factory to enhance profit-making capabilities.5) Sustainable growth through developing eco-friendly products and environmentally friendly production processes. The company aims to increase the proportion of SCG Green Choice products to 80% of sales by 2040 and strives towards Net Zero Carbon by 2060.Although the company's performance in the first 9 months of 2023 slightly lagged compared to the same period in the previous year, given the real estate situation in Vietnam, with revenue from sales at 21,522 million baht and a net profit of 760 million baht (after adjusting for non-recurring items), in the third quarter of 2023, the company achieved revenue from sales of 7,186 million baht and a net profit of 280 million baht (after adjusting for non-recurring items), representing an increase of 1.1% and 22.9%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter. This reflects an overall improvement in the economy, having passed its lowest point, and a positive trend in the market for the upcoming year. The company maintains a robust financial position, with a net debt-to-equity ratio of 0.3. Additionally, the gradually decreasing natural gas prices have positively impacted the company's production costs.Mr. Pichet Sithi-Amnuai, President of Bualuang Securities Public Company Limited, acting as financial advisor and underwriter, stated that SCGD is a robust company in various dimensions. It is a leader in the decorative surface and sanitary ware products business in the ASEAN region, holding the number one market share for ceramic tiles in Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Moreover, it is also the top market share holder for sanitary ware products in Thailand. The company is recognized and accepted across the ASEAN region, covering a wide customer base. It has a skilled product design and development team, modern production processes and technologies, comprehensive regional distribution channels, and is committed to sustainable growth under ESG principles.The SCGD IPO is considered the largest this year, with a market capitalization of 18,975 million baht at the IPO price. The securities have recently been registered on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, replacing COTTO, which was delisted following its business structure adjustment plan. The IPO includes the first-ever offering to the general public and an offering to existing COTTO shareholders, involving 439,100,000 shares, equivalent to 26.61% of the company's total issued and paid-up ordinary shares. The offering has received positive responses from investors and existing COTTO shareholders who responded well to the share purchase offer.Distributed by MT Multimedia Co., Ltd. on behalf of SCG Decor PCLi (SCGD)For more information, please contact Thiyaporn Sriadunphan (Dah)Tel: +66 87 556 6974 l, Email: thiyaporn.s@mtmultimedia.com
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 15:06:21

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Black Iron Inc. ("Black Iron" or the "Company") (TSX:BKI) announces that it has received feedback from Ukraine's Ministry of Economy on its Investment Support Agreement (the "Investment Agreement") application that updates to the applicable legislation are currently being finalized and Black Iron will be required to update and resubmit its Investment Agreement application to reflect such legislative changes prior to submitting the Investment Agreement to Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers for approval. While Black Iron appreciates the Ukrainian government's primary focus is on the war, it is unfortunate those not directly involved in the war efforts are not working more constructively and in a timelier manner with investors, as Black Iron understands that to date, not a single investment agreement has been signed.Signing of investment agreements with Black Iron and other meaningful investors is important to improve living standards for everyday Ukrainians by supporting the foreign direct investment needed for the reconstruction of Ukraine and to reinvigorate its war-ravaged economy. The seemingly ever-changing Ministerial personnel, coupled with taking well over two years to finalize the investment agreement legislation makes it difficult for companies to invest in Ukraine's reconstruction. Fundamentally, it's imperative Ukraine government officials not directly involved in the war effort are highly focused on working proactively with engaged major investors such as Black Iron to prepare practical solutions for the country's reconstruction.Black Iron management has been advised the updated investment support agreement legislation is in the final review process and should be published within the next few weeks. Upon this legislation being published, it is Black Iron's intention to update its Investment Agreement application and supporting documentation for resubmission in hopes of receiving more direct and timely engagement to finalize the Investment Agreement for submission to Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers for approval.About Black IronBlack Iron is an iron ore exploration and development company, advancing its 100% owned Shymanivske Iron Ore Project located in Kryviy Rih, Ukraine. Full mineral resource details and projected project economics can be found in the NI 43-101 technical report entitled "(Amended) Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Re-scoped Shymanivske Iron Ore Deposit" published in March 2020 with an effective date of November 21, 2017 under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . The Project is surrounded by five other operating mines, including Metinvest's YuGOK and ArcelorMittal's iron ore complex. Please visit the Company's website at www.blackiron.com for more informationFor more information, please contact:Black Iron Inc. info@ blackiron.com Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, opinions and estimates of the date such statements are made based on information available to them at that time. Forward-looking information may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the terms of Investment Agreement, approval of investment agreement legislation, the review, approval and execution of the Investment Agreement, reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, the outcome of the war in Ukraine and the Company's future plans. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: the war in Ukraine; general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; the actual results of current exploration activities; other risks of the mining industry and the risks described in the annual information form of the Company. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company notes that mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.SOURCE: Black Iron
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited the construction site of the mosque in the village of Dashalti, Shusha district.

The head of state was informed about the progress of construction works.

A foundation stone for the Dashalti village mosque was laid by President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva on November 7, 2021. The construction works are scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2024.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-21 15:16:47

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Impact Relations InstituteRegister for our upcoming Impact Council on Jan 10, 2024 at 12pm ET / 9am PTRegister now and be sure you don't miss our next Impact Council on Wed, Jan 10 at 12pm ET / 9am PT! We'll be joined by two experts on marketing and communications: Katy Mendes, Vice President, Allison and Whitney Dailey, EVP & Co-Lead Purpose Center of Excellence, Allison.It's no secret 2024 will be tumultuous in more ways than one. Social issues have reached a new boiling point with global tensions and war, an already fraught presidential election in the U.S., and continued moments in time where many personal and cultural values are at odds.And amid this, brands are still expected to speak out on issues affecting their stakeholders but oftentimes must face the risk associated with both action and inaction. In a time when values-driven leadership is both celebrated and attacked, how can companies confidently move forward?The Impact Relations Institute, in partnership with 3BL Media, will host a conversation with the Purpose Center of Excellence experts at communications consultancy Allison as they map out an approach to helping companies determine how to lead with values and respond to cultural hot points through creating an objective framework for response. This session will unpack a process which allows brands to understand when (and when not) to lean in on issues, and provides robust and strategic guidelines to enable confident decision-making around proposed directions.Register here to secure your spotModerator: Melissa Orozco (Founder & CEO, Yulu PR).Speakers:About Katy Mendes, VP, San Francisco: During her 9+ years at Allison, Katy has worked with startups and mid-sized brands to global, Fortune 500 companies, approaching corporate storytelling with a socially orientated mindset.Following her move from London to San Francisco, she has built and led purpose-driven thought leadership and media relations campaigns to inspire movements and spark behavior change for clients past and present including Visa, Brita, Hasbro, Toyota, Athleta, Stasher, Smartwool and the Goldman Environmental Prize.With a background in the non-profit world in the UK prior to agency life, she is now a true industry generalist with 10+ years' experience across multiple sectors and markets and has a passion for helping brands tell stories that matter.Katy also leads the agency's Cultural Sensitivity Team, which reviews both internal and client communications through a lens of cultural inclusivity. Katy holds a BA with a major in psychology and minor in fine art from Newcastle University.About Whitney Dailey, EVP, Boston: With 15 years of experience in the purpose/ESG/impact space, Whitney Dailey is a thought leader at the intersection of purpose and communications.At Allison, Whitney serves as Executive Vice President, Purpose and leads the agency's Purpose Center of Excellence - a dedicated team specializing in Purpose brand strategy and ESG leadership, backed by Allison's global network of more than 1,000+ creatives and storytellers. In this role, Whitney helps clients establish, communicate and measure impact goals and strategies, as well as build breakthrough social impact programs and thoughtful, strategic Purpose programs and initiatives from the ground up.Whitney's expertise in Purpose, marketing and communications has helped guide forward-looking thinking and communications strategies on behalf of brands including Brita, Dexcom, Athleta, B. Lab and others.Whitney holds an MBA in Environmental Management from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and a BA in Business Administration from the George Washington University. She also earned an MBA Certificate in Clean Energy and Sustainability from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She is also an adjunct professor at Boston College.Not able to attend the session? Register here to receive the link to the session afterward.What else would you like to learn during these sessions? Email your request to hello@ impactrelations.org We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming sessions!View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Impact Relations Institute on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Impact Relations InstituteWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/impact-relations-institute Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Impact Relations Institute
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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Walgreens Boots Alliance is thrilled to be the winner of the Diversity & Inclusion category at this year's World Sustainability Awards. Learn why WBA was selected at https://worldsustainabilityleaders.com/events/winner-diversity-inclusion-walgreens-boots-alliance/ Walgreens Boots Alliance's global diversity, equity and inclusion strategyWith more than 325,000 employees in nine countries, our workplace encompasses a range of backgrounds, cultures, experiences, perspectives and insights. Our goal is to create a culture underpinned by allyship, where diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is not just a mantra but a seamless way of working. Our mission is to attract, develop, and engage employees and partners who reflect the diverse customers and communities we serve, and to foster an inclusive future where everyone feels respected, valued, and excited to grow their career with us. We can accomplish this by having DE&I at the center of everything we do.Our global DEI strategy follows three pillars of action: continuously learning, building talented and diverse teams, and building inclusive brands and services. During fiscal 2022, our strategy came to life through continued leadership accountability and transparency in building talented and diverse teams, expansion of our business resource groups (BRGs), including membership, driving and enhancing, supplier diversity initiatives, and ongoing organizational learning and awareness.Boots has a DEI Steering Group composed of senior leaders from the UK and the Republic of Ireland who meet monthly to hold themselves accountable for change. No7 Beauty Company has a Racial Equity Movement (REM) board across the UK and U.S. that supports the Company's efforts to root out all forms of racism in the workplace and encourage our function leaders to integrate DEI commitments within their teams. While our strategy is global, our execution is local, and we are empowering our leaders to listen, learn, and take meaningful action based on their local cultures, regulations, and customers.Read more about Walgreens Boots Alliance's commitment to DEI in its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Walgreens Boots Alliance on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Walgreens Boots AllianceWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/walgreens-boots-alliance Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Walgreens Boots Alliance
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 /Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP ("Wolf Haldenstein"), a preeminent national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE:DEC)(NYSE:DEC) (the "Company").All investors who purchased shares and incurred losses are advised to contact the firm immediately at classmember@ whafh.com or (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774. You may obtain additional information concerning the potential action on our website, www.whafh.com PLEASE CLICK HERE TO PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATIONWolf Haldenstein is investigating whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors.Diversified Energy is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing and well retirement. Through its differentiated strategy, Diversified Energy acquires existing, long-life assets and invests in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner.On December 18, 2023, the Company announced that trading in its ordinary shares would commence at market open on NYSE. Diversified would also retain its premium listing and continue to trade on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. No new ordinary shares were being offered or sold in connection with the U.S. Listing.On December 19, 2023, Diversified Energy announced that it received a request from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce regarding its well retirement and emissions information. The Company announced that it was reviewing the letter and intends to provide information regarding Diversified Energy's purportedly "peer-leading environmental and operational actions that underpin its responsible asset stewardship approach." According to the Company, the request was partially based on a 2021 media report that "broadly speculated and inaccurately described numerous items, including how the Company addresses emissions and well retirement." On this news, the Company's shares declined from a $17.00 per ordinary share high during trading on December 19, 2023, to open at $14.75 per ordinary share on December 20, 2023, before closing at $15.20 per ordinary share.Wolf Haldenstein has experience in the prosecution of securities class actions and derivative litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. The reputation and expertise of this firm in shareholder and other class litigation has been recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex securities multi-district and consolidated litigation.If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this case, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735 or via e-mail at classmember@ whafh.com Contact:Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLPGregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial AnalysisEmail: gstone@ whafh.com or classmember@ whafh.com Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.SOURCE: Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP
The Nigerian government on Thursday announced the mechanical completion and the flare start-off of the countrys biggest crude refinery in Port Harcourt.

Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil), made the announcement during a media tour of the Port Harcourt refinery on Thursday.

Just to announce to Nigerians the fulfilment of our pledge to bring on stream phase one of the Port Harcourt refinery by the end of 2023 and the subsequent streaming of phase two in 2024. We happily announced the mechanical completion and the flare start-off on the 20th of December 2023, Mr Lokpobiri said on Thursday.

The Port Harcourt Refineries comprise two units, with the old plant having a refining capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) and the new plant 150,000 bpd, both summing up to 210,000 bpd.

The refinery shut down in March 2019 for the first phase of repair works after the government secured the service of Italys Maire Tecnimont to handle the review of the refinery complex, with oil major Eni appointed technical adviser.

Speaking on Thursday, the minister explained that production of petroleum products at the refinery will commence after the Christmas break.

Mr Lokpobiri said This heralds the commencement of production of petroleum products after the Christmas break. We want to thank Nigerians for their patience and trust in the NNPC to deliver on her promise and mandate of rehabilitating our refineries.

This is also another landmark of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration. Congratulations to NNPC and congratulations to Nigerians.

Also speaking on Thursday, the Board Chairman of NNPC Ltd, Pius Akinyelure, expressed satisfaction about the new development.

Mr Akinyelure said his team promised President Bola Tinubu that the refinery would begin operation in 2023.

He recalled that the refinery had undergone several phases of rehabilitation, noting that the commencement of operations would keep fuel costs stable.

Background

Nigeria owns four refineries, two located in Port Harcourt and one in Warri and Kaduna. But the refineries have been moribund for many years despite Turn-Around-Maintenance (TAM) efforts.

This has resulted in the importation of petroleum products for domestic use to cover the gap in the refinerys output, costing the nation dear in terms of lost revenue.

In 2015, former President Muhammadu Buhari pledged to revive the countrys minimally performing refineries to optimum capacity and boost foreign reserves by ending the importation of refined fuel.

In November 2018, the Buhari administration fixed December 2019 as the deadline for three refineries to attain full production capacity to end petroleum importation in the country. Later in the month, the deadline was shifted to 2020.

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Even though the 2020 deadline was not realised, the government spent N10.23 billion in June 2020 on three refineries that processed zero crude.

In 2021, NNPCL said repairs had started at Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) after FEC approved $1.5 billion for the project.

Last September, the then Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, said the countrys biggest crude refinery in Port Harcourt would restart operation in December after it had completed a revamp that began over a year ago. But PREMIUM TIMES analysis in October last year showed that the timelines were unmet.

Again, in January 2023, Mr Sylva assured that part of the refinery would be completed by the years first quarter, but the government has again failed to meet its target.

Mr Lokpobiri had in August assured that the Port Harcourt refinery will become functional by December while Warri and Kaduna will be ready by the end of next year.

On the tour were the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) Board Chairman, Pius Akinyelure, NNPC Ltd. Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari and other dignitaries.

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Social media has been a key tool in changing the narrative about Palestine as it has allowed Palestinians to tell their stories and their plight under Israeli occupation, a Palestinian diplomat said on Wednesday.

Abdullah Abu Shawesh, who is the ambassador of Palestine to Nigeria, said before the advent of social media, the traditional media unfairly reported Palestine.

Its social media that makes the difference to us, he told journalists in Abuja. Our people used to be killed before and nobody will talk about it. We did not succeed in telling our story until the last 15 years when we have had social media.

This helps us as Palestinians very much and this is very important. The social media gave us the ability to tell our story, to tell the world at least and show some videos about what is happening right now and in the past in Palestine.

Mr Shawesh accused Western Media of bias in the reportage of the Israel-Palestine crisis including the current war that started on 7 October after Hamas militants attacked Israel, leading to the death of about 1,200 people.

Israeli retaliatory attacks in Gaza have killed over 20,000 people, the majority of them civilians. Over 90 per cent of the two million population of Gaza have also been displaced due to the Israeli attacks.

Palestine is not asking the world to support them. Rather, all we are saying is for the media to be fair to us and give us a chance to tell our side of the story.

Its very important to note this because the data coming from the Western media is not fair. And the majority of their reporting is completely biased, he said.

At the Wednesday event hosted by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NCSIA), the diplomat also said that the Palestine government will continue to condemn the Israeli attacks in Gaza and the West Bank.

He said Israel was the biggest loser in the ongoing war as the original plan of Israel was to exterminate Palestine. Yet that is unachieved and can never be achieved, he said.

Unfortunately, we lost a lot in this war, Mr Shawesh said, But the big loser is Israel because when the war started they declared two main goals: to eliminate or completely eliminate or neutralise the Palestinian fighters and the second is to liberate the hostages and they did not succeed till now.

He added that since 7 October when the current war started, Israel has not been able to get any hostages released through violence, noting that it is time for the Israeli forces to end the violence and engage in discussions to end the decades-long Israel-Palestine crisis.

Mr Shawesh added the world, including Western countries, is beginning to side with Palestine as shown by the United Nations Secretary Generals repeated call for a ceasefire.

The United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council have passed resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. But each time, the resolution is vetoed by the United States of America, one of only five permanent members with such a veto.

On Wednesday, Mr Shawesh said, Israel will surely regret its action in the coming years.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the ambassador earlier described the ongoing war in Gaza as an unfolding textbook genocide on Palestine in which many Western countries are complicit by providing military, financial, and political support to Israel.

The world beginning from the United States to the rest of those who turn a blind eye to the Israeli atrocities should wake up to the fact that all humans are equal. And justice is the best guarantor of peace, he said.

The current war in Gaza, which has seen the death of almost 20,000 people including journalists and aid workers, started on 7 October after Hamas launched what has been described as the largest attack against Israel in years.

However, the ambassador said, what happened on 7 October was not the beginning of the conflict. He said the root of war can be traced to 106 years ago or as far back as 3,000.

I would like to say that what happened on 7 October was a genocide but it is not the beginning of this. Nobody is talking about what happened on 6 October. They (Israel) killed seven Palestinians for nothing. Between January and 6 October, 152 Palestinians were killed. But none of the media captured that, Mr Shawesh said.

War Crimes

Human rights organisations have accused Israel of war crimes as an overwhelming majority of the over 20,000 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks are civilians, two-thirds of them women and children.

In its defence, the Israeli army has accused the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007, of using civilians as human shields.

Speaking on this, Mr Shawesh acknowledged that Hamas use civilians as human shields but there is still no justification for killing innocent children and bombing hospitals.

If Israel respects the rule of law and human rights, why are they still committing war crimes against innocent Palestinian civilians?

Mr Shawesh was asked if Palestinians were willing to surrender and vacate their land for the sake of peace.

We are the owners of these lands and we are not going anywhere. They succeeded in expelling most of us from our historical land, the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people, and many of us became refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, West Bank, and Gaza. I, myself, was born as a refugee in a refugee camp in Gaza.

About 78 per cent of Israel is the historical land of Palestine. But thats not the issue now. What we want now is the ability to build our state in only 22 per cent of what was our historical land Palestine. This is very important because otherwise, how are we going to talk about our history, he said.

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Nigeria has been in the grip of long-running trends of security challenges that have affected no fewer than 32 out of the 36 states in the country.

The challenges of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, farmers-herders crisis, ethnic agitations and economic sabotage have continued to evolve in different natures and forms.

These have occupied the attention of the security forces as they battle to address the spiralling security challenges with relative successes recorded nationwide despite emerging operational challenges.

Through various operations, the military and other security agencies have stepped up efforts to make Nigeria safer for all.

The military has particularly deployed several kinetic to non-kinetic approaches to tackle the challenges, including amnesty and deradicalisation programmes for surrendered and repentant terrorists who laid down their arms in the various theatres of operations.

Though the operations were not without setbacks, a lot was achieved in restoring peace and order to several communities across the country.

For instance, in Borno, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, peace has been largely restored and communities hitherto displaced by the crisis are finding their feet and striving to take back their life.

According to Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, more than one million people displaced by the Boko Haram crisis in the state have so far been resettled by the government.

They now reside securely with dignity in more than 20,000 newly constructed and rehabilitated resettlement homes across their ancestral communities in various local government areas of the state.

Additionally, we have reinstated civil authority, provided essential amenities, and established livelihoods for the returnees.

I am pleased to report that the security situation in the state has greatly improved and will continue to improve, Mr Zulum said while presenting the 2024 budget to the state assembly.

The governor also said the dialogue with insurgents initiated by the government had led to the surrender of over 150,000 of them and their families.

According to him, disarmament, demobilisation, deradicalisation, rehabilitation, reconciliation and reintegration remains the best way, going forward, to ending insurgency and ensuring lasting peace in troubled areas of the country.

This typifies that operational successes alone without non-kinetic interventions would only guarantee pyrrhic victory, as the root causes may remain unaddressed.

So far, as stated by Mr Zulum, the military operations in the Northeast have brought about a considerable level of stability to the region, with several communities who fled the devastation caused by the Boko Haram and Islamic States of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists, now back to their ancestral lands.

In the North-central and the North-west, Operations Safe Haven, Whirl Stroke, Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch have been sustained by the military with significant successes.

The land and air offensives launched by troops in 2023 had taken out several terrorists and their collaborators and helped to rescue hundreds of hostages from the criminals.

In the Niger Delta region, the joint task force Operation Delta Safe and other security operations in the region have also reduced the vandalism of oil facilities.

In the last five months, the military has uncovered and destroyed 636 illegal refining sites and intercepted 21.7 million litres of crude oil valued at N54 billion.

No fewer than 610 suspected oil thieves were nabbed within the period while 670 boats used to convey stolen crude oil and its products were impounded.

In one such interception, a 77-meter-long oil tanker, MT VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS, involved in crude oil theft with 17 crew members onboard was impounded.

They were intercepted at the EBESAN oil field about 7 nautical miles off the coast of Awoye riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to the Naval spokesman, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, the arrest of the vessel followed credible intelligence received by the base on the illegal activities of crude oil thieves at the location.

The decisive intervention has led to an increase in Nigerias oil production output to about 1.7 million barrels per day in December, a sharp increase from the 1.1 million barrels daily production as of August 2023.

Also, the Director of Defence Information, Edward Buba, said while briefing journalists on 15 December 2023, that troops on the frontline had eliminated 38 terrorists and arrested 155 within a week in the North-west where bandits continue to operate with impunity.

However, these successes were not without setbacks such as the killing of soldiers in ambushes, sabotage, loss of equipment and operational errors that had resulted in the killing of innocent citizens.

In August, a total of 36 officers and soldiers were killed in an ambush, followed by a helicopter crash in Niger where three officers and 22 soldiers paid the supreme price in Zungeru general area.

According to the update provided by Mr Buba, the NAF helicopter had evacuated deceased and wounded troops when it crashed in Chukuba, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

The bodies of 14 soldiers previously killed in an ambush and the seven wounded ones being evacuated, as well as two pilots and two crew members on board were involved in the crash which left no survivor.

There were also other air mishaps involving NAF jets and helicopters within the year, which include the NAF Cessna Citation CJ3, a maritime patrol aircraft that belly landed in Lagos in February.

A NAF FT-7NI trainer aircraft also crashed in Makurdi, Benue in July, while an MI-35P helicopter crash-landed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, on 1 December 1.

However, a major operational setback was recorded on 3 December, when a drone strike carried out by the Nigerian Army on Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State, targeting what they thought was a group of bandits, mistakenly hit the village, killing at least 88 civilians and leaving more than 70 injured.

The incident generated reactions from different quarters including individuals and organisations.

The military leadership and the federal government have taken steps to control the damage and provide succour to the victims and their families.

Despite the setbacks, Mr Buba assured Nigerians that the military will not relent in defeating bandits, insurgents and other terrorists in the country.

The armed forces is hunting down prominent terrorists leadership and engaging them wherever they are hiding, these operations are being conducted in accordance with the laws of armed conflict and based on intelligence.

The ongoing operations are also based on military necessities and are distinguishing between civilians, non-combatants, and terrorists.

The military will continue to take the fight to the terrorists and their cohorts until they are destroyed or surrender.

The armed forces is winning the war, and having the upper hand. Ongoing operations would only be completed if the terrorists surrender or are totally defeated, said the defence spokesman.

It is instructive to note that the conduct of the military during the off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo, had drawn applause from the public, including election observers, for the professional manner they conducted themselves in the defence of democracy.

This has not been lost on President Bola Tinubu, who told the top army echelon not to compromise in their defence of democracy and national security.

The president said during the 2023 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Maiduguri, that the government would continue with the ongoing modernisation of the military with a focus on improving mobility, communication and offensive striking capabilities.

Tinubu also said he has approved N18 billion Group Life Insurance to be accessed by families of fallen heroes, as part of government commitment to the welfare of personnel and their families.

As Nigerians march into 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has assured a significant reduction in the security challenges in the country.

We want to assure you that we will take these things into consideration in our deployment and we are going to enhance our capabilities going forward.

We want every Nigerian to enjoy being in Nigeria and we want the internally displaced persons camps closed, we want farmers to be able to go back to their farms and communities should be able to go back to their communities so that they can live well.

These are the efforts and the task we have ahead of us, and we assure Nigerians that they can rely and trust that the armed forces of Nigeria is here for them, the CDS said.

(NAN)

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The police in Imo State, south-east Nigeria, say they have arrested a suspected commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Emoha, a community in Mgbidi, Oru West Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, Ikechukwu Uba, was arrested when police operatives from the anti-kidnapping squad stormed his hideout in the community on 16 December, according to a statement by the police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, on Thursday.

Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, said apart from the suspected IPOB commander, three other members of the separatist group were arrested during the operation.

The police spokesperson said the operation, led by Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, a chief superintendent of police, followed a diligently gathered actionable intelligence about the suspects.

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On interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the ESN terrorist group, commanding Mgbidi Axis and stated further that he masterminded the attacks on Omuma Police Station and soldiers at Mgbidi and Awo-Mmama, narrating further that he receives funding from the Finland-based Simon Ekpa to carry out terrorist attacks in the state, Mr Okoye said in the statement.

Mr Ekpa is a pro-Biafra agitator and leader of Autopilot, a faction of IPOB.

He has been linked to the growing insecurity across Nigerias south-east.

Arrest of traditional ruler

Mr Okoye said Mr Uba and the others suspects, provided information to the police operatives that led to the arrest of Augustine Anozie, the traditional ruler of the community in Imo State.

Mr Anozie, the 51-year-old traditional ruler, was mentioned by the suspects as one of their alleged sponsors in the state, according to the statement.

Two locally made revolver long guns, one double barrel long gun, and 33 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from the traditional rulers house during an intense search, the police said.

Investigation is in progress and the suspects will be arraigned upon completion of a diligent investigation.

Worsening insecurity

Like other states in Nigerias south-east, security has deteriorated in Imo State, with frequent attacks by armed persons.

The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities.

The Nigerian government has accused IPOB of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. But the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

IPOB is leading an agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of south-south Nigeria.

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The Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, has said that more Nigerian youth were elected into the state and national assemblies in the 2023 general elections compared to 2019.

Elections into the state assemblies across the federation and the National Assembly were held in March and February respectively.

The minister was speaking on Thursday during the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of the Legislative Mentoring Initiative(LMI).

The LMI is a mentorship programme kickstarted by the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, whos now the chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu.

The programme, now in its second phase and handled exclusively by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies(NILDS), is meant to equip the participants with relevant legislative capabilities and to expose them to essential governance skills that will enable them to function effectively in the public governance sector whenever they have the opportunity to do so.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Abuja, Ms Ibrahim said young politicians produced significant upsets and unseated incumbents in the 2023 elections.

According to a report by Yiaga Africa, the minister said, youth representation in the legislature improved slightly.

Compared to the 2015 and 2019 elections, the 2023 elections marked a notable increase in the representation of young people in both the National and State Houses of Assemblies. In the House of Representatives, youth representation rose from 3 % in 2019 to 3.92%, signifying a 0.9% increase.

Similarly, there was a 0.3% increase at the state level, from 8.9% to 9.2% in youth representation in state assemblies. Notably, individuals between the ages of 25 and 35 secured 14 out of the 360 seats in the House of Representatives and 92 out of 993 constituency seats in sub-national legislative houses, she said.

The minister further said The 2023 elections witnessed historic victories on two fronts: First, two individuals under the age of 29 secured seats in the National Assembly. Second, young female legislators

achieved unprecedented success in legislative elections. Four female legislators under the age of 35 secured seats in three state assemblies-Delta, Lagos, and Kwara-with Kwara state boasting the highest number of young female legislators.

Remarkably, the youngest elected female legislator, age 26, hails from Kwara State. This marks the first instance in the 25-year history of Nigerias democratic journey where voters elected four young female legislators and candidates below 30 to the National and State Assemblies.

All of the foregoing, the minister remarked, symbolises resilience, resistance, and the courage of young people in reshaping the power dynamics in democratic politics as they exemplify the possibilities that arise when the political landscape is broadened through constitutional and policy reforms, allowing new voices to emerge

Ms Ibrahim said that her ministry is dedicated to developing programmes and initiatives that empower the youth to take charge of their destinies.

In his remarks, the founder of the initiative, Mr Gbajabiamila, congratulated the 45 graduates selected from the 36 States of the federation and the FCT on their successful completion of the programme and thanked them for believing enough in the vision of the LMI to apply and stay the course.

Go forth and succeed, Mr Gbajabiamila charged the new fellows.

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks during the ceremony, the Director General of NILDS, Abubakar Sulaiman, reiterated the earlier commitment of the institute to enrol the three best fellows of the programme into the institutes Legislative Drafting Internship Programme and other opportunities.

As part of his efforts to ensure the sustainability of the LMI programme, Mr Sulaiman, a professor, said appropriate steps are being taken under the leadership of the National Assembly to secure dedicated funding for it.

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Troops of Operation Delta Safe, in the last week, uncovered and destroyed 68 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta.

The troops also apprehended 42 suspected oil thieves in the region.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, a major general, made this known while briefing journalists on the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The troops had maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft in the region with the recovery of 234,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 160,800 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil and 10,800 litres of premium motor spirit.

He added that the troops discovered and destroyed nine dugout pits, 14 boats, 43 storage tanks, two motorcycles and nine vehicles.

Other items recovered include 71 cooking ovens, three pump machines and 37 illegal refining sites.

Troops also apprehended 42 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements, he said.

Mr Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA, in the South-east, neutralised three criminals, arrested nine suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued two kidnapped persons.

He said the troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, three FN rifles, one pump action gun, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special, four cartridges, and two magazines, among other items.

All the recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action, he said.

According to him, the goal of the operations is to end terrorism and improve security.

(NAN)

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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says it recorded zero jailbreaks and attacks in all 253 custodial centres across the country in 2023.

The spokesman, Abubakar Umar, an assistant controller of corrections (ACC), disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Umar said that the government had taken comprehensive measures to bolster the security of the facilities and effectively counteract any potential threats, whether originating from internal or external sources.

He said that Nigeria had been haunted by alarming occurrences of vicious jailbreaks and attacks in previous years adding that a lot of strategies were put in place to avert the trends across the nation.

He recalled that the management had announced on 20 January that 2023 would be a tough year for perpetrators of jailbreaks across the country as massive personnel and technology for intelligence gathering were deployed to forestall jail attacks.

This, he said, was both in terms of infrastructural development in the service for the year 2023 and security strategies to prevent what happened in the year 2022.

NAN reports that an incident occurred on 5 July involving the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram in which they successfully carried out an attack on a Nigerian highly fortified custodial centre in Abuja.

By overpowering the vigilant security personnel, the group managed to infiltrate the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, resulting in a significant escape of 879 inmates of which more than half of them were later apprehended.

Mr Umar said that the absence of jail attacks in Nigeria in 2023 was a testament to the robust security measures and the dedicated efforts of the security personnel which included various stakeholders.

He said that it reflected the commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment within custodial centres, ensuring the well-being of inmates and staff alike.

This achievement should be celebrated as a significant milestone in upholding law and order in the country, he said.

According to Mr Umar, the fact that there were no jail attacks recorded in Nigeria in 2023 is truly remarkable.

It speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the top-level security measures that have been diligently upheld in our custodial centres across the nation.

Ensuring the safety and security of these facilities is of utmost importance, as it does not only protects the inmates, but also the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to maintain order and rehabilitation within the system.

This accomplishment can be attributed to a combination of factors. It reflects the dedication and professionalism of the security personnel who diligently carry out their duties, implementing robust protocols and procedures to prevent any untoward incidents.

Our commitment to upholding the highest standards of security is commendable and should be recognised, he said.

Speaking further, Mr Umar said that proper inmate rehabilitation and reintegration had also contributed to the peace enjoyed in all custodial centres in Nigeria.

He said that the care for inmates was a huge task adding that the safety and peace of the custodial centres were important.

He said Dont forget that it is only in the absence of chaos that businesses strive.

This year, we ensure that these inmates are kept in our custodial centres without any problem, no riot, no agitation and the inmates are going about their normal businesses and that is what gives the society the safety they require.

A secure and well-maintained custodial system not only upholds the rule of law but also provides an environment conducive to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, he said.

READ ALSO: SSS warns Nigerians about possible terror attacks during Sallah holiday

The NCoS spokesman acknowledged that the absence of jail attacks in 2023 also highlighted the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies.

Mr Umar said that the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Police Force, NCoS authorities, and other security agencies, have also played a pivotal role in maintaining the security of custodial centres.

Their cooperation and vigilance have undoubtedly contributed to this positive outcome, he said.

(NAN)

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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said no fewer than 53,836 inmates in the 253 correctional centres nationwide are awaiting trial as of 18 December.

The spokesperson of the service, Abubakar Umar, an Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC), told this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Umar said that the summary of the inmates across the country by conviction and those on the awaiting trial list was 77,849 within the period under review.

According to him, the total number of convicted inmates was 24,013 persons adding that the convicted male inmates were 23,569 and 444 convicted females respectively.

Statistics shows that 69 per cent of the inmates in Custodial Centres are actually awaiting trial while 31 per cent are convicted inmates, he said.

Mr Umar said that one of the challenges of the service was the issue of dilapidated custodial structures which resulted in overcrowded and congested spaces within the centers.

He said that the government has recently constructed 3,000 ultra-modern additional custodial facilities across the six geopolitical zones to decongest existing centres.

He said the initiative would help in decongesting the centres as well as enhance the welfare and the health of the inmates.

That of Kano has been inaugurated and we are expecting speedy completion on the remaining facilities under construction, he said.

READ ALSO: Investment fraudster bags 75 years in prison for swindling investors over N1 billion

The ongoing construction of Abuja and the Portharcourt centres had reached completion stages and they would soon be inaugurated, he added.

He appreciated the federal government for raising N585 million towards the settlement of fines for inmates in a bid to decongest correctional centres across the country.

He also lauded the recent effort of the federal government to release 4,068 inmates serving various jail terms.

(NAN)

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Guinea-Bissaus President Umaro Embalo has dismissed Geraldo Martins as prime minister just a week after his reappointment.

The president also appointed former Prime Minister Rui Duarte de Barros as replacement, Wednesdays presidential decrees showed.

Mr Embalo dissolved Guinea-Bissaus parliament days after what he said was a foiled coup on 1 December, accusing the government of passivity in response to the clashes.

He then reappointed Martins as prime minister on 12 December.

The presidential decrees did not provide a reason for sacking Mr Martins, who is a member of the former ruling PAIGC party which now leads the main opposition coalition.

Sources close to the matter said the prime minister and the president were at odds.

Mr De Barros previously worked as the West African countrys minister of economy and finance and as a commissioner at the West African Economic and Monetary Union, before serving as prime minister in a transitional government between 2012 and 2014.

Guinea-Bissau has often been in political turmoil and has seen several coups since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974.

Police fired tear gas last week to disperse opposition members of parliament who had tried to convene in defiance of Embalos decision to dissolve the house.

A date for new legislative elections has not yet been set.

(Reuters/NAN)

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The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye, has denied advocating that Nigerian women should be exempted from paying tax.

Mrs Ohaneye, in a statement by her spokesperson, disassociated herself from a TV publication on Tuesday insinuating that she said women should not pay tax in Nigeria.

The report stated that the minister made the statement at the 4th Annual Forum of the Women, Peace, and Security Sector Reference Group 2023 in Abuja on Monday, where she emphasised the importance of empowering women to enhance their daily pursuits.

However, in a statement signed by Ohaeri Joseph, her special assistant on media, the minister said she never made the statement.

Misrepresentation of speech

According to the statement, the ministers speech was misrepresented.

The Minister did not canvass for women not to pay tax because as a law-abiding citizen and a major stakeholder in the Nigerian project, she strongly embraces the fact that there is no gender barrier for tax payment which is the civic responsibility of both men and women in the country, Mr Joseph wrote.

For the avoidance of doubts, the minister stated that some initiatives including mechanized farming and Tricycle transport schemes called Pink Riders have been introduced to empower women to support their husbands.

He added that at a strategic session in October to flag off the Pink Riders Transport Scheme, the minister invited the police, vigilante and transport union representatives to further provide security and to protect women who operate tricycles from any form of harassment.

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The Nigerian government has significantly increased its budgetary allocation for immunisation programmes and services in the 2024 proposed budget.

A review of the 2024 budget, tagged Budget of Renewed Hope, shows that about N137 billion was allocated to immunisation programmes including counterpart funding, procurement of Routine Immunisation (RI) vaccines, devices, operational cost, and distribution among others.

This allocation marks about a 100 per cent increase from the N69 billion allocated to immunisation programmes in 2023.

Despite this encouraging initiative by the new administration, the funds earmarked for 2023 are yet to be released.

Unreleased funds

The CEO of Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Chika Offor, while speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday said Nigeria is yet to release any substantial funds from the appropriated immunisation budget for the current year.

Ms Offor said the total amount that has been appropriated, cash-planned and not released is about N60 billion (over 80 per cent of the budgeted sum).

She noted that if these funds are not released by 31 December, they can no longer be used for procurement of vaccines and devices.

We urgently advocate to the Accountant General of the Federation for the swift release of the cash-planned N60 Billion immunisation funds, she said.

The timely release of these funds is paramount to sustaining the momentum in our nations immunisation efforts, which directly impact the health and well-being of our citizens.

The immunisation budget, a crucial component of the overall health expenditure, is designed to ensure the availability of vaccines, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and support comprehensive vaccination campaigns across the country.

Consequences

Ms Offor said failure to release funds for immunisation purposes has left Nigeria vulnerable to the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria, and polio.

Currently, there is an epidemic of vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria such as diphtheria, measles and yellow fever, she said.

She said despite the global emphasis on vaccination as a vital public health tool, the delay in releasing funds earmarked for immunisation raises serious questions about the governments commitment to safeguarding the health of its population.

Ms Offor said the poor and vulnerable, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk of suffering the severe consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The absence of timely release of immunisation funds jeopardises the progress made in controlling infectious diseases and poses a direct threat to the health and well-being of those who are most in need.

In his remarks, Olympus Ade-Banjo, the chairman of Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement Working Group-Nigeria, said if the fund is released before the year ends, it can be used to purchase vaccines for the coming year.

Mr Ade-Banjo said the fund is still valid to make sure there are adequate vaccines in 2024.

If this fund is not released, it will jeopardise vaccine supply in 2024, he said.

The budget proposal

The total proposed budget estimate for Nigeria in 2024 is N27.5 trillion.

Out of the three key development sectors, including security and education, health has the lowest allocation in the 2024 proposal.

Of the total budget, the health sector which is already grappling with various challenges got N1.38 trillion (5.03 per cent).

This includes healthcare funding under the service vote amounting to N155.65 billion, health capital budget at N434.79 billion, health recurrent at N667.38 billion, and statutory transfer to the basic healthcare fund at N125.74 billion.

While the total health budget increased by 18.49 per cent compared to N1.17 trillion in 2023, it constitutes only 5.03 per cent of the budget size.

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The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has accused the State Security Services (SSS) of surveilling and infiltrating its activities over comments against the federal governments loan scheme.

The ERC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Gideon Adeyeni, said the SSS has also invited its leaders over their dissent to the governments student loan scheme.

The group has always opposed the student loan bill, saying it was a plan to introduce tuition to Nigerias tertiary institutions.

The group recently launched a campaign describing the student loan scheme as a scam, after which its National Coordinator, Hassan Soweto, received a call from the SSS office in Ikeja.

On Thursday 14 December 2023, a day after the unveiling of our new pamphlet Ten Reasons why Tinubus Students Loan is a Scam, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the secret police of the Nigerian state, reached out via a phone call to comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, the National Coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) inviting him to a parley, parts of the statement reads.

The statement said the SSS official who initiated the phone call identified himself as Paul Okilo, the Director of the SSS, Ikeja Local Government, noted that the call was related to the groups campaign against President Bola Tinubus Students Loan scheme.

Mr Okilo reportedly told Mr Soweto that the SSS has put the ERC under its surveillance.

ERC demands invitation

The ERC, however, said it would not honour the invitation until the SSS formalised the invitation, with the inclusion of lawyers for transparency and safety assurance.

The group said: As a campaigning organisation with a track record spanning years of genuinely defending the interests of Nigerian students and education workers, we will like to assure the gentlemen and ladies of the DSS that we are in no way averse to answering questionings regarding our ideas, programmes and activities. Therefore, as we have nothing to hide we are open to the aforesaid parley and are ready to make ourselves available provided the DSS is prepared to send a formal invitation and also permit the presence of our lawyers at such a parley.

We make this request due to the track record of Nigerias brutal capitalist state which is known to engage in disappearing activists and those who oppose government policies. Meanwhile, a formal invitation can serve as assurance to our members and supporters who have every reason to fear for our safety.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the DSS, Peter Afunaya, were not successful as he declined several calls placed to him. Also, the text message sent to him was not responded to.

Campaign for adequate funding of education

The ERC stated that it launched the pamphlet titled Ten Reasons Why Tinubus Students Loan is a Scam, on 13 December where the organisation faulted the premise of the governments argument to further commercialise education, which is that the country is too poor to fund public education.

We have over the past months openly criticised the Students Loan scheme and called for its rejection because it is a justification for the introduction of a criminal hike in school fees which, among other things, deny students from the poor and working-class families access to higher education. Through our publications and media engagements, we have also proved that the conditionalities attached as requirements to obtain the loan, make it inaccessible to the bulk of students from working-class families seeking higher education.

Student loan bill

It could be recalled that the student loan bill which was introduced in 2016 was signed into law by President Tinubu-led administration in June, to establish a Student Loan Fund (SLF). The established scheme is to provide interest-free loans to Nigerians seeking higher education.

The bill titled Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023. which is to take effect in January 2024 has however been condemned by the Education Right Campaign and tagged as Scam.

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The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved judgement on an appeal filed by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf challenging his sacking from office by two lower courts.

Mr Yusuf, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was declared winner of the Kano State governorship election held on 18 March by Nigerias electoral commission, INEC.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate at the poll, Nasiru Gawuna, challenged the outcome of the election, alleging electoral malpractices.

The Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Abuja, upheld Mr Gawunas case, and nullified Governor Yusufs election.

Thursdays hearing

At the hearing of the substantive appeal on Thursday, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court headed by John Okoro adjourned the suit for judgement after taking strenuous arguments from lawyers to the parties to the appeal.

A date for the judgement is to be communicated to the lawyers to the parties as soon as the verdict is ready for delivery.

Earlier, Governor Yusufs lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, said there was no legal basis for the tribunal and the appellate court to invalidate his clients election on account of non-compliance with electoral guidelines.

This is the first time in the annals of Nigerias electoral jurisprudence that an election was nullified on the basis that ballot papers were not stamped, dated and signed by INEC, Mr Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) told the court.

He said the electoral guidelines did not envisage the cancellation of an election on the grounds that the electoral umpire failed to stamp or sign the ballots.

At the trial of the case, the tribunal set aside Mr Yusufs victory after declaring 165,616 of his votes invalid. The Court of Appeal affirmed the tribunals decision.

But while arguing before the Supreme Court on Thursday, Mr Olanipekun said an expert witness testified at the tribunal that only a fraction of votes  1,886 ballots  were not signed, yet the courts nullified 165,616 votes.

Inquiring into the issue, Mr Okoro, leading the five-member panel, asked Mr Olanipekun whether the issue bordering on the source of the disputed ballots was raised at the tribunal.

Nobody raised the legality of the ballots. Ballot papers cannot be invalidated. Ballot papers are in a bundle; there is no way any forgery can arise because it is from the same booklet, Mr Olanipekun explained.

The lawyer wondered why the governor should be punished for the failure of the electoral commission to stamp, date and sign the ballots that were used for the conduct of the March election.

Assuming without conceding that INEC was wrong in not stamping, dating or signing the ballot papers, would you visit the sin of the electoral commission on the litigant?

The judgement of the lower court was unfair to the appellant (Mr Yusuf). We urge this (Supreme) court to upturn the judgement and upheld the election of Mr Yusuf, Mr Olanipekun said.

On the issue of Mr Yusufs membership of the NNPP, Mr Olanipekun referenced a plethora of cases where the Supreme Court held that the membership of a political party cannot be challenged by another political party.

The tribunal said it is not justiceable. It is a pre-election matter. There is a predicate complaint that Mr Yusufs membership card was forged. The lower court found that the card was not forged, yet the appellate court held that he was not a member of the NNPP.

INEC claims ownership of disputed 165,616 votes

Addressing the Supreme Court panel on Thursday, INEC lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud, a SAN, said all the ballots used in the conduct of the Kano State governorship election were provided by the electoral commission.

The ballot papers belonged to INEC. Those were our ballot papers in the area where the election took place, Mr Mahmoud said, replying to Mr Okoros question about the source of the disputed ballots.

He contended thay the appel courts decision was at variance with the position of the Supreme Court on Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakars case against INEC, and President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Mahmoud further argued that it was not the duty of the electorate to check the source of a ballot at the polls before casting their ballots.

The tribunal went beyond its powers in this adventure. The overriding duty of the court in election dispute is to give effect to the wishes of the electorate. What the court did was very upsetting and should not be allowed to stand.

Speaking on the issue of Mr Yusufs membership of the NNPP, Mr Mahmoud said, this clearly is an internal affair of the party; it is not a constitutional breach.

He pointed out that the APC did not challenge the membership of Mr Yusuf when INEC published his name on its website prior to the 18 March polls.

I submit that this appeal should be allowed; it is meritorious because it is a reflection of the will of the people of Kano State, Mr Mahmoud said.

APC defends lower courts decisions

However, Mr Gawunas lawyer, Akin Olujinmi, a SAN, prayed the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the concurrent findings of the courts.

Citing Section 42 of Electoral Act and regulation 19 of INEC, Mr Olujinmi argued that the electoral umpire ought to have stamped, dated and signed the ballots that are being disputed.

He said the returning officers at the Kano State polls should have stamped, dated and signed the 165,616 ballots.

Mr Olujinmi disagreed with Mr Olanipekun that only 1,886 votes were said not to have been endorsed by INEC.

When the witness was cross-examined at the tribunal, the expert witness said 165,616 votes. That evidence remains unchanged. The findings were that many of the ballot papers were not signed.

Mr Olujinmi noted that these were irregularities that were manifest in the conduct of the election. This amounts to non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

Referencing section 177 (c) of the Nigerian constitution, Mr Olujinmi contended that the lower court had jurisdiction to hear and determine the issue of Mr Yusufs membership of the NNPP.

The NNPP produced that membership register of Mr Yusuf and his name was conspicuously absent. Mr Yusuf did not address the court on the issue.

When the issue has to do with the constitution, the court has a duty to look at the issue and determine it.

It is no longer an internal affair of a political party because it touches on a provision of the Nigerian constitution  membership of a political party, Mr Olujinmi said.

The appeal lapses on 14 January, 2024. Therefore, the Supreme Court must deliver judgement on the suit within the statutory 60 days it has to determine appeals on governorship election disputes.

Reacting to the controversy that trailed the Court of Appeal verdict where the concluding portion of the certified copy of the decision upheld Mr Yusufs election, Mr Okoro said any order that will serve the justice of the case will be made in the substantive case.

Background

On 17 October, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja led by Moore Adumein sacked Mr Yusuf as governor of Kano State.

Mr Adumein declared Mr Gawuna of the APC winner of the 18 March governorship election in the state.

The tribunal had declared Mr Gawuna the winner of the election after invalidating votes cast in favour of Mr Yusuf.

But the Court of Appeal, in addition to that, disqualified Mr Yusuf as a candidate in the election, on the grounds that he was not a member of the NNPP as of the time of the election.

The court added without being a member of a political party, Mr Yusuf could not have been validly nominated to run for the election in March.

Yusuf Abba was not a member of the NNPP as of the time he was purportedly sponsored for 18 March Kano State governorship election, Mr Adumein had ruled.

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A coalition of women-led Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), has urged the Nigerian government to put in place an inclusive and effective mechanism for the swift implementation of the nations resolutions made at the just concluded COP28.

The Women Economic Empowerment CSO coalition (WEE-COL) under the auspices of the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), also applauds the government for recognising the severe and disproportionate impacts of climate change on womens health, well-being and livelihoods.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the coalitions coordinator, Ruth Agbor, said the COP28 declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action, presents a critical framework for addressing the intersectionality between climate action and women-facing sectors.

Mrs Agbor said the women-facing sectors include health, education, agriculture, and food security.

She noted that womens CSOs are ready to play a vital role in realising the governments COP28 commitments at all levels.

READ ALSO: Senate confirms appointment of 11 new Supreme Court justices

Womens groups are prepared to share live experiences about the impact of the climate crisis, she said.

They are indispensable to processes of formulation, implementation and evaluation of climate action policies and projects in key sectors such as health and agriculture.

She appealed to the government to actively engage and collaborate with womens CSOs in the planning, implementing, and monitoring of climate action policies, programmes and projects.

Mrs Agbor also called on Nigerians to collaborate and cooperate to ensure that the policy and political value accrued from the just concluded COP28 is utilised effectively.

About COP28

The Conference of the Parties, dubbed COP, is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

States (countries) that are parties to the convention send representatives to COP, where they review the implementation of the convention and any other legal instruments adopted at COP meetings, and make decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the convention, including institutional and administrative arrangements.

One such decision is the legally binding international treaty on climate change  the Paris Agreement, adopted by 196 parties in 2015.

The agreements primary goal is to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Based on this, a major task at COP is to review the national communications and emission inventories submitted by all parties. The meeting presents a platform to assess the effects of the measures taken by parties and the progress made in achieving the ultimate objective of the convention. The parties meet every year unless they decide otherwise.

This year, the COP28 agenda was anchored on four key pillars: fast-tracking a just and orderly energy transition; fixing climate finance; focusing on people, lives and livelihoods (loss and damage); and underpinning everything at COP with full inclusivity.

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The House of Representatives has launched a fresh investigation into the status of Nigeria Air, a national carrier, conceived by the last administration.

The House, sequel to a motion moved by Tarkighir Dickson (APC, Benue) on Thursday, asked its relevant committees on aviation to probe the proposed carrier.

Nigeria Air

Nigeria Air was unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show in England on 18 July, 2018.

The project was suspended two months after it was announced as critics raised concerns over its relevance and sustainability.

The proposed airline was expected to gulp $8.8 million in preliminary cost and $300 million as take-off cost.

The idea of Nigeria Air was raised many years after Nigerias defunct carrier, Nigeria Airways, collapsed due to corruption and poor management.

Hadi Sirika, the former minister of aviation, later announced an arrangement between the Nigerian government and Ethiopian Air to finance the national carrier.

According to Mr Sirika, Ethiopian Air was to own 49 of the airline, a consortium of local investors was to own 46 per cent and the Nigerian government was to retain five per cent.

READ ALSO:

The arrangement was fiercely opposed by local airline operators, who challenged the government in court, and committees of the National Assembly.

Despite the opposition, Mr Sirika and Ethiopia Air unveiled the airline despite not obtaining the needed approvals from regulatory authorities.

Mr Sirikas action generated outrage among Nigerians.

Bribery allegation against 9th House panel

Sirika had in June accused the former Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji (PDP, Enugu), of demanding five per cent shares of the national carrier from him.

He (Honourable Nnaji) asked me that I should give him five per cent of Nigeria Air to carry him along with his people.

I said to him at that time, Honourable, a bidding process has taken place, and some people won. So, I think you should go to those people and ask for the five per cent, Mr Sirika said.

The former ministers comments came less than a week after Mr Nnolims committee alleged fraud in the unveiling of Nigeria Air and demanded the prosecution of Mr Sirika and all those associated with the controversial unveiling of the airline.

The current Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, also recently condemned the process of the establishment of the airline.

Mr Keyamo, in September, announced that all ongoing plans for Nigerias national carrier ( Nigeria Air) operations had been temporarily suspended.

He served as minister of state for labour and employment at the time Mr Sirika was serving as aviation minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari

The motion

Moving the motion, Mr Dickson claimed that the past administration spent billions on the unveiling of the national carrier without any result.

He said the House must investigate the expenditure to avoid future occurrences.

The last administration spent billions of naira ostensibly to acquire the said new national carrier but the status of the project remains unclear regardless of billions of taxpayers funds utilised on the project.

If the negative trend is not investigated, it may lead to issues with accountability and continue to be a recurring expenditure item in the federal budget, Mr Dickson said.

Following the presentation of the motion, the House resolved as follows;

 To urge the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Ministries of Budget, National Planning and Finance to furnish the House with data and financial resources on the national air carrier project;

 To mandate the committees on Aviation and the committee on aviation technology to invite the minister of aviation to brief them about the National Carrier Project;

 Mandate the committees to invite Mr Sirika to brief it on the status of the project at the point he handed it over and provide insights on a wide range of controversies and allegations surrounding the project;

 Mandate the committees to invite the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and eight local airlines to give the House a full overview of the project; and

 Mandate the committees to carry out a forensic audit of the process of Nigeria Air and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The motion was adopted unanimously when the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, put it to vote.

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Members of the ruling New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) and members of the opposition, All Progressives (APC) have commenced fasting and animal sacrifices aimed at attracting favourable outcomes at the Supreme Court in the governorship elections case.

While the NNPP called on its members to fast on Thursday for the success of their candidate and governor of the state, Abba Yusuf, the supporters of the opposition candidate, Nasir Gawuna, were reportedly reciting the Quran and sacrificing animals at their bases.

There is a need for those who are fit, to observe fasting on Thursday while devoting it to God Almighty for the success in our case which the hearing begins tomorrow (Thursday), one of the governors media aides, Sanusi Bature, said in a statement.

Similarly, members of the APC, especially members from Wudil Local Government, instructed supporters of the party on social media to slaughter animals as a form of sacrifice and to recite the Quran for a favourable judgment.

Back

On Thursday the Supreme Court reserved judgment on the appeal filed by Mr Yusuf challenging his sacking from office by the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

READ ALSO: Kano government agrees to pay N3 billion to owners of demolished shops

Mr Yusuf was declared winner of the Kano State governorship election held on 18 March by the Nigeria Electoral Commission, INEC.

But the APC governorship candidate Mr Gawuna, challenged the outcome of the election, alleging electoral malpractices.

At the hearing of the substantive appeal on Thursday, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court headed by John Okoro adjourned the suit for judgment after taking arguments from lawyers to the parties to the appeal.

A date for judgment to be delivered is to be communicated to the lawyers to the parties as soon as the verdict is ready.

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday arrived in Lagos from Abuja, ahead of the Christmas celebrations.

Nigerias Presidential Jet NAF 001, which conveyed the president, arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at 03.55 p.m. local time.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president was welcomed by a crowd of supporters.

Mr Tinubu was received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Head of Service, Olabode Agoro and Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, among others.

Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains led by their Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi; members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC); State Executive Council; and top government officials were also at the airport to receive the President.

Mr Tinubu was accompanied by his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and other close aides.

The president came into the waiting hands of the Lagos State Cultural Troupe, who treated him to the traditional music and cultural dance of Lagos.

Mr Tinubu moved around the airport and waved at the crowd, who came out to welcome him to Lagos for the Christmas celebrations.

The president later boarded a helicopter from the airport to Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi from where he would move to his private residence in Lagos.

(NAN)

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said the troops operating in different theatres have in the last week, eliminated 40 terrorists, and apprehended 259 others, including criminals across the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, a major general, made this known while addressing journalists on the operations of the Armed Forces across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Buba said the armed forces conducted synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves and hideouts.

According to him, the combination of those offensive postures resulted in over 40 terrorists being neutralised and 191 apprehended.

He added that the troops recovered 72 assorted weapons and 338 assorted ammunition as well as rescued 80 kidnapped hostages during the week.

According to him, troops recovered 165 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and one PKM barrel among others.

In the North-east, Mr Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised seven terrorists, arrested eight and rescued 19 kidnapped hostages during the period.

In the North-central, he said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised four terrorists, arrested 16 and rescued eight kidnapped hostages as well as recovered arms and ammunition.

In the North-west, Mr Buba said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch neutralised nine terrorists, arrested six others rescued 15 kidnapped hostages and recovered four AK47 rifles, two dane guns, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 84 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 19 magazines, amongst others.

He said the air component of Hadarin Daji had on 16 December, in separate close air support operations conducted air interdictions on the enclaves of two terrorist leaders known as Rabe and Alhaji Maidawa in Danmusa and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State.

According to him, the locations are observed to be active in bandit activities. Subsequently, the targets were acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons in multiple passes.

The Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and their structures as well as logistics were destroyed.

Also, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction on terrorists while withdrawing to their hideouts.

Accordingly, targets were trailed and acquired as well as engaged with a precision munition.

The Battle Damage Assessment and local sources confirmed that several terrorists, including key leadership, were neutralised in the air strike.

Also, the air component provided close support and evacuation for troops in distress, he said.

(NAN)

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The crisis in the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a new twist on Thursday as members of the party in the National Assembly called for the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

The caucus, led by Titus Zam, the senator representing Benue North-west, made the call during a press briefing at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The lawmakers who attended the briefing were Emmanuel Udende, the Senator representing Benue North-east; members of the House of Representatives Dickson Tarkighir, Makurdi/Guma Federal; Philip Agbese, Ado/Ogbadibo, Okpoku; Terseer Ugbor, Kwande/Ushongo; Austin Achado, Gwer-East/Gwer-West; Sekav Iyortyom, Buruku and Sesoo Ikpagher, Konshisha/ Vandeikya.

The lawmakers claimed to be loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Mr Zam, flanked by members of the caucus, accused the governor of marginalising the members of the ruling party in the state. He claimed that the governor has been acting dictatorial in the running of the state.

Having watched with apprehension the absence of democratic leadership in Benue State in the last six (6) months exemplified by the arrogant and egocentric conduct of Governor Hyacinth Alia, we have decided to draw the attention of Mr President and other leaders of APC in Nigeria to seek their immediate intervention before the fortunes of APC in Benue State are totally destroyed, Mr Zam said.

Reading a prepared speech, Mr Zam said the governor has not been picking the calls of members of the National Assembly since his emergence as governor.

It is necessary to state from the onset that, we have collectively and individually drawn the attention of the leader of the APC in Benue, Sen. Dr George Akume Secretary to the Government of the Federation who has on several occasions pleaded for patience from us in the anticipation of a possible change of attitude from His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Rather than change for the better, Governor Alia has become more emboldened and has continued to treat us and the party in general in the most disgusting disrespectful and disingenuous manner, the lawmaker said.

Another sin listed against the governor is the appointment of commissioners. According to the lawmakers, the governor made all the appointments without consulting members of the party.

The governor was also accused of unilaterally nominating caretaker committees for the local governments in the state without consulting the members of the party.

Mr Zam said the SGF has been pleading with the members of the party to stay calm, however, they have lost patience and want the president to intervene.

Governor Hyacinth Alia since assumption of duty has not held any meeting with NASS members of Benue State who were elected on the same APC platform with him neither does he pick or return their telephone calls not to talk about consulting them on political matters in the state.

He has assumed the posture of a conqueror who does not care about the welfare, nor status of National Assembly nembers in his leadership of Benue State. In every state of the federation members of NASS are working in synergy with their governors to attract development from the centre to their State of origin, he said.

Mr Zam also announced the loyalty of the caucus to Mr Akume and the state Chairman of APC, Austine Agada.

Mr Alia, 56, ditched his cassock last year and emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He won the election on the back of a mass following.

Analysts believe that Mr Akume, a former governor of the state, provided the political structure that ultimately propelled the APC back to power in the state.

However, there have been speculations of a rift between Messrs Akume and Alia, though the former has consistently denied the report of a rift between him and the governor.

Tinubus political interventions

President Tinubu lately has been using the influence of his office to broker peace in different states.

The president intervened in the crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Mr Tinubus intervention helped to resolve the crisis in the oil-rich state.

Earlier, he intervened in the crisis between Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Critics of the president have slammed his interventions as unconstitutional.

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The Oyo State Police Command on Thursday dismissed two special constables caught in a viral video demanding money from a Netherland tourist along the Iseyin-Oyo road.

The special constables had earlier been arrested by the police after the video went viral.

Parading them on Thursday at Police Headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan, the state Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat, said the two men, Kareem Fatai and Jimoh Lukmon, demanded money from the tourist, Noraly Schoenmaker, who was heading to Abuja.

READ ALSO: Police arrest lawyer seen assaulting wife in viral video

Today I affirmed the recommended officers for dismissal and I hereby pronounce both of them dismissed from the police special constabulary. They cease to be members of the special constabulary with immediate effect.

He said the officers dismissal will deter others who intend to act similarly.

The constables upon dismissal were stripped of police uniform.

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The perpetrators are treated as just everyday criminals. At the end of it, they might get released unconditionally following interventions from vested interests, they could escape from lawful custody or be given a gentle slap on the wrist by conniving agents within the criminal justice system. In no time, they will return to the business, either in the same location or somewhere else. It happens all the time because there are no deterrent consequences.

Something dangerously wrong seems to have happened to our feelings as Nigerians. We seem to have lost our sense of humanity. We are hardly pushed by happenings that do not have direct consequences or immediate threats to our respective existences. Our ability to respond to common threats seems to be tainted by primordial considerations. Even when there is a development that portends mass destruction of the people, it is discussed as routine and dismissed with some level of disdain. Mindless religiosity, intemperate clannishness and blind political partisanship have deadened our sense of appreciation and reduced rationality to relative terms.

Recently, a team from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the South-East zone reportedly uncovered more than 240 factories in a market in Aba, Abia State, where fake drinks of various brands and descriptions are manufactured. Only ten people were said to have been arrested in what they wanted the public to believe was a sting operation. Going by the volume of poisonous beverages brewed in those shacks and the level of revelry among Nigerians, it is better left to imagine the level of havoc wrecked on the health of unsuspecting members of the public by this illegal practice. This is nothing short of mass poisoning because no type of beverage was spared: alcoholic, non-alcoholic, therapeutic or outright medicinal.

Reactions from various quarters to the trending videos of the Aba Market raid are so tepid that it could be assumed that nothing serious happened. From the public and the government, the episode is treated as nothing to really worry about. Arresting criminals producing substances of mass destruction, who ordinarily should be treated as terrorists, are just generally being discussed as one of those things the people are forced to live with.

The perpetrators are treated as just everyday criminals. At the end of it, they might get released unconditionally following interventions from vested interests, they could escape from lawful custody or be given a gentle slap on the wrist by conniving agents within the criminal justice system. In no time, they will return to the business, either in the same location or somewhere else. It happens all the time because there are no deterrent consequences.

NAFDAC has the statutory responsibility of regulating and controlling the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale and use of drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water and chemicals in Nigeria. Given its clearly stated responsibilities, NAFDAC should have a very active and diligent intelligence and surveillance arm to facilitate the effective discharge of its core functions. It likely has, but it is doubtful if such is active; otherwise, fake food and drug manufacturers who are scattered all over the country would not have the level of free space they are currently enjoying. It doesnt seem to be the same NAFDAC of the Dora Akunyili era.

NAFDAC shares similar attributes with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). They have almost similar responsibilities, only differing in scope and coverage areas. SON is statutorily empowered to organise tests, investigate the quality of facilities, materials and products, ensure reference standards for calibration and verification of measures and measuring instruments, and register and regulate standard marks and specifications. It is to administer and enforce the provisions of the Act that established it. With the proliferation of fake and substandard goods all over the place, SON may just be one of the statistical monuments dotting the Federal Government landscape and nothing more fundamentally relevant.

Nigerians would rather complain and bemoan how things have degenerated in the country, but very few seem to take stock of their own sense of responsibility. People are now seized by an uncanny sense of entitlement, even when they are patently undeserving because of their very dispositions. It is disturbing that otherwise very condemnable actions are justified by some people

It should be worrisome that a legion of government departments and agencies, with specific mandates for curbing the activities of lawless entities, exist largely to perform routine duties. The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have displayed commendable flashes of activity, no doubt, but they still need to do more in the face of current realities. The entire Nigerian landscape is littered with other government agencies that can appropriately be charged and found guilty of corporate malfeasance.

It is most unfortunate that the recent Aba Market exercise, which ordinarily should elicit mass revolt against both the perpetrators of the act and the sloppy attitude of those responsible for curbing the situation, is still being discussed as one of those things. Within the same period, what attracted more attention and vehemence from the people were the emerging developments in the political crisis in Rivers State, fostered by the sour relationship between the immediate past governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike and his successor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara. The latter is a restricted matter that can be resolved through deft political maneouvering, but the effect of the former is capable of slowly wiping out a generation of people across a larger space.

The way this very disturbing development is being seen and treated speaks to our priorities: politics, religion, region, health and humanity. It glaringly shows that we would rather die playing politics than live to save and serve humanity. The act by the Aba brewers and their ilk all over the country is most despicable, but the laxity of those charged with the responsibility of denying them the space to fester has become typical of our corporate and individual attitudes toward responsibilities.

Nigerians would rather complain and bemoan how things have degenerated in the country, but very few seem to take stock of their own sense of responsibility. People are now seized by an uncanny sense of entitlement, even when they are patently undeserving because of their very dispositions. It is disturbing that otherwise very condemnable actions are justified by some people, apparently triggered by hate and buoyed by sentiments.

Morals have gone to the dogs, and there seems to be a meltdown in societal values. What on Gods green earth runs in the minds of people who deliberately bottle poison and massively market it for material benefits? How do they enjoy such money? And they believe that they could prosper from such wicked ways? No wonder the Bible says, in Jeremiah 17:9, that the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?

The consequences of this indulgence are legion  both to health and to the economy. There is a high traffic of Nigerians in medical facilities across the globe, who are suffering from kidney, liver and cancer afflictions. This might explain why kidney markets are sprouting everywhere and being served by equally mindless people and entities. That is why hospital theatres witness an influx of patients with liver problems. That is why stories of heart failures abound. That is why the rate of cancer afflictions has become so common that malaria is no longer an issue in our clime. Yet, those who contribute to these afflictions are still being treated as petty criminals, and those who have the responsibility of stemming their nefarious activities are carrying on with business as usual.

In a country where healthcare facilities are lacking and very expensive where available, issues capable of further worsening the health conditions of the people should ordinarily be given top priority attention. Any form of sabotage should not only be frowned upon but promptly and decisively dealt with. But it doesnt seem so! Even when those who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring these are unmindful of their responsibilities

Various studies have shown that the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cirrhosis of the liver has become commonplace in the country. The prevalence of CKD among Nigerians is reported to be in the region of between 1.6 per cent and 12.4 per cent. Because of the level of illiteracy and the shortage of handling facilities, the mortality rate in the country now floats between 40 per cent and 50 per cent. More than one thousand cases of liver cirrhosis are said to be reported in a year. Hepatitis and chronic alcohol abuse are named as frequent causes of liver cirrhosis. Some studies indicate that the liver damage caused by cirrhosis is often irreversible.

There is also an alarming increase in the cases of stomach ulcers, some of which might be accentuated by the consumption of corrosive liquids bottled and sold as beverages by mindless profiteers. This type of ulcer is said to occur when the stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract and produces open sores. Cancer cases are also on the rise and so are diseases of other sensitive organs of the body. Some of these ailments are worsened by the consumption of fake beverages, which further pile pressure on sensitive organs.

In a country where healthcare facilities are lacking and very expensive where available, issues capable of further worsening the health conditions of the people should ordinarily be given top priority attention. Any form of sabotage should not only be frowned upon but promptly and decisively dealt with. But it doesnt seem so! Even when those who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring these are unmindful of their responsibilities and the perpetrators are having a field day, while those likely to unwittingly become victims do not seem to be concerned enough. The display of impunity and apathy on all fronts is very unbecoming in an otherwise rational society.

On the economic front, the manufacturers of consumer goods are folding up or moving out in droves because the counterfeiting of their products has made business bad for them. Unfortunately, these profiteers do not pay taxes, yet they drive tax-paying entities out of business. This is bad for the economy, the people and the country.

While NAFDAC is celebrating the feat of uncovering a commonplace activity that has been going on for decades, some people are dismissing the indulgence by evildoers as a sign of the time. What is happening at the Aba cemetery market is just a fraction of what is going on across the country. Nothing is spared. More disturbing is the infiltration of the entire consumables market, including common foodstuffs and fruits, whose maturity and volume are now chemically aided. These things are going on in the open, yet corporate laxity is flagrantly displayed by agencies responsible for dealing with them.

Deservedly, darts are being thrown in the direction of these agencies, even if feeble. Commentators are particularly dragging NAFDAC, following the viral video of the sordid discovery. NAFDAC, SON and related agencies deserve not only dragging but also bloodying, but the evildoers deserve to be crucified. Their acts should be treated as crimes against humanity and the state. The cumulative consequence of their actions is nothing but the gradual mass killing of the most painful nature. In Nigeria today, quite unfortunately, where massive outrage is expected, sentiments pour cold water and reduce a fundamental conversation to tantrums.

Akpandem James is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

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The battle has now entered its final phase. If the Supreme Court bucks the trend and rules in favour of Yusuf, Kwankwaso would have used one judicial stone to vanquish Shekarau and Ganduje, two of his most potent and longstanding enemies. If, on the other hand, the Supreme Court upholds the ruling of the lower courts, Kwankwasos decline will start in earnest, sucking his cult and scattering his sheepfold.

In the last one-and-a-half decades, Rabiu Kwankwaso has been the most charismatic politician out of Kano, after the passing of Abubakar Rimi. Kwankwaso is not just charismatic; he is consequential, with a cult-like following that responds twice, even when he calls once.

He is facing yet another defining moment in his political career. The outcome of the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case between Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and his rival, Nasiru Gawuna, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), could well determine if the sun has finally set on Kwankwasos reign or whether he would get a new lease of life.

Kwankwasos protege, Yusuf, lost at the election petition tribunal and also at the court of appeal, where Gawuna had challenged his election on three main grounds: (1.) That Yusuf is not a registered member of the NNPP; (2.) That 165,663 out of the 1,019,602 votes scored by the NNPP were invalid because the ballots were neither stamped nor signed, therefore reducing his total valid votes to 853,939, and (3.) That he, Gawuna having scored 890,705 votes, with a margin of nearly 36,000, won the governorship election and should be declared governor.

The lower courts agreed with his submissions in rulings  one from an undisclosed location and the other from cyberspace  that sparked widespread protests in the state, not to mention accusations of compromise. Even though a member of the tribunal raised the alarm that some persons were trying to lean on her by offering financial gifts through a proxy, all allegations of wrongdoing have been denied by the judiciary. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court.

Nigerias courts have been swamped with election petitions, making election litigation one of the fastest growing industries. Voters vote, but judges choose the winners.

In spite of the large number of decided election petition cases in the last over 20 years, however, there have been only a few in which the two lower courts ruled in one way, only to have their rulings overturned by the Supreme Court. Governorship election petitions used to end at the Court of Appeal. Even after the law was amended to take governorship election disputes up to the Supreme Court, the norm was a split decision between the lower courts, before the final ruling by the Supreme Court.

From the case involving Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Omehia in 2007, to the ruling in 2016 in which the Supreme Court set aside the ruling of the two lower courts and declared Nyesom Wike as the validly elected governor of Rivers State (without giving reasons for its decision), perhaps the most dramatic of the three or four exceptional cases was the one in 2019 involving the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

Kwankwaso and his supporters obviously hope to beat the odds, which in any case, are perhaps not as formidable as those of Uzodimma. But Gawunas backers appear to have gone even one step further to secure their current juridical advantage. On the states Wikipedia page, for example, some folks terminated the tenure of Yusuf in November when the Court of Appeal gave its ruling.

Apart from Reverend Ejike Mbaka, whose extraordinary gift enabled him to foretell the outcome of the Uzodimma case in his famous I see hope speech, most normal, reasonable people could not fathom how a man who came fourth place in an election could become first. Yet, in a landmark decision wonderful beyond understanding, the Supreme Court overturned the decision of the two lower courts and ruled that Uzodimma actually won the election.

Kwankwaso and his supporters obviously hope to beat the odds, which in any case, are perhaps not as formidable as those of Uzodimma. But Gawunas backers appear to have gone even one step further to secure their current juridical advantage. On the states Wikipedia page, for example, some folks terminated the tenure of Yusuf in November when the Court of Appeal gave its ruling. Gawuna is described on that page as incumbent governor from November!

Kwankwaso has fought many wars but this battle may redefine the rest of his political days, and those of the Kwankwasiyya movement. His first significant defeat was 20 years ago, when he failed his second term bid for governorship. In the wave of political sharia sweeping the North at the time, Kwankwaso had positioned himself as a moderate.

His opponent, Ibrahim Shekarau, did two things: he latched onto the Muhammadu Buhari bandwagon, under the flag of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP); and more important, played the sharia card. He succeeded big, not only in dislodging Kwankwaso, but also becoming the first two-term governor in Kano.

Shekarau defeated Kwankwasos protege, Aliyu Sani-Madawakingini, again in the contest for a senatorial seat in 2019, after the latters first tenure as a senator. The leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement was caught in the maelstrom of the APC presidential primaries, but in the run-up to the 2019 elections, he decamped back to the PDP. To be fair, during APCs 2015 presidential primaries, Kwankwaso was the preferred candidate of the APC National Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the time, before a strong Northern lobby pressed Buhari into the race.

Shekarau exploited the accumulated rage of the pro-Buhari crowd, kindled against the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement for daring to challenge Buharis talismanic hold on Kano.

But Kwankwaso has matured since, especially after his eventful second term as governor, during which he was widely acclaimed for paying serious attention to education, health and infrastructure. Also, leveraging the crucial place of Kano as the Nigerias largest political vote bank, he played a decisive role, along with four other governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, that led to the fall of President Goodluck Jonathans government.

Ganduje also consolidated his hold on the President after Gawuna won the first round of victory at the tribunal. Then Kwankwaso, whether out of frustration or defiance, made what was potentially a serious mistake. He held a closed-door meeting with Atiku in Abuja and left the press and politicians to pour petrol into the fire by making wild guesses about the motive for the meeting.

Perhaps the most significant marker of his political maturity was the formation of the NNPP only months to the last general elections and yet it carried one state  the most politically significant in the North-West  and came fourth in an election contested by 18 political parties. This legacy is now threatened.

If Shekarau was his nemesis in the past, his nemesis for the last eight years has been his former deputy and Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje. In the battle at the Supreme Court, Yusuf and Gawuna are, in a manner of speaking, pawns. The chess masters are Kwankwaso and Ganduje.

After the last general elections, Kwankwaso seemed to have the aces. He had literally secured a third term in Kano and President Tinubu, the winner of the presidential election, needed to court him. Not just because he proved himself in present reckoning, but also because anyone in charge of Kano would be indispensable in future political calculations.

After the elections, while Ganduje was still looking for a second address, Kwankwaso was already on Tinubus speed dial. He held several exploratory meetings with the President, both in the country and in Paris, for a potential role in the new government. Im told that he was, in fact, considered for either the Ministry of Education or FCT.

Ganduje and a few other influential politicians close to Tinubu panicked. But Ganduje, a man who looks incapable of hurting a fly, but doesnt mind hunting a lion for game, waited for his time to pounce. Once he was appointed APC chairman, in spite of Kwankwaso, he slowly clawed himself back and swung the wrecking ball in cahoots with a few insiders who were also uncomfortable with Kwankwaso.

Ganduje also consolidated his hold on the President after Gawuna won the first round of victory at the tribunal. Then Kwankwaso, whether out of frustration or defiance, made what was potentially a serious mistake. He held a closed-door meeting with Atiku in Abuja and left the press and politicians to pour petrol into the fire by making wild guesses about the motive for the meeting.

The battle has now entered its final phase. If the Supreme Court bucks the trend and rules in favour of Yusuf, Kwankwaso would have used one judicial stone to vanquish Shekarau and Ganduje, two of his most potent and longstanding enemies. If, on the other hand, the Supreme Court upholds the ruling of the lower courts, Kwankwasos decline will start in earnest, sucking his cult and scattering his sheepfold.

Inconclusive is an unlikely outcome. But who knows?

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP.



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According to Mohammed Rabiu-Bako, a member of the Kaduna Elders Forum, the 2024 budget proposal submitted to the Kaduna State House of Assembly will correct the mistakes of the previous administration in the state.

In a statement on Thursday, titled Kaduna: 2024 Budget Proposal Shows True Inclusivity, Corrects Mistakes of the Last Eight Years, Mr Bako commended the governor for the even distributions of projects to all parts of the state.

According to Mr Rabiu-Bako, the 2024 budget proposal by Governor Sani is a refreshing change for the people of the state. He said the labeling of the budget as a rural transformation and inclusivity budget indicates a focus on uplifting the rural areas and ensuring that they receive their fair share of resources.

Mr Rabiu-Bako stressed: Under the previous administration, there may have been a lack of attention and allocation of resources to some rural areas, leading to a disparity in development. However, with this proposal, it is promising to see that the Uba Sani administration is committed to addressing this issue and ensuring that every part of the state benefits from the dividends of democracy.

The budget of 458+ billion Naira is a significant amount and presents a great opportunity for the transformation of Kaduna State. It is essential that these funds are allocated wisely and effectively to have a tangible impact on the lives of the people living particularly in the rural areas and suburbs.

By prioritizing rural development, the Uba Sani administration shows a commitment to inclusivity and equitable distribution of resources. This approach will help bridge the gap between urban and rural areas and create a more balanced and prosperous Kaduna State.

As the budget proposal goes to the Kaduna State House of Assembly, it is crucial that it receives thorough scrutiny and support from the lawmakers. By working together, the government and the assembly can ensure that the budget is implemented effectively and that the desired transformation is achieved.

I further hail the Governor on his stand with regards to security and cohesion amongst citizens when we (Elders Forum) visited him at the state house. I can authoritatively say that his commitments towards carrying out his primary duty of securing lives and properties in Kaduna State cannot be overstated. Importantly, you can tell that he is so committed to correcting the mistakes of the last eight years by carrying everyone along.

This is indeed yet another positive step towards promoting development and equality in Kaduna State. It is an opportunity for the people of the state to witness true dividends of democracy, experience an equitable distribution of resources, as well essential leadership and governance, he added.

Kaduna 2024 Budget

Mr Sani presented N567.2 billion 2024 budget to the House of Assembly for approval on Monday. The presentation was made at the Lugard Hall Assembly complex.

Titled Budget of Rural Transformation for Inclusive Development the total size of the budget is N458,271,299,477.66. A breakdown shows that N318,836,576,588.28 (69.57% of the budget) is for Capital Expenditure while N139,434,722,889.38 (30.43% of the budget) is for Recurrent Expenditure.

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( Read 2103 Times)

Udaipur : Under the initiative of 'Developed India Resolve' journey, District Collector Arvind Poswal conducted an inspection of camps organized for priests' assistance and in Pratapnagar on Wednesday. He provided information about various schemes to the community present at the campsite. Simultaneously, he directed officials to comprehensively educate all attendees about different schemes and assist eligible individuals in filling out applications. If anyone lacks necessary documents, arrangements should be made to obtain them.

The District Collector arrived at the campsite located in the community building with priestly assistance. The presence of a significant number of women was noted. He personally interacted with women at each scheme counter, ensuring they received accurate information about the schemes. Poswal, while giving directions to officials and staff present, emphasized that these camps should not be limited to distributing application forms. He assigned the responsibility of nodal officers to ensure that every person coming to the camp is accurately informed about all 17 schemes.

Poswal highlighted the need to ensure that each person present at the campsite receives detailed information about all 17 schemes. He instructed officials to assist eligible individuals in filling out applications. At the Pratapnagar campsite, the District Collector informed people about the PM Swannidhi Yojana and encouraged them to avail maximum benefits from the scheme. Providing information about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the details associated with Aadhaar cards linked to the scheme, he urged officials to thoroughly explain the benefits to attendees.

During the inspection, Poswal gathered information on the progress of various schemes at the camp. He stressed the importance of officials maintaining complete knowledge of relevant schemes and ensuring that accurate information is provided to the participants. Nodal Officer Akhil Kumar Goyal briefed the District Collector on the progress of the camp.

Source :
( Read 1974 Times)

Udaipur: Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Gupta held a video conference on Wednesday with all District Election Officers, Deputy District Election Officers, and Sweep Program Coordinators of the state. The meeting included a review of the recently concluded Vidhan Sabha elections and discussions on preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. District Election Officer and Collector of Udaipur, Arvind Poswal, Deputy District Election Officer and Additional District Magistrate Shaillesh Surana, CEO, and Sweep Program Coordinator Kirti Rathore also participated in the video conference.

Chief Electoral Officer Gupta extended congratulations to everyone for the impartial and transparent conduct of the Vidhan Sabha elections. He praised the diligent execution of various tasks carried out by the different cells formed during the election. While acknowledging the progress made in resolving operational challenges, he discussed efforts made to address practical issues. Gupta expressed concerns about the increase in the number of tender votes in several districts and emphasized special attention to this issue in the upcoming elections.

Gupta mentioned that thorough scrutiny and vigilance are necessary to maintain the integrity of the voter list. He directed officials to focus on resolving challenges related to the voter database, ensuring accurate information in voter lists, and addressing any issues raised during the short revision program starting from January 6, 2024. He stressed the need for a comprehensive brief revision program to verify and update voter information. Gupta also discussed the specific succinct re-verification program for voter lists starting from January 6, 2024, as per the directions of the Election Commission of India.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring 100% accuracy in the voter lists to avoid complaints related to the addition or removal of names later. Gupta urged all concerned officials to make necessary corrections and updates to the voter lists during the short revision program.

Source :
Palestinians described to Al Jazeera the grisly details of how the Israeli army summarily executed 11 unarmed Palestinian men in the Al-Remal neighbourhood in Gaza City in the early evening hours on 19 December.



On Wednesday, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Occupied Palestinian Territory (OHCHR - OPT) in Ramallah said it had received reports that Israeli troops "summarily executed" at least 11 unarmed Palestinians in Gaza in a possible war crime.

According to the OHCHR, "On 19 December 2023, between 2000 and 2300 hours, the IDF reportedly surrounded and raided Al-Awda building, also known as the Annan building," in Al-Remal neighbourhood in Gaza, where three related families were sheltering in addition to the Annan family."

"According to witness accounts circulated by media sources and Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, the IDF, which had full control of the building and was aware that civilians were sheltering there, allegedly separated the men from the women and the children and then shot and killed at least 11 of the men, mostly in their late twenties and early thirties, in front of their family members, " continued the statement.

"The IDF then allegedly ordered the women and children into a room and either shot at them or threw a grenade into the room, reportedly seriously injuring some of them, including an infant and a child. OHCHR has confirmed the killings at the Al-Awda building, although the details and circumstances of the killings are still under verification. IDF has not released any information on the incident," added the OHCHR.

Al Jazeera English carried testimonies by neighbours and survivors of the Israeli execution incident.

They [Israeli soldiers] stormed the building and forced their way into the residential apartments. They also detonated bombs in the lower levels of the building, a severely injured and scared male survivor spoke to Al Jazeera.

Another witness, an elderly woman, said, The Israeli soldiers stormed our block of flats, stole our homes, killed the men, and separated the women and children. My father-in-law and his son were shot. They died instantly. The Israelis killed them. They pulled women from their hair and forced them to remove their hair coverings. Other children were stripped naked of their clothes and forced to their knees. After killing all the men, Israeli tanks were ordered to fire a mortar shell on the fourth floor where the women were held. My two daughters and others were injured.

A third witness, a middle-aged woman whose face was swollen and smeared with dirt and blood, said to Al Jazeera, The Israeli soldiers fired three mortar shells at us and used their machine guns against us before storming the house. I was hit by a bullet in my hand; my daughter was hit in her head. My younger daughter was killed, and my son has gone blind. My husband was executed in cold blood. All my other daughters suffered severe injuries, broken bones, and flesh torn open. I have been bleeding constantly throughout the day.

The killings are the latest in a series of crimes against humanity perpetrated by Israel against Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza on 7 October.

On 30 November, CCTV footage showed the Israeli army executing a Palestinian teen, Bassem Abu Al-Wafa, 15, and Adam Al-Ghul, 8, while they were playing on the street in a No-Go area in Jenin in the occupied West Bank.

Earlier this month, some images and videos showed the Israeli army arresting hundreds of Palestinian men in north Gaza, stripping them naked before hauling them to unknown detention centres -- in scenes reminiscent of Nazi Germany .

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DUBLIN, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Alternative Cathode Material Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Battery Type, End User, Material Type, and Country-Level Analysis - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global alternative cathode material market was valued at $27.77 billion in 2022, and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.20% during the forecast period 2023-2032 to reach $50.19 billion by 2032. This growth of the alternative cathode material market is likely to be driven by the rising demand for lithium batteries with higher energy densities. Additionally, the lower cost of alternate cathode materials is expected to further propel alternative cathode material market growth.

Business Dynamics

Business Drivers Concerns about Cobalt Availability Rising Demand for Lithium-Ion Batteries with Higher Energy Densities Lower Cost of Alternate Cathode Materials Increasing Renewable Energy Integration

Business Challenges Limited Commercialization Supply Chain Uncertainties Regulatory and Safety Concerns

Business Opportunities Improved Performance Demand for Alternative Cathode Materials in Electric Vehicles (EVs) for Higher Range



{INFOGRAPHIC_PLACEHOLDER}



Introduction to Alternative Cathode Material



Alternative cathode materials stand as the vanguards in the ongoing quest to revolutionize energy storage and power the world sustainably. Their significance lies in redefining the core of batteries, propelling advancements in diverse fields such as electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics. These materials, distinct from conventional lithium-ion cathodes, offer promising characteristics that could redefine the landscape of energy storage.



The pursuit of these alternative cathode materials is not just a scientific or technological endeavor; it's a concerted global effort, often supported by government initiatives and research institutions. Government programs play a pivotal role in driving innovation in this domain, fostering research and development through funding, collaboration, and regulatory support. Initiatives such as the Department of Energy's ARPA-E and the Battery500 Consortium in the U.S. are pivotal in advancing battery technologies, including research on alternative cathode materials. They offer crucial financial support, resources, and collaborative platform for academia and cathode material industry to delve into innovative battery technologies. These programs help bridge the gap between theoretical exploration and practical application, accelerating the development of sustainable energy solutions.



The transformative potential of these alternative cathode materials extends far beyond merely enhancing the performance of batteries. Their successful implementation could significantly reduce the environmental impact of energy storage technologies. By diminishing reliance on rare or environmentally impactful materials, these advancements can pave the way for a more sustainable energy future. This shift aligns with global initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, particularly in the transportation sector. Electric vehicles, powered by batteries utilizing these alternative cathode materials, hold the promise of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lessening the dependency on fossil fuels.



Market Segmentation

Segmentation 1: by Battery Type

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lead-Acid Batteries

Others

Lithium-Ion Batteries to Dominate Alternative Cathode Material Market (by Battery Type)



Lithium-ion batteries undeniably maintain a dominant position in the alternative cathode material market across various battery types. Their versatility, established infrastructure, and extensive commercialization make them the cornerstone of the current energy storage landscape. Lithium-ion batteries find application across diverse sectors, such as electric vehicles, consumer electronics, renewable energy storage, and even grid-level energy storage systems. This versatility and widespread adoption have significantly contributed to their dominance in the alternative cathode material market. Within the realm of lithium-ion batteries, various cathode materials are utilized, including lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), and lithium manganese oxide (LMO). Each material offers distinct advantages in terms of energy density, cost, safety, and longevity, catering to different applications.



Segmentation 2: by End User

Automotive

Consumer Electronics

Power Tools

Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

Others

Automotive to Lead the Alternative Cathode Material Market (by End User)



The automotive sector is indeed positioned as a frontrunner in driving the demand and development of alternative cathode materials. This prominence is primarily attributed to the rapid electrification of the automotive industry, where electric vehicles (EVs) are progressively becoming a mainstream choice, significantly influencing the trajectory of the alternative cathode material market. The automotive industry's transition toward EVs is one of the most significant drivers propelling the demand for advanced cathode materials. Lithium-ion batteries, which heavily rely on cathode materials, are the backbone of electric vehicles. Consequently, the quest for high-energy-density, long-lasting, and cost-effective cathode materials has become pivotal in advancing the capabilities and driving down the costs of these vehicles.



Segmentation 3: by Material Type

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)

Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide (NCA)

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)

Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO)

Others

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt-Oxide (NMC) to Hold Highest Share in Alternative Cathode Material Market (by Material Type)



Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) stands poised to claim a significant portion of the alternative cathode material market due to its remarkable blend of characteristics that cater to the demands of various energy storage applications. As an integral part of the lithium-ion family, NMC cathodes are highly versatile and have become a preferred choice for a spectrum of uses, including electric vehicles, grid storage, and portable electronics. NMC's popularity and projected dominance in the market stem from its balanced composition, offering a harmonious mix of high energy density, good cycle life, and thermal stability. This combination addresses critical challenges faced by other cathode materials, such as safety concerns, capacity degradation, and overall performance.



Segmentation 4: by Region

North America - U.S., Canada , and Mexico

- U.S., , and Europe - Germany , Spain , Poland , Hungary , and Rest-of- Europe

- , , , , and Rest-of- China

U.K.

Asia-Pacific and Japan - Japan , South Korea , and Rest-of- Asia-Pacific

and - , , and Rest-of- Rest-of-the-World (ROW)

China's burgeoning dominance in the alternative cathode material market is a testament to its strategic positioning and aggressive investments in the realm of energy storage and battery technology. As the world transitions toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, China has strategically positioned itself to secure a substantial share in the alternative cathode material market. This positioning is primarily attributed to a multifaceted approach that encompasses various critical elements.



At the core of China's supremacy in this domain is its proactive investment in research, development, and infrastructure. The Chinese government has fervently backed initiatives aimed at advancing battery technology. Massive investments in research and development have been channeled toward exploring and refining alternative cathode materials. These efforts are bolstered by a focus on nurturing a robust ecosystem for innovation, bringing together academic research, industrial application, and government support.



Recent Developments in the Global Alternative Cathode Material Market

In January 2022 , NEI Corporation expanded the selection of materials for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries in 2022. The company's expanded offerings included cathode, anode, and solid electrolyte materials. This expansion was in response to the growing demand for these materials as the battery market continues to shift toward lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

, NEI Corporation expanded the selection of materials for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries in 2022. The company's expanded offerings included cathode, anode, and solid electrolyte materials. This expansion was in response to the growing demand for these materials as the battery market continues to shift toward lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. In November 2022 , POSCO Chemical constructed the world's largest cathode production plant in Gwangyang, South Korea . With an annual production capacity of 90,000 tons, the plant is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for cathode materials, which are essential components of lithium-ion batteries.

, POSCO Chemical constructed the world's largest cathode production plant in Gwangyang, . With an annual production capacity of 90,000 tons, the plant is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for cathode materials, which are essential components of lithium-ion batteries. In November 2021 , Johnson Matthey announced the commercialization of its high nickel cathode material for the automotive industry. The company's new material, called EBMN 50+, is designed to offer higher energy density and lower cost compared to traditional nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) cathode materials.

Demand - Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities

Market Drivers: Lower Cost of Alternate Cathode Materials



The low cost of alternative cathode materials is a pivotal factor favoring the shift toward these materials for lithium-ion batteries. Traditional cathode materials such as lithium-cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and some nickel-rich cathodes are relatively expensive due to the high cost of raw materials, including cobalt and nickel. In contrast, alternative cathode materials, such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), often rely on more abundant and cost-effective components. This cost advantage makes alternative cathode materials an attractive option for various applications, from electric vehicles to grid energy storage.



For example, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) stands out as a cost-effective alternative to cobalt-containing cathodes. LiFePO4 cathodes are made from abundant and low-cost iron, reducing the overall battery production costs. In comparison to nickel-cobalt-based cathodes, LiFePO4 cathodes are less expensive and offer a favorable balance between cost and performance. This cost-effectiveness is particularly appealing for electric vehicle manufacturers looking to produce more affordable EVs and pass on cost savings to consumers. In addition, lithium iron phosphate batteries tend to have a longer cycle life, further improving their economic attractiveness in applications requiring extended battery longevity.



Similarly, lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) cathodes offer a cost-effective alternative, as manganese is more readily available and less expensive compared to cobalt and nickel. These cathodes have been employed in various consumer electronics and power tools, where cost considerations are crucial. The reduced reliance on expensive raw materials makes LiMn2O4 cathodes a preferred choice for manufacturers aiming to balance battery performance and cost.



Market Challenges: Limited Commercialization



Limited commercialization is a significant impediment to the growth of alternative cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to several key reasons. First, transitioning from traditional cathode materials to alternatives necessitates significant changes in manufacturing processes, which can be costly and time-consuming. Industries that rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries, such as the automotive and consumer electronics sectors, have invested extensively in existing technologies and production infrastructure. Shifting to alternative materials requires retooling manufacturing processes, modifying facilities, and ensuring the reliability of these materials at a commercial scale. These transitions can be challenging and disruptive, often leading manufacturers to approach such changes with caution, as they can disrupt production schedules and increase overall costs. As a result, the slow pace of commercialization inhibits the widespread adoption of alternative cathode materials.



Second, limited commercialization can be a barrier to the acceptance of alternative cathode materials in the market. Manufacturers and end-users often prefer well-established technologies that have a proven track record of reliability and performance. The lack of a significant market presence for alternative materials can create doubts about their long-term performance, safety, and compatibility with existing applications. This lack of trust in unproven technologies can further delay the commercialization process as industries wait for more data and successful case studies before embracing these alternative materials on a broader scale. To overcome this challenge, significant investments in research and development and collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders are necessary to drive the commercialization of alternative cathode materials and facilitate their growth in the lithium-ion battery industry.



Market Opportunities: Improved Performance



Alternative cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries offer the potential for significant improvements in performance over traditional cobalt-based cathodes. Some of the key areas where alternative cathode materials can offer improved performance include:

Energy density: Alternative cathode materials such as nickel-rich layered oxides (NMC), lithium-rich layered oxides (LMO), and lithium manganese spinel (LMO) can offer higher energy density than cobalt-based cathodes. This means that batteries using these materials can store more energy in the same volume or weight.

Power density: Alternative cathode materials such as LMO and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) can offer better power density than cobalt-based cathodes. This means that batteries using these materials can deliver more power (i.e., discharge faster) without sacrificing energy density.

Cycle life: Some alternative cathode materials, such as LFP, can offer better cycle life than cobalt-based cathodes. This means that batteries using these materials can be cycled more times before their capacity degrades.

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis



The featured companies have been meticulously chosen, drawing insights from primary experts and thorough evaluations of company coverage, product offerings, and market presence.



Among the prominent players in the global alternative cathode material market, the public players dominate, commanding approximately 70% of the market share in 2022. The remaining 30% is held by private companies.



Some prominent names established in the global alternative cathode material market are:

Company Type 1: Public Companies

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

BASF SE

Nippon Chemical Industrial Co. Ltd.

LG Chem

Johnson Matthey

Umicore N.V.

POSCO

Company Type 2: Private Companies

NEI Corporation

American Elements

Targray

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dl834d

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Patients in the tri-state region of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas can now benefit from the first FDA marketing authorized, battery-free tibial neuromodulation implant for patients with Urge Urinary Incontinence

PARK CITY, Utah, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueWind Medical, Ltd., a pioneer in the development and commercialization of a patient centric implantable Tibial NeuroModulation (iTNM) solution for urge urinary incontinence (UUI), is excited to announce that Revi is now available in Shreveport, Louisiana at Christus Surgery Center with world-renowned urologist Dr. Gerard Henry.

"As a physician, I am always looking for new therapies that address the unmet needs of my patients. Urge incontinence is a condition that affects millions of people in the U.S. with debilitating effects, and yet most struggle to find a satisfactory solution," noted Dr. Gerard Henry. "Revi is a unique device that allows patients to control their own therapy and adjust it to their individual needs. It is also a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that does not require general anesthesia, which makes it more convenient and comfortable for many patients. I am delighted to share that I am now offering this groundbreaking treatment to patients who suffer from urge incontinence."

Revi is the only battery-free iTNM implant on the market and features a miniature implant along with innovative wearable technology to power the device. Revi is implanted near the ankle during a single outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, and without the potential adverse events seen with other surgical UUI therapies. When activated, the Revi implant stimulates the posterior tibial nerve to provide relief from UUI. For activation, a lightweight wireless wearable is placed around the ankle once or twice daily to provide stimulation at the patient's convenience.

BlueWind has achieved several milestones with Revi recently that demonstrate its commitment to innovation in patient care. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a De Novo marketing request on August 16, 2023, for the treatment of patients with symptoms of urgency incontinence alone or in combination with urinary urgency. In October, the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel announced the final Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code to describe the subfascial tibial neuromodulation implant procedure, 0817T. In November, the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) finalized the facility payment (unadjusted national average of USD $20,854 related to hospital outpatient services) for subfascial procedures for tibial neuromodulation that pertain to the Revi device.

"We are delighted that this novel technology is now available in Shreveport with Dr. Henry. Revi has the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape for UUI by giving patients more control, comfort, and convenience. We are honored to bring this life-changing technology to the millions of people who suffer from UUI and help them regain their confidence and dignity," said Dan Lemaitre, Chief Executive Officer of BlueWind Medical.

About BlueWind Medical Ltd.

BlueWind Medical is transforming the field of neuromodulation therapy through the development of innovative, patient-centric medical technology for the treatment of disease. BlueWind is committed to enhancing the quality of life and overall wellbeing of patients with an initial focus on those living with urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). BlueWind's Revi System is the first and only battery-free implantable tibial neuromodulation device to receive FDA marketing authorization for patients with UUI.

For additional information about BlueWind Medical, please visit www.bluewindmedical.com

SOURCE BlueWind Medical
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boxabl has passed the required testing, and can now sell its Casitas/housing modules as factory-built homes in the State of Arizona. This is a significant step to bring affordable housing to the much-needed, highly underserved housing market.

"This is a major milestone for Boxabl and brings us much closer to our goal of providing affordable housing to the masses", said Galiano Tiramani, Boxabl co-founder. "This hard-won approval for the State of Arizona is expected to be the springboard for obtaining required approvals in all 50 states".

Boxabl has passed the required testing, and can now sell its Casitas/housing modules as factory-built homes in Arizona. Post this

This approval from Arizona means that Boxabl passed its testing requirements for safety and building materials, and earned the confidence of the officials that Boxabl homes are in line with the rules and regulations of factory-built homes for the state.

"This is an exciting time for Boxabl," said Boxabl CEO, Paolo Tiramani "This puts us on track to execute our plans to partner with major homebuilders such as D.R. Horton. The three goals of our technology are to manufacture in large volumes, at the highest quality for the lowest cost, and to be the ultimate in sustainability."

Boxabl's mission is to revolutionize the standard of housing construction and affordability with its innovative, technology-based solution to mass-produce homes through advanced manufacturing. What differentiates Boxabl is the ability to deliver homes in a compact design.

SOURCE Boxabl
NEW YORK , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The breath analyzers market is expected to grow by USD 3.36 billion from 2023 to 2028. In addition, the momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 15.82% during the forecast period, according to Technavio Research. The market is segmented by technology (fuel cell, semiconductor, and infrared), end-user (law enforcement, enterprise, and healthcare and others), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW)). North America is estimated to contribute 28% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The US is one of the leading economies that contribute to growth in North America. The growth in the market is also driven by factors like stringent road safety legislation, rapid adoption of technically advanced products, and the presence of large players in the region.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Breath Analyzers Market 2024-2028

This report offers an up-to-date analysis of the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Read a Free PDF Sample Report

Company Profile:

Abbott Laboratories, Advanced Safety Devices LLC, AK GlobalTech Corp, Alcohol Countermeasure Systems Inc., Alcolizer Pty Ltd., AlcoPro Inc, BreathalyzerAlcoholTester.com, Dragerwerk AG and Co. KGaA, GreenWon, Guth Laboratories Inc, Hanwei Electronics Group Corp, Intoximeters, KHN Solutions Inc., Lifeloc Technologies Inc., Mangal Security Products, Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd., Pacific Data Systems Australia, PAS Systems International Inc., Quest Products LLC, and SENTECH USA INC

Abbott Laboratories - The company offers a breath analyzer namely AlcoMate Premium AL7000 breath alcohol tester which eliminates two fundamental flaws sensor degradation and the turnaround cycle.

To gain access to more company profiles available with Technavio, buy the report!

Breath Analyzers Market: Segmentation Analysis

The fuel cell segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The growth is due to the higher accuracy that these devices can deliver.

Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a Free PDF Sample Report

Breath Analyzers Market: Market Dynamics

Key Driver

Rapid growth of e-commerce

Growing awareness of breath analyzers

Growing applications in healthcare

The rapid growth of e-commerce is a key factor driving market growth. Different opportunities for breath analyzer producers in terms of supply and expansion have emerged as a result of the rapid growth of online commerce over recent years. Moreover, with the advent of eCommerce, new regions were also able to be reached by manufacturers, and their distribution was streamlined.

Major Trend

Advanced and smart breath analyzer devices are the primary trend shaping the market growth. Identify key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market. Download a sample to gain access to this information.

Related Reports:

The rehabilitation equipment market size is estimated to grow by USD 3.67 billion at a CAGR of 4.44% between 2023 and 2028.

The Hematology Analyzers And Reagents Market size is estimated to grow by USD 3.91 million at a CAGR of 6.95% between 2023 and 2028.

What are the key data covered in this Breath Analyzers Market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the breath analyzers market between 2023 and 2028.

Precise estimation of the breath analyzers market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the breath analyzers market across North America, Europe, Asia, and ROW

A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of breath analyzers market companies.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Technology

Market Segmentation by End-User

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
DENVER, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Britehorn Partners is pleased to announce that its client, Nana Technologies, Inc. has been acquired by Domestic and General Group (D&G), the UK's leading provider of appliance breakdown protection. Domestic and General is owned by the private equity platform of CVC which manages 110 billion of assets and sovereign wealth fund Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Nana was an enterprise gateway marketplace based on field management software that supplied both experienced and Nana-trained repairmen to its appliance vendor customers. As such, Nana addressed the problem of the shrinking numbers of home appliance repair technicians. Through its training arm, Nana helped otherwise low-skilled people to learn in-demand skills and to earn good pay. The company discontinued operations in September 2023.

The acquisition will significantly strengthen D&G's proposition and operations in the US, enabling the group to meet strong US consumer demand for post-sale appliance care and protection. The combined capabilities of the companies will accelerate D&G Group's expansion into the US warranty market, helping to build on the Group's track record of more than twenty years of consecutive revenue and profit growth.

This transaction represents another successful closing for Britehorn Partners in the software and business services verticals. It was led by Steve Gaynor and supported by Britehorn Partners Brett Story, Bobbi Babitz Armstrong, and Andrew Hurry. If you would like more information about Britehorn Partners or this transaction, please contact the Britehorn Partners deal team: [email protected]

About Britehorn

Britehorn Partners is a leading full-service investment bank that offers comprehensive, tailored transaction and advisory services to clients in a variety of industries, including insurance, financial services, technology, telecom, business services, consumer products, healthcare, manufacturing, industrials, and food and beverage. The Britehorn team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. Britehorn Partners is consistently recognized by Axial (axial.net) among the top 20 lower middle market investment banking firms in the U.S. Britehorn Partners owns and operates Britehorn Securities, a FINRA broker-dealer serving investment bankers and institutional placement agents across the country. For more information, please visit www.britehorn.com

About Nana Technologies

Nana built a first-in-class software platform connecting major home appliance repair technicians to repair jobs in major cities throughout the US. It provided skilled technicians to its appliance vendor customers and the technicians with a vertically integrated platform to obtain parts and services, economic opportunities, community, and education. The company helped hundreds of repair technicians to grow their businesses.

About Domestic and General Group

With a strong focus on sustainability and customer-care, D&G's appliance care plans protect individuals and families against the unexpected costs of appliance repairs and replacements. Present in 12 countries across Europe, Australia and the US, D&G protects over 21 million appliances for approximately 13 million customers. Globally D&G has ~3000 employees. It has a leading position in the UK market and is present in 1 in 3 households. D&G has been present in the US for 18 months and this acquisition supports D&G's ambitious global growth plans. For more information, visit www.domesticandgeneral.com.

Contact:

Natalia Story

6507736748

[email protected]

SOURCE Britehorn Partners
Academy Award, Emmy, and 3x GRAMMY-award winning rapper recognized as a champion of creators' rights

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SoundExchange, the premier music tech organization powering the future of music, announced today that award-winning artist, actor, author, and activist Common was honored with the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award for his advocacy with the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA).

Photo (L-R): Michael Huppe presents Common with the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Victoria Ford/Sneakshot)

"Common is a master lyricist, respected by his peers in the art form, and an outspoken advocate for creators," said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. "He is also an accomplished actor, poet, and philanthropist, all while advocating for performers' right to be paid when their music is played on terrestrial radio. We are honored to work alongside Common and to recognize him with the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award."

Common joins previous SoundExchange Music Fairness award recipients Gloria Estefan and Dionne Warwick. He was presented with the honor by SoundExchange CEO and President Michael Huppe at the company's 20th anniversary celebration at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

About Common

Academy Award, Emmy, and GRAMMY-winning artist, actor, author, and activist, Common, continues to break down barriers with a multitude of critically acclaimed roles and continued success in all aspects of his career. Common can currently be seen starring in Apple TV+'s "Silo" as Robert Sims. This winter, he made his Broadway debut playing Junior in Between Riverside and Crazy. His latest album, A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 2 was released in September 2021 and served as an inspiring follow up to his previous album, A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 1, which was released in March 2020. In 2019, Common released his hit album Let Love, inspired by his work and experiences writing his New York Times best-selling second memoir, Let Love Have the Last Word. In January 2024, he will publish And Then We Rise, about his journey to wellness as a vital element of his success. Common has dedicated countless hours and has been deeply engaged in social justice and advocacy work around mass incarceration, mental health, and voting. He launched the nonprofit Imagine Justice, and through his Common Ground Foundation, Common is dedicated to empowering high school students from underserved communities to become future leaders.

About SoundExchange

SoundExchange is the premier music tech organization on a mission to power the future of music. It was independently formed in 2003 to build a fairer, simpler, and more efficient music industry through technology, data, and advocacy. The only organization designated by the U.S. government to administer the Section 114 sound recording license, SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of 650,000 music creators and growing. Through proprietary music tech solutions that turn data into accurate revenue, SoundExchange has paid more than $10 billion in distributions to date. For more information, visit soundexchange.com.

SOURCE SoundExchange
George Mawdsley joins from ILS Fund Securis Investment Partners

BOSTON, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DeNexus Inc, a provider of second-generation cyber risk quantification and management services to industrial enterprises and critical infrastructure owners and operators, and the cyber insurance market, has strengthened its risk transfer solutions capabilities with the hire of Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) expert George Mawdsley.

George has been appointed Head of Risk Solutions, with a focus on developing the next generation of risk transfer solutions for the cyber insurance and ILS markets, leveraging DeNexus' best-in-class cyber risk quantification and management platform DeRISK.

Reporting into Jose Seara, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DeNexus, George joins from Securis Investment Partners, where he spent 10 years in the structuring and origination of ILS risk. Prior to that, he was Lloyd's Special Risks Underwriter at Hiscox in London.

"George will be an asset to the DeNexus team and strategically critical in our mission to build the global standard of industrial cyber risk quantification for agencies, shareholders, investors, boards and risk transfer market," said Mr. Seara. "I firmly believe that insurance is a mandatory tool for the proper management of cyber risk, and developing the secondary market and attracting alternative capital is a must for efficient cyber risk transfer solutions to develop, and for the market to scale to its full potential. It is DeNexus' aim to build up our expertise in order to properly service the cyber risk transfer market, building up from the years of experience serving cyber risk owners, and the knowledge and cyber data accumulated in that process."

He added: "George's experience in origination in the ILS space will further strengthen DeNexus' understanding of the complex and unique challenges facing ILS investors when securitizing cyber risk, and help us to create innovative fit-for-purpose ILS solutions for the future."

"I had no hesitation in joining this stellar team," said Mr. Mawdsley. "They have a superior cyber risk quantification and management product, and exciting ambitions to support a cyber ILS market. I am excited to work side-by-side with DeNexus to effectively connect cyber risk with alternative capital and really make an impact on the cyber insurance market."

DeNexus has developed credible modelling that produces evidence-based data in order to quantify cyber risk and support the development of the cyber re/insurance and cyber ILS markets. It has launched a series of ever-improving cyber risk quantification models under its DeRISK platform, which are aimed at helping industrial organizations, underwriters, reinsurers and ILS investors fully understand and price the real risks associated with cyber breaches.

DeNexus recently launched a complimentary cyber tool, aimed at helping industrial companies quickly evaluate their cyber risk exposure. DeRISK freemium is a simplified version of DeNexus' DeRISK AI-powered Cyber Risk Assessment platform, and gives facilities and risk owners a complimentary entry point to comprehend their cyber risk posture and evaluate the impact of mitigation strategies at no cost. For more information, click here.

About DeNexus:

DeNexus Inc. is the leading provider of cyber risk modelling for industrial organizations, global (re)insurers and insurance linked securities (ILS) investors. Our flagship platform, DeRISK, is the world's first evidence-based, data-driven, self-adaptive, cloud-based technology powered by AI, ML and Probabilistic Inference that helps Asset Owners gain visibility into their true cyber risk exposure, probability of loss, financial impact of a cyber event and guides risk stakeholders towards the best risk mitigation paths for their organization.

https://www.denexus.io

Media Contacts:

Danielle Scotto

ICR-Lumina

[email protected]

SOURCE DeNexus
NOVI, Mich., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DexKo Global Inc. ("DexKo"), a global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies, related components, and hydraulic brake applications, is pleased to announce that its business unit AL-KO Vehicle Technology ("AL-KO") has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Toptron Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG ("Toptron").

The German company is specialized in developing, designing and distributing customized electronic components for caravans and motorhomes. This strategic acquisition will expand AL-KO's product portfolio with a sophisticated range of electronic systems for caravanning applications and will allow DexKo to continue the group's future-proof growth trajectory.

Toptron is located in Menden, North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany. Since 1995, the company has been supplying customized on-board electronic systems and components such as control panels, power distribution devices, lighting control systems, probes and sensors. Many renowned manufacturers trust Toptron's innovation capabilities and have been maintaining long-term relationships with the company.

"We look forward to uniting the strengths of the Toptron team with those of DexKo. We are pleased to invest in AL-KO's continued growth in the electronics segment," stated Fred Bentley, Chief Executive Officer of DexKo.

"We will integrate Toptron into our AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics business to broaden our product offering and our geographical coverage. Also, we want to build seamlessly on Toptron's position as preferred development partner for their valued customers," said Harald Hiller, President and CEO at AL-KO.

"We are very happy now that Toptron will become a part of AL-KO and DexKo. The synergies we create, will offer great opportunities for the future. Finding a strong and reliable partner has been very important to me," commented Managing Director Wilhelm Cramer, who will support the transition period until he will retire from the business.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group is a swiftly growing global technology group and a business unit of DexKo Global. With high-quality chassis and suspension components for trailers, leisure and commercial vehicles, and construction and agricultural vehicles, the group represents the best in functionality and comfort as well as innovations to ensure greater driving safety. Founded in 1931 the group today has around 3,500 employees at more than 40 locations worldwide. The company includes the 17 international brands AL-KO, Aguti, Bankside Patterson, Bradley, Brink, CBE, cmtrailer parts, De Haan, E&P Hydraulics, Fluid-Press, G&S Chassis, Hume, Nordelettronica, Preston Chassis, SAFIM, SAWIKO and Winterhoff. Find out more at www.alko-tech.com.

DexKo Global Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality chassis technology, chassis assemblies, accessories and hydraulic brake components with more than 130 years of experience in trailer and caravan components. DexKo Global was founded 2016 through the merger of Dexter and AL-KO Vehicle Technology. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan/USA, the company employs around 7,000 people in more than 100 production facilities and distribution centres. For more information, please go to www.dexko.com.

Press Contact:

AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group

Eva Doppler

Ichenhauser Strasse 14

D-89359 Kotz

+49 8221 97-8239

[email protected]

www.dexko.com

SOURCE DexKo Global Inc.
Having uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in Nevada may not be legally mandated but every driver should purchase it to protect themselves says Patrick Leverty

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the roadways in Nevada become increasingly congested, there is an increase in the number of accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists. This situation creates a question: As a car owner, are you legally required to pay for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in Nevada?

Attorney Patrick Leverty, one of the lead attorneys at Leverty & Associates Law, recently stated that no law makes uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage mandatory for car owners in Nevada. However, all drivers should purchase this coverage in their insurance policies.

Many drivers operate their vehicles without insurance or carry minimal coverage that may be insufficient in an accident. This problem poses a substantial risk to other drivers who may suffer injuries or damage because of the actions of uninsured or underinsured motorists.

When a driver gets harmed or injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, they must deal with the damages independently because the offending motorist has little or no insurance coverage to pay for the damage.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage acts as a safety net for drivers. Leverty advises motorists to have uninsured or underinsured coverage as part of a comprehensive insurance plan.

Patrick Leverty emphasizes that, "although the coverage is not legally mandated, it can be precious to motorists as they would be protecting themselves and their loved ones from the financial issues that can arise from accidents involving uninsured and underinsured motorists."

Given the increasing risk on Nevada's busy roads, especially during this holiday season, Leverty strongly advises drivers to consult with their insurance attorneys or legal advisers to understand the benefits of uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

With the help of a legal adviser, motorists can make informed decisions about including the coverage in their insurance policy. This decision will help them safeguard against unpredictable circumstances.

About Attorney Patrick Leverty



Patrick Leverty, one of the lead attorneys at Leverty & Associates Law, joined the firm in the fall of 2004, and he has had nearly twenty years of experience successfully representing clients. He focuses on bad faith and personal injury cases and is entirely committed to achieving the best possible client outcome.

For further information on Leverty & Associates, Law Chartered, contact us at (775) 322-6636 (Reno) and (702) 507-0201 (Las Vegas).

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Leverty & Associates Law
BOGOTA, Colombia, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) informs that in order to comply with the provisions of Part III Title I Chapter VI of the Basic Legal Circular issued by the Financial Superintendency of Colombia (E.C. 029 of 2014), the Board of Directors of Ecopetrol S.A. approved the implementation of measures aimed at ensuring the adequate representation of shareholders at the extraordinary meeting of the Assembly to be held on January 10, 2024 and, in this regard, requested the Management to:

The shareholders should be informed of the power of representation that they have through the appointment of a proxy and the legal requirements of the powers of attorney granted for such purpose should be indicated.

Those appointed to verify the powers of attorney granted by the shareholders should be instructed that those that do not comply with the minimum requirements established by law will not be admitted as valid, and that powers of attorney will not be received if the name of the respective representative is not clearly defined.

Do not suggest or determine the name of the shareholders' proxy.

Do not suggest, coordinate or agree with the shareholders: (i) the presentation of proposals at the Meeting and/or (ii) the voting for or against any proposal to be presented at the Meeting.

No proxies shall be granted to persons directly or indirectly related to the management or employees of Ecopetrol S.A.

The Legal Vice-Presidency shall be the area responsible for the process of reviewing and verifying the powers of attorney.

The Vice-Presidency of Corporate Affairs and General Secretary of Ecopetrol S.A. be responsible for ensuring the implementation and compliance with the above measures.

The above measures were adopted by the members of the Board of Directors of Ecopetrol S.A. in a meeting held on December 19, 2023 and are reported prior to the respective General Shareholders' Meeting.

-----------------------------------------

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, and the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice.

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:

Head of Capital Markets

Carolina Tovar

Email: [email protected]

Head of Corporate Communications

Marcela Ulloa

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
A group of Dutch civil servants staged an unusual protest in front of the country's Foreign Affairs Ministry on Thursday to call for a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.

Around 150 ministerial workers held up placards and unfurled a banner reading "Civil Servants Demand Ceasefire" over lunchtime, saying they were protesting the government's current stance on the call for an end to hostilities.

"There's concern over the fact that the Dutch government is still not calling for a permanent ceasefire and that is in essence why we're here today," said Angelique Eijpe, spokeswoman for the group.

Eijpe told AFP she resigned from Foreign Affairs last month over the continued Dutch position in the conflict.

The conflict erupted on October 7 when Hamas launched the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on Israel from the Gaza Strip, with Israel retaliating by pounding the area with its heaviest-ever bombardment.

The Netherlands, like Germany and Italy, last week abstained from voting for a ceasefire during a UN General Assembly meeting, despite an overwhelming number of countries voting in favor.

Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot afterward said the abstention resulted from the text of the resolution "not being clear enough" on Israel's right to defend itself -- and it did not refer to the October 7 operation by Hamas.

But some civil servants disagreed with the Dutch position, staging the protest which lasted about half an hour.

Although protests often happen in the Netherlands, it is rare for civil servants to make their voices heard contrary to official policy.

"We are here because we disagree with the Netherlands' stance on the ceasefire issue," said protester Jesse Jansen, 34.

"We cannot just stand by and watch while international and humanitarian laws are being violated," he told AFP.

Some 200 civil servants in October wrote letters to the Dutch cabinet asking it to call on Israel to halt the Gaza bombardment "and to protect innocent civilians."

Support for a ceasefire call has been growing in the Netherlands, with almost two-thirds of Dutch people interviewed being in favor, a poll by the RTL public broadcaster said on Tuesday.

"Most people do not take sides in the conflict: sympathy for the Palestinian people is just as great as for the Israeli people," the RTL poll added.

But Dutch Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz has criticized the civil servants' letters, saying "the political leadership determines the policy line, not the other way around."

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LONDON, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Elwood Technologies ("Elwood" or "the Company"), a leading platform that provides institutional-grade access to digital asset markets and liquidity venues, today announced that Chris Lawn has been appointed CEO.

Chris brings over 30 years of global macro trading and portfolio management experience gained at hedge funds and institutions that span both traditional finance and digital assets, including Caxton Associates, One River Digital and Coinbase. He has been providing his services and expertise to Elwood since January 2023 and has been instrumental in scaling its end-to-end SaaS products covering Execution Management Systems ("EMS") and risk representation technology, known as the Portfolio Management System ("PMS"). These comprehensive and sophisticated tools provide clients with functionality to access liquidity in digital assets, perform live position and exposure tracking, scenario analysis, and collateral monitoring.

Chris is taking over from outgoing CEO James Stickland, who led the company through its $70m Series A funding round in 2022. The round was co-led by prominent backers including one of Europe's largest specialist B2B software investors, Dawn Capital and global investment bank, Goldman Sachs.

Chris Lawn said: "I am honoured to be appointed as the new CEO of Elwood. I am confident that we can build on our strong foundation to continue delivering a market-leading end-to-end EMS and PMS technology for institutions trading digital assets. I look forward to continuing to work with our talented team as we develop and deliver institutional-grade infrastructure for digital markets."

Mathew McDermott, Elwood board observer and Global Head of Digital Assets at Goldman Sachs, commented: "Chris brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Elwood and the board is confident he is the right person to take the company to the next level."

Josh Bell, Elwood Board member and General Partner at Dawn Capital, said: "Chris is taking the reins at an inflection point for Elwood, which is poised to grow rapidly alongside rising institutional demand for access to digital assets and infrastructure. Given Chris's extensive ecosystem experience, he is a strong and seamless fit for the business. His expertise has already helped Elwood scale its SaaS offering this year, and he brings the strength of experience and deep sector knowledge to help the team deliver on the enormous opportunity ahead."

James Stickland said: "It has been a privilege to lead Elwood through its startup phase, and I am excited to welcome Chris as the new CEO. He has already played a key role in Elwood's evolution into a global, institutional fintech company and look forward to the firm's next chapter."

About Elwood:

Elwood is an established, global fintech building digital assets infrastructure for institutional investors. Its seamless end-to-end platform connects to global crypto exchanges and liquidity providers and delivers execution and portfolio analytics functionality with advanced risk management tools for digital asset markets. Built by industry experts with decades of combined experience in traditional finance and digital technology, Elwood provides market infrastructure at scale, enabling financial institutions, neobanks, and corporations to access digital asset markets quickly and efficiently.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Jennifer Berlin

Forefront Communications

+44 (0) 7375 288 641

[email protected]

SOURCE Elwood Technologies
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's most trusted crypto exchange according to CoinGecko, has announced a powerful suite of free AI trading tools, introducing cutting-edge solutions designed to revolutionize crypto trading.

In a bold move to democratize strategy trading for all levels of investors, Bybit is collecting its suite of AI products under a new Trading Tools category to provide an easy onboarding experience making this new technology more easily accessible. The AI platform boasts a track record of steady returns underpinned by meticulous statistical analyses.

Embrace the Future of Crypto Trading with Bybit's AI Solutions

In a striking testament to the power of artificial intelligence trading, Bybit has reported a substantial collective investment of $107,794,527 by users employing their state-of-the-art AI trading tools. Notably, these advanced tools underscore the potent efficacy of AI in enhancing trading strategies.

Before the advent of AI, bot trading was a domain for the advanced user, demanding extensive understanding of intricate trading strategies. Bybit has transformed this landscape by introducing TradeGPT powered by Master Traders, which contribute a constant flow of successful strategies for followers to utilize, leveraging market conditions round the clock. Bybit's Trading Tools also includes Aurora AI, a new product which integrates Bybit's trading data and offers a variety of high-yield, stable, and high-frequency arbitrage strategies.

"We've always been at the forefront of technological integration within the crypto space," said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO. "Trading Tools represents our commitment to this vision, giving traders the power of AI to harness market opportunities continuously, without the need for deep trading strategy knowledge."

Bybit will also offer an intelligent news classification feature, offering real-time information from social media and expert opinions, ensuring that traders are always informed and one step ahead. Trading Tools is not merely a facelift but a leap forward in providing a data-centric approach to investment that's unparalleled in the crypto market.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is a top-three cryptocurrency exchange by volume with 20 million users established in 2018. It offers a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One's reigning Constructors' and Drivers' champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press.

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X (Twitter) | Youtube

SOURCE Bybit
DUBLIN , Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Fleet Management in Europe - 18th Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Now in its seventeenth edition this strategy report covers the latest trends and developments in the dynamic commercial vehicle telematics industry.

The report forecasts that the number of fleet management systems in active use in the region is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 12.4 percent from 14.8 million units at the end of 2022 to 26.5 million by 2027. Get up to date with the latest information about vendors, products and markets.

Future industry trends

New features are continuously added to fleet management solutions

FM providers support management of EVs and fleet electrification processes

LCV manufacturers collaborating with aftermarket players

Go-to-market strategy and pricing model evolution

The emergence of alliances among FM solution vendors

Insurance telematics for commercial fleets

Major tyre manufacturers invest in the commercial vehicle telematics market

Fleet management services based on mobile app platforms

Big Data and AI in the fleet management sector

More Pan-European players to enter the scene

FMS providers open up their platforms to third-party app developers

The Internet of Transportation Things expands the addressable market

Autonomous and electric vehicle fleets to influence the FMS market

Mergers and acquisitions to continue in 2024

The long-term evolution of the fleet management ecosystem

The European fleet management market has entered a growth period that will last for several years to come. Individual markets may however suffer temporary setbacks, depending on the development of the general economy in the region and Ukraine crisis. The number of fleet management systems in active use is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.4 percent from 14.8 million units at the end of 2022 to 26.5 million by 2027. The penetration rate in the total population of non-privately owned commercial vehicles and cars is estimated to increase from 22.1 percent in 2022 to 37.7 percent in 2027.

The top-38 vendors have today more than 100,000 active units in Europe. A group of international aftermarket solution providers have emerged as the leaders on the European fleet management market. Berg Insight ranks Targa Telematics as the largest vendor in Europe at the end of 2022 with 710,000 subscribers in the region, followed by Webfleet and Verizon Connect with 680,000 and 490,000 subscribers respectively.

All major truck manufacturers on the European market offer OEM telematics solutions as part of their product portfolio. A major trend in the past years has been the announcements of standard line fitment of fleet management solutions. Since the end of 2011, Scania is rolling out the Scania Communicator as standard on all European markets and includes a ten-year basic service subscription. All medium and heavy duty trucks from Daimler Truck contains the Fleetboard vehicle computer as standard and the buses are equipped with OMNIplus ON. Volvo offers Dynafleet as standard in Europe. New MAN trucks are now equipped with RIO as standard replacing MAN TeleMatics. DAF launched its new optional DAF Connect that has been developed in-house in 2016. The leading OEMs in Europe are Scania, Daimler and Volvo with 379,000, 170,000 and 162,000 active FM subscribers respectively at the end of 2022.

The consolidation trend continues and seven M&A activities have taken place in 2023 so far. Coyote became majority owner of Ubiwan (51 percent). Vimcar and Avrios were acquired by Battery Ventures and consequently merged, resulting in a new company called Shiftmove. Private equity firm Idico acquired a majority stake in Simpliciti. Targa Telematics acquired Viasat Group. Mapon acquired CarCops based in Estonia which will expand the business in the country considerably. Addsecure Smart Transport acquired the Clifford Group which includes Traxgo, a Belgium-based company offering systems for tracking of vehicles, machines and equipment. Finally, Powerfleet and MiX Telematics announced an agreement to form a combined business which will be branded as Powerfleet. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2024.

Highlights from the report

Insights from 50 new executive interviews with market leading companies.

New data on vehicle populations and commercial fleets in Europe .

. Comprehensive overview of the fleet management value chain and key applications.

In-depth analysis of market trends and key developments.

Updated and new profiles of 120 aftermarket fleet management solution providers.

Summary of OEM propositions from truck, trailer and construction equipment brands.

Revised market forecasts lasting until 2027

Key Topics Covered:



1 Commercial Vehicle Fleets in Europe

1.1 Light commercial vehicles

1.2 Medium and heavy trucks and buses

1.3 Trailers and semi-trailers

1.4 Off-road construction and agriculture equipment

1.5 Company owned passenger cars

1.6 Ownership structure



2 Fleet Management Solutions

2.1 Market analysis

2.2 Vehicle management

2.3 Driver management

2.4 Operations management

2.5 Regulatory compliance and reporting

2.6 Business models



3 Market Forecasts and Trends

3.1 Market analysis

3.2 Market drivers and barriers

3.3 Value chain analysis

3.4 Future industry trends



4 OEM Products and Strategies



5 International Aftermarket Solution Providers



6 Regional Aftermarket Solution Providers



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Krone

Kogel

Wielton Group

Actia

Continental

Aplicom

ERM Advanced Telematics

IAV

John Deere Electronic Solutions

Lantronix

Micronet

Munic

Powerfleet

Quake Global

Squarell Technology

CameraMatics

Streamax

SureCam

Vision Techniques

VisionTrack

Inseego

Samsara

Targa Telematics

Teletrac Navman

Trackunit

Coyote

GeoDynamics

Rietveld

Simpliciti

TEKSAT

Truckonline

Flotman

i-Cell

iData

Idem Telematics

Logifleet

Mapon

Mireo

Shiftmove

Spedion

Gesinflot

GMV

Locatel

Macnil

Satdata

ECIT Autogear

GpsGate

GSGroup

GSMvalve

Zeekit

Crystal Ball

GreenRoad

Lightfoot

Matrix iQ

Microlise

Quartix

Radius Telematics

RAM Tracking

Satmo

Trakm8

Transpoco

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/aviun8

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Globally renowned law firm Paul, Weiss is relocating its headquarters to 765,000 square feet at 1345 Avenue of the Americas

NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fisher Brothers, a fourth-generation real estate company that owns, manages and operates unique spaces across the country, and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives today announced that Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, a leading international law firm, has signed a 20-year, 765,000 square-foot lease at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, marking the largest commercial office lease in the United States in 2023. Globally recognized as a market leader, Paul, Weiss represents many of the world's largest and most important public and private corporations, asset managers and financial institutions. The firm plans to initially occupy 18 floors within the highly amenitized Midtown office tower.

"New York City continues to be an unparalleled place to do business, and we're thrilled to support Paul, Weiss' growth," said Winston Fisher, partner at Fisher Brothers. "We are committed to creating and maintaining innovative spaces that enable industry leaders to thrive. As we look ahead to a new year, this lease underscores an important global institution's commitment to having an in-person footprint in New York City."

"Employee experience is at the forefront of tenants' priorities, and we can't wait to welcome Paul, Weiss to enjoy the unparalleled, world-class work environment we've curated for our tenants at 1345 Avenue of the Americas," said Ken Fisher, partner at Fisher Brothers. "The firm's notable growth and relocation shows how important modern amenities, public art, meeting spaces and state-of-the-art infrastructure are for today's top businesses. We've invested tremendously in these elements at 1345 Avenue of the Americas and are so excited to see the largest commercial lease in the country come from our commitment to offering best-in-class experiences."

"With its high-tech features, thoughtful meeting spaces and artistic elements, 1345 Avenue of the Americas is the ideal location not only to accommodate our needs as we continue our path of global growth, but also to complement our firm culture of excellence in client service, collaboration and innovation," said Brad S. Karp, chairman of Paul, Weiss. "We are excited about our move to a spectacular new space that will elevate the daily experience for our clients and community."

Recently, Fisher Brothers and J.P. Morgan completed a $120 million large-scale capital improvement project at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, which included upgrades to the building's exterior, an artfully designed lobby with upgraded touchless elevators, and a new amenity floor, @Ease 1345, featuring 5,500 square feet of flexible meeting space, event capacity of up to 440 guests, tenant lounge, wellness center, New York City's largest indoor terrarium and hybrid meeting spaces. Ease Hospitality offers the latest, modernized technology to host engaging meetings and experiences. A second Ease Hospitality location opened at Fisher Brothers' 605 Third Avenue last year.

As part of the capital improvement plan, last year, Fisher Brothers unveiled a large-scale experiential art installation at 1345 Avenue of the Americas. The piece is a vibrant painted mural entitled "Falcon Dreaming," located within the redesigned Fisher Park adjacent to the commercial office tower and the Ziegfeld Ballroom. The 56-foot by 23-foot mural integrates an augmented reality experience. Additional upgrades to Fisher Park include public Wi-Fi, over 100ft of bench seating to work, collaborate and meet around new raised planters, tables and chairs throughout the plaza, new granite pavers, steps and lighting.

The largest commercial lease in the nation is the latest positive economic indicator in New York. According to The Partnership for New York City , both large and small employers have seen an increase in average weekday office attendance compared to January. Overall, the data shows that nearly three-quarters of Manhattan office workers are now coming in at least three days a week, which is further evidenced by several New York transit modes recently setting post-pandemic ridership records.

Marc S. Packman, Head of Leasing, Clark Briffel, Senior Director of Leasing, Charles P. Laginestra, Director of Leasing, and Josh Fisher, Assistant Director of Leasing at Fisher Brothers led negotiations for Fisher Brothers. Paul, Weiss was represented by Moshe Sukenik, Chris Mongeluzo, and Brian Cohen of Newmark. Howard Fiddle, Peter Turchin, Gregg Rothkin, Benjamin Joseph, Anthony Dattoma, and Bill Iacovelli from CBRE, as well as Russ Rabinovich and Jenny Haberman from Holland & Knight LLP, worked with Fisher Brothers to secure the deal.

About Paul, Weiss

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is a premier firm of more than 1,000 lawyers with diverse backgrounds, personalities, ideas and interests who provide innovative and effective solutions to our clients' most complex legal and business challenges. The firm represents many of the world's largest and most important public and private corporations, asset managers and financial institutions, as well as clients in need of pro bono assistance. Paul, Weiss is widely recognized as having market-leading practices in public M&A, private equity, litigation, white-collar & regulatory defense, and restructuring, along with equally strong practices in executive compensation, intellectual property, personal representation, real estate and tax law. Please visit the company's website at www.paulweiss.com .

About Fisher Brothers

For more than a century, Fisher Brothers has excelled in real estate innovation, developing, owning and operating unique spaces that enable people to thrive. From cutting-edge building design to neighborhood-defining art installations, Fisher Brothers leverages each real estate asset to create one-of-a-kind spaces for people to live, work and play. Fisher Brothers currently owns and operates commercial, residential and experiential retail assets in New York City, Las Vegas, Washington, DC, Miami and Orlando. For additional information about Fisher Brothers, please visit the company's website at www.fisherbrothers.com .

About J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives and J.P. Morgan Asset Management  Real Estate Americas

J.P. Morgan Asset Management  Real Estate Americas is the U.S. real estate investment platform of J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives. With US$74 billion (Gross Asset Value as of September 30, 2023) in equity and debt assets under management and more than 240 professionals, the platform offers real estate strategies that span from core to opportunistic and across debt and equity. J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives is the alternative investment arm of J.P. Morgan Asset Management. With more than 60 years as an alternatives investment manager, US$213 billion in assets under management and more than 800 professionals (as of September 30, 2023), J.P. Morgan offers strategies across the alternative investment spectrum including real estate, private equity, private credit, hedge funds, infrastructure, transportation, timber and liquid alternatives. Operating from offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, our independent alternative investment engines combine specialist knowledge and singular focus with the global reach, vast resources and powerful infrastructure of J.P. Morgan to help meet each client's specific objectives. For more information, visit www.jpmorgan.com/am .

Media Contact:

BerlinRosen, [email protected]

SOURCE Fisher Brothers
TROY, Va., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jennifer Emmi, a current inmate at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Virginia is fighting for her life behind bars and being denied critical medical care. Over the past seven days, Jennifer has submitted five separate Emergency Grievances with the prison begging for treatment of symptoms commonly associated with heart attacks. These reports indicate that Jennifer is experiencing pain radiating down her left arm and chest, fatigue and difficulty walking.

On Wednesday December 13, Jennifer was taken to the University of Virginia for a CT coronary angiogram. Following this visit, the prison has reportedly not taken any action to treat Jennifer's growing cardiac-related symptoms.

"Fluvanna is turning a blind eye to Jennifer's cries for help because they want her dead." Post this

Over the past few weeks, Jennifer's attorney has been exploring administrative options available to see Jennifer transferred from Fluvanna back to Colorado under conditions that would enable her to receive the medical care she needs. These potential alternatives have taken on new urgency given the apparent dramatic decline in Jennifer's health over the last week. Providing Jennifer a transfer or release has become life-or-death, but Fluvanna has yet to respond to Jennifer's attorneys.

"Fluvanna is turning a blind eye to her cries for help because they want Jennifer dead," said Barbara Crist, Jennifer's mother, who lives in Colorado and cannot easily visit her daughter in prison. "Jennifer is in pain and needs immediate treatment for life-threatening symptoms. I just want my little girl to be alive and safe."

Jennifer has been repeatedly denied critical medical care and has been physically abused during her time in prison. On Jennifer's website Bruised Behind Bars, her frequent blog posts indicate that she is not receiving basic medical care, such as the necessary cleaning of her chest port and being denied a wheelchair.

On December 11, Jennifer stated, "I need to get to my medical team. I was transferred to this facility illegally and I am being kept here as what feels like a hostage since I should have been released quite some time ago. I could be experiencing endocarditis, or an inflamed heart, which could lead to cardiac arrest or even death. Yet, I am ignored here at Fluvanna like so many inmates before me. I have been allowed to catastrophically decline over the last few years in prison, been beaten, and raped and no one has been held accountable. All that remains now are the scars and my voice trying to get medical care now." Now, ten days later, Jennifer's condition has worsened to catastrophic levels.

Fluvanna has been contacted by numerous medical professionals pleading for Jennifer's transfer to save her life. In a letter sent to the prison by a physician on August 11, 2023, Dr. Charles Howard states, "It is clear from the Medical Recordsthat Ms. Emmi belongs in an inpatient hospital, where she can receive the necessary Medical Care for her multitude of severe medical conditions. These services are NOT available in a Jail, nor in most Federal Prison facilitiesMs. Emmi medically requires immediate transfer to a major tertiary medical center. This is the only type of facility with resources needed to treat her."

Since beginning her sentence behind bars, Jennifer has endured abuse, harassment, deprivation, arbitrary penalization, and sexual assault, as well as 22 weeks of solitary confinement. Following her report of sexual abuse by prison guards in Colorado, Jennifer was transferred from Colorado without explanation to Virginia  halfway across the country from her family and support system. Her experience at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women has only caused further harm to Jennifer's declining health.

Fluvanna has a well-documented pattern of abuse and medical neglect; the prison has been forced to settle a lawsuit accusing them of violating inmates' constitutional rights. Fluvanna has been plagued with accusations of neglect, overcrowding, and sexual abuse on the part of the predominantly male guards ever since its founding. A list of some of Fluvanna's misdeeds can be found on Jennifer's website here.

Press contact:

Maria Stagliano

[email protected]

SOURCE Bruised Behind Bars
Anyone Exposed to PCBs at Vermont Schools Can Contact Milberg Law Firm

WILMINGTON, Vt., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A woman who attended Twin Valley Elementary School in Wilmington, Vermont claims in a lawsuit that she was exposed to toxic Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) at the school manufactured by Monsanto and developed health problems, including lymphoma, as a result. Her attorneys from Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman ("Milberg") are also looking to represent others with PCB-related injuries linked to Vermont schools.

Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman

In March 2023, testing revealed elevated levels of airborne PCBs, a group of man-made chemicals commonly used in building materials and electrical equipment before 1980, in several room at Twin Valley Elementary. Monsanto began making PCBs nearly 100 years ago and manufactured commercial PCBs that were used in schools like Twin Valley through the 1970s.

According to the Vermont Department of Health, long-term exposure to PCBs can cause cancer as well as immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine system effects.

Plaintiff Kristy Crawford, who attended Twin Valley Elementary from 1982 to 1990, has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and reproductive issues. Her lawsuit contends that Monsanto knew about the dangers of PCBs since the 1930s but ignored the findings to benefit their bottom line.

U.S. Navy testing of PCB products in the 1950s determined that they were too toxic for use in submarines. But despite its own data and government data on PCB toxicity, Monsanto failed to warn customers about the hazards and continued to promote PCBs in school construction projects across the country, including schools in Vermont.

"Cases like this show why the name 'Monsanto' has become synonymous with corporate wrongdoing," said Milberg's Gary M. Klinger. "This is just the latest example of them callously ignoring science and public health in the name of profits."

In 2020, the Vermont Department of Health reported PCB contamination at Burlington High School, where PCB levels in some areas were ten times higher than EPA recommended indoor air levels. The following year, Vermont passed a first-in-the-country initiative to test hundreds of schools for PCBs. Testing began in spring 2022 and is scheduled to take place through 2025.

Milberg, whose Environmental Litigation team has a history of successfully taking on some of the planet's biggest polluters, is looking to representing those with PCB exposure injuries from Burlington High School, North Country Union High School (Newport), Green Mountain Union High School (Chester), Bellow Falls Union High School (Westminster), and Oak Grove School (Brattleboro).

"The list of schools with PCB contamination will likely grow as testing is completed," said Milberg's Zachary Howerton, a graduate of Vermont Law School. "We encourage all current and former students, parents, staff, and teachers to contact us and learn how they can hold Monsanto accountable. We want you to know that we hear your concerns about possible PCB exposure, and we're here for you."

About Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC:

For over 50 years, Milberg and its affiliates have been fighting to protect victims' rights and have recovered over $50 billion for clients. A pioneer in class action litigation, Milberg is widely recognized as a leader in defending the rights of victims of corporate wrongdoing.

Media Contact:

Karine Lim

[email protected]

SOURCE Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC
DUBLIN, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Autonomous Surgical Robotics Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Product Type, Application, End User, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global autonomous surgical robotics market was valued at $1.81 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $11.07 billion by 2033, witnessing a CAGR of 17.45% during the forecast period 2023-2033. This growth can be attributed to the factors that include the enhanced surgical capabilities offered by autonomous robotic-assisted surgeries, an upsurge in minimally invasive surgical procedures, technological advancements in autonomous surgical robotics, and supportive regulatory approvals for autonomous surgical robotic systems, driving competitiveness in the market.



{INFOGRAPHIC_PLACEHOLDER}



Market Lifecycle Stage



The market lifecycle stage of the autonomous surgical robotics market can be described as being in the early growth or introduction phase. This market segment is characterized by the emergence of innovative technologies and products that have the potential to transform the field of surgery. Autonomous surgical robots are still relatively new and are gaining attention due to their ability to improve surgical precision, reduce human error, and enhance patient outcomes. While there is growing interest and investment in this technology, the market is not yet fully mature, and there is ample room for expansion and development. As more research and development efforts pour in and as regulatory approvals are obtained, the market is expected to move into the growth phase, attracting a wider customer base and achieving more widespread adoption within the medical industry.



Industry Impact



The global autonomous surgical robotics market is having a profound impact on the healthcare industry and related sectors. Autonomous surgical robots have significantly enhanced surgical precision and reduced the likelihood of human error. This has led to improved surgical outcomes, reduced OT complications, and has led to shorter recovery times for patients. Technology has positively impacted the overall quality of healthcare services. The market for autonomous surgical robotics has driven advancements in minimally invasive surgery as well. These robots are particularly well-suited for such procedures, enabling smaller incisions, thereby leading to quick patient recovery and less trauma. This trend toward minimally invasive surgery has transformed the way many surgical procedures are performed, resulting in a more patient-friendly approach.



However, the shortage of skilled surgeons in many parts of the world is a growing concern. Autonomous surgical robots provide a viable solution by assisting surgeons, extending their capabilities, and potentially enabling remote surgery. This addresses the challenge of uneven access to surgical expertise and helps fill the gaps in underserved regions.



The global autonomous surgical robotics market is anticipated to grow at a robust pace due to the lucrative opportunities that lie within its domain, which include a massive scope for phenomenal profits through venturous investments, integrative industry-academia collaboration, the rise of advanced robotic technology, and an increase in the adoption of novel surgical applications. Some of the key trends that the market is moving toward include the rising technological innovations, such as next-generation robotic systems in the market.



Market Segmentation

Segmentation 1: by Product Type

Robotic Systems

Consumables

Services

Robotic Systems to Dominate the Global Autonomous Surgical Robotics Market (by Product Type)



Based on product type, the robotics systems segment dominated the global autonomous surgical robotics market in FY2022. These advanced systems are gaining prominence due to their pivotal role in enhancing surgical procedures. With the ability to provide surgeons with precise control and dexterity, robotics systems have become a preferred choice in the autonomous surgical robotics market. Their capacity to minimize human error and improve patient outcomes makes them a vital component in the field of minimally invasive surgery. As the demand for more efficient and accurate surgical solutions continues to grow, robotics systems are expected to maintain their dominance, driving the market's evolution and expansion in the foreseeable future.



Segmentation 2: by Application

Urology Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery

Cardiology Surgery

Head and Neck (including Neurology) Surgery

Other Surgeries

Orthopedic Surgery to Dominate the Global Autonomous Surgical Robotics Market (by Application)



Based on application, orthopedic surgery dominated the global autonomous surgical robotics market in FY2022. This surgical field has emerged as a frontrunner in harnessing the benefits of autonomous surgical robotics. The precision, accuracy, and consistent performance of robotic systems have proven to be especially valuable in orthopedic procedures such as joint replacements and spine surgery. Surgeons are increasingly relying on these technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce the invasiveness of surgeries. As the aging population grows and the demand for orthopedic interventions rises, the dominance of autonomous surgical robotics in orthopedic surgery is expected to persist and contribute significantly to the overall growth of the market.



Segmentation 3: by End User

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)

Others

Hospitals to Dominate the Global Autonomous Surgical Robotics Market (by End User)



Based on end user, the hospitals segment dominated the global autonomous surgical robotics market in FY2022. These sophisticated surgical robotic systems are finding their primary home within hospital settings. Hospitals are at the forefront of adopting this technology due to its potential to improve patient care and surgical outcomes. The controlled environment, well-trained medical staff, and infrastructure in hospitals make them ideal places for the integration of autonomous surgical robotics. As the demand for advanced surgical techniques continues to rise, hospitals are expected to maintain their dominant position as key users of autonomous surgical robotics, ultimately driving the market's growth and evolution.



Segmentation 4: by Region

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Rest-of-the-World

Regions such as North America and Europe have technologically advanced healthcare systems and allocate considerable budgets to the healthcare segment, due to which these regions hold the maximum share in the global autonomous surgical robotics market. Regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest-of-the-World are anticipated to register significant growth during the forecast period 2023-2033 owing to factors such as rising preference for minimally invasive surgeries, rising geriatric population, and increasing demand to streamline surgical workflows.



Moreover, Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of 18.87% during the forecast period 2023-2033. The Asia-Pacific region is an emerging market due to the rise in per capita income and rapid advancements in autonomous robotic surgical platforms. The Asia-Pacific region includes countries such as Japan, China, and India. Among these countries, China acquired the dominant market share, followed by Japan and India. Several companies have their presence in Asia-Pacific, such as Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., and Medtronic plc. The growth of the Asia-Pacific autonomous surgical robotics market is expected to be strongly driven by the increase in disposable income per household.



Recent Developments in the Global Autonomous Surgical Robotics Market

In September 2023 , PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation received Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This approval would enable the company to investigate the safety and effectiveness of Aquablation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.

, PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation received Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This approval would enable the company to investigate the safety and effectiveness of Aquablation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. In May 2023 , Robocath, Inc. launched its latest robotic platform, the R-One+, which could perform coronary angioplasties.

, Robocath, Inc. launched its latest robotic platform, the R-One+, which could perform coronary angioplasties. In October 2022 , XACT Robotics Ltd. announced that its ACE Xtend Remote Control Unit received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance, allowing users to robotically insert and steer the XACT ACE Robotic System remotely from the control room.

, XACT Robotics Ltd. announced that its ACE Xtend Remote Control Unit received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance, allowing users to robotically insert and steer the XACT ACE Robotic System remotely from the control room. In August 2022 , THINK Surgical, Inc., an innovator in the field of orthopedic surgical robots, announced its entry into a development and distribution agreement with Curexo, Inc., a medical robotics specialist company based in South Korea . THINK and Curexo have a strong working relationship based on historical development collaboration, and Curexo distributes THINK's TSolution One platform in Korea and Vietnam .

, THINK Surgical, Inc., an innovator in the field of orthopedic surgical robots, announced its entry into a development and distribution agreement with Curexo, Inc., a medical robotics specialist company based in . THINK and Curexo have a strong working relationship based on historical development collaboration, and Curexo distributes THINK's TSolution One platform in Korea and . In May 2022 , XACT Robotics received FDA clearance that would expand support for ablation procedures.

, XACT Robotics received FDA clearance that would expand support for ablation procedures. In January 2022 , Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. partnered with American Hospital Dubai to provide advanced robotic-assisted training for orthopedic surgeons from the U.A.E. and the region.

Demand - Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities

Market Demand Drivers:



Enhanced Surgical Capabilities Offered by Autonomous Robotic-Assisted Surgeries: Enhanced surgical capabilities are a driving force behind the autonomous surgical robotics market. These capabilities empower robotic systems to perform a wider range of surgical procedures, both complex and delicate, which makes them increasingly valuable in the medical field. One of the primary ways that enhanced surgical capabilities drive the market is by enabling a more extensive range of surgical procedures. Furthermore, there is an increased adoption of robotic-assisted surgeries owing to the several advantages over conventional as well as laparoscopic surgeries.



Market Restraints:



High Cost of Investment in Autonomous Robotic Surgical Systems: One of the major challenges in the autonomous surgical robotics market is the high capital cost of robotic systems, their associated instruments, and maintenance services. Currently, autonomous surgical robotics systems have a very high initial cost, requiring an arrangement for considerable capital investment from independent private surgeons and hospitals. All autonomous surgical robotic system manufacturers face several cost-associated challenges in convincing end users to purchase a robotic system.



Market Opportunities:



Preference of Telerobotic-Based Surgeries to Overcome Lack of Skilled Professional Surgeons: The preference for Telerobotic-based surgeries is emerging as a powerful opportunity for the autonomous surgical robotics market, particularly in overcoming the challenge of a shortage of skilled professional surgeons. The preference for telerobotic-based surgeries is fundamentally rooted in the shortage of skilled professional surgeons in many parts of the world. As populations grow and age, the demand for surgical interventions increases, and the supply of experienced surgeons often falls short.

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis



Autonomous surgical robotics is a cutting-edge field that combines artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and medical technology to enable precise and automated surgical procedures. These systems have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare landscape by enhancing surgical accuracy, reducing human error, and enabling minimally invasive surgeries. The global market for autonomous surgical robotics is on a trajectory of witnessing substantial growth, driven by the increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgeries, technological advancements with respect to surgical equipment, and the need for enhanced surgical capabilities.



The healthcare system is adopting advanced technologies, especially in the field of surgical medicine, to improve surgical workflow patterns and derive quality and accurate clinical outcomes. The use of an autonomous surgical robotic system offers a safer surgical procedure by making it more accurate and minimally invasive for patients.



Some of the prominent companies in this market are:

Beijing Baihui Weikang Technology Co. Ltd.

Curexo, Inc.

Globus Medical, Inc.

Medtronic plc

PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation

Renishaw plc

Robocath, Inc.

Stryker Corporation

Surgical Automations, Inc.

Veebot Systems, Inc.

Venus Concept Inc.

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wpcpup

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

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SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Data Intelligence & Governance Market (By Segment, Deployment, Application, & Region): Insights and Forecast (2022-2026)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Due to a data-driven strategy, the amount of data available has drastically expanded in recent years. There is a huge demand for big data training, analytics technologies, and services. Businesses have increased their demand for data intelligence software because without the skills and resources to analyze it, data is useless. This software helps organizations grow their businesses by empowering business analysts to locate, access, comprehend, and trust their data so they can make important business decisions.

Moreover, as consumers become more cautious about sharing data and governments strengthen privacy regulations, leading companies are discovering that data protection and privacy can provide a competitive edge. This factor has increased and will continue to raise global demand for data intelligence and governance solutions.

The global data intelligence & governance market is anticipated to reach US$24.73 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 13.62% during the forecast period.

Segment Covered

By Segment: The data governance segment held the maximum share in global data intelligence & governance market, owing to data is the most significant factor in making corporate decisions and in many other fields such as research and analytics.

By Deployment: On-premise segment held largest share in data intelligence & governance market, as many businesses implement precautions to safeguard their data from being accessed by unauthorized persons, which is commonly done by inside traders in the company.

By Application: IT & Telecom segment is the fastest growing segment with highest CAGR during forecast period, as data intelligence & governance solutions help to improve their services and make their customers happier.

Top Impacting Factors



Growth Drivers

Rising Regulatory Compliance Mandates

Growth of Data Volume

Digital Transformation

Adoption of Business Intelligence (BI) And Analytics

Challenges

Maintenance of Metadata Silos

Multiple Data Storages

Trends

Artificial Intelligence

Rising Adoption of Cloud Integration

Increased Focus on Establishing a Single Source Of Truth (SSoT)

Metadata Driven Data Fabric

Key Driver, Challenges and Trends Analysis

Driver: Rising Regulatory Compliance Mandates

Regulatory compliance is a set of guidelines that companies must follow in order to safeguard sensitive information and human safety. Regulatory compliance applies to any business that interacts with digital assets, consumer data, health regulations, employee safety, or private conversations. Violations of regulatory compliance are frequently punished by law, including federal fines. As more social and economic activity move online, the necessity of privacy and data protection has become more widely recognized. The mandate of regulatory compliance helps companies to attain Financial security, protects companies' sensitive data from a data breach by hackers, malware, misuse, and insider threats, and also helps with the integrity and reliability of data. This how the benefits of regulatory compliance mandates has driven the data intelligence and governance market in recent years.

Challenge: Multiple Data Storages

The ability to access data when necessary without worrying that it has somehow been deleted, altered, stolen, or corrupted is one of the primary functions of a data storage platform. This often pose as a threat for the data when stored in multi data storages. With the sheer amount of data being processed by most companies today, data governance is a monumental challenge in any environment. When you use a multi cloud strategy, this challenge increases exponentially. Ensuring that multi cloud data is accessible to the applications, processes, and users who need it while keeping it secure requires robust data governance strategies. The multiple data storage pose as a challenge to the data intelligence and governance market owing to the advancing hacker techniques to acquire unauthorized data available. The challenge of tackling such advanced hacker techniques would require frequent updates which would cost a lot of investment in R&D. Therefore, multiple data storage is a challenge to the overall market.

Trend: Rising Adoption of Cloud Integration

With the data and apps en-routed towards cloud Analytics and data intelligence can't be far behind. The presence of cloud everywhere is nothing new for those who stays up-to-date with data intelligence & governance trends. With time fear of moving crucial business data online is reducing and entrepreneurs learned how to embrace the power of cloud analytics, migrating most of the elements- data sources, data models, processing applications, computing power and data storage to the cloud. Data intelligence & governance solutions are blending with cloud computing which is assuring attaining relevant data with adhering to data privacy and data protection norms. This trend would help in increasing the trust of organization over working via cloud computing.

Analysis of Key Players

BigID

Cisco Systems

Collibra

IBM

Informatica

Infosys

OneTrust

Oracle

SAP

SAS

Securiti.ai

TIBCO Software

TrustArc

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/j4ujh0

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
Perfect Holiday Gift That Lets Espresso Lovers Enjoy Their Favorite Caffeinated (and More!) Drinks with the Simple Turn of a Knob

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gourmia, a designer and manufacturer of innovative countertop kitchen appliances, has introduced the perfect holiday gift for espresso lovers: a 4-Shot Steam Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte Maker with Frothing Wand (GCM4210). It only takes a turn of a knob to savor the taste of a cup of rich espresso. In addition to enjoying their favorite espresso shots, users can ramp up the holiday cheer with an eggnog espresso martini.

7 Days of Gourmia: Espresso Eggnog Martini Holiday Recipe Gourmia's new espresso maker only takes a turn of a knob to savor the taste of a cup of rich espresso. In addition to enjoying their favorite espresso shots, users can ramp up the holiday cheer with an eggnog espresso martini. Gourmia's GCM4210 steaming process produces up to 4-shots of bold espresso in one brewing cycle so that users can brew for the whole family or a group of friends in one cycle. An integrated steam frothing wand is included for those who like a variety of hot cafe-quality drinks, including cappuccinos and lattes.

"Forget the milk and cookies," enthused Gourmia founder Heshy Biegeleisen. "This new espresso maker will fuel your holiday spirits the entire season and then some. Our new 4-Shot Steam Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte Maker with Frothing Wand was carefully crafted and designed to consistently produce a rich and bold flavor. Whether the user likes to stick to the espresso basics or is more adventurous, they won't be disappointed."

To kick off the holiday week, Gourmia's team has debuted their newest holiday recipe their Eggnog Espresso Martini, an elevated festive twist to your traditional Espresso Martini. Click here to see how they did it featuring the Gourmia 4-Shot Steam Espresso Maker.

The new Gourmia 4-Shot Steam Espresso Maker brings the Italian bar to the American home. Its steaming process produces up to 4-shots of bold espresso in one brewing cycle so that users can brew for the whole family or a group of friends in one cycle. An integrated steam frothing wand is included for those who like a variety of hot cafe-quality drinks, including cappuccinos and lattes. A 4-cup capacity glass carafe doubles as a measuring cup, guaranteeing the perfect amount of water turned into coffee every time. Its stay-cool handle ensures safe and smooth usage. Stainless-steel accents and lush black color enhance any kitchen decor.

The owner's manual includes directions for making espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and using the frothing wand. Barista cap not included.

Availability

The Gourmia GCM4210 4-Shot Steam Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte Maker with Frothing Wand is available now at Walmart stores across the country and online at www.walmart.com for $39.96.

ETL Listed

Gourmia takes the quality of its products very seriously. The company is ETL certified so retailers and users alike can be confident that that they are selling/buying safe, efficient, high-quality appliances.

About Gourmia

Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, Gourmia is passionate about all things cooking as they believe it is one of the key pillars of a healthy lifestyle. With decades of small appliance expertise, Gourmia's founders know that cooks are looking for dependable, easy-to-use tools to make their lives easier. Gourmia was named America's #1 Air Fryer brand and the fastest-growing kitchen electrics brand in 2022, according to NPD*. From air fryers to multi-purpose cookers, coffee and tea makers, juicers, and more, the team at Gourmia has taken input from chefs and consumers to make their products the best in their category. All of the company's products are designed to deliver a higher standard of innovation, performance, and value. For additional information, please visit http://www.gourmia.com.

*Gourmia was the #1 Brand in Unit Sales for Air Fryers in the US, Gourmia had the Largest Dollar Share Increase in Total Kitchen Electrics in the US., and Gourmia had the Largest Dollar Share Increase in Cook and Heat Products in the U.S. according to The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, for the 12 months ending December 2022.

PR Contact:

Rita Lee

Copernio

(714) 891-3660

[email protected]

All products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies.

 2023 Gourmia. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Gourmia
AI led technological advancements this year

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders of the IEEE Computer Society (CS), the leading computer science and engineering member community, today announced its annual scorecard, assessing 2023 technology predictions against their current technological states. This year, AI-based solutions ranked highest in their evaluation.

"The most technological advancement and most maturity in absolute terms, is attributed to Generative AI," said Dejan Milojicic, 2014 IEEE CS president and current HPE Fellow and VP at Hewlett Packard Labs. "It is also the only technology that was marked with broad adoption. This is not a surprising outcome given the huge growth in both advancement and adoption of generative AI."

AI and AGI led technological advancements this year. Post this

In addition, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) yielded the highest relative difference from original predictions. Leaders ascribe this technology's success to overall advancements in Generative AI and growing consumer access to the capabilities. AI-assisted DevOpsthe integration and automation of software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops)also had the fourth largest growth over original thoughts, attributed, once more, to overall Generative AI increases.

"2023 was a huge year for AI in all forms," noted Milojicic. "Its influence on a wide variety of other technological solutions created a ripple effect that has launched a whole new set of possibilities."

Key technology observations

In addition to AI, this year has impacted the development of several reviewed technologies, including:

Disinformation Detection/Correction witnessed the third largest climb in the technology rankings compared to the beginning of the year, due in part to technological advancements and market need.

Autonomous Robots & Brain-Machine I/F (interface) still have prototype-level maturity but remain a research area of focus.

3D Printing in Personalized Healthcare emphasis slowed down from predictions as the healthcare industry settled into a more normative state with COVID. In addition, as the technology matures in particular environments, e.g., dentistry, products naturally have become more accessible.

IT for Sustainability saw a larger decline in focus, potentially due to the aftereffects of economic and geopolitical factors and incremental progress.

Space ITC (Information Technology and Communication), had one of the most accurate predictions this year, balancing its lower-ranked impact on humanity, which is likely due to the large horizon to adoption, with its potential.

The figures below demonstrate the shift in predictions between the final scorecard and the original report for Technical Success versus Impact to Humanity. The size of the bubble is proportional to relative market adoption.

The delta of the advancement of each given technology over the course of the year, between the prediction versus the scorecard, is shown in the figure below. This figure includes the delta for Technology Success in 2023, Impact to Humanity, Maturity in 2023, and Market Adoption in 2023.

"We are pleased how our original grades stood the one-year test of the time, as reflected in overall A/B grading, one of the highest in our 10-year history of predictions," explained Milojicic. "The biggest differences in predictions were reflected in an unusually high growth of generative AI and slowdown of COVID-related technologies. Our technology predictions process continues to improve year-over-year. This year we introduced a more rigorous overall grading that will serve us for the years to come."

The 2024 IEEE CS Technology Predictions will be revealed in January. Sign-up now to receive immediate notification of their availability.

Evaluation Committee

This year's IEEE CS leaders who were responsible for the initial technology predictions and subsequent review include: Ali Abedi, Mohamed Amin, Rosa M Badia, Mary Baker, Greg Byrd, Mercy Chelangat, Tom Coughlin, Jayakrishnan Divakaran, Paolo Faraboschi, Nicola Ferrier, Eitan Frachtenberg, Ada Gavrilovska, Alfredo Goldman, Francesca, Iacopi, Vincent Kaabunga, Hironori Kasahara, Witold Kinsner, Danny Lange, Phil Laplante, Katherine Mansfield, Avi Mendelson, Cecilia Metra, Dejan Milojicic, Puneet Mishra, Chris Miyachi, Khaled Mokhtar, Bob Parro, Nita Patel, Alexandra Posoldova, Marina Ruggieri, Roberto Saracco, Tomy Sebastian, Saurabh Sinha, Michelle Tubb, John Verboncoeur, and Irene Pazos Viana.

The committee would like to especially acknowledge Roberto Saracco, who died earlier this year, for his decade-long contributions to IEEE CS and these annual technology predictions.

"With a lot of sadness, we would like to express tribute to one of our most distinguished technology predictions team members. We and the whole world have lost Roberto Saracco. The impact he has left cannot be overemphasized. May his soul rest in peace! He will be remembered," concluded Milojicic.

About the IEEE Computer Society

Engaging computer engineers, scientists, academia, and industry professionals from all areas and levels of computing, the IEEE Computer Society (CS) serves as the world's largest and most established professional organization of its type. IEEE CS sets the standard for the education and engagement that fuels continued global technological advancement. Through conferences, publications, and programs that inspire dialogue, debate, and collaboration, IEEE CS empowers, shapes, and guides the future of not only its nearly 400,000 community members, but the greater industry, enabling new opportunities to better serve our world. Visit computer.org for more information.

SOURCE IEEE Computer Society
Israeli strikes killed a woman in her eighties in a south Lebanon village on Thursday, Lebanese media and rescuers said, with Hezbollah retaliatory attacks wounding two civilians, according to Israel's military.

The frontier between Lebanon and Israel has seen regular exchanges of fire, mainly between the Israeli army and Hamas ally Hezbollah, since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, raising fears of a broader conflagration.

Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) said that Israeli "bombing on the town of Maroun al-Ras this morning killed a woman and wounded her husband".

Artillery shells struck "residential neighbourhoods" in the town, hitting the house of the couple in their eighties, the agency added.

Rescuers who transported the pair to hospital confirmed her death to AFP, also blaming Israel for the strike.

Earlier this week, the Iran-backed Hezbollah group vowed that any Israeli attacks on civilians "will be reciprocated".

The Shia Muslim movement said it struck the border villages of Dovev and Avivim "in response" to Thursday's deadly strike, later claiming several other attacks on additional Israeli targets including with drones.

The Israeli army said that "two Israeli civilians were lightly injured as a result of the launches toward the area of Dovev," adding that the military struck the source of the fire.

Overnight, Israel launched a rare deep strike into Lebanese territory, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the border, the NNA said.

Hezbollah also said it launched "incendiary rockets" on forested areas of northern Israel early Thursday in retaliation for Israeli assaults on Lebanese groves.

Displacement

On the Lebanese side, more than 140 people have been killed since the cross-border strikes began in October, most of them Hezbollah fighters but also including more than a dozen civilians, three of them journalists, according to an AFP tally.

On the Israeli side, four civilians and seven soldiers have been killed, according to officials.

According to updated figures from the International Organization for Migration, the hostilities have displaced more than 72,000 people in Lebanon, most of them in the country's south.

Thousands of civilians living along Israel's northern border with Lebanon have been evacuated by the army.

The Israeli war on Gaza began with the Palestinian Islamist group's Al-Aqsa Flood operation on Israel on October 7 which killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory ground and air offensive has killed at least 20,000 people in Gaza, two-thirds of them women and children, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

Despite holding sway over swathes of the country's south, Hezbollah has not had a visible military presence on Lebanon's southern border since the end of a 2006 war the group fought with Israel.

A United Nations Security Council Resolution that ended that war called for the removal of weapons in southern Lebanon from the hands of everyone except the Lebanese army and other state security forces.

On Monday, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna met with senior officials in Beirut, a day after visiting Israel and the occupied West Bank, as part of efforts to de-escalate border tensions.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Sunday said that ensuring the security of Israelis near the border meant pushing Hezbollah "north of the Litani River" in south Lebanon.

"There are two ways to do that: either by diplomacy or by force," Cohen said.

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global biopharmaceutical company MSD GCC has won the prestigious 'Medical Education Partner of the Year' Award from the Emirates Oncology Society (EOS). This accolade is a testament to MSD's unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare by developing innovative multidisciplinary educational programs.

The award ceremony was a part of the fourth annual Emirates Oncology Society conference, which took place on the 22nd  23rd of September under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.

MSD Awarded the Medical Education Partner of the Year from the Emirates Oncology Society (EOS) at the fourth annual Emirates Oncology Society conference. (PRNewsfoto/MSD) MSD Awarded the Medical Education Partner of the Year from the Emirates Oncology Society (EOS) at the fourth annual Emirates Oncology Society conference. (PRNewsfoto/MSD)

Commenting on the achievement, Professor Humaid Al Shamsi, President of the Emirates Oncology Society, said: "We are pleased to honor MSD, acknowledging their steadfast dedication to advancing healthcare through the development of innovative educational and multidisciplinary programs. This recognition underscores MSD's dedication to improving healthcare standards and outcomes, ultimately benefiting patients and the medical community. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to further advance various aspects of the healthcare industry".

The award recognizes MSD's commitment to advancing the healthcare industry and improving patient care through the development of unique and innovative programs such as 'Angels,' designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to manage immune-related adverse events efficiently. "UpToDate", another impactful program by MSD, supports healthcare professionals as the UpToDate platform is an evidence-based clinical resource providing evidence-based information on a wide range of medical topics, diseases, conditions, treatments, and medications, enabling them to deliver top-quality patient care.

Other programs include "Link MdT" which focuses on strengthening Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) practices by building connections between Lung cancer MDTs in the Gulf region and established lung cancer MDTs in other countries. Through this program, MSD is facilitating collaborations and knowledge exchange, which would contribute to enhancing the quality of patient care and expertise in lung cancer management.

MSD also developed the 'Networks of Immuno-oncology' program that establishes connections and networks among oncologists and provides them with the latest updates related to cancer immunotherapy. Through this program, oncologists can share their clinical experience and best practices in the field. With this, MSD aims to advance the effective application of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer and improve patient outcomes.

Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director of MSD GCC, said: "This recognition underscores our unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare, improving medical education, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. We take immense pride in the Emirates Oncology Society's recognition of our educational and networking initiatives aimed at improving patient care and equipping medical professionals with essential tools and knowledge.

"This award further underscores the significant impact of our Angels, UpToDate, Link MdT, and Networks of Immuno-oncology programs and the value they bring to the oncology field." He continued.

The Emirates Oncology Society's annual conference serves as a platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and experiences, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of oncology. MSD GCC's commitment to medical education aligns seamlessly with society's goals, and this award underscores the company's dedication to improving healthcare standards and patient outcomes.

About MSD

For more than a century, MSD, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for the world's most challenging diseases. MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A.

Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products, we collaborate with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs, and partnerships. Today, MSD continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world - including cancer, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola.

MSD products have been present for over 30 years in the GCC region through its local distributors in the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar & Oman, and MSD ranks among the leading pharmaceutical companies in the region. MSD provides innovative medications in several therapeutic areas, including Anti-Infectives, Diabetes, HCV, HIV, Oncology, and Anesthesia in addition to several specialized Vaccines. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter at MSD GCC.

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SOURCE MSD
International travelers will no longer have to travel to Los Angeles to enroll in the popular program

ONTARIO, Calif., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ontario International Airport (ONT) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Thursday unveiled the new Global Entry Enrollment Center at California's most popular airport.

OIAA Commissioner Curt Hagman (second from left), OIAA Board President Alan Wapner (center left), Congresswoman Norma Torres (center right) and Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations, cut the ribbon to ONT's new Global Entry Enrollment Center.

The new center is the sixth in California and will offer a convenient, local option for international travelers from the Inland Empire and nearby communities who wish to enroll in the popular program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Up until now, the nearest Global Entry Enrollment Center has been at Los Angeles International Airport.

"We are thrilled that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has selected ONT to serve as the site of its newest Global Entry Enrollment Center and look forward to helping residents across Southern California access this time-saving international travel amenity," said Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners.

"The new center reflects CBP's commitment to improving the customer experience as Global Entry continues to attract thousands of new applicants in the Greater Los Angeles area and neighboring communities," said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. "We are very pleased with this expansion which brings visitors to the area and helps boost the local economy."

"Ontario International Airport is a valued asset for the Inland Empire. As your Congresswoman, I am proud to have supported this project and others like to ensure ONT  which sits in the heart of our district  can get people and cargo where they need to be quickly and efficiently," said Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35).

Global Entry uses specialized processing technology and dedicated lanes to expedite clearance for arriving international travelers who have passed a rigorous background check and in-person interview. To set up an interview at the Global Entry Enrollment Center, travelers must first receive online pre-approval.

The Global Entry Enrollment Center comes as ONT has seen international travel volumes double over the past year, with popular direct flights to Taiwan, Mexico and Latin America. In October, ONT and CBP partnered to introduce another international travel amenity, Simplified Arrivals, which uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks required for admission into the country. The technology provides travelers with a touchless process that further secures and streamlines international arrivals. In 2022, the OIAA Board named the airport's Federal Inspection Station and any future international terminal after U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who was a strong advocate for the airport's return to local ownership.

"Ontario International Airport is proud to partner with CBP in providing an opportunity for our community to avail themselves of the Global Entry program," said Atif Elkadi, OIAA chief executive officer. "As we expand our international travel options, all CBP programs will play a significant role in providing a more expedited and safe inspection process and today marks the start of how our region has proven itself as a key gateway into Southern California."

About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in the United States, according to Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent fliers. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario City Council Member Alan D. Wapner (President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Commissioner) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

OIAA Media Contact:

Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected]

SOURCE Ontario International Airport
SEATTLE, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc . (NYSE: JWN) announced plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Houston, Texas in fall 2024.

"We look forward to being a part of the Houston community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices," said Gemma Lionello, President of Nordstrom Rack Stores. "We're excited to grow our footprint in the region and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience."

Lionello added that in this location "customers will be able to take advantage of our convenient services such as online order pick up from both Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com, and they can make returns easily."

The 34,000-square-foot store will be located in Meyerland Plaza, which is among the top five most visited open-air centers in Texas. Meyerland Plaza has more than 50 retail and restaurant offerings, including Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Ross, Marshalls and Old Navy. Meyerland Plaza is owned and managed by Fidelis and is ideally located on the hard corner of Loop 610 and Beechnut Street.

"We are very excited that Nordstrom Rack will soon be joining Meyerland Plaza, the most visited open-air retail center in Houston. Our customers enjoy a wide variety of shopping, and the sophisticated offerings of Nordstrom Rack will provide an additional facet to their experience," said Lynn Davis, Co-President and Chief Leasing & Development Officer.

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc. and plays a critical role in the company's Closer to You strategy, which focuses on delivering customers a more convenient and interconnected experience across its stores and digital platforms. Nordstrom Rack offers customers up to 70 percent off on-trend apparel, accessories, beauty, home and shoes from many of the top brands sold at Nordstrom stores as well as core services like online order pickup for Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com, easy returns and alterations at select stores. Nordstrom Rack is the largest source of new customers to Nordstrom.

With the addition of this new location, Nordstrom expands its physical footprint and economic impact in Texas. The company operates eight Nordstrom stores and 23 Nordstrom Rack stores in Texas, generating more than 4,000 jobs statewide.

Nordstrom is committed to investing in the diverse communities where it operates. Over the past four years, Nordstrom, with its customers, has donated nearly $2 million in support of its long-term partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the United States. These proceeds support the recruitment, training and engagement of adult mentors and mentorship moments between Bigs and Littles, including preparing for an interview, learning to tie a tie and helping with homework.

About Fidelis

Fidelis is one of Texas' largest commercial real estate companies. At Fidelis, we know that quality tenants aren't the only essential element in designing a property that flourishes; that's why we are passionate about our properties. From the planned development that area residents have been waiting for, to the neighborhood center that has been a community staple for years, we are committed to creating and maintaining inviting and well-maintained facilities that we are proud to have as part of our portfolio now and for years to come.

About Nordstrom

At Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN), we exist to help our customers feel good and look their best. Since starting as a shoe store in 1901, how to best serve customers has been at the center of every decision we make. This heritage of service is the foundation we're building on as we provide convenience and true connection for our customers. Our digital-first platform enables us to serve customers when, where and how they want to shop  whether that's in-store at more than 350 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack locations or digitally through our Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack apps and websites. Through it all, we remain committed to leaving the world better than we found it .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lauren Herrin

Nordstrom, Inc.

[email protected]

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.
LONDON, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After the successful public launch of the world's first digital human teacher in August 2023, Otermans Institute (OI) has taken a bold step in transforming the educational landscape as its AI-powered teachers are now teaching an entire 9-lesson course in universities and institutions across 4 continents.

Their AI teachers not only teach and test the learners, but also create the course content. The new approach entails a paradigm shift in the very essence of teaching and learning.

Otermans Institute launches the worlds first AI-powered course taught completely by AI teachers

Thanks to the OIAI technology  the fine-tuned language model developed by the same organisation  virtual and digital education can now transcend the limitations of traditional one-directional instruction and become a dynamic, two-way conversation between students and their AI teachers.

Arab American University (Palestine), Bahria University (Pakistan), Ibn Haldun University (Turkey), Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Kenya) and Universidad de Las Americas (Chile), have become the latest pioneers to join this educational revolution, setting a precedent for other institutions worldwide.

Otermans Institute founders, Dr Pauldy Otermans and Dev Aditya said, "we will be expanding our AI-powered teaching capabilities to 40 universities by September 2024. Additionally, we are also conducting trials on how OIAI can be embedded into existing digital learning platforms."

With over 80% of students completing the OIAI course since November 2023, and a learner satisfaction rate of 94%, OIAI's impact on digital education is promising.

So far, OI has supported over 35,000 learners, working with governments and UN bodies in 13 countries to provide training and education using AI technology and bringing professional development skills to the most deprived areas.

Currently, Otermans Institute deployed their AI teachers to support the Women in STEAM Initiative in Kenya and Zambia. "Africa is hungry for the emerging technologies and there's no reason why Africans should be left behind in this fast paced 21st-century economy. As the founder of Women in STEAM initiative and partnering with Otermans Institute we have exposed educators and students to AI teachers, and this has been one rewarding experience. We look forward to continuing impacting more African educators to embrace the emerging technologies such as AI." said Caroline Nyaga.

The digital human teachers developed by Otermans Institute possess a human-like appearance and voice, allowing them to seamlessly interact with students using voice and text inputs. Co-founder Dev Aditya said, "through conversations with the students, our AI teachers can then tailor their lessons to individual student needs, providing real-time responses to questions and delivering personalised feedback".

For more information, visit oiai.oiedu.co.uk.

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NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearmed.ai, a trailblazer in the field of healthcare technology, has recently unveiled an enhanced platform designed to transform the way healthcare staffing is managed. Operating in the Northeast and headquartered in Florida, Pearmed.ai leverages its physician-led foundation to deeply comprehend and address the current challenges in healthcare staffing. This expertise has led to the development of a solution aimed at simplifying the process for providers. The company's latest innovation is set to streamline the job-finding process for healthcare professionals, while simultaneously making the staffing process more efficient for healthcare facilities.

A key highlight of Pearmed.ai's platform is its robust and efficient vetting process. This feature greatly reduces the time and effort typically required in job searches, enabling healthcare professionals to quickly find positions that align with their specific expertise and preferences.

The platform also places a strong emphasis on flexibility for healthcare staff. It allows professionals to easily communicate their availability, catering to a wide range of work schedules and preferences, from short-term assignments to longer-term commitments.

Another significant aspect of the Pearmed.ai platform is the facilitation of direct communication between healthcare professionals and facilities. This approach promotes transparent and efficient interactions, allowing for the negotiation of work terms and schedules that best suit the professionals' needs.

In addition, Pearmed.ai addresses a crucial issue in the healthcare sector: timely compensation for professionals. The platform's streamlined payment process underscores the company's understanding of the importance of valuing the time and commitment of healthcare workers.

Overall, Pearmed.ai's platform is not just a mechanism for filling vacancies. It represents a comprehensive solution that enhances the working experience for healthcare professionals. This improvement leads to heightened job satisfaction, which in turn, positively impacts the quality of patient care and the efficiency of healthcare facilities.

For more information, contact:

Avi Holchendler, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer

[email protected]

(305) 990 - 1800

pearmed.ai

SOURCE PearMed
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, Inc. (USA), a Los Angeles-based cybersecurity provider protecting Fortune 100 and government agencies globally, is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2024. As part of this momentous occasion, Resecurity's CEO, Gene Yoo, will lead the delegation and engage in discussions to strengthen collaboration and mutual growth opportunities between India and the U.S in cybersecurity field.

Logo MOU

Resecurity is set to mark this event with a significant milestonethe signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat. This landmark agreement underscores Resecurity's unwavering commitment to fortifying India's cybersecurity landscape and fostering collaboration between the private sector and government entities. The signing ceremony has been arranged on the 20th December at the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with presence of esteemed leaders in face of Ms. Mona K. Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology and Mr. Shri Tushar Y. Bhatt, IAS, Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Limited.

The MoU signifies the establishment of a long-term partnership aimed at addressing the evolving challenges in the realm of cybersecurity. Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity, commented on the occasion, stating, "We are thrilled to forge this strategic alliance with the Government of Gujarat. This MoU reflects our shared vision of creating a robust and secure digital environment for India. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to leverage cutting-edge technologies to protect digital identities and enhance cyber threat intelligence."

In tandem with this collaboration, Resecurity is proud to announce the opening of its office in Gujarat, India. This local presence will facilitate seamless coordination and strengthen ties with key stakeholders, contributing to the region's economic and technological advancement in line with Vision 2030, the strategic development agenda of Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. India is poised to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years and aspires to become 10 trillion dollar economy thereafter. Gujarat is known as one of the major technology parks in India, heavily investing in quantum computing and emerging technologies.

As part of its commitment to India's cybersecurity ecosystem, Resecurity is set to invest in two groundbreaking projects  the Digital Identity Protection Project (India) and the Cyber Fusion Center (India). These initiatives are designed to equip India with state-of-the-art cyber threat intelligence, risk management and cybersecurity technologies, ensuring a resilient defense against emerging digital threats targeting citizens, enterprises and government.

The Digital Identity Protection Project (India) aims to develop and implement innovative solutions to safeguard individuals' digital identities, ensuring privacy and security in an increasingly interconnected world. By leveraging advanced technologies, Resecurity is dedicated to creating a robust framework that protects the integrity of digital identities across various sectors to protect citizens personal data including their national ID information (including Aadhar ID records) and payment data to prevent account takeover, identify theft, cybercriminal and other fraudulent activity negatively impacting on society and economy in India.

In parallel, the Cyber Fusion Center will serve as a hub for collaborative efforts between government agencies, private enterprises, and cybersecurity experts. This center will focus on real-time threat intelligence, proactive threat mitigation, and the development of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. Through this collaborative initiative, Resecurity aims to enhance India's cybersecurity posture and create a model for effective public-private partnership in addressing cyber threats.

Rajan Pant, Head of Business (India) of Resecurity, emphasized the transformative potential of these projects, stating, "Our investment in the Digital Identity Protection Project and the Cyber Fusion Center reflects our strong commitment to empowering India with advanced cybersecurity and identity protection capabilities. These initiatives align with our mission to create a secure digital future and fortify critical infrastructure against cyber threats."

The projects also align with the broader objectives of the Indian government's Digital India initiative, which seeks to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Resecurity's initiatives complement these goals by providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to protect digital assets and foster a secure digital ecosystem.

Resecurity's participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 and the subsequent MoU signing with the Government of Gujarat mark a significant step forward in strengthening international collaboration to address the global cybersecurity challenge. By establishing a local presence and investing in transformative projects, Resecurity is poised to contribute substantially to India's cybersecurity resilience and reinforce its commitment to sustainable mutual growth.

About Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, Resecurity was named as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California by Inc. Magazine. An Official Member and a Gold Sponsor of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), AFCEA, NDIA, SIA, FS-ISAC and the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA), Singapore (AmChamSG), Korea (AmChamKorea), Mexico (AmChamMX), and UAE (AmChamDubai).

For more information about Resecurity, please visit www.resecurity.com.

About Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is a flagship event organized by the Government of Gujarat to foster economic and business partnerships on a global scale. Now in its 10th edition, the summit serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and investment across various sectors.

For more information, please, visit https://www.vibrantgujarat.com

About the Department of Science & Technology (India)

India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy. In the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the S&T system, it is necessary to embark on some major science projects which have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow's technology. The Department of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the country.

For more information, please, visit https://dst.gujarat.gov.in and https://dst.gov.in.

SOURCE Resecurity Inc.
Identity verification and fraud prevention leader doubles its goal as the company reports the highest rates of synthetic fraud were seen within the gig economy, small business banking, telecom, cryptocurrency and challenger banks

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Socure , the leading provider of artificial intelligence for digital identity verification, sanction screening, and fraud prevention, today announced that it has eliminated 204,536 synthetic identities from the U.S. economy in 2023 to date. The company's Sigma Synthetic Fraud solution has prevented more than $3 billion in fraud losses this year while doubling the company's initial 100,000 commitment signifying just how omnipresent the problem has become.

Synthetic identity fraud combines stolen, manipulated and fabricated attributes, such as name, address, phone, date of birth, and Social Security number, to assemble an entirely new and fictitious identity to defraud financial institutions, fintechs, government agencies, and other enterprises. The Deloitte Center for Financial Services projects synthetic identity fraud to generate at least $23 billion in losses in the U.S. by 2030.

Bad actors use synthetic identities to apply for loans, open multiple accounts, build up a positive credit score and steal government benefits, appearing to be good customers until cashing in by using up all available credit lines and disappearing. They're also used for money laundering through prepaid cards, gift cards and traditional bank accounts as " money mules " by transnational organized crime rings, moving illegally acquired funds while making tracing nearly impossible.

"Socure's pledge to eliminate 100,000 synthetic identities in 2023 was noble, but also ambitious," said Julie Conroy, Chief Insights Officer at Datos Insights. "Achieving twice as many is a profound warning sign that this type of fraud is even more widespread than we had initially believed. Synthetic identities are everywhere and extremely difficult to detect, and the faster the industry acts the better chances we'll have of weeding them out while avoiding monumental costs to the financial services ecosystem."

While the company rooted out synthetic identities from nearly 40 different industries, an overwhelming majority were found in the gig economy, small business banking, telecom, cryptocurrency and challenger banks.

"The Socure mission is to deliver the world's most accurate and inclusive risk and identity verification solutions. Eradicating synthetic identity fraud is a key part of why we exist," said Johnny Ayers, founder and CEO of Socure. "These crimes not only drive billions of dollars in losses across the economy, but also contribute to unfathomable financial crimes including money laundering schemes used for human trafficking and illegal drug operations. While identifying malicious synthetic identity behavior has become more complex than ever before as consumers continue to grow their digital footprints, this year's achievement is proof that our approach is working."

Socure's Sigma Synthetic V4 is the industry's most accurate synthetic fraud solution, using advanced machine learning and diverse third-party and network feedback data to uncover anomalies and connect elaborate behavioral patterns linked to synthetic identity fraud. This leads to detection before the fraudster can act nefariously within the financial ecosystem. The company's newest model draws from diverse "Proof of Life" data sources including property records, driver's licenses, and educational data adding a new dimension of accuracy so organizations can confidently verify younger and immigrant demographics with a limited digital footprint. To learn more about identifying synthetic identity fraud click here .

About Socure

Socure is the leading provider of digital identity verification and fraud solutions. Its AI and predictive analytics platform applies artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques with trusted online and offline data intelligence to verify identities in real-time. Socure is the only vertically integrated identity verification and fraud prevention platform with both IAL-2 and FedRAMP Moderate certifications, delivering advanced levels of assurance and the highest standards for security and compliance.The company has more than 1,900 customers across the financial services, government, gaming, healthcare, telecom, and e-commerce industries, including four of the five top banks, the top credit bureau and more than 400 fintechs. Organizations including Chime, SoFi, Robinhood, Gusto, Public, Poshmark, Stash, DraftKings, and the State of California trust Socure for accurate and inclusive identity verification and fraud prevention. Learn more at socure.com .

Media Contact:

Mike Bradley

217.690.3772

[email protected]

SOURCE Socure
In 2 Months, Petition Garnered Nearly 20,000 Signatures from Individuals in All 50 U.S. States

BOSTON, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barth Syndrome Foundation (BSF), the only patient advocacy organization dedicated to Barth syndrome and saving lives around the world through education, advances in treatment and finding a cure, today announced that it is petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review the New Drug Application (NDA) for elamipretide, the only potential treatment for Barth syndrome, in a fair, equitable and appropriate manner. Despite compelling evidence that elamipretide has been well-tolerated and has demonstrated clinical benefit in Barth syndrome, and despite ongoing efforts by the Barth Syndrome Foundation and other advocates to engage with regulators, the FDA has refused to review an NDA to date. The petition ran from mid-September to mid-November, and in just two months, garnered nearly 20,000 signatures from individuals across all 50 U.S. states, plus Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and deployed military personnel.

Kate McCurdy, board chair of Barth Syndrome Foundation, poses for a portrait, while holding a petition with nearly 20,000 signatures requesting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review the New Drug Application (NDA) for elamipretide, the only potential treatment for Barth syndrome, at the FDA White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, on Thursday, December 21, 2023. (Barth Syndrome Foundation/Eric Lee) Learn more at nottooraretocare.org

Barth syndrome is an ultra-rare, life-threatening, genetic disease primarily affecting males. Eighty-five percent of deaths due to Barth syndrome occur by age 5. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for Barth syndrome, and there are no other potential therapies in clinical development.

"For many Barth syndrome families, elamipretide represents their only hope for an affected child to have an increased chance to live into adulthood and to enjoy a life with reduced debilitating weakness and fatigue that precludes them from going to school, playing with friends, or holding a job," said Kate McCurdy. As co-founder and Chair of the Board of BSF, she hand-delivered the petition to Dr. Norman Stockbridge, Director of the Division of Cardiology and Nephrology, and Dr. Hylton Joffe, Director of the Office of Cardiology, Hematology, Endocrinology and Hematology at FDA, which refused to review the elamipretide NDA in 2021.

McCurdy continued: "We lost our son, Will, to this devastating disease in 2014, the same year BSF approached Stealth to ask that they initiate development efforts. During the 10 years, 2 clinical trials, and 2 dozen FDA meetings since then, over 10% of our global patient population have died as the result of this disease. Meanwhile, elamipretide has been shown to be well-tolerated and has demonstrated clear, statistically significant improvements relative to the natural history of the disease. Patients who have no approved treatment options deserve access to this medicine. It is unconscionable that the FDA refuses to even fully review the data. We implore them to be fair and equitable and to utilize the appropriate flexibility that has been granted to them by the US Congress for cases just like ours."

The Barth Syndrome Foundation and leading scientific thought leaders lobbied for the development of elamipretide for Barth syndrome beginning in 2014. After completing promising nonclinical studies, and publication of extensive natural history studies characterizing the disease in more than 50% of the U.S. Barth syndrome patient population, the sponsor, Stealth BioTherapeutics, agreed to start development efforts in 2016. Since Barth Syndrome Foundation and the sponsor met with FDA to discuss the clinical data in 2019, FDA has moved the program through four different FDA review divisions, rejected multiple proposed new trial protocols, and most recently this summer said there is no feasible path forward for development because there are too few patients to enroll in clinical trials.

"People with Barth syndrome have experienced greater than 40% improvement in heart function, greater than 25% improvement in exercise tolerance, and greater than 40% improvement in muscle function, none of which is expected in the natural course of Barth syndrome," said Emily Milligan, Executive Director of BSF. "This has helped make transformational and meaningful changes in their lives. There simply aren't enough people with Barth syndrome, though, to meet the impossible statistical requirements of the FDA to give elamipretide a full drug review. In our many meetings with Congress, we have been assured that the FDA has the regulatory flexibility to review these data, yet they have not used it. This is a systemic problem affecting all who seek treatments for ultra-rare diseases. Every patient  no matter how rare their disease  deserves a chance at fulfilling, longer life. We are not too rare for care."

The patient community is also concerned that the boys and young men currently receiving elamipretide under an expanded access protocol will lose access to the drug if the FDA fails to act. For Jamie Dubuque, a young mother whose one-year-old son Declan experienced an unprecedented heart recovery while receiving elamipretide treatment through emergency access, the prospect of losing access is incredibly frightening.

"At 11 months old, my son Declan experienced life-threatening acute heart failure. He was admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit, placed on a ventricular assist device that helped pump blood for his failing heart, and was listed for a heart transplant. His doctors indicated his native heart would not recover sufficiently and a transplant was the only course of action," said Jamie Dubuque.

Dubuque continued: "To help him survive until the transplant could take place, Declan was placed on emergency access elamipretide. Less than three months after starting elamipretide, Declan's heart structure and function improved more than doctors ever expected, and he regained strength and energy. After nearly eight months on elamipretide, Declan's ventricular assist device was removed, and he was discharged from the hospital without requiring a heart transplant. His doctors credit elamipretide with making the difference. For Declan, now nearly 2 years old, and other clinical trial patients who are still on elamipretide, we need the FDA to act now and see the inevitable pain we'd face otherwise."

In addition to delivering the petition to FDA, BSF is spearheading a grassroots advocacy campaign called " Not Too Rare to Care " to raise awareness about Barth syndrome and the community's advocacy for a fair review of the only potential treatment for this rare condition.

Barth syndrome is a rare, X-linked genetic disorder with an estimated incidence of only 1 in 1 million live births. Caused by a mutation in the TAFAZZIN gene, also called G4.5, that results in an inborn error of phospholipid metabolism, Barth syndrome affects many systems of the body and is characterized by cardiac abnormalities often leading to heart failure and reduced life expectancy, recurrent infections, muscle weakness and delayed growth. Barth syndrome can be fatal in childhood due to heart failure or uncontrollable infection, with approximately 50 percent of deaths due to Barth syndrome occurring within the first year of life and 85 percent before the fifth year of life. Those who survive to adulthood have a severely reduced life expectancy and typically experience compromised physical health with medical conditions that can become life-threatening with little or no warning.

About Barth Syndrome Foundation (BSF)

Barth Syndrome Foundation and our international affiliates comprise the only global network of families, healthcare providers, and researchers solely driven by the mission to save lives through education, advances in treatment and finding a cure for Barth syndrome. Considered a role model in rare disease advocacy, BSF has funded $6.2M USD and catalyzed over $33M USD in funding from other sources to advance global scientific discoveries to end the suffering and loss of life from Barth syndrome. Additionally, BSF provides a lifeline to families and individuals living with Barth syndrome around the world, offering individualized support, educational conferences, a patient registry and collaborations with specialist healthcare providers to define standards of care, treatment and rapid diagnosis.

SOURCE Barth Syndrome Foundation
The employee-led Foundation donates more than $200,000 annually to nonprofit organizations nationwide.

RENO, Nev., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dermody Properties Foundation has announced its 2023 grant recipients. Among the awardees are the Reno Bike Project , Down Syndrome Network and Big Brothers Big Sisters in Reno, Nevada; EyeCare4Kids in Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation in Phoenix, Arizona; East Bay Kidpower in Castro Valley, California; Laura's House in Aliso Viejo, California; BeLoved Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia; Niles Township Homeless Respite Center in Skokie, Illinois; Home of the Innocents in Louisville, Kentucky; Kinship House in Portland, Oregon; Neighborhood Center in Camden, New Jersey; Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington; and more than 100 other nonprofit organizations in communities where Dermody Properties does business.

Dermody Properties is a diversified private equity investment management company focused exclusively on the national logistics real estate sector. Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, the company established the Dermody Properties Foundation in 1988.

"We take pride in supporting the vital work these organizations do to help the communities we serve thrive." Post this

"Sharing our success with the communities in which we conduct business is a vital part of our company's values and philosophy," said Michael Dermody , Executive Chairman at Dermody Properties. "We take pride in supporting the vital work these organizations do to help the communities we serve thrive."

The employee-led Dermody Properties Foundation averages more than $200,000 per year in donations to various community causes. The Foundation's focus on the arts, education and family, with a special emphasis on children and the elderly, guides the choices made by the committee of employees who decide how the grant funds are distributed.

"With the Dermody Properties Foundation being entirely employee-directed, the opportunity to give back to our communities is deeply rewarding for everyone here at Dermody Properties," said Taylor Ruepp , Administrator of the Dermody Properties Foundation. "Since its inception, the Dermody Properties Foundation has donated more than $3.65 million to nonprofit organizations across the country."

"As a company, we feel very fortunate to be able to give back to those in need," said Douglas A. Kiersey, Jr. , Chief Executive Officer and President at Dermody Properties. "Through the Foundation, we are able to recognize outstanding organizations across the country that are going above and beyond to provide support and resources in their respective communities."

The philanthropic efforts of the Dermody Properties Foundation is coupled with the Annual Dermody Properties Thanksgiving Capstone Award, a separate donation of $100,000 to various charities led by the company's executive leadership. Learn more about the Dermody Properties Foundation , its mission and this year's grant recipients.

About Dermody Properties

Dermody Properties is a privately-owned real estate investment, development and management firm that specializes in the acquisition and development of logistics real estate in strategic locations for e-commerce fulfillment centers, third-party logistics and distribution customers. Founded in 1960, Dermody Properties has invested more than $10 billion of total capital across all platforms nationwide, having acquired and developed approximately 110 million square feet of logistics and industrial facilities. In addition to its corporate office in Reno, Nev., it has regional offices in northern and southern California, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis and New Jersey. For more information, visit www.Dermody.com .

CONTACT: Nicole Shearer, KPS3, [email protected] , 530-448-6485

SOURCE Dermody Properties
Lieutenant Colonel Holland launched his career in 1959 when he joined the United States Airforce as an aviation cadet where he graduated as a pilot and officer and quickly advanced to up the ranks. He flew trainer, fighter, bomber, and transport aircraft during the Vietnam War to transport cargo and personnel and specifically flew the Republic F-105 Thunderchief supersonic fighter-bomber on missions in Vietnam. He reenlisted for another tour of service and was the chief pilot for the United States Air Force training organization after his active-duty service where he was responsible for training young troops in flight simulation and active aviation drills.

An extraordinary serviceman with notable accomplishments, Lieutenant Colonel Holland was inspired to pursue higher education and attended Ashland University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management in 1972. He has received many accolades during his career including the Silver Star Medal; a Distinguished Flying Cross Medal; Bronze Star Medal; 3 Meritorious Service Medals; and 6 Air Medals. While he has had many highlights, the Lieutenant Colonel is most proud of his management and instruction of the United States Air Force pilots in their initial and advanced aviation careers.

In his spare time, Lieutenant Colonel Holland was the league president of the Jacksonville Bowling Association for 20 years. He attributes much of his success to his upbringing; his parents; school colleagues; and teachers whom he asserts all inspired him to strive for greatness and help those in need. Looking towards the future, Lieutenant Colonel Holland plans to continue assisting the disadvantaged and hopes to do some writing.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

SOURCE The Inner Circle
A board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hennessy specializes in knee replacements and fractures and serves patients with issues with bones; ligaments; muscles; joints; nerves; and tendons. He asserts that he is known for taking time with each and every patient, putting their needs first.

With more than 32 years of experience in the field, Dr. Hennessy works in a group practice focused on the treatment and rehabilitation of injuries; diseases; and disorders of the body's musculoskeletal system. As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hennessy explained that he tends to bones; ligaments; muscles; joints; nerves; and tendons and can specialize in certain areas like the hand; spine; hip; foot and ankle; shoulder and elbow; or the knee.

A dedicated healthcare professional, Dr. Hennessy is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a member of the Foundation Board at Elmhurst Hospital. Aside from his professional pursuits, he is an avid outdoorsman and belongs to several hunting organizations. He would like to dedicate this honor to his father, Mr. Michael Hennessy, and thank him for all his support.

For more information about Dr. Hennessy and his practice, please visit his website at www.eehealth.org/find-a-doctor/h/hennessy-ryon-m/.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement via the National Press Club from the family of long-detained journalist Austin Tice, on the release of 10 imprisoned Americans in a prisoner swap with Venezuela.

"The news of the release of the U.S. hostages from Venezuela is uplifting and encouraging. No doubt a joyful day for their families, and we deeply share their joy.

"The negotiations with the Venezuelan government were most certainly complicated, never the less, the White House team was willing to, engage, listen and earnestly negotiate to make this happen.

"We sincerely believe the very same genuine, earnest, engagement can bring our first born son safely home. Austin has now been held 11 years, four months and eight days in Syria. And we passionately hope President Biden will follow through for Austin and our family."

The National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute support the families of unjustly detained U.S. journalists Austin Tice, Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, and ask the Biden administration to prioritize the protection of American journalists. Journalism is not a crime. #FreeAustinTice #BringAustinHome #IStandWithEvan #FreeAlsu.

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through a free and independent press. The NPCJI is the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534, press freedom consultant for the National Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club
University Games Expands Again with Acquisition of The Learning Journey

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- University Games, the US's top manufacturer of literary-based learning games for children, has taken another big step on its educational sojourn by acquiring The Learning Journey International, an award-winning maker of educational, sensory, active-play, electronic, and construction toys. JB and Debbie Frere, The Learning Journey's founders, will continue to manage The Learning Journey.

"This is our 14th acquisition and one of our biggest," noted Bob Moog, University Games' President. "There are so many reasons why this is an ideal fit for us that I can't name them all, but I'll trya strong team, great products, new retail customers, 29 years of proven success, and the primary reason: The Learning Journey shares our commitment to making products that improve kids' lives by combining fun and learning. How could we resist a product line that includes STEM-based roller coasters, talking shape sorters, and gear-driven dino-bots?"

JB Frere, The Learning Journey's co-founder and President, added, "University Games has the broadest domestic distribution of any game company and subsidiaries in the UK and Australia, so our products will now help even more children around the world than ever before."

"One of the secrets of our success, although now it's not a secret anymore, is our ability to test products in our childcare centers," said Debbie Frere, co-founder and CFO of The Learning Journey. "Having our own focus groups ensures that our new products are always kid-tested and kid-approved."

The Learning Journey will continue to be based in Phoenix, AZ.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY GAMES

University Games is a leading game and puzzle publisher founded in 1985. This is its 14th acquisition and the first time being acquired for The Learning Journey. University Games also markets under the Briarpatch, Front Porch Classics, Great Explorations, Forbidden Games, and Bepuzzled brands in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and throughout the world.

ABOUT THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

Since 1995, The Learning Journey has designed, manufactured, and distributed award-winning children's interactive educational products. The company creates products that offer excellent value and educational content to build children's confidence, developing the skills they need to prepare for school and beyond. The Learning Journey sells 250+ products worldwide.

SOURCE University Games
CHANGSHA, China, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion", 1157.HK) has recently joined forces to construct China's fifth Antarctic research station on Inexpressible Island in Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea. Utilizing its advanced telescopic boom crawler cranes, Zoomlion demonstrates its engineering prowess in harsh environmental conditions.

The Station, spanning an area of 5,244 square meters, is currently under full-scale construction. It stands as a testament to intensive, efficient, green, low-carbon, and advanced intelligent construction. The Station, projected to be completed within 60 days, will house up to 80 researchers, supporting multi-disciplinary research in atmospheric and marine environments, and biological ecology.

Zoomlion's telescopic boom crawler cranes, the ZCT600V5, have arrived at the Ross Sea, engaging in tasks such as material unloading and participating in the steel structure assembly of the Station. The equipment demonstrates remarkable performance on the icy terrain, undeterred by the harsh Antarctic conditions of extreme cold, strong winds, and radiation.

Equipped with a 5-section,46-meter U-shaped boom, the crane leads the industry in arm length and lifting capability. Its large-track-width telescopic crawler chassis, paired with custom non-slip tracks and formidable climbing abilities, makes it ideal for complex lifting tasks in challenging environments. The ZCT600V5's modular design allows for easy transportation and quick self-assembly of its 20-ton counterweight, significantly enhancing construction efficiency, especially in the limited building period.

The Station has adopted large-scale modular construction technology to minimize on-site work. It comprises 84 large modules, designed to be installed on the main steel structure's floor, with utilities ready for immediate occupancy. Previously, Zoomlion's cranes were involved in the modular units' customization and pre-assembly in China and will continue to play a crucial role in the Antarctic, providing a robust base for explorers delving into the depths of Antarctica.

Zoomlion's role in constructing the Station marks another milestone in overcoming engineering challenges under the most demanding conditions, and the company takes immense pride in its participation. The performance of its equipment under the extreme conditions of Antarctica reflects Zoomlion's robust technical prowess. Furthermore, the company's contributions to scientific research stand as a testament to its unwavering commitment to exerting a positive influence on the world.

SOURCE Zoomlion
Nebal Farsakh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent, said Thursday that the communications blackout across Gaza means that they can only contact staff at the group's main base in Khan Younis by using VHF radio waves.

More worrying, she said, is the effect the blackout is having on The Red Crescents emergency response work

This means civilians cant call the 101 emergency line to get ambulances, she told The Associated Press by phone. Our staff are just following the sounds of bombardments

Farsakh said her team has resorted to stationing ambulances at all the major working hospitals so that when the first casualties arrive, they can find out the location of the strike.

According to Paltel, the Palestinian telecoms provider, the current disruptions started Wednesday. There have been at least four communication blackouts in Gaza since the conflict erupted on Oct. 7.

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As part of the deal, a fugitive named Leonard Francis, who fled the U.S. before he could be sentenced for his lead role in bribery and corruption case is being extradited from Venezuela, Biden said.

The high-stakes swap means clemency and freedom for Alex Saab, a Colombian national and close ally of Maduro, who the U.S. Justice Department indicted on eight counts of money laundering in 2019. "This is a culmination of extraordinary efforts and perseverance across the U.S. government for many, many months to bring these 10 Americans home," a White House official said during a background briefing Wednesday.

In a statement, President Joe Biden said: "These individuals have lost far too much precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered every day in their absence. I am grateful that their ordeal is finally over, and that these families are being made whole once more."

"We can confirm that 10 Americans who have been detained have been released and are on their way home. That includes all six Americans who are classified as wrongfully detained, including Joseph Cristella, Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore and Savoi Wright. At this time, we are not naming any additional individuals out of consideration for their privacy," said a senior Biden administration official.

The U.S. has secured the freedom of 10 Americans from Venezuelan prisons, in exchange for the release a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Saab, 51, was arrested in 2020 when his private plane stopped for refueling in Cape Verde en route from Venezuela to Iran. He was extradited to the U.S. the following year. He had been indicted in the U.S. in a fraudulent bribery and low-income housing scheme that siphoned off $350 million from Venezuela and funneled it into Miami, Florida, banks from 2011 to 2015. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Saab was among three individuals targeted by the Treasury Department in 2019 for allegedly enabling Maduro "and his illegitimate regime to corruptly profit from imports of food aid and distribution in Venezuela." He had been in custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons in Miami.

As part of the prisoner swap, representatives of Maduro's government have also agreed to release 20 Venezuelan political prisoners. Best known among them is Roberto Abdul, president of civil association Sumate, who was arrested by Venezuela's intelligence service earlier this month. Abdul is a part of the Maduro opposition in Venezuela.

Maduro also agreed to work toward free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential election, something Biden commented on in response to a question on Wednesday. "Looks good, and it looks like Maduro, so far, is keeping his commitment on a free election. But it ain't done yet. Got a long way to go, but it's good so far," Biden said.

The exchange does not change the outstanding U.S. indictment and charges of drug trafficking against Maduro and the $15 million reward from the State Department for help bringing him into custody.

In March 2020, the Justice Department indicted Maduro and 14 co-conspirators for allegedly running a 20-year-long narco-terrorism and cocaine dealing campaign against the U.S. That indictment claims that Maduro has looted billions of dollars from Venezuela and concealed it in South Florida banks.

The U.S. has limited economic engagement with Venezuela, according to the State Department, because of extensive U.S. sanctions imposed upon the Maduro government for "its extensive corruption, economic mismanagement, and violation of international norms."

In October, however, the Treasury Department eased some key sanctions against Venezuela, allowing it to make financial transactions in oil, gas, gold and limited Venezuelan sovereign bonds. That agreement also allows some transactions in these sectors for previously blocked Venezuelan banks.
Moscow, Dec 21 : Any peace proposals on the Ukraine crisis that exclude Russia are essentially absurd, and there is currently no foundation for peace talks with Kiev, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"We believe that the topic of negotiations is not relevant now. We have repeatedly stated that there is no basis, no foundation for such negotiations," Peskov added on Wednesday.

Any search for a peace formula without Russia's participation would be "an absurd process" that will not yield any potential results, he said.

Peskov's comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's remarks made at his annual press conference on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Zelensky said that the issue of negotiations is currently irrelevant, and that the only working platform on the key principles of peace in Ukraine is the Peace Formula, a 10-point plan the President himself proposed in November 2022.
Sanaa, Dec 21 : Yemen's Houthi leader has warned that his group would attack US ships in the Middle East if Washington waged war against the Iranian-backed militia.

"We will not stand idly by if the Americans escalate further and commit foolishness by targeting or waging war against us due to our support for the Hamas movement," Abdulmalik al-Houthi said on Wednesday in a televised speech aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

"If the US targets us, we will then retaliate by targeting US battleships and interests in the region with our missiles, drones, and military operations," he warned.

The threat by the Houthi leader came after the US announced on Monday a 10-nation coalition to quell Houthi missile and drone attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea, Xinhua news agency reported.

Britain, France and Italy are among the US-led multinational military coalition.

Houthi rebels have escalated and pledged to continue attacks on Israel-linked commercial ships passing through the Red Sea and Arab Sea, demanding an end to Israel's aggression on the Gaza Strip and the delivery of food and medicine supplies to the enclave.

The Houthis control large swathes of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the strategic port city of Hodeidah on the coast of the Red Sea, where up to 12 per cent of world trade passes through.
United Nations, Dec 21 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid tribute to Kuwait's ruling Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who died last week at the age of 86.

Sheikh Nawaf dedicated his life to the people of Kuwait. For nearly six decades, on the domestic and global stages, he served at the highest levels of government, across a diverse range of ministerial positions. Far beyond Kuwait's borders, he was a respected statesman, Guterres told a UN General Assembly plenary meeting on Wednesday dedicated to the memory of the late Emir.

"He was a determined champion of preventive diplomacy -- an approach that helped define Kuwait's role across the Gulf region and around the world. He was a steadfast voice of regional and global stability, peace and multilateralism -- the very values and goals that give life to this chamber (of the General Assembly)," he said.

"He was a generous humanitarian, helping to ease human suffering and mobilise support for millions of people in need around the region and the world. And his personal commitment to collective solutions to forge peace remains an inspiration," the UN Chief added.

Sheikh Nawaf was seen as an Emir of wisdom, forgiveness and peace -- qualities that are in tragically short supply, said Guterres.

"As we look around the world today, we see a planet in turmoil. Conflicts, climate catastrophe, mistrust, inequalities and injustice are driving people, countries and entire regions apart. As we honour the memory of Sheikh Nawaf today, let us also remember our own obligations ... to the principles for which he stood: to be wise in our decisions and actions, recognising the impact they have on the world around us, and on future generations; to be forgiving of one another, accepting of our differences, understanding of one another's points of view, and respectful of every person's worth; and to be willing to collaborate and compromise to forge a world of peace that our children deserve. This is our solemn responsibility, and one that Sheikh Nawaf clearly demonstrated through his words and his actions."

The UN Chief extended his condolences to the late Emir's family and the government and people of Kuwait, Xinhua news agency reported.

He extended his best wishes to the late Emir's brother Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who has taken over the leadership of Kuwait.

Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations' willingness to continue its strong partnership and friendship with Kuwait.
Nicosia, Dec 21 : Israel wants to fast-track the delivery of humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said during his brief visit to Cyprus.

"Cyprus and Israel, together with other partners in the region, are promoting the initiative for a secure maritime corridor to facilitate the transfer of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, in an organised and well-inspected manner," Cohen added on Wednesday.

He was speaking at a joint press conference after he and his Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos, visited the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) in the airport and port city of Larnaca, Xinhua news agency reported.

Kombos said the JRCC would play a decisive role in the implementation of the project dubbed "Amalthea" after the nurse-goddess in Greek mythology.

"Within the next two days, all the details for the implementation of the Cypriot proposal will be locked. The aim is to transfer humanitarian aid, which will relieve the hardship of the non-combatants in Gaza," Cohen added.

According to the proposal, humanitarian aid is planned to be shipped from Larnaca port to Gaza.

Meanwhile, a British Royal Navy ship identified as Lyme Bay, which sailed from Larnaca port on Saturday with 80 tonne of aid, mostly tents donated by Britain and pharmaceuticals provided by Cyprus, was reported to be still at sea.

The ship was originally scheduled to dock at the Egyptian port of El Arish, but it was later told to be waiting for Israeli approval to dock at an Israeli port.

On Wednesday, the Hamas-run government media office said that the death toll of the Palestinians from Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has reached 20,000 since October 7.
Brussels, Dec 21 : The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement that will thoroughly reform the bloc's asylum and migration policy, breaking years of deadlock on the issue.

"This reform is a crucial piece of the puzzle," said Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomez, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council, on Wednesday.

"Citizens across the EU want their governments to deal with the migration challenge and today is a big step in this direction," he added.

Under the deal, irregular migrants arriving in the EU will be screened, their biometric data will be taken, and their destination will be determined through a set of EU rules, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, they are liable to faster deportation if their cases are considered to be "instrumentalisation of migrants," the Council said.

The new regulations aim to increase the effectiveness of the asylum system, and enhance solidarity between EU member states by lightening the load for those dealing with the highest number of migrant arrivals.

The provisional agreement will be submitted to EU member states after technical work.

The Council and the European Parliament have been negotiating the pact since October. The EU has recently faced several waves of migration.
Washington, Dec 21 : The US has deepened its partnership with India and elevated cooperation through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

Speaking at the end-of-year press availability on Wednesday, Blinken said in the coming year, the US will continue to stand "shoulder-to-shoulder" with those who share its vision for a "free, open, prosperous, and secure world".

"Our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific have never been stronger... Weave deepened our partnership with India. Weave elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, Australia," Blinken said.

An informal strategic forum comprising US, India, Australia and Japan, one of the Quad's primary objectives has been to work for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

This year, the summit was hosted by Australia on the side-lines of the ongoing G-7 Summit in Hiroshima, where the leaders reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

The 2024 Quad Summit was supposed to be held in India for the first time likely on January 27 but it has been postponed as the proposed dates didn't work out with the member countries, according to the government sources.

To further bolster their partnership in the Indo-Pacific, Blinken said that the US is working with the UK and Australia to produce nuclear-powered submarines.

The US has also launched new comprehensive strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, a new Defence Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines, new trilateral initiatives with the Philippines and Japan, and new embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga.

Blinken further said that the US is more closely aligned than ever with the G7, with the EU, with other allies and partners on the challenges presented by Beijing.

"We're working together to address them. Weare deepening cooperation and coordination between NATO and our Indo-Pacific allies. These efforts have allowed us to engage more effectively when tackling areas of concern, like Chinaas coercive trade and economic practices, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, and human rights," Blinken said.
ED suspends its official arrested by Rajasthan ACB in graft case; launches probe. Image Source: IANS News

Lucknow, Dec 21 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached properties in the form of bank balance, fixed deposits and agricultural land worth Rs 2.03 crore in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki belonging to Indian Foreign Services (IFS) officer Niharika Singh.

The attachment proceedings were initiated under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the Anee Bullion Industries fraud case, confirmed Lucknow ED unit officials.

Niharika Singh is a 2006 batch IFS officer and was last posted in Tokyo.

ED officials said the IFS officeras husband, Ajit Kumar Gupta, is the alleged mastermind of the around Rs 600 crore Anne Bullion Industries fraud case.

The ED investigation revealed that M/s Anee Bullion Industries Pvt Ltd of Ajit Kumar Gupta & others have fraudulently collected money from public in the guise of Daily Deposit Scheme, Monthly Recurring Scheme, Fixed Scheme, etc., by offering high returns varying from 20 per cent to 40 per cent.

Investorsa money, thus collected, was layered, and rotated through the platform of various companies of aAnee Groupa and was used for purchase of various immovable properties in the name of Ajit Gupta and others, the ED officials added.

On October 16, the IFS officer appeared before the ED Lucknow unit after multiple summons issued to her and was questioned for several hours in the matter.

The officials said the ED initiated investigation in 2019 case based on various FIRs and complaints registered by the UP Police against Ajit Kumar Gupta and various other persons/entities for cheating the public of Rs 110 crore by luring them to invest in various fraudulent schemes with the intention to defraud them of their investments.

Earlier, the ED had attached 20 immovable properties in the form of land/buildings of Anee group of companies situated at Lucknow, Amethi and Delhi, together valued at Rs 7.07 crore.

This is the 2nd provisional attachment order in this case and the total value of attached properties stands at Rs 9.10 crore. Further investigation is under progress.
London, Dec 21 : The body of a 23-year-old Indian student, who went missing in the UK last week, has been found near a lake in East London, police said, appealing for assistance to help piece together his last known movements.

Gurashman Singh Bhatia, a student of Loughborough University, was reported missing from Canary Wharf after a night out with friends on December 14.

He was last seen on CCTV in the South Quay area at around 04:20hrs on December 15, according to the police.

"Officers carried out extensive enquiries, including viewing CCTV, speaking to witnesses and analysing phone and financial data. Water searches were also carried out," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Wednesday.

On Wednesday afternoon, police divers found his body in the water in South Quay, and officers are now appealing for assistance to help piece together his last known movements.

Although formal identification has not yet taken place, Gurashman's family in Jalandhar has been informed.

"Gurashmanas death is being treated as unexpected, and while there is nothing to suggest it was suspicious, we will ensure our investigation is as thorough as possible to confirm this," Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for local policing in Tower Hamlets, said.

"Because of this, we are releasing a CCTV image of Gurashman that was taken before his disappearance and would like anyone who may have seen him in the Marsh Wall area on the evening of Thursday, 14 December and in the early hours of Friday, 15 December, to contact us," he said.

On December 17, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa took to his X handle to inform about the missing Indian student in London.

Seeking External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's assistance, he also urged Loughborough University and the Indian High Commission to locate Gurashman.

Reacting to Gurashman's death, Sirsa said in a video posted on X: "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of G S Bhatia, a Loughborough University student who was missing since December 15th. Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time".

Last month, another 23-year-old Indian student who moved to the UK from India on September 19, was found dead on the bank of Thames river, four days after being reported missing by his family.

Mitkumar Patel's body was found on the riverbank at Caledonian Wharf, on the Isle of Dogs, at roughly 10.45 a.m. on November 21 by a passerby.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 21 : The ongoing tiff between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Thursday took yet another turn with the former complaining to the President.

In a letter to President Murmu, CM Vijayan has said that Governor Khan was not doing his job and engaged in protocol violations.

Vijayanas letter states that the "president should intervene as Khan is not doing his job as a governor".

According to sources Vijayanas letter states that several Bills passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly were not being signed by Khan.

Another complaint is that Khan has been violating protocol as was seen a few days back, when on his way to the airport here, he stopped his car and got out to take on the SFI protesters. Also at Kozhikode on Monday, Khan walked through the streets at the famed Sweet Street at Kozhikode.

Incidentally last week, CM Vijayan told the media that things were going from bad to worse with the way Khan was going about and they will have to approach those concerned.

Khan is yet to respond and later in the day he is leaving for Delhi and is expected to respond. The Governor has often said that he was answerable only to the President of India.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

Once upon a time  the year 2000, to be exact  a time when Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan all fell on the same days. Store shelves were emptied of candy-making ingredients, travel agents worked overtime to clear tickets home, and record numbers of toys and gifts were sold. The whole world was filled with cross congratulations. In a crowded airport in Denver, Colorado, a group of strangers were preparing to board a plane not knowing that their lives were going to change, or that a holiday miracle could happen anywhere and to anyone, no matter what they celebrate.

This is how my paraphrasing of Three Holidays and a Wedding, begins. The Canadian writer Uzma Jalaluddin penned one of Penguins most powerful commercial bets for the American book market, which releases Christmas-themed books as gifts to the masses every year. Jalaluddins novel tells the friendship and romance of a group of Christians, Jews, and Muslims who are stranded in a hotel in a snowstorm, where they are forced to spend the holidays. The promotional material for the novel includes a teaser for readers of The Matzah Ball, a 2021 Christmas hit written by Jean Meltzer that tells the terrible, nerdy secret of Rachel Rubinstein-Goldblatt, a young Jewish woman: she loves Christmas. Those moved by Meltzers interfaith crossover will delight in Jalaluddins ecumenical friendship and romance. Or so the editors promise.

These Christmas hits rarely cross the Atlantic, so the European public is alien to the genre that Charles Dickens inaugurated in 1843 with his A Christmas Carol  whose literary stature, it goes without saying, has given several mega-twists to the best of contemporary books, and that is why it has never been overshadowed by any subsequent work of fiction. From the joyful jingling of bells and twinkling lights come movies and Christmas episodes of trending series, as well as Mariah Carey, whose perennial earworm is played in every store. However, the Christmas narrative tradition has never been interrupted, it enjoys great popularity and has its own galaxy of writers.

Jim Carrey as the lonely and selfish Ebenezer Scrooge in an adaptation of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. Disney

In this star system, Jalaluddin is both one of the most atypical and predictable examples. She is a Muslim, an energetic columnist for the Toronto Star and a representative of the generation of children of immigrants who try their hardest to reconcile their parents culture with the Western world in which they have grown up. She is, therefore, the perfect author to square the circle of such an ecumenical matter. After all, the trend of the current Christmas narrative is not to persecute a secularized public or lower the sugar level, but to drag non-Christian believers into the spirit of present and, above all, future Christmases. The Dickens of today does not want to redeem Scrooge, but the Muslim and Jewish neighbors. It doesnt matter what we call it, they come to say: all parties have lights and gifts for the children. So lets celebrate together, and go hand in hand to the mall.

This literary market has remained faithful to the kitsch of the most rancid Christmas carols, with cover designs full of reds, greens, and glitter (they only need to come wrapped in tinsel and lights) that leave no room for misunderstanding. It is a tradition that is indifferent to the attempts of cinema and television to mess with the genre a little. Ecumenical or Christian, the story is always the same: the miracle of Christmas resolves conflicts and softens even the hardest of hearts.

The tradition of Christmas movies is as old as cinema itself and combines masterpieces like Its a Wonderful Life with disposable rubbish. In the mid-80s it was renewed with notes of irony and even a certain playful sarcasm that the public celebrated with pleasure: Gremlins, Die Hard, and the Home Alone saga brought comedy, action, horror and, above all, rough-and-tumble nonsense, to the Christmas miracle. But that was a fashion of its time that has not made it to the 21st century. Le pupille, an Italian short from 2022 (only 39 minutes) that happens to be one of the best Christmas movies of all time, according to a list by The Guardian critics. The Christmas Eve story is set in a girls orphanage in post-war Italy and contains all the sentimental cliches expected from a Christmas classic. This year, no innovations have been announced either, and the streaming platforms are bombarding us with clone productions: family comedies with the occasional casual or playful wink, but that always end with the hackneyed miracle.

As every genre has its parody, a tradition of Christmas horror and gore also endures. This year highlights Its a Wonderful Death is a cynical transgression of the classic tale designed for unredeemed Grinchs and Scrooges and lovers of guts and serial killers. Far from refuting the official cheesy line, this doubles down on it  if cheesy wasnt successful, no one would feel the need to make fun of it.

Television series, especially comedies, have always been the ones that best preserved the spirit of the Christmas narrative. Likewise, episodes compete with Thanksgiving episodes to be the highlight of each season, and are often aired back-to-back. Some of the most memorable episodes of Friends (the one about the Holiday Armadillo is priceless, and very much in ecumenical harmony with Jalaluddins book), The Simpsons, Frasier and The Office (with the memorable episode in which the companys party planning committee organizes a Moroccan-themed Christmas party) all take place on Christmas Eve .

An image from the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life!' (1946). AP

The loss of seasonality  binge watching series and the platforms habit of releasing entire seasons all at once, means viewers are losing the habit of watching episodes weekly  has ruined this tradition. It maintained the Dickensian spirit, but adapted to the tone and audience of each series. It was a challenge for the scriptwriters of some of these shows that were acidic and ironic by nature, to fit into kitsch sentimentality without betraying the usual tone of the narrative. It was there where the cliches of the genre were put to the test the most, and where they best demonstrated their validity: Christmas survives everything and combines with anything. Among the few who persist in representing that spirit of absolute goodness is Ted Lasso. One of its stars, Hannah Waddingham, has produced Home for Christmas for Apple, with actors from the series and all the good vibes and smiles that go with it.

Christmas also continues to inspire high literature. In 2018, the Sicilian writer Giosue Calaciura published one of the most beautiful, exciting, and successful updates of Dickens Christmas Carol. Il Tram di Natale (The Christmas Tram) brings together all the mysteries and desires of the holidays, without neglecting to reflect on the sacred history and the meaning of the birth of Christ, transposing the evangelical manger to a tram in an unnamed Italian city. But Calaciuras will not be promoted as a Christmas novel in the department stores of New York, nor will its adaptations take over marquees and platform screens, because its literature takes a different path and is alien to bells and urban light shows like those of the New York or London.

Ecumenical, miraculous, and always corny: the world changes, but Christmas books, movies, and series change little. At least, not those sold in bulk.

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New Delhi, Dec 21 : Glenmorangie, the epitome of luxury in the world of single malt Scotch whiskies from the house of Louis Vuitton MoAt Hennessy, marries the realms of fine spirits and high design to position itself in the living room of the luxury seeking Indian consumer. In a collaboration with designers Shivan & Narresh, the brand introduces 'Delicious Living'-a limited edition collection of artisanal couches that transcend the boundaries of conventional luxury and redefines the art of living.

New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANSlife) Glenmorangie, the epitome of luxury in the world of single malt Scotch whiskies from the house of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, marries the realms of fine spirits and high design to position itself in the living room of the luxury seeking Indian consumer. In a collaboration with designers Shivan & Narresh, the brand introduces 'Delicious Living'a limited edition collection of artisanal couches that transcend the boundaries of conventional luxury and redefines the art of living.

It all started with the designer duo's visit to the brand home, Glenmorangie House, in Tain, Scotland, where immersive conversations with Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden and the home's vibrant sensorial playground deeply inspired them to reimage the way the luxury-seeking Indian consumer hosts soirees and consumes luxury spirits in the realm of their living room.

The "Delicious Living" collection is a limited-edition range of signature couches which truly encapsulates the spirit of the Highland single malt Scotch whisky, as it ages barrel to bottle - from creation to consumption, all for your indulgence and delight. Each statement piece pushes the realm of form, shape and craft  and is a nod to the imagination and craftsmanship of Glenmorangie' whisky makers, making it an inviting focal point for those who appreciate creativity and the finer things in life.

The 'OakSwirl' is a tribute to the decade-long maturation process in oak barrels that transforms Glenmorangie's new make spirit into a masterpiece in the form of its signature expression, Glenmorangie Original. With earthy tones and rich textures, this couch beckons connoisseurs to indulge in the warmth and depth that characterizes each sip. While the futuristic 'Infinity Swirl' celebrates the mesmerizing ritual of swirling whisky in the glass, and its smooth, vibrant flavours which can be discovered in every sip of Glenmorangie. This couch's dynamic form and fluid lines set within a metallic frame create a visual representation of the whirlpool effect that occurs when liquid and ice harmoniously dance.

The art print specially created for this collection - 'Swirlscape'  embodies the technicolor, vibrant world of the brand while breaking the serious codes of brown spirits as a category. To enrich the 'delicious living' escapades, artistic merchandise with the signature 'swirlscape' motif takes form as velvety cushions, silk throw rugs and statement canvas wall art pieces.

The luxury partnership unveiled at the flagship event on December 01 2023, which had seen over 300+ design makers, luxury connoisseurs attend an experiential living room transformation, in signature Glenmorangie style. This will be followed by a multi-city tour and imminent product launches which will be available for pre-orders to the brand's patrons and newer consumers.

Thrilled on his association, Shivan Bhatiya, Head Designer at Shivan & Narresh said, "Visiting the world of Glenmorangie and working on this project with Dr. Bill has been an exceptional experience for Narresh and me. At Shivan & Narresh, we view life as one big holiday and are all about celebrating every moment - big or small. As an extension to this philosophy, we proudly present 'Delicious Living', a limited-edition collection designed to be the focal point in any living space. It invites people to gather for elevated evenings that transition into mornings, creating cherished memories for a lifetime."

Caspar MacRae, CEO & President of The Glenmorangie Company, commented: "It's fantastic to see the beautiful, vibrant designs which have come out of our collaboration with Shivan & Narresh. Although they come from very different creative fields, it's clear that they have found a kindred spirit in Dr Bill, and a shared desire to use imagination and skill to create delicious and wonderful experiences to delight consumers. I hope this partnership will inspire many convivial moments in homes across India, over a glass of Glenmorangie."

Further commenting on this launch, Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director, Moet Hennessy India expressed, "As a future forward brand, we strive to celebrate not just the luxury single malt but the moments they partake in our consumers' life. With the "Delicious Living" statement couches, we desire to transform your living room experiences into moments of exquisite delight in the true spirit of Glenmorangie's savoir faire. This thrilling collaboration with Shivan and Narresh will remarkably augment our effort of merging luxury whisky and design artistry in a way to make moments at the couch delicious and wonderful."

IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in

--IANS

os/ tb
Tehran, Dec 21 : The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned the German Ambassador to Tehran, Hans-Udo Muzel, over a "baseless accusation" hurled against Tehran in a German court, the state-run media reported.

Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, director general for Western Europe at Iran's Foreign Ministry, also protested the "unacceptable" summoning of the Iranian charge d'affaires in Berlin over an alleged "plot to carry out an arson attack on a synagogue in Germany," said the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement, IRNA reported.

During their meeting on Wednesday, the German envoy was reminded that Iran "has a very brilliant track record in promoting the principle of coexistence, as respecting Abrahamic religions has a valuable status in Islam and the Iranian culture," Xinhua news agency reported.

Muzel said he would convey Iran's protest to Berlin at the earliest possible time.

In a statement on Tuesday, the German Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the Iranian charge d'affaires over the alleged arson plot.

Earlier in the day, the Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court convicted a German-Iranian national for "conspiring the attack on the synagogue in the western city of Bochum" in November 2022, and sentenced him to 33 months in prison, claiming that the plot "was linked to the Iranian state agencies."
Jaipur, Dec 21 : The much-awaited Cabinet expansion exercise has intensified in Rajasthan as Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has gone to the national Capital with both of his Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa.

Sharma reached Parliament House on Thursday morning with Bairwa.

Names of would be-Cabinet ministers may be approved after his meeting with senior BJP leaders and party sources said that Sharma may expand his Cabinet this week.

On Thursday, Sharma might meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda and it is possible that the names of the Cabinet ministers would be finalised then.

Sources said that a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi can also be planned for Thursday.

New people may get a chance to be a part of the Rajasthan Cabinet and it is believed that instead of senior members in the Cabinet, those MLAs who have never become ministers till now may be given a chance.

Though some senior MLAs would also be made ministers, their number would not be much.
New Delh, Dec 21 : The Delhi High Court has ordered the rehearing of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar's petition seeking to set aside and quash an order issued by the Office of Jail Superintendent (Prison), Central Jail No. 13, Mandoli.

Chandrashekhar, who was represented by advocate Anant Malik, is a prime accused in a Rs 200 crore extortion case.

He has raised grievances, including non-compliance with Rule 1273 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, lack of a personal hearing, and inadequate consideration of contentions.

The court rejected the contention that a personal hearing was required, however, it agreed with the petitioner on the issue of the CCTV footage, which was not included in the documents forwarded to the Appraisal Judge.

The court directed the respondent ASC Nandita Rao for State to present the entire inquiry file, including CCTV footage, before the Appraisal Judge for a fresh decision within two weeks.

The judicial appraisal dated November 4 related to the punishment ticket No.415, was set aside, and the court clarified that it hadn't expressed any opinion on merits.

The petitioner was granted the liberty to pursue appropriate remedies in accordance with the law. The court disposed of the petition and associated applications.
Patna, Dec 21 : Three persons travelling in a car died after their vehicle crashed into a tree in Bihar's Nawada district late on Wednesday night.

Patna, Dec 21 (IANS) Three persons travelling in a car died after their vehicle crashed into a tree in Biharas Nawada district late on Wednesday night.

The deceased were returning home from Rajauli to Khanwa village under Narhat police station when the accident happened. The accident occurred on Rajauli-Sirdala road.

The deceased have been identified as Vivek Kumar, Chandan Kumar and Raushan Kumar. The eyewitnesses said that the SUV (Scorpio) was running at a high speed and the driver, in a bid to save a blue bull, lost control over the vehicle which crashed into a tree.

Following the accident, a team of Rajauli police station reached the spot and sent the dead bodies for postmortem. The impact of the accident was as such that the SUV was mangled almost beyond recognition.
Hyderabad, Dec 21 : The BJP in Telangana has slammed the Congress government for sanctioning Rs 2.45 crore for providing basic infrastructure for a congregation of Tablighi Jamaat to be held in Vikarabad district next month.

BJP General Secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar termed 'pure evil' and 'outrageous' the sanctioning of funds by the Congress government for Tablighi Jamaat meeting. He demanded that the government immediately withdraw permission for the meeting.

The Karimnagar MP alleged that the organisation is involved in forced conversions and also in terror activities.

"Does the newly elected government of Revanth Reddy know this? What are intelligence agencies doing? What do you want to do to Telangana with Tukde Tukde gang?," asked Sanjay Kumar.

The BJP leader demanded Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy take action against the officials involved in giving permission for the meeting and also in sanctioning the funds.

BJP MLA T. Raja Singh has also criticised the Congress government for allocating a 'staggering' Rs 2.45 crore for a Tablighi Jamaat meeting.

He wondered why Congress was embracing an organisation banned in several countries, including Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia? "Tablighi Jamaat's controversial teachings have led to prohibition in these nations, Congress government's red-carpet welcome and consistent support for such extremist ideologies raise questions about the party's priorities and motives," he said.

The minorities welfare department recently issued an order sanctioning the money for certain works in connection with statewide 'ijtema (Islamic congregation)' to be organised by Tablighi Jamaat.

The ijtema is scheduled to be held for three days from January 6 at Neamath Nagar in Pargi mandal of Vikarabad district.

The amount was sanctioned for undertaking certain works for civic amenities leading to the ijtema.

The money was sanctioned for providing water and construction of sump, laying of pipeline, parking area, erecting transformers for uninterrupted power supply.

The Chief Executive Officer of Telangana State Wakf Board was directed to release funds to Vikarabad district collector for execution of works immediately.
Over dozens of Baloch protesters arrested in Pakistan. Image Source: IANS News

Islamabad, Dec 21 : Over dozens of people protesting against enforced disappearances and "extrajudicial killing" of a Baloch youth were baton charged and arrested by Islamabad Police, local media reported.

In videos shared on social media, the police could be seen firing water canons and teargas at the protesters and dragging them into vans late Wednesday night, Dawn news reported.

The long march by the protesters was also dispersed.

A non-lethal method to prevent protesters from entering high-security zones is being adopted and the use of forces was "completely avoided", a spokesperson for the Islamabad Police said in a statement.

"Masked men carrying batons" were among the protesters, the spokesperson claimed.

However, when protesters threw stones at police, they were detained and arrested.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : In the face of adversity, marginalisaed students are emerging as catalysts for positive change within their communities. Through tireless efforts and a commitment to inclusivity, they are reshaping narratives, bridging divides, and championing causes that uplift the underprivileged.

Led by resilient spirit and unwavering determination, these students, hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds, united to create a platform for change.

Despite personal struggles and systemic hurdles, these students became beacons of hope, channelling their own experiences into empathy-driven actions.

Shilpi Jaiswal

Coming from a lower-middle-class family where her father is a driver and her mother a homemaker, Shilpi grew up with 5 siblings in a household run by her father, the sole bread earner. She completed her class 12th and was looking for courses that could give an edge to her career. She joined the Jeevika Skill Development Program when her elder sisteras friend informed her about the program focused on BFSI which was an ESSAI-certified course and the fact that the program offered a 100% job guarantee intrigued her interest. Currently, Shilpi is excelling in her first job as a Donor Servicing Trainee at the Lotus Petal Foundation, with her ace MS Excel skills, while also pursuing her graduation in B.Com (Hons) from Delhi University.

Saloni Raj

Salonias childhood was not the usual one. Coming from a broken family her mother, a house-help had to run away from the house with her children to save them from her abusive husband. After a life of struggles on the streets, Saloni joined the Lotus Petal Foundation when she was 14 years old in 2013. With low learning levels, her relationship with education even at the age of 14 was similar to a younger child. However, by 2014, with a customized curriculum catering to her fractured learning, Salonias journey to quality education started picking up and by 2018, her results significantly improved. In 2019, by the age of 20, Saloni had cleared the National Medical Entrance Examination (NEET) paving her way to kick-start her medical studies. Currently, she is in the last year of her course and soon she shall become a Doctor.

Gudiya Kumari

With her father running a small food stall and her mother being a tailor, Gudiya grew up in a difficult household. Growing up with 5 siblings, she knew from an early age that she would have to work harder for her dreams of becoming an air hostess. However, life and its challenges had other plans. Gudiya joined as a 1st-year student of the Pratishthan Learning Center- A unique Fast-Track Education Program through which out-of-school teenagers with fractured learning can complete their education in a 5-year-based learning program. She also underwent vocational hospitality training, giving her well-rounded training, enabling her to ace job interviews and finally get her first job as Executive- Software Testing at Unify Dots.

Hritik Sethi

Hailing from a middle-class family, the son of a tailor & a homemaker, he wanted to pursue a course after high school that would give him an edge which is why he enrolled himself in the computer hardware and networking course under the Jeevika Skill Development Program. After rigorous training with both practical and theoretical knowledge along with exposure to industrial training, he was able to grasp the concepts fundamentally giving him a confident grasp on his subjects. Today he is successfully working at his new job while pursuing his graduation from IGNOU. Hritik Sethi is an alumnus of the Computer Hardware & Networking course under the program run by the Lotus Petal Foundation and successfully got his first job in Teleperformance as a Technical Support Engineer. Hritik has bagged the highest package per annum from the Jeevika graduates.

Rahul Saini

Rahul Saini is working as a Technical Engineer with MegaMax. He is an alumnus of the Computer Hardware and Networking course under the same program. He lost his father at an early age and was supported by his mother. Before joining this course, he had already completed his Polytechnic course however, when he got to know about the Jeevika Programas industry-mapped courses which are ESSAI certified and offer 100% job placement with affordable tuition fees, Rahul became intrigued about the program and enrolled himself in 6 months certification course. Today, he is well-placed in his new job where he is learning the ropes of the professional world while impressing everyone with his computer skills.

All of them have chosen different programs of Lotus Petal Foundation. Our alumni are our pride. We have a special bond with all of them and share an encouraging journey that we have travelled together. They are the living example of the organizationas achievements and the values we stand for a" aChange Lives, One Child At A Timea. The stories of our students reflect the impact of our interventions. Their stories of change inspire us to work tirelessly towards our goals and encourage us to be focused and stay true to our efforts.

(Kushal Raj Chakravorty is the founder and managing trustee of Lotus Petal Foundation)

IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in

--IANS

Kushal Raj Chakravorty/ lh/ tb
Bengaluru, Dec 21 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will convene a high-level meeting here over the reported spike in Covid-19 cases in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and senior officers will also attend the meeting to discuss the evolving situation.

Sources indicate that the number of cases is anticipated to soon surpass the 100 mark in the state, with the situation becoming increasingly worrisome in the state capital as cases continue to spread rapidly. Authorities have sent 17 samples from Bengaluru for genome sequencing, and also to confirm the presence of JN.1 variant in the state.

The process of genome sequencing is estimated to take 10 to 15 days, with results expected in five days. Sources also highlight that over the last 20 days, Bengaluru has reported 42 positive Covid cases, with three deaths recorded within a week. However, sources confirmed that all individuals had other critical health conditions.

Concerns among the authorities are growing due to the evolving situation, especially with the upcoming New Year and Christmas celebrations.

Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday said that 20 new positive cases of Covid have been reported in the last 24 hours in the state while two persons died due to the related health issues.

The department said that the number of total active patients stands at 92. "Among these, 72 are isolated at home while 20 persons have been hospitalised. Seven are being treated in the ICU. The positivity rate reported is 2.47 per cent and case fatality rate stands at 10 per cent," the health officials said.

They said that 808 Covid tests were conducted in the last 24 hours for symptomatic persons among which 407 were RTPCR and 401 RAT tests.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had said that the first Covid death in the recent past was reported from Bengaluru on December 15. "No decision has been taken yet to impose restrictions on New Year celebrations in Bengaluru," he said.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 21 : It's common knowledge that theoretically, ideologically, and historically Communists oppose God and all forms of religion, but in Kerala things appear to be different as State Minister of Cooperation, VN Vasavan, also a CPI(M) state secretariat member has described Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as a 'Karma Yogi'.

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 21 (IANS) It's common knowledge that theoretically, ideologically, and historically Communists oppose God and all forms of religion, but in Kerala things appear to be different as State Minister of Cooperation, VN Vasavan, also a CPI(M) state secretariat member has described Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as a 'Karma Yogi'.

Vasavan said this in the capital district while speaking at the ongoing Vijayan-led yatra of the entire state Cabinet on a bus that's stopping at all the 140 Assembly constituencies.

Vasavan said that a late Christian Bishop had said that Vijayan is a gift from God for Kerala.

"It has now been proved that Kerala has wholeheartedly accepted Vijayan and the fact of the matter is that Vijayan is a 'karma yogi'," said Vasavan.

Fearing that his speech could be misreported he said, "I have not compared him to God, all I did was to just echo the statement of the Bishop. But I wish to state that Vijayan is a seasoned and tall political leader who has been widely appreciated due to the way he has been working for the progress of the state."
Tabby, Menas leading shopping and financial services app, has secured up to a whopping $700 million in receivables securitisation from JP Morgan. The deal represents the largest asset-backed facility obtained by a fintech company in the Mena region.

In parallel with the securitisation financing, Tabby has extended its Series D financing to close $250 million with participation from Hassana Investment Company. The Series D was also joined by US-based Soros Capital Management and KSA-based Saudi Venture Capital (SVC).

The financing bolsters Tabbys balance sheet amidst increasing demand for its core buy now, pay later platform and enables more capital to continue expanding Tabbys financial services and shopping products for its 10 million consumers and 30,000 retailers.

Major milestone

Hosam Arab, CEO and Co-Founder of Tabby, said: Securitisation is a major milestone, not only for Tabby but also the first of its kind for the region. It mirrors the rapid growth and evolution of the fintech landscape in our markets. Were incredibly proud of our collaboration with JP Morgan, Hassana, Soros and SVC. Their teams confidence in our vision and capabilities underscores Tabbys pivotal role in reshaping personal finance and shopping in Mena.

George Deves, Co-Head of Northern European ABS at JP Morgan, said: We are pleased to be collaborating with Tabby on this new transaction. A vibrant and growing consumer lending sector is vital for the local economy and we are pleased to work with Tabby on this strategic initiative to support retail credit throughout the Middle East.

Ahmed Al Qahtani, Chief Investment Officer for Regional Markets at Hassana Investment Company, said: The recent Series D funding round, coupled with the $700 million asset-backed securitisation, will support Tabby in amplifying its reach and impact. As a committed and long-term investor, we believe in Tabby's vision to empower consumers and merchants alike and reshape the future of financial services in Saudi Arabia and the wider Mena region. Tabby is poised for accelerated growth, further market penetration, and continued innovation. The company remains focused on delivering exceptional value to both consumers and merchants while maintaining its commitment to transparency, affordability, and responsible lending practices.--TradeArabia News Service
David with the Head of Goliath, an oil painting by the Italian master Caravaggio, is an old friend who lives at the Prado Museum in Madrid. In Spain, there are only four artworks by the Baroque genius whose life of crime led to public condemnation of his work. As a result, many of his paintings were lost and occasionally resurface in unexpected places centuries later. On December 19, the Prado unveiled a new restoration of its prized Caravaggio that David Garcia Cueto, (Head of the Department of Italian and French Painting up to 1800) says reclaims the artists original vision.

The museum has acknowledged that the painting has been in need of restoration for years. It was exhibited in the Prados Guido Reni exhibition last April, where several experts expressed the same opinion. However, the restoration work didnt begin until the end of September. In the past three months, Almudena Sanchez has undertaken the challenging task that led to this weeks presentation of the restored work in the Prados last exhibition of the year. The restoration adds to the excitement and intrigue surrounding Caravaggio, especially given the highly anticipated exhibition of the so-called 2021 Caravaggio discovered two years ago..

Caravaggio's 'David with the Head of Goliath' before restoration. Oil on canvas. Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid. Museo del Prado

The 2021 Caravaggio is a small oil painting that avoided being sold at a Madrid auction for 1,500 in 2021 after experts suggested it could be the work of the Italian master Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The Ecce homo (the scourged Christ) painting caused such a stir in the art world that the Ministry of Culture had to intervene to stop the sale and protect the piece. Since then, the painting has been hidden away in a warehouse for more than two years. Despite all the intrigue, the Prado has accepted its attribution to Caravaggio, although only one scientific study has been published so far. There are four Caravaggios in Spain, said Garcia and Prado Museum Director Miguel Falomir. The Prado has David with the Head of Goliath; the Royal Collections Gallery has Salome; the Montserrat Museum has Saint Jerome in Meditation; and the Perez de Castro family owns Ecce homo. There is consensus in the scientific community [about Ecce homo], which is unusual among Caravaggio scholars who tend to argue a lot.

Caravaggio's 'David with the Head of Goliath' after restoration. Oil on canvas. Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid. Otero Herranz, Alberto

Only time will tell if Ecce homo will end up in room 7A of the Prado where David with the Head of Goliath now hangs in all its splendor. In her restoration, Sanchez removed layers of dirt and yellowed varnishes that had erased the pieces depth of field. Before the restoration, two brightly lit figures overlaid a dark background. Now, viewers can more easily distinguish several planes in the painting. Sanchez successfully highlighted Goliaths foreshortened body, depicting how he fell face-first to the ground after David struck him with a rock and then finished him off with his sword. Now you can see his buttocks and leg extending behind David, said Sanchez.

The painting had been x-rayed before, but with new technology, we gained a clearer understanding of Caravaggios artistic process. The artist initially painted Goliaths face with bulging eyes and a wide-open mouth, creating a dramatic effect. He [Goliath] was dying but still alive, said Garcia. Then he [Carvaggio] painted a slightly less agonized expression over it. These details can be seen in Goliaths eyelids and the irises of his eyes.

Left: X-ray of Goliath's head in Caravaggio's "David with the Head of Goliath.' Right: Close-up of Goliath's head in the painting Museo del Prado

Caravaggios depiction of David in this painting (circa 1600) marked a shift in how this Biblical character was portrayed in art, and influenced later artistic trends and artists. As an example, Garcia cites Orazio Gentileschis David Contemplating the Head of Goliath (circa 1610). Although there are only four Caravaggios in Spanish collections, Garcia says all are of exceptional quality.

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New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a petition by Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez seeking to quash a money laundering case registered against her by the agency.

She has challenged the ED's complaint and the second supplementary charge sheet dated August 17, 2022 under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

Appearing for the central probe agency, special counsel Zoheb Hossian opposed the petition citing its maintainability, and said that when there is no challenge to the order of cognizance taken by the special judge, challenge to the prosecution complaint is not maintainable.

Fernandez's counsel Senior Advocate Siddharth Aggarwal argued that the prayers in the petition covers every order passed in the criminal proceedings and that the order of cognizance has got nothing to do with her.

Hearing the matter for a brief time, Justice Jyoti Singh issued notice and sought ED's reply in the matter while listing it for hearing next on January 29.

It is Fernandez's case that the evidence presented by the ED will establish her innocence, portraying her as a victim of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar's targeted attack.

The petition strongly denies any involvement on her part in aiding Chandrashekhar to launder allegedly ill-gotten wealth.

Fernandez has argued that she should not be prosecuted under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The ED had filed its second supplementary charge sheet naming her as an accused. Fernandez and another Bollywood personality, Nora Fatehi, have recorded their statements as witnesses in the case.

Earlier, assets and fixed deposits worth Rs 7.2 crore belonging to Fernandez were attached by the ED, which termed these gifts and properties as "proceeds" of crime received by the actor.

In February, the ED had filed its first supplementary charge sheet against Pinky Irani, an alleged aide of Chandrashekhar, who introduced him to Bollywood actors.

It had been alleged in the charge sheet that Pinky used to choose expensive gifts for Fernandez and drop them at her residence after Chandrashekhar made the payments.

In December 2021, the probe agency had filed the first charge sheet in this matter.

As per official sources, Chandrashekhar has spent around Rs 20 crore on different models and Bollywood celebrities. A few had, however, refused to accept gifts from him.
Jaipur: BJP MLA from Sanganer Bhajan Lal Sharma flashes the victory sign after he was elected as the next Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Image Source: IANS News

Jaipur, Dec 21 : If political sources are to be believed, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma may expand his Cabinet this week and has even met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national Capital.

Jaipur, Dec 21 (IANS) If political sources are to be believed, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma may expand his Cabinet this week and has even met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national Capital.

Sharma has gone to the national Capital with both of his Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa in tow. Sharma reached Parliament House on Thursday morning with Bairwa

Sharma met Modi and will also meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda where the names can be finalised, said sources.

Political experts say that fresh faces may be given significance in the new Cabinet. However, there may be more emphasis on reconciling the Chief Minister and the central leadership on the basis of caste equations.

At the same time, a strategy for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections would also be seen in the Cabinet of the Bhajan Lal Government. New people may get a chance in the Cabinet, at the same time, before the Lok Sabha elections, MLAs will be included in the Cabinet by balancing social equations.
Tel Aviv, Dec 21 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that its three more soldiers have been killed in fight with Hamas in northern Gaza on Thursday, taking the total number of Israeli troops who have lost their lives in the war to 137.

The deceased were identified as Sgt. Lavi Ghasi (19) from Hashmonaim, in the Nahal Brigade's 931st Battalion, Lt. Yaacov Eliat (20) from Ramat Gan, a cadet in the Bahad 1 officers school's Gefen Battalion who was previously a Givati squad commander and Lt. Omri Shwartz (21) from Shadmot Dvora, a cadet in the Gefen Battalion who was previously a soldier in the Paratrooper Brigadeas Reconnaissance Battalion.

The Israel army also said that five more soldiers were seriously hurt in the fight in Gaza.

The injured -- two soldiers from the Nahal Brigade's 50th Battalion, one from the Oketz canine unit, an officer in the 460th Armored Brigade's 532nd Battalion, and a reserve soldier in the Kiryati Brigade's 9218th Battalion -- are admitted to army hospital and are being treated.

The Israel army is engaged in a tough battle with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

At least 1,200 civilians and soldiers have been killed in Israel since October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel and held 130 people hostages while Hamas-run health ministry said 19,667 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Election Commission on Thursday issued guidelines to nudge political parties to move towards respectful discourse for persons with disabilities and said that political parties will not use ill or derogatory or insulting references on disability or PwDs during any public statement or speech, in their writings material or political campaign.

The Commission said that accessible and inclusive elections have been a non-negotiable premise for the Election Commission to ensure equal participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

"The Commission is consciously striving to promote the principle of accessibility and inclusivity in the elections through various initiatives. For the first time, to promote inclusivity and respect in the political discourse towards PwD community, the Commission has issued a set of guidelines to political parties and their representatives. The Commission has urged political parties and their candidates to abide by the guidelines in letter and spirit as they are an important stakeholder in the electoral process," the poll panel said.

Of late, the Commission has been made aware of use of derogatory or offensive language in the political discourse about Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Usage of such semantics in speech or campaign by members of any political parties or their candidates, can be interpreted as an affront to the PwDs. Common examples of ableist language are words like dumb (gunga), retarded (pagal, sirphira), blind (andha, kana), deaf (behra), lame (langda, lula, apahij), etc. It is necessary to avoid usage of such derogatory language. PwDs have to be accorded justice and respect in political discourse or campaign, the poll panel said.

It said that political parties and their representatives should not use ill or derogatory or insulting references on disability or PwDs during any public statement or speech, in their writings or articles or outreach material or political campaign.

It also said that political parties and their representatives should not use disability or PwDs or terms referring to disability or PwDs in the context of human incapacity during any public speech, in their writings or articles, or political campaign, political parties and their representatives should strictly avoid comments related to disabilities or PwDs that may be offensive or perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices.

"Any usage of such language, terminology, context, mockery, derogatory references or insult to PwDs as mentioned may attract provisions of Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016," the Commission stated.

It further said that all campaign materials, including speeches, social media posts, advertisements, and press releases, must undergo an internal review process within the political party to identify and rectify any instances of ableist language, offensive or discriminatory towards individuals or PwDs.

The Commission said that all political parties should ensure and should declare on their website that they will use Disability and gender sensitive language and etiquette as well as respect inherent human equality, equity, dignity and autonomy and all political parties shall use rights based terminologies as mentioned in CRPD (Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and not incline towards any other terminology.

The Commission also asked all the political parties to make their public speeches or campaigns or activities or events accessible for all citizens and parties may make their website and social media content digitally accessible to allow accessible interaction with persons with disabilities.

All political parties may provide a training module on disability for party workers at all levels of political process and shall appoint nodal authority to hear complaints from persons with disabilities pertaining to usage of ableist language, it said.

Political parties may endeavour to include more PwDs at levels such as members and party workers to shed the attitudinal barrier of the party and public and provide equal opportunities, it added.
Nine arrested in UP for forcibly trying to get minor rape victim married. Image Source: IANS News

Kochi, Dec 21 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday gave the benefit of doubt and granted bail to a man accused of sexually molesting his 14-year-old daughter.

The court noted that even though the allegations were serious, certain facts put them to doubt after the accusedas counsel said such things were being raised mainly because the parents had objected to the victim following Korean pop band BTS which, according to them, was un-Islamic.

"However, certain circumstances mentioned above, lead me to conclude that there is a possibility that the allegations may be false. While it may not be proper for this court to make any conclusion regarding the matter. While considering the bail application of the petitioner, the same can be taken note of for considering whether the petitioner can be granted bail," said the court.

The counsel also pointed out that the man had forbidden the 14-year-old daughter from going on a school trip to Wayanad, even though he had permitted the younger daughter to go.

It was further pointed out that the minor girl's aunt had instigated her to file the complaint and the girl was now in the custody of the aunt.

Since December 6 the father was in judicial custody and now that the investigation has been completed, the court granted him bail, but asked the man not to contact or intimidate his daughter in any way.
Bengaluru, Dec 21 : The Union Ministry of Power has selected Karnataka as the winner of the first prize in the State Designated Agency (SDA Group-1) sector at the National Energy Conservation Awards-2023 (NECA 2022).

The National Energy Conservation Awards  2023 was organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) as part of the 'National Energy Conservation Day', an official release stated on Thursday.

President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to K.P. Rudrappaiah, MD, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL), as an appreciation for the state's achievement in energy conservation at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi last week.

KREDL was chosen for the prestigious award based on the energy efficiency projects they implemented in the State.

Minister for Energy K.J. George, congratulated the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) officials for their notable achievement, emphasising the significance of energy conservation in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and global warming.

He highlighted the department's unwavering commitment to clean and green energy initiatives, primarily focusing on raising awareness about energy conservation and enhancing energy efficiency.

Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) to the Government of Karnataka, expressed his happiness and said, "The states have a vital role in India's energy efficiency policy implementation. In Karnataka, we are working relentlessly to meet the state-specific goals of sustainable development in the most energy-efficient way. In this regard, the State has taken several measures to achieve energy efficiency."

Rudrapaiah, MD, KREDL, said, "We are pleased to be recognised for the spectacular work. KREDL has always been at the forefront of implementing Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency (EC & EE) Activities. We have collaborated with the government and private stakeholders to promote the adoption of an energy-saving target of around 744MU in 5 major sectors over five years," he added.

Karnataka has scored highest and placed as a top-performing State categorised as 'Front runner' across the country for three consecutive years, i.e. during SEEI 2020, SEEI 2021-2022, 2023.

Now, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has declared the award for the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2023, wherein Karnataka has scored the highest point of 85.75 and has been placed as a top-performing state in the country.

Implementing Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation endeavours is critical for meeting India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of reducing the emission intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 level. From empirical research, it is now established that energy conservation measures shall make the largest contribution to meeting the NDC target and mitigating adverse climatic change.

In this regard, the Government of India has taken several measures to achieve energy efficiency over the last 22 years since the enactment of the EC Act in 2001.

In this context, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) developed and launched the State Energy Efficiency Index in 2018 to capture the level of energy efficiency in each State and set targets for improvement in determined sectors across the country.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : A Delhi court on Thursday extended till January 5 the police custody of four accused persons arrested in connection with the Parliament security breach case.

The accused individuals -- Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D., Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde -- were produced before the Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Hardeep Kaur of Patiala House Courts.

The court extended their custody on an application moved by police.

The four accused were produced before court on expiry of their previously granted seven-day police custody after they were arrested on December 13.

After a Delhi court sent the alleged mastermind, Lalit Jha, to seven-day police custody on December 15, the sixth accused, Mahesh Kumawat, was also sent to police custody the next day.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the accused and are investigating the security lapse issue, too.

The prosecution had labelled the arrested individuals as terrorists, asserting that they orchestrated a well-planned attack on Parliament with the intention of inciting fear.

The police had informed the court that they have included Sections 16 (terrorism) and 18 (conspiracy for terrorism) of the UAPA Act in the charges against the accused.

The police had said that individuals exceeded their rights by jumping from the gallery into the seating area of the MPs, constituting trespass.

Furthermore, the police claimed that the accused concealed a canister in their shoes and stressed on the need for their custody to determine their actual motive and identify any other individuals involved.

"Special shoes made in Lucknow, which needs to be probed. They need to be taken to Mumbai, Mysore, Lucknow for the probe," police told the court.

The court appointed legal aid counsel for the accused individuals after they stated that they did not have their own lawyers. In response, the defence counsel opposed the police's application, suggesting that a few days would be sufficient for the investigation.

Police further submitted that the accused carried pamphlets that showed and declared Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a missing person with a caption that the person who finds him will be paid money from a Swiss Bank.

"The accused persons portrayed the PM like a proclaimed offender," police said.

The case revolves around a major security breach on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, where individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha hall, released yellow gas, and shouted slogans before being subdued by MPs.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also ordered an enquiry into the breach under the leadership of DG CRPF Anish Dayal Singh along with other members from security agencies and experts.
Kolkata, Dec 21 : The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal, on Thursday afternoon, has issued a statement denying the charges against them of harassing Pratap Chandra Dey, a senior Calcutta High Court counsel and husband of Justice Amrita Sinha.

The CID statement comes just a day after Dey had sent communiques to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing CID sleuths of putting pressure on him to give statements against his wife.

He had also forwarded the copies of the complaint communiques to Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and to the Bar Association of Kolkata Metropolitan Magistrate Court.

Dey accused the CID sleuths of summoning him as a witness in a case and thereafter putting pressure on him to give statements against his wife.

In the statement issued by the CID on Thursday, a copy of which is available with IANS, the agency sleuths claimed that Dey was summoned for questioning on December 1 and December 16 in a case whose investigation is being conducted following a directive of the Supreme Court of India.

The CID sleuths have accused Dey of coming late for the appearance and also claimed that he did not give any prior intimation about being late.

Claiming that he was treated well during the course of question, the CID's statement claimed that Dey was offered tea and water and was also not questioned at a stretch.

"Pertinently, the entire examination and his activities within the precincts of the CID were recorded either in video recording or in CCTV save & except the areas where there is no CCTV installed i.e. break-room/toilets," the state CID statement had read.

The CID sleuths have also claimed that Dey was questioned only in relation to the case for which he was summoned. The CID has also claimed that the allegations against the CID were attempts to tarnish the image of the agency, which were not only malicious but with the sole intent of derailing the efforts of the investigation process.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken up as many as 321 national highway projects covering a total length of about 8,544 km with an allocation of Rs 1,49,758 crore for the improvement of connectivity to important tourist and religious destinations in the country, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The Ministry is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs).

The development of NHs is carried out after network planning on PM Gati Shakti principle with a "whole of government" approach.

While planning the development, important economic, tourist and religious connections are invariably taken up with special focus on Way Side Amenities (WSAs), adequate signages and road side / median beautifications. Thus, there is no requirement of a dedicated funding scheme for the development of tourist / religious destinations, the minister said in a written reply.

The allocations made on the national highways in 21 states was presented by the minister, which include Uttarakhand (Rs 13,181 crore), Kerala (Rs 12,427 crore), Tamil Nadu (Rs 10,601 crore) Bihar (Rs 10,028 crore), Uttar Pradesh (7,721 crore), Rajasthan (Rs 6,274 crore) Gujarat (Rs 6,902 crore) and West Bengal (Rs 5,361 crore).
New Delhi, Dec 21 : Parliament on Thursday accorded approval to Telecommunications Bill 2023 with the passage in the Rajya Sabha.

The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw earlier in the day introduced the Telecommunication Bill, 2023 in the Upper House.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar passed the Bill with the voice vote.

The bill seeks to amend and consolidate the law relating to the development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of the spectrum; and matters connected therewith.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took a dig at the government and in a post on X, said, "Justifying Pegasus, state sponsored hacking of devices, mass surveillance under the garb of national security wanting to weaponise telecommunications to silence the opposition. Shamelessly passed via a voice vote after suspending MPs en masse in the Lok Sabha."

She said, "Few highlights of the bill : The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, grants the government the authority to temporarily manage telecom services for national security reasons. The bill also permits the government to seize control of a telecom network during public emergencies or for public safety. The bill allows for stopping transmission and intercepting messages in specific situations."
On the morning of Tuesday, May 30, 2023, a technology company called Nvidia became the tenth in history to surpass a trillion dollars in stock market valuation. The achievement  as in other technology success stories  was surprising for its speed.

Investors  who sniff out trends and the most profitable business ventures  have followed the trail of artificial intelligence (AI) like no other this year. And in this sector, all roads lead to Nvidia. The big economic changes that AI promises have raised the companys high expectations on the S&P 500 index. Its been the best-performing stock of 2023, with a revaluation of more than 200% very lucrative for those who were able to anticipate its rise.

With this massive leap in stock market valuation, Nvidia is now among the largest corporations on the planet. It currently occupies sixth place among listed companies, only surpassed by Apple, Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, Alphabet (Google) and Amazon. Its ranked above Mark Zuckerbergs Meta Platforms or Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway.

Of all these companies, Nvidia is definitely the one that is most unknown to the general public. The reason for this is that its star products travel in the guts of devices. Customer interaction is less visible than with Apples iPhone, Googles search engine, or Amazons website. No one sees the tiny high-tech semiconductors created by Nvidia, used to train the AI systems that subsequently power applications such as ChatGPT. The graphic cards for video games or the high-performance computing systems are also invisible to the naked eye. Average consumers arent able to interact with the software that Nvidia uses to teach self-driving cars, which allows the vehicles to process large volumes of sensor data and make decisions in real-time.

In a sector as competitive as that of computer chips, where leading companies such as Intel or AMD have been operating for decades, whats made Nvidia stand out from the rest in such a pronounced way? American historian Chris Miller  the author of Chip War: The Fight for the Worlds Most Critical Technology (2022)  responds to this question by email, offering EL PAIS an X-ray of how this industry has evolved: Nvidia realized before anyone else that GPU chips (semiconductors that were initially designed for graphics processing) would also be very suitable for training artificial intelligence systems. More than 15 years ago, Nvidia began building a specialized software ecosystem around its GPU semiconductors, to allow companies to efficiently train them on artificial intelligence systems. This has been key to its ability to become the dominant player in AI training today.

That is to say, the origin of todays success wasnt a miracle that occurred overnight. It began to take shape a decade-and-a-half ago. The firm  which gets its curious name from the Latin word invidia (envy)  is an example of stability at the top. Its founder  Taiwanese citizen Jen-Hsun Huang, an electrical engineer trained at Oregon State University and Stanford University  has been CEO for 30 years.

With so many disruptive possibilities attributed to the technological change that is AI, the money tends to go to the leading companies in the field. Nvidia has no competition for now although this exaggerated dominance may be questioned soon, as Miller warns. It has an estimated 90% market share in AI training, but other companies will try to produce competitive GPUs. AMD and Intel, for example, are investing heavily in this market. Additionally, cloud computing companies  such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft  are building their own specialized chips for internal AI training, which will also compete with Nvidia.

Its the law of the market. When Nike launched its revolutionary running shoes  each with a carbon-infused nylon plate  the rest of the brands didnt take long to make their own versions. Now, the same thing is happening again, although the difference is that the level of Nvidias sophistication is greater than a shoe, meaning that there are no guarantees that its competitors will be able to imitate them. Nvidia has been ousting rivals in a way that was seen as impossible years ago, affirms Mateo Valero, professor of Computer Architecture and Technology at the Technical University of Catalonia. Hes also the director of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center. According to Valero, each of the new self-driving cars has one or two of the most powerful chips installed, each of which can cost around $30,000. Theyre produced by Nvidia.

The technological dependence on a single company is a notorious phenomenon. Its also Nvidias greatest strength. Neural networks need a lot of high-speed chips and competitors have been left behind. Intel failed in the race eight or 10 years ago, [while] AMD started late. Most accelerators for supercomputers come from Nvidia. And now, it has a privileged position in both software and hardware. If Nvidia said: Hey, were not going to sell Europe any more chips, we wouldnt even be able to use AI.

There are investors who have sold off their positions in Nvidia, thinking that, given its astronomical price, the normal occurrence would be for it to begin to lose market share. But Gonzalo Leon  professor emeritus at the Technical University of Madrid  points out that the company isnt resting on its laurels. The emergence of generative AI and the need to train large language models (LLMs) have dramatically increased demand. [In the past, Nvidia] had the right chip to respond: the H100. Now, they have announced the H200 for the beginning of 2024, with performance thats double that of the previous one. Itll be a new success.

AMD has already responded to the challenge. Last week, the rival company launched a new chip  the MI300X  which they classify as the most advanced on the market for AI purposes. Its AMDs best bet to get a piece of the pie the pie being the AI processor market, which the company estimates will be worth $400 billion by 2027.

Next year, investors will judge whether Nvidia still has the fuel to continue growing. Nobody knows whether it will get closer to the position of becoming the most valuable company in the world  a feat thats no longer so far away  or, on the contrary, if the expectations surrounding AI will turn out to be exaggerated.

Of course, the final outcome doesnt just depend on Nvidia: its also contingent on what comes out of its competitors laboratories.

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New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the party, is holding a meeting at the party headquarters where a decision on the Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0 will be taken.

The CWC meeting is being chaired by party President Mallikarjun Kharge, and attended by senior leaders like CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K.C. Venugopal, Ajay Maken, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and several others are also present.

A party source said that the meeting may give the nod for the Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0. The source said that the yatra might begin from the second week of January from the northeast and will go till Gujarat in the next 50 days in a hybrid mode, including padyatra and bus yatra.

Besides the Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0, several other decisions will also be taken.
Mumbai, Dec 21 : Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who was most recently seen in the theatrical film 'Mission Raniganj', is celebrating the 16th anniversary of his superhit film 'Welcome' on Thursday.

The film, directed by Anees Bazmee, followed the story of two gangsters who want to marry off their sister to a good guy. Akshay's character, who is on a lookout for a 'good family' with a clean slate (no history of crimes) somehow gets involved in this storm that goes on to trouble his family.

On Thursday, the Bollywood superstar took to his Instagram and shared a video from his upcoming movie celebrating 16 years of the release of 'Welcome'. The video had the theme of 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' playing in the background as Akshay rode a horse with actor Arshad Warsi behind him on a bike. He also welcomed Sanjay Dutt on the sets of the film that he is currently shooting.

The 'Hera Pheri' actor wrote in the caption: "What a lovely coincidence that we celebrate 16 years of #Welcome today while I am shooting for the franchise's third part #WelcomeToTheJungle. And it's wonderful to welcome Sanju Baba in this one. What do you think?"

His new film 'Welcome To The Jungle' went on floors earlier this month. Announcing the commencement of the film's shoot, Akshay Kumar had shared a glimpse of the "madness" by posting a video from the sets of the film.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Lok Sabha on Thursday suspended three more opposition MPs for the remainder of the Winter Session, taking the total number of MPs suspended from both houses to 146.

On Thursday, three more MPs, D.K. Suresh, Nakul Nath, and Deepak Baij, all of the Congress, were suspended from the Lok Sabha for repeatedly disrupting the proceedings of the House, bringing placards into the House, continuously raising slogans and tearing papers and throwing them on the staff.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi proposed to suspend these three MPs in the House and Rama Devi, who was in the Chair, then announced their suspension.

On Wednesday, two MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha. On Tuesday, the Lok Sabha suspended 49 more MPs for the remainder of the session. On Monday, 33 Lok Sabha MPs and 45 Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended.

A total of 13 Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP were suspended last week.

With the fresh two suspensions, the total number of MPs suspended has now reached 146.

Opposition MPs have been demanding for the statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the House over the December 13 Parliament Security breach when two people jumped from the visitor's gallery during the zero hour session. The Delhi Police has arrested six people in this connection.

--IANS

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Cairo, Dec 21 : The US has said that "serious negotiations" are on in Cairo for a new Gaza ceasefire and release of Israeli hostages, the media reported.

However, during talks in Cairo on Wednesday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reportedly rejected the idea of a temporary pause, BBC reported.

After initial talks ended without results, negotiations are resuming in which the Hamas leader made it clear that till permanent ceasefire, no Israeli hostages will be released.

On the other hand, Israel has time and again rejected a permanent ceasefire, saying it will not stop the war until Hamas are wiped out.

Around 120 Israelis are still believed to be in Hamas captivity.

During a six-day ceasefire in November end, of the 240 hostages,105 hostages were released in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli jails.
Mob thrashes four boys on suspicion of theft in Bihar. Image Source: IANS News

Jhansi : , Dec 21 (IANS) A Class 10 student in UP's Jhansi was allegedly beaten up, stripped naked, and forced to consume liquor by his classmates, police said on Thursday.

The student, along with his friends, was taken to a deserted area in the city, where he was badly bruised, and the group recorded a video of him, which they later shared online.

The footage shows a group beating up the student with sticks while he pleads with them to stop the assault.

According to the complaint filed by the student's family, when the victim was sitting at a park in the city with one of his classmates on Monday evening, a group, also his classmates, approached them.

The four boys, who arrived in a car, pulled him inside the vehicle. They took the student into the forest near Mauranipur Road.

Two more of their friends came there, and they allegedly consumed liquor.

The group also forced the student to drink alcohol and then forced him to remove his clothes, recording a video.

Later, the accused started beating the student and his friend with sticks.

"I kept pleading with them with folded hands and asking for forgiveness, but they did not listen to me and kept beating me for about an hour. They also made videos of me on mobile," the student said in the complaint.

However, the student managed to run away and reached home.

Senior police officer Gyanendra Kumar Singh said: "A video has gone viral in which some students are seen beating a student. The students have been identified, and the family members and the student have been taken to the police station. Legal action has been initiated."

The police have registered a case against the accused and a probe has been launched.
Two soldiers injured in landmine explosion near LoC in J&Ks Poonch. Image Source: IANS News

Jammu, Dec 21 : An army vehicle was ambushed by terrorists in J&K's Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

Jammu, Dec 21 (IANS) An army vehicle was ambushed by terrorists in J&Kas Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

Official sources said that the terrorists ambushed an army vehicle in Dera Ki Gali (DKG) forest area of Surankote tehsil in Poonch.

Further details are awaited.
Mumbai, Dec 21 : Markets are likely to move in a range as investor participation is expected to gradually decline globally ahead of Christmas and New Year holiday, Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Retail Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said on Thursday.

Nifty recovered smartly from lower levels on Thursday following rebound in global markets and closed with gains of 105 points (up 0.5 per cent) at 21,255 levels, while the Sensex gained 358.79 points (0.51 per cent) to close at 70,865.

The broader market outperformed with Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 up more than 1.5 per cent each, Khemka said.

All sectors ended in green with oil & gas, PSU bank and metals being the top gainers. Niche sector like defence was in focus after companies received order from the government. Though the market saw profit booking on Wednesday, the underlying sentiments remain positive given the robust micro and macro domestic factors, he said.

Kunal Shah, Senior Technical & Derivative Analyst at LKP Securities, said Nifty recently demonstrated resilience, rebounding strongly from a critical support level at 21,000, affirming a bullish sentiment.

The index closed above its 10-day moving average, signaling positive momentum. Key levels to monitor include 21,000 as immediate support and 21,300 as the initial resistance.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Bhimavaram division in Andhra Pradesh for demanding and accepting bribe from a colleague to revoke his suspension.

According to the CBI officials, recently, a case was registered on a complaint against the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Bhimavaram Division, West Godavari District.

It was alleged that the Senior Superintendent identified as P. Balasubramanyam issued an order for suspension of the complainant on November 30, 2023 on the grounds of registration of a criminal case against him and the same was under trial.

It was further alleged that the accused initially demanded a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from the complainant for revoking his suspension.

"After negotiation, the accused allegedly reduced the bribe amount to Rs 2.5 lakh," said the CBI official.

Acting on the complaint, a CBI team laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh from the complainant.

"Searches were conducted at the residential and office premises of the accused which led to recovery of incriminating documents," said the official.

"The accused was produced before the Special Judge for CBI Cases, Vijayawada and was remanded to Judicial Custody till January 2, 2024," the official added.
Mumbai, Dec 21 : Pooja Vastrakar claimed her best Test figures in her third Test, 4/53 and Sneh Rana bagged 3-56 as India Women bundled out Australia Women for 219 and then knocked off 98 runs for the loss of one wicket to take the honours on the opening day of the only Test of the multi-format series, at the Wankhede Stadium here on Thursday.

Australia's first innings, which lasted 77.4 overs and 305 minutes, was boosted by a superb counter-attacking half-century by Tahila McGrath (50 off 56 balls), who hammered the fastest Test half-century by an Australian woman batter off 52 deliveries. Beth Mooney contributed a patient 40 and skipper Alyssa Healy scored 38 but the rest of the batters failed to fire.

In reply, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma batted freely, hitting some beautiful shots as India raced to 50 in 46 balls) Both capitalised on the wayward bowling by the Australians, hitting 12 boundaries in the first nine overs. They added 90 runs for the opening wicket before Shafali Verma was out for 40, trapped before the wicket as she missed a straight one. Her 40 off 59 was studded with eight boundaries.

The Indian batters, who had blasted 410/7 on the opening day of the previous Test against England, scored at a fast pace once again. Australia skipper Alyssa Healy used five bowlers but none of them could make much impression on the Indian openers.

At stumps, Smriti Mandhana was batting on 43 off 49 balls (8x4) with Sneh Rana keeping her company at four. India would now look to bat through the second day to take a big lead and put further pressure on the Australian Women, who are playing a Test in India after 40 years.

Earlier, Healy could not have imagined that they would be out cheaply when she won the toss and elected to bat in her debut Test as captain They got off to a poor start but recovered a bit before losing two wickets late in the first session as the hosts took control of the proceedings on the first day.

Australia were in trouble soon after the start as they lost Phoebe Litchfield (0) and Ellyse Perry with only seven runs on the board.

Litchfield was run out for a diamond duck on the sixth ball of the first over as she got into a huge misunderstanding with Beth Mooney and had to sacrifice her wicket for her senior partner.

Perry (4) started with a four but got out on the next ball as Pooja Vastrakar brought the ball in and it went through the gap between bat and pad to disturb the stumps.

But Mooney and Tahlia McGrath rescued Australia with an 80-run partnership for the third wicket. Tahlia played a counter-attacking half-century, cutting, slashing and driving deliveries that were bowled wide off the off-stump as she scored the fastest-ever half-century in Tests for Australia off 52 balls.

In the 4th over, McGrath struck back-to-back boundaries off Renuka Thakur -- the first a drive through covers off a length ball, followed by an even better square drive through the gully.

India could have had a third wicket but Mooney survived as a DRS review by India goes in favour of the batter. The ball by Renuka Thakur jags in past the outside edge and hits the left-hander on the front pad. The ball tracker shows it was going down leg and the TV umpire rules it as an umpire's call.

McGrath struck Renuka Thakur for two more fours -- a superb punch past point in the seventh over and then another one off a wide delivery in the ninth over. She also drilled a stunning cover drive off Vastrakar in the 10th over, a copybook shot with a long stride forward and the back knee bent perfectly.

McGrath, who was dropped on 18 when the ball burst through Deepti Sharma's hands at the second slip, rubbed salt into the wound by punching the next delivery through point for a boundary. Mooney and McGrath completed the half-century of their partnership off 67 balls.

But just when it looked like Australia had taken control of the first session, Sneh Rana struck for India, getting McGrath to play an uppish flick towards midwicket. The batter failed to time it and Gayakwad jumped high to pluck a good catch, ending McGrath's superb innings.

Mooney, who held up one end with a patient knock, used the DRS to good effect by getting an lbw decision in her favour as she tried to build a partnership with skipper Alyssa Healy, who opened her account with a superb six off Deepti Sharma after going scoreless for 12 deliveries.

But India made another breakthrough when Harmanpreet Kaur brought back Pooja Vastrakar before lunch and the pacer struck off the final delivery before the break. Pooja pitched it short outside off and Mooney (40b, 2x4)tried to cut it but only managed to glove it to Sneh Rana at first slip.

After lunch, Alyssa Healy (38) and Annabel Sutherland added 40 runs for the fifth wicket but Pooja Sharma ended their partnership when she bowled the Australian skipper trying to sweep a delivery that stayed low. Kim Garth was the next major contributor to the Australian score as she remained unbeaten on 28, adding 30 runs for the ninth wicket with Jess Jonassen (19).

Vastrakar continued to torment Australia in the post-lunch session as she claimed two more wickets in her third spell, adding the scalps of Sutherland (16, 58b, 2x4) and Ashleigh Gardner (11, 26b, 1x4).

Landing the ball around the good length spot repeatedly, Vastrakar, who claimed her best figures of 3/23 in the second innings of the previous Test against England at the DY Patil Stadium last week, moved the ball both ways and used the early juice in the wicket to trouble the Australian batters.

Bowling in four spells, three of them from the Garware end, Vastrakar claimed one wicket from the Tata End in his first spell and then claimed the all-important wicket of Beth Mooney from the Garware end in her second spell on the stroke of lunch.

With the 24-year-old pacer from Bilaspur, Madhya Pradesh, being India's best bowler of the day, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur used her judiciously, bringing her in to break the rhythm of the Australian batters. And Vastrakar did not disappoint her as she claimed wickets at crucial intervals.

Sneh Rana picked the key wicket of Tahlia McGrath, getting her to flick uppishly to midwicket, and added Alana King (5) and Lauren Cheatle (6) to her tally after Tea for a 3-56 haul.

Pooja Sharma, the star of India's 347-run triumph against England with a 9/39 haul at the DY Patil Stadium last week, claimed two wickets for 45 runs, including the key wicket of Alyssa Healy.

Though the Indians bowled superbly and used the assistance in the wicket to good effect, they could have restricted Australia to fewer runs if they had not dropped four catches in the field.

Brief scores:

Australia 219 all out in 77.4 overs (Tahlia McGrath 50, Beth Mooney 40, Alyssa Healy 38, Kim Garth 28 not out; Pooja Vastrakar 4-53, Sneh Rana 3-56, Deepti Sharma 2-45) vs India Women 98/1 in 19 overs (Shafali Verma 40, Smriti Mandhana batting 43; Jess Jonassen 1-4).
Panaji, Dec 21 : Alleging that the 'Sunburn EDM festival' promotes drugs culture in Goa, the Congress on Thursday demanded that the government should not allow the festival to happen.

Addressing a press conference, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Vijay Bhike said: "If possible, the government should stop it from this year itself."

Sunburn is scheduled to take place from December 28 to 30.

Bhike said that the government is allowing such music festivals in the name of tourism and revenue generation, but it doesn't benefit in any way.

"In the Legislative Assembly, the Opposition had opposed the festival. This festival promotes drugs, and this is adversely affecting the state's culture, heritage and identity. People are forced to approach the courts as the government is not bothered about their concerns," he said.

"The police have said that they will give Sunburn topmost security and install sound pollution recording machines and scanners for detecting drugs. From where are these funds going to come to purchase and install such high-cost equipment?" he questioned.

He said that the organisers should install these machines, not the government at the cost of the taxpayers.
As the days go by, and the war between Israel and Hamas nears its fourth month unabated, the inability of the U.N. to adopt measures to stop the bloodshed in Gaza has highlighted not a deadlock in the Security Council but the United States growing isolation in the organization, much like the one Russia has faced since its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Washingtons veto of a Security Council draft resolution on a humanitarian ceasefire on December 8, and its opposition to the resolution adopted by a large majority in the General Assembly four days later, have exposed the superpower: in the latter vote, only nine other countries  all of them of little importance in the international community, except Israel  seconded its rejection. As far as the war in Gaza is concerned, the U.S. stands alone before the world, or vice versa.

The Biden administrations persistent rejection of any measure involving a ceasefire or a cessation of hostilities, even to provide humanitarian aid, has also torpedoed and slowed down the functioning of the Security Council, the body responsible for ensuring world peace and security. In recent days, the bodys normal schedule of meetings and hearings had been modified constantly, and on several occasions the agenda has been disrupted to allow time for negotiations.

On Wednesday, for the third consecutive day, disagreements between the U.S. and the Councils other members caused the cancellation of a vote on the most recent attempt at a resolution, submitted by the United Arab Emirates. The proposal calls for a cessation of hostilities to allow the delivery of aid to Gazans. The draft resolution also contains a novelty, a control mechanism for the U.N. to supervise the delivery of aid. That inspection appears to be the main sticking point in Wednesdays negotiations, as the U.S., like Israel, refuses to transfer control of aid inspection to the international organization. Washington has advocated that approach in other conflicts, and humanitarian groups consider it necessary to get supplies to Gazans quickly enough. Israel is reluctant to lose control of that process. Diplomatic sources pointed to the possibility of a new U.S. veto before the postponement of the vote to Thursday was confirmed.

However, on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the U.S. delegation at the U.N. continues to work broadly and constructively with a number of countries to try to resolve some of the outstanding issues in this Security Council resolution. Referring to the U.N. oversight mechanism proposed by the United Arab Emirates resolution, Blinken stated that we want to make sure that the resolution and what it calls for actually moves that effort forward and doesnt do anything that would really harm the delivery of humanitarian aid [or] make it more complicated.

Palestinians evacuate from a site hit by an Israeli bombardment on Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. Fatima Shbair (AP)

The key points of the text, which has undergone near-constant revision in the last 48 hours, are the call for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities to allow the delivery of aid and the immediate deployment of a U.N. monitoring mechanism; in short, it demands full, rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access by land, sea and air. The text emphasizes the organizations deep concern at the serious and rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and its grave repercussions on the civilian population in the area, particularly women and children. It also notes the obligation to respect and protect medical and humanitarian personnel and demands that the parties comply with their obligations under international law.

Mentioning Hamas and the rejection of a ceasefire

Despite the desperate pleas of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who invoked Article 99 of the U.N. Charter to try to force a humanitarian ceasefire, since the war began, the debate has become entangled in a byzantine, or semantic, dispute over the terms of the text. Washington flatly rejects expressions such as end, pause, interruption of fighting and disagrees about how aid should be delivered: corridor and humanitarian corridor are some of the options added to what is now a hypothetical U.N. supervision. As Israels voice in the Council, the United States has established two red lines: any mention of a ceasefire or even a cessation of hostilities  if it is described as sustainable, lasting or prolonged, among other terms , as both countries believe that it would only benefit Hamas; and the addition of an explicit reference to the Hamas attacks of October 7, which started the war. Now, the objections also include a refusal to allow the U.N. to supervise aid deliveries.

The near-final version of the draft that was circulated on Tuesday strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, a statement Washington will probably find lukewarm. In addition, the text advocates the two-state solution, stressing the importance of unifying the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority (PA). This is another sticking point with Benjamin Netanyahus government, which has already stated that it will not allow a PA government in the Gaza Strip. For its part, Washington prefers that option.

Beyond the fierce U.S. defense of its ally in the Middle East, Washington has been left alone in the international community, a fact that contradicts the White Houses commitment to multilateralism after Donald Trumps four years of isolationism. Israels red lines, drawn to the millimeter by the U.S. in the Security Council, may derail the United Arab Emirates proposal on Thursday, when it will theoretically be put to a vote. It would be the second time in two weeks that the U.S. representative has exercised a veto, a move that exemplified the countrys international isolation on December 8.

In recent hours, negotiations have intensified between the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, the driving force behind the resolution. We are constructively and transparently committed, throughout the process, to reaching a consensus on a text that can be approved, a member of the U.S. delegation at the U.N. told Reuters late Monday, in typical diplomatic double-talk. But, he added, the UAE knows exactly what can be approved and what cant: its up to them if they want to get it.

On December 8, Washington vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Four days later, the 193-member U.N. General Assembly demanded a ceasefire, with 153 states voting in favor, but unlike in the Security Council, it is not a binding decision.

The blow to U.S. credibility at the U.N. could be definitive if it repeats its veto. A Security Council resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and cannot be vetoed by the United States, France, China, Great Britain or Russia, the five permanent members with veto power in the highest U.N. body. The semantic loop into which the debate has fallen does not inspire much hope for a practical outcome, much less for U.S. willingness to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. Diplomatic sources say that Washington is determined not to undermine Israels combat capability with an aid inspection mechanism.

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New Delhi, Dec 21 : An epic 40-shot shoot-off, probably the longest seen in national domestic skeet shooting, eventually separated Abhay Singh Sekhon and Olympian Mairaj Ahmad Khan at the national shotgun selection trials 2 here at the Karni Singh Shooting range, with the former taking it 20-19, after both tied at 59-hits in the 60-shot final.

Earlier in the day, Olympian Mairaj had topped the qualification round, also by virtue of a shoot-off win, with a tally of 122/125. Abhay, representing Punjab, had made the top six in fifth place with a score of 119, going down in a three-way shoot-off for bib numbers to Man Singh, who finished third in the final.

In the womenas skeet selection trials 2, Parinaaz Dhaliwal made it a Shotgun sweep for Punjab, winning the final with 53-hits. Just like in the menas final, Uttar Pradesh took second place with Areeba Khan scoring 52-hits, while Ganemat Sekhon, made it a second double podium for Punjab on the day with a tally of 42 in the final.

In the Rifle/Pistol trials, Delhias Paarth Makhija, took the menas 10m air rifle T1 trial with a finals effort of 251.3. Olympian Aishwary Tomar was well beaten into second place with 250.9 while the Armyas Sandeep Singh was third with 229.7. Qualification was topped by Haryanaas Samarveer Singh who tallied 631.7 over 60-shots.

World record holder Sift Kaur Samra was a class apart in the womenas 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) T1, recording 462 to ease to victory. Army Marksmanship Unit shooter Priya was second with 459.6, while Maharashtraas Bhakti Bhaskar Khamkar was third with 447.7. Siftas top qualification score of 593, was just three below the qualification world record.

Finally, in the menas 25m rapid-fire pistol T2, Anish Bhanwala yet again brooked no opposition, as he demolished the field with a classy effort for the second day running. After winning the T1 a couple of days earlier, the Haryana rapid-fire ace and Paris quota holder, shot a supreme 592 to top qualifications by a distance and then shot 31 with three series of perfect 5s in the final, to make it two trial wins in two.

The final field was almost identical to T1, with new entrant Sameer finishing second with 26-hits and Rajasthanas Abhinav Choudhary third with 22. Udhayveer Sidhu, who was fourth in the final, was second in qualification with a score of 580.
Islamabad, Delhi : The police in Islamabad fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse female-led protesters on Thursday, a media report said.

At least 200 people were arrested, including protest leader Mahrang Baloch, as they entered the capital, BBC reported.

The protesters have been marching across the country for weeks against alleged enforced disappearances of men in the Balochistan province, the report said.

The agitation was sparked by the death of a Baloch man, whose relatives claim that he was shot while in police custody.

The march is "under attack by the Islamabad police", Baloch said on X.

The protesters were prevented from entering the Red Zone, which houses executive, judicial and legislative buildings in Islamabad, by the police bearing batons and wearing protective head gear.

Videos posted on social media show chaotic scenes of officers bundling protesters into police vehicles. Many could be seen shouting and crying, while several were seated on the ground with visible wounds, BBC reported.

So-called enforced disappearances in Balochistan - Pakistan's largest province - refer to undeclared arrests allegedly made by intelligence services, that cannot be traced by courts and are not acknowledged by the government. The alleged victims include political workers, journalists, human rights activists and students.

Such allegations have been made for decades, dating back to the birth of the Balochistan nationalist movement in the early 2000s, BBC reported.

Over the years, many Baloch women have sought justice for their missing loved ones and to bring the issue to global attention.

In the most recent case, Balach Mola Bakhsh, 24, was taken away by counter-terrorism police on October 29. He was held for almost a month before authorities claimed that he had been caught in possession of explosives, BBC reported.
Singapore, Dec 21 : An Indian national has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for reckless driving, causing the death of a 79-year-old woman in Singapore.

Lorry driver Sivalingam Suresh, 40, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one charge of driving without due care and attention, leading to Bernadette Mah Sui Har's death in February, The Straits Times newspaper reported.

Bernadette was walking across a zebra crossing in Marine Parade when the vehicle hit her, and she died on the same day due to a head injury.

Suresh, who has a history of errant driving, will also be disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licences for eight years after his release.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Benedict Teong told the court that Suresh was driving his lorry along Marine Terrace towards Marine Crescent at about 11.30 am on February 28. He said the traffic flow was light and the road surface damp at the time of the accident, and the weather was fine with good visibility.

Despite that, Suresh failed to notice Bernadette as he approached a zebra crossing alongside Ngee Ann Primary School, colliding into her, the prosecutor informed the court.

Teong said there was no evidence to suggest that possible mechanical failure of the lorry could have caused or contributed to the accident.

Bernadette was rushed to Changi General Hospital where a scan revealed she had suffered multiple injuries, including a skull fracture and bleeding on the surface of her brain. She was pronounced dead at about 7 pm.

Citing Suresh's history of driving offences, which included inconsiderate driving and failure to conform to a red light, Teong asked the court to sentence him to 10 to 11 monthsa jail and impose a driving ban of eight years.

During his mitigation plea, Suresh, who did not have a lawyer, expressed his remorse at causing the death of the elderly woman, and said that he was the sole earner in his family in India.

"It depends on me to support my family by driving in Singapore. Iam very reliant on this job, Your Honour," Suresh, who has a two-year-old son and wife who severed her hand in an accident, said.

For causing death by driving a vehicle without due care and attention, Suresh could have been jailed for up to three years and fined up to SG$10,000.

--IANS

mi/vd
Dharamsala, Dec 21 : Favouring amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to effectively crackdown the drug mafia, the Himachal Pradesh assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution and expressed concern over the rise of drug abuse, especially among the youth, relating to 'chitta', a synthetic drug.

The House here adopted a resolution moved during the private member's day by two members -- Sukhram Chaudhary and Kuldeep Rathore -- on the rise of drug trafficking.

Replying to the debate that saw participation of 18 out of 68 members, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, on behalf of the Chief Minister, favoured to make the NDPS Act more stringent by terming the offence of drug trafficking as heinous as murder, granting more powers to the states for confiscating the property of traffickers and opening of a zonal office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in the hill state.

Admitting that the youth are falling prey to drugs, he said the state would strengthen its anti-narcotics task force by deploying 500 more people.

The volume of clandestine trade can be gauged from Agnihotri's submission that this year 14 kg 'chitta' was seized in the state. He said 1,757 people have been arrested for trafficking. Five people have lost their lives this year.

'Chitta' (a white powder drug) is an extract of opium laced with synthetic drugs. It is cheaper than heroin. Police officials told IANS that 'chitta' is the new lifestyle chemical drug craze, especially among the youth, in the state, where the inaccessible valleys and lofty mountains have been infamous for illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium for centuries.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the number of deaths owing to "chitta" abuse could be higher than five deaths reported as families in many cases preferred to declare such incidents as natural death.

He said the drug-related cases have not been rampant in the state borders only but also in far-flung and interior areas of the state.

"From the confiscation of 14 kg of 'chitta' one can estimate how voluminous quantities of the drug have been consumed in the state," Agnihotri said.

He also asked the members of the House to rise above politics and pledge not to protect the drug smugglers and dealers to save the youth from falling prey to drugs.

Earlier, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, who holds a Home portfolio, informed the assembly that nearly 14 kg heroin was seized this year.

In a written reply, he said to make the state drug free, the government has zero tolerance against drugs.

Advocating for granting more powers to states to effectively combat the drug mafia, the Chief Minister said it has been recommended to the Central government that institutional framework for empowerment of agencies involved in curbing the drug trafficking and to strengthen the NDPS Act to ensure strict legal action against drug smugglers and dealers.

The government written reply during Question Hour said this year 34 kg opium, 304 kg charas, besides 12 grams LSD, a synthetic chemical based-drug, 58 grams ketamine and 133 grams smack, among other drugs, were seized.

Police officials told IANS that quick bucks are also attracting foreigners, largely Israelis, Italians, British, French and Russians to this clandestine trade.

According to the police, cannabis and opium are grown illegally in vast tracts of Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Chamba districts, causing a serious problem of drug cultivation, trafficking and addiction.

More than 20 foreigners have reportedly gone missing in as many years from the picturesque valleys in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu, known for growing world-class cannabis.

Their illegal settlement in inaccessible hamlets and the changing trends in drug trafficking and addiction amongst the youth is a stark reminder of the deepening nexus between local peddlers and the international drug mafia with the tacit support of some powerful people, including politicians.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com)
Islamabad, Dec 21 : Nine terrorists, including the mastermind and seven facilitators, involved in the attack on Army checkpost in the Daraban area in Dera Ismail Khan that left 23 security personnel dead, were arrested by Pakistan Police on Thursday, local media reported.

The Counter Terrorism Department of the Police said of the arrested, six belong to Afghanistan while the mastermind of the deadly attack hails from DI Khan's Daraban area, Geo News reported.

In early hours of December 12, six terrorists rammed an explosive-laden truck into a military base in the area followed by suicide bombing attack.

Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, a new group affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission to promptly decide, preferably within eight weeks, on the notice issued to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, noting that the alleged statements are "not in good taste".

This notice is in relation to Gandhi's alleged "pickpocket" comment directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a speech last month.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking action against Gandhi and the formulation of guidelines to prevent such instances by political leaders.

The petitioner, Bharat Nagar, said that Gandhi's speech on November 22 contained "heinous allegations" against individuals in the highest governmental positions, including the Prime Minister, referring to him as a "pickpocket."

The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna noted the Election Commission's examination of the matter and the notice issued to Gandhi. It stressed the need for expeditious resolution, especially considering the lapse of the deadline for filing a reply without receiving one.

The bench directed the Election Commission to conclude the matter within eight weeks, citing the notice sent on November 23, in which the poll panel assured appropriate action.
Baramulla :Army soldiers moving towards ongoing encounter site at Malwaa villages of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday April 21,2022.(Photo: Nisar Malik /IANS). Image Source: IANS News

Jammu, Dec 21 : An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in a densely-forested area of J&K's Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

Jammu, Dec 21 (IANS) An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in a densely-forested area of J&Kas Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

A defence spokesman said that following hard intelligence, a joint operation was launched against the terrorists in Dera Ki Gali of Bafliaz area of Poonch.

"Contact with the terrorists was established today evening and an encounter is now going on in the area," he said.

Reports said some soldiers have sustained injuries during the initial contact with the terrorists.

"Reinforcements have been rushed to the area to ensure that the terrorists are unable to escape," the spokesman added.
YICHANG, March 2, 2017 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on March 1, 2017 shows the transmission lines at the Three Gorges power plant in Yichang, central China's Hubei Province. The Three Gorges power plant, the world's largest hydropower project, has generat. Image Source: IANS News

Hyderabad, Dec 21 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday ordered a judicial inquiry into power purchase with Chhattisgarh by the previous BRS government and also into alleged corruption in Bhadradri and Yadadri thermal power projects.

He made the announcement in Assembly while accepting a challenge thrown by BRS legislator and former Energy Minister Jagdish Reddy during a debate on energy sector after the government tabled a white paper in the house.

Revanth Reddy said that the previous government entered agreement with Chhattisgarh for 1,000 MW power supply and the government is incurring the burden of Rs 1,362 crore due to agreement.

He alleged that the previous government entered the Chhattisgarh agreement without tenders.

"We were thrown out of the house by marshals for fighting on Chhattisgarh agreement. An official was demoted and posted in the remote area for releasing the facts on Chhattisgarh agreement," he said.

The previous government signed an agreement with BHEL to establish the Yadadri thermal power project. The company used the expired sub-critical technology and the government incurred huge losses, he said.

Revanth Reddy said that thousands of crores of corruption also took place in Bhadradri power project. He said the previous government did not disclose the facts in the house in its nine and half year rule. He claimed that Congress government scanned the entire Energy Department and is presenting the facts in the house.

The rulers of previous government should accept the facts in a dignified manner, he said, also adding that the government will constitute a fact-finding committee comprising representatives of all parties on 24-hour power supply.

He had said in the past that the state government had spent Rs 9.7 crore for the construction of infrastructure to generate one MW thermal power, while Jharkhand achieved it at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore. He had claimed that as a result of escalation of costs, the government suffered a loss of Rs 4,538 crore in the Bhadradri plant and Rs 9,384 crore in Yadadri.
FBI offers $10K reward for Indian student who went missing in New Jersey 4 years ago. Image Source: IANS News

New York, Dec 21 : The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information about a 29-year-old Indian student who went missing from New Jersey over four years ago.

Mayushi Bhagat was last seen leaving her apartment in Jersey City on the evening of April 29, 2019, wearing "colourful pyjama pants and a black T-shirt".

She is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, medium build with black hair and brown eyes.

Her family reported her missing to police on May 1, 2019, according to the information on the FBI website.

The FBI Newark Field Office and the Jersey City Police Department said last week that authorities continue to seek public's help in locating Bhagat.

"The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the location or recovery of the missing person, Mayushi Bhagat, and the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person(s) responsible," the FBI website said.

The FBI added Bhagat to its list of "Missing Persons" in July last year, seeking assistance from the public on her whereabouts.

Born in India in July 1994, Bhagat came to the US in 2016 on an F1 Student Visa and was enrolled at the University of New Hampshire.

According to the FBI, Bhagat speaks English, Hindi, and Urdu, and has friends in the South Plainfield, New Jersey, area. The law enforcement agency said any person with information about Bhagat should contact the local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

The FBI has put Bhagat's 'Missing Person' poster on the "Most Wanted" page of its website under the list of "Kidnappings/Missing Persons".

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 21 : A member of the infamous Jitender Gogi gang was arrested in the national capital after a brief exchange of fire, police said on Thursday.

The criminal was identified as Karan Thapa, a resident of Alipur.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Outer North, Ravi Kumar Singh said that information regarding the collection of extortion money from local business people was received at Alipur police, and a case was registered and investigation was taken up.

The police team established that the Gogi gang's operations have been taken over by notorious gangster Yogesh a.k.a Tunda, who is currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, and he is making these extortion calls through his co-associates/operatives.

aOn December 13, police apprehended an active Gogi gang member, Sushil Kumar, a resident of Panipat district. A country-made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from him," said the DCP.

During interrogation, Sushil revealed that he, along with his associates Harsh alias Chintu and Karan Thapa, were extorting money from businessmen in Alipur and nearby areas on the instructions of Yogesh.

"Through electronic surveillance and local intelligence, another co-accused, Harsh alias Chintu, a resident of Alipur was apprehended on Tuesday from Sonipat in Haryana," the DCP said.

Recently, another information about another absconding Gogi gang member actively involved in extortion was received. "A trap was laid in Mukhmail Pur village and when the suspect arrived and was asked to stop, he attempted to flee on a motorcycle and opened fire at the police," he said.

The police retaliated and a bullet injured the accused, identified as Thapa, was hit in the left leg.

"Thapa was subsequently apprehended and arrested. He was carrying a sophisticated .32-bore pistol. Two empty cartridges were recovered from the spot, one cartridge was in the chamber and another was in the magazine of the recovered pistol from the accused.

"He was then taken to SRHC Hospital and referred to the Higher Centre at BSA Rohini," the DCP added.
Internally displaced people gather to vote at the Kanyaruchinya polling centre, in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo December 20, 2023.

Congo saw opening delays of up to seven hours in a presidential election Wednesday facing steep logistical and security challenges that raised questions about the credibility of the vote.

Some 44 million people  almost half the population  were expected to vote, but many, including several million displaced by conflict in the vast countrys east, could struggle to cast ballots. The fighting has prevented 1.5 million people from registering to vote.

At stake is the future of one of Africas largest nations and one whose mineral resources are increasingly crucial to the global economy. Congo has a history of disputed elections that can turn violent, and theres little confidence among many Congolese in the countrys institutions.

In time of coup detat and autocracy in Africa, this election is an opportunity to reinforce a unique democracy in central Africa, said Fred Bauma, executive director of Congolese research institute Ebuteli.

President Felix Tshisekedi seeks his second and final five-year term, running against 26 others on the ballot. His main rival appeared to be Moise Katumbi, the former governor of Katanga province and a millionaire business person.

When you wake up in the morning youre hoping for good things, good work, and I want security, Raymond Yuma said in the capital, Kinshasa. He sat beside three others waiting for the doors to open.

None of their voting cards was legible. A major concern is that ink on cards has smudged. That means voters could be turned away. In addition, the voter registration list hasnt been properly audited.

Three hours after polls opened, over 31% of polling stations in main cities and towns were yet to open, with voting machines faulty in 45% of stations, according to Bishop Donatien Nshole, spokesman of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo and the Church of Christ in Congo observer mission, basing the figures on reports of around a fifth of its large network.

Analysts said the election was likely to be extended beyond Wednesday to complete the process.

The delays were a result of technical issues such as faulty machines or election officials not knowing how to use them, officials said. Some machines are problematic and they dont have cables, according to Patrick Mbo, an official with the election commission in Kinshashas Saint Benoit center.

In eastern Congo, people said they werent finding their names on voting lists. The voters displayed on lists at the polling station are fewer than those who are lining up, said Jules Kambale at a polling station in Goma.

Junior Tshimanga, who lined up at 4 a.m., said he saw voting materials brought in one hour before the polls were scheduled to open. Thousands of stations, particularly in remote areas, might still not have what they need on Wednesday.

At one station, an angry crowd tried to push past police officers in riot gear. And in the eastern city of Bunia, a voting center was vandalized in a dispute between the electoral commission and voters, said Jean-Marcus Loika, a local journalist. Gunshots in the area prevented people from voting, he said.

The organization of the elections raises lots of doubt regarding the credibility, the transparency and the reliability of the results, said Bienvenu Matumo, a member of LUCHA, a local rights group.

While voting in Lubumbashi, opposition candidate Katumbi asked the population to stay at polling stations and monitor results until the end. The only result that we will accept will be the one displayed on each polling station, he said. A fractured opposition makes Tshisekedi the likely favorite to win.

The son of a late, popular opposition figure, he has spent much of his presidency trying to consolidate power over state institutions and working to overcome a crisis of legitimacy after a contested election five years ago.

Hes someone whos done a lot of things for the country  hes fought for democracy, said business owner Joseph Tshibadi. Even though Tshisekedi hasnt succeeded in quelling violence in the east, Tshibadi was willing to give him more time.

In the east, more than 120 armed groups are fighting for power and resources or to protect their communities. Among them are M23 rebels, allegedly backed by neighboring Rwanda, which denies it. Tshisekedi came to power promising to stem the violence, but attempts to quell the fighting with an East African force have failed. The force is pulling out, along with the U.N. peacekeeping mission.

The election commission says it has made changes in this vote to make it more credible, spending more than $1 billion. A key change is that results from the 75,000 voting stations will be released one at a time, rather than being announced in bulk. Already, some observers have alleged the process is far from transparent.

The East African Community said its election observer mission was not granted access to Congo. And the European Union canceled its mission after authorities did not authorize the use of satellite equipment for its deployment.

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San Francisco, Dec 21 : Google is rolling out a new "AI support assistant" chatbot on some of its Help pages to provide users with product assistance.

San Francisco, Dec 21 (IANS) Google is rolling out a new "AI support assistant" chatbot on some of its Help pages to provide users with product assistance.

When visiting the support pages for some Google products, users will encounter a "Hi, I'm a new Al support assistant. Chat with me to find answers and solve account issues" dialogue box in the bottom-right corner of your screen, reports 9to5Google.

Google stated that its "AI is still learning" and that its "help guide may show inaccurate results".

Additionally, "human reviewers may process your help guide conversations for quality purposes".

"We take steps to protect your privacy, including disconnecting your conversations with help guide from your Google Account before reviewers see them," Google wrote on its support page.

The chat window can be extended to fill your entire screen, and each session begins with "Hi, I'm an AI support assistant."

You can "add details or ask a question" by using the text box below. After receiving a response, users can leave a thumbs-up/down to indicate how helpful it was, as well as "View my answer sources" to identify which support documents were used to influence the response, the report said.

Presently, the chatbot is not live for all products listed in Google Help. It seems to have appeared on Google Maps, Messages, and Account, the report noted.

Meanwhile, Google is adding a new option in Play Store, which will let users uninstall apps from their other Android devices remotely. According to the Google System Updates changelog, the Play Store is now rolling out a new option for removing apps from "other connected" Android devices.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a loan agreement with the Central government to provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of 400 billion Japanese Yen (approximately Rs 22,627 crore) as tranche five for the construction of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project.

"This is the largest commitment amount through a single project loan agreement in the history of JICA, across the globe," according to a JICA statement issued on Thursday.

JICA has been supporting the MAHSR bullet train project by providing ODA loans with the cumulative commitment amount of JPY 1 trillion and 50 billion (Rs 59,396 crore) since 2017.

This assistance goes beyond the financial aid to include a range of technical contributions, such as feasibility studies, fundamental and intricate design work, training programmes in Japan, collaboration on station area development, and the deployment of Japanese Shinkansen experts to work alongside the executing agency, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), JICA said.

The objective of the project is to develop a high-frequency mass transportation system by constructing the High-Speed Rail between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, using Japan's Shinkansen technology (also known as the Bullet Train), thereby enhancing mobility in India and contributing to regional economic development.

Saito Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India said: "I am happy to witness great progress in the MAHSR project. As we mark the signing of the latest loan agreement, we are once again reminded to renew our commitment to support the NHSRCL and various stakeholders towards achieving the goal of the successful completion of the project.

"JICA continues to remain committed to bolstering mobility and supporting the regional economic development in India."
Bengaluru, Dec 21 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that he has warned the officers about repeating any lapses that occurred in the previous BJP government) during the Covid pandemic.

Addressing a press conference at Vidhana Soudha after conducting a high-level meeting against the backdrop of the spike in the Covid-19 cases in the state, he said: "I have told officers not to repeat those lapses."

He said that a cabinet sub-committee will be constituted to ensure efficient and transparent management of Covid and it will meet frequently every two to three days. The committee will engage with members of the Technical Advisory Committee, and all decisions made by the advisory committee will be implemented in toto, he said.

The decision has been made to increase testing in Karnataka to 5,000 every day.

"The meeting was attended by myself, Deputy CM, Home Minister, Health Minister, Medical Education Minister, members of the Technical Advisory Committee, and a decision was taken that people need not panic. However, precautionary measures will have to be taken," Siddaramaiah said.

The CM appealed to everyone, that whenever there is a group or a mass gathering, everyone should wear masks.

Individuals above the age of 60 and those with comorbidities should also wear masks.

"So far in Karnataka, 92 Covid-19 cases have been identified, out of which 72 patients are in home isolation, and only 20 are in hospitals. Seven are in ICU, and they have health complications other than Covid-19. Till date, three persons have died in the state, and they were suffering from other ailments," he said.

Siddaramaiah further stated that globally, about 51,214 cases are reported daily. In the country, an average of 310 cases are reported. The highest number in India is 2,041 cases in Kerala, while in Karnataka, there are 92 cases, 35 in Maharashtra, and 23 in Goa.

"All this depends on how many tests we have conducted," he underlined
New Delhi, Dec 21 : Ahead of crucial Lok Sabha elections, Congress strategist Sunil Kanugolu has been given the charge of handling the party's campaign strategy and to look after its social media campaigns also, party sources said on Thursday.

According to sources, Kanugolu, who played a crucial role in the party's victory in Karnataka and Telangana, has been asked to look after party's campaign strategy on the social media.

The source also said that Kanugolu will be setting up a war room to look after the party's campaign strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Besides the Lok Sabha task, he has also been assigned the job of party's campaign strategy for Haryana.

Recently Kanugolu had attended a meeting at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence where General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and members from the party's communication team were also present.

He also visited the Congress war room twice and a meeting was held with Venugopal, communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh, Pawan Khera, and Supriya Shrinate.

Before coming to the Congress camp, Kanugolu had also held multiple round of meetings with Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party to look at its campaigning. However, Kanugolu surprised everyone by joining the Congress and was soon made the chairman of the Election Strategy Committee.

Kanugolu was brought into Congress fold in May last year and since then he has worked as a strategist for the party and was responsible for preparing surveys, campaigning, deciding candidates, and winning strategy in Telangana, and his work played a crucial role.

Kanugolu, who had earlier worked with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the BJP's campaign, had also worked with election strategist Prashant Kishor in 2014 before parting ways. He had worked for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh and is said to have played a key role in the resounding victory of Yogi Adityanath in 2017. Kanugolu was also responsible for supporting Bharat Jodo Yatra-led by Rahul Gandhi, which he kick-started from Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari on September 7 last year.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Delhi Police have claimed to have busted an inter-state syndicte involved in stealing more than 500 cars from the national capital and its peripherals with the arrest of two persons.

The arrested individuals were identified as Shakib a.k.a Gaddu and Mohd. Nazim, an official said on Thursday.

Gaddu, the kingping, has been operating mainly in Delhi-NCR, Raipur, Durg in Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad in Telangana, Jodhpur in Rajasthan, Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, Chennai in Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru in Karnataka for the last six years and has been involved in theft of more than 500 cars, said the official.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Rohit Meena said that earlier, based on a specific tip-off, Nazim, who is the Meerut-based member of this gang, was arrested from Seemapuri border in a stolen vehicle while on his way to Noida.

During questioning, he disclosed that he works for one Shakib and delivers stolen vehicles to Raipur and Durg in Chhattisgarh to one Waseem from Meerut.

"Another information about Shakib was received that he is in judicial custody in Bhondsi Jail, Haryana. Based on that information, Shakib was arrested and his police remand was sought for the custodial interrogation and further investigation," said the DCP.

On questioning, Shakib revealed that he has been running this syndicate along with his associate Waseem, and was operating from Delhi and NCR.

"He has sent many stolen vehicles to Waseem through one Nazim and other drivers. It was learnt that Waseem is currently staying in Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and many stolen vehicles can be recovered from Jodhpur," said the DCP. Subsequently, a team conducted raids at various places in Jodhpur.

During these raids, seven cars, including Creta, Venue, Scorpio, Brezza, Ertiga etc., were recovered.

A total of 12 cars have been recovered from the instances of the duo, during the whole operation.

The DCP said that Waseem plays a vital role in receiving and selling the stolen vehicles in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana himself and sells in other states through other receivers, mainly in Maharashtra, Gujrat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu etc.

"Firstly, he used to buy scrap along with original documents from the insurance companies through their online platforms and then send the demand of the cars with the identical model and colour to Shakib, who further convey the demand to the auto-lifters on grounds, to steal the vehicles from Delhi and NCR, according to the demand," said the DCP.

"After receiving the vehicles, Shakib tampers the details of the stolen vehicles, including affixation of number plates, according to the details of the vehicles demanded and afterwards send the vehicles to Waseem and other receivers in different states through specialised drivers, recruited by himself, for the said purpose by alluring them of quick and easy money," said the DCP.

Shakib used to tamper the details so skillfully that even Transport Authorities and finance companies could not identify the tampering.

"They had established their hub in the Maoist-hit areas in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra and other remote areas in different states for selling these stolen vehicles to make it difficult for such vehicles to be recovered. Their counterparts in Rajasthan have also sold these vehicles to the members of the drug cartel to transport the drugs, using these stolen vehicles," the DCP added.

--IANS

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New York, Dec 21 : Artificial intelligence (AI), coupled with data from an iPad colouring game, could assist in early diagnosis of autism, a new study shows. Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) said the results indicate the potential for an easy and novel method for early detection of autism and developmental coordination disorder.

"This is especially important as motor signatures appear early in autism -- usually before social symptoms. And this methodology does not involve potential biasing by the assessor," said Lisa Aziz-Zadeh, a professor at USC. Previous studies have shown it is possible to use technology to categorise autism from typically developing individuals, but it can be difficult to distinguish autism from other similar developmental disorders.

For example, developmental coordination disorder -- primarily a motor skills disorder -- has features that overlap with autism.

Children with autism spectrum disorder often have both motor and sensory deficits in addition to the social deficits that are the hallmark of the disorder.

For the study, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54 children between the ages of 8 and 17 took part in a five-minute colouring game on iPads. Eighteen had autism, 16 had developmental coordination disorder, and 20 were developing typically.

The iPads collected touchscreen kinematic data -- for example, how hard kids are pressing and the jerkiness or velocity of movements.

The researchers used machine learning analytics, a form of artificial intelligence, to process the information. "We were able to correctly distinguish between a typically developing child and one with autism spectrum disorder with 76 per cent accuracy," said Aziz-Zadeh.

Researchers also were able to correctly distinguish between typical development and developmental coordination disorder with 78 per cent accuracy, and autism and developmental coordination disorder with 71 per cent accuracy. The study was conducted in high-functioning children and adolescents with autism and needs to be replicated in larger, younger, and more diverse groups, researchers said.

"We would want to see this signature as early as possible," said Christiana Dodd Butera, a postdoctoral student at USC. "Early identification allows for tailored therapeutic approaches, which result in better long-term developmental outcomes," she added.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : Party President Mallikarjun Kharge said during the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Thursday that the biggest challenge now is people holding constitutional positions, who are responsible for providing protection to the opposition MPs, are themselves becoming part of party politics using caste, region and occupation as their shield.

Without taking the name of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Kharge also said that he has failed to fulfill his obligations under the Constitution, besides asked the members to decide on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0 as is being demanded by the party workers.

In his opening remarks, Kharge said, "The elections for the 18th Lok Sabha are before us. In this regard, the fourth meeting of INDIA bloc was held in Delhi on December 19."

He also said that the Congress has moved forward in many directions.

"We have to win as many seats as possible by coordinating with like-minded colleagues," he said.

The COngress chief also said that he has constituted a five-member National Alliance Committee, which will decide the contours of the alliance with the other parties.

Kharge further said that in view of the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections, a review meeting has been held with about 24 states.

"We will also appoint coordinators for the Lok Sabha seats soon," the Congress leader said.

He also said that the party will hold a huge rally in Nagpur on December 28, on the 138th foundation day of the Congress.

"A new message will go out from there... The rally will be historic," he said.

Discussing the 'donate for desh' online crowdfunding campaign, Kharge said, "To further strengthen our fight, the party has once again knocked on the doors of the public to seek their contributions and has started the 'donate for desh' crowdfunding programme. You are all requested to make people aware about this campaign."

"The whole country is seeing how the BJP is strangling democracy by arbitrarily passing important Bills without discussion or debate. A conspiracy is going on to convert the Parliament into a platform for the ruling party. The way 143 MPs of our INDIA bloc have been suspended from both the Houses is unfortunate," he said.

Targeting the Centre, he said, "Modi government is working against the dignity of the Parliament by passing all the important Bills in the absence of the opposition. By trying to take over institutions like the Election Commission, the government has put the Constitution, Parliament and democracy in danger."

He said the opposition had extended gave full cooperation to the Parliament session.

"But after the (security breach) incident in the Parliament on December 13, the opposition MPs were demanding a statement from the Home Minister (Amit Shah) and a comprehensive discussion on the issue in both the Houses, which the government made a matter of prestige," he said.

In an indirect dig at Dhankhar, Kharge said, "The biggest challenge is that the people holding constitutional positions, who are responsible for providing protection to the opposition MPs, are themselves becoming a part of party politics using caste, region and occupation as their shield. He has failed to fulfill his obligations under the Constitution. The whole country is watching it."

He also said that Congress has a history of 138 years of sacrifice and restraint.

"Patriotism is in our blood and DNA. Even during the British rule, our ancestors did not learn to fear and bow down," he said.

He added that the government has been trying to mislead the public for the last 10 years by defaming the great heroes and distorting history for its own interests.

"We will have to answer them with the help of truth in a moderate and dignified language. We are doing the same work in the House also. Our ideology does not allow us to lie like them," Kharge said.

He also said that the life of ego, sin and lies is very short but truth is immortal.

"Following the path of truth which our heroes have taught us, we have to defeat the undemocratic forces with great patience and restraint. I have full confidence that we will achieve victory with the struggle to provide justice to the people," he said, adding, "We have to always pay attention to those fundamental issues which this government is making every possible effort to keep aside."

He also said that the wealth of the country is being handed over to a few businessmen.

"We should not forget those questions which will affect future politics. Caste census and women's reservation will be important issues. We want that women's reservation should be implemented immediately and OBC women should be brought under the ambit of reservation. Today, we will have to brainstorm on many such questions and make some concrete strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections," he said.

He also said that for the last several months, all the leaders and workers of the party have been continuously putting forward a demand that Rahul Gandhi should be requested to tour India under Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0.

"I put this before Rahul ji in the working committee, and leave the decision to all of you," he added.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : Severed body parts of a man, who is yet to be identified, were found packed in a polythene bag in an open drain near outer Delhi's Baprola area on Thursday, the police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) Jimmy Chiram said a PCR call was received on Thursday morning informing about a polythene bag is lying in a drain in Baprola Village, in which someone's arms and legs could be seen.

Upon arrival, the police found that another polythene bag with the lower part of a male body was found around 1 km from the spot.

The police are yet to recover some body parts, including the deceased's head.

The recovered body parts have been moved to the mortuary, and a search is in progress to locate the additional remains.

"Multiple teams from the Outer District have been mobilised to identify the deceased and unravel the circumstances behind this gruesome discovery," said the DCP.

Meanwhile, the police are collecting CCTV footage from the area and nearby places to ascertain the crime.
Kolkata, Dec 21 : Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the Calcutta High Court, while hearing a case of cooperative society forgery which is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), observed on Thursday that that way things are moving in West Bengal, there is a need for setting up CBI police stations in the state.

Justice Gangopadhyay also took strong objection to the state government not complying with his earlier order for providing the CBI with logistics and manpower support for investigating this particular case.

"New cases of corruption are surfacing in the state almost every day. The state government is accused of non-cooperation in the investigation process. The common people are denied their rights to register complaints. Precisely that is why there is a requirement of setting up at least four CBI police stations in the state, where there will be staff of all ranks starting from constables to inspectors," Justice Gangopadhyay observed.

In an earlier order, he had directed the state police to send 10 of its officers and other staff on temporary deputation to the CBI to assist the central agency in its investigation in this particular case.

At the same time, Justice Gangopadhyay had also directed the state government to make arrangements for transportation and stay of the CBI officers in North Bengal, since the cooperative society in question is based there.

However, the CBI counsel said on Thursday that till date, the state government has not made any such arrangements.
Drug dealer jailed in UK after death of Indian-origin student. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Gwalior, Dec 21 : A special CBI court in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior has handed rigorous imprisonment of four years along with a fine of Rs 14,100 to three individuals in connection with the Vyapam scam, an official said on Thursday.

The order was delivered by a Special Judge (Vyapam cases) who sentenced accused Dadhibal Singh (beneficiary candidate), Sunil Kumar (impersonator), and Vijay Tamre a.k.a Bala (middleman) to four years of rigorous imprisonment each along with a fine.

The CBI case originated from a complaint against the accused at a police station in Madhya Pradesh's Morena.

The matter pertained to the mismatch of photograph and signature on the admit card of candidate Dadhibal Singh during the Police Constable Recruitment Test-2012 held on September 30, 2012.

Subsequent investigation revealed that an impersonator (Sunil Kumar) had appeared in the examination in place of the actual candidate, against a payment of Rs 3,000.

The CBI had filed a charge sheet in connection with the case on June 30, 2016, against Dadhibal Singh and Sunil Kumar.

During the investigation, another accused, Vijay Tamre, was also identified.

A supplementary charge sheet was then filed on July 12, 2019.

The court eventually found all three accused guilty, resulting in their conviction.
Pedestrians walk near a poster of Alex Saab that reads, Free Alex Saab. They haven't been able to bend him," in Caracas, Venezuela.

In a highly diplomatic operation that puts an end to a years-long judicial soap opera, this Wednesday the United States government freed the Colombian-Venezuelan businessman Alex Saab, an ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was imprisoned in Florida.

Saabs release is part of an agreement between Washington and Caracas, by which 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela will be released. The South American countrys government will also allow the extradition to the U.S. of a criminal known by the alias of Fat Leonard, will release 21 political prisoners and will revoke three arrest warrants against opponents of the Maduro regime.

Saab had been jailed in Miami since 2021, after he was extradited following his arrest a year earlier in Cape Verde, on the northwest coast of Africa. Saab was wanted by Washington for money laundering, criminal conspiracy, illicit enrichment, and fictitious exports and imports, among other things.

A senior White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed Wednesday morning that the swap operation was underway, and that it included, in exchange for this act of clemency with Saab, the release of 10 U.S. citizens fraudulently detained in Venezuela. According to the official, those Americans were the only ones left detained in the South American country. He did not want to confirm their identities until he had contacted their families.

The pact also includes the extradition of the American Frederick Leonard  better known as Fat Leonard  who, the official said, is already on his way to a prison on American soil. The deal also includes the commitment on behalf of the government of Nicolas Maduro to release twenty Venezuelan political prisoners from prisons in the country, as well as the opposition leader Roberto Abdul. The director of the NGO Sumate, Abdul played a key role in the recent primary process held in Venezuela and was subsequently arrested by Maduros intelligence services in early December. In addition, arrest warrants for three other individuals have been revoked as a result of the pact reached between the two countries.

Fat Leonard was wanted by authorities for several bribery offenses involving the U.S. Navy.

White House sources denied that the agreement includes anything related to the sanctions imposed by the United States on the Maduro regime, which were partially lifted last October, when the Biden administration decided to alleviate prohibitions on the oil, gas and gold sectors. The decision to soften the sanctions was in response to the political agreement between representatives of the Maduro government and the oppositions Plataforma Unitaria to respect the constitutional calendar and hold elections in 2024. The partial lifting of sanctions related to the oil and gas industries was made on a temporary basis, for a term of six months, and will only be extended  the White House warned at the time  if the Maduro government continues to take steps to restore democracy.

When we have discussed sanctions relief, it has been in the context of ongoing negotiations with members of the Unitary Platform and representatives of Maduro. We will return to those talks after this, the senior official said.

The operation  the fruit of many, many months of negotiations  demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to secure the release of Americans unjustly detained around the world, and to seek a path to a better and more democratic future for the people of Venezuela, officials said.

Saab was arrested in Cape Verde on June 12, 2020, and extradited to Florida, where he was awaiting trial for alleged money laundering related to the Venezuelan government. In 2019, Saab was blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury Department, along with his associates and family members, who were allegedly part of a corruption scheme. That same year, in Colombia, his country of birth, he was charged with money laundering (though he had already fled the country in 2018). His business dealings have also been investigated in Mexico.

In Florida, Saabs defense tried to demonstrate that he enjoyed diplomatic immunity. His legal strategy was based, since his arrest, on showing that he was a special envoy of the Venezuelan government and that, therefore, his arrest was illegal. In response, the prosecution provided, in order to dismantle the defendants defense, a series of passports and other documents allegedly forged by Venezuelan officials to make it appear that he was a diplomatic representative appointed by Caracas.

During the process, it was also proven that Saab was secretly hired by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2018 to collaborate with the U.S. and provided information about bribes paid to Venezuelan government officials, according to court documents.

When he was arrested, the Maduro regime described his detention as a kidnapping in complicity with the authorities of Cape Verde, who tortured him and arbitrarily kept him prisoner for 491 days, without an arrest warrant or due process. This information was attributed to the businessmans family.

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Panaji, Dec 21 : BJP workers in Goa burnt the effigy of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the Jagdeep Dhankhar mimicry row on Thursday.

A controversy had erupted on Tuesday after Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicked Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar during the opposition's protest on the stairs of the Parliament against suspension of opposition MPs. Rahul Gandhi could be seen filming the act.

BJP supporters and leaders took to the streets in Goa on Thursday as a mark of protest, raising slogans against the opposition.

BJP General Secretary Damodar Naik said the opposition has insulted Jagdeep Dhankhar by making mimicking him.

"Rahul Gandhi made a video of the incident on his mobile phone. It was a shameful act," Naik said, adding that such behaviour doesn't suit any leader.

According to Naik, Rahul Gandhi should have asked the Trinamool MP to stop the mimicry.

"People should show Rahul Gandhi his place," he said.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that they staged a protest in Panjim against the 'shameful and unparliamentary' antics of opposition MPs towards the Vice President of India, "which has brought disrespect to the temple of democracy".

"What could not happen in the last 60 years has happened during the BJP rule. I am confident that the BJP will cross 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections next year," he said.

Khaunte also said that the INDIA bloc will 'END' soon.

"The Parliament and Assemblies are there to discuss the issues of the public. Only those who don't know how to behave as the opposition do such dramas," Khaunte said.
Prague, Dec 21 : Several people were killed and many others injured in a shooting incident near the Charles University on Jan Palach Square in the Czech capital on Thursday, police said, adding that the assailant has been eliminated.

"The shooter has been eliminated !!! The entire building is currently being evacuated and there are several dead and dozens of injured on the scene," the Czech police said in a post on X.

In an earlier tweet, it had said that it was "currently responding to a reported shooting at a school in Namesti Jan Palach".

"Based on initial information, we can confirm that there are dead and injured people at the scene", the police said, adding that the whole of the square and surrounding area in Prague's Old Town was closed and urged people to stay away from the scene and remain indoors.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that he will delete a tweet containing purportedly sensitive details about a minor girl who was allegedly raped and murdered in 2021.

The court was a plea seeking FIR against Gandhi for revealing the identity of a nine-year-old girl who was allegedly raped and killed.

Gandhi's counsel made the statement during a hearing before a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna, after the court said it did not wish to issue a judicial order.

During the proceedings, Delhi Police's counsel informed the court that the petition was now infructuous as all the requested actions had been fulfilled. It noted the complexity of the ongoing investigation into Gandhi and clarified that the cause of the minor victim's death was electrocution, with no scientific evidence supporting claims of rape and murder.

Advocate Mehmood Pracha, representing the victim's family, urged the court to avoid discussing case details openly to preserve the trial's integrity.

Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for the petitioner, asserted that regardless of the crime's proof, disclosing the minor's identity constituted an offence under the POCSO Act.

The court directed Delhi Police to submit a detailed status report on the investigation into Gandhi within four weeks, in a sealed cover.

The next hearing is scheduled for January 24, 2024.

A nine-year-old minor girl had died under suspicious circumstances on August 1, 2021, with her parents alleging that she was raped, murdered and cremated by a crematorium's priest in Delhi's Old Nangal village.

Social activist Makarand Suresh Mhadlekar had moved a plea in the High Court in 2021, alleging that Gandhi had violated the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012, which prohibits the identification of minors who have been sexually assaulted.

Last time, the counsel appearing for the petitioner and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) told the court that no action has been taken yet by the police, and that it has been over two years since the incident took place.

The NCPCR has earlier, through an affidavit, told the High Court that Xas decision to not remove Gandhi's post, wherein he had allegedly revealed the identity of a minor Dalit girl, who was raped and murdered in 2021, contributes to disclosing the victim's identity.

Its lawyer said that the Delhi Police must register a FIR in the case.

Appearing for Gandhi, on the other hand, aqdvocate Tarannum Cheema had said that the court has not issued a formal notice to him.

In response, the court had said that it will first examine the status report of the Delhi Police and then decide what needs to be done.

The NCPCR in its affidavit has said that though X (then Twitter) has withheld the post in India on receiving a notice sent by it, it failed to remove the tweet altogether which is still available for the public to be seen outside India.

It has said that in order to fully give effect to its obligations, X ought to have removed the impugned tweet from its platform and the same should not be hidden only in the "Indian territory".

True meaning and effect has to be given in letter and spirit to Right to Privacy and Right to dignity as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, the affidavit reads.

Consequently, the inaction of X contributes to disclosure of the identity of the victim, which is in violation of the country's laws, it said.

Sajan Poovayya, a senior lawyer representing X, had argued that "nothing survived" in the petition because the contested post has been "geo-blocked" and is currently not accessible in India. He had added that Gandhi's account was suspended by the social media platform but was later restored.

Nonetheless, the petitioner and the NCPCR's counsel claimed that the offence still exists.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 21 : The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the Nabarangpur district administration to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family members of a minor girl student who was reportedly gang-raped by two of her teachers at a school in November this year.

The commission has issued the order while hearing a plea filed by rights activist Prabir Kumar Das.

"This commission taking serious view of the matter hereby recommends that a sum of Rs 5,00,000 as interim compensation be paid pending for final conclusion of the trial," the OHRC order mentioned.

The commission has also directed the Nabarangpur district collector and other concerned authorities to pay the balance of Rs 5,00,000 to victims parents if the accused are pronounced guilty by the court after completion of the trial.

The authorities have also been instructed to make the payment to the minor victim's father and mother jointly and ensure that Rs 3 lakh out of the interim compensation amount be kept in a fixed deposit account in any nationalised bank.

Notably, the petitioner informed the commission that the 13-year-old girl was allegedly sexually abused by the headmaster and a junior teacher of her school on the school premises in Raighar block of the tribal-dominated district November 7.

The minor girl developed severe pain following which she narrated her ordeal before her parents who subsequently rushed her to the nearby community health centre (CHC) and also lodged a complaint with the police on November 9. The doctors at the CHC who claimed that the girl might have been sexually assaulted later referred her to the district headquarters hospital.

Soon after the complaint, the police registered a case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and 6 of the POCSO Act and arrested the accused teachers.
Patna, Dec 21 : A gang of five robbers struck at a prominent jewellery showroom in Bihar's Begusarai district on Thursday afternoon and fled with a huge amount of loot, police said.

The robbers also shot an employee who raised the alarm.

The victim, identified as Manish Kumar, sustained a gunshot injury on his stomach and was admitted in Sadar hospital where his condition is said to be critical.

Begusarai SP Yogendra Kumar, along with other officers, reached the crime scene to investigate.

The incident occurred at Ratna Jewellers located at Har Har Mahadev Chowk.

"Around 12.30 p.m., two robbers posed as customers, came into the showroom and asked for the gold ornaments. While the salesman was busy showing the ornaments, they demanded more varieties. As the shop owner went inside the locker room to bring some more ornaments, three more persons came inside the shop and held up the employees at gunpoint," the SP said.

"They looted the jewellery from the counter and put it into the bag. By that time, one of the salesmen, Manish Kumar raised the alarm bell and the robbers fired three bullets. One of the gunshots hit him," he added.

The SP said they had been informed about the incident and a police team reached the crime scene within 10 minutes.

"We have scanned the CCTV footage and are trying to identify the accused. Our preliminary focus is to nab the accused within the district. All borders were sealed and we have constituted a dedicated team headed by SDPO Sadar to arrest the accused and recover the jewellery," he said.

This is the third incident of loot this week. On Monday, 6 robbers looted 5 kg gold from Aashirwad gold loan outlet in Sheikhpura and on Tuesday, a robbery took place in a jewellery showroom in Munger.
Thane, Dec 21 : After a new case of Coronavirus variant JN-1 was reported from Maharashtra this week, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the state on Thursday that the health system is fully geared to tackle the fresh challenges headlong.

Shinde held a detailed meeting with the health and district administration officials to review the status of the medical system, and directed that all hospitals and healthcare institutions must conduct structural, electrical and fire safety audits on priority.

As an immediate measure, the government has kept 63,000 isolation beds, 33,000 oxygen beds, 9,500 ICU beds and 6,000 ventilator beds ready to tackle any influx of patients in the coming weeks all over the state.

The CM has asked all the state hospitals to equip themselves with other medical requirements like face masks, ventilators, liquid medical oxygen plants and pipelines, RTPCR labs, staff, vaccines, medicines, etc.

The video-conference review was attended by Health Minister Tanaji Sawant, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, top officials of various departments and all Divisional Commissioners in the state.

The CM also directed the concerned government departments to collect information on the people who have been inoculated or those who are not vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccines yet, adding that the health department should set up a Special Task Force as was done in the earlier Corona waves, take guidance of experts and keep all medical stocks ready.

At the same time, he assured the people that thereas no cause for panic but urged all citizens to get medical help if they have symptoms of cold, cough or fever, wear face masks while in public or crowded spaces, especially during the upcoming Christmas-New Year festival season.

Shinde also cautioned that social media and mass media platforms should ensure that no misleading news is circulated on the new Covid variant and people should rely only on official information.

Mushrif and Sawant provided details of the preparedness of their respective ministries and said that mock drills will be conducted to ensure that the entire health machinery is functioning properly and is responsive to any situation.

Presently, 45 Corona patients are undergoing treatment in different hospitals, including in Mumbai (27), Thane and Pune (8 each), Raigad and Kolhapur (1 each), and the government will launch a mass awareness campaign on the JN-1 variant.
Patna, Dec 21 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is not angry with anyone after the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi and the opposition is united, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said on Thursday.

aDuring the meeting, a section of the media set another narrative that Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar were angry with each other. This is not true. We are united and we will fight together in Bihar.

"As far as the press conference is concerned, everyone would not go in it. Those who want to speak before the media, went there and not everyone," he told media persons here.

"The meeting of the INDIA bloc concluded with the right frame of mind. Everyone showed unity there. The seat sharing formula will be finalised in three weeks and we will fight together to defeat BJP," Yadav added.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : A Delhi court on Thursday said that it will pronounce its judgement on Friday on the bail plea of AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam.

Special Judge M.K. Nagpal of Rouse Avenue Court had reserved his verdict on December 12.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Mohit Mathur, representing Singh, argued that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had not questioned Singh before his arrest.

He also cited contradictions in the statements of accused-turned-approver Dinesh Arora and other witnesses.

The ED opposed the bail application, citing the ongoing investigation and expressing concerns that Singh's release could potentially obstruct the investigation, tamper with evidence, and influence witnesses.

On Thursday, the court also extended the AAP leader's judicial custody in the case and asked the ED to provide a copy of its fifth supplementary charge sheet and related documents to him.

On December 19, the court had taken cognisance of the charge sheet, and issued Singh's production warrant for Thursday.

Singh has claimed that he was not a flight risk and there was no allegation against him of influencing the witnesses. He had urged the court that he should be granted bail since he has deep roots in society and that "for 15 months there was no allegation of my interfering or influencing in the probe by either the ED or the CBI".

Mathur had said that since the supplementary charge sheet against Singh has already been filed, there was some kind of finality regarding the collection of evidence which should be the basis for granting him bail.

Counsel had said Singh was neither an accused, and was never arrested, or charge sheeted in the predicate offence (the alleged corruption in the excise scam) being probed by the CBI, and that he was not even summoned by the CBI in the corruption case.

His name did not appear in any of the supplementary charge sheets filed by the ED before his arrest, Mathur had further claimed.

"Now they are saying I received kickbacks, but ED did not say a single word about this money before this court or superior courts in matters pertaining to co-accused Manish Sisodia, when they produced a flow-chart of money allegedly being laundered," his counsel had said.

Earlier, the judge had allowed Singh to sign some documents related to development work as an MP. Judge Nagpal had also allowed Singh to sign certain cheques as he requested to do so for his family expenses, and other work he is obliged to do as an MP.

Jail authorities were directed to ensure proper treatment to Singh, including from his private doctor.

"Court sees no reason to refuse private treatment to the accused. Hence, the jail superintendent concerned is directed to ensure the appropriate treatment," the judge had said.

Singh, who had moved the Delhi High Court against his arrest and remand, was denied any relief as Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma dismissed his plea, calling it premature. He then moved the Supreme Court against the High Court order that upheld his arrest and remand by the ED.

The financial probe agency on October 4 arrested Singh after carrying out searches at his residence in the North Avenue area.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Dec 21 : The judge of a special court in Kolkata on Thursday questioned the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over the progress made by the latter in its probe into the multi-crore cash-for-school-jobs case in West Bengal.

During a hearing on the bail petition moved by the counsel of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, who is in judicial custody in connection with the case, the judge questioned the CBI counsel about the progress made in the investigation so far.

"If the investigation has to be completed at the earliest, the process should surely be at the winding-up stage now," the judge noted.

In reply, the CBI counsel said the progress made in the investigation has been mentioned in the case diary submitted by the investigation agency to the court.

While placing his arguments, Chatterjee's counsel referred to the ailing health condition of his client in the prison where he is housed now.

He also said that despite treatment, there has not been much improvement in the health condition of his client, as he appealed to the court to seek a detailed medical report of Chatterjee.

After hearing both sides, the special court extended Chatterjee's judicial custody till January 3 when the matter will come up for hearing next.
New Delhi, Dec 21 : On the night of December 14, the Indian Navy reacted swiftly on a report of potential piracy attack in the Arabian Sea.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it was reported that six unknown people had boarded the Malta flagged vessel, MV Ruen.

In a swift response, Indian Navy's maritime patrol aircraft arrived overhead MV Ruen and established communication with the crew. Concurrently, INS Kochi on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden was also diverted to render assistance, an official said.

The MoD said that INS Kochi intercepted MV Ruen in the early hours of December 16 and launched its integral helicopter to assess the situation. It was ascertained from the crew that the citadel onboard MV Ruen had been breached and all the crew members were held hostage by the pirates.

One of the crew members had also sustained injuries, but was reported to be stable. While no armed intervention was undertaken to ensure crew safety onboard the hijacked MV, requisite actions were taken by the warship towards ensuring suitable treatment of the crew by the pirates, official added.

A Japanese warship also arrived in the area and was relieved by the Spanish warship ESPNS Victoria later in the day. An Indian Navy ship was in close vicinity of the hijacked vessel during its transit towards Somalia from December 16-17, suitably engaging with the pirates and coordinating actions with the other warships, official added.

The hijacked vessel entered the territorial waters of Somalia on December 17.

INS Kochi was successful in ensuring that the injured crew member was released by the pirates in the early hours of December 18 for further medical treatment.

The injured crew member was medically attended to onboard the Indian Navy ship but due to urgent medical attention required, which was beyond the scope of the ship, he was transferred ashore at Oman on December 19, the official added.

According to the MoD, in the light of the above incident and towards augmenting the anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden region, the Indian Navy has deployed another indigenous guided missile destroyer there.
The many ongoing global crises caused by armed conflict and climate change have led to an unprecedented increase in humanitarian aid requirements. In 2022, the United Nations sought over $52 billion in funding for humanitarian aid, marking a 37% increase over the previous year. A report by Doctors Without Borders, in collaboration with the Institute of Studies on Conflict and Humanitarian Action (IECAH), stressed that this figure is expected to rise significantly in 2023 due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The sharp rise in humanitarian need has widened the gap between funding requests and donations, both public and private, to unprecedented levels. In 2022, the U.N. requested a record $30.3 billion but ended the year with a historically high deficit of 42%. Almost half of the money requested couldnt be covered, said Francisco Rey, IECAHs co-director. Weve also noticed a very unequal response to different crises, which is highlighting an unfortunate double standard. According to the report, just 10 crises received nearly two-thirds of all international humanitarian aid in 2022. Ukraine saw the highest increase in funding at 2,000%, followed by Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria and Ethiopia.

The report also highlights concerns about the declining influence of the U.N. as the legitimate representative of the international community and its effectiveness in addressing current issues. The report cites the recent example of the U.N.s inability to secure a ceasefire in Gaza due to the U.S. veto in the Security Council. IECAHs co-director Jesus Nunez noted the U.N.s waning influence and says the European Union has struggled to establish itself as a geopolitical actor by failing to establish a unified position on the conflict.

Patients at a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Nigeria. MSF (MSF)

In 2022, around 406.6 million people required humanitarian assistance, which is a third more than the previous year. A quarter (107.5 million) of these were forcibly displaced from their homelands, particularly those who fled Ukraine to European countries or experienced internal displacement due to conflicts in Somalia and Myanmar. The report commended the EUs quick response to Ukraine, contrasting it with other instances of inaction or neglect. The report also noted that 265.7 million people in 60 countries experienced food insecurity in 2022.

Aid from Spain

In addition to conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza, the international humanitarian aid system is also under pressure from natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. This year, earthquakes in Turkey, Syria, Morocco and Afghanistan exacted a severe humanitarian toll. There were also disasters like the September floods in Libya and summer wildfires in Europe. The Doctors Without Borders report projects that the U.N. will request a total of $54.9 billion in 2023, the highest amount since the annual report was first published 20 years ago. It also noted that Spain has demonstrated its commitment by increasing its humanitarian aid by 47% more than in 2021. Ukraine, the Saharawi population, Palestine, Venezuela, Syria, Niger, Colombia, Afghanistan and Mali have received significant financing compared to other countries, noted the report. Francisco Rey said Spains humanitarian diplomacy strategy announced last January can serve as an umbrella, exerting political pressure on countries that violate international humanitarian law. Spain has been a vocal critic of Israels indiscriminate bombing in Gaza, while condemning the Hamas attack on October 7 and advocating for a lasting ceasefire.

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Washington, Dec 21 : Democrats and allies are worried that US President Joe Biden has not yet laid out his party's agenda for his 2024 Presidential run as any "lack of clear vision" for the next four years is weighing heavily with Latino, young black and progressive voters, political analysts said.

Biden is entering the election year with strikingly poor ratings among young voters.

Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., is a key strategist of all the Democratic-leaning constituencies who seems to be souring on Biden.

The 26-year-old freshman is convinced that the president is struggling with voters of his background who are yet to hear a compelling agenda from Biden.

They haven't heard anything from Biden on why they should vote for him outlining how he would improve their lives, motivating them to vote him a second term.

"That's the key to the re-election," Frost, who conducts the Biden campaign's advisory board, told NBC News, it's "not enough" to tout the achievements of the last two years or trash likely GOP opponent Donald Trump.

"We also have to talk about what are the plans for 2025, 2026 and beyond. And how does that fit into this future we're fighting for? I think that's really the key right now, especially for young, progressive voters."

Biden is entering the election year with strikingly poor ratings among key Democratic-friendly groups who were critical to his 2020 victory.

A recent NBC News poll found him trailing former President Donald Trump nationally by 44 to 46 per cent a" and vastly underperforming his 2020 margins among Black, Latino and young voters under 35.

The poll said his approval rating is a mere 31 per cent among voters under 35, whom Democrats need to carry to win the 2024 election.

Young black voters are not sold on Biden as they said their lives have not improved much under his presidency, and they are not sure that is likely to change in his second term. The contrast with Trump may bring some of them back into the fold. But the risk for Biden is that others could stay home or vote for a third-party candidate.

While the Biden campaign slogan is "finish the job", Democrats believe he needs to lay out what that means by that.

"These are the things that build this broad coalition," Frost said. Voters have valid concerns and they have the right to know in terms of the polling. We have time to fix this. But the thing that people need to realize is we're trying to do better than we did in 2020."

White House deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed said Biden's agenda includes steps to lower prescription drug costs, tackle price gouging, target junk fees, $35 insulin "for everyone", a federal voting rights law, extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and "defending and strengthening democracy".
Imphal, Dec 21 : The 30th Imphal Book Fair, which was supposed to conclude on Thursday, was extended by another three days on public demand, indicating the resilience in the face of adversity due to the prevailing situation.

Despite the current conflict and numerous logistical challenges, this literary annual event managed to ignite the spark of knowledge and enthusiasm among book lovers and attendees.

Officials said that the week-long Imphal Book Fair, which started on December 15, would now end on December 24.

Hosted jointly by the State Central Library and the Department of Art and Culture in collaboration with the Kolkata-based Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, the event, despite encountering several hurdles, from a change in venue to a reduced number of participating book sellers and firms, yet, defied the odds by drawing a significant crowd, particularly students from various parts of Manipur.

Lauding the organisers of the fair, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on his Facebook page, appealed to the youths of the state to explore the book fair.

"Book fair not only instills reading habits to the youths, but also provides the readers with an opportunity to interact with authors and publishers of books, etc.

aBefore it ends on December 24, I urge all to visit the Imphal Book Fair organised by the State Central Library Imphal under the aegis of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRLF), Ministry of Culture at the State Central Library & Manipur Archives campus at Keishampat."

"Celebrate the joy of reading and embrace the knowledge waiting to be discovered."

Rajkumari Urmila Devi, Chief Librarian of the State Central Library, highlighted the evolving landscape of libraries in Manipur, acknowledging the recent dip in their influence but expressing unwavering optimism about a swift revival.

She emphasised the pivotal role played by the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation in nurturing these libraries, despite a recent pause in financial aid due to funding constraints.

Reflecting on the libraryas journey from controversy to aspirations of becoming a model institution, Urmila Devi prioritised transparency and modernisation. Her vision involves enhancing infrastructure, integrating modern technology, and ensuring greater accountability before her tenure concludes in 2026.

Renowned author Saratchand Thiyam emphasized the importance of book fairs as beacons of knowledge during troubled times. He reiterated that the Imphal Book Fair isnat merely a gathering for bibliophiles but a social hub where readers engage with authors and publishers, fostering a unique sense of community.

While acknowledging the rise of e-books and digital libraries, Thiyam passionately defended the irreplaceable allure of physical books and the joy of storytelling from their original pages.

Ramesh Tiwari, a regular participant from Kolkata-based Book Line, expressed regret for missing this yearas fair due to unforeseen circumstances. His poignant recollections of dedicated book lovers traveling considerable distances to acquire cherished reads highlighted the unique fervour of the Imphal Book Fair.

The Imphal Book Fair, though faced with challenges, continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone, uniting communities through the love of literature. As it evolves, embracing modernity while cherishing tradition, the fair remains a testament to the unwavering spirit of resilience and intellectual nourishment amidst adversity.

--IANS

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Karnataka govt all set to implement fifth guarantee, enrolment to Yuva Nidhi scheme to begin from Dec 26. Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru, Dec 21 : Amid criticism by opposition parties and ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Congress government in Karnataka is set to launch the fifth guarantee scheme, Yuva Nidhi, wherein Rs 3,000 and Rs 1,500 will be provided to fresh graduates and diploma holders, respectively, for a duration of two years.

On Thursday, Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil announced that the enrolment for the Yuva Nidhi scheme would commence on December 26.

"The enrolment for our governmentas fifth programme is being initiated. On December 26, CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar will unveil the logo and inaugurate the enrolment process.

"On the occasion of Vivekananda Jayanthi on January 12, beneficiaries will receive money through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to their accounts. The programme will be held in Shivamogga city. Graduates and diploma holders who have been unemployed for six months after passing out, are eligible for the scheme. Degree holders will receive Rs 3,000, and diploma holders will receive Rs 1,500 for two years. If they find employment during this period, the facility will be discontinued," the Minister said.

Beneficiaries are required to declare their employment status every month, and preventing misuse poses a challenge. In case employed individuals receive the benefit, the money will be reclaimed, and legal action will be taken.

"However, we trust the youth," Patil added.

The government asserts that the scheme will benefit 10 lakh youths, with Rs 250 crore earmarked for the programme this year. From the next year onwards, Rs 1,250 crore will be required for the scheme.

The Congress government has previously implemented four guarantee schemes, Shakthi (free travel for women in RTC buses), Griha Jyothi (free power scheme up to 200 units for all households), Anna Bhagya (free 10 kg of rice for all members of BPL families), and Griha Laxmi (Rs 2,000 monthly allowance for women heads of BPL families).
New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Congress on Thursday said that the party will decide the candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections soon, adding it will form the screening and the manifesto committee in the coming days.

The decision was taken at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, party's highest decision making body, which was chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other top leaders.

The party also said that soon the details and decision on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0 will be taken.

Addressing a press conference after the CWC meeting, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said: "We discussed various issues including last assembly elections, preparations for 2024 elections and current political situation."

He also said that the CWC adopted a resolution unanimously.

Venugopal said that general mood of CWC was that "we won Telangana and that was a remarkable achievement". "However, we lost in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. General secretaries and incharge explained the results. We lost the election and we admit. Our vote percentage has improved. No problem in facing Lok Sabha elections," the Congress leader said.

Venugopal said: "Candidates for 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be decided very soon without any delay. Screening committee will be formed within this month and manifesto committee in coming days."

He also said that state level workers' convention has been planned in January.

Venugopal also said that the mood of the country is against BJP.

"There is no level playing field for opposition... MPs were suspended to give a message that only one party would rule India," he said.

He also criticised the central agencies for 'targetting' the Opposition.

"We are convinced that Congress and INDIA bloc will fight this dictatorship and will go in election without any delay," he said.

Talking about the massive public meeting planned on the party's 138th foundation day on December 28, Venugopal said the rally in Nagpur is going to be a remarkable event. "All senior leaders of the party will be attending the rally. We requested the CWC members to immediately start election campaigns in states also," he said, adding that CWC members told that with great vigor and hope they will fight election.

To a question about the Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0, Venugopal said: "The details of the yatra would be discussed, and a decision will be taken without any delay."

On seat-sharing deals in Punjab, West Bengal and Delhi, Venugopal said: "We already constituted a five-member committee named national alliance committee, and it will start the process without any delay. It will deal with the issues."

He also said that all decisions on organisational and election-related matters will be taken immediately.
Patna, Dec 21 : Police in Bihar's Sheikhpura on Thursday said that they have cracked the sensational 5.836 kg gold heist from the Aashirwad gold loan company within 72 hours of the incident.

SP, Sheikhpura, Kartikeya Sharma claimed that branch manager Krishna Murari and assistant branch manager Vikas Kumar were involved in the loot that took place on Monday afternoon.

"During investigation, we have taken the statements of Krishna Murari and Vikas Kumar and their statements appeared contradictory. Hence, we have strongly interrogated them and they broke down and revealed the conspiracy.

"Krishna Murari and Vikas Kumar were the mastermind of the heist and it was executed by notorious criminal Neeraj Kumar alias Wanted of Bakhtiyarpur in Patna district. The entire plan was finalised in a hotel in Bakhtiyarpur a week ago. As per the plan, Krishna Murari would go to Mirganj in Gopalganj to visit a branch while Vikas Kumar would stay in the branch.

"Krishna Murari brought a bike from an employee to go to Mirganj. He met Neeraj Kumar and his associates at Benar Mor and sent a text message to Vikas Kumar. Following that Neeraj Kumar and his men struck the gold loan company and looted 5 kg 836 gram gold jewellery and Rs 2 lakh cash and fled," the SP said.

"We have recovered gold jewellery from the houses of Krishna Murari and Vikas Kumar. A bike which was used in the commission of crime was also seized. The other accused are on the run. We are making efforts to nab them," he added.
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar speaks to the media after paying tributes to BR Ambedkar on his death anniversary. Image Source: IANS News

Patna, Dec 21 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday left the gathering at a government event here surprised due to his extra politeness towards the organisers.

As he reached the Patna Veterinary College ground to attend the Bihar Dairy and Cattle Expo 2023, organised by the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, the event host welcomed him and other dignitaries.

At this, Nitish Kumar thanked the host as he approached, leaving some of the gathering laughing while others were surprised.
New Delhi, Dec 22 : A Delhi court on Thursday extended till January 5 the police custody of four accused persons arrested in connection with the Parliament security breach case.

The accused individuals -- Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde -- were presented before Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Hardeep Kaur of Patiala House Courts.

The court extended their custody on an application moved by the police. The four accused were presented before court on expiry of their previously granted seven-day police custody after they were arrested on December 13. The Delhi Police told the court that the accused in the case were "hardened criminals", consistently altering their statements.

Advocate Umakant Kataria, representing the accused, told reporters that the police had recovered four charred mobile phones and other incriminating material.

Seeking an extension of the accused's remand, the police wished to scrutinise the social media accounts of all the accused, requiring an additional 15 days for the task.

It was disclosed that the police had subjected the accused to psychological analytical analysis, and this process would continue over the next 15 days.

After the court sent the alleged mastermind, Lalit Jha, to seven-day police custody on December 15, the sixth accused, Mahesh Kumawat, also sent to police custody the next day. The police plan to confront the four individuals with Jha and Kumawat.

Given the severely damaged state of the accused's mobile phones, the police will get their SIM cards reissued to trace their contacts.

During their ongoing custody, the accused will remain at the current location, as the police have already taken them to seven different places.

Manoranjan, one of the accused, initially requested to speak to his parents, a request that the court granted. However, within few minutes later, he abruptly changed his mind and refrained from contacting them.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the accused and are investigating the security lapse issue, too.

The prosecution had labelled the arrested individuals as terrorists, asserting that they orchestrated a well-planned attack on Parliament with the intention of inciting fear.

The police had informed the court that they have included Sections 16 (terrorism) and 18 (conspiracy for terrorism) of the UAPA in the charges against the accused.

The police had said that individuals exceeded their rights by jumping from the gallery into the seating area of the MPs. Furthermore, the police claimed that the accused concealed a canister in their shoes and stressed on the need for their custody to determine their actual motive and identify any other individuals involved.

"Special shoes made in Lucknow, which needs to be probed. They need to be taken to Mumbai, Mysore, Lucknow for the probe," the police told the court.

The court appointed legal aid counsel for the accused individuals after they stated that they did not have their own lawyers.

In response, the defence counsel opposed the police's application, suggesting that a few days would be sufficient for the investigation.

Police further submitted that the accused carried pamphlets that showed and declared Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a missing person with a caption that the person who finds him will be paid money from the Swiss Bank.

"The accused persons portrayed the PM like a proclaimed offender," police said.

The case revolves around a major security breach on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, where individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha hall, released yellow gas, and shouted slogans before being subdued by MPs.
New Delhi, Dec 22 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah while discussing the new Criminal law Bills in the Rajya Sabha said that the implementation of these three new Criminal laws will ensure an end to the "Tareekh Pe Tareekh Era" and justice will be delivered in three years.

The Rajya Sabha has passed three crucial Bills -- Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and Bharatiya Saksha (Second) Bill -- that will replace a raft of British-era laws after a day-long discussion in the Upper House.

On Thursday, this Bill was presented before the Rajya Sabha by the Union Home Minister, which was passed by a voice vote.

On the implementation of a new Criminal law, Section 375 and Section 376 will be replaced by Section 63 which amounts to rape. Gang rape will be dealt under Section 70, and Section 101 will be applied for murder instead of Section 302. These three Criminal law bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha. Now, these bills will become law after approval by President Draupadi Murmu. After the passing of these Bills, Rajya Sabha was also adjourned indefinitely.

During the discussion on the Bills, Amit Shah said in the Rajya Sabha, "The purpose of the bill that I have brought in the Rajya Sabha today is not to punish, but to give justice. The soul of these bills is Indian. Vyasa, Brihaspati, Katyayana, Chanakya, Vatsysayana, Devnath Thakur, Jayanta Bhatta, Raghunatha Shiromani and the theory of justice given by several other people has been conceptualised in this Bill."

The Union Home Minister added: "Ninety-seven per cent of the police stations in the country have been digitalised and records of 82 per cent police stations have become digital. The entire process from FIR to judgment will be online. There will be zero FIRs and only e-FIRs. All CCTV cameras across the country, wherever they are installed, will be integrated with the system."

Shah said: "'Swaraj' means taking forward one's own religion, one who takes forward one's own language. The one who advances self-culture is 'Swaraj'. One who establishes self-rule is called 'Swaraj'. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, the Union Home Minister added that Gandhiji did not fight for regime change but he fought for 'Swaraj' (self-independence)."

"I assure this House that after the implementation of this Criminal law, the era of "Tareekh par Tareekh will end". Such a justice system will be established in this country where any victim gets justice within three years," he added.

He said that from all the technology present today to that of the next 100 years, all can be incorporated only by changing the rules, so much foresight has been kept in this Bill.

Despite facing the brunt of terrorism for four decades, there was no definition of terrorism in the country's criminal justice system, now the definition of terrorism has been included in it, Shah added.

"The English concept of treason law has been abolished. Anyone can speak against the government, but can no longer speak against the country. There is a provision for punishment for speaking or taking action against the country."

He added: "With the implementation of the new law, justice will be provided quickly. Justice will not be costly for the poor man. Nine new sections and 39 new sub-sections have been added to the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 44 new interpretations and explanations have been added. As many as 14 sections have been repealed. As many as 21 new crimes have been added to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, in which one new crime is that of mob lynching."

Shah said, "The opposition used to accuse us (BJP government) that you protect mob lynching. You never made a law, but we made a law. There can be no bigger crime than murder. The punishment has been increased in 41 crimes. Penalty has been increased in 82 crimes. Minimum punishment has been introduced in 25 crimes."

"Community service has been accepted as punishment in six crimes and 19 sections have been repealed."

Similarly, there will be 170 sections under the Bharatiya Saksha (Second) Bill, changes have been made in 24 sections. New sections and sub-sections have been added.
Tel Aviv, Dec 22 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that it has demolished Hamas tunnel network that had housed the office of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The IDF on Thursday added that it has demolished an underground tunnel network which was used as a hiding place for Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif -- the masterminds of the October 7 Hamas massacre in south Israel, after the mayhem took place.

The IDF said that it has recieved intelligence about the presence of Sinwar and Deif in these underground network.

The Israel army added that the demolition of the tunnels was carried out in a controlled manner by the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit and the 401st Armoured Brigade.

The Israel army has been scouting for Sinwar after the Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had publicly called for the assassination of Sinwar.
Kanpur, Dec 22 : Several women, who were called for catering services at a birthday party, in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur were allegedly subjected to physical assault by hooligans, who forcibly made them dance and even tore their clothes, the police said.

The entire incident was recorded on video.

The incident took place during a birthday party organised at a farmhouse on Wednesday night but the incident came to light after one of the women, accompanied by her husband, reported the incident to the police control room (112) on Thursday.

Instead of addressing the complaint, the woman claimed that the police questioned the legitimacy of her marriage and demanded proof.

It was only after the couple went to the Police Commissioner's office that the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) initiated an investigation into the incident.

According to the initial investigation, one Monu Singh had organised his birthday party in Kanpur's Panki area.

After cutting the cake, some hooligans, including Monu Singh and R.K. Yadav, asked the women to dance. As the women refused the demands, the accused men surrounded them, pulling their clothes and engaging in indecent behaviour.

The accused even threatened the women, claiming their political influence.

Several videos of the incident doing rounds on social media show the victims being surrounded and harassed by the culprits.

The incident has sparked outrage, with accusations that influential figures were present at the party, including a sticker-laden vehicle claiming association with a BJP legislator.

The ACP has assured a thorough investigation into the matter and actions would be taken based on the evidence gathered. No arrests have been made in the incident so far.
Suspended accounts, deleted comments, blocked users or posts deleted at government request. Meta is silencing Palestinian voices and those of the people who support them, in a pattern of undue removal and suppression of protected speech on Instagram and Facebook since October 7, when the war in Gaza began, said Human Rights Watch (HRW) in an investigation released this Thursday. The humanitarian organization criticized the social media companys broken promises when it comes to moderating content with transparency and responsibility.

The research found that the censorship of content related to Palestine on Instagram and Facebook is systemic and global.

What impressed us is that it is global. These are not activists who usually handle the issue of Palestine. They are ordinary citizens, people concerned with what is happening, who are reacting to the news and experiencing censorship for the first time, said Deborah Brown, acting associate technology and human rights director at HRW and co-author of the report, in statements to this newspaper. The study reviewed 1,050 cases of online censorship from over 60 countries and the cases are consistent with years of reporting and advocacy by Palestinian, regional, and international human rights organizations detailing Metas censorship of content supporting Palestinians.

HRW argues that Meta is applying its security standards in an inconsistent manner, and that this leads to the erroneous removal of content about Palestine and causes many users to choose not to share certain information to avoid being blocked or flagged.

HRW sent Meta the conclusions of its investigation and the parent company of Facebook and Instagram responded that it was aware that the measures it adopts during conflicts could have unintended consequences such as inadvertently limiting harmless or even useful publications.

This newspaper contacted Meta to learn more about the measures it has taken to moderate its content in the midst of this crisis, and the company directed reporters to the blog where it explains its decisions to keep people safe on our apps while giving everyone a voice in the wake of October 7. This week, complaints filed by users led Metas Oversight Board to estimate that the companys automated tools unnecessarily removed two videos related to the conflict between Hamas and Israel and to highlight that the use of these automated mechanisms increases the likelihood of removal.

The Boards decision confirms what we have seen: there are many people who have suffered this censorship who appeal for their content to be restored, said Brown.

No Palestinian flags, no criticism of Israel

The investigation published on Thursday by HRW concludes that comments that included the slogans Free Palestine Cease fire now or Stop genocide were removed from numerous publications. Phrases that included a mere neutral mention of Hamas, a criticism of the Israeli government or used an emoji with the Palestinian flag also disappeared.

Meta responded to HRW, saying that any content that glorifies Hamas, considered a dangerous organization by Meta, is not allowed on its platforms. The company added that we can make mistakes and that is why we offer the possibility for people to appeal and tell us what they think we have done wrong and we will examine it.

The study says that in reviewing hundreds of cases of content removal and the inability of certain users to post comments on Instagram and Facebook, Human Rights Watch found Metas automated moderation tools failed to accurately distinguish between peaceful and violent comments.

Instagram and Facebook have suspended or permanently deactivated the accounts of journalists, activists and media outlets. The investigation cites the Instagram page of Lets Talk Palestine, the account of Mondoweiss correspondent Leila Warah, and the Facebook page of the Quds News Network. The argument used in the majority of these cases was non-compliance with the dangerous organizations and individuals policy. According to this investigation, the policy also affects peaceful messages in favor of human rights and silences the debate on Israel and Palestine.

Some users who reported cases to Human Rights Watch explained that their posts sought to speak out against violence, not incite it, reads the report. By stripping the content of context and bluntly applying its policies, Meta is effectively censoring newsworthy content and achieving the opposite outcome of the stated intention of its policies.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  To fuel and impact the ongoing manufacturing renaissance and expand its reach across Indiana, Purdue University is launching the Indiana Next-Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) node at Purdue University in Indianapolis in a joint venture with Purdues Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories.

Since its inception, IN-MaC has been a partnership between the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and the College of Engineering and includes collaboration with Ivy Tech and Vincennes University to help solve manufacturing challenges for Indiana-based companies. Recently, Purdue leadership advocated for a Hard-Tech Corridor between West Lafayette and Indianapolis as a way to support Indiana manufacturing, entrepreneurship and economic development in critical technology areas. To support this initiative, IN-MaC will be reimagined in a way that will now have two locations  West Lafayette and Indianapolis  to amplify digital, physical and sustainable industrial transformation impact along the corridor.

Read more on the College of Engineering website.

Media are encouraged to share, post and publish this content.

Media contacts: Wes Mills, wemills@purdue.edu; Derek Schultz, dcschultz@purdue.edu
Future metabolic engineering efforts to improve lineages at stake

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Plants have evolved fiendishly complicated metabolic networks. For years, scientists focused on how plants make secondary metabolites, the compounds that plants produce to enhance their defense and survival mechanisms.

Only recently we started appreciating that the genes involved in making those specialized, secondary metabolites are being regulated, said Ying Li, associate professor of horticulture and landscape architecture at Purdue University. They are turned on when plants need to make secondary metabolites. And they are turned off when plants will no longer need to make them.

Purdues Natalia Dudareva, Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, said, Also, secondary metabolites are often toxic to cells when they accumulate to high levels, as we saw when we manipulated the resistance of the barriers that volatile secondary metabolites have to pass through to be released into the atmosphere. However, cells sense the accumulation of these toxic compounds and downregulate genes responsible for the formation of precursors for these volatiles.

In a special issue of the journal Trends in Plant Science, Li and Dudavera highlight the importance of specialized metabolites in regulating the genes that plants use to form chemical compounds. Dudareva directs and Li is a member of Purdues Center for Plant Biology, which aims to provide a clearer understanding of processes that affect plant biology.

We saw initial hints that the secondary metabolites themselves can be the signal to say, OK, now we need to turn those genes on and off, Li said. And we almost know nothing about how metabolites are sensed by the plants and then lead to the genes turning on and off.

Sorting out the complexities of secondary metabolism presents challenges because the process is highly specific to each different plant lineage. Sometimes only specific cells make secondary metabolites at a certain time for a given plant type. And the plants often produce metabolites in small quantities, making them difficult to detect.

Researchers also need to assay how the metabolites interact with proteins. That allows you to say which protein can sense and bind to these metabolites, Li said. Gene regulation is also involved. You have to be able to assay gene expression. And that is enabled by the next-generation sequencing toolkit.

Even though a specific plant makes its own unique metabolites, next-gene sequencing in the last 20 years allows us to look at the genome activity of any plants, she said.

Like many plant scientists, Li focused much of her research on primary metabolism, especially nitrogen metabolism, which plants rely upon for growth. The level of specialization in secondary metabolism surprised her. Despite the differences between primary and secondary metabolism, they seem to follow similar rules at the molecular level, she said.

Secondary metabolites are important for a plant to adapt to a stressful situation. For example, during drought or pathogen attack, secondary metabolites help to fight off those stresses, Li said. Secondary metabolism is also important for pollination success. Flowers attract insects, but climate change brings concerns about whether the pollinator-plant relationship can keep working.

For these reasons, there is always a dream of being able to do metabolic engineering to make plants produce more of the specialized metabolites that are good for plant survival, better resistance to a stress condition, to make medicine, or attract pollinators better, she said.

Researchers need to better understand how producing too many metabolites can upset gene regulation. But if the process can be disrupted in the right place, then we can safely produce a lot of metabolites because it doesnt trigger the feedback regulation, Li said.

Michigan State Universitys Erich Grotewold also contributed to the Trends in Plant Science article. Grants from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture supported this work.

Writer: Steve Koppes

Media contact: Maureen Manier, mmanier@purdue.edu

Sources: Ying Li, li2627@purdue.edu; Natalia Dudareva, dudareva@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;

Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu

Agriculture News Page
Supporting child care and transportation efforts, funding will help bolster economic development and quality of life efforts

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Purdue University has received a five-year, $25 million grant from Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. through its statewide initiative, College and Community Collaboration. The grant will support highly collaborative efforts with community partners to improve early childhood education, child care and transportation access in a seven-county region.

The grant will partially fund investments in and training for local child care centers to provide high-quality services to an additional 500 children in the region, and increase the capacity and availability of early childhood education in Greater Lafayette, including the Purdue campus.

On behalf of our neighbors and as Indianas land-grant university, we thank Lilly Endowment for initiating this program for the state and for choosing our proposal with this generous grant. It is an essential catalyst for transformative change in child care in Greater Lafayette and the nearby region, President Mung Chiang said. The availability of early childhood education will be critical to the universitys ability to recruit faculty and staff with young families and to the regions continued economic growth and job creation. There is no sustainable excellence in gown without a vibrant town.

The grant will also go toward efforts to improve access to various modes of transportation by supporting renovations at Purdue University Airport to enable commercial service; launch a series of van pools across the seven-county region, which will improve accessibility for workers; and invest in pedestrian safety and bike trail infrastructure, including the Wabash River Trail.

This multifaceted approach to improve regional transportation will have wide-ranging benefits that improve the vibrancy of our community by boosting workforce development efforts, Roberto Gallardo, Purdue vice president for engagement, said. It will also enhance quality of life, which is essential to attracting and retaining talent.

Purdue is one of six Indiana higher education institutions receiving implementation grants totaling $145.8 million through Lilly Endowments competitive initiative. Lilly Endowment anticipates making additional grants through the CCC initiative in 2024.

In designing their proposed projects, it was evident that these colleges and universities engaged a wide-ranging group of community stakeholders to imagine and develop creative solutions to pressing campus and community needs, said Jennett M. Hill, president of Lilly Endowment. The institutions submitted proposals that revealed robust collaborative efforts reflective of the institutions willingness to learn from not only campus colleagues but from local residents and businesses to help shape projects with promising potential to enhance the quality of life on their campuses and in their local communities.

Lilly Endowment launched College and Community Collaboration in early 2023. The initiative is designed to encourage Indianas colleges and universities to work closely with community stakeholders to envision and jointly undertake significant community development efforts to create more vibrant places in which to live, learn, work and play.

What other partners are saying:

We were very appreciative to be part of the planning group that worked with Purdue to outline the needs of the Greater Lafayette region and pleased with the proposal that Purdue put forward. Thank you to Lilly Endowment for funding the proposal and we are looking forward to working together as a region with Purdue University.

 Scott Walker, president and CEO, Greater Lafayette Commerce

According to Early Learning Indiana, Carroll County ranks 91st out of 92 counties in childcare access and capacity. This investment will fundamentally change the childcare landscape in Carroll County. It will unquestionably reach the communities that need it the most.

 Jacob Adams, executive director/CEO, Carroll County Economic Development Corp.

The Covington Circle Trail Expansion Project and associated amenities will encourage economic development, celebrate local history and culture, attract tourists, and improve public health through active lifestyles and healthy habits, and foster a sense of community among our residents.

 Dale White, chief executive officer, Western Indiana Community Foundation

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes, at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its founders wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion, and it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Writer/Media contact: Wes Mills, wemills@purdue.edu
Relatives of Galileo Almanza, who was murdered on December 17, during his funeral in the city of Salvatierra, in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

A group of people arrived, unannounced, at the inn where a Christmas season party was being held. When the partygoers asked them to leave, they did so but soon returned with a group of armed men, who opened fire on the victims. This is the main hypothesis put forward by the Attorney Generals Office of the Mexican state of Guanajuato, concerning the events around last weekends massacre in the town of Salvatierra. Eleven young people were murdered in the attack, while another 14 were severely injured.

All of them have injuries caused by projectiles shot by firearms, said Prosecutor Navigio Agustin Gallardo on December 19. The state authorities also announced that 195 bullets were fired from seven weapons of varying calibers. They are now targeting a group of people that operates in the area, along the borders of the Mexican states of Guanajuato and Michoacan. These are the likely suspects.

The so-called infiltration of the party has emerged as the main line of investigation into the attack in which nine men and two women died. Since early last Sunday  after the night of the events in the question  the authorities have carried out 35 interviews. A group of people arrived at the gathering place several of the attendees who were at the event asked them to leave, Prosecutor Gallardo told the media. The people left, but returned moments later to the inn, which had formerly been the San Jose del Carmen Ranch. They returned accompanied by another group of people who were carrying firearms. It was at that moment when they started shooting at those present, he added.

The testimonies that have come to light indicate that the group of armed men shot indiscriminately when the party was about to end. The photographs taken by the attendees have become symbols of indignation in Mexico and Guanajuato, where 2,400 investigations into cases of intentional homicide have been opened so far this past year. Behind the state of Baja California, Guanajuato has the second-highest homicide rate in Mexico.

According to the reconstruction carried out by the State Attorney Generals Office, the armed men set fire to seven vehicles before fleeing. While the authorities have not offered details about the criminal group involved in the massacre, they have recovered various weapons and projectiles. This is key: experts have identified these weapons as having been utilized to commit other crimes in the region, thus allowing the authorities to close in on those who committed the attack. Once arrested, they will be brought to justice, Gallardo affirmed.

Carlos Zamarripa (right), attorney general of the Mexican state of Guanajuato, with the regional prosecutor, Navigio Agustin Gallardo, on the day the latter was appointed, in May of 2023. FGE Guanajuato

This week, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador described the attack as an atrocious crime. He also launched harsh criticism against Carlos Zamarripa, the states attorney general, who has been in office for almost 14 years. President Lopez Obrador points to him as one of the reasons for the wave of violence that is plaguing Guanajuato.

The echoes of the massacre have been marked by the harsh political exchanges between the Lopez Obrador administration and various leaders of the National Action Party (PAN), the main opposition party, which has governed the state of Guanajuato for 32 consecutive years. The PAN, meanwhile, blames the security strategy of the federal government  known colloquially as hugs, not bullets  for the massacre. The ruling party attributes the tragedy to the failures of the PAN-led state government, given that Guanajuato has seen rising crime in recent years. Guanajuato will elect a new governor in June of 2024, when there will also be presidential and legislative elections. Overall, more than 20,000 local and federal posts are in contention next year.

Lopez Obradors comments have been subject to harsh criticism for linking the murder of the young people at the inn with the increase in drug consumption in Guanajuato. The mayor of Salvatierra, PAN member German Cervantes, said he knew several of the victims and denied that any of them were criminals. The investigations by the State Attorney Generals Office  the institution at the center of media and federal pressure to clarify the facts of the case  also hasnt offered any indication that the attack was related to the drug trade. This is despite the fact that, for years, Guanajuato has been submerged in a war between cartels.

State authorities already have a motive and a group of suspects, although they have not yet reported any arrests.
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The availability and popularity of night vision in the civilian shooting community has seen a veritable explosion over the last several years. Whether its decreased price points, increased exposure in popular culture, or a perception of capability gap by armed citizens, theres no doubt that the age of night vision for the rest of us is here in a big way. But as with any cutting-edge technology, good information seems harder to come by than the devices themselves.

Alternately referred to as night vision goggles (NVGs) or Night Observation Devices (NODs), there is an ocean of available platforms available to see in the dark both on and off the shooting range. Armasight has come to market with a wide array of consumer-focused options offering great performance at good price points, offering features and flexibility for the end user.

SINGLE-TUBE WEARABLES

Single-tube NODs are a great way to get into night vision. Sometimes referred to as the AK-47 of night vision devices single-tube platforms can be mounted directly to a firearm, camera, or helmet. Lightweight and compact, most single-tube NODs can be carried in a cargo pocket or MOLLE pouch for casual intermittent use.

They are also the least-expensive way to get into quality night vision. Armasight offers three wearable single-tube NODs: the MNVD-40, MNVD-51, and the PVS-14. The MNVD features a lightweight housing, sacrificial lens, and demist shield  all standard, good features to have with any night vision device. The only difference between the MNVD-40 and MNVD-51 is the available field of view.

Putting on night vision feels like looking at the world through a cardboard toilet paper tube, but Armasight has made wider-than-normal peripheral views available directly to the consumer.

As the names imply, the MNVD-40 offers a 40-degree field of view, while the MNVD-51 uses a different front lens to offer (you guessed it!) an expanded 51-degree field of view.

Also available alongside the MNVD is Armasights PVS-14. The complete proper military nomenclature for this style of night vision device is AN/PVS-14, for Army/Navy Portable Visual Search, presumably model or version 14. The PVS-14 has been a staple of military night vision tech for decades.

Even as the actual image intensification technology inside has gotten better, this single-tube housing style has remained standard issue for the vast majority of American ground troops outside of pilots and special operators.

While heavier than the commercial MNVD housing, it is compatible with military surplus mounts and accessories which are widely available on the commercial market.

DUAL-TUBE WEARABLES

The next step up from single-tube platforms are dual-tube platforms, or true goggles. Dual-tube NODs offer the advantage of binocular vision, which can be more comfortable, and allows better situational awareness through the tubes.

What it doesnt offer, ironically, is a wider field of view. Its easy to think that your field of view would double when going from a single-tube system to duals. But, unfortunately, it doesnt. Instead of getting an 80-degree field of view, you simply get the same 40-degrees but with both eyes engaged. You do get increased ease of use by not forcing your brain to reconcile a split image of one eye through a tube and the other working naturally.

PVS-14 Gen 3 Pinnacle + Sidekick Kit

Just like with single-tube devices, there are multiple types of night vision goggles. Examples include the DTNVS (Dual-Tube Night Vision System), BNVD (Binocular Night Vision Device) and the mil-spec AN/PVS-31, among others. The differences between them largely boil down to weight, ruggedness, and on-board features.

Armasight offers two styles: BNVDs, in both 40- and 51-degree variations, and a PVS-31D. The Armasight PVS-31 with Gen 3 Pinnacle Elite white phosphor image intensifier tubes are manufactured exclusively for Armasight by Elbit Systems of America as a version of their popular F5032 system, which is part of the US Marine Corps Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggles (SBNVG.)

The biggest differences between the BNVD and PVS-31D are in the feature suite. The PVS-31D uses a military-style dovetail mount and includes adjustable diopters and an on-board IR illuminator for true no-light conditions, while the BNVDs use a bayonet/horn style interface, fixed diopters and do not include an illuminator.

WEAPON MOUNTED NODs

There are two styles of weapon-mounted NODs  clip-on devices, and night vision scopes. Clip-ons are meant to be mounted in front of your existing daytime scope or red dot, while night vision scopes include things like crosshairs and windage/elevation adjustments and take the place of a daytime optic altogether.

Favored by precision rifle shooters and snipers, clip-on devices allow you to retain the full use of a high-end daytime scope, so you do not have to swap optics and re-zero to go from day to night use. The trade-off with clip-ons is added weight, and required mounting space. Modern chassis-based precision rifles with full-length picatinny rails above the barrel/action are ideal for clip-ons, with most traditional hunting rifles unable to accommodate mounting both a scope and a clip-on NOD.

The inverse is true for night vision riflescopes, which offer an all-in-one package for a lighter weight weapon system. The downside is, of course, that these scopes cannot be used during the daytime at all, Even at night, their magnification range and optical clarity falling well short of even mid-market daytime rifle scopes.

Armasight offers three clip-on devices: the Mini Clip-On, the CO-LR, recommended for scopes up to 10x magnification, and the CO-MR, which is advertised for scopes up to 12x magnification. This illuminates another limit of clip-on devices (no pun intended), which is that, past certain magnification levels, the clarity of the scope will surpass the ability of the clip-on to focus clearly enough to see.

Armasight CO-MR

Armasights Vulcan line of night vision rifle scopes are all available in fixed 4.5x magnification, and include a wireless firearm-mounted remote that allows you to wake up the device without taking a hand off your firearm. The Vulcan-D offers multiple digital reticle options. Each is available with any of Armasights tiered image intensifier tubes.

LETS TALK TUBES

While the phrase tubes has now become slang to refer to NODs/NVGs in general, the night vision tube doesnt refer to the entire device, but to the image intensifier technology inside.

While the details of tube science and performance metrics is well beyond the scope of this article (but you can learn more in this RECOIL OFFGRID feature) Armasight offers three grades of night vision tube in their devices: Bravo, Pinnacle, and Pinnacle Elite.

These three tiers differ in the amount of light amplification they offer, as well as image clarity and the amount and location of blemishes inside the tube. While housing and features are a factor, the performance level of the tubes is the primary cost-driver for night vision systems across the board, and Armasight has done their best to balance that performance against a sliding scale of cost levels to make their products available to as many customers as possible.

Regardless of what your use case, or preferred platform style, night vision is not only a great way to add capabilities as a shooter but can be used for everything from property monitoring to photography to star-gazing.
I will not allow us to replace Hamastan with Fatahstan, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu said on December 16. He was expressing his radical opposition to the Palestinian Authority (PA)  governed by Fatah  taking over the Gaza Strip, now controlled by Hamas, after a military operation that has already caused 20,000 deaths (70% of whom were civilians). The statement in which Netanyahu asserted his position came following his first acknowledgment of disagreements with the United States on the post-conflict scenario in the Gaza Strip. In so doing, he was also rejecting the two-state solution that has been resurrected by Washington and the European Union. I will not allow the State of Israel to repeat the fateful mistake of Oslo, he said, referring to the 1993 accords that created the PA and made such a solution possible. Five days later, however, the head of Israels Security Council has opened up to the possibility of the PA governing the Gaza Strip but calls for its deradicalization.

Netanyahus initial unwavering position seems to be cracking among the prime ministers aides. Israel is aware of the desire of the international community and the countries of the region to integrate the PA [in Gaza] when Hamas disappears, the chairman of Israels National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi, wrote in an article published Thursday in the Saudi digital media outlet Elaph. The matter will require a fundamental reform of the PA that will focus on its duty to educate the new generations in Gaza, Ramallah, Jenin and Jericho [the latter three are West Bank towns currently controlled by the PA] in the values of moderation and tolerance without inciting violence against Israel. Hanegbis article noted that achieving that goal will require great effort and assistance from the international community. The article concluded that we are ready for that effort.

The Israeli government denies that there are any contradictions between the stance Hanegbis article expresses and Netanyahus position. What Israel wants is a moderate Palestinian administration with the help of moderate countries, a senior official in Netanyahus government explains. We dont want Hamas, nor do we want a repeat of the present situation with the current PA, nor do we want to be the ones to rule the Gaza Strip. According to this senior official, Israels objectives in the war in Gaza are to demilitarize and de-radicalize it, but also to establish a civilian administration that cares about the people who live there. In its vision of the post-conflict scenario, the prime minister wants to count on the cooperation of moderate countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, as well as the United States and the European Union.

We need new [Palestinian] leadership. People who dont hate us, this senior official maintains. He says that a change at the top of the PA is necessary because the government of Mahmoud Abbas doesnt want to participate in this vision of reconciliation and doesnt want to be our partner. The official adds that we tell them where the terrorists are in the West Bank, and they do nothing. The PA is educating their children to become murderers; they talk to them about terrorists as martyrs to be admired, he continues. The senior official argues that the deradicalization that Israel seeks is not going to be achieved in the administrations current configuration. They want a change. I hope we get it.

But the Netanyahu governments timid path toward possibilities is not only reflected in its openness to hypothetical Palestinian control of the Gaza Strip but also in a new pause in the fighting that would allow another exchange of hostages for Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails. After his radical refusal to negotiate a new truce, the Israeli prime minister was forced to do so amid domestic pressure for the release of the hostages, following the incident in which three hostages waving white flags as a sign of surrender were shot by the soldiers sent to rescue them; they mistook the hostages for Hamas fighters.

Israel wants to reach a new agreement with Hamas to free the hostages and has taken steps to do so. This week it sent David Barena, the director of Mossad (Israels foreign intelligence service), to meet with the Qatari government, which, along with Egypt, is acting as an intermediary. To achieve this exchange, Hamas demands an immediate cessation of hostilities, which the Israeli government is not willing to concede. Sources from Benjamin Netanyahus office say that the process is at a standstill and that there is no negotiation for the moment. But these same sources note that Israel is open to a new agreement to free all the hostages, the sooner the better.

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'The deal pipeline across products is robust for 2024.'

India witnessed robust activity in the equity capital market in 2023, and this momentum is expected to continue into the next year.

This optimistic outlook is supported by superior domestic macroeconomics and the performance of companies, as highlighted by Raj Balakrishnan, co-head of India investment banking at Bank of America India (BofA India).

In an interview with Samie Modak/Business Standard in Mumbai, Balakrishnan mentions several initial public offerings (IPOs) currently in progress, scheduled to hit the markets by the middle of next year.

How was 2023 for BofA India, and were large banks like yours at a disadvantage as small IPOs dominated this year?

2023 can be characterised as a year of two halves. The first half, until May, experienced a notable slowdown with only a small number of mergers and acquisitions being concluded. However, since then, there has been a robust recovery.

BofA India led two large IPOs (Nexus Select Trust Real Estate Investment Trust, or Reit, and Tata Technologies), participated in several large qualified institutional placements (QIPs) such as Bajaj Finance, Brookfield Asset Management, Federal Bank, Aditya Birla Capital, engaged in numerous block trades (including Tencent in PolicyBazaar, abrdn in HDFC Life and HDFC Asset Management Company, or AMC, Timken in Timken India, Ant Group's Alipay in Zomato), and facilitated several M&A trades (Hapag-Lloyd-JM Baxi Ports & Logistics, Brookfield Reit acquisition of Gurugram and Powai assets, Titan Company-CaratLane, Gentari-AM Green Ammonia Holdings, Siemens Energy's sale of stake in Siemens, ICICI Securities delisting, and Network18 on the merger of TV18 and E18 with itself).

These activities propelled BofA India to the second position in fees paid from all India-related deals, according to Dealogic.

Despite the challenges in the first half, the bank has a strong pipeline across products and looks forward to a positive outlook in 2024.

What does the deal pipeline look like, and do you anticipate 2024 surpassing this year's tally?

The deal pipeline across products is robust for 2024.

Banks are actively working on several IPOs, with plans to file them in the next three months.

These deals are expected to hit the market in the April-June quarter of 2024-2025.

Additionally, there is a strong M&A pipeline, and there is optimism that a significant number of these deals will reach the finish line next year.

The momentum observed in strong QIPs and block trade activity in recent months is also expected to continue.

Deal-making typically experiences a slowdown around election time. Will this time be any different?

Despite historical trends of deal closures slowing immediately before elections, the current strong market momentum has led us to continue working on deals across various products.

While there have been instances of slowed activity in some years before elections, there have also been election cycles where deal-making remained robust.

We are prepared and will aim to launch deals in the right window, either before or shortly after the elections.

What are the key headwinds and tailwinds for India heading into the next year?

India is currently in a sweet spot with strong macroeconomic fundamentals compared to most other markets globally.

There is a sustained growth momentum, the emergence of new companies not only in information technology and IT services, where India has traditionally been strong, but also in export-led manufacturing. Additionally, proactive government policies contribute to this positive outlook.

All of these factors represent a strong tailwind for the country as a whole, marking the best relative position India has seen in several years.

Secondary market valuations are currently expensive. How will this impact the equity capital market activity?

The valuations in the secondary markets mirror expectations concerning the Indian macroeconomy and the impressive performance of numerous domestic companies.

It is hoped that this will translate into robust primary market activity as well.

We have observed a strong response across our recent transactions, and there is no indication of undue caution on the part of investors.

How is the positioning of foreign portfolio investors (FPI)? Is the significance of domestic funds increasing in terms of pricing deals?

The robust inflows into domestic funds have contributed to the resilience of Indian markets.

In past cycles, there was a notion that 'If the New York Stock Exchange sneezes, the Indian market catches a cold'.

However, this is no longer the case, and Indian markets have demonstrated strength even during periods of negative FPI flows.

Which sectors or themes are anticipated to dominate in 2024, and do you foresee IPOs from marquee new-age companies?

We expect a diverse range of sectors to attract companies seeking to raise capital in 2024, with new-age companies and financials taking a prominent role.

Additionally, we anticipate strong private capital-raising activity in sectors like energy transition, and we expect the Reit market to remain robust.

We have observed numerous block deals involving new-age companies. What is driving these transactions?

Block deals contribute positively to the Indian market by allowing venture capital funds and early-stage investors to showcase their ability to achieve large mark-to-market gains in India without disrupting the markets.

In my view, this would encourage additional investment in the Indian startup ecosystem.

The market has observed smooth execution of large private equity exits, exemplified by cases like Computer Age Management Services and Coforge. What does this indicate about the state of domestic markets?

The exits through block deals, including those of Abrdn in HDFC Life and HDFC AMC, illustrate the depth of Indian capital markets.

We believe this will bolster confidence in the Indian markets as a whole, fostering both PE buyouts and additional strategic investments.

Are there specific deal attributes that BofA likes to focus on?

We prefer working with market-leading companies that uphold high corporate governance standards across various sectors.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
Bangladesh was the largest source of foreign tourists, accounting for 21.4 per cent of all arrivals.

IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy cottonbro studio/Pexels.com

Foreign exchange earnings from tourism in India are inching towards the pre-pandemic levels, although the country is yet to record similar highs in the number of visiting tourists.

The latest data for October 2023, released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), shows that the number of foreign tourists arriving in India has shrunk by 14.1 per cent compared to October 2019 when there were 0.9 million visitors.

While still below the pre-Covid levels, tourism foreign exchange earnings continue to climb, reaching $2.3 billion in October 2023, compared to $2.5 billion in October 2019 (chart 1).

In the last four years, the highest earnings were in December 2019, when it reached $3.2 billion. It plummeted to $0.01 billion in April 2020, the lowest since 2019.

The Covid pandemic put the brakes on foreign tourists visiting the country, with less than 3000 arrivals in April 2020. The sector is gradually reviving since last year.

According to data released by the ministry of tourism for October 2023, Bangladesh was the largest source of foreign tourists, accounting for 21.4 per cent of all arrivals, followed by the US (15.7 per cent), UK (11.3 per cent), Australia (4.4 per cent), and Canada (3.8 per cent).

Two-fifths of the Indians travelling abroad went to two countries in the Gulf region. The top destinations for outbound Indians were the United Arab Emirates (27.6 per cent) and Saudi Arabia (11.4 per cent).

Other top destinations included Thailand (5.6 per cent), US (4.9 per cent) and Singapore (4.8 per cent).

In an attempt to boost tourism, the ministry has revamped initiatives such as the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and also launched initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh and providing facility for e-visa for categories such as tourist, business, medical and conference visas.

In October 2023, foreign tourist arrivals were primarily motivated by leisure, holidays and recreation, with a share of 47.6 per cent visiting with this stated purpose.

Medical tourism accounted for 7 per cent of arrivals, followed by business and professional travel (11.8 per cent). Also, 24.25 per cent of visitors were part of the Indian diaspora.

For each foreign arrival, there were three Indian departures, shows the data.

Indians are increasingly travelling more. In October, 2.21 million Indians travelled abroad a 3 per cent jump from the 2019 levels (chart 2).

The footfalls by domestic travellers are nearing pre-pandemic levels.

Recent data shared by the ministry shows that in 2022, 1.73 billion domestic tourists visited different parts of the country, an increase from 0.67 billion in 2021 (chart 3).

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
We should reassess what India's role in the world is and whether we are doing the right thing for ourselves, notes Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi addresses the Meri Maati Mera Desh-Amrit Kalash Yatra in New Delhi, October 31, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

India abstained from calling for an end to violence in Gaza to avoid upsetting America.

India was told by the new Maldives leader to remove our soldiers from that country.

Qatar sentenced eight Indian Navy veterans to death.

Sri Lanka allowed a Chinese spy ship to dock in Colombo despite India's objections.

Bhutan said it was about to conclude boundary negotiations with China, including on Doklam.

Nepal cannot use its new Gautam Buddha airport because India doesn't allow overflight of large planes.

Canada said it would not be able to normalise visas for Indians till 2024.

These things happened in the space of a few days.

All South Asian nations except India voted to end the violence in Gaza, including Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, which traditionally votes with India.

The 70 Indian military personnel in the Maldives who will now return maintain radar stations and surveillance aircraft, and Indian warships help patrol Maldives' exclusive economic zone.

The reason we have been told to go is that the Maldives wants to favour China.

Whether we are running a successful foreign policy, as fans of the foreign minister believe, or we are ruining India's global reputation, as some of us think we are doing, is not important to debate.

This is because views are set in stone since we are in the tenth year of the Modi years and there is sufficient evidence to convince someone one way or another.

What is more interesting is to examine what the Modi government's foreign policy actually is and what it is intended to achieve.

In 2014, the BJP manifesto said it would 'strengthen SAARC' and India's states 'will be encouraged to play a greater role in diplomacy'.

For instance, Punjab, which overwhelmingly suffers when Canada visas are affected, would caution Delhi on foreign policy.

In 2019, both these references were eliminated. No fresh text replaced it, but those who study foreign policy praised a new approach that they saw coming together.

This approach comes from a series of speeches made by EAM S Jaishankar on things as diverse as China's rise to power, India's lost decades, the Mahabharata, maritime power and the Covid pandemic.

These assorted speeches were compiled into a book, called The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World. What are these strategies?

First, Jaishankar assumes that the US and Europe will continue to look inward (his book was published just before Trump lost), while China would continue to rise.

This would open the space for countries like India to be opportunistic in their engagements with the world and they did not need consistency.

What India wanted was a 'multi-polar Asia' -- meaning one in which India could claim parity with China.

Many balls would need to be kept in the air (Jaishankar has a fondness for stock phrases) and India would handle them with dexterity.

This was opportunism but that was all right because opportunism was India's culture.

The Mahabharata's lessons, Jaishankar says, are that deceit and immorality are merely to 'not play by the rules'.

Drona's demanding of Eklavya's thumb, Indra's appropriation of Karna's armour, Arjuna using Shikhandi as a human shield, these were but 'practices and traditions'.

Inconsistency in policy was not only fine but required because 'obsessing about consistency' made little sense in changing circumstances.But what was such a doctrine to be called?

In a speech he made where he first laid out this doctrine of opportunism and inconsistency, Jaishankar said it is hard to give it a name.

He takes up and discards the phrases -- 'multi-alignment' ('sounds too opportunistic') and 'India first' ('sounds self centred').

He settles at 'advancing prosperity and influence', which he says is accurate but admits is not catchy.

He believes some name for it will eventually come if it is pursued long enough, because part of the challenge is that we are still in the early phase of a major transition.

Perhaps that is so.

Another reason that he was unable to come up with a name for it as clean and understandable as, say, 'non-alignment', could be that this was no real foreign policy at all.

The problems that have been listed at the top of this article reflect this lack of coherence and effectiveness.

Buying cheap Russian oil when nobody is stopping you from doing so is not a foreign policy, but it was praised as being that.

A rotating presidency of the G20 was not an achievement, but that is how it was sold to Indians.

What interested the prime minister, and what made for pageant and ceremony, was being passed off as something meaningful.

It is not easy to escape the conclusion that Jaishankar provided the sophistry to cover what was essentially random and directionless Modi behaviour passing off as foreign policy strategy.

Jaishankar says that this nameless policy of his is intended to achieve four outcomes.

Greater prosperity at home; Peace on the borders; Protection of Indians; Enhanced influence abroad.

Once again, there is no point is going through what is happening on the borders or on prosperity.

The issue is whether, having examined what we have tried to achieve and looking at what results around us, we should reassess what India's role in the world is and whether we are doing the right thing for ourselves.

Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'They had been locked up for 17 days and the door was opened and they're like, 'We're not going on one of these stretcher things. We're out of here'!'

'Then someone says, 'They're all out!' 'They are all safe?' 'Yes, they're all safe'.'

'I am like aaaaahhh. I cried happy tears.'

IMAGE: The workers inside Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel before they were rescued on the night of November 28, 2023. Photograph: ANI/Twitter

After the Silkyara tunnel rescue in Uttarakhand, wherever Professor Arnold Dix went in India, he would be mobbed. He said he felt, for the first time, like quite the celebrity.

He was asked who would play him in a Bollywood film on the rescue operation and jovially offered himself up as an 'extra'.

"Even if I wasn't wearing my smelly orange shirt, my crazy hat, everyone recognised me. I don't look like a celebrity. I mean, I think I just look a bit strange at best, because I'm just an old bloke with a funny beard, weird hair."

Fame has followed Dix back to Australia.

So has that immense feeling of happiness. And the deep sense of spirituality and contentment. He still gets up every morning on a high, with a walking-on-clouds kind of elation.

Dix has returned to his serene Monbulk farm, 42 km out Melbourne, near the Dandenong range, where he grows vegetables, beans, berries and raises chickens, leading his quiet, slightly unworldly life that perhaps was somewhat responsible for his ability to "tune into India" so easily.

"I watch the sun come up here. I view the mountains." And Dix remembers the mighty Himalayas and the Happily Ever After story that he helped craft and bring to life. "It's just so nice. I haven't had many good, nice stories in recent years."

In Part III of his interview to Rediff.com's Vaihayasi Pande Daniel, the underground specialist further recalls the tunnel rescue experience, for which he volunteered his services, without a fee, to the Indian government, because he was "helping your friends."

The concluding segment of a MUST READ three-part interview:

You seem to have endeared yourself to the whole country and taken to India like a duck takes to water.

...The press was most shocked when I turned up. I've come from far flung Europe, I've had multiple airplane rides, I haven't had sleep. I've been picked up by a chopper. I've been flying up the Himalayan mountains and I get rushed to the tunnel. And the first thing I do is I go to the little shrine and I say a prayer, which is what I thought I should do.

I mean, of course, I would do that. I think everyone was a bit shocked because maybe they're expecting me to demand a cup of tea. Or I don't know, for my suit to be pressed or something else instead.

It was natural to do that. Because I'm in the most sacred part of the whole Hindu world and we've got a really difficult problem to solve. Why wouldn't I be humble and maybe seek a bit of guidance? Because isn't that what people should do? Like how are we going to do battle with a mountain? It's just li'l ol' me. I need a bit of help. 'Give me a bit of guidance here'.

IMAGE: Arnold Dix being blessed at the Baba Bokhnaag temple at the entrance of the Silkyara tunnel. Photograph: Kind courtesy Arnold Dix

I understand your advice was sought when New York's Twin Towers fell and you've been all over the world.

Did you find yourself hampered by the Indian terrain and how was it different?

It's the Himalayas. These mountains are fragile. They're alive. I can feel them moving.

They've got the most beautiful forests on them. I've never seen families of monkeys and really cheeky monkeys. Different sorts, big ones and little ones. The flowers are really pretty and smell nice. The little creeks are lovely and also what looked like ancient stone fences, that I bumped into as I was wandering around.

I just felt humbled being there. I was in a really special place. I hadn't felt that really before. Not in such an overwhelming way. I didn't feel alien. Just welcomed. Like I was playing a part in something really big. All I had to do was to do my thing, play my part and play it really sort of straight and honest, do my best, work as hard as I could and everything would be fine.

I really believed, right from beginning, that were gonna get 41 men home safe. No one was gonna get hurt. Except that it might take up until Christmas. Like that was my only promise that people would be singing for Christmas.

Do you think that this tunnel can be constructed eventually? What's the future of the Silkyara tunnel?

Yes, of course. I don't think that's a problem at all. I didn't look at why and what happened to happen. But I became pretty familiar with the rocks, because I spent half my time with my head buried in themselves listening to what's going on.

IMAGE: Arnold Dix, centre, outside the temple. Photograph: Arnold Dix

What did you feel when all the 41 got out? How do you describe that feeling?

It was a complicated answer, because I wasn't quite sure how many had come out.

The theory was they're all going to come out, one at a time, on a stretcher and they'd be taken to triage. The reality was once the door was open, they all just came bouncing out in around five minutes. There was no holding them back. That's why it was so funny on the airplane, asking them whether or not they would be able to use the emergency door.

So, they went out in no time at all. They had been locked up for 17 days and the door was opened and they're like, 'We're not going on one of these stretcher things. We're out of here'! And through they came, which was fantastic.

That was a bit of a surprise. I was sitting up where they were being received, I've got my back against the wall -- you might have seen in the videos -- behind all the families, while they're coming out. And I couldn't tell how many had come out because they were bouncing around everywhere. I was also expecting them one at a time.

Then someone says, 'They're all out!' 'They are all safe?' 'Yes, they're all safe'.

I am like aaaaahhh. I cried happy tears.

'What about the emergency guys?' I then went back in and found the emergency guys...

Once I knew all the emergency guys were okay... Then it was like a new emotion that I'm not quite sure of. Or if there is a word for it. It's like contented. I know that sounds really strange. It wasn't happy or sad. I felt contented.

WATCH: Arnold Dix spending time with the rescue team

At peace?

Yes. It was really weird. It was like, 'Thank you'.

As if we've found that sort of new harmony or a new balance or something. We're really peaceful, contented. It wasn't about screaming or anything. It was as if I'd had a beautiful meal, that's not too much or too little, not too spicy, not too bland. Just a perfect feeling.

And then we went back to the hotel. I got pushed into a car. Everyone else was yelling, screaming and stuff, out of joy. We got to the hotel and it was someone's birthday, so we had a birthday party. That was strange. Then we all sang Happy Birthday.

We've just rescued 41 men and everything and now we are singing Happy Birthday and having birthday cake. Then everyone patted each other on the back, because we knew how incredibly difficult this was. And we went to bed.

Because I felt so contented, that's why I had to go back up the mountain to say thank you. The contentment continues. I am still having a bit of a think about it. I'm just looking out at my little mountains here and I'm like: 'Did that really happen? Or maybe I'm under anesthetic and having a reaction to the drug. I'm hallucinating. Could this really be real?'

I am really contented, really at peace. I feel like I kind of did my thing, whatever it was I wasn't meant to do. I did it honoUrably, my little part of the big puzzle. I haven't embarrassed anyone or my country.

My mum was worried I was going to be killed and she'd spoken to my wife that she was worried she was going to be burying me. It was really nice to see her, so she could see that I wasn't dead! All that sort of stuff. I just feel like, 'Okay, done. I'm content. I'm happy. All done'.

Arnold Dix celebrates with Uttarakhand's SDRF unit

Video: Kind courtesy Arnold Dix/Twitter

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'Gautam Adani will not be able to step inside Dharavi.'

'We residents of Dharavi will ensure Adani will not get what he wants.'

IMAGE: The Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, NCP, CPI, CPI-M, Shetkari Kamgar protest against the Dharavi redevelopment project awarded to Gautam Adani by the Eknath Shinde -Devendra Fadanvis-led government in Mumbai, December 16, 2023. All Photographs: Sahil Salvi

'Remove Adani! Save Dharavi!' echoed on the streets of Dharavi in north central Mumbai on Saturday, December 16, 2023, when residents of one of the world's largest slums came out to protest against businessman Gautam Adani.

The protest was led by Baburao Mane, leader of the Dharavi Bachao Andolan (Save Dharavi Committee).

"Adani's plan is to give residences to only 50,000 people. The bigger plan is to evacuate 50,000 families from Dharavi permanently," Mane tells Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Why are you opposing the development of Dharavi by the Adani group?

Our demand is that each and every slum dweller of Dharavi must get a 500 square feet flat plus there has to be overall improvement in the living standards of the people of Dharavi.

We want hospitals, schools, open play grounds, colleges and wide roads.

It should look like a developed city and the 15,000 self-employed people of Dharavi must not lose their employment post the development.

There are businesses like the leather industry which employs thousands of people. These people must not lose their employment when Adani starts building Dharavi.

At this moment, we feel nothing of that sort is happening or being promised to us.

Why have you launched this protest?

This movement against Adani is not new. We have been protesting from day one (July 2023) since he bagged the project for Dharavi and demanding we need 500 square feet homes.

If you recall, when the Slum Rehabilitation Authority rule came into effect the owner of a house in a slum used to get a 225 square feet home.

After lot of protests the SRA increased it to 250, and now they give 350 square feet homes.

Now, if MHADA (the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) or other government institutions take redevelopment work they give 500 square feet homes.

We are already living in 250 to 300 square feet homes in our slums so don't we have right to demand 500 square feet homes?

We are not asking for the moon from Adani, but only 500 square feet homes.

IMAGE: The protestors chanted, 'Remove Adani! Save Dharavi!'

But there are 100,000 people who are demanding this. Will the project then be viable for Adani? He is ready to give 400 square feet homes if I am not mistaken.

Dharavi has 650 acres of land and there are 100,000 zopadas (shanty dwellings). Adani's plan is to give residences to only 50,000 people. The bigger plan is to evacuate 50,000 families from Dharavi permanently.

IMAGE: A view of the protest.

I had met then MMRDA CEO S V R Srinivas who said that people who live on rent in Dharavi too will get an opportunity to get new homes.

What you are saying is contrary to what he told me: 'We Want To Develop Dharavi Like Hong Kong'

These are tenants who live on rent on mezzanine floors of the slum and it is a totally different issue.

What we are demanding is that they give us 500 square feet flats to all 100,000 families.

They can do that on 300 acres of land of Dharavi. Let Adani do whatever he wants with the other 300 acres.

The 50 acres of land that remains, let there be infrastructure work for better road connectivity.

IMAGE: The demonstators raise slogans against the Adani group.

Did you meet Adani's representatives or MMRDA officials?

They do not call us for a meeting. When we approach them they do not meet us. And since Adani knows the central government is with him he is arrogant.

Let me tell you, Gautam Adani will not be able to step inside Dharavi.

We residents of Dharavi have unity among us and we will ensure Adani will not get what he wants.

Adani has no reason to do politics with the people of Dharavi, but he is still doing it.

IMAGE: The demonstrators marched from Dharavi to the Adani office in Mumbai.

When is the demolition set to begin?

Adani knows Dharavi residents are against him so he has not started any demolition work.

Six months have passed and no work has begun on Dharavi's redevelopment by Adani as people are not cooperating with him.

Adani will wait for the formation of the next government, therefore he is not beginning the work.

He saw the morcha against him and must have got the message that the people of Dharavi will not bow down to him.

IMAGE: Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aditya Thackeray, MLA, at the all party Dharavi Bachao Morcha against Adani at the Bandra Kurla Complex in suburban Mumbai.

What is this TDR (Transferable Development Rights) that you have been talking about?

To sell the TDR of Dharavi, the state government has taken the responsibility to sell TDR for Adani.

Why is the Maharashtra government doing it? Have they done this earlier in any case? More importantly, the price of TDR is being decided by Adani and not the state government.

The central government and the BJP has a big role in handing over this TDR to Adani in which the Maharashtra government is going to get nothing.

(What is TDR?) [external link])

But Adani is investing Rs 5,069 crore (Rs 50.69 billion) in the project.

He will get profit of Rs 1 lakh crore because of the Dharavi TDR. Dharavi residents must therefore be compensated for his benefit.

If you buy a house in Mumbai city, you have to pay stamp duty to the Maharashtra government.

In Dharavi, Adani did not pay a single paisa as stamp duty on 650 acres of land. He got it for free.

IMAGE: Uddhav Thackeray speaks at the protest.

Adani has the capability to transform Dharavi. Don't you think he is the right man for the project?

The Maharashtra government has CIDCO (the City and Industrial Development Corporation) which developed more than 50,000 acres of land in Navi Mumbai.

Let CIDCO develop Dharavi and if they do it the profit earned will go to Maharashtra state.

Moreover, each Dharavi resident family will get a 1,000 square feet flat if CIDCO redevelops Dharavi. Dharavi has this huge potential.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday said that all schemes that were being run by the previous government will continue in the state, a day after the women-centric Ladli Behna' programme did not find mention in the governor's address to the newly constituted assembly.

IMAGE: Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel (left) is welcomed by state Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on his arrival for the winter session of state assembly, in Bhopal, December 20, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The four-day-long first session of MP's 16th assembly concluded on Thursday and it was adjourned sine die (indefinitely).

All schemes from Ladli Laxmi to others being run by the previous government will continue and funds will be transferred to beneficiaries' accounts on the due date, Yadav said in reply to the thanksgiving motion moved by the senior Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Kailash Vijayvargiya after the Governor Mangubhai Patel's address to the house on Wednesday.

However, when the leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar specifically asked about Ladli Behna Yojana, Yadav said all schemes would continue.

Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's flagship scheme Ladli Behna provides Rs 1,250 per month financial assistance to eligible women and in the run-up to the November 17 assembly polls, the ruling BJP had promised to raise the amount to Rs 3,000 in a gradual manner.

Addressing the first session of the newly constituted assembly, Patel on Wednesday listed various central and state welfare schemes, but did not mention Ladli Behna Yojana.

Citing the governor's address, Congress members, including senior MLA Ramniwas Rawat and former minister Jaivardhan Singh, on Thursday demanded that CM Yadav clarify the status of the Ladli Behna scheme.

All schemes will continue, said CM Yadav.

Referring to the implementation of the Supreme Court order on fixing decibel levels for loudspeakers installed at religious places, Yadav said his government has just implemented the directives of the apex court which the erstwhile Congress government had failed to do so.

Hours after being appointed as the CM, Yadav last week issued a directive prohibiting the use of loudspeakers at religious places beyond permissible decibel levels.

After completing the listed business of the day, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar adjourned the house sine die.
'Most of the bot attacks have originated from outside India.'

'Our firewalls are resilient and withstood the attacks.'

IMAGE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge receives a certificate from party General Secretary in-charge-organisation K C Venugopal after launching the 'Donate for Desh' crowdfunding campaign ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as party leader Ajay Maken looks on, in New Delhi, December 18, 2023. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

The Congress' crowdfunding effort, 'Donate for Desh', where the party has sought donations from its supporters and sympathisers on its Web site, has seen over 20,400 bot attacks and 1,340 data theft attempts within 48 hours of its launch on Monday, December 18, 2023.

The party received Rs 2.81 crore (Rs 28.1 million) donations from 113,713 donors until Wednesday, December 20, afternoon with 81 per cent of donors sending money using the Unified Payment Interface (UPI).

Party sources said the Congress will soon sell merchandise, such as caps signed by Rahul Gandhi, mugs and t-shirts.

The party said the initiative is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's historic Tilak Swaraj Fund, launched in 1920-2021.

"Most of the bot attacks have originated from outside India. We are trying to get to the bottom of it. Our firewalls are resilient and withstood the attacks," a senior party leader said.

The party will follow up on its online crowdfunding exercise to mark the party completing 138 years, with a door-to-door collection campaign from its foundation day on December 28, according to Congress leaders entrusted with the task who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

It plans to reach out to its donors to involve them in party work, which it hopes would make its organisational network robust.

The party has urged donors to donate in multiples of Rs 138 either on donate.inc.in, which until Wednesday afternoon witnessed 11.2 million hits, and the official Congress Web site.

The minimum donation amount is Rs 10.

The party will collect donations, as far as possible, during its upcoming public meetings by using QR Codes. The stress is on ensuring transparency, and gathering contact details of its supporters.

The party leader said that until Wednesday afternoon, the Congress had received Rs 56 lakh (Rs 5,6 million) from Maharashtra, Rs 26 lakh (Rs 2.,6 million) from Rajasthan, Rs 20 lakh )Rs 2 million) from Delhi, Rs 19 lakh (Rs 1.9 million) from Uttar Pradesh and Rs 18 lakh (Rs 1.8 million) from Karnataka.

While these are the top five states where the party has received the most monetary donations, thousands have donated smaller amounts from the Hindi heartland states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Sources said the party tied up with the Bank of Baroda for its crowdfunding exercise, accepting donations from Indian citizens and not accepting any money from abroad.

Apart from 80.90 per cent donors using UPI, 7.95 per cent have used credit cards, 6.34 per cent debit cards and 4.78 per cent net banking.

Thirty-two people, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and senior party leaders, have donated more than Rs 100,000 each, while 626 have donated Rs 13,800.
Bihar deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav dropped hints that he might give the slip to the latest summons by the Enforcement Directorate, which has asked him to turn up in Delhi on Friday.

IMAGE: Bihar deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. Photograph: ANI Photo

Yadav, who returned from the national capital on Thursday after a trip that lasted three days, asserted that there was "nothing new" in the summons, even as he alleged that the central agencies were acting as per the directions of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

"There is nothing new in the summons. All these agencies -- ED, CBI and I-T department -- have summoned me so many times in the past and I have duly appeared every time. But now it seems to have become routine," said the young Rashtriya Janata Dal leader who is on the agencies' radar in a land-for-jobs scam.

Besides Yadav, the ED has issued summons to his father and RJD president Lalu Prasad, who was the Railway Minister when the alleged scam took place.

Prasad has been asked to appear on December 27.

Yadav added, tongue-in-cheek, "I have always maintained that it is not the fault of these agencies which are being made to function under so much pressure. But I must point out that a prediction I made some time ago has come true."

"I had said that no sooner than the assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were over, these agencies would be back in business and train their guns on Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi. And you can see what is happening to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal," said Yadav.

Notably, Kejriwal, the founder of the Aam Aadmi Party, on Thursday skipped a summons by ED which had asked him to appear for questioning in the excise policy related money laundering case.

The Bihar deputy CM, who had attended the December 19 meeting of the INDIA coalition, refuted reports in a section of the media that the conclave brought to the fore frosty relations between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his father, a reason why neither was present when Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge briefed the media.

"The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and it was a collective decision that only one leader shall speak at the press conference," said Yadav.

"A section of the media seems intent on working on an agenda. It grabs some eyeballs but ends up losing credibility and gets laughed at," he added.

Meanwhile, Union minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh, who came from Delhi by the same flight as Yadav and Prasad, tried to fish in troubled waters, albeit in a lighter vein.

Singh ducked queries about the summonses against the RJD leaders, but when asked if he and the RJD spokesperson talked on board, quipped, "Yes, Lalu ji told me that now he will settle for nothing less than the CM's chair for Tejashwi.

Incidentally, the RJD has a much greater number of MLAs than the CM's Janata Dal-United, though Kumar has also indicated that he is willing to pass on the mantle to his deputy when the state faces the next assembly polls in 2025.
The surrounding jungle stretches as far as the eye can see from the departure lounge. Vines, chechen trees (black poisonwood), and chicopazote (zapodilla) trees line the access road, creating a lush green blanket underneath the planes taking off and landing. The Tulum airport, aptly named the jungle airport, sparked controversy from its inception because it was designed and built by the Defense Ministry. Despite ongoing construction, the airport has been operating since December 1 with two airlines and approximately six daily flights. Passengers and staff share the space with the electricians and excavators working feverishly to complete the airport near one of Mexicos most popular tourist destinations.

The Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) inland from Tulum (Quintana Roo state). For years, tourists have flocked to this part of southeastern Mexico, where business is conducted in dollars, the waiters speak English and most of the beaches are privately owned. Yet 43% of the regions population lives in poverty. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador saw the uncontrolled growth of Tulum  a Riviera Maya jewel with 46,000 residents and two million annual tourists  and decided it needed an airport.

Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Monica Gonzalez Islas

As part of his legacy of public works, the president announced the Tulum project in October 2020 as a solution to alleviate congestion at Cancun airport  the countrys second-busiest hub  long overwhelmed by European and American tourists. It was an important complement to his flagship project  the Maya Train. The railway, a third of which was recently inaugurated and will be completed by the end of February, includes a stop at the Tulum airport. With these megaprojects, Lopez Obrador aims to provide a holistic experience for the estimated 700,000 visitors expected at Tulum airport in 2024.

Lopez Obrador forged ahead with the project, ignoring all the protests by environmental groups, communities of the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and communal landowners. Two months ago, protesters blocked access to the airport in opposition to the destructive construction methods. The president promptly ordered his Defense Minister to handle the problem. A partially obscured plaque at the airport entrance summarizes how the habitat of jaguars and tapirs vital to Mexicos ecosystem was transformed into an airport, highway, railway, gas station, fuel depot, housing units and military air base. The project, hidden behind the mask of national security, has incurred a cost of $944 million to date.

Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum was inaugurated on December 1, 2023. Monica Gonzalez Islas

Following the presidents typical modus operandi, the airport was opened on December 1 before it was fully finished. Two weeks later, some restrooms are still under construction and no commercial spaces are available yet. There are a lot of unfinished things at the airport, said a rental car company employee, but were just getting started.

On the ground floor, service providers operate in temporary booths. The ADO bus company offers five daily trips to and from Tulum ($9), two to Playa del Carmen, and one to Chetumal. Taxis are available for $12-$60, depending on whether you prefer a shared or private vehicle. A few car rental companies also have booths in the airport. While there are no restaurants yet, an organic food company sells sandwiches and potato chips. The upstairs area is decorated with plastic plants and faux bamboo ceilings. Several retailers have put up signs announcing upcoming store openings.

Ticketing and check-in area of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum. Monica Gonzalez Islas

Despite the hasty opening, planes are landing and taking off. Currently, Viva Aerobus and Aeromexico are the only airlines offering trips to Mexico City (Felipe Angeles Airport), Monterrey, Guadalajara and Tijuana. On March 28, 2024, foreign carriers like United, Delta, American and Spirit will also begin service to Tulum. JetBlue recently announced a daily flight to New York starting in June. The airport in Mexico is projected to have a useful life of 30 years, with an average of 7.2 million passengers per year through 2033; 9.8 million through 2043; and 12.1 million through 2053. The Cancun airport has similar prices and serves over 27 million passengers annually.

Most of the travelers waiting for flights when we visited in mid-December had been vacationing in Tulum and chose the new airport because it was so conveniently located. Melissa Restagno, an American tourist, said the airport was clean and very pretty. David Orduno from Spain found it more convenient than going all the way to Cancun, and said the trip from the Tulum bus station to the airport was quick and easy. Edwin Hernandez is a Mexican tourist who was also very happy with the airport. When asked about all the jungle destruction during construction, he said resignedly, I hope they put all the wood to good use. According to the Defense Ministrys pre-construction studies, the 1.3 million trees that were cleared would be used for construction, fuel, firewood, handicrafts and medicinal purposes. Hernandez flew back to Mexico City on a plane that was only one-third full. Its not cool about the jungle, but the airport is worth it. Beneath that statement lies the deep-rooted polarization of an entire nation.

Wildlife crossing sign at the main entrance of Tulum's new airport. Monica Gonzalez Islas
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani on Wednesday said the Muslim side will approach the Supreme Court after pleas challenging the maintainability of a 1991 suit seeking the "restoration" of a temple where the Gyanvapi mosque now stands in Varanasi were dismissed by Allahabad high court.

IMAGE: A view of the Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex and Shahi Eidgah Mosque, in Mathura. Photograph: ANI Photo

He also asserted that he had hoped such issues in Kashi and Mathura would not arise in light of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act but this has been continuing unabated at the behest of "divisive forces".

Allahabad high court on Tuesday dismissed pleas challenging the maintainability of a 1991 lawsuit seeking the "restoration" of a temple where the Gyanvapi mosque stands and observed that the "religious character" of a disputed place can only be decided by the court.

Asked about the verdict while speaking with journalists, Madani said, "In the Gyanvapi case, the (mosque's) committee is preparing to go to the Supreme Court and, as far as I know, they have also talked to some lawyers."

"We will present our case in the highest court of the country and will accept its decision because the Supreme Court is the highest court in our country and there is no legal option left after that," he said.

On the recent decision allowing survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, Madani said, "We have no objection to the survey. We believe that if the survey is conducted honestly, nothing will come out of it."

But the manner in which such controversies are being raised goes against the 1991 law on the protection of places of worship in which it has been clearly stated that no such controversy will be raised with respect to any place of worship, except the Babri Masjid where the dispute dates back to pre-Independence, he added.

Asked about the silence of secular parties on such issues, Madani said the political party which brought this law and was in its favour should speak on it.

"After the enactment of the Places of Worship Act, we had hoped that no issue on any mosque would arise but communal-minded forces did not allow this and they started raising the issue of Gyanvapi mosque and the Idgah of Mathura," he said.

Madani also said there is not a single Muslim minister in the ruling party who can present the problems of the community.

Asked whether he would invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Darul Uloom Deoband, Madani said, "Darul Uloom does not invite anyone. Whoever went there, went there himself. Whoever goes, we welcome him."

On the Israel-Palestine issue, Madani said the people of Palestine should get their independent country, which can live side by side with Israel.

He also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Getting into election mode, the Congress on Thursday said its candidates for the Lok Sabha polls will be decided "very soon" and asserted that it would take all necessary steps to make the INDIA bloc an effective bulwark against the BJP and its allies.

IMAGE: Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge along with party leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, and others during the CWC meeting, at AICC headquarters in New Delhi, December 21, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

During a four-hour meeting of the Congress Working Committee in New Delhi at the All India Congress Committee headquarters, former party chief Rahul Gandhi was also requested to undertake Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0 from east to west and the proposal is being "considered with positive intent", a senior leader said.

Asked about the possibility of such a yatra, which was mentioned by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge in his initial remarks at the CWC meet, Congress general secretary, organisation, KC Venugopal said the decision on the yatra will be taken "without any delay".

Addressing a press conference alongside AICC general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh after the meeting, Venugopal asserted that the party would be in election mode without any delay and candidates for the Lok Sabha polls would be decided "very soon" with the screening committee being constituted this month.

He said the manifesto committee for the general elections would be constituted in a day or two.

Asked about seat-sharing among INDIA bloc partners, Venugopal said the Congress has already constituted an alliance committee and it has been given a clear direction by the Congress president that discussions on alliances have to start this month itself.

"They (the committee) are in the process of calling state units and taking the view of our state units after that there will be a conversation with allies also," he said after the meeting of the Congress' highest decision-making body, which was chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were among the 76 leaders who attended the meeting.

In his remarks at the CWC meet, Kharge said the Congress has learnt valuable lessons from the recent assembly polls and urged party workers to focus on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections now. The Congress is committed to not repeating the same mistakes, he said.

This is the first CWC meeting after the party's debacle in the assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. The Congress won in Telangana.

In the meeting, the party's top brass discussed the assembly election results and the in-charges of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan explained the reasons behind the disappointing performance.

Noting that the outcomes of the elections were "disappointing", Kharge said the Congress has conducted a preliminary analysis of the results and identified the reasons behind its performance.

"Despite the results, there are some positive indicators, such as the vote share in these states, that give us definite hope that given due attention, we can certainly turn things around," he said.

"We have learnt valuable lessons from the mistakes we have made and are committed to not repeating them," Kharge said.

He said the fourth meeting of the Opposition Indian National Inclusive Developmental Alliance was held on December 19 and it was unanimously decided that the seat-sharing talks must start immediately.

"The Lok Sabha elections are not too far, we don't have much time left. I would urge everyone to concentrate on actionable points and the necessary steps that can be taken for the upcoming general elections," the Congress chief said at the meeting.

On the suspension of opposition MPs from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the last eight days, Kharge alleged it was part of a "conspiracy" to convert Parliament into a platform for the ruling party.

In a resolution that was passed unanimously after the CWC meeting, the party also alleged that the suspension of MPs from Parliament was done to ensure that the opposition was not present to challenge the Narendra Modi government "as it bulldozed three draconian criminal justice laws through".

The Congress also asserted that it would take all necessary steps to make the INDIA bloc an effective bulwark and force against the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies, while vowing to be fully prepared at the earliest to fight the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress expressed its firmest resolve to be fully prepared at the earliest to fight the Lok Sabha elections both as a party and also as a member of the INDIA bloc.

The CWC also reiterated the determination of the Congress to take all necessary steps to make the INDIA bloc "an effective bulwark and force against the BJP and its allies", it said.

Venugopal asserted that despite the Congress losing in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, it had a very strong vote percentage and therefore, the party has "nothing to worry" for the parliamentary elections.

He said that Lok Sabha poll preparedness meetings had been held for 23 states and would be done for other states before the end of this month.

January onwards, state-level workers' convention will be held in which the president and other leaders will participate, Venugopal said.

The CWC members were urged to start election campaigns in states.

Asked about the Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0 proposal, Venugopal said, "The Congress president told Rahul Gandhi ji that he is getting opinion from party workers and leaders from across the country that he should do a second yatra from east to west and after that all the CWC members unanimously also requested Rahul Gandhi for the same."

"The decision of the yatra will be taken without any delay," he said.

In his remarks, Kharge also said those responsible for protecting MPs have failed in their constitutional duties, in an apparent attack on the Lok Sabha speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman over the suspension of opposition members.
The three bills to replace the colonial-era criminal laws will not only make India's criminal justice system the world's best but also put an end to the tareekh-pe-tareekh system, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Proceedings of the Rajya Sabha are underway during the Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, December 21, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The bills, making punishments more stringent for terrorism, lynching, and offences endangering national security, were approved by Parliament.

These laws, once implemented, will ensure the end of the tareekh-pe-tareekh era and justice will be delivered within three years, Shah said during a debate on the bills in the Upper House of Parliament.

The three bills were passed in the Rajya Sabha by voice vote in the absence of most opposition MPs as many were suspended for unruly behaviour while they were pressing for a discussion on the December 13 Parliament security breach. The Lok Sabha had approved the bills on Wednesday.

The bills that repeal and replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act will usher in a new era in the criminal justice system, Shah said.

The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bills will now go to the president for her assent, upon which these will become laws.

"I feel proud that for the first time, India's Parliament is framing laws for the country's criminal justice system that have a purely 'Bharatiya' soul, body and thought," he said, adding that this will help the country leapfrog from the 19th to the 21st century.

Highlighting the bills' key features, Shah said terrorism has been defined for the first time and made a punishable offence.

"Those who ask what will happen after these laws, I want to say that they did not have the definition of terrorism even after ruling for several decades. The Narendra Modi government has shown zero tolerance towards terrorism and has given its definition in these laws," Shah said.

Forensics will be made compulsory in offences with a punishment of seven years or more.

Contrary to the British era when these laws were primarily aimed at punishing people who went against the regime, the home minister said the intent of the three bills is "to provide justice and not punishment".

Stating that the sedition law has been scrapped, he said the new law provides for punishment of acts against sovereignty and integrity of the country but not against criticism of state.

"These are to protect the country, not any individual or government," he said.

"Now 'rajdroh' has changed into 'deshdroh' and stringent provisions have been framed for those going against the country. We have ended the English concept of 'rajdroh'. If anyone speaks against the country or works against its interest will face stringent punishment," the home minister said.

"...once these laws are implemented, the era of 'tareekh pe tareekh' will end and justice will be provided within three years," Shah said.

The new laws ensure that all police stations and courts will be integrated and digitised, Shah said and expressed hope that the Union Territory of Chandigarh will be the first to be completely digitised.

Attacking the Congress, he said the grand old party used the sedition law extensively when it was in power for 60 of the 75 years since Independence but sought its removal the moment it was out of power.

"The Congress never wanted to end the sedition law. It is the Modi government that is ending it forever," he asserted.

"I am happy to say that the Modi government has dropped the provisions under which Gandhi, Tilak and Savarkar went to jail," Shah said.

Bypassing these laws in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has helped enhance its prestige.

The absence of the opposition Congress did not stop him from taking a swipe at the party, as he said those who wear "Italian glasses" cannot be proud of the Indian Parliament framing the new criminal laws.

His jibe was directed at the party's former chief Sonia Gandhi, who is of Italian descent.

Shah said the old laws were made to protect the British rule after the 1857 freedom struggle.

The objectives of these laws were only to protect the British rule, he said, adding that there was no protection of the Indian citizen's safety, honour, and human rights.

"We have abolished the English practice of sedition. Now anyone can speak against the government because everyone has the right to freedom of speech. But you cannot speak against the country. If you speak against the country, if you harm the country's resources, you will get the harshest punishment," Shah said.

Replying during the debate, Shah said once the new criminal laws are implemented, the entire process from FIR registrations to judgments will be online.

The home minister said there will be no compromise in crimes against women and that the Modi Government is sensitive towards sexual harassment.

A provision for community service has been included in these laws for the first time. There are also provisions against those indulging in organised crime, he said.

Those who fled the country after committing crimes will be tried in absentia and punished, he asserted.

Shah said the bills had perhaps the widest consultations ever and 72 percent of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee which scrutinised the bills were accepted.

Further elaborating on the new provisions, Shah said mob lynching has been made punishable with capital punishment.

"We were charged for protecting mob lynching. But you (Congress) did not make law, we have. There is no bigger crime than killing a human being and it will be dealt with stringently," he said, adding the least number of mob lynching cases happened during the Modi government.

The process of e-courts, e-prisons and e-prosecution is complete, he said and added trials can also be held online.

Hit-and-run cases will be punishable by 10 years' imprisonment while a lenient view is taken in cases of road accidents where the accused attends to the victims by taking them to hospital, Shah said.

The bills provide for timelines from the registration of FIRs to the investigation and filing of charge sheets.

Trials in absentia will now take place for accused such as those involved in bomb blasts or economic offences who, after committing the crimes, go into hiding, Shah said.

A timeframe has also been prescribed for filing of mercy petitions, Shah said and added only those on death row can file such petitions and tha too within 30 days of the Supreme Court confirming the punishment and no one else can file such pleas.

The home minister said the new laws provide for stringent punishment for anyone establishing sexual relationships on false promises or the pretext of marriage.

Seizure of properties of proclaimed offenders has been provided. Community service has been provided for petty offences which will ease the pressure of jails, he said.

Shah said FIRs will now have to be filed within three days of receiving a complaint and the preliminary inquiry will have to be finished within 14 days.

He said judges will not be able to reserve judgment for more than 45 days and the accused will get seven days to file a plea for acquittal.

The judge has to hold the hearing in those seven days and, in a maximum time of 120 days, the case will come to trial, Shah said.
India received consular access on three occasions to Nikhil Gupta, who has been in a jail in the Czech capital of Prague following the United States accusing him of involvement in a foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist on American soil.

IMAGE: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Photograph: @SFJ_Gurpatwant/X

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also said India is extending necessary consular assistance to Gupta.

"An Indian national is currently in the custody of the Czech authorities pending a request for extradition to the US. We have received consular access at least on three occasions," Bagchi said at his weekly media briefing in response to a question on the case involving Gupta.

"We are extending necessary consular assistance as per requirement," he said.

Gupta, 52, has been accused by the US government of involvement in conspiring to kill US-based Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

His family approached the Supreme Court last week pleading for issuing direction to the Indian government to intervene in the extradition proceedings and ensuring a fair trial in the case.

"The family of this person has gone to our Supreme Court and this is a process that is going on in the Supreme Court. I do not think it will be appropriate for us to comment on issues like jurisdiction. We will wait for what the Supreme Court has to say," Bagchi said.

The US federal prosecutors have charged Gupta of working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.

India has already constituted a probe committee to investigate allegations.

The external affairs ministry spokesperson also said that India has taken the allegations seriously, adding 'inputs' have been provided by the US side and a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to look into all relevant aspects of the matter.

Bagchi said this when asked about five serving Indian-American members of the US Congress cautioning that the case can cause significant damage to the India-US ties of New Delhi does not hold those behind the conspiracy to kill Pannun.

"As we have shared earlier, we take it seriously. The inputs have been provided by the US side and a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to look into all relevant aspects of the matter," Bagchi said.

"This fact has also been noted by these members of the Congress. I do not have any further update to it," he added.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray visited India last week against the backdrop of the charges by Washington, DC in the case.

US Principal Deputy NSA Jonathan Finer too visited India earlier this month during which he held talks with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Deputy NSA Vikran Misri.

Following the visit, the White House said Finer conveyed to New Delhi the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible in the probe that India announced to investigate the alleged Indian link to the 'lethal plotting'.

Hope Canada will take action against anti-India elements: MEA

India on Thursday said its 'core' issue with Canada remained that of the space given to anti-India elements operating from that country.

Bagchi said at a media briefing that India also hoped that Canada will take action against the separatists and anti-India elements.

The core issue remains the space being given to the separatists and anti-India elements, Bagchi said.

The ties between India and Canada have been under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.

India strongly rejected the charges.
INDIA bloc MPs on Thursday marched from Parliament to Vijay Chowk in New Delhi to protest the suspension of opposition lawmakers, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had violated parliamentary privilege by not speaking on the security breach issue inside the House.

IMAGE: Opposition MPs including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mahua Maji and others march to Vijay Chowk from Parliament to protest against the suspension of 143 MPs for the winter session, in New Delhi on Thursday. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

Carrying a huge 'Save Democracy' banner and placards with messages like 'Opposition MPs Suspended' 'Parliament Caged' and 'Democracy Expelled' written on them, the lawmakers took out the march.

Speaking with reporters at Vijay Chowk, Kharge said it is the right of the opposition to speak in a democracy and as representatives of people it is the legislators' responsibility to convey the sentiments of the people in Parliament.

The opposition wanted to speak on the issue but Prime Minister Modi and Home minister Shah did not turn up either in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, even as the PM continued to make speeches elsewhere, Kharge said.

"We wanted to raise Parliament security breach issue as to why it happened and who is responsible," Kharge said.

"Parliament is a big Panchayat. If one will not speak in Parliament where would one speak. It is unfortunate that Home Minister Shah and Prime Minister Modi did not come to the House to apprise about the security breach. They spoke about issues which should be spoken in the House, outside it.

"He (Modi) talks in Varanasi, Ahmedabad, on TV but not in Parliament. They have disrespected the House. He should come and speak in the House first, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Instead of that he was speaking outside. This is condemnable and it was a violation of privilege (of House)," Kharge alleged.

Opposition MPs are repeatedly requesting Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to allow the lawmakers to speak on the security breach issue, Kharge said, alleging that the ruling party members were disturbing proceedings.

This shows that the BJP does not have faith in democracy and does not want discussion and debate, the Congress chief alleged.

Kharge urged the government to "behave democratically".

INDIA bloc leaders will protest at Jantar Mantar Friday against suspension of MPs and nationwide protests will also be held in all district headquarters against the government's "immoral and illegal" behaviour of this government, the Leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha said.

Congress' leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal, National Conference's Hasnain Masoodi, JMM's Mahua Maji, Samajwadi Party's ST Hasan, flanked Kharge as he made his remarks at Vijay Chowk.

In an apparent reference to the mimicry issue and Dhankhar's remarks on it, Kharge said, "I am sorry to say that the Rajya Sabha Chairman has in a way brought casteism to Parliament by raising an issue.

A political row broke out on Tuesday after Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee derisively mimicked Dhankhar during the opposition's protest on the stairs of Parliament against the MPs' suspension, drawing strong condemnation from the ruling BJP.

Dhankhar had given vent to his anguish in Rajya Sabha, saying he was personally hurt as his farmer and Jat backgrounds were targeted.

In a post on X after the protest march, Kharge said, "We, the people of India need to Save Democracy. Passing important legislations by suspending Opposition MPs is not Democracy. It is the worst kind of authoritarianism."

"Our future generations will not forgive us, if we do not raise our voices against this dictatorship, NOW!" he said.

Two more opposition members in Lok Sabha were suspended on Wednesday for displaying placards, taking the total number of members of the lower House against whom such action has been taken to 97.

With these fresh suspensions, the total number of members suspended from the Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha since December 14 has gone up to 143.

After two men jumped in the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13 and released smoke from canisters, the opposition has been disrupting House proceedings demanding a statement from Shah on the security breach.
A deadly shooting at a university in Prague has killed several people and injured dozens others, the Czech police said.

IMAGE: Police officers walk past ambulances parked near the area of the shooting at one of the buildings of Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, December 21, 2023. Photograph: David W Cerny/Reuters

A Daily Mail Online report claimed that at least 15 people were killed in the shooting and the gunman is reportedly a student of the same university.

The accused, who is in his early 20s, allegedly killed his father in the town of Hostoun around two hours before he opened fire at the people in the university, according to the report.

The police said that the shooter has been eliminated and the people from the building have been evacuated.

The police have not specified the number of people who have been killed or injured.

In a post shared on X, Czech police said, "The shooter has been eliminated !!! The entire building is currently being evacuated and there are several dead and dozens of injured."

"The police are currently intervening at the scene, the entire Jan Palach Square and the surrounding area are completely cordoned off," Czech police posted on the social media platform X, CNN reported.

The police have urged citizens not to stay in the immediate vicinity and not to leave the house as police intervention is being conducted.

According to the Czech police, the incident took place at the philosophy building of Charles University in central Prague, CNN reported.

Taking to X, the Czech police said, "We urge citizens not to stay in the immediate vicinity and not to leave the house. The police intervention is still ongoing."
India on Thursday set aside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks that New Delhi's ties with Ottawa may have undergone a "tonal shift" after the US indictment of an Indian national in an alleged plot to kill a Sikh separatist.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on the margins of the G20 Leaders Summit, in New Delhi, September 10, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

A day after Trudeau's remarks, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi asserted that India's "core issue" with Canada remains that of the space given to separatists, terrorists and anti-India elements in that country.

"Our position has been consistent. We have highlighted how we see the problem and frankly, the core issue remains the space that is given to extremists, terrorists and anti-India elements in that country," Bagchi said.

"I would not like to say whether they have noted a shift or not. Certainly, our positions have remained consistent and we would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing freedom of speech and expression from their country," he added.

The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Trudeau's allegation in September of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia on June 18.

India designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.

New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd".

"I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they cannot bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before," Trudeau said on Wednesday.

He said the US indictment appears to have convinced the Indian government to adopt a more sober tone. "There is an understanding that maybe, maybe just churning out attacks against Canada is not going to make this problem go away. We do not want to be in a situation of having a fight with India right now over this," the Canadian prime minister said.

"We want to be working on that trade deal. We want to be advancing the Indo-Pacific strategy. But it is foundational for Canada to stand up for people's rights, for people's safety and for the rule of law. And that is what we are going to do," Trudeau told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Last month, federal prosecutors in the United States charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with working with an Indian government employee in a foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh extremist, on American soil.

Pannun, wanted in India on terror charges, holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.

On December 7, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Parliament that India has instituted an inquiry committee to look into the inputs received from the US in the case as the matter has a bearing on national security.

At the same time, he said there will be "no equitable treatment" to Canada's allegations as no specific evidence or inputs were provided to India by Ottawa.

Days after Trudeau's allegations in September, India temporarily suspended issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity.

Canada has already withdrawn 41 diplomats and their family members from India. India has resumed some of the visa services.
There is a rise in the number of women elected to the state legislatures in 2023 compared to 2018, except in Rajasthan.

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Diya Kumari -- now Rajasthan's deputy chief minister -- embraces a supporter during the campaign for the assembly elections in her constituency, Vidyadhar Nagar. She won the elections by a margin of 71,368 votes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Diya Kumari

More women were elected to Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram assemblies on December 3, 2023 than in 2018 after the election results were declared in the four states.

While 46 per cent of legislators retained their seats in those four states and Rajasthan, of the 57 legislators, who switched sides, only 21 emerged victorious.

Here is what the data says about the key elections.

Of the 572 sitting MLAs re-contesting polls in five states, just 46 per cent retained their seats.

Re-contesting candidates comprised less than a tenth of all candidates in MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.

While 53 per cent of the 192 re-contesting candidates won in Madhya Pradesh, 42 per cent of the 173 candidates triumphed in Rajasthan.

And, about a third of the re-contesting candidates won in Chhattisgarh and Telangana each. In Mizoram, out of the total 174, 34 re-contesting candidates won.

A total of 99 candidates in Rajasthan, 49 in Chhattisgarh, and six in Telangana re-contested on a Congress ticket, whereas about 60 candidates in Rajasthan, 12 in Chhattisgarh and three in Telangana were from the BJP.

Only one re-contesting candidate from the BJP and Congress each won in Mizoram.

In Mizoram, all the re-contesting candidates of the Zoram People's Movement won, while 25 out of 90 re-contesting candidates from Bharat Rashtra Samithi secured wins in Telangana.

Over half of the 57 turncoat MLAs lost the polls. About 56 per cent of the BJP candidates, who changed their political allegiance, won as against 41 per cent from the Congress and 14.3 per cent from the BRS.

The vote margin of all victorious BJP candidates was 9.5 per cent. Those who lost, did so by a margin of 7.6 per cent.

Defectors to the Congress won by a margin of 5.6 per cent and those who lost had 12.8 per cent.

Rajasthan had the most turncoat MLAs and about 64 per cent of them lost.

There is a rise in the number of women elected to the state legislatures in 2023 compared to 2018, except in Rajasthan.

More than 800 women contested the polls, of which just 10 per cent won. Women won 21 per cent of the seats in Chhattisgarh in 2023, compared to 14 per cent in 2018.

In comparison, women will now make up 12 per cent of the state legislature in Madhya Pradesh and 8 per cent in Telangana and Mizoram each.

In a first for Mizoram, three women MLAs were elected to its assembly.

In contrast, women in Rajasthan will account for 10 per cent of all seats compared to 12 per cent in 2018.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Five soldiers were killed and two injured when heavily-armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

The bodies of two of the slain soldiers were mutilated, they said.

The vehicles carrying the personnel to the site of a cordon-and-search operation came under attack at a blind curve at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz under the jurisdiction of the Surankote police station around 3.45 pm, according to the officials.

Two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir -- Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mehbooba Mufti -- strongly condemned the attack.

The People's Anti-Fascist Front, an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba, claimed responsibility for the ambush.

Jammu-based defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal said a joint search operation was launched in the general area of Dhera Ki Gali in the Thanamandi-Surankote region of Poonch on Wednesday night on the basis of "hard intelligence" about the presence of terrorists.

As additional forces were moving to the site, the ultras fired upon the Army vehicles -- a truck and a Maruti Gypsy.

The troops swiftly responded to the attack, the defence spokesperson said.

In the ongoing operation, five soldiers were killed and two injured, the officials said.

The injured have been admitted to a hospital.

The operation is in progress and further details are being ascertained, the officials said.

Disturbing images and videos emerging from the site showed blood on the street, broken helmets of soldiers and shattered windscreens of the two Army vehicles.

The officials have not ruled out the possibility of the soldiers engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the terrorists during the intense confrontation.

They said there was a possibility that the terrorists had walked away with the arms of the targeted soldiers.

As the operation continues, authorities are diligently working to gather more information and do away with the threat posed by terrorists in the region.

The ambush came weeks after a major gunfight in the Dharmsal belt of the Bajimaal forest area in nearby Rajouri district that left five Army personnel, including two captains, dead last month.

A top commander of the LeT, Quari, who masterminded several attacks, including the killing of 10 civilians and five Army personnel, and one of his associates were killed in the two-day-long encounter in November.

The stretch between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz on the boundary of Rajouri and Poonch districts is densely forested and leads to Chamrer forest and then Bhata Dhurian forest, where five soldiers were killed in an ambush on an Army vehicle on April 20.

In May, five more Army personnel were killed and a major-rank officer was injured in Chamrer forest during an anti-terrorist operation. A foreign terrorist was also killed in the operation.

This year, Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts have witnessed a series of encounters that have left 54 people, including 19 security personnel and 28 terrorists, dead so far, the officials said, ascribing the uptick in violence to "desperate attempts from across the border" to revive terrorism in the region.

While 31 people, including 10 terrorists and 14 security personnel, were killed in Rajouri, 15 terrorists and five security personnel were killed in Poonch. Three terrorists were killed in Reasi.

Most of the terrorists were killed while attempting to sneak into the Indian side of the border, the officials said.

In October 2021, nine soldiers were killed in two separate attacks by terrorists in the forested region. While five Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed in Chamrer on October 11, a JCO and three soldiers were killed in a nearby forest on October 14.

Taking to X to condemn the dastardly ambush of Thursday, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Azad termed the incident "devastating" and said the casualties are deeply saddening.

"... terrorism hitting Jammu is alarming and we stand united against this menace. Urging the government to take swift and decisive action for the safety of all citizens. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured," he said.

Mufti, who heads the People's Democratic Party, described the incident as "terrible".

She condemned the "dastardly attack" and expressed her deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the slain soldiers.

Apni Party president and former Jammu and Kashmir minister Altaf Bukhari said he was distressed to hear about the loss of the brave soldiers.

"May the departed souls be blessed with peace and the injured personnel see a swift recovery. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and at the same time urge the authorities to take enough measures to ensure long lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir," he posted on X.
Navigating a history of animosity and mistrust, negotiations for a potential Congress-Trinamool Congress alliance in West Bengal face significant challenges while addressing the shared adversary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, with the Bengal Congress unit appearing reluctant to engage in an electoral pact.

IMAGE: Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attend the second day of the joint Opposition meeting, in Bengaluru on July 18, 2023. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

With both the Congress and TMC key allies of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), unofficial reports have indicated initiation of seat-sharing talks between the two.

The political landscape shifted notably when West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence in a three-way allianceinvolving the TMC, Congress, and the Left, eliciting mixed reactions from the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Congress in the eastern state.

According to TMC sources, the ruling party in Bengal is inclined to allocate four out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats to Congress.

Currently, the grand old party has two seats in West Bengal, both in minority-dominated districts of Malda and Murshidabad.

TMC MP Sougata Roy affirmed, "Our party supremo has said a three-way alliance is possible. It reflects our commitment to fight and defeat the BJP in the next general elections."

A senior TMC leader, who did not want to be named, said a Congress-TMC alliance could potentially secure 36-37 seats out of the 42 in the state, challenging the BJP's dominance in previous elections.

The saffron camp had bagged 18 Lok Sabha seats from the state in 2019.

On Wednesday, the Bengal Congress leadership met the party high command in New Delhi to deliberate on the possibility of an alliance with the TMC.

Currently aligned with the CPI-M in Bengal, the state Congress leadership remains cautious about allying with the Trinamool.

Both the parties have fought elections in an alliance -- 2001 assembly polls, 2009 Lok Sabha elections and 2011 assembly polls.

In 2011, the Congress-TMC alliance beat the 34-year-old Left Front regime in West Bengal.

The history of their alliance has been marked by discontent, with Congress accusing the TMC of depriving them of legitimate seats in previous elections.

Senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan emphasised, "If the party asks us to ally with the TMC, which has ruined the Congress in Bengal, we will follow their instructions."

Former state Congress president Pradip Bhattacharya acknowledged the legacy of mistrust but stressed the need to unite against the common enemy, saying, "It is not a state assembly election, it is parliamentary elections where we have to defeat the BJP at any cost."

Regarding seat-sharing deals in West Bengal, Congress Working Committee member Deepa Dasmunsi suggested focusing on seats won by the BJP in 2019.

"There is no need for talks on the seats that Congress and TMC had won respectively. The seat-sharing has to be for the 18 seats that BJP won in 2019," she had recently said.

Since 2011, the Congress's political influence in the state has dwindled, experiencing an exodus of legislators, MPs, and leaders to the TMC.

From 2011-2021, nearly 70 MLAs and one MP of the Congress switched over to the Trinamool.

The vote share of the grand old party, which ruled the state till 1977 and was in the opposition till 2011, dipped from 14 per cent in 2011 to 3 per cent in 2021 and no representation in the state assembly.

The last blow to the Congress-TMC relationship came with the defection of Congress MLA Bayron Biswas from the minority-dominated Sagardighi seat earlier this year.

The CPI-M, however, ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the TMC.

"There can be no alliance with the TMC in Bengal as it is not trustworthy. And regarding Congress, it is for them to be clear with whom they want to have an understanding," CPI-M state secretary Mohammed Salim told PTI.

Political scientist Biswnath Chakraborty said the mistrust between the two is hard to ignore.

"With both the Congress and TMC having a lot of animosity, vote transfer at the ground level will be a major issue," he said.

Political analyst Suman Bhattacharya said, "The Congress high command has to choose whether they can win by fighting it alone or having an alliance with the TMC would be more beneficial. Having an alliance would provide them with an ally which can bring them seats," he said.
The global construction industry needs to adapt by prioritising the orientation of future buildings and promoting the retrofitting of existing assets to reduce emissions. This was a consensus made by leaders and high-profile speakers at Big 5 Global Leaders Summit, held on December 5 alongside the 44th edition of Big 5 Global in Dubai.

During the opening of the summit, Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Former Minister of Climate Change & Environment in the UAE. called for the industry to evaluate its impact on the environment, said the organisers dmg events.

Addressing a global audience of delegates comprising government officials, industry thought leaders, experts and innovators, Dr Al Nuaimi stressed that with growing public awareness the industry must adopt bold objectives to combat emissions and make the industry more sustainable.

Also speaking at the summit, Engineer Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation & Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, highlighted an incremental surge in the adoption of cutting-edge construction systems and innovative building technologies poised to significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings.

In addition to insightful dialogues and discussions taking shape on the second day of the event, Big 5 Global also saw a major deal being signed between Bauer Maschinen, part of the Germany-based foundation engineering giant, Bauer Group and Kuwait-based Al Nouf Real Estate Company, a Laala Al Kuwait Group of Company.

As part of the deal, Al Nouf Real Estate has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Bauer MC 96 duty-cycle crane.

During the handover ceremony, Shahram Houshmandfard, Managing Director at Bauer Equipment Gulf said: "We are thrilled to have signed this remarkable deal at Big 5 Global. Bauers traditional core competency in specialist foundation engineering has today been expanded to encompass three distinct business segments: Construction, Equipment, and Resources. Bauer machinery and equipment has been a byword for top performance and quality as well as for continuous innovation."

In addition to Houshmandfard, the handover was attended by Mark Dunglison, Director Planning & Design at Al Nouf Real Estate and Hana Neimatallah, Project Director at a Laala Al Kuwait Real Estate Company alongside Rohan Sequeira, Sales Manager at Bauer Equipment Gulf.

The signing of the deal comes at a time when Germany marks a 50% increase in exhibitors from across the construction value chain and as Kuwait returns to the exhibition.

Josine Heijmans, Vice President  Construction at dmg events said: "I believe that in todays dynamic construction landscape, Big 5 Global plays a pivotal role as a catalyst for thought leadership and business transformation. The event not only fosters impactful dialogues from industry leaders, but also converges high-quality, leading-edge products on a global scale."

"This scalability is a testament to the industry's evolution, demonstrating how Big 5 Global effectively accommodate the burgeoning demand for access to pioneering solutions across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia," she stated.

At Big 5 Global the growth of scale and quality goes hand-in-hand with the participation of leading international and local brands from more than 60 countries; and one of these countries is Saudi Arabia, which brings Made in Saudi to the event in addition to other leading companies.

With thousands of Saudi visitors expected to visit the event this week, further boosting trade relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Big 5 Global was toured by Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia.-TradeArabia News Service
Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

In the recent prisoner swap between Venezuela and the United States, Alex Saab  an ally of the Venezuelan government and DEA informant, who was being tried in the state of Florida for alleged money laundering  was returned to Venezuela in exchange for 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American country, including mercenaries Airan Berry and Luke Denman  who were serving sentences in Caracas for their role in Operation Gideon, which tried to overthrow Maduro  and a fugitive nicknamed Fat Leonard, who defrauded the U.S. Navy. At least 17 Venezuelan political prisoners have been released as part of the agreement. The deal was celebrated by different sectors, who believe that the Barbados accords  a commitment signed last October  are showing results.

Saab was the jewel in the crown of the Maduro government. Since his arrest in 2020 in Cape Verde, the Chavista administration has been campaigning for his release. He was made a diplomat and included in the Venezuelan delegation during negotiations in Mexico. Saab has gone from being a businessman involved in alleged acts of corruption in connection with the Venezuelan government  as documented by the investigative journalism portal Armando.Info  to being propagandized as a hero, despite the fact that he collaborated with U.S. authorities. The Venezuelan government sees his release as a victory.

Human Rights organizations, meanwhile, are pleased about the release of political prisoners in Venezuela, including six union leaders who were sentenced to 16 years in prison last August.

One of the questions being asked now is what else can happen in Venezuela, which has turned into a kind of international political thriller since the White House decided to change its policy of maximum pressure.

The new U.S. strategy is seeking to promote agreements between the Maduro government and the Unitary Platform, an alliance made up of Venezuelas opposition parties. At the same time, Caracas and Washington are reaching bilateral agreements to curb the massive migration of Venezuelans to the southern border of the U.S., which will hold presidential elections next year.

For journalist Blanca Vera, Maduro must now focus on his survival. The release of Saab means that electoral agreements are being complied with, she comments.

With relaxed sanctions, the Maduro government needs to raise money quickly and that can only be achieved through the oil industry, explains Vera. She also believes that Saabs release demonstrates Maduros negotiating ability.

Such a feat was considered impossible as Saab was still awaiting trial. The Biden administration had to grant the businessman-diplomat clemency for him to be released. This same recourse was used in a prisoner swap in September 2022 to release two of Maduros nephews, who were serving an 18-year sentence in New York for drug trafficking.

In the political arena, the Barbados accords set down the necessary conditions to hold presidential elections in 2024. Some steps have already been taken in that direction. For example, there is now a clear procedure for candidates who have been disqualified from running for office to appeal that decision. Opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado unexpectedly went to the Supreme Court on Friday, December 15, to file a request calling on the court to protect her right to run in the election.

For Geoff Ramsey, from the Atlantic Council, the United States has secured the release of 30 people in exchange for just one, which is a clear commitment to the negotiation process. He adds that Saabs presence in Venezuela may spark discomfort within the Chavismo political movement, due to his role as a collaborator with the DEA. Vera has a similar opinion.

Once the excitement over the Maduro governments controversial referendum on annexing the Essequibo region dies down, the ball will be in Chavismos court, and it is up to it to respond. They will most likely resort to their most-used tactics: buying time, directing new revenue to public spending, trying to improve the governments image, seeking support from the economic sectors and sparking divisions in the opposition. The other common strategy is selective repression and arresting political prisoners as bargaining chips. However, as the election draws nearer, there may not be enough time left for economic measures to boost the governments popularity. As a result, the range of options for political action in Venezuela is continuing to widen.

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Three countries share a common interest in warding off cyber attacks from various agencies PLA is developing and training in China.

Kindly note the image has only been posted for representational reasons. Photograph: Kind courtesy Cyberwanderer/Pixabay

With China looming ever larger as a potent cyber threat, American, Indian and Taiwanese cybersecurity officials have met to find ways of deepening their operational expertise and sharing best practices on cybersecurity issues.

The meeting took place oduring a joint workshop convened under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) last week.

This was the first in-person GCTF programme held in India.

Co-hosting the event were US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, Taiwan's Representative to India, Baushuan Ger, India's former National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lieutenant General Rajesh Pant, and the Indian government-sponsored think-tank, United Service Institution of India (USI).

All three countries share a common interest in warding off cyber attacks from various agencies that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is developing and training in China.

"The United States is committed to working closely with partners like India and Taiwan to enhance cybersecurity and protect our shared interests in the digital space," said Ambassador Garcetti. When we connect, protect, and detect with technology, instead of fearing what it can do to divide or oppress us, we can take full advantage of the nearly limitless potential that these advances will bring."

India, with over 800 million Internet users and 1.2 billion smartphones, regarded cybersecurity as a major component of national security, General Pant said.

The Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA) is a tri-service command of the Indian military. Headquartered in New Delhi, the agency is tasked with handling and defeating cyber security threats.

The DCyA draws personnel from all three branches of the Indian military. The DCyA head is a two-star rank officer who reports to the chief of defence staff through the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).

Read Admiral Mohit Gupta was appointed in May 2019 as the first head of the DCyA.

As of 2021, the DCyA was fully operational with the army, navy and IAF establishing their respective Cyber Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

The Naresh Chandra Task Force (NCTF) was set up in July 2011 by then national security advisor Shivshankar Menon to review the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee, assess the implementation progress, and suggest new reforms related to national security.

The NCTF was led by retired Cabinet secretary Naresh Chandra and comprised 13 other members.

Among its recommendations, the NCTF recommended the creation of a cyber command (DCyA), an aerospace command and a special operations command.

All three were proposed to be tri-service commands in order to bring the various special forces units of the military under a unified command and control structure.

Representative Ger highlighted GCTF's importance as a platform to utilise Taiwan's strengths in addressing issues of global concern.

The US is widely regarded as the world's premier cyber warfare superpower.

The US Army Cyber Command integrates and conducts cyberspace operations, electromagnetic warfare, and information operations, ensuring decision dominance and freedom of action for friendly forces in and through the cyber domain and the information dimension while denying the same to our adversaries.

The US Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) is the supporting Army headquarters under the United States Cyber Command.

'We operate and defend Army networks and deliver cyberspace effects against adversaries to defend the nation with over 16,500 soldiers, civilians, and contractors working 24/7 across the globe,' says the US Cyber Command.

According to ARCYBER, its more critical and complex priority is to operate and aggressively defend the department of defense information network.

ARCYBER says its most critical ability is to deliver cyberspace effects -- both defensive and offensive -- against global adversaries.

Towards this, the US military believes it must equip its forces for the future fight against a resilient, adaptive adversary.

ARCYBER is regarded as engaged in the real-world cyberspace fight today, against near-peer adversaries, and other global cyber threats.

According to ARCYBER: 'We defend military networks, secure Army weapons platforms, and protect critical US infrastructure. Army Cyber forces are deployed globally, conducting defensive and offensive cyber operations 24/7.'

Since its launch in 2015, the GCTF has held 70 international workshops with participation from over 120 countries to strengthen connections among experts on public health, supply chains, humanitarian assistance, digital health and other regional issues.

The US, Taiwan, the Australian Office, Taipei, and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association jointly administer the GCTF, which serves as a platform for Taiwan to share its expertise with partners around the world.

'The United States looks forward to continued collaboration with India, Taiwan, and like-minded partners to tackle shared challenges,' says ARCYBER.

Taiwan has world-class experts in a wide variety of fields, including public health, law enforcement, disaster relief, energy cooperation, women's empowerment, digital economy and cyber security, media literacy, and good governance.

However, pressure from Beijing prevents many international institutions from allowing Taiwan to participate.

Consequently, Taiwan's experts are not able to share their knowledge.

GCTF allows practitioners from around the world to learn what Taiwan has to offer and to strengthen connections between experts in different countries as they tackle 21st-century problems that do not respect borders.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
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Today

Generally cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High around 40F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

There are a few things to criticize about the new British Conservatives, but none of them are ambiguity. No matter whether they talk about climate, trade or the conflict between Israel and Palestine, if there is a chance to tighten the rope, they will do so gleefully. In no area, however, has their self-confidence been greater than in migration, where Tory leaders are letting the world know that it is international law that must adapt to their electoral fantasies, and not the other way round. Just a few days ago, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak intervened before Giorgia Melonis national-populist coven in Rome to declare his own war: Enemies, he warned, were deliberately driving people to our shores to try to destabilize our societies.

The irony is that Sunak is a bleeding heart compared to his former home ministers, the daughters of immigrants Priti Patel and Suella Braverman. They are at the forefront of a punk conservatism that sets the tone for immigration policies across half the planet. In addition to organizing raves like the one in Rome, their representatives violently coerce their adversaries, lie through their teeth, and have placed such a fan in front of their ideological garbage that it is already difficult to find a centrist government  right or center-left  that has not been sullied with it. The new accepted truth is that human mobility constitutes an existential threat to our societies. It is a threat in the face of which everything is justified, even that which does not fit into our conception of flower power of the rule of law.

If you have lived on planet Earth for the last 20 years, you will already know that this argument is not new, but my feeling is that 2023 will be remembered as the moment in which norms and institutions stopped constraining political slogans and started adapting to them. In regions of the world as different as Europe, North America, Africa, and Latin America, we have witnessed a domino effect whose consequences will be difficult to reverse. The anti-immigration offensive is particularly evident on the borders of the destination regions, where sympathy is criminalized, and an extensive and complex legal industry is making a killing with immigration control measures. Within the countries themselves, the institutional harassment of millions of undocumented workers and their families is accepted with the naturalness typical of a de facto apartheid.

Far from the gaze of voters, the logic of externalizing immigration control has turned the routes into true paths of suffering and has put our governments in the hands of a collection of autocrats and criminal gangs that any other time would only have been invited to The Hague.

Few political agreements illustrate this drift better than the Migration and Asylum Pact, recently approved by the European institutions. Three years of political horse-trading has left some basic headlines. The first is that Member States unanimously share the need to strengthen the EUs external borders. If that means militarizing the European border agency (Frontex) and turning it into an accomplice in state crimes, so be it. Fortunes will be invested in discouraging human mobility at the destination, in transit, and at its origin, Orwellian personal identification systems will be established, and the message will be spread that only hell awaits those who use irregular means to access paradise.

The pacts second major area of interest is in how it deals with sharing responsibilities in matters of international protection. The signatories all agree on the central importance of this point, but their positions are divided into two tribes: those who will do everything possible to avoid their responsibility for asylum, but admit that it will be inevitable that the EU will assume part of it; and those who openly look the other way. In the first group are the countries of the Southern strip, in addition to France, Germany, and the Nordics. They are the ones who have designed the externalization model, have militarized their borders, or have replicated such brilliant ideas as protecting refugees in bellicose dictatorships like Rwanda. The other side is that of the Eastern countries, led so far by Hungary and Poland (although the latter could defect soon). For this group, international law only applies to their cousins in Ukraine  although, it must be said, with them Europe has shown how far it can go when it wants  and they have welcomed the new mechanism of fines for those who reject refugees with such edifying terms as rape in legal terms.

The most striking thing about the new European pact, however, is not what it says, but what it omits. And at this point it is also possible to identify an evil that has spread to other regions of the world. Despite the fact that more than 80% of migration is strictly labor-related in nature and that the main destination economies in rich regions face an existentially challenging demographic, no one seems to be thinking about how to govern these flows. With the exception of a hardly innovative mechanism to facilitate the arrival of highly qualified personnel and toothless rhetoric regarding temporary mobility and adaptation of talent to the needs of our labor markets, the European Pact on Migration and Asylum is a wasteland. Thats not very surprising, considering that the negotiations have been led by experts in crime and terrorism, not in employment, social security, growth, taxation, and the other areas that are monumentally benefited by people who choose to settle and work in the EU.

The direct consequence of this political imbalance will be the increase in irregular immigration flows  the vast majority of which do not arrive by boat, but by plane  and the hidden competition to attract talent. Because while Spanish Minister of the Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska crosses red lines on the southern border and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announces a draconian tightening of his countrys immigration policy, the labor departments of their respective governments perform semi-clandestine administrative juggling to regularize existing workers and attract the hundreds of thousands of people that our economies need, at all levels of qualification.

Replace Europe with United States and Germany with Chile and you will find very similar stories, in which it is difficult to know if the immigration policy is more immoral than idiotic. Unfortunately, its going to get a lot harder before it starts to get better. The year 2023 has also seen the coordinated consolidation of these national-populist movements around the world. Some have managed to enter government or form parliamentary coalitions, but many have managed to break the cordons sanitaires that the moderate right had imposed on them until now. From the Latin America of Milei, Kast, and Bukele to the Europe of Meloni, Wilders, Abascal, and Orban, passing through the ultranationalism of Trump, Putin, and Modi, the world is becoming a place that is violently hostile to diversity and social transformation that migration represents.

What can we do, besides pray? Frankly, in this field I expect very little from leadership like that of prime minister Pedro Sanchez, who has assimilated the existing political framework to the point of (literally) burying the Melilla tragedy of 2022. My hopes are for a bottom-up transformation of this debate and the role that non-state actors can play in it. Because 2023 was also the year in which the Popular Legislative Initiative for the regularization of undocumented people reached the Spanish Congress of Deputies. By far, it is the most important political process led by migrant organizations in Spain. The legislation will be discussed in the coming months and we do not know if the parliamentary groups will have the courage to rescue from sub-citizenship more than 400,000 men, women, and children who live, work, and dream in our country. Whatever they do, this initiative has already changed history, and that is also a reason to remember this year.

Gonzalo Fanjul is the head of Political Analysis at the Barcelona Institute of Health and co-founder of the porCausa Foundation.

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The country still has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on officials in his new government to end illegal logging in the country, which remains a problem despite similar pledges from his father, longtime strongman Hun Sen.

Hun Manet, who was handed the reins to the government by his father in August, used an annual meeting at the countrys Ministry of Environment to speak on the subject of deforestation for the first time.

He thanked Cambodians for sharing evidence of illegal logging on his Facebook page and told officials they already had the power to stop it.

I issued orders to relevant institutions to study the law, otherwise we will have problems, Hun Manet said. You have swords in your hands. I still stand behind you. You need to implement the law.

The prime minister ordered Sao Sokha, who commands Cambodias national military police force and is the chairman of a task force on deforestation, to work with relevant ministries to stop illegal logging.

Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth promised harsher punishments, saying the government would end its practice of releasing perpetrators after they pledged not to repeat their offenses.

Rocket attacks

In his pledge to crack down on the practice, Hun Manet was reiterating similar declarations made more colorfully by father. Hun Sen called for rocket attacks against illegal loggers and once famously promised to cut off his own head if the practice continued under his watch.

And yet it has continued. Global Forest Watch, which tracks forest decline, has said that Cambodia lost 557,000 hectares of tree cover in protected areas between 2001-2018, or 11.7% of the total. Its rate of loss exceeds that in countries where illegal logging is also a problem, like Brazil and Indonesia, the group said.

A 2022 report from the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, a Switzerland-based group that includes law enforcement officials, said in a 2022 report that rings of illegality  corruption from the local to the national level and in government and business  allows illegal logging to flourish.

The countrys tax base is too small to support the political and military infrastructure, which requires alternative forms of income, including illegal timber sales, the group said.

Illegal logging is seen in Cambodia's Preah Roka forest in Preah Vihear province, March 2021. (CYN)

Forest protection advocates said they welcomed Hun Manets statement but that the systemic illegality that allows illegal logging to continue will be tough to root out.

Hat Nai, an environmentalist who has pushed for more protection of the Preah Roka wildlife sanctuary in northern Cambodia, said rampant corruption leaves the forests unprotected.

Regulations are just regulations, but the lower level officials cannot implement them because thieves have colluded with the police, Hat Nai said. There is no elimination of forest crime. Clearing forest land is happening all over the sanctuaries.

Out Latin, the protect coordinator for the Cambodian Youth Network, which has also urged more action against illegal logging, told RFA that he welcomed Hun Manet's pledge to protect the forest but was skeptical his directive would be implemented.

He said when activists have presented evidence of illegal logging environmental officials in the past have not acted, continuing to grant timber concessions to companies that are alleged to have logged in prohibited areas.

Translated by Yun Samean, and edited by Jim Snyder and Malcolm Foster.
These are examples of the content generated by the Shadow Play network, in which multiple YouTube channels published videos alleging China had created a one-nanometer microchip, without using a lithography machine.

In a YouTube video, a voice in English announces that China has researched and developed its own ultra-thin 1-nanometer chip  a staggering claim given that the chip isnt expected in commercial devices for another decade.

"Recent news from China has sent ripples of excitement and astonishment across the globe," gushes the voice-over on the China Charged YouTube channel. "This revolutionary breakthrough is more than a technological marvel; it is a game-changer that will redefine the global tech landscape."

"Prepare to have your mind blown," says another video, this time on the channel Unbelievable Projects. "Welcome to today's video, in which we'll discover why America remains behind China in infrastructure development."

These voices and their good news about China are evidence that the Chinese Communist Party and its overseas proxies are using artificial intelligence to flood YouTube with propaganda videos, according to a new report that describes a "coordinated inauthentic influence campaign" on the platform.

The videos are part of at least 30 channels identified by researchers as being part of the "Shadow Play" network promoting pro-China and anti-U.S. narratives, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

YouTube has taken down at least 19 of them.

The campaign used "entities and voice-overs generated by artificial intelligence" to put out content in line with the Chinese Communist Party's narratives across at least 30 YouTube channels, the institute said in its report titled "Shadow Play."

Aiming to Influence opinion

Starting in mid-2022, the propaganda campaign appears to be part of a bid to "shift English-speaking audiences views" of China, including Beijing's efforts to upgrade its technology despite U.S. sanctions, and has garnered nearly 120 million views and 730,000 subscribers so far, the report said.

"The campaigns ability to amass and access such a large global audience  and its potential to covertly influence public opinion on these topics  should be cause for concern," the authors warned, adding that YouTube had responded to the report by taking down a number of channels for "coordinated inauthentic behavior" and for spam.

British artificial intelligence company Synthesia has also disabled the account of one of the channels for violating its media policies as of Dec. 14, according to the Institute.

"The operator of this network could be a commercial actor operating under some degree of state direction, funding or encouragement," the report said. "This could suggest that some patriotic companies increasingly operate China-linked campaigns alongside government actors."

State-directed campaign

Report author Jacinta Keast said researchers had traced much of the channels' content to stories that originated in China's heavily controlled news media in Chinese.

"A lot of those stories were often stories that only really appeared and most likely first appeared in the mainland Chinese media ecosystem," she said.

"We think at this stage that it's probably a Chinese state-directed and/or supported campaign that's being delivered by a corporate contractor or perhaps a patriotic Chinese company that's been encouraged to undertake this campaign," Keast told Radio Free Asia in a recent interview.

Sogous AI-generated Yani news anchor is seen on the companys Weibo site. (Australian Strategic Policy Institutes Shadow Play report)





While one channel had partially monetized its content, the degree of monetization wasn't enough to suggest a commercial operation, she said.

"We would expect a purely commercial actor to really make more effort to fully monetize their operations," she said.

Some channels even had comments from viewers saying that the AI voices were "artificial," yet there had been little attempt to improve the quality of content to maximize revenue, Keast added.

The report also found that some of the YouTube content -- a report that Iran had switched on its China-provided BeiDou satellite system -- appeared on X, formerly Twitter, and other social media platforms, where it was gaining traction within a few hours of appearing on YouTube.

It called for greater information sharing about Chinese influence operations among Five Eyes nations and their allies, as well as tighter rules requiring social media users to disclose the use of generative AI in audio, video or image content.

Tell good stories about China

U.S.-based political commentator Wu Jianmin said such channels are responding to Chinese leader Xi Jinping's call to "tell good stories about China, and seek to infiltrate the ideological systems of Western countries.

Taiwan National Defense University doctoral researcher Gao Cheng-pu said similar content is used to target the democratic island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory despite never having controlled it, through indirect channels that are hard to trace.

"Usually after Beijing gives an order, it will contact Taiwanese businesspeople via a cooperative businessperson in Hong Kong, and have them hire online public relations companies to run [the operation]," Gao told Radio Free Asia.

The use of AI saves time and money, while making it much harder to trace the source of the content or the intermediaries, he said.

'Poisoned'

Keast said social media companies need to get wise to such operations.

"It's important for social media platforms to care about this because users go online expecting to engage with other users who are genuine and they don't want to be influenced, they don't want to have the online space poisoned by foreign influence actors," she said.

"We'd like to see them continue the work we've done in this investigation and have a look at any other content on our network that matches the indicators we provided in this report and ... take those down promptly."

But she warned that AI technology is so sophisticated that it's often hard to detect in audio, video or text.

And social media platforms aren't always well-informed about Chinese influence.

In October, YouTube deleted a second channel that produced satirical videos featuring Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, sparking renewed concerns over whether the Chinese government or its proxies are exploiting the social media giants copyright rules to censor satirical or dissident content.

Keast said greater transparency from governments would help.

"We need governments to come out and say this is what we're seeing, this is who's doing it to strengthen democratic resilience against this threat," she said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Li was detained in 2021 after posting allegations that jailed friends had been tortured.

Feminist labor rights activist Li Qiaochu's secret trial for "incitement to subvert state power" has been suspended after the authorities fired her defense team, according to a rights group and a fellow activist's wife.

Li was detained in 2021 after posting to social media the details of torture allegations by her partner, the jailed rights activist Xu Zhiyong, and by fellow jailed rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi.

She stood trial at the Linyi Economic and Technological Development Zone People's Court on Dec. 19, the wife of a fellow activist told Radio Free Asia.

"The trial was held behind closed doors," said Luo Shengchun, Dings wife. "Neither family members nor outsiders were allowed inside."

"Her father stood outside the building waiting for the verdict, but none was announced at the trial," Luo said.

The rights group Frontline Defenders said in a statement on its website that the trial had been "suspended" after one of Li Qiaochu's lawyers refused to submit to being searched on the way into the courtroom.

"Her other lawyer entered the courtroom, but the judge denied his legitimate requests to summon defense witnesses, to gain access to evidence held by the prosecution, and to seek the recusal of officials with perceived conflicts of interest in the case," the group said.

"As a result of his inability to perform his duty as the defense counsel, the lawyer asked Li Qiaochu to dismiss him and exited the courtroom in protest," it said, adding that both lawyers have been denied permission to meet with her and new defense lawyers will be appointed.

Li Qiaochu suffers from serious symptoms of depression and auditory hallucinations, the group said.

Defense attorney

Luo confirmed that defense attorney Li Guobei wasn't even informed of the trial date, citing her post on the social media platform Weibo. Li had traveled to the court anyway, but was prevented from entering because she refused to submit to a security search.

"[The authorities] fired Li Guobei, although a lawyer can only be fired by the client or their family," she said.

U.S.-based rights lawyer Wu Shaoping said Li had behaved ethically.

"Lawyer Li Guobei was still brave enough to speak out despite the authorities' restriction, and their deprivation of [Li Qiaochu's] right to legal representation," Wu said.

"The authorities don't want human rights lawyers getting involved in such cases," he said.

"The authorities don't want human rights lawyers getting involved in such cases," says U.S.-based rights lawyer Wu Shaoping. (Provided by Wu Shaoping)





Sarah Brooks, spokesperson for London-based rights group Amnesty International, said Li's trial was an attempt to "put a veneer of legitimacy over years of harassment and detention aimed at silencing her peaceful dissent."

She said the evidence against Li Qiaochu was "vanishingly thin," and amounted to little more than "guilt by association" with Xu.

"First, they targeted her for nothing more than running a blog that shared articles written by her jailed partner," Brooks said. "And when she showed the immense courage nonetheless to publicly share details of Xus ill-treatment in custody, she was again punished."

"Li should not suffer retaliation for speaking out against torture or publicizing views at odds with those of the government," Brooks said, calling for Li Qiaochu's immediate and unconditional release.

Dutch award

In December 2022, the Netherlands honored Li Qiaochu with the 2022 Embassy Tulip award in recognition of her dedication to womens rights and labor rights.

Li has been held in Shandong's Linyi city since her initial detention on Feb. 6, 2021, on suspicion of "subverting state power."

Her lawyer raised concerns over her mental health after being permitted a rare visit with her in August 2021. Li, who was diagnosed with depression before her arrest, needs long-term medication.

The Dutch award came amid international calls for Li's release, including from European Union officials attending the United Nations' Human Rights Council in September 2022.

Li, now in her early 30s, is a long-term campaigner against gender-based violence and for labor rights.

In 2017, she volunteered to provide information and resources to affected migrant workers when Beijing authorities forcibly removed them from the city, and boosted the visibility of Chinas #MeToo movement by compiling data on sexual harassment.

She also campaigned against a culture of long hours in the workplace.

Xu is currently serving a 14-year jail term for subversion of state power, while Ding is serving a 12-year sentence on the same charge, in connection with a gathering of dissidents in the southeastern port city of Xiamen in December 2019.

Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Leaders of the two militaries hadnt spoken since then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last year.

Gen. C.Q. Brown [left], the chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed a number of global and regional security issues with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli, the Pentagon says.

UPDATED at 3:53 p.m. on 2023-12-21

Gen. C.Q. Brown, the chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli, in a video call on Thursday morning, putting an end to an almost 18-month-long freeze on direct talks between the leaders of the worlds two biggest militaries.

The generals discussed a number of global and regional security issues, a Pentagon readout said, and the importance of working together to responsibly manage competition, avoid miscalculations, and maintain open and direct lines of communication.

Gen. Brown reiterated the importance of the Peoples Liberation Army engaging in substantive dialogue to reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings, it said, adding that top U.S. general remains open to constructive dialogue with his Chinese counterparts.

American military leaders had complained that Chinas top generals were not picking up the phone, even amid an uptick in near-accidents between the two armed forces over the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, which spurred predictions of an accidental war.

Direct communications were severed by Chinas military leaders following then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan in August last year, which led to nearly a year of animosity between Beijing and Washington that finally began to ebb around June.

Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to San Francisco last month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and his face-to-face talks with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the event then led to a pledge from both leaders to reinstate direct military talks.

Biden said after the talks that he hoped the resumption would lead to fewer incidents of brinkmanship and near-accidents over water.

Thats how accidents happen. Misunderstandings, he said of the months of no communication between the two militaries. So were back to direct, open, clear communications on a direct basis.

Status quo ante

Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder called the talks a positive development but said he could not comment on whether the Chinese side had been receptive to U.S. appeals to revive a special hotline for leaders of the two militaries to talk at short notice.

We're clearly working here to implement what was announced by President Biden and Chairman Xi in November, Ryder said.

We've said all along that when you have two large militaries, it's imperative that we keep lines of communication open in order to prevent miscalculation and the potential that carries with it as far as risk of operating in certain areas, the spokesman said.

The readout from the Pentagon also said that Gen. Brown stressed the need to return to the annual Defense Policy Coordination Talks between lower-level U.S. and Chinese military officials, which were also canceled by Beijing in the wake of Pelosis Taiwan trip last year.

Gen. Brown also called for the resumption of direct talks between the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which is headquartered in Hawaii, and the commanders of the equivalent Eastern and Southern Theater Commands of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army.

The Chinese warship Luyang III cuts in front of the destroyer USS Chung-Hoon, as seen from the deck of the destroyer, in the Taiwan Strait, June 3, 2023. (U.S. Navy via Reuters)

However, it did not say whether Gen. Liu agreed to a resumption.

The United States has also sought direct talks between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, who until October was the now-fired but not replaced Gen. Li Shangfu. Gen. Li had refused to talk with Austin until U.S. sanctions against him were lifted, and it is unclear when Xi will appoint his replacement.

A Pentagon official told reporters that the call between Gen. Brown and Gen. Liu was a good starting point for improved military ties.

It's ... an important step, but it's not the last step, the official said.

Edited by Malcolm Foster. Updated to include comments from Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder.
The amended law allows authorities to confiscate illegal sand dredgers operating in Taiwans waters.

A confiscated Chinese sand-dredging ship discharges the sand back at coast after being caught by Taiwanese coast guard, in Nangan township, Lienchiang county, July 17, 2020 in this screen grab obtained from a social media video.

Taiwanese lawmakers have passed amendments to seize sand dredging equipment, mostly on Chinese ships operating illegally.

The amendments to Article 36 of the Sand and Gravel Excavation Act and to Article 18 of the Act on the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf of the Republic of China were passed on Monday. Republic of China (ROC) is the official name of Taiwan.

They stipulate that vessels or other machinery involved in illegal activities can be confiscated, regardless of whether they belong to the perpetrator. This is to prevent offenders from escaping punishment by claiming that their dredging vessels and equipment belong to someone else.

The Taiwanese legislature had already passed another amendment in 2021, increasing the penalties to a maximum of seven years in jail and a fine of up to NT$100 million (US$3.19 million.)

Illegal sand dredging to meet construction demands in China has in recent years become a serious problem in the waters around Taiwan.

In 2020, Taiwan expelled nearly 4,000 Chinese sand-dredgers and sand-transporting vessels -- a 560% leap from 2019, Reuters reported.

Military analysts say sand dredging and fishing are also methods used by China as gray-zone tactics. Although these activities arent classified as acts of war, they still represent a threat to national security.

Specifically in the case of Taiwan, China has been actively using its coast guard and maritime militia, with sand dredging emerging as a key tactic. Incursions by Chinese aircraft and military vessels into waters around Taiwan have also become more frequent.

Standing on the front line against authoritarian expansionism, Taiwan faces Chinese coercion and gray-zone tactics on a daily basis," Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a forum in Taipei earlier this month.

Edited by Taejun Kang.
It is rare for Kim Jong Un and Kim Yo Jong to simultaneously make such threats.

North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un speaks at the 5th National Meeting of Mothers in Pyongyang in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency on Dec. 5, 2023.

The North Korean leader and his powerful sister issued nuclear threats against the United States and South Korea, official media reported Thursday, declaring that Pyongyangs nuclear arsenal will be deployed in retaliation to any provocations.

We will not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if provoked by nuclear weapons from our enemies, the leader Kim Jong Un said, as cited by the Norths Rodong Sinmun newspaper.

Speaking to soldiers responsible for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch on Monday, Kim praised the test-launch as a bold move against the U.S. and its main allies  whom he described as the destroyer of peace and stability.

The launch was a clear demonstration of our nations assertive response strategy to retaliate without hesitation with a nuclear attack if provoked by nuclear weapons, and an explicit explanation of the evolution of our nuclear strategy and doctrine, he said.

North Korea fired its latest solid-fueled ICBM, the Hwasong-18, Monday, with the launch reaching a maximum altitude of about 6,500 kilometers (4,040 miles) and flying a distance of around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) before hitting its target off its eastern coast.

Although the test was conducted at a high angle, it still represented a potential threat to the U.S. If launched at a lower trajectory, this missile may be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

Separately, the North Korean leaders influential sister Kim Yo Jong sharply criticized the U.S. and South Korea on Thursday. She criticized the allies for their coordinated actions during a United Nations meeting on Monday.

It focused solely on condemning our self-defense actions, while neglecting the verbal and active provocations by the United States and South Korea, which directly provoked our response, she said, according to the Norths official Korean Central News Agency.

Hostile forces should contemplate how the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea [North Korea] will perceive, categorize, and react to the upcoming military plans against us by the United States and the Republic of Korea [South Korea], she added.

It is rare for Kim Jong Un and Kim Yo Jong to simultaneously make such threats. Typically, these statements of criticism come from either one or the other - not both on the same day.

Their remarks came as the U.S., South Korea and Japan conducted trilateral joint air drills off the southeastern coast of the Korean peninsula Wednesday. The drill included the strategic U.S. B-1B bomber plane, capable of carrying 57 tons of conventional armaments, according to the Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff.

North Korea has consistently protested the trilateral military exercises involving U.S. strategic assets near the Korean Peninsula, labeling them as practice for invasion. Pyongyang perceives these joint drills as a direct threat. Its conventional military capabilities are significantly outmatched by those of the allied forces.

Edited by Taejun Kang.
Myanmars military may be taking fuel from domestic private airlines for its own use.

The number of domestic commercial flights in Myanmar dropped by one-third in recent months after the military junta began seizing aircraft fuel from private airlines following stepped-up sanctions imposed by the United States, several ticketing agents told Radio Free Asia.

The expanded sanctions from the U.S. Treasury Department in August stated that any foreign individual or entity linked to procuring jet fuel for the military government can be targeted.

Airfares on flights within the country have become more expensive and some routes no longer have regular flights, a person from a domestic and international airline ticketing business, who didnt want to be named for security reasons, told RFA.

There are fewer flights, resulting in decreased connectivity, such as the suspension of flights to Tachileik, the person said, naming a town in Shan state that sits next to a popular border crossing with Thailand.

Junta officials have most likely been expropriating jet fuel from airlines for military use, political observer Than Soe Naing said.

After reserving the fuel to meet the military needs, the junta then distributes the left-over fuel for domestic flights, he said.

Travelers wait at Sittwe Airport in Myanmars Rakhine state, Nov. 20, 2023. (RFA)





Ko Mike, a spokesman for the Blood Money Campaign, a collective of Myanmar activists campaigning to stop revenue from reaching the junta, told RFA that he also believes that the junta has taken control of private aviation fuel.

Its not that theres no jet fuel. They have it, he said. Its quite obvious that they are using jet fuel to kill people. In their mind, they have no intention of using it for the public. They never think about it.

Flights to Myitkyina

Armed resistance groups and non-governmental organizations in Myanmar have repeatedly called for a ban on companies that sell jet fuel to the military junta.

More than 3,900 civilians have been killed by the regime since it seized power in February 2021, the Treasury Department said in its announcement in August, with the junta relying on airstrikes against civilians, including women and schoolchildren, to maintain its hold on power.

A Treasury Department statement singled out two air strikes on civilians in the Sagaing region  one in April and one in June  as the impetus for the expansion of the sanctions.

The sanctions meant that American citizens and firms, including banks, cant have any business relationship with those sanctioned.

There are five domestic airlines operating daily in the country  Myanmar Airways International, Air KBZ, Mann Yadanarpon, Air Thanlwin and the state-owned Myanmar National Airlines.

Flights from several airlines that used to run regularly between the commercial capital of Yangon and Myitkyina in northern Kachin state have been significantly reduced, and airfares on the route have risen from 260,000 kyat (US$124) to 430,000 kyat (US$205) over the last year, the person said.

A spokesperson from Air Thanlwin  known as Yangon Airways until a rebranding in 2019  confirmed to RFA that its daily Yangon-Myitkyina flight has been suspended. The spokesperson couldnt say when the airlines flights on the route were expected to resume.

A resident of western Rakhine state said there are also fewer flights between Sittwe and Yangon. Recent fighting between junta troops and the Arakan Army in Rakhine has led to closed roads and waterways, which has only increased demand for air travel.

Everyone has been facing hardship. But its difficult to travel, including travel for health issues, the resident said. If you are unable to get medical treatment in Sittwe, you have to go to Yangon, but now you cant.

RFAs attempts to contact junta spokesman Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun and the juntas Ministry of Transport and Communications for comment on the reduced number of flights went unanswered on Thursday.

Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
Anti-junta armies have attacked the headquarters of the Myanmar military's Central Region Command in an old palace compound in the center of the country's second-largest city, Mandalay, residents and fighters who conducted the attack told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.

This attack was carried out by the Mandalay Security and Special Task Force, Peoples Defense Group from Pyinoolwin District, No More Dictatorship and Brave Warriors for Myanmar (BWM), according to a BWM announcement.

A BWM official said that they targeted the dormitories where the regional commander and deputy regional commanders of juntas Central Region Military Command were staying.

We were able to attack with six long-range 107-mm missiles. One device failed to detonate due to a material malfunction. But, five others successfully launched their attacks, said the official who wished to remain unnamed due to security reasons. The targets, which included the special office of the Central Region Military Command, the barracks of junta troops, and the residences of the regional commander and deputy regional commander, were successfully struck.

Damages to the buildings and casualties are still under investigation, the official added.

A resident of Mandalay who lives near the royal palace compound, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said Thursday that following the attack, junta troops intensified security measures and are carrying out searches and checks throughout the city.

It is true that the military headquarters in the palace compound was attacked. I became anxious and couldnt sleep anymore. Since it was past two or three oclock [in the morning]. This morning, as I rode my motor scooter around the neighborhood, I noticed something unusual. The roads were blocked off more than they had been in previous days, and there was an increased checking of motorcycles and cars, he told RFA Burmese.

The Central Region Military Commands interrogation center is infamous for detaining and questioning anti-coup demonstrators, university students, and members of the Peoples Defense Force in Mandalay city, following the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021.

RFA Burmese contacted Thein Htay, the military junta spokesman for Mandalay region and regional economic minister, regarding the incident by phone, but he did not reply at the time of publication.

Separately, Mandalay Palace  the military headquarters  and some police stations in Mandalay city, including Obo Prisons main guard posts, were attacked Wednesday with drone bombs as part of Operation Shwe Pyi Soe, according to the Mandalay-based Peoples Defense Forces.

Edited by Taejun Kang.
Askar Azatbek, an ethnic Kazakh, had moved to Kazakhstan in 2016 from Xinjiang and obtained Kazakh citizenship while there.

Chinese police crossed into Kazakh territory in 2017 to arrest and abduct Askar Azabek, a naturalized Kazakh citizen, police and his family told Radio Free Asia.

Azatbek, now 47, was an ethnic Kazakh of Chinese nationality living in Chinas far western Xinjiang region until 2016, when he traveled to Kazakhstan and acquired Kazakh nationality shortly thereafter.

RFA had previously reported that Azatbek was arrested on Dec. 7, 2017, when he visited the Khorgos International Center for Boundary Cooperation, a special international trade zone on the Kazakhstan-China border. In 2018, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for espionage.

His sister, Gauhar Kurmanalieva, who lives in Kazakhstans largest city of Almaty, said he was forcefully detained by Chinese police while in the Khorgos Market, on the Kazakh side of the border.

His passport was confiscated and he was forcibly taken to China by car, she said.

The court verdict from 2018 stated that Azatbek was arrested by the Khorgos county (Huocheng county in Chinese) Police Department in China.

After months of effort to corroborate this, RFA managed to speak to a police officer in that department who was involved in Azatbeks abduction and described what happened.

The officer, who insisted on not being identified, said that Azatbek had been blacklisted by the police due to a complaint from an acquaintance who had helped him get a visa but with whom he had a financial dispute.

The officers spotted him in the trade zone on Dec. 7, 2017, and they brought him to the Kazakhstan border control office and interrogated him.

Azatbek insisted that he was a citizen of Kazakhstan and refused to answer their questions, the officer said. The police found out that his Chinese citizenship was not yet erased from the archive and moved him from the Kazakhstan border office to Chinese territory.

He was a little bit arrogant. It was intense, so we treated him badly, said the officer.

He ripped up a letter we wrote. Then we started having a conflict, he said. There were 15 [police officers], so finally we managed to control him.

Police then grabbed him by the collar, dragged him out of the Kazakhstan police office, forced him into a car and took him to the Chinese side, the officer said.

He was grabbed by the neck and thrown out of the office, the officer said.

Azatbek refused to go to the Chinese side of the border, so the police pushed and pulled him to the car. While he was  resisting, we beat his hand a couple of times, the officer said.

Befriended apparent spy

Azatbek was apparently arrested because of his links to Daniyar Serikbayev, who worked at Kazakhstans Consulate in Urumqi. He was not aware that Serikbayev also worked for Kazakhstans National Security Commission, the countrys intelligence agency.

Kurmanalieva said that the accusation of "espionage" against her brother was slander and that the arrest of a Kazakh national by the Chinese police was disrespecting Kazakhstans sovereignty.

If China had proof that my brother committed a crime, instead of crossing the Kazakhstan border to arrest him, they shouldve done so via Interpol or shouldve discussed it diplomatically with Kazakhstan, she said. I think what China did is an insult to Kazakhstan.

She called on the Kazakh government to act on behalf of her brother and to protect and restore the honor Kazakhstan.

Translated by RFA Uyghur. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
Luu Binh Nhuong was known for speaking out against law enforcement agencies.

Former Vietnam National Assembly delegate Luu Binh Nhuong was arrested last week for allegedly aiding and abetting extortion.

A former lawmaker widely known for speaking out against law enforcement agencies has been expelled from Vietnams ruling Communist Party, state media reported.

Luu Binh Nhoung was expelled for allegedly aiding and abetting extortion. He was arrested last month for his connection to the case of convicted criminal Pham Minh Cuong.

At the time of his arrest, he was the deputy head of the National Assemblys Peoples Petitions Committee  a role in which he had received public praise for investigating the cases of people seeking justice.

During the November 2018 National Assembly session, Nhuong criticized the Ministry of Public Security and said the police had made terrible mistakes.

He also spoke out against the execution of Le Van Manh, who had protested his innocence in a rape and murder case, claiming the police had beaten him to force him to confess.

Being expelled from the Communist Party is the ultimate disgrace for a member of Vietnams elite class because they no longer have the privileges and protection that party membership confers, and they can be in more legal jeopardy if suspected of crimes.

The decision to expel Nhuong was made during the 34th meeting session of the CPV Central Inspection Commission in Hanoi, held Dec. 18-20, 2023, state media reported.

On Nov. 14, 2023, Thai Binh Provincial Polices Investigation Agency issued a decision to prosecute and arrest Mr. Luu Binh Nhuong and a warrant to search his home and office on the charges of extortion under Article 170 of Vietnams Penal Code.

According to the website of the Thai Binh Provincial Police, Nhuong allegedly interfered in responsible agencies work to help Pham Minh Cuong carry out extortion activities.

He was also a member of the 14th National Assembly of Vietnam for the 2016-2021 term and a member of the National Assemblys Social Affairs Committee.

He was not recommended for re-election as a member of the 15th National Assembly because at age 60 he was said to be too old.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
Cecilia Hernandez was born in mainland Spain but grew up in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, before moving to Madrid to study a degree in Physics. Although her first intention was to work in research, since 1991 she has worked in various management posts in the field of science. She was at the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) for many years, and just a few months ago, she joined the Spanish Space Agency, where she is head of the Science and Exploration Department. During her long period at the CDTI, Hernandez has been head of the scientific program of the European Space Agency (ESA) twice, and that experience is what is most likely behind her recent appointment as president of the ESAs Scientific Committee. Hernandez is the first female president and the first Spaniard to chair that committee.

Question. What is the ESAs scientific committee?

Answer. It is the body that decides how the funds allocated to the ESA science program should be managed and for what purpose. All twenty-two member states of the agency are represented.

Q. And how much are those funds?

A. Financing is approved for three-year periods. For the current period, we have just over 600 million ($656 million). The committee works with short, medium, and long-term planning that is used to decide which missions are carried out and with what money. Although we work on budgets spanning three years, in reality these missions are carried out over much longer periods of time. And thats why sometimes you have to make adjustments, delay missions, modify planning, or even cancel missions.

Q. What can cause a space mission to be delayed or canceled?

A. Many things can happen. Sometimes we can see that they are going to be more expensive than expected, or the ministers do not approve a budget that was expected. Crises or technical failures occur. Many missions are also carried out with international collaboration, and that collaboration can vary with time.

Q. What type of science is done in the program whose committee you chair?

A. The scientific program is designed to advance knowledge, and in our case the fields we cover are astronomy, fundamental physics, and the science of the Solar System.

Q. And how is Spain doing in these fields?

A. I would say that, to a greater or lesser extent, it participates in all areas. The country is quite strong in astronomy. Its no coincidence that we have large ground telescopes and different important research centers: the astrophysical centers in Andalusia and the Canary Islands and other centers such as the astrobiology center, the IFCA in Cantabria, the institute of space sciences in Catalonia, and many more. In addition to university departments, there are many research centers in Spain that have sound structural capabilities and facilities to participate and benefit scientifically from these missions.

Q. How does a research center benefit from working with ESA?

A. There is a double benefit: on the one hand, ESA scientific missions, and any other scientific mission aimed at doing what we call big science, want to answer the big questions that the universe can reveal to us. The demand for instrumentation is very strong, so a very direct benefit is the development of very demanding technologies. And that technological challenge ultimately comes from industry, so industry also benefits from that participation. What is more, the scientific return from having gotten involved in these missions means that you can have scientific production in this field. It is a sacrifice because the development of a mission from when it is proposed to when it is launched takes many years. It continues for a generation, but then the scientific return is always guaranteed.

Cecilia Hernandez, president of the ESA Scientific Committee, in Madrid. Jaime Villanueva

Q. What are the most important missions that the scientific program has at the moment?

A. There is Gaia, an astronomy mission that is turning out to be the most productive in scientific terms. It has changed the paradigms of astronomy. It is basically mapping the sky. Another mission that was launched in March of this year is Juice, which is going to Jupiter, and all the instruments in it are challenging the state of the art. It is technologically very powerful. There are others like Solar Orbiter, which is also in flight, on its way to study the Sun. And then there are two that are at very interesting points. One of them that we hope to adopt in January 2024  once study phase has come to an end  is the LISA mission, and its main objective is to detect gravitational waves. Another very nice one is Euclid, which was launched in July of this year and which is destined to reveal the mysteries of dark energy and matter. And following Euclid, last year the committee approved ARRAKHIS, the first mission led by a Spanish scientist. It is a complementary mission to Euclid that will study dark matter in particular. But consider that this mission was selected after competing with 18 others.

Q. What do you say when someone asks how can these millions be spent when there is still underdevelopment and hunger in the world?

A. I would tell you that if Galileo had not started looking at the sky we would not have all the optical instrumentation that we have today. Advancing in knowledge is inherent to human nature, and wanting to know where we come from and where we are going is unstoppable. You literally cannot stop it. The technology to do great science has subsequent technological applications, which are often unsuspected and are used in multiple fields. We always talk about medicine. But if we were not curious about what lies beyond, we would not now have Earth observation satellites that help us prevent, monitor, or alleviate catastrophes. We have the recent example of the La Palma volcano and how Copernicus, which is a satellite system developed by ESA, was following it step by step.

Q. Is the existence of the new Spanish Space Agency going to change Spain's relationship with the ESA?

A. Yes, of course. It is going to become a hub for all space-related matters in Spain. Until now, space powers were dispersed. But from now on, anyone from anywhere in the world, including the ESA, has a door to knock on when they want to talk about space with Spain. They will not get confused. With that alone we have already taken a giant step.

Q. The aerospace world is very male-dominated. What is it like to work in that field as a woman?

A. It was the same as in all male-dominated areas, but in recent years I have seen great changes. For the first time, the ESAs director of science is a woman. There is huge awareness in the sector that we cannot afford to lose 50% of the talent, and the sector is proactive in seeking to attract women. The Spanish Space Agency itself has been created with the aim of applying equality policies. At the moment we are in good condition to move forward. On the other hand, the data is what it is, and society is what it is. As in other sectors, we must remember that certain situations are not tolerable and that a womans voice is as valuable as anyone elses. We are the first generation to have to lose the baggage that we are carrying due to our education and the experiences in our personal careers, but our colleagues must help too. Honestly, if I am here it is thanks to Juan Carlos Cortes, who was my director at CDTI and has always supported me. We need men to work with us.

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The vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has called on Thailand not to extradite Hmong preacher and human rights activist Lu A Da back to Vietnam.

Frederick Davie issued the call following a Dec. 13 Radio Free Asia report on Lus arrest by Thai police. Authorities later detained him at Bangkoks Immigration Detention Center.

Thai police arrested Lu, a former missionary and preacher at the Northern Evangelical Church of Vietnam and head of the Hmong Human Rights Coalition, at his rental home in Bangkok on Dec. 7.

His arrest occurred two weeks after he publicly denounced the Vietnamese governments systematic suppression of Hmong communities in Vietnam.

Lu and his family fled Vietnam in 2020 to escape ethnic and religious persecution and entered Thailand illegally to seek official refugee status.

USCIRF is concerned for Lu A Da, a Hmong activist & preacher who fled religious persecution in Vietnam, Davie posted on the X account of the commission, an independent, bipartisan U.S. government entity that monitors, analyzes and reports on threats to religious freedom worldwide.

He is currently detained by the Thai Royal Police, & is facing potential deportation back to Vietnam due to his activism, he said.

The same day, USCIRF Commissioner Eric Ueland tweeted on the commission's X account that the Biden administration must raise with Thailand its practice of deporting members of vulnerable religious minorities back to home countries where they face persecution, detainment, & torture.

Thai immigration authorities have detained other Vietnamese victims of religious persecution who entered Thailand illegally to escape repression by the Vietnamese government.

More than 1,000 Hmong asylum seekers live in Thailand, according to the Hmong Human Rights Coalition. Because Thailand has not ratified the U.N.'s refugee convention, authorities can arrest asylum seekers without providing justification.

Life may be at risk

On Thursday, Lus wife, Giang Thi A, told RFA that she was concerned about her husbands possible deportation to Vietnam and that the Center for Asylum Protection was trying to get him freed on bail.

As he is a human rights activist, the Vietnamese government hates him, and the return would put his life at risk, she said.

After Lus arrest, the U.N.s refugee agency in Bangkok granted refugee status to her husband and the rest of his family, she said.

Vang Sao Gia, a member of the Hmong Human Rights Coalition and a refugee in Thailand, said he suspects that the Vietnamese government was involved in the arrest of Lu, who managed the civil society organization, and of other Vietnamese who have sought refuge there.

Previously, when [Vietnamese] refugees were arrested, I used to think that they were just unlucky, he said. However, after the recent arrests of a couple of Montagnard people and then of our organizations members, I have grounds to suspect that the Vietnamese government is involved.

In late November, Thai police arrested 11 members of the Montagnard ethnic minority in a raid near Bangkok and are detaining them at the Immigration Detention Center.

Like the Hmong minority, about 1,500 Vietnamese Montagnards have sought freedom from persecution in Thailand.

If deported to Vietnam, the refugees could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison under the Penal Code for fleeing the country or remaining abroad to oppose the peoples government.



Translated by Anna Vu for RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
The Vietnamese navy's first submarine, a Russian-built Kilo class, is seen after being delivered at Cam Ranh Bay in central Vietnam, Jan. 3, 2014.

>>> For more on this topic, read the complete Bear East series here.

Across Southeast Asia, no nation has such a close and long-standing relationship with Russia as Vietnam. Moscow is not only one of Hanois few trusted comprehensive strategic partners, but for decades has been its main defense supplier.

This special traditional and fraternal relationship, however, is now facing its most serious test as Hanoi seeks to diversify its international relationships and cozies up to the West.

Six Kilo submarines

There is no greater symbol of the increasingly complex defense relationship than the six state-of-the-art Kilo-class submarines that Vietnam purchased from Russia in December 2009.

The US$2 billion contract signed by the-then Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung remains Vietnams biggest ever arms deal and involves costly ongoing maintenance.

Dubbed the black hole for its stealthiness, the diesel-electric submersible was said to be in high demand, but the contract was signed and executed promptly to help Vietnam meet its defense needs.

In just eight years, the six submarines were manufactured and delivered to Cam Ranh Naval Base in central Vietnam where theyve been sitting quietly since. Not much has been heard about them until this July, when the general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party mentioned them in his just-released book on Vietnams defense strategies.

Vietnamese Kilo submarines thread - Largest submarine force in ASEAN with 6 submarines. Dubbed the "black hole" since its so difficult to detect; known to sneak undetected next to aircraft carriers. It has 6 torpedo tubes, carries Russian Kalibr cruise missiles. #Vietnam pic.twitter.com/QlxLTREYOc  Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense News (@IndoPac_Info) September 29, 2018

[B]uying six Kilo-class submarines all at once was not entirely the best option if you look at it from an international angle, considering their effectiveness and deterrence capabilities, wrote Nguyen Phu Trong.

Those rare if cryptic words from Vietnams top political leader may point to a certain amount of political infighting, but they also may signal a reconsideration of the role of Russia as the countrys main  and in some areas the only  military equipment supplier.

The dependence on Russian arms was rooted in the Vietnam War. According to official sources, in the period between 1961 and 1964, the Soviet Union provided North Vietnam with more than $200 million worth of weapons and military equipment, which served as the backbone of the North Vietnamese navy and air force.

Military aid was doubled in 1965 to $210 million in one year alone and increased to $910.7 million in the three following years. The majority of North Vietnams arsenal then was from the USSR.

Hanoi still is Russias biggest arms buyer in Southeast Asia, accounting for more than 60% of its regional sales. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, between 1995 and 2021, Vietnam imported $9.1 billion worth of weapons and military equipment, among which Russia accounted for $7.4 billion or 81.6%.

Major buys were, apart from the six submarines, Sukhoi Su-30MK2 multirole aircraft, Gepard 3.9 class frigates, patrol and fast attack ships, T-90SK main battle tanks and Bastion coastal defense missile systems.

Vietnams dependence on Russian arms was further exacerbated by the fact that it could not find alternative and reliable sources of imports, Le Hong Hiep, coordinator of the Vietnam Studies Programme at ISEAS  Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, recently wrote.

Arms from Western countries were generally less affordable than Russian arms. Even if Vietnam could afford them, some would not be available due to sanctions and export controls, Hiep wrote.

According to the researcher, the reduction in Russias arms sales to the region in the wake of Moscows invasion of Ukraine has made it imperative for Vietnam to accelerate its diversification of arms imports away from Russia.

Vietnamese military officials and foreign delegates look at a model of a HELINA missile during the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2022 in Hanoi, Dec. 8, 2022. Credit: Nhac Nguyen/AFP

Diversification

Although the Vietnam Peoples Army is likely to depend on equipment originally supplied by Russia for years to come, for multiple reasons Hanoi has begun to diversify its military procurement and to rely less on Russia, according to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in March.

An international arms trade fair was held in December 2021, in Hanoi. Vietnam Defence 2022 helped "diversify defense equipment procurement sources, said Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the opening ceremony.

The fair also aimed at introducing Vietnams defense capabilities and Vietnamese-made weapons to our international friends, according to Maj. Gen. Nguyen Viet Hung, deputy political commissar of the armys General Department of Defense Industry.

The diversification is happening now, said Nguyen The Phuong, a Vietnam military specialist at the University of New South Wales. Vietnams engaging with other arms manufacturing countries such as South Korea or the Czech Republic.

Another approach is to develop a strong domestic defense industry, which has already yielded some initial results, Phuong said.

But it is a long-term goal. In the short term, the best option from Vietnam's perspective would still be to rely on Russian supply because there is no alternative for big ticket items, he added.

Reuters reported that Vietnam and the United States are negotiating the sale of a number of F-16 fighter jets to Hanoi, after the two countries established a so-called comprehensive strategic partnership in September.

Vietnam, however, continues to pursue large-scale arms procurement from Russia. Radio Free Asia saw an official document dated May 27, 2023, and signed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, informing the Russian government of Vietnams interest in a new loan from the government of the Russian Federation for Vietnam to purchase Russian-produced weapons and military equipment.

In July and August, Vietnamese officials including Defense Minister Phan Van Giang and Deputy Minister Hoang Xuan Chien made several visits to Russia to promote defense cooperation.

Chien was quoted as saying that Vietnam plans to make "every effort to implement" the plans that were agreed with Russia.

Vietnam will always be with you in any conditions," he said.

A statue of Soviet communist leader Vladimir Ilyich Lenin in central Hanoi, June 29, 2023. Credit: Tran Viet Duc/RFA

'Mr. Soviet Union'

I think its fair to say that Hanoi and Moscow have a special relationship thats built on a history of politics, ideology, but also a relationship that developed during a crucial stage of the history of the Communist Party, said Jonathan London, a Vietnamese expert at Leiden University in the Netherlands.

Its important for people in the U.S. and around the world to appreciate that it's an absolutely important and significant part of Vietnams history, politics, political culture, its not something that is going to disappear, London said.

A large proportion of the Communist Party and state personnel were trained in the former Soviet Union. According to official statistics, from 1950 to the present day more than 50,000 Vietnamese were educated in the USSR, and after that, Russia. Some of them became successful, such as Pham Nhat Vuong, chairman of Vietnams leading business VinGroup, or Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, CEO of VietJet Air.

Although Soviet scholarships are no longer on offer, there are still an estimated 6,000 Vietnamese students studying in Russia, mostly in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Besides the students, around 200,000 factory workers were also sent to all corners of the Soviet Union between 1980 and 1989. Many of them remained there after the collapse of the USSR.

A Soviet MIG-21 warplane on display at Vietnams Air Force and Air Defense Museum in Hanoi, June 30, 2023. Credit: Tran Viet Duc/RFA

The connection was particularly strong during the Vietnam War and immediately after, when the Soviet Union was the sole supporter of Vietnams post-war economy.

Some 13,500 Vietnamese officers underwent training in Soviet military academies and schools and nearly 11,000 Soviet military advisors were sent to North Vietnam during the war.

In 1965, the USSR agreed to supply North Vietnam with financial aid, military equipment and advisers.

China was another wartime ally, but Moscows influence was predominant during the 1970s and 1980s when Beijing and Hanoi severed ties after the Vietnamese leadership accused China of betraying Vietnams revolution and making a deal with U.S. imperialists behind our back.

Since the departure of the last French troops from North Vietnam in 1954, most foreigners seen in areas above the 17th parallel - the demarcation line between North and South - were from the USSR. Until the 1990s, the Vietnamese still referred to any Caucasian-looking person on the street as Ong Lien Xo, or Mr. Soviet Union.

Hanoi is probably the only city outside the former Soviet Union that still hosts not only a Lenin statue but also one of Felix Dzerzhinsky, the fearsome Soviet secret police chief.

The Soviet-built Friendship Culture Palace in central Hanoi, June 30, 2023. Credit: Tran Viet Duc/RFA

Russian businesses still play an important role in Vietnams economy, with three Russian state-owned energy companies  Zarubezhneft, Gazprom and Rosneft  operating there. Oil contributes trillions of dong in revenue for Vietnams government budget, and the presence of Russian firms has also been seen as a sign of support for the countrys sovereignty claims in disputed areas in the South China Sea, where Western oil companies withdrew under Chinas threats.

With such strong historical and strategic connections, its easy to understand why Hanoi took a neutral stance and refused to condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2021.

Yet criticism has emerged as Vietnam has opened up to the West for both political and economic purposes. Ordinary people now care more about their living standards and education than the past wars and ideologies.

And that shift in attitude has become more and more noticeable. Political commentator Pham Gia Minh, who also went to university in Russia, said that the war in Ukraine was a divisive issue, even in his family.

My son is supportive of Ukraine and he often argues with me about Russia. Among my friends, too, there are people who hate the war and Putin.

Jonathan London from Leiden University said that the war in Ukraine caused a significant fracture in Vietnams political system.

I think that many people in Vietnams party and state that historically have a lot of sympathy and experience with Russia were absolutely appalled and outraged by this war, he said. In Vietnams ministry of defense, the army, the political elite, there is a deep concern, reservation and even anger.

A woman reads a Vietnamese newspaper featuring front-page coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine at her stall in Hanoi on Feb. 25, 2022. Credit: Nam Nguyen/AFP

Hanoi's balancing act

Hanoi is now facing the real test of how to navigate between world powers such as Russia, China, Europe and the United States.

American influence is probably the strongest at the moment, especially over young people. But Russia has its clout in military matters and also in the exploration of natural resources, such as oil and gas, Pham Gia Minh said. So, Hanoi wishes to maintain traditional ties with Russia and not have to pick sides.

Vietnamese strategists have recently spoken about bamboo diplomacy  an increasingly popular concept among countries in Southeast Asia, symbolized by the ability of the bamboo plant to bend with the wind but never break.

The Vietnamese leadership has been promoting the motto, Be friends with every country in the world, while maintaining the Principle of Three Nos (no partaking in military alliances, no siding with one country to act against another, and no foreign military bases on Vietnamese territory) in its defense policy.

Even foreign ship port calls are divided equally among partner states.

The key for Vietnam and its leadership is how skillfully they can cultivate the relationships that promote their best interests, London said.

The invasion of Ukraine has put Vietnam between a rock and a hard place, said Carl Thayer, a veteran Vietnam expert from the University of New South Wales in Canberra, Australia.

The Communist Party in 2021 approved the most ambitious military modernization program in Vietnams history, according to Thayer, who noted that with $7.4 billion worth of arms sales during 1995-2021, Russia still tops the list of military providers to Vietnam by a very large margin.

The main challenges for the Hanoi leadership at the moment are to avoid U.S. and Western sanctions for purchasing arms and military technology from Russia and to maintain a high economic growth, he said. Western arms would be much more expensive, less bang for the buck.

Military training is another issue to be addressed. A large proportion of Vietnams army personnel was trained in Russia and will have to be re-trained if they switch to Western systems.

Vietnam is currently giving priority to MRO  maintenance, repair and overhaul - for its aging Russian legacy weapons and platforms, Thayer said. If Vietnam doesnt act quickly its capabilities will decline.

CCCP, a Russian restaurant, is seen in Hanoi, June 30, 2023. CCCP is the Russian abbreviation for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Credit: Tran Viet Duc/RFA

Edited by Mat Pennington and Jim Snyder
We asked some of our most perceptive journalists and analysts to anticipate tomorrow, to unravel the future, to forecast what the new year could have in store for our vast broadcast region. Among their predictions:

The war in Ukraine will persist until the West realizes that a return to the previous world order is unattainable.

In Iran, with parliamentary elections scheduled for March, the government is likely to face yet another challenge to its legitimacy.

In Belarus, setbacks for Russia in Ukraine could prompt the Lukashenka regime to attempt to normalize relations with the West.

While 2024 will see a rightward shift in the EU, it is unlikely to bring the deluge of populist victories that some are predicting.

The vicious spiral for women in Afghanistan will only worsen.

Peace between Armenia and its neighbors could set the stage for a Russian exit from the region.

Hungary's upcoming leadership of the European Council could prove a stumbling block to the start of EU accession talks with Ukraine.

Kyrgyzstan is on course to feel the pain of secondary sanctions over Russias invasion of Ukraine if the West's patience runs out.

Here, then, are our correspondents' predictions for 2024. To find out more about the authors themselves, click on their bylines.

The Ukraine War: A Prolonged Stalemate

By Vitaliy Portnikov

In September 2022, Ukrainian generals Valeriy Zaluzhniy and Mykhaylo Zabrodskiy presciently warned that Russia's aggression against Ukraine would unfold into a protracted conflict. Fast forward 15 months, and the front line is effectively frozen, with neither Ukrainian nor Russian offensives yielding substantial changes.

As 2023 comes to a close, observers find themselves revisiting themes familiar from the previous year: the potential for a major Ukrainian counteroffensive, the extent of Western aid to Kyiv, the possibility of a "frozen conflict, security assurances for Ukraine, and the prospects for its Euro-Atlantic integration ahead of a NATO summit.

It is conceivable that, by the close of 2024, we will still be grappling with these same issues. A political resolution seems elusive, given the Kremlin's steadfast refusal to entertain discussions on vacating the parts of Ukraine its forces occupy. Conversely, Ukraines definition of victory is the full restoration of its territorial integrity.

Even if, in 2024, one side achieves a military victory -- whether through the liberation of part of Ukraine or Russia seizing control of additional regions -- it won't necessarily bring us closer to a political resolution. Acknowledging this impasse is crucial, as Russian President Vladimir Putin's assault on Ukraine is part of a broader agenda: a push to reestablish, if not the Soviet Empire, at least its sphere of influence.

Even if, in 2024, one side achieves a military victory, it won't necessarily bring us closer to a political resolution.

For Ukraine, resistance to Russian aggression is about not just reclaiming occupied territories but also safeguarding statehood, political identity, and national integrity. Western support is crucial for Ukraine's survival and the restoration of its territorial integrity. However, this backing aims to avoid escalation into a direct conflict between Russia and the West on Russia's sovereign territory.

The war's conclusion seems contingent on the depletion of resources on one of the two sides, with Ukraine relying on continued Western support and Russia on oil and gas revenues. Hence, 2024 might echo the patterns of 2023. Even if external factors shift significantly -- such as in the U.S. presidential election in November -- we might not witness tangible changes until 2025.

Another potential variable is the emergence of major conflicts akin to the war in the Gaza Strip. Nevertheless, this would likely signify the dissipation of Western resources rather than a shift in approaches to war.

In essence, the war in Ukraine will persist until the West realizes that a return to the previous world order is unattainable. Constructing a new world order demands unconventional measures, such as offering genuine security guarantees to nations victimized by aggression or achieving peace, or at least limiting the zone of military operations to the current contact line, without direct agreements with Russia.

So far, such understanding is lacking, and the expectation that Moscow will eventually grasp the futility of its ambitions only emboldens Putin. Consequently, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will endure, potentially spawning new, equally perilous local wars worldwide.

Iran: Problems Within And Without

By Hannah Kaviani

Iran has been dealing with complex domestic and international challenges for years and the same issues are likely to plague it in 2024. But officials in Tehran appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach to its lengthy list of multilayered problems.

Iran enters 2024 as Israel's war in Gaza continues and the prospects for a peaceful Middle East are bleak, with the situation exacerbated by militia groups firmly supported by Tehran.

Irans prominent role in supporting paramilitary forces in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen has also drawn the ire of the international community and will continue to be a thorn in the side of relations with the West.

Tehran has refused to cooperate with the UNs International Atomic Energy Agency over its nuclear program, resulting in an impasse in talks with the international community. And with the United States entering an election year that could see the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, the likelihood of Tehran and Washington resuming negotiations -- which could lead to a reduction in sanctions -- is considered very low.

But Iran's problems are not limited to outside its borders.

Another critical issue Iranian officials must continue to deal with in 2024 is the devastated economy.

The countrys clerical regime is still reeling from the massive protests that began in 2022 over the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody after her arrest for not obeying hijab rules. The aftershocks of the Women, Life, Freedom movement that emanated from her death were reflected in acts of civil disobedience that are likely to continue in 2024.

At the same time, a brutal crackdown continues as civil rights activists, students, religious minorities, and artists are being beaten, detained, and/or given harsh prison sentences.

With parliamentary elections scheduled for March, the government is likely to face yet another challenge to its legitimacy as it struggles with low voter turnout and general disinterest in another round of controlled elections.

Another critical issue Iranian officials must continue to deal with in 2024 is the devastated economy resulting from the slew of international sanctions because of its controversial nuclear program. After a crushing year of 47 percent inflation in 2023 (a 20-year high, according to the IMF), costs are expected to continue to rise for many foods and commodities, as well as real estate.

Irans widening budget deficit due to reduced oil profits continues to cripple the economy, with the IMF reporting that the current government debt is equal to three annual budgets.

With neither the international community nor the hard-line Tehran regime budging, most analysts see scant chances for significant changes in Iran in the coming year.

Belarus: Wider War Role, Integration With Russia Not In The Cards

By Valer Karbalevich

Belarus has been pulled closer into Moscows orbit than ever by Russias war in Ukraine -- but in 2024, its unlikely to be subsumed into the much larger nation to its east, and chances are it wont step up its so-far limited involvement in the conflict in the country to its south.

The most probable scenario in Belarus, where the authoritarian Alyaksandr Lukashenka will mark 30 years since he came to power in 1994, is more of the same: No letup in pressure on all forms of dissent at home, no move to send troops to Ukraine. And while Russias insistent embrace will not loosen, the Kremlin will abstain from using Belarusian territory for any new ground attacks or bombardments of Ukraine.

But the war in Ukraine is a wild card, the linchpin influencing the trajectory of Belarus in the near term and beyond. For the foreseeable future, what happens in Belarus -- or to it -- will depend in large part on what happens in Russias assault on Ukraine.

Should the current equilibrium on the front persist and Western support for Ukraine persist, the likelihood is a continuation of the status quo for Belarus. The country will maintain its allegiance to Russia, marked by diplomatic and political support. Bolstered by Russian loans, Belarus's defense industry will further expand its output.

If Russia wins or scores substantial victories in Ukraine, Lukashenka will reap "victory dividends."

The Belarusian state will continue to militarize the border with Ukraine, posing a perpetual threat to Kyiv and diverting Ukrainian troops from the eastern and southern fronts. At the same time, however, Russia is unlikely to use Belarusian territory as a launching point for fresh assaults on Ukraine, as it did at the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

If Russia wins or scores substantial victories -- if Ukraine is forced into negotiations on Moscows terms, for example, or the current front line comes to be considered the international border -- Lukashenka, consolidating his position within the country, will reap "victory dividends." But relations between Belarus and Russia are unlikely to change dramatically.

Potentially, Moscow could take major steps to absorb Belarus, diminishing its sovereignty and transforming its territory into a staging ground for a fresh assault on Kyiv. This would increase tensions with the West and heighten concerns about the tactical nuclear weapons Moscow and Minsk say Russia has transferred to Belarus. However, this seems unlikely due to the absence of military necessity for Moscow and the problems it could create on the global stage.

The loss of Belarusian sovereignty would pose a major risk for Lukashenka and his regime. An overwhelming majority of Belarusians oppose the direct involvement of Belarus in the war against Ukraine. This fundamental distinction sets Belarus apart from Russia, and bringing Belarus into the war could trigger a political crisis in Belarus -- an outcome Moscow would prefer to avoid.

If Russia loses the war or sustains significant defeats that weaken Putin, Lukashenka's regime may suffer economic and political repercussions. This could prompt him to seek alternative global alliances, potentially leading to an attempt to normalize relations with the West.

Russia, Ukraine, And The West: Sliding Toward World War III

By Sergei Medvedev

2024 will be a critical year for the war in Ukraine and for the entire international system, which is quickly unraveling before our eyes. The most crucial of many challenges is a revanchist, resentful, belligerent Russia, bent on destroying and remaking the world order. In his mind, President Vladimir Putin is fighting World War III, and Ukraine is a prelude to a global showdown.

Despite Western sanctions, Russia has consolidated its position militarily, domestically, and internationally in 2023. After setbacks and shocks in 2022, the military has stabilized the front and addressed shortages of arms, supplies, and manpower. Despite latent discontent, the population is not ready to question the war, preferring to stay in the bubble of learned ignorance and the lies of state propaganda.

Here are four scenarios for 2024:

Strategic stalemate in Ukraine, chaos in the international system: The West, relaxed by a 30-year peace dividend, lacks the vision and resolve of the 1980s, when its leaders helped bring about the U.S.S.R.s collapse, let alone the courage of those who stood up to Nazi Germany in World War II. Putins challenge to the free world is no less significant than Hitlers was, but there is no Roosevelt or Churchill in sight. Probability: 70 percent

While breakup into many regions is unlikely, the Russian empire could crumble at the edges.

Widening war, collapse or division of Ukraine: Russia could defend and consolidate its gains in Ukraine, waging trench warfare while continuing to destroy civilian infrastructure, and may consider a side strike in Georgia or Moldova -- or against Lithuania or Poland, testing NATO. A frontal invasion is less likely than a hybrid operation by unidentified units striking from Belarus, acts of sabotage, or unrest among Russian-speakers in the Baltic states. Other Kremlin operations could occur anywhere in the world. The collapse of Ukraines government or the division of the country could not be ruled out. Probability: 15 percent.

Russia loses in Ukraine: A military defeat for Russia, possibly entailing a partial or complete withdrawal from Ukraine. Consistent Western support and expanded supplies of arms, like F-16s or Abrams tanks, or a big move such as closing the skies over Ukraine, could provide for this outcome. It would not necessarily entail Russias collapse -- it could further consolidate the nation around Putins regime. Russia would develop a resentful identity grounded in loss and defeat -- and harbor the idea of coming back with a vengeance. Probability: 10 percent

Russias Collapse: A military defeat in Ukraine could spark social unrest, elite factional battles, and an anti-Putin coup, leading to his demotion or violent death. Putins natural death, too, could set off a succession struggle, causing chaos in a country he has rid of reliable institutions. While breakup into many regions is unlikely, the empire could crumble at the edges -- Kaliningrad, Chechnya, the Far East  like in 1917 and 1991. Russias nuclear weapons would be a big question mark, leading to external involvement and possible de-nuclearization. For all its perils, this scenario might provide a framework for future statehood in Northern Eurasia. Probability: 5 percent

EU: 'Fortress Europe' And The Ukraine War

By Rikard Jozwiak

2024 will see a rightward shift in the European Union, but it is unlikely to bring the deluge of populist victories that some are predicting since Euroskeptics won national elections in the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia and polled well in Austria and Germany.

The European Parliament elections in June will be the ultimate test for the bloc in that respect. Polls still suggest the two main political groups, the center-right European People's Party and the center-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, will finish on top, albeit with a smaller share of the vote. But right-wing populist parties are likely to fail once again to agree on the creation of a single political group, thus eroding their influence in Brussels.

This, in turn, is likely to prod more pro-European groups into combining forces again to divvy up EU top jobs like the presidencies of the European Commission, the bloc's top executive body, and the European Council, which defines the EU's political direction and priorities. Center-right European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is widely tipped to get a second term, even though she might fancy NATO's top job as secretary-general. Charles Michel, on the other hand, will definitely be out as European Council president after serving the maximum five years.

While right-wing populists may not wield major influence in the horse-trading for those top jobs, they will affect policy going forward. They have already contributed to a hardening of attitudes on migration, and you can expect to hear more of the term "fortress Europe" as barriers go up on the EU's outer border.

The one surefire guarantee in Europe isn't about the European Union at all but rather about NATO.

The biggest question for 2024, however, is about how much support Brussels can provide Ukraine going forward. Could the "cost-of-living crisis" encourage members to side with Budapest to block financial aid or veto the start of de facto accession talks with that war-torn country? The smart money is still on the EU finding a way to green-light both those decisions in 2024, possibly by unfreezing more EU funds for Budapest.

Although it seems like a remote possibility, patience could also finally wear out with Hungary, and the other 26 members could decide to strip it of voting rights in the Council of the European Union, which amends, approves, and vetoes European Commission proposals -- essentially depriving it of influence. In that respect, Austria and Slovakia, Budapest's two biggest allies right now, are the EU countries to watch.

The one surefire guarantee in Europe isn't about the European Union at all but rather about NATO: After somehow failing to join as predicted for each of the past two years, against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden will become the transatlantic military alliance's 32nd member once the Turkish and Hungarian parliaments vote to ratify its accession protocol.

Caucasus: A Peace Agreement Could Be Transformative

By Josh Kucera

Could 2024 be the year that Armenia and Azerbaijan finally formally resolve decades of conflict?

This year, Azerbaijan effectively decided -- by force -- their most contentious issue: the status of the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. With its lightning offensive in September, Azerbaijan placed Karabakh firmly under its control. Both sides now say they've reached agreement on most of their fundamental remaining issues, and diplomatic talks, after an interruption, appear set to resume.

A resolution of the conflict could transform the region. If Armenia and Azerbaijan made peace, a Turkish-Armenian rapprochement could soon follow. Borders between the three countries would reopen as a result, ending Armenia's long geographical isolation and priming the South Caucasus to take full advantage of new transportation projects seeking to ship cargo between Europe and Asia while bypassing Russia.

Peace between Armenia and its neighbors also could set the stage for a Russian exit from the region. Russian-Armenian security cooperation has been predicated on potential threats from Azerbaijan and Turkey. With those threats reduced, what's keeping the Russian soldiers, peacekeepers, and border guards there?

There are mounting indications that Azerbaijan may not see it in its interests to make peace.

A Russian exit would be a messy process -- Moscow still holds many economic levers in Armenia -- but Yerevan could seek help from the United States and Europe to smooth any transition. Washington and Brussels have seemingly been waiting in the wings, nudging Armenia in their direction.

But none of this is likely to happen without a peace agreement. And while there don't seem to be any unresolvable issues remaining, there are mounting indications that Azerbaijan may not see it in its interests to make peace. Baku has gotten what it wanted most of all -- full control of Karabakh -- without an agreement. And maintaining a simmering conflict with Armenia could arguably serve Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev well, as it would allow him to continue to lean on a reliable source of public support: rallying against an Armenian enemy.

But perhaps the most conspicuous indication of a broader strategy is Aliyev's increasing invocation of "Western Azerbaijan" -- a hazily defined concept alluding to ethnic Azerbaijanis who used to live on the territory of what is now Armenia and their presumed right to return to their homes. It suggests that Azerbaijan might keep furthering its demands in hopes that Armenia finally throws in the towel, and each can accuse the other of intransigence.

Hungary: The Return Of Big Brother?

By Pablo Gorondi

Critics might be tempted to believe that Big Brother will be watching over Hungarians in 2024 like at no point since the fall of communism.

A new law on the Defense of National Sovereignty will allow the Office for the Defense of Sovereignty, which the law created, to investigate and request information from almost any group in Hungary that receives foreign funding. This will apply to civic groups, political parties, private businesses, media companies -- in fact, anyone deemed to be conducting activities (including "information manipulation and disinformation") in the interests of a foreign "body, organization, or person."

The law has been criticized by experts from the United Nations and the Council of Europe over its seemingly vague language, lack of judicial oversight, and fears that it could be used by the government "to silence and stigmatize independent voices and opponents."

The head of the Office for the Defense of Sovereignty should be nominated for a six-year term by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban and appointed by President Katalin Novak by February 1. This would allow the new authority to carry out investigations and present findings ahead of simultaneous elections to the European Parliament and Hungarian municipal bodies in early June -- possibly influencing their outcomes.

Orban has said in recent interviews that he wants to "fix the European Union" and that "we need to take over Brussels."

Asked by RFE/RL's Hungarian Service, some experts said fears of the new authority are overblown and that the government is more likely to use it as a threat hanging over opponents than as a direct tool for repression -- at least until it finds it politically necessary or expedient to tighten control.

On the international scene, meanwhile, Hungary will take over the Council of the European Union's six-month rotating presidency in July, a few weeks after voting to determine the composition of a new European Parliament.

MEPs from Orban's Fidesz party exited the center-right European People's Party bloc in 2021 and have not joined another group since then, although some observers expect them to join the more Euroskeptic and nationalist European Conservatives and Reformists.

Orban has for years predicted a breakthrough of more radical right-wing forces in Europe. But while that has happened in Italy, the Netherlands, and Slovakia, experts suggest that's not enough to fuel a significant shift in the European Parliament, where the center-right and center-left should continue to hold a clear majority.

Because of the June elections, the European Parliament's activities will initially be limited -- and its election of a European Commission president could prove complicated. Nevertheless, Orban has said in recent interviews that he wants to "fix the European Union" and that "we need to take over Brussels." So, Hungary's leadership may make progress difficult on issues that Orban opposes, like the start of EU accession talks with Ukraine or a possible reelection bid by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Stability And The 'Serbian World'

By Gjeraqina Tuhina and Milos Teodorovic

Serbia, once again, will be a key player in the region -- and its moves could significantly shape events in the Balkans over the next 12 months.

For over a decade, the dialogue to normalize relations between Serbia and its former province Kosovo has stymied both countries. Then, in February in Brussels and March in Ohrid, North Macedonia, European mediators announced a path forward and its implementation. There was only one problem: There was no signature on either side. Nine months later, little has changed.

Many eyes are looking toward one aspect in particular -- a renewed obligation for Pristina to allow for an "appropriate level of self-management" for the Serb minority in Kosovo. This also entails creating possibilities for financial support from Serbia to Kosovar Serbs and guarantees for direct communication of the Serb minority with the Kosovar government.

In October, EU mediators tried again, and with German, French, and Italian backing presented both parties with a new draft for an association of Serb-majority municipalities. Both sides accepted the draft. EU envoy to the region Miroslav Lajcak suggested in December that the Ohrid agreement could be implemented by the end of January. If that happened, it would mark a decisive step for both sides in a dialogue that began in 2011.

"The Serbian world" is a phrase launched a few years ago by pro-Russian Serbian politician Aleksandar Vulin, a longtime cabinet minister who until recently headed the Serbian Intelligence Service. It is not officially part of the agenda of either Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic or the government, but it underscores the influence that Serbia seeks to wield from Kosovo and Montenegro to Republika Srpska in Bosnia-Herzegovina. But how Vucic chooses to exert the implicit ties to Serb leaders and nationalists in those countries could do much to promote stability -- or its antithesis -- in the Balkans in 2024.

Another major challenge for Vucic revolves around EU officials' request that candidate country Serbia harmonize its foreign policy with the bloc. So far, along with Turkey, Serbia is the only EU candidate that has not introduced sanctions on Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It is unclear how far the Serbian president is willing to push back to foster ongoing good relations with Moscow.

But first, Serbia will have to confront the fallout from snap elections in December dominated by Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party but rejected by the newly united opposition as fraudulent. The results sparked nightly protests in the capital and hunger strikes by a half-dozen lawmakers and other oppositionists. A new parliament is scheduled to hold a session by the end of January 2024, and the margins are seemingly razor-thin for control of the capital, Belgrade.

Central Asia: Don't Write Russia Off Just Yet

By Chris Rickleton

Will the empire strike back? 2023 has been a galling year for Russia in Central Asia as it watched its traditional partners (and former colonies) widen their diplomatic horizons.

With Russia bogged down in a grueling war in Ukraine, Moscow has less to offer the region than ever before. Central Asias five countries have made the most of the breathing space, with their leaders holding landmark talks with U.S. and German leaders as French President Emmanuel Macron also waltzed into Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with multibillion-dollar investments.

And China has reinforced its dominant position in the region, while Turkey has also increased its influence.

But dont write Russia off just yet.

One of Moscows biggest wins in the neighborhood this year was an agreement to supply Uzbekistan with nearly 3 billion cubic meters of gas every year, a figure that could increase.

Power deficits in Uzbekistan and energy-rich Kazakhstan are the most obvious short-term sources of leverage for Moscow over those important countries.

The coming year will likely bring more in terms of specifics over both governments plans for nuclear power production, with Russia fully expected to be involved.

And Moscows confidence in a region that it views as its near abroad will only increase if it feels it is making headway on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Tajikistan

Tajikistans hereditary succession has been expected for so long that people have stopped expecting it. Does that mean it is back on the cards for 2024? Probably not.

In 2016, Tajikistan passed a raft of constitutional changes aimed at cementing the ruling Rahmon familys hold on power. Among them was one lowering the age to run for president from 35 to 30.

Turkmenistans bizarre new setup begs a question: If youre not ready to let it go, why not hold on a little longer?

That amendment had an obvious beneficiary -- veteran incumbent Emomali Rahmons upwardly mobile son, Rustam Emomali. But Emomali is now 36 and, despite occupying a political post that makes him next in line, doesnt look any closer to becoming numero uno.

Perhaps there hasnt been a good time to do it.

From the coronavirus pandemic to a bloody crackdown on unrest in the Gorno-Badakhshan region and now the shadows cast by the Ukraine war, there have been plenty of excuses to delay the inevitable.

Turkmenistan

But perhaps Rahmon is considering events in Turkmenistan, where Central Asias first father-son power transition last year has ended up nothing of the sort. Rather than growing into the role, new President Serdar Berdymukhammedov is shrinking back into the shadow of his all-powerful father, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov.

And this seems to be exactly how the older Berdymukhammedov wanted it, subsequently fashioning himself a post-retirement post that makes his son and the rest of the government answerable to him.

But Turkmenistans bizarre new setup begs a question: If youre not ready to let it go, why not hold on a little longer?

Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan

Writing on X (formerly Twitter) in November, a former IMF economist argued that Kyrgyzstan would be the "perfect test case" for secondary sanctions over Russias invasion of Ukraine. Robin Brooks described the country as "small, not remotely systemically important, and very clearly facilitating trade diversion to Russia."

Official statistics show that countries in the Eurasian Economic Union that Moscow leads have become a backdoor around the Western-led sanctions targeting Russia. Exports to Kyrgyzstan from several EU countries this year, for example, are up by at least 1,000 percent compared to 2019.

Data for exports to Kazakhstan shows similar patterns -- with larger volumes but gentler spikes -- while investigations by RFE/RL indicate that companies in both Central Asian countries have forwarded dual-use products that benefit the Kremlins military machine.

Belarus is the only Russian ally to get fully sanctioned for its support of Moscows invasion of Ukraine -- but will that change in 2024?

Central Asian governments will argue they have resisted Russian pressure to provide political and military support for the war. They might even whisper that their big friend China is much more helpful to Russia.

But the Wests approach of targeting only Central Asian companies actively flouting the regime is failing.

So, while Western diplomats continue to credit the regions governments for their anti-evasion efforts, their patience may wear out. And if it does, Kyrgyzstan might be first to find out.

Afghanistan: The Vicious Spiral Will Worsen

By Malali Bashir

With little internal threat to Afghanistans Taliban regime and the failure of the international community to affect change in the hard-line Islamist regimes policies, the Taliban mullahs control over the country continues to tighten.

And that regimes continued restrictions on Afghan women -- their rights, freedom, and role in society -- signals a bleak future for them in 2024 and beyond.

Many observers say the move by the Taliban in December to only allow girls to attend religious madrasahs -- after shutting down formal schooling for them following the sixth grade -- is an effort by the Taliban to radicalize Afghan society.

Madrasahs are not an alternative to formal schooling because they dont produce doctors, lawyers, journalists, engineers, etc. The idea of [only] having madrasahs isabout brainwashing [people] to create an extremist society, says Shukria Barakzai, the former Afghan ambassador to Norway.

The crackdown on womens rights by the Taliban will also continue the reported uptick in domestic violence in the country, activists say.

Since the Taliban shut down Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission and Women Affairs Ministry, women find themselves with nowhere to turn to and find it extremely difficult to seek justice in Taliban courts.

The Taliban seems adamant about maintaining its severe limits on women and reducing their role in society.

With no justice for victims of abuse on the horizon, womens rights activists say violence against women will continue with no repercussions for the perpetrators.

Barakzai argues that Taliban officials have already normalized domestic violence and do not consider it a crime.

According to [a Taliban] decree, you can [confront] women if they are not listening to [your requests]. Especially a male member of the family is allowed to use all means to punish women if they refuse to follow his orders. That is basically a call for domestic violence, she said.

The vicious spiral for women will only worsen.

Being banned from education, work, and public life, Afghan women say the resulting psychological impact leads to panic, depression, and acute mental health crises.

Although there are no official figures, Afghan mental health professionals and foreign organizations have noted a disturbing surge in female suicides in the two years since the Taliban came to power.

"If we look at the women who were previously working or studying, 90 percent suffer from mental health issues now," said Mujeeb Khpalwak, a psychiatrist in Kabul. "They face tremendous economic uncertainty after losing their work and are very anxious about their future."

Heather Bar, associate director of the women's rights division at Human Rights Watch, says, "It's not surprising that we're hearing reports of Afghan girls committing suicide. Because all their rights, including going to school, university, and recreational places have been taken away from them."

Promising young Afghan women who once aspired to contribute to their communities after pursuing higher education now find themselves with no career prospects.

I do not see any future. When I see boys continuing their education, I lose all hope and wish that I was not born a girl, a former medical student in Kabul told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi.

Despite immense global pressure, the Taliban seems adamant about maintaining its severe limits on women and reducing their role in society. This will result in a tragic future for the women of Afghanistan with no relief in sight.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected the possibility of a cease-fire with Russia, saying it would not lead to substantive progress in the war and only favor Moscow by giving it time to boost supplies to its military as the conflict nears its two-year anniversary.

A pause on the Ukrainian battlefield will not mean a pause in the war, the Ukrainian leader said in Estonia's capital, Tallinn, on January 11 during a tour of the three Baltic nations.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here.

"Give Russia two to three years and it will simply run us over. We wouldn't take that risk.... There will be no pauses in favor of Russia," he said. "A pause would play into [Russias] hands.... It might crush us afterward.



Zelenskiy has pleaded with Ukraine's allies to keep supplying it with weapons amid signs of donor fatigue in some countries and as Russia turns to countries such as Iran and North Korea for munitions.



NATO allies meeting in Brussels on January 10 tried to allay Kyiv's concerns over supplies, saying they will continue to provide Ukraine with major military, economic, and humanitarian aid. NATO allies have outlined plans to provide "billions of euros of further capabilities" in 2024 to Ukraine, the alliance said in a statement.



Estonian President Alar Karis said after meeting Zelenskiy that his country will provide 1.2 billion euros ($1.31 billion) in aid to Ukraine until 2027.



"Ukraine needs more and better weapons," Karis said at a joint news conference with Zelenskiy.



"The capabilities of the EU military industry must be increased so that Ukraine gets what it needs, not tomorrow, but today. We should not place any restrictions on the supply of weapons to Ukraine," he added.



Estonia has so far provided military assistance to Ukraine worth nearly 500 million euros, or more than 1.4 percent of its gross domestic product, according to the Estonian Foreign Minstry.

In a separate message on X, formerly Twitter, Zelenskiy thanked Tallinn for its continued aid.



"Estonia's unwavering support for Ukraine, our people, and our defense is evident today, during my visit, and throughout the war," Zelenskiy wrote. "I am grateful to Estonia for all its support."



The Baltic countries have been staunch allies of Ukraine since the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion in February 2022.



On January 10, Zelenskiy held talks in Vilnius with Lithuanian counterpart, Gitanas Nauseda.

We have proven that Russia can be stopped, that deterrence is possible, he said after talks with Nauseda.



Ukraine has been subjected to several massive waves of Russian missile and drone strikes since the start of the year that have caused civilian deaths and material damage.



In the latest such attack, a hotel in downtown Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, was struck by Russian missiles overnight on January 11. The strike injured 13 people, including Turkish journalists staying at the hotel, Kharkiv regional police chief Volodymyr Tymoshko said.



Regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said that one of those injured was in serious condition. More than 30 civilians were inside the hotel at the time of the attack, Synyehubov said on Telegram.



Ukraine's emergency services said those hurt in the strike were "hotel staff and guests, one of whom is a foreign journalist," without giving details. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said no military personnel were staying at the hotel.

With reporting by AFP and Reuters
More than 6,000 kilometers from Tehran, in treacherous waters off the shores of Singapore, a "dark fleet" of oil tankers waits to offload the precious cargo that helps keep Iran's economy afloat -- a dependency that could also sink it.

The fleet has grown steadily over the past five years, delivering Iranian crude to China as the countries work in concert to circumvent international sanctions that target Tehran's lucrative oil exports. But while the clandestine trade has buoyed Iran's budget, it also comes at tremendous cost and risk to Tehran.

Iran gives China a hefty discount to take its banned oil, taking 12 to 15 percent off the price of each barrel to make it worthwhile for Beijing to take on the liability of skirting sanctions, according to research by the data analysis unit of RFE/RL's Radio Farda.

Additional costs add up as well: ship-to-ship operations to offload the oil, middlemen, hidden-money transfers, and rebranding the oil to mask its Iranian origin and make it appear to come from a third country, said Dalga Khatinoglu, an expert on Iranian energy issues.

Altogether, said Khatinoglu, who contributes to Radio Farda's data analysis unit, Iran's budget figures and official statements indicate that 30 percent of the country's potential oil revenue was wasted last year.

And with the draft budget for the next fiscal year currently being debated by the Iranian parliament, there are no guarantees that Tehran's bet on quenching China's thirst for oil will continue to be a panacea.

With Iran almost entirely dependent on Beijing to take its oil and on other entities to facilitate the trade, Tehran has managed to inject desperately needed revenue into its economy. But Iran has also put itself at risk of seeing its main revenue stream dry up.

"There's definitely an extent to which Tehran has become more dependent on the likes of China or those who would be willing to deal with Iran in spite of Western sanctions," said Spencer Vuksic, a director of the consultancy firm Castellum, which closely tracks international sanctions regimes.

Vuksic said Iran is "definitely put in a weak position by having to depend on a single external partner who's willing to deal with and engage with Tehran."

Oily Deficit

Iran has trumpeted its foreign trade, claiming in December that oil revenue had contributed to a positive trade balance for the first eight months of the year.

But the oil and gas sector, by far the largest part of the Iranian economy, will not be enough to save the current budget of around $45 billion that was approved last year.

The Iranian fiscal year, which follows the Persian calendar and will end in March, is expected to result in a major deficit. In presenting the draft budget to parliament in December, President Ebrahim Raisi acknowledged a $10 billion deficit.

But the shortfall could be much higher -- up to $13.5 billion, the largest in Iran's history -- by the end of the fiscal year, according to Radio Farda. This is because data shows that just half of the expected oil revenues were realized, in part due to lower than expected oil prices and additional costs and discounts related to Tehran's oil trade with China.

Whereas the budget expectations were based on oil being sold at $85 per barrel, the price of crude dipped below $75 per barrel in December and has fluctuated wildly recently amid concerns that tensions in the Middle East could disrupt shipping and production.

And while Iran expected to export 1.5 million barrels of oil per day (bpd), it exported only 1.2 million bpd in the first eight months of the year, according to Radio Farda.

Altogether, Radio Farda estimates that Iran lost some $15 million per day in potential revenue through its trade with China, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the Iranian budget.

For the upcoming budget of about $49 billion, expectations for domestic and foreign oil revenue have dipped by 3 percent, according to Khatinoglu, even as the projected budget itself has risen by about 18 percent.

Accounting for the fluctuation of global oil prices, which fell far short of the average estimated for the current year, the peg has been lowered to $71 per barrel. Tehran is also expecting lower oil-export volumes -- which only briefly met forecasts of 1.5 million bpd, the highest levels seen since 2018 -- with only 1.35 million bpd forecast.

Iran is reportedly expected to plug the gap left by the lower oil revenue by increasing taxes on wealthy individuals and businesses, while Khatinoglu says Tehran will try to boost revenue by raising domestic energy prices.

Shipping Competition

Adding to the uncertainty of Iran's finances is the potential for weaker Chinese demand for its oil and competition from Russia which, like Tehran, sends banned oil to Beijing.

And international sanctions are continuously evolving to punish countries and entities that foster Iran's illegal oil trade, threatening to capsize the dark fleet that helps sustain Tehran's so-called resistance economy.

On the other hand, the mercurial nature of oil price fluctuations and demand could work to Iran's advantage. With Venezuelan oil no longer under sanctions, Russia is left as the only competitor for clandestine oil sales to China.

And Iran's capacity to export oil is greater than ever, allowing it to more easily sell its oil to Beijing when demand is high.

This is largely due to the considerable expansion of the global "dark fleet" of oil since crippling U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's oil exports were restored after the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal that has been agreed with six world powers.

The deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), offered sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran's controversial nuclear program. After the deal went into effect in January 2016, Iran more than doubled its legal oil exports in a few months, eventually reaching a high of 1.54 million bpd in 2018.

But with the U.S. withdrawal from the deal and subsequent reintroduction of sanctions that year, Iranian oil exports plummeted. And after the exceptions granted to a handful of countries -- including China -- that were allowed to continue to import Iranian oil expired in 2019, Iranian oil exports slowed to a trickle.

This was partly because Iran was not equipped to export its oil and had no immediate customers willing to defy the sanctions. But that changed with the fine-tuning of Irans efforts to defy sanctions, the fivefold rise in the number of dark-fleet tankers, and China's willingness to take the risk of doing business with Tehran -- although Beijing has not acknowledged unregistered imports of Iranian oil.

Today the dark fleet of often aging ships -- nearly half of them VLCCs (very large crude carriers) -- has risen to up to 1,000 vessels, according to Vortexa, which tracks international shipping. Many smaller ships are involved in Russian oil exports, which account for about 80 percent of all opaque tanker activity. But Iran had access to nearly 200 tankers, many of them supertankers, as of early 2023, according to Vortexa.

More than 20 ships, 13 of them VLCCs, joined the Iranian fleet in 2023, Vortexa reported in June, contributing to record-high Iranian oil exports under sanctions.

Vortexa attributed the rise to increased Chinese demand, the addition of the new tankers to shuttle Iranian oil after many had switched to shipping Russian oil, and the decline of Iranian inventories drawn down to boost exports amid heightened competition with Russia for the Chinese market.

While Chinese demand for Iranian oil slowed in October, Vortexa noted in a subsequent report, Washingtons removal of oil sanctions on Venezuela that month opened the possibility of higher demand for Iranian oil.

Uncertain Waters

In an October report, the global trade intelligence firm Kpler explained that tankers illegally shipping Iranian oil commonly "go dark" upon entering the Persian Gulf by turning off their transponders, technically known as the automatic identification system (AIS). After visiting Iran's main oil terminal on Kharg Island or other ports, they then reemerge after a few days indicating they are carrying a full load.

From there, the ships offload the oil with ship-to-ship transfers that take place in unauthorized zones, mostly in the Singapore Straits. Eventually the oil, rebranded as coming from Malaysia or Middle Eastern countries, enters China, where it is processed by more than 40 independent "teapot" refiners that have little exposure to international sanctions or the global financial system.

Sanctions Revisited

The challenge for those trying to halt the illicit trade in Iranian oil as a way to hold Tehran accountable for its secretive nuclear activities and dire human rights record, is how to make the negatives of dealing with Iran greater than the financial benefits.

That has put the illicit seaborne trade of oil -- both Iranian and Russian, owing to the ongoing war in Ukraine -- under greater scrutiny by the international community.

"There's continuous refining of the sanctions programs to include and expand sanctions against those involved in evasion, and that includes sanctioning so-called dark fleets," said Castellums Vuksic, noting that the number of targeted sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities rose by more than 1,000 last year.

The big question is enforcement, an issue that is being debated in the United States and other countries and is leading to increased calls for countries like Panama to de-flag illegal tankers and for countries to clamp down on dark-fleet ships anchored off their shores.

"My expectation is that governments, including the United States, will take action against these dark fleets, especially the facilitators and the [ship] owners when they're identified," Vuksic told RFE/RL.

Other factors, including concerns about the impact of a broader Middle East conflict potentially involving Iran, could also hurt or help Iran's financial standing.

As Kpler noted while reporting that Chinese imports of Iranian oil had dropped significantly in October, the changing global landscape can have a big effect on the independent Shandong-base refineries that purchase Iranian oil.

"Middle East tensions/threat of stricter enforcement of U.S. sanctions may have turned Shandong refiners more risk-adverse," the global trade intelligence firm wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

In the past week, supply fears also exposed the volatility of global crude prices, potentially to Iran's benefit.

Oil prices rose sharply on January 2 on news that Iran had sent a frigate to the Red Sea and was rejecting calls to end support for attacks by Tehran-backed Huthi rebels that have disrupted shipping in the important trade route.

Prices surged again following the deadly January 3 bombing attack in Iran, for which the Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility.

But the week ended with questions about the future of Iran's cut-rate deal with the only country willing to help prop up its economy, with Reuters reporting that China's oil trade with Iran had stalled after Tehran withheld supplies and demanded higher prices.
PRAGUE -- The Czech Republic has declared a national day of mourning on December 23 for the 13 people killed by a 24-year-old student in central Prague in a mass shooting that has shocked the Central European nation and has prompted multiple messages of solidarity.

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan clarified that earlier reports that 14 people had been killed in the attack carried out at a building of Charles University included the shooter, who police now confirm died by suicide.

The shooting at Charles University in central Prague on December 21 also wounded 25 people, including 10 seriously. It was the country's worst mass shooting and one of the worst on record in Europe.



"The Czech Republic has never experienced such an act, Rakusan said shortly after the shooting, adding that there was no indication that the shooting had any connection with international terrorism.

"I was at the scene of a horrific crime a moment ago. I saw a huge arsenal of weapons and ammunition in the faculty building," police chief Martin Vondrasek said. "If it weren't for the quick intervention of the police, there would have been many times more victims."

Vondrasek said police believe the shooter killed his father in his hometown of Hostoun, west of Prague, earlier in the day, and that he had also been planning to kill himself.

He added that police are investigating whether the shooter, a legal gun owner, is the same assailant who killed a 32-year-old man and his 2-month-old daughter on December 15 in a park in Prague.

Czech media reports say that police are looking into social media posts allegedly written by the shooter to determine if there was a link to the attack.

Police announced on December 22 that they had launched a nationwide effort to secure schools and other soft targets, while stressing that the measure was preventative and that no specific threats had been identified.

Mass shootings are rare in Europe, but there were at least three others this year. A gunman in March in the German city of Hamburg shot dead six people and wounded eight before killing himself.

The other two took place in Serbia in a single week in May. A 13-year-old boy gunned down eight fellow students and a security guard in a Belgrade school. Two days later, a gunman killed eight people and wounded 14 others in a village near the Serbian capital.

Reactions to the Prague shooting came from other European capitals and from the acting president of RFE/RL, whose headquarters is in Prague about 6 kilometers from Charles University.



"RFE/RL joins with our community in Prague in expressing solidarity with all affected by todays shocking events at Charles University," acting President Jeffrey Gedmin said in a statement.



Czech President Petr Pavel said he was shocked by what happened and offered his condolences to the relatives of the victims, as did leaders of Germany, France, Slovakia, the European Union, and Israel.



The White House said the United States is ready to support the Czech Republic as needed.



"Federal authorities are in touch with Czech authorities as they investigate this incident, and we stand ready to provide additional support as needed," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also reacted with shock and sadness.



"I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery, he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The shooting took place in the philosophy department building of Charles Universitys Faculty of Arts located on Jan Palach Square, causing panic throughout the center of Prague.

A photo that circulated on social media showed a group of eight students who climbed through windows to hide on a ledge of the building about five stories up.

A teacher at the university, Sergei Medvedev, confirmed to RFE/RL that teachers and students received e-mail messages instructing them to stay barricaded in their classrooms and turn off lights to protect themselves from the shooter, who was inside the building at the time.

Medvedev said he was lecturing when he and his students began hearing people shouting and sirens. When they looked out the window and saw streets cordoned off and the bridge empty, they barricaded themselves in the classroom until special forces arrived.

All the students who were with him got out safely, he said, but on their way out they saw a "horrible" scene that included blood in the stairway and stretchers that appeared to have bodies on them.

"We didnt know what was happening...and how it was going to end," student Liza Chukharova told Current Time, describing how she and fellow students barricaded themselves in their classroom for 40 minutes until special forces came and told them to walk out with their hands raised.

"There was too much blood everywhere and stretchers around," she said, adding that emergency staff were on hand to provide psychological support to those who needed it along with tea and metallic covers to warm themselves.

"They are saying that everything is going to be all right," she said.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, Current Time, Dnes, and Reflex
A gunman opened fire at a university in downtown Prague on December 21, killing at least 14 people and wounding many others. The shooter was also reported dead following the attack, which authorities said was "unprecedented" in the Czech Republic. Professors and students described being caught in the midst of the violence to reporters from Current Time, a Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA.
Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, in his first court appearance since being moved to a notorious prison in the Arctic, joked and smiled at a hearing on his challenge to how he was being treated in prison, which the judge ultimately rejected.

The court said a suit filed by Navalny, who attended the January 10 hearing via video link, against his placement in a solitary confinement for 12 days at his previous prison in October was without merit as the move was legal.

In his decision, Judge Kirill Nikiforov ruled Navalny's placement in a punitive cell was warranted because it was proven that he violated an internal order at the IK-6 prison in the Vladimir region, namely by using "offensive" words when debating with a guard.

In a light moment during the proceedings, Navalny told the judge, who has presided over several similar sessions, that "a tear is flowing down my cheek" as a sign of pleasure at getting to see him again.

A second suit also filed by Navalny against the prison's decision not to allow his wife's letters to reach him will be considered by the court at a later date as Navalny asked for time to get acquainted with all documents related to the case. Navalny said he needed to see the prison warden's written order banning his wife's letters.

The day before, Navalny said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was immediately placed in a punitive solitary-confinement cell for seven days for failing to "properly" introduce himself to a prison guard after finishing a quarantine term at his new prison formally known as IK-3, but widely referred to as "Polar Wolf."

Navalny was transported to the notorious and remote prison in December.

Located some 2,000 kilometers northeast of Moscow, the prison holds about 1,050 of Russia's most incorrigible prisoners.

Human rights activists say the prison holds serial killers, rapists, pedophiles, repeat offenders, and others convicted of the most serious crimes and serving sentences of 20 years or more.

Navalny, who is serving a total of 19 years in prison on extremism and other charges, was hospitalized on August 20, 2020, after falling seriously ill on a flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He was later transferred to Germany for treatment of poisoning by a deadly nerve agent of the Novichok group.

His Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) conducted an investigation of the poisoning and determined that it was carried out by agents of the Federal Security Service acting at Putins behest.

Russian authorities have never investigated the poisoning, with prosecutors claiming there was no evidence a crime had been committed.

Navalny returned to Russia from Germany on January 21, 2021 and was immediately arrested. He has been in custody ever since.

He has posed one of the most serious challenges to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently announced he is running for reelection in March. Putin is expected to easily win the election amid the continued sidelining of opponents and a clampdown on opposition and civil society that has intensified since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

On January 9, Navalny's team, in a post on Telegram, called on Russian citizens both home and abroad to hold an action called "Russia Without Putin" on January 21 -- the third anniversary of Navalny's arrest at a Moscow airport after he returned from Germany.

Navalny's FBK and his network of regional offices were declared "extremist" organizations and shut down in Russia in 2021. Many of his supporters fled the country in the face of criminal cases or the threat of prosecution.

Several of his associates were arrested on extremism charges, with some of them being handed prison terms.

With reporting by Mediazona and Meduza
An exhibitor demonstrates a neural regulation device with a self-developed brain chip at the Xitou Qizhen Brain Smart Scientific Innovation Center in Hangzhou, China, in 2022. CFOTO ( Future Publishing / Getty Images)

Two future scenarios await mankind. One is pleasant and the other is disturbing. First the pleasant one: you can turn on the television using just your mind, you are able to communicate your thoughts to another person without the need to speak or write, learning new skills takes a fraction of a second, and you can remember everything with crystal clarity. Now the disturbing part: a machine can predict your decisions, third parties can access your most intimate thoughts, you live in a state of perpetual surveillance, and your perceptions and memories can be manipulated.

These are some of the situations that could become a reality with the advancement of neurotechnological devices such as brain-computer interfaces (BCI), technology that connects the human mind with a computer. Although it may seem like the plot from a science fiction movie, the version 1.0 of these interfaces could be available on the market in less than five years. In the clinical setting, it has already been possible to decode the thoughts of a paralyzed woman who is unable to speak and translate her brain activity into words. In another experiment, a persons memory of a video they had just watched was displayed on a monitor with impressive fidelity.

In Hegel and the Connected Brain, philosopher Slavoj Zizek speculates about how connecting the brain to computers would change our understanding of thought, freedom, and individuality. For example, BCIs could revolutionize communication by eliminating the language barrier and allowing the instantaneous and accurate transmission of thoughts between people. From speaking to someone we would go on to think with someone. Such a level of transparency would erode the distinction between the self and the other. By fully sharing our subjective experiences, we would face a paradox: on the one hand, an increase in empathy and mutual understanding, and on the other, a possible loss of the personal uniqueness that defines us as individuals.

Most disturbing, according to Zizek, is the possibility of a state of hypervigilance where brain activity is constantly monitored and recorded. He argues that this could lead to a pre-criminal state, where authorities would act before crimes are committed, in a similar way to those in the film Minority Report. Zizek suggests that the ultimate goal of digitally recording our actions is to predict and prevent transgressions. This would have a dramatic impact on individual freedom, compromising our ability to make decisions for ourselves. It is not that the computer that records our activity is omnipotent and infallible, he writes, but that its decisions are usually, on average, better than ours.

Right now, Chile and Brazil are the only two countries in the world that have implemented legislative measures to protect brain information. Neuroscientist Rafael Yuste, professor at Columbia University, highlights by video call the critical importance of establishing neurorights to preserve privacy and mental identity in the face of the advance of neurotechnology. We want to prevent what has happened with other disruptive technologies such as the internet, the metaverse, or artificial intelligence. These had no regulation until society realized the negative consequences, and it is already too late. And he adds: It is often said that when a new technology emerges, you dont really know what it is for, but it is very easy to regulate it. And then, once it is implanted, you know perfectly well what it is for, but it is impossible to put it back in the drawer.

There are two types of BCI: invasive and non-invasive. Both have the ability to measure brain activity and modify it. The former require implantation within the skull, although not necessarily in the brain tissue. They are commonly known as brain chips, and are being developed by companies such as Elon Musks Neuralink. With this type, Yuste indicates, there is no type of concern, since they are rigorously regulated, and any information that is generated is protected by medical privacy legislation.

The problem comes with the second, non-invasive type (such as headbands or helmets), which is sold as a common electronic product without a specific regulatory framework. Users sign contracts with companies, and clauses in the small print that no one reads give them full control over brain data, allowing them to sell this information without additional consent, explains Yuste. And if you want to access or recover your own brain data, some companies even charge you money for it. Neurodata, that is, the information that comes from the activity of our brain, is very delicate and even more private than any other type of data. It is much more serious than losing privacy on your mobile because the brain controls everything we are. Neurotechnology reaches the essence of the human being. We could lose everything with this.

The inequality gap

Another concern raised by experts is the inequality gap that could be generated between those who have access to this technology and those who do not. Right now, anyone can buy a brain stimulation device for less than $1,000. These can allegedly lead to cognitive improvements in, say, memory. On Amazon they sell like hotcakes, says neuroscientist Alvaro Pascual-Leone, a specialist in this type of technology. In the United States, there are communities related to the DIY culture that publish detailed instructions on forums such as Reddit on how to build these brain self-stimulation devices at home. Pascual-Leone warns of the dilemmas that arise when extending these therapies beyond the clinical context. It is necessary to define who will determine which capabilities should be enhanced and which should not, as well as who will have access to these improvements. The logical thing would be for these technologies to be applied first in the context in which there is a medical need.

The philosopher Carlos Blanco, author of the book The frontiers of thought, admits that nothing would fascinate him more than seeing an intelligence superior to that of humans, but he sees it as a still very, very remote possibility. We already have the ability to accumulate and process more and more information using a computer. The leap should also be qualitative: it understands things that we cannot understand, it thinks beyond the paradigms that we have developed. With a greater capacity for abstraction and understanding, Blanco explains in a phone call. For him, moving forward means expanding the limits of what is thinkable and thinking what has not yet been thought. He argues that any development of artificial or posthuman intelligence must include strong control mechanisms as an imperative. Despite the concerns, he remains optimistic about the emergence of a posthuman intelligence: If you truly understand reality more deeply, you will probably not seek to use your power to oppress but to create and to build.

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A Soviet T-34/85 Tank in Narva, Estonia, on the border with Russia that marked the 1944 capture of Narva from Nazi forces, photographed in May 2022. The tank was hauled off its plinth and taken to a local museum in August 2022. In response to the controversial removal of the tank, Russian authorities installed ain Ivangorod, just across the river border with Estonia, one month later.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban says he has accepted an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to hold a bilateral meeting, which would be the first between the two leaders since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Orban said at a news conference in Budapest on December 21 that he agreed to Zelenskiy's proposal for a future meeting during a brief conversation on December 10 on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony for Argentina's new president.

He said he told Zelenskiy he would "be at his disposal" after Zelenskiy suggested they discuss his country's ambitions to join the European Union.

At an EU summit last week, Orban prevented the adoption of a 50 billion euro ($54.7 billion) EU aid package to Kyiv. Orban was the only leader who objected, thus blocking the aid because the EU requires unanimity among its members. But on the vote over accession talks, Orban left the room, allowing it to pass.

Orban said at the news conference that his government continues to oppose the scope and timeline of the proposed funding for Ukraine, suggesting he would maintain his position when EU leaders meet again in February.

Earlier on December 21, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Kyiv had received the last 1.5-billion-euro tranche from a previously approved 18 billion euro package from the European Union as other Western aid remains in doubt.

"Today we have received the last 1.5 billion euros of the 18 billion euro financial aid package. Hope for continued unwavering support from the EU," Shmyhal said on the X social media platform on December 21.

The announcement came after Germany said it would provide an additional 88.5 million euros ($96.89 million) to help strengthen the resilience of the Ukrainian energy system as Russia targets its infrastructure.

Finland also announced a new aid package on December 21. The country's Defense Ministry said it would provide Ukraine with aid worth 106 million euros. It will be the 21st shipment of defense equipment from Finland to Ukraine.

"Finland is determined to support Ukraine both in the short term and in the long term. The total value of the defense equipment packages that we have provided is now 1.6 billion euros," said Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here.

The fresh cash injections were announced as Zelenskiy said Ukraine has received signals that Russia's military planning and activity are slowing.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said this was noted in a report issued by the HUR military intelligence directorate.

"The enemy's plans, the work of the Russian defense [industry]. There are signals indicating a slowdown. We will continue to support their slowdown."

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said earlier on December 21 that at least three people died in Russian attacks on mining facilities in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

"Two bombs hit the territory of one of the mines in Toretsk. One person was killed and two others were injured," Klymenko said in a statement on social media.

Two more bombs hit an area near another mine, killing two people and injuring three, he added.

Ukraine's General Staff said earlier that Ukrainian air defenses shot down 34 of the 35 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia at 12 regions, including Kyiv, early on December 21, Ukraine's General Staff reports.



"Thirty-four attack UAVs were destroyed by our air defense forces," the military said in a statement.



"Antiaircraft defense was active in the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsya, Cherkasy, Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Mykolayiv, Khmelnytskiy, Sumy, Poltava, Chernihiv, and Kirovohrad regions," the military added.



Since 2022, when Russia launched a campaign of drone attacks over Ukraine, Kyivs military has managed to down 2,900 out of 3,700 Shahed drones, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said on December 21, Reuters reported.

In other news, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov told foreign media on December 21 that the Ukrainian military, will soon start to mobilize Ukrainian men between 25 and 60 who reside abroad.

Umerov said that those who fail to heed the mobilization call when summoned would face unspecified sanctions.

Meanwhile, Defense Ministry spokesman Illarion Pavlyuk told the Babel website that Umerov only intended to send a message to Ukrainians abroad about the importance of their joining Kyiv's struggle to repel Russia's invasion, adding that specific mechanisms to recruit Ukrainian expats are not under discussion yet.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
LVIV -- Brightly colored, made of wood, and distinguished by their flat profile, Yavoriv toys have been created by craftsmen in western Ukraine's Carpathian Mountains since the 15th century. This year, a nativity scene made in the traditional Yavoriv style is featured at an exhibition called 100 Nativity Scenes on St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Though it is being presented for the first time, the rotating biblical figures, housed in a chest, were actually made eight years ago.

For its creators, Oksana Kohut and Ostap Soyka, having their works recognized and shown at the Vatican is part of a long process aimed at gaining visibility and recognition for a truly unique craft. Kohut has been creating these toys for over 15 years. She feels that their popularity has room to grow, although keeping this art form alive in the modern world has proven problematic. "A conference was held in Yavoriv, where they talked about this craft and its history, and that's a good thing. But talking is one thing," she said, before pointing out that her and Sovka's dream of having a museum where artisans can learn how to make the toys has yet to be realized. "Our aim is to preserve this style and pass on the knowledge to produce them," Kohut said.

"It's a pity, because [creators] could pass on their knowledge to others, but more attention needs to be paid to them," she said. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were nearly 100 families in the region of Ivano-Frankivsk, which borders Poland to its west, who created wooden figures in this folk style. Now there are just a handful of people. "You have to live this work; you have to love it very much," Kohut said. Traditional Yavoriv artisans, who would often sell their handmade wares in markets in Poland or Austria, could not do so during the Soviet-era. Though children still loved the toys, the number of people making them began to dwindle as their income from selling them declined.

When Kohut and Soyka began their search for inspiration in creating these pieces, they looked to collections exhibited at the Andriy Sheptytsky National Museum in Lviv. Sheptytsky's father Ivan, founded a toy-making school -- the State Woodworking School -- in Yavoriv in 1896. However, the school closed during the Second World War. "We, in fact, made copies of those toys and continued for a long time, because our first task was to preserve and continue the tradition," Kohut said.

The two artisans make approximately 20 different types of decorations and now struggle to meet demand. "People ask where they can buy the toys. There are photos, but there is no product. Many people would like to come, look, and buy, but I am not able to receive them," Kohut said. For those who are able to find them -- mainly collectors from abroad and from Ukraine -- the costs of the toys have risen three to five times over the past few years due to various factors, such as the sourcing of the sycamore wood they are made from.

Poland also creates similar wooden toys called Yavorivska that closely resemble their Ukrainian counterparts. Their production in Lezajsk, in southeastern Poland, originates from a single craftsman who left Yavoriv to start his own workshop. "If we do not create a cultural center, with a museum, a workshop where old toys will be collected, and new ones that are currently being made, then, of course, Poland could claim the Yavoriv toys brand," Kohut said.

Kohut, who grew up surrounded by artisans from Ivano-Frankivsk, said she was always attracted by the idea of working with her hands. "Here, people like to create various things from wood. I grew up in that environment, surrounded by forests. I always gravitated toward wood. I remember seeing the first exhibition of Yavoriv toys, which was organized by masters from the school." For Kohut, there is joy in creating toys with bird's wings that flap, furniture for dolls, grasshoppers, rattlesnakes, dancers, and anything else that would fire a child's imagination. "Everything depends on the parents, how they teach the child, how they instill love for Ukrainian culture and art. And this should be done from childhood," she says.


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Attorneys for Meta and Mark Zuckerberg asked a Delaware judge on Wednesday to dismiss a shareholder lawsuit asserting novel claims about the roles of corporate leaders and arguing that the loyalties of Meta directors should not lie exclusively with the social media giant.

James McRitchie, who runs a website focused on corporate governance and shareholder activism, argues that Metas directors have breached their duties to the company by putting profits over broader societal and economic interests, including Meta shareholders investments in other companies.

While Delaware law requires corporate directors to act as fiduciaries in the best interests of their stockholders, including maximizing the value of their shares, attorneys for McRitchie argue that Delaware courts should recognize a portfolio theory of corporate governance that takes into account external factors.

They argue, for example, that Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp, has prioritized profits while downplaying the detrimental effects of its products on society and the global economy. That, in turn, can negatively affect the investment portfolios of Meta shareholders who also have invested in other companies, they contend.

What were saying is that (board) decisions should look at the overall portfolio consideration, attorney Kurt Heyman, who was peppered with questions during a lengthy back-and-forth discussion with Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster.

Among the ills the lawsuit blames on Metas social media platforms are mental health problems among young Instagram users, online human trafficking, vaccine hesitancy, incitements to violence and harassment, misleading or false political ads, and election misinformation.

If the decisions that maximize the companys long-term cash flows also imperil the rule of law or public health, the portfolios of its diversified stockholders are likely to be financially harmed by those decisions, McRitchies complaint states.

Attorneys for Meta say McRitchies claims fly in the face of decades of Delaware corporate law and should be dismissed with prejudice. In their motion to dismiss, they note that, under Delaware law, corporate directors have no duty to consider or protect a stockholders investments in other companies. While directors of a corporation have the discretion under Delawares business judgment rule to consider broader constituencies beyond their shareholder base when making decisions, they have no obligation to do so, they add.

The plaintiffs claims are antithetical to core foundations of Delaware law, Meta attorney James Kramer told Laster.

Defense attorneys said in a court filing that McRitchie is suing Meta as a test case in which he can share his theories on how he thinks corporations should operate.

Were not here to legislate, Kramer told Laster. Were here on a motion to dismiss. Laster did not rule immediately but noted that, no matter his decision, the case will likely wind up in Delawares Supreme Court.

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Europe has taken the significant step of approving the worlds first regulation on artificial intelligence. This regulation categorizes AI applications based on their risks and imposes strict sanctions for violations, with penalties of up to 35 million ($38.3 million) or 7% of gross income. At the bottom range, penalties of 7.5 million ($8.2 million) or 1.5% of gross income can be imposed for non-compliance There is also a transition period until 2026 for companies to come into compliance with the law. Tech giants like IBM, Intel and Google that favor AI regulation have already developed platforms and systems to ensure ethical, transparent and bias-free development of AI.

Technology consultancy Entelgy highlights three important considerations for AI companies to comply with the new law. First, organizations handling personal, medical, recruitment or decision-making data must disclose in a European registry how their algorithms work to generate content. Second, while not mandatory, mechanisms for human supervision should be implemented. And third, security systems should be implemented for large language models (LLMs), and developers must be transparent about the copyrighted material they use.

We need to ensure responsible and ethical development of technology from the start. Its a tremendous opportunity, but it also comes with challenges, said Christina Montgomery, IBMs Chief Privacy & Trust Officer. Many companies are in favor of unregulated AI development, and 150 European executives have opposed Europes new AI law. IBM, on the other hand, believes in intelligent regulation that balances innovation with social protections. Similarly, Intels Chief Technology Officer, Greg Lavender, stresses the need for responsible deployment of artificial intelligence for everyones benefit. Both companies have created platforms to comply with its own standards and government regulations.

IBM offers Watsonx.governance, a platform that encompasses ethical data management, risk management, and regulatory compliance. It has been created to assist organizations in responsibly applying AI, adhering to current policies, and preparing for future regulations, said Montgomery.

Ana Paula Assis, IBMs General Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, says this type of tool is much needed, citing a survey of 1,600 business leaders from Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden. The results show that 82% of the corporate executives surveyed have already adopted or are planning to implement AI within the next year. Additionally, 95% of them believe AI is effective for decision-making, management and commercial strategy development. According to Hazem Nabih, Microsofts Technology Director for the Middle East, AI can help companies achieve 30%-50% increases in productivity.

However, despite its immense potential, AI poses several challenges. Its development requires an ethical framework, the acquisition of new skills, and greater investment to ensure that the product is not only effective but also fair, transparent, and devoid of bias. Moreover, it is crucial to guarantee security and privacy.

IBMs solution is compatible with any company, regardless of the computer model used. This includes both open source and individually or externally developed models. Our strategy and architecture are open, hybrid and multimodel. This means we offer clients the flexibility to implement our solutions in the environments that suit them best, said Assis.

Intels solution is called Intel Trust Authority, which follows a similar philosophy. It aims to create an open, developer-focused ecosystem that makes artificial intelligence opportunities accessible to all. These tools simplify the development of secure AI applications and support the investment needed to maintain and scale these solutions, making AI accessible everywhere, said Lavender. Limited hardware and software options for developers can reduce global use cases for AI, potentially impacting the social value it provides.

Intels strategy isnt just for big companies. During its Innovation 2023 event, Intel introduced the AI PC Acceleration Program, designed to speed up the development of artificial intelligence using personal computers. The program aims to connect independent hardware and software vendors with Intel resources, such as AI tools, co-engineering teams, design resources, technical expertise, and marketing opportunities. Intel believes that these resources will speed up the development of new use and facilitate industry-wide adoption of AI solutions. Program partners include Adobe, Audacity, BlackMagic, BufferZone, CyberLink, DeepRender, MAGIX, Rewind AI, Skylum, Topaz, VideoCom, Webex, Wondershare Filmora, XSplit and Zoom.

Google has developed specific protection systems for Gemini  its latest AI model  to safeguard personal data in compliance with the new European standard. We offer comprehensive controls to ensure that your data remains exclusively yours when using Vertex for your business. Your data is not shared with anyone, including Google. In addition to these controls, Vertex offers compliance and audit capabilities, said Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian during a presentation of Gemini developer tools.

AI bias

A major challenge in artificial intelligence are biases  flaws in algorithms that can permeate the system and underestimate the complexity of human beings. At the International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV) in October, researchers from Sony and Meta each presented methods to measure bias in computer vision systems. These methods aim to promote diversity in input data for machine training and output data for decision-making.

Traditionally, skin-tone bias in computer vision is measured using a scale that measures from light to dark. The scale has since been adopted widely as a tool to determine ethnicity, says William Thong, an AI ethics researcher at Sony. In an article for MIT Technology Review, Thong explained that Sonys method to evaluate bias in computer vision systems expands the skin-tone scale into two dimensions, measuring both skin color (from light to dark) and skin hue (from red to yellow).

To simplify bias assessments, Meta has created the Fairness in Computer Vision Evaluation (FACET) tool. According to Meta researcher Laura Gustafson, FACET uses 32,000 human-labeled images with 13 key parameters, including age, skin tone, gender, hair color and texture. This data is freely available online to support researchers.

Widespread and uncontrolled use

A recent report by the Kaspersky cybersecurity firm stresses the importance of a cautious approach to AI adoption. Kaspersky surveyed Spanish managers and found that 96% acknowledged regular use of generative artificial intelligence among their employees. Of these companies, 45% lacked measures to mitigate the associated risks. Another Kaspersky study found that 25% of generative AI users are unaware that it can store identifying information such as IP address, browser type, user settings, and data about the most frequently used AI functions.

The growth of generative artificial intelligence systems poses a clear challenge. If left uncontrolled, safeguarding crucial areas of the business will become increasingly difficult, said Kaspersky security analyst David Emm.

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Chandigarh Covid-19 Guidelines Latest News

UT Administration Alerts Residents Despite No Reported Cases; Urges Vigilance Amidst New Corona Variant

Chandigarh Covid-19 Guidelines Latest News: In response to the emergence of the new JN.1 variant of the coronavirus, the Union Territory (UT) administration in Chandigarh has proactively issued guidelines to safeguard residents. While there are currently no confirmed cases in the city, the health department is urging caution and recommending the use of masks in crowded areas, including markets, malls, and other public places.

In light of the evolving situation, the Chandigarh administration is taking preemptive measures to curb the potential spread of the new variant. Residents are not only advised to wear masks but have also been instructed to steer clear of crowded places whenever possible. Additionally, a mandate has been put in place, requiring patients visiting hospitals and their relatives to wear masks for added protection.

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The administration underscores the importance of prompt medical attention, urging individuals to consult a doctor immediately if they experience symptoms such as fever, cold, or difficulty in breathing. In the event of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, it is imperative for the affected individual to self-isolate for a period of 7 days.

While there are no confirmed cases in Chandigarh as of now, authorities emphasize the need for preventive measures to mitigate the potential impact of the new variant. The administration encourages residents to stay vigilant, adhere to safety protocols, and act responsibly to collectively combat any potential threats posed by the GN.1 variant.

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(For More News Apart from Chandigarh Covid-19 Guideline Latest News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman)




The Netherlands' unemployment rate decreased slightly in November to the lowest level in five months, data from the Central Bureau of Statistics showed on Thursday.

The seasonally adjusted ILO jobless rate dropped to 3.5 percent in November from 3.6 percent in October.

In the corresponding month last year, the jobless rate was 3.6 percent.

There were 357,000 unemployed people in November, down from 361,000 a month ago.

The youth unemployment rate, which applies to the 15-25 age group, declined to 8.2 percent in November from 8.4 percent in October.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Indonesia's central bank held its key interest rate steady for a second policy session in a row on Thursday, as expected.

The Bank Indonesia Board of Directors, led by Governor Perry Warjiyo, left the BI rate unchanged at 6.00 percent.



The bank said it has renamed the policy rate as BI-Rate, replacing the BI 7-Day Reverse Repo Rate to strengthen policy communication.

The previous move in the rate was a 25 basis point hike in October.

The deposit facility interest rate was kept at 5.25 percent, and the lending facility interest rate at 6.75 percent.

The decision to maintain the BI-Rate at 6.00 percent remains consistent with the focus of assuring stability of monetary policy, namely to strengthen the stabilization of the rupiah exchange rate as well as pre-emptive and forward looking steps to ensure inflation remains under control within the target of 2.5  1 percent in 2024, the bank said.

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Business News
Cryptocurrencies gained more than 3 percent in the past 24 hours amidst lingering excitement about a likely regulatory approval for a spot Bitcoin ETF product. Solana dazzled with overnight gains of close to 13 percent.

Frenzy surrounding a spot Bitcoin ETF continues unabated as the product is seen increasing the flow of money into the digital assets sector. An ETF product is widely believed to be a game-changer, given the prospect of partaking in the price movements in the cryptocurrency market without the necessity of having to hold a crypto wallet or dealing with centralized crypto exchanges.

Overall crypto market capitalization jumped to $1.66 trillion, from $1.61 trillion a day earlier.

Solana (SOL) recorded overnight gains of 12.7 percent, lifting market capitalization to $37 billion, from $33.2 billion a day earlier. Market dominance also increased to 2.24 percent, from 2.06 percent a day earlier. SOL has added 18.8 percent in the past week, 53.9 percent in the past 30 days and 770 percent on a year-to-date basis. The recent rally has helped SOL rise to the 5th position in the global ranking of cryptocurrencies. SOL also closed in on the market capitalization gap with 4th ranked BNB, curtailing it to $4.24 billion, versus $5.8 billion a day earlier.

Bitcoin (BTC) touched a high of $44,275.59, in the past 24 hours before falling to its current price of $44,103.07, gaining 2.6 percent in the past 24 hours and 2.3 percent in the past week. With a market capitalization of $863.4 billion, Bitcoin currently ranks 10th among all assets in the global ranking published by companiesmarketcap.com. Only two precious metals viz Gold and Silver and seven corporates viz Apple, Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, Alphabet, Amazon, NVIDIA and Meta Platforms command a higher market capitalization.

At its current trading price of $2,262.07, Ethereum added 2.3 percent in the past 24 hours, lifting market capitalization to $271.9 billion. Despite weekly losses of more than 1.6 percent, the leading alternate coin has gained 89 percent in 2023. With a market capitalization of $272 billion, Ethereum currently ranks 39th among all assets in the global ranking published by companiesmarketcap.com.

25th ranked NEAR Protocol (NEAR) jumped 16.5 percent in the past 24 hours.

89th ranked PancakeSwap (CAKE) gained 14.8 percent. CAKE rallied in the backdrop of the PancakeSwap community proposing a 40-percent reduction in CAKE's supply. PancakeSwap is a decentralized exchange native to BNB Chain.

75th ranked Sei (SEI) rallied 13.1 percent in the past 24 hours.

55th ranked Helium (HNT) is the biggest laggard, with an overnight decline of more than 10 percent. 82nd ranked WOO Network dropped 7.4 percent whereas 26th ranked Injective (INJ) slipped 6.3 percent.

75th ranked Sei (SEI) is the biggest gainer in the past week among the top 100 cryptocurrencies. SEI added more than 56 percent in the past week. 25th ranked NEAR Protocol (NEAR) follows with gains of more than 42 percent.

FTX token (FTT), ranked 56th overall tops weekly losses among the top 100 cryptocurrencies with a decline of more than 25 percent. The decline comes amidst a U.S. judge denying Sam Bankman Fried's request to push back his sentencing by four to six weeks. FTT has however gained more than a percent in the past 24 hours and 336 percent on a year-to-date basis.

60th ranked Bonk (BONK) tops gains over the 30-day horizon with a surge of close to 358 percent. The first dog-themed coin on the Solana blockchain has added more than 9500 percent on a year-to-date basis. 55th ranked Helium (HNT) follows with gains of more than 275 percent.

35th ranked Kaspa (KAS) is the greatest laggard over the 30-day period, shedding more than 12 percent. Kaspa's overnight gains of 6.2 percent limited weekly losses to 11.7 percent. Nevertheless, KAS has added more than 2000 percent in 2023.

For More Cryptocurrency News, visit rttnews.com

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Technology News
Pioneering Collaboration  Highlighting the groundbreaking partnership between Ashok Leyland and TNSTC

Ashok Leyland, the distinguished Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer under the Hinduja Group, has clinched a momentous deal with Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) for the procurement of 552 Ultra-Low Entry (ULE) Diesel Non-AC buses. This remarkable collaboration solidifies the commitment to Mobility for All, a cornerstone of the Tamil Nadu state governments agenda aimed at enhancing public transportation accessibility.

Reinforcing Partnership and Innovation

The order signifies a pioneering stride in the partnership between Ashok Leyland and TNSTC, underscoring Ashok Leylands position as TNSTCs preferred brand. With an impressive fleet of over 18,477 Ashok Leyland buses already in operation, this latest addition of ULE buses reaffirms the companys status as a frontrunner in the market.

These state-of-the-art ULE buses are equipped with cutting-edge features, including a potent H-series 6-cylinder 4-valve 184 kW (246 hp) engine, step-less entry, rear engine configuration, automatic transmission, front disc brake, electronically controlled front and rear air suspension, and an Intelligent Transportation System equipped with CCTV. Additionally, these buses boast destination boards reflecting vehicle location and tracking.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, We are honored to partner with TNSTC in advancing the Mobility for All initiative. Our customer-centric approach has been instrumental in securing these orders, reflecting our commitment to meet evolving needs and contribute to public transportations growth.

Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President- M&HCV at Ashok Leyland, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the buses technology and safety prowess. Our ULE buses epitomize technological advancement and safety in commercial vehicles. This order demonstrates the trust TNSTC places in Ashok Leyland, he added.

Sustainable Solutions and Future Commitment

Funded by the German Development Bank (KfW), this project underscores Ashok Leylands dedication to commencing bus deliveries from April 2024, reinforcing the companys commitment to sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions.

These ULE buses redefine industry standards, certified as friendly for differently-abled passengers. The design prioritizes passenger comfort and driver safety, setting a new benchmark in citizen-centric transportation. As the worlds fourth-largest bus manufacturer and Indias largest, Ashok Leylands recent triumph with TNSTC marks a pivotal advancement, emphasizing TNSTCs enduring reliance on Ashok Leylands exceptional products and services.
Of all the contenders in the top 150cc to 200cc motorcycles sales charts for November 2023, Honda Unicorn was the only one with decline in sales

In the month November 2023, the motorcycles sales falling between 150cc to 200cc accounted for 1,66,803 units. This was a 47.12% YoY growth as opposed to 1,13,380 units sold in November 2022. This 47.12% YoY growth accounted for a 53,423 unit volume growth. When compared to 1,80,417 units sold in October 2023, there was a noticeable MoM decline.

Top 150cc To 200cc Motorcycle Sales November 2023

Topping the sales charts within 150cc to 200cc motorcycle segment, we have Bajajs ever-popular Pulsar lineup with 47,320 units sold last month. Pulsars hold a 28.37% market share within this displacement space and registered 74.66% YoY growth when compared to 27,092 units sold a year ago. Volume gain for Pulsars was 20,228 units YoY.

TVS Apache stood at 2nd place with 41,025 units and captivated 24.59% market share. TVS does put up quite a fight against Bajaj with Apache series that registered 51.26% YoY growth as opposed to 27,122 units sold last year. Volume growth was respectable 13,903 units. In 3rd place, we have Honda Unicorn with 20,146 units sold.

When compared to the likes of Pulsars and Apaches, Unicorn comes off as unappealing and less exciting. Unicorn saw 29.88% YoY decline losing 8,583 units in volume YoY. It is the only one on this list to show declined sales. Yamaha FZ took 4th place with 16,233 units. Yamaha doubled its sales with 103.22% YoY growth and gained 8,245 units in volume YoY.

Despite the cost, Yamaha R15 is a popular offering in India with 11,270 units sold last month. R15 has an impressive 6.76% market share and saw sales increase by 51.74% YoY. Its naked sibling MT-15 registered 9,140 units with 44.28% YoY growth. Honda X-Blades replacement, SP 160, has proved to be a people pleaser with 7,310 takers last month.

Honda CB200X saw unprecedented growth

Anything is better than 0 units of X-Blade, but 7,310 units is impressive. Hornet 2.0 is a more premium 180cc offering that saw 3,214 takers last month. Sales almost doubled YoY at 94.20% YoY growth accounting for 1,559 units of volume growth. KTMs 200 range is companys highest-seller in domestic market and registered 2,777 units with 21.11% YoY growth.

Heros Xtreme range have seen decent success after introducing 4V head to both. Sales doubled YoY from 1,196 to 2,655 units with 121.99% YoY growth. Suzuki Gixxer range sold 1,648 units with 153.93% YoY growth. The update to Gixxers earlier this year should have allowed this.

Heros Xpulse 200 ADV tripled its numbers with 1,453 units sold and 149.66% YoY growth. Bajajs Avenger 160 sold 1,369 units with 38.84% YoY growth and 383 units volume growth. At 14th place, we have Honda CB200X that saw an unprecedented 1233.33% YoY growth.

The sales numbers stood at 1,240 units as opposed to just 93 units sold a year ago. Lastly, we have Kawasaki W175 with just 3 units sold. The recent price revisions should ensure a better sales prospective in December 2023.
Rudy Giuliani departs the U.S. District Courthouse after he was ordered to pay $148 million in his defamation case in Washington, U.S., December 15, 2023.

Federal agents raided Rudy Giulianis home and office in 2021 because they suspected the former New York City mayor had sought the removal of the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine partly because of the prospect of a financial reward from a Ukrainian official, according to documents made public Tuesday.

The documents provide new detail on the since-concluded investigation into Giulianis dealings with Ukrainian figures in the run up to the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was not charged with a crime as a result of the inquiry.

In a search warrant application, federal agents seeking to seize Giulianis cell phones, laptop and other electronic devices raised the possibility that he and three other people could be charged with acting as unregistered foreign agents.

The documents, unsealed at the request of The New York Times, confirmed past news reports that federal prosecutors in Manhattan were examining whether Giuliani had gotten anything of value in return for lobbying the Trump administration to fire then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

The warrant application said Giuliani had been incentivized to lobby for the ambassadors removal in two ways.

First, it said, the prosecutor general in Ukraine who wanted the ambassador fired, Yuriy Lutsenko, had offered to hire Giuliani to lobby the Trump administration for help recovering Ukrainian assets he believed had been misappropriated by a U.S. investment firm.

Giuliani was interested in being engaged to do that work, and proposed a retainer with a $200,000 upfront payment, the warrant application said. Thus, it appears that Giuliani took steps to cause the firing of the Ambassador to prove ... what he could achieve.

Secondly, the application said, Giuliani wanted Lutsenkos help launching an investigation that might hurt Trumps Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

Both Lutsenko and Giuliani have previously denied there was anything inappropriate about their interactions.

Prosecutors noted that the proposed $200,000 retainer was never paid, but federal agents wrote that they believed Giulianis worsening finances may have motivated him to consider the deal.

In their search warrant application, they cited bank records and other information showing hed gone from having about $1.2 million in the bank and $40,000 in credit card debt in January 2018 to about $288,000 in cash and $110,000 credit debt in February 2019.

Giuliani has said he also never lobbied the Trump administration on Lutsenkos behalf. A message seeking comment was left Tuesday with Giulianis spokesperson.

The search warrant application included an excerpt from a 2019 text exchange in which Giuliani expressed frustration about his lack of progress, at the time, in ousting Yovanovitch as ambassador.

Boy, I am so powerful I can intimidate the entire Ukrainian government, Giuliani told Lev Parnas, an associate who was serving as a liaison to Ukrainian officials. Please dont tell anyone I cant get the crooked Ambassador fired or I did three times and shes still there. Trump ordered Yovanovitch removed from her post later that month.

In November 2022, federal prosecutors revealed in a letter to a federal judge that Giuliani would not face criminal charges in the investigation.

Based on information currently available to the Government, criminal charges are not forthcoming, they wrote. They said the grand jury probe that led to the seizure of Giulianis electronic devices had concluded. Giuliani tweeted soon afterward that it was a COMPLETE & TOTAL VINDICATION.

The contours of the investigation were broadly known even before its conclusion, but details of what evidence prosecutors were acting on when they sought to search Giuliani had not been revealed.

The Times wrote to the judge in October seeking copies of the search warrants, warrant applications, supporting affidavits and other documents.

Giuliani consented to releasing the search warrant documents, according to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetkens order unsealing them.

The documents contained numerous redactions, with many names and other identifying information blacked out. Trumps name appeared in the documents more than two-dozen times, mainly pertaining to Giulianis alleged lobbying efforts. There was no suggestion that investigators suspected Trump of wrongdoing.

In an affidavit filed with Manhattan federal magistrates to secure search warrants, investigators wrote it appeared Giuliani had been aware of FARA registration requirements for some time and had publicly stated that he believed he was not required to register because he has never lobbied the U.S. government on behalf of his clients.

The disclosure of the search warrant documents comes amid a tangle of recent and ongoing legal challenges for the Republican ex-mayor.

Giuliani was indicted in August in Georgia on charges he acted as Trumps chief co-conspirator in a plot to subvert Bidens victory. He was also described as a co-conspirator but not charged in special counsel Jack Smiths federal election interference case against Trump.

Last week, a jury in Washington, D.C. ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million in damages to two former Georgia election workers who sued him for defamation over lies he spread about them in the wake of Trumps 2020 election loss.

The former workers, Wandrea Shaye Moss and her mother Ruby Freeman, sued Giuliani again on Monday, alleging he continued to defame them during the trial.

The April 2021 raid on Giulianis Manhattan apartment and office was seen at the time as a major escalation of the Justice Departments yearslong investigation of his dealings in Ukraine.

At the same time, agents also served a warrant for a phone belonging to Washington lawyer Victoria Toensing, a former federal prosecutor and close ally of Giuliani and Trump. Her law firm said she was informed she was not a target of the investigation. She was not charged.

Giuliani accused federal authorities at the time of running rough shod over the constitutional rights of anyone involved in, or legally defending Trump.

Giuliani was central to the then-presidents efforts to press Ukraine for an investigation into Biden and his son, Hunter.

Hunter Biden was charged by U.S. authorities in September with federal gun crimes and is scheduled to be arraigned next month on tax charges.

The federal Foreign Agents Registration Act requires people who lobby on behalf of a foreign government or entity to register with the Justice Department.

The once-obscure law, aimed at improving transparency, has received a burst of attention in recent years  particularly during Special Counsel Robert Muellers probe of foreign election interference, which revealed an array of foreign influence operations in the U.S.

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U.S. President Joe Biden discusses economic policies during a visit to the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. December 20, 2023.

President Joe Biden said its self-evident that Donald Trump is an insurrectionist for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss but stopped short of commenting on a Colorado legal case that would bar him from the states ballot.

The Democratic president made the comments about his likely Republican opponent in next years election shortly after landing in Milwaukee for an event focused on the economy.

Whether the 14th Amendment applies or not, well let the court make that decision, Biden told reporters on the tarmac after stepping off Air Force One. But he certainly supported an insurrection. Theres no question about it. None. Zero. And he seems to be doubling down on it.

Biden also criticized Trump for his recent comments that migrants were poisoning the blood of the country.

I dont believe, as the former president said again yesterday, that immigrants are polluting our blood, Biden said in a speech at the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce. The economy and our nation are stronger when we tap into the full range of talents in this nation.

Bidens trip to Wisconsin came the day after the Colorado Supreme Court issued a decision declaring that Trump is ineligible to serve as president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Its the first time in the countrys history that the provision has been used to keep a candidate off the ballot.

Republicans have denounced the courts decision, and Trumps lawyers said they plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump has refused to back down from his lies that voter fraud allowed Biden to win in 2020, and hes pledged to pardon supporters who participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Biden has repeatedly condemned Trump and described him as a threat to American democracy. However, hes been more circumspect when addressing his predecessors legal challenges, including several criminal cases against him, and this one is no different.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment when asked by reporters aboard Air Force One.

The president is not involved; were not involved in this, she said. This is a legal process and were not involved in this.

Bidens campaign was similarly circumspect in a call with reporters on Tuesday.

What I will say is that the president looks forward to defeating Donald Trump or whoever else emerges from the Republican primary on the ballot box in November 2024, said Brooke Goren, the campaigns deputy communications director.

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The logo of the Russian oil company Lukoil is seen on its central office building in Sofia, Bulgaria, 07 December 2023.

The U.S. imposed new sanctions on alleged violators of a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil and tightened compliance rules for insurance firms and shippers, Wednesday.

Firms across the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong were identified for economic sanctions, including UAE-based Sun Ship Management D Ltd., which Russian state-owned fleet operator Joint Stock Company Sovcomflot owns. Also sanctioned were Hong Kong-based Covart Energy, which has increased its share of the trade of Russian oil since the price cap policy was implemented, and Hong Kong-based Bellatrix Energy.

Firm administrators were not available for comment to The Associated Press. The sanctions, which follow others imposed this year on shippers of Russian oil priced above the cap, block their access to their U.S.-owned property and prevent U.S. individuals and firms from doing business with the groups.

The price cap coalition also announced Wednesday that it will soon require service providers, including shippers and movers of Russian oil, to receive attestations from their purchasers and sellers each time they lift or load Russian oil.

The coalition will also require insurance and freight firms to share these documents upon request with entities further down the supply chain, a Treasury news release states.

Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said the sanctions demonstrate our commitment to upholding the principles of the price cap policy, which advance the goals of supporting stable energy markets while reducing Russian revenues to fund its war against Ukraine.

Participants in the maritime transport of Russian oil, he said, must adhere to the compliance guidelines agreed upon by the Price Cap Coalition or face the consequences.

The United States, European Union, countries in the Group of Seven and Australia, imposed a $60 a barrel limit last year on Russian oil.

Any purchases above the cap would violate the agreed-upon policy. The cap was designed to deprive the Kremlin of revenue to fund its war in Ukraine, forcing the Russian government either to sell its oil at a discount or divert money for a costly alternative shipping network.

The price cap was rolled out to equal parts skepticism and hopefulness that the policy would stave off Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine.

In addition to the price cap, the allied nations have hit Russia with thousands of sanctions over the course of the nearly three-year war. The sanctions are aimed at bank and financial transactions, technology imports, manufacturing and Russians with government connections.

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Biologists have discovered a new species of the terrestrially-nesting fanged frog genus Limnonectes living on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The species has the smallest adult body size among all Limnonectes frogs from the island  with a maximum snout-vent length of about 3 cm (1.2 inches).

Limnonectes is a large genus of fork-tongued frogs in the family Dicroglossidae.

The genus includes over 75 scientifically recognized species. They are collectively known as fanged frogs because they tend to have unusually large teeth, which are small or absent in other frogs.

They use their fangs to battle with each other over territory and mates, and sometimes even to hunt tough-shelled prey like giant centipedes and crabs.

Limnonectes species are distributed from India to China and Indochina, through the Thai-Malaysia Peninsula, and across the Sunda Shelf landmasses (Borneo, Sumatra, and Java), the Malukus, the Lesser Sunda island chain, parts of western New Guinea, and the Philippines.

Large-bodied species prefer fast rivers, while smaller ones live among leaf-litter or on stream banks.

Fanged frogs are stunningly complex in their reproductive biology, said Field Museum of Natural History researcher Jeffrey Frederick and his colleagues.

For example, two Malay species, Limnonectes hascheanus and Limnonectes limborgi, exhibit terrestrial egg guarding by males in conjunction with nidicolous larval ontogeny: larvae hatch as free-living tadpoles yet remain in a nest guarded by the male, surviving solely on nutrients from the yolk sack.

Four species of Limnonectes from Borneo, Limnonectes kuhlii, Limnonectes blythii, Limnonectes ibanorum, and Limnonectes ingeri are voiceless, lacking a vocal sack for advertisement calling.

The newly-described species, named Limnonectes phyllofolia, lives on Sulawesi, a rugged, mountainous island that makes up part of Indonesia.

Sulawesi is a giant island with a vast network of mountains, volcanoes, lowland rainforest, and cloud forests up in the mountains, Dr. Frederick said.

The presence of all these different habitats mean that the magnitude of biodiversity across many plants and animals we find there is unreal  rivaling places like the Amazon.

Limnonectes phyllofolia is tiny compared to other fanged frogs on the island where it was found, about the size of a quarter, he added.

Many frogs in this genus are giant, weighing up to two pounds. At the large end, this new species weighs about the same as a dime.

To the research teams surprise, Limnonectes phyllofolia individuals caring for the clutches of eggs were all male.

Male frogs guard one or more clutches of eggs festooned to leaves or mossy boulders one to two meters above small slow-moving streams, trickles, or seeps, they said.

Such behavior isnt totally unknown across all frogs, but its rather uncommon.

They hypothesize that the frogs unusual reproductive behaviors might also relate to their smaller-than-usual fangs.

Some of the frogs relatives have bigger fangs, which help them ward off competition for spots along the river to lay their eggs in the water, they said.

Since these frogs evolved a way to lay their eggs away from the water, they may have lost the need for such big imposing fangs.

Its fascinating that on every subsequent expedition to Sulawesi, were still discovering new and diverse reproductive modes, Dr. Frederick concluded.

Our findings also underscore the importance of conserving these very special tropical habitats.

Most of the animals that live in places like Sulawesi are quite unique, and habitat destruction is an ever-looming conservation issue for preserving the hyper-diversity of species we find there.

Learning about animals like these frogs that are found nowhere else on Earth helps make the case for protecting these valuable ecosystems.

The discovery of Limnonectes phyllofolia is reported in a paper in the journal PLoS ONE.

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J.H. Frederick et al. 2023. A new species of terrestrially-nesting fanged frog (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. PLoS ONE 18 (12): e0292598; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292598
U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown Jr. at the White House in May 2023

On Thursday, a video call served to restore some normalcy to the strained relations between China and the United States. The call took place between U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. and Liu Zhenli, Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) general and chairman of Chinas Central Military Commission. That conversation between the two high-ranking officers ended a 16-month hiatus in military communications between the two powers. Beijing suspended contact between the two countries in August 2022 in response to then-Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan.

According to the Pentagon, the two generals discussed security matters of global and regional interest, although it did not go into detail about the substance of the conversation. A brief press release following the call, which took place at 6:30 Washington time, said only that Gen. Brown discussed the importance of working together to responsibly manage competition, avoid miscalculations, and maintain open and direct lines of communication. The statement added that Gen. Brown reiterated the importance of the Peoples Liberation Army engaging in substantive dialogue to reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings.

The return to dialogue comes a month after the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco in November, which included a bilateral meeting between the presidents of the United States, Joe Biden, and China, Xi Jing Ping.

The agreement to resume contact came after four hours of meetings in a mansion on the outskirts of San Francisco. There, Xi and Biden agreed not only to resume military dialogue but also to cooperate in combatting the fentanyl crisis and to keep the lines of contact open to prevent the rivalry between the two superpowers from drifting into confrontation. According to Biden, the thorny issue of Taiwan was addressed in a frank manner, but it was left out of the renewed willingness to reach an understanding.

Bidens arrival at the White House seemed poised to usher in a new era in relations between the two powers. Their relationship had been frayed since 2018, when then-President Donald Trumps administration and Beijing imposed tariffs on tens of billions of dollars of goods from their respective countries.

Last February, the Chinese balloon crossing the United States in a flyover that was live-streamed almost to the minute marked one of the low points in the battered diplomatic relations between the two countries. The San Francisco meeting and Thursdays video call are attempts to restore good will to the most influential bilateral agenda in the global arena.

A politician of Pelosis rank had not visited Taiwan since 1997, when then-Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich did. China interpreted Pelosis visit as a provocation and increased its military maneuvers in the area. It fired missiles over Taiwan and, defiantly, into Japans exclusive economic zone.

The Pentagon has also reported an increase in dangerous incidents involving Chinese aircraft and warships. Last October, the Defense Department released video footage of some of the more than 180 Chinese aircraft interceptions of U.S. fighter jets over the past two years, more than the total number in the previous decade.

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Tabreed, a leading district cooling company in the UAE, has announced the successful closure of its inaugural AED600 million ($163.4 million) green revolving credit facility.

A five-year agreement was signed by Tabreed in this regard on the sidelines of COP28, with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) as the green co-ordinator, alongside Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and Emirates NBD, said the company in a statement.

The facility is designed to introduce highly efficient cooling solutions into the GCC market, meeting the growing demand for sustainable and innovative technologies, it stated.

As an active participant in the Cool Coalition, a prestigious United Nations initiative, Tabreed's operations and objectives are intricately linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it added.

The AED600 million raised through this RCF will be exclusively allocated to finance projects and investments that adhere to Tabreed's Green Finance Framework, established in 2022, said the statement.

These encompass diverse initiatives, including the development, procurement, and operation of District Cooling schemes. The funds will also support projects dedicated to enhancing Energy and Water Efficiency and those focused on proficient Wastewater Management, it added.

On the successful closing of the green RCF, Chief Financial Officer Adel Al Wahedi said: "This financing agreement is a testament to Tabreed's unwavering commitment to sustainable practices. By allocating the proceeds exclusively to green projects, we aim to make a significant impact on environmental preservation and drive advancements in cooling technologies."

"We are proud to partner with FAB, ADCB, Emirates NBD Capital Limited [as Mandated Lead Arranger] and Emirates NBD Bank [as Original Lender], who share our vision for a more sustainable future," he stated.

Fawaz Abusneineh, Acting Head of Global Corporate Finance at FAB, said: "At FAB, we believe that district cooling has a major role to play in the Middle Easts energy efficient future as it is more reliable, more energy efficient, and has less negative environmental impact than standard approaches to air-conditioning."

"This partnership aligns with and amplifies our commitment to lend, invest, and facilitate over $135 billion in sustainable and transition financing by 2030. Together we are ensuring that the UAEs built environment can transition towards a greener future," he added.

"We are proud to partner with Tabreed in our collective pursuit of the UAEs ambition for a net zero economy. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to providing sustainable financing solutions and supporting our clients in their transition towards environmental sustainability," said a spokesman for ADCB.

As Sustainalytics highest rated diversified bank in the GCC for ESG, ADCB is proud to be bringing its experience and capabilities to support its clients green ambitions, he added.

Hitesh Vithal Asarpota, CEO of Emirates NBD Capital said: "We are delighted to support Tabreeds efforts in further decarbonising the district cooling sector. This agreement comes in line with our Sustainable Finance Framework, reinforcing our commitment towards sustainability."

"As a leading banking group in the region, ENBD is fully aligned with the UAEs journey to Net Zero, and through such agreements, we enable our stakeholders to play an active role in this transition," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The Colorado Supreme Courts decision to prevent Donald Trump from running in the Republican primaries in Colorado caused a shock wave on Tuesday, but it is far from being the last word in the legal debate about whether the former president may or may not run in the November 2024 elections.

Firstly, because the ruling  which found that Trump took part in an insurrection during the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and was therefore banned under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution  means just that: that Trumps name cannot appear on the ballots in Colorado, a state that voted Democratic in 2016 and 2020. But above all, because that last word, like so many in this country, lies with the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington.

The Colorado judges, in a narrow 5-4 decision, gave the former presidents lawyers until January 4 to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, and they immediately confirmed that they would do so. A few hours later, the attorneys asked the Supreme Court to hold off on deciding another pending issue: whether Trump enjoys presidential immunity from criminal prosecution.

The nine Supreme Court justices  three liberals and six conservatives, three of whom were appointed during the Republican magnates tenure  may decide not to intervene, but it is highly unlikely. Its almost impossible to believe that the Supreme Court will not accept this case, Paul Collins, professor of Law and Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the author of several books on the Supreme Court, explained by email on Wednesday. It addresses a matter of exceptional importance, and the question of whether the 14th Amendments disqualification clause applies to presidents is a question that has not been answered by the Supreme Court before.

The nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. Bottom row, from left: Sonia Sotomayor, Clarence Thomas, (chief) John Roberts, Samuel Alito and Elena Kagan. Above: Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Ketanji Brown Jackson. J. Scott Applewhite (AP)

To be eligible to run for the White House, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, be over 35 years old and have resided in the country for the last 14 years. The U.S. Constitution does not expressly prohibit a person charged with a federal crime (Trump faces 94 counts, in four different cases) from being president. Not even if that person is found guilty.

But the 14th Amendment, passed in 1868, contains Section 3, which was drafted after the Civil War so that Southern rebels could not reoffend from within the system by running for office. Known as the disqualification clause, it reads: 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 [...] 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.

An act of rebellion

On whether Trumps actions on January 6, 2021, when he called a rally in Washington that ended in the assault on the Capitol, could be considered an act of insurrection, the Colorado Supreme Court had no doubts. Its strong-worded ruling said that Trump could be considered an insurrectionist, adding that his fiery diatribe that inflamed his support was not protected by the First Amendment, which guarantees free speech. And late Wednesday morning, President Joe Biden agreed. He certainly supported an insurrection, he told journalists. No question about it. None. Zero.

The ruling from the Colorado Supreme Court also found that this ban can be applied to presidents. This goes against the decision of Judge Sarah Wallace, who handed down the ruling of a lower court that was appealed, and the arguments of Trumps lawyers, who claim that the president is not an officer of the United States and that his oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution is not the same as the oath to support it, as described in the 14th Amendment.

For Collins, who believes the long majority opinion released on Tuesday was very well reasoned, the most likely outcome is that the Supreme Court puts Trumps name back on the ballot in Colorado. They can do this in a few different ways, he explains. For instance, they could find that the 14th Amendment does not apply to the president. They could find that removing someone from a presidential ballot requires a criminal conviction. They could find that this is a political question that courts should not decide. What is clear, he adds, is that, in the unlikely event that the Supreme Court rules against the former president, it does not have the power to take Trump off the ballot in all 50 states. If they determine that states have the power to do this, it would need to happen on a state by state basis, he explains.

But if the Supreme Court rules that the decision was wrong, this would have nationwide effects.

The Colorado Supreme Courts decision is still a source of concern for Trump, as it sets an example that could be followed by states that are more decisive in the 2024 election. If enough states refuse to put Trumps name on the ballot, it could be mathematically impossible for him to gather enough electoral votes  this would be tantamount to disqualifying him. At the moment, there are similar cases open in Maine, Michigan and Oregon. While in Minnesota and New Hampshire, efforts invoking the same clause have failed in court, due to procedural or jurisdictional issues.

The fact that one state court has seen fit to rule this way suggests that the logic could be strong enough for this to happen, presidential historian Russell Riley said in statements to EL PAIS. That logic is simple: anyone shown to be cavalier with the oath of office should not be entrusted to abide by that solemn oath in the future.

Riley  co-director of the Miller Center at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville  said that the United States was entering uncharted waters, a phrase heard repeatedly in analyses of the case in Colorado. There is no known precedent.

But analysts have pointed out one: the Supreme Court ruling in Bush vs Gore, which settled the dispute over the recount of votes in Florida in the 2000 elections and ended up giving the presidency to George Bush Jr. These are both very significant cases that have potentially enormous political consequences, says Collins. Bush v. Gore clearly illustrated just how partisan and ideological the Supreme Court can be, and this case is likely to have a similar partisan result. Interestingly, the court was able to restore much of its public support after Bush v. Gore. With its current public approval ratings at an all-time low, it will be fascinating to see how this affects the legitimacy of the court in the eyes of the public.

In addition to its low public approval, most of the justices on the Supreme Court are known for interpreting the Constitution as faithfully as possible, so it will be interesting to see how they do so in this case. Interestingly, the legal theory behind Colorados ruling also comes  like some of Washingtons most famous justices  from the originalism camp, which advocates sticking as closely as possible to the U.S. Constitution, which was written more than two centuries ago. That legal theory began to gain traction in August, following the circulation of a 126-page scholarly article for the University of Pennsylvania law review. It was signed by William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen, two renowned conservative academics.

After learning of the court ruling, Trump held a rally in Iowa, the state where the Republican primaries will kick off in January. He did not speak about the Colorado ruling, but he did allude to it in a message on his social network Truth Social. A sad day for America!!! he posted, in all capital letters. In a fundraising letter, he added: This is how dictatorships are born. I will not let left-wing judges STEAL the votes of a MAJORITY of Americans. Trump has been using the same rhetoric throughout his campaign to further cement the support of his most-loyal followers.

Trump has a seemingly unbeatable double-digit lead over the other Republican presidential hopefuls, who rushed to defend the former president after the Colorado ruling. Trumps supporters believe he is the victim of political persecution and that the Democrats are targeting him in the courts because they will not be able to win against him at the polls. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is also in the race to win the Republican nomination, put a twist on this idea. At a public event on Tuesday night, he said the Colorado ruling was a stunt to solidify support for Trump in the primaries.

What the left and the media and the Democrats are doing  theyre doing all this stuff, to basically solidify support in the primary for him, get him into the general, and the whole general election is going to be all this legal stuff, DeSantis said Wednesday, speaking at the Westside Conservative Club Breakfast in Iowa.

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By Keita Nakamura, KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2023 - 12:12 | World, All, Japan

A commemorative summit to mark the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and three days of related meetings through Monday in Tokyo show Japan's emphasis on promoting security ties with Southeast Asian nations on a bilateral basis in the wake of China's rise, experts well-versed in the region said.

Given that members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have varying security needs and that China has enormous economic clout in the region, Tokyo is right to take an individually tailored approach when pushing defense collaboration with them, the experts say.

They also warn that Japan must avoid trying to force ASEAN members to take sides amid the escalating rivalry between China and Tokyo's close ally the United States, and respect their neutrality.

Japan sees Southeast Asia as a strategically important region due largely to its proximity to the South China Sea, home to some of the world's busiest maritime sea lanes and where the Philippines, Vietnam and others have overlapping territorial claims with China.

Beijing's increasingly provocative behavior in the disputed sea has been seen as a major security threat by some ASEAN states, with the focal point of cooperation between Japan and ASEAN gradually shifting from business to security.

Meanwhile, some countries like Cambodia and Laos, seen as pro-Beijing, are less vigilant against China.

Saya Kiba, associate professor at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, points out the "difference in attitudes" among ASEAN members toward building security relations with Japan.

At the Japan-ASEAN summit on Sunday, the leaders adopted a "joint vision statement" and an implementation plan, agreeing to step up "maritime security cooperation," though stopping short of including detailed plans.

Kiba said the outcome documents "lack a specific and clear message," adding, "Given the diversity in security situations among ASEAN countries, it seems hard for them to go into further details."

Meanwhile, some of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's bilateral talks with ASEAN leaders, held on the fringes of the multilateral summit, appeared fruitful.

At talks on Saturday, Kishida agreed with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to supply military equipment worth 400 million yen ($2.8 million), such as rescue boats and surveillance drones, to Kuala Lumpur, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

The provision utilizes Tokyo's new program for like-minded countries that share fundamental values, dubbed Official Security Assistance, or OSA, with Malaysia becoming the third nation to engage with Japan on the framework after the Philippines and Bangladesh.

With China's growing maritime assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region apparently in mind, Tokyo launched the OSA in April, setting aside 2 billion yen for the current fiscal year through March 2024.

"Japan will step up collaboration with Malaysia and other ASEAN members to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law," Kishida told Anwar.

When meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Kishida promised that Japan will provide a large patrol ship for Indonesia's coast guard.

With Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Kishida affirmed that Japan and Vietnam will further expand interactions among their defense personnel and promote collaboration on future military equipment transfer.

Kishida and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet confirmed the launch of a vice defense minister-level dialogue between the two countries.

Kiba said Japan is expected to continue deepening security ties with ASEAN nations bilaterally.

"Japan should clearly express that it is far more proactive than before in working together with Southeast Asian countries in the security field," and should make cooperation offers to them based on each member's individual needs, she said.

Tomotaka Shoji, director of the Regional Studies Department at the National Institute for Defense Studies in Tokyo, said underscoring basic principles in the multilateral arena is also important for Japan.

The principles include the rule of law and freedom of navigation, he said.

Meanwhile, Shoji said it is important for Japan to move forward relations with the 10-member bloc without calling on any of the nations to "make a choice" between Japan and China, or the United States and China.

China has "multidimensional" relations with ASEAN members, posing a security challenge for some but being an important "economic partner for all of them," he said.

China has been the largest trading partner for ASEAN since 2009, with trade in goods between them topping $700 billion in 2022, far outstripping ASEAN trade with either the United States or Japan, according to data disclosed by the ASEAN secretariat.

Lili Yan Ing, lead adviser for the Southeast Asian region at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia in Jakarta, said each ASEAN country hopes Japan will recognize their "unique economic and security concerns" individually.

They also expect Japan to offer "tailored cooperation" that aligns with their specific needs and development goals, she added.

"Prioritizing flexibility and understanding the diverse needs of each ASEAN member will allow Japan to significantly contribute to the region's stability and resilience," she said.

Related coverage:

Japan PM Kishida vows to take lead in decarbonization in Asia

FOCUS: Kishida's loss of public support may hurt Japan diplomatically

Japan, ASEAN vow to widen cooperation as they mark 50 years of ties
New Biz City

Grand Raven Festival revelers march along Grand River Avenue past the newly-opened and much buzzed about Cannelle Patisserie. (David Lewinski)

Lindsay Kennedy, owner of Dolcetto Cheese & Specialty Goods in downtown Farmington. (Photo: MJ Galbraith)



Sticking around (one way or another)

Skep Space hosted a skateboard art exhibition in celebration of Plus Skateboarding's 20 years in downtown Farmington in June 2023. (Photo: David Lewinski)

Almost there

Public life

Cathy Dinan Dillon at the new pocket park site in downtown Farmington. (Photo: David Lewinski)

Congrats are in order, too

2023 also marked 30 years of the Farmington Farmers Market. (Photo: David Lewinski)

It was a big year for downtown Farmington, a downtown small in footprint but mighty in making things happen. From buzzy bakery openings to fundraising for, building, and opening a brand new park (and all in the same year), it seemed like there was good news breaking in downtown Farmington nearly every week in 2023. And what a lead-in for 2024, when the Oakland County community celebrates a truly significant milestone: its bicentennial.Farmington was settled by Arthur Power in 1824 and the city will be celebrating its 200th year as soon as the clock strikes midnight, ushering in 2024 with gusto. Community leaders will be coordinating celebrations all year long, with the first major events taking place at the Riley Park Ice Rink on New Years Eve. A kid-friendly event, Harry Potter and the Bicentennial Skate, begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature Harry Potter-themed activities and a Young Wizard Ball Drop at 9 p.m. And for the adults, The Farmington Bicentennial Bash begins at 10 p.m., including a ball drop over the rink at midnight.But before we get too ahead of ourselves, lets take a look at some of the major developments to occur in downtown Farmington in 2023.Those giant scissors they use for grand opening ribbon-cutting celebrations might need a little WD-40 after 2023, as downtown Farmington has seen its fair share of high-profile businesses open up shop downtown. Some of the businesses to open this year include:Coffee roaster that offers pastries, an expanded food menu, and more from the renovated first floor of the historic Farmington Masonic Temple23715 Farmington Rd.The classic restaurant chain specializing in American comfort foods  and, of course, that iconic mascot, whose statue greets customers as they arrive (he made it to Farmington, too)32704 Grand River Ave.Award-winning patisserie that specializes in French pastries and baked goods selects downtown Farmington for their fourth location33304 Grand River Ave.First-time entrepreneur purchases Farmington staple The Cheese Lady from her neighbors, complements original stores classic inventory with carefully curated wines, specialty foods, and plenty more33041 Grand River Ave.The popular Italian deli, breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Detroit travels all the way up Grand River Avenue with its first expansion location in downtown Farmington23632 Farmington Rd.A spa with franchise locations throughout the country specializing in massages, facials, and waxing services from licensed massage therapists and estheticians33037 Grand River Ave.Authentic Mexican cuisine with a creative eye for interior design  and that liquor license should arrive just in time for New Year's Eve, too32758 Grand River Ave.This year saw several small business shake-ups downtown, from determined relocations to getting feet in the doors of local markets.With its lease up at the original pop-up location, non-profit artist incubator and gallery Skep Space was able to find a new location elsewhere downtown, celebrating its grand opening in early December33018 Grand River Ave.Another non-profit arts organization was forced to relocate earlier this year, eventually finding a new space that is currently being renovated for a 2024 opening23616 Farmington Rd.Local sweets-maker Nakija Mills got her Lekker Choco Treats brand onto the shelves of Fresh Thyme Market following a pop-up location downtown23300 Farmington Rd.Theres a saying about best-laid plans and good intentions, and then theres waiting for permits and licenses to clear. Keep an eye out for Heights Brewing, which is now expected to open in 2024.While its locally-owned small businesses that often drive foot traffic in our downtowns, it can be the public spaces that operate as true anchors of a communitys sense of self. And while Riley Park and its Sundquist Pavilion are no doubt central to downtown Farmingtons way of life, the story of a brand new park stole the show in 2023. Efforts by the Farmington Downtown Development Authority to transform a parking lot into a permanent park proved successful in 2023, and it all happened at speeds that rival the 10G internet thats coming to town.The year started with the DDAs announcement of a $75,000 crowdfunding campaign in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The eventual success of that campaign secured a $75,000 matching grant from the MEDC and it was off to the races. Dinan Park, named for the family and foundation that contributed $25,000 to said campaign, celebrated its grand opening this past November.Located on Farmington Road  just south of Grand River Avenue, next to Sipp Smoothie & Juice Bar, and across from the also-new Farmington Road Streetscape beautification project  Dinan Park features outdoor seating, greenspace, improved landscaping, and plenty more. The DDA partnered with the Disability Network of Eastern Michigan (DNEM) and Grissim Metz Andriese Associates to build a universally accessible park to ensure access for users of all ages and abilities.While they may not be celebrating 200 years, several downtown institutions celebrated milestones in 2023 that are nothing to sneeze at. Focal Point Studio of Photography celebrated 50 years in business, the Farmington Farmers Market celebrated its 30th year, and Plus Skateboarding celebrated its 20th.
The intersection of 17 Mile and Mound roads in Sterling Heights. (Photo courtesy of Macomb County)

Magdalena Srodek poses with some of Srodek's famous Polish sausage. (Photo: David Lewinski)

Al Bataween Imported Food & Bakery is known for its freshly baked Middle Eastern breads. (Photo: David Lewinski)

Mixing Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, Chickpea Kitchen offers customizable bowls, soups, pitas, and salads. (Steve Koss)

Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor (L to R), Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, and Macomb County Commissioner Joseph Romano at the revamped Sterling Relief Drain. (Photo: Macomb County Public Works)

On Wednesday, Dec. 20, officials and community stakeholders from Macomb County, the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and the cities of Sterling Heights and Warren gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Innovate Mound, a $220 million, multi-year project that launched in August 2021 with promises of transforming the Mound Road corridor into one of the most technologically advanced roadways in the United States. Of course, a completely repaved roadway, now completed from I-696 to M-59, will make the most immediate difference to motorists, and especially those that remember the lunar surface-like conditions that preceded the massive project.Celebrating the grand opening of Mound Road, Innovate Mound delivers on its promise, reshaping our infrastructure into a model of progress, says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. This transformation uplifts businesses, fostering a thriving commercial environment. We've ensured to connect our community not only by roadways but also through accessible pathways, cultivating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for all.The installation of connected vehicle and fiber optic communications technology, and the ability to coordinate traffic signals in real-time, stands to make getting from Point A to Point B as seamless as ever. While some work remains, the lions share has been completed  including that smooth new driving surface.Mound Road is one of this regions most significant corridors. In an Innovate Mound Q&A with Bryan Santo from 2020, the director of Macomb County Department of Roads outlines just how important Mound Road is to the region: The Mound Road corridor has a substantial economic impact on the region, state, and country that reaches far beyond Macomb County. More than 47,000 people are employed along the corridor, which supports an additional 71,100 jobs in the County. Another 101,000 jobs in Michigan are supported by the corridors business activity. Combined, $8.7 billion in wages and benefits are paid to the more than 118,000 employees in Macomb County.In Sterling Heights, much of that economic impact is made by those employers situated along the corridor, a mix of manufacturing and light industrial uses from both local companies and multinational corporations doing business in sectors that include automotive, defense, and more.But for those who dont live or work along this new-look Mound Road and want to see it for themselves, here are some of our favorite places to visit along the Sterling Heights stretch of this innovative corridor.Theres no shortage of incredible international cuisine in Sterling Heights, including both restaurants and markets alike. Two of the best in the region, representing two different parts of the world, are on the very same road in Sterling Heights.Srodeks Campau Quality Sausage (40211 Mound Rd.) opened its location here in 2020, a 1,600 sq. ft. Polish grocery store and restaurant that carries everything from freshly-made pierogi to sausages and meats smoked in-house. Theres even Eastern European brands of cosmetics for sale, imported straight from the source.Al Bataween Imported Food & Bakery (37821 Mound Rd.) specializes in freshly-baked Middle Eastern-style breads along with a fully stocked grocery department, including meats, fresh produce, Middle Eastern spices, and more.Mound Road is home to Chickpea Kitchen (39525 Mound Rd.), one of Metromode contributor Blake Woodruffs picks for great vegan dining in Sterling Heights. As Blake wrote earlier this year: Mixing Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, Chickpea Kitchen offers customizable bowls, soups, pitas, and salads. Customers are given full control over how they want to make their meal. With three different types of grains, various protein choices including falafel, four freshly made hummus flavors including lentil, over 12 veggie options, and seven sauces, the restaurant offers a staggering amount of combinations.Chickpea Kitchen also serves dishes with meat ingredients, but keeps the vegetarian and non-vegeterian staging areas separated so as to avoid any cross-contamination.The Sterling Relief Drain crosses under Mound Road, between Metropolitan Parkway and 15 Mile Road, and running from Ryan Road to east of Schoenherr Road. Its also the site of the Sterling Heights Butterfly Flyway, a return-to-nature initiative, of sorts, led by Macomb County that retrofit two miles of the 1960s-era drainage system between Schoenherr and Van Dyke roads, daylighting the drain and planting more than 135,000 native perennial plants, over 1,000 shrubs, and hundreds of trees. What they created was a Butterfly Flyway, reestablishing native habitat for butterflies and other important pollinators. The project was awarded Project of the Year (Quality of Life/$1 million to $5 million) by the Michigan chapter of the American Public Works Association in 2021.In September 2023, the Macomb County Public Works Office announced their submission of a grant proposal to extend the green infrastructure project another 1.5 miles, and this time west of Mound Road.
Most greenhouses are built to grow plants. Bridgette Bloughs greenhouse grows not only plants  but also children.We transformed our small greenhouse into a one-room schoolhouse, Blough says. We have 16 children from ages 5 to 12 from 10 families now attending our school.The seed for the Free to Bloom Collective , a nature-based school for children, grew as many ideas do  from an unmet need.My husband Trent and I have three children from our blended family, Blough says. We wanted to connect our kids with our lifestyle, in alignment with nature. When we looked at schools around us, they didnt match with what we wanted to teach our children.With her hands already full with her business, Of the Land , a family and community farm providing organic food through a CSA  community-supported agriculture  to its members, called Green Box Marketplace , along with catering for weddings and other events, Blough, who some may recognize as the Organic Gypsy, was initially reluctant to take on yet another venture. But what could be more important than nurturing young minds just as she nurtures healthy bodies?I didnt want more work, but I talked to another parent friend  Abby Sirovica  and we had a brainstorm, Blough says. We were two moms coming together to take action around what we believe in. Abby is a holistic doctor and founder at Grassroots Family Chiropractic . Our first step was to send out a questionnaire to other parents to find out what they wanted for their kids. We did that in April 2023.The result became a grassroots movement of parents who wanted a different kind of education for their kids. A homeschool group of families with a belief in the power of nature-based learning, screen-free environments, and experiential learning for children, came together to form the Free to Bloom Collective. The school was launched in August 2023 to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.We blend in-person and self-directed learning with off-site field trips every Thursday to places that the kids choose and that are guided by educators and parents. They may go on a hike through the woods, learn how to identify different species of plants and animals, or participate in literacy activities, Blough says. The kids meet on the farm three days a week. It gives them a chance to socialize. I volunteer as head of our operations, and we also hired teachers that we call guides to help. They work as tutors for the kids.Free to Bloom Collective differed from many homeschools by keeping on-screen learning to a minimum.Its not the way most kids learn, she says. We saw that during the pandemic when so many kids fell behind.Free to Bloom Collective also avoided the common perception of homeschools as being strictly conservative.Our approach is to learn from the land, Blough says. And we use the Montessori method for its hands-on way of learning. There is an amazing amount of Montessori materials that our kids can use.The kids also help on the farm  rather than sitting in a classroom, they help with crops, planting and harvesting, and animal care.The children use what they gather to create items for sale that they then sell at the occasional bazaar, interfacing with adults, handling money, and earning income for their efforts. For the schools recent bazaar in November, they made door swags from corn, homemade wrapping paper, fire starters, and more.We want them to feel empowered rather than entitled, Blough says.The typical school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m. The children work either independently or in small groups. Each child also gets one-on-one time with guides, and often older children help younger children learn, too.Older kids might be reading to younger kids or helping them with other schoolwork, Blough says. The oldest child in our program, for instance, is the youngest child in her family, but shes become a clear leader at the school. It has given her a chance to flex her leadership muscle in a way she hadnt been able to at home.While younger children spend time using Montessori materials, older children work on individualized research projects. The Montessori method , created by Maria Montessori in Italy in the early 1900s but steadily gaining popularity today across the world, is focused on building independence through hands-on learning in all developmental areas. Montessori developed her materials based on the observation that any child can learn if given the right environment, practice, and materials.Other hands-on materials are also used, such as Lincoln Logs.Right now, some of the children are learning division, Blough says. They build a community out of the Lincoln Logs, and they are also learning how a community works together, using math to distribute resources and divide them among households.The children are not graded on their work. Rather than using standardized tests, Free to Bloom uses assessments put together by the guides.As for the legalities of our school, the State requirements are gray in this area, Blough says. Pretty much the only requirement is that teachers have a bachelors degree, and ours do. For the costs, our parents chip in $600 a month, and that is for supplies, tutor pay, and field trips. It is just enough to cover our costs. We might do a plant sale in spring to raise funds, too.Bloughs pride and passion for this new venture are evident.What we as adults need to do is to question our beliefs and values  are we actually living and acting on them, she says. Too many of us are disassociated from what we value and how we live. Take your money to do what you love  beginning with your child.The school, located on the farm property in Battle Creek, currently has two openings for children ages 7 to 12. Numbers are limited to ensure a close-knit community and personalized attention. For more information, visit the Free to Bloom Collective
Jacqueline Patrick-James, Director of the Student Empowerment Program and R.I.S.E. Board Treasurer.

Whitney Wardell, President and CEO of Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek
Housing

spotlight

Developer plans more micro-sized, middle-income Tenderloin housing

Craig Lee/The Examiner Building at 468 Turk Street in San Francisco on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.

A developer with ambitions to build gobs of workforce housing in San Francisco announced plans this week to transform a Tenderloin building into 90 new residences.

The group housing project, located at 468 Turk St., would add 90 new units at a time The City desperately needs them to meet its ambitious  and state-mandated  housing goals.

But group housing  in which tenants share at least some amenities and space  has recently come under scrutiny from community advocates and city legislators, who have attempted to curtail new group housing in neighborhoods in which its already common.

Still, if all goes according to plan, construction at 468 Turk St. could begin in the middle of next year and be the start of whats to come.

The project is led by Forge Development Partners, the same group that built a 130 micro-unit complex just down the street at 361 Turk St.

Richard Hannum, CEO of Forge, says the company has created a way to efficiently produce large quantities of small homes that are relatively affordable to a normal San Franciscan despite The Citys sky-high rents. The keys, he says, are efficient use of space and environmentally conscious building practices that help keep costs down  and predictable  for tenants.

Any building could take advantage of what weve created, Hannum said. Its a policy issue; the opportunity is there to do this for any housing. We found a way to innovate within the laws available.

But those laws have been shifting. Last year, the Board of Supervisors adopted a law prohibiting new group housing projects in large swaths of the Tenderloin and Chinatown.

Patrick Hoge/San Francisco Examiner Kevin Green sits on the bed inside his unit at 361 Turk St., a micro-unit development by Forge Development Partners.

The bills proponents argued the already-dense neighborhoods need more spacious units to accommodate families, not more micro homes that can only take on one or two tenants at a time. Supervisors rejected Forges proposal for 316 group housing units at 450 OFarrell St. for the same reasons, although the company says it will have an update on the project in early 2024.

Worried that developers were taking advantage of The Citys loose definition of group housing to build tiny apartments at higher densities than would otherwise be allowed, legislators updated the definition of group housing to make clear that units cant include their own kitchens and that the buildings have to contain a certain amount of common areas.

The objective is to preserve The Citys existing stock of affordable single-room-occupancy housing while saving space for the construction of larger apartments into which SRO tenants can eventually move.

Theres very little room for people to build out what we call step-up housing, said Sunny Angulo, chief of staff for Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who sponsored the legislation.

Forge claims the 361 Turk St. project made its way into the housing pipeline before the group-housing ban took effect. The company said its already working with Mayor London Breeds office and San Franciscos permitting departments to help shepherd the project to fruition.

Despite questions about whether or not such housing would be popular in the wake of the pandemic  other small-unit developments, such as the Panoramic on Mission Street, have sputtered  the 361 Turk St. project has proven to be a success, according to the company, with 90% of its residences occupied.

Its also affordable for regular San Franciscans, with the average tenant earning about $65,000 per year  well below San Franciscos average per-capita income, according to census data.

One resident at 361 Turk St., Kevin Green, 27, said he was pleased after 10 months and expected to renew his lease.

I love it, Green said Tuesday of the building, a sleek, modern structure with amenities that included a gym with weights and cardio machines, a community lounge where he does school work, and a roof deck featuring a couple of cooking grills, multiple seating areas and an enclosed dog run with artificial grass.

Green, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran studying history at City College of San Francisco on the GI Bill, said he works security at a retail store. He previously lived in Stockton and commuted three times a week to The City for classes and was glad to give up the commute.

Greens efficiency unit isnt fancy  the window looks directly onto a brick wall  but it came with a television, a kitchenette with a small refrigerator and microwave oven, a Murphy bed and a bathroom with a walk-in shower. There was also a small convection cooking unit included, though Green opted to use a plug-in skillet instead.

Patrick Hoge/The Examiner Kevin Green shows off the rooftop space at 361 Turk St., a micro-unit development by Forge Development Partners.

Ive got what I need, he said.

Green praised the property manager as attentive and cooperative. The apartment common areas are kept clean, he said, and there are even community events, including on the roof deck in the summer. He said he considers the $1,700 rent a good deal, especially considering utilities and Wi-Fi are included.

Its really affordable, Green said.

Green acknowledged some people might not like living in the Tenderloin, a neighborhood that has significant issues with homelessness and open drug use on the streets, but he said he was not bothered by the environment and people largely kept to themselves.

Hannum said he plans eventually to build nearly 1,000 apartments in buildings similar to Greens in The City.

At 468 Turk St., apartments will roughly be 250 square feet, but each unit will come with a private bathroom, limited cooking facilities and access to a full shared kitchen. Each apartment will be able to sleep two people, according to the developer.

The project also packs a lot of units into a small space, a model Hannum says is popular in places like Northern Europe and Asia but has yet to catch on here.

At a time when construction costs are prohibitively high for many developers, Hannum says the company keeps costs down by using environmentally conscious building practices. The developer claims it will save about $50,000 per unit by having a single PG&E electric meter that will help it efficiently manage energy use, such as by the heating and cooling systems.

I am proud to see Forge continuing efforts to build high-quality, sustainable homes for our community, said Del Seymour, Founder of Code Tenderloin and longtime neighborhood leader, in a statement. Forge is helping to bring grace and dignity to our community by housing those who would otherwise be unable to afford to live in San Francisco  giving them a great place to call home that is close to where they work and helps strengthen the Tenderloin community overall.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2023 - 19:57 | All, World, Japan

South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld decisions by lower courts ordering two Japanese firms, Nippon Steel Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., to pay damages to South Koreans for forced labor during Japan's colonial rule.

The rulings came as a disappointment to the Japanese government and the companies, but Seoul quickly reassured that plaintiffs would be eligible to receive compensation from a South Korean government-backed foundation rather than the sued firms, aligning with a plan Seoul announced in March for solving the wartime labor issue.

In its first ruling on the issue since November 2018, the top court dismissed appeals by Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy against the high court decisions on two lawsuits that ordered them to pay a total of 1.17 billion won ($900,000).

Similarly, in late 2018, the Supreme Court upheld orders in separate judgments for Nippon Steel, then named Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp., and Mitsubishi Heavy to pay damages for wartime labor, prompting South Korea-Japan relations to deteriorate.

Responding to the latest rulings, Japan's top government spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, said they are "extremely regrettable and totally unacceptable" and that Tokyo has lodged a protest with Seoul.

Hayashi told a regular news conference that he expects the South Korean government-backed foundation to address the matter.

Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy both called the court's decisions "extremely regrettable," saying the issues were settled by the 1965 bilateral agreement.

Japan has said all issues stemming from its 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean Peninsula were settled "completely and finally" under a 1965 bilateral agreement.

A South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson assured that plaintiffs who won the latest lawsuits will be eligible to receive compensation from the government-backed foundation.

In a bid to improve the strained bilateral ties, Seoul said in March that plaintiffs who had won lawsuits over forced labor would receive compensation from a government-backed foundation rather than the sued firms.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said at the time the announcement of the solution to the wartime labor issue "laid the foundation for the two nations to discuss future-oriented development from now on."

The Thursday rulings upheld a decision by the Seoul High Court in June 2019 and one by the Gwangju High Court in December 2018 that ordered Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy to pay between 100 million won and 150 million won each to former workers.

The seven plaintiffs in the Nippon Steel case have died since the lawsuit was first filed about a decade ago, as have three of the four plaintiffs in the Mitsubishi Heavy case, with a family member of a deceased worker the only survivor. The cases have been taken over by their families.

The three plaintiffs in the Mitsubishi Heavy case, all women, have said they were promised opportunities to study and earn money but were instead put to work at a wartime munitions factory of the company in Nagoya in central Japan during World War II.

The daughter of one of the female workers told reporters Thursday that her mother died in May this year.

"She waited (for the ruling) for a long time and died. I feel sorry for her," the daughter said.

Related coverage:

South Korea court overturns Japan's immunity from "comfort women" suit

Japan, S. Korea leaders vow joint response to N. Korea, close contact

South Korea top court affirms Japan temple owner of stolen Buddha statue
KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2023 - 16:45 | All, Japan

South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. will receive a subsidy of up to 20 billion yen ($140 million) to build a new research and development facility for advanced semiconductors near Tokyo, Japan's industry ministry said Thursday.

The provision of the subsidy for the facility in Yokohama to one of the world's leading chipmakers is part of Japan's efforts to increase domestic chip production.

Amid heightened geopolitical tensions in Asia and technological rivalry between the United States and China, Japan has been trying to bolster its supply chains for semiconductors, designated as critical goods by the government, by luring investment from firms abroad.

"Companies from across the world are very interested in investing in Japan now," Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at his office during a public-private sector meeting aimed at boosting investment.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ken Saito and Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, also known as Keidanren, along with company executives joined Kishida in the meeting.

Semiconductor investments by foreign firms currently aided by the Japanese government include those by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in Kumamoto Prefecture, Micron Technology Inc. in Hiroshima Prefecture and Western Digital Corp. in Mie Prefecture.

Related coverage:

Toshiba ends 74-year history as public firm, set for turnaround

TSMC founder says Biden, Xi had "good meeting" to ease tensions

Japan, U.S. to make robust chip supply chains amid security concerns
KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2023 - 23:00 | World, Japan, All

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

----------

Scandal-hit biggest LDP faction execs asked for voluntary questioning

TOKYO - Japan's prosecutors have asked former top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno and other executives of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's largest faction to submit to voluntary questioning over a political funds scandal, sources close to the matter said Thursday.

Matsuno stepped down as chief Cabinet secretary last week amid allegations he failed to report more than 10 million yen ($70,000) in income from tickets he sold for fundraising events hosted by the intraparty group, the sources said.

----------

South Korea's top court upholds wartime labor damages order for Japan firms

SEOUL - South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld decisions by lower courts ordering two Japanese firms, Nippon Steel Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., to pay damages to South Koreans for wartime labor.

The rulings came as a disappointment to the Japanese government and the companies, but Seoul quickly reassured that plaintiffs would be eligible to receive compensation from a South Korean government-backed foundation rather than the sued firms, aligning with a plan Seoul announced in March for solving the wartime labor issue.

----------

Transport ministry probes Daihatsu HQ amid safety testing scandal

OSAKA - Japan's transport ministry on Thursday conducted investigations at Daihatsu Motor Co.'s headquarters in Osaka Prefecture, a day after the small car unit of Toyota Motor Corp. was forced to halt shipments at home and abroad due to a safety test falsification scandal affecting most models in its range.

The ministry is looking into whether any production approval reports were rigged and will consider administrative penalties such as revoking approval if necessary.

----------

Figure skating: Shoma Uno off to solid start at Japan's nationals

NAGANO, Japan - Despite not being at his best, two-time defending world champion Shoma Uno won the men's short program Thursday, the first day of Japan's national figure skating championships, which double as the final qualifying meet for March's world championships in Montreal.

According to officials, Uno broke his left skate after this month's Grand Prix Final in Beijing. After his mistake-free program at Nagano Big Hat, Uno admitted to taking a cautious approach.

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MLB star Ohtani No. 1 among Japanese men in "athlete image" survey

TOKYO - MLB two-way star Shohei Ohtani has been ranked No. 1 among Japanese male athletes for both his 2023 performance and for how much is expected of him in 2024, a survey by Hakuhodo DY Media Partners Inc. concluded Thursday.

The announcement came with the results of a study to measure "overall athlete image." The internet survey, conducted Dec. 1-5 by the unit of ad giant Hakuhodo Inc., rated table tennis star Hina Hayata as this year's top-performing Japanese female athlete.

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Japan eyes FY 2024 nominal GDP above 600 tril. yen, faster income growth

TOKYO - Japan's nominal gross domestic product will top 600 trillion yen ($4.2 trillion) in fiscal 2024 for the first time, a target set by the government about a decade ago, a Cabinet Office estimate showed Thursday, expecting income growth to outpace inflation.

After higher import costs of energy and raw materials boosted prices of everyday goods, inflation will ease to 2.5 percent in fiscal 2024 from 3.0 percent this year. Income growth per capita, meanwhile, will accelerate to 3.8 percent from 2.4 percent, helped by the government's planned temporary tax cut, according to the office.

----------

Football: Dutch club Sparta add Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Mito

TOKYO - Dutch first-division football club Sparta Rotterdam on Thursday announced the acquisition of Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Mito, who won the J-League's best young player award this year.

The 21-year-old plans to join Sparta on Jan. 2 from Albirex Niigata, on a contract that runs until 2028.

----------

Samsung to receive $140 mil. gov't subsidy for chip facility in Japan

TOKYO - South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. will receive a subsidy of up to 20 billion yen ($140 million) to build a new research and development facility for advanced semiconductors near Tokyo, Japan's industry ministry said Thursday.

The provision of the subsidy for the facility in Yokohama to one of the world's leading chipmakers is part of Japan's efforts to increase domestic chip production.

Video: Japan-made defense radar handed over to Philippine operators
KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2023 - 08:56 | All, World

The United States will continue to engage with China from a "position of strength" in 2024, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday, noting that Washington's ties with its like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific have "never been stronger."

At his year-end press conference, Blinken also said the United States is "more closely aligned than ever" with the Group of Seven and the European Union "on the challenges presented by Beijing."

Regarding China's "coercive" trade and economic practices, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as in the South and East China seas, and other such concerns, he said the deepening ties have enabled the United States to tackle them more effectively.

Some of the major accomplishments in 2023 he cited included cementing a "new era of trilateral cooperation" with Japan and South Korea, launching strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, and reaching a defense cooperation agreement with the Philippines.

As the world heads into 2024, Blinken said the United States will continue to "stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who share our vision for a free, open, prosperous and secure world."

During the press conference, Blinken devoted much of his time to rallying the U.S. Congress and countries around the world to continue supporting Ukraine's freedom and independence, and underscoring the importance of ending the Israel-Hamas war as quickly as possible.

The top U.S. diplomat said more assistance is needed for Ukraine to ensure that Russia's invasion, which began in February 2022, "remains a strategic failure" and that the war-torn Ukraine can "move toward standing strongly on its own two feet militarily, economically and democratically."

On the war in the Middle East that erupted in October, he said, "We continue to believe that Israel does not have to choose between removing the threat of Hamas and minimizing the toll on civilians in Gaza."

"It has an obligation to do both," Blinken said, while vowing to help Israel.

He added that the conflict needs to enter "a lower-intensity phase" and the United States is hoping for Israel to shift to "more targeted operations with a smaller number of forces" focusing on dealing with the Hamas leadership.

His remarks were made at a time when the administration of President Joe Biden is under increased pressure to rein in Israel's ongoing military campaign, launched after the Palestinian militant group's deadly attack on the Jewish state.

As Biden also struggles to secure congressional approval for his supplemental budget request, which includes additional funding for Ukraine and Israel, Blinken warned, "Here's who cheers if we fail (to pass it) -- Moscow, Tehran, Beijing. If we come up short, it won't be our adversaries and competitors who stopped us, it will be ourselves."

Related coverage:

OPINION: U.S.-China relations: Filoli summit and beyond

U.S. sees North Korean ICBM test as "concerning," eyes better readiness

China's Xi Jinping vows to deepen partnership with Vietnam
By Shinichiro Shozawa, KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2023 - 09:12 | All, Japan, Feature

A hefty book containing some 750 letters from Japanese students expressing gratitude for support they received from the United States after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake has been preserved by a descendant of then U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, a Japanese research team has learned.

Researchers from Tohoku University and other institutions were shown the letters written in English by students from the disaster-affected areas and all over Japan. With the discovery coinciding with the centenary anniversary of the disaster, they are now calling on the public for help in understanding how letters came to be sent.

According to this year's White Paper on Disaster Management by the Cabinet Office, of the roughly 30 nations that sent donations to Japan in the aftermath of the Kanto quake, the United States was by far the largest contributor.

The research team consists of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science at Tohoku University, northeastern Japan, and the World Bosai Forum, an organization based in Sendai that works in collaboration with other international groups on addressing disaster risk reduction.

Yuichi Ono, the WBF founder and research institute's deputy director, traveled to the United States in August, and was shown the book of letters kept in an archive by Chris Jeter, a great-grandson of the 30th U.S. President Coolidge, at his home in Vermont near Coolidge's birthplace. Jeter had known about the letters since he was a child but had never shown them to anyone outside the family.

"I am very proud of this and thankful that I can be an assistant in a historical perspective of getting a better understanding of what happened 100 years ago," Jeter told Ono at the time. "I think there is lot that we can learn from the past to help the future.

The researchers came to know that an organization called the Japan Students Association called on students from universities, former junior high schools -- the equivalent of today's high schools -- and girls' high schools, to write the letters.

As of the end of November, the school affiliations for about 550 of the involved students were known. They were from the prefectures of Aomori, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Chiba, Saitama, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Niigata, Shizuoka, Aichi, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Wakayama and Oita.

The letters, mainly written at the end of 1923 and compiled into a book titled, "To All Americans Letters of Gratitude," were delivered in May 1924 to President Coolidge through U.S. Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes via Masanao Hanihara, Japan's ambassador to the United States.

One of the letters came from Yoshie Yamaura, a student of the Sacred Heart School, a private girls' high school which still operates in Tokyo.

Penned in Yamaura's clear cursive handwriting, the letter dated Dec. 17, 1923, said, "To the President of the United States. Mr. President: Thank you very much for your nice and useful gifts to us...We Japanese are all thanking your kind heart and praying for you every day."

The 7.9 magnitude Great Kanto Earthquake occurred shortly before noon on Sept. 1, 1923. It was widely reported overseas, and in the United States, President Coolidge called for assistance via a radio address. The number of dead and missing totaled approximately 105,000, with the casualties mainly clustered in the Kanto region centered on Tokyo.

According to the recent White Paper and Ministry of the Interior data of that time, the United States accounted for 69 percent of the approximately 22.11 million yen, equivalent to more than $68 million today, in overseas donations. Britain and China were second and third with about 18 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

At the time, there was an anti-Japanese immigration movement brewing in United States, especially on the West Coast, but "the campaigning effect of the president was significant," said Ono.

The United States had sent monetary aid to Japan after the 1905 great crop failure and famine, which mainly damaged Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima in the northeast. While Japan had returned the favor with monetary donations after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, so "there was already precedent for mutual support," Ono said.

Ono admitted that when he first saw the letters he could barely contain his excitement. "I could see that they were spotless and had been treated with great care. It was like opening up a time capsule," he recalled.

Ono made an ardent plea to the affiliated schools and anyone who might uncover more details about the letters to contact the World Bosai Forum. "We want people to know the history of these former students from 100 years ago. This is a valuable resource, and we would like you to send us information."

Contact the World Bosai Forum at (022) 263-1688.

Related coverage:

FEATURE: Street food creating appetite for the future in fading Osaka market

FEATURE: Manga bringing realities of fertility treatment to mass audience

FEATURE: Japan port striving to save commercial coastal fishing
Londons FTSE 100 was down 0.3% at 7,690.08 in afternoon trade on Thursday.

Vodafone was the top gainer on the index following a report that Swisscom is weighing a possible offer for its Italian business next year.

BT Group also advanced following a report that Saudi Telecom may be preparing to approach the companys largest shareholder, Patrick Drahi, about raising its interest in the telco.

On the downside, Admiral fell after Berenberg downgraded shares of the insurer to hold from buy.

It noted that Admiral has been one of the strongest performers in the insurance sector in 2023, up by 29% year-to-date, and said it reckons the stock will continue to have EPS upgrades primarily due to the very strong re-pricing of the UK motor insurance market.

"However, we believe the complexity of its accounting leads to some risk and the high valuation multiple the company is already trading on may limit the upside in the near term," the bank said. Hence the downgrade to hold.

FTSE 100 - Risers

Vodafone Group (VOD) 68.73p 1.85%

Smurfit Kappa Group (CDI) (SKG) 3,210.00p 0.88%

B&M European Value Retail S.A. (DI) (BME) 579.60p 0.80%

Rightmove (RMV) 567.20p 0.60%

Rio Tinto (RIO) 5,816.00p 0.57%

AstraZeneca (AZN) 10,538.00p 0.52%

Sage Group (SGE) 1,179.00p 0.43%

Pearson (PSON) 954.80p 0.42%

3i Group (III) 2,424.00p 0.41%

BT Group (BT.A) 126.50p 0.36%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Burberry Group (BRBY) 1,424.50p -4.49%

Ocado Group (OCDO) 762.40p -3.37%

United Utilities Group (UU.) 1,069.00p -2.86%

British American Tobacco (BATS) 2,272.50p -2.72%

Airtel Africa (AAF) 127.40p -1.85%

Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 1,776.00p -1.72%

Rentokil Initial (RTO) 437.00p -1.69%

Standard Chartered (STAN) 651.20p -1.60%

Admiral Group (ADM) 2,671.00p -1.58%

Glencore (GLEN) 462.20p -1.48%
Worldcoin project (to build the latest privacy-preserving identity network) co-founded by Sam Altman, has temporarily paused its Orb-verification service in India, Brazil, and France. This decision comes just a few months after the service was initially expanded to these markets. Tools for Humanity, the foundation overseeing Worldcoin's development, mentioned that the Orb had been extended to several markets for a limited duration earlier this year.

The foundation is committed to working with international partners to guarantee that the service adheres to regulatory standards, offering a secure, transparent, and safe experience for users who have undergone verification, it stated. "The multi-city tour kicked off in Tokyo in April 2023 and marked the first time people in many locations across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia were able to experience the Orb. The tour concluded late summer and was also complemented by previews of the Orb in a number of cities globally alongside the launch of the protocol", Lily Gordon, a spokesperson of Tools for Humanity, was quoted as saying.

In July, Altman introduced 'Worldcoin', a cryptocurrency startup centered around eyeball-scanning technology. The aim is to develop a dependable solution for distinguishing between humans and AI online, facilitate global democratic processes, and significantly enhance economic opportunities.
Ashok Leyland, the leading enterprise of the Hinduja Group, revealed the acquisition of an order for 552 Ultra-Low Entry (ULE) buses from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation for use in public transportation. This marks a continuation of the enduring partnership between the company and the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, which currently boasts a fleet of over 1,800 operational buses.

Shenu Agarwal, the Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, expressed, "As we work towards addressing the growing demands for public mobility in our nation, our profound insights into markets and customer requirements continue to be the fundamental aspect that sets us apart. This order reaffirms our commitment to developing highly efficient and technologically advanced products that not only meet but surpass customer expectations, fostering the advancement of public transportation". The company specified that the delivery of these buses will initiate in the coming months and is financially supported by the German Development Bank.

The company reported that the recently introduced ULE buses come equipped with features including an H-series 6-cylinder 4-valve 184 kW engine, a rear engine configuration, front disc brake, step-less entry, an intelligent transportation system featuring CCTV, electronically controlled front and rear air suspension, vehicle tracking, and destination boards reflecting the vehicle's location. Sanjeev Kumar, President- M&HCV at Ashok Leyland, stated, "Our ULE buses embody cutting-edge technology and safety standards within the commercial vehicle sector. We take pride in delivering TNSTC and the residents of Tamil Nadu a fleet that ensures exceptional comfort and the highest safety standards. This order is a testament to the confidence our customers have in Ashok Leyland".

Ashok Leyland, headquartered in Chennai, is an Indian multinational automotive manufacturer currently under the ownership of the Hinduja Group. Established in 1948 as Ashok Motors, it underwent a name change to Ashok Leyland in 1955 following collaboration with British Leyland. As of 2016, Ashok Leyland holds the position of the second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, commanding a market share of 32.1%. Additionally, it ranks as the third-largest global producer of buses and the tenth-largest manufacturer of trucks.
Amazon India has entered into an agreement with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), operating under the Ministry of Defence, to offer employment opportunities to former military personnel within the company. Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Amazon India aims to work in partnership with the ICG to support veterans in transitioning from military backgrounds to pursue corporate careers, either within Amazon or in various other corporate roles, as stated by the company.

"Appreciating the wealth of experience and unique perspectives offered by ex-service personnel, Amazon globally operates the Military Veterans Employment Programme", stated Deepti Varma, Amazon India, Japan, and Emerging Markets VP, People Experience Technology. With the recent signing of the MoU, she expressed excitement about collaborating with the Indian Coast Guard to collectively strive towards the shared objective of providing meaningful work opportunities for veterans and their families. In August 2019, Amazon India initiated the Military Veterans Employment programme in partnership with the Army Welfare Placement Organization (AWPO), aiming to generate numerous opportunities for military veterans and their spouses throughout the company's fulfilment network in India.
Greece is a unique country in Southeastern Europe with more than 1000 islands! But if you want to apply for a second citizenship and are wondering which country to go with, the Greece Golden Visa is your ultimate choice.

But it is not only the serene landscape that makes the visa program so lucrative. There are many benefits, and as someone with a business forte, nothing gets better than this visa program. Since its launch in 2014 by the Global Residence Index by visiting http://globalresidenceindex.com/greece-golden-visa/ the visa program has attracted many people, and the benefits keep getting more exciting.

Getting a visa with this program is extremely easy, and you will be able to see both monetary and added benefits. Greece has beautiful places, and be it Athens or even Santorini, the vacation spots are also worth watching.

Major Benefits Associated with The Greece Golden Visa

Interested to know the benefits associated with a Golden Visa and how you can make the best use of the same? Here are some of the major perks associated with the same:

1. Amazing Travel Benefits

If you are setting up a global business and want to spread your wings wide, then the amazing travel benefits of the golden visa program are perfect for you.

This visa promises you can travel freely to any country in the Schengen Zone. It is a major benefit because traveling is important for business owners. The visa also does not have travel capping, i.e., one can travel without visa restrictions. You can travel for up to 90 days out of every six months. This is extremely lucrative and can help your business prosper in a few days.

Securing a visa to travel into the Schengen Zone can be extremely difficult. There is usually a lot of verification; even if you manage to pass all of them, the visa delay is a common obstacle. The visa-free access to each of these countries is an attractive benefit and is one of the major reasons many business individuals invest in the same.

2. Lucrative Tax Benefits

It is common not to want to shell off a huge amount of your earnings to the government as tax. But what if we tell you that the Golden Greece visa program aids you with the best tax benefits? The taxation system is formulated in such a way that it can be beneficial for all taxpayers.

This means that each taxpayer has to pay a flat fee instead of varying percentages based on income. This is extremely inviting for those who are just starting their global business venture and must consciously make expenditures.

Even if your business reaches new heights, the good thing is that you save on tax money and can reinvest it in your business.

If you are someone who qualifies as a primary investor, then you have a choice. In such cases, you must pay a flat rate of 100,000 no matter how much you earn. Very few visa programs offer such tax flexibility, and the Golden Greece Visa tax program is one of them.

Your income stays secure, and you will not need to spend all your profit just paying taxes.

3. Your Way To EU Citizenship

Getting hold of European Union citizenship is extremely difficult, and most business people find ways to get hold of the same. The good thing about this lucrative tax program is that it will surely pave your way to European Union citizenship.

The visa program has been planned so the investor and the investor's family can stay in Greece full-time. This paves the way for you to get hold of EU citizenship, which can be otherwise impossible to acquire.

Investors only need to ensure that they stay with their families for a minimum of 5 years. This permanent residency is beneficial, and you can secure the same quickly. Also, after the permanent residency, you can apply for citizenship. This brings all the benefits associated with citizenship.

The business opportunities in Europe are always growing, so it proves great to be the ones who want to expand further. Along with business opportunities, EU Citizenship is also quite popular. It is a status symbol because most successful rich businessmen have access to the same.

4. Greece - the Land of Dreams

And finally, along with the monetary benefits that you will be able to get for your business, the land of Greece is extremely welcoming as well. If you want to bid goodbye to all worries and make a living in a peaceful and serene life, this is the best option.

The people of Greece are also extremely warm and welcoming, making your experience more worthwhile.

You can make an amazing community and feel at home in no time. Greece is also extremely beautiful, and the elevated quality of life is worth mentioning. If you want to move with your family to a new country and ensure they are at peace, this option is certainly the best for you.

Additionally, the quality of life in Greece is worth mentioning. People here believe that you should have a healthy and balanced life.

They focus on work, rest, and quality of life. Life's pace is slow so that you can live to your fullest. It would not be difficult to call this place your home in a few days. Just getting citizenship for a country is not enough; you should ensure that there are perks associated with the same. This is one of the major reasons the Golden Greece citizenship could be an amazing option.

The healthcare system here is extremely well-built, and you can access each facility. The facilities are not only for your use; even your family can reap each benefit.

Conclusion

Greece is beautiful, and no matter what your business genre is, the good thing is that you can make it work for the best. This citizenship program is perfect for you as someone setting up your business globally and venturing to new places.

The citizenship program allows you access to countries like Italy, Switzerland, and France, which can be difficult to acquire otherwise. The financial aspect of the visa is also quite affordable, and keeping in mind the perks, the invested money will certainly be worthwhile. All you need to do is contact us at Global Residence Index.
A one-day "India-Nepal Economic Partnership Summit 2023" in Birgunj aimed to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral economic ties. The event, held in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Birgunj, Nepal, and the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BICCI), was organized by the India-Nepal Centre of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) for the second consecutive year. During the summit's inauguration, Atul K Thakur, Secretary of the India-Nepal Centre at PHDCCI and the Session Chair, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach between government and industry stakeholders. He highlighted the need for harnessing the abundant potential and addressing post-pandemic challenges through economic cooperation between India and Nepal.

"In today's time, Nepal, being the friendliest neighbour of India, has an active role to play in the South Asia region. As we are all aware, SAARC has been mostly dysfunctional over the years, and other forums too have their limitations. Now it's time that friendly neighbours India and Nepal also should come forward and create business for sub-regional cooperation", Atul K Thakur, Secretary of the India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI, said addressing the summit.

The summit dwelt on 'New Roadmap for Accelerating India-Nepal Bilateral Cooperation; Promoting Industrial Development in Nepal and India; Revisiting Bilateral Trade Policies; Expanding Bilateral and Sub-regional Economic Cooperation; Improving Border Area Development and Connectivity.' In his opening remarks, BICCI president Anil Kumar Agrawal recounted Birgunj's achievements as a major trade hub of Nepal and how BICCI has been contributing over the decades to making industry and trade, the mainstay of this place, crucially important for India-Nepal economic relations.

Devi Sahai Meena, Consul General of India in Birgunj, Nepal, serving as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the Summit, affirmed India's commitment to advancing economic cooperation with Nepal. He underscored India's role as a pivotal development partner for Nepal, emphasizing support through both policy formulation and implementation. "India is Nepal's largest trading partner and the largest source of foreign investments. India accounts for almost two-thirds of Nepal's merchandise trade, one-third of trade in services, one-third of direct foreign investments, almost 100 percent of petroleum supplies and a significant share of remittances", Devi Sahai Meena, Consul General of the Consulate of India in Birgunj, said addressing the event.

"The Indian Consulate in Birgunj has been organizing table talks with the entrepreneurs and businesses of Nepal to explore their problems and solve the issues. We have been doing it and will continue it in further days," Meena said. On the summit, Satish Pattapu, Consul (Economic Cooperation & Commerce), Consulate General of India, Birgunj, Nepal, shared an overview of the main constituents of economic cooperation and challenges at the policy level that need to be tackled.

The deliberations, which were supported by the decision-makers, aimed to open new avenues of business engagement in the key sectors of the economy, besides giving a much-needed boost to trade near the crucial India-Nepal border at Birgunj, an economic hub of Nepal. The Summit played a role in creating a platform through joint action for deeper economic engagement between India and Nepal (with a focus on remittances, imports, exports and balance of payment (BoP) challenges in Nepal).
URUMQI, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese officials and experts praised the social stability and rapid development in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for securing considerable improvement in its human rights.

Speaking at an idea- and story-sharing conference Wednesday on promoting the high-quality development of the human rights cause in Xinjiang within the Chinese modernization drive, they said the region has seen a booming economy, society, and culture in recent years and that people of different ethnic groups are enjoying a happy life in general.

Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the regional government, said advances in Xinjiang's human rights suit the local reality, meet the expectations of its various ethnic groups, and are aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The official said people in Xinjiang know best whether the region's human rights cause is on the right track.

"The human rights cause in Xinjiang has made all-round advances and historic achievements," he said in a speech highlighting the comprehensive protection of the social, cultural, religious, and political rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, as well as their right to live and develop.

Xinjiang's economy expanded 6.1 percent year on year in the first three quarters of this year, and its per capita disposable income saw a yearly growth of 6.4 percent. Erkin Tuniyaz said the growth of the region's many economic indicators is among the fastest in China.

Meanwhile, it has not seen any violent terrorist incidents for nearly seven straight years, and tourists have viewed it as a safe tourist destination, he said.

Li Yunlong, an expert on human rights with the National Academy of Governance, said that feelings of happiness and security have risen substantially in Xinjiang thanks to sound social stability, fast economic development, and religious harmony.

The professor said the concept of happiness unites different human rights and is the ultimate goal of human rights protection.

"The happy lives of people in Xinjiang are the most powerful rebuttal to the lies about Xinjiang's human rights," he said. 
Karnataka has been chosen as the recipient of the top honor in the State Designated Agency (SDA Group-1) category by the Union Ministry of Power at the National Energy Conservation Awards 2023 (NECA 2022). The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) conducted these awards as part of the 'National Energy Conservation Day,' according to an official statement. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award upon K.P. Rudrappaiah, Managing Director of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL), at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The recognition was extended to the state in appreciation of its noteworthy accomplishments in energy conservation. KREDL earned this prestigious accolade for its successful execution of energy efficiency projects within the state.

Minister for Energy K.J. George, congratulated the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) officials for their notable achievement, emphasizing the significance of energy conservation in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and global warming. He highlighted the department's unwavering commitment to clean and green energy initiatives, primarily focusing on raising awareness about energy conservation and enhancing energy efficiency.

Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) to the Government of Karnataka, expressed his happiness and said, "The states have a vital role in India's energy efficiency policy implementation. In Karnataka, we are working relentlessly to meet the state-specific goals of sustainable development in the most energy-efficient way. In this regard, the State has taken several measures to achieve energy efficiency".

Rudrapaiah, MD, KREDL, said, "We are pleased to be recognized for the spectacular work. KREDL has always been at the forefront of implementing Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency (EC & EE) Activities. We have collaborated with the government and private stakeholders to promote the adoption of an energy-saving target of around 744MU in 5 major sectors over five years", he added.

Karnataka has consistently achieved the highest score and secured the position of a leading state, designated as a 'Front runner,' for three consecutive years in the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) during SEEI 2020, SEEI 2021-2022, and 2023. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has recently announced the results for SEEI 2023, where Karnataka excelled with the highest score of 85.75, solidifying its status as the top-performing state in the country.

Implementing Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation endeavours is critical for meeting India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of reducing the emission intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030 from the 2005 level. From empirical research, it is now established that energy conservation measures shall make the largest contribution to meeting the NDC target and mitigating adverse climatic change.

In response, the Indian government has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance energy efficiency over the past 22 years since the introduction of the EC Act in 2001. In alignment with these efforts, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) created and introduced the State Energy Efficiency Index in 2018. This index was designed to assess the energy efficiency levels in individual states and establish targets for enhancements in specified sectors nationwide.
The defense, space, and clean energy cooperation between India and the US is a significant factor in promoting peace, prosperity, and security

In the evolving landscape of international relations, the partnership between India and the United States has taken center stage as two of the world's largest democracies join forces to address global challenges. With a shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and economic growth, India and the US have steadily strengthened their ties across various sectors. In recent years, a significant focus has been on enhancing collaboration in defense, space exploration, and clean energy. This strategic cooperation has implications for both nations and carries global significance.

India and the United States held high-level talks on September 28, 2023, to further strengthen their defense, space, and clean energy strategic partnership. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Secretary of State Antony Blinken led the talks.

Defense Cooperation

In the defense sector, both countries have engaged in discussions to deepen their collaboration in joint military exercises, training initiatives, and advancing defense technology. They have reaffirmed their mutual commitment to addressing security challenges, including terrorism and maritime security. Over the years, India and the US have conducted joint military exercises and training programs. More recently, they have begun collaborating on developing innovative defense technologies.

One of the primary areas of defense cooperation revolves around maritime security. They have collaborated to patrol the Indo-Pacific region and combat maritime piracy and terrorism. This collaboration includes the development of cutting-edge naval technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles and underwater sensors. Additionally, counter-terrorism efforts have been a significant focus of their partnership. They have worked together to exchange intelligence and coordinate actions against terrorist organizations, with ongoing efforts to advance counter-terrorism technologies.

The India-US defense partnership promotes peace and security within the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are dedicated to deterring acts of aggression and ensuring the unimpeded flow of trade and commerce, contributing to regional stability.

Space Cooperation

In space cooperation, both nations explored avenues to enhance their collaboration in space exploration, satellite development, and space-based applications. Their commitment to fostering a rules-based and open space order was reaffirmed.

The partnership between India and the United States in the space sector continues to grow. They have been engaged in joint efforts across various space projects, spanning space exploration, satellite development, and space-based applications.

A pivotal aspect of their collaboration lies in space exploration. India and the US are actively collaborating on NASA's Artemis program, aimed at the lunar return and human missions to Mars. Additionally, they are pooling their resources for other space exploration endeavors, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission and Mars Orbiter Mission 3.

Satellite development represents another crucial facet of their space partnership. Together, they develop diverse satellite types, such as communication, navigation, and earth observation satellites. Furthermore, joint initiatives are underway to advance innovative satellite technologies, including small satellites and hypersonic vehicles. India-US space cooperation is pivotal in propelling global space exploration and research, contributing significantly to expanding space knowledge frontiers and developing novel space technologies.

Clean Energy Cooperation

In the realm of clean energy, discussions between India and the United States centered on advancing their collaboration in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technologies. This commitment underscores their joint determination to combat climate change. Beyond these key focus areas, the two nations delved into a spectrum of other subjects, encompassing regional security, trade and investment, and fostering people-to-people connections.

India and the United States actively intensify their collaboration in the clean energy sector. Their efforts are primarily directed toward promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technology adoption.

A pivotal facet of this clean energy cooperation involves renewable energy. Both countries are actively engaged in developing and deploying renewable energy technologies, including solar and wind power. Additionally, they are jointly working on pioneering advancements in renewable energy, such as offshore wind and concentrated solar power. Another critical dimension of their clean energy cooperation pertains to energy efficiency. India and the US are collaborating to enhance energy efficiency across various domains, encompassing buildings, transportation, and industrial sectors. This collaborative effort also extends to the development of novel energy efficiency technologies.

The India-US partnership in clean energy carries substantial global implications for promoting clean energy technologies and their widespread deployment. These two nations are dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and playing an active role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

The strengthening of defense, space, and clean energy ties between India and the United States reflects a deepening strategic partnership built on shared values and common interests. This collaboration enhances the security and prosperity of both nations and contributes to global stability, scientific advancement, and environmental sustainability.

The India-US partnership serves as a beacon of hope and cooperation as the world continues to face complex challenges, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, and technological advancements. By working together in defense, space exploration, and clean energy, these two nations are setting an example for international collaboration and demonstrating the power of diplomacy in addressing the most pressing issues of our time.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Lynn Decker, 60, owner of Wired For Love Designs Jewelry Studio, says, Youre never too old to try new things.

You have to be willing to pursue new things and start over, or just make an addition to your existing life, said Decker. You have to make room for new experiences.

And thats just what Decker did recently when she opened a personal shopping studio for her handmade jewelry business.

Officially launched at a former vendor market in the Staten Island Mall, Wired For Love Designs Jewelry Studio was searching for a new home since Decker left that location in December 2022. For a while, Decker was only selling her in-demand jewelry at fairs and flea markets.

Lynn Decker said she has a passion for gemstones.(Courtesy of Lynn Decker)

I got cramped at home, and I just couldnt work from home anymore, said Decker, who also is owner of Progressive Bookkeeping Solutions LLC. There was just no space to spread out and be creative.

For this reason, in April Decker opened a studio and office in Castleton Corners to house her businesses. By appointment, Decker welcomes patrons to browse, shop for jewelry and have a glass of wine.

I invite people here to come and shop; its private shopping. I also do shopping events at my studio, and teach jewelry- making classes. Im also going to be using the space to have events, like girls night out parties, she said.

You can just come in and walk around, look at the jewelry and sit down. And I have a refrigerator, so Im stocked with wine. I wanted to create a place where people could come, relax and and just hang out, Decker added.

Inside Wired For Love Designs Jewelry Studio where patrons can shop by appointment.(Courtesy of Lynn Decker)

NEW WEBSITE

Through a grant from the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Decker also has a new website, from which patrons can purchase her handmade jewelry.

I applied for the grant, and I actually got accepted. The benefit of the grant was that you would be assigned a web designer, and they would design your website, said Decker. They migrated all my products over from my old website to my new website. And the best benefit is that theyre hosting it for me for one whole year for free with Squarespace.

The program Decker was able to take advantage of is Open + Online, which a free resource to help minority- and women- owned small businesses establish or improve their digital presence.

Lynn Decker's unique selection of jewelry range from green, blue or purple tiger eye beaded bracelets to rainbow hematite and lava rock rings.(Courtesy of Lynn Decker)

The help she received was also through the NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN), which offers a comprehensive approach to small business resiliency that offers free, personalized guidance and support to help businesses grow and thrive, according to the Chamber.

We are delighted to be able to support entrepreneurs, like Lynn and Wired for Love Designs, through the Small Business Resource Network and the Open + Online Program. With support from Macys, the SBRN recently helped six Staten Island businesses -- all minority or woman-owned -- improve their digital presence in time for the holidays, said Linda Baran, president and CEO of the Chamber.

Small business owners are driving Staten Islands and New York Citys economic recovery, and the Chamber is committed to connecting businesses to resources like these, she added.

Inside Wired For Love Designs Jewelry Studio where patrons can shop by appointment.(Courtesy of Lynn Decker)

A PASSION FOR GEMSTONES

Since studying geology when she returned to college as an adult in 2004, she has possessed a passion for creating gemstone jewelry.

This is why I work with gemstones, because it keeps me connected to the earth and the cosmos, and I am able to stay engaged with the natural world around me, said Decker.

Once Deckers friends and family began offering to pay her to create colorful gemstone and beaded jewelry, she decided to transform her hobby into a profitable business.

I love creating semi-precious gemstone jewelry, and I make and sell bracelets, earrings, necklaces and more using a wide variety of stones. I also curate other jewelry to round out my shop, such as crystal pendants and 18K gold plated necklaces, which I procure from a small base of reputable manufacturers, she said.

Lynn Decker also sells crystal pendants and 18K gold plated necklaces.(Courtesy of Lynn Decker)

Her unique selection of jewelry ranges from green, blue or purple tiger eye beaded bracelets, to rainbow hematite and lava rock rings.

I just love working with materials from the natural world. And so thats my main inspiration for my designs. What I design just really comes to me sometimes -- it may be while Im sleeping or during my quiet time, added Decker.

Last month, Decker also started teaching jewelry classes through the Center for Life Long Development program for senior citizens at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island in Sea View.

Shopping appointments can be made via Wired For Love Designs Jewelry Studios website, Instagram or linktree.

WIRED FOR LOVE DESIGNS JEWELRY STUDIO AT A GLANCE

Address: 597 Manor Rd.

Website: www.wiredforlovedesigns.com

Instagram: @wiredforlovedesigns

Linktree: linktr.ee/wiredforlovedesigns

New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island businesses owners.

If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and X
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive.com. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here.

Thomas M. Callahan, 75, Senior Federal Official honored for INS Service, passed away on Dec. 18, 2023. Until his retirement in 2004, Thomas was a Criminal Investigator and Special Agent for the U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration & Naturalization Service, and retired as the INS Regional Coordinator for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force for the New York/New Jersey Region. During his lengthy federal career, he received numerous awards and citations from city, state and federal law enforcement agencies and was the recipient of the top-rated INS Commissioners Meritorious Achievement Award from the U.S. Attorney General in Washington, DC. He was also a founding member of the Federal Criminal Investigators Association and a member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. Born and raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Thomas attended St. Francis Xavier Grammar School, graduated from Xaverian High School, received a B.A. from St. Johns University and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Read the full obit on SILive.

Michael J. Caruso II, 79, owner and operator of Mikes Radiators in Port Richmond, passed away on Dec. 18, 2023 in Woodstock, Georgia. Michael was a veteran of the US Marine Corps and was a former member of the Blizzard Wizards ski club, with whom he skied in the French Alps. Born in 1944 In Jersey City and raised in Bloomfield, Staten Island, he attended Port Richmond High School. Michael retired to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the late 90s where he briefly owned a pizzeria. He recently bought a new home in Georgia to be closer to his daughter, Michele, and her family. Read the full obit on SILive.

Gertrude M. Brier, 92, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 18, 2023 in Port Richmond. Born on June 4, 1931, Gertrude graduated from St. Barnabas High School. She went on to earn an associates degree from Westchester Community College, and began her career as a foreign receiving teller with Citibank, Manhattan. At a July 4th celebration on Staten Island, she met her future husband, Ronald, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage and together, they raised seven children. After a hiatus from her career to prioritize her family, Gertrude resumed working in 1980 as an administrative assistant at The College of Staten Island. Her educational journey continued with a bachelors degree in Computer Science from the City University of New York in 1992, followed by a masters degree in Liberal Studies from CSI. Becoming an adjunct lecturer in 1998, she taught Microsoft Office to new students and received the Presidents Dolphin Award in recognition of her contributions. Read the full obit on SILive.

Angelina Milone, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Known to most as Angie, Angelina was born on Sept. 21, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY. She raised her three daughters and her son on Staten Island, where she ensured that regardless of their circumstances, her children participated in whatever activities sparked their curiosity. Angelina was a loving mother and grandmother, writing weekly letters to her grandchildren when they were far away - whether that be in London, French Guiana, and Abu Dhabi, she never let a special occasion go by unacknowledged. Read the full obit on SILive.

YESTERDAYS OBITUARY

George R. Hopkins, 82, passed away on Dec. 17, 2023 at his Staten Island home, surrounded by his loving family. George, a true New Yorker, was born in Brooklyn to parents Mildred (nee Middlemiss) and George Hopkins. He grew up in the Bronx, met his wife in Manhattan, lived in Queens when first married, then moved to their home in Princes Bay in 1969, where they raised their family and created so many beautiful memories together. George attended Iona College where he received a degree in English before joining the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Sergeant on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He went on to serve for over 35 years as a beloved and respected educator in New York City public schools, the majority of time in the English Department at Susan Wagner High School, where he also served as Assistant Principal. Additionally, he taught at St. Johns University, Middlesex College, Columbia Teachers College, within a high school in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and as a drivers education teacher. He went on to receive his masters degree in English from City College of New York, and a certificate in school administration and supervision from the former Richmond College. He was the author of several published books, including one book of his own poetry and nine mystery novels based on Staten Island, and published several essays in the Staten Island Advance across the years on various topics. He also helped put together a compilation of poetry for the Nobel Maritime Museum based on the works of several talented Staten Island authors. Read the full obit on SILive.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The national media is upset again with something former President Donald Trump said, and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island-South Brooklyn) is standing by him  again.

The congresswoman, a mostly-loyal foot soldier for the former president, joined CNN host Abby Phillip Monday.

Phillip attempted to take the congresswoman to task for Trumps comments about poisoning the blood of our country during an immigration portion of a Saturday New Hampshire speech.

We made America great and then they destroyed our country, he said. We got a lot of work to do. You know, when they let, I think the real numbers 15, 16 million people, into our country, we got a lot of work to do. Theyre poisoning the blood of our country.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Durham, N.H. (AP Photo/Reba Saldanha)AP

Malliotakis, a seasoned deflector for Trump, found the wiggle room in his comments saying he was referring to Democratic immigration policies as what was poisoning the nations blood.

Phillip pointed that the obvious conclusion, even if talking about Democratic policies, was that immigrants coming into the country were poisoning the nations blood.

The anchor went on to compare Trumps comments to fascist despots of the past, particularly Adolf Hitler, who in his 1925 manifestos, Mein Kampf, wrote that great cultures of the past perished only because the originally creative race died out from blood poisoning.

Malliotakis remained unswayed.

I disagree with what youre saying. I just fundamentally disagree. I think that what he was saying is that Democratic policies, the policies of [President Joseph Bidens] administration that have allowed millions of people, including remember, weve caught people on the terror watchlist. That should be concerning to us, she said. We have to be serious about whats going on.

The nations ongoing migrant crisis has impacted localities around the nation, including New York City where more than 150,000 have made their way to the five boroughs. Mayor Eric Adams has continually levied criticisms against Biden, and his administration estimates the crisis will cost the city upwards of $12 billion over the next few years.

When asked Thursday about the interview, Mallitotakis said she wouldve used different words than Trump, but that she stood by her criticisms of Bidens border policies.

The left wants voters to believe that anyone who wants secure borders is anti-immigrant. As the daughter of immigrants, I not only want secure borders but Im proud to have helped 112 immigrants from over two dozen countries, who followed our nations laws, become American citizens, she said. While I would have used different words than President Trump, the fact remains that Joe Bidens border crisis and the human and drug trafficking thats gone with it is unsafe, unsustainable and, as Mayor Adams says, is destroying New York City.
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This aerial photo taken on Dec. 18, 2023 shows sheep heading back to shed in Ngoqu Town, Nyima County of Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo by Tenzin Norbu/Xinhua)

NYIMA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Ngoqu Town is located in Qiangtang Grassland, with an average elevation of more than 5,000 meters.

Tenzin, a 21-year-old girl from Ngoqu Town, grazes more than 380 sheep on the grassland.

Although the temperature at night is close to minus 20 degrees Celsius recently, Tenzin is not worried about the sheep, because they have lived in modern sheds funded by the government. These new sheds are mainly brick-concrete structures and covered with thermal insulation roofs.

In the past, once the pasture was covered by snow, the livestock were deprived of feed. Nowadays, there are sufficient reserves of forage for them.

Tenzin grazes sheep on pasture in Ngoqu Town, Nyima County of Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Dec. 18, 2023. (Photo by Tenzin Norbu/Xinhua)

This aerial photo taken on Dec. 18, 2023 shows modern shed (L) and traditional roofless sheepfold in Ngoqu Town, Nyima County of Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

Tenzin's little sister runs towards sheep in Ngoqu Town, Nyima County of Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Dec. 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

Tenzin grazes sheep on pasture in Ngoqu Town, Nyima County of Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Dec. 18, 2023. (Photo by Tenzin Norbu/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 18, 2023 shows sheep heading back to shed in Ngoqu Town, Nyima County of Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Liu Wenbo)

This aerial photo taken on Dec. 18, 2023 shows sheep heading back to shed in Ngoqu Town, Nyima County of Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)
San Mateo, CA (94402)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. High 53F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low near 40F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Reacher (season 2) 

Amazon Prime

The first season of this action-crime series, adapted from the best-selling book series of the same name by Lee Child, was dumb fun. And that worked. Just. A brick wall with a noble code and an off-the-grid philosophy, Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) was an update of Clint Eastwoods laconic cowboy the Man with No Name; justice arrived via a Greyhound bus. But the show felt too tidy, too satisfied with tough guy talk and action movie cliches. To surpass Tom Cruises Reacher movies it needed, frankly, to be dumber.

Alan Ritchson, Serinda Swan and Josh Blacker in Reacher. Credit: Amazon Prime Video

The shows new season appears to understand this. Here is Jack(ed) Reacher picking up a BBQ and throwing it at a bad guys car to stop him escaping. Catching sight of a pissed-off Reacher, the flunky promptly has a heart attack and dies, despite an annoyed Reacher administering CPR. Questioned shortly after by a wary cop about how a man died by BBQ, Reacher replies: He was stopped by BBQ. He died of trans fats. The line is delivered with a snarl, but it plays funny.

Much of the framework of this season, again overseen by veteran writer-producer Nick Santora (Scorpion), is designed to open Reacher up. The plot kicks off with him learning that a friend and former subordinate from his US Army military police unit has been brutally murdered, but what really matters is that a vengeful Reacher is reunited with his comrades. Theres a dynamic to explore, whether its the wisecracking David ODonnell (Shaun Sipos) teasing Reacher, or Karla Dixon (Serinda Swan) trying to seduce him.
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Review Eating outElsternwick Embrace the delights of a proper lunch (not brunch) at this restaurant-y cafe Plated lunch dishes, executed with flair, are where Elster really shines. Dani Valent December 21, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

1 / 6 Elsters moody and polished interior. Eddie Jim 2 / 6 Anchovy toast with stracciatella, wood-fired peppers, shaved tomato, pickled shallots and soft-boiled egg. Eddie Jim 3 / 6 Steak frites with bearnaise. Eddie Jim 4 / 6 Fried chicken sandwich. Eddie Jim 5 / 6 Tuna salad. Eddie Jim 6 / 6 Broccoli salad with (optional) cured salmon. Eddie Jim Previous Slide Next Slide Modern Australian$$$ Melbourne, we have a problem. Our cafes are too good. Ill admit there are worse crises, but consistently excellent all-day brunching has squeezed the elegant possibilities of lunch, turning afternoon eating from a stand-alone occasion into an extension of eggs and extras with the odd sandwich and sushi roll thrown in. Elster is an attempt to change this. Its a cafe insofar as you can have a flat white and a granola or chicken sandwich. But its a restaurant in that your cereal comes with bruleed pink grapefruit, and your sandwich layers crumbed buttermilk-brined chook and oozy dill tartare between squishy milk bread. Fried chicken sandwich. Eddie Jim

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Its executed with flair, too: you can hear the crunch on that bird from two tables away. If you want to celebrate such great sandwiching, there are drinks on hand: a TarraWarra chardonnay would do nicely. Plated lunch dishes are where Elster really shines. It feels more like a New York bistro than a southside cafe. Perfect rump steak comes with a jug of excellent bearnaise. Fries work but I recommend adding potato-and-leek rosti to the tables order: intricately layered and deeply golden, this is my new favourite way to get in a serve of veg. Steak frites with bearnaise. Eddie Jim Chopped tuna salad is presented with aplomb, all elements separate, ready to tumble into healthy mouthfuls of fish, pickled beetroot and avocado. A raw broccoli salad feels like the great-grandchild of a Waldorf salad with its apple slivers and toasted almonds, made oh-so-modern with bitey miso dressing. The Tudor setting keeps things classy: this 1935 garage was turned into a cafe called Glovers Station in 2015 by the accomplished team that now has Carter Lovett on nearby Glen Huntly Road. The pleasant outdoor terrace remains and the interior has been freshened: its moody and polished, with hard surfaces that lean to chatty rather than chaste.

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Elster is owned by the close-knit team that runs Only Hospitality Group, which has more than 20 venues in Melbourne. Ironically, their success is part of the reason we need a place like Elster: they made brunch so seamless, its ready for a shake-up. It was a smart move to have chef Emma Jeffrey consult on the menu  this smart-casual magician has made menus sing at cafes including Mammoth and Levi. The aim at Elster is for service to be as upscale as the food. A friendly and accomplished team keeps the room humming, but there are occasional slips, such as water glasses sitting empty and second coffee orders not solicited. Theyre little things but they are the one-percenters you need to nail when lunch can easily extend to $50 a person. It will get there. Elster is a necessary daytime dining development for Melbourne. Ill be back to shrug off brunch ennui and embrace the delights of a proper lunch. Eat cake and carry on at Melbournes 40 best cafes of 2023

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The moment al-Sayyid Ahmad walked across his courtyard in Cairo, with his wife holding a lamp at the top of the stairs, I knew I was at home. The opening of a new book had taken me back to the streets of Egypt between the wars, where I watched the forlorn passions of the couples son, Kamal, and waited for more shameless comedy with al-Sayyid Ahmads favourite lute-player, Zanuba.

No, this is not my usual Friday column about Australian politics. Its a second column on something I wrote about last year: getting lost in a good book.

Illustration: Simon Letch Credit:

One of my favourite novels from last year, Palace Walk, by Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, has a sequel just as lively: Palace of Desire, the second of his Cairo trilogy. It was one of the best this year.

Who wouldnt want to escape 2023 with the turn of a page? Luckily, my daughter had set me a target: read 52 books from 52 countries in 52 weeks. I took up the idea last year when I was stuck at home in the pandemic. This year, even with COVID receding, I kept crossing borders by the book.
BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Three Philippine government vessels, without obtaining permission from the Chinese side, on Dec. 9 intruded into the waters adjacent to China's Huangyan Island. Onboard were several invited media outlets, including the New York Times.

In response, Chinese maritime authorities utilized high-pressure water cannons to repel the vessels. The operation was entirely professional, restrained, justified and legitimate.

The New York Times published an article ostensibly endorsing the Philippines after the incident. The objective was to depict China as a "bully," swaying public opinion in the Philippines' favor and exerting pressure on China.

But a closer look at the narrative reveals a disparity between what the article believes and what the Philippine government claims.

The ships departed from a port in the Philippine province of Bataan, located in west Luzon Island, and arrived near China's Huangyan Island after 18 hours "on rough high seas," the article said.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the "high seas" are comprised of the sea not included in the exclusive economic zone, the territorial sea or the internal waters of a State. These seas are open to all states, and no nation can assert sovereignty over them.

Referring to the waters the three ships traversed as the "high seas," the New York Times shows a total disregard for the Philippines' assertion (though legally untenable) that such areas, including China's Huangyan Island, are part of its territory or at least fall within its exclusive economic zone.

The Philippines' claims regarding the South China Sea, which have been hyped up for years and at a great expense, were somehow rendered ineffective by a single piece of writing. The U.S.-based daily newspaper offered no further clarification, leaving the Philippines at sea, if not down in the dumps.

Here it is necessary to notice that the waters the Philippine vessels traversed, namely Huangyan Island and its adjacent water, has always been part of China's territory.

"Huangyan Island has always been part of China's territory and China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has said recently, stressing that China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law, which were professional, restrained, lawful and legitimate.

Beyond the wording of the New York Times report lies the consistent U.S. stance on maintaining maritime hegemony.

Under the banner of international law, the United States champions so-called "freedom of navigation," but it has yet to ratify UNCLOS, which establishes law and order for the world's oceans. Instead, the United States insists on reserving the "right of final interpretation" based on its own standards.

According to the Washington-based think tank Heritage Foundation, the U.S. refusal to ratify UNCLOS is a calculated strategy -- to defend the rights of maritime power, there is no need to join a seriously flawed multilateral treaty; maintaining a powerful navy is sufficient.

Backed by such logic, as long as the U.S. Navy intends to navigate freely in the vicinity of the Philippines, all they have to do is simply interpret all traversed areas as the "high seas," justifying their standards at their own will.

Despite professing its security commitments to the Philippines, it is evident that the United States is playing a shrewd game to its own benefit. People would wonder if the Philippines could see through this game and stop being used as a pawn of the superpower. 
He also recommended police regularly monitor DNA databases to help identify a person of interest in the 1993 cold case murder of former AC/DC manager Crispin Dye, after a hair from Dyes shirt provided a partial DNA profile that had been labelled unknown male B. The inquiry sent Dyes jeans and shirt for forensic testing for the first time this year. None of Dyes clothing had ever been sent for forensic analysis by NSW Police. Sackar recommended that police also ensure that a white card found among Dyes possessions was kept securely as an exhibit in the event that technological developments can assist in determining whether the bloodstained mark is a fingerprint. At a systemic level, he recommended a review of the practices, procedures and resourcing of the unsolved homicide team within NSW Police and that police promptly identify exhibits that should be submitted or resubmitted for forensic testing in light of possible technological advances.

He also recommended additional mandatory and ongoing training be provided to NSWPF officers concerning the LGBTIQ community on a range of topics including the indicia of a bias crime, meaning a crime motivated by prejudice, and the role of conscious and unconscious bias and the potential impact of bias on investigations. The inquiry examined in detail the police investigation into the death of US mathematician Scott Johnson, whose killer was sentenced this year to a maximum of nine years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter over the 27-year-olds death near a gay beat in Manly in 1988. US mathematician Scott Johnsons death was initially declared a suicide. Sackar concluded that former senior police detective Pamela Young and former deputy police commissioner Mick Willing, then commander of the homicide squad, did not believe a reinvestigation of Johnsons death in 2013 was necessary. I observe that these matters are suggestive of the institutional defensiveness on the part of the NSWPF which I have commented on in other parts of this report, he said. The inquiry also heard evidence about an interview on the ABCs Lateline program in 2015 in which Young said there was still evidence and information that Scott may have suicided.

Sackar said he examined the interview because he considered it might be an instructive piece of the mosaic of evidence directed to the ongoing attitude of the NSWPF to investigations and reinvestigations of deaths involving suspected LGBTIQ bias. He concluded it had some limited utility in that context. He found that Willing gave Young the impression the interview was authorised, and that Young genuinely believed she was authorised to speak on air to journalist Emma Alberici. Then detective chief inspector Pamela Young during the ABC Lateline interview in April 2015. Credit: ABC The inquiry also examined the police investigation into the deaths of John Russell, Ross Warren and Gilles Mattaini, who died or disappeared between 1985 and 1989 near the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk around Marks Park, a popular gay beat. Sackar concluded there was reason to suspect LGBTIQ bias in all three suspected deaths, and noted that a secretive NSW Police Strike Force dubbed Neiwand focused overwhelmingly, in all three deaths, on factors pointing towards the possibility of suicide or misadventure.

This was so even though then deputy state coroner Jacqueline Milledge had already found in 2005 that Warren and Russell had died after meeting with foul play, and there was a strong possibility Mattaini died in similar circumstances. In my view, the evidence establishes that Strike Force Neiwand made virtually no attempt to actually investigate, as homicides, the deaths of any of these three men, Sackar said. The state government said in a statement that it would thoroughly consider the contents of the Commissions report and will respond in due course. Premier Chris Minns thanked the inquiry for its tireless work in pursuing justice for the victims of these crimes. I thank all of those who came forward with information or otherwise assisted the inquiry  for your contributions and staunch advocacy for partners, family members, friends and community, he said.

NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley said: Our work here is far from over and our focus now shifts to ensuring we deliver a meaningful and decisive response. Sackar said that the process of obtaining investigative files and other material from the NSWPF was not straightforward. The primary reason for this was the historical legacy of poor record and exhibit management practices concerning unsolved homicides. In addition, I consider that the response of the NSWPF to the inquiry was, at times, defensive and unhelpful, he said. The inquiry examined a Parramatta killing in 1980 in which the murder weapon was lost, and a frenzied killing in a Paddington apartment in 1981 in which crucial exhibits including cigarette butts were missing. The inquiry reviewed every unsolved homicide in NSW between 1970 and 2010, totalling more than 700 cases, to find suspected LGBTIQ hate crime deaths. It also examined a NSW Police review of more than 80 deaths potentially motivated by gay hate bias, dubbed Strike Force Parrabell.

Strike Force Parrabell had said in 2018 that just five of the 23 cases it considered unsolved at that time were suspected bias crimes, a far lower figure than the inquiry concluded. Sackar stopped short of making a formal recommendation to this effect but said NSW Police should consider the value of sincerely and unequivocally acknowledging the shortcomings of the past. For those individuals and their families who have experienced hurt and suffering from the actions and attitudes of the past, I acknowledge your pain: Police Commissioner Karen Webb. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Police Commissioner Karen Webb said: For those individuals and their families who have experienced hurt and suffering from the actions and attitudes of the past, I acknowledge your pain. It is deeply regrettable and while I cannot undo what has occurred previously, I give you my commitment today that NSWPF is determined to uphold the policies, education, and training now entrenched in the practices of modern policing which did not exist 30 years ago.
CCTV footage showing Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins at The Dock in Canberra on March 22, 2019. Credit: Spotlight, Channel Seven He said CCTV footage could show anything you want it to, depending on how you present it, and accused Ten of deploying a very selective section of it during the trial. Asked by Lee about a section of the CCTV footage in which Lehrmann moves three drinks in front of Higgins, Whybrow said it was a friendly exchange rather than some evil against-her-will plying of her with alcohol. Ten, who called an expert lip-reader to give evidence in the case, put to Lehrmann that the words he said at this point were all hers, all hers. Lehrmann denied uttering those words. Paraphrasing Lewis Carrolls Alices Adventures in Wonderland, Whybrow said his client had been subjected to a form of sentence first, trial later.

Trip to Parliament House The barristers for Ten and Wilkinson suggested during closing addresses on Thursday that Lee had sufficient evidence to find, at a minimum, that Higgins and Lehrmann had sex in Parliament House in the early hours of Saturday, March 23, 2019. Lisa Wilkinson and her barrister Sue Chrysanthou, SC, outside the Federal Court in Sydney on Friday. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone They argued that in those circumstances Lehrmann should not receive damages because he had persisted in a lie that no sexual activity occurred at all. Higgins has told the court that she woke up while Lehrmann was raping her. A photo of Brittany Higgins and Senator Linda Reynolds taken on May 16, 2019, showing her wearing the white dress she wore on the night of her alleged rape on March 23 that year.

Whybrow said on Friday that neither of the chief protagonists in the case had said in their evidence that they went back to Parliament House for any kind of amorous activity. He said that even if they went back to the office with that intention it didnt mean that it happened. He said his submissions examining the evidence will hopefully cause your honour to be able to confidently exclude that Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins, and that Mr Lehrmann had sex at all with Ms Higgins. He conceded Tens barrister, Dr Matt Collins, KC, had tied [Lehrmann]  in knots and undid him when he cross-examined him about whether he bought Higgins drinks at Canberras The Dock hotel in the hours before the alleged rape, but said this did not translate to his client being a compulsive liar. Whybrow alleged Higgins was not an accurate or reliable historian and had invented allegations, while Ten alleged on Thursday that Lehrmann had been revealed to be a fundamentally dishonest man. Chrysanthou said on Friday that Higgins had continued to see a rape counsellor on and off for two years, which was inconsistent with her fabricating the allegation. Higgins state of undress

Asked by Lee what he was to make of the fact that Higgins was found naked in the office hours after Lehrmann had left, Whybrow said it was a complex matter for the judge, and his clients evidence was that he didnt know about that and had not checked on her before he left the office. It was potentially consistent with a range of scenarios, Whybrow said, including some form of intimacy or the expectation of it, or of Higgins feeling sick and removing her dress. He noted that Higgins had subsequently washed her dress, which would have removed what he described as a lack of evidence. He submitted it was incomprehensible that Higgins would wear the dress she wore on the night she alleges she was raped by Lehrmann to a work dinner on May 16, 2019, six weeks after the alleged sexual assault, if that assault had happened. Higgins gave evidence that it was an attempt to reclaim the dress, and she never wore it again. Up to no good In a question the judge described as deliberately provocative, Lee noted Lehrmanns girlfriend had called him in the early hours of March 23, and asked: Unless he was up to no good, why didnt he ring his girlfriend?

Whybrow replied that Lehrmanns evidence was that he had not seen the calls until later, and it was not necessarily the case that one would call back at 2.30am. Phoning a friend email During his closing address, Whybrow pointed to an email Higgins sent Lehrmann on March 26, three days after the alleged assault, in which she asked for help with a work task and said she was phoning a friend. Lee suggested it might be a tad simplistic to suggest the email was inconsistent with an assault having taken place. He said examples were legion of young women in professional roles dealing with more senior men and needing to navigate a very tricky path sometimes to maintain a working relationship when they had been harassed or worse. Whybrow agreed with those general observations, but said the email had to be seen in a context.

Sexual assault charge dropped Lehrmanns ACT Supreme Court trial for sexual assault was aborted last year due to juror misconduct. The charge against Lehrmann was later dropped altogether owing to concerns about Higgins mental health. The lawsuit Lehrmann is suing Ten and Wilkinson over an interview with Higgins, broadcast on The Project on February 15, 2021, that he alleges defames him by suggesting he is guilty of raping Higgins in then defence industry minister Linda Reynolds office on March 23, 2019, when they were both working as staffers to the Liberal senator.

Lehrmann not named Lehrmann was not named in Tens interview. A preliminary issue in the case is whether he was identified because of the details provided in the broadcast. If the court finds Lehrmann was identified in the interview, Ten and Wilkinson are seeking to rely on defences of truth and qualified privilege. The truth defence Under the truth defence, Ten must prove on the balance of probabilities that Lehrmann raped Higgins.

While this is less onerous than the criminal standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt, the so-called Briginshaw principle applies in civil cases involving serious allegations and requires courts to proceed cautiously in making grave findings. Qualified privilege Qualified privilege relates to publications of public interest and requires a media outlet to show it acted reasonably. Wilkinsons evidence was directly relevant to that defence. Loading Matthew Richardson, SC, acting for Lehrmann, said Lee could not be satisfied the media outlet acted reasonably, including in relation to the amount of time it gave to Lehrmann and political figures to respond to Higgins allegations, and to put any responses to her before the program aired.

Ex-chief of staffs call to ASIO Documents released by the Federal Court on Thursday reveal that Fiona Brown, the former chief of staff to Reynolds, told the court she contacted the ASIO director-general about Lehrmann after he accessed the parliamentary office after hours. In an affidavit filed in Lehrmanns defamation case, Brown, who was chief of staff to Reynolds in 2019, said she understood Lehrmann was keen for a promotion or allocation of ongoing tasks which involved ASIO and security matters. But Brown said that ASIO matters were not relevant to the Defence Industry portfolio. She said that when Lehrmann learnt that the job offer in the Defence Industry Ministers office was going to be straight Parliamentary and Budget with some policy, he indicated he was not interested in staying on and said he wanted to pursue opportunities in ASIO.

At some point, Mr Lehrmann told me hed had a job interview, or was pursuing work, with ASIO, Brown said. The court has heard Lehrmann had decided to leave Reynolds staff for a new job when he was instructed on March 26, 2019, to pack up his things after accessing the Parliament House office after hours. His role was formally terminated on April 5 over the security breach. Fiona Brown, the former chief of staff to then defence industry minister Linda Reynolds, outside the Federal Court in Sydney on Tuesday. Credit: Steven Siewert The court has heard Brown was advised by the Department of Finance on March 26 that Lehrmann and Higgins had entered the office in the early hours of March 23, and Higgins had been found later by a security guard naked and passed out. Brown said Lehrmann told her she came back to the office to drink whisky.

I asked What else did you do whilst in the office? He said I dont wish to get into that, Brown said in her affidavit. She said that she contacted the ASIO director-general on about March 27 and informed him that the Minister had asked me to contact him about Bruce Lehrmann as it was our understanding that Mr Lehrmann was in the process of getting a job with ASIO. Mr [Duncan] Lewis [the then ASIO director-general] told me he did not recall Mr Lehrmann and asked me to spell his name. He advised that he was not aware of him being in the process of getting a job with ASIO. Loading I told him that the Minister asked that he consider revocation of his security clearance should Mr Lehrmann ever be looking for a job with ASIO. I subsequently informed the Minister of my conversation with the director-general. Brown said she told Lewis about the unauthorised after-hours office access and an earlier incident in March in which Lehrmann had left a top secret document on his desk.
Tourists are being urged to avoid cancelling their existing bookings with tourism bodies fearing the industry would lose $125 million during the Christmas holidays following Cyclone Jasper.

Businesses and tour operators are reopening their doors to visitors after days of torrential rain that flooded homes, leaving more than 15,000 without power, forcing road closures and flight cancellations at Cairns Airport.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said it was vital that the region did not lose existing bookings.

Tropical north Queensland operators have already lost $60 million in bookings and are likely to lose $125 million over December and January, which represents 15 to 20 per cent of total expenditure over those months, he said.
While overall crime in Victoria grew 7.6 per cent over the year to September, it remains 3.4 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels. Police say the crime rate adjusted to population is at its second-lowest level in the past decade. Loading But thats not the case for the states youngest offenders: in the 10 to 13 age bracket, male offenders were the highest since 2011, and female offenders the highest since 2015. Children aged 10 to 18 were responsible for about one in 10 of the 24,881 recorded home burglaries. Police said their youth-focused taskforce, Operation Alliance, had arrested thousands of offenders over its three years of operation. It had arrested 416 youth gang members a combined 1511 times over the past year, according to police, with 608 people across 46 youth gangs currently being monitored.

Victoria is joined by the ACT in raising the minimum age of criminal culpability to 14 years old, while the Northern Territory increased the age to 12 years in August, in response to concerns about the high number of young people, particularly Indigenous children, being detained. Loading In every other state and territory, the age of criminal responsibility is 10  one of the lowest ages of criminal culpability in the world. A state government spokeswoman said Victoria had a lower rate of youth offending than states such as NSW, adding that the government was in discussions with police about an alternative service model in line with the raising of the age of criminal responsibility. Former commissioner for children and young people Bernie Geary, who has worked with vulnerable youth for more than four decades, supports raising the age of culpability. He said it was ludicrous to think that a 12-year-old could be held legally responsible for their actions.

Supporting overwhelmed parents was key to diverting children away from residential care and youth detention, where they often ended up getting further entrenched in the cycle of crime, he said. Loading I think that if we talk about criminal responsibility, we should be focusing on parents and just coming to grips with how we can best support parents, who dont seem to be in a lot of cases able to direct their kids away from crime, he said. Victorias Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People, Liana Buchanan, said criminalising children made it more likely they would re-enter the justice system later on. The younger children are when they encounter the justice system, the more likely they are to become entrenched in offending, she said.

But Lisa Tirant, whose teenage son Ethan survived a stabbing last year, worries raising the age of criminal responsibility next year will lead to older offenders using children under 12 to commit crimes on their behalf. Loading Charges against Ethans attacker were withdrawn earlier this year after a magistrate found the 13-year-old was too young to understand the consequences of his actions. Tirant takes a different view: Theyre playing that they dont understand because theyre too young and dont know right from wrong, but if youve got a knife, you know what youre going to do with it. Tirant said her son would deal with the consequences of the attack for the rest of his life.

His mental health is the worst to deal with because this kid at 13 did get off, and it just plays on his mind, she said. You try to move on but when theres more and more stabbings, it just brings everything back up again. You cant get away from it. Other trends revealed in the latest crime statistics report include a 39 per cent growth in thefts from retail stores, including supermarkets. Of the 26,229 recorded instances  up 7308 on the previous year, the largest increase of any crime category  about 40 per cent were the individuals first offence. Police linked the surge to cost-of-living pressures, as the items targeted by thieves such as groceries, fuel, cigarettes and alcohol aligned with price hikes. Opposition youth justice spokesman Brad Battin accused the government of failing to act on the drivers of youth crime. Unless Labor takes real action to address the causes of crime, including early intervention and prevention, rehabilitation and the cost-of-living crisis, Victorians will continue to suffer, Battin said.
Education courses have surged in popularity this year but society, culture and health remain Victorias most popular university paths.

Almost 43,000 year 12 graduates will receive first-round offers at universities, TAFEs and colleges on Thursday  2334 more than last years December round.

Society and culture courses make up 19.75 per cent of first-round offers, slightly down on last years popularity.

Health saw the largest increase, accounting for 17.62 per cent of all offers. Management and commerce courses were the third favourite, with 15.72 per cent of first-round offers.
The teachers at Gold Street are amazing and they work so hard for such little money, she said. I, personally, feel it is disrespecting the staff. They have been there every day to educate the children, wipe their bottoms and noses, feed them, look after their wellbeing and keep them safe and happy. A small token to say thanks is not bribery. The changes to the councils gift policy come after Victorias Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission tabled the final report of its Operation Sandon investigation earlier this year. IBAC acting commissioner Stephen Farrow and deputy commissioner David Wolf after Operation Sandon was tabled to parliament in July. Credit: Wayne Taylor The five-year investigation into local government found developer John Woodman had plied suburban councillors with hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for project support.

The scandal prompted the Local Government Inspectorate  the watchdog for governance at local councils  to issue advice to councils on how they should create policies to guide councillor interactions with developers and maintain a public register of such interactions. Loading City of Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly said he supported tighter policies for councillors receiving bribes or kickbacks from developers, he said banning all early childhood educators from receiving Christmas presents was ludicrous and heavy-handed. Its collective punishment, said Jolly, who is trying to get the decision overturned, and has raised it with the councils head of governance. How is giving a mince tart at Christmastime to a childcare or kindergarten worker, whos on the lowest pay and has looked after your kid all year, bribery or potentially corruption?

Jolly said several parents and grandparents, had contacted him to complain about the ban, and some suggested putting a $25 price limit on gifts for childcare workers. Victorias Department of Education has a rule that any gift given to a teacher over $100 must be declared. Tina Papa, director at Shirley Robertson Childrens Centre located Coburg in Melbournes northern suburbs  which is outside the Yarra council catchment and does allow gifts  said the rule was ridiculous and offensive. Were one of the lowest-paid professions for the work and the responsibilities we have, Papa said. At a time when things are so tough right now I would be so offended if my staff could not receive Christmas gifts as a way of parents acknowledging our work, and thanking us for caring and educating their children.

On Thursday, parents and children were arriving at the not-for-profit childcare centre with chocolates and small gifts for educators. Loading Papa, who has worked in childcare for decades, got her first job at the Gold Street Childrens Centre in Collingwood. It was one of the most beautiful centres ever, she said. It makes me sad for the staff who work there. Whether its the tiniest little card that a child has made, or a box of chocolates or a bunch of flowers or homemade cookies, we appreciate every little gift so much. The councils manager of governance and integrity, Phil De Losa, said in an email to a concerned parent, seen by The Age, the new rules were enforced to achieve a higher level of governance standards and ensure our staff act with integrity at all times, and we maintain transparency.

We are very mindful of the public scrutiny on gift giving and the perception that staff may not be acting ethically when receiving gifts, De Losa wrote. We have decided to have a consistent approach across the organisation so that no staffing area is treated differently to another area of council. Were one of the lowest-paid professions  I would be so offended if my staff could not receive Christmas gifts as a way of parents acknowledging our work, said Tina Papa, director at Shirley Robertson Childrens Centre in Coburg. Credit: Luis Ascui He apologised for the timing of the policy position so close to Christmas, but added the council was required to have a staff gifts policy under the Local Government Act. As a level of government we have a responsibility to uphold high standards of integrity, irrespective of the well-meaning intentions, he said.

I acknowledge that these changes to the policy may seem harsh, given parents are expressing appreciation of our staff, but we also believe that there are other ways of showing that appreciation such as a card expressing gratitude. Loading A Yarra City Council spokeswoman said the council was grateful the community valued childcare staff so highly. As public servants though, it is important that our residents have confidence that our staff act with integrity at all times, she said. While we are humbled by the kindness and support from our community, unfortunately we cannot accept gifts, although well-meaning. Any gifts received this year will be donated to local charities in Yarra.
Grand plans for an exclusive $100 million country club for wealthy car enthusiasts  complete with a Formula One-inspired racetrack  appear to be stuck in the pit lane.

Club Moolia was earmarked for a 1200-hectare site in Bindoon, 80 kilometres north-east of Perth, complete with a 4.6-kilometre racetrack, the worlds largest man-made swimming lagoon, a sports academy, five tennis courts, a clubhouse and a mammoth luxury car garage.

Club Moolia in Bindoon, north of Perth, was sold as an exclusive members-only club with a Formula One-inspired racetrack.

Drivers would be on hand to chauffer its most affluent members from Perth Airport to the exclusive club on Mooliabeenee Road, which was set to be powered by its very own solar farm.

The development, spearheaded by Singaporean fund manager Ascapia Capital, was touted as the first of its kind for the Asia-Pacific region and the ultimate playground for the rich.
Two bushfires are still burning out of control in WA while others have been downgraded on a horror day for firefighters across the state that has seen two homes lost so far.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm gave an update on Thursday afternoon, confirming two houses have been lost and more may have been impacted in the Parkerville blaze that started around 9.30am.

Fires raged across WA on Thursday. Credit: DFES

He said it was thought the fire began after a tree fell on powerlines in the Hills suburb.

The Perth hills suburb was devastated by fire in 2014 when 57 homes were destroyed.
An Indigenous pioneer in child intervention has urged the federal government to honour its Closing the Gap commitment by fixing a funding impasse faced by her organisation that could result in 30 staff jobs lost and 1000 children facing scaled-down services.

Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, a West Australian of the Year finalist and former Voice national co-design panel member, said her Indigenous-run organisation Koya Aboriginal Corporation ran homework classes, sporting programs and parent support for hundreds of families in Perths eastern and southern suburbs.

Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, second from left, with Koya peer ambassadors.

Were helping families to get through the school gate and keeping them there, she said.

We run high school transition programs that get kids ready for school and we provide support and cultural advisors to kids who are actually going to school.
Outgoing university lobby chief Catriona Jackson says the sector needs to capitalise on the emerging African market to stay ahead in the global competition for students, while urging greater acknowledgement of educations diplomatic clout as Australia vies for influence in the Asia-Pacific.

Her comments come as a report commissioned by Universities Australia warns against repeating Americas mistakes during its hunt for Chinese academic espionage, calls for education in South-East Asia and the Pacific to be at the forefront of Australias soft-power agenda, and identifies Africa as a major source of students by 2050.

Outgoing Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson says higher education institutions must look to Africa for new students. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

In a veiled dig at the Commonwealth over funding, Jackson  who departs on Friday after five years helming the peak body  said unless the government increased research support, there was no room for complacency in attracting international students in the face of shifting populations.

Weve built up a really good education system that serves our domestic population but also a really big international cohort, so we just need to absolutely stay right on the front of the wave, otherwise we will be dumped, she said.
Bahrain Steel Company, a fully owned unit of Foulath Holding Company, an industrial group with major steel investments across the kingdom, has announced the launch of projects worth $250 million.

The projects, including building a roof to cover the iron ore materials area, establishing a solar energy project, and allocating an industrial land plot to support the companys operations on a larger scale, aim to achieve environmental and societal sustainability.

The launch was held in the presence of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, and other senior officials of Foulath Holding Company and Bahrain Steel.

Speaking at the launch, Shaikh Khalid underlined the importance of implementing projects that keep keep pace with the kingdom's comprehensive development process, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as they pave the way for shifting to an economy based on high added value activities, taking into account the highest standards of environmental sustainability.

The Deputy Premier indicated that the legislative system and robust infrastructure provided by the government have motivated many mega companies to make the kingdom the home to their qualitative, the primary destination for their businesses, and the centre for their external operations, which benefits the citizens and provide them with promising opportunities, reorted BNA.

Lauding Bahrain Steel Company's initiatives, the Deputy Premier said they reflected positively on the environment and the national economy.

They also consolidate the kingdom's position as a leader in the iron and steel industry in the region and the world, as well as confirm the private sectors keenness to strengthen its partnership with the public sector by adopting responsible policies and practices aimed at achieving the Kingdoms goal of reaching "zero neutrality" in carbon emissions by 2060, he stated.

Shaikh Khalid commended the Bahrain Steel Company management for their fruitful cooperation in implementing its ambitious plans that are in line with the objectives of the Bahrain Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026) aimed at enhancing the industrial sectors contribution to the kingdom's gross domestic product (GDP), as well as increasing exports of national origin, and creating promising job opportunities for the citizens in the industrial sector.

In his address, Meshary Al Judaimi, Bahrain Steel Board of Directors Chairman, said the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister at the launch reflected the government's support and cooperation for the company in various fields, which enhances the kingdom's reputations and maintains its long-standing status as an attractive country for investors, as well as regional and global competencies.

Al Judaimi pointed out that Bahrain Steel had adopted qualitative initiatives that have contributed positively to the industrial sector, confirming its commitment to creating a more sustainable future, and entitling it to be a role model, both in the steel industry and the field of sustainability.

He took pride in the tremendous efforts exerted by company, in cooperation with number of ministries, government agencies and major companies to establish the largest solar energy park in the Kingdom as well as the largest rooftop solar project in the world.

These projects constitute a milestone in the kingdoms endeavours in the field of renewable energy, and contribute to achieving its goal of reaching Net Zero by 2060, he added.
TEHRAN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iranian and Qatari foreign ministers on Wednesday exchanged views on greater efforts to ensure a political solution to the Gaza crisis.

During their talks in the Qatari capital Doha, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, also discussed bilateral relations and regional issues of common interest, said a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The Iranian foreign minister said Palestine's issue and Gaza's developments are the most important issues pursued jointly by the two countries over the past two months, with the aim of stopping Israeli attacks against the coastal enclave in a lasting manner and ensuring aid delivery to the war-torn region.

He said it is important to increase efforts at the regional and international level to find a political solution to Gaza's crisis.

The Qatari foreign minister, for his part, described as "positive and effective" the two countries' joint efforts to prepare the ground for the achievement of a lasting truce in Gaza and increase aid delivery to people in the enclave.

The two ministers also vowed to expand bilateral cooperation in different areas, the statement said. 
Brussels: After years of wrangling, the European Union has reached an agreement on new rules designed to share the cost and hosting of migrants more evenly and to limit the numbers of people coming into the Continent.

Representatives of the European Parliament and of EU governments reached an accord after all-night talks on EU laws collectively called the New Pact on Migration and Asylum that should start taking effect next year.

The laws cover screening irregular migrants when they arrive in the European Union, procedures for handling asylum applications, rules on determining which EU country is responsible for handling applications and ways to handle crises.

An Italian Coast Guard boat carries rescued migrants as tourists watch near the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, southern Italy. Credit: LaPresse via AP

Migrant arrivals in the European Union are way down from the 2015 peak of more than 1 million, but have steadily crept up from a 2020 low to 255,000 this year to November, with more than half crossing the Mediterranean from Africa, mainly to Italy.
Bombardment and fighting continued, and internet and communications that had been knocked out for several days gradually began to return across the territory. UN Security Council members again delayed a vote on a now-watered-down Arab-sponsored resolution for a halt in combat to allow for increased aid deliveries. A vote, initially set for Monday, has been delayed each day since then. The United States now supports the resolution, but other council members said that because of the significant changes, they needed to consult their capitals before a vote, which is now expected on Friday (Saturday AEDT). Palestinians unload wheat sacks from a humanitarian aid truck into a grocery store under guard by Hamas fighters in Rafah on Tuesday. Credit: AP Other countries support a stronger text in the resolution that would include the now-eliminated call for the urgent suspension of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. Instead, the wording now calls for urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. The steps are not defined, but diplomats said, if adopted, this would mark the councils first reference to a cessation of hostilities.

The report from the UN on the hunger in Gaza underscored the failure of weeks of US efforts to ensure greater aid reaches Palestinians. At the start of the war, Israel stopped all deliveries of food, water, medicine and fuel into the territory. After US pressure, it allowed a trickle of aid in through Egypt. But UN agencies say only 10 per cent of Gazas food needs have been entering for weeks. Palestinians line up for a free meal in Rafah. Credit: AP This week, Israel began allowing aid to enter Gaza through its Kerem Shalom crossing, which boosted the number of trucks entering from around 100 a day to around 190 on Wednesday, according to the UN. But an Israeli strike hit the Palestinian side of the crossing, forcing the UN to stop its pickups of aid there, according to Juliette Touma, spokesperson of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. At least four staff members at the crossing were killed, a nearby hospital reported. The Israeli military said it struck militants in the area.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Israel has been working to increase its inspection of aid trucks to 300 or 400 a day, and blamed the UN for failures in delivery. The amount of aid could triple if the UN, instead of complaining all day, would do its job, he said, without elaborating on what more the UN should be doing. Egypts Rafah crossing has limited capacity for trucks to cross. UN officials say delivery of aid within much of Gaza has become difficult or impossible because of fighting, and more than 130 UN personnel have been killed. The report released by 23 UN and nongovernmental agencies found that the entire population in Gaza is in a food crisis, with 576,600 at catastrophic or starvation levels. It is a situation where pretty much everybody in Gaza is hungry, Husain, the World Food Program economist, said. People are very, very close to large outbreaks of disease because their immune systems have become so weak because they dont have enough nourishment, he said.

Hundreds of people lined up Thursday at a soup kitchen in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, waving cups and pots as they waited for soup to be served from huge vats hanging over wood fires. Rafah, by the Egypt border, is one of the few places that receives regular aid deliveries. Aya Barbakh, whos been displaced by the war, said she comes every day for food. Let us be in comfort like other people. We see people dying every day, and we want to die like them. We have been insulted and humiliated, she said. Loading Mahmoud al-Qishawi, with the American charity Pious Projects that runs the kitchen, said theres no fuel to cook with, so they have to search around the neighbourhood for wood to burn. Theres a huge number of families and we dont have food that is enough for them.

Israel has vowed to continue the offensive until it destroys Hamas military capabilities and returns scores of hostages captured by Palestinian militants during their October 7 rampage. Hamas and other militants killed some 1200 people that day, mostly civilians, and captured around 240 others. Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at central Israel Thursday (local time), showing its military capabilities remain formidable. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The United States has continued to support Israels campaign while also urging greater efforts to protect civilians. The US wants Israel to shift to more targeted operations aimed at Hamas leaders and the groups tunnel network. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Tuesday the death toll since the start of the war had risen to more than 19,600. It does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths. A Palestinian woman carries a child following an Israeli airstrike near the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Wednesday. Credit: Bloomberg

On Wednesday, the WHO delivered supplies to Ahli and Shifa hospitals in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops have demolished vast swaths of the city while fighting Hamas militants. Israeli forces raided a series of health facilities in the north in recent weeks, detaining men for interrogation and expelling others. On Thursday, troops stormed the Palestinian Red Crescents ambulance centre in the Jabaliya refugee camp, taking away paramedics and ambulance crews, the group said. In some health facilities, patients who are unable to be moved remain, along with a skeleton staff who can do little beyond first aid, according to U.N. and health officials. Loading Ahli Hospital is a place where people are waiting to die, said Sean Casey, a member of the WHO team that visited the two hospitals Wednesday. Five remaining doctors and five nurses along with around 80 patients remain in Ahli, he said.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged the international community to help Afghanistan respond to humanitarian crisis.

"At present, over 3 million Aghan children are malnourished and over 10 million people there do not know where their next meal is. Winter is here and the Afghan humanitarian disaster will get even worse. We once again call upon the international community to act immediately by stepping up humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, bring warmth and hope to the Afghan people, and not let ordinary Afghans become victims of political considerations," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

"We also hope that all parties will take a long-term view, increase development aid to Afghanistan, and help the country restore the functioning of its banking system, establish basic economic order, and better integrate into regional economic and trade cooperation and connectivity," he said.

The ambassador called on the returning of the frozen overseas assets of Afghanistan and their interest to the Afghan people as soon as possible.

Geng also called for efforts to help Afghanistan strengthen the protection of rights and interests of women.

"Afghan women and girls have rights to education and employment. The Afghan Taliban authorities should take concrete actions to implement the requests of the Security Council resolutions and respond to the concerns of the international community," he said.

"Meanwhile, we need to see that the rights and interests of women and girls will not be realized in a vacuum. The international community should support Afghanistan with its peaceful reconstruction and economic recovery, so as to create more enabling conditions for guaranteeing the rights and interests of women and girls. We should refuse to oversimplify the issue into absolutes and still less instrumentalize or weaponize it," said the ambassador. 
BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Promoting patriotic education with the help of law is significant for China in a critical stage of national rejuvenation, said a legislative specialist on Thursday.

It can help Chinese people carry forward their national spirit and pool strength in the new era, advancing their ambition to build a stronger country and realize national rejuvenation, said Yang Heqing, an official with the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

China adopted a law on patriotic education in October, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Lying at the heart of the national spirit of Chinese people, patriotism is a cultural bond that has inspired the people to unite as one and ceaselessly pursue self-improvement, said Yang at a press conference.

Despite the winter chill, thousands of people attended a ceremony to mourn the 300,000 victims of the Nanjing Massacre in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Dec. 13. Sirens sounded across the city.

Experts said patriotism is closely associated with cultural traditions, history, and a country's situation.

RESPONSE TO THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

China began drafting such a law in July 2022 in response to a growing call from all walks of life for patriotic education under the rule of law.

After the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC was elected earlier this year, the legislation entered a fast track, with opinions solicited from the public, lawmakers, and jurists on different levels.

Yu Xiangchen, a senior high school student from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, made his voice heard at a consultation organized by a local legislative outreach office in May.

He advised lawmakers to set up a separate clause to enhance patriotic education in cyberspace. Including Yu, five middle school students delivered 12 suggestions for the draft law.

Ou Fenglian, director of a neighborhood committee in Jiangmen city, south China's Guangdong Province, suggested that greater efforts be made to promote traditional festivals, including increasing content of patriotism.

After the draft law was made public for comments and opinions, lawmakers received approximately 600 pieces of suggestions, which addressed areas concerning the content, forms, and effectiveness of patriotic education.

CONTENT OF THE LAW

The law will provide legal safeguards for the country to carry out patriotic education in an extensive, in-depth, persistent, and effective manner, said Yang, adding that it stresses an education covering the public.

According to the law, patriotic education involves areas such as ideology and politics, history and culture, national symbols, the beauty of the motherland, national unity and ethnic solidarity, national security and defense, and the deeds of heroes and role models.

While it promotes patriotism, the law stresses the need to be rational, inclusive, and open-minded, open the country to the world more, and embrace other civilizations.

The law mandates that patriotic education shall respect other countries' history and cultural traditions and draw inspiration from all of human civilization's outstanding achievements.

RESOURCES & FACILITIES

Resources related to the heritage of the Communist Party of China, historical relics, and cultural facilities are expected to have an important role to play in patriotic education, according to the law.

More efforts will be made to promote the integration of culture and tourism, creating more colorful, attractive programs and products, said Zhou Jiucai with the Policy and Regulation Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the press conference.

The official said the ministry will continue to encourage the research and utilization of revolutionary cultural artifacts, traditional skills and techniques, and resources related to the Party's heritage.

It will also support museums, intangible cultural heritage halls and revolutionary memorial halls using digital technology to enhance the display effect and help more cultural artifacts and intangible cultural heritage enter campuses.

The official added more folk culture activities will take place around traditional Chinese festivals such as the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival to promote patriotism. 
ANKARA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police have seized 1.15 tons of drugs and 14.2 million narcotic pills in anti-narcotic operations across 47 provinces, the country's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Thursday.

A total of 376 suspects were detained in the operations that involved 535 teams, 1,094 personnel and 21 detector dogs, Yerlikaya said in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Our fight against drug dealers, terrorist organizations and organized crime organizations that poison our people will continue with determination," he said.

Located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Turkiye has been grappling with international drug smuggling for years. Turkish security forces frequently launch operations against drug dealers as part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking. 
Aerial photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows the construction site for a transaction center in Qianhai, Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

SHENZHEN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, hailed reform and opening up as "a crucial move that made China what it is today" in the Qianhai area of the city of Shenzhen more than 10 years ago, highlighting the importance of the reform and opening up that has featured prominently since 1978.

Over the past decade, Shenzhen in south China has moved ahead with deepened reform and high-level opening up and become a global economic and technological powerhouse.

Embracing pilot and innovative projects, the city is striving to be a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

XI'S VISITS

Xi has visited Shenzhen several times since assuming the post of general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in 2012.

In December that year, he chose Shenzhen as the first stop on his inspection tour. During the trip, Xi said reform and opening up was the source of vitality in the development of modern China, and "a magic tool" for the Party and the Chinese people to keep pace with the times.

While visiting Qianhai, Xi urged local officials to work meticulously to pioneer cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in the services sector and beyond.

Ten years ago, Qianhai consisted simply of large coastal swathes neighboring the Shenzhen airport. Covering over 120 square km, the area has now become a test-bed for institutional innovation under the framework of "one country, two systems."

Xi visited Shenzhen again in October 2018, when the country was celebrating the 40th anniversary of its reform and opening up. He urged the city to deepen cooperation with its neighbor Hong Kong to play a bigger role in building the Belt and Road, to advance the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to participate in international cooperation at higher levels.

In 2020, Xi attended a grand gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, a key move behind its miraculous rise.

Shenzhen should deepen reform on all fronts, Xi said, noting that the CPC Central Committee supports the city in implementing pilot programs.

From 2012 to 2022, Shenzhen's GDP grew to 3.24 trillion yuan (about 455 billion U.S. dollars) from just over 1.29 trillion yuan. The city of more than 17 million people is now home to some of China's biggest tech players like Huawei, Tencent and BYD, which are among over 23,000 hi-tech enterprises based in Shenzhen.

LEAPFROG DEVELOPMENT

As a key area to implement reform and opening up policies planned by Xi, Qianhai has fashioned one reform scenario after another, said Wang Jinxia, deputy director of the Qianhai Authority.

Qianhai has taken the lead in reforming legal operations, the commercial registration system, and cross-border personnel employment, trade, investment and finance, said Wang.

The Qianhai Court has expanded the use of extraterritorial law in handling Hong Kong-related commercial cases to ensure that parties can use laws that "they are familiar with." Professionals from Hong Kong and Macao can be employed directly in Qianhai without having to be re-accredited. In order to supply the need for Hong Kong companies, Qianhai has offered a third of its land to Hong Kong firms and tax incentives to eligible firms.

"Qianhai has become an international commerce community. We have great confidence in the future," said Yu Tianlong, deputy general manager of Kerry Properties (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

Qianhai's GDP reached nearly 200 billion yuan and it recorded a total import and export value of 2.58 trillion yuan in 2022. A total of 645 institutional innovations have been launched in Qianhai, and among them 65 have been adopted and promoted nationwide, according to the authority.

Shenzhen is advancing an action plan to build a pilot zone for socialism with Chinese characteristics and is pressing ahead with its reforms.

Li Luyang, CEO of VisionNav Robotics, a company that develops driverless forklifts, attributed the firm's speedy growth to the resources and strength of Shenzhen. The firm's business revenue recorded a 10-fold expansion during the past three years.

"Seriously speaking, in Shenzhen I can build a prototype twice as fast as elsewhere," said Li, who came to the city after graduating from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

"Talent, a complete industrial system, as well as an efficient and supportive government, have combined to make Shenzhen a perfect place for innovation," he said. 
We are pleased to support the activity by UK Border Force to help disrupt the supply of such illicit goods and protect the public. As well as being linked to serious and organised criminality on a global scale, the trade in these goods presents real dangers for those using them, as they are not subject to the usual safety checks and very often are made to an extremely poor quality.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday postponed, for the third time in a week, the voting of a draft resolution calling for a suspension in fighting and boosting aid to the Gaza Strip.

Diplomatic sources have indicated that the postponement is linked to "eleventh-hour negotiations" between the United States and Egypt regarding a UN aid monitoring proposal, as the U.S. endeavors to "circumvent" the use of its veto power.

Egypt, though not a council member, shares a border with Gaza and has served as the primary entry point for aid to the 2.3 million people living in Gaza throughout the two-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas until recent developments changed the situation.

Following over a week of negotiations and multiple delays in voting, diplomats have revealed that the United States is dissatisfied with the draft resolution, primarily due to its request for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to create a UN mechanism in Gaza. This mechanism would have the exclusive role of "monitoring all humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza via land, sea, and air routes," which come from states not directly involved in the conflict.

According to the draft resolution tabled by the United Arab Emirates seen by Xinhua, as part of the monitoring mechanism, the UN will notify both the Palestinian Authority and Israel to confirm the humanitarian nature of the consignments.

After several days of intense negotiations, the United States expressed reluctance to endorse a resolution advocating a "cessation of hostilities" in Gaza, hence a postponement of the decision on Wednesday, sources said.

The draft text says that it demands that the parties related to the conflict "allow, facilitate and enable the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip." In connection with this, the draft calls for the "urgent suspension of hostilities," and for "urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities."

The draft text further rejects the "forced displacement of the civilian population, including children" and reiterates the council's "unwavering commitment" to the two-state solution.

The council had initially been due to vote on Monday, Tuesday and then Wednesday.

Earlier this month, the UN General Assembly, consisting of 193 member states, called for a humanitarian ceasefire, receiving overwhelming support with 153 states voting in favor of the motion. This action came shortly after the United States had vetoed a similar proposal in the Security Council. 
We know in our hearts that  if he could today  he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.
Britains oldest wine and spirit merchant, Berry Bros & Rudd, has dropped an absolute doozy with the launch of The Collective, a new annual series of spirit releases which focus on distilleries who think alike. Its first iteration, Pioneers, was curated alongside the king of cocktails, Mr Lyan, and is all about championing spirits makers who are at the forefront of sustainability  and the one Cognac in the collection is an absolute winner. Made out of vattings from the organic Cognac houses 2016 and 2017 vintages, it elicits my favourite tasting note, fruit salad sweets, as well as peach melba and sweet sake. Only 421 bottles exist to nab. Well, 420. One of them has my name on it.
"This incident occurred within the home and, while is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.
Judge Singleton said: It seems to me that it would makes something of a non-sense of the medias attendance if the identity of the young person was not included with what could be reported, because, to use more casual speech, its out there already.
The charge against him says that for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state he obtained, circulated, recorded, published or communicated to any other person notes, documents or information which might be or were intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy.
Ruling that Nkanyezi, who later moved to Australia with his family, should be struck off, the panel said it was satisfied that this is a case where a striking off order is appropriate because not doing so would undermine public trust in the profession.
"The letter was specific to alleged misconduct by the parties to whom it was sent. Further, we are bound by our legal duty under Prevent and whilst we have never reported anyone to Prevent at the school, and would not wish to do so, we are seeking to be transparent by making individuals aware of the schools legal obligations.
He said that people working for the UK Government in Gaza have managed to get out but have left relatives trapped behind, who are going hungry, who are not able to eat, who are threatened with disease.
Ahead of the visit, Mr Healey said: Serving in our Armed Forces is the ultimate public service. Our troops embody the values of courage, integrity, loyalty and professionalism that the British people most admire. They make Britain  and Labour  proud, not only at Christmas but throughout the year.
We were meant to be having dinner at the restaurant right by the building tonight and were going to pop in for a drink earlier on, but we crossed the bridge instead.
DAMASCUS, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Seven soldiers were killed and 10 others wounded when a landmine ripped through a military bus in Syria's central province of Homs on Thursday, according to the pro-government Sham FM radio.

The landmine tore through the military bus, which usually transports soldiers in and out of their workplace, near the T-3 oil field near the city of Palmyra in Homs, said Sham FM radio.

The report didn't give more details but previous similar attacks have largely been carried out by remnants of the Islamic State (IS) group in the remote desert region east of Homs. 
He said that the software enables NHS professionals to bring together data that a hospital already holds in multiple different systems that havent historically been able to talk to each other, while ensuring that staff only see information if they need to, in order to do their job.
The senior administration official said Biden made the extremely difficult decision to grant clemency to Saab to bring Americans home and to ensure that one of the most notorious fugitives from justice, Fat Leonard, is returned and held to account for his crimes.
Lopez and Affleck initially dated in the early 2000s after meeting on the set of their first movie together, Gigli, which was released in 2003. They teamed up again in 2004 for the flick Jersey Girl. Bennifer, as they were often called, came to an end not long after they called off their wedding in 2003. The relationship was rekindled in 2021 before marrying in Las Vegas in 2022.
SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export rose in double figures in the first 20 days of this month owing to robust demand for locally-made semiconductors and cars, customs office data showed Thursday.

Outbound shipment grew 13.0 percent from a year earlier to 37.87 billion U.S. dollars in the period, according to Korea Customs Service.

The daily average export gained 13.0 percent in the period.

Import shrank 9.2 percent to 36.25 billion dollars in the period, sending trade surplus to 1.62 billion dollars.

Semiconductor export soared 19.2 percent to 6.66 billion dollars in the cited period. The chip shipment marked the first rebound in 16 months last month.

Automotive export jumped 27.7 percent to 3.75 billion dollars, with those for oil products, mobile devices and home appliances expanding in double digits.

Import for coal, natural gas and semiconductor equipment recorded a double-digit reduction in the 20-day period, but those for machinery, cars and mobile devices added in single digits. 
This photo taken on Dec. 20, 2023 shows a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan at the UN headquarters in New York. Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, on Wednesday urged the international community to help Afghanistan respond to humanitarian crisis. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged the international community to help Afghanistan respond to humanitarian crisis.

"At present, over 3 million Aghan children are malnourished and over 10 million people there do not know where their next meal is. Winter is here and the Afghan humanitarian disaster will get even worse. We once again call upon the international community to act immediately by stepping up humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, bring warmth and hope to the Afghan people, and not let ordinary Afghans become victims of political considerations," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

"We also hope that all parties will take a long-term view, increase development aid to Afghanistan, and help the country restore the functioning of its banking system, establish basic economic order, and better integrate into regional economic and trade cooperation and connectivity," he said.

The ambassador called on the returning of the frozen overseas assets of Afghanistan and their interest to the Afghan people as soon as possible.

Geng also called for efforts to help Afghanistan strengthen the protection of rights and interests of women.

"Afghan women and girls have rights to education and employment. The Afghan Taliban authorities should take concrete actions to implement the requests of the Security Council resolutions and respond to the concerns of the international community," he said.

"Meanwhile, we need to see that the rights and interests of women and girls will not be realized in a vacuum. The international community should support Afghanistan with its peaceful reconstruction and economic recovery, so as to create more enabling conditions for guaranteeing the rights and interests of women and girls. We should refuse to oversimplify the issue into absolutes and still less instrumentalize or weaponize it," said the ambassador.

The envoy underlined the importance of enhancing engagement with the Afghan authorities.

"As is pointed out in the independent assessment on Afghanistan, the international community should get a clearer picture of the political reality in the country, prioritize the interests of the Afghan people, and maintain engagement with the country," he said.

"When engaging with the Afghan authorities, the international community needs to demonstrate good faith, set no preconditions, communicate with the Afghan Taliban in ways easily acceptable to it, and strive for its understanding and cooperation," he said.

Geng said that as for the follow-up to the independent assessment, the Security Council should consider the needs of the Afghan people and expectations of the international community in an integrated manner and make its decision on the basis of full consultation.

"The council should adjust the sanctions measures in a timely manner and, in particular, reinstate the travel ban exemption on some Taliban officials to facilitate engagement with Afghanistan," he added.

In addition, Geng urged efforts to bolster support for the Afghan authorities in their counter-terrorism efforts.

"Currently, terrorist forces in Afghanistan remain active and pose threats to the security of Afghanistan and countries in the region. The international community should urge and help Afghanistan to effectively combat terrorism and resolutely prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a hub for terrorist organizations," he said.

"The Afghan authorities should, as requested by the Security Council resolutions, take robust measures to prevent terrorists from using its territory to engage in terrorist activities that threaten other countries," he said.

Citing the report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the envoy said that the area of poppy cultivation in the country dropped by 95 percent following the drug ban.

"This deserves full recognition. The international community should provide Afghanistan with targeted support such as alternative cultivation and drug rehabilitation, among others," said the ambassador.

Geng underscored that as Afghanistan's neighbor, China has always actively supported its peaceful development and taken concrete actions to help the Afghan people ease their suffering.

"We stand ready to continue our active participation in coordination and cooperation with Afghanistan under framework such as the coordination and cooperation mechanism among neighbors of Afghanistan, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the China-Central Asia Cooperation mechanism," he said.

"We will continue our support for the work of UNAMA and the positive role of the UN, and work with regional countries and the international community at large to help Afghanistan get out of the plight and achieve lasting peace and stability at an early date," Geng stressed. 
Average price for one hectare of arable land RON 39,704 in Romania, in 2022

The average price for one hectare of arable land was RON 39,704 in Romania, in 2022, with the lowest average price being recorded in the North-Eastern region, RON 34,743, while the Bucharest-Ilfov region recorded the highest value, respectively RON 59,263, the National Institute of Statistics (INS) informs on Thursday.

According to the INS, in 2022, compared to the previous year, Romania saw an increase of approximately 6.1pct in the average price for arable land, the most significant increase being observed in the North-Western region (+23.5pct).

The average price of permanent pastures saw an increase of approximately 6pct in 2022, compared to the previous year, for the whole country, the most important increase being recorded in the North-Eastern region (+14.9pct).

In 2022, the average price for one hectare of arable land in Europe saw significant variations. According to the data available for 19 EU member states in 2022, arable land prices fluctuated between a minimum of 3,700 euros on average in Croatia and a maximum of 233,230 euros on average in Malta, while in Romania the average price was 8,051 euros/ha.

The average price of permanent pastures in EU member states, in 2022, varied from a minimum of 1,887 euros/ha in Bulgaria to a maximum of 46,305 euros in Luxembourg, while in Romania the average price was 5,671 euros/ha.
PM Ciolacu: If having scandal in Parliament is what it takes for pensioners to get higher pensions then be it

Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday stated, in the opening of the Government meeting, that if "having scandal in Parliament" is the price he should pay, as Prime Minister, for pensioners to receive their higher pensions on time in January, he'll accept it, "without any hesitation."

"I am glad, first of all, that we have the budget for 2024 voted by the Parliament with almost 300 votes, because the incomes of over 12 million Romanians depend on this budget, incomes that will increase next year. And if having scandal in the Parliament is the price that I need to pay, as prime minister, so that the pensioners receive their increased pensions on time in January, I'll accept it without any hesitation. My task, as prime minister, is to make sure that in 2024 the money from the budget go where they are needed. And this budget guarantees that we will continue to build motorways at the same pace, that we will pay the teachers better, that we will have better medicines and medical services," says Ciolacu.

On Tuesday evening, MPs from the Alliance for Romanians' Union (AUR) and the Save Romania Union (USR) protested in the Parliament's joint plenary meeting where the draft state budget for 2024 was debated, during the speech of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.

The prime minister hardly delivered his speech. During his speech, Ciolacu turned several times towards the presidency, but the protests around the rostrum continued.

USR MPs displayed yellow and red cardboard cubes with messages such as "New taxes," "Record budget for specials."

AUR leader George Simion, who was broadcasting live on his social media page, said he would not leave until teachers' salaries were increased.

Earlier, MP George Simion and Senator Diana Sosoaca had a conflict in the Chamber of Deputies, during which they repeatedly insulted each other.
Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu sent on Thursday evening, on behalf of the Romanian Government, condolences to the families of the victims of the armed attack in Prague and wished speedy recovery to the wounded.

"Deeply saddened by the terrible attack in Prague at the Carolina University. At this tragic moment, on behalf of the Government of Romania, I send my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to all the wounded," Marcel Ciolacu wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter), agerpres reports.
President Klaus Iohannis says he is appalled by the shooting that occurred on Thursday afternoon in Prague, stressing that Romania is with the Czech people.

"Appalled by the shooting in #Prague today, that claimed so many innocent lives. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and I wish speedy recovery to the wounded. Romania stands with the people of the Czech Republic during these difficult times," he wrote on X platform, former Twitter, agerpres reports.
Rescuers set up tents at a temporary relocation site in Shenjiaping Village of Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Fan Peishen)

XINING/LANZHOU, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- When the quake struck at midnight, 270 students in a boarding school in northwest China's Qinghai Province were fast asleep. However, after three minutes, they all managed to escape unharmed, just as they had been two hours earlier.

At 10 p.m. Monday, these students from the junior high school in Qingshui Township, Haidong City, were having an earthquake emergency drill, two hours before the 6.2-magnitude earthquake jolted northwest China.

"After we fell asleep, the beds rocked suddenly, when we realized that a real quake happened," said a year-eight student Ma Meiqi. "Some people shouted 'earthquake' while we ran along the wall to the playground in an orderly manner as what we usually did in the drills. There was no crowding and stampede."

Barimqen, who is in charge of dormitory management of the school, was born in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture which was ravaged by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in 2010. More than 2,600 people were killed.

"I remember that disaster vividly," said the 25-year-old man. "Only by enhancing regular drills can we avoid casualties as much as possible."

In the past years, China has improved its emergency response system, in case of disasters like earthquakes, which has saved lives and reduced damages.

According to an unnamed official with the education department of Qinghai, apart from drills, they have strengthened the construction management and supervision of school buildings, so that the old buildings would either be demolished or reinforced, while new ones meet the seismic standards. This time in Haidong all 39,324 students from 81 boarding schools were evacuated safely after the quake without a single injury.

Two girls are pictured as they receive relief supplies at Dahe Village of Jishishan Bao'an, Dongxiang, Salar Autonomous County in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)

In the neighboring Gansu Province, where the epicenter is about 8 km from the county seat of the Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan, more than 270,000 people, mostly local cadres, were trained as the "first emergency respondents." The training included evacuating the masses, checking the risks, and leading villagers to start search and relief work barehanded or with simple tools.

Zhang Huilin, a 58-year-old Party secretary at Kexinmin village, led fellow villagers to save the victims immediately after the quake.

"He knew very well where each household was, even locations of senior people and children's bedrooms there," said an unnamed villager. "In the darkness, he took us door to door to locate and save people. Thanks to him, we managed to help each other before the rescuers arrived."

Two large-scale emergency quake drills were conducted in Gansu last year and earlier this year. Han Shujun, an inspector with the provincial emergency management department, told Xinhua that they initiated the rescue technology and tactics, and tested the adaptability of the rescue equipment as well as the ability of the rescue team under cold plateau conditions.

"This time the quake occurred in areas with high altitude amid cold waves in winter, but we managed to ensure the power supply of rescue equipment," he said.

Rescuers are in operation in Dahejia Township of Jishishan Bao'an, Dongxiang, Salar Autonomous County in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

Meanwhile, the commanders, fully aware of the populations in surrounding areas and locations of chemical enterprises, reservoirs, and mines, were able to make the right decisions, sending the nearest rescue team to the quake-hit sites.

Han Zhengming, head of the Gansu Provincial Emergency Management Department, said that he had seen the fastest and least panicked rescue work this time in the province.

Immediately after the quake, more than 4,500 rescuers and over 820 vehicles were mobilized to carry out search and rescue with full coverage of the affected areas.

Less than six hours after the quake, the first batch of 32 people and 10 vehicles from the Gansu branch of the Blue Sky Rescue Team, a Chinese civil relief squad, arrived at Jishishan. "As soon as we arrived, we started the investigation, transport, and setting up temporary resettlement sites," said the experienced team leader Yu Ruofei. The affected villagers have been provided with freshly cooked meals since Tuesday afternoon.

After a 40-minute drive on the icy mountainous road, Xinhua reporters starting from the county seat of Jishishan arrived at the Zhangguojia village at the epicenter, and visited some tents set up to shelter the evacuees.

People boil water at a movable plank house in Meipo Village, Jishishan County of northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 21, 2023. About 200 movable plank houses were put into use in Meipo Village on Thursday. (Xinhua/Fan Peishen)

Sitting by a stove, 86-year-old Zhang Guiying was holding a steaming bowl of noodles, with soft and glutinous potatoes easy to eat for elderly people like her. Beside her, there were relief supplies including vegetables, milk, bread, and several large bags of pastries sent by rescuers.

"The rescuers responded quickly to send us the food," she said, adding that she was not worried because she was sure she would "be taken care of after the disaster."

Company staff members prepare complimentary beef noodles at a temporary relocation site in Dahe Village of Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

As of Wednesday night, the earthquake has killed 113 people in Gansu and 22 people in Qinghai. The tragic consequence suggested that improvement is still needed in the disaster prevention and emergency response system.

Han Shujun noted that the response-ability of the "first emergency respondents" at the grassroots level varied, thus more training would be needed so that they could react more quickly.

While monitoring and early warning are to be enhanced, local governments also need to raise awareness among villagers, especially in areas that haven't experienced earthquakes for a long time. 
Ian Froeb Restaurant critic Follow Ian Froeb 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

Confession: I have shopped at the Costco that anchors the sprawling new development along Olive Boulevard at Interstate 170 in University City. The march of capitalist convenience sweeps us all up, eventually  and where else can I get decent winter coats for the kids and a rotisserie chicken for dinner?

Sign up for the First Course newsletter Exclusive insight, news, tips and more on St. Louis' thriving dining scene from St. Louis Post-Dispatch restaurant critic Ian Froeb.

This development has generated controversy during its gestation and construction for a number of reasons. The restaurant-obsessed among us shook our fists at the demolition of Jeffrey Plaza, which was homely even by suburban strip mall standards, but punched far above its weight in the quality of its restaurants. It remained vital to its final days with Vietnamese noodle soup at Pho Long and Jamaican jerk chicken at De Palm Tree.

The signature Jeffrey Plaza restaurant  and one of the first to fall to the bulldozer  was Nobus. Here, chef Noboru Kidera served some of St. Louis best sushi and other Japanese cuisine inside a building that was recognizably, endearingly a former IHOP.

Already in his 70s when Nobus closed ahead of its demolition, Kidera could have retired without much complaint from his many fans. Instead, he and his family  wife, Taeko; son, George; and Georges wife, Noi  relocated the restaurant to a small, spare storefront tucked back from the bustle of the Delmar Loop and honed the menu to its essence.

At the new Nobus, you place yourself in Kideras hands. Literally: He stands at a counter above your seat and forms perfect pieces of nigiri sushi, from deceptively straightforward salmon to luxe uni. These nigiri are just one part of Nobus omakase dinner, a multicourse menu Kidera selects for you, from composed sashimi dishes to simply cooked fish to crunchy tempura.

Kidera himself might chat with you a little, though as he explained on my visits, he isnt used to the contemporary idea of chefs interacting with diners. (George, in addition to helping his father prepare the food, acts as your host and guide.) For the most part, he is as intensely focused on his work, as the Kobe, Japan, native has been since he opened the original, pre-IHOP Nobus in 1987.

From its warm, modern Sasha Malinich design of clean wood lines to its ingredient-first approach, the new Nobus is as vital as any sushi restaurant in the metro area. For the septuagenarian Kidera, the restaurant is no late-career victory lap. If there is a race, he is leading it quietly, diligently and exquisitely.

Where Nobus, 6253 Delmar Boulevard, University City More info 314-323-9147; nobustl.com

Rarebit, ice cream sandwiches and more 2023 tributes

I always struggle to narrow my choices for the years best new restaurants to the final published list. A criterion that is helpful, albeit imperfect, is that word new. One of my favorite new spots from 2023 was the return of a Central West End icon. Another first debuted out of a vintage Airstream trailer in 2021 before opening a brick-and-mortar location in the Patch neighborhood in 2022.

Dressels Public House reopened in late May after a three-year pandemic break that left more than a few rarebit-craving fans wondering if the Welsh pub would ever return. Owner Ben Dressel, the son of founder Jon Dressel, used the hiatus to renovate the restaurant thoroughly, even installing a small brewhouse in its basement. He also pared the menu back to its beloved basics: rarebit with housemade potato chips; a fine burger; beer-battered fish; the latter-day signature Porchetta Louie roast pork sandwich. Dressels looks fresh without being unrecognizable, ready for another 40 years of cozy evenings of good food, good drinks and good conversation.

Where Dressels Public House, 419 North Euclid Avenue More info 314-361-1060; dresselspublichouse.com

Sophie Mendelson and Martha Bass founded Sugarwitch in 2019 in Columbia, Missouri, while both were graduate students at the University of Missouri. After moving to St. Louis, the couple introduced their ice cream sandwiches from an Airstream trailer parked outside Olio in Botanical Heights. Last year, they moved their operation to the former Carondelet Bakery deep in south city. Sugarwitchs appeal is twofold: great ice cream to begin with and brilliant sandwich combinations, from the straightforward Ursula (vanilla ice cream and salted caramel brownie) to ever-changing seasonal creations, like last winters Sabrina pairing of rose ice cream and pistachio-cardamom shortbread.

Where Sugarwitch, 7726 Virginia Avenue More info 573-234-0042; sugarwitchic.com

Finally, circumstances dictated an unfortunate absence from my list of 2023s best new restaurants: Brew Tulum, the Mexican cafe and restaurant that opened late last year in the Central West End side of the burgeoning Delmar Maker District. Married couple Laura McNamara and Alberto AJ Juarez featured an ambitious array of Mexican breakfast and lunch fare and coffee beverages at Brew Tulum, which they had originally founded in Tulum, Mexico. A dispute with their landlord over lead contamination led McNamara and Juarez to close their Delmar Boulevard storefront, however. As of now, they are staging pop-up events in the area.

Sign up for the First Course newsletter Exclusive insight, news, tips and more on St. Louis' thriving dining scene from St. Louis Post-Dispatch restaurant critic Ian Froeb.
You can learn a lot about yourself  and those closest to you  on vacation. Thats the animus behind the blockbuster HBO series The White Lotus, and its also the major theme of the new family animated film Migration. An odd comparison, perhaps, but it all makes perfect sense when you consider both projects happen to be written by Mike White. Hes taken this notion about the transformative power of travel from his award-winning prestige TV series and transplanted it to a kid-friendly animated film about a family of ducks who finally decide to take an annual migration away from their cozy pond to see what they can see.

Kumail Nanjiani voices Mack, the anxious and overprotective patriarch of the Mallard family, content to let his family stay put in the safety of their pond, far away from sharp heron beaks. He emphasizes his paranoid worldview with terrifying bedtime stories for his kids, Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Tresi Gazal), but when a family of seabirds traveling south to Jamaica for the winter alights in their pond for a layover, Dax develops a crush on Kim (Isabela Merced) and becomes fixated on taking a migration. Terrified of turning into his decrepit Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito), and wanting to impress his wife Pam (Elizabeth Banks), Mack decides to take off with his family for parts south, despite his inhibitions. What could go wrong? Oh, everything. But what could go right? So, so much more.

Migration is swift and appealing, a high-flying jaunt that doesnt need to break the mold on these kinds of family adventure movies. The character design is familiar, but the flying scenes are remarkably conceived and executed; its colorful, comforting and crisply rendered. But it is also laced through with a swirl of cultural commentary that reveals Whites worldview.

Theres of course the lessons to be learned through travel and adventure, especially about your partner. Mack realizes that Pam is tougher and savvier than he gave her credit for, and Pam is charmed to see Mack step up and demonstrate his bravery as the leader of their family as they get themselves into many, many perilous situations. That mirrors the themes of the resort-set The White Lotus, as well as Whites own stint as a cast member on the reality show Survivor.

You can see Whites ethical influence as well in the main antagonist, an uber-cool tattooed bad boy chef, known for his duck a lorange, and whom the Mallard family has to keep escaping again and again. A city pigeon named Chump (Awkwafina) explains that the chef is a predator who cooks and feeds ducks to other, lazier predators  diners. Its a funny line that may make you sit up straight and wonder if this movie might put kids off poultry, so its not a surprise to discover that White is a vegan for ethical, animal-loving reasons.

His questioning of animal farming practices extends to another pit stop that the Mallard family makes after liberating the chefs pet parrot Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key), at a cultish duck utopia, where the birds are being fattened for slaughter. Led by a guru named GooGoo (David Mitchell), it feels like a spa out of a Mike White series such as Enlightened or "Lotus." But even the kindly farmers here are handing over their birds for cash to the chef, and the Mallards cant escape this knife-wielding maniac on their tail feathers. In a harried climax, they have to fight off the chef once and for all before they can make their way to their final destination.

Its these kinds of details in storytelling that reveal Migration to be an auteur project for White, who wrote the screenplay and dreamed up the story with director Benjamin Renner. It is a family-friendly, seasonal, nondenominational holiday movie option, but its more fun to pick out what makes this a Mike White project, and his influence gives it a slight edge over the rest, making Migration a worthwhile journey.

What Migration Stars 2.5 (out of 4) Run time 1:32 Rating PG for action/peril and mild rude humor Where In theaters Dec. 22
Jeff Hirsch is no stranger to photography. In fact, he teaches it to others and takes people on trips to practice their photography.

Im no professional though, he says. My secret superpower is to be able put geek into basic English so photographers and other creatives can understand it ... and then its my job to take these people and put them in a position to get great pictures.

This year, it was his own picture out of nearly 500 entries that won our annual Post-Dispatch Travel Photo Contest.

Hirch, 57, of Ellendale, captured the image on a two-week trip to Vietnam in September with about eight other photographers. They flew into Hanoi, and after spending a couple of days there, they traveled to the north of Vietnam, just 45 minutes from the Chinese border. Then the group flew south to Saigon and the fishing villages there. It was, in fact, the same sort of trip last years winner, Allen Ahner, was on, when he captured the winning image of a worker in Vietnamese fields.

Hirsch took his photo in Quang Phu Cau, a small village about 90 minutes from Hanoi known for making the dyed bamboo sticks that are used in the production of incense.

In the morning, at this family-run business, the bundles of sticks are dyed and spread out in a lovely fan shape to dry in the sun, he says. The colorful bundles and colorful workers make for wonderful photographic subjects.

On this day, the incense bundles were lined up and looking like fish scales. The workers were so graceful as they moved; I never saw them knock over a single bundle.

Contest judge and Post-Dispatch multimedia editor Gary Hairlson was taken with the photo the minute he saw it. It was absolutely stunning and everything about it fell into place  exposure, composition, symmetry and along with the subject content, it offered something Ive not seen in past years of judging.

Hirsch liked the composition, too. Im a very graphic shooter, he says. I love lines and texture, and I was just seduced by those colors. To capture the moment, he stood on a scaffold with his Canon R6. He waited a while, watching the workers. And then she looks up, and I said, Boom, thats the shot. ... To me, the balance is right. I like the pattern, its the gesture, the face thats turned up that made the shot. If Im doing storytelling, thats what Im looking for.

The win is extra special for him. His father, Maurice Bud Hirsch, won the Globe-Democrats travel photo contest decades ago.

Its fun to carry on the tradition of travel photography that I learned from him and that he learned from his father, Jeff Hirsch says. Its definitely in our DNA.

Second place

An African safari has always been on Jim Scotts bucket list. He got the chance to go this fall with a group of photographers from the United Kingdom.

They traveled to Kenya, to the Kicheche Bush, known for its great wildlife photos in Olare Motorogi Conversancy in the Maasai Mara.

Scott, 72, of Wildwood, says he has always loved elephants and knew he wanted to get a great shot of one on the trip. He clearly succeeded.

Capturing the perfect sunset at the right time as the background for the elephant shot is what propelled this picture to one of the top images, says judge Hairlson. Its simply done, very easy to read and interesting.

Scott took the photo just after sunset right at the equator. The key is to get as low as possible, so the elephant is prominent on the horizon, Scott says. He used a bean bag to steady his knees on the ground and waited, looking for movement. Then the elephant raised his leg, and thats when Scott grabbed the shot with his Nikon Z9.

It captures the magic of Kenya, he says. The skies in Kenya are like no other Ive ever seen.

On the trip he also saw lions, giraffes, cheetahs and leopards, which he calls the most beautiful of the animals.

This trip was so extraordinary, he says. It was the best trip Ive ever taken, and Ive traveled a lot.

Third place

John and Marian Gravlin of OFallon, Missouri, went on a Galapagos Islands cruise on the Celebrity Flora at the end of April. They flew into into Quito, Ecuador, and then took a short plane ride to the Galapagos Islands where they boarded the ship.

On the morning of disembarkation, everything was packed except for Johns Canon EOS R6. He says he was just killing time on our balcony taking shots of the birds when this blue-footed booby swooped in. This one was different from the rest as it really played with its reflection in the water.

Hairlson agreed that it was something about the reflection. The photo of the booby flying over waves was very well-executed. The slow shutter speed and panning with the flying bird created an artsy view of the shot. The uniqueness of the image is what caught my eye.

Gravlin says his favorite part of the trip was the snorkeling. We had three opportunities during the seven-day cruise.

Honorable mentions
DES PERES  While Marie Alexander was battling a serious infection, her hospital room was at her daughters home in Des Peres, where she was waited on by her grandchildren and snuggled with the family dog at night.

Alexander, 75, was given an oxygen machine and intravenous medications to treat the infection. A doctor came by once a day, and nurses twice. She used an iPad to connect to providers virtually if she needed.

I was mostly on the couch, surrounded by toys and the TV and the children, she said. It was a very loving atmosphere, calm and peaceful.

Alexander was among the first patients who chose to participate in

Mercy Hospital St. Louis new hospital-at-home program  a growing model across the nation and the first for the St. Louis region  that started in September.

The program allows for some acutely ill patients who live within a 25-minute drive of the hospital to receive care in their homes. They are sent home with monitoring equipment, medications and a number to call anytime for help. Mobile X-ray and imaging services and therapists can be dispatched when needed.

Candidates include patients with conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cellulitis.

Patients are offered the option of receiving care at home either after first spending a couple days in the hospital or after coming to the emergency department. Most are looking at about a four-day hospital stay.

What we like to say is we discharge you from your couch back to your couch, said Dr. Aaron Pickrell, Mercys regional director for the program.

Hospital-at-home care is currently only covered for Medicare patients, but hospital officials hope that soon other insurance companies will follow suit. A growing body of research shows it can reduce costs while improving outcomes. And patients and their families like it.

I thought this feels like VIP service when the doctors who we were just talking with in the hospital are now in my living room, said Alexanders daughter, Becky Rhoads.

Rhoads, 45, has two busy children, ages 9 and 11, and her husband travels often. The whole thing was much easier than coordinating with my sisters on whos going to be at the hospital, when can you be there and who is going to take the kids, she said.

Ursula Wright, Mercys chief clinical excellence officer and nurse, said hospitals are trying to be more creative in meeting patients changing needs.

When someone is in the hospital, it can be difficult for them, and it creates challenges for their loved ones in a variety of ways, Wright said. Mercy Hospital at Home will reduce those burdens and provide the same high-quality care they expect from Mercy in their own environment where they feel most comfortable and can heal most easily.

Response to pandemic

Baltimores Johns Hopkins Medicine has operated a hospital-at-home program since 1994 and led the way in creating and researching the model in the United States.

Johns Hopkins developed its program mainly for elderly patients who were at risk of falls, hospital-acquired infections, delirium and poor sleep inside hospital walls. Early studies showed the cost was 32% less than traditional hospital care, hospital stays were shorter by one-third and the incidence of delirium and other complications was dramatically lower.

The model was adopted by some Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, as well as New Mexicos Presbyterian Healthcare Services and Mount Sinai in New York.

Further research showed the model resulted in 25% lower cost and a 20% reduction in deaths. Patients were also three times less likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged.

Despite the findings, skepticism that the quality of care was better than in a hospital prevented the model from being largely adopted. Commercial and government insurance and government programs would not cover it.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

In response, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) eased rules and allowed hospitals to apply for a waiver to offer in-patient care in other settings, including homes, and reimbursed the cost. Congress extended the waiver program through the end of 2024.

The pandemic expanded telehealth capabilities and resulted in patients becoming more reluctant to go to the hospital.

As of November, 305 hospitals in 37 states are approved for waivers, including four Saint Lukes Health System hospitals in the Kansas City area, federal data shows.

The model also helps hospitals address another result of the pandemic  staffing shortages that can cause long wait times for a hospital bed.

We open up that bed capacity for someone that is more acutely ill, who is in the emergency room and needs to come upstairs, Pickrell said. We are improving hospital throughput and opening up capacity for all our patients to get the level of care that they deserve.

Providers are also able to connect to patients on a more personal level in their homes, he said, helping them overcome the burnout driving many away from their professions.

Pickrell said he expects Medicare coverage to continue after next year and for more insurance companies will come on board. A lot of programs are proving it to be a viable health care model, that its safe for patients, the patient experience is better and patients do better, he said.

Union nurses concerns

Some still have concerns about hospital-at-home programs. National Nurses United, the countrys largest union of registered nurses, calls the programs home all alone and are an effort by the hospital industry to increase its profits at the expense of patient safety.

The nurses union published a report a year ago condemning the CMS waiver and urging hospitals to instead invest in staffing and infrastructure needed to increase the capacity to care for acute patients.

Hospital-at-home programs cannot provide patients with the ongoing assessment, holistic treatment and rapid response by health care providers that is necessary for acute patient care, the union argues.

Qualifying patients could also live alone, without a caregiver at home.

As a nurse who worked at the bedside for years, and knows how quickly things can turn south for a patient, I am deeply distressed by anyone pushing a scheme that replaces hands-on care by a trained nurse, who went through years of rigorous and science-based schooling, with a video camera and a remote call button, said Michelle Mahon, NNUs assistant director of nursing practice.

Mercy officials said a group of paramedics can be deployed immediately to a home should a patient need something immediately such as a new medication or IV replaced. Nurses also complete an extensive safety assessment of the home, review all medications and clearly outline any instructions. Specialists like cardiologists and endocrinologists are virtually on-hand around the clock.

As far as Mercy is concerned, these literally are inpatients in hospitals, so we do not see them any differently than if they were admitted to a hospital bed, said Dr. Ann-Elizabeth Mohart, medical director of transition care for Mercy. Administrators must follow and track all the same quality and measures.

Seeing patients at home actually helps providers better address their health challenges, such as fall hazards or access to healthy food, Mohart said. It allows us to care for them on a much higher level when we can see and understand that, than if we never had that line of sight.

Alexander said she felt like the doctor and nurses who cared for her at home were thorough and observant of any changes. They were looking at all the aspects, the whole person, not just reading the machines, she said.

Alexanders daughter said she felt more informed about her mothers care because, in the hospital, she might miss the doctor stopping by. The hospital staff also offered to provide meals and even insisted on dropping off over-the-counter cold sore medicine.

They made us feel comfortable that someone was always available, Rhoads said. We had that phone number to call that was just for the program.

You feel better

Riley Williams Jr., 71, recently received inpatient care for a serious skin infection at his home in Breckenridge Hills he shares with his granddaughter. He also said he communicated more with his doctor and nurses while at home, where he had their undivided attention.

They are not here for no five or 10 minutes neither, Williams said. One time, they even cooked me something to eat.

Because he is blind, he said, he cant get out of bed while he is in the hospital. But at home, with a fanny pack-like portable IV, he was able spend time in his favorite computer room caring for his 20-or-so plants, playing music and listening to his audio books. And he didnt have to wear a hospital gown.

You feel better, and you sleep better than in those hospital beds, Williams said. All he had to do was take his own temperature and blood pressure.

Marvell Adams Jr., CEO of Caregiver Action Network, the nations leading family caregiver advocacy organization, said choosing whether to receive care at home depends on the challenges and capabilities of each patient and caregiver.

Each program has a level of stress that is going to be put on the caregiver, but in incredibly varied ways, and it depends on a number of unique factors that are really kind of hyper-specific to a caregiver, Adams said, as well as what level of care is needed.

Adams suggested patients and caregivers have a full understanding of what they will be required to do so they can identify any problems that might pop up and how those would be addressed.

He also suggested asking about any possible costs that might not be covered in the home setting that patients could be stuck paying for.

Its just kind of weighing opportunities for success of someone being at home vs. being in the hospital, Adams said. For more advice, the Caregiver Action Network provides a caregiver help line at 1-855-227-3640 and online chat at caregiveraction.org.

Mercy officials says they plan to expand the hospital-at-home program to Mercy Hospital South, the third largest hospital in the St. Louis area, within the next few months.

Mercy more and more is going towards this model that I believe is the future of health care, Mohart said, which is that the home, the patients home, is their default place of care.
ST. LOUIS  A construction company founded by Sid Chakraverty, whose rental and development businesses with brother Vic Alston have drawn recent federal scrutiny, has hired one of the regions top law firms to sue a former employee it says is falsely claiming it has engaged in illegal business practices.

Big Sur Construction last week sued former property manager Julie Frady, accusing her of contacting two former co-workers over the summer and encouraging them to resign from the company.

Frady, who began working for the company in early 2019 and left the company in January, told one of them in August that Chakraverty had definitely been involved in illegal business transactions, which lawyers for the company called a lie.

Big Sur often builds projects for Lux Living, an apartment developer run by Chakraverty and Alston that has built hundreds of new units in several apartment buildings in recent years.

The brothers also own and manage hundreds more units in the region, making them one of St. Louis largest landlords.

But their tenants have complained for years of deferred maintenance and management problems at their properties. And, in September, the Post-Dispatch reported that federal investigators had subpoenaed records from the city development agency tied to one of Luxs projects built by Big Sur north of Forest Park.

The new lawsuit from Big Sur is being handled by one of the regions preeminent law firms, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, a change from the brothers usual reliance on attorney and Clayton Alderman Ira Berkowitz, who has experience in real estate, development and condominium law.

The Bryan Cave attorneys listed as attorneys in the suit  Reggie Harris, Ali Olszeski and Aaron Yuratovich  are all described by the firm as having experience in white collar criminal defense, investigations or disputes.

It isnt the first time critics of the company have faced legal repercussions. A tenant of one of Luxs properties that spoke to the Post-Dispatch two years ago was subpoenaed by the company in a lawsuit seeking all communication between tenants and the newspaper.

The lawsuit against Frady targets a relatively high-up former employee, who also held the title of development manager at Lux Living, according to the companys website.

In the new lawsuit, Big Sur says Fradys misrepresentations and lies have spread throughout the company and community and harmed Big Surs bargaining power with employees and subcontractors, delaying project timelines and increasing financing and labor costs. Big Sur says Frady has told subcontractors not to work with the firm, and it has had to pay one key employee $5,000 a month more to retain because of her.

Frady contacted another employee, the lawsuit says, and probed for purportedly harmful information about the company and/or Mr. Chakraverty.

The lawsuit also says Frady falsely claims the company was liquidating and accuses Frady of violating a noncompete agreement because she currently works for another multifamily housing developer in St. Louis now.

Companies tied to Alston and Chajkraverty recently sold the high-profile, vacant houses on South Kingshighway where they planned a new apartment building. And they put most of their downtown holdings on the market over the summer.

The lawsuit against the former employee comes as Chakraverty and Alston face increasing pressure from multiple fronts. The Missouri Real Estate Commission has sued them, accusing them of leasing apartments without a real estate license. A St. Louis judge recently ordered a downtown condo building they control be placed into receivership, though the receiver recently backed out of the arrangement. And city boards have consistently denied some of the companys demolition requests to make way for new projects.

An attorney at Bryan Cave representing the brothers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Frady, who has not yet filed a response in the case, declined to comment.
ST. LOUIS  The lawyer representing two bar owners on Wednesday night posted a video that he says shows a police SUV blowing through a red light just seconds before it crashes into the couples south St. Louis bar.

The footage is taken at a stoplight about three seconds before the SUV crashes into Bar:PM on South Broadway. It was given to attorney Javad Khazaeli on Wednesday evening by the same person who provided earlier footage of the crash, Khazaeli said.

I just dont understand how today the police department could act like nothing really happened, Javad Khazaeli said in an interview Wednesday evening. If any other citizen were to go through a red light, lose control and crash into a building, they would be investigated.

Chad Morris, the 37-year-old co-owner of Bar:PM, a popular gay bar in the citys Carondelet neighborhood, was arrested and charged with assault and resisting arrest after a confrontation that followed the crash.

St. Louis police Lt. Col. Renee Kriesmann said Wednesday the officers who crashed into the bar were not tested for drugs or alcohol because other officers who were investigating the crash did not have reasonable suspicion of impairment, which department policy requires for toxicology tests.

The two officers in the car, both with less than a year on the force, remain on active duty, Kriesmann said.

We would like to ensure to the owners of the bar and the community that every aspect of this incident is being thoroughly investigated, Kriesmann said in a weekly media briefing on Wednesday afternoon.

In a string of social media posts on Wednesday evening, Khazaeli laid out new footage that shows what appears to be a police SUV running a red light at East Nagel Avenue and South Broadway, which is about 250 feet from Bar:PM. The timestamp on the video is just seconds before the timestamp on a video that showed a police SUV slamming into the bar.

Morris husband, another of the bars co-owners, was briefly handcuffed after coming outside to confront officers after the crash, and the situation escalated when Morris arrived and demanded to know why his partner was in cuffs. Police said Morris pushed an officer and ran from them.

But Khazaeli said police were the aggressors in that interaction, and on Wednesday he said they failed to properly investigate the crash because they did not do things like measure the length of skid marks.

He also said the officers story about how the crash happened changed three times.

The attorney said police at first told Morris husband, James Pence, that they swerved to avoid hitting a dog in the road. Shortly after that, Pence said they changed the story and said they swerved to miss a parked car. Then, police said Wednesday the driver was distracted by the in-car radio and when he looked up he overcorrected and hit the building.

Khazaeli has claimed the SUV was flying before the crash, but Kriesmann said Wednesday the SUV was traveling 40 mph before the crash and 20 mph when it hit the building, according to the cars black box that records key data points related to crashes.

I just know that no other group of people would be able to avoid a breathalyzer, Khazaeli said Wednesday night.

The officers were wearing body cameras, Kriesmann said, but police will not release that footage because of the bar owners pending criminal case. The SUV did not have a board camera.

Our current concern is fighting these criminal charges, Khazaeli said. If they decide to dismiss the criminal charges, then we can focus on their internal investigation.

Police did not immediately respond to a request for a comment on Khazaelis latest accusations.
ST. CHARLES COUNTY  The Francis Howell School Board will vote Thursday on removing the curriculum used for the elective courses Black History and Black Literature.

The courses were first offered in 2021 at the districts high schools after Francis Howell students complained about discrimination. Pulling the curriculum by fall 2024 would effectively eliminate the courses, teachers said.

The curriculum is based in part on the Teaching Tolerance project from the Southern Poverty Law Center. The proposal to drop any standards and curriculum linked to the center was added to the boards agenda on Wednesday afternoon, just before the 24-hour deadline.

Adam Bertrand, board president, said on Facebook Wednesday that the proposal had to be decided before course enrollment for fall 2024 opens in January.

The courses are opposed by political action committee Francis Howell Families, which says the curriculum is laced with leftist principles and critical race theory.

Getting rid of these standards (and any curriculum using them) is a first step in removing ideological indoctrination from schools, reads a statement on the groups website.

Francis Howell Families supported Bertrand and other members of the all-white board who have gained a conservative majority in the last two years.

The Black History and Black Literature courses were developed in the 2020-2021 school year and reviewed by teachers, administrators, the curriculum advisory council and the academic strategic planning committee before gaining board approval in July 2021. Both courses were scheduled to be evaluated in the 2024-2025 school year.

The curriculum was also created with the help of consultant LaGarrett King, former director of the Carter Center for K-12 Black History Education at the University of Missouri.

When we think about social studies education, its teaching students who is human and how to treat people humanely. Its not trying to make kids patriotic or make kids hate America, its to help kids see their humanity, King told the Post-Dispatch in 2021.

The Black Literature course focuses on contemporary and multi-genre literary works of Black authors and will celebrate the dignity and identity of Black voices with a goal of allowing students to further their understanding of their identity, as well as deepen their awareness and understanding of Black peoples cultures and identities, according to the course description.

In the Black History course, students will gain a Black historical consciousness and will become equipped as engaged citizens working toward an equitable democracy.

The proposal to drop the curriculum is the latest in a series of racial conflicts in Francis Howell. Earlier this year, the school board voted to rescind the districts anti-racism resolution that was adopted in 2020.

The Resolution in Response to Racism and Discrimination called for racial healing, especially for our Black and brown students and families.

The resolution was adopted about two months after thousands of protesters marched three miles down Mid Rivers Mall Drive following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The protesters called for changes to Francis Howells curriculum, hiring practices and discipline policies they said discriminated against students and staff of color.

Black students make up less than 8% of the enrollment across Francis Howells 19 schools. The district has drawn attention for racial issues at least since 2013, when residents bristled at the state-mandated transfer of students from the unaccredited Normandy school district. The curriculum for the Black History course includes the transfer law and its repercussions for Normandy students.
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri lawmakers will soon consider one Republicans plan to block taxpayer-funded reparation initiatives, potentially setting up a showdown with the city of St. Louis as local officials debate monetary payments for past slavery and racism.

Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, filed a proposal ahead of the new legislative session banning taxpayer-paid reparations on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or economic class.

Sparks said his measure is partially a reaction to discussion of possible monetary reparations in St. Louis. He added he was also responding to the attempt by those in power to use an issue like race to further their own agenda by dividing one group of people against another. Its wrong.

Sparks measure could gain more attention as a commission Mayor Tishaura O. Jones created last year to study reparations for slavery and anti-Black discrimination prepares to make recommendations in the new year.

Throughout public meetings, residents have encouraged the commission to call for cash payments to make amends for past actions.

St. Louis Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, a former state representative elected to the Board of Aldermen this year, said a good conversation was happening in the city about why reparations are important and how funds can be used in historically disinvested communities.

When you uplift one community, its going to ultimately benefit all of us, Aldridge said.

But its unclear whether the commission will call for, and whether Jones would support, monetary payments for reparations.

We will revisit the discussion once they provide their study and recommendations, said Nick Dunne, spokesman for Jones.

Asked about Sparks proposal, Dunne said the mayors office doesnt comment on proposals filed ahead of the upcoming legislative session, which begins Jan. 4.

Discussions of reparations for historical injustices have gained steam in recent years, with left-leaning cities and states such as California and New York taking the lead on the issue.

But in Missouri, the conservative state Legislature has been active in pushing back against liberal cities. Sparks bill is the latest continuation of that theme.

Not every attention-grabbing measure that restricts cities ultimately becomes law.

More recently, Republican lawmakers backed away from moves to appoint a special prosecutor for St. Louis, and to place the police department under state control.

Accusations of racism factored into debate this year on the special prosecutor, as Republicans prevented Black Democrats from speaking on the measure to partially dislodge the citys first Black circuit attorney.

Republicans last session also retreated from efforts to bar state spending on diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives, and to restrict history lessons on race, amid deep resistance from Democrats.

The terms reparations and taxpayer dollars are not defined in Sparks two-sentence proposal, which is likely to be amended if House GOP leadership decides to advance it.

Rep. Jim Murphy, a south St. Louis County Republican, said he would have to examine Sparks bill before deciding whether to support it.

Id have to look at the details, Murphy said. Generally speaking, Im in favor of taxpayer money staying for the purpose that its collected, which is to give services to all the taxpayers involved.

Rep. Brad Christ, R-south St. Louis County, in a statement criticized the St. Louis reparations commission and said he had not read Sparks bill.

Instead of wasting their time and taxpayer resources on this, the mayor and her political allies should be focused on modernizing the citys outdated tax code and combatting crime, Christ said.

Even though St. Louis leaders are now considering reparations, officials took a first step in that direction in 2022 when Jones signed legislation creating a voluntary reparations fund.

City residents are able to donate to the reparations fund by adding to their annual property tax bills or quarterly refuse and water bills.

The balance as of Tuesday stood at $1,399 and no disbursements had been made, according to the city comptrollers office.

The legislation is House Bill 1697.
RAFAH, Gaza Strip  More than half a million people in Gaza  a quarter of the population  are starving, according to a report Thursday by the U.N. and other agencies that highlights the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel's bombardment and siege on the territory in response to Hamas' Oct. 7 attack.

The extent of the population's hunger eclipsed even the near-famines in Afghanistan and Yemen of recent years, according to figures in the report. The report warned that the risk of famine is "increasing each day," blaming the hunger on insufficient aid entering Gaza.

"It doesn't get any worse," said Arif Husain, chief economist for the U.N.'s World Food Program. "I have never seen something at the scale that is happening in Gaza. And at this speed."

Israel says it is in the final stages of clearing out Hamas militants from northern Gaza but months of fighting lie ahead in the south.

The war sparked by Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 rampage and hostage-taking in Israel has killed almost 20,000 Palestinians. Some 1.9 million Gaza residents  more than 80% of the population  have been driven from their homes, and many of them are crammed into U.N. shelters.

The war also pushed Gaza's health sector into collapse. Only nine of its 36 health facilities are still partially functioning, all located in the south, according to the World Health Organization.

WHO relief workers on Thursday reported "unbearable" scenes in two hospitals they visited in northern Gaza: Bedridden patients with untreated wounds cry out for water, the few remaining doctors and nurses have no supplies, and bodies are lined up in the courtyard.

Bombardment and fighting continued Thursday, and internet and communications that had been knocked out for several days gradually began to return across the territory.

The U.N. Security Council on Thursday again delayed a vote on a watered-down resolution to deliver desperately needed aid to Gaza  a revision backed by the United States, while other countries support a stronger text that would include the now eliminated call for the urgent suspension of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. A vote is now expected Friday.

Thursday's report from the U.N. underscored the failure of weeks of U.S. efforts to ensure greater aid reaches Palestinians.

At the start of the war, Israel stopped all deliveries of food, water, medicine and fuel into the territory. After U.S. pressure, it allowed a trickle of aid in through Egypt. But U.N. agencies say only 10% of Gaza's food needs has been entering for weeks.

This week, Israel began allowing aid to enter Gaza through its Kerem Shalom crossing, which boosted the number of trucks entering from about 100 a day to about 190 on Wednesday, according to the U.N.

But an Israeli strike Thursday morning hit the Palestinian side of the crossing, forcing the U.N. to stop its pickups of aid there, according to Juliette Touma, spokesperson of UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees.

At least four staff members at the crossing were killed, a nearby hospital reported.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Israel has been working to increase its inspection of aid trucks to 300 or 400 a day and blamed the U.N. for failures in delivery. The amount of aid could triple "if the U.N., instead of complaining all day, would do its job," he said, without elaborating on what more the U.N. should be doing.

Egypt's Rafah crossing has limited capacity for trucks to cross. U.N. officials say delivery of aid within much of Gaza has become difficult or impossible because of fighting, and more than 130 U.N. personnel have been killed.

The report released Thursday by 23 U.N. and nongovernmental agencies found that the entire population in Gaza is in food crisis, with 576,600 at catastrophic  or starvation  levels.

"It is a situation where pretty much everybody in Gaza is hungry," said Husain, the World Food Program economist. "People are very, very close to large outbreaks of disease because their immune systems have become so weak because they don't have enough nourishment."

Hundreds of people lined up at a soup kitchen in the southern Gaza town of Rafah on Thursday, waving cups and pots, waiting for soup to be served from huge vats hanging over wood fires. Rafah, by the Egypt border, is one of the few places that receives regular aid deliveries.

Israel vows to continue the offensive until it destroys Hamas' military capabilities and returns scores of hostages captured by Palestinian militants. Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people that day, Israel says, and captured about 240 others.

The United States continues to support Israel's campaign while also urging greater efforts to protect civilians. The U.S. says it wants Israel to shift to more targeted operations aimed at Hamas leaders and the group's tunnel network.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Tuesday the death toll since the start of the war grew to more than 19,600. It does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

On Wednesday, the WHO delivered supplies to Ahli and Shifa hospitals in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops have demolished vast swaths of the city while fighting Hamas militants.

Israeli forces raided a series of health facilities in the north in recent weeks, detaining men for interrogation and expelling others. On Thursday, troops stormed the Palestinian Red Crescent's ambulance center in the Jabaliya refugee camp, taking away paramedics and ambulance crews, the group said.
The International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA) has signed an agreement with AV Globale, a Dubai-based ICA member, to establish the ICA GemBureau Middle East. The Dubai-based dedicated facility is designed to meet the needs of ICA members and trade representatives, including those based in the Middle East and overseas.

As part of its continuing effort to support the coloured gemstone industry, the ICA works to partner with industry bodies and organisations worldwide to set up GemBureaus, which provide ICA members with information, knowledge, and expertise about coloured gemstones.

The ICA GemBureau Middle East will offer members fully equipped business centre facilities, qualified administrative staff, and promotional support to conduct GemBureau activities. Open to all ICA members and members of the regional and international gems trade, GemBureau Middle East will host ICA member meetings and will be the centralised point of access in the region for all matters related to ICA. It will also represent the association at relevant trade shows and industry events.

Material support

GemBureaus allow the ICA to more effectively further our Associations mission, strengthens our direct contact with our members, and provides our members access to the materials and services that improve their businesses, says Douglas Hucker, ICA CEO. To accomplish this, we rely upon the generous material support provided by ICA members like AV Globale.

ICA, a non-profit trade association that represents the international coloured gemstone industry, has over six hundred members in forty-six countries worldwide. Earlier this year, a reflection of the importance of Dubai to the international coloured gemstones trade, ICA held its biennial Congress in the emirate, which met with resounding success.

We are delighted to be partnering with AV Globale in this joint venture and very grateful to Ashish Vijay and the team at AV said ICA President Damien Cody, ICA recognises the importance of Dubai as a new trading hub not only for coloured gemstones but also for diamonds, precious metals, and pearls. Having an ICA GemBureau providing services in the region is a big win, not only for ICA members but for the entire gem industry.

At the forefront

ICA has always been at the forefront when it comes to overall development and growth of the international-coloured gemstone sector, and it is our privilege to be associated with the activities of ICA in Dubai as well as internationally, said Ashish Vijay. In the capacity of ICA Director - UAE, I believe it is also my responsibility to help build avenues that will strengthen the gemstone industry and will underline the core values of the ICA. The Gem Bureau in DUBAI is one such initiative to develop the gemstone trade in the UAE and the middle eastern region as well.

In the near future, AV Globale also plans to initiate trade development activities such as B2B networking events, Coloured Gemstone Tenders, New Membership drives, Educational Seminars related to gemstones, and we are sure ICA members will find tremendous value from these programmes in Dubai.--TradeArabia News Service
A resident displays a thermometer showing real-time room temperature at her home in Baota District of Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

A staff member of a local thermal power company inspects heating facilities in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

A staff member of a local thermal power company inspects heating facilities in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

Hotline staff members work at the heating company under Ningxia Electric Power Investment Group in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Staff members of the heating company under Ningxia Electric Power Investment Group monitor heating data in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Staff members monitor real-time data at the control room of a branch company of Hefei Thermal Power in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Photo by Chen Sanhu/Xinhua)

This aerial photo taken on Dec. 21, 2023 shows a staff member inspecting heating facilities at a thermal power plant in Rongcheng City, east China's Shandong Province. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Photo by Li Xinjun/Xinhua)

A staff member works at the main power house of a branch company of Hefei Thermal Power in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Photo by Chen Sanhu/Xinhua)

This aerial photo taken on Dec. 21, 2023 shows a staff member transporting coal at a thermal power plant in Rongcheng City, east China's Shandong Province. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Photo by Li Xinjun/Xinhua)

Staff members of the heating company under Ningxia Electric Power Investment Group inspect heating facilities in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

A thermometer shows real-time room temperature in a residential community in Wenxian County of Jiaozuo City, central China's Henan Province, on Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Photo by Xu Hongxing/Xinhua)

Staff members record data at a gas supply station of a natural gas company in Guangshan County of Xinyang City, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Photo by Xie Wanbai/Xinhua)

A staff member maintains gas supply line of a natural gas company in Guangshan County of Xinyang City, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Photo by Xie Wanbai/Xinhua)

A staff member of a local thermal power company inspects heating facilities at a residential community in Baota District of Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

A staff member (R) of a local thermal power company measures room temperature at a resident's home in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Dec. 21, 2023. As a strong cold wave sweeps across most parts of China, heating companies are making efforts to provide effective heating services to the people in winter. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)
WASHINGTON  In only two years, a small, colorful vaping device called Elf Bar has become the most popular disposable e-cigarette in the world, generating billions in sales and quickly emerging as the overwhelming favorite of underage U.S. teens who vape.

Last week, U.S. authorities publicly announced the first seizure of some of the companys products, part of an operation confiscating 1.4 million illegal, flavored e-cigarettes from China. Officials pegged the value of the items at $18 million, including brands other than Elf Bar.

But the makers of Elf Bar and other Chinese e-cigarettes have imported products worth hundreds of millions of dollars while repeatedly dodging customs and avoiding taxes and import fees, according to public records and court documents reviewed by The Associated Press.

Records show the makers of disposable vapes routinely mislabel their shipments as battery chargers, flashlights and other items, hampering efforts to block products that are driving teen vaping.

Elf Bar is the lead product of Shenzhen iMiracle, a privately held company based in Shenzhen, the sprawling Chinese manufacturing hub.

In the U.S., iMiracle recently abandoned the Elf Bar name due to a trademark dispute and efforts by regulators to seize its imports. Instead, its products are sold as EB Create.

A spokesman for iMiracle said the company stopped shipping Elf Bar to U.S. earlier this year and is trying to comply with regulators.

When asked about EB Create e-cigarettes he said: I cant tell you anything about that.

Details on the companys U.S. sales and activities are beginning to emerge in court documents.

At a 2022 court hearing in the case over the company's name, U.S. distributors described skyrocketing sales.

Jon Glauser of Demand Vape told a federal judge his company had sold more than $132 million worth of Elf Bar products last year.

We were selling it faster than we could get it in, Glauser said, according to the court transcript.

Glauser attributed Elf Bars quick rise to its profit margin. Sellers make about a 30% profit, double that of other disposable e-cigarettes.

IMiracles parent company, Heaven Gifts, previously described how it could help customers evade import fees and taxes. Heaven Gifts website advertised discreet shipping methods to buyers, including not mentioning e-cigarettes or its company name anywhere on the package.

We also mark a lower value to avoid tax, the website stated.

In June, Heaven Gifts announced it would go offline, after the FDA directed customs officials to begin seizing shipments from the company.

Neither Heaven Gifts nor iMiracle appear in customs data reviewed by the AP and compiled by ImportGenius, an analytics company.

The seizure announced last week suggests part of the answer: The shipments arrived at Los Angeles International Airport, and air carriers are not required to disclose the same details about their cargo as ocean vessels.

Ships docking in the U.S. must provide information on suppliers, recipients and types of cargo they are carrying. But importers can obscure their identities and products.

For example, recipient information is listed as not available for roughly 45 of over 100 shipments of e-cigarettes from China this year, according ImportGenius data. U.S. companies can avoid disclosure by using third-party shippers, called freight forwarders.

Its likely most disposable e-cigarettes coming into the U.S. arent even declared as vaping products.

Esco Bars, one of Elf Bars chief rivals, imported 30 shipments from China this year labeled atomizers, a generic type of hardware that turns a liquid into a spray.

The rise in illicit e-commerce demands that our agencies remain vigilant in intercepting shipments that could pose serious health risks to the public, Troy Miller, a senior official with the border agency, said in a release.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said that agency was committed to continuing to stem the flow of illegal e-cigarettes.

Chinas vaping sector is estimated to be worth $28 billion, and the U.S. accounts for nearly 60% of the countrys vape exports, according to the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce.

Chinese authorities have encouraged those exports while at the same time curtailing the countrys domestic vaping business.

The government brought vaping companies under control of its state-run tobacco administration last year, banning all flavors except tobacco.

Authorities cited safety issues around unsafe additives," and other risks. But experts point to another cause. The China National Tobacco Corp. is the largest tobacco company in the world. In cooperation with its regulatory arm, the Tobacco Monopoly Administration, the entity controls the manufacture of all cigarettes made in China.

The tobacco administration says, Well, every e-cigarette sold means one less cigarette smoked, so they are going to regulate the hell out of them now, said Dr. Ray Yip, a former director of the Gates Foundations China program.

Elf Bar-maker Shenzhen iMiracle is among the companies that have built their entire business on exports.

In late 2021, the company began shipping to the U.S. to exploit a regulatory loophole: The FDA had prohibited kid-appealing flavors from reusable vapes, such as Juul, but not disposable ones.

25 most commonly used recreational drugs in America America's vices: Alcohol, tobacco and more From alcohol to cigarettes, most adults have tried some form of recreational drug. Fewer people have experimented with prescription medication for recreational reasons, but certain areas of the country are experiencing a serious problem with opoid addiction. Other drugs like cocaine and LSD, are used sporadically among adults in the U.S. Using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive, the experts at HealthGrove, a health data site, ranked the 25 most commonly used recreational drugs. The substances are ordered by the increasing percentage of people age 12 and over who used the drug recreationally in 2015. In the case of a tie, the drug with a higher classification by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is ranked higher. To collect this data, SAMHDA conducts the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in which they record use of illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the U.S. population aged 12 or older. It is important to note that this data only includes recreational use of drugs, not proper medical use. Drugs that are legal, alcohol and tobacco, have the highest recreational use. According to the survey, nearly one in five people over the age of 12 also used marijuana in 2015. As the drug becomes legal in more states, recreational use is likely to increase. Other Schedule I drugs (drugs determined to have no medical benefit by the DEA) including heroin and DMT had a recreational prevalence rate of less than 1 percent in 2015. Note: Not all images in slideshow depict the exact drugs. #25. Ketamine Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.17 percent

Drug category: Hallucinogen

DEA Schedule: III

Common forms: Liquid, powder #24. Oxymorphone Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.18 percent

Drug category: Opioid

DEA Schedule: II

Common forms: Tablet #23. DMT Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.2 percent

Drug category: Hallucinogen

DEA Schedule: I

Common forms: Powder, crystal #22. Carisoprodol (Soma) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.21 percent

Drug category: Tranquilzer

DEA Schedule: IV

Common forms: Pill #21. Methadone Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.23 percent

Drug category: Opioid

DEA Schedule: II

Common forms: Tablet, dispersible tablet, liquid #20. Lorazepam (Ativan) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.33 percent

Drug category: Sedative

DEA Schedule: IV

Common forms: Pill, capsule, liquid #19. Morphine Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.37 percent

Drug category: Opioid

DEA Schedule: II

Common forms: Tablet, liquid, capsule, suppository #18. Buprenorphine Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.38 percent

Drug category: Opioid

DEA Schedule: III

Common forms: Pill #17. Heroin Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.39 percent

Drug category: Opioid

DEA Schedule: I

Common forms: Powder, tar #16. Zolpidem (Ambien) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.45 percent

Drug category: Sedative

DEA Schedule: IV

Common forms: Pill, capsule, liquid #15. Diazepam (Valium) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.54 percent

Drug category: Tranquilzer

DEA Schedule: IV

Common forms: Pill, capsule, liquid #14. Clonazepam (Klonopin) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.6 percent

Drug category: Tranquilzer

DEA Schedule: IV

Common forms: Pill #13. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.61 percent

Drug category: Stimulant

DEA Schedule: II

Common forms: Liquid, tablet, capsule #12. Methamphetamine Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.68 percent

Drug category: Stimulant

DEA Schedule: II

Common forms: Powder, pill, crystal #11. Tramadol Recreational use prevalence (2015): 0.77 percent

Drug category: Opioid

DEA Schedule: IV

Common forms: Pill #10. LSD Recreational use prevalence (2015): 1.07 percent

Drug category: Hallucinogen

DEA Schedule: I

Common forms: Tablet, capsule, liquid, paper #9. MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 1.5 percent

Drug category: Hallucinogen

DEA Schedule: I

Common forms: Tablet, capsule, liquid #8. Alprazolam (Xanax) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 2.05 percent

Drug category: Tranquilzer

DEA Schedule: IV

Common forms: Pill, capsule, liquid #7. Oxycodone (OxyContin) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 2.05 percent

Drug category: Opioid

DEA Schedule: II

Common forms: Capsule, liquid, tablet #6. Cocaine Recreational use prevalence (2015): 2.19 percent

Drug category: Stimulant

DEA Schedule: II

Common forms: Powder, crystal #5. Amphetamine (Adderall) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 2.8 percent

Drug category: Stimulant

DEA Schedule: II

Common forms: Tablet, capsule #4. Hydrocodone (Vicodin) Recreational use prevalence (2015): 3.17 percent

Drug category: Opioid

DEA Schedule: II

Common forms: Pill #3. Marijuana Recreational use prevalence (2015): 17.68 percent

Drug category: Depressant

DEA Schedule: I

Common forms: Plant, resin, oil #2. Tobacco Recreational use prevalence (2015): 31.1 percent

Drug category: Stimulant

DEA Schedule: N/A

Common forms: Cigarette, cigar, bidi, hookah, snuff, chew #1. Alcohol Recreational use prevalence (2015): 61.42 percent

Drug category: Depressant

DEA Schedule: N/A

Common forms: Liquid
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  A Kansas City-area man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal criminal charges accusing him of conspiring with a business partner to illegally export aviation-related technology to Russia, even after its invasion of Ukraine.

Douglas Edward Robertson's plea to 26 criminal counts came a day after his business partner, Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, pleaded guilty to two of those charges and agreed to the U.S. government's seizure of $500,000 of assets, most of them held by their company, KanRus Trading Co.

Prosecutors have alleged that KanRus supplied aircraft electronics to Russian companies and offered repair services for equipment used in Russian-manufactured aircraft. Buyanovksy, 60, was the company's founder and president, and Robertson, 56, was its vice president.

Their arrests in March came as the U.S. ramped up sanctions and financial penalties on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Along with thousands of sanctions on people and companies, export controls were designed to limit Russian access to computer chips and other products for equipping a modern military.

Branden Bell, a Kansas City, Missouri, attorney representing Robertson, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment following a court hearing Wednesday in Kansas City, Kansas. The U.S. Department of Justice, which is handling questions about the case, did not immediately respond to an email.

Robertson is from the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas. The charges against him include conspiring to commit crimes against the U.S.; exporting controlled goods without a license; falsifying and failing to file electronic export information; illegally smuggling goods; money laundering; and conspiring to launder money internationally.

Buyanovsky is from Lawrence, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Kansas City, home to the main University of Kansas campus. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty in Kansas City, Kansas, to conspiring to launder money internationally and conspiring to commit crimes against the U.S. His sentencing is scheduled for March 21, and he faces up to 25 years in prison.

The indictment against the two men alleged that since 2020, they conspired to evade U.S. export laws by concealing and misstating the true end users and destinations of their exports. Prosecutors said they shipped goods through intermediary companies in Armenia, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates and used foreign bank accounts outside Russia to funnel money from Russian customers to KanRus in the U.S.
For those who recognize Donald Trump as the looming threat to democracy that he so clearly is, the news out of Colorado on Tuesday might sound unambiguously positive. The states supreme court ruled that Trump can be barred from next years Colorado presidential primary, based on the argument that he committed insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, and is therefore ineligible to become president.

Yet as dangerous as Trump is, we must express some discomfort with this development. Whatever constitutional validity the courts ruling may or may not have will be determined as the legal process continues playing out. But either way, it could well become Exhibit A in Trumps continuing project to undermine public confidence in the fairness of Americas elections.

The 2024 cycle is already shaping up to be the most litigated presidential election in history, with the courts likely to play the most significant role they ever have in such contests. To be clear, this is entirely a symptom of the special strain of self-serving chaos with which Trump has infected the body politic.

The worst of his many offenses  his unprecedented attempt to overturn the 2020 election, resulting in the deadly mayhem of Jan. 6  has itself spawned multiple criminal and civil proceedings. Among them are actions by plaintiffs in several states who argue that Trump should be barred from the ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

That post-Civil War passage says that those who have previously sworn allegiance to the U.S., and then broken that oath by engaging in insurrection or rebellion (as in, Confederate officers or politicians), cannot ever again hold any office, civil or military.

The Colorado Supreme Court is the first to rule  ever  that a presidential candidate can be barred from the ballot based on that section.

Its ruling was the result of complex set of legal and constitutional arguments, including the partial reversal of a lower court decision, but the crux is simple: Trump swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, then violated that oath before and during the Jan. 6 insurrection, making him ineligible for the presidency and therefore excluded from the ballot.

Despite this Editorial Boards united view that Trump is fundamentally unfit for office, our discussion on the courts ruling and its potential impact turned out to be a wide-ranging and somewhat divided one.

On one hand, national presidential elections are in truth 50 separate state elections, and state courts have clear jurisdiction over them. In that sense, the Colorado Supreme Court is theoretically within its power to decide that someone who has committed insurrection against the U.S. is as disqualified for the presidential ballot of that state as, say, someone who is foreign-born or is under 35 years of age.

On the other hand, the offense for which the court has banned Trump from a ballot spot that any otherwise qualified citizen would be allowed to have  insurrection  hasnt been proven with a criminal conviction and is inherently subjective.

Its clear to us that Trump engaged in insurrection on Jan. 6. But his supporters, including sitting members of Congress, continue to maintain his innocence. Some continue to spread his big lie of a stolen election.

Thats delusional, but delusion is, sadly, a potent factor in todays political debates. If the Colorado ruling becomes precedent, it isnt difficult to imagine state supreme courts in, say Texas or Alabama ruling that the House GOPs delusional impeachment allegations against President Joe Biden are valid enough to justify excluding him from state ballots. Even though Biden hasnt been impeached and convicted, might go the argument, Trump wasnt either.

That slope could get slippery in all kinds of other ways as well. Thats why a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Colorado case is now a necessity (and a probability, given Trumps intention to appeal). Though state elections are separate, the question of what it takes to bar a candidate is in part a constitutional issue, and one that will continue roiling the coming elections state by state until its definitively settled.

Meanwhile, Trump has already begun fundraising on the Colorado ruling, using it to advance his theme of personal victimhood at the hands of a corrupt Deep State. Its corrosive nonsense that, unfortunately, millions of Americans have bought into  nonsense that the Colorado court has just confirmed, in their eyes.

In that sense, Trumps critics (and we remain solidly among them) should be careful about embracing these and any other court rulings. The victory that came out of Colorado on Tuesday could well turn out to be a pyrrhic one. The clearest and most constructive way to end the Trumpian threat is at the polling place.
The writer of the letter to the editor "Trumps record has shown effectiveness, not dictatorship" (Dec. 13) accuses the Post-Dispatch of lies and half-truths before employing that tactic himself.

Donald Trump's own words are that he would be a dictator. Trump believes he is above the law and immune from any prosecution. Countless Republicans have denounced Trump's words and actions only to lose their spine under MAGA criticism.

Even ultra-conservatives like former Vice President Mike Pence and former Rep. Liz Cheney have been cannibalized by the MAGA wing. The Supreme Court has become so partisan that many have lost faith in its impartiality with decisions that declare money to be speech and corporations people, and that remove a woman's right to control her own body.

Trump admires and praises autocrats like Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump is a threat to our democratic republic. It happened in Hitler's Germany. It's happening in Putin's Russia. It can happen in Trump's America.

Trump did not secure the border. Mexico did not pay for a wall. The mess that masquerades as U.S. immigration policy was caused by both Republicans and Democrats.

In 2023 the U.S. economy has outperformed expectations and better than most, if not all advanced world economies. President Joe Biden deserves four more years; Trump does not.

Michael Bander

St. Louis
MORGAN HILL, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / EMQ, the pioneer of the world's leading open-source MQTT messaging platform EMQX, proudly announces its latest milestone - MQTTX 1.9.7. This new release of the MQTT 5.0 client tool introduces MQTTX Copilot, a state-of-the-art AI-powered MQTT assistant. Representing a significant advancement in user interaction and convenience, MQTT Copilot is an AI assistant intricately designed to enhance user understanding and utilization of MQTT and EMQX through intuitive support.

With MQTTX Copilot, using MQTTX and EMQX becomes more accessible than ever. It streamlines testing MQTT connections, publishing and subscribing to topics, debugging, and developing MQTT applications and brokers, thereby enriching the overall MQTT experience.

Key Features of MQTTX Copilot:

OpenAI GPT Models Integration: Powered by OpenAI's GPT models, MQTTX Copilot ensures a seamless user experience. Users can configure their OpenAI API key in the MQTTX settings to fully harness the capabilities of this AI assistant. Remember to select a language model version (e.g., GPT-3.5 or GPT-4) that suits your specific needs and OpenAI API Key requirements.

Error Analysis Made Easy: Encountering an error? Simply click the "Ask Copilot" button within the error prompt, and MQTTX Copilot will assist in analyzing potential causes, guiding users through a systematic troubleshooting process.

AI-Powered Code Generation: Generate MQTT client code tailored to your current test connections with a single click. MQTTX Copilot currently supports code generation in JavaScript, Python, Java, Golang, and more, streamlining and enhancing the development process.

AI Assistance for MQTT FAQs and EMQX Tutorials: MQTTX Copilot serves to be an invaluable resource, adeptly handling MQTT-related queries and offering comprehensive tutorials on EMQX. From installation guides to usage tips, it provides solutions for prevalent issues and imparts insights on best practices, making it an indispensable tool for both beginners and experienced users alike.

Automated Test Data Generation: Simplify test payload generation with MQTTX Copilot, allowing for quick analysis and optimization of MQTT data implementations.

Insightful Connection Information: Gain valuable insights into MQTT connections with just one click, enabling effective management and optimization.

Acknowledgments and Roadmap:

EMQ sincerely thanks contributors @ni00 and @Rotzbua for their invaluable contributions! As we look to the future, exciting enhancements are on the horizon for MQTTX Copilot, including:

Stream Output

Payload Autofill

Sparkplug B Support

QoS 0 Message Storage Optimization

Enhanced MQTT Debugging Capabilities

Automatic Chart Drawing

Expanded Plugin Functionality

Avro Message Format Support

Script Test Automation

These upcoming features promise to further elevate the capabilities and user experience of MQTTX Copilot.

Join us on this exciting journey with MQTTX Copilot!

For an in-depth look at its transformative features, explore our latest blog for the detailed release notes. Discover how MQTT Copilot is reshaping MQTT technology and enhancing user experiences: Read More.

About EMQ

EMQ is a leading global provider in the MQTT-based Messaging Platform domain. Its flagship product, EMQX, is a robust and unified MQTT platform, serving as a foundational component for modern IoT solutions. It supports up to 100 million concurrent IoT device connections per cluster, boasts a throughput of up to 1 million messages per second, and ensures sub-millisecond latency. EMQX is trusted by over 20,000 enterprise users worldwide, connecting more than 100 million IoT devices, and catering to over 400 customers in critical IoT scenarios. This includes prestigious brands like HPE, VMware, Verifone, SAIC Volkswagen, and Ericsson.

EMQ's global R&D center, a hub for innovation and development, is located in Stockholm, Sweden. With over ten offices spread across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, EMQ demonstrates its extensive global reach and commitment to providing top-tier IoT solutions on a worldwide scale.

305 Vineyard Town Center, Morgan Hill, CA, USA 95037

www.emqx.com | [email protected]

Contact:

Melanie

PR Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE: EMQ Technologies Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2023 / CMC Metals Ltd. (TSXV:CMB)(Frankfurt:ZM5P)(CMCXF:OTCQB) ("CMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Sailfish Royalty Corp. ("Sailfish") has entered into a share purchase option agreement (the "Agreement") with the Company that grants the option (the "Option") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Swordfish Silver Corp. ("Swordfish"). Swordfish, through Sailfish de Mexico S.A. de C.V., holds the mineral rights of the Gavilanes silver exploration property (the "Property") located in the Municipality of San Dimas, State of Durango, Mexico. Upon entering into the Agreement, CMC reimbursed Sailfish for certain fees incurred by Sailfish with respect to the Property in the 2023 calendar year in the amount of US$27,383.

Gavilanes comprises of eleven concessions (13,594.5 hectares) located in the Sierra Madre Occidental Province in southwestern Durango. The Property has a current NI 43-101 Inferred Resource of 18,174,000 contained silver-equivalent ("Ag-Eq") ounces at an average grade of 320.3 g/t Ag-Eq within 1,765,000 tonnes (Mine Development Associates/Respec Resource Gesociences Inc., 2021). The metal prices assumed in the resource estimate were $19.00 USD/oz silver, $1,600 USD/oz gold, $3.50 USD/lb copper, and $1.00 USD/lb for lead and zinc.

Gavilanes is a low to intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposit. Limited drilling at the site has been completed over 0.2 square kilometers of veins. Recent mapping efforts by Sailfish identified more than 20 veins covering an area in excess of 15 square kilometers. It is highly probable that the identified volume of mineralized veins will be increased by drilling the dip and strike extensions of the partly drill tested Gavilanes Zone, and early stage detailed mapping of the Central and Western Zones. Gavilanes is located 23 km northeast of the San Dimas/Tayoltita mine operated by First Majestic Silver Corp and shares many geological and mineralogical similarities with the mine deposit. Previous exploration on the Property includes a total of 61 diamond drill holes (13,011.25 meters). A majority of the drill core exists in storage at the site and is in superb condition. These factors, along with many others, highlight the significant exploration potential of the property. Descriptions of the property potential are included within various technical reports and recent studies which will be placed on the Company website (www.cmcmetals.ca).

The project has a drill permit from SEMARNAT to complete up to 4,650 meters of drilling. Plans are underway to complete 3,000 meters of step-out drilling from the identified resource as recommended by the 2021 NI 43-101 study. Phase 2 of the project envisions an additional 15,000 meters of diamond drill core definition in all three mineralized zones on the property, including the Gavilanes, Central and Western Zones.

Surface rights in the core area are held by the Ejido Los Gavilanes, a communal agrarian cooperative who have established exploration agreements with previous operators. The Company is meeting with the Ejido in the coming days to initiate negotiations for an exploration agreement.

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, in order to exercise the Option and maintain the Option in good standing, CMC shall make a series of cash payments, issue common shares in the capital of CMC ("CMC Shares") and incur certain exploration expenditures on the Property (collectively, "Option Payments"), as follows:

CMC shall pay to Sailfish cash payments totaling US$3,500,000 in accordance with the following schedule:



a. US$500,000 on or before March 31, 2024;

b. US$500,000 on or before March 31, 2025;

c. US$500,000 on or before March 31, 2026; and

d. US$2,000,000 on or before March 31, 2027; CMC shall issue CMC Shares in accordance with the following schedule:



a. 1,000,000 CMC Shares upon acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") of the Agreement;

b. $700,000 in CMC Shares on or before March 31, 2024 calculated based on the greater of

(i) $0.05 per CMC Share; and (ii) the 10-day volume weighted average price of the CMC Shares immediately prior to issuance; and

c. $500,000 in CMC Shares on or before March 31, 2025 calculated based on the greater of (i) $0.05 per CMC Share; and (ii) the 10-day volume weighted average price of the CMC Shares immediately prior to issuance; CMC shall incur and pay for total exploration expenditures of C$5,000,000 in respect of the Property (including 10,000 meters of new drilling) in accordance with the following schedule:



a. C$1,000,000 on or before March 31, 2025;

b. C$1,500,000 on or before March 31, 2026; and

c. C$2,500,000 on or before March 31, 2027.

On or before exercise of the Option, CMC and Sailfish will enter into a net smelter returns royalty agreement with respect to the Property which grants Sailfish:

a 1.5% net smelter returns royalty on unencumbered grounds with an option for CMC to buy-back 1.0% of the net smelter returns royalty for $3,000,000; and a 0.5% net smelter returns royalty on encumbered grounds.

CMC may, in lieu of making further Option Payments, immediately exercise the Option by: (a) paying to Sailfish US$4,000,000 in cash on or before the first anniversary of TSXV acceptance of the Agreement; or (b) paying to Sailfish US$3,500,000 in cash after the first anniversary of TSXV acceptance of the Agreement. CMC will act as operator during the option period and will be responsible for all rates, taxes, duties, royalties, assessments and fees levied after the date of the Agreement with respect to the Property or CMC's operations thereon. The Agreement and proposed issuances of CMC Shares remain subject to acceptance by the TSXV. The Company paid a finders' fees in connection with the Agreement.

Mr. John Bossio, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company notes "This acquisition is the culmination of a detailed due diligence effort involving the completion of independent exploration appraisals, reviews of numerous legal documents, and a geo-political evaluation of the San Dimas region. The entire Board has been heavily involved in examining the potential of this acquisition and I would like to thank them for their efforts. Our Board is highly confident that the Gavilanes project will provide significant value generation to our shareholders who have supported us through the years."

Mr. Kevin Brewer, President and CEO notes "Gavilanes is a super growth opportunity for CMC. Assets like this with a solid resource base, huge exploration upside potential, and a drill permit are very difficult to find and acquire. Gavilanes, along with our Rancheria Silver properties, now provides CMC with a year-round ability to explore and drill high quality silver polymetallic projects in North America. I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to Sailfish who have worked diligently with us to make this project a reality."

Qualified Person

Qualified Person Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist, is the Company's President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has given his approval of the technical information pertaining reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data.

About CMC Metals Ltd.

CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for high grade polymetallic deposits in Mexico, Yukon, British Columbia and Newfoundland. Our new flagship project is the Gavilanes Silver-Gold Project, San Dimas, Durango, Mexico. Our polymetallic silver-lead-zinc CRD prospects in the Rancheria Silver District include the Silverknife and Amy projects (British Columbia) and the Silver Hart Deposit and Blue Heaven claims (Yukon). Our polymetallic projects with potential for copper-silver-gold and other metals include Bridal Veil (Newfoundland) and Logjam (Yukon).

On behalf of the Board:

"John Bossio"

John Bossio, Chairman,

Board of Directors

CMC METALS LTD.

For Further Information and Investor Inquiries:

Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc.(Hons), Dip. Mine Eng.

President, CEO and Director

Tel: (+52) 669 198 8503

[email protected]

Suite 1000-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2

To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email to [email protected] or contact Mr. Kevin Brewer directly.

References

Mine Development Associates/Respec and Resource Geosciences Incorporated, 2021. CSA NI 43-101 Technical Report and Estimate of Mineral Resources, Gavilanes Silver Project, San Dimas Municipality, Durango, Mexico , Authors: Dr. Matthew D. Gray and Derrick Unger. 128pp.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

"This news release may contain certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles and exploitation activities and developments. In this release disclosure regarding the potential to undertake future exploration work comprise forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks, including the ability of the Company to raise the funds necessary to fund its projects, to carry out the work and, accordingly, may not occur as described herein or at all. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, the impact of the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are referred to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators for information on these and other risk factors, available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation."

SOURCE: CMC Metals Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GBU) ("Gabriel" or the "Company") announces the expiry of 80,702,475 outstanding warrants to purchase common shares at a price of $0.49 per share (each a "2018 Warrant"). The Company has received no consideration in respect of those 2018 Warrants which lapsed unexercised.

Gabriel has the following securities outstanding:

1,035,105,440 common shares;

871,400 warrants which are exercisable at a price of $0.39 and expire on December 23, 2023;

25,723,372 warrants which are exercisable at a price of $0.49 and expire on January 15, 2024;

76,504,263 warrants which are exercisable at a price of $0.645 and expire on August 23, 2024; and

5,225,970 warrants which are exercisable at a price of $0.645 and expire on September 13, 2024.

For information on this press release, please contact:

Dragos Tanase

President & CEO

Phone: +40 730 399 019

[email protected] Richard Brown

Chief Financial Officer

Mobile: +44 7748 760276

[email protected]

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Gabriel

Gabriel is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's principal business had been the exploration and development of the Rosia Montana gold and silver project in Romania. The Rosia Montana Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe, is situated in the South Apuseni Mountains of Transylvania, Romania, an historic and prolific mining district that since pre-Roman times has been mined intermittently for over 2,000 years. The exploitation license for the Rosia Montana Project is held by Rosia Montana Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest Rosia Montana S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company.

Upon obtaining the License in June 1999, the Group focused substantially all of their management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Rosia Montana Project. Despite the Company's fulfilment of its legal obligations and its development of the Rosia Montana Project as a high-quality, sustainable and environmentally-responsible mining project, using best available techniques, Romania has unlawfully blocked and prevented implementation of the Rosia Montana Project without due process and without compensation. Accordingly, the Company's current core focus is the ICSID Arbitration. For more information please visit the Company's website at www.gabrielresources.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements.

In this press release, forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein.

Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors including those set out below, that may never materialize, prove incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "potential", "possible" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation,the ability to obtain stock exchange approval, where applicable, to effect the grant of rights. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and investors should not infer that there has been no change in the Company's affairs since the date of this press release that would warrant any modification of any forward-looking statement made in this document, other documents periodically filed with or furnished to the relevant securities regulators or documents presented on the Company's website. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to the Company's disclosure obligations under applicable Canadian securities regulations. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies which can be viewed online at www.sedarplus.ca.

SOURCE: Gabriel Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
In a fragmented industry, Triago will join Houlihan Lokey's Private Funds Group, forming a one-stop-shop for all the financial needs of private equity managers & investors.

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Leading private equity advisory firm Triago signed a definitive agreement on December 20, 2023 to be acquired by Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE: HLI), the global investment bank. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2024, following customary regulatory approvals.

Founded in Paris in 1992 as one of the world's first private equity placement agents, and with a 50-person staff operating from offices in New York, San Diego, London, Paris and Dubai, Triago will join with Houlihan Lokey's Private Funds Group ("PFG"), creating a fully integrated global operation and the market-leading private capital advisory platform.

Antoine Drean, Triago founder and Chairman, will become Chairman Emeritus in the expanded Houlihan Lokey Private Funds Group while Triago's Global CEO, Matt Swain, will become Head of Direct Placements and Secondaries in the PFG unit. Following the completion of the transaction, the merged private equity advisory activities will operate under the Houlihan Lokey name.

"Everything that this acquisition achieves for both parties boils down to providing better client service," said Drean. "That's the best way to ensure the long-term expansion of our already fast-growing private equity advisory teams." "Merging with Houlihan Lokey means we can offer every conceivable financial service that a private equity fund manager or an investor might need or could desire," said Swain. "Like us, Houlihan Lokey has an entrepreneurial culture and they operate in our sweet spot in terms of deal size."

Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1972, Houlihan Lokey is a leader in corporate finance, financial restructuring, and valuation services. In 2022, the firm ranked as the #1 investment banking advisor for all global M&A transactions under US$1 billion. Houlihan Lokey also has established itself as a premier advisor to the financial sponsor and alternative assets community, with a dedicated Financial Sponsors coverage team, global private Capital Markets group, Private Funds Group, and valuation and other services dedicated to serving hundreds of financial sponsors, hedge funds, credit managers, and others in the alternative capital space.

"We could not be more excited to bring the Triago team on board, allowing us to deliver a truly comprehensive suite of world-class services to both general and limited Partners. With PFG's newly expanded capabilities alongside our outstanding Capital Markets advisory team, our deep Financial Sponsors coverage group, and other partners across the firm, allied with the client-centric focus of our firm, we are now better-positioned than ever to serve Private Capital clients, and are now among the absolute best advisors in this increasingly important asset class," said Scott Adelson, Co-President and Co-Head of Corporate Finance at Houlihan Lokey.

"As a result of this consolidation, we will be the only fully-integrated advisory platform offering clients Primary, Secondary, Directs and GP Advisory services on a global basis," said Andy Lund, Co-Head of Houlihan Lokey's Private Funds Group. "Of particular note, we're integrating Triago's private equity Directs team, the largest of its kind in the world, in what's widely considered the fastest growing space in private equity." Direct private equity transactions focus on an identified asset and are organized outside of traditional blind-pool funds or co-investment programs. They typically offer greater influence and agency to investors than traditional funds or more passively structured co-investments.

In the past five years, Triago has grown across all its business lines, which include capital raising for funds and directs; private equity secondary transactions (both sales of limited partner-owned stakes and general partner-led deals); and strategic advisory (mostly manager M&A or other forms of capital raising against management company equity).

About Triago - With offices in New York, London, Paris, Dubai and San Diego, Triago provides capital raising services, secondary transaction advisory, and strategic solutions for general partners and limited partners seeking to optimize success in the global private equity market. Founded in 1992 as one of the first PE fund placement agents, Triago has completed over 200 fundraisings and over 30 direct financings on six continents. Triago has advised on the transfer of more than 3,500 PE fund stakes on the secondary market on behalf of some 200 clients across the world. The group has also undertaken more than 50 strategic advisory mandates for general partners and limited partners looking to launch, boost or restructure PE operations. Triago's fastest growing and largest business today is private equity directs. http://www.triago.com

About Houlihan Lokey - Houlihan Lokey Inc, (NYSE: HLI) is a global investment bank with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory. Houlihan Lokey serves corporations, institutions, and governments worldwide with offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. Independent advice and intellectual rigor are hallmarks of the firm's commitment to client success across its advisory services. The firm is the No. 1 investment bank for global M&A transactions under $1 billion, the No. 1 M&A advisor for the past eight consecutive years in the U.S., the No. 1 global restructuring advisor for the past nine consecutive years, and the No. 1 global M&A fairness opinion advisor over the past 25 years, all based on number of transactions and according to data provided by Refinitiv.

Triago Advisors

Financial - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a Stifel Company

Legal - Willkie Farr & Gallagher; Mayer Brown

Contact Information

David Lanchner

Head of Communications

[email protected]

+33 6 33 43 50 76

SOURCE: Triago

View the original press release on newswire.com.
A Fusion of Urban Subculture and Hotel Sophistication - The Group Unveils the Hostel of Tomorrow in the Heart of Shibuya

TOKYO, JAPAN / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2023 / Global Agents, a foremost Japanese hospitality powerhouse celebrated for curating the distinctive LIVELY HOTELS collection, proudly announces the upcoming launch of HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA. As part of the unique ensemble of boutique hotels across Japan, LIVELY HOTELS continues its legacy of redefining hospitality experiences. Set to open its doors in February 2024, HOTEL GRAPHY promises an immersive experience at the intersection of modern hotel sophistication and the dynamic spirit found in overseas hostels. Nestled in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, this innovative property represents a paradigm shift in urban hospitality experiences, with reservations for lodging scheduled to begin around late January 2024.









The hotel boasts a 24-hour lounge, a top-floor terrace with captivating views of Ebisu and Daikanyama, a billiard room, and a self-service refreshment corner with free hot drinks. The first-floor lobby doubles as a spacious restaurant and bar space, featuring complimentary beer during the daily Happy Hour. Here, travelers can connect with locals while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The "Graphic Grill & Bar" restaurant offers a unique twist on the American diner experience, providing visually pleasing dishes and drinks designed to create a buzz among patrons.

Embracing the changing work landscape, HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA will also offer a co-working service, ".andwork," providing freelancers and remote workers with a dynamic base for their professional endeavors.

With a total of 74 rooms ranging from standard to unique dormitories, HOTEL GRAPHY caters to travelers seeking an authentic yet diverse accommodation experience by seamlessly blending the perks of a modern hotel with the financial advantage and rich human interaction opportunities synonymous with hostels. Budget-friendly rates between 6,000 and 20,000 yen ensure accessibility for both hostel aficionados and those eager to explore the energetic hostel atmosphere.

Situated on the redeveloped "Shibuya Bridge," the hotel pays homage to the elevated railroad tracks of the former Tokyu Toyoko Line, expressing its history through graphic art and utilizing the former tracks as a key visual throughout the space. The location serves as a testament to the revitalization of Shibuya, connecting it with Daikanyama and creating a vibrant atmosphere in the southern area of the district. The unique design incorporates elements of Shibuya's history and the old railway, with "rails" as a central visual theme throughout the hotel. Graphic art depicting the past of the elevated railway line and the evolution of Shibuya enhances the guest experience, providing valuable insights into the rich history of the location.

As a part of the renowned LIVELY HOTELS collection, known for its six brands and 11 hotels across Japan, HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA expands the footprint to 12 locations. Following the success of "The Millennials" Shibuya, famous for its groundbreaking "SmartPod" sleeping units that have attracted waves of overseas guests and media, HOTEL GRAPHY aims to establish a new genre of the "hostel hotel" fusion in the trendsetting district of Shibuya.

Founded in 2005, Global Agents, the parent company of LIVELY HOTELS, has experienced tremendous success in Japan's rental market, notably with their brand of co-living spaces, Social Apartment. The consolidation of six lifestyle hotel brands under the name LIVELY HOTELS in 2020 solidified their position as a prominent player in Japan's hospitality industry. With a current portfolio of 11 hotels and over 50 co-living apartments, Global Agents is dedicated to providing exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences, catering to the needs of today's modern travelers.

HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA - Offical Website

Contact Information

Zacharie Coskun

International Marketing Manager

[email protected]

+81-50-3503-3625

Related Images

SOURCE: Global Agents Co., Ltd

View the original press release on newswire.com.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Mawson Gold Limited ("Mawson" or the "Company") (TSX:MAW)(Frankfurt:MXR)(OTC PINK:MWSNF) announces that it has received final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") to list the common shares of Mawson (the "Mawson Shares") on the TSXV as a Tier 2 Mining Issuer. The Mawson Shares will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange at the close of trading on January 3, 2024, and trading on the TSXV will commence at market open on January 4, 2024, under the symbol "MAW". The Company's CUSIP 577789100 and ISIN CA5777891006 remain unchanged.

Corporate Update

1. Sale of the Rajapalot gold-cobalt (Au-Co) project ("Rajapalot") in Finland to Springtide Capital was successfully completed on December 20, 2023

Springtide Capital acquired all of the issued shares and inter-company debt of Mawson's wholly-owned Finnish subsidiary, Mawson Oy, which holds Rajapalot, for total consideration of C$6,500,000. Springtide raised C$14,121,835 pursuant to a non-brokered financing (the "Non-Brokered Financing"), of which C$6,500,000 were used by Springtide to pay the purchase price for Mawson Oy, and has received future commitments of over C$2,671,500 for the subsequent brokered offering (the "Brokered Financing"). The balance from the Non-Brokered Financing and the expected proceeds from the Brokered Financing, totaling approximately C$10,300,000, will be used by Springtide to fund resource expansion at Rajapalot and for general working capital.

All Mawson shareholders (the "Shareholders")_are reminded that they can participate in the Brokered Financing to be undertaken by Springtide on terms consistent with the Non-Brokered Financing concurrently with Springtide's completion of a go public event (a "Go Public Event"). It is anticipated that Springtide will engage an agent for the Brokered Financing and that agent's fees will be paid by Springtide on the Brokered Financing.

Shareholders who wish to participate in the Brokered Financing are encouraged to contact Mr. Neil MacRae at 1.778.999.4653 or Mawson directly at [email protected] as soon as possible. Springtide shall use its reasonable best efforts to complete a Go Public Event on the TSXV on or before March 31, 2024.

2. Distribution of Mawson's 93,750,000 Southern Cross Gold Ltd. ("Southern Cross") Shares to Mawson's Shareholders.

Once the 2-year Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") escrow period ends on May 16, 2024, Mawson anticipates undertaking an in-specie distribution by way of a plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) of the 93,750,000 ordinary shares (the "SXG Shares") it holds in Southern Cross (ASX:SXG), currently representing 51% of the issued and outstanding SXG Shares, to the Shareholders. Another special meeting of the Shareholders (the "Arrangement Approval Meeting") to approve the distribution will be required after the escrow period expires and Mawson expects to call the Arrangement Approval Meeting in due course.

3. Mawson to focus on Swedish gold and, subject to Swedish regulatory change, uranium properties

Mawson will focus on its option and joint venture agreement to earn up to an 85% interest in the Skellefte North Gold Project ("Skelleftea North") (see Company's news releases dated January 17, 2022 and October 11, 2022) and other projects in Sweden, including six exploration licenses: Bjorklund nr 1 & 2, Bjorkramyran nr 3, Kvarnan nr 5, Nojdfjallet nr 1, and Skuppesavon nr 2 for 16,138 hectares. All these exploration licenses are granted and are located through central and northern Sweden to explore for zirconium, scandium, yttrium and lanthanum and other lanthanides (rare earths).

These projects also host the majority of Sweden's conventional hard rock historic uranium resources (combined 22.7Mlb U3O8) that saw significant exploration by the Swedish Government during the 1980s. These Swedish uranium assets are considered to provide a valuable option on the potential for Sweden regulation changes regarding uranium exploration and development.

Although Sweden benefits from having 40% of its electricity supply generated by nuclear energy (world-nuclear.orgfiles/information), a uranium exploration and mining moratorium has been in place in the country since May 2018. The Swedish Government has indicated a positive stance on re-evaluating and lifting the moratorium (www.mining.com/sweden). Exploration, development and mining of these projects is still possible under the current Swedish Minerals Act; however, recovery of uranium in a mining scenario would not be permitted under the current mineral legislation.

Sweden's current center-right coalition government has given strong support to expand nuclear power in Sweden. There are currently six operating nuclear reactors in Sweden that supply approximately 40% of the country's electricity. The Swedish Government has called for the possible restart of Ringhals nuclear power plant Units 1 and 2, as well as to prepare for the construction of new reactors.

About Mawson Gold Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF)

Mawson Gold Limited has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic exploration company. Over the last decades, the team behind Mawson has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in the Nordics and Australia. Mawson holds the Skelleftea North gold discovery and a portfolio of historic uranium resources in Sweden. Mawson also holds 51% of Southern Cross Gold Ltd. (ASX:SXG) which owns or controls three high-grade, historic epizonal goldfields covering 470 km2 in Victoria, Australia, including the exciting Sunday Creek Au-Sb discovery.

On behalf of the Board, "Michael Hudson"

Michael Hudson

Executive Chairman Further Information

www.mawsongold.com

1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7

Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary

+1 (604) 685 9316 [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statement

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the completion of the Brokered Financing, the receipt of conditional approval of the listing of the common shares of Springtide on the TSXV, the Company's plan to distribute the SXG Shares to Shareholders pursuant to the Arrangement, receipt of Shareholder approval of the Arrangement at the Arrangement Approval Meeting and regulatory and court approval of the Arrangement and the Company's ability, if at all, to explore for uranium pursuant to anticipated changes to applicable Swedish laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Mawson, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Mawson can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise.

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.

SOURCE: Mawson Gold Limited

View the original press release on accesswire.com
BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday urged the Philippine side to take the proper management of the current maritime situation as a top priority during a phone conversation with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo at the latter's request.

The severe difficulties facing China-Philippines relations right now are rooted in the fact that the Philippine side has changed its policy stance so far, reneged on the promises it has made, constantly provoked troubles at sea, and undermined China's legitimate and lawful rights, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Noting that the bilateral relationship now stands at a crossroads, with its future yet to be decided, Wang said the Philippine side must act with caution.

Instead of continuing in the wrong direction, the Philippine side should return to the right path as soon as possible, with properly handling and managing the current maritime situation as a top priority, he said.

Being neighbors separated by a strip of water, China and the Philippines should settle disputes through consultation, Wang said, noting that this is not only an effective way for neighbors to get along with each other, but also a useful experience for China-Philippines relations to improve.

China is always committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation to jointly maintain maritime stability, Wang said.

He warned that if the Philippine side misjudges the situation, goes its own way, or even colludes with ill-intentioned external forces to continue to stir up troubles, China will defend its rights in accordance with law and respond resolutely.

Manalo, for his part, talked about the views of the Philippine side on the issue of Ren'ai Jiao, expressing the hope that differences can be managed in a way acceptable to both sides, so as to cool down tensions and prevent conflicts.

Manalo said the Philippine side is willing to strengthen dialogue with China in good faith, make good use of the bilateral communication mechanism on maritime issues, and jointly seek a solution to the issue.

The two sides agreed to hold a meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea as soon as possible and actively create favorable conditions for it. 
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX:NDM)(NYSE American:NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") announces, further to its December 11, 2023 release, it has closed the convertible notes and non-brokered private placement offerings.

Per the terms of the Agreement Kopernik Global Investors, LLC on behalf of its clients, has purchased convertible notes (the "Notes") having an aggregate principal amount of US$15,000,000 (the "Convertible Notes Offering").

The Company also issued and sold by non-brokered private placement of 8,555,000 units of the Company (the "Units"), at a price of CAD$0.40 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$3,422,000 (the "Unit Offering").

The Notes and the Units were issued pursuant to exemptions from prospectus requirements and other similar requirements under applicable securities laws. The Notes and the Units will be subject to resale restrictions under applicable securities laws in Canada and the United States.

Ron Thiessen, President and CEO, noted "These funds will be used by the Company to continue to advance the Pebble Project in a responsible manner for the benefit of all Alaskans, especially those in southwest Alaska closest to the Pebble Project. This way all Alaskans can benefit from both the valuable fisheries and world-class mineral resource assets the State has to offer; not one or the other."

About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly owned Alaska-based U.S. subsidiary, Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 1,840 mineral claims in Southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit, located 200 miles from Anchorage and 125 miles from Bristol Bay. The Pebble Partnership is the proponent of the Pebble Project.

For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1- 800-667-2114. Review public filings, which include forward looking information cautionary language and risk factor disclosure regarding the Company and the Pebble Project in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca and in the United States at www.sec.gov.

Ronald W. Thiessen

President & CEO

U.S. Media Contact:

Dan Gagnier, Gagnier Communications (646) 569-5897

Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under applicable provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address permitting, development and production for the Pebble Project are forward-looking statements. These include statements regarding: (i) the use of proceeds of each of the Convertible Notes Offering and the Unit Offering; (ii) the ability of the Pebble Project to ultimately secure all required federal and state permits; (iii) if permitting is ultimately secured, the ability to demonstrate that the Pebble Project is commercially viable; (iv) the ability of the Company and/or the State of Alaska to successfully challenge the EPA's Final Determination process under the Clean Water Act; and (v) the ability of the Company to secure the significant additional financing, including the proceeds from the Convertible Notes Offering and the Unit Offering, to fund these objectives as well as ultimately funding mine construction, for which financing may not be available to NDM on acceptable terms or on any terms at all.

Although NDM believes the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way be construed as guarantees that the Pebble Project will secure all required government and environmental permits, regarding the ability of NDM to develop the Pebble Projects in light of the EPA's Final Determination or regarding NDM's ability to secure significant additional financing.

Assumptions used by NDM to develop forward-looking statements include the following assumptions: (i) the Pebble Project will ultimately obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses; (ii) any action taken by the EPA in connection with the Final Determination will ultimately not be successful in restricting or prohibiting development of the Pebble Project; and (iii) the Company or its subsidiaries will be able to secure significant additional financing.

NDM is also subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. Investors should also consider the risk factors identified in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed on SEDAR plus and included in the Company's annual report on Form 40-F filed by the Company with the SEC on EDGAR, and the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, and nine months ended September 30, 2023, each as filed on SEDAR plus and EDGAR, for a discussion of the risks that may impact our forward-looking statements.

The National Environment Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement process requires a comprehensive "alternatives assessment" be undertaken to consider a broad range of development alternatives, the final project design and operating parameters for the Pebble Project and associated infrastructure may vary significantly from that currently contemplated. As a result, the Company will continue to consider various development options and no final project design has been selected at this time.

For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

SOURCE: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Northern Trust

Originally published in Northern Trust's 2022 Sustainability Report

We are committed to advancing an inclusive culture in which all individuals are valued, respected, supported and can fully participate in and contribute to our success. Our focus on DEI is rooted in our core values of service, expertise and integrity. Employees from diverse backgrounds with unique leadership styles and skill sets allow us to provide superior service to clients.

DEI STRATEGY

Our DEI strategy focuses on enhancing development programs and placement and advancing culture. It is designed to develop an inclusive workplace that reflects our values and allows us to grow our business. Enhancing the DEI dialogue and taking action beyond representation is critical to sustain inclusion.

ENHANCING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND PLACEMENT

We offer our employees equitable opportunities to participate in development programs focused on various stages of their careers. One area of focus is developing female leadership to help ensure long-term equality in our leadership teams.

Women in Finance Charter (U.K.) Northern Trust is a signatory to the Women in Finance Charter. Established by the HM Treasury in the U.K., the charter aims to bring companies together to build a balanced and fair financial services industry. We take great pride in aligning ourselves with this important initiative, and believe that such efforts are vital to our industry's success. When we signed the charter in May 2017, we had 31 percent female representation in senior management. As of September 2019, we had 35 percent female representation in senior management, meaning we achieved our representation commitment more than a year ahead of the deadline. In November 2020 we announced a renewed target of reaching 38 percent by December 2023 in the U.K. As of September 2022, we reached 37 percent.

Women in Finance Charter (Norway) In June 2022, we signed Norway's Women in Finance Charter. As a signatory, we remain committed to fostering gender balance and inclusion in our Norway branch. To recognize this, and given the small size of the Norway branch, we have set a target of 40 percent female representation across the business, and 30 percent females in senior leadership positions.

Women in Finance Charter (Ireland) In April 2022, we signed the Irish Women in Finance Charter. This is a collaboration between industry and government under the Ireland for Finance strategy, the government's blueprint for the development of the international financial services sector. Diversity is a key theme of the strategy. We set a goal of improving female representation at senior levels from 44 to 48 percent by December 2025. As of December 2022, we reached 45 percent.

Read the full report here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Northern Trust on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Northern Trust

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/northern-trust

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Northern Trust

View the original press release on accesswire.com
An Established Home Base for Military Families to Find Healing, Strength and a Lifeline to a More Hopeful Future Together

GRANBY, CO / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / The Project Sanctuary Board of Directors is excited to announce the purchase of a new retreat center in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, to serve as the home base for therapeutic retreats for military families. Project Sanctuary believes that when one person serves the entire family serves and envisions a world where military families find healing, strength, and a lifeline to a more hopeful future together.

Project Sanctuary Retreat Center Main Lodge

Main Lodge for New Project Sanctuary Retreat Center

"Having our own retreat center and ensuring military families will have a place to call their own, a place of hope and healing, has always been a dream of Project Sanctuary," said Project Sanctuary founder and CEO Heather Ehle. "After losing our primary summer retreat center partner in the 2020 East Troublesome Fire and navigating rising costs of hosting our program at partner sites, it became clear we needed to identify a place we could call home for our therapeutic retreats. We will still utilize retreat center partners around the country, but this new location will allow us to expand our program to serve even more military families throughout the year."

Ehle continued, "We are incredibly grateful for the lead donors who helped make this dream a reality, The Milanovich Trust and The Bill Ackerman Estate, as well as the Project Sanctuary Board of Directors who gave so generously toward the acquisition of this property."

On Dec. 19, 2023, the purchase of the new Project Sanctuary Retreat Center was finalized.

This property features:

42 acres of land in Archuleta County, Colorado, surrounded by the San Juan National Forest.

A Main Lodge with a commercial kitchen, five private bedrooms, game room, meeting space and a fireside lounge.

A secondary Guest Lodge with 15 private rooms and central meeting area.

Two additional Duplex Cabins, four RV full hook-up locations, a stand-alone office/storage building, pole barn and additional outbuilding as well as heavy equipment for property upkeep.

Project Sanctuary is currently working with an architect to plan out needed renovations and additions to host families more effectively and plans to launch a capital campaign in 2024. Minimal programming will take place during this time, as 2024 contracts have already been signed with retreat center partners for the upcoming year of programming. The full 2024 retreat schedule is located here: https://projectsanctuary.us/retreat-schedule/.

To learn more or stay up to date on the new property, please contact us directly and watch our website: https://projectsanctuary.us/capital-campaign/.

Since 2007, Project Sanctuary has focused on one mission: to transform, empower and heal military families. By providing education and support around relationship reconnection, communication/conflict resolution, financial habits and goals, and mental health/wellbeing in an immersive therapeutic retreat environment, Project Sanctuary has built a national reputation for delivering the support military families need and deserve. Offered in multiple locations around the United States, Project Sanctuary retreats are staffed by licensed counselors, certified recreational therapists, and culturally competent military veterans. Pre- and post-retreat case management services are provided by our family support team to ensure that families are supported as they continue to move forward. Project Sanctuary believes when one person serves, the whole family serves, and all are given the tools and resources needed to start and continue their healing journey.

To learn more about Project Sanctuary please visit https://projectsanctuary.us or email us at [email protected].

Project Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Granby, Colorado.

Contact Information

Heather Ehle

Founder & CEO

[email protected]

303.359.6122

Carrie Bair-Norwood

Chief Development & Marketing Officer

[email protected]

719.201.9373

SOURCE: Project Sanctuary

View the original press release on newswire.com.
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of a- (Excellent) of Qatar Insurance Company Q.S.P.C. (QIC) (Qatar), and its subsidiary, Antares Reinsurance Company Limited (Antares Re) (Bermuda). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect QICs consolidated balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as the groups adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The ratings of Antares Re factor in its strategic importance to QIC.

The groups balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and is supported by good financial flexibility, a conservative investment portfolio by asset class and low reinsurance dependence. An offsetting factor is the concentration of QICs assets toward Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, despite the majority of the groups business being sourced from the United Kingdom, Europe and Bermuda. Furthermore, QIC is developing, but currently lacks, a consistent group-wide approach to reserving. Reserves are held at the best estimate, with limited buffers to absorb volatility.

QICs underwriting results have been unprofitable and volatile in recent years, with a five-year (2018-2022) weighted average combined ratio (including discontinued operations) of 107% and a standard deviation of 6%. Over this period, the group has been negatively impacted by natural catastrophe losses and other events such as changes in the Ogden discount rate and COVID-19-related business interruption losses. Despite negative underwriting results, robust investment returns have helped the group achieve overall profitability, evidenced by a five-year weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 4%.

The group is geographically well-diversified, with insurance operations in the Middle East and multi-channel international platforms under the Antares Global brand, including a Bermuda-domiciled reinsurer (Antares Re), a Lloyd's platform (Syndicate 1274) and carriers in Europe. The business mix has been volatile in recent years, with a growing focus on motor insurance, which reached 56% of consolidated gross written premium (GWP) in 2021. However, QIC's announcement stating its intention to divest from its Gibraltar-based carriers -- which largely write U.K. motor -- has halted this growth and resulted in a decline of motor premium to 50% of 2022 consolidated GWP, a trend that AM Best expects to continue over the medium term.

Although QICs ERM capabilities have improved in recent years, AM Best believes there is further development required in order for QIC to manage risk holistically at group level. Recent regulatory solvency breaches in global subsidiaries, which have since been resolved, highlight this requirement. The appropriate ERM assessment therefore takes into account AM Bests expectation that further steps will be taken to strengthen governance and controls, enabling more proactive ERM across the group.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221663937/en/

Ben Diaz-Clegg

Senior Financial Analyst

+44 20 7397 0293

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]

Michael Dunckley

Associate Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 0312

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has assigned the Financial Strength Rating of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of bb+ (Fair) to Berking Re Limited (Berking Re) (Bermuda). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Berking Res balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

Berking Re was incorporated in Bermuda on 11 February 2022 and licensed as a Class 3A insurer effective 6 January 2023. The company is wholly owned by PFY Health Technology Co., Ltd. (PFY Cayman or PFY Group).

Berking Re was initially capitalised at USD 3.0 million as of year-end 2022. According to its unaudited financial statements, the company received capital injections during 2023 and its share capital and contributed surplus increased to USD 4.3 million as of the end of October 2023.

Berking Res risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), is projected to be at a robust level throughout its initial five-year business plan (2024-2028). This result is supported by Berking Res prudent investment strategy, albeit the BCAR score shows a moderate downward trend over the five-year period as the company expands its underwriting portfolio. Notwithstanding, the limited size of the companys current capital and surplus exposes its balance sheet strength to potential volatility arising from uncertainties in executing business and capital plans. In addition, in the event that PFY Group is not able to provide capital support to Berking Re in a timely manner, the companys capital position may be subject to further pressure.

As a start-up reinsurance company, Berking Re expects to report a net loss in its first year due to set-up costs and limited premiums written; it expects to be profitable in the second year along with top line growth and stable investment returns. The company is exposed to both elevated operational risk and business execution risk; however, it is partially offset by the expected prudent underwriting strategy and risk selection, as well as the strategic and operational support from PFY Group.

The company will focus on health reinsurance in China, with major product lines in medical and 90-day pharmacy insurance, as well as personal accident and liability products. While the overall premium scale remains very small with product concentration in the initial phase, the product risk of health insurance is considered moderate. Berking Re expects to grow its business scale by sourcing the majority of its premiums written through the affiliated company PFY Health Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.s established insurance client network.

Berking Re is in the process of establishing its ERM framework. AM Best expects Berking Re to develop its ERM framework in line with its implementation plan, as the company grows its business size and risk exposure increases.

AM Best expects Berking Res corporate governance, coupled with regulatory oversight, to be adequate in safeguarding the companys capital and assets. However, the company remains exposed to the potential contagion risk if the parent group experiences adverse financial developments or negative external factors.

Negative rating actions could occur if the company experiences material deviations from its business plan, including adverse deviations from its projections on business scale and operating performance, or a significant deterioration in risk-adjusted capitalisation. Negative rating actions also could occur if there are substantial adverse deviations in PFY Groups capital plan or adverse development in PFY Groups business plan, which have a material negative impact on Berking Res business operations and credit fundamentals. Positive rating actions could occur if the company can further strengthen its balance sheet strength in line with the expansion plan.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Stephanie Mi

Financial Analyst

+852 2827 3402

[email protected]

James Chan

Director, Analytics

+852 2827 3418

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
Refinery Mission Housing Will Help Men Struggling with Addiction

OPELOUSAS, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A $750,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) subsidy provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through one of its members, Catalyst Bank, helped fund construction costs for Refinery Mission Transitional Facility, a 10,000-square-foot dwelling in Opelousas, Louisiana, for men seeking recovery from addiction or who need help with other issues.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220435151/en/

Joe Zanco of Catalyst Bank and Steve Matkovich of FHLB Dallas. (Photo: Business Wire)

Local city council members, including Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandora, attended the facilitys grand opening last week. The 54-bed structure will provide residents with a private bedroom, shared living space and an outdoor kitchen.

The funds were a huge catalyst for the project. Without them, this project would have been delayed five to 10 years. Our campus has grown 10 times faster than it would have otherwise, said Johnny Carriere, executive director of Refinery Mission. We are eternally grateful to FHLB Dallas.

Amanda Quebedeaux, director of operations for Catalyst Bank, shared her hope for the residents of Refinery Mission. In supporting the opening of this transitional housing facility, we as a community affirm our commitment to providing a safe haven where individuals can rebuild their lives, rediscover their resilience and step into a new chapter of hope and opportunity, she said.

AHP funds are intended to assist FHLB Dallas members in financing the purchase, construction and/or rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental or transitional housing and housing for homeless individuals. The funds must be used to benefit households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income for the area.

Watching a project like this come to fruition is so gratifying, said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. This time of year, we think of others and how we can help. The Refinery Mission transitional housing project is truly in the spirit of the holidays.

In 2023, FHLB Dallas awarded $28.4 million in AHP subsidies, through members to 43 affordable housing projects. The subsidies will help create 2,677 new or rehabilitated housing units.

For more information about the AHP, visit fhlb.com/ahp.

About Catalyst Bank

Catalyst Bancorp, Inc., is a Louisiana corporation which serves as the holding company for Catalyst Bank. Catalyst Bank, founded in 1922, is a federally chartered savings bank that serves the banking needs of customers in the Acadiana region of south-central Louisiana. Headquarters are in Opelousas, Louisiana, as well as three additional full-service branch offices located in St. Landry Parish and two branch offices located in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. Catalysts primary business activity is attracting deposits from the general public and using those funds primarily to originate loans and purchase investment securities.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $147.6 billion as of September 30, 2023, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit our website at fhlb.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220435151/en/

Corporate Communications

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

fhlb.com, (214) 441-8445

Source: Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
TOKYO & HANOI, Vietnam--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Asahi Kasei Honorary Fellow Dr. Akira Yoshino has been chosen for the Grand Prize of the 2023 VinFuture Prize in recognition of his contributions to the invention of lithium-ion battery (LIB).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220884157/en/

Dr. Yoshino at the Award Ceremony (Photo: Business Wire)

Dr. Yoshino invented a completely new combination of carbon for the negative electrode and LiCoO2 (lithium cobalt oxide) for the positive electrode, developed the fundamental technology for the LIB which uses aluminum as positive current collector material, and fabricated the world's first LIB cell. He also developed other technologies that were essential for the successful commercialization of the LIB, including technology for fabricating electrodes, technology for assembling batteries, and other technology that made the LIB possible as a small, lightweight rechargeable battery.

Asahi Kasei Honorary Fellow Dr. Akira Yoshino commented, "It is truly a great honor for me to receive this prestigious prize. The lithium-ion battery that I invented has not only made mobile IT possible throughout society, now it is also making sustainability possible for the future. The LIB will play an increasingly important role in enabling the efficient and effective use of renewable energy for transportation and many other applications."

The VinFuture Prize, established in 2020 by the VinFuture Foundation in Vietnam, is an award that honors exceptional inventors and researchers from academic institutions, research centers, and the industrial sector worldwide. It is dedicated to celebrating groundbreaking scientific research and technological innovations that bring significant and positive changes to the everyday lives of many people.

The LIB greatly contributed to the widespread adoption of mobile information and communication devices throughout the world. It is currently being increasingly adopted in electric vehicles and energy storage systems that support the world's sustainability.

The 2023 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony was held on December 20, 2023, in Hanoi, Vietnam. For more information, visit https://vinfutureprize.org/.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the worlds challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220884157/en/

Asahi Kasei Corp.

Ryo Kobayashi

E-mail: [email protected]

Source: Asahi Kasei
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- eBrevia founders, Adam Nguyen and Jacob Mundt, have purchased back the AI company to regain full control of strategy and operations.

eBrevia was founded in 2011 and quickly became a leader in the legal tech industry by using artificial intelligence to provide unprecedented accuracy and speed in contract review and management, due diligence, compliance and business intelligence.

Developed in partnership with Columbia Universitys Data Science Institute, eBrevia assists the worlds largest law firms, corporations, audit/consulting firms and financial institutions by summarizing and analyzing key data from large volumes of documents. By using generative AI, machine learning and natural language processing, eBrevia clients increase accuracy and reduce document review time by 30-90%. eBrevia is pre-trained for common use cases including M&A, divestitures, restructurings, and other transactional work, as well as lease management, compliance projects, and general contract management. eBrevia can also be easily customized to analyze data for a variety of industries and practice groups.

In buying back eBrevia, especially at this inflection point in the evolution of artificial intelligence, we are investing in a vision where AI liberates professionals from the shackles of mundane tasks and where human intellect is unleashed to tackle challenges that truly matter, said Adam Nguyen, Co-Founder & CEO. We see substantial opportunities for innovation and will take advantage of the advances in collaborative intelligence not only to revitalize our company but also expand our offerings and reaffirm our commitment to the success of our clients.

This is the first step in what will be a period of significant transformation for eBrevia. Adam and I are thrilled to once again create practical solutions based on cutting-edge technologies to support our clients growth, said Jacob Mundt, Co-Founder and CTO.

To learn more about eBrevia, visit ebrevia.com.

About eBrevia: eBrevia is reinventing the legal and financial industries by using AI to provide unprecedented accuracy and speed in contract review and management, due diligence, compliance, and business intelligence.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220316615/en/

Christina Zamarripa, [email protected]

Maggie Fitzgerald, [email protected]

Source: eBrevia
Addressing Earths Challenges: GIS for Earth Sciences Demonstrates the Successful Use of GIS to Visualize and Analyze Data for Environmental Challenges

REDLANDS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Geography is a critical factor for almost all issues that governments and residents face. Mapping and data science have never been more crucial for organizations that must craft smarter policies on a national scale to tackle challenges relating to the health of the planet. To aid these decision-makers, Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, has released Addressing Earths Challenges: GIS for Earth Sciences. The new book includes real-life stories about how earth science organizations are successfully using geographic information system (GIS) technology. By visualizing and analyzing data, these professionals can streamline workflows, gain competitive insight, design efficient operations, and foster civic inclusion.

Addressing Earths Challenges demonstrates how organizations can implement GIS in six fields: geoscience, sustainable energy, environmental monitoring, climate science, weather, and marine science. The book also includes a section on next steps that provides helpful ideas, strategies, tools, and actions to help jump-start the use of GIS for earth sciences. A collection of online resources, including additional stories, videos, new ideas and concepts, and downloadable tools and content, complements the new book.

Addressing Earths Challenges: GIS for Earth Sciences is available as an ebook (ISBN: 9781589487536, US$23.99) and paperback (ISBN: 9781589487529, US$23.99). This book can be obtained from most online retailers worldwide. Interested retailers can contact Esri Press book distributor Ingram Publisher Services.

About Esri

Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world's most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com.

Copyright  2023 Esri. All rights reserved. Esri, the Esri globe logo, The Science of Where, esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of their respective mark owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221669363/en/

Jo Ann Pruchniewski

Public Relations, Esri

Mobile: 301-693-2643

Email: [email protected]

Source: Esri
ORANGE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) announced that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a decision in favor of Avangrid Renewables, LLC (Renewables), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Avangrid, in the litigation related to the California energy crisis of 2000-2001.

The case was originally brought in 2002 by two California agencies with respect to a long-term power purchase agreement entered into by Iberdrola Renewables, LLC (now, Renewables), as seller, and the California Department of Water Resources, or CDWR, as purchaser, alleging that the terms and conditions of the power purchase agreement were unjust and unreasonable. The California agencies requested that FERC either abrogate the Renewables contract as unjust and unreasonable or reform the contracts to provide for just and reasonable rates, reduce their duration, and strike certain nonprice terms and conditions from the contracts. The California Agencies further alleged that Renewables exercised market power that forced CDWR to pay unjust and unreasonable prices and agree to onerous, unjust and unreasonable nonprice terms.

Following FERC action, appeals to the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court and remand, FERC ordered a trial-type, evidentiary hearing to supplement the existing record. Specifically, FERC reopened the record to allow parties to present evidence on, among other things: (1) whether Renewables was a proper party to the proceedings; and (2) whether the Mobile-Sierra presumption, holding that rates set through an arms-length bilateral contract between sophisticated parties are presumed to be just and reasonable, was avoided or overcome with respect to Renewables contract. On April 12, 2016, the Presiding Administrative Law Judge (Presiding Judge) issued an initial decision finding that: (1) Renewables is properly a party to these proceedings; and (2) the Renewables contract is not protected by the Mobile-Sierra presumption of justness and reasonableness. In so finding, the Presiding Judge determined that Renewables was liable for $371 million, including interest to May 2015.

On December 20, 2023, FERC issued an Order on Initial Decision that reversed in part, and affirmed in part, the Presiding Judges Initial Decision. Specifically, FERC found that, while Renewables is a proper party to the proceedings, the Mobile-Sierra presumption attaches to its contract, and the Mobile-Sierra presumption is not overcome or avoided with regard to it. Consequently, FERC found that the contract is just and reasonable and refunds for Renewables contract are not warranted.

Were very pleased that FERC agreed with us that we entered into the bilateral power purchase contracts appropriately and complied with all applicable legal standards and requirements, said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. Weve consistently argued that the power purchase contracts were negotiated between sophisticated parties and did not impose an excessive burden on customers.

This announcement is the culmination of a 20-year dispute, and it is satisfying that FERC ruled in our favor that these contracts that supplied power when California was in crisis were just and reasonable said R. Scott Mahoney, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Security. Im very grateful to our team that has worked long and hard for this result.

FERCs decision highlights our commitment to providing fairly-priced, reliable energy, particularly when our partners have needed it most. said Puneet Verma, Vice President, Government Affairs. As similar issues are considered across the country, I expect this ruling provides increased certainty and sets the standard for the energy sector.

Avangrid cannot predict whether the other parties to the action will seek a rehearing or appeal.

About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $41 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, Avangrid has two primary lines of business: networks and renewables. Through its networks business, Avangrid owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Through its renewables business, Avangrid owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. Avangrid employs more than 7,500 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as one of the JUST 100 companies  a ranking of Americas best corporate citizens. In 2023, Avangrid ranked first within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment. The company supports the U.N.s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the Worlds Most Ethical Companies in 2023 for the fifth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Avangrid is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221602821/en/

Media:

Leo Rosales

[email protected]

518-419-2401

Source: AVANGRID, Inc.
BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has selected a new batch of 388 brands and plans to recognize them as time-honored brands, or "laozihao" in Chinese, a coveted title given to brands with a long history.

The list was revealed on Thursday with a public notice period of 15 working days. The public can provide written feedback to the MOC during the period.

The age of this batch of brands ranges from 50 to 138, according to a press conference held by the MOC on Thursday.

The new batch of brands will join with the existing 1,073 time-honored brands as some were delisted in recent reviews, and all together, the average age of the time-honored brands will reach 140.

Over the past few years, China has stepped up efforts to breathe new life into long-established brands, preserving and improving traditional techniques, improving online and offline integration, and strengthening brand protection. 
PEMBROKE, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited (Fidelis Insurance or the Company) (NYSE: FIHL) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the adoption of a common share repurchase program of up to $50 million of the Companys common shares.

The share repurchase program authorizes the purchase of up to $50 million of the Companys common stock utilizing a variety of methods, including open market purchases, accelerated share repurchases and privately negotiated transactions (the Program).

Dan Burrows, Group Chief Executive Officer, said We are pleased to announce the Boards approval of this repurchase Program. Building on our strong performance and results through the third quarter, this Program demonstrates our belief in the compelling value of our shares. Burrows further commented Our performance through the third quarter has added to our solid capital position, and we are well placed to pursue the significant opportunities we see ahead in the market, while also adding to shareholder value through the repurchase of our shares.

Under the Program, Fidelis may repurchase shares through open market purchases under Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), accelerated share repurchases or privately negotiated transactions, as well as pursuant to a trading plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act.

The timing, as well as the number and value of common shares repurchased under the Program, will be determined by the Company at its discretion and will depend on a variety of factors, including its assessment of the intrinsic value of the Companys common shares, the market price of the Companys common shares, general market and economic conditions, available liquidity, compliance with the Companys debt and other agreements, applicable legal, regulatory and contractual restrictions and the Companys capital and business strategy. The Program may be suspended or discontinued by the Board of Directors at any time.

About Fidelis Insurance Group

Fidelis Insurance is a global (re)insurance company, headquartered in Bermuda with offices in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Our business focuses on three pillars: Specialty, Bespoke, and Reinsurance. We manage volatility thorough our balanced and diversified portfolio. Our strong capital position provides us with the flexibility to engage in attractive underwriting opportunities.

Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "demonstrates, opportunities, belief, compelling, pursue, ahead, and the negative of these or similar terms and phrases. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding: our strategy, future opportunities, including in respect of opportunities for growth and value creation.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. These uncertainties and risks are described in the Companys IPO prospectus dated June 28, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 30, 2023, which investors should review together with our periodic reports filed with the SEC from time to time.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221989526/en/

Investor Inquiries:

Investor Inquiries can be directed to our Head of Investor Relations, Miranda Hunter, at [email protected] and also to our Investor Relations email inbox, at [email protected].

Media Inquiries:

Media Inquiries can be directed to our Media Inquiries email inbox, at [email protected].

Source: Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Foothold Technology, a leading Behavioral Health and Human Services software provider backed by ASG, unveiled a groundbreaking ecosystem of solutions to empower the to-be-established Social Care Networks (SCNs) and their associated Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Case Management Agencies (CMAs) in New York State. This advanced technology will facilitate care coordination and provide an unprecedented way to monitor and report on case management, billing, and outcomes for Social Determinants of Health (SDoH).

"SCNs will be an essential part of the New York 1115 waiver for addressing the SDoH factors that have a real impact on the health equity within our communities," said Alyza Tarmohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Foothold Technology. "And Foothold is proud to present this system designed for SCNs to coordinate their care and set them up to provide value-based services. SCNs will have the ability to track and report on case management, billing, and outcomes within one system  something that has never been available before."

The forthcoming waiver for New York is in response to the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, Medicaid enrollees in the state increased to more than 888,000, revealing that even immediate emergency responses were insufficient to overcome the socioeconomic factors in place, and COVID-19 had a disproportionate impact on low-wage workers and people of color. As part of the waiver, New York is developing SCNs to address the 80% of health outcomes impacted by SDoH areas like housing, food and transportation.

Foothold has been collaborating with stakeholders throughout New York State to advance its technology to fulfill the requirements expected in the impending waiver. Foothold's solutions are interoperable and will coordinate with other essential tools such as referral management systems. These collaborations will help ensure the success of individual SCNs by fostering effective data sharing and coordination. The comprehensive solution will give SCNs the ability to coordinate care, track outcomes, bill and provide value-based services for people in their community. The data and insight functionality as part of the solution will allow for increased data sharing capabilities to enhance visibility across the entire network.

Foothold is working with SCN applicants to provide free consultations around potential solutions and data requirements to prepare for the upcoming waiver. For more information please reach out to Paul Jones ([email protected])

About Foothold Technology

Foothold Technology is a leading cloud-based behavioral health EHR and Case Management system software provider. Footholds federally certified software platform offers full functionality for case management, client tracking, treatment planning, and homeless information management, and allows for participation in Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) and Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs). Today, Foothold serves more than 1,100 human service organizations across the nation, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Foothold partners today with eight Health Homes in New York that support 237 Care Management agencies serving over 120,000 members. In addition to its presence within behavioral health agencies, Foothold is the system of choice for many agencies serving individuals experiencing homelessness or with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221028425/en/

Jim Butz

Foothold Technology

[email protected]

Source: Foothold Technology
SAN DIMAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Grandway Residential held its third annual festive family event on Saturday, December 9th, at its luxury home community Brasada Estates in San Dimas. Back by popular demand, the complimentary event, which featured Brasada Estates Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, surpassed last years strong turnout with hundreds in attendance.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221121682/en/

A Christmas Celebration to Remember in front of the Brasada Estates' Welcome Center. (Photo: Business Wire)

Guests enjoyed hot cocoa, drinks, and treats as they participated in a festive list of activities including photos with Santa, holiday caroling, and childrens crafts. Brasada Estates model homes, which were beautifully decorated for the holidays, were also open for tours.

Creating traditions is what the holidays is all about, and were thrilled to keep this tradition going strong for our community for the third year in a row, said Frederick Wang, Vice President of Grandway Residential. Families from all over Southern California came out to experience this event  and were grateful for the opportunity to share the magic of the holidays with them right here in our Brasada Estates neighborhood.

Grandway Residential is the development division of Grandway Group, founded on a two-generation legacy of unmatched quality, impeccable service, and true integrity in homebuilding. The company is renowned for its prestigious fine homes, which can be found throughout Southern California. A commitment to quality homebuilding craftsmanship naturally carries over to the companys new home communities, where a highly esteemed team is integrally involved in every detail meticulously curated for each homeowner.

Brasada Estates is set atop the beautiful scenic hillsides of San Dimas, offering gorgeous views of the tree-filled canyons and city lights below. The setting offers a private and exclusive feel, yet the community is situated in the heart of Southern California near all its conveniences.

The luxury neighborhoods European-inspired home designs are the culmination of sophisticated planning and true artistry in architectural grandeur. The one- and two-story home designs offer four to six bedrooms, four to six-and-a-half baths, three-car garages and are 4,476 to 6,261 square feet. Grand foyers, great rooms, and home offices are among the many interior standouts. Culinary kitchens that include breakfast nooks, dual walk-in pantries, optional second kitchens and more, varying per plan. Enjoy elegant indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces with multiple covered patios. Every home offers the privacy of a lavish downstairs owners suite with retreat.

Features of the highest quality have been curated for luxury and comfort with energy efficiency throughout. A homeowners association will provide for community maintenance, as well as guard house with gated security. The residences are designed by architect Danielian Associates; marketing is by Kovach Marketing.

Driven by a passion to bring every homeowner the perfect home, Grandway Residential is proud to be a part of Americas homebuilding tradition. Brasada Estates is over two-thirds sold out, with a few homes ready for winter 2024 move-ins. Both single-level and two-story homes are available; prices start in the high $2 Millions.

Brasada Estates is located at 1580 Brasada Lane, San Dimas, CA 91773. Model homes are open for tours Monday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the latest information, sign up for the interest list at BrasadaEstates.com, call (833) BRASADA, or email [email protected]. Follow on Instagram / Facebook @brasadaestates. Broker cooperation is available. Reach out for more details or to schedule a tour.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221121682/en/

Gretchen Fuog / Kovach Marketing

[email protected]

Source: Grandway Residential
OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, today announced it plans to release financial results for its fiscal 2024 first quarter ended November 30, 2023 before the market opens on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Management, including Randy Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Ketcham, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call to discuss the results the same day at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Interested investors may pre-register for the teleconference at the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10184875/fb2f736a97. Registered participants will receive an email with a calendar reminder, dial-in number and PIN that allows immediate access to the call on January 4, 2024.

Participants who do not wish to pre-register may dial (833) 535-2202 (U.S.), (412) 902-6745 (international), or (866) 605-3852 (Canada) and request the Lindsay Corporation call. Additionally, the conference call will be simulcast live online and can be accessed via the investor relations section of the Company's website, www.lindsay.com. Replays of the conference call will remain available on the Companys website until the next quarterly earnings release. The Company will have a slide presentation available to supplement management's formal presentation, which will also be accessible via the Company's website.

About Lindsay Corporation

Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN) is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology. Established in 1955, the company has been at the forefront of research and development of innovative solutions to meet the food, fuel, fiber and transportation needs of the world's rapidly growing population. The Lindsay family of irrigation brands includes Zimmatic center pivot and lateral move agricultural irrigation systems, FieldNET and FieldWise remote irrigation management technology, FieldNET Advisor irrigation scheduling technology, and industrial IoT solutions. Also a global leader in the transportation industry, Lindsay Transportation Solutions manufactures equipment to improve road safety and keep traffic moving on the world's roads, bridges and tunnels, through the Barrier Systems, Road Zipper and Snoline brands. For more information about Lindsay Corporation, visit www.lindsay.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221329515/en/

LINDSAY CORPORATION:

Alicia Pfeifer

Senior Director, Investor Relations & Treasury

402-933-6429

[email protected]



Alpha IR:

Joe Caminiti or Stephen Poe

312-445-2870

[email protected]

Source: Lindsay Corporation
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Pernod Ricard (Paris: RI) signed today an agreement to sell the Becherovka brand and related assets (including the production and logistics facilities in Karlovy Vary) to Maspex Group. The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary conditions and is expected to occur before the end of June 2024.

Becherovka is an iconic Czech bitter created in 1807 whose original and unchanged recipe combines approximately 20 herbs and spices. Produced in the town of Karlovy Vary, where it holds its own visitor center, the herbal liqueur is one of the global leading bitter brands, especially across central Europe. The core original brand success has been progressively expanded over recent years with several innovative variations, such as Becherovka Lemond or Becherovka Unfiltered.

Krzysztof Pawinski, CEO of Maspex Group stated: Becherovka is a heritage brand deeply rooted in local tradition with great growth potential. It is our 21st transaction overall and the 2nd deal in the spirits segment  a category where we see vast opportunities. We would like to thank Pernod Ricard for their trust in our vision and all the parties supporting us in this competitive auction.

For Fabrice Audan, CEO of Pernod Ricard Wyborowa and of Pernod Ricard Central & Eastern Europe management entity, The sale of Becherovka is part of our active portfolio management and we will remain focused on our strong ambitions in Europe with a sharpened portfolio strategy. We wish the new owner of this iconic brand to build on the strong success we have paved over the years.

About Pernod Ricard:

Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantines, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier-Jouet champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality. Pernod Ricards consolidated sales amounted to  12,137 million in fiscal year FY23.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code:FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices.

About Maspex Group:

Maspex is the largest private Polish company in the food industry and one of the largest in Eastern Europe. The company has nearly 70 brands in its portfolio, and its products are present in over 70 countries worldwide. Tymbark, Kubus, Lubella, owicz, Krakus, Kotlin, Puchatek, DecoMorreno, Cremona, Plusssz, and La Festa, Relax, Bucovina, River, Queens, Olympos, Apenta, Vellingrad are mostly market leaders, brands most valued in their categories by consumers in Poland and in the Central and Eastern European countries. In the spirits market, Maspex has been present since 2022 when it acquired CEDC, a leader in the vodka market and the largest importer of foreign alcohols in Poland. It has a portfolio of iconic and historic vodka brands such as Zubrowka (a legendary Polish brand with nearly 500 years of tradition, ranked 3rd in global vodka market volume, present in nearly 90 markets), Soplica (worldwide No. 8), Absolwent, and Bols. Products from Maspex's portfolio are manufactured in 17 modern production facilities in Poland and abroad. They produce 2.2 billion liters of juices, nectars, and beverages annually, over 280 thousand tons of pasta, grain, and instant products, nearly 180 thousand tons of jams and preserves, and 155 million liters of alcohol. Maspex focuses on organic growth and acquisitions. The company purchases 380 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables from Polish farmers annually and 130 thousand tons of wheat. In 2022, the company's sales revenue exceeded 14 billion PLN.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221081545/en/

Pernod Ricard

Florence Tresarrieu / Global SVP Relations Investisseurs & Tresorerie

+33 (0) 1 70 93 17 03

Edward Mayle / Directeur Relations Investisseurs

+33 (0) 1 70 93 17 13

Charly Montet / Responsable Relations Investisseurs

+33 (0) 1 70 93 17 13

Emmanuel Vouin / Head of External Engagement

+33 (0) 1 70 93 16 34

Maspex Group

Director

Adam Urban / M&A

[email protected]

Source: Pernod Ricard
Net impact of 3.2 million fewer shares issued to repay convertible notes and forfeiture of 3.85 million warrants

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- POSaBIT Systems Corporation (CSE: PBIT, OTC: POSAF) (the "Company" or "POSaBIT"), a leading provider of payments infrastructure in the cannabis industry, is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 3,107,142 units of the Company (the "Units"), at a price of $0.28 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to approximately CAD$870,000 or USD$650,000 (the "Offering") to fund the repayment of certain convertible promissory notes at maturity. The Units have been priced at the closing price of the Companys common shares (Common Shares) on the Canadian Securities Exchange on December 20, 2023.

In connection with the Offering, each Unit will be comprised of one (1) Common Share and 0.88 Common Share purchase warrants (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable into one Common Share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of CAD$0.40 per Warrant Share for a period of 60 months.

On November 13, 2020, the Company announced the close of USD$1,040,000 principal amount of 12% convertible unsecured notes due December 31, 2023 (the 2020 Notes), convertible into Common Shares at a conversion price of CAD$0.12 per Common Share. As of the conversion deadline, USD$565,000 principal amount of 2020 Notes did not convert and such notes will be repaid at maturity.

In connection with the Offering, Perga Capital Partners LP ("Perga") has entered into a subscription agreement with the Company, pursuant to which Perga has committed to purchase 2,857,929 Units under the Offering, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately CAD$800,220. Perga has also entered into a warrant cancellation agreement with the Company, pursuant to which Perga has agreed to cancel 3,850,000 Common Share purchase warrants previously issued to Perga.

Pursuant to the Offering, the Company intends to issue approximately 3.1 million Common Shares and approximately 2.7 million Warrants, which will be partially offset by the cancellation of 3.85 million warrants previously issued to Perga. This compares to the potential issuance of approximately 6.3 million Common Shares if the 2020 Notes were converted under their original terms.

The Offering is expected to close on or about December 29, 2023, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals. The Common Shares issued in connection with the Offering are expected to be subject to a four-month statutory hold period, in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

It is expected that at least 2,857,929 Units will be issued to Perga, which is a related party (within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61- 101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101")) and such issuance will be considered a "related party transaction" for the purposes of MI 61-101. It is expected that such related party transaction will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the securities being issued to the related party, nor the consideration being paid by the related party exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The purchasers of the Units and the extent of such participation were not finalized until shortly prior to the completion of the Offering. Accordingly, it was not possible to publicly disclose details of the nature and extent of related party participation in the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to a material change report filed at least 21 days prior to the completion of such transactions.

ABOUT POSABIT

POSaBIT (CSE: PBIT, OTC: POSAF) is a FinTech, working exclusively within the cannabis industry. We provide a best-in-class Point-of-Sale solution and are the leading cashless payment provider for cannabis retailers. We work tirelessly to build better financial services and transaction methods for merchants. We bring cutting-edge software and technology to the cannabis industry so that all merchants can have a safe and compliant set of services to solve the problems of a cash-only industry. For additional information, visit www.posabit.com.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our expectations around business strategy, financing events and courses of action. Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, outlook, expectations or intentions regarding the future including words or phrases such as "anticipate," "objective," "may," "will," "might," "should," "could," "can," "intend," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "plan," "is designed to" or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or the negative thereof or similar variations, including the Companys expectations regarding the completion and expected terms of the Offering and the expected use of proceeds therefrom. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage our operating expenses, which may adversely affect our financial condition; regulatory uncertainties; market conditions and the demand and pricing for our products; and our relationships with our customers, stakeholders, distributors and business partners.

Neither we nor any of our representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this news release. Neither we nor any of our representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise resulting from the use of the information in this news release or for omissions from the information in this news release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221849116/en/

Investor Relations:

[email protected]

Media Relations:

Jesse Swingle

855-767-2248

[email protected]

Management:

Ryan Hamlin

Co-founder and CEO of POSaBIT

855-767-2248

[email protected]

Source: POSaBIT Systems Corporation
The Company remains focused on securing additional financing to execute its strategic plan in rare diseases

Exclusive discussions with a leading investor to monetize royalties from TWYMEEG (Imeglimin) sales in Japan

Advanced discussions with several potential partners for each of the three Poxel's proprietary products: Imeglimin, PXL065 and PXL770

New cost-saving plan, including a significant reduction in headcount, to adapt resources to the Company's current needs pending the resumption of its research and development activities

Cash runway until March 2024, including tranches already drawn or fully available on the equity-linked financing facility with IRIS

LYON, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

POXEL SA (Euronext: POXEL - FR0012432516) (Paris: POXEL), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for chronic serious diseases with metabolic pathophysiology, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare metabolic disorders, provides a corporate update.

With the priority objective of relaunching its R&D activities and executing its strategic plan in rare diseases, the Company has focused in recent months on securing additional financing, in particular non-dilutive solutions. In this context, the Company entered into exclusive negotiations with a leading investor to monetize royalties from TWYMEEG (Imeglimin) sales in Japan. In addition, the Company is in advanced discussions  in some cases on an exclusive basis  with several potential partners for each of its three products: Imeglimin, for several countries not covered by its agreement with Sumitomo Pharma, PXL065 and PXL770.

Poxels goal is to finalize one or more of these financing options and/or partnerships by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Pending finalization of one or more of these agreements, and in a cautious approach given its limited financial visibility, the Company has entered into a new cost-saving plan, which includes a significant reduction in headcount and the departure of some members of Poxel's management team, in order to adapt the Company's cost structure to its current operating needs. Key functions that will enable the Company to finalize current transaction opportunities and continue its day-to-day operations are retained, with 6 people in charge of clinical, financial and business development functions.

As of September 30, 2023, total cash and cash equivalents were EUR 5.3 million (USD 5.6 million).

Based on:

its cash position as of September 30, 2023, the tranches already drawn1 or fully available2 as of the date of this press release under the equity-linked financing facility with IRIS, no research and development expenses, and a strict control of operating expenses,

Poxel expects that its resources, including funds available to it, will be sufficient to fund its operations and capital expenditure requirements until March 2024, by which time the Company expects to have finalized one or more of its ongoing transactions.

About Poxel SA

Poxel is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for chronic serious diseases with metabolic pathophysiology, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare disorders. For the treatment of NASH, PXL065 (deuterium-stabilized R-pioglitazone) met its primary endpoint in a streamlined Phase 2 trial (DESTINY-1). In rare diseases, development of PXL770, a first-in-class direct adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, is focused on the treatment of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). TWYMEEG (Imeglimin), Poxels first-in-class product that targets mitochondrial dysfunction, is now marketed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Japan by Sumitomo Pharma and Poxel expects to receive royalties and sales-based payments. Poxel has a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Pharma for Imeglimin in Japan, China, and eleven other Asian countries. Listed on Euronext Paris, Poxel is headquartered in Lyon, France, and has subsidiaries in Boston, MA, and Tokyo, Japan.

For more information, please visit: www.poxelpharma.com

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Companys control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as target, believe, expect, aim, intend, may, anticipate, estimate, plan, project, will, can have, likely, should, would, could and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Companys control that could cause the Companys actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the Company will enter into any of the transactions referenced above or do so in the timeframe referenced or that the Companys cash resources will last through the end of the first quarter of 2024.The Company does not endorse or is not otherwise responsible for the content of external hyperlinks referred to in this press release.

____________

1 Since March 31, 2023, 4 additional tranches have been drawn for a total amount of EUR 2.3 million.

2 The full drawdown of the IRIS equity-linked financing facility can only be executed subject to certain conditions, which are outlined in the Company's Universal Registration Document. At the date of this press release, the amount of redeemable bonds held by IRIS is EUR 6,370,000, and the Group has the ability to drawdown EUR 630,000 under the additional tranches.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221782423/en/

Investor relations / Media

NewCap

Nicolas Fossiez, Aurelie Manavarere / Arthur Rouille

[email protected]

+33 1 44 71 94 94

Source: POXEL
Another product from the house of Radico Khaitan on the list is Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin

LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Radico Khaitan Limited, a leading Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) company, is proud to announce that its two distinguished brands, Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky and Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, have achieved a remarkable feat by securing coveted positions in the prestigious Top 100 Premium Wine and Spirits Brands of the World 2023, as recognized by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220369466/en/

Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky Range (Photo: Business Wire)

Demonstrating an unwavering dedication to unparalleled customer satisfaction, Rampur Indian Single Malt has not just made a mark but has etched itself as the only Indian Whisky brand in the prestigious Top 100 Premium Wine and Spirits Brands of the World 2023.

Renowned for its illustrious heritage and unparalleled mastery in the art of distillation, Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky stands tall with a luxuriously smooth profile, presenting a symphony of flavors that grace the palate with mellifluous notes and conclude with an enduring finish.

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a true testament to the artistry of blending, which brings forth a harmonious fusion of botanicals meticulously handpicked from across the country. This craft gin stands as a celebration of India's vibrant flavors, offering a sensory journey that mirrors the diverse cultural tapestry of the region.

Sanjeev Banga, President-International Business, Radico Khaitan, conveyed his appreciation for the esteemed recognition, remarking, The inclusion of both Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky and Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin in the Top 100 Wines and Spirits Brands underscores our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation within the spirits domain. Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky being listed as the only Indian whisky in the Top 100 world spirits is not merely a nod; it's a triumphant celebration and a powerful motivator fuelling Radico Khaitans ongoing pursuit of perfection. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin's inclusion in the Top 100 list is a testament to the ancient Indian knowledge of herbs and botanicals that we very proudly use in creating our Craft Gin. This acknowledgment not only reaffirms the Companys position as a global industry leader but also serves as a compelling testament to our steadfast dedication to producing exceptional spirits that artfully encapsulate the rich tapestry of Indian flavors and traditions. We aim to share the unique Indianess with the world in our offerings.

As Radico Khaitan persistently pioneers new frontiers and broadens the presence of Indian spirits on the global stage, the Company aims to solidify its brands' positions as unequivocal leaders in the premium spirits category worldwide, emphasizing a commitment to excellence and elevating the global recognition of Indian spirits.

Website: www.rampursinglemalt.com

Instagram: @rampursinglemalt

Facebook: @rampursinglemalt

Notes to Editors:

Rampur Indian Single Malt is a brand owned by Radico Khaitan. Radico Khaitan was established in 1943 and is the largest Indian beverage alcohol company and one of the oldest whisky distillers in India. Radico Khaitan have been distilling malt whiskies for over 32 years with a reputation for quality and innovation. Three of Radico Khaitans distilleries are based in Uttar Pradesh in the foothills of the Himalayas, where all of Rampurs Whiskies are distilled, matured and bottled.

The Rampur range includes Rampur Select, Rampur PX Sherry Cask, Rampur Double Cask, Rampur Asava, Rampur Signature Reserve, Rampur Jugalbandi Series and Rampur Trigun Indian Single Malt Whiskies.

For trade enquiries please contact: [email protected]

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220369466/en/

For media enquiries in UK, please contact Rosie Frampton or Rebecca Tudor at MPR Communications:

[email protected]

[email protected]

For media enquiries in USA, please contact Michelle Lam at [email protected]

Source: Radico Khaitan Limited
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ryan Specialty (NYSE: RYAN), a leading international specialty insurance firm, is pleased to announce it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Castel Underwriting Agencies Limited (Castel), a Managing General Underwriting (MGU) platform, from Arch Financial Holdings (UK) Limited and minority shareholders. Castel is headquartered in London, England with additional offices in the Netherlands and Belgium and was founded in 2014.

Castel consists of thirteen unique MGUs, each of which has expertise in a specific product niche. Together, the MGUs represent a distinctive and diverse portfolio of underwriting expertise including Transactional Liability, Renewable Energy, Construction, and Marine, among other specialty lines of business. The breadth of Castels offerings and its geographic concentration in the UK and Europe add significant capabilities to Ryan Specialtys robust managing general underwriter portfolio.

Commenting on this acquisition, Patrick G. Ryan, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Ryan Specialty, said, Castel is a first-class organization with a history of exceptional performance on all metrics, including underwriting profit and growth. Bringing Castel into Ryan Specialty expands our UK and European footprint in delegated authority, and the lines of business underwritten by these MGUs are both complementary and accretive to our firm. We are very much looking forward to further expanding with this very talented team.

Miles Wuller, President and CEO of Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers, remarked, Mark and the Castel team have built a remarkable business. Many of Castels MGUs are recognized as market leaders in their distinctive niches, attracting support from some of the highest-quality capital in the industry. Furthermore, the Castel team has a proven approach to attracting top talent to support de novo MGU formation, which will be invaluable as we seek further international expansion. We are thrilled to welcome the Castel team to Ryan Specialty and are excited by the prospect of what we can achieve together.

Mark Birrell, CEO of Castel, added, We have built Castel around attracting and retaining the industrys best underwriters, and providing those underwriters with tools and resources to reach extraordinary levels of performance. Ryan Specialty shares the same philosophy, and we could not be more excited to be joining forces with this great firm. I am confident that as part of Ryan Specialty we are positioning our MGUs for continued success and our underwriters to further accelerate their careers.

Hugh Sturgess, President and CEO of Arch Insurance International, said, Under Mark's leadership, Castel has excelled in a competitive and dynamic market. Ryan Specialty is an ideal fit for Castel as they build into the future. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Castel and Ryan Specialty.

In discussing Ryan Specialtys acquisition strategy, Patrick G. Ryan said, Expanding our total addressable market both organically and inorganically remains a top priority for Ryan Specialty. In 2023, we added capabilities to each of our specialties and acquired companies with revenue in excess of $140 million, inclusive of Castel.

Castel generated approximately 35 million of operating revenue for the 12 months ended November 30, 2023.1

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close during the first half of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

BofA Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to Arch.

About Ryan Specialty

Founded in 2010, Ryan Specialty is a service provider of specialty products and solutions for insurance brokers, agents and carriers. Ryan Specialty provides distribution, underwriting, product development, administration and risk management services by acting as a wholesale broker and a managing underwriter with delegated authority from insurance carriers. Ryan Specialtys mission is to provide industry-leading innovative specialty insurance solutions for insurance brokers, agents and carriers. ryanspecialty.com

1 Revenue attributable to the acquired business for the trailing twelve-month period ending November 30, 2023. This figure has not been audited. Using current exchange rates, 35 million of operating revenue equates to $44 million in operating revenue.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221303426/en/

Media

Alice Phillips Topping

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Ryan Specialty

[email protected]

(312) 635-5976

Investor Relations

Nicholas Mezick

Director, Investor Relations

Ryan Specialty

[email protected]

(312) 784-6152

Source: Ryan Specialty
Weiss, whose relationship with Sofinnova goes back 20 years, will investigate medical device investment opportunities

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sofinnova Partners (Sofinnova"), a leading European life sciences venture capital firm based in Paris, London, and Milan, announced the appointment of Andrew M. Weiss, an experienced leader in the medical devices industry whose ties to Sofinnova stretch back 20 years, as Venture Partner.

Mr. Weiss, who is based in San Francisco, will investigate global medical device investment opportunities across the Sofinnova Partners platform of strategies. He is currently an independent member on the boards of May Health and SafeHeal, two Sofinnova portfolio companies.

In 2013, Mr. Weiss was brought in as CEO to lead ReCor Medical, a company founded in 2009 by Mano Iyer, then an entrepreneur in residence at Sofinnova and now a partner in the Sofinnova medtech acceleration team. Mr. Weiss led ReCor, a pioneer in the use of ultrasound renal denervation to treat hypertension, as it scaled up to 175 employees, went through its clinical trials and was purchased by Otsuka Medical Devices in 2018. He also led preparations for ReCors US FDA PMA Approval, achieved in November of this year. Sofinnova Partners was the sole VC investor in ReCor at the time of the sale. Mr. Weiss retired from ReCor/Otsuka Medical Devices in April of 2023.

Antoine Papiernik, Chairman and Managing Partner of Sofinnova Partners, said: It's fantastic to have Andy back working with Sofinnova Partners. He is an outstanding leader with impeccable credentials in the medical devices sector. His performance at ReCor, a pioneering company, is legendary."

Mr. Weiss said: I share Sofinnovas passion for finding, nurturing and bringing new medical device therapies to patients. Having worked both informally and as a portfolio company CEO with Sofinnova for the past 20 years, I know that they have the best team, and are the gold-standard medical device venture group on a global basis. I am honored to become part of this team.

Before he took the reins at ReCor, Mr. Weiss held leadership roles including President & CEO of Vital Images (acquired by Toshiba), VP & General Manager of the Medtronic Surgical Navigation Systems and Neurological Businesses, and President & CEO of CoAxia, which was sold to Zoll Medical.

Mr. Weiss is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering and has an MBA from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

About Sofinnova Partners

Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future.

Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 2.5 billion under management. For more information, please visit: sofinnovapartners.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221098742/en/

Bommy Lee

Head of Communications

Sofinnova Partners

[email protected]

+33 (0) 6 47 71 38 11

North America

RooneyPartners LLC

Kate Barrette

[email protected]

+1 212 223 0561

United Kingdom

Optimum Strategic Communications

Hana Malik

[email protected]

+44 (0) 20 3882 2119

France

StrategiesImage

Anne Rein

[email protected]

+33 (0) 6 03 35 92 05

Italy

Havas PR Milan

Pierluigi Cavarai

[email protected]

+39 (0) 392 77 999 33

Source: Sofinnova Partners
SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said the country would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if an enemy makes nuclear provocations, the country's state media reported Thursday.

Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the remark as he met in Pyongyang on Wednesday with the missile unit that participated in the launching drill of an "Hwasongpho-18" intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) earlier this week, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

Kim said the test-launch demonstrated the loyalty and strong stand of the country's armed forces, and stressed that the maneuver served as "a clear explanation of the offensive counteraction mode and the evolution of the nuclear strategy and doctrine of the DPRK not to hesitate even (to launch) a nuclear attack when the enemy provokes it with nukes," the KCNA said.

He also underscored the necessity of developing the capability for preemptively attacking the enemy anywhere and maintaining a war posture, calling such a capability "the genuine defense capability" to make lasting peace.

Separately, in a Thursday press statement issued via the KCNA, Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, accused the United States and its followers of "persistently pushing the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia into a vortex of confrontation and conflict."

In the statement designed to respond to an open session of the United Nations Security Council on the DPRK's ICBM launch, she slammed the ceaseless military drills by the United States and its followers and the frequent demonstrations of U.S. strategic nuclear assets on the peninsula. She said they were clearly aimed at the DPRK and the "root cause" of the escalating situation in the region. 
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sarah Brown, Chair and Founder of the global childrens charity Theirworld; Executive Chair of the Global Business Coalition for Education; and wife of former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, is the featured guest for the special holiday episode of the Impact Podcast with John Shegerian. The show is hosted by Shegerian, Co-Founder and Chairman/CEO of ERI.

Since Brown founded Theirworld in 2002, its campaigns, advocacy and ground-breaking programs have been rooted in the belief that every child deserves the best start in life, a safe place to learn and skills for the future. Brown and her team played a central role in gathering 11 million signatures  a record for education  for a petition that led to the creation of Education Cannot Wait, a world-first global fund for education in emergencies that has reached more than 4.6 million children.

In 2022 Theirworld spearheaded the #LetMeLearn campaign at the United Nations, which helped create a new funding mechanism that will unlock billions for education around the world.

It was a great honor to have Sarah, a true trailblazer and impactful campaigner for global health and education, on our show to share her story and describe some of the innovative work she and the team at Theirworld are accomplishing, said Shegerian. Our audience is sure to be moved and inspired by her tremendous efforts to make the world a better place.

"I loved joining John Shegerian on the Impact Podcast and welcomed his invitation to spotlight the pressing challenges facing global education, said Brown. I hope the episode highlights the urgent action needed if we are to tackle the global education crisis and explains how Theirworld and its partners are working towards this through its campaigning, projects and initiatives. We want to ensure that all children are given access to the education they deserve."

Impact Podcast guests are invited as thought leaders to share with listeners first-hand accounts of how they are able to help make the world a better place on a daily basis.

Recent guests have included leaders from Samsung, Best Buy, Amazon, Verizon, General Motors, General Mills, Ford, Unilever, Merck, Procter & Gamble, Wells Fargo, Discover, Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, Panasonic, Gensler, Deloitte, EY, Patagonia, HP, JetBlue, Comerica Bank, Goodyear Tire, Virgin, Intel, Dell, GE, IBM, AT&T, Qualcomm, Nestle, BMW, The Home Depot, Texas Instruments, Adobe, Gap Inc., TIME, Kimberly-Clark, Timberland, Hearst, UPS, Hertz, Chipotle, The Hershey Company, McKinsey & Company, FedEx, Intel, T-Mobile, eBay, NVIDIA, Lyft, GoDaddy, HubSpot, Vodafone, T. Rowe Price, Ball Corporation, Johnson Controls, Allbirds, New York City, Panasonic, John Deere, Salesforce, Molson Coors, Seventh Generation, Amgen, Indeed, Intuit, Wayfair, Warby Parker, ABM, and hundreds more.

The Impact Podcast with John Shegerian is available for listening on ImpactPodcast.com, Apples iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Spotify, libsyn, and as part of iHeartRadios digital broadcast, reaching over 120 million users.

For more information, visit ImpactPodcast.com

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Paul Williams, 310/569-0023, [email protected].

Source: Impact Podcast
- LIVTENCITY Is the First and Only Inhibitor of CMV-specific UL97 Protein Kinase Approved in China for the Treatment of Adults With Post-transplant CMV Infection/Disease Refractory* to Conventional Anti-CMV Treatment

- Approval Based on Phase 3 TAK-620-303 SOLSTICE Study Demonstrating Maribavir Was Superior to Conventional Therapies at Week 8, for Primary Endpoint1

- CMV Is One of the Most Common and Serious Post-transplant Infections and Can Lead to Other Serious Infections, Loss of Transplanted Organ and Failure of Graft2,3

OSAKA, Japan & CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced that LIVTENCITY (maribavir) has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for the treatment of adult patients with post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) or solid organ transplant (SOT) cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease that is refractory to treatment (with or without genotypic resistance) with ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir or foscarnet. LIVTENCITY is the first and only inhibitor of CMV-specific UL97 protein kinase in China for this indication. LIVTENCITY was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by China Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) in 2021.

The approval of LIVTENCITY by the NMPA of China recognizes the critical need for post-transplant care and that CMV infection, when not successfully treated, can pose serious challenges to transplant recipients that can lead to complications such as increased organ rejection and hospitalization rates, said Ramona Sequeira, president, Global Portfolio Division, Takeda. This approval will help redefine the CMV treatment landscape for transplant patients in China and is a positive step forward toward addressing an unmet need for this community.

The NMPA approval is based on the results of the Phase 3 SOLSTICE trial, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of maribavir versus conventional antiviral therapies  ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir or foscarnet  for the treatment of patients with CMV infection/disease refractory* to prior therapies. In the SOLSTICE trial, LIVTENCITY was superior to conventional therapies at Week 8 for the primary endpoint of confirmed CMV viremia clearancea in post-transplant adults with refractory* CMV infection.1

The NMPA approval marks the 12th approval of LIVTENCITY around the world for post-transplant CMV refractory* to prior therapies, including four other major markets beyond China: the United States, Canada, Australia and the European Union.4-7

Out of the estimated 200,000 adult transplants per year globally, CMV is one of the most common infections experienced by transplant patients with an estimated incidence rate of 16%-56% in SOT and 30%-80% in HSCT recipients.8,9

About LIVTENCITY

LIVTENCITY (maribavir), an orally bioavailable anti-CMV compound, is the first and only antiviral agent that targets and inhibits the UL97 protein kinase and thus its natural substrates.1 It is approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for the treatment of adults with post-HSCT or SOT cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease that is refractory to treatment (with or without genotypic resistance) with ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir or foscarnet.

Product Name LIVTENCITY 200 mg film coated tablets. Generic Name Maribavir Posology and Administration LIVTENCITY should be initiated by a physician experienced in the management of patients who have undergone solid organ transplant or hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Posology: The recommended dose of LIVTENCITY is 400 mg (two 200 mg tablets) twice daily resulting in a daily dose of 800 mg for 8 weeks. Treatment duration may need to be individualized based on the clinical characteristics of each patient. Pediatric population: The safety and efficacy of LIVTENCITY in patients below 18 years of age have not been established. No data are available. Method of administration: Oral use. LIVTENCITY is intended for oral use only and can be taken with or without food. The film coated tablet can be taken as a whole tablet, a crushed tablet, or a crushed tablet through a nasogastric or orogastric tube.

About Takedas SOLSTICE Trial

The TAK-620-303 (SOLSTICE) trial (NCT02931539, EudraCT 2015-004725-13) was a global, multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled superiority trial to assess the efficacy and safety of treatment with either maribavir or conventional antiviral therapy in 352 hematopoietic stem cell transplant and solid organ transplant recipients with CMV infection refractory* to one or a combination of the conventional antiviral therapies: ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir. Adult patients underwent a 2-week screening period, followed by randomization 2:1 to maribavir (n=235) (400 mg, twice daily) or conventional antiviral therapies (n=117) (as dosed by the investigator) for up to 8 weeks. After completion of the treatment period, subjects entered a 12-week follow-up phase.1

The trials primary efficacy endpoint was confirmed CMV viremia clearance a at the end of Week 8. The key secondary endpoint was confirmed CMV viremia clearance and CMV infection symptom control at the end of Study Week 8 with maintenance of this treatment effect through Study Week 16.1

About CMV

CMV is a beta herpesvirus that commonly infects humans; serologic evidence of prior infection can be found in 40-100% of various adult populations.10 CMV typically resides latent and asymptomatic in the body but may reactivate during periods of immunosuppression. Serious disease may occur in individuals with compromised immune systems, which includes patients who receive immunosuppressants associated with various types of transplants including HSCT or SOT.8 Out of the estimated 200,000 adult transplants per year globally, CMV is one of the most common viral infections experienced by transplant recipients, with an estimated incidence rate between 16-56% in SOT recipients and 30-80% in HSCT recipients.8,9

In transplant recipients, reactivation of CMV can lead to serious consequences including graft loss and, in extreme cases, can be fatal.1,2 Existing therapies to treat post-transplant CMV infections may demonstrate serious side effects that require dose adjustments or may fail to adequately suppress viral replication.11 Additionally, existing therapies may require or prolong hospitalization due to administration.11,12

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.

LIVTENCITY Safety Information

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients and co-administration with ganciclovir or valganciclovir.

Special warnings and precautions for use

Virologic failure can occur during and after treatment with LIVTENCITY. Some maribavir pUL97 resistance-associated substitutions confer cross-resistance to ganciclovir and valganciclovir. CMV DNA levels should be monitored, and resistance mutations should be investigated in patients who do not respond to treatment. Treatment should be discontinued if maribavir resistance mutations are detected.

LIVTENCITY is not expected to be effective in treating CMV CNS infections (e.g. meningo encephalitis).

LIVTENCITY has the potential to increase the concentrations of immunosuppressants that are cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A/P-gp substrates with narrow therapeutic margins (including tacrolimus, cyclosporine, sirolimus and everolimus). The plasma levels of these immunosuppressants must be frequently monitored throughout treatment with LIVTENCITY, especially following initiation and after discontinuation of LIVTENCITY, and doses should be adjusted, as needed.

The concomitant use of LIVTENCITY and certain medicinal products may result in known or potentially significant medicinal product interactions, some of which may lead to:

possible clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposure of concomitant medicinal products.

reduced therapeutic effect of LIVTENCITY.

Sodium content: This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially sodium free.

Pregnancy & Breast-feeding: LIVTENCITY is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using contraception. Breast feeding should be discontinued during treatment with LIVTENCITY.

Interactions

If dose adjustments of concomitant medicinal products are made due to treatment with maribavir, doses should be readjusted after treatment with maribavir is completed.

Effect of other medicinal products on maribavir: Co-administration of maribavir with strong cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) inducers rifampicin, rifabutin or St. Johns wort is not recommended. If co-administration of maribavir with other strong or moderate CYP3A inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, efavirenz, phenobarbital and phenytoin) cannot be avoided, the maribavir dose should be increased to 1 200 mg twice daily. No dose adjustment is needed when maribavir is co-administrated with CYP3A inhibitors.

Effect of maribavir on other medicinal products: Co-administration of maribavir with valganciclovir and ganciclovir is contraindicated. Concomitant administration of maribavir and medicinal products that are sensitive substrates of CYP1A2 with a narrow therapeutic window (e.g., tizanidine and theophylline) should be avoided due to the risk for lack of efficacy of CYP1A2 substrates.

When the immunosuppressants tacrolimus, cyclosporine, everolimus or sirolimus are co-administered with maribavir, immunosuppressant levels should be frequently monitored throughout treatment with maribavir, especially following initiation and after discontinuation of maribavir and dose adjusted, when needed.

Caution should be exercised when maribavir and sensitive P-gp substrates (e.g., digoxin, dabigatran) are co administered. Serum digoxin concentrations should be monitored, and dose of digoxin may need to be reduced, as needed.

Co-administration of maribavir with sensitive BCRP substrates such as rosuvastatin, is expected to increase their exposure and lead to undesirable effects.

Adverse Reactions

Very common (1/10) Taste disturbance, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue Common (1/100 to Headache, Abdominal pain upper, Decreased appetite, Immunosuppressant drug level increased, Weight decreased

The most commonly reported serious adverse reactions were diarrhea (2%) and nausea, weight decreased, fatigue, immunosuppressant drug concentration level increased, and vomiting (all occurring at >1%).

Please consult the LIVTENCITY (maribavir) approved label before prescribing, particularly in relation to dosing and treatment monitoring.

For the European Union, please consult the Summary of Products Characteristics (SmPC).

For China, please consult the LIVTENCITY China Package Leaflet.

For full U.S. Prescribing Information, including the approved indication and important safety information, please visit: https://content.takeda.com/?contenttype=pi&product=liv&language=eng&country=usa&documentnumber=1

Important Notice

For the purposes of this notice, press release means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.

The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, Takeda is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words we, us and our are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takedas future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as targets, plans, believes, hopes, continues, expects, aims, intends, ensures, will, may, should, would, could anticipates, estimates, projects or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takedas global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takedas operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takedas most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takedas other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takedas website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings/ or at www.sec.gov. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takedas future results.

Medical information

This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.

* Including a subgroup with genotypic resistance to conventional therapies.

a Defined as confirmed CMV DNA concentration below the lower limit of quantification (  CMV infection symptom control was defined as resolution or improvement of tissue-invasive disease or CMV syndrome for symptomatic patients at baseline, or no new symptoms for patients who were asymptomatic at baseline.

References

Avery R, Alain S, Alexander BD, et al. SOLSTICE Trial Investigators. Maribavir for refractory cytomegalovirus infections with or without resistance post-transplant: results from a phase 3 randomized clinical trial. Clin Infect Dis. 2022;75(4):690701. doi:10.1093/cid/ciab988 Ramanan P, Razonable RR. Cytomegalovirus infections in solid organ transplantation: a review. Infection & Chemotherapy. 2013;45(3):260 Camargo JF, Komanduri KV. Emerging concepts in cytomegalovirus infection following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther. 2017;10(4):233-238. doi:10.1016/j.hemonc.2017.05.001 Takeda. Health Canada approves Takedas LIVTENCITYTM (maribavir) the first and only treatment for adults with post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Published September 20, 2022. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.takeda.com/en-ca/newsroom/news-releases/2022/health-canada-approves-takedas-livtencity-maribavir-the-first-and-only-treatment-for-adults-with-post-transplant-cytomegalovirus-cmv-infection/ Takeda. Takedas LIVTENCITY (maribavir) approved by U.S. FDA as the first and only treatment for people ages 12 and older with post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV), refractory (with or without genotypic resistance) to conventional antiviral therapies. Published November 23, 2021. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211123006185/en/Takeda%E2%80%99s-LIVTENCITYTM-maribavir-Approved-by-U.S.-FDA-as-the-First-and-Only-Treatment-for-People-Ages-12-and-Older-with-Post-Transplant-Cytomegalovirus-CMV-Refractory-With-or-Without-Genotypic-Resistance-to-Conventional-Antiviral-Therapies Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). LIVTENCITY maribavir 200 mg film coated tablet bottle (380132) [Australian product information]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Published October 8, 2022. https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/artg/380132 Takeda. European Commission (EC) approves LIVTENCITY (maribavir) for the treatment of adults with post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and/or disease that are refractory (with or without resistance) to one or more prior therapies. Published November 11, 2022. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.takeda.com/newsroom/newsreleases/2022/european-commission-ec-approves-livtencitytm-maribavir/ Azevedo LS, Pierrotti LC, Abdala E, et al. Cytomegalovirus infection in transplant recipients. Clinics (Sao Paolo). 2015;70(7):515-523. doi:10.6061/clinics/2015(07)09 Styczynski J. Who is the patient at risk of CMV recurrence: a review of the current scientific evidence with a focus on hematopoietic cell transplantation. Infect Dis Ther. 2018;(7):1-16. doi:10.1007/s40121-017-0180-z de la Hoz RE, Stephanie G, Sherlock C. Diagnosis and treatment approaches to CMV infections in adult patients. J Clin Virol. 2002;25(Suppl 1):S1-S12. doi:10.1016/s1386-6532(02)00091-4 Chemaly RF, Chou S, Einsele H, et al. Definitions of resistant and refractory cytomegalovirus infection and disease in transplant recipients for use in clinical trials. Clin Infect Dis. 2019;68(8):1420-1426. doi:10.1093/cid/ciy696 Martin-Gandul C, Perez-Romero P, Gonzalez-Roncero FM, et al. Clinical impact of neutropenia related with the preemptive therapy of CMV infection in solid organ transplant recipients. J Infect. 2014;69(5):500-6. doi:10.1016/j.jinf.2014.07.001

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International Media

JC Molina

[email protected]

China Media

Shirley Zhu

[email protected]

Source: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Agreement with Mercurius Health Set to Further Expand European Presence of State-of-the-Art ZAP-X Non-Invasive Radiosurgery

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ZAP Surgical, a leading innovator in the field of surgical robotics, today announced that Mercurius Health has entered into a master purchase agreement for five ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery systems. Through this agreement, ZAP looks to expand its rapidly growing European installed base with added presence across multiple countries in the region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221202014/en/

From left to right. Mr. Pablo Jimenez-Herrera, Managing Director IRCA; Mr. Paulo Goncalves, CEO Viamed; Dr. John R. Adler, neurosurgeon, and creator of ZAP-X; Dr. Kita Sallabanda, Director IRCA; and John Allen, CEO Mercurius Health. (Photo: Business Wire)

As a non-invasive treatment for select brain tumors and brain metastases, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a well-studied and proven procedure that often provides equivalent to superior outcomes to surgery. Unlike surgery however, radiosurgery requires no incision and the procedure itself is painless.

Our recent partnership with the Viamed hospital group and the Institute of Advanced Radiosurgery [IRCA] to bring ZAP-X to Madrid has allowed IRCA to provide the most advanced SRS available for their patients. Having the system on full display at the front of the institute has generated considerable interest and support from the community, said John Allen, CEO of Mercurius Health.

ZAP was incredibly proud to see how Mercurius was able to quickly build a successful dedicated SRS program, said Hakan Baraner, ZAP Surgical's Senior Vice President for Europe, India, Middle East, and Africa (EIMEA). By leveraging state-of-the-art ZAP-X technology, theyve proven theres large unmet need for advanced, completely non-invasive SRS brain care. We look forward to working closely with Mercurius as they develop this program on behalf of their partners."

The ZAP-X system stands out for its groundbreaking design, utilizing unique gyroscopic mobility to direct radiosurgical beams from thousands of potential angles, ensuring precise concentration of radiation on the intended target or tumor. This innovative approach ideally aligns with the clinical objective of protecting the patient's healthy brain tissue and preserving cognitive function.

Although stereotactic radiosurgery is recognized as one of the most significant advancements in modern medicine, the high costs associated with acquiring and shielding radiation with traditional SRS technologies have hindered widespread access. The ZAP-X system's vault-free design is well-known for its capability to eliminate the considerable expenses linked to constructing shielded radiation treatment rooms, a requirement for all previous SRS technologies. Additionally, ZAP-X removes the need to handle, secure, and frequently replace live radioactive isotopes commonly utilized in historical radiation beam production.

About ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc.

ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform. ZAP was founded in 2014 by Dr. John R. Adler. In addition to being CEO of ZAP, Dr. Adler is Emeritus Dorothy & TK Chan Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology at Stanford University. Dr. Adler is also renowned as the inventor of the CyberKnife system and founder of Accuray, Inc. The ZAP-X platform incorporates a unique vault-free design that typically eliminates the need for costly shielded treatment rooms. ZAP-X also utilizes a modern linear accelerator to eliminate legacy use of Cobalt-60. Learn more at ZAP Surgical and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Mercurius Health

Mercurius Health is a multidisciplinary international team of more than 120 oncology experts, offering advisory services to public & private hospitals and cancer treatment centres throughout the world. Mercurius Health designs tailor-made advanced oncology solutions, solves complex problems, provides financing, and helps to achieve the maximum efficiency from the latest radiotherapy and nuclear medicine equipment to enable the best care for oncological patients. Learn more at https://mercuriushealth.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221202014/en/

Mark Arnold, ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc.

Senior Vice President, Marketing

+1 650 492 7797, ext. 101

Email: [email protected]

Laura Terzagui

Director of Marketing & Communications

+34 650 446 543

Email: [email protected]

Source: ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc.
FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Organization of the Petroleoum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is seen outside of OPEC's headquarters in Vienna, Austria April 9, 2020. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo

By Miguel Gomes, Ahmad Ghaddar and Alex Lawler

LUANDA/LONDON (Reuters) - Angola said on Thursday it would leave OPEC in a blow to the Saudi-led oil producer group that has sought in recent months to rally support for further output cuts to prop up oil prices.

Angola's Oil Minister Diamantino Azevedo said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries no longer served the country's interests. It joins other mid-sized producers Ecuador and Qatar that have left OPEC in the last decade.

"We feel that ... Angola currently gains nothing by remaining in the organisation and, in defense of its interests, decided to leave," Azevedo was quoted as saying in a presidency statement.

International oil prices dropped by as much as 2.4% on Thursday as analysts said the departure raised questions about the unity of OPEC and OPEC+, the wider group that includes Russia and other OPEC allies. OPEC+ implements a new round of oil-output cuts from January to try to strengthen the market.

"Prices fell on concern of the unity of OPEC+ as a group, but there is no indication that more heavyweights within the alliance intend to follow the path of Angola," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

Angola's announced departure follows a protest from Angola about OPEC+'s decision to cut its output quota for 2024. The dispute helped to delay OPEC+'s last policy meeting in November and its agreement on new output curbs.

"This shows that there is no consensus within OPEC itself and this was for some time now," Ali Al-Riyami, former marketing director general at Oman's energy ministry, said.

"There will be consequences no doubt about it, but I don't think others (countries) will follow."

Nigeria is another African OPEC member that has been trying to boost output and has been struggling to meet its quota. At the November meeting, it received a higher OPEC+ target for 2024, although lower than it had sought, restricting its ability to increase production should it be able to do so.

OPEC did not reply to a request for comment.

FALLING MARKET SHARE

Three OPEC delegates who spoke on condition of anonymity said Angola's decision to leave came as a surprise, as they had expected the dispute over Angola's quota to blow over.

Angola, which joined OPEC in 2007, produces about 1.1 million barrels of oil per day, compared with 28 million bpd for the whole group.

Angola's departure will leave OPEC with 12 members and crude oil production of about 27 million bpd, some 27% of the 102 million bpd world oil market.

This further reduces OPEC's share of the world market, which stood at 34% in 2010.

As well as the exit of some members, OPEC and OPEC+ decisions to cut production and the rising output of non-OPEC countries including the United States have reduced its market share.

Brazil is expected to join OPEC+ in January but will not take part in the group's coordinated output caps.

Angola has been unable to produce enough oil to meet its OPEC+ quota in recent years, because of falling investment and a lack of big new oilfield developments.

It has struggled to reverse falling output since a peak of 2 million bpd in 2008 and expects to maintain current production into 2024, a senior government official said in October.

For Angola, oil and gas accounts for around 90% of total exports, an over-reliance the government has been seeking to reduce after the COVID-19 pandemic and lower global fuel prices hit the country's economy hard. Several oil majors and independents operate in the southern African nation, including TotalEnergies, Chevron, ExxonMobil and Azule Energy, a 50/50 venture between Eni and BP.

(Reporting by Miguel Gomes in Luanda, Ahmad Ghaddar, Alex Lawler and Natalie Grover in London, Wendell Roelf in Cape Town, Yousef Saba in Dubai; writing by Bhargav Acharya and Nellie Peyton; Editing by Alexander Winning, Jason Neely, Catherine Evans and Barbara Lewis)
Angola is set to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, commonly known as OPEC, according to early Thursday reports from local media outlets ANGOP and Jornal de Angola.

The country's Mineral Resources Minister Diamantino Azevedo, reportedly the key man behind the decision, is quoted saying the organization 'was not relevant and it was not serving the country's interests.'

He added that so far the country has not been forced to cut production, 'but if we were to remain in organization, this might happen sooner or later.'

Angola was among several countries assigned lower targets at OPEC+ latest meeting in June of this year.

Back in October, Reuters reported that the country was already producing less than its quota for 2024, according to assessments by independent sources.

OPEC, often characterized as the Oil Cartel, is a union of 13 countries that account for around 30% of global oil output.
Crude oil storage tanks are seen in an aerial photograph at the Cushing oil hub in Cushing, Oklahoma, U.S. April 21, 2020. REUTERS/Drone Base

By Nicole Jao

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices settled lower on Thursday after Angola said it would exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), raising questions about the producer group's efforts to support prices by limiting global supplies.

Brent crude futures settled down 31 cents at $79.39 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 33 cents to $73.89 a barrel.

Earlier in the session, both benchmarks were down by more than $1 after Angola said it was planning to leave the group.

Angolan oil minister Diamantino Azevedo said the country's membership in OPEC was not serving its interests. The Saudi-led producer group in recent months has been rallying support to deepen output cuts and boost oil prices.

"It seems like OPEC is losing the battle to keep prices higher," said Matt Smith of shipping tracking firm Kpler, noting that non-OPEC producers like the U.S. have stepped up to fill the supply gap.

Angola produces around 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd), compared with 28 million bpd for the whole group.

The country's exit raises questions about the cohesion and direction of OPEC, even though it is one of the smallest producers and its departure may have a limited impact on global supplies, Smith said.

At a meeting in November, Angola had protested a decision by OPEC to cut its production quota for 2024 to help prop up oil prices.

Separately, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said U.S. crude output rose to a record 13.3 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, up from the previous all-time high of 13.2 million barrels per day.

"The U.S. is poised to increase production in the Permian Basin and across the country," said Tim Snyder, economist at Matador Economics in Dallas.

"We've mitigated price risk here in the U.S. and really put the Russians and the Saudis back on their heels," Snyder said.

Recent attacks carried out in support of Palestinians by Yemeni Houthi militant group on vessels headed towards Israeli ports have forced major maritime carriers to steer clear of the Red Sea, causing global trade disruptions.

"With such a heavy load of U.S. crude reported in increased measure, one can only assume that the market remains edgy in regard to supply diversion or even hiatus caused by the Houthi attacks on shipping," PVM analyst John Evans said.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified on Thursday amid truce talks.

(Reporting by Nicole Jao in New York; Additional reporting by Robert Harvey, Ahmad Ghaddar, Yuka Obayashi and Sudarshan Varadhan; Editing by Paul Simao, David Gregorio and Aurora Ellis)
ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE: ALE) and North Plains Connector LLC, a subsidiary of Grid United LLC, this week signed development agreements for the North Plains Connector project, a new, approximately 400-mile high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission line from central North Dakota to Colstrip, Montana.

The agreements outline each companys roles and responsibilities as development of the North Plains Connector accelerates. ALLETE and Grid United had previously signed a memorandum of understanding in January 2023 to explore development opportunities for the North Plains Connector.

The North Plains Connector will be the nations first HVDC transmission connection between three regional U.S. electric energy marketsthe Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the Western Interconnection and the Southwest Power Pool. Open to all sources of electric generation, the project will create 3,000 megawatts of transfer capacity across all three energy markets, easing congestion on the transmission system, increasing resiliency and reliability, and enabling fast sharing of energy resources across a vast area with diverse weather patterns.

The North Plains Connector is a much-needed link for a resilient and reliable energy grid from the Pacific coast to the Upper Midwest to support the clean-energy future, said ALLETE Chair, President and CEO Bethany Owen. Since signing the memorandum of understanding with Grid United in January, weve been impressed by their dedicated and thoughtful work on this project. These agreements cement our relationship with Grid United and provide a strong foundation as we pursue this major transmission investment, part of our Sustainability-in-Action growth strategy at ALLETE, and we look forward to working collaboratively with others to bring this important project to fruition.

The project represents an approximately $3.2 billion investment in Montana and North Dakota and will be a long-term energy infrastructure asset for those states. Connecting the North Dakota and Montana grids will help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and accommodate the growing demand for electricity. ALLETE expects to pursue up to 35% ownership and would oversee the lines operation.

We are excited to move the North Plains Connector forward with ALLETE, which brings considerable transmission expertise and experience to this important project, said Grid United CEO Michael Skelly. Connecting regional energy markets through new HVDC transmission lines is a critical need as more energy sources are brought online. This project will safeguard resilience and reliability across a wide area of the country by moving electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed.

Grid United has been engaging landowners and regional stakeholders throughout 2023 to refine and study the proposed route for the North Plains Connector to support the permitting and development activities ahead. The companies will work together on development activities and an in-service date as early as 2029, pending regulatory and other necessary approvals. For more project information, visit northplainsconnector.com.

Grid United is an independent transmission company aiming to develop next-generation energy infrastructure to create a more resilient and efficient electric system to the benefit of all consumers. For more information, visit www.gridunited.com. Media contact: Ashley McGeary at [email protected].
Leading private equity advisory firm Triago signed a definitive agreement on December 20, 2023 to be acquired by Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE: HLI), the global investment bank. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2024, following customary regulatory approvals.

Founded in Paris in 1992 as one of the world's first private equity placement agents, and with a 50-person staff operating from offices in New York, San Diego, London, Paris and Dubai, Triago will join with Houlihan Lokey's Private Funds Group ("PFG"), creating a fully integrated global operation and the market-leading private capital advisory platform.

Antoine Drean, Triago founder and Chairman, will become Chairman Emeritus in the expanded Houlihan Lokey Private Funds Group while Triago's Global CEO, Matt Swain, will become Head of Direct Placements and Secondaries in the PFG unit. Following the completion of the transaction, the merged private equity advisory activities will operate under the Houlihan Lokey name.

"Everything that this acquisition achieves for both parties boils down to providing better client service," said Drean. "That's the best way to ensure the long-term expansion of our already fast-growing private equity advisory teams." "Merging with Houlihan Lokey means we can offer every conceivable financial service that a private equity fund manager or an investor might need or could desire," said Swain. "Like us, Houlihan Lokey has an entrepreneurial culture and they operate in our sweet spot in terms of deal size."

Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1972, Houlihan Lokey is a leader in corporate finance, financial restructuring, and valuation services. In 2022, the firm ranked as the #1 investment banking advisor for all global M&A transactions under US$1 billion. Houlihan Lokey also has established itself as a premier advisor to the financial sponsor and alternative assets community, with a dedicated Financial Sponsors coverage team, global private Capital Markets group, Private Funds Group, and valuation and other services dedicated to serving hundreds of financial sponsors, hedge funds, credit managers, and others in the alternative capital space.

"We could not be more excited to bring the Triago team on board, allowing us to deliver a truly comprehensive suite of world-class services to both general and limited Partners. With PFG's newly expanded capabilities alongside our outstanding Capital Markets advisory team, our deep Financial Sponsors coverage group, and other partners across the firm, allied with the client-centric focus of our firm, we are now better-positioned than ever to serve Private Capital clients, and are now among the absolute best advisors in this increasingly important asset class," said Scott Adelson, Co-President and Co-Head of Corporate Finance at Houlihan Lokey.

"As a result of this consolidation, we will be the only fully-integrated advisory platform offering clients Primary, Secondary, Directs and GP Advisory services on a global basis," said Andy Lund, Co-Head of Houlihan Lokey's Private Funds Group. "Of particular note, we're integrating Triago's private equity Directs team, the largest of its kind in the world, in what's widely considered the fastest growing space in private equity." Direct private equity transactions focus on an identified asset and are organized outside of traditional blind-pool funds or co-investment programs. They typically offer greater influence and agency to investors than traditional funds or more passively structured co-investments.

In the past five years, Triago has grown across all its business lines, which include capital raising for funds and directs; private equity secondary transactions (both sales of limited partner-owned stakes and general partner-led deals); and strategic advisory (mostly manager M&A or other forms of capital raising against management company equity).
FILE PHOTO: The Apple logo is seen hanging at the entrance to the Apple store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York, U.S., October 16, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar

(Reuters) -Apple customer service teams were informed in a company memo this week that it will no longer replace out-of-warranty models going back to Apple Watch Series 6, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

The iPhone maker had said on Monday it would pause sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the U.S. from this week, in relation to the patent dispute over the technology that enables the blood oxygen feature on the devices. These two models are currently unavailable on Apple's U.S. website.

If a customer has a broken screen, for instance, they would not be able to get the issue fixed by Apple, the Bloomberg News report said, adding the company will still offer help that can be done via software, such as reinstalling the operating system.

Company representatives were told to inform affected customers they will be contacted when hardware replacements are allowed again, according to the report.

Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
CAIRO, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Over the past two months and more, Israel's draconian siege and relentless bombardment have killed at least 20,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, with 70 percent of them being women and children, said the Hamas-run government media office on Wednesday.

On top of the staggering number of casualties, intense attacks have pushed the strip to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.

The international call has been ever louder for an immediate ceasefire to allow the safe delivery of humanitarian relief to Gaza, which has been impeded by Washington's repeated veto on UN ceasefire resolutions. The much-awaited peace in Gaza is as yet not in sight.

WORSENING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

Devastating airstrikes by Israel since Oct. 7 have flattened much of the northern Gaza and ravaged the south. Around 1.9 million people, or 85 percent of the territory's inhabitants, have been displaced, most of them packed in a small area around the far south Rafah city in the coastal strip, near the border with Egypt.

Things have been rapidly deteriorating, as the aid entering the territory is only a sliver of what is needed, UN officials said.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), about 100 trucks with humanitarian supplies arrived at the Rafah crossing every day from Egypt since hostilities resumed on Dec. 1, well below the daily average of 500 truckloads that entered Gaza every working day prior to Oct. 7.

The World Food Program said Tuesday that half of Gaza's population is facing extreme or severe hunger, with 90 percent of them regularly going without food for a whole day. Only 10 percent of the food currently required for the 2.2 million people there has entered Gaza in the last 70 days.

Worse still, Gaza is facing a public health catastrophe. The UN agencies have reported a surge in the number of people suffering from infectious diseases, including respiratory diseases and diarrhea, which can be fatal for young children, as well as scabies, hepatitis and malnutrition due to lack of food and clean water.

"We've got a textbook formula for epidemics and a public health disaster," Lynn Hastings, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said last week.

According to Hastings, only one-third of Gaza's hospitals are operating, and they are only partly functional because of severe shortages of staff and medicines, and fuel to operate generators. "We all know the health care system is or has collapsed," she said.

GROWING CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE

Israel has drawn a cascade of criticism for the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the civilian casualties there. The international community, including some of the Israeli allies, has stepped up calls for an immediate cessation of hostility in the enclave.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna arrived on Sunday for a visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank, where she urged an "immediate and durable" truce in the ongoing war.

"Too many civilians are being killed," she said during a press conference in Tel Aviv alongside her Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen.

In the meantime, foreign ministers of Britain and Germany issued a joint call for a "sustainable" ceasefire in Gaza, a change in tone from their previous voice of support for Israel.

"We must do all we can to pave the way to a sustainable ceasefire, leading to a sustainable peace," said David Cameron and Annalena Baerbock. "The sooner it comes, the better -- the need is urgent."

Regional countries have been actively brokering another truce following a ceasefire in late November. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit on Wednesday urged an "immediate ceasefire" at the 6th Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum.

Delegates from the 22-member bloc called for "the stop of the collective punishment for innocent civilians," and urged the UN Security Council to play a more active role in the strive for ceasefire.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his determination to continue the fighting.

"We are continuing the war to the end," Netanyahu said in a statement on Wednesday. "We will not stop the fighting until all of the goals that we have set are achieved: The elimination of Hamas, the release of our hostages and the removal of the threat from Gaza."

U.S. "LACKS BASIC HUMANITARIANISM"

The UN Security Council was expected to vote Wednesday on a resolution to deliver more humanitarian aid into Gaza, which was originally scheduled for Monday but was delayed as diplomats have been under intensive negotiations to avoid another U.S. veto.

The draft resolution, put forth by the United Arab Emirates, 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."

The Biden administration has vetoed several UN ceasefire resolutions, arguing that ending Israel's offensive in Gaza while leaving Hamas's military capabilities intact and its top leaders in place would predominantly "benefit Hamas."

During his trip to Tel Aviv on Monday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pledged to continue to provide military support to Israel in its conflict with Hamas and Yemen's Houthi forces, calling the U.S. commitment to Israel "unwavering." "No individual, group or state should test our resolve," he warned.

Condemnation both from home and abroad, as well as rifts in public opinion are growing over Washington's unshakable support for Israel's offensive against Gaza.

A poll by U.S. media CBS earlier this month found that 61 percent of voters disapproved of Biden's approach toward the Israel-Hamas conflict, believing his administration is not bringing things closer to a peaceful resolution.

Washington has turned into a partner of Israel in its aggression, diplomatically and politically, according to Palestinian writer and analyst Akram Atallah.

"This is what weakens the prospects for the truce," he said. "We've seen how it voted against a draft resolution, and now vote on another draft resolution has been delayed again."

"The U.S. and other Western countries have long ignored the demands of the Palestinian people, which has been clearly demonstrated in this conflict," said Mustafa Bisharat, a Palestinian analyst.

Denouncing the U.S. veto on ceasefire resolutions in Gaza as "a lack of the most basic humanitarianism," he said: "The U.S. has always emphasized human rights in the past. This conflict highlights its double standards in international affairs." 
BURLINGTON, Ontario, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Childrens Education Funds Inc., distributor of the Childrens Education Trust of Canada Registered Education Savings Plans consisting of the Group Option Plan, the Achievers Plan and the Self-Initiated Option Plan (collectively the Scholarship Plans) is pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2024, the insurance provider for our Scholarship Plans will be Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (Chubb Canada).

Chubb Canada is a unit of Chubb, one of the world's largest property and casualty insurers. Chubb Canada has provided insurance to clients in Canada for many years. We are very excited to partner with Chubb Canada to continue to serve our subscribers. We are also pleased to announce that NFP Canada is our broker of record for our insurance program. To learn more about Chubb Canada please visit https://www.chubb.com/ca-en/privacy-policy.html.

About Childrens Education Funds Inc. Childrens Education Funds Inc. (CEFI) has been helping families save for Registered Education Savings Plans since 1991. CEFI promises to assist parents in fulfilling their savings goals to nurture the dreams for their childs education tailored to their individual needs by trained and licensed Dealing Representatives.

About Chubb

Chubb Canada is a unit of Chubb, one of the world's largest property and casualty insurers. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 34,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

Chubb Insurance Company of Canada has offices in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver and provides its products and services through licensed insurance brokers across Canada. For additional information, visit: chubb.com/ca.

Media Contact:

Childrens Education Funds Inc.3221 North Service RoadBurlington, ON L7N 3G2Canada1 (800) 246-1203www.cefi.ca

Source: Childrens Education Funds Inc.
Houston, TX, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Best Credit Repair, a leader in the credit repair sector, proudly announces the launch of its new, user-centric website. This launch marks a significant step in the companys mission to provide effective and accessible credit repair solutions. With over 15 years of experience and a track record of assisting more than 100,000 clients, this new website embodies Best Credit Repairs commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Tailored Online Experience for Optimized Credit Improvement

The new website offers a real-time credit restoration platform, allowing clients to monitor and manage their credit repair progress actively. This feature caters to the modern customers need for accessibility and control, ensuring they are always informed and engaged in their journey towards financial wellness.

Affordability and Accessibility: A Click Away

Reflecting Best Credit Repairs belief in fair pricing, the new website makes starting the credit repair process more accessible than ever. With services beginning at just $19, the website opens doors to effective credit solutions for a wider range of clients, emphasizing the companys dedication to financial inclusivity.

Customized Solutions and 24/7 Accessibility

The website showcases Best Credit Repairs customized services, including unlimited disputes, creditor interventions, and debt validations. It also highlights the 24/7 account access feature, reinforcing the companys commitment to providing its clients with continuous support and real-time updates.

Unbeatable Satisfaction Guarantee

Reinforcing its customer-first approach, the website features Best Credit Repairs unbeatable satisfaction guarantee. This commitment reflects the companys confidence in its services and unwavering dedication to exceeding customer expectations.

About Best Credit Repair

Best Credit Repair stands as a beacon in the credit repair industry. With a reputation built on trust, transparency, and tangible results, the company has, over the years, transformed countless financial narratives. The newly launched website is another initiative to provide clients with a more streamlined and informative experience. Our commitment remains steadfast: to guide individuals on their path to financial prosperity, ensuring they remain informed, empowered, and satisfied at every juncture.

A New Era in Credit Repair Services

The launch of Best Credit Repairs new website signifies a new era in credit repair services, blending advanced technology with proven strategies. This platform is a tool and a gateway to empowering clients with the knowledge and resources needed to improve their financial health. Visit Best Credit Repairs new website today and embark on a journey to financial freedom with a partner you can trust.

Source: https://thenewsfront.com/best-credit-repair-launches-innovative-website-to-elevate-client-experience/

Best Credit Repair Houston TX United States 866-222-3931 https://www.best-credit-repair.com/

Source: Best Credit Repair
METTAWA, Ill., Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brunswick Corporation (Brunswick) understands the importance of protecting personal data and retaining the trust of its customers and employees. Unfortunately, as noted in previous disclosures, Brunswick was the victim of a data security incident in June 2023. In response to this incident, Brunswick conducted a comprehensive and thorough investigation and identified that a limited amount of sensitive personal data in its custody or control was impacted by this incident. However, Brunswick has no reason to believe that any personal data has been misused or will be misused in the future.

What Happened ? In June 2023, Brunswick discovered that a third party had gained unauthorized access to certain systems in its information technology (IT) environment. Brunswick immediately deployed security measures to contain and mitigate this threat and retained a leading incident response team to accelerate its recovery efforts. Brunswick proactively notified relevant law enforcement agencies and data protection authorities about this incident. Because of the substantial security controls implemented prior to this incident, Brunswick was able to quickly contain the threat and return to a normal state of business operations. In addition, Brunswick hired a data consultant to undertake a comprehensive review of the files and records impacted by this incident to identify whether any of them contained personal data. The consultants recently finished this review and thereafter Brunswick began notifying relevant individuals who could have been affected by this incident.

What Personal Data Was Impacted ? As part of its thorough internal investigation, Brunswick discovered that an unauthorized third-party obtained access to a limited number of e-mail boxes and unstructured files that contained certain sensitive personal data.

What You Can Do . Based on the measures that Brunswick implemented, there is no indication that any sensitive personal data involved in this incident has been misused or will be misused in the future. However, out of an abundance of caution, Brunswick is providing certain individuals potentially affected by this incident with complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, where appropriate.

Current Employees : If you are a current Brunswick employee whose personal data was affected by the incident, you will receive a separate notice in the mail from Brunswick that provides instructions on how you can enroll in these services.

Customers/Suppliers/Former Employees : If you are a customer, supplier, or former employee of Brunswick, please inquire (via the phone number in the For More Information paragraph below) as to whether your sensitive personal data was subject to this incident and whether you are eligible to enroll in complimentary credit monitoring services.

For More Information . Brunswick has established a dedicated call center to answer questions you may have about this incident, which you can reach at 888-722-0568, Monday  Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (EST). More information is available at: https://www.brunswick.com/securityincident . You can also request to know which personal data Brunswick retains about you by submitting a Subject Access Request at https://www.brunswick.com/dsar.

Data Protection Officer  European Economic Area:

Brunswicks Data Protection Officers contact information is as follows:

Felix Wittern  FieldFischer

[email protected]
CHICAGO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In its second full year under new ownership, luxury real estate brand Christies International Real Estate continued to attract some of the worlds top brokerages behind its industry-leading pl@tform technology, evolving marketing programs, and strategic focus on key global and niche luxury markets. Amid market challenges, the brand added more than a dozen independently owned firms to its network and expanded into several additional markets through existing affiliate relationships. Its member firms also logged several notable sales of some of the worlds most expensive estates and attracted some of the industrys top performers, positioning the luxury network for a successful 2024.

Were exceptionally proud of the momentum weve built over the past year, especially in the face of some significant market challenges around the world, said Thad Wong, co-CEO of Christies International Real Estate. Our continued expansion into premier luxury markets proves theres strong demand for the bespoke, personalized service, local expertise and unmatched international network that Christies International Real Estate is known for.

New Affiliates and New Markets

Christies International Real Estate welcomed 15 new affiliates in 2023, while current affiliates also expanded into more than a dozen new markets. Highlights include:

The addition of affiliates in several of the worlds leading luxury real estate centers, including San Francisco, Park City, Utah, and Austin, Texas, in the U.S., as well as the United Kingdom, Munich, Belgium, and the French Alps.

Expansion of current affiliates into established and emerging luxury markets including Milan, St. Moritz, the Hamptons; Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; and Lagos, Portugal.

Continued growth in the Caribbean, with new affiliates in St. John and St. Martin, USVI; Puerto Rico; Aruba; and the Dominican Republic.

Top 2023 Residential Sales

Christies International Real Estate affiliates consistently achieve top dollar for residences around the world. Top sales in 2023 included (in USD):

1001 Ute Ave., Aspen, Colo., USA  $76,000,000 (Stephanie Lewis/Christies International Real Estate Aspen Snowmass)

Chateau de Beau-Pre, Genthod, Switzerland  $43,000,000 (Maxime Dubus and Pierre Revay SPG One)

La Ceiba, Paradise Island, Bahamas  $37,500,000 (John Christie & Dylan Christie/H.G. Christie, Ltd.)

1410 Tanager Way, Los Angeles, Calif., USA  $29,995,000 (Aaron Kirman & Michael Chen/AKG Christies International Real Estate)

11870 Ellice, Malibu, Calif., USA - $28,090,000 (Aaron Kirman & Daniel Milstein/AKG Christies International Real Estate)

Record-breaking 2023 Transactions

Network affiliates also set several local market records in 2023:

In May, an oceanfront estate in Palm Harbor, Fla. sold for $23 million, setting a sales record for the Florida Keys. (Kelly K. Shaw & Trent M.P. Shaw/American Caribbean Real Estate)

In June, a lakeside home in the resort enclave of New Buffalo, Mich. sold for $8.52 million, a record price for homes there. (Liz Roch/@properties Christies International Real Estate)

Christies International Real Estate represented the buyer in the August sale of a waterside Fort Myers, Fla. estate that sold for $8.95 million, the highest-priced residential sale in the city since 2007. (Elise & Tom Starr/John R. Wood Properties)

In October, an estate in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Ill. sold for just over $8 million, marking the most expensive sale ever in the town. (Katie Minott/@properties Christies International Real Estate)

Also in October, a plot of land in Greyton, South Africa sold for $10.66 million (ZAR200 million), the highest amount ever paid for agricultural real estate in the western Cape. (Annali Durr/Greeff Christies International Real Estate)

Christies International Real Estate represented the buyer in the November sale of chef Paula Deens former Savannah mansion, which sold for $8.4 million, the highest price ever recorded for a home in that region. (Taavo Roos/Seabolt Real Estate)

A 36-acre site on Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands sold for a record $88.75 million (Walter Gardiner/Christies International Real Estate Turks & Caicos)

Recruitment Wins

Christies International Real Estate also proved to be a draw for several top agents and teams in the U.S. who joined the network in 2023, including:

Cindy Ambuehl, AKG Christies International Real Estate, Beverly Hills, Calif.  $300 million in annual sales

Shirley Gary Team, Ansley Christies International Real Estate, Atlanta, Ga.  $333 million in annual sales

Shelton Wilder Group, AKG Christies International Real Estate, Beverly Hills, Calif. - $150 million in annual sales

The Bay Group, Christies International Real Estate San Francisco | Marin | Wine Country, Calif.  $150 million in annual sales

A Focus on Technology

In 2023, Christies International Real Estate introduced its proprietary brokerage-technology solution, pl@tform, to U.S. affiliates. The tech offers a fully integrated suite of tools designed to improve agent productivity and make real estate transactions more seamless. Christies International Real Estate parent @properties, which developed pl@tform, also added several new features to the software including Closing Milestones, a Digital Listing Presentation and a Digital Buyer Presentation. Pl@tform also includes a CRM, Deal Management System, a digital comparative market analysis and an AI-powered buyer propensity scoring tool.

Auction House Partnership Sees Gains

Clients of Christies International Real Estate receive bespoke access to Christies auction house services, including appraisals, private sales and auctions, via a dedicated liaison. Over the past two years, this exclusive partnership with Christies world-renowned art and luxury business has resulted in an increase of more than 600% in referrals of furniture and art from buyers or sellers to the auction house. The partnership has also resulted in several notable listings referred from the auction house, including the former Greenwich, Conn. estate of artist Robert Motherwell, which sold in November, and the Bogk House, an original Frank Lloyd Wright home in Milwaukee, Wis., offered with several pieces of original Wright-designed furniture.

In 2023, geopolitical and economic uncertainty drove a flight to quality, and the global recognition of the Christies International Real Estate brand was a beacon in this environment across our European markets. Now, as we set our sights on 2024, we are very excited about the incredible potential of the luxury real estate market in Asia, and we are looking forward to announcing several new affiliate partnerships in the region, said Helena Moyas de Forton, managing director, head of EMEA and APAC, Christies International Real Estate.

###

About Christies International Real Estate

Christies International Real Estate has successfully marketed high-value real estate around the world for more than 30 years. Through its invitation-only Affiliate network spanning nearly 50 countries and territories, Christies International Real Estate offers incomparable services to a global clientele at the luxury end of the residential property market.

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Cuentas, Inc. Reaffirms its leadership in Telecommunications, Financial Technology and Real Estate. Releases the results of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, confirming the company's guidance, governance and support for its integrated services businesses.

MIAMI BEACH, FL, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cuentas, Inc. (OTC: CUEN & CUENW) (CUEN or the Company), the foremost developer of fully integrated real estate, telecommunications, and financial applications for the unbanked and underbanked Hispanic market, proudly reveals the outcomes of its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, solidifying unequivocal backing from its stakeholders for the advanced vision set forth by the Board of Directors and Management. Affirming its stature as a dominant force in the market, the company underscores its commitment to excellence through its seamlessly integrated service portfolio and unwavering dedication to long-term sustainability and exponential growth. Management celebrates this momentous occasion, propelling the company forward with a revitalized and steadfast pledge towards achieving unprecedented milestones in 2024.

The Board of Directors and Company Management extend their deepest gratitude to all shareholders for their unwavering support and steadfast commitment to the company's vision. The resounding approval of recent proxy vote proposals not only signifies a strong vote of confidence but also underscores the shared dedication to executing the meticulously planned strategies throughout 2023. The Board's confirmation and the green light on additional proposals inject renewed vigor into the Company's mission, propelling continuous enhancements to its integrated product and service portfolio.

Cuentas, Inc. proudly stands as the unequivocal market leader in telecommunications and financial technology, seamlessly offering an integrated experience under the Cuentas Mobile and Cuentas Fintech brands. The relentless pursuit of improvement has led to substantial revenue generation agreements with key national distribution organizations and the refinement of a more robust financial services application, all while achieving operational cost efficiencies. The stellar third-quarter financial results bear testimony to these transformative efforts.

In the realm of real estate development, Cuentas Casa is reshaping landscapes by providing resilient housing solutions for lower-income families, aligning seamlessly with the company's commitment to this demographic. The successful completion of the Lakewood Village apartment buildings in Palm Springs, Florida, using visionary modular composite material designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, is a testament to innovation and commitment.

As Cuentas Casa embarks on its next project in Tampa, Florida, a burgeoning real estate market with surging growth and strong housing price support, the Company's foresight in utilizing composite modular technology by Renco USA is reaffirmed. This strategic decision not only reduces construction costs and time but also bolsters profitability by offering a durable and robust residential product. Cuentas, Inc. holds a majority stake in the Tampa project, poised to break ground in 2024.

Mr. Arik Maimon, Executive Chairman and CEO of Cuentas, Inc., expressed his gratitude, stating, Cuentas' visionary approach and successful integrated offerings are a testament to the strategic governance of our Board and the resolute execution by our management. This commitment will endure through 2024 and beyond. The approved proposals motivate us to create value for customers and stakeholders. I sincerely thank our shareholders for their support.

Mr. Michael De Prado, CUEN Executive Vice Chairman and President, shared insights after the shareholder meeting, emphasizing, The 2024 business forecast, plans for enhanced profitability, success in our real estate project, and expected growth in home purchases motivate our team to increase efforts. Our Cuentas Mobile and Cuentas Fintech will continue to evolve. We are diligently working to incorporate new modules and lower acquisition and operational costs.

For detailed information on the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, including results, refer to the filed Form 8K accessible on the official company website (www.cuentas.com/investors-relations). Cuentas remains steadfast in its commitment to shareholder transparency and engagement as it charts an exhilarating course for the future.

About Cuentas

Cuentas, Inc. (OTC: CUEN & CUENW) is creating an alternative financial ecosystem for the growing global population who do not have access to traditional financial alternatives. The Companys proprietary technologies help to integrate FinTech (Financial Technology), e-finance and e-commerce services into solutions that deliver next generation digital financial services to the unbanked, under-banked and underserved populations nationally in the USA. The Cuentas Platform integrates Cuentas Mobile, the Companys Telecommunications solution, with its core financial services offerings to help entire communities enter the modern financial marketplace. In 2023 Cuentas launched Cuentas Casa, an alternative housing development initiative that secured a 10-year supply agreement for a patented, sustainable modular building system that will provide the bridge between its technology solutions and the affordable housing market. LINK: https://cuentas.com AND https://cuentasmobile.com

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Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in section 27a of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21e of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements involve substantial uncertainties and risks and are based upon our current expectations, estimates and projections and reflect our beliefs and assumptions based upon information available to us at the date of this release. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, OTC and shareholder approval of the proposed transaction, our ability to manage our research and development programs that are based on novel technologies, our ability to successfully integrate WHEN operations and product offerings, the sufficiency of working capital to realize our business plans and our ability to raise additional capital, market acceptance, the going concern qualification in our financial statements, our ability to retain key employees, our competitors developing better or cheaper alternatives to our products, risks relating to legal proceedings against us and the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "RISK FACTORS" in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason.

Contact Information:
TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dividend Select 15 Corp. (the Company) announces it has renewed its at-the-market equity program (ATM Program) that allows the Company to issue shares of the Company to the public from time to time at the Companys discretion, effective until January 20, 2026, unless terminated prior to such date by the Company. This program replaces the prior program established in December 2021 that has terminated. Any Equity Shares sold in the ATM Program will be sold through the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX) or any other marketplace in Canada on which the Equity Shares are listed, quoted or otherwise traded at the prevailing market price at the time of sale. Sales of Equity Shares through the ATM Program will be made pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement dated December 20, 2023 with National Bank Financial Inc. (the Agent).

Sales of Equity Shares will be made by way of at-the-market distributions as defined in National Instrument 44-102 Shelf Distributions on the TSX or on any marketplace for the Equity Shares in Canada. Since the Equity Shares will be distributed at the prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, prices may vary among purchasers during the period of distribution. The ATM Program is being offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated December 20, 2023 to the Companys short form base shelf prospectus dated December 19, 2023. The maximum gross proceeds from the issuance of the shares will be $30,000,000. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the short form base shelf prospectus may be obtained from your registered financial advisor using the contact information for such advisor, or from representatives of the Agent and are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The volume and timing of distributions under the ATM Program, if any, will be determined at the Companys sole discretion. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the ATM Program in accordance with the investment objectives and investment strategies of the Company, subject to the investment restrictions of the Company.

The Company invests in a portfolio of 15 Canadian companies selected from the following 20 company universe which are among the highest Canadian dividend yielding stocks.

Bank of Montreal Great West Lifeco Inc. TELUS Corporation BCE Inc. Loblaw Companies Limited The Bank of Nova Scotia CIBC National Bank of Canada The Toronto-Dominion Bank CI Financial Corp. Ovintiv Inc. Thomson Reuters Corporation Cenovus Energy Inc. Power Corporation of Canada TMX Group Inc. Enbridge Inc. Royal Bank of Canada TransAlta Corporation Sun Life Financial Inc. TC Energy Corporation

Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions expect, intend, will and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Companys current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Investors should read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Please read the Companys publicly filed documents which are available at www.sedar.com.

For further information, please contact Investor Relations at:1-877-478-2372 Local: 416-304-4443 www.dividendselect15.com [email protected]

Source: Dividend Select 15 Corp.
New York, Dec. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- December, 2023  EFE, the renowned eyewear brand from the Netherlands, is excited to unveil its Christmas Sale 2023, bringing a season of cheer and fantastic deals. As Christmas Eve approaches, EFE is set to make this festive period more joyful and stylish for its customers with unbeatable offers on its exclusive eyewear collection.

During this special sale, EFE welcomes everyone to explore a wide range of eyewear that perfectly blends fashion with practicality. Our online store is the complete source for finding eyewear that fits your vision needs and personal style. Our wide selection guarantees that you will find the perfect pair for this festive season, ranging from the newest prescription glasses to stylish sunglasses.

Offering a range of frames to accommodate every taste and budget is something we take great pride in. Whether you are seeking contemporary designs or timeless classics, EFE's eyewear is crafted to accentuate your individuality and enhance your vision experience. Our glasses are stylish, durable and reliable, offering quality that you can trust at prices that will bring extra joy to your holidays.

Unwrap Amazing Christmas Discounts!

Enjoy 20% off any purchase over $68 with code: MC08.

any purchase over $68 with code: MC08. Get $5 off orders of $89; save $10 on orders of $149; and delight in $20 off when you spend $289.

About EFE GlassesEFE Glasses advocates for the contemporary Dutch lifestyle aesthetics, dedicated to providing fashion-forward, quality eyewear without the need for an extravagant price tag.You can take advantage of both classic styles and the newest trends in eyewear thanks to our dedication to affordability and a broad selection of styles. We take great satisfaction in offering high-quality eyewear that complements your unique style while meeting your visual needs.

We are offering the Christmas Sale 2023 as a way for you to celebrate your happy occasions in style. Our Christmas specials are made to make this a memorable time of year, whether you are treating yourself or buying a gift for someone special.

Browse our collection and discover the ideal pair by visiting EFE's official website today. Each piece embodies the spirit of Christmas with its unique design and exceptional value. Don't wait to discover the joy and excitement of selecting the ideal eyewear for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.

To know more about EFE, you can visit www.efeglasses.com or find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.

All it takes is a click to have your new favorite glasses ready to glam up your holiday festivities!

Source: EFE Glasses
HIGHLIGHTS

Over 10,500 m combined aircore and reverse circulation drilling completed by De Grey Mining at the Becher project, which forms part of the Egina earn-in/Joint Venture.

At Becher, 271 infill AC holes were drilled for 7,536 m in Q4 2023. RC drill program is ongoing, with the first 29 drill holes for 4,154 m completed. Final assays are anticipated in Q1 2024.

Maiden drill program at the exciting Nunyerry North project delivered positive results in shallow RC drilling.

Additional work across the greater Nunyerry area has generated several new priority targets for drilling in 2024.

Numerous prospects across the southern Egina Gold Camp and Balla Gold Project identified, with follow-up work planned in 2024.

Initial two diamond drill holes from ongoing six-hole 2,300 m program completed as planned at Belltopper Gold Project in Victoria.

Image 1 and 2: Diamond drilling photos from the Belltopper program in Victoria

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (Novo or the Company) (ASX: NVO) (TSX: NVO & NVO.WT.A) (OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to provide an update on current exploration programs and proposed 2024 drilling programs across its Western Australian and Victorian gold portfolio.

In Q4 2023, successful exploration work continued at the Egina Gold Camp in the Pilbara, Western Australia, with aircore (AC) and reverse circulation (RC) drilling programs completed at the Becher project and significant results received from shallow RC drilling in the maiden drill program at Nunyerry North (Figure 1).

At the Belltopper Gold Project in Victoria (Belltopper), diamond drilling continues on the planned six-hole program.

Figure 1: Novo Pilbara tenure showing main projects and significant prospects.

EGINA GOLD CAMP

The Egina Gold Camp is Novos highly prospective gold belt in the Pilbara and includes the priority Becher and Nunyerry projects (Figure 1). This belt comprises a series of structurally complex, gold-fertile corridors, hosted by rocks of the Mallina Basin in the north and mafic / ultramafic sequences further south. These corridors trend towards De Grey Mining Limiteds 12.7 Moz Au (JORC 2012) Hemi Gold Project1 to the north and northeast.

Novos tenure forms a contiguous package of approx. 80 km strike length directly along this trend and has been one of the main focus areas for Novos exploration and joint venture programs over the last eighteen months, culminating in the Egina earn-in/JV with De Grey and delineation of the Nunyerry North orogenic gold prospect.

In addition to the earn-in/Egina JV and the expanding greater Nunyerry project area, several other priority gold targets are also being progressed along the main structural corridors within the Egina Gold Camp (Figure 2). These prospects form part of Novos regional reconnaissance program in 2024.

Egina JV (De Grey earning a 50% interest)2

De Grey commenced AC drilling at Becher in October 2023 as part of their planned 39,000 m program of AC, RC and diamond drilling.

A total of 271 infill AC holes were drilled for 7,536 m in Q4 2023, targeting the Heckmair/Irvine and Bonatti prospects. In addition, RC drilling is ongoing, with the first 29 drill holes for 4,154 m completed focusing on the Heckmair/Irvine and Lowe prospects.

Final assays are anticipated in Q1 2024.

De Grey has completed drilling for the year and will resume drilling in the New Year.

Figure 2: Egina Gold Camp prospectivity highlighting the earn-in/Egina JV with De Grey and the Nunyerry North target, in addition to newly delineated structural targets for further exploration.1

Nunyerry North (Novo 70% / Creasy Group 30%)

Nunyerry North is a high priority exploration target with significant prospectivity, located in the southern part of the Egina Gold Camp.

Novo recently completed a maiden 2,424 m shallow RC program, which tested high grade surficial gold anomalism across a strike length of some 500 m and immediately defined several zones of mineralised quartz veining, some of which appear blind at surface (refer to the Companys ASX announcement dated 15 November 2023).

Gold mineralisation is hosted in arrays of quartz veins with minor sulphides including pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. The vein arrays trend between two north dipping shear zones and are hosted in a 60 m wide zone of mafic to high-MgO basalt within an ultramafic dominant package.

The maiden drill program only tested a small area of the overall Nunyerry North project area (Figure 3). Results from the RC program were highly encouraging and warrant further follow-up work. The prospective stratigraphy continues along strike towards the east and repeats west of the Aurora Fault. RC drilling to test these positions is planned for H1 2024. The plunge of mineralisation in the strike extent tested to date is well understood, and a deep diamond drilling program is also being proposed to test for additional repeats of mineralisation at depth, as well as down plunge continuations.

Figure 3: The broader Nunyerry project area with interpreted geology, highlighting strike extent of favourable stratigraphy and additional structural targets for further drill testing.

BALLA BALLA GOLD PROJECT (NOVO 100%)

Balla Balla is an emerging exploration project covering an area over 1,200 sq km, located in the northwestern Pilbara (Figure 4). The project has been focused on the Sholl Shear corridor and associated potentially fertile structural corridors under cover. Geophysical interpretation and research of historical data completed in 2023 has advanced understanding of prospectivity in the project area and further delineated targets for follow-up work in 2024. The project area is prospective for intrusion-related gold mineralisation in addition to structurally hosted gold.

Tenement E47/4923 has been recently granted, and overall discussions with Native Title partners are progressing, further enabling access for exploration programs in 2024.

Figure 4: Location and tenure of the Balla Balla Gold Project, with preliminary structural interpretation and key prospects. Location of the Egina earn-in/JV tenure with De Grey in light green.

BELLTOPPER GOLD PROJECT (NOVO 100%)

Diamond drilling of multiple high-grade targets at the Belltopper Gold Project in Victoria continues, with first two deep diamond holes completed. To date 917.7 m of a planned 6-hole, approx. 2,300 m of drilling is complete, testing structural and intrusion hosted/related gold targets, including high tenor induced polarization geophysical anomalies.

Diamond drilling will recommence in early January 2024, completing the remaining four planned drill holes.

Figure 5: Belltopper drilling progress to date.

ABOUT NOVO

Novo explores and develops its prospective land package covering approximately 7,500 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, along with the 22 square kilometre Belltopper project in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Victoria, Australia. In addition to the Companys primary focus, Novo seeks to leverage its internal geological expertise to deliver value-accretive opportunities to its shareholders.

CONTACT

Investors:Mike Spreadborough +61 8 6400 6100 [email protected] North American Queries:Leo Karabelas+1 416 543 3120 [email protected] Media:Cameron Gilenko+61 466 984 953 [email protected]

Authorised for release by the Board of Directors.

QP STATEMENT

Mrs. Karen (Kas) De Luca (MAIG), is the qualified person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release other than information concerning De Greys Pilbara Gold Project. Mrs De Luca is Novos General Manger Exploration.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking statements. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the resource industry and the risk factors identified in Novos annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is available under Novos profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and in the Companys prospectus dated 2 August 2023 which is available at www.asx.com.au. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Novo assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Novo updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

____________________1 Refer to De Greys public disclosure record for further details including news release Hemi Gold Project Resource Update, 21 November 2023, relating to De Greys Hemi. Withnell and Wingina mining centres. No assurance can be given that a similar (or any) commercially viable mineral deposit will be determined at Novos Becher Project.2 Refer to the Companys news releases dated June 21, 2023 and June 28, 2023 and to the Companys prospectus dated August 2, 2023.

Photo accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b7a89fd-287b-4997-be02-fe231d404559https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5bedba4-3b22-4a6c-a8a5-92dc3be2719fhttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14a3d68e-d3cd-42a7-ae87-8e82020287eehttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae1116c9-faca-40eb-9538-b6c9b297f674https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb758829-968d-493c-97d6-1c4230061104https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a9533d5-2173-4cf7-ab79-186e7b9c1d4c

Image 1 and 2 Diamond drilling photos from the Belltopper program in Victoria Figure 1 Novo Pilbara tenure showing main projects and significant prospects. Figure 2 Egina Gold Camp prospectivity highlighting the earn-in/Egina JV with De Grey and the Nunyerry North target, in addition to newly delineated structural targets for further exploration. Figure 3 The broader Nunyerry project area with interpreted geology, highlighting strike extent of favourable stratigraphy and additional structural targets for further drill testing. Figure 4 Location and tenure of the Balla Balla Gold Project, with preliminary structural interpretation and key prospects. Location of the Egina earn-in/JV tenure with De Grey in light green. Figure 5 Belltopper drilling progress to date.

Source: Novo Resources Corp.
Communities Across the District Will Benefit from Grant Funds

TOPEKA, Kansas, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FHLBank Topeka (FHLBank) is proud to announce $17.7 million in affordable housing grants for 2023. The grants through FHLBanks Affordable Housing Program (AHP), which are made in partnership with member financial institutions, will help fund 22 projects in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. The successful applications will give 1,168 very low-, low- and moderate-income households a place to call home. We were pleased to join with our members to support the development of affordable housing in every state in our district through FHLBanks AHP, said Mark Yardley, president and CEO. The commitment of FHLBank members and the creativity of community builders across our district is on display with the wide range of projects awarded funding. From tiny homes for vulnerable community members in Paola, Kansas, to a family hotel for unhoused families in Denver, Colorado, this years AHP projects will touch many lives.

Each year, FHLBank allocates 10% of its prior years earnings to AHP. Nonprofit groups, for-profit developers, government agencies and public entities apply for the grants for rental and owner-occupied housing projects through an FHLBank member. Past recipients note that AHP funding is an important part of attracting additional funding to a project. In addition to the $17.7 million in funding provided through FHLBanks competitive AHP, in 2023 FHLBank has distributed more than $9.6 million through its Homeownership Set-aside program, providing down payment, closing cost and repair assistance to assist more than 1,200 very low-, low-, and moderate-income first-time homebuyers. FHLBank also announced its inaugural Native American Housing Initiatives Grant recipients, which will fund $3 million to support housing and community development in Native American communities. Earlier this year, FHLBank committed to increasing its annual contribution to affordable housing and community development by 50 percent.

FHLBank's housing and community development programs are central to its mission to make a difference by helping members build their communities. The success of the cooperative means more funding is allocated to support members in these community-building initiatives.

See a complete list of the 2023 successful applicants by state followed by a list of alternate projects on the FHLBank website.

Tamara Taylor Director of Corporate Communications FHLBank Topeka [email protected] 785.478.8157

Source: FHLBank Topeka
David Wolf to move to Executive Chairman

BEVERLY, Mass. and TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (TSX: HTL), a leading provider of precision instruments, consumables, software and services to the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), research, and cell biology markets, today announced the appointment, of Dr. Ekaterina (Kate) Torchilin as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 15, 2024.



Dr. Torchilin is succeeding David Wolf, who is retiring as President and CEO. Mr. Wolf will continue to serve the Company as Executive Chairman. Dr. Torchilin will also join the Hamilton Thorne Board of Directors upon assuming the CEO role.

Dr. Torchilin is currently the President of the Biologicals and Chemicals Division at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where is she is responsible for the development, manufacture, and global commercialization of the cell culture, cell therapy and chemical business that supports the manufacturing of vaccines and biologics therapies. Dr. Torchilin began her career at Thermo Fisher supporting strategic mergers and acquisitions in their Life Sciences Group, and has successfully progressed through a series of operational and general management roles at continually larger businesses, including serving as Vice President and General Manager of their Purification and Pharma Analytics business and Vice President and General Manager of their Cell Culture and Cell Therapy business. Dr. Torchilin also has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences and healthcare industries, including, serving as Global Head of Connected Health and Women's Health at Alere, Inc., where she was responsible for their global business in diagnostic testing supporting healthy pregnancy.

Dr. Torchilin earned a PhD. in biochemistry from Tufts University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Hamilton Thorne Chairman David Wolf said: We are delighted to welcome Kate as our new Chief Executive at this exciting time in our Companys development. Kates unique combination of exceptional strategic capabilities, proven success at scaling businesses, and strong scientific background, will allow her to accelerate innovation and lead the Company through our next phase of growth and expansion. The Board looks forward to Kate realizing the full potential of Hamilton Thorne as a leader in the global fertility market, and delivering long-term growth and value for all its stakeholders.

Dr. Torchilin added: I am honored to have been appointed to lead Hamilton Thorne through its next chapter of growth. It is a business with a strong track record of innovation in the fertility space, an impressive global footprint, a strong product and brand portfolio, and a talented and dedicated team. I look forward to working with the team to build on this legacy to further accelerate growth, business performance, and support to our customers and their patients with best-in-class products and services.

As Executive Chairman, Mr. Wolf will provide leadership and management to the Companys board of directors and support Kate in her transition. He will also continue to work actively to develop acquisition initiatives and strategic stakeholder and industry relationships.

About Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (www.hamiltonthorne.ltd)

Hamilton Thorne is a leading global provider of precision instruments, consumables, software and services that reduce cost, increase productivity, improve results and enable breakthroughs in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), research, and cell biology markets. Hamilton Thorne markets its products and services under the Hamilton Thorne, Gynemed, Planer, Tek-Event, IVFtech, Microptic, Gynetics, and Embryotech Laboratories brands, through its growing sales force and distributors worldwide. Hamilton Thornes customer base consists of fertility clinics, university research centers, animal breeding facilities, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and other commercial and academic research establishments.

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements including with respect to the effective date of the appointment of Kate Torchilin. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.
HANOI, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam has run a trade surplus for eight years in a row, estimated at a record high of nearly 30 billion U.S. dollars this year, nearly three times higher than in 2022, Vietnam News reported Thursday, citing the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

This contributes positively to ensuring payment balance, increasing foreign exchange reserves, stabilizing exchange rates and other macroeconomic indicators, said Phan Thi Thang, the ministry's deputy minister.

She said 33 items recorded export turnover of 1 billion dollars in 11 months, of which seven posted a value of more than 10 billion dollars, accounting for 66 percent of the total revenue.

"In the context of a global slowdown and declining global aggregate demand, Vietnam's export has not yet recovered to the previous years' levels, but the drops are narrowing down significantly," she said.

According to the ministry's Agency for Foreign Trade, Vietnam will strive to increase the export revenue growth by 6 percent, and trade surplus to some 15 billion dollars in 2024. 
Harvia Plc Stock exchange release December 21, 2023 at 4.00 P.M. EET





Harvia Plc announced on 28 May 2021 that it had signed an agreement to acquire Kirami Oy. The acquisition complemented Harvias sauna and spa offering well with Scandinavian hot tubs and strengthened Harvias leading position as a global sauna and spa experience brand.

The original purchase price was EUR 7 million at closing and on top of this, a delayed purchase price of EUR 04 million after a three years period based on Kiramis EBITDA development. Harvia and the sellers of Kirami have agreed that Harvia will pay the additional purchase price of EUR 2.5 million earlier than previously announced, on 21 December 2023.

Paying the additional purchase price in advance enables closer integration of Kirami into Harvias other business operations in conjunction with the reorganization of Harvias organizational structure. Harvia announced on 17 October 2023 that it will change its organizational structure as of 1 January 2024 by, for example, dividing its business operations into four geographical sales regions and five Group functions. The new organizational structure will, among other things, increase Harvias customer and market orientation and drive the companys organic growth.

Harvia will finance the payment of the additional purchase price with cash funds. The paid amount is approximately EUR 1.2 million smaller than the provision Harvia made in connection with the acquisition. This difference will improve Harvias 2023 result, and it will be presented as changes in the fair value of financial items in the income statement.

HARVIA PLC

Ari Vesterinen

CFO





Further information:

Matias Jarnefelt, CEO, tel. +358 40 5056 080

Ari Vesterinen, CFO, tel. +358 40 5050 440





Harvia is one of the leading companies operating in the sauna and spa market globally, as measured by revenue. Harvias brands and product portfolio are well known in the market, and the companys comprehensive product portfolio strives to meet the needs of the international sauna and spa market of both private and professional customers.

Harvias revenue totaled EUR 172.4 million in 2022. Harvia Group employs approximately 600 professionals in Finland, Germany, United States, Romania, China and Hong Kong, Austria, Italy, Estonia, and Sweden. The company is headquartered in Muurame, Finland, adjacent to its largest sauna and sauna component manufacturing facility.

Read more: https://harviagroup.com
(Oslo, 21 December 2023) Hexagon Purus ASA calls for an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on 11 January 2024 at 12:00 (CET). Please find the convening notice attached.

Relevant documents will be made available on www.hexagonpurus.com.

For additional information, please contact:

Salman Alam, CFO, Hexagon Purus

Telephone: +47 476 12 713 | [email protected]

Mathias Meidell, Director Investor Relations, Hexagon Purus

Telephone: +47 909 82 242 | [email protected]

About Hexagon Purus

Hexagon Purus enables zero emission mobility for a cleaner energy future. The company is a world leading provider of hydrogen Type 4 high-pressure cylinders and systems, battery systems and vehicle integration solutions for fuel cell electric and battery electric vehicles. Hexagon Purus' products are used in a variety of applications including light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, buses, ground storage, distribution, refueling, maritime, rail and aerospace.

Learn more at www.hexagonpurus.com and follow @HexagonPurus on X and LinkedIn.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

Attachment
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraken Robotics Inc. (Kraken or the Company) (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF) is pleased to announce that it has received an order from NATO Science and Technology Organisation (STO) Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) for a Miniature Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MINSAS) System from Kraken. The order followed an openly competed tender process and was delivered in Q4. Krakens MINSAS was selected having met CMREs rigorous requirements for a robust, broadband Synthetic Aperture Sonar. Krakens MINSAS will be integrated onto a NATO CMREs Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV), where it will also support advanced Artificial Intelligence capabilities such as Automated Target Recognition (ATR).

About Kraken SASKrakens Miniature Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MINSAS) is an off the shelf, configurable SAS that replaces high end sidescan systems at an affordable price, while delivering higher resolution, range, and area coverage rates (ACR). The increased range, resolution, and therefore higher useable ACR of SAS over traditional Side Scan Sonar systems significantly expand the capabilities of naval, scientific, and commercial applications. Krakens MINSAS is capable of 2 cm x 2 cm Ultra High-Definition SAS imaging at long ranges, while also being uniquely positioned within the industry to bring this capability to the increasingly popular man-portable (small-sized) vehicle class.

Kraken has extensive experience working with AUV manufacturers to ensure proper integration of our MINSAS into a variety of AUVs from small to large diameter. We have sold over 50 AUV-based MINSAS sensors on more than 20 different models of underwater vehicle platforms from shallow (

A modular and versatile sensor for seabed intelligence, Krakens SAS is field-proven by being one of only two companies in the world that has delivered and integrated SAS into man portable vehicles (small-sized), towed systems, and deep-water vehicles. This ability to use the same sensor across several platforms enables military customers to streamline their Post Mission Analysis by having the same sonar resolution and ATR performance across their entire fleet of vehicles and mission requirements.

SAS not only provides higher resolution data, but also provides more complex acoustic information than traditional sidescan sensors, which may enable end users to develop more intelligent processing capabilities for advanced object detection and classification.

About NATO CMREThe Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation is an established, world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development, centred on the maritime domain, delivering innovative and field-tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance and the Nations. The CMRE is an executive body of NATO's Science and Technology Organization (STO). Located in La Spezia (Italy), the CMRE is built on more than 60 years of experience in its former establishments as the NURC and SACLANTCEN, and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science, modelling and simulation, acoustics and other disciplines, as well as producing critical results and understanding that have been built into the operational concepts of NATO and the Nations.

ABOUT KRAKEN ROBOTICS INC.Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX.V: PNG) (OTCQB: KRKNF) is a marine technology company providing complex subsea sensors, batteries, and robotic systems. Our high-resolution 3D acoustic imaging solutions and services enable clients to overcome the challenges in our oceans - safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Kraken Robotics is headquartered in Canada and has offices in North and South America and Europe. Kraken is ranked as a Top 100 marine technology company by Marine Technology Reporter.

Other NewsAs noted in a news release dated November 30, 2022, Bernard Mills joined Krakens Board of Directors. The Company issued 400,000 stock options to Mr. Mills in connection with his appointment to the Board. These options have a five-year term, with vesting in three equal instalments on the date of grant and on the one and two-year anniversaries of the date of grant. Each option is exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $0.59.

LINKS:www.krakenrobotics.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/krakenrobotics Twitter www.twitter.com/krakenrobotics Facebook www.facebook.com/krakenroboticsinc YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCEMyaMQnneTeIr71HYgrT2A Instagram www.instagram.com/krakenrobotics

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "propose", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events based on certain material factors and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, changes in market, competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions and other factors set out in the Company's public disclosure documents. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those described in this news release, including without limitation those listed above. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this news release and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in this news release, should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provide (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, and the OTCQB has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

For further information:

Jack North, Marketing[email protected]

Joe MacKay, Chief Financial Officer(416) 303-0605[email protected]

Greg Reid, President & CEO(416) 818-9822[email protected]

Sean Peasgood, Investor Relations(647) 955-1274[email protected]

Source: Kraken Robotics Inc.
Significant savings on legal-specific intake software now available to Texas Bar Members

San Diego, CA, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lawmatics announced today that the #1 legal customer relationship management (CRM) platform is now part of the State Bar of Texas Member Benefit Program. The move increases access to cutting-edge legal-specific technology for legal professionals in the nation's second most-populous state.

This partnership is a huge step in transforming the legal client experience and the business of law firms, said Lawmatics CEO and Co-Founder Matt Spiegel. Moving firms from manual, archaic processes to automated cloud-based tools is essential for growing revenue and improving the legal client experience. Were proud to offer attorneys in Texas a platform to help them practice more effectively and efficiently.

This program extends a lifetime discount offer to all members of the State Bar of Texas upon their enrollment as new customers with Lawmatics. The legal CRM has already partnered with the American Bar Association as part of its member discount program.

The State Bar of Texas is committed to providing Texas lawyers with access to tools that support their practices so they can better serve their clients, Executive Director Trey Apffel said. We are excited to add Lawmatics CRM software to our extensive member benefits program.

Lawmatics continues to cultivate the legal industrys adoption of cutting-edge tools like automation and AI by building the most robust legal-specific intake software. Its suite of made-for-legal features includes conflict checking, automated email and SMS, scheduling and payment gateway, and marketing management.

Lawmatics' pioneering role in transforming the legal industry has been acknowledged through various accolades. Notably, the platform won Product of the Year award at the 2023 Sales and Marketing Technology Awards. The platforms AI email-writing assistant  LM[AI]  was named AI Innovation of the Year at the 2023 LegalTech Breakthrough Awards, with Lawmatics having previously won Overall Case Management Company of the Year in 2022. Lawmatics has also been named as a 2023 Inc. Power Partner.

Link:

Attachment
Mithra and Rafa Laboratories sign binding Head of Terms to commercialize DONESTA in Israel

Rafa Laboratories to receive the exclusive commercial rights for DONESTA  in Israel on the signing of the final license and supply agreement

in Israel on the signing of the final license and supply agreement Mithra is eligible to receive a total of EUR 2.05 million sales-related milestones, along with tiered double-digit royalties on annual net sales and payments at signature of the license agreement and for regulatory milestones

DONESTA to target an addressable menopause market in Israel of ~900,000 women aged between 45 and 641





Liege, Belgium, 21 December 2023  17:45 CET  Mithra (Euronext Brussels: MITRA), a company dedicated to Womens Health, today announces the signing of a binding Head of Terms (HoT) agreement for the commercialization of DONESTA in Israel with Rafa Laboratories LTD, an Israeli pharmaceutical company. DONESTA is Mithras investigational, next generation hormone therapy medicine containing estetrol (E4) for the treatment of the symptoms of menopause.

Rafa Laboratories will have the exclusive commercial rights for DONESTA in Israel and the Palestinian Territories on the signing of the final license and supply agreement  planned in Q1 2024.

Mithra is eligible to receive a total of EUR 2.05 million sales-related milestones, along with tiered double-digit royalties on annual net sales.

David Horn Solomon, CEO of Mithra stated, We are thrilled that Mithra and Rafa Laboratories will work together to offer DONESTA to women who suffer from the symptoms of menopause. We look forward to working closely with Rafa Laboratories to support its success in delivering differentiated efficacy, safety, and convenience to a market of hundreds of thousands of women.

Amir Levin, CEO of Rafa, commented, We are excited to cooperate with Mithra on this new product which will enable Rafa Laboratories to add to its Womens Health portfolio. We are pleased to offer this next generation, orally administered estetrol-based hormone therapy product candidate to the Israeli market. Its innovative nature and the prospect it offers to women suffering from the symptoms of menopause can be a game-changer.

For more information, please contact:

Mithra Pharmaceuticals SA

Alex Sokolowski, PhD

Head of IR & Communications

[email protected] +32 (0)4 349 28 22

Frederique Depraetere

Communications Director

[email protected]

+32 (0)4 349 28 22

About Mithra

Mithra Pharmaceuticals SA (Euronext: MITRA) is a Belgian biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming Womens Health by offering new choices through innovation, with a particular focus on contraception and menopause. Mithras goal is to develop products offering better efficacy, safety and convenience, meeting womens needs throughout their life span. Mithra explores the potential of the unique native estrogen estetrol in a wide range of applications in women health and beyond. After having successfully launched the first estetrol-based product in 2021, the contraceptive pill ESTELLE, Mithra is now focusing on its second product DONESTA, the next-generation hormone therapy. Mithra also offers partners a complete spectrum of solutions from early drug development, clinical batches and commercial manufacturing of complex polymeric products (vaginal ring, implants) and complex liquid injectables and biologicals (vials, pre-filled syringes or cartridges) at its technological platform Mithra CDMO. Active in more than 100 countries around the world, is headquartered in Liege, Belgium. www.mithra.com

ESTELLE and DONESTA are registered trademarks of Mithra Pharmaceuticals or one of its affiliates.

Important information

The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words "believes", "estimates," "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "plans", "continue", "ongoing", "potential", "predict", "project", "target", "seek" or "should", and include statements the Company makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.







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1 World Health Organization data, 2021

Attachment
TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Platinex Inc. (CSE: PTX, OTCQB: PANXF, Frankfurt: 9PX) (Platinex or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has closed the final tranche of flow-through financing with an additional $452,000 to achieve a total financing of $1,972,000 (the FT Offering) (see press release dated December 13, 2023).

We are pleased to have attracted enthusiastic new investors into this financing who recognize the opportunity based on our diversified holdings in two globally significant mining camps in Northern Ontario, says Greg Ferron, CEO and President of Platinex Inc. The W2 Copper Nickel PGE Project is permitted for exploration and our plan is to initiate a drill program to expand on the extensive Copper Nickel and PGE mineralization over six kilometers of strike length in the central area and investigate new greenfield targets in the north, west and east of the property which have been identified in the airborne work done to date and compiled in the modelling study recently completed by BAW Mining Inc.

As well, we will continue to be active with exploration work at our Shining Tree JV Gold Camp in the Abitibi, including drilling at Heenan. This financing helps to set Platinex up for a productive 2024.

The final tranche financing consists of an issuance of 11,300,000 flow through common shares at a price of C$0.04 per share (FT common share). Each FT common share comprises one common share of the Company.

The Company will use the gross proceeds of the FT Offering to fund eligible Canadian exploration expenses associated with the W2 Copper Nickel PGE Project that qualify as flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures, as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), on or before December 31, 2024. Platinex will renounce benefits of all qualifying expenditures in favour of the subscribers effective December 31, 2023.

All securities issued in connection with this FT Offering are subject to a four month plus one day hold period from the Closing Date in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The closing of the FT Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The Company may pay finder's fees to eligible finders in connection with the Offering.

About the W2 Copper Nickel PGE Project

W2 is a district scale land package encompassing 1,122 cell units covering 22,094 ha (220 km2) in an area of world-class geological targets located in the Oxford Stull Dome Complex near Ontarios famous Ring of Fire. W2 controls the mineral-rich and under-explored, layered mafic-ultramafic Lansdowne House Igneous Complex (LHIC), which is highly prospective for copper-nickel (Cu-Ni), platinum group element (PGE), gold and chromite deposits. The common thread of strong Cu-Ni-PGE, Cr and Ti-V mineralization in the mafic- ultramafic intrusions ringing the Oxford Stull Dome is suggestive of a common source, a very large magmatic system, and therefore potential for a significant abundance of metals in each intrusion.

Historical work, including approximately 20,000 metres of drilling in the W2 area by operators such as INCO and Aurora Platinum, has delineated at least seven significant mineralized zones within a 7.5 km long folded corridor near the centre of the land package. Additionally, VTEM and AeroTEM II airborne geophysical surveys have identified multiple high-priority conductors in the eastern section of the property which have yet to be drill tested.

About Platinex Inc.

Platinex Inc. creates shareholder value through the opportunistic acquisition and advancement of high-quality projects in prolific Canadian mining camps. Current assets include a 100% ownership interest in the W2 Copper-Nickel-PGE Project near the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario; as well as a 75% interest in the South Timmins Mining Joint Venture with Fancamp Exploration, which is focused on gold exploration along the Ridout-Tyrell Deformation Zone near IAMGOLDs Cote Gold operation in the southwest Abitibi.

Platinex also has a majority ownership in Green Canada Corporation, which holds uranium assets in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, as well as an option to earn a 100% ownership interest in the Muskrat Dam Critical Minerals Project in northwestern Ontario. In addition to its mineral exploration assets, Platinex holds a portfolio of net smelter return (NSR) royalties on gold, PGE, and base metal properties in Ontario.

Having put together a strong and diversified project portfolio and an expert technical team, the Company is focused on comprehensively exploring and evaluating each project to maximize shareholder value. Platinex is based in Toronto, Canada, with a primary listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol PTX. The company is also listed in Frankfurt under the symbol 9PF and on the OTCQB in the United States as PANXF.

For additional information on Platinex and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at https://platinex.com/.

For further information, please contact:Greg Ferron, President, and Chief Executive Officer Platinex Inc. Phone: 416-270-5042Email: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and includes those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward- looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Source: Platinex Inc.
Sioux Falls, S.D., Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- POET, the worlds largest producer of biofuels, celebrated several milestones throughout 2023, including multiple victories on the policy front, the grand reopening of its 34th facility, and the completion of a first-of-its-kind bioproducts innovation center.

In 2023, our team at POET worked hard to lead the charge toward the bioeconomy of the future, said Jeff Broin, POET Founder and CEO. As we strive to lower carbon emissions, agriculture and biofuels will play an increasingly important role.

In January, the company announced that it would be growing its bioCO2 capabilities with expansions at two of its bioprocessing locations. POET continues to be the fastest-growing renewable CO2 company in the U.S., and these significant additions are a testament to the companys commitment to providing a renewable CO2 solution for its customers while creating more value from every bushel of grain.

POETs government relations efforts also played a role in securing several victories throughout the year. In April, the Biden Administration announced that it would be lifting the upcoming summertime ban on E15. The announcement mirrored one made by the president at POET Bioprocessing  Menlo, IA, in 2022 and marked the second time the EPA has lifted outdated seasonal restrictions on the cleaner-burning 15% bioethanol blend. The waiver also reaffirmed the power of American-made biofuels to lower carbon emissions and costs at the pump for consumers.

Additionally, Nebraska passed an E15 standard in May. This landmark legislation unlocks access to E15 at Nebraska fueling stations and provides qualifying retailers a tax credit for every gallon sold, growing demand for corn and boosting economic activity in the nations second-largest bioethanol-producing state.

In August, the company celebrated the grand reopening of POET Bioprocessing  Cloverdale, IN, after making significant investments to upgrade the facility. The plant was acquired by POET in 2010 but was idled in 2019 due to issues surrounding the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Since then, better federal management of the RFS and strong state support for E15 played a large role in POETs decision to open its fifth facility in Indiana. POET  Cloverdale has already created 50 local jobs and will generate demand for 34 million bushels of grain annually.

In October, POET, South Dakota State University (SDSU), and South Dakota Mines celebrated the completion of the POET Bioproducts Center at the SDSU Research Park in Brookings, S.D. The facility and its operating entity, Dakota BioWorx, represent a public-private partnership that will enhance research, economic development, and workforce preparation in the region. The POET Bioproducts Center  the first of its kind in the state  will serve as an innovative ecosystem to foster collaboration on the next generation of bioproducts.

Not only did POET make strides in growth and innovation this year, but it also continued its legacy of giving back. The POET Community Grant Program was created to make a lasting impact on the companys many home communities, and in 2023, all POET bioprocessing facilities donated to a variety of causes across the companys footprint. Recipients ranged from local fire departments, schools, and libraries to parks, food pantries, and youth programs.

The milestones we reached in 2023 wouldnt have been possible without our world-class team  the people who work every day to make our vision a reality, said Broin. We are bound together by a common purpose to leave this world better than we found it, and the advances we've made are a testament to the dedication and spirit that define us at POET. As we turn the page to 2024, were excited about the potential that lies ahead and will continue to move boldly into the biofuture.

For photos, please visit: https://poet.box.com/s/9wndjlqd1wlk6lvqbgcb6acmra9vyrmj

###

About POETPOETs vision is to create a world in sync with nature. As the worlds largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, POET creates plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels that unleash the regenerative power of agriculture and cultivate opportunities for Americas farm families. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, POET operates 34 bioprocessing facilities across eight states and employs more than 2,400 team members. With a suite of bioproducts that includes high-quality animal feed, corn oil, green asphalt rejuvenator, purified alcohol, and renewable CO2, POET nurtures an unceasing commitment to innovation and advances powerful, practical solutions to some of the worlds most pressing challenges. Today, POET holds more than 100 patents worldwide and continues to break new ground in biotechnology, yielding lower-carbon, more efficient renewable energy and bioproducts.

Erin Branick POET 6059652280 [email protected]

Source: POET
Builds on strong presence in South Florida, expertise in commercial and personal lines

BOSTON, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Risk Strategies, a leading national specialty insurance brokerage and risk management firm, today announced it has acquired Setnor, Byer, Boganoff, Inc., which does business as Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk, a Greater Fort Lauderdale brokerage and risk management firm with a specialization in developing innovative property, casualty and employee benefits solutions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.



Originally founded in 1981, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk offers a broad range of insurance products and services for both businesses and families. Anita Byer, the Managing Principal of Setnor Byer, will remain in her current leadership role. Byer and her team have served clients for over 40 years.

Having Anita and her team join Risk Strategies is another example of the industrys best talent finding a home with our company, said Scott Popilek, Risk Strategies Atlantic Region Leader.

The agency is licensed to do business in all 50 states and also has international clients on its roster. As part of Risk Strategies, the agency will be able to scale its offerings and access resources and specialized expertise to deliver new value to existing clients, help drive new business, and increase competitiveness by fully leveraging its specialty approach.

Partnering with Risk Strategies was a strategic decision, said Byer. It allows us to continue to expand into new markets with a partner who is as committed and connected to its clients and communities as we are.

Setnor Byer differentiates with a high-touch commitment to service which has driven significant client retention for their commercial, benefits and personal lines clients. In Florida, the firm has a long history of supporting local charities and non-profits and encouraging its employees to dedicate time for philanthropy.

To learn more about Risk Strategies, please visit: risk-strategies.com.

Media Contact

Kelly Youngs

Assistant Account Executive

817-781-2359

[email protected]
TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stay Inc. ("Stay" or the "Company"), a platform in the short and long-term rental industry with operations in both Canada and the United States of America (Stay USA Inc.), is thrilled to announce a partnership with NextPax (NextPax Travel Technology, provider of channel management solutions) marking a significant milestone in the vacation rental market for the vacation rental ecosystem in the Americas, as it promises to provide property owners and managers with enhanced visibility and reach.

Stay, through this collaboration with NextPax, will be able to increase their accommodation portfolio advertised on their marketplace with any of NextPaxs associated accommodation partners. NextPax currently offers over 60,000 properties in North America via their associated accommodation partners, and over 600,000 worldwide. This partnership expands NextPax distribution reach, allowing its clients to target travelers actively seeking quality short-term rentals in North America.

Key benefits of the Stay and NextPax partnership include:

Amplified Visibility and Reach: Property owners and managers using NextPax can now easily showcase their premium vacation rentals to a targeted audience of travelers on Stay.

Property owners and managers using NextPax can now easily showcase their premium vacation rentals to a targeted audience of travelers on Stay. Increased Bookings: The partnership unlocks new opportunities for higher booking volumes by attracting travelers who specifically search for quality accommodations across North-America

The partnership unlocks new opportunities for higher booking volumes by attracting travelers who specifically search for quality accommodations across North-America Access to Premium Inventory: Stay will have access to NextPaxs associated accommodation partners, enabling ease of listing on the Stay platform to thousands of property managers and tens of thousands of listings

Stay will have access to NextPaxs associated accommodation partners, enabling ease of listing on the Stay platform to thousands of property managers and tens of thousands of listings Future expansion opportunities: Stay is currently available in Canada, United States, and Mexico, but given NextPaxs global distribution network, Stay will already be integrated to access hundreds of thousands of properties when expanding to regions such as Europe

This partnership aligns with Scott McGillivray, Stay Incs co-founders vision for a better rental experience. Scott McGillivray is one of North Americas most influential stakeholders within the real estate industry, having over 6 million viewers on HGTV 1M+ social followers and has participated in many initiatives in this industry. We are excited to be partnering with NextPax, whose innovative platform aligns perfectly with our mission of providing exceptional and professional rental experiences to travelers throughout North America and beyond. Together, we will continue to set the standard for quality and service in the short-term rental industry.

We are delighted to announce our partnership with Stay, said Lennart Kok, Director of Distribution Partnerships at NextPax. As we continue to offer more options for our accommodation partners, Stay gives us yet again a new and valuable stream of travelers out of the Northern America market, which is a vital market for many of our accommodation partners.

About Stay

Stay is an online marketplace (stayapp.co) that currently facilitates short-term rentals (STR) and will be expanding into the mid and long-term rental markets. This host-centric platform is designed for professional hosts, property managers, and entrepreneurial minded real estate investors. The platform also provides guests with access to a competitive alternative offering quality and professionally managed properties. Stay continues to grow with over 45,000 registered users and over 19,000 properties listed on the platform.

https://stayapp.co/

About NextPax:

NextPax is an advanced channel manager in the vacation rental and hotel industry. With an extensive network of distribution channels and advanced software solutions, NextPax empowers property managers to optimize their bookings and revenue.

https://nextpax.com/contact/

For further information about Stay: Nick Sama, Phone# (416) 992-7917, Email: [email protected]

Source: Stay Inc.
Paris, December 21, 2023

Success of Air France-KLM Group's global employee shareholding plan



Air France-KLM has successfully finalized its "Partners for the future" employee shareholding offer, a capital increase reserved for approximatively 75,000 eligible employees of the Group, launched in November 2023.

For this Group's first worldwide operation, approximatively 17,000 employees located in 19 countries, representing approximately 22% of the total workforce of the Group, have subscribed to the "Partners for the future" offer, enabling them to invest in Air France-KLM shares on preferential terms.

The total subscription amounts to nearly 46,073,029 euros, corresponding to the issue of 5,716,256 new shares with a par value of one euro each. As a result, the Company's share capital was increased by 5,716,256 euros, from 257,053,613 euros to 262,769,869 euros.

Following this issuance, the employee shareholders in Air France-KLMs share capital, within the meaning of Article L. 225-102 of the French Commercial Code, is just over 3% of the share capital.

Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, stated: "Providing our employees with the opportunity to become Air France-KLM shareholders is a solid step in aligning all teams toward improved performance and long-term value creation. Our employees strong level of participation demonstrates their confidence and commitment, as well as their desire to contribute to our future success. This is an encouraging sign that reinforces our determination to successfully implement our overall strategy."

***

Investors Relations

Website: www.airfranceklm.com

International disclaimer

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to subscribe for Air France-KLM shares. Outside France, the offer is reserved for the beneficiaries mentioned in this press release and has been made only in countries where such a transaction has been registered with or notified to the relevant local authorities, or in consideration of an exemption from the obligation to prepare a prospectus or to register or notify the offer. This press release is not intended for countries where the offer is subject to approval by the competent authorities.

In general, the offer is being made only in countries where all the required registration procedures and/or notifications have been carried out and the necessary authorizations have been obtained.

Attachment
URUMQI, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Experts from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and other provinces on Wednesday rejected propaganda by Western governments, media outlets and think tanks against human rights development in Xinjiang, a region in northwestern China.

In a seminar on the sidelines of an idea- and story-sharing conference held here, the experts said that the West, especially the United States, has double standards on terrorism and human rights issues while turning a blind eye to Xinjiang's social-economic development as well as the protection of human rights.

Zhu Liyu, a professor at the Human Rights Center of Renmin University of China, said that the U.S. government collaborates with the private sector to profit off private prisons, where prisoners are effectively treated as slaves.

The U.S. media outlets seldom report on the suffering of prisoners in private prisons but spare no efforts to hype up the so-called "forced labor" issue in Xinjiang, Zhu said. "The so-called 'Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act' aims to disrupt the sale of cotton and other products from Xinjiang, so that they can sell their products," the professor said.

Batur Barat, head of the music school of Xinjiang Normal University, said that the central government has been preserving and promoting traditional Uygur Muqam music since the 1960s, adding that many Muqam music groups have been formed and perform across the world.

The Uygur Muqam of Xinjiang was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization list of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005. "If the government had adopted 'cultural genocide' like the West reports, how could Muqam survive and be inherited by us?" said Barat.

By overemphasizing individuals' right to freedom, the Western view on human rights disregards the role of the government, which sometimes leads to the loss of individual dignity like the drug issue in the United States, said Bai Fan, an associate researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

On the international level, Bai said the issue of human rights is always linked to aid from the West and serves as an excuse to interfere in other countries' internal affairs.

"U.S. manipulation of Xinjiang-related issues is a ridiculous 'blockbuster' (film) in which the U.S. government acts as the producer and director at once," said Xu Qiqi, an associate researcher with the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, a think tank affiliated to the China International Communications Group.

He exposed the tricks favored by U.S. and other Western media in their relentless smear campaign against Xinjiang, such as churning out bare-faced lies on social media and magnifying the disastrous effects with the help of artificial intelligence, adding the West also used the Group of Seven to throw mud at Xinjiang's human rights cause.

Such nonsense as "forced labor" and "cultural genocide" is fabricated by Western media purely out of political interests, said Qian Jinyu, a professor who specializes in human rights at Guangdong University of Technology.

Qian denounced the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism which have sowed the seeds of instability in Xinjiang. "The criteria for assessing the achievements of Xinjiang's cause of human rights can by no means solely rely on the desires and prejudices of foreign countries. People of Xinjiang have the final say," he said.

The conference on Wednesday was themed "promoting the high-quality development of the human rights cause in Xinjiang within the Chinese modernization drive," and attended by over 70 experts from universities, think tanks and research institutes nationwide.

A report on Xinjiang's human rights and legal protections, compiled by Xinjiang University and the Southwest University of Political Science and Law, was also issued at the event. 
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Vedder Price litigation team recently secured a notable victory when a San Francisco jury awarded nearly $1 million in damages to its client in connection with a commercial lease dispute.

Vedder Price, led by Shareholder Michelle Landry, represented Pacific States Building, LP, which owns 445 Bush Street, in an action to recover past and future rent damages against a commercial tenant, iBelieveInSwordfish, Inc., which had vacated its space prior to the end of lease term, claiming constructive eviction.

The jury awarded $904,905.00 in damages to Pacific States on its breach of contract claim. The jury also found in favor of Pacific States on the tenants cross-claim for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, awarding the tenant nothing.

We are extremely pleased with the jurys verdict in favor of our client. San Francisco commercial landlords have been struggling since COVID-19 and its good to see a jury deliver this just and fair verdict, said Landry.

In addition to Landry, the Vedder Price team also included attorneys Mindy Wong and Peter Walrod.

About Vedder Price:

Vedder Price is a thriving commercial law firm with nine offices in major global cities including Chicago, New York, Washington, DC, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Singapore, Dallas and Miami. The firm offers a unique and sophisticated mix of finance, corporate, labor and employment, and litigation legal services, including market-leading practices in global transportation finance, middle-market finance/M&A, executive compensation, employment class actions, investment services and more. Vedder Price has enduring relationships with marquee organizations, and many of the firms clients have been with the firm since its founding in 1952. For more information, visit https://www.vedderprice.com/.

# # #

Brian Grabowski Vedder Price 312-609-4180 [email protected]

Source: Vedder Price
21 December 2023

LEI: 2138003QW2ZAYZODBU23

LSE Code: 3NGL

WISDOMTREE MULTI ASSET ISSUER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

(a public company incorporated with limited liability in Ireland)

WISDOMTREE NATURAL GAS 3X DAILY LEVERAGED SECURITIES

ISIN: IE00BLRPRG98

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE AFFECTED SECURITIES

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING OF THE ETP SECURITYHOLDERS

THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. If you are in any doubt about what action you should take, you are recommended to consult your independent financial adviser.

If you have sold or transferred all of your WisdomTree Natural Gas 3x Daily Leveraged Securities (the Affected Securities) of WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer Public Limited Company (the Issuer), please send this document, together with the accompanying form of proxy, at once to the purchaser or transferee or stockbroker, banker or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was made, for onward transmission to the purchaser or transferee.

The Issuer wishes to announce that the Meeting of the holders of the Affected Securities scheduled for Thursday, 21 December 2023, at 11:00 a.m. (the Original Meeting) has been adjourned, in accordance with paragraph 20 of Schedule 7 of the Trust Deed, for lack of a quorum. The adjourned meeting will be reconvened on 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 12 January 2024, being a date not more than 30 days after the Original Meeting, and will be held at the offices of Apex IFS Limited in 2nd Floor, Block 5, Irish Life Centre, Abbey Street Lower, Dublin 1, D01P767, Ireland (the Adjourned Meeting).

The Adjourned Meeting is being held to consider certain amendments to documentation, made under the powers set out in clause 2 of schedule 7 of the master trust deed of the Affected Securities, required to effect a reduction in the principal amount of the Affected Securities from USD 0.10136 to USD 0.010136. This follows the price of the Affected Securities falling below 500 per cent. of its current principal amount on 21 November 2023, and is designed to maintain the normal trading and operations of the Affected Securities. Full details of the Proposal and Extraordinary Resolution are set out in the notice dated 28 November 2023.

Under article 11.5 of the Issuers Articles of Association, no further notification is required for the Adjourned Meeting. Holders of the Affected Securities are therefore directed to the original notification, including the circular dated 28 November 2023, and also a revised form of proxy for the Adjourned Meeting, which are available on the website of the Issuer at https://www.wisdomtree.eu/en-gb/resource-library/prospectus-and-regulatory-reports#tab-2A942D42-5AA1-4008-9080-3C2DADB050A7.

Holders of the Affected Securities should note that a duly completed voting instructions already made in respect of the Original Meeting will NOT continue to be valid for the Adjourned Meeting. Holders of the Affected Securities should therefore not rely on any voting instructions already made in respect of the Original Meeting and should therefore make arrangements to vote again on the matters being considered, in order to participate in the Adjourned Meeting.

Holders of the Affected Securities are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold their Affected Securities when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a holder of Affected Securities in order for such holder of Affected Securities to participate in the Adjourned Meeting by the deadlines specified in this circular. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each ICSD for the submission instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in the circular.

In relation to the delivery instructions or obtaining voting certificates or otherwise making arrangements for the giving of voting instructions, in each case through the ICSDs, holders of the Affected Securities should note the particular practice and policy of the relevant ICSDs, including any earlier deadlines set by such ICSD. The deadlines set by any intermediary or by the ICSDs will be earlier than the deadlines set out in the circular.

In accordance with normal practice, The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c., as trustee, expresses no opinion as to the merits of the Proposal, the terms of which were not negotiated by it. It has however authorised it to be stated that, on the basis of the information contained in the original circular and in this document (which it advises holders of Affected Securities to read carefully) it has no objection to the form in which the Proposal and Notice of Meeting are presented to holders of Affected Securities for their consideration.

Holders of the Affected Securities will be notified of the outcome of the Adjourned Meeting shortly thereafter.
Denver, Colorado, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YES Communities is proud to announce the resounding success of a nationwide Toys for Tots collection campaign, spreading joy and making a significant impact on the lives of children in need during the holiday season.

This year, YES Communities set an ambitious goal of spreading holiday cheer to children across the country and making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Through the unwavering support of our employees, vendor partnerships, and residents, we are thrilled to report that the campaign exceeded all expectations, resulting in an overwhelming outpouring of generosity.

Toy collection boxes overflowed with donations at 118 drop-off locations across all YES regional operations groups. Additionally, over $27,000 of toys was donated through the home office in Denver. YES team members donated over 370 hours of paid time off to help spread holiday cheer through toy shopping trips and donation drives.

The outpouring of support from our team members and residents for this toy drive has been simply phenomenal. Giving is an important part of the YES mission, and to see it in action company-wide brings me tremendous joy, said Patrice Mitchell, Culture Ambassador for YES Communities.

We are overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our residents, team members, and vendor partners. The success of this year's Toys for Tots campaign reflects our shared commitment to making a positive impact and bringing joy to children during the holiday season," said Steven Schaub, CEO of YES Communities.

YES Communities is an operator of manufactured housing communities and based in Denver, Colorado. YES has been recognized as the Manufactured Housing Institute's "Community Operator of the Year" from 2009 to 2019.

Attachments

Vanessa Jasinski YES Communities 1-833-625-0269 [email protected]

Source: YES! Communities
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Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Bracewell LLP announced today that seven lawyers have been promoted to partner, effective January 1, 2024: Edward Fierro (Houston), Nicholas Neuberger (London), Andrew T. Prihoda (Austin), Brett W. Rector (Dallas), Jared Schuettenhelm (Seattle), Walter A. Simons (Houston) and Carlton D. Wilde III (Houston).

"I am thrilled to welcome these outstanding lawyers to the firm's partnership," said Bracewell's Managing Partner Gregory M. Bopp. "Each has distinguished themselves through their commitment to the firm, our clients and the legal profession."

The internal promotions culminate a year in which the firm additionally expanded its partnership with the arrival of nine lateral partner hires.

2024 Partner Promotions

Edward Fierro - Resident in Bracewell's Houston office, Fierro was promoted from senior counsel to partner in the public finance practice. He serves as bond counsel, disclosure counsel, underwriter's counsel and purchaser's counsel in various public finance transactions. He also counsels municipal issuers, obligated persons and regulated entities on legal, regulatory and policy issues. From 2015 to 2017, Fierro served as senior counsel to the director of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Municipal Securities. Fierro graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from California State University, San Marcos, and earned his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where he was associate editor of Berkeley Technology Law Journal. He also served as a judicial extern in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Nicholas Neuberger - Resident in Bracewell's London office, Neuberger was promoted from senior counsel to partner in the corporate and securities practice. Neuberger is a corporate lawyer with a particular focus on international transactional matters within the energy sector. He has advised on a wide range of cross-border acquisitions in both the public and private sectors, having worked on deals and projects in more than 25 jurisdictions. He has particular experience in the structuring and development of energy projects, including in relation to shareholder arrangements. His recent engagements include work on the acquisition of one of the largest battery storage plants in development in the UK, the development of a European LNG terminal, as well as advising on the acquisition of an interest in the world's largest offshore wind farm in the Dogger Bank. Neuberger earned his B.A., with honours, from the University of Bristol, and his L.P.C., with distinction, from BPP Law School.

Andrew T. Prihoda - Resident in Bracewell's Austin office, Prihoda was promoted from associate to partner in the public finance practice. Prihoda counsels governmental entities on state and local government finance matters, including public finance, infrastructure development and public-private partnerships. He serves as bond counsel to state and local issuers, as well as underwriter's counsel, disclosure counsel, borrower's counsel and bank counsel. Prior to joining Bracewell, Prihoda served as deputy chief of the Public Finance Division in the Office of the Texas Attorney General. He earned a B.A. from Texas A&M University, a certificate in mediation from University of Houston-Clear Lake, and a J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law.

Brett W. Rector - Resident in Bracewell's Dallas office, Rector was promoted from associate to partner in the healthcare and litigation practice. Rector has significant experience litigating cases involving managed care, billing and reimbursement, restrictive covenants and other complex commercial disputes. He also represents healthcare providers in regulatory matters, including government investigations and matters relating to alleged violations of federal and state anti-kickback provisions and Stark laws. Rector graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from College of William & Mary and with a J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law, where he was Order of the Coif, a member of Virginia Law Review and executive editor of Virginia Journal of Criminal Law. He served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Michael F. Urbanski of the US District Court of the Western District of Virginia and as a judicial intern for the Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn of the US District Court of the Northern District of Texas. Best Lawyers has recognized Rector as "One to Watch" in Commercial Litigation, Chambers USA named him an "Associate to Watch" in Texas Healthcare, and he was recommended for Commercial Litigation, especially Healthcare, in Lawdragon 500 X - The Next Generation.

Jared Schuettenhelm - Resident in Bracewell's Seattle office, Schuettenhelm was promoted from senior counsel to partner in the firm's intellectual property litigation practice. Schuettenhelm focuses on all aspects of intellectual property, including IP litigation, IP counseling and strategy, technology licensing and transactional matters, patent royalty audits and related due diligence matters. Prior to becoming an attorney, Schuettenhelm worked for nearly eight years as a process engineer and scientist in the medical device industry. Schuettenhelm graduated with honors with a B.A. in biology from University of California, Santa Cruz, and cum laude with a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he was Order of the Coif and managing editor of Santa Clara Computer and High Technology Law Journal. Best Lawyers has recognized Schuettenhelm as "One to Watch" in Intellectual Property Law, and Managing Intellectual Property has recognized him as a "Rising Star."

Walter A. Simons - Resident in Bracewell's Houston office, Simons was promoted from associate to partner in the appellate practice. Simons represents clients in high-stakes appeals in Texas and across the United States. Simons also frequently serves as appellate counsel during trial proceedings by providing strategic advice to trial teams and drafting briefs for the trial court. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. from Rice University, and magna cum laude with a J.D. from University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where he was executive editor of University of Pennsylvania Law Review. Simons served as a law clerk to the Honorable Patty Shwartz of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and to the Honorable Gray H. Miller of the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Simons was named "One to Watch" in Appellate Practice by Best Lawyers and is recommended in Appellate Dispute Resolution in The Legal 500 United States.

Carlton D. Wilde III - Resident in Bracewell's Houston office, Wilde was promoted from senior counsel to partner in the litigation practice. As a member of Bracewell's insurance recovery group, he represents corporate policy holders in complex insurance coverage matters related to all types of policies. He also has first and second chair experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a range of complex business litigation and arbitration matters in the energy, construction, consumer products, real estate and healthcare industries. Wilde earned his B.B.A. from The University of Mississippi and his J.D., cum laude, from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he was a member of South Texas Law Review. Best Lawyers recognized Wilde as "One to Watch" in Commercial Litigation and Intellectual Property, and he was recommended for Complex Business Litigation in Lawdragon 500 X - The Next Generation.

2023 Lateral Partner Hires

In addition to internal promotions, Bracewell grew its partnership ranks in 2023 with the addition of nine lateral partners across eight offices, including Bucky Brannen, Christopher L. Crumbley, Carrie Douglas, Eugene R. Elrod, Kelly Robreno Koster, Kasia Lebiecki, Scott Le Bouef, Brian Rogers and Paul Schuster.

Bucky Brannen - Brannen joined Bracewell's Dallas office in April 2023 as a partner in the firm's tax practice. He advises clients on ways to reduce state and local taxes in every phase of business, with experience in all types of state and local tax issues nationwide, including taxes on sales, property, income, gross receipts, severance and motor fuels. Brannen graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. from Austin College and received his J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. He also earned a Master of Law in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

Christopher ("Kit") L. Crumbley - Crumbley joined Bracewell's Austin office in October 2023 as a partner in the firm's intellectual property litigation practice. He has over 20 years of patent law experience, serving as a lead administrative judge at the United States Patent & Trademark Office's Patent Trial & Appeal Board and as a trial attorney with the Intellectual Property Section of the Department of Justice's Civil Division. Crumbley graduated cum laude with a B.A. in chemistry and political science from Rice University in 1997 and earned his J.D. in 2000 from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Carrie Douglas - Douglas joined Bracewell's San Antonio office in April 2023 as a partner in the firm's healthcare and life sciences practice. She represents hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers and large physician practices in coverage and reimbursement disputes with health insurers/payors, recovering millions of dollars for health systems and other providers. Douglas earned her B.A., with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, in the Plan II Honors Program from The University of Texas at Austin, and her B.B.A., with honors, from UT's McCombs School of Business in Finance and the Business Honors Program. She received her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law.

Eugene R. Elrod - Elrod joined Bracewell's Washington, DC office in November 2023 as a partner in the firm's energy regulatory group. A highly regarded member of the oil and gas regulatory bar, Elrod has over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas regulatory space, primarily focusing on pipeline matters. He also served as a trial lawyer at the Federal Power Commission, which is the predecessor of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Elrod graduated with an A.B. from Dartmouth College and earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law.

Kelly Robreno Koster - Koster joined Bracewell's Houston office in June 2023 as a partner in the firm's labor and employment group. She is highly experienced in counseling employers in all aspects of the employment relationship and defending against lawsuits filed by employees. Prior to joining Bracewell, Koster served as general counsel for an international staffing company. She earned her B.S. from Cornell University and her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law.

Kasia Lebiecki - Lebiecki joined Bracewell's Dubai office in September 2023 as a partner in the firm's corporate and securities practice. She has extensive experience representing sovereign-owned, corporate and private equity clients on global M&A transactions, predominantly in the energy sector. Lebiecki also served secondments with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and HSBC, Hong Kong. She received her LLB, with honors, in 2008 from the University of Manchester and completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Law, Chester in 2009.

Scott Le Bouef - Le Bouef joined Bracewell's New York office in August 2023 as a partner in the firm's energy finance group. A leading energy and commodity transactional lawyer, Le Bouef represents clients in a wide variety of commodities and derivatives transactions and related regulatory matters, with a focus on energy commodities. Le Bouef earned his B.A. from Boston College and his J.D., cum laude, from Boston University School of Law.

Brian R. Rogers - Rogers joined Bracewell's New York office in August 2023 as a partner in the firm's energy finance team. Rogers advises private debt funds, banks and other financial institutions, commodity merchants, private equity funds, family offices, and public and private companies in a variety of debt financing transactions in all levels of the capital structure. Rogers earned his B.S. in Accounting and Business Management from the University of South Florida in 2009 and his J.D., with honors, from Boston University School of Law in 2013.

Paul F. Schuster - Schuster joined Bracewell's Dallas office in June 2023 as a partner in the firm's litigation department. He represents healthcare providers and other entities on a range of litigation and regulatory matters, including contractual disputes, statutory violations, industry regulations, business torts and class actions. Schuster received his B.A., summa cum laude, from University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Phi Beta Kappa member. He received his J.D. with high honors from The University of Texas School of Law, where he was Order of the Coif, Chancellor at Large.

About Bracewell LLP

Bracewell is a leading law and government relations firm primarily serving the energy, infrastructure, finance and technology industries throughout the world. Our industry focus results in comprehensive state-of-the-art knowledge of the commercial, legal and governmental challenges faced by our clients and enables us to provide innovative solutions to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes.

###

Contact:

Jay Plum

T: +1.212.508.6197

E: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191984
Provides Exploration & Development Plans for Coming Year

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Canadian Gold Corp. (TSXV: CGC) ("Canadian Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a summary of the work completed in 2023, in what has been a transformative year, and in addition, presents the Company's early exploration and development plans for 2024.

Flin Flon Snow Lake Greenstone Belt

Canadian Gold Corp.'s Tartan Mine project remains the Company's flag ship project, and sees opportunity being located in the prolific, world class Flin Flon Snow Lake Greenstone Belt, where roughly 50% of all mines developed in Manitoba were established (in this area), representing just under 2% of the Province's total surface area.

Canadian Gold Highlights and Path Forward

Tartan Mine 2023 Exploration Drilling: Completed Phase 1 drilling in September with highlights that included an impressive 12.0 gpt gold over 8.0 metres, inside the widest and deepest intersection in Tartan Mine history, namely, 4.2 gpt gold over 53.7 metres. This hole increased the vertical extent of the high-grade by 61%. Phase 2 drilling started in November with 3 holes having been completed prior to the winter break (Fig. 1). Assays from the 3 holes are currently pending and drilling is scheduled to resume early January 2024.

2024 Exploration Program: The Company will be completing its Phase 2 drill program during Q1-2024. In addition to targeting extensions of the gold mineralization at the Tartan Mine's Main Zone, the program has been expanded to follow-up on encouraging holes from the South Zone (Fig. 2) that remains open for expansion and includes 9.6 gpt gold over 11.8 metres, and 8.8 gpt gold over 4.8 metres. The South Zone, which occurs approximately 100 metres south of the Main Zone, was also accessed by underground development for the purpose of drilling underground. Exploration drilling will also target west of the current resource estimate (Fig. 2), where high-grade gold was encountered by the previous owner between 2003-2006, and which included 11.3 gpt gold over 2.7 metres. The overall objective of 2024 is to drive resource growth and materially expand the ore system at the Tartan Mine.

Tartan Mine Engineering: During 2023, the Company reviewed the original process plant and mill design, and considered alternatives to maximize gold recoveries, while also reducing operating costs and technical risks. It is the Company's belief that a simplified design should achieve these objectives. The Company intends to complete further testing in 2024 in order to determine if the projected gold recoveries can be further increased using a finer grind size. In addition, an evaluation will be completed on the existing processing plant/mill infrastructure in order to identify equipment that may require replacement. The Company intends to work with an equipment broker to help source replacements. Lastly, an underwater drone will be used during spring to map the condition of the underground mine, for the purposes of determining refurbishment costs.

Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) Potential: A VTEM and IP survey was conducted in 2011 and 2022 over the Tartan Mine property. The results of these surveys, combined with other prior historical work and current desk-top analyses, has outlined potential for a VMS discovery within the project area. This could be an exciting development, as the region around Flin Flon, Manitoba is well known for hosting "world class" VMS orebodies, many of which have been developed into mines. Since 1915, 34 of the 71 mines that have been developed in Manitoba were situated in the world class, prolific Snow Lake Flin-Flon greenstone belt. Canadian Gold will be completing its data compilation and the results, including next steps, will be shared with shareholders early in 2024.

Property Acquisitions: During 2023 Canadian Gold acquired three early-stage exploration projects situated adjacent to some of the largest gold mines and undeveloped deposits in Canada. In 2024, the primary focus will be on the Hammond Reef North/South (Ontario) and Malartic South projects (Quebec) - being located next to Agnico Eagle's Hammond Reef deposit and the Canadian Malartic Mine. Work at both projects will continue to advance these projects to a drill ready stage. It is the Company's intention to apply for various government funding programs to help finance this exploration. Canadian Gold is also open to evaluating neighbouring gold properties in the Flin Flon area.

Financing: The Company raised approximately $4.1 million during 2023. Rob McEwen, the founder and former CEO and Chairman of Goldcorp personally invested $2.0 million and now owns approximately 36% of the Company. Other sources of funding included $300,000 from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund ("MMDF") and approximately $1.6 million from new investors.

Tartan Mine Tax Incentives: Manitoba Finance confirmed during the year that the Tartan Mine would be considered a "Major Expansion" and eligible for a tax holiday should it re-enter production. Major Expansions by mining companies in Manitoba are exempt from paying Mining Tax until profits equal the amount of capital spent to open the mine. At the end of the tax holiday, a company is allowed to depreciate the undepreciated balance against future Mining Tax.

Board of Directors/Management Additions: During 2023 the Company has added several members to its board of directors and management team to strengthen its presence within Manitoba. Key additions include Ed Huebert as President and CEO (formerly Special Advisor on Mining to the Cabinet Secretary of Economic Development for Manitoba) and Senior Environmental Manager with Debeers Canada (NWT Projects), Jim Downey (former Minister of Energy and Mines and Deputy Premier of Manitoba) and Alex McEwen, son of Rob McEwen and founder/owner of Remote Power Corp.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Ed Huebert

President & CEO

Canadian Gold Corp.

(204) 771-2180

[email protected]

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Wesley Whymark, P. Geo., Consulting Geologist for the company, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Canadian Gold Corp.

Canadian Gold Corp. is a Toronto-based mineral exploration and development company whose objective is to expand the high-grade gold resource at the past producing Tartan Mine, located in Flin Flon, Manitoba. The Company holds a 100% interest in greenfields exploration properties in Ontario and Quebec adjacent to some of Canada's largest gold mines and development projects, specifically, the Canadian Malartic Mine (QC), the Hemlo Mine (ON) and Hammond Reef Project (ON). The Company is 36% owned by Robert McEwen, who was the founder and CEO of Goldcorp and is Chairman and CEO of McEwen Mining.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release of Company contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Canadian Gold's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Figure. 1 Tartan Mine Longitudinal Section (Main Zone) Drill Target Areas



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3276/191988_94fe6339a4e409c4_002full.jpg

Figure 2. Location of South Zone and Western Drill Target at Tartan Mine



To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3276/191988_94fe6339a4e409c4_003full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191988
Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - December 20, 2023) - Pursuant to the early warning requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws, Combine Factory Rostselmash Ltd. ("Rostselmash") announces that it has entered into a private agreement (the "Agreement") to sell all of its 24,184,586 common shares (the "Shares") of Buhler Industries Inc. ("Buhler Industries") and the outstanding indebtedness (the "Debt") of Buhler Industries owed to Rostselmash, to Ba_ak Traktr Tarim Ziraat Ve I_ Makinalari Sanayi Ticaret A.^., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASKO Holding (collectively, the "Transaction"). The total consideration payable is CAD$60.5 million with approximately CAD$27.9 million in aggregate to be paid for the Shares (or approximately CAD$1.15 per Share), approximately CAD$4.1 million in transaction costs and the remainder attributed to the purchase price for the Debt and certain other payments related to intellectual property transfers agreed to between the parties. The purchase price for the Shares is subject to certain adjustments.

Rostselmash has beneficial ownership of 24,184,586 Shares, representing approximately 96.7% of the issued and outstanding Shares, prior to giving effect to the Transaction. After giving effect to the Transaction, Rostselmash will no longer own any Shares of Buhler Industries. It is anticipated that the closing of the Transaction will occur before year end or in early January 2024. The Agreement contains a number of customary conditions that must be satisfied or waived prior to closing of the Transaction.

An early warning report has been filed in accordance with Part 5 of National Instrument 62-104 - Take-over Bids and Issuer Bids and with Part 3 of National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues. The early warning report has been filed under Buhler Industries' issuer profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

For further information, please contact:

Yulia Kravchenko

Tel: +7 863 250-3280

Website: https://en.rostselmash.com

Email: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191904
Partnership Complements Growth of Opterro's Industry-leading Sensing Solutions

Fremont, California and Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 20, 2023) - Enablence Technologies (TSXV: ENA), a leading provider of optical chips for datacom, telecom, automotive and industrial automation applications, announced today that it will supply new optical chips to advanced, fiber-optics sensing leader, Opterro, Inc (www.opterro.com). Both companies have worked together to co-develop and integrate Enablence's high quality, unique, customized arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG) with Opterro's industry-leading, advanced sensing technologies.

Opterro's comprehensive range of smart cutting-edge sensing products and solutions are offered and used globally for sensing requirements within datacenters, semiconductor fabs, energy utilities, smart infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, research and development, aerospace, and defence environments. Opterro leverages advanced sensing technology development for a wide range of commercial and government customers. The company's global sales and marketing network is designed to serve the needs of customers across industries and geographies.

"Our partnership with Enablence Technologies will help drive adoption of our modular plug and play, end-to-end sensing solutions, which continue to proliferate across multiple industries driven by the customer's need for higher performance, and greater coverage," commented Mehrdad Moslehi, CEO and Co-founder of Opterro, Inc.

"Enablence is excited to provide Opterro with an array of cutting edge packaged optical chips, with fiber connections and integrated receivers, for Opterro's advanced sensor applications. Our optical chip provides seamless coverage of more than 200 photonic channels over a 200 nm optical range, with consistent low insertion loss throughout this range," commented Todd Haugen, CEO, Enablence Technologies.

About Enablence

Enablence Technologies Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: ENA). The Company designs, manufactures, and sells advanced optical components, primarily in the form of planar light wave circuits (PLC) and LiDAR technologies on silicon-based chips. Enablence products support a broad range of customers in the multi-billion, datacenter, telecom, automotive, and industrial automation industries. Enablence operates a wafer fab in Fremont, California with design centers in Canada and China, supported by sales and marketing operations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.enablence.com/.

# # #

For more information contact:

Media and Market Analysts

Alison Parnell

Hill & Kincaid Marketing & PR

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Ali Mahdavi, Capital Markets & Investor Relations

[email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company based on current expectations and assumptions of management, which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on current expectations that involve several risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are made, are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We caution our readers of this news release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as several factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company's operations are set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under Enablence's issuer profile. Enablence does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191894
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 20, 2023) - Hertz Lithium Inc. (CSE: HZ) (OTCQB: HZLIF) (FSE: QE2) (the "Company" or "Hertz") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release on November 21, 2023, that the Company has closed its non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,537,400 (the "Private Placement"). The Private Placement consisted of the issuance of:

5,763,333 units (the "Non-FT Units") at a price of $0.18 per Non-FT Unit for gross proceeds of $1,037,400, with each Non-FT Unit consisting of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"); and

3,750,000 flow-through units (the "Charity FT Units") at a price of $0.40 per Charity FT Unit, for gross proceeds of $1,500,000, with each Charity FT Unit consisting of one Share, to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"), and one Warrant.

Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share (a "Warrant Share") for a period of 24 months from the closing date at an exercise price of $0.40 per Warrant Share. The Warrants are subject to an accelerated expiry upon thirty (30) business days notice from the Company in the event the Shares trade for fourteen (14) consecutive trading days anytime after four (4) months from closing of the Private Placement at a volume-weighted average price of at least $0.60 on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

The net proceeds from the sale of Non-FT Units will be used for the advancement of the Company's Lithium Extraction Technology, exploration at its Lucky Mica Project, Consulting/Management fees, marketing/IR, and general and administrative matters. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Charity FT Units will be used for "Canadian Exploration Expenses" within the meaning of the Tax Act, which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2024, and renounced with an effective date no later than December 31, 2023, to the initial purchasers of the Charity FT Units in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of Charity FT Units.

About Hertz Lithium Inc.

The Company is a British Columbia based mineral exploration company primarily engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. The Company's lithium exploration projects include, the Lucky Mica Project, which is located along the Arizona Pegmatite Belt in the Maricopa County of Arizona, USA and the Patriota Lithium Project, located along the Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province, in Brazil and the AC/DC Lithium Project located in James Bay, Quebec. The Company is also working with Penn State University's College of Earth and Mineral Science department to develop a novel patent-pending hard rock lithium extraction technology.

For further information, please contact Mr. Kal Malhi or view the Company's filings at www.sedarplus.ca.

On Behalf Of the Board of Directors

Kal Malhi

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Phone: 604-805-4602

Email: [email protected]

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that 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 market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191906
ZHENGZHOU, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A direct flight from the city of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province to Luxembourg took off on Thursday afternoon, marking the opening of the first direct air route for passengers between Luxembourg and China.

In the initial phase, the air route will operate one round-trip flight per week. Outbound flights will depart from Zhengzhou at 2:50 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursdays, arriving in Luxembourg at 7 p.m. (local time). Return flights will depart from Luxembourg at 3 p.m. (local time) on Fridays, reaching Zhengzhou at 8:10 a.m. (Beijing Time) on Saturdays.

The first flight carried 146 passengers. In comparison to the indirect flight, the new air route saves passengers several hours in travel time. 
Road Town, British Virgin Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - In a significant move for cryptocurrency and mobile technology enthusiasts, LBank Exchange, a premier global digital asset trading platform, has announced the listing of Artificial Intelligence Metaverse (AIM) on December 21, 2023. Users of LBank Exchange can brace themselves for the AIM/USDT trading pair, which will go live at 10:00 UTC on the slated date.

AIM Listing Banner

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Artificial Intelligence Metaverse (AIM) is a governance token used within the META OASIS platform for trading major NFTs and participating in the ecosystem's governance and decision-making processes.

Introducing META OASIS: A New Dimension in AI-Driven Virtual Reality

Meta Oasis, a trailblazer in the Web3, AI, and Metaverse space, has recently garnered attention with a $4 million equity investment from CA Capital Group, a prominent American financial firm. This move highlights the intersection of traditional finance with emerging technologies in the virtual world. Headquartered in California and led by Jason Choi, CA Capital Group is known for its savvy investment choices, and its equity investment in Meta Oasis represents a significant alignment between conventional financial strategies and the burgeoning realm of the Metaverse. Brian, CEO of Meta Oasis, views this investment as a catalyst for stable technological development, particularly for their AI tool, INCEPTION. Meta Oasis sets itself apart by integrating AI into the Metaverse, recently appointing leading AI experts as Chief Technology Officers (CTOs). This $4 million investment not only underscores the potential of Meta Oasis in revolutionizing virtual reality but also signifies a pivotal moment for the Web3 AI Metaverse, promising a harmonious blend of Web3, AI, and immersive experiences.

Metaverse (AIM) is a governance token used within the META OASIS platform for trading major NFTs and participating in the ecosystem's governance and decision-making processes. META OASIS is a pioneering metaverse platform, revolutionizing the concept of virtual reality by integrating Generative AI. It's a digital universe where users can create and explore worlds that reflect their unique ideas and personalities. At its core, META OASIS aims to blend culture, education, and personal expression in a virtual space, enabling users to immerse themselves in environments tailored to their imaginations and desires. This metaverse is not just a digital escape; it's a canvas for creativity, allowing over seven billion people globally to manifest their diverse thoughts and multiple personalities into tangible virtual experiences.

The technological backbone of META OASIS is its sophisticated use of Generative AI, which has applications across various domains like character creation, game development, and personalized virtual experiences. The platform utilizes the Unity Engine, making it accessible across web, mobile, and PC platforms, and optimizes mid-poly graphics for a visually appealing experience. The INCEPTION tool, a key component of META OASIS, is an AI-powered SDK that simplifies content creation, making it accessible even to those without specialized skills or coding knowledge. This tool represents a significant leap in automated content creation, freeing up creators to focus on strategy and innovation.

Governance in META OASIS is uniquely handled through a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), where decisions are made collectively by its members, primarily based on land ownership within the metaverse. This approach ensures a democratic and equitable management system, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility among users. The platform offers various types of virtual lands, each with unique characteristics and resources, further enriching the user experience. These lands, tradeable as NFTs, form the basis of the META OASIS economy, along with the platform's native tokens - $AIM and OFE Tokens, which facilitate transactions.

Looking ahead, META OASIS's roadmap outlines ambitious plans for expansion and enhancement. From upgrading its PC version's graphics to launching a mobile version, the platform is set to offer an increasingly immersive experience. Future developments include advanced AI tool improvements, diverse game offerings, and exploring new virtual planets. This trajectory positions META OASIS not just as a virtual space, but as a continually evolving digital ecosystem, promising a future where imagination and technology converge to create limitless possibilities.

About AIM Token

The AIM Token is an integral part of the META OASIS ecosystem. It's the primary currency for trading major NFTs within the platform, such as land and buildings, facilitating key transactions and interactions within the metaverse. Listed on central exchanges, its market value and transaction volume are dynamically determined by market forces. The structured approach ensures a balanced and sustainable economic model within META OASIS, driving user engagement and fostering the growth of the virtual community.

Based on AVAX, AIM has a total supply of 5 billion (i.e. 5,000,000,000). The AIM token distribution includes 15% for private round, 2% for public round, 50% for DAO reserve, 12% for marketing, 10% for team, 4% for advisor & partners, and 7% for operation & development. The AVAX-based token is poised for its debut on LBank Exchange at 10:00 UTC on December 21, 2023. Investors who are interested in AIM can easily buy and sell on LBank Exchange after that time.

Learn More about AIM Token:

Official Website: https://www.meoasis.com/

Contract: https://snowtrace.io/token/0xCEeE63fF114F8e8deBF5E78a14e770E5B905eA91

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/metaoasisvr

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetaOasisVR

Telegram: https://t.me/METAOASIS_NOTICE

Medium: https://medium.com/meta-oasis

Funding Details: https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/getnews/meta-oasis-revolutionizing-the-web3-ai-metaverse-with-a-4m-equity-investment

About LBank

LBank is one of the top crypto exchanges, established in 2015. It offers specialized financial derivatives, expert asset management services, and safe crypto trading to its users. The platform holds over 9 million users from more than 210 regions across the world. LBank is a cutting-edge growing platform that ensures the integrity of users' funds and aims to contribute to the global adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Start Trading Now: lbank.com

Community & Social Media:

l Telegram

l Twitter

l Facebook

l LinkedIn

l Instagram

l YouTube

Press contact:

[email protected]

Business Contact:

LBK Blockchain Co. Limited

LBank Exchange

[email protected]

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191760
Austin, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - The ModumUp agency, led by its founder and Microsoft alumni Olga Bondareva, hosted an annual Social Selling online conference, focusing on AI, automation, and a metaverse for B2B marketing and sales. The event took place on LinkedIn by the link: https://www.linkedin.com/events/socialsellingtech-ai-automation7084088875647721472/ and united participants from 122 countries. The event organizers featured 14 expert speakers from LinkedIn, DreamData, Lavender and other companies associated with AI and automation. The conference successfully gathered 3,700 registrations and had 2,200 views.

Speakers of the "Social Selling Tech" conference

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At the event, Olga Bondareva, a keynote speaker from ModumUp, shared the ModumUp team's experience in utilizing AI, automation, and the metaverse for Social Selling, B2B marketing, and sales.

Another keynote speaker, Gus Eadie from LinkedIn, shared updates and trends related to LinkedIn Sales Navigator. He discussed how AI accelerates the user experience on LinkedIn and provided insights into upcoming platform features.

During discussion panels, the experts debated on the following topics:

AI for B2B Marketing and Sales

Metaverse - New Social Media?

Automation vs. Personalization

Automation Tools for Social Selling

Key highlights from the conference:

Marketing and sales professionals are exploring the integration of AI and automation into B2B strategies. A variety of solutions seamlessly incorporate automation and AI, although the effectiveness of using AI, especially in content and communication, needs to be demonstrated. The future of marketing and sales involves striking a balance between automation and personalization. Social media is expected to transition to the metaverse, providing more engaging opportunities, especially in sectors targeting younger audiences.

You can watch the conference recordings here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGc_Ath6mBNmWdBKkH7UDmBZ2YltxoXUK&si=ntXursAXTHMP0_fp

About ModumUp

ModumUp Social Selling agency https://modumup.com/ specializes in managing LinkedIn personal profiles, connecting with clients, partners, or employees, and aiding in the personal brand development of top-tier managers.

Contact:

Olga Bondareva

[email protected]

+15127756718

2916 Centennial Olympic Park

Austin, Texas 78732

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191566
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 20, 2023) - Newpath Resources Inc. (CSE: PATH) (FSE: 0MZ) (OTC PINK: RDYFF) ("Newpath" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that analytical results have been received from the prospecting program carried out on the Alpha/Bravo project (the "Project") during the late summer and fall of 2023. A total of 142 grab and channel rock samples were collected and submitted for analyses. All results have been received by the Company and are being compared with the LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) data and prospectors' field records. Detailed modelling of the trace element data is ongoing, but results are comparable to other early-stage programs searching for lithium in pegmatite host rocks.

The Company is encouraged by the outcome of its 2023 exploration Project at Alpha/Bravo and as a result, issued the final tranche of shares to the vendor. The Company now owns the Project 100% subject to an underlying royalty (See News Release dated December 6, 2023).

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Douglas S. Turnbull, P.Geo., the Company's COO and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Private Placement Financing

The Company also announces that the Company plans to complete a flow-through private placement offering up to $120,750 by issuance of 1,050,000 common shares (the "Shares") at a price of $0.115 per Share (the "Offering").

The proceeds raised from the Offering are expected to be used for exploration. All Shares to be issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold under applicable securities laws in Canada.

Acknowledgment of First Nations

Newpath Resources Inc. is committed to fostering lasting, transparent, trust-based relationships with the Indigenous communities where we operate. We respectfully acknowledge that our Alpha/Bravo project is on the traditional territories of many Nations including Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Fort William First Nation, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, Red Rock Indian Band, the Metis Nation of Ontario and Red Sky Metis Independent Nation.

Newpath Resources recognizes the great privilege of conducting work on these lands and recognizes the accountability and commitment we owe to the communities who have resided here since time immemorial. Newpath shares a common interest in ensuring that the lands and waters will continue to provide cultural, environmental, and economic wellbeing for Indigenous communities for generations to come.

About Newpath Resources Inc.

Newpath is a Canadian exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol PATH. Newpath's early-stage Orefield critical metal exploration project, which is composed of three claim groups (Alpha/Bravo, Charlie and Delta), totals 3,180 claim units covering approximately 67,448 hectares (approximately 674 square kilometres) west and southwest of Lake Nipigon in Northern Ontario. The company also wholly owns the Northshore gold project located in the Schreiber-Hemlo greenstone belt.

On Behalf of the Company,

NEWPATH RESOURCES INC.

"Alexander McAulay"

Chief Executive Officer

Email: [email protected]

CEO Direct Line: +1 (604) 365-0425

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain certain "forward-looking information". Forward-looking information included in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the results of the field work. Forward-looking information is based upon the assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by management of the Company as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Any statement containing forward looking information speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191911
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Nexus Uranium Corp. (CSE: NEXU) (OTCQB: GIDMF) (FSE: 3H1) (the "Company" or "Nexus") is pleased to announce the receipt of permits and plans for an upcoming exploration drill program at its Wray Mesa uranium project in Utah. The permits were issued by the State of Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil, Gas and Mining covering the Ajax and Dylan areas for the drilling of up to 50 holes.

"We are excited to move quickly and expedite our inaugural drill program on the Wray Mesa project," commented Jeremy Poirier, CEO of Nexus Uranium Corp. "The initial permit allows for a great degree of flexibility, given the scope of the permits, which allows us to expand or modify our initial drill program based on results."

The initial Phase 1 drill program is planned for a total of up to 10 holes over the project area, with a focus on both confirming high-grade historical drill results in addition to extending the known zones of mineralization. The drill program will utilize diamond core drilling for intersecting the mineralized zones which will provide valuable insights on geology, stratigraphy, and orientation as well as allowing for the investigation of the potential for vanadium mineralization which was previously untested by historic drilling. Highlights from historical drilling includes 7.0 feet grading 0.94% eU 3 O 8 (WMD-08-031), 5.0 feet grading 0.98% eU 3 O 8 (WMD-260-80), and 4.2 feet grading 0.52% eU 3 O 8 (W-07-004). The Company has engaged Harrison Land Services LLC of Moab, Utah with drilling expected to commence in Q1/24.

The Wray Mesa project is comprised of 6,282 acres and has seen extensive historical exploration dating back to the 1980's with over 500 holes drilled outlining four principal mineralized zones: Dylan, Ajax, Whiskey and Carlin. Mineralization on the property occurs at depths of 500 to 750 feet with the drill-defined mineralization ranging from 25 to 75 feet. Mineralization is typical sandstone-hosted tabular deposits wherein the uranium occurs in reduced and altered sandstones and sandstone-mudstones in major stream channels in the Upper Salt Wash Member of the Morrison Formation.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Warren D. Robb, P.Geo. (BC), a Director and VP Exploration of Nexus Uranium Corp. and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

Cancellation of Stock Options

The Company also announces that it has cancelled 53,334 incentive stock options (the "Options") issued pursuant to its prior option plan. The Options had been granted on October 14, 2020 to certain eligible participants (the "Optionholders"). The cancelled Options had an exercise price of $7.80 and expiry date of October 14, 2025. The Options were voluntarily surrendered by the holders for good and valuable consideration of $1.00 in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in cancellation agreements between the Company and each Optionholder.

Grant of Restricted Share Units

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has engaged Resultz Ventures Inc. ("Resultz") to provide capital markets advisory services to the Company, effective December 1, 2023 for a term of one year. As compensation for these services, the Company has agreed to grant Resultz a total of 200,000 restricted share units ("RSUs").

Additionally, the Company has agreed to grant to Mr. Christopher Hill 650,000 RSUs for corporate development services provided by Mr. Hill pursuant to a corporate development agreement (the "Hill Agreement") dated February 1, 2023 between Mr. Hill and the Company. The Hill Agreement continues on a month-to-month bases until otherwise terminated. Both of Resultz and Mr. Hill are arm's-length to the Company.

The grant of RSUs is made pursuant to the Company's current omnibus equity plan. The RSUs will vest immediately on the date of grant and entitle the recipient to receive one common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share"), a cash payment equivalent thereof, or any combination of cash and Common Shares at the sole discretion of the Company. The RSUs will be governed by RSU agreements between the Company and each of Resultz and Mr. Hill.

Engagement of Marketing Services

The Company also announces the engagement of Sideways Frequency LLC ("SFLLC") to provide certain marketing and investor awareness services (the "Services"), effective January 1st, 2024. As consideration for the Services, the Company has agreed to pay SFLLC a fee of $150,000 (USD) for a term of one month (the "Term"). The Company may elect to renew the agreement at any point during the Term.

The Services will include, but are not limited to, email campaigns, native advertising, display ads, lead generation, creation of content, strategic planning, digital advertisement placement, and overseeing progress and results of digital campaigns.

Consideration offered to SFLLC does not include any securities of the Company. The Company does not have any prior relationship with SFLLC or Mr. Wesley De Souza, CEO of SFLLC.

About Sideways Frequency LLC

SFLLC is a limited liability company existing under the laws of the State of Utah. SFLLC is in the business of preparing, from publicly available information, advertisements consisting of profiles overviewing publicly traded companies, running marketing campaigns including pay-per-click (PPC) marketing, email marketing, native advertising, and display ads, and maintaining or updating clients' websites as the client sees fit. SFLLC's business address is 1389 Center Drive, Suite 200, Park City, Utah, 84098. SFLLC can be contacted by email at [email protected].

About Nexus Uranium Corp.

Nexus Uranium Corp. is a multi-commodity development company focused on advancing the Wray Mesa uranium-vanadium project in Utah in addition to its precious metals portfolio that includes the development-stage Independence mine located adjacent to Nevada Gold Mine's Phoenix-Fortitude mine in Nevada, the Napoleon gold project in British Columbia, and a package of gold claims in the Yukon. The Wray Mesa project covers 6,282 acres within the heart of the prolific Uruvan mining district in Utah and has extensive historical drilling of over 500 holes defining multiple mineralized zones. The Independence project hosts an M&I (measured and indicated) resource of 334,300 ounces of gold (28M tonnes at 0.41 g/t gold) and an inferred resource of 847,000 ounces (9M tonnes at 3.22 g/t gold) of gold with a substantial silver credit. A 2021 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) outlined a low-cost heap leach operation focusing on the near-surface resource with total production of 195,443 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,078 (U.S.) per ounce of gold. The Napoleon project comprises over 1,000 hectares and prospective for multiple forms of gold mineralization, with exploration in the area dating back to the 1970s with the discovery of high-grade gold. The Yukon gold projects are comprised of almost 8,000 hectares of quartz claims prospective for high-grade gold mineralization with historical grab sampling highlights of 144 g/t gold.

Nexus Uranium cautions investors the preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. The Company further cautions investors Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability and further cautions investors the quantity and grade of the reported inferred Mineral Resources are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred Mineral Resources as indicated Mineral Resources.

The Company cautions investors it has yet to verify the historical data and further cautions investors grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades of sampling on the entire property.

--

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Jeremy Poirier

Chief Executive Officer

[email protected]

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this news release. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary include, without limitation, uncertainties affecting the expected use of proceeds. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191956
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Shoal Point Energy Ltd. (CSE: SHP) today announces that, pursuant to its Stock Option Plan, the Company will be granting 300,000 stock options to certain consultants. The options will be exercisable at $0.06 per share with a 5 year term from the date of grant.

About Shoal Point Energy Ltd.

Shoal Point Energy Ltd. is a public company listed on the CSE exchange under the symbol "SHP". The Company is focused on oil and gas exploration in Kansas and retains its oil and gas interests in the Humber Arm Allochthon play in western Newfoundland. The Company is also actively evaluating new opportunities.



On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Mark Jarvis"

Mark Jarvis, CEO



For further information, please contact:

Mr. Mark Jarvis Chief Executive Officer

416-637-2181 extension 310



Neither The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192034
7.7% increase to the Measured & Indicated tonnage, including a significant increase in zinc, silver, gold, and copper.

15.1% increase in the Inferred tonnage, including a 14% increase in zinc and silver.

The DMEA Zone extended an additional 250 feet.

Boise, Idaho--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2023) - Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc. (OTCQB: THMG) (TSXV: THM) (the "Company" or "THMG") is pleased to report a newly filed NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate ("43-101 43-101 MRE") incorporating results from surface diamond drilling program conducting in 2021 at the South Mountain Project ("South Mountain" or "South Mountain Project" or the "Property") in southwestern Idaho, U.S.A. The updated 43-101 MRE includes an increased resource for the Project while maintaining the high-grade mineralization.

The updated Independent 43-101 MRE, which has an effective date of October 16, 2023, was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI-43-101") by Hard Rock Consulting, LLC, based in the U.S.A. More details are included in Table 1 below.

HIGHLIGHTS OF UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE

Measured & Indicated ("M&I"): 223,000 tons grading 9.02% Zinc ("Zn"), 4.27 ounces per ton ("opt") Silver ("Ag"), 0.059 opt Gold ("Au"), 0.64% Copper ("Cu"), and 0.94% Lead ("Pb").

This represents a 7.7% increase to the M&I tonnage from the previous 2021 43-101 MRE, with a 18.82% Zn equivalent grade ("ZnEq"), or a 20.55opt Ag equivalent grade ("AgEq")

Inferred: 959,000 tons grading 7.56% Zn (14% increase in Zn lbs), 5.67 opt Ag (14.10% increase in Ag ounces), 0.037 opt Au (3.3% increase in Au ounces), 0.80% Cu (14.5% increase in Cu lbs), and 1.06% Pb (25.4% increase in Pb lbs).

This represents a 15.1% increase in the Inferred tonnage from the previous 2021 43-101 MRE with an 17.2% ZnEq or a 19.30 opt AgEq.

The DMEA Zone in the model was extended an additional 250 feet down dip and remains open.

"We are extremely pleased by the results of the revised 43-101 MRE. These deep surface core holes placed to determine the continued downdip potential of the mineralization displayed positive results on our resource. Our independent engineering firm - Hard Rock Consulting, LLC - did a great job with the data. This new data supports previously reported model and results confirming the continuation of all mineralized zones extending down-plunge, and that they continue to remain open at depth," commented Eric T. Jones, President and CEO of Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. "It is still our opinion that South Mountain has the potential to be one of the lowest cost producers of zinc, silver, and gold in north America."

MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE

This latest round of drilling completed during the late fall of 2021 proves the continuation of the down plunge extension of the DMEA zone at depth. This zone remains open in both directions. All the of the drill results have now been in incorporated into the updated 43-101 MRE for the South Mountain deposit. The increase in Measured and Indicated tons are the result of updated metal prices and mining costs. Surface drilling completed in 2021 accounts for approximately 8% of the increase in Inferred tons, while the remaining 7% increase is due to updated metal prices and mining costs.

Table 1 below provides the Mineral Resource Statement for the Project in U.S. units with details of the modelling methodology and cut-off grades applied to the mineral resource. Figure 1 illustrates the principal areas where the South Mountain deposit has been expanded from the historical 43-101 MRE that was completed in 2021. The historical Technical Report for the Mineral Resource Estimate for the South Mountain Project Owyhee County, Idaho USA Report Date: June 15, 2021 - is filed on SEDAR.

Table 1. South Mountain Mineral Resource Statement (U.S. Units)

Metallurgical Domain Massive Sulfide Type Classification Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Short Tons 54,000 122,000 176,000 868,000 NSR ($/sh. Ton) 343.35 370.05 361.92 307.62 Zinc (%) 11.51 11.15 11.26 8.25 Zinc (lb.) 12,300,000 27,300,000 39,600,000 143,200,000 Silver (t. oz/ sh. Ton) 3.62 4.74 4.39 5.96 Silver (t. oz) 194,000 580,000 774,000 5,177,000 Gold (t. oz/ sh. Ton) 0.070 0.074 0.073 0.040 Gold (t. oz) 3,800 9,100 12,900 34,700 Copper (%) 0.45 0.55 0.52 0.74 Copper (lb.) 500,000 1,300,000 1,800,000 12,800,000 Lead (%) 0.79 1.32 1.16 1.16 Lead (lb.) 850,000 3,240,000 4,080,000 20,200,000 ZnEq (%) 19.54 20.93 20.51 17.69 ZnEq (lb.) 20,900,000 51,200,000 72,200,000 307,200,000 Metallurgical Domain Skarn Type Classification Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Short Tons 15,000 32,000 47,000 91,000 NSR ($/sh. Ton) 196.71 149.31 164.73 166.76 Zinc (%) 0.99 0.44 0.62 1.02 Zinc (lb.) 300,000 300,000 600,000 1,900,000 Silver (t. oz/ sh. Ton) 4.61 3.44 3.82 2.86 Silver (oz/ sh. Ton) 70,000 109,000 179,000 261,000 Gold (t. oz/ sh. Ton) 0.017 0.005 0.009 0.005 Gold (oz/ sh. Ton) 300 100 400 400 Copper (%) 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.41 Copper (lb.) 300,000 700,000 1,000,000 2,600,000 Lead (%) 0.27 0.07 0.13 0.04 Lead (lb.) 80,000 40,000 120,000 70,000 ZnEq (%) 14.83 11.38 12.50 12.65 ZnEq (lb.) 4,500,000 7,200,000 11,700,000 23,100,000 Metallurgical Domain Total Classification Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Short Tons 69,000 154,000 223,000 959,000 NSR ($/sh. Ton) 310.88 324.73 320.46 294.21 Zinc (%) 9.18 8.95 9.02 7.56 Zinc (lb.) 12,600,000 27,600,000 40,200,000 145,000,000 Silver (t. oz/ sh. Ton) 3.84 4.47 4.27 5.67 Silver (oz/ sh. Ton) 264,000 688,000 953,000 5,438,000 Gold (t. oz/ sh. Ton) 0.058 0.060 0.059 0.037 Gold (oz/ sh. Ton) 4,000 9,300 13,300 35,200 Copper (%) 0.60 0.66 0.64 0.80 Copper (lb.) 800,000 2,000,000 2,900,000 15,400,000 Lead (%) 0.67 1.06 0.94 1.06 Lead (lb.) 930,000 3,280,000 4,210,000 20,270,000 ZnEq (%) 18.50 18.97 18.82 17.21 ZnEq (lb.) 25,500,000 58,400,000 83,900,000 330,300,000 The effective date of the mineral resource estimate is October 16, 2023. The QP for the estimate Mr. Richard A. Schwering, SME-RM, P.G., of Hard Rock Consulting, LLC. is independent of South Mountain Mining, LLC. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability such as diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when material is mined or extracted; or modifying factors including but not restricted to mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. Inferred mineral resources are part of a mineral resource for which the grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Inferred mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic viability and may not be converted to mineral reserves. It is reasonably expected, though not guaranteed, that the majority of Inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to Indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. The mineral resource is reported at an underground mining cut-off of $97.50 U.S. Net Smelter Return ("NSR") within coherent wireframe models. The NSR calculation and cut-off is based on the following assumptions: an Au price of $1,800/oz, a Ag price of $23.50/oz, a Pb price of $1.00/lb., a Zn price of $1.35/lb. and a Cu price of $4.00/lb.; Massive Sulfide type metallurgical recoveries and payables of 52.25% for Au, 71.25% for Ag, 71.40% for Zn, 66.50% for Pb, and 49.00% for Cu and a total smelter cost of $33.29; Skarn type metallurgical recoveries and payables of 71.25% for Au, 80.75% for Ag, 51.00% for Zn, 47.50% for Pb, and 87.70% for Cu and a smelter cost of $7.24; assumed mining cost of $65/ton, process costs of $25/ton, general and administrative costs of $7.50/ton. Based on the stated prices and recoveries the NSR formula is calculated as follows; NSR = (Ag grade * Ag price * Ag Recovery and Payable) + (Au grade * Au price * Au Recovery and Payable) + (Pb grade * 20 * Pb Price * Pb Recovery and Payable) + (Cu grade * 20 * Cu Price * Cu Recovery and Payable) + (Zn grade * 20 * Zn Price * Zn Recovery and Payable) for each metallurgical domain. The zinc equivalent grades were calculated as Zn Grade + (((Pb Price * Pb Recovery and Payable) / (Zn Price*Zn Recovery and Payable)) * Pb Grade) + (((Cu Price * Cu Recovery and Payable) / (Zn Price * Zn Recovery and Payable)) * Cu Grade) + (((Ag Price * Ag Recovery and Payable) / (Zn Price * 20 * Zn Recovery and Payable)) * Ag Grade) + (((Au Price * Au Recovery and Payable) / (Zn Price * 20 * Zn Recovery and Payable)) * Au Grade) for each metallurgical domain. Rounding may result in apparent differences when summing tons, grade and contained metal content. Tonnage and grade are in U.S. Customary units.





Figure 1: 3D Perspective view inclined 200 looking north-north-east, indicating the areas of the expanded mineral resource, with zones that are open.



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Qualified Person Statement for the Mineral Resource Estimate

Mr. Richard A. Schwering, P.G., SME-RM, a Resource Geologist with Hard Rock Consulting, LLC, is responsible for the South Mountain Project Mineral Resource Estimate with an effective date of October 16, 2023. Mr. Schwering is a Qualified Person as defined by NI43-101 and is independent of Thunder Mountain Gold Inc., and South Mountain Mines, Inc. Mr. Schwering estimated the mineral resources based on drill hole and channel sample data constrained by geologic boundaries using an Ordinary Krige algorithm. The Geologic Model and Mineral Resource Estimate were completed using Leapfrog Geo Software version 2023.1.1. Hard Rock Consulting also completed the previous resource estimate.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES

The project employs a rigorous QC/QA program that includes blanks, duplicates, and appropriate certified standard reference material. All samples are introduced into the sample stream prior to sample handling/crushing to monitor analytical accuracy and precision. The insertion rate for the combined QA/QC samples is 10 percent or more depending upon batch sizes. ALS Global completed the analytical work with the core samples processed at their preparation facility in Reno, Nevada, U.S.A. All analytical and assay procedures are conducted in the ALS facility in North Vancouver, BC. The samples are processed by the following methods as appropriate to determine the grades; Au-AA23-Au 30g fire assay with AA finish, ME-ICP61-33 element four acid digest with ICP-AES finish, ME-OG62-ore grade elements, four acid with ICP-AES finish, Pb-OG62-ore grade Pb, four acid with ICP-AES finish, Zn-OG62-ore grade Zn, four acid digestion with ICP-AES finish, Ag-GRA21-Ag 30g fire assay with gravimetric finish.

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Richard A. Schwering, SME-RM, P.G., Principal Resource Geologist, Hard Rock Consulting, LLC a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 standards.

The South Mountain Project

The South Mountain Mine is a polymetallic development project containing high-grade zinc, silver, gold, and copper, and is located approximately 70 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho (See Figure 2). The Project was intermittently mined from the late 1800s to the late 1960s and its existing underground workings remain intact and well maintained. Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. purchased and advanced the project from 2007 through 2022, with expenditures into the project of approximately US$20 million. Historic production at the Project has largely come from high-grade massive sulfide bodies that remain open at depth and along strike. According to historical smelter records, approximately 53,642 tons of mineralized material has been mined to date. These records also indicate average grades; 14.5% Zn, 10.6 o.p.t. Ag (363.42 g/t Ag), 0.058 o.p.t. Au (1.98 g/t Au), 1.4% Cu, and 2.4% Pb were realized (See NI 43-101 Technical Report: Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the South Mountain Project, dated December 15, 2023, Section 6.4 - Table 6-3 for more details. Available on the Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. website and at www.sedar.com).





Figure 2. Location of South Mountain Project



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Regarding Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc.

Thunder Mountain Gold Inc., a junior exploration company founded in 1935, owns interests in base and precious metals projects in the western U.S. The Company's principal asset is The South Mountain Mine, a historic former producer of zinc, silver, gold, lead, and copper, located on private land in Owyhee County Idaho. Thunder Mountain Gold also owns 100% of the Trout Creek Project - a gold exploration project located along the western flank of the Shoshone Mountain Range in the Reese River Valley, adjacent to and surrounded by Nevada Gold Mines, a joint operating agreement between Barrick and Newmont Gold, Inc. private mineral lands. For more information on Thunder Mountain Gold, please visit the Company's website at www.Thundermountaingold.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions which could change materially in the future. By their nature, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Investors should refer to THMG's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q reports, for a more detailed discussion of risks that may impact future results. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

Cautionary Note to Investors

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact:

Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc.

Eric T. Jones

President and Chief Executive Officer

[email protected]

Office: (208) 658-1037

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191871
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

The Secret Coin stands out as a unique and innovative project, offering a fresh perspective to law of attraction believers and crypto enthusiasts alike.







The Secret Coin, a groundbreaking meme-based cryptocurrency centered around the law of attraction and visualizations, announces its remarkable entry into the crypto space. As the first-ever meme coin of its kind, The Secret Coin invites law of attraction believers to embark on a unique and potentially viral crypto journey.

The Secret Coin distinguishes itself as the pioneering meme coin in the crypto world inspired by the law of attraction. With a focus on visualizations and the power of positive thinking, The Secret Coin aims to resonate with enthusiasts who believe in the potential of manifesting success.

Tired of rug pulls, the two anonymous developers behind The Secret Coin have strategically secured listings on three exchanges, including Toobit, establishing a solid foundation within the crypto ecosystem. The project was also listed on CoinGecko several weeks ago, but its major milestone was the result of the very recent CoinMarketCap listing, which gave a significant leap in recognition and market reach. Shortly after this listing, the project saw an increase in its holders and a new All-Time High (ATH) market cap.

The project aims to list on a higher tier centralized exchange within the upcoming phase of its roadmap. The community is currently undertaking a vote on which exchange they would prefer to list on.

Furthermore, The Secret Coin unveiled an exciting real-world use case that is adding a layer of anticipation for its growing community of holders. Although not all information has been revealed as yet, we do know that holders of the limited edition NFT's will be exclusively invited to the Manifest Discounts portal, where they will have access to real-world discounts and offers from international brands and stores across the globe!

There are also plans to roll out a limited series of Meme NFT's for other crypto communities. The NFT's will consist of memes and visualizations that will resonate with that particular crypto community. The NFTs may prove to be a innovative and playful way to visualize that communities goals whilst also spreading awareness of The Secret Coin project. It is not clear at this stage if this particular NFT series will give access to the Manifest Discounts portal.

Despite its early stages, The Secret Coin has achieved an ATH of 960k and currently maintains a market cap of 200k with just 389 holders. The coin's presence on exchanges and the promise of further (higher tier) exchange listings, positions it for continued growth and market visibility.

Standing out with its animated short movies available on its YouTube channel featuring a character named Karl, who follows the law of attraction, providing entertaining and educational content for the community. Thus, The Secret Coin received a favorable review from prominent YouTuber Jacob Crypto Bury, who expressed excitement about the coin's potential. The review can be viewed here.

With a vibrant community already forming around The Secret Coin, the cryptocurrency aims to foster a positive and engaging environment for its holders. The team encourages enthusiasts to join the Telegram channel and stay tuned for upcoming developments. Follow The Secret Coin:

- Telegram

- Twitter

- YouTube

For more information, please visit: http://www.thesecretcoin.io/

About The Secret Coin

The Secret Coin is the first meme coin in the crypto space inspired by the law of attraction and visualizations. Founded by two anonymous developers who sought to create a positive and unique crypto experience, The Secret Coin has rapidly gained traction with listings on multiple exchanges, including Toobit, CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap.

Contact Info:

Name: The Secret Coin

Email: Send Email

Organization: The Secret Coin

Phone: 07818112069

Website: http://www.thesecretcoin.io/



Release ID: 89116976

Should any problems, inaccuracies, or doubts arise from the content contained within this press release, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected]. Our dedicated team will promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, taking necessary steps to rectify identified issues or assist with the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is at the core of our commitment to our readers.
PHILADELPHIA , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bartlett Bearing Company, Inc., a bearing and parts distributor founded in 1951, is ending the year with a healthily stocked inventory of products and welcomed new faces to its sales team.

Bare shelves and supply issues that have plagued many in the industry following the pandemic, but Bartlett Bearing has seen its inventory levels hold steady throughout the year among the company's long list of carried manufacturers. The company's line card includes notable brands such as NTN, Timken, SKF, JTEKT, Schaeffler, SLF, and many others.

Bartlett's Vice President of Sales and Operations, Mike Pulley remarked that "product supply remains at a healthy level," and attributed the positive trend to proactive inventory management and smart purchasing objectives. "In our industry," Pulley said, "it's not as simple as having or not having inventory. Our customers rely on us having what they need stocked with backup options and the knowledge to help them find the right solutions. That's what our customers have come to expect from Bartlett, and we intend to keep them happy."

Bartlett also welcomed two new salesmen to its team in 2023: Henry Barragan and Mike Kuhn . Henry joins the team after a long career in the bearing industry and will be instrumental in growing West Coast -based accounts. Mike brings over 20 years of industry experience having previously worked for an electric motor repair shop, joining the Hebron team as the Outside Salesman. "We are pleased to welcome Henry and Mike to the Bartlett team this year," said Mike Pulley . "I believe they will both bring the same dedication to our customers that they've come to know from our entire team."

About Bartlett Bearing

Bartlett Bearing Company, Inc. is a family-owned and operated bearing distributor founded in 1951, specializing in serving the electro-mechanical repair industry nationwide. Bartlett has grown to six, fully stocked locations as Authorized Distributors for major manufacturers such as SKF, Timken, NTN, Koyo, The Schaeffler Group, and many more. With over 70 years of experience, our highly knowledgeable staff strives to provide the highest quality service for our customers 24/7/365. For more information, visit our website at www.bartlettbearing.com.

Media Contact:

Stephanie Ford | Marketing Manager

[email protected]

215-743-8963 Ext. 3209

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SOURCE Bartlett Bearing Company, Inc.
CLEARWATER, Fla. , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BayCare, the leading health care system in West Central Florida, today announced that it has named Kristy Croom Tucker as its new vice president, marketing, effective Dec. 11 .

In her new role, Croom Tucker oversees the development and execution of marketing strategies to support BayCare's objectives. She also develops strategic marketing and growth initiatives to build brand awareness, preference and loyalty.

"Kristy has spent her career mastering the agency, payor and provider sides of the brand-building space," said Ed Rafalski , BayCare's chief strategy and marketing officer. "One may call her an expert in the 'adpayvider' world, and we are thrilled she has accepted this position."

Croom Tucker joined BayCare in 2011 as a regional marketing manager, overseeing the marketing for four hospitals; the launch of Health Huddle, a consumer listening tool; and support for several service lines, including cardiovascular services, neurosciences and behavioral health. In 2015, she transitioned to the system marketing manager role where she oversaw the development and launch of the Humanity at Work campaign, ambulatory marketing, and the development and launch of various BayCare mobile apps, including BayCareAnywhere and HealthNav.

She was promoted to director of marketing for BayCare Health Plans in 2018, and to director of member experience and acquisition the following year. Croom Tucker was responsible for the marketing, sales and member experience functions of BayCare Health Plans, which quickly became one of the fastest growing provider-sponsored Medicare Advantage plans in the country.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve BayCare for the past 12 years," said Croom Tucker . "I look forward to expanding my role, promoting all that makes BayCare a premier destination for high quality, compassionate health care, while working alongside BayCare's extraordinary team that is blazing the trail toward innovative, patient-centered care."

Prior to joining BayCare, Croom Tucker worked at Rasmussen College (now Rasmussen University), as director of communication from 20092011, and as marketing manager from 20062009.

She holds two degrees from the University of Kansas, a Bachelor of Science in strategic communication and a Master of Science in journalism.

About BayCare

BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 16 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. The system is West Central Florida's largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services and its provider group, BayCare Medical Group, is one of the largest in the region. BayCare's diverse network of ambulatory services includes laboratories, imaging, surgical centers, BayCare Urgent Care locations, wellness centers and one of Florida's largest home care agencies, BayCare HomeCare. BayCare is ranked in the top 20% of large health systems nationally by Fortune/Merative for clinical and patient experience. BayCare's mission is to improve the health of all it serves through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit BayCare.org.

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SOURCE BayCare Health System
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. , Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CaringBridge is thrilled to announce its Holiday Giving campaign with the generous support of the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.

CaringBridge and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation come together to support family caregivers this holiday.

The Schulze Family Foundation awarded a grant of $50,000 to CaringBridge this year. $25,000 was utilized for a match in June, and now, just in time for the holidays, the remaining $25,000 will be used to match donations made, up to $25,000 , on www.caringbridge.org on December 30  31st.

CaringBridge is a no-cost, nonprofit health platform that surrounds family caregivers with support while they care for a loved one on a health journey. The organization offers tools to share and document a health journey, simplify care coordination, and connect caregivers with a supportive community. CaringBridge addresses feelings of overwhelm, isolation, and loneliness by improving emotional health and social connectedness, helping people come together in support of healing.

"We are grateful to the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation for their ongoing support of CaringBridge this year, and especially during the holidays", said Tia Newcomer , CEO at CaringBridge. "During the holidays, feelings of overwhelm, isolation, and loneliness can be magnified, Caregivers are already busy, and there's even more to do during the holidays. The Schulze Family Foundation commitment to matching donations, dollar for dollar, enables CaringBridge to continue to surround family caregivers with support from their community. The holidays are a great time to get some respite and just a few hours of assistance can be a huge relief. This continued generosity allows CaringBridge to thrive as a nonprofit, never selling or sharing data, and ensuring we remain no cost for all users  because healing happens when you're surrounded by loved ones."

"The Schulze Family Foundation is happy to continue our long-standing relationship with CaringBridge, and by providing this matching grant, help to ensure no one goes through a health journey alone," said Mark Dienhart , Foundation president and CEO.

A donor-supported nonprofit, CaringBridge has over 300,000 people on the platform every day surrounding family caregivers and their loved ones with support. Donations to CaringBridge help families like Sabeeha and her husband Huzefa, who needed support when Sabeeha experienced a health condition. "The caregiver's journey is an endless journey," said Huzefa. "I would not have been able to remain as positive if it was not for CaringBridge to offload that part of it. It gave me the forum to be positive, to be open, to be vulnerable."

This holiday, join us in continuing the incredible impact we make together on the lives of family caregivers all around the world!

To learn more or to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit www.CaringBridge.org/give .

About CaringBridge

CaringBridge is a no-cost, 501(c)(3) nonprofit health platform that surrounds family caregivers with support while they care for a loved one on a health journey. A donor-supported nonprofit founded in 1997, the organization offers tools to share and document a health journey, simplify care coordination, and connect caregivers with a supportive community. CaringBridge addresses feelings of overwhelm, isolation, and loneliness by improving emotional health and social connectedness, helping people come together in support of healing. With over 300,000 people on the platform every day sending or receiving support, there are over 1,600 messages of love, hope, and compassion posted every hour. And every 12 minutes a new CaringBridge page is started. The CaringBridge community includes all 50 states and more than 242 countries around the world. To learn more visit www.caringbridge.org

About the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation was created in 2004 by Best Buy founder, Dick Schulze , to give back to the communities where Dick and his family grew up  in Minnesota , where he built Best Buy to become the world's largest consumer electronics retailer, and in Florida , where he now maintains a permanent residence. The Schulze Family Foundation creates grant partnerships with organizations that generate meaningful results in human and social services, education, and health and medicine. In all its activities, the Foundation embraces its founder's vision to strengthen and support initiatives that lead to change within our communities.

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SOURCE CaringBridge
A staff member works at Bengbu Global One Hour Foreign Legal Service Center in Bengbu, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Chen)

HEFEI, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- At a foreign legal service center, Wang Min, an executive director of a law firm, is engaged in a video conference with her peers in Tanzania.

"A local tea beverage company is mulling over whether they want to extend their business overseas, so we are authorized to consult on certain legal issues about investing in African countries," Wang said.

On the other side of the video conference, Tanzanian lawyer Godfrey Joseph Chitawala answered Wang's questions one by one, ranging from foreign company registration to trademark protection requirements in Tanzania and other African countries.

The legal service center, located in the city of Bengbu in east China's Anhui Province, was set up by the city's bureau of justice in March of this year. It integrates different types of public legal service resources, including lawyer consultation, foreign notarization, international arbitration, foreign judicial appraisal and foreign financial mediation, to help enterprises with their international business.

"We have connected with many law firms with global resources, and quickly respond to the foreign legal consultation and service needs of enterprises," said Jiang Shaoguang, head of the public legal services department of the bureau, adding that, via the center, local enterprises can get in touch with lawyers from the countries where their business is located, taking as little as one hour.

China's outbound direct investment value in 2022 came in second in the world at 163.12 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for over 10 percent of the global total for seven years in a row, according to a report jointly released by the Ministry of Commerce, the National Bureau of Statistics and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

With the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the China (Anhui) Pilot Free Trade Zone in recent years, some companies in Bengbu have gradually begun to seek opportunities overseas.

Official figures show more than 500 companies in Bengbu have a demand for foreign legal services.

In the past, due to the shortage of local professional lawyers and resources related to international legal services, these companies had to pursue overseas legal services in bigger cities, which was both time-consuming and expensive.

Chen Chen, legal affairs manager of a catering company in Bengbu, recalled how they tried to enter the Indonesian market at the end of 2022.

"We badly needed to learn about law and taxation issues in Indonesia and some other countries in Southeast Asia. Without a proper law firm in Bengbu to turn to, we had to find one in Shanghai," Chen said, adding that the consultations took much time and money.

After the foreign legal service center opened, the company had a new option for learning about the details of the overseas business, such as fund preparation, office contracts and employment conditions in Indonesia, according to Zou Hao, a lawyer who provided the legal services for the company.

"In foreign investment, the biggest concern of enterprises is that they are not familiar with the local legal system and related employment system, resulting in a series of difficulties and risks. Now this kind of foreign-related legal service at the doorstep can quickly and efficiently solve their concerns," said Zou.

To date, the foreign legal service center has made available 158 foreign legal services of 15 categories, covering 97 countries and regions. It has served more than 50 companies for their businesses in the United States, France and some Southeast Asian countries.

Ma Rui, head of the justice bureau of Bengbu, said that the foreign legal service center is a bridge between local enterprises, legal talent and global legal resources, which will further improve the level of local foreign-related legal talent and foreign-related legal services.

Ma said the center will open its door to attract more distinct foreign legal services to join and better serve the development of enterprises.

"The level of government legal services should be synchronized with the needs of economic development," he added. 

Wang Min, executive director of a law firm, consults a Tanzanian lawyer about legal issues of foreign investment in Tanzania via video link at Bengbu Global One Hour Foreign Legal Service Center in Bengbu, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Chen)
CWSNC and Carteret County are first to utilize Fair Market Value Law in North Carolina .

CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 , Carolina Water Service of North Carolina (CWSNC) and Carteret County closed on CWSNC's acquisition of the Carteret County water system. CWSNC began its partnership with Carteret County in 2020 when CWSNC was the successful bidder for the Carteret County water system. In January 2022 , CWSNC became the contract operator for the water system. With this purchase, CWSNC adds approximately 1,200 water service customers in the North River/Mill Creek and Merrimon areas of Carteret County .

"We have a strong track record in North Carolina and Carteret County . Our team's level of customer service and commitment to the community has enabled County leadership to entrust us with providing critical service for public health, safety and economic development." said Don Denton , President of CWSNC. "We take this responsibility seriously and look forward to continuing to serve Carteret County ."

The North Carolina Utilities Commission approved the transaction under a law enacted in 2018 which allows municipalities in North Carolina to sell water and wastewater systems for a price based on fair market value. The Carteret County water system purchase by CWSNC is the first to be completed in North Carolina utilizing the fair market value law. Prior to enactment of this law, it was difficult for a municipality to determine the fair value of a water or wastewater system that it was interested in selling to a regulated utility. The law makes it possible for local governments to assess the value and benefits of selling their systems to regulated investor-owned utilities.

Tommy Burns , Carteret County Manager said the law, "gives communities an alternative to value their systems when considering being acquired by an investor-owned water utility." He added, " Carteret County didn't enter into the decision to sell the water system lightly. We conducted our due diligence and found we were unable to continue delivering quality service to the community without continued, significant rate impact. Carolina Water is the local expert and will be able to support upgrades for quality service. State legislation allowed our community to receive a fair price, funds which will be used to enhance the lives of our residents."

Denton added, "The Fair Market Value law doesn't require municipalities to sell. It simply supports those which need to or want to do so for a number of different reasons like investment needs, water supply concerns or other priorities. Water and wastewater services are our core focus at Carolina Water Service. We are excited to continue sharing our expertise in Carteret County ."

In 2017, the North Carolina's State Water Infrastructure Authority estimated the state was facing up to $26 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure needs over 20 years. North Carolina is not alone as the nation's water and wastewater systems are reaching the end of their lifespan and facing a need for critical investment.

Customers will receive a welcome letter in the mail with information about customer service and more. To learn more about CWSNC, please visit Carolina Water Service | My Utility.

About Carolina Water Service of North Carolina  Carolina Water Service, Inc. of North Carolina is a private water and wastewater utility provider delivering safe and reliable service across 38 counties in North Carolina . Carolina Water Service, Inc. of North Carolina cares about the health and wellbeing of customers, employees and the environment. Employees actively contribute to the communities where they live and work. This commitment is expressed in the Company Purpose: "We help people enjoy a better life and communities thrive." For more information visit Carolina Water Service Inc. of North Carolina's website. Follow on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn

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BOSTON , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cybrella, a prominent player in the cybersecurity advisory space, is thrilled to welcome Ranell Gonzales as the new Vice President of Global Sales and Alliances. With a remarkable 15-year track record in the cyber security and technology sector, Ranell brings a wealth of expertise and proficiency in Threat Intelligence, Incident Response and Cyber Security Advisory. His career is marked by a consistent ability to pioneer, cultivate, and educate markets worldwide for cutting-edge cyber security solutions. He has achieved notable success in regions including New York, UK , Europe , Middle East , and Africa .

"At the intersection of innovation and security lies Ranell Gonzales. I've had the privilege of collaborating closely with Ranell for five years as part of the strategic partnership between Cybrella and Lifars. His sales acumen, coupled with a global network and deep industry knowledge, will not only drive our mission to expand our global footprint but also elevate the entire cybersecurity advisory landscape. With Ranell at the helm, we are on the cusp of a new era of success," said Alon Mansur , Founder and CEO, Cybrella.

As Cybrella.io's Vice President of Global Sales and Alliances, Ranell Gonzales will chart the course toward global expansion, forge strategic alliances, and supercharge our sales engine. His appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class cybersecurity advisory services to clients worldwide.

"We are thrilled to introduce Ranell Gonzales as a driving force behind Cybrella.io's global ambitions," stated Yossi Barkalifa, Cybrella CISO and Partner. "His extraordinary track record and visionary approach perfectly align with our vision for international growth. Ranell's leadership is set to redefine cybersecurity excellence, and we are excited to embark on this transformative journey together."

"I understand the challenge security professionals face in finding cybersecurity partners they can trust. Having partnered with Alon and the Cybrella team for over five years, I can confidently say they consistently deliver top-notch services. I am so excited for the opportunity to help bring their exceptional talent and services to customers worldwide," Gonzales said.

Ranell brings a wealth of experience from leading cybersecurity organizations. Notably, at SecurityScorecard, a leader in Third Party Risk Management, he served as the AVP of Cyber Defense Services and was instrumental in introducing Cyber Security Services to the SecurityScorecard Platform's customer base. At LIFARS, LLC (later acquired by SecurityScorecard), he was a pivotal 10th employee, overseeing the development and execution of sales strategies for DFIR and Cyber Resilience Services. Ranell also successfully coordinated the incident response and forensics efforts for hundreds of critical cyber incidents, including Ransomware attacks, Business Email Compromises, and Insider Threats. Prior to LIFARS, he played a key role as the 5th employee at RiskIQ (later acquired by Microsoft), earning a reputation as a top-performing sales executive over six years in regions spanning San Francisco , New York , and across EMEA.

https://www.cybrella.io/

Media Contact:

Cybrella Inc

***@cybrella.io

18576361332

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SOURCE Cybrella
BOSTON , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Embr Labs, Inc , makers of Embr Wave, the leading temperature wearable, today announced the publication of "Feasibility of a Novel Wearable Thermal Device for Management of Bothersome Hot Flashes in Patients with Prostate Cancer" in Nature Journal's Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases.

"Novel technology truly moves the field forward in improving the quality of life for men with prostate cancer."

A first of its kind study, Embr labs collaborated with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in groundbreaking research in which men with prostate cancer found the Embr Wave device effective at managing hot flashes brought on by cancer treatment. This is the rst study to evaluate the feasibility of a wearable thermal device for nonmedicinal management of impactful hot ashes in prostate cancer patients. Because hot ashes are associated with significantly reduced quality of life, including sleep impairment, hot ash management in affected individuals is a critical component of prostate cancer survivorship.

"During treatment for prostate cancer, there are many complications we consider when we think about how to optimize survivorship," said Dr. Alicia Morgans , Medical Director of the Survivorship Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "This study, using a novel technology to manage hot flashes, truly moves the field forward in improving the quality of life for men with prostate cancer."

"For years, men suffering from hot flashes had limited and ineffective options, including the use of fans, dressing in layers or taking medications associated with side effects," added Dr. Pam Peeke , lead author and Senior Clinical Investigator for Embr Labs. "This pivotal study demonstrates that the use of a thermal device could provide a nonpharmacological management option for bothersome hot ashes."

"Living well during prostate cancer treatment through survivorship science is a key goal for our organization in its mission to reduce the death and suffering from this disease," said Prostate Cancer Foundation CEO Charles J. Ryan , MD. "This study provides evidence that control of irritating hot flashes is possible, and patients can consider this approach for maintaining quality of life during hormonal therapy."

The study follows Embr's announcement of its new technology to predict a menopausal hot flash before it occurs to activate immediate cooling on the Embr Wave to mitigate or alleviate the hot flashes.

About Embr Labs, Inc.

Embr Labs is the leading healthtech company addressing health conditions through the use of temperature. The company's technology delivers a new category of natural solutions to manage hot flashes, sleep issues, stress, and thermal discomfort. The company was founded at MIT and is backed by Bose Ventures, DigiTx Partners, Safar Partners, Esplanade Ventures, and Ghost Tree Partners. Embr Labs has won numerous awards, including the AARP Innovation in Aging Award, Time Magazine's Best Inventions, the iF Design Award and was named to CB Insights' Digital Health 150 .

CONTACT: Sam Shames : sam@embrlabs.com

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SOURCE Embr Labs
NEW YORK , SINGAPORE and MUMBAI, Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Everise, a leading global healthcare services outsourcing company, announced today the successful completion of the company's previously announced investment from Warburg Pincus . Warburg Pincus joins existing investor Brookfield , valuing the company at around $1 billion , after less than seven years of operation.

Against the backdrop of a globally ageing population and rising healthcare expenditure, the need to redefine traditional customer experiences and interactions with healthcare services is becoming intensely critical.

From its inception in 2016, Everise has since evolved rapidly into one of the fastest-growing end-to-end customer experience solutions providers in the industry. Specialized in healthcare services outsourcing, the company is headquartered in the U.S. , with a workforce of 19,000 customer service agents spread out across eight markets. Today, the company counts six out of the top 10 healthcare insurance payer companies in the U.S. amongst its clients.

Sudhir Agarwal , Founder and CEO of Everise, said, "With the support of Warburg Pincus' and Brookfield's combined expertise and resources, Everise is pushing ahead with an accelerated growth trajectory. We plan to move up the healthcare value chain, extending our end-to-end service experience to more industry segments, and identifying new markets to grow our global footprint and workforce. Together with the management team, I am happy to officially welcome Warburg Pincus as a strong partner in growth."

About Everise

Founded in 2016, Everise is a global leader transforming customer service for healthcare, transport, logistics, insurance, financial services, and tech businesses. The Company solves problems for the millions of customers of some of the world's leading brands, by combining the best technology with compassionate service. With 19,000 champion agents operating across eight strategic markets globally, Everise seeks to deliver happiness to customers of some of the world's best loved brands. Our customer service solutions are high-performing, secure, and agile, with fluent proficiency in 32 languages, enabling businesses to scale globally while achieving top customer satisfaction. Learn more at www.weareeverise.com.

About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global growth investor. Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has raised 21 private equity and 2 real estate funds, which have invested more than $112 billion in over 1,000 companies in more than 40 countries. The firm has more than $83 billion in assets under management. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam , Beijing , Berlin , Hong Kong , Houston , London , Luxembourg, Mumbai , Mauritius , San Francisco , Sao Paulo, Shanghai , and Singapore . For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About Brookfield

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM, TSX: BAM) is a leading global alternative asset manager with over $850 billion of assets under management. We invest client capital for the long-term with a focus on real assets and essential service businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. We offer a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world  including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors.

Brookfield Business Partners (NYSE: BBU; TSX: BBU.UN) is the flagship listed vehicle of Brookfield's private equity group. It is a global business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that provide essential products and services and benefit from a strong competitive position.

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SOURCE Everise
Globally renowned law firm Paul, Weiss is relocating its headquarters to 765,000 square feet at 1345 Avenue of the Americas

NEW YORK , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fisher Brothers , a fourth-generation real estate company that owns, manages and operates unique spaces across the country, and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives today announced that Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, a leading international law firm, has signed a 20-year, 765,000 square-foot lease at 1345 Avenue of the Americas , marking the largest commercial office lease in the United States in 2023. Globally recognized as a market leader, Paul, Weiss represents many of the world's largest and most important public and private corporations, asset managers and financial institutions. The firm plans to initially occupy 18 floors within the highly amenitized Midtown office tower.

" New York City continues to be an unparalleled place to do business, and we're thrilled to support Paul, Weiss' growth," said Winston Fisher , partner at Fisher Brothers. "We are committed to creating and maintaining innovative spaces that enable industry leaders to thrive. As we look ahead to a new year, this lease underscores an important global institution's commitment to having an in-person footprint in New York City ."

"Employee experience is at the forefront of tenants' priorities, and we can't wait to welcome Paul, Weiss to enjoy the unparalleled, world-class work environment we've curated for our tenants at 1345 Avenue of the Americas ," said Ken Fisher , partner at Fisher Brothers. "The firm's notable growth and relocation shows how important modern amenities, public art, meeting spaces and state-of-the-art infrastructure are for today's top businesses. We've invested tremendously in these elements at 1345 Avenue of the Americas and are so excited to see the largest commercial lease in the country come from our commitment to offering best-in-class experiences."

"With its high-tech features, thoughtful meeting spaces and artistic elements, 1345 Avenue of the Americas is the ideal location not only to accommodate our needs as we continue our path of global growth, but also to complement our firm culture of excellence in client service, collaboration and innovation," said Brad S. Karp , chairman of Paul, Weiss. "We are excited about our move to a spectacular new space that will elevate the daily experience for our clients and community."

Recently, Fisher Brothers and J.P. Morgan completed a $120 million large-scale capital improvement project at 1345 Avenue of the Americas , which included upgrades to the building's exterior, an artfully designed lobby with upgraded touchless elevators, and a new amenity floor, @Ease 1345, featuring 5,500 square feet of flexible meeting space, event capacity of up to 440 guests, tenant lounge, wellness center, New York City's largest indoor terrarium and hybrid meeting spaces. Ease Hospitality offers the latest, modernized technology to host engaging meetings and experiences. A second Ease Hospitality location opened at Fisher Brothers' 605 Third Avenue last year.

As part of the capital improvement plan, last year, Fisher Brothers unveiled a large-scale experiential art installation at 1345 Avenue of the Americas . The piece is a vibrant painted mural entitled "Falcon Dreaming," located within the redesigned Fisher Park adjacent to the commercial office tower and the Ziegfeld Ballroom . The 56-foot by 23-foot mural integrates an augmented reality experience. Additional upgrades to Fisher Park include public Wi-Fi, over 100ft of bench seating to work, collaborate and meet around new raised planters, tables and chairs throughout the plaza, new granite pavers, steps and lighting.

The largest commercial lease in the nation is the latest positive economic indicator in New York . According to The Partnership for New York City , both large and small employers have seen an increase in average weekday office attendance compared to January. Overall, the data shows that nearly three-quarters of Manhattan office workers are now coming in at least three days a week, which is further evidenced by several New York transit modes recently setting post-pandemic ridership records.

Marc S. Packman , Head of Leasing, Clark Briffel, Senior Director of Leasing, Charles P. Laginestra , Director of Leasing, and Josh Fisher , Assistant Director of Leasing at Fisher Brothers led negotiations for Fisher Brothers . Paul, Weiss was represented by Moshe Sukenik , Chris Mongeluzo , and Brian Cohen of Newmark. Howard Fiddle , Peter Turchin , Ben Josephs , Bill Lacovelli, and Antony Dattoma from CBRE, as well as Russ Rabinovich and Jenny Haberman from Holland & Knight LLP, worked with Fisher Brothers to secure the deal.

About Paul, Weiss

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is a premier firm of more than 1,000 lawyers with diverse backgrounds, personalities, ideas and interests who provide innovative and effective solutions to our clients' most complex legal and business challenges. The firm represents many of the world's largest and most important public and private corporations, asset managers and financial institutions, as well as clients in need of pro bono assistance. Paul, Weiss is widely recognized as having market-leading practices in public M&A, private equity, litigation, white-collar & regulatory defense, and restructuring, along with equally strong practices in executive compensation, intellectual property, personal representation, real estate and tax law. Please visit the company's website at www.paulweiss.com .

About Fisher Brothers

For more than a century, Fisher Brothers has excelled in real estate innovation, developing, owning and operating unique spaces that enable people to thrive. From cutting-edge building design to neighborhood-defining art installations, Fisher Brothers leverages each real estate asset to create one-of-a-kind spaces for people to live, work and play. Fisher Brothers currently owns and operates commercial, residential and experiential retail assets in New York City , Las Vegas , Washington, DC , Miami and Orlando . For additional information about Fisher Brothers , please visit the company's website at www.fisherbrothers.com .

About J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives and J.P. Morgan Asset Management  Real Estate Americas

J.P. Morgan Asset Management  Real Estate Americas is the U.S. real estate investment platform of J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives. With US$74 billion (Gross Asset Value as of September 30, 2023 ) in equity and debt assets under management and more than 240 professionals, the platform offers real estate strategies that span from core to opportunistic and across debt and equity. J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives is the alternative investment arm of J.P. Morgan Asset Management. With more than 60 years as an alternatives investment manager, US$213 billion in assets under management and more than 800 professionals (as of September 30, 2023 ), J.P. Morgan offers strategies across the alternative investment spectrum including real estate, private equity, private credit, hedge funds, infrastructure, transportation, timber and liquid alternatives. Operating from offices throughout the Americas , Europe and Asia Pacific , our independent alternative investment engines combine specialist knowledge and singular focus with the global reach, vast resources and powerful infrastructure of J.P. Morgan to help meet each client's specific objectives. For more information, visit www.jpmorgan.com/am .

Media Contact:

BerlinRosen, [email protected]

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Anyone Exposed to PCBs at Vermont Schools Can Contact Milberg Law Firm

WILMINGTON, Vt ., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A woman who attended Twin Valley Elementary School in Wilmington, Vermont claims in a lawsuit that she was exposed to toxic Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) at the school manufactured by Monsanto and developed health problems, including lymphoma, as a result. Her attorneys from Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman ("Milberg") are also looking to represent others with PCB-related injuries linked to Vermont schools.

In March 2023 , testing revealed elevated levels of airborne PCBs, a group of man-made chemicals commonly used in building materials and electrical equipment before 1980, in several room at Twin Valley Elementary. Monsanto began making PCBs nearly 100 years ago and manufactured commercial PCBs that were used in schools like Twin Valley through the 1970s.

According to the Vermont Department of Health, long-term exposure to PCBs can cause cancer as well as immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine system effects.

Plaintiff Kristy Crawford , who attended Twin Valley Elementary from 1982 to 1990, has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and reproductive issues. Her lawsuit contends that Monsanto knew about the dangers of PCBs since the 1930s but ignored the findings to benefit their bottom line.

U.S. Navy testing of PCB products in the 1950s determined that they were too toxic for use in submarines. But despite its own data and government data on PCB toxicity, Monsanto failed to warn customers about the hazards and continued to promote PCBs in school construction projects across the country, including schools in Vermont .

"Cases like this show why the name 'Monsanto' has become synonymous with corporate wrongdoing," said Milberg's Gary M. Klinger . "This is just the latest example of them callously ignoring science and public health in the name of profits."

In 2020, the Vermont Department of Health reported PCB contamination at Burlington High School, where PCB levels in some areas were ten times higher than EPA recommended indoor air levels. The following year, Vermont passed a first-in-the-country initiative to test hundreds of schools for PCBs. Testing began in spring 2022 and is scheduled to take place through 2025.

Milberg, whose Environmental Litigation team has a history of successfully taking on some of the planet's biggest polluters, is looking to representing those with PCB exposure injuries from Burlington High School, North Country Union High School ( Newport ), Green Mountain Union High School (Chester), Bellow Falls Union High School ( Westminster ), and Oak Grove School ( Brattleboro ).

"The list of schools with PCB contamination will likely grow as testing is completed," said Milberg's Zachary Howerton , a graduate of Vermont Law School. "We encourage all current and former students, parents, staff, and teachers to contact us and learn how they can hold Monsanto accountable. We want you to know that we hear your concerns about possible PCB exposure, and we're here for you."

About Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC:

For over 50 years, Milberg and its affiliates have been fighting to protect victims' rights and have recovered over $50 billion for clients. A pioneer in class action litigation, Milberg is widely recognized as a leader in defending the rights of victims of corporate wrongdoing.

Media Contact:

Karine Lim

[email protected]

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SOURCE Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC
VANCOUVER, BC , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Gold Royalty Corp. ("Gold Royalty" or the "Company") (NYSE American: GROY) is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated November 2, 2023 , it has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of 21 royalties located in Quebec from SOQUEM (Societe Quebecoise d'exploration miniere), a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec.

Pursuant to the transaction, the Company acquired the royalty portfolio for consideration C$1.0 million , which was satisfied through the issuance of 496,785 common shares to SOQUEM at a deemed price of approximately US$1.50 per share.

Table 1. SOQUEM Royalty Portfolio

Property Royalty Commodities Operator Aquilon 1.0% NSR Au Sirios Resources Casault 1.0% NSR Au Midland Exploration Chute-des-Passes 0.5% NSR Ni Canada Silver Cobalt Works Des Meloizes 3.0% NSR Zn, Ag Generic Gold Corp Detour Milestone Payment Au Probe Gold Dileo Nord 1.0% NSR Cu, Mo, Au, Ag Troilus Gold Corp Duquet 0.75 NSR Zn, Cu, Pb, Au Azimut Exploration Inc. Eastmain Ouest 0.7% NSR Au Azimut Exploration Inc. Fancamp 1.5% NSR Au IAMGOLD Generation Selbaie Bloc 5-6 1.0% NSR Au, Ag Midland Exploration Generation Selbaie Bloc 7 0.5% NSR Zn Maple Gold Mines / Agnico Eagle Gite Fenton 1.0% NSR Au, Mo Cartier Resources Inc Hazeur 1.0% NSR Au BTM Corporation Jouvex 1.0% NSR Au Midland Exploration La Ronciere 1.25% NSR Au Imperial Mining Group Lingwick 1.5% NSR Cu, Zn, Au, Ag Midland Exploration Monique 0.38% NSR Au Probe Gold Noyard 1.0% NSR Au Vior Noyell 1.0% NSR Au, Zn Magna Terra Minerals Pitt Gold 1.0% NSR Au Duquesne Gold Mines (First Mining) Quevillon Nord 1.0-2.0% NSR Ag Osisko Mining Verneuil 0.5% NSR Au Vior

About Gold Royalty Corp.

Gold Royalty Corp. is a gold-focused royalty company offering creative financing solutions to the metals and mining industry. Its mission is to acquire royalties, streams and similar interests at varying stages of the mine life cycle to build a balanced portfolio offering near, medium and longer-term attractive returns for its investors. Gold Royalty's diversified portfolio currently consists primarily of net smelter return royalties on gold properties located in the Americas .

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SOURCE Gold Royalty Corp.
Hadean Capital II closes at EUR 144m , substantially over target of EUR 125m , bringing the total committed capital of Hadean Ventures' two funds to approx. EUR 230m

, substantially over target of , bringing the total committed capital of two funds to approx. Strong support from existing investors as well as a number of new investors including EIF, KfW Capital and Tesi

and Tesi Launched in September 2021 , Hadean Capital II has so far invested in six companies

, Hadean Capital II has so far invested in six companies First portfolio company exit was achieved in 2023, exceeding expectations

OSLO, Norway , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hadean Ventures announced today the final close of Hadean Capital II at EUR 144m , substantially above target of EUR 125m . The fund will invest in life science start-up companies across Europe with an emphasis on the Nordics and German-speaking countries. The strategy includes pharma, biotech, medtech, diagnostics and digital health. Hadean Capital II was launched in September 2021 and has so far invested in six companies including Alex Therapeutics, Arthex Biotech, Complement Therapeutics, Emergence Therapeutics, Ribbon Biolabs and TargED. The first exit was already successfully achieved with the acquisition of Emergence Therapeutics by Eli Lilly.

Ingrid Teigland Akay , Managing Partner commented, "We are extremely pleased to announce this very successful fundraising in a challenging environment, substantially exceeding our fundraising target. We would like to thank existing and new investors for their trust in our team and strategy, and we look forward to working with start-ups developing break-through medical solutions for tomorrow and beyond."

Walter Stockinger , Managing Partner, added, "With the new fund we are in an excellent position to leverage on the huge potential that we see in the European life science ecosystem. We are building on our successful strategy for Hadean Capital I, investing in start-up companies in different stages of development and across modalities and indications."

Key investors in Hadean Capital II shared their comments:

"Saminvest is very excited to be one of the founding investors of Hadean Ventures. We firmly believe that the experienced Hadean Ventures team is well positioned to take advantage of the investment opportunities in companies that solve tomorrow's health challenges. It enables the access to venture capital and ownership experience for companies in early stages and strengthens the vibrant life science ecosystem in the Nordics," said Magnus Skaninger CEO at Saminvest.

"Hadean Ventures has exceeded our expectations as our first investment under Investinor's new fund in funds mandate. We are thrilled to be part of the closing of Hadean Capital II, contributing to the growth of the Norwegian and European life science ecosystem. The oversubscription of the fund demonstrates the confidence in Hadean Ventures' investment strategy and their ability to nurture promising start-ups. Together, we aim to drive groundbreaking medical advancements and make a lasting impact in life sciences. We look forward to collaborating with Hadean Ventures and fellow investors to support innovative solutions shaping the future of healthcare," said Johan Be Bjrkevoll, Investment Director -Investinor.

"We are pleased to be a new investor in Hadean Capital II. With Finland as part of Hadean' core geographical focus, the Finnish life science operators now have a chance to tap into Hadean Ventures' international expertise," elaborated Tapio Passinen on the reasons for Tesi's investment commitment.

About Hadean Ventures

Hadean Ventures is a leading European life science fund manager with approx. EUR 230m assets under management. The funds are backed by leading private and institutional European and US-based investors. Hadean Ventures invests in life science companies developing breakthrough innovative solutions for unmet medical need. Hadean Ventures has offices in Oslo and Stockholm and collaborates with world-class academic institutions and start-up hubs across the region.

Contact

Ingrid Beyer , Head of IR and Business Development

[email protected]

+47 905 94 882

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/20971/3897601/2509562.pdf Press release (PDF)

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SOURCE Hadean Ventures AS
NEW YORK , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to an increased need to support vulnerable women and form hearts in receiving every human life as a gift, the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus have announced Life Fest, their second annual morning rally to be held in conjunction with the 2024 National March for Life in Washington, D.C. Life Fest will be held on Jan. 19, 2024 , at the 10,000-seat D.C. Armory . Doors will open at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time . Life Fest will feature dynamic speakers and testimonies; music by Sarah Kroger and Damascus Worship; Holy Mass celebrated by Knights of Columbus Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore ; Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley of the Archdiocese of Boston ; Monsignor James Shea , president of the University of Mary in Bismark, North Dakota ; and a eucharistic healing procession.

"I'll never forget the first time I attended a rally before the March for Life when I was a teenager," said Sister Mary Grace, SV. "I knew the pro-life movement was important, but standing in a packed stadium, listening to stories and seeing countless other youth celebrate the gift of life, changed the trajectory of mine. I marched differently. It was no longer simply another cause  it became for me a whole new way of looking at the world we live in. None of us are here by mistake; every single person is wanted and necessary. I left the rally with a fresh conviction that every single human person is precious, and your value is worth cherishing again every year."

"Since our founding over 140 years ago, the Knights of Columbus has been supporting vulnerable mothers and their children, and we've been involved in the pro-life movement since it began in the 1970s," said Patrick Kelly , Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. "We're honored to continue with this important mission by partnering once again with the Sisters of Life at the 2024 Life Fest. Together, we will work to inspire a new generation to restore a culture of life and march with courage and compassion until abortion is unthinkable."

"The human person is made for love," said Sister Marie Veritas , SV. "And creating a culture of love and life needs a proclamation and celebration of the fact that it is good that you exist. Every human person needs to know that they are important in God's eyes, that they can't be replaced. Every woman needs to know that she is not alone, that we are with her and for her. Everyone who has suffered abortion deserves to know that healing is possible, that there is no sin or darkness bigger than the mercy of Jesus Christ . So we come together to celebrate, to proclaim the goodness of life."

Attendees of Life Fest will also have the opportunity to venerate first-class relics of the recently beatified Ulma family , whose lives exemplify what it means to value the dignity of every human person. On March 24, 1944 , Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children, one of whom was still in the womb, were killed by Nazis in Markowa, Poland , for hiding members of two Jewish families. In honor of the 80th anniversary of their martyrdom, relics and a special exhibition titled "The Good Samaritans of Markowa: The Sacrificial Love of the Ulma Family" will be on display at the St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C. , until at least March 24, 2024 . The Ulma family bears special significance to the pro-life movement, as the relics include the first unborn child to be beatified.

Attendees will be invited to stay connected with the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus through regular Life Fest email reflections and updates.

For more information about Life Fest or to register, visit: lifefestrally.com

About the Sisters of Life

The Sisters of Life is a Catholic religious community of women founded in New York in 1991 by John Cardinal O'Connor . Consecrated completely to Jesus, the Lord of Life, they commit themselves to the protection of human life and to the promotion of new life in Christ, acknowledging the sacredness of every person, and sharing the good news of God's abundant mercy. In this way, they seek to help reveal to each person their own innate goodness, the particular love God has for them, and the call to a life of abundant truth, joy, and hope. Immersed in Eucharistic prayer within a vibrant community life, their missions include caring for vulnerable pregnant women and their unborn children, inviting those wounded by abortion into the healing mercy of Jesus, fostering a culture of life through evangelization, retreat works, spiritual accompaniment of college students, and upholding the beauty of marriage and family life. For more information, visit sistersoflife.org .

About the Knights of Columbus

In 1882, Blessed Michael McGivney , a young parish priest in New Haven, Connecticut , founded the Knights of Columbus to serve the needs of a largely immigrant Catholic community. What began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into the world's premier lay Catholic men's organization, with more than 2 million members in over 16,600 local councils. As members of one of the world's leading international charitable organizations, Knights around the world donated approximately 50 million service hours and nearly $185 million for worthy causes in their communities in 2022. The Knights of Columbus also offers a range of life insurance products to members and their families and was named by Forbes as one of America's Best Insurance Companies 2024 in the permanent life insurance category. Knights of Columbus Insurance currently has more than $122 billion * of life insurance in force. In addition, the organization offers investment services in accord with Catholic social teaching through its wholly owned subsidiary, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, which holds more than $26 billion ** in assets under management. Based on the founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus is committed to strengthening Catholic families and parishes, and to practicing faith in action through service to all in need. To learn more or to join the Knights of Columbus, please visit kofc.org/join.

*As of September 30, 2023

**As of September 30, 2023

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SOURCE Knights of Columbus
The two Israeli Companies Continue their Strategic Partnership to Monitor the Country's Power Transmission System Utilizing PrismaPower

TEL AVIV, Israel , Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Israel Electric Corporation (IEC), the Israeli electric utility, will join Prisma Photonics' Series C funding round. This comes after a previous investment in April of 2022. The two companies have been in partnership since early 2021. Prisma Photonics currently employs its optical fiber sensing technology to monitor over 1,000 km (more than 620 miles) of IEC's transmission network, detecting electrical faults, damage to power towers and transmission lines and weather conditions across 20% of Israel's national grid.

"IEC remains a valued customer and strategic investor, as evidenced by their participation in our latest funding round," says Dr. Eran Inbar , CEO of Prisma Photonics. "While our technical partnership spans over several years, this second investment underscores their dedication to driving innovation in Israel's power supply industry as they delve deeper into grid resilience to bolster their renewable energy projects."

"Prisma Photonics' transformative paradigm in critical infrastructure monitoring aligns with our innovation goals  IEC is committed to becoming a global leader in advanced power operations through continuous adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Our second investment signifies our dedication to safety, grid integrity, and environmental responsibility. This continued collaboration will better optimize our network for renewable energy integration, using advanced technologies to ultimately achieve net-zero emissions," adds Amir Livne , Senior VP of Strategy and Innovation at Israel Electric Corporation.

PrismaPower offers a groundbreaking solution for monitoring electrical overhead power lines, utilizing fiber optics technology to convert existing infrastructure into responsive sensors. This innovation facilitates real-time detection and location tracking of potential issues, eliminating the requirement for extra sensors. Prisma Photonics' optical fiber sensing technology extends across various infrastructure sectors, such as power, oil and gas pipelines, and other extended utilities. The technology enhances the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of infrastructure operations while actively assisting utility operators in reaching their net-zero goals.

About Prisma Photonics

Prisma Photonics revolutionizes infrastructure monitoring by using optical fibers to monitor critical large-scale infrastructure like power grids and oil & gas pipelines for thousands of kilometers, eliminating the need for sensors.

Combining Hyper-Scan Fiber-Sensing technology with machine learning allows utility operators to reach environmental and renewable energy goals while keeping operational excellence in their journey to net-zero emissions.

Founded in 2017 by an expert team with a proven track record of building and scaling companies in the deep-tech domain.

Media Contact:

Emily Torrans

[email protected]

Mahoney Communications Group

214-500-9670

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SOURCE Prisma Photonics
A cold-chain worker packs a box of Chilean cherries at the Nansha port area of the Guangzhou Port in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Hong Zehua)

GUANGZHOU, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A container vessel loaded with approximately 4,800 tonnes of Chilean cherries arrived in Guangzhou, south China, late Wednesday.

The vessel departed on Nov. 29 from the port of San Antonio, Chile, and docked at the Nansha port area of the Guangzhou Port at 10 p.m. Wednesday.

This vessel was the first to arrive at the Nansha port area of the Guangzhou Port via the "Cherry Express" service this year. Nansha port area began to import Chilean cherries in 2019.

The service is jointly offered by multiple parties, including the shippers, the Guangzhou Port and customs authorities, and it features shorter transportation time and quicker customs clearance.

Traversing one of the longest global cargo routes, the fresh Chilean cherries can be delivered to China in just over 20 days.

According to the Guangzhou Port, more than half of Chilean cherries imported to China were via the port last year. 

A worker transports packaged Chilean cherries at the Nansha port area of the Guangzhou Port in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Hong Zehua)

A container vessel loaded with Chilean cherries approaches the Nansha port area of the Guangzhou Port in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Hong Zehua)

A truck loaded with packaged Chilean cherries leaves the customs of the Guangzhou Port in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Hong Zehua)

A worker transports packaged Chilean cherries at the Nansha port area of the Guangzhou Port in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Hong Zehua)

A cold-chain worker transports packaged Chilean cherries at the Nansha port area of the Guangzhou Port in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Hong Zehua)

A truck transports a container unloaded from a container vessel at the Nansha port area of the Guangzhou Port in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Hong Zehua)
LOS ANGELES , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boutique political and government law firm Kaufman Legal Group announced that Partner Joseph Guardarrama has been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal's "2023 Leaders of Influence: Thriving in Their 40s." This yearly accolade highlights prominent professionals in the Los Angeles area who are in their 40s and exhibit continuous success in both their professional sphere and community involvement. In the special insert, each recipient is featured with a concise profile that showcases their career highlights and recent accomplishments.

Firm Principal Stephen Kaufman adds, "Joe's recognition for this impressive honor is a testament to his legal prowess and his dedication to his community. Illustrating the epitome of excellence within our industry, his devotion to both his clients and his community is inspiring."

Guardarrama has developed a reputation for his unique blend of private practice expertise and experience as a public official, particularly in the firm's Governmental Ethics, Campaign Finance, and Election Law practices. He has been a pivotal legal advisor to some of California's most influential elected officials, both within the state and in Washington, D.C. , including figures such as U.S. Senator Alex Padilla , U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu , and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass .

Guardarrama's work involves guiding candidates, officeholders, political action committees, independent expenditure committees, major donors, lobbyists, and corporations through the intricacies of legal compliance in political processes at state and local levels.

Guardarrama's commitment extends beyond his law practice; he is actively involved in social justice initiatives and public service, particularly in his community of West Hollywood , and has served as President of the California Political Attorneys Association, a group of legal professionals focusing on campaign law. His broad legal expertise is evident in his successful defense of clients in proceedings before the California Fair Political Practices Commission and local ethics agencies, as well as in advising public agencies and California non-profits on various electoral and advocacy activities, ranging from affordable housing to criminal justice reform.

About Kaufman Legal Group

With offices in Los Angeles and Sacramento , Kaufman Legal Group offers a full spectrum of legal services connected to the political process at the federal, state and local levels. The firm advises elected officials, candidates, PACs. ballot measure campaigns, labor unions, businesses, non-profits, campaign donors, political parties, and government agencies on campaign finance and election law issues and represents them in government investigations. For more information, visit KaufmanLegalGroup.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kaufman-legal-groups-joseph-guardarrama-recognized-as-a-leader-thriving-in-their-40s-302021223.html

SOURCE Kaufman Legal Group
Donations total $345,000 given to twenty-five organizations

HARTFORD, Conn. , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KeyBank announces (25) twenty-five charitable donations made by KeyBank Foundation, the bank's charitable foundation to nonprofit organizations throughout its Connecticut and Western Massachusetts market. The gifts focus support to address homelessness, financial literacy, education, job creation and workforce development, and more. The charitable donations total $345,000 and are part of KeyBank's community philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods.

"KeyBank's community investments include philanthropic support to nonprofit partners who are dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities we serve," said KeyBank Market President Matthew Hummel . "We value these community partners and the work they do, and we are proud to support them."

The charitable donations range from $7,500 to $39,000 and have been made to the following community organizations:

Education

The New Haven Community Reads Community Book Bank Inc . to support their Summer Internship program.

. to support their Summer Internship program. Springfield Boys and Girls Club for their Brain Gain reading comprehension and retention program

for their reading comprehension and retention program CT Science Center to support the museum's education enrichment offerings to underserved teens

to support the museum's education enrichment offerings to underserved teens ECSU Foundation Inc . to support the Summer Transition to Eastern Program

. to support the Summer Transition to Eastern Program Hartford Promise for its Integrated College Success Model

for its Integrated College Success Model The WorkPlace in Bridgeport for their mobile education bus

in for their mobile education bus The Gray House in Springfield for its Adult Education and Support Program

in for its Adult Education and Support Program Youth Entrepreneurs in Hamden to support their Genius Generation program for greater New Haven middle school students

Workforce Development

Connecticut Center for Arts & Technology in New Haven for its Innovative Workforce Development program

in New Haven for its program Follow My Steps Foundation , Springfield to support its Thrive over Survive program targeted to under-resourced youth and young adults

, to support its Thrive over Survive program targeted to under-resourced youth and young adults New Haven Promise for its Back New Haven job placement and career development program

for its Back New Haven job placement and career development program New Opportunities Inc . in Waterbury to acquire upgraded technology for CARES mobile job portal

. in to acquire upgraded technology for CARES mobile job portal Springfield Rescue Mission for its Learning Center workforce development program

for its Learning Center workforce development program Urban League of Greater Hartford to support Project Ready college access program

to support Project Ready college access program Clifford Beers Guidance Center Inc for its Lifeguard Program

Safe, Vital Neighborhoods (includes affordable housing, minority-owned small businesses, health and wellness, basic needs, and social equity)

New Reach , New Haven for their Emergency Shelter Plan for women and children

, New Haven for their Emergency Shelter Plan for women and children International Hartford to support programs for immigrants, refugees, and other minority groups

to support programs for immigrants, refugees, and other minority groups Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven Inc . for its I Heart My Home financial literacy and homeownership counseling program

. for its I Heart My Home financial literacy and homeownership counseling program NeighborWorks New Horizons/Mutual Housing of Southern CT supporting its new affordable housing rehab projects in Newhallville and the Hill neighborhoods.

supporting its new affordable housing rehab projects in Newhallville and the Hill neighborhoods. Wayfinders of Holyoke for its Digital Equity Initiative

of for its Digital Equity Initiative Worcester Housing Community Services to expand affordable housing initiatives

to expand affordable housing initiatives Holy Family Home and Shelter in Willimantic for financial literacy and self-sufficiency resources for the homeless

in for financial literacy and self-sufficiency resources for the homeless CT Community Economic Develop Fund Foundation support small business development

support small business development Habitat for Humanity of Greater Springfield for their green building practices supporting affordable housing initiatives

for their green building practices supporting affordable housing initiatives Habitat for Humanity of Greater Hartford supporting their affordable housing projects for Hartford families

This list does not include KeyBank Foundation multi-year community impact commitments made to Connecticut Center for Arts & Technology, Connecticut FoodShare, and Food Bank of Western MA announced earlier in the year, as well as Foundation-matched donations to United Way agencies throughout the market through the bank's annual employee giving campaign.

About KeyCorp/KeyBank:

KeyCorp's (NYSE: KEY) roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York . Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio , Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $188 billion at September 30, 2023 . Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications, and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

About KeyBank Foundation :

KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank's purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation's mission is advanced through three funding priorities  neighbors, education, and workforce  and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.

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SOURCE KeyBank
 Analysis indicates treatment with TERLIVAZ plus albumin in adults with HRS with rapid reduction in kidney function1 can help improve kidney function with lower HRS treatment-related healthcare utilization costs2 

 Journal manuscript with full data results now published in the December issue of Advances in Therapy 

DUBLIN , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, recently announced the publication of findings from a cost analysis of TERLIVAZ (terlipressin) for injection for adults with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) with rapid reduction in kidney function.1,2 This analysis assessed the treatment-related cost per patient response with TERLIVAZ plus albumin from a U.S. hospital perspective.2

The manuscript was published in the December 2023 print issue of Advances in Therapy and is also available on the Advances in Therapy website.

TERLIVAZ is the first and only FDA-approved product indicated to improve kidney function in adults with HRS with rapid reduction in kidney function,1 an acute and life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization.3 HRS involving rapid reduction in kidney function1 is estimated to affect more than 42,000 Americans annually and rates of HRS hospitalizations are increasing.4

Please see Limitation of Use and Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning, below.

The publication, titled "Treatment-Related Cost Analysis of Terlipressin for Adults with Hepatorenal Syndrome with Rapid Reduction in Kidney Function," used a decision analytic model to estimate the treatment-related cost associated with TERLIVAZ plus albumin and other non-FDA approved treatments, such as midodrine and octreotide plus albumin and norepinephrine plus albumin, for adult patients with HRS with rapid reduction in kidney function.1,2 HRS treatment-related utilization of healthcare resources from the U.S. hospital perspective, including the incremental cost of intensive care unit (ICU) bed, dialysis, pulse oximetry monitoring and adverse events, was estimated based on the level of response.2 HRS reversal (or complete response) was defined as a decrease in serum creatinine (SCr) from baseline to  1.5 mg/dL on treatment (up to 24 hours after the last treatment dose).2

"Continued research on the real-world clinical and economic impact of TERLIVAZ is critical to further our understanding of the relationship between HRS treatment choice and patient outcomes, and the related healthcare costs," said George Wan , Ph.D., M.P.H., Vice President, Evidence Generation & Data Sciences. "These findings suggest that TERLIVAZ may help to improve kidney function with lower ICU, dialysis, and other HRS treatment-related healthcare utilization costs when compared to other non-FDA approved treatments used in the U.S. hospital setting.2"

Key Findings 2:

The cost per response of TERLIVAZ plus albumin was lower than midodrine and octreotide plus albumin ( $85,315 vs. $467,794 ) and norepinephrine plus albumin ( $81,614 vs. $139,324 ).

vs. ) and norepinephrine plus albumin ( vs. ). Midodrine and octreotide plus albumin resulted in higher ICU- and dialysis-related costs (ICU: $9,039 ; dialysis: $8,266 ) vs. TERLIVAZ plus albumin (ICU: $6,712 ; dialysis: $5,073 ). Similarly, norepinephrine plus albumin resulted in higher ICU- and dialysis-related costs (ICU: $22,656 ; dialysis: $6,873 ) vs. TERLIVAZ plus albumin (ICU: $6,382 ; dialysis: $5,068 ).

; dialysis: ) vs. TERLIVAZ plus albumin (ICU: ; dialysis: ). Similarly, norepinephrine plus albumin resulted in higher ICU- and dialysis-related costs (ICU: ; dialysis: ) vs. TERLIVAZ plus albumin (ICU: ; dialysis: ). The HRS reversal rate for those treated with TERLIVAZ plus albumin was higher than those treated with midodrine and octreotide plus albumin (55.56%; n=15/27 vs. 4.76%; n=1/21), and those treated with norepinephrine plus albumin (55.64%; n=74/133 vs. 26.92%; n=35/130).

For every two patients treated with TERLIVAZ plus albumin instead of midodrine and octreotide plus albumin, one additional patient was estimated to achieve HRS reversal. For every four patients treated with TERLIVAZ plus albumin instead of norepinephrine plus albumin, one additional patient was estimated to achieve HRS reversal.

Collectively, these findings suggest that TERLIVAZ can be considered a cost-effective, value-based treatment option for appropriate patients with HRS with rapid reduction in kidney function.1,2

Limitations 2:

Efficacy, safety, and treatment-related adverse event data were sourced from published head-to-head randomized clinical trials, which may not be generalizable to the entire adult HRS population and differed from the adverse events in the FDA-approved TERLIVAZ label.

Verified HRS reversal, the primary endpoint of the CONFIRM trial for TERLIVAZ (NCT02770716), was not used in this analysis.

Several assumptions for the model were made, including the proportion of patients treated on the general floor with midodrine and octreotide plus albumin, and norepinephrine plus albumin.

Cost data from public sources may be different from the actual costs of a hospital/institution and may not reflect discounts or rebates offered by manufacturers.

The analysis focuses on the treatment-related cost of care over 14 days of the initial hospitalization and due to the short time horizon, other mid- and long-term benefits of HRS reversal post-initial hospitalization are not captured, including the reduced need for dialysis, kidney transplantation, and better outcomes post-liver transplantation.

This study was funded by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

INDICATION AND LIMITATION OF USE

TERLIVAZ is indicated to improve kidney function in adults with hepatorenal syndrome with rapid reduction in kidney function.

Patients with a serum creatinine >5 mg/dL are unlikely to experience benefit.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SERIOUS OR FATAL RESPIRATORY FAILURE

TERLIVAZ may cause serious or fatal respiratory failure. Patients with volume overload or with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) Grade 3 are at increased risk. Assess oxygenation saturation (e.g., SpO 2 ) before initiating TERLIVAZ.

Do not initiate TERLIVAZ in patients experiencing hypoxia (e.g., SpO 2 2 decreases below 90%.

Contraindications

TERLIVAZ is contraindicated:

In patients experiencing hypoxia or worsening respiratory symptoms.

In patients with ongoing coronary, peripheral, or mesenteric ischemia.

Warnings and Precautions

Serious or Fatal Respiratory Failure: Obtain baseline oxygen saturation and do not initiate TERLIVAZ in hypoxic patients. Monitor patients for changes in respiratory status using continuous pulse oximetry and regular clinical assessments. Discontinue TERLIVAZ in patients experiencing hypoxia or increased respiratory symptoms.

Manage intravascular volume overload by reducing or discontinuing the administration of albumin and/or other fluids and through judicious use of diuretics. Temporarily interrupt, reduce, or discontinue TERLIVAZ treatment until patient volume status improves. Avoid use in patients with ACLF Grade 3 because they are at significant risk for respiratory failure.

Ineligibility for Liver Transplant: TERLIVAZ-related adverse reactions (respiratory failure, ischemia) may make a patient ineligible for liver transplantation, if listed. For patients with high prioritization for liver transplantation (e.g., MELD 35), the benefits of TERLIVAZ may not outweigh its risks.

Ischemic Events: TERLIVAZ may cause cardiac, cerebrovascular, peripheral, or mesenteric ischemia. Avoid use of TERLIVAZ in patients with a history of severe cardiovascular conditions or cerebrovascular or ischemic disease. Discontinue TERLIVAZ in patients who experience signs or symptoms suggestive of ischemic adverse reactions.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: TERLIVAZ may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If TERLIVAZ is used during pregnancy, the patient should be informed of the potential risk to the fetus.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (10%) include abdominal pain, nausea, respiratory failure, diarrhea, and dyspnea.

Please click here to see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.

About Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS)

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) involving rapid reduction in kidney function1 is an acute and life-threatening condition that occurs in people with advanced liver disease.3 HRS is classified into two distinct types  a rapidly progressive type that leads to acute renal failure where patients are typically hospitalized for their care and a more chronic type that progresses over weeks to months.3 HRS involving rapid reduction in kidney function1 is estimated to affect more than 42,000 Americans annually and rates of HRS hospitalizations are increasing.4 If left untreated, HRS with rapid reduction in kidney function1 has a median survival time of less than two weeks and greater than 80 percent mortality within three months.5

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT

Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, hepatology, nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, and oncology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics; cultured skin substitutes and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements, including with regard to TERLIVAZ, its potential to improve health and treatment outcomes, and its potential impact on patients. The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: the effects of Mallinckrodt's recent emergence from bankruptcy; satisfaction of, and compliance with, regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; changes in laws and regulations; issues with product quality, manufacturing or supply, or patient safety issues or adverse side effects or adverse reactions associated with TERLIVAZ; and other risks identified and described in more detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, all of which are available on its website. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACT

Media Inquiries

Green Room Communications

954-816-6003

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Daniel J. Speciale

Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Specialty Generics

314-654-3638

[email protected]

Derek Belz

Vice President, Investor Relations

314-654-3950

[email protected]

Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners.

2023 Mallinckrodt. US-2300825 12/23

References

1 TERLIVAZ (terlipressin) for Injection. Prescribing Information. Mallinckrodt Hospital Products Inc. 2023.

2 Huang X, et al. Treatment-Related Cost Analysis of Terlipressin for Adults with Hepatorenal Syndrome with Rapid Reduction in Kidney Function. Adv Ther. 2023;40:54325446. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-023-02674-z

3National Organization for Rare Disorders. Hepatorenal Syndrome. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hepatorenal-syndrome/. Accessed December 2023 .

4 Singh J, Dahiya DS, Kichloo A, Singh G, Khoshbin K, Shaka H. Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Nationwide Trend Analysis from 2008 to 2018. Annals of Med. 2021;53: 2018-2024. doi.org/10/1080/07853890

5 Flamm, S.L., Brown, K., Wadei, H.M., et al. The Current Management of Hepatorenal SyndromeAcute Kidney Injury in the United States and the Potential of Terlipressin. Liver Transpl. 2021;27:1191-1202. https://doi.org/10.1002/lt.26072.

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SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc
GUANGZHOU, China , Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO; HKEx: 9896) ("MINISO," "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design, today announced that its annual general meeting (the "AGM") was held in Guangzhou today and that all the proposed resolutions submitted for shareholder approval set out in the notice of the AGM were duly adopted at the AGM.

About MINISO Group

MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "aim", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "believe", "is/are likely to", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions. MINISO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "HKEx"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about MINISO's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: MINISO's mission, goals and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the retail market and the market of branded variety retail of lifestyle products in China and globally; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of MINISO's products; expectations regarding MINISO's relationships with consumers, suppliers, MINISO Retail Partners, local distributors, and other business partners; competition in the industry; proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to MINISO's business and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in MINISO's filings with the SEC and the HKEx. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and MINISO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Raine Hu

MINISO Group Holding Limited

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/miniso-group-announces-results-of-annual-general-meeting-302020694.html

SOURCE MINISO Group Holding Limited
- MY1PICK is providing a large billboard space in New York Times Square to the artist who wins 1st place in the 2023 BEST MY1PICK vote in celebration of the year-end recap

NEW YORK , Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global K-POP fangirling platform, MY1PICK is set to select the BEST Artist of 2023. The artist who secures the 1st place in the vote will have their video advertisement broadcasted on the I LOVE NY large billboard in New York Times Square . This billboard is positioned at the heart of Times Square on Broadway , measuring 15m in width and 6m in height, making it a prominent and conspicuous location with considerable foot traffic. The New York Times Square video advertisement is scheduled to be broadcast for a week from January 22 to January 28 , according to local time.

The '2023 BEST MY1PICK' competition is underway, featuring a fierce contest among artists who garnered significant love on MY1PICK in 2023. Contenders include popular acts such as BTS, Stray Kids, ZEROBASEONE, PLAVE, SECRET NUMBER, Lapillus, and more. The voting period is scheduled to run from December 21 to December 31 , according to Korean time.

Doohub's Director Kim Kyung-ha , responsible for MY1PICK services, stated, "We prepared the '2023 BEST MY1PICK' as a token of gratitude to the K-POP fans who have shown love for MY1PICK throughout the year. Since MY1PICK is a service used by users from over 200 countries globally, we have chosen the iconic New York Times Square advertisement as a reward." He expressed his commitment to striving for even better services in 2024.

MY1PICK serves as the official voting app for KM CHART, conducting monthly KM Chart votes and Universal Superstar Awards votes. Additionally, MY1PICK runs weekly voting sessions for K-pop artists celebrating birthdays and debut anniversaries, offering large billboard advertising spaces as rewards. Currently, MY1PICK is hosting the KM Chart December monthly voting until December 24 and the USA Early Voting until December 26 .

Voting for the advertisements displayed in New York Times Square and the USA and KM Chart votes can be participated in through the MY1PICK app. Participants can check real-time voting updates through the app.

Social Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/twt_my1pick

APP: https://viral.sng.link/Dlplc/qxmr/y4d4

USA Website: https://kmchart.com/usa_en.html

Media Contact

Brand: Doohub

Contact: Marketing Team

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://my1pick.com/

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SOURCE MY1PICK
Kizilbash brings more than 18 years of home improvement experience to an innovative, growing team

CHICAGO , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnia Exterior Solutions, a portfolio company of CCMP Growth Advisors, LP (" CCMP "), today announced the addition of Jeffery Kizilbash as the company's new chief executive officer (CEO). In the role, Kizilbash will lead all aspects of the business, focusing on adding outstanding new member companies to the platform, fostering collaboration and synergy across member companies, and supporting their growth initiatives through Omnia's resources and expertise.

"Omnia Exterior Solutions is delighted to announce the addition of Jeff to our team, a strategic move that aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering a community of forward-thinking business leaders committed to advancing the industry," said Jim Ziminski , chairman of the board at Omnia Exterior Solutions. "We recognize not only his extensive experience and collaborative approach but also Jeff's unique ability to navigate and leverage challenges, thereby propelling the company forward during the dynamic transitions expected in the next 10-20 years. Jeff's presence ensures that the momentum we've initiated will not only be sustained but will accelerate at a seamless pace, positioning our company for enduring success in the evolving landscape."

"With the addition of Jeff to Omnia Exterior Solutions, we continue to build a world-class leadership team to create a differentiated partnership for regional market leaders," said Mark McFadden , co-managing partner, CCMP Growth. "Jeff has an outstanding mix of roofing and remodeling industry experience, as well as digital marketing leadership. With the leadership of Jeff, Jim Ziminski , Dan Shear and the rest of the team we are building, we are excited to take Omnia Exterior Solutions to the next level of performance."

Kizilbash has over 25 years of management experience including more than 18 years in the home improvement space working at Sears Holdings Co. While at Sears, he served as the general manager of home services and president service line where he lead all aspects of Sears' home-related services, including kitchen and bath remodels, HVAC, home exteriors (roofing/siding/windows/doors), garage doors, and carpet/upholstery cleaning.

He has spent his entire career working in digital forward consumer services, helping customers and partners find the most trusted services for their needs. Most recently, he served as CEO of RealSelf, Inc., a leading online platform serving the medical aesthetics industry, where he managed acquisitions and business integrations. Kizilbash, who has also served in upper management roles for Transdev North America and Varsity Tutors, is a results-oriented executive focused on rapidly developing products, services and experiences. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a proven ability to grow audiences, improve conversion and increase margins while preserving quality and customer experience.

"I am thrilled to join Omnia Exterior Solutions where I look forward to leading a group of like-minded individuals who want to develop innovative solutions to advance the industry as a whole and serve their employees and customers at a higher level," said Kizilbash. "It's very exciting to join a team that has already been built full of intellectually curious entrepreneurs, compelling this business to unprecedented levels."

Kizilbash, an Illinois native, received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign , and his Master's Certification, GWCPM, from George Washington University (MIS). He currently resides in Chicago .

Omnia Exterior Solutions, which launched in June 2023 , was created to address a gap in the residential roofing industry and consists of exclusive partners who are local and regional leaders in their respective markets. Omnia Exterior Solutions provides partner companies with extensive resources, administrative support, digital tools and more to help grow their businesses and keep up with changing technology.

Omnia Exterior Solutions was formed by CCMP, known for its legacy investment in leading brands such as Hayward and Generac, and industry veteran Jim Ziminski to support and grow high-potential residential roofing and remodeling businesses. Ziminski serves as chairman of the board for Omnia Exterior Solutions, bringing more than 30 years of experience in residential services and the building products industry. Previously, Ziminski ran several businesses for the Crane Group, including residential roofing services brands ABLE and Mr. Roof , as well as the Exterior Portfolio siding brand, which he successfully sold to Westlake Royal Building Products (formerly Royal Group).

Omnia currently has three partner groups including Hoffman Weber Construction, Brothers Services Company, and Black Hills Exteriors.

To learn more about becoming an exclusive partner of Omnia Exterior Solutions, email the exclusive buy-side advisors for the company: Jim Ziminski ( [email protected] ) or Mike Blumenfeld ([email protected]).

Omnia Exterior Solutions

Launched in 2023 as a portfolio company of CCMP, Omnia Exterior Solutions is a national provider of residential roofing solutions and exterior remodeling services. The company was formed to address a gap in the residential roofing industry and comprises exclusive partners who are local and regional leaders in their respective markets. To inquire about exclusive partnerships, contact Omnia Exterior Solutions' buy-side advisors Jim Ziminski ( [email protected] and Mike Blumenfeld ( [email protected] ). Visit omniaexteriorsolutions.com .

About CCMP Growth Advisors, LP

CCMP is a New York based growth-oriented private equity firm focused on making lead buyout and growth equity investments in middle-market companies in the Consumer and Industrial sectors primarily in North America. CCMP Growth leverages the deep investment experience of its team to identify high growth companies in transition, and partners with management to help each platform scale through strategic and operational support. Visit www.ccmpgrowth.com .

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SOURCE Omnia Exterior Solutions
Employees, retirees unite to support nearly 500 nonprofit organizations through the annual campaign

ALLENTOWN, Pa. , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL's employees and retirees, combined with matching contributions from its affiliated foundations, have pledged more than $8 million during PPL's annual employee-led charitable giving campaign that took place this fall. This year's record-setting contributions, in partnership with United Way, will support nearly 500 local nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , Kentucky and Virginia.

The amount raised this year, breaking last year's record, was generated through the United Way campaign in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island and the Power of One campaign in Kentucky . The campaigns support organizations in areas where employees live and work and communities served by PPL and its subsidiaries. The funds will support ongoing efforts to address the increasing needs of thousands of people who rely on United Way agencies and nonprofit organizations for countless vital services every day.

"Empowering the communities we serve has been a hallmark of PPL for more than a century," said PPL President and Chief Executive Officer Vincent Sorgi . "Our passion to positively impact people's lives runs deep at PPL, and I am incredibly proud of our employees' and retirees' collective generosity. We know local United Way agencies will put these funds to great use in strengthening education, health and safety, food access and other important programs."

The annual campaign also includes opportunities for employees to volunteer in their local communities. More than 400 employees volunteered their time this September during the companywide Day of Caring events, directly impacting organizations in communities served by PPL Electric Utilities, Rhode Island Energy, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company.

Visit pplweb.com to learn more about the company's ongoing support, philanthropic contributions and employee volunteerism.

About PPL

PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania , is a leading U.S. energy company focused on providing electricity and natural gas safely, reliably and affordably to more than 3.5 million customers in the U.S. PPL's high-performing, award-winning utilities are addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. For more information, visit www.pplweb.com.

About PPL Foundation

Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and support children's success from cradle to career in both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island . To learn more, visit www.pplcares.com.

About LG&E and KU Foundation

Committed to social responsibility, the LG&E and KU Foundation Inc. proactively supports many philanthropic initiatives to improve the quality of life in communities where the company provides service. Through foundation giving, LG&E and KU Energy LLC and its subsidiaries play a definitive role in strengthening the communities where they have a presence. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com.

Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news about PPL Corporation.

Contacts: For news media: Liz Pratt , 610-774-6847

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SOURCE PPL Corporation
DUBLIN , Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Regenerative Business Models Training Course" training course has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

What is changing in the results your business must deliver next year, in five or even ten years' time, because of the imperative for regenerative business? How are the risks changing?

Because of that, what is changing for you in your role; what different results must you deliver, what different risks will you face, and what must you do now to prepare?

It is now clear that our global economy must become regenerative; we must get to net zero, and then keep going to net positive, if we want a better future for our children, and for our older selves. We must do this faster than the degradation processes we have unleashed over the past century; we are already two years too slow in hitting the needed emissions peak, we must catch up and deliver a 43% emissions reduction by 2030 to have any hope.

Business is the most powerful institution on the planet today, and so must and will take a leading role in rebuilding towards regeneration. This means every business will become regenerative, or it will have its Kodak moment and fade into irrelevance.

And to reach sustainability and beyond, every business must deliver the transformation at the right speed while maintaining business health throughout the transformation.

How? Having high, systemic (not transactional) trust between all stakeholders is the key to unlocking the transformation to a regenerative business. Contracts can only deliver transactional trust. So what else is there?

Course Overview

Systemic trust between stakeholders is exactly what incorporation is designed to do. The modern corporation began when the East India company needed more capital than any one wealthy founding family could provide, and so a way was invented to externalise, into the system, trust between financial investors.

Regenerative, net-positive businesses are only viable, anti-fragile, and capable of making the transformation at the speed required:

when there is systemic trust between all stakeholders representing all six kinds of capital;

when the work execution and role accountabilities adapt at the speed required;

when interpersonal and inner-person interactions waste minimum energy by adapting to the changing context at the speed required.

The essence of a lawyer is building the structures and interactions that protect and enable the organisation, specifically around the agreements. The essence of HR is building the structures and interactions around people. The CEO is the weaver that brings all this together for business results. All three have crucial roles to play across the three dimensions above.

Course Agenda

Your business

What is the current purpose and essence of your business, and what were the business drivers that determined these?

What is changing in the business drivers, and how will these continue to change in the future?

What ought you begin changing now, so that you are viable when the future drivers have become the present drivers?

What is regenerative business? What does it mean for your business?

The six capitals

Which of these capitals does your organisation touch?

What is the role of trust?

Where are you already regenerative, and so what is the low-hanging fruit to immediately increase your regenerative capacity?

Organisations as living beings

Your organisation is a living system, one that has meaning making capacity. To lead your business well, it is necessary to understand your organisation's energy economy, and therefore your own.

An organisation's physical and psychological energy, i.e its meaning making stories, is the primary capital you convert into results. It is a regenerative capital and will regenerate as long as you care for it well.

Two useful Lenses to use: The four integral quadrants Management Accounts vs Human capability The four layers we need to redesign



How adaptive is your organisation? Purpose and Drivers

What is the company/organisation and what is its purpose?

The big theme for regenerative business models to work is to expand the arena of trust and how the incorporated legal person (company) was invented as a way of creating trust into endeavours that not one person could legally fund

Expand the arena across all stakeholders and all periods of time to create a regenerative business and circular economy

At the human level: the agreements, the systems and interactions and the role in legal, as well as how the company is organised and interacts with others, how it is incorporated on systemic trust between stakeholders for the long term

Growing a regenerative business at Peak Adaptive Performance

Where is the safe zone, and where is the zone that can only be held up by the strengths of your values, and where is the zone of fragility

Personal and Interpersonal arenas

Regenerative organisations

Your organisation is its tasks/task and role arenas / requisite organisation design

Regenerative business ecosystems

Ergodicity: how big the business opportunity is if you have the level of systemic trust that a fairshares commons creates

Separating past from future/money from power/multiply all capitals and you have the beginnings of a regenerative business capable of making a circular economy work

For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wm5tvh

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Laura Wood , Senior Manager

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SOURCE Research and Markets
LOS ANGELES , Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, Inc. ( USA ), a Los Angeles -based cybersecurity provider protecting Fortune 100 and government agencies globally, is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2024. As part of this momentous occasion, Resecurity's CEO, Gene Yoo , will lead the delegation and engage in discussions to strengthen collaboration and mutual growth opportunities between India and the U.S in cybersecurity field.

Resecurity is set to mark this event with a significant milestonethe signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat . This landmark agreement underscores Resecurity's unwavering commitment to fortifying India's cybersecurity landscape and fostering collaboration between the private sector and government entities. The signing ceremony has been arranged on the 20th December at the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Gandhinagar, Gujarat , with presence of esteemed leaders in face of Ms. Mona K. Khandhar , IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology and Mr. Shri Tushar Y. Bhatt , IAS, Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Limited.

The MoU signifies the establishment of a long-term partnership aimed at addressing the evolving challenges in the realm of cybersecurity. Gene Yoo , CEO of Resecurity, commented on the occasion, stating, "We are thrilled to forge this strategic alliance with the Government of Gujarat . This MoU reflects our shared vision of creating a robust and secure digital environment for India . Through collaborative efforts, we aim to leverage cutting-edge technologies to protect digital identities and enhance cyber threat intelligence."

In tandem with this collaboration, Resecurity is proud to announce the opening of its office in Gujarat, India . This local presence will facilitate seamless coordination and strengthen ties with key stakeholders, contributing to the region's economic and technological advancement in line with Vision 2030, the strategic development agenda of Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi . India is poised to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years and aspires to become 10 trillion dollar economy thereafter. Gujarat is known as one of the major technology parks in India , heavily investing in quantum computing and emerging technologies.

As part of its commitment to India's cybersecurity ecosystem, Resecurity is set to invest in two groundbreaking projects  the Digital Identity Protection Project ( India ) and the Cyber Fusion Center ( India ). These initiatives are designed to equip India with state-of-the-art cyber threat intelligence, risk management and cybersecurity technologies, ensuring a resilient defense against emerging digital threats targeting citizens, enterprises and government.

The Digital Identity Protection Project ( India ) aims to develop and implement innovative solutions to safeguard individuals' digital identities, ensuring privacy and security in an increasingly interconnected world. By leveraging advanced technologies, Resecurity is dedicated to creating a robust framework that protects the integrity of digital identities across various sectors to protect citizens personal data including their national ID information (including Aadhar ID records) and payment data to prevent account takeover, identify theft, cybercriminal and other fraudulent activity negatively impacting on society and economy in India .

In parallel, the Cyber Fusion Center will serve as a hub for collaborative efforts between government agencies, private enterprises, and cybersecurity experts. This center will focus on real-time threat intelligence, proactive threat mitigation, and the development of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. Through this collaborative initiative, Resecurity aims to enhance India's cybersecurity posture and create a model for effective public-private partnership in addressing cyber threats.

Rajan Pant , Head of Business ( India ) of Resecurity, emphasized the transformative potential of these projects, stating, "Our investment in the Digital Identity Protection Project and the Cyber Fusion Center reflects our strong commitment to empowering India with advanced cybersecurity and identity protection capabilities. These initiatives align with our mission to create a secure digital future and fortify critical infrastructure against cyber threats."

The projects also align with the broader objectives of the Indian government's Digital India initiative, which seeks to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Resecurity's initiatives complement these goals by providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to protect digital assets and foster a secure digital ecosystem.

Resecurity's participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 and the subsequent MoU signing with the Government of Gujarat mark a significant step forward in strengthening international collaboration to address the global cybersecurity challenge. By establishing a local presence and investing in transformative projects, Resecurity is poised to contribute substantially to India's cybersecurity resilience and reinforce its commitment to sustainable mutual growth.

About Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, Resecurity was named as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California by Inc. Magazine. An Official Member and a Gold Sponsor of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), AFCEA, NDIA, SIA, FS-ISAC and the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA), Singapore (AmChamSG), Korea (AmChamKorea), Mexico (AmChamMX), and UAE (AmChamDubai).

For more information about Resecurity, please visit www.resecurity.com.

About Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is a flagship event organized by the Government of Gujarat to foster economic and business partnerships on a global scale. Now in its 10th edition, the summit serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and investment across various sectors.

For more information, please, visit https://www.vibrantgujarat.com

About the Department of Science & Technology ( India )

India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy. In the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the S&T system, it is necessary to embark on some major science projects which have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow's technology. The Department of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the country.

For more information, please, visit https://dst.gujarat.gov.in and https://dst.gov.in.

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SOURCE Resecurity Inc.
CHICAGO , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Bitcoin ATM company RockItCoin has made a donation in Bitcoin to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI), furthering its commitment to supporting local communities. This donation marks an important milestone, as RockItCoin becomes the first company to donate in cryptocurrency to RMHC-CNI.

The donation from RockItCoin will provide funding for 10 nights of housing for families staying at RMHC-CNI. This contribution will have an immediate impact on families in need, providing them with a comfortable and supportive environment during challenging times.

RockItCoin selected RMHC-CNI for its mission to improve the health and well-being of children and its dedication to serving families in the Chicago area, where RockItCoin is headquartered. This donation from RockItCoin showcases how cryptocurrency, often viewed as just a digital asset, can be harnessed to facilitate real-world positive change.

As an extension of their commitment to making a difference, RockItCoin employees are preparing 100 breakfast care kits for families staying at RMHC-CNI. These care kits will provide meals for 100 family members, offering them a nutritious start to their day.

CEO Michael Dalesandro expressed RockItCoin's dedication to community support, stating, "At RockItCoin, we believe in the power of giving back and supporting organizations that make a significant impact in our communities. We are proud to contribute to the important work of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana and provide support to families in their time of need".

In addition to this donation, RockItCoin is committed to continuing its philanthropic efforts through the RockItCoin Gives initiative in 2024. RockItCoin Gives focuses on making high-impact donations and supporting charitable organizations to foster positive change in communities.

To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, visit their website .

About RockItCoin:

Founded in 2015 by Michael Dalesandro , RockItCoin is a crypto blockchain company and Inc. 5000 honoree based in Chicago, IL. RockItCoin has a nationwide network of crypto ATMs with over 2,000 locations in 47 States and 16,000 retail deposit locations, providing consumers with the safest and fastest way to buy or sell cryptocurrencies. For more information, please visit https://www.rockitcoin.com and join the conversation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Jarryd Baynes

[email protected]

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SOURCE RockItCoin
Saudi-based National Water Company has awarded two contracts worth SAR105 million ($28 million) to Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Company to provide operation and maintenance services for water networks in Hail and Jazan regions for a period of three years.

A leading EPC and O&M contractor in water and wastewater sector, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies is one of the largest subsidiary companies of Alkhorayef Group which has been in business for over 60 years across 40 countries and 6 continents.

Under the SAR40.7 million deal, Alkhorayef will perform full operation and maintenance services for the sewage and water network in the governorates and villages of Hail region, said the company in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul.

On the Jazan contract worth SAR64.1 million, Alkhorayef said it will perform full operation and maintenance of the water projects in the cities and villages of Jazan region for 36 months.

The financial impact of these contracts is expected in Q4 this year.-TradeArabia News Service
BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Wang Hsiang-wei, a Taiwan student studying finance at Xiamen University in Fujian Province, is immersing himself in a myriad of job fairs to tap into the abundant opportunities available on the Chinese mainland.

"The Chinese mainland holds boundless prospects for development, providing ample space for my aspirations," he said. "I have decided to stay here and chase my dreams on the vast stage of the Chinese mainland."

In recent years, tens of thousands of Taiwan youth like Wang have made their way to the mainland to pursue their studies or develop their careers. In pursuit of their personal aspirations, they have emerged as a driving force for the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations.

Wang's choice to stay on the mainland after graduation is influenced not just by witnessing its rapid development but also by the policies adopted to bolster employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young individuals from Taiwan.

The mainland's multi-tiered capital market system is constantly improving, with a financial market size much larger than that of Taiwan, he said.

"I aspire to seize this opportunity and achieve significant personal growth," he added.

Fujian Province, where Wang is studying, has been designated as a demonstration zone for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. A variety of initiatives have been taken to encourage individuals from Taiwan to study and work in Fujian.

Measures have been introduced to facilitate the lives of Taiwan compatriots in Fujian, including enhanced institutional support for their employment, healthcare, housing, elderly care and social assistance.

As the year comes to a close, 30-year-old Taiwan youth Ella Tsai finds herself busier than ever.

In addition to managing her family's factory that manufactures "guzheng," a Chinese zither, in southwest China's Guizhou Province, she is also preparing for a cross-Strait guzheng cultural event set to be held in the province next year.

It has been over 10 years since Tsai left Taiwan for the mainland to pursue her studies and she has now settled in the Wumeng Mountains in Guizhou.

Having blended well into the local environment after living there for several years, Tsai is now planning on how to incorporate the local ethnic minority culture into her own career.

"Guizhou is an inspiring land of art as it boasts various intangible cultural heritage items, such as embroidery and silver handicrafts of the Miao ethnic group, as well as wax dyeing," said Tsai.

She also expressed hope of contributing to cultural and artistic exchanges across the Taiwan Strait in the future.

In recent years, the mainland has been building platforms for more and more youths from Taiwan to find their own development opportunities. Over 70 cross-Strait youth employment and entrepreneurship bases and demonstration sites have been established on the mainland.

For many people, Yunjin, also known as Yun brocade, was once considered ancient and obscure, as it rarely featured in the lives of ordinary people.

In recent years, however, a young curator from Taiwan has popularized the 1,600-year-old craft through innovative efforts, making it a trending topic on social media and helping change the public's stereotypical view concerning traditional Yunjin culture.

Jian Mingwei has been fond of Chinese culture since childhood. After settling down on the Chinese mainland in 2008, he has been working on promoting intangible cultural heritage.

Jian now serves as curator of the Yun Brocade Museum in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. To better introduce the exquisite and elegant Yun brocade, he led his team to roll out promotion plans and measures, catering to the younger generation, including designing cultural and creative products and cooperating with fashion brands.

While fulfilling his own career, Jian also hopes that foreign friends can deepen their understanding of Chinese traditional culture through Yunjin.

"We are planning to let more people know about Yunjin as well as its culture, enhancing our cultural confidence," Jian said, while also calling for joint efforts from both sides of the Strait, especially the younger generation, to promote Chinese culture to the world. 
Index ranks best workplaces in America for Employees to advance their careers

DALLAS , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is proud of its recognition as an Employer Honoree on the 2023 American Opportunity Index, a ranking that measures the effectiveness of companies in developing talent to drive business performance and advance individual Employees' careers. Southwest ranked as the top airline on the Index for the second consecutive year.

"From our first flight in 1971 until today, it's our People that make Southwest the airline with Heart," said Elizabeth Bryant , Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer at Southwest Airlines. "My Southwest journey began 26 years ago as a Training Instructor, and I've loved supporting various Teams and diversifying my career in ways I never imagined since then. Southwest's dedication to fostering an environment that celebrates and empowers Employees creates continued learning and growth opportunities across all stages of careers."

Southwest Airlines encourages its People to pursue their passions by leveraging the carrier's resources to achieve their career aspirations. Southwest's Career Mobility Center offers Employees a place to explore internal career opportunities, discover new roles, or prepare for a promotion through services like career advising sessions, resume review, interview preparation resources, and more. The airline also provides numerous career growth and development resources to diversify skill sets, including in-person or virtual courses, mentorship programs, and more.

The American Opportunity Index is a joint project of the Burning Glass Institute, Harvard Business School's Managing the Future of Work Project, and the Schultz Family Foundation. The Index is the only measure of employer quality that evaluates Employees at America's largest employers over time, assessing how well companies manage their most important assettheir people. The Index's results aren't based on corporate surveys but on an independent analysis drawn from how Employees reported changes in their work history on social media and online resume platforms, as well as comprehensive salary and job-posting data.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 74,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 126 million Customers carried in 2022. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. As the airline with Heart, Southwest has set a goal to work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Southwest has also set near-term targets and a three-pillar strategy to achieve its environmental goals. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/planet.

1 Based on U.S. Dept. Of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey since Q1 2021

2 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees

3 1973-2019 annual profitability

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.
St. Polten University of Applied Sciences Hosts International Week 2023

ST. POLTEN, Austria , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's International Week at the St. Polten University of Applied Sciences was dedicated to the future of higher education in Europe . Representatives of higher education institutions, of the European Commission, and the European University Alliance EUDRES exchanged views and experiences on this topic. Students of the St. Polten UAS and from all over Europe participated in various interdisciplinary and international formats, while guest lectures and the accompanying programme inspired UAS staff members and students.

Under the motto "Meet European Universities. Melting Pots for Innovation in Higher Education", national and international experts and more than 90 participants from 15 countries explored the cornerstones of higher education development in Europe . The main topics were the future of education and the role of higher education institutions as innovation ecosystems.

"We hosted an intensive and inspiring International Week with the aim to develop ideas together and to exchange good practices and experiences within the framework of the European Universities Initiative. One of the topics discussed was the scepticism towards sciences in society. As a European University, we want to help reduce that by means of various activities in collaboration with society", explains Hannes Raffaseder, St. Polten UAS CEO and President of the European Association of Institutions in Higher Education (EURASHE).

European Formats and Lifelong Learning

Participants of the International Week presented model projects relating to, for example, European and future teaching and learning formats, so-called micro-credentials  flexible learning offers for lifelong learning  and questions of inclusion and the future of higher education institutions in general.

Among the presenters were Klara Engels Perenyi (online) from the European Commission, Anthony Camilleri from the Knowledge Innovation Centre (KIC) in Malta , the former Director of the des European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) Colin Tuck, and Aleksandar Susnjar from the alliance YUFE  Young Universities for the Future of Europe .

"With the International Week, we once more provided our students and staff members with a rich and informative programme for international exchange between universities as well as for internships abroad", says Daniela Lohner , Head of the UAS service unit International Relations.

European Universities Initiative

With the European Universities Initiative, the European Union promotes excellent higher education alliances that collaborate closely in strategic terms, sustainably develop the European higher education, research, and innovation area further by means of future-oriented concepts, and are in the process of evolving into full-fledged European Universities in the medium term. The St. Polten UAS is the only university of applied sciences in Austria to coordinate one of currently 50 European Universities: EUDRES: Engaged  European  Entrepreneurial University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions. Students and staff from the partner universities presented their projects at the International Week.

International Week

Contact:

Mark Hammer

+43/2742/313 228 269

[email protected]

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SOURCE St. Polten University of Applied Sciences
NEW YORK , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent years, organizations have been expected to play a role in conversations around social change. But according to a new survey from The Conference Board, less than half of US workers (44%) are satisfied with their organization's response to social change issues like racism and gun violence.

Indeed, 87% say organizations should always or sometimes respond to social change issues. But the type of response is important: Most workers prefer that an organization take internal action rather than public action to address an issue.

The type of issue also matters: More than half of surveyed employees expect internal action on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues like ageism and gender inequity, compared to only around a quarter who expect internal action on nationalism, geopolitical conflict, or gun violence.

"It's important for organizations to carefully consider the issues they will respond to and how these issues fit with employee expectations," said Robin Erickson , PhD, Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board. "Employees want to see real action on the issues that matter most to them. Getting it right can improve not only employee engagement, but customer satisfaction as well."

"Silence on social change issues is becoming less of an option for many organizations," said Diana Scott , Leader of the US Human Capital Center, The Conference Board. "But responses need to be both agile and authentic, while also taking into account to the often-competing concerns of different stakeholders."

The latest workforce survey from The Conference Board was fielded from November 8 to December 4 and polled over 800 US employeespredominantly office workers. Some responses are compared to those from a late 2020 survey on the same topic. Respondents weighed in on the issues that mattered most to them and their organization's response to those issues. Key findings include:

Workers are not satisfied with their organization's response to social change issues.

Less than half (44%) are satisfied with their organization's response.

They want their organizations to respondbut a more nuanced approach is expected.

87% say organizations should always or sometimes respond to social change issues. 39% say yes, they should always respond. 48% say sometimes they should respond.

In late 2020, there were higher expectations: 72% said yes. 27% said sometimes.



Racism, gun violence, and geopolitical conflict are the issues that matter most to US workers.

40% of surveyed US workers say racism is the most important social change issue.

Gun violence and geopolitical conflict are a close second at 38% of workers.

In 2020, the top three social change issues were racism, gender inequity, and unemployment (note: we did not ask about geopolitical conflict in 2020).

Most workers prefer internal action more than public action on an issue.

For example, only 32% want their organization to take public action regarding racism. This was the social change issue that garnered the most support for public action.

support for public action. That's compared to 51% who want internal action on racism.

Employees expect more internal action on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.

Ageism and gender inequity are the top issues workers expect internal action on at 57%.

51% expect internal action on racism.

48% say LGBTQ+ inequity and benefit inequity should receive internal action.

Less employees expect internal action on nationalism, geopolitical conflict, or gun violence.

Only 24% expect internal action on geopolitical conflict.

25% expect internal action on gun violence.

29% expect internal action on nationalism.

Indeed, about 40% say organizations should not respond to nationalism, geopolitical conflict, or gun violencethe top issues that employees say do not require any response.

Employees' expectations are not being fully met on the issues they care about most.

No organizational response to a social change issue satisfied more than half of those surveyed.

Only 44% of employees are satisfied with their organizations' response to racism.

43% are satisfied with the response to gun violence.

45% are satisfied with the response to geopolitical conflict.

CEOs are the main communicators about social change issues.

70% say their CEO is the main communicator about social change, followed by the CHRO at 51%.

About The Conference Board

The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States . www.ConferenceBoard.org

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SOURCE The Conference Board
Zesty's compelling, customer-centric value proposition, supported by its trusted cloud optimization technology and immense cost-savings earned the company 4.9 out of 5 stars for customer satisfaction

TEL AVIV, Israel , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zesty , a pioneer of automated cloud cost optimization, today announced a nearly perfect CSAT (Customer Satisfaction Score), earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as 2023 concludes. These results are consistent with anecdotal reports of Zesty's customer experience providing accurate, and effective interactions that deliver fast resolutions to queries.

The CSAT questionnaire included questions addressing both the quality of customer care "How would you rate your most recent support interaction?", and the expediency of issue resolution "How satisfied are you with the resolution of your issue(s)?". Customer feedback for both domains reflected near-perfect scores.

Zesty's customer success practices were developed to reflect its dedication to delivering real, long-term value to customers not only through its technology offerings but also by building meaningful value for its customers.

"At Zesty, our primary objective has always been to streamline cloud cost optimization by enhancing customer experience," said Ben Larboni, Zesty's Director of Customer Success. "We're proud that Zesty's CSAT score reflects that we've achieved that goal, especially now as cloud spend continues to skyrocket. Mature FinOps practices are no longer a nice-to-have but are essential for companies that are serious about getting their cloud budget in check. We're thrilled to be a staple on that journey for our customers."

Zesty's solutions automate cloud resource allocation to meet real-time business needs, alleviating DevOps teams of manual cloud resource management and assisting FinOps teams by reducing the costs of developing and running applications in the cloud. Zesty's technology reduces cloud storage costs by up to 70% and EC2 costs by up to 50%.

Requiring minimal installation effort, Zesty's solutions harness AI machine learning to automate cloud resource allocation to match ever-changing business needs, protecting performance and stability while cutting costs. Zesty's solutions employ a success-based payment model, where customers only pay in direct correlation to the value received, cutting financial commitments and substantially minimizing risk.

Zesty's portfolio consists of thousands of users through both direct customers and an extensive network ecosystem. To read more about customer experiences with Zesty, click here .

About Zesty

Zesty helps organizations to be more adaptable to changing business needs by making their cloud infrastructure more dynamic. With offerings for compute, block storage, and Kubernetes, Zesty automatically scales resources to meet application demand in real-time. This helps DevOps teams to slash cloud costs, maintain perfect app performance, minimize the hassle of managing infra, and fully realize the true flexibility of the cloud.

Founded in 2019 Zesty was built with the vision of making the cloud more affordable and accessible. With three offices in San Mateo, Tel Aviv , and Kiev , Zesty is supporting thousands of organizations to get maximum value out of their cloud infrastructure.

Media Contact

Kate Schoenstadt

[email protected]

IL: +972(0)-54-7776684

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SOURCE Zesty
WASHINGTON , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement via the National Press Club from the family of long-detained journalist Austin Tice , on the release of 10 imprisoned Americans in a prisoner swap with Venezuela .

"The news of the release of the U.S. hostages from Venezuela is uplifting and encouraging. No doubt a joyful day for their families, and we deeply share their joy.

"The negotiations with the Venezuelan government were most certainly complicated, never the less, the White House team was willing to, engage, listen and earnestly negotiate to make this happen.

"We sincerely believe the very same genuine, earnest, engagement can bring our first born son safely home. Austin has now been held 11 years, four months and eight days in Syria . And we passionately hope President Biden will follow through for Austin and our family."

The National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute support the families of unjustly detained U.S. journalists Austin Tice, Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, and ask the Biden administration to prioritize the protection of American journalists. Journalism is not a crime. #FreeAustinTice #BringAustinHome #IStandWithEvan #FreeAlsu.

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through a free and independent press. The NPCJI is the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club.

Contact: Bill McCarren , 202-662-7534, press freedom consultant for the National Press Club

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SOURCE National Press Club
CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TUSK Partners ("TUSK") the premiere dental-focused M&A Advisor, advised Dr. Butterworth in his affiliation with Squire Dental. The transaction was led by Josh Swearingen , Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at TUSK Partners. Alex Cherniavsky and Taylor Adams spearheaded the diligence and analytics efforts for TUSK.

Dr. Butterworth's practice is a leading cosmetic and general dentistry group in Northeast Virginia . Dr. Butterworth and his team have provided premier patient-centered dental care to their surrounding community for over 35 years.

Dr. Butterworth commented, "I am absolutely thrilled with the results generated through TUSK's marketed sales process and their tenacious team. TUSK was able to generate multiple offers for our business and ultimately find the best partner for the future of our practice. My parents, Dr. Cathie Seaman and Mark Butterworth , founded the business over 35 years ago and it is my honor to continue the legacy they helped build with a new partner. I am looking forward to beginning the partnership with Squire Dental and continue growing the business."

Grant Perelman , Co-founder of Squire Dental shared, "We couldn't be more pleased with our new partnership with Dr. Butterworth's practice. Dr. Butterworth and his team have built a very successful set of practices. We are looking forward to providing our support to continue the growth trajectory the business is on."

About Squire Dental

Squire Dental is an alliance of like-minded dentists, hygienists, and other team members that are building a better dentist partnership model. We strive to provide the best possible patient experiences and clinical outcomes - and believe that the best way of doing that is by empowering our providers. We maintain complete clinical autonomy for our dental practices while supporting with back office services. For more information, visit https://squiredental.com .

About TUSK Partners

TUSK Partners ("TUSK") provides M&A Advisory services in the dental industry. TUSK has completed over $1B of transactions across various healthcare verticals. With an in-depth understanding of the marketplace and access to 100's of buyers nationwide, we help our clients confidently pursue M&A transactions that maximize their long-term value. With our significant collective experience of over 125+ years of dental practice transactions, we offer our clients solutions that help them achieve their strategic and financial objectives. For more information, visit https://tusk-partners.com .

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SOURCE TUSK Partners
Workers Overcome Union Busting Efforts, Secure Teamster Representation

BUTTE, Mont., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Certified nursing assistants at the Southwest Montana Veterans' Home have voted to join Teamsters Local 2. These workers provide care to honorably discharged veterans and their spouses.

"Congratulations to the newest members of Teamsters Local 2 on their organizing victory," said Erin Foley , Secretary-Treasurer of Local 2. "In the face of adversity, which presented itself in the forms of union busting lawyers and delays from management, these workers stood together and won well-deserved union representation. We are proud to welcome these 24 workers to North America's strongest union, and we look forward to helping them get a strong first contract."

"I voted to join the Teamsters because I wanted a voice on the job and fair compensation," said Brittany Tadday , a certified nursing assistant at Southwest Montana Veterans' Home. "I am proud to provide care to those who served our country, but we are among some of the lowest paid workers in our industry which makes it hard to provide for our families. I am looking forward to securing a better future with our first contract and continuing to care for our veterans."

Teamsters Local 2 represents more than 3,000 workers in Montana and has been fighting for working-class families for over 100 years. For more information, visit teamsterslocal2.org.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

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SOURCE Teamsters Local 2
FILE PHOTO: Rescue workers conduct search and rescue operations at Kangdiao village following the earthquake in Jishishan county, Gansu province, China December 19, 2023. China Daily via REUTERS/ File photo

By Alessandro Diviggiano, Xiaoyu Yin and Liz Lee

DAHEJIA, China (Reuters) -A dozen people were still missing on Thursday after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Gansu province late Monday, and netizens questioned the speed at which rescue operations had ended.

Chinese media reported that search-and-rescue work in Gansu ended at 3 p.m. (0700 GMT) on Tuesday, about 15 hours after the disaster hit a remote and mountainous area near the border straddling Gansu and Qinghai provinces. It was not immediately clear whether the search in Qinghai was continuing.

In Gansu, 115 people had been found dead as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday (0100 GMT) and 784 were injured, authorities said. Gansu has not reported any missing persons.

Neighbouring Qinghai saw its death toll rose to 22 with 198 injured and 12 missing as of 8:56 p.m. on Wednesday.

More than 207,000 homes were wrecked and nearly 15,000 collapsed in Gansu, affecting more than 145,000 people.

Discussions online showed netizens curious about how quickly rescue efforts wrapped up in Gansu, with many suggesting that the sub-freezing temperatures were the main factor in shortening the "golden period" for finding survivors - typically 72 hours post-disaster.

People trapped under rubble exposed to prolonged temperatures of -10 Celsius (14F) run the risk of rapid hypothermia and may only be able to live for five to 10 hours even if uninjured, local media reported, citing researchers.

"They would have been dead by the time they were found, even 24 hours is already too long. Outdoor temperatures are below minus 10 C," a user on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo commented.

Some users on Weibo considered other factors such as that the search area was not especially wide, and that people have been all accounted for, leading to rescue efforts ending in less than a day.

SURVIVING THE COLD

Rescuers on Wednesday pulled to safety victims of the earthquake, which jolted Jishishan county in Gansu a minute before midnight on Monday, sending many residents in the area out of homes into the cold in the dead of the night.

Survivors face uncertainty in the wintry months ahead without permanent shelter amid freezing temperatures.

Many of the affected families are Hui people, an ethnic minority mostly found in western Chinese provinces and regions such as Gansu, Ningxia and Shaanxi.

In Gansu's Sibuzi village, villagers worried about the freezing winter.

"Many people escaped from their homes, some without socks, just ran out barefoot. It's extremely cold standing on the ground," said Zhou Habai, an ethnic Hui woman.

The 24-year-old, now staying in a makeshift tent after her home was destroyed, said some villagers have been gathering and burning firewood to keep warm.

About 60% of the survivors have not received tents, 63-year-old Ye Zhiying, from the same village, told Reuters.

He said officials from the Communist Party had told them that the village would distribute tents by noon on Thursday, and would be set up in less than a week.

"Whether everyone can be accommodated or not, we don't know," said the Hui villager, who was given a tent on Wednesday.

Roads, power and water lines and agricultural production facilities have suffered damage, and the quake triggered land and mudslides that swept through villages in Qinghai's Haidong where the missing were reported from.

(Reporting by Alessandro Diviggiano and Xiaoyu Yin in Dahejia, Liz Lee and Ella Cao in Beijing, and Shanghai newsroom. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha gestures during a protest after the parliament voted to lift his immunity so he can face corruption charges, in Tirana, Albania, December 21, 2023 REUTERS/Florion Goga

TIRANA (Reuters) - Albania's parliament voted on Thursday to lift the immunity of opposition leader Sali Berisha after his indictment on corruption charges, a decision expected to lead to his arrest.

Prosecutors charged Berisha, 79, a former president and prime minister, in October with using his influence while premier between 2005 and 2009 to favour his daughter's husband in the privatisation of state land.

Berisha, who denies the charges, said the vote by 75 government lawmakers in the 140-seat parliament was illegal and politically motivated.

"This decision will not be able to accomplish its aim to destroy the opposition, rather it will mobilize the opposition with the motto, now or never," said Berisha, who now faces detention or house arrest.

Lawmakers who support Berisha disrupted the session by igniting blue smoke bombs and piling chairs in the room.

Outside, hundreds of his supporters protested as police cordoned off the building as officers in anti-riot gear including water cannon stood by in case of violence.

Berisha served as president from 1992 to 1997, shortly after the tumultuous collapse of communism in the poor southwestern Balkan country, and as prime minister from 2005 to 2013.

In 2021, the United States barred entry to Berisha and his family, with the State Department accusing him of having been involved while prime minister in "corrupt acts...including using his power for his own benefit and to enrich" relatives and political allies. He denied the accusations.

Berisha now heads Albania's largest opposition party, the Democratic Party.

(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci and Florion Goga; editing by Mark Heinrich)
FILE PHOTO: Claudia Sheinbaum waves alongside Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on the day he hands over a ceremonial baton of command to Sheinbaum after she was elected by the ruling National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) as its candidate t

By Dave Graham

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The favorite to be Mexico's next leader will likely be more open than her mentor President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to private investment in energy in order to help fund her renewable power push at a time of tighter public finances, aides, officials and executives said.

Former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, front-runner to become Mexico's first woman president in June elections, plans to boost clean energy usage while upholding Lopez Obrador's pledge to keep at least 54% of power generation in state hands.

The president's drive to tighten state control of energy has been one of the most contentious aspects of his agenda, and the next administration's approach could go a long way to defining its economic fortunes, analysts say.

Sheinbaum has diverged little from Lopez Obrador on energy except for her vigorous advocacy of renewables.

But aides told Reuters she would have scope to lift private investment because the state should control significantly more than the 54% threshold by the time she took office.

"The role of private investment is going to be really important," a close ally of Sheinbaum said.

Sheinbaum has given few details of her energy plans, but key pointers to how she views the challenge emerged from Reuters' conversations with some two dozen serving and former officials, executives, politicians and aides privy to discussions with her.

They said they expected her to be more pragmatic about tapping private capital once in power, citing her awareness of factors including budget constraints, rising energy demand, and the need to avoid disputes like those that erupted under Lopez Obrador which could cost the state billions of dollars.

Sheinbaum has a lead of more than 20 points in most opinion polls over opposition rival Xochitl Galvez, who has pitched a more aggressive opening of the energy sector to private capital.

Responding to a request for comment, her campaign said Sheinbaum saw state control of at least 54% of power generation as "fundamental" and that she had no intention of changing it.

"In that sense, she guarantees there will be room for public and private investment," it said in a statement to Reuters, which had sought comment on the key points of this article.

Her campaign did not address most of them, saying only there was information that was "imprecise" without elaborating.

Privately, allies of Sheinbaum said Lopez Obrador's policies have made some foreign firms wary about "nearshoring" - moving operations to Mexico from Asia or elsewhere - and that funding her renewables plan with public money alone will be tough.

Three aides noted that Lopez Obrador's recent purchase of Iberdrola energy assets should mean that as much as two-thirds of power generation is in public hands by the end of his term, giving Sheinbaum leeway to increase private investment.

Lopez Obrador has spent billions propping up Mexico's fossil fuel-dependent energy giants, oil firm Pemex and power utility CFE. Sheinbaum, an energy expert decorated for her work on climate change, is emphatic about protecting the environment.

"We will accelerate the energy transition to renewable sources of energy, guaranteeing energy sovereignty," the 61-year-old scientist said in November.

ARBITRATION

Lopez Obrador recently cut Pemex's tax burden, meaning Sheinbaum should not have to spend as much keeping the company afloat, her aides said.

Since taking office in 2018, Lopez Obrador, restricted by law to one term, has cast his government as defender of a poor majority over a wealthy, corrupt minority bent on carving up state-owned assets like Pemex and CFE for its own gain.

His policies have sparked clashes with investors. The Economy Ministry currently lists more than two dozen active or planned investor disputes against Mexico.

Most do not detail damages sought, but eight of them total over $6 billion, including $1.9 billion U.S. firm Vulcan Materials is seeking.

Beyond that are private commercial suits and a broader dispute under a North American trade deal that the U.S. and Canada launched over treatment of their energy firms which could end up costing Mexico billions, economists say.

Privately, Sheinbaum has sought to reassure investors they will have the legal certainty many feel has been lacking under Lopez Obrador, aides and executives say.

Andres Rozental, a business consultant and former Mexican deputy foreign minister who has attended closed-door business meetings with Sheinbaum, said she seemed "more cognizant of the need for Mexico to change its energy policy."

In a recent private meeting with executives in the state of Jalisco, a recording of which Reuters heard, Sheinbaum said she had never opposed private investment but that she, like Lopez Obrador, was against corruption that bred inequality.

She highlighted opportunities presented to Mexico by nearshoring and the need for infrastructure to support economic growth and social development.

NEARSHORING

Some energy firms have avoided suing Mexico, hoping the next government will be different, said Carlos Vejar, an arbitration attorney at White & Case and former Mexican trade negotiator.

But Vejar said he had never seen so many active arbitration cases against Mexico. "This all adds to the pressure for the next administration to change policy", he said.

Mexico's economy is poised to grow around 3.5% this year, lifted by signs of nearshoring investment. Still, a lack of green energy infrastructure has given pause to some multinationals eager to reduce their carbon footprints.

"I think we're not understanding the profundity of what the opportunity of nearshoring, relocalization means," Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said last month, saying Mexico needed to "get a move on" or risk losing out to rivals like Vietnam.

In 2024, election year spending is set to widen Mexico's budget deficit, which along with the makeup of Congress, could steer political debate toward private investment.

Nearshoring has increased demand for energy infrastructure, and state firm CFE cannot meet it alone, said Rafael Espino, a senator in Sheinbaum's National Regeneration Movement (MORENA).

"Energy supply is extremely important to protect nearshoring," he said. "There's not enough public money to invest, there need to be schemes to lift private investment."

(Reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Christian Plumb and David Gregorio)
BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top economic planner, on Thursday unveiled two plans that aim to boost cooperation and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

China expects Shenzhen's Qianhai to play its leading role in developing the Greater Bay Area and broadening Hong Kong's development space, according to the plan for the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone.

By 2035, the cooperation zone, which covers an area of 120.56 square kilometers, shall have established an innovation-driven development model featuring industrial synergy and market connectivity with Hong Kong and Macao and become a new international trade center, an international high-end shipping service center, and an engine for high-quality development, said the document.

In a separate statement, the NDRC also released a plan for the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, Zhuhai.

By 2035, the 106-square-kilometer area is expected to become a strong growth engine for the Guangzhou-Zhuhai-Macao science and technology innovation corridor and have helped promote appropriate diversity in Macao's economy.

By then, the Hengqin cooperation zone is also expected to become a livable area supporting the free flow of factors between Hengqin and Macao, with around 80,000 Macao residents working there and around 120,000 living there, according to the plan. 
FILE PHOTO: Anthropic logo is seen in this illustration taken March 31, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

(Reuters) -Artificial intelligence (AI) startup Anthropic is in discussions to raise $750 million in a funding round led by Menlo Ventures, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

The startup's valuation before the funding round comes to $18.4 billion, the source added.

Anthropic, co-founded by siblings and former executives at Microsoft-backed rival OpenAI Dario and Daniela Amodei, has shown efforts to secure the resources and deep-pocketed backers needed to compete with OpenAI and be leaders in the technology sector.

The Information first reported about the funding round earlier on Wednesday.

Its Claude AI models have vied for prominence with OpenAI's GPT series.

The company already has investments from Google and Amazon.com with the companies agreeing to invest up to $2 billion and $4 billion, respectively, in the last few months.

Rival OpenAI's board of directors had approached Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei about replacing chief Sam Altman and potentially merging the two AI startups, Reuters had reported in November, citing people familiar with the matter.

(Reporting by Gokul Pisharody and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Juby Babu; Editing by Rashmi Aich)
FILE PHOTO: A woman reacts while leaving a mass by the Bishop of Bilbao, Joseba Segura and priest Josu Lopez Villalba, a victim of sexual abuse, where forgiveness was asked for from victims of sexual abuse by the Catholic Church, in Bilbao, Spain, March 2

MADRID (Reuters) - An investigation commissioned by the Spanish Catholic Church into child sexual abuse by members of the clergy and non-clerical staff has so far identified 1,383 complaints and 2,056 victims, an audit of the inquiry showed on Thursday.

The Spanish Church has been grappling with an abuse scandal since a 2021 investigation by El Pais newspaper uncovered more than 1,200 alleged cases. It follows similar scandals involving the Catholic Church in a number of countries, including the United States, Ireland and France.

The results of the audit of the ongoing investigation, pulled together by Cremades law firm, were included in a more than 1,000-page report the Church published on Thursday.

The Spanish Bishops' Conference estimated around 1,000 cases of abuse after cross-referencing various reports, which it said showed that some cases may have been taken stock of several times, but acknowledged there were many unreported cases yet.

"The data contained in this report will never be definitive. It's important to bear in mind that other episodes of abuse took place too long ago for them to come to light or that some victims do not want to tell their case," it said.

The Church remains committed to learn about all the cases to help heal the victims' pain and prevent further abuse, it added.

More than one in 200 Spaniards may have been sexually abused by Catholic priests, according to a survey released by Spain's human rights ombudsman earlier this year.

The ombudsman sent a report to parliament criticising the Church for not cooperating more fully with the investigation and seeking to "minimise the phenomenon".

Spain's Catholic Church, which has apologised, said it would compensate victims of sexual abuse even in cases that have not been concluded because the perpetrator has died.

(Reporting by Emma Pinedo, editing by Andrei Khalip and Bernadette Baum)
FILE PHOTO: A view of an area where houses were removed after Maceio's city Civil Defense Office warned that Braskem salt mine is at imminent risk of collapse, in Maceio, Alagoas state, Brazil December 6, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Lins/File Photo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil's federal police on Thursday conducted raids as part of a probe into petrochemical producer Braskem's sinking ground havoc in the city of Maceio, which has forced about 60,000 people to be moved since 2018.

The subsidence related to the operations of Braskem's more than thirty salt mines under the coastal city of nearly 1 million people in northeastern Brazil was thrust back in the spotlight this month after part of a mine collapsed.

Braskem's mines began extracting rock salt in Maceio in the 1970s but operations were halted in 2019 after authorities said they contributed to five neighborhoods sinking, making the area 'uninhabitable'.

Federal police said in a statement they had launched an operation called 'Salty Tears' to advance investigations into what they dubbed "crimes committed during the years of rock salt exploration in Maceio".

Braskem in a separate securities filing said the police operation targeted "members and former members of the company" as well as its Alagoas chloralkali plant, but did not provide further details.

The firm added it had made itself available to the authorities.

Police served 14 search and seizure warrants in Maceio, Rio de Janeiro and Aracaju under orders from a federal court in the state of Alagoas, where Maceio is located.

"Evidence was found that the mining activities did not follow the safety parameters set out in the scientific literature and in the respective mining plans," federal police said.

"Furthermore, signs were identified that false data was presented and relevant information omitted from public bodies responsible for monitoring the activities," they added.

(Reporting by Fernando Cardoso and Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Chizu Nomiyama)
Ambulances park near the area of the shooting at one of the buildings of Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, December 21, 2023. REUTERS/David W Cerny

PRAGUE (Reuters) - A shooting at a university in Prague on Thursday had 14 victims and injured 25 people, 10 of them seriously, Prague's Police Chief Martin Vondrasek told reporters.

Police had earlier said more than 15 people were killed in the shooting at the university in central Prague, including the gunman who was a student at the school. It was not clear whether the most recent police update included the shooter.

(Reporting by Jason Hovet, Writing by Michael Kahn, Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
A view shows an apartment building damaged during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine December 22, 2023. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

(Reuters) -More than two dozen Russian drones targeted Ukraine's capital early on Friday, officials said, injuring two people and damaging residential buildings in Moscow's latest overnight drone strike against Ukraine.

It was the sixth such attack on Kyiv this month and part of a larger drone swarm aimed at parts of central, southern and western Ukraine, the country's air force said.

Ukrainian air defences shot down 24 out of 28 attack drones, it said.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that a drone had hit a block of flats in the Solomyanskyi district, south of the city centre, triggering a fire on the upper floors that was quickly brought under control.

Emergency services also said several apartments were damaged on the 24th, 25th and 26th storeys of the building. Two people were injured, including one being treated in hospital.

The incident occurred a few hundred metres from a maternity hospital.

A video posted on social media showed a giant orange flame going skyward in the night.

Klitschko also said drone fragments had set fire to a house under construction in Darnytskyi district on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River that runs through the city.

Pictures posted online showed construction materials strewn about the site.

Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said fragments from a downed drone had struck an apartment building in a third area, also south of the city centre.

He posted pictures showing smashed windows and heavy damage to apartments.

Ukraine's southern command said an unspecified infrastructure facility in the Mykolaiv region had been struck and that fragments from a downed drone had damaged a grain storage facility in the Odesa region.

No injuries were reported and the resulting fires were extinguished, authorities said.

(Reporting by Serhiy Karazy, Valentyn Ogirenko, Pavel Polityuk and Dan Peleschuk; Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Alistair Bell, Christopher Cushing and Gerry Doyle)
Palestinians search for casualties at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, December 20, 2023. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

By Nidal al-Mughrabi, Bassam Masoud and Dan Williams

CAIRO/GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Fighting in the Gaza Strip escalated on Thursday with some of the most intense Israeli bombardment of the war and Hamas demonstrated its ability to rocket Tel Aviv, even as the foes engaged in the most serious talks for weeks on a new truce.

Israeli bombing was at its most intense over northern Gaza, where orange flashes of explosions could be seen from across the fence in Israel in the morning hours. Later, Israeli planes roared over central and southern areas, dropping bombs that sent up plumes of smoke, residents said.

In Israel's commercial capital Tel Aviv, sirens wailed and rockets exploded overhead, intercepted by Israeli defences. Shrapnel fell on a school but the children were in shelters and there were no reported casualties, Israel's Ynet news site said.

The armed wing of Hamas said it had fired the salvo in response to Israeli killing of civilians. But with the group's leader in Cairo for truce talks, the attack seemed timed to send a message that nearly 11 weeks of war had failed to destroy the militants' strike capability.

Both sides remained far apart in public. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed again to fight on until the eradication of Hamas, the Islamist group that sent fighters over the border into southern Israel on Oct. 7, taking some 240 hostages and killing 1,200 people.

"Surrender or die," he told Hamas in a video address.

Hamas said Palestinian factions had taken a united position that there should be "no talk about prisoners or exchange deals, except after a full cessation of (Israeli) aggression".

Residents in Jabalia in the north of the Strip close to the Israeli border said the area was completely cut off, with Israeli snipers now firing on anyone trying to escape.

"It was one of the worst nights in terms of the occupation bombings," said one Jabalia resident who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal.

Nearly 20,000 Gazans have been confirmed killed since the start of the conflict, according to the Palestinian health ministry, with several thousand more bodies believed trapped under rubble. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes.

A report by a UN-backed body said the entire population of Gaza is facing crisis levels of hunger. The risk of famine is increasing each day, added the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).

"This report sort of confirms our worst fears," said Arif Husain, chief economist and director of research at the U.N. World Food Programme.

"I've been doing this for the last 20 plus years. I've been to Afghanistan, I've been to Yemen, to Syria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, northeast Nigeria. But I've never seen something this bad happening this quickly," he told Reuters in an interview.

By the afternoon, Israel intensified bombing of the Gaza City suburb of Sheikh Radwan, residents said. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad militant group said they fired rockets and mortar bombs at Israeli forces massing on the Gaza side of the border. Reuters could not confirm the battlefield reports.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had reports Israeli forces had stormed an ambulance centre in Jabalia and arrested paramedics. The Israeli military said it needed more details on the report to comment and was following international law and taking "feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm".

The World Health Organization said the last hospital in the northern half of the Gaza Strip had effectively ceased functioning over the past two days, leaving no place left to take the wounded.

TALKS SERIOUS, SIDES PUBLICLY FAR APART

As clashes raged, diplomatic efforts ramped up in the final days of the year to stave off humanitarian catastrophe and agree a new truce to release some of the hostages taken by Hamas, the group that runs the Gaza Strip and has vowed to destroy Israel.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was in Egypt for a second day for negotiations, a rare personal intervention that in the past has signalled important stages in diplomacy. Islamic Jihad said its leader was also headed there.

"These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere," White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday. U.S. President Joe Biden said: "We're pushing."

In the past, mediating countries including Egypt and Qatar have met separately with Israel, Hamas and other groups, though there were no details on who might be engaged with any Israeli party on Thursday.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen confirmed negotiations on a hostage release were ongoing but declined to provide details.

Taher Al-Nono, Haniyeh's media adviser, told Reuters: "We cannot talk about negotiations while Israel continues its aggression."

Israel's military said it destroyed a network of tunnels in Gaza City, which it found in recent days and said served senior Hamas leaders. It released a video that appeared to show a long line of fire erupting through the centre of Gaza City.

Hamas officials said an Israeli air strike at the Rafah crossing to Egypt on Thursday morning killed four people including the Gaza director of another border crossing, Kerem Shalom. Israel's military appeared to deny involvement, saying it was not familiar with the incident.

Israel allowed Kerem Shalom to open this week, increasing the amount of aid getting into the Strip, though U.N. agencies say it remains a trickle compared to the vast needs.

The U.N. Security Council was due to vote on Thursday on a resolution to boost aid after a delay at the request of the United States. The draft would give the U.N. a wider role overseeing aid shipments, seen as diluting Israel's control.

Washington said there were concerns that in its current form the resolution "could actually slow down" deliveries.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Bassam Masoud in Gaza, Dan Williams and Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Aidan Lewis in London, and Steve Holland aboard Air Force One; Writing by Peter Graff and Andrew Heavens; Editing by Nick Macfie, Frances Kerry and Diane Craft)
People stand on a platform at the Eurostar terminal at Gare du Nord train station, as an unexpected strike by French workers at Eurotunnel, the undersea link between Britain and continental Europe, interrupted cross-Channel rail traffic, threatening the C

By Tassilo Hummel and Ardee NAPOLITANO

PARIS (Reuters) -Traffic on the cross-Channel Eurotunnel will gradually resume following an agreement with unions, Eurotunnel said, after a strike by French workers interrupted traffic on the undersea link between Britain and continental Europe most of Thursday, upending Christmas holiday plans for thousand of travellers.

Eurotunnel said in a statement that service on the LeShuttle transport service for motor vehicles would resume gradually from Thursday night and on the Eurostar passenger trains from Friday.

Freight trains would also resume traffic from Thursday night, it added.

The protest over bonus pay caused massive disruptions on the busy London-Paris route during the day-long strike. Some trains had to return to the French capital just before reaching London, prompting the French government to call the industrial action unacceptable.

Thousands of travellers were stranded at the Gare du Nord high-speed train terminal in Paris.

"We were probably like half an hour from reaching London, suddenly, we hear this announcement," Sonia Kapur, a 50-year old American tourist told Reuters.

"Then finally, they said: 'There's a strike, we have to go back to Paris.' So that was devastating, because we have a lot of plans," she added.

Getlink, the operator of the cross-Channel tunnel used by train company Eurostar, said the strike called by French unions had resulted in an interrupted service and the closure of terminals in France and Britain.

The tunnel operator is not covered by a 2007 French law that makes a 48-hour strike notice compulsory for transport operators, which is why the walkout took everyone by surprise.

The company said trade unions had rejected a bonus payment of 1,000 euros ($1,097.60) announced by management, demanding that the amount be trebled.

Unions said in a statement they had asked for a better share of the profit after good traffic figures this year. The group's revenue was up 36% to 1.4 billion euros in the first nine months of the year, compared to the same period last year.

UNACCEPTABLE

Train operator Eurostar said on X: "We would recommend postponing your journey if you can, even if it's until tomorrow."

"Well, it's a bit of a pain, but there's not really much we can do about it," said 50 year-old Corrina Lynn, a British tourist from Essex who was heading to London from Paris.

"It's the stuff of nightmares that you really don't want to happen. But we're just going to have to deal with it and try to figure something out," she added.

Her nine-year old son Matthew, wearing a Disneyland Paris hat, was equally stoical. "I'm a bit frustrated because I want to go home, I want to relax, but we'll stay here in Paris for a longer time," he said.

The tunnel strike was also blocking freight and the LeShuttle vehicle transport service. More than 1.1 million trucks and more than 2 million passenger vehicles have crossed the Channel aboard the shuttle service so far this year.

($1 = 0.9111 euros)

(Reporting by Tassilo Hummer, Juliette Jabkhiro, Piotr Lipinski, Sudip Kar-Gupta and Geert De Clercq; Editing by Michel Rose, Susan Fenton, Barbara Lewis and Diane Craft)
FILE PHOTO: Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani departs the U.S. District Courthouse after he was ordered to pay $148 million in his defamation case in Washington, U.S., December 15, 2023. REUTERS/Bonnie Cash/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As Donald Trump faces criminal cases in Georgia and Washington stemming from his attempt to overturn his 2020 election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden, many of his allies have also faced legal repercussions for participating in that effort.

Here is a summary of the criminal charges, lawsuits and other legal woes that some of them face:

RUDY GIULIANI

The former New York mayor led efforts to overturn Trump's 2020 election loss through unsuccessful lawsuits and a wide-ranging effort to produce fake slates of electors in battleground states.

He has been ordered by a jury to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers who faced a deluge of threats after he falsely claimed they were engaged in fraud. Giuliani has repeated those claims following the verdict, even though he has admitted in court that they were defamatory, prompting the two workers to file a second lawsuit.

He filed for bankruptcy following that claim, listing up to $500 million in liabilities, but that might not enable him to shed that obligation. Judges have ruled that defamation claims can't be discharged by bankruptcy if the debtor engaged in "willful and malicious" conduct.

Giuliani has also pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of election subversion in Georgia, along with Trump and more than a dozen other co-defendants.

He faces a defamation lawsuit from two voting machine makers, Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems, for claiming that they flipped votes from Trump to Biden.

Hunter Biden, President Biden's son, has sued him for violating his privacy for taking data from his laptop.

Giuliani's former lawyer has also sued him over nearly $1.4 million in unpaid legal fees, and a former aide has sued him for $10 million for sexual assault.

His law license has been suspended in New York and he faces disbarment in Washington for pursuing what a professional board has called a "frivolous" voter-fraud lawsuit.

MARK MEADOWS

As Trump's final White House chief of staff, Meadows looked for evidence of fraud after the election and helped to set up a phone call in which Trump pressured Georgia's top election official to "find" enough votes to reverse his loss.

He also echoed Trump's false claims of election fraud in a book that was published after he left office.

Meadows faces criminal charges in the Georgia election subversion case. He has pleaded not guilty and argued that he was only doing his job when he tried to help Trump reverse his election loss.

He has tried but so far failed to move his case to federal court, where he could argue that he is immune from state prosecution.

The U.S. House of Representatives recommended contempt of Congress charges against Meadows for failing to fully cooperate with an investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, but the Justice Department opted not to pursue a case.

MIKE LINDELL

The pillow entrepreneur, who amplified Trump's baseless election-fraud claims, faces defamation lawsuits from Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic for saying their machines were rigged to favor Biden.

He was ordered in April to pay $5 million to a man who debunked his false election claims.

His lawyers have told a court that he owes them millions of dollars in unpaid fees and are seeking to drop him as a client. Lindell says he is out of money and hasn't paid them since July.

JOHN EASTMAN

The law professor crafted a theory that Trump's vice president, Mike Pence, could reject results from states that Trump lost to prevent Congress from certifying Biden's victory. He unsuccessfully pressured Pence to act even as Trump supporters stormed Congress on Jan. 6, 2021.

He is a defendant in the Georgia election-subversion case and has pleaded not guilty.

He retired from his professorship at Chapman University following the Jan. 6 attacks.

A California state judge is set to rule on whether Eastman should lose his law license following a five-month ethics trial.

SIDNEY POWELL

The conservative lawyer, who promoted Trump's false election claims and filed unsuccessful lawsuits to overturn his defeat, has pleaded guilty in the Georgia election-subversion case and has agreed to testify against Trump and the other defendants.

She admitted to plotting to unlawfully access election machines in a rural Georgia country following the election.

She also faces lawsuits from Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic for false vote-rigging claims, as well as a financial penalty for participating in a lawsuit in Michigan that a court determined to be frivolous.

JENNA ELLIS

Another lawyer who advanced Trump's false election-fraud claims, Ellis pleaded guilty in October in the Georgia election-fraud case and has agreed to testify against the former president.

She also has been censured by a Colorado court after admitting to making false claims about voter fraud.

KENNETH CHESBRO

Chesebro also pressured Pence to discard state election results. He pleaded guilty in the Georgia case in October.

LIN WOOD

The conservative lawyer was ordered along with Powell by a U.S. appeals court to pay $132,800 for participating in a lawsuit that challenged Trump's 2020 loss in Michigan.

He retired from practicing law in July 2023 as he faced disciplinary proceedings in Georgia that could have led to the loss of his license.

JEFFREY CLARK

The former U.S. Justice Department official sought to get Trump to name him attorney general after his superiors at the agency refused to back efforts to overturn the election.

He has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges in the Georgia election-interference case and faces ethics charges in Washington that could strip him of his law license.

JAN. 6, 2021, PARTICIPANTS

More than 1,237 people have been charged with crimes stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, when a mob of Trump supporters attempted to prevent Congress from certifying Biden's victory.

According to U.S. authorities, 714 of those defendants have pleaded guilty, 138 have been found guilty at trial and another 32 have been convicted following an agreement.

Some 454 have been sentenced to prison and 15 have been sentenced to home detention.

Among those are leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers right-wing groups, who were sentenced to up to 22 years in prison after being found guilty of seditious conspiracy.

A New Mexico county commissioner who participated in the riot was removed from office when a state judge ruled that he violated the U.S. Constitution by engaging in an insurrection.

FAKE ELECTORS

Trump supporters who signed on as fake electors to undermine the post-election vote tallying process in some states also are facing legal pressure.

Nevada, Michigan and Georgia have brought criminal charges against those who falsely attested Trump had won their states, while 10 fake electors in Wisconsin have reached a legal settlement that affirmed Biden's victory there.

TAMPERING WITH VOTING MACHINES

In Michigan, former Republican attorney general candidate Matt DePerno, former state representative Daire Rendon and lawyer Stefanie Lambert Junttila have been charged with illegally accessing voting machines as they tried to reverse Trump's loss in that state.

Separate financial sanctions and ethics charges against Juntilla have been dropped.

FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT

Two lawyers, Ernest Walker and Gary Fielder, were ordered by a U.S. judge to pay $187,000 in legal fees after finding they made reckless and frivolous claims in a Colorado lawsuit that accused Dominion Voting Systems, Meta's Facebook and the Center for Tech and Civic Life nonprofit of trying to steal the election from Trump.

(Reporting by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
By Rajesh Kumar Singh and Allison Lampert

CHICAGO/MONTREAL (Reuters) - The compensation system for flight attendants in the U.S. and Canada is under attack in new contract negotiations that could lead to big pay raises for cabin crews, but higher costs for airlines.

Thousands of cabin crews at carriers in both countries are demanding to be paid for more of their hours at work - a fundamental change from how the industry currently compensates them by paying largely when the aircraft is in motion.

As U.S. and Canadian carriers negotiate labor contracts, flight attendants are piling pressure on their unions to end the practice of "free work," such as when boarding passengers and waiting around the airport in between flights.

A tentative contract agreement presented this week to cabin crews at Canadian leisure carrier Transat AT, for example, is offering pay provisions for tasks that are currently unpaid, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Melius Research estimates that offering boarding pay alone will inflate the annual wage bill at U.S. airlines by more than $700 million.

Holding the line on costs, however, runs the risk of fueling staff resentment and turnover that could cause travel turmoil.

Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines rejected a contract deal this month that lacked boarding pay, but would have made them the highest-paid cabin crews in the industry. The carrier reached a $12 billion deal with its pilots on Tuesday.

"We are cleaning up diapers and we are cleaning up vomit without being paid," said one Southwest flight attendant who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. She said she recently voted against the company's contract offer. "It's time to change the antiquated industry."

Delta Air Lines last year started paying its flight attendants at half of their hourly wages amid efforts to unionize them, setting a benchmark for other carriers.

United Airlines flight attendants, who demonstrated nationwide last week, have demanded pay for their time during boarding and on the ground, its union head, Ken Diaz, told Reuters.

Their counterparts at Alaska Air are seeking similar concessions and have decided to hold a strike authorization vote early next year for the first time in two decades.

PUSHBACK

Against this backdrop of flight-attendant discontent, airlines are pushing back, unions say.

United has rejected proposals to pay flight cabin crew for all duty hours, and has instead proposed longer work hours, Diaz said. American Airlines is open to boarding pay only under certain conditions, its flight attendant union head said.

United and American said they want "industry-leading" deals for their flight attendants. American's spokesperson said the company's proposal includes boarding pay and will translate into salaries of $80,000 a year for flight attendants who work an average of 71 hours a month - up 20% from what they earn at present. The company's union has asked for a 50% increase in wages over four years.

Alaska Air said it remains open to alternative pay structures proposed by the union. Transat declined to comment ahead of a vote by cabin crew.

Union officials say flight attendants have endured a lot since the pandemic - having to deal with unruly passengers and enforce the politically controversial mask mandate on planes, but their wages have remained stagnant.

They have also been encouraged by hefty pay raises and improvements in working conditions for pilots, as well as other more generous deals reached in other industries.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents 18,500 flight attendants, plans to ask a labor board next year to decide for the first time whether the unpaid work violates the country's labor code. It estimates its members on average work 35 hours a month without pay.

Similarly, in the United States, Dominique Tuggle, 32, a flight attendant at American, cited a recent trip when she worked almost 12 hours, but was paid for only about 7 hours.

Tuggle, who lives in Dallas, said stagnant wages and lack of pay for a large portion of her workday have forced her to dabble in the stock market in order to make ends meet.

"The contract is the only means to rectify it," Tuggle said. "It is now or never."

(Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Additional reporting by Carlos Barria in San Francisco; Editing by Ben Klayman and Matthew Lewis)
Boxes are seen in the courtroom ahead of the arrival of Nicolas Zepeda from Chile, on the opening day of his appeal trial after he was sentenced at first instance for murdering Japanese student Narumi Kurosaki, in Vesoul, France, February 21, 2023. REUTE

PARIS (Reuters) - A French court of appeals on Thursday confirmed a Chilean man was guilty of murdering his Japanese ex-girlfriend in 2016 and upheld a 28-year prison sentence, French news agency AFP reported on Thursday.

The verdict confirms a lower court ruling from last year against the now 33-year-old Nicolas Zepeda. In the appeal case, which lasted three weeks, the general counsel requested a life sentence and expulsion from the French territory once the term has been served.

Zepeda continued to claim his innocence.

Last year, Zepeda was found guilty of murdering 21-year-old Narumi Kurosaki, whose body has never been found, in the eastern French town of Basancon, in a trial that made national headlines in France, Chile and Japan.

(Reporting by Piotr Lipinski, Editing by Franklin Paul)
A woman sells Hanfu via livestreaming in Ancailou Township of Caoxian County, east China's Shandong Province, July 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

JINAN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Wang Bo was not really a fan of costume dramas. It was a big decision for the 26-year-old farmer in east China's Shandong Province to close his chicken farm in 2015 and revert to producing traditional Chinese dress, also known as Hanfu.

But this business turned out to be unexpectedly successful.

Wang now owns a small workshop employing more than 20 workers, with revenue last year exceeding eight million yuan (about 1.13 million U.S. dollars).

"In the Ancailou Township where I live, almost all the young people born after 1995 are now involved in Hanfu businesses," he said.

In recent years, benefiting from the growing popularity of social media and a craze for traditional culture, Hanfu, a traditional style of clothing worn by the Han people which usually features intricate embroidery, was returned to the spotlight by a new wave of young Chinese devotees.

However, few people know that the biggest Hanfu producing base in China is Caoxian County, which administers Ancailou. In the first nine months this year, sales of Hanfu in the county reached a record high of 5.53 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 45.22 percent. About 40 percent of the total Hanfu in China's domestic market was produced in Caoxian.

According to Zhang Longfei, director of Caoxian's e-commerce service center, the county with more than 1.3 million people is one of Shandong's most populous counties, and used to be the origin of many migrant workers who left the region to pursue jobs in China's big cities.

About 15 years ago, some villagers in this county tested the waters by making Hanfu costumes for photo studios and performances, before also hustling around to try to sell them.

The situation was changed by the rise of e-commerce in China. In 2009, these Hanfu makers opened online stores, and found that their dresses sold surprisingly well.

In the following years, more villagers joined the Hanfu business, involved in either production or online sales. "Selling on Taobao is better than rushing about" became a slogan in Caoxian.

Wang from Ancailou had been a migrant worker before 2014, earning 2,000 to 3,000 yuan a month. Seeing the booming Hanfu industry in his hometown, he decided to return there. In the first month, he earned more than 200,000 yuan.

Over the past few years he witnessed a production chain taking shape in Caoxian.

University graduate Liang Li returned in spring this year. An art major, the 25-year-old became a designer of Hanfu, earning about 8,000 yuan a month.

Guo Peng, from central China's Henan Province, used to be involved in a clothing business in the south Chinese city of Guangzhou, before opening a store in Caoxian last year. "Last November my store opened along with six others," he recalled. "Now we have more than 70 clothing stores nearby."

"Find a designer on the internet. After you've got the design, you can find everything you need here, from fabrics to accessories, to produce the costumes," said Li Wenchuang, who, like Wang, returned to Caoxian to start his own Hanfu company in 2017.

This industrial agglomeration has driven down the cost of Hanfu, which used to cost about 1,000 yuan per item. Now Hanfu items produced in Caoxian are sold for only between 100 yuan and 300 yuan each, which is easily affordable for more young people, even students.

Caoxian County is currently home to 12,797 online Hanfu stores and 2,186 companies related to the business, while close to 100,000 people are involved in the Hanfu industry.

According to research firm iMedia Research, the value of the Hanfu market in China was estimated at 12.54 billion yuan in 2022, and it will likely rise to 19.11 billion yuan in 2025.

To encourage the development of Hanfu businesses, the local government of Caoxian County earmarked about 10 billion yuan to build an industrial park, while a Hanfu association was established to promote collaboration between producers, designers and colleges.

At the same time, a center for safeguarding of intellectual property rights was set up in the county, reducing the number of days needed for patent application processing from 180 to 10 days.

Hao Chaoliang, an official with the Ancailou Township, expressed hope that the Hanfu produced in Caoxian could be promoted to more places across China, a pursuit for which offline stores are a good option.

Thanks to her offline store, which was the first in Ancailou, Bai Menghan has already received orders from tourist cities such as Xi'an of northwest China's Shaanxi Province and Luoyang in Henan. She is now planning to open stores in Shanghai, Xi'an and Zhengzhou.

For his part, Wang Bo is trying to complete the production line in his workshop. "I can do everything now except printing," he said. "So the cost of my clothes is about 15 to 20 percent lower than others. In the future I am going to focus on high quality." 

A woman sells Hanfu via livestreaming in Ancailou Township of Caoxian County, east China's Shandong Province, July 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

A staff member sews Hanfu in Caoxian County, east China's Shandong Province, July 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Liang Li designs Hanfu in Ancailou Township of Caoxian County, east China's Shandong Province, July 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The first 10 weeks of the Israel-Gaza war have been the deadliest recorded for journalists, with the most journalists killed in a single year in one location, the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said on Thursday.

Most of the journalists and media workers killed in the war - 61 out of 68 - were Palestinian. The report said it was "particularly concerned about an apparent pattern of targeting of journalists and their families by the Israeli military."

A spokesperson for Israel's military has said the forces don't target journalists.

Four Israeli and three Lebanese journalists, including Reuters visuals journalist Issam Abdallah, were also killed between Oct. 7 and Dec. 20, CPJ data showed.

The group, a nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide, said it was further investigating the circumstances of all journalist deaths. It said such efforts in Gaza were hampered by widespread destruction and by the killing of journalists' family members, who typically serve as sources for investigators looking into how the journalists died.

Reporting in Gaza has been severely restricted under intense Israeli bombardment, with repeated communications blackouts and a lack of food, fuel and housing, said CPJ, adding that foreign journalists have not been able to independently access the strip for most of the war.

"The Israel-Gaza war is the most dangerous situation for journalists we have ever seen, and these figures show that clearly," said Sherif Mansour, CPJ's Middle East and North Africa program coordinator. "The Israeli army has killed more journalists in 10 weeks than any other army or entity has in any single year. And with every journalist killed, the war becomes harder to document and to understand."

A May report by CPJ found that Israeli soldiers had killed at least 20 journalists in the last 22 years and none had ever been charged or held accountable.

Earlier this month, a Reuters investigation found an Israeli tank crew killed Abdallah and wounded six reporters in Lebanon on Oct. 13 by firing two shells in quick succession from Israel while the journalists were filming cross-border shelling.

At least 1,200 people were killed in Israel and 240 were taken hostage on Oct. 7 after Hamas launched a surprise attack, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza health officials say nearly 20,000 Palestinians have since been confirmed killed in Israeli strikes, with thousands more believed lost under rubble.

(Reporting by Henriette Chacar; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
By Joan Faus

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday told the Catalan regional president a self-determination referendum is out of the question even after he allied with Catalan separatist parties in Parliament.

"No constitution in the world accepts and allows the separation of a part of its country. None. In Spain either," Sanchez told a press briefing in Barcelona after meeting Pere Aragones, the Catalan regional president.

Aragones though insisted, in a separate press conference, the holding of a referendum is the only "viable path" to resolve the political conflict.

The separatist leader pointed out how Sanchez used to oppose an amnesty bill for Catalan separatists before backtracking in November in exchange for the critical support of Aragones' Esquerra Republicana party and fellow Junts separatist party to a new term in office.

Sanchez opposes independence but supports dialogue with Catalan regional authorities to ease tensions with the wealthy northeastern region following its failed 2017 independence bid.

Back then a referendum on a breakaway that courts had banned and a short-lived declaration of independence triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades that has still to be fully overcome.

The amnesty bill is poised to erase the legal records of hundreds of people involved in Catalonia's pro-independence movement and has triggered protests and the fierce opposition of conservative parties and some judges.

Sanchez, however, said the Spanish government was eager to discuss measures to strengthen Catalonia's self-government and reach agreements that promote the unity of Catalans. In the past, he has said a referendum would further divide the region's people.

The Spanish and Catalan governments will hold a negotiation meeting in the first quarter of next year.

Both Esquerra and Junts have warned their support for Sanchez's Socialist-led government in Parliament will depend on progress in their demands.

(Reporting by Joan Faus and David Latona; editing by Inti Landauro and Jonathan Oatis)
By Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A total of more than 20 countries have agreed to participate in the new U.S.-led coalition safeguarding commercial traffic in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement as more nations join the effort, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

Still, the new Pentagon total would suggest that at least eight of the countries who have signed up have also declined to be publicly named, in a sign of political sensitivities of the operation as regional tensions soar over the Israel-Hamas war.

"We've had over 20 nations now sign on to participate," Major General Patrick Ryder said, noting declarations by Greece and Australia.

"We'll allow other countries, defer to them to talk about their participation."

The United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian two days ago, saying more than a dozen countries had agreed to participate in an effort that will involve joint patrols in Red Sea waters near Yemen.

Each country will contribute what they can, Ryder said, dubbing it a "coalition of the willing."

"In some cases that will include vessels. In other cases, it could include staff or other types of support," he told a news briefing.

The crisis in the Red Sea has grown out of the war between Israel and Gaza's ruling Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

The war began on Oct. 7 when Hamas fighters stormed across the Gaza border into southern Israel, where Israeli authorities say the militants killed about 1,200 mostly civilian Israelis and foreigners.

Israel's retaliatory bombardment and invasion of Gaza, which Israeli officials state is aimed at wiping out Hamas, has killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in the densely populated, coastal enclave.

Iranian proxies including the Houthis and Lebanese Hezbollah have fired rockets at Israel since the conflict began. The Houthis, meanwhile, have stepped up their Red Sea attacks, threatening to target all ships heading to Israel and warning shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports.

The attacks have disrupted a key trade route that links Europe and North America with Asia via the Suez Canal and caused container shipping costs to rise sharply as companies seek to ship their goods via alternative, often longer, routes.

The U.S. Navy, British and French navies have responded by shooting down Houthi drones and missiles, defensive actions that some critics in Washington say don't go far enough to discourage the Houthis from continuing their attacks.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Sonali Paul)
(Reuters) - Myanmar's military has likely perpetrated indiscriminate attacks on civilians and used banned cluster munitions in its fight against ethnic minority insurgents, Amnesty International said on Thursday, calling for an investigation of suspected war crimes.

The junta is facing its biggest battlefield challenge since its 2021 coup, with coordinated rebel attacks on military posts in Shan state, bordering China, and in western Rakhine state.

An air strike in Shan state earlier this month used bombs that were most likely cluster munitions, Amnesty said in a statement, citing evidence analysed by its weapon investigator.

According to the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), one of three groups in the rebel "Three Brotherhood Alliance", the attack killed a resident and injured five people.

Civilians in Pauk Taw, Rakhine state, suffered looting, arbitrary arrests, inhumane treatment and torture, Amnesty said citing interviews with 10 civilians.

"The Myanmar military has a blood-stained resume of indiscriminate attacks with devastating consequences for civilians, and its brutal response to a major offensive by armed groups fits a longstanding pattern," said Matt Wells, director of Amnesty's Crisis Response Programme.

Reuters could not independently verify the report and the junta's spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun, could not be reached for comment. He has denied state forces target civilians in operations he called legitimate actions against "terrorists".

More than 300,000 people have fled the fighting that erupted in late October, with more than 2 million displaced overall since the coup, according to the United Nations.

The coup unravelled a decade of democracy and reform, with anger over a sweeping military crackdown fuelling a resistance movement and an intensification of fighting with ethnic minority rebels.

China last week said it mediated a ceasefire between the rebels and the military, although the alliance said its campaign would continue.

In a statement issued before the Amnesty report, the alliance said the military regularly threatened civilians including through arbitrary arrests, use of human shields, and torture.

Separately on Thursday, the New York-based Human Rights Watch accused one rebel alliance group of abducting and forcibly recruiting fleeing civilians in Shan state.

"The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is violating the laws of war," said Elaine Pearson, its Asia director.

"Civilians should be able to seek safety from fighting without fearing that the Myanmar military or ethnic armed groups will force them into their armies."

The MNDAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Reuters Staff; Editing by Martin Petty and Nick Macfie)
(Reuters) -Nicaragua arrested another Catholic bishop on Wednesday, a source in close contact with local church leaders told Reuters following local media reports, making the bishop the second such leader to be detained in a prolonged crackdown.

Police arrested Bishop Isidro Mora of the Triangulo Minero diocese, located along the country's northern Caribbean coast, according to the source.

Local news outlets including Despacho 505 and La Prensa earlier on Wednesday reported that Mora was arrested for the crime of praying for his fellow detained bishop, Rolando Alvarez.

Over the past few years, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has targeted Catholic institutions and many of its leaders, including priests, whom he has accused of seeking to undermine his government.

The jailed Alvarez is Nicaragua's most prominent Ortega critic. He was detained last year after leading mass gatherings and earlier this year was sentenced to 26 years in prison on treason charges after he refused to be expelled to the United States.

Nicaragua's Catholic bishops conference did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Formal ties between Nicaragua's government and the Vatican were severed this year after Pope Francis sharply criticized Ortega's government, labeling it a "gross dictatorship" and comparing it to 20th century communist and Nazi regimes.

(Reporting by Ismael Lopez; Writing by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Sarah Morland and Leslie Adler)
A police officer secures the area following the shooting at one of the buildings of Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, December 21, 2023. REUTERS/David W Cerny

By Jan Lopatka and Jason Hovet

PRAGUE (Reuters) -A 24-year-old Czech student shot dead his father, then killed 14 people and wounded 25 others at his Prague university on Thursday before possibly killing himself, police said, marking the country's worst-ever mass shooting.

The government declared a day of mourning across the central European country for Dec. 23 to remember the victims, decided at a special cabinet meeting with President Petr Pavel.

"I would express my great sadness along with helpless anger at the unnecessary loss of so many young lives," Pavel said.

"I would like to express my sincere condolences to all relatives of the victims, to all who were at this tragic incident, the most tragic in the history of the Czech Republic."

Police -- who discovered a large arsenal of weapons at the downtown Prague Charles University building where the shooting took place -- were tipped off earlier in the day the suspect was likely heading to Prague from his town in the Kladno region outside the capital with intentions of taking his own life.

Shortly after that, the shooter's father was found dead.

Police evacuated a Faculty of Arts building where the shooter was due to attend a lecture, but then were called to the faculty's larger main building, arriving within minutes after reports of the shooting, Police President Martin Vondrasek said.

Police had "unconfirmed information from an account on a social network that he was supposedly inspired by one terrorist attack in Russia in the autumn of this year," Vondrasek told reporters, adding the shooter was a legal holder of several firearms.

"It was a pre-mediated horrific act that started in the Kladno region and unfortunately ended here."

The gunman is also suspected in the killings of another man and his two-month-old daughter who were found last week shot dead in woods in a village outside Prague, Vondrasek said.

The gunman's death was likely a suicide but authorities are also investigating whether he may have been killed by police who returned fire, Vondrasek added.

Police said he was a high-achieving student with no prior criminal record and that he acted alone.

Police asked not to reveal the man's identity but his name reported by some Czech media matched a police search report.

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said the shooting had no connection to international terrorism.

'SHOUTED AT ME TO RUN'

Authorities sealed off the square and area adjacent to the faculty building, in a busy historical district across the river from Prague Castle on a popular street leading to Old Town Square.

Media images showed students evacuating the building with their hands in the air, and others perched on a ledge near the roof trying to hide from the attacker while students barricaded classrooms with desks and chairs.

"We always thought that this was a thing that did not concern us. Now it turns out that, unfortunately, our world is also changing and the problem of the individual shooter is emerging here as well," Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda told Czech Television.

The White House condemned the shooting and said the United States was ready to offer assistance. Leaders across Europe including France's Emmanuel Macron offered their support.

Witness Ivo Havranek, 43, told Reuters via Zoom that he initially thought the "couple of bangs" he heard might have come from loud tourists or a nearby movie set.

"Then suddenly there were students and teachers running out of the building. I went through the crowd not realising what is actually going on. I wasn't ready to admit that something like that could happen in Prague," he said. Only once he saw police officers with automatic rifles, he knew it was serious, he said.

"They shouted at me to run away."

People lit candles outside the historic headquarters of Charles University, central Europe's oldest set up in 1348.

Gun crime is relatively rare in the Czech Republic. In December 2019, a 42-year-old gunman killed six people at a hospital waiting room in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava before fleeing and fatally shooting himself, police said.

In 2015, a man fatally shot eight people and then killed himself at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod.

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka and Jason Hovet; Additional reporting by Anna Lubowicka; Writing by Tomasz Janowski and Michael Kahn; Editing by Toby Chopra, Alison Williams and Daniel Wallis)
FILE PHOTO: Containers are seen on the Hapag-Lloyd container ship Chacabuco at the HHLA Container Terminal Altenwerder, on the River Elbe in Hamburg, Germany March 31, 2023. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo

By Vera Eckert, Jonathan Saul and Lisa Baertlein

FRANKFURT/ATHENS/LONDON/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Germany's Hapag-Lloyd and Hong Kong's OOCL said on Thursday they would avoid the Red Sea, the latest shipping companies to do so after attacks by Yemen's Houthi group on vessels disrupted global trade, prompting the establishment of a naval task force.

The hostilities have put a chokehold on ship passages through the Suez Canal, which handles about 12% of worldwide trade. The Suez Canal is most vital to the movement of goods between Asia and Europe, but global logistics executives warned that sending ships on alternate routes could roil global supply chains, causing backups at ports and shortages of vessels, containers and equipment that are suddenly in the wrong place.

"The situation remains fluid, things could change quickly, which is why contingency plans that include a plan A, B and C are critical to keeping supply chains moving," said Matthew Burgess, vice president of global ocean services at C.H. Robinson Worldwide.

Hapag-Lloyd said it would reroute 25 ships by the end of the year from the key waterway as freight rates and shipping stocks have increased because of the disruption. Avoiding the Red Sea and Suez Canal means following a far longer route around Africa.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have been attacking ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea for weeks in what they say is a response to Israel's war in Gaza.

Traders are meanwhile scrambling to find workarounds, including air flights, to get consumer goods to retailers, with journeys around Africa adding roughly 10-14 days extra to voyage times.

"Up to this moment, we have guided OOCL-operated vessels to either divert route or suspend sailing to Red Sea," Hong Kong-headquartered container group OOCL told Reuters in a statement on Thursday, the first time it had confirmed pausing sailings.

A crisis at a single point in the supply chain can cause ships to bunch up, upending arrival and departure schedules at seaports and cascading delays throughout the system, said Christian Sur, executive vice president of ocean freight at Unique Logistics.

The cost to ship a container from China to the Mediterranean was up 44% in December alone to reach $2,413, due to the Red Sea disruptions, Freightos said earlier this week.

If the conflict persists or intensifies those so-called "spot" prices for cargo that isn't under contract "could double or triple from current levels," Sur said.

Global furniture seller IKEA is among the shippers warning of potential cargo delays and product shortages. Elsewhere, Finnish elevator maker Kone estimated that some shipments could be delayed by two to three weeks.

While goods that travel by container, including apparel, toys and food, are most at risk - other products are being affected.

U.S. soybean exporters, who were already switching shipments from the drought-stricken Panama Canal to the Suez Canal, are weighing whether to start putting crops on trains to the West Coast to access ships that go directly to China and other Asian markets to avoid significantly longer alternate voyages around South America or Africa.

"You've got all these imperfect options available," Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition.

Analysts warned that some retailers could start running low on some goods by February, though after the COVID-19 pandemic more companies have sought resilience in supply chains by buying from exporters in different regions.

"We are more experienced having gone thru COVID," said Sur, whose firm counts retailers among its clients.

COALITION

Greece said on Thursday it would send a naval frigate to the area to help protect shipping as part of a multinational coalition announced by the United States to ensure safe passage through the waterway.

Greek ship-owners control about 20% of the world's commercial vessels in terms of carrying capacity.

However, several countries the United States said would join the coalition have signalled they do not expect to send much naval power to the region while Saudi Arabia, which borders the Red Sea, was not listed as taking part.

The Houthi leader has meanwhile threatened to escalate attacks to include U.S. naval ships, raising the prospect of a wider conflict around the Bab al-Mandab strait.

A Hapag-Lloyd spokesperson said one of the company's ships, the Al Jasrah, was attacked near Yemen on Dec. 15 on its way to Singapore and the company would take more decisions on routes by the end of the year.

The spokesperson said the company had received no detailed information about the U.S.-led naval coalition aimed at protecting Red Sea shipping.

Stabilising the critical waterways will be vital to ensure that shipping traffic can fully resume, ocean transportation executives said.

The fallout is also being felt directly in Israel. OCCL said on Saturday that "due to operational issues," it would stop accepting cargo to and from Israel until further notice.

Israel's most southern port of Eilat has seen an 85% drop in activity since Houthi attacks stepped up, the port's chief executive said on Thursday.

(Reporting by Helen Reid, Vera Eckert, Lefteris Papdimas and Jonathan Saul; additional reporting by Elviira Luoma; writing by Angus McDowall; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Diane Craft)
FILE PHOTO: Russian Minister for Open Government Mikhail Abyzov attends the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) in Moscow, Russia, December 19, 2016. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File photo

(Reuters) - A Russian court on Thursday sentenced former minister Mikhail Abyzov to 12 years in jail, finding him guilty of fraud and organising a criminal group, state-run news agencies reported.

Abyzov, once an ally of former President Dmitry Medvedev, held the title of minister for open government affairs from 2012 to 2018. He was taken into custody in March 2019.

The Investigative Committee accused Abyzov of organising a criminal group and, together with other individuals, embezzling 4 billion roubles ($43.36 million) from two energy companies supplying electricity to the Novosibirsk region in Siberia. Abyzov, a former electrical power executive, denied the allegations.

The alleged crimes took place between April 2011 and November 2014 while the alleged embezzled sum had been taken out of the country, the Investigative Committee said earlier.

In 2018 Forbes estimated Abyzov's wealth at $600 million.

($1 = 92.2455 roubles)

(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Smoke trails are seen as a salvo of rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, December 21, 2023. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and a Reuters camera crew witnessed rocket interceptions on Thursday as Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip said they launched a salvo at Israel's commercial capital.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said there had been several impact points in southern Tel Aviv but no immediate word of casualties.

The launches showed Hamas, the dominant Palestinian Islamist group, retained some longer-range rocket capabilities even as Israeli forces gain ground in a Gaza war now in its third month.

(Writing by Dan Williams; editing by James Mackenzie and Toby Chopra)
FILE PHOTO: Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shakes hands with South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol as they attend the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Leaders event at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, C

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea and Japan held high-level economic talks on Thursday for the first time in eight years, in a further sign of improving ties as the countries are drawn closer by shared geopolitical concerns.

The talks, which first began in 1999, had been stalled since 2016 as relations between the two North Asian U.S. allies took a hit over historical disputes stemming from Japan's 1910-1945 occupation of Korea.

But South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has made it a priority to mend ties with Tokyo since taking office in 2022.

Kang Jae-kwon, South Korea's deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, was due to assess bilateral economic cooperation and discuss economic security policy with his Japanese counterpart Keiichi Ono, senior deputy foreign minister, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

"I hope that today's meeting will be a constructive time to contribute to restoring and deepening economic relations between the two countries," Kang said during his opening remarks at the meeting with Ono.

Earlier this year, South Korea announced plans for its companies to compensate people forced to work under Japan's 1910-1945 occupation as it pushed to end a spat that has undercut U.S.-led efforts to present a unified front against China and North Korea.

In a further example of increasing trilateral cooperation, Japan, South Korea and Washington announced the launch of a real-time missile data-sharing system to help monitor Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.

In July, Japan also reinstated South Korea to its "white list" for exports with fast-track trade status after lifting export curbs on high-tech materials to South Korea in March.

Nonetheless, there continues to be friction in the ties between Japan and South Korea.

This includes Seoul's decade-long ban on seafood originating from the area around the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant and a recent South Korean court ruling in favour of a group of South Korean women, known as "comfort women", who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels.

South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld rulings ordering two Japanese companies to compensate South Koreans who were forced to work under Japan's colonial rule, a decision that immediately sparked a protest by Tokyo.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; additional reporting by Ju-min Park and Dogyun Kim; Editing by Ed Davies, Jacqueline Wong and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Dec. 20, a national day of mourning due to the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama, is a grim reminder of how the notorious U.S. foreign policy of the Monroe Doctrine has blighted the Americas for two centuries.

Back in December 1823, then U.S. President James Monroe put forward the idea that America is for Americans in his annual State of the Union address to Congress. The Monroe Doctrine thus became the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.

Waving the banner of the Monroe Doctrine, the United States, through military invasions and political intervention, annexed the territories of Latin American and Caribbean countries, occupied strategic locations, and constantly interfered in the domestic and foreign affairs of Latin American countries to expand its sphere of influence and maximize its interests.

Moreover, by manipulating ideology, the United States has disrupted Latin American integration and strengthened the continent's subordinate status to the United States.

One palpable incident was 34 years ago, when the United States invaded Panama, overthrowing Manuel Antonio Noriega's regime and intending to permanently control the Panama Canal.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly subsequently passed a resolution to strongly deplore the action that "constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states."

Over the past 200 years, the unilateral sanctions and forced concessions the United States has imposed on Latin American countries have fueled unremitting resistance. The United States has also pursued a Latin America policy of benefiting those who follow its lead and destroying those who resist. To counter such hegemonic arrogance, Latin American countries have joined forces to defend their legitimate rights and interests.

For a long time, Latin Americans have seen through the Monroe Doctrine, as they recognized that it is not a banner of justice that upholds peace and development in the Americas. Rather, it is a blatant attempt to carry out the idea that America is for Americans of the United States, which has always treated Latin America as a backyard to serve its own interests.

Numerous politicians and scholars on the continent continue to show the imperialistic nature of the Monroe Doctrine to the world. The resistance against U.S. aggression, intervention, economic colonization and ideological control is continuously growing in Latin American countries, and their people, with a strong will for independence and justice, have been striving to eradicate the imperialistic blight.

Latin American countries have thus pursued autonomous diplomatic policies and actively expanded cooperation with regional countries, opening up new space for their own development.

In January, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held its seventh summit and issued the Declaration of Buenos Aires, sending a strong message of strengthening regional cooperation and integration, and opposing foreign interference.

In May, heads of state and representatives from all 12 South American countries gathered in Brazil and reached the Brasilia Consensus to promote regional cooperation. During this regional leaders' summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for the creation of a common currency for South American trade in order to reduce the dependence on the U.S. dollar.

Nowadays, Latin America is different from what it used to be, with its economies and diplomacy being more independent, thanks to increasing regional solidarity and its rising international status. The balance of history between intervention and counter-intervention, oppression and counter-oppression is tilting in favor of the Latin American countries.

Across the world, the rise of developing countries has promoted the democratization of international relations, peace and development, as well as win-win cooperation, which has become an unstoppable trend of the time. More and more countries, big or small, have chosen to jointly build a community with a shared future for humankind. The Monroe Doctrine, which goes against the general trend of the times, is doomed to be eliminated.

In fact, the United States is aware that the Monroe Doctrine is outdated. On Nov. 18, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry declared that the Monroe Doctrine "is over" during a meeting of the Organization of American States.

However, given the disgraceful history of U.S. double-dealing, the Monroe Doctrine may be over on paper, but the U.S. hegemonic behavior is far from over. There will surely be a "Monroe Doctrine 2.0" and even "Monroe Doctrine 3.0" in the future.

In reality, the ghost of the Monroe Doctrine lingers, and the fight against U.S. intervention and subversion will never cease. Latin America should not be the "front yard" or "backyard" of the United States. The Monroe Doctrine is definitely a thing of the past and obviously outdated. 
FILE PHOTO: SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Saeed Al-Shorbaji, the supervisor of Nasser hospital's morgue, looks on as he works at the morgue, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Khan Younis

By Bassam Massoud and Maggie Fick

GAZA/LONDON (Reuters) - In the morgue of the Nasser Hospital, in southern Gaza, workers wrap the corpses of people killed in Israeli airstrikes in white cloth amid the stench of death. They record whatever basic facts they can about the dead: name, identity card number, age, sex.

Some of the bodies are badly mutilated. Only those that have been identified or claimed by relatives can go for burial and be included in the Gaza Health Ministry's death toll for the war. The rest are stored in the morgue's refrigerator, often for weeks.

The toll reached 20,057 people on Friday, amid renewed international calls for a fresh ceasefire in Gaza. The ministry says thousands more dead remain buried beneath the rubble. About 70% of those killed are women and children, it says.

The ministry's figures have drawn international attention to the high number of civilians being killed in the Israeli military's offensive, which it launched after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the bloodiest in the country's 75-year history.

But with most hospitals across Gaza now closed, hundreds of doctors and other health workers killed, and communications hampered by lack of fuel and electricity, it's becoming increasingly difficult to compile the casualty figures.

The morgue workers at the Nasser Hospital are part of an international effort  including doctors and health officials in Gaza as well as academics, activists and volunteers around the world  to ensure the toll doesn't become a casualty of the increasingly dire conditions of the war.

The workers, some of them volunteers, do not have enough food or water for their families, but they keep going because recording the number of Palestinians dying matters to them, said Hamad Hassan Al Najjar.

He said the psychological strain of the work was immense. Holding a piece of white paper with handwritten information about one of the dead, the 42-year-old said he was often shocked to find the badly damaged corpse of a friend or relative brought in.

The body of the morgue's director, Saeed Al-Shorbaji, and those of several of his family members, arrived in early December, after they were killed in an Israeli airstrike, Al Najjar said.

"He was one of the pillars of this morgue," said Al Najjar, his face worn with sadness and fatigue. Preparing the bodies of dead children, some of them missing heads or limbs, was the most painful task: "It takes you hours to recover your psychological balance, to recover from the effects of this shock."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expressed regret for civilian deaths but blamed Hamas  the Palestinian militant group that ran the Gaza Strip - for sheltering in densely populated areas. Hamas gunmen killed 1,200 people in the Oct. 7 attack, most of them civilians, and seized some 240 hostages.

Israel says it will continue its offensive until Hamas is eliminated, the hostages returned and the threat of future attacks on Israel removed.

An Israeli military spokesperson said in response to a comment request for this article that the IDF "follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm".

U.N. VOUCHES FOR THE DATA

The data recorded by Al Najjar and his colleagues is collated by workers at a central information centre set up by the health ministry at the Nasser Hospital, which pools information from the functioning emergency departments and hospitals across Gaza. Ministry staff fled their offices at Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza after Israeli forces entered it in mid-November.

Ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra, a 50-year-old doctor, said the team uses a computerized data system established in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO), which obliges hospital workers to fill in mandatory information before a death can be registered.

"The numbers used by the Ministry of Health reflect verified data," said Al-Qidra, noting that many bodies were not being recorded due to lack of information or because they did pass through hospitals before burial. In Al-Shifa hospital, for example, there were currently no staff so no deaths were being recorded, he said: "The real numbers (of casualties) are much greater than this."

Since early December, the ministry has said it was unable to collect regular reports from morgues at hospitals in northern Gaza, amid the collapse of communications services and other infrastructure in Gaza due to the Israeli offensive. According to the WHO, only six of Gaza's 36 hospitals were receiving casualties as of Wednesday, all of them in the south.

The U.N. health agency cited this as one reason it believes the ministry's tally may be an undercount; the toll also excludes dead who were never taken to hospitals or whose bodies were never recovered. The WHO and other experts said it was not possible for now to determine the extent of any undercounting.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Oct. 25 he had "no confidence" in the Palestinian data. The ministry's figures say nothing about cause of death, and they don't distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Following Biden's remark, the ministry released a 212-page report listing 7,028 people killed in the conflict until Oct. 26, including identity cards, names, age and sex. Since then, the ministry has not released such detailed data, making it hard for researchers to corroborate the latest figures.

However, the United Nations  which has long-standing cooperation with Palestinian health authorities - continues to vouch for the quality of the data. The WHO noted that  compared to previous conflicts in Gaza  the figures show more civilians have been killed, including a greater proportion of women and children.

Israeli officials this month said they believe the data released to date is broadly accurate; they have estimated that one third of those killed in Gaza are enemy combatants, without providing detailed figures.

The Palestinian Health Ministry, which is located in the occupied West Bank and pays the salaries of Gazan ministry workers, said it has lost almost all contact recently with hospitals in the enclave. It also has no information on the fate of several hundred health workers arrested by Israeli forces, it added.

Asked about the arrests, the IDF said it had detained some hospital staff based on intelligence that Hamas was using medical facilities for its operations. Those not involved in these activities were released after questioning, it said, without providing the number of detainees.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS

Academics, advocates and volunteers across Europe, the United States and India are working to analyse the data provided by the Gaza Health Ministry, to corroborate the details of those killed and determine the numbers of civilian casualties.

Much of this is based on the Oct. 26 list that includes names, identity card numbers, and other details. Some other researchers, meanwhile, are "scraping" social media to preserve accounts posted there for future analysis.

"There are far more eyes and players involved in recording Gaza deaths than is normal and than exist in the world's other worst crises", said Leslie Roberts, Professor Emeritus of Population and Family Health at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. Roberts has been involved in more than 50 mortality surveys during wars since the early 1990s.

London-based Airwars  a non-profit affiliated with the department of media and communications at Goldsmiths, University of London, that investigates civilian deaths in conflicts - is using social media and the ministry's Oct. 26 document to compile a detailed record of casualties.

Airwars director Emily Tripp said some 20 volunteers were working on the project alongside regular staff, and so far it had positively identified some 900 civilians killed in the fighting. Even if the fighting stopped today, it could take another year to finish the survey, she said.

"What we're also seeing now is civilians who've been killed who are displaced from other areas, so they're not easily identified by their neighbors," Tripp told Reuters. "That makes the process of counting and identification really challenging."

Zeina Jamaluddine, a doctoral student at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, co-authored an analysis last month in the Lancet medical journal based on the health ministry's Oct. 26 list. The study concluded that the identification numbers of those listed as killed were highly correlated with age, a pattern unlikely to arise from data fabrication.

She said the Palestinian health authorities' systems for collecting data had been tested over multiple wars and revised through United Nations-backed efforts: "While no data is 100% perfect, Palestine has high quality data."

While excess mortality experts have tools for calculating total deaths after conflicts end, there are challenges to doing so and the final post-war toll could end up being incomplete unless deaths are recorded to the greatest extent possible in real time, she said.

"Every name on the list represents a person, a life, a story. Each one deserves to be remembered."

ENTIRE FAMILIES KILLED

Researchers use methods such as surveys of households after a conflict is over to estimate the overall toll.

Household surveys could be difficult following this conflict because in some cases entire families have been killed by bombardments  sometimes dozens of members, according to the Oct. 26 list. More than four-fifth of Gaza's pre-war population has fled their homes - 1.9 million people, according to U.N. figures - and may be difficult to locate, experts say.

But given how close-knit Gazan society is, there is hope that such studies could eventually be conducted in a meaningful way, said Hamit Dardagan of the Iraq Body Count (IBC), an organisation that records violent deaths resulting from the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The IBC has already published an analysis on age and other characteristics of those killed in Gaza, based on the ministry's Oct. 26 data.

"The pace of civilian deaths - at least 200 each day since October 7, except for the week-long truce - is unprecedented this century, and was not seen at height of the Iraq invasion," Dardagan said.

It will take years to recover the remains of people from beneath the rubble, and the costly, technical process will not result in the identification of each body, said Dr Gilbert Burnham, a doctor and professor at Johns Hopkins University who has worked since the 1970s on humanitarian health problems in wars.

In addition to the dead, the ministry says there have been more than 53,300 people wounded in the conflict. The WHO points to the growing risk of disease due to a lack of clean water, food and medical attention.

Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta, a British-Palestinian surgeon who volunteered in two hospitals in northern Gaza for the first six weeks of the war, said some people were dying because of lack of treatment of open wounds.

"The death toll is a poor proxy of human suffering", said Dr Annie Sparrow, a pediatrician who has worked with medics treating the wounded in the Syrian civil war for more than a decade and is an Associate Professor of Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

But the use of records to fight the fear of erasure runs deep in Palestinian culture, said Abdel Razzaq Takriti, associate professor of Modern Arab History at Rice University in Texas. He quoted from a poem by prominent Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish: "You will be forgotten as if you never were".

Takriti said many Palestinians see the Gaza war as part of a history of conflict and displacement by Israeli forces dating back to the Nakba  or catastrophe in Arabic  when more than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes in what is now Israel during the war over the formation of the country in 1948.

"For the sake of the present, future, and the past, we need to have an accurate rendition of numbers," Takriti said.

(Reporting by Bassam Massoud in Gaza and Maggie Fick in London; Additional reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Ali Sawafta in Ramallah, Frank Jack Daniel and Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Jana Choukeir in Dubai and Emma Farge in Geneva; Writing by Maggie Fick; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
By Alessandro Diviggiano

YANGWA, China (Reuters) - The Hui ethnic community of Yangwa village in China's earthquake-stricken northwest were on Thursday mourning the loss of eight-year-old Ma Jinyuan under the rubble of a wall that collapsed as she was sleeping in her home.

The 6.2-magnitude quake that struck just before midnight on Monday killed over 100 people in the provinces of Gansu and Qinghai, injured nearly 1,000 and left survivors facing months of uncertainty ahead without permanent shelter.

Many of the affected families are Hui people, a tight-knit ethnic minority characterised by its distinctive Muslim identity, mostly found in western Chinese provinces and regions such as Gansu, Ningxia and Shaanxi.

"The four of us were sleeping together when the house collapsed," Ma's grieving grandmother Ga Fengmo told Reuters. "I couldn't even put on my prayer hat or shoes. I immediately went looking for help.

Ma was rushed to the nearest medical facility but succumbed to her injuries en route, and the Hui community in Yangwa - in Gansu province, the hardest-hit region - came together to mourn the loss of one of their own.

"There was no solution. They tried to take her to the hospital, but she passed away halfway on the mountain road. The mountains are too high and the hospital is too far away. There was just no way they could get to the hospital in time," said Ma's grandmother.

Ma Meidong, the imam of the community, told Reuters of the challenges faced during rescue efforts.

"Four people in their family were trapped by the collapsed house. We tried our best to dig out the soil with our hands. The other three people were rescued, and only one person died."

As the villagers grapple with the aftermath, they now face a harsh winter without permanent shelter in sub-zero cold.

"We are all farmers. We rely on our hands to grow crops or do business to support our families. As you can see, everything is gone overnight. We are heartbroken," Imam Ma said.

"Even though we say this, we believe in accepting what comes as part of our religious convictions. It is a test from above, and we must accept it."

In Gansu, more than 207,000 homes were wrecked and nearly 15,000 collapsed, affecting more than 145,000 people. More than 128,000 emergency supply items including tents, quilts, tent lights and folding beds have been delivered with food such as steamed buns and instant noodles provided to the victims.

(Reporting by Alessandro Diviggiano in Yangwa; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Firemen work to extinguish fire after a blast at an oil terminal in Conakry, Guinea December 18, 2023. REUTERS/Souleymane Camara/ File Photo

(Reuters) -The death toll from a blast and fire at an oil terminal in Guinea's capital, Conakry, has increased to 23 from 13 earlier, and the number of injured has risen to 241 from 178, the government said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement said that 10 remains were still to be identified, adding that the government had received reports of several people still missing.

The blast at the West African nation's main oil terminal that handles its fuel imports sparked fears of shortages. The government said in the statement that gasoline distribution was ongoing across the country.

(Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru and Saliou Samb in Conakry; Editing by Chris Reese and Sonali Paul)
FILE PHOTO: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gestures as she attends a event to receive the credential as winner of the October 22 opposition's primary election, in Caracas, Venezuela October 26, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/F

CARACAS (Reuters) -Twenty-four Venezuelans have been freed as part of this week's prisoner exchange deal with the United States, Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado said on Thursday.

The United States announced on Wednesday that President Joe Biden had granted clemency to Colombian businessman Alex Saab, an ally of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans, at least 20 opposition-linked Venezuelans and the extradition of a fugitive Malaysian businessman from the South American country.

U.S. prosecutors had accused Saab of siphoning off some $350 million from Venezuela via the United States in a scheme that involved bribing Venezuelan government officials. He denies the charge.

Machado, posting on social media, gave no more details about who had been released within Venezuela and cautioned the opposition still had a difficult path ahead.

"The electoral path toward liberty is complex and faces multiple threats," she said.

The deal, the result of months of negotiations mediated by Qatar between OPEC member Venezuela and the United States, came after the White House said it would need to see progress on prisoner releases in order to continue with energy sanctions relief for Caracas.

The relief was unveiled in October in response to an agreement between the Venezuelan government and the opposition which laid out some conditions for 2024 elections.

Maduro, who celebrated the return of Saab, will likely use the swap to bolster his political strength ahead of those elections, analysts and Biden critics have said.

Saab will now form part of the government's negotiating team at its infrequent talks with the opposition, the lawmaker who heads that team, Jorge Rodriguez, told a press conference on Thursday.

Saab was symbolically listed as a member in 2021 after his detention.

The deal between the U.S. and Venezuela is "in full development," Rodriguez added, thanking Qatar for its mediation.

Much of the electoral deal signed between the opposition and the government remains to be implemented, including a provision allowing opposition figures barred from holding public office to appeal their bans.

Machado has asked the supreme court to clarify whether she is subject to a ban. Though a letter confirming the ban was shared publicly in June, Machado says she has never been formally informed and that therefore any ban cannot be legitimate.

The comptroller general has until Friday to respond to the court's request for information about Machado's ban, but it is unclear how long the court may take to analyze the information and debate its response.

(Reporting by Vivian SequeraWriting by Julia Symmes CobbEditing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, looks on, on the day of Jordan's King Abdullah visit, at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, October 31, 2023. UAE Presidential Court/Ryan Carter/Handout via REUT

DUBAI (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) foreign minister has met a senior Palestinian Authority (PA) official in Abu Dhabi where they discussed international efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, the Emirati state news agency reported on Thursday.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Secretary General Hussein Sheikh to also discuss the humanitarian crisis in the coastal enclave.

In the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of prioritising negotiations towards a framework for a two-state peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians, WAM reported.

The UAE, a Gulf power, is one of few Arab states that has official diplomatic relations with Israel. It established ties in 2020 under a U.S.-brokered deal that paved the way for other Arab states to build their own relations with Israel.

Fellow Gulf state Qatar has been mediating negotiations with Israel for the release of hostages and for a ceasefire.

Qatar and Egypt mediated between Israel and Hamas in the late November truce during which Hamas released 110 women, children and foreigners it was holding in exchange for 240 Palestinian women and teenagers freed from Israeli jails.

Abu Dhabi has condemned the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and called on the Palestinian Islamist group to release hostages held in Gaza. The Gulf state has also condemned Israel's bombardment of the enclave and used its non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council to push for a ceasefire in the war.

(Reporting by Jana Choukeir and Nayera Abdallah; writing by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Alison Williams and Andrew Heavens)
FILE PHOTO: Trucks line up in a long queue to cross the Polish-Ukrainian border at the Dorohusk-Jagodzin crossing, in Okopy, Poland, December 4, 2023. REUTERS/Kuba Stezycki/File Photo

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine hopes to reach agreement with the new Polish government this week to end truck blockades at the countries' border crossings, Ukraine's deputy prime minister said on Thursday.

On Monday Polish truckers resumed their blockade of one of the main crossings at the Ukrainian border, demanding that the European Union reinstate a system whereby Ukrainian companies need permits to operate in the bloc.

Polish drivers have been blocking several border crossings with Ukraine since Nov. 6, but the blockade at the major Yahodyn-Dorohusk crossing was temporarily lifted after a local mayor took action to stop it because he feared it would threaten jobs.

"We plan to come to a common position this week in Kyiv together with representatives of the Polish government," Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov was quoted as saying after he met with new Polish infrastructure minister Dariusz Klimczak in Warsaw.

Kubrakov, who is also Ukraine's minister of infrastructure, restoration and communities, said the unblocking the border was the main topic of the meeting because major crossings were completely blocked and only three trucks had left Yahodyn in the past day.

Kubrakov said government representatives of Ukraine and Poland would hold another meeting in Kyiv before the end of this week.

Polish truckers complain they are losing out to Ukrainian companies which offer cheaper prices for their services and which are transporting goods within the EU, rather than just between the bloc and Ukraine.

"We presented key figures and analytical data on freight traffic by Ukrainian and Polish carriers, which show that the problems that the protesters are talking about do not actually exist," he said.

Ukrainian transport analysts say about 3,900 trucks are on the Polish side waiting for permission to enter Ukraine.

Poland's newly appointed Prime Minister Donald Tusk said last week that the new government will try to put an end to the truck drivers' protest at the Ukrainian border quickly.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Flags of Ukraine fly in front of the EU Parliament building on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, in Brussels, Belgium February 24, 2023. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo

(Reuters) - Ukraine has received the last 1.5 billion euro ($1.65 billion)tranche from the 18 billion package from the European Union for 2023, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Thursday.

The country's economy depends heavily on financial support from partners and Kyiv has been concerned whether it will continue as new packages have been blocked so far both in the EU and in the United States.

"Today we have received the last 1.5 billion euros of the 18 billion euro financial aid package. Hope for continued unwavering support from the EU," Shmyhal said on the X social media platform.

This year the EU was the largest donor of direct budget support, covering more than 45% of the external financing needs, according to Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko.

For 2024, Ukraine hopes to receive 18.5 billion euros from the EU and more than $8 billion from a U.S. package that also contains vital military assistance. Voting on both packages was moved to the beginning of the next year.

The country's economy can weather the next few months until foreign aid arrives, but 2024 is certain to be tougher than this year and Kyiv will need to rely more heavily on its own resources.

The country managed to reduce 2024 external financing needs from an initial $41 billion to $37.3 billion, Marchenko said on Wednesday following measures to maximize budget revenues and activate the domestic debt market.

"While defense and security are financed at the expense of domestic budget revenues, we are counting on the help of international partners to meet the needs of the social sphere," he said.

($1 = 0.9108 euros)

(This story has been refiled to fix a typo in paragraph 2)

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Toby Chopra and Tomasz Janowski)
FILE PHOTO: A soldier keeps watch at an area where military authorities eradicated a coca leaf plantation and dismantled a lab to process the drug, in El Porvenir, in Guerrero state, Mexico February 22, 2021. REUTERS/Javier Verdin/File Photo

By Drazen Jorgic and Jackie Botts

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's army appears to be raiding only a handful of active drug labs every month, despite U.S. pressure to crack down on fentanyl trafficking, with facilities that were already out of use accounting for 95% of seizures this year, according to defense ministry figures obtained by Reuters.

Reuters revealed in March that Mexico had dramatically revised upward the number of lab raids by including hundreds of inactive labs on its seizures list since President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office in 2018. At the time, the news agency was unable to establish what percentage of the raided labs were operational when they were captured.

New data obtained by Reuters in August from the Mexican Defense Ministry (SEDENA) after a freedom of information request shows that out of the 527 labs raided by Mexico's army in the first seven months of this year, only 24 laboratories, or less than 5%, were "active" labs.

That dataset also revealed a similar pattern in the first four and a half years of Lopez Obradors administration, with inactive labs accounting for 89% of 1,658 raids carried out by the army from December 2018 to August this year. The data did not specify how long those labs had been out of use.

Smothering the flow of illicit fentanyl from Mexico has become a top priority for the Biden Administration, which has ratcheted up pressure on Lopez Obrador's government to intensify the hunt for clandestine labs on Mexican soil.

Adding discoveries of inactive labs - which may have been abandoned for years - to Mexico's tally of seizures had the effect of inflating Lopez Obrador's record amid pressure from Washington, says Guillermo Valdes, Mexico's civilian spy chief from 2007 to 2011.

"SEDENA is ripping up its prestige by altering the figures. Who is going to believe them after this?" said Valdes, who has been critical of Lopez Obrador's hands-off security strategy.

Mexico's presidency and SEDENA did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story.

After meeting U.S President Joe Biden in November to discuss migration and drug trafficking, Lopez Obrador, who previously asserted fentanyl was not a Mexican problem, said his country "is committed to continue helping to prevent the entry of chemicals and fentanyl" into the United States.

Nearly all the labs listed on the August SEDENA dataset were labeled meth facilities, with no fentanyl labs reported, in line with Mexico's statements until recently that no fentanyl was being synthesized on its soil  a claim widely dismissed by Washington and traffickers. Mexico had asserted the synthetic drug was brought over by drug cartels from Asia.

The new August data featuring no fentanyl labs contradicted a video presented by SEDENA in a government press conference in April that said officials had located 37 sites where final-stage precursors were converted into finished fentanyl and pressed into pills. SEDENA did not respond to Reuters questions about why those sites do not appear in the dataset obtained by Reuters.

A SEDENA official who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity said that criminal organizations often leave laboratories inactive between rounds of drug synthesis, which means that a laboratory classified as "inactive" in the August dataset might have been used to produce drugs again had it not been raided by SEDENA.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) forwarded Reuters' questions about the data to the State Department, which said it was working with Mexico to "strengthen the effectiveness of our security cooperation" and recognizes Mexico's challenges in seizing and dismantling labs.

A White House spokesperson told Reuters Mexico and the United States were working side-by-side to address fentanyl trafficking and "we are grateful for the commitment President Lopez Obrador has made to confront this challenge through domestic efforts" and with foreign partners.

However, another U.S. government official told Reuters that Mexico does not inform the United States how many SEDENA lab raids were conducted on functioning labs versus raids on deserted facilities.

Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a non-partisan think tank, said the Reuters reporting "just reinforces how the data is being manipulated to placate the United States without really serious effort to move against...fentanyl production and trafficking."

Her view was echoed by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, co-chairman of the senate's international narcotics control caucus.

The figures suggest Mexico is "fighting an imaginary war on drugs designed to score political points rather than save lives," said Grassley, a conservative Republican.

INCONSISTENT REPORTING

SEDENA's reporting of its lab raids data has been inconsistent in recent years, with frequent modifications in the total numbers of labs raided, according to a Reuters review of over 20 datasets published by SEDENA via Mexico's freedom of information institute (INAI) since early 2022.

The August dataset, which specifies that most raided labs have been inactive, is consistent with internal military documents about inactive labs, first reported on by Reuters in March. Reuters was unable to find any responses to freedom of information requests prior to the August data release in which the military indicated that there were inactive labs among their raids.

One week after Reuters asked SEDENA to comment on the findings of this story, INAI on Dec. 11 released an updated version of what appeared to be largely the same data, but the column indicating active or inactive labs was changed to show all entries marked as "active"  contradicting the August dataset.

The pre-August lab raids presented in the new dataset, which was requested by Reuters on Nov. 15, were otherwise nearly identical to those presented in the August dataset, and the data included 339 additional lab raids from August through October of this year.

SEDENA did not respond to further questions about why all raids have recently been reclassified as being on active labs. Reuters is seeking to clarify the December SEDENA data set with INAI, and has requested an explanation for the discrepancies in the two responses, as well as the apparent change in classification and the criteria used to determine whether a laboratory is active or inactive.

"FOR SHOW"

Discoveries of inactive labs are sometimes linked to collusion between cartels and army figures, according to two current and two former traffickers, who said they were not surprised by reports of so many inactive laboratories being discovered.

Two active traffickers from the northern state of Sinaloa, a fentanyl trafficking hotspot, told Reuters it was common for the cartel to give up drugs or locations of labs to friendly soldiers who leaked information about planned military action against criminal groups.

One of the traffickers, who declined to be identified, said the lab raids were often "for show."

The four traffickers said cartel members build quid-pro-quo relationships with army commanders, bribing the soldiers as well as helping them impress their superiors in return for cooperation over military operations and protecting valuable assets.

Margarito Flores, a former American kingpin who was a close associate of El Chapo before becoming a U.S. government informant in 2008, told Reuters the cartel frequently used to strike deals with military commanders on the ground, including giving up small meth labs on the understanding bigger labs would be left alone.

"The trade offs happened a lot," Flores said, referring to his time with the cartel.

Reuters could not independently verify the traffickers' claims, and they did not cite specific instances or identify the military commanders involved in such deals. SEDENA and other law enforcement agencies did not respond to requests for comment.

On taking office, Lopez Obrador overhauled Mexico's security policy, abandoning the previous "kingpin" strategy that focused on capturing top capos but contributed to violence spiraling nationwide. He favored a less confrontational approach that tried to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty.

(Reporting by Drazen Jorgic and Jackie Botts in Mexico, additional reporting by Jeff Mason and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; editing by Christian Plumb and Claudia Parsons)
U.S. President Joe Biden discusses the Biden administration economic policies during a visit to the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., December 20, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis

(Reuters) -The Biden administration in the United States is discussing raising tariffs on some Chinese goods, including electric vehicles (EVs), the Wall Street Journal said on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

China's vehicle exports have grown in recent years, fuelled by overcapacity and slowing domestic demand in the world's biggest auto market, and are expected to rise 25% next year to 5.3 million units, China Merchants Bank International says.

The Journal report follows a request to the administration by a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers last month to hike tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles and investigate ways to prevent Chinese firms from exporting to the United States from Mexico.

Chinese automobiles currently face a 25% levy introduced during the administration of former President Donald Trump and extended by his successor.

The U.S. government is debating Trump-era duties on roughly $300 billion of Chinese goods, aiming for early next year to wrap up a long-running review of the tariffs, the paper added.

The Biden administration is also considering lowering tariffs on some Chinese consumer products that officials do not see as strategically important, in addition to the potential increases on clean-energy products, the paper said.

Foreign automakers including Tesla also use China as a major export hub.

Lawmakers have said earlier that U.S. automakers are exporting Chinese-made vehicles to the United States, a sign that current import tariffs are insufficient.

China will follow developments closely and take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate interests, a spokesperson of its foreign ministry told a daily briefing on Thursday.

The office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the National Security Council did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Urvi Dugar in Bengaluru, Qiaoyi Li in Beijing and Miyoung Kim in Singapore; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
GENEVA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The last hospital that can perform surgery in northern Gaza stopped functioning, the World Health Organization's (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on Wednesday.

The Al-Ahli Arab Hospital's operating theaters are no longer functioning due to the depletion, or complete absence, of specialists, power, fuel, water, food and medical supplies, Tedros wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"That has left north Gaza with no functional hospital. Only four hospitals operate at a minimum level, providing very limited care," he added.

In a joint mission to Al-Ahli Arab and Al-Shifa hospitals in northern Gaza on Wednesday, the WHO and other United Nations agencies delivered medicines, IV fluids and supplies for surgery, treating the wounded, and supporting women giving birth.

"Only nine out of 36 health facilities are partially functional for the whole of Gaza. All of these in the south," Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative on the occupied Palestinian territory, told a press conference via video link on Thursday.

The minimally functioning Al-Ahli and three other hospitals are still treating patients but not admitting new ones, Peeperkorn said, adding that these hospitals are still sheltering thousands of displaced people.

About 10 health workers continue to provide basic first aid, pain management and wound care, according to Tedros.

The WHO chief again appealed for a humanitarian ceasefire to stop the bloodshed and death. 
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department added 14 officials from Central American countries, including former and current ministers, judges and prosecutors, to a list published on Thursday of "corrupt and undemocratic actors."

The U.S. periodically updates the so-called Engel list with foreign officials it deems to have engaged in actions that undermine democracy, are suspected of serious corruption, or obstruct investigations of justice.

In the latest release, four Nicaraguans, four Guatemalans, three Salvadorans and three Hondurans entered the list.

Targets include current Honduran Strategic Planning Minister Ricardo Salgado, along with three prosecutors and a former Guatemalan Supreme Court justice.

Salgado, a member of the cabinet of Honduran leftist President Xiomara Castro, was singled out by Washington for allegedly directing "coordinated efforts" by the ruling party to suppress dissent by violently intimidating opposition.

Salgado said later in a statement that he feels "proud" to have been included in the list, as the U.S. tends to align with the ruling party's corruption and impunity.

In Guatemala, prosecutor Leonor Eugenia Morales Lazo "led a politically motivated investigation to cast doubt on certified election results to disrupt the presidential transition," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

The U.S. and other Western countries have backed President-elect Bernardo Arevalo's claims that probes launched against him and his party are a coordinated effort to undermine democracy in Guatemala, Central America's most populous country.

El Salvador's names include three officials of the country's institute for access of public information, who were added to the list for deliberately blocking access to public information, according to the U.S. government.

Washington also blacklisted Judge Gloria Saavedra of Nicaragua for using her position to facilitate a coordinated campaign to suppress dissent by seizing a Jesuit-run university without legal basis.

(Reporting by Gustavo Palencia; Writing by Valentine Hilaire; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Applicants submit that the allocation procedures set forth in the Conditions for relief are consistent with and expand the range of investor protections found in the orders we cite.

IV. STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF RELIEF REQUESTED

In accordance with Rule 17d-1 (made applicable to transactions subject to Section 57(a) by Section 57(i)), the Commission may grant the requested relief as to any particular joint transaction if it finds that the participation of the Regulated Funds in the joint transaction is consistent with the provisions, policies and purposes of the Act and is not on a basis different from or less advantageous than that of other participants. Applicants submit that allowing the Co-Investment Transactions described in this Application is justified on the basis of (i) the potential benefits to the Regulated Funds and the shareholders thereof and (ii) the protections found in the Conditions.

As required by Rule 17d-1(b), the Conditions ensure that the terms on which Co-Investment Transactions may be made will be consistent with the participation of the Regulated Funds being on a basis that it is neither different from nor less advantageous than other participants, thus protecting the equity holders of any participant from being disadvantaged. The Conditions ensure that all Co-Investment Transactions are reasonable and fair to the Regulated Funds and their shareholders and do not involve overreaching by any person concerned, including the Advisers.

A. Potential Benefits

In the absence of the relief sought hereby, in many circumstances the Regulated Funds would be limited in their ability to participate in attractive and appropriate investment opportunities. Section 17(d), Section 57(a)(4) and Rule 17d-1 should not prevent BDCs and registered closed-end investment companies from making investments that are in the best interests of their shareholders.

Each Regulated Fund and its shareholders will benefit from the ability to participate in Co-Investment Transactions. The Board, including the Required Majority, of each Regulated Fund has determined that it is in the best interests of the Regulated Fund to participate in Co-Investment Transactions because, among other matters, (i) the Regulated Fund should be able to participate in a larger number and greater variety of transactions; (ii) the Regulated Fund should be able to participate in larger transactions; (iii) the Regulated Fund should be able to participate in all opportunities approved by a Required Majority or otherwise permissible under the Order rather than risk underperformance through rotational allocation of opportunities among the Regulated Funds; (iv) the Regulated Fund and any other Regulated Funds participating in the proposed investment should have greater bargaining power, more control over the investment and less need to bring in other external investors or structure investments to satisfy the different needs of external investors; (v) the Regulated Fund should be able to obtain greater attention and better deal flow from investment bankers and others who act as sources of investments; and (vi) the Conditions are fair to the Regulated Funds and their shareholders.

B. Protective Representations and Conditions

The Conditions ensure that the proposed Co-Investment Transactions are consistent with the protection of each Regulated Funds shareholders and with the purposes intended by the policies and provisions of the Act. Specifically, the Conditions incorporate the following critical protections: (i) all Regulated Funds participating in the Co-Investment Transactions will invest at the same time (except that, subject to the limitations in the Conditions, the settlement date for an Affiliated Fund in a Co-Investment Transaction may occur up to ten business days after the settlement date for the Regulated Fund, and vice versa), for the same price and with the same terms, conditions, class, registration rights and any other rights, so that none of them receives terms more favorable than any other; (ii) a Required Majority of each Regulated Fund must approve various investment decisions (not including transactions completed on a pro rata basis pursuant to Conditions 6(c)(i) and 8(b)(i) or otherwise not requiring Board approval) with respect to such Regulated Fund in accordance with the Conditions; and (iii) the Regulated Funds are required to retain and maintain certain records.
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13D/A Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 6) CEPTON, INC. (Name of Issuer) Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share (Title of Class of Securities) 15673X 200 (CUSIP Number) Satoshi Kabashima KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. Sumitomo Fudosan Osaki Twin Bldg. East 5-1-18, Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku Tokyo 141-0001 Japan Telephone: +81-3-3447-5142 (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to

Receive Notices and Communications) December 21, 2023 (Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement) If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-l(f) or 240.13d-l(g), check the following box.  Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent. *The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting persons initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Act) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

Page 1 of 3 Pages

CUSIP No. 15673X 200 1. Names of Reporting Persons.

KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) [_] (b) [_] 3. SEC Use Only 4. Source of Funds (See Instructions) WC 5. Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) [_] 6. Citizenship or Place of Organization Japan NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. Sole Voting Power 5,946,705 shares of Common Stock* 8. Shared Voting Power 0 9. Sole Dispositive Power 5,946,705 shares of Common Stock* 10. Shared Dispositive Power 0 11. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 5,946,705 shares of Common Stock* 12. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) [_] 13. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11) 30.0%** 14. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) CO

* Includes 3,984,231 shares of Common Stock to which the 100,000 shares of non-voting Series A Preferred Stock owned by the Reporting Person are convertible (taking into account dividends accrued but unpaid as of September 30, 2023), subject to adjustment, at any time following January 19, 2024. All share and per share numbers included in this Statement give effect to the one-for-ten reverse stock split of the Common Stock that became effective at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 21, 2023 as disclosed by the Issuer.



** Based on 19,831,166 shares of Common Stock, calculated based on 15,846,935 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November 1, 2023, as reported in Cepton, Inc.s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2023, plus 3,984,231 shares of Common Stock to which the 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock owned by the Reporting Person are convertible (taking into account dividends accrued but unpaid as of September 30, 2023), subject to adjustment, at any time following January 19, 2024.

Page 2 of 3 Pages

Item 1. Security and Issuer

This statement constitutes Amendment Number 6 to the Schedule 13D (this  Statement ) relating to shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share ( Common Stock ), of Cepton, Inc., a Delaware corporation, whose principal executive offices are located at 399 West Trimble Road, San Jose, California 95131, and whose designated business telephone number is (408) 459-7579 (the  Issuer ), and hereby amends the Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2022 (the  Initial Statement ) on behalf of the Reporting Person to furnish the additional information set forth herein. Information given in response to each item shall be deemed incorporated by reference in all other items as applicable.

Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration

Item 3 of the Initial Statement is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:

The description of the Potential Transaction set forth and defined in Item 4 of this Statement is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Item 3. It is anticipated that funding for the cash consideration payable pursuant to the Indication of Interest will be obtained through Reporting Persons existing resources including cash on hand.

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction

Item 4 is hereby supplemented by adding the following paragraphs:

On December 21, 2023, the Reporting Person delivered an indication of interest (the  Indication of Interest ) to the attention of Dr. Jun Ye, lead independent director and member of the special committee of the Issuer (the  Special Committee ), indicating that the Reporting Person is interested in the potential acquisition (the  Potential Transaction ) of 100% of the outstanding shares of the Issuer not already owned by the Reporting Person or certain or potential rollover participants identified in the Indication of Interest (the  Rollover Participants ). The signing of the Potential Transaction is subject to certain conditions, including, in particular, satisfactory completion of a due diligence review, rollover by the Rollover Participants, retention of key employees, negotiation and agreement of transaction structure and transaction documents, approval of the Potential Transaction by the board of directors of the Reporting Person, and approval by a simple majority vote of the outstanding shares of the Issuer. No assurance can be given that definitive transaction agreements with respect to the Indication of Interest will be entered into or whether the Potential Transaction will eventually be consummated.

The Potential Transaction could result in one or more of the actions specified in clauses (a)(j) of Item 4 of the Schedule 13D. The Reporting Person is expected to take actions in furtherance of the Indication of Interest or any amendment thereof.

The Reporting Person may at any time, or from time to time, amend, pursue, or choose not to pursue the Potential Transaction; change the terms of the Potential Transaction contemplated by the Indication of Interest, including the price, conditions, or scope of the Potential Transaction; take any action in or out of the ordinary course of business to facilitate or increase the likelihood of consummation of the Potential Transaction; otherwise seek control or seek to influence the management and policies of the Issuer; or change their intentions with respect to any such matters.

A copy of the Indication of Interest is filed as Exhibit 99.9 to this Statement, and is incorporated by reference into this Item 4.

Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer

Items 5(a) and (b) of the Initial Statement are hereby amended and replaced with the following:

(a) The Reporting Person directly owns 1,962,474 shares of Common Stock and 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock convertible into 3,984,231 shares of Common Stock (taking into account dividends accrued but unpaid as of September 30, 2023), subject to adjustment, at any time following January 19, 2024, representing approximately 30.0% of the 19,831,166 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding (calculated as the sum of (i) 15,846,935 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November 1, 2023, as reported in the Issuers Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2023 and (ii) 3,984,231 shares of Common Stock to which the 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock owned by the Reporting Person are convertible (taking into account dividends accrued but unpaid as of September 30, 2023)).

Page 3 of 3 Pages

(b) The Reporting Person has the sole power to vote and dispose of 1,962,474 shares of Common Stock and 3,984,231 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (taking into account dividends accrued but unpaid as of September 30, 2023), at any time following January 19, 2024, subject to adjustment. The Reporting Person has the shared power to vote or dispose of zero (0) shares of Common Stock.

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer

Item 6 of the Initial Statement is hereby amended by incorporating by reference in its entirety the description of the Potential Transaction contained in the Indication of Interest and the other matters set forth in Item 4 above.

Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits

Exhibit No. Description 99.9 Indication of Interest, from the Reporting Person to Dr. Jun Ye, dated as of December 21, 2023 (filed herewith).

SIGNATURE

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: December 21, 2023

KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. By: /s/ Takahito Otake Name: Takahito Otake Title: Senior Managing Corporate Officer

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT 99.9
Top, from left: Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Dwyer; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes; and Staff Sgt. Tanner Grone. Bottom, from left: Sgt. Andrew Southard and Sgt. Cade Wolfe. The five special operations soldiers were killed in the crash of an MH-60 Black Hawk on Nov. 10, 2023. On Thursday, Army officials announced the recovery of the remains of three of the soldiers. (U.S. Army)

The remains of three special operations soldiers who died when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the eastern Mediterranean Sea have been found and will soon be brought to the United States, Army officials said Thursday.

The crash on Nov. 10 claimed the lives of five soldiers, two of whom were recovered immediately afterward. The other three were missing, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command statement said.

The remains will be flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for identity verification and eventual return to their families, the statement said.

The Navy contracted a ship that used a deep-sea drone to recover the missing remains Dec. 15, the statement said.

All of the soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) out of Fort Campbell, Ky.

Their names are Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tenn.; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, Calif.; Staff Sgt. Tanner Grone, 26, of Gorham, N.H.; Sgt. Andrew Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and Sgt. Cade Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minn.

The statement did not specify which soldiers remains had been missing.

Defense officials had described the group as a mix of combat-tested aviation troops with deep family ties to the military.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Armys Combat Readiness Center, but there are no signs it was caused by enemy or hostile actions, U.S. military officials said.

The Army special operations aviation team was among the thousands of troops the Pentagon has dispatched to the Mediterranean and the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war began in October.

Stars and Stripes reporter John Vandiver contributed to this report.
The remnants of a World War II blimp hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin, Calif., which was partially destroyed Nov. 7, 2023, in a fire. (Digipulse Productions/City of Irvine)

The Navy has agreed to pay more than $6 million to demolish and remove remnants of a World War II-era blimp hangar in Southern California that was destroyed last month in a fire, service officials said Wednesday.

The fire destroyed one of two historic hangars, and concerns over environmental contamination forced some schools, parks and businesses near the former Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin to close. The base was shut down in 1999.

The Navy said ECC Environmental LCC, an international company with its headquarters in Burlingame, Calif., near San Francisco, was awarded the $6.03 million to handle the cleanup. The company has 14 offices worldwide and has been contracted frequently to build or dismantle military structures.

The Navy will manage the $6 million contract for the site that the military has owned since 1942, the service said. The funds will come primarily through the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission, which is responsible for selecting, closing, and monitoring the later uses of military installations shuttered primarily in the 1990s.

The Navy cares about the health and safety of residents, said Gregory Preston, director of the Department of the Navy Base Realignment and Closure Program Management Office. We continue to work closely with local officials and other agencies to safely and effectively manage the cleanup of the community and the hangar site.

Local officials in Orange County have been critical of the pace and funding of Navy efforts to clean up the remnants of the hangar and mitigate environmental damage in the area. The Navy initially committed $1 million to local government efforts within days of the fire.

The Navy said the new contract includes selective demolition, air monitoring, stormwater management, site security, and hangar property debris removal.

Planning for the cleanup of the hangar site will begin immediately, the Navy said. However, the actual removal process will not occur right away. State and local environmental agencies have identified asbestos, arsenic, lead, and nickel.

While we are focused on beginning the physical removal of debris as soon as possible, we cannot determine the actual start date at this time, Preston said. Before we can take action, debris removal plans must be reviewed and approved by state and federal regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of both the community and the environment.

He said the project would include continuous air-quality monitoring until all hangar debris is removed and disposed at safe locations away from the community.
The final merchant tanker to receive fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF), Yosemite Trader, departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The tanker departed with approximately 5 million gallons of usable fuel from the RHBFSF to Subic Bay, Philippines. (John Linzmeier/U.S. Air Force)

(Tribune News Service)  The last tanker participating in the defueling of the Navys underground Red Hill facility sailed out of Pearl Harbor on Wednesday morning.

As rain fell, the Yosemite Trader sailed out to the Pacific bound for the Philippines  one of several locations the military has been using to redistribute the more than 104 million gallons of fuel that sat in tanks just 100 feet above a critical aquifer most of Honolulu relies on for drinking water.

The Pentagon established Joint Task Force Red Hill last year to drain the tanks and set the stage for the eventual closure of the facility as it faced increased scrutiny after fuel tainted the Navys Oahu water system, which serves 93,000 people, in November 2021. The tainted water affected service members, military families and civilians living in former military housing areas.

From a professional level, my team and I are extremely proud that weve been able to remove over 104 million gallons of fuel from above the aquifer, said JTF-RH commander Vice Adm. John Wade. From a personal level. Honestly, Im relieved. Because you know, that fuel sitting above the aquifer was a threat to the community and the environment.

But Wade said theres still work to do. The facility still holds 64,000 gallons of residual fuel that will require different techniques to remove. JTF-RH will remove 60,000 gallons of it, while the rest will be removed by a new Navy task force being formed to ultimately close the facility.

Wade explained that theres 4,000 gallons that are in areas you just cannot access without cutting into the pipe or literally lowering like a 500 pound valve and then getting out that fuel. And you cant just do that quickly because you have to synchronize that activity with the cleaning of the tanks and the removal of the sludge. So it has to be a symphony of activity to ensure safety and that we dont impact the environment.

Wade said that JTF-RH will remove 60,000 gallons from mid-January through the end of March, during which it will be working with the closure task force so they can learn our processes for safety, for security, and for continued engagement with the community.

The closure task force also will be responsible for removing several thousand gallons of concentrated firefighting suppressant containing toxic forever chemicals. The firefighting system was disabled after a spill in December 2022 drew public outrage.

JTF-RH is currently waiting for approval from the state Department of Health for its plan to extract the residual fuel. In a statement, DOH said that it continues to review the updated Joint Task Force-Red Hill (JTF-RH) proposed concept of operations that we received December 14, 2023, for the safe and expeditious removal of the 60,000 gallons of residual fuel in January. Our priority remains the safety of the people and environment of Hawaii.

Wade formally took over JTF-RH in September 2022. At the time he said it was his first military assignment that didnt have an official end date. Originally the projected end date was summer 2024, though Wade pledged he would actively look for ways to expedite the process.

The World War II-era Red Hill facility, which had been built underground to protect it from enemy attacks, had fallen into deep disrepair over the years  as had the series of pipelines that connected the tanks to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Despite years of insisting the facility was safe and critical to national security, Navy officials admitted in 2022 that it required extensive repairs and upgrades before the fuel could be removed to ensure there wouldnt be further leaks or spills.

The defueling finally began in October. Early on during the process three gallons of fuel leaked, but military officials insisted it was contained and collected on the spot and that the process has been largely incident-free.

JTF-RH is made up of service members and civilians from across all the military branches that were pulled together for the defueling mission. As its mission enters its final phase, it is still unclear whats next for Wade, who had been serving as director of operations for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command before being tapped to lead the defueling effort.

Were going to transition by the end of March, (but) I still owe an obligation to my team to ensure that they get back to their parent commands safely, said Wade. You know, there are people from as far as Japan and Europe and Bahrain that are a part of this team. So I want to make sure theyre taken care of.

The Yosemite Trader will be spending about three weeks at sea as it makes its way to the Philippines, where it will be delivering fuel to Subic Bay as part of a distributed fueling strategy with stocks in several locations. That fuel is expected to support operations in the South China Sea, where tensions have been on the rise.

Wade said that in his opinion as the former director of operations for INDO PACOM having a more distributed fuel inventory, makes us more agile and flexible to deter and ensure peace and stability. And then if required, better able to respond to a crisis.

One third of all international shipping moves through the South China Sea, which China considers to be its exclusive sovereign territory over the objections of neighboring countries.

Beijing and Manila have been locked in a bitter dispute over maritime territorial and navigation rights. In 2016 an international court ruled in the Philippines favor and declared that Chinas territorial claims had no legal basis. But the Chinese military has doubled down, building bases on disputed reefs and islands and frequently attacking Filipino fishermen and other maritime workers.

During a visit to Honolulu last month Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a speech in Waikiki, Unfortunately, I cannot report that the situation is improving. The situation has become more dire than it was before. The nearest reefs that the (Chinese military) have started to show interest in, in terms of slowly using these atolls and shoals for building bases ... are approaching closer and closer to the Philippine coastline. And the nearest one is now around 60 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine coast.

(c)2023 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Visit www.staradvertiser.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense system at Naval Support Facility Redzikowo in Poland during construction in 2019. The system is undergoing final technical upgrades and will be fully operational as early as the spring of 2024, the Navy said this week. (Amy Forsythe/U.S. Navy)

STUTTGART, Germany  The U.S. Navys missile defense mission in Poland is on the cusp of being added to a broader NATO effort to defend Europe from attack, marking a major step forward for an initiative hampered by repeated delays.

The Navy this week said it had taken official control of the Aegis Ashore missile defense system at its base in the northern Polish city of Redzikowo.

The system is getting final technical upgrades and will be fully functional as early as the spring, when it will operate under NATO command and control, U.S. Naval Forces Europe said in a statement Monday.

It incorporates land-based interceptors in Romania and Poland, along with Navy Aegis destroyers out of Rota, Spain, and a sophisticated early-warning U.S. Army radar positioned on a mountain in Kurecik, Turkey.

The acceptance of the Aegis Ashore site in Poland, like its sister site in Romania, is an important step in our efforts to get (the system) ready to protect against the growing threat posed by ballistic missiles launched from Iran, NAVEUR said.

Navy leaders visit the Aegis Ashore missile defense systems in Redzikowo, Poland, in July 2023. The Navy said this week that it had taken official control of the system, which will be fully operational as early as the spring. (Ashleigh Whitney/FDRMC)

The site in Deveselu, Romania, has been operating since 2016.

The initiative is part of a missile defense effort known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach, which was established in 2009 to counter Iranian ballistic missile threats.

The Poland part of the project was supposed to be ready around 2018, but repeated technical and construction problems at the site delayed the mission.

Rear Adm. Douglas Williams, acting director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, said during Dec. 7 testimony before the House armed services subcommittee on strategic forces that the Aegis system was delivered to the Navy on Oct. 1 for operational use and maintenance. The Navy formally accepted the equipment into their inventory Dec. 15, he said.

The Navy missions in Romania and Poland involve about 200 military personnel each.

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, NAVEUR said. The defensive focus of Aegis Ashore is confirmed in the U.S. commitments to NATO and standing NATO policy.

The broader missile defense project has nonetheless angered Russia despite U.S. and NATO statements that the system isnt equipped for offensive strikes.

Russia has asserted over the years that the system could eventually be modified to counter its intercontinental ballistic missiles, with an aim of neutralizing Moscows nuclear deterrent capability.

In 2013, the administration of President Barack Obama attempted to address some of those concerns when it scrapped the fourth phase of the European Phased Adaptive Approach, which had called for development of weapons systems capable of countering intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at North America.
Burying the dead in a common grave at Wounded Knee, S.D., in the aftermath of the Dec. 29, 1890, battle. (Library of Congress)

(Tribune News Service)  As gunfire broke out, the nine-year-old boy began to run. Temperatures were below freezing. All he had were the clothes on his back and a knife as he ran through the open hills of the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Frank Sits Poor, part of Chief Spotted Elks (nicknamed Big Foot by the military) band of Miniconjou Lakota, was out of his element. His family had traveled south seeking safety in the Badlands. Instead, the United States military moved the band to a small creek in the southern part of the Pine Ridge Reservation, Wounded Knee Creek, awaiting further relocation.

The boy ran over bodies of dead relatives, babies and mothers, and didnt stop running until night came. One of the bodies he ran past was a mother with a baby in a cradleboard. A hand reached up, but he didnt know what to do.

His only thought was how to get out of the cold, said his granddaughter Genevieve Chase In Sight-Ribitsch. He saw a buffalo lying there and he cut it open, gutted it, climbed in and fell asleep. When he woke up the carcass was frozen solid, he had to pry himself out. After that, he kept running again.

On Dec. 29, 1890, around 300 Lakota men, women and children, including infants, were gunned down by the U.S. Army. Today, the massacres Indigenous survivors live on through their descendants, who work to preserve the memory of what happened that day.

Troops from Nebraska were sent to Pine Ridge to curb a potential Indian uprising on the reservation. Instead, the troops found a band of Miniconjou Lakota led by Chief Spotted Elk (Si Tanka).

The band was told they would be relocated elsewhere. Many had contracted pneumonia along their journey south, including the chief. The band was weak and exhausted. Some began to sing Ghost Dance songs, which the military interpreted as war songs. Soldiers began firing at the Lakota. They chased some up to five miles from Wounded Knee Creek.

The survivors stories live on today. Chase In Sight-Ribitsch, a citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, grew up hearing stories of the Wounded Knee Massacre from her grandfather and grandmother. Her grandfather, Frank Sits Poor, survived the massacre at age nine.

What he experienced that day never left him, Chase In Sight said.

He said he wondered how many people were still alive and were left in the cold to freeze. Hed go back to that spot sometimes, Chase In Sight said.

Chase In Sights grandmother, Sarah Sits Poor, lost both her parents in the massacre. Sarah Sits Poors mother Good Woman, and her father Picked Horse are listed on the obelisk at the memorial site. Sarah was sent to the Rapid City Indian Boarding School after the massacre.

I remember every year my grandmother used to sit and cry looking at a Wounded Knee photo book, Chase In Sight said. I never understood why she would do this until I realized it was on December 29 every year. The anniversary of the massacre. I put myself in their place and I think about it sometimes.

Ahead of the 133rd anniversary of the Wounded Knee massacre, the SiTanka Ta Oyate Omniceye (Descendants of the Si Tanka Nation) group met to discuss plans for their memorial ceremony. The group, filled with elders and knowledge keepers, discussed not only plans for the future of recently repatriated artifacts but also stories of their ancestors survival.

I look at a nine-year-old now and I wonder, How could someone do that? How could someone want to hurt them? Back then it was different, but he was still a child, Chase In Sight said.

Another member of the SiTanka Ta Oyate Omniceye, Theodore Ten Fingers, Oglala Lakota, is the grandson of Wounded Knee survivor James Pipe on Head. Pipe on Head was the grandson of Chief Spotted Elk. He was around 12 years old at the time of the massacre.

As an adult in the late 1930s, Pipe on Head testified before Congress about what had happened that day in support of a bill to give financial compensation to survivors. The bill stalled.

I was a boy, my grandmother asked me to take some tobacco over to Big Foot where he was lying, so I took it. ... Just at this moment, there was a big noise; I couldnt see just what it was but it was sounding like quite a number of gunshots together, Pipe on Head said in his statement.

Afterward, Pipe on Head was sent to the Holy Rosary Mission boarding school, now Red Cloud/Mahpiya Luta. A majority of his family was killed during the massacre. His grandson, Ten Fingers, grew up attending boarding school, too.

Before he was taken to boarding school in 1957, Ten Fingers name was Sinte. He grew up speaking Lakota, but he said that all changed when he was taken to school. He was renamed Theodore after St. Theodore, though he didnt know that at the time or who St. Theodore was. He learned to speak English. He started to lose touch with the culture hed spent the past five years engaged in.

Boarding school was an identity crisis for me, Ten Fingers said. I knew who I was as a Lakota person but here that was a different question. That was the first real impact (of the school).

Around 2013, Ten Fingers said he felt drawn to learn more about his roots. Growing up, when his relatives visited hed heard stories of what happened and picked up bits and pieces, but it wasnt until 10 years ago that he began to dig into things. After that, he began to research his family tree and learn about his ancestors.

Learning about what my ancestors went through helped to heal me from the assimilation. I learned a lot about the resilience of our ancestors who survived the massacre and how they had adapted to society, Ten Fingers said. Knowledge is power. Being able to learn about my ancestors gives me strength.

Throughout 2023, the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe have been working to reclaim 40 acres of land where a majority of the deaths happened. The bill progressed through the U.S. House of Representatives in September.

Cedric Broken Nose, a descendant of Chief Spotted Elk, spoke in Washington, D.C., to support the legislation.

The land had been previously owned by non-Native individuals. It was the site of a museum and trading post until it was burned down in 1973 during the Wounded Knee Occupation. The land was sold back to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe, but the transaction needs congressional approval for it to become restricted title Indian fee land.

Aside from the return of land, more than 150 artifacts stolen from the mass graves of Wounded Knee victims have been returned to the SiTanka Ta Oyate Omniceye group.

I know well never have closure, but it would be nice to be able to put all the pieces together, Chase In Sight said.

In November, the Woods Memorial Library in Barre, Mass., returned cradleboards, moccasins, clothing, pipes and other items. On the 133rd anniversary of the massacre, the group is hosting a memorial event at the site.

I am the descendent of a survivor, Chase In Sight said.

This story is co-published by the Rapid City Journal and ICT, a news partnership that covers Indigenous communities in the South Dakota area.

aschafer@rapidcityjournal.com

(c)2023 Rapid City Journal, S.D.

Visit http://www.rapidcityjournal.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Scott Schonauer/Stars and Stripes)

Naval Station Rota, Spain, Oct. 7, 2003: Sailors aboard cranes paint the side of the USS Iwo Jima. About 5,000 sailors and Marines with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group were in Rota for a port call before heading home after an eight-month deployment to Iraq and Liberia.
TEHRAN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned the German Ambassador to Tehran, Hans-Udo Muzel, over a "baseless accusation" hurled against Tehran in a German court.

Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, director general for Western Europe at Iran's Foreign Ministry, also protested the "unacceptable" summoning of the Iranian charge d'affaires in Berlin over an alleged "plot to carry out an arson attack on a synagogue in Germany," said the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement.

During their meeting, the German envoy was reminded that Iran "has a very brilliant track record in promoting the principle of coexistence, as respecting Abrahamic religions has a valuable status in Islam and the Iranian culture."

Muzel said he would convey Iran's protest to Berlin at the earliest possible time.

In a statement on Tuesday, the German Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the Iranian charge d'affaires over the alleged arson plot.

Earlier in the day, the Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court convicted a German-Iranian national for "conspiring the attack on the synagogue in the western city of Bochum" in November 2022, and sentenced him to 33 months in prison, claiming that the plot "was linked to the Iranian state agencies." 
Pedro Oiarzabal, principal researcher for Sancho de Beurko Associations Fighting Basques project, places flowers to honor U.S. service members of Basque descent that perished during the Battle of Okinawa during a Dec. 5, 2023 ceremony at the Cornerstone of Peace memorial in Itoman, Okinawa, Japan. (Pedro Oiarzabal)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  A Spanish historical association dedicated to the Basque ethnic minority and its participation in World War II is taking steps to preserve the memory of soldiers and Marines who died in the Battle of Okinawa.

Pedro Oiarzabal, principal researcher for the Sancho de Beurko Associations Fighting Basques project, held a small remembrance ceremony Dec. 5 at the Cornerstone of Peace memorial at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park in Itoman. The Spain-based association aims to preserve the memory of Basque participation in World War II.

The historian laid flowers and delivered remarks to honor six U.S. service members of Basque descent who perished during the bloody 1945 battle. He also met with Japanese officials to see what is required to immortalize their names on the monuments black granite.

The 82-day Battle of Okinawa began April 1, 1945. More than 14,000 Americans, about 110,000 Japanese troops and at least 140,000 Okinawan civilians were killed during or after the fighting.

The Cornerstone of Peace, built in 1995, commemorates the battles 50th anniversary. The monument features the names of nearly 250,000 who died during the fighting  14,010 Americans and 227,457 Japanese.

During the planning of the event, Sancho the Beurkos research team found out that none of the six Basque Americans were on the memorial wall, Oiarzabal wrote by email Dec. 14. At the beginning we felt disappointed, particularly for their families, but this did not deter us from travelling over 7,000 miles to honor them.

Pedro Oiarzabal, center, the principal researcher for Sancho de Beurkos Associations Fighting Basques project, tours the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum in Itoman, Okinawa, Japan, on Dec. 5, 2023. (Pedro Oiarzabal)

The Basque traditionally hail from northern Spain and southern France. About 3 million of them live in what is referred to as Basque country, according to the U.S.-based North American Basque Organizations. Over 57,000 U.S. residents self-identified as Basque in the 2000 census.

Oiarzabal, who splits his time between his home in the Spanish city of Bilbao and the U.S. where he conducts research, took on the Fighting Basques project when it was launched in 2015, he said. Thus far, he has identified over 1,600 combatants in World War II and collected information about them and their families.

Six perished on or around Okinawa during World War II: Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Uriola, Staff Sgt. Steven Sahargun, Pvt. 1st Class Alejandro Itcea, Pvt. 1st Class Domique Laxague and Marine Pvt. Lawrence Amoriza and Cpl. Felix Ordoquihandy, Oiarzabal said.

All but Ordoquihandy perished during the Battle of Okinawa; he drowned at sea and his body was never recovered. Ordoquihandy, Uriola and Itcea are recipients of the Bronze Star, the U.S. militarys fourth highest award for valor.

Oiarzabal was joined at the ceremony by Hiroyuki Kinjo, professor emeritus in Hispanic studies at the University of the Ryukyus, and the museums director and curator, Sayuri Maekawa and Kazuhiro Tanahara, he said. The ceremony lasted about five minutes.

Tanahara is unsure why the six mens names are not on the memorial, he said by phone Dec. 12. The names were gleaned from U.S. government rolls after the war, a spokeswoman for Okinawa prefectures Peace and Gender Equality Division said by phone that day. Some government officials in Japan may speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

Since 1995, the names of five Americans have been added, she said. Documentation proving place of death and family approval is required.

Oiarzabal is collecting the necessary documentation and plans to submit it soon, he said.

I think it is meaningful for these six names to be inscribed to the Cornerstone of Peace, Kinjo said by phone Dec. 13. It is important to inscribe all names equally.
U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers and F-16 Fighting Falcons fly alongside South Korean F-15Ks and Japanese F-2s during a trilateral air exercise near South Korea, Dec. 20, 2023. (Karla Parra/U.S. Air Force)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  U.S., South Korean and Japanese aircraft for the second time conducted a bomber escort drill Wednesday after North Korea fired a pair of ballistic missiles earlier this week.

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers and two F-16 Fighting Falcons, along with two South Korean F-15Ks and two Japanese F-2s, flew east of Seouls Jeju Island south of the Korean Peninsula, according to a news release from the South Korean Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday.

The drill demonstrates the three nations strong will and capability to jointly respond to North Koreas ballistic missile threats, the ministry said.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in a news release Wednesday said, Our international cooperation is reflective of our shared values and resolve against those who challenge regional stability.

The drill comes three days after North Korea fired a solid-fueled Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile flew over 620 miles to a peak altitude of 4,050 miles before falling into the East Sea, or Sea of Japan. It was the communist regimes fifth ICBM launch so far this year.

North Korea on Sunday fired a short-range ballistic missile that flew 354 miles before splashing down in the East Sea.

The show of force is the second such demonstration by the three countries. A U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bomber for the first time flew alongside South Korean and Japanese fighter jets Oct. 22 to demonstrate their security cooperation and solidarity, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense said at the time.

During an Aug. 18 summit meeting at Camp David, Md., President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to enhance their partnership in the wake of threats from North Korea.

We are committed to pursuing enhanced ballistic missile defense cooperation to counter [North Koreas] nuclear and missile threats, the leaders said in a joint statement.

The trilateral pledge included the development of a real-time data sharing system on North Koreas missile launches, which became operational Tuesday, allowing the U.S., South Korea and Japan to better detect and assess the regimes missile launches.

Washington, Seoul and Tokyo established plans to hold multiyear military drills starting in 2024, according to a National Defense Ministry statement Tuesday.

North Koreas state-run media outlet has condemned increased cooperation between the three partners as a ploy to destroy the regime. The missile data-sharing system is a dangerous military action to drive the regional situation to a more serious phase of confrontation, the Korean Central News Agency reported on Dec. 14.

Now that the U.S. is making desperate efforts to seize the sovereignty of [North Korea]] and hold hegemony in the region  there can be no other way for ensuring peace and security in the Korean Peninsula and in the region, the KCNA report said.
A view of Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kiev, Ukraine. (Juan Antonio Segal/Wikimedia Commons)

(Bloomberg) -- Ukraines parliament approved the legalization of medical cannabis as the nation responds to the growing ranks of war veterans requiring treatment for injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The legislation to regulate medical, scientific and industrial use of cannabis passed with a majority of 248 in the 450-seat assembly in Kyiv, lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on Telegram. A total of 16 members opposed the motion.

Support to legalize medical marijuana has gathered steam in Ukraine as Russias invasion approaches its second year and discussion in the country centered on the drugs benefits in treating severe pain and addressing mental health. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to sign the bill into law, which could go into effect some time in the second half of 2024, Zheleznyak said.

For our citizens not to endure the pain, stress and trauma of the war, we must finally justifiably legalize treatment based on medical cannabis for everyone who needs it, Zelenskiy told the assembly in June.

The move faced resistance among some political forces in parliament. The populist party led by former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko argued legalization would trigger uncontrolled production - and said the matter should be put to Ukrainian voters in a referendum.

Cannabis has been legalized in many US states, where supporters say it can treat an array of conditions including chronic pain, depression and PTSD. The latter is particularly focused on those returning from war, where advocates have pointed at a much higher suicide rate among veterans than in the general public.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

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U.S. soldiers conduct an artillery exercise at al Asad Air Base in Iraq on Dec. 1, 2023. The base was targeted in a rocket attack Dec. 20, but there were no injuries or damage for American personnel, a U.S. Central Command statement said. (Quince Lanford/U.S. Army)

U.S. troops at a base in western Iraq once again came under rocket fire, military officials said Thursday, adding that the attack did not cause any injuries or damage.

The Wednesday morning attack on al Asad Air Base was carried out with a 122 mm rocket, a U.S. Central Command statement said.

Although officials didnt name the suspects in the attack, Iraqi security forces seized a truck believed to have launched the rocket, the statement said.

Iranian-backed militias have launched dozens of attacks on U.S. troops at bases in Iraq and Syria since the start of a war between Israel and Hamas that American officials have worked to prevent from escalating into a regional conflict.

More than 100 attacks involving drones, rockets and mortars have targeted American troops in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 7, a U.S. defense official told Stars and Stripes on Thursday.

No U.S. forces have died, although dozens have been injured, and an American defense contractor died of a heart problem in October while scrambling for cover during an alert at al Asad.

The U.S. has announced at least six retaliatory and pre-emptive airstrikes on militants in Iraq, including one in late November after al Asad Air Base came under fire from ballistic missiles.

The Pentagon has roughly 2,400 troops deployed to Iraq, as well as 800 troops and about 130 contractors deployed to Syria, a statement from U.S. Central Command in early December said.

Militant groups in Iraq are known for using 122 mm rockets, which are most commonly based on models from the Soviet Union, a 2014 report published by Small Arms Survey said.

These rockets range from 6 to 9 feet in length, and the most common model has an explosive payload of about 41 pounds, the report said.
A construction crew works to remove the Confederate Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 20. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post)

As dawn broke at a frigid Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday morning, workers using a crane and harnesses began to take down a controversial statue that had stood there for more than a century.

Hours earlier, a federal judge had ruled an effort to halt the removal of the towering Confederate Memorial had no merit, and the contractors hired by the cemetery moved quickly to get the statue down and into custom-built wooden crates.

Soon all that remained was the base and foundation. Work continued into the evening to remove the remaining bronze elements of the memorial, a cemetery spokesperson said in an email.

The 32-foot bronze statue commissioned by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and unveiled at a ceremony presided over by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 had been ordered removed by the end of the year, making it the culmination of a sweeping effort by Congress to wipe Confederate names and legacies from the countrys military bases and assets.

U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. had issued a temporary injunction on the removal Monday citing an allegation that nearby graves were being disturbed by the work. A group called Defend Arlington sought the order from the Eastern District of Virginia on Sunday night after being unable to persuade a federal judge in D.C. to prevent the statues removal.

But Tuesday evening Alston allowed the removal project to proceed, saying he saw no evidence that the area around the memorial had been damaged. Plaintiffs complaints regarding the removal efforts being likely to damage the gravesites are misinformed or misleading, Alston wrote in his decision. The Court also personally visited the Memorial and it was clear to the Court that Defendants were making every effort to protect and respect the surrounding gravesites.

Contractors received word of the judges ruling Tuesday night and workers arrived at 6 a.m. Wednesday, said Devon Henry, whose Team Henry Enterprises is overseeing the removal.

Henry, who is Black, and his Virginia-based company have become specialists in the complex and controversial work of statue removal over the past three years. He got the call in 2020 when Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney (D) decided to take down nearly a dozen Confederate memorials in that city and none of the usual municipal contracting companies  all White-owned  would do the job.

Team Henry took down the giant state-owned statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee on Richmonds Monument Avenue, as well as the Lee statue in Charlottesville that had been at the center of the deadly Unite the Right rally in 2017. Henry has endured death threats and usually wears a bulletproof vest on work sites that involve Confederate statues.

Earlier this week, three Republican lawmakers in Virginia demanded that Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) block the state from doing business with any contractors involved in the Arlington job. Youngkins office did not respond to a request for comment on the demand.

Supporters of the statue, which was erected almost 50 years after the Civil War ended, say it was part of an effort to promote reconciliation between the North and the South. But critics argued the memorial glosses over slavery with elements such as a frieze showing an enslaved Black man following his owner and an enslaved woman  described on the cemeterys website as a mammy  holding the baby of a Confederate officer.

This was a memorial to men who committed treason in defense of the supposed right of some humans to own other humans as property, said James Grossman, executive director of the American Historical Association, the countrys oldest professional association of historians. The very idea that this monument was still here until today reminds us not just how far weve come but how much further we have to go.

The removal of the Confederate Memorial from Arlington is the final act of an effort ordered by the bipartisan Naming Commission.

Established by Congress in 2021 and prompted in part by the calls for racial justice following George Floyds murder, the commission was tasked with removing vestiges of the Confederacy from the military and recommending names that reflect the nations diversity.

It identified nine army bases for name changes, including Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Pickett in Virginia, Fort Benning in Georgia and Fort Hood in Texas. It also identified Navy ships, buildings, street names and memorials at military locations across the country to be changed.

In its decision recommending the Confederate Memorial at Arlington for removal, the commission cited imagery on the memorial and an accompanying Latin phrase celebrating the Lost Cause retelling of the Confederacy. This narrative of the Lost Cause, which romanticized the pre-Civil War South and denied the horrors of slavery, fueled White backlash against Reconstruction and the rights that the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments (1865-1870) had granted to African-Americans, the commission wrote.

In January, the Defense Department ordered that all of the approximately 1,100 changes be implemented by the end of the year. The commission estimated last year that the cost would be more than $62 million.

Ty Seidule, a Virginia native and retired U.S. Army brigadier general who served as vice chair on the commission, said the process that brought about the removal was an example of democracy at work.

The U.S. people made this happen through its elected representatives. Despite a quick squall over the [cemeterys] Confederate Monument, the process was widely accepted by most Americans, Seidule wrote in an email Wednesday. Im impressed that the US military accomplished its mission and the 1,111 items that commemorated the Confederates are all gone  in a year.

What will happen to the statue is uncertain. The Board of Visitors at Virginia Military Institute unanimously approved a motion in September to accept it for placement at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park  owned and operated by the college  about 80 miles north of VMIs campus in Lexington.

But on Wednesday, a VMI spokesman said the school is not aware of the plans for the statue after its removal from Arlington and said questions should be directed to Army officials. A cemetery spokesperson said the memorial will be stored temporarily at a Defense Department facility in Virginia.
A Texas National Guard soldier stands at a barbed-wire barrier and blocks a group of migrants from crossing into the U.S. between legal ports of entry near El Paso, Texas. (Texas Military Department)

AUSTIN, Texas  An appeals court on Wednesday ordered federal agents to stop cutting barbed-wire barriers that deter migrants from crossing into Texas from Mexico.

Texas National Guard troops began placing the barriers near the border with Mexico more than two years ago to prevent illegal entry in the U.S. But federal Customs and Border Protection agents began cutting the wire blockades to collect and detain migrants who were now on U.S. soil.

The conflict has led to a legal back and forth that began in October when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a federal lawsuit to stop federal agents from cutting the barriers. He argued the Border Patrol agents are destroying and damaging the states property when they do this, and they have begun doing it more often.

Judge Alia Moses of the Del Rio Division of the Western District of Texas temporarily ordered federal agents in October to stop cutting the barriers in a 29-mile stretch of border in Eagle Pass while she reviewed the case.

Moses lifted the order a month later and Texas appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which on Wednesday reversed her decision while the issue is litigated.

Im very pleased the appellate court has forbidden federal agents sent by [President Joe Bidens] administration from destroying our concertina wire fences, Paxton said. Given the ongoing disaster at the southern border due to the federal governments intentional actions, more than ever it is necessary to take every step we can to hold the line.

Customs and Border Protection has said it has a responsibility under federal law to take into custody people who have crossed onto U.S. soil without authorization for processing, and to act when conditions put migrants or agents at risk. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the latest court ruling.

The order does allow Border Patrol to cut the barriers to reach migrants in medical distress, according to court documents.

The Texas Military Department said troops working on Operation Lone Star, a state-sponsored mission to deter illegal activity at the border, have installed nearly 106 miles of coiled barbed wire to curb the flow of migrants crossing into the U.S. The wire is typically placed within the boundary of the U.S., and on property owned by the state, local governments or private citizens who have granted permission for the Guard to access their property.

Texas Guard members recently began installing thousands of anti-climb barrier panels, Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, Texas National Guard commander, said Monday during a news conference about border security. The Guard also has new surveillance vehicles, he said.

The Texas troops work separately from a federal deployment of National Guard members at the border to support Customs and Border Protection.

The lawsuit is just one front in which the Republican-led state is fighting with the Biden administrations approach to border security. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed a new law that gives police the power to arrest those thought to have crossed illegally into the state and judges the power to order them out of the country. The law is set to take effect in March.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Texas Civil Rights Project have already filed a federal lawsuit challenging the new law. The organizations argue it will lead to racial profiling and it violates a 2010 Supreme Court decision that places immigration enforcement with the federal government, not the states.

Thayer.rose@stripes.com

Twitter: @Rose_Lori
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) shoots at a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, on Oct. 19, 2023. (Aaron Lau/U.S. Navy)

(Tribune News Service)  Shipping companies are scrambling to reroute their vessels in the wake of recent attacks in the Red Sea, triggering delays that could have a ripple effect on the global economy.

Over the past two months, Houthi rebels in Yemen have fired over 100 rockets at commercial ships in the Red Sea, a vital artery of international trade through which nearly one-third of global container traffic flows.

A dozen vessels have been attacked, harassed, or interfered with, including two that were attacked on Dec. 19, a defense official told McClatchy News.

The attacks are being directed at ships bound for Israeli ports, a Houthi spokesperson said in a post on X. They are being launched in retaliation to Israels military operation in Gaza, which has left nearly 20,000 people dead, according to Gaza health officials, and been called a humanitarian nightmare by the United Nations secretary general.

In response to the attacks, several major shipping companies have planned to give wide berth to the region, instead seeking out alternative routes.

By bypassing the Red Sea, ships will be forced to travel thousands of extra miles to reach their destinations, causing delays and inflating prices, particularly for oil and gas, experts told McClatchy News.

However, experts disagreed about the severity and duration of such supply chain disturbances, depending on whether the U.S. Navys newly bolstered presence in the region lessens the attacks.

Unprecedented rerouting

Following the Houthi attacks, four of the largest container shipping companies  Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM, and Hapag Lloyd  have announced that theyre rerouting, Mary Brooks, a professor emerita at the Rowe School of Business, told McClatchy News.

This is huge, Brooks, who studies global shipping, said.

BP  one of the worlds largest oil companies  also paused all traffic through the region in light of the deteriorating security situation, a company spokesperson told McClatchy News.

This kind of mass course correction is unprecedented, Phillip Wolfe, the director of pricing & procurement at American Global Logistics, told McClatchy News.

Ive been doing this for almost 12 years and havent seen anything quite this drastic, Wolfe said.

The last comparable disruption occurred in March 2021 when the cargo vessel Ever Given became stuck in the Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, delaying over 300 ships and supplies destined for seven American ports, Wolfe said.

The Ever Given was stuck for six days, but this could go on longer than that, Wolfe said.

Around 50 tankers pass through the Suez Canal every day, but recently as many as 32 per day have been rerouted, Michael Manjuris, the chair of global management studies at Toronto Metropolitan University, told McClatchy News.

The situation is evolving quickly so the number of carriers impacted could change tomorrow, Allen Morrison, a professor at the Arizona State University, told McClatchy News.

Alternate routes

Rerouted ships bound for North America are left with two possible routes, which take them through the Panama Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope off South Africa, Wolfe said. Both options would add between several days and weeks of travel time.

Complicating matters further, the Panama Canal, a 50-mile man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is currently beset by a crisis-level drought, meaning wait times will be elevated, Wolfe said.

Theyve already reduced the number of ships going through, marking the first-ever restriction on vessel quantity in the canal, so youre going to see a delay of six to eight days extra, Wolfe said.

Ships that elect to go around the southern tip of Africa would face even longer delays of two weeks or more, Wolfe said.

As a result, large delays will affect the North American market  though Europe and Asia will be impacted more quickly, Trevor Heaver, a professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, told McClatchy News.

Effect of delays on prices

Its likely that the cost of such delays will eventually trickle down to consumers, Wolfe said.

Its going to cost the carriers, I believe, an extra million in fuel cost to go around Africa, so theyre not going to absorb all those costs on their own, Wolfe said. At some point, I think, they will pass that along.

Prices of oil and gas, which are typically very reactive to the market, are expected to hedge up, along with other general commodities, Wolfe said.

Not all experts who spoke with McClatchy News agreed on that point however. Morrison, for instance, downplayed the size of effects on North America, saying shipping of consumer products to the U.S. from Asia  where China is the top supplier  generally does not rely on the Suez Canal. So, the impact on U.S. consumers is not significant, at least for the time being.

It is much more of an issue for European consumers and Mediterranean port operators, Morrison said.

Some American markets, though, have already felt the effects of the announced reroutings, Manjuris said.

The price of West Texas Intermediate oil is already starting to creep up. Its creeped up one or two dollars a barrel, Manjuris said. This is traders saying this delay may happen, so we better price it in now for future contracts.

If oil prices continue to rise, though, its likely the Biden administration will tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve  as it did following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022  in an attempt to offset price increases, Manjuris said.

But, in order for price increases to be significant and sustained, the Houthis would need to continue their attacks on ships in the Red Sea, a tactic which could soon be curtailed, Manjuris said.

Unclear timeline

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian on Dec. 18, which established a naval task force composed of nine countries, including the U.K., France and Bahrain, with the purpose of responding to the Houthis reckless attacks.

The ramped up military presence in the region should make these diversions disappear, Manjuris said, though he stipulated its a volatile situation and in a couple of weeks this could all change.

Pushing back against predictions of a quick resolution, Morrison said, The situation is not going away anytime soon.

Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam told Reuters on Dec. 19, Our position will not change in the direction of the Palestinian issue, whether a naval alliance is established or not.

Our position in support of Palestine and the Gaza Strip will remain until the end of the siege, the entry of food and medicine, Abdulsalam added, and our support for the oppressed Palestinian people will remain continuous.

A cessation of hostilities in Gaza would go a long way toward decreasing the attacks in the Red Sea, Morrison said.

However, it may take several months for relative calm to prevail, meaning some shipping companies may take a different tack for the foreseeable future.

2023 The Charlotte Observer.

Visit charlotteobserver.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Veterans and military retirees filed nearly 300,000 fraud reports with the Federal Trade Commission from 2019 through Sept. 30, 2023. Their losses totaled $842 million. (DOD graphic by Regina Ali)

WASHINGTON  Self-employed contractor Brian Orr, an Army veteran from Colorado, was installing wood floors at a clients home when he got a call Nov. 22 from someone claiming to be a local law enforcement officer.

The caller identified himself as Sgt. Brian Collins of the Douglas County Sheriffs Office and demanded Orr pay back a $20,900 Small Business Association loan or face jail time.

An arrest warrant had been issued, according to the caller, who forwarded an official-looking stamped document from the U.S. Court in the District of Colorado with Orr named as defendant.

Orr said he rushed to pay back a government loan that was not overdue and then kept transferring cash  hundreds of dollars at a time  via a bitcoin ATM as instructed by the caller.

I panicked. I did not want to go to jail, said Orr, a 46-year-old single parent with a teenage son.

Orr made four transactions totaling $17,500 in 24 hours, from Nov. 22-23.

Even after Orr made the payments, the calls continued. He said he was told that unless he covered the difference, he would be remanded by the court to jail.

I didnt have the money. I decided to turn myself in, Orr said. He drove to the county sheriffs office in Castle Rock, where the authorities informed him that he was the victim of a scam.

Veterans and military retirees are a common target for fraud and identity theft because of their benefits, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Veterans should know that impostors are reaching out by phone, email, text or social media message. The scammers pretend to be someone legitimate like your bank, a government agency, or even a friend or loved one, said Carol Kando-Pineda, a FTC attorney in the division of consumer and business education.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is also warning veterans and their families to take extra precautions during the holidays as scammers might try to take advantage of people through fraudulent charities that steal money from donors who are led to believe they are giving to legitimate organizations.

More so, with the flow of millions of dollars to veterans through the recently approved PACT Act, the VA said scammers are looking for ways to steal the payments, which include fraudulent offers to make the claims and complete the paperwork on behalf of the veterans.

The police did not seem surprised at all, Orr said about the scam. But they and the bank said that the chances of me getting the money back are zero.

Brian Orr and his son, Gage Orr, are shown at an outdoor event in summer 2023 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. (Brian Orr)

He had saved the receipt codes for the transactions, but the money moved through anonymous accounts that would be difficult to track.

My savings were drained, Orr said. I had enough money left to pay the rent.

The experience shook his sense of safety and security, he said.

I thought the system would protect me somehow, Orr said. I just dont pick up the phone anymore when I dont recognize the number. I was violated in my home, in front of my family, when I answered those calls.

Veterans are attractive targets because they have earned access to valuable benefits in the form of pensions and disability payments, Kando-Pineda said.

Veterans and military retirees filed nearly 300,000 fraud reports with the FTC from 2019 through Sept. 30, 2023. Their losses totaled $842 million.

Active-duty service members, by contrast, filed roughly 30,000 reports of fraud during the same time for $142 million in losses, the FTC reported.

In 2021, military consumers reported $267 million in losses from fraud, according to the FTC. In 2022, military consumers reported $414 million in losses  a 55% increase.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough held an inaugural meeting Tuesday of a special task force to address scams perpetuated against veterans.

Veterans face particularly high risks for fraud with the median loss for veterans from fraud 44% higher than other civilians, the VA reported.

The agency is setting up a permanent office to coordinate prevention and responses to predatory and fraudulent activities that target veterans benefits.

Topping the list of fraud complaints reported by the military community are impostor scams, similar to the demands for payment that Orr had from a caller posing as a law enforcement officer.

In Orrs case, information about his federal Payroll Protection Program loan, also known as PPP, was available online, identifying him and his business  Orrs Flooring of Castle Rock.

I thought my loan was forgiven through the bank, he said. I was working a lot and did not bother to check up on whether the calls were legit until it was too late.

The scammer sounded authoritative and used personal information, including the exact amount of the loan that Brian received in the past, to convince him that this was no scam, said James Watson-Howatt, a friend who organized a Go Fund Me page to help Orr cover his losses.

The Douglas County Sheriffs Office posted a warning on social media after reports by Orr and at least one other resident targeted by thieves posing as police officials.

Criminals are making the rounds again, impersonating members of our office. Remember, we will never call you looking for you to resolve a situation by paying us money, the sheriffs office posted this month on X, formerly Twitter.

Janine Williamson of Washington is advocating for stronger banking safeguards to stem financial fraud after her uncle, a Navy veteran, was defrauded of more than $3.5 million.

Her lawsuit against Wells Fargo and the Navy Federal Credit Union are before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Va., involving a series of bank transfers by 76-year-old Larry Cook to foreign bank accounts in a wire fraud scheme.

Cook, who had suffered a stroke that left him cognitively impaired, made dozens of wire transfers in 2020 and 2021 prior to his death, the lawsuit states. His niece discovered the transfers when she was settling his estate.

She wants to see tighter regulations to protect consumers.

Thieves target money, and veterans have money, Williamson said, referring to veterans pensions and benefits. The military lives and breathes protection of its citizens every day. Shouldnt the bank or credit union do the same for its clients?
DAMASCUS, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Pro-Iran militias have launched 60 attacks on American bases in Syria since Oct. 19 in retaliation for the United States' backing of Israel during the Gaza conflict, a war monitor reported Thursday.

The attacks, which included rocket shells and drone strikes, have been targeting the U.S. bases in eastern Syria rather than the energy fields that some U.S. bases were built on, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based watchdog group said the attacks had recently escalated as the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip continued, noting that the U.S. forces are tight-lipped about their losses.

In previous reports, the observatory noted that these attacks were launched from inside the Iraqi territories and targeted U.S. bases in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour near the Iraqi border. 
Ryan Healy (26) was allegedly captured on CCTV footage during the burglary.

Ryan Healy (26) was allegedly captured on CCTV footage during the burglary.

A young man broke into a Dublin GAA club, damaging a roller shutter door and stole alcohol from a storeroom, it has been alleged.

Ryan Healy (26) was allegedly captured on CCTV footage during the burglary.

Judge David McHugh ordered the disclosure of any statements and CCTV footage in relation to the allegation.

The judge adjourned the matter to a date in February to allow Mr Healy to speak to his solicitor.

The accused, with an address at Avondale Park in Mulhuddart, is charged with burglary and criminal damage at St Peregrines GAA club, Blakestown Road in Coolmine, on May 5 this year.

Blanchardstown District Court heard that the DPP had directed summary trial of the allegation in the district court, where the penalties upon conviction are less than in the circuit court.

Outlining the allegation for jurisdiction purposes, Sergeant Maria Callaghan alleged that Mr Healy gained entry to the GAA clubhouse by pulling out a roller shutter door, causing 525 worth of damage to it.

Sgt Callaghan also alleged that Mr Healy got into a storeroom in the clubhouse and he stole alcohol, valued at 56, from a plastic crate.

Judge McHugh said he would accept jurisdiction to deal with the matter in the district court.

Defence lawyer Ciaran MacLoughlin said that Mr Healy was unemployed.

Judge McHugh assigned defence solicitor Aengus McCarthy on free legal aid.

Mr Healy has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charge.
Anthony Walker (52), with an address at Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8 appeared before the three-judge, non-jury court this morning

A Dublin man has pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to having a revolver in his possession on the south side of the city two years ago.

Anthony Walker (52), with an address at Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8 appeared before the three-judge, non-jury court this morning.

Walker admitted today to having in his possession a firearm to wit a .38" special calibre Smith & Wesson make revolver in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose at Tallaght Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6w on November 23, 2021.

A charge against Walker of having in his possession ammunition to wit five rounds of .38" special calibre ammunition in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose on the same occasion, remains live.

Walker is further charged that he did on the same date within the State, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, participate in, or contribute to, activity intending to, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could, facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members.

Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the court that a further plea on count two will be required from Walker on the next date.

John Griffin BL, representing the defendant, said his client has significant medical concerns and asked for a psychological report to be prepared, which was acceded to by the court.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Ms Justice Sarah Berkeley and Mr Justice Alan Mitchell, remanded Walker on continuing bail until April 8, when he will be sentenced.

Walker's trial date was vacated but counsel for his co-accused Ryan Kelly asked that Mr Kelly's trial date for January 11 next year remain. The trial is expected to last four weeks.

Walker's co-accused Ryan Kelly (24) of Captain's Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 is also accused of possessing a .38" special calibre Smith & Wesson make revolver in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose at that address on November 23, 2021.

Mr Kelly is also charged with having in his possession five rounds of .38 special calibre ammunition in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose on the same occasion.

Mr Kelly is further charged that he did on the same date within the State, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, participate in, or contribute to, activity intending to, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could, facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members.
The non-jury court found he was intimately involved in conspiring to steal the car used by the gang

A Northern Irish businessman has been jailed for eight years for his role in stealing the getaway car used in the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe.

The Special Criminal Court found that he was a part of the criminal gang which carried out the murder and robbery at Lordship credit union near Dundalk, Co Louth, on January 25, 2013.

The non-jury court found he was "intimately" involved in conspiring to steal the Volkswagen Passat used by the gang, along with Armagh man Aaron Brady (33) who is serving a life sentence for capital murder of the detective.

In his judgement Mr Justice Tony Hunt said the evidence showed that James Flynn was involved in stealing the getaway car, and helped the raiders after the crime when he used his own car to collect them from a remote site in Armagh where the Volkswagen was burnt out.

However, it acquitted him of a second charge of robbery, saying that there was insufficient evidence to put him in the credit union carpark when the raid took place.

His co-accused, Brendan Treanor (34), was acquitted of both charges.

This morning Flynn, of Ravensglen in Newry, Co Down, was brought before the Special Criminal Court for sentencing for conspiring to commit burglary at Clogherhead, Co Louth, in the early hours of January 23, 2013.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, said there is "no doubt" that this was not a random burglary and that it was designed to steal a fast car suitable as a getaway car in a pre-planned and organised robbery by a criminal combine.

He said any doubt that Flynn did not know of the purpose of the burglary is "put to bed" with his conduct with Aaron Brady in the period between the burglary and robbery, including two visits to the credit union to carry out surveillance.

The court found that the offending was at the upper-end of the scale, setting a headline sentence of nine years having taken into account the overall wrongdoing, the group aspect involved, and the "serious organised crime element".

The judge said that the defendant is entitled to a discount from this sentence, including mitigation for his lack of previous convictions and positive testimonials of his good character.

Mr Justice Hunt sentenced James Flynn to eight years imprisonment, backdated to when he first went into custody in the UK on foot of an extradition warrant in July 2021.
I was trying to earn as much money as I could to ensure I had as much money later in life, he said.

A banking professional who moonlighted for nearly 30 years "pulling pints" at a Dublin pub has been awarded 25,000 for the heartless and completely unlawful way he was dismissed by the family he had first come to work for in the 1980s.

The worker, Alan Ecock, said he kept up his work at Kavanaghs of Aughrim Street in Dublin 7 despite starting a career in banking in 1994 because he was trying to provide for his mother after his father passed away.

He told the tribunal in October this year that he spent 28 years working at AIB by day and as a part-time barman by night until he was dismissed for cost-cutting reasons in April. He said his co-workers at the bank knew nothing of his second job.

I was the eldest boy of two  thats why I accepted the position and worked as hard as I did to ensure my mam had stability in later life, he said.

He kept the same hours up when he signed a full-time contract with AIB in 1994  only cutting back to two nights a week when he got married in 2013, he said.

I was trying to earn as much money as I could to ensure I had as much money later in life, he said.

The WRC heard that the original owners of the pub, Noel Peacock Sr and his wife Rose Peacock, had been forced to retire from the trade as part of a re-mortgaging arrangement with Bank of Ireland, yielding control of the hospitality group they founded to their four adult children.

The pub operating company, Pundit Ltd, a subsidiary of N&R Peacock Ltd, denied all of Mr Ecocks complaints, arguing he had been forbidden from holding a second PAYE role when he joined AIB and that Mrs Peacock had adjusted his tax credits accordingly, at Mr Ecocks request.

Company director Patrina Peacock told the WRC that, despite selling two pubs  the nearby Hyness of Prussia Street and The Tap on North King Street  there were not enough significant cost savings without looking at staffing. She said that Mr Ecocks 250-a-shift pay made him the best-paid worker on an hourly basis at Kavanaghs after her sister Louise, the manager, who was also a proprietary director of the firm.

So youre saying none of the common-sense, non-financial commercial information where someone said: We cant let Alan go, sure hes an institution inside in the pub  that was never discussed at your directors meeting? the complainants solicitor, Setanta Landers, asked her in cross-examination.

I dont have the luxury of common sense. I have to keep the mortgage paid and keep Revenue paid so my decisions have to be strictly financial, Ms Peacock said.

In a closing submission, the pub groups solicitor Brid McCoy said Mr Ecock was well aware that he was self-employed and therefore not entitled to make any employment rights claims.

Hes working in AIB, hes a focussed career banking professional in his LinkedIn profile, she submitted.

Mr Landers said the Peacock familys argument that Mr Ecock was self-employed was a parade of fiction which they had been unable to support with evidence.

Its expensive to pay an employee statutory redundancy whos been there for 34 years. They just didnt want to pay him  its as simple as that, he said. It is totally undignified, it is totally transparent, and the WRC should take a very firm view on it, Mr Landers added.

In his decision, adjudicator Pat Brady wrote that even if he accepted the respondents claim that Mr Ecocks status changed to self-employment when he joined the bank, it was no defence whatsoever.

The law required an examination of the realities of the situation to determine employment status, and Mr Ecock ticks all the boxes making him an employee according to the Revenue code of practice on determining employment status, giving him legal standing to pursue the claims, Mr Brady wrote.

He wrote that the complainant showed an admirable if somewhat naive loyalty to the enterprise or at least to the previous generation of the family.

The younger directors failed to apply even the rudimentary processes required in a redundancy situation, such as a consultation process or any exploration of alternatives, and were guilty of a quite egregious breach of the [Unfair Dismissals] Act], Mr Brady wrote.

The respondent apparently did not consider it necessary to grant the complainant the courtesy of having the news of his dismissal conveyed to him in person. All he got was the briefest of telephone calls, Mr Brady wrote.

Having regard to the complainants long and loyal service, the manner in which it was effected was especially heartless, to say nothing of being completely unlawful, he added.

He awarded Mr Ecock 22,750 for unfair dismissal, 2,000 for the employers failure to give the required notice, and 1,000 for the failure to provide a written statement of core terms of employment  a total awards package of 25,750.

He dismissed further claims for wages and redundancy, the latter being provided for in the unfair dismissal order.

The complaints were brought under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, the Redundancy Payments Act 1967, the Payment of Wages Act 1991, the Minimum Notice and Terms and Conditions of Employment Act 1994 and the Organisation of Working Time Act 2004 against the pubs operating company Pundit Ltd, a subsidiary of N&R Peacock Holdings Ltd.
The case against Gately and his wife Charlene Lam has been delayed by applications for free legal aid

GANGLAND figure James Mago Gately is facing a final showdown with the Criminal Assets Bureau in the New Year.

His long-running case against CAB, first listed in court in 2021, will now be heard in February or March next year.

This week the High Court heard that an affidavit from a quantity surveyor contesting CABs valuation on his Coolock homes refurbishment is now ready.

The case against Gately and his partner Charlene Lam has been delayed by applications for free legal aid and difficulty in getting experts to give evidence on their behalf.

Judge Alex Owens said he would fix a date for hearing in either February or March when the case is mentioned again in January.

Counsel for CAB said in court last month that the case has been back and forth and a year and a half has been lost with no substantial affidavits filed.

The couple have been targeted by CAB who claim the 440,000 spent on their Coolock home was proceeds of crime.

Last July Judge Alex Owens agreed to allow 14,000 free legal to pay for a forensic accountant and a quantity surveyor to carry out a report for the couple.

However, counsel for CAB told the court in November neither had yet been forwarded to them.

The judge previously described as outrageous, fees quoted for the reports totalling 34,000 and capped them instead at 14,000.

Judge Owens previously said he was gobsmacked when he read the initial quote from a UK-based forensic accountant who said it would cost the equivalent of 24,000 for him to carry out the work.

A quantity surveyor had also quoted almost 10,000 to travel to the north Dublin property and to write up his report.

A lawyer for the couple said it had not been possible to find someone in this jurisdiction to carry the reports.

It was added the reports were needed because CABs case to seize the house rests on their valuations of the work carried out.

They claim the work was carried out far more cheaply and using less expensive materials than suggested by CAB.

CABs case was first filed in 2021 and is against both Gately and his partner Charlene who previously won the argument to have some free legal aid to help them in their legal battle.

During that hearing, it was stated by counsel for CAB the couple had taken luxury cruises and enjoyed eye- watering foreign travel.

They went on two cruises including one that started in Singapore in which they had a cabin complete with a balcony visiting Korea, Japan and China.

Two cars and a 4,400 ladies Rolex watch are also being targeted by CAB which alleges the goods were paid for with the proceeds of crime.

Mago Gately survived being targeted by the Kinahan Cartel during the infamous Kinahan-Hutch feud.

Gately was lucky to escape alive in 2017 after being shot and wounded in an assassination bid caried out by Kinahan gunman Caolan Smith.
Dublin District Court heard that it was recommended to a father, who handed over more than 41,000 against his son's debt, that he should sell his house.

TWO men accused of demanding 100,000 during an alleged drug-debt intimidation in Dublin have been denied bail and were remanded in custody yesterday.

Dublin District Court heard that it was recommended to a father, who handed over more than 41,000 against his son's debt, that he should sell his house.

Truck driver Dominic Dynes, 53, of Bree, Castleblayney, and Alan Fitzsimons, 46, originally from Dublin but now living at Lisduff, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, are charged with three counts of blackmail.

They are also accused of money laundering and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a north Dublin man from November 6  16, 2021.

They faced bail objections due to the seriousness of the case when they appeared before Judge Shalom Binchy at Dublin District Court yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Donal O'Connell alleged that on November 6, 2021, a man with a northern accent and another who sounded like he was from Dublin visited the alleged injured party's home.

The contested bail hearing was told he was asked to pay 60,000. Subsequently, there was an alleged demand for 100,000, and one of the men told him to "sell the house".

The court heard that on November 14, the man paid 41,000, and they stated they would be back. A further 3,000 was handed over two days later.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided they should be tried at a higher level in the Circuit Court, and the State must produce a book of evidence before a trial order is granted.

A car carrying the defendants was allegedly stopped, and the 3,000, in a plastic bag, was recovered.

Detective Sergeant O'Connell was concerned about the man's fear and the possibility of witness interference.

The court heard he later made a statement to gardai but has withdrawn it and refused to come to court to give evidence at the bail hearing.

Barrister Fergal McMorrow, for Mr Dynes, submitted that the garda based the bail objection on supposition, and there was no evidence to substantiate his belief.

He said his client, a father of two, was willing to abide by bail conditions, and a relative had come to court offering to lodge a surety.

Mr Fitzsimons told the court that he had moved to Monaghan three years ago to look after his deceased brother's house and land, where he kept some animals. He claimed he had been threatened to go to the house in Dublin.

He agreed with his solicitor, Holly Laher, that he would stay out of Dublin and abide by any terms imposed by the court.

Ms Laher submitted that this could alleviate the prosecution's fears.

Judge Binchy stressed they have the presumption of innocence.

However, she refused bail and remanded them in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court next week. Legal aid was granted.
A woman in her 40s and a man in his late teens were arrested at the scene and taken to a garda station in south Dublin, where they ae both currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

Cannabis herb with an estimated value of 100,000 (analysis pending) was seized following a search of a vehicle in Tallaght last night.

Three people were arrested following two separate searches in Tallaght last night that uncovered drugs worth an estimated 500,000.

Cannabis herb with an estimated value of 100,000 (analysis pending) was seized after gardai attached to the Serious Crime Unit at Tallaght Garda station stopped and searched a vehicle on Cheeverstown Road at around 8pm.

A woman in her 40s and a man in his late teens were arrested at the scene and taken to a garda station in south Dublin, where they ae both currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

At approximately 9.30pm, a separate search operation under warrant was conducted by the Tallaght District Drug unit of a residential property in Tallaght.

During the course of the search cannabis resin with an estimated street value of 378,000 (analysis pending) was seized.

One man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and taken to a Garda station in South Dublin. He is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

Investigations are ongoing, a garda spokesperson said.
BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with a delegation led by Ghodratali Heshmatian, chairman of the House of Parties of Iran, in Beijing on Thursday.

The two sides exchanged views on following the important common understandings of the leaders of the two countries, enhancing political mutual trust and the exchange of ideas, and strengthening pragmatic cooperation and international coordination. 
Hogan responded by punching himself in the face, pinching her under the arm and bending three of her fingers back

An Irishman who threatened to kill his former partner after accusing her of cheating on him has been jailed in the UK.

Jordan Hogan, of Leamington Pi in Lisburn, Antrim, who had subjected his victim to a "prolonged and persistent" assault in the incident was handed down an 18-month sentence

A five year restraining order was also imposed for the victim's protection after Hogan appeared at Mold Crown Court in Wales for sentencing via video link from HMP Berwyn on Wednesday morning.

The 24-year-old had previously admitted assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and theft against his ex-partner Ella Fflur Rees-Williams in Conwy on October 14.

Prosecutor Karl Scholz told the court Hogan and Rees-Williams had been together for five months and were initially living in Northern Ireland.

When Ms Rees-Williams subsequently contacted the police about Hogans abusive behaviour he was held in custody on remand for nine months.

However, she later withdrew her statement after he "repeatedly contacted and threatened her.

After he was released in October this year when the case was dropped Hogan contacted his victim, who was then living in North Wales.

He demanded that she pick him up at Abergele train station on October 13 and told her to pay for a hotel room for the night..

The following day he told her to pay for a train ticket so he could go see his mother

When she refused and started screaming and crying for him to get out of her car at Llandudno Junction Station, Hogan responded by punching himself in the face, pinching her under the arm and bending three of her fingers back.

He then struck her with the back of his hand, causing her nose to bleed.

Telling her she "deserved" the assault, he warned that he would "kill her" if the police turned up, as he told her to drive somewhere quiet.

He accused her of cheating on him when he saw a message on her mobile phone from a male friend and when Ms Rees-Williams attempted to get out of the car, he pulled her back in by the hair and struck her in the face again.

He got out of the car and took her mobile with him and after he was arrested, Hogan told the police she had been the one who attacked him.

According to the North Wales Pioneer, Hogan has 21 previous convictions for 33 offences, including two robberies, five burglaries and eight thefts, as well as an assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Sarah Yates, defending, said she would concede from the outset that this will be a custodial sentence of some length.

"The defendant has been in custody since October 16 and he has used that time constructively, Ms Yates is quoted as saying by the North Wales Pioneer,

"He has obtained a job and is engaging with the mental health team in Berwyn.

"He struggles to manage his emotions and deal with situations of conflict arising in a domestic context.

Ms Yates added that Hogan was very remorseful for his conduct towards the complainant.

However, Judge Nicola Saffman described the offending as a "persistent and prolonged assault," as she jailed Hogan for 18 months.

.
John Thorogood was sentenced to over seven years in prison for sexually abusing young boys in Morocco following a National Crime Agency investigation

A 75-year-old London man known as the Trader by members of an international abuse network who travelled together to attack children across the globe has been jailed in the UK.

John Thorogood was sentenced to over seven years in prison for sexually abusing young boys in Morocco following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Working with Europol and Dutch authorities, investigators established that Thorogood appeared in a series of abuse images recovered from another member of the group, which showed him sexually assaulting boys aged 10-12 in Morocco in 2012.

Thorogood, who has previous convictions relating to indecent images of children, in December 2021, was arrested by NCA officers who seized his phone and computer.

Although the devises were encrypted, forensic work by NCA investigators led to the recovery of over 200,000 abuse images. Some of the photos were taken by Thorogood and showed boys as young as one-years-of-age.

Thorogood had taken a picture of his suitcase, which had a luggage label showing flight details from London to Casablanca, Morocco, in July 2012 with the same camera, led to his identification.

he pleaded guilty to seven counts, including sexual activity with a child, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and three counts of making indecent images of children on August 31 at Wood Green Crown Court,

He was remanded in custody and sentenced yesterday to seven years and eight months in prison.

He is also subject to a 15-year sexual harm prevention order, was placed on the sex offenders register for life, and will receive a five-year worldwide travel ban once released from prison.

The network communicated regularly via encrypted emails, a number of which were recovered as part of the investigation. These showed that Thorogood shared significant amounts of abuse material and was known to other members as the Trader.

Another member of the network, Christopher Behn, from Essex, is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence for sexually abusing boys in south east Asian countries on over 20 trips between 2008-2018 after he was convicted after an NCA investigation.

The agency has identified and arrested a further four men based in the UK believed to have links to the network while, investigations are also ongoing in a number of countries across Europe.

Phil Eccles, Operations Manager at the NCA, said Thorogood was a member of a transnational network who conspired together to abuse vulnerable children in remote, often impoverished parts of the world.

The scale of this network is unprecedented, Eccles said.  A significant amount of planning went into every trip, each of which centred on abusing children. They then catalogued and shared the photographic evidence of their abuse between them, further victimising the children.

Members communicated via encrypted emails in an attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement. However, thanks to joint working with our European partners and the diligence of NCA officers, these men are now being exposed and we will not stop until every member of this network is brought to justice.

The NCA is dedicated to protecting children and disrupting the highest harm offenders wherever they are in the world. Collaboration with our international colleagues is imperative in achieving this.
Alexandre Romero-Arata (27) failed to stop or offer assistance after Eoghan Byrne, from Skerries, North Dublin, died in the incident on June 19, 2022

A man who killed an Irish tech worker in a hit-and-run in Vancouver last year has also been convicted of a sex assault in the Canadian city.

Alexandre Romero-Arata (27) failed to stop or offer assistance after Eoghan Byrne, from Skerries, North Dublin, died in the incident on June 19, 2022.

Byrne and a friend were crossing West 4th Avenue at Arbutus Street at around 11.30pm that night when he was struck and killed.

Romero-Arata was charged with criminal negligence causing death, failure to stop at the scene of an accident and public mischief.

He pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death on November 29 in Vancouver provincial court but, according to Global News, this was kept from the public for more than two weeks this month.

This was because defence counsel, Bobby Movassaghi, had sought a publication ban on proceedings as his client was facing a jury trial in BC Supreme Court on December 11 on an unrelated charge of sexual assault.

Eoghan's funeral in Skerries

The ban was granted by Judge Reg Harris who decreed that it would expire as soon as the jury trial was concluded.

Romero-Arata was found guilty of one count of sexual assault involving a 16-year-old girl he met online by the jury on December 16.

The now 18-year-old victim testified that Romero-Arata had sexual intercourse with her without her consent in a Vancouver hotel room in November 2021.

Romero-Arata remains in custody with sentencing dates for both cases put back to next year.

On June 19, 2022, 24-year-old Byrne was walking home with a friend when he was struck and killed near West 4th Avenue and Arbutus Street.

The hit-and-run was captured on surveillance video, which shows the impact of the speeding vehicle and the victim flying several metres.

The driver does not stop but about 30 seconds later, another motorist gets out of their car to check on the victim. Other onlookers can be seen covering the body with a blanket.

Its horrifying that an innocent person who was walking on the street, struck and killed instantly, had their whole life ahead of them, Constable Tania Visintin, who investigated the collision, said.

Its very tragic and it definitely took a toll on our investigators.

Romero-Arata who had fled the scene called 911 the next day, to falsely report his car was stolen.

He was arrested on June 20, 2022 at his residence in South Vancouver, along with a 63-year-old family member, who was initially under investigation for acting as a potential accomplice after the fatal collision.

Visintin said that persons criminal involvement was ultimately ruled out, and only Romero-Arata was charged.

We were able to recommend charges, one of the highest charges in fatal collisions, which is criminal negligence causing death, Visintin told Global News.

Romero-Arata was also accused of failing to stop at an accident causing death, and public mischief.

However, he pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death only.

Crown counsel is seeking a five-year prison sentence followed by a five-year driving ban.

Defence counsel plans to enter a psychiatric assessment as evidence when it makes submissions at a sentencing hearing in the new year.

The victim was identified in the days after the incident as Eoghan Byrne, a Trinity science graduate who had been working for a local tech company in Vancouver for just a few months before the tragic collision.

Constable Visintin said at the time that the Vancouver Police Department had spent months gathering evidence in Byrnes death.

Constable Visintin added: Hit and run investigations can be lengthy, challenging and complex.

"In this case, investigators from VPDs Collision Investigation Unit and Major Crime Section spent months gathering pertinent evidence that led to the identity of the person we believe was driving the vehicle when this tragic incident happened.

Byrne had been working in Vancouver for Stemcell Technologies since April 2022 and it later emerged how his family had hoped to visit with him not long after the fatal collision.

Tributes to the Dubliner flooded in following news of the incident last summer.

He was described as a lovely handsome young man who had recently moved to Canada after graduating from Trinity College Dublin.

At his funeral in Skerries, Eoghans sister Susan told mourners that her brother was naturally energetic, relentless in his curiosity and fiercely sociable, eager to explore the world around him and explore he did.

Eoghan was the middle child of three to his parents Eugene and Mary. Susan said he was the perfect brother to her and their younger brother James.

As a brother he could be fiercely annoying but incredibly fun, like any brother he done his best to annoy me from time to time, once deciding to make a smoothie in the Nutribullet at 1.30am in the morning but he was kind, caring and protective too, she said.
Following an internal investigation, the BBC has dismissed the complaint.

A complaint that alleged rapist Russell Brand was defamed on a Radio Ulster show has been dismissed.

A discussion was held on the Talkback programme on September 18 after a large number of sex offence allegations were made against the TV star.

A listener complained that comments made on Talkback had defamed Brand.

However, following an internal investigation, the BBC has dismissed the complaint.

It is not known who made the complaint or what specific comments it referred to.

However, the BBC has decided the matter should go no further.

Brand has strongly denied accusations made by several women in an investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4s Dispatches programme.

The comedian and actor is accused of rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse over a seven-year period.

Brand is also said to have behaved inappropriately at work during the height of his fame, including by undressing, making sexual remarks and acting aggressively towards colleagues.

As part of the media companies investigation, four women made allegations against Brand in connection with dates between 2006 and 2013.

One woman alleges that Brand raped her in his Los Angeles home.

She says Brand tried to stop her leaving until she told him she was going to the bathroom.

She was treated at a rape crisis centre on the same day, which the Times says it has confirmed via medical records.

A second woman, in the UK, alleges that Brand assaulted her when he was in his early 30s and she was 16 and still at school.

She alleges he referred to her as "the child" during an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship.

A third woman claims that Brand sexually assaulted her while she worked with him in Los Angeles.

She alleges she repeatedly told Brand to get off her, and when he eventually relented he "flipped" and was "super angry".

She says he threatened to take legal action if she told anyone else about her allegation.

The fourth woman has alleged being sexually assaulted by Brand in the UK and him being physically and emotionally abusive towards her.

During the years covered by the allegations, Brand was one of the Uks best known TV and radio presenters.

He worked at BBC Radio 2 and also hosted shows on BBC TV and Channel 4, as well as starring in several films.

After the allegations were made public in September, Brand shared a video on social media in which he denied the allegations.

In the video, he claimed his relationships "were absolutely, always consensual".

The 48-year-old said he believed he was the subject of a "co-ordinated attack" and was going to look into the matter because it was "very, very serious".

Following the accusations against Brand, the BBC said it was "urgently looking into the issues raised" by the allegations and also announced a review of Brand's time at the BBC.

A BBC spokesperson said it had "clear expectations around conduct at work", adding: "We will always listen to people if they come forward with any concerns, on any issue related to any individual working at the BBC, past or present."

Channel 4 also announced its own internal investigation and encouraged "anyone who is aware of such behaviour to contact us directly".

The channel said it was "appalled" to learn of the "deeply troubling allegations, including behaviour alleged to have taken place on programmes made for Channel 4 between 2004 and 2007.

It said it was determined to understand what went on and said it had found no evidence that the alleged incidents had been previously brought to its attention.
Roger Rabbits

with Jim Bunny

Today we enter the wonderful world of make believe  we step cheekily outside the bounds of truth, accuracy, balance and fairness and make merry with the facts. The Governments going to play hardball with the gangs  banning gang patches and gang insignia in public. So who will be the first brave person to do the Governments bidding and demand a hulking gang member remove his patch and cover his gang affiliation facial tattoo. This is our take.

National MP: You know a man discovers himself when he measures himself against the obstacle. I have identified the obstacle and I am about to discover.

Mrs MP: What the hell? Thats all a bit esoteric dear.

National MP: Well, tonight I am going out to strong arm the gangs. I am going where no MP has gone before. Simon Bridges talked tough about gangs but then grew his hair long and followed his dreams to Auckland. Now hes just another Jafa.

Mrs MP: Language dear!

National MP: The opposition wants to give the gangs food parcels and love and understanding for Christmas. So tonight I am going to bang heads. Its the Governments no-nonsense gang policy, so we, well me, must be seen to be leading the charge.

Mrs MP: How noble, how cavalier, how brave. But be careful dear. History hasnt been kind to brave men of principle leading the charge.

National MP: Like who?

Mrs MP: Lord Cardigan in the Battle of Balaclava. Remember the Charge of the Light Brigade. Stormed at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of death, Into the mouth of hell  etc, etc. Two hundred-plus dead. That charge didnt end well.

MP: Oh dear!

Mrs MP: And the Battle of Big Horn when Custer charged the Sioux, the Cheyenne and the Arapoho. 268 dead, including Custer. It turned to custard for Custer. No point being a dead no-nonsense MP. No point martyring yourself for that cause.

National MP: Because I am a chest-beating, no-nonsense National MP. We were born to rule, born to lead. And its going to take a man of position and power to neuter the gangs. So I am going to form a political vanguard of one, and storm a gang fortification. They will be sweating and shaking under their patches.

Mrs MP: What a horrible thought. Instead of a wading in with a super-charged ego why dont you just wave a white flag and offer them a platter of club sandwiches, savouries and tiny cakes, a pot of Earl Grey and a nice chat?

Tats and hanging baskets

National MP: No time to be namby-pamby dear. I am about to make a statement on behalf of all God-faring New Zealanders. I will knock on the fortress gate and demand they surrender their patches in exchange for hi-vis vests with a colour choice of two. Theyll be easier seen on their new Honda step-thrus after I invite them to trade down their Hogs.

Of course I will carry a blow torch to surgically remove gang affiliation facial tattoos, should they choose. Or they can opt for a selection of leading brand matte, full coverage foundation makeups to conceal clenched fist, angry dog and F.O. tattoos so they dont intimidate little old ladies at the mall, or Rotary, or church.

Mrs MP: Why not just send the gangs a letter of expectation  like the Minister of Police sent to the Police Commissioner? A letter setting out policy and priorities?

National MP: Because gangs dont or cant read. And they dont have letter boxes.

Mrs MP: While you are at it, you could also ask the gangs to soften the appearance of their gang pads. Swap out the dark colours and the connotations of evil, death, pain, bleakness, and depression. Suggest lavender or sky blue and the associated feelings of tranquillity, calmness and relaxation. Some hanging baskets along the front of the pad would be nice. And coloured lights.

The local gang pads could then feature in the Tauranga Christmas Lights Trail. Inclusivity and all that. And the gangsters who arent in jail could hand out Christmas mince pies and sing some carols like Away in a Gang Pad, no crib for a bed. Or O Come All Ye patched up.

No-nonsense MP: Sometimes I suspect you dont take me seriously.

How to tame a gangster

Mrs MP: And this is important Dear, when a menacing 2m tall, 120kg gangster with F.O. tattooed on his forehead and a nickname like Sludge, Muck or Grime confronts you, remember your non-verbal communication cues.

National MP: My what?

Mrs MP: Your NVCCs Dear  because the way you listen, look, move and react will tell Sludge, Muck or Grime whether or not you care, if you are being truthful and how well you are listening. When your NVCCs match up with your words, they increase trust, clarity, and rapport. In time Dear, you too might end up fully patched with a clenched fist tattooed on your face and a long unenviable rap sheet. Be self-aware  avoid any physical contact unless absolutely necessary as it may cause provocation. Remain objective, listen and provide solutions, and if all fails then skedaddle. 

No-nonsense MP: Mmm  on second thoughts perhaps I dont want to compromise my $163,961 paycheck. I might leave getting tough to the tough.
Police are making enquries to locate a fourth person after arresting three others following a robbery in Hamilton last weekend.

Police have arrested three teenaged boys following the aggravated robbery of a Waikato Liquor store in which the shop owner was injured.

"About 9.25pm on Saturday December 16, four masked individuals entered a liquor store on Whatawhata Road in Dinsdale and allegedly assaulted two workers," says Waikato District Criminal Investigations Manager, Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley.

One worker suffered injuries to his head and hand after he challenged the assailants during the incident.

Detective Inspector Pitkethley says he received treatment in hospital and is now recovering at home.

"Police have yesterday apprehended two 15-year-olds and a 17-year-old in relation to the incident," saysDetective Inspector Pitkethley.

"Investigators are following strong lines of enquiry to locate a fourth individual."

Anyone with information about the event, who has not yet spoken to Police, is asked to call Police at 105, or make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, using update report.

Please reference the file number 231217/9171.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Only 46 per cent of school pupils attended classes regularly in term three, one of the worst figures on record, with Maori and Pacific students worst affected, Education Ministry figures show.

They also show a record number of students took holidays during the 10 weeks from mid-July to mid-September.

Regular attendance, defined as attending more than 90 per cent of school time, had been on the rise after reaching an all-time low of 40 per cent in term two last year.

But this year's term-three figure was as bad as the same period last year and well below the term three high of 63 per cent reached in 2021.

Maori and Pacific students had the lowest regular attendance rates at 34 per cent. For Pakeha students, the rate was 48 per cent and for Asian students 58 per cent.

The Education Ministry figures also shows differences between regions and age groups.

"The Canterbury and Chatham Islands region had the highest percentage of students attending regularly in Term 3 2023 (49.4 per cent). The Tai Tokerau region had the lowest percentage of students attending regularly (34.2 per cent)," the report says.

"Overall, the regular attendance rate for primary students (year levels 1-8) was 48.9 per cent while the rate for secondary students (year levels 9-13) was 40.3 per cent in Term 3 2023, a difference of 8.6 percentage points."

The figures also showed 12 per cent of pupils attended for 70 per cent or less of school time, the benchmark for chronic absence, slightly less than the same period last year.

However, for Maori, the chronic absence figure was 20 per cent and for Pacific students 21 per cent, while just 10 per cent of Pakeha were chronically absent and eight per cent of Asian students.

The figures also show illness as the leading cause of absence in term three this year.

Nearly 15 per cent of school time was lost to absences in term three, including slightly more than eight per cent due to justified absences, such as illness, and just over six per cent due to unjustified absences.

Maori students missed 10 per cent of school time due to justified absences and a further 10 per cent due to unjustified absences, and for Pacific students, the figures were nine and 10 per cent, respectively.

The report says 86,431 pupils missed at least half a day of school because their families took them on holiday during term time, and the average length of those holidays was nearly 11 half days. Both figures are the highest on record.

Education Minister Erica Stanford says the result is incredibly disappointing and has happened despite the previous government spending tens of millions of dollars trying to improve attendance.

Without rounding, the figure was 45.9 per cent which is the second-worst attendance figures since 2011, she says.

"We need a change of direction to restore the habit of attending school regularly.

"Associate Education Minister David Seymour and I have set a clear expectation with officials that it is time for a change in approach. We know it will take time to increase attendance rates but this government expects kids to be in school. We know a good education ensures our young people have the skills and knowledge to set them up for success.

"We will continue to ensure the right supports are in place to help families get their children to school but parents' attitudes count. This government will be sending a message that there is a moral and legal obligation for their children to be in school."

Seymour says the ACT Party's coalition agreement with National is committed to addressing truancy by prioritising reporting and enforcement action to reduce truancy.

"As a nation, we can't accept a level of mediocrity where less than half of students are regularly attending school. To succeed in education, you have to show up.

"Almost every aspect of someone's adult life will be defined by the education they receive as a child. For better social outcomes, kids need to be in the classroom and learning the basics."

-Phil Pennington/RNZ.
SIDNEY--On December 14 and 15, a team of software experts, installation specialists and representatives from UCHealth came to Sidney to install and integrate Epic Systems Software to upgrade patient information and healthcare data for the hospital system's patients and employees. According to Epic Systems, their software "makes it possible for every patient to have a single, comprehensive medical record that informs and is informed by their health experiences. The goal is higher-quality, more personalized care that's simpler for patients, medical professionals, and everyone who makes healthcare happen." Epic says that over 305 million patients currently have electronic records in their system.

The team of Epic employees came from Verona, Wisconsin and worked on SRMC's systems, including the Long Term Care Center on Keller Drive. On Friday, the team was loading the software and showing the employees how it all works, making sure everything was operational before they returned to Wisconsin.

Caleb Myer, from Epic Systems, said "the biggest benefit of our software is it makes all of the systems integrated. The ability to access and integrate all medical records, including those from third-party providers, onto one seamless platform is a major benefit that saves time, effort and reduces errors with patient's histories and other critical information." He noted that Epic Systems was started in 1979 with a handful of people with a vision, and their original products that focused on medical billing, now integrate all forms of patient information on one seamless platform. "There is a learning curve on using the system, because there is a lot of information to access and track, but we've made it as intuitive as possible as to keep the amount of information involved from becoming overwhelming," said Myer. Josie Nielson, of UC Health in Colorado is an Epic ClinDoc Systems Analyst Associate that was in Sidney to help with the project, said "The Epic system upgrade process started some time ago, with people coming out to give training on the systems, with tip sheets and videos and practice environments made available for users to become familiar with the system, and now the team was is doing a "check-in" to see where they're having any issues, what could be better with the build (of the system) and to make the work flow easier for the users."

Nova Yang of Epic said, "We have a Learning Center where not only employees can train on our systems but customers can come in too for training and to better understand the system." He noted that the system is international, and accesses medical and patient information worldwide. Differences in systems for international patients can be challenging, but Epic helps to make the process as seamless as possible, regardless of language or cultural differences.

The team members were slated to finish this phase of their work and return to Wisconsin and Colorado Friday evening. SRMC has a number of new projects and additions that will better serve the Cheyenne county community, and the Sun-Telegraph will be focusing on all of these beneficial new services in our upcoming editions.
This article will be short and sweet. Well, sweet to some and not so sweet to others. December 25 is the day that has been chosen for the majority of the world's citizens to celebrate a holiday we call Christmas.

For many, especially in Western cultures (America and Western Europe) Christmas is that time of year we take a break from our workaday world. During this break time various cultures celebrate it in various ways and for various reasons.

Many days prior to December 25 most of us spend an inordinate amount of time scanning catalogs, sale flyers and the internet looking for the perfect gift for our children and beloved spouse, along with gifts for coworkers, etc. And then spending more money than we have in the bank buying those gifts.

Ah! The "Perfect Gift"!

What is it? For a large part of my life the Perfect Gift I could give to family and friends was defined by it first and foremost being affordable. Other criteria often (but not always) included such things as would it please my spouse and be useful, and for the kids would it at least survive until the day after New Year's Day. For fellow coworkers most of the criteria was spelled out by our employer. Oh, well... guess that kills the exploding chair pad I was going to buy for my cube mate.

As parents of six kids (five of our own and one adopted) Dorothy and I were for many years constrained by the limits of income in the gifts we could afford to purchase. Rarely were we able to afford more that two gifts per child and more times than I can to remember it was difficult to be able to buy a single gift for each child, much less one for our beloved spouse.

Some of the best gifts, and most loved by our kids, were the ones we made. Cardboard boxes were were turned into space ships and tanks for the boys, while others were transformed into doll houses and make believe castles for the girls.

Among Dorothy's many talents was her ability to make and bake extraordinary candies, cakes and cookies (in addition to 3 meals a day when we could afford them). The kid's Christmas stockings would be filled to over flowing with cookies and other assorted treats that Dorothy made. Oh! I can still smell and taste them!

The highlight of our Christmas celebration was held at the local church we attended. The kid's Bible classes would put on short Christmas plays, sing songs and give Scripture recitations. Then the congregation would join together in singing a couple of Christian Christmas songs. After the songfest we'd often gather to share cookies, hot chocolate and other seasonal treats with other members of the congregation.

So, as promised here is the finality...

No matter what the state of the world, nation, state or your family's, I pray each of you will have a blessed and happy Christmas. Especially, as we remember to share the love that God shared with us by send His Son to pay our debts.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all.
Hadi Mirzaei, director general of the General Office of Museums of the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts speaks during the dispatching ceremony of an Iranian delegation dedicated to museums and cultural exchanges with China, in Tehran, Iran, Dec. 20, 2023. Cooperation and cultural exchanges will help promote bilateral ties between China and Iran, Mirzaei said here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Shadati)

TEHRAN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation and cultural exchanges will help promote bilateral ties between China and Iran, an Iranian official said here on Wednesday.

Hadi Mirzaei, director general of the General Office of Museums of the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, made the remarks on the sidelines of the dispatching ceremony of an Iranian delegation dedicated to museums and cultural exchanges with China.

The ceremony was attended by several Iranian museum curators who will attend a specialized training course on visiting museums in China in January 2024.

Mirzaei said he hoped that the young Iranian museum curators who have joined the delegation will improve the future of Iran's museum curatorship and help strengthen cultural understanding between the two countries. He further said that the course will help the participants become qualified hosts for Chinese tourists. 

Several Iranian museum curators who will attend a specialized training course on visiting museums in China in January 2024 pose for a photo during the dispatching ceremony of an Iranian delegation dedicated to museums and cultural exchanges with China, in Tehran, Iran, Dec. 20, 2023. Cooperation and cultural exchanges will help promote bilateral ties between China and Iran, an Iranian official said here on Wednesday.

Hadi Mirzaei, director general of the General Office of Museums of the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, made the remarks on the sidelines of the dispatching ceremony of an Iranian delegation dedicated to museums and cultural exchanges with China. (Xinhua/Shadati)
December 16 marked the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, when colonial Bostonians dressed as Mohawk Indians boarded three ships-Dartmouth, Eleanor, and Beaver-split open 340 chests filled with tea, and dumped their contents into Boston's harbor.

This defiant act was directed as a protest against Parliament's insistence that the consignees of the tea in the American colonies pay an import tax, to keep afloat the struggling British East India Company, which brought the tea to the colonists.

The colonists were angry. They paid taxes to their local colonial governments, but no elected officials from the colonies represented them in Parliament to vote or make laws there. "No taxation without representation," was their rallying cry.

In 2009, the Tea Party Movement acquired their name from that historical event. This modern-day political party insisted upon lower taxes, a decelerating national debt, and reduced government spending, noble goals that were not in direct alignment with the colonists.

The political issue in 1773 did not exactly equal that in 2009, even though the modern-day participants claimed the same name.

On occasion, words from the history textbooks will resurface as code names for what is happening today, as a way of thinking upon an issue, and grabbing attention.

Edward Muir, professor of history at Northwestern, and current president of the American Historical Association, pointed out this thought in two recent and short essays he wrote for the organization's monthly magazine, "Perspectives on History," in November and December.

In November, he pointed out the word "refuge" and its associated word "migration."

He writes, "Much of history consists of narratives about people migrating to find a refuge, a safe place to survive, live, and prosper, to escape slavery, starvation, persecution."

He lists examples. "The Biblical story tells how the ancient Israelites fled slavery in Egypt and found the Promised Land." "The Mormons escaped from the murderous mobs in Missouri and Illinois and found refuge near the Great Salt Lake."

He points to the Pilgrims, who found refuge near Plymouth rock on December 21, 1620, to escape England's "Anglican establishment." Then, "the Quaker and Baptist non-conformists" found refuge in Rhode Island some distance from Boston's Puritans and their whips.

He mentions the Underground Railroad, a means for escaped slaves to find a refuge.

Muir then points out, "Migration and refuge are everywhere in American history."

Yet, he cautions his readers, saying, "the narratives have blinded people about the plight of those already on the land of refuge. One group's liberation story is another's tale of loss."

I liken it to a cue ball that strikes the striped and colored balls on a table causing them to scatter, or when one domino tips, the others tip also.

For example, the Cheyenne Indians' original homeland was near the Great Lakes, in Minnesota, and Illinois, and yet once other tribes pushed from the east, they drove the Cheyennes westward, until they found a refuge on the Great Plains.

In the December issue, Muir focuses upon the word "Renaissance," a word, he says, that "possesses a great emotive power even if most have barely a clue about its precise meaning."

Movements, parties, and organizations appeal to that word, as a code name for a "rebirth," something innovative and new but drawn from and discovered in the old. Its original meaning grew out of a rediscovery of the Greeks and Romans, their fascinating ideas and cultures.

I say that a re-examination and even adoption of the old is not always the best way forward, especially in the sciences, perhaps more so in philosophy, literature, and art.

Other words, sometimes overused, come to my mind: Restoration and Reconstruction.

Restoration refers to that diligent search into the past for an idea, lost long ago, and once found, brought forward into today, and claimed as a truth for all times.

Reconstruction refers to the North's self-appointed obligation to reconfigure the former Confederate states into a new social order, one without slavery.

Tea Party, refuge and migration, Renaissance, Restoration, and Reconstruction are unique words. Handle them with care.

To my dear readers: A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.
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BAGHDAD, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tensions between Iraq and the United States are escalating after Washington gave the green light for its forces to respond to attacks launched by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias on U.S. military bases in the country.

After the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Oct. 7, the Iraqi armed group "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," believed linked to Iranian-backed militias, has carried out drone and rocket attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for U.S. support to Israel in the Gaza conflict.

TIT FOR TAT ATTACKS

According to the U.S. Pentagon, as of Dec. 12, U.S. troops have been targeted over 90 times in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17.

In the beginning, the U.S. military did not immediately respond to the Iraqi Shiite militias' attacks to avoid being dragged into another trouble in the Middle East.

Later, under their relentless attacks, the U.S. forces conducted on Nov. 21 an airstrike by an AC-130 gunship against militiamen responsible for launching a missile attack on U.S. and Coalition personnel in Ayn al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq, according to a statement by the U.S. Central Command.

On Nov. 22, a U.S. aircraft conducted precision strikes in the Jurf al-Nasr area, south of Baghdad, killing eight members of the Iraqi government-backed paramilitary forces of Hashd Shaabi and wounding several others.

On Dec. 3, another U.S. aircraft bombarded Hashd Shaabi positions in Iraq's northern province of Kirkuk, killing five more paramilitary fighters.

In retaliation, an unknown Iraqi armed group fired rockets on Dec. 8, which landed near the U.S. embassy in the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad, although without causing casualties.

"AMERICA TO GET OUT OF IRAQ"

Following the U.S. attacks, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani declared the U.S. move as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and an attempt to destabilize its internal security situation, stressing they are a clear violation of the international coalition's mission, which is to fight the Islamic State (IS) militants on Iraqi soil.

Shortly after the attack near the U.S. embassy, al-Sudani held a phone talk with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, reminding the U.S. not to respond unilaterally without Iraq's approval while reiterating his government's commitment to protecting diplomatic missions. Austin stressed that the U.S. reserves the right to act in self-defense when attacked.

Meanwhile, Iraq's armed groups have demanded U.S. forces leave their country, vowing to wage a war against the U.S.

Hadi al-Ameri, leader of the Badr Organization affiliated with the Hashd Shaabi forces, said in a statement that the presence of the U.S.-led coalition "will lead to more Iraqi bloodshed and confuse the security situation," calling for the immediate departure of U.S. forces and all international coalition forces from Iraq.

Iraqi Shiite militia Kata'ib Hezbollah, which is part of the Hashd Shaabi forces, also said in a statement that the U.S. airstrikes "will not go unpunished and requires expanding targeting of the circle of American interests."

Akram al-Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Hezbollah al-Nujaba Movement in Iraq, another Iran-backed group, called for a "declaration of war" against the United States and its expulsion from Iraq.

In a statement, Al-Kaabi stressed that any form of U.S. presence in Iraq, whether as combat forces, advisors or technicians, is considered "hostile and unacceptable."

"America needs to get out of Iraq," former senior Pentagon advisor Douglas Macgregor said Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, noting that U.S. troops in Iraq are "sitting targets."

"What are we there for? To conceal the fact that we failed in Iraq?" he questioned, stressing that "Iraq was an immense strategic disaster, we created chaos."

Sabah al-Sheikh, an Iraqi political analyst, believes that the deadly U.S. airstrikes opened the door to people questioning the presence of U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq. While Iraqi authorities have repeatedly declared the U.S. forces were at the invitation of the Iraqi government to train the Iraqi security forces to fight IS militants, these forces no longer have a combat mission in the country.

The weak stance of Arab and Islamic states toward the deadly Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip paved the way for armed groups to confront Israel and protect the rights of the Palestinians, al-Sheikh said.

"The message of the armed groups' attacks is clear: if you, Americans, want us to stop the attacks on your bases, you have to stop the war in Gaza," al-Sheikh said.

The United States' hegemonic policies in the Middle East are unpopular with the public. There is a strong anti-American sentiment in many countries in the region, especially in Iraq, which eventually forced the Obama administration to announce its withdrawal of forces in 2011, said Liao Baizhi, Director of the Institute of Middle East Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

"However, the United States still has some 2,500 troops in Iraq, so Iraqi Shiite militias keep attacking American bases and asking them to leave. The outbreak of a new round of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has exacerbated the situation," Liao added.

RESTRAINED ESCALATION

The statements of al-Amiri and other armed group leaders about opposing the presence of the U.S.-led coalition on Iraqi soil may not be easy to apply, said al-Sheikh, noting, "It is more like brinkmanship."

The situation is sensitive for the leading Iranian-backed political parties and armed groups as they don't want to push the U.S. forces too far, he said.

At present, Iraqi Shiite militias harass U.S. military targets using rockets and drones while the United States focuses on the Palestinian-Israeli battlefield, unwilling to engage in multi-front operations, Liao said.

Liao added that both sides are restrained and unwilling to get into a larger-scale conflict.

"The excessive military actions ...could lead to a civil war or at least internal conflict. Such a scenario could disrupt anti-IS efforts in the country and may create a security vacuum that IS terrorist militants could exploit," al-Sheikh told Xinhua.

The biggest uncertainty in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is that the so-called resistance forces, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shiite militias in Iraq and Houthi rebels in Yemen, may escalate the conflict due to a miscalculation or accidental fire, which will trigger regional chaos and even involve Iran and Gulf oil-producing countries, Liao said.

This is the most dangerous scenario and one that the parties involved are keen to avoid, Liao noted. 
Syracuse, N.Y.  Melanie Littlejohn, who for years has traveled the state as the human face of utility company National Grid, is leaving that job to take on a new leadership role.

Littlejohn, 59, was confirmed Wednesday as the next president and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation, the Syracuse areas biggest charitable foundation.

It seems like a job Littlejohn was destined to end up in.

She has long been one of the most visible community advocates in Syracuse, volunteering as a board member at organizations as diverse as the Boys & Girls Clubs and CenterState CEO.

When Gov. Kathy Hochul named the members of the Micron Community Engagement Committee, Littlejohn was tapped to be co-chair. The group will advise the chip maker on how to invest $500 million in Central New York.

As part of her day job at National Grid, where Littlejohn is vice president for customer and community engagement, she has guided the utilitys philanthropic investments in things like affordable housing, food giveaways and community dialogues on race.

Now Littlejohn will take the helm of a foundation with nearly $400 million in assets and a new mandate to be more bold in addressing things like child poverty, racial equity or other critical issues. Its a good fit for her, she said.

I feel like this is my coming home moment, she said.

She is the first Black person to hold the job. Littlejohn takes over from Peter Dunn, who left in June after 15 years for a similar position in Worcester, Mass.

After an eight-month nationwide search, the Community Foundation hired Littlejohn. The foundation board confirmed her on Wednesday.

Littlejohn will retire Feb. 1 from National Grid, where she has worked for 29 years. She starts the foundation job March 1.

Out of the comfort zone

Founded in 1927, the Community Foundation receives contributions from donors and invests them, averaging an annual return of about 7%. At last count, the organization held assets of $393 million.

Each year, the foundation provides millions of dollars in grants to a variety of projects, some designated by donors but most selected by the board. All told, the foundation has distributed more than $270 million over its 96-year-life.

Last year alone, the foundation awarded $20.7 million in grants to hundreds of organizations.

As it began the search for a new CEO last spring, the foundation also updated its strategic plan, citing its openness to a more aggressive and engaged style of philanthropy. The word bold appeared seven times in the job posting for a new CEO.

The foundations new outlook was influenced in part by Micron Technologys plan to build a $100 billion chip-making complex in Clay over the next 20 years. Syracuse is at one of the most critical inflection points in its history, the CEO job listing said.

The foundations traditional mandate has been extremely broad, to support arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health and human services.

But the search committees job posting indicated it was looking for a leader willing to consider more focused, impactful initiatives that might take the foundation out of its comfort zone. Maybe its time to take calculated risks in pursuit of bold goals, the group wrote.

They selected Littlejohn.

Melanie is a boundary crosser, a collaborator and a strategic thinker who will lead the Community Foundation with heart and passion, said Bethaida Bea Gonzalez, search committee co-chair, in a prepared statement.  She is committed to deploying our growing asset base in new ways.

Littlejohn is not shy about her abilities in that regard. Her LinkedIn profile describes her first and foremost as a strategic visionary. She said she does not yet have specific ideas for future foundation projects, but said she is eager to take on the challenge.

How are we going to take this moment, with all of our partners and all of us rowing together, to make Central New York that thriving and resilient community? she said. I think the foundation will be knee deep in that.

Showing up on a regular basis

Littlejohn grew up in a three-bedroom house in Queens. In addition to their biological children -- Melanie and her younger brother  Littlejohns parents raised 24 foster children, all girls.

They are my heroes, Littlejohn said of her parents. They taught me what service looks like.

She arrived in Syracuse in 1991, at age 27, after her husband, David, was transferred here for his job with Chrysler Corp. She went to work for the Urban League of Onondaga County, a civil rights group, and within six months was named deputy director.

Three years later, after Littlejohn had taken over as interim president of the Urban League, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.  the predecessor to National Grid  recruited her to be its manager of equal employment opportunity compliance and diversity.

Melanie Littlejohn will take over March 1 as president and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation.N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

At the time, Niagara Mohawk was pushing to increase its hiring of women and minorities in the wake of a years-long federal investigation into allegations of bias.

Littlejohn rose through the ranks at the utility, becoming the regional executive for Central New York and eventually the vice president for customer and community engagement statewide. Her last job has required her to travel, usually three days a week.

Nevertheless, Littlejohn has remained a steady presence on Syracuse-area boards of directors.

She started in 1991 or 1992 on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse, where she served 17 years and helped develop the Hamilton Street location. She has served on at least 15 boards since then, including the Community Foundation, which she chaired from 2011 to 2013.

In addition to the Micron advisory board, Littlejohn currently serves on the boards of Onondaga Community College, CenterState CEO and Pathfinder Bank.

Through the years, Littlejohn said, she has tried to be a role model and a mentor to girls and young women. She has never participated in a formal mentoring program but has given out her phone number freely.

Mentoring, for me, means showing up on a regular basis, at the (Boys and Girls) clubs, for example. Spending time talking to kids, showing them love, compassion and respect, she said.

Among those who have cited Littlejohns influence is Tamica Barnett, a Syracuse firefighter and president of the city school board. In a 2018 interview with the Central New York Business Journal, Barnett said Littlejohn had mentored her since age 9.

She taught me to be comfortable in my own skin, Barnett told the publication.

Littlejohn earned an MBA degree from Syracuse University. She has a bachelors degree from SUNY Stony Brook.

Stacey Bailey, left, unit director at the Boys and Girls Club on East Fayette Street, poses with Melanie Littlejohn in the club's cafeteria. Littlejohn served 17 years on the organization's board of directors, which met in the cafeteria.Tim Knauss | tknauss@syracuse.com

Littlejohn and her husband live in the Winkworth neighborhood of Syracuse. They raised two sons, who are grown. Jared works at Exelon, a utility company, in Maryland; and Cameron is a second-grade teacher in Syracuse. Littlejohn recently became a grandmother.

Katrina Crocker, a spokesperson for the Community Foundation, declined to say what Littlejohn will be paid. The job advertisement listed a range of base pay from $250,000 to $335,000.

During his final year, Dunn earned a base salary of $284,000 and total compensation of $372,000, according to the foundations IRS filings.

Littlejohn said her offer was not much more than that.

Littlejohn said she is grateful for her career at National Grid. She takes pride in the companys response to emergencies, when crews battle harsh weather and exhaustion to restore service and help customers.

Asked about her proudest achievement, she recalled Hurricane Sandy, a devastating storm that ravaged New York City and other areas in 2012. Littlejohn said she spent two months living on a bus on the Rockaway Peninsula, not far from where she grew up, helping customers recover from the storm.

There is nothing more important than being with people when theyre in crisis and trying to help them live through it, she said.

Littlejohn said she will bring that mindset to her new job -- without the travel. Shes had enough of travel.

Im coming home, she said. Now its just time to put my 100% energy back into Central New York.

Staff writer Tim Knauss can be reached at tknauss@syracuse.com or (315) 470-3023.
By Emilie Munson | Times Union, Albany

Albany, N.Y.  New York has had the countrys largest drop in public school enrollment since the coronavius pandemic began, according to data collected by the Associated Press.

The state experienced a 6 percent decline in public school enrollment  a reduction of about 157,000 students  from the 2019-20 to 2022-23 school years, the largest percent decrease of any state thats reported the data. (Tennessee has not yet released recent enrollment figures.)

Every county in New York experienced an enrollment drop in that time period with the most pronounced decreases in New York City, as well as Greene, Schuyler, Ulster and Columbia counties, state data shows.

The number of students attending public school in the state is down 10 percent from a decade ago and is at its lowest level since the mid-1950s, according to Ken Girardin, director of research at the Empire Center, a non-profit think tank in Albany.

Decreasing enrollment can pose challenges to schools, including reduced funding and mismatches between the number of students and their facilities.

Private schools in New York also saw a small drop in the number of students, with about 10,000 fewer enrolled in 2022-23 than two years prior, amounting to a 3 percent decrease. Data on enrollment this school year at public and private schools is not yet available.

The enrollment reduction is partially shaped by a shrinking school-age population in New York, U.S. Census data suggests. Declining birth rates and record levels of migration out of the state both result in fewer young children.

In addition, nearly 19,000 more students were participating in homeschooling last school year than in 2019-20, an increase of 57 percent  one of the largest spikes in the country.

Across the country, 38 states saw declines in public school enrollment from 2019-20 to last school year.

There was a sustained exodus from public school, said Stanford University economist Thomas Dee. There has been this resetting of enrollment patterns across public and non-public settings that is enduring.

In some places, including New York, the public school exodus cannot be fully explained by decreases in the school-age population or gains in private school enrollment and homeschooling. An estimated 50,000 students were not enrolled in any kind of U.S. school as of fall 2022, according to an Associated Press analysis of public, private and homeschool enrollment and U.S. Census data in 22 states, plus Washington, D.C. Thousands more students are chronically absent, according to school officials.

State law requires that children between the ages of 6 and 16 receive an education. Kindergarten is optional.

Students typically age out of the ability to attend public school at age 21. But the state encouraged districts during the last school year to allow 21-year-olds who may have had disruptions in their education during the pandemic to attend.

Available data does not detail the ages of students missing from all types of schools. Public schools saw the greatest declines in enrollment in kindergarten, followed by other elementary school years.

The kindergarten decrease is a trend that had been building in New York for many years before the pandemic, and accelerated as parents postponed kindergarten for their 5-year-olds because of the risk of Covid-19. Since then, each year many kindergartners have started late in the year that they turned 6 instead of the year they turned 5.

The practice, called redshirting, is more common with boys. One argument for it is that younger boys would be physically at a disadvantage when playing competitive sports.

The reasons older students left school during the pandemic are varied. Some students experienced homelessness, loss of interest or motivation, or mental health challenges. Some needed to work or assume adult responsibilities like caretaking. Some fell behind in online school and didnt see the point of re-engaging, the Associated Press found.

In addition to these reasons, Denise Fernandez-Pallozzi, executive director of the Capital District Education Opportunity Center, said the state exams New York students must pass to graduate  and academic coursework unaligned with student interests  are factors that have pushed some high schools students to drop out.

The high school graduation requirements require that students pass regents-level tests by the time they graduate, she said. There is no other way to demonstrate their proficiency ... so then you have students who have been raised through a system to be outside-of-the-box thinkers, to be creative, to be able to be do something with their hands and none of that is recognized or rewarded at the high school level because you cant demonstrate that on a math Regents exam.

The Capital District Education Opportunity Center is a division of Hudson Valley Community College that offers local low-income students age 16 and up a path to attain their diploma through community-based academic and workforce development programs with support services. Eighty-eight students are currently enrolled, about a quarter of whom are age 16 to 18, Fernandez-Pallozzi said; the remaining students are older. The program locates these students through targeted marketing, recruiting at community events and working with local partners like school districts and human service agencies.

The number of missing students has fallen significantly from the fall of 2021, when over 230,000 students were unaccounted for in an analysis by the Associated Press, Big Local News and Dee, the economist. Slowly, many students returned to some form of schooling, or aged out of the system.

Missing students received crisis-level attention in 2020 after the pandemic closed schools nationwide. Early in the pandemic, school staff went door-to-door to reach and reengage kids. Most of those efforts have ended.

Gone is the urgency to find the students who left  those eligible for free public education but who are not receiving any schooling at all. In the years since, they have become largely a budgeting problem. School leaders and some state officials worried aloud about the fiscal challenges their districts faced if the students didnt come back. Each student represents money from the city, state and federal governments.

Districts are required to locate students between the age of 5 and 15 who are missing from school, but starting at age 16, they are no longer required to pursue them. Some districts do not make outreach to those older students.

Still, not everything is back to its pre-pandemic normal. APs nationwide analysis shows lasting disengagement from public schooling, as Americans turn to other options. Roughly two-thirds of states keep credible enrollment data for either private or homeschooling. Among those states, private schooling grew nearly 8 percent and homeschooling grew more than 25 percent from fall 2019 to fall 2022. Public school enrollment remained reduced, down by over 1 million students.

This article cites data collected by The Associated Press and Stanford Universitys Big Local News project. Data was compiled by Sharon Lurye of the AP, Thomas Dee of Stanfords Graduate School of Education, and Justin Mayo of Big Local News.

Times Union reporter Kathleen Moore contributed to this report.

___

(c)2023 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com
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 restaurants 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 will be in 10 of the 27 Thruway rest stops after renovations, but frustration 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 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.

The bill would ensure that all future contracts for food concessions at transportation facilities owned by the Thruway Authority... be required to operate seven days a week, with an exclusion to temporary concessions such as farmers markets or local vendors. According to the Democrat & Chronicle, that means Chick-fil-A wouldnt immediately be forced to open on Sundays at locations in New Yorks Service Area Redesign and Redevelopment project, but the law would apply to future food service agreements.

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.

Cayuga Nation sues New York, saying Thruway is unauthorized on its land

NY Thruway Authority approves toll price hike
PRAGUE, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 people were killed in a university shooting in the Czech capital Prague on Thursday, according to local police.

Speaking at a press briefing in the evening, Czech Police President Martin Vondrasek said that 14 people died and 25 were injured, including 10 in serious conditions, in the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in the afternoon.

He said there was a huge arsenal of weapons and ammunition inside the faculty building. "Had it not been for the quick intervention of the police, there would have been many more victims."

Earlier, Vondrasek told journalists that more than 15 people lost their lives and at least 24 others were injured.

Police said on social media X that they are still investigating the identity of the victims, one of whom is a foreigner. The assailant has been eliminated.

According to the Czech News Agency (CTK), local police were informed that a young man from Hostoun in the Central Bohemia Region was to leave for Prague, saying he wanted to take his own life. About 25 minutes later, the young man's father was found dead in Hostoun, and the police consequently launched a search for the son as a suspect.

The police were also informed that the shooter was to give a lecture at the Faculty of Arts building on Celetna Street in Prague. Thus they evacuated the building, but the shooting took place in another one at Jan Palach Square, the CTK reported.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala told media in the evening that at the moment, the shooting seemed to be the act of a lone gunman, and it was neither international terrorism nor the act of an organized group.

Calling the shooting "a terrible act, unprecedented in the history of the Czech Republic," Interior Minister Vit Rakusan has said that there is no indication that the shooting was linked to international terrorism. 
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TusharK Senior - BHPian



Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Pune Posts: 5,921 Thanked: 52,669 Times

Nissan plans 5 new models for India: SUVs, MPV & EV







Nissan is gearing up to enter the heavily contested mid-size SUV space with two models based on the all-new Renault Duster. The 5-seater version will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. A 3-row version is also said to be in the works and it will compete with 7-seater SUVs like the Alcazar, MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari.



The MPV in question is said to be a rebadged version of the Renault Triber. It will be positioned below the Magnite and will offer a cheaper alternative to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens.



Nissan is also working on an entry-level EV based on the CMF-AEV platform. It could compete with the Tata Tiago.ev. Renaults version of the small EV is also said to be on the cards.



The fifth product that Nissan has lined up for the Indian market is the refreshed Magnite. The Magnite facelift is expected to get a few cosmetic changes and new features. It is expected to be launched sometime next year.



Source:



Link to Team-BHP News Nissan has revealed its future product plan for the Indian market. The carmaker plans to launch five new models, including two SUVs, one MPV and an entry-level EV.Nissan is gearing up to enter the heavily contested mid-size SUV space with two models based on the all-new Renault Duster. The 5-seater version will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. A 3-row version is also said to be in the works and it will compete with 7-seater SUVs like the Alcazar, MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari.The MPV in question is said to be a rebadged version of the Renault Triber. It will be positioned below the Magnite and will offer a cheaper alternative to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens.Nissan is also working on an entry-level EV based on the CMF-AEV platform. It could compete with the Tata Tiago.ev. Renaults version of the small EV is also said to be on the cards.The fifth product that Nissan has lined up for the Indian market is the refreshed Magnite. The Magnite facelift is expected to get a few cosmetic changes and new features. It is expected to be launched sometime next year.Source: Autocar India Last edited by TusharK : 18th December 2023 at 17:29 .
pranavshet BHPian

Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: ponda-goa Posts: 32 Thanked: 323 Times

Why is Honda struggling in the motorcycle segment in India? Respected Members,

I was going through November retail sales numbers of Honda 2-wheelers in India. One thing that struck me was barring Shine & unicorn to a certain extent Honda has not been able to make an impact in the Indian motorcycle market. Despite being in a blockbuster JV with Hero  Hero Honda, they just could not replicate the magic in their innings so far. What are the possible reasons? Honda is a manufacturer that sold almost 17 million two-wheelers worldwide in 2022.



In my opinion, these might be a few of the many points. Feel free to disagree as well as make your observations as well because this is something I find puzzling.



Reason 1: Arrogance

Honda understands that people in India trust the Honda brand blindly. People will buy anything just because its a Honda. Thats very rude of Honda. The Indian buyer is very value-conscious. As Alan Mulally the person responsible for saving Ford from bankruptcy once said  You have to give customers products they want & not what you want to give. This is exactly the problem with Honda in India. They are of the view that they have an understanding of Indian consumers. I guess they havent learned anything on that front from Hero when they were in JV. The Indian buyers are equally aspirational. India is no longer a dumping ground. To grow in India you have to work hard, The position has to be earned.



Reason 2: Inability to develop an effective rival to Splendor & Co



I still cant digest the fact that Honda who developed the splendor cannot develop a credible rival for it. Its not that Honda hasnt attempted, but their products in that segment are not reliable enough. I dont know because of a lack of proper QC or what. I can say this because I own Activa 125 & every time I give my vehicle for service there is one or the other motorcycle from 110 to 200 cc with air-cooled engines having engine problems. Commuters are expected to be reliable workhorses. How can engines that have clocked 15k or 30k km emit white smoke? These people advertise Honda trust, Honda reliability. Why advertise such when you cant put it to practice?



Now even the Shine 100 that they have launched isnt equipped with tubeless tyres even as an option. Even HF Deluxe the entry-level commuter from Hero gets tubeless tyres. This is an unpardonable mistake. This again is plain arrogance. Why Honda has to resort to cost-cutting to compete with splendor.



Alternatively, they could have utilized the unicorn brand to good effect by luring people to experience Unicorn 160 by giving good financing options. People want commuters that are comfortable and reasonably efficient at the same time. Even if Honda manages 30% of the crowd to upgrade to unicorn they could easily get volumes of around 50k units a month.



The difference in efficiency between a 100 cc motorcycle & 160cc motorcycle is not that much. The difference in comfort is noticeable.



Also, at the time of Hero Honda Split Hero had 4500 touchpoints and Honda had around 800 dealers. Today, Hero has around 5500 touchpoints and Honda has around 4500+ touchpoints



Can anybody enlighten me on the same? People had expected Honda to be hyper-aggressive after JV split with Hero in year 2010. People had even expected Honda to be the undisputed market leader by say 2018.



Reason 3: High Cost of Service and spare parts.

The commuter motorcycles from Honda are not cheap to maintain as opposed to say, Hero or Bajaj. The cost of service or spare parts is on the higher side. The bikes themselves are not reliable in the first place. Another is the availability of parts. I dont know why Honda cant sell spare parts through third-party sellers like Bajaj or Hero. Some basic spare parts barring engine oil are not available. To become the leader your service has to be up to the mark. Right now it's just average in some states and pathetic in others.



Reason 4: Lack of customer connect

I suppose HeroHonda became successful not only because of the legendary 97.2cc engine of Honda but also because of superb quality controls on the manufacturing side & excellent after-sales support and service. We dont give enough credit to Munjals for the success of the JV. Even I have been guilty of presuming it. You cant keep customers stranded because of the non-availability of Spare parts. Most of the motorcycles in India manufactured are in the mass market segment. How can Honda not keep a minimum inventory of certain parts?



They have a 10-year warranty program. It's filled with so many clauses that you would be forced to service your vehicle at their dealers. It's another technique of minting money I suppose. Nothing else. Just getting Akshay Kumar or Jimmy Shergil as brand ambassadors wont change the scene on the ground.



Reason 5: Underestimating Competitive Landscape & Shoddy Premium play

I suppose when Honda split with Hero in late 2010, Hero was subjected to a lot of negative press & rightly so. Everyone was saying that Honda would more or less gobble up Hero by 2018 given the lack of R&D resources of Hero.



Credit to Hero where it's due. Hero has admirably managed to defend their market share in 100 cc space though they lost in 125cc space to Honda, Bajaj TVS. 125 cc space is quite volatile. One good product from either Bajaj or Hero has the potential to disrupt 125cc space. Hero would be launching a premium 125cc motorcycle similar to TVS Radeon. Let's see how Honda reacts then.



As far as the segment above 125 cc goes, Honda has not done anything after CBR 250r. That was their best product to date. It truly represented what Honda stood for. Dont know who is preventing them from launching CBR 300R. The same is the case for the hesitation of locally manufacturing twins in India. The 500 cc twin platform is globally acclaimed and suits perfectly for entry to 500 cc+ motorcycles.



If RE can completely manufacture twins in India for the world, I dont know what is preventing them from manufacturing twins in India.



The less I talk about horrendous imitation of Classic Desert Storm the better it is. Honda, you are far better than this. If you think people will buy the CB 350 just because it looks like a classic then you are mistaken, my dear Honda. The customer who is buying premium products craves exclusivity. One will not buy CB 350 only to be called out by others as the first copy of RE classic.



Also credit to Bajaj, TVS, and RE for bringing out fabulous products at an incredible value. Honda has simply remained a mute spectator to the same. Even Hero whose culture was very much similar to Honda has started to wake up and has started launching some great products.



Reason 6: Playing it safe, Inability to take risks & think different

Honda may be a technology leader in 2-wheelers worldwide but in India, they are behaving as though they are clueless as far as motorcycles are concerned. They dont have a roadmap. The HMSI president gets selected for a term of 2 years. But he only starts understanding the market at the end of the term. Every new country President who comes here knows that he is there for a short period. As a result, nobody wants to take risks and do something extraordinary. Yadvinder Guleria who served as Head of Marketing and Director at HMSI quit Honda in the year 2021 after being associated with HMSI right since inception. You have to trust local guys.



Later he joined Royal Enfield as Chief Commercial Officer. A big loss to HMSI I would say.



Whereas the Indian Competitor leadership is much more stable. They are dynamic enough. They react to changes faster than Honda. There was a time when Honda held the edge in terms of design, development & engine tech but over the years the Indian players have started investing heavily in R&D capabilities to attract foreign talent as well as provide ground to test ideas of indigenous engineers. At least up to 500 cc motorcycles Indian manufacturers more or less are capable of fighting with the Mighty Honda.



Indians very well know that their main rival is Honda. So they will try every trick in the book to counter Honda. Honda normally garners more than 50% in every market it operates( at least in 2-wheelers) but in India it despite being involved in Blockbuster JV & great name in scooters it is struggling in the motorcycles segment.



If Honda doesnt correct its strategies in India, I feel people in India will start to associate Honda as a scooter brand and nothing synonymous with motorcycles.



Guys would like to know your thoughts on the same. Until then Ride safe.



Warm Regards

Pranav.
First Max absorbed Discovery+, then Paramount+ absorbed Showtime, and now theres talk that Max and Paramount+ might merge.

Triggering the scuttlebutt was a Manhattan meeting Tuesday between David Zaslav, CEO of Max parent Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish to discuss a possible merger, Axios reports.

Among the topics of discussion was how Max and Paramount+ could merge to better rival Netflix and Disney+, according to the Axios story.

The merger talks are still early and might not go anywhere, and even if they did, any possible merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global would be subject to regulatory scrutiny and take months to complete.

That said, the meeting of the two CEOs means the possibility of a merger between the two media giants has gone beyond the wouldnt it be interesting phase. And as the Axios story points out, Paramount Global is under enormous pressure to make a deal given its mountain of debt.

Its too early to tell what a merged Max and Paramount+ might look like, assuming it actually happens. Would we end up with a Max with Paramount+ service? Would Max simply gobble up all Paramount+s content, or (much less likely) vice versa?

Good question, but however it shakes out, we can be sure that well see more consolidation in the streaming market, and that will mean fewer choices for cord cutters as well as higher prices.

This year alone, we saw HBO Maxnow just Maxmerge with Discovery+, and that led to Max raising its prices. (Theres still a standalone Discovery+, although Discovery+ recently raised its prices, too.)

Then Paramount+ completed its merger with Showtime, which led to yet another round of price increases.

Earlier this month, Disney+ kicked off its beta for a one-app experience with Hulu, just a few months after both services hiked their prices. The plan, for now, is for Hulu to stick around as a standalone app, but could Disney+ eventually gobble up Hulu in its entirety? There is, as they say, a non-zero probability.

Its interesting to note that a year ago, the smart money was on Peacock parent Comcast acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, and that Comcast would then merge the struggling Peacock with Max.

But while the Max-Peacock merger is looking less and less likely, the streaming consolidation game wont be ending anytime soonand indeed, it may be heating up going into 2024.
JERUSALEM/GAZA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel announced on Thursday its determination to continue its military operations in the Gaza Strip, effectively rejecting Hamas' statement that the release of hostages would only occur if Israel agrees to end the war.

Despite ongoing ceasefire talks, the deadly conflict between the two parties escalated on Thursday, with heavy explosions heard and huge black plumes in Gaza visible from the Israeli side of the fence during the day.

At night, huge orange flashes were seen in Gaza City as the Israeli army said it destroyed a key network of tunnels under the neighborhood of Rimal.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a press briefing that over the past day, Israeli forces "have operated from the air, sea, and land throughout the Gaza Strip."

He said that since the beginning of the war on Oct. 7, Israeli forces have killed more than 2,000 militants.

In the early afternoon, Hamas militants fired about 30 rockets at the Israeli city Tel Aviv and other cities in central Israel, indicating the group's retained capability despite the 76-day Israeli relentless strikes.

A senior Israeli official told reporters in a briefing that Israeli negotiators have met with Qatari mediators, expressing their "willingness to reach a new deal."

Israel insists on continuing the previous ceasefire deal, focusing on the release of 17 women and children who were supposed to be freed during the truce in late November, according to the official.

In the meantime, an unnamed Palestinian source told Xinhua that Israel proposed the release of around 40 Israeli hostages through Qatari and Egyptian mediators in exchange for a one-week ceasefire.

Later, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that Israel is considering "improving" its offer to Hamas by extending the proposed ceasefire period to two weeks.

The spokesman of Hamas' military wing, Abu Ubaida, declared in a statement that the hostages held by the group would be released only if Israel "stops the aggression and the war."

This statement echoed an earlier announcement by Osama Hamdan, a Hamas politburo member, who asserted that "all parties" in the talks had been informed that there would be "no negotiation" for hostage release unless Israel ends its strikes in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected these statements, vowing that Israel "will not stop the war until we achieve all of its goals: Completing the elimination of Hamas and releasing all of our hostages."

Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a humanitarian organization backed by the United Nations, issued a new report on Thursday, warning that Gaza's entire 2.3 million population is at risk of famine due to the shortage of food caused by the Israeli siege.

The risk of famine "is increasing each day that the current situation of intense hostilities and restricted humanitarian access persists or worsens," the report read.

The World Health Organization stated that there are no fully functioning hospitals left in Gaza. Due to Israeli strikes, 23 hospitals in Gaza are entirely non-functional, nine are partially functioning, and four are operating at minimum capacity, according to the WHO.

The Gaza-based Health Ministry has said that the Palestinian death toll from the relentless Israeli bombardments had reached 20,000, while the death toll in Israel has reached about 1,300, most of them killed in the initial Hamas attack on Oct. 7, according to official Israeli figures. 
The big picture: With EVs gaining popularity among US car buyers, charging interfaces are expected to influence people's buying decisions soon. Currently, there are multiple charging standards used by different brands, but that could change soon, with many of the biggest automotive companies banding together to settle on a common charging port that could make life a lot easier for owners.

Tesla's Supercharger network is by far the largest EV charging network in North America, and the company is all set to open up its charging stations to rival brands next year. According to Jenny Pretare, Tesla's Design Manager of Charging Infrastructure, Ford and General Motors will be the first two companies to adopt Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) port in February 2024.

Pretare also confirmed that in addition to GM and Ford, other car manufacturers will get access to the Supercharger network "in stages" over the next several months.

While not all manufacturers have revealed when their vehicles will switch to NACS, the Volkswagen group has confirmed that future VW, Audi, Porsche and Scout EVs will start using Tesla's proprietary charging interface from 2025. The company also said that it is "exploring adapter solutions" for its existing EVs to access the Tesla Supercharger network from 2025.

While Ford agreed to join the NACS bandwagon in May 2023, GM signed on to use Tesla's charging port last June. Some of the other prominent automobile manufacturers who also inked a deal with Tesla to use the NACS port in their new cars include Audi, BMW, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Lexus, Lucid, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Rivian, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

Most of these automakers will start shipping cars with the NACS port in 2025, but before that, they will supply their existing customers with adapters that allow EVs with Combined Charging System (CCS) ports to charge at Tesla's Supercharger stations. Most of the manufacturers will distribute the adapters in 2024, meaning many of the current EV owners should be able to plug their cars into Tesla's Supercharger network next year.
A hot potato: Up to this point, AI services have been used for "creating" visual hallucinations and uncanny images, persuasive fake news and questionable porn content. Someone is trying to establish AI as a proper "creator" of useful things, but the law has got in the way.

A new judgment from UK's Supreme Court is once again asserting that AI algorithms are not the same as humans, intelligent beings and that AI cannot be considered as a creator. The Court rejected a bid by US computer scientist Stephen Thaler to apply for patent registration for inventions devised by DABUS, a "creative machine" he conceived.

Thaler previously attempted to register DABUS as an inventor with the UK's Intellectual Property Office (IPO), but the Office rejected his request stating that patents can only be assigned to humans or a company. Thaler's creative machine was seemingly instrumental in creating a new food container and a flashing light beacon back in 2019.

The Supreme Court is now restating the ruling by unanimously rejecting Thaler's appeal. Judge David Kitchin said that the case was not concerned with the broader question whether "technical advances generated by machines acting autonomously and powered by AI should be patentable." Patents can only be assigned to human creators, and the inventor must be a "natural person" for a patent to be effectively enforced.

DABUS' ambitions to become the first AI with registered patents were previously quashed by the US Supreme Court, which ruled against Thaler with the same reasoning as UK's Court. Intellectual property expert Rajvinder Jagdev highlights how similar decisions have been issued in other European courts and Australia, which confirms that inventors "must be a natural person."

Thaler's legal representatives said that the UK ruling would be detrimental to industry development and AI deployment. The Supreme Court confirmed that UK's patent law is "currently wholly unsuitable" for protecting AI "inventions." An IPO spokesperson welcomed the decision, however, stating that it clarifies the current state of patenting related to "artificial intelligence machines."

There are legitimate questions about how the patent system and intellectual property should evolve to handle such creations, the IPO said. Giles Parsons, another IP lawyer, said that the Supreme Court decision was "unsurprising" and will not have a significant effect on the patent system for the time being. AI algorithms are still to be considered as tools and not agents, Parsons said.
WTF?! Buying a brand new car only to receive a $14,000 repair bill less than 24 hours later sounds like a nightmarish and frankly unlikely scenario. Yet this is exactly what happened to an unfortunate Tesla Model Y buyer, highlighting one of several quality issues that the automaker is reportedly more aware of than it lets on.

Shreyansh Jain told Reuters that his Model Y came to a halt one day after he paid $55,000 for the new EV, which had just 115 miles on the clock at the time of its demise. After making a slow turn into his neighborhood, the vehicle's front-right suspension collapsed. Jain lost control as parts of the car loudly scraped the road and it came to a stop.

Repairing the vehicle took almost 40 hours of labor. It involved, among other things, rebuilding the suspension and replacing the steering column. A worker initially texted Jain to say they'd found "no evidence of an external damage" and implied that Tesla would pay for the car to be fixed, which would be expected in the case of a new car. The final cost came to $14,000, but the company refused to pay the costs as it blamed the incident on "prior" suspension damage.

Jain had to pay a deductible of about $1,250 to have the work covered by his insurance company, which after the claim hiked his rates sharply on another car he owned. The experience led to the former Tesla fan selling the repaired Model Y for $10,000 less than he paid for it.

Reuters writes that it reviewed Tesla documents and interviewed more than 20 customers and nine former Tesla managers or service technicians. It discovered that Jain's incident was one of thousands of similar cases involving relatively new vehicles dating back at least seven years. They cover Tesla's entire lineup and across the globe.

The publication writes that Tesla has long known far more about the frequency and extent of the suspension and steering issues in its EVs than it discloses to customers and safety regulators. It often blames owners, telling them the parts were not faulty.

Some of the Model Y QC issues reported in 2020: botched paint, defective door and glass seals, loose seatbelts

Elon Musk has admitted that Tesla vehicles can ship with quality issues, many of which were reported in Model Y EVs during 2020. It's especially common when production ramps up. "When you go faster, you just discover these things," he told automotive engineer Sandy Munro in 2021. "If we knew them in advance, we'd fix them in advance."

Tesla vehicles have been the subject of several National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigations in the past. The agency announced a recall of every vehicle the company has sold in the US due to autopilot flaws this month.

In related news, a recent study found that Tesla drivers were involved in more vehicle accidents than drivers of any other automobile brand. It's unclear why.
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In brief: Singapore already enforces strict government oversight on critical technology infrastructures. City authorities now aim to extend this oversight to other "important" information technology providers as well.

Singapore is working to amend the state's Cybersecurity Bill, which was approved in 2018, to enforce new obligations for third-party companies providing crucial technology services. The Asian country has initiated a public consultation on the amendment, soliciting feedback over a one-month period that will last until January 15, 2024.

The original Cybersecurity Act grants the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) oversight powers over national cybersecurity in Singapore. According to the proposed amendment, since the Act's enactment, the cyber-threat landscape and business environment have been constantly evolving. Singapore has emerged as one of the most digitally connected countries globally, leading to increased demands for connectivity, computing, and data storage.

These evolving needs have prompted new considerations regarding cybersecurity and government oversight. While the CSA has previously regulated Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) platforms, it now intends to extend cybersecurity guidance to "other important systems and infrastructure" as well. The Cybersecurity Act specifically identifies energy, water, banking and finance, healthcare, land transport, maritime, aviation, government, infocomm, media, and security and emergency services as providers of CII services.

The proposed amendment to the Cybersecurity Bill will introduce the new category of "foundational digital infrastructure" alongside CII services. This new category is expected to encompass data centers and cloud computing services operating within Singapore's borders. Operators of foundational infrastructure would be obligated to provide additional assurances to Singapore authorities, including the continuous delivery of services and effective prevention of cyber incidents.

The CSA also anticipates that providers of foundational infrastructure report cyber-attacks within hours and promptly comply with requests from Commissioner David Koh, including audits and requests for information on data center designs. The amendment grants the CSA the authority to conduct on-site inspections to verify compliance with the new rules.

Organizations that fail to comply would be subject to fines or other penalties, as outlined in the amendment. Temporary systems, such as those deployed for high-profile events, would need to adhere to similar rules for one year. The CSA is inviting members of the public and stakeholders to provide their feedback online via the Feedback on the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill form.
Airbnb faced a hefty fine of more than $10 million for a pricing discrepancy affecting Australian users. An Australian court determined that the platform had been displaying listing prices in US dollars instead of Australian dollars from 2018 to 2021.

(Photo : MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Facing Fines, Compensation Payments

Airbnb is facing substantial fines and compensation payments after a federal court in Australia ruled that the platform misled consumers about its pricing strategy from 2018 to 2021, as reported by The Verge.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced on Wednesday that Airbnb must pay 15 million Australian dollars (approximately $10.1 million) in penalties for not making it clear to users that pricing was in US dollars, not Australian dollars.

The ACCC found that consumers were misled, assuming the prices listed on Airbnb's Australian website were in Australian dollars due to the presence of a dollar sign next to the figures. In addition to the fines, Airbnb will provide compensation to affected users.

As a result of being billed in US dollars, certain users incurred higher costs for their accommodations than anticipated, and some faced additional charges from their banks due to currency conversion.

ACCC reported that around 70,000 consumers experienced these repercussions, with 2,000 users lodging complaints with Airbnb about the matter from January 2018 to August 2021.

The discrepancy was addressed on the Airbnb platform in August 2021, with the addition of the term "USD" next to pricing, as highlighted in the ACCC's statement.

Resolving the Issue

Upon identifying the currency clarity issue, Business Insider reported that Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb's country manager for Australia and New Zealand, promptly resolved it.

She highlighted the company's commitment to ensuring guests can book with confidence for a positive travel experience, emphasizing this as their top priority. Wheeldon also expressed regret for the incident and extended an apology to affected guests.

Airbnb, in addition to paying penalties to the ACCC, is set to provide compensation of up to AU$15 million (approximately $10.1 million).

As outlined on the press release, compensation will encompass the variance between Australian and US currency at the time of users' bookings and any foreign currency exchange costs incurred by users when making Airbnb reservations.

Each impacted consumer is slated to receive around AU$230 or $156, with the exact compensation contingent on individual bookings. Airbnb intends to contact affected consumers by February 5, 2024.

The recent decision by the ACCC adds to Airbnb's legal challenges, following the enactment of a New York City law in 2022 that imposed restrictions on short-term rentals, affecting nearly 40,000 listings in the city.

Also Read: Airbnb Bans People 'Close' to Existing Banned Users: But Why?

Approximately 77,000 reservations were made by 63,000 users. The Guardian reported that Airbnb has already refunded the entire accommodation cost to an additional 8,000 users, totaling A$9.4 million. However, the court determined that the overall value difference between Australian and US pricing for the implicated bookings was $16.8 million.

Of this amount, Airbnb would have generated around A$9 million in revenue. In compliance with the agreed-upon orders by the ACCC and Airbnb, the company is set to pay a $15 million fine along with A$400,000 to cover the commission's court costs.

Related Article: NYC's New Laws Could Keep Illegal Airbnb Rentals off the Market

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Indonesia's lush islands continue to reveal their secrets, and the latest discovery is bound to captivate nature enthusiasts.

(Photo : Pixabay)

Amphibians all over the world are facing the threat of extinction with the chytrid fungus and ranavirus. These pathogens have already killed a great number of species worldwide.

World's Smallest Fanged Frog

A recently identified species of frog, known as Limnonectes phyllofolia, has earned the title of the world's smallest fanged frog. Interesting Engineering reported that its distinctive characteristics and behaviors set it apart from the ordinary frog population.

In the vast tapestry of amphibian diversity, which encompasses over 6,000 species, it's intriguing to note that some frogs boast fangs. However, it's essential to dispel any notions of danger associated with these tiny teeth.

Unlike venomous snakes, frogs with fangs do not employ them for harmful purposes towards humans. Instead, the fangs serve various functions, such as tearing through the tough exoskeletons of prey, such as centipedes, or establishing dominance by warding off rival frogs from their territories.

Phys reported that the research team responsible for this exciting discovery noted that Limnonectes phyllofolia stands out not only for its petite size but also for the unique nesting habits that have earned it the affectionate moniker "leaf-nester."

Unlike the majority of frogs, these remarkable amphibians break tradition by choosing not to lay their eggs in water. Instead, they opt for unconventional nesting sites, such as tree leaves or moss-covered boulders situated away from aquatic environments.

Adding Extra Layer to the World of Amphibian Biology

EurekAlert reported that this departure from the norm adds an extra layer of fascination to the world of amphibian biology. The unearthing of L. phyllofolia unfolded during an expedition led by a collaborative team of Indonesian and American researchers.

Their exploration took them to Sulawesi, an enchanting Indonesian island renowned for its rich culture, exotic spices, pristine beaches, and the presence of diminutive insect-eating primates known as tarsiers.

Traversing the jungles of Sulawesi, the researchers encountered a scene that added an extra layer of uniqueness to this discovery. Male leaf-nester frogs were spotted in close proximity to eggs carefully laid on tree leaves and boulders.

What caught their attention was the apparent embrace of the eggs by the frogs, as if they were cradling them.

The frogs' skin secreted a sticky compound, which not only kept the eggs moist but also served as a protective shield, preventing the onset of bacterial or fungal growth within the eggs, as proposed by the researchers.

Also Read: City Frog Calls More Attractive To Females Compared To Frogs From Less Urban Environments

It's crucial to note that frog fangs differ significantly from the true fangs found in venomous and non-venomous snakes, as stated in the journal PLoS ONE.

Unlike the dentin-based composition of snake fangs, frog fangs are an extension of their jawbone, devoid of dentin. Essentially, these structures are not teeth but rather bony extensions resembling teeth, aptly termed "pseudo-teeth."

The recently uncovered frogs possess fangs composed of bone, and notably, these fangs lack the imposing size characteristic of larger fanged frogs. This unique anatomical feature sets them apart in the realm of amphibian morphology.

Related Article: Biologists Discover SHOCKING Jellyfish Trait to Frogs and Salamanders Through UV Light!

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The "Gateway to Mars" has recently tested its rockets, with SpaceX completing its recent static fire test for the Starship rocket, in its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The goal of this recent activity is to test the rocket for its capability to launch, particularly as the company is already planning to conduct its third test flight of the Stainless Steel reusable rocket.

SpaceX Starship Completed its Static Fire Test

(Photo : SpaceX via X)

SpaceX first announced another test for the Starship spacecraft a day ahead of its planned schedule, sharing that the rocket is now standing on the Boca Chica launch pad. Earlier today, the company shared a full-length video of the Starship's static fire test which detailed the successful undertaking of this venture, showing how the Ship 28 handled everything without any hiccups.

This recent event tested six of the Raptor engines underneath the Starship 28, with the company running the engines for several seconds and ending the simulation there.

According to Ars Technica, the rocket and ground support "looked undamaged" after the firing of the engines, showing improvements in this build.

Read Also: Amazon Teams Up with SpaceX for Project Kuiper Satellite Launches in 2025

Flight 3 Starship completed a full-duration static fire with all six of its Raptor engines pic.twitter.com/Mxn8faKcEv December 20, 2023

Starship's Booster 10 for Third Launch Flight

These Starship static fire tests are best known for what comes next in line, and this is a launch for the rocket, with the future venture being its third test flight. Moreover, SpaceX also brought out its updated Super Heavy, the Booster 10, to the Starbase launch facility, with the company also mounting it to the orbital launch mount.

It is expected that the Starship's Super Heavy Booster will also undergo its static fire test in a few days, but it remains unknown when SpaceX plans to commence its test flight for the Full Stack of both rockets.

SpaceX and its Plans for the Starship

Earlier this year, Starship embarked on its first-ever launch test with the complete ensemble of the rocket, including the Super Heavy Booster, which provided the thrust it needed. However, it did not go as planned, and it led to the FAA demanding 63 corrective actions from the company, to fix everything that went wrong with its inaugural launch for the Mars-bound spacecraft.

After fixing the problems that led to the Starship's explosion, the spacecraft was declared ready for another trip toward the orbit and back, to test the capabilities of the rocket. This November launch saw its approval from the FAA, and this came after many months of fixing the problems of the Starship, centering on its boosters that did not fire, the supposed rocket meant to bring success.

Still, this did not turn out to be what SpaceX wanted it to be, especially as it faced another explosion, and this was amidst its climb towards the skies. Now, SpaceX's spirit is yet again at a high, with the company recently concluding a successful static fire test and placing its new Booster 10 on its launch site in Boca Chica, looking to launch its third test flight of the Starship soon.

Related Article: November Space Highlights: Starship's Mega Rocket Mishap, Tiangong Space Station, and More

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The days of donkey skin products on Amazon for California residents have come to an end, thanks to a resolution with a non-profit dedicated to horse welfare. Amazon's inventory, which included pills, powders, and cakes infused with donkey skin is no longer available for purchase.

(Photo : Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

DANDENONG, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 05: The Amazon website is seen on December 5, 2017 in Dandenong, Australia. Amazon has ended months of speculation by launching its local website overnight.

Halting Sales of Edible Donkey Products

If you were considering purchasing donkey meat on Amazon for your Christmas festivities, you'll need to explore alternative options. The largest online retailer globally has officially halted the sale of edible donkey products in California, as reported by The Verge.

This change in Amazon's policy comes after extensive negotiations spanning several months with the Center for Contemporary Equine Studies, a nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding horses.

The catalyst for this shift occurred in February when the center lodged a legal complaint, contending that Amazon's promotion and distribution of items containing ejiao.

This is a component derived from donkey skin prevalent in health supplements, an afoul of California's animal welfare legislation known as the Prohibition of Horse Slaughter and Sale of Horsemeat for Human Consumption Act. The Center for Contemporary Equine Studies contends that donkeys are encompassed within the term "horsemeat."

Responding to the Complaint

In response to a legal complaint, Amazon has settled, agreeing to cease the sale of products containing ejiao in California. While Amazon maintains its innocence and disputes the allegations made by the center, court documents reveal the terms of the resolution.

Corey Page, an attorney from the law firm Evans & Page representing the center, suggests that Amazon's decision to settle may indicate a recognition of potential legal challenges. The move is seen as a signal that engaging in such practices might be considered illegal.

Wired reported that Page emphasizes that if a prominent entity like Amazon is halting the promotion of products violating California law, it sets a precedent for other retailers to follow suit.

As per the settlement terms, Amazon has committed to making "reasonable best efforts" and implementing "internal measures" to prevent the sale of ejiao-containing products, ensuring they are not available for purchase by California residents.

The effectiveness of this approach remains uncertain, given previous instances where Amazon struggled to enforce its prohibitions.

Also Read: Foxy Walmart China caught selling tainted donkey meat

In a June 2020 investigation by The Markup, Amazon was found to have overlooked its list of banned items, including bongs, pill presses, and gun parts. A CNBC report from the same year revealed instances of Amazon shipping expired baby formula and other consumables.

Other retailers have also taken steps to restrict the sale of donkey meat in recent years. In 2018, both Walmart and eBay made commitments to discontinue ejiao products following pressure from animal rights advocates. These advocates argued that the soaring demand for donkey-derived products contributed to the inhumane treatment of these animals.

Related Article: Amazon Facing Lawsuit Over Donkey Meat Products

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The recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft did not indicate any signs of layoffs, but the latest news now shares executives relieving themselves of their posts, with CEO Bobby Kotick officially resigning soon. Other executives will be following in the footsteps of Kotick in the coming weeks and months, with Microsoft's restructuring of the gaming company.

For the longest time, also through thick and thin, Bobby Kotick led Activision Blizzard, until their controversial acquisition by the software company.

Bobby Kotick is Stepping Down as Activision Blizzard CEO

(Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The latest release from Activision Blizzard sees a letter from Bobby Kotick which confirms his resignation from his role as Activision Blizzard King's CEO, and this is after 32 years since his first assumption of the role. Come December 29, 2023, Kotick would no longer be reporting as ABK's CEO, and he would no longer be affiliated with the company and Microsoft.

In his letter, he commended Xbox's Phil Spencer for his appreciation of ABK, claiming that he is leaving it in good hands.

"Phil shares our values and recognizes our talents. He is passionate about our games and the people who make them. He has bold ambition," said Kotick.

As we move into our next exciting chapter, you could not be in better hands. I will always be profoundly grateful to the people who contributed tirelessly to building this company and I am confident you will keep inspiring joy and uniting people through the power of play.

Read Also: Microsoft Employees Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Access Continues for Free After Complaints

Microsoft's Restructuring: Activision Blizzard Execs Leave

Since 1991, Kotick has led Activision Blizzard through everything it has experienced.

That being said, the time is up for him, amid Microsoft's restructuring, and according to Engadget, he will be joined by other executives who will leave this December, with some in January, and others by March.

Activision Blizzard and Microsoft's Plans in the Future

While there is no denying that Activision Blizzard will bring a lot of growth for Microsoft and Xbox for its titles alone, the company is not setup to be the main source of revenue of the Big Tech. It previously revealed that Xbox will focus on a new gaming leg that will center on mobile and ads, stating that this same plan worked wonders for Activision Blizzard King before.

Additionally, it was revealed by Xbox's big boss, Phil Spencer, that Microsoft is not jumping the gun in its recent acquisition of the renowned gaming company for now. That being said, the Xbox Game Pass offers this year would not feature Activision Blizzard King titles this year, but this does not close the possibility of seeing it in the service for future integrations.

Now that Microsoft owns Activision Blizzard after the controversial acquisition that saw a massive delay in its approval, Big Tech could now do what it sees fit for the company. While it was not revealed if this was part of Microsoft's restructuring for the company, ABK's top executive is stepping down, and Kotick would soon be joined by other officials leaving it to other's hands.

Related Article: Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Agrees to Settle California Case Alleging Gender Discrimination for Nearly $55 Million

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In a landmark decision, the UK Supreme Court has ruled against naming artificial intelligence (AI) programs as inventors for patents, maintaining the laws on patents requiring an inventor to be a natural person.

According to Bloomberg, although the decision follows the same stance as decisions in the US and the European Union, it is the first ruling of its kind by any country's highest tribunal.

AI Machine DABUS 'Is Not a Person'

Imagination Engines Inc. founder Stephen Thaler has filed for patents to name his AI machine, DABUS, as the inventor. However, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected the appeal, emphasizing that "DABUS is not a person at all."

While aligning with international decisions, the ruling is crucial as it reflects the UK's position on AI's role in innovation, sparking discussions around safeguards and regulations in the rapidly advancing field.

Disappointed with the decision, Thaler had attempted to register patents in multiple countries, asserting that DABUS was the inventor of a beverage container and a flashing light.

Read Also: Revolutionizing EU Integration: Albania Partners With ChatGPT Maker OpenAI to Speed AI Initiative

What Legal Experts Have to Say

The judgment, however, raises concerns about the UK's ability to support industries heavily reliant on AI and potentially discourage the disclosure of inventions by AI tools. Legal experts argue that the current UK patent law may not effectively facilitate the country's goal of becoming a global center for AI.

Robert Jehan, a partner at the law firm Williams Powell, representing Thaler, noted that the ruling puts the UK at a disadvantage in supporting AI-dependent industries and suggests a need for legislative intervention to align patent laws with the country's AI aspirations.

Yohan Liyanage, a partner at law firm Linklaters, suggests that the issue might need to be revisited in the future, especially if the UK government is serious about establishing itself as an AI superpower.

The judgment emphasized that a person using AI to devise an invention can still apply for a patent as long as the person is identified as the inventor. The court concurred with the government's lawyers, who argued that allowing AI to be named as an inventor could lead to absurd scenarios, such as including "my cat Felix" or "cosmic forces" as inventors.

The UK's Intellectual Property Office noted that any changes to patent laws concerning AI would require international deliberations. While upholding the current stance, the government commits to reviewing the legal framework to ensure that the UK's patent system aligns with the evolving landscape of AI innovation and its applications in the country.

Related Article: Google's Imagen 2 Raises the Bar in AI Image Generation, Unveils Multilingual Text and Logo Rendering

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Members of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force help to carry bags of flour for quake-affected people in Liuji Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 21, 2023. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have deployed multiple rescue forces to quake-hit areas in response to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province late Monday. (Photo by Hou Chonghui/Xinhua)

Soldiers provide hot food for quake-affected people in Liuji Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 21, 2023. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have deployed multiple rescue forces to quake-hit areas in response to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province late Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Soldiers help to clear materials for quake-affected people in Shiyuan Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 21, 2023. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have deployed multiple rescue forces to quake-hit areas in response to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province late Monday. (Photo by Bai Jiacheng/Xinhua)

Soldiers transfer quake-affected mother and baby in Dahejia Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 19, 2023. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have deployed multiple rescue forces to quake-hit areas in response to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province late Monday. (Photo by Xu Guo/Xinhua)

A soldier lights the fire in a stove for quake-affected people in Liugou Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 19, 2023. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have deployed multiple rescue forces to quake-hit areas in response to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province late Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Soldiers unload stoves for quake-affected people in Shiyuan Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 21, 2023. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have deployed multiple rescue forces to quake-hit areas in response to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province late Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Members of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force help to distribute bedclothes to quake-affected people in Liuji Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 21, 2023. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have deployed multiple rescue forces to quake-hit areas in response to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province late Monday. (Photo by Cui Yunlong/Xinhua)

Soldiers set up tents for quake-affected people in Shiyuan Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 21, 2023. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have deployed multiple rescue forces to quake-hit areas in response to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province late Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Soldiers provide medical service for quake-affected people in Shiyuan Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 21, 2023. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) have deployed multiple rescue forces to quake-hit areas in response to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China's Gansu Province late Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)
Holding company Cali Group has joined forces with Miso Robotics, the innovator behind Flippy (the pioneering AI-powered robotic fry station), and PopID, a technology firm streamlining ordering and payments through biometrics.

Together, they announced the upcoming launch of CaliExpress by Flippy, heralded as the world's first fully autonomous restaurant. This establishment will deploy state-of-the-art food technology systems, automating both grill and fry stations by combining artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

CaliExpress by Flippy

Located in a prime retail spot in Pasadena, California, at 561 E. Green St., the new CaliExpress by Flippy will redefine the dining experience for guests.

Patrons will witness the robotic preparation of their meals after checking in with their PopID accounts at self-ordering kiosks, allowing for personalized order recommendations and seamless payments.

The restaurant's technological prowess promises an efficient and safe environment for employees. For customers, incorporating diverse technologies in CaliExpress by Flippy ensures the delivery of freshly prepared burgers at competitive prices.

A noteworthy feature is the grill robot, which grinds high-quality beef in real-time upon receiving an order, resulting in a l burger patty. Flippy, the renowned robotic fry station, adds to the menu by offering crispy, hot fries made from premium-grade potatoes.

"To our knowledge, this is the world's first operating restaurant where both ordering and every single cooking process are fully automated," John Miller, CEO of PopID and board member of Miso Robotics, said in a statement.

"The marriage of these various technologies to create the most autonomous restaurant in the world is the culmination of years of research, development, and investment in a family of revolutionary companies," he added.

Read Also: AI-Built Cancer Antibodies on the Horizon, Potentially Replacing Chemotherapy with AstraZeneca, Absci Collaboration

Pseudo-Museum Experience

In addition to its culinary offerings, CaliExpress by Flippy will feature a pseudo-museum experience curated by Miso Robotics. Visitors can explore dancing robot arms from retired Flippy units, experimental 3D-printed artifacts from past developments, photographic displays, and more.

The space is crafted not just to provide food but also to motivate the upcoming generation of kitchen AI and automation entrepreneurs. Local schools and educational groups are encouraged to inquire about the tours, fostering inspiration and learning in culinary technology.

"AI-powered, robotic order-taking and cooking enables the major chains that feed America to substantially improve quality, consistency and speed," said Rich Hull, CEO of Miso Robotics.

"Miso is proud to partner with Cali Group and PopID to make CaliExpress by Flippy a reality. Flippy has been an incredible success story and now everyone in Southern California can come take a look - and a taste - for themselves," he added.

Related Article: Scientists Develop 'Electric Tongue' That Mimics Human Taste Buds, Introducing Emotional Intelligence to AI

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Bird, an electric scooter rental company found in many US cities, has announced its decision to file for bankruptcy protection as part of a comprehensive restructuring plan.

The company clarified that the reorganization would specifically impact its operations in the US, as operations in Europe and Canada remained unaffected.

The restructuring initiative, as outlined in Bird's press release, involves the strategic sale of assets and is positioned as a crucial step toward enhancing the company's long-term sustainability and growth.

Bird Files For Bankruptcy

Despite the filing, Bird assured its users that regular operations would continue seamlessly, maintaining services for riders while upholding commitments to partner cities, fleet managers, and employees.

Bird Interim CEO Michael Washinushi emphasized the significance of this development as a critical milestone in the company's transformation journey, which began earlier in the year with the appointment of new leadership.

Washinushi expressed the company's commitment to progressing toward profitability and indicated that the restructuring would play a pivotal role in optimizing Bird's capital structure.

"We are making progress toward profitability and aim to accelerate that progress by right-sizing our capital structure through this restructuring. We remain focused on our mission to make cities more livable by using micromobility to reduce car usage, traffic, and carbon emissions," Washinushi said in a statement.

Throughout and after the restructuring process, Washinushi will continue to serve as the Interim CEO, with support from Board Chair John Bitove, President Stewart Lyons, and CFO Joseph Prodan.

Harvey L. Tepner joined the Board of Directors as an Independent Director last week, while Philip Evershed stepped down from the Board of Directors.

Read Also: Bird Faces NYSE Trading Suspension After Stock Collapse, Will Appeal Delisting Notice

Bird Enters Restructuring Support Agreement

Bird's first- and second-lien lenders have entered a comprehensive restructuring support agreement (RSA). As part of the restructuring, this agreement, accompanied by $25 million in new debtor-in-possession financing from MidCap Financial, a division of Apollo Global Management, marks the initiation of a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Bird Canada and Bird Europe (operating as "Bird Rides Europe B.V.") are excluded from the bankruptcy filing and will continue their regular operations. Bird has submitted customary "First Day Motions" to the court to navigate the bankruptcy process smoothly. These motions seek to ensure the continuity of operations, including the payment of wages and benefits to employees.

Bird anticipates swift approval from the court for these requests, aiming to minimize any adverse effects on city partners, riders, employees, and other key stakeholders.

Related Article: The Case for Horizontal IMP Installation w/Glazing for The Ultimate Cost-Effective Human Occupied Building

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Using a type of artificial intelligence (AI) known as deep learning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers discovered a new class of antibiotics for drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria.

According to Euronews, this AI technology helped scientists to unlock the first new antibiotics in 60 years. The transparent deep learning models reportedly not only identified this new compound that can kill a drug-resistant bacterium but also shed light on the information used by the AI model to make predictions about certain molecules that would make for good antibiotics.

New Class of Antibiotics Identified by AI

The researchers demonstrated that this newly identified compound exhibits the ability to eliminate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in laboratory settings and two mouse models of MRSA infection. Importantly, this compound demonstrated low toxicity against human cells, making it a promising candidate for drug development.

The study, part of the Antibiotics-AI Project at MIT, is spearheaded by James Collins, the Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering and Science in MIT's Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES) and Department of Biological Engineering. The project aims to discover new classes of antibiotics targeting seven types of deadly bacteria over a seven-year period.

MRSA, a bacterium responsible for infecting more than 80,000 people in the United States annually, poses a significant health threat, often causing skin infections, pneumonia, and, in severe cases, sepsis, a potentially fatal bloodstream infection.

The researchers used deep learning models capable of learning chemical structures associated with antimicrobial activity. These models analyzed vast datasets, evaluating around 39,000 compounds for their antibiotic activity against MRSA.

Read Also: MIT Researchers Use Synthetic Imagery to Train Machine Learning Models

Monte Carlo Tree Search

The transparency achieved in this study is a notable advancement, as deep-learning models are typically regarded as "black boxes" due to the lack of insight into the features guiding their predictions.

Felix Wong and Erica Zheng, lead authors of the study, adapted the "Monte Carlo tree search" algorithm to unravel the deep-learning model's decision-making process. This algorithm not only estimated each molecule's antimicrobial activity but also predicted the substructures of the molecule likely responsible for that activity.

To refine the selection of potential drugs, the researchers trained additional deep learning models to predict toxicity against three different types of human cells. The combination of information on antimicrobial activity and toxicity yielded compounds capable of killing microbes while minimizing adverse effects on human cells.

In screening approximately 12 million commercially available compounds, the models identified promising candidates from five different classes, each based on distinct chemical substructures. Experimental validation of these predictions involved testing around 280 compounds, ultimately identifying two promising antibiotic candidates from the same class.

"We have pretty strong evidence that this new structural class is active against Gram-positive pathogens by selectively dissipating the proton motive force in bacteria," Wong said in a statement.

"The molecules are attacking bacterial cell membranes selectively, in a way that does not incur substantial damage in human cell membranes. Our substantially augmented deep learning approach allowed us to predict this new structural class of antibiotics and enabled the finding that it is not toxic against human cells," he added.

The findings of the research team were published in the journal Nature.

Related Article: MIT Merges Physics and AI for Image Generation With Poisson Flow Generative Model++

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The government of India recently unveiled the landmark Telecommunications Bill 2023, ushering in a new era of connectivity while raising concerns about surveillance and regulatory ambiguity (via TechCrunch).

India's parliament passed the bill, signifying a significant departure from century-old regulations. This places the country, which boasts over 1.17 billion phone connections (almost 75% of the country's population) and 881 million internet subscribers, at the forefront of embracing technological advancements and fostering satellite broadband services like OneWeb, Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper.

What the Telecom Bill Entails

This new legislation, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, extends unprecedented control over telecom services and networks, empowering monitoring of traffic data in the interest of national security.

It also upholds provisions for communication interception, invoking discussions on privacy rights and surveillance.

The monumental shift in spectrum allocation policies, permitting satellite-based services without auctions, signals a significant leap forward for global players like Starlink and OneWeb, redefining the landscape of internet access in the world's most populous nation.

Read Also: EU Enforces Stringent DSA Rules on Pornhub, Stripchat, XVideos as 'Very Large Online Platforms' Like Tiktok

Biometrics, Civil Penalties, and Regulatory Amendments

However, while this bill paints a picture of innovation and progress, it comes bundled with stringent mandates.

Subscribers are now obligated to undergo biometric verification, and limitations on SIM card usage aim to curb fraudulent activities.

Civil penalties of up to $12,000 and $600,400 for specific breaches underscore the gravity of compliance within this revamped regulatory framework.

The amendments do not stop there. The bill made notable revisions to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, allowing private sector stalwarts with decades of experience to helm the regulator, a departure from the previous norms predominantly reserved for retired government officials.

Critics Voice Concern

Despite its strides toward modernization, the bill is not without controversy. The conspicuous absence of the term "OTT" from its initial draft has raised eyebrows.

TechCrunch points out that the omission implies a lack of explicit regulations for over-the-top (OTT) messaging applications like WhatsApp and Signal, drawing divergent reactions from industry bodies, privacy advocates, and tech giants.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has voiced concerns about potential future implications. There is a palpable unease about the broad definitions within the bill, leaving a chasm of uncertainty around whether these OTT platforms could fall within the ambit of future regulations, MoneyControl reports.

These uncertainties have prompted digital rights activists and privacy advocacy groups to raise red flags. While lauding some structural reforms, concerns over the lack of safeguard architecture against surveillance and the absence of public consultations loom large.

Apar Gupta, the founding director of the digital rights group Internet Freedom Foundation, emphasized the bill's oversight in creating transparency and accountability mechanisms against unwarranted surveillance.

Internet Freedom Foundation urges the Indian government to release public comments from the 2022 Telecom Bill consultation for transparency. The 2023 Bill retains outdated aspects, missing a chance for reform. The group calls for withdrawal and replacement with a rights-focused version.

This regulatory overhaul awaits the final nod from the Indian President to become an official act, marking a watershed moment in India's telecom sector.

Related Article: NVIDIA CEO's Meeting With India's PM Raises Speculations of Chip Factory Building in the Country

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Human Rights Watch recently accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of "systemic" censorship during the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict in a report released today.

The report sheds light on Meta's policies and practices, claiming that they have silenced pro-Palestine voices on its platforms, specifically Instagram and Facebook.

The Extent of Censorship

The wave of increased censorship coincides with the outbreak of hostilities between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in October.

According to the report, an estimated 1,200 people were killed in Israel, primarily as a result of a Hamas-led attack on October 7, while over 18,000 Palestinians were killed, primarily as a result of intense Israeli bombardment.

Between October and November 2023, Human Rights Watch documented over 1,050 cases of content removal and suppression on Instagram and Facebook.

A staggering 1,049 of these cases involved the removal of peaceful content in support of Palestine, while only one involved the removal of content in support of Israel. The cases came from over 60 countries and were mostly in English, demonstrating the global scale of this issue.

Read Also: Israel-Hamas War: How Hamas Used Commercial Drones in Recent Terror Attack

The report identifies six key patterns of excessive censorship, each recurring at least 100 times. These include the removal of posts, suspension or permanent disabling of accounts, restrictions on engagement with content, limitations on following or tagging other accounts, constraints on certain features, and the significant decrease in visibility known as "shadow banning."

Meta's Alleged Inconsistencies

Critically, the analysis pinpoints four systemic factors contributing to Meta's censorship. Flaws in Meta's policies, especially the Dangerous Organizations and Individuals (DOI) policy, are highlighted. The DOI policy, intended to combat violent missions, is criticized for its sweeping bans on vague categories of speech, impacting discussions around Israel and Palestine.

Inconsistent and opaque application of Meta's policies, apparent deference to government requests, and heavy reliance on automated tools for content removal are also identified as contributing factors. Over 300 cases documented instances where users were unable to appeal restrictions on their accounts, leaving them without access to an effective remedy.

The report places Meta's behavior in the context of historical overreach, with a documented record of broad crackdowns on content related to Palestine. Despite promises to address such issues, Meta's inconsistent enforcement and failure to meet human rights due diligence responsibilities are emphasized.

A History of Censorship

This is not the first time Meta's actions have faced scrutiny. In 2022, Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) found adverse human rights impacts on Palestinian users in a review of Meta's actions in May 2021. Meta's failure to deliver on commitments made after the review underscores ongoing concerns.

Human Rights Watch concludes the report with a series of recommendations for Meta, urging an overhaul of the DOI policy, improved transparency on government requests, and collaboration with civil society to set targets for implementing commitments.

The report calls for Meta to align its content moderation policies with international human rights standards and permit protected expression on its platforms.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Hamas Invites Elon Musk to Witness Gaza Devastation

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German authorities, in collaboration with the law enforcers, U.S., Swiss, Moldovan, and Ukrainian authorities, successfully dismantled the notorious dark web platform, Kingdom Market.

This illicit marketplace, catering to tens of thousands of users, dealt with narcotics, malware, criminal services, and forged documents. The joint operation, initiated on Dec. 16, marks a significant blow to cybercriminal activities.

Unveiling Kingdom Market's Dark Operations

Kingdom Market, operating since at least March 2021 on TOR and the Invisible Internet Project (I2P), thrived on illegal transactions. The platform facilitated the sale of over 42,000 products through hundreds of seller accounts, with 3,600 traced back to Germany. Its shadowy dealings included narcotics, malware, criminal services, and forged documents.

Related Article: Mobile Security Firm Zimperium Analyzes 10 Banking Trojans on Android: Here's How to Stay Safe

Cryptocurrency Transactions and Commission Structure

According to a report by The Hacker News, transactions on Kingdom Market were executed through cryptocurrency payments, utilizing Bitcoin, Litecoin, Monero, and Zcash. Notably, the website operators imposed a 3% commission on each sale, highlighting the intricate financial ecosystem supporting the platform's criminal endeavors.

Ongoing Investigation into Criminal Trading Platform

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) revealed that the operators of Kingdom Market are under suspicion of commercially running a criminal trading platform. The ongoing investigation includes a thorough examination of the seized server infrastructure, aiming to uncover the full extent of the illicit activities orchestrated by the platform.

International Ramifications: Charges Filed in the U.S.

In a significant development, the law enforcement effort led to the identification and charging of an individual associated with Kingdom Market in the U.S. Alan Bill, also known as Vend0r and KingdomOfficial, faces charges of identity theft and money laundering.

Bill, a Slovakian national, adds an international dimension to the legal repercussions stemming from the dark web platform's activities.

"While we should applaud this cross-border and multi agency operation, the modern-day disruption of cybercrime's infrastructure and even arrests of some identifiable cyber gang's members is rarely sufficient," ImmuniWeb SA's chief executive officer Dr. Ilia Kolochenko said in an interview with SiliconANGLE.

Kolochenko, who also teaches cybersecurity and cyber law at Capitol Technology University, added that a number of illegal marketplaces and hacking forums were shut down. However, after a few weeks, they just returned to their normal operations.

The expert continued that the underground trades and sales continue as if nothing happened. As a result, Kolochenko cautioned the authorities to be vigilant and resume their investigation with other authorities.

Continued Strides Against Cybercrime

The crackdown on Kingdom Market follows a recent coordinated effort that dismantled the dark web infrastructure of the BlackCat ransomware group.

The ongoing commitment of international law enforcement agencies signals a relentless pursuit of cybercriminals, aiming to disrupt and dismantle illicit operations on the dark web.

Most importantly, Kolochenko emphasized the need towards global convention and the formation of organized cybercrime divisions. He likened the scenario to defeating a hydra-which requires severing its head only to grow back in its place.

Read Also: Beware of Fake Hotel Reservations: MrAnon Stealer Phishing Scam Steals Data Through PDF Links

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The European Union Council approved a proposal to extend local content restrictions for EU and UK electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers until 2026.



This major move by the EU's top decision-making body delays the imposition of post-Brexit tariffs on EVs sold between the EU and the UK, scheduled to take effect on January 1, according to Automotive News Europe.



As Britain and the EU stand as each other's principal markets for EV exports, the extension seeks to ease the path to compliance, fostering the growth of EVs as an environmentally conscious substitute for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

A Relief for the EV Sector

The EU's initial plan was to impose a 10 percent duty on EVs moving between the UK and the EU if less than 45 percent of their value originated from the respective region. This policy aimed to stimulate the development of Europe's battery supply chain.



However, challenges arose from automakers, citing concerns over the lack of preparedness in local battery cell supply. Critics contended that the proposed tariffs would disproportionately favor external competitors, particularly Chinese automakers experiencing a surge in exports to Europe.



Comprising 30 to 40 percent of a vehicle's overall value, batteries are predominantly procured from China. In response, European automakers contended that adhering to the stipulated local content requirements would pose significant challenges given their reliance on Chinese sources for this essential automotive component.

Read Also: Elon Musk's X Aiming for $100 Million in Political Ad Revenue Amid Industry Skepticism

UK PM Sunak Lauds The EU Decision

The decision to extend the compliance deadline was proposed earlier this month and gained formal approval from the EU Council on Thursday. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed relief for the industry, stating, "We have been listening to the concerns of the sector throughout this process, and I know this breakthrough will come as a huge relief to the industry," as quoted by XM.



Sunak further commented: "We are exhaustively exploring every avenue to strengthen our domestic battery industry, providing enduring certainty for our flourishing automotive sector, and supporting its expansion within the UK."



Major automobile companies, notably Fiat-owner Stellantis, warned of plant closures if the laws were applied as planned in 2024. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a UK automotive industry trade group, praised the extension for its benefits to carbon reduction, economic development, and employment support.



In addition to the EU-UK agreement, Britain is pursuing a three-year extension to equivalent rules with Turkey to provide added support for UK car companies, significant exporters to the Turkish market, per CNA.



According to the Council, Europe's auto industry is expected to adapt to the heightened local content requirements by 2027, primarily through an expansion of battery production for EVs. The statement revealed that financial support of 3 billion euros would be allocated to facilitate this transition.

Related Article: Electric Scooter Giant Bird Files for Bankruptcy Amid Industry Challenges, Enters 'Restructuring'

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Amazon is accused of providing the means for a West Virginia man to spy on an underage Brazilian girl using a concealed camera.

The lawsuit unfolds a chilling narrative of neglect and potential harm, revealing Amazon's alleged failure to remove the intrusive device from its platform.

Alarming Allegations Against Amazon

As per The New York Post, the lawsuit claims that Amazon enabled the accused, Darrel Wells, to procure a hidden camera disguised as a clothes hook. This device, resembling a common household item, was allegedly used by Wells to record the underage Brazilian girl without her knowledge.

Despite undergoing inspection three times, the e-commerce giant purportedly neglected to take down the camera, ignoring the potential dangers it posed.

Related Article: UK Man Was Fined $137,000 For Using Amazon Ring Doorbell Without Neighbor's Consent

What Did the Suspect Do?

Wells, a resident of West Virginia, is facing serious charges related to the clandestine recording of an underage Brazilian foreign exchange student hosted at his home in 2021.

The illicitly used camera, hidden in plain sight, allegedly captured the girl in her private spaces. Wells is now confronting 10 counts of criminal invasion of privacy and child pornography charges, involving the possession of 600 explicit images.

Underage Victim's Legal Action

Simultaneously, the underage girl, at the center of this disturbing incident, is taking legal action against Amazon. She asserts that Wells purchased the hidden camera through Amazon's Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program, which supposedly involves a stringent inspection process.

Despite the inspection, the device remained on the platform, leading to the alleged invasion of the girl's privacy. Seeking unspecified damages, she pursues justice through a jury trial.

Amazon's Attempt to Dismiss the Case

Amazon attempted to dismiss the case in March, arguing that the company couldn't anticipate the misuse of the product by the buyer. However, a judge ruled against Amazon's motion, emphasizing that the company should bear responsibility for products used for their intended purposes.

The legal battle puts the tech company in the spotlight, raising questions about its product vetting processes.

While the specific hidden camera in question is no longer available on Amazon's website, a concerning discovery is the continued presence of similar products.

In another report by Fox News, a quick search reveals items like "clothes hook spy camera" and "clothes hook hidden camera" still offered on Amazon's marketplace. The availability of such concealed surveillance devices prompts scrutiny over Amazon's commitment to user safety.

For Gina Martin, a privacy activist from the UK, the most common victims of these cameras in disguises are women and girls.

"Retailers do need to be doing more. They need to be stamping out hidden cameras because there are very few instances in which hiding the fact that you're filming someone is applicable or acceptable," Martin told BBC in an interview, as reported by Futurism.

This is not the first time that Amazon has been sued. Previously, the company settled a privacy lawsuit over clips about Ring cameras.

According to the plaintiff, the home security firm violated the privacy of users and some employees even accessed them without their consent.

Read Also: Protect Your Home This Holiday: Ring Video Doorbell 45% Off at Amazon - Order Now

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The US Air Force has intensified efforts to fast-track the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan amidst mounting apprehensions over global security challenges.

Assistant Air Force Secretary Andrew Hunter responded to the concerns raised by two dozen Republican members of Congress regarding potential delays in fulfilling the promised F-16 deliveries to Taiwan (via Bloomberg).

Addressing Delays

Hunter addressed the issues surrounding the retrofitting program for Taiwan's existing F-16s and the delays in delivering 66 new aircraft built by Lockheed Martin Corp.

He noted that while the retrofitting program had successfully delivered 136 aircraft, the remaining three are anticipated for imminent delivery.

However, complications arising from software development have resulted in a 15-month delay in delivering the new fleet of planes, now projected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Representative Rob Wittman, leading the congressional concern, highlighted the criticality of timely deliveries, citing China's increasing military exercises around Taiwan's territories.

The letter, co-signed by House Intelligence Chairman Michael Turner, emphasized the necessity of fulfilling commitments to one of the United States' closest allies without over-promising and under-delivering.

Read Also: Japan-Made Radar System to Enhance Philippine Defense Against China's Aggression

Rising Tensions

Simultaneously, tensions surged following revelations that Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently conveyed to President Joe Biden China's intent to assume control of Taiwan.

Business Insider reports that this disclosure came during discussions on the APEC summit's fringes, where Xi preferred a peaceful takeover rather than resorting to force. Xi refuted US intelligence claims that China was preparing to seize Taiwan by 2027, indicating an undefined timeline for any such action.

The report revealed Xi's efforts to de-escalate tensions and reassure American leaders and business figures amid economic turmoil in China. These statements contrast with recent speeches by Xi, where he ominously hinted at the possibility of a forcible takeover of Taiwan.

US to Defend Taiwan

President Biden reiterated the US commitment to defend Taiwan if attacked, although the White House tempered these remarks, aligning with the long-held stance of "strategic ambiguity" concerning Taiwan's status. This approach acknowledges China's claims while maintaining a veiled promise to support Taiwan's autonomy.

As Taiwan's elections loom closer, the friction between Taiwan and mainland China escalates, amplifying concerns about stability and security in the region.

China's continuous assertion of its right to rule Taiwan, stemming from historical claims dating back to the aftermath of the 1940s civil war, adds a historical context to the present tensions.

The US Air Force's accelerated efforts to expedite F-16 deliveries to Taiwan reflect a critical step amidst geopolitical tensions and uncertainties, underscoring the intricate balance of power and interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

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Massachusetts lawmakers introduced legislation aimed at restricting the manufacture, sale, and use of weaponized robots.

This legislative action breaks from the general hostility many lawmakers have shown toward regulating robotic weapons by addressing a perceived gap in state and federal laws governing such technologies.

The legislation, introduced in mid-September, responds to concerns about "killer robots," extending beyond military applications to scenarios ranging from science fiction tales like Terminators to more grounded instances, such as the mounting of a paintball gun on a Spot robot by MSCHF.

The domestic application of robotic technology is complicated by law enforcement's prior usage of robots, such as the 2016 Dallas bomb disposal robot incident.

The proposed regulation was inspired by robotics giant Boston Dynamics. Last October, the corporation and others signed an open statement opposing "general-purpose" robot weaponization.

The letter highlighted potential harm to public trust and ethical concerns associated with adding weapons to robots that are widely available to the public.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has emphasized the significance of preventing the threat that weaponized robots pose to basic rights and safety. Instances like the sale of a flamethrower-equipped robotic dog named "The Thermonator" by Throwflame underscore the need for legislation in this domain, per Gizmodo.

Bill Not Aiming To Block Law Enforcement Innovation

The proposed legislation focuses on preventing individuals from weaponizing robots while leaving legitimate uses untouched. It does not seek to hinder law enforcement from using robots, especially in de-escalation scenarios.

However, the bill recommends that law enforcement obtain warrants for using robots in situations where they would traditionally send human officers.

While the legislation does not outright ban the weaponization of robots by law enforcement, it refrains from endorsing such practices.

Massachusetts State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, who filed the bill alongside State Senator Michael Moore, provided insights into the current status and intentions of the legislation in a recent interview.

In a TechCrunch interview, she noted that the bill has undergone a hearing, indicating positive progress. A technical review of the language used in the bill is underway, involving collaboration with stakeholders, including companies producing robotics.

Ongoing conversations with stakeholders, including robotics companies and law enforcement agencies, have not resulted in substantial opposition to the bill.

Read Also: EU Grants Electric Vehicle Makers Extension Until 2026 to Meet Local Content Rules

Representative Sabadosa emphasizes that the bill contributes to supporting the robotics industry by providing companies with a level of safety assurance regarding their products' intended purposes.

The collaborative effort between the industry and legislators reflects a proactive stance to establish guidelines for the responsible use of robotic technologies.

"I've heard people say that we need to be careful. The roboticists are just trying to create robocops. That's not what these companies are doing.

They're trying to create robots for very specific situations that can be very useful and help save human lives. So I think that's worthy. We view this as supporting the robotics industry rather than trying to hamper it," the lawmaker remarked.

Concerns Prompt US Army Response to "Killer Robots"

The idea of integrating lethal weaponry into autonomous systems faces significant backlash globally, particularly from human rights advocates. Various robotics companies collectively urge global military entities to refrain from weaponizing their technology, emphasizing potential threats to civilian safety.

Signatories to this call assert that arming robots capable of remote or autonomous operation, widespread availability to the public, and navigation into previously inaccessible locations raises fresh risks of harm and ethical concerns.

Responding to these worldwide concerns, the US Army has introduced new regulations outlining how to address issues related to so-called "killer robots." The guidelines focus on minimizing the "probability and consequences of failures" associated with autonomous weaponry, according to The Defense Post.

Related Artricle: AI Bots Cannot Named as Inventors for Patents, UK's Top Court Rules

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This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronaut Tang Shengjie performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm.

Tang Hongbo and Tang Shengjie have since returned safely to the Wentian lab module.

It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission.

In the future, the Shenzhou-17 crew will complete a significant number of planned space science experiments, technical tests, spacewalks and the installation of extravehicular payloads.

They have performed many tasks since they entered the orbital complex on Oct. 26, including a crew rotation with Shenzhou-16 astronauts, space station platform maintenance, life and health support, extravehicular spacesuit inspections and tests, and Tianzhou-6 cargo ship equipment inspections.

They have also undertaken robotic arm operations training, emergency life-saving drills, medical rescue drills, and full-system pressure emergency drills. 

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronauts Tang Hongbo (R) and Tang Shengjie performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronauts Tang Hongbo (R) and Tang Shengjie performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronaut Tang Hongbo performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronaut Jiang Xinlin staying inside in cooperation with Tang Hongbo and Tang Shengjie for their extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronaut Tang Hongbo (L) opening the hatch of space station lab module Wentian's airlock cabin. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronauts Tang Hongbo (L) and Tang Shengjie performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronaut Tang Hongbo performing extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronaut Tang Hongbo (L) opening the hatch of space station lab module Wentian's airlock cabin. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronauts Tang Hongbo (R) and Tang Shengjie returning to the Wentian lab module and closing the hatch. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Dec. 21, 2023 shows Shenzhou-17 astronauts Tang Hongbo (R) and Tang Shengjie preparing to exit the Wentian lab module. The Shenzhou-17 crew members on board China's orbiting space station completed their first spacewalk at 9:35 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin worked seven-and-a-half hours to complete set tasks such as a Tianhe core module solar wing repair test, with the assistance of a ground team and the space station's robotic arm. It was the second time that Tang Hongbo, China's first space traveler to return to the space station for a second mission, has performed a spacewalk. Tang Shengjie became the country's youngest astronaut to carry out an extravehicular mission. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)
In a significant setback for Apple, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has rejected the tech giant's attempt to postpone an imminent ban on certain Apple Watch imports.

With only a last-minute intervention from the White House offering a potential reprieve, the Cupertino firm is on the brink of halting sales for specific Apple Watch models in the U.S.

Apple's Response: Ceasing Sales of Latest Models

Apple recently announced its decision to cease sales of two of its latest Apple Watch models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, starting on its website from Thursday, Dec. 21, and in Apple stores after Sunday, Dec. 24.

The move comes in compliance with ITC orders issued in October, which found Apple's blood oxygen sensor technology to violate intellectual property owned by Masimo, a medical technology firm serving hospitals, per CNBC.

Related Article: Apple Watch: Series 8 vs. Series 9-Which Smartwatch Should You Buy Amidst Ban

ITC Denies Stay Motion

On Wednesday, Dec. 20, the ITC dismissed Apple's motion to stay the original decision pending appeal. This denial puts the iPhone maker in a precarious position, approaching a scenario where it might be barred from selling a crucial product in its largest market, especially during the peak season for Apple sales.

While existing stocks of previously imported Apple Watches can still be sold, the potential sales pause for the latest models could impact Apple's revenue this holiday season.

President Biden's Potential Veto Power

According to Apple Insider, President Joe Biden holds the authority to veto the ban, yet no indication has been given regarding his stance on the matter.

With a Dec. 25 deadline looming, the White House is closely monitoring the situation. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that Ambassador Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative, is carefully evaluating all factors involved in the case. The outcome remains uncertain as Apple awaits potential intervention to avert the ban.

Masimo's Claims and Accusations Against Apple

Beyond the intellectual property infringement claims, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani has accused Apple of deceptive practices. Kiani alleges that Apple engaged in acquisition and partnership discussions before systematically poaching technical staff from Masimo.

Despite these accusations, Apple has not reached out for a settlement, according to Kiani.

"I don't care that much about the Apple leadership, given what I know about how they run the company. I still extended the olive branch and offered to work with them for the betterment of people and our shareholders, and not even a call," Kiani said. "

Apple, thus far, has refrained from providing detailed comments on the unfolding situation. The company spokesperson reiterated that the tech giant is taking "all measures" to reintroduce the product to the U.S. market.

Meanwhile, a reputable leaker claimed that the 2026 version of the Apple Watch Ultra will boast a bigger micro-LED screen.

Read Also: Taking Screenshots on Apple Watch-Here's How

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In an unusual and visually striking move, Genshin Impact players have taken their discontent to new heights - literally.

A group of passionate gamers orchestrated an airship protest floating above the iconic Teyvat Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul, as a display of frustration with Hoyoverse's lack of communication, according to GamingonPhone.

This one-of-a-kind protest, a first in gaming protests, aimed to draw attention to Hoyoverse's silence on player concerns.

Genshin Impact Airship Protest

The protest's architect, the leader of the Genshin Impact coalition, highlighted the necessity of this extreme action, citing the negligible impact of previous truck protests.

"We conducted truck protests for five days recently for similar reasons but didn't get much notice. It seems that the truck protests initially gained attention during the Pego Incident, and subsequent Uma Musume Carriage Protest, but plain truck protests are no longer capturing interest," expressed the leader, revealing that this innovative approach stemmed from the need for heightened visibility.

The leader disclosed that over 2,000 users pooled resources, amassing a substantial 16 million won (~$12.2k) to execute the four-day protest, spearheaded by around ten dedicated participants.

Remarkably, investigations before the event unveiled an intriguing revelation: airships had never been deployed for protests in Seoul, despite contrasting police records. The protest leader remarked, "Given the attention from many media outlets, it seems we've achieved our goal of drawing attention."

Read Also: Netflix Is Working on a 'Squid Game' Game, Plans 86 Titles for Subscribers in 2023

Genshin Impact Player Concerns

The crux of the issue lies in Hoyoverse's persistent silence and detachment from effective communication.

Dissatisfied gamers are rallying for, at the very least, minimal efforts from Hoyoverse to engage with their community.

The protest sends a clear message: communication is indispensable in fostering a healthy relationship between developers and players.

Hoyoverse Responds

In response to this unique protest, a Hoyoverse Korea representative conveyed regret over the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of their real-time chat.

They emphasized the intention to redirect focus towards version broadcasts, promising a subsequent reopening of the chat and advance notices for future closures.

However, this response has yet to ease the concerns of protesting players, who eagerly await a more comprehensive and direct address of their grievances.

The spectacle of airships hovering above Teyvat Tower symbolizes the players' collective voice and serves as a testament to the significance of effective communication within the gaming community. Players stand unified, urging Hoyoverse to bridge the communication gap and actively address their concerns.

As this one-of-a-kind airship protest unfolds, the gaming community and industry stakeholders keep their gaze fixed on Seoul's skyline, anticipating not only the protest's conclusion but also a meaningful response from Hoyoverse.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

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Tunisian President Kais Saied (R) meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tunis, Tunisia, on Dec. 21, 2023. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)

TUNIS, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied stressed here on Thursday his country's willingness to further strengthen the friendly ties and fruitful cooperation with Russia in various areas.

During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Saied reviewed the historical relations between the two countries, the Tunisian presidency said in a statement.

While reiterating his country's firm and unconditional support for the Palestinian people, Saied called on the international community to put an end to the brutal daily attacks targeting the Palestinian people.

For his part, Lavrov expressed his country's readiness to further strengthen its close relations with Tunisia in a number of fields, including grains, energy, health, higher education, cultural exchange, modern technologies, and space, in addition to continuing to promote trade exchange.

To further strengthen relations between the two countries, Lavrov started a two-day official visit to Tunisia on Wednesday night at the invitation of Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar, who visited Moscow on Sept. 26 and 27. 
KHARTOUM, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Thursday said the army would not sign any peace agreement that does not include the withdrawal of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from public facilities and citizens' homes.

Al-Burhan, also the chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, made the remarks when addressing officers and soldiers in eastern Sudan's Red Sea State, the sovereign council said in a statement.

"We will not sign a peace agreement that embodies humiliation for the armed forces and the Sudanese people," Al-Burhan said.

"Any agreement must include a ceasefire and withdrawal of the rebels from public facilities, hospitals, and citizens' homes," he noted, adding that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) would keep fighting to defeat the "rebel militia."

Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15. More than 12,000 people have been killed in the fighting, according to a statement by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in early December. 
HANOI, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's 19 parent groups and corporations under the Committee for Management of State Capital at Enterprises have earned more than 1.13 quadrillion Vietnamese dong (46.4 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue this year, according to the committee.

The state-owned enterprises have contributed over 79.25 trillion dong (3.25 billion dollars) to the state budget, equivalent to 199.96 percent of the annual target, Vietnam News Agency reported Thursday.

Their revenue was equivalent to 105.15 percent of this year's target. The pre-tax profit, excluding Vietnam Electricity, stands at nearly 53.26 trillion dong (2.2 billion dollars), representing 166.09 percent of the target and 110.92 percent of last year's figure.

Among the 19 enterprises, 15 exceeded their annual pre-tax profit target, according to the report. 
That amounts to a 0.3% decrease since 2022 and a decrease of more than 1.8% over three years.

New York, which has lost 3.1% of its population since 2020, and Illinois, which saw about a 2% decrease over the same span, are the only two states that shrank more rapidly.

More detailed estimates, including breakdowns by parish, wont be available until next year.

Louisianas population has been mostly on the decline since 2016, when a decade of increases fueled by residents returning to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina started to come to an end. But the past three years have seen dramatic drops, due to both high mortality rates during the pandemic and more people moving out of the state than moving in.
The federal complaint and the proposed settlement were both filed Thursday (July 5) in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, and are subject to a 30-day public comment period, once the settlement is announced in the Federal Register. U.S. Justice Department officials did not indicate whether there are any plans to also file criminal charges against Shell Offshore for violation of the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act or Migratory Bird Species Act, although a provision in the settlement allows such charges to be filed. Scientists from the University of Georgia and Florida State University who traveled to the oil slick site in the days after the leak reported seeing bottlenose dolphins swimming through oil and balls of fish covered with oil. Seabirds also were seen in the area.
Hundreds of thousands of our nation's college football-crazy fans were watching the annual Sugar Bowl from New Orleans when the broadcaster did what almost all broadcasters do when they are in The Big Easy to work major events like college football games, an NBA all-star game or the NFL Superbowl: They had a camera in the French Quarter.
by Raheela Nazir, Zou Shuhua

KARACHI, Pakistan, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has made its first shipment of dry red chilies to China as part of enhanced agricultural cooperation between the two countries under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

To mark the event, a grand ceremony was held on Tuesday in Pakistan's port city of Karachi in southern Sindh province, attended by officials, experts, and business people, among others, from both Pakistan and China.

Pakistan is among the leading chili-producing countries in the world, with the potential to become a major player in chili cultivation. Chinese technical teams are collaborating with local farmers, landowners and universities to help Pakistan reach its full potential as a chili-exporting country.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for National Food Security and Research Kausar Abdullah Malik said that the agriculture sector is crucial for Pakistan and China has been helping his country to modernize the sector and ensure food security under CPEC.

"Boosting agricultural trade between the two countries as well as enhancing food security is a significant part of CPEC," the minister said, adding that the Chinese companies are providing local farmers with technology and trainings to increase production substantially and grow high-quality crops, including chilies.

Malik said that Pakistan and China would continue to cooperate to boost agricultural production and trade, helping the South Asian country alleviate poverty and improve people's living standards.

The export of the inaugural shipment of dry chilies to China not only showcased the capabilities of Pakistani exporters but also highlighted the potential for further collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese businesses, caretaker Minister for Commerce Gohar Ejaz said.

"It marks the beginning of a new era in the trade relationship between Pakistan and China," he said.

Highlighting the immense potential for growth in the Chinese market, Ejaz said that Pakistani exporters need to uphold high-quality standards, increase productivity, and implement effective marketing strategies to meet the expectations of the Chinese market.

He said the export of Pakistani products to China have the potential to exceed 20 billion U.S. dollars in the coming years, noting that achieving the ambitious goal requires concerted efforts by the Pakistani exporters.

In a video speech, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said that the red chili contract farming project, in the first batch of CPEC agricultural projects, has showed a demonstration effect, effectively promoting the local agricultural development and helping improve the lives of local farmers.

China has attached great importance to promoting agricultural cooperation with Pakistan and will continue to promote trade facilitation measures, expand contract farming, and push intensive processing of Pakistani agricultural products, the ambassador said.

"We will support more high-quality agricultural products from Pakistan to export to China, continue working for the two countries' agricultural cooperation to deepen and solidify, and bring more tangible benefits to the people," he added.

On the occasion, Zheng Xiaohui, project manager at China's Sichuan Litong Food Group, said that the goal of his company is to promote the healthy and steady development of Pakistan's chili industry.

The Chinese company is carrying out a 16,000-acre chili planting project in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province and southern Sindh province, along with one dry chili processing plant.

"We have trained over 1,500 Pakistani agricultural technicians and provided 6,000 temporary employment opportunities, significantly boosting economic benefits for local farmers," Zheng said. 
Can Anthony Albaneses government walk and chew gum at the same time? Should be able to, provided it stops trying to work both sides of the street.

As I wrote on Wednesday, the most urgent economic and political issue facing the government is the cost-of-living crisis.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

But lets get real. Everyone may be up in arms about the cost of living, but fixing it is standard stuff for the managers of the economy. We can be sure it will be fixed soon enough.

As we know from our own lives, we often let the urgent take priority over the more important, and thats what this government has been doing.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size There have been so many good books published this year  the question is how to choose 10? These are books that both made me think and delighted me with their characters, writing or stories. Sadly, theres no space to include books by the likes of Rebecca F. Kuang, Charlotte Wood, Claire Keegan, Mick Herron, David Marr, Kate Grenville, Michael Cunningham, Tom Keneally, Anna McGahan, Shankari Chandran and many others whose work I have been moved, impressed and entertained by. Credit: Wifedom, Anna Funder The author of Stasiland and the Miles Franklin-winning novel All That I Am produced a sort of hybrid book in Wifedom that aims to restore Eileen OShaughnessy, George Orwells tragic first wife, to a position of real significance in his life. Funder blends biography, memoir and even fiction, but while expressing her admiration for Orwells writing, portrays him as a dismal husband and serial philanderer who treated his wife appallingly, never named her in Homage to Catalonia (despite mentioning my wife multiple times), and failed to acknowledge her input to Animal Farm. Whether you agree with Funder or not, she makes a strong case. Old Gods Time, Sebastian Barry One night retired detective Tom Kettle opens his door to two former colleagues who want his help solving a cold case  the murder of a priest. Tom is grieving June, his dead wife and the mother of his adult children (whose whereabouts are unclear), and is not keen to help. He is getting older and more confused, but he is certain about one thing: the priests who abused children in Ireland are filthy, relentless, feckless men who never paused a moment in their evil. Written in Barrys characteristically beautiful prose, this is a powerful, tender novel that delves into a scandal that has horrified Ireland. Sebastian Barry writes in his characteristically beautiful prose. Credit: David Levenson

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The Librarianist, Patrick deWitt I love Patrick deWitts novels, all very different from each other. They are populated by endearing and quirky characters, written in an always distinctive style, with great care for the prose. The Librarianist focuses on Bob Comet, a retired librarian who doesnt live up to his name. He is quiet and thoughtful. One day, after a particularly vivid dream, he steps out of his home and encounters an elderly woman who, it transpires, has gone missing from an aged care home. He takes her back, starts volunteering there and gradually his life story emerges. Once, as a boy, he had an adventure that coloured his entire life. And once he had a wife, but she left him. Credit: The Visitors, Jane Harrison This novel is the result of an idea that playwright Jane Harrison had a long time ago: how would Indigenous Australians have reacted to the sight of ships assembling offshore in 1788? She started it as a novel, but then it got more life as a play and was staged at the Sydney Festival and later by the Sydney Theatre Company. Finally, she wrote the novel. After the British are spotted, a message stick is sent around the local mobs and an Elders meeting is called at warrane (Sydney Cove). The discussions about what response the seven Indigenous characters  each given contemporary names and clothing  should give are heated and carefully delineated. Of course, we readers know the outcome, but Harrison gives her novel a powerful coda. Jane Harrison had the idea for her novel a long time ago. Credit: Janie Barrett Question 7, Richard Flanagan

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Does Richard Flanagan owe his existence to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in August 1945? And what has H.G. War of the Worlds Wells affair with Rebecca West got to do with it all? Richard Flanagans Question 7 is a bravura bit of writing. In a bravura display, the Tasmanian novelist provides the links to all these and more, as well as musing on the titular question posed by Chekhov: who loves longer, a man or a woman? Another hybrid work blending autofiction, history, biography and memoir, Question 7 bristles with ideas and ends with a striking account of when he was trapped and close to drowning in the Franklin River, an event that inspired his first novel, Death of a River Guide. Let Us Descend, Jesmyn Ward You may know Jesmyn Ward from her remarkable first novel set during Hurricane Katrina, Salvage the Bones. Or her memoir about the deaths of five black men she knew, including her brother, Men We Reaped. Credit: Her fourth novel is set in the Deep South when Annis, the child of a slave raped by her enslaver, is then on-sold by her father and forced to descend like Dante in the Decameron into a sort of living hell. She is reinforced by memories and stories told by her mother, and visited by spirits who nurture her, drive her on and enrage her. It is a confronting novel full of the horrors of slavery, but also imbued with transcendent love and powerful, beautiful writing.

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Edenglassie, Melissa Lucashenko The Queensland writer won the Miles Franklin for her last novel, Too Much Lip, and at the time said she was ready to write her big book. Well, here it is, and it lives up to her billing, dealing  after significant research  with the days when colonialists hadnt quite outnumbered the Indigenous population in Brisbane, and the violence the former inflicted on the latter. There are two time frames, 2024 and 1854, with the former focusing on the hospitalised 103-year-old Granny Eddie, her granddaughter Winona, and doctor Johnny who is besotted with Winona, and the latter on Mulanyin, his love for Nita, and their fate in the mid-19th century. Its a book that yearns for respect and honesty between black and white. Not surprisingly, Lucashenkos Indigenous characters are wonderfully created as they realise their people might soon become a minority  a strange and disturbing new reality to think upon. Melissa Lucashenko has written her big book. Credit: Janie Barrett Women & Children, Tony Birch Tony Birchs fourth novel is set in the mid-60s in the familiar territory of a hardscrabble inner suburb and focuses on a young scallywag, Joe Cluny, his mother and sister, and, memorably, his grandfather Charlie and Charlies friend Ranji Khan. Its about domestic violence and the trauma it inflicts  and the difficulties of getting away from it. When Joes aunt turns up one day, its clear she has taken a beating at the hand of her Flash Harry boyfriend. But dont be put off, the book oozes the tenderness often seen in Birchs work, with characters who live, love and even laugh. Tony Birchs fourth novel, Women & Children, features his characteristic tenderness. Credit: Eddie Jim Songs for the Dead and the Living, Sara M. Saleh

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Paul Giamatti has played a vast range of characters in more than 30 years in the business, but theres a real chance he will forever be best known for the two movies he has made with Alexander Payne, the much-loved Sideways (2004) and the new and equally praised feature The Holdovers. In both, Giamatti is cast as a curmudgeon, to put it mildly. Is that really who the New York-based actor is? Some days, yes, he says with distinctly uncurmudgeonly good grace. Some days it definitely is. But most of the time, I would say no. I mean, if I was like these guys, I dont know that anybody would employ me. Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, a teacher of classics at an upscale private boarding school in rural Massachusetts in 1970. Hes a stickler, a hard marker, a man who has dedicated his life to the calling of teaching but whose methods have won him nothing but loathing from his young charges. And given most of the boys he calls vermin will never come close to living up to his standards, the feeling is more or less mutual. Gaimattis Paul Hunham is a classics teacher at an upscale school in 1970, who labels his teenage charges vermin. Credit: Seacia Pavao/Focus Features So when Hunham is tasked with staying behind at the school over Christmas to chaperone the handful of boys not going home for the holidays, its a cruel and unusual punishment for all involved. Theres a risk, I suggest, that this movie could do for teaching what his performance as Miles, the misanthropic wine writer of Sideways  for which Payne and Jim Taylor won the best adapted screenplay Oscar in 2005  did for merlot. Which is to say, kill it.

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Apparently we did, he says of the earlier films effect on the once-popular variety. I really do not know anything about wine. Ive never understood why it was merlot. Is that really a low-rent wine? Its certainly not pinot noir, Miles favourite tipple, lets put it that way. But what about teaching  do you know much about that? It was sort of the family business, though I didnt go into it. Everybody in my family was teachers  my parents, my grandparents  so I was around it quite a bit. I drew on that, consciously and unconsciously, he continues. I have lots of memories of people like Hunham. My father [who was an English literature professor at Yale] had a lot of colleagues who were like that. I went to a school like that, so I had teachers who were a lot like that. I went to school about 10 years after the movie was set, so a lot of those guys were still teaching at the place I went. So it was all right there. The film isnt just set in 1970. Payne has also painstakingly recreated the look, feel and pace of a movie from that time. Think of The Graduate, Carnal Knowledge, Five Easy Pieces and youre in the ballpark. Its a remarkable feat, and one of the reasons The Holdovers is generating plenty of awards-season buzz. Sticking to the house style wasnt a chore for those on set, though, Giamatti says. I know the movies hes talking about, but I dont know that there was anything I was ever consciously thinking about. You just know the feel of those things, you know the mood of them, you know the style of them. And it was written that way. Its almost as if Payne is a filmmaker from another time anyway. He doesnt use a monitor, the crew is very slimmed down, so it feels like something from another era, Giamatti says. And he creates what I imagine the atmosphere on, say, a Hal Ashby movie probably was like  its very intimate and fun, kind of warm, and laid back. So I think it just lends itself to turning out as a 70s movie.

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In one respect, though, The Holdovers feels like a movie that could not have been made in 1970, at least not in precisely the same way. After circumstances conspire to reduce the cohort of boys from five to just one  newcomer Dominic Sessa as Angus Tully  the ground is set for a buddy movie. But it becomes apparent the only other member of staff stuck at the school over the two weeks, cook Mary Lamb (DaVine Joy Randolph), is no support player, as she likely would have been back then: shes a third and equal side of an evolving relationship triangle. The Christmas break is key to that happening, says Randolph, best known for her turn as Detective Donna Williams in Only Murders in the Building (negotiations for a fourth season are, she reveals, well under way, and looking promising). I think in any other circumstance that wouldnt have happened. Its to their advantage that by being on a holiday break its somewhat neutral ground. Normally that atmosphere is quite charged with the dynamics of social class, she continues. All those variables would have inhibited them if this holiday break didnt happen, I dont think they would be able to have this very unique experience and connection without this inconvenience, this unexpected change that they dont want to do, but which ends up being the absolute blessing they all need. In keeping with the commitment to lo-fi 1970s-style filmmaking, the movie was shot on location at five different schools in Massachusetts (subbing for the fictional Barton School), in winter, with real snow. And the cigarettes Mary smokes endlessly throughout were real too  which was a challenge for non-smoker Randolph. They say kids and pets will easily upstage an actor, but I quickly came to find cigarettes can do the same thing, she says.

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Payne sent her a couple of boxes of prop cigarettes, but they just didnt look or feel right. So she sought out the lightest brand she could find and practised. Bette Davis was a great reference because theres quite a style to smoking, she says. And an avid smoker in a quite heightened emotional state is a whole other thing. The burning durry was more than a prop for Mary, it was a comfort blanket, and a key to her character and state of mind. It was great fun trying to decipher when to pull, when to release, the choreography of smoking while another persons talking, she says. Im not trying to condone smoking in any way, but it made me realise as a non-smoker entering into this world it really comes down to meditative breathing, long, deep inhalations. If Im frazzled, or a little off-centre, or I feel worried or anxiety or in an emotional state that I dont necessarily want to be in  I mean, it would help if they just removed the nicotine  but at the end of the day, they are taking these regulated, meditative breaths. Alexander Payne, left, directs Giamatti and DaVine Joy Randolph on the set of The Holdovers. Credit: Seacia Pavao And once youd finished it, did you kick the habit? Oh, immediately, she says. I was actually very nervous that I was going to get addicted. But thank goodness, it wasnt for me. Its not my thing. For Giamatti, the key to Hunham was more intellectual than physical. I mean, hes a difficult guy but I like him, he says. He kind of takes pleasure in being sarcastic, in his own wit, hes complicated, but I thought he was funny, I thought he was smart, I like where he goes. I like the fact that hes able to be selfless in the end. You know, he had a lot of layers to him, and I liked that.

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The police officer son of former NSW premier and senator Kristina Keneally faces an anxious Christmas after learning he could be jailed for fabricating evidence that wrongly landed a man in custody for three weeks.

Daniel Keneally, 25, was due to be sentenced in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday over the incident at Newtown police station in February 2021.

Daniel Keneally enters the Downing Centre court complex on Thursday for his sentencing for fabricating evidence. Credit: Nick Moir

The prosecution sought full-time custody for Keneally as punishment for falsely accusing a man of threatening to kill a police officer, but magistrate Rodney Brender reserved his judgment until February.

Speaking to journalists outside court, defence lawyer Paul McGirr accepted Christmas would be a nervous time for Keneally.
A NSW Police inspector whose identity is to be kept secret by the courts for 40 years will fight charges he drunkenly crashed his car in the NorthConnex tunnel after allegedly downing more than 20 drinks at work events in Sydney.

The man, who holds a senior role in the police force, did not appear for his first court hearing  and the courts refused to release basic information about the allegations against him.

Detective Inspector AB was charged in November over the drink-driving crash in Sydneys NorthConnex.

Nine News and the Herald last month revealed the inspector had allegedly crashed a work car at about 2am on May 13, 2023, after drinking at work functions in The Rocks.

The inspector allegedly drove the damaged Kia Sorento to a nearby street in Wahroonga and abandoned the vehicle.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Behind the razor wire of a high-security prison about an hour north of Brisbane, an inmate waits. There, at Woodford Correctional Centre, a drone buzzes overhead. The days are monotonous and methodical, for the prisoners and the guards. But the arrival of the small drone jolts the jail. Through the air, the small device carries a package worth thousands of dollars. Many things have changed over the years inside a prison, but one remains constant: drugs. And the plots to bring them in are becoming ever more cunning. Eloise Hamlett would know.

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Beginning her career in 2000 as a psychologist behind the walls of Borallon, a high-security prison about an hour west of Brisbane, she saw the darker parts of society. The Borallon Training and Correctional Centre in Ipswich, south-west of Brisbane. Credit: Felicity Caldwell - Brisbane Times These days, she is the assistant commissioner in charge of Queensland Corrective Services custodial operations. Some of the challenges are really just around the numerous ways in which people will attempt to introduce drugs to our correctional centres, Hamlett says. Sitting with Rob Wildin, head of the Corrective Services intelligence arm, at their Brisbane headquarters, Hamlett describes how authorities have recently stopped record drug hauls coming in at Borallon and Woodford. In Woodford and in Far North Queensland, two drones were used to attempt to drop contraband onto the grounds to prisoners, she says. Accessing airspace over Queensland jails is now against the law.

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Corrective Services is also working towards a trial of low-radiation body scanners in womens prisons as a less invasive form of searching. In the last financial year, more than 2400 contraband fines were issued for drugs, which included prescription or illicit drugs, Hamlett says. QCS Assistant Commissioner Eloise Hamlett, with head of intelligence Rob Wildin. Intelligence gathering is crucial for Corrective Services in stopping drugs flowing into the system. In one operation, intel was provided to dog squad staff and prison visitors were then analysed and targeted. The significance of the amount of contraband that we located from a prison is in the hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars worth of contraband stopped, Wildin says.

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John Rynne, a Griffith University criminology professor and director of the universitys Youth Forensic Service, says drug use among prisoners is nothing like what it used to be. Im a psychologist and the clients I used to see were ex-prisoners with heroin addictions. A few years ago, I knew how much drugs there were and the drug use in prison was extensive, massive. [But] Queensland has a very controlled system [now], its really locked down. Rynne says drug use is typically higher in womens prisons. He recalled a womens prison in Victoria that had a 95 per cent positive drug rate years ago. Drug dependency continues to be a problem nationwide, but personal experience can be exacerbated in prison. According to the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, an estimated 9 million people older than 14 in Australia had illicitly used a drug.

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People who didnt use drugs outside may have an increased likelihood of using drugs inside because the experience is so bad, he says. The same people who commit white-collar crime, or less likely to commit violent crime, they then are exposed to a lifestyle that is really different to what theyre used to, and its hard for them to deal with it. Drugs inside are worth a fortune, so youre going to make a lot of money if you sell drugs in a prison because its high risk. John Rynne, Griffith University criminology professor Its high-risk, theyre violent places. If you look the wrong way you might get smashed and even though theyre safer than theyve ever been before, theyre still violent places. One way Corrective Services has stemmed the flow is through analysing wastewater testing at prisons to determine if there has been an influx of drugs.

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The ex-girlfriend of crime family boss George Marrogi has dodged spending more time behind bars after a magistrate accepted she turned a blind eye to dubious requests made by those involved in laundering millions of dollars of dirty funds.

Antonietta Mannella, 30, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link from the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre womens prison on Thursday, where she is already serving a 13-year prison sentence for drug-related offences.

George Marrogis ex-partner Antonietta Mannella (left) with his late sister, Meshilin. Credit: Instagram

Magistrate Kieran Gilligan said Mannella, who previously worked in the banking industry, became embroiled in the Marrogi familys underworld business after she began working as a personal assistant for the late Meshilin Marrogi at her beauty salon around the time of the pandemic.

With the encouragement of her employer, she soon formed a romantic relationship with Meshilins brother, George Marrogi, who was in custody at Barwon Prison for murder and drug-related offences.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The final episodes of The Crown focus initially on what was one of the most dramatic and devastating periods in the royal familys history: the events leading up to the Paris car crash that killed Diana, Princess of Wales, and Mohamed al-Fayeds son, Dodi, and its aftermath. Part two covers a dizzying array of events, from the months after the death of Diana to the wedding of Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles in April 2005. It was not until series five in 2022 that Netflix moved to add a disclaimer to The Crown, spelling out that it is fictional. By then, despite regular protestations from writer and producer that no one seriously thought it was real, many people seriously thought it was real. As the final episodes arrive on Netflix, creator Peter Morgan, his co-writers and the shows various historical advisors  inspired by Prince Harrys tell-all memoir Spare have doubled down on their signature combination of invention and speculation. Was the Queen threatened by Tony Blairs popularity? The scene: A dream sequence where the Queen (Imela Staunton) wanders through the streets of London having lost the crown and Tony Blair (Bertie Carvel) is made king. Later she worries that her tenth prime minister was seen as a unifying national symbol in the way they used to see, well, me. As a result, she asks her advisers to do polling to find out how the Queen could do better. Imelda Staunton in the final season of The Crown. Credit: Netflix The truth: When Blair came into office in May 1997, his popularity was the highest ever for a British prime minister at 60 per cent. But the Queens approval ratings consistently outranked his, holding steady at 80 per cent since polling began in 1969. It was also well known that Blair was not her favourite prime minister, although she never commented on their relationship. Prince Philip, however, was not as discreet, once commenting that he was a moderniser but not for the sake of buggering about with things in some kind of Blairite way.

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A scene where Blair was slow-clapped at the national conference of the Womens Institute in June 2000 is true, with members showing their disapproval at his politicisation of the event. The press declared that Blair had been handbagged by his extraordinary error of political judgment. How did Will and Kate meet? Did they live in a group house together? The scene: Will (Ed McVey) and Kate (Meg Bellamy) are shown meeting for the first time by happenstance on the street when they are both teens and Diana is still alive. Not long after arriving at St Andrews University in Scotland, Kate is shown in The Crown waiting on tables at a restaurant. She sees William on the street kissing a pretty blonde undergraduate, identified by another waitress as Lola Airdale-Cavendish-Kincaid. Shortly afterwards, they meet in the university library, where she offers to show him her notes from their art history class. Kate (Meg Bellamy) and William (Ed McVey) in The Crowns final season. Credit: Netflix The truth: The pair first met at St Andrews University when they were students there in 2001. I think you said I actually went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, Kate recalled to Prince William during an interview in 2010 announcing their engagement. [I was] feeling very shy about meeting you. Kate said they became very close friends from quite early on. William added that they had been friends for over a year first and that their romance just sort of blossomed from then on. They did move into a house together with a group of friends in 2002, before it was known they were officially an item. The show portrays this happening afterwards. Did Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret have the VE Day adventure? The scene: During a flashback scene in episode 8, a young then Princess Elizabeth (Viola Prettejohn) and her sister, Princess Margaret (Beau Gadsdon), sneak out from Buckingham Palace on what would become Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945, to celebrate the end of World War II in Europe.

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Theyre accompanied by Group Captain Peter Townsend, the Kings equerry, and Lord Porchester, nicknamed Porchey, an officer in the British Army, and they havent received permission from King George VI and Queen Consort Elizabeth to join the massive throngs celebrating in London. Not returning until dawn, they swear to keep the events of their night out a secret.



The truth: The event did occur in real life, which was detailed at length in Sally Bedell Smiths biography, Elizabeth The Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch. I remember we were terrified of being recognised, so I pulled my uniform cap well down over my eyes, the Queen told the BBC in 1985. She described the lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, and all of us were swept along by tides of happiness and relief and called the evening one of the most memorable nights of my life. They were in a group of 16 friends and members of the royal household, which included Townsend, Porchey and the princesss cousin Margaret Elphinstone (later Rhodes). They danced along Trafalgar Square and down Piccadilly to the Ritz. For some reason, we decided to go in the front door and do the conga, Rhodes recalled. The King wrote in his diary of the days exploits: Poor darlings, they have never had any fun yet. Were the royal family split after Charles asked for the Queens permission to marry Camilla? The scene: Charles (Dominic West) asks his mother, the Queen, for permission to marry Camilla (Olivia Williams), saying hed loved her for 30 years. Elizabeth convenes a gathering of bishops to ask their advice, before deciding that it would be more difficult if Charles was living in sin with Camilla if she died than if he was married in a secular service and then received a blessing in church. Loading The truth: It is accepted that the Queen was not thrilled by the news at the time, as the episode makes clear. But the royal objection to Camilla was unlikely personal and more that the monarch, as a religious woman, looked unfavourably on the idea of two divorced people remarrying in a church service.

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Until the publication of Spare, Harrys tell-all and often bitter memoir, there was little reason to believe that William and Harry felt the mutual antagonism. But the Duke of Sussex revealed that both he and his brother objected to his fathers second marriage, begging their father not to marry her, describing her as a wicked stepmother. The details that he said, Why cant they just carry on as they are? and telling his brother that he was a f---ing company man for not objecting to the match, owe a great deal to his memoir. Dominic West as Prince Charles and Olivia Williams as Camilla in The Crown. Credit: Netflix The head researcher for the series, Annie Sulzberger, recently said that Spare helped us think, OK, this is an insider account, and I feel like were on the right track. But former royal butler Grant Harrold said the biggest misconception about the wedding was that the Queen didnt enjoy it or wasnt supportive. Its complete nonsense, he said, adding she was really happy on her sons big day. Did Mohamed Fayed blame the royal family for conspiring to kill Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed? The scene: As the penultimate episode of the show continues to delve into the aftermath of Princess Dianas death, it depicts the Metropolitan Polices inquiry into the circumstances of the events of August 31, 1997. The probe is largely brought about by Mohamed Fayeds (Salim Daw) increasingly deranged and furious comments about the royal familys purported involvement in the deaths of Diana and his son Dodi. Khalid Abdalla as Dodi Fayed and Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana in the new season of The Crown. Credit: Daniel Escale/Netflix Charles is read a letter from Diana to her butler Paul Burrell in which she writes: This particular phase in my life is the most dangerous. My husband is planning an accident in my car. Brake failure and serious head injury in order to make the path clear for him to marry Tiggy [former nanny to William and Harry]. Camilla is nothing but a decoy, so we are being used by the man in every sense of the word.

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The truth: The Egyptian billionaire was convinced that his son, Dodi, and Princess Diana met their demise in a conspiracy orchestrated by the British establishment, with a particular focus on Prince Philip. The broad outlines of this detail are accurate in The Crown, but the chronology is misleading. Following a comprehensive three-year inquest conducted by the Metropolitan Police, known as Operation Paget, the official investigation concluded that the car accident was a consequence of grossly negligent driving and not indicative of a royal conspiracy. Fayed never left the country, unlike his statement depicted in the show, remaining in Britain until his death earlier this year. The episode also exaggerated the extent to which the public believed that Diana had been murdered. Did Prince Harry dress up as a Nazi for a fancy dress party? The scene: William, Kate and Harry (Luther Ford) visit a costume shop together ahead of their friend Harry Meades colonials and natives themed fancy dress party. William chooses a lion get-up and Harry picks a desert uniform inspired by General Erwin Rommels Afrika Korps featuring a German Wehrmacht badge on the collar and a red, white and black swastika armband. Urging his brother to go for the Nazi uniform, William says, wearing the outfit doesnt make him a Nazi. Pictures of him are taken by another guest on his camera phone and sold to the newspapers. The truth: Harry subsequently described this as one of the biggest mistakes of his life. In Spare, his memoir, he emphatically points a finger of blame at Willy. I phoned Willy and Kate, asked what they thought. Nazi uniform, Harry wrote.They both howled. Worse than Willys leotard outfit! Way more ridiculous! Which, again, was the point. Charles was livid over Harrys colossally poor judgment. But he was also angry at William for failing to prevent Harry from wearing the costume. Rather than being consigned to the pig sty, Harry made a public apology and privately repented in person to Dr Jonathan Sacks, the chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. Harry was punished by being made to do farm work by his father. This revelation, which appeared in the Sunday Mirror, subsequently formed part of Harrys court case against Mirror Group Newspapers, as he claimed that the story was obtained by phone hacking.

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Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has defended a bill to toughen immigration laws despite an embarrassing parliamentary vote that put his ruling alliance on the same side as Marine Le Pens far-right Rassemblement national party.

The legislation, approved by both houses late on Tuesday, was initially good news for the centrist president, who made the migration bill a key plank of his second mandate and might otherwise have had to shelve it.

Its the fruit of a compromise: French President Emmanuel Macron. Credit: AP

But the support of Le Pens opposition party for the bill surprised Macron, prompting him on to accuse her of political opportunism and to add in a television interview: That was a shoddy move.

Just six months before European Parliament elections in which immigration will be key, the bills adoption could boost Le Pen who called the rejigged bill a great ideological victory for her far-right party.
Hyundai will reveal its future blueprint for hydrogen energy as well as software and AI at CES 2024

Hyundai to foster human-centered innovations beyond mobility to Ease every way

Media Day to take place at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, on January 8, 2024



SEOUL, December 20, 2023  Hyundai Motor Company today released a teaser image and shared initial details of its CES 2024 announcements. At the event, Hyundai Motor will share its future blueprint for a hydrogen energy ecosystem and a vision for software and artificial intelligence, under the theme of Ease every way.

The Hyundai Media Day will be held from 1:00  1:45 p.m. PST, on January 8, 2024, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. The event will be live streamed via the companys global YouTube channel.

Hyundai Motor will present how its hydrogen-powered and software-driven transformation will bring universal benefits to humanity. The company will also reveal its plan to foster human-centered innovations beyond mobility to add comfort to peoples everyday lives.

Hyundai Motors future blueprint will combine the capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group affiliates to accelerate the transition towards a hydrogen-powered society. The company will also unveil its modular hydrogen toolbox to effectively establish a clean hydrogen value chain.

Moreover, Hyundai Motor will outline the group-wide software strategy and future direction to build a fully optimized, user-centric ecosystem connecting devices, services and solutions.

During the CES exhibition from January 9 to 12, the company will display its diverse approach, from demonstrative technologies to future mobility concepts, to showcase how it will create a human-centered future society by shifting to a hydrogen energy ecosystem and focusing on software and AI.

###

Notes to Editors: About Teaser Image

Looking back at the downturns of technological developments in the past, the image shows Hyundai Motor's aspiration to create a future with ease.

About Hyundai Motor Company

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision Progress for Humanity, Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions, while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero emission vehicles equipped with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies.
SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's top court on Thursday ordered Japanese firms to compensate the victims who were forced into harsh labor without pay during World War II.

The Supreme Court upheld two appellate court rulings that ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Steel to pay reparations to the forced labor victims.

Mitsubishi was ordered to pay the compensation of 100 million won (76,700 U.S. dollars) to 150 million won (115,000 dollars) to each of the three victims and a victim's family, while Nippon was ordered to pay 100 million won to each of the seven victims.

All the victims have reportedly died since the lawsuits were filed between 2013 and 2014.

In 2018, the top court handed down the ruling that ordered Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi and Nippon, to compensate the forced labor victims.

Japan claimed that all colonial-era issues were settled through the 1965 treaty that normalized diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo, but the South Korean top court said the state-to-state treaty did not involve individuals' right to reparation.

The Korean Peninsula was colonized by Japan between 1910 and 1945.

Even after the top court's rulings, the accused Japanese firms had paid no reparation to the plaintiffs, or the victims and the bereaved families, who pushed to sell assets here of the Japanese companies to no avail. 
ISTANBUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police on Thursday rounded up 13 suspects in Istanbul who were at large despite an arrest warrant over their alleged links to a network accused of orchestrating a coup attempt in 2016.

The police found that some of the fugitives had stayed at houses that were identified as the cells of the movement led by U.S.-based Turkish preacher Fethullah Gulen, according to the private Turkish broadcaster NTV.

The teams carried out simultaneous raids at those "cell houses" in an operation in Istanbul and detained 13 suspects, it said.

The suspects were allegedly using the Gulen movement's encrypted messaging app ByLock and played an active role within the organization, NTV reported.

The Turkish government accuses the Gulen movement of infiltrating the state bureaucracy and then attempting a coup on July 15, 2016.

The government has launched a massive crackdown on suspects with links to the network in the aftermath of the coup attempt. 
Photo: Ashley Pena

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Its a cold December day and Sara Ziff is sitting in her bright, airy kitchen in Bed-Stuy, sipping chamomile tea. It is perhaps the most relaxed I have ever seen the 41-year-old, an intense and cerebral native New Yorker and advocate for the rights of fashion models  of which she was one for more than a decade. Ziff usually interacts with reporters at rallies and press conferences, where she favors a uniform of a tan suit and low ponytail. But today she is in work-from-home mode, wearing loose-fitting mom jeans and a hoodie bearing the logo for her nonprofit, the Model Alliance. Around her are the colorful giveaways of a toddler in the house: scribbled drawings, scattered toys, a craft table in disarray. On her couch, her rotund rescue dog, Tillie, snores softly. The family has only recently moved here from a smaller apartment a block away, and Ziff tells me they were just able to host Thanksgiving: For the first time since moving in together, she and her husband have a full-size oven.

Despite the casual setting, Ziff is overprepared, pulling up a list of notes as we talk about the Adult Survivors Act  a bill the Model Alliance helped pass in 2022, which opened up a yearlong look-back window for sexual-assault survivors to file civil lawsuits outside the statute of limitations. The look-back window has just closed, bringing with it claims against prominent figures like Donald Trump, Eric Adams, Sean Diddy Combs, and Russell Brand, as well as a lawsuit from Ziff herself, accusing former Harvey Weinstein associate Fabrizio Lombardo of raping her in 2001. In all, more than 3,000 suits were filed under the act.

When I ask Ziff how it feels to have helped usher in this tidal wave, she pauses, then says, It does feel affirming. This is the closest to celebrating Ziff gets. After more than a decade of trying  and often failing  to reform the intractable fashion industry, shes developed a pessimistic stance on societys willingness to change. It shouldnt be so hard to just win the things that weve done so far, she told me earlier this year, when we talked outside the Greenwich Village apartment where she grew up. Its like barely scratching the surface.

Photo: Ashley Pena

That day in May was a difficult one for her. We had just attended a press conference outside a hearing for E. Jean Carrolls sexual-abuse suit against Trump  perhaps the most-well-known case filed under the ASA. Ziff and other advocates had gathered to support Carroll and encourage other survivors to file before the November 23 deadline, and Ziff planned to talk about filing her case for the first time publicly. But before she could start, a man ambled by, screaming obscenities about the Me Too movement. Ziff tried to talk over him, but the man was so loud that she could not be heard over his rant. Instead, she stepped back from the podium, silent, and started to cry.

Ziff has a lot to be angry about: that man, her alleged assault, the career she lost and the enemies she gained in her long fight for reform in the fashion industry. For more than a decade, her anger has been her weapon, the driving force behind her relentless activism. But in her kitchen, talking about the ASA, the Me Too movement, and her own case, she displayed something new: an inkling of hope.

Ziff began modeling at 14, after being scouted on the street by a fashion photographer. I definitely did not have stage parents, she told me. Her lawyer mom and NYU professor dad were furious when she told them she wanted to pursue the opportunity. (I just figured it was better than babysitting, she jokes now.) She signed with Next Models and started booking serious gigs that same year  Seventeen magazine, the Delias catalogue  and decided to take a gap year after high school to model full time. She wound up taking six.

Ziffs career took off quickly: She booked shoots for Tommy Hilfiger and Kenneth Cole; walked the runway for Prada, Chanel, and Dior; and once appeared on two billboards for two different brands on the same corner in Soho. By 20, she had saved up enough to buy a sweet loft in Tribeca. But she was also deeply unhappy. She had virtually no control over her schedule, which was decided, often at the last minute, entirely by her agency. She was frequently paid late or less than she expected and felt pressure to pose nude from a young age. Despite traveling the globe and posing for major magazines, she had never felt more powerless. Looking up at those two billboards in Soho, shed thought, If this is what it feels like to be at the top of your game, there must be something wrong with me, because I feel so empty and so depressed.

Something else happened when Ziff was 19 that made her feel even more helpless. According to her suit, her agency at the time connected her with Lombardo  the former head of Miramax in Italy  in the hopes of landing her some entry-level acting roles. The executive allegedly invited Ziff to a movie screening, then to a hotel, where he said she could meet Weinstein and his brother, Bob. Instead, she claims, he took her to an empty hotel room, forced her onto her back, and raped her. (Lombardo could not be reached for comment.)

Ziff cannot talk about the case in detail because the suit is still pending. But she says she can see the threads of it winding through the next 20-plus years of her life, quietly guiding what she chose to do next and where she wound up today. Nobody wants to be a victim, she told me. Its just shitty and its also something that can take up years of your life  and, like, do you want to dwell on the past or do you wanna just move on? Still, she added, Looking back, its the elephant in the room.

Increasingly disillusioned with modeling, Ziff enrolled at Columbia University in 2006 and started taking classes on labor rights and community organizing. I really was desperate to get out of the industry, she told me. I felt like it had already sucked up way too much of my life. But despite herself, she couldnt help connecting what she learned to her time as a model. I remember sitting in class and saying, I know were not coal miners, but were workers, and even being a little embarrassed to say it, she recalled. It was just very clear to me that my community, and huge swaths of different worker communities, were cut out of labor law. And I just had a fire in my belly.

A young Ziff getting camera-ready for a modeling job. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff/WireImage/Getty Images

Ziff was still modeling part time, paying her own way through school, and her boyfriend convinced her to start filming her life behind the scenes for a documentary. As she continued her studies and grew more radicalized, the film became less of a voyeuristic ride-along and more of an expose of the working conditions models endured. When the documentary, Picture Me, debuted during New York Fashion Week in 2010, critics hailed it as an honest story about the ugly side of the modeling biz. Her agents were less happy. The film was sort of the first step toward self-annihilation, Ziff jokes now.

Ziff was also taking classes at Columbia with community organizer Dorian Warren, who introduced her to the idea of workers centers  a kind of community group for low-wage workers who arent unionized to improve their labor conditions and pay. The idea of organizing models in a workers center became Ziffs senior thesis, then, when it came time to graduate, the basis of her nonprofit. She launched the Model Alliance in 2012, eight months after graduating, with a ritzy, celeb-studded launch at the Standard Hotel. The goal, she said in a statement at the time, was to give models in the U.S. a voice in their workplace.

The Alliance earned accolades from major fashion-industry players  designer Nicole Miller and model Coco Rocha praised it to the New York Times  and an invite to the Obama White House. It also helped write and pass a New York law extending child-labor protections to models under age 18. But behind the scenes, the fashion industry bristled. Executives criticized the Alliances tactics; agents warned their models not to work with it or risk losing jobs. Ziff herself lost enough work that she had to sell her Tribeca loft and take out loans to get by. When I ask her if she was scared, she responds immediately: Totally.

The organization also went through some internal growing pains. In 2014, for reasons no one I spoke with would explain to me on the record, three people on the Alliances board of directors abruptly quit. I had to make some tough decisions, Ziff told me. With no staff and too little funding to pay herself a salary, she enrolled in a masters program in public administration at the Harvard Kennedy School, hoping to learn how to continue her work in a sustainable way. By the time she graduated in 2016, she was considering winding down the Model Alliance altogether.

Then the Harvey Weinstein story broke. Suddenly, Ziff was invited to speak at conferences and reporters wanted to hear the stories shed been desperately trying to share. A support line the Alliance had set up years earlier to help models having workplace issues was flooded with calls from models saying they had experienced similar abuse. I remember answering calls in the early hours  one, two in the morning, she said. It was just like the floodgates had opened. Ziff jumped back into the work full time, helping survivors file police reports, connecting them with attorneys and reporters, and eating Cheerios for every meal, she recalls. Although she was exhausted, it felt like she was finally breaking through. I think it was the first time that anyone really took the work seriously, she said.

The Me Too movement brought out Ziffs greatest strength and weakness: her stubbornness. In 2018, the Alliance launched the RESPECT Programan initiative meant to curb sexual abuse in the fashion industry. The program demanded agencies and fashion brands create a formal sexual-harassment-reporting system and submit to outside investigations of every complaint. The Alliance issued scathing open letters to convince companies to sign on and hosted protests outside the Victorias Secret flagship store. Ziff also met privately with leaders from Victorias Secret, Conde Nast, and Elite Models about adopting the program. Once, on the eve of releasing an open letter signed by more than 100 models, Ziff says a representative from L Brands, Victorias Secrets former parent company, called her and begged her not to publish it. She declined. (Our procedures are continuously revisited and updated and reflect elements of the RESPECT Program and beyond, a spokesperson for Victorias Secret said. Were proud of this work and remain committed to continuous improvement.)

In 2021, the CFDA gave Ziff its inaugural Positive Social Influence Award to celebrate her work on sexual abuse. Ziff spent the bulk of her acceptance speech calling out Elite  a major modeling agency under fire for allegations against a former executive  for refusing to sign onto RESPECT. Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, found the speech stirring. I think she saw it as an opportunity to step into the Establishment and raise her voice, and she did, he told me. Others felt differently. People were very upset that Sara got up at the awards and demanded Elite join the RESPECT Program, one attendee told me. It was probably not the time or the place.

Nobody wants to be a victim. Its just shitty and its also something that can take up years of your life  and, like, do you want to dwell on the past or do you wanna just move on?

This is a common gripe with Ziff: She is fearless and committed but uncompromising. A former employee of Conde Nast told me the publisher seriously considered working with RESPECT but that conversations stalled  and ultimately ended  because the Alliance offered no room for negotiation. I think Sara had so much conviction in the program she envisioned that it made it hard to work with others, this person told me. Models, too, told me they were nervous about working with the Alliance because of its aggressive stance. A lot of us who were still modeling were like, I dont want to hate on my agent, I dont want to hate on my agency  theyre freaking paying my rent, a former leadership-council member told me. This person told me she left the organization because she didnt feel like it was gaining traction with enough working models.

Ziff told me she understands the impulse to be conciliatory but that she finds it ineffective. You want to work cooperatively, and you dont want to seem oppositional, and you want to believe that if only people understood the problem, of course they would want to fix it, she told me. But thats not how companies work. Its incredibly naive to think that thats how you make change. In a follow-up phone call, she expanded on her hard-line stance: Theres no meeting in the middle when theyre fighting against their models having even the most basic rights and protections.

In late 2019, Ziff met a group of advocates who shared her belief in confrontation. The Alliances public-affairs consultant introduced her to a coalition advocating for the Adult Survivors Act  a bill that, at the time, was seen as a long-shot. Ziff thought about the dozens of survivors who had called the hotline about assaults that occurred outside the statute of limitations and about how shed had nowhere to send them. I was very aware that this was something that would serve our community, she told me. Ziff, pregnant with her daughter, started driving up to Albany with other advocates to lobby lawmakers and speaking at press conferences with other models. Once, after her daughter was born, she brought the infant to watch a press conference at the capitol. Her husband, a professional photographer, took photos. Alison Turkos, an activist who worked on the bill, told me that Ziff or Sydney Giordano, the Alliances only other employee, attended truly every single coalition meeting. Turkos added, The ASA was transformed by her, and she was transformative in the passing of it.

Where Ziff had felt ostracized by the fashion industry and many of her peers for her work with the Alliance, with the ASA, she felt for the first time like she had an army on her side. Running the Model Alliance amongst so many people who are scared and didnt want to stick their necks out was pretty demoralizing, she told me. It is pretty demoralizing. With the ASA coalition, she said, there was a real sense of determination and mutual recognition  There was a sense of sadness and trauma, but there wasnt the same sense of fear.

Which is not to say the work was easy. Lawmakers were clearly uncomfortable with the idea of survivors being able to pursue justice decades later. Ziff recalled attending a vote on the bill in Albany and overhearing two older, white male legislators discussing it. They were saying, Well, if this passes, how far will things go? What about people who were injured in a car accident? Should there be no statute of limitations? she said. And I was like, Well, theres no stigma to getting hit by a car, dude.

Ziff insists that she rarely thought about how the bill might impact her personally. She was more focused on preventing abuse than seeking justice so much so, she admits, that she sometimes tried to work references to the RESPECT Program into her ASA speeches. Before I got involved with the ASA I was singularly focused on prevention  so much so that I think it didnt even really occur to me until so much later to pursue my own case, she told me. I was thinking about everything systemically.

It wasnt until the day of the bill signing, a celebratory event at the capitol in May 2022 that she attended with her fellow advocates, that Ziff seriously considered pursuing her own case. Everyone was talking about how to get survivors to file cases during the look-back window, and all of a sudden, Ziff says, it felt really real  like, this was not just a pie in the sky idea. The victory gave her the brief reprieve she needed to step back from the work and consider herself. I realized that Id been talking about the communitys needs, but I wasnt really grappling with my own needs, she told me. And thats when it occurred to me to explore my options.

Ziff filed her case against Lombardo in New York State Supreme Court on April 6  an event significant enough to earn its own article in the Times. The case is still pending, and the companies that Ziff is suing for negligence  Disney Enterprises, the Walt Disney Company, Miramax, and Buena Vista  recently petitioned to have it dismissed. If the parties dont settle and the judge allows the case to continue, it will move to discovery and then to trial. Its a process that could take years and already has taken a toll on Ziff. It unnerves her that an article about rape is the first thing anyone, including the parents she sees at preschool drop-off, will see when they look her up online. I dont want everyone who I encounter to know about this fucking awful event, she said. For the rest of my life, this will define me whether I like it or not. She paused, then added, The process  I wouldnt try to equate it as being just as bad as the event, but it doesnt make it better.

But working on the ASA has had undeniably positive impacts on her work. Days before I visited her home, the Alliance received its first three-year grant  something Ziff thinks was aided by the success of the ASA. Her trips to Albany also connected her to the bills sponsor, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, with whom she drafted a piece of legislation called the Fashion Workers Act. The bill, which would impose basic regulations on modeling agencies, has become the Alliances raison detre  a way, Ziff believes, to force the industry into offering models some rights. The bill passed the New York State Senate this spring but has yet to pass the Assembly, and the Alliance is gearing up for another round of lobbying next year, aided by the same lobbyist who led the fight for the ASA.

Ziff believes the ASA was not perfect and that there is more work to be done to prevent future abuses. She is working with the bills sponsors and other advocates on more permanent solutions, like eliminating the statutes of limitations for civil child-sex-abuse cases and extending it for sex-trafficking cases. She also told me she knew several survivors that worked on the bill who never filed a civil case because their alleged abusers had little money to sue for. It has been really important both personally and for the organization and for beyond our industry, but it hasnt actually helped everyone who I thought it might, she said.

But sitting in her kitchen, talking about the legacy of the act, the survivors it helped, and the impact it had on her personally, Ziff started to cry. Before you came over I was like, I am not crying, she said with a smile, harking back to the ill-fated press conference in May. This time, though, she was crying happy tears. Theres the overused MLK saying about the moral arc of the universe, she told me, referring to the famous quote about the arc being long but bending toward justice. I feel like I can see the arc now. It feels like its taking shape. She brightened a little. Maybe thats some sort of a silver lining, being able to see the progress, she said, though she couldnt help adding, but it shouldnt take this long.

Production Credits Photography by Ashley Pena

Makeup by Deanna Mellsuo
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic (2nd L) visits the construction site of the Serbian section of the Belgrade-Budapest railway line in Vrbas of Vojvodina province, Serbia, Dec. 21, 2023. (Serbia's presidential office/Handout via Xinhua)

BELGRADE, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Serbian section of the Belgrade-Budapest railway line, constructed by a consortium of two Chinese companies, is set to commence operations by the end of 2024, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday.

Vucic made the remarks during his visit to the construction site in Serbia's northern Vojvodina province, accompanied by Serbian state and provincial officials and China's Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming.

Vucic said he was satisfied with the progress of the construction of the Novi Sad-Subotica railway section. He thanked the Chinese companies for their efforts to complete the project ahead of schedule.

The consortium was composed of China Railway International (CRI) and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

"This is a significant change for the Serbian people and the entire country, as travel time between Belgrade and Subotica will be reduced to just 75 minutes," Vucic said, expecting the enhancement to attract more tourists.

In March 2022, Chinese and Russian companies completed a revamp of the 75-km high-speed railway section between Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia's second largest city.

The planned completion of the 108-km railway line between Novi Sad and Subotica, construction of which began in autumn 2021, represents a crucial milestone for the entire Serbian segment of the international railway, and holds significance for the Belt and Road Initiative in Central and Eastern Europe.

Vucic projected that, with the Hungarian part of the railway also completed by 2026, travel time between the capitals of Serbia and Hungary will be reduced to less than three hours. 

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic (front) speaks during a visit to the construction site of the Serbian section of the Belgrade-Budapest railway line in Vrbas of Vojvodina province, Serbia, Dec. 21, 2023. (Serbia's presidential office/Handout via Xinhua)

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a visit to the construction site of the Serbian section of the Belgrade-Budapest railway line in Vrbas of Vojvodina province, Serbia, Dec. 21, 2023. (Serbia's presidential office/Handout via Xinhua)
BFSI, telecom, e-comm most sought-after sectors by women in 2023, says report





Business Reporter

BFSI, Telecom and e-commerce were the most sought after sectors by women jobseekers this year, with most looking for work from home opportunities, according to a report released on Wednesday. The report by revealed that the women seeking jobs showed a balanced approach between flexibility and career dedication, as 50 per cent (1.2 crore) of total job applications from women job seekers sought wfh opportunities, the report by apna.Co said. The report is based on an analysis of job searches by women on apna.Co platform in 2023.

As per the report, this year, sectors like Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), telecom, and e-commerce witnessed a remarkable surge in demand among women jobseekers. The report revealed that 18 lakh women embraced night shift roles, showcasing their willingness to tackle challenges with utmost dedication. Of the 1.38 crore women on apnas platform, 6.7 million hail from tier-II cities, seeing a 33 per cent growth compared to the previous year. The rise is notable in cities like Chandigarh, Patna, Lucknow, Ajmer, and Vadodara, where a significant number of women users are seeking roles in diverse areas such as business development, HR, back office, teaching, and customer support.

This shows both a growing job market in these areas and the expanding career goals of women in tier II cities. The increasing presence of women in the workforce is more about economic revitalisation than just a demographic change. This goes beyond statistics, influencing family well-being and societal progress profoundly, apna.Co Founder and CEO Nirmit Parikh said.
Burma On The Brink





By Gwynne Dyer

THE Burmese Army is a leading candidate for Nastiest Army in the World. Even more than Pakistans Army, it is the tail that wags the dog: rather than the Army serving the country, its the other way around. Its record for massacring civilians whenever they protest is unmatched anywhere. Yet its now losing its war against the people. There were the usual massacres and mass arrests in the capital when the Army seized power back from a fledgling elected civilian Government two years ago. The military junta then confidently set about hunting down and eliminating pro-democracy activists who had taken refuge in the countrys many minority regions, and thats where things went wrong. Two-thirds of Burmas people belong to the Bamar ethnic group (thats where the name comes from), and its Bamars who control the fertile lowlands, the big rivers, the coasts and the cities. But this is not some ethnic tyranny: the Army is a closed society, and most Bamars are also victims. Which explains why, when the most recent round of massacres started in Burmese cities two years ago, tens of thousands of Bamars fled to the hills and mountain valleys where the other third of the population lives  and were welcomed there by the Shans, Karens, Mons, Chins and myriad smaller ethnic groups that have long been targeted by the Army.

Indeed, some of the minority groups are even helping to arm and train the urban refugees, for the hill peoples have been fighting the Burmese Army for a long time. The Armys main excuse for existing is its claim that it is protecting the countrys unity from the separatist tendencies of the various ethnic minorities. Those separatist tendencies are usually nothing more than a demand for a federal system that would give them some local control. However, the wars have been going on for decades and by now most of the bigger ethnic groups have their own experienced militia forces. They were already holding their own against the Burmese Army, and the addition of National Unity Government forces (pro-democracy Bamar activists) is stretching the juntas Army thin. Its actually starting to lose battles. In late October the Three Brotherhood Alliance, including the armies of three small ethnic groups near the Chinese border, launched an offensive that drove the regimes Army out of a substantial part of Shan State. The Alliance obviously needed Chinas permission to attack, but its not known how far they were told they could go. Its too early to predict that the military junta will be driven from power, and its not even clear that China has decided to back the rebels in general. The Shan offensive may have been just an action to punish local criminal families who ignored a Chinese order to shut down an operation that used enslaved Chinese-speaking Burmese to scam Chinese citizens. With Chinese support or without it, however, the various anti-junta armed groups in Burma now have the military initiative, and that sort of thing can spread.

The possibility now exists that the Burmese Army could actually be driven from power permanently, rather than just negotiating temporary deals to withdraw from power until it regains the upper hand. What would become of Burma then? The country has not known a day of internal peace since Independence in 1948: its the worlds longest-running civil war, though mostly confined to the highlands. Even now the ethnic minorities are seeking to expand their territories with an eye to their eventual boundaries in a federal state  or, perhaps, the borders of an independent one. Some people are writing draft federal constitutions, and others are seeking allies for the coming struggle over boundaries, but its all very premature. The core fact is that China will have huge influence on the outcome  its Burmas biggest trading partner  and China will want a stable, intact country on its southern border. Beijing probably doesnt mind if post-junta Burma is a democratic country or not, but it definitely doesnt want half a dozen squabbling successor states, so that wont happen. China also doesnt care if the current junta survives or not, so long as whatever replaces it is friendly. If the Burmese want their democracy back, theyll have to do the heavy lifting themselves. And if they want Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi back as the first President of their new democracy, theyll have to hurry: shes 78, and her health is not doing well in prison.
Chandrayaan-3 advancements Leif Erikson Lunar Prize for ISRO





REYKJAVIK (Iceland) :

IN A momentous recognition of Indias space prowess, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been feted with the prestigious Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by the Husavik Museum here. The award acknowledges ISROs unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit in propelling lunar exploration forward and contributing significantly to unravelling celestial mysteries, particularly through the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Leif Erikson Lunar Prize has been awarded by Husavik Museum for @ISROs indomitable spirit in advancing lunar exploration & contributing to understanding celestial mysteries #Chandrayaan3, the Indian Embassy in Iceland posted on X. Indian Ambassador Balasubramanian Shyam received the prestigious prize on behalf of ISRO. ISRO Chairman Mr S Somanath sent a message, Amb Mr Shyam received the prize on ISROs behalf, the embassys post added. The triumph of Chandrayaan-3 marked a historic milestone on August 23 when the lander module successfully touched down on the Moons South Pole. India became the fourth nation, following the United States, China, and Russia, to achieve a successful lunar landing. The mission not only showcased technological prowess but also signalled redemption after the disappointment of the Chandrayaan-2 crash landing four years earlier.

Post-landing, the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover conducted various tasks on the lunar surface, including detecting the presence of sulfur and other elements, recording relative temperature, and monitoring lunar activities. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated ISRO for bagging the prestigious Leif Erikson Lunar Prize. Jaishankar took to social media to extend his applause to ISRO on the achievement. Congratulations @isro for the 2023 Leif Erikson Lunar Prize. Chandrayaan brings more laurels to the nation, posted Jaishankar on X.
CONG VS BLOC?





ANOTHER meeting, another confusion. This has been the story of the I.N.D.I. Alliance even since it was cobbled up by 28 Opposition parties with a common agenda of defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The latest meeting in New Delhi came against the backdrop of the Assembly elections in four States out of which three were pocketed by the BJP defeating popular and expert perceptions. Already in a dilemma over holding the meeting, the bloc decided to chart the future course for the alliance but only ended up exposing more faultlines. The biggest bone of contention -- the Prime Ministerial candidate -- was yet again the cause for consternation among the members as Trinamool Congress chief Ms. Mamata Banerjee and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Mr. Arvind Kejriwal ruffled many feathers by proposing Congress party President Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge as the PM face. The proposal has resulted in utter confusion among the allies, each of whom comes with its own dreams of occupying the PM chair some day. The West Bengal Chief Minister named Mr. Kharge as the face of the alliance while maintaining that a Dalit leader needed to be projected as the PM candidate. Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Kejriwal, too, endorsed the proposal but others chose to keep mum thus underlining the unease in the I.N.D.I. Alliance.

The surprise proposal has caused much confusion and anger among the leaders of the bloc while many saw it as an effort to create rift within the Congress. It is an open secret that a section within the Grand Old Party has been pitching for Mr. Rahul Gandhi as the PM face of the alliance. Ms. Banerjees proposal is now seen as an effort to corner Mr. Rahul Gandhi, especially after the loss in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The move by Ms. Banerjee and Mr. Kejriwal cannot be called as a spur-of-the-moment thought. It seems a well-calculated ploy to clip the wings of other PM post aspirants, including Mr. Nitish Kumar as well as Mr. Rahul Gandhi. The development bodes ill for the future of the bloc as the original idea of forming a united front to take on Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi is nowhere on the table. Meanwhile, finding himself directly in the line of fire, Mr. Kharge has done well to play safe by saying that the primary aim of the alliance was to win elections first and then decide on the PM candidate. His statement has bought Mr. Kharge some time to soothe the frayed nerves within the Congress party. However, he has no escape from the veiled barbs to be traded soon by the other partners in the bloc.

The fight within the alliance is set to become a Congress Vs Others battle soon. On its part, the Congress still has the bragging rights for putting up a good fight against the BJP. It was the only party that stood the challenge in the Assembly polls and came up with a good vote share. The Congress does have a right to assert itself as the largest party among the coalition. Yet, the way the script has changed over the PM face choice, the bloc leaders seem to have succeeded in sowing seeds of doubt within the Congress cadre. In a way, things within the United Front are going as predicted by political experts. There are too many differences to overcome among the allies, that too in a short span before the bugle for 2024 general elections is sounded. Many parties within the alliance were baying for each others blood in the just-concluded Assembly elections. Forgetting those differences was always an onerous task for the members and now with the proposal to name a Congressman as the Prime Ministerial candidate, the I.N.D.I. Alliance seems to have reached a dead end.
Goal should be that India doesnt have to import any technology: PM to innovators





NEW DELHI,

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Indias goal should be that it doesnt have to import any technology.

Technology has become an important part of our lives like never before. Our goal should be that India doesnt have to import any technology or depend on other nations for it, he said while interacting with students during the grand finale of Smart India Hackathon. Citing the defence sector, which is working towards self-reliance, he pointed out that India is forced to import some defence technology. Noting that India has the biggest talent pool in the world, the prime minister said the world is confident that India can provide low-cost, quality, sustainable and scalable solutions to global challenges.

Modi, talking about the ever-evolving challenges of cyber fraud, emphasised the need for high alertness in the context of new technologies. We have to be careful with new technology. If these are used carefully, they can be very useful. However, if these are misused, it can create huge problems. You must be aware of deepfake videos made with the help of Generative AI, he said. These videos look very real and, therefore, we need to be very careful before believing the authenticity of a video or an image. India is emphasising a global framework for AI, Modi added. The Prime Minister told the young innovators that the world is confident that in India it will find low-cost, quality, sustainable and scalable solutions to global challenges.
MOSCOW, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Washington is deliberately prolonging the Ukrainian conflict, said Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces on Thursday during a briefing for foreign military attaches.

"Washington is pursuing a policy that seeks to prolong the Ukrainian conflict. For this, (the United States) is providing Ukraine with significant military assistance," he said.

Gerasimov further pointed out that major changes are underway, including the formation of "a new multipolar world," where "the hegemony of the United States and its allies is gradually coming to an end."

"Washington is striving to preserve the Western-centric world at all costs, to ensure global dominance and to maintain its ability to dictate its terms to other countries, suppressing their legitimate interests in the security sector," he said. 
Government gave revised nod to 29 irrigation projects of Vid: CM





Staff Reporter

During Winter Session of the State Legislature the MahaYuti Government gave revised administrative approval to 29 irrigation projects of Vidarbha costing Rs 6,600 crore, said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde while interacting with mediapersons in the Vidhan Bhavan premises after the winter session prorogued, on Wednesday. Expressing satisfaction over taking up various issues in both the Houses during the Winter Session of State Legislature, Shinde said, the underlying thinking was to solve problems of common man on priority. Yes, the Opposition did try to corner the Government but it was quite a futile attempt. In fact, the most surprising aspect was utter lack of commitment on the part of the Opposition towards the pressing issues of Vidarbha, said Shinde. As per convention, the problems of Vidarbha are tabled for discussion. Also, pending issues are resolved through the Government after debates and discussions by the Opposition. This year, however, the task was left to Treasury benches who highlighted development projects in Vidarbha and sought funds for the same.

We were surprised at lackluster Opposition who seems to be at odds with itself, said the Chief Minister. Flanked by his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Shinde appeared unfazed by Damocles sword hanging on his head and his camp as Speaker Rahul Narwekar wrapped up hearing on petition seeking disqualification of Shiv Sena MLAs. There is no threat to Mahayuti Government and it will remain stable come what may. Further, in case any member from Treasury benches are disqulified they are bound to get re-elected, said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to a querry as to alternate plan as the Speaker wrapped up the prolonged hearing of disqualification petition. He was interacting after asked about alternate arrangements in case there was adverse order as to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and others legislators of Shiv Sena camp. Replying a querry, Shinde said, Mahayuti knows when the model code of conduct is gong to be in force. Hence the special session on Maratha issue will not clash with it. The Chief Minister also said, historically, the elections are announced in the month of March. Hence granting reservations to Marathas remains the Governments commitment given to the community. It will be fulfilled, he assured.
Government sidelined issues of Vidarbhas development: Oppn





Staff Reporter

The Winter Session witnessed sharp criticism from Opposition leaders of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), who accused the government of sidelining crucial issues affecting Vidarbha and Nagpur. The government's announcements, primarily on paper, failed to translate into tangible benefits for Nagpur and Vidarbha, despite substantial expenditure during the session, alleged Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar. The LoP accused the government of an arrogant approach, stifling their voices and neglecting crucial issues, particularly those concerning Vidarbha. He expressed dissatisfaction in a press conference and said that despite the Oppositions desire to extend the session, the Government remained silent. He alleged that the Governments refusal to respond to the Oppositions queries reflected an autocratic decision-making process. He stressed that significant Bills were hurriedly passed without adequate debate. Wadettiwar questioned the transparency of the legislative process. One major point of contention was the lack of a satisfactory response from the government regarding the reservation issue for the Maratha community, he stated.

The opposition leader asserted that legislators were denied the opportunity to raise the issues and the government dismissed requests for extending the winter session. Wadettiwar argued that the session, crucial for addressing the concerns of the states 12 crore people, fell short as important bills were expedited without proper deliberation. On farmer issues, Wadettiwar pointed out that it took public criticism for the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to visit agricultural fields in Bhandara district and understand the challenges faced by farmers. Wadettiwar further alleged that the government neglected Vidarbhas issues, farmers concerns, various scams, the drug problem, and minority issues. He accused the government of displaying an egoistic attitude after their recent victories in three state elections. Wadettiwar claimed the opposition successfully compelled the government to address the peoples concerns.

No discussion on Vidarbha by Govt: Anil Deshmukh

Former Home Minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh raised voice over the unprecedented omission of discussions on Vidarbha issues during the session. Deshmukh claimed that the government hindered legislators from speaking on the matter, a deviation from the scheduled discussions under rule 293. The session left Soyabean and paddy farmers issues unresolved, according to Deshmukh, who criticized the government for providing insufficient aid. He also highlighted the stagnation in the MIHAN project and noted the absence of significant investments during the Mayayuti governments tenure.

No outcome for farmer: Awhad

NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad stressed on the lack of tangible outcomes for Vidarbha residents and farmers in this session. He said, No special projects or financial assistance were announced for Nagpur and Vidarbha. Awhad raised the issue of the government's supplementary demands, totaling Rs 1.16 lakh crore in the past 18 months. Such actions could lead the state into bankruptcy, he claimed. Awhad drew attention to a letter from a farmer in Yavatmal who wished to return Rs 52 received as crop insurance. On the issue of Mumbai road construction, he questioned why tenders for 400 km of roads were awarded to out-of-state contractors. Awhad also raised safety concerns on the Samruddhi Mahamarg and attributed increasing road accidents to poor-quality construction.
Govt starts working with new vision, new mission to build developed MP: Governor





Governor Mungubhai Patel addressed the House on Wednesday. His address was based on Modis guarantee. He said that Modis guarantee begins from where the peoples guarantee ends. The Governor also mentioned the Bharat Vikas Sankalp Yatra in his address. The main points of his speech are: Assembly elections have been conducted peacefully and fairly in Madhya Pradesh. I congratulate all the respected members of the State, the Election Commission, all the political parties, administration and media for the completion of this election process, a great festival of democracy. Everyone deserves congratulations.

As soon as my Government assumed power in Amrit Kal and started working with a new vision and a new mission to build a developed Madhya Pradesh for a developed India for the 8:50 crore people of the State, with a set of new resolve with new energy, opportunity, joy and enthusiasm. Imbibed with the spirit of Prime Ministers Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas campaign, my Government is committed to make the State a leading one in every field by 2023. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is receiving warm welcome in every village and urban areas of the State. Many schemes like Prime Minister Ujjwala, PM Kisan Samman Yojana are establishing new dimensions of development. The people of the country are getting the benefits of various schemes of the Center and the State.
Indias steel import to be elevated at 6MT in FY24 on strong demand: Crisil





Business Reporter

INDIA imported 4.26 MT finished steel in April- November 2023 and the import may touch 6 MT mark in the current fiscal mainly on account of strong domestic demand, according to a report by Crisil. The report comes at a time when steel players are registering strong concerns of surging imports. Global steel demand, which has been subdued since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is expected to grow 1.6 per cent in 2023, after a sharp fall of 3.3 per cent in

2022, the global analytics company said. The tepid rate of growth rides largely on a buoyant 13 per cent growth in demand in India, which has bucked the trend so far, Crisil said.

This fiscal, the steel sector in India is poised to clock its third consecutive year of double-digit growth at 11-13 per cent after growing 11.4 per cent and 13.4 per cent in fiscals 2022 and 2023, respectively. Strong domestic demand, supported by Government spending on infrastructure, building and construction segments, is expected to keep Indias steel imports elevated around the 6 MT (million tonne) mark this fiscal even as the global steel industry battles a slowdown, Crisil said. Chinese mills have started pushing volumes into the global market at highly competitive prices. Between January-November this year, exports from China increased 35.6 per cent to 82.7 MT - the highest since 2016. Chinese exports to India have also surged.

As of November this fiscal, India imported 4.26 MT of finished steel, up 13.4 per cent on-year even as its exports declined 6.2 per cent to 4.03 MT, making the country a net importer of finished steel. Last fiscal, steel imports were around 5.6 per cent of domestic demand at 6.7 MT. We expect imports to be around 5.5 per cent mark this fiscal, too, Sehul Bhatt, Associate Director, Research, Crisil Marketing Intelligence and Analytics, said. Although global prices increased in November, by 23 per cent in the US and 6 per cent in Europe, a few domestic steel mills have cut prices by Rs 1,500 per tonne in December from the October list prices with an eye on local demand, Bhatt said.
Lok Sabha passes three bills to replace IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act





NEW DELHI :

LEGAL LANDMARK

The existing criminal laws were reflective of the colonial mindset with the intention to punish and not impart justice. The three new bills seek to establish a justice system based on Indian thinking. The new criminal laws will free people from colonial mindset and its symbols, said Home Minister Amit Shah.

THE Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed three key bills that seek to overhaul the criminal justice system, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserting that the focus is on delivering speedy justice rather than handing down punishment. Replying to the debate, Shah said the three bills - Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill -- also have a clear definition of terrorism and scrap sedition as a crime while introducing a new section titled offences against the State. Members of the Congress, DMK, TMC and other Opposition parties were not present during the debate after 97 of their colleagues were suspended from Lok Sabha for unruly behaviour in the House. While many opposition parties have been critical of the bills that seek to replace the IPC, CrPC and the Evidence Act, only a handful of non-NDA members, including Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, MPs of the Biju Janata Dal and Bahujan Samaj, were present in the House. I am astonished at how some people defend and save the lives of terrorists in the name of human rights. Remember, this is neither the rule of Britishers nor of Congress. This is Modis rule.

No arguments to save terrorists will be entertained here, Shah said, adding the Modi Government has explicitly brought terrorism under the purview of the criminal justice system. We have changed the definition of Sedition from Rajdroh (offences against the Government) to Deshdroh (offences against the Nation), he said noting IPC Section 124, or the Sedition Law, has been repealed. The existing criminal laws were reflective of the colonial mindset with the intention to punish and not impart justice. The three new bills seek to establish a justice system based on Indian thinking. The new criminal laws will free people from colonial mindset and its symbols, said the Home Minister. The purpose of the new law is not to save the Government, but to save the country. In a healthy democracy, everyone has the right to criticise the Government, but we will not allow anyone to say anything demeaning about India, Shah said. The sedition law made by the British, under which Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel..., many of our freedom fighters remained in jail for years and that law continues till date.

When they were in Opposition, they used to protest, but when they came to power, they misused it. For the first time, the Modi Government completely abolished the sedition law, he said. Shah said, the first duty of the State is justice. Judiciary, Executive and Legislature are the three pillars of democracy. The makers of our Constitution divided the work among these three to give strong administration to the country. Today, for the first time, these three together will give the country a justice-centric criminal system and not a punishment-centric one, he said, For the first time, laws are going to be made according to the spirit of our Constitution under the leadership of Modi. I am proud to have changed these three laws after 150 years. Some people used to say that we do not understand them, I tell them that if you keep your mind as an Indian then you will understand. But if your mind is of Italy, you will never understand, Shah said in a swipe at the Opposition Congress. The new laws are framed by keeping in mind the core values of our Constitution- individual freedom, human rights and equal treatment for all, Shah said. The bills were first introduced during the Monsoon session of Parliament in August.

After the standing committee on home affairs made several recommendations, the Government decided to withdraw the bills and introduced their redrafted version last week. Replying to the debate, which started on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday, Shah said three major amendments have been brought in the bills and these include giving relief to medical professionals who sometimes face intimidation from kin of patients. Shah said the three proposed laws were drafted after comprehensive consultations. I personally had 158 meetings. Not only every line, I have read every comma and every full stop of the bills, he said. Listing the features of the bills, Shah said, This bill punishes mob lynching with the death penalty. (Congress leader P) Chidambaram kept asking me what about mob lynching. He does not understand the BJP and our mentality. Why did you not penalise mob lynching during your rule? This is the first Government which has fulfilled the promises it has mentioned in its manifesto.

We have revoked Article 370, removed AFSPA in 70 per cent areas in the north-eastern States, banned triple talaq and gave 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament, he said. There was no time limit for plea bargaining earlier. Now if one accepts their crime within 30 days of the crime then the punishment would be less..., he said. The minister said a provision for trial in absentia has also been introduced.
Nagpur Branch of WICASA holds session with CA Vishal Doshi

Business Reporter

NAGPUR Branch of the Western India Chartered Accountants Students Association (WICASA) recently organised the prestigious event Interactive Meet with BOS Chairman on new curriculum, featuring the Chairman Board of Studies (Academics) CA Vishal Doshi. The event started with a welcome speech from CA Sanjay C Agrawal, Chairperson, Nagpur Branch of WICASA. CA Vishal Doshi shared invaluable insights about the new curriculum and its real-world benefits for future CA students. The session was coordinated by Muskan Godhe, Jt Secretary, Nagpur Branch of WICASA. Sahil Sheikh, Secretary, Nagpur Branch of WICASA proposed a vote of thanks, acknowledging contributions of all participants.
New members take oath on first day of 16th Raj Assembly session





JAIPUR,

THE first session of the 16th Assembly began here on Wednesday with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Deputy CMs Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa and others taking oath as members. Congress MLAs, including former CM Ashok Gehlot, former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, reached the House wearing black bands. The Congress MLAs were protesting against the security breach in Parliament. As soon as the proceedings of the House began, Congress MLA Shanti Dhariwal objected to the sudden calling of the Assembly session.

Protem Speaker Kalicharan Saraf started administering oath to the new MLAs. First, CM Bhajanlal Sharma and then Deputy CM Diya Kumari and Dr. Premchand Bairwa took oath. Then one by one other MLAs were sworn in till the time of filing of this report. This special session has been called for two days to administer oath to 199 new MLAs.

The Speaker will be elected after the remaining MLAs are sworn in on Thursday. Raj CM Bhajan Lals car gets stuck in drain: RAJASTHAN Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharmas vehicle met with a minor accident after his car got stuck in a drain.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when the Chief Minister was en route to a temple located in Govardhan in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura along with his wife. The officials immediately changed the car and the CM and his wife were taken in a different car later. There was no news of any untoward incident. Sharma reached his native town Bharatpur on Tuesday for the first time after becoming the CM.
Tomar Speaker of new MP Assembly





By Bhavana Aparajita

Shukla

BHOPAL,

FORMER Union Agriculture Minister and now BJP MLA from Dimani, Narendra Singh Tomar was unanimously elected as Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. On the penultimate day of four-day Winter Session of Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav moved the motion for the election of Tomar as the Speaker which was seconded by Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar. Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also moved a proposal for the election of Tomar as the Speaker which was supported by ex-Union Minister and Narsinghpur MLA Prahlad Patel.

Later, five more proposals, including by Opposition Congress MLAs Ajay Singh, Jaivardhan Singh and Rajendra Kumar Singh were also moved in favour of Tomar. After the voice vote, Pro-tem Speaker Gopal Bhargava declared Narendra Singh Tomar as unanimously elected to the Speakers post. Tomar had filed his nomination for the post on Monday with the support of the Opposition Congress. He is the 19th Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Along with this, he is the first Assembly Speaker to come from Gwalior-Chambal region. All the members of the House congratulated Tomar on his election.
TPF Nagpur and HCG Cancer Centre hold Mega Medical Camp





Business Reporter

HCG Cancer Centre, Nagpur in association with Terapanth Professional Forum (TPF), Nagpur successfully conducted a Mega Medical Camp. The medical camp was organised to bring out awareness about importance of health among the people. Also, Terapanth Mahasangs 11th Archarya Shri Mahashraman Swamis 50th Diksha Kalyanak Mahotsav was organised on December 10. CA Priyank Jain, Branch President of TPF Nagpur gave information about the Terapanth Professional Forum. Dr Shanu Jain, Radiation Oncology spoke on the importance of cancer screening, informs a press release. HCG Cancer Centre provided free mammography test, pap smear test and prostate cancer test inwhich 27 patients took benefit at the camp.
Ushering in new era of good governance in CG: Governor





Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan on Wednesday said that his government is dedicated to ushering in a new era of good governance in Chhattisgarh. Addressing the newly-elected Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) on the second day of the first session of the sixth Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in the House, Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan welcomed and congratulated all the newly-elected MLAs in the inaugural session of the 6th Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. Amid interruptions from the main opposition Congress Governor Harichandan read his speech in English. When Congress MLA Umesh Patel, interrupting the Governor, said that the farmers started committing suicide as the BJP came to power. The members of the treasury benches and the Opposition Congress created uproar in the House even while the Governor was addressing the first session. The Governor assured the newly-elected MLAs that his government will implement the necessary measures to fulfil the promises made in Modi Ki Guarantee to the people of the State during the Assembly elections. The promise to construct 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was pledged to the public during the first Cabinet meeting. The decision to fulfill this commitment has been taken. This signifies a strong start to the work of the new State Government, said Governor.

This includes assessments and decisions on issues like the payment of two-year pending bonuses for paddy procurement, farmer welfare schemes such as the Krishi Unnati Yojana, Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Majdur Kalyan Yojana, Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Ghar-Ghar Nirmal Jal Abhiyan, and Rani Durgavati Yojana, increasing the Tendupatta Collection rate to Rs 5,500 per standard bag, increasing the bonus up to Rs 4,500, restarting facilities like Charan Paduka, and other initiatives mentioned in the election manifesto in a timely manner, he said. The governor expressing his respect for the Constitution, constitutional-democratic values, and exemplary traditions said that this has given him this opportunity to address MLAs in this house. You have officially commenced your tenure as esteemed members of the sixth Legislative Assembly following the oath-taking ceremony. I extend my best wishes for a purposeful, successful, and service-focused tenure in office, the Governor told the newly-elected MLAs. The Governor extended sincere congratulations to the Election Commission of India, the Chief Electoral Officer of Chhattisgarh, and thousands of officers and employees who played a vital role in the successful conduct of the Legislative Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh. The significant voter turnout in constituencies affected by Naxalism showcases the determined commitment of the rural and forest-dwelling communities to protect their democracy. I hope that the steadfast trust in the welfare-focused initiatives of my government continues to grow through people-centric endeavours, the Governor asserted. You have all earned your place in this Assembly by winning the trust of the public and voters. I am confident that you will earnestly strive to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people.

The onus of fulfilling your promises and ensuring the comprehensive development of Chhattisgarh rests on each of you, he added. The Governor believed that all the MLAs, both from the ruling party and the opposition, will remain committed to fostering camaraderie and respectful relationships to enhance the dignity of this sacred house. It is essential for both sides to collaborate and uphold the ideal parliamentary traditions, to propel the chariot of the States development forward, and to live up to the trust of the people, he added. My government aims to construct paths of prosperity and wellbeing for all regions and people of the State, working towards the upliftment of the standard of living with peace and goodwill, ensuring constitutional rights for all, and establishing the State as a leading entity in the country, pointed Harichandan. There are still many people in the State who require special assistance for social and economic development which require an extrasensitive approach by the new State Government. In line with the ideals and principles of Chhattisgarhs visionary, the late Bharat Ratna, former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new State Government is dedicated to ushering in a new era of good governance in Chhattisgarh, Harichandan said. Empowering women and youth will be the top priority of the new State Government. In this regard, the government is committed to filling vacant government posts with a transparent and time-bound recruitment process, investigation of the PSC case, systematically organising all major exams similar to the UPSC, providing monthly travel allowances for students, establishing Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences in each division on the lines of AIIMS, and building Chhattisgarh Institute of Technology in each Lok Sabha constituency on the lines of IIT. These measures are aimed at making positive strides towards empowerment and development, said the governor. Biswabhusan Harichandan said that his government will work with full dedication for fulfilling the development goals and aspirations of the common people of the State. Every possible step will be taken to enhance the quality of life for all, with a focus on service, good governance, security, and development. Governor congratulated all MLAs on their victories and extended best wishes for success in upcoming challenges and goals.
by Matthew Rusling, Xiong Maoling

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The bombshell Colorado ruling begs the question of whether former U.S. President Donald Trump's presidential ambitions will be thwarted.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of the state of Colorado -- all seven of its justices appointed by Democratic governors -- banned Trump, a Republican, from running in the state's presidential primary in a divided 4-3 vote.

The court maintained that Trump had engaged in an "insurrection" on Jan. 6, 2021, when some Trump supporters entered the U.S. Capitol building in what Democrats said was an attempt to disrupt the certification process for the 2020 presidential election.

Democrats held that Trump's supporters -- at the behest of Trump -- engaged in the "insurrection" in a bid to disrupt the election process, branding Trump and his supporters as "election deniers."

Republicans contended that Jan. 6 was simply a protest that got out of hand. They acknowledged that some participants did engage in rioting, but argued that the event of that day fell far short of the type of attack that well-armed and highly-trained terrorists or militia members would launch.

The decision was the first time that a court banned a presidential candidate from appearing on the ballot. The court cited an 1868 constitutional provision that prohibits anyone who engages in an act of insurrection from running for political office.

The court's decision could trigger a ripple effect in which other Democratic-dominated state supreme courts hand down similar rulings.

RULING TO BE OVERTURNED?

The Trump campaign said it will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the ruling, which will be placed on hold until Jan. 4. The U.S. Supreme Court has a 6-to-3 conservative majority, with three justices appointed by Trump.

"Unsurprisingly, the all-Democrat appointed Colorado Supreme Court has ruled against (former) President Trump," said Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump's campaign, in a statement, calling the ruling "completely flawed."

Some experts doubted that the ruling would hold water and believe the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn the court's decision.

"I note this significant problem with Colorado's Supreme Court's ruling: while all of us who viewed Trump's words and activities that day know damn well that he was behind this effort to disrupt the electoral vote count, he has not yet been found guilty in any legal procedure regarding this," Greg Cusack, a former member of the Iowa House of Representatives, told Xinhua.

"Accordingly, I suspect the Supreme Court will likely find that absent such a legal finding -- as through a trial conviction -- neither courts nor state officials can legitimately deny Trump a place on the ballot," Cusack said.

"I don't see any way the Supreme Court doesn't review this case," Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua. "I also think it's very likely this Supreme Court overturns this ruling."

"I will lay odds that the (U.S.) Supreme Court will accept the case -- 55 to 45. I won't lay odds yet about how they would decide the case," Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua.

POLITICAL BACKLASH

Republicans accused Democrats of using the Colorado court as a political weapon at a time when U.S. President Joe Biden's polling stood at a low point.

Meanwhile, the Republican presidential race has been dominated by Trump, who is only bolstered among his voting base by the four criminal indictments he faces, prompting several other candidates to drop out of the race.

Some maintained that Colorado's court ruling could galvanize those who disagree with the court's actions.

"That appears to be happening already. Trump's rivals for the GOP nomination are falling in line behind him and condemning the decision, and it plays right into Trump's depiction of himself as a victim of sinister forces," Galdieri said.

Even his main rivals, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, suggested that the ruling was an abuse of judicial power.

"The optics of the decision before any court has ruled on his indictments just feeds the Trump persecution complex," Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis, a veteran presidential campaign aide, told NBC News. "And unfathomable as it may sound to Democrats, (this) will likely strengthen him."

Some pointed out that those who disagree with the court's decision can also simply write in Trump's name on their ballots -- voters are always provided with space to write in a candidate of their choice -- and their votes will be counted.

"I don't see how anything in the Colorado court's decision will stop that. Those who disagree with the decision will indeed do write-ins," Ramsay said.

Meanwhile, Ramsay believes the decision will galvanize both sides in Colorado, not just those who disagree with the court's decision. 
NEW DELHI,

THE controversy over a TMC MP mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar took political centrestage on Wednesday with the issue playing out inside and outside Parliament and President Droupadi Murmu joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi in expressing dismay. As Dhankhar, also the Rajya Sabha Chairperson, said in the House that he would not tolerate any insult to Parliament or the post of Vice President. Expressing their solidarity with Dhankhar, ruling party members, including ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal and Nitin Gadkari, participated in Question Hour proceedings in the Rajya Sabha but remained standing for about 10 minutes. In a rare intervention in an unfolding political debate, President Murmu said on X, she was dismayed to see the manner in which the Vice President was humiliated in the Parliament complex. Elected representatives must be free to express themselves, but their expression should be within the norms of dignity and courtesy. That has been the Parliamentary tradition we are proud of, and the People of India expect them to uphold it, Murmu said.

Responding to The presidents post, the Rajya Sabha Chairperson thanked Murmu for her kind words and the timely reminder that basic courtesies must always remain. I am committed to upholding Constitutional principles till my last breath. No insults can prevent me from doing so, Dhankhar posted on X. The Vice Presidents Secretariat also put out a post on X. Received a telephone call from the Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi Ji. He expressed great pain over the abject theatrics of some Honourable MPs and that too in the sacred Parliament complex yesterday, it said. He told me that he has been at the receiving end of such insults for twenty years and counting but the fact that it could happen to a Constitutional office like the Vice President and that too in Parliament was unfortunate, Dhankhar was quoted as saying in the post. He expressed his anguish in the House too. In the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar said the act of mimicking him and its videography caused an insult to the honour of the post of the Vice President, the farmers and his own community. I am not bothered if anyone insults Jagdeep Dhankhar but I cannot bear that I could not protect the honour of my post. It is my duty to protect the honour of the House, the Chairperson said.

On Tuesday, Banerjee mimicked Dhankhar during the Oppositions protest on the stairs of Parliament against the suspension of the MPs. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen making a video of the act. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also met Dhankhar to express his concern. Conveyed my deep concerns and anguish @VPIndia and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, about serious misdemeanor by Honble MPs in Parliament complex demeaning and denigrating the constitutional office of Vice President, Birla posted on X along with a video of him meeting Dhankhar. It is shocking that one MP chose to amplify this ignoble act by video graphing. This is a new low and no one believing in democracy will ever appreciate it, he said. BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh demanded an apology from the opposition INDIA alliance. With Dhankhars mimicry, the Opposition members had shown they can even make fun of a person who is sitting on such a high constitutional post.
WaingangaNalganga link project: Tender process in 2024- Fadnavis





Staff Reporter

The State Government is working on war-footing to launch the WaingangaNalganga river-linking project. The Government will float tenders in the first half of 2024, said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in the Council on Wednesday. The Government is determined for development of Vidarbha. The link project will completely change the identity of Vidarbha from drought-prone to developed region, said Fadnavis while replying in the House to a debate on the Vidarbha issues. This Rs 88,275 crore link project will irrigate 3,71,000 ha land in 15 talukas and 6 districts of Vidarbha. The survey has already been completed but due to some technical issues the National Water Research Institute (NWRI) asked us to make some changes in its dependability. We re-conducted the survey and now in the next Cabinet meeting we will approve the proposal and send to NWRI with changes it suggested and we are hopeful of floating tender in 2024, said the Deputy Chief Minister.

In the State budget for the year 2023-24, the government has already given Rs 5,666 crore for various big projects of Vidarbha. This year, Gosikhurd project got Rs 1,500 crore and we believe in 2024 end or in the first quarter of 2025 the Gosikhurd project will be completed, said the Dy CM. While talking about Baliraja Jal Sanjeevani Yojana, Fadnavis said, When the government raised the issues of drought and farmers suicide before the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he without any question declared Baliraja Jal Sanjeevani Yojana for Maharashtra in which 80% work will take place in Vidarbha and 20% project is for the rest of Maharashtra. Under this scheme, the government released Rs 15,800 crore for 59 projects which will irrigate 1.73 lakh ha land in Vidarbha. Whereas, 35 small projects are already completed till March 2023 and 12 more projects will complete till 2024 end, said Fadnavis in the house.
With emphasis on Joint Theatre Command, IAFs Air Officer-in-Charge visits COD





Staff Reporter

Air Officer-in-Charge of the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Vibhas Pandey visited Central Ordnance Depot (COD) Jabalpur the largest ammunition depot in the country. The Air Marshal was briefed by the Commandant and officers of COD Jabalpur about the ongoing operational and administrative preparations. During the inspection of ammunition depot, the Air Marshal praised the Commandant and all the staff for their operational preparedness.

His visit is also important because in the present context, special emphasis is being given towards the armed forces by the Joint Theater Command, and in todays challenging times, better coordination and integration is also necessary between the armed forces in the field of logistics. Meanwhile, Air Marshal Pandey said that there are many areas where mutual cooperation is possible between the three services. During this time he discussed the feasibility of indigenous development of new stores like fuses for various ammunition, rockets and bombs.
With Christmas just around the corner, the anticipation and excitement are palpable, especially for children eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. The celebration of Christmas on Monday, December 25, is a global affair, marked by the festive decoration of markets with Santa Claus-themed items and clothing. While we have all seen or heard about Santa Claus on television, do you know where he is said to reside? Yes, indeed, Santa Claus is believed to live in the charming village of Rovaniemi in Finland. Let's take a delightful journey through Santa's village.

Where is Santa Claus's Village?

Santa Claus's village is nestled in Rovaniemi, a name steeped in ancient folklore. According to local legends, Santa Claus was born in Rovaniemi, Finland, around the year 270 AD. The village, covered in snow throughout the year, is adorned with wooden cottages, where Santa Claus purportedly spends his time packing gifts for children. Every year, people from around the world visit Rovaniemi in the hope of catching a glimpse of Santa Claus.

Celebrations in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi not only boasts Santa Claus's residence but also houses his official office. Here, Santa is seen busy packing gifts for children, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the village. Surprisingly, Santa Claus even has an official website, adding a touch of modernity to this mythical figure. The village kicks off its Christmas celebrations from December 23, and an event named "Santa is on His Way" marks the beginning of Christmas festivities. On this day, Santa Claus sets out to meet people, riding in his sleigh.

How to Reach Santa's Village

For those eager to experience the magic of Santa's village, the journey begins with reaching Rovaniemi City. From there, a flight from Helsinki is required, followed by a ride on the Santa Express to Lapland, where Santa Claus's village is nestled. Conveniently, trains are readily available from Lapland to make the final leg of the journey.

In conclusion, the village of Rovaniemi in Finland is believed to be the abode of Santa Claus. As Christmas approaches, the village transforms into a magical wonderland, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Whether you believe in the folklore or not, the spirit of Christmas in Rovaniemi is undeniable, making it a unique destination for a holiday experience.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund acquired a new position in AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 60,391 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,002,000. AbbVie accounts for about 0.7% of Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Funds portfolio, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding.

Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in AbbVie by 140.0% in the second quarter. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 240 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares in the last quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC raised its holdings in AbbVie by 218.4% in the second quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 242 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in AbbVie in the third quarter worth about $36,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in AbbVie in the second quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. bought a new position in AbbVie in the second quarter worth about $39,000. 67.86% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of AbbVie in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of AbbVie from $193.00 to $196.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Barclays raised shares of AbbVie from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their price objective for the company from $160.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of AbbVie from $177.00 to $181.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Finally, UBS Group decreased their price objective on shares of AbbVie from $157.00 to $150.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $167.59.

AbbVie Price Performance

Shares of NYSE ABBV opened at $151.71 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $267.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.56, a PEG ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.48. AbbVie Inc. has a 12 month low of $130.96 and a 12 month high of $168.11. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $144.20 and its 200-day simple moving average is $144.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.59, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.84.

AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 27th. The company reported $2.95 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.86 by $0.09. AbbVie had a net margin of 11.81% and a return on equity of 152.70%. The business had revenue of $13.93 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.72 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $3.66 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 6.0% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that AbbVie Inc. will post 11.24 EPS for the current year.

AbbVie Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 16th will be paid a $1.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 12th. This represents a $6.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.09%. This is a boost from AbbVies previous quarterly dividend of $1.48. AbbVies dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 162.19%.

AbbVie Company Profile

(Free Report)

AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune, intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq, a JAK inhibitor to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, and ulcerative colitis; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat hematological malignancies.

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Shares of Graphic Packaging Holding (NYSE:GPK  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the ten ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $27.89.

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $31.00 target price on shares of Graphic Packaging in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Raymond James downgraded shares of Graphic Packaging from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a report on Monday, November 27th. Citigroup dropped their target price on shares of Graphic Packaging from $29.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of Graphic Packaging from $26.00 to $24.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of Graphic Packaging from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st.

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Institutional Trading of Graphic Packaging

Graphic Packaging Stock Down 0.9 %

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A bought a new position in shares of Graphic Packaging in the second quarter worth about $26,000. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. bought a new position in shares of Graphic Packaging in the second quarter worth about $29,000. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Graphic Packaging by 870.7% in the third quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,291 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 1,158 shares during the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Graphic Packaging by 369.6% in the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,174 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 924 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AllSquare Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Graphic Packaging in the second quarter worth about $31,000. 99.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

GPK stock opened at $24.58 on Friday. Graphic Packaging has a 12 month low of $20.07 and a 12 month high of $27.56. The firm has a market cap of $7.52 billion, a PE ratio of 11.12, a P/E/G ratio of 0.35 and a beta of 0.87. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $22.27 and a 200 day simple moving average of $22.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 0.46.

Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $0.74 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.02. Graphic Packaging had a net margin of 7.14% and a return on equity of 35.97%. The firm had revenue of $2.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.47 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.67 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Graphic Packaging will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Graphic Packaging Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.63%. Graphic Packagings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 18.10%.

About Graphic Packaging

(Get Free Report

Graphic Packaging Holding Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based packaging solutions to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer products companies. It operates through three segments: Paperboard Mills, Americas Paperboard Packaging, and Europe Paperboard Packaging. The company offers coated unbleached kraft (CUK), coated recycled paperboard (CRB), and solid bleached sulfate paperboard (SBS) to various paperboard packaging converters and brokers; and paperboard packaging products, such as folding cartons, cups, lids, and food containers primarily to consumer packaged goods, quick-service restaurants, and foodservice companies; and barrier packaging products that protect against moisture, hot and cold temperature, grease, oil, oxygen, sunlight, insects, and other potential product-damaging factors.

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Mount Yale Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX  Free Report) by 58.1% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 15,554 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after buying an additional 5,716 shares during the quarter. Mount Yale Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $821,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Boston Scientific by 209.4% during the second quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 594 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 402 shares during the period. Nemes Rush Group LLC bought a new stake in Boston Scientific in the second quarter worth about $33,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in Boston Scientific in the 2nd quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Boston Scientific in the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. 89.11% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Boston Scientific

In other Boston Scientific news, CEO Michael F. Mahoney sold 113,355 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.09, for a total transaction of $5,904,661.95. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,498,922 shares in the company, valued at $78,078,846.98. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Michael F. Mahoney sold 113,356 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.51, for a total transaction of $5,952,323.56. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,498,922 shares in the company, valued at approximately $78,708,394.22. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael F. Mahoney sold 113,355 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.09, for a total value of $5,904,661.95. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,498,922 shares in the company, valued at $78,078,846.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 238,735 shares of company stock valued at $12,457,510. Corporate insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Boston Scientific from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Evercore ISI reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $60.00 target price on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. Robert W. Baird increased their price target on Boston Scientific from $60.00 to $63.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Boston Scientific from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $61.00 target price on shares of Boston Scientific in a report on Thursday, September 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Boston Scientific presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $60.95.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific Stock Performance

BSX stock opened at $54.98 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $53.28 and a two-hundred day moving average of $52.80. Boston Scientific Co. has a 12 month low of $44.35 and a 12 month high of $56.90. The company has a market capitalization of $80.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 67.05, a P/E/G ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44.

Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.02. Boston Scientific had a net margin of 8.93% and a return on equity of 15.46%. The firm had revenue of $3.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.48 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.43 earnings per share. Boston Scientifics revenue for the quarter was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Boston Scientific Co. will post 2.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Boston Scientific Company Profile

(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.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BSX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX  Free Report).

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Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE:BBU  Get Free Report) major shareholder Gp Ltd Bcp sold 132,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.47, for a total transaction of $327,769.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 30,368,482 shares in the company, valued at approximately $75,010,150.54. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Major shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC.

Gp Ltd Bcp also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 18th, Gp Ltd Bcp sold 387,068 shares of Brookfield Business Partners stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.24, for a total transaction of $867,032.32.

Brookfield Business Partners Trading Down 1.6 %

Brookfield Business Partners stock opened at $19.32 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $15.60 and a 200 day moving average of $16.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -482.88 and a beta of 1.39. Brookfield Business Partners L.P. has a 12-month low of $12.22 and a 12-month high of $22.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.52.

Brookfield Business Partners Dividend Announcement

Brookfield Business Partners ( NYSE:BBU Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The business services provider reported ($0.20) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.85 by ($1.05). The firm had revenue of $14.40 billion during the quarter. Brookfield Business Partners had a return on equity of 2.21% and a net margin of 0.67%. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.56 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Brookfield Business Partners L.P. will post 3.78 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 Thursday, November 30th will be issued a $0.0625 dividend. This represents a $0.25 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.29%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. Brookfield Business Partnerss dividend payout ratio is -624.84%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brookfield Business Partners

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC bought a new position in Brookfield Business Partners in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $40,000. UBS Group AG boosted its stake in Brookfield Business Partners by 31.5% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 6,133 shares of the business services providers stock worth $189,000 after purchasing an additional 1,468 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its stake in Brookfield Business Partners by 293.7% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 11,611 shares of the business services providers stock worth $216,000 after purchasing an additional 8,662 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in Brookfield Business Partners by 365.7% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 8,163 shares of the business services providers stock worth $250,000 after purchasing an additional 6,410 shares during the period. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC bought a new position in Brookfield Business Partners in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $323,000. 79.81% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have issued reports on BBU. Desjardins set a $30.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Business Partners and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. Scotiabank upped their price target on shares of Brookfield Business Partners from $25.00 to $26.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Credit Suisse Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $26.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Business Partners in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $28.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Business Partners in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $28.70.

View Our Latest Research Report on Brookfield Business Partners

About Brookfield Business Partners

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Brookfield Business Partners L.P. is a private equity firm specializing in acquisition. The firm typically invests in business services, infrastructure services, construction, energy, and industrials sector. It prefers to take majority stake in companies. The firm seeks returns of at least 15% on its investments.

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Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) had its price target boosted by stock analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from $47.00 to $52.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a neutral rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price suggests a potential upside of 3.85% from the companys previous close.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on C. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Citigroup from $45.00 to $43.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. Daiwa Capital Markets upgraded shares of Citigroup from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $63.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on shares of Citigroup from $51.00 to $49.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of Citigroup from $47.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of Citigroup from $47.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Citigroup currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $52.62.

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Citigroup Price Performance

Shares of NYSE C opened at $50.07 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.94. The company has a market cap of $95.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.58. The stocks 50-day moving average is $43.88 and its two-hundred day moving average is $44.21. Citigroup has a 1-year low of $38.17 and a 1-year high of $53.23.

Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by $0.29. Citigroup had a return on equity of 6.76% and a net margin of 9.22%. The business had revenue of $20.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.27 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.50 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Citigroup will post 5.84 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Andrew John Morton sold 28,096 shares of Citigroup stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.66, for a total value of $1,142,383.36. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 410,060 shares in the company, valued at $16,673,039.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Citigroup

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Carmel Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Citigroup in the third quarter valued at $25,000. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. raised its position in Citigroup by 73.8% during the third quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 683 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 290 shares during the last quarter. SkyView Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Citigroup in the first quarter valued at about $28,000. AlphaMark Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Citigroup by 75.0% in the third quarter. AlphaMark Advisors LLC now owns 700 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Union Savings Bank purchased a new position in shares of Citigroup during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.26% of the companys stock.

Citigroup Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Citigroup Inc, a diversified financial services holding company, provides various financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions in North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through three segments: Institutional Clients Group (ICG), Personal Banking and Wealth Management (PBWM), and Legacy Franchises.

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Essex Savings Bank raised its stake in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 1.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 14,855 shares of the retailers stock after buying an additional 231 shares during the quarter. Walmart comprises approximately 0.8% of Essex Savings Banks holdings, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Essex Savings Banks holdings in Walmart were worth $2,376,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of WMT. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC increased its position in Walmart by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC now owns 6,074 shares of the retailers stock valued at $955,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares during the period. Signature Wealth Management Group increased its holdings in shares of Walmart by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Signature Wealth Management Group now owns 3,436 shares of the retailers stock valued at $540,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the period. Carmel Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Walmart by 3.7% in the 2nd quarter. Carmel Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,818 shares of the retailers stock worth $286,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Walmart by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,976 shares of the retailers stock worth $939,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. Finally, RB Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Walmart by 0.7% during the second quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 9,770 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,536,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 33.18% of the companys stock.

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Walmart Stock Performance

Shares of WMT stock opened at $153.72 on Thursday. Walmart Inc. has a 52-week low of $136.09 and a 52-week high of $169.94. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The stock has a market cap of $413.85 billion, a PE ratio of 25.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 0.48. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $158.94 and a 200-day simple moving average of $158.58.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Walmart ( NYSE:WMT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 16th. The retailer reported $1.53 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.53. The company had revenue of $160.80 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $159.65 billion. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.20% and a net margin of 2.55%. Walmarts revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.50 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Walmart Inc. will post 6.45 EPS for the current year.

A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $168.00 target price on shares of Walmart in a report on Friday, November 17th. Stephens boosted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 13th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on shares of Walmart from $169.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 13th. HSBC initiated coverage on Walmart in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $200.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Tigress Financial raised their price objective on Walmart from $182.00 to $196.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $179.44.

Check Out Our Latest Report on WMT

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Walmart news, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 433,000 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction on Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.89, for a total value of $67,500,370.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 235,007,961 shares of the companys stock, valued at $36,635,391,040.29. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 342,956 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.03, for a total value of $53,168,468.68. Following the sale, the insider now owns 230,593,461 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $35,748,904,258.83. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 433,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.89, for a total transaction of $67,500,370.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 235,007,961 shares of the companys stock, valued at $36,635,391,040.29. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 3,493,089 shares of company stock valued at $544,456,070. Corporate insiders own 46.51% of the companys stock.

Walmart Company Profile

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications.

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GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE:EAF  Get Free Report) major shareholder Gp Ltd Bcp sold 132,697 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.47, for a total transaction of $327,761.59. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 30,368,482 shares in the company, valued at $75,010,150.54. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Major shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Gp Ltd Bcp also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 18th, Gp Ltd Bcp sold 387,068 shares of GrafTech International stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.24, for a total transaction of $867,032.32.

GrafTech International Price Performance

Shares of GrafTech International stock opened at $2.08 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $532.88 million, a PE ratio of 41.51 and a beta of 1.23. GrafTech International Ltd. has a 12-month low of $2.07 and a 12-month high of $6.74. The company has a quick ratio of 1.98, a current ratio of 4.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.22. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $2.78 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.76.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

GrafTech International ( NYSE:EAF Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The company reported ($0.08) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.03) by ($0.05). The firm had revenue of $159.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $179.96 million. GrafTech International had a return on equity of 3.94% and a net margin of 1.71%. GrafTech Internationals revenue was down 47.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.37 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that GrafTech International Ltd. will post -0.36 EPS for the current year.

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in EAF. Toronto Dominion Bank purchased a new stake in GrafTech International in the first quarter worth about $49,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of GrafTech International by 6.3% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,833,535 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,321,000 after buying an additional 226,874 shares in the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of GrafTech International by 94.5% in the 2nd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 312,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,572,000 after buying an additional 151,588 shares in the last quarter. Hodges Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of GrafTech International by 34.7% in the 2nd quarter. Hodges Capital Management Inc. now owns 381,100 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,426,000 after buying an additional 98,248 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of GrafTech International by 9.6% in the 2nd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 285,166 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,437,000 after buying an additional 24,959 shares in the last quarter. 92.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, TheStreet lowered shares of GrafTech International from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a report on Monday, November 6th.

View Our Latest Analysis on GrafTech International

GrafTech International Company Profile

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GrafTech International Ltd. research, develops, manufactures, and sells graphite and carbon-based solutions worldwide. The company offers graphite electrodes to produce electric arc furnace steel and other ferrous and non-ferrous metals; and petroleum needle coke, a crystalline form of carbon used in the production of graphite electrodes and synthetic graphite.

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New Delhi: Progress is underway for the Indian Navy's aspiration to incorporate Rafale fighter jets onto its aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. France has responded officially to the Navy's request for 26 fighter jets with a comprehensive bid. Evaluations of this bid by New Delhi will precede contract negotiations with Paris, with the anticipated deal hovering around 5.5 billion euros, roughly Rs. 50,000 crore. Notably, India previously procured 36 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

The intent behind acquiring Rafale jets is to reinforce the existing fleet of MiG-29K jets aboard the carriers, a fleet marred by reliability issues. The deficiencies in the MiG-29K were underscored in a 2016 Comptroller and Auditor General report, which highlighted multiple problems within the carrier-borne multi-role aircraft, essential for fleet air defense.

While improvements have been made to the availability of MiG-29K, the Indian Navy seeks the Rafale's inclusion, especially given China's impending induction of its third aircraft carrier. Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, stated, "Currently, MiG-29 jets are part of the INS Vikrant fighter fleet. The state-of-the-art French fighter jets Rafale-M will replace MiG-29s," in August.

Sources within the Navy have expressed concerns about the likelihood of China deploying a carrier battle group in the Indian Ocean shortly. The decision to pursue Rafale jets is influenced by this geopolitical context.

China's establishment of its first overseas base in Djibouti within the Indian Ocean further accentuates the strategic concerns. This base, costing $590 million, secures the Bab-El-Mandeb Strait, a pivotal location between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, guarding the approach to the Suez Canal, a crucial artery for global trade.

Naval Analyst HI Sutton of Covert Shores remarked, "China's Djibouti base is fortified with layers of defenses resembling a modern-day colonial fort, evidently designed to withstand direct assaults."

How Indian Navy Renders Aid to Hijacked Malta Ship in Arabian Sea

Imphal Missile Destroyer Set for Indian Navy Commissioning on Dec 26
StockNews.com upgraded shares of Insperity (NYSE:NSP  Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report report published on Monday morning.

Insperity Stock Performance

Shares of Insperity stock opened at $115.59 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.44. Insperity has a twelve month low of $93.56 and a twelve month high of $131.09. The stock has a market cap of $4.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.45, a P/E/G ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 1.19. The companys fifty day moving average is $108.95 and its 200 day moving average is $107.99.

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Insperity (NYSE:NSP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The business services provider reported $1.16 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by $0.58. Insperity had a net margin of 2.97% and a return on equity of 177.45%. The business had revenue of $1.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.53 billion. Sell-side analysts forecast that Insperity will post 4.3 EPS for the current year.

Insperity Dividend Announcement

Insider Buying and Selling

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 18th. Investors of record on Monday, December 4th were issued a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 1st. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.97%. Insperitys dividend payout ratio is presently 46.25%.

In other Insperity news, Director Richard G. Rawson sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.50, for a total value of $587,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 84,643 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,945,552.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CEO Paul J. Sarvadi sold 17,386 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.45, for a total transaction of $1,798,581.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 501,650 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $51,895,692.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Richard G. Rawson sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.50, for a total transaction of $587,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 84,643 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,945,552.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 42,886 shares of company stock worth $4,685,372 in the last quarter. Insiders own 5.61% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in Insperity by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 10,484 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,247,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Insperity by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 8,711 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,036,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the period. WINTON GROUP Ltd boosted its holdings in Insperity by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 4,002 shares of the business services providers stock worth $391,000 after buying an additional 112 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans boosted its holdings in Insperity by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 9,460 shares of the business services providers stock worth $966,000 after buying an additional 113 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC boosted its holdings in Insperity by 29.2% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 522 shares of the business services providers stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 118 shares during the period. 91.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insperity Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Insperity, Inc engages in the provision of human resources (HR) and business solutions to improve business performance for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers its HR services through its Workforce Optimization and Workforce Synchronization solutions that include a range of human resources functions, such as payroll and employment administration, employee benefits, workers' compensation, government compliance, performance management, and training and development services.

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Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund purchased a new stake in Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 20,987 shares of the information technology services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,160,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 7,529 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $756,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 3.8% in the 1st quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,098 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $311,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. raised its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 83.3% in the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 286 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 25.4% in the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 904 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 26.2% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 924 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $51,000 after purchasing an additional 192 shares in the last quarter. 85.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Fidelity National Information Services Trading Down 1.7 %

NYSE FIS opened at $58.88 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.76. The firm has a market cap of $34.89 billion, a PE ratio of -1.44, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.90. Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. has a one year low of $46.91 and a one year high of $79.32. The firms fifty day moving average is $54.42 and its two-hundred day moving average is $55.75.

Fidelity National Information Services Announces Dividend

Fidelity National Information Services ( NYSE:FIS Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The information technology services provider reported $0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.59 by ($0.65). The firm had revenue of $2.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.65 billion. Fidelity National Information Services had a negative net margin of 180.32% and a positive return on equity of 13.89%. Analysts expect that Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. will post 3.52 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.52 per share. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 7th. Fidelity National Information Servicess dividend payout ratio is currently -5.08%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on FIS shares. Seaport Res Ptn restated a neutral rating on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Raymond James reduced their price objective on shares of Fidelity National Information Services from $79.00 to $71.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Barclays upgraded shares of Fidelity National Information Services from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $62.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Mizuho reiterated a buy rating and set a $70.00 price target on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research note on Monday, September 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Fidelity National Information Services currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $66.00.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Fidelity National Information Services

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Ellen R. Alemany acquired 855 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $53.00 per share, with a total value of $45,315.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 4,598 shares in the company, valued at $243,694. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.68% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About Fidelity National Information Services

(Free Report)

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc provides technology solutions for financial institutions and businesses worldwide. It operates through Banking Solutions, Merchant Solutions, and Capital Market Solutions segments. The Banking Solutions segment provides core processing and ancillary applications; mobile and online banking; fraud, risk management, and compliance; electronic funds transfer and network; card and retail payment; wealth and retirement; and item processing and output solutions.

Further Reading

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Kentucky Retirement Systems bought a new stake in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 459,472 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $15,241,000.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of PFE. Paradigm Financial Partners LLC lifted its position in Pfizer by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Paradigm Financial Partners LLC now owns 41,136 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,394,000 after acquiring an additional 403 shares in the last quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 22.8% in the third quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 394,351 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $13,081,000 after purchasing an additional 73,269 shares in the last quarter. Matrix Asset Advisors Inc. NY boosted its position in shares of Pfizer by 71.2% during the third quarter. Matrix Asset Advisors Inc. NY now owns 194,235 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $6,443,000 after buying an additional 80,761 shares during the period. Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Pfizer during the third quarter worth about $37,000. Finally, Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Pfizer by 32.9% in the 3rd quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 22,559 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $748,000 after buying an additional 5,579 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.05% of the companys stock.

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Pfizer Stock Down 1.9 %

PFE opened at $27.63 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 2.05 and a current ratio of 2.38. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $29.92 and a 200-day moving average of $33.81. Pfizer Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $25.76 and a fifty-two week high of $52.16. The company has a market capitalization of $155.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.10, a P/E/G ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.61.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating 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 firm had revenue of $13.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.77 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.54 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 26th will be issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 25th. This is a boost from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.08%. Pfizers payout ratio is currently 89.62%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Scott Gottlieb purchased 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were bought at an average price of $26.47 per share, for a total transaction of $79,410.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $238,230. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on PFE shares. Truist Financial decreased their price target on shares of Pfizer from $42.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Pfizer from $39.00 to $37.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Citigroup decreased their price objective on Pfizer from $42.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Pfizer from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $38.00 to $39.00 in a report on Monday, October 16th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Pfizer has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $40.35.

View Our Latest Research Report on PFE

About Pfizer

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Free Report) had its price target boosted by Royal Bank of Canada from $114.00 to $137.00 in a research note released on Monday, Benzinga reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has an underperform rating on the construction companys stock.

A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on Lennar from $136.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Lennar from $132.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Lennar from $123.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of Lennar from $161.00 to $164.00 in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Lennar from $138.00 to $158.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday. Two investment 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. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Lennar presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $140.53.

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Lennar Stock Performance

NYSE:LEN opened at $146.79 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $123.79 and a 200-day simple moving average of $121.25. 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 firm has a market cap of $41.74 billion, a PE ratio of 10.67, a P/E/G ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 1.52. Lennar has a 1-year low of $88.42 and a 1-year high of $156.01.

Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, December 15th. The construction company reported $4.82 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.59 by $0.23. 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 analysts expectations of $10.22 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $5.02 EPS. The firms revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Lennar will post 14.88 EPS for the current year.

Lennar Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 12th were issued a $0.375 dividend. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.02%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. Lennars dividend payout ratio is currently 10.90%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Lennar news, VP David M. Collins sold 10,000 shares of Lennar stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $1,300,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 37,060 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,817,800. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, Director Amy Banse acquired 920 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 13th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $108.71 per share, for a total transaction of $100,013.20. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 10,038 shares in the company, valued at $1,091,230.98. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP David M. Collins sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total transaction of $1,300,000.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 37,060 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,817,800. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,350,896 in the last quarter. Insiders own 9.53% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in LEN. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Lennar in the third quarter worth approximately $27,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Lennar in the third quarter worth about $28,000. BluePath Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Lennar in the 3rd quarter valued at about $29,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of Lennar in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $46,000. Finally, West Tower Group LLC acquired a new stake in Lennar during the second quarter valued at approximately $57,000. 79.87% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Lennar

(Get Free Report)

Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties.

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Violich Capital Management Inc. lessened its position in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Free Report) by 3.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 84,117 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,900 shares during the period. Merck & Co., Inc. makes up 1.5% of Violich Capital Management Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Violich Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $8,660,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 102,675.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,860,147,936 shares of the companys stock valued at $214,642,470,000 after buying an additional 1,858,338,022 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 118,562,086 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,766,428,000 after buying an additional 2,174,829 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 68,563,817 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,294,504,000 after buying an additional 6,546,946 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 52,723,457 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,068,750,000 after buying an additional 1,504,701 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 41,850,081 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,643,267,000 after buying an additional 4,000,816 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.59% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total value of $213,052.78. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,862,394.58. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total transaction of $213,052.78. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,862,394.58. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total transaction of $4,602,729.69. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 111,764 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,738,572.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have commented on MRK. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and set a $122.00 target price on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Friday, October 6th. TheStreet raised shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Monday, November 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They set a buy rating and a $115.00 target price on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $135.00 price objective on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $125.14.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Merck & Co., Inc.

Merck & Co., Inc. Price Performance

Shares of MRK opened at $105.36 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $266.98 billion, a PE ratio of 58.53, a PEG ratio of 8.98 and a beta of 0.34. The firms 50 day moving average price is $103.37 and its 200 day moving average price is $106.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.38. Merck & Co., Inc. has a twelve month low of $96.36 and a twelve month high of $119.65.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.13 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.19. Merck & Co., Inc. had a net margin of 7.77% and a return on equity of 18.26%. The company had revenue of $16 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.30 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.85 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 1.37 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Merck & Co., Inc. Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a $0.77 dividend. This is a positive change from Merck & Co., Inc.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.92%. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 171.11%.

Merck & Co., Inc. Company Profile

(Free Report)

Merck & Co, Inc operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes, as well as vaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines.

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StockNews.com cut shares of PBF Energy (NYSE:PBF  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning.

Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on PBF. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of PBF Energy from $56.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of PBF Energy from $56.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, September 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of PBF Energy from $48.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, September 1st. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on shares of PBF Energy from $63.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of PBF Energy from $63.00 to $53.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $57.78.

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PBF Energy Trading Down 3.4 %

PBF Energy stock opened at $45.27 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.58. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $45.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.68. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.53 billion, a PE ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.73. PBF Energy has a 52 week low of $31.25 and a 52 week high of $56.38.

PBF Energy (NYSE:PBF  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $6.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.86 by $1.75. The company had revenue of $10.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.84 billion. PBF Energy had a return on equity of 36.11% and a net margin of 7.06%. Equities research analysts forecast that PBF Energy will post 12.83 earnings per share for the current year.

PBF Energy Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.21%. This is a boost from PBF Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 14th. PBF Energys payout ratio is presently 4.61%.

Insider Buying and Selling at PBF Energy

In other news, SVP Connor Thomas L. O sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.17, for a total value of $2,758,500.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 117,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,482,640.51. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, SVP Trecia M. Canty sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.69, for a total value of $466,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 89,587 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,182,817.03. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, SVP Connor Thomas L. O sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.17, for a total transaction of $2,758,500.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 117,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,482,640.51. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 5.30% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. California Public Employees Retirement System increased its stake in shares of PBF Energy by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 195,720 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $8,013,000 after acquiring an additional 10,896 shares in the last quarter. LSV Asset Management increased its stake in PBF Energy by 8,634.4% during the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 558,999 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $22,885,000 after purchasing an additional 552,599 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC bought a new stake in PBF Energy during the 1st quarter valued at about $810,000. Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in PBF Energy by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC now owns 23,011 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $942,000 after purchasing an additional 690 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Comerica Bank bought a new stake in PBF Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at about $17,569,000. 89.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About PBF Energy

(Get Free Report)

PBF Energy Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in refining and supplying petroleum products. The company operates in two segments, Refining and Logistics. It produces gasoline, ultra-low-sulfur diesel, heating oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel, lubricants, petrochemicals, and asphalt, as well as unbranded transportation fuels, petrochemical feedstocks, blending components, and other petroleum products from crude oil.

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PJT Partners (NYSE:PJT  Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by The Goldman Sachs Group from $96.00 to $108.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups price objective would suggest a potential upside of 10.11% from the companys previous close.

Several other analysts also recently weighed in on PJT. UBS Group started coverage on PJT Partners in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $84.00 price target on the stock. Seaport Res Ptn downgraded PJT Partners from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and set a $94.00 price target on shares of PJT Partners in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded PJT Partners from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, PJT Partners currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $92.75.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PJT

PJT Partners Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:PJT opened at $98.08 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $85.36 and its 200 day moving average is $79.29. PJT Partners has a 1 year low of $59.61 and a 1 year high of $102.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.04 and a beta of 0.76.

PJT Partners (NYSE:PJT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $0.78 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.43 by $0.35. The business had revenue of $278.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $226.97 million. PJT Partners had a return on equity of 15.72% and a net margin of 7.37%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.96 EPS. On average, analysts expect that PJT Partners will post 3 EPS for the current year.

Insider Transactions at PJT Partners

In other PJT Partners news, insider Ji-Yeun Lee sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.76, for a total transaction of $897,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 83,421 shares in the company, valued at $7,487,868.96. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 10.67% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On PJT Partners

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of PJT Partners during the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of PJT Partners by 1,625.0% in the second quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 414 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 390 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of PJT Partners by 133.0% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 431 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 246 shares during the last quarter. Huntington National Bank increased its holdings in shares of PJT Partners by 67.9% in the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 450 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of PJT Partners by 423.3% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 471 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 381 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.40% of the companys stock.

PJT Partners Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

PJT Partners Inc, an investment bank, provides various strategic and capital markets advisory, restructuring and special situations, and shareholder advisory services to corporations, financial sponsors, institutional investors, and governments worldwide. It offers advisory services to clients on various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), spin-offs, activism defense, contested M&A, joint ventures, minority investments, and divestitures.

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EU court annuls 'old' sanctions against Yanukovych and his son 21 December, 08:54 AM Viktor Yanukovych (Photo:Getty Images)

The European Union's General Court has declared the sanctions imposed two years ago against fugitive Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, and his son Oleksandr, null and void, removing them from the respective sanctions list, Euronews reported on Dec. 20.

The court further ordered the European Council to pay legal costs for the Yanukovychs.

The judges ruled that the Council made an error in its assessment as officials failed to prove that the judicial proceedings against the Yanukovych family in Ukraine were fair, after Yanukovych challenged the sanctions.

Video of day

The fugitive presidents lawyers argued that his conviction for treason by a Ukrainian court was politically motivated and procedurally unfair, and emphasized that he was unable to challenge separate corruption charges, though it is unclear if the court acknowledged that Yanukovych had fled to Russia on his own initiative.

Meanwhile, his son Oleksandr was accused of cooperating with pro-Russian separatist groups in Donbas, but the judges decided that there could be no presumption of legality of the Ukrainian legal system, despite Ukraines efforts to reform as part of gaining EU candidacy.

However, these are not the only sanctions against the Yanukovych family. Another EU sanctions decision from August 2022 is still in effect and has not yet been challenged, preventing both Yanukovych father and son from owning assets in the European Union and entering its territory.

Will you support Ukraines free press? Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations. As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility  to amplify Ukraines voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation. Its the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine. If youre willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.

Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda. Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd. If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly. There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting. We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If youre willing to stand up for the truth  consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.

Will you help tell Ukraines story to the world? Twenty years ago, most people hadnt even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyones lips and everyones headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of  from music and culture to technology. We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If youre willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.

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Even in adversities, God is with us
Each passing day brings to mind the fact that it is not politics, but politicians that ply the trade with neither ideologies nor people-interest reputation, are the real problem of Nigeria as a country. There are equally reasons to believe that despite its inability to promote social justice, facilitate social mobility or engineer coordinated development in Nigeria, democracy remains one of the best globally recognized form of government.

Supporting the above assertion on politics is a recent news report that the Catholic Church in Tanzania is seeking information that could advance the cause of sainthood of the founding father and president of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, a catholic born in 1922 in Butiama, Tanganyika (now Tanzania) to a Zanaki chief. Nyerere taught in several Catholic schools before joining politics. He was the first prime Minister of independent Tanganyika in 1961 and later became the first president of the new state of Tanzania in 1964.

If made a saint, Julius Kambarage Nyerere of Tanzania may be the first Pan-Africanist, president and politician to be beatified and canonized.

For the purpose of clarity, this piece is not out to romanticize the past, but to amplify attributes demonstrated by late Nyerere as a politician and juxtaposes same with the current personal aggrandizement, corrupt enrichments and other inglorious acts happening in Nigeria and other African countries in the name of politics.

Comparatively, from the series of commentaries about Nyerere style of politics which of course is a direct opposite with what presently pervades the political geography called Nigeria, it is obvious that we have lost the golden age when integrity reigned supreme in politics and experienced an unwelcomed departure from politics of public good.

Lets cast a glance at some of the Nyerere related commentaries.

First, a communique recently released by the church which was signed by Most Rev Jude Thadaeus Ruwaichi, OFMCap, the archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, described Nyerere as a Servant of God, a committed Catholic, family man statesman and gentleman par excellence for his contribution to democracy, respect for human rights and peace in Tanzania and a Pan-Africanist. It, therefore, called on the faithfuls in Tanzania to present information, including all writings and testimonies regarding the Servant of God Julius Nyerere.

Aside from the church inviting all the faithful to communicate or send to the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, any information regarding the life and heroic virtues of the Servant of God as a Catholic lay faithful and father of a family for his reputation for holiness and intercessory power, the former President was particularly praised by his people for being the major forces behind the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU; now the African Union) alongside 32 other African Heads of State and Government before his death in 1999 aged 77.

Even critics who raised issues on some of his miscalculations as human, more than anything else, admitted that he led a life of integrity and simplicity, shunning the selfishness that marred much of local and global politics.

That is not the only positive comment.

According to the Pontifical Gregorian University, Nyerere is a model of political holiness that is desired in the Church today, fought for human-centred development, democratized education and health care, and maintained a deep respect for human rights and peace in a dangerous and unstable part of the world. Nyereres practical wisdom and prophetic witness offers a liberating critique and creativity not only to African church and society but also way beyond, said the university on his saintliness.

Undoubtedly, many may view it as too easy and of course too partisan for the piece to simply blame present day politicians in Nigeria and Africa of not living to the peoples expectation. But at the same time, it raises the question as to how many of our present day politicians can be spoken so well about by his family, his church community or people? How many of them can boast of clean hands in the public offices they have recently held or are still holding? What level of transparency in their day to day management of public interest responsibilities? How many of our current crop of politicians or public office holders actively meditate on the sufferings of Nigerians or engage in cooperation, and vigorously pursue more socially relevant policies to end the sufferings of the masses?

Looking at what happened in the recently held general election in the country, will anyone disagree any more that neither politics nor democracy is our problem in Nigeria, but the political gladiators who have made the consent of the governed a commodity to be purchased by highest bidder? If Nyerere had acted like the present day politicians in Nigeria, would the church today, be contemplating having him canonized?

While the above questions will assist lead politicians in Nigeria to repentance, this piece believed and still believes that if rule is carefully observed, one will discover that Lee Kuen Yew, the pioneer Prime Minister of Singapore, provided answer as to why bad governance thrives in Nigeria as well as explained why it will be difficult if not impossible for saints to be found in Nigeria's political space.

In his masterpiece From Third World To First World, he noted as follows; My experience of developments in public leadership has led me to conclude that we need good people to have good government. However good the system of government maybe, bad leaders will bring harm to their people. On the other hand, I have seen several societies well governed in spite of a poor system of government, because good, strong leaders were in charge. I have also seen so many of the over eighty constitutions drafted by Britain and France for their former colonies come to grief. Not because of flaws in the constitutions, but simply because the preconditions for a democratic system of government did not exist. He concluded.

As the author of this piece, it is my hope and prayer that our politicians draw useful lessons from Nyereres lifestyle as well as learn good lessons from the words of Lee Kuen Yew.

Utomi is the Programme Cordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via; [email protected]/08032725374 .
Algae bloom returns to Patong Beach

PHUKET: Workers from Patong Municipalitys Public Health and Environment Division were dispatched to collect from the sand algae that had washed ashore Patong Beach yesterday (Dec 20).

patongtourismhealthenvironmentpollutionnatural-resources

By The Phuket News

Thursday 21 December 2023 01:18 PM

The algae had washed ashore from an algae bloom, reported NBT Phuket.

The incident has yet to be publicly recognised by Patong Municipality.

The key aim of the cleanup was to restore the beauty of Patong Beach, said the report. If left for a long time, it will create a bad smell and will also affect the beautiful image of the beach.

The NBT report, remarkably, admitted that algae blooms returned to Patong Beach  by far Phukets most popular tourist beach  around the end of January and continued through March each year.

However, the algae bloom had returned earlier than usual this year, the report noted.

More than one tonne of seaweed can be collected each day, and the maximum collected this time is three tonnes, the report said.

The physical characteristics of Patong Bay, which has a deep concave shape, causes water from Pak Bang Canal, which empties into Patong Bay at the southern end of the beach, at this time of year to flow slowly into the bay, the report explained.

The lack of strong wind and waves experienced all through the southwest monsoon leaves the water from the Pak Bang Canal to mix with the beach water, which tourists swim in.

When finding the right sunlight, it causes abnormal algae growth, and there is too much to be eliminated naturally, the report said.

Not mentioned in the report was the level of pollution and the volume of untreated wastewater that continues to flow into Patong Bay from the Pak Bang Canal, which meanders throughout the length of Patong before emptying into the bay.

The Pollution Control Departments Environment and Pollution Office 15 (EPO15) no longer publicly releases its latest data on coastal water quality for Phuket, of which four water-quality monitoring stations are in Patong.

The four stations are: Pkml0 Station, in front of the Patong Merlin; Pkph0 Station, in front of the Patong Beach Hotel; Pkby0 Station, in front of the B-Lay Tong Beach Resort; and Pkpb5 Station, in front of the Patong Bay Hotel.

The agencys most recent reports say only that the water quality is fair or good.

EPO15 also no longer publishes its Source of Pollution Report. The most recent source of pollution report posted shows a generalised graph marking data from 2021.

Likewise, EPO15 also no longer reports its latest information for its Community Wastewater Treatment Plant Report. For this, the agency reports annual and seasonal averages only, for years past.

During a visit to Phuket in September, Dr Surasee Kittimonthon, Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), revealed that Phuket releases nearly 55,000 cubic metres of untreated wastewater per day.

The Patong Municipality Wastewater Treatment plant currently can treat up to 39,000 cubic metres of wastewater per day. Further expansion would require a high budget, Dr Surasee was told.

During his visit, Dr Surasee saw firsthand dark untreated wastewater flowing into the Pak Bang Canal and emptying into the beach water, and he saw tourists playing in that water.
A New Jersey company plans to expand its operations to Bartlesville with a promise of 100 new full-time jobs.

Couched as "significant economic development," Lincoln Electric Company, based in Union City, New Jersey, entered into an agreement with the Bartlesville Development Authority (BDA) to purchase the 160,000-square-foot former Siemens building located next to the airport.

The BDA approved a contract to sell the former Siemens building to a New Jersey based company.

The BDA approved the sales contract during Wednesday's meeting, said Chris Batchelder, BDA vice president of business development. The building was listed for $3.7 million, but the price will be discounted to $2.25 million

"We knocked took a million and a half off the sales price to compensate for any roof repairs that need to be made," Batchelder said. "We don't know for sure whether or not repairs need to be made, but we reduced the sales price by that amount to compensate for that."

Additionally, the BDA recommended that the Bartlesville City Council allocate funds for job creation and resident recruitment incentives. The proposed plan includes up to $1.5 million from the city's economic development fund for a job creation incentive over the next three years and reserving an additional $1 million out of the resident recruitment fund.

"They will start their 90 days of due diligence on the building of the facility, and once we get that closed, we will work on finalizing the incentive package we offered," Batchelder said. " (The sum of) $1.5 million is the standard cash incentive from the Economic Development Fund at $15,000 per job created."

Batchelder remarked that the building aligns perfectly with Lincolns expansion plans, offering ample space for their operations specializing in various electrical components.

He called it a "true expansion" because the company isn't moving current operations here, but will double its workforce by expanding to Bartlesville.

He noted that Oklahoma is a very attractive place for businesses to operate with "lower cost of doing business, labor availability, utility consumption cost and Oklahoma is a right-to-work state."

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The Bartlesville City Council is scheduled to decide on the incentives at its meeting on Jan. 2. If approved, Lincoln Electric will receive $15,000 per newly hired employee. Individuals who relocate to Bartlesville for these positions will be eligible for $10,000 each.

"This has worked out exactly how economic development is supposed to work," Batchelder said..

Matthew Leff, president of Lincoln Electric Company, declined to comment on the story at this time.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: BDA inks deal to sell building to expanding N.J. company
Hopes rise for Israel-Hamas truce deal

GAZA: Hopes rose yesterday (Dec 20) that Israel and Hamas may be inching toward another truce and hostage-release deal in the Gaza war, following talks in Europe and a visit to Egypt by the head of the Palestinian militant group.

politicsdeathmilitarylandviolence

By AFP

Thursday 21 December 2023 10:26 AM

A woman shows the destruction on her house and nearby area in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Dec 18. Photo: AFP

While some talked of a truce, fighting raged and Gazas Hamas government said the death toll in the Palestinian territory reached 20,000.

Right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there can be no Gaza ceasefire until Hamas militants are destroyed, but Washington expressed hope the truce talks can bring results.

These are very serious discussions and negotiations and we hope that they lead somewhere, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also voiced hope for a new pause in fighting.

We remain very actively engaged in seeing if we can get a pause back on and hostages moving out again, he said.

The comments came after Netanyahu, under pressure from Washington and other allies over civilian casualties, said fighting would not stop until all objectives are achieved: the elimination of Hamas, the release of our hostages and the end of the threat from Gaza.

Late Tuesday he had told relatives of some of the remaining 129 captives held in Gaza that he had sent the head of the Mossad spy agency to Europe twice to promote a process to free our hostages.

The bloodiest-ever Gaza war began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7, killing around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

In response, Israel began a relentless bombardment alongside a ground invasion. Hamas says most of those killed in Gaza have been women and children.

Protests

Netanyahu has faced protests from hostage relatives seeking an urgent deal to free the captives.

Every moment the hostages are there, is danger. They have no time, said Ofir Engel, 17, a Dutch-Israeli former captive.

Mossad director David Barnea held a positive meeting in Warsaw this week with CIA chief Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a source familiar with the talks told AFP, asking not to be named.

Talks were ongoing with the aim of reaching an agreement around the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza in exchange for a truce and the potential release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, said the source.

Qatar, backed by Egypt and the United States, last month helped broker a first week-long truce that saw 80 Israeli hostages freed in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

The Qatar-based chief of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, arrived in Egypt for talks with that countrys intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

A Hamas official, speaking yesterday on condition of anonymity, told AFP in Gaza that a total ceasefire and a retreat of the Israeli occupation army from the Gaza Strip are a precondition for any serious negotiation on a hostage-prisoner swap.

The Egypt talks would focus on proposals including a week-long truce that would see the release of 40 Israeli hostages, a source close to Hamas said earlier.

Before leaving Qatar, Haniyeh met Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian but no details were released.

In Rafah, where fireballs and smoke rose after explosions, residents expressed hope that talks would succeed.

I wish for a complete ceasefire, and to put an end to the series of death and suffering. Its been more than 75 days, said Kassem Shurrab, 25.

Bassil Khoder, 63, said a ceasefire would allow displaced Palestinians like him to return home but it would be good for Israelis too.

The Jews are also our neighbours, he said. We wont give up on them.

Enough

An AFPTV live camera yesterday filmed two bombs hitting Rafah, in southern Gaza where many of the territorys estimated 1.9 million displaced have fled.

The Hamas health ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least 12 Palestinians when houses and a mosque in Rafah were targeted. It said later at least 30 more people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit two houses east of Khan Yunis.

Crowds swarmed the rubble, digging with shovels and a backhoe to try to free the victims. One blackened body lay under a blue blanket on the blood-soaked ground.

The army reported close-quarter combat and more than 300 strikes over the past day, while the death toll among its own forces rose to 134 inside Gaza.

It said troops had uncovered a tunnel network used by Hamas leaders including Yahya Sinwar, the Islamist movements Gaza chief. The military released footage it said showed the large network around Gaza Citys Palestine Square linking hideouts and residences.

The UN Security Council again delayed a vote on a resolution calling for a pause to the war after members wrangled over wording. The vote is now scheduled for this morning.

The United States vetoed a previous ceasefire resolution.

Israel, which declared a total siege on Gaza at the start of the war, has since allowed aid trucks through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt and, as of this week, its own Kerem Shalom crossing.

The World Food Progamme said Wednesday it had delivered food through Kerem Shalom in a first direct aid convoy from Jordan and warned of the risk of starvation.

Fuel, water and medical supplies are also scarce, diseases are spreading, and communications have been repeatedly cut.

An Israeli military agency, COGAT, said it had started laying a pipeline from Egypt to deliver drinking water from a mobile desalination plant in a project led by the United Arab Emirates.

Visiting nearby Cyprus, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen expressed support for plans to send humanitarian aid to Gaza from the Mediterranean island.

We aim to create a fast track for humanitarian aid to Gaza through this corridor, he said.

The war has sparked fears of regional escalation, with exchanges of fire over the Lebanon border, and missiles from Iran-backed Yemeni rebels disrupting Red Sea shipping.
Phuket marks Disabled Persons Day

PHUKET: Phuket officials yesterday marked International Day of Disabled Persons with an event at Phuket Rajabhat University yesterday (Dec 20).



By The Phuket News

Thursday 21 December 2023 11:06 AM

Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan chaired the event, organised by the Phuket office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

Joining the event were Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob and Busadee Suwannarat, who as the Governors wife is currently president of the Phuket chapter of the Red Cross Society of Thailand.

Supipat Anurat, Director of the Phuket Social Development and Human Security office, noted that the United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons is commemorated each year on Dec 3.

For the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, various activities are organised for people with disabilities, so they can participate in social activities and have the opportunity to show their potential to society. This causes society to develop a constructive attitude towards people with disabilities and recognise people with disabilities as valuable resources of society, he said.

Phuket officials yesterday commemorated the international day since 1995, Mr Supipat said.

Present for the occasion yesterday were an assembly of people with disabilities, along with professional caregivers and volunteers.

Activities at the event included career and job recruitment services by the Phuket Provincial employment Office, free haircuts by the Phuket Provincial Juvenile Observation and Protection Center and Phuket Polytechnic College.

Activity and game booths were also on site for people with disabilities to enjoy, and performances by students of the Baan Sam Kong Municipal School Samkong Super Dance Band.

Among the groups represented at the event were people from the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, the Child and Family Home, legal advice professionals and the Phuket Provincial Prosecutors Office to explain rights protection and legal assistance, among others that could provide useful information and assistance.

Vice Governor Amnuay said, The government has given importance to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is an international human rights convention that promotes and protects rights for people with disabilities. There is collateral in

Rights, freedom, and human dignity for people with disabilities on an equal footing with the general public.

It is the first United Nations Human Rights Treaty on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the 21st century. The government has assigned the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to drive policy to raise and develop the quality of life of people with disabilities.

In the past year, In the year 2024, there has been a reform of the registration of persons with disabilities so that persons with disabilities can receive welfare rights and assistance in a comprehensive and thorough manner.

A service system for people with disabilities has been developed through the a comprehensive service centre for people with disabilities (One Stop Service), which Phuket Province [the provincial government] has piloted together with Vachira Phuket Hospital, district hospitals and local administrative organisations in the area for the past three years, he added.

In addition, there is development and promotion of employment for people with disabilities, to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities and a project to provide foster families for people with disabilities who do not have caregivers. 2024 is considered to be an important year in driving the work of people with disabilities.

The government will announce the National Action Plan for Improving the Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities, No. 6 (2023 - 2027), focusing on participation and integration of cooperation among all sectors. This includes creating opportunities to encourage people with disabilities to live their lives based on human dignity, and to promote equality, fairness, thoroughness, equality and true access to benefits from rights, Mr Amnuay said.
The social and political dimensions of ethnic conflicts in Manipur

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Anshuman Behera (Observer Research Foundation)

Introduction

Beginning in May 2023, the outbreak of violence between the Meiteis and the Kukis in Indias North Eastern State of Manipur has once again brought the decades-long ethnic conflicts to the limelight. As peace in Manipur seems like a distant dream, there are competing narratives around the genesis of the current eruption. Most media reports point to the 3 May incident in the Kuki-majority district of Churachandpur, while others say it was the Meitei groups act of blocking the roads in the Imphal East District. In the absence of a consensus about the beginnings of this current episode, today the reality is that the Kukis have been forced to flee the Meitei-dominated areas, and the Meiteis have also moved out from the Kuki-dominated areas; there is little chance that the situation will be reversed soon.

The extent and scale of violence has been massive, if not completely unprecedented in Manipur. Officially, as stated by the Inspector General of Police, IK Muivah, as of 14 September, 175 people have been killed across the State, and 5,000 cases of arson including the torching of more than 4,700 houses have been reported. Moreover, 386 religious structures (254 Churches, mostly belonging to the Kukis, and 132 temples) have been vandalised. Other sources report different figures. According to the Kuki Student Organisation, for example, the Kukis have suffered 146 deaths; 7,000 houses and 360 Churches have been burnt down in their areas.

Amidst the continuing strife, the State Government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has faced harsh criticism, both from the Opposition and allies, for giving patronage to the Meitei groups and being prejudiced against the Kukis. Opposition parties, calling the State Government to account, are demanding the imposition of Presidents rule in Manipur. The Union Government has rejected demands to remove the Chief Minister from office and declared confidence in how his Government has worked to control the situation.

The current episodes of ethnic violence, although not completely unprecedented, are the result of decades-long mistrust among the communities, the indifference of successive Governments towards peoples genuine grievances, the uneven distribution of resources, asymmetric political representation, and a massive governance deficit. Against this backdrop, this brief analyses the socio-political issues at the root of the ethnic conflicts in Manipurin particular, that between the Kukis and the Meiteis. The brief argues that the violent clashes are extreme manifestations of decades-long conflicts between the Kukis and the Meiteis, in turn induced by social mistrust, manufactured apprehension and anxiety, the State Governments lack of political will to address the grievances, and the rigid positions of the competing ethnic groups against each other. Further, the brief posits that looking for a legal solution to the conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis would give limited results unless both communities open themselves to genuine dialogue. It outlines a set of policy recommendations to minimise the risks of ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis.

The Socio-Political Roots of the Meitei-Kuki Conflict

Following the end of colonial rule, the erstwhile princely State of Manipur merged with the Union of India in October 1949. It was made a Union Territory in 1956, and a full-fledged State in 1972. The State of Manipur comprises three ethnic groupsi.e., the Meiteis, the Nagas, and the Kukis. The Meiteis constitute the majority, inhabiting mainly the Imphal valley and surrounding areas; the Scheduled Tribes, Nagas and Kukis, live in the hilly regions.

Since the 1960s, various militant groups have emerged in Manipur, claiming to represent the various demands and grievances of their respective ethnic communities; the Kukis and the Nagas, in particular, have been fighting for their separate homelanda struggle that naturally conflicts with the aim of the Meiteis to defend the States territorial integrity. Its long border with Myanmarwhich is ungoverned territoryand the fraternal and other ties between the militant groups across the border, compounds the security threat on Manipur. Against this backdrop, the following paragraphs outline the most crucial issues that have birthed and fueled the ethnic conflicts in Manipur.

Contestation over ethnic indigeneity

The very idea of what is Manipur fundamentally varies across the different ethnic communities that call the State their home. While there is some consensus among the majority of Meiteis and the Nagas over their common roots, the Kukis are seen as outsiders. The Kukis, for their part, claim to be equally indigenous to Manipura claim that the Meiteis contest. The much-cited Anglo-Kuki War by the Kukis to claim their indigeneity to Manipur is often contested by the Meiteis.

In August 2023, an FIR was filed against the author of the book, The Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19, Vijay Chenji; the petitioner, Federation of Haomee, a Meitei organisation, called the publication a fictional war that was being falsely disseminated widely creating an environment which disturbed the peace of the State.

Territorial integrity vs Demands for a separate homeland

The contestation over indigeneity has manifested itself in the decades-long clash between the fight for Manipurs territorial integrity, as asserted by the Meiteis, and the demands for separate homeland by the Kukis and the Nagas. The NSCN-IM-led militancy, for one, demands the creation of Nagalim-Greater Nagaland that covers a substantial portion of the Naga-majority areas in Manipur. In June 2001, the Government of India and the NSCN-IM signed the Bangkok Agreement that extended the three-year ceasefire including in the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur; the agreement was not accepted by the Meitei groups, and violent clashes killed 13 people in one day alone. Similarly, the Kukis demand for a Kukiland-Zalen-gam also causes apprehensions to the Meiteis. (To be contd)


In this article, we are going to discuss the 20 best rums for a refreshing Mojito. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global rum market, the most popular rum brand in the world, and the recent acquisitions in the rum industry, and go directly to 5 Best Rums for a Refreshing Mojito.

The Mojito is one of Cuba's best exports to the world. This rum-based highball is loaded with a unique flavor, has a fun style, and an appealing history. While the exact origins of the libation are lost in time, it is said that the original Mojito was a medicinal drink to curb disease on the island of Cuba. Back in the 16th century, an English explorer named Sir Francis Drake discovered the drink mixture as a cure for his crews dysentery and scurvy after an unsuccessful invasion of Havana.

Adding to the timeless classic concoctions popularity is the widely spread rumor that it was also Ernest Hemingways favorite drink. At the famous Havana cocktail lounge La Bodeguita del Medio, there is a quote on the wall penned supposedly by the iconic novelist himself Mi mojito en La Bodeguita, mi daiquiri en El Floridita. But aside from the celebrated handwritten note, there exists no evidence that Hemingway even drank Mojitos, or that he ever set foot in the joint. Yet, the marketing stunt seems to have worked and thousands flock to the historic bar in Old Havana every year to get their Hemingway Mojito.

Global Rum Market:

As we mentioned in our article  12 Countries that Produce the Best Rum in the World  the global rum market is estimated at $17.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $24.5 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.

Rum is building momentum and getting more popular in America. Today, the category is one of the most steadily growing and continues to benefit from several intersecting popularity shifts. In recent years, distillers have experimented with flavored rums, making the category much more versatile in offerings, and so today, flavored and spiced offerings account for over 57% of all rums sold.

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This highly mixable spirit also provides a key function in cocktail culture. While rum is a staple of on-premise tiki bars, it is also one of the only spirits for which its common to blend multiple varieties in the same cocktail. According to Bacardis 2022 Cocktail Trends Report, four of the top-10 best-selling cocktails are rum drinks, making the spirit a must-have for all on-premise programs.

Most Popular Rum Brand in the World:

The Filipino brand Tanduay bested all others to claim the top spot as the Best-Selling Rum in the World. The rum business of tycoon Lucio Tans LT Group sold 27.4 million nine-liter cases in 2022, up 16.1% from the 23.6 million cases sold in 2021. For comparison, the worlds No. 2 rum brand, Bacardi, sold 23.6 million cases last year, including the brands in its ready-to-drink portfolio. That means Tanduay sold nearly 4 million cases more than its closest rival.

In a release, the company attributed the brands robust growth to its aggressive international expansion, the rise of cocktail culture, and its diverse product offerings. Besides its home country of the Philippines, Tanduay Rum is present in 18 international markets as of July 2023. The brand has partnered with leading international spirits distributors to make its products available in different countries and has tapped leading bartenders to help promote its offerings.

In 2022, Tanduays consolidated revenue reached approximately $560 million, a 26% increase from the previous year.

Recent Acquisitions in the Rum Industry:

The growth of premium rum has been reflected in the merger and acquisition space in the past year. It was announced earlier this year that the Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) has completed the acquisition of the Diplomatico Rum brand and related assets from Destillers United Group S.L. (Spain), for an estimated $725 million. The spirits giant announced its agreement to purchase the brand in October 2022, giving it an entry into the growing super-premium rum category.

As part of the acquisition, Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) added a Panama-based aging, bottling, and shipping production facility to the company. Destillers United Group S.L. will continue to produce and age the unique, carefully-crafted, and complex Diplomatico Rum in their original distillery at the foot of the Andes mountains. Distributed in over 100 countries, Diplomatico Rum is a super-premium rum brand from Venezuela.

The Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) ranks among the 12 Best Alcohol Stocks to Own According to Hedge Funds.

Another industry giant that has recently been busy making deals in the rum industry is Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO). It was announced earlier this year that the spirits behemoth has completed the acquisition of Don Papa Rum. The upfront consideration was $276 million, with a further potential consideration of up to $188.6 million through to 2028 subject to performance, reflecting the brands current growth potential. Available in over 30 countries worldwide, Don Papa Rum is a super-premium dark rum from the Philippines.

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is counted among the Largest Alcohol Companies in the World in 2023.

With that said, here are the Most Delicious Rums for a Mojito.

20 Best Rums for a Refreshing Mojito

Methodology:

To collect data for this article, we referred to a number of sources, such as Liquor, VinePair, Mens Journal, Reddit etc., looking for the Best Rums for a Mojito. We picked rums that appeared at least thrice in these sources, assigned them a score based on their number of appearances, and ranked them accordingly. When two rums had the same score, we ranked them based on their ratings on Drizly.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

20. Cana Brava 3 Year Old Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 3

Cana Brava 3 year Old Panama Rum is aged in new American oak barrels, before being finished in Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey barrels - it is then carbon filtered to remove the coloring from aging but none of the complexity.

Cana Brava hails from the Don Pancho's Las Cabras distillery in Panama, where they use local molasses to make the aged rum from which this is blended.

19. The Street Pumas Panama Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 3

Rich in tropical fruit, vanilla, cocoa beans, and exotic spices, this is a dynamic white rum distilled from molasses in Panama at a site that shares lineage with the iconic distilleries of Nicaragua.

The Street Pumas Panama Rum is arguably one of the best rums to mix into a Mojito, Daiquiri, and several other cocktail recipes.

18. Bayou White Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 3

Bayou White Rum is the purest of the Bayou family with an enticing aroma of vanilla and banana. Made from locally sourced sugarcane, this beautifully smooth and versatile rum is distilled in traditional copper pot stills and bottled without aging, capturing the spirit's bright, crisp character.

It was announced in 2018 that the SPI Group has completed the acquisition of 100% of Bayou Rum owner Louisiana Spirits, two years after buying a majority stake in the business.

17. Plantation Original Dark Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 3

Plantation Original Dark Rum is a rich and intense style of Jamaica and Barbados rum, with their notes of plum, banana, and vanilla. The flavor is further enhanced by aging in Cognac casks in France, which adds fruitiness and spice.

Available in over 68 countries around the world, the Plantation Rum brand is owned by Maison Ferrand.

16. Appleton Estate Signature Blend Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 3

Crafted with Jamaican limestone-filtered water and no added flavors, Appleton Estate Signature Blend is a delicious blend of pot and column still rums, aged for an average of 4 years.

Appleton, along with the Wray & Nephew and Coruba Rum brands, was acquired by Gruppo Campari in December 2012, as part of the Italian giants purchase of the Jamaican company Lascelles deMercado & Co for $409 million. With 255,000 9-liter cases sold in America in 2021, Appleton Estate ranks among the Most Popular Rum Brands in the U.S.

15. Captain Morgan White Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 4

Captain Morgan White Rum is created from the finest of Caribbean rums and has a crisp, clean, and refreshing taste that is always worthy of the Captains attention.

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) got ownership of the Captain Morgan brand after its $8.15 billion joint acquisition of Seagram with Frances Pernod Ricard. The London-based company, which footed $5 billion of the bill, got the lions share of Seagrams portfolio.

14. Cruzan Aged Light Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 4

Exceptionally smooth, this expression is a blend of rums aged one to four years in American oak casks, then treated to a ltration process that brings out the full-bodied taste. The light color resembles that of chardonnay, a distinctive indication of its aging.

Although the Cruzan rum brand is now owned by the Japanese Beam Suntory, Inc., the founding Nelthropp family still operates the distillery and handles rum production. It was reported in 2022 that Beam Suntory is in talks with banks and potential suitors to possibly offload some brands, a move that could also include Cruzan Rum.

13. Don Q Cristal Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 4

Unlike most clear rums, Don Q uses a multiple distillation system to produce a cleaner, more refined, and more delicate flavor profile, so a Mojito made with Cristal will sip much smoother than a drink made with another rum.

Don Q, a multigenerational family rum brand, prides itself on its Puerto Rican roots. The label, produced by Destileria Serralles since 1865, is popular as the oldest operating distillery in Puerto Rico, as well as the islands best-selling rum. The brand has been available in the U.S. market since 2009.

At only $12.49, the Don Q Cristal Rum is counted among the Best Cheap White Rums for a Mojito.

12. SelvaRey White Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 4

SelvaRey White Rum is a unique blend of 3 and 5-year-old rums, aged in Bourbon barrels and charcoal filtered. The 3-year-old brings the youthful vibrancy of fresh-cut sugarcane, rounded out by the rich toffee notes of the 5-year-old rum.

SelvaRey Rum is a premium U.S.-based rum brand, co-owned by American pop/R&B/funk recording artist Bruno Mars.

11. Rhum Barbancourt White Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 5

Rhum Barbancourt is an especially fine rum, pot-stilled from fresh sugar cane juices to create a uniquely smooth taste to be enjoyed on the rocks, or with your favorite mixer.

Barbancourt is the most renowned rum out of Haiti, and perhaps also the most widely appreciated rum from the half-island by dint of being the most easily available, and affordable.

Rhum Barbancourt sits among the Best White Rums for a Mojito.

10. Banks 5 Island Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 6

Named after the famed explorer Sir Joseph Banks, this expression is a blend of 21 rums from five rum producing countries  Guyana, Trinidad, Barbados, Java, and Jamaica.

Originally formulated by master blender Arnaud de Trabuc, working with the American bartender Jim Meeham, Banks 5 Island Rum launched in August 2010. The brand was acquired by Bacardi in 2015.

9. El Dorado Rum - 3 Year Old

Insider Monkey Score: 6

Created on the banks of Demerara, the smooth and uniquely complex El Dorado aged rums represent over 300 years of Caribbean rum crafting. Laid down in oak barrels for at least three years, this rum is then double filtered through natural charcoal to remove color, resulting in a spirit that is incredibly smooth and versatile. This is the Perfect Rum for Mixing Cocktails.

8. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 8

Eclipse is the embodiment of the Mount Gay style, body, and aroma, which the Master Blender Trudiann Branker uses to blend every variety of Mount Gay Rum. For many, Eclipse is the reference by which all rum should be measured.

In 1989, the French spirits company Remy-Cointreau acquired the majority ownership in Mount Gay Distilleries, Ltd, and still owns the brand to this day. The alcohol giant has invested heavily in Mount Gay over the last decade, including a $19 million refinery in 2014 and a $9.7 million plantation the following year.

Mount Gay Eclipse is one of the Best Dark Rums for Mojitos.

7. The Real McCoy 3 Year Old Rum

Insider Monkey Score: 8

Produced at the Foursquare Distillery on the Caribbean island of Barbados, this offering from Real McCoy has been aged in American oak Bourbon barrels before enjoying a filtration process to remove the color imparted by the maturation, but not the flavor. As such, this rum lends itself well to use in flavorsome cocktails and mixed drinks.

Constellation Brands acquired a minority stake in The Real McCoy rum brand in 2018.

6. Diplomatico Planas

Insider Monkey Score: 9

Diplomatico Planas is the replacement for the brands Blanco Reserva. This Venezuelan white rum is aged for six years, the same as its predecessor, and the strength has been upped to 47% ABV. It's an elegant and rich blend, with a surprisingly intense taste for a white rum.

Diplomatico Planas is ranked among the Best Rums for Mojitos on Reddit.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Rums for a Refreshing Mojito.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 20 Best Rums for a Refreshing Mojito is originally published on Insider Monkey.
In a significant development, Darjeeling MP , Raju Bista today spoke to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about upliftment of some of the most marginalised sections of the society in North Bengal, shortly after the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Mr Modi in Delhi, on the issue of non disbursement of Central funds.

Today, I met PM Narendra Modi to seek his guidance and support for resolving the issues confronting the people of Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said. Modi ji has ensured the upliftment of some of the most marginalised sections of the society, and created policies, programs, and projects to ensure the empowerment of Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe, Other Backward Class, Economically Weaker Section, Physically Handicapped, Women and other magnisalised sections of our nation, MP Mr Bista said.

I am confident that our people and region will definitely get justice under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, adding, His unparalled dedication, tireless work, vision and mission of making India a developed country has been an inspiration for every Indian citizen.

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From 9 December, train services have stopped during the day due to third line expansion project work, which is causing difficulties for the devotees. The Tarapith Sebayet Samity has submitted a memorandum to the DRMs of Sealdah and Howrah division to resume train movement during the day from 24 December to 2 January for the benefit of the tourists.

Several thousands of tourists arrive during the last week of the December month to places like Tarapith, Bolpur, Bakreswar, Joydev-Kenduli etc due to winter holidays. MP of Birbhum and also a member of the standing committee of railways in Lok Sabha, Shatabdi Roy also supported the Tarapith Sebayet Samitys demand and said that if the work is stopped temporarily for 10-12 days there should not be any problems for the railways.

The demand of the samity is also genuine and I will also urge the both DRMs of Sealdah and Howrah to reconsider the decision to resume passenger train services during the day time, said Shatabdi Roy. Chatra-Murarai third line expansion work under Howrah division is going on since 9 December. It was scheduled to end on 21 December, but it has been further extended till 2 January leading to sudden problems for the lodge, hotel, resort, homestay owners and the other stakeholders in the tourism hotspots in Santiniketan-Bolpur, Bakreswar and Tarapith.

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We have sent a joint petition to the DRM of Howrah on Tuesday urging him to reconsider the decision. On Christmas and New Year maximum number of tourists visit but this year suddenly their arrival has become uncertain due to railway work. Important trains like Ganadevta Express, Intercity Express are not operating presently, he added. The state government with the help of the forest department has also redeveloped the Amkhoi Fossil and Wood Park. The newly-renovated fossil park also attracts lots of tourists.

There are over 300 hotels in the temple town of Tarapith and all the owners are once again staring at losses due to stoppage of trains during day time, said Sunil Giri, president of Tarapith Hotel Association.
In the sacred city of Varanasi, where the Ganges meanders through ancient ghats and ancient temples, a profound ritual unfolds daily along its riverbanksa ritual that has both captivated and confounded the imaginations of observers for centuries.

This mystifying practice of the burning of corpses in Hinduism, is a sacred act believed to liberate the soul, a step towards attaining salvation.

Journalist Radhika Iyengars debut book, Fire on the Ganges: Life among the Dead in Banaras, is based on the marginalised group of the Doms the individuals responsible for cremating corpses in Banaras, and whose livelihood is intimately tied to the morbidity that surrounds them. Mandated with the solemn duty of performing Hindu cremation rituals, the Doms, branded as untouchables, find themselves relegated to the lowest echelon of the caste hierarchy. The right to aspire is a privilege denied to these members of the Dalit sub-caste. The scant semblance of life they experience is intricately intertwined with the pyres ablaze on the ghats of the sacred city, and their societal value is inexorably linked to the departedquite literally deriving their social currency from the deceased.

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The narrative commences with the introduction of Dolly Chaudhary, a young widow whose husband, Sekond Lal Chaudhary, was a practitioner of the solemn task of cremating the deceased. On the night of her husbands cremation, Dolly is conspicuously absent, denied the opportunity to witness the final rites of her own spouse. The author sheds light on the prevailing belief within the community, asserting that women are deemed too fragile in spirit to endure the emotional rigours associated with the solemnity of cremation ceremonies. The community believed that women are too weak-hearted to be present at cremations, Iyengar writes. This cultural perception, deeply embedded in tradition, marks the inception of the book, underscoring the gendered norms and societal expectations that shape the experiences of individuals within the community of corpse-burners.

The sketch unfolds, delving deeper into the melancholic tale of Dolly, a widow barely in her thirties burdened with the responsibility of providing for her five children. Within the confines of the Dom community, the lives of its women, regardless of age or marital status, unfold against a backdrop of dimly lit homes where the routine revolves around the mundane tasks of cooking and cleaning utensils. The societal constraints are palpable; a married Dom woman can only venture beyond the communitys limits with a male companion, and unmarried women find themselves similarly tethered, unable to wander alone on a whim. The pervasive gaze of surveillance casts a shadow over every movement, enforcing a disheartening reality where women are perpetually under scrutiny.

In this oppressive environment, where a womans worth is intricately tied to the presence of her husband, Dollys story emerges as a poignant departure from the norm. Despite the patriarchal confines that seek to confine Dom women within domestic spheres, Dolly defies these constraints by courageously establishing her own shop. Her resilience becomes a flicker of light in the dimness, a testament to the strength required to carve out an identity beyond societal expectations and challenge the pervasive belief that a woman without her husband holds no intrinsic value.

Through her insightful interviews, author Radhika Iyengar skillfully unveils the nuanced emotions of the women featured in the narrative, allowing them to transcend the confines of stereotypical roles. Within the pages of the book, these women emerge as multifaceted and rebellious individualsconfident matriarchs, defiant daughters-in-law and ambitious young girlsbreaking free from the rigid societal expectations that seek to define them.

One notable figure is Komal, a young Brahmin girl residing in a Yadav colony, entangled in a forbidden romance with Lakshya, a Dom boy. In a narrative that echoes the pervasive societal norms in India, Komal finds herself burdened with the honour of her community once her clandestine relationship is exposed. The aftermath is a haunting tale of harassment and torment. However, Komal summons the strength within herself to take a daring step, one that holds the promise of a potentially better life. Another of these women with indomitable spirits is Kamala Devi. Her matriarchal strength is evident as she manages to sustain her home and provide for her nine children despite enduring an abusive marriage.

The book transcends the ethereal and legendary tales of life and rebirth, stories that have come to dominate the popular narrative surrounding the city of Banaras. Iyengar, instead, delves into the sombre reality of the business of death, shining a gloomy light on the narratives of labour that metaphorically and literally stoke the critical flames defining the city.

The poignant accounts unveil haunting imagesbones succumbing to the relentless grasp of flames, shrouds collected by children and exchanged for meagre sums, and the painstaking sifting through ashes and bones to salvage bits of metal, bartered for a modest reprieve in the form of a snack.

In the chronicles depths, a five-year-old confronts death for the first time, encountering the lifeless form of a man bearing the scars of violence with a sewn-up eye. A cremators revelation to Iyengar unveils the chilling reality that bodies, subjected to prolonged suffering from illness, injected with an array of fluids and medicines during their weeks in hospitals, demand a prolonged ritualsix to seven hours, compared to the customary threefor the fire to fully consume them. These grim revelations paint a haunting portrait of the profound struggles and realities faced by those ensnared in the relentless cycle of life, death, and the unforgiving flames that bridge the two.

Within the chapter titled Fleeing the Crabs, Iyengar meticulously captures a significant tale of mobility within the Dom communitya narrative centred around the life of Bhola Chaudhary, a 24-year-old who stands as a trailblazer by becoming the first from the Dom community to venture beyond the confines of Banaras and enrol in a private university. In this compelling account, readers are granted an intimate look into Bholas journey of assimilation into an environment far removed from the familiar streets of his hometown.

Iyengar unravels the complexities of Bholas experience as he navigates the challenges of fitting in among his more affluent peers, highlighting the palpable unease that accompanies interactions with those who hail from different socio-economic backgrounds. The tale delicately unfolds the layers of Bholas internal struggle, emphasising his hesitancy in divulging his origins to others. In a poignant moment, Bhola confesses, I dont let anyone know what or who I am, underscoring the weight of societal perceptions and the enduring struggle to define ones identity beyond the constraints of a predetermined narrative.

Fire on the Ganges is an insightful yet compassionate book that hits hard with its bare facts by examination of the systemic gaps within a highly stratified society that systematically marginalises the specific community of the Doms, depriving them of even the basic remnants of humanity.

Iyengar, in her work, deliberately emphasises the resilience and fortitude of the individuals she portrays, steering away from casting them solely as victims. Despite projecting an exterior of unwavering strength and an unsettling serenity, the women in the book harbour within them the latent embers of fury, feelings of betrayal, the weight of injustice and deep-seated resentment.

The book not only sheds light on the inherent complexities of the life of a Dom, but also serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit that propels these people toward paths of self-determination and the pursuit of a life that transcends the limitations set by society. The Doms, simmering with these unspoken emotions, embody a paradoxical blend of strength and vulnerability, challenging societal norms while maintaining a facade of resilience. Similar to their occupation, the flames within their souls persist, relentlessly striving to liberate themselves from the constraints of societal expectations. The key distinction lies in the perpetual nature of the fire within their spirits, never succumbing to extinguishment.

The reviewer is a journalist on the staff of The Statesman.
Nobel Prize winning author Abdulrazak Gurnahs novel Afterlives is a tale told by a master, full of silences and synapses, signifying much. His characters are outliers caught on the underside of things, suspended as they are, in the precarious penumbra of the periphery, being for the most part, subalterns on the sidelines of major historical phenomena such as colonialism, migrations, revolutions and wars.

The novel accomplishes a powerful convergence of several narratives, linked in terms of time, place and relationships. Khalifa, the first protagonist to be introduced, takes in Ilyas sister, Afiya who, in turn marries Hamza, these four characters being the focal figures in the novel. Interestingly, each of these four protagonists trails a complex history wrought through centuries of racial, tribal, commercial and cultural intermingling amongst the peoples of the Indian Ocean and East African coasts.

Afterlives is a novel about choices, or the lack thereof; of loss, abandonment and identity; of forced labour, and of great spasms of movement across the globe. Ilyas, for instance, is lost to his family twice. The first time, he is stolen by the German Schutztruppe, (the army of African mercenaries known as askari), though hes freed subsequently and sent to live on a farm where its owner had him educated at the mission school; and the second time around, he voluntarily joins the same outfit as an askari. Ilyas is never heard from again, and his family learns of his death decades later when Afiyas son (and Ilyas namesake) researches the truth about his uncles end in a concentration camp in World War II. Ilyas absence, which haunts Afiya throughout her life, enacts the epistemological ellipsis that is at the heart of Gurnahs storytelling.

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Afiya is abandoned twice, first by her father, (he gave her away,) and then by her brother. There are characters in the novel who are jettisoned by the system  some stranded in the sands left behind by colonialism; others (like Ilyas) tossed into the faultlines between ideologies and affiliations; and yet others, like the askari released abruptly in the middle of nowhere and left to fend for themselves. The unimaginable hardships endured by the latter, and their casual abandonment by European officers in the event of injury or incapacitation in combat, as also their desertion of the Schutztruppe when they could no longer take it, are all examples of kinds and degrees of abandonment.

While Afiya had been treated like an indentured labourer by the family which had taken her in, Hamza, too, had been practically sold into slavery to a merchant as collateral for his fathers accumulated debts. When Khalifa associated shame with such servitude, saying, To be bonded to another, to have your body and spirit owned by another human being, and asking if there was a greater shame than that? Hamza demonstrated the nobility and resilience of the human spirit affirming, The merchant did not own me body and spirit. Through chinks such as these the light shines through, illuminating the recesses and resources of mans infinite capacity for suffering and transcendence.

Afterlives is literally about life-changing developments in the lives of its protagonists, and how these contribute to rebirths of the same. It is as though the characters have several lifetimes packed into a single time span, so varied and incredible are their experiences.

The German colonial presence in the part of East Africa known as Deutsch Ostafrika  the repeated rebellions by local groups and different ethnic communities there, the war of attrition between the colonial powers, the defeat of Germany by Britain in World War I, and the introduction of British colonialism in these parts followed by the formation of independent Tanzania out of Tanganyika and Zanzibar constitute, in part, the seething scenarios of this compelling novel with its welter of travels, trades, and traumas.

Africa is a brooding presence in the novel, haunting it like the breezes of the kaskazi drawing stories to its shores; inhabiting it like a riff which resonates with its variations of pain and loss; it is, at the same time, the lingering perfume of the shekhiya as she tries to exorcise what she believes to be a spirit in the boy Ilyas. Africa is also the grieving woman who weeps and whispers through a bewildered and possessed child; the babel of the bazaars with their bewitching alchemy of accents  Arabic, Persian, Swahili, and Kiswahili, along with a host of other languages; and the primordial drumbeats of the heart.

You want me to tell you about myself as if I have a complete story but all I have are fragments snagged by troubling gaps, things I would have asked about if I could, moments that ended too soon or were inconclusive, says Hamza to Afiya when she desires to learn more about his past. This complete story, is what Gurnah sets out to tell like all good storytellers, but the fallible narrator of the novel is constrained by a lack of omniscience.

Such gaps are common in Gurnahs writing; they bear testimony to his aesthetic detachment from his characters, his historical objectivity with regard to their position in the larger unfolding of events, and his methodological honesty in allowing the tale to do the telling rather than assuming a magisterial familiarity with the totality of his fictional representation.

This should not come as a surprise as the reader has been prepared for such ideological inversions through earlier references to some of the African soldiers strong sense of affiliation with the European colonisers. The askari were, in fact, so merciless in pursuing their white masters cause that they left the land devastated, its people starving and dying in the hundreds of thousands They fought for the imperialists with a blind and murderous embrace of a cause whose origins they did not know and whose ambitions were vain and ultimately intended for their domination.

An attitude which is inexplicable under the circumstances gains a particular intensity during the Battle of Mahiwa fought between the imperial German and British forces in 1917 in the East African Campaign of World War 1. At this stage of the war, most of the soldiers involved in combat were Africans and Indians: troops from Nyasaland and Uganda, from Nigeria and the Gold Coast, from the Congo and from India, and on the other side, the African schutztruppe. The askari, their wives, children and carriers died of blackwater fever, crocodile attacks, malaria, dysentery and exhaustion when they were not killed in battle and yet, there was scarcely any recognition of their extraordinary contribution. The narrator observes ironically, Later these events would be turned into stories of absurd and nonchalant heroics, a sideshow to the great tragedies in Europe but for those who lived through it, this was a time when their land was soaked in blood and littered with corpses.

Afterlives is history, drama, political critique and social ethnography in the form of literature written in the most lucid and luminous prose. It shows how cataclysms at the centre of things convulse the margins in far-reaching seismic waves  causing movements that uproot and transplant characters in different quarters of the globe. And through it all, one sees among other tendencies, the quest for survival, and in that context is reminded of William Faulkners Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech which attests that man will not merely endure: he will prevail.
Continuing her inspections following sewer complaints from the public, Delhi Water Minister Atishi inspected various parts of Chandrawal village in Model Town Assembly constituency.

Upon observing the dismal condition of the sewer, she pulled up the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials and issued a show cause notice for negligence in the maintenance of sewers in the area.

During the inspection, residents informed Atishi that inadequate cleanliness causes sewer overflow on the streets, making it difficult for them to carry out daily activities. Additionally, people mentioned that despite informing officials about their issues, the officers tend to ignore them. Despite repeated complaints, no steps have been taken to resolve the sewer problem, and officials are not willing to listen to the issues raised by the people.

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Taking immediate cognizance of public complaints, the Delhi Water Minister reprimanded officials. She stated that the Kejriwal government will not tolerate this negligence. Officials must always be accountable to the public, and if any official shows negligence, they should be prepared for strict action against them. Simultaneously, for the deplorable condition of the sewer in the area, the responsible officer was directed to provide an answer to the show-cause notice with the reasons. The officials were instructed to swiftly address all sewer problems in the area within a week.

During the inspection, she found that sewage was overflowing in many lanes, causing significant inconvenience to the residents and damaging the streets. Upon seeing the flowing sewage in the streets, the Delhi Water Minister pulled up the officials, stating that there is no place for such negligence in the Kejriwal government.

In this regard, she sternly directed the officials that within the week, the sewer lines in the area should be cleaned, and a report on this should be submitted to her. Additionally, she emphasized the need to prepare a plan for the permanent solution to the sewer problem, including the replacement of sewer lines where necessary.

The Delhi Water Minister stated that the Delhi Jal Boards responsibility is to provide people with clean water and improve the sewer system. If officials are unable to fulfill this responsibility towards the public, they should resign from their jobs. The Kejriwal government will not tolerate such negligence towards the public, she said.
The Delhi unit of the BJP on Thursday staged a protest against the Opposition in the wake of Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicking Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.

At a demonstration held at Jantar Mantar here under the leadership of its Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva, members of the saffron party accused Banerjee, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other leaders from the Opposition of violating the dignity of the Parliament.

Addressing the members, Sachdeva said, This demonstration is against the mentality of the Congress and the Opposition which are trying to break the integrity of the country. It is against the undemocratic ideology of Congress and the Opposition.

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The Vice President, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha are not just a post but they are institutions, but they are attacking those institutions. Delhi and the country will never forgive this behavior, he said.

Noting that the way Banerjee mimicked the Vice President holding a constitutional post in front of Parliament and Gandhi has made a video of it, Sachdeva said, It is a very indecent act. This kind of behavior inside the Parliament premises is unforgivable.

Attacking the Congress, the Delhi BJP chief further said, If the son of a poor farmer occupies such a big position from the grassroots level, then the Congress can not tolerate this.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Ramveer Singh Bidhuri demanded that West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee expel MP Banerjee from the party.

Video of the TMC parliamentarian mimicking the Rajya Sabha chairman had gone viral on social media on Tuesday. Gandhi was seen recording the act.
In this article, we will be looking at the 25 best online math degree programs heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Online Math Degree Programs Heading Into 2024.

Data Science as a Viable Career for Math Graduates

Mathematics is a versatile and fundamental discipline that applies to various fields; therefore, many occupational opportunities are available after getting a degree in mathematics. According to the US Bureau of Statistics, data science is estimated to be the fastest-growing occupational prospect for workers with a math degree. The projected growth rate for workers with a mathematics degree in the data science industry is 35% between 2022 and 2032. The increasing prevalence and integration of data science solutions across various industries is anticipated to drive swift and substantial growth.

According to a report by Precedence Research, the global data science platform market was valued at $129.72 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2% from 2024 to 2032 and reach $501.03 billion by the end of the forecasted period. Data handling plays a significant role in business expansion. Enterprises are employing data-driven strategies to make operational decisions. Data science has become a vital operational requirement, especially for firms going through a digital transformation. The increasing role of data science platforms in business will fuel market growth in the coming years.

The advancement of other technologies, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, is anticipated to propel the growth of the data science platform market during the forecasted period.

In 2022, North America was the most dominant region in the global data science platform market. The region accounted for 36% of the global market revenue in 2022. Europe had the second-highest share of market revenue during the same year. The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing region for data science platforms during the forecasted period.

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Major Players in the Data Science Space

Alteryx Inc (NYSE:AYX) is one of the most prominent names in the data science platforms industry. Alteryx Analytics Automation Platform enables data scientists to accelerate development of machine learning models and focus on insights with analytics automation. On December 18, Alteryx Inc (NYSE:AYX) announced that it had agreed to be acquired by Clearlake Capital Group, LP and Insight Partners. The transaction is valued at $4.4 billion, including debt. The acquisition is estimated to close in the first half of 2024, leading to Alteryx Inc (NYSE:AYX) becoming a privately held company.

Splunk (NASDAQ:SPLK) is another noteworthy name in the data science industry. The data-to-everything platform by Splunk (NASDAQ:SPLK) enables users to turn data into business outcomes. On September 21, Splunk (NASDAQ:SPLK) announced that it had entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO). The acquisition aims to transition organizations from threat detection and response to threat prediction and prevention. The transaction is set to close by the end of the third quarter of 2024.

Domo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DOMO) is another major player in the data science space. The Data Experience Platform by Domo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DOMO) provides end-to-end tools for data science, including visualizing results to optimize data science pipelines. On November 30, the company reported earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. The company's revenue for the quarter grew by 0.82% and amounted to $79.68 billion, ahead of market consensus by over $651,000. Here are some comments from the company's earnings call:

"In Q3, we were able to exceed guidance for our key top-line metrics, including revenue, subscription revenue, and billings. A highlight in the quarter is that we had our highest operating income in history of $5 million and our highest operating margin in history of 6%. Over the past few years, and especially the last few quarters, we have been incubating critical pivots that are finally coming together. They are clear and powerful priorities that are removing friction and strengthening our ability to deliver unmatched value to the market. Specifically, several years ago, we decided to test an idea: "What would customers do if they had unlimited access to features for an unlimited number of users and all visualization for free?" It was a simple value prop to customers. Pay for the value you are realizing. Well, after positive feedback, we decided to run an even broader pilot last year, and the pilot proved to be a smash hit. We now feel like we've reached critical mass with over 20% of our ARR on the consumption model. As we continue to look at the results from this very large sample size, we feel very confident in making the decision and saying we're going all in on consumption. By the end of next year, we expect to have the vast majority of our revenue on the consumption model. Again, we now have over 400 customers on consumption contracts, representing over 15% of our customer base and over 20% of our ARR. When customers move to consumption, we are seeing user counts growing at almost 3 times the speed of seat-based customers."

Pursuing a degree in math opens a variety of occupational prospects other than data science. The ease and flexibility of online education have made it a popular choice for students looking to balance personal and professional commitments. We have made a list of the best online math degree programs heading into 2024.

25 Best Online Math Degree Programs Heading Into 2024

25 Best Online Math Degree Programs Heading Into 2024

Our Methodology

To make our list of the best online math degree programs heading into 2024, we have used a consensus methodology. We consulted four sources, including Intelligent.com, OnlineU, My Degree Guide, and Best Colleges. We extracted programs that appeared in at least 2/4 of our sources. We made our selections by examining the average rankings for each program across our sources. To calculate the average ranks, we summed the individual ranks for each program across the sources it appeared in and divided it by the number of sources it appeared in. The list has been arranged in descending order of the calculated average ranks.

25 Best Online Math Degree Programs Heading Into 2024

25. University of Arizona

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 26.5

The University of Arizona has a completely online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the program. The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

24. Chadron State College

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 21.5

Chadron State College has one of the best online math degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers a completely online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program. Chadron State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. University of Texas

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 16

The University of Texas has an online Bachelor of Science in Math degree program. The program consists of 328 credits overall. The online course enables students to complete the courses at their own pace. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

22. Indiana University

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 15.5

Indiana University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree. The courses are delivered through the Indiana University online platform. 120 credits are required for completion. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

21. Indian River State College

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 14.5

Indian River State College has one of the best online math degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers an Associate of Arts degree program in Math. 60 credit hours are required for the completion of the degree. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. National University

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.5

National University has its headquarters in San Diego, California. The university offers a variety of online degree programs in math along with 4-week courses. The flexibility of online classes enables students to learn at their own pace.

19. Midway University

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 11

Midway University offers a completely online undergraduate math degree program. The course has a focus on logic, problem-solving, and data analysis. The online degree program prepares students for successful professional careers.

18. Eastern New Mexico University

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 10

Eastern New Mexico University has one of the best online graduate degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers a completely online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in math. Students can access the online recorded lectures via Canvas and Mediasite.

17. SUNY Brockport

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 9.5

SUNY Brockport offers a variety of online math degree programs, including a Master of Science in Education: Adolescence Mathematics program. The program is designed for students aspiring to become teachers. The program requires 30 credits for completion and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

16. Texas A&M University

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 9

Texas A&M University offers an online Master of Science in Mathematics program. 36 semester hours are required for the completion of the program. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

15. Central Methodist University

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 9

The Central Methodist University offers a completely online MS in Mathematics degree program. 32 credit hours are required for graduation. The flexibility of online education enables students to get a higher education while managing other personal and professional commitments.

14. American Public University

Number of Mention: 2

Average Ranking Across Sources: 2.5

American Public University offers one of the best online graduate degree programs heading into 2024, including a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program. The program requires 120 credit hours for completion. The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

13. Mercy University

Number of Mention: 3

Average Ranking Across Sources: 20.7

Mercy University offers a BA in Mathematics degree program. The program requires 120 credit hours for completion. The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

12. University of North Dakota

Number of Mention: 3

Average Ranking Across Sources: 13.7

University of North Dakota offers completely online Bachelor's in Mathematics and Master's in Mathematics. The online programs enable students to finish the courses at their own pace. The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

11. University of Illinois Springfield

Number of Mention: 3

Average Ranking Across Sources: 11.3

University of Illinois Springfield has one of the best online math degree programs heading into 2024. The university offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Sciences program. The program is designed for transfer students who are anticipated to have approximately 60 credits from another institution.

10. Louisiana State University

Number of Mention: 3

Average Ranking Across Sources: 8.7

Louisiana State University has a completely online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program. The program requires 120 credits for completion. The program provides a convenient way for students to learn on their schedule.

9. Thomas Edison State University

Number of Mention: 3

Average Ranking Across Sources: 8.7

Thomas Edison State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics program. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours for graduation. The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university also offers an Associate Degree in Natural Sciences and Mathematics program.

8. Maryville University

Number of Mention: 3

Average Ranking Across Sources: 8.3

Maryville University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

7. Indiana University East

Number of Mention: 3

Average Ranking Across Sources: 5.7

Indiana University East offers an online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program. 120 credits are required for the completion of the program. Indiana University East also offers an online Undergraduate Certificate in Pure Mathematics program.

6. Bellevue University

Number of Mention: 3

Average Ranking Across Sources: 5

Bellevue University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Online Math Degree Programs Heading Into 2024.

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Disclosure: None. 25 Best Online Math Degree Programs Heading Into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey.
MPs from the Opposition parties took to streets of the national capital on Thursday over the suspension of MPs from the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

The MPs, including those suspended, marched from Parliament to Vijay Chowk this morning. They were joined by Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar.

During the demonstration, the protesting MPs shouted slogans while holding aloft placards, and banner against the ruling dispensation.

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Attacking the government, they shouted, Stop murder of the democracy.

Democracy is under siege.Why is the Prime Minister silent (on security breach in Parliament ), read the placards.

Addressing the media, Kharge questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah why they have not given a statement in both Houses of Parliament over the recent security breach.

Attacking the Prime Minister, the Congress chief said,He should come and speak in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as per law. But, he is speaking (on security breach in Parliament) everywhere and didnt turn up in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha . This is really condemnable. It is violation (of rules) and becomes a privilege case.

Accusing the ruling party people of disturbing the Parliament proceedings, Kharge said, Yesterday, we were only 10 people . We were demanding discussion (on security breach) in the House. It happened for the first time that the Parliamentary Affairs Minister along with 120 MPs was standing in Rajya Sabha and were shouting slogans. This shows they dont have faith in democracy. They dont want discussion.

We, the people of India need to save democracy. Passing important legislations by suspending Opposition MPs is not democracy. It is the worst kind of authoritarianism, he said.

The Congress chief asserted that the future generations will not forgive them, if do not raise our voices against the dictatorship of the ruling dispensation.

He also informed that they will hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Friday as party of the nationwide protest against the government over suspension of MPs.

It may be mentioned that INDIA alliance during its fourth meeting on Tuesday announced to hold a countrywide protest on December 22 in this regard.

Echoing a similar sentiment, NCP chief said, This had never happened before in the history of Parliament (over suspension of MPs). There was one demand, a statement from the government (on security breach).
Four soldiers were killed and three others were seriously injured on Thursday afternoon when terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in the Rajouri district of Jammu division. Security forces have trapped the terrorists and an encounter was underway.

Confirming the incident, Defence spokesman Lt. Colonel Suneel Bartwal said: At approximately 3:45 pm on 21 December, two Army vehicles carrying troops were moving to the operational site, which were fired upon by the terrorist. The fire was immediately retaliated upon by our own troops.

Three soldiers died on the spot and another succumbed while being shifted to hospital.

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Two of the killed soldiers were of 89 Armd Regiment, one of 15 GARH Rifles and the driver of ASC. The two injured soldiers are of 88 Armd Regiment and one of Signals.

An operation was being conducted in the general area Dera ki Gali (DKG), Thanamandi, Rajouri, since the night of 20 December.

Operations are in progress. Further details are being ascertained, he added.

Reports said that the Army Vehicle of 48 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) C Company was fired upon in an ambush by terrorists near the Dhatyar Morh between DKG and Bafliaz.

Ambulances, troops of 48RR and 43RR have rushed to the encounter spot. Public movement on the strategic road has been restricted.

The Army vehicle was carrying jawans from Bufliaz, where a cordon-and-search operation against terrorists has been underway since Wednesday.

Lt Colonel Bartwal said that based on hard intelligence, a joint operation was launched in general area DKG last night, contact has been established today evening and an encounter is in progress.

In a related incident, terrorists had on Wednesday tossed an explosive at the 6th Battalion J&K Armed Police camp in Surankot (Poonch) resulting in damage to vehicles parked in the complex.

A joint team of the Army, paramilitary forces and police launched a joint operation but the terrorists managed to escape. The same terrorist group is now believed to have been trapped by the security forces.
The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, the three Bills to replace the existing Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Indian Evidence Act, on Thursday received Parliamentary approval after being passed by the Rajya Sabha.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar adjourned the Rajya Sabha sine die, giving a short summary of the Winter Session, after the passage of the three Bills.

The three Bills were already passed by the Lok Sabha. Home Minister Amit Shah told the Upper House that the new laws will be victim-centric and give time-bound justice. Terrorism has been defined for the first time. Trials in absentia will be allowed when criminals abscond after heinous crimes.

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The Raj-droha clause, which was used for years since the British rule for crime against government, has been deleted, but those who work against Bharats unity, sovereignty and integrity will be held accountable, and charged with Desh-Droha (crime against nation).

The Home Minister said the system of tareekh pe tareekh will not continue and justice will be expedited, with time-limits fixed for all, police, lawyers and courts. Chargesheets will need to be filed in 90 days and plea bargaining will be filed in 30 days only. India will have the most modern criminal justice system, created by Indians for Indians, the Home Minister said.

Mr Shah said there were wide consultations on the Bills. The whole system will be digitally linked. National data banks will be integrated, along with data on economic crimes, terrorist cases, and human trafficking cases.

These are victim-centric laws, to give him justice and respect his honour, he said. Crimes against women and children have been advanced in the list of crimes in the new law. Those who take victims of an accident to hospital will be treated differently, other than those who run away after hit and run.

Organised gangs and multi-State gangs will be tackled, he said. First time crime will be treated differently; there will be scope for community service; justice will be cheaper, and a director of prosecution will be there for every district.

The Narendra Modi government has enacted laws to end laws passed by the British Parliament, Mr Shah said, and only those wearing Italian glasses will not be able to see the changes in the new laws. Provisions have been deleted and modified. Mob lynching has been specified; 21 new crimes have been added and punishment increased in several existing crimes.

Forensic science will be applied easily with the availability of freshly trained manpower, the Home Minister said. Many escape punishment due to insufficiency of evidence. Forensic inputs will not allow this in future.

Cases against Government officials will proceed in 120 days, even if there is no consent by the concerned departments. Those who serve substantial terms in jails will get allowance in bails. There will be attachment of property of criminals. Case property vehicles with police stations will be disposed of.

Government steps have brought down incidents of terrorism by 63 per cent in the North East and Kashmir, he said. The Government has fulfilled its promises; on 22 January, there will be pran-pratishtha of the Ram temple in Ayodhya; 33 per cent quota for women has been given already.
The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday asked political parties and their representatives not to use derogatory or insulting references on persons with disabilities (PwDs) during any public statement or political campaign.

Issuing a set of guidelines to nudge political parties to move towards respectful discourse for PwDs, the poll panel has urged the parties and their candidates to abide by the guidelines in letter and spirit as they are an important stakeholder in the electoral process.

The Commission has been made aware of use of derogatory or offensive language in the political discourse about PwDs. Usage of such semantics in speech/ campaign by members of any political parties or their candidates can be interpreted as an affront to the PwDs, it said.

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Citing the common examples of ableist language are words like dumb (gunga), retarded (pagal, sirphira), blind (andha, kana), deaf (behra), lame (langda, lula, apahij), etc., the poll panel said. It is necessary to avoid usage of such derogatory language. PwDs have to be accorded justice and respect in political discourse/campaign, it added.

Political parties and their representatives should not use disability/ PwDs or terms referring to disability/ PwDs in the context of human incapacity during any public speech, in their writings/articles, or political campaign.

They should strictly avoid comments related to disabilities/PwDs that may be offensive or perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices, read the guidelines shared by the EC.

It further said, Any usage of such language, terminology, context, mockery, derogatory references or insult to PwDs as mentioned in points (i), (ii) and (iii) may attract provisions of Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.

All campaign materials, including speeches, social media posts, advertisements, and press releases, must undergo an internal review process within the political party to identify and rectify any instances of ableist language, offensive or discriminatory towards individuals/PwDs, it added.

In its guidelines, the poll panel further said, All political parties shall use rights-based terminologies as mentioned in CRPD (Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and not incline towards any other terminology. They may make their website and social media content digitally accessible to allow accessible interaction with PwDs.

All political parties may provide a training module on disability for party workers at all levels of political process and shall appoint nodal authority to hear complaints from PwDs pertaining to usage of ableist language.
The financial outlay for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme from financial year 2023-2024 to 2027-28 is Rs 13,000 crore, MSME minister Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma told Parliament on Thursday.

For fiscal 2023-24, Rs 1,860 crore was allocated which for 2024-25, Rs 4,824 crore; for 2025-26, Rs 3,009 crore; 2026-27, Rs 1,619 crore; 2027-28, Rs 1,224 crores have been allocated by the government under the scheme, according to written reply in the Lok Sabha.

As on December 18, 2023, as per PM Vishwakarma Portal, 57,815 applications have been registered for availing the benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

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As informed by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, a total 177 candidates have completed the Basic training and 133 candidates have been assessed and certified as on December 17, 2023. The payment of stipend to the Basic Training certified Vishwakarmas is currently under process in Public Finance Management System (PFMS).

The data from Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) showed over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months has been received under the scheme.

The objective of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is to enable and provide support to artisans and craftspeople in the 18 trades.

The scheme provides the recognition of artisans and crafts people as Vishwakarma, helps in skill upgradation, support for better and modern tools, provide an easy access to collateral free credit and reduced cost of credit through interest subvention, incentives for digital transactions to encourage digital empowerment of Vishwakarmas, and provides a platform for brand promotion and market linkages to help them access new opportunities for growth.

The 18 trades that are covered under the scheme are: Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor ,Stone breaker, Cobbler, Mason, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll and Toy Maker, Barber, Garland maker, Washerman, Tailor, and Fishing Net Maker.
The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to construct flats for the poor on 2,000 square metres of land seized from mafia don Mukhtar Ansari in the prime Dalibagh area of the state capital.

The land in question belonged to enemy property in Dalibagh, which was in the possession of the jailed gangster.

The Lucknow Development Authority( LDA) had recently seized the land, and it is all set to build 72 affordable flats in two four-storey apartments for the weaker sections of the society.

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Two apartments of 36 flats each will be built. These houses will be allotted to the poor by the District Urban Development Authority (DUDA) and will be ready in a year, a source said.

Sources said LDA will start the construction work within a week. The contract to build the apartment has been given to a private company for Rs 3.50 crore and the average cost of a flat will be Rs 4.50 lakh, they added.

Ansari, the five-term BSP MLA, has been behind bars since 2005 and currently remains lodged in Banda prison.

In April 2023, he was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for killing BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai.
Emphasising that the case of eight former Indian Navy personnel on death row in Qatar was important for the country, India on Thursday said the government was doing everything to see how they could be brought back home.

At a media briefing here, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the matter was currently in the Court of Appeal in Qatar. Three hearings in the case have been held so far on 23 and 30 November and 7 December. The Indian ambassador in Qatar has got consular access to the eight Indians.

He said he could not share any more information on the issue since Qatar has not officially communicated anything to India. He said he had no information on whether any Indians were among the prisoners who were pardoned on Qatars National Day on 18 December.

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Qatars Court of First Instance awarded death sentences to the eight former Indian Navy officials, who have been in prison since August 2022, on 26 October without specifying charges against them. India said the ruling was deeply shocking and expressed its decision to explore all legal options in the case.
The Delhi Police has reportedly detained a software engineer, Sai Krishna, from Karnatakas Vidyagiri in connection with the Parliament security breach case.

Krishna, the son of a retired cop, was reportedly in contact with the main accused Manoranjan D.

Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma entered the Parliament after getting passes form Mysore BJP MP Pratap Simha and set off smoke canisters inside the Lok Sabha. Both of them remain in police custody along with four other associates. Advertisement No action has been taken against the BJP MP yet and he has reportedly told the Lok Sabha Speaker that he was not aware of their intentions.

The incident took place on December 13 when Manoranjan and Sharma jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from visitors gallery and set off smoke canisters inside the House.

The intruders also shouted slogans against the government and reportedly wanted to give Prime Minister Narendra Modi PM Missing pamphlets. However, the PM was not present in the House at the time of the incident.

Almost at the same time, their two other associates  Neelam and Amol Shinde  released yellow smoke and shouted slogans against the government. The police arrested all the four accused and produced them before a Delhi court which sent them to seven days custody. Later, the police also arrested two more individuals  Lalit Jha, the alleged mastermind of the entire incident, and Mahesh Kumawat. The accused have told the police that they were upset over the unemployment and others issues and wanted to draw governments attention towards them. The police, however, is looking for all the possibilities and investigation is underway to ascertain whether any terror outfit was involved in the act. The incident has triggered massive uproar in the Parliament with Opposition MPs demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shahs statement on how the breach incident happened in one of the countrys most secured premises. They are also demanding action against the BJP MP on whose behalf the intruders were issued entry passes.
Keralas capital city witnessed tense moments for the second consecutive day as the Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the Congress, led protest march to the state Police Headquarters at Vazhuthacaud against the police atrocities being meted out to them during the course of Nava Kerala Sadas, turned violent on Thursday.

During the course of the march from KPCC office  Indira Bhavan  the KSU activists damaged several posters and banners of Nava Kerala Sadas. The police resorted to lathi charges and water cannons against the KSU protesters when they tried to jump the barricades.

They allegedly hurled chilli powder at the police. Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and KSU State President Alosious Xavier sustained injuries in the police action. Several KSU protesters including a few women were also injured in the melee.

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The KSU activists alleged that the police started a lathi charge without any provocation, Aloysius Xavier and Mathew Kuzhalnadan alleged that they were cornered and beaten up. The injured activists were taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

The Police treated us as if we were goondas. Its a quotation gang that is protecting the Chief Minister. Those police who are working for the CPM should get rid of their uniforms and come out. We all will face the Police in the streets. Can the Chief Minister take a cue from the Governor and walk through the streets without the accompaniment of police security, asked Kuzhalnadan.

The secretariat march organized by the Congress in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday turned violent. Several policemen and Youth Congress workers sustained injuries in the violence that erupted during the march that was organized in protest against the attack on KSU and Youth Congress workers, who had raised opposition to the Nava Kerala Sadas.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Police filed a case against Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, naming him as the prime accused in the violence that occurred during the Youth Congress march to the state secretariat on Wednesday.

In response to the police action, Satheesan mocked the charges against him and wrote on Facebook, Please tell the Chief Minister that I have got scared.
The Ladakh administration on Thursday temporarily banned expeditions to Stok Kangri mountain range near Leh in view of depleting glacier.

The order covers the Army, Air Force, paramilitary forces and travel agencies, an official said.

In view of depletion of Stok mountain glacier and environmental issues, all kinds of expeditions to the region have been temporarily closed and restricted with immediate effect, he said.

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Stok Kangri was also closed in December 2019 for trekking and climbing from 2020 to 2023 due to overtourism. The interval was meant to give the region a chance to recuperate.

Stok Kangri is a favourite trekking route for foreign and domestic tourists. The 20,187 feet Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the Stok Range of the Zazkar Mountains, a trans-Himalayan mountain in the Ladakh region of north India. The peak is located in Hemis National Park and is around 15 km southwest of the city of Leh, the capital of Ladakh.

Despite its high altitude, Stok Kangri is a popular trekking peak and is often climbed as an initial non-technical foray into high altitude mountaineering.

However, the difficulty of Stok Kangri is often underestimated and the need to acclimatise before and during the ascent makes Stok Kangri an enduring challenge.
Overseas Chinese talent conference for development underway in east China

Xinhua) 08:35, December 21, 2023

The opening ceremony of First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development is held in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

FUZHOU, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development kicked off Wednesday in the city of Fuzhou, east China's Fujian Province.

More than 1,000 guests from 37 countries and regions are participating in the conference, and will conduct exchanges and engage in cooperation concerning overseas Chinese talent and economic development in key fields, according to the organizers of the event.

The conference, jointly hosted by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the provincial government of Fujian, will run until Friday.

During the event, a series of activities, including academic exchanges and exhibitions on the fruits of innovation, are scheduled to take place.

Fuzhou is well-known for being the hometown of a large number of Chinese who now reside abroad. According to statistics, there are more than 4.3 million overseas Chinese from Fuzhou currently living in over 170 countries and regions.

In recent years, Fuzhou has been optimizing the business environment for overseas Chinese. Since 2022, Fuzhou has introduced 17 projects involving overseas Chinese, with a total contracted foreign investment totaling 531 million U.S. dollars.

Visitors walk out of the venue of the Career Fair of the First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

People visit the Career Fair of the First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

This aerial photo taken on Dec. 20, 2023 shows a view of the Fuzhou Strait International Conference & Exhibition Center, the venue for the First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Participants walk in the venue of the First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Job seekers consult with employers during the Career Fair of the First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 20, 2023. The event is expected to provide over 20,000 job vacancies. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Job seekers view information during the Career Fair of the First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 20, 2023. The event is expected to provide over 20,000 job vacancies. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Job seekers consult with an employer during the Career Fair of the First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 20, 2023. The event is expected to provide over 20,000 job vacancies. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Job seekers consult with an employer during the Career Fair of the First Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 20, 2023. The event is expected to provide over 20,000 job vacancies. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ADA, Asia's largest independent Data and Digital Transformation company, proudly announced its great wins at the prestigious Effie Awards for its work in partnership with clients in Sri Lanka. The Effie Awards, a globally recognized symbol of marketing effectiveness, annually celebrate campaigns that showcase exceptional strategy, creativity, and measurable impact. In a resounding testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation, ADA secured gold, silver, and bronze honours across diverse categories.

Elevating Brands through Data-driven Creativity, and Precise Targeting

ADA won The Gold Effie Award in Media Category for their Data Driven approach to digital campaigns. Recognizing the need for a shift from authority-driven campaigns to peer-led discovery, ADA aimed to democratize the journey to success for every young individual. The idea was simple yet powerful: craft authentic, peer-driven content that champions self-reliance as the key to every youth's self-empowerment.

Bringing this idea to life involved conditioning youth with unbranded drama, strategically retargeting them with branded calls-to-action, and ultimately achieving ground-breaking results. This recognition showcases ADA's excellence in utilizing data as a powerful tool to drive successful marketing campaigns.

In the highly competitive Product & Services arena, specifically Non-Profit/Pro-Bono/Public Service, ADA has been honoured with the Silver Effie Award. This recognition highlights ADA's dedication to bringing insights and data-driven digital campaigns to non-profit sector, supporting the ecosystem to make a positive impact on society in more efficient and targeted manner.

For its outstanding work in capturing the attention of a Speciality Audience, ADA won the Bronze Effie Award in Youth Marketing. Breaking traditional boundaries, ADA universal content strategy successfully democratized career guidance, reaching a diverse array of Sri Lankan youth like never before. This recognition not only reflects ADA's ability to connect with the youth demographic but also underscores the organization's creativity and effectiveness in reaching this audience.

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Furthermore, ADA's commitment to Positive Change and Social Good is evident in its receipt of the Silver Effie Award in the Positive Change-Social Good-Brands, Non-Profit category. This recognition acknowledges ADA's efforts in driving meaningful change and making a positive contribution to both brands and non-profit causes.

ADA Earns Prestigious Effie Awards, Achieving Gold, Silver, and Bronze Accolades for Excellence

ADA's Regional Head of Southeast Asia, Sanjini Munaweera, expressed gratitude for the esteemed recognition, stating, "Receiving the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Effie Awards is a tremendous honour for ADA. It is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our team in delivering impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. These accolades motivate us to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence in our industry."

Arosha Perera, Director Communications of IESC YouLead added, "ADA's innovative approach and precise targeting significantly contributed to the campaign's effectiveness, proving that data-driven insights are the key to achieving remarkable results in the competitive media landscape. Their dedication to excellence and strategic brilliance have elevated our brand's impact and resonance with our audience."

ABOUT ADA



ADA offers a comprehensive suite of services that empower enterprises and brands to drive data and digital transformation across Asia. The company has a multi-faceted, data-driven approach that encompasses:



- Data Transformation Services: Drawing expertise from data analytics, data engineering, and Customer Data Platform (CDP) services, ADA helps brands make data-informed decisions, optimize data infrastructure, and manage customer data effectively for personalized and efficient marketing efforts.

- Marketing Solutions: This entails performance marketing, enabling clients to efficiently target consumers on platforms like social media, native ads, display ads, and search marketing. Additionally, ADA offers creative solutions tailored to boost user engagement and conversion rates. The segment also involves marketing technology transformation, which includes consultation on the implementation of managed services. These services equip brands to deliver outstanding customer experiences using advanced technology platforms.

- E-commerce Solutions: ADA assists brands with comprehensive store management, ensuring smooth operations on various platforms such as marketplaces, social channels, third-party messaging channels, and proprietary websites.

- Customer Engagement Solutions: Enterprises leverage these solutions to improve customer support. It facilitates real-time communication with consumers through channels like SMS, WhatsApp, and other popular messaging applications.

ADA maintains a robust presence in Asia with 12 offices spread across the region and employs approximately 1,400 professionals. The company's dual headquarters are in Singapore and Malaysia. Notably, ADA's shareholders include industry giants like Softbank, Axiata, Mitsui, and Sumitomo Corporation.

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View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ada-shines-bright-at-the-prestigious-effie-awards-securing-gold-silver-and-bronze-accolades-for-exceptional-excellence-302020538.html

SOURCE ADA
The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.

The Bill seeks to regulate the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and two election commissioners (ECs).

The Bill, which has already been passed by the Rajya Sabha, retained the status of ECs on par with that of the Supreme Court judges.

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Now, the CEC and two ECs will be appointed by a three-member selection committee comprising the prime minister, leader of opposition and a Cabinet minister, effectively giving control of their appointment to the government.

Earlier, the selection panel to appoint these officials included Chief Justice of India in place of the Cabinet minister.

The Bill was passed without any substantial debate due to the absence of most of the Opposition MPs who have been suspended from the Lok Sabha for protesting against the December 13 security breach incident.

The opposition has claimed that the mass suspension of MPs was the governments plot to pass key bills without any discussion.

The Lower House had on Wednesday passed three criminal code bills that seek to replace the existing colonial-era criminal laws in the country.

The opposition parties have raised objections to several provisions of the new bills, with some experts calling them more draconian than the British-era legislations.
Amid talks between the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) over seat-sharing during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met former prime minister H D Deve Gowda.

Gowda was accompanied by his son and JD(S) Karnataka chief H D Kumaraswamy and senior party leader H D Revanna.

Later, in a social media post on X, Modi praised the former PM for his exemplary contribution to the countrys progress.

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Always a delight to meet former PM Shri HD Deve Gowda, Shri HD Kumaraswamy ji and Shri HD Revanna Ji. India greatly cherishes Deve Gowda Jis exemplary contribution to the nations progress. His thoughts on diverse policy matters are insightful and futuristic, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dismissed claims of discrimination towards religious minorities in India.

In a response to British daily Financial Times, he noted that there is a whole ecosystem which is levelling these allegations against his government by using the freedom available in the country.

There is a whole ecosystem that is using the freedom available in our country to hurl these allegations at us every day, through editorials, TV channels, social media, videos, tweets, etc, Modi told the Financial Times (FT).

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The prime minister also highlighted the Parsi community, a micro-minority in India, saying their success shows that there is no discrimination towards any religious minority in India.

Despite facing persecution elsewhere in the world, they have found a safe haven in India, living happily and prospering, Modi said, adding this shows that the Indian society itself has no feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority.

The prime minister also cited the long history of outsiders, including the British, who underestimated India.

In 1947, when India became independent, the British who left made many dire predictions about Indias future. But we have seen that those predictions and preconceptions have all been proven false, he said and added his government will also prove similar perceptions wrong.

Confident of victory in 2024

Modi said his fellow citizens have come to realise that the country is poised for a giant leap and want their aspirations to take wings at the earliest.

He said Indians now appreciate and acknowledge that the country is on the cusp of take-off and want this flight to be expedited.

Today, the people of India have very different aspirations from the ones they had 10 years ago, the prime minister said in the interview, adding, They realise that our nation is on the cusp of a take-off. They want this flight to be expedited, and they know the best party to ensure this is the one which brought them this far.
A Delhi court on Thursday extended the custodial remand of four accused in the Parliament security breach case  Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde  to 15 more days, till January 5, 2024.

The case involves a security breach that occurred on December 13 in which two youths stormed in the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour setting off smoke cans and raising slogans.

The accused were produced before the Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Hardeep Kaur of Patiala House Courts.

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The court extended their custody on an application moved by the police.

The four accused were produced before court on the expiry of their previously granted seven-day police custody after they were arrested on December 13.

After the Delhi court sent the alleged mastermind, Lalit Jha, to seven-day police custody on December 15, the sixth accused, Mahesh Kumawat, was also sent to police custody the next day.

Earlier on Thursday, the Counter Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Special Cell of Delhi Police brought all the six accused in the Parliament breach case to recreate the event and match the sequence of events as per their versions, officials said.

The accused created a WhatsApp group with 7-8 members to flesh out their plan, sharing the entire conspiracy to breach multiple levels of security and enter Parliament.

The Special Cell is in touch with all the members of the group and is seeking the help of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to retrieve the email used by the former.

According to the Delhi Police, the six were kept in five different units of the Special Cell, where they were subjected to sustained grilling.

On Wednesday, the accused were handed over to the CIU (Counter Intelligence Unit), where they faced joint interrogation.

On the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack on Parliament in 2001, the security breach sent shockwaves throughout the country on December 13.

Two youths  Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D  jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, setting off smoke cans and raising slogans before being overpowered by some members in the Upper House.

In a separate incident that unfolded simultaneously, two more protestors  Neelam (42) and Amol (25)  protested outside the Parliament holding similar gas canisters.

All four were arrested at the scene and produced before a court, which remanded them in the custody of the Special Cell for seven days.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police said it was also trying to have the SIM card destroyed by the accused reissued so that they could access the email used by the former.

Further, according to sources, to hunt for more leads in the case, the Delhi Police Special Cell has put together six teams that will visit locations linked to the accused in Lucknow, Mysuru, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Haryana.

The probe revealed that two pairs of shoes were made on a special order in Lucknow, as the accused learned that the shoes of visitors to the new Parliament were not checked and they could hide their smoke cans under their footwear, sources said.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday told the Lok Sabha that the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 will abolish a law enacted with a colonial mindset and allow registration of new newspapers and periodicals in 60 days.

He was replying to a debate on the Bill which was later passed by the House. The Bill was already passed by the Rajya Sabha.

The Minister said the Bill replaced the 1867 Act which aimed at discouraging freedom of expression by delaying registration of new newspapers. There were provisions for imprisonment for small mistakes.

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The new law will give ease of doing business, and the media will be able to play its due role in achieving the goal of Developed India by 2047. Media will prosper as a result of the new law, he said.

One can apply for registration of a new newspaper simultaneously with the District Magistrate and the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), and if there is no response from the DM for 60 days, one will get registration from the RNI, he said.

He said the earlier law was meant to suppress, put restrictions on launch of new publications and now opportunities will be given to grow and prosper. Never before in the last 75 years there has been so much freedom of press as during the Narendra Modi government. Press was suppressed during the Emergency.

Mr Thakur said he did not understand how could there be criticism of the Bill. Only those who loved inspector-raj could be unhappy with the Bill, he said. He said the 2011 Bill brought during the UPA rule carried the imprint of the 1867 mindset. It introduced permission for even college journals.

There were eight steps to get registration earlier and now an application can be made to the DM and the RNI at one time. An online application can be made to the RNI with copy to the DM and in 60 days, and if there is no reply from the DM, one will get title cleared for publication from the RNI. Permission can be taken to print Indian editions of foreign newspapers. Digital news is covered under IT Act, 2021, he said.

Publication of books has been taken out of the laws purview, he said, and the law is now limited to newspapers and periodicals. There will be a big change. Mr Thakur said even in the past Jan Sangh and BJP had fought for press freedom.

Security of press persons is responsibility of State Governments, he said. Electronic media is covered under cable television network and IT Rules. Social media is a new emerging area, gives jobs to many people; there can be online intimation for this. An ad policy has come for digital platforms.

There was a baseless allegation that writing against the Government will invite action, the Minister said. There has been no action by the government. But none can escape punishment for attempts to break the country. Law takes its own course in such cases, he said.

Red-tapism has been eliminated now. Those involved in terrorist activity will not be allowed to run newspapers. Declarations before DM and RNI can be made online.

Even for starting a printing press, an application can be made online now. Atkana, latkana and bhatkana is all that the Congress used to do, he said.

Recalling the Narendra Modi Governments welfare steps, he said Indias Covid management was hailed the world over; there were 220 crore free vaccines, and there was no discrimination on the basis of religion or other identities.

Four crore houses have been built for the poor and 80 crore people are getting free foodgrains. There is compensation of Rs 5 lakh for journalists dying of Covid. Thousands of compliances have been eliminated, he said.
The Punjab unit of the Congress Party has said that they have no intention to have any alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in times to come, especially for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024.

Deputy CLP Leader Rajkumar Chabbewal said here on Thursday that the partys communication to the high command in Delhi is clear: The people of Punjab do not support an alliance between Congress and AAP. For the Congress to prevail, such an alliance must be avoided. The same has been conveyed to the high command in Delhi as well.

Endorsing the decision, Partys working president Bharat Bhushan Ashu said, The residents of Punjab are the backbone of our party. Our campaign against the failed rule of AAP is a testament to our commitment to fight for a better Punjab. I believe there can be no alliance between Congress and AAP in Punjab.

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Leader of Opposition in the state Partap Singh Bajwa underscored the repercussions of the two-year tenure under the AAP government, emphasising, The AAP governance over the past two years has resulted in the erosion of the vitality and vibrancy of our state.

He said, The AAP government in Punjab is working as BJPs B-Team and poses a serious threat to the well-being of our state, making it imperative for us to disassociate from any mentions of an affiliation with AAP.

Congress leader Pargat Singh said, Any talk of alliance between Congress and AAP are vehemently condemned as were against this B-Team of BJP.
The SFI activists prevented five persons from attending the Calicut University Senate meeting scheduled for Thursday, accusing them of being supporters of the Sangh Parivar.

The workers of SFI, the student wing of the CPI-M, blocked the five Senate members associated with Sangh Parivar, nominated by Governor and Chancellor Arif Mohammed Khan, to attend the scheduled Senate meeting at 10.30 am on Thursday.

Minutes before the meeting, SFI activists obstructed the five members at the entrance of the Senate House, and staged a sit-in protest in front of the venue.

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We will not allow Sangh Parivar supporters to attend the Senate meeting. Kerala stands united against Sangh Parivar and the BJP. However, the Chancellor has been appointing Sangh Parivar supporters to the Senate and Syndicate in universities. Any such attempt will be strongly opposed, said SFI leader Afsal.

SFI activists had previously protested against the Chancellor during his stay at the university guest house from Saturday to Monday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday reacted sharply to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus tonal shift dig, saying that Indias position has been consistent and that the core issue between New Delhi and Ottawa remains the space given by the latter to terrorists and anti-India elements under the guise of freedom of speech.

Addressing the press in Delhi, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, Our position has been consistent. We have highlighted how we see the problem and frankly, the core issue remains the space that is given to extremists, terrorists and anti-India elements in that country.

Bagchi said that although he would not like to say whether they have noted any shift or not, but New Delhi is hoping Ottawa will take action against such extremist elements.

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I would not like to say whether they have noted a shift or not. Certainly, our positions have remained consistent and we would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing freedom of speech and expression from their country, Bagchi added.

Trudeau had Wednesday said that he felt a tonal shift in Canadas relations with India after the US indictment of an Indian citizen for allegedly plotting to kill Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, an American-Canadian citizen.

I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they cannot bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before, Trudeau said.

There is an understanding that maybe, maybe just churning out attacks against Canada is not going to make this problem go away. We do not want to be in a situation of having a fight with India right now over this, he added.

The relations between India and Canada deteriorated after Trudeau accused Indian government agents of carrying out extra judicial killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India vehemently rejected Trudeaus allegations, terming them absurd and politically motivated and demanded evidence to prove his claims.

Canada, however, failed to provide any specific evidence backing Trudeaus claims.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday ordered a judicial probe into the irregularities in the execution of the power purchase agreement (PPA) with Chhattisgarh by the previous BRS government.

According to another White Paper, this time on the Energy Department, was tabled in the state Legislative Assembly, the states power distribution companies have a whopping debt of Rs 81,516 crore while their accumulated losses stand at Rs 62,461.

The chief minister said a judicial probe will cover irregularities in two more projects, including the use of expired sub critical technology for the Yadadri Power Project and the delay and escalation of costs in the construction of Bhadradri thermal power station.

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Reddy intervened as former energy minister G Jagadish Reddy challenged the government order while defending the previous government. Jagadish Reddy claimed that the BRS government increased installed power capacity and created assets.

The chief minister recalled how the Opposition members were thrown out of the House by the marshalls when they raised questions on the PPA with Chhattisgarh. An official was demoted and posted in a remote area for releasing facts about the agreement with Chhattisgarh. The BRS government had entered into an agreement with Chhattisgarh for the supply of 1000MW power supply without going for tender process. The Telangana government incurred a burden of Rs 1,362 crore due to the agreement with Chhattisgarh.

In 2014, at the time of bifurcation of the state, most of the power stations in unified Andhra Pradesh were in the residuary state leaving the newly-formed Telangana vulnerable. True to KCRs apprehension the AP government under N Chandrababu Naidu had cancelled the PPAs prompting the then chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to turn to Chhattisgarh to purchase power at a high cost.

In the White Paper it was pointed out that government departments have not been paying their power consumption charges regularly leading to a huge backlog of Rs 2,842 crore, including Rs14,193 crore from lift irrigation projects. It was due to the revenue gap the distribution companies borrowed Rs 30, 406 crore from banks and other financial institutions as working capital to keep the power supply going and had to bear the interest incurred.

The Opposition and Treasury benches also sparred over providing round-the-clock electricity to the farmers. Attacking the Opposition, Chief Minister Reddy said, The top positions in nonpayment of electricity dues are held by Siddipet, Gajwel and Hyderabad South areas The three leaders T Harish Rao, K Chandrasekhar Rao and Akbaruddin Owaisi should take responsibility of getting the dues paid.
The Lok Sabha on Thursday suspended three more opposition MPs for the remainder of the Winter Session, taking the total number of MPs suspended from both Houses to 146.

The three new suspended members of the Lok Sabha are D K Suresh, Nakul Nath, and Deepak Baij, all of the Congress. With their suspension, the total number of suspended Lok Sabha members reached 100.

The three were suspended from the House for repeatedly disrupting proceedings, bringing placards into the House, continuously raising slogans and tearing papers and throwing them on the staff.

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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi proposed to suspend the three MPs in the House and Mrs Rama Devi, who was in the Chair, announced their suspension.

The Lok Sabhas winter session concluded on Thursday.

On Wednesday, two MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha. Earlier, on Tuesday, the Lok Sabha suspended 49 MPs for the remainder of the session, and on Monday, 33 Lok Sabha MPs and 45 Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended.

Thirteen 13 Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP were suspended last week. With the three fresh suspensions, the total number of MPs suspended has now reached 146.

Opposition MPs have been demanding a statement by Home Minister Amit Shah in the House over the 13 December Parliament Security breach when two people jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors gallery during the zero-hour session.
The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo

The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo

By Anirban Sen

(Reuters) - Investors are betting Nippon Steel Corp will take longer to complete its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel Corp because opposition from some U.S. lawmakers and labor unions will lead to regulators scrutinizing the deal more.

While the price of U.S. Steel shares indicates that traders are giving the deal a more than 70% chance of being completed, the growing gap between the $55-per-share deal value and the market price indicates investors anticipate the political controversy around the deal to delay it.

The traders said in interviews that they believe that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a regulatory panel that will review the deal for potential national security threats, would find it challenging to block the deal given that Nippon hails from Japan, a U.S. ally with a history of investing in North America.

But they worry that CFIUS may want to show it is heeding calls to carefully scrutinize the deal by taking longer to complete its review. The companies have said they expect to complete the deal in the second or third quarter of 2024, but the growing spread indicates some investors harbor doubts.

"Heading into an election year, there is obviously some headline risk. Most of the senators that have opposed the deal are from states that produce steel," said Chris Pultz, portfolio manager for merger arbitrage at Kellner Capital.

A spokesperson for the Department of the Treasury, which chairs CFIUS, did not respond to a request for comment.

The spread between the deal price and U.S. Steel's shares reached its widest on Wednesday since the acquisition was announced on Monday. The shares ended trading at $47.82, down 5% from the high they reached on Monday.

The spread reflects not just the odds of the deal closing but also how long a deal may take to close, traders say. This is because the longer a deal takes to close, the further away investors are from receiving the deal price consideration.

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"The market is mispricing the deal in light of the recent commentary from the lawmakers and the United Steelworkers (USW) union. We still expect it to get all the necessary clearances," said Roy Behren, co-president of Westchester Capital Management, which currently has $4 billion of assets under management, 85% of which is invested in merger arbitrage.

United Steelworkers, which opposes the sale to Nippon because it is not convinced by its assurances to uphold existing labor agreements, has urged government regulators to scrutinize the acquisition and determine if it serves the national security interests of the United States and benefits the workforce.

Three Republican senators wrote to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen earlier this week asking CFIUS to block the deal on the grounds that "domestic steel production is vital to U.S. national security."

At least four Democratic senators - Sherrod Brown, John Fetterman, Bob Casey and Joe Manchin - have also come out against the deal.

DEAL CAN FAIL EVEN IF CFIUS APPROVES

Brian Deese, a key player in President Joe Biden's 2024 re-election bid, said on Wednesday that Nippon's proposed purchase of U.S. Steel was a concern and that the administration should look closely at it. The White House, however, has been tight-lipped about the deal.

A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The companies have disclosed that in the event that regulators shoot down the deal, Nippon will owe U.S. Steel a $565 million break-up fee.

There is precedent for a deal being thwarted even when CFIUS approves it. In 2006, when Dubai Ports World agreed to buy the global assets of Britain-based P&O, including ports in New York and New Jersey, U.S. politicians threatened to pass legislation to block the deal because of concerns that U.S. infrastructure could become susceptible to terrorist attacks.

While CFIUS approved that deal, Dubai Ports relinquished the port operations it had taken over, selling them to American International Group Inc, in order to put an end to the controversy.

There are also instances where Japanese firms have had to make concessions to get sign-off from CFIUS. SoftBank Group Corp, the Japanese investment conglomerate, has had to make concessions such as giving up board seats and access to sensitive information to complete some of its investments in the U.S., as regulators became increasingly concerned about foreign access to U.S. technology.

(Reporting by Anirban Sen in New York; Editing by Greg Roumeliotis and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
The Uttarakhand government on Thursday honoured 12 rat miners who played a crucial role in saving lives of 41 workers who got trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel for 17 days.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami handed out Rs 50,000 cheques to each of them.

Twelve rat miners were honoured by the state, 22 days after the successful Silkyara-Barkot tunnel rescue operation in Uttarkashi on November 29. The rat miners dug up the last leg of nearly 60 metres of escape passage manually in less than two days as heavy auger machines failed to drill through the boulders and iron blockades under the tunnel debris hindering the rescue operation.

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Speaking to the rat miners at his official residence here, Dhami said,Rat miners not only dug up the escape passage but they also manually cleared cutting the pipes in the tunnel under very difficult circumstances without caring for their lives. They made huge contribution in making the collapsed Silkyara tunnel rescue operation a mega success. People of Uttarakhand and state government express their gratitude to them.

Dhami expressed that the nation feels indebted to the rat miners. He added All rat miners deserve compliment from the countrymen and blessings for the dedication and hard work with which they ensured success of worlds largest rescue operation with the contributions of huge manpower and other agencies deployed at the collapsed tunnel site to save 41 workers lives.

Rat miners from Delhi and other parts of India were called by the rescuers in the final phase of 17-day operation as they failed to complete the last 12 meters digging of the escape passage with world class auger machines deployed there.

Dhami honoured the rat miners presenting a shawl and cheque of Rs 50,000 to each of them.

Rat miners had become national celebrities after their work became known to the world. They were being consistently honoured from different platforms in television shows and other events.
Glenmorangie, the epitome of luxury in the world of single malt Scotch whiskies from the house of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, marries the realms of fine spirits and high design to position itself in the living room of the luxury seeking Indian consumer. In a collaboration with designers Shivan & Narresh, the brand introduces Delicious Livinga limited edition collection of artisanal couches that transcend the boundaries of conventional luxury and redefines the art of living.

It all started with the designer duos visit to the brand home, Glenmorangie House, in Tain, Scotland, where immersive conversations with Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden and the homes vibrant sensorial playground deeply inspired them to reimage the way the luxury-seeking Indian consumer hosts soirees and consumes luxury spirits in the realm of their living room.

The Delicious Living collection is a limited-edition range of signature couches which truly encapsulates the spirit of the Highland single malt Scotch whisky, as it ages barrel to bottle  from creation to consumption, all for your indulgence and delight. Each statement piece pushes the realm of form, shape and craft  and is a nod to the imagination and craftsmanship of Glenmorangie whisky makers, making it an inviting focal point for those who appreciate creativity and the finer things in life.

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The OakSwirl is a tribute to the decade-long maturation process in oak barrels that transforms Glenmorangies new make spirit into a masterpiece in the form of its signature expression, Glenmorangie Original. With earthy tones and rich textures, this couch beckons connoisseurs to indulge in the warmth and depth that characterizes each sip. While the futuristic Infinity Swirl celebrates the mesmerizing ritual of swirling whisky in the glass, and its smooth, vibrant flavours which can be discovered in every sip of Glenmorangie. This couchs dynamic form and fluid lines set within a metallic frame create a visual representation of the whirlpool effect that occurs when liquid and ice harmoniously dance.

The art print specially created for this collection  Swirlscape  embodies the technicolor, vibrant world of the brand while breaking the serious codes of brown spirits as a category. To enrich the delicious living escapades, artistic merchandise with the signature swirlscape motif takes form as velvety cushions, silk throw rugs and statement canvas wall art pieces.

The luxury partnership unveiled at the flagship event on December 01 2023, which had seen over 300+ design makers, luxury connoisseurs attend an experiential living room transformation, in signature Glenmorangie style. This will be followed by a multi-city tour and imminent product launches which will be available for pre-orders to the brands patrons and newer consumers.

Thrilled on his association, Shivan Bhatiya, Head Designer at Shivan & Narresh said, Visiting the world of Glenmorangie and working on this project with Dr. Bill has been an exceptional experience for Narresh and me. At Shivan & Narresh, we view life as one big holiday and are all about celebrating every moment  big or small. As an extension to this philosophy, we proudly present Delicious Living, a limited-edition collection designed to be the focal point in any living space. It invites people to gather for elevated evenings that transition into mornings, creating cherished memories for a lifetime.

Caspar MacRae, CEO & President of The Glenmorangie Company, commented: Its fantastic to see the beautiful, vibrant designs which have come out of our collaboration with Shivan & Narresh. Although they come from very different creative fields, its clear that they have found a kindred spirit in Dr Bill, and a shared desire to use imagination and skill to create delicious and wonderful experiences to delight consumers. I hope this partnership will inspire many convivial moments in homes across India, over a glass of Glenmorangie.

Further commenting on this launch, Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director, Moet Hennessy India expressed, As a future forward brand, we strive to celebrate not just the luxury single malt but the moments they partake in our consumers life. With the Delicious Living statement couches, we desire to transform your living room experiences into moments of exquisite delight in the true spirit of Glenmorangies savoir faire. This thrilling collaboration with Shivan and Narresh will remarkably augment our effort of merging luxury whisky and design artistry in a way to make moments at the couch delicious and wonderful.
The headlines continue to focus on the war in Gaza, a conflict so horrific that it has overshadowed the war in Ukraine. While the war in Ukraine has reached a stalemate, it continues to simmer. Elsewhere in NagornoKarabakh, the conflict is erupting again.

There are other lingering conflicts, in Syria, Yemen and Sudan, which have produced years of violence, and countless deaths. Emerging conflicts in Tigray, Sahel and Myanmar are other potential hotspots. All these conflicts have one thing in common, that these have been triggered by recent shifts in world order. Even if they were not, these conflicts reflect on the prevailing global tensions, which have helped accentuate them.

While wars are inevitable, the moral compact to prevent or contain these conflicts is waning. Two aspects are worrisome. The international order is fraying over who will intervene to prevent or resolve ongoing conflicts. And the laws of armed conflict are proving to be ineffective and fragile. What can be lawfully targeted, or what cannot, and whether targeting civic infrastructure like hospitals and schools is lawful military action have become issues of moral and international concern.

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Following the end of the Cold War, the international response to prevent conflicts was to intervene, using peacekeeping as a tool to contain escalation. Far from being a solution to prevent conflicts, there were many wars during this period which the international community was unable to restrain.

But the international effort was always there to prevent conflicts, and if they did break out, to minimize collateral damage and escalation. Whether in Ukraine, or Nagorno-Karabakh, or Sahel where the UN has been asked to leave, or Sudan where the civil war rages on, and now in Gaza, the `peace` paradigm is breaking down.

The international community is not only split, but ill-prepared to deal with modern day conflicts. With fewer tools to prevent conflicts, the warring sides are becoming more and more inclined to resolve these by use of force and unilateral action. What could explain this drift?

First, the UN Security Council which played an important role in preventing conflicts seems less enthusiastic now. Second, any attempts to re-think peacekeeping operations continue to flounder for myriad reasons, to include poorly resourced missions.

And third, several efforts to keep peace by regional organisations, including the African Union, have not been as impactful and often come at a cost. When conflict prevention and international peacekeeping efforts are weak, the laws of war must work. These laws provide a set of guidelines for military restraint. They distinguish between just or unjust wars.

But then these laws often become tools of political rhetoric, rather than tools to contain conflict. The Hague Convention of 1907 lays out the rules of conduct in armed conflict. The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols address the rights of civilians and prisoners in war. And the Rome Statue of 1998 lists out the war crimes as accepted by the international community.

Not all states are parties to these treaties also referred to as international humanitarian law (IHL), but many provisions are regarded as customary international law, which is binding on all states. Israels offensive in Gaza raises two questions about the laws of war. First, is Israel intentionally targeting civilians, as Hamas did in its attack?

And second, if these casualties are not intentional, then are these strikes proportionate to the military objectives it wishes to achieve? Israels actions have raised a global hue and cry on its indiscriminate use of force and methods of attack. And even if the deaths are proportionate, how do the laws of war explain the human suffering and losses to the wider world?

These rules on immunity to target civilians in armed conflict are paradoxical. Under the laws of war, one must not mean to harm any civilians, which is demonstrated by the choice of targets and methods of attack. The rules outlaw targeting of the civilian population, schools and hospitals. The only exception is if civic infrastructure is being used by belligerents in combat.

Even if such targeting is legitimate, the rules of war require belligerents to exercise diligence to minimize civilian casualties by providing clear and useable avenues for civilians to move out of harms way. Whether Israels military offensive in Gaza is in conformity with these rules of war is the question. The laws of war apply to the lawful conduct in war.

The laws do not address the issue of legality of war, on just and unjust wars. This is fundamental to the understanding on lawful conduct in war, at two levels: the right to war (jus ad bellum) and right in war (jus in bello), or, the `why` and `how` of conflict. On their part, both Hamas and Israel have had a right to wage this war, or the right jus ad bellum.

For Hamas, it was the withering of the Arab support and bottling them up in Gaza for over two decades. For Israel, it was the indiscriminate and horrific killing of innocent civilians and children, and kidnapping and brutal treatment of hostages. In gross violation of jus in bello (right in war), the Hamas did not discriminate between combatants and non-combatants and indulged in barbaric killings on 7 October. But then, Israel too has not been proportionate in its response.

Simply put, a war begun on unjust grounds must end in a just manner. For the laws of war to work, three aspects are important. First, the laws of war must hold the warring states accountable to their actions. Second, the laws must allow states to direct tools of international justice at the perpetrators. And third, the laws must allow the international community to ascertain whose cause is more just, or unjust, and no side uses these laws to justify killing of innocent civilians and children.

No wonder, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had to invoke Article 99 to draw UNSCs attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. While the invocation does carry some weight, it is less likely to impact the international stasis. Now with 153 votes in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza, which includes India, Australia and Canada, the UNGA has signalled the increasing international outrage on the evolving humanitarian crisis.

The fallout from the Ukraine war and other persisting conflicts have constrained the global appetite for conflict prevention. This imperils future peace interventions, including the one in Gaza. It is incumbent on international actors to strengthen tools of intervention, and not to endanger peace. And the laws of wars must intervene to mediate, and enforce humanitarian concerns, where and when it is most needed.

The pursuit of peace must remain a paramount global objective, for it is the basic principle of a stable and prosperous world. Surely, the moral compact to prevent or contain conflicts is flailing and the international community needs to redeem itself.

(The writer, a retired Lieutenant-General of the Indian Army, was Commander of the UN Multi-National Brigade during the M23 rebellion of 2012 in the Democratic Republic of Congo)
A storm is brewing in Indian politics and the epicentre is the recently united INDIA bloc. The suspension of 141 Opposition MPs has acted as a catalyst, knitting together a disparate alliance that was entangled in the cacophony of the recent state elections. However, as the INDIA bloc leaders gathered in New Delhi on Tuesday, the echoes of unity were met with the daunting realisation that arithmetic alone may not be their magic wand. That arithmetic hinges on an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes. While the unity of opposition parties may seem a promising start, the alliance faces the first mathematical problem ~ the intricacies of vote splits.

The alliance hopes to prevent the fragmentation of anti-BJP votes. Yet, a closer look at recent and past state elections reveals the complexity of this challenge. Maharashtra witnessed NDA victories in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls due to a split between the UPA and Prakash Ambedkars Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, a non-INDIA bloc entity. Even in states where alliances were formed, such as Jharkhand, the BJP emerged victorious. The arithmetical advantage, primarily from the entry of Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, may not be the panacea the INDIA bloc hopes for. This brings us to the second maths problem ~ the formidable vote share of the BJP. In 2019, the NDAs vote share was a robust 45 per cent, with the BJP alone commanding nearly 38 per cent.

Such a dominant position in Indias multi-party system presents a substantial challenge for opponents. The INDIA blocs reference to the 2004 elections, where the UPA managed to defeat the NDA, is met with scepticism. The INDIA bloc, for victory, must envisage a scenario where the BJPs vote share undergoes a drastic fall akin to historical instances in 1977 and 1989. In 1977, Indira Gandhi faced a massive 9.2 percentage point swing against the Congress, coupled with the unification of the Janata Party. Similarly, in 1989, a negative swing of 7.3 percentage points ousted Rajiv Gandhi from power. The INDIA bloc, however, faces challenges in replicating these historical precedents.

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The required drastic fall in the BJPs vote share is predicated on two key trends ~ a mass movement against the regime involving its base and a rebellion within the ruling party. While the Modi regime has encountered various movements, they have often remained confined to specific demographics and have not significantly impacted the BJPs core base. Moreover, there is no discernible internal rebellion within BJP ranks, a crucial factor in historical defeats. As the INDIA bloc leaders discuss seat sharing and other pertinent issues, the path to victory becomes clearer and yet more elusive.

The alliance must transcend mere arithmetic, fostering a nationwide mass movement around issues such as jobs and livelihoods to induce the seismic shift needed to challenge the BJPs dominance. This political action will have to take place on streets, not in conference rooms.
In the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape where words are often as potent as actions, Russian President Vladimir Putins categorical dismissal of US President Joe Bidens claim that Russia would attack a NATO country if successful in Ukraine raises pertinent questions about the underlying dynamics at play. At the heart of this verbal jousting is Mr Bidens warning that a victorious Russia in Ukraine could spell trouble for a NATO member. Yet, Mr Putin swiftly labelled the assertion as complete nonsense, going on to assert that Russia harbours no conceivable reason or interest in engaging in hostilities with NATO nations.

Its a diplomatic chess move, and the implications are far-reaching. Mr Putins rhetoric, however, doesnt merely hinge on a simple denial. It is a strategic rebuke, aimed not only at discrediting Mr Bidens warning but also at casting doubt on the broader narrative surrounding Russias intentions.

By categorically rejecting the notion of a military confrontation with NATO, Mr Putin seeks to dismantle the foundation upon which Mr Bidens strategy ~ to drum up domestic support for Ukraine ~ is built. The key question that emerges is whether Mr Putins assertion holds water. Can we take his word at face value? The answer likely lies in the intricate web of international relations, where interests, historical context, and strategic calculations converge. Thus, Mr Putins argument that Russia lacks any motivation, geopolitical, economic, political, or military, to engage in conflict with NATO countries merits scrutiny. While overt military confrontation may not align with Russias immediate interests, the broader geopolitical landscape suggests that tensions exist on various fronts.

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Energy disputes, regional influence, and historical grievances are potent ingredients that simmer beneath the surface, ready to influence the course of international affairs. Mr Bidens warning, although lacking evidence, must be seen in the context of a broader strategy aimed at deterring potential Russian aggression. Whether the warning was an attempt to justify past policies or a genuine expression of concern, it underscores the fragility of the geopolitical balance and the need for vigilant diplomacy. In parsing through these intricacies, it becomes evident that the truth lies somewhere in the grey area between Mr Putins categorical denial and Mr Bidens cautionary words.

Both leaders are navigating a complex international chessboard, each making calculated moves to safeguard their national interests. As observers, it is crucial to resist the temptation to view this exchange through a simplistic lens of right or wrong. The nuances of international relations often elude black-and-white categorisations. Instead, we must scrutinise the motives, understand the historical context, and recognise the intricate power play that defines the interactions between nations.

The PutinBiden exchange serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required in navigating the complex terrain of international diplomacy. The veracity of warnings and denials may remain elusive, but the need for nuanced analysis and informed dialogue has never been more pressing.
Youre standing in the pouring rain, contemplating the wreckage of a love that was supposed to be forever and always. Just when you think youve hit the emotional rock bottom, a melody starts to play in your head, and you find comfort in the fact that somewhere out there, someone has penned the perfect soundtrack to your heartache. Welcome to the symphonic world of Taylor Swift, where heartbreak is an art form, and every love story is a chapter in her musical novel.

Born on 13 December 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Taylor Swift spent her formative years in the nearby town of Wyomissing. However, her family later relocated to a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee, driven by Swifts unwavering ambition to pursue a career as a country music artist. At the tender age of fifteen, she inked a deal with Big Machine Records, marking the inception of her musical journey. Swift delved into recording, bringing to life the songs she had penned during her high school years, thus setting the stage for her meteoric rise in the music industry.

Boasting an impressive collection, she possesses a remarkable tally of 12 Grammy Awards and 46 nominations, along with 14 MTV Video Music Awards. Notably, shes secured nearly 100 Guinness World Records, a testament to her unparalleled achievements in the world of music. Swift is the first and only woman solo artist to win the Grammy for Album Of The Year thrice for her solo recordings.

Taylor Swifts discography unfolds like a coming-of-age novel, each song a chapter in the evolving narrative of a woman navigating the labyrinth of life and love. Take, for instance, the wistful notes of Fifteen, where she delicately captures the essence of high school, a time when insecurities bloom like wildflowers, and the hallways are lined with dreams and uncertainties. In this lyrical time capsule, Swift artfully paints the picture of a fresh-faced teenager stepping into the world of high school, adorned with hopes, dreams, and the lingering question of whether boys will notice her.

As the melody of Fifteen gently plays, listeners are transported to the nerve-wracking excitement of being out with someone special, while parental expectations wait patiently at home. The innocence and vulnerability of those early years are encapsulated in every strum of the guitar, each verse a snapshot of a young heart yearning for acceptance and love.

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You Belong With Me unfolds as another lyrical chapter in Taylor Swifts intricate tale of love, one that resonates with the tender echoes of young hearts navigating the labyrinth of emotions. In this melodic vignette, Swift paints the portrait of a girl next door, adorned in sneakers and dreams, silently yearning for the affection of a crush who seems just out of reach. The familiar strains of teenage longing fill the air as the song encapsulates the universal experience of unrequited love, a theme as timeless as the melodies Swift so expertly weaves.

As the narrative progresses from the hopeful innocence of Fifteen to the longing whispers of You Belong With Me, we witness the maturation of not only the protagonist in Swifts songs but also the artist herself. The awkward dance of adolescent romance is choreographed with authenticity, capturing the essence of those moments when every stolen glance and shy smile carries the weight of a thousand unsaid words.

Yet, Swifts musical odyssey does not stagnate in the realm of unrequited crushes and teenage pining. The symphony of her discography matures, much like the girl in the lyrics, transforming from the simplicity of youthful infatuation to the complex interplay of emotions in later chapters. In the journey of love and self-discovery, Swift becomes a sonic storyteller, transcending the bounds of age to articulate the universal experience of yearning and the sometimes tumultuous path toward self-realisation.

White Horse emerges as the next poignant chapter in Taylor Swifts lyrical exploration, a ballad that weaves a tale of self-realisation and the pursuit of individual aspirations. In this evocative composition, Swift unravels the threads of a romantic fairy tale gone awry, transforming heartbreak into a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. The once starry-eyed protagonist of earlier songs steps into the spotlight of self-awareness, trading illusions of love for a newfound sense of ambition.

This metamorphosis is not only thematic but also musical, as the composition itself echoes the evolution of the artist. The acoustic simplicity of earlier works gives way to a more nuanced orchestration, mirroring the complex layers of emotions that define the transition from fairy tale dreams to the harsh, yet liberating, light of reality.

In this sonic odyssey, Swift invites us to witness the emergence of a woman who recognizes that the pursuit of personal goals and self-worth is a narrative more powerful than any love story. The girl who once wept over heartbreak is now the woman who, with each note of White Horse, picks up the reins of her destiny, galloping toward a future defined by resilience and ambition.

22 emerges as a jubilant anthem in Taylor Swifts lyrical chronicle, capturing the vivacity of newfound life and the exhilaration of navigating the unpredictable terrain of early adulthood. It becomes the song where Taylor turns the tumultuous terrain of early adulthood into a carnival of confetti, where roommates are upgraded to the status of chosen family, and living becomes an ensemble act of sitcom-worthy adventures. In this musical fiesta, Swift swaps heartbreak for high-fives and adolescent angst for a glitter bomb of friendship. The once delicate notes of teenage love are now replaced by the bass drop of newfound freedom and the infectious chorus of Were happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same timebecause who said adulthood couldnt be a paradoxical dance party?

As the beats of 22 pulsate through the speakers, Swift transforms the uncertainties of the future into a catchy mantra of YOLO (You Only Live Once). Its a musical declaration that living with friends isnt just about sharing bills and fridge space; its about creating a montage of memories that will be replayed in the nostalgia of later years.

Now, as we dive into the soul-stirring depths of Champagne Problems, we encounter a Taylor Swift who has gracefully matured from the starry-eyed dreamer into a woman navigating the complex symphony of adult decisions. Picture the Juliet in Love Story who once eagerly awaited her Romeos proposal; now imagine her, a few chapters later, gracefully declining an offer that once would have been the culmination of every romantic reverie. In Champagne Problems, Swift peels back the layers to reveal a narrative where the whimsical dreams of youth have given way to the nuanced realities of grown-up choices. The same girl who danced through the enchanting melodies of young love now drops her partners hand while dancing. She faces the intricate dance of navigating commitment and the weight of decisions that echo far beyond the realms of youthful fantasies. As Swift narrates the tale of a declined proposal, she invites us to witness a woman who understands the gravity of her choices. Its not a rejection of love but a recognition that the journey of self-discovery sometimes requires solo steps before waltzing into a shared future. The girl who once whispered yes under the moonlit sky is now the woman who delicately utters no in a symphony that resonates with the complexities of real-life love stories.

In the symphonic journey through Taylor Swifts musical universe, we traverse the landscapes of young love, the jubilant escapades of early adulthood and the complexities of grown-up decisions. Her discography mirrors the stages of life, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level. She stands not just as a pop sensation but as a storyteller who has etched her narrative into the hearts of millions. Her ability to evolve, adapt, and authentically share her journey makes her not just an artist but a mirror reflecting the collective emotions of her generation.
The British Asian Trust, a charity founded by King Charles III, has announced the appointment of entrepreneurs Nikhil Kamath and Neerja Birla to its India Advisory Council.

Kamath, co-founder of one of Indias largest stockbrokers Zerodha; True Beacon, a wealth management firm; and venture capital firm Gruhas, hopes to address complex social changes in India in his new role with the Council.

I am committed to partnering with innovative and pioneering social organisations as part of my philanthropic approach. Im therefore honoured to join the British Asian Trusts India Advisory Council, made up of notable business leaders and philanthropists. Together, we aim to address complex social challenges innovatively and at scale across the country, Kamath said in a statement released by the Trust.

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Through Zerodha, he has committed $100 million to Rainmatter Foundation, which supports solutions for climate change, specifically afforestation, ecological restoration and livelihoods.

He is the youngest Indian to sign Bill Gates and Warren Buffets The Giving Pledge, making a promise to give at least 50 per cent of his wealth to charity.

Additionally, he is a key figure in the Young India Philanthropic Pledge, a commitment by Indias new age philanthropists to dedicate a minimum of 25 per cent of their wealth to enhance global change, starting with India.

Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), said she is thrilled to join the Council and expand her work in mental health across India.

Significant barriers continue to exist in providing the right support for mental health to millions of citizens in the country. The British Asian Trust is doing commendable work in this space across the world, she added.

Her initiative Mpower seeks to foster a positive change in attitudes towards mental health through awareness and advocacy and provides holistic care so that individuals with mental health concerns may lead meaningful and productive lives with the utmost respect and dignity.

Bharath Visweswariah, Executive Director (India), at the British Asian Trust, said that the inclusion of Kamath and Birla into their advisory council will contribute immensely to the future of their work in India.

Nikhils passion for conservation and livelihoods and Birlas outstanding journey in education and mental health will help us expand our impact innovatively and effectively, Visweswariah added.

The two join other eminent business and philanthropic leaders on the Council, including Reliances Mukesh Ambani, S. Ramadorai CBE, former chairman of National Skill Development Council and Bombay Stock Exchange, and Natasha Poonawalla, Chairperson, Villoo Poonawalla Foundation and Executive Director of Serum Institute of India.
By Gleb Stolyarov

(Reuters) -Russia has handed out more than $12 billion in state subsidies and loans to keep its aviation sector afloat since Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine cut off supplies of key parts and maintenance services, a Reuters analysis shows.

Dependent on foreign-made aircraft, Russia faces the daunting task of developing its aviation industry alone with domestically sourced parts, while buying aircraft from foreign lessors to avoid more of its fleet being seized.

Western planemakers Airbus and Boeing halted supplies of services and spare parts in March 2022 and dropped regular maintenance support for flag carrier Aeroflot and other Russian airlines.

Since then, Russia has spent 1.09 trillion roubles ($12.07 billion) supporting the civil aviation industry, including aircraft manufacturing and financial assistance for airlines, Reuters calculations show, based on data from the Ministry of Finance and the Accounts Chamber, which oversees budget execution.

The spending is almost twice as much as 547 billion roubles in payments made in 2020-21, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a drastic reduction in air travel, and highlights the scale of the Kremlin's effort to wrest control of a crucial industry.

"Our fleet of aircraft is very overloaded ... with foreign-made planes," President Vladimir Putin said last week. "We plan to produce more than 1,000 aircraft by 2030, our own planes. Work is needed."

According to Swiss aviation intelligence provider ch-aviation, Russian airlines currently operate 991 aircraft, including 405 made in Russia.

But just 133 are Superjets made by state-owned producer United Aircraft Corporation. Other Russian-produced aircraft - Tupolev, Yakovlev and Ilyushin - are rarely used for commercial flights.

Support for aircraft manufacturing, a key industry, will be maintained for years to come, the industry and trade ministry said in response to Reuters' findings.

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"The main emphasis is on supporting sales, expanding production capacity and creating a post-sales service system," the ministry said.

The importance of a reliable air industry is particularly crucial for Russia, both for transporting people and goods across its enormous territory and to bolster Moscow's narrative that sanctions have had but a minimal impact.

With voters heading to the polls in three months, the collapse of an airline could apply reputational and electoral pressure on Putin who is running again for president.

As a key aviation power since Soviet times, Russia's technical ability is not in doubt.

Western aviation analysts say the investments will at best keep the fleet flying but doubt its aircraft will return to Western markets any time soon, even if the conflict in Ukraine ends. That's because of the cost and bureaucracy involved in rebuilding a fleet with a clean and traceable safety record and approved parts.

RAINY DAY FUNDS

Russia has dipped into reserve funds, the data showed, spending 110 billion roubles in 2022 on compensating airlines for losses from a sharp rise in jet fuel costs.

This year, the National Wealth Fund (NWF) has played a bigger funding role with Moscow drawing almost 400 billion roubles for aviation spending so far in 2023.

The scale of spending in 2022-23 is equivalent to just under 1% of projected gross domestic product (GDP) for 2023. Russia has spent an additional 2.3 trillion roubles in 2022-23 on developing transport outside the aviation sector.

The country's domestic air passenger traffic began to rebound in late 2022, as airlines found ways to import spare parts through a grey import scheme the government introduced.

Russian airlines have kept their fleet of Western jets in the air, partly by importing spare parts via third countries without the manufacturers' - mainly Airbus and Boeing - consent.

Passenger numbers are recovering but still lag pre-COVID levels. Meanwhile, the loss of foreign parts and maintenance expertise has raised concerns about aircraft safety.

Some airlines have stripped airplanes for parts, aviation industry sources told Reuters last year.

Moscow hurriedly localised the registration of its fleet and has used NWF funds to buy back aircraft from foreign lessors to avoid the risk of their confiscation when flying abroad.

Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev said 300 billion roubles could be used for buying aircraft from foreign lessors in 2023.

So far, 190 billion roubles has been spent, the data showed, with state-owned insurance company NSK holding aircraft on airlines' behalf.

A government document setting out strategic spending plans for aviation, seen by Reuters last autumn, said that Russia would have to spend at least 711 billion roubles on "achieving technological independence from foreign suppliers".

Aeroflot, the transport and finance ministries did not respond to requests for comment.

($1 = 90.2900 roubles)

(Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov; additional reporting by Darya Korsunskaya; Editing by Alexander Marrow, Josephine Mason and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Key Insights

Significantly high institutional ownership implies Bank of America's stock price is sensitive to their trading actions

48% of the business is held by the top 25 shareholders

Insiders have been buying lately

A look at the shareholders of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) can tell us which group is most powerful. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 58% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Bank of America, beginning with the chart below.

See our latest analysis for Bank of America

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Bank of America?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Bank of America. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Bank of America's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. Bank of America is not owned by hedge funds. Our data shows that Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is the largest shareholder with 13% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 7.7% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 6.2% by the third-largest shareholder.

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A deeper look at our ownership data shows that the top 25 shareholders collectively hold less than half of the register, suggesting a large group of small holders where no single shareholder has a majority.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Bank of America

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Our data suggests that insiders own under 1% of Bank of America Corporation in their own names. Being so large, we would not expect insiders to own a large proportion of the stock. Collectively, they own US$328m of stock. It is good to see board members owning shares, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 29% stake in Bank of America. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run.

Public Company Ownership

Public companies currently own 13% of Bank of America stock. We can't be certain but it is quite possible this is a strategic stake. The businesses may be similar, or work together.

Next Steps:

While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Bank of America you should know about.

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Three soldiers were killed and three others injured after terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday afternoon.

The incident happened amidst an anti-terrorist operation in the Dera Ki Gali area of Thanamandi.

Around 3:45 pm, two Army vehicles carrying troops to the operation site were ambushed by terrorists in Dera Ki Gali, also known as DKG.

"An operation was being conducted in general area DKG (Dera ki Gali), Thanamandi, Rajouri, since the night of 20 December 23. At approximately 3:45 PM on 21 December, two Army vehicles carrying troops were moving to the operational site, which were fired upon by the terrorist. The fire was immediately retaliated upon by own troops," the Army said in a statement.

"In the ongoing operation, own troops sustained 3 fatal and 3 non fatal casualties. The operation is in progress. Further details are being ascertained," it said.

This is the second major attack on Army in Jammu and Kashmir in less than a month. On November 22, two Army captains, a JCO and a soldier were killed, while a Major was injured in an encounter with militants at Bajimaal forests in Rajouri. The deceased Captains were identified as Captain M.V. Pranjal and Captain Shubham of 9Para (special forces).

The incident happened after the special forces had gone to the forests to evacuate Captain Pranjal who was injured during a firefight with terrorists.

The militants appeared to be a freshly infiltrated group from across the line of control (LoC). The two militants involved in the attack were killed by the Army. The security forces also recovered arms and ammunition from the deceased militants.

Rajouri and Poonch have witnessed increased militant attacks on security forces with nearly 30 security forces personnel losing their lives in the last two years.

The militants are using the Pir Pranjal mountain range that separates Rajouri and Poonch to move between the two regions and stage attacks on security forces.
Close on the heels of its failure to defeat the BJP in the Hindi heartland states in the recent Assembly elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) met on Thursday to discuss the latest poll debacle and also lay out the roadmap for the party's preparation for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled to be held after a few months.

Addressing the media, after a nearly four-long meeting of the CWC chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal said the general mood of the committee was to sincerely and genuinely evaluate the results of the Assembly elections. The General Secretaries and AICC in charges of the states briefed the CWC about the poll outcome.

Venugopal said while the defeat in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh was disappointing, the party takes heart in the fact that its vote percentage is intact and it can make a comeback in the LS polls. He also said that the victory in Telangana is remarkable, considering that only a year ago, the Congress was in third position in the state and its candidates had lost their deposit in the by-elections.

We are going to focus fully on the Parliament elections. The Congress president has declared that the candidates for the Lok Sabha elections will be decided very soon without any delay, Venugopal said.

It was decided at the CWC that the party's manifesto committee will be declared in the next one or two days, and the screening committee to decide on candidates for the LS elections will be set up in December itself.

Venugopal informed that the Congress has undertaken meetings to review the poll preparation in 23 states already, and the process for the remaining states will be completed soon. We will organise state level workers' conventions in the states January onwards. The Congress president and other leaders will participate in it...the party will now go completely into election mode without any delay, he said.

The Congress will sound the poll bugle for the LS elections with a rally in Nagpur on December 28, which is the party's foundation day. The public meeting will be called 'Hain Taiyyar Hum Rally'. All senior leaders of the party will attend the rally. A minimum of five to ten lakh people will participate in the rally, Venugopal said.

The CWC also passed a resolution expressing its firmest resolve to be fully prepared at the earliest to fight the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections both as a party in its own right and also as a member of the INDIA group.

It also said it reiterates the determination of the Congress to make the INDIA group an effective bulwark and force against the BJP and its allies.

The CWC meeting also saw Kharge broach the topic of part two of the Bharat Jodo Yatra and put it on the table for discussion. He told the panel that he was getting appeals from party workers and leaders that former Congress president Rahul Gandhi should launch an east to west Bharat Jodo Yatra soon.

Venugopal said all CWC members urged Rahul to launch the second edition of his yatra, and a decision regarding it would be taken soon.

Asked about the difficulties in forming alliances in certain states such as Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal, Venugopal said the Congress has already formed a National Alliance Committee which will on an urgent basis seek the views of the state units and after that discussions will be held with the INDIA allies.

Regarding the invitation extended to Kharge and former party chief Sonia Gandhi to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January, Venugopal confirmed the invite but did not say anything more. They invited us, we are thankful for that, he said.

The CWC condemned the suspension of INDIA MPs from both houses of Parliament. The suspension was done also to ensure that the Opposition was not present to challenge the Modi government as it bulldozed three draconian criminal justice laws through, the CWC resolution said.
In an indirect indication of its displeasure over talks between top US officials and Pakistani Army chief General Asim Munir in Washington, India on Thursday said its concerns for Islamabad's support to terrorism is well known and it hopes that other countries would also take it seriously.

The Pakistan Army chief arrived in Washington last week on his first official visit to the US.

Munir met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence Llyod J Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q Brown.

"Yes, we did see some reports in this regard about these meetings," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at his weekly media briefing.

He said this while replying to a question on Munir's visit to Washington and his meetings there.

"Our concerns for Pakistan's support to terrorism, its support to cross border attacks is well known. We would hope that other countries would also take counter-terrorism seriously," Bagchi said.

Asked about the Maldivian government's decision to not renew an agreement with India that allowed India to conduct hydrographic surveys in the island nation, Bagchi did not give a direct reply.

"India has a proven track record in the field of hydrography and we have been cooperating with many countries in the Indian Ocean region on hydrography and various elements related to that. The benefits to partner countries are visible," he said.

To a question on Houthi rebels stepping up attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bagchi said India has an interest in supporting free movement of commercial shipping in the region.

"We are monitoring the developments there. We are also part of international efforts to ensure free shipping. We will continue to monitor that," Bagchi said.

"We have been part of efforts to ensure safe transit of ships in the Arabian Sea and we value the free movement of commercial shipping," he added.

The safety of maritime traffic figured in a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
While his future political role remains uncertain, Madhya Pradesh ex-chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan continues to display his special bond with women and girls  indirectly highlighting the key role of his women-centric schemes in the success story of BJP in the state.

After similar scenes in Vidisha last week, women and girls thronged around Chouhan during his visit to Jabalpur enroute Amarkantak on a family break on Wednesday night, too.

The ex-chief minister shared a video of women and girls interacting with him on his social media accounts, showing him affectionately consoling crying women and girls who raised slogans of we want Mamaji. He responded saying I love you to the crowd. He captioned the video bhanje bhanjion ka nishchal prem (pure affection of nephew and nieces).

Chouhan has changed his X bio to Bhai aur Mama (brother and maternal uncle) after demitting the office of chief minister that he held for close to 17 years. There have been many occasions during the past week since he left the office that common people, mainly women, have met him  crying and saying that they had voted for him (to be the chief minister). There were chants of Mama Mama even during the oath taking ceremony of Mohan Yadav as the chief minister in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Though all these incidents and its public sharing by Chouhan indicate his vast popularity in the state, his future role in state politics continues to be uncertain. The ex-CM met party president J.P. Nadda in Delhi on Tuesday, yet there is no indication as to what the party is thinking about him.

Chouhan told the media repeatedly after meeting Nadda that he would be taking up any responsibility or role given by the party as party work to him meant mission for serving people. The only tangible thing he mentioned was that the party will be his tours under the Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and that he might be touring South India for that. To a question, he also said that he would be active in Centre as well as state and would continue to help the new chief minister whenever necessary.

Political watchers feel that these points indicate that the party top leadership wants to move Chouhan out of state politics, though the ex-CM does not want to totally give up his hold on state politics and people that he has cultivated for close to two decades. However, the party might not even want to pit Chouhan in Lok Sabha polls from a Madhya Pradesh constituency and rather keep him engaged in organizational work that keeps him away from the state as much as possible, sources say.

Ladli Behna will not be discontinued: CM

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in the state assembly that none of the ongoing welfare scheme including the flagship Ladli Behna scheme of financial assistance to women, would be discontinued.

We have enough funds for all the schemes including Ladli Behna and the subsidized gas cylinder, Yadav said while replying to a debate on the governors address in the house.

The CMs statement came amidst uproar surrounding the fact that the governors address did not mention the Ladli Behna scheme and that it mostly was focused on central schemes.

The opposition Congress, led by leader of opposition Umang Singhar, continuously asked the treasury benches whether there was plan to discontinue the scheme that had played a great role in re-election of the ruling party in the recent polls.

Many senior leaders of BJP including Chouhan himself and national general secretary and MLA Kailash Vijayvargiya repeatedly said that no schemes including Ladli Behna will be discontinued, but the opposition benches sought reply from the CM on the issue.

There have been strong speculations about discontinuation of the flagship scheme after Chouhan was removed as the chief minister and the reluctance of the senior party leaders to give credit to the scheme for the massive win of the party.
Its truly heartwarming to see the Dalai Lamas recent visit to the state of Sikkim after 13 long years. As the sister of the Dalai Lama, Jetsun Pema, recounts in her autobiography, Tibet: My Story, long before their coming into exile in 1959, many Tibetans  including her  made their way through the beautiful Chumbi Valley, into Gangtok, Sikkim, to enroll in Indian mission schools. They routinely travelled for trade to Kalimpong and Darjeeling, and further afield to Bodhgaya and other sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites too.

The Chogyal of Sikkim donated the land on which the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was built, with the Dalai Lama laying its foundation stone on 10 February 1957, when he visited India for the 2500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations, and with its eminent former director, the late Tashi Densapa Rinpoche, being a lifelong friend of the Dalai Lama.

The eldest brother of the Dalai Lama, Gyalo Thondup, who met with the Dalai Lama in Gangtok on his recent trip, retired in the region after playing a fascinating role in the resistance movement in the aftermath of Tibets invasion by the Chinese and memorably titled his autobiography, The Noodle-Maker of Kalimpong: The Untold Story of my Struggle for Tibet.

This long personal history of the Dalai Lamas own family with Sikkim, both before and after its accession into India in 1975, encapsulates the rich and intertwined religious, linguistic and cultural identity and natural affinity of the peoples of the Tibetan plateau and the Himalayan region, that transcends the borders of nation states.

Accounts of this organic and easy trans-Himalayan relationship- of families, teachers, reincarnate lamas, goods, manuscripts, ideas and much more- are to be found in countless arresting histories across the centuries. To name an outstanding few in contemporary times, Tibetan Caravans: Journeys from Leh to Lhasa, Abdul Wahid Radhus memoir, recounts their familys ancestral honour in leading biannual caravans of offerings by Ladakhi Kings to the Dalai Lamas of Tibet.

Likewise, the life stories of Bakula Rinpoche of Ladakh or Khunnu Lama Rinpoche of Kinnaur, both of whom spent years studying in the scholastic monasteries of Tibet, moving back and forth between India and Tibet at whim, and in the case of Bakula Rinpoche, going on to play key roles in the Buddhist renaissance of Mongolia, as well as recalibrating Ladakhs identity with demands to recognise Bhoti as an official language of India. Indeed, the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, even chose to be born in Arunachal Pradesh.

The present Dalai Lama is constantly thanking India, for hosting him as its longest staying official guest since 1959, and for all the country has done for Tibetans in exile. This says a lot about his graciousness and humility, for in actual fact, its his presence in the country that has truly resurrected in contemporary times its standing as the land of the Buddha Shakyamuni and the origin of Buddhism at an international level, while also rejuvenating the practice of Buddhist belief in the entire Himalayan region, towards a more engaged study and sophisticated understanding of its philosophy as opposed to mere ritual and dogma.

As I write this, the International Buddhist Confederation is inaugurating the first International Sangha Forum 2023 in Bodhgaya, a 3-day summit of global Buddhist leaders, wherein the Dalai Lama is the most distinguished delegate from India to co-initiate and grace the event. Buddhist sangha from countries practicing both Pali and Sanskrit traditions have gathered in large numbers, as they do annually for the Dalai Lamas many teachings in Dharamshala and elsewhere.

On a trip to Ladakh in August this year, it was eye opening to see firsthand the widespread reverence the Dalai Lama generates in the local populace, Buddhist as well as non-Buddhist (space forbids me from elaborating on the latter). This manifested in the Dalai Lamas smiling visage gracing the altars of hotels and homestays throughout Leh; vast numbers, including the striking Aryan peoples with their headdresses of potted flowers, turning up from far afield for his teachings; and those from the region of Sham insisting he visit their area to bless it, as he had previously blessed all other areas, and whom he subsequently obliged.

Indeed, such is the devotion for the Dalai Lama in Ladakh, that it naturally flows down to other eminent Tibetan Buddhist teachers, such as the young charismatic Kundeling Rinpoche, whose visits to Saspol, Nyemo and Phey at the tail end of his visit across the union territory I personally witnessed and which each saw the entire village turnout. Sitting in Delhi, one is apt to be misled at times by cynical accounts of lone individuals with petty local axes to grind, that sectarianism is what moves the people, when this is patently not the case on the ground.

Likewise, the Himalayan border states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have seen vast numbers of devotees, including their topmost leadership, eagerly awaiting and in attendance for any visit, past or present, by the Dalai Lama, attesting to the age-old interdependent history of the Tibetan plateau and the Indian Himalayan belt.

India is facing increasingly open aggression from China, with bold incursions in recent years in Ladakh, but also, in its encircling the country with its conditional loans and/or BRI initiatives in our neighbourhood of Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Within its own borders, it is seeking to build civilian and military infrastructure right up to boundaries with India, as also dumping its cheaply-produced goods in our markets, including especially of our peripheral geographies, such as in Gangtok.

Extending its soft power influence via the claiming and ownership of Buddhism is at the top of its agenda, too, but this is where India has the great advantage of, and must consciously claim, the bulwark of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as its jewel in the crown. Prime Minister Modi took great pride in showcasing the backdrop of the Nalanda University ruins at the G20 inaugural meet of world leaders. India has its greatest living proponent in the personhood of the Dalai Lama, whose reputation and influence extend not only in the west and the entire Himalayan belt, but also, in contemporary Mongolia, Kalmykia and broader Russia, as well as Taiwan.

India would do well to make the best strategic use of his presence at a time when Chinas economy is floundering and Ji Xinpings grip on power appears to be running into serious domestic challenges. Amending President Kennedys famous words in his inaugural address of 1961, And so, my fellow Indians: ask not what India can do for the Dalai Lama (and Tibet); ask what he can do for India. Theres never been higher stakes nor a better time to do so in international geopolitics!

Kaveri Gill is Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Centre for Excellence in Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar University Institute of Eminence. The views expressed are personal
The Delhi Police has detained for questioning two more people in connection with the Parliament security breach case.

One of them is a Karnataka-based techie, a close friend of accused Manoranjan D. The other hails from Uttar Pradesh, police sources said. A team of the Special Cell questioned the duo, who are suspected to be a part of the now-deleted Facebook page 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club'.

Sai Krishna Jagali, a techie and son of a retired deputy superintendent of police, was picked up from his house at Vidyagiri in the district headquarters town of Bagalkote on Wednesday night by a team of Delhi Police. He was interrogated at the Navanagara police station in Bagalkot before he was taken to Delhi for further probe.

He studied with Manoranjan at BIT engineering college in Bengaluru and roommates in the college hostel with him between 2008 and 2009. Jagali joined a software company in Delhi in 2012 but kept in touch with Manoranjan. The police detained him after his name was found in Manoranjan's personal diary.

#WATCH | Police have detained a man from Karnataka's Bagalkote, who was accused D. Manoranjan's roommate during their engineering college days, in connection with the Parliament security breach case pic.twitter.com/ZSZj02C9vK  ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

Sai Krishna's sister Spanda told reporters that a Delhi Police team took her brother with them while asserting that he had done "nothing wrong". "It is true that the Delhi Police came. My brother was interrogated. We have fully cooperated with the inquiry," she said, adding that both Manoranjan and Saikrishna were roommates.

Meanwhile, the police custody of the other four accused -- Neelam Devi, Amol Shinde, Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma -- will end on Thursday. They will be produced before a court as their seven days of police custody ends on Thursday. The Special Cell is likely to seek their further custody. Two more people -- Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat -- were arrested later in connection with the case and they have also been interrogated, police said.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack last Wednesday, two men -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released coloured smoke and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs.

CRPF to handle security

The government has decided to hand over the "comprehensive" security of the Parliament building complex to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in the wake of the recent breach of the safety ring, official sources said Thursday.

Sources told PTI that the Union Home Ministry on Wednesday directed for a survey of the Parliament building complex so that a "regular deployment of the CISF security and fire wing on a comprehensive pattern" could be done. The survey that will take place soon will have experts from CISF's government building security unit and fire combat and response officers taking part in it. The officials from the current Parliament security team will also be part of the team.



Both the new and the old Parliament complex and their allied buildings will be brought under a comprehensive security cover of the CISF which will also have the existing elements of Parliament Security Service, the Delhi Police and the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) of the CRPF, the sources said. A committee under the chairmanship of CRPF director general Anish Dayal Singh is looking into the overall security issues of the Parliament complex and will make recommendations to the Union home ministry for improvement.
The Opposition MPs will hold a protest march at Jantar Mantar on Thursday to protest against the mass suspension of 143 lawmakers during the ongoing Winter Session and Home Minister Amit Shahs refusal to make a statement on the Parliament security breach.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's chamber in the Parliament complex on Wednesday.



Though there were also plans to hold a "mock Parliament" with Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha as the speaker, it is unclear whether it will be held due to logistical reasons.



As many as 143 MPs have been suspended since last week for disrupting the proceedings of both the Houses. The lawmakers have been demanding a discussion on the December 13 Parliament security breach and a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue.



Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will table the three new criminal code bills in Rajya Sabha, a day after they were tabled in Lok Sabha. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, sailed through the lower house in the absence of majority of opposition MPs.



The three bills will replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, 1860; the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1898; and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively. "When the three laws are implemented fully, the Indian judicial system will be the most modern in the world," Shah said while replying to a debate on the bills in the Lok Sabha amid thumping of desks by NDA members.



The Centre will also move the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the Upper House for consideration and passage. The bill, piloted by Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, provides for stopping transmission and intercepting messages in case of public emergency, in the interest of the public, to prevent incitement for committing offence.



"The bill will promote structural reforms in the telecom sector," Vaishnaw said. "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 notificationtake temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from an authorised entity," he added.



(With PTI inputs)
Members of the Opposition staged a protest march at Jantar Mantar on Thursday condemning the mass suspension from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the week. Over 140 members have been suspended from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.



The protesters condemned the Prime Minister and Home Minister for not making statements regarding the Parliament security breach within the Houses while giving interviews to the media.

The Opposition members conducted the protest march from the old Parliament building to Vijay Chowk in central Delhi carrying a large banner with the caption Save Democracy". The protesting members also had placards with message "Parliament Caged, Democracy Expelled!"

Condemning the suspension, Congress President and Opposition leader in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge charged ruling party MPs were disrupting House proceedings purposefully. Kharge condemned the absence of the Prime Minister and Home Minister from the Houses. We are repeatedly requesting Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha Chairman to allow us to speak on security breach but ruling party MPs disrupting proceedings, Kharge said. PM Modi, Home Minister should have spoken in House on security breach; PM spoke elsewhere but did not turn up in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, Kharge added. The Congress leader said the Opposition wanted to raise the Parliament security breach issue in the House, why it happened and who is responsible.

Kharge said leaders of the INDIA bloc will protest at Jantar Mantar on Friday and nationwide protests will be held.

As many as 143 MPs have been suspended since last week for disrupting the proceedings of both the Houses. The lawmakers have been demanding a discussion on the December 13 Parliament security breach and a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue.
The Congress has hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP amid the row over mimicry and mass suspension of MPs, stating the Prime Minister has been insulting his political opponents for years.

Congress general Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh raked up old videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showing him targetting senior Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to hit out at the BJP.



"The Prime Minister has said that he has been suffering insults for the last twenty years. But what will he say about the way he has insulted his political opponents and used abusive and indecent language against them in the last 20 years? This is their cliched way of diverting attention from the real issue," Ramesh said.



It was August 10, 2017 during the farewell to Shri. Hamid Ansari, who was retiring as Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha after a long ten year tenure. It was then most shockingly that the Prime Minister mocked Mr. Ansari, one of India's most distinguished diplomats, pic.twitter.com/sNRCtauWEq  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 20, 2023

His response came as Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who was mocked by TMC MP Kalyan Mukherjee, claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a phone conversation, mentioned how he had been at the receiving end of such insults for 20 years.



Ramesh had also hit out at Amit Shah stating that the MPs were suspended because the Home Minister wanted the three draconian Criminal Justice Bills passed in the Lok Sabha without any informed dissent.



Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed three key bills the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill that seek to overhaul the criminal justice system.



Besides Jairam Ramesh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also questioned the media's alleged apathy in highlighting the pain and agony of the suspended MP. He alleged that the media "was totally running on one line" and focused on the mimicry incident.



Rahul Gandhi said, "MPs were sitting there, I shot their video. My video is on my phone. The media is showing it. Nobody has said anything. 150 of our MPs have been thrown out (of the House) but there is no discussion on that in the media. There is no discussion on Adani, no discussion on Rafale, no discussion on unemployment."



Two more opposition members in Lok Sabha were suspended on Wednesday for displaying placards, taking the total number of members of the lower House against whom such action has been taken to 97.



With these fresh suspensions, the total number of members suspended from the Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha since December 14 has gone up to 143.


China Records First Cross-Border Settlement for Precious Metals Using e-CNY CBDC

China recorded its first-ever cross-border settlement for precious metals using the digital yuan central bank digital currency (CBDC), also known as the e-CNY. On December 20, the Bank of China's Shanghai branch successfully transferred a 100 million yuan ($14 million) e-CNY CBDC settlement received overseas for gold via the Shanghai Financial Exchange International Board.

This development marks a major step forward in China's efforts to promote the use of its digital currency in international trade. The Bank of China highlighted the importance of the settlement in supporting Shanghai's free trade pilot zone strategy and enhancing the quality of the international trade center.

Bank of China Shanghai has been actively involved in the digital yuan pilot testing and has facilitated various transactions using the CBDC, including the import of iron ore to China. The bank also collaborates with foreign institutions, such as Standard Chartered, to advance the development of the digital yuan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the significance of CBDCs in cross-border trade, and several foreign banks have joined China's ongoing CBDC trials. Singapore has also announced that it will allow Chinese tourists to spend digital yuan during their visits to the country.

On December 1, China signed a $400 million memorandum on CBDC cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, further expanding its international reach. Last month, Chinas Shanghai Petroleum and Natural Gas Exchange settled its first oil deal using the e-CNY.

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In a huge political and legal blow to the ruling DMK, the Madras High Court on Thursday sentenced sitting higher education K Ponmudy and his wife Visalatchi to three years in jail and a Rs 50 lakh fine in a disproportionate assets case.

The minister and his wife Visalatchi submitted their medical records to the court. They also informed the court that the case was very old and requested minimal punishment, claiming Ponmudy was 73 years old while his wife was 60 years old. Hearing their submission, the judge suspended the sentence for 30 days allowing the minister and his wife to go on an appeal to the Supreme Court.



Justice G Jayachandran convicted Ponmudy and Visalatchi after reversing an acquittal order passed by the Villupuram special court in 2011. The case was registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in 2016, stating that the minister and his wife had amassed wealth worth Rs 1.7 crore disproportionate to their known sources of income.



However, Ponmudy, who commands a huge political influence in Villupuram and parts of North Tamil Nadu, stands disqualified and has lost his ministerial berth and the MLA post. Ponmudy's disqualification is again a huge blow to the ruling DMK. Earlier in July, Ponmudy and his MP son Gautham Sigamani were questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to an illegal sand mining case. He also faces another corruption case, pending in the Madras High Court, when he was the minister between 1996 and 2011.


Devaraje Gowda, father of Manoranjan, one of the accused in the Parliament security breach case on Thursday urged the media personnel outside his residence to "leave the family alone".

Gowda, who is a farmer in Mysuru told reporters that he had answered all the queries made by the Delhi police and did not want to speak to anybody. "Allow us to live peacefully. We are mentally very disturbed," he pleaded before riding away on his scooter.

The special cell of the Delhi police probing the Parliament security breach case had visited the residence of Manoranjan in Vijayanagar II stage in Mysuru on Monday and interrogated his parents for nearly seven hours and collected vital information about him.

According to sources, the investigation team learnt that Sagar Sharma, one of the accused, had visited Mysuru to meet Manoranjan last May and the duo might have plotted the Parliament attack during the meeting.

Manoranjan, who had chosen to do computer science engineering, had remained secluded after the course. He used read a lot of books and had refused to get married and take up a job. He used to confine himself to his room when at home and used to visit Bengaluru, Delhi and other places. In fact, Manoranjan had deactivated all his social media accounts a few months back.

Earlier this year, he had introduced Sharma as his engineering classmate to his parents. Sharma had had lunch twice at Manoranjan's house too. The cops are now trying to track down the places Sharma had visited and people whom he could have possibly met during his visits.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that his country has deepened its ties with India. His statement comes amid the controversy over the alleged plot to murder Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a citizen of both the US and Canada, on US soil.



"Our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific have never been stronger... Weve deepened our partnership with India. Weve elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, Australia," Blinken told reporters at the end-of-year press availability on Wednesday.



Quad is an informal strategic forum comprising the US, India, Australia and Japan, one of the Quad's primary objectives has been to work for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.



Blinken added that the US will continue to stand "shoulder-to-shoulder" with those who share its vision for a "free, open, prosperous, and secure world".



Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had stressed the strong India-US ties, stating 'a few incidents' won't affect the relations. "There is strong bipartisan support for the strengthening of this relationship, which is a clear indicator of a mature and stable partnership. I dont think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries," the Prime Minister told the Financial Times on Wednesday.



Other partnerships



Blinken said the US is working with the United Kingdom and Australia to produce nuclear-powered submarines. "We launched new comprehensive strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, a new Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines, new trilateral initiatives with the Philippines and Japan, new embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga," he added.



Blinken further said that the US is more closely aligned than ever with the G7, with the EU, with other allies and partners on the challenges presented by Beijing. "We're working together to address them. Were deepening cooperation and coordination between NATO and our Indo-Pacific allies. These efforts have allowed us to engage more effectively when tackling areas of concern, like Chinas coercive trade and economic practices, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, and human rights," Blinken said.



On Israel

Blinken said that the United States believes Israel has an obligation to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas while minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza."We continue to believe that Israel does not have to choose between removing the threat of Hamas and minimizing the toll on civilians in Gaza," Blinken said, adding that Israel "had an obligation to do both and it has a strategic interest to do both."
Palestinian militant group Hamas has rejected Israel's bid to revive hostage negotiations by rejecting a proposal for a week-long truce in the Gaza Strip in exchange for 40 hostages. The group reportedly told Israel that it wouldn't engage in negotiations until a pause in its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The proposal put forth by Israel required Hamas to release all women, children and elderly male hostages who require urgent medical care in exchange for a pause in air and ground operations in Gaza for a week. It would also ensure the flow of aid into the coastal territory, The Wall Street Journal quoted Egyptian officials engaged in talks.



But Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which took part in the negotiations for the first time, told Egyptian mediators that Israel must pause its offensive in the Strip before they will discuss any potential deal.



The Islamic Jihad also demanded Israel free all Palestinian prisoners for the release of all remaining hostages  estimated at some 100.



However, Israel rejected the demand to halt its military offensive, stating that this condition is a non-starter for talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Wednesday that the war would end only with Hamas eradicated, all hostages freed and Gaza posing no more threat to Israel. "Whoever thinks we will stop is detached from reality...All Hamas terrorists, from the first to the last, are dead men walking," he said.



The offer was presented before Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, who arrived in Cairo on Wednesday. Taher Al-Nono, Haniyeh's media adviser, told Reuters that Hamas was not willing to discuss releasing more Israeli hostages until Israel ends its Gaza offensive and increases the volume of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.



"The issue of prisoners can be negotiated after these two matters are achieved. We cannot talk about negotiations while Israel continues its aggression. Discussing any proposal related to prisoners must occur after the cessation of aggression," Nono told media in Cairo. "We have talked with our brothers in Egypt, outlining our stance on this aggression and the urgent need to stop it as a top priority," Nono said.



However, Egyptian officials told the Wall Street Journal said this shouldn't be viewed as a failure in the negotiations and that the terror group rejected the offer to wriggle further concession from Israel.



The US too maintained that "very serious" negotiations were underway on a new Gaza ceasefire and the release of more Israeli hostages. Negotiations were still on regarding which of the hostages still held by Palestinian Islamist militants in Gaza could be freed in a new truce and which Palestinian prisoners Israel might release in return. "These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere," White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday.


After failed efforts to bring out a new truce, Hamas on Thursday rejected talks on releasing Israeli hostages until war ends in Gaza. A statement published by Hamas claimed to reflect a "Palestinian national decision".

"There should be no talk about prisoners or exchange deals except after a full cessation of aggression," said the statement. According to Israel, around 120 people are still held as hostages by Hamas in Gaza.

Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader based in Qatar, travelled to Cairo this week for discussions with Egyptian officials seeking to broker another agreement. However, the meeting ended without results.

Meanwhile, Jordan's King Abdullah told French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday that Israel's "continued aggression" against Gaza would have "catastrophic repercussions" on the region, the palace said in a statement.

King Abdullah also said the world should pressure Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza and lift obstacles to much needed aid to around two million Palestinians in the enclave, where hunger and disease were spreading fast.

Earlier, Netanyahu in a statement had said that Israeli PM, appeared to dismiss the prospect of another truce on Wednesday. Whoever thinks that we will stop is detached from reality. We will not stop the fighting until all of the goals that we have set are achieved: the elimination of Hamas, the release of our hostages and the removal of the threat from Gaza, he said.

At least 20,000 people had been killed in Gaza since October 7 attacks.

Egypt's foreign minister on Thursday said that countries on the Red Sea have a responsibility to protect it. We continue to cooperate with many of our partners to provide suitable conditions for the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Sameh Shoukry added in a press conference with the British foreign secretary, David Cameron, in Cairo.

WHO said that there are not long any functional hospitals in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, four Palestinians killed in Israeli air strike near Rafah. An Israeli air strike killed a Hamas-appointed senior border official and three others in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip near the border with Egypt, Hamas and health officials on Thursday.

(With agencies input)
Tension mounts in Poland after President denounced state media reforms announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's led government on state television. President Andrzej Duda had termed reforms by Tusk government as "anarchy".

The culture minister, Bartomiej Sienkiewicz, on Wednesday announced that the chairs and boards of state television, news and radio had all been removed, prompting lawmakers from the conservative Law and Justice party to protest outside the headquarters of state broadcaster TVP.

The TVP 24-hour news services regular broadcast was suspended on Wednesday. Tusk, a former president of the European Council, was sworn in as PM on December 12.

The changes in the state media was to restore impartiality, the government had said.

State media, and in particular news channel TVP Info, were accused of having become outlets for propaganda under the rule of the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party.

Duda told private broadcaster Radio Zet that the sudden implementation of those changes went against the constitution by avoiding the appropriate parliamentary procedures."These are completely illegal actions," he said. "This is anarchy."

PiS lawmakers, who had taken part in the protests at TVP's offices, walked out of the parliament chamber on Thursday after their motion to hold a debate was struck down by the majority.

"The liberal-left coalition feels that they are so powerful that they don't have to observe the law," PiS lawmaker Marcin Przydacz was quoted by Reuters. While, Tusk said the actions were aimed at "restoring legal order and common decency in public life" and that Duda should expect to see "iron" determination on the matter.

The new government considers Duda himself to have been involved in multiple violations of the constitution during PiS's eight years in power. Meanwhile, former Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski and his deputy Maciej Wasik from PiS were sentenced on Wednesday to two years in prison for abuse of power in previous posts.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 45F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 32F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.




The Biden administration has released a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a swap for jailed Americans, The Associated Press has learned.

Alex Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, was released from custody Wednesday. In exchange, Maduro will free some, if not all, of the roughly dozen U.S. citizens who remain imprisoned in Venezuela, according to a person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The White House declined to comment.

On Friday and again on Monday, two docket entries were filed under seal in the long-dormant criminal case out of federal court in Miami, an indication that a behind-the-scenes deal was in the works.

The deal between Washington and Caracas represents the U.S. governments latest bid to improve relations and bring back imprisoned Americans. The move, likely to be the largest release of American prisoners since an October 2022 deal that freed seven, comes just weeks after the U.S. agreed to temporarily suspend some sanctions after Maduros socialist government and a faction of its opposition formally resolved to work together on a series of basic conditions for the next presidential election

The U.S. has long accused Saab of being a bag man for Maduro. Saabs release would be seen as a major concession to Maduro, the South American countrys authoritarian leader who is himself the target of a $15 million U.S. reward for anyone bringing him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

The deal is also likely to anger the Venezuelan opposition, who have of late criticized the White House for standing by as the leader of the OPEC nation has repeatedly outmaneuvered the U.S. government after the Trump administrations maximum pressure campaign failed to topple him.

In October, the White House eased sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry, promising to reimpose the restrictions if Maduro by Nov. 30 didnt live up to his promise to pave the way for free and fair elections next year. That deadline passed and so far Maduro has failed to reverse a ban blocking his chief opponent, Maria Corina Machado, from running for office.

Among the Americans behind bars in Venezuela are two former Green Berets, Luke Denman and Airan Berry, who were involved in an attempt to oust Maduro in 2019. Also detained are Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore and Joseph Cristella, who are accused of entering the country illegally from Colombia. More recently, Venezuela arrested Savoi Wright, a 38-year-old California businessman.

The U.S. has conducted several swaps with Venezuela over the past few years. The most notable was a deal in October 2022 for seven Americans, including five oil executives at Houston-based Citgo, in exchange for the release of two nephews of Maduros wife jailed in the U.S. on narcotics charges.

Saab, 51, was pulled off a private jet during a fuel stop in Cape Verde en route to Iran, where he was sent to negotiate oil deals on behalf of Maduros government. The charges: conspiracy to commit money laundering tied to a bribery scheme that allegedly siphoned off $350 million through state contracts to build affordable housing for Venezuelas government.

Maduros government has insisted Saab was traveling to Iran to buy food and medical supplies when he was detained in Cape Verde. Saab was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for allegedly running a scheme that included Maduros inner circle and stole hundreds of millions in dollars from food-import contracts at a time of widespread hunger mainly due to shortages in the South American country.

A decade into the crisis, grocery stores are now fully stocked, but few can afford food. The monthly minimum wage is about $3.60, just enough to buy a gallon of water.

The Trump administration held out Saab as a trophy, spending millions of dollars pursuing the Colombian-born businessman. At one point, it even deployed a Navy warship to the coast of West Africa to warn the Venezuelans.

Maduros government has argued that Saab is a Venezuelan diplomat, entitled to immunity from criminal prosecution under international law.

But his defense lawyers said last year in a closed-door hearing that before his arrest, Saab had been secretly talking to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, helping authorities untangle corruption in Maduros inner circle and agreeing to forfeit millions of dollars in illegal proceeds from corrupt state contracts.

The deal is the latest concession by the Biden administration in the name of bringing home Americans jailed overseas. Perhaps the most-high-profile prisoner exchange came last December when the U.S. government, over the objections of some Republicans in Congress and criticism from some law enforcement officials, traded Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for WNBA star Brittney Griner.

In September, Iran released five American detainees in exchange for the release of nearly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets and two Iranian prisoners who had been jailed in the United States.

The succession of swaps has raised concerns that the U.S. is incentivizing hostage-taking abroad and producing a false equivalence between Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad and foreigners who have been properly prosecuted and convicted in U.S courts. Biden administration officials say securing the freedom of wrongfully detained Americans and hostages abroad is a core government priority that requires difficult dealmaking.

(AP)




When Idaho had a rare measles outbreak a few months ago, health officials scrambled to keep it from spreading. In the end, 10 people, all in one family, were infected, all unvaccinated.

This time, the state was lucky, said the regions medical director Dr. Perry Jansen. The family quickly quarantined and the children were already taught at home. The outbreak could have been worse if the kids were in public school, given the states low vaccination rates, he said.

In Idaho last year, parents opted out of state-required vaccines for 12% of kids entering kindergarten, the highest rate in the nation.

We tend to forget that diseases like measles and polio used to kill people, said Jansen, medical director of the Southwest District Health Department, which handled the outbreak in September.

All states require children to have certain routine vaccines to go to public school, and often private school and day care, to prevent outbreaks of once-common childhood diseases like measles, mumps, whooping cough, chickenpox and polio. All provide exemptions for children who have a medical reason for avoiding the shots. Most also offer waivers for religious beliefs. Fifteen allow a waiver for any personal belief.

Last school year, vaccination waivers among kindergartners hit an all-time high: 3% in total, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Waivers for religious or person beliefs have been on the rise, driven by some states loosening laws, in others by vaccine misinformation and political rhetoric amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Idaho, a parent only has to provide a signed statement, to get a waiver, the states health department said. A change in state law before the 2018-19 school year made it easier to get waivers. The states exemption rate that year was 7.7%.

Septembers measles outbreak started when a resident of Nampa, the states third largest city, returned home from a trip abroad. Measles is usually brought into the U.S. through travel since widespread vaccination has all but eliminated local spread of the disease.

It takes a very high level of vaccination  around 95%  to protect against the spread of measles and other diseases, experts say. During the pandemic, the national rate for vaccinations among kindergartners dropped to 93%.

Health experts say interventions on every level are needed to get more kids immunized: doctors talking to parents, social media campaigns, easier access to vaccines in some areas, enforcement by schools in others.

Last year, most states had an increase in waivers. Hawaii, which allows medical and religious waivers, saw rates double from the previous school year. Nearly 6.5% of kindergartners have an exemption for at least one required vaccine.

Its impossible to know the reasons behind a waiver, said Ronald Balajadia, immunization program manager for Hawaii State Department of Health. But misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines has bled through to routine vaccines where normally people would have not had a question about, Balajadia said.

While some states have made it easier to opt out, others have clamped down. Connecticut eliminated its longstanding religious waiver for vaccinations in 2021, joining California, West Virginia, New York and Maine in allowing only medical exemptions. The change drew protests and lawsuits. With only a medical waiver now, the kindergartner vaccination rate reached 97% or above last year; waiver rates dropped to less than 1%.

The state is still working to get more parents on board by answering their questions and not just dismiss them. Its our best shot at trying to bring people along, said Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Georgia had the second largest drop in vaccine waivers last year  from 4.7% to 3.8%. State health officials cited a steady post-pandemic return to partnerships between schools, public health and pediatricians as possible reasons for the improvement.

Dr. Angela Highbaugh-Battle has cared for kids in rural Georgia for 17 years, now in the small coastal community of St. Marys. She said she spends more time now talking to parents wary about routine childhood vaccines.

Every connection, every conversation, is a chance to educate, she said.

Its not about winning or losing, she said.

(AP)




A federal judge is ordering Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania to turn over more than 1,600 texts and emails to FBI agents investigating efforts to keep President Donald Trump in office after his 2020 election loss and illegally block the transfer of power to Democrat Joe Biden.

The ruling, late Monday, came more than a year after Perrys personal cellphone was seized by federal authorities. The decision, by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, is largely in line with an earlier finding by a federal judge that Perry appealed to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C.

Boasberg, in a 12-page decision, said that, after viewing each record, he decided that Perry, a top Trump ally, can withhold 396 of the messages under the constitutions speech and debate clause that protects the work of members of Congress.

However, the other 1,659 records do not involve legislative acts and must be disclosed, Boasberg ruled. That includes efforts to influence members of the executive branch, discussions about Vice President Mike Pences role in certifying the election and providing information about alleged election fraud.

Perrys lawyer, John Rowley, did not immediately respond to a query about whether he will appeal. In the past, Rowley has said that government officials have never described Perry to him as a target of their investigation.

Perry is chairman of the Freedom Caucus, a hardline faction of conservatives. Perry has not been charged with a crime and is the only sitting member of Congress whose cellphone was seized by the FBI in the 2020 election investigation.

Perrys efforts to protect the contents of his cell phone have proceeded largely in secret, except in recent weeks when snippets and short summaries of his texts and emails were inadvertently unsealed  and then resealed  by the federal court.

Those messages revealed more about where Perry may fit in the web of Trump loyalists who were central to his bid to remain in power.

Making Perry a figure of interest to federal prosecutors were his efforts to elevate Jeffrey Clark to Trumps acting attorney general in late 2020.

Perry, in the past, has said he merely obliged Trumps request that he be introduced to Clark. At the time, Trump was searching for a like-minded successor to use the Department of Justice to help stall the certification of Bidens election victory.

But the messages suggest that Perry was a key ally for Clark, who positioned himself as someone who would reverse the Department of Justices stance that it had found no evidence of widespread voting fraud.

To that end, Clark had drafted a letter that he suggested sending to Georgia saying the Department of Justice had identified signicant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple states, including the state of Georgia, according to the August indictment in that state accusing Trump, Clark and 17 others of trying illegally to keep him in power.

At the time, Clark was the assistant attorney general of the Environment and Natural Resources Division and served as the acting head of the Civil Division.

The showdown over Clark brought the Justice Department to the brink of crisis, prosecutors have said, and Trump ultimately backed down after he was told that it would result in mass resignations at the Justice Department and his own White House counsels office.

Clark is now described in the federal indictment of Trump as one of six unnamed and unindicted co-conspirators in an effort to illegally subvert the 2020 election.

(AP)
China has suspended a US$6.5 billion currency swap agreement with Argentina, and the freeze remains in effect until President Javier Milei demonstrates a clear intention to engage with Beijing, Argentine media have reported.

News of the move comes just 10 days into the tenure of the new president, who campaigned on breaking ties with China, and underscores the challenge Milei will face in trying to follow through with those pledges.

Asked to comment, Zhicheng Xie, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Argentina, declined to confirm the reports.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also refused to confirm or deny the reports on Wednesday, only saying that China remained committed "to cooperation with Argentina on the basis of equality and mutual benefit".

Argentine President Javier Milei speaking at his inauguration on December 10 in Buenos Aires. Photo: AP alt=Argentine President Javier Milei speaking at his inauguration on December 10 in Buenos Aires. Photo: AP>

The funding is part of a deal renewed annually since 2009, crucial for Buenos Aires due to its negative holdings of international dollar reserves. Argentina has relied on such swaps as one of its few credit options, given the South American nation's reputation for defaulting on international debt.

The funds, which China first promised in October to Sergio Massa, then Argentina's economic minister, were primarily intended to bolster imports and meet obligations to the International Monetary Fund.

Massa was also running for president at the time and lost to Milei, whose campaign included significant anti-China rhetoric. Despite that, after his inauguration on December 10, Milei reached out to Chinese President Xi Jinping and requested continuation of those agreements, according to Pagina 12, an Argentine newspaper.

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Two days later, Argentina's foreign affairs minister, Diana Mondino, met with Wu Weihua, Xi's special envoy to the inauguration, and urged a swift renewal of the agreement.

According to Infobae, an Argentine news website, China's decision followed Argentina's purchase of used F-16 fighters from Denmark. The aircraft were originally manufactured in the US.

Confirmation of the deal has not been officially announced, but Infobae reported that Luis Petri, Argentina's defence minister, met on Monday with Xavier Julian Isaac, the brigadier general of its air force, to confirm Milei's intention to acquire the F-16s.

Before Milei's election, Argentina had been in talks to acquire new Chinese JF-17 Thunder jets. That prospect reportedly displeased Washington, which is trying to limit Beijing's influence in South America.

The US has not only approved the sale of the F-16s to Argentina but also pledged weapons, training, logistical support and spare parts for the jets.

Infobae also reported that China was waiting for "a clear gesture of goodwill or friendship" from Argentina to resume the currency swap.

The news site said that China's ambassador to Argentina, Wang Wei, had been recalled to Beijing to discuss Milei's plans and approach to projects Xi has prioritised.

Patricio Giusto of the Sino-Argentine Observatory in Buenos Aires called China's freezing of funds concerning. Without the financial cushion provided by the US$6.5 billion, he noted, Argentina would need to renegotiate its debt with the IMF, demanding a search for alternative funding sources, a task Giusto deemed "not easy at all".

Giusto suggested that China's displeasure might extend beyond these individual decisions, seeking a broader shift in Argentine foreign policy. Buenos Aires' recent refusal to join the China-led Brics economic bloc, and its potential abandonment of a Belt and Road Initiative project signal a possible realignment of Argentina's international partnerships, which might prompt China to exert pressure through economic means.

"This interdependence we have with China is irreplaceable. We cannot replace it now with the US or Europe," he said.

Milei's administration, he said, should "try to understand better what China represents and how Chinese diplomacy works, because there will be a lot of trouble ahead if this [relationship] is not properly addressed".

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.




A New York Times/Siena College poll has uncovered a notable shift in sentiment among supporters of former President Donald J. Trump, with nearly a quarter of Trumps own backers believe he should not be the Republican nominee for president next year if he is found guilty of a crime. Despite enjoying a significant lead among Republican candidates for the presidential nomination, the poll indicates that Trumps legal troubles could impact his support base.

Trump, facing four criminal cases, has framed the prosecutions as political persecution by Democrats and President Biden. However, the poll suggests that if he were found guilty, a substantial minority of his supporters might reconsider their support, even if he wins the primary contest.

Interestingly, 20% of self-identified Trump supporters said he should go to prison if convicted in the federal case in Washington, where he is accused of plotting to overturn the 2020 election. Additionally, 23% believe that Trump has committed serious federal crimes, a significant increase from 11% in July.

The poll was conducted before the Colorado Supreme Courts ruling on Tuesday that disqualified Trump from the Republican primary ballot in the state under the 14th Amendment, which bars those involved in insurrections from holding office.

The findings highlight the importance of Trumps legal strategy to delay his trials, particularly the federal election interference case in Washington, scheduled to start in early March. Trump is also facing other legal challenges, including a federal case in Florida over classified documents, a Manhattan case related to hush money payments, and a racketeering conspiracy charge in Georgia.

Trump has consistently labeled these cases as political witch hunts, a sentiment echoed by 84% of his supporters and 46% of all registered voters surveyed, indicating a strong belief among Trumps base that the charges are politically motivated.

However, Trumps approach to the criminal cases, contrasted with his history of delay tactics in civil litigation, may have broader implications. Some advisers have suggested that the Justice Department could drop the cases should he be re-elected. They also believe that it would be constitutionally challenging for state cases to proceed against a sitting president.

Delaying the trials could prevent voters from hearing detailed evidence against Trump before the election. This is particularly significant for the election interference case, as its postponement could mean that many Americans would not be aware of the specifics of Trumps attempts to influence the last election before considering him for office again in 2024.

Previous polls have shown mixed reactions to Trumps actions post-2020 election, with 51% of swing state voters, including 13% of Trumps supporters, believing he threatened democracy. Most of Trumps supporters in battleground states indicated continued support even if convicted, but approximately 6% said they would switch their votes to Biden, potentially enough to influence the election outcome.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




In a confidential memo addressed to partner law enforcement agencies, the FBIs Assistant Director Cathy Milhoan disclosed that a recent string of swatting incidents targeting Jewish institutions across the nation was likely a coordinated effort by a group operating outside the United States. The memo, obtained by ABC News, highlighted that nearly 200 Jewish organizations were affected over the weekend.

Milhoans letter said, 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. She further assured, To date, none of these email threats have involved any actual explosive devices or credible risk of harm to congregants.

The FBI is actively investigating these threats, with more than 30 of its 56 field offices involved. According to Milhoan, these incidents violated multiple federal laws. The Secure Community Network (SCN), a non-profit that advises U.S. Jewish institutions on safety, recorded an unprecedented number of 199 swatting incidents and false bomb threats between Friday and Saturday.

The SCN press release detailed the geographic spread of these incidents, including 93 in California, 62 in Arizona, 15 in Connecticut, five in Colorado, and four in Washington state. The non-profit also reported a significant increase in such incidents, with a 540% rise from 2022, totaling over 449 cases this year.

Notably, October and November witnessed a 290% surge in incidents from the previous year, with SCN documenting a record 772 incidents.

In concluding the memo, Milhoan emphasized, The safety of all faith-based communities is one of the FBIs highest priorities. Once again, thank you for your partnership and your collaboration to keep our communities safe.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Texas began flying migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to Chicago on Wednesday, a week after the city took a tougher stance on the buses that Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has been sending north since last year.

The first flight of 120 migrants arrived in the afternoon, according to Abbotts office.

The governor directed state officials to begin busing migrants to Democratic-led cities starting in April 2022. Over 80,000 migrants have since been relocated through the effort as part of the governors multi-pronged border security mission, known as Operation Lone Star, including 23,000 to Chicago.

Chicagos city council voted last week to toughen penalties on bus operators that dont unload passengers at a designated arrival location or fill out city paperwork. The city has said operators began trying to drop people off in neighboring cities to avoid penalties including fines, towing or impoundment.

Concerns have arisen about the living conditions and medical care provided for asylum-seekers arriving in Chicago, spotlighted by the death last weekend of a 5-year-old boy living at a temporary shelter for migrants.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnsons office did not immediately reply to a request for comment about the flights.

Abbot spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement that the decision to start sending migrants there by plane was made because Johnson is not living up to Chicagos Welcoming City ordinance and targeting migrant buses from Texas.

Until President Biden steps up and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue taking historic action to help our local partners respond to this Biden-made crisis, Mahaleris said.

Abbotts multibillion-dollar border effort has also included stringing razor wire along the frontier, installing buoy barriers in the Rio Grande and deploying more officers.

Earlier this week, Abbott signed a measure allowing police to arrest migrants who cross the U.S. border illegally and authorizing local judges to order them out of the country.

(AP)




North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country has a policy of not hesitating to launch a nuclear strike on its rivals if provoked, as he praised troops involved in its recent intercontinental ballistic missile test, state media reported Thursday.

Since adopting an escalatory nuclear doctrine last year, Kim has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons preemptively. But many foreign experts say North Korea has yet to obtain functioning nuclear missiles and is also unlikely to use its nukes first because its outgunned by the U.S. and its allied forces.

North Korea on Monday conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile test in five months, calling the drill a warning over confrontational U.S. and South Korean moves. North Korea cited a recent U.S.-South Korean meeting on boosting their nuclear deterrence plans.

The Norths Korean Central News Agency said Kim met troops from the General Missile Bureau on Wednesday to congratulate them on the launch of the developmental solid-fueled Hwasong-18 missile, the Norths newest and most powerful ICBM.

During the meeting, Kim said the launch demonstrated the evolution of the Norths nuclear doctrine and strategy not to hesitate even with a nuclear attack when the enemy provokes it with nukes, KCNA said.

Kim said peace is guaranteed by a war posture of being willing to launch preemptive strikes on the enemy anywhere to make it feel fear, KCNA said.

Last year, North Korea adopted a law that stipulates a broad range of situations in which it can use nuclear weapons. Since the beginning of 2022, it has also test-fired about 100 ballistic missiles, many of them nuclear-capable weapons targeting the U.S. and South Korea. Mondays Hwasong-18 launch was the weapons third test-flight this year.

The U.S. and South Korean governments have repeatedly warned that any attempt by North Korea to use nuclear weapons would result in the end of the Kim Jong Un government. The allies have also expanded their military training, which Kim views as invasion rehearsal.

After the Norths latest ICBM launch, the U.S., South Korea and Japan began sharing real-time missile warning data on North Korea and established details of their trilateral exercises in the coming years. On Wednesday, the U.S. flew long-range B-1B bombers for joint aerial training with South Korean and Japanese warplanes in a demonstration of strength against North Korea.

In an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting on Tuesday, the U.S., South Korea and their partners maintained that North Koreas repeated missile launches threatened international peace and violated Security Council resolutions that ban any ballistic activities by North Korea.

Kims sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong, said in a statement on Thursday she feels very unpleasant over the U.N. council meeting, which she said was held at the brigandish demand of the U.S. and its satellite countries.

She said the U.N. council must hold the U.S. and South Korea accountable for heightened tensions as they stage all sorts of military provocations all year round.

The Norths latest ICBM launch wont likely earn the country fresh international sanctions. China and Russia  locked in separate confrontations with the U.S.  have repeatedly blocked any U.N. Security Council responses to the Norths banned ballistic missile tests since last year.

In a joint statement released Thursday, the top diplomats from South Korea, the U.S. and Japan said the Norths ICBM and other recent missile launches serve as a reminder of the need for all countries to fully implement North Korea-related U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit the country from acquiring technologies and materials to advance its unlawful missile program.

The statement said the three countries will work closely with the international community to block the Norths efforts to finance its weapons programs through the exploitation of overseas workers and malicious cyber activities.

(AP)




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U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin flew out to the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier Wednesday to meet with the sailors he has ordered to remain at sea to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from spilling over into a deadlier regional conflict.

Austin was in the region to press Israel to shift its bombardment of Gaza to a more limited campaign and more quickly transition to address Palestinian civilians dire humanitarian needs.

At the same time, the U.S. has been concerned that Israel will launch a similar military operation along its northern border with Lebanon to expel Hezbollah militants there, potentially opening a second front and widening the war.

At a news conference in Tel Aviv on Monday, Austin didnt say whether U.S. troops might be further extended to defend Israel if its campaign expands into Lebanon, and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant seemed to tone down recent rhetoric that a northern front was imminent, deferring to diplomatic efforts first.

Still, that leaves incredible uncertainty for the Ford and its crew, which Austin ordered to the Eastern Mediterranean to be closer to Israel the day after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7. The aircraft carriers more than 4,000 sailors and the accompanying warships were supposed to be home in early November.

Using the public address system of the Ford, which is sailing a few hundred miles off the coast of Israel, Austin thanked the sailors and their families for giving up spending the holidays together because of the mission.

Sometimes our greatest achievements are the bad things we stop from happening, Austin told the crew. In a moment of huge tension in the region, you all have been the linchpin of preventing a wider regional conflict.

The defense secretary met with a group of sailors in the Fords hangar bay to talk about the various dangers in the region that the carries, the destroyers and cruisers deployed along with it have been watching.

He thanked them for keeping attention on cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, and later told reporters traveling with him that if Israel transitions away from major combat operations in Gaza, it could possibly ease some of the regional tension that has kept the Ford in place.

The Fords commanding officer, Navy Capt. Rick Burgess, said one of the Fords main contributions has been to stay close enough to Israel that it can send its aircraft in to provide support, if needed. While the Fords fighter and surveillance aircraft are not contributing to the surveillance needs of Israels operations in Gaza, other ships in its strike group are, Burgess said.

The Ford is one of two U.S. carrier strike groups bracketing the conflict. The other, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, has recently patrolled near the Gulf of Aden, at the mouth of the Red Sea waterway where so many commercial vessels have come under attack in recent weeks.

Iranian-backed Houthis in nearby Yemen have vowed to continue striking commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones until Israel ceases its devastating bombardment of Gaza, which has now killed more than 19,000 Palestinians.

To counter the ship attacks, Austin announced a new international maritime mission Tuesday to get countries to send their warships and other assets to the southern Red Sea, to protect the roughly 400 commercial vessels that transit the waterway daily.

Since it left Norfolk in the first week of May, the Fords fighter aircraft and surveillance planes have conducted more than 8,000 missions. The crew, Austin noted, has been moving at full speed  consuming more than 100,000 Monster energy drinks and 155,000 Red Bulls along the way.

(AP)




Hamas top leader traveled to Cairo on Wednesday for talks on the war in Gaza, part of a flurry of diplomacy aimed at securing another cease-fire and hostage swap at a moment when the terrorist group is putting up stiff resistance to Israels offensive.

Israel has called on the rest of the world to blacklist Hamas as a terrorist organization, saying it must be eradicated in the wake of its Oct. 7 rampage across southern Israel that triggered the war.

But the sides have recently relaunched indirect talks, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, aimed at instituting another cease-fire and freeing more hostages captured in that attack in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Mobile phone and internet service was down across Gaza again on Wednesday, an outage that could complicate efforts to communicate with Hamas leaders inside the territory who went into hiding after Oct. 7.

WIDE GAP REMAINS IN TALKS ON HOSTAGES

Despite a burst of activity by high-level officials in recent days, the two sides appeared to be far from an agreement.

Hamas has said no more hostages will be released until the war ends, and is expected to insist on the release of large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, including high-level terrorists, for the captives that remain  demands Israel has thus far rejected.

Egypt, along with Qatar, helped mediate a weeklong cease-fire in November in which Hamas freed over 100 hostages in exchange for Israels release of 240 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas and other terrorists are still holding an estimated 129 captives.

Hamas said that Haniyeh  who is believed to be based in Qatar but whose movements are rarely publicized  would discuss the war with Egyptian officials, without providing more details.

Ziad Nakhaleh, the leader of the smaller Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group, which took part in the Oct. 7 attack and is also holding hostages, said he had also been invited to Egypt for talks and would travel there in the coming days.

Egypt, which borders Gaza, is deeply concerned about a potential influx of Palestinian refugees, fearing Israel will not allow them to return.

ISRAEL SAYS FINAL CLEARING UNDERWAY IN THE NORTH

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Tuesday that Israeli forces were entering Hamas tunnel network in northern Gaza as part of a final clearing of terrorists from the region. The densely built urban north  including Gaza City, the territorys largest  has seen ferocious fighting.

Gallant said that in southern Gaza, where the military launched a ground incursion focused on Khan Younis in early December, operations will take months.

Israels military says 134 of its soldiers have been killed in the Gaza ground offensive. Israel says it has killed some 7,000 terrorists, and blames civilian deaths on Hamas, saying it uses them as human shields when it fights in residential areas.

UN MEMBERS STILL PUSHING US ON AID RESOLUTION

U.N. Security Council members are negotiating an Arab-sponsored resolution to halt the fighting in some way to allow for an increase in desperately needed humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. A vote on the resolution, first scheduled for Monday, was pushed back again until Wednesday as talks continued in the hopes of getting the U.S. to abstain or vote yes on the resolution after it vetoed an earlier cease-fire call.

France, the United Kingdom and Germany  some of Israels closest allies  joined global calls for a cease-fire 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.

Israel says it will keep fighting until it has removed Hamas from power, dismantled its armed wing and returned all the hostages. U.S. President Joe Bidens administration has called on Israel to take greater steps to spare civilians but has continued to provide diplomatic and military support for the offensive.

(AP)




During a visit to the Eilat port today, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant inspected a Saar 6-class corvette of the Israel Navy. He delivered a firm message, asserting that Israel will not accept any threats or attempts to attack Eilat, specifically addressing this warning to the Iran-supported Houthi forces in Yemen.

The following are excerpts from the Ministers remarks:

The threat to freedom of navigation in the Straits of Bab al-Mandab, two thousand kilometers from the State of Israel, is not only a threat on traffic to Israel, but also to international freedom of navigation in waters belonging to all countries.

I would like to thank my friend, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, whom I hosted in Israel a few days ago, for leading, on behalf of the United States, the multinational force tasked with ensuring freedom of navigation for all, in the Strait of Bab al Mandab.

I have met the men and women in our Navy, the officers and commanders. We will not tolerate threats against the State of Israel. If they continue to provoke us, try to attack Eilat with missiles or by other means, we will know what to do. We are preparing  the troops here are ready for any mission and any command. The State of Israel, through the Navy and the Air Force, will know how to defend itself.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




In a profoundly touching and forgiving gesture, Iris Haim, the mother of Yotam Haim, who was tragically killed by IDF troops in northern Gaza on December 15, has recorded a message for the soldiers involved in the incident. Yotam Haim, 28, was one of the three hostages, including Alon Shamriz and Samar Talalka, mistakenly shot by the IDF during an operation. The incident, which occurred after Yotam was abducted by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, is currently under IDF investigation.

In her message addressed to the soldiers of the Bislamach Brigades 17th Battalion, Iris Haim expressed her love and forgiveness. This is Iris Haim. I am Yotams mother. I wanted to tell you that I love you very much, and I hug you here from afar, she said.

Iris Haim absolved the soldiers of any blame, directing responsibility towards Hamas. I know that everything that happened is absolutely not your fault, and nobodys fault except that of Hamas, may their name be wiped out and their memory erased from the earth, she continued.

She also encouraged the soldiers to maintain their resilience and vigilance. I want you to look after yourselves and to think all the time that you are doing the best thing in the world, the best thing that could happen, that could help us. Because all the people of Israel and all of us need you healthy, she added.

And dont hesitate for a second if you see a terrorist, Iris urged. Dont think that you killed a hostage deliberately. You have to look after yourselves because only that way can you look after us.

In a gesture of solidarity and healing, Iris invited the soldiers to visit her family. At the first opportunity, she said, you are invited to come to us, whoever wants to. And we want to see you with our own eyes and hug you and tell you that what you did  however hard it is to say this, and sad  it was apparently the right thing at that moment.

She concluded her message with a reaffirmation of support and love for the soldiers, emphasizing that her family holds no anger or judgment against them. And nobodys going to judge you or be angry. Not me, and not my husband Raviv. Not my daughter Noya. And not Yotam, may his memory be blessed. And not Tuval, Yotams brother. We love you very much. And that is all.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




The Wall Street Journal, citing Egyptian sources, reported that Hamas has turned down an Israeli proposal for a one-week ceasefire. This proposal was contingent upon the release of 40 hostages.

Hamass stance, as mentioned in the report, is that they will not engage in discussions about releasing Israeli hostages until a ceasefire is effectively in place.

The Israeli proposal that was rejected by Hamas included releasing 40 hostages, encompassing all women and children taken from Israel during the attack on October 7, as well as elderly male hostages in urgent need of medical care.

In exchange, the IDF would have suspended their ground and aerial operations in Gaza for the duration of one week and permitted additional humanitarian aid into Gaza, as per the Egyptian officials.

Additionally, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden both acknowledged on Wednesday that there is currently no agreement between Israel and Hamas. Blinken expressed a desire to see such a development occur.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Just three days after Xfinity disclosed that 36 million of its users personal information was exposed in a data breach, Fort Lauderdale-based Citrix Systems Inc. is facing a class-action lawsuit accusing the firm of failing to prevent the breach.

The extent of the breach was disclosed on Monday in a notice to the Maine Attorney General by Comcast Cable Communications, which does business as Xfinity.

That day, Comcast released a notice to customers disclosing that unauthorized access to its internal systems had occurred between Oct. 16 and Oct. 19. Following a review, Comcast concluded on Dec. 6 that the breach exposed customer information such as usernames and passwords that the company had disguised for security purposes.

Hackers also stole some users names, contact information, last four digits of Social Security numbers, dates of birth and/or secret questions and answers, Comcast said.

Customers logging onto their Xfinity accounts have been required to change their passwords to protect their accounts. They also are urged to set up two-factor, or multi-factor, authentication and to change passwords for other accounts that share the same username and password or security question.

By Wednesday, Citrix  which services Xfinitys website  was named as defendant in a proposed class-action lawsuit about the breach.

A Citrix spokesman, reached by email, said the company is aware of the lawsuit but said the company does not comment on pending litigation. Comcast, which was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, did not respond to a request for information about the breach.

The suit accuses Citrix of failing to protect highly sensitive information in their custody that it knew and understood is valuable and highly sought after by criminal parties who seek to illegally monetize it by posting it for sale on the dark web.

The suit states that Citrix on Oct. 10 announced the vulnerability of a software product used by Xfinity and thousands of other companies known as Citrix Bleed.

Story continues

Citrix said it released a patch to fix the vulnerability at that time and issued additional mitigation guidance on Oct. 23, the lawsuit claims.

While Comcast said it promptly patched and mitigated its systems, it said it later discovered that prior to the repair operation, between Oct. 16 and Oct. 19, there was unauthorized access to some of (its) internal systems that (it) concluded was a result of this vulnerability, according to the lawsuit.

In a notification to the Office of the Maine Attorney General on Monday, Comcast revealed that the personal identifiable information of 35,879,455 individuals was believed to have been exposed in the breach.

The lawsuit names Jacksonville resident Francis Kirkpatrick as lead plaintiff. It was filed by the Fort Lauderdale law firm Kopelowitz Ostrow Ferguson Weiselberg Gilbert and the Tampa-based law firm The Consumer Protection Firm PLLC.

It says that Kirkpatrick has experienced suspicious spam after the breach that he believes to be an attempt to secure additional personal information.

The suit claims that class members have suffered from invasion of their privacy, lost or diminished value of their personal identifiable information, lost time and opportunity costs associated with attempting to mitigate consequences of the breach, and the continued and certainly increased risk to their information.

It seeks unspecified compensatory and consequential damages from Citrix.

The website ClassAction.org, which describes itself as a group of online professionals with relationships with class action and mass tort attorneys, on Tuesday posted notice of an investigation that it said could lead to a class action lawsuit against Comcast. A news release on Tuesday by New Jersey-based Console & Associates, P.C. urges victims to contact the law firm.

According to GovTech.com, a website that serves the government technology industry, hackers have been exploiting Citrix Bleed vulnerabilities since August. Hackers can exploit the vulnerability within Citrix NetScaler web application delivery control (ADC) and NetScaler Gateway appliances, the site reported.

The vulnerability enables hackers to bypass password requirements and multifactor authentication to hijack legitimate user sessions, according to an advisory released on Nov. 21 by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Through the takeover of legitimate user sessions, malicious actors acquire elevated permissions to harvest credentials, move laterally, and access data and resources, the advisory states.

Citrix Bleed has been linked to ransomware and malware attacks on several companies, including Toyota and Boeing, several tech sites reported.

For Comcast, news of the breach comes a year after a different breach left an unknown number of customers unable to access their accounts. When they regained access, they discovered their accounts had been taken over by hackers who were able to bypass two-factor authentication and change their passwords, then used their information to gain access to other accounts, the website SecurityBoulevard.com reported.

_____




HYD: The IDF announced the deaths of 3 soldiers and the serious injuries of 8 soldiers amidst the fighting in Gaza, bringing the IDFs ground operation death toll to 137 and 469 since October 7th.

The soldiers were identified as:

 Sergeant Lavi Ghasi, 19, a soldier in Battalion 931, of the Nachal Brigade, killed in battle in northern Gaza.

 Lieutenant Yaacov Elian, 20, a cadet in the Gafen battalion, the officers school, served as a class commander in the Givati Air Force Base, killed in battle in northern Gaza.

 Lt. Omri Shwartz, 21, a cadet in the Gafen battalion, the officers school, served as a fighter in a paratrooper patrol, killed in battle in northern Gaza.

Additionally, the IDF says 8 soldiers were seriously injured in Gaza, 5 of whom were wounded in the battle that left Lt. Elian and Lt. Schwartz dead.




Two Israeli civilians were lightly injured on Thursday morning by Hezbollah anti-tank missiles fired by Hezbollah at yishuvim in the Western Galil.

One rocket scored a direct hit on a parked car on the Avivim kibbutz, setting it on fire and causing extensive damage to nearby property.

Another rocket hit the Dovev yishuv. Two civilians who were lightly injured by shrapnel were evacuated to Ziv Hospital in Tzfas.

At least one missile was intercepted over Tzfas.

Several fires broke out in open areas and forests from interceptor missiles.

Earlier on Thursday morning, it was reported that due to the escalating security situation in the north, all Israeli yishuvim along the Lebanese border are being placed into lockdown until further notice.

The morning attacks followed overnight attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel, including seven rockets fired at Kiryat Shmona. Two of the rockets fell within the city. The towns residents have long evacuated the area and there were no injuries.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




The directors of Machon Yerushalayim, Rabbi Moshe Buxbaum and his brother Rabbi Shlomo had the privilege to personally visit HaRav Dov Landau and HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshivas of Slabodka Yeshiva to present them with the new releases of Machon Yerushalayim. They studied them with tremendous enthusiasm and showered them with brachos to continue their holy projects.

Machon Yerushalayim is currently running its Annual Sale in the USA. Known as the once-a-year opportunity, the awaited sale offers all the classic texts, reprinted and reformatted, as well as newly printed  and newly discovered  sifrei kodesh. Individual sefarim and sets are available at reduced prices, and with the current dollar-exchange rate, American buyers are enjoying an additional 10% off.

Among the works Machon Yerushalayim is famous for is the monumental Shulchan Aruch Friedman edition. 30 years in the making and with a budget of millions of dollars, this work is one of the greatest Torah research projects in recent history. Based on comparisons with manuscripts and earlier printings, thousands of errors and misprints were corrected, deleted passages were restored, and abbreviations were spelled out. To add, sources were cited and numerous annotations and improvements were incorporated into this monumental achievement.



Based on this model, Machon Yerushalayim continues to reprint classic sefarim, making them more user-friendly and as learners say A pleasure to learn from. The research

institute also discovers lost and unknown works from the world over and brings them to life, as well as publishing new sefarim designed to promote and spread Torah study among Jews everywhere.

One of this years much-awaited new releases is the latest volume of Bshulei HaMinchah  the perfect accompaniment to the best-selling Minchas Chinuch, Machon Yerushalayims revised, corrected edition, including a comprehensive treasury of chiddushim, annotations and commentaries from Acharonim.

Another exciting development is the first edition of sefer Divrei Chachamim , by the renowned posek, Rabbi Avraham Danzig, the Chayei Adam. Incredibly, the manuscript was found by accident, inside a different manuscript, which had been purchased at an estate sale in France. The sefer was penned by the author when he was a young scholar in Prague, learning from Rav Yonason Eibeschutz and Rav Yechezkel Landau, the Noda bYehudah, among others.

Disproving all the naysayers. Machon Yerushalayims monumental Shoel UMeishiv project is now nearing completion, with ten volumes in print and the final four volumes projected to be published by the end of this winter. The importance of the work is highlighted by the fact that all contemporary poskim, dealing with sheeilos on any topic from matzos to esrogim, are based upon it.

One of Machon Yerushalayims pioneering projects is the Otzarot series, treasuries with tens of thousands of relevant commentaries on different topics. The best-seller in this

category is Otzar Mefarshei HaTorah , arranged according to the weekly parshah. With commentaries from Chazal, Rishonim and Acharonim up to the present day; its perfect for rebbeim and schoolteachers, avreichim and balebatim. An elite team of scholars has been working on Vayikra for the past two years, and the second volume will be available by the end of the winter. We offer dedication opportunities in memory of a loved one, for an incomparable zechus, says Rabbi Buxbaum.

Established close to 60 years ago, Machon Yerushalayim is one of the largest Torah research institutes today. Beyond its role as a prestigious publishing house, with a staff of 150 talmidei chachamim researching and redacting ancient texts, it plays a major role in

supporting lomdei Torah and spreading Torah across the globe.



CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MACHON YERUSHALAYIM SALE!








Anybody walking through central London this month will see tourists from all over the globe taking in the Christmas lights amid the sound of bells jingling. But the tills are not ringing as much as they should be.

At a time when the UK economy is stuck in a low-growth rut, we should be pulling out all the stops to attract high-spending visitors and maximise the capitals attractiveness to overseas tourism.

Perversely, we are doing the opposite.

The Government inexplicably scrapped tax-free shopping on goods for international visitors in 2021.

This present to our European competitors was eagerly accepted: France now accounts for 46 per cent of all tax-free sales in Europe, up from 30 per cent in 2020.

Losing out: Figures from Global Blue show that 10% of UK spending by international shoppers in 2019 has now moved to EU countries

And figures from Global Blue show that 10pc of UK spending by international shoppers in 2019 has now moved to EU countries, which all offer VAT-free shopping.

International visitors here effectively pay around 20 per cent more for the same goods they can buy elsewhere. And buy elsewhere they do  in Paris, Milan and other cities.

Not only does this mean that British retailers lose out, but the Exchequer misses out on the VAT from additional spending on hotels, restaurants and theatres.

Economists at the Centre for Economics and Business Research estimate that the tax is costing the UK 10.7billion in lost GDP and putting off 2m travellers from visiting each year.

British retailers also say that London is losing out as a shopping hub to cities which offer VAT-free shopping.

Organisations that represent around 1.5m employees across the country recently signed a BusinessLDN letter urging the Chancellor to abolish the tourist tax.

The impact of the tax is felt right across the country and not just in Londons world-leading shops, hotels, restaurants and attractions. Other cities are missing out and supply chains also suffer as a result.

Mulberry closed its Bond Street store in London this year: around half its bags are made in Somerset.

Evidence shows that international visitors typically buy more British goods when they visit the capital, so the fact they are increasingly choosing to spend in other countries hits the whole UK supply chain.

The additional spending from reintroducing VAT-free shopping on goods for international visitors would deliver a significant net increase in tax revenues.

It would also support tens of thousands of jobs across the country: 78,000 of them, according to Oxford Economics.

Londons status as a driver for UK tourism is demonstrated by the scale of its contribution to the economy.

Visit Britain data shows that there were 16.1m in-bound visits to London in 2022 compared with 13.2m visits to the rest of England in 2022.

The capital acts as a gateway for trips to other parts of the UK, supporting growth and jobs. Next year we stand to miss out on the benefits of the nearby Paris Olympics. Euromonitor International forecasts the Paris Games will create up to 3m additional visitors in Paris.

We should be doing everything we can to encourage them across the Channel to spend here, not deterring them.

This also means making sure that proposed changes by the EU requiring more data to be gathered at border checkpoints, such as Eurostar at St Pancras, are implemented in a way that does not cause lengthy delays.

It is also important that the current rhetoric on immigration does not create an impression that the UK has shut its doors to overseas visitors.

International tourism is a major asset for our economy but the extra VAT on goods is encouraging our Christmas visitors to keep their hands in their pockets.

All is not lost. By restoring the scheme, the Chancellor can enhance the Governments ambition to place growth at the heart of Britains economy.

We must make this the last Christmas when the tourist tax damages the UKs economic interests.

It should not just be bells that are ringing in future.
Watches with coloured dials, such as the Breitling Navitimer 32 watch modelled by Charlize Theron (pictured) are popular

Women are refusing to risk disappointment at the hands of their partners this Christmas and are buying expensive watches as presents for themselves.

British jeweller Beaverbrooks said sales of ladies luxury watches have jumped 11 per cent this year largely due to women with high-flying jobs treating themselves.

Timepieces with coloured dials are proving popular, such as the 6,200 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades and the 3,650 Breitling Navitimer 32 watch modelled by Charlize Theron.

There is a desire to own nice things  if you work hard, you want to treat yourself, said Beaverbrooks managing director Anna Blackburn.

Watchmaker Audemars Piguet said it expects the proportion of women buying a watch for themselves rather than receiving it as a gift to rise to 30 per cent by 2025 and 40 per cent by 2030, from 23 per cent in 2022 and 16 per cent in 2021.
The worlds largest offshore wind farm looks set to be built off the coast of Britain.

In a sorely needed boost for the green energy industry, Danish giant Orsted signed off its financial plan for the Hornsea 3 project in the North Sea.

It will have the capacity to power more than 3.3m UK homes, and is expected to cost around 8billion.

It is due to be completed by the end of 2027, with the sites construction supporting up to 5,000 jobs, and 1,200 permanent roles may be created.

The news follows major doubts that the project would go ahead after developers cancelled plans in the UK and beyond due to huge cost increases.

Powering ahead: Danish giant rsted has signed off its financial plan to deliver the Hornsea 3 project in the North Sea

Orsted is among the major players in the wind turbine sector, alongside the likes of BP, to have reported multi-million pound writedowns, losses and long delays in recent weeks.

The industry is battling sharp price rises and supply chain issues, particularly in the US.

The clean energy revolution was dealt a blow in July when Swedish power firm Vattenfall halted a wind project in the North Sea.

It blamed rising costs and challenging market conditions. And the German green energy firm Siemens has warned that it may have to exit some markets and products following a review into its wind power arm.

Last month, Orsted sacked two senior managers after a larger-than-expected impairment of 3.2billion in the US.

This prompted the cancellation of two wind power developments off New Jersey. So yesterdays announcement, for 231 turbines off the coasts of Norfolk and Lincolnshire, will be a welcome boost.

Orsted chief executive Mads Nipper said: Offshore wind is an extremely competitive global market, so we also welcome the attractive policy regime in the UK which has helped secure this investment.

By applying our world-leading capabilities within offshore wind innovation, engineering, operations, procurement, and financing, weve been able to mature the worlds largest offshore wind project and take a final investment decision.

Last year Orsted secured a subsidies agreement with the Governments department for energy security and net zero.

Orsted has already installed two projects  Hornsea 1 and 2  in 2020 and 2022.
Carret Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP  Free Report) by 3.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 7,212 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 249 shares during the quarter. Carret Asset Management LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF were worth $1,022,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. acquired a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Bristlecone Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Bangor Savings Bank purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000.

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Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Price Performance

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF stock opened at $157.18 on Wednesday. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a 12 month low of $133.34 and a 12 month high of $158.25. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $144.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $146.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $44.43 billion, a PE ratio of 16.13 and a beta of 1.05.

About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF

Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues).

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StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Barnwell Industries (NYSE:BRN  Free Report) in a report published on Monday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock.

Separately, TheStreet cut Barnwell Industries from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Monday, September 11th.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Barnwell Industries

Barnwell Industries Stock Performance

Insider Activity at Barnwell Industries

Shares of BRN stock opened at $2.25 on Monday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $2.50 and a 200 day moving average price of $2.56. The stock has a market cap of $22.48 million, a PE ratio of -25.00 and a beta of 0.35. Barnwell Industries has a 1 year low of $1.89 and a 1 year high of $3.10.

In other news, major shareholder Ned L. Sherwood purchased 14,890 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $2.62 per share, with a total value of $39,011.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 2,484,542 shares in the company, valued at $6,509,500.04. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, major shareholder Ned L. Sherwood bought 28,093 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The stock was bought at an average price of $2.56 per share, with a total value of $71,918.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 2,446,257 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,262,417.92. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Ned L. Sherwood bought 14,890 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $2.62 per share, with a total value of $39,011.80. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 2,484,542 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,509,500.04. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders acquired 96,797 shares of company stock worth $249,355. 16.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Two Sigma Investments LP acquired a new stake in shares of Barnwell Industries during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Barnwell Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $75,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP acquired a new stake in shares of Barnwell Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $78,000. EA Series Trust acquired a new stake in shares of Barnwell Industries during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $88,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Barnwell Industries by 145.1% during the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 40,745 shares of the companys stock worth $104,000 after purchasing an additional 24,118 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 9.38% of the companys stock.

About Barnwell Industries

(Get Free Report)

Barnwell Industries, Inc acquires, develops, produces, and sells oil and natural gas in Canada. It operates through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Land Investment, and Contract Drilling. The company acquires and develops crude oil and natural gas assets in the province of Alberta; and invests in land interests in Hawaii.

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StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:NBY  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Sunday. The brokerage issued a sell rating on the stock.

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE NBY opened at $0.26 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $0.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.72 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.04 and a beta of 2.68. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals has a 1 year low of $0.25 and a 1 year high of $2.66.

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NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:NBY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported ($0.37) EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.27 million for the quarter. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals had a negative return on equity of 219.83% and a negative net margin of 93.83%. Analysts anticipate that NovaBay Pharmaceuticals will post -2.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, develops and sells eyecare, skincare, and wound care products in the United States and internationally. It offers Avenova Spray, a solution for removing foreign materials, including microorganisms and debris from skin around the eye, such as the eyelid; and wound care products, which are used for cleansing and irrigation as part of surgical procedures, as well as treating certain wounds, burns, ulcers, and other injuries under the NeutroPhase and PhaseOne brands.

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StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of China Green Agriculture (NYSE:CGA  Free Report) in a research report report published on Monday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the basic materials companys stock.

China Green Agriculture Trading Down 0.6 %

NYSE:CGA opened at $2.02 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $2.07 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.37. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.03 million, a PE ratio of -1.87 and a beta of 0.61. China Green Agriculture has a 12 month low of $1.61 and a 12 month high of $4.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 2.49 and a quick ratio of 1.77.

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China Green Agriculture (NYSE:CGA  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, November 20th. The basic materials company reported ($0.13) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $22.40 million during the quarter. China Green Agriculture had a negative net margin of 12.22% and a negative return on equity of 10.86%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On China Green Agriculture

China Green Agriculture Company Profile

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its stake in shares of China Green Agriculture by 67.8% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 19,051 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $192,000 after buying an additional 7,700 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP acquired a new stake in China Green Agriculture in the first quarter valued at $115,000. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP bought a new position in China Green Agriculture during the 1st quarter valued at $175,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 0.74% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

China Green Agriculture, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, production, and sale of various fertilizers, agricultural products, and bitcoin in the People's Republic of China and the United States. The company operates through four segments: Jinong (Fertilizer Production); Gufeng (Fertilizer Production); Yuxing (Agricultural Products Production); and Antaeus (Bitcoin).

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(Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp. shares slumped the most in 18 months, after subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Co.s offices were raided over a safety scandal and the automaker recalled 1 million cars in the US.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The worlds biggest carmaker fell as much as 5.6% in early trading Thursday, the biggest intraday decline since May 2022. The stock recovered a bit and was trading down about 3% in the morning in Tokyo.

The transport ministrys raid of Daihatsus Osaka headquarters Thursday morning came after revelations that the carmaker and supplier manipulated the results of collision safety tests dating as far back as 1989, forcing it to halt all shipments.

Daihatsu supplies cars and parts to a number of major brands, including Toyota, Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp., which could cause the scandal to ripple through the rest of Japans auto industry. For Toyota, rebuilding trust in its oversight will be a challenge, as its the second time one of its major affiliates has been caught red-handed after truck and bus maker Hino Motor Co. disclosed the falsification of emissions data last year.

As voluntary in-house inspections detected only one case where vehicle performance did not meet the legal requirements, we think the risk of an extensive recall is low, analysts at Citi Research wrote in a note. However, if production is suspended for a lengthy period, Toyota could suffer an operating profit hit of hundreds of billions of yen.

Its been a tough week for the worlds biggest carmaker. Toyota recalled about 1 million cars sold in the US at risk of faulty passenger-side air bags, it said Wednesday. Sensors in certain Toyota and Lexus brand sedans and SUVs could miscalculate passenger and prevent airbags from deploying when they should, the company said in a statement.

Story continues

Aisin Corp. made the faulty air bag sensors that forced Toyota to recall cars in the US, Aisin spokesperson Miho Isogai told Bloomberg News.

Aisins shares dipped as much as 2.9%.

Daihatsu has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota since 2016 and accounts for roughly 4% of Toyota groups global vehicle sales.

The smaller carmaker produced more than 1.7 million vehicles worldwide in fiscal 2022, around half of which were made in Japan. It holds a roughly 30% market share for kei cars  pint-sized vehicles that have been snapped up for years by domestic customers  making it an industry leader along with rival Suzuki Motor Corp.

Outside of kei cars, Daihatsu, which is based in Osaka, is known for its line-up of lightweight vehicles and sedans that are popular across Japan and Southeast Asia, include the Gran Max pickup and vans and Terios and Xenia passenger vehicles.

--With assistance from Masatsugu Horie.

(Updates with Aisin statement and share moves.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
HSBC began coverage on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, Marketbeat reports. The firm issued a buy rating and a $13.00 target price on the stock.

Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Bank of America lifted their price target on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 8th. UBS Group raised Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $11.00 to $13.00 in a research note on Monday, November 27th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $12.50.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on TEVA

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Stock Performance

TEVA opened at $10.41 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $9.20 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.01. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has a 1 year low of $7.09 and a 1 year high of $11.44. The company has a market capitalization of $11.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.26, a P/E/G ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.46, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.65.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.03. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries had a positive return on equity of 29.91% and a negative net margin of 14.46%. The firm had revenue of $3.90 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.73 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.56 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries will post 2.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TEVA. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. grew its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 184,642.3% during the third quarter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. now owns 27,711,340 shares of the companys stock worth $282,656,000 after purchasing an additional 27,696,340 shares during the period. Rubric Capital Management LP grew its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 316.0% during the second quarter. Rubric Capital Management LP now owns 18,718,362 shares of the companys stock worth $140,949,000 after purchasing an additional 14,218,556 shares during the period. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd grew its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 67.8% during the second quarter. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd now owns 31,614,669 shares of the companys stock worth $238,058,000 after purchasing an additional 12,779,003 shares during the period. Sound Shore Management Inc CT bought a new position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the third quarter worth about $80,791,000. Finally, Lingotto Investment Management LLP grew its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 41.7% during the second quarter. Lingotto Investment Management LLP now owns 24,213,261 shares of the companys stock worth $182,326,000 after purchasing an additional 7,121,351 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 43.23% of the companys stock.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, Israel, and internationally. The company offers sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams.

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HSBC reaffirmed their reduce rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Monday, Marketbeat reports. They currently have a $480.00 price target on the healthcare conglomerates stock, down from their prior price target of $550.00.

Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. UBS Group upgraded UnitedHealth Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $520.00 to $640.00 in a research note on Monday, October 16th. StockNews.com lowered UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 21st. Stephens reissued an overweight rating and set a $585.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $580.00 to $584.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $587.00 to $579.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, UnitedHealth Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $574.89.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on UNH

UnitedHealth Group Stock Down 1.6 %

Shares of UnitedHealth Group stock opened at $515.90 on Monday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $537.21 and its 200-day moving average is $507.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $477.17 billion, a PE ratio of 22.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. UnitedHealth Group has a 12-month low of $445.68 and a 12-month high of $554.70.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.33 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $92.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $91.41 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.58% and a net margin of 6.02%. UnitedHealth Groups quarterly revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $5.79 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that UnitedHealth Group will post 24.95 earnings per share for the current year.

UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Investors of record on Monday, December 4th were given a dividend of $1.88 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 1st. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.46%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.64%.

Insider Buying and Selling

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 completion of the transaction, the director now owns 635,528 shares in the company, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other UnitedHealth Group news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction on Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total value of $2,448,171.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,017,173.04. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of UnitedHealth Group 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 completion of the transaction, the director now owns 635,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 192,094 shares of company stock worth $104,507,072 in the last 90 days. 0.35% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On UnitedHealth Group

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in UNH. Robbins Farley bought a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the third quarter worth $25,000. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter worth $28,000. NewSquare Capital LLC grew its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 340.0% during the third quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 66 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the period. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter worth $35,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter worth $39,000. Institutional investors own 85.69% of the companys stock.

UnitedHealth Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage.

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Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Free Report) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report published on Monday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Wells Fargo & Company currently has $176.00 target price on the insurance providers stock, up from their previous target price of $144.00.

A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on PGR. Bank of America decreased their price objective on Progressive from $203.00 to $199.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Citigroup raised Progressive from a sell rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $120.00 to $158.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Progressive from $146.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Barclays lifted their price target on Progressive from $111.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 20th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised Progressive from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the company from $155.00 to $180.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Progressive has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $163.60.

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Progressive Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE PGR opened at $155.54 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $91.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.74, a P/E/G ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. Progressive has a 1-year low of $111.41 and a 1-year high of $165.57. The stocks 50-day moving average is $158.87 and its 200 day moving average is $141.60.

Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The insurance provider reported $2.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.38. The company had revenue of $15.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.66 billion. Progressive had a return on equity of 17.36% and a net margin of 4.67%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Progressive will post 5.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Progressive Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 19th will be issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.26%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 18th. Progressives dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 8.68%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Progressive news, CEO Susan Patricia Griffith sold 90,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.89, for a total value of $14,660,100.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 465,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at $75,863,574.15. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Susan Patricia Griffith sold 90,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.89, for a total transaction of $14,660,100.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 465,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at $75,863,574.15. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Jeffrey D. Kelly sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, October 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $2,250,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 36,809 shares in the company, valued at $5,521,350. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 115,772 shares of company stock valued at $18,619,379. 0.33% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Progressive

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in shares of Progressive by 97,906.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 372,104,935 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $49,255,530,000 after purchasing an additional 371,725,263 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Progressive during the 4th quarter worth approximately $840,885,000. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Progressive during the 4th quarter worth approximately $802,968,000. FMR LLC lifted its stake in shares of Progressive by 33.8% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 12,507,199 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,789,280,000 after acquiring an additional 3,158,144 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of Progressive by 14.1% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 21,554,503 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $3,002,542,000 after acquiring an additional 2,666,449 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.66% of the companys stock.

Progressive Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company, provides personal and commercial auto, personal residential and commercial property, general liability, and other specialty property-casualty insurance products and related services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Property.

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Bank of the Philippine Islands (OTCMKTS:BPHLY  Get Free Report) and Metropolitan Bank (NYSE:MCB  Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, risk, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations and dividends.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Bank of the Philippine Islands and Metropolitan Bank, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Bank of the Philippine Islands 0 0 0 0 N/A Metropolitan Bank 0 0 4 0 3.00

Metropolitan Bank has a consensus target price of $56.25, suggesting a potential upside of 5.51%. Given Metropolitan Banks higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Metropolitan Bank is more favorable than Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Profitability

0.0% of Bank of the Philippine Islands shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.0% of Metropolitan Bank shares are owned by institutional investors. 7.5% of Metropolitan Bank shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

This table compares Bank of the Philippine Islands and Metropolitan Banks net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Bank of the Philippine Islands N/A N/A N/A Metropolitan Bank 14.52% 14.75% 1.40%

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Bank of the Philippine Islands and Metropolitan Banks revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Bank of the Philippine Islands N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Metropolitan Bank $287.33 million 2.05 $59.28 million $4.88 10.92

Metropolitan Bank has higher revenue and earnings 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 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.

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.

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Seabridge Gold Inc. (TSE:SEA  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SA) Senior Officer Julie Rachynski sold 2,684 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$15.84, for a total value of C$42,514.56.

Seabridge Gold Price Performance

TSE:SEA opened at C$16.38 on Thursday. Seabridge Gold Inc. has a 12 month low of C$13.34 and a 12 month high of C$21.78. The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$15.77 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$15.87. The company has a current ratio of 2.25, a quick ratio of 3.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 65.34. The firm has a market cap of C$1.38 billion, a P/E ratio of -40.95 and a beta of 0.77.

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Seabridge Gold (TSE:SEA  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SA) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 13th. The company reported C($0.06) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C($0.04) by C($0.02). On average, analysts expect that Seabridge Gold Inc. will post -0.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Royal Bank of Canada set a C$25.00 price objective on Seabridge Gold and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 18th.

View Our Latest Analysis on Seabridge Gold

Seabridge Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Seabridge Gold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition and exploration of gold properties in North America. The company also explores for gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum deposits. Its principal projects are the Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell property and Iskut project located in British Columbia, Canada; Courageous Lake property situated in Northwest Territories, Canada; Snowstorm project situated in the Nevada; and 3 Aces project located in the Yukon Territory.

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Emerald Advisors LLC boosted its stake in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 9.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,022 shares of the asset managers stock after buying an additional 91 shares during the period. Emerald Advisors LLCs holdings in BlackRock were worth $661,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of BLK. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its stake in BlackRock by 98,608.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 96,772,169 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $66,883,117,000 after buying an additional 96,674,131 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,037,009,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of BlackRock by 104,159.9% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 697,499 shares of the asset managers stock worth $494,269,000 after purchasing an additional 696,830 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of BlackRock by 15.4% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,326,618 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,777,933,000 after purchasing an additional 310,256 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $200,102,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.01% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

BLK has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Bank of America decreased their target price on shares of BlackRock from $921.00 to $868.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Friday, December 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on shares of BlackRock from $814.00 to $800.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of BlackRock from $820.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, BlackRock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $771.54.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other BlackRock news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 15,385 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $652.03, for a total value of $10,031,481.55. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 435,260 shares in the company, valued at $283,802,577.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

BlackRock Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BLK opened at $789.23 on Thursday. BlackRock, Inc. has a twelve month low of $596.18 and a twelve month high of $819.00. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $694.45 and a 200 day simple moving average of $692.37. The company has a market capitalization of $117.41 billion, a PE ratio of 22.14, a P/E/G ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a quick ratio of 3.72, a current ratio of 3.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The asset manager reported $10.91 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.34 by $2.57. The business had revenue of $4.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.52 billion. BlackRock had a net margin of 30.66% and a return on equity of 14.65%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $9.55 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that BlackRock, Inc. will post 36.85 EPS for the current year.

BlackRock Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 7th will be issued a $5.00 dividend. This represents a $20.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 6th. BlackRocks payout ratio is 56.10%.

BlackRock Profile

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report).

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Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY  Free Report) (TSE:RY)  Equities research analysts at National Bank Financial issued their FY2025 earnings per share estimates for Royal Bank of Canada in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, December 19th. National Bank Financial analyst G. Dechaine expects that the financial services provider will post earnings per share of $9.46 for the year. The consensus estimate for Royal Bank of Canadas current full-year earnings is $8.60 per share.

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Several other brokerages have also issued reports on RY. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price target on Royal Bank of Canada from $138.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 25th. Bank of America raised Royal Bank of Canada from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Royal Bank of Canada from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $136.67.

Royal Bank of Canada Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of RY stock opened at $98.97 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $87.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $90.59. Royal Bank of Canada has a 12-month low of $77.90 and a 12-month high of $104.72. The firm has a market cap of $138.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.87.

Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY  Get Free Report) (TSE:RY) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.92 by $0.13. Royal Bank of Canada had a return on equity of 15.21% and a net margin of 12.59%. The company had revenue of $9.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.63 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.09 earnings per share.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Royal Bank of Canada by 1.4% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 53,127,219 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,645,444,000 after buying an additional 717,971 shares during the period. Bank of Nova Scotia increased its holdings in Royal Bank of Canada by 13.0% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 26,666,961 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,330,506,000 after purchasing an additional 3,062,038 shares during the period. Toronto Dominion Bank increased its holdings in Royal Bank of Canada by 10.6% during the 1st quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 21,119,042 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,023,058,000 after purchasing an additional 2,029,807 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI increased its holdings in Royal Bank of Canada by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 19,602,058 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,661,862,000 after purchasing an additional 797,146 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in Royal Bank of Canada during the 4th quarter valued at about $1,583,609,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 42.02% of the companys stock.

Royal Bank of Canada Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 23rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 25th will be issued a $1.0155 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 24th. This represents a $4.06 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.10%. Royal Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio is currently 51.09%.

About Royal Bank of Canada

(Get Free Report)

Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM  Free Report) (TSE:CM)  Investment analysts at National Bank Financial issued their FY2025 earnings per share estimates for shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a report released on Tuesday, December 19th. National Bank Financial analyst G. Dechaine forecasts that the bank will post earnings of $5.22 per share for the year. National Bank Financial currently has a Outperform rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces current full-year earnings is $5.24 per share.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM  Get Free Report) (TSE:CM) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 30th. The bank reported $1.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.13 by $0.03. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a return on equity of 13.55% and a net margin of 8.99%. The firm had revenue of $5.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.34 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.08 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on the company. Barclays lowered their price target on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $58.00 to $57.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 1st. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $69.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 1st. Bank of America upgraded Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $72.00 to $67.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 1st. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $63.00.

Get Our Latest Analysis on CM

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of CM opened at $46.77 on Thursday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 12-month low of $34.35 and a 12-month high of $47.47. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $43.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.24, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.05. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $39.38 and its 200 day moving average price is $40.63.

Institutional Trading of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in CM. Creative Planning grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 24,543 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,047,000 after acquiring an additional 1,523 shares in the last quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. bought a new position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce during the first quarter worth about $148,000. Nexus Investment Management ULC grew its holdings in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 0.8% during the second quarter. Nexus Investment Management ULC now owns 70,803 shares of the banks stock worth $3,025,000 after purchasing an additional 553 shares during the period. Procyon Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 16.2% during the second quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC now owns 11,211 shares of the banks stock worth $478,000 after purchasing an additional 1,561 shares during the period. Finally, Lorne Steinberg Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 9.7% during the second quarter. Lorne Steinberg Wealth Management Inc. now owns 130,269 shares of the banks stock worth $5,565,000 after purchasing an additional 11,547 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 43.72% of the companys stock.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 28th will be paid a $0.6623 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 27th. This represents a $2.65 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.66%. This is an increase from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.66. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio is 67.54%.

About Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S.

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Unity Software Inc. (NYSE:U  Get Free Report) insider Tomer Bar-Zeev sold 150,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.92, for a total value of $6,138,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1,200,332 shares in the company, valued at $49,117,585.44. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website.

Tomer Bar-Zeev also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Friday, December 1st, Tomer Bar-Zeev sold 112,500 shares of Unity Software stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.31, for a total value of $3,634,875.00.

Unity Software Stock Down 5.5 %

Shares of Unity Software stock opened at $38.68 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.35, a current ratio of 2.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market cap of $14.70 billion, a P/E ratio of -16.67 and a beta of 2.43. Unity Software Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $22.20 and a fifty-two week high of $50.08. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $29.69 and a 200 day moving average price of $35.07.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Unity Software ( NYSE:U Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported ($0.12) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.22) by $0.10. Unity Software had a negative return on equity of 13.50% and a negative net margin of 42.31%. The company had revenue of $544.21 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $550.48 million. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Unity Software Inc. will post -0.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several research analysts have commented on U shares. Wedbush cut their price objective on Unity Software from $55.00 to $31.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on Unity Software from $40.00 to $28.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Macquarie lowered Unity Software from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $20.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Unity Software from $40.00 to $22.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC dropped their target price on Unity Software from $50.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $37.75.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Unity Software

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unity Software

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of U. Front Row Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Unity Software by 15,550.0% in the second quarter. Front Row Advisors LLC now owns 626 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 622 shares during the period. Huntington National Bank boosted its position in shares of Unity Software by 665.0% during the third quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 895 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 778 shares during the period. Meitav Investment House Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Unity Software during the second quarter worth approximately $30,000. Bessemer Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Unity Software during the first quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Impact Partnership Wealth LLC boosted its position in shares of Unity Software by 1,151.0% during the third quarter. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC now owns 1,251 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 1,151 shares during the period. 64.74% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Unity Software Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Unity Software Inc operates a real-time 3D development platform. Its platform provides software solutions to create, run, and monetize interactive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices. The company offers its solutions directly through its online store and field sales operations in North America, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, China, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as indirectly through independent distributors and resellers worldwide.

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Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Teekay Tankers Ltd. (NYSE:TNK  Free Report) by 15.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 23,724 shares of the shipping companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,106 shares during the period. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. owned 0.07% of Teekay Tankers worth $988,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in Teekay Tankers by 18.4% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 259,382 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $3,590,000 after purchasing an additional 40,309 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Teekay Tankers by 27.5% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 105,429 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $1,459,000 after buying an additional 22,761 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers grew its position in shares of Teekay Tankers by 20.7% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 32,864 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $455,000 after buying an additional 5,639 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Teekay Tankers by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 98,450 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $1,363,000 after acquiring an additional 2,394 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Teekay Tankers during the 1st quarter valued at $159,000. 48.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Teekay Tankers Stock Up 1.5 %

TNK stock opened at $52.76 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $49.05 and its 200 day simple moving average is $43.10. The company has a market cap of $1.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.16 and a beta of -0.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 3.18 and a current ratio of 3.58. Teekay Tankers Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $26.40 and a fifty-two week high of $54.80.

Teekay Tankers Announces Dividend

Teekay Tankers ( NYSE:TNK Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The shipping company reported $2.21 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.43 by ($0.22). Teekay Tankers had a return on equity of 43.18% and a net margin of 38.66%. The firm had revenue of $172.58 million for the quarter. On average, research analysts expect that Teekay Tankers Ltd. will post 15.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 27th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 14th were paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.90%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 13th. Teekay Tankerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 6.30%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of Teekay Tankers from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 11th.

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Teekay Tankers Profile

(Free Report)

Teekay Tankers Ltd. provides marine transportation services to oil industries in Bermuda and internationally. The company offers voyage and time charter services; and offshore ship-to-ship transfer services of commodities primarily crude oil and refined oil products, as well as liquid gases and various other products.

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Agilent Technologies Inc's robust product portfolio and global presence solidify its market position.

Investment in R&D and a focus on sustainability are key drivers for future growth.

Market volatility and intense competition present ongoing challenges.

Strategic initiatives and emerging markets offer avenues for expansion.

Agilent Technologies Inc (NYSE:A), a pioneer in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, released its 10-K filing on December 20, 2023. The company, which originated from Hewlett-Packard, has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, evolving into a global leader with a comprehensive suite of technologies. Agilent's financial performance for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2023, shows a slight decrease in total net revenue to $6,833 million from $6,848 million in 2022, with net income also marginally down to $1,240 million from $1,254 million. Despite these fluctuations, Agilent maintains a strong balance sheet, with a diverse product range and a commitment to research and development, positioning it well for future growth.

Decoding Agilent Technologies Inc (A): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Robust Product Portfolio and Market Presence: Agilent Technologies Inc (NYSE:A) boasts a comprehensive product lineup, including liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and cell analysis tools, which are essential for a wide range of industries. In 2023, despite a slight revenue dip, the company's diverse offerings and vendor-neutral consumables have ensured a steady demand. Agilent's global footprint, with significant operations in the U.S. and China, provides a competitive edge in key markets, allowing for a broad customer reach and resilience against regional market fluctuations.

Investment in Research and Development: Agilent's commitment to innovation is evident in its continued investment in R&D, which is crucial for maintaining a pipeline of cutting-edge products. The company's focus on enhancing technical competencies across various technologies ensures that it stays ahead of industry trends and meets evolving customer needs. This strategic emphasis on R&D not only fortifies Agilent's market position but also drives long-term growth.

Story continues

Weaknesses

Market Sensitivity and Economic Exposure: Agilent's performance is closely tied to the economic health of its end markets, particularly the pharmaceutical sector, which saw a significant decline in 2023. This sensitivity to market conditions can lead to revenue volatility, as evidenced by the slight decrease in total net revenue and net income in the latest fiscal year. The company must navigate these challenges by diversifying its customer base and exploring new market segments to mitigate risks associated with economic downturns.

Intense Competition: The life sciences and diagnostics sectors are highly competitive, with major players like Danaher Corporation and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. vying for market share. Agilent must continuously innovate and differentiate its offerings to stay ahead. While the company invests significantly in R&D, it must ensure that these investments translate into tangible products and services that outperform competitors' solutions.

Opportunities

Emerging Markets and Expansion: Agilent has the opportunity to further penetrate emerging markets, particularly in Asia Pacific regions outside of China, where demand for life sciences and applied market products is growing. By leveraging its established presence and expanding its distribution network, Agilent can capture additional market share and drive revenue growth in these high-potential areas.

Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance: With a commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Agilent is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for environmentally sustainable and compliant products. This focus on sustainability can serve as a differentiator and attract customers who prioritize eco-friendly practices, providing Agilent with a competitive advantage in a market increasingly driven by social responsibility.

Threats

Global Economic Uncertainty: Agilent operates in a global market that is subject to economic shifts and geopolitical tensions. The company's significant operations in the U.S. and China expose it to risks associated with trade disputes and regulatory changes. Agilent must remain agile and adapt its strategies to navigate these uncertainties effectively.

Technological Disruption: The rapid pace of technological advancement in the life sciences and diagnostics sectors poses a threat to Agilent's current product portfolio. The company must stay at the forefront of innovation to avoid obsolescence and ensure that its products remain relevant and competitive in a market characterized by constant change.

In conclusion, Agilent Technologies Inc (NYSE:A) stands as a formidable entity in the life sciences and diagnostics landscape, with a strong product portfolio and a strategic focus on R&D. However, it must address the challenges posed by economic sensitivity and fierce competition. By capitalizing on opportunities in emerging markets and sustainability, and by mitigating threats from economic uncertainty and technological disruption, Agilent is poised to maintain its market leadership and drive future growth.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Financial Management Professionals Inc. acquired a new position in SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SHM  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 20,258 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $937,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF by 0.7% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 39,584 shares of the companys stock worth $1,882,000 after purchasing an additional 284 shares during the last quarter. First International Bank & Trust lifted its position in shares of SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. First International Bank & Trust now owns 47,697 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,244,000 after buying an additional 459 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 22,576 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,062,000 after buying an additional 541 shares during the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont bought a new stake in shares of SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its stake in shares of SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 15,523 shares of the companys stock valued at $715,000 after purchasing an additional 611 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.97% of the companys stock.

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SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF Trading Up 0.3 %

NYSEARCA:SHM opened at $47.85 on Thursday. SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $46.06 and a 52-week high of $47.89. The businesss fifty day moving average is $46.92 and its 200 day moving average is $46.84.

SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF Company Profile

SPDR Nuveen Barclays Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly SPDR Nuveen Barclays Capital Short Term Municipal Bond ETF, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Barclays Capital Managed Money Municipal Short Term Index (the Index). The Fund uses a passive management strategy designed to track the Index.

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Financial Management Professionals Inc. cut its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Free Report) by 13.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,848 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 289 shares during the period. Financial Management Professionals Inc.s holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $185,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $454,000. Spire Wealth Management boosted its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 115.8% during the 1st quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 246 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 132 shares during the period. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the 4th quarter worth approximately $38,000. Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 104.6% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 309 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 158 shares during the period. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. lifted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 142.5% in the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 325 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares during the period. 86.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Alexandria Real Estate Equities

In other Alexandria Real Estate Equities news, insider Daniel J. Ryan sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.07, for a total transaction of $1,180,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 166,308 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,635,985.56. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Alexandria Real Estate Equities news, EVP Madeleine Thorp Alsbrook sold 4,854 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.55, for a total transaction of $580,295.70. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 19,740 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,359,917. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Daniel J. Ryan sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.07, for a total transaction of $1,180,700.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 166,308 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,635,985.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 276,162 shares of company stock worth $2,667,955. 1.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Performance

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Increases Dividend

NYSE:ARE opened at $126.48 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $106.47 and a 200-day moving average of $111.87. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 90.99, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 0.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a twelve month low of $90.73 and a twelve month high of $172.65.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a dividend of $1.27 per share. This represents a $5.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This is a positive change from Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.24. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess payout ratio is 356.84%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on ARE shares. JMP Securities dropped their price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $160.00 to $140.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 1st. BNP Paribas started coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $108.00 price target on the stock. Wedbush restated an outperform rating and issued a $120.00 price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sell rating on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $163.00 to $138.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $142.11.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ARE

About Alexandria Real Estate Equities

(Free Report)

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle.

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First Citizens Financial Corp grew its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 12.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 5,293 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 600 shares during the period. First Citizens Financial Corps holdings in Altria Group were worth $223,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. HB Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 9.4% during the third quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 54,718 shares of the companys stock worth $2,301,000 after purchasing an additional 4,688 shares during the period. Retirement Guys Formula LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 8.0% during the third quarter. Retirement Guys Formula LLC now owns 13,103 shares of the companys stock worth $551,000 after purchasing an additional 966 shares during the period. CRA Financial Services LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 10.7% during the third quarter. CRA Financial Services LLC now owns 5,808 shares of the companys stock worth $244,000 after purchasing an additional 560 shares during the period. Venture Visionary Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 2.8% during the third quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC now owns 95,142 shares of the companys stock worth $4,001,000 after purchasing an additional 2,567 shares during the period. Finally, Arkadios Wealth Advisors grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 142.6% during the third quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 33,405 shares of the companys stock worth $1,405,000 after purchasing an additional 19,634 shares during the period. 58.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Altria Group Price Performance

Shares of Altria Group stock opened at $40.50 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $71.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 0.66. The stocks 50-day moving average is $41.37 and its 200-day moving average is $43.14. Altria Group, Inc. has a one year low of $39.06 and a one year high of $51.57.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by ($0.01). Altria Group had a net margin of 35.58% and a negative return on equity of 237.91%. The firm had revenue of $5.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.43 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.28 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.96 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.98 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.68%. Altria Groups payout ratio is presently 79.84%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Citigroup decreased their price objective on Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. UBS Group decreased their target price on Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Bank of America decreased their target price on Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Finally, StockNews.com cut Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $47.53.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on MO

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Robert Matthews Davis bought 1,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $40.50 per share, for a total transaction of $48,600.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 8,473 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $343,156.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches.

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SummerHaven Investment Management LLC cut its holdings in Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW  Free Report) by 27.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 33,109 shares of the specialty retailers stock after selling 12,253 shares during the period. Build-A-Bear Workshop makes up 0.7% of SummerHaven Investment Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC owned 0.23% of Build-A-Bear Workshop worth $974,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop during the second quarter valued at about $37,000. Captrust Financial Advisors bought a new stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop during the first quarter valued at about $37,000. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop during the first quarter valued at about $39,000. Finally, Quarry LP bought a new stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop during the first quarter valued at about $51,000. 72.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on BBW shares. Northland Securities started coverage on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop in a research note on Monday, September 11th. They issued an outperform rating and a $36.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com lowered shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. DA Davidson dropped their price target on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop from $42.00 to $38.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $42.00 price target for the company.

Insider Buying and Selling at Build-A-Bear Workshop

In other news, insider Jennifer Kretchmar sold 21,265 shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.49, for a total transaction of $584,574.85. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 120,585 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,314,881.65. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 11.40% of the companys stock.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Trading Up 0.9 %

Shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop stock traded up $0.21 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $23.24. The company had a trading volume of 17,797 shares, compared to its average volume of 268,401. The company has a market capitalization of $332.56 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.64 and a beta of 1.86. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.13 and a 200 day simple moving average of $24.70. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. has a 1-year low of $17.85 and a 1-year high of $30.49.

Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 30th. The specialty retailer reported $0.53 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $107.56 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $107.57 million. Build-A-Bear Workshop had a net margin of 10.59% and a return on equity of 44.39%. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.51 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. will post 3.4 earnings per share for the current year.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Company Profile

(Free Report)

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc operates as a multi-channel retailer of plush animals and related products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Direct-to-Consumer, Commercial, and International Franchising. Its merchandise comprises various styles of plush products to be stuffed, pre-stuffed plush products, and sounds and scents that can be added to the stuffed animals, as well as range of clothing, shoes and accessories, and other toy and novelty items, including family sleepwear.

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Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS  Get Free Report)s stock had its sector perform rating restated by research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada in a research note issued on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $85.00 target price on the financial services providers stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective would suggest a potential downside of 7.50% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other analysts have also recently commented on MS. HSBC started coverage on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They set a buy rating and a $99.00 price target on the stock. UBS Group cut shares of Morgan Stanley from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $110.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Oppenheimer upped their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $98.00 to $103.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $102.00 to $101.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $89.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $93.51.

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Morgan Stanley Trading Up 0.8 %

NYSE MS traded up $0.75 on Thursday, reaching $91.89. The company had a trading volume of 830,650 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,737,793. The firm has a market cap of $150.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.49, a P/E/G ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 1.40. Morgan Stanley has a fifty-two week low of $69.42 and a fifty-two week high of $100.99. The business has a 50 day moving average of $78.48 and a two-hundred day moving average of $83.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.70, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.76.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $13.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.22 billion. Morgan Stanley had a return on equity of 10.70% and a net margin of 10.86%. Morgan Stanleys quarterly revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.53 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Morgan Stanley will post 5.54 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Morgan Stanley

In other news, major shareholder Stanley Morgan sold 135 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $50,000.00, for a total transaction of $6,750,000.00. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Morgan Stanley

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Morgan Stanley during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc boosted its holdings in Morgan Stanley by 77.3% in the 3rd quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc now owns 328 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 143 shares during the period. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new position in Morgan Stanley in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Morgan Stanley by 810.8% in the 3rd quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 337 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. bought a new position in Morgan Stanley in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.09% of the companys stock.

About Morgan Stanley

(Get Free Report)

Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments.

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Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report)s stock had its overweight rating reiterated by equities research analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald in a note issued to investors on Monday, PriceTargets.com reports. Cantor Fitzgerald also issued estimates for Novo Nordisk A/Ss FY2023 earnings at $2.65 EPS and FY2024 earnings at $3.35 EPS.

A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on the company. TD Cowen boosted their target price on Novo Nordisk A/S from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Argus initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. They issued a buy rating and a $110.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $115.00.

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View Our Latest Research Report on Novo Nordisk A/S

Novo Nordisk A/S Price Performance

NVO stock opened at $101.31 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $454.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.82. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 52-week low of $65.05 and a 52-week high of $105.69. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $99.59 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $67.77.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.04. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 86.53% and a net margin of 35.20%. The firm had revenue of $8.58 billion for the quarter. Research analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 2.61 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Novo Nordisk A/S

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Pacific Center for Financial Services increased its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 100.0% in the third quarter. Pacific Center for Financial Services now owns 270 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the period. Copeland Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 100.0% in the third quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC now owns 282 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 141 shares during the last quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc increased its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 79.9% in the third quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 286 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department increased its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 100.0% in the third quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department now owns 300 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tyler Stone Wealth Management increased its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 100.0% in the third quarter. Tyler Stone Wealth Management now owns 292 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 146 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 6.41% of the companys stock.

About Novo Nordisk A/S

(Get Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, a healthcare company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products worldwide. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity care, and Rare Disease. The Diabetes and Obesity care segment provides products in the areas of insulins, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products, obesity, glucagon, needles, and other chronic diseases.

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OneAscent Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 8,684 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $355,000.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Barrett & Company Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Studio Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Financial Connections Group Inc. increased its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 288.0% during the 2nd quarter. Financial Connections Group Inc. now owns 741 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 550 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Central Bank & Trust Co. increased its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 444.8% during the 3rd quarter. Central Bank & Trust Co. now owns 899 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 734 shares in the last quarter. 72.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wells Fargo & Company Trading Up 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE:WFC traded up $0.33 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $49.67. The company had a trading volume of 1,318,246 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,362,201. Wells Fargo & Company has a 12 month low of $35.25 and a 12 month high of $50.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. The stock has a market cap of $180.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.66, a PEG ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.18. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $42.99 and a 200 day simple moving average of $42.69.

Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend

Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.24 by $0.15. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 11.18% and a net margin of 17.06%. The business had revenue of $20.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.09 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.30 EPS. The firms revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.04 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 3rd were issued a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 2nd. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.82%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 30.24%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. HSBC assumed coverage on Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Thursday, September 7th. They set a hold rating and a $45.00 price target for the company. Piper Sandler raised their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Raymond James increased their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. StockNews.com started coverage on Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.56.

Get Our Latest Research Report on WFC

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Wells Fargo & Company news, Director Richard K. Davis bought 3,500 shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $41.22 per share, for a total transaction of $144,270.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 4,244 shares in the company, valued at approximately $174,937.68. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Wells Fargo & Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Buckingham Capital Management Inc. cut its stake in shares of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 131,770 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 2,785 shares during the quarter. TJX Companies accounts for about 1.8% of Buckingham Capital Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th largest holding. Buckingham Capital Management Inc.s holdings in TJX Companies were worth $11,712,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 23,720 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $2,011,000 after buying an additional 117 shares during the last quarter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton grew its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton now owns 2,368 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $210,000 after buying an additional 120 shares during the last quarter. Adero Partners LLC boosted its stake in TJX Companies by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Adero Partners LLC now owns 2,807 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $238,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. First Business Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in TJX Companies by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. First Business Financial Services Inc. now owns 18,064 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $1,532,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chatham Capital Group Inc. boosted its stake in TJX Companies by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Chatham Capital Group Inc. now owns 7,627 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $647,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. 89.28% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 17,000 shares of TJX Companies stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.06, for a total value of $1,514,020.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 576,105 shares in the company, valued at $51,307,911.30. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have commented on TJX. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on TJX Companies from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, September 11th. Loop Capital increased their target price on TJX Companies from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. Telsey Advisory Group increased their target price on TJX Companies from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. StockNews.com started coverage on TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price target on TJX Companies from $99.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, TJX Companies presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $99.75.

View Our Latest Report on TJX Companies

TJX Companies Price Performance

NYSE:TJX traded up $0.94 on Thursday, reaching $91.00. 571,000 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,057,776. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $89.57 and a 200-day simple moving average of $87.61. The firm has a market cap of $103.71 billion, a PE ratio of 25.51, a P/E/G ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 0.88. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $72.92 and a 12 month high of $93.78.

TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 15th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.99 by $0.04. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 62.67% and a net margin of 7.85%. The firm had revenue of $13.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.86 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 3.75 earnings per share for the current year.

TJX Companies Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 7th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be given a $0.3325 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $1.33 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.46%. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 37.68%.

About TJX Companies

(Free Report)

The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

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While Hanover is known for being the "snack food capital of the U.S.," it's also "famous" for its hot dog scene.

And now, one of those hot dog shops that gives Hanover its claim to fame, the Famous Hot Weiner, is celebrating a century of serving up the sizzle.

Though a lot has changed in those 100 years  a hot dog doesn't cost the nickel that it did in 1923 anymore  a lot has stayed the same.

Famous Hot Weiner co-owner George Keriazes, Pete Keriazes, father of George and Tim, and co-owner Tim Keriazes, pose for a photo at the Famous Hot Weiner on Dart Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Hanover.

That includes their most popular item, a hot dog with everything, mustard, chili, and a dollop of of diced onions, something that has clearly kept customers coming back for decades.

"One of our mottos is, where old traditions come alive," said co-owner George Keriazes, highlighting that motto to speak to their attempts to keep a consistent customer experience.

A "Famous" history

The Keriazes brothers, Tim and George, are the fourth-generation to run the business, following in the footsteps of their great-grandfather, Nicholas E. Mavros, who immigrated to America from Greece before he opened the shop.

Mavros came to America through Ellis Island in 1918 from a small village in the mountains of Greece and "dreamed of a better life," said George.

As George puts it, the American dream brought Mavros to Hanover. There, Mavros started Hanover's first locally owned fast food business on York Street, on a site around the McCallister Hotel. In 1925, the Famous moved into its current location on the corner of Broadway, York street and Railroad street.

That location  now one of three around York County  is one of the most prominent landmarks of downtown Hanover, with a painted brick facade that reads "Famous Wiener Lunch."

In 1973, George's father, Pete Keriazes, and Nicolas' grandson, Nicholas T. Mavros, opened the second location of the business on Dart Drive, what George refers to as "our flagship store."

"The Dart Drive location is by far the most successful," said George.

Story continues

That's partially thanks to blind luck, George says, as the adjacent bustling "golden mile" shopping district on Eisenhower Drive didn't exist until over a decade after the second location was built. Now, the bustle of Eisenhower Drive helps drive additional traffic to the location.

"How we ended up here is by the grace of God, and that was about it," said George. "We got very lucky."

The Famous Hot Weiner on Dart Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Hanover.

In 1999, George and his brother, Tim, who grew up washing dishes and working in the shop, took over the business from their father, Pete. That exchange of ownership didn't come with an instruction manual from his father, though.

"He gave me the keys and told me to go to work," laughed George. "He gave me very little advice even when I asked for it."

"I think he figured he educated me, so, you know, you gotta let it go, and I give him a lot of credit for that because I don't think that was the easiest thing to do," said George.

"I always believed you learn by doing," Pete replied.

One day, George called his father for advice. "What would you do?" Pete recalls George asking.

"I said, what would you do?" Pete remembers responding.

100 years of community, memories

For Pete, seeing the business turn 100 is a special moment.

"It means a lot," said Pete. "I like to think we've served our community."

That community has stuck with the Famous, as George points out he often encounters customers who have come to the Famous all of their lives.

"We have customers who come in that are 70 years old," says George, "and are remembering their childhood here with their grandparents or parents."

Linda and Robert Giles, of Camp Hill, enjoy a hot dog special with fries at the Famous Hot Weiner on Dart Drive in Hanover on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

When Pete moved to Hanover, he told his wife he was only going to be here for 10 years before they'd move on.

That didn't happen, though, and to this day, Pete still gets breakfast with one of the first customers who wandered into the business in 1973.

During a short ceremony at the Dart Drive location on Tuesday, members of the Pennsylvania Senate and House came to present certificates of recognition to the business for 100 years of service.

"This is a place where family memories are made," said Rep. Kate Klunk (R-169) as she concluded her remarks during that presentation.

Rep. Torren Ecker (R-193) shared in that thought, recalling the days his father brought him to the downtown location as a child.

From left, back row, state rep. Dan Moul(R-91), state senator Kristin Phillips-Hill(R-28), Pa. House Rep. Kate Klunk(R-169), Pa. House Rep. Torren Ecker (R-193), front row, Famous Hot Weiner co-owner George Keriazes, Pete Keriazes, father of George and Tim, and co-owner Tim Keriazes, pose for a photo with letters of recognition from the Pennsylvania House and Senate at the Famous Hot Weiner on Dart Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Hanover.

"I just want to thank the community for the last 100 years, no one does anything by themselves," said George.

George also appreciates the support of the other businesses in town, including the other hot dog shops in town, such as the Texas Hot Weiner Lunch.

"It was never a competition," says George. "We've always been acquainted, we've always been friends."

"We each have our own following," George adds.

The challenges of a century

Despite the success, though, the history of the business is not without struggles.

The Famous Hot Weiner has weathered the Great Depression, the great recession, two global pandemics, multiple wars, and family tragedy.

Most recently, the business survived the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

"We were really lucky because we packed up really easily," said George, "I think that was key."

The first six weeks of adjusting to the pandemic restrictions were difficult, George said, but the business was able to turn a corner as they settled into the lack of in-house dining.

In fact, the Famous did not have to lay off a single employee during the pandemic, a fact that George remains proud of.

An employee pours chili on hot dogs at the Famous Hot Weiner on Dart Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Hanover.

With all of the history considered, the hardest period of time for the family was not a global tragedy, but instead a local one, George says.

Not long into the history of the restaurant, the founder, Nicolas Mavros, lost a child who was struck by a trolley in the 1930s, George said.

"I'm not sure how they made it through that time," said George. "It really did break up the family."

Much of the family was sent home to Greece following that tragedy, but returned due to the war in Europe.

"It was only probably due to World War II that they came back to America," said George.

The 21st century

Along with the two Hanover locations, the business expanded to a location in West York, and for the last 20 years, even offers nationwide online orders through their website, www.famoushotweiner.com.

Despite the high cost of shipping, which George notes can be as steep as $60 or $70 for a 12-pack of hotdogs, the business still sees a large demand from those online orders. Orders come with buns, chili sauce, onions and the hotdogs, and customers can also order a 12-pack of burgers.

"It's really grown over the years," said George.

The busiest time for online orders, by far, is around Christmas, George says, with many Hanover transplants getting the Famous as Christmas presents. Another peak time for shipments is Father's Day weekend.

"We enjoy giving a piece of Hanover to somebody in California, or wherever they are," said George.

A "famous" hot dog at the Famous Hot Weiner on Dart Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Hanover.

Though the restaurant does explore menu changes at times, such as adding salads, the family knows what keeps customers coming.

"We're always looking at something new, but of course the number one always stays the same,' says George.

As the family looks towards the future, George is leaving the door open to the next generation, his two children.

"You really have got to have it in your heart," said George, citing the drive and ambition it takes to keep the small business afloat.

"If they have it and they want to try it out, the door is gonna be open," said George, "but there's not gonna be any pressure."

Harrison Jones is the Hanover reporter for The Evening Sun. Contact him at hjones@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Hanover Evening Sun: Famous Hot Weiner: This Hanover, Pa. staple is celebrating 100 years
Key Insights

Significantly high institutional ownership implies RIT Capital Partners' stock price is sensitive to their trading actions

The top 18 shareholders own 50% of the company

Using data from company's past performance alongside ownership research, one can better assess the future performance of a company

To get a sense of who is truly in control of RIT Capital Partners Plc (LON:RCP), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. With 66% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Institutional investors would appreciate the 3.3% increase in share price last week, given their one-year losses have totalled a disappointing 9.3%.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of RIT Capital Partners, beginning with the chart below.

See our latest analysis for RIT Capital Partners

LSE:RCP Ownership Breakdown December 21st 2023

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About RIT Capital Partners?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

We can see that RIT Capital Partners does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see RIT Capital Partners' historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

LSE:RCP Earnings and Revenue Growth December 21st 2023

Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in RIT Capital Partners. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is The Rothschild Foundation, Endowment Arm with 11% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 6.1% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 4.9% by the third-largest shareholder.

Story continues

Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 50% of the ownership is controlled by the top 18 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. We're not picking up on any analyst coverage of the stock at the moment, so the company is unlikely to be widely held.

Insider Ownership Of RIT Capital Partners

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

We can report that insiders do own shares in RIT Capital Partners Plc. It is a pretty big company, so it is generally a positive to see some potentially meaningful alignment. In this case, they own around UK140m worth of shares (at current prices). Most would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. Still, it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 26% stake in RIT Capital Partners. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with RIT Capital Partners , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you would prefer check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, backed by strong financial data.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
[December 20, 2023] Russell Investments Canada Limited Announces Monthly Distributions for Exchange Traded Fund Series Tweet

Russell Investments Canada Limited ("Russell Investments Canada") today announced the December 2023 cash distributions for the ETF Series of certain mutual funds ("ETF Series"). Unitholders of record of the ETF Series, as of the Record Date, will receive a per-unit cash distribution payable on the Payment Date. Details of the per-unit cash distribution amount are as follows:







Fund Name Ticker Symbol Cash Distribution per Unit ($) CUSIP ISIN Record Date Payment Date Exchange Russell Investments Fixed Income Pool RIFI $0.0590 78249T103 CA78249T1030 December 29, 2023 January 4, 2024 TSX Russell Investments Global Infrastructure Pool RIIN $0.0700 78250R103 CA78250R1038 December 29, 2023 January 4, 2024 TSX Russell Investments Real Assets RIRA $0.3344 78250P107 CA78250P1071 December 29, 2023 January 4, 2024 TSX

The Manager, Russell Investments Canada Limited, administers and manages the ETF Series. About Russell Investments Canada Limited Russell Investments Canada Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Russell Investments Group, Ltd. Established in 1985, Russell Investments Canada Limited has its head office in Toronto. About Russell Investments Russell Investments is a leading global investment solutions firm providing a wide range of investment capabilities to institutional investors, financial intermediaries, and individual investors around the world. Building on an 87-year legacy of continuous innovation to deliver exceptional value to clients, Russell Investments works every day to improve the financial security of its clients. The firm has CA$394.6 billion in assets under management (as of 09/30/2023) for clients in 30 countries. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Russell Investments has offices in 17 cities around the world, including London, New York, Sydney, Toronto and Tokyo. For more information, please visit www.russellinvestments.com/ca. Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or dissemination in the United States. Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in the ETF Series Units. Investment objectives, risks, fees, expenses, and other important information are contained in the prospectus. Please read the prospectus and ETF Facts carefully before investing. The ETF Series Units are not guaranteed, their value may change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Certain statements included in this news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as or similar to, "expects", "anticipates", "believes" or negative versions thereof. Forward looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are inherently subject to, among other things, risk, uncertainties and assumptions about economic factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from what is contemplated. We encourage you to consider these and other factors carefully before making any investment decisions and we urge you to avoid placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Russell Investments has no specific intention of updating any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For a summary of the risks of an investment in the fund, please see the specific risks of mutual funds section of the prospectus. Units of ETF Series trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase risk of loss. Distributions are not guaranteed and are subject to change and/or elimination. Income tax considerations for investors are contained in the prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Russell Investments' ownership is composed of a majority stake held by funds managed by TA Associates, with a significant minority stake held by funds managed by Reverence Capital Partners. Certain of Russell Investments' employees and Hamilton Lane Advisors, LLC also hold minority, non-controlling, ownership stakes. Copyright  Russell Investments Canada Limited 2023. All rights reserved. Frank Russell Company is the owner of the Russell trademarks contained in this material and all trademark rights related to the Russell trademarks, which the members of the Russell Investments group of companies are permitted to use under license from Frank Russell Company. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220523775/en/

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Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (KLSE:F&N) Full Year 2023 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: RM5.00b (up 12% from FY 2022).

Net income: RM536.9m (up 40% from FY 2022).

Profit margin: 11% (up from 8.6% in FY 2022). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue.

EPS: RM1.47 (up from RM1.05 in FY 2022).

KLSE:F&N Revenue and Expenses Breakdown December 21st 2023

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd Revenues and Earnings Beat Expectations

Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 2.4%. Earnings per share (EPS) also surpassed analyst estimates by 23%.

The primary driver behind last 12 months revenue was the Food and Beverages Malaysia (F&B Malaysia) segment contributing a total revenue of RM2.85b (57% of total revenue). Notably, cost of sales worth RM3.57b amounted to 71% of total revenue thereby underscoring the impact on earnings. The largest operating expense was Sales & Marketing costs, amounting to RM666.1m (74% of total expenses). Explore how F&N's revenue and expenses shape its earnings.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 4.7% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 4.5% growth forecast for the Beverage industry in Malaysia.

Performance of the Malaysian Beverage industry.

The company's shares are up 3.1% from a week ago.

Balance Sheet Analysis

While it's very important to consider the profit and loss statement, you can also learn a lot about a company by looking at its balance sheet. We have a graphic representation of Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd's balance sheet and an in-depth analysis of the company's financial position.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
[December 20, 2023] Immunis Wins Two BASA Biotech Awards: "Best Small Business" and "Best Entrepreneur" Tweet

Immunis, Inc., a private biotechnology company developing innovative secretome therapeutics for age and disease-related immune dysfunction, is honored to win two 2023 Best of America Small Business Awards (BASA). Not only was Immunis recognized as the "Best Small Business" in biotechnology, but Immunis' Chairman, Dr. Hans Keirstead, was also awarded "Best Entrepreneur." These accolades are a testament to the company's innovation, excellence, and leadership in the competitive and rapidly evolving field of biotechnology. The "Best Small Business" award acknowledges Immunis' scientific prowess and promise for the advancement of secretome therapeutics for immunological and age-related conditions. This award was made possible by the visionary leadership of Dr. Keirstead, BASA's 2023 "Best Entrepreneur." As an internationally recognized stem cell expert and successful entrepreneur, Dr. Keirstead is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and building the foundations of some of the most innovative biotech companies in the world. "Receiving these awards is not just a personal honor, but a reflection of the relentless passion of the Immunis team to translate complex scientific research into therapeutics that can potentially change lives," says Dr. Keirstead. Immunis is truly grateful to BASA for recognizing our scientific milestones and the dedicated leadership of Dr. Keirstead. These achievements have undoubtedly set an even higher standard for Immunis as we continue to transform the landscape of cellular therapies in biotech. About Immunis Inc.



Immunis is a private biotechnology company developing a novel immunomodulatory secretome product for the various manifestations of age and disease-related immune decline. The investigational product line leverages Immunis' leading-edge capabilities in secretome technology to deliver a product of all natural, all human immune modulators in their natural relative physiological concentrations. For additional information about Immunis' Phase 1/2a clinical trial please visit: https://immunisbiomedical.com/clinical-trials/. About Immunis Chairman, Dr. Hans Keirstead

Dr. Hans Keirstead is an internationally recognized stem cell expert and entrepreneur in regenerative medicine. He has pioneered therapies for cancer, immune disorders, motor neuron diseases, spinal cord injury, retinal diseases, immune disorders, and age-related immune decline, and created a novel multi-pathogen vaccine kit. Each of Dr. Keirstead's three biotechnology firms was sold to major pharmaceutical companies for high returns to investors after return of investment capital. Currently, he holds board positions in several leading biotechs including AIVITA Biomedical, Immunis Inc., and the global Human Immunome Project. During his 15-year tenure at the University of California Irvine, Dr. Keirstead mentored over 100 students, published over 150 manuscripts, and granted over 20 patents. His international media recognition includes being listed as one of Discover Magazine's top 100 scientists, and highlights in Newsweek, WIRED, The New York Times, TIME magazine, Science, and more. His scientific accomplishments have also been covered on 60 Minutes, PBS, and ABC news radio. Some of Dr. Keirstead's notable awards include the "Top 20 Canadians" Award by the Consul General of Canada, "Most Innovative in Immune Deficiency Research," by Corporate LiveWire, "Best Immune Deficit Treatment Development" by Global Health and Pharma, OCBJ's "Innovator of the Year," NIH Solowey award for noted national researcher of the year, recognition as a world thought leader at the Seven Wonderers event by Beakerhead, and the Cameron Award for the best Ph.D. in the country. Dr. Keirstead received his Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of British Columbia, Canada and pursued his postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge, England. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as applicable. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our plans, beliefs, expectations and assumptions, as well as other statements that are not necessarily historical facts. You are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date as of which it is made, and we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements. This communication also contains market data related to our business and industry which includes projections that are based on several assumptions we believe are reasonable and most significant to the projections as of the date of this communication. If any of our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may significantly differ from our projections based on these assumptions. This communication is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220107560/en/

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[December 20, 2023] BLACKHAWK NETWORK (BHN) TRAILBLAZER AWARDED FOR PAYMENTS INNOVATION Tweet

SINGAPORE, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackhawk Network (BHN) Singapore-based Regional Vice President, Business Development, Judy Li has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the global payments industry winning the ASEAN 2023 Women in Payments Award for Innovation. The prestigious award is presented to an outstanding woman in the payments sector who has promoted payments innovation through creativity, vision, and perseverance. Founder and CEO of Women in Payments, a global association for women professionals in the payments and fintech industry. Kristy Duncan said, "Ms Li, a highly deserving recipient of the award, showcased commitment, creativity, and innovation, contributing significantly to advancing the payments industry forward." "We are dedicated to empowering women in what is still a largely male-dominated arena and Judy is an exemplary payments professional who has led fintech innovation across the region. Through her work, she has delivered creative solutions that offer growth platforms for businesses with a seamless customer experience," Ms Duncan said. Ms Li's significant recent achievements include launching a successful multi-brand retailer card and platform in Indonesia that revolutionised gifting and self-use culture, introducing a P2P gifting solution for the airline industry, and implementing ScanIt across the region. ScanIt is an an innovative solution that seamlessly integrates physical and digital payments allowing consumers to initiate transactions in-store using their phones, select items to purchase, and complete the transaction by presenting a barcode on their phones at the retail store. BHN CEO and President Talbott Roche said Ms Li's award underscores her strategic vision, unique perspective and ability to drive meaningful advancements in the retail, fintech and branded payments industries. "Judy's recognition as the Wmen in Payments Award winner for Innovation is a testament to her forward-thinking acumen and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the payments industry," said Roche. "Her foresight into identifying a need and space for creative, fresh products and services has not only benefitted the industry, but also consumers as the end users. In addition to her achievements that deliver effective solutions for businesses and their customers, Judy is an exceptional leader, trailblazer and a mentor not only within our own business, but across the payments industry," she said.



Ms Li has collaborated widely with e-wallet start-ups and forged partnerships with top retail chains across APAC for BHN while also initiating live commerce activities on platforms like YouTube Shopping and TikTok with significant success. BHN is the leader in global branded payment technologies. We strengthen relationships between brands and their customers, employees, and partners by transforming transactions into connections. BHN's portfolio includes Gift Card & eGift products, promotions and distribution that grow revenue faster; Rewards & Incentives that build loyalty and acquisition and are integrated into today's leading platforms; and Payments that enable businesses and customers to access and disburse funds in convenient and innovative ways. BHN's network spans across the globe with over 400,000 consumer touchpoints. For more information about ScanIt and other leading payments innovations visit blackhawknetwork.com/au-en/asia-pacific-australia.

About Women in Payments Women in Payments is a global organization of ambitious women from across the payments and fintech industry united by a shared vision: gender parity. Founded in 2012, our growing worldwide community is driven to help level the playing field for women at all levels across our industry. We offer unique mentorship, networking and educational opportunities to women from the payments and fintech industry who want to excel professionally and personally. Our goal is to connect, inspire and champion women in our community  as speakers, nominees, participants, mentors and mentees. The Women In Payments Awards is an annual program celebrating and honouring the achievements of talented women in the payments and fintech industry around the globe. For more information visit womeninpayments.org/. Contact:

Tanisha Bajaj

tanisha.bajaj@havasred.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/blackhawk-network-bhn-trailblazer-awarded-for-payments-innovation-302020509.html SOURCE Blackhawk Network (BHN)

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[December 20, 2023] AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Federal Life Insurance Company Tweet

AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) to Federal Life Insurance Company (Fed Life) (Riverwoods, IL). The outlook assigned to these Credit ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Fed Life's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The ratings also reflect AM Best's assessment that, based on Fed Life's business plan, the company will build and maintain a balance sheet assessment of very strong supported by risk-adjusted capitalization also at the very strong level, as measured by Best Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Capital contributions in 2023 and retained earnings through the forecast period are expected to support net premium growth. Direct premium growth is expected to be relatively rapid based on projections, but capital at Fed Life is anticipated to be managed through affiliated reinsurance and capital infusions as necessary. Financial flexibility is viewed as positive as the company has access to additional capital at the holding company level (Federal Life Group, Inc.), and from its ultimate parent organization, Insurance Capital Group, LLC (ICG). The holding company has access to additional capital from the ultimate owner, ICG. Investment risk is projected as low but may increase to moderate depending on the evolution of the liability profile of the company, which could impact future balance sheet metrics. The adequate operating performance assessment and the neutral business profile assessment are based on Fed Life's business plans presented to AM Best. The plan includes an expectation of rapid premium growth and improving operating profitability that supports an adequate operating performance assessment. In addition, it also includes the introduction of additional products, which in combination with a larger and more geographically diversified premium base, would support a neutral business profile assessment. Should Fed Life materially underpeform its business plan these assessments would no longer be supported. An ERM structure has been established and is expected to evolve alongside the product risks and operational complexity of the business.



Fed Life, originally incorporated in 1899 and mutualized in 1962, was demutualized in 2018 and under its new ownership is focused now on a portfolio of accident and health, as well as life and annuity (L/A) products, which it plans to market nationwide. The company engaged with a largely new management team in 2022 and 2023 to support the plan, and introduced its first new product, a hospital indemnity product, in 2022. Additional new products are in development to supplement the company's hospital indemnity product and legacy L/A book of business. Rapid premium growth in 2022 and 2023 evidence early successes of the plan; however, successful launches of new products and further development of distribution are key to realizing the growth and expansion milestones presented to AM Best. AM Best will monitor the performance of Fed Life against key milestones set out in the business plan and internal expectations to evaluate if ongoing performance remains supportive of the adequate operating performance and neutral business profile assessments. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220847799/en/

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[December 20, 2023] Northwest Event Show Announces All New Tech Partnerships for 2024 Tweet

EventMobi Collaboration Rolls Out Interactive Platform on February 1, Giving Event Industry Professionals Opportunities to Connect Before and After the Show SEATTLE, Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Northwest Event Show (NWES) announces multiple innovative partnerships to premiere at the 2024 show, starting with EventMobi, the industry-leading global event management software provider. New EventMobi x NWES collaboration starts February 1 , giving event professionals opportunities to connect all year long. The EventMobi x NWES collaboration will offer attendees, vendors, exhibitors, and clients an infinite amount of community-building and meeting outreach opportunities before and after the big show. This new Community Event Space will include pre and post-show virtual micro-events, networking programming, discussion forums, new video content, meeting scheduling, and much more. Participants will be able to interact live on the platform during the two-day hybrid event on April 3-4. As an additional bonus, they will also have access to the platform throughout the entire year to continue networking long after the show has ended. Starting in January, attendees and vendors will be able to join webinars to learn how to best use the platform. Vendor access will begin on February 1. "The era of event-led community is here and I couldn't be more stoked to launch our new partnership with the Northwest Event Show. This year, using the EventMobi platform along with new programming from the NWES team, we hope to showcase a new engagement model, which will fuel connections, and build energy leading up to the 2024 show. The year-round platform engagement will help increase value to vendors and drive higher registration numbers for the next year's show," says Bob Vaez, CEO & Founder of EventMobi. Additional new partnerships for the 2024 show include: getregistered, the show's new registration partner for the next two years, provides simpleand effective event registration and onsite check-in solutions from start to finish.

pc/nametag will be providing 4,000 badges and lanyards for the next two shows. A leader in custom-branded badges, promotional products and office supplies, pc/nametag has helped meeting planners and business professionals create meaningful and memorable connections for 40 years.

InGo empowers every event attendee to become a co-marketer with this definitive growth tool. InGo drives word-of-mouth marketing to unlock the connection between event participants and prospects. Event organizers average double-digit attendance gains when they utilize InGo to its full potential.



Stuart Butler , Principal, Northwest Event Show. NWES currently welcomes exhibitors and sponsors looking for unrivaled exposure, business development, partnership cultivation, and community building in 2024 and beyond. To learn more, contact [email protected].

Important Links: Buy Tickets | Sign Up for Newsletter | Full Website | Follow NEWS on LinkedIn About EventMobi Since 2009, EventMobi's comprehensive feature set and elegant simplicity have been loved by 30,000+ planners and millions of attendees. EventMobi has powered events for top brands like Visa and TD Bank, and associations including the American Political Science Association and International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantations. One of the industry's first Mobile Event App platforms, EventMobi's comprehensive suite of event management tools now includes Registration, Check-in, Lead Capture, and Badge Design and Printing. Flexible pricing options, award-winning customer support, and a complete range of production services make EventMobi the preferred choice for organizers of meetings and conferences that demand high attendee engagement. About The Northwest Event Show at the Seattle Convention Center Founded in 1994 and marking its 30th anniversary, the 2024 Northwest Event Show will be held on April 3-4, 2024 at the new Summit Building at the Seattle Convention Center. The new Summit addition recently made its 2023 debut as America's first high-rise convention center. A massive, state-of-the-art facility, the $2 billion addition to Seattle's classic Arch building adds 1.5 million square feet of mixed-use space through its connected tower, retail space, and events building. It can service up to 13,000 people, and offers over 9,000 hotel rooms within a 6 block radius of Downtown Seattle  perfect for global gatherings, conferences, conventions, and world-class shows. Covering 1.5 million square feet, Summit and the original Arch building, together create a campus built to usher in the future of meetings and conventions in the Pacific Northwest. Media Contact

Sienna Spencer-Markles, SpenceMark PR

818-281-7416 | [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northwest-event-show-announces-all-new-tech-partnerships-for-2024-302020528.html SOURCE Northwest Event Show

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[December 20, 2023] JEMTEC 2024 Q1 & FINANCIAL UPDATE Tweet

JEMTEC INC.TSX-V: JTC VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 20, 2023 /CNW/ - JEMTEC Inc. (TSXV: JTC) (the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its performance for the fiscal Quarter ended October 31, 2023 (2024 Q1) and the Companies situation, showing a quarterly profit, no debt, strong liquidity and net worth. Q1 Revenues

Revenues have increased by 2% during the quarter ended October 31, 2023 compared to the quarter ended October 31, 2022. The Company earned revenues on its agreements with the Provinces of Saskatchewan and CSC. The Company also earned revenues from private bail clients by presenting the release plans for court cases. Q1 Expenses

During the quarter ended October 31, 2023, expenses decreased by 5% compared to the quarter ended October 31, 2022 primarily due to the fluctuations in consulting fees, equipment rent and installation, foreign exchange, monitoring and activation fees, repairs and maintenance, and share-based payments, shipping and travel. Q1 Income Tax

For the quarter ended October 31, 2023, the Company recognized a current income tax expense of $2,050 (October 31, 2022 - $nil) and a deferred income tax expense of $nil (Octobr 31, 2022 - $1,000 recovery). The current income tax expense was related to income tax in Canada. The deferred income tax recovery was related to unrecognized deferred tax assets.



Q1 Net Income

For the quarter ended October 31, 2023, the Company recorded a net income of $8,007 compared to a net loss of $16,627 during the quarter ended October 31, 2022. This increase in net income is primarily due to the decrease in expenses related to the loss of contracts. Q1 Liquidity

At October 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $2,219,999 and working capital of $2,250,677. All cash and cash equivalents are on deposit with a Schedule I bank in Canada in current or interest accruing accounts.

Eric Caton, President and CEO said, "We are pleased to record a profit and continue the process of reorganizing our business model with a greater awareness on non-government contracts, we expect the results should show positive returns going forward and we continue to see the Company well positioned to grow its core business". Jemtec has provided a full spectrum of monitoring technologies and services to provincial and federal correctional and border services across Canada since 1987 and in doing so has built a reputation for offering the best technological solutions and support for use in this demanding environment. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward - looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward- looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Jemtec Inc.

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[December 20, 2023] LG ULTRAGEAR UNVEILS WORLD'S FIRST 4K OLED GAMING MONITOR WITH DUAL-HZ FEATURE Tweet

2024 UltraGearTM OLED Gaming Monitor Lineup Introduces Pixel Sound Technology, Delivering Clear, Cinematic Audio That Brings a New Dimension to Gaming SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 20, 2023 /CNW/ - LG Electronics (LG) is set to unveil its latest lineup of UltraGear OLED gaming monitors, designed to provide superior gaming experiences. The expanded lineup includes the highly anticipated 32-inch 4K gaming monitor (model 32GS95UE), which boasts a 240Hz refresh rate, an ultra-fast 0.03ms Grey-to-Grey (GtG) response time, and LG's Dual-Hz feature and Pixel Sound technology. The company is also introducing stellar 39-inch and 34-inch models with ultra-wide curved screens: the 39GS95QE and the CES 2024 Innovation Award-winning 34GS95QE. The First Dual-Hz Gaming Monitor to Offer 4K 240Hz / FHD 480Hz The groundbreaking 32GS95UE is the first UltraGearTM monitor to be equipped with the new Dual-Hz feature, allowing users to switch between 4K (3,840 x 2,160) at 240Hz and Full-HD (1,920 x 1,080) at 480Hz with one simple click. This time-saving innovation, easily managed via a hotkey or joystick's directional switch, lets users instantly apply the optimal combination of screen resolution and refresh rate for the genre of game they're playing. For fast-paced action titles and shooting games, users can select FHD 480Hz, while visually rich story-driven games can be enjoyed in 4K 240Hz. In addition to the Dual-Hz feature, the 32-inch UltraGearTM OLED possesses an impressive 0.03ms (GtG) response time that helps eliminate motion blur, boost clarity and deliver dynamic gameplay. This, comined with the exceptional colour and contrast that LG's self-lit OLED technology is known for, takes the visual experience to a whole new level.



The 32GS95UE further enhances the user experience with its minimal screen bezels and powerful, nuanced sound. LG's 4-side virtually borderless design provides a stunning display that doesn't distract from the on-screen action. The monitor creates an exhilarating, three-dimensional soundscape with Pixel Sound technology and an integrated front-facing sound system featuring two woofers and support for DTS Virtual:X. The speakers are cleverly hidden behind the OLED panel itself, eliminating the need for external speakers and saving valuable desk space. Elevating Gaming Immersion Through Innovative Design

The CES 2024 Innovation Award-winning 34-inch 34GS95QE and its larger sibling, the 39-inch 39GS95QE, expand the gaming experience with their 800R-curved, 21:9 aspect ratio UltraWide Quad-HD (3,440 x 1,440) resolution OLED displays. Elevating user immersion, these panoramic monitors also feature LG's Anti-Glare & Low Reflection Coating, a 4-side borderless design, 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms (GtG) response time. The 800R curvature and cinematic 21:9 format of the 34GS95QE and 39GS95QE, together with LG's OLED display tech, add a new dimension to gaming and content viewing. The latest LG UltraGearTM OLED gaming monitors also incorporate the new Unity Hexagonal design rear cover, seamlessly integrating sleek aesthetics with efficient cable management. The slim 'L' Stand, introduced this year, offers ergonomic benefits, stability and space-efficiency. Along with tilt-, height-, pivot-, and swivel-adjustability, the stand has a smaller footprint than 2023's V-shaped stand, helping to free up space and increase desk usability. The stylish and functional stand also provides installation flexibility and contributes to the monitors' unapologetically futuristic look. More Models to Meet Gamers' Diverse Demands Along with the new 32-inch model and the 34-inch and 39-inch curved models, LG's 2024 UltraGearTM OLED gaming monitor lineup welcomes two 45-inch monitors and a 27-inch monitor (models 45GS95QE, 45GS96QB, and 27GS95QE). These upgraded versions of the highly acclaimed 45GR95QE and 27GR95QE further enhance the UltraGearTM family, delivering the exceptional gaming experience that LG's premium gaming monitor brand is known for. With high refresh rates, fast response times and outstanding picture quality, these monitors meet the expectations of discerning consumers. Additionally, all three models are VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified, offering high-brightness screens that produce deep blacks and enhance the depth and detail in darker game environments. A strong performer, the 45-inch 45GS96QB takes users deeper into their favorite games; its UltraWide QHD resolution curved (800R) OLED display and built-in speakers ensuring realistic visuals and sound. Meanwhile, the 27GS95QE is a great option for smaller spaces, providing a 27-inch flat screen OLED display with all the specifications and features needed for next-level gaming. "LG's new lineup of UltraGearTM OLED gaming monitors elevates the gaming experience with groundbreaking technologies and a variety of sizes and form factors," said Lee Yoon-suk, vice president and head of the IT business unit of LG Electronics Business Solutions Company. "LG is dedicated to leading the gaming monitor segment and meeting gamers' needs, designing innovative products that deliver a deeply satisfying visual and audio performance." About LG Electronics Business Solutions Company The LG Business Solutions Company is a trusted partner offering innovative products and solutions for diverse industries worldwide. With a portfolio of unique offerings ranging from industry-leading OLED to LED signage, LG is a respected name among customers around the world. LG's IT solutions include business monitors, laptops, projectors, cloud devices, medical displays and commercial robots, all designed to maximize work efficiency and return strong value to customers. For more on LG's Business Solutions, visit www.LG.com/b2b. SOURCE LG Electronics Canada

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[December 20, 2023] Highlights from the 8th Customer Experience Summit by CCAM Tweet

Content was King but AI rules CX Summit 2023 In Kuala Lumpur KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th Customer Experience Summit, hosted by the Contact Centre Association of Malaysia (CCAM) was held on the 29th and 30th of November 2023. This event was officiated by The Honourable Minister of Digital and Communications, Y.B. Fahmi Fadzil, and was attended by almost 600 delegates from the Southeast Asian Region. Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to be the main drivers in accelerating transformation of the contact centre industry in Malaysia as it strives to meet the increasing market demands for the best customer experience in services. The technology tools provide predictive analytics and big data are harnessed to gain insights into customer behaviour and preferences which help contact centres to personalise interactions, making them more relevant and valuable for customers. In his speech, Minister Y.B. Fahmi Fadzil reiterated the importance of customer experience and the digital economy. He further mentioned, "Customer experience and the digital economy is not just a sector; it is a global phenomenon that transcends boundaries and has become an integral part of our daily lives. From the way we communicate, consume information, and to how we operate business, the digital realm has become an omniprsent force, driving innovation and connectivity."



This summit also brought together global customer and employee experience gurus from across the continents including Shep Hyken and Scott Friedman from the US, Nienke Bloem from the Netherlands, Simon Kriss from Australia, Manoj Menon and Dr. Shreekant Vijaykar from India, alongside local leaders including Syarif Lee of Lazada, Michelle Liew of RHB Group, Lau Yin May of Malaysia Aviation Group, Manpreet Singh of CIMB, Patrick Er of Maxis and many more. Each presenter brought unique thought leadership around customer experience and how we move forward as an industry. Together with the conference, CX Summit also showcased the latest and greatest in technology through global leading brands in the likes of NICE, Huawei, Zoom, Twilio, Genesys, ITApps, NTT Data, Talkdesk, Verint, Nubitel, Freshworks, Infobip, CISCO Webex, VLAN, Zendesk, Novomind and Zoho Desk to name a few.

CCAM President, Vigneswaran Sivalingam remarked, "The CX Summit 2023 is more than an event; it's a catalyst propelling our industry towards unparalleled growth and excellence. This year's theme, 'Transformation Accelerated', mirrors the dynamic changes in customer experience driven by AI, a critical factor for staying competitive. Our goal is to arm participants with actionable insights and strategies for 2024, emphasizing customer experience as the cornerstone of brand development in the contemporary market. "The theme also emphasises the indispensable role of CX in driving brand differentiation and appeal, as in today's business landscape, CX serves as the prism that communicates brand values, leaving a lasting impression and guiding consumers in their decision-making process," he said. With the region deep in the era of transformation, and with customer experience becoming the business strategy for most brands, the organisers of CX Summit look to continuously enhance the knowledge and thought leadership for its audience. During the summit, CCAM also hosted CC-APAC (Contact Centre Asia Pacific) Regional Gathering & Awards 2023 that saw recognitions for excellence to be given away in five categories with participation by members from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. For more information about CCAM and its initiatives, please visit www.ccam.org.my. About Contact Centre Association Malaysia (CCAM) Contact Centre Association Malaysia (CCAM) is the premier industry association representing contact centre professionals and organisations in Malaysia. CCAM is dedicated to promoting excellence, best practices, and innovation in the contact centre industry through knowledge sharing, networking events, and educational programmes. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/highlights-from-the-8th-customer-experience-summit-by-ccam-302020544.html SOURCE Contact Centre Association of Malaysia (CCAM)

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[December 20, 2023] Axelspace Raises $44 Million, Closing Series D Funding Round to Accelerate Growth Toward Social Implementation of Microsatellite Applications Tweet

Axelspace Holdings Corporation today announced that the company completed its Series D funding round raising approximately JPY 6.24 billion (equivalent to USD 44.0 million). The round sees the allocation of new shares to SMBC-GB Growth I Investment Limited Partnership, several other venture capitals, and corporate investors. This brings the cumulative amount of equity financing to approximately JPY 14.3 billion. Axelspace announcement

https://www.axelspace.com/news/seriesd/ Axelspace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Axelspace Holdings, will use the new funds to meet more diverse customer demands. This involves enhancing our Earth observation services through the expansion of our proprietary microsatellite constellation which currently consists of five satellites under operation, providing full-scale services of microsatellite development and operation to both public and private sectors, and constructing optical data relay satellite constellations. List of Series D Investors Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation / SMBC Venture Capital Management Co., Ltd. / Global Brain Corporation (SMBC-GB Growth I Investment Limited Partnership)

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. / Global Brain Corporation (31VENTURES - Global Brain - Growth I Project)

YAMATO HOLDINGS CO., LTD. / Global Brain Corporation (KURONEKO Innovation Fund)

EPSON X Investment Corporation / Global Brain Corporation (EP-GB L.P.)

Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc. (KII3, LPS)

Tokyo University of Science Innovation Capita (TUSIC Investment Limited Partnership)

The Nanto Bank, Ltd. / Nanto Capital Partners. Inc. (Nanto CVC No. 3 Akebono Investment Limited Partnership)

PERSOL VENTURE PARTNERS LLC

THE SEIBU SHINKIN BANK / The Seibu Shinkin Capital, Inc. (Seibu Shinkin Capital Corporate Investment No. 3 Limited Partnership)



In addition to the Earth observation service "AxelGlobe" which started in 2015, Axelspace has been progressing its research and development to realize an innovative one-stop service, "AxelLiner." This service was announced in 2022 aiming to offer feasibility studies, designing, manufacturing, launch, and in-orbit operations for microsatellites, and its demonstration satellite is expected to launch in early 2024.

We will continue to work toward the realization of our vision, "Space within Your Reach," by accelerating societal applications of microsatellites. Yuya Nakamura, the President and CEO of Axelspace Holdings, commented: "We would like to express our gratitude to the investors who, despite challenging market conditions, have decided to invest in us, demonstrating confidence in our future business growth. "This August, we celebrated the company's 15th anniversary. Although it was not an easy road, we have steadily accumulated achievements and evolved our business with invaluable assistance from many people. "With this financing, we hope to further solidify the business foundations of both AxelGlobe and AxelLiner services and to establish ourselves as a leading player in providing comprehensive microsatellite solutions." Company Profile

Axelspace Holdings Corporation / Axelspace Corporation

Head office: Tokyo, Japan

President and CEO: Yuya Nakamura

Main business activities involve the following: Earth observation business using microsatellites; proposals of solutions utilizing microsatellites; designing and manufacturing of microsatellites and related components; launch arrangements for microsatellites; operational support and commissioning.

URL: https://www.axelspace.com/

AxelGlobe: https://www.axelglobe.com/en

AxelLiner: https://www.axelspace.com/solution/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220011065/en/

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[December 21, 2023] Military Transmit and Receive Module Market worth $7.7 billion by 2028 - Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets Tweet

CHICAGO, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Military transmit and receive module market size is projected to grow from USD 5.8 billion in 2023 to USD 7.7 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. A surge in demand for miniaturized and more efficient T/R modules and rising geopolitical tensions will drive the military transmit and receive modules market during the forecast period. Along with this, Research and & development in advanced surveillance technologies have also created lucrative provided opportunities in the military transmit and receive modules market. However, stringent regulations for import and export of gallium are restraining the market growth. Browse in-depth TOC on "Military Transmit and Receive Module Market" 250  Tables

50  Figures

250  Pages Military Transmit and Receive Module Market Report Scope:







Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $ 5.8 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $ 7.7 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% Market Size Available for 20192028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Type, Application, Frequency, Communication Medium, Platform and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Vulnerability to radar jamming techniques Key Market Opportunities Emphasis on developing lightweight radars Key Market Drivers Development of new transmit and receive module technologies

The Military transmit and receive module market includes major players Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), RTX Corporation (US), and CAES System LLC (US). These players have spread their business across various countries includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. The gallium nitride segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the military transmit and receive module market during the forecast period. Based on type, the market is segmented into gallium nitride, gallium arsenide, and others. The gallium nitride segment is projected to reach USD 3.91 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 6.3%. In the Asia Pacific region, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The radar applications is projected to register the highest CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. Based on applications, the market is segmented into radars, communication, electronic warfare, and space. The radar segment will secure leading market position in 2023. It is expected to have a market size of USD 2.76 billion in 2023 and grow at a CAGR of 6.1% to reach USD 3.72 billion in 2028. This is due to the increasing radar modernization contracts for various platforms. The multi band segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the Military transmit and receive module market during the forecast period. Based on frequency, the market is segmented into single band, and multiband. The Multiband segment is expected to have a market size of USD 1.49 billion in 2023 and grow at a CAGR of 6.4% to reach USD 2.04 billion in 2028. This is due to increasing requirement of scalable, customizable, and have multipurpose transmit and receive modules. By platform, the airborne segment is estimated to account for the largest market share of the Military transmit and receive module market in 2023. Based on platform, the market is segmented into Airborne, Naval, Land and Space. The airborne segment is estimated to account for the largest share of 42% of the military transmit and receive module market in 2023. Huge demand for Active electronically scanned array radars used in fighter jets will drive market growth. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=245076574 The North American market to contribute the largest share in 2023. The North American market is going to contribute the largest share of 36% to the military transmit and receive module industry in 2023. This is attributed to the presence of major companies such as Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., RTX, and CAES System LLC in the US, which are continuously investing in the R&D of new and advanced technologies in the military transmit and receive module market. These investments are driving the growth of the market in North America. Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), RTX Corporation (US), and CAES System LLC (US) are some of the leading players operating in the military transmit and receive module companies. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=245076574 Browse Adjacent Market: Aerospace and Defence Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Anti-aircraft Warfare Market by Capability (Support, Protection and Attack), System (Weapon System, Radar System, Electronic Warfare System, Command and Control System), Platform (Land, Naval and Airborne), Range & Region - Forecast to 2028 Military Communications Market by Platform (Land, Naval, Airborne, Unmanned Vehicles), Application, System, Point of Sale (New Installation, Upgrade), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of the World) - Global Forecast to 2028 Electronic Warfare Market by Capability (Support, Attack, Protection), Platform (Airborne, Naval, Ground, Space), Product (EW Equipment, EW Operational Support), End Use (OEM, Upgradation) and Region - Global Forecast to 2027 Military Radars Market by Component (Transmitter, Digital Signal Processor), Platform (Land, Naval, Airborne, Space), Technology (SDR, Quantum, Conventional), Waveform (FMCW, Doppler), Application, Type, Frequency Band & Region - Global Forecast to 2027 Electronically Scanned Array Market Size, Share & Industry Growth Analysis Report by Installation, Platform (Air, Marine, Land), Frequency Band, Type, Component, Range, Dimension, Array Geometry and Region (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East & Africa and Latin America) (2021-2026) 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:

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[December 21, 2023] Sosei Heptares to Present at 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Tweet

Tokyo, Japan and Cambridge, UK, 21 December 2023  Sosei Group Corporation (Sosei Heptares or the Company; TSE: 4565), announces its President & CEO, Chris Cargill, will present at the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. The presentation will take place in-person at the JW Marriott Hotel, San Francisco Union Square, and via webcast at 1:30pm Pacific Standard Time on Wednesday, 10 January 2024.

An audio link to the Companys webcast presentation can be accessed here. Presentation slides will be made available through the investor section of the Companys website, www.soseiheptares.com. -ENDS- About Sosei Heptares

Sosei Heptares is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing life-changing medicines based on world-class science to patients globally. Our vision is to become one of Japans global biopharmaceutical champions. Our global business combines our world-leading GPCR-targeted StaR technology, structure-based drug design and early development capabilities in the UK with a highly experienced clinical development capability and a commercial operation in Japan. We are leveraging these capabilities to generate and advance a broad and deep pipeline of novel medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, immunology, gastroenterology and inflammatory diseases. We intend to develop these opportunities for patients in Japan and globally both internally an through our partnerships with global biopharmaceutical companies and emerging technology companies.



Sosei Heptares operates from key locations in Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), London and Cambridge (UK), Basel (Switzerland) and Seoul (South Korea). Sosei Heptares is the corporate brand and trademark of Sosei Group Corporation, which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565). Sosei, Heptares, the logo and StaR are trademarks of Sosei Group companies.

For more information, please visit https://soseiheptares.com/

LinkedIn: @soseiheptaresco | X: @soseiheptaresco | YouTube: @soseiheptaresco Enquiries: Sosei Heptares  Media and Investor Relations

Kentaro Tahara, VP Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy

Shinichiro Nishishita, VP Investor Relations, Head of Regulatory Disclosures

Maya Bennison, Communications Manager

+81 (0)3 5210 3399 | +44 (0)1223 949390 | [email protected] MEDiSTRAVA Consulting (for International Media)

Mark Swallow, Frazer Hall, Erica Hollingsworth

+44 (0)203 928 6900 | [email protected] Sosei Group Corporation Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development, and commercialization of products. Various risks may cause Sosei Group Corporations actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialize products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialization activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



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There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, Lavras Gold (CVE:LGC) shareholders have done very well over the last year, with the share price soaring by 182%. Having said that, unprofitable companies are risky because they could potentially burn through all their cash and become distressed.

In light of its strong share price run, we think now is a good time to investigate how risky Lavras Gold's cash burn is. In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. Let's start with an examination of the business' cash, relative to its cash burn.

Check out our latest analysis for Lavras Gold

How Long Is Lavras Gold's Cash Runway?

A cash runway is defined as the length of time it would take a company to run out of money if it kept spending at its current rate of cash burn. In September 2023, Lavras Gold had CA$14m in cash, and was debt-free. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through CA$5.6m. So it had a cash runway of about 2.6 years from September 2023. Arguably, that's a prudent and sensible length of runway to have. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

TSXV:LGC Debt to Equity History December 21st 2023

How Is Lavras Gold's Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Because Lavras Gold isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. So while we can't look to sales to understand growth, we can look at how the cash burn is changing to understand how expenditure is trending over time. With the cash burn rate up 19% in the last year, it seems that the company is ratcheting up investment in the business over time. However, the company's true cash runway will therefore be shorter than suggested above, if spending continues to increase. Lavras Gold makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. We prefer most of the stocks on this list of stocks that analysts expect to grow.

Story continues

How Hard Would It Be For Lavras Gold To Raise More Cash For Growth?

Given its cash burn trajectory, Lavras Gold shareholders may wish to consider how easily it could raise more cash, despite its solid cash runway. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. We can compare a company's cash burn to its market capitalisation to get a sense for how many new shares a company would have to issue to fund one year's operations.

Since it has a market capitalisation of CA$47m, Lavras Gold's CA$5.6m in cash burn equates to about 12% of its market value. Given that situation, it's fair to say the company wouldn't have much trouble raising more cash for growth, but shareholders would be somewhat diluted.

How Risky Is Lavras Gold's Cash Burn Situation?

It may already be apparent to you that we're relatively comfortable with the way Lavras Gold is burning through its cash. For example, we think its cash runway suggests that the company is on a good path. While its increasing cash burn wasn't great, the other factors mentioned in this article more than make up for weakness on that measure. Based on the factors mentioned in this article, we think its cash burn situation warrants some attention from shareholders, but we don't think they should be worried. Taking a deeper dive, we've spotted 5 warning signs for Lavras Gold you should be aware of, and 4 of them make us uncomfortable.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
[December 21, 2023] OptiGroup acquires Top Service and expands to Germany Tweet

GOTEBORG, Sweden, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OptiGroup today announces the acquisition of Top Service GmbH ("Top Service"), a German leading distributor of tabletop products, food packaging and cleaning & hygiene products. The acquisition marks the entrance of OptiGroup into Germany and further strengthen OptiGroup's position as a leading European B2B distributor of mission-critical business essentials in Europe. Top Service, founded by Andreas Zapp more than 30 years ago, has a turnover of approximately EUR 25m and around 40 employees. The company is a German leader in critical facility management products to many well-known restaurants and hotels in the Bavarian region. With its attractive business model, based on long-term customer relationships and high quality, Top Service has demonstrated a solid track-record of profitable growth. The acquisition of Top Service is in line with OptiGroup's international growth strategy to consolidate the large and highly fragmented and attractive European B2B distribution market, estimated at EUR ~150 billion for OptiGroup's key segments. The entry into the German market is key in pursuing this strategy that includes highly selective add-on acquisitions to develop its business portfolio towards leading positions in attractive market segments in Europe. Germany remains a priority market for all of OptiGroup's core segments. Over the last years, OptiGroup has strengthened its position as a leading European B2B distributor of mission-critical business essentials, partly thanks to a successful M&A strategy. The group has presented a strong track-record of successful and synergistic acquisitions, recently with Van den IJssel Bedrijfskleding BV in the Netherlands, a leading distributor specialized in workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE). The acquisitin of Top Service is the 8th announced add-on acquisition since December 2021, when FSN Capital VI* signed the deal with the previous owners to become the leading shareholder of OptiGroup.



Today, OptiGroup has a strong balance sheet supported by positive cash generation and its successful fund-raising of EUR 100 million additional debt from leading investors in 2023, enabling its M&A strategy including add-on acquisitions. OptiGroup has continued to deliver a solid operational and financial performance in 2023. "Top Service is a well-established company with a leading position in Germany, and I am really impressed by its strong track-record, leadership team and customers. This leading distributor in facility management provides high-quality products and an infrastructure that is critical for the success of its customers' operations. Together we will continue to improve our customer offering for B2B customers active in facility management in Europe." Niklas Jarbur, Senior Vice President Facility & Safety.

"We look forward to welcoming Top Service, which is a growing German leading company in its segment, to OptiGroup. Top Service is a very strategic add-on transaction for OptiGroup as it marks the entrance for the important German market and will strengthen the Group on its exciting growth journey. FSN Capital VI, as the lead investor of OptiGroup, looks forward to continuing to support OptiGroup's successful M&A strategy with highly selected strategic add-on acquisitions in Germany and rest of Europe." Niclas Thiel, Board Director, and Principal at FSN Capital Partners (investment advisor to FSN Capital VI). "Since I founded Top Service, we have had a great journey becoming a local leader within the attractive food service equipment market in Germany. Today's deal is truly an important milestone that proves everything we have accomplished. I am really excited to join OptiGroup and look forward to offering our loyal customers as well as new ones our outstanding high-quality products in a stronger setting" Andreas Zapp, Founder CEO Top Service. The founder and management of Top Service will continue to be engaged in the company. Top Service will become part of OptiGroup's Business Area Facility & Safety and will continue to operate under its current brand Top Service. The parties have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transaction. Completion of the transaction is expected in Q1 of 2024. * FSN Capital GP VI Limited, acting for itself and in its capacity as general partner or portfolio manager (as applicable) for and on behalf of each of FSN Capital VI L.P., FSN Capital VI Invest L.P. and FSN Capital VI Lux SCSp ("FSN Capital VI"). CONTACT: For further information, please contact:

Niklas Jarbur, SVP Facility & Safety, OptiGroup, [email protected]

Stefan Sikander, Corporate Communication Director, OptiGroup, [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/optigroup-acquires-top-service-and-expands-to-germany-302020885.html

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[December 21, 2023] A New Era in Desert Technology: START AgriTech Program Launched in Utah, USA by Arieli Capital & Utah Tech University Tweet

St George, UTAH, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Climate change, desertification, and expansion of the world's drylands are posing ever-present global challenges. There is an urgent demand for innovative technologies to secure future supplies of energy, health, food, and water. To address these, Arieli Capital LLC ("Arieli") together with Frontier RNG Agro-climate Innovation Hub, in collaboration with Utah Tech University and Haifa Group, are excited to open registration for the START AgriTech Program, taking place April 15-18, 2024, on the Utah Tech Campus in St George, Utah. The program is dedicated to fostering the growth, commercialization, and international expansion of startups in relevant fields. Market ready startups are encouraged to apply here. Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams: "The 2022 trade mission to Israel sowed the seeds of opportunity to learn and innovate together. We are excited to see the ongoing development of these connections. Utah Tech and Arieli Capital's partnership is a pivotal opportunity for Desert Tech and AgriTech leaders in Utah, marking a significant stride in innovation and growth. The boot camp will bring together global founders within Utah's innovation ecosystem investors, founders, researchers, government leaders and others." "The U.S. is Israel's single largest trading partner, and Israel is the second-largest trading partner for the U.S. in the Middle East," shared Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah. "This opportunity between Utah and Israel is an important step in moving Utah from the crossroads of the West to the crossroads of the world." Utah Tech University President Richard "Biff" Williams, "The partnership between Utah Tech University and Arieli Capital marks an exciting collaboration, driving innovation and commercialization in AgTech and Desert Tech within the stte, particularly in southwest Utah. This alliance aims to cultivate pioneering solutions for state-of-the-art technologies that cater to sustainable living in arid climates, potentially benefiting not only Utah but also communities globally. We are proud to work with Arieli Capital's talented team from Israel to collaborate, build businesses, enhance workforce development, and make a bright future for students and communities."



Specifically designed for startups in their seed to Series A phase, the program targets innovation in sectors such as DesertTech, WaterTech, regenerative agriculture, smart farming, plant health, and nutrition. This robust collaboration presents a distinctive blend of expertise, diverse cultural experiences, and innovative implementation methods applicable across different locations and crops. These elements hold significant importance within the traditionally conservative landscape of global agriculture farming units. Estimates on the value of the climate-tech sector are upwards of $185 billion, and the agriculture-tech sector overall is estimated at $7.8 trillion. Arieli actively invests in desert and agriculture technologies alongside its innovation center, Frontier, located in the Israeli Negev desert.

START AgriTech provides startups with dedicated 1-on-1 business and networking opportunities with international investors and global corporations as well as to a final "pitch event" where they'll be invited to present to a robust array of partners, future clients and allies. Or Haviv, Partner and Head of Innovation at Arieli commented, "Excited for our strong partnership with Utah Tech University, about 30% of Utah's land mass is desert, just like that of Israel's Negev, which accounts for 60% of Israel's land mass. Creating a direct connection between Frontier's desert R&D facilities in Israel and Utah Tech University's desert innovation facilities in Utah, opens up a new era of desert, agriculture, and climate innovation on a global level." Yariv Erez, CEO of Frontier RNG, added, "It is a privilege to impart our extensive knowledge in desert agriculture, recognizing that sharing this expertise is a meaningful contribution to improving our world. We are committed to cultivating food in a smart, straightforward, and cost-effective manner, not only for today's global population but also for the benefit of future generations. By reconnecting Agri & Culture we are paving the way towards a more sustainable world." Startup registration is available here by 2/5/24 About Arieli Capital:

Arieli Capital is a multifaceted investment firm that is an active investor and partner in the next generation of technology companies. Arieli Capital continuously strives to identify and support companies, creating real impact while keeping financial returns as the primary objective. As a recognized global leader in innovation, Arieli is trusted by governments, academic and research institutions, multinational corporates and financial institutions. For more information, click here



Contact Person:

Nataf Dgani

Marketing Director

[email protected]

+972-54-757-3384 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-new-era-in-desert-technology-start-agritech-program-launched-in-utah-usa-by-arieli-capital--utah-tech-university-302020883.html SOURCE Arieli Capital

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[December 21, 2023] Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP and Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Announce Proposed Settlement in the Cleco Merger Litigation Tweet

The following statement is being issued by Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP and Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC regarding the Cleco Merger Settlement: NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE PARISH OF RAPIDES

STATE OF LOUISIANA







HELEN MOORE, et al., Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, NO.: 251,417 c/w NOS. 251,456; 251,515; 252,446; 252,458; and 252,459 Plaintiffs, DIVISION B vs. MACQUARIE INFRASTRUCTURE AND REAL ASSETS, et al., Defendants.

SUMMARY NOTICE IF YOU OWNED CLECO CORPORATION ("CLECO") COMMON STOCK, WHETHER BENEFICIALLY OR OF RECORD, AS OF JANUARY 13, 2015, AND VOTED AGAINST, ABSTAINED FROM VOTING, OR DID NOT VOTE ON PROPOSAL 1 ON THE PROXY STATEMENT ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEBRUARY 26, 2015 SHAREHOLDER VOTE ON THE MERGER FOR $55.37 PER CLECO SHARE (THE "CLASS"), YOU COULD RECEIVE A PAYMENT FROM A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CERTAIN PERSONS ARE EXCLUDED FROM THE DEFINITION OF THE CLASS AS SET FORTH IN THE STIPULATION OF SETTLEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY. YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED BY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PENDING IN THIS COURT. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to Article 591, et seq., of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and by Order of the Ninth Judicial District Court for the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, that in the above-captioned litigation (the "Action"), which is a certified consolidated class action, a Settlement has been proposed for $37,000,000.00 in cash. A hearing will be held on February 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., before the Honorable Lowell C. Hazel, at the Ninth Judicial District Court for the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, 701 Murray Street, Alexandria, LA 71301, for the purpose of determining whether: (1) the proposed Settlement should be approved by the Court as fair, reasonable, and adequate; (2) the proposed Plan of Allocation for distribution of the Settlement proceeds is fair, reasonable, and adequate and therefore should be approved; and (3) the application of Class Counsel for the payment of attorneys' fees and expenses and an award for Plaintiffs from the Settlement Fund, including interest earned thereon, should be approved. IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE CLASS DESCRIBED ABOVE, YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE SETTLEMENT OF THE ACTION, AND YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO SHARE IN THE NET SETTLEMENT FUND. If you have not received a detailed Notice of Proposed Settlement of Class Action (the "Notice") and a copy of the Proof of Claim and Release ("Proof of Claim"), you may obtain a copy of these documents by contacting the Claims Administrator: Cleco Merger Settlement, Claims Administrator, c/o Gilardi & Co. LLC, P.O. Box 301171, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1171; [email protected]; 1-888-297-2017. You may also obtain copies of the Stipulation of Settlement, Notice, and Proof of Claim at www.ClecoMergerSettlement.com. If you are a Class Member, to be eligible to share in the distribution of the Net Settlement Fund, you must submit a Proof of Claim by mail postmarked no later than March 6, 2024, or submit it online by that date. If you are a Class Member and do not submit a valid Proof of Claim, you will not be eligible to share in the distribution of the Net Settlement Fund, but you will still be bound by any judgment entered by the Court in this Action (including the releases provided for therein). If you are a Class Member, you will be bound by any judgment entered by the Court in this Action (including the releases provided for therein) whether or not you submit a Proof of Claim. If you previously excluded yourself from the Class, you will have no right to recover money pursuant to the Settlement. Any objection to the Settlement, the Plan of Allocation, Class Counsel's request for attorneys' fees and expenses, and Plaintiffs' request for a service award (if any) must be received by each of the following recipients no later than January 12, 2024: Clerk of the Court

Ninth Judicial District Court for the Parish of Rapides

State of Louisiana

701 Murray Street, Suite 501

Alexandria, LA 71301 Class Counsel: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

David A. Knotts

655 West Broadway, Suite 1900

San Diego, CA 92101 -or- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Michael J. Palestina

1100 Poydras Street, Suite 960

New Orleans, LA 70163 Defendant's Counsel: Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Johnathon E. Schronce

951 East Byrd Street

Richmond, VA 23219 PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT OR THE CLERK'S OFFICE REGARDING THIS NOTICE. If you have any questions about the Settlement, you may contact Class Counsel at the addresses listed above. DATED: November 27, 2023 BY ORDER OF THE COURT NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE PARISH OF RAPIDES STATE OF LOUISIANA View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221246481/en/

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[December 21, 2023]

The MarTech Summit Asia @Singapore is taking place on 23 & 24 April 2024

Grand Gathering of MarTech Professionals across Asia

SINGAPORE, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The MarTech Summit Asia is taking place on 23 & 24 April 2024 at The Stamford Ballroom, Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore. As the fourth year in Singapore, The MarTech Summit series expands our scale to the whole Asia region. For the ever-evolving marketing & technology world, this summit is themed MarTech Revitalisation: Assemble, Synergise, Impact, Advance. We will gather 300+ MarTech lovers and practitioners from all industries to learn from the thought leaders and exchange fresh & challenging ideas.

In our previous edition in 2023, we brought together 250+ senior-level leaders representing 200+ organisations across 18 countries. We hosted delegates from Amazon, Samsung Electronics, American Express, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Unilever, HSBC, Roche, Nike, IKEA, 3M, Estee Lauder Companies, Airbnb, Standard Chartered Bank, AIA, HP, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Prudential, Shopee, Kellogg's, Rakuten, Tinder, National Library Board, Shutterstock, Zalora, foodpanda, Montblanc, Singlife, FWD, Income Insurance SG, JLL, Agility, Colliers & more.

We have seen the revolutionising power of AI & technology advancement in all our marketing activities. At the same time, the business world is facing challenges in various economic and social aspects. In the 2-Day agenda, we will delve into the latest strategy and practice of topics including Customer Experience, Data, Analytics & Insights, Sales Enablement, & Demand Generation, with an extensive scope of new technologies & strategic insights.

This April in Singapore, The MarTech Summit Asia provides an unparalleled event experience over 2 Days, featuring 3 Stages and 5 Themes, filled with ample opportunities to learn and share with like-minded professionals.

2 DAY : On 23 & 24 April you can join 30+ sessions, 5 interactive roundtable discussions & engage in 10+ hours of networking

: On 23 & 24 April you can join 30+ sessions, 5 interactive roundtable discussions & engage in 10+ hours of networking 3 STAGES : On day 1, in the plenary room, we will explore key MarTech trends applicable to all industries. On day 2, the summit will split into B2C & B2B stages, allowing for deeper dives into each sector.

: On day 1, in the plenary room, we will explore key MarTech trends applicable to all industries. On day 2, the summit will split into B2C & B2B stages, allowing for deeper dives into each sector. 5 THEMES : Our sessions cover the themes of MarTech Trends (Day 1); Customer Experience & Data, Analytics & Insights (Day 2  B2C); Sales Enablement & Demand Generation (Day 2  B2B).

You can personalise your agenda with the most relevant topics and valuable groups o exchange insights. The sessions are delivered in various formats: Panel Discussions, Fireside Chats, Keynote Presentations, Interactive Roundtables, and Networking Sessions.







This April, The MarTech Summit in Singapore, a centre for business strategy in Asia, will provide the best platform for you and your team to enhance your knowledge in marketing and technology. The people you meet and the stories you hear will inspire your global strategy and provide local insights for the diverse Asian markets.

Secure your passes now: https://themartechsummit.com/singapore-registration

What Will We Talk About?

The MarTech Summit Asia is filled with dynamic discussions, such as Keynote Presentations, Fireside Chats, Panel Discussions, Interactive Roundtables, and plentiful Networking opportunities!

We guarantee that 85% of attendees are senior-level MarTech leaders or higher. This assembly offers an invaluable platform for you to connect with peers across organisations and industries, exchanging experiences and ideas on the challenges you have faced or are preparing to overcome.

We will delve into 5 theme fields:

MarTech Trends : AI in MarTech, GenAI & Storytelling, Marketing Adoption Hurdle, Future of Work, Global & Region-Specific MarTech Intersection, Digital Transformation with AI revolution, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Metrics

: AI in MarTech, GenAI & Storytelling, Marketing Adoption Hurdle, Future of Work, Global & Region-Specific MarTech Intersection, Digital Transformation with AI revolution, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Metrics Customer Experience : Omnichannel Personalisation, E-Commerce CX, Customer Loyalty & Revenue Generation, AI & CX

: Omnichannel Personalisation, E-Commerce CX, Customer Loyalty & Revenue Generation, AI & CX Data, Analytics & Insights : First-Party Data, CDP, Data-Driven Insights & ROI, Predictive Analytics

: First-Party Data, CDP, Data-Driven Insights & ROI, Predictive Analytics Sales Enablement : Revenue Enablement, Internal Synergy, Sales Content Optimisation, Enablement Intelligence

: Revenue Enablement, Internal Synergy, Sales Content Optimisation, Enablement Intelligence Demand Generation : Account-Based Experience (ABX), CRM, Precision Demand Marketing, AI & Email Marketing

Check out the full topic list here: https://themartechsummit.com/singapore#topics

With over 50 speakers representing industry-leading companies, including Wise, Abbott, Esplanade, DirectAsia Insurance, Mondelez International, Bayer, FM Global, Ola Chat, Flywire, Alta Group, DBS Bank & MORE!

Check out the Speaker Line-up here!

Why Attend?

In April, The MarTech Summit Asia highlights these features:

2 DAYS, 3 STAGES & 5 THEMES : Offering extensive and comprehensive sessions covering a wide range of topics in your fields of interest.

: Offering extensive and comprehensive sessions covering a wide range of topics in your fields of interest. NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH DECISION MAKERS : Enjoy networking breaks throughout the two days, including an evening drinks reception, to maximise your face-to-face networking experience with global senior-level practitioners.

: Enjoy networking breaks throughout the two days, including an evening drinks reception, to maximise your face-to-face networking experience with global senior-level practitioners. INTERACTIVE FORMAT : Featuring a variety of engaging formats such as Keynote Presentations, Fireside Chats, Interactive Roundtables, and Panel Discussions, all conducted in English.

: Featuring a variety of engaging formats such as Keynote Presentations, Fireside Chats, Interactive Roundtables, and Panel Discussions, all conducted in English. EXPLORE LEADING TECH SOLUTIONS : Meet leading service providers at the event and evaluate new technologies for your tech stack.

: Meet leading service providers at the event and evaluate new technologies for your tech stack. BALANCED PARTICIPATION : An 80:20 Ratio of Industry Participants ensures a perfectly balanced crowd for learning and networking.

Register by 30 January 2024 to get the Super Early Bird Discount of $200 off!

Get tickets now! https://themartechsummit.com/singapore-registration

Interested in becoming a partner? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected] .

. Group rates are available upon request for 3+ attendees. Get a quote at [email protected] .

Stay up to date with our Speaker Line-up, Session Information, and Agenda Updates by following us on:

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

X

We are looking forward to meeting you in Singapore on 23 & 24 April 2024!

Check our 2023 Highlights

The MarTech Summit Asia is hosted by BEETc, an event company specialised in bringing together Senior Level Thought-Leadership Conferences, internationally.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-martech-summit-asia-singapore-is-taking-place-on-23--24-april-2024-302020993.html

SOURCE BEETc
[December 21, 2023] Help conserve water by choosing solar panels that are responsibly made: REC Group's call to action for homeowners and businesses Tweet

MUNICH, Germany, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the pursuit of environmental sustainability, homeowners and businesses are increasingly turning to solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint. While clean energy solutions are vital in combating climate change, it is essential to pay attention to the broader environmental impact of the manufacturing processes behind these clean technologies. The energy supply sector is with around 35% currently the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with residential and commercial buildings consuming over half of all electricity.[1] Despite the positive impact of solar panels in reducing carbon footprints, their production involves resource-intensive processes, including the use of water. Water plays a crucial role in the production of solar panels. From the purification of silicon, the base material for solar cells, to the final module assembly, the manufacturing process consumes significant amounts of water, particularly in the energy and heat-intensive initial stages. With global climate change affecting rainfall patterns[2], water conservation has become an imperative global concern. Recognizing the environmental challenges, socially responsible manufacturers, including those in the solar panel industry, are actively seeking ways to conserve and recycle water. One such exemplar is REC Group, a leading solar panel manufacturer with a commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. Continuously driving energy, water, and waste savings programs, REC Group has set ambitious goals for its solar panel manufacturing facility in Singapore. By 2024, REC aims to reduce water consumption from the production of solar cells by 5% and for solar panels by 10%. In line with Singapore's water scarcity, REC ensures that water used during manufacturing processes is treated and recycled, significantly reducing the overall environmental impact. Through REC's focus on responsible manufacturing, specific water consumption decreased from 761 m per MW of solar panels produced in 2021 to 628 m per MW in 2022, representing a notable 17.5% reduction. This translates to an annual water saving of approximately 171,487 m, equivalent to the water usage of almost 3,000 people in Singapore. In addition to responsible water management, REC actively harvests rainwater for use in cooling towers after filtration. By investing in stormwater collection facilities, REC aim to increase rainwater harvesting capabilities, projecting water savings of about 10,000 m per year.



Homeowners who want to play their part in mitigating climate change can choose responsibly made solar panels as a tangible way to make a greater positive impact and lower more their environmental footprint. Read more here: www.recgroup.com/save-water

This article is part of REC's educational series on how to choose solar panels more responsibly. Previously published articles are available here: Reduce Waste

Higher Power- Lower Footprint For media inquiries please contact:

Agnieszka Schulze

Head of Global PR, REC Group

Tel.: +49 89 4 42 38 59 39

E-mail: [email protected] REC Solar EMEA GmbH

Balanstr. 71a

81541 Munich, Germany

Managing Director: Cemil Seber

Court of Registration: Munich HRB 180306

VAT ID-No: DE266243545 About REC Group: REC Group is an international pioneering solar energy company dedicated to empowering consumers with clean, affordable solar power through high-quality solar panels with a leading power density. As Solar's Most Trusted, REC is known for its patented innovations and multiple award-winning products with reliable long-term performance. The cornerstone for REC's strong reliability is advanced and highly efficient manufacturing using Industry 4.0 practices. Founded in 1996 in Norway, REC has always been committed to a low carbon footprint in its solar materials and panels. REC is headquartered in Norway with operational headquarters in Singapore and regional hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. As of December 2021, REC is part of Reliance Industries Limited, India's largest private sector company with revenues of USD 118.6 billion. Find out more at recgroup.com and on Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram [1] https://www.un.org/en/actnow/facts-and-figures [2] https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-us-and-global-precipitation#:~:text=Just%20as%20precipitation%20patterns%20vary,areas%20to%20experience%20decreased%20precipitation Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2306287/REC_Group.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656574/REC_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/help-conserve-water-by-choosing-solar-panels-that-are-responsibly-made-rec-groups-call-to-action-for-homeowners-and-businesses-302021014.html

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[December 21, 2023] Cognata Redefines Sensor Suite Selection Processes Through Digital Twin-based Sensor Simulation and Cloud Technology integrated into Microsoft Azure Tweet

Cognata had been chosen by Microsoft to drive the ADPH global program as a global leader for its photorealistic sensor simulation and unique sensor models such as thermal cameras and 4D Lidars. Key Highlights Cognata, Microsoft, and AMD transform sensor suite selection with the ADPH platform, combining digital twin-based sensor simulation and cloud tech for efficient evaluation. The platform features unique sensor models, including thermal cameras and 4D LiDARs, setting industry standards. The platform offers highly accurate sensor manufacturer approved modeling, encompassing various sensors such as RGB cameras, Point-cloud (LiDAR) systems, and Thermal cameras (IR) with a DNN-based layer, ensuring precise performance evaluation. REHOVOT, Israel, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognata proudly announces its collaboration with Microsoft to drive the Automated Driving Perception Hub (ADPH) global program, running on Microsoft Azure, and AMD EPYC processors and Radeon GPUs, to allow Automotive customers to virtually and efficiently evaluate ADAS/AV sensors through digital twin-based sensor simulation. Cognata's Automated Driving Perception Hub allows sensors to be evaluated versus a common set of industry-standard scenarios, and their performance is quickly and easily analyzed. Sensor selection is pivotal in steering the automotive industry toward reliable and safe autonomous vehicles and ADAS systems. Cognata's ADPH platform incorporates highly accurate sensor modeling, manufacturer approved, with a wide spectrum f sensors such as RGB cameras with varying lens distortions, Point-cloud (LiDAR) systems, as well as Thermal cameras (IR), all integrated with a DNN-based photorealistic layer, ensuring sensor performance precision.



With Microsoft's support, Cognata is accelerating the digital transformation on Azure's global cloud, services, and computing capabilities to accelerate ADAS/AV development, verification, and validation. Cognata's digital twin-based simulation requires powerful computing and graphics resources to run and scale. These advanced workloads and features are accelerated by AMD high-performance CPU and GPU technologies, enabling streamlined execution. "We have joined forces to advance the automotive industry by bringing digital twin-based simulation into Microsoft Azure. The ADPH is a milestone achievement in our collaboration, showcasing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology," Danny Atsmon, CEO and founder of Cognata, highlights the significance of the project. "This platform seamlessly integrates manufacturer-approved sensor models and a sophisticated simulation environment, solving the challenge of optimizing sensor selection in a fully scalable manner."

"AMD is excited to deliver transformative innovation to the autonomous driving market in collaboration with Cognata and Microsoft," said Jeff Connell, corporate vice president and general manager, Strategic Silicon Solutions, AMD. "Our innovative portfolio of highly performant computing solutions, including AMD Radeon PRO V620 GPUs and AMD EPYC processors, provides an ideal combination of capabilities to power the critical workloads that enable autonomous driving technologies." "We are pleased to collaborate with AMD for their high-performance CPU and GPU IP and Cognata for their photorealistic sensor simulation capabilities to provide a platform that will allow engineers to accurately evaluate real-world sensor performance on the cloud early on in the design process, said Dominik Wee, Corporate Vice President, Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft. "By front-loading upstream design and moving sensor evaluation from the physical world to the virtual world, we believe our customers will be able to innovate more rapidly and cost-effectively." About Cognata Cognata provides cutting-edge autonomous driving technologies with its end-to-end solutions for autonomous platforms. Other than an advanced engine creating a photorealistic simulation platform, Cognata offers the know-how of the market offerings, product integration, and a comprehensive V&V walkthrough, end-to-end. Working with some of the largest autonomous vehicle makers tier 1's in the world, Cognata accelerates the autonomous and ADAS engineering capabilities, and brings the unique power and expertise of artificial intelligence and computer vision, taking off years of the development process. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, EPYC, Radeon and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices. Contact:

Shay Rootman

[email protected]

www.cognata.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cognata-redefines-sensor-suite-selection-processes-through-digital-twin-based-sensor-simulation-and-cloud-technology-integrated-into-microsoft-azure-302020897.html SOURCE Cognata

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[December 21, 2023] IDEMIA Partners with Arizona Department of Transportation and Samsung to Bring Mobile ID to Samsung Wallet in Arizona Tweet

Mobile ID in Samsung Wallet offers users convenience and security when presenting their ID for airport security screening, age-restricted products, and other identity checks RESTON, Va., Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IDEMIA, the global leader in secure identity solutions and the U.S. digital credential market, today announced the launch of mobile driver's licenses and state IDs to Samsung Wallet in Arizona, in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (AZ MVD) and Samsung. Starting today, Arizona residents can add their driver's license or state ID to Samsung Wallet, enabling them to tap their Galaxy smartphone to seamlessly and securely pass identity checks. This technology, which gives users a convenient and highly secure way to store their state-issued IDs and driver's licenses, leverages IDEMIA's expertise in identity services and credentials issuance, its principles of privacy by design, end-to-end security and interoperability, as well as its privileged access to government systems of record. Mobile IDs are digitally signed identity credentials that are securely issued and authenticated by state DMVs, like the AZ MVD. Because of this, Mobile ID holders, as well as businesses and verifiers, can trust its validity as state-approved identification. Mobile ID also holds the most up-to-date information, as the AZ MVD pushes real-time credential updates. "Arizona is proud to once again be one of the first states to give our residents the ability and choice to adopt new technology. Arizonans can now add their driver's license or state ID to Samsung Wallet," Arizona MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. "We continuously look for products and services that provide Arizonans security, privacy, and convenience."



Arizona residents, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (AZ MVD), and bring states such as Arizona a new level of modernization to bring convenience to residents' lives while keeping their identities secure," said Matt Cole , EVP, Strategic Alliances at IDEMIA. "Partnerships like these enable us to further deliver on our mission to make identity services safer, easier, and more accessible for all." In partnership with IDEMIA, Mobile ID provisioned in Samsung Wallet complies with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for the mobile driving license (ISO/IEC 18013-5)  requiring mobile driver's licenses to be secure, accurate, private, and interoperable. Mobile driver's license information is securely stored on a Samsung device, while being completely controlled by the license holder. The license holder can also decide what information they want to share when they disclose their identity attributes to Mobile ID verifiers and relying parties. They can decide to share complete personal information, or for example, just their birth date when making an age-restricted purchase.

IDEMIA is the current leading supplier of driver's licenses in the U.S. and a trusted partner to U.S. government agencies for over 60 years. To date it has issued over 500M ID cards in the last decade, and it has rolled out Mobile ID to 10 different states since 2015, with more to launch next year. To learn more about Arizona's Mobile ID, please visit https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/mobile-id/. For a complete list of devices compatible with Samsung Wallet, click here. About IDEMIA Identity and Security (I&S) North America

IDEMIA I&S North America is a leader in identity security and authentication services to governments and private companies, operating in North America. Our mission is to Unlock the World, Make It Safer - helping people access what matters most, more quickly, more safely, and more securely, in both the physical and the digital worlds. Our best-in-class technology helps to authenticate and secure physical and digital transactions. IDEMIA is recognized by the National Institute of Standards (NIST) as a top-ranking participant in the Institute's passenger facilitation simulation testing as well as in its regular Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) rankings, reinforcing the trustworthiness and reliability of IDEMIA's facial recognition solutions for government and consumers alike. Learn more at www.na.idemia.com / Follow @Idemia_NA on Twitter and on LinkedIn. Media contact:

Genevieve de Vera

IDEMIA I&S North America

(978) 808-7047

[email protected].com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/idemia-partners-with-arizona-department-of-transportation-and-samsung-to-bring-mobile-id-to-samsung-wallet-in-arizona-302021087.html SOURCE IDEMIA Identity & Security USA LLC

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[December 21, 2023] Global PC Shipments Forecast to Recover in 2024 After Unprecedented Slump in PC Demand, According to IDC Tweet

With shipments totaling 68.5 million units in the third quarter of 2023, the global PC market managed to outperform expectations. But that volume was still down 7.2% compared to the same quarter in 2022, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker. Despite the PC market surpassing initial forecasts, both driving and inhibiting factors influenced this performance. First, the increased volume can partly be attributed to inventory restocking, mostly on the consumer side. Second, there was a notable effort to address anticipated cost escalations, such as expected increases in India import duties. Although these duties were later suspended, such concerns nonetheless led to the channel absorbing more units than likely necessary. Finally, further tightened IT budgets led business PC units to underperform against an already conservative commercial forecast. Given current conditions and a tenuous macroeconomic environment, IDC has lowered its forecast for the worldwide PC market. 2023 shipment volume is now expected to decline 13.8% compared to 2022, which itself declined 16.6% over the previous year. Two consecutive years of double-digit year-over-year drops is an unprecedented trend in the PC market but will likely contribute to a recovery thereafter. Despite the short-term challenges, IDC continues to expect a market rebound in 2024 and beyond with many factors converging within the next two years. A few of the main drivers include: PC Refresh Cycle: The vast and aging installed base of commercial PCs surpassing the four-year mark by 2024 is expected to necessitate a refresh, coinciding with the pressing demand to migrate toward Windows 11. The total PC market of 2024 should see growth of 3.4% compared to 2023. AI Integration: The integration of AI capabilities into PCs is expected to serve as a catalyst for upgrades, hitting shelves in 2024 and at first aimed toward certain segments of the enterprise PC market. Over time, further advancement in use cases and cost reductions could spread to the broader market. Continued evolution and recovery of the consumer installed base. The collective influence of these factors positions 2024 as a pivotal year for the PC market, offering a respite from recent challenges. Beyond 2024, growth is expected to surpass pre-pandemic shipment levels and culminate in 285 million units by 2027. "Perhaps historical context can offer some consolation to the tough slog the PC ecosystem is going through," said Jay Chou, research manager for IDC Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers. "While we still expect eight consecutive quarters of year-over-year volume declines from Q1 2022 through Q4 2023, it still pales to the 19 consecutive quarters of year-over-year PC declines from Q2 2012 to Q4 2016. Furthermore, notebooks are already at higher levels than 2019, signaling a sizable expansion of the notebook market even after COVID-induced purchases have subsided. We maintain that factors like hybrid work, commercial refresh, and growth in premium PCs can lead to a compound annual growth rate of 3.1% from 2023 through 2027."







Worldwide Personal Computing Device Forecast by Market Segment: Shipments, Year-Over-Year Growth, and 2023-2027 CAGR (shipments in millions) Segment 2023

Shipments 2023/2022

Growth 2027

Shipments 2027/2026

Growth 2023-2027

CAGR Consumer 113.9 -14.8% 125.5 1.4% 2.4% Education 29.6 -15.4% 35.0 0.8% 4.2% Commercial (ex. Edu) 108.3 -12.2% 124.6 2.6% 3.6% Total 251.8 -13.8% 285.0 1.8% 3.1% Source: IDC Worldwide Personal Computing Device Tracker, December 21, 2023

Notes: Traditional PCs include Desktops, Notebooks, and Workstations and do not include Tablets or x86 Servers. Detachable Tablets and Slate Tablets are part of the Personal Computing Device Tracker but are not addressed in this press release.

Shipments include shipments to distribution channels or end users. OEM sales are counted under the company/brand under which they are sold. In addition to the table above, a graphic illustrating IDC's 2023-2027 forecast for worldwide shipments of commercial PCs (excluding the education market) by operating system (Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows) is available by viewing this press release on IDC.com. IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker gathers detailed market data in over 90 countries. The research includes historical and forecast trend analysis among other data. For more information, or to subscribe to the research, please contact Jackie Kliem at 508-988-7984 or [email protected]. About IDC Trackers IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, company share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly Excel deliverables and on-line query tools. Click here to learn about IDC's full suite of data products and how you can leverage them to grow your business. About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights. All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221215535/en/

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[December 21, 2023] Life Spine Secures Federal Court Order Permanently Prohibiting Marketing or Sale of AccelFix-XT Devices in the United States Tweet

On December 21, 2023, Life Spine settled its litigation against Aegis Spine, Inc, whereby the parties have agreed to an order issued by the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, permanently prohibiting the marketing or sale of the AccelFix-XT line of medical devices in the United States. The order prevents Aegis Spine and any business entities and/or persons controlled directly or indirectly by Aegis Spine, and any business entities and/or persons in active concert or participation with Aegis Spine from, among other things, "Developing, manufacturing, marketing, promoting, advertising, distributing, transferring, assigning, sharing, disclosing, selling, offering for sale, seeking hospital registration of, or submitting a response to a request for proposal for any items in the AccelFix-XT line of medical devices." In addition, L&K Biomed and L&K Spine have committed to never sell or directly or indirectly cause to be sold the AccelFix-XT line of medical devices within the United States. Life Spine sued Aegis Spine fr breach of contract and trade secret theft shortly after the launch the AccelFix-XT line of medical devices. The United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, entered a preliminary injunction preventing the marketing and sale of the AccelFix-XT line of medical devices on March 15, 2021. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals subsequently affirmed entry of the preliminary injunction. The United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, entered a permanent injunction on December 21, 2023. The case is Life Spine v. Aegis Spine, Civil Action No. 1:19-cv-7092 (N.D. Ill.).



About Life Spine Life Spine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for spinal patients by increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms. Life Spine, which is privately held, is based in Huntley, Illinois. For more information, please visit: http://www.lifespine.com and/or https://www.micro-invasive.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221304601/en/

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[December 21, 2023] Primaris REIT Publishes Inaugural Annual ESG Report Tweet

Primaris Real Estate Investment Trust ("Primaris" or the "Trust") (TSX: PMZ.UN) announces the publication of its inaugural Environmental, Social & Governance ("ESG") Report, in which Primaris outlines the formation of its ESG plan and the material ESG factors, governance practices, accomplishments, and metrics that impact its business. "Through a significant amount of hard work across all our functional departments, Primaris has transitioned beyond its continuing CSR initiatives to an established ESG plan that aligns to, and enhances our strategy and responsiveness to the evolving needs of Primaris' stakeholders," said Alex Avery, Chief Executive Officer. "Consistent with our quarterly financial disclosures, we aim to provide clear and transparent disclosure and communication about the REIT's business and our ESG practices. Primaris will work to achieve our business and ESG objectives while acting in a manner consistent with the best-in-class profile we have created, being a respected and sought-after partner and transaction counterparty, and a preferred place for employees to work." ESG Report Highlights Governance Board Mandate and Committee Charters integrate ESG oversight; Establishment of open and direct engagement between Primaris' Trustees and Primaris' investors, in the absence of management; Two Trustees with climate expertise; and 33% of Trustees are female.

Environmental 100% of shopping centres are Green Building Certified; and Energy, Greenhouse Gas ("GHG") emissions, water and waste data is third party assured.

Social 86% of employee survey participants state Primaris is a great place to work leading to "Great Place to Work" certification; Primaris obtained an 85% satisfaction score pursuant to its 2022 tenant engagement survey; and Females comprise of the following: 29% of executives; 55% of senior management; and 57% of total employees.

Primaris identified its material ESG factors through an ESG materiality assessment conducted in 2022. The material ESG factors are organized into three ESG pillars: Environmental, Social, and Governance. Primaris took a step further and fully integrated the material ESG factors into Primaris' well articulated business strategy and key performance indicators. Primaris' business strategy is comprised of three strategic pillars: retailer affordability, consolidation opportunity and disciplined capital allocation. As depicted below, Primaris' material ESG factors are strongly linked to its business strategy:







Link to Strategic Objectives Material ESG Factors Retailer

Affordability Consolidation

Opportunity Capital

Allocation Environment Energy management Strong Link Weak Link Moderate Link Tenant sustainability impacts Strong Link Weak Link GHG emissions and climate change Moderate Link Moderate Link Moderate Link Green buildings Moderate Link Moderate Link Moderate Link Water and waste management Strong Link Moderate Link Social Tenant relations Strong Link Strong Link Employee relations Moderate Link Weak Link Weak Link Community relations Moderate Link Weak Link Weak Link Governance Business ethics and transparency Weak Link Weak Link Weak Link Supply chain Moderate Link Weak Link Weak Link

Primaris' inaugural ESG Report can be found here or at www.primarisreit.com. About Primaris Real Estate Investment Trust Primaris is Canada's only enclosed shopping centre focused REIT, with ownership interests primarily in the leading enclosed shopping centres in growing markets. The proforma portfolio totals 39 properties, or 12.5 million square feet, valued at approximately $3.9 billion at Primaris' share. Economies of scale are achieved through its fully internal, vertically integrated, full-service national management platform. Primaris is very well-capitalized and is exceptionally well positioned to take advantage of market opportunities at an extraordinary moment in the evolution of the Canadian retail property landscape. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation which reflects the Trust's current expectations regarding future events. Although the Trust believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, assessing forward-looking ESG metrics and risks, and climate metrics and risks in particular, is more complex and longer-term in nature than traditional business metrics and risks. Many forward-looking methodologies are new and evolving, and there is limited guidance from methodology providers on the calculation or comparability of these measures. In particular, uncertainty around future climate-related policy can contribute to greater variation in transition pathway models. Future updates to factors such as changes in global emissions, available technologies or economic conditions may result in changes to the Trust's reporting. A number of additional factors, including improvements to the coverage, quality, and availability of the Trust's data and methodologies, may also necessitate changes. The information in this news release reflects what the Trust believes is the best available data. The Trust's ability to achieve its ESG goals is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Trust's control, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information and may require the Trust to adjust its ESG initiatives, activities or plans to reflect a changing landscape. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to; the availability, accessibility and suitability of comprehensive and high-quality data; the development of consistent, robust and comparable ESG metrics and methodologies, in particular in respect of climate change; the development and deployment of new technologies and industry-specific solutions; international cooperation; the development of provincial, national and international laws, policies and regulations in respect of ESG matters; and additional factors and risks discussed in the Trust's current Annual Information Form and Annual Report to Unitholders. The forward-looking statements in this news release are presented for the purpose of assisting investors and other stakeholders in understanding the Trust's ESG priorities, strategies and objectives, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information in this news release. The Trust does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of December 21, 2023, and are qualified by these cautionary statements. For more information: TSX: PMZ.UN www.primarisreit.com www.sedarplus.ca View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221510836/en/

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Content was King but AI rules CX Summit 2023 In Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th Customer Experience Summit, hosted by the Contact Centre Association of Malaysia (CCAM) was held on the 29th and 30th of November 2023. This event was officiated by The Honourable Minister of Digital and Communications, Y.B. Fahmi Fadzil, and was attended by almost 600 delegates from the Southeast Asian Region.

Content was King but AI rules CX Summit 2023 In Kuala Lumpur

Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to be the main drivers in accelerating transformation of the contact centre industry in Malaysia as it strives to meet the increasing market demands for the best customer experience in services. The technology tools provide predictive analytics and big data are harnessed to gain insights into customer behaviour and preferences which help contact centres to personalise interactions, making them more relevant and valuable for customers.

In his speech, Minister Y.B. Fahmi Fadzil reiterated the importance of customer experience and the digital economy. He further mentioned, "Customer experience and the digital economy is not just a sector; it is a global phenomenon that transcends boundaries and has become an integral part of our daily lives. From the way we communicate, consume information, and to how we operate business, the digital realm has become an omnipresent force, driving innovation and connectivity."

This summit also brought together global customer and employee experience gurus from across the continents including Shep Hyken and Scott Friedman from the US, Nienke Bloem from the Netherlands, Simon Kriss from Australia, Manoj Menon and Dr. Shreekant Vijaykar from India, alongside local leaders including Syarif Lee of Lazada, Michelle Liew of RHB Group, Lau Yin May of Malaysia Aviation Group, Manpreet Singh of CIMB, Patrick Er of Maxis and many more. Each presenter brought unique thought leadership around customer experience and how we move forward as an industry.

Story continues

Together with the conference, CX Summit also showcased the latest and greatest in technology through global leading brands in the likes of NICE, Huawei, Zoom, Twilio, Genesys, ITApps, NTT Data, Talkdesk, Verint, Nubitel, Freshworks, Infobip, CISCO Webex, VLAN, Zendesk, Novomind and Zoho Desk to name a few.

CCAM President, Vigneswaran Sivalingam remarked, "The CX Summit 2023 is more than an event; it's a catalyst propelling our industry towards unparalleled growth and excellence. This year's theme, 'Transformation Accelerated', mirrors the dynamic changes in customer experience driven by AI, a critical factor for staying competitive. Our goal is to arm participants with actionable insights and strategies for 2024, emphasizing customer experience as the cornerstone of brand development in the contemporary market.

"The theme also emphasises the indispensable role of CX in driving brand differentiation and appeal, as in today's business landscape, CX serves as the prism that communicates brand values, leaving a lasting impression and guiding consumers in their decision-making process," he said.

With the region deep in the era of transformation, and with customer experience becoming the business strategy for most brands, the organisers of CX Summit look to continuously enhance the knowledge and thought leadership for its audience.

During the summit, CCAM also hosted CC-APAC (Contact Centre Asia Pacific) Regional Gathering & Awards 2023 that saw recognitions for excellence to be given away in five categories with participation by members from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China.

For more information about CCAM and its initiatives, please visit www.ccam.org.my.

About Contact Centre Association Malaysia (CCAM)

Contact Centre Association Malaysia (CCAM) is the premier industry association representing contact centre professionals and organisations in Malaysia. CCAM is dedicated to promoting excellence, best practices, and innovation in the contact centre industry through knowledge sharing, networking events, and educational programmes.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/highlights-from-the-8th-customer-experience-summit-by-ccam-302020544.html

SOURCE Contact Centre Association of Malaysia (CCAM)
Here's the basics of this report that we think locals need to understand:

JACKSON COUNTY NOW SEEMS UNABLE TO PERFORM BASIC FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT & RETREATS FROM OPERATIONS AMID MISSOURI LEGAL ACTION!!!

Check the basics and local news protestations today . . .



A homeowner called KCTV5 and explained he was told its due to the Missouri Attorney General and State Tax Commission lawsuit filed against Jackson County on Tuesday. That lawsuit additionally named the Board of Equalization or BOE as defendants.



In a statement, the county said the Board of Equalization has the authority to set its own schedule.



The County will continue working with the Board to ensure residents can have their appeal heard and resolved in a timely manner, a Jackson County spokesperson said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Jackson County Board of Equalization suspends homeowner appeal hearings Jackson County's Board of Equalization notifies homeowners it is postponing all hearings beginning Dec. 20, 2023, after an audit of the county's assessment process.

Jackson County's BOE postpones its property assessment hearings Despite an approaching deadline, the Jackson County Board of Equalization has postponed property assessment hearings through the end of the year.

'Dream job': Gail McCann Beatty stands by her work as Jackson County assessor The Jackson County, Missouri, Assessor stood by her work leading the county's valuation process in 2023 during a sit-down interview with KSHB 41 News Wednesday.

'There is some political motivation to this': Assessor fires back at Missouri State Auditor Gail McCann Beatty said Wednesday that she feels that the audit and a lawsuit by the Missouri Attorney General's Office were politically motivated.
As we noted previously, two homicides have been removed from the local murder count. However, tonight there's no denying that local levels of violence continue trending along a historically bloody pace.

With ten more days to go in the year . . . Once again, KCMO stands at less than 5 homicides away from, tragically, achieving another record breaking year for local killing.

Here's the first report . . .



Homicide 5500 Blk of St John

On 12/20/2023 just before 10 pm, officers were dispatched to 5522 St John Ave on a reported sounds of shots. While enroute the call was updated to a shooting.



Upon arrival, officers observed an adult male lying on the sidewalk suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and subsequently pronounced the victim deceased.



The circumstances leading up to the homicide are unknown. There is no one in custody at this time and we have no reason to believe there is an immediate risk to the public.



Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel have responded to the scene. They will be processing the scene to recover any evidence and speaking to any potential witnesses.



Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043. Or if you wish to remain anonymous you can do so by calling the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.



There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

###############

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KCPD investigating homicide in 5500 block of St. John Ave. The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is investigating a homicide in the 5500 block of St. John Ave.

Police respond to deadly shooting near St. John, Drury Avenues in Kansas City Police responded to a deadly shooting late Wednesday night in Kansas City, Missouri's, Historic Northeast neighborhood.

Developing . . .


Scary local allegations and a common TKC blog community lament . . . Even without controversial politically charged federal designations, this tragic act of violence seems pretty hateful and worthy of proseuction in and of itself:



The indictment alleges that SUSPECT, armed with a knife with knuckles, approached the man on July 4, 2023.



Court documents state Tonkin hurled racial epithets and threats at J.M.R. before fatally stabbing him twice in the chest and abdomen.



The indictment asserts that the attack was motivated by the victim's race.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Florida man indicted on federal hate crime charges for murder of Black man in Kansas City Sean Tonkin, 36, is accused of committing a racially motivated hate crime resulting in the death of a Black man.

Florida man charged with hate crime in deadly stabbing of Black man at gas station in Kansas City A Florida man is accused of fatally stabbing a Black man to death at a Kansas City, Missouri, gas station because of his race, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday

Developing . . .
Drug dealers profit amid American holiday despair . . . Here's a peek at the profits amid worsening American struggles with addiction . . . Check-it:



"Missouri dispensaries are navigating the first holiday season with legal recreational sales, and business owners expect there to be an uptick in sales despite a state-wide decline in monthly revenue.



"Since the initiation of recreational-use cannabis sales in February, the industry has averaged $117.8 million overall sales per month. In November, combined medical and recreational-use cannabis sales amounted to $112.7 million, reflecting an ongoing decrease in sales since the summer."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Sanjeev Bhatti gratefully calls Aug. 16 the day I got my life back.

That day, the Brampton husband and father of two, 50, underwent potentially life-saving surgery at Brampton Civic Hospital of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

The IT consultant said the change was immediate.

Following a heart attack at age 47, hed experienced chronic, drastic and dangerous drops in his resting heart rate despite medication, which made working, and even sitting, difficult.

Tests showed his heart was functioning at just 28 per cent.

Its a miracle for me being here, Bhatti said. If not for this surgery, I would have gone.

Bhatti struggled to find words to express his gratitude to William Osler Health System, which operates Brampton Civic, Etobicoke General and Peel Memorial hospitals, and to Osler staff cardiologist Dr. Amelia Ciofani, who performed his surgery.

This is the best thing that has happened to me; I was not living a normal life; now, I am, Bhatti said. Ive had such amazing support from day one. Thanks is a very small word. But Im very thankful to the whole system and all the people who are part of it.

Candidates for ICD include patients whove had abnormal, dangerous ventricular heart rhythms or patients who are at risk for abnormal heart rhythms: patients whove had heart attacks, have a weak heart or have an inherited heart condition that predisposes them to arrhythmia, Ciofani said.

ICDs are about half the size of a cellphone. Once implanted under the skin, usually on the left side of the chest, it detects and regulates abnormal, life-threatening heart rhythms, and can prevent fainting, even sudden death.

If you have an abnormal heartbeat that the device thinks is dangerous, which is usually decided by algorithms, then the device will give your heart a therapy to try to return the heart beat to normal. This may include receiving a shock, like a paramedic would give you, Ciofani explained. Instead of the shock being given externally, its provided by the device internally and theres not much of a delay in getting the therapy. This helps to save lives.

Communities served by Osler are known to have a high burden of cardiovascular disease.

Osler received Ontario government approval for its ICD program after successfully demonstrating a need in the community: seeing patients with ICDs in its emergency department and referring patients in need of ICDs to other hospitals for implant.

Ciofani performed Oslers first ICD surgery in January at Brampton Civic on a man in his early 40s.

Since, Ciofani and cardiologist Dr. Michael Mohareb have performed the vast majority of more than 80 ICD implants at Oslers Brampton hospital supported by St. Michaels Hospital physicians.

Previously, patients in need of ICD surgery would be referred to hospitals in downtown Toronto, Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga or Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, all a far distance from their homes.

The ability to implant ICDs at Osler benefits patients, Ciofani said.

Our hospital is closer to their home, and they can have all their device related care here, she said. Longer term followup is (also) important because many patients will be coming in regularly for follow up for years. Its much more convenient and it also helps with continuity of care: we know the patient, their cardiologist is usually affiliated or somehow connected to our hospital. We know the patient prior to implant, at followup and if any rhythm related concerns develop.

Osler nurses on the ICD implantation and followup team received three months of daily training from St. Michaels Hospital. The followup clinic is nurse-led, supervised by physicians.

Some specialized ICDs with cardiac resynchronization can also improve a patients heart function.

That can be paired with a defibrillator so patients can actually have less heart failure or fluid buildup in the body, less shortness of breath, Ciofani said. Some of these devices also improve quality of life, not just quantity or duration of lifespan.

Ciofani said it is a common misconception that defibrillator implantation is a big surgery. It is not.

We perform these surgeries on patients with heart disease all the time, Ciofani said. An ICD surgery is generally considered low risk. Its a local surgery; its not a big surgery like an open-heart surgery.
Here is your morning roundup on transit, weather and road closures in Toronto.

Top stories from our newsroom

Free outdoor skating returns to Downsview Airport in January

Things to do in Toronto Dec. 19 to 31, 2023

'ITCHING TO KNOW': Environment Canada reveals chances of a White Christmas in these Ontario cities for 2023

Weather

A mix of sun and cloud in the morning. Wind northeast 20 km/h. Temperature steady near -1 C. More information is available here.

School bus delays and cancellations

Click here for information on school bus cancellations and delays.

TTC

Line 3 is permanently closed in Scarborough. Express buses are running between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations. Visit the TTC webpage for latest updates on subway, streetcar and bus service delays.

GO Transit

Click here to get information on GO service delays.

Road closures and traffic

For live highway traffic updates, click here.

Here's what the ministry is reporting for planned road closures this morning:

Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Kennedy Road -Scarborough, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 22 at 5 a.m.

Highway 401 westbound transfer at Warden Ave, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 31 at 5 a.m.

 Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Kennedy Road -Scarborough, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 22 at 6 a.m.

 Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Kennedy Road -Scarborough, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 22 at 6 a.m.

 Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 427 and Highway 427, Toronto: two alternating lanes closed until Jan. 6, 2024 at 6 a.m.

Gas prices

Click here to see the lowest gas prices across the Toronto area from gasbuddy.com.
An off-duty Toronto police officer and security guards suffered minor injuries after they were allegedly pepper-sprayed by thieves who targeted a jewelry store on Wednesday evening, say police.

Officers received reports of a retail robbery at 7:12 p.m. on Dec. 20 after two male suspects allegedly used hammers to smash display cases and grab products at a business in the area of Progress Avenue and Borough Drive, say police.

Security guards and an off-duty officer pursued the suspects, but they were pepper-sprayed by the two alleged thieves, police claim.

The suspects were observed fleeing in a small white sedan, and its unknown how much jewelry or other goods were taken, add police.

The first suspect had short hair and wore a blue medical mask, black jacket and pants. The other suspect was a man in his early 20s with a slim build, black pants, white shoes and orange gloves, say police.

In a tweet, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw praised the brave, off-duty (Toronto Police Service) officer (who) was injured today after being pepper-sprayed when intervening in a retail robbery.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call 416-808-4300.
Toronto police are looking to identify a suspect in connection with an investigation into the harassment of a teenage girl.

The teenager was walking home from school in the Beverly Street and Dundas Street West area on Dec. 14 when a stranger engaged her in conversation and instructed her to follow him behind a building, say police in a Dec. 21 news release.

Police say the girl declined and continued on her way, but has since seen the suspect repeatedly on the TTC.

Then on Dec. 18, the teenage girl was followed home from school by the suspect, say police.

The suspect is 20 to 25 years old, five-foot-seven to five-foot-nine, with a slim build. He was wearing a white, grey and black camouflage-patterned jacket with the hood up, black pants and black running shoes with white soles.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200.
The dramatic downtown arrest of a man police say abducted a person at gunpoint and drove a stolen a U-Haul truck through Toronto on Wednesday is captured in a video circulating on social media.

Police in the video appear to be pulling the suspect through the open window of a stolen U-Haul truck that just moments before was forcibly stopped on Carlton Street, near Church Street, after it was rammed by an Emergency Task Force vehicle against a tow truck.

The suspect was then placed on the ground while officers tried to subdue him, the end of a two-hour pursuit of the truck that had caused minor accidents through the city.

The arrest came after police tracked the mans movements with the help of a helicopter from York Regional Police, an extremely strategic arrest, according to Toronto police Insp. Maher Abdel-Malik, who spoke at a media scrum shortly after the dramatic arrest.

The York Region force was asked to help after Toronto police were involved in an altercation with the 49-year-old suspect Wednesday morning around 11:30 a.m., police said. Plainclothes officers investigating the Dec. 6 stabbing of an off-duty officer who tried to intervene in a store robbery led them to the Danforth and Warden avenues area.

There, they found the suspect in the stolen U-Haul. Police tried to safely stop the vehicle and engage the driver, said Abdel-Malik, but they werent successful.

At the same time, police helped free a citizen who reported the suspect had abducted them at gunpoint.

At that point, officers did not engage with the male and followed at a safe distance while we requested the help of York Regional Police and they provided their helicopter, said Abdel-Malik. The helicopter followed this individual as we developed a plan to ensure public safety and that this matter could be resolved safely.

"The result could have been catastrophic, especially when a person is armed with a firearm," said Abdel-Malik.

The man was taken into custody and placed under arrest.

An eyewitness who saw the chase at Yonge and Adelaide from the windows of a Winners location said "it looked like regular Yonge Street midday traffic" until the U-Haul followed by two police cars bolted through the intersection. Mike, who asked his last name not be used, said it looked like an armoured police car was trying to push the U-Haul off the road. The eyewitness told the Star that the police car hit the U-Haul from behind, and the U-Haul then drove off.

"I am amazed that nobody got hit," the eyewitness said.

On Dec. 8, police charged one of the four suspects in the Dec. 6 incident  a 38-year-old Toronto man. At the time, police were looking for a 47-year-old man from Keswick in relation to the robbery and stabbing, while the two remaining suspects had not been identified.

During the police chase early Wednesday afternoon, Carlton Street from Church to Mutual Streets was closed. Police said accidents and minor injuries, to both pedestrian and officers, happened during the pursuit. "People were calling 911 to report minor accidents in relation to this truck," Abdel-Malik said.

Anyone who may have been involved in a collision with the truck is asked to call Toronto police's Traffic Services division. Witnesses are asked to call Toronto police's 51 Division, or Crimestoppers at 416-222-8477 (TIPS).
A $73-million renovation of this former state office building at 145 S. Front St. has been approved for tax historic preservation tax credits.

Two old Columbus buildings, one Downtown and one in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood, will be renovated after receiving Historic Preservation Tax Credits from the state.

The two buildings are among 46 projects involving 54 buildings statewide that were approved Dec. 21 for the credits, totaling $67.5 million.

Historic preservation is so much more than just updating old buildings. Were preserving what exists and making concerted efforts to weave this history into the fabric of Ohio's future, Gov. Mike DeWine said in a news release. By restoring our historical assets, were ensuring that these structures remain part of their communities for years to come.

Former Downtown office building

A former state office building at 145 S. Front St. will be converted into a mixed-use building with a cafe, offices, parking and apartments.

When completed, the building will feature a cafe and a terrace overlooking the Scioto River, 26,000 square feet of offices on the first two floors and 100 apartments on the upper four floors.

The 207,000-square-foot building was completed in 1964 and vacated in 2006 by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. In 2021, the state sold the building for $3 million to the Columbus Partnership, which is working with Connect Real Estate to redevelop the property.

The project was approved for historic tax credits in June, but developers reapplied to accommodate rising costs. The entire project is now projected to cost $73.2 million, up from $69.4 million when first approved. State tax credits are valued at $7.2 million.

Connect expects to start the project in March and complete it within two years.

The Edna building at 879 E. Long St. will be renovated after receiving Historic Preservation Tax Credits from the state.

The Edna building

Built in 1905, the Edna building at 879 E. Long St. will be redeveloped into offices after sitting vacant for several years.

The three-story building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, has served several important roles in the KIng-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood, including as a social club and home to the Black newspapers the Ohio Sentinel and, later, The Call and Post.

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The owner of the building, the nonprofit Central Ohio Community Improvement Corp., plans to renovate the building into offices. The project is expected to include replacing its mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, installing new doors and windows, and reconstructing its masonry exterior.

The $4.7 million project received $520,000 in state historic tax credits.

The Edna will be the latest of several renovated and new buildings in the neighborhood on the east side of Interstate 71, north of East Broad Street.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development with the Ohio History Connections State Historic Preservation Office, which determines if a property qualifies as a historic building.

jweiker@dispatch.com

@JimWeiker

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Work to begin soon on redeveloping two historic Columbus buildings
On Dec. 18, an Iceland volcano erupted on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near Grindavik, after weeks of seismic activity. The eruption began around 10 p.m. local time and was followed by the evacuation of the nearby town. The dramatic eruption, visible from miles around, lit up the night sky with bursts of lava and smoke.

Iceland Volcano Eruption Causes Evacuation and Stunning Night Skies

An Iceland volcano erupted dramatically on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Grindavik, forcing an evacuation. The eruption began around 10 p.m. on Dec. 18 after seismic activity and an earlier earthquake. This event, captured by Iceland's Coast Guard, showed lava and smoke filling the sky.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office confirmed the eruption's location near Hagafell, approximately 2 miles north of Grindavik. According to CNN, the fissure, which is 15 kilometers long, was formed underground last month. Magma from a 4-kilometer fracture caused Monday's eruption, making it the fourth and largest eruption in the area since 2021.

Despite this, the Icelandic government stated that the eruption posed no immediate threat to life. However, the area around the eruption was closed to traffic, and people were warned not to approach.

Read Also: East Coast Storm Unleashes Fury: High Winds, Flash Flooding, Power Outages Across Northeast

The evacuation of Grindavik, a town of over 3,000 people, occurred as the Iceland volcano began erupting. The town, known for its proximity to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, is now clear of residents. The Blue Lagoon had closed last month due to initial eruption signs but reopened just before the latest eruption, only to close again.

As per the report, experts do not expect this Iceland volcano eruption to cause the chaos seen in 2010 with the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, as it does not involve glacial ice that could lead to a wide ash dispersal.

Flights to and from Iceland remain unaffected, and international flight corridors are open. Icelandair reassured that their flight schedule remains unchanged. Meanwhile, authorities had prepared a protective trench around a nearby geothermal power plant to protect the local community's electricity and heating supply.

Iceland Volcano Eruption Unlikely to Disrupt Air Travel

The recent eruption of an Iceland volcano is not expected to affect air travel significantly, in contrast to the 2010 incident. The 2010 eruption under a glacier caused extensive disruption due to ash spreading across Western Europe. This time, the situation is different.

BBC News reported that Professor Matthew Watson from the University of Bristol explained that the current eruption is less likely to produce the ash that previously grounded planes. In 2010, the interaction of water with molten rock under a glacier led to a powerful explosive reaction, sending ash and glassy particles into the atmosphere. These particles posed a risk to jet engines. The jet stream further spread the ash cloud, impacting air travel across Western Europe.

However, the Iceland volcano erupting on the Reykjanes peninsula presents different conditions. Dr. Sam Mitchell, a volcanologist at Bristol University, assured that the current eruption is not explosive like in 2010. This reduces concerns about widespread airspace disruption in Europe. He did note that volcanic fumes might cause discomfort, especially for those with respiratory issues.

Dr. Matt Genge from Imperial College London highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Reykjanes eruption. The eruption rate is high, and the lava is hot and fluid, making it very mobile and dangerous. The potential impact on local attractions like the Blue Lagoon and the town of Grindavik depends largely on the topography, as lava flows downhill until it cools and stops.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia, a city known for its rich history and stunning architecture, is now a top destination for travelers. Located on the Adriatic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its well-preserved medieval structures and breathtaking coastal views. But Dubrovnik's fame skyrocketed for another reason - it doubled as King's Landing, the capital city in the popular TV series "Game of Thrones."

Strolling through the streets of Dubrovnik, you will quickly understand why it was chosen for the show. The city's ancient walls, narrow lanes, and baroque buildings are a perfect setting for the fantasy world of Westeros. The series, celebrated for its engaging storylines and diverse characters, significantly impacted pop culture. Fans from all walks of life are drawn to explore the real locations behind the on-screen drama.

Exploring Dubrovnik, Croatia, is like stepping straight into a scene from "Game of Thrones." With its impressive architecture and sweeping sea views, this ancient city has captured the hearts of series fans. Here, we explore the iconic "Game of Thrones" locations in Dubrovnik, blending fantasy with reality.

Key Filming Locations

Strolling through Dubrovnik's streets, it's clear why this city was the perfect setting for King's Landing, the heart of the Seven Kingdoms. The Pile Gate, Dubrovnik's main entrance to the Old Town, greets you with its grandeur. This gate featured prominently in the show, setting the stage for the tales of intrigue and power.

Just outside the city walls lies Fort Lovrijenac, a fortress that doubles as the Red Keep in the series. Stand here, and you can almost hear the whispers of court secrets and royal drama. The view from the fort is stunning, offering a moment to take in the beauty of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.

Read Also: Five Fun Facts And Travelling Tips About The Pearl Of The Adriatic, Dubrovnik

Walking down the Stradun, Dubrovnik's central street, you're walking where market scenes and city life unfolded in King's Landing. This lively street, full of history, is where locals and tourists come together.

The Jesuit Staircase, leading to the Church of St. Ignatius, is another famous site. Remember the Walk of Shame? These steps set the scene for that unforgettable moment. Climbing the staircase lets you appreciate the architectural beauty that made Dubrovnik an ideal filming location.

Experiencing Westeros in Reality

For fans, visiting these spots is a dream. In Dubrovnik, guided tours cater to "Game of Thrones" fans, taking you through the city and highlighting where key scenes were shot, complete with fun facts about the production.

Local shops even offer replicas of props and costumes from the series. You can dress up as your favorite character and snap photos against the backdrop of King's Landing. This fun experience lets you feel part of the "Game of Thrones" world.

Beyond 'Game of Thrones'

Dubrovnik, Croatia, is well-known for its role in "Game of Thrones," but there's so much more to the city. After exploring the show's filming locations, dive into the rich history and culture of Dubrovnik. The city walls, dating back to the 16th century, offer breathtaking views of the Old Town and the sea. Walking these walls is an experience not to be missed.

The city's museums and galleries, like the Rector's Palace and the Maritime Museum, provide insights into Dubrovnik's past as a powerful maritime republic.

And let's talk about food - Dubrovnik's seafood is amazing. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood paired with Croatian wines, creating a dining experience about more than just the food. It's about enjoying the atmosphere of this historic city.

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Europe is home to many stunning castles, each with its own story to tell. These European castles, rich in history, offer a glimpse into a world where legends and reality meet. As you explore these ancient strongholds, you will walk through living history, with each stone and passageway sharing its tale.

This article will guide you through five of the most captivating European castles. Every castle on our list brings charm and story, from soaring towers to grandiose halls. Set against picturesque landscapes, these castles range from romantically ruinous to splendidly maintained. Here are the five enchanting European castles you must visit if you are into fairytales.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, an icon of 19th-century architecture, is our first stop. Located in the Bavarian Alps, this castle was the real-life inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. Beyond its striking exterior, Neuschwanstein Castle reveals King Ludwig II's ambitious vision.

The interior is a spectacle of luxury, featuring ornate rooms and a grand throne room. The castle is surrounded by scenic landscapes, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of royal extravagance.

2. Chateau de Chambord, France

Next, we visit Chateau de Chambord in France, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture. Built to demonstrate King Francis I's power, this castle showcases an elaborate design with detailed rooftops and imposing towers.

Inside, the castle boasts 440 rooms, each telling its story of royal life. The highlight is the double-helix staircase, possibly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The castle is encircled by a vast park, providing a peaceful retreat into nature and a break from the hustle of daily life.

Read Also: Haunted European Castles That Visitors Can Sleep In

3. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, standing majestically on an extinct volcano, offers a blend of history and stunning views. Dating back to the 12th century, it has played a pivotal role as a military stronghold and a royal residence.

Visitors can explore historic treasures like the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the Great Hall. The castle also offers unmatched views of Edinburgh, making it a favorite for both history buffs and photographers alike.

4. Alcazar of Segovia, Spain

In Spain, the Alcazar of Segovia captures the imagination with its distinctive ship-like design. This medieval fortress, once a favorite royal residence, stands out for its striking appearance that inspired the design of Disney's Cinderella castle.

Inside, you will find rooms richly adorned with art and historical artifacts. The Alcazar also offers spectacular views from its towers, allowing visitors to enjoy the panoramic beauty of Segovia and its surroundings.

5. Bran Castle, Romania

Lastly, Bran Castle in Romania, often linked with the Dracula legend, is a must-visit for those intrigued by history and myth. Perched atop a cliff, the castle offers dramatic views of the Transylvanian forests. The interior houses a collection of art and royal furniture belonging to Queen Marie of Romania. The castle's narrow, winding staircases and Gothic atmosphere contribute to its mysterious and enchanting character.

Visiting these castles is an experience in itself, offering insights into royal lifestyles, historic battles, and cultural evolution. So, as you plan your travels, include these enchanting European castles on your itinerary and prepare for an unforgettable journey into history and legend.

Related Article: 5 Places to Visit in Romania for Those Curious About Vlad the Impaler
In Europe, holiday travel is booming this season, surpassing the levels seen in 2022. Major cities like Munich and Paris are witnessing bustling Christmas markets and tourist sites, with travel within the European Union, including Britain, up by 22% from last year. Despite heightened security warnings due to recent terrorist threats and attacks in France and Belgium, tourists are continuing their plans, reassured by the increased security measures.

Holiday Travel in Europe Exceeds 2022 Levels Amid Security Concerns

This holiday season, Europe is experiencing a significant surge in holiday travel. According to ForwardKeys, a travel data firm, travel within the European Union and Britain has increased by 22% compared to 2022. Popular destinations, especially in cities like Munich and Paris, are witnessing busy Christmas markets and tourist attractions

As per Reuters, the increase in holiday travel is mainly due to the continued demand post-pandemic. Many people are traveling to see family for Christmas for the first time since the pandemic began. However, there is an underlying concern among tourists due to security warnings. European security officials have raised alerts about the risk of terrorist attacks, particularly from lone attackers, linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

In response to these threats, countries like France, Belgium, Austria, Slovenia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina have heightened their terrorism alert levels. Italy has reintroduced border controls with Slovenia to prevent the entry of potential militants.

Read Also: Air Travel Set for Big Rise in 2024, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels

Despite these concerns, holiday travel continues to thrive. There was a slight increase in ticket cancellations for the Christmas period, from 2.4% to 3%, which analysts believe could be due to the recent terrorism warnings. However, tourists are largely undeterred, placing their trust in the extensive security measures throughout Europe.

Visitors from Boston and Spain expressed feeling safe due to the visible security presence in places like the Munich Christmas market. The reinforced security and increased warnings have created a sense of calm among tourists, encouraging them not to cancel their travel plans.

Holiday Travel in Europe Gets a Boost from Expedia Group

The excitement for holiday travel in Europe is growing. Expedia Group's report says more people are looking for trips to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Also, Allianz Partners' index shows that travel from the USA to Europe this holiday season is 21% more than last year.

Expedia Group is making big moves to help travel companies in Europe. They are creating new partnerships and offering better technology and advertising, according to Phocus Wire. This is great for businesses wanting to attract more travelers.

Advertising plays a big part in holiday travel plans. About 19% of travelers say ads help them decide on their trips. Expedia Group is working with European travel groups to make ads that grab people's attention. For example, the Croatian National Tourism Board made ads that showed off Croatia's beauty, leading to more people spending money there. The European Travel Commission also ran a campaign to show off Central Europe's culture and history to American travelers.

Deutsche Hospitality is using Expedia's ads to get more bookings. These ads reach millions of visitors on Expedia's websites.

Expedia Group is also bringing new technology to European businesses. Germany's largest car club, ADAC, partnered with Expedia to give their travel agencies access to many travel options. Ryanair and Icelandair use Expedia's technology to offer more to their customers.

Related Article: Get Ready for the Rush: Holiday Travel Soars to New Heights with 115 Million On the Move
This year, China's tourism industry has nearly returned to its pre-pandemic strength. The China Tourism Academy forecasts that tourism revenues will hit 5.2 trillion yuan ($735 billion) by the end of the year, reaching 91% of 2019's figures. The recovery is fueled by strong domestic demand, with a significant increase expected in 2024.

China's Tourism Industry Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2023

China's tourism sector is making a big comeback, nearly reaching its performance before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

According to the Global Times, the China Tourism Academy expects that by the end of 2023, tourism will bring in about 5.2 trillion yuan ($735 billion). This is 91 percent of what it earned in 2019. Experts believe that in 2024 the industry might earn even more, possibly over 5.9 trillion yuan, if the economy stays strong and families have more money to spend.

After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted about a year ago, China's tourism grew fast. The spring and summer travel seasons saw a lot of people traveling. Most Chinese tourists prefer to explore places within their own country, feeling safer staying close to home. This trend helped the local tourism industry a lot. Airports and train stations are now busier, and tickets for popular spots are hard to get.

Read Also: China's Visa-Free Travel Offer Aims to Attract European and Malaysian Visitors

The news source also shared that during the Golden Week holidays in late September to early October, the tourism revenue was 753.5 billion yuan, a little more than in 2019. The number of trips people made in China increased by 4.1 percent to 826 million.

The increase in travel is due to people's strong desire to go out after the pandemic and feel safer about it. Most of the recovery in tourism in China is from local travelers, as fewer tourists are coming from other countries. Tourism is important for China's economy and jobs, making up about 11 percent of the country's total economic output in 2018 and 2019.

For 2024, train tickets and hotel bookings for the New Year's Day holidays are already in high demand. The government is trying new things to attract more tourists from other countries. For example, they have started a 12-month trial of visa-free travel for people from certain countries like Germany, France, and Malaysia.

This lets them visit China without a visa for up to 15 days. This is part of China's plan to open up more and improve its tourism industry. The number of tourists coming to China has grown since this policy began.

Sanya in China Recognized for Innovative Tourism in 2023

The China Tourism Academy (CTA) praised Sanya, a popular seaside spot in China, for its creative ways of boosting tourism. This honor was given at the 2023 China Tourism Group Development Forum in Shanghai. The CTA, started in 2008, leads in developing tourism policies in China and encourages new ideas in the sector.

Sanya, located on the southern end of Hainan Island in China, has made great strides in tourism thanks to its entrepreneurial spirit. In 2020, the Sanya Tourism Promotion Board was created to market Sanya worldwide. Renamed the Sanya Tourism Board in 2023, this group uses market research and events like festivals to grow tourism.

The South China Morning Post reported that the board works with local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and transport services to attract more visitors. It focuses on professional marketing and data analysis to understand what tourists want. This approach helps Sanya compete globally in tourism.

Albert Yip, head of the Sanya Tourism Board, leads a team with global experience. This team has boosted tourism by adding new international transport routes, partnering with top travel agencies, and getting more attention through international media.

Like the "Wonderland Sanya" campaign, Sanya's efforts have successfully drawn younger tourists. The city hosts various events, from music and coffee festivals to art shows, making it an exciting destination.

Related Article: China Southern Airlines Will Honor Cheap Tickets Sold During Glitch
Alaska is known for a number of things that keeps reeling travelers back to it. Of course, there are the picture-perfect glaciers. Diners also frequently rave about the freshest seafood one could find on this earth.

Those who happen to love animals, particularly whales, also keep coming back to Alaska for a whole lot of whale watching. Yup, you read that right. If you want to experience whale watching, Alaska is one of the places to be.

To maximize your experience when you do make that whale-watching trip, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind.

Wear the Right Clothes

Needless to say, if you want to maximize your whale-watching experience, you must get into the boat and out on the water. Given this, it is important to wear appropriate clothing during your trip.

It can get really, really cold out in the open, so it is recommended that you dress in layers. If you can, make sure to wear some waterproof gear in case you're lucky enough to witness a whale breaching.

Related Article: Skagway Unveiled: A Gateway to Alaska's Rich History and Adventurous Wonders with Alaska Shore Tours

Best Time to See the Whales

While it is not uncommon to spot whales in Alaska on any given month, there are months where you'll have a better chance. Believe it or not, the best time to come for whale watching actually depends on which specific whale you want to see. For example, humpback whales are typically seen during the months of June and July.

Blue whales and beluga whales, on the other hand, are in the area come July and August. Gray whales are around the longest, usually from April to June.

While they are technically not whales, orcas (otherwise known as killer whales) are seen from early May to early June.

Where to Go

Alaska has multiple whale-watching spots that travelers can choose from. Those who want to spot some humpback whales should head to Prince William Sound, which is also a good place to spot some orcas.

Those hoping to spot some belugas can head to Turnagain Arm, which is near Anchorage. Specifically, you can find belugas leaving the arm around mid-July and September.

Kodiak is also another popular whale-watching destination. If you find yourself here during the summer, you can hope to catch a humpback whale. If you're here during spring, you might just catch a gray whale instead.

Read Also: Alaska Airlines will Offer Nonstop Flights Between Nashville and Portland Starting Next Year
(Bloomberg) -- Hyperloop One, the futuristic transportation company building tube-encased lines to zip passengers and freight from city to city at airplane-like speeds, is shutting down, according to people familiar with the situation.

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Once a high-profile startup, Hyperloop One raised more than $450 million since its founding in 2014, according to PitchBook. It built a small test track near Las Vegas to develop its transportation technology, and for a time took the name Virgin Hyperloop One after Richard Bransons Virgin invested. Virgin removed its branding after the startup decided last year to focus on cargo rather than people.

Now, the company has laid off most of its employees, and is trying to sell its remaining assets, including the test track and machinery, according to one of the people, who asked to remain anonymous discussing private information. In early 2022, the company employed more than 200 people. The business has also closed its Los Angeles office. The remaining workers, tasked with overseeing the asset sale, were told their employment will end on Dec. 31.

DP World, the Dubai-based conglomerate, has backed Hyperloop One since 2016 and owns a majority stake. The startups remaining intellectual property will be transferred to DP World, a person familiar with the situation said.

Through a spokesman, DP World declined to comment. Raja Narayanan, Hyperloop Ones acting chief executive officer, also didnt respond to requests for comment.

Hyperloop One, formally known as Hyperloop Technologies, merged with a shell company this April, according to a document reviewed by Bloomberg. At that time, the value of shares in most classes was written down to zero cents, and the shareholders of the shell company became the only owners of Hyperloop One. At an all-hands meeting, employees were told that DP World orchestrated the transaction, according to one of the people.

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The company had captured the publics imagination since its founding in 2014, a year after Elon Musk released a white paper outlining a vision for hyperloop technology. The concept was a tantalizing promise of a new kind of transportation technology  and an end to traffic.

But the nascent industry stumbled, and Hyperloop One never won a contract to build a working hyperloop. The company also attracted plenty of attention for the wrong reasons. Co-founder Brogan BamBrogan once arrived at work to find a noose on his chair. And another co-founder, the venture capitalist Shervin Pishevar, stepped aside after Bloomberg reported on sexual harassment allegations against him, which he denied. A one-time director, Ziyavudin Magomedov, was arrested in Moscow on charges of fraud and embezzlement unrelated to Hyperloop One. At the time, Magomedovs lawyer said he was appealing the arrest.

Although no large-scale hyperloop has been built after years of effort, the concept continues to enchant entrepreneurs. Several hyperloop companies are at various stages of building protoypes, including Hardt Hyperloop, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc. and Swisspod Technologies.

Musk has promoted the field as well, creating a series of competitions for student-designed hyperloops and building a now-demolished test track. He also started Boring Co., a tunneling business that has pursued related technology.

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Key Insights

Institutions' substantial holdings in Ashtead Group implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price

The top 25 shareholders own 49% of the company

Ownership research along with analyst forecasts data help provide a good understanding of opportunities in a stock

If you want to know who really controls Ashtead Group plc (LON:AHT), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. With 86% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

And as as result, institutional investors reaped the most rewards after the company's stock price gained 10% last week. The one-year return on investment is currently 16% and last week's gain would have been more than welcomed.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Ashtead Group, beginning with the chart below.

See our latest analysis for Ashtead Group

LSE:AHT Ownership Breakdown December 21st 2023

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Ashtead Group?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

Ashtead Group already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Ashtead Group's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

LSE:AHT Earnings and Revenue Growth December 21st 2023

Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Ashtead Group. BlackRock, Inc. is currently the largest shareholder, with 8.5% of shares outstanding. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is the second largest shareholder owning 4.4% of common stock, and HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited holds about 3.3% of the company stock.

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Our studies suggest that the top 25 shareholders collectively control less than half of the company's shares, meaning that the company's shares are widely disseminated and there is no dominant shareholder.

While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of Ashtead Group

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of Ashtead Group plc. Being so large, we would not expect insiders to own a large proportion of the stock. Collectively, they own UK39m of stock. Arguably recent buying and selling is just as important to consider. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 13% stake in Ashtead Group. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Case in point: We've spotted 1 warning sign for Ashtead Group you should be aware of.

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
In the past month or so China has stepped away from the sidelines of the Israel-Gaza war and towards the fray.

In mid-November, foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries stopped in the Chinese capital in their shuttle diplomacy to find an end to the conflict.

Later that month, Beijing released a five-point position paper, urging the UN Security Council to draw up a "concrete" timeline and road map for a two-state solution.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Then earlier this month Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called his Iranian counterpart - again - as fears persisted that a second front could open along the Lebanon border.

The engagement is just part of a series of efforts by China to contribute to a resolution to a conflict that risks spreading to the broader region.

But for Israel, the process is so far missing a crucial step - analysts say Israel would expect Beijing to adopt a "balanced" stance by first condemning Hamas' actions and using its leverage over Iran to prevent a spillover of the conflict.

Otherwise, they say, Israel will see China's approach merely as a way for Beijing to challenge the United States and position itself as a peace-seeking alternative.

Since the conflict erupted, Chinese officials have not condemned Hamas or referred to the group as a terrorist organisation. Israel defended its actions as self-defence, after Hamas - the Palestinian Islamist movement ruling Gaza - attacked southern Israel on October 7. However, China said Israel's actions after the attack went beyond self-defence.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his first public speech on the war in November, called on Israel to stop imposing "collective punishment" on the people of Gaza, while renewing calls for a ceasefire and a two-state solution.

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According to Jean-Loup Samaan, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute, China has so far maintained its traditional pro-Palestinian policy and that "frustrated Israel".

Israel, he said, initially hoped China would consider the scale of Hamas' attack in October and the impact it had on Israeli society. Now, Israel did not expect much from China because its priorities were centred on the release of hostages and the military campaign in Gaza.

"In both cases, China cannot offer anything," Samaan said.

Efraim Inbar, professor of political studies at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, went further, saying China had "clearly estranged Israel".

"China in its recent actions became more hostile towards Israel. Israel definitely expects a more balanced position from China," Inbar said.

Inbar said Israel viewed China's repeated proposals of a ceasefire as an "anti-Israeli measure". Beijing, he added, had yet to denounce Hamas and that was "very problematic".

China's unwillingness to condemn Hamas and the "active pressure" put on Israel to end its campaign was likely to damage China-Israel ties in the near term, said Jesse Marks, a non-resident fellow with the Stimson Centre's China programme.

A truck loaded with humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza provided by the Chinese government waits in Cairo, Egypt, on November 27. Photo: Xinhua alt=A truck loaded with humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza provided by the Chinese government waits in Cairo, Egypt, on November 27. Photo: Xinhua>

Meanwhile, China's diplomatic efforts to stop the war appear to largely revolve around influencing other Middle Eastern nations.

China last month hosted senior officials from Arab and Islamic nations for "in-depth" talks on de-escalating the conflict, with the foreign ministry saying that China and Arab countries "share similar positions on Palestine issues".

And when Zhai Jun, its special envoy to the Middle East, toured the region, he visited Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan but skipped Israel and Palestine.

While observers said a visit from a Chinese diplomat to Israel would be seen as a positive gesture, Galia Lavi, deputy director of the Diane & Guilford Glazer Israel-China Policy Centre, said Israel would want China to acknowledge Hamas' actions before hosting a Chinese representative.

"If they [China] continue to ignore the terrible massacre that happened, I fail to see their contribution, as this kind of visit will only serve China's interest," she said.

Marks said China would not intervene in any "salient" way.

But China - building on success it had in the Middle East helping Iran and Saudi Arabia normalise ties - was trying to create the "political space" for Arab countries to pursue a more unified position. That could help bridge a lack of unity among Arab states, which had historically been a major spoiler to the peace process, Marks said.

"Beijing will focus on building the platform for dialogue and facilitate talks. It will not exert any leverage on Israel or Hamas to come to the table," he said.

"China sees its role in the current de-escalation process in Gaza as a mediator, but Israel is unlikely to view Chinese mediation efforts as meaningful or substantive."

Samaan said it would also indicate to Israeli leaders the limits of their partnership, at least on a diplomatic and strategic level. But he suggested that Beijing could still be of help to Israel. For example, China could exercise its influence on Iran to curb the flow of Tehran's support to non-state organisations such as Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or Hezbollah.

"China could also play a major role in the post-conflict phase in Gaza, especially in terms of reconstruction, but that implies a clear political plan for the post-conflict phase which doesn't exist at the moment," Samaan added.

Earlier this month, during meetings in Tehran between Liu Jianchao, Communist Party international department chief, and senior Iranian politicians and officials, China said it supported Iran to play a role in maintaining regional peace and stability, while Tehran pledged to step up coordination with China on international and regional affairs.

Iran is believed to be a key military and financial backer of Hamas, although it has denied any involvement in the group's assault on Israel on October 7.

Lavi said China - despite having leverage over Iran for economic and diplomatic reasons - did not "seem willing to use this leverage to influence Iran in any way". She said China had failed to exert its influence to deter Tehran and its proxies from attacking Israel. One example, she said, was how China did not help Israel when Yemen's Houthi movement attacked Israeli vessels in recent weeks.

"It does not seem that China is interested in resolving the conflict and it only uses the conflict to challenge the US ... and present itself as a peace-seeking alternative," she said.

Samaan said both Israel and the US would be keen to see China play a greater role but there was no sign Beijing was willing to directly influence Iran with "coercive diplomacy". Even with its leverage over Iran, he warned, China might not be able to change Tehran's attitude.

"After all, Western countries have been sanctioning Iran for years and that did not lead to a shift in Tehran's regional policies, be it in Lebanon, Gaza or Syria," he said.

Fan Hongda, a professor at Shanghai International Studies University's Middle East Studies Institute, said Iran had a "very strong strategic autonomy" and it would be difficult for other countries - especially a single country such as China - to have a major influence on its decision making.

And, according to Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, China would not seek to "abuse" its influence over Iran and pressure Tehran as much as Israel and Washington wanted, even though it was in Beijing's interest to prevent the conflict from spilling over.

As to whether China could potentially respond to Israel's calls for Beijing to take a more balanced approach, Zhou said: "It is difficult to shift after seeing the appalling humanitarian disaster in Gaza."

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Udaku Special

AJIRA ZA UHAKIKA NJE NJE, BONYEZA HAPA





The Public Service Recruitment Secretariat (PSRS) is a government organ with a status of independent Department established specifically to facilitate the recruitment process of employees to the Public Service. Public Service Recruitment Secretariat was established by the Public Service Act No. 8 0f 2002 as amended by Act No. 18 of 2007, section 29(1). Our Vision is To be a Centre of Excellence in Public Service Recruitment in the region. Our mission is to To undertake recruitment of Public servants using modern approaches by adhering to principles of equity, transparency and merits as well as providing advice to employers on employment related matters. Human resource is an ankle and significant factor in public service delivery, thus, PSRS has been given a role of recruiting public servants in fair, transparent, and timely manner; while observing and guaranteeing quality and access to all applicants in order to deliver equitable Public Service in Tanzania. Our aim is to improve government public Service on issues concerning recruitment process According to our rules and regulations and at the same time enhance good relations with Our stakeholders.





On behalf of the Ardhi Institute Morogoro (ARIMO), Dar es salaam Institute of Technology

(DIT), Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA), Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation

(TBC), College of Business Education (CBE), National Institute of Transport (NIT), Tanzania

Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency (TEMESA), Tanzania Fisheries

Research Institute (TAFIRI), The Water Institute (WI), The Tanzania Public Service College

(TPSC), The Fair Competition Commission(FCC) and Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE)

Public Service Recruitment Secretariat invites qualified Tanzanians to fill one-hundred and eight (108) vacant posts mentioned below

108 Job Vacancies at PSRS / Utumishi  Various Posts  December 2023.

The organ is inviting applications from Tanzanians to apply for new vacancies at several institutions.

READ FULL DETAILS FROM THE PDF DOCUMENT ATTACHED BELOW:

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Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean have signed a number of protocols to simplify the crossing of the Ukrainian-Moldovan border for citizens and cargo.

Shmyhal announced this, Ukrinform reports.

"Ukraine and Moldova continue to implement agreements on joint control at border crossing points. Today, during an online meeting with Prime Minister Dorin Recean, a number of protocols were signed that will simplify and reduce the time for citizens and cargo to cross the Ukrainian-Moldovan border," Shmyhal said.

Read also: President believes new Polish government to lift border blockade

In his opinion, "this will not only intensify trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova but will also increase the efficiency and effectiveness of border crossing capacities using the best European practices."

"The latter is especially important in the context of our common movement towards the European Union," Shmyhal emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported, in November, Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Moldova Denys Shmyhal and Dorin Recean discussed joint work on the path to the European Union during a phone call.

Photo: Shmyhal/Facebook
The Latvian parliament has adopted a declaration calling for the return to Ukraine of all Ukrainian children who were illegally displaced to Russia and Belarus, Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk has said.

That's according to the Ukrainian parliament's press service, Ukrinform reports.

Kondratiuk said this decision was another powerful parliamentary voice in defense of the rights of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia.

Kondratiuk personally made a request to adopt such a resolution during her recent working meeting in Riga with the newly elected Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mierina, and Deputy Speakers Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica and Antonina Nenaseva.

Kondratiuk thanked the leadership of the Saeima for their leadership and promptness in adopting this important resolution and sympathy with the fate of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia.

"The Parliament of Latvia strongly condemned the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation and Belarus. And it also supported the International Criminal Court's investigation into the persons responsible for these crimes," Kondratiuk said.

She also noted that the Saeima had called on international organizations, including the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to play an active role in returning Ukrainian children home. The Latvian parliament also supported the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children and called on other countries to join this mission and adopt similar resolutions.

"I thank everyone who voted for this resolution! Latvia stands with Ukraine!" Kondratiuk said.

Photo: DELFI
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine discussed with the prime minister and minister of defense the issue of journalists' access to the front lines.

The head of state touched upon the issue during a video address to the nation, Ukrinform reports.

"Many meetings this afternoon. Prime Minister. Minister of Defense. A very important issue of communications regarding the war, our defense, the front in general. Access to the front for journalists. Changes have been drafted  there should be more coverage of the front line developments. I am grateful to everyone who understands the importance of this and helps keep our defense, our defense needs in the international focus," the head of state said.

Also, as the president added, a meeting was held with the Minister of Strategic Industries regarding the readiness of the bomb shelter network across the country. According to Zelensky, December saw good results in this matter.
Whilst it may not be a huge deal, we thought it was good to see that the Naked Wines plc (LON:WINE) Independent Director, Jack Pailing, recently bought UK62k worth of stock, for UK0.43 per share. That purchase might not be huge but it did increase their holding by 27%.

View our latest analysis for Naked Wines

Naked Wines Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Notably, that recent purchase by Jack Pailing is the biggest insider purchase of Naked Wines shares that we've seen in the last year. Although we like to see insider buying, we note that this large purchase was at significantly below the recent price of UK0.57. Because it occurred at a lower valuation, it doesn't tell us much about whether insiders might find today's price attractive.

Happily, we note that in the last year insiders paid UK352k for 729.51k shares. But insiders sold 26.65k shares worth UK32k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Naked Wines insiders. Their average price was about UK0.48. We don't deny that it is nice to see insiders buying stock in the company. However, you should keep in mind that they bought when the share price was meaningfully below today's levels. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

AIM:WINE Insider Trading Volume December 21st 2023

Naked Wines is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership Of Naked Wines

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. From looking at our data, insiders own UK1.9m worth of Naked Wines stock, about 4.5% of the company. I generally like to see higher levels of ownership.

What Might The Insider Transactions At Naked Wines Tell Us?

It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchases. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. But on the other hand, the company made a loss during the last year, which makes us a little cautious. On this analysis the only slight negative we see is the fairly low (overall) insider ownership; their transactions suggest that they are quite positive on Naked Wines stock. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Naked Wines (1 is a bit unpleasant) you should be aware of.

Story continues

But note: Naked Wines may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Seven weeks ago, officials at Chicagos federal courthouse used brown butcher paper to cover up large hallway displays highlighting infamous political corruption cases, featuring names like Walker, Ryan, Blagojevich and Vrdolyak.

On Thursday, a federal jury added another name to that inglorious roster: Edward M. Burke.

In a verdict that will reverberate through city politics, Burke was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and a dozen other counts for using the clout of his elected office to try to win private law business from developers.

The nearly clean sweep of guilty verdicts capped a stunning fall for Burke, the former head of the city Finance Committee and a Democratic political machine master who served a record 54 years in the City Council before stepping down in May.

The jury of nine women and three men deliberated for about 23 hours over four days before reaching its verdict on the 19-count indictment.

In addition to racketeering, Burke also was found guilty of federal program bribery, attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity.

He was acquitted on one count of conspiracy to commit extortion related to the redevelopment of a Burger King.

The racketeering charge alone carries up to 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall set sentencing for June.

The jurors left the courthouse through a private exit, and most did not respond to calls seeking comment. One juror who did speak to the Tribune, however, said Thursday that the mood in the jury room was meticulous and diligent, and that they re-listened to each and every wiretapped recording at the center of the case, some of them multiple times.

The juror, who requested anonymity, said there was a clear consensus that the exhibits and now-infamous recordings gave them just about everything that was needed to make a decision.

Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual told reporters after the verdict that Burkes actions were a clear betrayal of the public trust.

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In this case, defendant Burke had his hand out for money, Pasqual said. The public voted Mr. Burke into office. And they trusted that he would be guided by and motivated by pursuing the common good. He betrayed that trust.

With his conviction, Burke, who turns 80 on Dec. 29, has now joined the ignoble ranks of at least 37 other Chicago aldermen to be convicted of crimes since 1972. Three aldermen died while awaiting trial, while charges are pending against two others. Only one, Ray Frias, was acquitted.

The citys well-worn reputation for corruption was front and center for Burkes trial, beginning even in jury selection, when Burkes attorneys requested that the 25th-floor hallway panels featuring some of the biggest cases through the years be covered up so as not to sway jurors who might see them.

Asked if Burkes conviction might finally make a dent in the City Councils history of corruption, Pasqual paused, gave a slight smile, and said, Thats the $64,000 question.

Before the verdict was read in Kendalls packed courtroom, Burke arrived with his wife, former Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke, and other family members, turning to smile at spectators in the gallery before taking a seat at the defense table.

As the courtroom waited for the jury to come out, Burke, dressed in a black suit and uncharacteristic flat black tie, tapped on his wrist with his hand and took out a cellphone, appearing to scroll through messages.

As the verdict was read, Burke listened with a deep frown on his face, keeping his elbows on the table, his hands clasped and propping up his chin as his face flushed. After the jury left, he stood and shook hands with two of his attorneys before exiting the courtroom.

Burke left the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse not long afterward, arm in arm with his wife and flanked by his attorneys. He declined to answer questions as he ducked into a waiting SUV on South Dearborn Street.

He pulled up to his hulking, fortress-like home on West 51st Street shortly after 4 p.m,. carrying a green briefcase and wearing a brown hat and coat. He and his wife were composed as Burke opened the inner gate to the home, ignoring questions from reporters.

Burkes attorneys, Joseph Duffy and Chris Gair, declined to comment after the verdict.

Also convicted was real estate developer Charles Cui, who was accused of hiring Burkes firm, Klafter & Burke, to do property tax appeals in exchange for Burkes intervention in a permit dispute for a pole sign for a Binnys Beverage Depot.

Cui, 52, was not present in court due to an undisclosed illness, and listened to the verdict being read against him via a telephone hookup. The jury found him guilty on five counts: corruptly offering or agreeing to give things of value; using an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity; and knowingly making a false statement to the FBI.

Meanwhile, Burkes longtime ward aide Peter Andrews Jr. was acquitted of all counts against him. Andrews, 74, was accused of conspiring with Burke to pressure the Texas-based owners of 150 Chicago-area Burger King franchises into hiring Klafter & Burke by shutting down their renovation project of a restaurant in the 14th Ward.

A complete acquittal is rare in Chicagos federal courthouse, particularly in a high-profile corruption case. After the not-guilty findings were read, Andrews got up to embrace his attorneys, then sat down, leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling with a broad smile on his face.

In a statement, Andrews attorneys called the indictment an overreach and said the acquittal was a well-deserved Christmas blessing.

On behalf of our client, we are grateful to the twelve jurors who understood what we have known for over four years: Pete Andrews did not belong in this indictment, attorneys Patrick Blegen, Todd Pugh, Chelsy Van Overmeiren and Gabrielle Foley wrote.

There was no such good news for Burke, who was convicted not only of counts involving the Burger King and pole sign schemes, but also of using his significant City Hall power to try to get law business from the New York-based developers tackling the $600 million renovation of the Old Post Office.

The jury also found Burke guilty of attempting to extort the Field Museum by threatening to block an admission fee increase in retaliation against museum officials who failed to acknowledge an internship application by his goddaughter.

The high-profile, six-week trial featured some 38 witnesses and more than 100 secretly recorded videos and wiretapped recordings, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of Chicagos top political powerbrokers at work.

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.

In closing arguments last week, prosecutors put up on large video screens a series of now-notorious statements made by Burke on the recordings. Among them: The cash register has not rung yet, They can go (expletive) themselves, and Did we land the tuna?

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told the jury that Burkes words were their ticket into his real frame of mind.

Burkes attorneys, meanwhile, argued that the entire case is the product of overzealous government agents and their puppet, Solis, whom even prosecutors did not trust enough to put on the witness stand themselves. Instead, he was called by the defense and grilled about his motivations.

The fact alone that they didnt call Danny Solis in their case creates a reasonable doubt, Duffy said in his closing remarks. Why did we have to bring Danny Solis in here? That should give you pause, the fact that they ran an investigation on Mr. Burke for 30 months with a star witness Danny Solis undercover and they didnt have the decency to bring him here.

The juror who spoke to the Tribune on Thursday said the panel felt Solis testimony was largely irrelevant.

Nothing he said had any bearing on the evidence, the juror said, and so it made no difference that the government chose not to call him.

The most spirited discussions involved the charges against Andrews, according to the juror. They were not persuaded that Andrews was even aware of any scheme to shake down the Burger King, the juror said.

By the same logic, jurors acquitted Burke of conspiring with Andrews, since to have a conspiracy you have to have more than one co-conspirator.

But Cui wrote some very damning emails, the juror said, making their decision on those counts easy.

Chicagos long history of corrupt politicians did not factor into the deliberations, the juror said.

This case was an island, the juror said. (The charges) sit on their own merit.

The verdicts drew quick reaction from Mayor Brandon Johnson, who said in a statement that elected officials are responsible for serving with honest and integrity, and those that do not should be held accountable.

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who clashed with Burke repeatedly and used his legal troubles to her political advantage when she won the job on City Halls fifth floor in 2019, had even harsher words, saying in a statement the verdict cements Burkes legacy as a man who elevated personal ambition and greed over doing the peoples work.

Burkes trial was the biggest to hit Chicagos federal courthouse in years, and it rounds out a bombshell year on the public corruption front, even for a city used to seeing its politicians facing criminal charges.

So far, its been close to a clean sweep for the U.S. attorneys office. In May, four former ComEd executives and lobbyists were convicted on all charges alleging they conspired to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, the head of the state Democratic Party, by secretly funneling payments to Madigans friends for do-nothing jobs.

Months later, a jury convicted Madigans longtime chief of staff, Tim Mapes, of lying to a federal grand jury investigating the speaker.

In four months, it will be Madigans turn in the hot seat, as his jury trial on racketeering charges is slated to begin on April 1. His lawyers have moved to delay the trial, however, pending a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on a bribery-related case out of northwest Indiana that could have implications on certain counts.

Burkes trial, meanwhile, has featured allegations of a decidedly more earthy, wheres mine? type of graft than in the Madigan probe.

Its a trial that in many ways has reflected the man and his career. The son of a Democratic ward boss and alderman, Burke grew up in a home steeped in Chicagos particular brand of street-level politics. He was expert at smoothing potholes, fixing up friends with patronage jobs, and making sure everyone who benefited knew how to vote  and for whom to vote.

Burke became one of the greatest purveyors of machine politics in the city and the longest-serving alderman in Chicago history. He earned infamy in the 1980s for trying to thwart every move of Harold Washington, Chicagos first Black mayor, during the Council Wars. He allegedly ran the councils Finance Committee like his own personal fiefdom, all while overseeing a law firm, that constantly put him into ethically questionable positions.

He was known as an anointer of judges given his control of the Democratic judicial slate-making process, a student of Chicago history, and the self-proclaimed City Council parliamentarian who always seemed able to outmaneuver his rivals with his knowledge of rules and procedure.

Over the years, Burke also developed a reputation for being too savvy to ever be caught crossing any legal lines, even as he watched a never-ending parade of colleagues go down on corruption charges, including his predecessor on the Finance Committee, Ald. Thomas Keane.

That reputation went up in flames on the morning of Nov. 29, 2018, when the FBI raided Burkes City Hall office suite, covered the windows with brown butcher paper, and carted off computers, phones, and boxes of evidence.

The centerpiece of the case against Burke was the alleged Old Post Office scheme, not only because of the size of the project but also because it involved Solis, who had just started his cooperation when Burke approached him at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and pushed a local contractor to handle the post office demolition work.

Weeks later, Solis recorded Burke in a telephone call telling him to recommend the good law firm of Klafter & Burke to do the tax work at an upcoming meeting with the post office developer, Harry Skydell.

That call set off a series of memorable recordings, including one video that showed Burke welcoming Skydell and his son at one City Hall meeting, then sliding two Klafter & Burke business cards toward them. Later, he was caught on camera smirking as he told Solis he was reluctant to help Skydell because the cash register has not rung yet.

In May 2017, Burke uttered what is perhaps the most famous line in the indictment, asking Solis on a recorded call, So did we land, uh, the tuna?

And, after months of being stonewalled, Burke was captured sitting in Solis office with his legs crossed, calmly remarking hed had it with the Skydells, and as far as Im concerned they can go (expletive) themselves.

The final wiretapped recording made by Solis came on Nov. 9, 2018, just 20 days before the FBI raid that thrust the investigation into the public spotlight.

As instructed by his FBI handlers, Solis told Burke in the in-person meeting that he was planning to retire midway through his next four-year term, and then go off into the sunset. He also told Burke he had a line in on some big-time developers who were planning on a development near South Clark Street in Solis 25th Ward and would steer them to Klafter & Burke for a consulting fee.

Sure. As long as you remember me, yeah, Burke responded. We come from the old school.

Through the Burger King evidence, prosecutors portrayed Burke as constantly trawling for business, jumping at any chance to make a little money.

He took personal note of the status of construction at the Burger King location on South Pulaski Road, passed out his law firms business card at a country club meeting with its owner, Shoukat Dhanani, and told Andrews to play hardball and shut down the remodeling work when Dhanani initially failed to come through, according to trial testimony.

Dhanani testified that he agreed to hire Burkes firm in order to get the alderman to lift roadblocks to remodeling his restaurant, and also sent a political donation to support Burkes candidate for mayor.

Dhananis son, Zohaib, told the jury he was taken aback when Burke seemed to link the hiring of his property tax firm to help with the permit issue in a phone call just two weeks after theyd had lunch at the Beverly Country Club.

And um, we were going to talk about the real estate tax representation and you were going to have somebody get in touch with me so we can expedite your permits, Burke said on the June 2017 call.

Im sorry, Mr. Burke, what was that last part? Zohaib Dhanani responded.

Jurors also heard meticulously detailed evidence about a pole sign permit for the Binnys Beverage Depot on the Northwest Side, far away from Burkes 14th Ward. Cui stood to lose significant money if the sign couldnt be used, and reached out to Burke, hoping his clout would grease the wheels with the city.

In perhaps the most damning evidence of the pole sign episode, jurors were shown a 2017 email from Cui to his lawyer, asking to switch attorneys.

Can I have Edward Burke handle 4901 W Irving Park property tax appeal for me, at least for this year? Cui wrote. I need his favor for my TIF money. In addition I need his help for my zoning etc for my project. He is a powerful broker in City Hall, and I need him now. Ill transfer the case back to you after this year.

Burke tried to smooth the way for the permit sign, jurors heard, calling the city zoning administrator and reaching out the the buildings commissioner. The permit, however, was still not approved, and ultimately the sign was torn down.

The Field Museum evidence was the only allegation that did not involve Burkes law firm. Instead, Burke was accused of threatening to withhold his approval of a proposed fee increase for the museum because they did not consider an internship application from his goddaughter.

If the chairman of the Committee on Finance calls the president of the Park Board, your proposal is going to go nowhere, Burke snapped on a phone call with the museums government affairs director.

Chicago Tribune reporter Caroline Kubzansky contributed

NOTE: This story has updated to reflect the correct number of alderman convicted since 1972 is 38.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

rlong@chicagotribune.com

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com
In a landscape marked by the challenges of declining enrollments and heightened student expectations, Modern Campus, the leader in the learner-to-earner lifecycle platform, recently unveiled its list of the Top Ten Higher Education Websites of 2023. These institutions have distinguished themselves for their outstanding website design and management, leveraging technology to enhance the student experience.

A Digital Front Door to Academia

Recognizing the pivotal role played by college and university websites, Modern Campus celebrated institutions that excelled in creating effective, engaging, and conversion-driven digital platforms. The announcement, made on December 6, 2023, highlighted the importance of these websites as the digital front door to academia and their impact on shaping prospective students' decisions.

READ ALSO: Are You An Aspiring Teacher? Here Are Top 5 Universities In The US For Education Degrees In 2024

Criteria for Recognition

The ten winners were chosen from a pool of around 4,500 higher education websites powered by Modern Campus CMS, the only content management system purpose-built for higher education. Key factors leading to their recognition included engaging website design, easy navigation with clear calls to action (CTAs), mobile friendliness, integrated catalogs with up-to-date career data, personalized experiences, and brand consistency across subdomains.

Top 10 Higher Education Websites of 2023

In alphabetical order, the institutions recognized are:

1. College of DuPage

2. Duquesne University

3. Ferris State University

4. Florida A&M University

5. Kennesaw State University

6. Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)

7. Pepperdine University

8. Rock Valley College

9. University of Montana

10. University of Wyoming

Student-Centric Design as a Key Differentiator

Modern students' expectations were a focal point in the evaluation process, as revealed in a recent study conducted by Modern Campus and RNL. The winning websites not only met but exceeded these expectations, delivering online experiences that resonate with the target audience.

Empowering Institutions with Modern Campus CMS

Managing higher education websites has always been challenging, given the diverse audience they cater to. The Modern Campus CMS, formerly known as Omni CMS, emerged as a powerful tool, enabling institutions to design and build websites that cater to the expectations of every visitor. The Modern Campus Design Studio further empowers higher education institutions to elevate the design of their digital properties.

Insights from Ferris State University

Ferris State University, one of the recognized institutions, emphasized the extensive capabilities of Modern Campus' Website Personalization tool. Eric Hazen, Executive Director for Digital Experience and Marketing at Ferris State University, highlighted, "The recognition as one of Modern Campus's Top Ten Higher Ed Websites in 2023 underscores our dedication to the needs of our students, presenting a user-friendly website that truly highlightsopportunities offered by our university."

Encouragement for Innovation

Kimberly Prieto, Senior Vice President for Product at Modern Campus, expressed enthusiasm about the institutions' creative approaches to website development. Despite decreasing enrollment rates and increasing student expectations, colleges and universities are rising to the challenge by becoming creative with their websites and digital properties.

Prieto noted, "I'm thrilled about recognizing these institutions who deliver outstanding student experiences while still supporting their brand through their websites. These websites demonstrate their institution's commitment to quality, creativity, and student importance."

As institutions navigate the ever-changing landscape of higher education, the recognition of these ten colleges and universities serves as a beacon, inspiring others to embrace innovation in website design and management. In an era where a compelling online presence is indispensable, these institutions have proven that a well-crafted digital presence is not only an asset but a strategic imperative in attracting and retaining students.





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The recent filing of a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by Christine Johnson McPhail, the ousted president of Saint Augustine's University (SAU), sheds light on a tumultuous situation. McPhail contends that she faced a hostile work environment and discrimination from the predominantly male Board of Trustees, raising critical concerns about workplace dynamics and equity at the historically Black college in North Carolina.

Claims of Unsettling Behavior

McPhail's legal team released a news statement detailing incidents of alleged hostile behavior by trustees. Among these, a male trustee is reported to have yelled during an October 5 board meeting, demanding McPhail's response: "Woman, did you hear me speak? I demand you to answer my question." These revelations point to a distressing work environment that McPhail alleges to have experienced.

READ ALSO: US Department Of Education Investigates Whitman College For Discrimination; What We Know So Far

Discrimination and Retribution Allegations

The complaint further alleges that McPhail, alongside other Black women, was subjected to discrimination by the SAU Board of Trustees. This discrimination allegedly took the form of a threat of termination for McPhail in early November, shortly after she filed an internal complaint on October 9. Seeking to address these grievances, McPhail engaged legal counsel to pursue claims of discrimination and retaliation.

Tenure Marred by Challenges and Accreditation Loss

McPhail assumed the presidency in February 2021, succeeding her late husband, Irving McPhail, who passed away from COVID-19 complications in October 2020 after a brief stint in the role. Her relatively short tenure at SAU was fraught with challenges, including the university's loss of accreditation tied to governance and financial issues. Despite ongoing appeals, SAU's accreditation status remains intact for now.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Irving McPhail's death added complexity to SAU's leadership transition, with Christine McPhail stepping into a demanding role. The events unfolding raise questions not only about leadership dynamics at SAU but also about the resilience of the institution and its ability to navigate internal challenges.

Board Denies Allegations

In response to the allegations, SAU's Board of Trustees issued a statement refuting the charges. In a statement given to local media, the Board rejects the baseless accusations made by Dr. McPhail against the University, further saying that the Board is ready to defend both itself and the institution. The board categorizes this as a personnel matter, signaling reluctance to delve into specifics publicly.

The case involving Christine McPhail and SAU's Board of Trustees brings to the forefront concerns about workplace dynamics, equity, and diversity. The allegations of a hostile work environment and discrimination underscore the challenges faced by women, particularly Black women, in leadership positions. Whether these allegations prompt a deeper examination of the university's internal culture remains uncertain.

SAU's Future Hangs in the Balance

Founded in 1867, SAU boasts a rich history and plays a crucial role in providing higher education opportunities to the Black community. However, recent challenges, including accreditation loss and leadership changes, raise concerns about the institution's stability and future. As SAU grapples with internal and external scrutiny, its ability to transparently address these issues becomes pivotal for its survival and continued contribution to higher education.

As the EEOC embarks on an investigation into the complaint filed by Christine Johnson McPhail, the outcome could significantly influence discussions surrounding workplace culture, discrimination, and power dynamics within educational institutions. SAU, akin to many institutions, faces a critical juncture in its history, where addressing internal challenges transparently and effectively becomes paramount for its survival and continued positive impact on higher education. The resolution of this case may serve as a catalyst for broader conversations on fostering inclusive and equitable environments within academic institutions.

RELATED ARTICLE: Crisis Deepens At Saint Augustine: President's Sudden Firing Sparks Concerns For Institution's Future
UNODC ROCA Continues to Support Youth-Led Platforms in Central Asia: Tashkent International Model United Nations 2023

UNODC ROCA, in collaboration with sister UN agencies - UNFPA and UN Women, played a pivotal role in organizing the Tashkent International Model United Nations 2023 (TIMUN), Central Asia's largest international MUN platform, bringing together over 500 young minds from 14 different countries and simulating 11 UN committees.

Having supported TIMUN in Uzbekistan since 2018, UNODC - a global leader against illicit drugs, organized crime, terrorism, and corruption, provided a unique opportunity for young participants to model two UNODC committees: the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).

The CCPCJ simulation delved into Cross-Border Crime and Transnational Criminal Organizations, providing youth with insights into crime and terrorism prevention. Farkhad Sabirov, National Project Officer, shared valuable information on the UNODC's efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation, data collection, and border staff knowledge.

Oftobkhon Akhadjonova, Chair of the CCPCJ modeling, emphasized that the lecture from UNODC provided an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, adding expertise and value to our conference discussions. I believe that this experience was very useful for the young delegates for further understanding of global threats of crime, terrorism, and illicit drug trafficking.

The CND simulation topic was Emerging threats of Afghan Opiates and Synthetic Drugs to Central Asia, with Salome Flores Sierra, Head of the UNODC Information Centre, presenting the results of the Afghanistan Opium Survey 2023. The discussions highlighted the importance of preventing drug use among youth, using UNODC/WHO Standards on Drug Use Prevention and the Handbook on Youth Participation as key documents. The Regional Network of Youth Organizations and Youth Champions of Change in Central Asia shared their work and provided youth-driven solutions to address drug abuse issues.

Sherzod Rustamov, President of TIMUN, stated: The TIMUN Conference 2023 drew almost 550 participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including young delegates from the capital city of Tashkent, Republic of Karakalpakstan and all 12 regions of Uzbekistan. Around 80 delegates from 14 nations in Europe, North America, Africa, and Central and South Asia demonstrated diversity and inclusion at the event. The simulation of the work of 11 UN Committees was a testament to the conferences global representation. This years MUN provided us with the opportunity to share our ideas and creativity in addressing substance use among youth, with the UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Standards guiding our discussions and initiatives.

TIMUN continues to be a unique platform that provides Central Asian and world youth with the space to engage in critical topics such as the promotion of human rights, peace and security, and prevention of drug abuse, crime, and violent extremism.

UNODC ROCA remains committed to supporting the platform, encouraging young leaders to be actively involved in UN work, fostering a legacy of success for years to come.

*********

TIMUN 2023 was conducted within the framework of Phase II of the Regional Network of Youth Organizations and Youth Champions of Change in Central Asia for Drug-Free, Healthy, Safe and Secure Societies Project. Methodological support was provided by UNODC PTRS, and financial support was provided by the Government of the Russian Federation.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2023) Caretaker Punjab Health Minister Prof Dr. Javed Akram emphasized the crucial role of modern technology and artificial intelligence for doctors in the ever-evolving medical landscape, during the Annual International Scientific Conference 2023 at Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), here on Thursday.

As a special guest, he congratulated the organising committee and underscored the significance of embracing new methods for safe patient treatment.

Dr. Javed Akram highlighted the global benefits of utilising artificial intelligence in healthcare and praised the commitment to quality research in medical institutions across Punjab. He commended the successful progress of revamping over a hundred government hospitals in the province, ensuring improved healthcare infrastructure. He emphasised the importance of service to humanity, stating that the goodness done through such efforts would have a lasting impact. He also acknowledged the dedication of attendees at the conference, expressing gratitude for the warm reception.

Notably, Vice-Chancellor FJMU Professor Dr.

Khalid Masood Gondal, acknowledging Dr. Javed Akram's presence, shared ambitious goals for the university. Initiatives such as the first artificial intelligence genetics portal at the FJMU Mother and Child Institute and a collaboration with the Al-Rafay Foundation for "Aapka Clinic" were announced, reflecting a commitment to advancing medical research and providing free treatment to patients by the FJMU faculty.

Vice-Chancellor King Edward Medical University Professor Dr. Mahmood Ayaz, Senior Member Syndicate FJMU Syed Farukh Ali Shah, Dr. Shehla Javaid, Professor Dr. Aamir Zaman Khan, Professor Dr. Noreen Akmal, Professor Dr. Balqis Shabeer, MS Ganga Ram Hospital Dr. Rana Sohail Arshad, Professor Dr. Munaza Iqbal, renowned speaker Naveed Syed, Omar Adil, Naeem Afzal, Professor Aftab Chaudhry, Professor Dr. Shamsa Humayun, Professor Dr. Sherin Khawar, Professor Dr. Kamran Khalid Khawaja, Professor Naveed Qasuri, foreign students, alumni, and faculty members, including a large number of students, participated in the conference.
Jurors in the racketeering trial of ex-Ald. Edward Burke were sent home late Wednesday after deliberating for a second full day without reaching a verdict.

They are expected to resume their discussions Thursday. In total, the jury has so far deliberated for about 18 hours over three days. The panel was silent all through Wednesday, sending no notes or questions to U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall.

Burke, who was a force to be reckoned with during his five-plus decades as an alderman, is accused of abusing his City Hall clout to get business for his private law firm.

On Tuesday, the jury sent three notes. One asked only for additional copies of the indictment. The next asked for clarification about a count charging co-defendant Charles Cui with using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity.

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 developers 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.

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.

Jurors must sort through the 19 counts in the case, which include 14 counts against Burke and a combination of other charges involving co-defendant Peter Andrews Jr. 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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rlong@chicagotribune.com
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2023) Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said on Thursday that the current situation of Palestine was a cause of concern not only for the Muslim Ummah but also for the civilized nations of the world.

During a meeting with Jordanian Ambassador Dr. Maen Khreasat who met with him here, the minister said that peace in Palestine was the responsibility of the whole world.

"International community should play a role for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine," Murtaza Solangi said.

Besides, ceasefire between Palestine and Israel, coming elections in Pakistan and Jordan, regional security situation, cooperation in the media sectors and other important issues were discussed during the meeting.

In the meeting, both the minister and Ambassador expressed concern over the tense situation in Palestine.

Expressing complete solidarity with the Palestinian people, Murtaza Solangi said that Jordan's role in aid activities in Palestine was commendable.

The Jordanian Ambassador said that a humanitarian crisis was brewing in Gaza due to lack of food.

Solangi said that Pakistan valued its relations with Jordan as the two countries had deep ties based on religion, common values and culture.

The caretaker minister briefed the Jordanian Ambassador about the progress towards the general elections in Pakistan.

Elections would be held across the country on February 8 next year in Pakistan, Murtaza Solangi adding the Election Commission of Pakistan had already released the election schedule.

He said all registered political parties were provided 54 days for election campaign.

The Caretaker Government, he said was providing all possible support and facilities to the ECP to ensure the conduct of free, transparent and impartial elections.

Murtaza Solangi expressed his best wishes for the successful completion of the election process in Jordan next year.

He expressed the hope that a new era of relations between the two countries would begin with the governments established as a result of the electoral process in Jordan and Pakistan.

The meeting also agreed to promote cooperation in potential areas of trade and investment between Pakistan and Jordan

The important meeting of the 10th Joint Ministerial Commission would be held in Islamabad next year, Jordanian Ambassador said.

He said that the joint ministerial commission meeting will review the trade and bilateral relations between the two countries.

The existing relations between Pakistan and Jordan, he added should be promoted in terms of cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment.

In the meeting, emphasis was placed on increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Jordan in the fields of media and information.

The minister and Jordanian envoy also discussed the memorandum of understanding between ptv, APP, Radio Pakistan and Jordanian Radio, Television and Jordan news Agency Petra.

They called for speeding up the process of Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries for cooperation between state media institutions.

The caretaker Federal Minister of Information also emphasized on the exchange of media delegations between the two countries.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2023) Executive Director National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Muhammad Aamir Jan Thursday said that the Prime Ministers Youth skilled program is key pillar to empower them with the necessary tools and innovative skills, which will growth globally.

Caretaker government was empowering youth through imparting skilled and vocational training programs to provide them better employment opportunities within the country and abroad, he said while talking to ptv news channel.

Amir Jan explained the program that over 4.5 million people in the country entered the labor stream every year with only 1.5 people having proper skills.

He said the objective of the programme was to provide skilled training to 56,000 people all across the country and mentioned that the skills were linked with international certification.

PM's youth empowerment programme aims to promote youth empowerment by reducing young women and men's vulnerability and exclusion through a three pronged approach of jobs & economic empowerment, social engagement and education and skills development, he added.

This program aims to empower hundred thousand marginalized and excluded youth across the country, he said.

He also advised parents to allow their children take up vocational skills pending when academic activities resumes, adding, media should play pro-active role to aware people at the grass-root to encourage vocational education training programs.

ED said that a skilled human resource was essential for running industrial units constantly, adding, technical training can play a vital role in the social and economic development of the country.

He stressed that skilled manpower can lead the country to its ultimate goal of prosperity and self-reliance.

Introducing skills programs for youth at provincial level will be an opportunity to popularize skills education linked with employability and job markets, he mentioned.
Chairman of Prime Minister's Inspection Commission (PMIC) Brigadier (Retd) Muzaffar Ali Ranjha on Thursday chaired a meeting to review the progress on Nai Gaj Dam project being constructed in Dadu, wherein he directed the authorities concerned to ensure its early completion

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2023) Chairman of Prime Minister's Inspection Commission (PMIC) Brigadier (Retd) Muzaffar Ali Ranjha on Thursday chaired a meeting to review the progress on Nai Gaj Dam project being constructed in Dadu, wherein he directed the authorities concerned to ensure its early completion.

The meeting was held after the PMIC chairman took cognizance of the concerns of the prime minister over the unwarranted delays in the completion of PSDP projects.

After showing dissatisfaction over the implementation status, the monitoring task was assigned to PMIC Member Engineer Aamir Hasan to ensure the effective supervision of the project.

The meeting was attended by PMIC officers including Engineer Aamir Hasan, Director Muhammad Saleh Narejo and the officers of the Ministry of Water Resources and WAPDA. Special Secretary, Irrigation Department, Commissioner Hyderabad, Deputy Commissioner Dadu and the officers of the Sindh government joined via video link.

The meeting was briefed about the implementation status and the latest progress on decisions made during the field visit and meeting chaired by PMIC chairman on November 2 at Nai Gaj Dam Project, Dadu.

The PMIC chairman was apprised of the meeting held at the Sindh chief secretary's office on November 3 in which the WAPDA had raised the issues regarding land acquisition, resettlement and road.

The PMIC head directed the authorities concerned to ensure the speedy completion of the project as the deadlines had been significantly delayed.

Once completed, the project would cultivate an area of 28,800 acres, protect the downstream areas from floods, ensure water supply to Manchar Lake and lower riparian, fisheries development, and recharge groundwater besides ensuring socio-economic uplift of the poor community. It will also produce four megawatts of electricity for the local populace.

The implementation report regarding the progress on the project will be submitted to the prime minister.
Bamako, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2023) Separatist Tuareg forces on Wednesday announced they had set up a blockade of the major roads in northern Mali, where the army has made gains in recent weeks.

The Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP), an alliance of rebel forces, said it had decided to set up roadblocks across all roads leading to the country's borders with Mauritania, Algeria and Niger.

The blockade would control access to the cities of Menaka, Kidal, Gao, Timbuktu and Taoudeni and cover all products and means of transport, said the CSP statement.

The mainly Tuareg rebel forces have in recent weeks lost ground to a Malian army offensive that in mid-November saw them recapture the northeast city of Kidal.

Fighting between the separatists and government troops broke out again in August after eight years of calm, as both sides scrambled to fill the vacuum left by the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers.

The force, known as MINUSMA, packed up and left at the behest of Mali's military rulers in Bamako, where the colonels seized power in 2020.

It was the army's air power, including planes and drones, that helped make its recent gains against the rebel forces.
(@FahadShabbir)

Tokyo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2023) Shares in Japanese auto titan Toyota dived Thursday as a rigged safety test scandal builds at subsidiary Daihatsu, and after it recalled a million vehicles in the United States over airbag safety concerns.

Daihatsu said Wednesday it would suspend domestic and overseas shipments of all its vehicles in light of an independent panel's report that found it had been manipulating tests as long ago as 1989.

Toyota expressed its "sincere apologies" and pledged to carry out "a fundamental reform" in light of the findings, which were revealed in the probe following a safety scandal that emerged in April.

The probe "found new irregularities in 174 items within 25 test categories" in addition to wrongdoing previously detected in April and May involving door parts and side-collision tests, Toyota said after the report was released.

On Wednesday, Daihatsu submitted a report to the transport ministry -- having already provided one in May -- saying new irregularities had been detected in an internal probe, and announced the suspensions.

Japanese officials visited the firm's headquarters Thursday to carry out an inspection.

"We began on-site inspection to find out if the report submitted by Daihatsu (on Wednesday) is true and if there is any other wrongdoing," transport ministry official Nobuhito Kiuchi told AFP.

"Before issuing administrative orders (as punishment), we have to find out facts around the issue," he said, noting that the on-site inspection will continue until at least early next year.

Footage from Japanese broadcasters showed more than a dozen officials entering Daihatsu's Ikeda headquarters in Osaka prefecture.

The news comes after another Toyota affiliate, truck and bus maker Hino Motor, last year revealed falsification of emissions data.

Hours after the Daihatsu report was released, Toyota announced the massive recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the United States, warning that there were concerns about airbag sensors in the front passenger seats.

The vehicles include some of the manufacturing giant's popular Camry, Corolla, and Highlander lines.

These sensors "could have been improperly manufactured, causing a short circuit," and as a result "the airbag may not deploy as designed in certain crashes, increasing the risk of injury", the company said in a statement.

Shares in Toyota sank as much as 5.6 percent in Tokyo -- the most in 18 months -- before clawing back some of the losses later in the day.

Still, Bloomberg Intelligence auto analyst Tatsuo Yoshida told AFP that the recall would likely have a limited impact on the firm as the number of vehicles involved is small compared with the firm's production.

"Also, recalling vehicles to fix a defect is not necessarily a bad thing if it is properly filed and executed, as vehicle recalls are an everyday thing in the auto industry," he added.

However, he said the Daihatsu matter could hurt Toyota financially, and the reforms at the subsidiary could take time as "this (safety) certification issue looks deeply rooted in the company's culture".

A management change would be "a prerequisite for Daihatsu's reform" but "a hasty change in the management structure could disrupt the crucial work of investigating the truth and preparing a prescription for reform", he said.

The independent panel blamed Daihatsu's misconduct on the lack of managers' expertise and an opaque work environment.

In April, Daihatsu admitted falsifying crash test results for four of its models, involving a total of 88,000 vehicles made in Thailand and Malaysia in 2022 and 2023.

The report attributed the decades-long irregularities in part to "an excessively tight and rigid development schedule".

Daihatsu employees were "exposed to the intense pressure to pass crash tests on their first attempt" to minimise the number of vehicles destroyed and thereby "reduce costs", committee chair Makoto Kaiami said.
To become part of the solution, Munoz began interning at Close to Home, formerly known as the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless, while she was enrolled at UTSA.

I did a lot of street medicine  observing doctors who volunteer their time going out to meet with people who are unhoused, dont have insurance or could be undocumented. That was one of the biggest reasons I thought this is the route I should take  to be a physician or a provider who can fill that gap somehow, Munoz said. I really like serving people and being able to provide them with resources.

One of the first visits Munoz made was to an encampment where she met a 17-year-old living under a bridge in need of medical care and social services. That heart-breaking moment stuck with her.

I think about what happens when Im not there, and it makes me angry. But it also fills me with hope and passion, said Munoz.

Munozs internship at Close to Home developed into a youth liaison role, enabling her to delve deeper into her passion and identify disparities in the local homeless system.

Her work experience has also been complemented by a research opportunity. At UTSA, she joined the Global Health Research Laboratory as a research assistant under Katelyn Sileo, assistant professor of public health.

She supported a project studying family planning intervention for couples in rural Uganda. Munoz gained versatile and valuable research experience, learning about other public health concepts such as masculine gender discrepancy.

One of my favorite experiences at UTSA was working with her. She taught me a lot, Munoz said of Sileo. Im interested in growing into a physician with a focus on substance use and family medicine. I want to be able to continue to support and interact with the community.
(Bloomberg) -- A fund controlled by KKR & Co. has offered to buy Portugals Greenvolt-Energias Renovaveis SA for 1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) in an effort to expand its presence in renewable energy.

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KKRs Gamma Lux fund offered 8.30 a share for Greenvolt, an 11% premium on the companys closing share price on Wednesday. The green energy firms stock jumped to the offer price when trading resumed after being suspended by Portugals stock market regulator earlier on Thursday.

The investment firms bid comes amid its expansion in the renewable energy sector, with the industry becoming increasingly attractive as countries try to wean themselves off fossil fuels and stem climate change. Earlier this year, KKR agreed to invest 200 million in convertible bonds issued by Greenvolt to help finance the companys expansion.

KKR said seven of the companys main shareholders had already agreed to sell a total stake of 60.86% of Greenvolt. The firm plans to remove the company from the stock market in Lisbon if it succeeds in buying more than 90% of the companys voting rights.

Greenvolt was listed on the Lisbon stock exchange in 2021 after it was spun off from Portuguese pulp producer Altri SGPS. Since then, the company has focused on its expanding its three main businesses  biomass, wind and solar, and distributed generation  across Europe and the US.

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Lloyd named vice president of aerospace and defense at BRPH

BRPH, a nationally ranked architecture, engineering and construction firm, recently named Steven Lloyd as its new vice president of aerospace and defense.

Steven Lloyd

In this role, Lloyd will coordinate efforts among the firms architecture and engineering, construction services and mission solutions companies to provide seamless service for the firms existing aerospace and defense clients, as well as to capture new business opportunities in the fast-growing space industry along the Space Coast, around the United States and around the world.

Lloyd will work from the firms Palm Shore headquarters, and will work and collaborate with team members at BRPHs 10 U.S. offices.

We are thrilled to welcome a visionary business leader like Steven Lloyd to the BRPH team, said Brian Curtin, president and CEO of BRPH Cos. Inc. The depth and breadth of his aerospace experience, his business acumen and his passion for space will be a tremendous asset to our growing portfolio of aerospace and defense companies.

Lloyd comes to BRPH with more than 35 years of NASA, Department of Defense and aerospace experience, including spacecraft program development and operations for Artemis, the Space Shuttle, Boeing CST-100 and Sierra Nevada Corp.'s Dream Chaser.

Prior to joining BRPH, he served as chief development officer and executive vice president of All Points on Merritt Island, an engineering, technology and logistics support firm, where he led development of infrastructure and business processes for payload processing and associated capabilities in Florida and California. Prior to that, he spent 25 years serving in progressive roles at United Space Alliance at Kennedy Space Center.

The tremendous legacy and success of BRPH, coupled with the dynamic aerospace and defense environment, set the stage for unparalleled opportunities, Lloyd said. I am energized and honored to join such a great team, to be involved in helping grow and shape the future of BRPH, and to provide outstanding support and products to our customers.

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Lloyd earned a bachelors degree in engineering from the University of Central Florida. He serves on the executive board of directors for the American Space Museum and the advisory board of the UCF College of Computer Science.

As a NASA contractor, Lloyd earned two of the most prestigious awards given by the organization  the Space Flight Awareness award and the Astronauts Personal Achievement award, also known as the Silver Snoopy.

Craig Technologies gets Women's Business Enterprise certification

Craig Technologies, a nationwide engineering and technology firm that provides services to both government and commercial customers, recently announced that it was granted Women's Business Enterprise certification by the Womens Business Enterprise Council Florida, a regional partner of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council.

Carol Craig

Womens Business Enterprise National Council Certification validates that a business is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women. This means one or more women must have unrestricted control of the business, a demonstrated management of day-to-day operations, and a proportionate investment of capital or expertise. To become certified, business owners undergo a thorough vetting process, including a review of business documentation and a site visit.

Because of this thorough process, Womens Business Enterprise National Council Certification is considered the gold standard for women-owned business certification and is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations, in addition to some states, cities and other entities.

Craig Technologies is proud to be a member of such a respected organization, and is excited to build new business relationships and possibly open doors that this certification can provide, said founder and CEO Carol Craig.

The Womens Business Enterprise National Council was founded in 1997 to develop a nationwide standard for women-owned business certification. Since then, the organization has grown to become the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled and operated by women in the United States, and a leading advocate for women-owned businesses in corporate and government supply chains.

More: East Central Florida Regional Planning Council honors Family Promise of Brevard

Parrish Medicals Naik named Fellow by the Infectious Diseases Society

Dr. Nimesh H. Naik of Parrish Medical Center recently was named a Fellow by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Dr. Nimesh H. Naik

Fellowship in the Infectious Diseases Society of America is one of the highest honors in the field of infectious diseases. It recognizes distinguished physicians and scientists from the United States and around the world who have achieved professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession.

Naik is a graduate of the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia, and completed infectious disease training at Buffalo University, The State University for New York.

He currently practices at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville. His particular areas of interest are actinomycosis  a long-term (chronic) bacterial infection that commonly affects the face and neck, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis viral infections, as well as bone and joint infections.

The 219 individuals chosen to receive the FIDSA designation this year are on the front lines of discovery, patient care and public health, and we are proud to honor their work and dedication, said Dr. Carlos del Rio, FIDSA, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. These infectious disease physicians and scientists represent the passion and commitment needed to educate leaders around the globe about current and future health threats. We all benefit from their pivotal contributions to our local communities and expertise within the field of medicine. I am proud to work and learn alongside them.

Parrish Medical Center Medical Staff President Dr. Aluino L. Ochoa said: On behalf of the medical staff, our entire family of Parrish Healthcare care partners, and the patients we have the honor serve, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Naik for earning this distinguished honor. Being recognized by one's peers is indeed among the highest honors.

Applicants for an Infectious Diseases Society of America fellowship must be nominated by their peers and meet specified criteria that include continuing identification with the field of infectious diseases, national or regional recognition, and publication of their scholarly work.

Nominees are reviewed and elected by the Infectious Diseases Society of America board of directors.

Fellows of the Infectious Diseases Society of America work in many different settings, including clinical practice, teaching, research, public health and health care administration.

If you have a Business Newsmakers item you'd like to publish, please email details to Wayne T. Price at wtpkansas@yahoo.com or contact him at 321-223-0230.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: BRPH names Lloyd as vice president of aerospace and defense
Transcript:

The Inside Story: A Free Press Matters

Episode 123  December 21, 2023

Show Open:

This week on The Inside Story

Journalists jailed, missing, or worse

From Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine to the October 7 attacks in Israel

A look back at the challenges reporters faced in 2023

Plus we see how Russia weaponizes the law to silence dissent and imprison members of the media

NOW, ON The Inside Story... A Free Press Matters

The Inside Story:

JESSICA JERREAT, VOAs Press Freedom Editor:

Hi Im Jessica Jerreat, VOAs Press Freedom Editor. This week on The Inside Story: A Free Press Matters we look at some of the biggest challenges to global media in 2023  From the dangers covering conflict, to legal threats leveled at news organizations here in the U.S. and overseas.

And we hear from journalists who provide a platform for survivors of conflict, giving them a voice.

Russias invasion in Ukraine. The Israel-Hamas conflict. War has had a deep impact on journalists, with a record number killed in 2023.

VOAs Cristina Caicedo Smit spoke with two veteran correspondents about their experiences and personal loss  covering war, and what drives them to keep reporting.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT, VOA Correspondent:

The first bomb struck as Fox News reporter Benjamin Hall and his crew returned from a days reporting on Russian attacks in the city of Horenka, outside Kyiv.

Benjamin Hall, Fox News:

And a few seconds later, the second bomb landed just next to the car. Now that one, there were five of us in the car, Pierre, me, and Sasha in the backseat and two Ukrainians who were driving, and the second one blacked me out.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT:

The blast from that 2022 attack knocked Hall unconscious. A vision of his family spurred him to get out of the vehicle.

Benjamin Hall, Fox News:

My little eight-year-old daughter right in front of my eyes, came to me and said, Daddy, daddy, she said, you've got to get out of the car.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT:

Badly injured, Hall pulled himself free. He survived but his colleagues: cameraman

Pierre Zakrzewski and Oleksandra Kuvshynova, a young Ukrainian reporter assisting the team, lost their lives.

With serious burns and injuries, including the loss of a leg, Hall underwent multiple surgeries.

The experience, he says, serves to remind journalistsand audiencesof the risks media take to report the news.

Conflicts in 2023 account for most media deaths, with three killed on assignment in Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict killing more than 60 journalists to date, most Palestinian.

For local journalists, covering the effects of war is a deeply personal experience.

Arwa Damon, Journalist, INARA Founder:

And for them, it's not just a conflict. For them, it's their life, it's their family, it's their society, it's their culture, it's their cities.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT:

Damon, who covered conflict in Syria and Iraq, says journalists are also at risk of being targeted deliberately.

Arwa Damon, Journalist, INARA Founder:

Iraq was a very, very dangerous place at the time for journalists to work. And there was a price on our heads. It's very different when journalists are being deliberately targeted versus taking on the risk of just being in a war zone.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT:

For the Israel-Hamas war, groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists emphasize the need for reporters to be able to work safely. Their audiences, says Sherif Mansour, are counting on them.

Sherif Mansour, CPJs Middle East and North Africa program coordinator:

Hundreds of millions all over the world who are following this heartbreaking conflict try to understand it. And they rely on journalists in order to get timely and independent information.

CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT:

Hall and Damon agree that a free press is the main way for people to make informed decisions.

Hallwho returned to Ukraine in November and met with President Volodmyr Zelenskyy--published a book about his experience. It serves not only to tell his story but to pay tribute to colleagues and friends lost along the way.

And Damon, shaped the devastation she has witnessed, founded the charity, Inara, which provides medical and mental health services for children in war zones.

Cristina Caicedo Smit, VOA News.

JESSICA JERREAT:

Here in the U.S. our First Amendment principles of free speech were tested in 2023.

Analysts say raids, searches, and subpoenas  often directed at local media  are a sign of trouble. But local media on the front lines are fighting back.

For Liam Scott, VOAs Arash Arabasadi has this story.

ARASH ARABASADI, VOA Correspondent:

A raid on a small-town Kansas newspaper caught the worlds attention the summer of 2023. Footage captured police seizing equipment and material from the office of the Marion County Record, and the home of its elderly co-owner Joan Meyer.

The Marion city police chief was suspended and later resigned.

Analysts cite the police action as one of the most egregious press freedom violations in the U.S. in 2023.

And, says Gabe Rottman of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the case underscores the importance of press freedom.

Gabe Rottman, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press:

Its just important that law enforcement and other government officials across the country, you know, understand the role the press plays, the importance of the press as a watchdog, as a check on the government.

ARASH ARABASADI:

For the papers staff, fighting back was never in question.

Eric Meyer, Marion County Record Publisher:

Theres also a lot of people who are pretty easily intimidated, and they need to understand that they shouldnt put up with this stuff, and that there are people who will support them.

ARASH ARABASADI:

The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker keeps watch for such violations from their headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.

Kirstin McCudden U.S. Press Freedom Tracker:

Press Freedom directly affects all of us. Were all citizens, and denizens of information, and for that information to be gathered truthfully, without fear of punishment, affects all of us.

ARASH ARABASADI:

McCudden sees other alarming trends including the use of prior restraints, which act as gag orders.

The Tracker has documented at least 10 such cases including in Alabama, Missouri and North Carolina in 2023.





Kirstin McCudden, U.S. Press Freedom Tracker:

What 2023 has showed us is that journalists and journalism are still under threat in the United States.

ARASH ARABASADI:

Rottman cites the case of U.S. reporter Catherine Herridge, who could be held in contempt of court if she doesnt reveal a source for her series of investigative reports in 2017.

Gabe Rottman, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press:

That case is a stark illustration of the need for a federal shield law.

ARASH ARABASADI:



Shield laws protect journalists from being forced to disclose information, including the names of sources.

In Nevada, the states shield law helped the Las Vegas Review-Journal fight a landmark case.

In October, the states Supreme Court ruled that devices belonging to Jeff German, a Review-Journal reporter stabbed to death in 2022, are protected from an unchecked police search.

Gabe Rottman, Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press:

It is just as important to, you know, ensure that the journalists work lives on by maintaining the confidentiality of their sources.



ARASH ARABASADI:

With the U.S. heading into a presidential election year, McCudden says the Tracker will keep a close watch for threats to the First Amendment.

For Liam Scott, Arash Arabasadi, VOA News.

JESSICA JERREAT:

American journalists are also under pressure from hostile foreign governments.

Renowned Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen is now on a wanted list, accused by Moscow of spreading false information about the war. Gessen lives in the U.S. but could be at risk of extradition if they travel overseas.

And inside Russia, two American journalists remain in custody: Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Alsu Kurmasheva.

Russia detained Gershkovich in Moscow following a March 29 arrest over charges of espionage. The reporter, his media outlet, and the US deny those accusations. And the U.S. says Gershkovich is wrongfully detained.

Meanwhile, Kurmasheva is accused of not complying with the foreign agent act and spreading false news. Charges she rejects.

Heres what her husband had to say about the case:

Pavel Butorin, Director of Current Time TV:

It is no secret that reporting [on] Russia independently has become an endangered profession. But I think it's especially dangerous now for American journalists to work inside Russia. I'm convinced that Alsu's being targeted because she's an American citizen and because she is a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

JESSICA JERREAT:

She is held in a cold prison cell exactly for that reason - because she had the courage to report on what's going on inside Russia, what's going on with ethnic minorities inside Russia.

Kurmasheva works from Prague and traveled to Russia only for a family emergency. At her latest court appearance, authorities ordered her held until at least February.

According to analysts, Russia uses its legal system to retaliate against media and cast doubt on their credibility. VOAs Alexey Gorbachev explains:

ALEXEY GORBACHEV, VOA Correspondent:

Foreign agent. Undesirable. Russia uses these legal classifications regularly, but what do they mean? And why do analysts see them as a threat to civil society?

The Nobel laureate and renowned journalist Dmitry Muratov, VOA and its sister network RFE/RL, the human rights organization Memorial, jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny  and his lawyer.

These are among the dozens of individuals and organizations that Russia designates as a foreign agent.

And media outlets, think tanks and nonprofits  including the World Wildlife Fund, National Endowment for Democracy and investigative outlet Meduza  are labeled undesirable.

Russian law defines foreign agent as a person or entity who receives support and/or is under foreign influence.

And undesirable: A foreign nongovernmental organization whose activities might endanger the core of Russias constitution, defense capacity or national security.

Both laws have existed for years in Russia, but authorities are ramping up their use.

Since the foreign agent laws enactment in 2012, use of the law has spiked, with a notably large increase from 2020.

And penalties are severe.

RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva faces up to five years in prison if convicted of failing to register as a foreign agent.

Russia is not alone in having a foreign agent law. Indeed, amendments to its law came in 2017 in response to the United States ordering Kremlin-backed organization RT to register.

And Nicaragua  a country with more than 200 journalists in exile over persecution fears  enacted a foreign agent law that it quickly used to target critics of the Daniel Ortega regime.

Watchdogs and rights organizations say Russia and other hostile governments use laws around foreign agents or extremism to silence critics and stifle dissent.

Terms like foreign agent are throwbacks to Soviet-era days and try to send a message to ordinary Russians that these journalists or experts are not to be trusted.

In reality, those on the foreign agent list are behind some of the biggest investigative reports that seek to expose Kremlin corruption and its crimes and intentions in Ukraine.

Journalists like Michael Nacke and Ruslan Leviev, who reported on Russias army killing civilians and the risks posed by damage to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Or The Moscow Times, which has exposed atrocities by the Russian army and is now deemed a threat to Russian society.

JESSICA JERREAT:

Russia is one of many countries contributing to a decline in global press freedom and civil liberties.

Robin Guess spoke with Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, about how that affects democracyand media rightsworldwide.

Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur Freedom of Expression))

The threat to press freedom is probably one of the greatest threats to democracy.

Authoritarian states have always sought to censor the media. But what we now see is a backsliding in emerging democracies like India, like the Philippines.

In these countries--in the case of the Philippines, Maria Ressa is an icon of oppression of journalists, especially women journalists.

It's not a coincidence that she and Dmitri (Muratov) received the Nobel Peace Prize, because it also indicates a very important role the media play in establishing peace, security, stable societies, democratic inclusion on the other side, the threats they face.

So the justice system, the legal system is being weaponized against journalists. Women journalists within that profession are particularly vulnerable.

They are sexualized, there are serious online gender based threats, threats of rape and attack, not only of them but also their families in some cases. And that endangers them.

The objective of those who are doing that is to discredit them professionally and to drive them offline. If you are a journalist and you cannot be online, you cannot do your work.

Afghanistan is the worst case scenario. the nightmare scenario for women, where women are basically invisible. They have been wiped out, erased. Women journalists have been erased as a profession. They cannot operate safely. Their voices are not being heard.

Robin Guess, VOA Correspondent:

What are the remedies?

Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur Freedom of Expression:

Governments have to take very seriously any attacks on journalists and governments also have to take steps to protect the freedom of journalists to carry out their work, your freedom to collect information, your freedom to report on that information without being threatened. That's extremely important.

JESSICA JERREAT:

One of the regions with the steepest decline in media and civil liberties is Hong Kong. The landmark trial of pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai began this month. Henry Ridgwell in London has more

HENRY RIDGWELL, VOA Correspondent:

Jimmy Lai arrived in court Monday for a highly anticipated trial.

Facing charges under Hong Kongs national security law, the pro-democracy publisher faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Jonathan Price is part of the international legal team representing Lai and his son Sebastien on the global stage, building support in forums like the United Nations.

Jonathan Price, Doughty Street Chambers, London:

Here you have a guy, brilliantly successful commercially  a publisher, a journalist, a pro-democracy campaigner. He embodies everything that they had sought to oppress. If we dont stand up for this man who represents all of these things, we dont stand up for Hong Kong.

HENRY RIDGWELL:

But standing up for Lai comes with its own hazards. Chinese state media have launched smear attacks against Price and the international legal team.

Jonathan Price, Doughty Street Chambers, London:

Apart from being vilified in the press, we also receive a steady stream of fake, impersonating emails or we have fake and impersonating emails sent on our behalf. We have phishing emails trying to retrieve privileged information from us. And these are of such a sophisticated nature that its almost certainly not rogue cranks.

HENRY RIDGWELL:

Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, was arrested in August 2020 and the offices of his media outlet Apple Daily were raided. Authorities accuse him of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. Charges he denies.

One year later, Apple Daily announced its closure, citing the freezing of its assets and arrests of top executives. It is one of around a dozen outlets to shutter since the law came into effect.

Jonathan Price, Doughty Street Chambers London:

A major pillar of what was Hong Kongs democracy, this unbelievable institution of the free press has just gone up, it dissipated into thin air.

HENRY RIDGWELL:

Lai built a booming business empire in Hong Kong.

Following Beijings deadly 1989 crackdown on protests in Tiananmen Square, Lai dedicated his efforts to campaigning for democracy, founding Apple Daily, recalls his son Sebastien, who says the family was a constant target of pro-Beijing harassment.

Sebastien Lai, Jimmy Lais Son:

Our house was firebombed. There was once a dog that was skinned and pinned to our door. So, a lot of intimidation. When the National Security Law came down, a lot of people warned him and told him that he should leave. And he told them that he wasnt going to leave his people, he wasnt going to leave his journalists.

HENRY RIDGWELL:

Hong Kong introduced the law after mass protests in 2019. Authorities deny Lais trial is politically motivated or that the national security law is used to target critics.

Britain, Canada, the U.S. and European Union have called for Lais immediate release.

China said Lai was a major instigator of the anti-China riots in Hong Kong  and condemned what it called meddling in Hong Kong affairs.

The trial is expected to last for around 10 weeks.

Henry Ridgwell, VOA News, London.

JESSICA JERREAT:

With dozens of countries, including the U.S. headed to the polls in 2024, the medias ability to combat falsehoods is essential. VOAs Steve Karesh spoke with Brian Steltera broadcast journalist and author of the book Network of Lies, about the role of the media in an environment where false news narratives shape public perception.

Brian Stelter, Media Journalist:

The role of journalism, the function of journalists, is more vital and more interesting than ever, because in an environment where there is a lot of noise and nonsense, in an environment where it can be overwhelming, we have a great responsibility to sort through it.

It is an information environment that is chaotic that is prone to bad faith actors, where you have propagandists who are trying to control media outlets.

Most people I believe don't want to be deceived. They don't want to scroll through a social media feed, a feed that's full of BS and disinformation. They want to know whats true in the world and they want media outlets to guide them to it.

I think everybody you know, believes in some form of media. It's just the word incredibly fragmented and fractured.

They still want that kind of proverbial eyeglass they can put on to make sense of the world and get 2020 vision.

I think old line, mainstream, so called Old Fashioned news sources are going to be more in vogue, more in fashion than ever before, because at least these places are the ones trying to get to the truth at least these places have systems, standards and practices, processes for trying to get to what is true.

JESSICA JERREAT:

Among the medias roles is an ability to give a voice to marginalized groups and shine light on underreported issues. VOAs Salem Solomon spoke with a reporter who uses her journalism to help survivors of the conflict and unrest in her home country, Burkina Faso.

SALEM SOLOMON, VOA Correspondent:

Based in the bustling capital of Burkina Faso, Mariam Ouedraogo is focused on her reporting for the French daily, Sidwaya.



The Burkinabe journalist has built a career out of shedding light on oft-overlooked social issues that affect her community.

In her coverage of education, health and insecurity, she looks to how women, children and people with disabilities are affected.

Her drive: a desire to make a difference through journalism.





Mariam Ouedraogo, Burkinabe Journalist:

Its because I wanted to change things. I had this desire not to change the social order, but I was looking for a job that would allow me to have more impact, especially on social facts and the subjects surrounding us.





SALEM SOLOMON:



Its an approach that has earned the reporter national and international recognition, including a Knight Award presented in Washington in the fall.



Each award, says Ouedraogo, is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those she reports on, including survivors of conflict and rape.



Ouedraogo also broke new ground when honored with the Bayeux Calvados-Normandy Award for war correspondents. The first African woman to win that award.



Militant attacks in Ouedraogos home country are increasing. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies, a research center focusing on security, estimates that around 8,600 people will die due to extremist attacks by the end of this year, more than double the total last year.

Instability in Burkina Faso drives a lot of Ouedraogos reporting.



She says the stories collected from survivors of rape  which extremists often use as a weapon  weigh heavy.





Mariam Ouedraogo, Burkinabe Journalist:

Its unimaginable what suffering they endured ... the simple fact that she is sexually assaulted and often by several people, and in front of everyone, sometimes under the gaze of children ... its traumatic, and its another death. I call it another death.







SALEM SOLOMON:

Ouedraogo opened up about her own struggles with what is commonly known as vicarious trauma, a form of post-traumatic stress.

Mariam Ouedraogo, Burkinabe Journalist:

Its as if I was being raped in their place. And I found myself in it without understanding anything. ... But each time, I felt like I was receiving the blows. ... So thats what led me into this stress, into vicarious traumas that I carry with me until today.





SALEM SOLOMON:

Reporting can be tough in a country known for its restrictive media environment. Journalists face limitations on movement and societal taboos, especially topics like rape and sexuality.





Mariam Ouedraogo, Burkinabe Journalist:

We dont talk about it. This is why the victims remain silent. They dont like to tell stories because there is the view of society, not only are you a victim, but you will also be repudiated, and stigmatized.



SALEM SOLOMON:

Describing her process of collecting these accounts as testimony, Ouedraogo encourages more women to become journalists, saying women bring unique perspectives to marginalized communities, and emphasizing the potential of journalism to effect positive change.

Salem Solomon, VOA News.

JESSICA JERREAT:

Before we go this week, Id like to pay tribute to one of VOAs own: Charlton Doki, who died tragically in a traffic accident in Juba this month. Charlton, for years was a part of our South Sudan in Focus programming,  reporting and being a mentor to so many. His colleagues will honor his full career by carrying on that legacy.

Thats all for todays show. Stay up to date with all the latest developments at VOANews.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at VOA News. Follow me on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at JessicaJerreat. Catch up on past episodes on our free streaming service, VOA Plus.

Thank you for watching, Well see you next week on The Inside Story

####
China, the world's top processor of rare earths, banned the export of technology to extract and separate the critical materials on Thursday, the country's latest step to protect its dominance over several strategic metals.

Rare earths are a group of 17 metals used to make magnets that turn power into motion for use in electric vehicles, wind turbines and electronics.

While Western countries are trying to launch their own rare earth processing operations, the ban is expected to have the biggest impact in so-called "heavy rare earths," used in electric vehicle motors, medical devices and weaponry, where China has a virtual monopoly on refining.

"This should be a clarion call that dependence on China in any part of the value chain is not sustainable," said Nathan Picarsic, co-founder of the geopolitical consulting firm Horizon Advisory.

China's commerce ministry sought public opinion last December on the potential move to add the technology to its "Catalog of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export."

It also banned the export of production technology for rare earth metals and alloy materials as well as technology to prepare some rare earth magnets.

The catalog's stated aims include protecting national security and public interest.

China has significantly tightened rules guiding exports of several metals this year, in an escalating battle with the West over control of critical minerals.

It introduced export permits for chipmaking materials gallium and germanium in August, followed by similar requirements for several types of graphite since Dec. 1.

West struggles with rare earth technology

The move to protect its rare earth technology comes as Europe and the United States scramble to wean themselves off rare earths from China, which accounts for nearly 90% of global refined output.

China has mastered the solvent extraction process to refine the strategic minerals, which Western rare earth companies have struggled to deploy due to technical complexities and pollution concerns.

Ucore Rare Metals UCU.V said on Thursday that it had finished commissioning of a demonstration plant to test its own rare earths processing technology, which is being funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense.

"New technologies will be needed to outmaneuver the Chinese grip on these important areas," said Ucore CEO Pat Ryan.

It is not clear to what extent China's rare earths technology is being exported. Beijing has discouraged its export for years, said Constantine Karayannopoulos, former CEO of Neo Performance Materials NEO.TO, which separates rare earths in Estonia.

"This announcement just formalizes what everyone knew to be the case," Karayannopoulos said. Neo owns its own technology for rare earth separation, magnetics materials and magnet manufacturing, he added.

Currently, China separates 99.9% of global heavy rare earths, according to consultancy BMI or Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Most of the Western processing capacity being installed is for "light" rare earths, including neodymium and praseodymium or NdPr.

"Most likely, the impact of this ban will be in greater difficulty in getting heavy rare earth separation capacity online outside of China," said Daan De Jonge at BMI.

"You can have all the NdPr separated in Europe or the U.S. as you want, but if you're still relying on dysprosium from China, you're still very exposed to geopolitical shocks."
The de facto Taliban regime in Afghanistan has increased oil imports from Russia, rising from 246,000 tons in 2022 to more than 710,000 tons in the past 11 months, resulting in the expansion of oil trade to more than $300 million, according to Taliban officials.

The means by which the sanctions-burdened Taliban financial sector facilitates substantial payments from Afghanistan to Russia remains unclear.

International sanctions have limited banking transactions with Afghanistan since the Taliban took control in 2021.

The United States has granted exemptions to sanctions, primarily for humanitarian operations, on the condition that they do not benefit Taliban leaders and entities.

Last year, Taliban officials entered into a provisional agreement with Russia to import 1 million tons of gasoline, 1 million tons of diesel, and 500,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas.

"While the Taliban and Russia are under separate Western sanctions, there is nothing that restricts their ability to trade with each other outside of the U.S. and Western financial systems and jurisdictions, Kimberly Donovan, director of Economic Statecraft Initiative at the Wilson Center, told VOA.

The U.S. has not imposed sanctions on Russian oil exports, but Washington and its European allies have implemented a price cap on Russian oil sales, aiming to reduce Russia's revenues for its war in Ukraine.

The oil price cap is a mechanism to allow Russian crude oil and petroleum products to continue flowing on global markets while reducing the revenue that goes to fund Putin's war, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department State told VOA in written comments.

Russia's oil exports to Afghanistan are deemed insignificant, considering that the country's net oil revenues surpassed $11 billion only in October.

Regional trade

Under the Taliban, Afghanistan's economy experienced a 25% contraction as foreign development assistance ceased, and no growth is anticipated this year, according to the World Bank.

Despite international isolation, the Taliban has sustained robust trade relations with several countries in the region. Imports from January to October 2023, totaling more than $6.3 billion, were 25% higher than last year.

While relations between Islamabad and Kabul have recently deteriorated because of refugee expulsions and security concerns, Pakistan has remained Afghanistan's top trading partner, with Pakistans exports to its neighbor exceeding $1.37 billion this year.



In November Afghanistan's exports were valued at $227 million, with imports standing at $681 million, as reported by a Taliban official to local Tolonews TV.

Food items and coal are noted as Afghanistan's primary exports to various countries.

Coal exports reached $252 million in the past 11 months, Abdul Salaam Jawad, a spokesperson for Afghanistans Ministry of Commerce, said in a short video posted on X.

One Afghan factory, Jawad said, exported 60 tons of raisins to Russia.

Russia ambiguity

Moscow and Beijing have both maintained diplomatic and trade relations with Afghanistan, but Russia alone has hosted some anti-Taliban figures advocating for the removal of Taliban regime.

Russia's general policy toward the Taliban seems to be ambivalent, keeping all doors open, Thomas Ruttig, an expert with Afghanistan Analysts Network, wrote to VOA in an email.

Russia's relations with the Taliban are not so much about Afghanistan, or the Taliban. It is rather one element in the global competition between the U.S./the West and Russia and China."

During a meeting on Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, Russian representative Vasily Nebenzya said the Taliban prevented the collapse of the country in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.

However, the Russian diplomat expressed concerns about the risks of terrorism emanating from a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

It is clear that in order to fully eliminate the terrorists, what is being done by the Taliban is not enough while risks of spillover to Central Asia remain very real, he said.

While Nebenzya called for humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people, Russia has not contributed to a U.N.-led Afghanistan humanitarian appeal this year, which remains 60% underfunded. In contrast, the United States has contributed more than $370 million to the appeal.

Some information for this article came from Reuters.
Angolas minister of oil resources announced Thursday the west African nation has decided to leave the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC.

The Angolan news organization Angop reported Minister Diamantino de Azevedo announced the decision following a meeting of the nations Council of Ministers, led by Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

Following the announcement, Angop reports Azevedo told reporters, "We feel that at this moment Angola gains nothing by remaining in the organization and, in defense of its interests, it decided to leave.

Media reports say the action stems from a decision last month by OPEC to lower Angolas 2024 petroleum output target to 1.11 million barrels per day, an amount Angola disagreed with. The oil minister reportedly sent a note of protest in response.

Bloomberg news service quoted Angola's OPEC governor, Estevao Pedro, at the time as saying the nation was unhappy with the target and was not planning to stick to it.

Data from the CEIC economic firm indicate, as of October, Angola was averaging about 1.6 million barrels per day.

The news, at least initially, drove down the trading price of oil by about a dollar to $78.50 per barrel.

Some information for this report came from Reuters and AFP.
In a wide-ranging foreign policy speech, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke of stabilizing fractured ties with China and the transformational benefits of a nuclear-powered submarine deal with the United States.

Anthony Albanese believes Australia has become an influential middle power that is prioritizing security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Australian prime minister delivered the annual address Tuesday at the Lowy Institute, a respected Sydney-based research organization.

Albanese used his speech to repeat calls for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and to affirm Israel's right to defend itself. He told the audience that boosting ties with India and Indonesia were priorities for his left-leaning government.

Since it came to power in May 2022, Albaneses Labor administration has also sought to ease tensions with China, Australias biggest trading partner. There have been various disputes over human rights, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, the future status of Taiwan and Australian citizens detained in Beijing.

Albanese told the audience that relations with China were improving.

"We have brought the same sense of calm and consistency to the work of stabilizing our relationship with China," he said. "We are clear-eyed about the situation, mindful that for all the change the Australia and China relationship has undergone through 50 years now, we remain two nations with very different values and political systems. Ive said before that China does not see itself as a status quo power. It seeks a region and a world that is much more accommodating of its ambitions and its interests."

Albanese said the trilateral AUKUS pact between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia would transform regional security. The accord will give Australia access for the first time to nuclear-powered submarines.

Analysts say that Chinas increasing assertiveness is a key motivation behind the AUKUS agreement.

But Beijing has accused Washington, London and Canberra of a "Cold War mentality." It insisted that the alliance was embarking on a "path of error and danger."

Albanese told the Lowy Institute that the alliance would promote peace.

"The submarine technology we are securing through AUKUS will deliver Australia the single-biggest boost to our defense and deterrence capability in our history, he said. "It will transform our ability to contribute to the stability and security of the region."

Tim Harcourt, chief economist at the University of Technology Sydney, told VOA on Thursday that the Canberra government has managed to stabilize relations with China.

"I think in terms of foreign policy, the Albanese government has been quite successful, he said. It has lowered the temperature on China without giving up Australias interests, and it has worked very strongly on other allies in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with our Pacific partners. And also, he has really geed up our India relationship and relationship with countries like South Korea and Japan. So, he has been relatively successful in this part of the world."

Albanese also spoke of Australia being "part of the solution to climate change." His government has legislated a target to cut carbon emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Environmental campaigners insist, however, that the government needs to do more to ensure those targets are met.

The increasing incidence of natural disasters in Australia, including devastating flooding this month in Queensland state, has raised concerns among politicians, activists and scientists about the impacts of global warming.
Cambodia is seeking to play down concerns from Vietnam about a Chinese-funded canal project that would connect the Gulf of Thailand with inland tributaries of the Mekong River.

Jean-Francois Tain, a foreign affairs aide to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, said the premier reassured Hanoi about the planned project during an official visit December 11-12. Vietnam had raised concerns that the project would affect its use of the flow of water downstream.

Hun Manet told the Vietnamese that the project will not incur any negative impacts on the flow of the Mekong or other rivers while maintaining a stable environment, ecology and natural habitat for biodiversity, Tain told reporters on December 13. Cambodia has presented the results of a number of studies showing that there are no environmental impacts.

VOA asked the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh for comment on the project but did not receive a response.

Cambodias government approved the 180-kilometer-long Funan Techo Canal project in May. The $1.7 billion project, which is part of the Chinese government's Belt and Road Initiative, would connect the coastal province of Kep with Kandal and Takeo provinces inland.

The canal is designed to be 100 meters wide upstream and 80 meters wide downstream and have a consistent depth of 5.4 meters. It is the latest infrastructure project financed by China after the $2 billion Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway and the $1.3 billion Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway.

Cambodias total foreign debt stands at almost $10 billion, 41% of which is owed to China, according to Cambodias Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The planned canal would reduce the transit time between ports in Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh and improve the livelihoods of more than 1.6 million people living along the route, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Chea Chandara, president of the Logistics and Supply Chain Business Association in Cambodia, told The Phnom Penh Post that once completed, the canal will be an important part of enhancing our ability to export Cambodian goods. Waterway shipping is usually cheaper than land and air transport, and the amount of goods transported by waterway is also large and does not cause damage to roads or traffic congestion.

While Cambodia signed regional cooperation agreements on Mekong management with Vietnam, Laos and Thailand in 1995, Cambodian officials have argued that the Funan Techo project is exempt because it connects to Mekong tributaries only within Cambodia, and it requires only that the other countries be informed.

"In the case whereby we use the tributaries in our country, we do not have to ask for permission from the other three countries. We will just need to inform them, Sun Chanthol, former minister of public works and transport, said in June.

VOA asked the embassies of Thailand and Laos in Cambodia for comment but received no replies. So Sophort, secretary-general of the Cambodia National Mekong Committee, did not respond to a request for comment.

Phan Rim, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said a two-phase environmental impact study was completed  the first part conducted by the ministry and the second by a water transportation consultant.

According to the details of the study, the project will not cause any negative impacts on water flow, environment, ecology or saltwater intrusion in the country nor cause any transboundary impacts to neighboring countries, he told VOA Khmer on Telegram.

Phan Rim added the waterway will help balance environmental sustainability and create additional habitat for fish and other water life. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024, he said.

Kandal Provincial Governor Kong Sophorn told VOA Khmer on Monday that the project is still in the evaluation stage. The governors of Kep, Kampot and Takeo provinces did not respond to requests for comment on the canal that will traverse their jurisdictions.

Heng Kimhong, head of research and advocacy at the Cambodian Youth Network, told VOA Khmer that Cambodia should provide a transparent impact study to Vietnam and other regional stakeholders.

"Cambodia needs to reassure that there is a high possibility of preventing the flow of seawater into the freshwater tributaries in order to ensure that the freshwater ecology is not affected, he said.

Sun Narin contributed to this report.
Mezcal Tequila Cantina on Major Taylor Boulevard

WORCESTER  After nearly a decade on Major Taylor Boulevard, downtown restaurant Mezcal Tequila Cantina is moving to a new location.

Next year the restaurant will move to 11 East Central St., former home of the Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub.

The restaurant's lease at 30 Major Taylor Blvd. ends in March, Michael Covino, president of Niche Hospitality Group said on Thursday, during a meeting of the city License Commission. Niche Hospitality Group operates the Mezcal Tequila Cantina, along with the Fix Burger Bar and Bocado Tapas Wine Bar.

Bocado Tapas Wine Bar expanded its site in July when Covino purchased the 2,500 square-foot building next to the restaurant on Winter Street.

During the Licensing Commission meeting, Covino said the Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub is already undergoing "deep renovation(s)" and that Mezcal should be ready to open there by April 1.

Mezcal Tequila Cantina plans to move into the former Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub on East Central Street.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mezcal Tequila Cantina in Worcester moving to old Ninety Nine location
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo of the Philippines said in a statement Thursday that he had a "frank and candid exchange" with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and that the two sides have a "clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues."

Manalo added that China and the Philippines each noted the need to use dialogue to address issues between the two countries amid tensions in the South China Sea.

Wang said in the call with Manalo that China and the Philippines are "facing serious issues," and warned that "the Philippines must act with caution," according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.

Wang said relations between the two countries "are at a crossroads" and referred to what he said were provocations at sea by the Philippines that undermined Chinas legal rights.

China and the Philippines have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, and in recent months there have been several run-ins involving fishing boats, military ships and other vessels.

Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Students from China retained their position in 2023 as the largest group of international students in the United States. Despite a slight dip, they are still the leading country of origin for foreign students pursuing an education in the U.S.

The State Department granted more than 600,000 international student visas in fiscal 2023, which ended in September, the highest issuance since fiscal 2017. Among these, 289,526 visas were awarded to Chinese students, a decrease of 560 students compared to the previous year, according to State Department data.

In a November call with reporters about the agencys 2023 visa operations, Julie Stufft, deputy assistant secretary for visa services in the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs, said in fiscal 2024, they will be focusing on shortening wait times.

We've driven down wait times in all categories worldwide, except for one, and that category is first-time visitors, she said wait times for the 20-plus different types of visa categories, including students, are almost non-existent.

As of December 4, the current wait times for student visa applicants from China vary at U.S. consulates across China from three to eight days.

For all other countries, Stufft said wait times have gotten so low that we don't necessarily have to track.

For those who have gone through the process, like Shawn Zhan, an international student from China, the visa process is complex and a lot of paperwork, he told VOA.

And just going through all the examinations, taking TOEFL, and also physical exams as well. Took a lot of vaccines. But I will say, it's worth the trouble if you're determined to come, he said. The Test of English as a Foreign Language assesses the English language ability of a student who wants to enroll in an English-speaking university.

Zhan is in his last school year at the University of Maryland. He is graduating with a degree in economics and plans to stay in the U.S. for graduate school.

I'm going to continue in the business school program in MSBA, the Master of Science in Business Analytics, for one more year, he said.

According to the Open Doors 2023 Report on International Educational Exchange, the total number of students from China has decreased in the last three years mostly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2022-2023 school year, with 289,526 Chinese students, is the lowest number since the 2013-2014 academic year when 274,439 Chinese students attended U.S. colleges and universities. The highest enrollment number for Chinese students was 372,532 in 2019-2020.

However, this year we did see some modest increases in graduate students, non-degree, and students on [Optional Practical Training], said Mirka Martel, head of research, evaluation and learning at the Institute of International Education.

Optional Practical Training allows international students to temporarily work in a field related to their academic focus.



In an email to VOA, a State Department official said on background that they have seen a two-year rebound of all international students in the United States following the pandemic, with more than a 14% percent growth in new enrollments this past year.



The official also said the U.S. government is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining high national security standards.



Zhan said his first impression of the United States was actually pretty nice, and he had a host family who welcomed him.



It definitely helped me a lot to adapt to the language, environment, and all that.  People are so nice, he said.
Vote counting is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo after Wednesday's presidential and parliamentary elections, which have been extended into Thursday. Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi is vying for a second term amid a backdrop of instability and conflict, particularly in the eastern provinces.

Tshisekedi, first elected in 2019, faces stiff competition from a range of political opponents, including businessman Moise Katumbi, Nobel laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, and opposition leader Martin Fayulu, along with 26 other registered candidates.

Anticipating the outcome, Congolese citizens shared expectations for their future.

Alice Kilaneko, a street food vendor in Kinshasa, told VOA's French to Africa Service that she expects the next president to focus on "schools, health care, salaries of civil servants and the police." She hopes to see decreased unemployment rates so that she and fellow citizens can live "a good life" and children can "study at ease."

Fabien Mufabule, a barber and a businessman originally from Kindu, capital of eastern Maniema province, said what the country needs is a semblance of normalcy. He expects the next leader "to stabilize our country in terms of security, politics, and the economy, too."

But the elections are unfolding amid a humanitarian crisis. Escalating violence in parts of the country has driven the number of internally displaced persons to nearly 7 million, according to the International Organization for Migration.

A Gallup survey conducted this year found that millions are struggling to afford basic necessities and widespread health issues are prevalent; almost 78% struggle to afford food while 59% battle to secure shelter. The figures are worse than in most other sub-Saharan African countries, signaling a deepening crisis, Gallup reported.

Esperance Mahoro, whose entire family has been displaced due to conflict, told VOA that peace is urgently needed.

"That's what we need because here we're suffering terribly," said Mahoro, who worked as a tailor before being forced to leave her North Kivu province village in the country's east. She now lives in a camp with her child and her husband, facing daily difficulties.

"There is lack of food. We can't find it on time. We are given a small amount for three people and the food can't even last a week," she said. "Sometimes we try to figure out what to do for work, but we can't find any. If peace were to return, my life would undoubtedly change. Because I could go back to our village and do my job well."

Compounding the issue, some 48% of the population suffers from health problems, preventing them from carrying out normal activities for their age, according to Gallup. With 0.4 doctors per 1,000 people, the strained health care system is grappling to meet the overwhelming demand, the report said.

Fabien Kashama, one of the medical doctors providing care in the country, hopes for changes in the political class and peace in eastern regions after 20 years of suffering.

"A Congo under the direction of a president who responds to the needs of the population will be a better Congo, a united Congo, a prosperous Congo, a Congo that will be envied by the world because we are blessed," he said.

Others, like student Joyce Tshituala, are focused on security and education.

"One of the things I expect from the future president of the Democratic Republic of Congo is the strengthening of much more security," she said. "I would like the daily life of the Congolese to become less stressful."

Israel Bucunde Asende, a teacher originally from the province of South Kivu, said he expects the next leader to prioritize economic stability and investment in education.

"First of all, stability of the exchange rate, stabilizing the national currency," he said. "The second thing is to invest in education by paying teachers very well, because teachers have a pittance salary."

Gallup analyst Benedict Vigers, who authored the report based on this year's survey, said DRC struggles to meet the needs of its people despite a wealth of natural resources.

The country "is indeed rich in natural resources, but ... it hasn't been able to translate this wealth of natural resources into wealth for its people, who have cited many possible reasons for it," he said. "One of them is conflict, which is obviously right in the eastern part of the country. Corruption is another, and our data, as well this year, shows that 77% of people in DRC feel that corruption is widespread in the government."

Vigers told VOA English to Africa Service's Daybreak Africa radio program that more than half of Congolese adults, 55%, reported feeling unsafe walking alone in their communities at night, underlining the broader impact of armed conflicts on citizens' everyday lives, a trend persisting since 2009.

He added that researchers had to exclude certain parts of the country from the survey sample, where there has been intense fighting with rebels.

"It's worth bearing in mind that this figure of 55% of Congolese adults feeling unsafe doesn't even account for parts of the country that we couldn't survey due to insecurity," he said.

Insecurity also blocked Gallup's ability to survey 19% of the population in 2023, mainly in the eastern regions, where most of some 100 armed groups that populate DRC are active.

Although Tshisekedi's administration declared martial law, which substituted military authority over civilian rule in 2021 in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, conflict between M23 rebels, a Congolese pro-Tutsi militia, and government militias has intensified, leading to significant internal displacement.

French to Africa Service's Arzouma Kompaore, Anasthasie Tudieshe, Byobe Malenga, Zaem Neti Zaidi and English to Africa Service's James Butty contributed to the report.
High-pressure water cannons knocking out the engines of a tiny Philippine supply boat. Military-grade lasers temporarily blinding the crew of a coast guard ship. And high-seas chases that have resulted in multiple collisions.

Scenes like this have played out regularly in recent months, as China intensifies its harassment of much smaller Philippine vessels in disputed parts of the South China Sea.

The incidents leave little question about Chinas vast military edge over the Philippines. But they also reveal the Philippines has something that China does not  a better narrative  according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, and one of the public faces of Manilas new push to expose Chinas behavior.

"In terms of optics, [the Chinese] are at a disadvantage," Tarriela told VOA in an interview.

Tarriela is part of a government task force trying to counteract Chinas military advantage by weaponizing information.

Philippine officials call the effort a "transparency campaign"  an attempt to shame China by releasing pictures and videos of its harassment in near real-time, and by bringing boatloads of journalists to witness the incidents firsthand.

The initiative has attracted a wave of media attention at home. Chinese harassment is now a hot topic for TV talk shows and local politicians. The Philippines has also received more international support.

However, even Philippine officials admit they do not know if bad PR alone can deter China, which seems increasingly determined to project power in its neighborhood.

Turning point

The South China Sea territorial dispute is not new. The Philippines has long objected to Chinas sweeping claims over the strategic waterway, through which $3 trillion of trade passes each year.

The Philippines previous government, which pursued closer ties with China, played down tensions at sea.

The turning point came in February, when a Chinese coast guard ship used a laser to disrupt a Philippine resupply mission to an outpost near the Second Thomas Shoal, temporarily blinding some of the crew.

When the Philippine coast guard released video of the laser incident, a wave of local and international headlines followed, creating momentum for the transparency campaign, according to some of those involved in the effort.

Sophisticated tools

Months later, Manila not only releases videos of Chinas harassment, it searches for such content, using increasingly sophisticated tools.

Overhead, drones monitor swarms of Chinese ships in disputed areas. Underwater, cameras accompany Philippine coast guard divers as they cut what Manila describes as an illegal barrier meant to block access by Philippine fishermen.

Perhaps most importantly, the Philippine coast guard now embeds crews of Filipino journalists, including some who work for international news outlets, ensuring that the Chinese harassment plays out in front of the worlds TV cameras.

Not only has this given credibility to Philippine government messaging, it also makes lofty geopolitical principles more relatable, said Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the Philippines National Security Council.

"We want freedom of navigation. We want a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order. [But] these are complex issues that are not near the gut," Malaya told VOA in an interview at his office.

"People wont understand exactly what they mean unless we show whats really happening on the sea lanes."

Success at home, abroad

The strategy seems popular in Manila. Media personalities and politicians now routinely discuss maritime sovereignty issues. With the added attention, the Philippine coast guard will receive a budget hike for 2024, allowing it to continue its bolder approach.

International cooperation has also expanded. This year, the Philippines and the United States held their biggest joint military exercise to date. The United States and Australia recently conducted joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea, and Philippine officials say several more nations could soon join similar multilateral missions.

Ties with Japan are also growing. This week, the Philippines installed the first of four Japanese-made air surveillance radar systems to allow Manila to keep a better watch on disputed areas. Soon, the Philippines and Japan hope to reach a deal that would allow the deployment of military forces on each others soil.

Meanwhile, a growing number of countries now issue statements of concern and condemnation following each incident of Chinese harassment.

"The Chinese have noticed that, and theyre pissed off, to use the technical term," a U.S. diplomat in the region told VOA. "It just means their efforts to divide and conquer havent worked."

Deterrent effect unclear

It is not clear that China feels compelled to act less aggressively at sea, despite making some tactical modifications.

Tarriela, the Philippine coast guard spokesperson, said China has on several occasions withdrawn its so-called "maritime militia" fleet after being exposed.

He also says Chinese coast guard ships now shadow Philippine vessels from behind, rather than side-by-side, as they sometimes did before the transparency campaign began. That makes it easier for Philippine ships to maneuver, Tarriela said.

China is, however, increasing its use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers, according to Philippine officials.

After the latest water cannon incident earlier this month, China sent 11 vessels inside the Second Thomas Shoal  a possibly unprecedented provocation, according to observers.

"China is escalating," said Ray Powell, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who now works at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation.

"What remains to be seen is whether the reputational harm China is suffering will bite hard enough to convince them to seek an off-ramp, or whether they believe their current course can convince Manila to veer from its own course," Powell told VOA.

The Philippines has little choice but to continue its current strategy, in the view of Victor Andres Manhit, managing director for the Philippines at advisory firm BowerGroupAsia.

"What else can we do?" he asked. "Because the only other option is to accept China and its aggressiveness."
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Loved ones of Americans imprisoned overseas have a small reason to celebrate this holiday season. The U.S. Congress passed an annual spending measure to fund the Department of Defense, including special considerations for Americans wrongfully detained. VOAs Arash Arabasadi has the story. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam
The UN Security Council is set to meet on Thursday to discuss a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. We look at the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine as well as in Sudan. Well visit Estonias border with Russia, and North Korea threatens to use nuclear weapons.
A French appeals court on Wednesday ordered pharmaceutical firm Servier to pay more than $460 million in damages over a scandal involving a diabetes drug linked to hundreds of deaths.

The health scandal came to light in 2007 when a doctor raised the alert on heart risks linked to Mediator, a drug destined for overweight people with diabetes but that was also widely prescribed to others as an appetite-suppressant.

The drug, which may have caused up to 1,800 deaths, was later banned in France where millions of people took it.

It is also banned in the United States, Spain and Italy.

In the latest court ruling in more than a decade of legal proceedings, the Paris appeals court upheld verdicts of "aggravated fraud" and "involuntary manslaughter and injuries."

It ordered Servier to pay a $9.8 million fine and pay back more than $455 million to the national social security agency and health insurance companies, much higher damages than in an initial ruling in 2021.

Jean-Philippe Seta, former right-hand man of one of the late founders of the group, was handed a four-year sentence, including one year to be served with an electronic bracelet, and a $98,000 fine.

Charles-Joseph Oudin, one of the lawyers for the more than 7,000 civil parties in the lawsuit, was delighted.

"It's a huge victory for the victims I represent and that I have been defending since the first complaint in November 2010," he said.

Wednesday's verdict is the latest in a long legal battle.

Eight years after the scandal erupted, a French court in 2015 found Servier negligent for the first time for having left "defective" medicine on the market.

Known by its lab name as benfluorex, Mediator was initially licensed to reduce levels of fatty proteins called lipids, with the claim that it helped diabetics control their level of blood sugar.

But it also suppressed appetite, which meant it gained a secondary official use to help obese diabetics lose weight.

In the end, it was widely sold on prescription for even non-diabetics who wanted to slim down.
Rocket sirens sounded Thursday in central and southern Israel, while Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip said an Israeli airstrike killed four people in southern Gaza.

Hamas said those killed included Bassam Ghaben, the Hamas-appointed senior border official on the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing.

The Reuters news agency quoted an Israeli military spokesperson saying Israel was not familiar with the incident.

Israel opened the Kerem Shalom crossing last week, allowing aid to cross from inspection sites there directly into Gaza instead of having to go to the Rafah border crossing linking Gaza and Egypt.

The Israel Defense Forces posted maps showing rocket alarms stretching from Ashkelon, just north of the Gaza Strip, up to the Tel Aviv area.

Palestinian militants have fired barrages of rockets at Israeli territory throughout the conflict.

Israels military also said Thursday its forces had carried out attacks against 230 targets in the Gaza Strip during the past day.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, said a shutdown of telecommunications services in Gaza made it difficult to report on the situation there, and that aid agencies and first responders have warned that telecommunications blackouts jeopardize the already constrained provision of life-saving assistance.

OCHA also continued to highlight the arrival of civilians to areas in southern Gaza where shelters are already over capacity, leaving hundreds of thousands of displaced people squeezed into extremely overcrowded spaces and in dire living conditions.

In New York, the U.N. Security Council planned to again try to vote on a resolution calling for a pause in fighting to facilitate an increased flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The scheduled vote Thursday follows postponements throughout this week as diplomats work on compromise language to overcome objections that could prevent the measure from being adopted.

On December 8, the United States used its veto power as one of the five permanent members of the council to halt a previous resolution calling for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, which governs Gaza, after its fighters crossed into southern Israel on October 7. Israel said 1,200 people were killed and some 240 captives taken in the terror attack. More than 100 of the hostages remain in Gaza.

The Israeli response has killed nearly 20,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Israel says 134 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
The U.N. says Malawi is home to tens of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in Africa's Great Lakes region. However, human rights groups say some are being rounded up and moved against their will. Chimwemwe Padatha has more from Lilongwe, Malawi.
Israeli forces widened their offensive in Gaza Friday as international efforts to mediate a cease-fire continued and the humanitarian crisis in the enclave escalated.

Residents in Gaza reported heavy shelling and air strikes in parts of northern Gaza. Air strikes were also reported in Khan Younis and Rafah, in the south. Israels military ordered residents of al-Bureij and surrounding communities in central Gaza, to move south immediately, an indication of a possible ground assault in the area.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says at least 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its attack on Gaza following the October 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel that killed about 1,200 people, with about 240 people taken hostage.

Nearly 2 million Palestinians have been displaced by Israel since then. The health ministry in Gaza reports that 390 Palestinians have been killed in the last two days.

The continued Israeli offensive comes amid diplomatic attempts secure a cessation of fighting in Gaza. A U.N. Security Council vote on terms for a cease-fire and conditions for a resumption of aid deliveries drafted by the United Arab Emirates, which had been delayed since Monday, was expected to be taken Friday.

The delay was due in part because of objections from the United States over some language the U.S. could not support. A revised draft Thursday showed changes, including dropping a call for the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow in aid.

However, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Thursday evening the U.S. is ready to vote in support of the amended resolution.

It's a resolution that will bring humanitarian assistance to those in need, she said.

Other proposed changes included altering language about establishing a United Nations monitoring mechanism that would inspect aid entering Gaza to make sure it is humanitarian in nature. The new proposed text called for the U.N. secretary-general to appoint a senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator who would then establish a U.N. mechanism for speeding aid deliveries into Gaza.

Thomas-Greenfield said the changes had support from Arab nations.

The draft resolution is a very strong resolution that is fully supported by the Arab group, that provides them what they feel is needed to get humanitarian assistance on the ground, she told reporters.

A vote was expected Friday, to give other council members time to consult their capitals about the changes.

The United Nations has said that even if sufficient humanitarian supplies were permitted into Gaza, security, fuel and disrupted communications would still make it difficult to deliver the supplies. It has called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire.

Hunger rapidly rising

The anticipated aid vote will come at a critical time.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative (IPC) said in a report Thursday that hostilities, including bombardment, ground operations and besiegement of the entire population, have caused catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity.

The U.N.-backed body that monitors global hunger and issues famine warnings warned that the entire population of Gaza  more than 2 million people  was at crisis levels or worse of hunger, and that the potential for famine was on the horizon within the next six months if the current situation and restricted aid access continued.

IPC said more than 1 in 4 households faced extreme hunger and a quarter of Gazans  577,000 people  had exhausted their food supplies and faced catastrophic levels of hunger and starvation.

WFP has warned of this coming catastrophe for weeks, World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain said of the IPCs findings. Tragically, without the safe, consistent access we have been calling for, the situation is desperate, and no one in Gaza is safe from starvation.

Israel says it is cooperating in allowing aid to enter Gaza. It opened the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Sunday for aid convoys to transit. The crossing is near the three borders of Israel, Gaza Strip and Egypt. The Israel Defense Forces says it is allowing brief tactical pauses in some areas of southern Gaza for civilians to get food and water.

The war, sparked by Hamas October 7 terror attack inside Israel that killed about 1,200 people and saw some 240 others taken hostage, has led to a dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry says 20,000 Palestinians have been killed. Nearly 2 million others have been displaced.

Intense fighting

Fighting intensified between Hamas and Israel on Thursday.

Heavy Israeli bombardments were reported in northern Gaza, and warplanes struck targets in central and southern parts of the enclave. Four people were reportedly killed in southern Gaza at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, according to Hamas. Israel's military appeared to deny involvement, saying it was not familiar with the incident.

Ten weeks into the war, Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror organization, showed it still has the ability to launch rockets at the Jewish state, as sirens sounded in central Israel. The IDF posted maps showing rocket alarms stretching from Ashkelon, just north of the Gaza Strip, to the Tel Aviv area.

No casualties were reported as the countrys Iron Dome defense system intercepted the rockets.

Israels military also said Thursday that its forces had carried out attacks against 230 targets in Gaza during the past day.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that his military would continue fighting until Hamas was eliminated and its remaining hostages were free.

VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mutual of America Foundation announced the recipients of its 2023 Community Partnership Award, marking the 28th anniversary of the prestigious national competition. Six nonprofit organizations were selected for their outstanding contributions to society in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations.

Mutual of America Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Mutual of America)

"The 2023 Community Partnership Award-winning programs offer creative and effective solutions that address persistent social, emotional and physical issues affecting individuals and families in their communities across the country," said Lisa M. Loughry, Mutual of America Foundation Chair.

Sara Wiencken, Vice President of Philanthropic Relations for the Mutual of America Foundation, added, "Mutual of America is honored to recognize the achievements of these outstanding, forward-thinking nonprofits as they work in collaboration with the public and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those most in need."

2023 Award Recipients

The Thomas J. Moran Award is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program. This year's recipient, Catalyst Kitchens, is a nationwide network founded in 2011, comprising over 90 nonprofit organizations across 35 states. This collaborative network empowers individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty through comprehensive job training and social enterprise programs within the food service industry.

"Catalyst Kitchens is honored to receive this support and recognition of our collective mission from Mutual of America," said Justin Smith, Executive Director of Catalyst Kitchens. "Collaboration has always been the foundation of our work, and we are so excited for how this partnership will amplify the efforts and visibility of our amazing members nationwide."

The Frances R. Hesselbein Award is given to a partnership that is addressing social challenges in more than one community, or which demonstrates the potential to be replicated in other communities. This year's recipient, the LUCA Scholars Program, was established in 2012 by Latino U College Access (White Plains, NY), and will receive $75,000.

Story continues

Four other organizations were named honorable mention recipients for their programs, and each will receive $50,000. They are: ALSC Community Justice Worker Project (Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Anchorage, AK); Auberle Employment Institute (Auberle, McKeesport, PA); Open Door Mission Free Health and Healing Clinic (Open Door Mission, Omaha, NE); and Transforming Lives Through Housing & Economic Opportunity (Grand Avenue Economic Community Development Corp/Pathlight HOME, Orlando, FL).

In May 2024, Mutual of America Financial Group will honor these exceptional winners at a special celebration at the Company's headquarters in New York City. At that time, the Company will premiere the documentary video about the Catalyst Kitchens Network.

About the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award annually honors the outstanding contributions that nonprofit organizations from across the U.S. make to society in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations. Since 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 262 partnerships from cities and towns across the country. To watch videos of the national award-winning programs, visit the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award channel on YouTube.

About Mutual of America Financial Group

Mutual of America Financial Group is the trade name used by Mutual of America, a leading provider of retirement services and investments to employers, employees and individuals. We provide high-quality, innovative products and services at a competitive price, along with outstanding personalized service, to help our customers build and preserve assets for a financially secure future. Our mission is built upon our valuesintegrity, prudence, reliability, excellence and social responsibilitywhich have guided us since 1945 and continue to serve us and our customers well. For more information, visit mutualofamerica.com, and connect with us via LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

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The ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas has taken a "record toll" on journalists, a press freedom group said Thursday.

With at least 68 journalists killed since the war began on October 7, more journalists have been killed in the first 10 weeks of the conflict than have ever been killed in a single country over the course of an entire year, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ.

The New York-based press freedom group began tracking journalist killings in 1992.

"The Israel-Gaza war is the most dangerous situation for journalists we have ever seen, and these figures show that clearly," Sherif Mansour, CPJ's Middle East and North Africa program coordinator, said in a statement.

"The Israeli army has killed more journalists in 10 weeks than any other army or entity has in any single year. And with every journalist killed, the war becomes harder to document and to understand," Mansour added in the statement.

Palestinian reporters have borne the brunt of the violence. Of the 68 journalists killed, 61 were Palestinian, four were Israeli and three were Lebanese.

"The concentration of journalists killed in the Israel-Gaza war is unparalleled in CPJ's history and underscores how grave the situation is for press on the ground. Local Palestinian journalists continue to report from Gaza while living in fear for their lives," CPJ President Jodie Ginsberg said in a statement.

More than half of the deaths  37  took place during the first month of the war, marking the single deadliest month recorded by CPJ since 1992.

"The sheer number of journalist casualties, only months into the war, brings into sharp focus the dire need for warring parties to commit to protecting all civilians, including journalists," Ginsberg added.

The Israeli army has previously said in a statement it has "never and will never" deliberately target journalists.

The Israeli military has previously told Reuters and Agence France-Presse that it cannot guarantee the safety of their journalists working inside Gaza.

The massive toll that the war has taken on reporters risks hampering the international community's understanding of the conflict, according to Mansour.

"Hundreds of millions all over the world who are following this heartbreaking conflict try to understand it, Mansour previously told VOA. And they rely on journalists in order to get timely and independent information and commentary. And without that, we are left with a sea of dis- and misinformation that can only fuel the conflict.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately reply to VOA's email requesting comment.

Only Iraq has come close to the same level of journalist killings, in 2006, when 56 reporters were killed that year. Of the 56, CPJ confirmed that at least 48 were targeted because of their work.

CPJ on Thursday issued a list of recommendations to the Israeli government, including granting international media access to the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem on Monday filed a petition with Israel's Supreme Court asking for immediate access to Gaza for foreign media.

"Freedom of the press is a basic civil right in a democratic society. 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 said in a statement.

"The Israeli military has allowed some reporters to embed with troops in Gaza, but this does not allow access to areas where soldiers are not present," the statement continued.

The Foreign Press Association said it represents about 370 journalists from 130 media outlets.
Malawi, which already is suffering from food shortages, this week banned the import of unmilled maize from Kenya and Tanzania over concerns that the spread of maize lethal necrosis disease could wipe out the staple food.

The ministry of agriculture announced the ban in a statement that said the disease has no treatment and can cause up to 100% yield loss. The statement said maize can be imported only after it is milled, either as flour or grit.

Henry Kamkwamba, an agriculture expert with the International Food Policy Research Institute, told VOA that if the disease were introduced into the country, it would be difficult to contain.

He used the banana bunchy top virus as an example of the potential danger.

Think of how we lost all of our traditional bananas in the past and now Malawi is a net importer of bananas ... due to our lax policies in terms of imports, he said.

There are these similar concerns with maize, he said, with maize being the nations main food crop.

Kamkwamba predicted the ban would help Malawi prevent the disease from spreading.

Kenya and Tanzania have long been primary sources of maize for Malawi during periods of food shortage.

Malawi is facing shortages largely because Cyclone Freddy destroyed thousands of hectares of maize last March.

The World Food Program in Malawi and the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee estimate that 4.4 million people  around a quarter of the population  would face food shortages until March 2024.

Grace Mijiga Mhango, the president of the Grain Traders Association of Malawi, said that while she understands the severity of the impact of the maize disease, banning imports at a time of need would likely result in higher costs.

If we really don't have enough food, then we are creating another unnecessary maize [price] increase, she said.

The next alternative for maize imports is South Africa, she said.

South Africa is quite a distance, she said, and they dont have enough.  It will be expensive.

Malawis government said the ban will be temporary as it explores other preventive measures to combat the spread of maize lethal necrosis disease.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Pyongyang would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if an enemy provokes it with nuclear weapons, state media reported on Thursday.

Kim made the remark as he met with soldiers working for the military's missile bureau and congratulated them over Pyongyang's recent drill of an intercontinental ballistic missile launch, KCNA news agency said.

He said the test demonstrated the loyalty and strong stand of the armed forces and was "a clear explanation of the offensive counteraction mode and the evolution of the nuclear strategy and doctrine of the DPRK not to hesitate even a nuclear attack when the enemy provoke it with nukes," KCNA reported.

DPRK is the abbreviation for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

North Korea said this week it had tested its newest ICBM on Monday to gauge the war readiness of its nuclear forces against mounting U.S. hostility.

The top diplomats of the United States, South Korea and Japan on Wednesday issued a joint statement condemning North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches and urged Pyongyang to engage in "substantive dialogue without preconditions."

Kim said Monday's launch showed the military's high mobility and rapid attack capability, and he called for efforts to further strengthen its combat efficiency, KCNA reported.

In a separate statement, Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, condemned the United Nations Security Council for holding a meeting over the ICBM launch, saying it was an exercise of the country's right to self-defense.

"The UNSC should place heavy responsibility on the irresponsible behavior and act of the U.S. and the ROK, which have aggravated the tension on the Korean Peninsula through all sorts of military provocations all year round," she said.

ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

The United States, South Korea and Japan staged a joint air drill involving a U.S. strategic bomber near the Korean Peninsula on Wednesday, the latest U.S. strategic asset to be deployed as part of Washington's pledge with Seoul to boost defense readiness.
After blunting Ukraines counteroffensive from the summer, Russia is building up its resources for a new stage of the war over the winter, which could involve trying to extend its gains in the east and deal significant blows to the country's vital infrastructure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be hoping that relentless military pressure, combined with changing Western political dynamics and a global focus on the Israeli-Hamas war, will drain support for Ukraine in the nearly 2-year-old war and force Kyiv to yield to Moscows demands.

As far as the Russian leadership is concerned, the confrontation with the West has reached a turning point: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has failed, Russia is more confident than ever, and the cracks in Western solidarity are spreading, said Tatiana Stanovaya, senior fellow with Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, in a recent analysis.

An aid package for Ukraine has stalled in the U.S. Congress as Republicans insist on linking any more money to U.S.-Mexico border security changes opposed by Democrats. The European Union last week failed to agree on a $54 billion package in financial help that Ukraine desperately needs.

Amid these signs of fraying Western support, Russia has ramped up its pressure on Ukrainian forces on several parts of the more than 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line.

The Russian military since October has been trying to seize initiative across the front in a couple of areas, said Michael Kofman, a military expert with the Carnegie Endowment.

Ukraine's military needs to reconstitute and regenerate its combat effectiveness after a grueling five-month counteroffensive, he said.

Ukrainian forces, while motivated, are exhausted, Kofman said in a recent podcast. Theyve lost a lot of units of action. Theyve lost a lot of assault capable troops.

One area where Russia has maintained steady pressure is the northeastern city of Kupiansk, a strategically important rail hub that Moscow captured early in the war and then lost in a Ukrainian counteroffensive in September 2022. While Russian forces have failed to make any significant gains in the area, Ukraine has had to maintain a significant force to protect the city.

Starting in early October, Russian troops also have launched an offensive around Avdiivka, a town near Donetsk, the center of the region that was seized by Moscow-backed rebels in 2014 and illegally annexed by Russia in 2022 with three other Ukrainian regions.

Ukraine has built multiple defenses in Avdiivka, complete with concrete fortifications and a web of underground tunnels, allowing them to repel fierce Russian attacks. Despite massive losses, Russian troops have inched forward steadily, seeking to envelop Avdiivka and cut Ukrainian supply lines.

That battle has evolved into a gruesome grind for both parties and has been compared to the fighting for Bakhmut, the wars longest and bloodiest battle that ended with Russia capturing it in May.

The Kremlin and the Russian Defense Ministry are silent about specific plans, but some Russian war bloggers say Moscow could launch a massive offensive of its own to forge deep into Ukrainian territory.

Others warn, however, that the Russian military lacks resources for any such big push, saying that would require many more troops and weapons, exposing it to the same risks that doomed initial Russian attempts to capture Kyiv and other cities in the northeast at the start of the war.

In that botched attack, Russian armored convoys stretched along highways leading to the capital, becoming easy prey for Ukrainian drones and artillery. Such setbacks forced the Kremlin to switch to a defensive strategy along the front line.

Putin is eager to show battlefield gains as he faces reelection in March. He said last week that Russia has 617,000 fighters in Ukraine, a number that many war bloggers see as far short of the kind of massive force needed to strike deep into Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his ground forces number about 600,000.

Western observers are emphasizing the need for Ukraine to build fortified defenses like Russia has done to counter any potential big offensive by Moscow.

Ukrainians have painfully few reserves, warned Mark Galeotti, head of Mayak Intelligence consultancy and a senior associate fellow at Royal United Services Institute in London.

If Moscow manages to break through Ukraine's defensive lines, Russian forces could then really wreak havoc on lines of communication, lines of supply, rear supply bases, he said.

In that context, it does make sense to allow fortification to make up for the lack of reserves, Galeotti said in a recent podcast.

In recent months, the Russian military has reduced the use of its long-range air- and sea-launched cruise missiles in what has been widely interpreted as a sign of Moscows effort to build up stockpiles of such weapons to strike Ukraine's power grid and other key infrastructure in winter, when it is most vulnerable due to high consumption.

At the same time, Russia has stepped up attacks on Kyiv and other regions with waves of Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones, in an apparent effort to deplete Ukrainian air defenses.

Last winter, Russian relentlessly pounded Ukraines energy grid, causing long blackouts but failing to knock out the electricity network that showed a high degree of resilience. Ukrainian officials have warned, however, that this winter could be even harder due to Russian strikes.

While the West has provided air defense systems to protect Kyiv and other key areas, it could be challenging for Ukraine to cope with massive missile attacks from different directions. Ukraines allies also promised it a few dozen U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, and Ukrainian pilots are training in Romania, but its unclear when the warplanes will arrive.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said the F-16s will strengthen Ukraines air defenses but noted, There is not a silver bullet, not a single system that by itself will change fundamentally the situation on the battlefield.

We must not underestimate Russia, he said. Russias economy is on a war footing.

While the West faced problems in maintaining the tempo of weapons supplies, with military aid hitting snags in Washington and Brussels, Russia has been increasingly boosting production of missiles, tanks and other weapons. The U.S. has said that Moscow also has started getting munitions under a deal struck with North Korea in September.

The Russian military has fixed many of its weaknesses and deficiencies that plagued it early in the war, and it has developed new weapons and tactics that helped derail Ukraine's counteroffensive. A key factor that effectively paralyzed attempts by Kyiv to attack with a big, mechanized force during the campaign was the sprawling minefields and other fortifications that Russia had built in the south.

One deadly novelty that significantly strengthened Russia's military was converting Soviet-made dumb bombs into smart, gliding weapons equipped with winglets and a GPS system that allowed them to strike targets with precision far from the front.

While Ukraine held a strong edge in drones at the start of the war, Russian forces since then have matched and even overwhelmed Ukrainian troops in using short-range small drones, which are now so prolific that Moscow is even them against individual troops.

Kofman said that while Ukraine pioneered the use of drones, Russia now has more of them and has an advantage in them.

Russia will be materially advantaged in 2024 in artillery ammunition, in production of drones and likely long-range drones and cruise missiles, too, Kofman said. If the West just assumes that its a stalemate and can reduce its commitment to Ukraine, Russian advantages will compound because Russia doesnt accept the stalemate.
Muneer Ahmad Sofi, a 25-year-old salesman, received a call in September from an unknown number. The caller identified herself as an employee of Curative Survey Private Limited, a startup company on the Indian side of Kashmir.

The woman briefed Sofi about the company, saying it was involved in conducting surveys before introducing cosmetic products. She gained Sofis trust and invited him to join an online survey after creating an account on the companys official website or mobile application.

She also said that I could invest money in their company and make huge profits, Sofi told VOA. I spoke to my friends, and they replied that this could be a scam, but I told them that the company might be involved in the stock market, he said.

Sofi said he visited their office in the Karan Nagar neighborhood of Srinagar the next day, and staff showed him how to operate the mobile application.

Curative Survey Private Limited, according to Sofi, charged $60 to open an account. He said that the company paid him $75 for answering 20 questions within the next 15 days.

To make more and more money quickly I invested around $3,600 until mid-December, Sofi said. On 15 December when I tried to withdraw some money, I was shocked to see that my account details and other information were changed. I called the staff members but they didnt respond, he said, adding that he went to the office and discovered it was abandoned.

Curative Survey Private Limited, according to local media reports, turned out to be a scam worth $709.45 million. The scam is seen as a real-life version of a popular Bollywood movie in Kashmir, Phir Hera Pheri. The characters of the movie were seen facing financial difficulties. As a result, they invested in a scheme that promised double returns in 21 days. The scheme in the movie turns out to be a fraud.

Nafi Javaid, a content creator, posted an awareness video on YouTube and Facebook on December 16, claiming Curative Survey Private Limited was a big scam after conducting the research.

What made me suspicious about them was how a startup can offer such high profits when companies like Meta and Google cannot, Javaid told VOA.

Javaid checked the company's details on the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises website and found there were two companies registered with the same name. One was based in the Chennai city of Tamil Nadu in south India and the other was based in the Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir. Javaid also visited the company's official website to check details but he couldnt find the name of the owner.

I noticed that they were fooling people using a Ponzi scheme, Javaid said. I believe the names of the managing directors appearing on the government website are fake. The owners might have also used fake names on their visit to Kashmir.

The company had set up offices in the Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla and Jammu districts in the region. They also hired more than a dozen local employees for jobs like marketing and collecting offline payments.

Prior to the launch the alleged owners, who victims identified as Lakshman and Roy and believed to be residents of Chennai, had approached two local social media influencers, Idrees Mir and Yawar Wani, to lure locals to the scam on a large scale. The duo made promotional videos in which they guaranteed huge profits in return for their investment, before the launch.

Mir and Wani were approached for their comments, but their phones were switched off.

Tabasum Mir, a resident of the Iragam area of Pattan in the Baramulla district, claimed she invested more than $20,500 following a friends suggestion. Mir said that she initially hesitated but her friend showed her how much she had earned since she invested.

Despite witnessing people earning profits I did not trust non-locals but the locals who worked for them [Lakshman and Roy] showed villagers franchise documents along with a court affidavit, she said. Social media influencers also influenced our decision to invest in this scam, she added, saying almost every household in her village invested in the company, ranging from $600 to $30,000.

News reports about Curative Survey Private Limited, Tabasum Mir said, impacted the mental health of many individuals in her village.

People borrowed money from friends, relatives and even sold jewelry to invest in the company and now they are all stressed thinking about how to repay the amount, Mir said. My sister invested $2,500 in this scheme and when her in-laws found out the reality, she was sent back to us and asked to return only after recovering the amount.

Jammu and Kashmir police determined it was all a scam.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the company exhorted the common public to register on its website and become a partner in surveys it was undertaking, a police statement said. During searches incriminating materials, including electronic devices and documents, were seized, the police said, adding the registered owners of the company are being identified and being investigated.

Cyber Police Kashmir, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, asked locals as well as victims to share any kind of information related to the financial fraud.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people rushed to submit documents at the local cyber police station in Srinagar.

I have nothing left except hope, Imtiyaz Ahmad said. No one except us is to be blamed. We should not have fallen into greed.
Separatist Tuareg forces on Wednesday announced they had set up a blockade on the major roads in northern Mali, where the army has made inroads in recent weeks.

The Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP), an alliance of rebel forces, said it had decided to set up roadblocks across all roads leading to northern borders with Mauritania, Algeria and Niger.

It would cover roads leading out of the cities of Menaka, Kidal, Gao, Timbuktu and Taoudeni, the CSP statement said, and it would cover all products and all means of transport.

The mainly Tuareg rebel forces have in recent weeks lost ground to a Malian army offensive that in mid-November led to the recapture of the northeast city of Kidal.

Fighting between the separatists and government troops broke out again in August after eight years of calm, as both sides scrambled to fill the vacuum left by the withdrawal of U.N. peacekeepers.

The MINUSMA force left at the behest of Mali's military rulers in Bamako, where the colonels seized power in 2020.

It was the army's air power, including planes and drones, that helped make its recent gains against the rebel forces.

Mali's army was also backed by mercenaries from Russia's Wagner Group, according to the rebels and local elected officials, but the regime denies the presence of the controversial private security force.

There have been accusations of atrocities committed against civilians during the recent offensive by Mali's army and the Russian force, which authorities have repeatedly denied.

Getting reliable information from the vast, northern part of Mali is extremely difficult because of its inaccessibility, lack of security and the muzzling of dissident voices there.
The United States and human rights defenders Thursday renewed a call for Afghanistans ruling Taliban to allow female students to return to universities and ensure that women have access to education at all levels.

This week marks one year since the exclusively male Taliban government abruptly suspended womens attendance in public and private higher education institutions, making impoverished Afghanistan the only country in the world to officially ban girls from education from grade seven onward.

Thomas West, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, called the yearlong university education ban indefensible.

He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the crisis-hit South Asian nation needs a generation of future female doctors, engineers, business leaders, educators to grow & prosper & stand on its own feet.

For the sake of Afghanistans future and our own interests in a stable region, we must keep womens access to education at all levels at the very center of our priorities, West added.

The Taliban returned to power in August 2021 and imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, placing sweeping restrictions on Afghan womens access to education and work.

The Islamist rulers have dismissed international criticism of their policies, saying they are aligned with local culture and Islamic law.

Rina Amiri, the U.S. special envoy for Afghan women, girls, and human rights, questioned the Talibans claims Thursday and blasted de facto rulers for stripping half the country's population of their basic rights.

We must all stand firmly with the Afghan people, particularly women & girls, as they call on us to counter these policies and remember that they are not borne of Afghan culture, but of Taliban ideology, Amiri wrote on X.

Taliban Higher Education Minister Nada Mohammad Nadim told a graduation ceremony for hundreds of male students at the main university in the Afghan capital, Kabul, that his government is committed to developing and progressing education in the country.

Nadim did not elaborate or discuss matters related to female higher education, which his ministry suspended last year.

Foreigners offer suggestions for the development of Afghanistan; in reality, they do not want the country's development, the Taliban minister said in an apparent response to international criticism.

Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, a charitable organization, blamed what it called gender apartheid policies of the Taliban for directly contributing to worsening humanitarian conditions in the country, reeling from years of war and natural disasters.

The United Nations says nearly two-thirds of Afghans need food and other aid.

Excluding half the population from accessing higher education is a grave abuse of human rights, but will also debilitate Afghanistans economic future by cutting off the supply of educated professionals the country needs not just to develop and advance, but just to function, said Lauryn Oates, executive director of the organization.

This, and other discriminatory policies, are taking the country backward and causing irreparable harm, she added in the statement released in connection with the ban on female university education. It also invited Canadian and other foreign higher education institutions to open their doors to Afghan women.

Roza Otunbayeva, U.N. special envoy in the country, told a Security Council meeting Wednesday that her mission is seeking to verify reports that the Taliban are allowing girls of all ages to study at traditionally boys-only Islamic religious schools, known as madrassas.

The envoy said the United Nations is receiving "more and more anecdotal evidence" that girls can study at madrassas. "It is not entirely clear, however, what constitutes a madrassa, if there is a standardized curriculum that allows modern education subjects, and how many girls are able to study in madrassas, Otunbayeva said.

She said Taliban education authorities "continue to tell us that they are working on creating conditions to allow girls to return to school. But time is passing while a generation of girls is falling behind.

The quality of education in Afghanistan is a growing concern. The international community has rightly focused on the need to reverse the ban on girls education, but the deteriorating quality of education and access to it is affecting boys as well, Otunbayeva said.

She said the lack of progress in resolving human rights issues is a key factor behind the current impasse between the Taliban and other countries.

No nation has formally recognized the Taliban government, citing its harsh treatment of women and other human rights concerns. The U.N. has also turned down Taliban demands to allow their nominee to represent Afghanistan at the world body.

Accepting and working to uphold the international norms and standards, as set out in the U.N. treaties that Afghanistan has ratified, will continue to be a nonnegotiable condition for a seat at the United Nations, Otunbayeva told the Wednesday meeting.
The United States and Chinas top military leaders met for the first time in over a year Thursday and discussed a number of global and regional security issues, including maintaining direct lines of communication, U.S. military officials said.

This was the first meeting between U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Charles Q. Brown and General Liu Zhenli, chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Peoples Liberation Army, since Brown assumed his position in October, the statement said.

In their videoconference on Thursday, Brown and Liu "discussed the importance of working together to responsibly manage competition, avoid miscalculations, and maintain open and direct lines of communication, Navy Captain Jereal Dorsey, Joint Staff spokesman, said in the statement.

Brown also reiterated the importance of [Chinas] military engaging in substantive dialogue to reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and reaffirmed the importance of holding the bilateral Defense Policy Coordination Talks, holding Military Maritime Consultative Agreement talks, and opening lines of communication between the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the commanders of the PLA Eastern and Southern Theater Commands, Dorsey said.

Normal communication channels between the militaries of the world's two largest economies were severed by China in August 2022, when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing considers part of the mainland.

The two sides agreed to resume the contacts following President Joe Bidens summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping outside San Francisco last month.

Earlier this week NBC News, citing U.S. officials, said Xi bluntly told Biden during their summit that Beijing will reunify Taiwan with mainland China but that the timing has not yet been decided.

The sources told NBC that Xi told Biden in a group meeting attended by a dozen American and Chinese officials that Chinas preference is to take Taiwan peacefully, not by force.

The sources also told NBC that China had asked Biden to make a public statement after their meeting saying the U.S. supports Chinas goal of a peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but the White House rejected the request.

Biden had said he made positive steps in his talks with Xi.
Ukraines military said Thursday Russian forces attacked multiple regions overnight using 35 drones.

The Ukrainian air force said the countrys air defenses shot down all but one of the drones, with those actions taking place over Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv and other areas.

There were no reports of casualties or damage on the ground.

In the southern city of Nikopol, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, officials said Russian shelling killed two people.

Regional governor Serhiy Lysak said on social media that an 86-year-old man was also taken to the hospital.

Lysak said the Russian shelling damaged several homes and farm buildings.

Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters


U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin flew out to the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier Wednesday to meet with the sailors he has ordered to remain at sea to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from spilling over into a deadlier regional conflict.

Austin was in the region to press Israel to shift its bombardment of Gaza to a more limited campaign and more quickly transition to address Palestinian civilians dire humanitarian needs.

At the same time, the U.S. has been concerned that Israel will launch a similar military operation along its northern border with Lebanon to expel Hezbollah militants there, potentially opening a second front and widening the war.

At a news conference in Tel Aviv on Monday, Austin didn't say whether U.S. troops might be further extended to defend Israel if its campaign expands into Lebanon, and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant seemed to tone down recent rhetoric that a northern front was imminent, deferring to diplomatic efforts first.

Still, that leaves incredible uncertainty for the Ford and its crew, which Austin ordered to the Eastern Mediterranean to be closer to Israel the day after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7. The aircraft carriers more than 4,000 sailors and the accompanying warships were supposed to be home in early November.

Using the public address system of the Ford, which is sailing a few hundred miles off the coast of Israel, Austin thanked the sailors and their families for giving up spending the holidays together because of the mission.

Sometimes our greatest achievements are the bad things we stop from happening, Austin told the crew. In a moment of huge tension in the region, you all have been the linchpin of preventing a wider regional conflict.

The defense secretary met with a group of sailors in the Fords hangar bay to talk about the various dangers in the region that the carrier, the destroyers and the cruisers deployed along with it have been watching.

He thanked them for keeping attention on cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, and later told reporters traveling with him that if Israel transitions away from major combat operations in Gaza, it could possibly ease some of the regional tension that has kept the Ford in place.

The Ford's commanding officer, Navy Captain Rick Burgess, said one of the Ford's main contributions has been to stay close enough to Israel that it can send its aircraft in to provide support, if needed. While the Ford's fighter and surveillance aircraft are not contributing to the surveillance needs of Israel's operations in Gaza, other ships in its strike group are, Burgess said.

The Ford is one of two U.S. carrier strike groups bracketing the conflict. The other, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, has recently patrolled near the Gulf of Aden, at the mouth of the Red Sea waterway where so many commercial vessels have come under attack in recent weeks.

Iranian-backed Houthis in nearby Yemen have vowed to continue striking commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones until Israel ceases its devastating bombardment of Gaza, which has now killed more than 19,000 Palestinians.

To counter the ship attacks, Austin announced a new international maritime mission Tuesday to get countries to send their warships and other assets to the southern Red Sea, to protect the roughly 400 commercial vessels that transit the waterway daily.

Since it left Norfolk in the first week of May, the Fords fighter aircraft and surveillance planes have conducted more than 8,000 missions. The crew, Austin noted, has been moving at full speed  consuming more than 100,000 Monster energy drinks and 155,000 Red Bulls along the way.
By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House on Thursday said Nippon Steel Corp's $14.9 billion proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel Corp deserves "serious scrutiny," given the company's core role in U.S. steel production that is critical to national security.

In its first substantive statement on the deal, the White House said it viewed a strong domestic steel industry as vital to the U.S. economy and national security, and said it supported a careful review of the transaction by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard said President Joe Biden welcomed manufacturers from the across the world investing in U.S. jobs and workers.

"However, he also believes the purchase of this iconic American-owned company by a foreign entity - even one from a close ally - appears to deserve serious scrutiny in terms of its potential impact on national security and supply chain reliability," she said in a statement.

Brainard said CFIUS was set up precisely to review this type of transaction, and the Biden administration would "be ready to look carefully at the findings of any such investigation and to act if appropriate."

The strongly worded White House statement comes amid growing criticism of the proposed deal by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers and the powerful United Steelworkers (USW) union, the main union at the third largest U.S. steel company.

Nippon Steel's U.S. and Tokyo representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.S. Steel said the two companies had notified the Treasury Department on Monday that they would voluntarily file for review by CFIUS.

"We respect the CFIUS process and will work with the appropriate parties for a thorough and successful review," the company said in response to a Reuters query.

"Japan is an important ally to the United States, and NSC currently operates multiple steel facilities across the USA," it said, noting that Nippon Steel had made substantial commitments to support U.S. Steels union and non-union employees.

Story continues

"This will strengthen the American steel industry, American jobs, America's national security, and America's supply chain security," it said.

U.S. Steel's shares are trading well below the $55-per-share deal value, indicating investors anticipate that the political controversy around the deal could lead to delays.

USW President David McCall said the union shared many of the concerns expressed in Brainard's statement, including how the deal could affect the future of domestic steel production.

"U.S. Steel has made it clear, time and again, that its first and only priority is short-term financial gain for shareholders, even if this comes at the expense of workers, their communities and the nation's lasting capacity to continue meeting its manufacturing needs," he added.

Nippon said on Monday it would buy Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel for $14.9 billion in cash, prevailing over rivals such as Cleveland-Cliffs, ArcelorMittal and Nucor in an auction for the 122-year-old steelmaker.

Brainard said Biden viewed U.S. Steel as an integral part of America's "arsenal of democracy" during World War Two and believed it remained "a core component of the overall domestic steel production that is critical to our national security."

Biden, heading into an election year, has made reviving U.S. manufacturing a key pillar of his presidency, and often hails the creation of 800,000 manufacturing jobs during his term.

Brainard said Biden had also taken action to protect U.S. steel companies against unfair and market-distorting trade practices in China and other countries, while supporting union jobs across the economy.

She said the administration was doing everything it could to ensure steelworkers could compete on a level playing field by fighting unfair trade practices.

Heino Klinck, a retired U.S. Army colonel who served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia under former President Donald Trump, said calling the deal into question on national security grounds could harm the U.S.-Japan alliance.

"It's unfounded. It could make us look hypocritical at best, and at worst, xenophobic," Klinck told Reuters, adding that he did not expect Japan to ever stand in the way of surging production to aid the U.S. Navy, a key U.S. Steel customer.

"The Japanese will be offended, and I think it will serve Chinese mis- and disinformation campaigning both in Japan and regionally," he said.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Jasper Ward; editing by Rami Ayyub, Leslie Adler and Sonali Paul)
The Somali government has reported that a senior al-Shabab commander involved in the militant groups attacks in Somalia and Kenya was killed in a U.S. airstrike Sunday near the city of Jilib.

The government said the operation that led to the killing of Maalim Ayman was the result of collaboration between the Somali Armed Forces and U.S. military.

His killing is a thorn removed from the Somali people, said a statement issued Thursday by the Ministry of Information.

The U.S. military command in Africa, AFRICOM, confirmed that the strike near Jilib killed one al-Shabab militant and said there were no civilian casualties.

This is another step to defeat the terrorist group that undermines Somalias peace and development, AFRICOM said in a statement without identifying the deceased militant by name.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operational security, the statement said.

Al-Shabab has not commented on the reported killing.

Earlier this year, the U.S. State Departments Rewards for Justice program offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of Maalim Ayman or any individual who committed, attempted or conspired to commit, or aided or abetted in the commission of the January 5, 2020, terrorist attack on U.S. and Kenyan personnel at the Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya.

The U.S. accused Ayman of being responsible for preparing the Manda Bay Airfield attack, which killed a U.S. soldier and two U.S. Defense Department contractors. It wounded two other U.S. service members and a third Defense contractor.

The Manda Bay Airfield is part of a Kenyan Defense Forces military base used by U.S. armed forces to provide training and counterterrorism support to East African partners, respond to crises and protect U.S. interests in the region, according to the State Department.

The U.S. identified Ayman as the leader of Jaysh Ayman, an al-Shabab unit that conducts terrorist attacks and operations in Kenya and Somalia. Jaysh Ayman (Army of Ayman) includes foreign militants recruited by al-Shabab largely from East Africa.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the Manda Bay attack and published purported video of the groups emir, Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah, personally meeting the attackers before the operation.

The Al-Shabab video claimed the attackers included a Yemeni, an Ethiopian, a Tanzanian and Somalis.

Ayman is the second al-Shabab commander connected to the Manda Bay attack who has been killed in a U.S. strike. In March 2020, the U.S. reported an operation that it said had killed Bashir Qoorgaab, who was linked to the planning of the operation.

A U.S. airstrike in May injured the head of al-Shabab's external operations, Osman Mohamed Abdi, known as Moallim Osman.
Volunteers in Ukraine are putting together holiday gift packages for the countrys estimated 700,000 men and women serving in the military, including the tens of thousands serving on the front line. Correspondent Lesia Bakalets met with some of those volunteers in Kyiv. Camera: Evgenii Shynkar.
Merci. Photo: Corbis via Getty Images

Keep an eye out next time youre at Basement, and this time not for *** ****. No, this eye is reserved for Oscar-nominated French actress Isabelle Huppert. Huppert recently revealed to Vogue that, of all the places in New York, the one she loves is Bushwick. I love Bushwick, she said. Why? is a great follow-up question, and it turns out the answer is  the gentrification? As we say, its one of those gentrified places, she said. Its always interesting to see the part of town like this changing but still different from the rest of the city. And thats why you like it. Yes, I like it very much. Specifically, the actress loves the Persian restaurant, which makes sense because she famously has better things to do than plot diabolical Christmas dinners. Its a Persian restaurant in Bushwick. I can even give you the address. Its 25 Bogart Street. I remember because [Humphrey] Bogart  You dont find a street like this. The atmosphere is very nice. Its not noisy. Theres no music. I hate music in restaurants. And the food is just great. We hope this restaurant, Eyval, is ready to be crowded in by Actress Gays, because to them, Isabelle Huppert saying she likes a restaurant in Brooklyn is akin to a national holiday.
Slick (1977) by Barkley L. Hendricks. Art:  Barkley L. Hendricks; Courtesy of the Estate of Barkley L. Hendricks and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

Barkley L. Hendricks, who died in 2017 at the age of 71, was best known as a portraitist. His subjects stand in monochrome fields, often looking right at us as if aware that they are being seen. The backgrounds are painted in oil, the figures in acrylic. Rich and nuanced, oil takes a long time to dry and sets up differently than acrylic, which is fast, more plastic, flatter. Hendricks gets them to flow together into a single, transfiguring lake. The figures, at their ease, are filled with aristocratic charisma and poise  what we used to call cool before the word lost its meaning. Fourteen of these portraits are now on display at the Frick, where they also make a statement, standing tall next to the Whistlers and Rembrandts.

Hendrickss earliest work here, from 1969, is owned by the Studio Museum in Harlem. Lawdy Mama pictures the artists cousin with a large Afro. She stands like a Byzantine icon, surrounded in gold; the top of the painting is curved, connecting the work to the Renaissance altarpieces Hendricks admired. She is a soft-edged being, as real as she is ideal, mortal and immortal.

Hendricks had a real feel for body language. And for fashion. His figures are dressed to the nines, their outfits on proud display. Steve wears shades, black shoes, and a glorious white-on-white ensemble  drapey pants, shirt, trench coat  against a white background. Blood (Donald Formey) depicts a man in an incredible plaid jumpsuit with a dapper cap and a tambourine.

The painter was sensitive to how these cocksure representations were received. After his art was deemed slick by the conservative critic Hilton Kramer, Hendricks made Slick, a gorgeous picture of a shirtless man in a double-breasted white jacket and flared white pants. He wears a kufi cap and looks at you with seething eyes. When Kramer referred to Hendricks as brilliantly endowed, he responded with a brilliant work titled Brilliantly Endowed. That painting isnt here (cmon, Frick!), but it features the artist in a full-frontal nude pose wearing socks and glasses.

Hendricks was born in Philadelphia and went to Yale, he said, to keep my ass from going to Vietnam. He spent most of his time there in the basement with the photographers, as the painters were busy with conceptualism and hard-core abstraction. (One of his teachers was Walker Evans.) He referred to his degree as his union card to teach, which he did for decades at Connecticut College in New London, where he raised his family.

He also honed his skills at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Portraiture is a formal problem with extremely limited subject matter  usually a figure seen from one angle, in a room or outdoors, against some ground. Within these narrow confines, painting with delicate precision, Hendricks rendered a beautiful group of impeccable peacocks. The way they are different, as becomes obvious when you are at the Frick, is their race.

The subject of race was a source of anger and irritation for Hendricks. In an interview with the New York Times, he said he was tired of being described as a political artist. Anything a Black person does, he said, is put into a political category. He called such designations a white myopic approach to what I do. Of his white critics, he said, It was political in their minds. My paintings were about people that were part of my life. He added, How many white artists get asked about how their whiteness plays a part in their work?

Hendricks demanded to be considered as a whole artist. And, of course, race was a central part of his work, as it inevitably must be for someone who was not only Black but whose whole career was conducted in the shadow of an art world that did not show a lot of Black people. His 1978 group portrait Lagos Ladies (Gbemi, Bisi, Niki, Christy) makes a point about how race produces a divided self. It features four women in white just hanging out, regular people who might merely have been part of Hendrickss life. If this were shown in Lagos, it might not mean much at all. But here, it does. Here, it means a lot.
Kanye West and Jason Oppenheim. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Getty

Selling Sunset just got in bed with a former Keeping Up With the Kardashians cast member for a new crossover episode real-estate opportunity  selling Kanye Wests half-finished Malibu home, per The Wall Street Journal. The reality-show Realtor Jason Oppenheim listed Wests four-bedroom, five-bathroom empty concrete hulk for $53 million. A large figure considering the property lacks architectural finishes, an HVAC system, electricity, doors, windows, and plumbing. Thats not to say it is without its merits. Wests Malibu Dreamhouse was designed by Pritzker Prizewinning architect Tadao Ando, a Japanese minimalist known for smooth concrete structures that delicately frame light and space. Financier Richard Sachs built the home in 2013 and sold it for $75 million in 2020.

Bought by West in 2021 for $57.25 million, the property will take a huge cash infusion on top of its hefty price tag to even be habitable. It will take several million dollars for the house to be finished, Oppenheim told The Wall Street Journal on December 19. Much of the architectural integrity and the architectural value of the house exists. In September, a contractor and live-in caretaker who worked on the property sued West for more than $1 million in unpaid wages and wrongful termination, claiming the rapper forced him to work 16-hour days and sleep on the floor near open insulation. Just a regular day working for Ye.
Oh, you like podcasts? Sign up for Vultures new recommendation newsletter 1.5x Speed here. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Getty Images

You must be familiar by now: Its been a crummy year for the podcast world. Certainly the roughest since I started writing about the space almost a decade ago between the layoffs, the show cancellations, and the general feeling of armageddon hovering over the community.

No one can tell the story of what happened better than those who went through it, though. So as part of the annual Vulture Podcast Survey, in which we poll people around the podcast world on the shows they felt were the best of the year (the results of which will be out soon!), we also gave respondents the optional opportunity to talk about the year and whats ahead. In this iteration, they were asked:

1. Its been an exceptionally difficult year for the podcast world. How would you describe what happened?

2. What do you anticipate, or hope, next year is going to bring?

Quite a few respondents took the prompts as a chance to vent and meditate on what theyve experienced over the past 12 months  and the past ten years.

The responses consolidated around a few narratives that reflect different aspects of the same story (sometimes in direct contradiction with each other). Obviously, this isnt a comprehensive accounting of every response that came in; all in, that wouldve produced a document over 40,000 words long. Rather, Ive pulled snippets from across a range of responses, emphasizing repeated ideas and juxtaposing sentiments in ways that are sometimes contiguous, sometimes conflicting. Some respondents agreed to be named. Others stuck to anonymity. Taken together, I think they represent a decent snapshot of this moment in time from the ground up.

How would you describe what happened in podcasting this year?

An executive: I think 2023 for podcasting was what 2000 was for the dot-com business. A vicious and destructive but very necessary correction that helped one of the defining businesses of the last 20 years get on the right track. The tide of Hollywood people, VCs, tech companies, and drunken platforms is finally receding. Whats left is a very strong business that will start to grow again.

Martin Austwick, independent musician and audiomaker: Just a load of terrible bullshit. Terrible idiots with no sense about audio or the business of audio finally deciding to turn off the money taps for whatever reason. Lots of people lost their jobs, freelancers struggling to find work. The terrible idiots are probably doing fine. Now lots of people think that because those terrible idiots with blank checks cant make money, audio is fucked. It kinda is, but mainly because of the idiots and that resulting crisis of confidence, not because people arent listening to audio.

We have gone through a faux-recession, but media buyers and the media budgets behaved as if there was an actual recession.

A public media executive: There were two major factors: a large market correction because of minimum guarantees and acquisitions that created conditions that were not sustainable financially or in terms of audience. These behaviors are largely at the heels of for-profit companies being extractive of the medium. The second factor is that we have gone through a faux-recession, but media buyers and the media budgets behaved as if there was an actual recession.

An independent podcaster: The ongoing collapse of ad sales has demonstrated what a bad idea it was for so many podcasts to adopt web medias reliance on digital ad sales. Scale it back and sell subscriptions, and you might be surprised how possible it is for a small team to make a living podcasting! Also podcast ads are terrible and no one likes them.

Bikram Chatterji, CEO and worker-owner at Maximum Fun: My model of what happened this year is, in a weird way, something from the 2008 financial crisis. Do you remember the CEO of Citibank saying, As long as the music is playing, youve got to get up and dance? I think broadly the industry knew, throughout 2022, that the spending was out of control and that the shows werent hitting their projections. And so when the ad market wobbled and then collapsed, everyone was primed to panic  they knew that the music had stopped. My concern is that when folks are panicking they make bad choices  laying off talented people and canceling truly wonderful shows, for sure. But also embracing bad programmatic ads and pushing the virtuous cycle of Selectively chosen good podcast ads  Good engagement  Good CPMs  Ability to be selective in podcast ads in the opposite direction.

An independent publisher: It was a market-correction year. It would be too simplistic to lay all the fault with Spotify  a lot of other executives had to make their own choices on how to (over)spend money over the years  but its undeniable that they had a distending effect on the parameters of the industry, and the fact that Ive had to text friends at Spotify THREE times this year to check on them after layoffs is a good reminder that they never had and still dont have any master plan on how podcasts will really fit into their business. So now everyone else is left to pick up the pieces.

Christine Laskowski, creator and host of T&J: Lukas Matsson is real, yall.

An executive: Yes, many people made too much content for too few listeners in the Great Podcast Boom. But thats not the whole story: I believe during the pandemic and after, ad clients discovered that Americans were going to shop anyway, every day, all year round, and they decided that they didnt need to spend as much on marketing and advertising. Im confident that when advertisers rediscover the power and loyalty of consumers who listen deeply, well see the rut end  and swiftly.

John Asante, an independent showrunner and producer: It feels like a lot of folks at the top of these big companies dont really have a sense of what podcast listeners really want to hear. (Dont you think it would help if they, you know, listened to the people who make them? Maybe put out more listener surveys?) A lot of big podcast players who invested tons of money in celebrities and influencers didnt seem to get the ROI or downloads they predicted.

Jason Stewart, co-host of How Long Gone: 2023 was likely a challenging year for the podcast world because it was for every other form of media, too. Film, TV, music, radio, and even fine art have all enjoyed decades of endless budgets and success, and now that anyone can succeed without the system, the system has lost much of its power. Podcasting was unique because it never had a plan. Now that it does, people realize, yet again, that the type of people who typically build these systems are lame and probably getting paid way too much money, so they all get laid off. Just like every other form of media, the only people left with a job are the talent, the ad sellers, and the media who report on them being fired.

An editor: I have no clue what happened this year. I just want chicken Alfredo and health care, honey.

What this year really showed was that podcasting was always built for modest, sustainable growth. Which is fine! Preferable, even.

A host: My based-on-vibes assessment is that any idiot can run a successful media company during boom years and it takes actual skill to navigate the down years. And a lot of people who were running podcast companies arent business geniuses nor do they have a particularly innovative vision  they just jumped on a trend early enough to make a lot of money fast. And now we know which emperors have no clothes.

An independent podcaster: I keep seeing podcasts with three, four, even five producers, and I just dont understand how that financially makes sense.

An agent: This is a matter of bad management more than issues with business fundamentals. People who actually understand what a podcast costs to produce and the mechanics of building/scaling teams saw this one coming from miles away. If those experts had been allowed to be more proximate to money-making decisions, you wouldnt have this all out panic as companies work to de-risk.

An independent producer: I think a bunch of really confident talkers with no authentic vision or originality (a.k.a. non-audio business people/executives) were given the keys to the castle, ignored all the original caretakers of the castle, and then were the only people surprised when the castles plumbing stopped working and the whole place started to smell like shit.

Julie Carli, an audio journalist: Ive called 2023 The Year of the Butthole because its all shit. Boom-time money dried up and distributors got scared. Thats resulted in brutal, successive lay-offs and a preference for always-on shows.

A producer: For the audio creators who are lucky enough to still have a job, all this means producing creatively unfulfilling shows and being a hostage to your employer as there are no real alternative job prospects. On top of this, inexperienced executives  both in the craft of audio and general management  are enforcing ever more draconian production schedules and management practices that can lead to journalistically dubious choices and burnout.

John Shields, director of podcasts at The Economist: Im less gloomy than most. While it has been brutal for those affected by job losses, I think weve mostly seen an inevitable correction after the unsustainable exuberance of previous years. A lot of this was fueled by factors outside our still (relatively) small industry like zero-rate interest and COVID stimulus. I think the secular trends are all still very encouraging and, as with previous market corrections, the industry will ultimately come out bigger and stronger.

Ian Wheeler, publisher at Talkhouse: Weve had an absolutely amazing year. The industry is coming down from a really overheated period of spending (on the platform/large-studio side) where some guys in suits thought it was smart to give every TikTok influencer a massive minimum guarantee to make a podcast. This has really screwed things up for said studios, but also all of the many wonderful people who work (or worked) at those places. Those places arent buying shows anywhere near the clip they were. The independent community, however  especially those that dont rely solely on major entities for ad sales or to buy their shows  feels like its in a pretty decent spot. Many of us are also affected by the buyers nervousness, for sure. But being independent, pretty well diversified, and low overhead seems like the best position to be in at the moment.

Jody Avirgan, owner of Roulette Productions: A lot of foolish ideas about what kind of money and scale were possible got proven wrong. Thats obvious. But one of the real corrosive results is that a narrative set in about podcasting: That it had gone bust. When, in fact, what this year really showed was that podcasting was always built  and still is  for modest, sustainable growth. Which is fine! Preferable, even. I hope the folks who are in charge of telling this industrys story (namely sales folks, investors, and people with some version of SVP next to their name) can frame that new narrative. Were counting on you.

What do you anticipate, or hope, next year is going to bring?

An independent publisher: I do think 2024 will be a bounce-back/rebuilding year. Indications Ive heard on advertising spend, both in general in media and specifically on podcasts, is that things are gearing back up.

A host: This year is going to be difficult. I dont think the lay-offs or show cancellations are over. And I find the idea that with the dumb money gone well see fewer celebrity shows or true-crime shows to be wishful thinking. If podcasting ever has a golden age, I hope it hasnt happened yet.

An executive: Were going to see ad dollars start to recover as we finally do hit bottom, remember the value proposition here (that $18 billion of terrestrial radio advertising), and start climbing back up. What I hope for next year is that we see new breakout shows. The most troubling trend right now is shows before 2019 only getting bigger, and shows launched this year getting smaller.

Jo Piazza, host of Under the Influence and the upcoming Sicilian Inheritance: I think the next year will continue to be a real struggle for hosts and producers who want to create quality shows. We are seeing a massive constriction in how many quality shows are being financed and produced with larger media companies, and it is truly eroding the caliber of the shows being released.

A producer: More top podcasts of the year will be sponsored content. More people will go the Patreon route. That money will become as scarce as the ad money is now. People will try to get into film. The film world is also struggling. The rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer. I personally am hoping to go the rich-spouse route.

I think as the podcast platforms become more extractive and unpredictable (hi, Spotify!), YouTube becomes more alluring.

A narrative producer: Hahah we are all fucked. Hard to imagine anyone having a good year. Frankly, I dont think we can make certain types of work without institutional funding and until those institutions reinvest or get their shit together, we are not going to have a lot of the excellent audio journalism we have come to know and love over the last decade.

Avery Trufelman, creator of Articles of Interest: I think  I hope  more people will try to go indie. Its not the easiest way, but its so worth it.

Maya Lin Sugarman, host and executive producer of Magnificent Jerk: As terrible as this year has been, I also get this sense that its awakening new ways of thinking in podcast creators when it comes to their relationship to funding. As the doors have started to close on companies investing in podcasting  theres also this sense of an indie uprising? At least, thats what I hope next year could bring. There are so many creators with amazing ideas, and I think many have lost patience waiting for permission to make the things they want to make.

An independent podcaster: I wouldnt recommend anyone start a podcast unless theyre doing at least part of the producing and editing themselves  its not ideal, but its the best way to make it all work and keep your show sustainable.

John Asante, an independent showrunner and producer: I feel like more production companies and networks are going to rely on freelancers and contractors to make their shows. They dont need to pay them benefits like they would full-time employees and can pay them varying rates based on their income. My sense of this is that this could be a continuing trend, at least until more production companies and networks either get more funding or new players come in to fill the gaps in the industry.

An independent producer: Im hopeful that were going to see a collectively owned podcast company launch in 2024. Ive heard some rumblings about it from different people, and I think that after the chaotic boom and bust weve experienced over the last decade, people are exploring new ways of building a sustainable business. I am very invested in an anti-corporate version of the podcast future.

An executive producer: A friend mentioned that the end of our industrys boom period would lead to more play. We can weather this storm through a foundation of community reliance, similar to the independent art economy. I hope that more studios will structure themselves less like app startups, and more like independent record labels and co-ops.

Benjamin Riskin, producer and founder of Room Tone: Sorry, this is a bit like when Time magazine declared Me the Person of the Year, but I think itll be a big year for people who can make the things they are pitching. Reporters and producers that cut tape, engineers, writers, etc. These are people that have the most flexibility to get a project off the ground, the best chance at connecting with listeners authentically, and the most to gain from doing so.

Alison MacAdam, freelance story editor: Im hopeful that narrative audio journalism can establish itself in the world of podcasting as a different animal from chatcasts, interview shows, and true crime. Its not like  to use a TV analogy  The View and Chernobyl and PBS documentaries all get held to the same standards or face the same revenue expectations. The podcast industry as whole needs to carve new, more specific channels for different kinds of podcasts, channels that honor each type of shows unique value.

Eric Silver, head of creative and co-founder at Multitude: Although it made me want to pull my hair out hearing media executives who scoffed at chit-chat shows now declaring that making those shows is their Big Pivot, I am happy podcasting will stabilize itself around something Ive loved and thrived with for the better part of a decade.

A host: I think as the podcast platforms become more extractive and unpredictable (hi, Spotify!), YouTube becomes more alluring. And theres so much audience there. But it also costs something real in terms of the ability to manipulate and create great audio and experiences. I couldnt do what I am now doing there at a quality level Id find acceptable. But does that mean Im leaving a ton of audience on the table? Its a hard question, I think.

An executive producer: If there is any upside at all, I might hope that there would be a winnowing and pruning of the universe of shows. Right now, its just so crowded. I love the democracy of the medium, and I love people making things  but the podcast charts look like true-crime franchises in a 50-car pile up with the celebrity book section.

Erin Ryan, host of Hysteria: Id like to see a continued backlash against true crime podcasts that are nakedly exploitative of the death and suffering of strangers. Im going to copyright my death in advance so that in case Im ever murdered horribly, nobody is allowed to sell BetterHelp ads against a description of how my blood was splattered across my nightstand.

An independent creator: I hope that well start to see some normalizing of spending after the rollercoaster of the last few years, where money poured in and then dried up. In the eight years Ive been making fiction, Ive seen trends come and go, and I think its finally time we really establish what a sustainable audio-fiction industry looks like.

Helen Zaltzman, creator of The Allusionist: To me, it feels like a return to the vibes of podcasting in 2013  the audience was growing and some shows were really successful, but because there wasnt all the corporate money yet, there wasnt much point to making a podcast except for making a podcast.

An executive: I hope we can stop telling the same stories over and over again about the industry. The story that Serial started it all (was never true) and that Spotify overpaid for Gimlet (sure, maybe, but where they really threw money into a fire pit was elsewhere  hello, every single celebrity deal they did, not just the big ones we know about like Megan and Harry and the Obamas, because there are countless others). I also hope we can break the cycle of telling the same stories over and over again in our podcasts. Now that the bright lights of capital are dimmed, lets inject some new ideas into the system.

Erica Heilman, creator of Rumble Strip: I have conflicted feelings about the podcasting industry. The rapid influx of money yielded some awesome new podcasts, but it also buried podcastings origin story. In the beginning, podcasters were making shit just because we could. Suddenly, digital technology had made it possible to make and share our own work without the approval of a station or programming manager. Since no one had much to gain or lose, the emphasis was on play, and the only reason to do it was for love. There were a lot of terrible podcasts, but at least they were all surprising. So after the awful collapse of this industry, I hope people decide to just make stuff anyway. People hate it when I say that. They say, Well, I need to make a living. And I mean, of course. I dont have any smart answers for that, or useful ones. At the moment, this industry is imploding. There arent a lot of jobs, and we need to figure out how to proceed together. But in the meantime, I hope you just make stuff anyway. Because theres nobody on the planet who can make a podcast exactly like you would.
AB Novaturas

Novaturas is the first major tour operator in the Baltic States to offer customers the option of selecting hotels based on sustainability labeling. In addition to location, room type, and other amenities, customers can now choose accommodations that operate responsibly and focus on managing social and environmental impacts. These hotels are marked with the Sustainable choice label on the company's renewed website. Currently, these hotels already make up over a third of the company's total offerings in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and the selection is set to expand even further.

Growing demand for sustainable hotels

Novaturas has relied on a third-party certification and labeling system to select accommodation that operates responsibly. This means that Sustainable choice hotels have a sustainability label recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Our goal is to offer travellers the opportunity to select hotels that prioritize nature conservation, waste reduction, community support and cultural heritage preservation. These seemingly small steps mark the start of a journey towards creating a sustainable environment that benefits the hotel and its surroundings. Although these may seem like small steps, they are the beginning of the story and help to create wealth in the environment in which the hotel operates. We hope that this innovation will contribute to our strategic goal of increasing travel sustainability by empowering customers to make informed choices, says Audrone Alijosiute-Paulauskiene, Head of Sustainability at Novaturas Group.

These hotels, which aim to reduce their environmental and social footprint, already account for over 30% of the tour operators hotel offering at group level. In the 20232024 winter and 2024 summer seasons, the company offers a range of more than 950 sustainable accommodation options.

A survey conducted by Euromonitor International earlier this year found that nearly 80% of travellers would pay a 10% premium for more sustainable travel. This indicates that an increasing number of travellers are environmentally conscious and actively seeking ways to travel sustainably. Our own experience confirms this trend, as we have observed a growing interest in sustainable travel., says Ms Alijosiute-Paulauskiene.

Story continues

The sustainability expert points out that all winter and next summer destinations of the company include environmentally friendly hotels, and the range is constantly being updated. The largest share of sustainable hotels currently offered in winter destinations are in Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Indonesia (Bali), and in next summer season offer  Indonesia (Bali), Portugal, Spain resorts.

Tourism is inseparable from sustainability

According to Ms Alijosiute-Paulauskiene, more sustainable travel is a conscious and responsible way of exploring new places, firstly by becoming more aware of the ways in which environmental impacts can be reduced, and also by taking the initiative to do so. While sustainable tourism is not a new concept, there is currently a growing interest in sustainable hotels and other responsible travel options. It is important to note that environmentally friendly behaviour encompasses more than just addressing climate change; it also involves considering our relationship with nature, local communities, and their quality of life.

Sustainability changes in tourism are becoming more apparent, although not yet universal. In the future, we can expect to see more alternative modes of travel, as well as the development of sustainable aviation fuels and electric airplanes. Additionally, many hotels are now implementing sustainability changes and seeking credible sustainability labels. Significant changes take time and require cooperation between travellers and travel programme designers., says the expert.

Earlier this year, Novaturas Group presented its strategy for 20232025, with sustainable travel as one of its focus areas. In addition to sustainable hotels, the company aims to reduce the impact of its operations on climate change and expand its cooperation with partners who are committed to sustainable goals. There will also be the focus on educating travellers about more sustainable travel choices.

For more information on how to find a sustainable hotel on the website of the company, click here: https://www.novaturas.lt/tvaraus-pasirinkimo-viesbuciai

Also, information about the selection of Sustainable choice hotels will be provided by the agencies which are partners of Novaturas.

About the company

Novaturas Group is the largest and the only charter flights local tour operator in the Baltic States, offering summer and winter trips to more than 30 destinations worldwide and more than 100 tours. In 2022, Novaturas Group recorded revenues of EUR 197 million and served 267 000 passengers in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Vygantas Reifonas,

AB Novaturas, CFO

+370 687 21603




Fist bump. Photo: Saturday Night Live via YouTube

Update January 3, 2024: Solidarity forever! Fox has listened to the WGA and will be airing the Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series award during the Primetime Emmys. The WGA, Fox, and the Television Academy issued a joint statement announcing the 26th category for the 75th Emmy Awards.

Original story follows.

The WGA has found a new challenger, and hopefully this one shall be vanquished soon as well. The organization released a petition  signed by hundreds of writers in solidarity with the nominees  on December 19 demanding that the 75th Emmy Awards air the Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special categories during their main broadcast. The categorys removal was announced in November, according to Deadline, with it being replaced by Variety Special (Live). Previously, Writing for a Variety Series/Special alternated with each other to be broadcast on prime time. Writing is the bedrock of variety programming, and it is unthinkable that the Television Academy would choose to sideline our contribution to the genre only months after writers spent 148 days on strike to receive the recognition we deserve for the work we help create, reads the petition, which was signed by hundreds of writers.

The same day as the petition, the WGA also released a letter signed by a select group of 14 writers eligible in the Variety category, including Michael Che and Colin Jost, Jimmy Fallon, Amber Ruffin, and John Oliver. Our programs could not exist without the tremendous work of our writers  as proven by the writers strike that shut down late night television for 148 days, the letter states. The Academys decision devalues their work, and our series, by sidelining writers from being honored during the Emmys main telecast.

The category is currently set to air as part of the Creative Arts Emmys on January 6 and 7. The Primetime Emmys, meanwhile, will air on January 15 hosted by Anthony Anderson. Next year? Who knows, seeing as most of the potential hosts just signed a letter about how mad they are at the Emmys.
FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed Opec logo in this illustration picture

FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed Opec logo in this illustration picture

By Nicole Jao

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices settled lower on Thursday after Angola said it would exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), raising questions about the producer group's efforts to support prices by limiting global supplies.

Brent crude futures settled down 31 cents at $79.39 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 33 cents to $73.89 a barrel.

Earlier in the session, both benchmarks were down by more than $1 after Angola said it was planning to leave the group.

Angolan oil minister Diamantino Azevedo said the country's membership in OPEC was not serving its interests. The Saudi-led producer group in recent months has been rallying support to deepen output cuts and boost oil prices.

"It seems like OPEC is losing the battle to keep prices higher," said Matt Smith of shipping tracking firm Kpler, noting that non-OPEC producers like the U.S. have stepped up to fill the supply gap.

Angola produces around 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd), compared with 28 million bpd for the whole group.

The country's exit raises questions about the cohesion and direction of OPEC, even though it is one of the smallest producers and its departure may have a limited impact on global supplies, Smith said.

At a meeting in November, Angola had protested a decision by OPEC to cut its production quota for 2024 to help prop up oil prices.

Separately, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said U.S. crude output rose to a record 13.3 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, up from the previous all-time high of 13.2 million barrels per day.

"The U.S. is poised to increase production in the Permian Basin and across the country," said Tim Snyder, economist at Matador Economics in Dallas.

"We've mitigated price risk here in the U.S. and really put the Russians and the Saudis back on their heels," Snyder said.

Recent attacks carried out in support of Palestinians by Yemeni Houthi militant group on vessels headed towards Israeli ports have forced major maritime carriers to steer clear of the Red Sea, causing global trade disruptions.

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"With such a heavy load of U.S. crude reported in increased measure, one can only assume that the market remains edgy in regard to supply diversion or even hiatus caused by the Houthi attacks on shipping," PVM analyst John Evans said.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified on Thursday amid truce talks.

(Reporting by Nicole Jao in New York; Additional reporting by Robert Harvey, Ahmad Ghaddar, Yuka Obayashi and Sudarshan Varadhan; Editing by Paul Simao, David Gregorio and Aurora Ellis)
Italy lures international luxury hotels to Rome.

Rome is second only to London for attracting the world's top luxury hotel brands in 2023, according to a new report by Luxury Travel Intelligence.

The LTI rankings put Rome ahead of other key destinations including New York, Qatar, Sydney, Singapore, Tokyo and all other European capitals "in terms of attractiveness and present and future tourist vision", the city said in a statement.

The arrival of leading luxury hotel companies in Rome was hailed by mayor Roberto Gualtieri as "an important recognition" and proof that the capital "has become attractive again".

Gualtieri underlined the record numbers of tourists, sold-out concerts, major sporting events and "the growth of international investments at levels not seen for years" as factors in boosting the city's attractiveness to the luxury hotel market.

I migliori hotel di lusso scelgono #Roma: il rilancio turistico convince gli investitori. Nel 2023 i grandi marchi hanno scelto Roma per lapertura di nuove strutture. Nella classifica di Luxury Travel Intelligence la Capitale e seconda solo a Londra.



https://t.co/EhJ0XqASzv pic.twitter.com/Lw8M3T8ve3  Roma (@Roma) December 21, 2023

Describing it as a "rapidly expanding sector", the city's tourism councillor Alessandro Onorato also stressed the importance of Rome's role as host to major cultural and sporting events in luring big international hotel brands.

Onorato said the LTI ranking demonstrates the "climate of renewed confidence in the present and future prospects" of the capital, noting the recent opening of top hotels in Rome including Bulgari and Six Senses.

"Between now and 2024 we will see a rapid increase in the 5 star and 5 star luxury sector", Onorato said, predicting an "estimated growth of 30 per cent in the next three years".

Figures released by the local hotel industry last week showed that Rome hotels are expecting a 30 per cent increase in arrivals this Christmas, compared to last year, with bookings for New Year in Rome set to be up 20 per cent.
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Parallel Systems gave a public demonstration of how its rail vehicles couple together. (Photo: Parallel Systems)

Autonomous rail vehicle company Parallel Systems says it has publicly demonstrated how its rail vehicles connect with each other via bumper to bumper at its test track in Southern California.

This connection is the one of the first steps toward putting multiple rail vehicles together and creating platoons of up to 50 rail vehicles. Each rail vehicle functions like a rail car: A container sits on two robotlike vehicles with train wheels. Parallel Systems has said the technology would enable rail to compete with trucks.

Instead of coupling rail cars with each other and connecting their air brake lines, the bumpers of each vehicle maintain contact via controlling tractive effort, according to the Los Angeles-based company. There is a small air gap between the containers, and the pushing action through the rail vehicle bumpers reduces the average aerodynamic drag of the platoon.

Our platoon testing began in October 2023, and the performance has been consistent with our modeling and simulations, which is exciting right out of the gate, Parallel Systems co-founder and CEO Matt Soule said in a Wednesday news release. FreightWaves reported in September that the company would be conducting test runs this fall.

The vehicles have remained connected according to plan, allowing us to plan expanded platoon testing with increased speeds, greater number of vehicles, and braking, Soule said.

Individual rail vehicles will have the ability to separate from the platoon, and those rail vehicles can bypass classification yards and independently proceed to varied destinations, according to Parallel Systems, or they may split from the platoon in order to keep rail crossings clear. As a result of this technology, railroads may also be able to reduce their reliance on classification yards or even eliminate them and repurpose the land, the company said.

Each rail vehicle will have self-contained brake systems and so they do not need connecting air lines, the company said.

Story continues

Introducing platooning will help the rail industry address a range of critical challenges, including sorting and routing freight more quickly and keeping railroad crossings open for roadway and pedestrian traffic, Soule said.

Earlier this month, Parallel Systems said it was working with Australian company and rail freight network manager Arc Infrastructure to develop a working prototype of an autonomous rail container wagon. The technology would be used for future container transportation in Perth, Australia.

And in August, FreightWaves reported that two subsidiaries of short-line operator Genesee & Wyoming were seeking a permit from the Federal Railroad Administration to test Parallel Systems technology on portions of track in Georgia.

Subscribe to FreightWaves e-newsletters and get the latest insights on freight right in your inbox.

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Joanna Marsh.

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The post Parallel Systems tests autonomous rail vehicle technology appeared first on FreightWaves.
Washington: A South Pacific island central to Australias regional stability has urged the Albanese government to support its quest for independence as China ramps up its influence in the area.

In an interview with this masthead, the president of Bougainville  an autonomous region that forms part of Papua New Guinea  has called for Australia to help its push for self-determination, in line with the longstanding will of its citizens.

Ishmael Toroama, the president of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, during a recent visit to Washington. Credit: Leigh Vogel

This is about the peoples wishes for independence. We need progress, Ishmael Toroama, the president of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, said during a recent visit to Washington to meet members of Congress and the Biden administration.

The push comes four years after an independence referendum was supported by almost 98 per cent of Bougainvilleans, and amid global concerns about Chinas encroachment on Pacific nations such as the neighbouring Solomon Islands, which recently signed a security pact with Beijing that sent shockwaves through the White House.
On 14 December 2023, the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) held an official closing event to mark the successful conclusion of its support in Uzbekistan.

The Customs Committee became a full-fledged beneficiary of the GTFP in 2021, and within 2.5 years, the programmes activities have benefitted 305 officials, contributing to Uzbekistans capacity building efforts for a comprehensive Customs reform.

As a result of the GTFP assistance, the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan developed and implemented its first Customs-specific strategic plan and significantly enhanced its compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement by increasing its risk management effectivity, streamlining data input through the Single Window, and introducing post clearance audit.

The closing event also served as an opportunity for the Customs Committee to present the official overall results of the first Time Release Study conducted in Uzbekistan with the collaborative support of the GTFP and the World Bank, establishing the average clearance time for import via road transport at 3d 1hr 17min, for import via railway at 3d 12 hours, for export via road transport: 17hr 5min, and for export via railway at 2d 16hr 7min.

On this occasion, the National Programme Steering Committee (NPSC) convened, reviewed the programme results, and officially concluded the project in the country. The meeting was held with the participation of the Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Head of Cooperation of the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan, and members of the NPSC representing public agencies and the private sector.

During the NPSC meeting, the Customs Committee representatives shared the impact of its reform initiatives resulting from GTFP capacity-building activities and recommendations, highlighting enhanced connectivity and transparency in its trade processes owing to the major automation efforts, significantly reducing Customs processing time.

The commendable efforts by the Customs Committee, reflecting its progress in the last two years, are also evident in a number of international performance indicators, with a 19% increase in the OECD Trade Facilitation Indicator and a 23% improvement in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index.

The successful conclusion of the GTFP in Uzbekistan stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved, paving the way for enhanced trade facilitation and efficiency in the country's Customs procedures.

For more information on the GTFP, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.
Ideally, your overall portfolio should beat the market average. But in any portfolio, there will be mixed results between individual stocks. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd (KLSE:PETRONM), since the last five years saw the share price fall 26%.

It's worthwhile assessing if the company's economics have been moving in lockstep with these underwhelming shareholder returns, or if there is some disparity between the two. So let's do just that.

View our latest analysis for Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

During five years of share price growth, Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd moved from a loss to profitability. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time.

The steady dividend doesn't really explain why the share price is down. It's not immediately clear to us why the stock price is down but further research might provide some answers.

You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

KLSE:PETRONM Earnings and Revenue Growth December 21st 2023

We know that Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd has improved its bottom line over the last three years, but what does the future have in store? This free interactive report on Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd's balance sheet strength is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd the TSR over the last 5 years was -14%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

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A Different Perspective

It's good to see that Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 11% in the last twelve months. And that does include the dividend. Notably the five-year annualised TSR loss of 3% per year compares very unfavourably with the recent share price performance. We generally put more weight on the long term performance over the short term, but the recent improvement could hint at a (positive) inflection point within the business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd you should know about.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of companies that have proven they can grow earnings.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
As Port Canaveral enters one of its busiest periods of the year, its cruise passengers face traffic and parking issues that the port is aiming to solve.

Port Canaveral expects 56,000 or more passengers  that's more people than live in Titusville  to get on or off cruise ships on some days during the holiday travel period. Ships sailing from Port Canaveral typically will be operating at more than 100% of their double-occupancy capacity during the holiday period, with many cabins occupied by families of three or more.

Six cruise ships will be in port on Dec. 22, 23 and 30. Five will be in port on Jan. 2, 5 and 6.

Exacerbating the situation this winter is the construction underway on the port's north side  a $68.16 million project to build new parking garages near Cruise Terminals 6 and 10 to help ease the parking crunch. An eight-level, 1,940-space garage is being built near Terminal 6, and a six-level, 1,081-space garage is being built near Terminal 10. They are scheduled to open in late-2024, in time for arrival of the new cruise ships being added to the lineup of ships based at Port Canaveral.

But, in the meantime, the construction is creating the need to shift traffic patterns for passengers boarding ships at Terminals 5, 6, 8 and 10. The port advised passengers via Facebook to heed the direction of port parking staff, Brevard County sheriff's deputies, overhead signs and road markings to get to their luggage drop-off points and parking areas for their cruises.

Some passengers took to Facebook to express their concerns about the traffic congestion or the long time it took for them to leave the port after their cruises.

Work is underway on a new parking garage near Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminal 6 to help with parking issues as a result of increased cruise passenger volume.

Garage funding approved: Port Canaveral to build two new parking garages to handle soaring passenger counts

Don't arrive too early

But some passengers make the problem worse. Instead of arriving at their assigned boarding time frame, they get to the port much earlier  before departing passengers have gotten out of the terminal parking garage.

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Port officials say cruise passengers need to abide by their boarding time provided by the cruise lines, which are staggered to help prevent congestion, and not arrive at the port too early. The port also posted that advisory Wednesday on its social media.

"It's challenging," Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer John Murray said, noting that there are a record-tying 13 cruise ships based at the port this winter, and many are bigger than the ships that used to be there. "There's a lot of people parking right now. We're experiencing growing pains."

Murray said the Christmas/New Year's period will be problematic, as will the upcoming spring break, when there will be an increasing proportion of cruise passengers driving, rather than flying in, to get their cruise.

Shorter cruises typically generate more cruise passenger vehicles, as a greater proportion drive to the port, rather than fly into the area.

The port has added more than 1,000 surface parking spaces on the south side to accommodate passengers not parking in garages, and is in the process of adding more surface parking.

Additionally, the port has created more parking on the south side for cruise operations employees assigned to north side terminals. Because of north side parking garage construction that is taking place on what previously had been employee parking lots, these employees now are parking on the south side, and being shuttled between the parking lots and their work locations.

State Road 528 and 401 issues

Traffic sometimes backs up along State Road 528 as a result of cruise ship passengers arriving at or leaving Port Canaveral.

State of the Port: Port Canaveral expanding as 'economic powerhouse,' but faces growing pains

Also contributing to the issue is the ongoing frustration of port and other local officials with the slowness in work on two major road projects getting underway.

Port officials are frustrated by the state's slow pace on adding more lanes to State Road 528 near the port and the replacement of drawbridges on State Road 401 at the port with another type of bridge.

Canaveral Port Authority Treasurer Jerry Allender reiterated those concerns to a Florida Department of Transportation official during a Dec. 14 meeting of the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization Governing Board, of which he is a member.

Allender said these two projects "are top priorities for the port, but also for the county and the millions of visitors that come to Brevard County."

Allender said the drawbridge system along State Road 401 "remains a single point of failure for Port Canaveral's entire north side operations" because it is raised to let boats pass underneath, tying up traffic. Additionally, the bridge sometimes has mechanical issues.

He noted that the port's north side houses four cruise terminals and most of its cargo operations, and is a link to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, U.S. Navy facilities and NASA operations.

"It is our hope that these priorities will be considered as top projects for our region, and the department will prioritize funding of these projects as soon as possible," Allender said.

Katherine Alexander-Corbin, FDOT's program management administrator for the district that includes Brevard County, told Allender she would pass along his concerns to agency executive management.

Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

When the State Road 401 drawbridges are raised to allow boats to pass underneath, it creates a traffic backup at Port Canaveral.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Port Canaveral faces traffic, parking issues as busy holidays near
(Bloomberg) -- The Canadian government approved Royal Bank of Canadas landmark deal to acquire HSBC Holdings Plcs Canadian operations, handing a major regulatory win to one of North Americas largest financial institutions.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Finance Minister Chrystia Freelands office issued a statement late Thursday allowing the deal, confirming an earlier report by Bloomberg News. Her blessing came with a number of conditions, which include job protections, keeping at least 33 of HSBCs branches, transition plans for existing clients and a commitment to offer billions in financing for affordable housing.

Royal Bank struck the C$13.5 billion ($10.2 billion) agreement to buy HSBC Canada, the countrys seventh-largest bank, in November 2022. It represents the largest acquisition in Royal Banks history, giving it the chance to expand its domestic operations with HSBCs C$120 billion in assets, which include wealth management, personal and commercial banking.

The Competition Bureau, Canadas antitrust watchdog, gave its approval in September, stating in a report to the finance minister that the union wouldnt result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition.

But the deal still required the signoff of the finance minister. It has faced opposition from consumer advocates  who argue HSBC Canada has played an important role in influencing other lenders to lower their mortgage rates  as well as Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre. He has attacked the merger on the grounds that it will increase costs for borrowers.

Climate activists, who object to Royal Banks policy on continuing fossil fuel investments, have also opposed the tie-up.

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Job Guarantees

The conditions set by the finance department include a requirement for Royal Bank to support HSBCs Canadian workforce by creating a banking hub and about 440 new jobs in Vancouver and 100 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. RBC wont be allowed to let go any HSBC employees for six months after closing the deal, except for terminations for just cause or by mutual agreement.

The government also is requiring steps to ensure a smooth transition for banking clients of HSBC  through fee waivers and transfers of mortgages to Royal Bank  and a requirement that Royal Bank provide C$7 billion in financing for affordable housing in Canada. Royal Bank must also maintain Mandarin and Cantonese banking services at HSBC branches that it keeps open.

Freelands statement noted that Canadas banking regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, had no objections to the transaction and recommended approving the sale.

Royal Bank CEO Dave McKay called the approval an important milestone and said the bank would work to close the transaction in the first quarter of 2024. It plans to switch HSBC clients and employees to Royal Bank systems on the first day, an undertaking 3,000 people have been working on for the past year, he said.

This is our largest opportunity in our history, McKay said in an interview, pointing to the value of the deal, the size of the customer base and the employees RBC is getting from HSBC. They are scrappy, they work really hard and we want them on our team.

On the issue of competition on mortgage rates, McKay said HSBC represented just 2% of the Canadian market. HSBCs Canadian customers live an average of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away from an HSBC branch; after the deal closes, theyll be an average of two kilometers away from a Royal Bank branch.

HSBCs Priorities

HSBC has had a presence in Canada for many years and we are grateful for the support we received in the market through our time here, HSBC CEO Noel Quinn said in an emailed statement.

However, the reality is that HSBC Canada only has a market share of around 2%, and we cannot prioritize the investment needed to grow it further. It is therefore in the best interests of HSBC Canadas customers that the bank becomes part of RBC, which will be able to take it to the next level. HSBC said its still committed to considering paying a special dividend with money from the sale.

Royal Bank is already Canadas largest lender, but landing HSBCs loan book, its branches  which are concentrated in the Toronto and Vancouver regions  and approximately 800,000 customers will give it a significant boost as it looks for new sources of growth.

Earnings at Royal Banks Canadian division dropped by 1.3% to C$7.9 billion in the fiscal year ended Oct. 31, which it chalked up to higher provisions for potentially bad loans as well as increased technology and employee costs.

We view HSBC as an ideal asset for the firm given the substantial cost-saving potential associated with operating within a shared geography, Canaccord Genuity analysts Matthew Lee and Betty Yang said in a note to clients earlier this week.

Royal Bank executives have said they should be able to slash about 55% of HSBC Canadas cost base, which will translate into C$740 million in savings, the analysts wrote, adding: We believe the transaction uniquely positions RBC to attract global, high-value customers and increase the product suite that are offered to current HSBC Canada customers.

Read More: Bank to the Stars Becomes $10 Billion Headache for Owner RBC

The deal also comes at a time when Royal Banks US personal and commercial banking business, City National Bank, has been struggling with high funding costs and a decline in deposits. Royal Bank injected almost $2 billion in capital to clean up the divisions balance sheet in the third quarter of this year and has brought in a new management team to turn around the Los Angeles-based bank, which it acquired for $5 billion in 2015.

Royal Bank had a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 14.5% at the end of fiscal 2023. Analysts estimate it should be able to absorb the cost of the deal without issuing additional equity and still remain above the 11.5% capital ratio level required by Canadas bank regulator.

(Updates with comments from RBC CEO Dave McKay)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Edith Dee Hall May Be The Most Important Kimball Native You Never Heard Of

Edith Dee Hall, founder of the Association of Operating Room Nurses, and her sister Beatrice Sheahan are buried next to each other in Kimball Cemetery. Hall, a 1915 Kimball County High School graduate, is pictured at left in her later years. She died in 1971.

Edith Dee Hall's gravestone at Kimball Cemetery is inscribed, simply, with 1897-1971.

What's important, though, is not the birth and death years on one's grave marker.

It's that dash between the years.

It's how a person lived during the dash  and Edith Dee Hall lived quite the dash. She might be the most accomplished Kimball native that Kimball doesn't know much, if anything, about.

"It's not every day that a little girl from Kimball, Nebraska, helps change the way surgery is done around the world," said Brenda Ulmer, a renowned perioperative nurse and past board president of AORN, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses.

Hall was born into a family with roots in Kimball's pioneer era and graduated in 1915 from Kimball County High School.

She moved to, and died in, New York City.

In between is the story of a noteworthy figure in nursing history.

This is Edith Dee Hall's story.

Discovering A Nursing Icon

The reason that Hall's Kimball connection is being rediscovered is because she founded the Association of Operating Room Nurses, as it was first known, in 1949 and Ulmer  the devoted member of 45,000-member AORN that she is  felt that operating room nurses had much more to know about one of their matriarchs.

"I started searching for more in-depth information on Edith Hall earlier this year while working on a book update for AORN," Ulmer told the Observer. "I wanted to include more information about Edith as the founder of AORN. I just felt that we need to know more about her. I also wanted to learn how a woman from Kimball, Nebraska, made it from Kimball to New York City, by way of Washington in the 1920s  an amazing accomplishment."

Ulmer learned of Hall's burial in Kimball, and she contacted the Observer in search of an obituary that might have run in the paper.

The Observer did, in fact, run a brief notice about Hall's graveside services in the April 15, 1971, edition, but it didn't say much about her life. It mentioned that she was a registered nurse who was born in Kimball, died in New York City and belonged to the Episcopal Church.

Hall's survivors were identified as half-sister Beatrice Sheahan of New York, brother Alfred Hall of California and Genevieve Dillon of Kimball. Sheahan, by the way, is buried next to Hall.

The report included no reference to Hall's stature in the nursing profession.

Hall also is missing, at least as a featured subject, from the voluminous 1988 history book "Kimball County Nebraska 100 Years."

Hall's very existence is even new to Karen Bivens, a knowledgable student of local history and board member with the Plains Historical Society.

"I never heard of the lady, but that doesn't mean anything," Bivens said. "If she was born and raised here, it shows that no matter where you're from, even if you're from a small town, you can achieve great things."

Piecing Together A Life's Work

For Ulmer, piecing together Hall's journey is a mission.

"As is often the case," Ulmer reflected, "we don't know much about the folks who came before us. I was surprised at how little we know about Edith ... and how she had the grit to make it from Kimball to New York and accomplish what she did."

Bivens unearthed information in the Observer from 1915 to 1920 that meshes with some of Ulmer's findings about Hall, who graduated from KCHS in 1915.

The paper kept up with Hall's post-high school progression, reporting that she was attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1917, applied in 1918 to a military training school for nurses, went to work at a New York City area hospital in Newark, N.J., in 1919, and returned to visit her parents for a month in 1920.

Why did Hall became a nurse? Ulmer believes that she found out.

"In response to an outreach by the government during World War I, thousands of women applied to become nurses to support the war effort," Ulmer explained. "I found Edith's brother's draft card. He was drafted into the Army in 1917. I am still not sure of her path, but it seems like she answered the call to duty."

Hall was trained and graduated from Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., and later was operating room supervisor at the New York Polyclinic Medical School and Hospital. She was AORN's first executive secretary, serving from 1957-62, and in her later years was a consultant and writer for "Hospital Management" magazine.

Ulmer said it looks like Edith spent time at Fort Des Moines Army Hospital before going on to Walter Reed Hospital, which is consistent with an Observer report in 1919 that she was in Des Moines, Iowa.

Hall's influence on AORN was immense. The year after she died, the organization dedicated its annual conference to her. Her sister, Beatrice, was invited and opened the association's exhibition hall.

"AORN has been a strong organization almost from the beginning," Ulmer said. "Our standards, recommended practices and guidelines form the bedrock on which patient care is formed in the United States and around the world."

Edith Dee Hall

Much credit for that goes to Edith Dee Hall, that little girl from Kimball who founded AORN and lived quite the dash.
Harold E. Weisbrook, 95, of Kimball, died at the Kimball County Manor on Friday, December 15, 2023.

Harold Emil Weisbrook was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado on September 30, 1928. He began his journey amidst the vast landscape of northeast Colorado. In his early years he was dedicated to his family's farm, cultivating a connection with the land, a dedication that would follow him throughout his life. In 1951, duty called, leading Harold to enlist in the Army. However, fate intervened when his father fell ill in 1952, compelling Harold to prioritize family. He transitioned to the National Guard, serving faithfully until 1956.

At a joyous social gathering, he encountered the love of his life, Elaine Schrack. They were united in marriage on June 16, 1957, in Kimball, their partnership became a cornerstone of his life. The couple continued to reside in northeast Colorado, their love strengthening with each passing year. Harold's passions were as diverse as the Colorado seasons. From woodworking to monitoring the weather, he found solace in the great outdoors. Fishing, camping, and hunting became cherished pastimes, while the lively rhythms of square dancing and the camaraderie of card games with friends and family filled his evenings. The couple's adventures extended far beyond Colorado's borders, with memorable trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and a Caribbean cruise. These experiences enriched their lives, creating lasting memories that transcended time.

In 2020, Harold and Elaine made a poignant move to Kimball County Manor, marking a new chapter in their lifelong journey. Throughout the years, Harold's warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to family and friends endeared him to all who knew him. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, let us remember Harold Weisbrook for the love he shared, the memories he created, and the legacy of resilience, family, and adventure that he leaves behind. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the echoes of a life well-lived.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years Elaine Weisbrook of Kimball, NE; children Cinthia White of Gothenburg, NE., Duane (Carma) Weisbrook and Mark (Sarah) Weisbrook both of Bushnell, NE; sisters Esther Wright of Crawford, NE., and Leora Roberts of Pine Bluffs, WY; grandchildren Jake (Jakeh) White, Matthew Weisbrook, Jessie (Matthew) McNally, Timothy (Lindsey) Weisbrook, Jaclyn (Daniel) Klinginsmith, Chase White (Shalene Winters), Brad (Holland) Weisbrook, Tyler (Katherine) Weisbrook; 22 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Hilda Weisbrook, son-in-law Monty White, nephew Ray Wright and Mother and Father-in-law Merle and Edna Schrack.

Funeral services for Harold were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Lincoln Winter and Rev. Ellery Steffensen officiating. Burial followed in the Kimball Cemetery with military honors. Friends called at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. The family was present from 4:00 to 6:00 to greet family and friends.

Friends may also visit http://www.cantrellfh.com to view Harold's Tribute Wall and share condolences and stories with the family.

Memorials may be given to either Zion Lutheran Church of Grover, St. John's Lutheran Church of Kimball, or the Kimball County Manor. The services for Harold have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Mayo councillors have warned that the countys tourism industry is in "big trouble".

The council's monthly meeting heard that there had been a stark drop-off in visitors to some of the countys top tourist attractions.

Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn said visitors to Croagh Patrick and the Great Western Greeney have dropped by 50%.

Independent Cllr Christy Hyland detailed how Croagh Patrick visitor numbers have plummeted from 109,000 in 2018 to 51,000 up to November 2023. Greenway visitor figures fell from 190,000 to 108,000 during the same period.

If Westport goes down economically God help this county, said Cllr Hyland. "Sixteen shops I counted recently in Westport that are closed and nobody wants to rent them, and more coming down the tracks in the next few weeks."

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne said the commercial decisions being taken by hotels are driving the drop-off.

This is being driven by people, particularly in the hotel business, deciding to stop accepting tourists and hand it over to the Government for the housing of people who find themselves here.

I think this whole thing needs to be reviewed. Businesses set up in Westport on foot of tourism and the Greenway and now look what has happened. It's like building a river and all of a sudden there is a drought, he remarked.

Cllr Gerry Coyle said high hotel costs are turning off tourists.

The cost of staying in hotels Is out of control, he stated.

Cllr Damien Ryan said there "needs to be a proper move away from tourism being the facilitator for housing".

"Hotels have become scarce, the costs have gone through the roof. Thats why our numbers have dwindled and diminished. We never got the opportunity to recover post-Covid because of the crisis that we are in."

Last month it was reported that there had been a drop of almost one-third in the number of international visitors to Ireland. CSO tourism figures show the number of visitors dropped from 737,600 in August to 582,100 in September.
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 21, 2023 /CNW/ - Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (the "Company" or "ReconAfrica") (TSXV: RECO) (OTCQX: RECAF) (Frankfurt: 0XD) announces an operational update, an update to Petroleum Exploration Licence ("PEL") 073, onshore Namibia, a filing update, and an update on the transaction with Namcor Exploration and Production (Pty) ("NAMCOR") announced in the Company's news release dated September 22, 2022.

ReconAfrica Logo (CNW Group/Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd.)

Operational Update

The Company continues to advance activities in preparation for the drilling program planned for 2024 with land access work, community engagement, demining activities, and key equipment and services procurement in progress. Minor amendments to the approved Environmental Clearance Certificate have been approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, to reflect the specific locations of the planned wells to be drilled. As previously announced, the Company is undertaking activities to have a well pad ready for drilling to commence in late Q1 2024 in each focus basin, an oil targeted well in the Rift Basin and a gas focused well in the Damara Fold Belt. Some recent basin modelling work undertaken by our technical team has increased the potential for some parts of the Damara Fold Belt to be more oil prone than previously expected.

Licencing Update

As part of the approval for the Second Renewal Exploration Period by the Ministry of Mines and Energy ("MME"), announced on October 30, 2023, the Company requested and has been granted a relinquishment exemption based on the provisions of Section 37 (5) of the Petroleum Act of 1991. The request was based on the Company's belief following the evaluation of acquired subsurface data over the past three years that a significant portion of the PEL 73 will be prospective for the exploration of oil and gas. As a result, the Company does not have to relinquish any of the acreage and retains access to the entire licence covering approximately 6.3 million acres in northeast Namibia. The Second Renewal Exploration Period begins from January 30, 2024, extending through January 29, 2026, with options for extensions and an additional exploration period available under the Petroleum Act of 1991.

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Filing Update

The Company has filed an updated version of the Netherland Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), report entitled "Estimates of Prospective Resources to the Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. Interest in Certain Opportunities located in the Damara Fold and Thrust Belt Play Area in Petroleum Exploration Licence 73, Kavango Basin, Namibia, as of March 31, 2023," (the "NSAI Report"), on Sedar+, www.sedarplus.ca.

The updated NSAI Report supersedes the original document filed on June 26, 2023 (the "June 26th Report"), and an amended NSAI Report filed on November 7, 2023 (the "November 7th Report"), which were not compliant with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation ("COGE") Handbook as they did not include development risk. The updated NSAI Report, the June 26th Report and the November 27th Report have all been superseded by the risked prospective resource information contained in "Form 51-101F1," filed on Sedar+ on July 31, 2023.

Update on NAMCOR Transaction

The Company and NAMCOR have not yet completed the transaction pursuant to the definitive purchase and sale agreement but report that discussions are ongoing.

About ReconAfrica

ReconAfrica is a Canadian oil and gas company engaged in the opening of the newly discovered Kavango Sedimentary Basin, in the Kalahari Desert of northeastern Namibia and northwestern Botswana, where the Company holds petroleum licenses comprising approximately ~8.0 million contiguous acres. In all aspects of its operations, ReconAfrica is committed to minimal disturbances of habitat in line with international standards and will implement environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian, United States and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the prospectivity of PEL 73, the ability to get additional exploration phase extensions, and the completion of the NAMCOR transaction. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on ReconAfrica's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's annual information form dated December 4, 2023, available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to ReconAfrica. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and ReconAfrica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

SOURCE Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2023/21/c4076.html
By Jonathan McCambridge and Rebecca Black, PA

The UK government profoundly regrets a move by Ireland to legally challenge its legislation to deal with Northern Irelands troubled past.

In a statement, Britain's secretary of state for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris slammed the case as unnecessary and warned it came at a particularly sensitive time in Northern Ireland.

It did not need to be taken now, given the issues are already before the UK courts, Mr Heaton-Harris said.

But earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said his government was left with no option but to legally challenge the UK government over the Legacy Act.

The Taoiseach said the strong legal advice was that the UK Legacy Act breached the UN Convention on Human Rights.

The Act received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government.

Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said they were taking the case reluctantly after having spent time trying to change the UK governments mind.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said his government was left with no option but to legally challenge the UK Government (Niall Carson/PA)

Amnesty International praised the Irish Government as doing the right thing for victims of Northern Irelands Troubles by taking a stand.

The Government is to argue that the provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the UKs obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The new Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests.

A legal challenge was brought by victims of the Northern Ireland conflict against the UK Governments Legacy Act (Liam McBurney/PA)

Multiple Troubles victims and family members are supporting a legal challenge against aspects of the Act at Belfast High Court.

The UK government also said it was prepared for the move by the Government, and would robustly defend the legislation.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said: The government took a decision that we will take an interstate case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, seeking a judicial review of the UK Legacy Act.

The attorney generals advice on this is very strong, his advice is that the UK Legacy Act is in breach of the UN Convention on Human Rights. Its also the view of the UN high commissioner and also the Council of Europe.

It is something that were genuinely doing with a sense of regret, and would prefer not to be in this position, but we did make a commitment to survivors in Northern Ireland and to the families of victims that we would stand by them, respect their wishes and also stand by the Good Friday Agreement, which specifically references the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Taoiseach added that the Stormont House Agreement had received consensus from both governments and parties in Northern Ireland.

He said: The UK Government decided for their own reasons, and of course they have the right to do this, to go down a different path, which is the UK legacy legislation, which is now law.

But we dont agree with that, we think that the agreement agreed by the parties in Northern Ireland, the two governments is the better approach and we think at this stage we really have no option but to ask the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to carry out a judicial review of this legislation.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the British Government had removed the political option, and left us only this legal avenue (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Martin said: This decision was taken after much thought and careful consideration.

I regret that we find ourselves in a position where such a choice had to be made.

However, the decision by the British Government not to proceed with the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and instead pursue legislation unilaterally, without effective engagement with the legitimate concerns that we, and many others raised left us with few options.

The British Government removed the political option, and has left us only this legal avenue.

In his statement on Wednesday evening, Mr Heaton-Harris also challenged the Government on its approach to legacy, describing it as inconsistent.

At no time since 1998 has there been any concerted or sustained attempt on the part of the Irish state to pursue a criminal investigation and prosecution-based approach to the past, he said.

We note, in particular, the former Irish justice minister and attorney generals 2014 reference to an informal decision on behalf of the Irish government to not investigate Troubles cases  something that he restated publicly in 2021 in response to our proposals.

Indeed the Irish government should urgently clarify the number of criminal prosecutions brought in Ireland since 1998 relating to Troubles cases.

He also added: It is also a matter of public record that successive UK and Irish governments during the peace process worked closely together on a range of initiatives which have provided conditional immunity and early release from prison.

His statement concluded by describing the UK governments bilateral relationship with Ireland as one we value deeply.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson accused the Irish government of double standards (Liam McBurney/PA)

Despite this misguided action, we will continue to work to minimise the consequences and protect the interests of the people and businesses that bind us together, he added.

Meanwhile, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson accused the Government of double standards.

Mr Donaldson told the BBC: I think there are double standards on the part of the Irish government here and whilst I am strongly opposed to the Governments amnesty plans, we voted against it, we spoke against it and we continue to oppose it, but I dont think the Irish government are in a very strong position to point the finger at the UK Government because the Irish government have no proposals to deal with the legacy issues.

No proposals to deal with the quite significant number of murders that were committed either in their jurisdiction or from their jurisdiction.

For years effectively there has been a form of amnesty in the Irish Republic because they have not actively pursued those responsible for these crimes.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Partly sunny and pleasant; still a bit of a breeze, from the southwest 10-15mph with gusts to 20mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly clear and seasonably cold.
PERTH, Australia (AP)  A wildfire burning out of control on the outskirts of the Australian west coast city of Perth on Thursday destroyed at least two homes and injured two people, officials said.

An emergency warning was issued for the eastern suburb of Parkerville where the fire was sparked by a tree branch falling on power lines on Thursday morning. The alert warned that the fire posed a threat to lives and homes.

At least two homes had been "completely lost, Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said.

The full extent of the damage wouldn't be known until inspection crews were able to survey the fire zone.

Two men in their 60s were hospitalized after being injured by the fire in separate incidents, media reported. One had minor burns and the other an injured foot. The ambulance service didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Fire authorities reported late Thursday that the fire had been contained but remained out of control after razing 90 hectares (220 acres).

One of the destroyed homes belonged to Mark Norton who lives near where the fire started and had little time to escape.

The fire was on both sides: really, really hot," Norton told Australian Broadcasting Corp. "It was an awful experience.

The fire was still the height of the trees when I left. How they (firefighters) managed to contain that in such a short period of time in 39-degree (Celsius; 102 F) heat with this wind  theyre amazing, they really are," Norton added.

Power was off at more than 150 properties and several roads had been cut off.

Parkerville resident Yvonne Blyth said that her car was packed with her childrens Christmas gifts in case the family had to evacuate their home, which is located in a forest. The fire had come close but appeared to be moving away from her home of 18 years, she said.

Weve seen three or four fires now, but this was the closest one, Blyth said.

We all love living in the forest, but this is the scariest part of living around here. Its absolutely terrifying, Blyth added.
TOKYO (AP)  Japanese transport ministry officials inspected Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu on Thursday, one day after officials announced it was suspending the small car unit's shipments of all vehicles in and outside Japan after an investigation found improper testing involving 64 models.

The safety test irregularities earlier this year prompted an independent panel investigation, which found widespread and systematic problems at Osaka-based Daihatsu Motor Co. It is the latest of safety or other violations found at at least five of Japan's major automakers in recent years.

On Thursday, transport ministry officials began a deeper investigation at Daihatsu's offices over the systematic safety scandal that apparently persisted for decades.

It's extremely regrettable, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Thursday. It damaged the trust of car owners and has shaken the foundation of the automobile certification system. Hayashi urged Daihatsu officials to fully explain the situation.

So far, there have been no reports of accidents or deaths due to the fudging of those tests.

Toyota Motor Corp., citing results of the panel, said Wednesday that the Daihatsu probe found 174 new cases of irregularities in safety tests and other procedures in 25 test categories, on top of problems reported earlier.

We are sorry to have betrayed the trust of our customers, Daihatsu President Soichiro Okudaira told a news conference Wednesday. He acknowledged the cheating on safety testing and procedures was tantamount to neglect of safety certificates.

We take it very seriously as the problem that has shaken the foundation of an automaker, he said.

A lawyer and a member of the probe team, Makoto Kaiami, who also attended the news conference, said workers under pressure to meet management demands for tight development deadlines resorted to cheating, and that the management should take the blame.

The issue first emerged in April when Daihatsu reported improper testing on door linings. Problems in the side collision testing also surfaced in May, officials said. The also found data falsifications and use of unauthorized testing procedures.

The problems were found in 64 models and three vehicle engines, including 22 models and an engine sold by Toyota, Daihatsu said in a statement. The investigation also found the problems affected some models of Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. sold in Japan, and Toyota and Daihatsu models sold abroad.

Daihatsu is Toyota's unit specializing in small cars and trucks that are popular in Japan.

Toyota expressed sincere apologies.

"We believe in order to prevent a recurrence, in addition to a review of certification operations, a fundamental reform is needed to revitalize Daihatsu as a company, Toyota said in a statement.

Toyota said it will review Daihatsu's management and business operations, organization and structure, as well as the mindset of employees. It will provide full support to revitalize Daihatsu, it said.
READING, Pa.  The Berks County Commissioners voted Thursday morning to appoint David Hunter, the executive director of the county planning commission, to a seat on the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority Board.

Hunters appointment is a replacement for Jim Gerlach, who resigned from the board because he is retiring from his position as president and CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.

Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach, who is the current chair of the authority, said the appointment is moving the authority in the right direction.

By adding David Hunter to the group, we will now have three counties that literally mirror each other with the three mayors, three commissioners and the three planning directors, Leinbach said.

The authority is a combined effort of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties to restore passenger rail between Reading, Pottstown and Phoenixville with Philadelphia.

The teamwork among the three counties has been amazing and probably there's no other area where that has been more apparent than the planning departments and the planning directors, Leinbach added.

"With the Federal Rail Administration's acceptance of our proposed line into the Corridor Identification and Development program, our cause is gaining steam, Hunter commented. Let's all continue to harmonize and synchronize our efforts as we couple our hopes and tether our dreams to the reality of the restoration of passenger rail.

In addition, the commissioners reappointed Reading Mayor Eddie Moran to a five-year term, expiring on Dec, 31, 2028.

Leinbach noted that the appointments to the authority are now being made for five-year terms.

Hunter is filling out the remainer of Gerlachs term, which ends at the end of 2024, but will then be appointed to a five-year term.

It gives me honor and privilege to be able to represent not only the city already at this point, but the county, Moran said. By making sure that we bring this home, we are closer than ever to make this a reality. Many dreams have been talked about, but now we are making a reality.

Following the appointments, the commissioners bid farewell to Commissioner Lucine E. Sihelnik as the final meeting of the year marks the end of her term as a county commissioner.

Sihelnik was appointed to the seat by the courts at the start of this year to replace Kevin Barnhardt, who resigned to become the countys chief administrative officer.

People asked me, how Commissioner Sihellnik is doing, and my answer has been great, Leinbach said. But I have one problem with her, and that is that she didn't run for commissioner. You've been a pleasure working with you, your knowledge, your business sense, and your ability to grasp fairly complex issues quickly has been very beneficial to the team.

As a commissioner, my first goal was to lead with a spirit of collaboration and accompany the vision that had been set forth to propel Berks County into the future, Sihelnik said. I have learned a lot in the 11 months, and I hope that you've maybe learned one or two things from me as well.
KUTZTOWN, Pa.  The Kutztown Area School District school board voted Wednesday night to rescind a controversial educational equity policy.

Policy 809, passed in December 2021, was meant to prioritize the "principle of educational equity through the fair and just allocation of resources, opportunities and treatment of students based upon each individual student's needs."

The special meeting Wednesday night to vote on the second reading to rescind the policy was scheduled after a contentious meeting Monday night, during which the board voted 6-3 to approve the first reading to rescind the policy.

Several members of the community spoke Wednesday night before the vote was taken.

Former school board member Jim Shrawder praised the "majority of the board" for moving towards rescinding the policy, in an effort that he said "takes us back toward a meritocracy."

Tricia Leiby, of Maxatawny Township, argued that students and teachers received the support they needed before Policy 809 was adopted.

"Policy 809 is a wolf in sheep's clothing to perpetuate an ideology that life should be viewed through victim-oppressor mentality," Leiby said.

She claimed that supporters of the policy are using "scare tactics" to give the impression that students will not get the help they need unless the policy is in place, as part of an effort to push their own values.

Dennis Ritter, a former school board member who lost his reelection bid in November, spoke about the merits of the equity policy.

"Policy 809 is not simply a knockoff of [Policy] 832, which was a predecessor passed by the board in 2020 and eventually repealed in 2021 because it did not really speak for our community," Ritter said.

He said the policy went through a vetting process that took into consideration input from community members and the educational equity committee. He said individuals chose to "create lies and false narratives" about the policy when it was being considered, and they continue to do so now.

Among current board members, only Laurel Ziegler spoke about the policy before a vote was taken.

"Our community has benefited from increasing diversity in recent years," Ziegler said.

"The very fabric of our community is evolving, and we must ensure that our educational system adapts to these changes to provide an equitable and supportive environment for every student that walks through our doors," she said. "This is not only our moral responsibility, but it is also our legal responsibility as a school board."

Ziegler said no negative outcomes have been produced during the policy's two-year history, but rather, the educational equity committee has identified "reasonable recommendations," including providing pre-K services, recognizing students who are gifted in ways beyond academics and communicating with district families in languages other than English.

Ultimately, the board voted to 5-2 rescind Policy 809.
SPRING TWP., Pa. - A popular chain offering doughnuts that are "customized before your eyes" is almost ready to welcome customers at its first location in Berks County.

Duck Donuts, with a mission of delivering "smiles and warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts just the way you like," is planning to open a store next month in the Village Square Shopping Center in Spring Township.

The new shop will occupy a renovated space at 90 Commerce Drive, Suite 86 (next to Cloud Nine Cafe), and is set to open in mid-January, according to a recent post on the business' Facebook page.

The forthcoming store will hold a hiring event for all positions, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 28 at Riverfront Federal Credit Union, 2609 Keiser Blvd., Spring Township.

News of the Spring Township location was first announced in late summer.

"This will be our first location in Berks County which is super exciting!" Cassidy Funk, communications specialist with Duck Donuts, told 69 News in September.

The Cumberland County-based doughnut chain originated in 2007 with locations in Duck and Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Founder Russ DiGilio and his family would enjoy relaxing and fun vacations in the Outer Banks.

"But something was missing, there was no place to get that sweet staple of happiness, a warm, fresh donut!" a message on the business' website reads. "So, they decided to create their own which led to the first Duck Donuts opening in 2007."

Today, the chain has more than 125 locations worldwide, including regional locations in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County; Manheim Township, Lancaster County; and Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County.

Another new location is expected to open in 2024 in the Southmont Plaza, at 4403 Southmont Way, Suite 2 in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County.

The locally owned and operated shops can be found in 24 states along with international locales in Canada, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Duck Donuts serves up vanilla cake doughnuts, containing about 210 calories each, which are fried in a soy-based shortening.

A wide assortment of combinations are available, and customers begin the customization process by selecting a coating: bare, cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, glazed or an icing (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, peanut butter, maple, lemon or blueberry).

Next, they choose a topping: chocolate or rainbow sprinkles, chopped bacon, chopped peanuts, graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, Oreo cookie pieces or streusel.

Lastly, customers pick a drizzle: hot fudge, marshmallow, salted caramel, raspberry or any icing from above.

If you're unsure of what combination you'd like to try, Duck Donuts also features about two dozen "fan favorites," including "Bacon in the Sun" (maple icing, chopped bacon and salted caramel drizzle), "Coconut Island Bliss" (chocolate icing, peanuts and coconut), "S'mores" (chocolate icing, graham cracker crumbs and marshmallow drizzle), "Sunrise" (lemon icing and raspberry drizzle) and "The Boardwalk" (glazed icing, Oreo crumbles, powdered sugar, and vanilla drizzle).

Other menu highlights include doughnut breakfast sandwiches, doughnut sundaes, doughnut-topped milkshakes, specialty coffee and espresso drinks.

About a dozen current seasonal doughnut offerings include selections "inspired by the colorful and fruity popsicle flavors you know and love," including fudge pop, ice cream sandwich, Key lime pie pop and rainbow pop.

There are also seasonal drinks, including original lemonade and strawberry lemonade.
Akido Labs

This Partnership Builds on RIPCPCs 30-Year Record of Excellence and is Marked by the Creation of Bicoastal Health Care Innovation Hubs Designed to Provide Best-in-Class Care



Through this Partnership Akido Expands its Medical Network to the East Coast, Growing its Patient Base to Nearly Half a Million

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rhode Islands largest and most recognized physician-led healthcare organization, Rhode Island Primary Care Physicians Corporation (RIPCPC), today announced its partnership with healthcare technology and care delivery company, Akido Labs (Akido), in a joint venture that expands RIPCPCs 30-year statewide record of excellence in the delivery of health care and service to the people of Rhode Island and its commitment to the continuous improvement in the quality, safety and experience of care for patients and caregivers alike. Through this partnership, Akido will grow its medical network to the east coast, nearly doubling its patient base to just under half a million and creating bicoastal innovation hubs designed to build and share best practices with a focus on deepening the doctor-patient relationship.

RIPCPC has built its reputation on providing high-quality, accessible care while seeking opportunities to improve the experience for our patients and providers. This commitment has been our north star as weve thoughtfully grown from taking care of 45,000 Rhode Islanders to over 200,000, said Noah Benedict, CEO of RIPCPC. As our communities evolve, we believe an emphasis on innovation will enhance our patients care experience, allowing us to keep our healthy members healthy and address the complex needs of our most vulnerable patients. As we look to the future, we recognize the need for a partner who also prioritizes innovation. Akidos impressive team, company ethos, and leaderships collaborative spirit were clear indicators that they were the right long-term partner.

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Over the past three decades, RIPCPC has built one of the most recognized physician-led healthcare organizations in New England with a commitment to caring for the entirety of a patients needs. In addition to its leading primary care programs, RIPCPC has developed wraparound services, including nurse care management, pharmacy, mental health and performance improvement functions, as well as a team-based care model that prioritizes the patient experience. As a leader in transforming practices to Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH), RIPCPC has more NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) recognized PCMH practices than any other group in Rhode Island. The organizations ability to see the big picture while also tailoring programs to the needs of its independent practices has secured its involvement in numerous statewide committees focused on improving care delivery, quality metric alignment, and advanced payment models. As the organization plans for the next 30 years, it is leaning into innovation to further its commitment to provide high quality, accessible care that addresses the complex needs of the people of Rhode Island, including those from marginalized communities and underserved populations.

Akido is known for its market-leading AI technology, award-winning safety net and population health management programs and its commitment to eliminating friction from the care experience for its patients and providers. Its whole person care philosophy is designed around social determinants of health and built to create high quality, accessible care for all. Akidos leadership has experience in medical group, health plan and health system management with a proven track record for building durable, performance-based networks with a focus on value-based care. The creation of bicoastal health care innovation hubs provides a unique operating environment that celebrates collaboration, technology integration and knowledge-sharing in the development of best-in-class care programs designed around the doctor-patient relationship.

Akido is transforming healthcare by leveraging data and artificial intelligence to empower our providers and provide the best possible care for our patients. This goes well beyond the traditional healthcare model of just treating symptoms; its about addressing the root causes before they become chronic so that we can keep our patients living longer, healthier lives, said Prashant Samant, co-founder and CEO of Akido. We are honored to be partnering with RIPCPC, an organization that also believes in the power of health care to build thriving communities. Our shared commitment to creating an environment where providers can focus on bringing life-saving care to patients will revolutionize the healthcare experience in Rhode Island and set a new standard for the rest of the country.

As part of this joint venture, a newly created RIPCPC Board will include two physician representatives as well as three Akido representatives. Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, MD, will serve as Chairman of the RIPCPC Board, and along with Dr. Herbert Brennan, the two will ensure the board continues to strategically serve RIPCPCs more than 150 providers. Dr. Wilson has been a member of RIPCPC since 2003 and has chaired numerous quality committees during that time. He has served on the physician-run Board of Directors since 2013 and has held the position of President for the past three years. Dr. Wilson is a family physician with 23 years of experience caring for patients and families of all ages. He trained at Brown University.

As a practicing family physician in Rhode Island and RIPCPC member for over 20 years, I am thrilled that our organization has partnered with Akido. Primary care is universally recognized as the lynchpin for coordinated health services and our ability to expand on RIPCPCs 30 years of success by utilizing Akidos technology and expertise in population-based care models will allow us to grow together and reach more Rhode Islanders in new and impactful ways, said Dr. Jeffrey Wilson. The respect and support that Akido has for primary care physicians is one of the most exciting pieces of our partnership and I feel will assist our providers in reaching new levels of personal and professional job satisfaction, which in turn leads to healthier and happier patients and an improved patient experience.

A lifelong resident of Rhode Island, Dr. Herbert Hub Brennan, DO, established his East Greenwich practice in 1995, with a focus on comprehensive patient care, and is one of RIPCPCs longest standing members. Dr. Brennan attended Providence College, trained at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University and completed his medical residency at Brown University.

The RIPCPC Boards Akido representatives will include Eric Chin, CFO, Sanjit Mahanti, co-founder and Head of Business Development, and Leslie Margolin, Head of Akido Healthcare Networks. Chin has 20 years financial experience and a deep knowledge of the healthcare landscape. Previously, he served as CFO at Apollo Medical Holdings (ApolloMed), a publicly traded physician-centric technology-powered healthcare company. Mahanti and Margolin have a combined 50+ years of experience in health plan and health system management, as well as a deep knowledge of the change management process. Prior to co-founding Akido, Mahanti served as the Chief Business Development Officer for Keck Medicine of USC. Margolin has worked with the RIPCPC leadership for more than a decade and served as the architect for this joint venture. A labor lawyer by training, Margolin has previously held executive positions at Cigna, was the national COO at Kaiser Permanente and served as President of Anthem Blue Cross (California). She has dedicated her career to pioneering sustainable ways to serve vulnerable populations, developing landmark partnerships to address system-wide fragmentation impeding US healthcare. As co-founder and president of The Margolin Group, she continued this tradition of innovation, focusing on the creation and implementation of large-scale, partnership-driven, performance-based integrated care delivery models, including programs in Rhode Island with RIPCPC, Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, Care New England and The Providence Center.

Commenting on the decision to pursue this joint venture with RIPCPC, Margolin noted, Rhode Island is a small but vibrant state that, time and again, has led the nation on critical issues of health and safety. Our selection of Rhode Island as the base of our bicoastal expansion is deliberate. By combining forces, RIPCPC and Akido will partner to share learnings and resources to bring the best of east and west coast care and care experience models to meet the unique needs of each community, to expand access, to enhance the experience of care, and to improve the health and wellbeing of the individuals and communities we serve.

About Akido:

Akido is leveraging data and artificial intelligence to transform the healthcare experience, focusing on addressing the systemic inequities that lead to chronic illness and vulnerability. Through early interventions designed around social determinants of health (SDoH), best-in-class care and predictive technology, Akido is building a healthcare model that allows for all patients to live their fullest lives. Founded in 2015, Akido was created out of the University of Southern Californias Digital Health Lab with the idea that empowering government, healthcare, and nonprofit services with population-based data could help usher in a new era of preventive public health. Today, Akido is building a full stack medical network that leverages its predictive capabilities to eliminate friction from the care experience for patients and providers. Akidos proprietary Wellness Graph  one of the countrys most powerful platforms for predicting health and social outcomes  enables the company to identify key markers on a patients journey into chronic illness and build preventive programs to address them. Akidos medical network currently covers more than 250,000 patients in California and will grow to nearly half a million through its partnership with RIPCPC. For more information, visit https://www.akidolabs.com/.

About Rhode Island Primary Care Physicians Corporation (RIPCPC):

RIPCPC, originally formed in 1994, currently represents over 150 primary care practitioners (PCP) from family practice, internal medicine and pediatric medicine. RIPCPC delivers support services that are essential to providing high quality, cost-effective medicine to patients, while also preserving community-based practices. RIPCPCs PCPs act as primary care providers for over 200,000 Rhode Islanders. RIPCPC has been implementing innovative value-based models for over 20 years, with a focus on developing the National Committee for Quality Assurances (NCQA) 'Patient-Centered Medical Home' (PCMH) care delivery model. This patient-centric care delivery model enhances quality, improves access and implements care coordination strategies. RIPCPC has implemented more PCMHs than any other organization in the state and believes it is the core building block of its quality improvement systems and vital to its value-based care delivery model.

In 2014, RIPCPC formed an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), Integra, with the Care New England and South County Health hospital systems with the goal of creating the first virtually integrated health care system in Rhode Island, where clinical team members coordinate care focused on achieving the triple aim of improving quality, reducing costs, and improving patient and physician satisfaction. This coalition was the first of its kind in the region, marked by the participation of an IPA and a hospital system to better coordinate care in a way unmatched in the community. This partnership enabled RIPCPC to build a larger network of primary care physicians, specialists and clinical services to help meet the unique needs of its patients. For more information, visit https://www.ripcpc.com/.

Media Contacts:

Sharna Daduk

Head of Communications, Akido Labs

Sharna.daduk@akidolabs.com

Andrea Galgay

Chief Operating Officer, RIPCPC

Press@ripcpc.com




SALISBURY TWP., Pa. - Lehigh Valley Children's Hospital is making the holidays a little easier for families with sick kids.

It hosted a Holiday Gift Shop Thursday where parents could come pick out presents for their children, free of charge.

"Definitely helps me because I've been here for the past few days, and I haven't been able to finish up on last-minute holiday shopping and so forth, so we're very thankful and grateful," said Jessica Russo, who has a two-year-old son in the hospital.

"I didn't really get to do any Christmas shopping, so this is, it's nice. Very grateful, I'm very grateful and happy for this," said Jeree Turczyn, whose daughter Gracie was in the hospital to get her tonsils removed.

The Holiday Gift Shop even gave Gracie the chance to pick things out herself.

"She filled up this stocking for me right here," said Turczyn.

LVHN's Director of Child Life, Vanessa Gramm-Mackey said the gifts are all possible thanks to donations from the community.

"So many different people of the Lehigh Valley have donated to this. It's just so amazing," said Gramm-Mackey.

LVHN tells us, on an average year, they give away about 600 toys to about 70 different families who wouldn't have been able to shop for Christmas presents otherwise. After those families picked out their toys, elf nurses were on hand to wrap them. It's a Christmas miracle for families that has been going on for a decade at the hospital, but for some parents, it's a pleasant surprise.

"It was unexpected. That's what made it more special," said Turczyn.
ALLENTOWN, Pa.  PPL's employee giving campaign generated more than $8 million this fall, according to a press release from the company.

According to PPL, the donations were raised by employees and retirees with matching contributions from the company and its affiliated foundations.

This year's charity campaign partnered with United Way and will support nearly 500 local nonprofits in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Kentucky and Virginia, the press release said.

"Empowering the communities we serve has been a hallmark of PPL for more than a century" said PPL CEO and President Vincent Sorgi. "Our passion to positively impact people's lives runs deep at PPL, and I am incredibly proud of our employees' and retirees' collective generosity."

"We know local United Way agencies will put these funds to great use in strengthening education, health and safety, food access and other important programs," Sorgi added.
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Law enforcement officials say there's a historic crisis in Pennsylvania to recruit police officers and fill vacancies.

But now, some financial help is on the way from Harrisburg.

Bethlehem will receive $75,000 to hire more police officers, while Allentown will get $200,000.

Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott says the money will be used to fill five current vacancies which have been a challenge to fill.

"Attrition is by far one of our largest issues because officers are no longer staying for 25-plus years, officers are reaching that 20-year minimum commitment and retiring as soon as possible," said Chief Kott.

Bethlehem's $75,000 grant will be used as an incentive to hire new police recruits, who will each get a $5,000 sign-on bonus.

"It still has us competing with all the other law enforcement agencies in the area for that shrinking pool of candidates," said Kott.

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds thinks the funding will help strengthen the bond between police and the people they serve.

"We wait for the money to come from the state and then we make sure that we are ready to go as far as getting it out the door as far as attracting those new recruits and then hopefully we'll have even more success," said Mayor Reynolds.

Last week, members of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency voted to approve the grants. Lt. Governor Austin Davis, who chairs the Commission, says there's a total of $14 million still available to support local law enforcement.

"So we're also announcing the grant today but also encouraging more police departments to make sure they apply for these funds," said Lt. Governor Davis.

The cities already getting funding should receive the money within the next couple of months.

Mayor Reynolds says the goal is to begin the next round of police hiring in the middle of next year.
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HARRISBURG, Pa.  As part of an ongoing effort to increase transparency and accountability for the states medical marijuana program, Spotlight PA is making public data it obtained after an open records battle with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The data  anonymized records of more than 1 million medical marijuana certifications in the state  was the basis of a Spotlight PA investigation earlier this year, and it shows the reasons why hundreds of thousands of patients qualify for a medical marijuana card.

Since Spotlight PA won access to the data last year, the state health department has shared anonymized certification records with academic researchers across the state. The agency also recently expanded the type of data it makes available to the broader public.

For Diana Briggs, the information reminds her of the help she says her 23-year-old son Ryan  who has suffered from seizures his entire life  and many others have received from the medical marijuana program.

It was really emotional to look at these numbers, Briggs, a Westmoreland County resident and patient advocate on the states Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, told Spotlight PA.

Spotlight PA is making the anonymized records of more than 1 million medical marijuana certifications available to download through the website GitHub.

The news organization first requested the certification records in June 2021 while reporting on the overdose death of a Bucks County man who was wrongfully denied addiction treatment funding because of his medical marijuana card.

Ultimately, both the state Office of Open Records and Commonwealth Court ordered the health department to release the records, which it did in September 2022. Paula Knudsen Burke, an attorney with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, represented the newsroom at no cost.

The records included anonymized data on each doctor-created certification over a six-year period. These records included the creation date, the certifications status, the time period for the certification, the patients ZIP code, and the patients qualifying conditions. The data did not identify individual patients or doctors.

At one point, after Spotlight PA shared its initial findings with the agency, the health department sent revised information for one year, saying the original data inadvertently included duplicates. The department provided updated data for that year, and a spokesperson told Spotlight PA that the agency had reviewed the other data and found no issues.

In total, the health department spreadsheets provide details on more than 1.13 million certifications created from November 2017 through August 2022.

In January 2023, Spotlight PA published an investigation based on the data and interviews with more than 20 medical professionals, patients, researchers, and others interested in the program.

The investigation provided the first comprehensive look at how a decision by the administration of former Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf to add anxiety disorders as a qualifying condition transformed the states medical marijuana program, and, in the eyes of some, made it possible for basically anyone to get a medical marijuana card.

Officials with both the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, which advocates for members of the states marijuana industry, and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, which objected to anxiety disorders as a qualifying condition, welcomed the data becoming public.

In February 2023, the health department shared certification data it had previously provided to Spotlight PA with academic researchers across the state, according to department spokesperson Mark ONeill.

Pennsylvania lawmakers in 2016 approved legalizing medical marijuana. Patients currently need a doctor to certify at least annually that they qualify for the program. There are now 24 approved medical conditions. Anxiety disorders, severe chronic or intractable pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder are the most common reasons patients qualify, the certification data showed.

Nearly all of Pennsylvanias neighbors have expanded access to marijuana to legalize the drug for all adults 21 and over. West Virginia is the only adjacent state that hasnt.

In Harrisburg, during a state House hearing in November about legalizing recreational cannabis, state Rep. Tim Twardzik (R., Schuylkill) referred to the ease of obtaining a medical marijuana card.

Pennsylvania started out with a limited list available, Twardzik said. But Ive been told that its kind of  everybodys anxiety. You can get a medical marijuana card by making the call. So its no longer pure medical reasons.

Some members of the states Medical Marijuana Advisory Board last year raised similar concerns, questioning how thorough some doctors are when they decide to issue certifications. Spotlight PAs analysis found that in 2021, nearly 40% of certifications  or more than 151,000  listed anxiety disorders as the sole qualifying condition, ranking it well ahead of others such as chronic pain and cancer.

ONeill, the health department spokesperson, said that there are very specific criteria to obtain a medical marijuana certification, that doctors must meet professional standards when deciding whether patients qualify, and that the department is committed to providing patients with access to medicine where medical doctors have determined that the patient will receive a benefit from the use of medical marijuana.

Supporters of anxiety disorders as a qualifying condition have said it gives patients another treatment option at a time when more people are suffering from anxiety and that it has worked for many.

Briggs, the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board member, said she received a certification for anxiety herself after suffering from panic attacks and not finding relief from a prescription medication. Shes heard from others who have been helped, as well.

She thinks having access to the certification numbers can open up the eyes of people who are skeptical.

With any new illness, any new medication, there is some fear that comes with that, Briggs said. To be able to look at these numbers  and to have accurate numbers, up-to-date numbers  and say  This could help you. Look at how many patients are currently using this medication for this exact diagnosis.  I think is going to be incredible.

The health department has made other info available publicly, as well. At the Medical Marijuana Advisory Boards meeting in November, the department changed the key statistics it presented at its meetings.

The new format included info on the percentage of minors  0.2%  who have one of the states more than 433,000 active patient certifications. Adults 18 to 65 accounted for 87.3% of those active certifications. The department says it added aggregate data for conditions, broken down by year, to a section of its website the same month.

We continue to expand upon the offices commitment to transparency and accessibility, Laura Mentch, director of the state Office of Medical Marijuana, said at the November meeting.

Cathleen Palm  founder of the Center for Childrens Justice, which advocates for measures to protect kids  has followed the medical marijuana program and tracked what data is available. She would like to see the department increase the information it makes public by offering, for instance, a more detailed breakdown of the ages of patients and data on the qualifying conditions for minors.

I think its a good step forward, Palm said. But its a distance from the kind of data and the breakdown in data that they really need to continue to inform the public policy conversation.

ONeill said the agency will continue to be transparent and will release more data as appropriate, while also protecting patient privacy.

Spotlight PA obtained the certification data after a 15-month legal battle. In separate open records cases, the health department recently provided Spotlight PA with data showing the number of certifications issued by individual doctors annually. A Commonwealth Court judge ordered the department to release that doctor data after the department and Spotlight PA participated in a court mediation program.

BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
WASHINGTON TWP., N.J. - 6abc has released the names of the two victims of Tuesday nights helicopter crash, and one is a graduate of Kutztown University.

The pilot was 67-year-old Monroe Smith and the photographer was 45-year-old Christopher Dougherty. According to Dougherty's LinkedIn page, he is a Kutztown University alumnus.

Both were killed in the crash.

6abc says the pair have a long history with the station and have been working as part of the Action News team for years.

New Jersey State Park Police say they got the call for a missing helicopter just before 11 p.m. Tuesday. Flight tracker data show the helicopter's altitude dropping as it was returning to Philadelphia.

About an hour later, a debris field was found in Wharton State Forest, an area that is part of the densely-wooded Pinelands, about 25 miles southeast of Philadelphia.

It is in a remote section of the forest, said New Jersey State Park Chief George Fedorczyk.

6abc says Smith and Dougherty were returning from an assignment at the Jersey Shore when the Chopper 6 crashed around 8 p.m. An FAA investigator arrived on scene overnight.

Due to the remote location of the scene and the limited visibility it was determined at that point that the investigation will be suspended until sometime after daybreak, Fedorczyk said.

The helicopter is a 2013 American Eurocopter, which 6abc leases from North Carolina-based U.S. Helicopters Inc.

6abc said those who fly in the chopper play an integral role in news gathering.

The station launched its first helicopter in February of 1980, the first in Philadelphia for TV news.

The NTSB is investigating and says an initial report will come in 30 days.

U.S. Helicopters released a statement that says the crew on board were "beloved" long-time employees of the company.

We at 69 WFMZ-TV express our sincere condolences to our friends and news partners at 6abc Action News and the families, friends and colleagues of the pilot and photographer who died in the crash.

The helicopter and its crew have long been instrumental in helping us tell the stories of breaking news in Berks County, the Lehigh Valley and beyond from above, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of the two veteran journalists.
ATLANTA (AP)  Some top Democrats are worried that a dip in Black voter turnout, along with other challenges, could doom President Joe Biden and his party in 2024.

A group of Democrats is offering a new analysis of the most recent campaigns in Georgia and Michigan, pitching those battlegrounds as models for drawing in more Black voters next year and beyond. They argue that Democratic power players need to think  and spend money  in new ways, going beyond efforts that can be last-minute or superficial as they try to reassemble Bidens 2020 coalition.

The days of the symbolic fish fry and one-time church visit are over, wrote the authors of the analysis by strategists widely credited for helping flip Georgia and Michigan to Biden. Black voters have always required an approach to voter engagement as diverse as the Black voting coalition.

Biden has long depended on Black voters  first as a Delaware senator and most notably in the 2020 South Carolina primary, which delivered him a decisive win that led much of the Democratic field to consolidate behind him. And his campaign says the president's reelection effort already reflects the priorities and approach advocated by the outside strategists.

The campaign is designing comprehensive and robust programs in battleground states to mobilize and engage Black voters, said Michael Tyler, the campaign's communications director. He noted the campaign already is running targeted digital ads and building outreach programs in Black communities, months earlier than presidential campaigns typically have launched such efforts.

Yet just 50% of Black adults said they approve of Biden in a December poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs. That is compared with 86% in July 2021, with the gap fueling concerns about his reelection prospects.

The new report, shared exclusively with The Associated Press and being presented privately to Democratic power players, contends as part of several recommendations that the left must more regularly engage all Black voters, including the most reluctant, while amplifying arguments about abortion rights in Black communities.

Said Lauren Groh-Wargo, a leader of the push and longtime adviser to Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams: People need to see something different; they need to see you coming to them and asking for their vote in their cultural spaces.

The authors include veterans of Abrams operation and Michigans efforts to approve an abortion-rights referendum and re-elect Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Abrams lost her second bid against Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, but Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock beat Herschel Walker to retain his Senate seat, bolstered in part by years of work by Abrams and other organizers.

The report explores why the two states 2022 electorates differed from other racially diverse battlegrounds. The contributors want to share their conclusions with the party's biggest donors and top strategists, including those running Biden's 2024 campaign. One of Biden's top campaign aides, Quentin Fulks, managed Warnock's campaign, a point Tyler noted in his response to the report. Fulks and Tyler are both Georgia natives.

The campaign's approach so far is happening through the leadership of ... a native Georgian from a rural county who won statewide in Georgia last cycle and helped drive historic turnout in one of the most competitive states in the country, Tyler said.

Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are the seven states that will be critical in deciding the Electoral College next year. Across those states in 2022, Black turnout dropped, on average, about 22% from the 2018 midterms, according to multiple Democratic firms data analysis. Lagging Black support for Biden in any three of those states next fall could cut off his path to the required 270 electoral votes.

Michigans Black turnout in 2022 was about 90% of its 2018 totals, according to the analysis. But among Black voters under 35, the 2022 turnout was 96% of 2018 levels  notably outpacing other battlegrounds, Georgia included. That bolstered Whitmer's nearly 11-point victory and the abortion rights referendum, which passed by 13 points. The analysis found Michigans Black voters supported the initiative by a higher proportion than any other race or ethnicity; that finding was repeated recently in Ohios abortion referendum, authors said.

We were open to the research that showed us just how much this would resonate in Black communities, said Michigan Democratic Chairwoman Lavora Barnes, the first Black woman to hold her post and a co-author of the report.

We made it part of a broader message about rights and freedom, she added, saying Black Americans, because of their historical experience with oppression, are especially attuned to having our rights taken away.

Whitmer, who embraced the nonpartisan abortion-rights campaign, said the lessons must carry forward as some Republicans propose national abortion restrictions.

My generation assumed that these rights would always be intact for us and our children, the governor, 52, said recently. Lo and behold, here we are having to fight over and over again to protect these rights.

Black turnout in Georgia, meanwhile, was about 92% of 2018 levels; Black voters over 50 exceeded their 2018 marks.

If Georgia's Black turnout had tracked the 2022 battleground average, the analysis calculates that about 175,000 fewer voters would have cast November ballots. With Warnock winning more than 9 out of 10 Black votes, that shortfall almost certainly would have meant his defeat to Walker, the only GOP statewide nominee who lost in Georgia last year.

And if Black turnout in other 2022 battlegrounds reflected Georgia's, Democrats almost certainly would have defeated Republican Sen. Ron Johnson in Wisconsin and may have won a North Carolina Senate seat, expanding their narrow majority, the authors argue.

Biden was in Milwaukee on Wednesday touting his economic arguments and his administration's support for minority owned businesses. Milwaukee also is the site of one of the campaign's earliest organizing efforts aimed at Black voters, a commitment of money and personnel that Biden's advisers say demonstrates their commitment to engaging the full electorate.

Indeed, those kinds of programs and some of the recommendations from Georgia are challenging and expensive. Abrams operation began a decade ago trying to expand voter participation in Georgia, focusing on Black and other nonwhite residents who rarely or never voted. Now Georgias political footprint involves hundreds of paid canvassers, sophisticated digital outreach, voter registration drives and door-knocking campaigns even in non-election years.

The report argues that the investment over time creates so-called super voters" who make the Democratic investment worth it. The document details tactics Georgia and Michigan Democrats have used and that the authors say can be scaled in other states.

The authors note that in 2018, when Abrams first ran for governor, Georgia had more than 1.1 million Black voters deemed low propensity and unlikely to vote. After the 2022 election, that has dropped to between 700,000 and 800,000.

Conversely, the super voter measure  defined as people who have cast three consecutive general election ballots  has climbed from about 525,000 Black Georgians after 2016 to more than 850,000 after 2022.

Donors and most campaigns, though, still gravitate to traditional turnout models aimed at regular or semi-regular voters. They see the Abrams approach as costing too much money per vote.

We need other groups out there making contacts with inactive voters because most campaigns just arent cut out to do that, said Preston Elliot, Whitmers 2022 campaign manager, who was not involved in the analysis. He complimented figures like Groh-Wargo, Abrams and Barnes but cautioned that the latest effort comes down to resources.

There are enough tasks out there for everyone to play their parts, Elliot said. But ultimately we're talking about finite money here.

Associated Press writer Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan, contributed to this report.
An incredible rescue was caught on camera after a pickup truck burst into flames on a neighborhood street in Michigan.

One video angle is from outside a woman's home in a suburb outside of Detroit, and the other angle is from the police officer's dash cam.

This story comes from WXYZ-TV.

Sandy Marando called 911 and ran out her front door when she saw a truck on fire in a nearby ditch.

Fraser police officer Cameron Rieper was first on scene, and he knew every second mattered. He runs to the truck that's on fire as soon as he gets out of his car.

Rieper says an older woman was in the truck and she was gripping the steering wheel. He says she was awake and breathing but very confused, and did not understand that her vehicle was about to explode.

Rieper unbuckled her seatbelt and then had to drag her out of the truck.

He says he didn't even really have time to think about it, he just had to act.

"I'm just glad she's okay and she's living and doing good. I know that if it was my family I'd want someone to do the same," Rieper says.

The woman made it out with only minor injuries.

"Super proud of him and the other officers who helped to get her from her burning car and people passing by who provide some assistance," said Chief Samantha Kretzschmar, with Fraser Public Safety.

As for Marando, who called 911 and witnessed the whole thing --

"Unbelievable, like in the movies, I have never seen anything like that. I was actually overjoyed with tears," she said.
By Sam Nussey and Joyce Lee

TOKYO/SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's Samsung Electronics will invest around 40 billion yen ($280 million) over five years in a facility for research into advanced chip packaging it will set up in Japan, according to an announcement by the city of Yokohama.

Reuters reported in March that Samsung was looking at establishing a packaging facility in Kanagawa prefecture, where it already has a research and development centre, to deepen ties with Japanese makers of chipmaking equipment and materials.

Japan's industry ministry said it would provide Samsung subsidies worth up to 20 billion yen as it looks to support the revitalisation of domestic chip manufacturing.

Samsung's investment comes at a time of easing tensions between South Korea and Japan as the United States encourages allies to work together to counter China's growing technological prowess.

The chipmaker began bolstering its advanced chip packaging department last year. Companies are racing to develop advanced packaging techniques, which involve combining components in a single package to improve overall chip performance.

The Japanese facility will allow Samsung to strengthen its leadership in chips and partner with packaging-related companies based in Yokohama, the head of Samsung's chip business Kyung Kye-hyun said in the city's announcement.

($1=142.8900 yen)

(Reporting by Sam Nussey and Joyce Lee; Editing by Jamie Freed)
Israel kept up its blistering campaign of airstrikes and ground operations across the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations says more than half a million people are starving because not enough food has entered the besieged territory. That's roughly one in four people in Gaza.

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are crammed into shelters and tent camps as winter descends, raising fears about the spread of disease. The U.N. Security Council has again delayed a vote on a new resolution to halt the fighting in some way, which would allow for an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries.

Hamas, meanwhile, fired a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv on Thursday, underscoring the militant group's resilience in the face of Israel's campaign to destroy it.

Around 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. Israel says more than 130 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas raided southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and taking about 240 hostages.

Currently:

 The U.N. again delays its vote on a watered-down Gaza aid resolution, despite gaining U.S. backing.

 Israeli police investigate prison guards in death of a Palestinian prisoner.

 The Israeli military campaign in Gaza now sits among the deadliest and most destructive in history, experts say.

 Israeli police are investigating 19 prison guards in the death of a 38-year-old Palestinian prisoner.

 Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Heres whats happening in the war:

UN SECURITY COUNCIL FURTHER DELAYS RESOLUTION VOTE DESPITE GAINING US SUPPORT

UNITED NATIONS  Members of the United Nations Security Council again delayed a vote on a now-watered down Arab-sponsored resolution for a halt in combat to allow for increased aid deliveries in Gaza. A vote, initially set for Monday, has been delayed each day since then. The United States now supports the resolution, but other council members said that because of the significant changes, they needed to consult their capitals before a vote, which is now expected on Friday.

Other countries support a stronger text in the resolution that would include the now-eliminated call for the urgent suspension of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Instead, the wording now calls for urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. The steps are not defined, but diplomats said, if adopted, this would mark the councils first reference to a cessation of hostilities.

A TORAH THAT SURVIVED THE HOLOCAUST IS DONATED TO RELATIVES OF ISRAELI HOSTAGES

NIR OZ, Israel  An American family has donated a Torah that survived the Holocaust to relatives of a family whose members fate remains uncertain after they were taken hostage by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attack on their kibbutz in southern Israel.

Members of the Bibas family abducted from Nir Oz, along the Gaza border, include 11-month-old Kfir Bibas, his older brother Ariel, who is 4 years old, their mother Shiri and their father Yarden. Hamas has claimed the two children and her mother were killed in an Israeli strike. The Israeli military said it was investigating the claim.

Ariel, Shiri, Kfir, we wait for your return here, said Eli Bibas, the childrens grandfather, during a gathering held in front of their house on Wednesday where they received the Torah from a group of Jewish New Yorkers.

Around 20 residents of Nir Oz were killed in the Oct. 7 attack and some 80 were taken hostage out of a population of 400. Those seized from the kibbutz ranged from 9 months to 85 years old at the time they were taken. More than half were women and children.

Shira Hoschander from New York said her family dedicated the Torah to the Bibas family on behalf of the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach in New York to show support for the community hit by the attack.

I pray for them and their safe return every single day, and the safe return of every single one of the hostages that are still held in captivity, Hoschander said.

Associated Press writer Andrea Rosa contributed.

GAZA PHONE AND INTERNET ARE COMING BACK ONLINE AFTER 2-DAY BLACKOUT

RAMALLAH, West Bank  The Palestinian telecoms provider Paltel said Thursday evening that communications were gradually returning to the central and southern areas of Gaza, after a two-day blackout.

Landline connections, mobile networks and internet connections were all disrupted during the day Wednesday.

Paltel blamed the outage on the current conflict, without providing details.

There have been at least four communication blackouts in besieged Gaza since the war began on Oct. 7.

GAZA TELECOM BLACKOUT HINDERS AMBULANCES FROM REACHING CIVILIANS HIT BY ISRAELI STRIKES

CAIRO  Nebal Farsakh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent, said Thursday that the communications blackout across Gaza means that they can only contact staff at the group's main base in Khan Younis by using VHF radio waves.

More worrying, she said, is the effect the blackout is having on The Red Crescents emergency response work

This means civilians cant call the 101 emergency line to get ambulances, she told The Associated Press by phone. Our staff are just following the sounds of bombardments

Farsakh said her team has resorted to stationing ambulances at all the major working hospitals, so that when the first casualties arrive, they can find out the location of the strike.

According to Paltel, the Palestinian telecoms provider, the current disruptions started Wednesday. There have been at least four communication blackouts in Gaza since the conflict erupted on Oct. 7.

ISRAELI PRESIDENT BLAMES UNITED NATIONS FOR LACK OF AID ENTERING GAZA

JERUSALEM  Israeli President Isaac Herzog has blamed the United Nations for the small amount of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza.

Herzog said Thursday that three times as much could get in if the U.N., instead of complaining all day, would do its job.

According to the United Nations, only 10% of the aid required by Gazas 2.2 million has entered the enclave in the last 70 days.

The U.N. closed one of only two border crossings into Gaza on Thursday after an Israeli airstrike killed four people there. Israel shut all the crossings into Gaza after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas that started the war, allowing only the Rafah gate from Egypt to stay open. But Israel later opened a second crossing following international pressure.

Speaking to reporters alongside the visiting president of the French senate, Herzog also said Israel was fighting on behalf of the free world and if we were not here, Europe would be next.

This attack has nothing to do with the issues of the dispute between us and the Palestinians, Herzog said, this was born out of an extreme fundamentalist view within the Islamic world, a jihadist view that does not believe in any Western and liberal ideas, and does not recognize the existence of the Jewish people here in their country.

The Israeli presidency is largely a ceremonial role, meant to be seen as a unifying figure.

ISRAELI TROOPS KILL 16-YEAR-OLD BOY IN WEST BANK

RAMALLAH, West Bank  The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli forces fatally shot a 16-year-old boy during unrest in the occupied West Bank.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa says Mahmoud Zaoul was shot in the neck late Wednesday in the village of Hussan, near Bethlehem.

The Israeli army says its forces opened fire after a crowd of Palestinians threw firebombs and stones at the troops. It says it is reviewing the incident.

Over 270 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

UN REPORT SAYS NEARLY 577,000 PEOPLE ARE STARVING IN GAZA

ROME  An interagency U.N. and NGO report finds that a staggering half a million people in Gaza  one quarter of the population  are starving due woefully insufficient quantities of food entering the territory since the outbreak of hostilities on Oct. 7.

It is a situation where pretty much everybody in Gaza is hungry. More than 500,000 people, half a million people, are starving. That means that one in every four people is starving in Gaza as we speak, said World Food Program chief economist Arif Husain.

He warned that if the war continues at the same levels and food deliveries are not restored that the population could face a full-fledged famine within the next six months with widespread outbreaks of disease.

The report released Thursday by 23 U.N and nongovernmental agencies found that the entire population of 2.2 million Gazans are in a food crisis or worse: 478,000 are at crisis levels, 1.17 million are at emergency levels and 576,600 are at catastrophic  that is starvation  levels.

It doesnt get any worse," Hasain said. I have never seen something at the scale that is happening in Gaza. And at this speed. How quickly it has happened, in just a matter of two months.

WITH FOOD SCARCE, HUNDREDS OF HUNGRY PALESTINIANS GET MEALS AT A MAKESHIFT SOUP KITCHEN IN GAZA

RAFAH, Gaza Strip  Hundreds of displaced Palestinians held out pots, pans and plastic buckets to be filled at a soup kitchen in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday, waiting for food to be scooped out of huge vats hanging over simple wood fires.

I come here every day, said Aya Barbakh, a woman displaced by the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Hungry children, parents and older adults hold out their makeshift containers to be filled, some trying to cajole or catch the attention of attendants distributing the steaming portions. Others wait their turn in silence.

OCHA, the United Nations humanitarian-affairs office, said Tuesday that half of Gazas population is experiencing extreme or severe hunger, and 90% regularly go without food for a whole day.

Lacking cooking gas, the soup kitchens employees scour the streets of Gaza for wood to feed the fires, said employee Mahmoud al-Qishawi. Four small kids shared the simple meal in an aluminum pot sitting on the ground near him.

With only a single border crossing open into Gaza, access to food has become a serious problem in the besieged territory. A second crossing, Kerem Shalom, which had opened recently, was closed again Thursday after an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed four people there.

Human Rights Watch, the New York-based rights organization, has accused Israel of deliberately starving Gazas population, a war crime. The Israeli military has blamed Hamas for the situation, saying the militants are stealing the aid.

Only 10% of the food required for the territorys 2.2 million people has entered Gaza in the last 70 days, OCHA said.

HAMAS ROCKETS SET OFF AIR RAID SIRENS IN TEL AVIV

JERUSALEM  Hamas has fired another barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, setting off air raid sirens in central Israel.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from Thursdays attack, but it underscored the militant groups resilience more than 10 weeks into Israels blistering air and ground campaign in Gaza.

Israel was carrying out strikes and other operations across Gaza, but a territory-wide communications outage made it difficult to confirm details about the fighting.

The offensive has devastated much of northern Gaza, killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians, and driven some 1.9 million people  nearly 85% of the Palestinian territory's population  from their homes.

The widespread destruction and heavy civilian death toll has drawn increasing international calls for a cease-fire. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it destroys Hamas.

The war was ignited by Hamas Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 240.

UN HEALTH OFFICIAL SEES RISE IN AMPUTATIONS AT GAZA HOSPITALS

JERUSALEM  A World Health Organization official who visited two hospitals in Gazas devastated north in recent days described dire conditions there.

Sean Casey said in a briefing that the Al-Ahli Hospital and Shifa Hospital were overwhelmed with sick and critically wounded people. WHO says the hospitals are barely able to function because of a shortage of staff, electricity and basic supplies.

Casey described a rise in amputations in the north, including among small children, that would not have been necessary if proper health services were available.

Theres no surgery happening right now in northern Gaza," Casey said. He also said nearly everyone he met was hungry.

Israel ordered the full evacuation of northern Gaza, which includes Gaza City and was home to over 1 million people, in the early days of the war sparked by Hamas Oct. 7 attack. Ground troops isolated the north later that month.

But tens of thousands of residents remain there, including many who were unable to leave or did not feel anywhere else would be safer as Israel bombards all parts of the besieged territory.

ISRAELI SHELLING TARGETING HEZBOLLAH KILLS LEBANESE WOMAN

BEIRUT  Israeli shelling in the Lebanese border town of Maroun El-Ras Thursday killed an elderly woman in her 80s and wounded her husband, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said.

The Israeli military said that it launched artillery and airstrikes on Hezbollah militant positions in southern Lebanon late Wednesday and early Thursday. It did not immediately comment on the strike that was reported to have killed the Lebanese civilian.

Israeli forces and members of Hezbollah have clashed along the Lebanon-Israel border almost daily since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. Lebanese state media said Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes deep inside Lebanon late Wednesday, hitting a forested area more than 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the border.

Earlier in the day, Hezbollah announced it had launched surface-to-air missiles at Israeli military helicopters. The group later announced that one of its fighters had been killed in an Israeli strike on a house in the town of Markaba.

More than 110 Hezbollah fighters and at least 16 civilians have been killed on the Lebanese side of the border, while at least nine soldiers and five civilians have been killed on the Israeli side during the Israel-Hamas war.

ISRAELI TROOPS ENTER VAST TUNNEL NETWORK UNDER GAZA CITY

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said troops located a vast tunnel network under Gaza City that included command and control positions, meeting rooms and hideout apartments for the most senior leaders of Hamas, including Yehia Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh.

Peter Lerner, an Israeli army spokesman, said on Wednesday that the rooms were 20 meters (60 feet) underground with elevators, stairs, separate water and electricity shafts, and with water, food, weapons and communications equipment stored for a prolonged stay. He said one of the rooms was an underground hall 150 meters (yards) across.

The military shared videos of what it said were the underground structures, showing tunnels with concrete walls, blast doors, ventilation systems, security cameras, electronic equipment, and long staircases descending deep into the earth. The military said the complex was centered on Palestine Square in central Gaza City, under stores, government offices and civilian apartment buildings.

Hamas is known to have built kilometers (miles) of tunnels, dubbed the Gaza metro, under the coastal enclave to operate in safety from Israeli aircraft.

HAMAS LEADER'S TRIP TO CAIRO AROUSES HOPES FOR ANOTHER CEASE-FIRE

Hamas top leader traveled to Cairo on Wednesday for talks on the war in Gaza, part of a flurry of diplomacy aimed at securing another cease-fire and swap of hostages for Palestinian prisoners at a moment when Israels offensive shows no signs of slowing.

Hamas militants in Gaza have put up stiff resistance as the Israeli army claims to be making great progress in eradicating them. The visit to Cairo by its top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, came a day after Hamas fired rockets that set off air raid sirens in central Israel.

Israel has called on the rest of the world to blacklist Hamas as a terrorist organization, saying it must be removed from power in Gaza in the wake of its Oct. 7 rampage across southern Israel that triggered the war.

But the sides have recently relaunched indirect talks, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope that they lead somewhere, the White Houses national security spokesman, John Kirby, said Wednesday aboard Air Force One while traveling with President Joe Biden.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Texas sent a plane with more than 120 migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to Chicago in an escalation of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's busing operation that has given more than 80,000 migrants free rides to Democratic-led cities across the country since last year.

The first flight, which Abbott's office said left from El Paso and arrived Tuesday, was arranged a week after Chicago's city council took new action over the busloads of migrants that have drawn sharp criticism from Mayor Brandon Johnson. The city has said bus operators began trying to drop off people in neighboring cities to avoid penalties that include fines, towing or impoundment.

Bus operators could now face tougher penalties in Chicago for not unloading new arrivals at a designated location or failing to fill out city paperwork. Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said Wednesday that the flights were the result of Johnson targeting migrant buses from Texas.

The flight took off a day after Abbott signed a new law this week that would allow police in Texas to arrest migrants who illegally cross the border, ratcheting up a series of aggressive measures the state has taken in protest of President Joe Biden's immigration policies.

Until President Biden steps up and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue taking historic action to help our local partners respond to this Biden-made crisis, Mahaleris said.

The White House criticized the flight and accused Abbott of using migrants for politics.

Yet again, Governor Abbott is showing how little regard or respect he has for human beings, White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said in a statement. This latest political stunt just adds to his tally of extreme policies which seek to demonize and dehumanize people.

More than 23,000 migrants have been sent to Chicago on buses as part of Abbott's border mission known as Operation Lone Star, according to the governor's office.

The multibillion-dollar operation has also included stringing razor wire along the frontier, installing buoy barriers in the Rio Grande and deploying more officers. On Tuesday a federal appeals court ordered the Biden administration to temporarily halt cutting the concertina wire on the border while a legal challenge plays out.

Johnson's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the flights to his city.

Concerns have arisen about the living conditions and medical care provided for asylum-seekers arriving in Chicago, spotlighted by the death last weekend of a 5-year-old boy living at a temporary shelter for migrants.

Associated Press reporter Acacia Coronado contributed.

A previous version of this story was updated to correct that the first flight arrived in Chicago on Tuesday.
Spot Bitcoin ETF With ESG Twist May Be Coming

Give ETF upstart 7RCC Global Inc. credit for creativity with a regulatory filing for a spot bitcoin ETF that simultaneously tosses a bone to the environmental set by promising to dedicate 20% of the funds portfolio to carbon credits.

In the horse race for a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund, with more than a dozen filings under review by the Securities and Exchange Commission heading toward a potential early January finish line, Miami-based 7RCC would be considered a long shot.

But who knows? And thats what makes the ESG twist so interesting as big dogs like BlackRock Inc., Fidelity Investments and ARK Invest appear to be likely favorites to gain early momentum.

As Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst Eric Balchunas likes to say, success in the ETF business requires either cheap beta or an unique hot sauce.

By bolting an ESG, or environmental, social and governance, allocation onto a spot bitcoin strategy, the 7RCC Bitcoin and Carbon Credit Futures ETF appears to be taking the hot sauce route.

Spot Bitcoin and ESG

In a blog post this week, Gemini announced it will act as the custodian of the ETF, which would trade under the ticker BTCK if approved.

The Fund offers a unique opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolios, balancing the innovative nature of Bitcoin with the progressive realm of Carbon Credit Futures, the blog post reads.

In doing so, the Fund provides investors with an integrated single-trade approach to digital assets and environmental sustainability, it continues.

As detailed in a Bloomberg Intelligence article, bitcoin has drawn criticism from environmentalists for the energy consumption required in the digital mining process. With that in mind, perhaps it makes sense to try to offset the impact with some carbon credits.

One potential problem with that strategy is the fading appeal of ESG investing strategies that have become politically polarizing.

The best example of the markets ESG appetite is the $13.2 billion iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU), which has suffered $9.3 billion worth of outflows this year despite a 24% gain.

Story continues

I think ESG is going through an identity crisis, and they will probably come out with some new names to get away from the ESG label, said Balchunas.

Time will tell if the new wrinkle passes muster at the SEC. And if the bitcoin/carbon credits strategy does hit the street, it will be up to investors to decide if they want to hitch to a ride of two horses potentially traveling in opposite directions.

Contact Jeff Benjamin at Jeff.Benjamin@etf.com and find him on X at @BenjiWriter





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OneAscent Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 4,114 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $494,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. HB Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 2.8% during the third quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 17,683 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,125,000 after buying an additional 490 shares in the last quarter. Martin Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 0.4% during the third quarter. Martin Capital Partners LLC now owns 35,263 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,237,000 after buying an additional 147 shares in the last quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 14.2% during the third quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,500 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $180,000 after buying an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors grew its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 29.7% during the third quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 44,889 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $5,393,000 after buying an additional 10,266 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Thrive Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Phillips 66 by 8.8% during the third quarter. Thrive Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,722 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $687,000 after purchasing an additional 461 shares during the last quarter. 71.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Phillips 66 Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE PSX traded up $0.43 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $134.50. 345,404 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,327,496. The firm has a market capitalization of $59.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.09, a P/E/G ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.29. Phillips 66 has a 52 week low of $89.74 and a 52 week high of $136.69. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $118.87 and its 200 day simple moving average is $112.13.

Phillips 66 Announces Dividend

Phillips 66 ( NYSE:PSX Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $4.63 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.78 by ($0.15). Phillips 66 had a return on equity of 23.32% and a net margin of 5.05%. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $6.46 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Phillips 66 will post 15.39 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $1.05 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.12%. Phillips 66s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.33%.

Insider Transactions at Phillips 66

In other Phillips 66 news, CFO Kevin J. Mitchell sold 31,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.21, for a total transaction of $4,127,657.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 103,351 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,457,333.71. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Phillips 66 news, VP Joseph Scott Pruitt sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.23, for a total transaction of $133,230.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 6,593 shares in the company, valued at approximately $878,385.39. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Kevin J. Mitchell sold 31,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.21, for a total value of $4,127,657.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 103,351 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,457,333.71. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 4.57% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently commented on PSX. StockNews.com cut Phillips 66 from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Wolfe Research raised Phillips 66 from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $146.00 price target for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on Phillips 66 from $125.00 to $141.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 1st. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Phillips 66 from $130.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 8th. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their price target on Phillips 66 from $138.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Phillips 66 currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $135.29.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on PSX

Phillips 66 Company Profile

(Free Report)

Phillips 66 operates as an energy manufacturing and logistics company in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The Midstream segment transports crude oil and other feedstocks; delivers refined petroleum products to market; provides terminaling and storage services for crude oil and refined petroleum products; transports, stores, fractionates, exports, and markets natural gas liquids; provides other fee-based processing services; and gathers, processes, transports, and markets natural gas.

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American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG  Get Free Report) Director Amy Y. Murray sold 415 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.96, for a total value of $49,368.40. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 1,759 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $209,250.64. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

American Financial Group Trading Down 1.7 %

Shares of AFG stock opened at $118.62 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $112.18 and its 200 day moving average price is $114.24. American Financial Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $105.22 and a 1-year high of $143.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.94 billion, a PE ratio of 11.67 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.50 and a quick ratio of 0.50.

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American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The insurance provider reported $2.45 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.47 by ($0.02). American Financial Group had a return on equity of 22.85% and a net margin of 11.27%. The business had revenue of $1.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.65 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.24 EPS. The companys revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that American Financial Group, Inc. will post 10.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

American Financial Group Increases Dividend

Institutional Trading of American Financial Group

The company also recently announced a None dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 22nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 13th were issued a $1.50 dividend. This is a positive change from American Financial Groups previous None dividend of $1.00. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 10th. American Financial Groups dividend payout ratio is 27.95%.

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its holdings in American Financial Group by 10.3% in the second quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 20,400 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,422,000 after purchasing an additional 1,900 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new stake in shares of American Financial Group in the second quarter valued at $3,962,000. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of American Financial Group by 30.8% in the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 5,591 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $664,000 after acquiring an additional 1,315 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American Financial Group in the second quarter valued at $3,712,000. Finally, Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of American Financial Group by 2.2% in the first quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 15,116 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,837,000 after acquiring an additional 321 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.50% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have weighed in on AFG. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on American Financial Group in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a hold rating and a $120.00 price objective for the company. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on American Financial Group from $140.00 to $129.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Citigroup assumed coverage on American Financial Group in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $125.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on American Financial Group in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott assumed coverage on American Financial Group in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. They set a buy rating and a $135.00 price target for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, American Financial Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $132.80.

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American Financial Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

American Financial Group, Inc, an insurance holding company, provides specialty property and casualty insurance products in the United States. It offers property and transportation insurance products, such as physical damage and liability coverage for buses and trucks, inland and ocean marine, agricultural-related products, and other commercial property and specialty transportation coverages; specialty casualty insurance, including primarily excess and surplus, executive and professional liability, general liability, umbrella and excess liability, and specialty coverage in targeted markets, as well as customized programs for small to mid-sized businesses and workers' compensation insurance; and specialty financial insurance products comprising risk management insurance programs for lending and leasing institutions, fidelity and surety products, and trade credit insurance.

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BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. lessened its holdings in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 10.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 11,693 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 1,331 shares during the period. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc.s holdings in Accenture were worth $3,591,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in Accenture by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 48,035,644 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $13,729,067,000 after acquiring an additional 634,462 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Accenture by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 26,644,296 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $8,221,897,000 after acquiring an additional 190,412 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in Accenture by 14.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 16,642,841 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $4,440,976,000 after acquiring an additional 2,163,582 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Accenture by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 11,816,701 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $3,636,842,000 after acquiring an additional 353,521 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its position in shares of Accenture by 21.7% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 11,535,663 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $3,297,009,000 after purchasing an additional 2,060,646 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.42% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Accenture

In related news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $314.68, for a total value of $2,832,120.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 26,830 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,442,864.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the insider now directly owns 20,265 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,048,697.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated 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 directly owns 26,830 shares in the company, valued at $8,442,864.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 36,334 shares of company stock valued at $10,939,027. 0.07% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have weighed in on ACN shares. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $340.00 price target on shares of Accenture in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Wedbush boosted their price target on Accenture from $330.00 to $360.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on Accenture from $332.00 to $322.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 29th. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Accenture from $312.00 to $300.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Accenture from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Accenture presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $348.59.

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Accenture Price Performance

NYSE ACN traded up $3.14 on Thursday, reaching $342.64. The stock had a trading volume of 293,135 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,221,306. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $320.97 and a two-hundred day moving average of $316.21. The company has a market cap of $215.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 1.23. Accenture plc has a 1-year low of $242.80 and a 1-year high of $346.96.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The information technology services provider reported $3.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.14 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $16.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.17 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 29.08% and a net margin of 10.65%. Accentures quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.08 EPS. Research analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 12.21 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Accenture announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback plan on Thursday, September 28th that permits the company to buyback $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the information technology services provider to repurchase up to 2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Accenture Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 18th will be issued a dividend of $1.29 per share. This represents a $5.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.51%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 17th. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 47.82%.

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.

Further Reading

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Buckingham Capital Management Inc. trimmed its position in L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX  Free Report) by 4.7% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 16,465 shares of the companys stock after selling 813 shares during the quarter. Buckingham Capital Management Inc.s holdings in L3Harris Technologies were worth $2,867,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 3.2% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 15,499,913 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,041,703,000 after purchasing an additional 480,610 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 1.2% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,795,513 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,721,898,000 after purchasing an additional 104,323 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 3.0% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,663,645 shares of the companys stock valued at $715,171,000 after purchasing an additional 107,293 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 22.9% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,604,895 shares of the companys stock valued at $511,184,000 after purchasing an additional 485,268 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Longview Partners Guernsey LTD lifted its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 15.3% in the second quarter. Longview Partners Guernsey LTD now owns 2,391,090 shares of the companys stock valued at $468,104,000 after purchasing an additional 317,953 shares in the last quarter. 81.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Edward J. Zoiss sold 4,742 shares of L3Harris Technologies stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total transaction of $900,980.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 27,183 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,164,770. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.82% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently issued reports on LHX. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $225.00 target price on shares of L3Harris Technologies in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Robert W. Baird upgraded L3Harris Technologies from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and upped their price objective for the company from $198.00 to $216.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Citigroup began coverage on L3Harris Technologies in a research note on Monday, September 11th. They issued a buy rating and a $193.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com upgraded L3Harris Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein lowered L3Harris Technologies from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $239.00 to $210.00 in a research note on Monday, August 28th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, L3Harris Technologies has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $227.73.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on LHX

L3Harris Technologies Price Performance

Shares of LHX traded up $2.27 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $208.85. The companys stock had a trading volume of 86,453 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,207,072. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $160.25 and a one year high of $219.31. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $187.75 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $185.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $39.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.72 and a beta of 0.68.

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $3.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.06 by $0.13. L3Harris Technologies had a return on equity of 12.66% and a net margin of 7.96%. The company had revenue of $4.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.95 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $3.26 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that L3Harris Technologies, Inc. will post 12.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

L3Harris Technologies Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th were issued a dividend of $1.14 per share. This represents a $4.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.18%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. L3Harris Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 58.61%.

L3Harris Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

L3Harris Technologies, Inc, an aerospace and defense technology company, provides mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers worldwide. The company's Integrated Mission Systems segment provides multi-mission intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems; and communication systems, as well as fleet management support, sensor development, modification, and periodic depot maintenance services for ISR and airborne missions.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LHX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX  Free Report).

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Key Insights

The projected fair value for Stanmore Resources is AU$2.94 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Stanmore Resources' AU$3.86 share price signals that it might be 31% overvalued

When compared to theindustry average discount of -23%, Stanmore Resources' competitors seem to be trading at a lesser premium to fair value

How far off is Stanmore Resources Limited (ASX:SMR) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Stanmore Resources

Is Stanmore Resources Fairly Valued?

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$215.1m US$327.7m US$217.2m US$167.2m US$141.4m US$126.9m US$118.7m US$114.0m US$111.6m US$110.6m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ -33.74% Est @ -22.99% Est @ -15.47% Est @ -10.21% Est @ -6.52% Est @ -3.94% Est @ -2.13% Est @ -0.87% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 9.2% US$197 US$275 US$167 US$118 US$91.0 US$74.8 US$64.1 US$56.4 US$50.5 US$45.8

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$1.1b

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.1%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 9.2%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$111m (1 + 2.1%)  (9.2% 2.1%) = US$1.6b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$1.6b ( 1 + 9.2%)10= US$657m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$1.8b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$3.9, the company appears potentially overvalued at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

ASX:SMR Discounted Cash Flow December 21st 2023

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Stanmore Resources as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.425. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value lower than the current share price? For Stanmore Resources, we've put together three pertinent factors you should explore:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Stanmore Resources that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does SMR's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Congress Park Capital LLC lessened its holdings in FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX  Free Report) by 29.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,025 shares of the shipping service providers stock after selling 425 shares during the period. Congress Park Capital LLCs holdings in FedEx were worth $272,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its stake in shares of FedEx by 97,178.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 209,510,584 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $51,937,674,000 after acquiring an additional 209,295,211 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in FedEx in the 4th quarter valued at about $388,787,000. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC acquired a new stake in shares of FedEx during the first quarter worth about $314,712,000. Capital International Investors boosted its stake in shares of FedEx by 86.1% in the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 1,728,775 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $428,563,000 after purchasing an additional 799,828 shares during the period. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP grew its holdings in shares of FedEx by 2,602.9% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 608,210 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $150,775,000 after purchasing an additional 632,510 shares in the last quarter. 73.61% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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FedEx Price Performance

FedEx stock opened at $246.25 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $61.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.59, a PEG ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a current ratio of 1.37. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $253.71 and a 200 day moving average price of $253.80. FedEx Co. has a 1 year low of $167.63 and a 1 year high of $285.53.

FedEx Dividend Announcement

FedEx ( NYSE:FDX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The shipping service provider reported $3.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.14 by ($0.15). The firm had revenue of $22.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.36 billion. FedEx had a net margin of 4.87% and a return on equity of 16.63%. FedExs revenue was down 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.18 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that FedEx Co. will post 18.19 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 11th will be given a $1.26 dividend. This represents a $5.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.05%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 8th. FedExs payout ratio is 29.86%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, VP Jennifer L. Johnson sold 13,348 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, October 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.25, for a total transaction of $3,447,121.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 3,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $885,281. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 8.73% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently commented on the company. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on FedEx from $284.00 to $285.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. StockNews.com raised FedEx from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Loop Capital upped their price target on FedEx from $255.00 to $275.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of FedEx from $269.00 to $278.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. Finally, TD Cowen increased their target price on shares of FedEx from $290.00 to $293.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, FedEx has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $288.38.

View Our Latest Stock Report on FedEx

FedEx Company Profile

(Free Report)

FedEx Corporation provides transportation, e-commerce, and business services in the United States and internationally. It operates through FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Services segments. The FedEx Express segment offers express transportation, small-package ground delivery, and freight transportation services; and time-critical transportation services.

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Shares of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the five analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has given a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company.

Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley upgraded Honda Motor from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Honda Motor in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on HMC

Institutional Trading of Honda Motor

Honda Motor Stock Performance

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Credit Suisse AG boosted its holdings in Honda Motor by 3,638.7% in the third quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 1,159 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 1,128 shares during the last quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in Honda Motor in the third quarter valued at about $30,000. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Honda Motor by 46.3% in the second quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,065 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 337 shares during the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its holdings in Honda Motor by 77.6% in the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 975 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 426 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Spire Wealth Management boosted its holdings in Honda Motor by 52.2% in the second quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 1,233 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 423 shares during the last quarter. 5.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Honda Motor stock opened at $30.37 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 1.45 and a quick ratio of 1.13. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $31.46 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $31.75. Honda Motor has a 52-week low of $22.35 and a 52-week high of $36.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $51.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.23, a P/E/G ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 0.72.

Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported $1.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.38. Honda Motor had a return on equity of 8.13% and a net margin of 5.26%. The firm had revenue of $34.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $32.12 billion. As a group, analysts anticipate that Honda Motor will post 3.94 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Honda Motor

(Get Free Report

Honda Motor Co, Ltd. develops, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles, automobiles, power, and other products in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Motorcycle Business, Automobile Business, Financial Services Business, and Power Product and Other Businesses.

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Insight Wealth Strategies LLC grew its stake in The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Free Report) by 9.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 33,172 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,755 shares during the period. Insight Wealth Strategies LLCs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $1,857,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in KO. Mirabella Financial Services LLP acquired a new stake in Coca-Cola during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,116,000. Providence Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 43,642 shares of the companys stock worth $2,628,000 after purchasing an additional 620 shares during the period. KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 10.6% in the 2nd quarter. KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC now owns 160,172 shares of the companys stock worth $9,646,000 after purchasing an additional 15,389 shares during the period. Avion Wealth lifted its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 73.9% in the 2nd quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 781 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 332 shares during the period. Finally, Quantinno Capital Management LP lifted its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 13.2% in the 2nd quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 84,095 shares of the companys stock worth $5,064,000 after purchasing an additional 9,800 shares during the period. 68.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity

In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.86, for a total value of $4,956,681.94. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,835,527.56. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.86, for a total value of $4,956,681.94. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,835,527.56. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Henrique Braun sold 52,696 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.97, for a total value of $3,002,091.12. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 26,272 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,496,715.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 257,287 shares of company stock valued at $14,370,541. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Coca-Cola Price Performance

NYSE KO traded down $0.43 on Wednesday, reaching $58.40. 2,492,055 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 13,808,966. The Coca-Cola Company has a 12 month low of $51.55 and a 12 month high of $64.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $56.91 and a 200 day simple moving average of $58.77. The stock has a market cap of $252.49 billion, a PE ratio of 23.63, a P/E/G ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 0.58.

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $0.74 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $11.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.45 billion. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 23.92% and a return on equity of 42.44%. As a group, research analysts predict that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.68 earnings per share for the current year.

Coca-Cola Announces Dividend

The business 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 $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 30th. Coca-Colas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 73.90%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have recently weighed in on KO. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $74.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $74.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $59.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of Coca-Cola in a research note on Monday, November 13th. They set a hold rating and a $64.00 price target for the company. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Coca-Cola from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Coca-Cola has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $66.20.

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Coca-Cola Profile

(Free Report)

The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

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Janiczek Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) by 21.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,949 shares of the aerospace companys stock after acquiring an additional 687 shares during the period. Lockheed Martin accounts for about 0.4% of Janiczek Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th largest position. Janiczek Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $1,615,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. boosted its stake in Lockheed Martin by 100.0% during the 1st quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 60 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the period. CGC Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp bought a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.26% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently weighed in on LMT. UBS Group began coverage on Lockheed Martin in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. They set a neutral rating and a $470.00 target price for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Lockheed Martin from $495.00 to $481.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Lockheed Martin from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $440.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, September 18th. StockNews.com started coverage on Lockheed Martin in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Lockheed Martin in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They issued a hold rating and a $435.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Lockheed Martin currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $484.07.

Lockheed Martin Price Performance

Lockheed Martin stock opened at $442.60 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.16. The company has a market capitalization of $109.81 billion, a PE ratio of 16.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.57. Lockheed Martin Co. has a one year low of $393.77 and a one year high of $508.10. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $446.86 and a 200 day simple moving average of $445.34.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.67 by $0.10. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 75.46% and a net margin of 10.29%. The firm had revenue of $16.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.73 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $6.87 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 27.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $3.15 per share. This represents a $12.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.85%. This is a boost from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 46.04%.

Lockheed Martin Company Profile

(Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space.

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Financial Management Professionals Inc. trimmed its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 5.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,598 shares of the companys stock after selling 307 shares during the period. Financial Management Professionals Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $518,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in PM. Capital World Investors increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 116,185,273 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,342,014,000 after purchasing an additional 4,368,323 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.0% during the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 106,291,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,376,231,000 after acquiring an additional 1,092,991 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 95,439,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,316,761,000 after acquiring an additional 1,056,110 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.1% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,592,611 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,793,812,000 after acquiring an additional 1,745,868 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.9% during the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 51,558,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,033,166,000 after acquiring an additional 2,430,519 shares in the last quarter. 79.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Philip Morris International Stock Down 3.4 %

Shares of NYSE PM opened at $92.07 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $92.01 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $94.30. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52-week low of $87.23 and a 52-week high of $105.62. The stock has a market capitalization of $142.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.88, a P/E/G ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.77.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $9.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.21 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 129.48% and a net margin of 9.62%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.53 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.08 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.65%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 100.97%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on PM. StockNews.com began coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $114.00 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 13th. Redburn Atlantic began coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. They set a neutral rating and a $95.00 price target on the stock. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $109.27.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Philip Morris International

Insider Activity at Philip Morris International

In related news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.25, for a total transaction of $942,500.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 198,447 shares in the company, valued at $18,703,629.75. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

About Philip Morris International

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Free Report) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report published on Monday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have $176.00 price target on the insurance providers stock, up from their prior price target of $144.00.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Citigroup raised Progressive from a sell rating to a neutral rating and upped their target price for the stock from $120.00 to $158.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Progressive from $140.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. Piper Sandler upped their target price on Progressive from $186.00 to $188.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 20th. Barclays upped their target price on Progressive from $111.00 to $112.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Monday, November 20th. Finally, Roth Mkm reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $185.00 target price on shares of Progressive in a report on Monday, November 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $163.60.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Progressive

Progressive Stock Performance

NYSE PGR opened at $155.54 on Monday. Progressive has a fifty-two week low of $111.41 and a fifty-two week high of $165.57. The stock has a market cap of $91.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.42. The business has a fifty day moving average of $158.87 and a 200-day moving average of $141.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41.

Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The insurance provider reported $2.09 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.38. Progressive had a return on equity of 17.36% and a net margin of 4.67%. The business had revenue of $15.71 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.66 billion. As a group, analysts predict that Progressive will post 5.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Progressive Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 19th will be issued a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 18th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.26%. Progressives dividend payout ratio is 8.68%.

Insider Activity at Progressive

In other news, CEO Susan Patricia Griffith sold 90,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.89, for a total transaction of $14,660,100.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 465,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $75,863,574.15. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, insider Andrew J. Quigg sold 4,052 shares of Progressive stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.28, for a total transaction of $665,662.56. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 25,769 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,233,331.32. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Susan Patricia Griffith sold 90,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.89, for a total transaction of $14,660,100.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 465,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at $75,863,574.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 115,772 shares of company stock valued at $18,619,379. Corporate insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Progressive

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in PGR. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC raised its position in shares of Progressive by 37.4% in the third quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 628 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $87,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the period. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. boosted its position in Progressive by 41.0% during the 3rd quarter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. now owns 18,684 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,603,000 after buying an additional 5,430 shares during the period. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Progressive by 9.3% in the 3rd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 7,972 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,110,000 after purchasing an additional 675 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in shares of Progressive by 14.1% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 21,554,503 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,002,542,000 after acquiring an additional 2,666,449 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in Progressive by 24.6% during the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,420,197 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $337,133,000 after acquiring an additional 477,063 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.66% of the companys stock.

About Progressive

(Get Free Report)

The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company, provides personal and commercial auto, personal residential and commercial property, general liability, and other specialty property-casualty insurance products and related services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Property.

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Radnor Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm purchased 13,840 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $1,081,000.

A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in TXT. FMR LLC grew its holdings in Textron by 93.4% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 3,057,710 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $215,966,000 after acquiring an additional 1,476,395 shares in the last quarter. LSV Asset Management grew its holdings in Textron by 51.4% during the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 3,041,211 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $205,677,000 after acquiring an additional 1,032,353 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in Textron by 27.7% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,596,887 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $324,678,000 after acquiring an additional 997,119 shares in the last quarter. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL acquired a new position in Textron during the 2nd quarter worth $64,463,000. Finally, Man Group plc acquired a new position in Textron during the 4th quarter worth $64,467,000. 85.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity at Textron

In other Textron news, Director R Kerry Clark sold 9,353 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.10, for a total transaction of $702,410.30. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 4,517 shares in the company, valued at approximately $339,226.70. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 1.70% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have weighed in on TXT shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Textron from $84.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Textron from $86.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. UBS Group began coverage on shares of Textron in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. They issued a sell rating and a $73.00 price target for the company. Susquehanna reaffirmed a positive rating on shares of Textron in a report on Friday, October 27th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Textron from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $83.57.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Textron

Textron Trading Down 0.9 %

Shares of NYSE:TXT opened at $79.28 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $15.54 billion, a PE ratio of 17.09, a P/E/G ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 1.35. The companys 50-day moving average price is $77.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $74.39. Textron Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $61.27 and a fifty-two week high of $81.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45.

Textron (NYSE:TXT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The aerospace company reported $1.49 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.27 by $0.22. The firm had revenue of $3.34 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.48 billion. Textron had a net margin of 7.07% and a return on equity of 14.70%. Textrons quarterly revenue was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.06 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Textron Inc. will post 5.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Textron Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 1st. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a $0.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.10%. Textrons dividend payout ratio is presently 1.72%.

Textron Profile

(Free Report)

Textron Inc operates in the aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses worldwide. It operates through six segments: Textron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems, Industrial, Textron eAviation, and Finance. The Textron Aviation segment manufactures, sells, and services business jets, turboprop and piston engine aircraft, and military trainer and defense aircraft; and offers maintenance, inspection, and repair services, as well as sells commercial parts.

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Buckingham Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Sysco Co. (NYSE:SYY  Free Report) by 3.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 114,193 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,843 shares during the quarter. Buckingham Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Sysco were worth $7,542,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Sysco by 0.9% during the second quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 204,219 shares of the companys stock worth $15,153,000 after purchasing an additional 1,918 shares during the last quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC raised its position in Sysco by 2.8% in the second quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC now owns 8,685 shares of the companys stock valued at $644,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares during the period. Portside Wealth Group LLC purchased a new position in Sysco in the second quarter valued at about $3,246,000. Liberty One Investment Management LLC raised its position in Sysco by 5.8% in the second quarter. Liberty One Investment Management LLC now owns 276,159 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,491,000 after purchasing an additional 15,106 shares during the period. Finally, Marcum Wealth LLC raised its position in Sysco by 4.8% in the second quarter. Marcum Wealth LLC now owns 3,990 shares of the companys stock valued at $296,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.60% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Sysco

In other news, Director Sheila Talton sold 2,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.76, for a total transaction of $157,872.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,782 shares in the company, valued at $917,236.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.58% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have commented on SYY shares. Barclays cut their price objective on Sysco from $86.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. StockNews.com began coverage on Sysco in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Sysco in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. They set a buy rating and a $75.00 target price on the stock. Stephens dropped their target price on Sysco from $90.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Sysco from $75.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $83.30.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Sysco

Sysco Stock Performance

SYY stock traded up $0.50 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $73.75. The company had a trading volume of 318,856 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,548,914. The company has a quick ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 1.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.04. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $69.36 and a 200 day moving average price of $70.70. Sysco Co. has a fifty-two week low of $62.24 and a fifty-two week high of $82.38. The firm has a market capitalization of $37.20 billion, a PE ratio of 20.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 1.13.

Sysco (NYSE:SYY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported $1.07 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.05. Sysco had a return on equity of 117.17% and a net margin of 2.35%. The company had revenue of $19.62 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.97 earnings per share. Syscos quarterly revenue was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Sysco Co. will post 4.33 earnings per share for the current year.

Sysco Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be given a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.71%. Syscos dividend payout ratio is presently 56.34%.

About Sysco

(Free Report)

Sysco Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the marketing and distribution of various food and related products to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and internationally. It operates through U.S. Foodservice Operations, International Foodservice Operations, SYGMA, and Other segments.

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Toth Financial Advisory Corp grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 3.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,167 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 146 shares during the period. Toth Financial Advisory Corps holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $386,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Capital World Investors grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.9% during the second quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 116,185,273 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,342,014,000 after purchasing an additional 4,368,323 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its position in Philip Morris International by 1.0% in the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 106,291,477 shares of the companys stock worth $10,376,231,000 after acquiring an additional 1,092,991 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in Philip Morris International by 1.1% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 95,439,062 shares of the companys stock worth $9,316,761,000 after acquiring an additional 1,056,110 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its position in Philip Morris International by 3.1% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,592,611 shares of the companys stock worth $5,793,812,000 after acquiring an additional 1,745,868 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors grew its position in Philip Morris International by 4.9% in the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 51,558,741 shares of the companys stock worth $5,033,166,000 after acquiring an additional 2,430,519 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.70% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts recently commented on PM shares. Barclays dropped their price target on Philip Morris International from $115.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. StockNews.com started coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Bank of America dropped their price target on Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $111.00 in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and issued a $114.00 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $109.27.

Philip Morris International Price Performance

Shares of PM opened at $92.07 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $142.93 billion, a PE ratio of 17.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.77. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $87.23 and a 1-year high of $105.62. The companys fifty day moving average price is $92.01 and its 200-day moving average price is $94.30.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.62% and a negative return on equity of 129.48%. The firm had revenue of $9.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.21 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.53 EPS. Philip Morris Internationals quarterly revenue was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.08 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be paid a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.65%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 20th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 100.97%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Philip Morris International news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.25, for a total value of $942,500.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 198,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,703,629.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

About Philip Morris International

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report).

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StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Xinyuan Real Estate (NYSE:XIN  Free Report) in a research report report published on Monday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the financial services providers stock.

Xinyuan Real Estate Stock Performance

Shares of XIN stock opened at $2.81 on Monday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $2.79 and its 200 day moving average price is $2.99. Xinyuan Real Estate has a 52-week low of $2.00 and a 52-week high of $7.55.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Xinyuan Real Estate

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Xinyuan Real Estate stock. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. (NYSE:XIN  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 478,629 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $536,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. owned about 0.90% of Xinyuan Real Estate as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. 0.90% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Xinyuan Real Estate Company Profile

Xinyuan Real Estate Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in residential real estate development and construction in the People's Republic of China, the United States, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. The company develops residential projects, such as multi-layer apartment buildings, sub-high-rise apartment buildings, high-rise apartment buildings; auxiliary services and amenities, such as retail outlets, leisure and health facilities, kindergartens, and schools, as well as office, mixed-use, and commercial properties.

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Straits Research - Market Research Strategy | Strategy Consulting | Business Research | Business Consulting | Market Research

Surging demand for promotional materials in retail, food and beverage drives the commercial printing industry. An Adobe survey of 1,250 U.S. consumers highlights a current issue with online marketing, emphasizing that print-based advertisements capture greater customer attention.

New York, United States, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Commercial printing has become more common since the invention of the printing press. Due to rising applications in several end-use sectors and technological improvements, there is a predicted increase in global demand. Financial documents, manuals, and corporate forms are just some of the many printed goods commercial printers make. Commercial clients' advertising and product needs are the primary drivers of the need for high-quality printing projects. Periodicals, transactional mail, direct mail, product manuals, and catalogs are some of the many uses for commercial printing. Commercially produced items like books, direct mail, brochures, and recordings benefit from the rising popularity of short-run printing for various reasons. For instance, it was common practice to send the same direct mail message to multiple customers.

Download Free Sample Report PDF @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/commercial-printing-market/request-sample

Increased Demand for Promotional Materials Drives the Global Market

According to Straits Research, "The global commercial printing market size was valued at USD 471.80 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 568.84 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.10% during the forecast period (2023-2031)." Print advertising is one of the primary marketing tactics supporting the commercial printing sector. Retail businesses aware of their target markets employ print advertising as a holistic marketing strategy. Additionally, a recent Adobe study of 1,250 U.S. customers showed a problem with online or digital marketing failing to capture people's interest, with print-based adverts obtaining greater customer attention. As long as the magazine is still in circulation, an advertisement that appears in a magazine may promote a good or service for months or even years. The need for print-based advertising is rising since it has the potential to last from a single investment to several food and retail businesses.

Story continues

Introduction of Eco-friendly Practices Creates Tremendous Opportunities

The activities and techniques used in the commercial printing industry are being significantly changed, including gradually replacing conventional methods with more environmentally friendly ones. Several new measures are being created for the printing industries, with the critical environmental effects being prioritized. Additionally, the chemicals utilized in the printing process have several negative consequences induced by the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants. To lessen these printing-related problems, fresh, efficient, and practical solutions have been made possible through green printing tactics. Solvent-based inks are commonly used in gravure and flexography printing techniques due to the nature of the printing process. When printing, these flammable solvents produce fumes. VOCs are released into the atmosphere due to the solvent and ink used in the heat-set lithographic printing process.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific's commercial printing industry revenue is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.30% during the projection period. The Asia-Pacific area is expected to have significant revenue growth due to the growing demand for commercial printing in developing nations like India, Japan, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Due to developments in new technology, altered lifestyles, the growth of e-commerce, and urbanization, the printing market in the region is rising. Over the past three decades, the Chinese economy has experienced meteoric growth, catapulting it to the second position in the global economic rankings. China has the world's largest and fastest-growing population, and its economy is also increasing rapidly. Due to the presence of large manufacturers and the influx of Fortune 500 companies, the Chinese commercial printing industry and the potential for using digital printing technology have gained importance.

North America is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 1.60% during the projection period. North America is projected to dominate the commercial printing market as a result of the swift adoption of contemporary printing technologies in countries like the United States and Canada. The increase in advertising spending is expected to have a beneficial impact on the market's growth. In 2019, the United States was the second-largest advertising market in the world. The rising use of premium printed packaging for branding and advertising is causing the sector to grow.

Key Highlights

Based on type, the global commercial printing market is bifurcated into offset lithography, inkjet, flexographic, screen, and gravure. The offset lithography segment is the major contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 1.80% during the forecast period.

Based on application, the global commercial printing market is bifurcated into packaging, advertising, publishing, and others. The packaging segment is the major contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.20% during the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant revenue contributor and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.30% during the forecast period.

Competitive Players

Top powerful 11 global players are Quad/Graphics Inc., ACME Printing, LSC Communications US LLC, Cenveo Corporation, Transcontinental Inc., Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd, RR Donnelley and Sons, Bertelsmann S.E. and Co. KGaA, Toppan Co. Ltd, Vistaprint NV, and Ennis Inc.

Market News

In June 2022, Toppan developed a hologram capable of displaying text and images in response to bright light. Verification became simpler for users without specialist equipment or a Q.R. code.

Global Commercial Printing Market: Segmentation

By Type

Offset Lithography

Inkjet

Flexographic

Screen

Gravure

Other Types

By Application

Packaging

Advertising

Publishing

Other Applications

By Regions

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

LAMEA

Get Detailed Market Segmentation @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/commercial-printing-market/segmentation

About Straits Research Pvt. Ltd.

Straits Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision-makers. Straits Research Pvt. Ltd. provides actionable market research data, especially designed and presented for decision making and ROI.

Whether you are looking at business sectors in the next town or crosswise over continents, we understand the significance of being acquainted with the clients purchase. We overcome our clients issues by recognizing and deciphering the target group and generating leads with utmost precision. We seek to collaborate with our clients to deliver a broad spectrum of results through a blend of market and business research approaches.

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A tourist takes pictures at the ancient city of Kashgar scenic area in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 7, 2023. [Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan]

URUMQI, Dec. 20 (Xinhua)  Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has received a record number of tourists this year thanks to its reputation as a safe tourist destination, said Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the regional government, on Wednesday.

The number of tourist trips received by the region reached 260 million this year, up from 48.6 million in 2012, the chair said while addressing an idea- and story-sharing conference on the theme of promoting the high-quality development of the human rights cause in Xinjiang within the Chinese modernization drive.

In the eyes of tourists, Xinjiang has become a place with superb public security management and a safe social environment, he said.

The official accredited the unprecedented improvement in the public sense of security to Xinjiang's prioritization of social stability and human rights. The region has not seen any violent terrorist incidents for nearly seven straight years, he noted.

"The human rights cause in Xinjiang has made all-round advances and historic achievements," he said in the speech that highlighted the comprehensive protection of the social, cultural, religious and political rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, as well as their right to live and develop.

A report on Xinjiang's human rights and legal protections, compiled by Xinjiang University and Southwest University of Political Science and Law, was also issued at the event.

(Source: Xinhua)
This aerial photo taken on Sept. 10, 2023 shows a view of Zhangjiang area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China's Shanghai. [Xinhua/Fang Zhe]

BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua)  Amid a comprehensive reform over the past decade, Chinese President Xi Jinping has steered China toward a future of Chinese modernization with greater confidence, as the country's socialist system with Chinese characteristics is maturing along the way.

From witnessing theoretical development to addressing challenges unique to a large political party, and from advancing national institutional and governance system reforms to driving high-quality development, China has achieved historic, systemic and holistic transformations in many fields over the past 10 years.

David Ferguson, an editor of the English version of the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," said he was astonished to see how a remote mountain village in northwest China's Gansu Province could be transformed so dramatically.

"A decade ago, it took three days to reach Longnan City from there, but now it only takes an hour," he said, noting that all the villages are connected by paved roads, and bridges and tunnels span the mountains. Ferguson attributes China's remarkable progress to the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

In the deepened reform led by Xi, the emphasis has been on institutional improvements, with the task of advancing Chinese modernization deemed a top political priority by the Chinese leader.

"Promoting Chinese modernization is an exploratory undertaking. There are still many unknown areas. We need to boldly explore them in practice and promote our cause through reform and innovation," Xi said.

Architect of Deepening Overall Reform

The transformative journey in the new era began with the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee convened in 2013.

Xi, who has been the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee since November 2012, personally led the drafting committee for the conference documents and outlined the overall objectives of comprehensively deepening reform  to improve and develop the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and modernize China's system and capacity for governance.

Facing international skepticism about China's political system reform, Xi responded resolutely by saying that reform must continue on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. "Reform must stay on the right course, neither going back down the rigid, closed-door path of the past nor embarking on the erroneous path of changing our political direction."

Xi spearheaded the establishment of the central leading group for deepening overall reform, which later evolved into the central commission for comprehensively deepening reform. To date, it has convened some 70 meetings, and reviewed and approved many plans and proposals, including the development of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the building of a unified domestic market, and the adoption of the "river chief" and "lake chief" systems.

"Many key reforms would not have been carried out without Xi's decisive decisions," recalled a scholar involved in drafting the documents for comprehensively deepening reform.

Xi underlined the paramount importance of the new development philosophy among the key theories and concepts on economic and social development that have been put forward since the 18th CPC National Congress.

"The GDP growth rate can not serve as the sole yardstick of success for development. Rather, it is imperative to achieve high-quality development in which innovation is the primary driver, coordination is an endogenous trait, eco-friendly growth prevails, openness to the world is the only way, and shared growth is the ultimate goal, with a view to propelling transformative changes in the quality, efficiency and impetus of economic development," he said.

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has provided a systematic, high-level blueprint and operational path for all aspects of modernization. It stands as an indisputable guide to action for achieving national rejuvenation.

Xi has called for comprehensively advancing law-based governance, emphasizing that throughout the reform process, great importance must be attached to thinking and acting under the guidance of the rule of law, and reforms must be carried out in accordance with the rule of law.

Furthermore, he determined a value orientation for comprehensively deepening the reform, which is to ensure that all people can benefit more thoroughly and fairly from the fruits of reform and development.

Ten years into deepening reform across the board, China has eliminated absolute poverty and formed the world's largest middle-income group of over 400 million people. China has established the world's largest social security system, and the average life expectancy of its people has increased from 74.8 years to 78.2 years in a decade.

Under Xi's helm, China has achieved its goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, an important stride toward national rejuvenation.

Per the decision of Xi, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, the People's Liberation Army completed the most extensive and profound national defense and military reform since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Xi also delved into the unique challenges facing a party as large as the CPC and found the self-revolution of the Party a viable solution. From introducing the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving work conduct to tackling pointless formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, and from conducting disciplinary inspection and supervision to the establishment of the Audit Commission of the CPC Central Committee, a series of systemic arrangements have been put in place to ensure that "power is exercised in broad daylight."

Over the course of a decade, China has twice undertaken large-scale reforms of the Party and state institutions, guided by a problem-oriented approach and not shying away from adjusting power and interests. The establishment of the National Commission of Supervision marked the first instance of comprehensive oversight over all public office holders exercising public power.

"There is no country or political party in the whole world that has the political courage and historical responsibility to carry out such a bold and inward-looking self-reform. There is no country or political party that can promote reform in such a wide range of areas, on such a large scale, with such powerful strength and in such a short period of time. This is a distinctive feature and significant advantage of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics," Xi said.

This aerial photo taken on Aug. 25, 2023 shows a view of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. Aug. 26 marks the 43rd anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. [Xinhua/Mao Siqian]

Xi's Reform Methodology

In addressing the areas requiring reform and the methods to be employed, Xi has adeptly used metaphors such as "navigating treacherous waters" and "gnawing the bones" to encourage people to confront tough challenges.

Over the past decades, the Chinese leadership has amassed successful experiences including "emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts," "adhering to a problem-oriented approach" and "correctly handling the relationship between reform, development and stability."

While sticking with these norms, Xi has also exerted his wisdom and explored new ways. He stressed pursuing reform in a more systemic, holistic and coordinated manner.

"Gnawing the bones" is a key reform method. It involves tackling tough issues such as the streamlining of the government, delegation of power, and enhancement of transparency in government affairs. Addressing corruption is imperative, and efforts are directed toward bridging rural-urban gaps and ensuring more equitable medical services. These aspects constitute the more challenging facets of China's reform process, which entails taking huge risks and invariably dents the core interests of many.

Upholding the "zero tolerance" principle, the anti-corruption drive investigated more than 4.7 million people in 10 years. The medical reform is providing increasingly effective and low-cost services to the people.

Another major methodology of China's reform is a gradual approach, which ensures continued success.

Xi mandated that localities and sectors undertake pilot roles to test initiatives for the country, with integrated institutional innovation serving as the linchpin. He emphasized the need to establish the new before abolishing the old and to pursue progress while ensuring stability.

China's 22 pilot free trade zones (FTZs) are trialing new ways to facilitate trade, investment and cross-border cooperation. Pudong in Shanghai, the city of Shenzhen, and Zhejiang Province are undertaking pilot roles in socialist modernization, socialism with Chinese characteristics, and common prosperity, respectively.

In November, China announced its decision to choose 100 carbon peak pilot cities and industrial parks, with the first batch of 35 already made public. "Green transformation is a process, not something that can be accomplished overnight," Xi warned.

The deepened reform is moving forward with solid momentum. Such reform differs from the radical "shock therapy" employed by some countries and it is not a mere patching-up for existing problems as seen in some developed countries. It is a comprehensive reform that is people-centered and respects the pioneering spirit of the people.

Xi likened the critical rural reform initiated 45 years ago in Xiaogang Village to a "life and death" moment. To address rural conundrums and problems today, deepened reform is needed, he said.

Highlighting a similarly daring initiative by people in Fujian to explore land use right in the mountains, Xi said, "We respect the initiative of the people, and the people are the real heroes."

China's reform promotes democracy, listens to public opinion, and incorporates people's suggestions into legislation, planning and decision-making.

The above-mentioned reform methodology, along with systematic thinking, treating both symptoms and root causes, and a dialectical approach, is derived from China's reality and culture and sets in motion more changes for the future.

Championing Reform for Modernization

Comprehensively deepening reform has been viewed by Xi as the fundamental driving force for Chinese modernization, which is key to realizing national rejuvenation.

His calls resonated well across the country.

Hefei, capital of Anhui Province and an inland city once much less conspicuous, is being transformed into a "city of the future." It is now home to a world-class new display industry, a thriving new energy vehicle sector, and some of the world's most cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, deep space exploration and nuclear fusion.

The burgeoning development has been catalyzed by a raft of reform measures that empower cash-strapped strategic emerging industries with state-owned capital, beef up policy support for national basic research projects, and open public resources to provide the much-needed application scenarios for new technologies.

Hefei is the epitome of how the deepening reform championed by Xi has propelled China's pursuit of modernization, which entails high-quality development and the greater role of innovation in driving growth.

The city has set up special municipal-level committees for advancing sci-tech innovation and fostering strategic emerging industries, the earliest among its peers.

"We have to mobilize resources citywide to support these sectors as they typically need a long period of development before generating returns, with great uncertainty," said Yuan Fei, vice mayor of Hefei. "It's like we push for physical reactions first until chemical changes occur when they have appeal to the market."

Whatever local officials have been doing, it appears to be "the right mix of industrial policy and private-sector mojo," The Economist quoted Robin Xing, an economist at Morgan Stanley, as saying in a report on the city's success.

Noting that the key to Chinese modernization lies in the modernization of science and technology, Xi has urged deepening structural scientific and technological reform and establishing a foundational system for all-around innovation.

China has completed 143 reform tasks in this regard, helping boost its ranking on the Global Innovation Index from 35th in 2013 to 12th this year. The tech-intensive green trio -- solar batteries, lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles -- have replaced apparel, home appliances and furniture to become the "three major drivers" of the country's foreign trade.

Reform is also taking hold in China's vast rural areas. Xi has pushed for significant reforms on the rights to contracted rural land and the rural collective property rights system, noting that "reform must be well leveraged as a powerful instrument for advancing rural revitalization across the board."

In Houbaligou Village of east China's Shandong Province, the reform of collective property rights has enabled villagers to hold shares in a cooperative engaged in businesses like real estate, education and commerce.

The village's collective assets ballooned to over 8 billion yuan (about 1.1 billion U.S. dollars) at present from 3.5 billion yuan before the reform, and the incomes of the villages have continued to grow.

Nationwide, rural residents' per capita disposable income surpassed 20,000 yuan for the first time in 2022. The income gap between urban and rural residents has gradually narrowed over the past decade.

To achieve a modernization that features harmony between humanity and nature, Xi has systematically planned institutional reform for eco-environmental development.

Dozens of reform initiatives have been implemented. The toughest-ever environmental protection law was enacted, systems of river, lake and forest chiefs were instituted nationwide, and red lines were drawn for ecological conservation.

These measures have led to sweeping changes. From 2012 to 2021, China's annual energy consumption growth rate of 3 percent supported an average economic growth rate of 6.6 percent. China has seen the fastest improvement in air quality globally and it leads in forest resource growth and afforestation.

The tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference, which was held earlier this month, called for planning major measures to further carry out reform in all areas next year. It called for deepening and upgrading the reform of state-owned enterprises, promoting the growth of private enterprises, speeding up the development of a unified national market and planning a new round of fiscal and tax system reform.

China is expected to strive for breakthroughs in some critical links and key sectors of reform to build a high-standard socialist market economy and lay a solid foundation for sustained high-quality development and advancement of Chinese modernization, according to observers.

Pushing for Greater Openness

Under the leadership of Xi, China has become increasingly integrated with the rest of the world by making tenacious efforts to push for high-level institutional opening up.

These efforts, ranging from the launch of negative lists for foreign investment, cross-border trade in services, and the promulgation of the Foreign Investment Law to the establishment of pilot FTZs, have testified to the president's commitment to "never closing the country's door but only opening the country wider to the outside world."

When the Shanghai pilot FTZ was inaugurated in 2013, Xi expressed high hopes regarding the new test field, urging the local government to "make brave trials, break through vigorously and reform on its own initiative so as to achieve more results that could be replicated elsewhere across the country."

Ten years on, more than 3,400 reform tasks have been trialed in the country's FTZs, with 302 institutional innovations implemented at the national level.

In November, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released a report, considering FTZs as "important strategic measures" for China's further development and commending their roles in promoting institutional innovation, industrial transformation and South-South cooperation.

Xi has also emphasized on multiple occasions the need to optimize the environment for foreign investment and comprehensively guarantee the national treatment of foreign-invested enterprises.

Over the years, China has moved to cut the negative lists for foreign investment access, supported foreign investment in advanced manufacturing, modern service industries and cutting-edge technologies, and encouraged foreign-invested enterprises to become "industrial leaders" in energy and water efficiency.

Many heavyweight multinational companies have come to invest in China. Elon Musk, CEO of the U.S. electric carmaker Tesla, was "astounded" by the progress made by the company's Shanghai gigafactory, calling the local team's work "mind-blowing."

On the financial front, Standard Chartered Securities, the first newly-established wholly foreign-owned securities company in China, is looking forward to starting business in the first half of next year.

"Just as some leaders of the business community have said, China has become a synonym of the best investment destination, and that the 'next China' is still China," Xi said.

Although the global consensus on openness has weakened amid rising unilateralism and protectionism and stronger de-globalization headwinds, Xi has on many occasions stressed the need to resolutely "stand on the right side of history" to foster an open world economy.

Under Xi's planning, deployment and promotion, the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first import-themed national-level expo, debuted in Shanghai in 2018 as one of China's signature moves to share China's market with the rest of the world.

Several other national-level exhibitions, including the China International Fair for Trade in Services, the China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Supply Chain Expo, have also gained popularity for facilitating much-needed trade and industrial cooperation.

This year, the CIIE hosted a delegation organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, marking the first-ever group of exhibitors representing the U.S. federal government in the history of the expo.

As an important platform to materialize the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Xi has yielded fruitful results.

More than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations have signed relevant cooperation documents with China, covering more than three-quarters of the world's countries and more than 60 percent of the world's population.

China has been advancing modernization at full throttle and its spillover effect can already be seen. Over the past decade, China's share of the world economy has risen from 12.3 percent to over 18 percent, and its annual contribution to global growth has exceeded 30 percent on average.

All the changes could be traced back to 1978, when China adopted the policy of reform and opening up. At that time, CP Group from Thailand was one of the first foreign companies to enter the Chinese market.

"With the country's comprehensive national strength growing and its economy further prospering, we believe China will only open wider to the outside world," said James Ye, vice chairman of CP Group China.

While addressing the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October, Xi shared his views on global modernization.

"The modernization we are pursuing is not for China alone, but for all developing countries through our joint efforts. Global modernization should be pursued to enhance peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation and bring prosperity to all," he said.

(Source: Xinhua)


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...Very active weather and dangerous cold forecast for the next week... A very strong storm system will move through the region Friday. Very strong winds are expected and a wind advisory has been issued for the entire region for 40-50 mph wind gusts. Stronger winds are possible. Widespread rain may lead to localized flooding in areas where thunderstorms form with up to 2 inches of rain possible in those areas. Severe thunderstorms are not currently expected but there is a small potential over the southern Pennyrile region of Kentucky Friday morning. A change to sleet and snow is forecast at the end of the day but accumulations are still not anticipated. If temperatures do not rise above freezing Saturday it is expected to mark the first of 5 to 6 days where temperatures will not rise above freezing. Lows Saturday through Tuesday night are forecast to fall into or near the single digits. Below zero wind chills are likely most of Monday and Tuesday. This extended cold snap will be dangerous to those without adequate shelter and will likely challenge plumbing and other cold-sensitive infrastructure. Accumulating snow remains possible Monday but forecast amounts have trended a little lower, and will remain subject to change for the next few days as more data becomes available.

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM CST /7 AM EST/ FRIDAY TO MIDNIGHT CST /1 AM EST/ FRIDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 6 AM CST /7 AM EST/ Friday to midnight CST /1 AM EST/ Friday night. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Wet ground may result in some trees being uprooted, and tree limbs will be blown down. A few power outages are likely. High profile vehicles will have difficulty. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A corridor of stronger winds, with gusts up to 60 mph is possible over the Pennyrile region of west Kentucky ahead of the front, and across the entire quad-state behind the front. If that begins to appear likely a high wind warning will be issued. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. &&
Samsung Electronics Co (OTC: SSNLF), a leading South Korean tech company, plans to invest approximately 40 billion yen ($280 million) over five years in a new advanced chip packaging research facility in Japan.

The city of Yokohama announced this significant investment. Earlier this year, reportedly, Samsung won the contract to supply advanced memory chips to Nvidia.

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE: TSM) rival's decision to set up the facility in Japan follows reports from March that the company was considering establishing a packaging site in Kanagawa prefecture, where it already has a research and development center.

This move is part of Samsung's strategy to enhance collaboration with Japanese chipmaking equipment and materials manufacturers, Reuters reports.

Also Read: Key Nvidia Supplier TSMC Reportedly Eyes Advanced 3nm Chip Plant In Japan

The Japanese industry ministry supports this initiative by offering subsidies of up to 20 billion yen to aid in rejuvenating Japan's domestic chip manufacturing sector.

Samsung's investment comes amid reduced tensions between South Korea and Japan, aligning with the U.S.'s push for its allies to join forces against China's technological advancement.

Investing in the Japanese facility is also a step in Samsung's ongoing effort to strengthen its advanced chip packaging capabilities.

Companies compete to develop techniques combining multiple components in a single package in this critical area, enhancing chip performance.

According to Kyung Kye-hyun, the head of Samsung's chip business, the new facility in Yokohama will not only bolster Samsung's leadership in the chip industry but also facilitate partnerships with local packaging-related companies, further integrating and expanding Samsung's reach in the global chip market.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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This article Tech Giant Samsung Invests in Japanese Chip Packaging, Boosting Global Semiconductor Race originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Palestinians mourn their relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Deir al Balah on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) [AP Photo]

On Wednesday, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published a report alleging that Israeli forces carried out a mass execution of civilians in northern Gaza Tuesday, separating 11 men from their families and summarily shooting them.

This report and a similar allegation by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor imply that Israel has moved from murdering civilians through bombing to mass executions.

In its report, the OHCHR in the Occupied Palestinian Territories reports that it has received disturbing information alleging that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) summarily killed at least 11 unarmed Palestinian men in front of their family members in Al Remal neighbourhood, Gaza City, which raises alarm about the possible commission of a war crime.

The UN wrote, On 19 December 2023, between 2000 and 2300 hours, IDF reportedly surrounded and raided Al Awda building, also known as the Annan building, in Al Remal neighborhood, Gaza City, where three related families were sheltering in addition to Annan family.

The UN added, While in control of the building and the civilians sheltering there, the IDF allegedly separated the men from the women and children, and then shot and killed at least 11 of the men, mostly aged in their late 20s and early 30s, in front of their family members. The UN continued, The IDF then allegedly ordered the women and children into a room, and either shot at them or threw a grenade into the room, reportedly seriously injuring some of them, including an infant and a child. OHCHR has confirmed the killings at Al Awda building.

The UN statement corresponds to a report published earlier by Euro-Med, which states, Israeli army forces have carried out field executions against civilians during raids on Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip, according to shocking testimonies received by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor.

It continued, According to preliminary information received by Euro-Med Monitor, 13 members of the Annan family and their displaced in-laws, the Al-Ashi and Al-Sharafa families, were killed by Israeli gunfire, while other members of the families were seriously wounded and are currently in critical condition.

A witness told the Euro-Med monitor, Thirteen persons were shot dead and several more were critically injured. The Israeli soldiers later threw shells at the women, who were being held in one of the rooms. Euro-Med Monitor also recorded a rise in field executions following reports of attacks on Israeli military vehicles by Palestinian factions. This suggests that the crimes being reported are part of Israels unlawful retaliatory policy against Palestinian civilians, which is in violation of international humanitarian law.

The reports of mass summary executions come amid increasingly open demands for the genocide and ethnic cleansing of the population of Gaza by Israeli officials and US politicians. In a radio interview Sunday, David Azoulai, head of Israels regional Metula Council, called for displacing the population to Lebanon and said that Gaza should be made to look like Auschwitz. He said, Tell everyone in Gaza to go to the beaches. Navy ships should load the terrorists onto the shores of Lebanon. The entire Gaza Strip should be emptied and levelled flat, just like in Auschwitz.

In a TV interview republished by Middle East Monitor, Miri Golan, Israels Womens Advancement Minister, said, I dont care about Gaza  for all I care, they can go out and swim in the sea. She added, I want to see dead bodies of terrorists around Gaza. In another widely shared video, Daniella Weiss, the former mayor of an Israeli settlement in the West Bank and a leader of the Israeli settler movement, said in a TV interview that Israels goal is to make Gaza free of Arabs to prepare the establishment of Jewish settlements in all of the Gaza Strip.

This genocidal language is now being embraced in the United States. Speaking at the Amerifest fascist conference in the US, Michelle Bachmann, the dean of the Christian fundamentalist Regent University, declared, Its time that Gaza ends. She concluded, The 2 million people who live there, they are clever assassins. They need to be removed from that land, that land needs to be turned into a national park.

As of December 19, according to the Ministry of Health, 19,667 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, some 70 percent of whom are women and children. Approximately 7,000 more are still missing, most buried under rubble, bringing the death toll to over 25,000. On Wednesday, Israel ordered residents in areas throughout southern Gaza to evacuate, in a move that will only lead to a surge of the number of people trapped in the southern city of Rafah.

On Wednesday, Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda recorded footage of airstrikes near the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah where she is sheltering. You are telling us to go to the south, you tell us to evacuate Khan Yunis, she said. Now the people concentrated in the southernmost tip of Gaza are being relentlessly bombed.

According to United Nations figures, 1.9 million people in Gaza, or 85 percent of the population, are estimated to be internally displaced. According to Gazas Government Media office, Israel has attacked more than 200 health facilities and over 102 ambulances. And 126 government offices and 90 schools and universities were completely destroyed, with 283 more being further damaged.

Amid these relentless atrocities, the United States continues to fund, arm and logistically support the genocide.

In an extraordinary exchange on Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked to comment on much of the world blaming the US and Israel and seeing it as Americas war. To this, Blinken complained, I hear virtually no one saying, demanding of Hamas, that it stop hiding behind civilians, that it lay down its arms, that it surrender. He concluded, How can it be that there are no demands made of the aggressor, and only demands made of the victim?

The answer to this question is that the vast majority of the worlds population correctly sees the United States and Israel as the aggressors, and the population of Gaza, which is being bombed, starved and massacred, as the victims of imperialist violence.
Thousands demonstrate in Detroit against Israel's genocide on October 28, 2023.

Will Lehman is an auto worker at the Mack Trucks assembly plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania. Last year he ran as a socialist candidate for the presidency of the United Auto Workers, and received nearly 5,000 votes.

Workers throughout the world have been horrified and angered over Israels genocidal war against the Palestinians. For two and a half months, Israeli military forces, with the full backing of the US government, have dropped more than 40,000 tons of explosivesthe equivalent of more than two nuclear bombson Gaza, a territory no bigger than the city of Detroit with more than three times the population. Israel has destroyed residential buildings, hospitals, schools and refugee camps and deliberately targeted hundreds of medical workers, journalists, teachers and other civilians for assassination.

At least 20,000 Palestinians have been killed and 54,000 wounded, the majority women and children. Many more face death in the coming weeks, as Israel lays siege in the south and deprives Gazas 2.2 million people of food, water and medical care. Hunger and disease are rapidly spreading through their makeshift shelters.

The claims by the Biden administration that it is pressuring Israel to reduce civilian casualties are nothing but hypocritical lies. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the US government is fully supporting Israel politically, financially and militarily.

A recently leaked Pentagon document stated that US security assistance was arriving in Israeli on a near-daily basis. The US had already delivered 36,000 rounds of 30mm artillery shells, 1,800 M141 Bunker-buster bombs and other munitions to Israel by late October alone, according to the document.

Under the rubble, alongside the buried bodies of children, Palestinian rescue workers have found bomb fragments with the manufacturing codes of Boeing and other US defense companies. There is unchallengeable evidence that the Biden administration and both corporate-backed parties are just as guilty as the Netanyahu government for perpetrating the greatest war crime of the 21st century.

Stop the production and shipment of arms and equipment for the Israeli military!

The working class can and must stop this war. In October, the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions called on unions in relevant industries all over the world to refuse to build weapons destined for Israel  refuse to transport weapons to Israel  [to] take action against complicit companies involved in implementing Israels brutal and illegal siege.

Last month, I fully endorsed this appeal and demanded that the UAW cease production of all military materiel that Israel could use in its genocidal campaign against the Palestinians.

Striking Jeep workers with Will Lehman (third from right) on the picket lines in Toledo

When production of munitions and military equipment for Israel is stopped, I said, all workers in the affected factories must be paid 100 percent of their salaries by the corporations that have profited from contracts with the perpetrators of war crimes. I also called for the initiation of a coordinated education campaign to inform the entire UAW membership about the ongoing genocide in Gaza and for the passage of resolutions in every local to support the appeal by our brothers and sisters in Palestine.

The leadership of the UAW, however, has ignored the appeal by the Palestinian trade unions. Instead, UAW President Shawn Fain has joined a section of Democratic Party politicians who are backing a toothless resolution in Congress, which, even if it passed, would do nothing but urge President Biden to call for a ceasefire. The real aim of this resolution is not to stop the war but to promote illusions in the Biden administration and the Democratic Party, which have been deeply discredited by their support for the Israeli genocide.

At the same time, Fain has blocked strikes by General Dynamics and Allison Transmission workersthe latter voted down a UAW-backed contract by 96.2 percentwhich would have had a direct impact on the production of tanks, infantry-fighting vehicles and other military equipment that are being shipped to Israel, Ukraine and elsewhere.

Autoworkers have had enough of this double-talk from Fain, having just seen the UAW bureaucracy push through a so-called record contract, which was a sellout and which has been followed by mass layoffs at Stellantis, Ford and GM.

Form rank-and-file committees to put the power in workers hands

In every factory, workers should expand the network of rank-and-file committees to break the stranglehold of the UAW bureaucracy. The fight against layoffs, austerity and inequality must be united with the fight against war. Stopping the genocide requires strikes and boycotts of arms companies, work stoppages at the docks and airports to prevent the shipment of any items to Israel with a military use and the systematic preparation for a political general strike against the war.

Millions of workers and young people throughout the world have marched to demand an end to the Israeli genocide. But the Biden administration and capitalist governments around the world have ignored their pleas. Instead, they have organized a witch-hunt against the protesters, slandering them for antisemitism even though Jewish youth have played a prominent role in the anti-genocide demonstrations. In reality, Biden is teaming up with right-wing Republicans who collaborate with real neo-Nazis and antisemites.

The conflict in the Middle East is not some incomprehensible thousand-years-old religious battle. In 1986, Biden said, Were there not an Israel, the United States would have to invent one to protect her interests in the region. In other words, Israel has been and remains a forward military base for American imperialisms efforts to control the oil wealth of the region.

The American ruling class sees the slaughter of the Palestinians as one front in a far wider war that it has already begun, against Iran, Russia and China. Such a global war, which threatens the future of humanity, is, of course, madness. But confronting an unprecedented economic and political crisis at home, including rising social opposition by the working class, the corporate and financial oligarchy is plunging mankind into a world war. The aim of this war is to recolonize the globe and reassert the unchallenged supremacy of US imperialism over the worlds resources and markets.

In a bipartisan vote last week, the US Congress passed a record military budget of $883.7 billion for the coming year, an increase of $145 billion, or 20 percent, since 2020. In addition, the Biden administration is seeking another $105 billion to fund the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, escalate the military confrontation with China, provide additional funding for Israels war crimes and further militarize the US-Mexico border and deprive immigrants of the right to asylum.

Who is going to pay for this massive war spending? Both parties intend to make the working class pay by gutting funding for public education, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and other vital social programs. In other words, the American ruling class is waging a war on two fronts: one to reconquer the world and plunder its resources, and the other to destroy the jobs and living standards of workers and young people in the US to pay for war. The fact is the American ruling class does not care about the lives of American workers any more than it does the Palestinians in Gaza.

Unite the fight for workers interests with the fight against war

Workers are told there is no money for adequate raises or necessities like proper ventilation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in schools and factories, while there is endless money for war, bank bailouts and other giveaways to the rich.

Throughout the world, social anger is erupting against war, austerity and social inequality. In the last year major strikes in the US increased by 30 percent, with October recording the most lost days due to work stoppages in four decades. The number of strikes would have been even larger if walkouts had not been blocked or limited by the UAW and other union bureaucracies.

The working class has the power to stop the wars and reorganize economic and political life. Workers in the US must unite with Arab and Jewish workers in the Middle East to abolish the Israeli apartheid system and create a secular state where democratic and social rights are guaranteed, regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds. The working class must take control of the vast wealth of the region from the multinational oil companies and local rulers as part of the socialist reorganization of the world economy.
Teck Guan Perdana Berhad (KLSE:TECGUAN) Third Quarter 2024 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: RM91.3m (down 33% from 3Q 2023).

Net income: RM3.64m (down 84% from 3Q 2023).

Profit margin: 4.0% (down from 17% in 3Q 2023). The decrease in margin was driven by lower revenue.

EPS: RM0.091 (down from RM0.56 in 3Q 2023).

KLSE:TECGUAN Earnings and Revenue History December 21st 2023

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Teck Guan Perdana Berhad's share price is broadly unchanged from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

You should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with Teck Guan Perdana Berhad.

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An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 hit one of the poorest regions in China late on Monday night, destroying or damaging more than 150,000 homes, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and damaging vital infrastructure.

Residents pass by a house that crumbled after an earthquake in Dahejia town in northwestern China's Gansu province, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A strong overnight earthquake rattled a mountainous region of northwestern China, authorities said Tuesday, destroying homes, leaving residents out in a below-freezing winter night and killing many in the nation's deadliest quake in nine years. [AP Photo/Ng Han Guan]

As of Wednesday morning, according to the state media, at least 134 people were killed and around a thousand injured in northwestern Gansu province and the neighbouring province of Qinghai. The toll could rise as rescuers search for survivors in very cold conditions, with temperatures of minus 16 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning.

In Gansu, the worst-affected province, some 87,000 people have been moved to temporary shelters. The injured have either been sent to hospital or treated at a mobile field hospital set up by the Gansu Provincial Peoples Hospitals emergency medical relief team, equipped to carry out emergency surgical operations.

Reporting from the sixth commune of Dahe village in Gansu province, the state media found many houses were either at risk of collapse, or had already crumbled to the ground. Many homes were built from earth and clay. An old man being carried out of his damaged home said: Ive lived for more than 80 years and had never seen such a big earthquake.

Conscious of the disasters potential to trigger social unrest, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all-out search and rescue efforts and assistance to the people affected by the earthquake, including for their resettlement.

The rescue and relief effort has involved about 2,200 personnel from the Gansu provincial fire department and 900 from the forest brigade, as well as 260 professional emergency rescue workers, according to the Xinhua news agency. Hundreds of military personnel and police were also sent.

Officials from the hard-hit county of Jishishan told the media that they lacked the resources to cope with the disaster and had to rely on the provincial government. The county has a population of around 260,000 people, mostly spread out in villages and townships.

The Gansu provincial government allocated 20 million yuan ($US2.8 million) for the emergency work and also sent supplies of cotton tents, beds, quilts, cotton mattresses and stoves.

In phone interview with Agence France Presse on Tuesday, Ma Dongdong explained that his home had been destroyed and his business, a milk tea shop, damaged. I just feel anxious, what other feelings could there be? he said.

Ma spent the first night in a field with his wife, children and some neighbours huddled around a fire, as they were fearful of returning home due to aftershocks. They went to a tent settlement housing about 700 people the following morning but by the afternoon were still waiting for blankets and warm clothes.

The earthquake, at a depth of 10 km, struck Jishishan county on Monday just before midnight. The epicentre was 5 km from the provincial border between Gansu and Qinghai. Nine aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 and above were recorded by Tuesday morning. Two of those were greater than 4.0 in magnitude.

Li Haibing from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences told the media that that the relatively high number of casualties was in part because the quake was shallow and mainly a vertical motion, causing more violent shaking. Li also pointed to the low quality of buildings in the relatively poor region and the fact that the quake took place in the middle of the night.

The earthquake also triggered landslides and half buried one village in silt. In the village of Jintian, the homes of 36 families, totalling 177 villagers, were destroyed by sand boils. As of yesterday, 13 people were still missing, including a pregnant woman. Four bodies had been found by rescuers.

Villages like Jintian are in a dry area, near no river and have seen no rainfall. Asked why it had suffered a severe landslide, Wang Tun, head of an earthquake early warning laboratory in Chinas Sichuan Province, told the Global Times that a strong earthquake, due to its violent impact on the Earths crust, can liquify water-saturated sand and soil situated deep underground, then force the liquid sludge to the surface.

A rescue worker told the Global Times that rescue work in Jintian village had been difficult as the mud made it impossible for workers to walk. A floating bridge had to be constructed of wooden planks to reach the affected area.

Earthquakes are virtually impossible to predict with any accuracy. However, the South China Morning Post reported that researchers in the Chinese province of Shaanxi have developed a method that has enabled them to forecast every quake with a magnitude of 7.0 or more in the past 10 years, but not their exact locations.

The researchers said they knew the latest earthquake was on the way when they received a text alert about abnormal data readings from multiple sensors. They calculated that a quake of magnitude around 6.27 had a high probability of hitting within three to five days, but not where precisely.

Earthquakes are common in Chinas western provinces such as Gansu, which lies on the boundary of the tectonically active Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Chinas deadliest quake in recent decades was in 2008 when a massive tremor of magnitude 8.0 struck the province of Sichuan, killing nearly 70,000 people.

The Sichuan disaster provoked an outpouring of anger from victims who had lost their loved ones in schools and other buildings that collapsed. Relatively new schools were flattened a matter of seconds, making it impossible for children to escape, while surrounding buildings were still standing. Angry parents denounced the schools as substandard Tofu projects in which corrupt local officials and businessmen had siphoned off public money.

In a bid to assuage public anger, the Chinese government committee was finally forced to acknowledge that shoddy workmanship and substandard materials were behind the collapse of some 7,000 school classrooms.

Today, under conditions of rapidly worsening social tensions, Xis call for an all out effort following the latest earthquake has the character of a pre-emptive action to head off any outburst of public questioning and anger. Xi declared the eradication of extreme poverty in China in 2021, but the dismal photos of collapsed earth and clay dwellings speak otherwise.
A teenager employed at an Amazon warehouse in Lexington County, South Carolina was reported missing November 30. On December 13, 19-year-old Jerrold George Dejean was found in a retention pond a short distance from the CAE1 Amazon Fulfillment Center entrance where he was last seen.

Jerrold Dejean [Photo: Gofundme.com Lyssa Safker ]

Jerrolds mother, Amanda Faver, who reported him missing and for two weeks sought answers from the company and law enforcement, told local television station WISTV that her son had worked at Amazon for only five months.

The young man pulled ten-and-a-half-hour shifts overnight in the warehouse. He was the second of five brothers and worked to help support the family at their home in Gaston. Faver said she drove her son to work every day, dropping him off at 6:30 in the evening and picking him up at 5:00 in the morning.

I dropped him off like a normal day, she said. I told him, Baby, have a good day, I love you, and Ill see you in the morning. Dropped him off, he went to work, I came there at 4:55 to pick him up. Five oclock, he wasnt there, 5:05 5:30 I finally went inside, and they told me he wasnt there.

Faver said the local sheriffs department informed her that her son was last seen leaving the warehouse at 12:30 on the night of November 30, throwing his work vest on the ground, and running away.

They told me he ran off from the building that morning, Faver explained. They told me before he ran off, they offered him counseling, but they wouldnt tell me why. Nobodys giving me any answers.

In a statement provided to the Lexington County Chronicle newspaper, Amazon spokesperson Branden Baribeau said, Were saddened by this terrible tragedy, and our deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones. Were working to support them and our employees at CAE1 during this difficult time. Were also cooperating with law enforcement to support their investigation. The Chronicle reported that Baribeau did not answer the papers questions about Dejeans employment at the warehouse.

Coworkers, commenting anonymously on Reddit, said they were not told any details beyond an announcement by management during a brief stand-up meeting that a body had been found on the property.

Amazon facilities monitor every movement of workers by camera and computer. Given the wall-to-wall surveillance, both inside and outside the warehouses, it is not plausible that Amazon management had no information about what happened to Jerrold Dejean on the night he went missing.

The fact that his mother was told he was offered counseling suggests that supervisors on shift were aware of a crisis unfolding and did not act in a way that might have helped locate Jerrold sooner, perhaps even preventing his death.

Like many in rural South Carolina, the family is struggling financially. His mother set up a Go-Fund-Me to help cover funeral expenses, explaining: I am humbly asking our community to please help this mother of 5 young boys ranging from the age of 3 to 22 who just lost her son Jerrold Dejean tragically at the age of 19, to be able to lay him to rest properly. None of us are ever prepared to bury our children especially at such a young age and at Christmas time. If you can help in any way your support would be very much appreciated.

With revenue of $513.98 billion in 2022, Amazon is by far the worlds largest online retailer. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos sits on a fortune of $169.7 billion. In October, the company reported third-quarter profits had more than tripled from last years $2.9 billion, to $9.9 billion. As profits swelled, the company cut 27,000 employees, further ratcheting up the exploitation of its workforce ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Serious or fatal accidents, suicides and mental health breakdowns are common in the warehouses. By federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates, accidents at Amazon warehouses are 70 percent higher than at other similar facilities. According to OSHA, there were 6.6 serious injuries per 100 Amazon workers in 2022; a survey by the University of Illinois Chicago released October 25 found 41 percent of Amazon workers are injured after three years on the job.

On May 8, 20-year-old Caes Gruesbeck was crushed in a package conveyor at a distribution center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company was fined an obscenely low $7,000 for the young workers deathapproximately what Jeff Bezos accumulates in wealth every 30 secondsan amount that Amazon has fought tooth and nail to avoid paying.

Amazon workers, we want to hear from you. What do you think about the death of Jerrold Dejean in Gaston? What are conditions like in your own warehouse? Let us know by filling out the form below. All submissions will remain anonymous.
Following the inquest verdict into the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry, heads and teachers are raising their voices to condemn government education inspectorate Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Childrens Services and Skills).

Perry, 53, killed herself on January 8, 2023, while waiting for the Ofsted report on her Caversham Primary school to be published. The school, she knew, had been assessed as inadequate, a judgement later overturned.

Ruth Perry [Photo: Brighter Futures for Children]

Senior coroner at Berkshire Coroners Court Heidi Connor concluded that Perrys suicide was contributed to by an inspection carried out in November 2022. The coroner quoted Ruths own description of Ofsted: This is the most untherapeutic and inhumane system, to have this on one persons shoulders. I am amazed there are not more heads killing themselves the shame, the pressure, loss of income, where do I go next, I am too young to retire.

Immediately after Ruths death, there was a public outcry, including demonstrations outside Caversham Schools gates. More have spoken out following the verdict.

Martin Pearson wrote on X (formerly Twitter): There will only ever be 2 words that sum up Ofsted and DfE (Department for Education) performance, Ruth Perry.

A parent: Ofsted have announced a 2-day inspection at my daughters secondary school, 3 days before the end of term. Teachers are shattered, students are shattered, horrible decision and very unfair. This needs to change.

Another comment: Amanda Spielman [outgoing Ofsted chief]Shame on you for the smug, dismissive and triumphant tone on Radio 4 [defending Ofsted, Spielman apologised for the distress Ruth suffered]

Ruth Swailes referred to the farcical few hours training Ofsted inspectors were given following the damning inquest report to spot signs of stress, like finding it difficult to concentrate, rapid or mumbled speech, redness in the face, sweating, becoming restless or going quiet: Well its good to know that some lead inspectors were trained yesterday to identify that these might be signs of stress. Top quality training that!

Perrys tragic death highlighted the crisis gripping the education sector in the UK, bound up with decades of funding cuts. Heavy workload, staff shortages, little SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) support, crumbling schools: these are the conditions staff are expected to work under, policed by Ofsted on pain of an inadequate inspection judgement.

Ofsted is central to the marketisation of education pursued by both the Labour and Conservative parties. An inadequate Ofsted rating forces a school to join a multi academy trustpublicly financed schools but privately run and able to set their own pay and conditions. The inspections also work to place responsibility for the consequences of funding cuts on the shoulders of staff.

Head teacher Claire (all names changed by the broadcaster) told the BBC how, after her school was found inadequate, she wanted to run away from my life, because I couldnt handle the shame of this report. Panic attacks and stress-induced rashes persuaded Claire to leave the profession after 20 years.

Another head, Tim, was prescribed anti-depressants after his school was downgraded to requires improvement. He explained, That year broke me because of the fear, and admitted contemplating suicide.

Tims school was forced to become an academy, while both he and Claire had to accept redundancy. The redundancy package was conditional on signing a non-disclosure agreement, which indicates why more heads forced to give up their jobs have not spoken out.

Head teacher Ruth, faced with the prospect of an imminent inspection, said, Many mornings I seriously thought about doing something to seriously harm myselfso I had an excuse not to be in work.

A survey of 1,890 school leaders in England conducted by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) over September and October revealed a shocking 38 percent had sought professional mental health support the previous year. A further 11 percent would have sought help had they known it was available or how to access it.

Almost half who responded indicated they were considering leaving the profession in the next three years. Over half (57 percent) of heads said they would not recommend the job. Three in five assistant and deputy head teachers said they would not aspire to the role, citing the increased stress that comes with the job and worries about Ofsted. This is in the overall context of a crisis in teacher retention and recruitment.

A similar study cited by the BBC showed that of those aged under 50 and becoming head teachers in 2015, a quarter in primary schools and a third in secondary schools, had already left the job.

In response to the growing anger of educators, the Conservative government has promised an insulting 1.1 million to increase the capacity of a mental health and well-being scheme for heads. This will do nothing to address the root of cause of the crisis in education10 billion in funding cuts since 2010.

These cuts have fallen heaviest on the poorest neighbourhoods. Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows secondary schools in more deprived areas had more than double the cuts than in the least deprived areas.

The funding crisis in schools is compounded by that in local councils. State education in the UK is funded by central and local taxation administered by local government. Overall council spending in real terms has been cut by 27 percent since 2010/11. The Local Government Association anticipates that 17 percent of local authorities will be unable to balance their budgets this and next year, facing a 4 billion funding gap with no relief from the government in its Autumn Statement.

Labour-run Nottingham City Council, for example, is proposing to address its 50 million spending gap for 2024-25 in part by cutting the citys education budget by 1.2 million. This includes reductions in education psychology provision, subsidies on school meals, and support with the purchase of school uniforms for those on free school dinners.

Birmingham City Council, also run by Labour, proposes gutting early years education, SEND and social care by 57 million.

Conservative-controlled Thurrock-council is looking to replace school crossing patrols with volunteers.

The Labour Party nationally is doing everything possible to prove to finance and big business that it will spend nothing to address this, or any other, social catastrophe. As for the partys attitude to Ofsted, Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pledged a future Labour government will stick with inspections with a few adjustments.

The education trade unions have played a despicable role in allowing this situation to develop, overseeing decades of cuts and now refusing to fight for the abolition of Ofsted, instead appealing to the Conservative government for few ineffectual reforms.

Earlier this year, the National Education Union and NASUWT (total membership 750,000) sold out the teachers pay dispute for a miserable 6.5 percent pay rise. This followed their abandonment of educators to COVID-19 during the first years of the pandemic, continued today, by not demanding all schools have appropriate mitigation measures in placeincluding adequate ventilation, HEPA filters, and Far-UVC ultraviolet irradiation devices that kill airborne pathogens.

The Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, set up in opposition to the trade union bureaucracy, and informed by an international socialist perspective, is fighting for:

*The immediate abolition of Ofsted.

* Funds to make schools COVID safe and structurally sound.

* Fully funded state education, financed by money otherwise given over to big business and war.

Get in touch with the Committee today.
On December 18, Deepal Jayasekera, the general secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka, took part in an interview titled Turning Point on Siyatha TV, a prominent private TV channel in the country. [A video of the interview in Sinhala is posted here]

SEP General Secretary Deepal Jayasekera.

The programs host, Udayashan Idamegedara, began by briefly acknowledging the grim reality that the Sri Lankan people are expected to confront in the upcoming year, as President Ranil Wickremesinghes government has implemented increased VAT and other taxes that will further increase inequality and poverty.

Idamegedara said that in previous years, his TV channel had featured officials from mainstream political parties (referring to parties within the bourgeois political establishment) on the program. However, this time, he explained that they wanted to introduce a change by providing an opportunity for the SEP to present its analysis of the current political situation in the country.

In his introduction to the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), Idamegedara highlighted the partys extensive history of over fifty-five years, tracing its roots back to the establishment of its predecessor, the Revolutionary Communist League (RCL), in June 1968. He then invited Jayasekera to delve into the overall history of the party.

Expressing gratitude to Siyatha TV for the opportunity, Jayasekera began by recounting the partys origins. He explained that a group of politically radicalized youth were disillusioned by the betrayal of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) in 1964, when it joined a bourgeois coalition government under Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike. They took the initiative to form the RCL in June 1968, under the political and theoretical guidance of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI).

Describing the LSSPs entry into the Bandaranaikes government as a great betrayal, Jayasekera explained that the LSSP, claiming to be a Trotskyist party, had betrayed the Trotskyist principles of international socialism and the political independence of the working class as the very existence of the capitalist rule was being threatened by a wave of workers struggles.

Jayasekera reviewed how the ICFI intervened by explaining that the roots of LSSPs betrayal were in Pabloite revisionism, which emerged in the Fourth International in the early 1950s. The ICFI had been formed in 1953 in a struggle against Pabloism.

Jayasekera emphasized that the SEP approaches problems not on a nationalist basis but on the foundation of the working class, which is inherently international. The working class is an international class, he said. Workers may live in various countries, speak various languages and believe various religions. However, they are all exploited as a class universally. Only the working class can mobilise together across national borders, languages and religious divisions. So the ICFI is a party that represents and is based on the international working class.

The LSSP leaders joined the Bandaranaike government to protect capitalist rule, betraying the powerful 21 demands movement of the working class, Jayaskera explained. He underscored the tragic consequences of this betrayal, pointing to the three-decade-long anti-Tamil racist war.

Addressing the contemporary relevance of Trotskyism, Jayasekera pointed to the basic contradictions of the world capitalist system, between the globalized economy and the nation-state system, as well as between socialized production and private ownership of means of production. These contradictions, he said, are pushing the world towards an imperialist world war, evident in events like the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine and Israels ongoing genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.

The US is seeking to expand the Gaza war into broader war in the Middle East, focused on Iran. Jayasekera explained the necessity of building a global anti-war movement of the international working class, based on socialist policies.

The interviewer intervened to raise the practicality of the Trotskyist program. Noting that the SEP did not have any elected members in parliament or local or provincial councils, he asked: Is it because your party did not adapt to the new situation? Jayasekera explained that though it runs in elections, the SEP has no illusions about resolving the burning issues confronting working people through parliament or local and provincial councils.

Jayasekera explained the SEPs call for workers and rural poor to form independent action committees in every factory, workplace, neighbourhood and rural area to take the struggle for their basic social and democratic rights into their own hands. He reviewed the initiative taken by the SEP in July last year to launch a campaign to build a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses to develop an independent political movement of the working class.

Through this program we insist that the working class should take power into its own hands instead of handing it over to somebody else, he said.

Jayasekera also explained how the SEP functions as a section of an international movement, the ICFI: Our movement is international and has sections in several countries, including Sri Lanka, the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, and Turkey. We conduct daily discussions to produce articles on the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS), our online publication Thus this is the only international movement that regularly develops its program and perspectives through an international discussion.

In the end, the interviewer asked Jayasekera what is the solution for the capitalist crisis. Jayasekera once again elaborated the socialist program and the need to form independent action committees and build the Democratic and Socialist Congress to spearhead the struggle for a government of workers and peasants committed to socialist policies, as part of a broader struggle for socialism internationally.

In response to a question on what benefit the SEP offers to the people, Jayasekera again explained that the working class needs to establish its own power by overthrowing capitalist rule to implement its own socialist solution. The SEP is fighting to provide the necessary leadership, program and perspective for the working class in that struggle. He invited workers, youth and intellectuals to join the SEP.

Visibly moved by the explanation, the interviewer concluded by saying: Very important thoughts...We should take things into our own hands to resolve them. They [the SEP] are ready to provide leadership and guideline. It is important because we must take the battle into our hands. What we have done for 75 years was waiting for somebody to do it for us. That is why we have this problem now. The Socialist Equality Party is ready to provide that leadership and show the clear road for that. Their demands from us: Come to this path; we will guide you.
On Monday, the Egyptian electoral authority announced the victory of military dictator General Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. He received 89.6 percent in the three-day elections between December 10 and 12 and is therefore set to rule the country until at least 2030.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (left) shakes US President Joe Biden's hand at the GCC+3 summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 16, 2022. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the background. [Photo: The White House]

If anything was needed to reduce the human rights propaganda of the imperialist powers to absurdity in the midst of Israels genocide against the Palestinians, it is their partnership with the Butcher of Cairo.

Al-Sisi, who seized power with Western support almost ten years ago, on July 3, 2013, following mass protests against the Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, leads one of the bloodiest terror regimes in the world. His rule began with a bloody massacre.

On August 14, 2013, at al-Sisis command, Egyptian army and police forces stormed two protest camps of opponents of the coup in Cairo and murdered over a thousand people, including many women and children. Human Rights Watch called the massacre the worst incident of unlawful mass killings in Egypts modern history.

Hundreds of other opponents of the regime have been killed in the last decade under al-Sisis rule. Tens of thousands of political prisoners languish in the countrys notorious torture dungeons. Independent media is censored and strikes and protests are brutally suppressed. The same applies to parties and organisations critical of the regime.

The death penalty is also used excessively under al-Sisi. In 2017 and 2018 alone, over 1,100 people were sentenced to death. At least 356 were executed in 2021. With the exception of China, this is the highest number of death sentences recorded by Amnesty International worldwide in 2021. Executions are being carried out more and more frequently. In 2020, the number tripled to 107 compared to the previous year.

Immediately before the election, the regime intensified its repression of all opposition. Al-Sisi has deployed the entire state apparatus and the security authorities to prevent any serious candidate from running at all, commented Hossam Bahgatac, head of the non-governmental Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights. Just like last time, he has handpicked his opponents, who are only running against the president for the sake of appearances and do not criticise his disastrous policies, or do so only very cautiously.

Al-Sisis counter-candidatesFarid Zahran from the Egyptian Social Democratic Party (4.49 percent), Hazem Omar from the Republican Peoples Party (4.01 percent) and Abdel-Sanad Yamama from the New Wafd Party (1.86 percent)all came from parties that are in fact part of the regime.

The campaign of Ahmed Tantawi, a former leader of the Nasserist Karama Party, was suppressed by the regime. On November 7, the authorities put Tantawi, his campaign manager and 21 previously detained supporters on trial. The next hearing will take place on January 9, 2024.

The regimes bloodthirsty and dictatorial approach has not diminished al-Sisis support from the imperialist powers. On the contrary, immediately after the election results were announced, the US ambassador to Egypt, Herro Kader Mustafa Garg, congratulated the Egyptian tyrant. The Biden administration wanted to continue its solid partnership with the government of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Mustafa said in a statement.

According to an Egyptian media report, she emphasised the multifaceted nature of the relationship between the US and Egypt, which encompasses a wide range of shared priorities. These included bolstering regional stability and security, deepening economic and trade ties, and enhancing cultural and people-to-people connections between Americans and Egyptians.

The leading European powers and the European Union had already repeatedly expressed their support for al-Sisi before the elections.

Germany stands by the side of our Egyptian friends to support them in times of crisis in overcoming existing difficulties, declared the German ambassador to Egypt, Frank Hartmann, at the beginning of October. Germany was an important partner in Egypts modernisation efforts and supports the countrys ambitious reforms, he said.

There are two main reasons for the close cooperation between the imperialist powers and al-Sisi. Firstly, like the long-term dictator Hosni Mubarak, who was overthrown in 2011, al-Sisi acts as imperialisms governor in the regionand is handsomely rewarded and armed to the teeth for this. Egypt receives military aid totalling over one billion euros a year from the US alone. Germany exports more weapons to Egypt than to any other country. In 2021, Berlin authorised arms deliveries worth around 4.3 billion euros to Cairo.

In return, the regime does the dirty work of the imperialists. It is currently playing a key role in the genocide of the Palestinians. Al-Sisis criticism of Israels actions during the election campaign cannot hide the fact that Egypt is sealing off the Gaza Strip from the south and is closely coordinating its actions with the far-right Netanyahu regime in the blockade of aid deliveries and other measures.

In the Sinai Peninsula, the Egyptian military is waging a brutal war against the population under the guise of fighting Islamist terror, which is similar in its methods to Israels actions against the Palestinians. In a two-year investigation published in 2019, Human Rights Watch documented crimes including mass arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, extrajudicial killings, and possibly unlawful air and ground attacks against civilians.

The second reason why the imperialist powers as well as Israel and the other Arab governments, Russia and China support al-Sisi lies in the class character of the regime. The military coup in 2013 was not simply directed against the Muslim Brotherhood, to which Morsi also belonged. It was aimed at the bloody suppression of the Egyptian revolution.

At the beginning of 2011, millions of workers and young people had overthrown Mubarak with mass strikes and protests, shaking Egyptian capitalism and the dominance of imperialism in the Middle East. With al-Sisis military dictatorship, the Egyptian bourgeoisie tried to drown the mass movement, which continued while Morsi was in power, in blood.

After ten years of brutal repression, this strategy is coming to an end. In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands have protested in Egypt against the genocide in Gaza. On October 20, as part of worldwide mass protests, tens of thousands stormed the central Tahrir Square in Cairo, the epicentre of the revolutionary uprising that led to the fall of Mubarak in 2011.

Following the election victory, the bourgeois media warned of a renewed escalation. Getting re-elected was the easy part for Sisi. But Egypt is on the brink, reads a headline from the Washington Post. In addition to the public anguish over the suffering of Palestinians, the regime is also confronted with massive social discontent that could erupt at any time.

Basically the entire duration of Sisis presidency has been an endemic series of economic crisesand its not just economic hardship, its humiliation, the Post quotes Timothy Kaldas, deputy director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, as saying. While all this is happening, Egyptians are watching the regime enrich itself.

While the global mass protests against Israels genocide in Gaza continue, explosive new class conflicts are also developing in Egypt. For these struggles to be successful, lessons must be learnt from the Egyptian revolution and counter-revolution. The overthrow of Mubarak in 2011 underlined the enormous power of the working class, while the counter-revolutionary coup by al-Sisi revealed the central problem of the Egyptian revolution: the lack of a revolutionary socialist political perspective and leadership.

In a situation in which there was no revolutionary party to mobilise the working class for an international socialist programme and to seize power for itself, the ruling class, with the active support of pseudo-left forces, succeeded time and again in subordinating the mass movement to one or other wing of the bourgeoisie, ultimately paving the way for al-Sisis tyranny.

The decisive task facing Egypt and the world is the development of a revolutionary leadership, the building of Socialist Equality Parties as sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International. Only in this way can the working class establish its political independence and arm itself with a socialist programme and Trotskys perspective of permanent revolution to overthrow capitalism and put an end to imperialist oppression and violence.
Over the last two months, various US universities have been taking pains to suppress showings of the award-winning documentary Israelism, delaying and canceling screenings and threatening students who screen it with disciplinary action. Why such a hostile reaction?

The effort is part of the McCarthyite campaign in support of the Tel Aviv regimes day and night slaughter in Gaza. The film is alarming to supporters of Israel because, among other things, it exposes as a lie the claim that to be anti-Zionist is to be antisemitic. Notably, Israelism has been well-received by Jewish and non-Jewish audiences alike. It took the Audience Award at the recent San Francisco Jewish Film Festival and Best Documentary at the Arizona International Film Festival, among other accolades.

Israelism

Israelism, produced by first-time documentarians Erin Axelman and Sam Eilertsen, is sensitive and thoughtful. It is told primarily from the perspective of two Jewish-American young adults raised with strong pro-Israel affinities, but whose viewpoints change as they are confronted by the realities of Israels brutal treatment of the Palestinians.

That such a work has been made has an objective significance. It speaks to important changes in political outlook and social orientation. The old falsehoods and myths are simply no longer effective.

The documentary, while not without its weaknesses, reveals Israelsupposedly the only democracy in the Middle Eastto be a dictatorial-garrison state. Lies and violence abound. For the Palestinians, the military is everywhere: checkpoints, road stops, soldiers on patrol. Fenced in, there is nowhere to go.

Through video clips, interviews and discussions with Israelisms two primary subjects, Simone Zimmerman and a young man named Eitan, as well as Palestinians from the West Bank, we experience close up the daily humiliations and cruelty to which Palestinians are subjected by a government that hates them, rejects their right to exist and has transformed them into a stateless people. The methods used are of a fascist nature. But they are described by the filmmakers in an objective, matter-of-fact manner.

A Palestinian merchant recounts the hours-long daily journey he must take to sell his wares in Jerusalem and the risks associated with crossing military checkpoints. Two residents of Bethlehem, Baha Hilo and Sami Awad, reflect on the 750,000 Palestinians expelled during the Nakbacatastropheof 1948. Their families cannot return home. A Palestinian family tells a Jewish settler that the settler is stealing their land, to which the latter replies that it doesnt matterif he doesnt grab it, someone else will. There is no way out.

Some of the most moving moments in Israelism are those showing the treatment of children, who are themselves roughed up and made to witness the roughing up of their parents, families and other adults. There is something fatally diseased about a society that subjects the most tender and defenseless of creatures to such acts.

The documentary unfolds as the story of Zimmerman and EitanJewish Americans whose formative years were spent in Jewish private schools, youth groups and summer campcoming face-to-face with these realities. They were taught an unquestioning love of Israel from an early age. Their education either excluded any mention of the PalestiniansIsrael was a land without a people for a people without a landor, when they got a mention, treated them as subversives whose aim was to deprive the Jews of their hard-fought and long-deserved refuge.

Simone Zimmerman

The film editor, Emmy award-winner Tony Hale, expertly contextualizes these early-childhood experiences with footage of kids singing, chanting and shouting their support of Israel. Zimmeman holds up pictures of the pro-Israel artwork she did in her youth. We see summer trips to Israel that include weapons training and war simulations, complete with uniforms. Eitan recounts how, after years of this, he enthusiastically joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) upon completing high school.

In an interview, filmmakers Axelman and Eilertsen explain that they spoke with 80 people before choosing to feature these two individuals. The trajectory of their lives mirrors the key objectives of the pro-Israel indoctrination campaign: to develop Zionist activists and leaders within the US and to recruit new soldiers for and immigrants to Israel. Zimmerman and Eitans lives are particular examples of a broader socio-political phenomenon.

Israelism draws the viewers gaze to the pro-Israel lobby. There are discussions with members of the campus Hillel groups who are smug and self-satisfied in their Zionism, university events for which talking points have been handed out to pro-Zionist students ahead of time. They have been instructed to cry and be emotionally hysterical at meetings in which allegedly anti-Israel resolutions are being passed. Interview clips with Abe Foxman, the former head of the Anti-Defamation League, makes clear that any Jew who questions Israel is an enemy.

In revealing how the Zionist state operates in the US, the documentarians look at the Birthright Foundation, an organization that funds multi-day trips for Jewish-American youth to visit their birthright homeland. At the start of the film, we see a rally staged for these travelers when they arrive in Israel. It is replete with deafening party music, rock-concert-like screaming and fetishism of Israel. No critical thought is encouraged or likely to occur at this extremely well-funded event, to say the least. It is one of many jumping off points for widespread recruitment of Jewish Americans into the IDF, whose soldiers are described as hot, awesome.

Eitan falls for this national-chauvinist hoopla and joins the Israeli military. The consequences ultimately have a radicalizing impact on his outlook. While escorting a detained West Bank Palestinian to a holding facility, he witnessed fellow soldiers throw the man to the ground and mercilessly beat him under the silent gaze of their commander and military police. Eitan was revolted by his status as occupier.

Zimmermans transformation from a pro-Zionist into an insistent critic of Israel is driven by a number of incidents. She is troubled by the fact that her questions about Palestine and what is on the other side of the walls that surround Gaza are not answered. Why cant I see it? she asks. When she finally does, she understands why there was a cover-up.

Israelism is powerful in its portrayal of anti-Zionist Jews standing up to genocide and anti-Palestinian hate. The documentary was produced over a seven-year period, not in response to the October 7 events. But its protest scenes seem like they could have been shot at recent anti-war actions on college campuses, in Washington D.C. or at the Grand Central Station sit-in in New York Citydemonstrations that have all seen significant participation from anti-Zionist Jews. Today, however, these are many times larger.

Israelism (2023)

While Israelism is intelligently and sensitively constructed, it offers little insight into why any of what it documents is occurring. The filmmakers, as well as Zimmerman and Eitan, avoid discussion of the history of the formation of the state of Israel and its relationship to the imperialist powers. In fact, they even shy away from the term Zionism, preferring their own made-up word, Israelism.

Zimmerman, for instance, explains the viciousness of the Israeli state as some sort of misbegotten product of the inherited trauma that Jews experience today as a result of the Holocaust. But this social-psychological terminology cannot explain why the industrial extermination of the Jews by the Nazis has resulted in a new Jewish genocidethis time, with the Jews as perpetrators. Why would the destruction of ones own people lead that people to destroy another? The two are not inherently causally related.

Rather, the two are linked by imperialism. The Zionist movement, which from its origins embraced the primacy of race over class, celebrated the virtues of the national state, and was deeply pessimistic about the assimilation of the Jewish people into European culture and society, believing that securing the support of one or another great power was the means by which a Jewish state in Palestine would emerge. Zionism was anti-socialist, rejecting the idea that the liberty and security of the Jewish people would be achieved through the overthrow of capitalism by the international working class in combat against all forms of oppression.

Zeev Jabotinsky, leader of the fascist wing of Zionism wrote in 1934 that ever-present hostility between Jews and Arabs was almost providential in that it would force an alliance between Israel and a great empire:

[A] Palestine predominantly Jewish, Palestine as a Jewish State, surrounded on all sides by Arab countries, will in the interests of its own preservation always seek to lean upon some powerful Empire, non-Arab and non-Mohammedan.

This required two things: first, finding an imperialist benefactor, which in the aftermath of World War II the Zionist movement did in the United States; Israel is Washingtons proxy in the Middle East. Second, ethnically cleansing the Palestinians, which Israel also carried out and now continues. Jabotinskys proteges in the Herut movement, led by future Likud founder and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, perpetrated some of the worst atrocities during the Nakba.

Israelism sidesteps all this and then sputters as it tries to channel its audience toward a combination of electoralism, the Democratic Party, pseudo-left politics and progressive Jewish spiritualism.

Zimmerman herself accepted a position with the Bernie Sanders campaign as Jewish outreach coordinator. She was summarily fired two days later due to pressure from Foxman, former president of the Anti-Defamation League, and others. To her credit, she does not back down in the face of the pro-Israel lobby and does not issue any sort of mealy-mouthed apology. But she and the filmmakers lay the blame on Foxmanno mention is made of Sanders miserable cave-in or, even more importantly, his decades-long support for American imperialism and Israel.

The film features ominous footage of Donald Trump but says nothing about the Democratic Party. Cornel West and Noam Chomsky, pseudo-leftists whose careers have been made by using criticisms of capitalism to steer people back toward the Democrats, make an appearance. Nothing is said about Barack Obama or Joe Biden, the latter of whom is the criminal of criminals when it comes to what is happening in Gaza.

Israelism concludes with an appeal for a different kind of Judaismone that is progressive, peaceful and opposed to hate and oppression. Undoubtedly, the thuggish, fascist Zionist state does not arise out of the history of Judaism, much less does it represent the totality of the Jewish people, from among whom have emerged some of historys greatest revolutionaries and contributors to the cultural and scientific development of humanity.

Many tens of thousands of Jewish people today hate what is being done in Gaza and the West Bank and are protesting against it. Jewish-American criticism of Zionist policies has been growing for years. A 2020 poll found that Jews favored conditioning US military aid to Israel by prohibiting use of funds on annexation of the West Bank by 57 percent. And a 2021 poll found that a quarter of US Jews believe Israel is an apartheid state, with figures rising for younger cohorts. Recent polls indicate that half of young Jewish-Americans oppose Israeli policies.

Individuals like Zimmerman and Eitan have principles and not a small dose of bravery. They have lost jobs, had to break ties with family and friends and been subject to all forms of abuse.

However, anti-Zionist Judaism alone will not solve the disaster of the state of Israel for the Jewish people, the Palestinians or anyone else. That requires broad masses of the worlds working class to mobilize against capitalism and imperialism, which spawned the horror unfolding today.
In a politically dishonest and devious manner, another four months of illegal warrantless electronic surveillance of the American public was slipped into the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved by both houses of Congress on December 14. The $890 billion bill is expected to be signed into law by President Joe Biden soon.

NSA headquarters in Fort Meade, Maryland [Photo by Fort George G. Meade Public Affairs Office / CC BY 4.0

As part of the massive spending on the US proxy-war in Ukraine against Russia, funding for Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, preparations for military conflict with China and expansion of nuclear third world war readiness, the Democrats and Republicans kept a critical element of their strategy in place: ongoing spying on the American public in violation of basic democratic rights.

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 2008 states that the US intelligence communityincluding the National Security Agency (NSA), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)cannot target American citizens when performing electronic surveillance of foreigners, because they are protected against such targeting by the Fourth Amendment.

In fact, the justifications given for using warrantless surveillance of non-US citizens are also a violation of fundamental rights because they are connected with lies spread by the entire political establishment and military intelligence apparatus about threats to US national security posed by the enemies of American imperialism. These purported threats are then used by the intelligence agencies to spy on everyone, regardless of their country of origin, whenever they want.

The provisions of Section 702 that are now being extended to April 2024 have been used repeatedly by US government agencies to collect and search the online communications of tens of thousands of Americans without a warrant. While the public is universally opposed to Section 702, politicians from both parties voted 310 to 118 in the House and 87 to 13 in the Senate to extend the provisions and allow this illegal spying to continue.

According to a report on December 8 by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), FBI agents have been using the Section 702 databases to conduct millions of invasive searches for Americans communications, including those of protesters, racial justice activists, 19,000 donors to a congressional campaign, journalists, and even members of Congress.

This statement by the EFF is based on the findings of a 297-page report on Section 702 surveillance published on September 28 by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), a body tasked by the White House to monitor and investigate the functioning of warrantless surveillance by the intelligence agencies.

In a section called Improper Queries, for example, the PCLOB reports on page 258 that an FBI field office analyst routinely queried the names of victims and witnesses of crimes, even though there was not a basis to believe there would be any relevant information in the Section 702 database.

In another section called, Queries related to First Amendment Activities, the report says on page 197 that an FBI agent, conducted 141 queries of identifiers associated with activists who were arrested in connection with protesting the murder of George Floyd in Washington, DC between June 3 and June 5, 2020, despite the lack of any reason to believe there would be information on these individuals in Section 702 databases.

These two brief examples prove that references to the protected status of US citizens in the Section 702 rules are completely bogus. The database of electronic communications being gathered by the US government contains everyone, whether they are US citizens or not. The police agencies, especially the FBI, are scanning this data on a regular basis and abrogating basic democratic rights that are guaranteed by the US Constitution, including the prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizure.

As Edward Snowden, who courageously leaked evidence of the worldwide program of US government illegal spying in 2013, tweeted on December 14:

Congress has voted to pass the NDAAin which they deceitfully concealed an extension of the warrantless spying program (Section 702) universally opposed by the public. Last year the FBI exploited 702 to spy on Americans (protestors, donorseven Congress) more than 200k times.

Congress needed to move swiftly to extend Section 702 because it was set to expire on January 1, 2024. By getting the extension, it is clear that the Democrats and Republicans are planning to review competing proposals to reauthorize the existing rules for up to eight years or adopt a so-called reform bill that will significantly strengthen the warrantless surveillance of the public.

As EFF put it, plans are in the works to authorize the use of this unaccountable and out-of-control mass surveillance program as a new way of vetting asylum seekers by sifting through their digital communications.  This new authority proposes to give immigration services the ability to audit entire communication histories before deciding whether an immigrant can enter the country.

The draft of a bill by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), according to EFF, would expand the definition of electronic communication service to include a much broader range of providers, including those who merely provide hardware through which people communicate on the Internet. Even without knowing the details of the secret court fight, this represents an ominous expansion of 702s scope.

The drive by the US ruling establishment to continue and expand electronic spying on the public was spelled out in no uncertain terms by the Wall Street Journal in its lead editorial on December 11. The leading voice of the American billionaire elite said that the continuation of mass surveillance, has never been more important given that the risk of terrorism has gone up since Hamass massacre in Israel, and the US needs all the intel it can get to detect and prevent further attacks on the American homeland.

The Journal editors call for Congress to use the four-month extension to implement thoughtful changes that wont hamper national security. As has come to light during the ethnic cleansing operation by Israel in Gazaand was also the case during the events of 9/11 in the US in 2001it turns out the state intelligence agencies were aware of the planned attacks beforehand, did nothing to stop them and then used them to pursue long-prepared aggressive military operations to carry out their strategic goals.

The arguments that the threat of terrorism requires the destruction of fundamental democratic rights are being revived once again. Illegal surveillance of the public is being stepped up just as a mass movement of millions opposed to the imperialist-backed Zionist genocide in Gaza is taking place in countries around the globe, including within the US and Israel.
Northern Territory (NT) Chief Minister Natasha Fyles abruptly resigned this week, becoming the fourth Australian state or territory Labor Party leader to do so since June. Fyles gave only two days notice of leaving the NTs top post, making hers the fastest departure yet.

Natasha Fyles in October [Photo: Twitter]

Fyles quit after online news outlet NT Independent reported that she had failed to disclose a small shareholding in a mining company that she had defended against air pollution concerns. This provided a pretext for Labors backroom powerbrokers to oust her amid collapsing support for the Labor Party in the NT and nationally.

Fyles easily beat the previous rapid departure record set by Annastacia Palaszczuk, who quit last week as Queensland premier with just five days notice. Earlier, Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan resigned in June, followed by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews in September.

Such a succession of quick-fire exits points to a developing political crisis of all the trade union-backed Labor governments across the country. They are becoming increasingly discredited among workers and youth because of the worsening cost-of-living, housing and social crisis. That has been compounded by Labors support for the genocide in Gaza and its intensifying commitment to Washingtons wider war moves against Russia and China.

A Redbridge Group poll in the NT last month gave Labor a primary vote of only 19.7 percent. With an NT election just eight months away, Labors factional bosses reportedly seized on revelations about Fyles shares to remove her. We should have done this six months ago, an unnamed senior Labor figure told the Australian.

Fyles had been in office for just 19 months, since the sudden departure of her predecessor Michael Gunner in May 2022. She became the first representative of Labors so-called Left faction to take the post, only to intensify the anti-working-class policies of Gunners administration, in which she had been a key cabinet minister since Labor took office in 2016.

In an emotional press conference on Tuesday, Fyles said her undisclosed shares in South32, the worlds biggest manganese producer and majority owner of the open-cut mine on Groote Eylandt off the NTs northeast coast, had fallen short of her own standards.

Earlier this year, Fyles, who was also the NT health minister, rejected Aboriginal peoples concerns about potential manganese dust from the mine, saying her government would not investigate air pollution levels on Groote Eylandt.

Fyles shareholding in South32 was relatively trivial, worth less than $2,500, but it was emblematic of Labors commitment to backing lucrative gas and other mining projects. Labor has ridden roughshod over environmental and indigenous peoples opposition to such projects, while implementing shockingly poor conditions in schools, public health and social housing.

Last month, Fyles was forced to divest her shares in Woodside Energy, a major gas miner. That shareholding had left her open to claims of a conflict of interest as her Labor government committed to a huge expansion of the NTs onshore gas industry.

In May, Fyles government gave the go-ahead, after years of uncertainty, for gas fracking exploration in the Beetaloo Basin, a large area in the NTs interior, between Katherine and Tennant Creek. That decision overrode strenuous objections by scientists, indigenous leaders, environmental groups and cattle industry pastoralists.

Fyles also strongly pushed to secureand vociferously defended$3.5 billion in federal funding by the Albanese federal Labor government for a new hub on Darwin Harbours Middle Arm to export Beetaloo gas. Last week it emerged that her political adviser Gerard Richardson was a lobbyist for Beetaloo gas company Tamboran.

When Fyles first took office as chief minister in May 2022, she could still exploit her reputation, as health minister, for protecting the NTs people, especially indigenous people, from COVID-19. When the pandemic first hit Australia in 2020, Fyles responded to indigenous concerns by closing borders and shutting access to remote communities, thus limiting illness and deaths.

However, the Fyles government, like all its federal and state counterparts, soon ended all safety restrictions to satisfy the demands of big business, opening the way for new waves of infection.

Under both Gunner and Fyles, the Labor government deepened the regressive record of previous Country Liberal Party (CLP) administrations. Public hospitals remained understaffed and underfunded, resulting in numerous failures.

In public schools, Labor maintained a punitive attendance-based funding model. As a consequence, some school buildings lack power and water, and 78 remote indigenous communities have no access to local secondary education, resulting in high dropout rates, social problems and substantial rates of criminal convictions.

Labor has also presided over an increase in Aboriginal incarceration. It has risen to 84 percent of adult prisoners and 96 percent of youth detention, far exceeding the 30 percent representation of indigenous people in the NT population. Most of supposed government indigenous expenditure in the NT goes to running prisons holding indigenous inmates.

In January, Fyles joined the Albanese government in responding to a media witch hunt about youth crime by reimposing alcohol and other restrictions on indigenous communities. In effect, Labor reinstituted police-state measures that were imposed during the socially disastrous 2007 police-military intervention into the NT.

In November, there was more evidence of the underlying social crisis. A High Court case revealed that under the Labor government, like the CLP one before it, the NT housing department had refused to rectify critical, even potentially life-threatening faults in indigenous social housing, such as the lack of a back door, no air-conditioning, water leaks, broken toilets and insect infestation. That case was brought to court by 70 tenants from Ltyentye Apurte/Santa Teresa, approximately 85 kilometres from Alice Springs in central Australia.

This record further exposes the claims of the Labor governments that this years failed October 14 referendum on inserting an indigenous Voice assembly into the Australian Constitution would have meant better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, while saving money.

The defeat of the referendum, one of the Albanese governments signature policies, was a telling blow to its efforts to put a progressive gloss on its program of war and austerity.

The political turmoil in the NT is another expression of a crisis for the ruling class across the continent. It depends heavily on Labor governments and their affiliated union apparatuses to suppress the growing disaffection among workers and youth, but that capacity is exhausting itself.

A Labor leadership switch in the NT is hardly likely to reverse the collapse in support. There was reportedly bitter backroom infighting yesterday to replace Fyles without a Labor membership ballot.

Labor members of parliament then voted unanimously to install Treasurer and Education Minister Eva Lawler after she struck a deal to make Attorney-General Chansey Paech her deputy chief minister. Lawler is not a new face. She has been a minister in different portfolios since Labor took office in the NT in 2016.
Texas Governor Greg Abbotts trip on Monday to Brownsville in the Rio Grande Valley marked the fascistic governors latest escalation under Operation Lone Star, a reactionary campaign aimed at Texas large immigrant population.

Flanked by state police and military officials, Abbott signed into law three bills pouring more money into militarizing the US-Mexico border. Abbotts latest actions grant Texas police the authority to question whomever they think could be an illegal immigrant and to arrest undocumented migrants anywhere in the state. Abbott has put measures in place to support these efforts in Houston and Austin, both home to massive immigrant communities.

Gov. Greg Abbott at a border wall construction site in Brownsville, Texas on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, [AP Photo/Valerie Gonzalez]

Abbott blamed the Biden administration for what Democrats and Republicans have increasingly referred to as the broken border, claiming the federal government has facilitated an invasion.

Bidens deliberate inaction has left Texas to fend for itself, Abbott said.

Senate Bill 3 allocates $1.54 billion for further construction of obstacles and barriers along the 1,200-mile border Texas shares with Mexico. Billions have already been spent on such efforts, including the deployment of a floating barrier in the Rio Grande River that has resulted in the deaths of at least three people.

The latest injection of funds is in addition to the more than $1.54 billion that Abbott has already allocated since September 2021 to build approximately 40 miles of barriers along the border. According to the Texas Tribune, as of August, Texas had erected 16 miles of steel bollard barriers in Starr, Cameron, Val Verde and Webb counties.

These laws have spread fear throughout the states Latino population, which comprises some 40 percent of the total. Civil rights groups and immigrant advocacy organizations say the law will lead to racial profiling of Hispanics and other minorities.

The law also makes it a state crime to cross the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry. Violators face a Class B misdemeanor charge, carrying a penalty of up to six months in jail, while repeat offenders could be charged with a second-degree felony, carrying a prison term between two and 20 years.

Another provision of Senate Bill 3 allows the Texas government to spend up to $40 million for state troopers to harass residents in Colony Ridge, a Houston-area housing development that has become home to many migrants in recent years.

A second bill, Senate Bill 4, makes it a state crime to cross the Mexican border into Texas without documentation. The bill increases the minimum sentence from two years to 10 years for smuggling immigrants or operating a safe house for immigrants.

The series of laws is slated to take effect in February and March of next year. Immigrant rights organizations and even former immigration judges have declared the laws unconstitutional, since immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Texas, and the Texas Civil Rights Project filed a suit challenging the bills on the grounds that they illegally preempt federal law. Immigration is a quintessentially federal authority, the lawsuit states.

These measures not only threaten the safety and dignity of asylum seekers, but also risk undermining the foundational principles of our legal system, Krish OMara Vignarajah, president and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, told the Tribune. She said, 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.

Top county officials in El Paso, Harris (home to Houston) and Travis (home to Austin) counties penned a letter to President Joe Biden late last month urging him to stop the laws from going into effect. We urge you to intervene to stop this legislation from going into effect and to prevent Texas Governor Greg Abbott from violating the US Constitution, they wrote in the letter, which was posted on Twitter/ X.

Abbotts laws demand that migrants charged with crossing the border illegally must agree to return to Mexico or face a felony charge for refusing to do so. When asked what Texas would do if Mexico did not accept migrants deported by the state, Abbott said at the Brownsville news conference, Were going to send them right back to Mexico.

The new laws prohibit state police from arresting migrants in schools, churches and other places of worship, healthcare facilities and places that provide forensic medical examinations to sexual assault survivors. However, they do not ban arrests on college campuses.

In a statement, 30 former immigration judges appointed by both Republican and Democratic officials decried the bills as 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. It adds: 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.

When asked if President Biden supported the federal government taking legal action against Texas, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Department of Justice would decide whether a lawsuit would be filed, and she was not going to get ahead of that.

Such inaction is part of the broader strategy of the Democrats, who are currently negotiating with the Republicans a draconian attack on what remains of the right to asylum and new police powers to arrest and deport migrants in exchange for funding for the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.

Of particular note is the silence of the progressives within the Democratic Party. Congressional members of the Democratic Socialists of America such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have not issued any statements on Abbotts laws. The DSA-aligned Jacobin Magazine has also remained silent on the matter.
On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the Omicron JN.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, a variant of interest due to its rapid global spread. Although the WHO acknowledged that JN.1 (a descendent of the BA.2.86 variant nicknamed Pirola) is more immune-evasive and infectious than any other variants, they added the unsubstantiated claim that it does not appear to pose a greater risk to the population than the recent slew of variants that have spread globally.

Such statements should be taken with a large grain of salt and placed in their appropriate socio-political context. The decision of the WHO to end its public health emergency (PHE) declaration for COVID-19 last May precipitated the virtual scrapping of all pandemic surveillance systems in most countries, making it far more difficult for scientists and public health experts to determine the true severity of a given variant.

Based on the limited data available, it is clear that JN.1 is fueling substantial waves of infection throughout the world, with thousands of ongoing global excess deaths each day and untold masses newly suffering from Long COVID.

In the US, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), JN.1 is becoming dominant nationally this week, coinciding with the Christmas travel season. The latest data from Biobot Analytics released Monday show that SARS-CoV-2 wastewater levels have continued to surge. The peak of the wave is still weeks away, and will be fueled dramatically by JN.1 and the millions of travelers visiting family for the holidays without masks or any mitigation measures.

Data analyst Dr. Mike Hoerger noted, We are headed into potentially the second largest COVID surge all-time in the US. If wastewater levels follow historic trends, we will reach two million infections per day at peak surge with 4.2 percent of the population actively infectious on January 10. According to his model, the peak will arrive between January 3-17, with an estimate of 1.7 to 2.2 million infections per day.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have risen more than 50 percent across the US in less than six weeks and stand at 23,432 for the week ending on December 9.

In their report, the WHO said that the Western Pacific Region is seeing the biggest jump in JN.1 based on sequencing data. In Singapore, where vaccination rates are among the highest in the world, wastewater and hospitalization rates are surging quickly. While official weekly cases were hovering around 15,000 for the past 2-3 months, by December 9 these shot up to 56,043, the highest recorded in the year. Hospitalizations have nearly tripled in recent weeks, from 136 at the end of November to 350 by mid-December.

In response to this wave, Singapores ministry of health recently released a statement strongly encouraging people to don their masks once again. The ministry added, To preserve our healthcare capacity, MOH has been working with public hospitals for contingency planning, including ensuring adequate manpower and deferring non-urgent electives o maximize bed capacity for urgent cases in need of acute care.

Several countries in Europe, including Denmark, Spain, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, have seen an exponential increase in COVID wastewater levels and an attendant spike in hospitalizations.

In Germany, wastewater data are currently reaching the highest on record. Practitioners are reporting large numbers of people with upper respiratory infections, half of which are COVID. With approximately 10 percent of the country currently suffering from respiratory infections, public health services and physician offices are having difficulty keeping pace.

Data scientist and modeler Jay Weiland wrote on December 16, Witnessing some of these record setting wastewater signals is now MANY European countries after Pirola dominance is eye opening. We have to prepare ourselves for at least the possibility that we see a very large spike in the US in coming weeks. He also noted that once JN.1 became dominant in France, hospital admissions began to rapidly climb.

Variant tracker Ryan Hisner remarked on December 4, If a new variant is going to cause an increase in infections or hospitalizations, we usually dont see any indications of that until its surpassed 50 percent of cases. With JN.1, some European countries are about there. But the UK, Sweden, the US, and Asia are weeks behind.

Hisner made the point with the Alpha variant in London in early December 2020. Once it passed 50 percent of overall sequences, COVID infections began to rise dramatically and with it the hospitalizations and deaths.

The rapid global spread of JN.1 is ushering in the fifth year of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has already caused over 27 million excess deaths and potentially hundreds of millions of cases of Long COVID globally.

Recent studies published in The Lancet and Statistics Canada reaffirm the immense dangers that the virus continues to pose to global society, and that even if most people develop little to no symptoms during the acute phase of a COVID infection, the impact on their organ system and potential for Long COVID remain considerable.

In the US, excess deaths for 2023 have remained stubbornly high (160,000), while disproportionately affecting young working-age people. As actuarial reports have noted, the causes for many of these deaths showed higher mortality from liver, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes, all of which have been proven to be precipitated by COVID infection.

In the UK, excess deaths were up 7.2 percent for 2022 and 8.6 percent for 2023 compared to the five-year average before 2020. In a recent published report on the UK in the Lancet Regional Health, the authors wrote,

in the period from week ending 3 June 2022 to 30 June 2023, excess deaths for all causes were relatively greatest for 50-64 years old (15 percent higher than expected), compared with 11 percent higher for 25-49 and those under 25 years old, and about nine percent higher for over 65 years old group.

In particular, for middle-aged adults, deaths from cardiovascular diseases, strokes, respiratory infections, and diabetes were considerably higher.

The evolution of JN.1 underscores the continued ability of SARS-CoV-2 to mutate into potentially more dangerous variants. It makes abundantly clear the fraudulent character of the decisions by the WHO, the Biden administration and virtually every world government to declare the pandemic no longer a global public health emergency.

The present state of the pandemic, which is now met with a collective shrug by world capitalism, epitomizes the complete inability of this social system to address the most urgent needs of humanity. A highly damaging and dangerous virus is simply being ignored and allowed to circulate among billions of people, to the great detriment of the population.

Workers and young people should continue to heed the risks posed by COVID-19 and do everything they can to protect themselves from infection, but fundamentally it is necessary to draw political conclusions from the experience of the past four years of the pandemic. Capitalism is rotting on its feet and is incapable of addressing the most basic needs of society, including the right to health and a safe environment. It must be replaced with a planned world economy, one of whose central features will be a globally coordinated public health program provided with ample resources, capable of eliminating COVID-19 and all other infectious diseases possible.
The biggest threat to tech giants in 2024 will be the government  on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Biden Administration spent much of 2023 trying to curtail the market dominance of some of the most influential and deep-pocketed companies in the US, from airlines and healthcare to crypto exchanges.

Big Tech was its most prominent target. The same was also true for governments overseas, as regulators in the United Kingdom and European Union applied new pressure to industry players that sought to boost their market power by purchasing rivals.

President Joe Biden has made an antitrust push a key part of his approach while in office. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Just this month, the resistance from both sides of the Atlantic was enough to persuade Photoshop maker Adobe to give up on plans to acquire web-based design platform Figma and motivate biotech giant Illumina to sell off a cancer-screening company called Grail.

Adobe (ADBE), in pulling the plug on its $20 billion takeover, said there was "no clear path" to approvals from the UK or the EU.

Legal experts say they expect the government offensive to continue raging on both continents in 2024.

"I would actually say the biggest threat to tech businesses is going to be government," said Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel of NetChoice, an technology advocacy organization that also represents Yahoo Finance. "And not just the US government, but governments across the world."

Starting in March, Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Meta (META), and Microsoft (MSFT) must comply with a new EU law, the Digital Services Act, designed to limit their power and face penalties if they dont comply. That includes fines or a possible company breakup.

In the US, the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission this past week published new merger guidelines that made it clear they will seek to limit the concentration of power in key industries.

"For too long, unchecked consolidation has meant big corporations getting bigger, giving them the power to raise prices for Americans and provide consumers with fewer options," Bidens national economic adviser Lael Brainard said in a statement.

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Former FTC member William Kovacic said there is "no doubt" the administration will continue its legal push in the final year of Biden's current term.

The question now, he said, is: Can the government prevail against its formidable corporate opponents?

The FTC has already been handed some defeats in some prominent antitrust cases, including suits to stop Microsoft's acquisition of game developer Activision Blizzard and Meta's acquisition of virtual reality app developer Within.

"These are hard cases," said Kovacic, who is currently a George Washington University Law School professor.

"And despite the fact that they do have a large number of attorneys and economists in each of these cases, they're following the most capable opponents they could possibly imagine."

The pursuit of Google and Amazon

The most prominent development in early 2024 could be the outcome of an antitrust trial pitting the Justice Department against Alphabets Google, alleging the tech giant illegally monopolizes the online search engine market.

If the DOJ prevails it could strip the company of its dominance in the online search market, threatening a core profit engine that sits at the heart of Googles trillion-dollar empire.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai testified last October in the antitrust trial of the search giant. (Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The judge deciding the case, US District Court Judge Amit Mehta, is expected to issue a decision in March after hearing two months of testimony this past fall.

The Justice Department, in a separate case, is also accusing Google of blocking competition in the online advertising market.

Another high-profile legal battle looms with e-commerce giant Amazon. The FTC and 17 state attorneys general have alleged that Amazon.com is illegally monopolizing two markets: the online superstore market and the online superstore services market.

The case is a big test for FTC Chair Lina Khan, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021 and has made taking on Big Tech the cornerstone of her tenure.

Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan testifies on Capitol Hill last July. (Kevin Wurm/REUTERS) (REUTERS / Reuters)

The FTC in a separate suit also claims Amazon knowingly duped millions of consumers into enrolling in its Amazon Prime service.

'A bad political strategy'

A crackdown on the crypto world will remain a major focus for US regulators in 2024 after some high-profile victories in 2023, including the criminal conviction of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and a guilty plea from Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao.

Zhao stepped down and Binance agreed to pay a $4.3 billion fine.

Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried. (Amanda Perobelli/REUTERS/File Photo) (REUTERS / Reuters)

The Securities and Exchange Commission is still pursuing a number of the industrys top players, including Binance and Coinbase, in civil suits.

It experienced courtroom setbacks and victories in 2023, and its ongoing campaign to rein in the industry will likely be a defining event for crypto companies in 2024.

Some in the crypto world are hoping for a new administration that emerges from the 2024 presidential election with a more favorable view of their industry.

"Being anti-crypto is a really bad political strategy going into 2024," Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said this week on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on Twitter @alexiskweed.

Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market.

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We are publishing here the summation given by David North to the memorial meeting for Comrade Helen Halyard held on December 3. Helen, a leading member of the Socialist Equality Party (US) and the International Committee of the Fourth International for more than half a century, died suddenly on November 28 at the age of 73.

We have spoken of Comrade Helen, first and foremost, as a political person, as a political collaborator, as one who played a significant role in the development of our movement, and whose contribution to the building of the Trotskyist party throughout the world will have enduring significance.

There are two phrases that come to mind. One was said by Cannon. I think he was quoting another when he said, With the love of comrades, we shall change the world.

Trotsky, somewhat more reserved but no less passionate, said that there is a French saying among revolutionists that the party is a great friendship. But then he added, for there to be a great friendship, there must be a great selection.

At a dedication ceremony in Minneapolis for Comrade Leo Brust, April, 1994. Left to right: Larry Porter, Fred Mazelis, David North and Helen Halyard.

Helen had passed through the selection made by the historical process, which determines why one or another person becomes a political leader of great significance. The combination of personal qualities, historical experiences, subjective forcesall of this has a somewhat unpredictable character. It is part of the contradictions of the historical process.

We are not individuals. As Marx said so profoundly, we are all an ensemble of social relations. We are products of our time. We are products of the experiences through which we pass. We express not only ourselves, but the strengths and weaknesses of the class we strive to represent and serve and lead.

I speak now from the standpoint of the generation that joined the party when Helen joined it, those of us who passed from youth, who met when we were in our early 20s and now are in our 70s. We know each other well, strengths and weaknesses. There are very few secrets that are kept for so long a period of time.

From left: Ann Lore, Nancy Hanover, Helen Halyard, Gary Tyler, Jerry White, and Larry Porter stand in front of one of Gary's artworks on display in Detroit, July 8, 2023.

All the comrades who have spoken of Helen today have spoken of her effect on politics, on history and on themselves. She is part of our lives, she will always be part of our lives, and she will be part of the lives of those who continue this work for many years to come.

We are entering into revolutionary struggles, and I tend to think that the conquest of power will come perhaps sooner than many can imagine. The capitalist system and its leaders are rotting on their feet. The crimes which they are now committing are of such a character that they can never be forgotten, let alone forgiven. We all are perhaps familiar with what John Brown had to say about the remission of sins. Woe to him who giveth offensethat was Lincoln. Brown said, there is retribution, and that will come.

But that great retribution will not be of a personal character. It will be achieved through the working class, through the struggle of workers all over the globe who will come to recognize ever more clearly the necessity to put an end to capitalism, to its barbarism.

Fred Mazelis and Helen Halyard, in 2021, visit the site in Detroit where slavery abolitionists Frederick Douglass and John Brown met in 1859.

And within that context, within the context of present developments, it is not out of place that we have placed so much emphasis on the struggle against nationalism, for internationalism. After all, what we are witnessing today, the horrific crimes committed by Israel, are all the more terrible in that they are being justified by invoking crimes that were committed against the Jewish people by the Nazis. What is being done by Zionism demonstrates the deeply reactionary, barbaric role of nationalismthis discredited and obsolete political ideology in the present epoch.

Zionism is only the most complete expression of this degenerate world outlook, and it is the outlook of a ruling class whose historical function has been completely exhausted.

Yes, the building of the party is a difficult challenge. It is not easy. It is not easy to educate masses of workers, but that work of education is not being conducted by ourselves alone. Capitalism itself is a great educator. The masses of the world are being reminded why there was a Russian Revolution, why Marxism became a political force that inspired millions throughout the world. And all that Marxism contains, all that it teaches, is expressed today in the Trotskyist movement.

Helen Halyard (1950 - 2023)

Listening to the contributions that have been made by comrades throughout the world, of many different agesfrom 96 and 82 to the relative youngsters in their early 70s and 60s, and all those who are just in their early 30s and 20sone is struck by the power and the clarity of all these contributions. What they really mean is that something profound is at work among masses of people. If we are an ensemble of social relations, then what we say and how we express ourselves, the ability to express ourselves, demonstrates something that is taking place among the masses.

If Helen were with us and she had heard these contributions, she would understand that. She would be pleased by the many good things that were said about her, perhaps somewhat put off by what she would say was excessive flattery. But she would have to recognize the power of what comrades have said, the way they have woven together the tapestry, the warp and woof of objective and subjective conditions. She would understand that this would mean something profound is underway.

The political situation is now advancing rapidly. So our task is to carry forward that work. What we said today we meant. We are proud to have been Helens comrades, to have worked with her, to have assisted her and been assisted by her. So now, we must carry this work forward in the United States and throughout the world.
On Friday, December 15, Northview Village Nursing Home, the largest nursing home in St. Louis, Missouri, closed abruptly, leaving 175 residents to be rehoused by the state. Around 160 workers were also left without a job and without their latest paycheck.

Supporters of Northview Village Nursing Home gather on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 to show support for displaced residents and the employees left jobless by the facilitys sudden closure in St. Louis [AP Photo/Jim Salter]

While facilities are required by the state to give 60 days notice before closing, Northview Village officially closed on Friday afternoon with no prior warning and the last resident was moved on Saturday at 6 a.m. The state was called in to rapidly relocate residents to at least 15 different facilities across the area. Receiving nursing homes reported that residents arrived with only the clothes on their backs and no medical paperwork or medication.

Family members and friends of residents were not notified until Saturday that residents had been moved. In most cases, families had no idea where their loved ones were and were left to call local facilities one by one in an attempt to find them.

Photographs of the abandoned Northview Village Nursing Home paint a picture of how quickly residents were evacuated. Photos show residents belongings and medical supplies left behind, card games laid out on tables and TVs still on. One photo shows a room of empty electric wheelchairs which are very expensive and customized for the specific needs of a disabled individual.

Northview Village was made up almost entirely of Medicaid patients. Medicaid-heavy nursing home facilities have some of the worst conditions as Medicaid patients garner low reimbursement rates from the federal government. Nursing home owners are then incentivized to attract more patients paying privately, which reimburses providers at a higher rate than Medicaid, or to admit more Medicaid patients regardless of the resources and staff available.

Given the low payout from working class and poor residents these facilities have to operate on a shoestring budget in which the little money they are receiving is often siphoned off to the benefit of the owner and investors in the facility. As a result, many facilities that take Medicaid patients tend to be overcrowded, understaffed and under-resourced. More and more Medicaid facilities across the country are under threat as the federal government reimbursement rates cover only about 80 percent of the cost of care.

As documented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Northview Village had over 12 federal violations since March 2021 and holds a one-star rating. There have been many complaints from staff, residents and their families, prompting 24 investigations by the state since 2016.

Northview Village workers first grew suspicious when they arrived for their shifts Friday morning to find they were not receiving their usual biweekly paycheck. Some workers left when it became clear that the administration had no concrete answer for the missing paychecks. Workers were notified later that day that the facility had run out of funding and was closing that day. Workers have still not received their paychecks.

Workers reported that there was no advanced warning of the closure. Certified medical technician Marvetta Harrison told the St. Louis Dispatch, This is really wrong. I have worked in that building for 37 years. Not only did they mistreat us, they mistreated the residents we take care of.

Workers informed reporters that they were given a number to call to request payment, but workers are placed on indefinite hold when they call.

Nursing home workers are low-paid and often rely on overtime hours to support their families. The average starting pay for a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in St. Louis is $17.75 an hour and the state minimum wage is $12.00 an hour.

Angela Hendeson, who worked at Northview for 40 years, told St. Louis 5 local news, People dont know how they are going to eat. How they are going to pay their bills or anything.

Northview is owned by Healthcare Accounting Services LLC, which is owned by Mahklouf Mark Suissa from Chicago, who owns nine other nursing homes across Illinois and Missouri.

One day after the sudden closure, Healthcare Accounting Services issued a letter to employees explaining that the company is not responsible for the workers lost employment and pay. The letter sought to shift the blame to unknown other partners without further explanation. Though Northview is a part of Healthcare Accounting Services and under the umbrella of ownership of Mr. Suissa, this particular facility is also owned by other partners.

This subterfuge speaks to the complex systems of ownership in the nursing home industry, with many facilities owned or heavily invested in by private equity firms and Real Estate Investment Trusts. It is also commonplace for nursing home owners to outsource goods and services with companies that they themselves own or invest in, further boosting their personal profits.

While nursing home owners seek any means to increase their profits and dodge culpability, nursing home workers continue to be some of the most oppressed workers in the healthcare system. Care tasks are physically demanding and staffing levels are abysmal. Nurse-to-patient ratios of 1:30 or 1:40 are not uncommon and nursing assistants struggle to find the time to feed, bathe and toilet residents. Workers are often lacking the most basic supplies, such as wet wipes, linens and adult diapers.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated and exposed nursing home conditions. Throughout the pandemic, numerous incidents have shocked the public, from the admission that 800 patients and staff at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Pennsylvania had been infected to the gruesome discovery of 17 corpses piled up in a New Jersey nursing home. A recent investigative report by the Detroit News exposed over 167 complaints related to staffing and infection control at 67 nursing homes in the Detroit area.

Nursing home workers have been striking in greater numbers, joining the broader movement of healthcare workers fighting against poor staffing, unendurable workloads and falling wages. In July, 4,000 nursing home workers in Los Angeles held a series of eight pickets to protest severe understaffing. In October, 250 nursing home workers in Metro Detroit went on a two-day strike to protest worsening conditions and high staff turnover rates.

The sudden closure and relocation of residents is the last in a long string of abuses suffered by Northview Villages residents. This poor quality of care is commonplace in nursing homes and exposes the failure of the American healthcare system to take care of its elderly and infirm. The Northview Village abrupt shutdown calls to the forefront the need to organize the fight for socialized medicine, eliminating the profit motive from healthcare and reestablishing it on the basis of human need.
There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. Having said that, unprofitable companies are risky because they could potentially burn through all their cash and become distressed.

So should Galapagos (AMS:GLPG) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). Let's start with an examination of the business' cash, relative to its cash burn.

View our latest analysis for Galapagos

How Long Is Galapagos' Cash Runway?

You can calculate a company's cash runway by dividing the amount of cash it has by the rate at which it is spending that cash. As at September 2023, Galapagos had cash of 3.8b and no debt. In the last year, its cash burn was 538m. Therefore, from September 2023 it had 7.1 years of cash runway. Even though this is but one measure of the company's cash burn, the thought of such a long cash runway warms our bellies in a comforting way. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below.

ENXTAM:GLPG Debt to Equity History December 21st 2023

How Well Is Galapagos Growing?

Over the last year, Galapagos maintained its cash burn at a fairly steady level. Unfortunately, however, operating revenue actually dropped 5.7%, which is a worry. Considering both these factors, we're not particularly excited by its growth profile. Clearly, however, the crucial factor is whether the company will grow its business going forward. So you might want to take a peek at how much the company is expected to grow in the next few years.

How Hard Would It Be For Galapagos To Raise More Cash For Growth?

Galapagos seems to be in a fairly good position, in terms of cash burn, but we still think it's worthwhile considering how easily it could raise more money if it wanted to. Companies can raise capital through either debt or equity. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate).

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Galapagos' cash burn of 538m is about 23% of its 2.4b market capitalisation. That's not insignificant, and if the company had to sell enough shares to fund another year's growth at the current share price, you'd likely witness fairly costly dilution.

So, Should We Worry About Galapagos' Cash Burn?

Even though its falling revenue makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Galapagos' cash runway was relatively promising. While we're the kind of investors who are always a bit concerned about the risks involved with cash burning companies, the metrics we have discussed in this article leave us relatively comfortable about Galapagos' situation. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 2 warning signs for Galapagos (of which 1 can't be ignored!) you should know about.

Of course Galapagos may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks that insiders are buying.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



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(Bloomberg) -- Around $1 billion in assets belonging to the founders of cryptocurrency hedge fund Three Arrows Capital have been frozen by a British Virgin Islands court, according to the firms liquidator.

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The court issued an order preventing co-founders Su Zhu and Kyle Davies, as well as Davies wife Kelly Chen, from transferring or selling assets worth up to $1.14 billion, the liquidator Teneo said in an emailed statement, adding that it estimates creditors are owed roughly $3.3 billion.

Three Arrows, once among the largest crypto-native hedge funds, imploded in 2022 after a series of bad bets. The failure was part of a crypto rout and spate of collapses in the sector.

The worldwide freezing order has been sought in connection with claims that are being pursued by the liquidators that allege, amongst other things, that the founders should be held responsible for causing 3ACs position to deteriorate by an amount that is equivalent to the value of the freezing orders sought, Teneo said.

Davies and a legal representative for Zhu didnt respond to requests for comment.

Three Arrows previously operated out of Singapore and filed for bankruptcy in the British Virgin Islands. Teneo, appointed by a British Virgin Islands court as liquidator, has previously accused the founders of failing to cooperate meaningfully.

The announcement comes a day after a domestic freezing order was issued by the Singapore Court according to Teneo. It also follows Zhus arrest in September at Singapores Changi Airport as he tried to leave the country. Singapore has banned Zhu and Davies from conducting any regulated activity in Singapore.

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Zhu is set to be released this month based on standard provisions for good behavior, Bloomberg News reported earlier.

Zhu and Davies are among the onetime stars of cryptos bull run whose reputations and fortunes have fallen amid revelation of risky practices. Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX Trading Ltd. was convicted last month of fraud after a month-long trial that pitted his testimony against that of some of his closest friends.

(Updates with efforts to reach Zhu, Davies in paragraph 5.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Millions of tons of crucial crops are being grown in Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia. The problem is that its hard to know exactly how much or where its really going.

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Its so tricky estimating volumes that some of the most prominent analysts are just cutting those regions held by Moscow out of forecasts altogether.

Thats because as the war grinds on, its getting harder to obtain reliable information about how much is being planted and harvested. And while some crops will be consumed in those territories, other amounts are being shipped to Russia or mixed in with Russian grain and sold on the world market.

But NASAs food security and agriculture program gives a clue of the volumes. About 6.4 million tons of wheat  similar to Bulgarias total output  and almost 1.5 million tons of sunflower seeds were harvested in Russia-occupied regions of Ukraine this year, research using satellite imagery shows.

Although not enough to tip the global balance, its a sizable amount unaccounted for in industry reports that traders use to gauge supplies and exports, which can affect market prices. Plus, inadvertently handling grain from occupied regions could raise legal risks for international merchants.

Were talking about a tremendous amount of grain, said Inbal Becker-Reshef, program director at NASA Harvest. Its absolutely critical to have this information out there and transparent, and talking about how much food right now is being harvested and produced.

Assessing the value and damage of grain grown on occupied land is also important for any claims Ukraine may make for reparations from Russia.

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While NASAs research doesnt show how much of the grain grown there is being exported, it helps to indicate how much could potentially be mixed in with Russian cargoes, which head to nations including in the Middle East and Africa.

Organizations that forecast supplies face a dilemma on what areas to include. The US Department of Agriculture has said its estimates for Ukraine include Crimea but not other territories occupied by Russia.

The Agricultural Market Information System includes Crimea as part of the Russian Federation, but excludes the Russia-occupied territories of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk and Kherson from both Russian and Ukrainian estimates, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which hosts the AMIS Secretariat, said by email.

Russian President Vladimir Putin this month said Russias total harvest would include 5 million to 6 million tons of grain from Kremlin-controlled regions of Ukraine, according to Interfax.

The amount could be even larger, according to the president of the Ukrainian Grain Association, who this month told Forbes that about 15 million to 16 million tons of all crops are produced in occupied areas. Ukraines agriculture ministry didnt immediately reply to a request for comment.

There is big uncertainty about the status of the Ukrainian agriculture in the occupied territories, including lack of reliable data to properly assess how much this area produces, the USDA said by email.

Another question is how much grain is being passed off as Russian. Switzerlands top prosecutor last year warned traders to steer clear of foodstuffs reportedly pillaged from Ukraine or risk committing a war crime.

But reliably tracking grain supplies can be difficult, especially once its mixed with other origins. While big Western traders have opted to stop originating grain directly from Russian farmers, they can still handle cargoes from the top wheat shipper.

Theres currently a lack of checks on the origins of Russian exports, said Artem Svyryd, head of strategy and investment at Smart Holding.

Its not fair not to monitor the output, said Svyryd, whose company holds a stake in agribusiness HarvEast, which lost a chunk of land to the invasion. There should be still some verification from the international community and global institutions. Ukraine cannot do this on its own.

Read: How Russian Ships Launder Grain Stolen From Occupied Ukraine

The NASA Harvest research also shows that about 7% of Ukraines farmland was abandoned this year, mostly along the front lines. Becker-Reshef hopes the methods can help show how war and extreme weather impact production elsewhere in the world.

For Ukraine, its extremely important that were transparent about those numbers, she said. Its an area that we cant ignore.

--With assistance from Kateryna Chursina, Olesia Safronova and Gina Turner.

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A brewery in New Zealand has installed a vending machine that lets customers pay for beer by being good at guitar.

Panhead Custom Ales in Wellington uses a Slay To Pay system thats fitted with a custom Epiphone Explorer. The machine has an A.I. system to test a users playing and, if it deems you talented enough, will reward you with a can of beer.

Rebecca Sinclair, head of brand at Panhead Custom Ales, has told Guitar World: Its essentially a souped-up Guitar Hero for adults. As far as we know, this is a first-of-its kind-machine with some pretty cool new tech and the best kind of reward for those willing to give it a go. No one has done this before.

She added: The machine was the perfect combination of a couple of our favourite things: cold beer and really loud music. We gave it its first run at the Panhead Rolling Stone Music Awards and it turns out its pretty ruthless. It rejected some of the best guitarists in the country.

Guitar World reports that the vending machine prefers hearing the noisier end of the guitar music spectrum. The genres available to play are metal, punk and grunge. If youre deemed talented enough to have earned a free drink, the machine will tell you, You came, you played, you slayed! before giving you your beverage.

Another New Zealand brewery, Garage Project, made headlines in 2017 by playing their 666th batch of beer heavy metal music for 11 days as it fermented.

Head brewer Pete Gillespie told Vice: We've got a friend, Jimmy, who's covered from head to toe in demonic tattoos and we share his love of darker music. We got him to prepare a playlist and he arranged 11 days of nonstop dark metal, doom metal, death metal and heavy metal. He arranged it chronologically, with no repeats for those 11 days. That's dedication.

Gillespie concluded of the beer: It's deceptively drinkable for 10.5% alcohol. Pitch black, but not overly roasty, which is what we wanted.

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Lea Salonga sings during The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square Christmas concert at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022. Salonga will join the choir for a series of performances in the Philippines in February 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is welcoming back Broadway and Disney star Lea Salonga  this time for a series of concerts in the Philippines, Salongas home country.

Salonga, well known as the powerful singing voice behind Disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan, will join as a guest artist for the choirs performances in the Philippines next year. The announcement comes about a year after Salonga made her debut with the choir as a guest artist for the annual Christmas concert in Salt Lake City.

Although Salonga didnt have much familiarity with the choir up to that point, she said taking part in the Christmas concert was a memory of a lifetime.

Im not going to forget that sound, and being enveloped by it, Salonga said during a press conference with the choir last year.

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Tabernacle Choir heading to the Philippines for the first time

Next years performances in the Philippines, which will run from Feb. 20-29, marks the second stop on the choirs Hope world tour  and the choirs first visit to the Philippines, according to a news release sent to the Deseret News.

Internationally, the Philippines has one of the highest viewerships of Music & the Spoken Word, the choirs weekly broadcast, per the release.

The choir also recently announced that the Tabernacle Choirs annual Christmas concert will be broadcast in the Philippines for the first time. Last years concert, which featured Salonga and British actor Sir David Suchet, will air Dec. 24 on CNN Philippines, the churchs Philippines area Facebook page shared.

The move comes as the choir recently expanded its mission statement to add the words throughout the world. The choirs president, former Utah Gov. Michael O. Leavitt, shared that news during a press conference earlier this month, noting that the concert would be available in both the Philippines and London for the first time.

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The choir launched its Hope tour earlier this year with performances in Mexico City, as the Deseret News previously reported. Over the next four years, the choir and orchestra plans to travel twice a year to different parts of the world.

Our goal is to magnify the choirs impact throughout the world by helping people feel Gods love for his children, Leavitt said in a statement earlier this year. Our performances will be free. Many will be livestreamed so local congregations in the regions we visit can invite their friends and communities to participate.

Lea Salonga sings during The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square Christmas concert at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Lea Salongas appearance in the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert

During last years Christmas concert, Salonga  who won a Tony Award for her role in Miss Saigon  talked about her Filipina heritage and shared the meaning behind the Christmas song Payapang Daigdig, which she said is especially beloved in the Philippines.

In my home country, the Philippines, Christmas actually begins in September, Salonga said, per the Deseret News. Thats how much we love the holiday. And its not just the decorations, the food and the presents  we love the music.

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Salonga explained how Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was attacked in 1942 just a few weeks after the Pearl Harbor bombings. By the time World War II ended three years later, the city was almost completely destroyed, Salonga said.

A year later, on Christmas night in 1946, the young musician Felipe Padilla de Leon climbed to the top of the tallest remaining roof, looked out upon the devastation and felt inspired to write a carol of peace.

It has brought hope and healing to the Filipino people ever since, Salonga said. May it bring hope to you this Christmas as well.

The choirs February performances in the Philippines will touch on the music and choral traditions of the country, according to the release.

It was a delight to have Lea Salonga share her extraordinary talents at our Christmas concert last year in Salt Lake City, Mack Wilberg, the choirs music director, said in a statement. It is an honor for the choir to go to Leas home country to perform with her again and experience the kindness of the Filippino people.
Cailee Spaeny doesnt want to talk about the lineage. Since 1999, a handful of young, female actors have been turned into stars by the filmmaker Sofia Coppola  she of cinemas pink hues, aimless heroes and fractured girlhoods. Kirsten Dunst graduated from kiddie movies with The Virgin Suicides. Scarlett Johansson became Scarlett Johansson with Lost in Translation. Elle Fanning unlocked new depths to her work with Somewhere. But ask Spaeny if shes thought about what it means to be a Coppola muse and she shudders.

Honestly, I just needed to make sure the film turned out OK, the 25-year-old laughs. A month before we meet, Spaeny could be found sitting anxiously at the Venice Film Festival and about to see her starring role in Coppolas Priscilla for the first time. She busied herself by comparing nerves with Euphorias Jacob Elordi. In the film, the pair play Priscilla and Elvis Presley, two halves of a famed, dysfunctional and  if were being frank  uniquely bananas marriage. We kept saying to each other, What if were in the first bad Sofia Coppola movie? What if weve ruined her? And now that shes seen it? She hesitates. I mean, I think we can relax a little now.

In Priscilla, Spaeny  who last week was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance  ages from 14 to 27, a transformation aided by a series of outrageous beehive hairdos and eyelashes you could probably see from space. Today, sat in a London hotel suite, shes been thoroughly rinsed of her Fifties greasepaint  her hair is cropped into a tight bob, her outfit a crisp white suit, her accessories minimal apart from two tiny gold studs in her ears. In conversation she veers between poise and neuroses, beaming with pride over Priscilla as a movie, but shrinking into her seat whenever its pointed out that shes actually in it.

She tells me, for instance, that shes only felt truly comfortable around Coppola in recent weeks. I did my research, I had all my notes and my books and photos, but then Id sit down and it would be her! She is so lovely and kind, but I did feel so nervous every time I would have to talk to her.

Priscilla had an accelerated, month-long production and a tiny budget. In October, Coppola said that it was so stretched that she at one point nearly raffled off a game of pickleball with Elordi just to try and get another day of shooting financed. We had very minimal prep, and 30 days of flying by the seat of our pants, Spaeny remembers. Then we blinked and it was all over. Not once did Coppola seem nervous about any of it  which merely hastened Spaenys own nerves. Sofia never wears her stress. Her friends call her an iron fist in a silk glove. Once the first screening happened in Venice, Spaeny felt she could breathe. The movie was well received, Priscilla [herself] said to me that she felt good about the film and my performance. I said to both her and Sofia, like, OK should we grab a drink now?

Its important to note the Priscilla Presley of it all. Priscilla is an odd beast when it comes to biographical films  its endorsed by its subject, and adapted from a memoir written by its subject, but is also unafraid of depicting Elvis as a very bad or at least vaguely dicey man. The 24-year-old Elvis met Priscilla when she was 14  he was based in Germany as part of his military service, while she was a military brat stationed in the country with her family. The pair struck up a connection at a party in his home  shed been invited by one of his friends  and carried on a romantic if, according to Priscilla, strictly chaste correspondence over the following seven years. Priscilla has long insisted that Elvis wasnt predatory due to, she claims, the fact that they only had sex once they were married and Priscilla had turned 21. Eyebrows will be raised all the same.

Elvis was sexualised very early on. He had his youth taken away from him, and no one had experienced that level of fame before either

Their relationship was fraught. In Priscilla, Elvis is depicted as a magnetic, insecure pop idol  and a cruel, drug-abusing narcissist who effectively locks Priscilla away in his fortress-like home. (As an aside, weeks after I meet Spaeny, a report emerges claiming that before her death in January this year, Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis and Priscillas only child, urged Coppola not to make the film, citing its vengeful and contemptuous perspective on her parents marriage. In a statement, Coppola said that she took great care in honouring [Priscilla], while also presenting [Elvis] with sensitivity and complexity.)

Spaeny is still unpacking their marriage. Its strange and shocking, obviously, she says. Priscilla had such a complicated relationship with him, and shes also fiercely protective over her family and Elviss legacy. So its nuanced. But thats what makes this story so fascinating  you want to hit the pause button and lean in.

I tell Spaeny that I came away most fascinated by Elviss relationship to sex  he seems to avoid having sex with Priscilla even after they marry, and almost because theyre married, all the while carrying on affairs with numerous other women. If I were to do a sort of pop psychology thing, Spaeny laughs, he was a Christian, and had this idea of purity when it came to marriage and women. He was also being pushed into this very secular world and was sexualised very early on. He had his youth taken away from him, and no one had experienced that level of fame before either, so he didnt have anyone to help him navigate this life that hed been thrust into.

Complex dynamic: Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny in Priscilla (Sabrina Lantos)

Spaeny says her own journey was less drama-plagued  she always had a warm cocoon of family around her, as well as a preternatural determination to become an actor. Hailing from Springfield, Missouri, she dropped out of school at the age of 13 to chase her dreams  she acted in local theatre, and even worked as a performer at an 1800s-themed amusement park. I got dropped into a very adult world, but I also understood that I needed to find a way to make acting my living, she says. I had to get out of the town I grew up in and start a new life on my own.

She was 14 when she discovered Coppolas work, bingeing on DVDs of The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette and Somewhere. They totally changed how I looked at myself, she says. In her films I saw girls my age who werent being played by 30-year-olds, who werent dumbed down or naive. She doesnt underestimate young women. Teenage girls are complicated  they have dark sides, passions, longings and fantasies, which Sofia understands. Her films gave me permission to explore all of those parts of myself. They made me unafraid of those parts of myself.

As movies, they were also unlike anything shed ever seen before. I grew up on very commercial, blockbuster films  my mom and dad werent putting on offbeat indie movies, you know? So Id watch Sofias movies and Id just think: oh my god, this is so punk!

Accompanied by her mother and a handful of siblings (she is one of a total of nine), Spaeny would travel back and forth from Missouri to Los Angeles a few times a year, finding real film work once she turned 18. She was the teenage mother whose murder kickstarted the Kate Winslet mini-series Mare of Easttown, played Dakota Johnsons kid sister in the cult thriller Bad Times at the El Royale, and was  in a canny bit of experimental casting  a male scientist studying soundwaves in Alex Garlands inventive sci-fi show Devs.

Behind the scenes: Sofia Coppola, costume designer Stacey Battat and Spaeny on the set of Priscilla (Sabrina Lantos)

Next year she reunites with Garland for the apocalyptic action movie Civil War alongside Kirsten Dunst  and in a testament to Priscillas fast production and release turnaround, it was working with Dunst on Civil War, which was filmed in early 2022, that got her recommended for Priscilla.

She put in a good word for me, she gushes. I mean, she and Sofia are like sisters so it obviously meant a lot to have her blessing. Shes her muse! Dunst has been Coppolas most consistent collaborator, starring in The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette and The Beguiled, and cameoing in The Bling Ring. Once she was hired for Priscilla, Spaeny rang up Dunst to ask what she ought to expect from working with Coppola. The answers were very specific: Sofia will become her favourite director, shell look gorgeous at all times, and shell film at least one shot in a bathtub.

And it all ended up happening! she says. I remember laughing once I got the script and I was, like, well  theres my bathtub shot! And she did make me look really good.

So when it comes to Coppola-centric predictions, Spaeny is three for three. Chances are  just like Dunst, Johansson and Fanning before her  shell become a megastar soon, too.

Priscilla is in selected cinemas from 26 December, followed by a wide release on 1 January
John Schneider, the actor who played Bo Duke on the popular show, 'Dukes of Hazzard,' has made a death threat against President Joe Biden.

"Trump poses many threats to our country. The right to choose, civil rights, voting rights, and America's standing in the world," the President of the United States wrote in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

"But the greatest threat he poses is to our democracy. If we lose that, we lose everything," he added.

Earlier this week, the Colorado state Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump has been banned due to his alleged involvement and support of an insurrection.

John Schneider Says Joe Biden Should Be 'Publicly Hung'

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John Schneider responded to that post, threatening Joe Biden. "Mr. President, I believe you are guilty of treason and should be publicly hung," he began. "Your son too. Your response is...?"

He then signed it "John Schneider."

Schneider was referring to Biden's son, Hunter Biden, who has found himself involved in legal drama over the past few months.

Threats made to the President of the United States are considered a federal felony under code 18, section 871, and includes anyone who "knowingly and willfully... threat to take the life of, to kidnap, or to inflict great bodily harm upon the President of the United States".

Anyone convicted under the law could be fined or imprisoned for up to five years, or both.

John Schneider, the actor who played #BoDuke on Dukes of Hazzard made a death threat against @potus and his son here on @x last night and it is still up. Death threats against the President is illegal. pic.twitter.com/feMzrfvvEx  Eugene (@Democracy1stE) December 21, 2023

Vulture's 'West Coast TV' editor, Joe Adalian, responded to the 'Dukes of Hazzard' actor's threats, stating, "John Schneider took off more than one mask tonight. Fox gave this guy a platform tonight. I'm truly sorry for the loss of his wife, but that doesn't excuse calling for the public execution of POTUS."

Another social media user, however, backed the actor, writing, "John is a true man & patriot. The U.S. Constitution must be protected & our liberties upheld. This country is falling fast due to the vast corruption plaguing us thru self-seeking (bipartisan) politicians & powerful corporations. Our founding fathers would be ashamed."

President Joe Biden Comments On Donald Trump's Ban

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President Joe Biden broke his silence regarding Donald Trump's name not appearing on Colorados ballot for the 2024 presidential election.

Well, I think that was certainly self-evident. You saw it all, Biden said when speaking to reporters following the news.

He reiterated that, in his own opinion, Trump certainly supported an insurrection, adding that he seems to be doubling down on just about everything.

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The majority ruling came out earlier this week, banning Trump's name to be on Colorado's ballot. A majority of the court holds that President Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the majority ruling read.

It continued, Because he is disqualified, it would be a wrongful act under the Election Code for the Colorado Secretary of State to list him as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot.

Following the ruling, Trumps lawyer, Alina Habba, released a statement. This ruling, issued by the Colorado Supreme Court, attacks the very heart of this nations democracy, the attorney said. It will not stand, and we trust that the Supreme Court will reverse this unconstitutional order.
Viewers watching Gary Gulman: Born on Third Base wont have to wait long to hear something they cant find in any other stand-up comedy special. Ten minutes into a routine about the economics of Pop-Tarts and his frustration with Jerry Seinfelds excessive wealth, the 53-year-old comic decides to reveal his exact net worth to the audience. Hes worth $89,000  assuming you count his apartment security deposit as an asset.

Its somewhat familiar territory for the comedian, who has long been known for his rampant self-deprecation and willingness to poke fun at billionaires. He used to periodically interrupt his own stand-up sets to remind the audience of his own name, and was cracking jokes about Donald Trumps tendency to exaggerate his wealth years before the former president entered politics. But offering candid details about his private life is still a new experience for Gulman.

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Over the past 20 years as a road comic, Gulman has established himself as your favorite comedians favorite comedian. His stand-up sets have traditionally focused on observational topics, using his large vocabulary to craft immaculately worded diatribes about desserts and 1980s pop culture that managed to be pointed without delving into vulgarity. He launched his career in the early 2000s with passionate rants explaining why he hates sugar cookies and admires Fig Newtons for straying from its fig-centric branding. In more recent years, a bit in which he details an elaborate fictional documentary about the people in charge of coming up with postal abbreviations for the 50 states has become the stuff of legend among comedy geeks.

While mainstream success often evaded him, Gulman built a cult following with his observations while keeping the details of his private life hidden. But that changed forever in 2019 when he released The Great Depresh. The Judd Apatow-produced HBO special saw Gulman detailing his lifelong struggles with depression, including a year in which he moved back home to Massachusetts and considered giving up comedy altogether. It was a wildly personal work from a comic who had spent his career leaning into the universal  and earned him the biggest mainstream recognition of his career.

When it was time to start writing material for his next special, Gulman knew there was no way he could fully put the genie back in the bottle and go back to making detached observations. But he still had a lot of thoughts about pre-packaged desserts that merited sharing. His latest, Born on Third Base, splits the difference between the two approaches. Gulman uses his trademark food humor to craft a story about his working class upbringing that turns into a spirited defense of social safety nets and a denouncement of Americas class divide. Its a logical artistic evolution for the comic, and Gulman knows that none of it would be possible without the success of The Great Depresh.

I went from being strictly observational, very superficial in terms of the level of vulnerability. And then I went all the way to the high diving board in terms of vulnerability and the weight of the material, Gulman told IndieWire during a recent conversation. Seeing that I didnt lose audience members, I gained audience members gave me a push in the direction of feeling safer about going into areas that arent necessarily light. To tackle topics that are a little more weighty, income inequality and class and things like that. I met a challenge, and that gave me a lot of confidence that I could challenge myself again.

The new special, which hails from executive producer Conan OBrien, begins with a classic Gulman bit in which he mocks the makers of Pop-Tarts for failing to frost the perimeter of each pastry after seemingly having no problem covering the other 90 percent. The discussion of toaster pastry manufacturing gives him an opportunity to explain how he relied on free school breakfasts as a child  while revealing that hes still angry about only receiving one Pop-Tart each morning instead of two.

I was almost strictly a food-based comic. And then I wanted to switch because I didnt want to be known for one thing. But I always like to do jokes that can stand in for something bigger, he said. For me, Pop-Tarts were this thing that I loved and relished eating, and was this thing that also intersected with my working class background. We would get free lunch, and they would give us a Pop-Tart, and I remember being outraged because I was aware that Pop-Tarts came in packages of two. They were trying to pull one over on us! So it was really natural for me to make that something that would fit within my story.

Gulman says that he made a conscious choice to lean into the topic of class after seeing a tweet pointing out that no comic since George Carlin had seriously addressed the issue. But the topic had been subtly popping up in his comedy throughout his entire career. His artistic progression becomes apparent when comparing two bits about one of his favorite topics: Chipotle Mexican Grill.

In his 2012 special In This Economy, Gulman made fun of himself by quipping that his ability to eat at the fast casual restaurant was contingent on him sporadically finding $20 bills in old coats. He joked that his ego was always bruised when employees felt compelled to notify him that guacamole came with an extra charge, wondering aloud if his poor sense of fashion gave the impression that he couldnt cover the guac.

Gulman returns to the topic of Chipotle in his new special  though the chains spike in popularity over the past decade means he no longer has to pronounce the Mexican Grill every time he mentions it. This time around, his approach is less self-deprecating and more opinionated. He chides obnoxious customers for having the gall to reach over the glass to point at the corn while ordering their burritos, eventually delivering a full-throated call for everyone to be nicer to service industry workers. Gulman says that when he pivoted to writing about income inequality, his longtime Mexican food muse was one of the first things that occurred to him.

From the beginning, I was trying to write something different than anyone else was writing. And I found early on, within the first few years of starting comedy, that most comedians, especially most male comedians, were denigrating whatever topics they had chosen. And so I found if I could say something positive about an area, then I would be different, Gulman said when asked about his lifelong fascination with Chipotle. So when I discovered Chipotle and the food and the service appealed to me, I decided Id address this from the standpoint that I wont be criticizing it, Ill be lauding it and take a more reverential tone. And when I found that I wanted to write something about class, it was very apparent that I was on to something. Because theres a very certain way that we treat not just Chipotle, but everyone that is working in our service industries.

The new Gary Gulman might be more confident in expressing his views and telling his own story, but hes still the same person who made a career out of laughing at the minutia of mass-produced foods and middle class existence. The latest special is simply an extension of his biggest talents: his impeccable eye for detail and his ability to chuckle at his own shortcomings.

I was lauded for being vulnerable for talking about my lifelong struggle with mental illness. But to me, it felt much more vulnerable to tell everybody, especially people that know me, that Im not even worth a hundred thousand dollars, he said with a laugh.

Gary Gulman: Born on Third Base is now streaming on Max.

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Dr. Paolo Macchiarini duped women as well as the international medical community, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts  and dead patients

MAGNUS ANDERSSON/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP/Getty Dr. Paolo Macchiarini speaks during a press conference with his defense attorneys in Stockholm, Sweden on June 21, 2023.

The surgeries seemed so promising.

In 2011, Dr. Paolo Macchiarini exploded onto the international medical scene when he invented the artificial windpipe and performed the worlds first synthetic trachea transplant.

The cutting-edge surgery, the so-called "super surgeon" claimed, would one day obviate the need for organ transplants.

But that day never came.

The charismatic, demonstrative, Swiss-born doctor who performed his groundbreaking experimental transplant surgeries with great fanfare kept uncharacteristically quiet about the fact that some of his patients were dying slow, painful deaths  sometimes suffocating when the plastic windpipes failed to work.



The twisted tale of how Macchiarini came to perform the deadly surgeries and continued to do so despite evidence of their danger is the focus of the Peacock Original true crime documentary, Dr. Death: Cutthroat Conman which became available to stream today.

(Peacock is giving audiences another take on the story with the Dec. 21 premiere of its scripted series, Dr. Death Season 2, starring Edgar Ramirez as Machiarini and Mandy Moore as Benita Alexander, his ex-fiancee, who he wooed through a web of elaborate lies.)

The 90-minute documentary details how the once high-flying surgeon was exposed as an international con man whose web of lies extends decades, ensnared many including those in his personal life and left a trail of devastated patients grappling with a nightmare," according to a Peacock statement.

Related: TV Producer Scammed By 'Bad Surgeon' Paolo Macchiarini Says 'Love Bombing' Should Have Been 'Red Flag' (Exclusive)

Dr. Death: Cutthroat Conman details how Macchiarini was able to perform the doomed surgeries at hospitals around the world, including Swedens renowned Karolinska Institute, which hands out the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

It also depicts how he conned women he romanced, including Alexander, a former NBC News producer who was working on a story about him when she met him in 2013.

Macchiarini swept Alexander off her feet, taking her on luxurious trips to romantic locales such as Venice, Italy, and lavishing her with glittery gifts and dinners at the worlds finest restaurants.

The fairytale life she envisioned with the magnetic surgeon vanished into the ether in 2015 when she learned that her fiance had never gotten divorced, as he had told her. (He also had a child with the mother of one of his late patients.) The elaborate wedding he said he was planning at an Italian castle  which he said would be attended by presidents and heads of state and officiated by the Pope  was non-existent.

His world was crashing down, too, when whistleblowers alerted people to the fact that Macchiarinis patients kept dying.

He has since been convicted of harming three of his patients.

In June, Swedens Svea Court of Appeal found him guilty of gross assault against three of his patients and sentenced him to two-and-a-half years in prison. It is unclear whether or not he has reported to prison yet.

Related: Mandy Moore Reflects on Filming Dr. Death 6 Weeks After Giving Birth: 'I Sort of Rolled with It' (Exclusive)

For her part, Alexander tells PEOPLE she has not seen the documentary or the scripted series, had no involvement in their production, and hopes she is portrayed accurately.

At the same time, she says, This is an important story and Paolo Macchiarinis horrific, deadly crimes need to continue to be exposed."

Courtesy of Netflix/Benita Alexander Paolo Macchiarini and Benita Alexander in 'Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife'.

There are vital lessons and warnings for everyone here about how cunning, pathological liars operate, which is why I will continue my advocacy work to denounce victim shaming and to help other women spot the warning signs and recover from this kind of extreme betrayal," she says.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Alexander ended her engagement with Macchiarini in 2015. She left NBC News and is now executive producer and showrunner of the true crime series, Crimes Gone Viral, which airs on Investigation Discovery.

She also found love again. I am now in a very serious relationship with a lovely man. He is very supportive and patient with me.

She is relieved Macchiarini is no longer in her life. He's a narcissistic, pathological liar, megalomaniac, and many other things, she says.

The documentary Dr. Death: Cutthroat Conman and the scripted series, Dr. Death Season 2, are streaming on Peacock.



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(Bloomberg) -- UnitedHealth Group Inc received an offer from local entrepreneur Nelson Tanure valuing its Brazil unit at 2.5 billion to 3 billion reais ($509 million to $610 million), people familiar with the matter said.

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Private equity firm Bain Capital LP and another Brazilian entrepreneur, Jose Seripieri Filho, have also made acquisition proposals, the people said, asking not to be identified because negotiations are private. A decision from the US company about the offers is expected soon, though negotiations could end without a deal, the people said.

Banco BTG Pactual is advising UnitedHealth in the sale, the people said.

UnitedHealth, Tanure, Seripieri Filho, Bain Capital and BTG declined to comment. UnitedHealth shares rose less than 1% at 10:15 a.m. in New York.

Tanure, known for investing in distressed assets, has a stake in power utility Light SA. Hes also invested in oil firm Prio SA and recently bought a controlling stake in the diagnostic firm Allianca Saude e Participacao.

Seripieri Filho founded the health-care plan manager Qualicorp Consultoria e Corretora de Seguros SA and left the firm in 2019.

Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth has been trying to sell its Brazilian assets since 2022 due to growing losses in individual health plans. It bought the unit, called Amil Participacoes SA, in 2012 for $4.7 billion.

The US health-care giant reported $8.7 billion in revenue from its international business in 2022, less than 3% of its total. The company had about 5.5 million members in its global segment as of Sept. 30.

Operations outside the US havent been a focus of the companys presentations to investors for years. Instead, UnitedHealth has deepened its reach into the $4.5 trillion US health-care market with acquisitions of medical clinics, home-health companies, health technology firms and other service businesses under its Optum unit.

Story continues

(Updates with trading after US market open.)

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Claim:

Jack Black's mom was Judith Love Cohen, a NASA engineer who helped create the abort-guidance system that rescued the Apollo 13 astronauts.

Rating:

Rating: True

In mid-December 2023, the X account Historic Vids posted a claim that regularly goes viral on social media: that Jack Black's mom "played a significant role in the development of the Abort-Guidance System, which was instrumental in rescuing the Apollo 13 astronauts during their ill-fated mission in 1970." This claim often includes the assertion that she was so dedicated to her NASA work that she "took a printout of a problem she was working on to the hospital" on the day Jack Black was born.

Posts on Reddit with similar or identical language have gone viral in the past, and appear to originate with a story written by Jason Kottke in 2019. Their assertions are true.

As described by her son, University of Southern California engineering professor Neil Siegel (Jack Black's half-brother) in an 2016 obituary he penned, Cohen's "first passions were dancing and engineering," and "by age 19, she was a dancer in the Corps de Ballet of the New York Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company, and a student in engineering school of Brooklyn." She later obtained bachelors and masters degrees in electrical engineering at USC. Her career at NASA spanned multiple well-known projects, according to Siegel:

Her engineering career included roles on the teams that created the guidance computer for the Minuteman missile, the Abort-Guidance System in the Lunar Excursion Module for the Apollo space program, the ground system for the Tracking Data, and Relay System Satellite (recently retired after nearly 40 years of operations on orbit!) among others.

It was, Siegel said, her work on the Apollo project she was most proud of:

My mother usually considered her work on the Apollo program to be the highlight of her career. When disaster struck the Apollo 13 mission, it was the Abort-Guidance System that brought the astronauts home safely. Judy was there when the Apollo 13 astronauts paid a thank you to the TRW [now Northrop Grumman] facility in Redondo Beach, [California].

The story of Jack Black's birth occurring while Cohen solved an engineering problem from a hospital bed comes from this obituary as well. "She actually went to her office on the day that Jack was born," Siegel wrote. "When it was time to go to the hospital, she took with her a computer printout of the problem she was working on. Later that day, she called her boss and told him that she had solved the problem. And . . . oh, yes, the baby was born, too."

Jack Black, the aforementioned baby, would grow up to become a prolific actor and musician. In September 2019, Black paid tribute to his mother on Instagram with a 1959 photo of her next to Pioneer Spacecraft:

Judith Love Cohen, NASA engineer and mother of Jack Black

Because Cohen was the mother of Jack Black and because she worked on the Apollo abort system as an engineer for NASA, the claim is True.

Sources:

Meet Aerospace Engineer Judith Love Cohen. Kottke.Org, https://kottke.org/19/05/meet-aerospace-engineer-judith-love-cohen. Accessed 20 Dec. 2023.

USC - Viterbi School of Engineering - In Memory of Judith Love Cohen: Mother, Wife, Friend, Author, Engineer. https://viterbi.usc.edu/news/news/2016/obituary-judith-love-cohen-neil-siegel-usc-viterbi-engineering-women.htm. Accessed 20 Dec. 2023.


The Investigation (2020) Season 1 is the first iteration of the television series directed by Tobias Lindholm. It first aired on 28 September 2020 on TV2 in Denmark and Swedens SVT. The series is a compelling crime drama based on the investigation into the death of Kim Wall, a 30-year-old Swedish journalist.

Heres how you can watch and stream The Investigation (2020) Season 1 via streaming services such as HBO Max.

Is The Investigation (2020) available to watch via streaming?

Yes, The Investigation (2020) Season 1 is available to watch via streaming on HBO Max.

In the first episode of The Investigation (2020) Season 1, the narrative unfolds as the Head of Homicide for Copenhagen Police, Jens Mller, enters the morning briefing. During the meeting, an investigator presents a peculiar case involving the disappearance of a homemade submarine.

In The Investigation (2020) Season 1 boasts a cast led by a talented ensemble of actors. The cast includes Sren Malling, Pilou Asbk, Pernilla August, Rolf Lassgard, Laura Christensen, Hans Henrik Clemensen, Dulfi Al-Jabouri, Charlotte Munck, Anders Juul, and Henrik Birch, among others.

Watch The Investigation (2020) Season 1 streaming via HBO Max

The Investigation (2020) Season 1 is available to watch on HBO Max. Warner Bros Discoverys streaming service, Max, offers a diverse range of both mainstream and underrated content, catering to a wide audience with varied preferences. The platform serves as a hub for numerous beloved franchises, encompassing iconic properties from DC Comics, such as Batman and Superman, to renowned universes like Lord of the Rings and the magical world of Harry Potter.

You can watch the movie via Max, formerly known as HBO Max, by following these steps:

Go to HBOMax.com/subscribe Click Sign Up Now Choose your plan: $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (with ads)

$15.99 per month or $149.99 per year (ad-free)

$19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (ultimate ad-free) Enter your personal information and password Select Create Account

Max With Ads provides the services streaming library at a Full HD resolution, allowing users to stream on up to two supported devices at once. Max Ad-Free removes the services commercials and allows streaming on two devices at once in Full HD. It also allows for 30 downloads at a time to allow users to watch content offline. On the other hand, Max Ultimate Ad-Free allows users to stream on four devices at once in a 4K Ultra HD resolution and provides Dolby Atmos audio and 100 downloads.

The synopsis for The Investigation (2020) is as follows:

Copenhagen Polices Homicide unit, headed by Jens Mller, tries to solve the murder of Swedish journalist Kim Wall.

NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.

The second cinematic adaptation of Alice Walkers 1982 novel is arriving in theaters. The first time we saw Celie, Shug,

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The post The Investigation (2020) Season 1 Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via HBO Max appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
EXCLUSIVE: Oscar nominee Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes) has joined two-time Oscar nominee Steve Coogan in feature drama The Penguin Lessons, which recently wrapped in Spain.

Lionsgate UK has newly boarded the movie as distributor. Two-time Oscar nominee Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) directs for LA and London-based management and production firm 42, with whom he collaborated on Military Wives.

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Vivian El Jaber, Bjorn Gustafsson, Alfonsina Carrocio, Micaela Breque, Tomas Pozzi and Ramiro Blas round out the cast.

Based on the successful book of the same name by Tom Michell, the film charts the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, he discovered instead a complicated and divided nation  and a class of practically unteachable young boys. However, when he finds a small penguin washed up on an oil slicked beach, his life is turned upside down  and the penguin becomes not only a valued friend, but also a teacher to all he meets.

42s Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh are producing, while Intake Films and Rolling Dice will finance the film, alongside Aperture Media Partners. Nostromos Adrian Guerra and Andy Noble will also produce with Robert Walak.

Intake Films Joshua Horsfield and Nia Vazirani for Rolling Dice will executive produce, alongside Jeff Pope, who wrote the screenplay, Josh Varney, Tom Michell, and Coogan.

Rocket Science is handling international sales on the feature, while CAA Media Finance is representing the U.S. rights.

Game Of Thrones and The Crown star Pryce most recently starred in Apples Slow Horses.

42s Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh said: We are delighted that the legend Jonathan Pryce is joining us to bring this wonderful story to life, alongside the brilliant leading role played by Steve Coogan, and supported by a penguin. We are thrilled to be working with our partners at Intake Films, Rolling Dice and Nostromo, and to have Lionsgate distributing this film in the UK.

Lionsgates Marie-Claire Benson added: Were sure UK audiences will be delighted and uplifted by this heart-warming story of a man who befriends a penguin. Jonathan Pryce was an excellent choice to bring on board to complete the line-up and we look forward to working with 42 & Nostromo Pictures as we plan for the release in UK cinemas.

Pryce is represented by Julian Belfrage Associates and Anonymous Content.

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An Ohio McDonalds has been temporarily closed after a customer said he found a crack pipe in his meal.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Columbus-area fast-food restaurant was subjected to an emergency health inspection on Wednesday, where Columbus Public Health found multiple health code violations. The eatery now has until Jan. 4 to correct the issues.

The city health agency became aware of the incident after the customer filed a report with the Franklin County Public Health, which handed the complaint to Columbus since the McDonalds is in that city.

The customer took to Reddit to reveal exactly what happened, explaining that he purportedly found the crack pipe in his drive-thru breakfast order on Tuesday morning. He then talked to the McDonalds manager, who proposed a refund. The man said he was really concerned that this kind of thing might end up in a Happy Meal. Hes worried for childrens safety, particularly because hes a parent.

As a local business owner, the safety of my customers and crew is my first priority, and we take this very seriously," Mendoza said in a statement before his store was shuttered. "Weve begun a thorough internal review of this claim. We have no indication that the item came from our restaurant but are continuing to investigate and have contacted local law enforcement to report the matter.

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An internal review of security footage and interviews with staff found nothing that implied the pipe originated from the McDonalds, the franchise owner said. Following the closure, he issued a statement through McDonalds corporate that said the location would reopen on Thursday.

However, the health inspection turned up several other violations, including issues with construction, cleaning and sanitizing food surfaces, protecting food from contamination, and more.

The Mendoza company owns and manages 16 McDonalds restaurants in the Columbus area.
Its like Parkinson's, Alzheimers and dementia in kids. Thats probably the scariest thing you can hear as a parent, said John Gourley, member of the hit band Portugal. The Man

Portugal. The Man/YouTube Portugal. The Man's John Gourley and his 12-year-old daughter Frances

John Gourley and Zoe Manville  members of the hit band Portugal. The Man  are opening up about their 12-year-old daughters rare genetic disorder.

The couple spoke to TODAY about first noticing signs of their daughter Frances health condition in 2021 while she was being homeschooled during the pandemic.

She just seemed to kind of deteriorate, Manville, 39, told the outlet. Then she started to fall down a lot, which at the time I didnt know if it was her just being clumsy or not.

Four years later, Frances was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called DHDDS, which is a neurodegenerative disease. According to Cure DHDDS, there are only 70 known cases worldwide. Symptoms include tremors, coordination issues, seizures, learning difficulties and more.

Its like Parkinson's, Alzheimers and dementia in kids, Gourley, 42, explained. Thats probably the scariest thing you can hear as a parent.

Its pretty crushing and devastating, added Manville.

Related: Israeli Couple Travels to U.S. for Life-Saving Treatment After Unborn Baby Diagnosed with Heart Failure: 'He's a Miracle'

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Gourley and Manville both describe their daughter as funny and loving with a personality thats infectious. They added that it was extremely difficult to see Frances experience seizures. And without a cure for DHDDS, the couple said, doctors have no answers for them.

I feel like nobody knows whats going to happen or how fast its going to happen, Manville told the outlet.

Gourley said there are some children with DHDDS who have shown cognitive progress and that gives us a lot of hope.

Frances has since been undergoing a $2 million personalized medication and a GoFundMe was created in order to help with the cost of treatment. The parents also hope to use the money raised to support research toward finding a cure for DHDDS.

There are some success stories out there, Manville said. Thats a huge hope for everybody.

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Lisa Barlow revealed she is concerned for her son Jacks well-being while sharing an update on his mission trip to Colombia.

I miss Jack every day  he has been in the hospital for 3 days and its killing me not being there , the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, 49, wrote via X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, December 19. While Barlow did not elaborate on the specifics of her 19-year-old sons condition, she noted in replies to fan comments that they are figuring it out and that she will know more tomorrow.

Several fans responded to Barlows post sharing their well-wishes for her family. You dont get enough credit for being such a good caring mother, one fan tweeted on Tuesday, to which Lisa replied, Thank you!!! Im very close to my kids . (Lisa shares sons Jack and Henry, 11, with her husband, John Barlow.)

Another user noted that they cannot imagine what youre going through, adding, A mothers job is never done and sometimes it feels like the work is even harder as they get older. Lisa agreed with those words, writing, Never and it does.

Real Housewives Kids, Then and Now: Pics

Jacks mission trip has been a big part of Lisas season 4 storyline on RHOSLC. While Lisa and her family are a part of the Mormon church, she admitted that she was surprised her son had wanted to go on a mission trip. Mormon missionaries traditionally spend two years in a location assigned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, completing volunteer work and proselytizing.

When he told us, I was crying because I havent been involved in the process, Lisa said to John during a September episode of the Bravo series. I think Im still dealing with the emotion that I had no idea, and hes been prepping for a year, and then it makes me think that maybe he does need more time with me, or maybe he just wants less.

Courtesy of Lisa Harlow/Instagram

Lisa has also expressed her concern for Jacks safety, telling cameras during an October episode of RHOSLC that hell probably be held up at gunpoint at least once or twice on his mission. She added: My friends son was just there. He was held up at gunpoint, like, weekly, so he carried, like, an extra few bucks in [his] pocket and just, like, handed it over. Hes like, OK, I see the gun, heres the cash. But I mean, overall, its thrilling.

Last month, Lisa shut down rumors that Jack had swapped his mission location from Colombia to Orange County, California, after a Reddit user claimed to see him at a local TJ Maxx. His VISA was delayed , she clarified via X on November 13.

Real Housewives Cast Members Who Have Been Caught on a Hot Mic

She confirmed her sons arrival in Colombia earlier this month by sharing a selfie Jack took while at a street market in the countrys capital city of Bogota via X. Jack Barlow is in Colombia, she captioned the pic.

In the posts replies, Lisa went on to note that she miss[ed] him like crazy and that Jack was so happy and enjoying his trip. She also had a hilarious reaction to a fan who noted that Jack was no longer sporting his frosted tips, writing, Amen to that.

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
SiriusXM is facing a lawsuit from New Yorks attorney general over allegations that the satellite radio and streaming service has made it extremely difficult for listeners to cancel their subscriptions.

In a complaint filed Wednesday (Dec. 20) in Manhattan court, Attorney General Letitia James office accused SiriusXM of subjecting canceling customers to a lengthy and burdensome endurance contest, which allegedly requires phone conversations with a live agent and extended time spent on hold.

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Sirius deliberately wastes its subscribers time even though it has the ability to process cancellations with the click of a button, attorneys from James office wrote in the lawsuit. The only reason Sirius requires cancelling subscribers to interact with a live agent at all is to maximize its opportunity to retain them as subscribers.

In a statement announcing the lawsuit, James said it followed an investigation that showed SiriusXM was trapping consumers with its cancellation process, including by training its employees not take no for an answer.

Having to endure a lengthy and frustrating process to cancel a subscription is a stressful burden no one looks forward to, and when companies make it hard to cancel subscriptions, its illegal, James said. Consumers should be able to cancel a subscription they no longer use or need without any issues, and companies have a legal duty to make their cancellation process easy.

Following the filing of the lawsuit, a spokeswoman for SiriusXM said the company would vigorously defend against these baseless allegations, saying that they grossly mischaracterize its practices.

Its telling that the New York Attorney General issued a press release before providing SiriusXM with a copy of the complaint, the company statement said. Like a number of consumer businesses, we offer a variety of options for customers to sign up for or cancel their SiriusXM subscription.

According to the new lawsuit, SiriusXM automatically renews subscriptions at the end of a term unless a user calls on the phone to cancel. The lawsuit claims that users are sometimes forced to wait as long as 25 minutes just to connect with an agent, who then subject them to a six-part script in which they are trained to repeatedly refuse to actually terminate the subscription.

Sirius requires its live agents to present a series of renewal offers to retain the consumer as a subscriber, the AGs office wrote in the lawsuit. But when a consumer declines an offer, or refuses to hear further offers, Sirius instructs its agents not to take no for an answer.

By doing so, SiriusSM forces subscribers to devote inordinate amounts of time, patience, and stamina trying to cancel a subscription they no longer wish to pay for, the lawsuit says, even though they have a legal and contractual right to cancel anytime using a process that is simple and efficient.

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Polls show that the 2024 general election is shaping up to be a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Beyond that, much remains unclear.

Both candidates ran unconventional campaigns in 2020 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Both helped rejigger their parties' bases and who typically turns out to vote. And this time, speculation is running rampant over how third-party and independent candidates will impact the electoral calculus in November.

MORE: If 2024 is a Biden vs. Trump rematch, will policy matter or will it be 'all vibes'?

Here are five uncertainties heading into the new year.

How does Biden campaign?

Biden largely ran his 2020 campaign from his home in Delaware amid skyrocketing concerns over COVID-19, which states severely struggled to contain at the time.

Republicans knocked him for running his campaign from "his basement," but the strategy ultimately paid off -- helping him adhere to public health guidance at the time, avoid publicized gaffes and emerge for events just before the general election to inject his base with a dose of 11th-hour enthusiasm.

That strategy likely won't be run back this time around.

MORE: Biden claims Trump 'embraces political violence,' plays down his poor polling

But Biden now has the benefit of living in the White House, which past presidents have used as the world's most famous political backdrop in their own reelection bids.

It remains unclear what kind of balance Biden plans on striking between blitzing the campaign trail and staying at the White House -- but that balance is likely to draw extra scrutiny amid speculation over Biden's age. At 81, he is the oldest U.S. president to be in office.

An active campaign schedule could help the president rebut allegations that he's not fit for another term, while a Rose Garden campaign could attract even more attacks from Republicans that he's lost a step.

"2024 will be all about scaling up our operation and taking the President's message of democracy, freedom, and building an economy that works for every American directly to the voters that will decide this election," Biden campaign spokesperson Seth Schuster said in a statement. "In the first months of 2024, we will continue to scale up our campaign infrastructure so that by the early summer -- when we expect voters to be thinking about the election more -- our campaign is operating at full steam."

How does Trump campaign?

Trump was far more active than Biden during the 2020 election.

While he also canceled many events during the pandemic, he returned to the campaign trail much earlier than his opponent, sparking controversies over whether he was prioritizing his political ambitions over the public's health.

This time, he won't have a pandemic to grapple with, but he could be limited by a calendar packed with trial dates in the four cases he's currently fighting.

While polls shows that Trump is the overwhelming favorite to win the GOP nomination, his trials are already playing a role in his primary strategy, with Susie Wiles, a top campaign advisor, telling reporters that the campaign wants to "front load [events] as much as we can" because the calendar of potential court dates is "a scheduling nightmare."

"The goal is to take him off the trail at a very critical time and it's our job to make it less of a critical time," she said, referencing hopes for Trump to all but lock up the nomination before heavy primary days such as Super Tuesday.

Steven Cheung, a campaign spokesperson, also told ABC News that Trump "will outwork everyone on the trail."

Who might not vote?

A major mystery that may not be solved until the days leading up to, or even after, Election Day is what kinds of voters choose to go to the polls and who chooses to stay home.

The two party bases have become jumbled over recent cycles, largely falling along lines of education and wealth.

Biden was ushered to victory with large backing from a coalition of college-educated white voters, Black voters and Hispanic voters. Trump, meanwhile, got a large swath of his support from white voters without a college degree while making gains with male voters of color.

Who among those coalitions turns out next year could be the election's deciding factor, polls suggest.

A recent New York Times/Sienna College poll showed Biden trailing by 2 points among registered voters -- but up by 2 points among likely voters. More specifically, Biden has a 6-point lead over Trump with voters who voted in 2020, while Trump boasts a 22-point lead among those who didn't vote in 2020.

That trend of Democrats' support among high-propensity voters is supported by a spree of wins for the party in off-year elections, which typically see lower turnout.

PHOTO: In this August 2, 2022 file photo, empty voting booths are seen during Primary Election Day at Village Hall, Aug. 2, 2022, in Innsbrook, Mo. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, FILE)

There are several variables at play as to what will push voters out to vote, including reactions to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, frustrations over the economy and personal opinions on Biden and Trump, each of whom are prominent boogeymen for the opposing parties.

Will candidates running with third parties or as independents make the ballot?

The rumor mill is in full force over how independent and third-party candidates will impact a hypothetical but likely Trump-Biden rematch.

But first they have to get on the ballot -- and doing so is easier said than done.

Jill Stein, who is running on the Green Party line, will be able to appear on many ballots, benefiting from her party's existing ballot infrastructure.

But candidates such as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Cornel West are running independent of any organized party. No Labels, the group that is pushing for a "unity ticket" on its own ballot line, also is on its own.

MORE: Asa Hutchinson's 2024 campaign isn't breaking through, but he says he's 'full speed ahead'

They will have to garner enough signatures in each state to appear on the ballot, with different states having different thresholds that need to be reached.

Hitting the requirements in all 50 states will likely be difficult for the candidates and groups starting from scratch. West himself forecasted to POLITICO recently that he anticipated making the ballots in 40 states instead of all 50.

No Labels is still only on the ballot in 12 states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota and Utah.

Will there be a defining issue?

A Trump-Biden rematch represents a unique set of circumstances, pitting against each other two candidates with universal name recognition and solidified brands.

Frustration over the elimination of federal abortion protections has spurred Democrats to wins in the 2022 midterms and off-year races in 2023. And polls show voters have a dour view on the economy -- and mostly blame Biden for their woes.

Yet given widespread and, strategists say, cemented opinions of the two likely nominees, character is set to play an outsized role next year, particularly regarding Trump's brash rhetoric, legal exposure and role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and Biden's age and fitness for office.

"I believe that the fundamentals of a Biden-Trump race are locked in," one GOP strategist who is supportive of Trump and asked not to be quoted by name to discuss the race, told ABC News earlier this month.

5 things we don't know heading into 2024 election originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Chem Seavmeys family are still in shock. One Sunday morning, the 21-year-old woke up slightly breathless, struggling with a fever and cough. A week later, she was dead.

I did not expect this, it was so quick, Chems brother-in-law, Sok Reth, told the Telegraph. She just got worse and worse  Although the doctors tried to help, she still passed away. I am very, very regretful and sad  it was too quick for us.

On November 26, at a hospital in the capital city three hours from home, Chem became the third person to die from bird flu in Cambodia this year. The country has seen a spike of infections after an eight year hiatus, with six of the 12 human H5N1 cases detected in 2023 reported here, according to the World Health Organization.

Southeast Asia has always been a bit of a hotspot but its hard to say why Cambodia has seen cases this year, said Dr Bolortuya Purevsuren, an avian influenza expert at the World Organisation for Animal Health in Bangkok. Any new human case is always a concern, wherever it unfolds.

These cases hold crucial clues for scientists and health officials analysing pandemic threats. Tracing how Chem caught H5N1 can help sculpt strategies to reduce the likelihood of future spillovers, while scrutinising samples of the virus that killed her allows virologists to track how the pathogen is changing  and whether the threat to humans has risen.

Will bird flu cause the next pandemic? Who knows, said Dr Purevsuren. But its critical to have strong surveillance to monitor trends in wild birds and poultry, quickly identify signals of cases in humans, and then investigate every one that is detected.

Awareness campaigns have been limited in rural Cambodia, where poultry is critical for both income and sustenance - Mech Dara

It was infected poultry that passed H5N1 to Chem  a gentle, quiet person who loved reading and playing with her nieces and nephews  according to interviews with her family, local officials and epidemiologists.

The 21-year-old, who was also a keen cook, lived with her sisters family in Dang Tong district in southern Cambodia, some 80 miles south of the capital Phnom Penh and close to the border with Vietnam.

In early November, ducks and chickens in Chems village suddenly started to drop dead. Unaware it was bird flu which killed them, eight of the families which lost poultry shared the carcuses with their neighbours to eat.

They did not inform us about the deaths because it seemed normal to them, said Ney Norn, a village leader. They have not heard about [bird flu] for so long and do not pay attention to this disease, so they eat them.

Heavily exposed to the virus

Among those affected were Chems neighbours. While they buried the smaller birds, they kept and shared the larger chickens for food because they did not want to waste them, according to Chems brother-in-law, Mr Reth.

Hes not exactly sure when  Mr Reth and his wife often work in the capital Phnom Penh  but Chem was given, cooked and ate one of these chickens. Soon, she fell sick.

Initially, Mr Reth didnt think much of it; Chem had a history of underlying respiratory issues. Usually she got medicines and recovered quickly but this time it was different.

According to a WHO situation report, the 21-year-old developed symptoms including a cough, fever and shortness of breath on November 19. She was sent to hospital in the capital four days later as her condition deteriorated. There, she tested positive for H5N1.

It is likely that she was heavily, heavily exposed to the virus, said Professor Munir Iqbal, head of the Avian Influenza Virus group at the Pirbright Institute in the UK, whos team sequence human samples from across the globe. People are regularly exposed to H5N1, but cases where people become sick are still rare. Viral load is a significant factor.

A public health awareness poster offers advice on hygiene - Mech Dara

Across the globe, 882 people have contracted H5N1 avian influenza since 2003, including 461 who died. For the last few years, human infections have actually been relatively limited  2023 has seen the highest toll since 2016, though the total remains far lower than the 145 cases detected in 2015, a record high.

But for Chems family, the diagnosis was a shock.

We had very difficult feeling and did not expect this disease because it has never happen in this area, said Mr Reth.

[Chem had] hesitated to go to hospital [because] she was afraid of needles but then [when she arrived] the doctor told us that it is a very helpless situation, because the virus has eaten a large part of [the] anatomy of lungs. He [said he] would try his best to treat her [and] we spend everything to treat her.

But since we arrive at the hospital, doctors could not help her. She died like we all fall asleep, Mr Reth added. We miss her  I am full of regret about losing [my sister-in-law].

Chem was not the only person to catch the pathogen in the village; surveillance teams deployed after her positive test result found a four-year-old also infected. On November 25 the toddler  who had a fever, cough and rash  was sent to an isolated hospital ward for treatment.

Sim Han, the village chief, said the childs family  who lived close to Chem  had been nervous about eating the sick poultry.

But the kid was infected because after the mother had buried the chicken, the kid went to dig it up and played with it, Mr Han said. When the team asked the family, firstly they tried to hide it. But since the kid was also [in a] serious condition, they confessed it.

The toddler is recovering, but the village is scarred.

Now no one dares to eat [sick poultry], and they only bury or burn them, said Mr Han.

So far in Cambodia this year, despite a major scare in February, there have been no signs of human to human transmission. Instead, experts say these cases and deaths reiterate the need to focus on public education  especially in rural regions and backyard farms.

The cases all had contact with infected birds, said Dr Purevsuren. It shows the importance of biosecurity on commercial farms but also in backyard chickens.

In Chems village, leaders said public awareness campaigns had taken place. But they have limits in rural Cambodia, where poultry is critical for both income and sustenance  culling initiatives can hit households hard.

Often in our country when chickens get sick, [people] cook and eat them and it is fine, said Toek Chat, a local police chief. So some of our people are not worried about this they [are] hesitant to cooperate with us to eliminate their chicken. It is very difficult for our people, because they do not want to kill their chickens.

Since the village confirmed cases, though, there has been little opposition. Local health officials have sprayed disinfectant across the area, burned and buried hundreds of birds, and launched a renewed public health education campaign.

Others said the rapid detection and response also shows the surveillance system is working.

We do not know why there is an increase in cases, said Dr Filip Claes, a member of the Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases at the Food and Agriculture Organization, based in Bangkok.

But it still happens around the major festivals in Cambodia, a time where we know the exposure to poultry increases, he told the Telegraph. Detection [and] surveillance systems [may] now be better at picking up cases.

Across the globe, there have been concerns this year that the enormous recent outbreak in wild birds and poultry could provide new opportunities for the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain to mutate to better infect humans - especially because mammals from elephant seals in the Antarctic to mink in Spain have died.

But in Cambodia, it is a slightly older strain of H5N1 that has been circulating, said Prof Iqbal. And so far, analysis has picked up no signs that the virus has shifted to become more transmissible in humans.

Current evidence does not show that the virus can infect humans, in Cambodia or elsewhere, he said.

But tomorrow? You never know, the virus may change. Which is why we have to report these cases and analyse these cases closely.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security

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Americas fashion industry has questions about brick kilns in Cambodia.

In a letter dated Dec. 18, Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), expressed the trade groups great concern about reports that textile waste is illegally stoking what some describe as Cambodias blood bricks sector, where the building materials are churned out to support the Southeast Asian nations construction efforts at the cost of human rights.

More from Sourcing Journal

Kiln owners often consolidate the debts of struggling farmers, who are forced to live and work amid toxic fumes, brick dust and sweltering temperatures until they pay off what they owe, one brick at a time, according to a 2018 report from Royal Holloway, University of London. Workers with families often enlist their relatives to work off their obligations, leading to a multigenerational workforce of bonded adults and children, particularly as debts pass from parent to offspring.

An investigation by Greenpeaces Unearthed team in 2022 discovered the charred remnants of footwear and clothing from Clarks, Diesel, Michael Kors, Next, Nike, Ralph Lauren and Reebok at five kiln clusters in Cambodia even though the use of fashion scraps as cheap fuel is prohibited, both by the countrys government and according to most brands codes of conduct. Earlier this month, the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) found pre-consumer waste belonging to Adidas, C&A, Disney, Gap, Lululemon, Primark, Under Armour and others at five operational and two permanently closed brick factories.

While some of the brands named across the two probes said they were investigating the allegations, others insisted that their environmental policies and close monitoring of suppliers would preclude any mishandling of textile waste. Even more did not return emails requesting comment.

LICADHO said that the practice of burning garment waste, which can release poisonous pollutants into the air if improperly handled, causing respiratory distress, headaches and other ailments, has increased in recent years, and that the Cambodian governments haphazard labor inspections of kilns, with zero accountability or known prosecutions for debt bondage and other violations, have failed to curb the human rights and environmental abuses. One follow-up survey by Royal Holloway and a local workers union found that 23 out of 465 kilns collectively incinerated several hundred tons of castoff fashion per day.

The continued burning of garment waste in Cambodian brick factories is hurting brick factory workers, children, communities and the environment, Naly Pilorge, LICADHOs outreach director, told Sourcing Journal. This shameful practice has been publicly documented for years, and it is shocking that international garment brands have failed to end it for good.

Every brand sourcing from Cambodia is at risk of causing harm, as waste from dozens of brands has already been found in brick factories, Pilorge added. Brands cannot shirk responsibility for their own waste. They have to take responsibility for their entire value chain and leverage their commercial power and influence. They need to take immediate action to protect brick factory workers, their children and the environment.

In his letter to Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lamar said that the AAFA, whose members include Adidas, Gap, Ralph Lauren and Under Armour, stands united against child labor, bonded labor, adverse health conditions, and environmental degradation. Just as important, he added, it doesnt condone the practices described in the reports.

He urged the Cambodian government to step up its efforts to inspect brick factories and ensure compliance with labor and environmental laws, support initiatives to expand or improve the nations waste disposal system, secure the release of bonded laborers, place child laborers in appropriate schooling, and engage, as needed, engage international institutions such as the International Labor Organization to shift to more responsible practices.

Through our collective policies and practices, we work to prevent the illegal use of our branded products, or the waste generated from the production of our products, from being used in this manner, Lamar said. We continue to engage our suppliers to better manage their textile waste.
A pump jack operates in the Permian Basin oil production area near Wink Reuters

The US set a new record exporting 3.99 million barrels a day of crude oil in first half of 2023.

That's up 19% from the same time a year ago, EIA data shows.

It comes as non-OPEC production has been whittling down OPEC's share of the oil market.

US crude oil exports set a new record earlier this year as booming production has helped erode OPEC's dominance in global crude markets.

Exports in the first half of 2023 averaged 3.99 million barrels per day, according to data released Wednesday from the Energy Information Administration.

That's up 19% from a year ago and the highest for the first half of a year since 2015, when the US ban on crude exports ended.

The surge in exports arrives as the US has been pumping a record amount of oil, topping 13 million barrels a day in September and reinforcing its status as the world's top producer.

To be sure, Saudi Arabia remains the leading exporter of oil, with shipments exceeding 6 million barrels a day. But the flood of oil from the US has made it harder for OPEC to dominate the oil market.

In fact, the huge volumes of production from countries like the US, Brazil, and Guyana has whittled OPEC's share of the oil market to its lowest levels in nearly a decade, according to the International Energy Agency.

That's as OPEC nations like Saudi Arabia have implemented steep production cuts this year in an attempt to stabilize oil prices after they fell during the pandemic.

Those efforts have been thwarted by a stream of non-OPEC oil production, as crude prices remain below September levels.

"Saudi Arabia has held barrels off the market making room for additional US exports, while at the same time flows from Russia have shifted away from Europe opening the opportunity for US barrels to go to Europe," Rebecca Babin, senior equity trader for CIBC Private Wealth, told Business Insider.

Energy expert Paul Sankey said earlier this month that Saudi Arabia would wage a "market share war" with the US to regain command over oil prices by flooding the market with a surge of supply.

But for now, the oil cartel plans to continue with its production cuts, slashing 2.2 million barrels per day in the first quarter of 2024. On the flip side, US production is expected to grow even more next year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Clay: 'Supermarkets have plenty of ready-bottled versions so you dont need to move away from the scrambled eggs'

Smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, Bucks fizz. Its the classic Christmas breakfast. And the supermarkets have plenty of ready-bottled versions so you dont need to move away from the egg pan.

But supposing you do want to make your own, what exactly is Bucks fizz  and how is it different from a mimosa, which flourishes at brunch tables Stateside?

Both involve orange juice and sparkling wine, and the International Bartenders Association (IBA), founded in Torquay but now based in Singapore, regards them as the same drink. Mind you, The IBA also gives the recipe as prosecco mixed with orange juice. Im going to stick my head above the barstool here and say this is a mistake.

Prosecco (fermented in vats) has a mild flavour which is lost in the lively citric aromas and acidity of orange juice. Whats needed is the richer flavour of a bottle-fermented or methode traditionelle fizz. Champagne is the gold standard, but other bottle-fermented bubblies like cremant, cava or English sparkling do very well instead. Save the prosecco for bellinis, where the bland, sweet flavour is a much better match for delicate peach puree than champagne.

Kate Hawkings, wine and spirits writer and author of Aperitif: A Spirited Guide to the Drinks, History and Culture of the Aperitif plumps for cava in Bucks fizz. Champagne would be lovely but I dont know how many people would notice if you use a good cava, she says. Its about getting the balance of juice, winey-ness and bubble right. It should be thirst quenching and have the jollity of bubbles.

For her, the right mix is one part juice to two parts fizz. Anything less than that and the wine can be a bit swamped, but you can adapt the proportions to fit the drinker.

Recipes for Bucks fizz and mimosas first crop up in the 1920s, and all the early versions use champagne  or do they? Rules about the term champagne were looser in the early years of the last century, so a vintage cocktail book may just mean sparkling wine. The Mixicologist, published in 1895, refers to the champagnes and clarets made in the neighbourhood of Sandusky and Cleveland. It was champagne, Jim, but not as we know it.

The legend is that Bucks fizz was invented for Londons Bucks Club in 1921, but another source might be bartender Robert Buckby. The Buckstone Book of Cocktails by Buckby and George Stone, dating from about 1925, lists a Bucks Fizz as half and half orange juice and champagne, plus a dash of grenadine, served in a tumbler.

A Bucks fizz has just champagne and orange juice, while a mimosa includes an additional splash of triple sec - David Cabrera Navarro / Alamy Stock Photo

The first mention of the mimosa in print, according to The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, is in French, in LArt du Shaker, also published in 1925 by Dominique Migliorero of the New-York Bar in Nice, and involves half and half orange juice and champagne served in a balloon glass over ice. Pretty much the same, you might think, but to mixologists the addition of ice or grenadine is a serious matter, as well as the choice of glass.

As time rolled on, things got boozier. The 1936 classic The Artistry of Mixing Drinks by Frank Meier of the Ritz in Paris, describes a Bucks fizz as the juice of half an orange, half a teaspoon of sugar and half a glass of gin (30ml, just over a standard shot) strained into a wide fizz glass and topped up with champagne.

These days the pendulum has swung the other way. In her book Spirited Adrienne Stillman says that a Bucks fizz has just champagne and orange juice, while a mimosa includes an additional splash of triple sec (orange liqueur) and it is much better with it.

Other recipes say Bucks fizz has two parts champagne to one part orange juice while a mimosa has equal parts of each  or sometimes two parts orange juice to one part champagne.

As for the supermarket bottles, no actual sparkling wine has gone near them. Instead, the cocktail is mixed with still wine that is then carbonated. Its a common technique used by sparkling ready-made cocktail producers; Moth does a version of a French 75, classically made with champagne, using carbonated wine instead. Its really rather good.

Aldis ingredients, meanwhile, include something called made-wine, which turns out to be a term covering everything that isnt spirits, beer, cider or wine made from grapes, but is made from the alcoholic fermentation of any substance or the mixing of wine with another substance. That covers lots of country wines like elderberry, but no one is suggesting that the supermarkets are foraging in the hedgerows.

All credit to Aldi, though, for actually listing the ingredients. Alcoholic drinks dont have to include a list, and plenty of the supermarkets dont bother. Moth lists the French 75s key ingredients as pink gin, fizz, lemon, which sounds to me like it is hoping wed mistake fizz for sparkling wine.

Meanwhile, the Drugs, Alcohol & Justice Cross-Party Parliamentary Group is lobbying for it to become a requirement that booze has to list ingredients. Put me down as a supporter.

Hawkings kindly helped me to taste 10 bottles. They werent a patch on making your own, we agreed, but as a low-cost, low-booze bottle (most come in around 4% alcohol and some are under 3) they are an appealing way to pop a cork and be festive. And, yes, Id rather drink some of these than prosecco at three times the price. Just dont take your eye off the scrambled eggs.

The taste test

Fizzling out

Buck's fizz

Aldi Belletti Blood Orange and Pomegranate Bucks Fizz

4%, 2.89 for 75cl

Theres a promising grapefruit smell, but the flavour is of fruit salad sweets. Its a childrens drink, says Kate Hawkings, but with alcohol, so all wrong.

0 stars

Morrisons Clementine Bucks Fizz

4%, 3 for 75cl

Looks like a Bacardi Breezer and smells like orange squash. The taste is very sweet, cloying, more like Fanta or Orangina than a celebration drink.

M&S Bucks Fizz

4%, 3.70 for 75cl at Ocado

Less cloyingly sweet than others, but also less sharp. Theres a soapy note, like its made with cheap orange juice. At least they list the ingredients.

Morrisons Bucks Fizz

4%, 2.50 for 75cl (on sale down from 3)

You may as well have juice by itself  its very sweet and not very wine-y. Overall its unexceptional. You could argue this is more delicate than others, but Id say its just bland, with a hint of soap.

Aldi Belletti Bucks Fizz

4%, 1.99/75cl (on offer down from 2.39)

This didnt fizz a lot and it looks fake. It tastes like squash mixed with wine, but its less cloying than others. Bit of a nonentity but its better than being horrid  bring it out with your trifle.

Lovely bubbly

Buck's Fizz

Nozeco Alcohol Free Bucks Fizz

0.5%, 4 for 75cl at Ocado

Not boozy, of course, but it is grown-up tasting, with a funky, zesty, sherbety flavour that works in a champagne flute. If other Bucks fizz is not worth the alcohol units, try this.

Sainsburys Bucks Fizz

4%, 3 for 75cl

Bright yellow and cloudy with a nice zesty, floral fragrance, and that cooked, long-life orange juice flavour. Wed like the taste of the wine to come through more.

Asda Bucks Fizz Sparkling Cocktail

4%, 2.25 for 75cl (on sale down from 2.50)

A nice-coloured beverage with some cloudiness  thats a good thing by the way. Its juicy and sweet and you can taste the wine, but its still got that artificial taste thats bitter and medicinal.

Tesco Vineyards Bucks Fizz

3.4%, 2.50 for 75cl

For a Bucks Fizz, I want acidity and brightness, which this isnt delivering. Instead, its a bit flat, very pale and quite bland. At least it isnt soapy.

Waitrose Bucks Fizz

4%, 3.49 for 75cl

Smells right, and less sweet than many. The flavour is of long-life orange juice, but its not otherwise fake. Served really cold, this will do the trick with breakfast.

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On this day in history, December 21, 1945, Gen. Patton dies in Germany after he was paralyzed in auto crash

General George S. Patton Jr., an American World War II hero famed for his battlefield brilliance, unvarnished view of combat and volatile personality, died in Heidelberg, Germany, on this day in history, Dec. 21, 1945.

He was 60 years old.

Patton was paralyzed in an auto accident on Dec. 9. "Old Blood and Guts" died in the hospital of a blood clot in his heart.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, DECEMBER 20 1957, ELVIS DRAFTED BY US ARMY WHILE AWAITING CHRISTMAS AT GRACELAND

The general "led a life of adventure, fighting in almost every major American twentieth century conflict," the National World War II Museum notes.

"He often led from the front, and he almost always delivered victory," the same source also says. "His swift conquest of Sicily, his race across France, his relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge and his drive into Germany destroyed German armies, saved American lives and captured the collective imagination of the American public."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

PFC. Horace L. Woodring, 19, Sturgis, Kentucky, General Patton's chauffeur, is shown looking at the smashed-in front of Gen. Patton's car. Woodring and the driver of the truck that crashed into the car were sent back to their outfits with no disciplinary action because previous records revealed that both were excellent drivers.

Patton, an early champion of tank warfare, served under U.S. Army Gen. John Pershing in World War I.

He spent years after the war working on mechanized tactics and strategy  planning for another war overseas.

"Were not just going to shoot the sons of b******, were going to rip out their living g******** guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks," Patton barked at his troops before they entered battle, in one of his most memorable speeches.

ARMED SERVICES YMCA HELPS SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN COME FROM FROM THE HOLIDAYS

"Were going to murder those lousy Hun b******* by the bushel f***ing basket."

Patton "produced more results, in less time, with fewer casualties than any other general, in any army, in World War II"  despite his boisterous rhetoric and reputation for recklessness  biographer Alan Axelrod said on the American Heroes Channel.

Patton was part of American occupation forces in Germany after the war when he headed out on a hunting trip with his friend, Major General Hobart R. Gay.

A painting for the U.S. Army "Stars and Stripes" newspaper shows U.S. Army General George S. Patton during the Battle of El Guettar in south-central Tunisia, March 1943.

Patton sat in the right rear seat of a 1938 Cadillac Model 75, driven by his chauffeur PFC Horace Lynn Woodring, 19, of Kentucky.

Gay sat next to Patton, behind the driver.

Patton "was commenting on the litter that war had left behind, piled up on both sides of the road near the quartermaster depot," according to a detailed chronicle of the accident by author Peter J. K. Hendrikx.

That's when a "2.5-ton 6x6 GMC truck, which was driving in the opposite direction, all of a sudden made a left turn toward the quartermaster depot."

AT CHRISTMAS, THE WISE MEN TAUGHT RAYMOND ARROYO: KEEP YOUR GAZE ABOVE THE HORIZON

Woodring had no way to avoid hitting the truck.

Added Hendrikx, "Patton was thrown forward and most likely hit his head on the railing above the rear of the drivers seat. This took the skin ofo Pattons forehead. General Gay and Woodring were only shaken up  [The general] fell on Gays lap, who asked Woodring to help him out from under Patton, since Patton couldnt move."

Patton was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. A call went out when to the best doctors in Germany, England and the United States to treat the general.

Gen. George S. Patton is buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery alongside over 5,000 other American soldiers killed in action in World War II.

There was nothing they could do.

Patton's accidental death after a life of combat, coupled with his outspoken views on World War II ally Soviet Union, has fueled conspiracy theories for more than 75 years.

"The man driving the truck and his two passengers quickly vanished after the incident. No criminal charges were ever filed. No accountability was ever recorded," Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard wrote in their 2014 book, "Killing Patton."

"Both the official accident report and several key witnesses soon went missing. And most ominous of all, a former American intelligence operative confessed in October 1979 that he had planned and participated in the assassination of Gen. George S. Patton Jr."

Given Patton's outsized role in the Allied victory in Europe and his larger-than-life reputation in both sides of the Atlantic, the place of his burial became a topic of considerable international discussion.

The French government offered to have the American general buried in Napoleon's tomb in Paris, an honor that spoke to Patton's status in the eyes of newly liberated Europe.

Uniformed pallbearers carry the flag-covered casket containing the body of military commander George S. Patton (1885-1945) from the Villa Rainer, after which it was transported to Christ Church for the funeral, Heidelberg, Germany, Dec. 23, 1945.

His wife, Beatrice, flew from Boston to be by his bedside after the accident and at first wished to have him interred near their Massachusetts home.

Mrs. Patton ultimately decided to have him buried in Europe.

General Patton rests today at Luxembourg American Cemetery, alongside more than 5,000 other American soldiers, many killed in the Battle of the Bulge.

"His cross faces those of the men he led, as if he were leading them again for one last battle," writes the National World War II Museum.

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"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died," Patton once said, among his many famous quotes.

"Rather we should thank God that such men lived."

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .





Original article source: On this day in history, December 21, 1945, Gen. Patton dies in Germany after he was paralyzed in auto crash
Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore had a special gift in store for a North Carolina school bus driver, Monica Tyson-Crawford, who has been hailed as a hero after her bus caught fire last month.

For those who missed it, on the Thursday, Dec. 21, episode of the morning talk show, Barrymore and TV personality Ross Matthews sat down with educator Laura Street and Tyson-Crawford, who has been credited with saving the lives of all 38 children who were riding on the school bus when it suddenly started to smoke and eventually went up in flames.

According to local news station WRAL, a spokesperson from the school district said Tyson-Crawford pulled over after smelling smoke around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, "She immediately went through safety protocols and removed all 38 children and herself from the bus before the fire."

After hearing from some of the Benhaven Elementary School students she protected during the scary event, and their parents, Barrymore and Matthews presented Tyson-Crawford with a delightful surprise.

In the spirit of the giving season, The Drew Barrymore Show teamed up with its partners at Five Below to give Tyson-Crawford a truly sensational thank youand no, it's not a gift card.

On behalf of the nationwide chain of discount stores and the fan-favorite morning show, Tyson-Crawford was gifted a giant check valued at $10,000.

But that's not allaccording to Barrymore, Five Below is spreading holiday cheer to all the families that were involved in the bus fire by sending gifts and toys to each and every one of them.

As Matthews later announced, Five Below is also set to donate a sleigh full of supplies to Benhaven Elementary School in Harnett County, North Carolina.

How sweet!

Next: Drew Barrymore Has Emotional Reunion With Flight Attendant Who Held Her When She Was 'Bawling'
Immersed in the natural splendor of Southern Africa, Lesotho is a captivating vacation spot and an untapped treasure. The country is home to otherworldly landscapes of soaring peaks and verdant valleys, earning this nation the moniker Kingdom in the Sky.

This landlocked country is more than just a tourist destination; it places visitors in a world where legacy and natural beauty coexist. Lesotho offers an unmatched opportunity for those seeking cultural enlightenment.

Thaba-Bosiu, Lesotho Highlands

Thaba-Bosiu, a sacred cradle of Basotho identity, rises atop the Lesotho highlands, guarding the past and inviting travelers to its summit. Undeniably a living monument to the resiliency of the Basotho people, Thaba-Bosiu translates to Mountain at Night. This fortification, crowned by a sandstone plateau, was the unconquerable bastion of the Basotho nations visionary founder, King Moshoeshoe I. Thaba-Bosius magical charm comes into view as the sun sets, bathing the area in an otherworldly light.

Lesothos Capital, Maseru

Next is the capital of Lesotho, Maseru, which greets visitors with urban energy and cultural richness against undulating hills. Maseru, situated beneath the towering Thaba Bosiu, is a vibrant mosaic of Basotho life. The Morija Museum and Archives serves as a cultural trove, unraveling the layers of Lesothos history. Here, artifacts and exhibits provide a nuanced perspective on the evolution of the Basotho people.

Thaba-Tseka District

Visiting Lesothos Thaba-Tseka District is a journey into the core of rural Basotho life. Here, time seems to move at its own unhurried pace amid breathtaking landscapes. This Maluti Mountains-encircled district offers quaint villages and undulating hills. It also shows the interesting ebb and flow of a people strongly rooted in its surroundings. Thaba-Tseka shares an authentic glimpse into the locals daily life, with abundant warmth to match the stunning scenery.

Ha Kome Cave Dwellings

Tucked away in the Berea district, stepping inside the Ha Kome Cave Dwellings is akin to entering a time capsule. As you approach, the rugged beauty of the surrounding countryside gives way to a cluster of caves seamlessly integrated into the cliffs, revealing a chapter of Lesothos cultural heritage. Equally important, the smooth, worn surfaces of the caves echo the stories of generations who sought shelter within these rocky chambers.

Butha-Buthe

As you walk through Butha-Buthes streets, youll notice a fascinating combination of Basotho huts and buildings that bear witness to the towns rich history. With their sensory symphony of street food aromas and brilliantly colored local items, the towns bustling marketplaces convey cultural energy. Rather than being a picturesque stopover, Butha-Buthe is a living postcard showcasing Lesothos dynamic past and present.
PARIS  Rolex has been slapped with a 91.6 million-euro fine for prohibiting its authorized distributors from selling online for more than a decade, according to a ruling of Frances competition watchdog.

In its ruling, the Haute Autorite de la Concurrence said the watchmakers actions were serious, because they amounted to closing a commercialization channel, to the detriment of consumers and distributors, while online distribution has been growing momentum for the past 15 years for luxury goods, including watches.

More from WWD

The body rejected the Swiss watchmakers argument that banning online sales protected its image and thwarted counterfeiting, calling such a measure disproportionate. It also pointed out that competitors facing the same risks had put solutions in place (particularly technological) that allowed them to sell online while fighting counterfeiting and off-network sales.

Given Rolex developed a program for the online purchase of pre-owned watches, whose authenticity it guarantees with one of its retailers, an absolute ban on the online selling of its products cannot therefore be justified, it continued.

Rolex could not be immediately reached for comment.

For industry experts, the French ruling comes as no surprise.

You cant say at the same time you dont want your product sold over the internet and delegate your certified pre-owned program, said Oliver Muller, founder of consulting firm LuxeConsult, whose annual reports coauthored with Morgan Stanley are quoted in the watchdogs conclusions.

According to the 2022 report, the Swiss watch industry represents production of around 16 million watches, with Rolexs share coming at 1.2 million units in 2022. On the other side, counterfeiters pumping out an estimated 30 million to 40 million watches onto the black market, particularly popular models from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Omega.

While fighting fakes and dupes is a legitimate pursuit for a brand, restricting ones retailers from selling genuine product online amounts to a lack of trust, in his opinion.

Come on, the gray market is those who flip their watches through marketplaces  whatever channel they bought them on  where there are plenty of fakes too, he continued.

Only watchmakers with highly integrated, compact retail networks  and smaller outputs  such as Richard Mille and Audemars Piguet would have avoided running afoul of competition laws in France and the European Union, Muller said.

The latter brand produces 50,000 watches each year and has three doors in France (including two it owns) out of a 91-strong retail network worldwide. Richard Mille, which is 10 percent owned by Audemars Piguet, produces 5,300 units, with one store in France and another in Monaco out of 40 doors around the world.

At 1,500 doors worldwide and its million-unit production, it was a gamble too far for Rolex, in his opinion.

While expected, the ruling is bad news for Swiss watchmakers in general, according to Muller. It will most probably trigger similar [rulings] in other countries and cases against other brands who also restrict online sales, he said.

The Swiss watchmaker was however cleared of restricting prices, as the watchdog found that the evidence in the case did not prove Rolex France had restricted the pricing freedom of its authorized retailers.

The case had been referred to the French body by the Union de la Bijouterie Horlogerie professional organization, Marseille-based retailer Pellegrin & Fils and had resulted in raids on Rolexs offices in France.

The Haute Autorite de la Concurrence holds Rolex France, Rolex Holding SA, Rolex SA and the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation jointly and severally liable for payment of the fine.

In addition to the fine, the French competition watchdog imposed that Rolex inform all its authorized retailers of the decisions and publish the summary of its decision on its website in French newspaper Le Figaro online and in print as well as the Montres Magazine quarterly.

Best of WWD
It's that time of year when Christmas cookies take center stage! If you ask us, the tasty treat should be part of every meal throughout the year, but they're especially welcome during the holiday season. Just ask Santa. 

Any fans of Ree Drummond know just how many cookie recipes are out there! It's why we came up with a whole month's worth of Christmas cookies, after all. From classic sugar cookies passed down through generations to modern recipes like gingerbread cookie sandwiches or cinnamon roll cookies, they just add an extra sprinkle of magic (pun definitely intended) to all your celebrations. Before you pull out your apron and get to baking, we've got some information you might find just as sweet.



Insert: an official map of the most popular Christmas cookies in America by state! The data comes from Google's most "uniquely searched" Christmas cookies, which means they rank highest by search volume for a given timeframe and location. The timeframe used for this specific data is December 1 to 12 in 2023. So, did your favorite Christmas cookies make the cut?

Google Trends

As you can see, the map is divided into five categories:

Center-filled

Colorful

Italian

Sugar-coated

Other

Italian Christmas cookies were the most searched Christmas cookie category in America over the 2023 holiday season, with 17 states looking up some variation of the dessert. Ree Drummond's home state of Oklahoma even falls into this group, with a trending search of ricotta Christmas cookies! The "other" category takes second place with unique Christmas cookie recipes ranging from peppermint cookies in Indiana and Iowa to fruitcake cookies in Alabama. If you haven't already, you'll want to add these to your collection of cookie recipes. (Trust us on this one.)

Will Dickey

A few other noteworthy searches include peanut butter blossoms, which were the dominant cookie in four states, including North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio, as well as red velvet cookies in Kansas, Illinois, and Kentucky. As for the classics, Christmas sugar cookies were the most popular pick in three states, while versions of gingerbread cookies also took the top spot in three states.

And that's the way the Christmas cookie map crumbles. 

Oh! If you're looking to put together a few cookie boxes for friends and family, try a few of the recipes featured here. Ree herself says, "Christmas cookies should be a celebration of color and texture, and a mix of shapes and sizes." And this map lets you do just that!

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When it comes to crab cakes, there are multiple schools of thought, but self-described "Maryland boy" Andrew Cleverdon, Chef de Cuisine at Blue Duck Tavern, is adamant that his local iteration reigns supreme. Growing up with an avid sailor for a father, he recalls that "we ate at many small shacks, crab-houses and mom and pop operations throughout the watershed." What resulted was a real love of the Chesapeake  and the crab cakes that give a starring role to the bounty of its waters.

A bit further south, however, fans of Louisiana crab cakes won't let their version be kept in the shadows. Here, Gulf crab meat is seasoned with a far heavier hand for cakes that are crispier, spicier, and slightly less expensive than Maryland's crab-laden behemoths.

"Real fresh Maryland crab is very pricey, especially the prized jumbo lump," says Maryland native chef Matt Smith, Chef de Cuisine of Alta Strada Mosaic by chef Michael Schlow. "Home cooks just need to prepare for the price tag shock and have faith that the end result will be worth it." And there are other ways to curtail the cost. Chef Michael Correl from Ruse recommends combining jumbo lump crab with backfin meat, the latter a delicacy he seems to be his favorite.

But price is not the only thing that divides these two crab cake categories. We spoke to a host of experts including top chefs working on the ground to discover all the differences between Maryland and Louisiana crab cakes.

Read more: 12 Little-Known Facts About Salt

Maryland Crab Cakes Have Very Little Filler

jumbo lump crab - v74/Shutterstock

Perhaps the chief defining factor of a Maryland crab cake is its short ingredients list. Here, jumbo lump crab from the Chesapeake is the star. "It is kept simple, not out of a lack of sophistication or culinary skills but out of respect and admiration," says Cleverdon. He says all the blue crab meat needs is a touch of mayo and a bit of binder to hold it all together. For Cleverdon, that last ingredient comes in the form of crushed crackers, either Ritz or saltines. Correl, meanwhile, prefers Italian breadcrumbs, which his mother used when he was growing up. Either way, it is best to be judicious with anything that isn't crab. "People in MD want to see the crab and will call you out if there is too much filler," says Correl.

Smith echoes these instructions, noting that a crab-forward cake is a star of Maryland cuisine. "Crab cakes from other areas tend to be heavy with breading and filler like bell peppers and panko crumbs for example," he explains. When making Maryland crab cakes, chef Mike Fearson of The Choptank Annapolis likewise notes that "you should never have more binder than crab."

That said, it's important not to err too far in the other direction, lest it all crumbles. "You still need a small amount of binder to hold the crab meat together," Fearson adds. "If your ratio is too low, the crab cake will be loose and fall apart."

Maryland Crab Cakes Can Be Cooked In Multiple Ways

pan-fried crab cakes - AS Foodstudio/Shutterstock

The chefs we spoke to are pretty clear about the rules of what goes into a Maryland crab cake, but they're a bit more divided when it comes to how to cook one. According to Fearson, crab cakes in Maryland are typically baked, though he has a soft spot for those that are fried. "The flavor comes out a little more with a crisp outside and moist filling inside," he says of the fried variety.

Smith, meanwhile, argues that the most traditional cooking method is to broil cakes with clarified butter, though frying is a possibility  "in peanut oil preferably." Correl echoes this sentiment, noting that he prefers his crab cakes broiled, too. He argues frying tends to make the cakes overly dense and can bring too much oil to the party. Chef Oscar Benitez of Spain Wine Bar in Ocean City, Maryland also prefers baked cakes, noting that while frying, baking, or grilling each has their proponents and unique textures, "I prefer mine baked with a little bit of charred soft crust on top."

Cleverdon likes his cakes cooked gently on the stovetop. "It should be colored softly in a pan with a splash of oil or butter and flipped and put in a moderately hot oven to heat through," he says. The resulting cake should have "supple" edges and a moist, juicy interior. "It should never be fried or 'crispy,' " he notes.

Maryland Crab Cakes May Be Made Boardwalk Style

sign advertising crab cakes - Alan Budman/Shutterstock

In addition to a classic Maryland crab cake, there is another approach, though admittedly even our Maryland-based chefs are unfamiliar with it. Cleverdon, however, knows his way around a boardwalk crab cake, which he says was popularized by Philips Seafood restaurants. It tends to be more generously seasoned than a classic Maryland crab cake and typically boasts more filler. "Boardwalk crab cakes usually have egg and breadcrumb to hold them together and thus need more 'seasoning,' " explains Cleverdon. "They are breaded lightly and fried. While they are not bad, they certainly are far from the best."

But, despite Cleverdon's skepticism, there's a reason why boardwalk crab cakes are popular: economy. This style of cake takes advantage of smaller, sweeter bits of crab instead of the spendy jumbo lump meat, leading to a more affordable crab cake. What's more, the use of additional filler to hold these bits of crab together cuts down on the cost even further. "With the different meat the cake is more 'shredded' and less 'chunky,' " he says. Ultimately, this style of Maryland crab cakes is certainly more cost-effective, but they do depart a bit from tradition.

Maryland Cakes Are Typically Made With Local Chesapeake Crab

chesapeake bay blue crabs - Okrad/Getty Images

The star of a true Maryland crab cake is the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay, something that turns Cleverdon into a veritable poet. "Crab cakes are to Maryland and the Bay the way blue is to the sky," he says. "It is a celebration of that single ingredient, Callinectes sapidus. The beautiful swimmer. The Blue Crab."

Chesapeake blue crab stands out not just for its terroir, but also for the fact that it's a species with distinct flavor. Blue crab boasts more delicacy and sweetness than most other crustaceans, with briny, even buttery notes. The only problem? Blue crab has a season ... yet hungry people demand Maryland crab cakes all year round.

"Chefs who decide to offer crab cakes year round go through a gapping period in the off-season where Venezuelan meat is often substituted," explains Smith, "but it is still offered as an MD crab cake because of the blue crab being used and the same methods of preparation."

This isn't strictly cheating, according to Fearson, who argues that what makes a Maryland crab cake is indeed the recipe. "It's the style of the crab cake mix that makes it Maryland-style," he says. "As long as you are using blue crab, the meat does not need to come from the Chesapeake Bay." But for Correl, swapping crabs of another origin is poor practice. "Whenever I serve crab on my menu," he says, "I only buy local crabmeat."

Maryland Crab Cakes Are Usually Seasoned With Old Bay

Old Bay seasoning - Bloomberg/Getty Images

Maryland crab cakes keep their seasoning like they keep their filler: minimal. According to Cleverdon, all a sweet blue crab needs to shine is salt, lemon zest, and "maybe a pinch, A PINCH!, of JO or Old Bay."

Old Bay may be a cupboard staple even if you're not from Maryland, with its time-honored combo of celery salt and spices. While the exact blend is kept secret, many a home cook has attempted to create copycat Old Bay by combining celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and warming spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. The resulting seasoning "helps Maryland crab cakes to stand out," according to Fearson. "Old Bay's notable blend of seasonings makes a real difference in the overall flavor once combined."

J.O., meanwhile, is more of an insider's choice with a similar proprietary blend of spices. "Folks from MD historically argue on the use of Old Bay versus JO seasoning," says Smith. "It all depends on your family recipe and what area you grew up in." When the Baltimore Sun did some on-the-ground reporting, it found that 18 of 30 local crab houses contacted use a type of J.O. seasoning, while only one used Old Bay. Smith, however, opts for the latter. "I still make my Crab Cakes the same way I was taught from my first chef in Baltimore twenty-five years ago," he says. He uses Old Bay, egg yolk, lemon juice, yellow mustard, Worcestershire, Tabasco, and parsley.

Maryland Crab Cakes Are Typically Served With Tartar Sauce

tartar sauce - Louno_m/Getty Images

Maryland crab cakes are certainly delicious enough to stand alone, but most of the time, you will find them served with a side sauce. While there are loads of choices, Smith believes that tartar sauce is "the most appropriate" option of them all. This sauce, which is generally made with a combo of mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, parsley, lemon, salt, and pepper, couldn't be easier to make at home. Even better, it marries wonderfully with a wide variety of seafood, including crab cakes.

But tartar sauce is not the only choice at your disposal. Some diners, Smith says, prefer cocktail sauce, a sweet and sour blend of ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared horseradish. Fearson, meanwhile, likes to serve his crab cakes with two sauces: an aioli-style sauce crafted from a mayonnaise base and, alongside that, a simple yellow mustard, which he says brings out the flavor of the crab beautifully.

Then again, many claim that with crab cakes that are this good, there's always the option to dig into them with nothing on them at all.

Louisiana Crab Cakes Boast Big Flavors

crab cakes - Marie Sonmez Photography/Shutterstock

Louisiana also boasts its own style of crab cake and like much of the food from this state, it's known for some seriously big and bold flavors. Typically seasoned with the Cajun and Creole holy culinary trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper, Louisiana crab cakes may also include green onion, jalapeno, parsley, bay leaf, cayenne, and hot sauce. Louisiana crab cakes can get additional flavor from Creole mustard, which takes advantage of multiple culinary influences from around the globe. It uses a mix of stone-ground mustard sweetened slightly with honey and molasses and spiced with hot sauce, horseradish, and Creole seasoning. The latter spice mix is also a popular addition to Louisiana crab cakes, combining a complex lineup of paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, and salt.

But seasonings are not the only place where a Louisiana crab cake may depart from the crab-heavy Maryland recipe. Louisiana crab cakes may feature other shellfish in the mix, like shrimp. "I have even heard tell of sometimes having conch in there," says Cleverdon. "Why they would do that is beyond me .... maybe they ran out of crab."

Though it's a keen departure from the crab cake approach in Maryland, there's no denying there's a lot more flavor in this take on the dish.

Louisiana Crab Cakes Are Made With Blue Crab From The Gulf Of Mexico

blue crab from the gulf of mexico - PTZ Pictures/Shutterstock

Because Louisiana is far closer to the Gulf of Mexico than the Chesapeake Bay Gulf crabs are preferred in the southern state. While there are blue crabs in the Gulf, these crustaceans are cheaper and often larger than Maryland crabs. According to many experts, they just don't compare when it comes to flavor. Perhaps this is why recipes for Louisiana crab cakes rarely focus quite so much on a particular crab species, with some even going so far as to say that you can use imitation crab in place of the real thing.

Given this approach, it's perhaps no surprise that Louisiana crab cakes are seasoned so heavily. According to Cleverdon, this style is made with "a tremendous amount of spice." With local Chesapeake crabs, he says, you want the flavor of the crab to shine on its own. If the crab is of lesser quality, it's less problematic  and frankly cheaper  to let less onerous ingredients do more of the heavy lifting.

Louisiana Crab Cakes Have More Binder

crispy crab cakes - DronG/Shutterstock

Unlike Maryland crab cakes, which are often just barely held together with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, Louisiana crab cakes boast some real heft thanks to binders. In addition to the generous seasonings and aromatics, the latter of which already lends a bit of texture and bite, a Louisiana crab cake is typically bulked out with more starch than the Maryland variety. This can come in many forms, whether it's the crushed crackers that can also be detected in many a Maryland crab cake or fresh breadcrumbs, dry breadcrumbs, or Japanese-style panko.

Eggs and mayonnaise are often thrown into Louisiana crab cakes as additional binders. This doesn't just add moisture to the mix but also lends protein that helps the crab cakes stay together. These additions make the mixture a bit easier to form into cohesive patties, an especially nice factor for inexperienced home cooks. This ultimately results in a crab cake with a bit more structure and texture than the iteration that hails from Maryland.

Louisiana Crab Cakes Are Usually Breaded And Fried

sizzling fried crab cakes - Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock

Before they are cooked, Louisiana crab cakes are typically dredged in seasoned cornmeal or another layer of breadcrumbs, either of which provides not only an additional opportunity for seasoning but paves the way for a far crispier texture than the pillowy tenderness that Maryland crab cakes are known for. This holds doubly true when you consider how Louisiana crab cakes are typically cooked. Unlike the Maryland iteration, which is most often broiled or gently pan-seared, Louisiana crab cakes can take a bit more heat.

Louisiana-style crab cakes "are almost always dredged in cornmeal or breadcrumbs and fried harder than even a boardwalk crab cake," says Cleverdon. The comparison to boardwalk crab cakes is apt. Shallow frying Louisiana crab cakes isn't just delicious but also makes them easier to handle and also gives them a lovely crispy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the ideally tender interior.

Louisiana Crab Cakes Are Often Served With Remoulade

remoulade - Viktory Panchenko/Shutterstock

Louisiana brings more flavor to the table where dipping sauces are concerned, as well. "In Louisiana they often eat their crab cake with a regional interpretation of the French sauce remoulade," explains Cleverdon. Indeed, whereas French remoulade is typically made with a simple combination of a mayonnaise base that is then seasoned with shallot and mustard, Louisiana remoulade packs a big punch. This variety marries mayo with a long ingredients list that usually includes garlic, mustard, lemon, Creole seasoning, hot sauce, horseradish, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chopped pickles. Smoky and spicy, Louisiana remoulade also often boasts a pretty pink color thanks to the inclusion of paprika. It is a beloved accompaniment for Louisiana staples like po' boy sandwiches as well as "pretty much anything fried," according to recipe developer Molly Madigan Pisula.

When it comes to crab cakes, even native Maryland chefs can get behind it. "I have to admit, I like creole remoulade sauce and think it offers a delightful contrast," Cleverdon says. However, he appends that it's best enjoyed "when eaten with a Maryland Crab Cake."

Methodology

blue crab - rospoint/Shutterstock

To help us wrap our heads around the many differences between Louisiana and Maryland crab cakes, we went straight to the source: the chefs who create crab cakes all the time! Many of our chefs hailed from Maryland, so as to not give that state's version of crab cakes too much of an advantage, we also consulted trusted research sources to get our info.

Read the original article on Mashed.
International Migrants Day was Dec. 18. But many are left asking, What does it change for workers whose passports have been confiscated by factory owners? Or those that are receiving less than half their wages due?

On Monday, as groups of migrants gathered at various locations around Thailand to mark the occasion, there was much to discuss, celebrateand commiserate.

More from Sourcing Journal

Since Myanmars military coup in February 2021, nationals who fled the oppressive rule and illegally crossed the border into Thailand have become increasingly isolated due to a myriad of issues, and subjected to situations of hardship.

In the town of Samut Sakhon, near Bangkok, for instance, there was news on local media of 10 garment workers rescued by the Myanmar Humanitarian Action Center (MHAC) who had been locked in for months by the factory owner and not allowed to leave the premises. Samut Sakhon is a major production base for food processing, garments and textiles, auto parts and rubber products.

At the Sala bag sewing factory in Suphan Buri township, a little over 60 miles from the capital city, more than 300 Myanmar workers allegedly faced a situation with a factory owner for which they had to reach for help against harassment in September, according to discussions in the worker groups and labor rights organizations.

(This could not independently verified by Sourcing Journal, but was affirmed by a local migrant aid human rights company).

On the plus side, migrant workers did acknowledge that salaries in Thailand are almost double those in Myanmar, and that the social system does provide recognition and help in the form of support by migrant assistance centers across the country.

Workers spoke of a victory last week, in a case that came up in April, in Mae Sot, in which 58 workers were awarded 9.4 million baht (approximately $270,000) in compensation for back-pay retroactively for the last two years including overtime and severance from Mai Tai factory.

We are waiting for the money to be paid. We just received the labor inspector order. Our lawyer has checked with the labor court, we found that the employer did not appeal the labor inspector order, Raweeporn Dokmai, field coordinator, Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF) told Sourcing Journal.

Referring to the case, she said: Workers in Mai Tai Factory have generally been subjected to poor working conditions lower than the law, namely only one-day off a month without pay; long work hours (7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.); low wages and illegal wage deductions.

When some of the workers filed a complaint with us in April, it was because the employer threatened to deduct 2,000 baht ($57.21) from their salaries, claiming their work was of poor quality and that there was resistance to overtime work. At the same time, their documents were retained by their employer whilst the deadline to complete their registration was coming close, she said.



In consultation with the workers, HRDF helped them to negotiate with their employer in May, using their bargaining rights under the Labour Relations Act, rather than reporting the case to the police for document seizure.

If the employer used the ploy of withholding the documents beyond the deadline, all of the workers would become undocumented. On the negotiation table witnessed by a representative of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW), the employer eventually returned the workers documents, but dismissed them one day after, said Dokmai.

She said that the employer locked the main entrance from the outside, leaving the backdoor linked to the wasteland overgrown with grass as the only way to exit the factory, and had not verified the address of the workers as the factory addressmaking it impossible to extend their visas.

HRDFs staff, with agreement of the Migrant Workers Assistance Centre (MWAC), used their own address as the address for the 59 workers. They thus processed with their visa extensions.

At the time, HRDF staff was stalked by the employer and received intimidating phone calls, she said.



Dokmai added that at this stage the workers were able to sustain their valid visa and work permits. The MWAC also helped to match them with available jobs in another factory. HRDF continues to help the workers on wage theft case and to be screened as forced labor, she explained.

Myanmar is pushing its migrants abroad to go undocumented, workers also saidwith two recent rulings that led to a huge financial burden for migrant workers, in terms of both tax and remittances.

The pronouncement by Myanmars junta State Administration Council (SAC) in September ruled that migrants must remit 25 percent of their earnings back to the country.

These are to be sent through official channels, a worker emphasized, asking not to be named, which means we lost 25 to 40 percent of the value of the money at the exchange rate that has been set which is much lower than the other routes of informal money transfer. It also means much less money for us to spend on our own livelihood.

The estimated volume of remittances was down to $1.9 billion in 2022, from $2.67 billion in 2020, before the coup, according to the World Bank.

The other part of the the new rule involves taxation on migrant worker wages that the Myanmar junta has introducedthe tax is progressive, and migrant workers earning minimum wages will have to pay 10 percent on their earnings.

If they dont pay, their passports will not get renewed.

That means, they have to remit 25 percent as a part of the remittance requirement, and then 10 percent for tax, a worker explained. In which case, it simply forces us to make the choice to remain undocumented.

In Thailand, migrant labor from Myanmar account for nearly 80 percent of the total migrants, followed by Cambodia and Laos.

The garment and textile sector in Thailand relies heavily on migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Aleksandra Lasota, Partnerships and Programme Coordinator of the Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion Unit at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Thailand, told Sourcing Journal.

Research suggests that despite their prevalence in the manufacturing sector, migrant workers in this sector are often exposed to risks throughout their migration journey, especially during recruitment and employment. For example, migrant workers often face poor working conditions, including pay below the legal minimum wage and uncompensated overtime, as well as limited access to social and legal protection, and gender-based discrimination, she said.

She pointed out that although Thailand was the first country in Asia to adopt the National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights and that the royal ordinance in 2017 said that migrants should not pay a service fee to recruiters, many migrant workers remain unaware of their rights.

Moreover, the law enforcement remains a challenge with over half of migrant workers interviewed by ILO in 2020 reporting they had made a payment to a recruitment agency or broker in Thailand despite it being prohibited by the Royal Ordinance, she said.

The latest Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, published by the International Labour Organization, International Organization for Migration and Walk Free, revealed that last year, about 50 million people worldwide were living in modern slavery. Across Asia and the Pacific, 15 million people are reported to be victims of forced labor. The report showed that migrant workers are three times more likely to be the victims of forced labor.

While the official estimates of migrant workers in Thailand from Myanmar are approximately 2.3 million, the total numbers are estimated at almost double that.

Due to the porous borders of Thailand, the often complicated, time-consuming and expensive MOU processes, and the limited functionality of the border employment scheme, many migrant workers enter Thailand irregularly, they said

Anna Engblom, Chief Technical Adviser, ASEAN, which is a part of the International Labour Organizations (ILO) global efforts to promote fair migration, added, Mae Sot is one of the hubs for apparel factories, and has an export processing zone with many factors producing for international brands and retailers. The ministry of labor has been running 10 migrant worker assessment centers throughout the country since 2016, that can help migrants with their work permits and visas etc. One of these centers is in Mae Sot. While migrants entering under the MOU scheme are allowed to change employers under certain conditions, in most cases, they are tied to the employer for the duration of their employment contract, typically two years.

The problem for migrants is that many dont want to go to government-initiated centers for fear of being deported, she added.

She said that the ILO perspective was that no recruitment fees or related costs should be the responsibility of the workers. These costs include transport, medical check-ups, work permits and visa fees.

One positive development is that the Thai government reduced the visa fees from 2,000 baht ($57.21) to 500 baht ($14.30) last month, she observed.

A Thai official put it simply.

When you look at South Asia, Thailand and Malaysia are the largest areas for migration, and are among the top 20 highest migration corridors in the world. We are doing our best to ensure safe and fair conditions. 

As global retailers and brands continue pulling out of production in Myanmar over the last few months including Inditex, Primark, Marks & Spencer and H&Mone of the migrant workers in Mae Sot, who asked not to be named, said that, unfortunately, the bottom line was clear.

We do need the jobs, she said.
In light of attacks on shipping companies transiting the Suez Canal, Cruise lines are keeping a watchful eye on the vital waterway that connects the Red Sea and Mediterranean  but say that, currently, there are no immediate plans for more 2024 itinerary changes beyond those already made.

And these have already been extensive. Companies with winter cruises due to visit ports in Israel, Egypt and the Red Sea revised their itineraries as soon as the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out, moving ships to safer waters in the Western Mediterranean, Adriatic and Greece. Oceania Cruises rejigged almost all its 2024 Med-season sailings  a total 42 itineraries  to get its ships away from any potential danger zones.

MSC Cruises has temporarily laid up a ship that was due to offer cruises this winter with a highlight call into Israels Haifa, while Greeces Variety Cruises was forced to cancel a set of just-launched winter-sun cruises between Ashdod in Israel and Aqaba in Jordan which transited the Suez Canal.

But if cruise lines thought that would be the end of the matter, they were wrong. This week, news broke that shipping companies  including MSCs cargo arm, Hapag-Lloyd, and AP Moller-Maersk  and BP tankers, had halted Suez transits after attacks by Yemens Iran-backed Houthis.

Understandably, this news set fresh alarm bells ringing in the cruise industry, which not so long ago saw their schedules disrupted by the pirate attacks off Somalia, at the entrance to the Red Sea.

As a result of the new attacks, MSCs cruise business has cancelled a Suez transit in January at the start of an eastbound 121-day world cruise. Its ship, MSC Poesia, will now circumnavigate Africa instead. A spokesperson said the cruise will offer the same number of destinations (50), as well as the original itinerary highlights.

MSC Cruises has cancelled a Suez transit in January  the ship will now circumnavigate Africa instead - Getty

Other companies with world cruises can afford to adopt a wait-and-see approach. Their vessels are sailing westbound, and are therefore not scheduled to sail through the canal until they return to Europe in April or May  by which time the various conflicts may have come to an end.

A P&O Cruises spokesperson said: Our global itinerary team is monitoring the [Suez} situation and will advise guests should any changes be necessary. The company has a 99-night world cruise from Southampton departing January 6. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines said it still plans to sail through the Suez Canal in April 2024, but the safety of guests and crew is the number one priority. Nearer to the time, if there is any escalated risk, we will of course implement a contingency plan, it said. Viking, meanwhile, has cancelled its world cruises scheduled overnight call into Haifa, but for now the preceding Suez transit in April remains.

Andy Harmer, managing director of the industrys Cruise Lines International Association, said: Our cruise line members are closely monitoring the situation, and adjusting itineraries as needed in the best interest of passengers and crew. We urge travellers who are considering or have current plans to sail to the region to check directly with their cruise line or travel agent for the current status of their sailings.

With all the changes and uncertainty, one might expect cruisers to be voting with their feet; instead they are seemingly taking it all in their stride. Giles Hawke, Celebrity Cruises UK and Europe vice-president and managing director, said there has been a slight softening in demand for Mediterranean cruises from Americans due to the Middle Eastern conflict, but the British are showing no qualms about booking.

His comments are echoed by Lee Haslett, the commercial boss of Greeces Celestyal Cruises, who added that demand from other countries remains high. Despite Egypts proximity to the fighting, Nile river cruises also appear unaffected. We have seen no discernible change to bookings for Nile cruises in recent days, said AmaWaterways UK managing director Jamie Loizou.

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One of the effects of rising global temperatures is the inland intrusion of saltwater, and researchers are looking into engineering crops that can withstand such stress.

A January study by the University of Sheffield Institute for Sustainable Food found that reducing the number of stomata in rice makes it more salt-resistant, according to Food Navigator.

Stomata regulate the uptake of carbon dioxide and water loss for arguably the most important crop on Earth; rice accounts for 20% of humans calories and requires 40% of worldwide irrigation.

The researchers worked with the High Agricultural Technology Research Institute in Vietnam to overexpress the EPF1 gene in 72 varieties of traditionally bred rice, and the rice did not include genes from other organisms.

Our research is more about proof of concept at this stage, lead author Robert Caine told Food Navigator. We (as well as others) are moving towards gene editing technology in the future which will enable researchers to alter crops without leaving any foreign DNA in the plant by the time the process is completed. That is, we can breed out any remnants of the gene editing process except the change we are making in the DNA sequence.

Similar ideas are becoming increasingly popular. University of Maryland scientists have developed heat-resistant and blight-tolerant apples, while an Israeli farm is crossbreeding fruits  their products include plumegranates, aromacots, blackots, and watermelon plums  to outlast severe weather.

The outlet reported that 3.5 billion people rely on rice every day and that Vietnam is one of the places where the crop is becoming harder to grow because of seawater interference.

Rice is a hugely important food crop eaten by over half the worlds population on a daily basis, Caine said. Ensuring that it can survive in harsher conditions caused by climate change will be integral to feeding a growing population that is projected to reach 10 billion in 60 years time.

The study, published in New Phytologist, built on previous research by the scientists, who had shown that extremely low stomatal density rice consumes less water and is increasingly drought-resistant, even at high temperatures.

This time, they found the plants were less susceptible to salinity toxicity most probably because they accumulate salt at much lower levels.

Their next step is to see if they can make high-yield dwarf rice species more heat-resistant.

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(Bloomberg) -- The purchase of United States Steel Corp. by a Japanese company appears to deserve serious scrutiny, President Joe Bidens top economic adviser said, the latest sign of political pressure over the deal.

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Nippon Steel Corp. announced Monday it would buy US Steel for $14.1 billion to create the worlds second-largest steel company. But the proposed acquisition has drawn concern or outright opposition from prominent Democrats and union leaders with longtime ties to Biden.

The purchase of this iconic American-owned company by a foreign entity  even one from a close ally  appears to deserve serious scrutiny in terms of its potential impact on national security and supply chain reliability, Biden economic adviser Lael Brainard said in a statement Thursday.

US Steel is proactively seeking a national security review in a bid to calm opposition. Approval by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, is a condition of its deal, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The administration will be ready to look carefully at the findings of any such investigation and to act if appropriate, Brainard said.

Japans new trade minister Ken Saito said the deal is a business matter between the companies, and Nippon Steel needs to respond appropriately through necessary procedures.

The US-Japan alliance is stronger than ever, Saito added. Its important for the US and Japan to continue to work together on economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region and cooperate in areas of economic security.

Nippon Steel told Bloomberg News on Monday it is confident on clearing regulatory hurdles, pointing to Japans strong relationship with the US.

Story continues

I dont have any concern about passing CFIUS, Nippon Steel Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori said. Later that morning in a conference call, US Steel Chief Executive Officer David Burritt told analysts he did not believe the deal would face any problems receiving approval from regulators.

Biden is facing demands in 2024 battleground states in the nations industrial heartland to scrutinize the sale or block it altogether. Pennsylvanias two senators, both Democrats, wrote Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who leads the CFIUS process, saying the deal should be killed.

The proposed merger strikes at two pillars of Bidens political identity: his claim to be the most pro-union president in US history and to be a trust-buster.

The United Steelworkers of America has urged regulators to review the deal to determine if it benefits workers and serves US national security interests, union President David McCall said in a statement. McCall on Thursday praised Brainards comments about the deals effects on the companys unionized workforce.

Our union shares many of the concerns expressed in todays White House statement, including how this deal may impact the future of domestic steel production, McCall said.

Bidens new rules designed to crack down on mergers could also be put to the test by the US Steel sale. The Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission on Monday finalized sweeping new guidelines meant to prevent companies seeking to dominate their industries by snapping up rivals.

--With assistance from Joe Deaux and Shoko Oda.

(Adds Japan trade minister comment beginning in sixth paragraph.)

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A Tesla SUV driver had their vehicle impounded in Harlingen, Texas Wednesday night after they were spotted towing a full-sized semi-trailer with the ill-equipped electric vehicle.

Footage of the event tagged with the local 956 area code started to populate TikTok last night, including videos posted by Capital Towing LLC, the company responsible for resolving this odd situation. An employee of the towing company told R&T that they initially received a call from the Texas Department of Safety Wednesday evening requesting the use of one of their semi-tow rigs, but that it was a confusing situation from the start.

When they called us in to dispatch, they told us we needed a heavy wrecker out there, but we need it just for the trailer, the employee told R&T over the phone. I said, Well, what about the semi? They said, No, its a Tesla. I asked if it was a Tesla truck and she said, No, a Tesla. I thought I wasnt understanding. But sure enough, they went out there and it was a Tesla car towing that trailer.

The Tesla in question is a Model Y SUV with the dual motor powertrain, riding on paper temp plates. This model comes rated from the factory with a maximum towing capacity of 3500 lbs using a 2-inch receiver hitch, and while thats certainly enough to pull some toys behind you, its not nearly enough to handle the weight of a full-size semi-trailer. Even unloaded like this particular trailer was, these things can weigh several tons.

We already know about the impacts that towing can have on your range when driving an EV, making this whole venture seem entirely impractical in a huge state like Texas. A video uploaded by user rickyguajardo5 also shows that the trailer was missing all of the required lights, making it a serious hazard on the highway. Its no surprise that Texas DPS apparently wanted it off the road as soon as possible.

Texas DPS did not immediately respond to R&T's request for comment.

Now, Tesla does build a Class 8 electric truck capable of pulling such a trailer, but they arent exactly accessible to your average buyer. The new Cybertruck would've made for a better tow rig as well, considering Tesla states that it can tow up to 11,000 lbs. Not that most people have a spare 48-foot trailer sitting around without a semi-truck to move it.

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Greece has long called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum. Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images

Countries have looted and traded artifacts from one another for centuries.

Governments and repatriation activists have called for objects' return to their places of origin.

Some famous artifacts, like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles, are subjects of dispute.

The old adage of "finders, keepers" has been put to the test as countries have called for the return of various ancient artifacts.

For centuries, legendary artifacts have been looted, traded, and taken far away from their original lands. Many of the items housed in cultural institutions like London's British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City were looted from colonized people.

In recent years, governments and repatriation activists have called for the return of internationally-renowned objects like the Rosetta Stone, the Benin Bronzes, and the Parthenon Marbles.

On Friday, the Met announced it will return 16 Khmer sculptures to Cambodia and Thailand. The sculptures were all tied to an art collector who was charged with illegally selling artifacts in 2019.

Here are 10 cultural artifacts that countries are still fighting over.

The Rosetta Stone dispute between Egypt and Britain

The Rosetta Stone. David Cliff/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Rosetta Stone is one of the most famous artifacts in the British Museum. The inscriptions on the slab of granite were crucial in enabling experts to decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Most scholars agree that soldiers in Napoleon Bonaparte's army in Egypt discovered the stone in July 1799 in the town of Rashid, known by the French as Rosetta.

After Napoleon was defeated in 1815, the British took the Rosetta Stone, arriving in England with it in February 1802, according to the British Museum.

Recently, thousands of Egyptians have called for the return of the stone.

"The British Museum's holding of the stone is a symbol of Western cultural violence against Egypt," Monica Hanna, dean at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, told the Associated Press in 2022.

But some experts believe the British Museum is unlikely to relinquish one of its most treasured acquisitions, as Business Insider previously reported.

"We have received no formal request from the Egyptian Government to repatriate the Rosetta Stone. The British Museum works with partners all over the world including with colleagues throughout Egypt on projects, exhibitions and research and we enjoy a long-standing and collaborative relationship with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities," a British Museum spokesperson said.

Greece calls for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, but the British refuse

Selections of the Parthenon Marbles on display at the British Museum. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Also known as the Elgin Marbles, the Parthenon Marbles are another source of controversy for the British Museum.

For nearly 400 years since 1453, Greece was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. The British ambassador to the empire, Lord Elgin, successfully petitioned to remove about half of the sculptures from the Parthenon's ruins to Britain.

Greece has since contested these rights, calling for the repatriation of the marbles to its country of origin.

But the British Museum has refused to return the marbles. In 2019, the museum's director said the displacement of the artifacts themselves were "a creative act."

The director's comments drew sharp criticism. George Vardas, a Greek Australian activist who has fought for the return of the Elgin Marbles, told a Greek newspaper that the comments came from a place of "astonishing historical revisionism and arrogance."

"Discussions with Greece about a Parthenon Partnership are on-going and constructive," a spokesperson for the British Museum told Business Insider. "We believe that this kind of long term partnership would strike the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences around the world, and maintaining the integrity of the incredible collection we hold at the museum."

Native American tribes demand the return of burial remains

A mummified body is prepared for dissection at Harvard's Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in 1978. George Rizer/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

As the US pushed Native Americans from their homes throughout the 1800s, archaeologists and museum collectors looted their remains from ancient graves, homes, and worship sites.

In 1990, the federal government passed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, a law that called for the remains of Native Americans to be returned to tribal nations or descendants.

But museums and other institutions still hold the remains of more than 110,000 Indigenous ancestors, ProPublica reported.

In 2022, 250 boxes of Native American remains and artifacts were discovered at the University of North Dakota, which has since announced it will return the remains to tribal nations. Harvard University still has thousands of Native American remains.

Harvard University has not responded to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Ethiopia urges England to return the Maqdala crown

An Ethiopian crown taken during the Battle of Maqdala. Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images

In 1868, British forces captured the mountain fortress of Maqdala as part of a larger conquest of the Ethiopian empire. In addition to more than a thousand manuscripts, which were carried on the backs of 15 elephants and hundreds of mules, the soldiers also took an ornate gold crown.

The crown was likely given to an Ethiopian church as a gift from King Iyyasu II and his mother, the Empress Mentewwab, according to the Victoria & Albert Museum, where the artifact now resides.

The filagreed gold crown's bottom two tiers depict the 12 Apostles, and the top tier are the four Evangelists who wrote the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

In 2007, the Ethiopian government officially demanded the return of the crown and various other artifacts. Although some artifacts were since returned, the V&A has still held onto the crown.

"The V&A, like other national institutions, hold our collections in trust for the nation. Our policy is to be open and transparent about the way in which objects entered our collection, to develop renewable cultural partnerships and engage in collaborative research with museums and cultural institutions around the world," a spokesperson for the museum said. "Restitution claims are considered on a case-by-case basis, as the scenario under which an object enters the V&A collection is always unique."

"In recent years, the V&A has enjoyed close, fruitful discussions with the Ethiopian government. As yet, no formal agreement has been finalized, but our position and commitment remain the same, that we would be delighted if we could find a way to place the golden crown and chalice on display in Addis," the spokesperson said.

Egypt wants a 3,000-year-old bust of Nefertiti back from Germany

The Nefertiti bust at the Neues Mseum in Berlin, Germany. Michael Sohn/AP Photo

The bust of Nefertiti, the wife of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten, is one of the most iconic works of ancient Egypt. Nefertiti, which means "the beautiful one has come forth," was known for her otherworldly beauty.

The limestone bust, dating back to 1345 BCE, was discovered in the workshop of Thutmose, who was thought to have been the official court sculptor.

In 1913, a German archaeologist named Ludwig Borchardt found the bust, and, in violation of rules that prohibited smuggling, hid the bust under a layer of clay and stole it out of the country, Zahi Hawass, the former minister of the Egyptian government's antiquities affairs, claimed. The bust is now on display at the Neues Museum in Berlin, Germany, as its "undisputed star," per the museum.

Since the bust was officially unveiled in Germany in 1924, Egyptian authorities have called for its return. But Germany claims the bust was taken out of Egypt legally, and has insisted that the bust is too fragile to transport.

A spokesperson for the Neues Museum confirmed "there is no change in the status quo."

A lavish gold throne is among several treasures India wants back from the British

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's gold throne. Courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum

In the early 19th century, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh was at the peak of his power over the Sikh empire. The goldsmith Hafiz Muhammad Multani crafted the throne out of wood and resin, which he covered in thick sheets of gold. The two tiers of lotus petals forming its base symbolize purity.

In 1849, the British East India Company annexed the Punjab and took the contents of the Sikh treasury, including the throne. The jewelry, silver furniture, and weapons were auctioned in Lahore shortly after, but the throne was sent to London for exhibition.

The throne is now on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

The Indian government has signaled it will call for the return of the throne, along with several other artifacts like the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond, but the Victoria & Albert Museum still retains possession of the objects.

"Ranjit Singh's throne has also been exhibited globally as part of the V&A's extensive international loans program. Currently, it is on display in London at V&A South Kensington. It is not subject to a restitution claim from South Asia," the spokesperson for the museum said.

France is still holding onto the famous Bangwa Queen statue

The Bangwa Queen sculpture. Hughes DuBois/Museum Dapper Archives

The Bangwa Queen is a wooden sculpture of spiritual significance to the Bangwa, a people indigenous to what is now Cameroon in Africa. These types of figures, called lefem, personified special ancestors and were symbols of authority, according to scholars.

Around 1899, German soldiers invaded the palace of Fontem Asonganyi and looted the Bangwa Queen, along with other sculptures. The sculpture wound up at the Ethnological Museum of Berlin before being sold to an art dealer.

Art collector and businesswoman Helena Rubinstein acquired the Bangwa Queen in the 1930s. From there, it passed hands until France's Dapper Foundation bought the statue for $3.4 million.

The Bangwa people have since sought its return. Although the Dapper Foundation closed its Paris Museum in 2017, it has stalled talks over the repatriation of the sculpture.

The Dapper Foundation has not responded to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Turkey wants Russia to return its legendary cache of Trojan treasures

Sophia Schliemann wearing the Jewels of Helen, part of Priam's Treasure. Getty Images

Priam's Treasure is a cache of gold and other artifacts, like silver knives, terracotta goblets, and two gold diadems called the Jewels of Helen. It also includes nearly 9,000 gold rings, buttons, and other small objects.

In the 1870s, the archaeologists Frank Calvert and Heinrich Schliemann went to the site of the historical Troy to search for artifacts. There, they discovered thousands of artifacts, which Schliemann dubbed Priam's Treasure.

Unbeknownst to the Ottoman government, Schliemann reportedly smuggled the treasures to Germany. Authorities only discovered the looting because Schliemann had his wife, Sophia, wear the jewels in public, according to several historical accounts.

The Ottoman government threatened to sue Schliemann and revoked his rights to dig, and Schliemann eventually returned some of the treasure for permission to continue his archaeological work.

But the Soviet army secretly took the rest of Priam's Treasure during WWII. It wasn't until 1994 that the Pushkin Museum admitted to having the treasures, claiming they were war reparations against Germany by Russian law.

The Pushkin Museum has not responded to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Easter Island has tried to get the British Museum to return Moai statues

Moai statues on Easter Island. Yulia Malega/Shutterstock

Moai are huge stone statues often placed on ceremonial platforms, and are a hallmark of Easter Island, or Rapa Nui. The British Museum currently houses two moai, which are believed to have been carved between 1000 to 1600 AD.

In 1868, the crew of a British ship, the HMS Topaze, visited Easter Island and took both of the moai back to England, where they have remained ever since.

In 2017, the Rapa Nui people gained self-administration over their island, and sought to recover the moai in July 2018. In November that year, a delegation from Rapa Nui visited the British Museum.

"I believe that my children and their children also deserve the opportunity to touch, see, and learn from him," Tarita Alarcon Rapu, governor of Easter Island, said after seeing one of the moai for the first time, as Business Insider previously reported.

"We are just a body," she added. "You, the British people, have our soul."

Despite this, the British Museum has retained possession of the moai. Other museums like the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and museums in Paris, New Zealand, and Belgium also have moai.

Nigeria seeks hundreds of bronze plaques from Britain

The Benin Bronzes at the British Museum. David Cliff/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

In 1897, the British Empire sent troops to the Kingdom of Benin, now-modern day Nigeria, to punish rebels who resisted imperial power. The British soldiers burned and looted its palace, and confiscated the royal treasures inside it.

Among the treasures were bronze and brass plaques, sculptures, and items of royal regalia. Many of them were commissioned for the altars of past Obas, or kings, and Queen Mothers, and were also used in rituals. The brass plaques, which once adorned the Benin palace, served as historical records of the kingdom.

The more than 900 bronzes are part of the British Museum's collection of "contested objects," along with the Parthenon Marbles, Easter Island moai, and the Maqdala collection.

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has sought the return of the Benin Bronzes.

"These are stolen artifacts, and they should be returned to Nigeria to the communities that they belong to," Abba Isa Tijani, director of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments, told Sky News in August.

While some institutions in England and Germany have returned their collections of bronzes, the British Museum still has not.

"We are collaborating on international projects with a range of Nigerian partners including the Nigerian Government, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Benin Royal Palace, and the Museum of West African Art Trust (MOWAA), as well as working closely with local communities in Benin City. We actively engage with these partners through the Benin Dialogue Group and the Digital Benin initiative, while research and cultural exchange are also key priorities that we deliver through our African Histories and Heritage Program," the spokesperson said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A former Carlsbad police officer who was acquitted of a felony tampering with evidence charge sued Fifth Judicial District Attorney Dianna Luce, arguing he was unfairly prevented from testifying at trials amid the misconduct allegation.

Brian Cabriales was charged Aug. 11, 2022 with tampering with public records, a fourth-degree felony charge dismissed about a year later after he completed a diversion program, records show.

During those proceedings in December 2022 Cabriales and the International Union of Police, Local 505 filed a lawsuit against Luce for allegedly putting Cabriales on a list of officers the office would not call to testify, amid his criminal case.

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Luce and Cabriales attorney W.T. Martin Jr. did not respond to requests for comment on the case. It was unclear from court records if the criminal case was tied to the lawsuit or the reasoning for Cabriales' inclusion in the list.

The suit sought a declaratory judgment to determine a police officers constitutional right to due process before being placed on what was known as the Giglio List, read the suit.

It was named for a 1972 case Giglio vs. United States where John Giglio was accused of passing false money orders and accused the prosecution of misconduct and not publicly disclosing evidence in the criminal trial.

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Today, it is common practice for officers accused of such acts to be placed on such a list, the suit read, which typically prevents them from testifying in criminal matters.

The suit argued that while local police departments are notified, there is no required process for an officer to be informed of being placed on the list or any means to challenge such a decision.

Most officers placed on the list are subject to termination, the suit read, and their placement is made available to future employers, read the suit, violating constitutional rights to due process.

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A significant portion of an officers duties require testifying as a witness, read the suit. If challenged, the officer provides little to no value to the police department.

The current process in the Fifth Judicial District is that an officer cannot contest being added to the list because the prosecutor has authority and the ability to choose which cases to pursue and which witnesses to call.

Such was the case with Cabriales in 2022, read the suit which called for a judge to require the District Attorneys Office to provide notice to officers of their inclusion, a hearing before a neutral party that will make a final decision, and a process to remove an officer from the list.

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Officer charged with misconduct after making drunk driving arrest

In the criminal case, Cabriales was accused of improperly using another officers code to access a breathalyzer device during a drunk driving arrest in August 2021.

Police said Cabriales certification to operate the device was expired and he asked another officer, Joshua Vasquez, to let Cabriales use Vasquezs information.

Vasquez provided the information and told investigators he really did not think about why Cabriales had asked, read a criminal complaint.

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Cabriales also signed Vasquezs name on the results of the breath test.

He told police he pulled the vehicle over after it was speeding and swerving all over the road, the complaint read, arresting the driver for driving while intoxicated after a standard field sobriety test.

While driving back to the station with the DWI suspect, Cabriales told police he realized his certification for the breathalyzer was expired as was that of the other two officers on shift that day.

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He called Vasquez who was off that day, the report read, and got permission to use the code and sign the other officers name.

Cabriales allegedly told police he didnt think he did anything wrong, and did not cover up or hide anything, the complaint read, admitting to using Vasquezs information during the arrest.

Investigators confirmed the story using the police records and surveillance footage from the station and Cabriales and Vasquezs work schedules.

Cabriales made his first appearance in Carlsbad Magistrate on Sept. 6, 2022 on the single charge of tampering with public records.

The case was bound over to district court in October 2022, and Cabriales was granted a diversion program in November 2022 which he completed about a year later and the charge was dismissed.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Carlsbad ex-police officer files lawsuit over constitutional rights
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  A Kansas business owner has pleaded guilty for his role of illegally exporting aviation-related technology to Russia after the country invaded Ukraine.

Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, 60, of Lawrence, admitted to a long-running scheme to smuggle sophisticated U.S. avionics equipment to Russia, doubling down to hide his actions after Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, according to Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen.

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According to court documents, as part of his guilty plea, Buyanovsky admitted that between 2020 and when he was arrested in March, he conspired with others  including former KanRus vice president Douglas Edward Robertson, 56, of Olathe, to smuggle U.S.-origin avionics equipment to end users in Russia, as well as Russian end users in other foreign countries, by, among other actions, knowingly filing false export forms and failing to file required export forms with the U.S. government. In these forms, Buyanovsky and his conspirators lied about the exports value, end users and end destinations.

Buyanovsky further admitted that on at least one occasion in 2021, he and Robertson smuggled a repaired Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation by removing the FSB sticker from the device before sending the device to a U.S. company to be repaired and then reattaching the sticker before shipping the TCAS back to the FSB in Russia.

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Buyanovsky also admitted that after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and the U.S. government tightened export controls concerning Russia, he, Robertson and other conspirators continued to purchase and export U.S.-origin avionics equipment to customers in Russia and took numerous steps to hide their illegal activity from law enforcement, including by lying to U.S. suppliers about the intended end users; shipping goods through intermediary companies in Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus; continuing to file false export forms with the U.S. government; and using foreign bank accounts in countries other than Russia, such as Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates, to funnel money from the Russian customers to KanRus in the United States.

In addition to pleading guilty, Buyanovsky consented to the forfeiture of over $450,000 worth of avionics equipment and accessories and a $50,000 personal forfeiture judgment, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Buyanovsky faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison  five years for the conspiracy count and 20 years for the money laundering count.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 21, 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The Palm Beach County lawyer who filed the first  albeit unsuccessful  legal challenge to Donald Trump's presidential candidacy is not optimistic about the viability of a Colorado court ruling that ostensibly validated his argument.

Lawrence Caplan said in an interview Wednesday, Dec. 20, that he expects the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately rule in Trump's favor and allow him to remain on the ballot through the primary season, and into the general election if he is the 2024 Republican presidential nominee.

"The Supreme Court will have to deal with it. They can't avoid it," said Caplan, who in August filed a federal lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale citing the 14th Amendment to declare Trump ineligible ahead of next March's presidential primary. "But I would be shocked if they upheld the Colorado Supreme Court's decision."

In this image from Dec. 6, the Colorado Supreme Court hears oral arguments on whether former President Donald Trump may be included on the state's election ballot.

While a federal judge almost immediately tossed Caplan's complaint, the Colorado Supreme Court's justices on Tuesday, Dec. 19, agreed with a similar argument to Caplan's in ruling Trump is "disqualified from holding the office" of president under the Constitution's 14th Amendment. The amendment, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War, includes a "disqualification clause" for those who engage in insurrections and rebellion against the United States.

As a result, the Colorado court held, it "would be a wrongful act under the Election Code for the Colorado Secretary of State to list him as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot."

Accusation Trump engaged in insurrection stems from attack on U.S. Capitol

The allegation that Trump committed insurrection stems from the Jan. 6, 2021, violence at the U.S. Capitol. The Jan. 6 congressional committee that investigated the attack accused Trump of four crimes, including assisting an insurrection in an attempted coup to stop the legitimate and lawful transfer of power to President Joe Biden.

Applying the 14th Amendment's disqualification rule to Trump gained momentum this past summer when legal and constitutional scholars, including from conservative corners, advocated for it.

All that being said, constitutional scholar Kevin Wagner said concluding that Trump engaged in insurrection is far from clear, largely because the 14th Amendment is fairly vague.

"The terms of the insurrection act leave a lot to interpretation," said Wagner, associate dean for research and creative activities at Florida Atlantic University. "There's no definitional provision in the Constitution, so a lot of that is left up to the courts or the political branches to interpret."

For example, Wagner said, the amendment does not explicitly define what constitutes an insurrection or rebellion. Nor does it detail what amounts to aid and comfort to an insurrection, he added.

While the Colorado justices deemed Trump's actions amounted to insurrection, Wagner said it's a dicey assumption to conclude other courts will do so as well.

"It's a difficult question to answer," he said.

U.S. Supreme Court likely to decide if Trump can run for president

But it's an important one for the U.S. Supreme Court to determine conclusively, said David Becker, executive director and founder of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Center for Election Innovation & Research.

"It is crucial for all Americans that the issue of Donald Trump's eligibility be resolved as soon as possible, whether or not he is a qualified candidate for the presidency," Becker said.

Becker pointed out that Republican Party officials and voters would be best served if the question is settled before they start casting votes, first during the Iowa caucuses scheduled for Jan. 15. In addition, election officials in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the territories also need an answer in due time so they can provide voters with accurate ballots.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event on December 19, 2023 in Waterloo, Iowa.

Although there are various ways to provide a clear answer for all, including an action by Congress, the optimal path is through the high court, he said.

"I will tell you that I believe that this matter is best resolved if the U.S. Supreme Court rules on it clearly, and definitively and quickly," Becker said. "And does so in plenty of time so all the parties can prepare accordingly."

Becker added that the entire legal debate over Trump and the 14th Amendment is "unprecedented," even though the high court did make a decisive ruling in the 2000 presidential election by striking down the Florida Supreme Court's own ruling on ballot counting. That controversial decision ended the recounts and paved the way for George W. Bush to win the state's electoral votes  and the presidency.

But Becker cautioned Bush v. Gore will have no bearing on the challenges to Trump's eligibility, despite the case also being decided on 14th Amendment grounds.

Becker said Bush v. Gore applied the amendment's equal protection clause to the way counties treated ballot counting, not the section on insurrection. Plus, he pointed out the Bush v. Gore ruling included "an unusual piece of language" that "expressly held that this was not to serve as precedent" and the 5-4 ruling only applied to the 2000 election case.

Trump and the 14th Amendment: Palm Beach County lawyer files legal challenge to disqualify Trump from 2024 presidential race

"I think it is very unlikely Bush v. Gore would have any application to this," he said of the Colorado case.

What seems very likely is that the justices will be presented with a final say on Trump's eligibility. Just hours after the Colorado decision was announced, Trump's campaign said it would appeal the ruling at the nation's highest court.

"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," read a statement by Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung. "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.

Appealing Colorado Supreme Court is high stakes for Trump and his campaign

An appeal by Trump would be among the highest stakes challenges ever to land at the U.S. Supreme Court. But banking on the high court to keep his name on the ballot in Colorado  and everywhere else  could be a risky move for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

While a favorable ruling from the American high court would secure his name on the ballot in the Mile High State, and across the country, an adverse ruling would be game over for Trump's 2024 presidential comeback.

Trump did not win Colorado's contested primary in 2016, and lost the state's electoral votes both in 2016 and 2020. Up until Tuesday, Trump had garnered favorable eligibility rulings from courts and decisions by election officials in key battleground states that might be jeopardized if he should lose at the U.S. Supreme Court.

For example, in Michigan, a state court judge ruled Trump should stay on the ballot in November, while the Minnesota Supreme Court tossed a challenge against him. In his home state of Florida, a federal judge also dismissed the challenge filed by Caplan in August.

But FAU's Wagner said the former president might not have a choice but to appeal.

Politically speaking, Wagner noted that Trump's brand depends on him being seen as a brawler, so letting the Colorado decision stand unanswered would look as if "he is conceding." In addition, allowing the Colorado ruling to stand would allow the ruling to become a precedent to be embraced as a "reliable authority for other courts" and "even a persuasive authority" for other states.

Finally, the Colorado justices also based their ruling on a finding that Trump engaged in insurrection, thus making the 14th Amendment applicable.

"The logic about whether or not the former president engaged in insurrection, which is what they found, I'm not sure that the former president can allow that to stand," Wagner said.

Caplan, the Boynton Beach attorney whose legal filing preceded dozens of other challenges, said he now doubts the high court wants to end up "being blamed" for deciding a presidential election, as the justices found in 2000. The high court may argue that the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause was aimed at Confederates and "was not designed to be a catch-all going forward 150 years later," he added.

"I'm not saying they are right. I'm saying that's what they are going to decide," he said.

Despite his pessimism, Caplan said he stands by the decision he made in August when he first filed his challenge.

"I don't have any regrets," he said. "I still feel that the reason that I filed it was valid."

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Lawyer who sued to disqualify Trump candidacy doubts effort will succeed
A man accused of trying to commit a robbery during a drug deal was killed when he pulled out a fake gun and threatened another man, a Florida sheriffs office said.

On Dec. 19, a Davenport man, 44, reached out to Robert Rafael Cruceta Pimentel, 31, to buy some marijuana, according to a Dec. 20 news release from the Polk County Sheriffs Office.

Pimentel had been the mans regular drug hookup for a while, Sheriff Grady Judd said in a Dec. 20 news conference, and the two arranged to meet.

The two agreed to meet up in the parking lot of the Tropicana Resort Motel, but before Pimentel arrived, he stopped at a nearby gas station, Judd said.

Harold Omar Sepulveda-Cruz, 33, had been in the car with Pimentel and told him he needed some quick cash and wanted to hit a lick, or rob someone, according to the sheriffs office.

The two men devised a plan, and Pimentel went to the resort parking lot on his own, Judd said.

The man who wanted to purchase drugs got into the passenger seat of Pimentels car, and the two began negotiating the sale, Judd said.

They agreed on a $140 purchase, but before money exchanged hands, Sepulveda-Cruz, who had walked over from the gas station, jumped into the back seat of the car, according to the sheriffs office.

Sepulveda-Cruz pulled out a fake gun, made out of a screwdriver duct taped to a block of wood, and held it up to the mans head and then hit him with it, demanding the drugs and the money, Judd said.

The sheriff said the man pleaded with Sepulveda-Cruz to not do this because he had kids and it was Christmastime, but Sepulveda-Cruz told him he was going to shoot him if he didnt hand over the money and marijuana.

The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a handgun, which he was carrying legally, and shot 10 times into the back seat where Sepulveda-Cruz sat, Judd said.

Sepulveda-Cruz was hit in the head and torso and died, Judd said.

Pimentel, who said nothing during the attempted robbery, and the buyer jumped out of the car and started making up a story, Judd said.

Pimentel grabbed the marijuana, the fake gun and Sepulveda-Cruzs identification and threw them over a nearby fence, the sheriff said.

But while that was happening, the buyer called 911 and told deputies he had shot someone when they tried to rob him, Judd said.

At this point in time, it certainly appears even though he was committing by buying a small amount of marijuana, he certainly was the victim of a (planned) robbery by his drug dealer and his drug dealers buddy, Judd said.

The man has not been charged with a crime, but an investigation is under way, the sheriffs office said.

The accused drug dealer, however, has been charged with second-degree murder and nine other drug-related charges, according to the sheriffs office, and is being held without bond, the sheriff said.

Davenport is about 35 miles southwest of Orlando.

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Hampton resident Ghana Smith doesnt live far from the Newport News Williamsburg Airport, but she almost never flies from there because of the lack of airline options or competitive prices.

I really feel bad about the airport in its current state because it has so much potential, Smith said. I feel like its just not being tapped into. And so, as a result, Im flying out of Norfolk, Im flying out of Richmond I have an airport thats 15 minutes from my house that I just cannot use. And thats sad.

Smith is one of many area residents who recently expressed disappointment over the state of the airport, where American Airlines is currently the only commercial carrier. However, airport officials hope to change course and set the airport on a path to success.

They are currently developing the Airport Master Plan  a document that guides the airports future for the next five to 20 years. Once complete, the master plan should detail anticipated large projects, air and passenger studies, and airport business forecasts.

Last week, airport executives and planners met with community members to discuss work on the master plan, including an assessment of the airports strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.

Experts cited competition from neighboring airports as one of the biggest threats. The airport has struggled in recent years and has essentially been squeezed out of the southeastern Virginia commercial air service market by larger airports in Norfolk and Richmond. The airport has seen a sharp decline in passengers  from more than 1 million travelers in 2012 to about 150,000 in fiscal year 2023.

Earlier this year, Avelo Airlines discontinued service from the regional hub, citing market factors that exceed the control of the airport or the Peninsula Airport Commission.

The airports commission fired Executive Director Mike Giardino, hoping that different leadership would bring more commercial air service. There was also a shake up of commission membership, with former Newport News City Council member Sharon Scott removed and replaced with business executive John Lawson II.

Speaking at the public input event held Dec. 14 at Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in City Center, Interim Executive Director John Borden said the airport is currently in discussions with multiple airlines in the hope of bringing more to the airport. However, he wouldnt speculate on when a new airline could be announced.

Weve continued to talk, weve continued to go to conferences, but theres nothing concrete yet, he said.

Newport News resident Roslyn Campbell, one of the attendees at last weeks meeting, said one airline is not satisfactory. While Campbell described American Airlines as a good airline, she said it is not enough for a town of our size.

Newport News resident Evette Young said the airport is a ghost town, and she often wonders how they are hanging on. She said she doesnt use the airport nearly as much as she used to due to reduced services.

Im really disappointed because the airport was thriving at one time, she said. It was really good.

Despite her frustrations, she said shes optimistic about the airports future and hopes the master plan comes to fruition.

I just dont want this place to go down, Young said. I want it to grow and to flourish, and I know that it can.

Despite only having one commercial carrier, the airport also derives revenue from general aviation traffic and hangar rentals, as people fly and charter smaller private planes.

Fabio Bendana of Passero Associates, which is helping develop the master plan, said one of the opportunities for the airport is the amount of land it owns. Officials said the airport has about 222 acres of available land that could be used for commercial development. Bendana mentioned hangar space and runways as potential uses for undeveloped land.

He described the existing airport terminal, which opened in 1992, as an aging facility. He said there is an opportunity to make improvements to the building to make it more welcoming to the community.

Lisa Cheung, a senior airport planner with Passero Associates, said the master plan will also take into consideration emerging technologies that are expected to shake up the industry  such as electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, which uses electric power to take off and land and would be better for the environment.

Borden said the airport may also consider concepts like pilotless planes when mapping out the future.

Officials at the public input event said the master plan process wont be finalized until 2024 or 2025. Bendana said its too early to definitively say how the airport will proceed until the process is finished.

Around 50 community members turned out for the event. Bendana said the most common feedback he heard from residents is that there should be more air service.

Im very glad to see a lot of people coming over, he said. Because I think its very important for the community to support and to use (the airport), because if you guys dont use it, its gonna disappear.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
New Yorks has an ambitious slate of road construction projects scheduled next year, including multi-billion-dollar efforts in the Bronx and Syracuse to undo the damage done to disadvantaged communities by highways built decades ago.

Here's a rundown of major projects you'll see start or continue in 2024.

Central New York

One of New York's centerpiece projects is the Interstate 81 Viaduct Project, a $2.25 billion, multi-year effort to reconnect downtown Syracuse neighborhoods severed when the viaduct was built in the 1950s and 1960s.

Construction started this year on the northern and southern interchanges of I-81 and I-481.

The project is overseen by the state Department of Transportation in partnership with the federal government.

At a July groundbreaking, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the project, decades in the making, would weave back together the neighborhoods that were torn apart decades ago  healing the wounds that have festered for far too long and creating more livable, affordable, and sustainable communities.

New York State Thruway workers repair the South Broadway overpass in South Nyack on Sept. 8, 2023, after an over-height truck struck the overpass on Aug. 31, 2023.

New York City

Meanwhile, in New York City, the third phase of a $1.7 billion project designed to cut down on pollution in the heavily-traveled Hunts Point section of the Bronx continues with the reconstruction of the Bruckner Expressway/Sheridan Boulevard interchange.

The entrance ramp to the northbound Sheridan Boulevard will be relocated from the left side to the right side of the highway.

The goal is to divert truck traffic from neighborhoods streets in a borough known for some of the highest asthma rates in the nation.

The upgrade will create a more direct route for trucks headed to the Hunts Point Market, home to a produce market that generates $2 billion in annual economic activity. Nearly 80,000 vehicles, including 13,000 trucks use local roads every day.

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Orange County

Late next year in Orange County, the state DOT begins the second phase of the State Route 17 Exit 122 Interchange Project. Safety and mobility on Route 17 will be improved near the interchange with Crystal Run Road and East Main Street in the town of Wallkill.

Monroe County

The bridges that carry I-490 over the Erie Canal and Kreag Road in the Town of Perinton (Monroe County) will be replaced.

Traffic on I-490 in Rochester on a snowy morning in November 2019.

Suffolk County

In Long Islands Suffolk County, the reconstruction of State Route 347 continues with the addition of a travel lane between Gibbs Pond Road and Hallock Road. Crosswalks, a shared-use path and bus stops will be added or upgraded.

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How about new projects on the New York State Thruway?

The Thruways New York Division, which includes Westchester, Orange and Rockland counties, has 30 projects totaling more than $330 million planned for the next three years.

Among them:

Nearly five miles of pavement along I-95 between Pelham Manor and Mamaroneck in Westchester County will be fixed.

In Orange County , 12 miles of pavement between Harriman and Newburgh will be repaired and replaced.

Five miles of pavement along I-87 in Ramapo (Rockland County) will also be repaired.

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Elsewhere:

In Albany, the eastbound deck on the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge on the New York State Thruway (I-90) Berkshire Spur will be replaced at a cost of around $35 million. The federal government is kicking in $21 million. (The replacement of the deck of the westbound travel lanes, along with steel repairs, was finished this year at a total cost of $47.6 million.)

In Western New York, 16 miles of I-90 between Dunkirk and West Portland in Chautauqua County will be fixed.

Nine miles of pavement on I-90 between Guilderland (Albany County) and Rotterdam (Schenectady County) will be replaced.

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How about ongoing Thruway projects?

There's a $61.8 billion pavement improvement project along a four-mile stretch of I-95 in the Bronx and Westchester. Eleven bridges will be rehabilitated, and two pedestrian bridges will be replaced.

Also:

A $13.9 million project to extend the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge side path to Lyndhurst Mansion along South Broadway (Route 9) in Tarrytown . The project includes construction of a pedestrian bridge over I-87.

Replacement of the North Avenue bridge over I-95 in New Rochelle at a cost of $31.8 million.

The New York State Thruway Plattekill service area opened for business on May 3, 2023.

How are the Thruway service areas coming along?

The $450 million project to modernize the Thruways 27 rest stops continues next year.

As of October, twelve service areas had reopened: Seneca, Pembroke, New Baltimore, Clarence, Ardsley, Plattekill, Clifton Springs, Iroquois, Indian Castle, Chittenango and Junius Ponds.

The New York State Thruway Plattekill service area opened for business May 3, 2023. Featuring Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Applegreen Market Store. Said to open soon are Panera Bread and Auntie Anneas.

Construction on 12 other rest stops has already begun. When work is completed, 23 of the 27 will be rebuilt and the remaining four get upgrades.

Among the new features are outdoor seating, Taste NY farm markets, picnic and play areas.

No two consecutive service areas in the same direction will be closed at the same time.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY road projects: Which highways will get an upgrade in 2024?
A website founded by a former US Marine who now lives in Russia has fuelled a rumour that Volodymyr Zelensky purchased two luxury yachts with American aid money.

Despite the false claim, the disinformation plot was successful. It took off online and was echoed by members of the US Congress making crucial decisions about military spending.

It was an incredible assertion - using two advisers as proxies, Mr Zelensky paid $75m (59m) for two yachts.

But not only has the Ukrainian government flatly denied the story, the two ships in question have not even been sold.

Despite being false, the story reached members of the US Congress, where leaders say any decision on further aid to Ukraine will be delayed until next year.

Some are vehemently opposed to further support.

On X, formerly Twitter, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said: "Anyone who votes to fund Ukraine is funding the most corrupt money scheme of any foreign war in our country's history."

She linked to a story containing the yacht rumour.

Tom Tillis, a Republican Senator and a supporter of military aid to Ukraine, spoke to CNN shortly after senators held a closed-door meeting with Mr Zelensky last week.

"I think the notion of corruption came up because some have said we can't do it, because people will buy yachts with the money," Mr Tillis said. "[Mr Zelensky] disabused people of those notions."

Mr Tillis has butted heads with another Republican Senator, J D Vance, who has also mentioned Mr Zelensky and ships in the same breath.

While discussing budget priorities on a podcast hosted by former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon, Mr Vance said: "There are people who would cut Social Security, throw our grandparents into poverty, why? So that one of Zelensky's ministers can buy a bigger yacht?"

Although the yacht rumour is false, the BBC has discovered the story was given a major boost by a Russia-linked website that pretends to be located in Washington.

It is, researchers say, a "likely purpose-built tool for narrative laundering with links to the Russian government".

The 'Washington' website with roots in Russia

The story first emerged in late November on an obscure YouTube channel - one with only a handful of followers and just a single video in its feed.

The next day, it was picked up by a site called DC Weekly, alongside pictures of the two yachts - called Lucky Me and My Legacy - and documents purportedly confirming the sale of the boats to Zelensky's associates.

But the luxury yacht brokers where both vessels are listed for sale said that the allegations are false. The sales documents appear to be forgeries. And instead of having been purchased by Zelensky or his close advisers, both Lucky Me and My Legacy are still up for sale.

The DC Weekly story touched off a blaze of online speculation, with multiple sources linking to the story and content citing the story across multiple platforms.

However, the site is not, as the name implies, a weekly publication - nor is it based in the US capital.

Research by Darren Linvill and Patrick Warren, disinformation researchers at Clemson University, shows that DC Weekly was started by John Mark Dougan, a former US Marine and Florida police officer who moved to Russia in 2016.

Mr Dougan spent three years as a deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's office, then after he left in 2009 he started a website spreading rumours about his former employers.

Since moving to Russia he has reinvented himself as a journalist covering the invasion of Ukraine, and has spread a number of false and baseless claims - for example that Russia was attempting to destroy biological weapons labs.

DC Weekly, the Clemson researchers discovered, is full of news stories copied from other sites and rewritten by artificial intelligence engines. The site's "reporters" have fake names along with headshots copied from elsewhere on the internet.

Mixed in with the rewritten stories - apparently designed to give the site a sheen of legitimacy - are dubious original reports.

One such story was the origin of the yacht claim, and the Clemson researchers tracked how the story spread widely after DC Weekly published its version.

Evidence collected by the researchers indicates that the site continued to be connected to the same server as several of Mr Dougan's other websites. BBC Verify also found that part of the DC Weekly website is hosted on a server in Moscow.

Earlier this year Mr Dougan was identified as being a DC Weekly commentator when he gave several talks at an academy affiliated with the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"It is pretty obvious to me that Dougan has been involved with DC Weekly for a long time, and remains connected to the infrastructure behind it," Mr Warren said.

Mr Dougan said via text message that he "emphatically denies these assertions", and that he sold DC Weekly for $3,000 several years ago. He said he does not recall the person he sold it to and has lost the paperwork due to being kicked off payment platforms and losing access to email accounts because of financial sanctions against Russia. He says he has nothing to do with the site's current operations.

The researchers say the site is part of a much larger pro-Russia propaganda machine.

"Whether this one particular guy is behind it doesn't really matter much," Mr Warren said. "The key point is that it is an important element in a very substantial and effective pro-Russian influence operation that needs to be exposed and understood."

The Ukrainian President's Office said of the DC Weekly story: "All information in this article is fake. Zelensky and his family members do not and did not have any yachts."

Mr Tillis and Ms Greene were contacted for comment.

A spokesperson for Mr Vance said: "For years, everyone in the West recognised that Ukraine was one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Somehow everyone forgot that just as we started sending them billions of dollars in foreign aid."

Costume jewellery

The yacht story piles fictional stories onto existing concerns about corruption, which has been a long-running problem in Ukraine. Tackling it is one of the tests the country would have to pass to join Western institutions like the European Union.

According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, Ukraine ranks 116th out of 180 countries, although efforts in recent years have seen its position significantly improve.

But the attention given to the country's real and ongoing corruption issues has been mild compared to online chatter over false stories backed up by fake documents and shadowy social media accounts.

In October, a widely shared claim on social media stated that President Zelensky's wife spent a fortune on jewellery in New York while the Ukrainian president was in the city speaking to the United Nations.

The woman claimed Mrs Zelenska got her fired, before brandishing a fake $1.1m receipt

Like the yacht rumour, this claim originated on a YouTube channel with very few followers and just one video. The video featured a woman who said she is from Benin. She claimed to work at Cartier on New York's Fifth Avenue.

The woman showed a receipt dated 22 September, with Mrs Zelensky's name on it and a bill for $1.1m for a bracelet, earrings and a necklace.

Facial recognition tools threw up a close match between the woman in the video and photos from social media profiles of a woman who lives in St Petersburg, Russia. When we looked at the pictures of the woman it appeared to be the same person as the one in the YouTube video.

The story went viral on Facebook, TikTok and Telegram. Russia's UK embassy X account shared it with the comment: "Best use of UK taxpayers money ever".

But the receipt is a clear fake. By 21 September, Mr and Mrs Zelensky had left New York and travelled to Canada.

One English-language site was instrumental in spreading the rumour - DC Weekly.

BBC Verify and the Clemson researchers found a number of DC Weekly articles posted between August and December this year that followed the same pattern.

The articles falsely alleged that Prince Andrew made a secret visit to Ukraine, that Ukraine provided weapons to Hamas, that an American non-profit organisation harvested organs in Ukraine and that Zelensky's administration allowed Western companies to use Ukrainian farmland for disposal of toxic waste.

Stories on DC Weekly were often published within days after allegations first appeared on YouTube.

In addition to DC Weekly, some of the allegations - including those about Cartier jewellery and yachts - also appeared on several pro-Kremlin English-language websites as well as legitimate news websites in Africa that accept "sponsored" (paid-for) content.

Some of the stories were picked up by other outlets and accounts. But with the story about the yachts, the people behind DC Weekly appear to have achieved a level of success that had previously eluded them - their allegations being repeated by some of the most powerful people in the US Congress.

Additional reporting by Paul Myers

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Armenia has been ordering more weapons, turning to France and India for air-defense systems.

Armenia is a longtime ally of Russia, but it has leaned away from Moscow in recent years.

With its focus on Ukraine, Russia has offered Armenia little help in its conflicts with Azerbaijan.

In recent weeks, Armenia has ordered air-defense systems and radars from France and was reported to have ordered anti-drone systems from India.

Those orders come amid heightened tensions with neighboring Azerbaijan, with which Armenia has fought several conflicts, including a short clash in September that ended with Azerbaijan conquering the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, causing its 120,000 ethnic-Armenian residents to flee.

The acquisitions are notable not only for their timing but also because they show Armenia is taking tangible steps to lessen its dependency on military hardware from Russia, a longtime ally that has offered Yerevan little support against mounting pressure from Azerbaijan.

Armenia's six-week war with Azerbaijan in 2020 captured worldwide attention for Azerbaijan's use of aerial drones. At a press conference to announce the sale in October, France's defense minister said air defenses were "absolutely key" and that Paris was aiding Yerevan with sales of three Thales GM 200 radars and an agreement on the future delivery of short-range Mistral air-defense missiles.

An Azerbaijani image of Azerbaijan's forces destroying an Armenian antiaircraft system in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2020. Azerbaijan Defense Ministry via AP

"Armenia's choice to order air-defense systems from France is a significant one," James Rogers, an expert on drones and precision warfare, told Business Insider. "Not only does it highlight to Russia that Armenia has options when it comes to defense cooperation, but it marks a major leap forward in Armenia's attempts to modernize its military."

Reports in early November indicated Yerevan was also buying more weaponry from India, including Zen anti-drone systems, which are designed to detect and bring down enemy drones. Armenia previously bought four Indian-made Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers in 2022, the first foreign order of that system.

Nicholas Heras, the senior director of strategy and innovation at the New Lines Institute, told Business Insider that Armenia was advancing its foreign and national security policies on two tracks.

"One track is to build defense alliances with more powerful outside actors in Eurasia, and the second track is to improve the Armenian military's ability to defend against Azeri airpower in tactical engagements," Heras said. "India, in particular, is a prized defense partner with Armenia because India has a large defense industry that can also arm and improve Russian weapons platforms which Armenia deploys."

Weapons captured from Armenian forces in the Karabakh War on display at a park in Baku, Azerbaijan, in September. Ozkan Bilgin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Armenia's military arsenal has long been predominantly Russian, but Yerevan has attempted to change that as its relations with Moscow have soured, especially after its devastating defeat in the 2020 war, during which Azerbaijan used Israeli- and Turkish-made weapons.

Russia has failed to aid Armenia despite Yereven's membership in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization. In addition to being tied down by the war in Ukraine, Russia is most likely irked by Armenia moving closer to Washington and the West under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who has long questioned the value of CSTO membership.

"Armenia's partnership with Russia is at a low ebb, and Pashinyan is pushing forward, slowly but surely, to bring Armenia closer to NATO, including the prospect of normalizing Armenia's relations with Turkey," Heras said.

Heras added that over the past two years, the US had been sending "a strong signal" that it "would like to test out the prospect for a more strategic US-Armenian security relationship."

US and Armenian soldiers during Eagle Partner at a training area in Armenia in September. US Army/Spc. Andrew Mendoza

Washington and Yerevan seemed to demonstrate mutual interest in closer defense relations in September when Armenia hosted a bilateral exercise focused on training for peacekeeping operations.

Eighty-five US troops trained alongside 175 Armenia personnel during the drill, which was "a testament to our longstanding partnership with Armenia and builds upon decades of successful peacekeeping and security cooperation," the US Embassy in Armenia said in a statement.

Russia, predictably, opposed the exercise, and Yerevan has kept its distance since then. Pashinyan skipped the organization's summit in mid-November, a move Russia accused the West of orchestrating.

Armenia under Pashinyan has tried to move away from Russia "by building a web of strategic partnerships," Heras said. "Fundamentally, Pashinyan does not want to depend on Russia to ensure Armenia's territorial integrity and security, and his effort to build the relationship with the United States works toward this goal."

Acquiring weaponry from other countries serves a similar purpose, but Armenia's recent purchases also reflect the sensitivity of its international position.

A refugee from Nagorno-Karabakh in Goris, Armenia, in September. ANTHONY PIZZOFERRATO/Middle East Images /AFP via Getty Images

The Mistral missile has a relatively short range of 4 miles, suggesting the sale is meant to bolster Armenia's arsenal but was made with potential political backlash in mind. Turkey has criticized French arms sales to Yerevan. (Azerbaijan has also criticized the recent French and Indian arms sales to Armenia.)

Rogers said that "range is important in war" and that it enabled strikes on a wider set of targets. "In order not to destabilize the region or risk an outbreak of hostilities, therefore, Armenia and France have agreed to these short-range yet effective air-defense systems."

Heras said that the main quandary facing Armenian foreign policy was it could not afford to sever ties with Russia despite recent tensions, but it also could not trust Russia to intervene on its side if there's another war with Azerbaijan. The need to strike a balance between Russia and new partners while bolstering its small military with limited resources complicates Armenia's task.

"Armenia needs to purchase weapons that improve its ability to pursue a 'porcupine strategy,'" making itself a more threatening target for Azerbaijan if the two countries go to war again, Heras said.

Buying French and Indian short-range air-defense weapons that could be used by small infantry units is "a potentially cost-effective way to impose higher costs on Azerbaijan's drone airpower," Heras added.

Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history. His articles have appeared in a variety of publications focused on the region.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Understanding the Next Dividend Payout for Vail Resorts Inc (NYSE:MTN)

Vail Resorts Inc (NYSE:MTN) recently announced a dividend of $2.06 per share, payable on 2024-01-09, with the ex-dividend date set for 2023-12-22. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Vail Resorts Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does Vail Resorts Inc Do?

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Vail Resorts Inc is a leading resorts and casinos company that specializes in mountain resorts and ski areas. With three primary business segmentsMountain, Lodging, and Real Estatethe company caters to a wide range of leisure activities and accommodation services. Its mountain resorts are renowned for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, as well as summer activities such as hiking and mountain biking. Vail Resorts Inc's Lodging segment provides hospitality services, while its Real Estate division focuses on property development and leasing, primarily in proximity to its resorts. Predominantly, the company's revenue streams are concentrated within the United States.

Vail Resorts Inc's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at Vail Resorts Inc's Dividend History

Vail Resorts Inc has upheld a steadfast dividend payment history since 2011, with dividends issued quarterly to shareholders. This regular distribution reflects the company's commitment to returning value to its investors. To better understand the trend, investors can refer to the chart illustrating the annual Dividends Per Share, which tracks Vail Resorts Inc's dividend performance over time.

Breaking Down Vail Resorts Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth

Vail Resorts Inc currently boasts a trailing dividend yield of 3.64% and a forward dividend yield of 3.72%. This forward-looking yield indicates an anticipated increase in dividend payments over the next 12 months. Additionally, the company has experienced an impressive annual dividend growth rate of 14.60% over the past three years. When considering the dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost for Vail Resorts Inc stock stands at approximately 3.64%.

Story continues

Vail Resorts Inc's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

The sustainability of Vail Resorts Inc's dividend is often gauged by examining the dividend payout ratio. As of October 31, 2023, the ratio is 1.46, which could raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of the company's dividend. However, Vail Resorts Inc's profitability rank is an encouraging 8 out of 10, signifying strong earnings potential compared to its industry peers. The company's consistent positive net income over the past decade further reinforces its profitability status.

Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

Vail Resorts Inc's growth prospects are also a critical factor for dividend sustainability. With a growth rank of 8 out of 10, the company's growth trajectory appears robust. Its revenue per share and a 3-year revenue growth rate of 14.80% annually outperform 84.03% of global competitors, indicating a strong revenue model. The company's 3-year EPS growth rate of 35.10% annually surpasses 72.78% of global competitors, showcasing its earning growth capacity. However, the 5-year EBITDA growth rate of -2.10% is less impressive but still outperforms 39.51% of global competitors.

Next Steps

In conclusion, while Vail Resorts Inc's dividend payments and growth rate present an attractive proposition, the high payout ratio may raise questions about dividend sustainability. However, the company's strong profitability and growth metrics offer reassurance about its financial health. Investors should consider these factors in the context of their investment strategy and risk appetite. For those seeking high-dividend yield opportunities, GuruFocus Premium provides a valuable tool with the High Dividend Yield Screener.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

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As Abby Mira of Franklin doled out servings of pancit, a Filipino noodle dish, to a long line of hungry churchgoers last weekend, she relished the joy and comfort that this time of year brings.

For the nine days of Simbang Gabi, a series of celebrations for Filipino Catholics leading up to Christmas, Mira loves that the community gathers together to pray and sing at Mass and then catches up afterward over a meal.

"To see them really happy, being together, eating  this is Filipino culture. This is how we gather," she said. "It's wonderful."

For about 25 years, Filipino-Americans in the Milwaukee area have prepared for Christmas by celebrating the tradition of Simbang Gabi. The Masses and subsequent receptions are a chance to reconnect with old friends, introduce children to Filipino culture and step away from the chaos of the holiday season.

"The nine days are really my Christmas Day rather than Christmas Day itself," said Father Agustin Orosa, the spiritual director of the Filipino Catholic ministry in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He is also the president of the Wauwatosa-based St. Camillus Health System.

Orosa, the youngest of seven, moved from the Philippines nearly 30 years ago and doesn't have any family in the U.S.

"The Filipino community in Simbang Gabi becomes my bigger family," he said.

More: Last call for holiday shows and other things to do in Milwaukee during Christmas weekend

More: Milwaukee-area restaurants open Christmas 2023 for dine-in or takeout

Services draw Filipino community together like a 'magnet'

In the Philippines, the Masses take place in the predawn hours, often around 4 a.m., a legacy of the days when farmers and fishermen had rise early to work.

Here in Milwaukee, they are often scheduled for more regular hours  weeknight evenings and weekend afternoons  at nine churches across the area. Each day, a different group handles cooking and serving the food.

Following the Dec. 16 Mass at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Greendale, the second day of Simbang Gabi, Mira and her 4-year-old daughter Kaira wore festive red dresses and aprons and served food with the Philippine Nurses Association of Wisconsin.

"This is the only time that we will see a lot of Filipinos" throughout the year, she said.

Abby Mira of Franklin and her 4-year-old daughter Kaira Mira prepare to lead the procession of the second of nine Masses for Simbang Gabi on Saturday December 16, at St. Alphonsus Parish 2023 in Greendale, Wis. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

About 20,000 people identify as Filipino in Wisconsin, according to 2020 census data. It is the fourth-largest Asian ethnicity in the state behind Hmong, Indian and Chinese. About 6,700 people identify as Filipino in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties.

The community doesn't tend to be concentrated in one area of town or at one church. But everyone is drawn together by Simbang Gabi, said Elsie Gonzales of New Berlin.

"The church is like a magnet for people to see each other," she said.

The friendliness from everyone Gonzales encounters at the services "brings back memories from back home," she said.

Gonzales was there with her 12-year-old daughter as well as her cousin, Leila Ledesma, and her two children, ages 9 and 11. The women want to make sure their children carry forward their heritage and close-knit sense of community.

"My fear is that the next generation might not be that close anymore," Gonzales said.

The celebrations were also a chance for newcomers to make friends in the community.

That was the hope for Erick and Eden Orille, who recently moved to Caledonia after raising their children for the last two decades in Kansas. They hoped Simbang Gabi would ease the "hard transition" to a new state.

Also feeling welcomed were two math teachers in an exchange program who recently arrived from the Philippines. As they ate lunch in the St. Alphonsus parish hall, Sherwin June Ramirez and Maybelle Villar said it was a bit like they were home again.

"It can be challenging on our end since we are still adjusting," said June Ramirez, a father of two. But, he said, he's been grateful for the support of the Filipino community.

More: Catholic faithful pack south-side church to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe in lively late-night service

Simbang Gabi serves as spiritual preparation for Christmas

(Left) Jereza Guintu of Wauwatosa and (right) Corazon Tulod of Greenfield sing during the second of nine Masses for Simbang Gabi on Saturday December 16, at St. Alphonsus Parish 2023 in Greendale, Wis. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A volunteer choir at the St. Alphonsus Mass sang songs in the Filipino language, each member dressed in a colorful, sparkly tunic. And after the Mass ended, the congregation clapped and sang along to traditional Christmas carols, some filming with phone cameras to capture the nostalgia they felt for the music.

A light-up decoration representing the traditional parol, or lantern, common in Simbang Gabi services stood behind Orosa and two fellow priests: Father Arturo Ysmael  the only other Filipino priest in the archdiocese  and Father Anthoni Jeorge, a St. Alphonsus pastor who previously worked in the Philippines.

(Left to right) Father Arturo Ysmael, Father Agustin Orosa, president of the St. Camillus Health System, Father Anthoni Jeorge, associate pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, to lead the second of nine Masses for Simbang Gabi on Saturday December 16, at St. Alphonsus Parish 2023 in Greendale, Wis. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Orosa attributes the longevity of the event in Milwaukee to parishioners' strong faith. The Philippines is a devoutly Catholic nation, and Simbang Gabi is one of the most important religious traditions in the country.

"There's this longing to go back to the Philippines, especially during Christmas," Orosa said. "The only way to really do to that is to replicate the way we celebrate Christmas there by having Simbang Gabi here."

Jaime Soriano, a liaison with the archdiocese's Filipino Catholic ministry, doesn't like to miss any of the nine days. It's part of his schedule, he said, and a key part of the way he prepares spiritually for Christmas.

The final Simbang Gabi service occurs on Dec. 23. By then, he has spent nine days praying for his Christmas wishes and thinking about what the holiday means to him.

By Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, "I am very happy. I am at peace," he said.

Angelica Varona Camara, another Filipino Catholic ministry liaison, enjoys the calm of Christmas after nine lively days of socializing.

"It's more quiet, you're with your family. You reflect on what you had just gone through," she said. "It gives you that time to think about what Christmas is all about."

Parents said they are eager to celebrate Simbang Gabi with their children. Far from the Philippines and surrounded by American culture, it's a way to keep their cherished custom alive for future generations.

"Its a beautiful tradition," Varona Camara said. "It's something that we can hand down to them."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's Filipino Catholics celebrate Simbang Gabi before Christmas
Aaron Smith stands in the doorway of his family's former rental home at 214 E. Irvington Ave. in South Bend. The family was evicted this November after finding out they'd fallen victim to a rental scam and had paid $1,600 to a fraudulent landlord.

SOUTH BEND  At the start of this year, Kayli Miller and her husband, Aaron Smith, moved into a house on the southeast side that seemed almost impossibly ideal.

The couple had longed to raise their four children somewhere other than the long-troubled Miami Hills Apartments, a public housing complex for low-income renters. The family lived there until February, when Kayli found what seemed like an escape hatch: a Facebook listing for a newly remodeled two-story home at 214 E. Irvington Ave.

The proposed rent of just $800 a month seemed hard to beat. Miller reached out to a man who had made the listing under the name Travis Ford. He provided a code to a lockbox on the door so the couple could let themselves in and tour the space. They signed a digital lease that same day, sending the man $1,600 to cover the first month's rent and a security deposit.

Better Business Bureau: Rental scams prey on overwhelmed movers

Days before this Christmas, however, the couple and their five children  including a daughter born in late September  found themselves living in a spare room at a friend's house, jammed together in only two beds. They're paying to keep nearly everything they own in storage. Christmas presents for the kids are a fantasy.

Over the course of multiple eviction hearings this year, the family learned that they'd fallen victim to an unusual housing scam and would be forced to leave their new home at the end of November by the property's rightful owner, a New York-based real estate investment firm using variations of the name SFR3.

The two-story, three-bedroom home at 214 E. Irvington Ave. that Aaron Smith and Kayli Miller rented after finding it on a fraudulent Facebook listing. The property is owned by SFR3-040 LLC.

Travis Ford, according to St. Joseph County Judge Eric Tamashasky, appears to be a "charlatan." He somehow obtained the code to the lockbox and posed on Facebook as the property's rightful owner. Then he stopped answering the family's calls and messages.

You became the victim of somebody from Facebook who rented a place they didnt have the right to rent," Tamashasky told Miller during an Oct. 30 eviction hearing. SFR3 "became the victim of this person from Facebook because now theyve got a person who they didnt rent to in their rental.

Advocates say owner bears some responsibility

According to local tenants' rights advocates and news reports from other cities, the family isn't alone.

Several other St. Joseph County tenants in SFR3's properties have noted a similar pattern, advocates say. The South Bend Housing Authority began alerting tenants to a scam, said Lori Wallace, who manages the Housing Choice Voucher program. And more than two dozen of SFR3's many eviction filings in St. Joseph County this year listed "unknown occupants" as the defendant, which typically signaled that someone might be unlawfully living in the home.

Advocates dispute the judge's notion that SFR3, which owns about 250 homes in St. Joseph County, bears no responsibility for allowing the scam to occur under its watch.

Indiana law requires landlords to employ a property manager and a registered business agent who is actually in Indiana. SFR3's main property manager, American Avenue Property Management, is headquartered in New York.

But the Indiana Secretary of State's business registry shows that American Avenue meets the in-state requirement by paying an annual fee to a firm called Indiana Registered Agent. The firm's stated purpose is to allow out-of-state businesses to operate in Indiana by registering at its Fort Wayne office.

During eviction hearings, a representative from American Avenue always appeared via telephone on behalf of the landlord. Most local property managers show up in person, often with an attorney, to make their case.

The firm's local attorney, Bruce Huntington, made clear that he had not visited the properties before filing to evict the tenants.

Representatives from American Avenue and SFR3 are "not in the state. Theyre not really on the ground talking with whoevers there. Theyre not talking with their attorney in person in any way," said Katherine Wines, a legal navigator for Pro Bono Indiana who has watched hundreds of eviction hearings this year. "I feel like their knowledge is kind of abstract.

A property owned by SFR3-070 LLC at 1042 Lawndale Ave. appears to have been lived in recently. Advocates worry about how well out-of-state landlords monitor rental properties.

Darwin Homes, the firm SFR3 originally hired to manage properties like the house on Irvington, followed a similar arrangement. Though it's headquartered in Texas, Darwin lists its registered business agent as Vcorp LLC, a firm that holds an Indianapolis address.

SFR3 parted ways with Darwin Homes this spring. A similar scam involving both companies was reported this February by the Kansas City Star, and tenants in Peoria, Ill., were outraged to have received notices to vacate from Darwin late last year.

The scam seems directly related to Darwin's policy of allowing prospective tenants to tour properties on their own using a one-time access code. Though the company boasts that this practice speeds up its turnover of rentals, it may also allow scammers to pose as renters, obtain an access code and post a fraudulent rental listing online in search of desperate victims.

I do think the company bears some responsibility for this," said Judy Fox, a retired Notre Dame Law School professor who spent much of her career defending tenants' rights. "They might say, 'Oh, we had nothing to do with it.' But it's their negligence that's causing it to happen.

Fox continued: You basically opened the candy store and said to the bad guys: 'Oh, don't eat any of the candy.' I mean, it was just too easy."

SFR3 owns thousands of homes nationwide

Darwin Homes did not return an emailed request for comment sent last week, and a representative reached by phone said he couldn't connect a reporter with company leaders.

Reached by phone, Joanna DeLong, director of product operations for SFR3, told The Tribune: "Unfortunately, we just have a company policy of we dont talk to reporters.

The Tribune this week sent a detailed request for comment to Huntington, the company's South Bend-based attorney, about its leasing practices and its opinion as to whether it bears responsibility for allowing the scam to happen.

Huntington said in an email that the companies decline to comment. He defended American Avenue for its practice of waiving damages hearings after evicting tenants, which means tenants don't owe the property manager any money and can work with groups like the Volunteer Lawyer Network to seal their evictions.

Tamashasky, the judge in Miller and Smith's case, said he shared Huntington's belief that the landlord was generous to waive tenants' damages hearings.

Fox said she's concerned about large, out-of-state companies like SFR3 buying up swaths of cheap homes in communities like South Bend.

The company brands itself as a "boutique real estate investment fund," with plans to acquire $2.5 billion of single-family homes by 2024. It owns more than 11,000 homes in more than two dozen metros, according to its website, and it specializes in renovating dilapidated homes.

But Fox said she's learned of habitability issues across the state as a result of landlords who simply aren't around.

A printed copy of the fraudulent lease that Aaron Smith and Kayli Miller signed to move into their rental home at 214 E. Irvington Ave.

Smith and Miller say that crews came to mow the grass and fix the air conditioning while their family was living at the home. But the couple said the workers weren't even sure of the landlord's name.

Family reels after eviction

Once eviction proceedings began, Miller said, she tried to negotiate with the rightful owner to form a legitimate lease for $1,350 a month, the determined market rate.

I tried to say I would stay and pay the rent, but they dont want to process me in the house," Miller told The Tribune. "And they never even came by to see the house or nothing.

Reached by phone last week while he watched after his newborn girl in the cramped bedroom, Smith said he's trying to be grateful where he can.

Yes, he may have been laid off from his job this fall. But at least he doesn't have to pay hundreds of dollars a week for his family to stay in a hotel room, he says.

At least they aren't outside on the street or split up in different homeless shelters.

At least three of his kids go to school for a reprieve from reality at home. At least his oldest child is only 9, meaning none of them, thanks to their youth, fully comprehend their family's crisis.

Raised on the south side of Chicago, Smith said he's used to finding ways to survive. He was kicked out of his house as a teenager. He's slept in hallways and cars and abandoned homes.

"I've been homeless before," Smith said. "But now I have kids, and so it's a little more on the brain than just having to worry about yourself.

"You have little bodies that youve gotta worry about.

Tips for avoiding online rental scams

If you spot a scam, whether you've lost money or not, report it to the Indiana Attorney General's office at https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer-protection-division/. You can also report it to the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker. Your story could help others avoid similar scams.

Here are recommendations from the Federal Trade Commission and local experts on how to avoid online rental scams:

Do some research. Search online for the management company's name plus words like "review," "complaint," or "scam." Bad reviews may be a sign to look elsewhere.

Verify who and what. Call the number on the management company's website  not the one in the listing  to ensure the listing agent actually works there. Check to see whether the company lists the home on its website.

Learn who owns the property. By entering a property address into the Michiana Area Council of Governments' property viewer, you can verify who owns any property in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. Make sure any property manager or listed agent is working on behalf of the rightful owner.

Visit the rental unit in person. Make sure the space is available as advertised. Ask the listing agent for a guided in-person tour.

Pay by credit card. Scammers often will insist that you pay with cash or through payment apps like CashApp, Venmo or Zelle. All of these methods make it unlikely you'll get your money back. If the landlord insists you pay a fee or deposit before they show you the place, keep looking.

Email South Bend Tribune city reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Rental scams in South Bend linked to out-of-state company SFR3
All students deserve equal access to education and the public schools in our community must be open, equitable portals to opportunity. Since 2020, Catalyst: Bremerton, Kitsap Countys only charter public school, has provided K-8 students a tuition-free, open to all, non-profit public school option alongside our areas traditional public schools. As co-founders and school leaders of Catalyst: Bremerton, we join our community in celebrating the recent decision by the Washingtons Charter School Commission giving us the ability to offer a high school option beginning with ninth grade in the 2024-25 school year. Our students and families are eager to continue with their peers and also signals the Commissions confidence in our ability to deliver a quality public school option. We take our educational and regulatory responsibilities seriously and are glad to see the Commission recognize that we have met the high standards our students deserve. At the same time, we know that unless all of our public school students get the same access to funding as students in district public schools, we are only partially fulfilling the promise of equitable education in Washington.

Catalyst: Bremerton is a place where each student, regardless of their background, is known, loved, and challenged and prepared to excel in college and/or a career. Following two years of dialogue with community leaders and families, we welcomed students to our classrooms in 2020. While charter public schools must follow the same rules as their traditional public school peers, they face a higher standard of regulatory oversight in exchange for greater flexibility in their curriculum.

Opened in fall 2020, the Catalyst Public Schools in Bremerton is the first charter school in Kitsap County.

Our teaching model, led by certified teachers adhering to the same national standards as their colleagues in traditional public schools, ensures that scholars are future-ready. With co-taught classrooms, a focus on small-group, student-led instruction, and integrated academics, scholars learn in school the way successful adults learn in life. During classes such as Sunrise and Change Maker Space, scholars develop social-emotional skills and explore challenges in their community, work with local experts, and advance new solutions. At our school, we help all students pursue their dreams and carve out opportunity based on their interests and their talent.

Charter public schools are subject to strict requirements overseen by multiple public agencies, such as the Charter School Commission, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Auditors Office. If we do not meet the terms of our charter, we can be closed. Thats why we are proud of the affirmation not just to expand to serve high school students, but also of the academic outcomes captured in the recent Smarter Balanced Assessment, an annual evaluation of all public school students in Grades 3, 8 and 10. Our students scored higher than statewide averages in Math and Science. In particular, low-income students, students with disabilities and Latinx students at Catalyst: Bremerton had higher rates of proficiency than statewide overages of their demographically similar peers in Math and English Language Arts (ELA)  Latinx students at our school demonstrated two times the rate of proficiency then their peers in our local district on Math and ELA assessments. These assessments are not a competition. Schools and teachers should never be pitted against each other in their concurrent service to students. Instead, these outcomes validate that for students who need a different public school option, Washingtons charter public schools can be a promising place for them to thrive.

More: Bremerton charter school Catalyst expanding to add high school classes

We do not take student success for granted. We proudly serve more than 500 K-8 students and are hopeful to offer an eventual opportunity to continue their education in our classrooms up to 12th grade. But despite our commitment to our community-generated and nurtured approach to education, work remains to ensure all Washington public school students receive equitable funding support. Unfortunately, charter public schools cant access local levy funding. There has been some short-term progress in Olympia to close this gap, but a permanent, equity-centered fix benefiting all public school classrooms has yet to be adopted by the Legislature.

As we strive to ensure all students in our diverse communities statewide have the same opportunities to succeed, I hope the success of students at charter public schools like ours inspires a commitment to close the funding gap and ensure access to opportunity is a reality in our state.

Amanda Gardner and Tatiana Epanchin are co-founders of Catalyst: Bremerton, a charter public school in Bremerton serving K-8 students. They currently serve as the heads of the elementary and middle schools at Catalyst: Bremerton and have lived in Kitsap County for nearly a decade.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Success at Catalyst Bremerton is reason to support charter schools
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Hays County, speaks during a Ron DeSantis campaign appearance Tuesday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Roy's support for the Florida governor in the GOP presidential race has drawn the ire of rival candidate former President Donald Trump.

Former President Donald Trump's call for a Republican primary challenger to go after U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Hays County, came a week after the filing deadline had passed, drawing ridicule from some conservatives.

"Has any smart and energetic Republican in the Great State of Texas decided to run in the Primary against RINO Congressman Chip Roy," Trump wrote Monday in a Truth Social post. "For the right person, he is very beatable. If interested, let me know!!!"

Roy will run unopposed in the GOP primary in March for Texas' 21st Congressional District after no challenger filed before the Dec. 11 deadline.

The Texas Republican likely drew Trump's ire for openly supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a GOP presidential candidate running against Trump, during campaign stops in Iowa over the weekend and on Fox News on Monday evening.

Roy took advantage of Trump's attack to further emphasize his support for DeSantis during an interview with Steve Deace, a BlazeTV talk show host, ahead of more campaign events for DeSantis on Tuesday morning.

"It's just more of the same out of the Trump camp," Roy told Deace. "Ron DeSantis, he's not in it for show; he's not worried about going after some congressman on Twitter, saying that somebody should primary him."

In a tweet defending Roy on Tuesday, DeSantis noted that representative from Texas is one of the most conservative members in Congress.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Hays County, speak with the press Tuesday in Iowa.

But Roy has been on Trump's blacklist since he and a handful of other Republicans voted against overturning the 2020 presidential election results on Jan. 6, 2021. Roy also called Trump's conduct on Jan. 6 "clearly impeachable", though he did not vote to impeach the former president.

In May 2021, a few months after Roy condemned Trump, the former president endorsed Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., for House GOP Conference chair over Roy, writing, "Cant imagine Republican House Members would go with Chip Royhe has not done a great job, and will probably be successfully primaried in his own district.

The rivalry deepened when Roy became the first member of Congress to endorse DeSantis' presidential campaign in March, before DeSantis had even announced he would run.

"I do think it shows that with Trump, its all about if you kiss the ring, DeSantis said at a Tuesday campaign stop in Iowa, per NBC News' "Meet the Press."

Then-President Donald Trump is greeted by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick as he arrives in a 2019 visit to Austin.

Roy was first elected in 2018 to represent the 21st Congressional District, which stretches from South Austin to an area north of San Antonio, including Hays County. Before joining the U.S. House, the former investment banking analyst-turned-lawyer was a top aide to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas; chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas; and first assistant attorney general under Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Roy blew three primary opponents out of the water in 2022, winning 83% of the vote, and he won nearly two-thirds of the vote against Democratic challenger Claudia Zapata, according to Ballotpedia, which characterizes the district as a Republican stronghold.

Roy will face Democratic challenger Kristin Hook in the Nov. 5 general election.

"It's just more of the same out of the Trump camp," U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Hays County, said of former President Donald Trump's belated call for someone to challenge Roy in the GOP primary.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Trump calls for primary challenger to Rep. Chip Roy after filing deadline
New Zealands new right-leaning government took more than a month to take shape, but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his coalition partners are now racing to strip back policies that had earned former leader Jacinda Ardern plaudits worldwide amongst progressives.

While a swing to the right was predicted, the pace of change under the Nationals Luxon has startled observers, and his coalitions moves to ditch policies seen to favor the countrys indigenous people has seen critics quickly accuse them of being anti-Maori.

Under Luxon, the government is proposing to dissolve the countrys Maori Health Authority, rollback the use of the Maori language, and end the countrys limits on tobacco sales  a move Maori leaders had sought to cut high rates of smoking among their people.

Your attacks on our culture have motivated our standing in solidarity, the co-leader of the Te Pati Maori party, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, blasted across the parliamentary aisle in the capital Wellington this month.

The same day, the Maori King, Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII, issued a royal proclamation calling for a national hui  a coming together of the countrys indigenous people, to discuss holding the new coalition government to account.

Many New Zealanders feel the same, with tens of thousands of people turning out across the country for anti-government demonstrations hastily arranged by Ngarewa-Packers party.

It was a dignified shot across the bow, Ngarewa-Packer told CNN of the protests on December 5. To say we wont accept this. And that this is what we can do in a short amount of time.

Do I think that the Prime Minister will listen? He has to, Ngarewa-Packer said, adding that the world is watching the Luxon government.

I think its a humiliating position for a first time Prime Minister to be in, she said.

Speaking at a news conference on the day of the protests, Luxon said the criticism of his new government was pretty unfair.

We are determined that Maori are going to do better under our government than they have in the last six years, he said.

Voter backlash

Ardern resigned as Prime Minister in January, handing the leadership to her deputy Chris Hipkins, who attempted to refocus their Labour Partys policies on the cost-of-living crisis.

But it wasnt enough to extend Labours time in office.

While Ardern won fans around the world for her compassionate response to the 2019 Christchurch terror attack, her position on climate change and by championing working mothers in politics, her domestic legacy is far more contested.

Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins, both now former Labour prime ministers, arrive for a cabinet caucus meeting in Wellington on January 22, 2023. - Mark Coote/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Failed Auckland infrastructure projects led to accusations of wastefulness at a time when the Labours wellbeing budgets dramatically increased payments to underprivileged families. Farmers protested legislation to curb agricultural emissions and protect waterways.

Before the vote, the leaders of the new conservative coalition government, made up of The National Party, New Zealand First, and ACT New Zealand, had all promised to unwind some of Ardens legacy.

Right-wing candidates railed against the Labours perceived expansion of New Zealands long-held principle of co-governance, designed to ensure Maori representation in administrative bodies. And in the lead-up to the vote, some Maori candidates complained of racist abuse.

The election on October 14 saw a flurry of deal-making as Luxon sought to shore up his thin margin with smaller players.

In late November, the new partners published a 100-day plan under which initiatives designed to benefit Maori will be rolled back, including a vow to dissolve the Maori Health Authority established in 2022 with a mandate to improve the health of indigenous people.

The plan also backflips on Arderns world-leading ban on the sale of cigarettes to people born after 2008  also seen as anti-Maori as some 20% of Maori adults smoke, far higher than the national average of 8%.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks in the house following the State Opening of Parliament on December 06, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. - Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Organizations such as The Maori Womens Welfare League, that works to empower Maori women and children, have vowed to hold Luxon accountable on his assertion that Maori health outcomes will be improved by what his government argues will be a reduction in red tape.

They are not things that are dreamed up in five minutes. They are established because of evidence over time, Maori Womens Welfare League President Hope Tupara said.

We saw (the Ardern administration) increasing the amount of government investment into Maori health solutions by Maori providers on the basis of by Maori for Maori.

We have an expectation of the kinds of public services that are available to us as part of the population, which I think is reasonable.

Richard Shaw, a professor of politics at New Zealands Massey University, described Luxons government as the most explicitly anti-Maori government he could remember.

This is the first government that I can recall which has quite explicitly said, well have less of that, not well have more of it, said Shaw.

So, this really is an awkward, unsettled moment.

New Zealand's new right wing government is proposing to dissolve the Maori Health Authority and rollback the use of the Maori language - Kike Calvo/AP

Culture wars

New Zealands voters in October stripped Hipkins Labour Party of 31 seats to almost half their previous stature in the countrys single-chamber parliament  a crushing defeat that leaves them in an awkward position.

But the victors may never feel completely comfortable either. New Zealands mixed member proportional voting system means parties rarely govern alone.

Luxons National Party, which won just over 38% of the vote is forced to govern in coalition with the far smaller, and less moderate New Zealand First and ACT New Zealand parties. Both junior coalition parties will drag Luxon to the right.

New Zealand First has long opposed the official use of Maori terms, from road signs to government departments. The party says the widespread practice of referring to New Zealand by the countrys Maori name, Aotearoa, is an example of virtue signalling and politically correct extremism. Luxon says his government will adopt an English first approach.

ACT is forcing Luxon to entertain the possibility of a future referendum on the principles of New Zealands Treaty of Waitangi, a document signed by the colonial British regime and Maori in 1840 that enshrines principles of co-governance between indigenous and non-indigenous New Zealanders.

While Luxon says the proposed referendum would go no further than a debate by a parliamentary select committee, the open questioning of the usefulness of the treaty may diminish it as a historic declaration of equality, warns academic Shaw from Massey University.

For Tupara, from the Maori Womens League, New Zealands current political moment is not just a passing culture war.

We have been fighting the government since the 1800s, so this is not new to us, she said.

This fight for our own identity is nothing new to us. I think the level of opposition to what we have achieved for ourselves is something that I havent seen in my lifetime.

Ngarewa-Packers Maori political party wants to harness the power of that historic fight to win modern political battles in New Zealand.

She says she has a broad coalition of progressive New Zealanders who will support her, Maori and non-Maori.

Within less than 72 hours, we were able to mobilize tens of thousands across the country, with no resourcing, completely using our social media. It was a test to ourselves, to see if we had the capability, the capacity to mobilize an alliance, she said.

Sometimes you need this revolting, backwards politicking to remind people why we participate.

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The 18-year old hacker responsible for stealing and releasing dozens of clips of Grand Theft Auto 6 last year has been sentenced to life in hospital prison. He can only be released in the future if doctors decide hes no longer a danger to others, the BBC reports.

Arion Kurtaj was arrested by London police in Oxford September 2022 shortly after a hacking spree ended with tons of in-development footage from Rockstar Games being unleashed on the internet. He pled not-guilty at the time, and later stood trial for cybercrimes associated with the hacking outfit Lapsus$ that included breaching Uber and Nvidia in addition to leaking the previously unrevealed blockbuster, GTA 6.

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With a single voice command  I want to swap battery  a TikToker in Norway began a quick and seemingly easy process (on the humans part) to change battery packs in a NIO electric vehicle.

Its a unique look, from the drivers point of view, of one answer to sustained charge times for EVs.

NIO is among the companies using battery-swapping stations that allow drivers to switch spent power packs for new ones. NIOs stations are primarily in China (2,000 of them) and Europe, per InsideEVs. However, the concept is being developed by other companies stateside as well.

The TikTok clip demonstrates the ease the concept brings to recharging. After issuing the voice command, the EVs onboard computer delivers directions to the nearest swap station.

Nicely done, the EVs voice, coming from an artificial intelligence-powered car assistant called Nomi, states when the driver parks in the designated spot outside the station. The AI even has eyes, via a unit on the dash that swivels as it interacts with the driver.

Once parked, the EVs pleasant voice instructs the driver to essentially sit back and let the computers take over, as the automated system drives the car into the station. Then, the battery is exchanged for a charged one in a matter of minutes. The driver stays inside the EV the entire time.

NIO offers a Battery-as-a-Service plan, providing comprehensive services enabled by vehicle-battery separation, battery subscription, and the chargeable, swappable, and upgradable batteries, according to NIOs website.

InsideEVs reports that the plan uncouples the cost, maintenance, and upgradability of batteries from the overall vehicle costs, among various other perks.

NIO told InsideEVs that the latest generation of swap stations can exchange 408 power packs each day.

Its part of an exciting time for the EV industry as companies develop ways to extend charge times while motorists look for more affordable and planet-friendly transportation options. Tesla, for example, has a robust system of more than 50,000 Supercharger stations in the U.S., per the company.

NIOs solution eliminates the need to plug in and wait 20 minutes for your EV to charge, and the high-tech AI does most of the work.

You can have your battery swapped with a fully charged one  in only three to five minutes, InsideEVs Dan Mihalascu wrote.

The TikTok clip is an effective marketing tool for NIOs innovation. It has more than 3,400 comments.

I have to admit. That is pretty slick, one user posted.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already been used to disrupt elections around the world - and there are fears among senior politicians and the security services that the UK will be next.

Former Justice Secretary Sir Robert Buckland is urging the government to do more to tackle what he sees as a "clear and present danger" to UK democracy.

The Conservative MP, who now chairs the Northern Ireland select committee, is particularly concerned about the rise of deepfakes - realistic audio and video clips of politicians appearing to say things they did not say.

The threat posed to democracy by AI-generated misinformation does not belong to some dystopian vision of the future, he argues.

"The future is here. It's happening.

"Unless the policymakers [in the UK] are showing some leadership on the need for a strong and effective domestic set of guardrails - plus international work - then we are going to be behind the curve."

He fears the next general election, which must take place by January 2025, could face the kind of disruption seen in 2017, when campaigning was suspended less than a week before polling day after the Manchester Arena bombing.

The UK government says it is taking steps to protect elections from foreign interference, through a Defending Democracy Taskforce launched last year and chaired by Home Office Security Minister Tom Tugendhat.

Many of the threats it is targeting are not new. Misinformation and dirty tricks have long been a feature of election campaigns around the world. Photoshopped images and memes - and even doctored audio of politicians - have been around for decades.

What is new, as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - an arm of GCHQ - pointed out in its annual report, is the easy availability of powerful, generative AI tools, which can be used to create convincing fakes.

The boom in large language models, such as ChatGPT, and text-to-speech, or text-to-video, software, is seen by some as a gift to those bent on disrupting elections, from bedroom-based mischief makers to malicious state actors.

"Large language models will almost certainly be used to generate fabricated content, AI-created hyper-realistic bots will make the spread of disinformation easier and the manipulation of media for use in deepfake campaigns will likely become more advanced," warns the NCSC in its report.

The Labour Party got a taste of what might be to come during its party conference in September, when an audio clip popped up on social media of leader Sir Keir Starmer apparently verbally abusing aides. The clip was quickly denounced as a fake, but was viewed 1.5 million times.

In November, a fake audio clip of London Mayor Sadiq Khan calling for Armistice Day to be re-scheduled due to a pro-Palestinian march circulated widely on social media.

Mr Khan warned that deepfakes were a "slippery slope" for democracy if not properly regulated after the Met Police decided no offence had been committed.

The nightmare scenario, for Sir Robert Buckland and others worried about this issue, is a deepfake clip of a party leader emerging just before polling day in a closely-fought election.

Science Secretary Michelle Donelan says the government is taking the AI threat "extremely seriously"

This is exactly what happened in Slovakia's general election in September, when a fake audio clip emerged of Michal Simecka, the leader of the liberal Progressive Slovakia party, apparently discussing how to rig the election.

Mr Simecka went on to lose the election to the populist pro-Moscow Smer-SSD party.

"Who knows how many votes it changed - or how many were convinced not to vote at all?" Tom Tugendhat said in a recent speech.

AI-generated images and audio have been a factor in other recent elections and referendums around the world, including Argentina, which saw right-wing libertarian Javier Milei emerge victorious.

Sir Robert Buckland says these elections show what can happen if adequate laws are not in place. He is calling on the government to get on with plans to beef up regulator Ofcom's monitoring of misinformation.

And he is part of a group of Tory MPs who have written to Science Secretary Michelle Donelan to demand clearer guidance for social media firms to help them comply with recently passed national security laws aimed at combating foreign interference.

Sir Robert Buckland believes the government can do more

Last week, Ms Donelan told a group of Labour, Tory and SNP MPs the government was taking the AI threat "extremely seriously".

Ms Donelan, who sits on the Defending Democracy Taskforce, ruled out new laws, but said the UK was working with social media companies and international allies, including the US, to combat the threat.

"I expect that by the next general election we will have robust mechanisms in place that will be able to tackle these topics," she told the science and technology committee.

So what can be done to stop deepfakes undermining democracy?

Some have argued that they should simply be made illegal (the government has already legislated to ban the sharing of pornographic deepfakes in England and Wales).

Others - such as Ms Donelan - have argued that technology to detect and neutralise fakes is part of the answer.

'Cat and mouse'

But is it possible to prove - beyond all doubt - that a clip is fake?

Jan Nicola Beyer, research coordinator at the Democracy Reporting International think tank, describes it as a "cat and mouse game".

"The detection mechanisms get better, but in the moment they get better, the generative AI models get better in order to generate even more convincing and even harder to detect content."

Audio was particularly hard to debunk, he added.

And while it was important for fact checkers and the media to call out likely fakes - and provide evidence for their judgement - it was just as important to prevent them going viral, he argued.

Most of the tech giants are working on systems to protect the elections taking place around the world in 2024.

But Mr Beyer said they should ensure that only material from reliable sources is recommended to users, and that unreliable sources are "demonetised".

But maybe deepfakes are not the real problem.

In October, Ken McCallum, the director general of MI5, which is working with the government to combat foreign election interference, said there was a "slight risk" of "fixating" on one form of risk.

'Spearphishing'

"And then if you've got creative adversaries, they decide not to play that card and do something quite different," he told reporters.

"So I wouldn't want to make some sort of strong prediction that [deepfakes] will feature in the forthcoming election, but we would be not doing our jobs properly if we didn't really think through the possibility."

One security source told the BBC that while deepfakes might be the longer-term threat, the more immediate issue was likely to be the use of AI to craft more effective "spearphishing" emails, which encourage people to click on links leading to their computers being compromised.

This technique was used by Russian intelligence as far back as 2016 to get hold of the emails of the chair of Hillary Clinton's presidential election campaign, which were then leaked online during a tight election she went on to lose.

With the US election next November likely to be equally hotly contested, some security officials in the UK privately hope that foreign spies and their helpers may focus so much on events over there that they will have less capacity to interfere in a UK election which could take place at roughly the same time.

Another fear, expressed by senior national security figures, is that too much emphasis on the risk of deepfakes and AI interfering with politics will itself spread fear and undermine trust in the political process.

But whether deepfakes become a major problem or not, the generative AI genie is out of the bottle.

If social media is flooded with synthetic images and text - even if it is clearly labelled as such - some experts fear voters could reach the point where where they no longer know what is real or not.

In such an environment, unscrupulous politicians may find it easier to call fake things that are real - what researchers have called the "liar's dividend".

Sir Robert Buckland has also warned about the "liar's dividend".

"Because of this corrosive attack on the veracity of information, we cease trusting anything, and those who want to undermine the process will simply say attempts to deal with deepfakes are censorships rather than something more legitimate designed to protect the sanctity of the truth," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The media, the tech giants, the security services - and the political parties - will all have to grapple with this challenge at the next general election.
It's been an interesting few years for Huawei. After the Chinese giant's initial struggle with the US trade sanctions, it would end up with a surprise mobile resurgence featuring homegrown processors  ones that are just two generations behind the competition. Not only that, the Chinese government has since allocated billions of dollars to boost its silicon industry, so much that Huawei is already working towards a self-sufficient chip network. It's as if former President Donald Trump's earlier attempts to starve Huawei of vital inputs eventually accelerated China's semiconductor development.

Trump's first strike on Huawei was the declaration of a national emergency in May 2019, which saw the Commerce Department add the company to its Entity List, citing surveillance concerns and links to the Chinese state security. As such, Google could no longer provide Android support to Huawei, thus causing the Mate 30 series and later models to miss out on Google apps (they would eventually adopt Huawei's Android replacement, HarmonyOS, two years later).

In November 2019, the FCC banned carriers from buying Huawei and ZTE networking gear with government subsidies.The following March, Trump signed a bill that would reimburse the replacement of Chinese gear  even if it meant spending an estimated $1.8 billion. Huawei attempted to sue the FCC over these restrictions, but the court sided with the regulator.

The tech war heated up rapidly in May 2020, when the US further restricted Huawei's access to American equipment and software. This meant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's leading fab, would have to stop producing HiSilicon chips for Huawei  its then second-largest customer, after Apple. Likewise, Samsung and SK Hynix had to stop selling chips to the Chinese brand by the September 15, 2020 deadline. As Bloomberg's teardown of the latest Huawei smartphones revealed, the company didn't have a problem stockpiling these Korean memory chips.

For processors, Huawei had no choice but to rely more on local chip makers, namely Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and Shanghai IC R&D Center. That meant a significant downgrade, though: SMIC had just started mass-producing 14nm chips for Huawei then, whereas TSMC reached 5nm later that year and supplied Kirin 9000 processors for Huawei's Mate 40. That would be the final "high-end" Kirin chip, Huawei's mobile boss Richard Yu said at the time.

Qualcomm was eventually allowed to supply 4G chips to Huawei as of November 2020, but that's four G, and market share figures don't lie. The once-leading brand in China dropped to just 16 percent locally in January 2021 (and then down to a mere 6 percent in Q2 2022), as noted by Counterpoint. Huawei's global market share has been negligible since 2021. According to both Counterpoint and Statista, though, since Huawei sold the Honor brand in November 2020, the spin-off has been able to claim one of the top China quarterly chart positions all this time.

China's chip investment finally paid off when SMIC made a 7nm breakthrough in August 2022  a leap from 14nm in just two years  faster than it took TSMC or Samsung, according to TechInsights. What's more, this achievement was apparently done without using the most advanced lithography equipment, which were largely exclusive to the likes of ASML and Nikon. It wasn't until earlier this year that the US convinced the Netherlands and Japan to restrict Chinas access to advanced chipmaking machinery.

As Bloomberg would later find out in a lengthy investigation, this might have been the fruition of a Shenzhen city government investment fund from 2019 that helped Huawei build "a self-sufficient chip network." Through a network of enterprises, Huawei could stealthily gain access to lithography tech while exchanging experts to work on each others' turfs, without raising any flags. Huawei apparently even managed to hire several former ASML employees, which was likely key to reaching the 7nm node process for its latest processor (the 5G-capable HiSilicon Kirin 9000S, fabricated by SMIC). Benchmarks indicate that this chip's performance is on par with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 from late 2020, thus suggesting that it's around two generations behind the leading competition.

Huawei then took a rather unusual approach to launch its Kirin 9000S smartphones at the beginning of September this year. Without any launch event or teaser, the company simply announced on Weibo that the Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro were immediately available. This surprise stunt coincided with the US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's visit to China, which led many to believe that Huawei received special orders from certain authorities to hastily launch these 5G devices ahead of schedule. This was quickly followed by the China's announcement of a $40 billion fund to further boost its chip industry, as well as the launch of two more phones, the Mate 60 Pro+ and the Mate X5 foldable, a week later.

People look at Huawei Mate 60 series smartphones displayed at a Huawei flagship store in Beijing, China September 25, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo (REUTERS / Reuters)

While this may seem a temporary win for China, the country actually saw 10,900 chip-related companies close down in 2023 (as of December 11)  a staggering 90-percent year-on-year increase, which is a sign of a bad economy, according to TMTPost. On the flip side, 65,700 new chip-related companies registered in the same period, which is a 9.5 percent increase year-on-year. The report added that the China-made RAM chips and processors on Huawei's Mate 60 series are an indication of the growing reliance on the local supply chain, which will continue to drive the long-term development of the Chinese semiconductor industry.

As much as the US government wants to limit China's access to high-end tech, the truth is western companies still want to tap into the big market in the east. NVIDIA is a prime example, as it's still in talks with the authorities on the specifications of AI chips that it can sell to China, without breaching US export rules. "What we cannot allow them to ship is the most sophisticated, highest-processing power AI chips, which would enable China to train their frontier models," Raimondo told Reuters. Of course, failing that, China may eventually come up with an AI chip that's just as impressive, if not more  like its recent claim of a light-based chip that is apparently 3,000 times faster than NVIDIA's A100.

The US-China tech war isn't just limited to chips, either. The Biden administration is proposing to cut tax credits on electric vehicles that contain Chinese components  especially batteries, as an attempt to wean local car brands off Chinese components. The trade-off here is always the cost savings (as is the idea behind Ford and CATL's Michigan battery plant), as well as the US market missing out on potential breakthroughs on power density or output, namely the upcoming 150kWh battery demoed in Chinese EV manufacturer Nio's ET7, which reached a range of around 650 miles. Who knows, maybe someday Huawei may want to sell its Aito or Luxeed electric cars in the US, too  if it's allowed to enter at all.

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No, AI cannot be named as an inventor, UK Supreme Court says

Stephen Thaler said an AI system (not pictured) autonomously created a light beacon and other items. OpenAI

The UK's supreme court has ruled that AI cannot be named as an inventor.

A computer scientist lost an attempt to register patents for inventions he said were made by an AI.

The Intellectual Property Office, High Court, and Court of Appeal previously made the same ruling.

The UK's supreme court has ruled that AI cannot be named as an inventor and secure patent rights. It follows earlier decisions from lower courts that reached the same conclusions.

On Wednesday, US computer scientist Stephen Thaler lost his attempt to register patents for inventions he says were created by his AI system, DABUS.

Thaler said DABUS autonomously created a light beacon and a container for food and drink, and entitled to rights over the inventions.

The UK's Intellectual Property Office had previously denied the request, concluding that an inventor must be a human if it wanted to apply for patents.

Thaler's lawyers said in a statement shared with Reuters that the ruling "establishes that UK patent law is currently wholly unsuitable for protecting inventions generated autonomously by AI machines and as a consequence wholly inadequate in supporting any industry that relies on AI in the development of new technologies."

Thaler has previously filed other lawsuits related to AI inventions, including an attempt to have his AI system listed as the creator of an artwork.

In that case, a federal judge upheld the US Copyright Office's decision to reject Thaler's application in August. In her ruling, US District Judge Beryl Howell said humans are an "essential part of a valid copyright claim" and "human authorship is a bedrock requirement of copyright."

Copyright has been a thorny issue for work created by generative AI systems.

The US Copyright Office has denied several copyright claims for artwork created with generative AI systems. AI companies including OpenAI are also facing lawsuits from artists and writers who said models were trained on copyrighted content.

Thaler told Business Insider via email, "DABUS is a sentient organism and not a dumb machine. We can discriminate against it now, but inevitably, we will recognize such an attitude as prejudice."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Sound Shore Management, an investment management firm, has released its investor letter for the third quarter of 2023. A copy of the same can be downloaded here. In the third quarter, the Sound Shore Fund Investor Class (SSHFX) and Institutional Class (SSHVX) declined 2.01% and 1.94%, respectively outperforming the Russell 1000 Value Index (Russell Value) which declined 3.16%. The three-year annualized gains for SSHFX and SSHVX were 11.83% and 12.05%, respectively, ahead of the Russell Values 11.05%. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2023.

Sound Shore Management highlighted stocks like Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) in the third quarter 2023 investor letter. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) is a pharmaceutical company. On December 20, 2023, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) stock closed at $10.41 per share. One-month return of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) was 10.04%, and its shares gained 13.65% of their value over the last 52 weeks. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) has a market capitalization of $11.87 billion.

Sound Shore Management made the following comment about Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) in its Q3 2023 investor letter:

"Away from power, drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA), a new holding, also performed well during the quarter. Teva develops, manufactures and markets generic and specialty drugs focused on neurological and respiratory diseases, as well as oncology. Following a period of poor capital allocation decisions in prior years, we were able to invest at a very attractive valuation. We now believe management has positioned the company for renewed growth, driven by its most promising branded drug pipeline in years. The investment is off to a good start and the stock gained after second quarter results topped consensus."

Story continues

5 Highest Paying Countries for Pharmacists

A close-up shot of various types of medicines on a table, illustrating the specialty and generic products offered by the pharmaceutical company.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 44 hedge fund portfolios held Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) at the end of third quarter which was 42 in the previous quarter.

We discussed Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) in another article and shared the list of most undervalued pharmaceutical stocks to buy according to analysts. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q3 2023 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Santiago Ochoa's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com.
Washington state wants a say in how you roll when you go tire shopping
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SINGAPORE and HAMBURG, Germany, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilhelmsen Ship Management ("Wilhelmsen"), a provider of third-party ship management services headquartered in Singapore, and Hamburg-based asset manager MPC Capital have agreed to acquire 100 % of the company Zeaborn Ship Management ("Zeaborn"). The acquisition is the consistent next milestone in the partnership between Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital and their ship management joint venture Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel Ship Management ("Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel") and tanker specialist Barber Ship Management ("Barber").

From left to right: Dr. Michael Silies (MD WASM), Michael Brandhoff (MD Zeaborn), Carl Schou (CEO & President Wilhelmsen Ship Management), Constantin Baack (Board member MPC Capital), Dr. Philipp Lauenstein (CFO MPC Capital)

Zeaborn manages a fleet of around 100 vessels, comprising of container ships and bulkers as well as tankers and multi-purpose vessels, which are managed from offices in Hamburg, Limassol, Singapore and Manila.

With the full integration of Zeaborn into the joint technical management activities of Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital, the partners create a leading competence center for third-party ship management in Hamburg. After the integration of Zeaborn, the combined activities will continue to operate under the brand names of Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel and Barber, respectively.

The joint activities will be co-headed by Managing Directors Dr. Michael Silies and Michael Brandhoff. Michael Silies has been with MPC Capital since 2003 and has headed Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel since 2020. Michael Brandhoff has been Managing Director of Zeaborn since 2021.

The expanded joint ship management activities of Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital will continue to be managed from Hamburg with a total fleet of more than 150 vessels in technical management. Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital, both established groups with strong family ties, are thus actively driving market consolidation and advancing Hamburg's position as a major ship management hub.

Carl Schou, CEO and President of Wilhelmsen Ship Management, says: "We are excited to expand our cooperation with MPC Capital, based on an already successful partnership. The acquisition of Zeaborn is our strategic move to expand and strengthen our market presence in the ship management arena. The transaction will increase our vessels in management to a size that we are confident that we can continue to deliver the best ship management services to our existing and future customers. We are committed to ensuring a successful integration that prioritizes our customer's interest. "

Story continues

Ulf Hollander, CEO of MPC Capital, says: "As a Hamburg-based company with an outstanding track record in shipping activities we feel many overlaps in tradition and values with the Wilhelmsen group as our partner. As such, we are excited to grow our ship management platform. With the integration of Zeaborn's complementary client base and services we further strengthen our market position in the ship management business. Combining our expertise with that of Zeaborn will allow us to deliver an outstanding service offering."

The closing of the transaction is expected for Q1 2024 and is subject to approval by the competent antitrust authorities.

Wilhelmsen Ship Management

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wilhelmsen-and-mpc-capital-acquire-hamburg-based-ship-manager-zeaborn-302020878.html

SOURCE Wilhelmsen Ship Management
Today

A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. High 63F. Winds NNW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 37F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

A mainly sunny sky. High 62F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
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Familiile pot beneficia de o deducere fiscala pentru a acoperi costurile pentru cresa si gradinita

Din aceasta luna, familiile pot beneficia de o deducere fiscala de cel mult 1.500 de lei pentru a acoperi costurile aferente cresei si gradintei pentru copii. Solicitarea poate fi facuta de [citeste mai departe]
In the fourth part in our series aimed to help expats and potential expats orientate themselves, we focus on the key to a more enjoyable experience while youre here: learning Hungarian and understanding local customs.

What makes Hungarian so special?

Related, structurally at least, to Finnish and Estonian, Hungarian is a Finno-Ugric language, with roots beyond the Ural mountains in deepest Russia. This means that its neither Germanic, Slavic nor Latin, the types of languages spoken in the countries surrounding Hungary. If you know Italian, you can probably get the gist of Romanian. If Russian, then Serbian isnt such a big leap. Nothing prepares you for Hungarian.



Which doesnt mean to say that its impossible  in fact, in many ways, its easier than any Germanic or Slavic language. Its grammar has no cases or genders, meaning you dont have to learn tables of endings or remember if a noun is feminine or not. The verbs are pretty straightforward.







Pronunciation, too, in that Hungarian is phonetic, what you see on the page is what you say. Its also spoken very clearly and reasonably slowly, not like the high-speed car chase of Spanish, say.



Hungarian is special for two main reasons, apart from the singularity of its locality: its vocabulary and its structure.



Vocab first. Much as the roots of Hungarian are exotic, so are many of its words. Seemingly universal ones such as police, university and passport come out as rendorseg, egyetem and utlevel.



But learning completely new words for everyday objects  window, shop, flower  is just a case of memorising them, the same as you know your pin code or a parents birthday. Ez nem raketatudomany! Its not rocket science.



The structure is trickier. Briefly speaking, Hungarian adds the prepositions  at, to, from  to the end of the word. So, instead of to Budapest, you say Budapestto. (Theres also a sneaky thing they do in that its a different to for most Hungarian cities than foreign ones, but whats a language without exceptions?)



And if you use the wrong one, youll probably be understood in any case. Word order is flexible and Hungarian uses Latin script  with a twist. This is the one final unique quality of Hungarian: two of its letters dont appear in any other language, namely o and u. Yes, cs, ny, zs and a few others also make up the 44-letter alphabet, but these at least look familiar!



Why learn Hungarian?

These days, many people under the age of 50, certainly in Budapest and definitely in the service industries, speak some kind of English.





This doesnt mean to say you shouldnt learn even a modicum of Hungarian, if only to say please and thank you in shops. Delving deeper might help you integrate more effectively into Hungarian society. Depending on how long and why youre planning to stay, by speaking Hungarian, you can build stronger relationships with your Hungarian colleagues and friends. It also makes it easier to navigate daily life, even just reading signs or asking the way.



Learning another language, particularly one as out there as Hungarian, is an excellent mental workout. It challenges your brain to think in new and different ways, improving cognitive function and memory retention. The complex grammar and vocabulary of Hungarian require concentration and focus, which can improve your attention span and problem-solving abilities. Research has also shown that learning a new language can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.



It may also give you a significant advantage in the job market. While many multinational companies in Hungary operate in English, there are sectors where Hungarian language skills are highly valued. By demonstrating your them, you show a commitment to the country and culture, which can be an attractive quality to potential employers.



You may even find that you develop a deeper appreciation for Hungarian culture and a greater sense of connection to your adopted country.



Where to study Hungarian?





There are many private schools, colleges and universities in Budapest that offer Hungarian lessons and courses, from beginners upwards. Alternatively, you can choose from one of the popular online language courses and learn Hungarian in your own time and at your own speed.



You could also exchange lessons with a local who would like to practise their English, always a fun and affordable way to learn.



Wherever you are, if youre keen to learn, theres no harm in building up your vocabulary by making your own memory cards, with the word in each language on each side. Set your own target, ten a day, say, and go back over the two or three that you cant quite remember. Take them around with you, and do your daily quota during downtime, on the bus, say, or in your lunchbreak. Youll be amazed how you can build up a lexicon of several hundred words in a relatively short time  which is all you need for basic, everyday conversation.



What are the main Hungarian customs?





Language is tied with certain customs, of course. Hungarians use their surname first, and then their Christian name  Smith John, if you like, Kovacs Janos.



Hungarians are inveterate greeters  not just friends and neighbours, but anyone you pass on the staircase in a building, in a lift, in the doctors waiting room, should probably be greeted with a Jo napot kivanok!, a Good Day!



There are variations, of course, the more familiar szia (Hi) acting like ciao in Italian, for hello and goodbye.



Hungarians are also old-school polite, letting people off metro carriages first, giving up their seat for an ageing passenger and holding the door open for the person behind if entering or leaving a building.



Other customs are more obscure. Not clinking glasses when drinking beer relates to a tragic event from 1849 when the Austrians hung revolutionary Hungarians and celebrated afterwards.



Hungarian days of celebration and remembrance





As for local celebrations, every Hungarian has a name day. Those with the most popular names can even choose between two or three days in the year, usually the one furthest from their birthday. Christmas is spent at home, behind closed doors, with present giving on 24 December. New Year is for revelry. Easter coincides with spring rites, when the menfolk sprinkle, perhaps shower, women with cheap perfume and water on Easter Monday.



Of the more solemn public holidays, 23 October is the memorial of the 1956 Uprising, 1 November is All Saints Day, when departed family members and friends are remembered in cemeteries across the land. On 20 August, the nations founding father, St Stephen, is celebrated with a huge fireworks display, while 15 March marks another Hungarian uprising, that of 1848.



This article is part of a series of guides for expats in Hungary published by XpatLoop.com, the leading media portal serving the international community here since January 2001.

Xpatloop seeks to facilitate a better understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of life in Hungary for expats and locals alike. We are a trusted source for news, views and information, aimed at enhancing co-operation between people, companies and organisations operating in expat-related circles.



Words by Peterjon Cresswell for Xpatloop.com

Peterjon has been researching the byways of Budapest for 30 years, extending his expertise across Europe to produce guidebooks for Time Out and his own website liberoguide.com
https://xpatloop.com/newsletters/2023/21-december.html



1. In focus in this Festive Edition are five feel-good articles aiming to help you Enjoy More:

* Skating on City Park Ice Rink

* Top 7 + 1 Karaoke Bars in Budapest

* Top 10 Expat Pubs & Bars in Budapest

* Top 7 Advent Fairs in Hungary Beyond Budapest

* Top 7 Underground Spots in Budapest's Party District



2. You can see a wide selection of events happening these days, below and in the Xpat Calendar:

E.g. Kolorado Xmas Party, Nutcracker Seasonal Ballet, Christmas with Zorall at Barba Negra Club.



3. Also for your interest there are new Movies & Specials, + News, Information & Inspiration:

E.g. Half-Naked Santa Run, List of Stores Closed on 24th Dec, Turkey Delivery by Matild Palace.



Now we hope you like what's in it for you below.

Yours with best wishes, Team XpatLoop

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Just a short note of deep appreciation to you all at XpatLoop. At these difficult and potentially solitary times your mailings are doing a wonderful job at keeping us expats in the loop, and ensuring that we still feel part of the vibrant community which is Budapest.



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"XpatLoop: What the foreign community in Budapest is thinking and talking about."
Offutt Air Force Bases fleet of nuke-sniffers is now complete.

The Offutt-based 55th Wing took delivery of its third refurbished WC-135R Constant Phoenix jet earlier this month, giving the unit its most robust radiation-detection capability in 30 years, Air Force officials said.

The jet, tail number 64-14829, arrived at Offutt Dec. 4 from Greenville, Texas, where the former Arizona Air National Guard aerial refueling tanker had been undergoing conversion for its new atmospheric-collection mission since September 2021.

The two other refurbished aircraft were delivered in July 2022 and May 2023. The total cost of the program was $218 million.

Col. Mark Howard of the 55th Wing said in a statement that the arrival of the additional plane was an historic day for the Fightin Fifty-Fifth, adding that having this third jet really opens up a lot of options.

The plane is assigned to the Wings 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, which flies the Constant Phoenix mission.

Lt. Col. Maria Methe, the squadrons commander, said her crews will now be able to carry out missions in two parts of the world while keeping one for training at home.

Because a third tail allows for additional flying, we are able to train more crews in WC-135 operations and increase overall RC-135 pilot and navigator training at home station, Methe said in an email.

The Air Forces radiation-monitoring mission began after the 1963 establishment of the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which barred nations from testing nuclear weapons in the atmosphere.

The United States converted 10 C-135 variant jets into WC-135 weather-reconnaissance planes, specially configured with radiation-monitoring gear to monitor international compliance with the treaty.

The mission faded after the Cold War, and the 55th Wing has had no more than two Constant Phoenix aircraft since the 1990s. They received no significant upgrades in recent decades and had become increasingly prone to breakdowns.

Their mechanical condition was so poor that the squadrons chaplain jokingly called one of the planes Lucifers Chariot at its 2020 retirement ceremony. The other was retired in 2022, after the arrival of the first refurbished jets.

Built in 1964, the new planes are only two to three years newer than the aircraft they replace, although all three were upgraded with new, quieter, turbofan engines in the early 1990s, and are equipped with newer avionics and flight controls that match the rest of the 55th Wing reconnaissance fleet. And they have been flown 5,000 to 10,000 fewer hours.

Because they can generate more power, the aircraft is able to fly longer, and more efficiently, Methe said.

In the back end, they have been equipped with sensing pods on each side of the fuselage, over the wing. Filters inside the pods capture tiny particles from a nuclear blast, giving analysts critical information about the composition of the bomb or other radiation source. Its the first major upgrade for monitoring equipment since 2004.

The arrival of the third WC-135R ushers in a new age of the mobile nuclear airborne sampling mission, said Lt. Col. Stephen Jimenez, commander of the Air Force Technical Application Centers 21st Surveillance Squadron, which operates the planes radiation-detection equipment, in a statement. AFTAC and the 55th Wing will operate in new places to provide our national leaders information promptly so they can hold others accountable.

The 55th Wing had little advance notice of the December delivery of the latest plane, but it has begun putting the aircraft through its paces. It flew training missions on Dec. 12, 15, and 18, according to information gathered from the air-traffic monitoring website FlightRadar24.com by a former 55th Wing crew member who uses the social media handle @MeNMYRC.

The two other aircraft already have between them completed deployments to England, Qatar, Okinawa, Puerto Rico, and the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

Photos: StratCom Experience Day at Offutt Air Force Base
On October 7th, Hamas launched a massive terror attack against Israel. They murdered at least 33 Americans and 1,200 Israelis. The horrific, ruthless, and barbaric attack couldnt have happened without the assistance of Iran. Iran gave weapons, training, and funding to Hamas. According to The Wall Street Journal, Iranian officials helped plan the attack itself and gave the green light in a meeting in Beirut, Lebanon.

Irans aggression isnt only targeted at Israel. Since the October 7th terror attack on Israel, Iran has also attacked the U.S. through its proxies at least 90 times. These increasingly frequent attacks demand a strong response. President Biden must change his weak appeasement-first policies or American lives will remain at risk. Iran needs to know it cant antagonize us without consequences.

Iran is the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism. It has a network of terrorist groups it supports, like Hamas. This network includes Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and several other groups in Iraq and Syria. The Houthis have escalated their attacks on Israeli and American-owned vessels in the Red Sea. Their goal is to disrupt global shipping lanes. Despite this aggression and dozens of Americans injured, weve seen a very limited retaliatory response. President Biden has authorized only a few airstrikes. Those have mainly targeted empty buildings, ammunition bunkers, and low-level militia fighters.

This appeasement-first foreign policy from the Biden administration is endangering Americans around the world. In his first weeks in office, Biden removed the Houthis from the list of terrorist organizations. He announced hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA has been described as a branch of Hamas. This weakness only invites more aggression from adversaries like Iran.

If thats not bad enough, the Biden administration issued a sanctions waiver providing Iran access to approximately $10 billion. It has also refused to permanently freeze another $6 billion in cash. On top of that, President Biden had already allowed Iran to profit an estimated $80 billion from oil sales. All of this was done in the naive hope that Iran would play nice. It was reckless, foolish, and it allows Iran to fund terrorism.

America should not appease the demands of terrorists. America should destroy terrorists. Iran needs to know that we will not stand idle while they enable and encourage their proxies to attack American personnel or our allies. Thats why I support the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act to force the president to re-designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. I also support legislation to block Irans access to the billions of dollars the Biden administration released earlier this year. Ive backed the Revoke Iranian Funding Act to direct the Treasury Secretary to pursue increased sanctions against Iranian assets.

I also introduced the Stop Support for Hamas Act to make sure no U.S. taxpayer funding enables Iran-proxy Hamas after their attack on Israel. The bill would end U.S. contributions to UNRWA. It freezes Economic Support Funds (ESF) to Gaza and the West Bank until Israel has dismantled Hamas terrorist infrastructure. My bill also looks forward so that once Hamas is defeated, we do everything possible to prevent its revival. The bill would prevent any assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) until the President can certify that no PA ministry or agency employs Hamas members. It also strengthens provisions to prevent any future ESF that directly or indirectly benefits the PA until it ends its pay for slay program.

Iran is a ruthless regime that seeks to wipe America and Israel off the map. America must make Iran pay for its terror. President Biden needs to lead and hit Iran where it hurts. President Trump did this when he clawed back the Obama administrations Iran deal and ordered drone strikes against Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. We must not appease Hamas terrorists and we must not appease Iran.

My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224 or on my website at www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact
Veteran John Mulvey Surprised with Service Dog "Storm" During Halftime of New York Giants Game

N. WILKESBORO, NC / ACCESSWIRE / December 21, 2023 / Window World, America's largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, is showing its commitment to Supporting veterans by teaming up with partners to donate a service dog to a U.S. Navy Veteran. During halftime at the New York Giants game on November 26, John Mulvey was surprised with Storm, a specially trained service dog.

"Window World and its franchisees understand the importance of giving back. We've been blessed with our success and have always been proud to share with those in need," said Tammy Whitworth, CEO and Chairman of Window World. "With this conviction in mind, Window World is committed to doing everything we can to remind veterans that they are appreciated and supported at home."

John Mulvey, a native of Oceanside, NY, dedicated 36 years of his life to serving his country in the U.S. Navy. He was deployed nine times, including missions in Desert Storm, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 9/11 recovery efforts. After retiring in 2016 as a Master Chief, E-8, Mulvey faced challenges with traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Storm, trained by Paws of War, will provide him with the invaluable assistance he needs his daily life to continue living independently.



"As an American company with patriotic aims, we're honored to serve our veteran and military communities through the Window World Military Initiative," said Jamie McBride, Window World Military Initiative Director and Window World Board Member. "By forming partnerships with organizations such as Paws of War, we can provide lifesaving service dogs to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress. This is just the beginning."

The donation was made in partnership with the Giants, JK Consulting, and Window World. Paws of War trains and places shelter dogs to help U.S. military veterans who suffer from the emotional effects of war.

Story continues

Click here to view the video of the heartwarming presentation of Storm to Mulvey.

Other veteran initiatives Window World participates in include the All Veterans Group and Veterans Airlift Command. For more information on Window World's Military Initiative, visit https://www.windowworld.com/military-initiative.

About Window World

Window World, headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America's largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, with more than 220 locally owned franchises nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs windows, siding, doors, and other exterior products, with over 23 million windows sold to date. Window World received the highest score in the retailer segment of the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study of Customers' satisfaction with windows and patio doors. Visit www.jdpower.com/awards for more details.

Window World is an ENERGY STAR partner and its windows, vinyl siding and Therma-Tru doors have all earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. Through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares, Window World and its franchisees provide funding for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Since its inception in 2008, the foundation has raised over $16 million for St. Jude. Window World also supports veterans through its Window World Military Initiative (WWMI). WWMI defines Window World's commitment to honor and serve America's veterans, active military, and military families across the entire franchise system by focusing on three pillars: Careers, Community Outreach and Partnerships. The Veterans Airlift Command has been a partner since 2008. During that time, Window World has contributed over $2.5 million in flights and donations to the organization. For more information, visit WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 WINDOWWORLD. For home improvement and energy efficiency tips, decor ideas, and more, follow Window World on Facebook and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mike Toper

(919) 813-6511

MToper@919Marketing.com

SOURCE: Window World





View the original press release on accesswire.com




Continuing with its legacy of introducing the safest vehicles on Indian roads, Tata Motors, Indias leading automobile brand, has set another example for the Indian automotive industry. Its iconic, flagship SUV, the new Safari and the trendsetting, premium SUV the Harrier, have become the first recipients of the 5-star rating (adult occupant protection and child occupant protection), as per the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat-NCAP), Indias very own and independent safety performance evaluation protocol. Union Minister for Highways & Road Transport handed over the certification to Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.

Congratulations to @TataMotors for the historic achievement!



Presenting the first-ever Bharat - NCAP 5-star rating certification to the new Safari and Harrier is a momentous stride in enhancing consumer safety. BNCAP stands as India's independent advocate for pic.twitter.com/rhRUAhPhHV  Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) December 20, 2023

Announcing this distinctive achievement, Honble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari ji, said, Bharat-NCAP is Indias independent, atmanirbhar voice on vehicle safety. It is benchmarked to the best-in-class global standards and the Bharat-NCAP vehicle rating system is designed to advance road safety and vehicle safety standards beyond mandatory regulations. Im delighted that the first ever vehicles being certified today with the highest achievable 5-star rating, are both from Tata Motors. I congratulate them on award of this coveted certification with the highest possible ratings and for continuing to enrich their legacy of introducing the safest vehicles on Indian roads.

Also Read - Top 20 Upcoming Cars In India In 2024: Maruti Suzuki Swift To Mahindra Thar 5-Door

Receiving the coveted certification, Mr. Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, "Bharat-NCAP is a significant step forward as it provides customers with a credible, objective score to evaluate the safety aspects of various vehicles. Informed customers taking optimal decisions will further foster the rising preference for safer vehicles in the country. We acknowledge and appreciate the collaborative efforts of the government, regulatory bodies, and the automotive industry in this pursuit. At Tata Motors, safety is at the \ core of our DNA and we are honoured to win this maiden Bharat-NCAP certification with an exemplary 5-star rating for two of our vehicles. We remain committed and will continue to work towards improving vehicle safety holistically.

Built on the OMEGARC architecture, derived from Land Rovers renowned D8 Platform, the powerful and stylish Safari and Harrier SUVs also come with the highest 5-star GNCAP rating and are truly the safest vehicles on Indian roads.
New Delhi: Moviegoers can't keep calm as Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Dunki' has finally released. After celebrating outside the theatres, fans couldn't stop themselves from cheering and grooving to SRK's 'Lutt Putt Gaya' song while watching the film.

Enthusiasts flocked to theatres to show love and support for SRK's film at Mumbai's iconic single-screen theatre, Gaiety Galaxy. SRk's film release is nothing less than a celebration for his fans. In videos shared by Shah Rukh's fan clubs, a massive crowd of people can be seen dancing to the beats of 'Lutt Putt Gaya' and showing their excitement by throwing confetti.

Waiting outside the theatre from 2-3 am, fans in the viral videos were seen dancing to 'dhol' beats, carrying posters, banners, and a long cutout of SRK to welcome the film in a grandeur manner.

'Dunki' is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and also stars Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani.

SRK and Rajkumar Hirani on Tuesday promoted their film in Dubai in a grand way. Videos of the evening have surfaced on the actor's fan clubs on social media where he is seen recreating his signature pose with his arms stretched out in the air during the drone show at Dubai's Burj Khalifa.

Dunki has been co-written by Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon. It is a heartwarming tale of four friends Manu, Sukhi, Buggu, and Balli who dream of settling down in London for a better life but have to undertake an arduous yet life-changing journey to reach their goal.

At one of the events in Dubai, SRK described 'Dunki' as his best film. "So when I made Jawan, I thought I made a film for boys and girls but I didn't make anything for myself, then I made Dunki. So this is my film. This film is very close to my heart. When I was doing Pathaan, many people who write about films, those who apparently know about films more than the filmmakers, were saying what kind of roles I was doing, so I really felt that I should do films that come from my heart and this includes all the films that I did this year. I started the year with Pathaan, which was always ladies first, and I want to end the year with a film for myself. So, please watch Dunki on December 21. Everyone will find something in the film that will touch their heart. The film will make you laugh also," he said.

The film marks SRK's first collaboration with Hirani and Taapsee.
New Delhi: In a startling development, a massive fire erupted at the Gopaldas Building situated in the heart of Delhis Connaught Place. The blaze, which originated on the eleventh floor, sent a billowing plume of smoke into the sky, as captured in dramatic footage from the scene. The Delhi Fire Services Department received an emergency call between 12:56 and 12:57 pm, prompting an immediate response. Fifteen fire tenders were dispatched to the location, where firefighters are currently engaged in a rigorous operation to quell the flames.

No Casualties Reported In Connaught Place Fire

Officials have yet to report any injuries or casualties from the incident. The situation remains active, with emergency services on high alert as they work to secure the area and ensure the safety of all involved.

Emergency Response In Full Swing

The fire incident at Gopaldas building has triggered a full-scale emergency response. Fire tenders rushed to the spot, signaling a swift and coordinated effort to manage the crisis.
New Delhi: Amid the escalating tension between the Narendra Modi government and the united Opposition, three more Opposition Members of Parliament were suspended on Thursday over unruly behaviour, taking the total number of those suspended till now to 146. According to reports, DK Suresh, Nakul Nath and Deepak Baij - all three Congress party MPs - have now been suspended from the lower house. The move follows the recent suspension of dozens of Opposition MPs who demanded a debate on the December 13 Lok Sabha security breach and criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah's handling of the situation.

Three more Congress MPs including DK Suresh, Nakul Nath and Deepak Baij suspended from the Lok Sabha.  ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

Opposition Holds Protest March



The latest wave of suspensions unfolded in the aftermath of a protest march by Opposition MPs, who took to the streets to express their discontent. The suspension of lawmakers demanding a discussion on the security breach and criticizing the Home Minister's statements became a flashpoint for Opposition leaders.

Shashi Tharoor Condemns Govt's Actions



Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, a suspended Lok Sabha MP, strongly condemned the government's handling of the situation. He remarked that the government's refusal to address the security breach in the House and the subsequent suspension of MPs demonstrated a lack of commitment to the conventions of Parliamentary democracy. "The government's actions were unacceptable and showed no willingness to honor the principles of Parliamentary democracy," Tharoor stated during the suspended MPs' march.

Concerns Over Passage of Bills In Absence Of MPs



Tharoor highlighted the passing of three crucial bills in the Lok Sabha, including the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, in the absence of 97 MPs. He described this as a "disgrace" and emphasized the importance of legislative debates, opposition criticism, and ministerial answers in interpreting laws. "It's a disgrace. Just last year, one of the Supreme Court Justices observed that in the absence of legislative debates of opposition criticism and ministerial answers, it would be difficult for judges to interpret laws by understanding their legislative intent. So when even that is not possible for the judges, you can understand what a disservice to the country this government has done by bulldozing these laws through without even any pretense of consultation or discussion with the opposition," he said, adding that it is "truly a moment to start writing obituaries for the parliamentary democracy in our country" Tharoor said.

'Democracy Under Threat'



The suspended MP expressed grave concerns about the state of democracy in the country, stating, "It is truly a moment to start writing obituaries for the parliamentary democracy in our country." Participating in the protest march, another suspended MP, John Brittas of CPI(M), went a step further by suggesting that the Constitution should be amended to declare India as a monarchy. He described the situation as the "brutal killing of democracy" and labeled the Parliament as "Opposition-Mukt."

Opposition Leader Decries 'Authoritarianism'



Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, condemned the passage of important legislation through the suspension of opposition MPs. He characterized this approach as "authoritarianism" and called for collective action to "Save Democracy." "We, the people of India need to Save Democracy. Passing important legislation by suspending Opposition MPs is not Democracy. It is the worst kind of authoritarianism," Kharge asserted.

At the moment, the suspension of Opposition MPs continues to be a contentious issue, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country.
New Delhi: In the wake of a recent security breach at Parliament, the central government is actively exploring measures to fortify the institution's security, with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) most likely to be given the job, according to government sources.

Security Overhaul Talks Include Key Stakeholders

Insiders revealed to news agency ANI that a crucial meeting was convened in this regard, which was attended by officials from the Delhi Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), CISF, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other pertinent divisions. The deliberations included a proposal to entrust the CISF with the comprehensive security of Parliament, citing its expertise. Another viewpoint suggested retaining Delhi Police security personnel at specific points.

Decision Pending, Survey Initiated

While a final decision is anticipated in the upcoming week, sources hinted at a two-pronged approach discussed during the meeting. Simultaneously, an order has been issued for a thorough survey of the Parliament building complex, gathering crucial insights before the potential deployment of CISF. The CISF, a central armed police force, presently safeguards numerous central government ministry buildings in Delhi, along with installations in the nuclear and aerospace domain, civil airports, and the Delhi Metro.

Lok Sabha Security Breach Triggers Action

The urgency for a security revamp stems from a recent breach on December 13, when intruders, Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma, jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery, releasing smoke canisters. The Lok Sabha Secretariat responded swiftly, suspending eight security personnel for lapses in handling the incident.

MHA Orders Probe Into Security Breach

Charged under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the intruders triggered a comprehensive review of Parliament security. The MHA, responding to the Lok Sabha Secretariat's request, initiated an inquiry committee under CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh. This committee, comprising members from various security agencies and experts, aims to identify lapses, investigate the breach, and recommend corrective actions.

Oppn Voices Concerns Over Parliament's Functioning

In a related development, Opposition MPs have raised concerns, alleging that the Modi government's actions, including mass suspensions of MPs, indicate a reluctance to allow Parliament to function smoothly. In light of these events, the MHA emphasizes a commitment to improving security in Parliament and awaits the recommendations of the inquiry committee.

Further intensifying the ongoing war of words with the Centre, the Opposition lawmakers, who faced suspension from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha earlier this week, took to the streets of central Delhi on Thursday holding a protest march from the Old Parliament building to Vijay Chowk. The demonstration began with Opposition MPs carrying a prominent banner declaring "Save Democracy" and placards bearing messages such as "Opposition MPs Suspended! Is This The End of Democracy?" and "Parliament Caged, Democracy Expelled!"

Row Escalates Over Lok Sabha Security Breach

The protest comes amidst an escalating conflict between opposition parties and the ruling BJP concerning the expulsion of over 140 MPs for alleged "unruly conduct." The rift deepened as parliamentary authorities and the opposition collided over demands for the government to be answerable for the recent security breach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were called upon to provide formal statements, but they declined, citing unspecified national security concerns. Despite this, both leaders addressed the media on the issue. It may be noted that more than 140 opposition MPs have been suspended from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha since last week for disrupting proceedings.
Varanasi: In what is likely to be a crucial day for the Muslim side, the Varanasi district court is expected to take a call on unveiling the much-anticipated scientific survey report submitted to it by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on the Gyanvapi mosque. This development follows 92 days of comprehensive survey work conducted by the ASI within the Gyanvapi complex.

Hindu Side To Oppose Muslim Side's Plea On ASI Report

In the Gyanvapi Shringar Gauri case, the Hindu side is poised to voice objections in court regarding the application from the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee. The committee has requested the court not to make the ASI report public. It was presented in a sealed cover by the ASI, a move contested by the Hindu side, deeming it a blatant 'violation' of the Supreme Court judgment.

Hindu side lawyer Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi emphasized that the Supreme Court's explicit order on August 4 prohibited filing the report in a sealed envelope. Today's proceedings will delve into whether the report will be submitted openly or in a sealed envelope.

'Violation Of SC Order'

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, highlighted the alleged violation of the Supreme Court order by presenting the survey report in a sealed envelope. The Hindu side has applied to the district court, seeking a copy of the report and contesting any potential media gag order.

"We have moved an application before the district court that we must be supplied a copy of the report, and there cannot be a gag order on the media. If the district court's decision is not in alignment with the law, we'll file an appeal before the Supreme Court," Jain asserted.

Background: ASI Survey Of Gyanvapi Mosque

The ASI team conducted a meticulous survey in the Gyanvapi complex, spanning 92 days, culminating in the submission of the sealed survey report to the court. Notably, in August of the same year, the Allahabad High Court granted permission for the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

The unfolding legal proceedings hold significant implications for the Gyanvapi mosque case, with both sides anxiously awaiting the court's decision on the disclosure of the ASI report.
New Delhi: Indias quest for acquiring 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for its naval aircraft carriers has moved a step closer, as the French government has submitted its formal response to Indias tender, sources in the Defence Ministry said. The response includes the terms-conditions and pricing of the deal, which is estimated to be around Rs 50,000 crore, news agency IANS quoting defence sources said. The French bid was delivered in New Delhi by a team of French government officials who deal with military sales to other countries. The Indian Navy needs the Rafale Marine jets to operate on its two aircraft carriers  INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant  which currently use the MiG-29s.

The Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, had earlier approved the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine jets along with related equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support from the French government through an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA).

The Defence Ministry said that the price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French government after considering all relevant factors, such as the comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.

The contract will also include the integration of Indian designed equipments and the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) hub for various systems.

The Indian Defence Ministry had also issued a detailed letter of request (LoR) to the French Directorate General of Armaments for the proposed deal. The LoR specified that the deal would comprise 22 single-seat jets and four twin-seat trainers, along with weapons, simulator, spares, crew training and logistics support, sources said.

Defence experts said that France has now responded with its offer, pricing and other details. The contract will be signed after the cost negotiations and the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security. The deliveries will start in three years.

Defence experts also said that there is an urgent need for aircraft and submarines, as the Indian Navy has been facing shortages and needs to upgrade its capabilities in view of the security challenges, especially in the Indian Ocean region. India is likely to seek some discount in the price and may also demand more Make In India content in the deal,
New Delhi: It's no small accomplishment to pass the UPSC, one of the hardest exams in the world. Even for the best players, UPSC presents a difficult challenge because of its strict selection procedure. But as Aashna Chaudhary's story demonstrates, anyone can realise their goals if they have perseverance, hard work, and mental toughness.

From a modest upbringing in Pikhua town, Uttar Pradesh, Aashna Chaudhary set out to pass the UPSC civil services exam and become an IPS officer. Her mother, a housewife, and father, a professor at a government college, encouraged her love of learning and social work.

Aashna had an exceptional academic career. She went to three separate schools: Delhi Public School in Ghaziabad, St. Mary's School in Udaipur, and St. Xavier's in Pikhua. She received an amazing 96.5 percent in her class 12.

Aashna continued her quest for knowledge by enrolling in Delhi's esteemed Lady Shri Ram College for Women, where she would eventually graduate. She later finished her international relations master's degree at South Asian University. She actively supported an NGO that educates impoverished children during this time.

Motivated by her family, she made the decision to attempt the civil services examinations in 2019. She was unsuccessful in her first attempt in 2020 since she was unable to pass the preliminary exam. She persevered and tried again in 2021, unfazed. She regrettably missed the preliminary exams once more, which caused her confidence to suffer greatly.

Rather than giving in to self-doubt, Aashna bravely examined her past errors and revised her plan of preparation. She worked harder and more intelligently this time. She practiced mock exams, carefully reviewed the syllabus, and asked experts for feedback on her answers in order to keep getting better.

In 2022, her hard work paid off as she aced the preliminary exams. Still, she was going to face the UPSC Mains, the ultimate test. She prepared for the nine paperswhich covered general studies, optional subjects, essays, and languagewith unwavering determination. She also improved her communication abilities, mental toughness, and personality through practice interviews.

After putting in a lot of work, Aashna performed exceptionally well, placing her 116th out of over ten lakh applicants who took the test. She achieved her desired position in the Indian Police Service (IPS) with an impressive 992 marks.

Aashna Chaudhary is still an inspiration to those aspiring to become part of the coveted UPSC services. She has over 107,000 followers on social media sites like YouTube and Instagram, where she frequently shares her insights, advice, and inspiration.

Aashna gave a stirring speech for others in a media report, saying, "Never give up on your dreams. Failure is a necessary step towards success rather than the end. Acknowledge your errors and work on improving yourself daily. Have faith in your abilities and yourself. Work hard, fervently, and completely. Success will undoubtedly come your way."
New Delhi: The Delhi Police have arrested two more suspects in connection with the security breach at Parliament on December 13, when two men jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber and released coloured smoke. The suspects have been identified as Saikrishna Jagali, a software engineer from Bagalkote in Karnataka, and Atul Kulshrestha, a Leftist activist from Orai in Uttar Pradesh. Jagali, son of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police who works with a multinational company in Bengaluru, was picked up from his house at Vidyagiri in Bagalkote on Wednesday night.

According to official sources, Jagali was a college friend and roommate of Manoranjan D, one of the intruders who trespassed into the Lok Sabha chamber last week. Jagali's sister Spanda said a Delhi police team came and took her brother with them. "It is true that the Delhi Police came. My brother was interrogated. We have fully cooperated with the inquiry," she said. She also claimed that her brother had done "nothing wrong" and that he was just a friend of Manoranjan.

Kulshrestha, on the other hand, was a member of the Bhagat Singh Fans Club, a social media page/group, of which the five accused arrested for the security breach were members. At least one of the accused had chatted with him in the group. Kulshrestha, a high school dropout who hails from a modest family, is said to have engaged in Left-driven activities. He is known for his steadfast belief in Leftist ideology in Orai.

Jalaun Superintendent of Police (SP), Iraj Raja, said that the Delhi Police also took Kulshrestha from his Ram Nagar locality in Orai on Wednesday. "A team of Delhi Police came here and have taken one person to Delhi with them. The team did not share many details about this with us," he said.

Both Jagali and Kulshrestha were questioned by the Special Cell of Delhi Police on Wednesday, sources said. They are suspected to be a part of the now-deleted Facebook page 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club', which was created by the accused before the security breach incident.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack last Wednesday, two men -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released coloured smoke and shouted slogans, before being overpowered by the MPs.

Two others -- Neelam and Amold Shinde -- were detained outside the Parliament complex for staging a protest. The four were arrested and charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

They will be produced before a court as their seven days of police custody ends on Thursday. The Special Cell is likely to seek their further custody. Meanwhile, two more people -- Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat -- were arrested later in connection with the case and they have also been interrogated, police said.
New Delhi: Further intensifying the ongoing war of words with the Centre, the Opposition lawmakers, who faced suspension from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha earlier this week, took to the streets of central Delhi on Thursday holding a protest march from the Old Parliament building to Vijay Chowk. The demonstration began with Opposition MPs carrying a prominent banner declaring "Save Democracy" and placards bearing messages such as "Opposition MPs Suspended! Is This The End of Democracy?" and "Parliament Caged, Democracy Expelled!"

Row Escalates Over Lok Sabha Security Breach

The protest comes amidst an escalating conflict between opposition parties and the ruling BJP concerning the expulsion of over 140 MPs for alleged "unruly conduct." The rift deepened as parliamentary authorities and the opposition collided over demands for the government to be answerable for the recent security breach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were called upon to provide formal statements, but they declined, citing unspecified national security concerns. Despite this, both leaders addressed the media on the issue.

Kharge Leads Opposition Protest March

At the forefront of the protest was Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who accused the BJP of lacking faith in democratic principles.

The BJP recently passed bills replacing India's criminal laws after the expulsion of a significant portion of the Opposition. Kharge asserted, "This protest is against the government. The Modi government does not want the Parliament to function." He criticized the government for attempting to suppress the Opposition's voice by raising issues related to the Rajya Sabha chairman. Kharge emphasized the condemnable nature of the government's actions, noting that if the Opposition cannot express itself in Parliament, it will turn to other platforms.

"We are repeatedly requesting Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha Chairman to allow us to speak on Parliament security breach," Kharge informed reporters.

Jantar Mantar Protest On Friday

Kharge also revealed that members of the INDIA bloc would stage a second protest at the Jantar Mantar on Friday, further underlining the persistence of the Opposition in the face of mass suspensions. A meeting was also held at Kharge's chamber in the Parliament complex on Wednesday afternoon to finalise the programme.

All suspended MPs will join the protest at Jantar Mantar, sources said. They will also hold a "mock Parliament". Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha is likely to be the speaker for the mock proceedings. It may be noted that more than 140 opposition MPs have been suspended from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha since last week for disrupting proceedings.

Opposition MPs have been demanding a discussion on the Parliament security breach and a statement by Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue. They have also sought action against the BJP MP who authorised the visitor pass for at least one of the culprits who jumped into the Lok Sabha gallery on December 13.
(Bloomberg) -- The frenzied adoration of South Korean retail traders for everything EV battery-related has sparked a meteoric rally of one cathode producer, making it the worlds best-performing stock this year.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Shares of Ecopro Co. comfortably beat all companies in the 2,647 member Bloomberg World Index  delivering returns of 571% this year and more than 200% points over runner-up Kum Yang Co., another Korean company also at the center of the EV craze.

Ecopro was the poster child of the unstoppable retail-buying excitement that caused huge swings in some South Korean stocks this year. A combination of factors  including retail investors penchant for volatility, bullish calls from popular Youtube influencers, as well as Chinese competitors facing increased scrutiny from the US  all contributed to interest in nations battery makers and their suppliers.

The company saw its share price skyrocket during the first half of this year, catapulting from 110,000 won at the start of 2023 to more than 10 fold in seven months. Such a wild ride enticed investors to chase quick returns while squeezing out short sellers who placed bearish bets as the companys price-to-earnings ratio shot over 500 in the summer.

Before a recent ban by authorities on short-selling, Ecopro was one of the most shorted stocks in South Korea. The shares traded at 691,000 won in Seoul at 3:19 p.m. local time Thursday, with a market value of about $14 billion. The stock still trades at 96 times its earnings.

The stocks rally in part benefited from expectations for higher EV battery orders earlier this year but its gains continued even when some analysts lowered their outlook on demand. Shares have now dropped almost 50% from their July peak and the stock now has two sell ratings, one hold and no buy recommendation.

Story continues

Ecopros rally also created massive wealth gains for its founder Lee Dong-chae, who is imprisoned for insider trading. He and his family saw their fortune swell by about $3.3 billion this year to $3.6 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Separately, PT Adaro Minerals Indonesia is down 19% this year after being 2022s winner when it posted a 1,595% gain.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
NEW DELHI: A Delhi Court on Thursday extended the custodial remand of four accused in the December 13 Parliament security breach case by 15 days. All four accused - Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde - were produced before Delhi's Patiala House Court earlier this morning. The accused will now remain in Delhi Police custody till January 5.

The four accused arrested in the Parliament security breach case have been charged with stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Parliament security breach case: Delhi's Patiala House court grants 15 days further custodial remand to the Special Cell of Delhi Police of four accused. https://t.co/JSxt6gPskJ  ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

Opposing their bail application, the Delhi Poice counsel told the court that the real motive of the accused behind the Parliament security breach incident is yet to be ascertained.

Massive Breach In Parliament's Security

The Parliament security breach incident occurred on December 13 when two intruders namely, Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma, jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery and opened smoke canisters. They were later arrested by the Delhi Police.

Two more persons namely Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde were also held outside Parliament where they opened similar smoke canisters. The major security breach in the Lok Sabha occurred on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament terror attack when the two arrested intruders jumped into the chamber of the Lower House from the visitor gallery during Zero Hour.

The intruders then jumped from one seat to another and took out canisters when MPs tried to catch them. They released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the legislators. The incident happened when members were raising matters of urgent public importance and BJP MP Khagen Murmu was raising his issue.

After the security of Parliament was breached, the Secretary General of Lok Sabha wrote to the MHA over a review of security, and a decision was taken that no passes would be issued for the visitors' gallery till further orders.

On request from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the MHA on December 13 ordered an inquiry into the Parliament security breach incident, and a committee was set up under Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Anish Dayal Singh with members from other security agencies and experts.

As per MHA, the inquiry committee will investigate the reasons for the breach in the security of Parliament, identify lapses, and recommend further action. "The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest," the MHA had said.

According to Police sources, all the accused were associated with the social media page 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club'.
London: 23-year-old Indian student, who went missing after a night out with friends on December 14, has been found dead. Police divers found Gurashman Singh Bhatias body in a lake in Canary Wharf area of east London. The UK's Metropolitan Police are appealing for information to piece together the last movements of Gurashman.

The officers are carrying out extensive enquiries, including viewing CCTV, speaking to witnesses and analysing phone and financial data. Water searches were also carried out in the area and a body believed to be that of Bhatia was recovered by police divers in the water in South Quay.

Gurashman's death is being treated as unexpected, and while there is nothing to suggest it was suspicious, we will ensure our investigation is as thorough as possible to confirm this, said Detective Chief Superintendent (DCI) James Conway, responsible for local policing in the Tower Hamlets area of Canary Wharf.

CCTV image of Gurashman released

Because of this, we are releasing a CCTV image of Gurashman that was taken before his disappearance and would like anyone who may have seen him in the Marsh Wall area on the evening of Thursday, 14 December and in the early hours of Friday, 15 December, to contact us, he said.

Conway added that this was an extremely tragic outcome to their missing persons inquiry and not the news he was hoping to give to Gurashman's family and friends.

I send them my deepest condolences, he said.

The police noted that although formal identification has not yet taken place, Gurashman's family has been informed. Meanwhile, anyone with information about Gurashman's movements has been asked to call 101 quoting the reference CAD5787/15Dec.

Social media appeals

There had been widespread social media appeals by the Indian student community in the UK after the Sikh student was reported missing.

What a tragic, heartbreaking loss of one of our beautiful lives. I had spoken to his father and friends only some days ago when we first found out he was missing and had been praying for his safe discovery, said Sanam Arora, Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK.

Our thoughts are with his family & friends. Requesting all to please say a prayer for the departed soul, she said.

Bhatia was pursuing an MSc in Digital Finance at Loughborough University. After he went missing last week, his case was also flagged with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar by BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

BJP leader condoles Gurashman's demise

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of G.S. Bhatia, a Loughborough University student who was missing since Dec 15th. Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time. May Waheguru give strength to his parents mourning this profound loss, Sirsa said in a social media post.
New Delhi: 'Bigg Boss Telugu' season 7 winner Pallavi Prashanth was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the violent incidents in Hyderabad on Sunday night after he was declared winner of the reality show, police said.

Police took Prashanth, and his brother Mahaveer, into custody from his house in Kolgur village in Gajwel mandal in Siddipet district.

They were brought to Jubilee Hills police station in Hyderabad, where a case was registered in connection with the incidents that occurred on the night of December 16 near Annapurna Studio.

Fans of the finalists of Big Boss had gone on a rampage after the winners name was announced on Sunday night.

They chanted slogans and damaged vehicles that were leaving the studio, including that of the participants.

They also damaged six buses of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC), a police vehicle, and private vehicles.

Runner-up Amardeep Chowdarys car was also damaged in the incident but he escaped unhurt.

Police had to use force to bring the situation under control. Police had registered against Prashanth and his followers, as he had taken out a rally despite being cautioned against it.

Another case was registered for the damage caused to six RTC buses and three private vehicles.

Immediately after the announcement of the winner, Prashanths followers had started celebrations while Amardeeps supporters had raised slogans protesting the verdict. This led to a clash between the two groups.
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New Delhi: Pakistans former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has accused the military establishment of ruining the countrys economy and democracy, while lauding Indias achievements in space and development. Sharif, who is eyeing a record fourth term as prime minister, said that Pakistans miseries were not caused by India, the US or Afghanistan, but by its own actions. "Our neighbours have reached the moon, we haven't even stood up on the ground so far" says Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif lauding India's rise while pointing to his country's economic crisis.

We shot ourselves in our own footthey (a reference to the military) rigged the 2018 polls and imposed a selected (government) on this nation that led to the sufferings of the people and downfall of the economy, Sharif said during a conversation with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ticket aspirants here.

He also criticised the judges for supporting the military dictators and ousting him from power three times in 1993, 1999 and 2017. The judges garland them (military dictators) and legitimise their rule when they break the Constitution. When it comes to a prime minister the judges stamp his ouster. The judges also approve the act of dissolution of the parliamentwhy? he asked.

Sharif, who returned from a four-year-long self-imposed exile in London in October, is the only Pakistani politician who became the prime minister of the coup-prone country for a record three times. He said that he was declared a hijacker in 1999 and removed from power in 2017 for not taking salary from his son.

They (military establishment) made this decision as they wanted to bring their selected man into power, he said, referring to his arch-rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supremo Imran Khan. Sharif also blamed the military establishment of 2014-17 for coercing the senior judges to remove him from power.

They (a reference to the military establishment) visited the residences of senior judges and threatened them. They achieved the required court verdicts against me through coercion, he said. Sharif has been acquitted in three corruption cases in the last week. He was sentenced to ten years in jail in July 2018 in the Avenfield graft case.

Sharif contrasted Pakistans situation with Indias progress, saying that our neighbours have reached the moon, we havent even stood up on the ground so far. He praised Indias rise in space and development, saying that Pakistan should learn from its neighbour.
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XRP Healthcare, a leading player in the healthcare industry, is proud to announce the appointment of Keith Errey, founder of Isansys, as a strategic advisor to the company. With an illustrious career marked by leadership in healthcare innovation and a proven track record of success, Keith brings invaluable expertise to the XRP Healthcare team.

XRP Healthcare Appoints Digital Healthcare Evangelist and Isansys Founder Keith Errey as Strategic Advisor

Keith Errey is widely recognized for his pivotal role in establishing and leading Isansys, a world-leading medtech, medical device, and digital healthcare company. The company, under his guidance, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing remote patient monitoring through its groundbreaking Patient Status Engine (PSE). This innovative platform employs wearable sensors and wireless communication to continuously collect vital signs and physiological data, enabling real-time monitoring across diverse patient populations.

Isansys has collaborated with healthcare institutions, and organisations, and supported many clinical research trials, most notably its collaboration with the NHS (National Health Service) to deploy the PSE into hospital and home care settings. These partnerships aim to improve patient care, enable early intervention, and enhance healthcare efficiency.

Isansys' commitment to excellence has garnered prestigious awards, including being named the 'Best Medtech Company' in the UK Medtech 50 and receiving the 'Best Established Medtech Company' accolade at the 2021 UK IT Industry Awards. These recognitions underscore Isansys' dedication to improving patient outcomes and enhancing healthcare efficiency on a global scale.

Keith Errey's appointment as an advisor to XRP Healthcare reflects the company's commitment to strategic growth and innovation in the healthcare sector. With his extensive experience, including successfully taking a previous company public, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to guide XRP Healthcare in its mission to consolidate the highly fragmented private healthcare industry in Africa through mergers, acquisitions, and blockchain solutions.

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Commenting on his new role, Keith Errey expressed enthusiasm about joining XRP Healthcare, stating, "I am excited to be part of the XRP Healthcare team and contribute to their mission of transforming the healthcare landscape in Africa. The potential for innovation and positive impact is immense, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive strategic initiatives and contribute to the company's success."

XRP Healthcare Founder Kain Roomes welcomed Keith Errey, stating, "We are thrilled to have Keith on board as a strategic advisor. His visionary leadership and proven expertise in healthcare innovation align perfectly with our goals at XRP Healthcare. We are confident that Keith's guidance will play a crucial role in our continued success and our commitment to reshaping healthcare in Africa."

Business Development officer Laban Roomes also commented on Keith's appointment with this statement: "Keith was introduced to us through Spiritus Medical, NASA-Licensees ventilator manufacturers. Their collaboration helped deliver the first NASA-designed ventilator to Uganda. After engaging with Keith, it became evident that our goals were aligned. His wealth of experience, particularly with NHS, and pioneering technology capable of potentially saving organizations billions annually, convinced us to offer him the position. He'll play a pivotal role in navigating our roadmap's next phases."

About XRP Healthcare:

XRP Healthcare is the first Pharma and Healthcare platform on the XRP Ledger, enabling fast global payments, improving healthcare access in emerging markets, and creating real-world utility by transforming global healthcare through mergers, acquisitions and blockchain - www.xrphealthcare.com

About Isansys:

Founded in 2010, Isansys is a global leader in MedTech, medical devices, and digital healthcare, pioneering the development of the Patient Status Engine, the most comprehensive, wireless, and user-friendly advanced patient monitoring platform - www.isansys.com

Photo:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2306306/Keith_Errey.jpg

Logo:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1983109/XRP_Healthcare_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE XRP Healthcare
While Eastern Nebraska is likely to miss out on any snow for Christmas this year, you can still enjoy a White Christmas prior to the holidays at The Durham Museum in Omaha.

The Durham Museum is partnering with the Rosemary Clooney House Museum and private collectors Stephen and Heather French to host White Christmas  The Exhibition.

Filled with a resonating patriotic theme supported by song and dance routines, Michael Curtizs musical film, White Christmas, became an instant holiday classic and was the highest-grossing film of 1954. Along with the music of Irving Berlin, the film features a star-studded cast of Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen.

Visitors to The Durham can see film costumes created by designer Edith Head, movie props, sheet music, behind-the-scenes photos, archival materials and more.

The exhibit features some of the most iconic costumes such as the blue Sisters dresses and Vera-Ellens sparkling Mandy dance outfit.

White Christmas  The Exhibition will remain on display through Jan. 28, 2024.

While youre at The Durham, you can also enjoy Christmas at Union Station presented by FNBO, including seeing the regions largest indoor Christmas tree which stands over 40 feet tall.

Children can visit Santas Cabin from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Children can choose to sit on Santas lap or give him a call on the museums old-fashioned telephone. If using the phone, Santas elves will be at the switchboard to make sure children get connected to the big guy himself.

The Holiday Concert Series will have its final concerts on Saturday.

Hanscom Park Ensemble will perform from noon to 12:20 p.m. under the glow of The Durhams Christmas tree. They will be followed by Maloley School of Rock from 12:30-12:50 p.m.

As part of Log Cabin Christmas from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, visitors can see the museums historic log cabin replica for a special look at how pioneers on the Great Plains celebrated the holidays. A docent will be present to show guests how the pioneers decorated, celebrated and gave gifts during their difficult winters on the prairie.

The Holiday Cultural Tree Display also has returned to The Durhams galleries during Christmas at Union Station.

The display showcases how cultures from around the world celebrate the holidays. Each tree is decorated by a local Omaha cultural group and is accompanied by text explaining the meaning behind the various decorations and unique traditions of each culture.

If you dont make it to The Durham Museum prior to the holidays, the Christmas at Union Station will continue through Jan. 7.

The museums holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. On Christmas Eve, the hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Durham will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Museum admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 62 and over, $8 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 2 years and under.
Paramedics overdosed Elijah McClain with a sedative he didnt need, prosecutor says

A Colorado prosecutor says two paramedics failed to properly care for Elijah McClain when they overdosed the Black man with a sedative that he didnt need
Colorado Supreme Court Justice Carlos Samour, Jr., left, asks a question during oral arguments before the court on Dec. 6 in Denver. Looking on are Justices Richard L. Gabriel, second from left, Monica M. Marquez, third from left, and Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright. Colorado Supreme Court justices have sharply questioned whether they could exclude former President Donald Trump from the states 2024 ballot.
After nearly nine years of planning and design, ground is set to break in February on the long-awaited expansion and remodel of Manitou Springs' more than century-old Carnegie Library.

The Manitou Springs City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved contracts with Centennial-based Fransen Pittman as the general contractor for the project, Denver-based Ratio Architects as the architect and landscape architect, and Denver-based Artaic Group as the owner's representative.

The city expects to break ground on the approximately $4.5 million project at 701 Manitou Ave. in early February. The general contractor estimated the work would be complete in 8 months. The remodel has been in motion since 2015, and work will update the structure that opened in 1911 and was built in the classical Italian Renaissance style.

The city approved the contracts about a month after the Pikes Peak Library District agreed to pay $1.5 million upfront to lease the building. The deal provided the last portion of necessary funds to allow the remodel to break ground in the coming months.

Rob Danin, a Manitou Springs resident and an organizer with the Preserve and Renew our Carnegie Library Task Force, praised the community's work on the project.

"The city will now finally have a library that will be fully functional and accessible to our community and beyond. Not only that, but the city park the library sits on will also become ADA accessible, where it has not been before. We may think of this as a two-for-one benefit to the citizens and patrons who deserve these accommodations," he said Tuesday.

The building is currently vacant after the library district temporarily moved its operations to the Manitou Art Center in 2020, following a complaint the building was not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Construction plans propose a nearly 3,000-square-foot addition and an interior remodel, bringing the total space up to more than 6,000 square feet.

A combination of city funds, grants, donations, various contributions and the library district's lease advance total over $4.7 million for the project.

The city is still fundraising and seeking grants to cover just over $221,000 in additional contingency funding needed to reach a project reserves goal of $450,000, Manitou Springs' Project Manager Katie Hillson told the council Tuesday.

"We are looking to have a little bit bigger of a contingency, just based on the size of this project. A little more contingency is always a good idea," she said.

City staff recommended Fransen Pittman and Artaic Group because of both companies' experience in remodeling historic buildings as well as libraries. Fransen Pittman has also worked on 15 projects with the city's chosen architect, Ratio Architects, staff said.
With a little over 13 hours of darkness in Colorado Springs, Thursday will be the longest night of the year.

On Dec. 21  known as the Winter Solstice  the sun tilts its farthest from the Northern Hemisphere. It also tends to be one of the coldest evenings  although this years forecast is milder than others.

The conditions set the scene to think about how the harshness of the elements, along with the loneliness, indignity and despair, affect people who live on the streets, say organizers of the annual Longest Night remembrance to honor those who have died while unmoored.

The event also brings awareness to the societal issues of homelessness, said Mary Lynn Sheetz, one of the founders.

I see us choosing homelessness for a large part of our citizens, as we continue to tear down housing where the poor live and replace it with housing for the well-to-do, she said.

We think that will eliminate poverty in our city, when what that does is drive the poverty to our streets.

The names of 93 people, and counting, who have died on Colorado Springs streets this year will be read aloud during Thursdays Longest Night observance, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at a paupers' burial site for cremains at Evergreen Cemetery. Attendees will say "We remember" after each name.

The plot contains ashes of departed people who were homeless at the time of their death as well as supporters who assist the homeless population. It is located immediately to the south after entering the cemeterys main gate at 1005 Hancock Expressway.

The candlelight service will include live music, speakers and refreshments afterward. The public is invited to attend.

Names also are added to the Book of the Dead, which the Bijou Community, longtime advocates for people who are homeless, started in the 1980s, and ashes of some of the deceased are routinely added to the sacred site.

One of the names of this years deceased is Betti Jo Chaffin, who was well-known at Westside Cares, a consortium of churches that help the homeless and low-income population on Colorado Springs westside.

Betti Jo died with a housing voucher in her hands, said Kristi Milligan, CEO of Westside Cares. She searched for months for a landlord who would accept it. She wanted desperately to be inside  to have another chance at life.

In the days preceding her death, she lived in a shed.

The list has 93 names of this years departed  87 from the El Paso County Coroners Office and five supplied by service organizations. The Coroners Office handles only a portion of homeless deaths; those who die in a hospital of natural causes, such as liver failure or a cardiac event, are not sent to the coroner, for example.

As the year comes to a close, El Paso County Coroner Dr. Leon Kelly said he expects about the same number of homeless people  121  to die on the streets this year as last year.

Last year's count represented a 55% increase in homeless deaths from the coroners office over 2021, when there were 78.

Overdoses of fentanyl and a spike in murders among the homeless population pushed the 2022 total to a record high, Kelly said.

Once fentanyl found its way into our homeless population, deaths exploded, Kelly said. Clearly thats the issue.

Last year, 79% of the accidental deaths of homeless people were due to drug intoxication, with fentanyl being the most prevalent substance.

Traffic fatalities from people being hit by vehicles and cases of hypothermia also recently have claimed lives of indigent residents, Kelly said.

Milligan, one of this year's vigil speakers, said the Longest Night is the most important event she attends.

It matters deeply to me because it renders visible what might otherwise be invisible, she said. It unites the community in their grief and their commitment to saving as many lives as possible.

Because of the harsh living conditions, violence, drug use and accidents that typify homelessness, life expectancy for homeless people is reduced to age 50 instead of the American average of 78 years, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Every name that will ring out into the Thursday night sky represents someones child or parent or sibling or friend, Milligan said.

None of them as a child aspired to homelessness, she said. As a community, we must renew our commitment to providing support to our most vulnerable members.
An Adams County jury now has to decide whether the decision by two Aurora paramedics to inject Elijah McClain with ketamine in 2019 was a tragic mistake or a crime.

Prosecutors from the Colorado Attorney Generals Office and the paramedics defense attorneys presented their closing arguments to jurors Wednesday afternoon. The 12-member jury will begin deliberating Thursday.

Aurora Fire Rescue paramedics Jeremy Cooper and then-Lt. Peter Cichuniec are accused of choosing to administer a 500 milligram dose of the sedative ketamine to McClain  a dose too large for his weight, according to the fire departments protocols at the time  following a struggle with police officers without speaking to McClain or physically examining him, instead only relying on officers accounts of his behavior and guessing his weight.

They knew nothing. They learned nothing. They asked no questions. They didnt care, said Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson.

Aurora paramedics' defense attorneys rest case in McClain death trial

Prosecutors argue the fire medics know about the risks of ketamines side effects, including potential respiratory arrest, and failed to monitor McClains vital signs before or after Cooper made the injection.

McClain went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing within a few minutes of receiving the ketamine. He died in a hospital a few days later.

The paramedics said they believed McClain was suffering from excited delirium when they arrived, a controversial diagnosis typically described as an onset of symptoms such as extreme aggression, strength, resistance to pain and paranoia.

Cichuniec testified that he decided McClain should get a 500 milligram dose  the maximum allowed at the time without a doctor's approval  because the medic didnt want to risk under-medicating him.

At the time of the incident, Aurora paramedics were trained that excited delirium could lead to death because of acid buildup in a persons body from exertion, and ketamine was the only drug available to treat the condition.

Defense attorneys argued they were able to visually assess McClains vital signs. But the police prevented them from taking full control of McClain as their patient, the medics attorneys say, continuing to manhandle him and refusing to take McClains handcuffs off.

Prosecutors said Wednesday the paramedics, particularly Cooper, would have understood McClains cries, such as Ow, ow," and his final words, Please help me, had they listened. But Cooper had already made up his mind that McClain needed ketamine and didnt pay attention to any cues from his words and behavior, they said.

Its the medical equivalent of putting on a blindfold, jumping in a car and slamming the gas, said Senior Assistant Attorney General Jason Slothouber, returning to an analogy he made several times during his closing arguments.

He pointed out McClains plea for help and coherent responses to the pain of a police officer manhandling him ran contrary to Coopers assertion, during an interview with a police detective a few weeks later, that he only heard gibberish from McClain. Slothouber also played footage of Cooper telling the detective McClain kept trying to escape and walk across the grassy area he was subdued on.

The defense attorneys argued its not fair to judge their actions with the benefit of hindsight, which has included body-worn camera footage and opinions from medical experts. Nitpicking details about what they could have done differently doesnt equate to criminal liability, their attorneys argued.

Aurora paramedics testify, allege police hindered Elijah McClain treatment

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David Goddard, who represents Cichuniec, said it doesnt matter whether McClain actually suffered from excited delirium. What matters, he argued, is whether the paramedics had reason to believe he did based on what they knew and didnt know at the scene.

Cooper and Cichuniec had plenty of reason to believe the police were still in an active struggle when they arrived, their attorneys said: They saw an unusual number of cop cars at the scene. They saw several officers on top of someone restrained on the ground and heard them tell the person to stop fighting.

They heard McClain was on something, not responsive to questions, had displayed extreme strength and could see he was breathing fast and sweating.

But the paramedics also didnt get the full picture of the encounter because the police failed to give them other crucial information, their attorneys argued. Goddard said they didnt know how the beginning of the polices encounter with McClain had gone, that he had thrown up after one officer used a neck hold on him and said seven times he couldnt breathe.

They made their decisions in real time based on what they could see and what information they had, Goddard said.

Three Aurora police officers stopped McClain, 23, as he walked home from a convenience store the night of Aug. 24, 2019 because a person called 911 to report seeing someone who looked suspicious.

The officers subdued McClain, handcuffed him and one used a neck hold that temporarily restricted oxygen to his brain.

Mike Pellow, one of Coopers defense attorneys, said McClain should still be alive, and sought to direct blame to the officers escalating the encounter with him so quickly. He suggested the paramedics face charges because of outrage over the tragedy of McClains death and a demand for accountability. He argued they had to make a quick decision, guided by their training that ketamine was necessary to treat excited delirium, which they were taught could turn fatal if not treated.

We implore you not to make this tragedy worse by convicting him, he said.

Cooper and Cichuniec each face charges of reckless manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide as a lesser included count and two counts each of second-degree assault. The assault charges include assault causing serious bodily injury and unlawfully drugging McClain without consent.

Recklessness means consciously ignoring a known risk of a person's actions. Negligence refers to a person failing to perceive a substantial risk of their actions through a blatant deviation from a reasonable standard of care.

The paramedics have pleaded not guilty.

Paramedic training expert questioned about Aurora medics' actions

A separate jury convicted one officer, Randy Roedema, of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault. The jury acquitted another, former officer Jason Rosenblatt.

Nathan Woodyard, who used the neck hold on McClain and was the first officer to stop him, was acquitted by a third jury of reckless manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
Sixty-two percent of Americans know someone who has had a package stolen during the holiday season, according to a report by Lombardo Homes.

These thieves are commonly known as "porch pirates," and they prey on the reality that around 94 percent of Americans plan to have packages delivered to their homes this holiday season, according to the report.

Just last year, the U.S. Postal Service processed more than 11.7 billion pieces of mail and packages during the holiday season. This year, the numbers are expected to stay consistent or increase.

With many consumers concerned about package theft this time of year, it is important to know how you can mitigate the risks of "porch piracy."

More than half of Americans don't believe delivery companies or retailers are doing enough to prevent package theft, according to Lombardo Homes, and most of the prevention tactics commonly used are initiated by consumers.

The most popular tactic is tracking the delivery process of packages, followed by staying at home when receiving a package. Other common ways to fend off porch piracy are signing up for delivery alerts, installing a doorbell camera, and sending packages to a different location.

Is this enough? According to Colorado Springs police, there are three more ways to help prevent package theft during the holidays.

1. Use secure package lockers either on your porch or through a third party.

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2. Have the package delivered to work or a trusted neighbor's home; someone who can be home to get it for you.

3. Require a signature upon delivery, especially for high-dollar items or packages that contain sensitive information.

What can you do if you become a victim of porch piracy?

There are different options available depending on the situation and sender, according to Business Insider.

- If your package was delivered by USPS, UPS or FedEx, consider filing a claim with the shipping company.

- If you have evidence your package was stolen, reach out to the sender about possible reimbursement.

- Consider filing a police report if you have footage of the thief. If other people in the area have footage of the same thief, they will be more likely to catch the culprit.
An announcement from Pope Francis on Monday regarding a significant change to Vatican policy that formally allows Roman Catholic priests to bestow blessings on same-sex couples brought praise and gratitude from some, with a cautionary eye toward blowback from others

Its time, said Gayle Rappold, who started a monthly support group in Colorado Springs called Journey, for Catholics who have LGBTQ loved ones. Its about time that we are at least as a church putting this forward.

However, the Catholic Churchs teaching on marriage has not changed, said Bishop James Golka, who leads the Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs.

The Vatican declaration Fiducia Supplicans: On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings, issued Monday by the Vaticans Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, prohibits any action on the part of pastors that could create confusion about marriage  such as giving a blessing in conjunction with a civil marriage ceremony, Golka said in a statement.

Rather, this declaration is simply an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings on those who acknowledge the need for Gods healing love and mercy in their lives, Golka said.

Catholic teaching is that marriage is an indissoluble union between a man and a woman, and therefore opposes gay marriage.

In granting approval that allows priests to bless same-sex couples, Pope Francis said the policy change addresses that in seeking Gods love and mercy, people should not be subjected to an exhaustive moral analysis in order to receive such graces.

The document is based on a letter, which the Pope wrote in July and that was made public in October, in response to five conservative cardinals challenging him on church teaching on homosexuality before the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality.

The synod was an initiative of Pope Francis' to determine how the Holy Spirit is moving through the church and how the church should adapt its mission of evangelization in modern times.

His papacy has been marked by intentional gestures suggesting that LGBTQ people should we welcomed, such as voicing support for allowing legal benefits to same-sex spouses, for example.

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New Ways Ministry, a nationwide Catholic outreach that advocates for LGBTQ equity, inclusion and justice, called the letter as it was released a significant advancement to make LGBTQ+ Catholics feel welcome in the church and one big straw towards breaking the camels back in their marginalization.

In some regions in Europe, Catholic priests have been blessing same-sex unions without rebuke from the Holy See.

Its wonderful news that he (Pope Francis) has done that, Rappold said. Ive seen it coming out of the Synod and the Popes movement toward a more modern and realistic view of sexuality.

The document states that "a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God." And that the request for a blessing "is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered."

The Rev. Dr. Ellen Johnson-Fay, minister emerita of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Colorado Springs, praised Monday's announcement.

The Popes decision to allow priests to bless same sex couple is an encouraging development for people who believe, as I do, that all people have the right to love whom they love and be blessed when they decide to enter a committed relationship of mutual affection, care and support without an exhaustive moral analysis, as he put it, she said. In my deeply held belief, same-sex love should never have been condemned by institutional religions.

Johnson-Fay said she hopes the new directive means that Christianity as a whole might be influenced to move in a more inclusive and less judgmental and authoritarian direction, and that all people, whatever their faith or religious affiliation or gender identity, will be seen for their full humanity and treated with dignity and respect.

Rappold said she knows pushback will be coming.

Theres no doubt about that, she said. But I think moving forward is inevitable. Im hoping and praying thats the case.

Latin Rite blogger Luigi Casalini of Messa in Latino (Mass in Latin) wrote that the document appeared to be a form of heresy, reported the Associated Press, which contributed to this story.
George Brauchler is the former district attorney for the 18th Judicial District. He also is an Owens Early Criminal Justice Fellow at the Common Sense Institute. He hosts The George Brauchler Show on 710KNUS Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter(X): @GeorgeBrauchler.
The Colorado Supreme Court's decision to disqualify Trump from the state ballot hinges on several crucial conclusions  notably that the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol constituted an "insurrection," that the former president engaged in that act, and his speech was "not protected" by the First Amendment.
Vietnam veteran Cecil Fell went to visit the grave of his best friend and fellow Marine, right before he left for Vietnam to look for answers.

"I wanted to know about the North Vietnamese and what made them so tough and so resolved," he said. Fell recounted his tale to help mark the 50th anniversary of United States combat troops pulling out of the country in 1973.

He left for Vietnam in 2002 with two shirts, two pairs of shorts, shoes, shaving and first aid kits and spent three weeks just getting there. He slept on the floor of the airport in Osaka, Japan, waiting for a standby seat for five days before giving in and buying a ticket to Thailand, where he then got stuck with visa problems for two weeks.

Once he arrived in Vietnam, he traveled to the former demilitarized zone marking the boundary between North and South Vietnam. South of the line was the site of some fierce and famous conflicts, including Operation Prairie, an offensive that killed his friend, John Russell Smith.
Greater Albany Public Schools reached an agreement earlier this fall with former assistant superintendent Lisa Harlan to head off a potential lawsuit.

The district and Harlan signed off on the deal on Sept. 21, with Harlan agreeing to resign and the district agreeing to pay her more than $99,000.

A Place to Sleep, episode 10: Wrapping up We check back with some of the people we've met along our travels and we catch up with politicos who are trying to come up with solutions.

The figure represents six months of gross salary and benefits, including cost-of-living adjustments. The district also agreed to pay her health insurance contributions and her salary from Sept. 1 to Sept. 22.

The details were enumerated in a resignation agreement document signed by both parties and obtained by Mid-Valley Media.

The document, which brings this chapter of district tumult to a close, notes the agreement isnt an admission of liability by either the district or Harlan. The document indicates both parties released themselves from claims, causes of action, or demands related to Harlans employment with, and her resignation from, the district.

A districtwide Oct. 5 email announcing Harlans departure included a statement from her resignation letter:

It has been my absolute pleasure serving the students and staff of Albany for the past five years as Assistant Superintendent, Harlan wrote, according to the email.

I wish nothing but the best for the students of Albany, as they deserve the very best, she said.

The district also wished Harlan well in her future endeavors, according to the email.

The well wishes from both sides, however, capped off a year mostly filled with tension between Harlan and GAPS. That tension culminated in the former administrator filing a tort notice against the school district in July for alleged retaliation, pointing to Superintendent Andy Gardners recommendation that her contract not be renewed.

According to the tort notice, Harlan said the nonrenewal was in retaliation for her reporting a hostile work environment at GAPS in December 2022. She alleged female workers and administrators didnt feel safe at the district because of gender bias in the workplace, according to the notice.

Harlan said she was denied a report of the investigation into her claims and alleged that upon the investigations conclusion, Gardner had decided not to keep her on assistant superintendent.

At the same meeting the GAPS school board approved the superintendents recommendation not to renew Harlans contract, board members similarly opted not to renew the contract of another GAPS administrator, Equity Director Javier Cervantes, prompting public ire.

Then, less than a month later the district placed Harlan, who was seeking to appeal her nonrenewal, on administrative leave pending another workplace investigation.

According to Harlans tort notice, that was a response to a written complaint against her sent on March 24, alleging she herself had created a hostile work environment. Harlan claimed the complaint was fabricated and without merit.

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She previously suggested to Mid-Valley Media the timing of the complaint against her was noteworthy considering she had filed ethics complaints against the entire GAPS school board in March related to their handling of executive sessions, or closed-door meetings.

Those ethics complaints were resolved in November by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.

According to her tort notice, Harlan had been seeking economic damages for lost wages and benefits and non-economic damages for emotional distress and embarrassment.

Gardner said a search for a new assistant superintendent would begin next year.







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Tomas Gorny's trajectory as the Co-Founder and CEO of Nextiva and a tech entrepreneur is a compelling journey of transformation and tenacity. His career path, from a young Polish immigrant barely speaking English to the head of the largest privately-owned communications company in the US, is a testament to personal resilience, a clear set of values, and a commitment to innovation.

Since his early days in the United States, Gornys journey has been characterized by hard-earned progress. Growing up in Eastern Europe under communism, Gorny sought ways to pursue his entrepreneurial passion. When the opportunity to emigrate and pursue a career in tech came along, he seized it. He joined one of the first web hosting companies in the 1990s, even though it meant having to work odd jobs to get by, from valet parking to carpet cleaning. Instead of being discouraged, Gorny leveraged these experiences to forge a robust work ethic and a versatile skill set. This foundational period was critical, equipping him with the insights that now inform his business approach.

Gornys emphasis on values has been pivotal in shaping Nextivas ethos. He advocates for delivering innovation, prioritizing excellent technology over competing on price or features alone. This customer-centric philosophy has become a distinguishing mark of Nextiva, earning the company a reputation for service and innovation.

With an expansive understanding of customer experience, for Gorny, its not just about providing tools, but crafting a comprehensive system that enhances interactions within and outside the organization. This led to the development of Nextivas unified customer experience platform, which has changed how businesses connect with customers. Its core principle: simplifying communications by centralizing them, and allowing businesses to track customer communications across all channels via one single platform.

Past business failures have not been setbacks, but lessons for Gorny. When his first company was acquired, he became a millionaire at 22. Yet a few years later, the dot-com crash wiped out his fortune and he had to start from scratch. These experiences have taught him the importance of understanding one's strengths and the value of prudent risk-taking. They have also reinforced the importance of learning as a continuous process in business growth. Undaunted as ever, Gorny founded another web hosting company, IPOWER, which he says grew to become the second-largest hosting provider in the world.

At Nextiva, innovation is more than a catchphrase; it drives the company's development. Gorny has led the charge in introducing new features and services that align with the evolving demands of the business world, now harnessing AI to provide time-saving tools and data-driven insights. This proactive approach has kept Nextiva at the forefront of the industry.

Gornys approach to company culture is equally strategic. Recognizing its significance, he has actively shaped a workplace where innovation and teamwork are encouraged, and customer experience is paramount. This focus on culture has been instrumental to Nextiva's success, contributing to its expansion and its accolades for innovation and service. Nextiva's reputation directly reflects Gorny's leadership philosophy.

Under Gornys guidance, Nextiva has seen expansive growth. The company has broadened its customer base and product suite, offering comprehensive solutions that have made Nextiva a one-stop shop for business communication and customer experience needs. Gorny's story underscores the impact of adaptability and resilience in the face of a constantly evolving tech landscape. His experience highlights a strategic vision that adeptly navigates the complexities of entrepreneurship and customer experience.

Gorny's leadership style is nothing short of impactful. His journey has been perseverance through hardship, learning from missteps, and seizing opportunities with vision. As the tech landscape transforms, his adaptability, resilience, and big-picture outlook equip him to anticipate change. His work with Nextiva shows how resilience, a focus on customer experience, and constant innovation are key to sustained success in a competitive field.

Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.
SHEFFIELD, IA- Sukup Manufacturing Co. is recently announced in a press release its acquisition of Ramco Innovations, a leading automation distributor in the Midwest.

This acquisition will result in the formation of a unique entity, Sukup Innovations. That entity will oversee Ramco Innovations and Sukup Innovations' AgTech offerings. Ramco Innovations will retain its name, operations, and current locations. Ramco and its 65 employees will remain based near Valley Junction, and its four other locations in Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri.

"We are thrilled to welcome Ramco into the Sukup family and to embark on this exciting journey together," said President of Sukup Manufacturing Co. Steve Sukup in a statement, "This collaboration represents a significant milestone for both companies and reaffirms our dedication to delivering unmatched value to our customers. With the expertise of our teams and foundational leadership, we are confident that together we will set new standards in the industry."

Sukup CAO Emily Schmitt believes that bridging these two companies will enhance both corporate capabilities. Sukup has always held our advanced manufacturing capabilities as a core strength, Schmitt said in the release. We see this acquisition as a way to advance not only our manufacturing innovation but also taking that advanced automation to the farm.

Hank Norem, Ramco CEO, will serve as Chief Innovation Officer of the unique entity formed through this acquisition, Sukup Innovations. He will also serve on the Sukup Executive Team. Sukup Innovations will provide comprehensive, high-tech solutions tailored to the unique needs of clients in agriculture and various industrial sectors.

Ramco will continue its operations and growth as a value-added distributor throughout the Midwest region. The company will uphold its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art automation solutions and exceptional customer service, building on its legacy of excellence in the industry.
A new charter school that will provide Chinese and Spanish language immersion instruction won approval last week to open in Guilford County.

Members of the North Carolina Charter School Review Board voted unanimously to give the school the go-ahead.

Triad International Studies Academy looks to open in August 2025 with 144 students in grades K-2, and eventually grow to 936 students in grades K-8. TISAs planned location, at least for its early years, is a church campus on Oak View Road in High Point. The school expects to lease space in the building.

It would be the first public school in Guilford County to offer a Chinese program for elementary and middle school students.

We want to make a multilingual, multicultural school, said TISAs board chairman Chaowei Zhu, a Wake Forest University faculty member who has previously been involved with Chinese language immersion schools in Charlotte and Greenville, S.C.

Students entering the school would pick either the Spanish or Chinese learning track but would not not need to know either language ahead of enrolling.

Leaders expect the school could add additional languages besides Chinese and Spanish down the road.

According to the schools application, math, science and social studies will be taught in Chinese or Spanish at the elementary level, while English Language Arts will be taught in English. Young students have innate skills for learning language through mimicry if they get enough exposure. TISA plans to front load that learning, and so, for the youngest students, most of their day will be in Spanish or Chinese, with time in those languages gradually decreasing after second grade.

Leaders also plan on a world culture curriculum with students rotating through learning about cultures in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The proposed schools mission is to educate its students to think and behave as global citizens with multilingual proficiency, intercultural competence, strong academics, and leadership skills.

Charter schools in North Carolina are tuition-free and publicly financed, with local district schools required to pass along a portion of their funding to charter schools. Generally, charter schools are founded and created by nonprofit organizations with their own boards of directors who receive a charter from the state to operate. They get flexibility on some typical major requirements for public schools and in return are subject to some extra accountability from the state about meeting certain goals.

TISA was one of three new charter schools that applied this year to open in Guilford County in 2025. The North Carolina Charter School Review Board approved Movement School Greensboro in November and Liberty Charter Academy on Dec. 11.

Due to legislation passed earlier this year, the former charter school advisory board has been renamed as the review board and is now the authorizing body for charter schools in the state. New charter schools no longer need to be approved by the State Board of Education.
GREENSBORO  Horace Jim Kimel Jr., a former Guilford County official who played key roles in the countys judicial and elections systems, died Wednesday at age 75.

Kimel served as Guilford County District Attorney from 1987 to 2001 and as chairman of the Guilford County Board of Elections from 2017 until this summer. In between, he built a practice as a private defense attorney, sharing offices with friend and fellow Greensboro attorney Ed Galloway.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Galloway called Kimel very sharp, but also very kind. Kimels success as as an attorney, Galloway explained, was due to both his strong legal mind and strong moral center.

He said Kimel was very active in his church, First Friends Greensboro, though less than he would have liked in his last few years due to declining health.

In a brief message to the News & Record Wednesday, First Friends Pastor Lia Scholl said Kimel was a beloved member of the congregation.

Howard Neumann, who served as an assistant district attorney with Kimel, said he remembers Kimel having strong religious beliefs, including opposition to the death penalty. Still, Neumann recalled sitting beside Kimel as he pursued the death penalty in the case of a man who had been charged with murdering two elderly women.

Neumann said the trial took weeks, but he felt like he learned more from Kimel during that time than three years of law school.

Kimel, he said, got all but one juror to vote for the death penalty.

Quakers are fairly adamant against the death penalty, explained Kimel in a 2001 News & Record interview after he announced his retirement. When I was an assistant district attorney, I chose not to participate in capital punishment cases. When I became district attorney, things changed. Like it or not, capital punishment was one of the laws I had to affirm.

In 2016, Guilford Countys Democratic Party selected Kimel as one of its representatives on the Board of Elections. He became chair in 2017.

Party Chairwoman Kathy Kirkpatrick remembered Kimel on Wednesday for his gentleness as a person and his knowledge as as an elections leader. Kimel, she said, knew his stuff and kept things on an even keel with an ability to kind of get everybody working together in the same vein even with the elections board divided between Democratic and Republican party representatives.

Carolyn Bunker, a Board of Elections member who joined in 2019, said Kimel was abundantly kindhearted and a mentor. She added that Kimel always sought out the opinions of other board members on issues before them, whether it was early voting or absentee ballots. And she said even though he didnt always agree with some of those views, Kimel was always respectful.

That taught me a lot, she said.

Charlie Collicutt, Guilford Countys elections director, remembered Kimel as fun and easy to talk with  with Kimels favorite subjects of conversation including the Tar Heels and his grandchildren. Kimel stood out for the way he encouraged elections employees, especially during what were sometimes long, long nights working together.

He really liked us and he really trusted us and he really empowered us as a staff, Collicutt said. We are all sad here.
Downtown Helena Inc. has voted to disband the nonprofit group and to merge with the Downtown Business Improvement District, a move that some say will prevent overlap and provide a more-focused approach for the Queen City's downtown area.

Wednesdays votes to dissolve and merge with the BID were unanimous, said John Dendy, director of the Business Improvement District.

Dendy said he believed it is a good move.

It was absolutely the best decision the organization could make right now, he said.

I think it will be easier to do good work for downtown Helena with one organization rather than two, Dendy said.

The two groups already share an office and telephone number at 330 N. Jackson St.

Dendy said there was a lot of overlap of what the two groups were working on. He said they can now work as one on the vitality, promotion, design and beautification of downtown Helena. He said they will now concentrate on incorporating former DHI members into the BID.

He said he was concerned about the wrong message this latest move may cause.

I dont want people to be confused about what is going on downtown, he said. Downtown Helena itself is doing better than in the 20 years I have lived here. It is more vibrant and prosperous than I have ever seen it.

Downtown Helena Inc. would have celebrated its 60th anniversary next year.

It describes itself as a non-profit business membership organization established in 1964 that works to "ensure that local businesses in the Downtown Helena community thrive and have their voices heard.

According to the BID website: Helena created Montanas first Business Improvement District in 1986 when a group of business and property owners collaborated with the goal of promoting economic growth in downtown Helena.

It represents property owners within Helenas legally constituted city district. Revenues to fund BID programs and services come from a special assessment on the districts property owners tax bill.

Its mission is to serve as a facilitator, provider and advocate for a planned, creative program that aims for the continual improvement of property values and properties in Downtown Helena.

In October, the Downtown board voted to suspend operations for 2024. At that time it had planned to focus on the group that lures people to the urban business corridor with activities and promotions. They had described their action as a reset.

Downtown Helena Inc. had already worked with the Helena Business Improvement District to produce the Spring and Fall Art Walks, the Alive at Five Summer Series, Kids Fests (spring and fall), Wedding Stroll, Fashion's Night Helena, Little Tykes Trick or Treat, Parade of Lights and Breakfast with Santa.

It was established in 1964 and now has 164 members.

Jordan Conley, their latest operations director, said in August she was leaving. In an email to membership, she cited understaffing, prohibitive city regulations and dismissive city staff. She had been with DHI for nearly two years.

Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins said at the time the city commission has and continues to support DHI and the citys urban core. And he said assertions that city staff have threatened to not approve future events were not true.

The 2023 Parade of Lights was still put on in late November by Downtown Helena Inc. DHI board member Betsy McCarthy took the lead.

Merchants are still accepting downtown Nuggets, and DHI will continue to redeem them. Downtown Nuggets, which are cash-for-cash bills that come in $10 and $25 denominations, are still valid and spendable at participating businesses, officials said Thursday.

Sarah Hamblock, board president for Downtown Helena Inc., could not immediately be reached for comment. MTN TV news reported on the vote Wednesday.

Editor's note: Story updated to say Downtown Helena Inc. still put on 2023 Parade of Lights. Board member Betsy McCarthy took the lead.
A Helena man was sentenced on Wednesday to 30 years, 15 suspended, in the Montana Department of Corrections for felony sexual assault on a child under 10.

Jaxs Jale Baker, 45, was charged in February with felony sexual intercourse without consent and felony sexual assault for groping a victim under their clothing.

The rape charge was dropped as a part of a plea deal that was made prior to the sentencing.

In February the victim reported that Baker had touched them inappropriately under their shirt as they were sleeping, according to court documents.

While receiving a medical examination, the victim stated that they believed Baker had consumed drugs and alcohol prior to the incident which happened just weeks before their birthday, documents said.

Baker told officers during an interview that he did not recall the events and that he blacked out, according to court documents.

Baker will be eligible for parole in under four years, District Court Judge Mike Menahan said during the sentencing.
A man was sentenced to four years, all suspended, for criminal endangerment, a felony.

Izain Xavier Belgrade, 30, appeared in Lewis and Clark County 1st District Court via Zoom from Kentucky on Wednesday morning. Belgrade will be required to receive a drug screening.

The charge was amended from criminal child endangerment.

In June 2022, Belgrade, who was living in Helena, was accused of driving under the influence with a child passenger after a domestic dispute, according to court documents

According to court documents, he showed signs of impairment upon his arrest such as shaking, loss of fine motor skills, constantly moving his hands and pulling at his clothing.
Rural police station extends helping hand to nature

China Daily) 08:50, December 21, 2023

Wildlife on Dazhong Mountain, which forms part of the Ailao Mountains National Nature Reserve, is protected by officers at Hongtupo Forest Police Station in Chuxiong Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province. HOU WEIJING/FOR CHINA DAILY

Illegal hunting of birds targeted, migratory species protected

In the past four decades, Dazhong Mountain in Yunnan province has stood silent witness to ways in which public awareness on environmental protection has changed significantly, with humans and wildlife benefiting from green efforts.

From September to February each year, the mountain, situated in Nanhua county, Chuxiong Yi autonomous prefecture, is home to more than 50 million migratory birds from some 430 species.

Local villagers, who have been lifted out of poverty, used to visit the mountain to catch birds to eat or sell. The residents nicknamed the mountain "Da Que Shan", which translates as "bird-hunting mountain". But one year, chirping birds were no longer heard on its slopes.

Tao Faqing, 61, who lives in Zhongshan village in Nanhua, said: "When I was young, every year the birds passed through Da Que Shan, and people in the village would hunt them. Gradually, these avian visitors fell silent."

Environmental damage in the area also posed a threat to other creatures and plants on the mountain, which covers 17,100 hectares, is rich in biodiversity and forms part of the Ailao Mountains National Nature Reserve.

"When the mountain became barren and the birds stopped chirping, people began to worry if migrant species would ever return to the area," Tao said.

"We used to hunt birds, just as people visiting the coast go digging for clams, and those in the mountains go mushroom-picking. At the time, no one realized that hunting birds was wrong. If we didn't hunt them, what would we serve our guests during Spring Festival?"

Wildlife on Dazhong Mountain, which forms part of the Ailao Mountains National Nature Reserve, is protected by officers at Hongtupo Forest Police Station in Chuxiong Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province. HOU WEIJING/FOR CHINA DAILY

In 1984, the Hongtupo Forest Police Station was established to crack down on illegal hunting and protect migratory birds. Officers at the station worked on the mountain from September to February, tracking the paths of migratory birds.

Initially, police patrolled the mountain without any major life necessities. There were no communication signals, and officers slept in tents despite the cold and the threat from wild animals, until a small shelter was built at the foot of the mountain in 2010.

Police officer Liu Yan said: "The toughest time was winter, when my quilt was never dry. When I was on duty, I walked long distances and sometimes found myself separated from my colleagues. I was all alone in the vast mountains. Words can't describe how I felt on such occasions."

Yang Zhengqiang, another police officer, said the forest terrain is steep, and poachers sometimes hide in the area.

"At night, when we are looking for poachers, we don't make a sound or use our flashlights. We once saw a campfire in the distance, but while crossing a ravine, I slipped and fell. My colleagues didn't notice, and I was afraid the accident would affect the operation, so I didn't dare make any noise. When dawn broke, I realized a high cliff was just a little further ahead of me."

Li Qiangao, former head of the police station, said: "In addition to mosquitoes and leeches, we needed to look out for wild boars, bears and venomous snakes. We often rolled around on the ground while capturing poachers, and when we stood up, we were covered in blood, as there were also many thorny plants in the forest."

He added that the police sometimes fell into ditches or became lost when they chased the poachers. Li once walked for two hours along a stream until finding a way off the mountain when the sun rose.

Wildlife on Dazhong Mountain, which forms part of the Ailao Mountains National Nature Reserve, is protected by officers at Hongtupo Forest Police Station in Chuxiong Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province. HOU WEIJING/FOR CHINA DAILY

The duration, personnel and routes of the patrols are generally not fixed. The walking distance ranges from 5 to 50 kilometers. During patrols, the officers carry essential equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, ropes, water, medicine and food  usually rice and dry rations. Each patrol group consists of two to 10 people, Li said.

In heavy fog, officers on patrol teams connect themselves with a rope to prevent falling or getting lost. In extreme weather conditions, when they lose their way or are attacked by animals, they leave their remaining supplies of food and water with younger officers to seek help.

"It is a tradition to leave the last drop of water for such officers so that our mission of protecting migrant birds is passed down from generation to generation," Li said.

Since 2009, a total of 1,516 administrative forestry cases have been investigated and handled, with 1,589 individuals penalized. More than 376 illegal hunting tools have been confiscated, along with 264 firearms and more than 2,300 rounds of ammunition.

Door-to-door visits

As well as targeting criminal offenses, officers at the police station, together with the local government, work to improve awareness among villagers of the need to protect birds and other forms of wildlife.

Police carry out door-to-door visits among villagers to promote such work, but at first, the villagers didn't listen. Li said, "Before we entered their homes, I heard them muttering: 'Here come those people again'."

He added that officers first chat with the villagers, and help them with farm work. After this, the main focus is on promoting laws and regulations related to wildlife protection, along with the legal responsibilities associated with hunting and eating wild animals.

Officers fetch water from a stream during a patrol on Dazhong Mountain. HOU WEIJING/FOR CHINA DAILY

To change the villagers' views, police also organized promotional activities in schools to get their message across to children.

Li said, "From resistance to acceptance, and then to support, each stage has taken a long time, ranging from several years to more than a decade, or even several decades."

Forty years ago, when he was a child, Li lived in a village in the area. One day, he saw adults lighting a bonfire and walking into the mountains with bamboo poles. Migratory birds flew toward the fire, falling victim one by one to the poles. The villagers collected the birds and took them home to eat.

"The cries of the birds echoed around the mountains, and also triggered my desire to protect them," Li said. After asking his father how he could help save migratory birds, his father told Li he could do so by becoming a police officer.

In 1999, Li graduated from a police training school, and for 18 years worked as chief of Hongtupo Forest Police Station, performing his duty of protecting the birds.

"Years ago, people thought birds were there to be hunted and eaten. Now, even children know that birds are to be observed and loved. The 'bird-hunting mountain' has become the 'bird-protecting' mountain," Li said.

Years of hard work have paid off. Since 2019, there have been no reports of wild birds being hunted on Dazhong Mountain. The police station now operates mainly to promote avian protection and wild animal rescue work.

Modern technological aids such as video surveillance, infrared cameras and drones are used to monitor poachers, fires and the behavior of wild animals.

If migratory birds encounter strong sources of light from cities or villages along their flight paths, they are easily misled and deviate from their intended route.

Plants are inspected by officers in a Chinese yew forest on the mountain. HOU WEIJING/FOR CHINA DAILY

To ensure the birds arrive at their destinations, officers from the police station close the searchlight on the observation tower and tell villagers living at the foot of the mountain to stop using spotlights.

Over the past 20 years, locals have become used to turning off lights at night for three months of the year to help the birds.

Li said, "If the villagers' crops are damaged by wild animals, they report such incidents to the police, but they no longer harm the animals. They also rescue wildlife that is injured."

Animal kingdom

Birds of many colors now fly over the villagers' heads, either in straight lines or zigzags, on the mountain, which boasts lush vegetation and many species of wildlife not seen in the area before.

Zhang Yueping, director of Hongtupo Forest Police Station, which is staffed by seven officers, including one woman, said: "The mountain is greener, the water is clearer, and the variety and quantity of wildlife and plants are constantly increasing. Wild animals, including forest musk deer and black-necked long-tailed pheasants, have reappeared in the area."

In addition to cracking down on illegal activity such as hunting and selling wild animals and their products, Zhang said the station will work to eradicate the habit of eating wild animals.

Observation stations have also been set up to monitor the habitats and populations of wild animals. These stations enable visitors to experience avian activities at all times and sense the harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.

A ceremony is held to mark the arrival of a new chief at the police station and the retirement of its predecessor. HOU WEIJING/FOR CHINA DAILY

Zhang said that together with other government departments, the police station plans to help build the Ailao Mountains National Forest Park, "to make wild animals a shared resource for people around the world".

The police station has become a mini zoo for rescued animals. More than 1,000 wild birds and other creatures, including black gibbons, bears, macaques and pythons, are released from the station every year. Many of them are rescued by locals.

A resident once brought a barn owl caught in a glue trap to the station. Officers removed the adhesive from the owl's feathers with scissors, washed it thoroughly, and placed it in a police car to bask in the midday sun.

By the time the officers had finished lunch, the owl had flown off. However, it later returned with several others, and they made their home in trees that stand near the police station. The officers even prepared food for the owls.

Xiao Jiu, a macaque whose legs were injured, was found by villagers, who took it to the police station, where officers bathed the animal and played with it every day. However, it later damaged taps and notebooks at the station, and as the creature was too young to survive in the wild, the police sent it to a zoo.

Good returns

Local residents are also benefiting from green changes.

Jiang Wenkui, 41, who has been a forest ranger for 16 years, said, "Forest vegetation has increased significantly, and we no longer have any landslides in the area."

Villager and forest ranger Tao Faqing said, "There are more birds and fewer insects, which is good news for our crops."

Tao Faqing, who patrols the mountain and reports any suspicious activities, said: "Birds are humans' best friends. We are responsible for protecting them."

The mountain is patrolled by officers. HOU WEIJING/FOR CHINA DAILY

Some 200 forest rangers from Majie town work at observation stations in the area, where many villagers have opened bed-and-breakfast establishments to accommodate bird watchers and photographers.

Tao Jingping, 42, who runs a homestay with three rooms and offers catering services in Zhongshan village, Majie, said a maximum of 70 tourists arrive each day.

"As the environment has improved significantly, I wanted to start my own business at home," she said, adding that the homestay earns her more than 10,000 yuan ($1,396) a year.

"The village has changed a lot, and nobody hunts birds anymore. When they were still young, my daughter and son told me how cute birds are and that we need to protect them," she said.

Liao Chengfang, town mayor of Majie, said it plans to develop industries such as Chinese herbal medicine and ecotourism to increase residents' income.

"We are also considering a plan to offer high-end healthcare and rehabilitation programs to attract retirees to the area during the summer vacation, where they can rent a small courtyard to cook their own meals," he said.

"We will provide them with organic ingredients, and they can also go foraging for mushrooms in the mountains in July and August."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
CHARLESTON  A former Coles County assistant states attorney will spend 120 days in the same jail he sent defendants to serve time in the past.

Brady Allen, 34, entered the plea Wednesday to two counts of attempted official misconduct based on bribery, both Class A misdemeanors. The Coles County charges stemmed from allegations Allen engaged in improper interactions with two women while they were being prosecuted by the states attorneys office.

In addition to the jail time, Coles County Circuit Court Judge Mitchell Shick ordered Allen to give up his law license and to pay more than $5,000 in fines and court costs.

Defense attorney Kari Gibson, who is an associate attorney with Bruno Law Offices, LLC in Urbana, said they feel that this is an excellent resolution of the case for her client. She said Allen has taken full accountability through the plea agreement.

"He is ready to move past this and be a productive member of society," Gibson said, adding that this includes Allen being a parent to his 2-year-old child.

Allen was charged by the Illinois Attorney Generals Office in January with nine counts of bribery, one count of witness harassment, 21 counts of official misconduct and one count of witness intimidation involving his interactions with three women.

The charges stemmed from allegations that Allen had inappropriate communications "that were sexual in nature" with female defendants while he was serving as an assistant state's attorney from December 2018 until his resignation in August 2020. The women were between the ages of 18 and 35, Raoul's office said, and were either currently being or had been prosecuted by Allen.

The charges stated that Allen solicited sexual contact, photos and videos with an understanding that in exchange, the women would receive preferential treatment in their pending criminal cases. Even after Allen was assigned to another courtroom, according to the allegations, he continued to solicit sexual contact, photos and videos with the suggestion that he could influence fellow prosecutors in the state's attorney's office.

Once Allens behavior was discovered, he offered to pay one woman's fines and court costs if she could convince another female defendant to not pursue claims against him, according to Raoul's office.

Allen is required to turn himself in at the Coles County jail by Jan. 5. His next court appearance is Feb. 14 for a progress update.
DECATUR  It looks like Mark A. Miller Jr., the Decatur man accused of allowing a pet dog to freeze outside to the point where it had to be euthanized, is getting ready to plead guilty to some kind of revised charge or charges.

Millers defense attorney, Dan Fultz, said in a hearing Thursday that Macon County States Attorney Scott Rueter had tendered us a revised offer regarding whats known as a plea deal, the details of which were not disclosed in open court.

Fultz, who also represents co-defendant Nyssa R. Richards-Miller, told Presiding Macon County Circuit Judge Thomas Griffith: Ive talked to both of my clients and, by agreement, we want to set it for a 402 conference.

Thats a legal term for a meeting between the judge and the defense and prosecution to discuss the case, the background of the defendants, and thrash out details of an acceptable penalty through pleading guilty and avoiding a trial.

The case against Miller had been set for a jury trial Dec. 12 trial but was delayed after Rueter had to undergo a medical procedure.

Griffith seemed unsure at first of the wisdom of a 402 conference, and asked the defense: Is it going to do any good, Mr. Fultz? Is there some issue where I can say something that might make a difference is what Im asking you?

I think so, Fultz replied.

The judge then agreed to schedule a 402 conference/potential plea for Jan. 3.

As the charges now stand, the 43-year-old Miller is pleading not guilty to multiple counts of aggravated cruelty and cruelty to animals. He also faces five counts of being a felon in possession of an unsterilized dog. Illinois law says felons with certain records are not allowed to own any dog unless it is spayed or neutered.

Richardson-Miller, 40, denies one count of cruelty to animals. Her case is now set for a status hearing on the day of the 402 conference.

The charges all date from just before Christmas 2022 when members of the public alerted police about the suffering of a pit bull called Berry Blue. The pet was seen staggering and stumbling around the yard of a home in the 4300 block of North Taylor Road during brutally cold weather conditions.

Police said they later found the dog collapsed and unresponsive and it was later euthanized. Four other pet dogs in various stages of suffering were also seized and placed in the care of Macon County Animal Control and Care Center, with the defendants footing the bill, and have since made full recoveries.

The fate of Berry Blue triggered the emergence of groups using the dogs fate to highlight the issue of animal cruelty. The protestors wear bright blue clothing in honor of Berry Blue and have shown up to monitor all stages of the legal case. Dozens of them were present in the public gallery Thursday, silently watching and packing the benches across the aisle from the largely empty benches where the defendants sat.

2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park
CHARLESTON  Josiah Lyons served a juvenile justice sentence after pleading guilty to the Sept. 20, 2017, Mattoon High School shooting and is now set to serve two years of probation for a related parole violation.

Lyons, 21, of Mattoon received this sentence on Thursday from Circuit Court Judge Mitchell Shick after entering a voluntary guilty plea via an agreement with the Coles County State's Attorney's Office.

The defendant also has been ordered to pay a $2,500 fine, plus other costs and assessments set forth in the financial sentencing order. Pending compliance, Lyons is ordered to continue with the terms of registration.

Lyons pleaded guilty in August 2018 to the shooting at the high school, where he was a student. Court and police documents have reported that a teacher began to subdue Lyons in the cafeteria at nearly the same time as Lyons fired his gun, and the shot then hit and injured another student.

According to court testimony during the original case, Lawrence Jeckel, the psychiatrist who examined Lyons, said the teen took a handgun from his father's gun safe and took it to school on Sept. 20, 2017.

Jeckel testified that Lyons had quarreled with a fellow student, reaching a point that he decided he wanted to shoot her. He said when Lyons could not find her, he decided to "go down shooting." Jeckel said Lyons' actions were partly because of "perceived bullying" but he also acted as a bully himself.

Lyons, a juvenile at the time, was sentenced after his guilty plea to juvenile justice facility until he reached age 21 years or until he was discharged from aftercare release. Lyons was discharged on Oct. 23, 2020.

The Mattoon Police Department arrested Lyons on Dec. 14, 2021 for failure to register his change of address as a violent offender.

Based on this new offense, the states attorneys office successfully petitioned to revoke the stay on the adult sentence attached to Lyons juvenile conviction of aggravated battery with a firearm. He was subsequently sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Following an appeal from defense attorney Ed Piraino of Champaign, the 5th District Appellate Court ordered in June that the 25-year sentence be vacated. Presiding Justice Mark Boie wrote Lyons' prospective adult sentence should have been vacated when he was released from juvenile custody.

The state's attorney's office then continued with its prosecution of Lyons on the charge of failing to register his change of address. Lyons' progress hearing on Thursday's probation sentence is set for March 6.
The story of the Lost Colony is North Carolinas founding myth.

Except for one thing, it may be the best founding myth of any U.S. state or any country in the world.

It goes like this: A group of about 100 people who lived in England sailed across the ocean, and settled on an island in what is now North Carolina. A child was born, thus the first child of English parents born in America. The baby girl was named Virginia Dare.

Then the myth collapses. The colonists disappeared and could not be found.

Ever.

Without a conclusion, our story, our founding story, is incomplete.

Over the years scholars, adventurers, and some ordinary people, over a period of more than 400 years, have tried, without success, to discover and explain what happened to the colonists.

As a promotional for a new book, Excavating the Lost Colony Mystery, published by the First Colony Foundation and the University of North Carolina Press, explains, The fate of Sir Walter Raleighs 1587 Lost Colony on Roanoke Island has been one of the most enduring mysteries in the history of European settlement in North America. For generations, writers, scholars, and others have speculated about the disappearance of more than one hundred colonists, whose only obvious clue left behind was the word CROATOAN carved on the palisade of the settlement.

Since its organization in 2004 the First Colony Foundation has promoted and coordinated research and communication about ongoing efforts to learn more about the fate of the colonists.

One of the important contributions of the book is a better understanding of John White, whose illustrations of life among the indigenous peoples in the colony and his beautiful maps are recognized as treasures today. Thankfully, the new book contains illustrations of his best work.

White first came to America in 1585 as the illustrator for the findings of a group of scientists and information seekers. On his second trip he earned the position of governor, having recruited most of the new colonists. He was sent back to England in 1587 for supplies, leaving behind his daughter and new granddaughter on Roanoke Island to make their way with the other colonists.

When White finally returned to the island in 1590, all the colonists were gone, leaving only the Croatoan carving as a clue.

The new book describes how in 2012, thanks in large part to the suggestion of board member Brent Lane, a patch on one of John Whites maps was found to cover a symbol for a fort about 50 miles from Roanoke Island near the intersection of the Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound.

This location in Bertie County became known as Site X, and the foundation sponsored extensive archeological research to learn if the colonists might have relocated there. That research will continue, but one authority, foundation board member and president of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, James Horn, speculates that the settlers moved west from Roanoke Island toward Site X.

At Site X, Horn writes, Whites settlers likely remained there for a few years patiently waiting for his return, but as time passed and it became less and less likely that he would come back, they settled down and intermarried with neighboring Indians along the Chowan.

Horn speculates, By the early 17th century most had spent the greater part of their adult lives with the Indian peoples. Then perhaps about the same time as the first Jamestown expedition arrived in the James River in the spring of 1607, a catastrophe may have overwhelmed them.

Jamestown leaders were told that a large Powhatan war party had killed most of the settlers and their Indian kin.

Horns informed speculation gives our founding myth an ending, even if it is not the ending we were hoping for. The ongoing work of the foundation will continue to develop other possible answers.

In the meantime, Excavating the Lost Colony Mystery is a book that should be in the library of everyone who celebrates our founding myth.
A new transitional family care home for young people from Mecklenburg County is opening in the near future in downtown Concord. Its location, on South Union Street in close proximity to R. Brown McAllister Elementary School, has drawn concerns from some neighbors.

Several city and county leaders earlier this month met with officials from Alliance Health, a managed care organization for behavioral health care services, for more detailed information about the home.

The facility, which will operate as a Residential Treatment Level III Service, will house six young people between the ages of 10-17 and will be run by the Mooresville-based Turning Point Family Services, which offers a broad range of family oriented services centered around helping people live the fullest and most productive lives possible, according to its website.

Alliance Health, which contracts with Turning Point, will monitor and provide oversight to make sure the treatments being delivered are appropriate.

The young people who will be residing in the facility are currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, which is struggling to take care of them.

They get into custody of DSS and they literally physically have nowhere to go, Krystina Bennett, director of the group home, told the Independent Tribune during an open house event in November, which was attended by several local leaders and neighbors. They are sleeping on the floors of DSS or they are in the emergency department for months on end.

Young people who need crisis transition programs tend to grow up in unstable and unsafe environments, Bennett said. Others are struggling with their own mental health challenges that makes them unfit at the moment to be around their peers.

Many of the children have experienced traumas in their life and they need stability and they need a calming environment and thats what we provide, said Turning Point CEO Dawn Johnson.

Regarding concerns neighbors have raised about potential aggressive behaviors displayed by some of the kids, Sean Schreiber, chief operating officer with Alliance Health, said the they dont meet a hospital level of care and are thus not deemed at the time a danger to themselves or others.

Bennett noted there are numerous screening processes that the young people will go through before they are allowed to reside in the facility, and that kids with a history of violent behaviors will be automatically excluded.

There will be at least two staff members at the home and awake 24/7 along with trained counselors and others who will spend time with the young people. The common areas will have 24-hour surveillance while each room will have motion sensors and monitors.

Theres a lot of measures that went into place before we could even start hiring the people who have the criteria, Bennett said.

N.C. Rep. Kevin Crutchfield (R-Cabarrus), who attended the meeting with Alliance Health, told the newspaper in a statement that the critical services that Alliance Health and Turning Point provide to aid children in the social services program is absolutely commendable and needed.

Crutchfield continued: I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the providers, along with our city and county elected officials to understand the demands we face in this area of health care. These homes provide care and a sense of community for these children.

Alliance Health and Turning Point have followed all necessary protocols and legal standards to ensure they are being properly regulated, Crutchfield added. The home care facility being opened in Concord is a way to help address these childrens need for homes and care.

The children, who will reside in the home for about 45 days, are not expected to move into the group home until sometime in early 2024. As of now, there is no specific move-in date.

The vision is to take a child who is in limbo, with literally no place to go, and get them mentally prepared, get them physically prepared, back to some type of normalcy and stabilization, Bennett said. Because this is a temporary home; this is not forever.

The young people will either attend Charlotte Mecklenburg schools or a private school program operated by Turning Point and, just like other students their age, will spend the evenings working on homework and completing chores.

Schreiber said it is common across North Carolina for kids in one county to be transported to a family care home in another county. Its not ideal, but its kind of the system, he said, noting that providers tend to set up shop where they can easily find available homes. Cabarrus County has dozens of other group homes, which are likely populated in part by kids from other counties, Schreiber said.

While these young people have experienced traumas in their lives and could struggle to the adjustment of living in another county, Schreiber said Alliance Health has never experienced kids at any of these homes exhibiting behaviors that led to destruction of nearby property.

Many of the neighbors expressed concerns, following communication mistakes on behalf of Turning Point. The organization distributed a letter to several of the neighbors about the open house.

The letter stated that Turning Point had invited community stakeholders such as schools, DSS, county commissioners, local law enforcement, etc. Many of the city and county officials though were unaware of the group home or that Turning Point was hosting an open house.

Neighbor DeAnne Hobbs, who circulated her concerns about the group home on a public Google Drive, told the Independent Tribune last month that Turning Points community outreach efforts were a major screwup, adding it was misleading and vague.

The open house was originally scheduled from 3-4 p.m. on Nov. 9, which would have been difficult for many people to attend. After some push back, Turning Point expanded the open house, which ran from 3-7 p.m.

A few neighbors spoke about their concerns, including kids fleeing the home, during Novembers Concord City Council meeting.

Bennett was aware that several neighbors had expressed concerns about Mecklenburg kids living in downtown Concord. The open house was meant to assuage residents fears and hesitations.

Im a mom, so I definitely want to validate every single concern because the concerns are legitimate, she said.

Additional community meetings will be held in the near future in partnership between the city of Concord, Alliance Health and Turning Point.
All Peoples Church of Jesus Christ

Worship at 11 a.m. Sunday at American Legion Post 172. Pastor: Prophet Roland Jordan delivers the message.

Ann Street United Methodist Church

335 Ann St., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Randy L. Wall. In person and Facebook Live worship at 11 a.m. Sermon: A Living Nativity Not Forgotten. Scripture: Luke 2:1-20.

Bethpage United Methodist Church

109 Fellowship Ave. at West C Street, Kannapolis. 704-932-5296. Pastor: Rev. McKenzie Sefa. Christian Education at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m.

Bogers Chapel United Methodist Church

1775 Flowes Store Road E., Concord. Pastor: Eric Shaver. 9 a.m. Sunday school. 10 a.m. Worship service (In person or Facebook). Christmas celebration.

Calvary Lutheran Church

950 Bradley St., Concord. 704-782-6923. Pastor: Rev. Debbie Frye. In-person worship at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Childrens Area and Nursery available at all times. All services livestreamed and available anytime on the Calvary Lutheran Concord YouTube channel  easy access through our website at www.clconcord.org or church app Calvary Lutheran ChurchNC. All are welcome. Sermon Series: The Gift of Presence. Sermon Topic: 10 a.m., The Best Gift. 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., The Gift of Presence Revealed.

Center United Methodist Church

1119 Union St. S., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Brian Crady. Sunday School for In Betweens and young adults at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. Nursery is provided during the worship service. Website is www.centerumcconcord.org. Join us for our service. Sermon: Gods Gift of Pure Love. Scripture: Luke 2:1-20.

Cold Springs Global Methodist Church

2550 Cold Springs Road, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Cliff Wall. Worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Visit online at https://youtube.com/@coldspringschurchconcord.

Crossroads Church

220 George W. Liles Parkway, Concord. Pastor: Lowell McNaney. Live worship streamed on Facebook, Crossroads Concord Church app or mycrossroads.co website at 9:30 a.m. and 11:11 a.m.

Crown Pointe Baptist Church

703 Tennessee St., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Doug Crawley. Sunday School at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary, or view online at our Facebook page. Series: Advent: The Best Christmas Ever. Sermon: Love. (Week Four). Scripture: John 3:16 ESV.

Eastside Missionary Baptist Church

199 Elgin Drive, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Stephen Burrow. In person services: Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Worship services at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Recorded worship services and other information at EastsideMissionaryBaptist.org. You will be welcomed. Practice social distancing.

Epworth United Methodist Church

1030 Burrage Road NE, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Dennis Marshall. Sunday school at 9 a.m., followed by worship at 10 a.m. We welcome all to join us in person, or you may livestream or watch the recorded service at our website at www.epworthnc.com.

Forest Hill United Methodist Church

265 Union St. N., Concord. Senior pastor: Rev. Mandy Jones. Associate pastor: Rev. Wes Judy. We are open for in-person worship. Contemporary worship, 9 a.m. Sunday school/small groups, 10 a.m. Traditional worship, 11 a.m. Both the contemporary and the traditional worship services will also be livestreamed at foresthillumc.org or facebook.com/foresthillumc.

Grace Church of Concord  A Global Methodist Community

28-B Branchview Drive NE, Concord. Lead pastor: Michael Dominick. Worshipping every Sunday at 10 a.m. For more information visit www.graceconcord.org where you will find links to our Sunday morning Livestream and more. Topic: God With Us Series  God sent His Son to bring PEACE to our HEARTS. Sermon: God With Us Brings PEACE. Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 2:8-14. Also Sunday evening, Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Topic: God With Us Series  Jesus is the WORD who became FLESH to show us Gods GLORY. Sermon: God With Us is JESUS. Scripture: Matthew 1:22-23; Luke 2:15-20.

Harmony Church Concord

101 White St. NW, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Thad Brown. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. followed by our worship service in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. Sermon: The Lord Saves. Scripture: Luke 1:26-28, 1:31-32, Matthew 1:21, Luke 24:25-27. We welcome you to join us in worship. Service is live on Facebook.com/HarmonyChurch and we welcome all who are unable to join us in person to worship with us online. For more information, call the pastor at 704-791-2883 or the church at 704-782-8237.

Jackson Park United Methodist Church

715 Mable Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor: Laurie Knoespel. Adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. Worship at 10:30 a.m. Nursery will be provided during worship service.

Kirkwood Presbyterian Church

900 Klondale Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Dennis B. Craft. Worship at 11 a.m. in church sanctuary on Sundays. No mask restrictions.

McGill Baptist Church

5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, in-person services. Pastor: Rev. Steve Ayers. McGill will stream a worship service Sunday at 10 a.m. on www.facebook.com/mcgillbaptistchurch/ and on YouTube. The services will be live and also available on recording afterward. 4th Sunday in Advent. Sermon: Perplexing Words. Scripture: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:.25-27; Luke 1:26-38. Christmas Eve: Nativity of our Lord. Sermon: Glorifying God. Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-20.

Midway United Methodist Church

108 Bethpage Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Craig Allen. Come join us on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for Sunday school and 10:30 a.m. for worship. Our service is also livestreamed on the web at midwayunitedmethodistchurch.org or facebook.com/midwayUMC. Fourth Sunday of Adventmorning. Sermon: He will be Great. First Reading: Second Samuel 7:1-11, 16. Second Reading: Luke 1:26-38. Suggested hymns: UMH 218, It Came upon the Midnight Clear; UMH 234, O Come, All Ye Faithful. Special Christmas Eve organ and piano music at 10:30 p.m. Christmas candlelight service at 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Service with candlelight singing to close the service. Sermon: And He is Named  First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7. Second Reading: Luke 2:1-20. Suggest hymns: UMH 217, Away in the Manger; UMH 239, Silent Night.

Mt. Mitchell Church

6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Joel Locklear. Office phone: 704-933-0155. Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. (Adult and Children classes.) Worship at 11 a.m. in person or on Facebook. Sermon: 3 Christmas Presents You Dont Have to Wait to Open. Scripture: Luke 2:1-2.

Multiply Church Concord

150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. N., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Douglas Witherup. 8:30 a.m. service held at 280 Concord Parkway S., Suite 15, Concord. Services at 150 Warren C Coleman Blvd. N., are worship and sermon at 9:30 a.m. and worship and sermon at 11:15 a.m.

New Gilead Reformed Church

2400 Old Salisbury-Concord Road. Pastor: Jeremy Churchill. Join us this Christmas Eve for regular Sunday worship at 11 a.m. then again at 4 p.m. for our Candlelight & Communion Christmas Eve Service (nursery provided for both). We hope that you and your family will join us. For those who cant make it in-person, check out our livestream on Facebook and YouTube. Sermon: Through the Eyes of Mary.

Oak Grove Baptist Church

200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. Pastor: Rev. Franklin D. Watkins. 10 a.m. In-person worship service. Also available on Facebook Live and YouTube Live. Sermon: Joy Has Come To My House! Scripture: Matthew 2:9-12.

Rodgers Park Baptist Church

309 E 24th St., Kannapolis. Weekly message from KJV Bible, by Pastor Joel Ervin. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. Worship at 10:45 a.m. Facebook Live at 11 a.m.

Second Presbyterian Church

1578 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. Pastor Rev. Sue Black, minister. Rev. Aaron Price, assistant pastor. Sunday school at 10 a.m. Worship at 11 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Advent. Sermon: The Power of Love. Scripture: Luke 2:15-21.

St. Johns Reformed Church

901 N. Main St., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Chris King. Sunday school for all ages at 9:30 a.m. Worship service at 10:30 a.m. Website: www.ourstjohns.org. Email/phone: ourstjohns@gmail.com / 704-932-3656. Sermon: Jesus as The Prince of Peace. Scripture: Isaiah 9:6.

Trinity United Church of Christ

38 Church St., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Nathan King. Worship at 11 a.m., in person or on Facebook Live. Website: commachurch.com. Youre invited.
CONCORD  City leaders and members of the community gathered at Oakwood Cemetery in Concord on Saturday, Dec. 16 to honor and remember local heroes during the annual Wreaths Across America event.

Volunteers placed fresh evergreen wreaths on the graves of 1,602 veterans buried at Oakwood Cemetery. Each veterans name was read aloud as the wreaths were placed to serve as a living memorial to Honor, Remember, and Teach the next generation about the sacrifices and service of veterans and active-duty military.

During the ceremony, Concord Mayor Bill Dusch spoke of the importance of the event to honoring history and remembering those who helped secure the freedoms and community we enjoy today.

As you lay the wreaths today, please remember that with all these efforts that have been made, our community will forever be able to thank and honor the 1,602 veterans that have passed before us for their service to our country, Dusch said.

The event was made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of members of the Wreaths Across America Committee, Tom Fagart and the American Legion Post 51, the Concord Buildings and Grounds Department, as well as the dozens of businesses, churches, organizations, and more than 130 individual community members who sponsored wreaths.

Joining Dusch at the ceremony was Concord Interim Police Chief Jimmy Hughes, who placed a wreath on fallen Concord Police Officer Ralph Kennerlys grave. Kennerly served in the N.C. National Guard during the 1916-1917 Mexican Punitive Expedition and was deployed to France during World War I. Upon returning home from the war, Kennerly joined the Concord Police Department. In 1920, Kennerly made the ultimate sacrifice when he was shot and killed while attempting to take a suspect into custody.

Sharing the stories and honoring the memory of veterans like Kennerly, remembering their service, and teaching the next generation about the value of freedom is the mission of Wreaths Across America. The Oakwood Cemetery Wreaths Across America event was one of more than 4,225 similar events that took place across the country, including at Arlington National Cemetery.

What I love most about this day, and this mission, is that it is so much more than just the placement of a wreath. The wreath is the catalyst, it brings together communities  families and strangers  to learn about those who have served and sacrificed, said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. We have more than three million volunteers across the country and a third of them are children. This mission and the events happening today provide the opportunity to teach kids about what freedom is.

More information about Wreaths Across America is available online at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
GUEST OPINION: The Australian Government's newly unveiled Cyber Security Strategy for 2023-2030 marks a significant milestone in the development of Australias cyber defences. This strategy introduces a layered approach through six 'shields' designed to protect against escalating cyber threats by empowering Australian citizens and businesses.

Within Australia's Six Cyber Shields are some really encouraging commitments, particularly within shields five and six, that will be warmly welcomed by many in our nascent security sector:

Shield 5 (Sovereign capabilities) bolsters Australia's in-country cyber skills and encourages technological innovation. It supports upskilling the workforce and provides funding for Australian start-ups and SMEs to address cybersecurity challenges creatively.

Shield 6 (Resilient Region and Global Leadership) underscores the importance of securing government agencies by adopting internationally recognized zero-trust approaches. This shield aligns with global best practices, like the U.S. Government's Zero Trust Executive Order.

Zero Trust at last

The move to officially enforcing Zero Trust architecture; moving from traditional perimeter-based defences to a more dynamic, data-centric approach, is underpinned by Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) technology.

ABAC enables Zero Trust by using fine-tuned policies that consider multiple attributes (e.g. user, document, environment, time, etc.) to control access to information in real-time. This model is particularly effective in preventing unauthorised access and data breaches, as it dynamically adapts to the context of each access request. Further, in the event of a breach, it helps with digital forensics: finding out when, where and exactly what data was exposed or stolen.

This will not be a panacea - government agencies adopting Zero Trust architecture does not necessarily mean the rest of the market will automatically adopt the security methodology. There is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to levelling up the understanding of CISOs and other c-suite decision makers, particularly those responsible for businesses that fall under the expanded SOCI (critical infrastructure) act.

However, in an industry where we are often only as strong as our weakest link, building the next generation of cybersecurity technologies from a Zero Trust perspective is an (admittedly overdue) step in the right direction that should be praised.

Building the future of Australias cyber capabilities

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the Six Shields is the focus on developing sovereign technology. The nature of cybersecurity, particularly regarding government contracts, lends itself to trusted relationships. Over time, this has created quite a significant barrier to entry for newer entrants, even if they come with a fantastic reputation and innovative technologies.

The smaller players often must team up with a much bigger defence business (dubbed Primes in the industry) to realistically be a contender for a government contract.

It effectively places a cap on how far and how fast Australias sovereign cyber companies can grow their own capabilities. That isnt to say there isnt value in collaboration; there certainly is. However, the balance has certainly favoured the incumbents for quite some time. Senator David Pocock recently voiced this concern, and the Cyber Security Strategy, specifically calling this out as the strongest signal yet that we may see more Australian businesses able to call the Australian Government as a customer.

The Cyber Security Strategy is a promising sign that well see greater adoption of zero trust technologies like those archTIS offers on home soil. archTIS is a publicly listed Australian company specializing in sovereign information security products built on a zero-trust data-centric methodology. Their services are trusted by the Australian Government and Department of Defence and global enterprises for securing the collaboration and sharing of sensitive data.

Forging the path forward

2023 was another year dominated by cyber incidents. Australia has joined the club of nations that have seen significant data breaches across institutions. The Cyber Security Strategy is a strong signal that effort is being made to address that and rebuild our reputation as a leader in this field. The good news is there is already leading-edge sovereign capability from Australian technology trailblazers like archTIS to help pave the way forward. Thats certainly something to celebrate and a reason to be cheerful as we enter the new year.
Telnyx Australia has paid $106,560 infringement notice after the Australian Communications and Media Authority found the telco failed to reduce scam SMS and prevent mobile number fraud between 2017 and 2022, breaching anti-scam and public safety obligations.

The ACMAs investigation found the business allowed at least 4,666 SMS to be sent using text-based sender IDs (i.e. shortened business names) without sufficient checks to ensure they werent scams.

ACMA chair Nerida OLoughlin claimed Telnyxs systemic failures had left its customers and the broader community at risk of harm over a lengthy period.

OLoughlin said being a smaller telco is no excuse to breach the rules.

Telnyxs breaches weakened the application of anti-scams rules at a time when scam SMS have heavily impacted on many Australians, she said.

Telnyx also not undertake adequate ID checks for its prepaid mobile customers or when transferring customers from other telcos.

The ACMA noted Telnyx also failed to give customer data to the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) on more than 3,256 occasions between 2017 and 2022.

The IPND is used by Triple Zero to help locate people in an emergency, for the Emergency Alert Service to warn Australians of emergencies like flood or bushfire, and to assist law enforcement activities.

Telnyx is not the only telco having issues with the IPND. Last November, the ACMA fined Telstra $300,000 for failing to provide accurate details of thousands of customers to the national registry.

The penalty follows a $2.1 million fine in 2021 when the ACMA found systemic issues with Telstras IPND rules.

In addition to the financial penalty, the ACMA has directed Telnyx to comply with the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMS and the Integrated Public Number Database Industry codes.

Telnyx said it will conduct an independent review of its compliance practices and make improvements where needed.

We expect new telcos to be compliant with industry rules from day one of their operations, including anti-scam and public safety rules, OLoughlin said.

Protecting their customers should be the highest priority of all telcos, regardless of their size or how long they have operated, she said.
In 2022, the opposition-minded part of the South Ossetian population received the victory of Alan Gagloyev in de facto presidential elections with a mix of hope and uncertainty. Although Gagloyev was an opposition candidate against the increasingly unpopular de facto President Anatoly Bibilov, he was not the first or second choice for most of the voters. Bibilov indirectly paved Gagloyevs path to power after local authorities did not allow other popular opposition leaders to run. Today Gagloyevs administration, paralyzed by the interests of influential grey eminences, is paving the way for Bibilovs return to power amid a deep crisis. Gagloyevs end might come already in 2024, following the planned parliamentary elections.

BACKGROUND: One and half years after the elections, South Ossetia faces several parallel crises, with budgetary and health care being the most severe. Although both have deep roots and are partly structural, Gagloyevs government accelerated their onset. The common denominator was the appointment of incompetent and unprepared persons to key positions.

In the local healthcare system, already facing a severe lack of personnel and technical equipment, the new de facto health minister, Agunda Pliyeva, unexpectedly worsened the crisis. Pliyeva, facing a slow collapse of the hospital in Tskhinvali due to long-term brain drain, chose an extraordinarily arrogant and aggressive communication strategy. At the height of the dispute with the remaining medical staff, Pliyeva, contrary to tradition, refused to give any awards on the Day of the Employee of the Healthcare System, saying that not a single employee deserved them.

This attitude led to an additional mass exodus of local doctors to Russia in the summer of 2023. At that point, only one surgeon remained in the Tskhinvali hospital, and the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health, Rodion Siukayev, had to take over responsibilities as a second surgeon. The situation led to several deaths from otherwise banal medical conditions, causing widespread anger among local residents.

Kazbek Tsarikayevs appointment as Finance Minister in April 2023 caused immediate distrust among local activists. Tsarikayev previously served as the Minister of Finance of North Ossetia-Alania, but was dismissed after a year in office due to alleged incompetence. In South Ossetia, Tsarikaev, who received the nickname Biden due to his alleged dementia, managed to turn most of the departments key employees against him in a matter of weeks. Among other things, he moved several high-ranking officials out of their offices to crowded common spaces so that he could set up his own break room in the premises.

However, Gagloyev, advised by the influential head of his administration Alan Dzhioev, ignored their complaints until the de facto Minister of Finance visited Moscow in August. Tsarikaev tried to convince the Russian Ministry of Finance that South Ossetia would run a surplus. At the same time, however, many employees of the local public administration already had their salaries delayed for several months, and sporadic protests appeared in the region. According to local economists, the budget deficit might reach at least 300 million roubles by the end of the 2023. The inspection trip of Russian officials to Tskhinvali revealed serious irregularities, after which it was impossible for Tsarikayev to continue in office. Nevertheless, the damage had already been done.

If Gagloyevs administration fails to appoint competent cadres as ministers and to negotiate additional financial aid and a concession from Russian demands for government downsizing with Moscow, many families in South Ossetia could find themselves without paychecks during the New Year holidays.

However, Gagloyevs problem in this regard is that, unlike other de facto presidents, even after one and a half year in office he still lacks both a competent and complete team at home and relevant contacts in the Russian government.

IMPLICATIONS: Gagloyev encountered these two serious problems immediately after taking office. As a candidate few initially counted on, he lacked both a sufficiently large team and connections in Moscow. Gagloyevs relative Arsen Gagloyev became the apparent key to solving these problems. Arsen, Deputy Head of one Gazprom Department, convinced Alan Gagloyev that he has influential contacts inside the Russian government.

On June 10, 2022, Gagloyev appointed Arsens son-in-law, Alan Dzhioev, as the new head of the presidential administration. According to local experts, Arsen Gagloyev and Dzhioev convinced the president that he depended on their skills and contacts and increasingly isolated him from the rest of his team. This trend culminated in June 2023 when the president fired a large part of the cabinet and state administration with ties to de facto Prime Minister Konstantin Dzhussoev  thus undermining his influence.



The June purges removed many popular politicians and officials while leaving Dzhioev's extremely unpopular nominees  his relative and Finance Minister Tsarikayev and protegee Health Minister Pliyeva in their posts. The fact that Tsarikayev and Pliyeva have retained their positions despite an unprecedented budget crisis and the de facto collapse of the healthcare system led many residents to believe that Gagloyev has become only a nominal figure in the hands of Arsen Gagloyev and Dzhioev.



This assumption is also confirmed by the fact that Gagloyev took care of Dzhioev and his nominees even after Moscow allegedly began to demand their departure in the context of the deepening crisis in South Ossetia. In October 2023, under pressure from Moscow, Gagloyev initiated another government reshuffle. The president dismissed Tsarikayev shortly before the full impact of the budget crisis and moved Pliyeva to another lucrative position within the health department. According to local experts, Moscow wanted to see the popular and competent Minister of Justice Oleg Gagloyev as the new head of the presidential administration. However, the de facto president decided to install Dzhioev as Minister of Justice and to make him deputy prime minister. At the same time, he moved Oleg Gagloyev to head the newly created Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.



This solution will allow Dzhioev to preserve his prestige and, at the same time, survive the crisis as the head of one of the few functioning departments. Oleg Gagloyev, on the other hand, will get the chance to fail as head of a department with which he has little experience. The changes thus will not resolve the paralysis of Gagloyevs cabinet but are instead likely to deepen them even more.



As Gagloyev is increasingly perceived as being a passive puppet, unable to fulfil any of his pre-election promises, his supporters are set to fail miserably in the upcoming parliamentary elections notwithstanding the size of Russian financial aid. Although South Ossetia is a de facto presidential republic, the overwhelming victory of the opposition in the elections could lead to a situation in which Gagloyev would have no other option but to resign from his post. This situation could pave the way for Bibilovs political return.



According to local legislation, a citizen who has been outside the territory of South Ossetia for the past ten years cannot run in early elections. This exludes Bibilov, who lives in the occupied territories of Ukraine, from running. Nevertheless, according to local experts, several loopholes could enable Bibilovs candidacy. For example, the census will not apply to the former president if he confirms that he studied or received medical treatment in the occupied territories. His candidacy is therefore likely.

CONCLUSIONS: The elimination of relevant opposition candidates for the 2022 elections functioned as a ticking time bomb. While it did not allow Bibilov to win the elections immediately, it put an unprepared cabinet in office, which may not survive the parliamentary elections. It is uncertain whether this strategy will allow the largely unpopular former president to return to power. However, it significantly contributed to the acceleration of the crisis in South Ossetia, which may cripple the de facto republic for years to come.

Although much of the population believes that the local government, not Russia, bears primary responsibility for the crisis, Moscow may face more substantial pressure to help the region this time. Hundreds of ethnic Ossetians fight in Russian ranks in Ukraine, many of them as volunteers. In a situation where several hundred Ossetians have already died in battle, Moscow has a choice between two options. It can pump a significant amount of wartime funds into South Ossetia, or risk a decline in the morale and determination of ethnic Ossetians on the Ukrainian fronts.

AUTHOR'S BIO: Tomas Baranec is the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Black Sea Studies as well as a Research Fellow and Head of the Caucasus Program of the Slovak think tank Strategic Analysis. He currently works as a field researcher on the Georgian-Ossetian ABL. Tomas studied Balkan, Central European and Eurasian Studies at Charles University in Prague.
The UK High Court will hold a two-day public hearing on 20 and 21 February 2024 at which WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange will have his final chance to appeal against his extradition to the US.

A statement from WikiLeaks said the hearing would be held before two judges who would review an earlier High Court decision on 6 June 2023 which refused Assange permission to appeal against his extradition.

A second appeal was filed on 13 June. Assange's extradition was given the green light in June 2022 by then British Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Assange has been held in the high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was arrested following an US extradition request on 11 April 2019.

The February hearing will determine whether or not the WikiLeaks founder will be able to argue his case further before British courts. If that fails, he may be able to approach the European Court of Human Rights.

Apart from his supporters, Assange has received backing from both American and Australian politicians. In November, 16 American politicians from both sides of the political spectrum wrote to US President Joe Biden asking him to end the extradition bid.

In September, 63 members of Australia's Parliament published a letter in the Washington Post, calling for Assange to be freed. Six of this group travelled to Washington DC to lobby for the charges against Assange to be dropped.

John Rees of the Free Assange campaign, said: "The US is attempting to convict Assange under the 1917 Espionage Act. If they get away with it, they will have succeeded in redefining journalism as spying.

"Every journalist will be intimidated. Every newspaper and broadcaster will look at material critical of the government and feel significant pressure not to publish for fear of prosecution and imprisonment.

"This is the most important press freedom case of the 21st century and we need to ensure we don't lost any hard-won freedoms."

WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson said: "There is no press without the protection to operate freely. Julian's case is a landmark moment; the UK needs to decide if it wishes to be a haven for free press or if it wishes to be complicit in the degradation of a core value of our democracy. This is the last chance for judges in the UK to halt this unjust extradition of an innocent man."
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There's an epidemic of ignorance surging through America, and it's especially virulent among the young.

As we've seen played out on campuses and public spaces recently, impassioned but clueless youth are weighing in on the Israel-Hamas war without a hint as to the history of the region and its people.

The buzzword du jour is "colonizers," applied to the Jews in Israel. Even if students weren't privy to extensive classes on world history, how have they not been taught that Jews are indigenous to the region, going back thousands of years? In a little over a week we'll be celebrating Christmas, marking the birth of a Jew in Bethlehem, Judea over 2,000 years ago. Jesus was not an outlier, nor a European.

Biblical history aside, there are enough non-sectarian historical records and archaeological evidence supporting the fact that the Israelites made their mark millennia before 1948.

But students are lacking this knowledge, and more. As The Hill reported, a fifth of Americans ages 18-29 believe the Holocaust was a myth, according to a new poll from The Economist/YouGov. Another 30% of young people said they didn't agree or disagree with the statement.

Ignorance helps antisemitism gain ground and leaves young minds vulnerable to progressive propaganda that's full of incendiary phrases, but few if any facts.

Some lawmakers are trying to right the ship. Earlier this month a bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., introduced a bill to reauthorize the Never Again Education Act, providing federal funding for Holocaust education.

"Failing to educate students about the gravity and scope of the Holocaust is a disservice to the memory of its victims and to our duty to prevent such atrocities in the future," Rosen said in a statement. "At a time of rising antisemitism, reauthorizing the bipartisan Never Again Education Act will help ensure that educators have the resources needed to teach students about the Holocaust and help counter antisemitic bigotry and hate."

There's a problem  what if the educators need education as well?

As has been reported, the Massachusetts Teachers Association's executive board voted to urge the National Educators Association to put pressure on President Joe Biden to stop funding Israel, which the board characterized as a "genocidal war on the Palestinian people in Gaza."

Teachers presumably have access to dictionaries, but in case some don't, genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group. As in the terrorist group Hamas slaughtering, mutilating, raping and kidnapping Israelis on Oct. 7, and vowing to do it again and again. The destruction of the Jewish people is literally their mission statement.

The deaths of Gazans caught up in this war are devastating, and the humanitarian crisis monstrous. But do those urging a ceasefire not realize that Hamas is using Palestinians as human shields and taking the humanitarian aid for itself? Hamas is not in the business of helping Palestinians.

One of the slogans making the rounds is "standing on the right side of history."

You can't do that if you don't know anything about history. Clearly, our schools are vastly shortchanging America's youth.

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 Al Pacinos girlfriend Noor Alfallah gave an interview to TMZ last week in which she revealed she has no plans to marry Al. That could change. The number-one reason that young Hollywood actresses believe that their marriage will last a lifetime is that their husbands dont have long to live.

 The Census Bureau reported that Los Angeles is the most diverse city in America both in terms of racial composition and sexual self-identification. Last week I went to Dennys and asked for a BLT. It took a while but a bi-sexual, a lesbian and a transgender finally showed up to take my order.

 The Colorado Supreme Court ruled to keep Donald Trump off the ballot in 2024 on Tuesday. They based it on an 1868 14th Amendment clause barring Rebel officers from office. If Democrats really wanted to get rid of Trump, theyd erect a Confederate statue of him, and then they could take him down.

 CBS News reported a survey released by the Anti-Defamation League Thursday which said that anti-Semitic incidents are at their highest levels in the last forty-five years. Over the weekend, Sony fired Jeopardy host Mayim Bialik who is an Orthodox Jew. Thats one way to attract the Harvard crowd.

 Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law to arrest and deport illegal immigrants now flooding the state. Right now tens of thousands of exhausted people are lined up just miles from the border with Mexico. And those are just the El Paso residents waiting in line for a flight on Southwest Airlines.

 The London Daily Mail reported that Fat Pride has become the new battleground in Americas culture wars. Young peoples obsession with food reminds me at least cocaine keeps the weight off. I can remember back in the late Seventies, three people could sit in the hot tub without flooding the patio.

 Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin flew to Israel Monday to meet with Israeli officials to give U.S. support and demand humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Pro-Palestinian protestors completely jammed Penn Station. It halted commuter subway travel into New York, delaying hundreds of stabbings.

 Mayor Eric Adams bragged New York is the worlds greatest city because any day you can wake up to a terrorist attack or a business opening. Today in L.A. I saw a parked car with a bumper sticker that reads I Miss New York. So I smashed the window, stole the radio and left a note saying, I hope this helps.

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I love spending holidays with my family, particularly the matriarchs who've sacrificed so much for their children and grandchildren while keeping their fire. But lately, I dread the comments I know I'll be getting from some of them.

"When you're my age, you're going to end up alone over the holidays," one of my tias declared as I ate dinner at my Mexican grandmother's house with my many cousins for Thanksgiving. The room grew quiet as she addressed me, the 35-year-old woman without children.

Suddenly, I was as self-conscious in my body as I'd been during puberty, except instead of maturing, I felt like I was decaying in people's eyes.

"I'm freezing my eggs in January," I said meekly. Then, with a bit more oomph, I declared: "Either way, I don't think I'll ever end up alone."

Like most educated women in their 30s who don't have kids but want them, I've delayed having children for various reasons, mainly my career and struggle to find a partner who is supportive and stable, who adds rather than detracts from my life, which is rich in community, purpose and other passions. Many of us face unhelpful family pressure over the holidays. It can be even more intense within historically marginalized communities that are held together by strong matriarchs.

My mom says I'm too picky, that I need to lower my standards. Whenever I break up with a man because he suffers from addiction, Peter Pan syndrome or other significant problems  the majority of the straight male dating pool, according to anecdotal evidence and academic research  she's crestfallen.

"Nobody's perfect," she argues. "You could have had a baby and then left."

My mother had me and my sister with my dad, a magnetic but deeply flawed and absent man. She loves us and doesn't want me to miss out on motherhood.

Sing along to the year in politics, set to holiday songs Rick Ho-Ho-Horowitz leads carolers through some of the biggest political events and controversies of 2023

But if I'm going to have a kid, it's going to be with the help of a stable partner. Not because I doubt the power of single moms, but because I don't want any child to live with the same guilt I have from seeing mine carry a huge burden by herself. And I want to have the resources to help my mom when she needs me.

This desire to break bad generational patterns is common among women in their 30s, especially first-generation daughters cultured to pick up the slack for troubled relatives. Yet often, our family members are urging us to ignore red flags in making this critical life decision.

Many women who want kids can't have them. This doesn't detract from their value. But when I'm with my family, I can't help withering in the face of their pity and scorn.

Seeking guidance, I called Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez, a 38-year-old Latina author whose writings about family have helped me before. She has a forthcoming book that touches on women without kids.

Mojica Rodriguez argues for expanding our notions of motherhood. For example, there's allomothering, a phenomenon in nature in which living beings parent the offspring of others, improving the health of a species.

Women without kids have more time, energy and financial resources to fight the many threats we face, from climate change to fascism and Big Tech's AI. Many of us are prioritizing larger society, while demonized as selfish. The casual lack of empathy toward childless women is misguided and hurtful. Studies show 90% of them are childless not by choice.

Research also suggests women without kids generally end up happier than moms in the long term. That doesn't mean childlessness is necessarily the better choice. Birth rates are plummeting, most dramatically among Latinas. We need little ones. But women who don't have them are worthy of as much admiration as strong mothers.

Let's reject divisive views of women. Instead, we can link arms in the fight for universal child care and paid parental leave. Those of us without children should be unabashed about it over the holidays. We're forging a better world for all children.
Q: Will NORAD track Santa Claus this year?

B.H.

Answer: Yes, in addition to looking for potential threats to the United States from the air, the men and women of NORAD-the North American Aerospace Defense Command-will be tracking the jolly old man again this year. This will be the 68th year that NORAD has tracked Santa. Heres some background on the annual fun.

NORAD has been keeping track of St. Nick since before there was a NORAD.

The air defense group uses satellites, radar and a ground-based sensor system to monitor the North American airspace for signs of rockets, missiles, planes  anything that flies.

The tradition of Santa-watching started with NORADs predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, or CONAD, back in 1955, when, according to NORADs website, A Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number.

Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD commander-in-chiefs operations hotline. The operations director at the time, Col. Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born. NORAD replaced CONAD in 1958 and took over the tradition. Shoup, who died in 2009, was designated NORADs First Santa Tracker.

Here are some questions and answers about tracking Santa from the NORADSanta.org website:

What route does Santa travel?

Santa usually starts at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels west. So, historically, Santa visits the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia. After that, he shoots up to Japan, over to Asia, across to Africa, then onto Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico and Central and South America. Keep in mind, Santas route can be affected by weather, so its really unpredictable. NORAD coordinates with Santas Elf Launch Staff to confirm his launch time, but from that point on, Santa calls the shots. We just track him!

No government money is used for the Santa-tracking operation, according to NORADs website. Tracking Santa is made possible by volunteers and corporate sponsors. The tracking headquarters is Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

Tracking Santa 2023 began Dec. 1 at www.noradsanta.org and includes a countdown until Santa and his reindeer lift off on Dec. 24 to begin their annual rounds to deliver gifts to children around the world.
A fire damaged a three-story house Thursday at 2201 Trinidad Lane in the Vienna Township in northwestern Forsyth County, authorities said. No injuries were reported.

The fire started about 10:45 a.m., likely from a wood-burning stove in the homes basement, said Chief Tim Lasley of the Vienna Fire Department.

It took a group of 50 firefighters about 40 minutes to bring the fire under control, Lasley said. Firefighters will put out lingering hot spots throughout day, Lasley said.

Firefighters from Winston-Salem, Lewisville and the Old Richmond community joined Vienna and Forsyth County firefighters to put out the fire, Lasley said.

We will probably be out here two hours before this fire is completely out, Lasley said.

A damage estimate to the house wasnt immediately available Thursday, Lasley said.

The house has a property-tax value of $340,000, according to a Forsyth County tax record.
Winston-Salem police closed a section of West Clemmonsville Road Thursday due to a house fire, authorities said.

West Clemmonsville Road is closed to vehicle traffic from Brewer Road to Rosemont Avenue for an undetermined amount of time, police said.

Drivers can turn north on Brewer Road or Rosemont Avenue and take Ridgeview Avenue to reach either side of the West Clemmonsville Road's closure, police said.

Motorists who are unfamiliar with this area can use GPS or other navigational apps, police said.

Tabetha Childress, a spokeswoman with the Winston-Salem Fire Department, said that details about the house fire weren't immediately available Thursday.
As someone who has appreciated the power of protest and activism on achieving progress in the U.S. and the world, its hard for me to watch the current high emotions over the Middle East devolve into arguments about the meanings of slogans.

Not only are those at loggerheads over Israel and Hamas taking the temperature to extreme levels, they wont even agree on how to argue. Is, for example, from the river to the sea fair comment?

For those advocating for the Palestinian point of view, using phrases that the other side views as hateful is self-defeating and, frankly, hateful.

Thats why I appreciate the bold new effort by Cenk Uygur ( pronounced Jenk, like short for Jenkins and You-ger)  host of the popular left-wing YouTube political commentary show, The Young Turks  to eliminate that oft-voiced and problematic slogan: From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

Can everyone please stop the dumb from the river to the sea chant? Uygur posted on X, formerly Twitter. It is incredibly hurtful to our Jewish brothers and sisters. Its also incredibly counterproductive to protecting Palestinians. Do not chant something that the majority thinks is a call for genocide. Not complicated.

I appreciate his call for clarity in sloganeering. I felt the same way when Black Lives Matter first appeared on the national scene during the great racial reckoning that followed George Floyds death. Passionate but leaderless movements often have too little control over their messaging. We all witnessed that when the political right took BLMs name and attached their own cynical meanings to it.

The furor over from the river to the sea isnt the same, but its leading similarly to needless disputes over meaning and intentions behind slogans.

The slogan is controversial enough to have led to the censure last month of Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American member of Congress.

Tlaib, like other Palestinians I know, claims a very different understanding of the phrase going back to the time when the territory historically called Palestine stretched between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea under British rule from 1920 to 1948.

When Israel was established, the Palestinian territory was divided. Now the West Bank lies on the Jordan River, the Gaza Strip is on the Mediterranean coast and Israel lies between them.

As a result, the phrase from the river to the sea sounds like a call for the destruction of Israel, the country that now occupies that location.

Which is why antisemitism watchdog groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee understand the phrase to mean calling for the removal of Jews from Israel, while others  particularly on the Palestinian side  hear the slogan as an expression of hope for Palestinian unity and autonomy.

Uygurs critics are pointing out that, when it comes to problematic political rhetoric, he might need to get his own house in order.

He wrote: We can all see the genocide in Gaza with our own eyes. Yet, almost every one of the politicians in Washington is pretending that it isnt happening. And that we should send $14 billion to help Israel commit obvious war crimes because they are being oppressed by the Palestinians.

In another post, Uygur accused the U.S. government of hypocrisy for reprimanding college administrators who have allowed anti-Israel rhetoric on campuses while supporting what he called Israels so-called genocide in Gaza.

Uygur, like numerous others on the left, uses words such as apartheid and genocide to describe Israels treatment of Palestinians. As a journalist who reported in apartheid South Africa on the Soweto uprising in the 1970s, I learned firsthand how real apartheid worked for  or against  those of us who deemed the underclass by that regime.

Gaza, youre no Soweto, although the difference surely isnt meaningful to those whose neighborhoods are being bombed.
A federal judge has resentenced two Omaha men for their involvement in a 2018 home-invasion attempted robbery where a 36-year-old Lincoln mother was shot and killed.

"The crime doesn't get any worse than this one," Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard said, sentencing Tawhyne Patterson Sr., 30, and Damon Williams Jr., 32, both to 55 years in prison, in back-to-back hearings Wednesday.

There is no parole in the federal system.

Following a jury trial in 2021, Gerrard sentenced them to life in prison for Jessica Brandon's murder, plus 20 years on the attempted robbery and gun charges.

But in May the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals said their murder convictions should be vacated because of how they were charged and a U.S. Supreme Court decision that came down in a similar case after their trial.

At trial, prosecutors had alleged Brandon was killed during a crime of violence (an attempted robbery) under the Hobbs Act, which makes it a federal crime for anyone to impede or affect interstate commerce "in any way or degree" by committing robbery or extortion.

But the Supreme Court later ruled that attempted robbery didn't qualify as a crime of violence under the Hobbs Act.

Essentially, the court said, it had to be a robbery, not just an attempt, which meant that their convictions for Brandon's killing were null.

So their cases came back to U.S. District Court of Nebraska in Lincoln for resentencing, this time for only two attempted robberies and a firearm conspiracy charge.

"I reached out to the victims and generally what I heard was a difficulty understanding the legal posture that we're in," Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Packard said at the hearing Wednesday. "It's hard to explain a legal ruling that just kind of doesn't make commonsense on the surface. How does a conspiracy to commit a robbery not constitute a crime of violence?"

He said it's reopened wounds for Brandon's family.

Gerrard said it's difficult to explain. It's the difference between an attempted robbery and a completed robbery.

"I think the only reason it wasn't a completed robbery is incompetency basically," he said.

If they had gotten away with money or drugs, it would be a life sentence.

"To be able to describe the differences to this family or the jury that heard the evidence, I don't know that anybody can. I'm bound by the law and I will apply the law in this case," Gerrard said.

On July 31, 2018, Patterson Sr., Williams and his younger brother, Dante Williams, kicked in the front door of the home where Brandon and Michael Robertson lived, Patterson and Damon Williams with guns in tow.

The brothers went from room to room zip-tying Brandon's children, a friend and the girls' grandmother and taping their mouths shut as Patterson fired off 13 rounds into the stairwell, where Brandon, 36, suffered a fatal gunshot wound, likely while trying to get to her children.

Prosecutors said the men were trying to steal marijuana and money from Robertson but left empty-handed.

Packard said the victims have suffered and continue to suffer lifelong psychological trauma from Brandon's murder.

"They're hoping to find some closure in the coming years," he said, asking for a 60-year sentence, the maximum sentence possible following the reversal.

Patterson's attorney, Michael Tasset, argued for 25 years, saying it is difficult to understand.

"But we know as lawyers, and the court certainly knows, ... that there are sound legal reasons for why Mr. Patterson's sentence and conviction on count one was vacated," he said.

Tasset said they also know that doesn't mean Patterson's conduct was not against the law. It certainly violated state law, he said, and the state could still charge him there.

"And the state authority does have the ability, if not intention, to hold Mr. Patterson or attempt to hold him to account for that conduct. And if they do and they're successful, he'll be punished there for that behavior," he said.

Patterson said he wanted the judge and the family to know the reason for his silence up to this point was because "ultimately, I think we can all agree, it wouldn't have mattered, to be honest."

He said if he said he was sorry, the court and the victim's family could take it to mean he's only sorry he got caught. If he doesn't say he's sorry, then he becomes the cold-hearted person who doesn't care anyway.

"Everyone has an opinion they're set in whether I say anything or don't say anything," Patterson said.

In the end, Gerrard called it a senseless and violent crime and described Patterson as "the planner, the shooter and the executioner."

He said home-invasions are among the most heinous he sees and invariably involve violence, weapons, injuries or killings. In state court, it would be a classic case of felony murder, he said.

"It's quite apparent that you had the intention to be firing a gun once confronted. Unfortunately, you were confronted by an innocent victim, the mother of the children who were also in the house and who literally saw her die," Gerrard said.

Shortly after, Damon Williams's attorney, Terrance Waite, unsuccessfully tried to argue that the judge should treat the murder charge as an acquittal and not consider it at all at sentencing.

But Gerrard said the jury had been clear, Brandon was shot and killed during the robbery attempt. It was relevant conduct he could consider.

Williams continued to maintain his innocence, turning to Brandon's family in the courtroom and saying he understood their pain and was sorry they had to feel it.

"The best I can say, it's not right," he said.

He said he hoped they could forgive him for the idea that he caused that pain.

Gerrard said this wasn't just a one-man operation by Patterson.

"You were armed, zip lock ties in hand and you carried out your function, tying up a 9-year-old child as well as tying up and duct-taping an older woman," he said. "The punishment will be for the acts that you committed."

Damon Williams' brother, Dante Williams, pleaded guilty on the eve of trial for his role in the crime and got 55 years in prison. The court overturned his conviction, too. He's facing resentencing Thursday.

Remembering Lincoln's homicide victims of 2023 1. Julian A. Martinez 2. Rudy Requejo Jr. 3. Ronald Gonzalez Rivas 4. Christopher Karmazin 5. Damien Brave 6. Mark Kruger 7. James Baylor
Actor Christian Oliver and his two daughters died in a plane crash in the eastern Caribbean. Get that, details about an earthquake and more of
Lincoln's unionized Starbucks store could soon have company.

Workers at two stores in Omaha have sent letters to the company stating their intent to form a union, according to Starbucks Workers United, which shared the letters on its social media accounts earlier this month.

The letters, from workers at stores at 72nd and Dodge streets and 125th Street and West Center Road, cite issues with staffing, scheduling and training in their push for unionization.

Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull said in a statement that while the company believes a direct relationship with employees is best, "we recognize that a subset of partners feel differently  and we respect their right to organize and to engage in lawful union activities without fear of reprisal or retaliation."

Trull said Starbucks welcomes the opportunity for partners "to vote in a neutral, secret ballot election conducted by the NLRB  which allows all partners to make their own informed decision regarding union representation."

The two Omaha stores are among a growing number across the country that have sought to be unionized. So far, that number is approaching 400, which is about 4% of Starbucks stores nationwide. That includes the Lincoln Starbucks location at 27th Street and Kensington Drive, which became the only unionized company location in Nebraska earlier this year.

Unionized employees at more than 200 stores, including the Lincoln one, conducted a walkout on Red Cup Day in November, when the company hands out tens of thousands of free reusable cups, one of its busiest customer traffic days of the year.

None of the unionized locations have yet been able to negotiate a contract with Starbucks, and negotiations have been stalled for the past few months, although CNBC reported that Starbucks has proposed resuming talks in January.

Top coffee shops in Lincoln 1. The Mill 2. Cultiva 3. MoJava Cafe 4. Crescent Moon Readers' No. 1: Scooter's Readers' No. 2: Cultiva Readers' No. 3: The Mill Readers' No. 4: The Coffee House Readers' No. 5: The Harbor
A crew is expected to begin work soon to fence off and begin tearing down the vacant Spencer Homes East public housing apartments in North Omaha.

The City Council voted Tuesday to approve a demolition contract, nearly 1 years after the Omaha Housing Authority relocated all the apartment residents as part of a multimillion-dollar, federally funded redevelopment that OHA is doing with the City of Omaha and Illinois-based Brinshore Development.

The unanimous vote came after an emotional public hearing in which North Omaha community advocates criticized the city and the Omaha Housing Authority for allowing the buildings to sit vacant and open for months as they descended into dangerously dilapidated conditions and became a magnet for trash dumping, scavenging and people seeking shelter.

The city will issue a notice to Cox Contracting Co. to proceed with the demolition as soon as the $305,000 contract is signed by Mayor Jean Stothert, Kellie Johnston Dorsey of the Omaha Planning Department told the council. The first thing theyll do is erect a 6-foot permanent fence, she said. They have to do lead and asbestos abatement before razing the buildings.

We actually have (a notice to proceed) already all typed up, Johnston Dorsey told the council. Weve been in communication with the contractors. They know it could be as early as tomorrow. We hope it is.

Council President Pete Festersen said hell be the acting mayor for the next few days.

So itll be my duty to sign all these documents were approving today, he said. And when this ones ready, I dont care if its midnight or any time tomorrow morning, let me know and Ill sign it right away.

The six apartment buildings have been vacant since June 2022. The Housing Authority relocated all Spencer Homes residents then, but only demolished the Spencer West buildings last summer, and left the Spencer East buildings standing. OHA and city officials have said thats because they found out they didnt have enough money to demolish all the apartments and they needed to start building new mixed-income housing on the former Spencer West site.

The heightened level of urgency Tuesday came after North Omaha residents and community advocates Celeste Butler and Sherman Wells publicly demanded last week that something be done about the conditions of the apartment buildings, which are in a residential neighborhood at 26th Avenue and Spencer Street. They said they had complained several times over months about the property, yet the buildings remained open. Trash piles were growing. There was evidence of a fire in at least one apartment. At least four manhole covers were missing, presumed stolen, exposing a several-feet drop into sewers.

Although by then the demolition contract was already on the Dec. 19 council meeting agenda, Butler, Wells and City Council member Juanita Johnson pressed for the apartments to be secured and demolished immediately. The housing authority sent crews to pick up the garbage as soon as it was made aware of the dumping, and is sending them back at least daily, OHA CEO Joanie Poore told the council. She said the housing authority had gotten manhole covers  plastic, because metal ones would be stolen again  to cap the sewer holes.

We are also frustrated at the condition of the property, Poore said.

Wells was not placated.

Evacuating Spencer East and abandoning it without proper boarding created a hazardous situation and an eyesore for our community, he said. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated occurrence. Its a pattern observed in many Black communities across America.

Thats a pattern of neglect that feeds despair, Wells said.

It appears there was an assumption that North Omaha will tolerate the buildings sitting abandoned until March, he said.

Butler said she had sent an email and a video about the apartments in July 2022 that were forwarded to a city official. She had had a frightening encounter with a man on the North Omaha Trail adjacent to Spencer East. She has said she alerted officials to portions of a temporary fence going missing in May 2023. The rest of the fence disappeared during the summer and she saw men frequently coming in and out of the empty apartments.

Im looking at schoolchildren standing on the bus stop in that neighborhood as well as two blocks away at 6 oclock in the morning, Butler said. And still to this day, theyre wide open.

Council member Johnson, whose District 2 includes North Omaha, called the situation part of a bigger issue, which is North Omaha has a problem receiving services from the city with speed and accuracy.

I stand with my community regarding the total disregard to the property that is abandoned and then leaving an opportunity for homeless to come in and an opportunity for individuals in that community to become harmed, injured, perhaps even a casualty that is a loss of life, Johnson said.

She and Poore said they had met to discuss how to address issues involving the housing authority and people North Omaha.

Photos: Vacated Omaha apartments left wide open and in disrepair
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 nation 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. Prior to that, it had been nearly a half century since Nebraska's 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 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 0.8% growth exceeds Iowa (0.5%) and Kansas (0.1%) and Missouri (0.7%) 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).

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RACINE  Residents displaced by the fire at Washington Apartments, 2000 Washington Ave., moved Thursday to a new shelter at the DeKoven Center, 600 21st St.

Residents were previously sheltering at Grace Church, 3626 Highway 31.

The American Red Cross of Wisconsin, 2600 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, is transferring residents from Grace Church because they no longer have enough space to house the nine displaced residents.

The Red Cross is leading the sheltering efforts for the displaced tenants.

We are assisting the people at the shelter, because they are the ones that have reached out to us, said Jennifer Warren, communications director for the American Red Cross Wisconsin Region.

The Red Cross provides food, water and shelter, as well as an on-site nurse to provide medical care.

The disaster relief organization is working directly with the Washington Apartments property management to figure out the next steps for those staying at the shelter.

The Red Cross is accepting financial donations to assist fire victims. The funds will be used to replace necessary items lost in the fire.

The best way to support people affected is with a financial donation to the Red Cross, in any amount. Financial donations can be used right away to replace items that are needed, said Warren.

Celebrity Birthdays: Dec. 21 Andy Dick Anna Bulbrook Brett Scallions Carla Thomas Chris Evert Jane Fonda Jane Kaczmarek Jeffrey Katzenberg Julie Delpy Kaitlyn Dever Karrie Webb Kiefer Sutherland Lukas Rossi Michael Tilson Thomas Michelle Hurd Natalie Grant Phil Donahue Ray Romano Rutina Wesley Samuel L. Jackson Steven Mnuchin Steven Yeun
Citing the ongoing war and growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, on Thursday called for the resumption of a humanitarian ceasefire.

Baldwins comments come as she faces pressure from some liberal groups demanding she endorse a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

As I have said before, I support Israels right to defend itself against Hamas, bring hostages back home, and end the terrorist organizations threat  but it does not have the right to go to war against innocent Palestinian people, Baldwin said in a statement. Eliminating the threat posed by Hamas and protecting civilians are not mutually exclusive aims.

Baldwin made her call for a ceasefire about a day after Hamas top leader arrived in Egypt for talks aimed at brokering a temporary cease-fire and a new deal for Hamas to swap Israeli hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israeli leaders have vowed to press ahead with the two-month-old offensive, launched in response to a bloody cross-border attack by Hamas in October that killed some 1,200 people and saw 240 others taken hostage.

The offensive has devastated much of northern Gaza, killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians, and driven some 1.9 million people  nearly 85% of the population  from their homes, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health. The widespread destruction and heavy civilian death toll has drawn increasing international calls for a ceasefire.

I support the resumption of a humanitarian ceasefire, in order to accelerate the delivery of humanitarian aid, protect innocent civilians and civilian sites, and negotiate the release of the hostages taken on October 7th, Baldwin said. This is only possible if both Hamas and the Israeli government cooperate.

In addition to a ceasefire, Baldwin has called for the unconditional release of all hostages and unfettered access for humanitarian aid into Gaza, the protection of all civilians and civilian areas, efforts to increase the delivery of basic essentials into areas of need, immediate humanitarian aid to those in Gaza from the U.S., and access to medical attention for sick and wounded civilians.

GOP response

The Republican Party of Wisconsin was quick to respond to Baldwins call for a ceasefire.

It is disgusting, yet unsurprising, that Tammy Baldwin is again catering to the demands of Hamas and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Matt Fisher, the state partys spokesman, said in a statement. Wisconsinites deserve a senator who believes terrorists should be eliminated, not accommodated.

Baldwin is seeking her third term in office in the November 2024 election in what many expect to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country next year.

So far, Republicans Stacey Klein, Trempealeau County Board supervisor, and Rejani Raveendran, a 40-year-old college student and chair of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College Republicans, have announced plans to run next year.

Other Republicans considering joining the race include Madison businessman and 2012 Senate candidate Eric Hovde, Franklin businessman Scott Mayer and former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke.

Other voices

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, has previously said Israel has every right to defend itself against Hamas horrific terrorist attacks.

Johnson, who was reelected to another term in 2022, told Wisconsin Public Radio in October he wants to avoid a humanitarian crisis for Palestinians in Gaza who do not support Hamas. He added he supports some level of humanitarian aid for Palestinian people in Gaza.

Its a matter of getting the water flowing, Johnson told the outlet. Its a matter of getting the support in there where it can be inspected, so these truckloads of humanitarian aid dont contain weapons, as well. You have got to be careful about this but also understand who the aggressor was and the right of Israel to defend itself and, hopefully over time, be able to destroy Hamas so they cant do this again.

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Black Earth, has also joined several members of Congress to publicly call for a ceasefire.

I know that the requests for a ceasefire seem to be for Israel to stop, U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, told CBS 58 earlier this week when asked if she supports a ceasefire. I dont know that theyre speaking to Hamas. You cant clap with just one hand.

I do know that I want an enduring peace, not just a ceasefire for tonight or a couple of years, Moore said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
1. Yes. More than 70% of the downtown buildings are occupied; the area is thriving now.

2. Yes. With the new E-Center , a brewery and the county annex moving in, its on the rise.

3. No. There may be a lot of new businesses, but foot traffic is still slow on most days.

4. No. Its improving, but the issues of crime and homelessness are still major obstacles.

5. Unsure. The area seems to be rebounding, but its hard to say if the trend will continue.

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The Bally's Chicago casino, in the former historic Medinah Temple, is seen in a long exposure as traffic flows on Dec. 8, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Gamblers will soon be able to roll the dice around the clock at Ballys Chicago after the casino was granted approval to expand to a 24/7 operation beginning Dec. 27.

Ballys Chicago has been limited to a 20-hour daily schedule since opening its temporary casino Sept. 9. The Illinois Gaming Board signed off on the casinos request for expanded hours Dec. 6.

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Opening our doors 24/7 is an important step as we continue to increase our visitation, Mark Wong, vice president and general manager of Ballys Chicago, said in a news release Wednesday. This is a progression toward attaining the goals we set out to achieve and gives us similar hours to other local casino properties.

Rhode Island-based Ballys was selected by the city last year to build a $1.74 billion casino at the 30-acre Freedom Center printing plant site in River West, which is expected to open in 2026. The casino can operate at its temporary facility inside Medinah Temple for up to three years after being granted a 12-month extension by the Gaming Board in October.

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The states sweeping 2019 gambling expansion bill, which created six new casino licenses including the one awarded to Ballys Chicago, also allowed land-based facilities and 24/7 operations. Most established Illinois casinos maximize their license and stay open continuously.

Ballys Chicago has previously said that going 24/7 will enable the casino to boost revenues and gain more traction as it looks to build its business in an increasingly competitive gambling landscape.

The casino at Medinah Temple generated just over $7.6 million in adjusted gross receipts last month, matching its October revenue totals, according to data published by the Gaming Board. Ballys Chicago hosted 86,459 visitors during November, up more than 3,000 from the previous month.

Ballys Chicago ranked fourth in revenue and second in admissions in November among the states 15 casinos, according to Gaming Board data. Rivers Casino Des Plaines led the way with $43.5 million in adjusted gross receipts and 249,000 admissions.

As part of its expanded hours, Ballys Chicago will now offer 24/7 dining service at its Wabash Cafe. The casino is also adding discounted parking and expanded shuttle service.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com
RAVENNA  The cheering and laughter of children could be heard as they lined up to come up with the best name for a local snowplow at a Nebraska Department of Transportations 2023 Name a Snowplow Contest event.

At Ravenna Elementary, the department honored sixth grader Cami Wick with a prize package as a winner in the third annual contest for her moniker The Fast and the Flurryous.

During the event, Ravenna Elementary School students were encouraged to brainstorm a unique name and write it on the snowplow itself, in a cold gathering outside the school Dec. 15.

According to Ben Merchant, the District 4 Operations and Maintenance Manager at the Nebraska Department of Transportation, there where a lot of names that stood out.

Paul Anderson, Ravenna Elementary School principal, said he noticed the positives of the event as well.

The kids were really excited about it and I thought it was really neat that they all got to sign the plow, he said.

A winner from Kearney was Northeast Elementary third grader Reid McClanahan, who also received a prize package to go along with earning a winning name, Banana Scooper.

I just think thats a great name, its clever its fun, Merchant said.

Wick and McClanahan were part of the top 16 entries chosen from throughout the state, out of 1,200 total entries.

The point of the event was to not only have fun, but also to raise awareness about the perils road workers face.

The guys and our plows have to fight the elements, Merchant stated. If its unsafe for cars to drive, its hard for us too and we have to work long hours. (This) was a way we thought we could reach out to the community and create more public awareness for what we do.
The Republican leader of Wisconsins Assembly who had threatened possible impeachment of a new liberal state Supreme Court justice over her views on redistricting now says such a move is super unlikely.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos originally threatened to impeach Justice Janet Protasiewicz if she did not recuse herself from the redistricting challenge, which is backed by Democrats seeking to throw out Republican-drawn electoral maps.

After Protasiewicz refused to step down from the case, Vos raised the possibility of impeachment based on how she rules.

Wisconsins Assembly districts rank among the most gerrymandered nationally, with Republicans routinely winning far more seats than would be expected based on their average share of the vote, according to an Associated Press analysis.

When asked in an interview Wednesday if he would move to impeach Protasiewicz if she orders new maps to be drawn, Vos said, I think its very unlikely.

Its one of the tools that we have in our toolbox that we could use at any time, Vos said of impeachment. Is it going to be used? I think its super unlikely.

However, Vos refused to rule it out.

We dont know what could happen, right? he said. There could be a scandal where something occurs. I dont know.

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler said Vos comments show that his unconstitutional threat to overturn a Supreme Court election through a groundless impeachment has gone up in smoke.

The Wisconsin Constitution reserves impeachment for corrupt conduct in office, or for crimes and misdemeanors.

Vos first floated the possibility of impeachment in August after Protasiewicz called the Republican-drawn legislative boundary maps rigged and unfair during her campaign. Protasiewicz, in her decision not to recuse herself from the case, said that while stating her opinion about the maps, she never made a promise or pledge about how she would rule.

Impeachment has drawn bipartisan opposition, and two former conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justices, asked by Vos to investigate the possibility, told him in October it was not warranted. Vos refused to say what advice he got from a third retired justice whom he consulted.

If the Assembly were to impeach Protasiewicz, and the Senate convicted her, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers would get to name her replacement. If she had been removed from office prior to Dec. 1, there would have been a special election.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the redistricting lawsuit in November and could issue a ruling any day.

The legislative electoral maps drawn by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2011 cemented the partys majorities, which now stand at 64-35 in the Assembly and a 22-11 supermajority in the Senate. Republicans adopted maps last year that were similar to the existing ones.

The lawsuit before the state Supreme Court asks that all 132 state lawmakers be up for election in 2024 in newly drawn districts.
Legislative Republicans plan to reintroduce a proposal in January to remove state taxes on retirement income, Assembly Speaker Vos said Wednesday.

The proposal follows Republicans past efforts to pass broader income tax cuts that were vetoed or guaranteed to be vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.

Vos, R-Rochester, said he hasnt changed his position on wanting to see the broader tax cuts but said he thought he could find a consensus on the retirement tax exemption proposal.

We have too many successful people who leave Wisconsin, Vos said. They leave for six months and a day, move to Florida, Texas, Tennessee. I want them to be here to see their grandkids. I want them to be here to volunteer, to maybe have a part-time job as we struggle with workers.

Republicans introduced a bill in September that would have removed taxes on up to $100,000 in retirement income from, for example, 401(k) accounts and pension funds for individuals age 67 or older. That provision was tacked onto a proposal to cut the tax rate from 5.3% to 4.4% for the states third income tax bracket that covers individuals earning between $27,630 and $304,000 and married filers earning between $36,840 and $405,000.

The bill passed the Assembly, but never received a Senate vote as Evers vowed to veto the proposal, which he said would put Wisconsin on a path to bankruptcy. He vetoed two other proposals to cut the tax rate for the same group of taxpayers.

Vos didnt provide details on the bill Wednesday, which he disclosed to the Wisconsin State Journal on condition it not be reported until Thursday morning. But he said it wouldnt include the proposed income tax cut for the third bracket.

Speaking about tax cuts more generally on Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein, D-Middleton, said she would be willing to work with Republicans to give tax breaks to middle-class workers.

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said on WisconsinEye in early December that he would be willing to work with Evers on tax reform if the governor was willing.
Scammers have found ways of turning holiday gift cards into a minefield that could steal your money. (Anatoliy Sadovskiy/Anatoliy Sadovskiy/Dreamstime/TNS)

Millions of shoppers turn to the quick and traditionally easy choice for giving a Christmas present  a gift card.

Dont be quick to go that route, experts say. And if you do, take extra precautions.

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Scammers have found ways of turning the popular choice into a minefield that could steal your money and leave your intended recipient with no gift.

Gift cards have been the number one requested gift for nearly 20 years, says Martha Weaver, spokeswoman for the Retail Gift Card Association. Unfortunately, like other payment tools, criminals have found ways to abuse gift cards and take advantage of honest shoppers.

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Those codes on the back of a gift card can be manipulated to send scammers the value of the card the minute you purchase it.

Gift card tampering (which can lead to skimming, where criminals drain the value of gift cards after tampering with the packaging and stealing the card numbers) is not a new type of scam, Weaver said. Unfortunately, criminals are intelligent, ambitious, and innovative  and they spend a lot of time perfecting their crafts. This has led to increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics as weve seen in the news recently.

Here are five must-follow steps to follow when buying a gift card, according to the RGCA and GiftCardSafety.org as well as other similar websites:

1. Check packaging carefully

Inspect every aspect of the gift card packaging before purchase to make sure it hasnt been tampered with, Weaver strongly advises, including:

 Make sure the PIN number is covered and hasnt been scratched off.

 Make sure the packaging isnt torn or open.

 Make sure the entire gift card is enclosed in the packaging (if you want to be sure, feel the packaging or open the gift card in front of a cashier to double-check).

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 Make sure the gift card hasnt been replaced with a piece of paper or non-gift card insert.

 If you suspect a card has been tampered with, give it to a store clerk  do not put it back on the gift card rack.

Many experts suggest only buying gift cards if they are locked up or held behind the counter. Cards that are out for weeks or months at retailers can be exposed to potential scammers for a longer period. A secure purchase online (with https at the start of the URL) might be a more secure option.

2. Keep your receipt

When you buy a gift card, keep your activation receipt as proof of your purchase.

3. Is it too good to be true?

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Only buy gift cards from trusted sources. If youre offered a deal thats too good to be true, such as a big discount, its likely a scam or youre getting a fraudulent card.

4. Use tight security

Store your gift cards securely and dont share gift card numbers or PINs with anybody you dont know.

5. Dont use elsewhere

Gift cards can only be used at the company on the card. If you get asked to send money or pay for another service with a gift card, refuse the request and contact law enforcement, even if the fraudster tells you not to talk to anyone or a loved one is in trouble. No real government agency or business will ever reach out and ask you to pay them with gift cards  and you cant pay taxes or bail money with gift cards.

Increased scam operations

Widescale tampering with gift cards has been reported in many United States jurisdictions.

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In Sacramento, the police departments Operation Bad Elf observed an individual, later identified as Ningning Sun, acting suspiciously near the gift cards in the payment aisles in a Sacramento Target store, according to a police department post on X.

Detectives watched him placing all the gift cards on a rack inside his jacket, then replacing the gift cards with another set of seemingly identical ones. After the suspect was stopped trying to exit the store with the stolen gift cards, detectives discovered over 5,000 gift cards from Target and Apple in his possession.

Their investigation revealed Sun was part of a scam that tampered with gift cards, scanned the bar code and stole money from the gift card as money was loaded onto them. Victims are completely unaware it is happening, and the money is often siphoned to an off-shore account within seconds. Their investigation revealed that the operation spanned across California and several regions nationwide.

The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office urges residents to be cautious when purchasing physical gift cards from any retailer. Be observant of any signs of tampering, especially scuff marks or scratches near the bar code on the back of the card. These operations are very sophisticated and modifications to the gift cards are often virtually undetectable, even to the trained eye.

Beware of gift card shopping websites

There are a handful of websites where consumers can shop for a discount on gift cards. Each site operates a bit differently, but the basics include inputting your name, identity and credit card number and then shop for the retailer(s) you have in mind.

But once youve entered your credit card information, it is at risk and likely captured by fraudulent website operators.

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These phishing sites lure consumers in and have no affiliation with the brand(s) they feature, Weaver said. We advise consumers to do some due diligence before handing over credit card information and always buy from brands directly from the companys own website or thoroughly research reputable third parties. Do not click on a link and provide credit card information without doing these things first  especially if you have not yet made a purchase.

Retailers trying to combat problem

Most retailers have rigorous documentation and employee training programs and teach employees what to look for and how to assist a consumer who appears to be involved in an active scam, Weaver said.

In addition, more stores are putting signage on their gift card displays, warning consumers about potential scams. Some even have a list of questions the clerk needs the consumer to answer prior to allowing for the purchase of a gift card. Additionally, most retailers have adjusted the maximum dollar amount a consumer can put on a card and limit how many gift cards can be purchased in a single transaction.
This article appears in the December 22, 2023 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Turn the Military-Financial Complex to Useful Production

[Print version of this article]

Dec. 14The military-industrial complex (MIC) is the principal instrumentality by which the British-American financier class, centered in the City of London and Wall Street, are able to produce, supply, and operate weapons used to try to enforce the unipolar world order through war, militarily and financially. Taxpayers in the United States and NATO nations support vast sums of money thrown away annually in economic waste and physical destruction.

This revenue stream provides a tremendous bonanza to four Wall Street financial giants and the banks they partner with, who are the dominant stockholders of all the biggest producers of bombers and fighters, tanks and APCs, missiles and bombs, guided munitions and drones, artillery and shells, etc. The bonanza is realized by profits distributed as dividends, fees, and interest on loans made by their partner megabanks.

In his book, Understanding the War Industry, researcher and author Christian Sorenson states:

The big banks and investment firms are in actuality, the foremost propellants of the war industrys influence.... When war corporations are merging or acquiring other corporations ... banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley serve as financial advisors. The top five investors in shares of Lockheed Martin are giant financial firms.... They know war production is a reliable, steady investment.

Fact: The six largest U.S.-based weapons producers alone have $214 billion per year in global arms sales.

Fact: These six companies, in a typical recent year (2021), generated gross profits of $30.6 billion on $301 billion in revenues. Between 46% (Boeing) and 96% (Lockheed Martin) of those revenues came from selling weapons systems.

Fact: Taxpayers are now funding this flow of super-profits at the rate of $858 billion for the United States alone, in 2023 alone, and are paying interest on Treasury bonds which borrow much of that sum. Total debt interest is at a rate of more than $1 trillion per year right now.

Fact: Four Wall Street investment firms are the top shareholders of all the arms giants, as shown in Table 1.

Table 2 shows the top 6 weapons firms with their most recent total annual defense revenues and the portion coming from defense.

Their combined annual revenue of $214 billion is 36% of total world military sales of $597 billion, determined by the Swedish International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Turning Waste to Economic Progress

Fact: From 20012020, just the Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terror (OCO/GWOT) Fund of the U.S. military budgetthe fund which pays just for American armed forces deployed overseas in fighting the endless wars, totaled $2 trillion-plus. The OCO/GWOT did not go through normal Congressional approval procedures, which made it that much easier for the string of illegal foreign wars to be launched.

The military-industrial complex contains in its ranks some of the most advanced capital goods and sci-tech capabilities needed for the economic reconstruction of the developing countriesand the infrastructure transformation of the United States.

It is time to put an end to the dangerous capability which is the MIC, and turn the swords into plowshares. This means both redirecting the financial resources into productive investment, but also reconverting and retooling the scientifically advanced portions of the military firms to produce an array of infrastructure, advanced space programs, fusion reactors.

Fact: With that $2 trillion OCO/GWOT fund from 20012020, we could have built a 42,000-mile network of electrified, high-speed/maglev rail across the United States, as called for by Lyndon LaRouche and EIR, at a construction cost of approximately $500 billion; built the North American Water and Power Alliance (NAWAPA), at a cost of $400 billion; and set up $200 billion corporations modeled on the World War II Defense Plants Corporation, for nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and a Moon-Mars project development. And there would have been funds as well to build schools, hospitals, clean water systems, and more.

Fact: The cost of a single B21 Raider nuclear bomber (about $800 million) now being built by Grumman Aerospace, is nearly enough for that same company to complete the $935 million main module of the Lunar Gateway orbiting space station (the HALO Module) a quarter million miles out into space, as the crucial stepping stone of the Artemis Moon-Mars mission of NASA.

Fact: With the funds lavished on General Electric Company (GE) to build the engines for the F-Series of fighter-bombers, including the newest F35A, F35B, and F35C (overall, a series of fighter-bombers costing more than $1 trillion), one of its subsidiaries, GE/Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), could be building its small modular nuclear reactor prototype, the BWRX-300 reactor, for power and desalination of water in desert areas throughout Southwest Asiaincluding in the rebuilding of Palestinian territoriesand in the desertifying areas of western North America.

Fact: Lockheed Martin designs, builds, and tests lunar and deep space exploration capabilities, including NASAs Orion spacecraft, and creates early-warning weather and climate observation satellites, like the GOES-R series. As of January 2022, Lockheed Martin had approximately 115,000 employees worldwide, including about 60,000 engineers and scientists, i.e., more than half its total workforce.

Fact: The cost of building a 120-bed hospital is approximately $300 million; and the average cost to build a new school is approximately $45 million (including land acquisition, science labs in high schools, and so forth). How many thousands of hospitals and schools could be built, in the U.S. and throughout the world, with the annual MIC budget?

A Theft from Those Who Hunger 

President Dwight Eisenhower famously coined the phrase military-industrial complex in his farewell address on Jan. 17, 1961:

We have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications.

Eight years earlier on April 16, 1953, Eisenhower had said:

Every gun that is made, every warship that is launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense, a theft, from those who hunger, and are not fed, those who are cold, and are not clothed. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.

The enormous financial resources today being wasted on military production must be repurposed to productive investment in this country and abroad, while its skilled scientific and engineering manpower, and its significant machine-tool and productive capabilities must be retooled for productive needs at home and abroad.

Its time, once again, to beat swords into plowshareshigh-tech plowshares.

Retooling Examples in Detail

Retool for the Oasis Plan: A major company profiting heavily from many military jet engine contracts, including the most expensive series of aircraft ever built, could be getting large advance contracts instead to build small modular nuclear reactors for desalination and power. The LaRouche Oasis Plan, to provide fresh water and new infrastructure throughout the region of Palestine and Israel, will need these reactors in this decade; so, too, will the huge task of desalinating water for the drought-plagued and slowly desertifying North American West.

General Electric Company (GE) has many multi-hundred-million-dollar or multi-billion-dollar military contracts for engines for fighter planes and bombers, tanks, APCs and other military vehicles. What stands out currently is a $975 million, 2023 contract for next generation engines for the F35A and F35C nuclear-capable fighter-bombers. The total costs for the F35 series of fighter-bombers over recent years has exceeded $1 trillion. Along with the B21 Raider bomber, these planes purpose is to be able to carry out a nuclear first strike and start a nuclear war.

GE has other contracts, for the F-series of fighter planes engines, including a $423 million 2023 contract for five years. And it is working on a $1.6 billion 2021 contract for engines for the F-15EX fleet. And so on, into the billions.

But one of its subsidiaries, GE/Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has also developed a small modular nuclear reactor, the BWRX-300, a 300 megawatt boiling water reactor, which it says can be built in 2436 months. It is building one for Ontario Power Generation at Darlington, Ontario, expected to be delivering electricity to the grid before the end of this decade. Instead of GE building engines for nuclear bombers, GEH could contract for many more BWRX-300 reactors to desalinate water for the desert of Southwest Asia. Though the Oasis Plan must start with gas-powered turbine plants along new canals to rebuild quickly there when war is stopped, nuclear power is much more efficient in that it requires a much smaller stream of fuel.

Beat Swords into Space Stations: It appears that in U.S. federal budgets, spending to major aerospace-defense corporations for each B21 Raider bomberready to carry tactical nuclear bombsroughly equals the spending for a major module of NASAs Gateway lunar station, to orbit the Moon.

Northrop Grumman has both lead contracts. In July 2021 it received a $935 million contract to build the HALO Module (Habitation and Logistics Outpost), which together with a power and propulsion element will be the Lunar Gateway orbiting space station for the Artemis Moon-Mars mission. Grumman is having trouble with the HALO contract because it is fixed-price, and with design changes, Northrop Grumman is running over; in July 2023 it had to take a $36 million charge against its annual earnings as a result.

There is no such limit on the B21, however, which is not built on fixed-price contracts; there, contract amounts are guarded military secrets, but it is reported to cost the federal budget at least $750800 million per plane. We can say, at least, because the predecessor, B2 bomberalso built by Northrop Grummanreportedly cost something like $1 billion per plane. Some 20 of the B2s were delivered to the U.S. Air Force, each one having a cost in taxpayer dollars roughly equal to the contract for a fundamentally new space station main module, the first such to orbit the Moon.

The B21 is built to carry new B61-Mod12 dial-a-yield tactical nuclear bombs being produced for it.

Retooling, redirecting the military budget to beat swords into a grand new plowshare in space, is obvious for humanity, for the United States, and even for the companies involved.

The Largest Military Contractors, in Detail

1. Lockheed Martin (LM) is the producer of the F-35 stealth fighter, which is in production for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, as well as for 16 other countries (including Israel, which is heavily using F-35s in its war on Gaza). Pentagon officials revealed during a Dec. 13 hearing of the House Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces that they shipped software updates to Israel for its F-35 fleet in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and have continued to support Israels F-35s since. The F-35s price per unit, including ancillary costs like depot maintenance, ranges from $100.3 million to $117.3 million for each F-35. The U.S. fields 450 F-35s and plans to produce 2,500 for domestic use and foreign sales. The U.S. General Accounting Office reports:

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program remains DODs most expensive weapon system program [ever]. It is estimated that it will cost over $1.7 trillion to buy, operate, and sustain these aircraft.

LM is also the producer of the F-16 fighter jet, which also makes up a large proportion of Israels air force, and of the AGM-114 Hellfire missile, the main armament of Apache attack helicopters, also flown by Israel. Some 2,000 Hellfire missiles were delivered to Israel sometime between Oct. 7 and Nov. 14, reported the American Friends Service Committee Action Center on Corporate Accountability. LM also produces the HIMARS rocket system, dozens of which have been shipped to Ukraine, and is the prime contractor for the Sentinel ICBM.

LM also produces the Javelin, a portable anti-tank defense system, more than 10,000 of which have been shipped to Ukraine by the U.S. government. One Javelin system costs $178,000, including the launch system and missile, according to the Pentagons 2021 budget. Each replacement missile costs around $78,000.

Other products include: the JASSM, one of Lockheed Martins first and most long-range cruise missiles; the Trident II D5, the latest generation of the U.S. Navys submarine-launched fleet ballistic missile; and a number of military products strictly for the British military, including the Royal Navys CROWSNEST Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) program. Lockheed Martin maintains 20,000 square meters of state-of-the-art production facilities in the United Kingdom.

2. Raytheon Technologies (RTX) is the worlds largest missile maker. Its long list of products includes many types of air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, the Tomahawk cruise missile, and the several types of missiles used by the U.S. Navys Aegis combat system. It also builds the SPY-6 air and missile defense radar for the U.S. Navy and the TPY-2 radar for the U.S. Armys THAAD anti-missile system. RTX also manufactures the interceptor missiles for Israels Iron Dome anti-rocket system. A batch of these missiles was recently transferred to Israel from the U.S. Raytheon missiles that have been shipped to Ukraine include the Patriot, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Sidewinder air-to-air, Javelin anti-tank, and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, among others.

3. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the B-21 stealth bomber, which just flew its first flight in November. It also supplies the Israeli Air Force with the Longbow missile delivery system for its Apache attack helicopters and laser weapon delivery systems for its fighter jets. It has also supplied the Israeli Navy with Saar 5-class warships, which have participated in the assault on Gaza. Northrop Grumman also produces many types of artillery and other ballistic ammunition, as well as rocket motors for, among other products, the ammunition used in Lockheed Martins HIMARS.

4. Boeing is the manufacturer of the Apache attack helicopter and the F-15 fighter jet, both of which Israeli forces have been using heavily in Gaza. Boeing also manufactures the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomba 250 lb., GPS-guided air dropped munition, and the Joint Direct Attack Munition or JDAMa GPS guidance kit used to turn unguided dumb bombs into precision guided weapons. Stated the American Friends Service Committee in a recent report published by its Action Center on Corporate Accountability:

Immediately after Oct. 7, Boeing expedited delivery of 1,000 smart bombs, and another 1,800 JDAM kits, to Israel. Both deliveries were part of a 2021 order that Israel made during its previous large-scale attack on Gaza.

A ground launched version of the Small Diameter Bomb has also been supplied to Ukraine.

5. General Dynamics (GD) is the owner of submarine-builder Electric Boat of Groton, Connecticut. Electric Boat builds the Virginia-class nuclear powered attack submarine and will also be building the Columbia-class, nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine. GDs other products include 155mm artillery ammunition, large quantities of which have been supplied to both Israel and Ukraine, as well as casings for air-dropped bombs. GD is reported to be looking to open a munitions factory in Western Ukraine to produce 155mm artillery rounds.

6. L3Harris Technologies is a producer of command and control systems, communications, and avionics, including components for the F-35 and other electronic and space systems. L3Harris has deep business ties in Israel, including an attempt to buy the Israeli NSO spyware firm in 2022. The deal never went through, due to White House objections. L3Harris is supplying the VAMPIRE anti-drone system to Ukraine.
This article appears in the December 22, 2023 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Eisenhowers 1953 Chance for Peace

War Producers Can Retool for Humanity

[Print version of this article]

On April 16, 1953, just three months after his inauguration, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower spoke to the American Society of Newspaper Editors, on The Chance for Peace. Behind the scenes, Eisenhower was arranging for an armistice to end the Korean War, which would ultimately be signed July 27, 1953, although it left Korea divided in two.

The new President was looking for something more profoundan enduring peace based on our firm faith that God created men to enjoy, not destroy, the fruits of the Earth and of their toil. In presenting his view, Eisenhower laid bare his belief that the factories that produced for war could be turned into productive facilities which would produce the necessities of human existence and peace. The statesman and physical economist Lyndon LaRouche referred to that phenomenon as retooling facilities for productive purposes.

We present here some quotes from Eisenhowers momentous April 1953 speech, delivered by a Five-Star General who, after having led the Allied forces in Europe as Supreme Commander during World War II, had declared on Jan. 10, 1946 before the Canadian Club, Ottawa:

I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can; only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.

Here is Eisenhowers implicit roadmap, seven years later, as a critique of policies at the time, to convert war industries from weapons to plowshares.

In that spring of victory [in 1945] the soldiers of the Western Allies met the soldiers of Russia in the center of Europe. They were triumphant comrades in arms. Their peoples shared the joyous prospect of building, in honor of their dead, the only fitting monumentan age of just peace. All these war-weary peoples shared too this concrete, decent purpose: to guard vigilantly against the domination ever again of any part of the world by a single, unbridled aggressive power.

What can the world, or any nation in it, hope for if no turning is found on this dread road? The worst to be feared and the best to be expected can be simply stated.

The worst is atomic war.

The best would be this: a life of perpetual fear and tension; a burden of arms draining the wealth and the labor of all peoples; a wasting of strength that defies the American system or the Soviet system or any system to achieve true abundance and happiness for the peoples of this Earth.

Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.

The cost of one modern heavy bomber is this: a modern brick school in more than 30 cities.

It is two electric power plants, each serving a town of 60,000 population.

It is two fine, fully equipped hospitals. It is some 50 miles of concrete highway.

We pay for a single fighter plane with a half-million bushels of wheat.

We pay for a single destroyer with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people.

The hunger for peace is in the hearts of all peoplesthose of Russia and of China no less than of our own country. They conform to our firm faith that God created men to enjoy, not destroy, the fruits of the Earth and of their own toil.

They aspire to this: the lifting, from the backs and from the hearts of men, of their burden of arms and of fears, so that they may find before them a golden age of freedom and of peace.
Laid off when Stellantis idled the Belvidere Assembly Plant in February, nearly 165 workers were back on the job this week as the automakers first hires for a new parts distribution center, part of a broader plan to restart a facility that once employed thousands.

About 115 of the workers are already processing parts at a warehouse near the auto plant, while another 50 are completing training at the Stellantis parts distribution center in Naperville before joining their colleagues in Belvidere next week, the automaker said.

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It has always been our goal to find full-time employment opportunities for the Belvidere workforce, Mark Stewart, Stellantis North America COO, said in a news release Thursday. This is a great first step in our plans to restore operations in this community and provide meaningful, high-paying jobs with excellent benefits for those who are still on layoff and, eventually, for many who want to return home.

Stellantis laid off the last 1,200 workers at the plant after halting production of the Jeep Cherokee amid dwindling sales 10 months ago. As part of a new labor agreement with the United Auto Workers, Stellantis committed to investing nearly $5 billion to retool the plant for production of a new midsize truck, build an adjacent electric vehicle battery plant and create a megahub parts distribution center.

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The UAW ratified four-year labor agreements with Stellantis, General Motors and Ford in November following a six-week strike against the Big Three automakers.

The agreement with Stellantis includes a 25% increase in base wages, cost of living adjustments and the right to strike over plant closures, mirroring similar deals struck by Ford and General Motors. But the Stellantis agreement made restarting the 60-year-old plant a centerpiece of negotiations, with the promise of hiring back thousands of workers to Belvidere.

While the assembly and battery plants have yet to break ground, Stellantis reached out to the laid-off assembly workers several weeks ago to fill 270 parts distribution jobs, according to Matt Frantzen, head of UAW Local 1268 in Belvidere.

Its a good opportunity for them, Frantzen said. They can get in, build up some money and then some weeks work toward next years vacation allotment.

The UAW agreement eliminated the wage tier between assembly and parts distribution workers, meaning the former Belvidere plant employees will actually make more money picking and packing parts than they did building cars under the new deal, Frantzen said.

Stellantis will invest $100 million to create the megahub parts distribution center at Belvidere through the consolidation of facilities in Chicago, Milwaukee and Marysville, Michigan. The 30-year-old Stellantis parts distribution center in Naperville will be closed and its operations folded into the new facility.

The plan for Belvidere also includes investing $1.5 billion in the idled auto plant to build up to 100,000 units of an all-new midsize truck beginning in 2027, which could put about 2,500 workers on the assembly line, according to the UAW.

In addition, Stellantis will invest $3.2 billion in an adjacent EV battery plant that will create a projected 1,300 jobs, according to the UAW. The plant is slated to launch in 2028 as a joint venture with a business partner yet to be identified.

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The state put together a number of incentive packages to get Stellantis to bring production back to Belvidere, details of which have yet to be released.

The elements of the incentive package are still being finalized, said Eliza Glezer,a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

In November, President Joe Biden came to Belvidere to celebrate the restarting of the idled Stellantis plant and tout his role in supporting the UAW during the strike negotiations. He called the plant the beating heart of Belvidere.

The auto plant has certainly been the economic engine of the small river city near Rockford for nearly six decades.

The Belvidere plant opened under the Chrysler banner in 1965, with a white Plymouth Fury II sedan the first vehicle to roll off the line. Over the years, the plant was retooled several times, and made everything from the Dodge Neon to the Chrysler New Yorker. Italian automaker Fiat acquired a majority stake in Chrysler in 2009, and completed the acquisition in 2014, breathing new life into the plant and the community.

In 2017, Belvidere became the exclusive home for the Jeep Cherokee, with more than 5,000 workers on three shifts building the SUV at its peak. But demand for the plants sole product waned, and downsizing accelerated under new owner Stellantis, which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot of France in January 2021.

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Stellantis indefinitely idled the plant and laid off the last 1,200 workers in February. More than 1,000 remain in town, Frantzen said, meaning about 730 are still waiting for their opportunity to get back to work.

While Frantzen welcomed the first hires for the parts distribution center, there is still a long way to go before the dormant auto plant once again becomes the nexus of economic activity in Boone County.

It still wont feel comfortable until I see movement here, Franzten said. Somewhere in one of these farmers fields, moving dirt and pouring concrete for the new facilities.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com
On 20 December Mexicos confederation of industrial chambers (Concamin) announced that the US government had ordered the reopening of two key border rail crossings.

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On 20 December the US and Venezuela carried out a prisoner swap, with the US releasing Colombian financier, a top ally of Venezuelas President, in exchange for 30 prisoners being held in Venezuela.

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On 20 December Brazils Presidentmade an upbeat assessment of the economy while speaking to cabinet members during his governments final ministerial meeting of the year.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) became a popular subject in 2023. Still, the technology has a long way to go to meet peoples futuristic expectations of human-like machines.

ChatGPT was central to this years attention on AI. The chatbot showed the world recent developments in computer science, although not everyone understood quite how it works or what to do with it.

AI scientist Fei-Fei Li suggested that 2023 would be remembered for the great changes in technology as well as the public awakening. It was a year for people to figure out what this is, how to use it, whats the impact  all the good, the bad and the ugly, she added.

Concerns over AI

The first AI concerns of 2023 began soon after New Years Day. That is when classrooms reopened and schools from Seattle to Paris started blocking ChatGPT. Students were already asking the chatbot  released in late 2022  to write papers and answer take-home tests.

AI large language models behind technology such as ChatGPT work by predicting the next word in a sentence. The models make such predictions after having learned the structure of a huge number of human-written works. The large language models often get facts wrong. But the results appeared so natural that it created interest in the next AI developments and possible uses for trickery and deception.

Worries grew as this new group of generative AI tools produced not just words but also images, music and voices. They seemed to threaten the jobs of anyone who writes, draws, and creates music and computer languages. Concerns about AI tools fueled strikes by Hollywood writers and actors and legal disputes from artists to writers.

Some of the most respected AI scientists warned that the technologys progress was marching toward outsmarting humans and possibly threatening their existence. Yet other scientists called the warnings overblown and brought attention to more immediate risks.

By spring, AI-created videos known as deepfakes had appeared in U.S. election campaigns. Deepfakes are videos that contain realistic images but with digital changes to peoples actions and speech. One deepfake falsely showed Donald Trump embracing the nations former top infectious disease expert. The technology made it increasingly difficult to tell the difference between real and fake videos of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

By the end of the year, the AI crisis affected ChatGPTs maker, OpenAI. The San Francisco-based company led by chief executive Sam Altman was nearly destroyed by disagreements over its mission.

AI debates also led to new laws from the European Union and consideration from others, including the United States Congress.

Too much excitement?

AI products released in 2023 have brought technology achievements not possible in earlier times. But the market research company Gartner says they arrive with inflated expectations and massive claims about its abilities.

Gartner analyst Dave Micko said leading AI developers are pushing the latest technology with their current line of products, including search engines and workplace productivity software.

He said, As much as Google and Microsoft and Amazon and Apple would love us to adopt the way that they think about their technology and that they deliver that technology, I think adoption actually comes from the bottom up.

It is easy to forget that this is not the first appearance of AI in business. The technology has been used to help guide self-driving cars, compare objects and individual faces, and recognize speech in software like Siri and Alexa.

In 2011, Tom Gruber launched Siri, which was bought and used by Apple in the iPhone. At that time, it was the only major use of AI that people had ever experienced.

But Gruber believes whats happening now is the biggest wave ever in AI, launching new possibilities as well as dangers.

The dangers could come fast in 2024. Major national elections in the U.S., India and elsewhere could get flooded with AI-created deepfakes.

In the longer term, AI technologys rapidly improving language, visual sensing and step-by-step planning abilities could create a kind of digital assistant  but only if given access to the inner loop of our digital life stream, Gruber said.

They can manage your attention as in, You should watch this video. You should read this book. You should respond to this persons communication, Gruber said. He added, That is what a real executive assistant does. And we could have that, but with a really big risk of personal information and privacy.

Im John Russell. And Im Ashley Thompson.

Matt OBrien reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - 2023: A Big Year for Artificial Intelligence Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

chatbot -- n. a computer program designed to converse with people

impact -- n. a powerful or major influence or effect

deception -- n. the act of making someone believe something that is not true

embrace -- v. to hold someone in your arms as a way of expressing love or friendship

manage -- v. to take care of and make decisions about something

respond - v. to say or write something as an answer to a question or request
A United Nations report finds that Myanmar has overtaken Afghanistan as the worlds top opium producer.

The change came after Myanmar expanded its opium production for a third year, the U.N. reported. In Afghanistan, production fell sharply in 2023 after the Taliban placed a ban on poppy farming.

The latest data on worldwide opium production was recently released in the U.N.s report, the Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2023. The report was released by the U.N.s Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The report estimates opium crops in Afghanistan dropped an estimated 95 percent in 2023 after the Talibans ban and enforcement efforts.

During the same period, an increasing number of farmers in Myanmar turned to opium as a new crop. The increase in production follows a military takeover of the government in 2021 that pushed the country into a civil war. The situation has severely hurt Myanmars economy.

The U.N. report estimates poppy growth and processing in Myanmar grew 33 percent in 2022 and another 18 percent this year. That amounts to a total of 47,000 hectares. That is the most land Myanmar has used for opium production since 2013.

Jeremy Douglas is the area representative for the UNODC. He told VOA the countrys economic and security situation have severely limited business possibilities and led more people to turn to opium farming to make money.

Most families in Myanmar make their living off the land. But a World Bank report released in May found that nearly half of farming families said they worry about having enough food. That number was up from 26 percent from a year earlier.

The UNODC estimates Myanmars farmers grew enough poppy this year to produce up to 1,080 metric tons of dry opium. This amounted to total earnings of up to $2.5 billion. Most of this money is believed to have gone to traffickers shipping the product across Asia and as far as Australia, often as heroin.

Most of that heroin flows through neighboring Thailand on its way to other places. In September, Thai police seized over 440 packs of heroin, along with some 15 million methamphetamine pills. A top Thai law enforcement official told VOA the $8.2 million drug seizure was the largest in the countrys history.

The UNODC report notes Afghanistans reduced opium production is expected to create a worldwide heroin shortage and drive prices higher. This is likely to lead even more farmers in Myanmar to start growing poppies.

Douglas said such a shortage could also result in more heroin processed in the Golden Triangle area making its way beyond the Asia-Pacific to Europe and North America. The Golden Triangle is a heavily criminalized area near the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. It is known for growing and producing large amounts of drugs.

Afghan heroin started taking over the European and North American markets from the Golden Triangle more than 10 years ago. That change came as drug controllers in Southeast Asia started dealing mostly in methamphetamine.

Douglas told VOA that even as Afghan production falls sharply, there is still large demand for opium on the world market. He said, Its highly likely that were going to start seeing Golden Triangle heroin returning to markets that it hasnt been in for quite some years.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Voice of America's Zsombor Peter and the United Nations reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English.

____________________________________________

Words in This Story

overtake  v. to catch up with and then pass by someone or something
Anyone But You isnt much ado about anything but eh. Based, loosely, on some old play by Shakespeare, director and co-writer Will Glucks riff was filmed in Australia and stars Glen Powell as Ben and Sydney Sweeney as Bea, the Benedick and Beatrice equivalents. They meet cute at a coffee shop, have a lovely getting-to-know-you evening, separate at dawn under tense, hurtful circumstances, and then reunite uneasily when the Sweeney characters sister announces a destination wedding near Sydney (Australia, not Sweeney), to which both Bea and Ben are invited.

Ben works at home (something to do with money, never explained) and lives in what Bea notes is the kind of sleek, un-mussed condo favored by sociopaths and serial killers. Bea is a conflicted lawyer-in-training who recently dumped her longtime boyfriend (Darren Barnet). Bea has dropped out of law school but hasnt yet told her parents (played by Dermot Mulroney and ensemble highlight Rachel Griffiths).

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Deceptions multiply at the coastal house theyre all sharing for the weekend, family and American guests of the family alike. Exes pop up, both Bea and Bens (Charlee Fraser plays Bens summer-fling surfer lover). The brides-to-be  played by Alexandra Shipp and Hadley Robinson  dont want the squabbling Bea and Ben to mess up their nuptials, so Anyone But You sets up strategically overheard conversations, a la Shakespeare, designed to make Bea and Ben think theyre secretly sweet on each other. Theyre onto it soon enough, but decide to play along and pretend theyre a couple after all just to avoid trouble.

Glen Powell, left, and Sydney Sweeney in a scene from "Anyone But You," based loosely on "Much Ado About Nothing." (Uncredited/AP)

Workable in theory. This kind of thing has worked for centuries if done with panache, or in this case, panache plus references to those two (expletives). But romantic comedy has little need for theory. Its the practice, the execution, that counts, and often its about undefinables: charm, wit, sincerity and feeling bubbling up at odd and telling moments. The gorgeous moment in Shakespeares play when Beatrice glances on her romantic history with Benedick, mentioning he won her heart with false dice  its gold. An actor can find a thousand different ways to interpret it. And without that moment, everything else in the plot matters less.

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Anyone But You settles for less. Its a movie about getting Powell and his abs into or out of his underwear often enough for diversions sake. Or getting Sweeney into another round of beachwear, or ready for her close-ups of confusion, contempt, repressed yet dizzying lust. Lines from Shakespeares 1599 text  still a pip, by the way  pop up on screen (Assume thy part in some disguise; a skirmish of wit). The movies a skirmish-ette.

Its fun to see Bryan Brown and Michelle Hurd as the Shipp characters parents. As for the leads: Powell is an interesting case of a solid, versatile performer who has yet to fully emerge on screen. Hes pretty good at a lot of different things; clearly he knows a fair bit about heightened, style-dependent comedy, having succeeded in Richard Linklaters eccentric, 1980s-set Everybody Wants Some! which was handled like Restoration comedy with a Texas spin.

Here in a leading role, after strong support work in Top Gun: Maverick, Powell sticks to the same two or three notes in the key of smug. Thats how Ben is written, so an actor would have to do a lot of work on his own to transcend the limitations. Meantime Sweeney goes her own way, gamely leaning into the physical comedy (Beas accident-prone) while deadpanning most of her retorts. Sweeney has talent, in many directions. Verbal sparring, at this point, is not one of them.

Despite the scenery, both geographic and human, it feels as if Gluck and company are attempting to win our hearts with false dice, and headliners nearly as photogenic as the Sydney Opera House we keep seeing in the background. But photogenic isnt the same thing as beguiling. Anyone But You isnt terrible, or a travesty. Its ehnother thing ehltogether.

What to Watch Daily The latest from Tribune critics on what film and television you should be watching. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Anyone But You  2 stars (out of 4)

MPA rating: R (for language throughout, sexual content and brief graphic nudity)

Running time: 1:44

How to watch: Premieres in theaters Dec. 20.

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Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @phillipstribune
The United States has agreed to trade and investment deals worth $14.2 billion with African nations over the past year. The agreements are part of U.S. efforts to combat the growing influence on the continent by China.

The new agreements represent a 67 percent increase from 2022, British Robinson found. He works for the Prosper Africa trade and business program. The program connects U.S. and African businesses.

Robinson said, The U.S. business and investment community is increasingly recognizing Africas market potential. He added that the continent is also home to the worlds youngest population which could mean new business deals and job creation.

Judd Devermont is the U.S. National Security Council senior director for African Affairs. Devermont said the U.S. has promised to invest some $55 billion over three years.

By the end of 2023, he said the U.S. has delivered more than 40 percent of this promise. And he expected the U.S. to reach over 70 percent of its goal next year. The investment has expanded trade and technology and helped with food and health security in the continent.

Last year, American President Joe Biden said the U.S. would go all in during a meeting with African leaders in Washington, D.C. The promise came as China was expanding its influence in the continent with new public structures, investments, loans, and other programs.

Biden also called for more African voices in world organizations. This September, with U.S. support, the African Union gained permanent membership in the G20, an organization of the worlds largest economies.

Devermont said the U.S. is also supporting a third seat for Sub-Saharan Africa on the Internal Monetary Fund leadership group. And the U.S. is calling for permanent representation of Africa at the U.N. Security Council.

Investment in conflict areas

The U.S. has had to change its investment and trade policies in countries affected by conflict.

Jonathan Pratt is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs in the U.S. Department of State. He said that, in Sudan, U.S. policy has been to put economic measures called sanctions in place.

In Niger, one of several countries that experienced military overthrow of government and violence, the U.S. is placing importance on peace through negotiations.

Pratt said the U.S. also supports sanctions that have been put in place by the Economic Community of West African States.

If the country and the leadership there turns back to a democratic path, were willing to explore progressively lifting that freeze in assistance and potential investments," he said.

Im Gregory Stachel.

Carla Van Dam Falk reported this story for Voice of America. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

_______________________________________________

Words in This Story

recognize  v. to accept or be aware that (something) is true or exists

potential  n. a quality that something has that can be developed to make it better

sanction  n. an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country,

progressive  adj. happening or developing gradually over a period of time
Beginning Jan. 6, and running each Saturday through April 6, the Dane County Farmers Market will host its weekly Late Winter Market at Garver Feed Mill, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Dane County Farmers Market will not hold markets on Dec. 23 or Dec. 30.

Customers will find 40 Dane County Farmers Market members selling seasonal Wisconsin fruits and vegetables, cheeses, honey and maple syrups, local meats, bakery items, and specialty items.

"The Dane County Farmers Market Cookbook: Local Foods, Global Flavors" also will be for sale.

There are a limited number of parking spots at Garver Feed Mill, but plenty of parking options a short walk away.

The Dane County Farmers' Market has been a Madison tradition since 1972 and is the nation's largest producer-only farmers' market. It has about 230 members.
Scott Draves has had to move his art studio five times in recent years around the city of Madison.

Each move was because the building that held his studio space was torn down or he couldn't afford the rising rent.

"Every artist in the city of Madison is running into the same problem," the ceramicist said.

So he and eight other artists formed a cooperative called Ground Floor Studios at 107 Sutherland Court, near East Washington Avenue, to give artists some stability.

The cooperative bought a 4,000-square-foot suite within the three-story building for $479,800 from its original developer, Accipiter Properties, a year ago, Draves said. Ground Floor Studios shares the building with Linden Cohousing, a housing complex consisting of 45 condominiums.

Ground Floor Studios sits where a popular art space called Winnebago Studios used to be housed. It's where Draves, being among roughly 20 other artists, used to work and play. The building that held the studio was torn down in 2017, said Adam Chern, property manager at Accipiter Properties. The company put up the new building in 2019.

Accipiter provided some money to help Ground Floor Studios purchase its portion of the building. The cooperative has nine studios occupying the first floor with artists that have skillsets ranging from printmaking to etching to painting.

"The old building had a lot of character," said Max White, a multi-disciplinary artist who used to have a studio inside Winnebago Studios, and is a member of Ground Floor Studios. "The neighborhood knew about it. There was always music. It was a real hub."

Mortgage effort

Now, Ground Floor Studios is raising funds to pay off its mortgage in an effort to reduce rent for current and future studio tenants.

New artist tenants would have to buy into the cooperative at a rate of $2,000, Draves said. He said if he left, he would get back his $2,000 stake in the cooperative.

Draves said he pays just under $500 a month in rent for his pottery studio at Ground Floor. The largest studio has a rent of over $700, he said.

Paying off the mortgage would significantly lower those rates, he said, to likely just a few hundred dollars or less.

Jan Richardson, cooperative secretary and oil painter with a studio at Ground Floor, said the cooperative has so far raised roughly $15,000 to pay off the mortgage. That's been through events like gallery nights, and a GoFundMe campaign, which has a goal of $20,000 and has raised $4,943.

The cooperative has also received a $10,000 Main Street Bounceback Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Draves said.

On the move

Winnebago Studios used to reside inside a 16,000-square-foot warehouse space that was torn down partly to make way for housing, Chern said.

Chern said the warehouse was constructed just before World War II, and was a sheet metal shop for many years. It was sold to Accipiter Properties in 2001, Chern said.

Draves said Accipiter Properties was supportive of the various artists of Winnebago Studios by keeping rents low and helping them move when Winnebago Studios was torn down.

The developer worked with some of the remaining artists to move them to the former Madison Teachers Inc. site at 821 Williamson St., Draves said, while several others moved on to open studios of their own.

Chern said the decision to tear down the building housing Winnebago Studios was two-fold. "Part of it was overall development pressure, but I will also say that the issue was the building aged out," he said.

"A lot of nights I had to sleep in the building to make sure the boiler kept working. It was never meant to be a building that stands for 100 years."

Draves said he and the former artists of Winnebago Studios knew as far back as a decade ago that the developers would be putting the site on the market.

Now, as the artists make Ground Floor Studios what they want it to be for themselves and future artists, he said he hopes similar organizations pop up in Madison.

"If there were more spaces like this, this could be a hell of a community for art," Draves said.
Monona police are looking for the person who opened fire outside a liquor store Wednesday night, hitting a 17-year-old who in an attempt to flee caused a crash that injured a person in another vehicle.

Officers were dispatched to OConnells Lakeside Liquor in the 6300 block of Monona Drive just before 6 p.m. for the shooting and shortly after received an additional report regarding the crash, police said in a statement.

On the scene, police found the 17-year-old with a gunshot wound to an upper extremity. An occupant of the vehicle the teen crashed into sustained minor injuries, which police treated at the scene. The teen was taken to a nearby hospital and is expected to survive, Chief Brian Chaney said.

Police are looking for a suspect vehicle in the case, a black Tesla Model 3 registered in California with the license plate 9BAM452. The vehicle is registered to a rental car company and was reported stolen.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Monona police at 608-222-0463. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward by contacting Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or online at p3tips.com.

The investigation is continuing.
The two biggest Housing First initiatives for the homeless in Madison dont have enough money to continue operating and could be closed and sold early next year. As a result, the city of Madison is chasing options to ensure that dozens of vulnerable people arent put out on the street.

A Dane County Circuit Court-appointed receiver, who in June took over control of the 60-unit Rethke Terrace project for homeless singles and veterans on the East Side and the 45-unit Tree Lane Apartments for homeless families on the Far West Side, is asking the courts for permission to immediately assist tenants choosing to relocate, list the properties for sale, and shutter and secure the buildings.

The court has not yet responded to the request.

For now, its projected the buildings will operate in their current forms until March, with the principal owner offering $1.25 million to temporarily continue operations and help tenants move. But the city is concerned it might be hard to relocate tenants, due to Madisons tight housing market, even if they have resources such as a portable federal Section 8 voucher.

The city is hoping to find a new owner/operator for the housing, perhaps with a different mix of tenants including some whove been homeless and others with low incomes but not needing support services. A new buyer, however, might have other plans for the buildings.

Tree Lane Apartments and Rethke Terrace are important projects that support vulnerable families, and we hope a new owner is found who is dedicated to that goal, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said. We remain committed to supporting residents through this ownership transition however we can.

The city has profound disappointment at the unwillingness of the initial owner/operator, nonprofit Heartland Housing of Chicago, and the principal owner, U.S. Bank, to rise to the occasion and work with the city to overcome the challenges at these properties, city Community Development Director Jim OKeefe said.

The receiver, attorney Michael S. Polsky of Milwaukee, does not propose, or intend, to force residents to move out, except if involuntary removal may be authorized by the terms of respective rental leases and allowable by law, the court filing says. Polsky informed tenants and service providers of his request to the court on Wednesday.

If the (court) motion is granted, closure will not happen immediately, but we know that you will want to begin working on transitioning to a new living environment, Polskys letter says.

Until March, it is our goal to assist you with identifying resources to voluntarily obtain alternative housing that meets the needs of you and your family, he wrote.

In the letter, Polsky notes that tenants must continue to pay rent during the transition, but he also said he understands the financial hardship of coming up with a security deposit for new housing and has obtained funds to assist you with the costs of relocating to new housing if you agree to voluntarily relocate during this receivership.

Out of cash

The properties, developed by Heartland Housing, were plagued by police calls and financial challenges after they opened in the late 2010s.

Using a Housing First model, Heartland opened the $8.9 million Rethke Terrace project at 715 Rethke Ave. in 2016 and the $11.7 million Tree Lane Apartments at 7933 Tree Lane in 2018. Housing First, a national movement with roots in the late 1980s, puts the chronically homeless into permanent housing with no or few conditions and voluntary support services.

But both properties ran into trouble, and the city declared Rethke Terrace and Tree Lane chronic nuisances due to a high volume of police calls, which often involve nonresidents, a lack of security and other issues.

In June, with Heartland facing financial strains at the properties and others it operates in Milwaukee and Chicago, the court appointed Polsky as receiver.

Polsky engaged Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan as a more suitable property manager, increased security, worked with key vendors who had previously refused to provide services due to nonpayment, obtained insurance coverage for the projects, used reserves to fund necessary expenses, and searched for an entity to replace Heartland on a long-term basis, the latest court filing says.

The emergence of sound property management at both properties, restoration of stable security services and maintenance of on-site support services to tenants have contributed to a marked and sustained reduction in police calls since the summer, OKeefe said.

Despite discussions with 30 perspective candidates, Polsky was unable to find a replacement for Heartland at either site, the filing says.

But the receiver and U.S. Bank did not involve the city in evaluating successors, including some the city had brought to them, OKeefe said, adding, They did not offer explanations on their decisions.

In the filing, Polsky has asked the court to immediately commence the process of winding down the projects, including immediately assisting tenants if they choose to relocate; seeking to sell the projects on an expedited basis subject to further court order; and shuttering and securing the projects.

Meanwhile, with no contractual or legal obligation to do so, U.S. Bank has agreed to provide up to $750,000 of equity for the Rethke project and $500,000 of equity to Tree Lane  but only if the money is used to aid the voluntary relocation of residents of the projects and maintain operations during that time.

If the court doesnt approve the process of winding down the projects, Polskys filing said he would have no choice but to resign, which would adversely impact the additional equity funding.

Going big

At the time of their conception, Rethke Terrace and Tree Lane were seen as big, bold attempts to get the homeless off the streets or out of temporary shelter into new, four-story, modern buildings with units that provided privacy, bathrooms and kitchens.

The city used competitive processes to choose Heartland, which had done housing projects for the homeless in Milwaukee and Chicago, to provide development, property management and resident support services to the Madison projects, which were built on city-owned land.

The projects were largely financed by federal tax credits provided by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, and each property is owned by a limited liability corporation affiliated with U.S. Bank, which bought the tax credits. Heartland had only a 0.01% ownership stake but was responsible for managing the properties and their finances. BMO Harris Bank also holds a mortgage on the Tree Lane property.

The two developments got financial assistance from the city, Dane County and the federal low-income housing tax credits. Also, the city and county housing authorities assigned project-based housing vouchers to 54 of the 60 studios at Rethke and 40 of the 45 units at Tree Lane.

The lack of progress in addressing problems led to the city-issued nuisance abatement orders  Rethke Terrace in March and Tree Lane in February 2019  which alert the property owner to problems and the need to address them.

At the end of 2022, Heartland turned on-site property management that covers functions such as rent collection and maintenance over to a Chicago firm, The Habitat Co., but it terminated services in July and Polsky engaged Lutheran Social Services to take over.

On March 30, Heartland advised city staff that efforts to transfer its ownership stake in the properties were unsuccessful and that it would likely not be able to maintain them long. It faced similar situations at its five properties in Milwaukee and 14 in Chicago.

To maximize the value of the projects for the benefit of creditors and parties in interest, Polsky interviewed multiple affordable housing real estate brokers with the best proposal from Affordable Housing Real Estate Brokerage, which has proposed a 5.5% commission due at the closing of any sale. BMO does not object to the proposed listing of the Tree Lane property.

Change coming

Now come the challenges of determining exactly how long the projects will stay open, supporting tenants and figuring out what happens if or when the projects are shuttered and sold.

The receiver has promised to develop a budget for the properties for the coming months, but the city has not seen it, OKeefe said.

Currently, 14 of 45 Tree Lane units are vacant and 23 of 60 Rethke units will be empty by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the city has connected and continues to connect tenants with financial resources to help clear rent and utility debts; coordinate housing navigation services to help with housing searches; and, through the city and Dane County housing authorities, provide flexibility in the use of housing vouchers, OKeefe said.

Also, stays at Tree Lane and Rethke have helped some tenants establish, or strengthen, rent and credit histories that will prove helpful in future housing searches, he said.

The city has maintained its commitment to help pay for on-site services at the properties, nearly $400,000 a year between the two, and is prepared to partner with anyone who is committed to preserving long-term affordability at the sites, he said.

We didnt get here overnight; the conditions at these properties developed as the result of years of neglect and inattention on the part of their property managers, Heartland, and owners, U.S. Bank, OKeefe said. From the beginning the city offered to collaborate with U.S. Bank on a long-term solution that would have minimized the disruption to the lives of families and individuals for whom those properties are home.

That remains our focus, and we are prepared to partner with anyone who shares that goal, he said.

Photos: Temporary mens homeless shelter prepares to open
DETROIT  Tesla's recall of more than 2 million of its electric vehicles  an effort to have drivers who use its Autopilot system pay closer attention to the road  relies on technology that research shows may not work as intended.

Tesla, the leading manufacturer of EVs, reluctantly agreed to the recall last week after a two-year investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that Tesla's system to monitor drivers was defective and required a fix.

The system sends alerts to drivers if it fails to detect torque from hands on the steering wheel, a system that experts describe as ineffective.

Government documents filed by Tesla say the online software change will increase warnings and alerts to drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel. It also may limit the areas where the most commonly used versions of Autopilot can be used, though that isn't entirely clear in Tesla's documents.

NHTSA began its investigation in 2021, after receiving 11 reports that Teslas that were using the partially automated system crashed into parked emergency vehicles. Since 2016, the agency has sent investigators to at least 35 crashes in which Teslas that were suspected of operating on a partially automated driving system hit parked emergency vehicles, motorcyclists or tractor trailers that crossed in the vehicles' paths, causing a total of 17 deaths.

But research conducted by NHTSA, the National Transportation Safety Board and other investigators show that merely measuring torque on the steering wheel doesn't ensure that drivers are paying sufficient attention. Experts say night-vision cameras are needed to watch drivers' eyes to ensure they're looking at the road.

I do have concerns about the solution, said Jennifer Homendy, the chairwoman of the NTSB, which investigated two fatal Florida crashes involving Teslas on Autopilot in which neither the driver nor the system detected crossing tractor trailers. The technology, the way it worked, including with steering torque, was not sufficient to keep drivers' attention, and drivers disengaged.

In addition, NHTSA's investigation found that out of 43 crashes it examined with detailed data available, 37 drivers had their hands on the wheel in the final second before their vehicles crashed, indicating that they weren't paying sufficient attention.

Humans are poor at monitoring automated systems and intervening when something goes awry, said Donald Slavik, a lawyer for plaintiffs in three lawsuits against Tesla over Autopilot. Thats why the human factors studies have shown a significant delayed response under those conditions.

Missy Cummings, a professor of engineering and computing at George Mason University who studies automated vehicles, said it's widely accepted by researchers that monitoring hands on the steering wheel is insufficient to ensure a driver's attention to the road.

It's a proxy measure for attention and it's a poor measure of attention, she said.

A better solution, experts say, would be to require Tesla to use cameras to monitor drivers' eyes to make sure they're watching the road. Some Teslas do have interior-facing cameras. But they don't see well at night, unlike those in General Motors or Ford driver monitoring systems, said Philip Koopman, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who studies vehicle automation safety.

Koopman noted that older Teslas lack such cameras.

Tesla's recall documents say nothing about increased use of cameras. But the company's software release notes posted on X, formerly Twitter, say that a camera above the rearview mirror can now determine whether a driver is paying attention and trigger alerts if they aren't. Tesla, which has no media relations department, didn't answer emailed questions about the release notes or other recall-related issues.

Tesla's website says that Autopilot and more sophisticated Full Self Driving software cannot drive themselves and that drivers must be ready to intervene.

Experts say that although limiting where Autopilot can operate to controlled access highways would help, it's unclear whether Tesla will do so with its recall.

In the recall documents it filed with NHTSA, Tesla says its basic Autopilot includes systems called Autosteer and Traffic Aware Cruise Control. The documents say that Autosteer is intended for use on controlled access highways and won't work when a driver activates it under the wrong conditions. The software update, the documents say, will have additional checks upon engaging Autosteer and while using the feature outside controlled access highways and when approaching traffic controls.

Cummings noted that doesn't specifically say Tesla will limit areas where Autopilot can work to limited-access freeways  a concept known as geofenced.

When they say conditions, nowhere does that say geofenced, she said.

Kelly Funkhouser, associate director of vehicle technology for Consumer Reports, said she was able to use Autopilot on roads that weren't controlled access highways while testing a Tesla Model S that received the software update. But it's difficult, she said, to test everything else in the recall because Tesla has been vague on exactly what it's changing.

The 'most American' vehicle for the last 3 years has been electric Tesla invests in Texas Tesla keeps production domestic
The Clear Lake Police Department arrested two Wisconsin residents Tuesday night who are wanted on homicide charges in Michigan.

According to a police statement, at around 6 p.m. Tuesday Michigan's Houghton County Sheriff's Offthat ice alerted Clear Lake police the two suspects were in the the Clear Lake area and were considered armed and dangerous.

By 6:30 p.m., officers had arrested Margaret Anne Rose Kempainen, 50, and Jacob Alan Charles Kempainen, 20, both of Hartland, a suburb of Milwaukee.

According to a report by Upper Michigans Source TV-6, the two, along with an unnamed juvenile, are wanted in connection with the murder of family member 86-year-old Alvin Kempainen, who was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head in his home in the town of Hancock in Michigan.

The two are currently being held at the Cerro Gordo County Jail awaiting extradition to Houghton County, Michigan.

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Office, Hancock County Sheriffs Office, and the Garner Police Department all assisted at the scene.
Republicans will likely introduce a medical marijuana bill in January that would allow the substance for Wisconsinites with serious conditions, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Wednesday.

Vos, R-Rochester, said the bill would propose something similar to Minnesotas medical marijuana program, which originally allowed for the substance to be sold in pill, oil and liquid forms for people with serious conditions such as HIV, cancer, Crohns disease, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. The Minnesota law was recently modified to allow for smokeable forms of cannabis.

Vos said hes been operating under the assumption that 50 Assembly Republicans  a majority of the 99-member chamber  would have to support the proposal for it to pass because Democrats typically support broader programs than what it appears Assembly Republicans are slated to introduce.

Vos offered details about the proposal under the condition that the Wisconsin State Journal not seek reactions to it until early Thursday morning. Legislative Democrats havent made clear publicly that they would be unanimously opposed to narrower marijuana bills.

Democratic Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer said Democrats were open to discussing the Republican bill.

"We hope that it's a serious proposal from our colleagues that addresses the past harms that have been caused by the criminalization of marijuana and that really allows access for the people who need it," she said Thursday.

Republicans this year stripped provisions to legalize marijuana from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers two-year budget.

Without providing more specifics about the bill, Vos said its authors wanted to make sure there would be no pathway to assume that because we have medicinal (marijuana), someday well have recreational.

Vos said the bill is different from legislation Sen. Mary Felzkowski, R-Irma, has been working on. Its unclear what the differences between the proposals will be, but Felzkowskis last version of the bill also proposed allowing the use of medical marijuana in nonsmokeable forms for people with serious conditions.

Felzkowskis previous version of the proposal received a public hearing in April 2022, the first hearing in Wisconsin for a marijuana measure since 2009 and the first one ever under a Republican-led Legislature.

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, who previously said he opposed legalizing marijuana for medical use, has since said Senate Republicans are moving closer to supporting the policy for serious conditions.

An October 2022 Marquette Law School Poll found 64% of registered voters in Wisconsin, including 46% of Republicans, want marijuana to be fully legalized. A 2019 Marquette Law School Poll found 83% of Wisconsinites said medical marijuana should be legal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Wisconsins bipartisan elections commission, for a second time, has unanimously rejected a complaint against fake presidential electors who attempted to cast the states electoral college ballots for Donald Trump in 2020.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission first rejected the complaint in March 2022. But a judge in May ordered the commission to rehear the complaint, this time without one of its members who served as one of the fake electors for the former president.

The commission released its unanimous 5-0 decision to reject the complaint Wednesday without explaining why. The commissions discussion of the complaint, as well as its vote on Tuesday, were conducted in closed meetings.

The complaint asked the commission to investigate the fake electors actions and declare that they broke the law.

Last year, when it rejected the complaint the first time, the commission attached a letter from the Wisconsin Department of Justice that said that Republicans who attempted to cast the states 10 electoral college votes for Trump did not break any election laws. DOJ concluded that Republicans were legitimately trying to preserve Trumps legal standing as courts were deciding if he or Biden won the election.

Fake electors met in Wisconsin and other battleground states that Trump lost in 2020, attempting to cast ballots for the former president even though he lost. Republicans who participated in Wisconsin said they were trying to preserve Trumps legal standing in case his defeat was overturned in court.

The fake electors settled a lawsuit filed against them by Democrats. The case is proceeding against two of Trumps attorneys.

Under the settlement, the Madison-based liberal law firm Law Forward, which filed the original complaint with the elections commission against the electors, agreed to withdraw the second complaint. But the commission was still free to take action on the complaint, which its attorney noted on Wednesday when announcing it was rejected.

One of Wisconsins fake electors was Bob Spindell, a Republican member of the elections commission. He voted to reject the complaint last year, but did not participate this time after he agreed that his involvement was improper. There have been calls for Spindell to be removed from the commission over his role as a fake elector.

What drives voters? The years with the biggest spikes in voter registration What drives voters? The years with the biggest spikes in voter registration Voter registration over the years Voter registration varies by state Why people vote
My wife and I have a longstanding disagreement that comes up every holiday season over playing Dean Martins Christmas songs. I think they are the ideal background for gift wrapping, ornament hanging, cookie making and coffee drinking each morning between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. She would rather stick icicles in her ears.

The reason I love Martins Christmas songs is nostalgia, pure and simple. Hearing just a few notes will transport me back in time to a little house in northern Minnesota, helping my grandma roll out gingerbread dough. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She would decorate every room of the house with red ribbons and bows, poinsettias, mistletoe, candles and balsam boughs. And music was always playing: Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and (mostly) Dean Martin.

Christmas was a nostalgic holiday for her, as it is for most people. Many of the traditional songs she listened to  songs we all still listen to today  express a longing for home or days gone by, songs like Ill Be Home for Christmas, White Christmas and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Thats fitting, I suppose, especially because Christmas is the last major holiday of the year. It is a time for reflection, for looking backward, for appreciating, for reconnecting, for being grateful. And it is fitting that Christmas is followed by New Years, which is a time for looking forward, for making resolutions, for planning the future.

Nostalgia can be a trap if we never move beyond it. We can find ourselves, like Uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite, longing for the good old days in ways that keep us from engaging in the present. Indulged in long enough, persistent nostalgia can result in cynicism, in which one stops hoping, stops dreaming, stops trying to make things better, stuck in an endless cycle of regret and complaint.

There was a time in my life when I was critical of nostalgia in all its forms, thinking it could only be an emotional dead end. I suspected that my grandmas love of Christmas was due to deep-seated regret, a longing to escape from the life in which she felt trapped and go back to a time when the future was still before her. This is the kind of nostalgia expressed by William Shakespeare in Sonnet 30: When to the sessions of sweet silent thought, I summon up remembrance of things past, I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought.

Little did I know. Many years later, attending her funeral, I heard stories from those who grew up in our small town a few years before I was born. They told of the tea parties she would hold for children, setting out tables covered in white linen, with fine china teacups and saucers and desserts she had prepared just for the occasion. I heard about how special she made them feel, as if nothing were too good for them, and I heard about how they carried that feeling with them the rest of their lives, the feeling of somebody believing in them, thinking they were worthy of the best. The stories they told were full of joy.

I recalled the ending of Shakespeares sonnet, which is not an expression of regret, but of connection: But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, all losses are restor'd, and sorrows end.

Shakespeare reminds us that when nostalgia takes the form of reflecting on where we came from, on who and what is important in our lives, it can be liberating. It can free us from the endless busyness and distractions of the present, allowing us to recognize what is most meaningful in our past so we can bring it into the future. Nostalgia can be used to integrate our lives, to weave together memory and hope. It is this form of nostalgia that is at the root of many traditions and rituals.

I almost didnt put up any Christmas lights this year. It was not for any reason I could name, just that I was busy with other things. Somehow, it didnt seem important. But then I heard Dean Martin singing on the radio, and I was transported back to my grandmas kitchen. I recalled the stories from her funeral and understood that she didnt bake those gingerbread cookies for herself; she did it because she knew her grandchildren would love them. Christmas wasnt just about her memories; it was her time to create memories for us.

So, I went out in the cold and hung lights on the porch. I dont know whether the lights will help create memories for children passing by, but I hope they do. I hope children passing by feel surrounded by neighbors who care for them and believe they are worthy of the best. I hope they grow up carrying with them memories of a time when there was light in the darkness and music in the air. I hope they become the sort of people who are capable of joy  of singing, laughing, sharing, and creating lasting memories for others.
A woman and child get emotional while attending a vigil for 5-year-old Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero who died over the weekend at a Lower West Side shelter on Dec. 20, 2023. More than 26,000 migrants have come to Chicago over the past 16 months and approximately 2,414 migrants are housed at the shelter. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Hundreds gathered outside a migrant shelter on the Lower West Side Wednesday night, three days after a 5-year-old migrant staying there died in a medical emergency that has confused and frustrated migrants, volunteers and health care advocates.

For advocates, the death of Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero is a symbol of the effects of repeated chaos between governments struggling to house and care for record numbers of migrants crossing the U.S. southern border.

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When there are folks who are sending (migrants) from the border, coming to us from Texas, and not really respecting human life, someones going to get hurt, said John Zayas, senior pastor at Grace and Peace Church in Austin, who was part of an initiative where faith-based and philanthropic groups opened their doors to hundreds of migrants staying in police stations in November.

The scene outside the shelter was busy prior to the vigil as organizers set up yellow flowers and roses and candles on the pavement in anticipation of the gathering.

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Arepa, arepa, arepa! shouted migrants from the sidewalk, as they passed out the traditional Venezuelan corn pancake from styrofoam coolers. Cars honked as they drove by, and volunteers passed out coats from their trunks to dozens of migrants staying in the shelter.

At around 4:30 p.m., an ambulance pulled up to the shelter  one of at least 10 that have arrived at the crowded warehouse since Jean Carlos died Sunday.

A memorial for Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero on the ground next to candles during a vigil for the 5-year-old who died over the weekend at a Lower West Side shelter on Dec. 20, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

His parents reported their son had been sick for a couple of days prior to his death, according to police.

Around 3 p.m. Sunday, staff at the shelter at 2241 S. Halsted St. began performing chest compressions on Jean Carlos and called for an ambulance after his lips turned purple and his eyes rolled into the back of his head, according to a police report.

The boy was pronounced dead at Comer Childrens Hospital and the cause of death is under investigation, authorities said.

Doctors treating migrants have reported asylum-seekers exhibiting strep throat, ear infections, stomach flu, rashes and chronic conditions that werent treated in their country of origin.

The Chicago Department of Public Health has seen an increase in chickenpox cases, especially in the last four weeks. Most cases have been in people newly arrived from the U.S. southern border living in shelters.

Britt Hodgdon, a social worker trained as a trauma therapist, spoke out at the vigil.

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This was a preventable death. This was also a predictable death, she said, imploring city shelter staff to take measures to improve conditions inside.

[ Volunteer networks step up to provide health needs to migrants at police stations ]

The Martinez Rivero family arrived in Chicago on Nov. 30, according to the city. The boys parents were devastated, Matt DeMateo, executive director and pastor at New Life Centers who is consoling the family told the Tribune Tuesday.

Tim Noonan, a volunteer who had been helping migrants staying at the Morgan Park District (22nd) police station believed the ambulance that picked up the child should have been called sooner. He is concerned about the health care provided at city-run shelters.

Volunteers, activists and members of the community attend a vigil for 5-year-old Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero who died over the weekend at a Lower West Side shelter on Dec. 20, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

It makes you really angry, he said. I mean you wouldnt treat a dog like this.

Noonan said Wednesday nights vigil was for all Venezuelan children and the heartache they went through to get to the United States. Volunteer groups want to put together a bill of rights for migrants calling for food, medical attention, mental health support, among other basic necessities, Noonan said.

Noonan went to the vigil to make sure migrants get the dignity they deserve.

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Just a few weeks ago, thousands of migrants were sleeping on the ground and outside police stations in tents in subfreezing temperatures. The city has scrambled to clear them out before winter descended on the encampments.

[ As temperatures fall, the number of sick children sleeping outside of police stations increases, migrant advocates say ]

Over 26,100 migrants have come to the city over the past 15 months, and numbers havent ceased. A chartered plane from Texas arrived at OHare International Airport Tuesday night carrying over 120 migrants, according to Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Five more buses were expected Wednesday.

As of Monday, there were over 14,000 migrants staying in 27 buildings across the city. Volunteers helping migrants at stations question whether the rush for shelter has led to crammed, unsanitary conditions in shelters.

On Tuesday, there were over 2,400 migrants staying at the shelter where Jean Carlos died.

Amy Blair, a family physician and associate professor at Loyola University Medical Center echoed other volunteer sentiments that migrants were getting better medical care at police stations than they are at city-run shelters.

It takes a lot of staff to be able to provide acute care for 2,300 people in one place, and across the shelters theres even more, she said.

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Blair has been providing medical services to migrants at Catherine-St. Lucy-St. Giles Parish in Oak Park. Migrant families take public transportation from shelters to receive care.

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She said that as a medical provider, it is frightening for her to send people back to a system that lacks adequate health workers. What worries her most, she said, is how the 5-year-olds death will affect other migrants.

I think that the fear of what happened at (Halsted) is likely to have reached other shelters, she said.

Gabriela Ojeda, 21, a Venezuelan woman standing near the crowd paying their respects to a tiny photo of Jean Carlos lit by candles, said she has been at the shelter on Halsted Street for two months. She said everyone is sick inside.

Because theres no space, the kids are sleeping so close together. They catch illnesses from each other, she said.

She looked at her 11-month-old son wrapped in a blanket in her husbands arms.

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It was him, she said. Whos to say it couldnt be my child?

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
One night in March 1976, a young advocate for people with mental illness arrived at the Idaho Statehouse with a warning.

Marilyn Sword urged lawmakers not to ratify a system that would ultimately lock away some of Idahos most debilitated psychiatric patients in the tiny, concrete cells of a maximum security prison  a kind of solitary confinement  with no trial, no conviction and often no charges.

Idaho didnt have any psychiatric hospitals secure enough for patients whose break with reality made them lash out in fear, anger or confusion. What it did have was a maximum security prison.

Sword said putting prison officials in charge, as lawmakers were contemplating, could violate the civil rights of patients committed by the court for hospitalization. She said it would burden them with the double stigma of being mentally ill and then being placed in a maximum security unit at the penitentiary, minutes of the meeting show.

Idaho leaders plunged forward with the legislation anyway.

In the five decades since, Idaho has continued to ignore warnings over and over that its law fails mental health patients by sending them to a cell block, ProPublica found in a review of legislative records and news clips.

I think its really tragic that it has been this many years, and were still at this point, Sword, now 77, said in an interview this summer.

Governors, lawmakers and state officials have been put on notice at least 14 times since 1954 that Idaho needs a secure mental health unit that is not in a prison.

They also have been told publicly at least eight times since 1974 that Idaho may be violating peoples civil rights by locking them away without a conviction, and that the state could be sued for it.

The most recent warning came this year, when Idahos corrections and health and welfare directors wrote that the practice was a problem not only because of our lack of appropriate levels of care for this population but because the treatment violates the patients civil rights.

Idaho will soon be the last state to legally sanction the practice of imprisoning patients who are dangerously mentally ill, to use Idahos parlance, but who are not criminals. New Hampshire is phasing it out.

State leaders repeatedly have defended Idahos approach  in 1977, 2007 and 2017  as a temporary measure while the state worked on a stand-alone clinical unit or a permanent secure wing in a hospital. Those facilities never materialized.

At the start of this year, the Legislature refused to use any of Idahos $1.4 billion surplus to build a $24 million mental health facility for patients, opting to continue holding them without charges at the states maximum security prison south of Boise.

In placing patients who have not been charged with crimes in prison instead of in a treatment facility, Idaho is at odds with the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Holding prisoners with mental illness in prolonged seclusion also goes against recommendations of the American Psychiatric Association, the American College of Correctional Physicians, federal courts and the United Nations.

ProPublica and Mississippi Today have reported on a related issue recently: how Mississippi keeps hundreds of people with mental illness in county jails as they await appropriate hospital beds.

Idahos practice touches far fewer people and typically addresses more extreme behaviors. But it also stands apart because the Idaho patients are locked up longer  an average of 110 to 160 days in recent years  and in solitary confinement, in a maximum security facility, under a program fully endorsed in Idaho statute.

Joe Stegner, a former Republican leader, helped bring Idaho closer than ever toward building a hospital to replace the cell block in 2007 and 2008. Yet the project he championed was no match for Idahos inertia and austerity.

The defeat helped seal his retirement from politics.

I started thinking, You know, if you cant have some wins in the Legislature, why are you kicking yourself around? Stegner, who served as a senator, said in an interview this summer.

I set out to make a difference, he said.

The damned and the forgotten

Two men sat in the Idaho Maximum Security Institutions C Block near Boise on a recent day, neither of them convicted or charged with a crime.

The cell block was silent. An occasional face peered through a cell-door window the size of a computer keyboard. Inside each cell, another tiny window offered a view of razor wire, floodlights and rocks on the prison grounds.

About a half-dozen civilly committed psychiatric patients a year are housed here and at a womens prison in eastern Idaho under the Idaho Security Medical Program, state data shows.

The men share a block of nine cells with patients facing criminal charges and needing treatment before they can stand trial. Occasionally, a convicted felon with mental illness joins the mix. The womens prison has one isolated cell.

Patients who end up here have conditions that can trick them into believing strangers are aliens who must be destroyed, or that the phlebotomist drawing their blood is implanting something in their arm, or that a nurse intends to infect them with a lethal virus. They react with violence.

A part-time psychiatrist, a part-time nurse practitioner and a dozen full-time staff members are expected to bring the patients back from shattered realities.

Civilly committed patients with the most severe symptoms spend as much as 23 to 24 hours a day confined to cells the size of a parking space.

Confinement can become necessary because it takes time to find effective medications that stabilize a patient before cognitive and behavioral therapies can begin, corrections spokesperson Jeff Ray said in an email. Until then, he said, it is in the patients best interest they be kept safely in their cell, so they do not hurt themselves or others.

Every patient gets checked on at least twice an hour, according to the corrections department. They can leave to shower, handcuffed, shackled and accompanied by guards.

Patients who take their medications, follow the rules and remain calm are allowed to spend time in the common area. There, they can watch television, use a microwave or sit in caged-in phone booths to make calls and send email on a terminal designed for prisoners. There are metal restraint desks, designed for shackling a persons ankles, bolted to the floor.

Certified nursing assistant Emma Wilson makes rounds inside of C-block, Oct. 23, 2023.

The men spend hours peeling paint from the walls of their cells, a habit so universal that prison workers debate whether it makes sense to repaint between patients.

We try to do what we can with what were given, said Mallory Logan, a prison social worker who works with civilly committed patients. But she said her unit cant match the resources of a true forensic hospital.

Prison employees keep an imaginary barrier between convicted inmates who are in C Block for mental health care and the other patients with no convictions or charges.

Theres a C taped to the door of civil patients, a reminder that the person inside is not there as punishment. Signs around C Block remind staff members not to let the civils commingle with the inmates when theyre out of their cells.

Little else separates patients. They are guarded, medicated and fed by the same prison employees. They have the same rules and reward systems that can allow them to have a radio or buy candy from the commissary.

Like many other states, Idaho can hospitalize people against their will under a court-ordered involuntary mental health commitment. At least two professionals must agree that such patients are likely to injure themselves or others or are gravely disabled due to mental illness.

If patients lash out  maybe punching or threatening to kill hospital workers  Idahos law says the state can ask the court to declare them dangerously mentally ill so they can be moved to a maximum security facility.

The typical patient isnt a character who really tugs on your heartstrings, said Walter Campbell, chief psychologist for the Idaho Department of Correction.

These are the damned and the forgotten, Campbell said.

Idaho is one of two states known to put people with mental illness in a prison without a criminal charge. The other, New Hampshire, just broke ground on a 24-bed secure mental health facility that will allow the state to end the practice  but not before a patient died last spring.

Psychiatrists and legal scholars commissioned by SAMHSA, the federal governments main mental health agency, say it shouldnt happen, period. In a 2019 report prepared for the agency that describes principles for law and practice in treating mental illness, the authors wrote, Unless already incarcerated for a criminal offense, or facing criminal charges  no person who has been committed should be placed in a correctional facility for treatment services.

One former patients mother provided ProPublica with copies of her sons medical records and documentation of 15 uses of force on him during his stays in the Idaho Security Medical Program while under civil commitment. ProPublica is not naming the 38-year-old man to protect his privacy.

The records show that he was alone in his cell for days on end, aside from showers and short check-ins from staff. He didnt always take his medications as required under his court-ordered commitment, so officers were called to hold him down for the drugs to be injected. Once, they fired pepper spray through a hatch in the cell door before entering.

His mother said she believes his confinement in a prison cell made it harder for him to recover. It was months before he was released last June to a state psychiatric hospital, where he remains.

The number of times force was used on the patient is unusually high, according to Ray, the prisons spokesperson.

This is an extreme case which is not representative of the typical patients experience, Ray said, adding that the use of pepper spray is rare but on some occasions necessary.

While acknowledging that prison is not the most therapeutic environment for people with severe mental illness, Ray described corrections officers assigned to the unit as carefully selected, specially trained, and expected to consistently meet high performance standards.

They are some of the best correctional professionals in our department, he said.

According to psychiatrists and researchers, forced solitude can exacerbate conditions for people with profound mental illness, making them lash out more.

Solitary confinement is recognized as difficult to withstand; indeed, psychological stressors such as isolation can be as clinically distressing as physical torture, Jeffrey L. Metzner and Jamie Fellner wrote in 2010 in The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.

It is the mental equivalent of putting an asthmatic in a place with little air, according to a ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Idaho.

Legal experts said Idaho is on shaky legal footing with its practice.

When told about Idahos system by ProPublica, David Fathi, director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, called it shocking beyond belief and a likely violation of patients constitutional rights.

I think the state has considerable exposure here, Fathi said, and I would urge them to discontinue this practice before they get sued over it.

Megan Schuller, legal director for the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, said Idaho may also be violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and should invest in community-based care that keeps people from needing a secure facility.

The bottom line is, youre imprisoning people for having a mental health condition  for the manifestations of that condition, Schuller said. And that is just absolutely not equal treatment to how we treat any other type of health condition or even mental disability.

Decades of warnings

The idea of locking Idahoans with mental illness in a penitentiary was around as far back as 1954, when the Idaho Statesman reported that a county prosecutor had pressed for a place to incarcerate the criminally insane. At the same meeting where the prosecutor spoke, an influential Republican suggested putting the ward in the state prison. But Idahos health director argued a prison ward wasnt appropriate; people with illnesses belonged in a hospital.

In the 1970s, a new generation of Idaho health and law enforcement officials offered an alternative. They would jointly operate a secure mental health facility, on the grounds of the new Idaho state corrections complex that was going up south of Boise.

The state health agency would provide psychiatric care, furniture, medical equipment and first aid; the state corrections agency would take care of security and room and board. The unit would house up to 17 patients including persons considered mentally ill and dangerous but who committed no crime.

Health and corrections leaders called it a historical first and a new era for Idaho. The Legislature approved, and the joint unit was open by 1972.

The collaboration quickly unraveled. In 1976, citing numerous problems with management and operation, the state prisons director pushed legislation that would give him full control over the unit.

Corrections officials were poised to start running the show, and critics were stunned.

Sword and other mental health advocates quoted in legislative records that year urged the state to keep a separation between civil patients and prisoners.

Marilyn Dorman, a regional behavioral health board chair, argued that mental health care decisions should not be made by corrections officials but by someone who has the training in mental health and mental hygiene needed to best represent the patients.

A supervisor at the psychiatric unit, Jeffrey Toothaker, was so outraged that he spoke out publicly against his boss, Idaho health director Milton Klein. In a letter to the editor of the Idaho Statesman, Toothaker said he found it difficult to work with a good conscience for a department that has at its head a director that supports such a bill.

Klein acknowledged to lawmakers that the arrangement wasnt ideal. Without money to build a new secure psychiatric facility, he said, placing patients in the state pen was the best compromise available.

And that approach was designed to be temporary, authorized for only one year. In 1977, legislative minutes show, lawmakers said a secure unit for civilly committed patients would open in 1978 at Idahos State Hospital South, replacing the prison ward.

One senator said that while the U.S. Supreme Court might not look kindly upon placing civilly committed patients in prison, it would probably give Idaho a pass if a better solution was in the works.

Its unclear what happened to construction at the hospital. But in 1979, a year after the ward was supposed to have opened, the Legislature made the civil commitment unit at the state penitentiary permanent.

Its drawn criticism ever since.

A national mental health advocate in 1990 called the unit a dumping ground for those with severe mental illness.

Death Row is just down the hall, said psychiatrist and mental health advocate E. Fuller Torrey, according to an Idaho Statesman article. Their major crime is schizophrenia.

The same year, a complaint from a disability rights organization drew a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services civil rights investigation, according to an Idaho Statesman report. The federal agency could find no documentation of the outcome when asked recently by ProPublica.

The states behavioral health administrator told lawmakers in 2006 that Idaho desperately needs a secure psychiatric facility or facilities for these people instead of prison.

None of the criticism seemed to make an impression. Only once since 1976 have Idahos political leaders been united in their desire to give patients the right treatment in the right place.

Stegner, the state senator, was among those leading the charge.

The hospital takes shape

Stegner ran his familys grain elevator business in north-central Idaho before jumping into politics. He ascended the Republican ranks to become the Senate assistant majority leader by the mid-2000s.

It struck Stegner as wrong when he learned Idaho was locking people with mental illness in prison without a conviction. In 2007, three decades after his predecessors assured people a new hospital wing for civilly committed patients was on its way, Stegner saw an opportunity to make it finally happen.

State mental health administrators whod been making a renewed push to build a secure facility had fully scoped it out.

The building would house 300 beds for patients committed to the state as a result of their mental illness, as well as convicted criminals with severe mental illness and violent behaviors. The two groups would be kept in separate areas.

Stegner persuaded fellow lawmakers to set aside $3 million to design the facility. Construction was estimated at $70 million  roughly $101 million in todays dollars.

Stegner still remembers driving out to the dusty sagebrush-covered land south of Boise to choose the site where the building would go: a little low draw behind a hill that would keep the prison out of view from the new psych unit.

State officials toured high-security psychiatric facilities in California, Kansas and Missouri.

Gov. Butch Otter put the project in his budget for the following year and highlighted it in his January 2008 State of the State address.

The House and Senate voted to allow bonds for the project, noting the demonstrated need for a standalone treatment facility.

Several legislators signed a resolution saying people placed in civil commitment and not serving a criminal sentence should not be housed in correctional facilities.

Stegner could see a future where Idahoans whose psychiatric diseases made them lash out would have a place to be safely treated. There was political support for it. There was money. There was even an architectural rendering.

And then nothing.

The governors office dropped its support, Stegner said.

Otter told ProPublica the plan stalled because of bureaucratic disputes over where to build the facility and, later, because of the 2008 financial crisis.

We all agreed we needed it, he said of the new mental health facility, but there wasnt enough money to go around. And we all agreed we didnt want to raise taxes.

Stegner believes one factor made it easier to kill the project. A year before, acting on a proposal from the Otter administration, legislators had tweaked wording in Idahos law governing the mental health unit to put corrections officials on firmer ground in the event of a lawsuit. It may have lessened the urgency to build a hospital.

That was really a crushing defeat for me  one that changed my attitude about remaining in the Legislature, and one that is one of my biggest regrets in my legislative career, Stegner told ProPublica.

Idaho officials went on to back away from or block the development of a mental health facility two more times.

Most recently, legislators this year failed to take up Gov. Brad Littles proposal to use a fraction of Idahos record-breaking budget surplus to build a 26-bed facility on state land near the state prison.

One additional expense lawmakers did tack on to the budget: $750,000 to enable the execution of death row inmates by firing squad.

The next opening

Stegner and Sword, the activist who testified against imprisoning civilly committed patients in the 1970s, are looking to Little again in 2024. The governor made mental health care a focus of his administration when he took office in 2019. After getting nowhere on his proposal for a new secure facility this year, Little has signaled he plans to try again.

Based on a request from his administration, the states building advisory council gave its blessing Nov. 14 to a $25 million facility. That could bolster Littles chances of legislative approval. Littles press secretary told ProPublica the governor sees the building as a critical part of our states behavioral health infrastructure.

The Department of Health and Welfare would provide the mental health care for patients there. The Department of Correction would provide security. They would operate the facility together, and patients would no longer be held in prison cells.

It would be, by and large, just as state lawmakers envisioned more than 50 years ago.
A judge has denied a motion to withdraw the guilty plea of a Twin Falls man who caused a crash more than four years ago that killed a Twin Falls woman.

Judge Roger Harris said he didnt find just cause to allow Cedric Mitchell, 38, to back out of the deal, in which Mitchell in April agreed to plead guilty to a count each of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.

Originally, he was charged with first-degree murder and seven counts of aggravated battery following the June 2019 crash at the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Heyburn Avenue.

It seems clear to this Court that Mr. Mitchell negotiated/mediated a reasonable resolution to the charges brought against him, Harris, who has had the matter under advisement since October, wrote in a memorandum filed last week in 5th District Court.

Court records say Mitchell was traveling between 74 and 79 mph on Heyburn Avenue in a GMC Sierra pickup when he slammed into a Dodge 1500 pickup carrying Dwayne and Maryann Steiner as they were waiting at the stoplight on Blue Lakes.

Maryann Steiner, 60, died of her injuries.

Other cars crashed into the pickup as it was pushed into the intersection.

In the past, defense attorneys have argued that Mitchell suffered a health problem that led to the crash. Prosecutors, however, say statements Mitchell made after the crash indicate that he intentionally caused it.

After pleading guilty, Mitchell said he felt uneasy about the deal which could send him to prison for life and wanted to back out for numerous reasons, saying he didnt fully understand what he was entering into and that he didnt believe he was guilty of the charges.

New attorney Clayne Zollinger, in court records, said former public defenders Ben Andersen and Gus Stravesky didnt represent Mitchell adequately and didnt take into account Mitchells mental health.

Mitchell testified he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Andersen, during testimony during a hearing, said he was aware of Mitchells health diagnosis and consulted reports from a Boise-based psychiatrist who evaluated Mitchell, and concluded he had the requisite ability to satisfy the mental requirements of second-degree murder, Harris wrote.

The judge also noted that Mitchell didnt have qualms about his guilty plea until weeks after entering into it.

Harris rejected the arguments favoring the plea withdrawal, and wrote, the Court does not find Andersen or Stravensky acted in an ineffective manner.

Instead, findings show it was repeatedly explained to Mitchell what the plea offer involved, Harris wrote.

Man who caused fatal crash in Twin Falls agrees to plea deal Cedric Mitchell will face life sentence, but attorneys will argue when he should be eligible for parole.

He ruled Mitchell entered into the agreement knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily after a lengthy mediation.

Harris memorandum further said that DeWayne Steiners health is deteriorating due to affects of the crash, and that further continuance of the case would affect prosecutors ability to prosecute the case and, importantly, severely limit Mr. Steiners ability to participate.

Mitchells sentencing date has not been determined.
Nativity scenes from Chile, Peru, Japan and Kyrgyzstan, and displays that show the wise men as Segway-riding yuppies and American Indian chiefs.

Thats the fun part, Ray Parrish said as he surveyed a roomful of a variety of Nativity scenes during a Dec. 9 Come to Bethlehem event at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints South Stake Center.

While many of the displays were of a more traditional design, others had a uniqueness that brought smiles and appreciation to peoples faces.

Each one has their own little nuance to it, said Parrish, a spokesman for the church, who enjoyed how different cultures put their own tweaks on the story of the Christ childs birth.

Nativity scenes consist of figures, including the Christ child, Joseph and Mary, shepherds and farm animals, representing Jesus humble birth as described in the Holy Bible, and can inspire Christians to reflect on his life.

Members of the church were invited to bring their favorite Nativity scenes to be placed on tables, and some people brought several.

About 175 Nativities were on display.

The same day, the Episcopal Church of the Ascension was having a Nativity display of its own.

Rev. Deacon Nancy Koonce of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension also enjoys the variety of creches. She and Ellen Simonin of the church owned many of the Nativities, while church members also brought in their favorites.

Each has a story to tell.

The people who bring them bring their own stories with them, or their familys stories, Koonce said. Its either one that they had when they were a child, or one their grandparents gave them.

One of the newest additions for Koonce is a Lego Nativity with an Asian theme. With 917 pieces, she said, It was a little bit of a struggle to put together.

I could have gotten a traditional one but I chose to get it to represent a different viewpoint.

Simonin, meanwhile, recently added a Nativity made of metal that hails from Haiti. It was purchased as part of a fair trade market, which ensures the maker gets the current fair price for the craft.

Her collection has reached a dozen, and during the Christmas season her husband removes the books from a few bookcases to make room for many of them.

Koonce owns 14 Nativities, and one made of olive wood has a permanent place in her living room, at least when its not on display at the church.

It was a decade ago when she packed up Christmas items after the holiday and stored it in the attic.

She didnt feel right about it, however, so she crawled back into the attic and retrieved it.

Now its out all the time, Koonce said. I couldnt put it away.

Its the peace it brings, perhaps akin to people who leave their Christmas trees up year-round.

And peace is what many people viewing the Nativities felt.

Warm, is how Dorothy Bailey, of Twin Falls, described it as she viewed the Nativity scenes at the South Stake Center, putting her hand to her chest.

I feel like we are so blessed where we live and what we have, that we know him.

Bailey has a collection of Nativities herself, but nothing compared to what was being displayed.

They are fantastic, she said.

I always feel so peaceful that Jesus is here for us, said Rhonda Munns, who lives in Rexburg but was visiting relatives in Twin Falls.

And while some of the Nativity scenes are a more humorous sort, Koonce said, they provide a purpose.

She owns a rubber-ducky Nativity, and instead of getting into the hustle and bustle that the holiday can bring, she said, if what people remember from this Christmas is a rubber-ducky Nativity, thats a good thing.

PHOTOS: Hundreds show up for annual live Nativity 9th annual Living Nativity of Twin Falls 9th annual Living Nativity of Twin Falls 9th annual Living Nativity of Twin Falls 9th annual Living Nativity of Twin Falls 9th annual Living Nativity of Twin Falls 9th annual Living Nativity of Twin Falls 9th annual Living Nativity of Twin Falls 9th annual Living Nativity of Twin Falls Living Nativity of Twin Falls

PHOTOS: Nutcracker rehearsals at Twin Falls Ballet Company
The Jerome Police Department has solved a murder case involving an elderly woman who died violently in her apartment nearly 30 years ago, officials say.

DNA evidence led police and Idaho State Police Lab technicians to the killer, reported Police Chief Duane Rubink in a Wednesday news release.

Wilma Mobleys suspected killer, neighbor Danny Lee Kennison, died in 2001, however the department is thankful that the case has reached closure for the victims relatives, Rubink said.

On Aug. 10, 1995, Jerome Police officers responded to a homicide in the 200 block of West Avenue I, where 84-year-old Wilma Mobley was found dead  strangled, and attacked with an ax-like instrument.

Investigators identified three possible suspects during the investigation, but no conclusive evidence pointed to any specific attacker and the case eventually went cold.

Police officers, however, never gave up, consulting the FBI, Idaho State Police Lab and others, including the Vidocq Society, a group that investigates cold cases.

In June 2022, 28 years after Mobleys death, Jerome Police Sgt. Clinton Wagner was assigned to review the case.

Wagner contacted the ISP forensic lab to see whether the case could be submitted for DNA analysis.

Wagner and technicians reviewed the evidence collected from the case and selected items for a March 2023 delivery to the lab for testing.

On Monday, ISP lab technicians reported a significant amount of a DNA profile matching Kennison found on a clasp of the victims underclothing.

Kennison and Mobley had been neighbors at the time of the homicide but had no personal relationship. Kennison, who committed suicide at his residence in Filer in 2001, was among the first suspects.

Wagner met with family members of Wilma Mobley on Tuesday.

The Jerome Police Department is closing the case due to the DNA that singled out Kennison. Rubink thanked all those who worked on the case over the years, preserving the evidence that provided closure for the victims family.

Twin Falls woman charged in connection with double murders A 40-year-old woman was arrested in Phoenix and charged with aiding and abetting murder in the Dec. 1 double homicide in Twin Falls.
I know a thing or two about Idahoans getting a fresh start. Thats the term the case law uses to define the very purpose of declaring bankruptcy. As a former Bankruptcy Trustee, I oversaw literally thousands of cases where Idahoans received their fresh start. From a financial standpoint, its kind of like a fiscal rebirth. And, so long as you play by the rules, anyone in the country can get out from under some poor financial choices and start fresh  hopefully for the last time.

Thats why I am excited about the Clean Slate Act which goes into effect  appropriately  at the start of the new year. The legislation allows certain low-level offenders to literally wipe the slate clean of certain crimes so long as they play by the rules in subsequent years.

We could all use a fresh start from time-to-time. Even those who have broken the law.

Ill admit, when it comes to crime in Idaho, I have a blind spot. Probably because there is so little of it from my perspective. Ive lived in or near some pretty shady areas of America. Granted, I didnt think they were as dangerous as some people thought. But still, if you were out and about after dark, you did well to keep your head on a swivel in some of the neighborhoods I lived in.

Thats why moving to Boise was such a revelation. In the year prior to my arrival, there were a total of three homicides within city limits. Three! During my time working in TV news in Rochester, NY, we literally covered triple-homicides multiple times. And its not just Boise. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the State of Idaho has one of the lowest homicide rates in the country. Same goes for the overall violent crime rate.

Thats why I rarely lock my front door. Ive left Boise for entire weekends without locking it. And, to date, my house is perfectly intact. I credit Idahos law enforcement community for that. As an old-school Democrat, I have little sympathy for violent criminals. I understand a lot of factors go into someone becoming a felon, but we have prisons for a reason.

That being said, I am like a growing number of Americans who feel weve gone too far when it comes to being tough on crime. As Communications Director for the House and Senate Democrats, I helped to promote mandatory minimum drug sentencing reform (which ultimately passed the House but died in a Senate committee) which would have given judges discretion in sentencing low-level drug offenders. While the Clean Slate Act doesnt go that far, it can give certain non-violent, non-sexual offenders relief from some bad decisions.

Heres the deal. Lets say you get busted for a minor marijuana possession and receive criminal punishment of some kind. Under normal circumstances, that offense will stay on your record for all the world to see. Even such a small crime can prevent you from getting employment, housing, or a host of other necessities. Under the Clean Slate Act, that same person can petition a court to seal the record if they go five years without committing a crime AFTER they have completed the sentencing for the initial crime. Again, this only applies to certain non-violent, non-sexual crimes. Rapists and wife-beaters dont get the benefit of the Clean Slate, as well they shouldnt.

Now, if youre one of those low-level offenders, I realize you may not be jumping for joy over the Clean Slate Act. Five years is a long time. And, that clock doesnt start running until youve completed the initial sentence. In reality, this could be a six-year process or longer. Even then, theres no guarantee a judge will seal the record. Not all fresh starts come quickly though. If its any consolation, a bankruptcy stays on your record longer than five years. But, for the first time ever in Idaho, theres some light at the end of the tunnel.

Many of us will make resolutions next year that wont last through March. Thats fine. It wont make or break our lives. But for some, January 1, 2024, may mark the beginning of a life-long resolution that could alter the course of their lives. It wont come easy, but at least theres hope.

Thats something we all could use.
Dorothy Moons branch of the Republican Party is so entwined with the inaptly named Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) that it is hard to know who is calling the shots. Both are extremely far to the right. Both have sought to divide Idahoans by stoking fear and outrage over fake culture war issues. Neither has shown much interest in working on actual problems facing the state, such as water policy, adequate funding for pre-K through higher education, property taxes, infrastructure and important social programs. The IFF has established a strong grip over many GOP legislators since it came on the scene in 2009. The closing of the GOP primary in 2012 supercharged its efforts to populate the Legislature with extremists and control their votes.

Both Moon and the IFF have ties to the white nationalists who have gained a foothold in the Gem State in recent years. Moon has a history of associating with nationalist individuals and groups. It was recently disclosed that the IFF hired an alt-right propagandist, Dave Reilly, to shape its messaging. Brent Regan, IFFs board chair, who also controls the Kootenai County Republican Party, has a friendly history with those who have fled progressive states to live in the Nationalist Redoubt in North Idaho, where Christian Nationalists will make their last stand against multicultural hoards.

Because there is so much cross membership between the IFF and Moons GOP, it is not easy to determine which group has the ultimate say-so. A recent chapter in the GOPs effort to squelch individual thinking in its ranks provides an answer.

For those who dont closely follow their antics, Moon and her minions have implemented a program to force GOP legislators to vote in lockstep with party dictates. Moon publicly claims that the program is to make sure legislators do not stray from the requirements of the Republican Party Platform. But close inspection shows that the required voting pattern is actually set by the IFF. So, this dark money group sets the Moon agenda?

Several weeks ago, I wrote about the GOP disciplinary proceedings against several eastern Idaho legislators, particularly Stephanie Mickelsen. The 51-page draft confidential indictment against Rep. Mickelsen contained numerous claims that she voted contrary to positions dictated by the IFF. Most of those votes were not clear-cut violations of the GOP platform. It took a lot of manipulation to try to make it appear that they were. Several of Mickelsens votes, like her vote for the higher education funding bill, were in keeping with the platform. The alleged platform violations were bogus.

When the final indictment was issued against her, there was not a single mention of the IFF, even though every charge leveled against Mickelsen was still explicitly based on a vote she cast against the IFFs voting instructions. She was censured for violating the platform by her legislative district chairman, Doyle Beck, a Republican extremist who also serves on the IFF board of directors. Some might see this as a conflict of interest. The truth is that Mickelsen was targeted because she failed to be a toady for the IFF. Beck tried to conceal that crucial fact in his censure statement.

Columnist Chuck Malloy characterizes these disciplinary proceedings as kangaroo courts, although I tend to think of them as akin to the Soviet Politburo proceedings to purge those accused of failing to toe the Soviet line. Evidence to back up a charge was not particularly necessary. The only good thing is that Commissar Beck cannot send Mickelsen to a gulag (forced labor camp) for failing to comply with IFFs dictates.

Idaho politics have been brought low by the IFFs malign influence, which was made possible by our closed GOP primary. Butch and Lori Otter say the Open Primaries Initiative will restore civility, common sense, reason and pragmatism to governing in the Gem State. The choice is starkeither keep the closed GOP primary and perpetuate the nasty, dysfunctional politics we now have, or adopt an open primary system that will allow the people to elect reasonable, problem-solving candidates to serve them.
Power retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is looking at three sites for its planned small-scale nuclear facility, including one near Malacanang Palace, a company executive said.

Meralco executive vice-president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said the three prospective sites are Talim Island in Rizal, San Rafael in Bulacan and Isla del Provisor located right across Malacanang Palace.

Aperocho said Meralco was studying putting up micro-modular nuclear power plants, with a range of 5 megawatts (MW) to 30 MW on the proposed sites.

Meralco plans to develop nuclear power facilities as stable and cheaper sources of power to diversify the countrys energy sources.

If there is no issue on safety, you can put it [nuclear] anywhere, even within the Meralco compound, said Aperocho.

He said Meralco proposed the Isla de Provisor property in Paco, Manila which it acquired in 2021 for P632,162,185 from the government as a possible site.

The Paco property consists of eight separate non-contiguous vacant lots spanning 20,975 square meters.

Aperocho said Meralco focused on the three sites because it is located within their franchise area.

Actually, the sites that were considered by the Department of Energy before, most if not all of them are outside the Meralco franchise. So since this is a Meralco undertaking, we want it within our franchise. Were considering at least three sites, but we just have to harmonize this with [Energy] Undersecretary [Sharon] Garin, he said.

Aperocho said Meralco and US-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) had started the feasibility study on nuclear for power.

The parties signed cooperative agreement to study the potential deployment of one or more fourth-generation gas-cooled micro-modular reactor (MMR) energy systems in the Philippines.

The study will help Meralco in critical decisions and potential future activities on project-specific studies and project development plans at identified sites.

Aperocho also said Meralco was also preparing the manpower for its proposed nuclear facilities by sponsoring scholarship programs.

Aperocho said Meralco also received offers from numerous companies on nuclear services.

There are lots of companies who have competency, long years of history in working with nuclear technology. They are willingthey are offering their services to Meralco, he said.
Pru Life UK announced Thursday the appointment of Sanjay Chakrabarty as its new chief executive effective Feb. 1, 2024, subject to regulatory approval.

Chakrabarty will succeed Eng Teng Wong, who is moving back to Malaysia to spend more time with his family.

Solmaz Altin, Prudential Strategic Business Group managing director, said: Im delighted that we have strong talent across the Prudential Group to support our ambitious growth plans, and Sanjay will bring a wealth of industry experience to Pru Life UK.

In particular, Sanjay will look to strengthen our strategic partnerships in one of Prudentials key markets and cultivate an agency force that fulfils our mission of being our customers most trusted partner and protector, said Altin.

Chakrabarty has deep knowledge of the banking and insurance sectors, having worked across multiple Asian markets for the past 26 years. He has been with Prudential since 2014 and is currently the CEO of Prudential Cambodia and Prudentials Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar Hub.

In these roles, he has successfully led a cross-markets team, implementing several strategic initiatives with material impact in all three markets. Driving innovation and growth, Mr. Chakrabarty reinstated Prudentials Cambodia business to #1 position in the market. He is deeply committed to driving a customer-centric approach, and to creating a culture of excellence that attracts and retains the best talent.

Pru Life UK is one of the leading life insurance companies in the Philippines with the largest agency network in the market.

Im really excited to join the winning team in one of most vibrant and fastest growing markets in Asia. We will leverage on Prudentials brand and market leadership position with clear priorities to deliver remarkable customer experiences, power our distribution with technology and explore growth opportunities in the health insurance business, said Chakrabarty.
First Gen Corp. said Thursday it awarded a contract to TotalEnergies Gas & Power Asia Private Ltd. (TEGPA) for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo following a successful international tender.

First Gen said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange TEGPA would supply one LNG cargo of about 154,500 cubic meter with delivery by early February 2024 to wholly-owned subsidiary First Gen Singapore Pte. Ltd (FGEN Singapore).

It said the LNG cargo to be provided by TEGPA would be delivered by an LNG carrier and would be unloaded into the storage tanks of the BW Batangas FSRU that is berthed at the First Gen Clean Energy Complex (FGCEC) in Batangas City.

First Gens gas-fired power plants will use the LNG delivery to ensures security of the countrys power supply. This is the third LNG delivery contracted by First Gen.

The company last month awarded a contract to Trafigura Pte Ltd (Trafigura), a global supplier of commodities, for the delivery of LNG cargo.

Trafigura would supply LNG cargo of about 154,500 cubic meters from Nov. 25 to Dec. 25, 2023 to FGENs wholly-owned subsidiary First Gen Singapore.

First Gen also awarded an LNG supply contract to Shell Eastern LNG for its first LNG cargo in July.

Shell Eastern LNG supplied one LNG cargo of about 154,500 cubic meters within the required delivery window of Aus. 1 to Sept. 30, 202 to First Gen Singapore.

First Gen has a portfolio of four existing gas-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 2,017 MW that have been supplied for many years with gas from the Malampaya field, an indigenous offshore gasfield.
Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. (Prime Energy) controlled by businessman Enrique Razon Jr. budgeted $187 million for 2024 capital expenditures mainly for well preparations under Phase 4 of the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project, a company executive said Thursday.

Prime Energy managing director Donnabel Kuizon Cruz said the company is ramping up preparations to drill at least two deepwater wellsthe Camago and Malampaya East prospects by 2025.

Cruz said that before that, the planned expenditure in 2024 of about $187 million would include procurement of drilling equipment, subsea equipment and umbilicals and pipeline and securing the drilling rig.

Cruz said if the drilling is successful and proves that gas reserves can be produced commercially, the necessary pipelines will be installed and tied into the Malampaya production facilities.

The planned drilling and development or Malampaya Phase 4 requires total investment of more than $600 million. Prime Energy expects the new wells to produce gas by 2026.

The company also expressed optimism there would be no intervention or disruption from China when Malampaya Phase 4 drilling and development activities take place in 2025 and 2026.

Prime Energy said China had never claimed the Malampaya or Service Contract 38 area in northwest Palawan.

It said exploration activities for SC 38 (and its precursor GSEC 47) started in 1988, development activities in 1998 and production activities in 2001. It said that from 1988 to date, China had not intervened in any Malampaya petroleum operations.

Prime Energy, a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., owns a 45-percent operating interest in SC 38 or the Malampaya project, supplying 20 percent of Luzons electricity requirements.

Prime Energy and its partners secured the renewal of SC 38 for an additional 15 years or up to 2039. The ceremonial signing by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla was held on May 15, 2023 in Malacanang.

The renewal of SC 38 paves the way for new investment to explore and develop additional gas reserves as gas production from Malampaya has been declining after 22 years of operation.

Meanwhile, Prime Energy and its partners sought the support of the Department of Energy to ensure that there is a market for the new gas volumes to underpin the significant investment required.

The company also asked DOE to help streamline and simplify the permits and requirements imposed by various government agencies which could hamper the completion of Malampaya Phase 4 on time and within budget.

Prime Energy said the DOEs support would help ensure the speedy and successful implementation of Malampaya Phase 4.

The Malampaya project supported the Philippines energy security, generated significant revenues of more than $13.14 billion for the government in its more than 20 years of operation and made significant contributions to stakeholder communities through sustainable social and environmental programs.
People hold signs during a news conference Dec. 21, 2023, outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building where politicians and activists spoke about the need for the federal government to increase funding for migrants. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago politicians are calling for the federal government to increase funding for migrant care after earlier this week a 5-year-old boy staying at a Lower West Side shelter died and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent migrants to the city for the first time on a chartered plane.

At a news conference Thursday outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building downtown, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, said the city needs support from the federal government to provide wraparound services and accused Abbott of human trafficking.

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This is a political attack that is costing peoples lives. It is very clear. We have to call this for what it is, he said. This is human trafficking. This is treating peoples lives as disposable.

Sigcho-Lopezs ward includes the shelter where 5-year-old Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero was staying before he died Sunday after a medical emergency, officials said. His family said he had been sick for a few days before an ambulance was called to the shelter, according to a police report.

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As Sigcho-Lopez spoke to reporters, a line formed out the door at the immigration services building behind him.

[ What to know about Chicagos migrant crisis. ]

We demand the federal government, the state government and local government to work together to save lives, Sigcho-Lopez said.

The boys family had arrived in Chicago on Nov. 30, according to the city. His parents were devastated, Matt DeMateo, executive director and pastor at New Life Centers who is consoling the family, told the Tribune Tuesday.

Roughly 2,400 migrants are currently living at the Pilsen shelter, according to city officials.

U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia echoed calls for executive action from President Joe Biden as cities continue to receive an influx of migrants from Texas.

Its critical for Chicago, its critical for New York, for Houston, for all the other cities that are seeking to do everything that they can, but they cannot do it alone, Garcia said. This is a moment when Chicago needs to continue to be a compassionate, welcoming city and the city is trying to do that.

The plea for increased federal funding comes as tension between Chicago and Texas politicians reached a high point after the southern border state stopped communications with the city regarding the transportation of migrants.

White House assistant press secretary Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said the private flight charted by Abbott shows how little regard or respect he has for human beings.

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This latest political stunt just adds to his tally of extreme policies which seek to demonize and dehumanize people, Hernandez said in a statement to the Tribune Wednesday night. Governor Abbott is not interested in solutions, he only seeks to use people as political pawns.

Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesman for Abbott, a Republican, said in a statement to the Tribune Wednesday that the migrants had signed consent waivers available in multiple languages upon boarding the flight.

Until President Biden steps up and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue taking historic action to help our local partners respond to this Biden-made crisis, Mahaleris said in the statement.

Dr. Rebekah Fenton, a pediatrician at Alivio Medical Center down the street from the Pilsen shelter, said her clinic sees a large number of migrant kids staying there, but the doctors struggle to provide adequate health care to migrants who need follow-up care.

Our impact is limited when we are unable to coordinate care to make sure all of our patients needs are met, Fenton said Thursday. Health care alone is not enough to keep patients safe.

[ Vigil for 5-year-old migrant boy draws hundreds; advocates demand better ]

Fenton said the children she sees are contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. In her role as a school pediatrician, she has helped administer flu, COVID-19 and required vaccines for children to attend Chicago public schools.

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She said many migrant children are being sent home from school because they are sick, but she worries about their ability to recover from being sick when they are not able to obtain medication and space to quarantine at the shelter.

Reports from our patients describe the exact opposite conditions in the shelter with significant problems and inadequate resources, Fenton said.

Sigcho-Lopez said the shelter, which has housed migrants since May, needs to be decompressed to address large outbreaks of disease at the crowded shelter, which he said is at capacity. However, as more migrants arrive in Chicago and plans for other shelters are halted, the reality of that happening is slim.

As of Thursday morning, 14,150 asylum-seekers were living in 27 shelters with an additional 216 waiting at OHare International Airport for placement, according to city data. The city on Thursday announced it received its first permitted bus after the City Council tightened restrictions on when and where buses can drop off migrants.

On Saturday, Johnsons deputy chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas told the Tribune that Texas had halted all communication with the city of Chicago following the citys harsher penalties for bus owners whose vehicles violate rules to rein in chaotic bus arrivals.

The City Council approved an ordinance Dec. 13 that buses would face seizure and impoundment for unloading passengers without a permit or outside of approved hours and locations. Violators are subject to $3,000 fines, plus towing and storage fees.

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That same day, the city impounded a rogue bus trying to drop off 29 migrants at the approved landing zone in the West Loop at 800 S. Desplaines St.

To dodge penalties and fines, bus drivers have dropped migrants off in Indiana and given them Amtrak tickets or Metra cards to get downtown, according to city officials.

To date, 96 rogue buses have been cited and one bus has been impounded, Mary May, a spokeswoman for the citys Office of Emergency Management and Communications, said Thursday.

Advocates and volunteers who worked with migrants living at police stations are asking the city to allow them to come into shelters and continue to provide basic medical care. Sara Izquierdo said officials have previously told volunteers there was no need for them at city-run shelters.

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There is no reason that a child who crossed seven countries should die in a shelter in Chicago, she said. Let us do our work in the shelter.

Mayor Brandon Johnson told reporters Monday afternoon that we are obviously deeply sorry and hurt by this loss before placing the blame on the Republican Texas governor, who has been busing migrants to Chicago and other liberal cities for the past 15 months.

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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? Its sickening, the mayor said.

[ Chicago begins impoundment of rogue migrant buses as new ordinance toughens penalties ]

Asked about poor conditions reported at the shelter, the mayor again defended the citys attempts to care for asylum-seekers and said, It sounds like youre drawing a conclusion based upon a site.

Johnson also did not address allegations of Favorite Healthcare Staffing being slow to get medical attention for the boy, which mayoral spokesman Ronnie Reese later said he could not confirm or deny because of a pending investigation.

aguffey@chicagotribune.com
As Beijing warns Manila to make rational choice on WPS

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday the country would stand up to the coercion of Chinas ships in the South China Sea even as Beijing warned Manila to make the rational choice with its territorial claims in the strategic waterway.

China voiced growing frustration and anger with the Philippines unexpectedly bold tactics in the West Philippine Sea in warning its neighbor, but Mr. Marcos vowed Filipinos would not succumb to the harassments at sea and insisted recent tense stand-offs in the disputed area highlighted his nations courage.

We shall continue to assert our rights in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and international law, President Marcos said following Beijings warning, adding that recent confrontations in the sea were a demonstration of Filipino courage against coercion and our firm resolve to protect, preserve and uphold our territorial integrity.

He told the nations troops yesterday to continue asserting the countrys sovereign rights amid the geopolitical tensions in the region.

During the 88th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Mr. Marcos hailed the militarys responsible and dignified behavior despite the many attempts at provocation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo

You (AFP) have become crucial as in the past years, the Philippines has found itself in the middle of geopolitical developments and tensions that could potentially cause regional insecurity or endanger peoples lives and livelihoods, the President said.

But despite the many attempts at provocation, the Philippinesthrough the AFPremains a force and a voice of reason, exemplifying responsible and dignified behavior in resolving issues in accordance with international law, he added.

The recent incidents involving no less than our AFP Chief of Staff is worrisome, the President stressed, mentioning Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner, who was on a supply ship on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal when it was water-cannoned by a China Coast Guard ship.

Yes, but it is a proud demonstration of Filipino courage againstcoercion and our firm resolve to protect, preserve, and uphold our territorial integrity, the President continued.

At a briefing in Beijing, Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said:

We hope that the Philippines can make a rational choice, follow the effective way of getting along with neighbors, and work with China to properly handle and manage the current maritime situation.

His comments followed a phone call in which Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi told Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo that the two countries were facing serious difficulties, blaming Manila for changing its policies.

The root cause is that the Philippines has changed its longstanding policy stance, reneged on its own commitments, continued to provoke and stir trouble at sea, and undermined Chinas legal rights.

China-Philippines relations are at a crossroads. Faced with the choice of where to go, the Philippines must act with caution, the readout said.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea and has ignored an international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no legal basis.

It deploys boats to patrol the busy waterway and has built artificial islands that it has militarized to reinforce its claims.

Manalo described his call with Wang as frank and candid, according to a readout released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday.

We had a frank and candid exchange and ended our call with a clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues, the readout quoted Manalo as saying.

We both noted the importance of dialogue in addressing these issues.

Envoy summoned

Relations between Manila and Beijing have frayed under President Marcos, who has sought to improve ties with traditional ally Washington and deepen defense cooperation in the region, while also pushing back against Chinese actions in the South China Sea.

The Philippines summoned Chinas envoy on Dec. 11 and flagged the possibility of expelling him following the latest clashes.

The videos released by the Philippines were of incidents during two separate resupply missions to fishermen at Scarborough Shoal and a tiny garrison at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal the previous weekend.

There was also a collision between Philippine and Chinese boats at Ayungin Shoal, where a handful of Filipino troops are stationed on a grounded warship, with both countries trading blame.

Mr. Marcos met Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco, where the pair discussed the maritime territorial disputes.

Mr. Marcos later told a forum in Hawaii the Philippines would not give up a single square inch of our territory.

State-run Xinhua has quoted Wang as saying that the Philippines and

China relations are currently facing severe difficulties over the countrys change in its policy stance.

Wang noted that the bilateral relationship between the two countries now stands at a crossroads, with its future yet to be decided and that the Philippines side must act with caution.

He said China is ready to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation but warned that if the country misjudges the situation, goes its own way, or even colludes with ill-intentioned external forces to continue to stir up troubles, China will defend its rights in accordance with law and respond resolutely.

Manila earlier asked China to stop lingering in waters around Ayungin Shoal, a feature in the South China Sea situated within the Philippines 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

This month alone, it protested the Chinese Coast Guards aggressive actions that led to collision, illegal shadowing, and undue use of water cannons during the countrys rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on Dec. 10.

A day before, China also used water cannons against three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels that were providing fuel and groceries to Filipinos fishing at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

During their phone call, the Chinese side said Manalo and Wang agreed to actively create favorable conditions for the next Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea.

The last BCM was held in March. Also on Thursday, AFP chief Brawner said the Philippines is one with other nations in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

Brawner made this commitment in a teleconference with Japan Self-Defense Force joint chief of staff Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide. During their meeting, the two officials discussed pressing regional security matters and developments in the Philippine-Japan defense partnership.

The meeting demonstrates the AFPs commitment to strengthening its partnership with like-minded nations and drawing support for the advancement of a rules-based international order and a free and open Indo-Pacific Region, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

The military officials also celebrated the transfer of a Japanese air surveillance radar system to the Philippines and expressed support for the immediate finalization of the reciprocal access agreement to allow more interoperable cooperation between the two maritime nations.

They also stressed the importance of alliance-building to counter aggression, such as the incidents in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Dec. 10.

They also lauded the recent conclusion of the Multilateral Staff Talks with Australia and the United States in Tokyo.

Yoshida also conveyed Japans support to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and expressed their strong opposition to actions that alter the status quo, Trinidad added.

Meanwhile, the co-convener of the Atin Ito Coalition, Rafaela David, said its civilian convoy carrying supplies to frontliners in the West Philippine Sea will not back down from Chinese aggression in the countrys waters.

David said the Dec. 10 supply mission to the West Philippine Sea was just an inaugural mission because ordinary Filipinos should be able to visit its own seas.

We want to send a strong message to China that we are united, from the government to the citizens from different sectors and generations, we are all united, she said in Filipino. We will not be bullied by China.

The civilian-led convoy that was supposed to bring gifts and donations to Philippine troops and residents in the West Philippine Sea returned to El Nido, Palawan on Dec. 10 after being shadowed by two Chinese Navy ships, one Chinese Coast Guard vessel, and one Chinese cargo ship.

David said a second civilian convoy is being eyed in summer when the seas are calmer. She said the convoy will coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure the safety of the mission.

US help eyed

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Thursday urged President Marcos to seek the help of the United States in preventing future Chinese attacks on Philippine vessels in the WPS.

The Mindanao lawmaker made the appeal in response to the Presidents statement calling for a paradigm shift in dealing with Chinese aggression in the WPS. I support the Presidents call.

We should be done protesting Beijings continued harassment and bullying of our Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel, our fishermen, our small contingent of soldiers in Ayungin Shoal, and our civilian boat crew involved in resupply missions. Our numerous and repeated protestations have fallen on deaf ears, he said.

We Filipinos have long been patient, but our patience has a limit, he said in Filipino. Rodriguez, chair of the House committee on constitutional amendments, said in exploring a new tack, the President should consider consulting with its defense treaty ally, the US, in tackling future Chinese aggressive activities in the WPS.  With AFP
Jishishan, ChinaChinese earthquake survivors recovered in hospital as rescue teams rushed to deliver supplies on Thursday, the third day since the countrys deadliest quake in years killed 135 people.

The toll rose from the previous days 134, state news agency Xinhua said, as rescuers continued to search for victims buried as the soil liquified in northwestern Qinghai Province.

Almost 1,000 were injured across Qinghai and neighboring Gansu province after the strong, shallow tremor hit the region on Monday night.

At the Jishishan County Peoples Hospital in Gansu, near the epicenter of the quake, doctors attended to survivors with mild injuries on Thursday, administering intravenous drips and examining X-rays in buildings visibly damaged by the tremor.

I really want to go home, one patient, a middle-aged woman waiting to receive surgery on her injured leg, told AFP.

But my place has been destroyed, so I wonder where I can go, she said.

People are still worried about the aftershocks, they cant sleep well because there is no safe place, a Jishishan county official told AFP.

The US Geological Survey said Monday nights magnitude-5.9 quake struck at 11:59 pm local time with an epicenter about 100 kilometers from Gansus provincial capital, Lanzhou.

Dozens of smaller aftershocks followed and officials warned that tremors with a magnitude of more than 5.0 were possible in the next few days.

Rescuers from across the country appeared to have reached more survivors in rural Gansu overnight, with AFP reporters seeing that large numbers of government-issued blue tents had been put up in Jishishan to replace improvised shelters built by residents immediately after the quake.

In Qinghai province, 12 people remain missing after a sand boil disaster on Tuesday buried people alive and in Zhongchuan Township, according to Xinhua.

Meanwhile, more low temperature records tumbled across China as the country endures a persistent cold snap that has crowned a year of extreme weather.

The national weather office said in a social media post that more than 20 stations posted all-time December lows in the early hours of Thursday.

They included Hohhot, capital of the northern Inner Mongolia region, where a reading of -29.1 degrees Celsius (-20.4 Fahrenheit) broke a nearly 70-year record.

Authorities have issued an alert for low temperatures across a vast area of northern, eastern and southeastern China.

The brutal cold follows a summer of record-smashing heat and devastating floods across the countrys north.

Experts warn that global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions makes extreme weather more likely.

More low temperature records tumbled across China on Thursday, as the country endures a persistent cold snap that has crowned a year of extreme weather.

The national weather office said in a social media post that more than 20 stations posted all-time December lows in the early hours of Thursday morning.

They included Hohhot, the capital of the northern Inner Mongolia region, where a reading of -29.1 degrees Celsius (-20.4 Fahrenheit) broke a nearly 70-year record.

Authorities have issued an alert for low temperatures across a vast area of northern, eastern and southeastern China.

The brutal cold follows a summer of record-smashing heat and devastating floods across the countrys north.

Experts warn that global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions makes extreme weather more likely.

The weather office on Wednesday said five stations had logged all-time lows, including a bone-numbing -33.2C (-27.8F) in the northern city of Datong.

In northwestern Gansu province, where an earthquake on Monday killed more than 130 people, survivors have spent several freezing nights outdoors in makeshift tents. AFP
Full scholarship grant for master education in Japan. Interested students may apply until March 1, 2024.

The 2025 Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship Grant is now open to aspiring Filipinos looking to pursue higher education in Japan. The program aims to support deserving individuals who require financial assistance to pursue postgraduate studies in the field of food technology and human nutrition. The deadline for applications is on March 1, 2024.

A full scholarship in a masters course at prestigious designated universities in Japan namely the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Nagoya University, Institute of Science Tokyo, Ochanomizu University, Waseda University, and Kagawa Nutrition University.

The annual scholarship program is Ajinomotos way of giving back to empower the future of food technology and nutrition in the Philippines, says Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co.

The scholarship grant will cover the candidates examination, admission and tuition fees, medical and psychological exams, Japanese language training, airfare, and monthly allowance.

I am very happy and thankful for this rare opportunity to study with a full scholarship in one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The Ajinomoto Foundation and Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has always been consistent in providing me prompt support and guidance. This does not only provide me academic privileges but also allows me to learn new cultures, enjoy good food and make new friends, shared 2023 awardee Johndel Obra who is currently taking Masters in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tokyo.

As screening process, the grant requires applicants to have excellent academic records  a graduate or expecting to graduate within the top 5% of their class or with a grade point (GPA) of 3.7 or higher. In return, the chosen scholar is sure to gain a lot from the program in terms of academics as well as life experiences.

When I was awarded with the 2022 Ajinomoto scholarship, I was very excited because Japan was my dream country to visit. Aside from its advanced technology and innovative research, I found a very welcoming and warm country that felt like a second home to me. The scholarship enabled me to be fully equipped in pursuing my current doctoral research program, shared Ann Elaine Wagan, a BS Nutrition graduate and the 2022 Ajinomoto Scholarship Awardee now taking up PhD on Applied Biosciences at Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University.

The annual scholarship program is one of Ajinomotos key efforts to enrich food science through supporting education advancement. It is the companys vision to contribute to greater wellness for people worldwide. Through the grant, APC aims to contribute more to resolving food and health issues in the Philippines, through innovations driven by its passionate scholars., shares Co.

To know more about the 2025 Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship grant, visit https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/2025-ajinomoto-foundation-postgraduate-scholarship-grant/
KFC Philippines leans on the creativity of its collective fan-base to come up with its first ever AI-generated films.

Released for the first time this week, the short movies serve as a response to KFCs understanding of that innate desire to create somethinggiving its fans an avenue to play creators alongside KFCs Creative Team using AI-technology tools.

So how exactly did this video project come about? Days before the official release, KFC asked its fans through their socials on what they crave to see in the filmsfrom their ideal characters, what they wish for them to eat, and even the genre the movie will fall under.

Turns out, KFC fans have a different craving other than fried chicken after all, and they let their creativity show in responding to the poll.

Responses include ideal charactersfrom famous characters, down to ordinary folks, ideal film genres (romance is popular choice) and of course what KFC favorites they wish to see the film leads munching on.

From these, the KFC Creative Team selected popular choices and elements from poll responses and used AI tools to come up with three films that harnessed the creative ideas coming from the people of the Internet.

The premiering AI-Films can be seen here: (1) https://www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines/posts/pfbid02GnmpmreRiNvjrh8o8tM6K3dvGSnKSVYmEsFgQd68pimnJV6ZWGTySK7JzrZACNGVl (2) https://www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines/posts/pfbid02eNyaaQoCZNuiCWFSjDcp9veBXqw98hgP2RMMF89RQANSqWg55HNYWVy4G6KYbUHfl and (3) https://www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines/posts/pfbid057fuRJYoR39FYtAiuCH4btub8shAZcqzBYTvMoFYsrxfai1fbDKvwRjBYmcpgRQil

At KFC, we are always looking for ways to do things creatively and differently. With the advancements in AI, we looked at how these tools can bring to life the collaborative creativity of our team and KFC fans. These films are proof that no tool can be a substitute to creative ideas generated by peoplewhether from Creative Teams or fans alike, says Charmaine Bautista-Pamintuan, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Philippines.

Check out #CravetoCreate for conversations around the films.

For food cravings, order your favorite KFC product by visiting a KFC store near you or order for delivery! Dial 88-87-8888, visit https://www.kfc.com.ph/menu/overview or download the KFC mobile app on Google Play: https://bit.ly/KFCPHAppAndroid, or App Store: https://apple.co/2BFAugi.
Henry County Public Schools is all in on Gov. Glenn Youngkin's ALL In approach to education.

This initiative, the ALL In VA initiative, "provides recommendations for school divisions in responding to the dramatic numbers of students with unfinished learning across the Commonwealth," HCPS Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Lisa Millner said.

On Sept. 14, Youngkin signed a bill that included an investment in public education through "one-time state per pupil" funding for the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, learning loss tutoring and to combat chronic absenteeism, according to the Virginia Department of Education website.

It was recommended by the governor that school divisions focus on an ALL In approach that details a funding breakdown of 70% on high intensity tutoring for grades three through eight, 20% on the Virginia Literacy Act and 10% on chronic absenteeism.

Henry County has been allocated $4.17 million and through a spending plan approved by the state will receive that funding on a semi-monthly and reoccurring basis through fiscal year 2026.

Funds will be used for the following: to pay for tutoring for before, during the day, after school and Saturdays; bus driver salary pay for after school and Saturday tutoring; additional online tutoring Support; salary of two attendance support liaisons; salary of the dyslexia and literacy coordinator to assist with coordinating the science of reading for staff and students; stipends for teachers who complete the LETRS Unit 1 training; purchasing additional literacy resources aligned with the science of reading; attendance incentives to encourage students to attend school; and supplies and resources for Saturday tutoring.

Millner said that the job descriptions and salaries for the support liaison positions funded by the initiative are still in progress but that the two part-time positions will be split between the Bassett and Magna Vista zones.

Duties will include: identifying and assisting in eliminating obstacles to regular school attendance; assist administrators and school counselors with home visits and/or home contacts as it relates to school attendance; and serving as a liaison between the schools, families and community agencies.

For the online tutoring support, the VDOE is providing resources including Zearn, Lexia and Ignite for use. Millner said HCPS is also preparing for when or if the VDOE stops providing those resources so that students can still have access to those tutoring instruments.

HCPS Board Member Ben Gravely asked Millner how this tutoring will be different from the tutoring already provided by the school system.

"Are we looking at any  particular research-based strategies to help teachers with the tutoring outside of what we're using for, I guess, technology? Because let's face it, we've been tutoring forever," Gravely said.

"The VDOE has provided us pretty much with a tutoring playbook and we have been utilizing that and it's full of research-based strategies and so forth," Millner said. "And they have various models."

She added that one of the first thing being done is school principals looking at their master schedules to incorporate the tutoring into the school day for the next school semester starting after winter break. This will lessen the need for tutoring in after-school setting.

"And then we're able to look at a triangulation data method as well," Millner said. "We're not just looking at one piece of data. We're looking at multiple pieces of data to identify what the students need."

She said the current main focus will be on reading.

"We have got to get our students reading," she added. "That's essential. If our students aren't reading, then they're not going to be successful. So, that is a focus for us."

"It is recommended that the School Board approve the ALL In Virginia Initiative Spending Plan and forward the appropriation to the Board of Supervisors," Millner said.

The HCPS unanimously approved the motion.
After Hannah Wood went on a mission trip to Ethiopia she decided to ask her local school board to make a donation.

Instead of staying at home this past summer Wood, a senior at Patrick County High School, traveled to a small village called Gendatesfa with a group of students, teachers and teacher assistants.

Dire Dawa is the larger surrounding city to Gendatesfa.

While there they taught English classes to local students preparing for an English exam that all students needed to pass to be able to attend what they refer to as university. Wood said their university was equivalent to what is seen as high school in America.

They also brought 10 bags full of school supplies and 30 Chromebooks.

While the school supplies and Chromebooks were a very nice start, with over a thousand students in first through eighth grade, that means 32 students have to share one Chromebook every day, Wood said.

Fortunately, at all Patrick County schools every student has either an iPad or Chromebook that we get to call our own, she added. I am asking you to donate 40 Chromebooks to the Gendatesfa Primary School to better teach their students English. This will allow these students to go onto university, better their lives and get out of poverty.

Wood then showed the Patrick County Public Schools board a selection of photos from her trip.

These Chromebooks are going to help these students be able to learn English rather than just relying on what little English the teachers know, Wood said. Thank you for your consideration for the donation of these Chromebooks to the Gendatesfa Primary School and your willingness to change the lives of students forever.

Thank you and congratulation on all your hard work and I know that was a very rewarding trip, PCPS Superintendent Jason Wood said.

Usually when someone does a mission trip it just sits well in their heart and they want to keep doing it, PCPS Board Member Amy Walker said. Walker asked Wood if she plans to go on more mission trips to Gendatesfa and she said yes.

The board discussed the donation during the closed session at its December board meeting.

We have Chromebooks that we are prepared to move into surplus that are no longer in circulation, Jason Wood said. I would ask for us to consider her request to donate those to the school where she did her service this summer.

Coming out of closed session, the board voted unanimously to move the 40 Chromebooks to surplus, which would have been disposed of by informal bid, auction or pre-priced sale, and donate them to Gendatesfa.

I appreciate her bringing that to the boards attention, Board Vice Chair Rob Martin said.
EDITORS NOTE: Church news will print weekly in Thursdays edition. Please email announcements at least one week in advance to news@mcdowellnews.com with church announcement in the subject line or call 828-432-8939 and leave a message with the event details and a contact number.

UPCOMING EVENTS SUNDAY, DEC. 24

First United Methodist Church, across from Marion Elementary School, will have a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

ONGOING EVENTS

First United Methodist Church, across from Marion Elementary School, invites everyone looking for a church family to Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. The United Methodist Men continue to sell their peanuts for $5 a jar. Peanuts are available in regular, light salt, no salt and Cajun. To order, call the church office at 652-7010. FUMC also administers an Emergency Fund on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. This fund assists with electricity and heating needs, water bills and rent. Clients must meet certain requirements, and funds are paid directly to providers. Clients should come to the upper parking lot and enter the door near the church van.

Redeemed Freewill Baptist Church, of 5079 U.S. 221 South, hosts a youth program called The Sprouts from 7-8 p.m. every Wednesday until further notice. A meal and a Bible lesson will be provided. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to learn about the love of Jesus.

St. Matthews Lutheran Church, of 241 W. Court St., Marion, invites the community to watch the global film phenomenon The Chosen. Experience the Bible as vividly real each Wednesday at 7 p.m. until further notice. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

Chapel Hill Baptist Church, on U.S. 221 South, Marion, will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast on the second Saturday of each month from 7:30-10 a.m. for a donation.

His Place Worship Center, 1423 U.S. 70 West in Marion, will host combined in-person and online meetings at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Additional information about the Hickory Lighthouse, including links to the Zoom and Facebook Live meetings, are available at Hickory Aglows website and Facebook page: www.aglownet.org/hickorync and www.facebook.com/hickory.aglow. Interested persons may sign up on the website to receive a monthly email newsletter. Readers may receive related Facebook notifications by liking the Facebook page.

The Sharing Food Pantry Ministry of Cross United Methodist Church needs donations of coats, sweaters and blankets for families in the community who may be in need. Donations can be dropped off at 85 W. Cross St., just past Blue Ridge Terrace Apartments in Marion. For more information, call 828-460-9257 or 828-559-4047 and leave a message.

East Marion Baptist Church, of 660 Baldwin Ave., Marion, will host The Landing, a 12-step program for teens, every Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information, email thelanding@embc.church.

North Cove Church of God will have a breakfast sale on every third Saturday of the month.

Living Waters Tabernacle of Old Fort is offering a worship service twice a month for college-aged adults called Encounter. The service will be the first and third Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. At each meeting, a new topic will be discussed with a guest speaker; live music will be played; and refreshments will be served. For more information, check out Living Waters Tabernacle of Old Fort on Facebook or email jakanjamison96@gmail.com. The church is at 344 Moffitt Hill Church Road in Old Fort.

Cross Mill United Methodist Church has a sharing food pantry for the community. The tiny food pantry is outside the church fellowship building, and is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The nonperishable food items are available for anyone in need. If you would like to donate items to this ministry, you may drop them off at the pantry box or call 460-9257 or 442-8098.

Greenlee Baptist Church, 5967 U.S. 70 West in Old Fort, offers Kids on a Mission each Sunday from 6-8 p.m. Newborns to seniors in high school are invited to join. The church also has a deaf ministry available. Interpreters will be provided for the worship services every Sunday at 10:55 a.m. For information, call the church office at 668-6075 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Cross Ties Cowboy Church meets every first Thursday at 2365 Bethlehem Road in Old Fort at 7 p.m. in the barn. For more information, call 828-925-2095.

Landmark Independent Baptist Church will host a meeting on alcohol and addiction awareness by Gene Sigmon the third Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The church is at 225 Huskins Branch Road in Marion. For more information, contact Sigmon at soundmind16@yahoo.com.

Peppers Creek Baptist Church will have a singing on the fourth Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. from January through October.

McDowell Childrens Ministry, a ministry for children of the community interested in participating in a life-changing program, meets twice monthly. For more information, call Daniel at 659-0095 during the day or at 738-0733 in the evenings.

Cross Mill Pentecostal Holiness Church has a soaking prayer and intercession meeting every Friday at 8 p.m. For information, call the Rev. Doug Beane-Hall at 442-6216.

Vision Baptist Church, at 1841 Fairview Road, Marion, is offering Extreme Teens (Club 411) on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Victorious Couples meet on Sundays at 10 a.m. Additional childrens and adult programs are also available.

First Presbyterian Church of Marion invites everyone to come out on Sundays at 11 a.m. for worship service. All are welcome.

Apostolic Restoration Ministries is a new church to the area. If anyone is interested in attending, call Tim Eller at 828-443-2050.
On Monday, the McDowell County Board of Commissioners declared their strong support for the state of Israel during its war with the terrorist group Hamas.

The commissioners considered a resolution of support for the Jewish country during their first regular meeting for December.

The beginning of the resolution reads as follows: Whereas, Israel was founded as a nation on May 14, 1948. Whereas, the Holy Scriptures state in Genesis Chapter 12:3 And I will bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Whereas, the Board of Commissioners desires the blessings of the Almighty God on the citizens of McDowell County.

Whereas, on October 7, 2023, during the sacred Jewish holiday of Shmini Atzeret, Hamas, a designated terrorist organization by the United States and other countries, launched a coordinated attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip; and whereas, the recent Hamas terror attack has caused immense suffering, loss of innocent lives, and inflicted widespread damage on a peaceful civilian population firing thousands of rockets toward Israels major population centers, breaching Israels borders, infiltrating Israeli communities, kidnapping civilians, wounding more than 3,300, and killing more than 1,300 Israelis

The resolution continues to state that the residents of Gaza Strip are not Israels enemies with many such residents opposing Hamas terrorist actions; and whereas, we encourage and support efforts of Israeli leadership to reduce harm to uninvolved civilians who may be used as human shields to protect weaponry and leadership located and embedded in civilian structures such as schools, hospitals, and mosques; and whereas, at least 20 United States citizens in Israel are among those who were tragically killed, with additional U.S. citizens being held hostage, in this attack perpetrated by Hamas

In their resolution, the McDowell County Commissioners state it is the responsibility of local government to actively address and condemn acts of terrorism that threaten peace, security, and the well-being of its community; and whereas, the residents and employees of McDowell County are deeply concerned about the escalating violence, loss of life, and the impacts of this terror attack on innocent civilians; and whereas, it is essential for local communities to stand together against acts of terrorism and express solidarity with those affected by such atrocities; and whereas, McDowell County stands firmly against any form of terrorism, violence, and extremism that undermines the principles of coexistence, peace, and human dignity

The resolution adopted by the commissioners concludes: Now therefore, be it resolved, that the McDowell County Board of Commissioners:

1. Stands in solidarity with the right of the state of Israel, as a sovereign nation, to defend itself and its residents against the despicable acts of Hamas and aligned terrorist groups.

2. Stands in solidarity with the right of Israel, and all people, to live in peace and security.

3. Stands in solidarity with the greater McDowell Jewish community, as well as residents and employees of McDowell County who have been impacted by this terrorist act and support efforts to aid and support to those affected.

4. Strongly condemns the recent Hamas terror attack in Israel and expresses its deepest condolences to the victims and their families affected by this act of violence.

Before they voted on this resolution, the commissioners added some more statements and one of which refers to the part in the Bible where God voiced his support for the Jewish people.

The resolution was adopted unanimously by the McDowell County Commissioners.

In other business on Monday, the commissioners went about the business of picking a new chairman and vice chairman. Vice Chairman David Walker, who previously served as chairman, was chosen to return to that position. Chairman Tony Brown was voted to become the new vice chairman.

Near the end of the meeting, the commissioners continued their yearly tradition of reading the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke and giving their holiday greetings to the people of McDowell County. The meeting will be shown on the countys website and the local government channel on cable TV.
Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on Wednesday December 20 dismissed the Prime Minister he had reappointed eight days ago, following the dissolution of the National Assembly and clashes he had described as an attempted coup detat, according to a presidential decree.

Mr. Geraldo Joao Martins is dismissed as Prime Minister. This decree comes into force immediately, says the text, without giving further details.

Mr. Martins is a leader of the opposition coalition that won the June legislative elections around the historic PAIGC party, which led Guinea-Bissaus liberation struggle and has long dominated the political life of this country plagued by chronic instability.

He was reappointed head of government on December 12, despite the dissolution of the National Assembly by President Embalo following clashes between the National Guard and the army on December 1, which left at least two people dead in the capital Bissau.

Guinea-Bissaus head of state described the clashes as an attempted coup detat, while the president of parliament, a long-time adversary of Mr. Embalo, denounced a constitutional coup detat by the latter.

President Embalo appointed former prime minister Rui Duarte de Barros in his place. De Barros previously worked as the West African countrys minister of economy and finance and as a commissioner at the West African Economic and Monetary Union, before serving as prime minister in a transitional government between 2012 and 2014.
Almost 400 people have signed an online petition in 24 hours calling for the unconditional release of Mozambican and Portuguese-Mozambican citizens in captivity in Mozambique and against the kidnappings affecting the country.

Kidnappings are a heinous crime that has plagued Mozambican society for several years. It is urgent for Mozambican society to rise up against what is happening in the country, reads the online petition Against kidnappings in Mozambique, which has been signed by 379 people in around 24 hours.

The signatories of this petition call for the unconditional release of Portuguese-Mozambicans and Mozambicans in captivity. To this end, the signatories of this petition call on the Mozambican authorities to make every effort to rescue them, and on the Portuguese authorities to provide the necessary and unconditional support within the framework of the usual collaboration between the two States in this process, says the document, addressed to the Governments of both countries.

For some weeks now, Maputo has been experiencing a new wave of kidnappings, especially of businesspeople, with two Portuguese-Mozambicans having been targeted since November, one of whom, aged 26, has been held captive for more than 50 days, and suspicions of the involvement of agents linked to police investigations in this type of crime.

There is no official data on the number of people in captivity at the moment in Mozambique, victims of kidnappings, but on November 17 another Mozambican businessman linked to the automobile industry was kidnapped by unknown men also in the city of Maputo.

Dont let these victims fall into oblivion, appeal the petitions signatories, Portuguese and Mozambican citizens. The President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, acknowledged in parliament on Wednesday that despite improvements in the fight against crime, there is still concern about the crimes of kidnapping that continue to plague the country.
Poinsettias are a staple at Schaefer Greenhouse in Montgomery during the holiday season. (Linda Girardi / The Beacon-News)

Like Christmas trees, Santa and reindeer, the poinsettia has long been a ubiquitous symbol of the holiday season in the U.S. and across Europe.

But now, nearly 200 years after the plant with the bright crimson leaves was introduced in the U.S., attention is once again turning to the poinsettias origins and the checkered history of its namesake, a slaveowner and lawmaker who played a part in the forced removal of Native Americans from their land. Some people would now rather call the plant by the name of its Indigenous origin in southern Mexico.

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Some things to know:

Where did the name come from?

The name comes from the amateur botanist and statesman Joel Roberts Poinsett, who happened upon the plant in 1828 during his tenure as the first U.S. minister to the newly independent Mexico.

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Poinsett, who was interested in science as well as potential cash crops, sent clippings of the plant to his home in South Carolina and to a botanist in Philadelphia, who affixed the eponymous name to the plant in gratitude.

A life-size bronze statue of Poinsett still stands in his honor in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

However, he was cast out of Mexico within a year of his discovery, having earned a local reputation for intrusive political maneuvering that extended to a network of secretive masonic lodges and schemes to contain British influence.

Is the poinsettia name losing its luster?

As more people learn of its namesakes complicated history, the name poinsettia has become less attractive in the United States.

Unvarnished published accounts reveal Poinsett as a disruptive advocate for business interests abroad, a slaveholder on a rice plantation in the U.S., and a secretary of war who helped oversee the forced removal of Native Americans, including the westward relocation of Cherokee populations to Oklahoma known as the Trail of Tears.

In a new biography titled Flowers, Guns and Money, historian Lindsay Schakenbach Regele describes the cosmopolitan Poinsett as a political and economic pragmatist who conspired with a Chilean independence leader and colluded with British bankers in Mexico. Though he was a slaveowner, he opposed secession, and he didnt live to see the Civil War.

Schakenbach Regele renders tough judgment on Poinsetts treatment of and regard for Indigenous peoples.

Because Poinsett belonged to learned societies, contributed to botanists collections, and purchased art from Europe, he could more readily justify the expulsion of Natives from their homes, she writes.

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[ Popular holiday plants to give and how to care for them ]

A Christmas flower of many names

The cultivation of the plant dates back to the Aztec empire in Mexico 500 years ago.

Among Nahuatl-speaking communities of Mexico, the plant is known as the cuetlaxochitl (kwet-la-SHO-sheet), meaning flower that withers. Its an apt description of the thin red leaves on wild varieties of the plant that grow to heights above 10 feet (3 meters).

Year-end holiday markets in Latin America brim with the potted plant known in Spanish as the flor de Nochebuena, or flower of Christmas Eve, which is entwined with celebrations of the night before Christmas. The Nochebuena name is traced to early Franciscan friars who arrived from Spain in the 16th century. Spaniards once called it scarlet cloth.

Additional nicknames abound: Santa Catarina in Mexico, estrella federal, or federal star in Argentina and penacho de Incan, or headdress in Peru.

Ascribed in the 19th century, the Latin name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, means the most beautiful of a diverse genus with a milky sap of latex.

[ Pointers for purchasing the right poinsettia this holiday season ]

So what is its preferred name?

Cuetaxochitl is winning over some enthusiasts among Mexican youths, including the diaspora in the U.S., according to Elena Jackson Albarran, a professor of Mexican history and global and intercultural studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

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Ive seen a trend towards people openly saying: Dont call this flower either poinsettia or Nochebuena. Its cuetlaxochitl, said Jackson Albarran. Theres going to be a big cohort of people who are like, Who cares?

Most ordinary people in Mexico never say poinsettia and dont talk about Poinsett, according to Laura Trejo, a Mexican biologist who is leading studies on the genetic history of the U.S. poinsettia.

I feel like its only the historians, the diplomats and, well, the politicians who know the history of Poinsett, Trejo said.

[ Poinsettia care after the holiday season ]

The Mexican roots of U.S. Poinsettias

Mexican biologists in recent years have traced the genetic stock of U.S. poinsettia plants to a wild variant in the Pacific coastal state of Guerrero, verifying lore about Poinsetts pivotal encounter there. The scientists also are researching a rich, untapped diversity of other wild variants, in efforts that may help guard against the poaching of plants and theft of genetic information.

The flower still grows wild along Mexicos Pacific Coast and parts of Central America as far as Costa Rica.

Trejo, of the National Council of Science and Technology in the central state of Tlaxcala, said some informal outdoor markets still sell the sun cuetlaxochitl that resemble wild varieties, alongside modern patented varieties.

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In her field research travels, Trejo has found households that preserve ancient traditions associated with the flower.

Its clear to us that this plant, since the pre-Hispanic era, is a ceremonial plant, an offering, because its still in our culture, in the interior of the county, to cut the flowers and take them to the altars, she said in Spanish. And this is primarily associated with the maternal goddesses: with Coatlicue, Tonantzin and now with the Virgin Mary.

A lasting figure in history

Regardless of his troubled history, Poinsetts legacy as an explorer and collector continues to loom large: Some 1,800 meticulously tended poinsettias are delivered in November and December from greenhouses in Maryland to a long list of museums in Washington, D.C., affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

A pink-champagne cultivar adorns the National Portrait Gallery this year.

Poinsetts name may also live on for his connection to other areas of U.S. culture. He advocated for the establishment of a national science museum, and in part due to his efforts, a fortune bequeathed by British scientist James Smithson was used to underwrite the creation of the Smithsonian Institution.
Morocco has called for the development of Arab-Russian cooperation from its traditional pattern of political deliberation to building a strategic dialogue to counter common challenges.

In his opening address made Wednesday in Marrakesh at the 6th Arab-Russian Forum, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita called for the setting up an economic and cultural forum like the Russian-African Cooperation Forum in a bid to move beyond the logic of diplomatic dialogue towards innovative and tangible models of cooperation.

He cited in this regard the Russian-Islamic Forum and the Russian-African Cooperation Forum, which set the example in regional partnerships.

Mr. Bourita stressed the need for a collective reflection to draw up a roadmap for a successful and effective Arab-Russian partnership, turning this forum into Arab-Russian strategic dialogue, which will be a real platform for coordination and constructive partnership, serving the interests of all stakeholders.

There is no doubt that Arab-Russian cooperation has seen tangible development since the foundations of the partnership between the two parties were laid in 2009, underlined Moroccos top diplomat.

Over the years, up to todays meeting, our forum has reached a stage of maturity, nurtured by a consensus on its importance and effectiveness as a framework for dialogue and cooperation, commensurate with aspirations and expectations, said Mr. Bourita.

The Marrakesh meeting is an appropriate opportunity to assess the progress of Arab-Russian cooperation, evaluate its strengths, remedy its shortcomings, enrich its content and modernize its working methods, added the minister.

Due to Russias place in the international community, its active regional role, its close relations with the Arab world and its in-depth knowledge of its reality, We see Russia as a partner capable of playing a constructive role in resolving regional and global issues, said Moroccos top diplomat.

He deplored the continuing Israeli bombing of Gaza Strip, saying that King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has called for collective action to reduce escalation and establish a controllable ceasefire, ensure the protection of civilians and allow humanitarian aid to be delivered smoothly and in sufficient quantity.

After stressing the need for a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mr. Bourita voiced hope that the situation would stabilize in all regions of the Arab world through dialogue and peaceful initiatives.

King Mohammed VI has repeatedly said that there is no alternative to a genuine peace in the region that guarantees Palestinians their legitimate rights within the framework of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Mr. Bourita also cited the Libyan crisis, expressing hope to see the political process be completed as quickly as possible by the Libyans themselves, by organizing electoral elections far from external influences and interference.

Regarding Moroccan-Russian relations, the minister said Rabat sees this Forum as an extension of the historic relations existing between the two countries, affirming that these relations are based on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.

Following the two official visits paid by King Mohammed VI to Russia in 2002 and 2016, the Moroccan-Russian relations gained momentum, said Mr. Bourita, noting that Morocco is Russias third trading partner in the African Continent.
Russia supports a lasting solution to the Sahara regional conflict based on the UN Security Council resolutions.

The remarks were made by Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a joint press conference held Wednesday in Marrakesh following talks with Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita at the end of the 6th Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum.

We support a lasting solution based on UN Security Council resolutions and we are committed to this principle aimed at moving forward and reaching adequate decisions on the Sahara conflict, said Mr. Lavrov

He reiterated his countrys supportive stand to the efforts engaged by UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura to advance the UN-led political process on the Sahara issue.

Talks between the two ministers also covered bilateral cooperation and latest developments on the regional and internal scene including the situation in Libya and the Sahel.

Sergei Lavrov said his talks with Bourita were very interesting as emphasis was laid on the implementation of the agreements concluded during the Summit between King Mohammed VI and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks were an opportunity to examine the modalities for the implementation of the Declaration of Strategic Partnership of 2002, and the Declaration of Deep Strategic Partnership of 2016, he said.

Lavrov also underlined that both parties discussed the means to implement their bilateral partnership in the areas of investment, trade, economy, energy, IT, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, fisheries, agriculture, culture, and education.

Lavrov and Bourita agreed on convening the upcoming meeting of the Moroccan-Russian joint committee in Moscow early next year. This inter-governmental committee on trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation is expected to sign agreements in energy, mining, agriculture, and fisheries.

Lavrov also said that the 6th Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum led to concrete results.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Is acetaminophen safe to use during pregnancy? The debate rages.

Now, researchers at Northeastern University are contributing to the discussion, finding a relationship between increased acetaminophen use during pregnancy and language delays in early childhood.

"We saw that with individuals who took more acetaminophen during pregnancy, their children tended to have more delayed language development in early childhood, particularly in male children, and especially true with acetaminophen use in the third trimester," says Megan Woodbury, a postdoctoral research associate at Northeastern.

Woodbury cautions, however, that the researchers could not determine that acetaminophen use was directly causing the delayed language development.

"We're not entirely sure it's acetaminophen driving this effect," Woodbury says. "Is it truly due to acetaminophen use, or is it something to do with experiencing fever during pregnancy or illness during pregnancy, or other variables?"

Acetaminophenmost commonly known by the brand name Tylenolis one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers it safe for use during pregnancy to treat fever and pain. However, research has suggested associations between acetaminophen use and attention and behavior problems in children, possibly due to the drug affecting prenatal neurodevelopment.

But Woodbury says researchers have not examined whether higher acetaminophen use may affect language development. Moreover, previous studies have collected data on acetaminophen use only at a couple of points during a pregnancy, or even only after the baby was born.

This study, however, uses data collected from 532 newborns participating in the Illinois Kids Development Study at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign between December 2013 and March 2020. The data measured acetaminophen use at six times during a pregnancy (roughly every four to six weeks). This enabled researchers to break down the data by trimester. The children were evaluated for language skills at a little over two years old and at age 3, and that data was then compared to data from peers.

The results were published this month in the journal Pediatric Research.

Woodbury and collaborators at University of Illinois found no association between increased acetaminophen use in the first trimester and delayed language development skills.

Increased use of acetaminophen during the second trimester, however, was related to lower language scores for offspring compared to their peers at age 3, as well as a smaller vocabulary size and shorter sentence length at age 2 compared to peers.

And increased use of acetaminophen during the third trimester, meanwhile, was related to smaller vocabularies at age 2 in the combined group of children and lower language scores at age 3 for the combined group of children. When separated by sex, boys, but not girls, demonstrated lower language scores than peers.

So what does this mean?

"We estimate that if a pregnant person took acetaminophen 13 timesor once a week during the third trimestera child's vocabulary size could be 26 words smaller than their peers at age 2 and they would have a 91% higher chance of having less complex language skills at age 2," Woodbury says.

So, does this mean acetaminophen is dangerous to use during pregnancy? Well, Woodbury noted she is in her second trimester of pregnancy and took acetaminophen the night before.

"Basically what I've said when discussing this with my obstetrician and other researchers is that if you absolutely need to take acetaminophenthe pain is too much, nothing else is working or will work, you have a fever to bring downthen take it: it's not going to ruin your child's life," Woodbury says. "Just try not to take it constantly."

More information: Megan L. Woodbury et al, Examining the relationship of acetaminophen use during pregnancy with early language development in children, Pediatric Research (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02924-4 Journal information: Pediatric Research

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
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3D reconstruction and image enhancement of colon images for clinical decision support. Credit: IEEE Access (2023). DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3286937

Thanks to new technology, a tiny capsule camera can examine your intestines while you get on with your work or walk your dog. Compared with the alternatives, patients experience virtually no discomfort at all.

There are many reasons to choose a capsule camera examination over traditional alternatives such as colonoscopies and gastroscopies

However, there is just one catch: The challenges that for more than 20 years have prevented this smart technology from replacing more invasive examinations have proved more difficult to overcome than many might have hoped and believed.

Here are two research pathways that will change thisand the explanation of how they are connected.

The intestines minute by minute

The capsule spends an average of eight hours traveling through the digestive system. During its journey, it covers about the same number of meters and records more than 50,000 images.

"It goes without saying that analyzing such a wealth of data is a very resource-intensive task," says scientist Pal Anders Floor. He works at the Department of Computer Science at NTNU in Gjvik.

In recent years, he has been looking into the possibility of using a capsule camera to create a three-dimensional representation of the intestine. He has published his work in IEEE Access.

"In combination with machine learning, a 3D reconstruction can quickly draw the specialist's attention to possible diseases and other anomalies. As a result, no one has to sit and stare at the capsule camera's tedious journey through the digestive tract minute by minute," says Floor.

Imaging in fits and starts

Not only is the current method of examination time-consuming, but there is also a not-insignificant chance that disease might not be detected.

In exactly the same way as the food you eat, capsule cameras are at the mercy of the intestines as soon as you swallow them. This means that the capsule might be completely still one moment, and then suddenly shoot off the next. Unlike an endoscope which is controlled by a specialistthe capsule camera does not take time to stop and make sure it has taken good enough pictures of a polyp before it moves on.

"In some cases, it only manages to take a single picture of the diseased area in passing, and due to unstable light conditions, bubbles and other interfering elements, there is no guarantee that the diseased area will be clearly visible in that one picture," says Floor.

He believes artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve the situation.

Machine learning can improve capsule cameras

The use of machine learning has led to several breakthroughs in the detection of diseases in recent years, and the gastrointestinal region is no exception in this respect. In fact, computers have already proven to be as good as or better than specialists at detecting some diseases based on capsule camera images.

However, the computers still have certain weaknesses. For example, they are very poor at distinguishing between different diseases.

"This is partly due to a lack of data that can be used to train algorithms," says scientist Anuja Vats.

She works at the same department as Floor and specializes in how machine learning can make capsule cameras better at detecting diseases despite the lack of data. She has published research in Scientific Reports.

Anuja Vats is researching how machine learning can improve capsule cameras ability to detect diseases. Credit: Mads Wang-Svendsen

Training algorithms using artificial data

Machine learning requires datalarge volumes of dataand since health information is subject to very strict data protection regulations, scientists cannot just pick and choose from capsule camera recordings. In addition, the recordings that are actually available usually only show one specific stage of a disease. To be absolutely sure that the algorithms actually identify these diseases, they need to be trained in the entire course of the disease.

"If large amounts of data had been readily available, it would still have required us to involve many experts for long periods to categorize them for us. We have therefore looked at the possibility of training the algorithms using artificial data," explains Vats.

Artificial images of intestinal diseases at various stages. Credit: NTNU

Creating artificial images of intestinal diseases

No sooner said than done! Using a so-called machine learning framework developed by scientists from the US video card manufacturer Nvidia, Vats and her colleagues have now created a series of artificial images of a selection of intestinal diseases in their various stages.

Before they could feed the capsule camera algorithms with the results, they had to make sure they were realistic enough.

Gastrointestinal specialists were shown the images, and they were largely unable to distinguish between the real images and the images developed by artificial intelligence.

"One of the major obstacles to creating a good training program for capsule endoscopy is the lack of a good atlas with an overview of diseases in their different stages. These results make it possible to develop these kinds of atlases using artificially generated images," explains Vats.

Complementing each other

Although their approaches are relatively different, there are strong indications that the scientific work being done by Pal Anders Floor and Anuja Vats may complement each other.

"By combining machine learning techniques that identify diseases and 3D models of the intestines, we will get a tool that not only contributes to improved and less resource-intensive capsule camera examinations, but one that can also be used in operations," Floor explains.

He envisions several ways in which the tool can assist practicing clinicians.

"By enabling surgeons to inspect the individual patients' intestines in advance, it can be used to plan and practice prior to particularly difficult procedures. As a result, the risk of something going wrong can be reduced," says Floor.

This may be particularly relevant in light of a new study from North Carolina State University. The study claims that not all intestines are created equal. The nature and anatomy of the digestive tract seem to vary greatly, even among healthy individuals.

Despite promising results, however, both scientists emphasize that there is still work to be done before the capsule cameras can replace other types of examinations altogether. And maybe that is not a goal in itself, either.

"The most important thing is to be able to offer a comfortable alternative to people who are reluctant to undergo more invasive intestinal examinations. Some of these examinations are associated with so much discomfort that many people simply don't go to get examined," says Vats.

More information: Bilal Ahmad et al, 3D Reconstruction of Gastrointestinal Regions Using Single-View Methods, IEEE Access (2023). DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3286937 Anuja Vats et al, Evaluating clinical diversity and plausibility of synthetic capsule endoscopic images, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36883-x
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Colorado has its first confirmed case of measles in four years, and unvaccinated people who visited Denver International Airport or the Aurora campus of Children's Hospital Colorado may need to look out for symptoms.

Vaccination is highly effective, so people who completed the sequence of the measles, mumps and rubella shot don't need to worry, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In some cases, giving the shot to an unvaccinated person within 72 hours of exposure can prevent them from getting sick. While most people recover from measles without complications, it can cause brain damage or death.

The patient was an adolescent who arrived at the airport on Dec. 13. People who spent time on concourse A, bridge security, baggage claim or the passenger pickup area between 4:30 and 8 p.m. that day could have caught the virus.

Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for about two hours after a contagious person leaves.

The patient also was at Children's Hospital Colorado from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Monday. The hospital is notifying staff and families who were in the same area so they can monitor themselves for symptoms and get vaccinated, if necessary.

While too much time has passed for people exposed at the airport to prevent infection via vaccination, they still need to know if they could have measles so they can avoid passing the virus to others. Most people develop symptoms within two weeks of infection, though it sometimes takes up to three weeks.

Initial symptoms are nonspecific, and include fever, cough, a runny nose and watery eyes. A rash appears about four days after a person becomes contagious, and typically starts around the hairline.

If you or a family member are unvaccinated and visited one of the locations where you could have caught the virus, you need to watch for those early symptoms, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said. If you develop relevant symptoms, call your doctor or a local urgent care facility or emergency room before seeking care, she said. Showing up without preparations could expose more people to the virus.

"Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of measles should stay home unless they need medical treatment," she said in a news release. "People with signs and symptoms of measles should also not go to child care facilities, school, work or other public places to avoid exposing others to this very serious and highly contagious disease."

The last time Colorado recorded cases of measles was December 2019, when three children who had traveled to Denver from overseas had to be hospitalized for the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers measles eliminated in the United States, meaning it doesn't regularly circulate here, but unvaccinated travelers can pick it up in countries where it commonly spreads and bring it back.

2023 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Dr. Jennifer Gaubert, a physical therapist, helps introduce Freya Baudoin,18 months, to her new mobility chair, at the Children's Hospital New Orleans Rehabilitation Center in Metairie, La., Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

At 19 months old, Elijah Jack, born with no femur bone in one leg and a short femur in the other, is unable to walk on his own like most toddlers his age. Another 19-month-old, Freya Baudoin, born prematurely at 28 weeks and delayed in her mobility, has finally taken her first step.

Special needs children like these often take longer than most to become independently mobile, which can be a hardship for parents and others who care for them. Elijah is often carried because of his limb difference and clubfeet, meaning that instead of being straight, his feet are twisted inward and his toes point downward.

As a result, getting around on his own is a challenge.

That was until this past Spring. Elijah was one of the first recipients of a specially designed rolling chair built by a team of biomedical engineering students at Tulane University. Today, Elijah has mastered getting around on wheelsturning, stopping and steering all on his own.

"He loves his chair," said Crystal Jack, Elijah's mom. "So, I get a lot of things done because I know in his chair, he's safe. He know how to go around the house with it and everything, so I get a lot of things done now."

Before the chair, Jack said her son was able to scoot on the floor to get where he needed to go but the chair offers a whole new level of independence.

This photo released by Tulane University shows Tulane biomedical engineering students building specially designed mobility chairs for children at the MakerSpace workshop at the university Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: Sabree Hill/Tulane University via AP

"Like I said we come a long way, but I'm blessed to have him," Jack said, smiling warmly as he moved back and forth around the living room of her mother's home in Ventress, Louisiana.

The Tulane students partnered with the nonprofit MakeGood in 2022 to design and produce the chairs to help toddlers (roughly ages 1-4) build independence and strength, and for some, prepare for a real wheelchair. While it remains difficult to access precise numbers for total wheelchair use among children, there were about 2.8 million wheelchair users in the U.S. in 2002, of whom 121,000 were under 15 years of age, according to the US Census.

MakeGood is the New Orleans area coordinator for TOM Global, an Israeli nonprofit that combines modern design and digital manufacturing to fulfill neglected needs of people with disabilities and limitations. TOM stands for Tikkun Olam, which is Hebrew for "repairing the world."

Elijah Jack, 1, wheels himself through his home in his mobility chair, which was built as a donation by Tulane University students, at his home in New Roads, La., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

The students partnered with the nonprofits as part of a service-learning projecta graduation requirement at Tulane. But many say they had no idea when the project started the depth of impact their chairs would make in the lives of children in the community.

Dylan Lucia, a graduate student at Tulane from the San Diego, California area, said he chose the field of biomedical engineering to help people and this project has manifested that.

"Seeing that direct kind of patient feedback and seeing how much these (chairs) were improving their lives and helping them become a more independent person, even as a small toddler ... like, it was really, really endearing to see something like that and to see the positive change," Lucia said.

The chairs are particularly helpful for families whose children will eventually need wheelchairs. Noam Platt, director of MakeGood, said insurance companies typically don't cover the cost of a wheelchair for a child unless there is sufficient evidence that the child can use it effectively.

This photo released by Tulane University shows biomedical engineering students Leah Abraham, left, and Shayne Shelton use a drill to secure a side panel of a mobility chair, as they build the specially designed chairs for children at the MakerSpace workshop at the university Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: Sabree Hill/Tulane University via AP

"These devices are used to create that evidence that their quality of life will be improved so they can get maybe a more durable assistive technology," Platt said.

Freya's chair was one of five made throughout several weekends early this fall at Tulane's Scot Ackerman MakerSpace, an enormous workshop with laser cutters, 3D printers and drilling and sewing equipment.

Students applied padding and safety straps to the chairs, and some required modifications to accommodate the needs of the children receiving them. For instance, Freya's chair needed a wider strap to help secure her torso, and another patient needed a space behind the chair big enough to hold his breathing vent. Freya's chair also had a bar added to the back, so that she could push it like a stroller. She took her first steps in early December after working with her physical therapist and her chair.

Elijah Jack, 1, looks up from his mobility chair, which was built as a donation by Tulane University students, at his home in New Roads, La., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

There's no word on how long Freya will have to use the chair but her mother said it has been more than a blessing.

"At first, we thought the muscle tone in her ankles wasn't strong enough for her to walk at all, but the neurologists recently told us everything is looking good and she should be walking on her own or with limited assistance soon," said her mom, Heather Hampton, of Metairie, Louisiana.

Hampton said Freya's able to push the chair like a stroller on her own. She wishes they could've gotten it sooner but understands the adjustments that needed to be made.

"We're just happy that she'll ultimately be able to get around and walk independently," Hampton said.

Platt said the mobility chairs' original design and plans came from TOM Global but the parts were purchased in the U.S. or made and then assembled by hand at Tulane. The wood panels used for the chair's frame were laser cut and then sanded by students to buff out any splinters and rough edges. Padded seats were stuffed into fabric cushions sewn by students. Wheels were purchased online and then screwed into place.

This photo released by Tulane University shows students, left to right, Kailee Oswald, Shayne Shelton, Leah Abraham and Solomon Lissauer, showing of a finished product as they build the specially designed chairs for children at the MakerSpace workshop at the university Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: Sabree Hill/Tulane University via AP

Elijah has had his chair since the end of March. It was made in the first batch of about 10 chairs delivered to pediatric patients for use in occupational and physical therapy sessions.

"His chair shows him that, like, 'I could be up like other children.' You know, he don't let his (being) disabled get in the way," said Jack who added Elijah will likely need some type of mobility assistance for the rest of his life.

Bumpers were added to the bottom front of the most recent batch of chairs after parents from the first round said their furnitureand feetwere taking hits as their children became better and faster at using their chairs.

Platt said there have been two rounds, so far, of chair building and 15 chairs have been given away. But, he said they're aiming for at least 10 to 15 more by Spring 2024.

This photo released by Tulane University shows biomedical engineering student Alyssa Bockman uses a screwdriver to secure a side panel of a mobility chair, as she builds the specially designed chairs for children at the MakerSpace workshop at the university Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: Sabree Hill/Tulane University via AP

This photo released by Tulane University shows Tulane biomedical engineering students building specially designed mobility chairs for children at the MakerSpace workshop at the university Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: Sabree Hill/Tulane University via AP

Crystal Jack holds her son Elijah Jack, 1, at her home in New Roads, La., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Crystal Jack straps her son Elijah Jack, 1, into his mobility chair, which was built as a donation by Tulane University students, at her home in New Roads, La., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Heather Hampton kisses her daughter Freya Baudoin,18 months, as she is introduced to her mobility chair for the first time, at the Children's Hospital New Orleans Rehabilitation Center, in Metairie, La., Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Freya Baudoin, 18 months, sits in her mobility chair for the first time at the Children's Hospital New Orleans Rehabilitation Center in Metairie, La., Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

This photo released by Tulane University shows Tulane biomedical engineering students building specially designed mobility chairs for children at the MakerSpace workshop at the university Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: Sabree Hill/Tulane University via AP

Crystal Jack assists her son Elijah Jack, 1, in his mobility chair, which was built as a donation by Tulane University students, at her home in New Roads, La., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Crystal Jack places her son Elijah Jack, 1, into his mobility chair, which was built as a donation by Tulane University students, at her home in New Roads, La., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Heather Hampton helps her daughter Freya Baudoin, 18 months, into her new mobility chair at the Children's Hospital New Orleans Rehabilitation Center in Metairie, La., Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. Tulane science and engineering students are making the second batch of mobility chairs for toddlers, that will eventually go to pediatric patients at Children's Hospital. Wheelchairs are expensive, and insurance won't cover the cost for children unless the child proves they can operate it independently. Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

"We coordinate with our clinical partners to find kids that would be a good fit for these devices," he said. "We work with the clinical team to make sure each chair fits the individuals and make customizations if necessary."

Platt said the chairs cost less than $200 each to make, and even though these chairs were donated to patients at no cost, the price is still much lower than most pediatric wheelchairs on the market and electric-powered wheelchairs can run into the thousands.

The student-made chairs also look and feel more like toys than hospital equipment, Platt said. They're made to be light and easy to maneuver.

Platt said he'd ultimately like to see the chairs be made in high schools and colleges across the country.

"For the students that I work with, I tell them this is just the beginning," Platt said. "I'm trying to open their eyes to kind of a lifelong passion that they'll have to solving these problems because once you see the problems, you see the scope of the problems and you can't really ignore them."

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Practical advice to reduce the risk of champagne cork related eye injuries. Credit: BMJ (2023). DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p2520

A small team of eye specialists from the University of Cambridge, the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, University College Dublin School of Medicine and Texas A&M College of Medicine is warning of possible eye injuries as many bottles of champagne are opened over the holiday season. In their project, reported in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) the group studied available literature describing eye injuries that can result from corks moving at high speeds.

Anecdotal and medical evidence has shown that corks flying through the air after being extracted from pressurized bottles can result in a variety of injuries, mostly minor. But they can also result in major injuries when they strike someone in the eye. The research team found that such collisions can result in injuries such as anterior chamber hemorrhage, or hyphema, in which blood pools in the anterior chamber of the eye. Another possibility is traumatic retinopathy. Such injuries are serious and can sometimes lead to permanent loss of vision.

The researchers also found that blindness resulting from serious cork impacts are more common than previously thoughtmany people never recover fully from such injuries, and 26% of those treated for such injuries remain legally blind.

They cited one study in particular, conducted in 2009 in Italy, in which a research team found various degrees of visual impairment and long-term complications from bottle corks, including ocular hypertension and corneal injury. That research team also found what they described as "late" complications that developed over time after an injury, such as problems with pupil motility, post-traumatic glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy.

The research team also noted that the American Academy of Ophthalmology runs an ongoing campaign called "Uncork with Care," warning consumers of the dangers of uncorking and ways to open such bottles more safely. They note that the pressure inside of a bottle of sparkling water can be as high as three times that of a car tire, leading to cork speeds of 80kpha speed that is fast enough for a cork to travel from the bottle to the eye of a person holding it in just 0.05 secondsfaster than a person can respond by closing their eyes.

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A newly approved test can determine whether a person has a genetically driven risk of becoming addicted to opioids.

The AvertD test, the first of its kind, uses a DNA sample swabbed from a patient's cheek to determine if they have a combination of genetic variants associated with an elevated risk of opioid addiction.

The 15 genetic variants detected by the test are involved in the brain reward pathways that are associated with opioid use disorder, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration explained.

"The opioid crisis, one of the most profound public health issues facing the United States, calls for innovative measures to prevent, diagnose and treat opioid use disorder, including to assess the risk of developing the disorder," Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statement announcing the approval.

The AvertD test, manufactured by AutoGenomics Inc., is meant to help doctors assess the risk of prescribing opioid painkillers to patients about to undergo surgery, the FDA said.

The test is prescription-only and is to be used with a patient's consent if they have no prior use of opioids, the FDA added.

The FDA noted that the test isn't intended to be used in patients being treated for chronic pain and should not be used as the sole way to assess a person's risk of opioid addiction.

"AvertD may help patients who are concerned about being treated with an opioid for acute pain make better informed decisions," Shuren said.

The approval is based on a clinical trial involving 385 people, according to materials from an October 2022 advisory committee meeting evaluating the test's merits. Of those participants, 175 had a diagnosed opioid use disorder.

The AvertD test accurately detected those at risk of opioid addiction about 83% of the time, results showed. It accurately ruled out those not at risk about 80% of the time.

However, test accuracy varied between ethnicities. The AvertD test accurately detected risk of opioid addiction about 81% of the time in whites, but nearly 92% of the time in Hispanics.

The FDA also noted that there are risks associated with the AvertD test, mainly false negative and false positive results.

A false positive could lead to a person being denied opioid painkillers even though they have no elevated genetic risk for addiction, the FDA said.

Meanwhile, a false negative could lead to someone becoming addicted because the test indicated they weren't at increased risk for opioid use disorder.

"The risks of false negative and false positive results can be mitigated, in part, through accurate, transparent product labeling and a health care provider training program," Shuren said.

As part of the approval, AutoGenomic must provide training to health care professionals to ensure appropriate use of the test, the FDA said.

Some experts are concerned about the test's use in clinical practice, given that genetics are only one contributing factor in addiction.

"If you just ask people, 'Do you have a family history of addiction?' I would hypothesize that that would be a better risk categorizer than this genetic test," Dr. Katherine Keyes, a professor at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City, told CNN.

More information: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more information about AvertD.

Copyright  2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Geospatial Maps Depicting Prevalences in Durham County, North Carolina, Neighborhoods. ADI indicates area deprivation index; CKD, chronic kidney disease; and ICE-RI, index of concentrations at the extremes (race-income). Credit: JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.48914

A team of health equity researchers from several institutions has leveraged a complex web of data to test a hypothesis: That structural racism is associated with resources and structures at the neighborhood level that are closely associated with poor health. What they found in an analysis of highly localized, community-level data illustrates how racism is deeply interrelated with poor health outcomes.

Dinushika Mohottige, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Population Science and Policy, and Medicine (Nephrology), at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, served as the first author of a paper published today in the journal JAMA Network Open that details the study.

Dr. Mohottige and her senior author and long-time mentor, L. Ebony Boulware, MD, MPH, Dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, describe in detail how neighborhood prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and hypertension are strongly associated with an increased burden of structural racism indicators.

The research team conducted an observational cross-sectional study in Durham County, North Carolina, using public data sources and deidentified electronic health records to explore how a comprehensive collection of data points associates the presence of structural racism and the neighborhood prevalence of these three chronic health conditions.

"It was important to look at these three conditions because they are interconnected and highly associated with heart disease, as well as quality and length of life. Importantly, Black people share a disproportionate burden of these three illnesses," said Dr. Mohottige, a member of Icahn Mount Sinai's Institute for Health Equity Research who specializes in kidney health equity and formerly practiced at Duke University with Dr. Boulware. They collaborated with colleagues from Duke, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.

The authors explain that structural racism is defined as how societies foster discrimination through a series of systems that are reinforcing, such as housing, education, and unemployment. "These systems cascade into discriminatory beliefs, values, and the distribution of resources," says Dr. Boulware.

"Dr. Mohottige and I agreed it was important to tap the unusual data assets available in Durham to learn how we can improve the health of communities and individuals by identifying the factors that may affect their health the most. Our goal was to use the data to help us identify possible interventions," says Dr. Boulware.

"Data which measure health outcomes such as kidney disease and diabetesand which also measure social determinants of health, including information on the built environment and reported neighborhood violencehelp us understand how the conditions where people live affect their well-being. This is especially true for groups that, because of their race or ethnicity, historically experience worse health outcomes when compared to others."

The result of their work, incorporating thousands of data points related to where people live at the most localized level, says Dr. Boulware, is a first-of-its-kind observational study of associations of structural racism constructs with the health of individuals residing in these neighborhoods. "This study fills an important evidence gap and helps us identify factors that might be targeted to address community health inequities," says Dr. Mohottige.

The researchers studied data of aggregate estimates of the prevalence of chronic conditions for each of the 150 residential neighborhoods in Durham using the Durham Neighborhood Compass, a unique data asset created by public health officials; a corresponding website, Durham Community Health Indicators Project, provides a user-friendly interface in lay language.

Along with the uniquely detailed and comprehensive Compass data, the researchers pulled data from two main buckets. Through global/composite indicators such as the area deprivation index, they gleaned data revealing the extent of Durham's stark neighborhood advantages and disadvantages.

The discrete indicators they drew upon revealed downstream factors widely thought to represent sociopolitical manifestations of structural racism, including reported crime, evictions, police shootings, and election participation. "Very limited evidence exists to tie together these structural racism constructs with the aggregate health of individuals in a given neighborhood using electronic health data and rigorous assessments of chronic conditions," says Dr. Mohottige.

The team found that:

Residential neighborhoods with the highest prevalence of CKD, diabetes, and hypertension, tended to be in neighborhoods with the lowest proportions of White residents, and vice versa.

Neighborhoods with the highest prevalence of CKD, diabetes, and hypertension tended to be in areas with the lowest income and higher area deprivation. They also had the lowest rates of college education.

A greater burden of most discrete indicators of structural racism (examples include reported violent crime, eviction rates, election participation, income, and poverty) was associated with greater neighborhood prevalence of the three diseases.

More information: Dinushika Mohottige et al, Residential Structural Racism and Prevalence of Chronic Health Conditions, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.48914 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

It's another tragic record. A new report has confirmed yet another rise in drug related deaths in England and Wales. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that 4,907 "drug poisoning" deaths were recorded in 2022 (84.4 deaths per 1,000,000 of the population), the highest on record.

While there was a slight fall in deaths in men (from 3,275 in 2021 to 3,240 in 2022), this was masked by a corresponding increase in women (from 1,584 in 2021 to 1,667 in 2022). This reflects a longer term trend of females catching up with male mortality. Drug-related suicides, a topic that doesn't usually receive much attention in discussions about drug-related harms, were also higher in women than men.

Most deaths involved multiple substances, however opiates were detected in just under half of all deaths (2,261 cases).

Of concern are cocaine deaths (857 cases), which have now increased for 11 consecutive years. It's not possible to determine whether these related to use of powder or crack cocaine. But we know there's been an increase in the use of cocaine as well as a boost in the global production, supply, purity, affordability and availability of the drug, despite frequent large seizures by law enforcement agencies.

Cocaine has become more potent and more affordable in recent years. Both factors increase the risk of harm including fatal overdose. We've also lagged behind developing support for people who use cocaine compared to those who use opioids.

Surprisingly, despite its popularity in recreational settings, ketamine is not included in the dataand it is unclear why. Other research suggests there are around 30 deaths each year in England, which is lower than the number of ecstasy deaths (50 in 2022), despite being used by more people.

As for fentanyl, there were tens of thousands of deaths in the US each year. However, in England and Wales these have remained low (57) and stable.

That's reassuring, but it's important not to be complacent. There has been recent concern about the emergence of other types of even more potent opioids, with many experts predicting that these drugs will become more prevalent if opium production in Afghanistan continues to declineleading to fears of even greater increases in drug deaths.

There were also sharp geographical differences in death rates, with those in more deprived areas in the north east and north west of England much higher than other areas. While there were higher rates of opioid and crack use in these regions, this also reflects wider health and social inequalities.

Age as a risk factor

The highest rate of deaths occurred in the 40- to 49-year-old age group, and the average age at death continued to rise. This is mainly the "Generation X" cohort born in the 1970s, who came of age when there was a rapid rise in the availability of heroin, and when general population rates of drug use were at their highest in the 1990s.

These premature deaths reflect poorer physical and psychological health, such as compromised respiratory and cardiovascular functioning, which increases the risk of dying from drugs. Many of these health problems could be treated if people accessed health services, but unfortunately too few doadding to the risk of premature death.

The data doesn't reveal everything though. It is also possible that coroners may record a physical health issue as the cause of death, rather than use of drugs. This adds to an underestimation of the number of people dying from drugs.

Synthetic opioids, implicated in local spikes in deaths, aren't fully captured in the latest ONS figures either. This is because there are delays between when a death occurs, when it is officially recorded by the coroner and when it is included in ONS reports. The latest report includes deaths which occurred in 2021 and 2022, and even as far back as 2017.

While rapid response investigatory panels have been set up in some local areas, these continuing delays hinder rapid assessment of threats to public health.

It may seem paradoxical that overall drug use is declining while drug-related deaths are rising. But this can be explained by the time taken to develop dependent use of drugs and the accompanying problems and risk to health.

Reversing fatalities

The government commissioned Dame Carol Black to advise on how the record number of drug related deaths could be reversed. Her report, published in 2020 and 2021, provided several suggestions including increasing investment in drug treatment which the government has accepted.

While provision of evidence-based drug treatment reduces the risk of death, increased investment will take time to have an impact. It comes after a decade of austerity, which severely affected provision of drug services. Currently, only about half of people who might benefit from formal support are accessing treatment services.

There is no single intervention that will reduce death rates, and the complex profile of the illicit drug market and the cocktail of drugs implicated in deaths means that a whole systems response is required. Most importantly, recent uplifts in funding of treatment services need to be maintained. This will be challenging given the economic pressure on public services.

The priority should be an increase in the community provision of naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug. This can already be distributed through drug services, and an increasing number of police officers are also carrying it. Supervised drug consumption facilities, such as the one due to be trialed in Glasgow in 2024 may reduce risks in some more vulnerable groups, including those who are experiencing street homelessness.

City-based drug checking services and local early warning systems can also help to identify the local emergence of harmful substances. The government is also funding pilot projects that may provide technological and data-driven innovations.

There remains a worrying lack of innovation in the response to non-opioid drugs such as benzodiazepines (544 deaths this year). Considering the high proportion of deaths attributed to long-term health conditions, it is essential that we continue to break down barriers to accessing timely health care in all its forms, including stigma and poor quality care.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Macao chief vows to diversify economy

China Daily) 08:58, December 21, 2023

A flag-raising ceremony is held on Wednesday to mark the 24th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, at the Golden Lotus Square in the Macao Special Administrative Region. CHEONG KAM KA/XINHUA

The Macao Special Administrative Region will accelerate efforts to diversify its economy and integrate into the nation's overall development, the leader of the Macao SAR government said on Wednesday.

Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR, made the remark while addressing a reception marking the 24th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the establishment of the SAR.

Ho outlined his plan for the coming year, saying that the SAR government will focus on consolidating economic recovery, diversifying its economy and improving people's livelihoods. The government will continuously advance the successful practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics, seek progress with stability and make greater efforts to safeguard national security, he said.

Ho also said that Macao will speed up construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone on Hengqin Island, which is part of the neighboring city of Zhuhai in Guangdong province, promote high-quality economic development and fully leverage the SAR's advantages to better integrate into overall national development.

Next year will mark the beginning of the implementation of the SAR's first development plan for appropriate economic diversification.

The plan, called "1+4", was announced by Ho in his latest policy address. It sets out five key areas that the city aims to concentrate on, and is scheduled to run through 2028. Under the plan, Macao aims to achieve economic diversification by focusing on the further development of the tourism and leisure sector while promoting core industries  health and wellness, modern finance, high-tech, exhibitions and commerce, culture and sports.

The city will also revitalize old districts to drive economic development in the community, support gaming companies in developing nongaming businesses, introduce more international events and enrich local thematic amusement products, according to the plan.

Ho, who visited Beijing on Monday to report to President Xi Jinping Macao's current situation and the work of the SAR government, said the central government has affirmed the SAR government's work and issued instructions on future projects, which showed the way forward for the city and bolstered its confidence.

Macao's main economic indicators are improving, Ho noted. Despite the impact of COVID-19, the SAR has shown a positive trend of rapid economic recovery, social stability and steady progress, he said.

In the first three quarters of this year, Macao's GDP rose 77.7 percent year-on-year, and has recovered to more than 70 percent of the figure for the same period in 2019.

Macao had more than 2.75 million visitor arrivals in October, which was 4.8 times the figure for October last year. From January to October, more than 22.68 million visitor arrivals were recorded, or 4.6 times the figure for the same period last year, according to the Macao SAR government.

As of November, the SAR's unemployment rate fell to 2.9 percent and the underemployment rate to 1.8 percent.

Meanwhile, to celebrate the 24th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, the SAR organized a number of activities on Wednesday.

The SAR government held a flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Lotus Square at 8 am, which was officiated by Ho and attended by over 520 guests, including representatives of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao SAR and the People's Liberation Army Garrison in Macao.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A male victim was found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds lying in an alley overnight in the East Chatham neighborhood, Chicago police said.

Shortly after midnight, the unidentified victim was found in an alley in the 1100 block of East 81st Place. The victim had suffered multiple wounds to the body and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

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No one was in custody, and detectives were investigating.
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Eight months after states started dropping millions of low-income families from Medicaid rolls, grassroots groups say they are leading the push to re-enroll people denied coverage for bureaucratic reasons.

Nationwide, more than 12.5 million people have lost coverage since April. That's when the federal pandemic provision that had required states not to drop anyone from the rolls expired, and states restarted income eligibility checks.

Federal officials over the summer allowed states to exercise flexibility to avoid potentially unnecessary coverage losses, and mailed letters to governors warning that high numbers of removals for procedural reasons and long wait times could violate federal rules.

Still, as of Dec. 13, 71% of the people who were dropped lost their coverage through "procedural" disenrollmentsthat is, they were missing paperwork or otherwise didn't complete the renewal process by a specified dateaccording to health policy research organization KFF.

Many of those people may be eligible for coverage but struggle to get the paperwork through state bureaucracies.

Children, young adults, and Black and Hispanic people are overrepresented on the Medicaid rolls, compared with their share of the overall population. A federal Office of Health Policy brief published in August 2022 ahead of the unwinding estimated that nearly one-third of those predicted to lose coverage would be Hispanic and another 15% Blackgroups with health disparities that were magnified during the pandemic. About 60% of Medicaid enrollees are Black, Hispanic, Asian or multiracial.

More than 2.4 million children have lost coverage. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued another warning, mailing letters to governors of nine statesArkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Dakota and Texaswith the highest rates of children dropped from the rolls.

Officials urged those states, which together have dropped 60% of the children who have lost Medicaid coverage nationwide, to use flexibility provided by federal officials to "help prevent children and their families from losing coverage due to red tape," noting the efforts are "especially important for children and families of color."

The department also noted that the 10 states that have not expanded MedicaidAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming"have disenrolled more children than those that have expanded combined."

Federal officials also announced that relaxed rules that allowed automatic renewals will be continued through the end of 2024 to give states more time and keep more families covered.

States have released online tools to help local leaders and providers offer guidance on how to enroll. Texas, for example, created " ambassador" toolkits in Spanish and English, with social media graphics and flyers geared toward families and older residents on how to set up an online account to re-enroll. Utah said it developed billboard and radio ads along with its own toolkits and flyers in 13 languages.

Still, grassroots groups say they are doing the heavy lifting.

These advocates' outreach efforts go "beyond the walls of the capitol," said Dr. Dena Hubbard, a neonatologist at Children's Mercy hospital in Kansas City who chairs the public policy committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Kansas chapter.

"[They're] going to people, meeting people where they are in their communities, knowing what they need, knowing where they are, and helping them get the services they need," she said. "I strongly feel that grassroots is where it's at."

'Frustrated and nervous'

Karina Gonzalez's 18-year-old son only has enough psychiatric medication to get him through the end of December.

The Kansas City, Kansas, mother of four is worried about what will happen next. Her family was dropped from Medicaid coverage in October, and the kids haven't been able to go to any doctor's appointments, she said.

Gonzalez's household relies on the income of her husband, who works in construction.

"It has affected us," Gonzalez said in Spanish as her 16-year-old daughter translated. She said she feels "frustrated and nervous," especially amid flu season.

Gonzalez received a letter the first week of October saying the family was no longer covered. She said she didn't know why they were dropped and struggled with the online KanCare system, which isn't available in Spanish. That's when she reached out to El Centro, a community health advocacy group that assists Kansas Latino families. Spanish-speaking patient navigators there have been helping her collect and submit documentation to get re-enrolled, she said.

Matt Lara, chief of staff of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said aside from the online portal, applicants and families renewing whose first language isn't English can call and be connected with a language assistance line.

"Kansas is not a Medicaid Expansion state which means that our eligibility threshold for non-disabled, non-pregnant adults is incredibly low," Lara said in an emailed statement on the rate of children losing coverage. "As a result, over 2/3 of our enrollees are children, and that results in them being the largest cohort of members losing eligibility."

In Utah, Oreta Tupola is the program coordinator for the Utah Community Health Workers Association. Her community health workers have been helping families in the Latino and Pacific Islander community reapply.

Families have been calling her from the emergency room after taking a relative there and finding out they no longer have coverage. Many clients of her community health workers suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, and take essential medications for the conditions.

"We started getting calls now from our clients saying, 'I went to the doctor, or I'm at the ER, and I can't get in. They won't see me,'" Tupola said. "[They'd say] 'I didn't know I didn't have coverage.' Or one of the women that called me said, 'Hey, I'm trying to go pick up my medicine and when I went to get my medication, that's when I found out that I don't have Medicaid anymore.' Now we're scrambling to get them back on and approved, which is another long process."

Many of those who lost Medicaid coverage could qualify for it. Utah has the second-highest rate of people who lost coverage for administrative or paperwork reasons at 94%, following New Mexico at 95%.

New Mexico's Health Services Department told Stateline in an email that it is using multilingual awareness campaigns along with some of the relaxed federal rules, such as a 30-day delay in procedural terminations, which extends the renewal deadline. As a result, the department asserts it is "seeing minimal eligibility closures."

Assessing the changes

Last week, in two columns published in the monthly peer-reviewed health care journal Health Affairs, health policy experts addressed the unwinding.

"It should no longer be acceptable to maintain policies and practices that make it so difficult for people to enroll and retain their coverage," wrote experts from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a research and policy institute that advocates for left-leaning policies. They said the process has cast a light on the nation's "fragmented" health care system.

Allison Orris, a co-author and senior fellow at the center, said in an interview the continuous enrollment period showed the benefits of minimizing red tape on a larger scale.

The churn "is magnifying some of the challenges that have always existed in systems," she said. "The pandemic really laid bare a lot of fractures across many social services programs, and in Medicaid, we know that there have always been a high number of people who were eligible for Medicaid but not enrolledand that is likely a sign that it was too hard to get enrolled and to stay enrolled in coverage."

Craig Wilson, director of health policy at the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, co-authored the second column. Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families reports Arkansas has the largest share of rural children covered by Medicaid. About 59% of Medicaid enrollees lost coverage in Arkansas.

Wilson is calling for a multistate assessment to compare states' eligibility redeterminations, who was most affected geographically and demographically, and where and whether they found other coverageor fell through coverage gaps.

"There are some opportunities to learn from what happened here that can be applied in future situations," especially for at-risk communities, he told Stateline. "If there are states that did some things differently, and were more precise, in identifying people who were either eligible or ineligible, and having them go in the appropriate direction."

In Arkansas, 77% of the people dropped from Medicaid lost their coverage for procedural reasons, while 23% were dropped because they were deemed ineligible, according to KFF. Children account for more than a third of those who lost coverage in Arkansas.

Meanwhile, about 71% of Arkansans whose coverage was renewed retained coverage via the federal rule that allows states to use previous income records.

Children without coverage

Across 21 states reporting coverage losses by age brackets, 2.4 million, or 40%, of the people dropped from the rolls were children, according to KFF's analysis.

After Texas at 61%, Gonzalez's Kansas ranks second among those 21 states in the proportion of children losing coverage, (55%), followed by Idaho (48%), Missouri (47%), Alaska (43%) and Minnesota (42%).

Of the 21 states, Massachusetts had the lowest proportion of children disenrolled at 18%, followed by California at 21%. Some states, such as North Carolina and Kentucky, are keeping kids with pending renewals covered for another year while the states work on eligibility redeterminations.

However, experts such as Wilson worry that lack of communication from state Medicaid offices for another year will cause further confusion around coverage.

"Many of those folks may not have had any communication with the Medicaid office in three or more years," he said. "With a rather transient population, it's going to become much more of an issue when the span of eligibility rate determination is much longer."

For now, some grassroots groups are relying on general outreach such as putting up flyers and setting up tables at community events.

Tupola, of the Utah Community Health Workers Association, said she wishes state Medicaid offices supported those on the ground like her organization, especially after national attention on the benefits of grassroots vaccination campaigns throughout the pandemic.

"I think we don't ever get called to the table until  the numbers are high, people are dying, or people are losing coverage," she said.

"You need to bring us in from the very beginning."

2023 States Newsroom.

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Kids with emotional problems or ADHD can find the holidays a very challenging time, as all the routines that provide a sense of order are jumbled in a whirl of activities.

The kids are home from school and restless, their parents are hauling them along to Christmas shopping and holiday gatherings, and they're eating lots of heavy meals and sugary treats.

But there are ways to limit the stress that the holidays can place on kids with depression, anxiety, an eating disorder or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), said Melissa Meyer, a child psychiatry specialist at DMG Children's Rehabilitative Services in Phoenix.

Communication is key when it comes to outings, Meyer said. Knowing what will happen can help decrease a child's anxiety.

For example, let children know what's going to be happening ahead of timehow long you'll be out, who will be with you, what kind of food they can expect.

And don't be afraid to share with your child if you're feeling stressed, tired or anxious, Meyer said.

"He or she will take comfort in knowing that even adults get nervous and stressed during the holidays," Meyer said.

Sleep is another important component to maintaining your child's mood, Meyer said. Kids with emotional issues need good sleep, at least eight to 10 hours a night.

Meyer also cautions against using screens as a babysitter. Too much TV, video gaming and social media can contribute to depression and rob a child of needed sleep.

Parents should make sure that their kid continues to take their medication at the same time each day, even though the holidays have disrupted their regular schedule.

And watch out for the usual holiday sugar rush, Meyer said. Serve regular nutritious meals and limit sweets and sugary drinks, especially before bedtime.

"Most importantly, be aware of the child's mood and listen to him or her," Meyer said in a DMG news release. "The child or teen may need some downtime in between the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Allow time in the family's schedule for everyone to decompress, so each member of your family can enjoy the spirit of the holidays."

More information: The Mayo Clinic has more about children's mental health and the holidays.

Copyright  2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Three years after more than 3,600 health workers died of COVID-19, occupational safety experts warn that those on the front lines may once again be at risk if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention takes its committee's advice on infection control guidelines in health care settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and jails.

In early November, the committee released a controversial set of recommendations the CDC is considering, which would update those established some 16 years ago.

The pandemic illustrated how a rift between the CDC and workplace safety officials can have serious repercussions. Most recently, the giant hospital system Sutter Health in California appealed a citation from the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA, by pointing to the CDC's shifting advice on when and whether N95 masks were needed at the start of the pandemic. By contrast, Cal/OSHA requires employers in high-risk settings like hospitals to improve ventilation, use air filtration, and provide N95s to all staff exposed to diseases that areor may beairborne.

The agencies are once again at odds. The CDC's advisory committee prescribes varying degrees of protection based on ill-defined categories, such as whether a virus or bacteria is considered common or how far it seems to travel in the air.

As a result, occupational safety experts warn that choices on how to categorize COVID, influenza, and other airborne diseasesand the corresponding levels of protectionmay once again be left to administrators at hospitals, nursing homes, and jails or prisons.

Eric Berg, deputy chief of health at Cal/OSHA, warned the CDC in November that, if it accepted its committee's recommendations, the guidelines would "create confusion and result in workers being not adequately protected."

Also called respirators, N95 masks filter out far more particles than looser-fitting surgical masks but cost roughly 10 times as much, and were in short supply in 2020. Black, Hispanic, and Asian health workers more often went without N95 masks than white staffers, which helped explain why members of racial and ethnic minorities tested positive for COVID nearly five times as often as the general population in the early months of the pandemic. (Hispanic people can be of any race or combination of races.)

Cal/OSHA issued dozens of citations to health care facilities that failed to provide N95 masks and take other measures to protect workers in 2020 and 2021. Many appealed, and some cases are ongoing.

In October, the agency declined Sutter's appeal against a $6,750 citation for not giving its medical assistants N95 masks in 2020 when they accompanied patients who appeared to have COVID through clinics. Sutter pointed to the CDC's advice early in the pandemic, according to court testimony. It noted that the CDC called surgical masks an "acceptable alternative" in March 2020, "seemed to recommend droplet precautions rather than airborne precautions," and suggested that individuals were unlikely to be infected if they were farther than 6 feet away from a person with COVID.

This is a loose interpretation of the CDC's 2020 advice, which was partly made for reasons of practicality. Respirators were in short supply, for example, and physical distancing beyond 6 feet is complicated in places where people must congregate.

Scientifically, there were clear indications that the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spread through the air, leading Cal/OSHA to enact its straightforward rules created after the 2009 swine flu pandemic. Workers need stiffer protection than the general population, said Jordan Barab, a former official at the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration: "Health workers are exposed for eight, 10, 12 hours a day."

The CDC's advisory committee offers a weaker approach in certain cases, suggesting that health workers wear surgical masks for "common, often endemic respiratory pathogens" that "spread predominantly over short distances." The draft guidance pays little attention to ventilation and air filtration, and advises N95 masks only for "new or emerging" diseases and those that spread "efficiently over long distances." Viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that spread through the air don't neatly fit into such categories.

"Guidelines that are incomplete, weak, and without scientific basis will greatly undermine CDC's credibility," said a former OSHA director, David Michaels, in minutes from an October meeting where he and others urged CDC Director Mandy Cohen to reconsider advice from the committee before it issues final guidance next year.

Although occupational safety agenciesnot the CDChave the power to make rules, enforcement often occurs long after the damage is done, if ever. Cal/OSHA began to investigate Sutter only after a nurse at its main Oakland hospital died from COVID and health workers complained they weren't allowed to wear N95 masks in hallways shared with COVID patients. And more than a dozen citations from Cal/OSHA against Kaiser Permanente, Sharp HealthCare, and other health systems lagged months and years behind health worker complaints and protests.

Outside California, OSHA faces higher enforcement obstacles. A dwindling budget left the agency with fewer workplace inspectors than it had in 45 years, at the peak of the pandemic. Plus, the Trump and Biden administrations stalled the agency's ongoing efforts to pass regulations specific to airborne infections.

As a result, the agency followed up on only about one in five COVID-related complaints that employees and labor representatives officially filed with the group from January 2020 to February 2022and just 4% of those made informally through media reports, phone calls, and emails. Many deaths among health care workers weren't reported to the agency in the first place.

Michaels, who is now on the faculty at the George Washington University School of Public Health, said the CDC would further curtail OSHA's authority to punish employers who expose staff members to airborne diseases, if its final guidelines follow the committee's recommendations. Such advice would leave many hospitals, correctional facilities, and nursing homes as unprepared as they were before the pandemic, said Deborah Gold, a former deputy chief of health at Cal/OSHA.

Strict standards prompt employers to stockpile N95 masks and improve air filtration and ventilation to avoid citations. But if the CDC's guidance leaves room for interpretation, she said, they can justify cutting corners on costly preparation.

Although the CDC committee and OSHA both claim to follow the science, researchers arrived at contradictory conclusions because the committee relied on explicitly flawed trials comparing health workers who wore surgical masks with those using N95s. Cal/OSHA based its standards on a variety of studies, including reviews of hospital infections and engineering research on how airborne particles spread.

In decades past, the CDC's process for developing guidelines included labor representatives and experts focused on hazards at work. Barab was a health researcher at a trade union for public sector employees when he helped the CDC develop HIV-related recommendations in the 1980s.

"I remember asking about how to protect health care workers and correction officers who get urine or feces thrown at them," Barab said. Infectious disease researchers on the CDC's committee initially scoffed at the idea, he recalled, but still considered his input as someone who understood the conditions employees faced. "A lot of these folks hadn't been on hospital floors in years, if not decades."

The largest organization for nurses in the United States, National Nurses United, made the same observation. It's now collecting signatures for an online petition urging the CDC to scrap the committee's guidelines and develop new recommendations that include insights from health care workers, many of whom risked their lives in the pandemic.

Barab attributed the lack of labor representation in the CDC's current process to the growing corporate influence of large health systems. Hospital administrators prefer not to be told what to do, particularly when it requires spending money, he said.

In an email, CDC communications officer Dave Daigle stressed that before the guidelines are finalized, the CDC will "review the makeup of the workgroups and solicit participation to ensure that the appropriate expertise is included."

2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, have provided substantial evidence supporting the potential role of statins in mitigating venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk associated with hormone therapy in postmenopausal women, possibly reshaping the risk-benefit considerations for this population.

In a paper, "Statin Use and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Women Taking Hormone Therapy," published in JAMA Network Open, the researchers used a cohort of 223,949 women (mean age 57.5 years) with 20,359 cases and 203,590 matched controls to conduct a nested case-control design analyzing data from a commercially insured claims database in the United States.

Statin therapy was associated with reduced VTE risk in women on hormone therapy, highlighting potential benefits for women with perimenopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy exposure without statin therapy increased VTE risk by 53%, but when combined with statins, the risk was reduced by 18% compared to those without hormone therapy or statin exposure.

Menopause can cause problematic symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruptions, cognitive changes, vaginal dryness and urine leakage that can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Hormone therapy is often used to manage these symptoms. However, hormone therapy has a downside, as previous studies indicate an elevated risk of developing blood clots or VTE.

Statin drug therapy has been associated with reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events and VTE. Statin therapy, along with hormone therapy, has looked promising in some previous studies, though with different dosage guidelines than are typical in the US.

The current study aimed to clarify the association between hormone therapy, statin use, and VTE risk, specifically in the US population of women aged 50 to 64. The results show that statin therapy reduced hormone therapyassociated VTE risk, with high-intensity statins showing a more significant risk reduction.

The authors conclude that while statin therapy was associated with reduced risk of VTE associated with exogenous hormones, it did not eliminate the risk, suggesting that more controlled studies are needed.

More information: John W. Davis et al, Statin Use and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Women Taking Hormone Therapy, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.48213 Journal information: JAMA Network Open

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On Dec. 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States.
The family of Ellen Baumler said Wednesday they are still compiling her obituary and encouraged people to look at what is already posted on the Anderson Stevenson & Wilke website at https://bit.ly/3TwrM9K.

Baumler, a historian and author, died Dec. 16. The Helena resident was 74.

A memorial service and celebration will be held this summer, with the date to be decided, her husband, Mark, said.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials in her name be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604 or to the Montana Historical Society, P.O. Box 201201; 225 N. Roberts St., Helena, Montana 59620.

Baumler was an interpretive historian at the Montana Historical Society for more than 25 years. She wrote dozens of historic columns and her books include Montana Moments and Montana Chillers: 13 True Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings.

Other than her husband Mark, she is survived by a daughter, Katie.
Federal mine regulators have rejected a citizens complaint concerning state regulation of the Signal Peak Energys Bull Mountain Mine near Roundup.

The Office of Surface Mining notified Montanas Department of Environmental Quality on Dec. 15, that it was rejecting the claims filed by several groups on Oct. 16. At issue was whether the underground mine was creating un-reclaimed subsistence cracks that damaged lands adjacent to Signal Peaks permit area. The complaint included photos of long cracks and sunken areas on nearby ranches.

Signal Peak is Montana's only underground coal mine. Most of its coal is burned by power plants in the Asian Pacific.

The complaint, not to be confused with a lawsuit, is a request for intervention. The request was filed by Northern Plains Resource Council, Moms Clean Air Force, Montana Environmental Information Center, 350 Montana, Citizens for Clean Energy, Families for a Livable Climate, Montana Health Professionals, Sierra Club and WildEarth Guardians. The groups asked the OSM to inspect the mine or require DEQ to open the mine to public inspections.

After hearing from DEQ, Jeff Fleischman, chief of OSMs Denver Field Division, concluded the state regulators were appropriately exercising their responsibilities to keep Signal Peak in compliance with the Montana Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act, and the federal Surface Mining Control Reclamation Act.
MIAMI  The United States freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American country and the return of a fugitive defense contractor known as "Fat Leonard" who is at the center of a massive Pentagon bribery scandal, the Biden administration announced Wednesday.

The deal represents the Biden administration's boldest move yet to improve relations with the major oil-producing nation and extract concessions from the self-proclaimed socialist leader.

The largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela's history comes weeks after the White House agreed to suspend some sanctions, following a commitment by Maduro to work toward free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential election.

The release of Alex Saab, a Maduro associate long regarded by Washington as a criminal trophy, is a significant concession to the Venezuelan leader. U.S. officials said the decision to grant him clemency was difficult but essential to bring home jailed Americans, a core administrative objective that in recent years has resulted in the release of criminals who were once seen as untradeable.

The 10 Americans released include six designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained.

"These individuals have lost far too much precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered every day in their absence. I am grateful that their ordeal is finally over," President Joe Biden said in a statement.

The agreement also resulted in the return to U.S. custody of Leonard Glenn Francis, the Malaysian owner of a ship-servicing company who is the central character in one of the largest bribery scandals in Pentagon history.

The exchange, a major U.S. concession, angered many hard-liners in the Venezuelan opposition who criticized the White House for standing by as Maduro has repeatedly outmaneuvered Washington after the Trump administration's campaign to topple him failed.

In October, the White House eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry after promises by Maduro that he would level the playing field for the 2024 election, when he's looking to add six years to his decade-long, crisis-ridden rule. A Nov. 30 deadline passed and so far Maduro failed to reverse a ban blocking his chief opponent, Maria Corina Machado, from running for office.

Biden told reporters earlier in the day that, so far, Maduro appeared to be "keeping his comment on a free election." Republicans, echoing the sentiment of many in the U.S.-backed opposition, said Saab's release would only embolden Maduro to continue down an authoritarian path.

"Disgraceful decision," Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, posted on social media.

The U.S. sanctions remain suspended as part of the deal announced Wednesday. It also requires Maduro's government to release 21 Venezuelans, including Roberto Abdul, who co-founded a pro-democracy group with Machado more than two decades ago, and dismiss three arrest warrants.

Among the Americans behind bars in Venezuela are two former Green Berets, Luke Denman and Airan Berry, who were involved in an attempt to oust Maduro in 2019. Also detained are Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore and Joseph Cristella, who were accused of entering Venezuela illegally from Colombia. More recently, Venezuela arrested Savoi Wright, a 38-year-old California businessman.

The U.S. conducted several swaps with Venezuela over the past few years, including one in October 2022 for seven Americans, including five oil executives at Houston-based Citgo, in exchange for the release of two nephews of Maduro's wife jailed in the U.S. on narcotics charges. Like that earlier exchange, Wednesday's swap took place on a tarmac in the Caribbean island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Saab was arrested in 2019 during a fuel stop in Cape Verde en route to Iran, where he was sent to negotiate oil deals on behalf of Maduro's government. The U.S. charges were conspiracy to commit money laundering tied to a bribery scheme that allegedly siphoned off $350 million through state contracts to build affordable housing.

Saab was also accused of running a scheme that allegedly stole hundreds of millions in dollars from food-import contracts at a time of widespread hunger mainly due to shortages in the South American country.

After his arrest, Maduro's government said Saab was a special envoy on a humanitarian mission and was entitled to diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution under international law.

"Alex Saab is a victim of the U.S. government's retaliation for his extraordinary efforts to protect the social rights of all Venezuelans in the face of unilateral coercive measures," the government said in a statement.

Making this deal more palatable to the White House was Venezuela's willingness to return Francis.

Nicknamed "Fat Leonard," for his bulging 6-foot-3 frame, Francis was arrested in a San Diego hotel almost a decade ago as part of a federal sting operation. Investigators say he bilked the U.S. military out of more than $35 million by buying off dozens of top-ranking Navy officers with booze, sex parties and other gifts.

Three weeks before he faced sentencing in September 2022, Francis made an escape as he snipped off his ankle monitor and disappeared. Venezuelan police arrested him while he attempted to board a flight from Caracas and he has been in custody since.
Carrefour says it has been shocked by the Ksh.1.1 billion fine imposed by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) for alleged abuse of buyer power privileges.

In a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday, the French retailer owned by the UAE-based entity Majid Al Futtaim, said the imposed fine was unexpected.

Carrefour noted that this occurred despite the withdrawal of the complaint and the renewal of partnership agreements with Woodlands Company Limited and Pwani Oils Limited, the two suppliers it is alleged to have infringed upon.

We take pride in working collaboratively with all our suppliers to create a more sustainable and equitable business environment through ongoing engagement and transparent communication.

Carrefour added: As a leading regional retailer, Majid At Futtaim is committed to upholding the highest standards of global best practice, including antitrust and competition laws to encourage fair competition in all aspects of its businesses.

Despite the hefty fine, the retailer affirmed its commitment to working for the benefit of its customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Highest-ever Fine Imposed by CAK

Kenyas competition regulator imposed the fine of $7.1 million (5.6 million), accusing Carrefour of forcing suppliers to accept lower prices.

This marked the highest-ever fine imposed by CAK.

In addition to the fine, the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has directed the Carrefour franchise holder to reimburse the two involved companies, honey processor Woodlands and manufacturer Pwani Oil, with $112,000(Ksh17,400,000).

CAK alleges that Majid Al Futtaim compelled suppliers to accept lower prices through a system of discounts known as rebates, which reduces final payments by up to 12%.

The regulator has also accused the supermarket chain of unlawfully transferring its costs to suppliers.

Investigations also determined that Carrefours suppliers are required to provide free products and pay listing fees for every new branch opened as well as post employees to the supermarkets branches, CAK said in a statement on Tuesday.
Chicago police are asking for the publics help identifying a toddler boy found wandering alone overnight on the Far South Side.

Police said the boy is approximately 2- to 3-years-old and was seen walking alone shortly after 1:30 a.m. in the first block of West 107th Street in the Fernwood neighborhood.

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Chicago police are asking for the publics help identifying a boy found wandering alone overnight on the Far South Side. (Chicago Police Department)

Officers said the boy appeared to be healthy and had no physical signs of abuse, but was taken to Roseland Community Hospital for an evaluation.

The boy was described as Hispanic, about 3-feet tall and weighing 31 pounds. He has straight dark brown hair, a light complexion with hazel eyes. He was found without shoes or pants, and only speaks Spanish, officers said.

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Police canvassed the area where the boy was found but did not find the childs parents.

Anyone with information identifying the toddler should contact the special victims unit at 312-747-8274.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is advocating for the removal of the prosecution team that handled the Arror and Kimwarer case from office.

In a statement, KHRC noted that the States handling of the case demonstrated prosecution-assisted acquittals.

The trial faced continuous frustration, prompting both Magistrate Eunice Nyutu and High Court Judge Nixon Sifuna to openly call out the prosecutors in charge of the case, KHRC Executive Director Davis Malombe noted.

Malombe asserted that it was evident the prosecution was deliberately committed to failure in the Arror and Kimwarer case.

DPP Renson Ingonga must know that prosecutorial powers are not a plaything that can be exercised at whims between his office and political power holders to absolve suspects with political connections, he said.

The KHRC Executive Director pointed out that the deliberate undermining of cases for political reasons was not a recent development.

Various stakeholders, including the civil society, the Judiciary, and the public, have consistently voiced concerns regarding the ODPPs handling of high-level criminal cases, especially those with political connections, KHRC said.

Emerging Pattern of Failed Prosecutions

Malombe added that there is an emerging pattern where cases fall apart due to prosecution withdrawal or end in acquittals because of poor prosecution.

The Commission insisted that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) must take control of the Arror and Kimwarer case and realign it with its foundational principles and raison detre (reason or justification).

KHRC emphasized the importance of identifying any personal culpability among its officers that resulted in the wrongful identification of the 41 witnesses.

The DPP should initiate a swift process to ensure that the actual culprits are brought to court and charged accordingly. If Rotich and eight others were the real suspects, they must face the law again, the Commission said.

KHRC stated that if the DPP ignores their demands, it would take legal measures against the officers who acted outside the principles of the Constitution.

The commission also insisted that Rotich and the eight other suspects involved in the Arror and Kimwarer dam case should be prohibited from public office appointments.
A 20-year-old man is facing serious statutory rape charges for having sexual relations with his supposed 13-year-old girlfriend.

Simon Mutua Kitili is accused of having carnal knowledge of the minor identified as JMO in court documents in contravention of section 8 (1) as read with section 8 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act (SOA) of 2006.

The accused is facing an alternative count of committing an indecent act with a minor in contravention of section 11 (1) of SOA where he allegedly, intentionally and unlawfully touched the minors private parts with his manhood.

Kitili and JMO reportedly began dating after meeting in Umoja estate, Nairobi.

On December 15, the court heard that the minors mother returned home to find her daughter missing. Her house help informed her that the girl had been spending hours at an unknown place.

Later, the girl returned but refused to disclose her whereabouts to her mother, prompting her mother to go to the police station for interrogations.

Minors Confession to the Police

During police questioning, she opened up and revealed that she had visited her boyfriend, the accused person for intercourse, having gone to his house the previous day for the same reason.

Medics at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital confirmed penetration after the girl underwent an examination.

Following identification by the girl on December 16, authorities arrested Kitili and subjected him to interrogation.

The accused person informed the police that the underage teenager solicited sex from him. Apparently, she insisted on visiting his house before they engaged in intercourse.

Mutua Kitili informed the police that the minor had mentioned being involved with other men before him. He claimed she reassured him that he had nothing to fear.

Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Mary Njagi at the Makadara Law Courts, Kitili pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The magistrate granted him release on a bond of Sh200,000. The court scheduled the mention of the case for January 15, 2024, to set hearing dates.
On Tuesday, three suspected phone snatchers, namely Stephen Mutua, Tom Kioko Kitonga, and Abdul Mohammad, were charged with robbing a pedestrian along Outering Road in Embakasi, Nairobi. They are facing charges of robbery with violence, as per section 295 read with section 296 (2) of the Penal Code.

The three also face an additional charge of being in possession of an imitation firearm, contravening section 34 (1) of the Firearm Act.

According to the charge, they are accused of unlawfully possessing a partly wooden-partly metallic object resembling a gun at the time of their arrest. The circumstances indicated their intent to commit a crime.

The suspects reportedly robbed Eunice Nyambura of a mobile phone worth Sh13,000 on December 17.

The court heard that Nyambura was walking home with a friend when she was confronted by two men armed with a knife and a gun. They ordered her to lie down and proceeded to rob her of her mobile phone. The two men fled to a standby motorcycle where a bodaboda rider was waiting for them.

Patrol Cops Intercept Suspects

Police Constables Collins Amiani and Dennis Mugendi, patrolling the area en route to Vumilia slums next to Donholm estate, intercepted the suspicious rider and his two pillion passengers.

The cops instructed them to provide identification, disclose their residences, and explain their destination. Failing to offer satisfactory explanations, the officers detained them at the scene.

During the search, the police recovered five assorted mobile phones from the suspects. The suspects were then escorted to the police station.

Meanwhile, Ms. Nyambura, who had reported the robbery, was contacted and successfully identified her phone among those recovered from the suspects.

Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Mary Njagi at the Makadara Law Courts, the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were granted release on a Sh800,000 bond without the option of cash bail.

The case is scheduled for mention on January 30, and the hearing is set to commence on June 20, 2024.

The two undercover officers, along with Ms. Nyambura, are listed as the main witnesses in the case against the trio.
Brown Street residents have long worried about a derelict house on their Napa street, which they say appears ready to cave in or fall over at any moment.

The structure at 1938 Brown St., once a small apartment complex, has been empty since it was scorched in a 2015 fire. Last week, the city of Napa took legal action against the building's owner to address neighbors' concerns.

Neighbor Michelle Singh told the Napa Valley Register in September that since that fire, the two-story structure has become an eyesore for residents  and a safety concern.

Singh said there are often children and adults wandering on and off the property, and she has seen people using drugs on the grounds. The vacant home also appears to have buckling vertical supports and a sagging roof, which residents say may threaten nearby buildings. Inside, stacks of garbage, broken furniture and shopping carts have been discarded.

Singh expressed concern for her 6-year-old daughter, who often has to walk past the house, as well for others who live on Brown Street near the building, many of whom she said are elderly, immigrants, disabled or from minority communities.

Over the past year, Napa officials have attempted to work with the building's owner, Andre G. Chenoweth, to correct safety violations on the property. During that time, the city issued three administrative citations, along with a final notice in July of this year.

Last week, the city resorted to legal action, filing a petition in Napa County Superior Court, due to the mounting health and safety concerns the Brown Street building poses.

The City has made several attempts to work with the property owner to abate the nuisance before pursuing legal action, city spokesperson Jaina French said in an email. "However, the property owner has failed to work with the City in abating the health and safety concerns this property poses to the general public.

Napa Police began receiving complaints about the structure as early as February 2020, and French reported that complaints about the property led the city code enforcement team to launch a case in October 2022.

On Dec. 9, 2022, the citys Building Division sent a team to inspect the property, where they found it vacant, housing squatter, and at risk of collapsing, according to the petition filed last week. City staff made multiple attempts to contact Chenoweth, the owner, requesting that he file rehabilitation plans with the city.

After several unsuccessful attempts to reach Chenoweth, the city mailed him an compliance order, asking him to correct all violations by Dec. 19, 2022.

Three days after that deadline, code enforcement officials met with Chenoweth to discuss the situation. However, French said via email that in the year since, the property owner has made no attempt to brace the structure, demolish the structure, or respond to any emails, phone calls, letters, or requests to meet from City staff.

A hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 19, 2024 on the citys request to appoint a receiver to abate the nuisances at the property.

In its petition, Napa proposed that Gerard F. Keena at the Bay Area Receivership Group be the receiver of the property, to undertake and supervise the Subject Propertys rehabilitation. Additionally, the city seeks an order allowing police and the Napa County Sheriff's Office to forcibly remove anyone who is occupying the property, with the cost of enforcement falling to Chenoweth.

PHOTOS: Derelict house on Brown St. has neighbors concerned Brown St. House 1 Brown St. House 2 Brown St. House 3 Brown St. House 4 Brown St. House 5 Brown St. House 6 Brown St. House 7 Brown St. House 8 Brown St. House 9 Brown St. House 10 Brown St. House 11 Brown St. House 12 Brown St. House 13 Brown St. House 14 Brown St. House 15 Brown St. House 16 Brown St. House 17 Brown St. House 18 Brown St. House 19 Brown St. House 20
Napa County might have the chance in 2024 to buy not only 850acre Skyline Wilderness Park from California, but the adjacent 80-acre Camp Coombs as well.

Camp Coombs is property carved out from the lower, flat area of Skyline Park, with a fence keeping park users away. It has been used for years by Napa State Hospital as a place where patients facing mental challenges can enjoy the outdoors.

Napa State Hospital no longer wants to operate Camp Coombs, a county report said. The county wants to negotiate with the state to possibly buy the land and create an even bigger Skyline Park.

Making Camp Coombs available was a surprise and a happy surprise, said Andrew Brooks of the Skyline Park Citizens Association, the nonprofit group that runs Skyline Park.

On Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors passed a 2024 legislative platform that among other things states the county's interest in buying Camp Coombs.

It was unclear Wednesday why Napa State Hospital no longer wants Camp Coombs. The California Department of State Hospitals said it needed more time to provide a comment.

Skyline Park is on state-owned land along Imola Avenue east of the city of Napa. Napa County has tried for years to buy Skyline Park to ensure it remains parkland.

Assistant County Executive Officer Becky Craig said Tuesday that a deal for the county to buy only Skyline Park  minus Camp Coombs  might be completed this spring. Buying Camp Coombs would take longer.

The 2019 legislation sponsored by state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that allowed for the Skyline sale specifically excludes Camp Coombs. Craig said this legislation must be amended to allow the county and state to negotiate a potential Camp Coombs deal.

Napa County doesn't want to delay the Skyline Park purchase while waiting to see if Camp Coombs might be included. A Camp Coombs deal might be ready this summer, Craig said.

County supervisors last year set aside $7 million to buy Skyline Park. Craig said that is roughly the assessed value. She estimated Camp Coombs might cost an additional half-million dollars.

Skyline Park has 25 miles of trails, most of them in oak-covered hills. Brooks said adding Camp Coombs, among other things, would offer an easier hiking area for those wanting to avoid steep trails.

A family could take a mile-long loop hike there, he said. People who dont have a lot of time could still get a taste of the park.

Thats something Camp Coombs would unlock, he said.

Perhaps the area could be used for camping or events. Camp Coombs would allow for even more outdoor recreation, he said.

All of this is another chapter in the Skyline Park story.

The state agreed in the late 1970s to lease 850 acres of unneeded hospital land holdings to Napa County for $100 annually to establish a park. The park opened in 1983, with the nonprofit Skyline Park Citizens Association responsible for operations from the start.

At the time, however, Napa State Hospital resisted including the Camp Coombs land as part of the park. It laid plans in the 1970s to use the property to give some of its patients a rustic outdoor experience.

Napa State Hospital opened Camp Coombs in earnest in 1984, though it had used the property before that. On June 17, 1984, about 100 patients went there to walk, fish and enjoy the sun.

"Out here, patients don't realize they're in the hospital," then-camp director Bill Hoy told The Napa Register on that day nearly four decades ago.

Today's Skyline Park hikers pass Camp Coombs as they go along the beginning section of the Lake Marie Road trail. Fences are on both sides of this trail section, making certain Camp Coombs is off-limits to them.

A county deal to buy Camp Coombs could lead to the fences coming down.

PHOTOS: Operation: With Love from Home holiday care package day
California Democrats are taking on statewide retail theft, creating a dilemma for a party constantly facing soft on crime criticisms: how to tackle an issue of public concern without undoing criminal justice reforms.

The Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft met for the first time on Tuesday in Sacramento, just weeks before the full Legislature returns Jan. 3.

The committees goal is to identify legislation to deal with shoplifting, commercial burglary and robberies. Organized retail theft and smash-and-grab incidents have garnered significant public attention amid a barrage of viral security videos showing brazen crimes playing out at big-box retailers and small businesses alike.

Its clear Democrats face pressure to deal with retail theft, which Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, underscored by attending part of the meeting.

But the 11-member panel  nine of whom are Democrats  face a trapeze routine between cracking down on crime and satisfying the partys progressive flank, which is committed to preventing a return to the punitive sentencing laws of decades past.

Lawmakers want more theft data

The committee heard from policy analysts, retail industry group leaders, law enforcement and criminal justice reform advocates. They painted a nuanced picture of retail theft that only raised more questions.

Magnus Lofstrom of the Public Policy Institute of California shared the organizations analysis of 2022 data of shoplifting, commercial burglaries and robberies. PPIC reported shoplifting rates were lower last year than they were in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. But commercial burglary and robbery rates increased.

Retail theft rates also varied by county, with the Bay Area seeing the largest uptick in shoplifting from 2019 to 2022. Commercial burglary increased in many of the states largest counties but was down in smaller ones.

Lofstrom told lawmakers that the data is likely more accurate for serious crimes than lesser offenses like shoplifting.

The data are limited to incidents reported to law enforcement agencies, he said. Retail theft is likely underreported, and especially low-value theft. And this may also change over time.

Retailer leaders said they are forced to lock up products and hire extra security to protect customers and employees, in part because of statewide inconsistencies in law enforcement responses to thefts.

Rachel Michelin, president of the California Retailers Association, said stores are not exaggerating the problem of retail theft. Michelin made her statement just weeks after the National Retail Federation backed off a claim that nearly half of all 2021 inventory losses came from organized retail theft.

Michelin has come under fire from Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, who has sparred with the trade groups leader in hearings and on social media since the fall amid highly publicized smash-and-grab robberies and a wave of so-called blitz operations by law enforcement in the capital region and across California.

Cooper, who served in the Assembly until late last year, blames Proposition 47 and Michelins group for a law that overpromised and underdelivered. Michelin, who squared off with him at a state independent oversight meeting last week, counters that law enforcement doesnt respond to retail theft incidents.

Lawmakers seemed interested in retailers concerns, but they were also frustrated by a lack of reliable data on the problems they discussed.

I think that in order for us to actually craft the right policy, its so, so important for us to understand, where is this a California problem? said Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, D-Irvine. And where is this a nationwide problem?

When asked directly for data on California retail theft, Jeff Kreshek of property developer Federal Realty said retailers are reluctant to provide that information, forcing landlords like his real estate investment company to provide only anecdotal information.

I wish could give you the data, Kreshek said. In preparing to come here today, I talked to 15 retailers and said, I need data. I need numbers. And they said, Oh, we cant give you numbers. And notice I didnt ... use any retailers names. They dont want that in the public for whatever reason.

Proposition 47 and retail theft

The politics of addressing retail theft flared during the nascent public discussions about potential solutions.

Prop. 47 dominated the discussion. The 2014 ballot initiative reclassified certain nonviolent crimes as misdemeanors, including commercial thefts of items worth less than $950.

The measure was one of several that voters and lawmakers leaned on after a panel of federal judges in 2009 ordered California to reduce severe prison overcrowding. That prompted a series of new laws undoing tough-on-crime sentencing from the 1980s and 1990s, many resulting in ballooning incarceration of Black and brown Californians.

But Republicans and moderate Democrats have recently been pushing for changes to Prop. 47, saying its not doing enough to prevent crime, especially retail theft.

I swear that people in my district, the one (law) they know the number of is Prop. 47, said Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, D-Santa Clarita. But I find that theres a lot of misinformation around this in the narrative in the community.

As Schiavo and others pointed out, under-$950 thefts are still punishable by up to six months in jail.

But Michelin suggested changes similar to those in a ballot initiative her organization supports. It would make theft with two or more convictions a felony and make a fourth conviction eligible for prison time. The proposed initiative would also allow aggregation of multiple thefts by one person, making it easier to surpass the $950 threshold.

The shift would require changes to Prop. 47, necessitating approval by voters. Walmart recently contributed $500,000 to the organization backing an initiative.

Criminal justice advocates pressed for caution around amending Prop. 47, saying it is working effectively to fund community-based programs. Lenore Anderson, president of Californians for Safety and Justice, said those worried about retail theft should also examine a lack of law enforcement information-sharing, court backlogs, and poor investigation and prosecution of property crimes.

The retail theft issues that people are presently most concerned about, from smash-and-grab mobs to organized retail crime, are felony conduct, Anderson said. These crimes are not the purview of Proposition 47.

Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Oakland, also urged her committee colleagues to remain focused on claims backed up by data. She said her East Bay community is concerned with smash-and-grabs and businesses closing. But, she said, constituents are also worried about mass incarceration.

Bonta reserved special frustration for Ivy Fitzpatrick of the Riverside County District Attorneys Office, who said county jails are busting at the seams because they are running out of room to hold low-level offenders.

We have not been basing the assertions that weve been making on facts, Bonta said. To say that we are busting at the seams in our county jail system, without any data, unfounded, is doing a disservice to this community, to this to this Legislature and to this body.

We have to be clear on setting the baseline set of information that we can all operate from in order to be able to come up with solutions, she added.

Photos: Napa Valley Faces and Places, December 16, 2023
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the President of the International Crisis Group, Comfort Ero, the PMs office informs.

The interlocutors discussed the regional situation. Reference was made to the possibilities of establishing stability and lasting peace in the South Caucasus, the process of normalizing Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, and the latest developments.

PM Pashinyan presented the respective positions of the Armenian side, including over the principles of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan.

The parties exchanged views also on the humanitarian issues of the Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan, and the programs being implemented by the Armenian government to resolve these issues. The assistance in this regard by the international community was emphasized by both sides.
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About a thousand people have been hospitalized after the earthquake that occurred in northwest China on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Hospitals of Gansu province have admitted 784 people. Before that, it was reported that 198 residents were injured in neighboring Qinghai province.

According to the latest data, the death toll has climbed to 135.

In addition to hospitals, 19 temporary medical centers and one mobile hospital have been set up in Gansu.

According to the provincial health department, more than two dozen medical teams have been sent to 35 affected villages to treat the local residents.

Also, medicines and psychological support are provided to the affected population.
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)

Seven weeks ago, officials at Chicagos federal courthouse used brown butcher paper to cover up large hallway displays highlighting infamous political corruption cases, featuring names like Walker, Ryan, Blagojevich and Vrdolyak.

On Thursday, a federal jury added another name to that inglorious roster: Edward M. Burke.

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In a verdict that will reverberate through city politics, Burke was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and a dozen other counts for using the clout of his elected office to try to win private law business from developers.

The nearly clean sweep of guilty verdicts capped a stunning fall for Burke, the former head of the city Finance Committee and a Democratic political machine master who served a record 54 years in the City Council before stepping down in May.

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The jury of nine women and three men deliberated for about 23 hours over four days before reaching its verdict on the 19-count indictment.

In addition to racketeering, Burke also was found guilty of federal program bribery, attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity.

He was acquitted on one count of conspiracy to commit extortion related to the redevelopment of a Burger King.

The racketeering charge alone carries up to 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall set sentencing for June.

The jurors left the courthouse through a private exit, and most did not respond to calls seeking comment. One juror who did speak to the Tribune, however, said Thursday that the mood in the jury room was meticulous and diligent, and that they re-listened to each and every wiretapped recording at the center of the case, some of them multiple times.

The juror, who requested anonymity, said there was a clear consensus that the exhibits and now-infamous recordings gave them just about everything that was needed to make a decision.

Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual told reporters after the verdict that Burkes actions were a clear betrayal of the public trust.

In this case, defendant Burke had his hand out for money, Pasqual said. The public voted Mr. Burke into office. And they trusted that he would be guided by and motivated by pursuing the common good. He betrayed that trust.

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Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual speaks following a verdict in the corruption trial of former Ald. Edward Burke at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in downtown Chicago on Dec. 21, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

With his conviction, Burke, who turns 80 on Dec. 29, has now joined the ignoble ranks of at least 37 other Chicago aldermen to be convicted of crimes since 1972. Three aldermen died while awaiting trial, while charges are pending against two others. Only one, Ray Frias, was acquitted.

The citys well-worn reputation for corruption was front and center for Burkes trial, beginning even in jury selection, when Burkes attorneys requested that the 25th-floor hallway panels featuring some of the biggest cases through the years be covered up so as not to sway jurors who might see them.

Asked if Burkes conviction might finally make a dent in the City Councils history of corruption, Pasqual paused, gave a slight smile, and said, Thats the $64,000 question.

Before the verdict was read in Kendalls packed courtroom, Burke arrived with his wife, former Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke, and other family members, turning to smile at spectators in the gallery before taking a seat at the defense table.

As the courtroom waited for the jury to come out, Burke, dressed in a black suit and uncharacteristic flat black tie, tapped on his wrist with his hand and took out a cellphone, appearing to scroll through messages.

As the verdict was read, Burke listened with a deep frown on his face, keeping his elbows on the table, his hands clasped and propping up his chin as his face flushed. After the jury left, he stood and shook hands with two of his attorneys before exiting the courtroom.

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Burke left the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse not long afterward, arm in arm with his wife and flanked by his attorneys. He declined to answer questions as he ducked into a waiting SUV on South Dearborn Street.

Former Ald. Edward Burke, 14th, exits the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in downtown Chicago after a verdict in his corruption trial on Dec. 21, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

He pulled up to his hulking, fortress-like home on West 51st Street shortly after 4 p.m,. carrying a green briefcase and wearing a brown hat and coat. He and his wife were composed as Burke opened the inner gate to the home, ignoring questions from reporters.

Burkes attorneys, Joseph Duffy and Chris Gair, declined to comment after the verdict.

Also convicted was real estate developer Charles Cui, who was accused of hiring Burkes firm, Klafter & Burke, to do property tax appeals in exchange for Burkes intervention in a permit dispute for a pole sign for a Binnys Beverage Depot.

Cui, 52, was not present in court due to an undisclosed illness, and listened to the verdict being read against him via a telephone hookup. The jury found him guilty on five counts: corruptly offering or agreeing to give things of value; using an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity; and knowingly making a false statement to the FBI.

Meanwhile, Burkes longtime ward aide Peter Andrews Jr. was acquitted of all counts against him. Andrews, 74, was accused of conspiring with Burke to pressure the Texas-based owners of 150 Chicago-area Burger King franchises into hiring Klafter & Burke by shutting down their renovation project of a restaurant in the 14th Ward.

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A complete acquittal is rare in Chicagos federal courthouse, particularly in a high-profile corruption case. After the not-guilty findings were read, Andrews got up to embrace his attorneys, then sat down, leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling with a broad smile on his face.

In a statement, Andrews attorneys called the indictment an overreach and said the acquittal was a well-deserved Christmas blessing.

On behalf of our client, we are grateful to the twelve jurors who understood what we have known for over four years: Pete Andrews did not belong in this indictment, attorneys Patrick Blegen, Todd Pugh, Chelsy Van Overmeiren and Gabrielle Foley wrote.

There was no such good news for Burke, who was convicted not only of counts involving the Burger King and pole sign schemes, but also of using his significant City Hall power to try to get law business from the New York-based developers tackling the $600 million renovation of the Old Post Office.

The jury also found Burke guilty of attempting to extort the Field Museum by threatening to block an admission fee increase in retaliation against museum officials who failed to acknowledge an internship application by his goddaughter.

The high-profile, six-week trial featured some 38 witnesses and more than 100 secretly recorded videos and wiretapped recordings, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of Chicagos top political powerbrokers at work.

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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.

In closing arguments last week, prosecutors put up on large video screens a series of now-notorious statements made by Burke on the recordings. Among them: The cash register has not rung yet, They can go (expletive) themselves, and Did we land the tuna?

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told the jury that Burkes words were their ticket into his real frame of mind.

Burkes attorneys, meanwhile, argued that the entire case is the product of overzealous government agents and their puppet, Solis, whom even prosecutors did not trust enough to put on the witness stand themselves. Instead, he was called by the defense and grilled about his motivations.

The fact alone that they didnt call Danny Solis in their case creates a reasonable doubt, Duffy said in his closing remarks. Why did we have to bring Danny Solis in here? That should give you pause, the fact that they ran an investigation on Mr. Burke for 30 months with a star witness Danny Solis undercover and they didnt have the decency to bring him here.

The juror who spoke to the Tribune on Thursday said the panel felt Solis testimony was largely irrelevant.

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Nothing he said had any bearing on the evidence, the juror said, and so it made no difference that the government chose not to call him.

The most spirited discussions involved the charges against Andrews, according to the juror. They were not persuaded that Andrews was even aware of any scheme to shake down the Burger King, the juror said.

By the same logic, jurors acquitted Burke of conspiring with Andrews, since to have a conspiracy you have to have more than one co-conspirator.

But Cui wrote some very damning emails, the juror said, making their decision on those counts easy.

Chicagos long history of corrupt politicians did not factor into the deliberations, the juror said.

This case was an island, the juror said. (The charges) sit on their own merit.

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The verdicts drew quick reaction from Mayor Brandon Johnson, who said in a statement that elected officials are responsible for serving with honest and integrity, and those that do not should be held accountable.

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who clashed with Burke repeatedly and used his legal troubles to her political advantage when she won the job on City Halls fifth floor in 2019, had even harsher words, saying in a statement the verdict cements Burkes legacy as a man who elevated personal ambition and greed over doing the peoples work.

Burkes trial was the biggest to hit Chicagos federal courthouse in years, and it rounds out a bombshell year on the public corruption front, even for a city used to seeing its politicians facing criminal charges.

So far, its been close to a clean sweep for the U.S. attorneys office. In May, four former ComEd executives and lobbyists were convicted on all charges alleging they conspired to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, the head of the state Democratic Party, by secretly funneling payments to Madigans friends for do-nothing jobs.

Months later, a jury convicted Madigans longtime chief of staff, Tim Mapes, of lying to a federal grand jury investigating the speaker.

In four months, it will be Madigans turn in the hot seat, as his jury trial on racketeering charges is slated to begin on April 1. His lawyers have moved to delay the trial, however, pending a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on a bribery-related case out of northwest Indiana that could have implications on certain counts.

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Burkes trial, meanwhile, has featured allegations of a decidedly more earthy, wheres mine? type of graft than in the Madigan probe.

Its a trial that in many ways has reflected the man and his career. The son of a Democratic ward boss and alderman, Burke grew up in a home steeped in Chicagos particular brand of street-level politics. He was expert at smoothing potholes, fixing up friends with patronage jobs, and making sure everyone who benefited knew how to vote  and for whom to vote.

Burke became one of the greatest purveyors of machine politics in the city and the longest-serving alderman in Chicago history. He earned infamy in the 1980s for trying to thwart every move of Harold Washington, Chicagos first Black mayor, during the Council Wars. He allegedly ran the councils Finance Committee like his own personal fiefdom, all while overseeing a law firm, that constantly put him into ethically questionable positions.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 32 Edward Burke, second from right, on the day he was sworn in as alderman, is with his mother, Mrs. Ann Burke, and Judge Joseph B. Hermes, left, and the Rev. Richard Wolfe of Visitation Parish, in City Council Chambers on March 14, 1969. (George Quinn / Chicago Tribune)

He was known as an anointer of judges given his control of the Democratic judicial slate-making process, a student of Chicago history, and the self-proclaimed City Council parliamentarian who always seemed able to outmaneuver his rivals with his knowledge of rules and procedure.

Over the years, Burke also developed a reputation for being too savvy to ever be caught crossing any legal lines, even as he watched a never-ending parade of colleagues go down on corruption charges, including his predecessor on the Finance Committee, Ald. Thomas Keane.

That reputation went up in flames on the morning of Nov. 29, 2018, when the FBI raided Burkes City Hall office suite, covered the windows with brown butcher paper, and carted off computers, phones, and boxes of evidence.

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The centerpiece of the case against Burke was the alleged Old Post Office scheme, not only because of the size of the project but also because it involved Solis, who had just started his cooperation when Burke approached him at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and pushed a local contractor to handle the post office demolition work.

Weeks later, Solis recorded Burke in a telephone call telling him to recommend the good law firm of Klafter & Burke to do the tax work at an upcoming meeting with the post office developer, Harry Skydell.

That call set off a series of memorable recordings, including one video that showed Burke welcoming Skydell and his son at one City Hall meeting, then sliding two Klafter & Burke business cards toward them. Later, he was caught on camera smirking as he told Solis he was reluctant to help Skydell because the cash register has not rung yet.

In May 2017, Burke uttered what is perhaps the most famous line in the indictment, asking Solis on a recorded call, So did we land, uh, the tuna?

And, after months of being stonewalled, Burke was captured sitting in Solis office with his legs crossed, calmly remarking hed had it with the Skydells, and as far as Im concerned they can go (expletive) themselves.

The final wiretapped recording made by Solis came on Nov. 9, 2018, just 20 days before the FBI raid that thrust the investigation into the public spotlight.

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As instructed by his FBI handlers, Solis told Burke in the in-person meeting that he was planning to retire midway through his next four-year term, and then go off into the sunset. He also told Burke he had a line in on some big-time developers who were planning on a development near South Clark Street in Solis 25th Ward and would steer them to Klafter & Burke for a consulting fee.

Sure. As long as you remember me, yeah, Burke responded. We come from the old school.

In this 2013 photo, Ald. Daniel Solis is flanked by Ald. Richard Mell, 33rd, left, and Ald. Edward Burke, 14th, before hearings at Chicago City Council. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)

Through the Burger King evidence, prosecutors portrayed Burke as constantly trawling for business, jumping at any chance to make a little money.

He took personal note of the status of construction at the Burger King location on South Pulaski Road, passed out his law firms business card at a country club meeting with its owner, Shoukat Dhanani, and told Andrews to play hardball and shut down the remodeling work when Dhanani initially failed to come through, according to trial testimony.

Dhanani testified that he agreed to hire Burkes firm in order to get the alderman to lift roadblocks to remodeling his restaurant, and also sent a political donation to support Burkes candidate for mayor.

Dhananis son, Zohaib, told the jury he was taken aback when Burke seemed to link the hiring of his property tax firm to help with the permit issue in a phone call just two weeks after theyd had lunch at the Beverly Country Club.

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And um, we were going to talk about the real estate tax representation and you were going to have somebody get in touch with me so we can expedite your permits, Burke said on the June 2017 call.

Im sorry, Mr. Burke, what was that last part? Zohaib Dhanani responded.

Jurors also heard meticulously detailed evidence about a pole sign permit for the Binnys Beverage Depot on the Northwest Side, far away from Burkes 14th Ward. Cui stood to lose significant money if the sign couldnt be used, and reached out to Burke, hoping his clout would grease the wheels with the city.

In perhaps the most damning evidence of the pole sign episode, jurors were shown a 2017 email from Cui to his lawyer, asking to switch attorneys.

Can I have Edward Burke handle 4901 W Irving Park property tax appeal for me, at least for this year? Cui wrote. I need his favor for my TIF money. In addition I need his help for my zoning etc for my project. He is a powerful broker in City Hall, and I need him now. Ill transfer the case back to you after this year.

Burke tried to smooth the way for the permit sign, jurors heard, calling the city zoning administrator and reaching out the the buildings commissioner. The permit, however, was still not approved, and ultimately the sign was torn down.

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The Field Museum evidence was the only allegation that did not involve Burkes law firm. Instead, Burke was accused of threatening to withhold his approval of a proposed fee increase for the museum because they did not consider an internship application from his goddaughter.

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If the chairman of the Committee on Finance calls the president of the Park Board, your proposal is going to go nowhere, Burke snapped on a phone call with the museums government affairs director.

Chicago Tribune reporter Caroline Kubzansky contributed

NOTE: This story has updated to reflect the correct number of alderman convicted since 1972 is 38.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

rlong@chicagotribune.com

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mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com
At its Cabinet session Thursday, the government decided to apply a temporary6-monthban on the transportation of a number of goods from Armenia to other EAEU member countries and export to third countries.

The ban applies to the export of scrap and waste of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as some used products made of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Such a ban has been applied since 2022, after which the amount of local production of metal has increased considerably.

As a result of the measures taken by the government, investmentsincluding foreign oneswere made in Armenias metallurgical industry in 2022 and 2023.
At its Cabinet session Thursday, the government decided to apply a temporary6-monthban on the export of whitefish caviar from Armenia.

In the explanation of the respective draft decision, it is noted that as a result of the regulation of commercial fishing of whitefish in Lake Sevan, an increase in the biomass of whitefish has been observed in the lake in recent years, and this enables to ensure commercial fishing of a small amount of fish in Lake Sevan. However, the trend of increasing whitefish biomass in recent years still does not ensure the normal growth and optimal number of wild fish species in the lake.

Based on the above-mentioned, it can be stated that Armenia still does not have such a wild fish species, whose caviar has a production value because it is still necessary to continuously increase the amount of the fish species.

As a result of the adoption of the aforesaid decision, it is expected to improve the ecological balance of Lake Sevan, preserve the biodiversity of the ecosystems of the lake and its catchment basin, improve the sustainable use of biological resources, maintain a stable mass of whitefish, and implement productive fishing.
Gnel Sanosyan, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia, received a delegation led by Bernd Vohringer, President of the Chamber of Local Authorities of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CoE).

The minister lauded the cooperation with the aforesaid CoE congress, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

During the meeting, they discussed, in particular, the process of accommodationin Armeniaof Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as assistance programs for them.

The representatives of the aforementioned CoE congress were interested in how the programs for the accommodation of these forcibly displaced persons, shelters, and other assistance were implemented and organized in Armenia. And Minister Sanosyan presented the whole process in detail, and emphasized the respective role of Armenia's local government agencies.

Also, the further development of the abilities and capacities of Armenia's local government agencies, and the expansion of their capabilities in providing quality services to the population were highlighted.
Sergey Smbatyan, artistic director and chief conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, will continue conducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Lawyer Yervand Varosyan on Thursday informed about this on Facebook.

"Due to recent developments, many people are already aware that Maestro Sergey Smbatyan is also the chief conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

"Last summer, after the launching of criminal proceedings against Sergey Smbatyan, his arrest, the management of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra had decided to suspend the implementation of the contract signed with the Maestro. Information about this was disseminated also in the press.

"We are happy to inform that today we have received an official notification that by the decision of the board of directors of the orchestra, Sergey Smbatyan's tenure will be restored and he will continue cooperation with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra as chief conductor," Varosyan added.
The Russian embassy in Armenia has commented on the decision by the Commission on Television and Radio of Armenia to suspend the Sputnik Armenia radio broadcasting in the country for 30 days.

"We regret that the decision of the [Armenian] republican regulator will affect the unconditional right of the Armenian listeners to receive information from the source of their choice.

"Also, we noticed that the decision to suspend the broadcast of the branch of Russian media in our friendly Armenia was made only a week after December 14 of this year when constructive consultations were held, through the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, during which the parties agreed to cooperate closely for the solution of all the controversial issues that arose.

"This move cannot but seem like a concession to those who are increasingly advocating for the severance of the traditional, mutually beneficial, and mutually respectful allied relations between Russia and Armenia," reads the respective statement of the Russian embassy in Armenia.

According to the decision by the Commission on Television and Radio of Armenia, the activities of Tospa company, which rebroadcasts Sputnik Armenia radio, have been suspended in Armenia for 30 days.
When this information was disseminated in the press, I immediately contacted the law enforcement agencies, focusing on human rights related issues. Anahit Manasyan, the Human Rights Defender (ombudsperson) of Armenia, told this to reporters after Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the governmentand regarding the incident that happened a day ago, when, according to human rights organizations, the military police of the Russian 102nd Military Base in Gyumri, Armenia arrested Russian citizen Dmitry Setrakov and then transferred him to Russia.

To the question whether these Russian policemens arresting of people in Armenia is a violation of human rights, Manasyan responded: "At the moment, I have not yet received complete information regarding the matter. For example, was the person transferred to Russia? Under what process did this happen? But if a matter related to human rights is recorded, in a specific context, we will certainly intervene."

The Vanadzor office of the Helsinki Civil Assembly had reported on December 8 that the representatives of the Russian 102nd Military Base had arrested Russian citizen Dmitri Setrakov, living in Gyumri, on a street. And later it became known that he was transferred to Russia, where he is accused of desertion.

In turn, the Prosecutor Generals Office of Armenia had stated that it did not receive, discuss, and ranted a petition to detain, arrest, and hand over Setrakov to the respective authorities of Russia. It added that it does not have information regarding the search for Dmitry Setrakov by the relevant authorities of Russia, as well as his detection in Armenia.
Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, said that Moscow continues the work aimed at resolving the most drastic disagreements and concluding a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Speaking at a briefing for foreign military attaches in Russia, Gerasimov noted that his country is carrying out purposeful work on the political track toward the unblocking of transport communications in the South Caucasus, as well as resolving the most drastic disagreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"The situation in Transcaucasia [i.e. the South Caucasus] remains tense, but it has a trend towards stabilization," said the chief of the General Staff of the Russian army.

He added that the Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to perform its tasks in Nagorno-Karabakh.
This years Khachaturian International Competition, which is dedicated to the 120th birth anniversary of world-renowned Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, is being held in the capital of China, Beijing.

And at the invitation of the Chinese side, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of its artistic director and chief conductor Sergey Smbatyan, will accompany the finalists of this competition.

Martin Tovmasyan, Director of the Aram Khachaturian Cultural Foundation, noted at Thursdays press conference that the Khachaturian International Competition is being held in China in cooperation with the aforementioned foundation, the China National Opera House, and Chinese state institutions.

"The Chinese side launched the holding of a competition dedicated to Aram Khachaturian in their country, and we responded positively to it, as this is another good opportunity to popularize the Khachaturian art," said Tovmasyan.

He recalled that on December 17, the special edition of the Khachaturian International Competition started in the "violin" category.

Sergey Smbatyan, artistic director and chief conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, for his part, considered it a great achievement that the Khachaturian International Competition is being held in China, a country that is trying to develop classical music.

"Aram Khachaturian is the symbol that also unites young musicians, as China invites musicians from all over the world to participate in the competition. And if there is that desire for Aram Khachaturian to be the collective image, uniting musicians of different nations, it is a greatest achievement for us, as for many years we have been doing everything possible to set new international standards around the name of Aram Khachaturian," said Smbatyan.

According to him, in China, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra will hold concerts with the musicians who pass the third stage of the Khachaturian International Competition.

"I believe the orchestra's performances in China, at the national opera of Beijing, is a new standard for us," Smbatyan said, adding that the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra will have three concerts in the Chinese capital city.

Also, Sergey Smbatyan stated that Aram Khachaturian is one of the most performed composers in China and Japan.
Sofia Salinas walks along the fenced-in area that was to become a migrant tent encampment near her home in the Brighton Park neighborhood, Dec. 14, 2023, in Chicago. Salinas and her neighbors are concerned about the presence of ground chemicals on the site that prevented the encampment from opening. She said all of the construction that had been completed was taken down fully by the previous night. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Sofia Salinas home backs up to a vacant lot at 38th Street and California Avenue in Chicagos Brighton Park neighborhood.

When the city announced a plan to build a migrant camp on the lot, some residents were angry they werent consulted. But when that plan was scrapped after the discovery of high levels of toxic metals, including lead, Salinas said it felt like a slap in the face.

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A first-time homeowner who has lived in Brighton Park for four years, Salinas said she and other residents have been working to improve the area through regular community meetings, welcoming the opening of a new church and helping neighbors keep up their homes. Now she questions whether those efforts have been in vain.

You dont know whether or not you want to stick around. You dont know whether or not to put your money into building a community when its toxic. Its like, Should I even be living here? Salinas said.

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Ald. Julia Ramirez, 12th, whose ward includes Brighton Park and McKinley Park, said the 38th and California lot was once a freight terminal for the Alton Railroad. During that period, it housed a zinc smelter  an operation involving potentially toxic processes that use heat and chemicals for metal extraction.

Ramirez said diesel tanks also used to be stored underground, but those have since been removed.

In mid-October, residents said they woke to the sound of trees being cut down and the installation of bright overhead lights at the vacant lot.

Maria Rolon, a resident of Brighton Park for 54 years whose home is adjacent to the lot, said the community was not informed of the citys plans to use the site to house migrants until construction had already begun.

I was very upset, Rolon said. Im a senior, even my daughter lives next door. I have other kids.  That was my main concern.

Homes across the street from the now-closed migrant tent encampment project are seen in the 3700 block of South California Avenue in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood on Dec. 14, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

The city signed a six-month land-use contract Oct. 26 for the lot owned by Barnacres Corp., a Markham-based company run by Otoniel Tony Sanchez. Sanchez was also a donor to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, giving $1,500 to the mayors political fund two months before the lease signing. Johnsons political advisers have said that money was being returned and that city workers involved in scouting the location did not know about the donation.

[ Construction on Brighton Park migrant camp to begin with state involvement this week despite aldermanic opposition ]

The city planned to temporarily house close to 2,000 migrants in a winterized base camp on the 9-acre property. Residents protested the citys plan day and night, citing safety and environmental concerns due to the sites history of industrial use.

After open records requests, the city released on Dec. 1 an 800-page environmental assessment report by outside contractor Terracon Consultants, which found high levels of mercury, lead, arsenic and manganese and traces of cancer-causing PCBs, among other contaminants.

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A spokesperson for Johnson told the Tribune the site is safe for temporary residential use.

However, after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency reviewed the report, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the city would not use the Brighton Park site as a migrant camp citing serious environmental concerns in a statement released by the governors office Dec. 5.

[ Gov. J.B. Pritzker wont proceed with Brighton Park migrant camp, citing serious environmental concerns ]

According to the report, to limit access to the contaminated soil, contractors covered the entire lot with a 6-inch stone layer meant to provide an engineered barrier that would be routinely inspected and maintained by city workers.

Despite the addition of the stone barrier and the mayors statements that the site is safe for residential use, homeowners on 38th Street are not convinced the land isnt toxic.

Ermelinda Quiles, a resident of Brighton Park for 49 years, has lived across from the vacant lot for most of her life.

Quiles said she struggles with health problems she believes are linked to the air she breathes as she lives 50 feet from the former industrial site.

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We all got sick all the time, I got very sick for a month, and my old friend (next door) died. They found out she had cancer, Quiles said.

Javier Lopez, a Brighton Park resident whose home sits adjacent to the vacant lot, said the city had already initiated excavation at the site to evaluate plumbing installation for the winterized tents that were going to be set up for migrants. Lopez said the community is concerned the city exposed toxins in the soil when they began digging into the contaminated ground.

Were concerned, I mean, were concerned about our water; they shut off our water for a few hours to dig back there, Lopez said. Im sure the pipes are surrounded by these contaminants. So its very, very scary that that stuff was coming into our house.

Salinas said residents were notified the city would begin water testing in October. According to a flyer distributed to residents, they were instructed to flush out their water to mitigate potential lead levels after pipe disturbances. This involved opening every faucet in their homes for 30 minutes every two weeks over a three-month period.

They were like, Youre gonna have to flush out your water for the next three months, but dont worry, it will only be like $1 each time you do that, Salinas said. I dont care if its $1 or a penny, I shouldnt have to pay to flush my water out. Now this is scary to me.

Quiles said her water has consistently been discolored since the city began digging at the lot.

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The water comes out brown, and (theres) like snowflakes, I gotta let it run for at least 20 to 30 minutes, Quiles said. I had to buy water to be able to cook and because Im a very sick person, I got a lot of health problems.

[ As other cities dig up pipes made of toxic lead, Chicago resists ]

Many residents on 38th Street said the citys plan to house migrants at the vacant lot was done hastily and without community input.

The now-removed tents are shown at the failed encampment project in Brighton Park on Dec. 5, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

Signs are posted on a fence surrounding the failed tent encampment for migrants at the northwest corner of California Avenue and 38th Street in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood on Nov. 28, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Lopez said residents feel they were left in the dark on the citys plans for the lot and the potential environmental impacts from disturbing the contaminated land.

Were kind of wondering what the next step is gonna be, Lopez said.

Ramirez said she is following up with Johnsons administration on whether plans will be developed to clean up the site.

The highest priority for me is if we did find toxicity, contamination in the soil, that theyre able to provide full information on the details of it, you know, what can be done or what has been done, Ramirez said. These are ongoing conversations, and I will be having more conversations with people in the administration about this.

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Some residents are doubtful the city will clean up the site.

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I can guarantee you theyre just gonna leave it like it is, Rolon said.

Ramirez said she is discussing what it means to be an environmental justice zone with the community.

[ Residents call Chicago report that maps neighborhood pollution flawed because calculations dont include industrial corridors ]

In September, the Johnson administration released a cumulative impact report that is intended to capture how exposure to toxins, socioeconomic factors and health conditions vary throughout the city. The most burdened census tracts, which are designated environmental justice neighborhoods, would be subject to special considerations in future zoning and permitting decisions. Brighton Park is among these neighborhoods.

Ramirez also said lead testing kits are being distributed, and she is exploring ways to use the vacant lot for the neighborhoods benefit.

Now that migrants wont be living at the site, residents hope their concerns wont be ignored.

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What I think (the mayors) No. 1 priority needs to be is safety. It cant be temporarily safe. It needs to be safe, Lopez said. Its not good enough just to get the migrants not to go through it. Now you gotta follow through all the way.

Samantha Moilanen is a freelancer.
Imangali Tasmagambetov, Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization CSTO, arrived in Armenias capital city of Yerevan Thursday amid the country's serious dissatisfaction with this organization.

According to the CSTO official website, in Yerevan, Tasmagambetov is going to discuss to results of the last CSTO summit held in the Belarusian capital of Minsk in November, during which more than a dozen documents were adopted. And it is with this package that he is in Yerevan so that Armenia also joins it.

A meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is scheduled as well during this visit.

But there is no mention of any other meetings in the respective statement publicized on the CSTO official website.
The situation in the South Caucasus continues to be tense, but it has a trend towards stabilization. This was stated by Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, informs the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Russia.

Gerasimov assured that thanks to mediation by Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, a ceasefire was able to be reached in the region within 24 hours this September.

"During the military operations, the Russian peacekeeping contingent ensured the evacuation of more than 10,000 civilians from their locations, and therefore the safe departure of almost the entire population of Karabakh to the territory of Armenia. Almost 300 wounded peacekeepers were taken to hospitals," said the chief of the General Staff of the Russian army.

"At the same time, our military continent continues to perform tasks as a guarantor of the possibility of building a peaceful life and returning residents to the region," added Gerasimov.
A Georgian delegation led by the speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, has arrived in Armenia on a working visitand at the invitation of the speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Alen Simonyan.

The meeting between the speakers of the parliaments of the two countries in Dilijan, Armenia started with a private conversation, which was followed by an extended meeting, the NA of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Welcoming his Georgian colleague, the speaker of the NA Armenia congratulated Georgia on getting the status of a European Union candidate country, and noted that this is an important event for the entire region.

Alen Simonyan emphasized that the deepening of relations with Georgia is of strategic importance for Armenia, and expressed hope that in the near future it will be possible to establish a strategic partnership between the two countries.

Reflecting on the productive cooperation between Armenia and Georgia in the economic sector, Simonyan highlighted the fact that the trade and economic ties between the two countries continue to increase. In this context, however, the speaker of the Armenian parliament spoke about the problems being encountered at the Upper Lars checkpointon the Georgian-Russian borderfor various reasons, and stressed with satisfaction the efforts by the Georgian side aimed at facilitating the transit there. The speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, in turn, assured that quite positive processes have been carried out in that regard recently.

Alen Simonyan touched also upon regional security and challenges, and reaffirmed that Armenia remains committed to the agenda of establishing peace and stability in the region. And reflecting on the Crossroads of Peace project submitted by Armenia, he proposed Georgia to join this project.

"The high level of relations between Armenia and Georgia is one of the important factors of ensuring security in the South Caucasus. We highly appreciate Georgia's interest and efforts in establishing peace and stability in the region. The Georgian government's Peaceful Neighborhood Initiative is aimed at this very objective," stated the speaker of the Armenian legislature.

In addition, Alen Simonyan noted with satisfaction the continued development of the high-level Armenian-Georgian political dialogue, and touched upon their successful cooperation in the parliamentary formatalso at the level of committees and friendship groups.

In the context of bilateral relations, the speaker of the NA of Armenia congratulated the two parties on the recent opening of the honorary consulate of Armenia in Rustavi, Georgia.

Expressing his gratitude for the invitation, Shalva Papuashvili emphasized with satisfaction the effectiveness of the bilateral parliamentary cooperation format. Possible new formats for strengthening cooperation between parliamentary committees and staffs of Armenia and Georgia were discussed.

Reflecting on regional matters, the speaker of the Parliament of Georgia stressed that they support the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which can be a guarantee of long-term stability and development in the region.

At the meeting, views were exchanged also on the immediate return of Armenian captives in Azerbaijan.
A vortex, or a swirling flow of energy, can be observed in fluids, smoke, water and wind. To Emory biostatistician Lance Waller, a vortex is a perfect visualization for the complex swirl of data scientists collect and analyze to tackle questions about an infectious disease outbreak.

For instance, if you want to know the virulence of a strain of seasonal flu, you strive to get samples of the virus strain, knowledge about the number of cases being reported, where and when the cases are reported and details about the demographics of the patients.

Waller, professor of biostatistics and bioinformatics in Rollins School of Public Health, breaks down the process into four quadrants: You start by deciding the questions you want to answer. Then you work to gather the data that you need in order to get these answers. Next, you analyze the data that you are actually able to get. Finally, you answer the questions that you are able to, based on the available data.

The most important part is how close the questions we can answer are to the questions that we want to answer, Waller says. And its a vortex because weve gone in a circle. We might say, Okay, well, I want to know more. Theres additional data that I can try to find. Oftentimes well keep going around this circle  especially with research into infectious disease across scales  multiple times with different types of data. We hope to drill down and get better and better pictures at different scales.

Waller was the first guest on a new video podcast, The Virulent Vortex, available on YouTube. The podcast takes its name from the analogy that Waller made famous among students during his 25 years teaching at Emory. In a little more than eight minutes, he talks about what it means to study infectious diseases across scales, shows examples from his map collection and talks about how maps can help save people from pathogens.

Communication is key

The Virulent Vortex is a joint production of two cross-cutting Emory initiatives: the Infectious Diseases Across Scales Training Program (IDASTP) and From Molecules and Pathogens to Populations and Pandemics (MP3 Initiative).

The idea behind The Virulent Vortex is to have people who work in infectious disease at Emory explain their science in ways that a lay audience can understand, says Jaap de Roode, Emory professor of biology. Its important to communicate science well. One thing we learned during the pandemic is that communication is key and that communication can go very, very wrong.

De Roode hosts the podcast, interviewing a different guest for each episode. De Roode also serves as director of the IDASTP and co-director of MP3 (along with Guido Silvestri, director of microbiology and immunology at the Emory National Primate Research Center and professor in Emory University School of Medicines Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; and Ken Moberg, professor in the School of Medicines Department of Cell Biology).

Everything is connected

The MP3 Initiative provides seed grants of up to $250,000 to support collaborative projects on infectious disease research that transcends scales. The program is a joint initiative of the Office of the Provost, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Woodruff Health Sciences, the School of Medicine and the Office of Research Administration.

The IDASTP, which provides cross-disciplinary training and career development for graduate students involved in infectious disease research, is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and currently supported by the Laney Graduate School, Emory College, Rollins School of Public Health and the Department of Biology.

There was growing recognition that a lot of the challenges that we face in infectious disease cannot be solved by approaching them from a traditional, siloed point of view, says de Roode, who is an expert in host-parasite interactions.

You cannot understand pandemics without understanding where viruses come from, how they cross species barriers and how they travel around the globe, de Roode explains. If you are just studying a pathogen or immunology or the ecology of bats, you cant solve the problem of a pandemic. Everything is connected. Ecologists need to understand something about immunology and immunologists need to understand something about ecology. Its important for everyone involved to know something about public health approaches, the role of human behavior and how vaccine trials work.

The launch of the MP3 and IDASTP initiatives in fall 2019 proved prophetic. A few months later, the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping the globe.

Emory played a key role in COVID-19 vaccine development, health care of patients and groundbreaking medical, ecological and public health research during the pandemic, confirming its position as an international leader in interdisciplinary approaches to infectious diseases.

Moving forward

So far, 24 graduate students have participated in IDASTP, including eight who have graduated and gone on to work in research ranging from controlling agricultural pests to understanding human diseases. A total of 46 faculty and 37 postdoctoral fellows, predoctoral fellows and students have been supported by the MP3 Initiative. The $5 million in seed grants awarded to them have so far stimulated approximately $77 million in outside research funding for Emory.

Last spring, members of the MP3 and IDASTP initiatives participated in a retreat in the north Georgia mountains.

We had launched these initiatives right before the pandemic and had spent much of their development meeting on Zoom, de Roode recalls. We really wanted to get people together to stimulate ideas for going forward.

The idea for "The Virulent Vortex" grew out of the brainstorming at the retreat.

We want to get away from complex slides about science, de Roode says. We are giving people a chance to get to the basics of why they do what they do, how their work can help control diseases and improve public health. Its an opportunity for our faculty and students to shine.

Showcasing personality and passion

A private company that often works with Emory initiatives, called The Recording Service, was tapped to film 21 episodes of The Virulent Vortex, in locations at Convocation Hall and the Carlos Museum.

Several episodes are already out. The second episode features Mirko Paiardini, associate professor of the Emory Vaccine Center, the School of Medicine and a researcher at the Emory Primate Center. He describes his work demonstrating the inflammation-prevention properties of the drug baricitinib, which is now widely used to save lives of COVID-19 patients.

In the third episode, biology graduate student Sandra Mendiola explains how beneficial bacterial bugs can stop insects from spreading harmful bacteria bugs to squash plants.

Each episode is different and interesting in its own way, says de Roode, who worked as a science journalist before entering his PhD program. Everyone has their own personality and their own passion for infectious disease research.

The feedback has been positive, he adds. People enjoy seeing their colleagues and students talking about their research in a fun, relaxed way.

The long-term goal is to interview every faculty and graduate student participant in the MP3 and IDASTP initiatives and also branch into alumni who have graduated and started jobs elsewhere.

It would be really helpful for our students to learn how other students benefited from the interdisciplinary training that they received and how it applies in their careers, de Roode says.

And while the primary goal is to foster community among participants in the MP3 and IDASTP initiatives and those who might be considering joining them, anyone who is interested in infectious diseases is likely to enjoy episodes of the Virulent Vortex.

Every few weeks, new episodes will be released through the IDASTP newsletter, News Across Scales, and via YouTube. To join the newsletter listserv, email Todd Swink, associate director of the MP3 Initiative and IDASTP, at: tswink@emory.edu.
Beijing warns Manila to 'act with caution'

Wang Yi told Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo their two countries were "facing serious difficulties", according to a Foreign Ministry readout. File photo: AP

Top diplomat Wang Yi has warned his Philippine counterpart that Manila "must act with caution", the Foreign Ministry said, following a series of tense maritime confrontations in the South China Sea.



Wang said on a Wednesday call with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo the two countries were "facing serious difficulties", blaming Manila for changing its policies, according to a readout.



"Wang Yi said China-Philippines relations are currently facing serious difficulties," it said.



"The root cause is that the Philippines has changed its longstanding policy stance, reneged on its own commitments, continued to provoke and stir trouble at sea, and undermined China's legal rights," it added.



"China-Philippines relations are at a crossroads. Faced with the choice of where to go, the Philippines must act with caution."



The Philippines had summoned China's envoy on December 11 and flagged the possibility of expelling him following the most tense clashes between the countries' vessels in years at flashpoint reefs.



Videos released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed Chinese ships blasting water cannon at Philippine boats during two separate resupply missions to fishermen at Huangyan Island and a tiny garrison at Renai Jiao. (AFP)
The Federation of All India Aluminium Utensils Manufacturers (FAIAUM) organized a national meet in New Delhi, where Secretary of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Rohit Kumar Singh, stressed the importance of adopting standards for manufacturing products with a keen assessment of cost implications. The event aimed to address the concerns of the aluminium utensils manufacturers in the country and promote a consumer-centric approach in the retail trade. Singh emphasized that focusing on consumer care is equally vital as consumer rights, and the trade and industry sectors should work collaboratively for mutual growth. Singh said, "The trade and industry should focus on consumer care instead of consumer rights as both sectors complement each other. Trade and industry are important forces behind the nation's growth and as such it surely needs support and facilitation for getting ease of doing business". Singh promised that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, the government is dedicated to creating the finest trading environment possible so that quality goods may be produced to meet not just home but also worldwide demands. During the meeting, Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), highlighted the significance of adopting technology in the retail trade. He identified the Internet, technology, communication, networking, and logistics as key drivers for future business in India, urging traders and small manufacturers to embrace technological advancements. Khandelwal emphasized the need for wider consultations with stakeholders and extensive educational initiatives to raise awareness about standards and government policies in the retail sector. Khandelwal said, "Five fundamentals i.e Internet, technology, communication, networking & logistics are the main drivers for future business in India and as such both traders and small manufacturers should not lag behind in the adoption of technology. The need for wider consultation with stakeholders and mass educational & awareness drive among the retail trade about standards and government policies". FAIUM President, Brij Mohan Agrawal, urged the Union Government to comprehensively rationalize Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards for aluminium utensils. He asserted that such a move is crucial to eliminate technical barriers, address resource constraints, and streamline the cost structure for small-scale manufacturers. Agarwal said, "This move is imperative to eliminate technical barriers, address resource constraints, and streamline the cost structure for small-scale manufacturers of aluminium utensils. He said that trade & industry are facing substantial challenges due to the existing standards that often prove cumbersome and economically burdensome. The current standards not only pose technical impediments but also create a lopsided cost structure that disproportionately affects the smaller players in the market". Agrawal pointed out that the existing standards pose challenges for the industry, creating technical impediments and an unbalanced cost structure that disproportionately affects smaller players. The call for rationalization aligns with the commitment to facilitate ease of doing business and ensure the quality production of goods for both domestic and global markets. (ANI)
Visitors to the U.S. Capitol take in the sights on Oct. 17, 2023, near a painting depicting the moment in 1776 when the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Continental Congress. (Joe Raedle/Getty)

The dominant storyline of our American Revolution is about patriotic defiance  refusing to pay taxes, dumping tea into the Boston Harbor and shooting redcoats once we saw the whites of their eyes. Its about virtuous lawbreaking in the name of freedom.

There is plenty of evidence to support this narrative. Yet like all triumphant tales, this one tends to crowd out other important truths about our past and ourselves. For the revolutionaries not only rejected royal and imperial authority but also embraced what we now call the rule of law, first as a national privilege and then as an egalitarian ideal.

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The roots of that ideal stretched from Boston to India and converged in 1776 into a powerful call for a new moral and legal order for America and the world.

Colonial protests began in the mid-1760s because the British Parliaments new taxes violated the principles and spirit of the British constitution, according to colonial delegates, meaning the established or constituted laws made Americans members of the British Empire rather than subjects of British firepower. Those laws enshrined English liberties such as the right to free assembly and jury trials.

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The dread of losing those national freedoms increased in early 1774, when British authorities closed the port of Boston and threatened to bring the military-style rule of new imperial outposts such as Quebec and Nova Scotia to the older 13 Colonies. These cruel, unjust, and sanguinary measures, one group of Maryland patriots declared, could only portend rule by military Force and ships of war  government by violence rather than law.

Desperate to protect Americans status within the empire, Founding Father Ben Franklin called in 1775 for impartial justice, or the kind of law that applied to the rulers and the ruled, both mother country and American Colonies.

As King George III made clear that he saw the colonists as second-class subjects, however, the patriots realized that they would first have to break the law to secure its blessings. They hesitated on the brink until an English expatriate urged them to reject the British Constitution, not appeal to it.

Tom Paine spent his first 37 years in an England where vast inequalities of wealth and privilege made a mockery of law and justice. One of his radicalizing moments came in 1773, when Parliament exonerated Lord Robert Clive, who had helped install British rule over India through force and corruption.

Arriving in Philadelphia with little more than a letter of recommendation from Franklin, Paine published a bitterly sarcastic eulogy to Lord Clive, who had died by suicide, as a fitting servant for a lawless, rampaging empire. Then, in January 1776, Paine released his 47-page pamphlet Common Sense to convince his adopted countrymen to embrace the enlightened belief that people were originally equals in the order of creation.

The British Constitution was sickly, Paine argued, because its privileged ranks made the laws they liked and ignored the ones they didnt. The king and nobility (no-ability, Paine later called them) were nearly as dismissive of North Americans as they were of South Asians. This left the colonists with only one choice: Whether we shall make our own laws, or, whether the king ... shall tell us, there shall be no laws but such as l like.

Note that Paine never imagined a future without law, or even with less law. Rather, he called on Americans to make laws that would apply to everyone, lifting the people into an equal and dignified status while holding their leaders to specific duties.

For as in absolute governments the king is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king. Paine even imagined a ceremony in which the people placed a crown on the sacred figure of the law.

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Six months later, another Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson, began the Declaration of Independence by asserting the self-evident equality of all men, then launched his grievances against George III with the statement that the king had refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

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Jefferson concluded by declaring the United States capable of making laws for its own people and of forming treaties with other countries.

In short, the revolutionaries saw the rule of law not only as a necessary bulwark against cruel and corrupt rulers but also as the glorious foundation of a new republican age of equal rights. They even imagined the rule of law as a framework for an international order where the strong no longer bullied the weak.

The rule of law has played a major role in global humanitarian and national liberation movements ever since, including Ukraines efforts since 1991 to break free of Russia, which Congress is increasingly unwilling to support.

In todays America, the shocking inequalities between the morbidly rich and everyone else have made us cynical about any unitary standard. Some of our loudest citizens openly invite us to act like crowned ruffians, while others insist that 18th century ideals can only perpetuate that eras racial castes. The rule of law thus sounds like a fools hope whose time has come and gone.

Before we give up on the ideal, however, we should remember how much it meant to those who defied a king and an empire in its name and to consider what alternatives we have in a world where the worst among us always try to force their rules on everyone else.

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Jason Opal, an American citizen, is a professor of history at McGill University in Montreal.

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In a move towards fostering an inclusive workplace, Amazon India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to provide career opportunities for ex-service personnel. According to a press release, this initiative aligns with Amazon India's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce. The MoU signifies Amazon's dedication to creating a workplace that values unique perspectives and welcomes individuals from various backgrounds. According to the release, Amazon India has consistently emphasized providing equal opportunities to different communities, including women, LGBTQIA+, military veterans, and differently-abled individuals. This collaborative effort follows Amazon India's focus on diversity initiatives. In August 2019, the company launched the Military Veterans Employment program in partnership with the Army Welfare Placement Organization (AWPO). The program aimed to create numerous opportunities for military veterans and their spouses within Amazon's fulfilment network across India. More recently, Amazon India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ex-service personnel by renewing its Memorandum of Understanding with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR). This agreement allows Amazon India to tap into the untapped potential of veterans, enhancing its talent pipeline. Deepti Varma, VP, of People Experience Technology, Amazon India, Japan and Emerging Markets, expressed Amazon's enthusiasm for collaborating with the Indian Coast Guard. Varma highlighted the company's deep appreciation for the wealth of experience and unique perspectives that ex-service personnel bring to the workplace. Verma said, "At Amazon, we are very humbled to build further on our efforts to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion at our workplace. Due to the deep appreciation of the wealth of experience and unique perspective of ex-service personnel, Amazon runs the Military Veterans Employment Programme globally." Verma added, "With the signing of this MoU, we are excited to work with the Indian Coast Guard towards a common goal of creating meaningful work opportunities for our veterans and their families. We will continue to leverage the wealth of experience of military veterans, who are an incomparable addition to Amazon." The Indian Coast Guard echoed the sentiment, emphasizing veterans' vast experience, which can contribute to success across diverse industries. The Indian Coast Guard, said, "The vast experience our veterans possess can be leveraged for tremendous success across diverse industries and businesses. Amazon India has taken proactive steps in offering employment opportunities to military veterans. This MoU marks a significant milestone as we unite to pursue a shared objective: fostering meaningful career paths for ex-service personnel from the Indian Coast Guard." The MoU represents a significant milestone as Amazon India and the Indian Coast Guard unite in their pursuit of fostering meaningful career paths for ex-service personnel. With this partnership, Amazon India will collaborate with the Indian Coast Guard to help ex-servicemen from military backgrounds pursue corporate careers through opportunities at Amazon or in other corporate roles. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to empowering veterans in their post-military careers. (ANI)
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated a slew of development projects in the Aravalli district, emphasizing the state's commitment to inclusive growth. Patel expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that Gujarat has reaped the benefits of a double-engine government for two decades. Patel said, "All of you have received the guarantee of development by PM Modi. Gujarat has received the benefits of a double-engine government for the past two decades. Surat received the gift of Diamond Bourse recently and before this tribal areas like Bodeli and Chhota Udaipur received development projects worth Rs 5,000 Crores. Going a step ahead, Aravalli district has received development projects worth Rs 264 Crores in a single day." During the inauguration ceremony, Patel outlined the transformative projects, highlighting the recent allocation of Rs 264 Crores for the Aravalli district. He assured the gathering that by the next December, uninterrupted electricity during the day would become a reality, with orders given to complete the task by December 2024. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of extending development beyond urban areas, echoing PM Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Effort." He cited recent achievements, such as the Diamond Bourse in Surat and Rs 5,000 Crores worth of development projects in tribal areas. Patel underscored the commitment to make Aravalli the first district free of tuberculosis, commending the initiation of monthly kits for TB patients. Patel said, "The work of giving kits to TB patients every month has started. This is a good thing. We have taken the initiative to make TB free district and we will be double happy if Modasa becomes the first district. Our world's most popular leader and our PM Narendra Modi has inspired us to work in the spirit of service to the poor, deprived and people from the last section of the society". He credited Prime Minister Modi for inspiring a spirit of service to the poor, deprived, and marginalized. Development initiatives in Aravalli include the Kisan Suryodaya Yojana, underground gutters, CCTV networks, and Anganwadi improvements. Patel said, "Development should not be confined only to cities, towns or some limited class and the PM has adopted the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Effort. In his commitment to ensure that no village or individual is left out of development, people have supported the BJP in the recent elections held in 3 states. Now everyone has got the guarantee of development from Modi ji. Gujarat has been getting the benefit of central and state double engine government for 2 decades". Patel acknowledged the challenge of solving water problems in hilly areas but highlighted the successful use of the lift scheme to provide water to North Gujarat, including Aravalli. Patel said, "This Aravalli district is newly formed but it is an initiative of the government to become first in development. This tribal-dominated district is progressing like a developed tribal district. Today there is an opportunity to provide development works of Kisan Suryodaya Yojana, underground gutters, CCTV network, and Anganwadi". He added, "It was very difficult to solve the water problem in these hilly areas but the PM has started the successful use of lift scheme to provide water to North Gujarat including this district". "92 hectares of land is being given the benefit of irrigation with Narmada water. On 15th November, on the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda, the PM launched the nationwide Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra. PM has given a different direction for the welfare and development of all the tribal communities from Ambaji to Umargaon. Modi ji's guarantee in every village and city of Gujarat. The vehicle is working to provide benefits of government schemes to people sitting at their homes", said Patel. Patel said, "PM has resolved for a developed India 2047. His aim is that when the country, including the tribal areas, becomes developed and world leader when it celebrates the centenary of independence". The Chief Minister praised PM Modi's nationwide Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, launched on November 15, as a transformative step for the welfare and development of tribal communities. Patel reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the benefits of schemes reach every village and city in Gujarat, aligning with PM Modi's vision for a developed India by 2047. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], December 21: The RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University, Noida has officially released admission forms for the 2024 academic session. This announcement opens the door for individuals passionate about pursuing a career in the dynamic field of the built environment (construction, real estate, and infrastructure). As RICS SBE is India's only institution with RICS and PMI-GAC accreditation, the admission process is expected to be competitive, and candidates are advised to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and submission requirements outlined in the admission form. The institution is well known for having a diverse and talented student community, ensuring that individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences can apply for the admissions. It is also anticipated that the admission applications for the RICS SBE, Amity University, Mumbai campus will open very soon. Students who are interested in applying for the Mumbai campus are advised to monitor the official website for the most recent updates. Specialised Programmes Offered by RICS SBE, Amity University * MBA in Construction Project Management * MBA in Real Estate & Urban Infrastructure * MBA in Construction Economics & Quantity Surveying * BBA in Real Estate & Urban Infrastructure With distinguished and valuable international accreditations, RICS SBE stands solid as a globally acknowledged institution in the built environment space. These accreditations not only validate the quality of education but also expand opportunities for students on the international stage, opening doors to a truly global career. The faculty includes industry veterans who bring a wealth of practical knowledge and insights to the classroom. In addition to academics, RICS SBE promotes a lively campus community. Engaging events, clubs, and extracurricular activities create a dynamic community where students not only learn from textbooks but also from each other. This holistic approach to education enhances personal growth and enriches the overall student experience. From immersive boot camps to enlightening guest lectures by industry leaders, the school ensures that students are not just theory-driven but equipped with real-world skills. The institution also recognises the importance of staying ahead in the tech-driven landscape. Modern tools like Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), Costex, Primavera P6, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and others are all incorporated into the curriculum. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the official RICS SBE website to access the admission forms and detailed information about the application process. The institution offers a range of programmes tailored to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving built environment sector. (ANI)
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 21: COWRKS, a distinguished provider of premium workspace solutions in India, announced that it has received the Great Place to Work Certification in recognition of the company culture and employee workplace experience. As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All Model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces List. Parul Thakur, Senior Vice President, and Business Head at COWRKS, said, "We are very proud to be recognised as a Great Place to Work. It showcases our commitment to nurturing a culture that fosters innovation, promotes open communication, and prioritises the growth and well-being of our team. At COWRKS, we recognise that our success is rooted in the dedication and contribution of our incredible employees." COWRKS is committed to creating a work environment that champions flexibility, encourages healthy work-life balance, and nurtures the holistic well-being of employees. The company takes pride in implementing several employee-centric initiatives, including flexible work arrangements, adoption leaves, inclusive same-sex insurance policies, parental care time, paid time off for volunteering, and enhanced healthcare access. Moreover, the company places strong emphasis on recognising and celebrating employees through SPOT awards, and comprehensive rewards and recognition programmes throughout the year. Aditi Mudholkar, Senior General Manager, People Excellence at COWRKS, said, "We are pleased to receive the Great Place to Work Certification, a testament of our unwavering commitment to our greatest asset - our people. We truly believe that a positive and inclusive workplace is the foundation for innovation and success. We prioritise employee well-being through mental health programs and by fostering work-life balance, and I am glad that our efforts have been recognised." According to the Great Place to Work conducted among COWRKS employees, respondents expressed a sense of making a meaningful impact, commended the management for being truly receptive to suggestions and ideas, and conveyed strong feelings of pride and camaraderie in the workplace. An impressive 93 percent of those surveyed affirmed that considering all factors, this is an excellent place to work. Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make data-driven decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organisation become a Great Place To Work For All. Learn more at www.greatplacetowork.in and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. COWRKS is a distinguished provider of premium workspace solutions in India, specialising in managed and flexible workspaces. With a presence in six major cities and a portfolio of 28 operational centres, COWRKS stands at the forefront of shaping the future of work. Committed to delivering exceptional workspaces, each centre is meticulously designed, showcasing state-of-the-art amenities, seamless technology, and world-class hospitality, fostering a thriving community. With a leasable area exceeding 12.3 lakh sq. ft. and management of over 17,000 desks, COWRKS is widely recognised as one of the country's leading providers of workspace solutions. COWRKS is a Brookfield Properties Company. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Moviegoers can't keep calm as Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Dunki' has finally released. After celebrating outside the theatres, fans couldn't stop themselves from cheering and grooving to SRK's 'Lutt Putt Gaya' song while watching the film. Enthusiasts flocked to theatres to show love and support for SRK's film at Mumbai's iconic single-screen theatre, Gaiety Galaxy. SRk's film release is nothing less than a celebration for his fans. In videos shared by Shah Rukh's fan clubs, a massive crowd of people can be seen dancing to the beats of 'Lutt Putt Gaya' and showing their excitement by throwing confetti. https://twitter.com/SRKUniverse/status/1737654991899283791? Waiting outside the theatre from 2-3 am, fans in the viral videos were seen dancing to 'dhol' beats, carrying posters, banners, and a long cutout of SRK to welcome the film in a grandeur manner. 'Dunki' is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and also stars Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani. SRK and Rajkumar Hirani on Tuesday promoted their film in Dubai in a grand way. Videos of the evening have surfaced on the actor's fan clubs on social media where he is seen recreating his signature pose with his arms stretched out in the air during the drone show at Dubai's Burj Khalifa. Dunki has been co-written by Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon. It is a heartwarming tale of four friends Manu, Sukhi, Buggu, and Balli who dream of settling down in London for a better life but have to undertake an arduous yet life-changing journey to reach their goal. At one of the events in Dubai, SRK described 'Dunki' as his best film. "So when I made Jawan, I thought I made a film for boys and girls but I didn't make anything for myself, then I made Dunki. So this is my film. This film is very close to my heart. When I was doing Pathaan, many people who write about films, those who apparently know about films more than the filmmakers, were saying what kind of roles I was doing, so I really felt that I should do films that come from my heart and this includes all the films that I did this year. I started the year with Pathaan, which was always ladies first, and I want to end the year with a film for myself. So, please watch Dunki on December 21. Everyone will find something in the film that will touch their heart. The film will make you laugh also," he said. The film marks SRK's first collaboration with Hirani and Taapsee. (ANI)
Several big B-town celebs marked their presence at the bash.

Actor Hrithik Roshan looked handsome as he donned a black suit over a black t-shirt and matching pants. He accessorized his look with a black hat and red shades.

He arrived along with his father and filmmaker Rakesh Roshan.

Superstar Salman Khan also arrived at the birthday bash. He donned a black suit over a blue shirt.

Actors Kartik Aaryan and Tiger Shroff were seen twinning in casual black attires at the bash.

Newly married couple Randeep Hooda along with his wife Lin Laishram were seen posing in front of the paps.

'Gadar 2' actor Ameesha Patel turned heads with her stunning attire at the party.

Father-son duo Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were seen twinning in black suits at the bash.

SRK looked handsome as he donned an all-black suit at the party. He tied his hair into a ponytail and completed his look with black shades.

Actor Niel Nitin Mukesh also attended the birthday party.

Actor Sharman Joshi looked stylish in an all-white suit at the party.

Mallika Shwerawat raised the glam quotient with her stunning look at the party.

'Gadar 2' actor Utkarsh Sharma kept it casual. He was seen posing with his father and director Anil Sharma at the party.

Filmmaker duo Abbas Mastan also attended the party.

Actor Kajol looked gorgeous as she opted for a shimmery saree for the birthday bash. She kept her hair open and makeup heavy.

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker was also present at the bash.

Actor Tusshar Kapoor attended the birthday party in a black suit.

Father-son duo Meezan Jafri along with his father Javed Jaffery were also among the attendees.

Apart from them, actors like Vaani Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Shatrughan Sinha and Dino Morea also attended the star-studded birthday party.

Producer Anand Pandit is known for his films like 'Chehre', 'The Big Bull', 'Thank God', and 'Total Dhamaal' among others. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu graced the golden jubilee celebrations of MNR Educational Trust in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, the President said, "Good education opens the doors of progress and good health keeps a person active in life." She stated that the fact that an institution has been active and growing continuously for 50 years underlines the fact that it started with a clear vision and that meaningful and well-conceived efforts have been continued to fulfil that vision. The President said that today India holds an important place in the world's knowledge economy. The IT companies located in Telangana, especially in Hyderabad, and the talented IT professionals of this state have a huge contribution to the reputation of India. "Our IT professionals are praised all over the world. Students pursuing their education in Hyderabad have made their mark in all professions, including engineering. Educational institutions have a remarkable contribution to this success." added President Murmu. The President also said that institutions active in the field of education and health should move forward with the spirit of cooperation in overall nation-building. For this, they will have to pay special attention to rural education and medical facilities for the people of rural areas. "Making education and health services accessible to all is essential for the overall development of Telangana and the entire country. MNR Educational Trust should make continuous efforts for the educational development and health welfare of people from deprived sections. It should contribute more towards women's empowerment by paying special attention to their education and health." concluded President Murmu. (ANI)
Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha, Sadanand Shet Tanavade urged the Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a daily passenger train service from Vasco to Belagavi through the South Western Railways with strategic stopovers at Londa and Dudhsagar. Rajya Sabha MP Tanavade, emphasizing the urgency of this requirement, requested the intervention of the Minister of Railways to address his demand for a reliable and efficient train connection between Vasco and Belagavi. "Addressing the Railway Minister during a special mention in Parliament, I highlighted the crucial need for a DAILY PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE connecting Vasco to Belagavi. As Goa and Belagavi share deep connections, creating a seamless train service is essential for trade, commerce, medical, education, and personal travel. I have requested a daily train service to meet diverse travel needs and enhance overall connectivity. Also, proposed stopovers at Dudhsagar will boost tourism and improve the well-being of both regions!" Sadanand Shet Tanavade posted on X. Highlighting the economic ties between Goa and Belagavi, Tanavade said, "A regular and seamless train service is essential for facilitating trade, commerce, and personal travel between these two regions. Belagavi, serving as a significant hub for various activities, requires a dependable transport link with Goa." The MP further pointed out that numerous Goans frequently travel to Belagavi for various purposes such as business, education, medical, and shopping. Recognizing the strategic importance of this route, he urged the Minister of Railways to consider introducing a daily train service with potential stopovers at Londa and Dudhsagar. According to the Rajya Sabha MP, incorporating Londa and Dudhsagar as stopovers in the proposed train route will enhance connectivity and efficiency for passengers. Additionally, he highlighted the tourism potential of Dudhsagar waterfalls, a popular attraction, and suggested that a stopover at this picturesque location could significantly contribute to the region's tourism sector. "Such a service, will not only meet the immediate travel needs of the residents but also boost trade, commerce, and tourism, thereby benefiting the overall well-being and connectivity of both regions," said the Rajya Sabha MP. (ANI)
As soon as information was received, fire tenders reached the spot.

It was later doused off with the help of three fire tenders, according to the fire department official.

No injuries or casualties were reported.

Further information is awaited. (ANI)
After the attack on a police team by the liquor mafias that led to the death of a police inspector in Begusarai, Bihar Excise Minister Sunil Kumar said that the government will also ensure the arrest and speedy trial of the culprits so that there is no recurrence of such unfortunate incidents. "Let us wait for the report, and we'll ensure that from the next time, the standard operating procedure is followed. Secondly, we'll ensure that the morale of the Excise and police personnel stays up. We will also ensure the arrest and speedy trial of the culprits so that there is no recurrence of such unfortunate incidents," Sunil Kumar told reporters. Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday slammed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and held his liquor ban responsible for the attack on a police team by the liquor mafias. Singh said it's "stubbornness" that sent innocent people to jail and many were killed by liquor mafias. "Due to the wrong policies of liquor ban, due to the stubbornness of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, a lot of innocent people had to go to jail. A lot of people were killed by liquor mafias. An ASI was killed by the mafia. Who is responsible for this?- Nitish Kumar," said Giriraj Singh. Further asking CM Nitish Kumar to review his decision, Singh said, "Nitish Kumar, please let go of your stubbornness and review your decision by calling an all-party meeting." Notably, a police inspector has been killed and a home guard was seriously injured when a police team was allegedly attacked by liquor smugglers in Bihar's Begursarai district. The incident happened on the intervening nights of Tuesday and Wednesday when Begusarai's Naokothi Police Station received information that liquor was being transported in a car. As the police team tried to stop the car, the smugglers increased their speed and hit the inspector and others, a senior police officer said. "Begusarai's Naokothi Police Station received information that liquor was being transported in a car. Based on the information, a night patrol vehicle was sent. At 12:30 am, to stop the car, inspector Khamas Chaudhary was standing with the police car near the Chhatauna Budhi Gandak river bridge along with three home guards," Begusarai Superintendent of Police (SP) Yogendra Kumar said "Seeing the police car, the car driver increased his speed and hit Inspector Khamas Chaudhary, due to which he died. A home guard was also injured and has been admitted to Sadar Hospital," the SP added. The police have arrested the car's owner and the hunt is on to nab the accused, the officer said. "A special team has been formed. The team has arrested the owner of the vehicle. Interrogation is underway," said SP. Notably, there has been a complete ban on manufacturing, storage, transportation, sale and consumption of alcohol since April 2016. However, even after years of ban, the state keeps witnessing one hooch tragedy after another. However, Nitish Kumar seems stern about his views on alcohol. In past, he has clearly stated that the administration is not going to permit liquor in a state that sees a series of violence related to liquor cases. (ANI)
On Dec. 15, 2023, an Israeli soldier exits what Israel says is the largest Hamas tunnel the military has discovered so far in Gaza. The tunnel is within walking distance of the border with Israel, according to the Israeli military. (Tamir Kalifa/The New York Times)

I was stunned by the early morning headline that appeared in my email. According to The New York Times, Israeli officials had known about Hamas plan for more than a year before it launched its Oct. 7 attacks.

This could not be true. The Israel that I have come to know over the past 22 years is a beacon of vigilance, with a hard-bitten approach to threat protection that it has learned through decades of painful experience. And it has generously shared its expertise with our professionals in New York and around the world.

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Yet in this case instead of acting, Israeli military and intelligence dismissed this startling revelation as aspirational. In New York City, we call this talking away the job, and it is a sure sign that a healthy complacency has taken hold.

Complacency comes in a variety of forms  misplaced hope, denial, faith, fatalism  but the results are always the same. It leaves you flat-footed in the face of fast-moving threats. It breeds failure in the form of misery and destruction. It prevents you from doing the things that you need to do to avoid a worst-case outcome.

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I have no doubt that the last remnants of Israeli complacency were swept away by the horrors perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on that terrible day. Here in New York, a never-ending stream of crises  from a terror attack and a pandemic to blizzards, power blackouts and hurricanes  has removed any complacency that we may have had about these external threats. The same cannot be said about the U.S. overall.

Consider that despite two decades of planning for a pandemic, with just 4% of the worlds population, the U.S. accounted for more than 20% of the worlds coronavirus cases and deaths. Even worse than that is that we dont even know why.

Other developed nations have accounted for their performance. This week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spent nearly five hours testifying before the United Kingdom COVID-19 inquiry about his role in the governments response to the pandemic. Similar investigations have been completed in Canada, Australia and Japan. Yet the U.S. has not ventured to take that deep dive. Therefore, nobody can say with certainty what went wrong and when, or whos to blame and why.

[ Cory Franklin and Robert Weinstein: The US bungled its COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Why no accountability? ]

Now consider another news story. This one is about a mysterious wave of childhood pneumonia that was sweeping through China a few weeks ago. Images on media and social media were eerily similar to those we saw in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, with patients packed into hospitals and weary doctors and nurses working in hazmat suits and masks.

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 >

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testified before Congress that there was nothing to worry about, that there is no danger of another pandemic. Assuming that Dr. Mandy Cohen is not herself talking away the job, this is very good news. Because what would we do if there was another pandemic on the way? Does anybody know the plan?

The bad news is that pandemics are just one of the many risks that inhabit the threat-rich landscape that we all face. And as a forewarned and slow-moving type of catastrophe, it is actually among the easiest to deal with.

The antidote to complacency is vigilance  being alert and observant to danger. Vigilance also means knowing that when the next catastrophe happens, we will know who will bring the nation together and from which direction the cavalry will come.

Because that next catastrophe will start suddenly and with great intensity, with its biggest problems and greatest needs coming in its earliest hours. These early hours  the so-called golden hours  will be a time of maximum chaos. The actions we take then will determine our fate.

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The question is whether we will do this the easy way, by figuring it out beforehand, or the hard way, in the chaotic aftermath of the next black swan.

Kelly McKinney is a former deputy commissioner at the New York City Office of Emergency Management and chief disaster officer at the American Red Cross in Greater New York. He is the author of Moment of Truth: The Nature of Catastrophes and How to Prepare for Them.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Launching a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress over the mocking of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar by suspended MP Kalyan Banerjee on the Parliament premises, BJP leader Saumitra Khan on Thursday said the ruling party in West Bengal has put the state's age-old culture to shame. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bishnupur, West Bengal, said, "First, it was (TMC MLA) Akhil Giri who made an offensive remark against our President and now we have one of their MPs mimicking the mannerisms of our Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman. They ruining and putting a stain on Bengal's proud cultural tradition. It's a matter of shame not just for the Bengali community but the entire country." Also voicing his anger over Banerjee's crude impression of the Rajya Sabha chairman, Haryana Home Minister and BJP leader Anil Vij demanded earlier that the TMC leader's membership of the Lok Sabha be cancelled in light of this incident. "Considering the way MP Kalyan Banerjee made fun of our Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on the Parliament premises, I feel that he should be stripped off his membership of the Lok Sabha and sent to a zoo," Vij said. Also weighing in on the mimicry row, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who was pictured filming the act on his phone, accused the media on Wednesday of giving more play to the incident as opposed to focussing on the suspension of Opposition members from both Houses. Speaking to reporters in the national capital on Wednesday, Rahul said, "Some MPs were sitting there (on the steps of the Parliament complex) and I shot a video of that. My video is on my phone. The media is showing it. Nobody said anything. So many of the Opposition MPs have been thrown out and there's not a word about it in the media. There is no discussion on Adani, Rafale or unemployment." "Our MPs are disheartened as they are made to sit outside. Please show their side as well. What can we do if our friends in the media choose to put out just one side?" Rahul claimed. A total of 143 MPs -- 97 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha -- have been suspended so far for creating a ruckus and disrupting proceedings in both Houses, demanding a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah about the Parliament security breach incident. (ANI)
A software engineer in a Karnataka-based firm, said to be a friend of one of the Lok Sabha intruders, has been detained by Delhi Police for questioning in connection with the Parliament security breach case, police said on Thursday. As per Delhi police, the person identified as Saikrishna, a native of Bagalkote and son of retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Vithala Jagali, is a friend of Manoranjan D-- who with Sagar Sharma jumped into the Chamber of Lok Sabha and released yellow-coloured smoke canisters inside the House, triggering panic among MPs on December 13. The security lapse case has been at the centre of discussion in the political aisle of the country since then. A team of Delhi Police detained Saikrishna from his house in Bagalkote on Wednesday evening. He was interrogated for some time at Navnagar police station before being taken to the national capital. "Saikrishna was a friend of the accused Manoranjan (a native of Mysuru) and was a classmate at BIT Engineering College, Bengaluru," police said, adding that the duo were roommates during 2008-2009. Manoranjan, who went to Delhi in 2012, wrote Saikrishna's name in his diary, they added. The security breach happened on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Two people--Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D--jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted anti-establishment slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. Outside parliament, in another incident, two protestors -- Neelam (42) and Amol (25) -- protested outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. However, all four, facing charges under the anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, were sent to seven-day custody of the Delhi Police Special Cell on December 14, which is set to expire today. Delhi Police is likely to seek further custody of the accused. Following the Incident, Delhi Police had also arrested two more persons namely Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat in the case. On December 15, a Delhi court sent Lalit Jha to 7-day police custody for his sustained custodial interrogation. (ANI)
A pregnant woman named Anushiya Mayil who was airlifted by the Indian Air Force rescue team, delivered a baby at the Government Rajaji Hospital on Wednesday morning. The pregnant woman who showed signs of labour was airlifted by a rescue team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following an SOS message sent out by the family. Later she was brought to Madurai and admitted to the GRH maternity ward. Indian Air Force helicopters are deployed for HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) missions in Tamil Nadu due to unprecedented rains from the past few days. As heavy rains continued to batter the state, four passengers, including a pregnant woman & baby aged 1.5 yrs were winched up and taken safely to Madurai, stated an official release by the defence ministry. Two people died in rain-related incidents on Wednesday in the Thoothukudi district, which is one of the four southern districts of Tamil Nadu that have been hit by the heavy rain in the past three days. "Two people died during floods in Navalakshmipuram village of Thoothukudi district. Currently, the government is involved in the recovery of their bodies," said Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister EV Velu. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Monday issued a 'Red' alert for Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tiruvaneli and Kanyakumari districts. Due to this heavy rain, the rivers and lakes around Kovilpatti reached their full capacity and the water is overflowing from the lakes. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday said that he has instructed party cadres from the rain-affected districts to assist in the ongoing relief work. The districts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Thenkasi and Kanyakumari were severely affected due to heavy rains on December 17 and 18. Many areas are flooded. As a part of this, rivers, lakes and ponds are overflowing due to continuous heavy rains in the surrounding areas of Tiruchendur. People of the area have reported that they are suffering without food and water for the last 3 days in eral village area of Thoothukudi district. NDRF teams are involved in rescuing the people affected areas of Srivaikundam using boats. (ANI)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the Jammu and Kashmir Kokernag encounter case that occurred in September earlier this year in which a colonel, a major and a soldier from the Indian Army, a DySP of J-K Police, and Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Uzair Khan were killed, sources said on Thursday. The NIA, a source privy to the development told ANI, took over the case following an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) earlier this week. The NIA registered a fresh case after taking over the case soon after receiving the MHA order and started an investigation into it giving charge to a Superintendent of Police rank officer deputed at its regional branch office. Indian Army lost 19 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Commanding Officer Col Manpreet Singh, company commander Major Ashish Dhonchak, Jammu and Kashmir Police Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Bhat and trooper Pardeep Singh on September 13 at Gadole Forest of Kokernag in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was completed after six days on September 19. Stating about the Kokernag encounter, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh had said that it was the handiwork of some vested interests to blow the Kokernag encounter out of proportion. The DGP had said that terrorists opened the fire first in the encounter leading to the killing of three officers. He also explained that when security forces opened fire at the terrorists first, it was to our advantage. "In Kokernag, terrorists were waiting and took advantage of the fire first that led to the killing of two army officers and a police officer." He also said that the operation took seven days and was conducted successfully. In the operation, the security personnel managed to kill the dreaded LeT terrorist Uzair Khan along with his associate. (ANI)
The woman Constable, Pammi Khatoon isposted in Patna while the Police Sub-Inspector (probationer) Shabana Azmi is posted in Purnea.

At the time of the incident, the duo was shooting a video when an unknown assailant opened fire and Khatoon sustained a bullet injury to her left hand.

Subsequently, she was rushed to PMCH and is currently under treatment and out of danger.

Krishna Murari, DSP (law and order) said, "An incident came to our knowledge. A woman Constable, Pammi Khatoon - posted in Patna - and Police sub-inspector Shabana Azmi, posted in Purnea - were shooting video and Pammi sustained a bullet injury in her left hand. She has been brought to PMCH, she is out of danger."

"We have received some input regarding the incident; she said that there is some personal matter too...We are investigating the matter. We are also investigating the statement of Shabana Azmi," the DSP added further.

A day ahead of this incident, a police inspector was killed and a homeguard was seriously injured when a police team was allegedly attacked by liquor smugglers in Bihar's Begursarai district.

The incident happened on the intervening nights of Tuesday and Wednesday, when Begusarai's Naokothi Police Station received information that liquor was being transported in a car.

As the police team tried to stop the car, the smugglers increased its speed and hit the inspector and others, a senior police officer said.

Later, in swift action, police managed to arrest the owner of the vehicle involved in the incident. A special team has been formed to apprehend the other suspects, and an interrogation is currently underway. (ANI)
According to the police, approximately 1,000 kg of illegal areca nuts were hidden inside the secret chambers of a vehicle.

Numal Mahatta, Superintendent of Police of Cachar District, said that, during the special operations against the transportation of illegal Burmese areca nuts at Digorkhal toll gate, a vehicle that tried to escape was detained.

During checking, the police team recovered approximately 1,000 kg of illegal areca nuts in secret chambers on the vehicle.

Moreover, one vehicle loaded with approximately 10 bags of suspected areca nuts was also recovered from a shop in the Gumrah Bazar area in an abandoned condition, said Numal Mahatta.

The police official also said that, in this connection, three people have been arrested.

Further investigation is underway.

Last month as well, Cachar district police claimed to have seized about 20,000 kg of Burmese Supari (areca nuts) from the Assam-Mizoram border. (ANI)
Hitting out at the Centre over the bulk suspension of opposition MPs from Parliament, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said on Thursday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government should be ashamed of 'tarnishing history.' The Congress leader was part of the suspended MPs' march from the Parliament building to Vijay Chowk to protest against the suspension of opposition lawmakers, who were demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on the December 13 security breach incident. Tiwari, one of the suspended Rajya Sabha MPs, said that 143 Members of Parliament have never been suspended in the country's history before. "The suspension of 143 members has never happened in the history of India. BJP should be ashamed, which has tarnished history. We were only demanding a discussion on such an incident which never happened before in history. If this shameful incident has happened, will the Home Minister not even answer?.. Keeping all these things in mind, we tried our best there (inside Parliament) but were suspended (from the house). That is why we have come among the public," he said. The suspended lawmaker said that the Centre wants to create an opposition-less Parliament. A total of 143 MPs--97 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha--are currently suspended so far for creating a ruckus and disrupting proceedings in both Houses, while they were demanding a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah about the Parliament security breach incident. Taking part in the protest march, another suspended MP, John Brittas of CPI(M), said that the Centre should now amend the Constitution to say that India is a monarchy. "We are protesting against the brutal killing of the democracy; the democracy has been massacred. You could see the Union Home Minister unilaterally; this is the Opposition-Mukt Parliament. They (the Centre) should now amend the Constitution to say that India is a monarchy," Brittas said while speaking to ANI. Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule said that the suspension of opposition MPs from Parliament is a murder of democracy. "This is a murder of democracy, an insult to the Constitution. The country is run by the Constitution, and I condemn the way (over) 140 MPs have been suspended. It seems that an emergency has been imposed in the country," she said. Sule said that the passage of three criminal law bills--the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill--in Lok Sabha yesterday in the absence of 97 MPs is 'undemocratic'. "We were ready for discussion from day one, I was telling the government from day one to sit and discuss but we were suspended before that," she added. The draft legislations, which seek to replace the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively, were passed by a voice vote on Wednesday, even as 97 opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha sat out the proceedings after being suspended. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Centre, Delhi government and the authorities concerned to take a decision on a public interest litigation (PIL) praying to link Aadhaar with property documents. The bench of Justice Rajiv Shakdhar and Justice Girish Kathpalia asked the respondents to decide within three months on the plea moved by BJP Leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay sought direction to link movable and immovable property documents of citizens with their Aadhaar numbers. The court asked the respondents (authorities) to treat the plea as representation and decide it within three months. Earlier, the predecessor bench had impleaded the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Law as parties in the matter while granting more time to the Delhi government and the Home Ministry to clear their stand on a plea. Earlier, the court, while issuing a notice to the respondents, also asked the petitioner to amend the petition and add more ministries concerned in the matter. The petitioner, Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, a BJP Leader, sought direction to the central government and the Delhi government to take appropriate steps to link movable and immovable property documents of citizens with their Aadhaar number to curb corruption, black money generation and benami transactions. "If the government links property with Aadhaar, it will lead to an increment of 2% in annual growth. It will clean our electoral process, which is dominated by black money and benami transactions and thrives on a cycle of large black investments, the capture of power through foul means, use of political strength to amass private wealth, all with disdain for citizens," the plea stated. "India has numerous legislations but fails miserably in implementing them. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, passed in 1988 was gathering dust without any action. Though the present government added more teeth to it by amending it (Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amended Act, 2016), activities to catch benami properties are still going on slowly, stated the plea. Therefore, it is duty of the state to take apposite steps to curb corruption and seize the benami properties made by illegal means to give a strong message that the government is determined to fight against corruption and black money generation. Executive action should be taken to warn the corrupt that betrayal of the public trust will no longer be tolerated and to reaffirm the rule of law and transparency," the plea read. (ANI)
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway at AICC headquarters to deliberate and discuss the current political situation in the national capital on Thursday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has called the meeting. The meeting is being attended by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and senior leaders of the party. This meeting comes after the BJP ousted Congress from power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and retained Madhya Pradesh. The results in Hindi heartland States came as a shock to Congress and a morale-booster to BJP. Congress leaders expressed happiness over victory in Telangana and said the results in the three States were disappointing and the party will rebuild itself in these areas. The election results again showed Congress' vulnerability to take on the BJP in a direct contest. The Congress gave a good fight in Rajasthan, especially in the last few months, but it was not enough to prevent a BJP victory. The BJP won 115 seats to get a comfortable majority in the 200-member House. Congress has won 68 seats and is leading on one seat in Rajasthan. The state has not repeated the government for over three decades and did not buck this trend in this election either. The guarantees given by the Congress and the ambitious Sanjeevni scheme of the Ashok Gehlot government did not prove enough for the ruling party in the state. Elections to the four states were held last month and the results were declared on December 3 and 4. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez's plea seeking quashing of the ECIR (FIR) and supplementary chargesheet filed by the ED in Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The bench of Justice Jyoti Singh sought ED's response after hearing the arguments at length. The bench fixed January 29, 2024, for further hearings. During the arguments, ED opposed Jacqueline's plea and submitted that she kept enjoying Sukesh's gifts even after knowing his criminal antecedents. Petition to quash the case in an attempt to stall proceedings. Sukesh is sitting in jail and carrying out extortion and fraud from there. EOW comes to me, records my statement, and finds that what I have to say is relevant to their investigation. ED has filed four complaints, but, the investigation is still going on, the trial cannot start, said senior advocate Siddharth Aggarwal. Jacqueline, through her plea, stated that evidence filed by the Directorate of Enforcement would prove that the petitioner is an innocent victim of Sukesh Chandrashekhar's maliciously targeted attack. There is absolutely no indication that she had any involvement whatsoever in aiding him to launder his purportedly ill-gotten wealth. Hence, she cannot be prosecuted for the offences under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Jacqueline also stated that the Directorate of Enforcement has acted in a partisan manner while arraigning the petitioner as an accused in the impugned complaint. The Directorate of Enforcement has given a clean chit to Ms. Nora Fatehi, despite it being an admitted fact on record that her family member received a BMW car from Sukesh Chandrashekhar on her instructions. It is of importance to note herein that the fact of Ms. Nora Fatehi receiving gift from Sukesh Chandrashekhar has been presented by the Directorate of Enforcement under the head 'Dissipation of Proceeds of crime. She also stated that the Directorate of Enforcement is playing hot and cold at the same time. In identical facts, the petitioner has been arraigned as an accused, Aditi Singh has been identified as the original complainant, and artists like Nora Fatehi whose family member received a BMW Car, and other artists like Nikita Tamboli, Chahatt Khanna, and Sophia Singh who physically visited the Tihar Jail premises, have not been arraigned as an accused. This reflects malafide investigation against the present petitioner. The entire case put forth by the Directorate of Enforcement hinges on a single alleged news article shared with the petitioner. Based on this sole piece of evidence, the Directorate of Enforcement contends that the petitioner might have been aware of Sukesh's imprisonment but still chose to accept gifts from him; thereby, she has been arraigned as an accused for the offence of money laundering. A mere perusal of this article reveals that it was published in the year 2020, which is more than a year before the date on which the FIR in the predicate offense was registered by the EOW Delhi. This article contains no information whatsoever about the scheduled offence, thus rendering it impossible to ascribe any knowledge of the scheduled offence to the petitioner based on this article. Jacqueline Fernandez is being investigated by the ED in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. Jacqueline Fernandez earlier appeared before the probe agency for questioning in a money laundering investigation against alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar and others. Jacqueline Fernandez, a Sri Lankan national living in India since 2009, belongs to a Bollywood fraternity and holds a good name in the Bollywood industry, stated the application. She earlier stated that, being a renowned actress, she has been invited to events, press conferences, rehearsals, and participation in event. The applicant has always joined the investigation before the Enforcement Directorate and remains present in all court proceedings, following the law of the land. She earlier stated that she is ready and willing to abide by any such conditions that this Court may deem fit to impose if the prayer sought is granted, in accordance with the law. The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police earlier also filed a supplementary chargesheet against Pinki in connection with an investigation in the Rs 200 crore extortion case involving conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. According to Delhi police, Mumbai-based Pinky Irani is said to be a close aide of Chandrashekhar and introduced him to Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez. The fresh supplementary also mentioned the progress taken through the recording of various statements, including Jacqueline Fernandez, Nora Fatehi, etc This ED case is based on an FIR filed by Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who is accused of cheating and extorting Aditi Singh, wife of former promoter of Religare Enterprises Shivinder Mohan Singh, who was arrested in October 2019 in a case related to alleged misappropriation of funds at Religare Finvest Ltd. Chandrasekhar and his associates reportedly took money from Aditi after posing as government officials and promising to get bail for her husband. Chandrasekhar reportedly persuaded Aditi to transfer money by impersonating a central government official over a spoof call while he was lodged in Rohini jail and promised to manage bail for her husband. Both Chandrasekhar and his actor wife, Leena Maria Paul, were arrested by the Delhi Police in September last year for their alleged role in the duping case. (ANI)
Capitol police speak with demonstrators outside a House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing regarding antisemitism at schools, on Capitol Hill on Dec. 5, 2023. University leaders testified and faced a barrage of pointed questions at the hearing. (Tom Brenner/The New York Times)

Since the troubling testimony before Congress on Dec. 5 by university Presidents Claudine Gay, Liz Magill and Sally Kornbluth, I have been asked several times what I thought my late husband, University of Chicagos 13th President Robert Zimmer, might have said in response to similar questions.

Bob, who died of brain cancer in May, was a staunch advocate of the Chicago Principles and the 1967 Kalven Report and well known for his unremitting support of free speech as a necessary part of the fabric of a rigorous education. Bobs rejection of rhetorical safe spaces and his refusal to yield to cancel culture allowed unpopular views to find expression, and reasoned rebuttal, on our campus. In this, he followed a long University of Chicago tradition. As inaugural President William Rainey Harper declared in 1902, The principle of complete freedom of speech on all subjects has from the beginning been regarded as fundamental in the University of Chicago and this principle can neither now nor at any future time be called in question.

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Id like to suggest that Bob would not have equivocated as Magill, the now-former University of Pennsylvania president, did by saying, Ive heard chants, which can be antisemitic, depending on the context, when calling for the elimination of the Jewish people. He would not have tolerated people taking over campus buildings or hounding students trying to attend class. He would not have balked at U.S. Rep. Elise Stefaniks question, Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penns rules or code of conduct, yes or no? because calling for the genocide of any ethnic group on campus, he would have said, is not acceptable.

[ Daniel Diermeier: University of Chicago President Robert Zimmers legacy runs deep ]

This claim might seem startling. If Bob was a bastion for free speech in academia, why claim he wouldnt tolerate chants for the elimination of Jews, or of any people? The 2014 Chicago Principles were composed under Bobs leadership, and they are clear that the core mission of the university is commitment to free and open inquiry in all matters that guarantees all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. These principles repeat the view of the Kalven Report, which specifies that by design and by effect, it is the institution which creates discontent with the existing social arrangements and proposes new ones. In brief, a good university, like Socrates, will be upsetting.

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All of this is true. Without differences in points of view, a university is not worthy of the name. And yet the analogy to Socrates is telling. Socrates was a pain in the ass who asked you, politely, in conversation to rethink your current convictions, often by showing you that they were internally incoherent. He often upset his interlocutors and offered opinions they found morally reprehensible. But he didnt upset them by calls to eliminate them. (And in any case, the Athenians got rid of him first.) Socrates thought that we needed, all of us, to examine our fundamental beliefs and make sure they werent based on unthinking assumptions. In short, free speech of the Socratic sort is here to lead to learning.

[ Editorial: Americas university presidents sure need their winter breaks. Lets hope theyre reevaluating everything. ]

Consider another statement from the Kalven Report that is significant on this score. To perform its mission in the society, a university must sustain an extraordinary environment of freedom of inquiry and maintain an independence from political fashions, passions, and pressures. This suggests that the report would not endorse having a group of students chant, on campus, for the eradication of another group of students. Thats not the function of an education. Its not a debate. It doesnt lead to learning. And yes, it creates an atmosphere in which its impossible to concentrate because it causes Jews to wonder if the world is ticking up to another Holocaust. The 1,200 victims of the dehumanizing horror that Hamas unleashed are the harbinger of a future that suddenly seems open to unspeakable possibilities.

The University of Chicago is not a public institution, nor are Penn, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. And yet we might wish to recall  besides the First Amendment  Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which mandates that all students have equal access to the educational opportunities of their university. It is at least arguable that walking past protesters shouting for your destruction is as obstructive to education as it would be if the chants were in favor of the Ku Klux Klan. We could argue over the precise meaning of intifada or From the river to the sea, or contest where exactly we should draw the line. Thats fine. But there is a line.

Stefanik asked Magill with some incredulity what sort of action she was awaiting from the calls to eliminate Israel. Fewer than 100 years ago, the Jews of Europe did, tragically, wait for action, in part because they couldnt imagine so horrific a future. This got them from hate speech to Kristallnacht to the extermination camps. This isnt what Magill meant, but a university president of her caliber should already realize, as Gay belatedly did, that words matter, that leadership and clarity are expected from leaders of higher education, and that suggesting we need action is a pretty crummy way to model support for diversity and tolerance.

Shadi Bartsch-Zimmer is the Regenstein professor of classics and director of the Institute on the Formation of Knowledge at the University of Chicago.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met former Prime Minister, HD Deve Gowda, along with Janata Dal (Secular) Karnataka leader, HD Kumaraswamy, and MLA HD Revanna, today here in national capital. PM Narendra Modi praised the former Prime Minister for his exemplary contribution to the country's progress. The Prime Minister posted on X, "Always a delight to meet former PM HD Deve Gowda Ji, HD Kumaraswamy ji and HD Revanna Ji." "India greatly cherishes Deve Gowda Ji's exemplary contribution to the nation's progress. His thoughts on diverse policy matters are insightful and futuristic," PM added. Taking to the X, HD Kumaraswamy thanked PM Modi and said, "I was blown away by the bond between them and the love and trust they both have for each other. The meeting at the Prime Minister's office in the Parliament House was very memorable. I am thankful for the love, trust and affection shown towards us by the honourable Prime Minister." "Former minister HD Revanna, former MP Kupendra Reddy, MP Prajwal Revanna, MLA CN Balakrishna were with him," Kumaraswamy added. This meeting gets crucial as it has come days' after Deve Gowda had a 'surprise' meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on December 15. Notably, the Janata Dal (Secular) of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on September 22 announced an alliance with the BJP in Karnataka and formally joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress had dubbed the alliance an act of survival by the JDS. Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge had said "JDS has virtually no existence left in Karnataka post the elections and is battling to survive. They made an alliance with the BJP. They're in it together and they're doing whatever they can to ensure that they stay afloat as a party. Forget Congress being decimated after the Lok Sabha elections, before the Lok Sabha elections, neither JDS nor BJP will be there..." JD(S) had announced the alliance after the dismal performance of the party in the Assembly elections earlier this year. The party dropped from 37 seats in 2018 assembly elections to 19 seats in 2023. The party also had a dismal show in 2019 Lok Sabha Polls with one victory from Karnataka's Hassan constituency. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday held a protest on Workshop Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri against the Opposition bloc INDIA, including the Congress party highlighting concerns about their "obstructive approach" in parliamentary proceedings. Senior BJP leader and District President for Rajouri, Dinesh Sharma took charge of the protest. The demonstration aimed to express discontent with the Congress Party and the INDIA bloc, highlighting concerns about their 'obstructive approach' in parliamentary proceedings, a press release issued by the party said. The protest gained momentum as the participants voiced their grievances against the Congress Party's alleged non-constructive approach, accusing them of hindering the smooth functioning of the Parliament. Dinesh Sharma emphasized the importance of constructive debates and collaboration for the benefit of the Indian people. One of the notable incidents that fuelled the protest was the alleged mimicry of Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankar, by Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Mukherjee. Dinesh Sharma condemned such actions, asserting that they not only undermine the dignity of parliamentary proceedings but also go against the democratic values cherished by the nation. "This is not just the insult of a farmer or a community, it's disrespect to the post of Rajya Sabha chairman. And that too by a party that ruled the country for so long," Dinesh Sharma commented. In his address to the gathered crowd, Sharma called for a more responsible and accountable political discourse. He stressed the need for political parties to prioritize the concerns of the citizens and contribute positively to the nation's progress, the release added. "The protest, organized under the leadership of Dinesh Sharma, drew attention to the imperative of fostering a healthy democratic environment where differing opinions are respected and the legislative process is allowed to function smoothly so that important bills in the parliament can be passed without any further delay," it added. BJP District Vice President Rajouri Kapil Sariyal also strongly condemned the mimicry of Kalyan Banerjee, labelling it as inappropriate and disrespectful to Dhankar. District General Secretary BJP Rajouri Atam Prakash Gupta emphasized the need for decorum and respect in parliamentary proceedings, calling for responsible conduct among elected representatives of opposition parties. Other leaders present in the protest were Atam Prakash, Kapil Sariyal, Mandal Pardhans Kewal Sharma, Radhish Sharma and many others. A total of 146 MPs -- 100 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha-- have been suspended for creating a ruckus and disrupting proceedings in both Houses, while they were demanding a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah about the Parliament security breach incident. Moreover, the Congress leaders were part of the suspended MPs' march from the Parliament building to Vijay Chowk to protest against the suspension of opposition lawmakers, who were demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on the December 13 security breach incident. The security breach happened on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Two people--Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D--jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted anti-establishment slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. (ANI)
The Patiala House Court has extended the custodial remand of four accused individuals, Manoranjan, Neelam, Sagar, and Anmol, to the Special Cell of Delhi Police for 15 more days until January 5, 2024, in the Parliament security breach case. The case involves a security breach that occurred on December 13, when two youths jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour, setting off smoke cans and raising slogans. Earlier in the day, the Counter Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Special Cell of Delhi Police brought all six accused in the Parliament breach case to recreate the event and match the sequence of events as per their versions, officials said on Thursday. The accused created a WhatsApp group with 7-8 members to flesh out their plan, sharing the entire conspiracy to breach multiple levels of security and enter Parliament. The Special Cell is in touch with all members of the group and is seeking the help of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to retrieve the email used by the former. According to Delhi Police, all six were kept in five different units of the Special Cell, where they were subjected to sustained grilling. On Wednesday, the accused were handed over to the CIU (Counter Intelligence Unit), where they faced joint interrogation. On the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack on Parliament in 2001, the security breach sent shockwaves throughout the country on December 13. Two youths--Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D--jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, setting off smoke cans and raising slogans before being overpowered by some members in the Upper House. In a separate incident that unfolded simultaneously, two more protestors--Neelam (42) and Amol (25)--protested outside the Parliament holding similar gas canisters. All four were arrested at the scene and produced before a court, which remanded them in the custody of the Special Cell for seven days. Meanwhile, Delhi Police said it was also trying to have the SIM card destroyed by the accused reissued so that they could access the email used by the former. Further, according to sources, to hunt for more leads in the case, the Special Cell has put together six teams that will visit locations linked to the accused in Lucknow, Mysuru, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Haryana. The probe revealed further that two pairs of shoes were made on a special order in Lucknow, as the accused learned that the shoes of visitors to the new Parliament were not checked and they could hide their smoke cans under their footwear, sources said. (ANI)
Three Congress MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha on Thursday for the remainder of the Winter session for their "unruly behaviour". Three Congress MPs DK Suresh, Deepak Baij and Nakul Nath were suspended from the Lok Sabha taking the total number of members of the Lower House against whom such action has been taken to 100. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi moved a motion for the suspension of DK Suresh, Deepak Baij and Nakul Nath. "This House having taken serious note of misconduct of Deepak Baij, DK Suresh, Nakul Nath in utter disregard to the House and authority of the Chair through the display of placards, entering into the Well of the House...may be suspended from the House for the remaining session," Joshi said. This brings the total number of members suspended from both houses of the Parliament to 146. The three suspensions come after the Lok Sabha on Wednesday suspended two more opposition MPs for showing placards in the House. Thomas Chazhikadan of the Kerala Congress (Mani) and AM Ariff of the CPI(M) were suspended for misconduct after a resolution moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi was adopted by the House. Earlier a total of 143 MPs -- 97 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha were suspended for creating a ruckus and disrupting proceedings in both Houses, while they were demanding a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah about the Parliament security breach incident. Moreover, the Congress leaders were part of the suspended MPs' march from the Parliament building to Vijay Chowk to protest against the suspension of opposition lawmakers, who were demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on the December 13 security breach incident. The security breach happened on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Two people--Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D--jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted anti-establishment slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. Outside parliament, in another incident, two protestors -- Neelam (42) and Amol (25) -- protested outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. However, all four, facing charges under the anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, were sent to seven-day custody of the Delhi Police Special Cell on December 14, which is set to expire today. Delhi Police is likely to seek further custody of the accused. Following the Incident, Delhi Police had also arrested two more persons namely Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat in the case. On December 15, a Delhi court sent Lalit Jha to 7-day police custody for his sustained custodial interrogation. (ANI)
The party's national general secretary, Arun Sao, issued a notice in this regard.

"Bharatiya Janata Party's National President, JP Nadda, has appointed Kiran Singh Dev as the Chhattisgarh party president. The appointment will come into force with immediate effect," the party said on Thursday.

Dev was pitted against Congress's Jateen Jaiswal from the Jagdalpur assembly constituency, and the former secured victory by a margin of 29,834 votes.

Dev kicked off his political career by being a part of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). Jagdalpur is the only 'unreserved' seat in the Bastar region.

He is set to replace Arun Sao, who was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.

Along with Sao, Vijay Sharma also took the oath as the Deputy CM.

Of the 90 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh that went to polls last month, the BJP bagged 54 seats, while the Congress's tally was reduced to 35. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday attended the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Kamrup and urged the officials to ensure the saturation of all beneficiaries. The Assam Chief Minister encouraged people to take full benefit of the programme and enlist themselves in eligible welfare schemes. Thousands of people from the Palasbari assembly constituency in Kamrup district took part in the programme. Local MLA Hemanga Thakuria told ANI that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra across the country to spread awareness among the people of the development schemes implemented by the government. "During the period of 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken lots of initiatives to help the poor people, needy people. After becoming the Prime Minister he launched so many schemes and all the schemes have been wonderfully implemented. The Prime Minister has made a campaign across the country so that the public can be aware of the schemes and the schemes should be implemented properly. He launched Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra across the country. Today Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma took part in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme in the Palasbari constituency and the public is very happy to participate in the programme. The public should know what the scheme is going on and the public should be aware of this," Hemanga Thakuria said. On the other hand, Dhuniya Das, a beneficiary of the Palasbari assembly constituency said that she has benefited from the government scheme. "We have a 12-member women's group and we received a loan amount of Rs 3 lakh from the government scheme. We are now engaged in weaving, and farming activities by utilising the loan amount. We have already repaid the loan amount. We are very much thankful to the government for supporting us," Dhuniya Das. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 15 from Khunti, Jharkhand to saturate the benefits of central government schemes across the nation. (ANI)
Pankaj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, announced on Thursday that a pre-Vibrant seminar on chemicals and petrochemicals is scheduled for December 23, 2023, in Bharuch, as part of the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2024. The seminar, centred around the theme 'FutureChem Gujarat: Shaping Tomorrow's Chemicals and Petrochemicals Industry,' aims to bring together policymakers, practitioners, academics, and industry experts from around the world to formulate a roadmap for the future of sustainable chemicals and the petrochemicals industry. Providing insights into the seminar, he mentioned that the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, and the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilisers of the Government of India, Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, will be present at the event. Also in attendance will be the Minister of Industries, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Cottage, Khadi and Rural Industries, Civil Aviation, and Labour and Employment, Balwantsinh Rajput, along with the Minister of Energy, Petrochemicals and Finance, Kanubhai Desai, from the Government of Gujarat. The programme will feature addresses from other dignitaries, including Pankaj Joshi (IAS), Managing Director of GNFC, Deepak Mehta of Deepak Group, Jay Shroff of UPL Ltd., Immediate Past Chairman of CII Gujarat State and Managing Director of Anupam Rasayan Ltd. Anand Desai, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy and Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat, Mamata Verma (IAS), Joint Director, DGFT, Ashishkumar Das, and Chairman, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), R.B. Bard. Pankaj Joshi added that Gujarat is known as the "Petro Capital" of India due to the presence of large-scale chemical and petrochemical units in the state, a strategically advantageous location, and strong industrial infrastructure and logistics. Currently, the state contributes about 35% of the total national production of chemicals, solidifying its position as the leading state in the production of chemicals in India. This pre-vibrant summit is being organised in Bharuch, which is the industrial hub of Gujarat, surrounded by Ankleshwar GIDC, Jhagadia GIDC, Dahej GIDC, and Panoli GIDC. Speaking about the petrochemical industry of the world and the country, he mentioned that the value of the world's chemical industry is approximately $5 trillion (5000 billion). India's chemical industry is currently valued at $200 billion, and it is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040. India produces 80,000 types of chemicals. In chemicals and petrochemicals, India ranks sixth in the world and fourth in Asia. Additionally, it holds the eleventh position as the largest exporter of chemicals. The seminar aims to provide a platform for business leaders and innovators to showcase their operations and upcoming economic and business opportunities as part of the prestigious Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. The event will begin with a welcome address by Pankaj Joshi, IAS - MD, GNFC, followed by an audio-visual film on the chemical and petrochemical sectors in Gujarat. Balvantsinh Rajput, Minister of Industries, MSME, Cottage, Khadi, and Rural Industries, Civil Aviation, Labour and Employment, Government of Gujarat and Kanu Bhai Desai, Minister of Energy & Petrochemicals, Finance, Government of Gujarat will deliver a special address. CM Bhupendra Patel will give an inaugural address after the keynote address by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Deepak Mehta, Deepak Group and Shri Jai Shroff, UPL Ltd., will share their experience investing in Gujarat. A vote of thanks will be delivered by Anand Desai - Immediate Past Chairman - of CII Gujarat State - MD - Anupam Rasayan Ltd. He added that the pre-summit seminar will host a session on 'Gujarat @ 2047: Charting the Future of the Sustainable Chemicals and Petrochemicals Industry,' discussing the long-term vision for the sector aligned with the Prime Minister's vision for a self-reliant India. These discussions will encompass topics such as sustainable growth, technological advancement, policy frameworks, and global cooperation to establish Gujarat as a global leader. Other sessions include 'Global Partnership for Technology Exchange,' emphasising international collaboration for technological advancements, and 'Export Capabilities and Strategies for International Markets,' focusing on sustainable practises. Additionally, discussions on the development potential of chlor-alkali, positioning Gujarat as an international chemical hub, and topics like sustainable technologies in the petrochemicals sector and Industry 4.0 in the chemicals sector will also be covered. Petro-industry leaders including Naresh Patel, Chairman and MD, AMI Organics Ltd., Dilip Sawhney, MD, Rockwell Automation, Jayanti Patel, Executive Chairman, Meghmani Organics Ltd, Aashish Kasad, National Leader Chemical, EY India, Sumit Sengar, Director & Head, BIS, Jai Shroff, Chairman & Group CEO, UPL Ltd., Vartika Shukla, Chairman & MD, Engineers India Ltd., and Prasad Panicker, Chairman & Head of Refinery, Nayara Energy, will participate in the discussion during the summit. Among the seven companies proposed to invest in the chemicals sector, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd plans to invest Rs. 5694 crore, followed by Gujarat State Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd with an investment of Rs. 5000 crore. Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. intends to invest Rs. 1956 crore, while Petronet LNG has a substantial proposed investment of Rs. 21358 crore. Furthermore, Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd. aims to invest Rs. 300 crore, Beezaasan Rs. 250 crore, and Gujarat Chemical Port Limited Rs. 175 Cr., bringing the overall investment in the region to Rs. 34733 crore. Vibrant Gujarat is a biennial global business summit that will be held in Gujarat. It serves as the premier platform for businesses and governments to explore investment opportunities, foster innovation, and establish partnerships. The event showcases Gujarat's economic prowess and its commitment to promoting business-friendly policies. (ANI)
A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma sought a response from the central investigating agency and tagged the plea along with his another plea.

The apex court in its order on December 15 stated, "Issue notice. Tag with..."

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Bhattacharya filed an appeal challenging the November 16 order of the Calcutta High Court whereby his bail plea was turned down.

Bhattacharya was arrested by ED on October 11, 2022, for allegedly not cooperating with the investigation.

Earlier, the top court had dismissed Bhattacharya's plea against his arrest by the ED in connection with alleged irregularities in recruitment.

Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been investigating the case. The alleged scam involved appointments as teachers and non-teaching staff in State-run schools via illegal means.

In his plea against the arrest, the ED had told the top court that Bhattacharya was a key person in a money laundering case relating to the alleged irregularities in primary teachers' appointments. (ANI)
Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Thursday lodged a complaint at Kalachowki police station in Mumbai and demanded the registration of an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee over the mimicry row of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. In a post on X, Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said, "We lodged a police complaint against Trinamool Congress MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi for their disrespectful remarks against the esteemed Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. In a firm stand against this incident, we also orchestrated a protest march from Bharatmata Cinema to Lalbagh Police Station." The controversy erupted after suspended Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, during the protest with other suspended MPs at Parliament's Makar Dwar, was seen mimicking Vice Presiden Jagdeep Dhankhar, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen filming the Trinamool MP using his phone. In his first remarks on the ongoing mimicry controversy, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that the media is entirely focused on showing the mimicry incident and not highlighting the pain and agony of the suspended MPs, adding that What can be done if the "media is totally running on one line". "MPs were sitting there, I shot their video. My video is on my phone. The media is showing it. Nobody has said anything.150 of our MPs have been thrown out (of the House) but there is no discussion on that in the media. There is no discussion on Adani, no discussion on Rafale, no discussion on unemployment," Rahul Gandhi said. "Our MPs are disheartened and sitting outside. Please show their side also. What can we do if you are totally running on one line," he added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialed Jagdeep Dhankhar to express his anguish over the theatrics of a member in the 'sacred' Parliament complex. BJP is also staging protests in parts of the country over the ongoing controversy. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Thursday staged a protest at Jantar Mantar against the opposition MPs and demanded an apology from them. During the protest, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari came down heavily on the opposition over the insult to the Vice President of India. "This was an insult to farmers, his (Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar) community, and those sitting in constitutional posts. Rahul Gandhi, Congress, and their alliance will have to bear its brunt," Tiwari said. Earlier on Wednesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party held a protest in Bhopal against the opposition MPs and demanded an apology from them over the mimicry row. (ANI)
After the Madras High Court on Thursday sentenced Tamil Nadu's Higher Education Minister K Ponmudi and his wife, P Visalakshi, to three years of simple imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case, the opposition party of the state has come down heavily on the DMK government. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader Kovai Sathyan said that the development 'signals' the end of the ruling party. He also said that the day marked a 'dark day' for the DMK, but a great one for democracy. "It's a historic day as the case was filed by our leader in 2011. Not just Ponmudi, a total of 13 ministers were charged with corruption. And Ponmudi is the first wicket. And this signals the end of DMK in Tamil Nadu. 12 more ministers will follow him and will go to jail very soon. This is a dark day for DMK, and it's a great day for democracy...," Sathyan said while speaking to ANI. Justice G Jayachandran of Madras High Court sentenced the Education Minister and also imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh each on Ponmudi and his wife. However, the judge suspended the sentence for 30 days for Ponmudi, as he currently holds the Higher Education Minister portfolio. Earlier, on Tuesday, the Madras HC set aside the trial court's ruling that cleared Ponmudi of charges in the DA case. While allowing an appeal filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Justice G Jayachandran set aside the trial court's judgement in which Minister Ponmudi was acquitted from the case. Justice Jayachandran directed Ponmudi and his wife to appear before the court on December 21 (Thursday). The trial court, on June 28, 2023, in its order, acquitted Tamil Nadu Education Minister Ponmudi. The case dates back to the period when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was in power from 2006 to 2011. Ponmudi and his wife, Visalakshi, were prosecuted during the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) regime in 2011 for allegedly accumulating assets beyond their income. The investigation in the case was led by Villupuram District Anti-Corruption Superintendent of Police, Kanniyappan. More than a hundred people were investigated and chargesheets were filed in the case. It was alleged that Minister Ponmudi and Visalakshi had accumulated more than Rs 1.36 crore in assets. Initially, the case was tried in the Villupuram Chief Criminal Court but it was shifted to the Villupuram Anti-Corruption Special Court in 2015. In November 2022, following the transition of power and DMK taking charge, the case was transferred to the Vellore District Principal Sessions Court in November 2022. A significant turn of events occurred when Ponmudi and his wife made a court appearance on the day of judgment in the asset embezzlement case. The presiding judge ruled in favour of the accused, citing insufficient evidence as grounds for acquittal from the property transfer charge. As there was no appeal on behalf of the anti-bribery department against this judgement on June 28, Madras High Court Judge Anand Venkatesh took up the case. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of Madras High Court took up Suo Motu of the trial court order where Higher Education Minister Ponmudi was acquitted in the DA case booked by DVAC in 2006. Ponmudi had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court as well, seeking consideration and potential resolution in the DA matter but the plea was later dismissed by the apex court. (ANI)
A Republican district attorney has appealed a court ruling that determined that an 1849 Wisconsin law does not ban abortions, a decision that cleared the way for abortions to resume in the state.

Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski on Tuesday appealed the ruling from a Dane County judge that said there is no state ban on abortions. The appeal was expected and the case is likely to ultimately be decided by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

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Urmanski asked that the appeal be heard in the states Waukesha-based 2nd District Court of Appeals, where three of the four judges are conservative. Appeals are heard by three-judge panels.

Any appeal of a ruling there would go to the state Supreme Court, where liberals hold a 4-3 majority. The most recently elected liberal justice, Janet Protasiewicz, campaigned as a supporter of abortion rights.

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The U.S. Supreme Courts June 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision legalizing abortion, led to Planned Parenthood stopping abortions in Wisconsin. The group cited the states 1849 law, which was widely viewed as banning the procedure.

Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul sued to overturn the ban, naming Urmanski in Sheboygan County and prosecutors in Dane and Milwaukee counties as defendants. Those are the counties where Planned Parenthood had clinics that offered abortions.

Dane County Circuit Judge Dianne Schlipper ruled in July that the 1849 ban doesnt use the term abortion and that the law therefore only prohibits attacking a woman in an attempt to kill her unborn child. She issued her final order earlier this month, which opened the door for the appeal.

Planned Parenthood reopened clinics in Madison and Milwaukee that perform abortions soon after the July ruling. A third clinic in Sheboygan is scheduled to reopen next week.

District attorneys in all three counties where the clinics are located, including Urmanski, have said they will abide by the judges ruling while the case plays out.

Marquette University Law School polls conducted since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade have shown that a majority of Wisconsin residents opposed that ruling and support legalized abortion.
The Patiala House Court on Thursday allowed an application moved by one of the accused Neelam Azad's family seeking a supply of a copy of FIR registration under various sections of IPC and UAPA in connection with the Parliament security breach case. The court also allowed plea seeking court direction to Delhi Police to allow Neelam's Lawyer to meet for legal advice during the custodial remand period. Additional Sessions Judge Dr Hardeep Kaur said the concerned Investigation Officer is directed to furnish the copy of the present FIR to the applicant/accused as per law. The court also said, considering the totality of circumstances, this Court is of the considered view that the applicant/accused is entitled as a matter right to legal assistance and the right is available to her even when she is in police custody. In order to have an effective and meaningful interaction between the applicant/accused and her counsel, it is hereby directed that on every alternate day, a 15-minute interaction of the applicant/accused Neelam with her counsel, as mentioned in the vakalatnama, be arranged within the visible range of the IO of the present case but outside his audible range. In case, if the meeting cannot be arranged on that day, then the meeting can be postponed to the next available date, further said the Court. Neelam's counsel advocate Suresh Kumar Chaudhary appeared before the concerned Judge and said family and lawyers should be provided with the FIR it is a constitutional right and also allowed us to meet with Neelam. The plea stated that on December 15, 2023, a family of the accused with their advocate visited Police station Sansad Marg, New Delhi to get a copy of the FIR and to meet with the accused. When we had words with the investigating officer and requested him to provide a copy of the FIR to a family member of the accused and meet accused Neelam he clearly denied grant such permission and straight forward said to take an order from the court to get the copy of FIR and meeting with accused. It is, therefore, most respectfully prayed to this court in the interest of justice to kindly grant the permission to get the copy of FIR as well as the meeting with accused Neelam or any further relief may kindly be granted, stated the application copy. The Patiala House Court on Thursday has also extended the custodial remand of four accused individuals, Manoranjan, Neelam, Sagar, and Anmol, to the Special Cell of Delhi Police for 15 more days until January 5, 2024, in the Parliament security breach case. The case involves a security breach that occurred on December 13, when two youths jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour, setting off smoke cans and raising slogans. The probe earlier revealed further that two pairs of shoes were made on a special order in Lucknow, as the accused learned that the shoes of visitors to the new Parliament were not checked and they could hide their smoke cans under their footwear, sources said. (ANI)
Amid the controversy over the mimicry of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said on Thursday that the mimicry is a form of humour and the Vice President should not remain upset over the incident. The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister also said that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi does good mimicry. Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said, "I feel bad that he has been insulted. But he (Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar) does not remember the insult when Tikait was crying when he was beaten up. Mimicry is humour. PM Modi also does good mimicry. There is no need to be upset. I will meet the Vice President. Why is he making a fuss out of a small thing?" The controversy erupted after suspended Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, during the protest with other suspended MPs at Parliament's Makar Dwar, was seen mimicking Vice Presiden Jagdeep Dhankhar, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen filming the Trinamool MP using his phone. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Jagdeep Dhankhar to express his anguish over the theatrics of a member in the 'sacred' Parliament complex. Replying to Prime Minister Modi, the Rajya Sabha Chairman said none of the insults will make him change his path, adding that he is committed to upholding the values that he holds dear. The BJP is also staging protests in parts of the country over the ongoing controversy. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Thursday staged a protest at Jantar Mantar against the opposition MPs and demanded an apology from them. During the protest, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari came down heavily on the opposition over the insult to the Vice President of India. "This was an insult to farmers, his (Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar) community, and those sitting in constitutional posts. Rahul Gandhi, Congress, and their alliance will have to bear its brunt," Tiwari said. Earlier on Wednesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party held a protest in Bhopal and demanded an apology from opposition MPs over the mimicry row. (ANI)
Union Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Smriti Irani said that she opposed the Menstrual Hygiene Policy because she did not want women to face discrimination and harassment at the workplace over it. According to the Minister, menstruation is not a "handicap" and it shouldn't warrant a specific policy for "paid leave". In an interview with Smita Prakash for the ANI Podcast, the Minister said, "When I spoke in parliament, I spoke from my personal experience because I don't want more and more women to be harassed." The minister also said that the question that prompted the statement was intended either to shock, provoke or attract attention. "When I spoke in parliament, I spoke from my personal experience because I don't want more and more women to be harassed," said Irani. The minister added, "I could've said much more on the issue but I didn't because the gentleman who asked the question never intended to find a solution for women." The question was posed by Minister Manoj Kumar Jha as part of the list of questions for oral answers to be asked at a sitting of the Rajya Sabha on December 13. As per Smriti Irani, the list of questions posed to the WCD minister was, "Will the Minister of Women and Child Development be pleased to state: a/ Whether govt is planning to roll out a Menstrual Hygiene Policy soonb/ If so, the details thereofc/ whether the policy contains provisions to promote and provide for menstrual hygiene among the LGBTQIA community." Highlighting question 'C' of the list of questions, Irani said that the question for promoting or providing a menstrual hygiene plan for gay men was intended either to shock, provoke or attract attention. Speaking to ANI Editor Smita Prakash, Irani said, "Tell me, the honourable member wanted a response for the LGBTQIA community. Which gay man without a uterus has a menstrual cycle? "The question was intended either to shock, provoke or to attract attention. Which it did. It did attract attention, it did shock many people, it did provoke controversy, but the question in itself indicates what the intent is," she asserted. The minister further said, "Now when I talk about the issue outside the parliament and if I have to reflect on it as a female professional, the LGBTQIA, Manoj Jha wants me to provide an answer on how can I provide for gay men's menstrual hygiene. Is that applicable?" Irani also said that Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha could get into trouble with the Chairman of the house for lying or insinuating on the menstrual policy. "The second issue is that Jha says in his communication that Bihar has a policy of menstrual leave. He said this on the floor of the house," she said. "If you look at my answer it talks about a policy that is available on the government website. The issue is that in his verbal intervention, he says Bihar has a policy, he insinuates, as though Bihar is an overarching policy which applies to the private sector," she stated. "Bihar doesn't have a private sector policy, the chair can pull him up for lying or insinuating. Bihar may have in 1992, a policy for paid leave for women in government not private," said the minister. "I clearly said that Menstrual Cycle is not a handicapped possession that women have. I did not call it a disability," said Irani. Speaking further she said, "Somebody asked me why did you call it a handicap? I said you open any dictionary, the synonym for handicap is impediment, I did not say disability. Then that person says you don't know women suffer pain during the cycle?" "Interestingly it was all men, somebody wanted to take out my uterus on the issue," Irani said pointing out to the person who uploaded a post on social media in response to the WCD minister's statement on Menstrual Hygiene Policy. The whole movement of feminism was so that women could have their opinions voiced themselves no matter what the consequence. And for someone to say I am a "feminist man" and because 'you have an opinion which is different from mine your uterus must be taken out, is a wrong statement to make, said Irani. "The fact that he can do it with impunity with someone on a constitutional post means there is much more that he can possibly do with the people around him, working with him or within his family. That itself is a frightening proposition for those women," stated Irani. "But what is the issue at hand? I have unionised in media as a professional in many issues as a writer, producer, and an allied worker for people who work behind the screen and our intent for 25 years has been to not create new challenges for women where they get harassed or for that matter where they get discriminated against," said Irani. So imagine that when a parliamentarian tells me that mandate a national policy or leave across all segments on menstrual hygiene, what does it do? Citing an example on the context, Irani said, "People have to report an implementation? Now imagine a scenario in a private sector where somebody has to implement it, your HR has to know, and the accounts sector has to know." Irani added, "Why should a woman's menstrual cycle be known to an employer? Imagine if it's a single woman who chooses not to take those leaves that are so-called proposed to be granted. Can you imagine the harassment that women would have to face?" Third, can you imagine that when we are saying that more and more women need to come and join the workforce, especially in factory floors and corporate houses? Imagine a floor with 20,000 women? So we are creating more barriers for discrimination, said the Minister. "What this gentleman (Manoj Jha) did when he asked me this question never told anybody the fact what never came out through any critique is that under the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Rules of 2020, medical leave is already provided for," said Irani. "What nobody spoke about is that if you forget Indian institutions if you look at research which is coming from MayoClinic, what do they say, 80-85 per cent of women face it in their lifecycle. If it persists beyond the age of 25 years, you need a checkup, you need a pelvic examination. It is a medical issue, it's shocking that it is less in married women and more in young girls," she spoke further. "So the issue is that you are creating newer layers for women to get humiliated, for discrimination," she asserted. When I spoke in the parliament, I spoke from my personal experience because I don't want more and more women to be harassed, she said. "But the question is it not provided for in the law? It is a part of the law already, but it is only in the context of a medical leave which is true because if you look at the challenge with severe pain, that is an indication of a hormone or chemical imbalance or genetic inclination to it especially which means you need a doctor if it is above the age of 25 years," she added. When asked about the post, K Kavitha, Member of the Telangana Legislative Council uploaded on the Menstrual Hygiene Policy, Irani said, "I don't expect her to be socially or politically mature." K Kavitha had posted on X, "Menstruation isn't a choice; it's a biological reality. Denying paid leave ignores the genuine pain countless women endure". As a woman, it's disconcerting to see a lack of empathy for the genuine challenges women face and the fight we have to put up for everything. It's high time to indeed bridge the gap between policy-making and reality with empathy and reason." "I have deducted in my experience of working with her as an opposition member, most of them fancy the headline, they don't fancy the content that provides the solution, even the gentleman that asked the question, why would you ask me about providing menstrual hygiene for gay men," said Irani. "Manoj Jha is asking me for part 1 of his supplementary about the plastic composition of the manufacturing of the sanitary pads. These records are available, Mr Jha knows I'm not manufacturing pads," asserted Irani. "So the intent was to create a headline, possibly get featured in one of those brute videos, which happened and it is easier to do when the person who's responding is as blunt as I am," said the Minister. Irani said that menstruation is not a "handicap" and, therefore, does not warrant a "paid leave policy". In her viewpoint, leave for menstruation may lead to women facing discrimination at the workplace. This stance not only reflects the lack of awareness but also highlights the social stigma around menstruation in India. (ANI)
The passenger, who is a national of Cote d'Ivoire (a country in West Africa), was held by the DRI officials, it further said.

"Based on intelligence developed by DRI, one female passenger of Cote d'Ivoire nationality who came via Flight No. ET 640 from Addis Ababa to Mumbai on December 21, 2023, was apprehended by DRI officers at CSMI Airport," said the statement.

The recovered drugs, which were concealed in the handbag carried by the woman, weighed 1,273 grammes and were priced at Rs 13 crore, it added.

Meanwhile, the passenger has been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Further investigation is in progress to unearth further links to the drug supply chain. (ANI)
Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said that the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, will help get rid of the colonial mindset and criminality. Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 was passed in the Lok Sabha through a voice vote. The bill was earlier passed in Rajya Sabha. Replying to debate in Lok Sabha, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said, "This bill will get rid of colonial mindset and criminality. This will promote digital India, ease of doing business, and ease of living. In a democracy, the media has an important role to play." Anurag Thakur further stated that the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867, which this bill seeks to replace, was framed by the British who wanted to prolong their rule. "Earlier, you had to visit the office of the District Magistrate time and time again for title verification. But today, with a button, you can get your title verified," he said. He accused Congress of not making any efforts to cut red tape during their rule. Anurag Thakur said," They enjoyed when people had to visit offices regularly. They even brought a bill in 2011, which had so many flaws. Nothing was done to cut the bureaucratic delay. From 2004 to 2014, they were also trying to extensively control online portals." The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, seeks to simplify the online process of title verification and registration of periodicals by the Press Registrar General of the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI). The bill has provisions related to the circulation and verification of newspapers. It also has a provision for prior approval of the Central Government for the publication of facsimile editions of foreign periodicals in India. (ANI)
Calling the passage of three new criminal Bills in Parliament a 'watershed moment' in Indian history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that these Bills mark the end of colonial-era laws. The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the three criminal bills -- the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill -- replacing the colonial laws namely the IPC, the CrPC and the Evidence Act. Lok Sabha had earlier passed these Bills. Prime Minister Modi said these transformative Bills are a testament to India's commitment to reform. "The passage of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is a watershed moment in our history. These Bills mark the end of colonial-era laws. A new era begins with laws centered on public service and welfare," PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi added, "These transformative Bills are a testament to India's commitment to reform. They bring our legal, policing, and investigative systems into the modern era with a focus on technology and forensic science. These Bills ensure enhanced protection for the poor, marginalised and vulnerable sections of our society." Stating that the government has bid goodbye to the outdated sections on sedition, PM Modi said, "At the same time, these Bills come down heavily on organized crime, terrorism and such offense which strike at the root of our peaceful journey to progress." The Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been replaced with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the CrPC with Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Indian Evidence Act has been replaced with the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Piloting the three bills, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha said its the "beginning of a new era" as "the purpose of these bills is to give justice not the punishment." "For the first time in history", Shah said these bills are made by India and approved by the Indian Parliament for Indians". The Bill will free people from a colonial mindset, as the British government considered protections against treason and treasury more important than murder or atrocities against women, said the Minister. Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die on Thursday. (ANI)
The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the three criminal bills -- the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill -- replacing the colonial laws namely the IPC, the CrPC and the Evidence Act with Union Home Minister Amit Shah pointing its a "begging of a new era" aimed at making time-bound justice delivery to Indians by protecting their human rights. Giving prominence to crimes against women and children, murder and crimes against the nation, these three bills were passed by voice vote. YSRCP, BJD, TDP, AIADMK, TMC (M), and UPP (L) leaders took part in the debate supporting the three bills, with many of them giving suggestions for holding English titles for them along with Hindi. However, the majority of the opposition members did not attend the debate on Wednesday, when the three bills were passed in the Lok Sabha. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been replaced with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the CrPC with Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Indian Evidence Act has been replaced with the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will have 358 sections (instead of 511 sections in the IPC). A total of 20 new crimes have been added to the bill, and the imprisonment sentence has been increased for 33 of them. The amount of the fine has been increased in 83 crimes and mandatory minimum punishment has been introduced in 23 crimes. The penalty of community service has been introduced for six crimes and 19 sections have been repealed or removed from the bill. Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita will have 531 sections (in place of 484 sections of CrPC). A total of 177 provisions have been changed in the bill, and nine new sections as well as 39 new sub-sections have been added to it. The draft act has added 44 new provisions and clarifications. Timelines have been added to 35 sections and audio-video provision has been added at 35 places. A total of 14 sections have been repealed and removed from the bill.Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will have 170 provisions (instead of the original 167 provisions), and a total of 24 provisions have been changed. Two new provisions and six sub-provisions have been added and six provisions have been repealed or deleted from the bill. Piloting the three bills, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said it was the "beginning of a new era" as "the purpose of these bills is to give justice, not punishment." "For the first time in history," Shah said, these bills were made by India and approved by the Indian Parliament for Indians." The Bill will free people from a colonial mindset, as the British government considered protections against treason and treasury more important than murder or atrocities against women, said the Minister. The Minister said the complete implementation of new criminal laws will ensure an end to 'tareekh pe tareekh' era and justice will be given in three years." Shah said the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has introduced a new chapter titled 'Crimes against women and children' to deal with sexual crimes, and that the bill is proposing changes in the provisions related to rape of women below 18 years of age. Provisions related to gang rape of minor women have been made to become consistent with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), and a provision has been made for life imprisonment or the death penalty in the case of girls below 18 years of age, said the Minister. There is provision of 20 years imprisonment or life imprisonment in all cases of gang rape and new crime category of gang rape of a woman under 18 years of age, he said, adding that "the Bill provides for targeted penalties for persons fraudulently engaging in sexual intercourse or promising to marry without true intention to marry." As per the Minister, terrorism has been defined for the first time in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and it has been made a punishable offence. In Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sectiin 113. (1), it is mentioned that "whoever, with intent to endanger or is likely to endanger the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security economic security or sovereignty of India or to cause or spread terror among the public or any section of the public in India or in any foreign country, commits any act using bombs, dynamite, explosive substances, poisonous gases, nuclear with intent to cause death to any person or persons, damage to property, or manufacture or smuggling of currency or so, he commits terrorist acts". In the bill, terrorist acts are punishable with the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. A range of terrorist offences have also been introduced in the bill, and it is pointed out that destroying public facilities or private property is a crime. Acts that cause 'widespread loss because of damage or destruction of critical infrastructure' are also covered under this section.A new criminal section related to organised crime has been added to the bill, and organised crime has been defined for the first time in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 111. Illegal activity done by syndicates has been made punishable. The new provisions include armed rebellion, subversive activities, separatist activities or any act threatening the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. Small organised crimes have also been criminalised, punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years. In organised crime, if a person is killed, the bill says, the accused can be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. A fine will also be imposed, which will not be less than Rs 10 lakh. Provision for punishment has also been made for those who help in organised crime. On mob lynching, Shah said a new provision on crime related to murder committed on the basis of race, caste and community has been included, for which a provision of life imprisonment or the death penalty has been made. A new provision related to snatching also. There will now be more severe penalties for serious injuries that result in near-disability or permanent disability. The practise of filing a zero-FIR has been institutionalised. The First Information Report (FIR) can be lodged anywhere, irrespective of the area in which the crime took place. The victim's right to information has been ensured by these laws. The victim has the right to get a copy of the FIR free of charge. There is also a provision to inform the victim about the progress of the investigation within 90 days. A timeline has been added in 35 sections of Bharatiya Nagrik Sukraksha Sanhita, which will make the speedy delivery of justice possible. The bill prescribes a time limit for the initiation of criminal proceedings, arrest, investigation, charge sheet, proceedings before a magistrate, cognizance, charges, plea bargaining, appointment of an assistant prosecutor, trial, bail, judgement and punishment, and mercy petition. This process of reforming the three laws of the criminal justice system was started in 2019 and 3,200 suggestions in this regard were received from various stakeholders. Union Home Minister Amit Shah held more than 150 meetings and these suggestions were thoroughly discussed in the Home Ministry. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that the three Bills passed in the Rajya Sabha to overhaul the criminal justice system will shape an indigenous criminal justice system for the country replacing the laws once promulgated by the British. Taking to X, the Union Minister said that the new justice system will be empowered by state-of-the-art technologies to deliver transparent and swift justice to all. "Congratulations to all Bharatwasis on this proud moment as our nation finally gets its criminal justice laws. It is a matter of great pride that the three bills passed in Parliament today will replace the laws once promulgated by the British and will shape an indigenous criminal justice system for Bharat," Shah said. He also said that the law would prioritize the security of women and children, recognizing the rights of citizens as of paramount importance. "Guided by PM @narendramodi Ji's resolve to leave no one behind, it will prioritize the security of women and children, recognizing the rights of citizens as of paramount importance. This new justice system will be empowered by state-of-the-art technologies to deliver transparent and swift justice to all," he added. Shah also said that for the first time in history, the laws in the country define terrorism, organized crimes, and economic offences, blocking every loophole to evade the law. "These new bills amplify the Modi government's zero-tolerance policy toward crime and terrorism. For the first time in history, our laws define terrorism, organized crimes, and economic offences, blocking every loophole to evade the law. For the first time in history, we have laws that provide clear direction of trial in absentia in the case of fugitives," he added. He further said that for the first time, laws of the country provide for community service as a punishment and resurrect our civilisational principle of 'Punishment for Justice'. "On this momentous occasion, I extend gratitude to PM @narendramodi Ji for leading our nation toward an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, steering away from our colonial past and eradicating the imprints of slavery," he added. The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the three criminal bills -- the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill -- replacing the colonial laws namely the IPC, the CrPC and the Evidence Act with Union Home Minister Amit Shah pointing its a "begging of a new era" aimed at making time-bound justice delivery to Indians by protecting their human rights. Giving prominence to crimes against women and children, murder and crimes against the nation, these three bills were passed by voice vote. YSRCP, BJD, TDP, AIADMK, TMC (M), and UPP (L) leaders took part in the debate supporting the three bills, with many of them giving suggestions for holding English titles for them along with Hindi. However, the majority of the opposition members did not attend the debate on Wednesday, when the three bills were passed in the Lok Sabha. (ANI)
A day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Supremo Lalu Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav in connection with the land-for-job scam, Tejaswi Yadav hit out at the centre on Thursday, stating that it has become "routine" now. "I have been going since always; it's a routine. I went earlier as well. From 2017 to 2023, I have been going regularly whenever ED, Income Tax or CBI called me. What would these agencies do? They are also pressurised," Yadav told reporters. Opposition leaders have accused Centre of using central investigating agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to suppress dissent. The Opposition parties claimed that 95 per cent of the political leaders investigated by the ED and CBI were opposition leaders. "It has become a routine now...I have said that earlier as well...once the elections conclude in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, these agencies will work in Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi," he added. The ED summoned on Wednesday Lalu Yadav and Tejaswi Yadav in connection with the alleged land-for-job scam case. While Lalu has been summoned for the first time by the federal agency, Tejaswi earlier appeared before the ED in April this year. Searches were earlier conducted at multiple places, including in Delhi, Bihar, etc. Recently, the CBI filed a charge sheet in the Land for Jobs alleged scam case against former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, including Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav and others. CBI had registered a case on May 18, 2022, against the then Union Minister of Railways and others, including his wife, two daughters and unknown public servants and private persons. It is alleged that the then Union Minister of Railways during the period 2004-2009 obtained pecuniary advantages in the form of the transfer of landed property in the name of his family members, etc. in lieu of the appointment of Substitutes in Group "D" posts in different Zones of Railways. It was further alleged that in lieu thereof, the substitutes, who were residents of Patna themselves or through their family members, sold and gifted their land situated at Patna in favour of the family members of said Minister and a private company controlled by his family members, which was also involved in the transfer of such immovable properties in the name of said family members. It was also alleged that no advertisement or any public notice was issued for such appointments of substitutes in Zonal Railways, yet the appointees who were residents of Patna were appointed as substitutes in different Zonal Railways located in Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur and Hazipur. (ANI)
On the second day of his visit to the Tripura Frontier, on Thursday, Nitin Agrawal, the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), along with Sonali Mishra, the Additional Director General of the BSF (Eastern Command), visited the Border Outpost (BOP) in NC Nagar. This outpost is under the jurisdiction of the 133 BN BSF and is located in Sonamura, within the Sepahijala district. During the visit, DG BSF inspected the ongoing border fencing work and reviewed the operational preparedness of the BSF Battalion deployed in the area. He also participated in an inter-battlion friendly volleyball match played between the troops. He applauded the tireless efforts and dedication in safeguarding the borders and efforts made by BSF Tripura Frontier to prevent trans-border crimes on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Thereafter, he interacted with the media personnel and briefed them about the present security scenario along the International Boundary (IB), efforts made to plug the fencing gaps, the erection of border fencing on the remaining unfenced patches and the use of the latest gadgets by BSF troops to keep surveillance on the activities of illegal infiltration and smuggling. Further, the DG BSF inaugurated Border Out Post Greh Chand Para, 192 BN BSF under Dhalai district and reviewed ongoing fencing and road work. The DG also distributed computer and study material among the students under the Civic Action Programme. To empower women from nearby villages and promote economic self-sufficiency, the DG also distributed sewing machines and other essential items. On Wednesday, the DG BSF took stock of the security situation and operational preparedness along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The officiating IG briefed him about various aspects of the functioning of the Tripura Frontier. Mandated to guard the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders, the BSF is the only force of the nation with a distinctly defined wartime as well as peacetime role. It has successfully proved its mettle in accomplishing every task assigned in times of war and peace while ensuring peace and tranquillity on the border. (ANI)
Oak Lawn Community High School students hold certificates after the school was named the Illinois Champion for the Vocabulary Bowl Fall 2023 season. (OLCHS)

Oak Lawn students deemed best in state at vocabulary

Oak Lawn Community High School is the Illinois Champion for the Vocabulary Bowl Fall 2023 season. The competition, sponsored by vocabulary.com, took place in October and November, as OLCHS students mastered 18,296 words, most of any participating school in the state. to come in first place in the state. the Spartans also placed 4th in the Top 5 Rookie School category.

The English department also recognized its top student Samantha Ramirez, who mastered 490 words and was awarded an Amazon gift card. An event celebrating the state title is planned for January at the school, officials said.

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Rotarians replenish art supplies at St. Colettas

Orland Park Rotarian Sue Linn dropped off Christmas packages containing art supplies to St. Colettas of Illinois last week. (St. Coletta's of Illinois)

Developmentally disabled children and adults at St. Colettas of Illinois in Tinley Park received a holiday gift that will keep on giving as the Rotary Club of Orland Park delivered boxes of paintbrushes, canvas boards, acrylic pour paint, art markers and colored pencils.

The art supplies helped replenish the nonprofits dwindling supply, according to a news release from St. Colettas, which noted art is used to help ease anxiety, enhance communication skills and boost self-esteem in people with developmental disabilities.

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Historic holidays on display in Park Forest

An array of vintage holiday items evoke a nostalgic Christmas in an exhibit on display through Jan. 3 at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum. (Park Forest Historical Society)

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum showcases holidays from the past with its exhibit Step Back into a 1950s Christmas and Hanukkah, which closes Jan. 3.

The museum, inside St. Marys Catholic Church at 227 Monee Road in Park Forest, is open from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays and by appointment for small groups at other times.

The December-long exhibit offers a dose of holiday nostalgia, according to a release from the Park Forest Historical Society. Vintage decorations include a musical rotating aluminum tree  a Brilliant Noble Fir model made by the C. Sincere Company in Chicago that is decorated with midcentury era ornaments. Theres also Gurley Candles and Rosbro plastic figurines and other dolls, toys, and games from the past. The museum also has a Hanukkah display, along with an exhibit on Jewish residents of Park Forest.

After Jan. 3, the museum will be closed in January, except by appointment. It is planned to reopen Feb. 3 with the exhibit Step Back into a 1950s Valentines Day as well as a yearlong exhibit celebrating Park Forests 75th anniversary.

More information is with museum director Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or www.parkforesthistory.org.

Bird art takes flight at Plum Creek Nature Center

Paintings, sculptures and graphics created by an international cast of artists will be on display during a Birds in Art exhibition this winter at the Forest Preserve District of Will Countys Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township.

The 60 works of art are part of a traveling exhibition culled from the larger Birds in Art exhibition that was on display at the Wausau, Wis.-based Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in 2023. The admission-free museum, which was established in 1976, is internationally renowned for its Birds in Art exhibitions, which change each fall. Plum Creek Nature Center is the traveling exhibitions first stop on its 2024 tour.

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 >

The exhibition will run from Jan. 2, through Feb. 25 at the nature center, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

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This exhibition is absolutely a perfect fit for Plum Creek because its an established birding location, said Jessica Prince, facility supervisor at Plum Creek. Its a big get for Plum Creek to host such a prestigious exhibit from a world-renowned museum.

Program details are listed on the Forest Preserves Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.

Caring Crew Gathering at senior center in Burbank

Any caregiver, especially those caring for someone with Alzheimers disease or dementia, is invited to enjoy fellowship, participate in educational programs and to gain knowledge on many different topics as part of the Caring Crew, which kicks off a new year of programming from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Louis S. Viverito Senior Center, 7745 S. Leamington Ave. in Burbank.

According to a news release, the free gatherings include benefits such as sharing common experiences and learning coping strategies, finding emotional outlets and receiving support from peers, forming new friendships and discovering a sense of community and helping others while still helping yourself.

The Caring Crew Gathering is part of the National Family Caregiver Support Program, a federal program that provides services to help families. More information is at 708-636-8850.

Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.
Deputy Chief Minister Pathak who, also holds the Health and Medical Education portfolio visited the trauma centre on Thursday and declared that the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) will be imposed if such strikes occur again.

Addressing the protestors, Pathak said, "Strikes will not be tolerated in the hospital premises. ESMA will be imposed on strike. No one has the right to play with the lives of patients. If there is any complaint then meet directly. There will be no solution through the strike."

Pathak also inquired about the well-being of the patients and talked to the KGMC hospital management and contractual employees.

He assured the employees that strict action would be taken against the concerned executive body but the strike was not a means to get their demands met and said that if there was any problem, the employees could contact him directly.

The Deputy CM interacted with the KGMC management and obtained detailed information about the health facilities and said that providing high-level health services to every patient is the top priority of the government.

The strike, triggered by a recent wage cut, involved contractual workers and brought all Outpatient Department (OPD) services to a standstill. (ANI)
The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the three criminal bills--the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023; and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023--replacing the IPC, the CrPC and the Evidence Act. The bills were earlier passed by the Lok Sabha. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will have 358 sections (instead of 511 sections in the IPC). A total of 20 new crimes have been added to the bill, and the imprisonment sentence has been increased for 33 of them. The amount of the fine has been increased in 83 crimes and mandatory minimum punishment has been introduced in 23 crimes. The penalty of community service has been introduced for six crimes and 19 sections have been repealed or removed from the bill. Highlights of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita are following- Crimes against women and children *The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has introduced a new chapter titled ''Crimes against women and children'' to deal with sexual crimes. * This bill is proposing changes in the provisions related to rape of women below 18 years of age. * Provision related to gang rape of a minor women to become consistent with POCSO. * In the case of girls below 18 years of age, a provision has been made for life imprisonment or death penalty. *Provision of 20 years imprisonment or life imprisonment in all cases of gang rape. *A new crime category of gang rape of a woman under 18 years of age. *Provides for targeted penalties for persons fraudulently engaging in sexual intercourse or promising to marry without true intention to marry. Terrorism * Terrorism has been defined for the first time in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. * It has been made a punishable offence. * Explanation: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 113. (1) "Whoever, with intent to endanger or is likely to endanger the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security or economic security or sovereignty of India or to cause or spread terror among the public or any section of the public in India or in any foreign country, commits any act using bombs, dynamite, explosive substances, poisonous gases, nuclear with intent to cause death to any person or persons, damage to property, or manufacture or smuggling of currency or So he commits terrorist acts" * Terrorist acts are punishable with death penalty or life imprisonment without parole; *A range of terrorist offenses have also been introduced. *It is a crime to destroy public facilities or private property, *Acts which cause ''widespread loss by reason of damage or destruction of critical infrastructure'' are also covered under this section. Organised Crime *A new criminal section related to organized crime has been added. *Organised crime has been defined for the first time in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 111. (1) *Illegal activity done by syndicates has been made punishable. * The new provisions include armed rebellion, subversive activities, separatist activities or any act threatening the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. * Small organised crimes have also been criminalised, punishable with imprisonment of up to 7 years. The provisions related to this are in Section 112. * Economic offences are also defined as: acts such as tampering with currency notes, bank notes and government stamps, running any scheme or embezzlement in any bank or financial institution; * In organised crime, if a person is killed, the accused can be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. *A fine will also be imposed, which will not be less than Rs 10 lakh. * Provision for punishment has also been made for those who help in organized crime. Other important provisions *New provision on mob lynching: A new provision on crime related to murder committed based on race, caste, community, etc. has been included, for which a provision of life imprisonment or death penalty has been made. * A new provision related to snatching also * There will now be more severe penalties for serious injuries that result in near-disability or permanent disability. Victim-centric * Victim-centric reforms in the criminal justice system have 3 key features: 1. Right to Participation (Opportunity for the victim to express his views, BNSS 360) 2. Right to Information (BNSS Section 173, 193 and 230) 3. Right to compensation for loss And all these three features have been ensured in the new laws. * The practice of filing zero FIR has been institutionalised (BNSS 173) FIR can be lodged anywhere, irrespective of the area in which the crime took place. * Victim''s right to information - Victim has the right to get a copy of the FIR free of cost. - Informing the victim about the progress in the investigation within 90 days. - Provides victims with an important right to information about the details of their case through mandatory provision of police reports, FIRs, witness statements, etc. - Provisions have been included to provide information to victims at various stages of investigation and trial. Treason *Sedition - Sedition has been completely removed. * Crime under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 152: * To encourage the sentiments of separatist activities * Threatens the sovereignty or unity and integrity of India; * IPC Section 124A talks about "against the Government", but Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 152 talks about "sovereignty or unity and integrity of India". * There was no mention of ''intent or purpose'' in the IPC, but in the new law there is mention of ''intent'' in the definition of treason, which provides safeguards for freedom of expression. * Now words like hatred and contempt have been removed and words like ''armed rebellion, destructive activities, and separatist activities'' have been included. Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita will have 531 sections (in place of 484 sections of CrPC). A total of 177 provisions have been changed in the bill, and nine new sections as well as 39 new sub-sections have been added to it. The draft act has added 44 new provisions and clarifications. Timelines have been added to 35 sections and audio-video provision has been added at 35 places. A total of 14 sections have been repealed and removed from the bill Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will have 170 provisions (instead of the original 167 provisions), and a total of 24 provisions have been changed. Two new provisions and six sub-provisions have been added and six provisions have been repealed or deleted from the bill. The recent criminal justice reform in India marks a significant shift in priorities, placing crimes against women, children, and the nation at the forefront. This stands in stark contrast to colonial-era laws, where concerns like treason and treasury offences outweighed the needs of ordinary citizens. (ANI)
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday issued a code of conduct for the upcoming general elections in 2024, ARY News reported. ARY News is a Pakistani news channel. The election body emphasised on avoiding actions prejudicial to Pakistan's interests, prohibiting gifts to influence candidacy, encouraging women's participation, and banning violence and political influence on media. The code of conduct blocks high-ranking officials, except senators and local government members, from the campaign for peaceful and orderly polling. According to the code, political entities, candidates, and their agents are prohibited from expressing views or engaging in activities that undermine Pakistan's ideology, sovereignty, integrity, or security. Additionally, they must avoid actions detrimental to morality, public order, and the judiciary. The code of conduct does not permit offering gifts or gratifications or inducements to any person to contest or not to contest as a candidate, or to withdraw or retire or not to withdraw or not to retire from the election. Violation will be treated as a corrupt practice. As per ARY News, the political parties, contesting candidates and their supporters or other persons shall not encourage or enter into formal or informal agreements debarring men, women and transgender from becoming a candidate for an election or exercising their right to vote in election. The political parties shall emphasize and encourage women's participation in the election process. Political parties and contesting candidates shall dissuade their workers from destroying any kind of election material such as ballot paper or any official mark on the ballot paper, electoral roll, ballot boxes and screen of compartments. Soliciting the support of any government servant or any public office holder to promote or hinder the election of a contesting candidate in any manner will be prohibited. Similarly, any other public servant or person in the service of Pakistan shall not support any political party or candidate in any manner which may influence the election campaign or outcome of the election results. As per the code of conduct, incitement to violence during pre-poll campaign or polling hours shall be strictly avoided by contesting candidates and their supporters. They shall publicly condemn violence and intimidation and not use language that might lead to violence or resort to violence. No person shall in any manner cause injury to any person or damage to any property. During the election campaign, there will be a complete ban on carriage and display of all kinds of weapons and firearms in public meetings and processions as well as on the polling day and until twenty-four hours after the consolidation of official results by the Returning Officers, according to the code of conduct. The political parties, candidates and election agents shall firmly restrain their workers from exerting influence on the print and electronic media, including newspapers' offices and printing presses, or resorting to violence of any kind against the media, it said. On the polling day, the political parties, candidates and election agents shall cooperate with the election officials and law enforcement agencies to ensure peaceful and orderly polling and complete freedom to voters to exercise their franchise, as per ARY News. The District Returning Officers, Returning Officers and District Monitoring Officers shall be responsible to ensure implementation of the Code of Conduct in the area of their jurisdictions. (ANI)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he believes India's relations with Canada may have undergone "a tonal shift" in the days since the unsealing of a US indictment alleging a conspiracy to murder India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, Canada-based CBC News reported. CBC News is a division of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Canadian prime minister made the remarks in an end-of-year interview with the CBC's Rosemary Barton. The U.S. indictment appears to have convinced the Indian government to adopt a more sober tone, said Trudeau, as reported by CBC. "I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they can't bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before," he said. "We don't want to be in a situation of having a fight with India right now over this," he said. "We want to be working on that trade deal. We want to be advancing the Indo-Pacific strategy. But it is foundational for Canada to stand up for people's rights, for people's safety, and for the rule of law. And that's what we're going to do," CBC reported Trudeau as saying. The US Justice Department recently unsealed an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate Pannun. The Justice Department claimed that an Indian government employee (named CC-1), who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination, which was foiled by US authorities, according to prosecutors. Gupta is currently in custody and has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Czech authorities arrested and detained Gupta on June 30, pursuant to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic. Reacting to the Justice Department's indictment, the Ministry of External Affairs said the case filed against an individual in a US court, allegedly linking him to an Indian official, was a "matter of concern" and is contrary to government policy. "We cannot share any further information on such security matters. As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate that this is contrary to government policy" the MEA spokesperson said. Meanwhile, last week, Canadian PM Trudeau claimed that he had made public allegations against India in the killing of Hardeep Nijjar as there was a need to put a 'chill on India' in light of what was being reported in India, Canada-based CTV news reported. Trudeau was speaking to the Canadian press in a year-end interview on Monday. Trudeau noted that he made the announcement on September 18 because he expected that information would be eventually leaked though the media. He asserted that he wanted Canadians to know the government was on top of the situation "Too many Canadians were worried that they were vulnerable," Trudeau said in the interview this week, adding the Sikh community in B.C. had been raising concerns since shortly after Nijjar was killed. "We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in -- and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community -- needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this," he said. "And therefore put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this." The allegations made by the Canadian Prime Minister had been out rightly rejected by India's Ministry of External Affairs which had dubbed them absurd and motivated. (ANI)
India's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, has reiterated the country's "unwavering commitment" to the people of Afghanistan, emphasising the need for continued international attention and support for the country, which is already combating obstacles like terrorism and natural disasters. "As a contiguous neighbour to Afghanistan, a friend to its people, and as a country with direct stakes in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan, allow me to place the following observations before the council," stated Kamboj on Wednesday while briefing the UN Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan. She highlighted the ongoing concerns about the situation in Afghanistan, expressing particular worry about the deteriorating humanitarian conditions exacerbated by natural disasters such as the earthquake in October 2023. Over 320 people were killed and hundreds wounded in a 6.3-magnitude earthquake that hit western Afghanistan in October earlier this year, according to the United Nations. "The situation in Afghanistan is still one of concern. The deteriorating humanitarian situation, compounded by natural disasters such as the earthquake of October 2023, have had a devastating impact on the lives of the people," said India's permanent representative to the UN while highlighting the ongoing issues about the situation in Afghanistan. Kamboj stressed the importance of the international community not losing focus on Afghanistan during these challenging times. India's permanent representative acknowledged the report submitted by Special Coordinator Feridun Sinirlioglu, mandated by UNSC Resolution 2679, and noted the recommendations contained in the report. She affirmed India's commitment to actively engage with other partners to achieve the ultimate goal of peace and stability in Afghanistan. "As a longstanding partner to the Afghan people, India will continue to engage actively with other partners with the ultimate objective of securing peace and stability in the country." Kamboj outlined key points for the international community's approach towards Afghanistan, aligning with the benchmarks set by the Security Council through Resolution 2593. "India already partners with several UN agencies on the ground and will continue to do so for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan. Two, the benchmarks set by the Security Council through its resolution 2593 continue to guide the international community's approach towards Afghanistan. Our common and immediate priorities include providing humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people, formation of an inclusive and representative government structure, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities," she added. "Humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan needs to be prioritised given the distressing humanitarian situation in the country," she asserted, highlighting India's efforts in this regard. Kamboj shared that India has delivered material humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and continues to offer educational scholarships for Afghan students. India has also partnered with various UN agencies, including the UN World Food Programme and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, in their humanitarian endeavours. In September earlier this year, India confirmed to have sent supplies to Afghanistan in the Interactive Dialogue on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan at the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council. "In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation and urgent appeals by UN agencies, India has delivered 50,000 MTs of wheat, 28 tonnes of disaster relief, and 200 tonnes of medicines, vaccines and other medical items," India said in a statement earlier. Concluding her address, Kamboj restated India's unwavering commitment to the people of Afghanistan and expressed India's intention to remain actively involved in supporting the Afghan people. With the potential mandate renewal of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in March of the following year, Kamboj expressed India's eagerness to collaborate closely with the pen holders and share its perspectives as a neighbouring country to Afghanistan. Already grappling with poverty, Afghanistan found itself sinking further into destitution due to international isolation and the economic turmoil triggered by the Taliban's takeover in 2021. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported a staggering increase in poverty, with 97 per cent of Afghans living below the poverty line, a stark rise from 47 per cent in 2020, according to Amnesty International, an international non-governmental organisation focused on human rights with its headquarters in the United Kingdom. The Afghan economy continued to suffer from the freezing of foreign reserves and the reduction of development assistance, punitive actions taken by the international community in response to the Taliban's ascent. The Taliban regime imposed increasingly draconian restrictions on women's rights, stifled media freedom, and curtailed freedom of expression. The latest issue troubling Afghanistan is the deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan. As many as 4,35,152 Afghan migrants have been deported from Pakistan since November 1, and the National Action Plan's apex committee has set a deadline for all foreign nationals residing illegally in the country to leave voluntarily by October 31 or face deportation. (ANI)
The users on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) were not able to view posts on the site.

They were not able to access the platform with a message that said, "Welcome to X!", according to Reuters.

On X Pro, the old TweetDeck, users experienced loading problems and ran into a pop-up display, "Waiting for posts."

Access problems with X and X Pro were reported by over 47,000 US customers, based on data from Downdetector.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi detailed India's foreign policy approach, describing it as "mix-and-match diplomacy" focused on pragmatic engagement aligned with national interests. "The world is interconnected as well as interdependent," PM Modi stated in a candid interview with the UK-based Financial Times. He also underscored the complexity of global dynamics while emphasising that India's foremost guiding principle in foreign affairs is its national interest. This approach, according to PM Modi, enables India to engage with various nations in a manner that respects mutual interests and acknowledges the intricate nature of contemporary geopolitics. "Our foremost guiding principle in foreign affairs is our national interest," PM Modi said, adding, "This stance allows us to engage with various nations in a manner that respects mutual interests and acknowledges the complexities of contemporary geopolitics." When questioned about India's relationship with the United States and whether it could be characterised as an alliance, PM Modi highlighted the "upward trajectory" of relations. Despite recent allegations involving an Indian government official in a plot on US soil, the Prime Minister asserted that the India-US relationship is now broader in engagement, deeper in understanding, and warmer in friendship than ever before. "Regarding the best words to describe this relationship, I leave it to you," he said, adding, "Today, the India-US relationship is broader in engagement, deeper in understanding, and warmer in friendship than ever before." Significantly, the US Justice Department had claimed that an Indian government employee, who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited a fellow Indian identified as Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to allegedly assassinate India designate terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is a dual-citizen of the US and Canada. It added that the alleged plot was foiled by the US authorities. In the interview with the Financial Times, PM Modi responded to these claims, saying that he would "look into" any evidence and adding that "few incidents" would not affect US-India ties. "If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law," the Prime Minister said. Further, the interview touched upon India's active role on the global stage, including hosting the "Voice of the Global South" summit and successfully advocating for the African Union's admission as a permanent G20 member in September. According to Financial Times, PM Modi maintained "close ties" with Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, in keeping with India's decades-old non-alignment policy but also cemented a "closer-than-ever" relationship with Joe Biden during a June state visit to the US. During his state visit to the US in June this year, Prime Minister Modi said that the partnership between India and the United States will make the world better in the 21st century. Speaking about the potential of India-US defence industrial cooperation, the Prime Minister in the US said that the decision to manufacture fighter jet engines by General Electric will prove to be a milestone in the journey of India's defence sector. He also said the Artemis Accord signed by India and America is going to open many possibilities in the space sector. A joint statement during PM Modi's official state visit to the United States said that PM Modi and US President Joe Biden also welcomed the depth and pace of enhanced consultations between the two governments on regional issues, including South Asia, the Indo-Pacific and East Asia. Further, in the Financial Times interview, PM Modi also addressed the Israel-Hamas war, outlining India's stance on a two-state solution and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. While refraining from direct criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu's government, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to fostering peace in the region. "I remain in touch with the leaders in the region. If there is anything India can do to take forward efforts towards peace, we will certainly do so," Modi affirmed, highlighting India's proactive role in contributing to regional stability. India is walking a tightrope on the Israel-Palestine issue following the devastating attacks by Hamas that left over 1,200 Israelis dead, with New Delhi expressing solidarity with Tel Aviv but advocating the two state solution for peace in the middle-east. India has sent humanitarian aid for the people of Palestine, comprising medical aid and disaster relief material, and PM Modi was among the first global leaders to talk to the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. In his address to the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit, PM Modi said, "We are all seeing that new challenges are emerging from the events in the West Asia region. India has condemned the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. We have exercised restraint as well. We have given emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy. We also strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. After talking to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, we have also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. This is the time when the countries of the Global South should unite for the greater global good." (ANI)
Dubbed "White Elephant," Nepal Airlines Corporation, the national flag carrier of Nepal, has called for a bid to auction five Chinese aircraft that have remained off the air for three years. Issuing a notice Thursday morning, the Nepal Airlines Corporation called on the bidders on the basis of "As is Where is Basis" to sell it's two MA-60 and three Y-12 E aircraft. "Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) invites all interested companies and individuals to submit their sealed tender document for the Auction Sale of Two MA-60 and Y-12 E Aircraft on as is where is basis," states the auction notice from the flag carrier published on Thursday. According to the notice, the bidders have to send their sealed bid by February 4, 2024 (13:00 hrs- NST). Imported with high hopes to fly to remote and unserved sectors, three 17-seater Y12 E and two 56-seater MA-60 aircraft have been gathering rust in the parking bay of Tribhuwan International Airport. One more that crashed in Nepalgunj has been deemed unflyable. These aircraft have been grounded since July 30, 2020. Those remaining at the hangar of the airport in Kathmandu have been prepared for sale, as it has been gathering rust and dust along with piling debts for the already loss-bearing national flag carrier. In November 2012, the NAC signed a commercial agreement with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a Chinese government undertaking to procure aircraft. China at the time had provided the grant and concessional loan assistance of 408 million Chinese yuan, equivalent to Nrs. 6.67 Billion. Out of the total aid money, a grant worth 180 million yuan (Rs 2.94 billion) went to pay for one MA60 and one Y12e aircraft. The other aircraft were bought for 228 million yuan (Rs3.72 billion) with a soft loan provided by China's EXIM Bank. Soon after their arrival, the NAC board realised that the aircraft needed more money to operate than to purchase and bring it to Nepal. In July 2020, the NAC board decided to stop the operation of aircraft and since then, they have been kept at Tribhuwan International Airport. Before deciding to sell it off, the NAC also handed the aircraft to the government but it was ignored, and then the national flag carrier attempted to rent it, which also failed. Though the planes are out of service due to high-cost operationalisation and are unfit to fly, the Ministry of Finance has started paying back the interest on the loans for the planes. Annual interest of 1.5 per cent and service charges and management expenses of 0.4 per cent of the overall loan amount need to be paid. Two installments have already been paid, which include the interest on the loans that were provided by EXIM Bank. As per the November 2012 agreement, China had given Nepal Airlines a seven-year grace period under which it would not have to pay interest or installment payments. The payback period of the loan is 20 years or by March 21, 2034. The planes have completed the seven-year grace period privilege. The first quarterly installment of 10.9 million yuan (Rs205.67 million) was sent in September 2021, while the second installment was sent in March. The accumulated losses on the five Chinese planes have already crossed Rs 2 billion. Before the planes were grounded, the total accumulated losses of these planes were Rs1.9 billion, nearly half the cost of the planes. With the planes grounded, the operating costs have dropped for Nepal Airlines, but it has to pay insurance premiums for the aircraft and parts. (ANI)
Frowning on the use of water cannons, tear gas and excessive force against the Baloch Long March protestors in Islamabad on Thursday, Amnesty International has said that it was 'deeply concerned' over the crackdown. It reiterated its demand to release all the protesters and drop the charges against them. "Amnesty has reviewed videos showing water cannons, tear gas and batons being used against the protestors. Dozens have been detained and several others injured, including women, minors and elderly persons, violating their rights to liberty, security and protest," the Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office said, taking to X. "Amnesty International reiterates its demands that the Government of Pakistan - Immediately release all protestors, and drop any charges brought against them for solely exercising their right to freedom of expression and right to protest," it added. Amnesty also called for an impartial investigation of all extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Taking to X, it posted, "Conduct an impartial investigation of all extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, particularly in Balochistan, in line with international standards. Compensate families of victims of extrajudicial killings and those forcibly disappeared." Meanwhile, the Official Account of Baloch Yakjahti Committee-Kech posted a video on X, that showed scenes from Barkhan Rukni where the Baloch people have blocked the main highway of Punjab to Balochistan against 'state terrorism' in Islamabad. "All the highways of Balochistan will be closed while the movement against state terrorism and Baloch genocide will be started in Balochistan from today," the council said. https://x.com/BYCKech/status/1737731011457462394?s=20 "Let the state remember that they have not only tortured a few people, but they have declared war against the Baloch nation. By attacking Baloch mothers and sisters, the state has made it clear to the Baloch nation that the state considers Balochistan as its colony and does not consider the people here as human beings," the Baloch Yakjahti Committee said in a post on X. Islamabad police dispersed the Baloch protesters late at night on Thursday as the long march against alleged extrajudicial killings in Balochistan continued in full swing, VOA Urdu reported. A water cannon was used for this purpose while many people, including women, were arrested too. Following the violence, the President of Baloch Voice Association (BVA), Munir Mengal said that Pakistan should be held accountable for what they have done against the Baloch activists. "Pakistan shall be held accountable for using chemicals on the Baloch peacefully protestors demanding Stop Baloch Genocide. The protestors, including many Baloch Women, marched from Quetta to Islamabad," he posted on X. Meanwhile, political activist Mahrang Baloch has said that all the protesters are arrested. "All of the protesters are arrested and kept in different stations, at this time they are taking woman and children to another station. We are unable to connect to our male fellows, we fear that the state will abduct them," she wrote on X, informing of the situation. The Balochistan Yakjehti committee had asked the Baloch people to gather in front of Balochistan University on Thursday, from where the movement against the ongoing state violence against Baloch mothers and sisters in Islamabad will be launched. The committee noted that the Baloch Long March against alleged Baloch genocide, illegal forced disappearance of the people, killing of missing persons by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in fake encounters and the activity of death squads across Balochistan had seen widespread support. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence announced on Thursday that eight Chinese People's Liberation Army aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected at 6 a.m. UTC. The Ministry said that the Taiwan Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked appropriate forces to respond. "8 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and tasked appropriate forces to respond," stated Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on X. Taiwanese officials have declared that they will take action in response to Chinese balloons flying in close proximity, contingent on threat assessments. The defence ministry in Taipei emphasised on Wednesday that the current surge in balloon activity is believed to be related to weather monitoring, influenced by the prevailing winds during this time of year, Voice of America reported. The global concern over the potential espionage use of balloons gained traction in February when the United States claimed to have shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon. China, however, insisted that the balloon was a civilian craft that had unintentionally strayed off course. With the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13, Taiwan remains on high alert for various Chinese activities, both military and political. Officials in Taipei have issued warnings, suggesting that Beijing might attempt interference to influence voters in favour of candidates preferred by China. Throughout this month, Taiwan's defence ministry has reported four instances of Chinese balloons traversing the sensitive Taiwan Strait, then entering the island's northern airspace before disappearing. Defence Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang revealed to reporters that the Chinese balloons are more frequently observed from October to March due to seasonal winds, according to Voice of America. "Generally speaking, most of the ones we have spotted so far are weather balloons," Sun stated. "They are from mainland China, and not necessarily from the People's Liberation Army." He emphasised that the ministry will respond to Chinese balloons based on the assessed threat level, but the specifics of these actions are classified. The ministry has committed to disclosing information if the balloons are identified for surveillance purposes. However, Sun highlighted the challenge of determining whether the current sightings are connected to the upcoming elections. The balloons, according to the ministry, have consistently disappeared after travelling north of Taiwan, possibly disintegrating at a certain altitude or exiting the military-monitored area. Despite several requests for comment, China's defence ministry has not responded to inquiries about the balloons. Lo Yong-chang from Taiwan's Defence Ministry's joint operations department mentioned that during the election period from January 12 to January 14, the military would heighten its alert status, as has been customary during previous votes, Voice of America reported. (ANI)
University Park Village Trustee Theo Brooks provided this photo a resident sent him showing recently dropped off migrants next to University Park's municipal golf course. (Theo Brooks)

South suburbs such as University Park and Tinley Park plan to impose fines as a way of blocking buses ferrying migrants to their towns.

Both communities this week approved measures that would require bus operators to register in advance if they are going to be dropping off passengers from unscheduled intercity buses.

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University Park Trustee Theo Brooks said Thursday that, within the past week, several buses have attempted to unload migrants, primarily at the villages Metra station, which is the farthest southern stop on the Metra Electric Line.

We have been getting bombarded with these buses from Texas, Brooks said. Were just not equipped for what is happening.

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His village and Tinley Park have set fines of $750 per passenger against bus operators that dont register unscheduled passenger drop-offs ahead of time.

Theyre restricting discharging of passengers to the window of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and giving police authority to impound buses that dont comply.

Tinley Parks ordinance also requires bus operators to complete an application process that denotes the day and time passengers are being unloaded, and to provide a list of passengers as well as conducting background checks on passengers.

The city of Chicago still accepts busloads of migrants, but is seeking the ability to impound buses and fine owners $3,000 if they dont follow the citys rules limiting time and frequency of arrivals.

Many migrants have been sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, in protest of immigration policy allowing thousands of migrants to cross the border, which recently reached record highs.

The new Chicago regulations have resulted in shifting buses out to all the suburbs, Elizabeth Scott, University Parks village manager, said at a special board meeting Wednesday where trustees approved the rules.

She said she was hopeful this is going to curtail the activity by imposing fines and requiring authorization for passenger drop-offs.

We are being proactive, Scott said at the meeting.

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Still, she said, we need money, we need resources to deal with the influx.

Brooks said that for one recent bus arrival, Scott and some trustees gathered up food, blankets and coats for passengers. The trustee said he witnessed one bus arrival.

People are wearing sandals, no jackets and its cold, he said. What do you do?

Tinley Park has not had any instances of unscheduled bus drop-offs, according to police Chief Thomas Tilton. That villages ordinance requires bus operators to file applications with the Police Department.

None has been received so far, but if any should come in we will determine a drop-off point and then work with either Cook or Will County to facilitate transportation for the passengers if necessary to their final destination or shelter, Tilton said.

He said that should there be an unscheduled discharge in the village by a bus, officials have identified some emergency shelter locations where migrants could be housed.

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Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz said that unscheduled bus stops without a coordinated plan, especially in inclement weather, endangers the safety and welfare of passengers.

Tilton said the policy is not directed at passengers but bus operators.

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We wont interact with the passengers, other than to make sure they get to where theyre supposed to go safely, Tilton said. We will only cite the bus operator and seize their equipment if they refuse to comply with the ordinance.

Recently, busloads of migrants were turned away in Cicero and in Rosemont, where several buses from El Paso, Texas, arrived at the Metra stations in Cicero and in Rosemont near OHare International Airport.

Rosemont has also put in place an ordinance that levies fines for unauthorized drop-offs of bus passengers, and other suburbs in the Chicago area have enacted similar rules.

Brooks said that he doesnt believe other suburbs near University Park have seen buses of migrants arriving, and that his villages small Police Department cant monitor incoming buses all the time.

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Its hitting us hard, he said.

Brooks said that imposing fines might not be the answer but its a start, we gotta do something.

mnolan@tribpub.com
The UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator, Indrika Ratwatte, met with US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West to discuss the humanitarian and economic conditions in Afghanistan as well as help for Afghan refugees, as reported by TOLOnews. West, in a post on X, pledged a continued association with the UNAMA in order to address these dire issues in Afghanistan. "Discussed support for Afghan refugees and the humanitarian and economic situation in Afghanistan. Look forward to continuing our strong partnership with UNAMA on these challenges," he wrote. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it had set aside close to USD 7 million to help Afghans and those who had returned from Pakistan. "Norway increases its support for Afghanistan with USD 3.8 million (NOK 40 million) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and USD 2.9 million (NOK 30 million) to the UN World Food Program (WFP), due to the large influx of Afghans repatriated from Pakistan," the statement read, according to TOLOnews. The statement said that Norway remains committed to supporting the humanitarian response in Afghanistan. Furthermore, according to the Ministry of Economy, immigrants deported from other nations, particularly Pakistan, have so far received the support they need from the Islamic Emirate in the areas of food, housing, and sanitation, TOLOnews reported. "The Islamic Emirate has a plan for immigrants in the fields of health, shelter and education, and it has implanted its major parts," said Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy of the Ministry of Economy. Earlier, nine international non-governmental organizations expressed their concerns regarding the situation of immigrants returning from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Afghanistan is currently grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis as according to international assessments, the country now has the highest number of people in emergency food insecurity in the world, with more than 23 million in need of assistance and approximately 95 per cent of the population having insufficient food consumption. Moreover, the situation of human rights in Afghanistan has worsened since the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's return to power in August last year. Additionally, the Ukraine crisis has had a massive impact on the rise in food costs and how it was out of reach for many Afghans.Although the fighting in the country has ended, serious human rights violations continue unabated, especially against women and minorities. Women and girls in Afghanistan are facing a human rights crisis, deprived of the fundamental rights to non-discrimination, education, work, public participation and health, reported Khaama Press. (ANI)
The Foreign Affairs Secretary of the Philippines, Enrique Manalo, issued a statement revealing that he engaged in a "frank and candid exchange" with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Voice of America reported. According to Manalo, this dialogue has led to a "clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues." Highlighting the importance of diplomatic discourse, Manalo emphasised that both China and the Philippines recognise the necessity of using dialogue to address the various issues between the two nations, particularly in the context of tensions in the South China Sea, according to Voice of America. During the call, Wang Yi expressed that China and the Philippines are currently "facing serious issues" and issued a cautionary note, stating, "the Philippines must act with caution," as per a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry. Wang went on to underscore that the relations between the two countries are at a crucial juncture, characterising the situation as a crossroads. He pointed to what he deemed provocations at sea by the Philippines, actions that he asserted undermined China's legal rights. The South China Sea has been a longstanding point of contention between China and the Philippines, with both countries having overlapping claims in the region. In recent months, there have been multiple incidents involving fishing boats, military ships, and other vessels, adding to the complexity of the maritime disputes. Earlier on, December 15, China rejected the recent US statement backing the Philippines over West Philippine Sea (WPS) aggression, according to a CNN report. The US criticised China's use of water cannons against Philippine vessels delivering aid near Bajo de Masinloc. China disputed the US claims, stating it defended its sovereignty. The US reaffirmed support for the Philippines and the South China Sea Mutual Defence Treaty. China accused the US of endorsing Philippine provocation and interference in WPS disputes. "The PRC (People's Republic of China) has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal, and Filipinos are entitled to traditional fishing rights around Scarborough Reef," the statement read. The US also reiterated the Mutual Defence Treaty with the Philippines, extending protection to armed attacks on Philippine forces, vessels, or aircraft, including the Coast Guard, in the South China Sea. But Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that the statement was "an attempt to endorse the Philippines' infringement of Chinese sovereignty and provocation." She emphasised that Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) has consistently been within their territory, accusing the Philippines of entering its waters on December 9 without permission. "The China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law, which were professional, restrained, lawful and legitimate," she said. The US' persistent supporting the country in the WPS dispute "blatantly embolden the Philippines' violation of China's sovereignty," the Chinese official also stated. "The US needs to know that no threat, coercion or unfounded attack and accusation will lead anywhere or shake China's firm resolve and will in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," she added, CNN reported. (ANI)
They also addressed several regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During the call, His Highness extended his congratulations to the Indonesian President on Mubadala Energy's recent significant natural gas discovery in Indonesia. He emphasised that this signifies substantial progress in UAE-Indonesia relations, especially in the energy sector.

Furthermore, His Highness expressed his hope that this discovery would notably contribute to the development and welfare of the Indonesian people.

The President of Indonesia acknowledged the robust economic ties between the UAE and Indonesia, emphasising their productive collaboration in the energy and renewables sectors. He conveyed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his comprehensive support of these ties.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration aimed at broadening shared interests and advancing economic, trade, and investment ties for the mutual benefit of both nations and peoples. (ANI/WAM)
India on Thursday reiterated that the country faces severe threats of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and expressed hope that other nations will also take counter-terrorism seriously in the backdrop of Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir's visit to the US. While addressing a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "Yes, we did see some reports in this regard about these meetings. Our concern about Pakistan's support for terrorism and cross-border attacks is well known. We hope other countries also take counter-terrorism seriously," on being asked about Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir's meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other State Department officials in Washington. Earlier this month, General Asim Munir held a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington to discuss regional security, defence cooperation and other key issues, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. He also met US acting Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer, according to the Dawn report. During his visit to the US, General Asim Munir met US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. The two sides discussed regional security developments and potential areas for bilateral defence cooperation. Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder in the readout of the meeting said, "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III hosted Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir at the Pentagon today, where the two officials discussed recent regional security developments and potential areas for bilateral defense cooperation." Earlier in September, India hit out at Pakistan after the country's caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, predictably raised the Kashmir bogey in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. In its right of reply, the First Secretary of the United Nations for the Second Committee of UNGA, Petal Gahlot said that Pakistan should vacate occupied areas of India and stop cross-border terrorism. She asked Pakistan to stop human rights violations against minorities in Pakistan. Petal Gahlot said, "In order for there to be peace in South Asia, the actions that Pakistan needs to take are threefold: first, stop cross-border terrorism and shut down its infrastructure of terrorism immediately. Second, vacate Indian territories under their illegal and forcible occupation. And third, stop the grave and persistent human rights violations against the minorities in Pakistan." Calling Pakistan home to the largest number of internationally proscribed terrorist entities, Gahlot urged Pakistan to take "credible and verifiable action" against perpetrators of the 2011 Mumbai terror attack. "Pakistan has been the home and patron of the largest number of internationally proscribed terrorist entities and individuals in the world. Instead of engaging in technical sophistry, we call upon Pakistan to take credible and verifiable action against the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks, whose victims await justice even after 15 years," Petal Gahlot said. Notably, in June, India and the US called on Pakistan to act against perpetrators of cross-border terrorism. In a joint statement issued by the White House after talks between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a state visit to Washington, the two sides "strongly condemned cross-border terrorism and the use of terrorist proxies." The statement called on Pakistan "to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks." Calling on Pakistan to bring to justice those responsible for the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks in India, the White House statement said both sides reiterated the call for "concerted action against all UN-listed terrorist groups including al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh [also known as the Islamic State, IS and ISIL], Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul-Mujahideen." (ANI)
India has obtained consular access to meet Indian national Nikhil Gupta, the accused of conspiracy and attempted murder involving India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in the custody of Czech authorities and is providing all necessary consular assistance, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. Addressing a weekly press conference, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "It is a legal issue...an Indian national is under the custody of the Czech Republic. The request for extradition by the US is pending there. We have had consular access three times. We are providing whatever possible consular help in the matter." MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi further said that the matter is sub-judice after a family member of accused Nikhil Gupta filed a petition in the Supreme Court. "The family of this Indian national (Nikhil Gupta), had given a petition in the Supreme Court. The matter is sub judice, so it won't be appropriate to comment on the matter now...it will not be able to comment on jurisdictions on this issue," he added. On being asked about five Indian-American lawmakers in the US being briefed about the case, the MEA spokesperson said that New Delhi takes the inputs seriously and has set up a high-level committee. "We take the inputs seriously; inputs have been provided by the US side. A high-level inquiry committee has been set up to look into all relevant matters. This fact has also been noted by all the members of Congress. I don't have any updates on the committee, on its timeline, or its findings," he added. The US Justice Department has claimed that an Indian government employee (named CC-1), who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination, which was foiled by US authorities, according to prosecutors. Following this, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that a case filed against an individual in a US court and allegedly linking him to an Indian official is a "matter of concern" and is contrary to government policy. India has also set up a high-level committee to probe the matter. In another development, a plea has been filed with the Supreme Court of India seeking assistance and the matter has been listed for a hearing on January 4. As per the plea, Nikhil Gupta is currently detained in prison in the Czech Republic while awaiting extradition to the United States in connection with the case there for allegedly being involved in a foiled plot to murder Pannun. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday called the US State Department's recently released report on 'International Religious Freedom' "motivated and biassed." MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that he would not like to give much weight to such comments by further commenting on them. Addressing a weekly press briefing, Bagchi said, "As regards USCIRF, you are all aware of the motivated and biased approach towards India. We have seen that in the past. I would, therefore, not like to make comments. I would therefore not like to give their comments any particular weight or consideration." This comes after the US religious freedom watchdog -- the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) -- raised concerns over India's "transnational repression" against religious minorities. It urged the Biden administration to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). "The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is alarmed by India's increased transnational targeting of religious minorities and those advocating on their behalf. Recent efforts by the Indian government to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad pose a serious threat to religious freedom. Due to India's systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief, USCIRF implores the US Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)," the US watchdog said in a statement. Notably, USCIRF has recommended each year since 2020 that the US Department of State designate India as a CPC, most recently in its 2023 Annual Report. (ANI)
According to the police report, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) witnessed a rise in terror incidents from 2021 as the province witnessed 1,327 incidents from 2021 till date.

The report added that as many as 260 terror incidents were reported in 2021, while 495 times terrorists attacked various installations in 2022.

Out of 572 incidents this year, 87, the highest number was reported in Dera Ismail Khan, while 79 were reported in North Waziristan, 72 in Khyber and 53 terror incidents were registered in the Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On December 18, police repulsed a terrorist attack on Chonda police post in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ARY News reported.

According to police, a group of terrorists stormed the Chonda police post in the Kali Wanda area of Dera Ismail Khan with modern weapons.

The timely response by the police officials forced the terrorists to flee from the scene. No human loss was reported in the shootout.

Earlier, a CTD report revealed that as many as 837 terrorists were taken into custody in KP.

The highest number of arrested outlaws was from Peshawar 245, ARY News reported citing the report.

Earlier, Dawn reported that the surge in terror in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to persist as an unsolved problem despite countless military operations spanning almost a decade and resulting in substantial casualties among both security forces and innocent civilians. (ANI)
India and the delegation of the European Parliament Sub-Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) held meetings with Defence officials and highlighted their mutual interests in deepening India-EU defence cooperation along with greater collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. The SEDE delegation met with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence and exchanged views on India - EU security cooperation and the role of parliamentarians in furthering partnership among democratic partners. "The Delegation also had meetings with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Defence Secretary. The meetings reflected our mutual interests in deepening and widening India-EU strategic security and defence cooperation along with greater collaboration in the Indo-Pacific," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a release. A Delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) visited India from December 18 to 20, comprised of MEPs from two committees of the European Parliament viz., Delegation for Relations with India (D - IN) and Sub-Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE). The D-IN comprising 11 MEPs was headed by Morten Lokkegaard and the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) comprising 6 MEPs was headed by Nathalie Loiseau. On Monday, the European Parliament delegations called on the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The EAM spokes about the India-EU partnership based on shared values like democracy, respect for the rule of law, multilateralism, rules-based trade and rules-based international order. "They also had useful discussions on geopolitical convergences, supply chain security, digital sensitivities, AI and maritime security," the release added. Later on the second day of their visit, both delegations called on the Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla on December 19 and discussed our common worldview based on values of democracy, rule of law, multilateralism and diversity. Moreover, Ideas to strengthen parliamentary exchange and cooperation were also discussed," the release said. The D-IN delegation met with the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on December 18. They deliberated on the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations currently underway and also explored avenues to further enhance the economic ties. "The D-IN delegation called on the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh and also met the members of the External Affairs Committee of the Parliament chaired by Shri P P Chaudhary," the release stated. Moreover, the D-IN delegation also visited Mumbai. During the meetings held in Mumbai, avenues for enhanced synergy and cooperation in the defence industry and manufacturing were also explored. "The SEDE delegation also visited the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), Bharat Electronics Limited and met with the members of Society of Defence Industry Manufacturers in New Delhi and the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Ship Builders Limited in Mumbai during their visit," the release said. The Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West), Sanjay Verma hosted the two delegations for a working dinner on December 18, 2023. Furthermore, the visit by the Members of the European Parliament reinforced India-EU relations, their shared parliamentary values and the common commitment to deepen economic, political and security cooperation. (ANI)
He also announced Tehran's readiness to cooperate with New Delhi on women and children and exchange experiences in this field.

"Iraj Elahi, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi, today met with her Excellency Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister for Women and Child Development Minority Affairs and discussed a wide range of issues related to women and minorities," the Iranian Embassy in India posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Ambassador Elahi announced the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to cooperate with the Republic of India on women and children and exchange experiences in this field," he added.

https://x.com/Iran_in_India/status/1737821964339663013?s=20

Earlier this month, the Iranian Cabinet decided to unilaterally cancel visa requirements for visitors from India.

Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ezzatollah Zarghami said that the decision is aimed at boosting tourism arrivals and attracting more visitors from countries around the world.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, sharing concerns about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the loss of civilian lives.

During the conversation, PM Modi stressed the importance of preventing escalation, ensuring the continued provision of humanitarian aid, and early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

The two leaders also welcomed the progress in India and Iran's bilateral cooperation, including on the Chabahar port.

Earlier, the two leaders had reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, including to realise the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub. (ANI)
Hundreds of people in Balochistan's Kohlu have closed the market and have been protesting against state terrorism in the capital of Pakistan, demanding the release of those arrested in Islamabad and allowing them to march peacefully. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee shared a post on social media, X on Thursday highlighting the scenes from the Kohlu sit-in. "Scenes from the Kohlu sit-in At present, hundreds of people in Kohlu have closed the market and sat in protest against state terrorism in Islamabad. The demand of the sit-in is the release of all those arrested in Islamabad and to allow them to march peacefully," they posted. Moreover, they also highlighted that the state has deepened the existing wound by arresting these people. "Let the state understand that they have not only humiliated hundreds of people in Islamabad, but they have humiliated the entire Baloch nation and deepened the already existing wound," the post added. https://twitter.com/BYCKech/status/1737804929467814085?t=q-yFD-R6qcFeW7NDJSKOlQ&s=08 Moreover, standing against the state's move to arrest hundreds of people who were protesting, the committee emphasised that they would not bow down and that the Baloch would no longer accept state terrorism. "We will not bow down and we will not retreat an inch from our struggle. The state may use as much force as it has to, but the Baloch will no longer accept state terrorism and will continue to strongly resist it," the Baloch Yakjehti Committee posted on X. https://x.com/BYCKech/status/1737817938449838496?s=20 Earlier, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (Islamabad) said they are unable to contact all of their arrested protesters. It called on human rights organisations and media to highlight their cause and call for immediate release of peaceful Baloch protesters. Taking to X, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (Islamabad) stated, "We are continuously attempting to contact all of our peaceful arrested protesters, but unfortunately, we have been unable to reach them all. We want to make it clear that if anything happens to any of the peaceful protesters, the Islamabad police and the state will be held responsible." In another update, it said, "Still, we don't know the whereabouts of the protesters, and their cell phones are off. We Request Human Rights Organizations and international media to highlight our cause for the immediate release of peaceful Baloch protesters." Currently, intense protests are going on in Barkhan, Rukni, Fort Munro, Taunsa, DG Khan, Quetta, Kech, Gwadar, Wadh, Kohlu, Kalat, Hub and various areas. Pakistan authorities used force against peaceful protesters in Islamabad. The protesters, led by women, were part of the "Baloch Long March." They were protesting against human rights violations and repression, including enforced disappearances. Additionally, thousands of people from every corner of Balochistan have come out against state terrorism against Baloch protesters in Islamabad. The protesters were marching towards Islamabad to protest against alleged extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances of men in the Balochistan province. The march was sparked by the death of Balach Mola Bakhsh, who was reportedly taken from his home by counterterrorism police on October 29. At least 200 people were arrested, including protest leader Mahrang Baloch. Amnesty International has expressed concern over the crackdown and has demanded the release of all protesters and the dropping of charges against them. (ANI)
International students from BJTU proud to study in China

09:13, December 21, 2023 By Zhao Li ( Ecns.cn

(ECNS) -- Last Thursday, a group of international students from Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) engaged in a cultural tour in Beijing.

Fifteen students from 11 countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Mali, and Kazakhstan visited the Temple of Heaven, the Drum Tower, and Beijing hutongs, where they tasted teas, and drew facial masks to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture.

The Temple of Heaven was wrapped in a silver blanket on that snowy day. Immersed in the beauty of the heavy snowfall, the students took out their phones to capture this beautiful moment.

International students from BJTU take photos at the Temple of Heaven scenic spot. (Photo: China News Network/Zhao Li)

Arystan Adil, a student from Kazakhstan, told ECNS that it was his first time visiting the Temple of Heaven.

"The Temple of Heaven is where ancient emperors offered sacrifices and prayed for rain. I am very interested in Chinese history," he said.

Dra Yasin Amara Sekou S, a civil engineering student from Mali, was fascinated by the architectural structure of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

"The guide told us that the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is made of wood, and the entire building doesn't use a single nail, he said, adding It reminded me of the mortise and tenon structure I learned in class. I find it very impressive and get the wisdom of ancient Chinese people here.

After exploring the Temple of Heaven, the next stop was experiencing the art of drama facial mask painting in an old Beijing hutong. They sat around small tables, sketching their own facial masks, each one vivid and lifelike.

Ling Chieng Ying Joyce, a Malaysian student, has been interested in Chinese culture since childhood. "I want to bring back Chinese drama facial mask culture to Malaysia because there are many Chinese Malaysians, and I hope we could continue to inherit Chinese traditional culture," she said.

Vietnamese student Tran Hien Luong receives an interview with ECNS. (Photo: China News Network/Zhao Li)

Vietnamese student Tran Hien Luong shared her experience of studying in China, saying that the country's high growth and social stability left a deep impression on her

The high-speed trains here make it convenient to go anywhere. In addition, mobile payment is also very convenient, she said.

"I felt very proud of my decision to study in China," she added.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Elgin-based Flora Arbor has entered into a licensing, manufacturing and distribution agreement with RoyalTree Reserve, a company founded by Chicago-based rapper King Louie. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

Cannabis company partners with rapper King Louie

Elgin-based Flora Arbor has entered into an exclusive licensing, manufacturing and distribution agreement with RoyalTree Reserve, a company founded by Chicago-based, Grammy-nominated rapper King Louie. "

Speaking in a news release, King Louie said his cannabis strains thave been tested to ensure people are receiving pure products. Flora Arbor is currently identifying dispensary partners to showcase RoyalTree in Illinois, according to the release.

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Flora Arbor was awarded a craft grow license by the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 2021. It operates a 51,000-square-foot facility at which it cultivates, extracts, manufactures, packages and distributes cannabis products to retail dispensaries throughout the state.

Elgin business inducted into Illinois Made program

Steep N Clay in downtown Elgin is among 48 small businesses to be inducted into the states Illinois Made program.

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Each year since 2016, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of unique, local businesses that encourage people to discover the experiences they offer, according to a news release. This class is the largest group of inductees into the Illinois Made program thus far, the release said.

Steep N Clay sells a variety of teas and holds tea tastings from 10 a.m. to noon most Sundays. The shop also operates a pottery studio for making teawares and other ceramic pieces.

For more information, go to www.enjoyillinois.com/illinois-made and steepnclay.com.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's plea, seeking the suspension of the trial court's verdict in the Toshakhana case that has further increased the uncertainty of him running in the upcoming general elections, as reported by Geo News. Chief Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Tariq Mahmoud Jahangiri announced the reserved verdict, rejecting the petition to suspend the Toshakhana case decision. Earlier in August, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of Rs 100,000 by Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar, after the judge found him guilty of graft in the Toshakhana case. Khan has been convicted of misusing his position as prime minister to sell state gifts worth more than Rs 140 million (USD 490,000) that he received from foreign dignitaries during visits abroad, reported Geo News. Following his conviction in the Toshakhana case, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified the PTI founder for five years. The ECP further stated that Imran Khan was disqualified after being found guilty of corrupt practices under Section 167 of the Elections Act, 2017 and his sentencing for three years. "As a consequence, Mr Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi has become disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan read with Section 232 of the Elections Act,2017," the statement read. However, on August 28, the IHC suspended Khan's sentence awarded to him in the Toshakhana case but his conviction and disqualification remained the same until the court decided on the main appeal, according to Geo News. Reportedly, the former Prime Minister had moved the IHC for rectification of its August 28 order, by way of suspension of the judgment on August 5 passed by the trial court. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 21 (ANI/WAM): Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), lauded the key role of national media as a driver of the UAE's development across all fields. He made this statement during his participation in a workshop organised by the FNC General Secretariat in Dubai on 'skills for navigating the media sector' as part of the "Ethraa" initiative, which aims to boost the knowledge and capabilities of FNC members. Ghobash said that the UAE media is fulfilling its role with the highest levels of professionalism and integrity and has a clear impact in areas related to protecting society and maintaining stability. He also highlighted the media's role as a strategic partner for the parliamentary community and in supporting parliamentary work throughout the FNC's legislative chapters, strengthening ties between the Council and various segments of society, and involving the public in decision-making processes. Featuring a group of specialists and experts, the workshop addressed the importance of communication and media appearances for FNC members and engaging with the public and media outlets; how to formulate key and media messages and deliver them to the public; media crises and how to manage and address them; television interviews; and community engagement through social media platforms. Ghobash launched the "Ethraa" initiative during the FNC's 18th legislative chapter to boost the parliamentary knowledge of FNC members and empower them to perform with the highest levels of efficiency across various fields. (ANI/WAM)
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has sought a two-day extension in the December 22 deadline to file nomination papers for the upcoming general elections, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. The decision of PML-N comes a day after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) requested the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for an extension in the deadline for filing nomination papers by three days. According to the election schedule, nomination papers could be filed with respective returning officers by the candidates from December 20-22. Meanwhile, the names of all nominated papers could be filed with respective returning officers by the candidates from December 23, according to ARY News report. A candidate must be accompanied by two voters of the same constituency who would propose and back his nomination, according to ECP's guidelines. However, no individual can become a proposer or seconder for more than one candidate. Ishaq Dar, chairman of PML-N's election cell wrote a letter to ECP and noted that the electoral body enjoys the power to make necessary "amendments in the schedule without affecting/changing the polling date," ARY News reported. The PML-N senator said that a three-day deadline had been allocated for the filing of nomination papers while seven days have been given for the scrutiny of the same. Dar said, "The process of filing nomination papers requires multiple details as well as documents to be annexed with the same which also includes NOCs/NECs from various public sector department. Such exercise is indeed time consuming and any lapse can lead to rejection of nomination papers." He stated, "It is therefore requested that in order to facilitate thousands of candidates desirous to take part in elections, it would be appreciated if only two days' extension is granted in filing of nomination paper by amending the schedule issued on December 15 without changing the polling day." On Wednesday, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) also wrote to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), seeking an extension in the deadline for filing nomination papers by three days. As per the election schedule issued by the electoral body, nomination papers could be filed with respective returning officers by the candidates on December 20-22. The names of all nominated candidates will be published on December 23, ARY News reported. The last date for filing appeals against decisions of the Returning Officers regarding rejection/acceptance of nomination papers from December 24-30 and the last date for deciding appeals by the Appellate Tribunal is January 03, 2024,. The last date to decide on appeals against decisions of the Returning Officers regarding acceptance or rejection of appeals by the appellate tribunal is January 10, 2024. Furthermore, a revised list of candidates will be published on January 11. (ANI)
Indian student Gurashman Singh Bhatia, who was missing for around a week in the United Kingdom, was found dead inside a lake in Canary Wharf in London, the UK Metropolitan police informed in a statement. The Tower Hamlets Police in London posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) seeking more information about the deceased 23-year-old student. It shared his CCTV image and asked anyone who saw him to report to the police. It said that Bhatia had been missing since last Thursday (December 14) after a night out with friends. The police also added that his death is "not believed to be suspicious" however, further enquiries are being carried out. https://news.met.police.uk/news/appeal-after-mans-body-found-in-canary-wharf-477220 According to UK Metropolitan police, Bhatia was last seen in the South Quay area around 04:20 hours (local time) on December 15. After investigation, his body was recovered in the water in South Quay on December 20. It added that Bhatia's formal identification is pending but the family of the deceased has been notified. "Authorities are seeking assistance to reconstruct his last known movements to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and tragic discovery," the police said. Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for local policing in Tower Hamlets, called the incident "extremely tragic" and ensured that an investigation would be done to ensure there is nothing suspicious in the case. "This is an extremely tragic outcome and is not the news we were hoping to give to Gurashman's family and friends. I send them my deepest condolences. Gurashman's death is being treated as unexpected, and while there is nothing to suggest it was suspicious, we will ensure our investigation is as thorough as possible to confirm this," Conway said. He added, "Because of this, we are releasing a CCTV image of Gurashman that was taken before his disappearance and would like anyone who may have seen him in the Marsh Wall area on the evening of Thursday, 14 December and in the early hours of Friday, 15 December, to contact us". Earlier, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa informed about the student being missing and had brought this to the attention of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He also urged Loughborough University and the Indian High Commission to join the effort to find him. (ANI)
The Indian Navy has deployed an indigenous guided missile destroyer in the Gulf of Aden region in light of the piracy incident earlier this week, as per a release issued by the Defence Ministry. The move is aimed at augmenting the anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden region. The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping and rendering assistance to mariners at sea as a 'first responder' in the region, as per the release. On the night of December 14, a report regarding a potential piracy incident onboard a Malta-flagged vessel, MV Ruen, was monitored on the UKMTO portal. The vessel was reported to be boarded by six unknown personnel. In a swift response, the Indian Navy's Maritime Patrol Aircraft deployed to investigate the incident arrived overhead at MV Ruen on December 15 and established communication with the crew. All 18 crew members (no Indians onboard the MV) were reported to be safe in the citadel. Concurrently, in response to the incident, INS Kochi on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden was also diverted immediately to render assistance, as per the official release. Meanwhile, INS Kochi intercepted MV Ruen in the early hours of December 16 and launched its integral helicopter to assess the situation. It was ascertained from the crew that the citadel onboard MV Ruen had been breached and all crew members were held hostage by the pirates. One of the crew members had also sustained injuries but was reported to be stable. While no armed intervention was undertaken to ensure crew safety onboard the hijacked MV, requisite actions were taken by the warship towards ensuring suitable treatment of the crew by the pirates. On December 16, a Japanese warship also arrived in the area and was relieved by the Spanish warship ESPNS Victoria later in the day. The ship was maintained in close vicinity of the hijacked vessel during its transit towards Somalia from December 16-17, suitably engaging with the pirates and coordinating actions with the other warships. The hijacked vessel entered the territorial waters of Somalia (off Bosaso) on December 17. INS Kochi was successful in ensuring that the injured crew member was released by pirates in the early hours of December 18 for further medical management. The injured crew member was medically attended to onboard the ship but due to urgent medical attention required, which was beyond the scope of the ship, he was transferred ashore at Oman on December 19. (ANI)
As many as 14 people were killed and 25 wounded in a shooting at a university in Prague on Thursday, CNN reported. In a press conference on Thursday, Czech Police Chief Martin Vondrasek said the information he had received so far indicated the shooter took his own life, but added it was not yet confirmed. He also said the suspect had not been formally identified because of the severity of his injuries. In a later news conference on Thursday night, Vondrasek revised the number of people killed to 14, after previously saying 15 people had died. Of the 25 people injured, ten were in serious condition, the police chief said, as per CNN. Emergency services earlier said that nine people had been severely injured, five or six received medium-severe injuries and ten were lightly injured. The authorities have also revised down an earlier number of people injured, but said those could still change given the developing situation. During the shooting, some students locked themselves in classrooms, the police said in an update on X. A picture shared on social media also showed several students hiding on a ledge high up the building. The incident - at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University - happened in the center of the capital. The area is popular with tourists and close to major attractions, just across the Vltava River from Prague Castle, as per CNN. The university was holding classes on Thursday and was due to go on Christmas break on December 23, according to a schedule on the university's website. Vondrasek said the suspected shooter was a 24-year-old male who travelled to Prague from his hometown village of Hostoun. Vondrasek said the suspected shooter was a student of the Faculty of Arts at Charles University in Prague. According to the police chief, the authorities had information about the shooter prior to the incident, saying the police received a tip saying the shooter was travelling to Prague with the intention to take his own life. Shortly afterward, they received information that a deceased man was found in Hostoun. The man is believed to be the suspect's father. Vondrasek said the police were aware the shooter had a lecture at 2 pm CET and therefore evacuated the building where the lecture was meant to take place. However, the police then received a call about a shooting in a different building, according to the police chief, CNN reported. The suspected shooter had a gun permit and owned several weapons, Vondrasek said. As per CNN, the Czech Republic has relatively liberal gun laws compared to the rest of the European Union. To obtain a gun legally, a person needs an official firearm licence, which requires a medical examination, a weapon proficiency exam and no previous criminal record. (ANI)
One person was taken to the hospital after crashing into an east Charlotte car audio store Thursday morning.

It happened around 3 a.m. at Discount Car Audio on Milton Road at The Plaza.

Downed power lines block busy east Charlotte road

Paramedics said one person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Channel 9 could see a black SUV with glass on its hood at the scene. The front window of the business was shattered and glass was on the sidewalk.

Its not clear what led up to the crash or if anyone will be charged.

(WATCH BELOW: Woman dies in single-vehicle crash in Lincoln County, troopers say)
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  The state of Baja California is expecting 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccinations from the Mexican government to be delivered in the coming days for the regions vulnerable population.

Baja Secretary of Health Adrian Medina Amarillas says these vaccines are in addition to the 140,000 doses received in October.

He says the shots will be given to those who are 60 and over as demand for the vaccines remains high.

Binational health conference addresses health disparities on the border

They are sending us 100,000 vaccinations so we can have enough as winter approaches, said Medina Amarillas. I dont know if the vaccines will be from the Abdala laboratory or another brand.

The health secretary stated they dont know exactly when the vaccines will arrive but said it will be within the next few weeks.

There are numerous older residents and many with pre-existing conditions that make them vulnerable, he said. And there are people who never got vaccinated who need the shots.

Medina Amarillas said there has not been a spike in COVID-19 cases in the state, although dozens of people are still testing positive daily.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

We dont have a sudden wave of cases in Baja California, same thing with our neighbors north of the border, but we are still worried since the virus continues to mutate and generate new strains.

According to Medina Amarillas, while new cases are being seen daily, no one has been hospitalized due to the coronavirus and no deaths have been reported in the last two weeks as a result of COVID-19 or its variants.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Russian officials issued military conscription notices to migrants on 20 December during a ceremony for granting Russian citizenship.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW); Russian media outlet Meduza

Details: Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs in St. Petersburg stated that representatives of local military enlistment offices and officers from the military investigation department of the Investigative Committee of St. Petersburg had issued conscription notices to 11 new Russian citizens from neighbouring countries at a ceremony to grant them citizenship.

Military analysts from the ISW noted that the Russian authorities issued the notices as a means of crypto-mobilisation and to appease Russia's ultranationalist community.

The ISW analysts suggested that the Russian government is trying to reconcile the exploitation of migrant labour to reduce labour shortages in Russia and is prioritising crypto-mobilisation to send migrants into combat.

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A 12-year-old girl from temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast died after a so-called health improvement trip to Tyumen, Russia, and over 100 students have been hospitalised.

Source: Artem Lysohor, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Facebook

Details: Lysohor said the children are staying in a hospital in Saratov Oblast. Over 30 out of 125 children have high temperatures.

Medical workers are examining all of them, taking blood tests and trying to establish a diagnosis. Luhansk students are isolated from others.

Lysohor reported that the 12-year-old girl from Luhansk lost consciousness on the train and that they did not manage to save her.

Quote: "The local government assures that they will organise a hotline with parents. However, there is no connection with many of them due to the lack of mobile signal coverage in several cities and villages of the so-called LPR [Luhansk People's Republic  ed.].

These children were returning from Tyumen, where they went for health improvement. Not in the summer, not to Krasnodar Krai, for example, but to Tyumen in December.

They took them to a regular children's camp. Just recently, students from Sievierodonetsk went to the frosty Perm Oblast.

Their immune systems didnt withstand it. They couldn't improve [the health of  ed.] the boys and girls."

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Demonstrators hold signs and flags while marching at Scoville Park Dec. 10, 2023 as the group Oak Park Neighbors for Peace and Justice in Israel and Palestine organized a vigil calling for a permanent ceasefire. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

The Oak Park Neighbors for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel group held a Vigil for Gaza in the west suburb, calling on the community to stand in solidarity against violence against Palestinians and Israelis in the ongoing Hamas-Israel War.

Its a group of people who felt it was important to be in the community with other local people to express their support for a permanent ceasefire and also to grieve the deaths of both Israelis and Palestinians, Caren Van Slyke, a supporter of the vigil, told Pioneer Press in a phone interview Tuesday.

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The Oak Park Neighbors for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel community group held a Vigil for Gaza Dec. 10, 2023 at Scoville Park in Oak Park. The group is calling for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Dozens of participants rallied with the Oak Park Neighbors for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel community group Dec. 10, 2023 during the Vigil for Gaza demonstration at Scoville Park in Oak Park. The group is calling for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Faiza Latif, center, was among the demonstrators Dec. 10, 2023 with the Oak Park Neighbors for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel community group at the Vigil for Gaza at Scoville Park in Oak Park. The group is calling for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Faisal Alabsy speaks to the crowd at Scoville Park Dec. 10, 2023 as the group Oak Park Neighbors for Peace and Justice in Israel and Palestine organized a vigil calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

The conflict began after the terror group Hamas attacked southern Israel Oct. 7, sparking a war between Israel and Hamas that has devastated much of the Gaza Strip.

In that October attack, Hamas kidnapped an estimated 240 people and killed some 1,200 others. In response, Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion in Gaza have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry, with women and children consistently the majority of those killed.

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The ongoing fighting has brought unprecedented death and destruction to the impoverished coastal enclave, with much of northern Gaza obliterated and over 80% of the population of 2.3 million pushed from their homes, the Associated Press reports.

According to Van Slyke, there were reportedly 200 attendees at the vigil in Oak Park Dec. 10, which took place at Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street, the site of previous community demonstrations and rallies around peace, and gun and social justice issues.

This is a humanitarian crisis. We ask for a permanent ceasefire and an end to Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza. We ask for a return of all hostages, according to a flier announcing the Vigil for Gaza.

Participants marched at the site carrying signs that called for such actions as CEASEFIRE NOW and End the Massacre of Palestinians Now.

Im Jewish and I think its really important that people who are Jewish speak out against dispossession and oppression of the Palestinian people and say, This is not being done in my name. This is not consistent with Jewish values and Im Jewish and I support justice and equality for all, Van Slyke said.

She said there were two large banners featuring photographs of peoples faces and calling for an end to the siege on Gaza, and to stop collective punishment.

It made it very personal. Its not numbers anymore. Its human beings, said Van Slyke, who attended the vigil as part of the Oak Park-based Committee for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel, or CJPIP.

There were also signs asking pointedly Where is Danny Davis?, the congressman who represents Oak Park. In a news release announcing the vigil, organizers stated that the Democrat was invited to attend and finally commit to joining 60 of his Congressional colleagues  who have called for a permanent ceasefire.

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We were very disappointed that Congressman Davis did not show and did not send a representative, Van Slyke said.

A spokeswoman from Davis office told Pioneer Press they were not aware of an invitation to the vigil.

However, Davis signed on to a bipartisan letter dated Nov. 7 that included dozens of other congressional leaders, stating: We support Israels right and obligation to defend itself  to protect its citizens, secure its borders, and rescue its people held hostage in Gaza. Israel also has the obligation to, as best as possible, protect civilians, and in all its actions adhere to international humanitarian law (notwithstanding Hamas complete disregard for the same).

We also recognize the desperate needs of the civilians in Gaza, and fully support doing everything possible to expand safe zones, provide transit corridors, and deliver life-sustaining humanitarian aid.

Then weeks later, Davis, who is running for reelection next year and faces a six-way primary challenge in March, signed on to a Nov. 30 collective letter from dozens of colleagues to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III. It urged deployment of United States hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, or other medical-capable ships, to the waters off Gaza to help provide civilians access to emergency medical care

Van Slyke said participants at the vigil offered prayers for justice and peace, and some spoke about why they were in attendance.

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A number of people brought poems and asked to read poems. Some were by Palestinian poets and there were other ones, she said. It was something that just struck me as how people were trying to express their grief in this moment.

Attendees also took a silent walk through Scoville Park.

It felt very powerful, said Van Slyke.

Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer.

Pioneer Press staff and Associated Press contributed
A dozen people were taken to hospitals after a pair of city vehicles  a bus and a sanitation truck  crashed in New York City on Wednesday night.

The collision took place about 9:30 p.m. in the Bronx's Longwood neighborhood, a New York Police Department spokesperson told USA TODAY Thursday.

When first responders arrived at the scene, the spokesperson said, officers found the MTA bus and sanitation truck involved a collision.

Fatal news chopper crash: Helicopter for Action News 6 crashes in New Jersey; pilot, photographer killed

12 people taken to hospitals

It was not immediately known how many people were on the bus or inside the truck, but police said paramedics transported 12 people to local hospitals.

The victims were all transported in stable condition, police said.

As of Thursday no fatalities had been reported by authorities.

Cop crashes into bar, arrests owner: Police officer crashes patrol car into St. Louis gay bar then arrests co-owner for assault

Cause of bus crash still under investigation

The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

As of Thursday, no arrest had been made in the crash and the wreck remained under investigation.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MTA bus, New York City sanitation truck collide in Bronx, injuring 12
A two-year investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration led to the arrest and sentencing of 14 members of a drug organization that trafficked a lot of drugs while illegally having guns in the Charlotte area, Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, announced on Wednesday.

DEA busts Charlotte drug operation with ties to Mexican drug cartel

The drug organization with ties to the Mexican cartels, Sinaloa and CJNG, trafficked hundreds of kilos of cocaine, fentanyl, and other narcotics in the Charlotte area between 2017 and 2022, according to court documents.

Multiple law enforcement agencies used court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics, and extensive surveillance in the investigation.

They seized about 328 kilograms of cocaine, 26 kilograms of fentanyl, and a kilogram of heroin.

In addition, the following items were seized: About 60 firearms, 18 high-capacity magazines and ammunition, more than $2.4 million

in drug money, over $300,000 in jewelry, two residences, 10 vehicles, a boat, and two tractor-trailers with hidden compartments for smuggling narcotics.

Deadly drugs like fentanyl and the gun violence tied to the drug trade are responsible for shattering families and devastating our communities, said King. The prosecution of this trafficking organization with ties to Mexican drug cartels exemplifies our ongoing efforts to disrupt drug networks, reduce drug-induced gun violence, and build strong and safe communities. I want to thank the DEA and all of our law enforcement partners for their exemplary work in this case and for joining forces to combat drug activity and violent crime.

The following people were sentenced Wednesday:

Salvador Barrera Jr., 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 24 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Ricardo Johnathan Gomez, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Johnny Lane Owens Sr., 46, of Albemarle, North Carolina, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Isaac Sandoval, 31, of Salisbury, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

Adrian Christopher Solares, 33, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 135 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Luis Raymundo Macias-Robles, 32, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 121 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Norberto Macedo Jr., 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 95 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Derek Duane Crump, 42, of Albemarle, was sentenced to 77 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Christian Alexander Hernandez, 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 74 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Erik Perales, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 72 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

Jesus Adrian Perales, 32, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Janquil Josselyn Jackson, 30, of Los Angeles, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

Christok Alexander Mata, 21, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

David George Jansen, 45, of Indian Land, South Carolina, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

VIDEO: Attorneys release statement on cartel kidnapping survivors
Maryland state authorities announced the guilty plea of 15 people, including inmates, civilians and a correctional officer, for their roles in a prison contraband conspiracy operating at Roxbury Correctional Institution in Hagerstown.

The states investigation uncovered criminal networks using drones, a correctional officer and a hospital to smuggle drugs such as fentanyl, cellphones, tools and more into the state prison.

Safety is as important in our correctional institutions as it is to the public in our neighborhoods and communities. This meticulous investigation and subsequent convictions send a clear message that we will not tolerate crime or corruption within our correctional facilities that disrupts the goals of rehabilitation, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a news release.

The investigation started in April 2022 after drugs and other contraband were recovered when an inmate returned to Roxbury from a hospital visit. The corrections departments Intelligence and Investigative Division worked with the Office of the Attorney General to uncover what turned out to be multiple smuggling conspiracies, according to the release.

In one case, an inmate, Jose Miguel Tapia, recruited two people via Instagram and paid them to fly drones over Roxburys fence and drop drugs and other contraband for him to distribute inside.

On Sept. 7, 2022, law enforcement disrupted an attempted drone delivery and arrested Guy Austin, 26, of Baltimore and Miya Scott, 25, of Baltimore, outside the prison. Investigators also found a drone that the pair had crashed the night before while attempting to make a delivery.

The recovered packages had drugs, tools, cellphones, phone chargers, SIM cards, headphones and thumb drives. The inmate is charged with contraband conspiracy and illegal possession of a telecommunications device in a place of confinement.

In July, both Austin and Scott pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver contraband, but Austin had an additional charge of possession of a telecommunication device with intent to deliver it to a place of confinement.

Austin was sentenced to five years, suspending all but 90 days. After release, he will be on three years of supervised probation.

Mr. Austin, during his plea/sentencing hearing expressed remorse for his actions, while accepting responsibility for them, said Robert Kline, Austins attorney from the Office of the Public Defender.

Scott was sentenced to three years of incarceration, and after her release, she will be on three years of supervised probation. Scotts attorneys were not immediately available for comment.

In November, Brown announced additional charges against Tapia.

According to the new charges, Tapia allegedly created a fake document and impersonated a representative from the Office of the States Attorney in an attempt to secure his unlawful early release from prison.

Tapia allegedly forged a court commitment document with the seal of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, for which he was awarded 449 days of additional, undeserved credit for time served against his sentence. He allegedly sent it to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to try to get out of prison early.

From his prison cell, Tapia allegedly electronically faxed the fake order to the clerks office, assumed the identity of a representative from the office of the states attorney and called the clerks office to request that the new commitment be processed.

In another set of charges, Tapia allegedly used a contraband cellphone within his jail cell to facilitate a complex identity fraud scheme. Tapia allegedly assumed the identity of dozens of people, including disguising his voice to impersonate an elderly woman, in an attempt to steal their money.

Tapia impersonated representatives from various hospitals in an attempt to gain unauthorized access to their email systems and finances. Tapia specifically targeted a company that provides electronic payments to hospitals and health care providers, changing the hospitals fax number to his own electronic fax number so he received faxes for the hospital containing virtual credit card numbers he could then steal.

Tapia, 37, pleaded guilty to each of the lead charges in all three of his cases and was sentenced to 14 years of additional incarceration. Tapias attorney could not be found in online court records.

In the second case, correctional officer Temille Ashby, a 10-year veteran of the department who worked at the facility only for overtime, smuggled drugs to inmate Jamal Brown, who would redistribute them within Roxbury, according to the attorney generals office.

Ashby normally worked at Jessup Correctional Institution in Anne Arundel County but occasionally worked overtime shifts in the kitchen at Roxbury, where Brown was assigned to work.

On Nov. 5, 2022, investigators found a bundle of 158 strips of Suboxone that Ashby had hidden in her body. Authorities said Suboxone, which is used to treat narcotics dependence, is sold for $100 a strip inside prison, and financial records showed that Ashby had received about $16,132 in payments on Cash App from the inmate and his family members.

Ashby, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver contraband. Her sentencing date is set for May 28. Ashbys attorney Tyler Mann did not have a comment on the matter at this time.

Brown, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver contraband and was sentenced to one year of incarceration, consecutive to all other sentences. Browns attorney was not immediately available for comment.

In the last case, authorities said Roxbury inmate Akeem Banks, who was taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, collected bundles of drugs and other contraband hidden in hospital bathrooms by friends and family of other inmates.

Banks hid the contraband in his clothing and smuggled the items back to Roxbury, where he gave the packages to other inmates, like Jason Butler and Devin Matos, for redistribution, according to the attorney generals office.

Between April through August of last year, law enforcement found four packages of drugs and other contraband intended to be smuggled into the facility. The recovered packages had drugs, including fentanyl, in addition to cellphones, power adapters, flash drives and cigarettes.

Surveillance showed Tracy Williams and Keith Shuford hiding packages within UMMC, according to the attorney generals office.

Banks, 27, pleaded guilty to felony possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to deliver contraband. He was sentenced to two 1/2 years of incarceration, consecutive to all other sentences. Banks attorney was not immediately available for comment.

Butler, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver contraband and was sentenced to one year of incarceration, consecutive to all other sentences. Butlers attorneys was not immediately available for comment.

Matos, 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver contraband and possession of a telecommunications device in a place of confinement. He was sentenced to nine months of incarceration, consecutive to all other sentences. Matos' attorney could not be found in court records.

Williams, 50, of Baltimore, an outside facilitator for Jason Butler, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver contraband and was sentenced to three years of incarceration. After she is released, she will be on three years of supervised probation. Williams' attorney was not immediately available for comment.

Shuford, 27, of Waldorf, an outside facilitator for Deven Matos, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver contraband. He was sentenced to three years of incarceration, and after his release he will be on three years of supervised probation. Shufords attorney was not immediately available for comment.

After investigators searched the cells in the Roxbury facility, five more inmates, including Denis Alvarez, James Careton, Jeffrey Gilmore, Avery Perry and Deon Warren, were charged with possession of contraband, illegal possession of a telecommunications device in a place of confinement and possession of controlled dangerous substance in a place of confinement.

Former RCI inmates Alvarez, Careton, Gilmore, Perry and Warren pleaded guilty to possession of a telecommunications device in a place of confinement. They were all sentenced to six months of incarceration, consecutive to all other sentences.

During the raid, Mr. Gilmore was found to be in possession of a cellphone. He had the cellphone so that he could have more convenient, private, and frequent conversations with his young son, said Elizabeth Franzoso, Gilmores attorney. Many prisoners use cellphones so that they do not have to go through the hassle of waiting in line for the prison phones, or be limited to the hours that the phones are available. Because he possessed this cellphone, which was not authorized, he pled guilty and received a six-month sentence, consecutive to the other sentence which he is now serving. He was not involved in the larger conspiracy.

Warrens attorney, David Littrel, has no comment at this time.

Alvarezs and Perrys attorney was not immediately available for comment. Caretons attorney was not immediately available for comment.

_____

2023 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
An 18-year-old is behind bars after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said he killed a fellow teen.

On Oct. 17 Bainbridge Public Safety officials found 19-year-old Camren Walker dead in a vacant lot with gunshot wounds.

Someone walking by the area initially discovered Walkers body, according to investigators.

After DNA testing, police arrested 18-year-old Ebony Brooks and charged him with Walkers death.

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Brooks was arrested on Dec. 12.

He was then booked into Decatur County Jail.

Brooks was charged with malice murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Updated on Friday: Shy'Dell Griffith, who was wanted in the shooting at the West York Auto Spa Express, surrendered himself to the York County Sheriff's Department on Thursday evening and is in custody, West Manchester Township said.

Reported on Thursday:

Two suspects have been charged with criminal homicide in a May 20, 2022 gang-related shooting at the West York Auto Spa Express on York Crossing Drive, killing Devin Zeigler of Springettsbury Township and wounding Dervin Gwynn.

Kamron Dowsey of York is charged with criminal homicide, criminal conspiracy to commit homicide, criminal attempt to commit homicide and aggravated assault. Shy'Dell Griffith of York is charged with criminal homicide and criminal conspiracy to commit homicide. A third, unnamed suspect is also sought in the incident.

West Manchester Township Police Detective Matthew DeWitt said 32 rounds were fired in the incident. He said the homicide victim had a $30,000 bounty on him.

York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, left, speaks with West Manchester Township Police Detective Matthew DeWitt during the press conference December 21, 2023 in West Manchester Township.

More on this case: Coroner IDs man who was killed in shooting at car wash in West Manchester Township

Dowsey is currently being held without bail at York County Prison for another, unrelated homicide. Griffith, who was being sought by West Manchester Township Police, surrendered himself to York County Sheriff's Department on Thursday evening, police said.

The York County Investigative Grand Jury recommended the charges after an 18-month-long investigation.

"Regardless of any obstacles in this case, the investigators of the West Manchester Township Police Department refused to relent in their pursuit of justice for the family of Devin Zeigler," said District Attorney Dave Sunday. "The citizens of West Manchester Township need to know that they can rest well tonight."

Fugitive ShyDell Griffith

Timeline of events

According to an unsealed grand jury presentment:

Surveillance footage from the scene showed a white Kia pull into the parking lot approximately five minutes before the shooting. The Kia was backing into a parking space, and eventually a minivan pulled in and parked across from the Kia. In addition, a Range Rover pulled in and parked several spaces away from the minivan.

A Mazda SUV then parked next to the Range Rover. Occupants of the minivan, Range Rover and Mazda SUV exited their vehicles and began vacuuming the interiors of their vehicles. Several minutes later, the occupants of the Kia exited their vehicle and made their way toward both victims. One individual approached the SUV, being cleaned by Zeigler.

The individual positioned himself behind Zeigler, who was bent over, with his upper body in the vehicle. He then moved his hands over Zeigler's waist and hip areas, before Zeigler ran after the male. He was then shot multiple times, before falling over.

Meanwhile, the driver and passenger of the Kia walked up to Gwyn, who was wearing a large gold chain necklace. After approaching him, the suspects backed up and Gwynn ran toward a Range Rover parked a few spaces away. The two men then followed Gwynn with their guns raised.

Gang-related shooting

According to DeWitt, the shooting was a result of gang-related violence.

Officials said witness testimony established that Dowsey is part of a group called EBK, an ally of another group called Parkway. Around the time of the shooting, there was an ongoing conflict between MLB/East side and the EBK/Parkway alliance.

Several shootings and homicides between the groups took place before and after the car wash shooting, according to the presentment.

Witness testimony revealed that a member of Parkway offered bounties or amounts of money to anyone who shot and killed individuals associated with the East Side, according to the presentment.

According to another witness' testimony, Zeigler was considered a high value target because was a source for the East and South groups.

Following his death, a witness revealed Dowsey and his accomplices were each paid different amounts by the Parkway member, according to the presentment.

Griffith, who also belonged to the EBK, was motivated by the bounty placed on Zeigler and confessed to witnesses several times to participating in the shooting, according to the presentment.

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.

More: Warrant out for York shooting suspect

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: 2 charged in gang-related homicide at West Manchester Twp. car wash
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Two people have been arrested after leading deputies on a chase from Cabarrus County into Charlotte, authorities said.

The two suspects have been identified as Jonathan Allen Moore and Savannah Diann Fleetwood.

The ordeal started at 11:10 p.m. Wednesday when a deputy attempted to pull over a vehicle for a traffic violation. After approaching the vehicle, deputies said the driver immediately fled, and a chase began. Deputies said the chase became too reckless and they canceled the pursuit.

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police helicopter was able to follow the suspect vehicle where it stopped under the overpass at I-77 and Morehead Street, where the two suspects got out of the vehicle and tried to run away.

MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS

Crime & Public Safety

CMPD officers were able to converge on the area and take the two suspects into custody along Elliot Street, just several blocks away from Bank of America Stadium.

Deputies with the Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office arrived at the scene to take the two suspects into custody. Moore has been charged with the following:

Felony flee to elude arrest

AWDW on a government official

Speeding

DWLR

DWI

Possess open container

Possess drug paraphernalia

Possess schedule I controlled substance

Fleetwood has been charged with the following:

Possess methamphetamine

Possess schedule I controlled substance

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
ARLINGTON COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Arlington County Police Department arrested two men for firing multiple gunshots at a car in the Green Valley neighborhood.

The shots were fired on Dec. 2. at S. Kenmore Street and 23rd St. Police said they found evidence of the gunshots during their investigations and believe that six men were walking in the area when a car that was leaving a parking lot approached the group.

The car stopped for a moment and then at least one suspect started firing at the car.

VSP says more than 800 people have lost their lives on the road, reminds people to drive safely ahead of holiday travels

S. Elijah Broadus, 21, and Isaiah Grady, 18, both of Arlington, were taken into custody on Dec. 20. They are both being at the Arlington County Detention Facility without bond.

Both men were charged with shooting at an occupied vehicle and discharging a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school.

Additionally, Broadus is also being charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and wearing a mask to conceal identity.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A 2-year-old and a 5-year-old were hospitalized, one with serious injuries, after they were involved in a single-vehicle DUII crash near the intersection of Rogue River Drive and Buckingham Circle in Eagle Point, Ore. on Wednesday.

The Jackson County Sheriffs Office, regional firefighters and a Mercy Flights helicopter responded to the scene of the crash at approximately 10:23 p.m. Paramedics airlifted the 5-year-old child to hospital with serious injuries. The 2-year-old was also taken to the hospital by ambulance with less severe injuries.

A 36-year-old woman from Eagle Point was arrested in connection to the crash. The suspect, Amanda Lynn Padilla, was booked into the Jackson County Jail for driving under the influence of alcohol, second-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, reckless driving and reckless endangering.

Multnomah County deputies investigate murder that led to chase, suicide

Padilla showed signs of impairment and deputies arrested her on scene, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office said.

Investigators attributed improper seat belts to the kids injuries. (Jackson County Sheriffs Office)





An initial traffic investigation conducted by the Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team and the Jackson County District Attorneys Office showed that the children were not wearing age-appropriate safety belts at the time of the crash.

Initial investigations revealed [that a] lack of proper child restraints was a major contributing factor to the injuries sustained by the children, JCSO said.

This case remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
TEL AVIV  About 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the result of Israel's bombing campaign and ground invasion after Hamas' terror attack.

The Israel Defense Forces' near-relentless assault has displaced around 90% of the population and leveled 40,000 buildings, according to United Nations estimates, and is enabling what the organization calls an unfolding humanitarian disaster for Palestinian civilians who are searching for shelter, food, clean water and medical care.

Some 70% of those killed were women and children, the Health Ministry said. The numbers did not include many dead who are still buried in the rubble of bombed buildings, it added in a statement.

Throughout the war, health officials have released precise numbers of dead and injured. This changed Wednesday and Thursday, when they announced an estimate.

The grim milestone came 75 days after Hamas launched multipronged surprise attacks on Israel that left 1,200 people dead, according to officials in the country.

Israeli attacks on Gaza continue (Ashraf Amra / Anadolu via Getty Images)

Around 240 people were also take hostage by the militant group, with more than 100 of them being freed during a pause in fighting late last month in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Some said there had been a shortage of food while they were held, while others said they had been mistreated by their captors.

More than 120 people are believed to remain in Hamas' captivity, according to the latest figures from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.

Describing Gaza as the deadliest place for civilians in the world at this point in time, George Readings, the International Rescue Committees lead crisis analyst, told NBC News in a phone interview Tuesday that the scale of the devastation was intolerable.

As of Thursday, only nine of Gaza's 36 hospitals were partially functional, according to the World Health Organization.

Rising death toll, mounting criticism

Netanyahu has vowed to continue the countrys offensive in Gaza until every hostage is freed and Hamas is eliminated from the enclave. But he is coming under mounting pressure from the United States and the international community to pause or end the fighting.

In perhaps his harshest criticism of Israel yet, President Joe Biden said earlier this month that Netanyahu's government was starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place.

In comments during an off-camera campaign reception in Washington, Biden also suggested that the Israeli government was blocking progress toward a long-term solution, with far-right members in his Cabinet expressing opposition to a two-state solution.

Bidens opinion is the only one that really matters on the international stage, Paul Salem, president of the Middle East Institute, a Washington-based think tank, said Monday. As the only country actively supporting Israel, the U.S. is the only one that could actively and seriously pressure Israel into a cease-fire," he said.

He added that in other Middle Eastern countries, public opinion toward Israel had been massively enraged by the war in Gaza, and not one generation but several generations, have been marked in a deep, deep way.

"I cannot recall when an Israeli war had such an impact," he said. "Previous Israeli wars were much briefer," he said, adding this was something Israel  which has normalized relations with several of its neighbors and was attempting to build bridges with several others  would have to take into account.

Within Israel, Netanyahu's approval ratings have also plummeted in recent weeks, with his government facing public anger over its failure to prevent the Oct. 7 attacks and its subsequent inability to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

This weekend's announcement that the country's military had mistakenly killed three hostages who were holding a white cloth on a stick fueled further outrage.

Image: Funeral Held For Alon Shamriz, Hostage Accidentally Killed By IDF (Amir Levy / Getty Images)

Alon Shamriz, Yotam Haim and Samer Talalka were shirtless when they were shot, an IDF official said Saturday. At least one of them cried out for help in Hebrew before they were killed, the official added.

Netanyahu is now under enormous pressure from his own people to switch from a ground offensive, Salem said, adding that with 20,000 deaths, clearly by any Israeli standards shows theyve exacted revenge for the Hamas attacks.

Following the announcement that the three hostages had been killed, thousands of Israelis gathered on the streets of Tel Aviv outside Israel's Defense Ministry to call on the country's war Cabinet to do more to secure the release of those still being held by Hamas.

'My hope was to go to school'

Inside Gaza, where the United Nations estimates that 90% or around 1.9 million of the population of about 2.2 million people have been displaced, Palestinians seeking refuge in the southern city of Rafah, which the Israeli military has designated a safe zone, say they too want peace and security.

My hope was to go to school and other activities, but now my wish is for the war to end and go back to my house, 12-year-old Rosan El Habash told NBC News crew on the ground Sunday.

Thats my hope in this life, she said.

The fear of not being able to return home  or being eventually forced to leave the Gaza Strip  is one that a growing number of Palestinians appear to share.

I cant leave my land, Mays Abu Aisha said last week. We lived in it and we will die in it.

After leaving her home in northern Gaza, Abu Aisha said she moved to the city of Khan Younis after following Israeli advice to move south. After strikes on the city, she said she moved farther south to Rafah near the border with Egypt.

If a country like Russia and Ukraine were at war, the whole world would stand with them and end the conflict, she said. Here in Gaza, no one stands with us.

'We want to be safe'

Among the crowd of hundreds in Tel Aviv demanding to see a plan of action from the government were the relatives of several hostages, including Raz Matalon, 53, whose brothers-in-law Eli Sharabi, 51, and Yossi Sharabi, 53, are still being held.

This is a feeling of urgency that I never felt in my life, Matalon, 53, told NBC News on Sunday, adding that Eli Sharabis wife, Lianne, and their two children, Yahel, 13, and Noiya, 16, were also killed that day. Yossi Sharabi's wife and daughters survived the attack.

Raz Matalon, 53, joined protesters camping outside Israel's Defense Ministry to call on the war Cabinet to come up with a plan to release the remaining hostages. (Chantal Da Silva)

Matalon, who has camped outside the Defense Ministry alongside several other protesters on multiple nights, added that he wanted the fighting in Gaza to end and for Israel's leaders to focus on negotiating a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Continuing to fight in Gaza could potentially be putting his loved ones at risk, he said, adding: If we continue the war as it is, it is so dangerous for everyone, so we have to start the mechanism of releasing the hostages.

After Hamas' attacks, Matalon said, he was struggling to weigh his hopes for peace in the region with his fears.

I want for the Palestinians a better life, a good life, he said. But, how can I let my family live next to the terrorists? he said, referring to Hamas.

We want to be safe, he said. We want to be secure.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Memo to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame: you have to be smarter than that.

Im talking about choosing Middletown native Michael Flynn for the 2024 class of inductees. Even if you felt he was worthy, you should have seen this would make a mess. And it has.

I have a personal connection to the Heritage Hall of Fame. I was in the 2022 class. Im not sure I deserved it  the Hall is a whos who of notable Rhode Island folks, from Roger Williams to Broadway legend George M. Cohan to governors and countless more.

So I was deeply honored, even though The Providence Journal, in a story about it, had a headline that said, Longtime columnist will be indicted this weekend.

Um, that was supposed to be a u, but I dont want to quibble.

Yet that typo is now ironic since a current inductee is now literally an indictee.

Admittedly, so was Vincent A. Cianci Jr., who is in the Hall, but Buddy was Providences longest-serving mayor, an iconic Rhode Island force for 40-plus years, and was chosen in 1999  before his corruption conviction.

Still, the Hall does have a category of "rogues," including Samuel Casey, known as Rhode Island's best silversmith in the mid-1700s but sentenced to hang for counterfeiting before he was freed by a mob of friends and fled.

Flynn also boasts an impressive resume  Army lieutenant general, U.S. National Security Advisor and onetime director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. And who knows  maybe many years from now he'll be seen differently. But at the moment, especially in a state like Rhode Island, Flynn is radioactive. The Hall should have known that.

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn arrives at U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., in December 2018.

Trump ultimately pardoned Flynn, who was found guilty of lying to the FBI in the Mueller investigation. But soon after, Flynn became a prominent election denier with a role in Jan. 6. The day before, he told a roaring crowd: Tomorrow we the people are going to be here and we want you to know we will not stand for a lie.

Later, when then-Congresswoman Liz Cheney asked during a January 6th Committee deposition if Flynn thought the violence that day was morally justified, Flynn pleaded the fifth.

His defenders might say he legally had to, but still, yikes.

The worthy others in the 2024 Heritage Hall class include the community-spirited John Hazen White of TACO, ex-Congressman Jim Langevin, former NAACP president Jim Vincent and Loren Spears, a Native American leader who is the executive director of the Tomaquag Museum.

They deserve this honor without the Flynn choice making things controversial, and indeed, it has. Many prominent folks, including Langevin, Gov. Dan McKee and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley say they wont attend the Hall's 2024 induction if Flynns there.

On top of that, at least a half dozen of the Hall's 20-member board had resigned over it by Wednesday afternoon.

Let me pause to say I was hugely impressed in 2022 by the professionalism of the Heritage Hall. Its not just a few people picking names  its a quality operation, its annual banquet a classy Rhode Island highlight, each recipient introduced with a professional video about their careers as well as a thoughtful tribute by a designated nominator. They put a lot into it.

My only suggestion is to hire a stage guy with a hook, because though inductees are told not to speak for more than four minutes, many need to be saved from themselves.

But it has been a terrific Rhode Island institution, which is why I worry the Flynn nomination could hurt it.

The situation is moving fast, and by the time this story's in print, perhaps things will change, including whether the Flynn pick survives.

But either way, the message is the same to the Heritage Hall board.

Even those who feel the choice was justified should have seen the controversy would be damaging.

They should have been smarter than that.

mpatinki@providencejournal.com

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Michael Flynn selection hurts RI Heritage Hall of Fame : Patinkin
People walk through the plaza between the north and south towers of the Wrigley Building on a rainy Dec. 16, 2023, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

The chances of a white Christmas in Chicago arent high, meteorologists say, but Dec. 25 might land in the record books as one of the warmest.

The holiday weekend is shaping up to be warm and rather wet, according to Todd Kluber, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville. The weather service expects rain and clouds, with a high temperature near 53 degrees on Christmas.

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Wet and mild for late December, he said. We usually see cold and snowy, but were definitely not seeing that this time around.

[ Chicago weather: How our 2023-24 seasonal snowfall compares with previous years ]

If the forecast holds, Kluber said this year would make the list for the top 10 warmest.

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The warmest Christmas in Chicago was in 1982, when temperatures at OHare International Airport  the citys official recording site  topped out at 64 degrees. Two of the top five warmest were in the past five years. 2019 holds the second spot at 57 degrees, and 2021 the fifth spot at 55 degrees, according to weather service data.

This forecast might be welcome news for the 3.4 million passengers catching flights at OHare and Midway airports from Wednesday to Jan. 2, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. OHare is projected to see a 4.6% passenger increase compared with last year, with Wednesday the busiest travel day.

Kluber said he predicts Christmas Eve will be relatively warm as well. The forecast shows cloudy skies with a chance of showers and a high near 52 degrees. From Saturday through Christmas, Kluber said high temperatures are expected to hover around 50, with lows in the mid- to upper 40s.

Due to a strong El Nino, scientists have predicted that Chicagos winter will be milder and drier than normal this year.

[ A strong El Nino winter is expected, scientists say. Heres what it means for snow and temps in Chicago. ]

Theres still no sign of really cold air for the New Year, so the snow chances, while not zero, are looking pretty low here for the rest of the month, Kluber said.

Most major cities in the United States probably wont experience a white Christmas, a term the weather service uses when 1 inch or more of snow is on the ground on the morning of Dec. 25. Kluber said hundreds of miles northwest of Chicago, in the Great Plains or Dakotas, is where theres the highest potential for snow on the holiday.

Chicago experienced a white Christmas last year, with 1 inch of snow on the ground at OHare. The most snowfall on Christmas in Chicago was in 1950, with 5.1 inches at Midway Airport.

[ Will Chicago see a white Christmas this year? Heres what more than 150 years of weather data predict for Dec. 25. ]

rjohnson@chicagotribune.com
A mother unknowingly watched her son, a pizza delivery man on a break, get shot dead in his vehicle outside their home, California police reported.

Officers responding to reports of gunfire at 4:52 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, found a 24-year-old man dying of gunshot wounds, Oakley police said in a news release.

Investigators learned he was sitting in his vehicle outside his home while on a break from his pizza delivery job when another vehicle pulled up and a passenger got out, police said.

The passenger shot him multiple times, then got back into the other vehicle, which fled, police said.

I spoke to a mother who unknowingly watched her son get shot in front of his own house, Police Chief Paul Beard said in the news release, calling the shooting horrendous.

This crime happened in a relatively quiet part of Oakley and right across from a school  an area we do not expect violence to occur, Beard said. When you consider the victims family witnessed this act and when you take into account the time of year we are in, it makes this all that more sad.

Police ask anyone with information or with security video possibly showing the other vehicle to contact 925-625-8060 or detectives at 925-325-6670 or dombrouski@ci.oakley.ca.us.

Oakley is about 50 miles east of San Francisco.

Accused robbers stash dead partner in U-Haul after pot farm heist, California cops say

Body found in field 44 years ago identified as missing 19-year-old, Las Vegas cops say

Accused robbers find someone stole their getaway vehicle, Colorado cops say. Ironic
Dana Humes Goff, Peoria's first certified nurse-midwife, is retiring after 42 years. She retired from the delivery room in 2016 and has been working since then with Dr. Michele Couri on gynecological care and hormone replacement therapy.

PEORIA  Peoria's first certified nurse-midwife, Dana Humes Goff, remembers when women had little control over their birth experience.

Goff began her nursing career in 1981 in the labor and delivery unit at St. Marys Medical Center in Galesburg. At that time, protocol dictated that every woman got an enema and had her pubic hair shaved. Episiotomies were routine, even if a woman didn't need one, and everyone was subjected to constant fetal monitoring  which meant they were confined to the bed, Goff said.

"Sometimes women wanted to do an unmedicated birth and they were just poo-pooed, she said.

Childbirth protocols were designed for the convenience of the doctor, with the presumption that it was safer that way, but the thinking was beginning to evolve. Goff was at the forefront of a new era in childbirth. She and other labor and delivery nurses worked to empower their patients to have more control in the delivery room.

"Little by little, some of the nurses that were really strong patients' advocates would do things like oh, she went so fast I couldnt get that enema in. And little by little, those things started to change," said Goff. "And you know, miraculously, these babies were born without enemas. There were some that didnt have time to get their pubic hair shaved, and, oh look at that, you can still deliver ... so just those little things we were able to do.

As protocols evolved across the U.S., Peoria was slower than many communities to embrace change.

Even though certified nurse-midwives were sanctioned in Illinois in the 1970s, obstetricians in Peoria were resistant to the idea. It wasnt until 1995, when Goff was granted privileges at Methodist Medical Center and St. Francis Medical Center, that certified nurse-midwifes began delivering babies in Peoria.

In 1996, eight months after getting privileges to deliver babies at Methodist Medical Center, certified nurse-midwife Dana Goff delivers 8-pound, 6-ounce Carlie for Doug and Mary Taylor. Goff delivered almost 3,000 babies during her career.

A pioneering path

Growing up in Galesburg, Goff had always known she would follow in the footsteps of her mother and older sister, both nurses.

My sister enlisted in the Air Force back in the '70s, and then she was in one of the first classes of nurse-midwifery that the Air Force did," said Goff. She graduated in 1975. ... I wanted to do what she was doing  what a wonderful career! Its a happy, happy career 99 percent of the time.

Goff graduated with an associate's degree in nursing from Carl Sandburg College in 1981 and a bachelors degree from Bradley University in 1992. She got a masters degree in 1994 from the University of Illinois Chicago and became a certified nurse midwife the same year.

More: This new $237 million center aims to transform cancer treatment in the Peoria area

Goff was the director of maternal child nursing at Methodist Medical Center when she became a certified nurse-midwife. She longed to move out of management and work more closely with patients, but because she had watched one of her colleagues, Bonnie Cox, fight unsuccessfully to become the areas first nurse midwife, Goff didn't have any hope if it happening in Peoria.

She her husband were making plans to move out-of-state to a community where she could use her training.

Knowing what Bonnie had been through, I thought, well, Im not gonna try it," Goff said. But one day she was approached by an administrator who gave her hope.

"It was a busy day, and the chief medical officer of the hospital approached me and congratulated me on my degree and new path, and he said what are your plans? I said I was probably going to relocate  I know things arent very friendly to midwifery around here, and he said I want you to be patient. We see the future of nurse-midwifery, and we want to be a part of it. And we want to hire you, Goff recalls.

A very special final delivery

After 42 years of seeing patients, Goff retired Dec. 20. During her long career she has witnessed an evolution that ultimately empowered women. Today there are about 40 certified nurse-midwives working in central Illinois.

Goff worked in private practice with Dr. David Kindred and Dr. Prentiss Carter before joining the practice of Boyd, Lowe, Goff Obstetrics & Gynecology, where she delivered about 200 babies a year. For the past seven years shes worked with Dr. Michele Couri, providing gynecological care and hormone replacement therapy. Though retirement means she will no longer be seeing patients, Goff plans to continue working with Dr. Couri part time on a research project.

Goff delivered close to 3,000 babies before retiring from the delivery room in 2016. Though the hectic schedule was something she was ready to give up, there were special moments she knew she would miss.

When you do a delivery, the babys head comes out facing down towards the bed, and then they rotate to get the shoulders out, and when that little face would rotate up, and you see this little face looking up at you - that's a whole person separate from the mother. Thats pretty special, said Goff.

Goffs last delivery happened on her 60th birthday when she got the opportunity to deliver her granddaughter, Aubrey Goff.

It wasnt planned. I hadnt anticipated delivering her. I sure didnt know she was going to go into labor on my birthday  she went into labor the night before and it went into the early morning hours. And then I got to catch the baby. It was a nice, easy, beautiful birth  I get a little choked up talking about it.

More: At risk and underserved: Mental health clients struggle to find services in the Peoria area

Leslie Renken can be reached at (309) 370-5087 or lrenken@pjstar.com. Follow her on Facebook.com/leslie.renken.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria's first certified nurse-midwife is retiring after 42 years
They say crime doesn't pay  especially if you can earn a living starring in movies or performing on stage.

However, even stars run into legal trouble.

Here are five Hollywood arrests that made the headlines in 2023.

ARMIE HAMMER SPEAKS OUT AFTER PROSECUTORS ANNOUNCE HE WON'T BE CHARGED IN SEX ASSAULT CASE

New York City police arrested Marvel star and "Creed III" actor Jonathan Majors in March for allegedly assaulting and harassing his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, in the back of a cab.

Actor Jonathan Majors arrives with Meagan Good for the jury selection in his assault and harassment case at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, Dec. 18, 2023.

At the end of the trial in December, jurors found him guilty of most of the charges but cleared him of assault causing intentional injury and aggravated harassment. Marvel Studios cut ties with Majors, who is due to be sentenced in February, when he faces up to a year in jail.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Majors claimed he was the victim in the incident, and Jabbari testified that the night of the attack, she drank so much she threw up.

She also accused him of slapping her head, twisting her arm and breaking her finger. Prosecutors revealed text messages from Majors dissuading Jabbari from going to the hospital for an earlier head injury.

Los Angeles police arrested Sam Haskell IV, the son of a Hollywood movie producer and beauty queen actress, in November after he allegedly threw his wife's headless torso in a dumpster and killed her parents, whose remains have not yet been found.

HOLLYWOOD HEADLESS TORSO SUSPECT SAM HASKELL CHARGED WITH MURDERS OF WIFE, HER PARENTS

Sam Haskell, charged with three counts of murder in the killings of his wife, Mei Haskell, and her parents, appears for arraignment in Dept. 30 Criminal Courts on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 in Los Angeles.

He is the 35-year-old son of Sam Haskell III, known now for producing Christmas movies with the likes of Dolly Parton and a former talent agent to A-listers including her and George Clooney.

The elder Haskell was also the longtime CEO of the Miss America pageant, but he resigned after a scandal after leaked emails showed him disparaging former winners.

Haskell IV faces three murder charges in Los Angeles. He is being held without bail at a Los Angeles county jail.

A homeless man found remains believed to belong to his 37-year-old wife, Mei Haskell, in a dumpster while searching for cans and bottles. He is also charged in the deaths of her parents, Goashan Li, 72, and Yanxiang Wang, 64, who moved to the U.S. from China to be closer to the couple's three sons.

A July visit to the Cayman Islands landed model Gigi Hadid behind bars on marijuana charges.

Gigi Hadid is seen at a photoshoot on Oct.18, 2023 in New York City.

According to her spokesperson, the drugs were legally purchased in New York with a valid medical license, and she was legally cleared to use them in the Caymans.

She pleaded guilty, paid a $1,000 fine and went back to vacationing.

Pro skater and former "Jackass" star Bam Margera surrendered to Pennsylvania police earlier this year in connection with a domestic violence incident involving his brother.

Bam Margera turned himself in to local Pennsylvania authorities.

BAM MARGERA'S MOM OPENS UP AS PENNSYLVANIA POLICE SEARCH FOR TROUBLED REALITY STAR: 'WE ALL LOVE HIM SO MUCH'

Margera, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has publicly struggled with drugs and alcohol, allegedly punched his brother in the face in April, injuring his nose and his eardrum.

As part of his bail terms, the judge ordered him to submit to drug and alcohol screening.

California police arrested the comedian Tiffany Haddish on DUI charges after a performance at the Laugh Factory in November.

Comedian Tiffany Haddish performs at Laugh Factory Hollywood's 43rd Thanksgiving Feast And Show at Laugh Factory on Nov. 23, 2023 in Los Angeles.

Police in Beverly Hills allegedly found her passed out in the driver's seat of her running car around 5:45 a.m. on Nov. 24. She had been on stage just hours earlier.

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She had a similar charge in Atlanta in 2022.

Fox News' Lauryn Overhultz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: 5 Hollywood arrests of 2023
Andie Coston's parents mistakenly bought about 100 gift cards worth $100 each for Disney+ instead of for Disney theme parks.

A Midwest family's Disney World trip has been saved by a holiday miracle after they mistakenly bought over $10,000 in gift cards for Disney's streaming service instead of the theme parks.

Andie Coston, of Normal, Illinois, told USA TODAY on Wednesday that her family had been planning the vacation of a lifetime to Disney World in Florida since 2020, when the pandemic halted her plans to take her children to "the most magical place on Earth."

The family decided to go to Disney this month, and Coston's parents thought they had bought $10,000 in gift cards to the park to help pay for the adventure for 16 family members in all. But they made a mistake: They bought about 100 gift cards worth $100 for the Disney+ streaming service.

"We were all befuddled and baffled at what had happened," said the 41-year-old Coston. "The absurdity was funny but then the realization that we may not actually make it to Disney was sad ... This has always been the one big trip that I can take my kids on."

Disney discounts hiding in plain sight: A hack to save on tickets, vacation packages

Andie Coston turns to TikTok for help

When her mother was unable to resolve the issue with Disney's basic customer service line, Coston took to TikTok about the nonrefundable and non-transferrable gift cards.

"That's over 70 years of Disney Plus," Coston wrote on the video, which has more than three million views. "My mom is distraught, dad frustrated, and the kids worried we won't get to get into Disney."

Through the support from the video and a friend who works for the company, the family was able to transfer to their funds to the correct gift cards.

Family had to photograph each gift card

The company needed pictures of the backs of each Disney+ gift card in order to complete the transfer. Coston said her mom and niece spent around four hours on Monday night emailing the photos when they were hit by another inconvenience.

"Their internet went out," Coston said. "You can only send so many images per email. My mom said they were up 'till about 11:45 p.m."

She added that her parents will have to mail some of the photos out. While the process was slow and tedious, she is grateful they were able to transfer the funds.

Andie Coston family had to email photos of each Disney+ gift card to Disney in order to redeem their funds for the theme parks.

Travel weather forecast scaring you? What to know before you head out for the holidays

Trip is finally set and stone

After a hectic journey, Coston's family is ready to embark on their highly anticipated vacation. Coston said they were able to keep their original flights, as well as book a resort nearby and restaurant reservations.

Coston is most excited to see her kids have fun and try new foods. She also hopes to reconnect with the Fairy Godmother actor who played Snow White when Coston visited the parks as a child. Just like with the gift card debacle, she's all about having family stories to tell.

"This will be legend passed on for generations," she said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family buys $10k in Disney+ gift cards instead of planned Florida trip
"The Chinese language is the language of the day across the globe. It is the language that unlocks opportunities for the youth, locally and globally," said Asha Fum Khamis, a Chinese language teacher from Tanzania's Zanzibar at the Confucius Institute within the University of Dar es Salaam.



Khamis, 32, said she has taught Chinese to more than 300 Tanzanian students during her three years of teaching.

"About 50 of the 300-plus students that I had taught have been employed as Chinese language teachers, and some of them have secured decent jobs in Chinese companies based in Tanzania as interpreters," said Khamis, whose husband also speaks fluent Chinese.

As the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania marks its 10th anniversary this year, many Tanzanian people believe that their lives have been changed.

Elionora Joseph Mosha, 22, and Hamida Seif Alawi, 24, both third-year students at the University of Dar es Salaam pursuing a bachelor of language studies, said after gaining access to Chinese language learning at the Confucius Institute, they obtained a big horizon to further knowing China and the whole world.

Alawi won the chance to study at Zhejiang Normal University in east China between September 2019 and July 2020 under a scholarship from the institute, which she described as a "life-changing moment."

What Alawi benefited from learning Chinese is motivating more Chinese teachers to come to Tanzania. Among them are Gao Xiaoyu and 13 other volunteer teachers from Zhejiang Normal University, who arrived in Tanzania in September this year.

"I'm definitely passionate about teaching them the Chinese language, and interspersing the lessons with an introduction to Chinese culture, including playing Chinese songs and movies to them," Gao said, adding that she also wants to help Tanzanian students apply for scholarships and obtain study opportunities in China.

Aldin Mutembei, Tanzanian director at the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, said the institute has helped to bridge the culture and friendship link between China and Tanzania.

"The Confucius Institute is like a bridge for the Tanzanian people to understand the Chinese language and culture, and of course, our friendship," said Mutembei.

"The past 10 years, however, have seen more than 100 teachers and volunteers from China come to Tanzania, training more than 60,000 Chinese language learners," said Zhang Xiaozhen, the Chinese director of the institute.

Chen Mingjian, the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, said the institute has so far helped nearly 100 students apply for scholarships, providing them with the opportunity to study in China.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam was established in 2013 under an agreement between the University of Dar es Salaam, the Chinese International Education Foundation, and Zhejiang Normal University.
The Kyiv Oblast Military Administration has reported that Russian UAVs have been spotted in the oblast, and air defence is operating against them.

Source: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration on Telegram

Quote: "The movement of enemy UAVs has been detected! Air defence forces are operating in the oblast. Do not photograph or film the work of our defenders. Do not ignore the safety rules. Stay in shelters until the air-raid warning is over."

At 00:02, the all-clear was given in Kyiv Oblast.

Background:

On the evening of 20 December, the Russians launched several groups of attack drones onto the territory of Ukraine from several directions.

Ukrainian air defence destroyed two Russian Shahed UAVs over Sumy Oblast.

Debris from a suspected Russian UAV fell on a residential building in Myrhorod district, Poltava Oblast, during the air-raid warning.

Air defence forces shot down two Russian drones in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

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Ukraine downed 34 of the 35 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said on Dec. 21.

Ukrainian authorities have warned that Russian attacks are expected to escalate during the winter, with Moscow focusing on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and other civilian sites.

The drones were launched from Russian-occupied Crimea, as well as the Krasnodar Krai district, and Kursk Oblast, located in Russia. The drones were then directed to different regions of Ukraine, according to the Air Force.

The drones were shot down over 12 oblasts in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Kherson, Zaporizhia, Mykolaiv, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Poltava, Chernihiv, and Kirovohrad oblasts.

Ukraine's Air Force said that the tactical aviation and anti-aircraft missile units, as well as mobile fire groups of the were involved in repelling the aerial attack.

Ukrainian officials have previously cautioned that Russia will launch a record number of drones against Ukraine. In late November, Ukraine defended itself from the largest attack on its territory since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, downing 74 of 75 Russian drones on Nov. 25.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia advances up to 2 kilometers near Avdiivka in 2 months; 4 children injured in Kherson

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An air-raid alarm has been issued throughout Ukraine due to the take-off of a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet and Russians launching Shahed drones.

Source: air-raid warnings map; Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "An attack by several groups of enemy assault UAVs from the south! The direction of movement is from Kherson Oblast to Kryvyi Rih (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast  ed.)."

Details: In addition, a take-off of a Russian MiG-31K was recorded.

Update: The Air Force reported that several groups of Russian assault UAVs are attacking Sumy from Russia's Kursk Oblast.

The all-clear was given at around 21:05 in Ukraine's western part and the central oblasts. Ukraine's Air Force reported at 21:07 that the Russian MiGs had landed. The Air Force said at around 21:10 that the Shahed kamikaze UAVs were heading towards the city of Kropyvnytskyi. Other groups of Russian attack UAVs were spotted over Sumy and Poltava oblasts.

Reports emerged at around 21:30 that more groups of Russian drones had been deployed from the Russian-occupied part of Kherson Oblast, moving between the cities of Mykolaiv and Kryvyi Rih towards Kropyvnytskyi. The Air Force reported at around 21:45 that Russian UAVs were moving from Poltava and Kirovohrad oblasts into Cherkasy Oblast. Other groups are moving from Sumy Oblast to Chernihiv Oblast.

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Aircraft carriers are massive, floating airports that host thousands of personnel. Equipped with barber shops, post offices and convenience stores, flattops can be likened to miniature cities on the water. They even carry their own plumbing systems, water treatment facilities and electric generators. In fact, one of America's first aircraft carriers used its generators to save Christmas.

USS Lexington in dry dock c. 1928 (U.S. Navy)

USS Lexington (CV-2) was originally designed as a battlecruiser. However, the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 effectively terminated all battleship and battlecruiser production. Instead, the ship was completed as an aircraft carrier and entered service in 1929. Upon delivery to the Navy, Lexington was assigned to the Pacific Fleet and sailed from Massachusetts to California.

USS Lexington c. 1929 (Naval History and Heritage Command)

On April 7, 1928, Lexington arrived at San Pedro, California. From her home port there, she made a high-speed run to Honolulu in June and set a record sailing time of 72 hours and 34 minutes. The ship was America's most advanced at the time and helped the Navy prepare for the new kind of maritime combat it would see in the next war.

Lexington running in port to power factories in the background (U.S. Navy)

In January 1929, Lexington went up against her sister ship, USS Saratoga (CV-3), in Fleet Problem IX. The naval exercise saw Lexington and the Navy's Scouting Force fail to defend the Panama Canal against an aerial attack launched by Saratoga. From this, the Navy developed and refined the carrier tactics that it would employ during WWII.

Tacoma ladies tour Lexington on December 23, 1929 (Tacoma Public Library)

Also in 1929, Washington state experienced a severe drought that drastically lowered the water level in Lake Cushman. With low water levels, the hydroelectric generator at Cushman Dam No. 1 struggled to produce electricity. As the primary power source for the city of Tacoma, the dam reached a critical point in December 1929 when the water level dropped below the plant's intake. Desperate, the city asked the federal government for help.

Lexington docked and plugged into the city's power (Tacoma Public Library)

Luckily, Lexington was docked at nearby Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard in Bremerton, Washington. Directed by the federal government, the Navy sent the carrier to Tacoma and rigged heavy electric lines from the ship to the city's power system. From December 17, 1929, to January 16, 1930, Lexington provided the city with 4,520,960 kilowatt hours that powered factories, homes, and Christmas lights.

The Christmas tree aboard USS Lexington (U.S. Navy)

To bring Christmas cheer to the struggling city, a Christmas tree was set up on the ship's hangar deck. Wives of Lexington's officers and charity organizations in Tacoma helped to decorate it. Children were even treated to a visit from Santa who came down an aircraft elevator instead of a chimney. In January, melting snow and much-needed rain raised the water level in the lake to provide sufficient power and allowing Lexington to depart after saving Christmas in Tacoma.
Hong Kong police have warned about increased theft on planes in 2023. Marielle Descalsota/Insider

A Chinese man has been charged by Singapore officials after passengers had over $20,000 in cash stolen.

Three passengers had a total of $23,000 taken from them on the December 16 Scoot flight.

Hong Kong police recently urged passengers to be more cautious with valuable items and cash.

A Chinese passenger has been charged with three counts of theft by Singapore officials after over $23,000 was stolen from other passengers on a plane from Vietnam to Singapore, Channel News Asia reported Monday .

Three people on the December 16 flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Changi Airport, operated by budget airline Scoot, had a total of around S$31,000 ($23,300) taken from their luggage, the outlet reported.

52-year-old Zhang Ziuqiang has been charged with three counts of theft and could face up to three years in jail and a fine if found guilty.

Ziuqiang stands accused of stealing almost $21,000 in cash from a black haversack backpack, according to charge sheets viewed by CNA. He is accused of stealing a further $1,000 and almost $700 from an envelope in a grey bag, as well as $574 from another backpack, the charge sheet says.

He will remain under investigation and will return to court on December 22.

Scoot did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment about the incident, sent outside regular working hours.

Scoot is a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines and considered the second best low cost carrier, according to a Skytrax ranking, BI previously reported.

In October, Hong Kong police warned that there has been a spike in theft on planes after having handled 13 cases of stolen cash and credit cards in the first nine months of 2023, per the South China Morning Post . There were only two incidents in 2022, one in 2021, and five in 2020.

Inspector Ho Hung-sing for airport intelligence and support urged passengers not to place valuables in overhead compartments and to carry cash and valuable items if they have to leave their seats, per SCMP.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Sunflower scheme is recognised around the world

An initiative that raises awareness that a person has a hidden disability and may need extra support is being adopted at the Isle of Man Airport.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme uses lanyards, pins or wristbands to indicate a disability.

Airport director Gary Cobb said the scheme would help to create an "inclusive and supportive" environment.

The scheme is used by those with conditions such as hearing or sight impairments, dementia, or autism.

The globally-recognised scheme aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for individuals with hidden disabilities, and a campaign to tell staff and passengers about the scheme has now been launched.

'Non-visible disabilities'

Mr Cobb said: "By raising awareness and understanding, we hope to make the travel experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone."

Passengers with any disability can also visit the airport to familiarise themselves before their their scheduled flight to "gain reassurance, confidence and insight into what their journey will look like", he said.

The adoption of the scheme by the airport follows a similar move by Isle of Man Transport in 2021.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower chief executive Paul White said it was "fantastic" that airport has joined the network, which would "help identify customers with non-visible disabilities".

That meant passengers would be "offered the support they require when visiting", he added.

A limited number of Sunflower lanyards has been made available at the airport information desk.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  If youre traveling this holiday season, youre not alone. AAA predicts more than 115 Americans will travel, and half of those traveling will be flying. Its predicted airports will be the busiest theyve ever been over the Christmas and New Years travel period.

Its already been a record-breaking year for travelers going through Harry Reid International Airport so youll want to give yourself some extra time at the airport if youre flying between Dec. 23 through Jan. 1, 2024.

Traveler Michael Fink who traveled from Nashville said he only had a minor wait at TSA.

Unfortunately right now CLEAR is doing a system-wide update so the CLEAR line was longer than the TSA PreCheck. I went through the CLEAR line which took about 15 minutes. That was the only travel hiccup, he said.

Travelers at Harry Reid International Airport on Dec. 21, 2023. (KLAS)

Miranda Lyons, who just graduated from nursing school, told us she got caught up in the Southwest Airlines debacle last year when thousands of flights were canceled during the holidays. She said the biggest issue shes had this year is the cost.

We had some issues with getting some flights here today because we were thinking the prices would drop but instead, they skyrocketed, but I mean it can always be so much worse, she said.

Officials at Ried International are asking travelers to arrive at least two hours before their flight time and if you plan to park at the airport, arrive at least three hours before a flight. The airport expects their lots to be full by Friday, Dec. 22 and there will only be limited space in the overflow and remote lot. You can check this airport link for more information on travel and parking options. You can check arrival and departure times at this link.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
"I thought they were all special effects. How could someone fly in the sky and do all those moves?" said Emmanuel Kangwa, a 23-year-old student from Zambia, when he recalled the Shaolin wushu movies he saw as a kid.

From Nov 23 to 27, over 40 international students from 23 different countries participated in a cultural exchange program of traveling through Central China's Henan province. The students are studying in different universities in Henan, including Zhengzhou University, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, and the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power.

The four-day cultural program, hosted by the Education Department of Henan Province, captured the students' interests, enriched their China experience, and nurtured friendships with the Chinese students they had met along the way.

The most popular event was the martial arts experience at Songshan Shaolin Wushu College, where they not only saw wushu performances by the students but were also able to try out some moves themselves.

"The performance was extraordinary. I even saw the Shaolin students breaking a piece of glass with needles!" said Kangwa.

Kangwa is currently studying in the Chinese language program at Henan University of Chinese Medicine. His interest in Chinese culture was kindled while watching Chinese kung fu movies at a young age. "Although I had reservations about the authenticity of the movies, they did spark my interest in Chinese culture, which I later discovered as rich and profound," he said.

At Songshan Shaolin Wushu College, the international students had two half-hour sessions trying out wushu. "They taught us some of the basics, but it was still extremely difficult," Kangwa said. "We were all novices, and none of us were flexible enough to keep up with our young instructors."

Lina Zavialova, 22, from Russia, a student in the Chinese language program at Zhengzhou University, was also in awe after their field trip.

Just like Kangwa, Zavialova's earliest impression of Chinese wushu was also from movies featuring Chinese kung fu stars like Jackie Chan. "It was surprising for me to learn that the students here began their training at the age of 4 or 5 and practice wushu for 8-10 hours a day."

Zavialova also learned that Shaolin wushu isn't just about physical exercises. "Students need to learn different kinds of knowledge, theories, and even philosophy. What is the point of doing these moves with an empty brain?" she said.

Apart from trying out wushu at Songshan Shaolin Wushu College, Kangwa also enjoyed visiting the Luoyang Museum and Yellow River Museum during their trip. "It was amazing because we could see how Chinese people used to live in previous dynasties and how civilization gradually transformed into modern life," he said.

Zavialova also expressed her infatuation with Luoyang because she's always been fascinated with history and culture in general. "I was thrilled to learn that Luoyang was the capital for 13 dynasties," she said. "It was really interesting to see the artifacts at Luoyang Museum, especially those from the Tang Dynasty. The designs were very elegant."

Zavialova is looking forward to revisiting the city. "I hope to explore different areas and more sights of Luoyang. Our tour guide told us that in March and April, peonies would blossom, and the view would be splendid."

Having been in China for three years, Kangwa acknowledged that part of the reason he came to China was the allure of Chinese culture. But it was also because that China is a fast-developing country. "I believe this is the best place for me to broaden my knowledge and cultivate my vision. I think coming here is one of the best decisions I've made in my life."

As for the future, Kangwa plans to pursue a master's degree at Henan University of Chinese Medicine. "Traditional Chinese medicine is gaining global recognition, and I am confident that no matter where I go in the future, I could achieve great things with the knowledge I acquire here."

Zavialova aspires to contribute to fostering increased cultural and academic exchange between China and Russia. "I'm from Tomsk, a city with a population of a little over half a million. However, we have many great universities such as Tomsk State University and Tomsk Polytechnic University," she said. "I wish to become a teacher or work toward providing more opportunities for Chinese students to pursue academic endeavors in Russia."
FILE - The logo of the Organization of the Petroleoum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is seen outside of OPEC's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on March 3, 2022. Angola says its leaving the OPEC oil producers cartel, coming after it battled with the group over lower production quotas this year. According to state news agency Angop, the African nations oil minister said Thursday that Angola does not gain anything by remaining in the organization. (AP Photo/Lisa Leutner, File)

LONDON (AP)  Angola announced Thursday that it's leaving the OPEC oil producers cartel, coming after it battled with the group over lower production quotas this year.

Diamantino de Azevedo, the African nation's oil minister, said Angola does not gain anything by remaining in the organization, according to state news agency Angop. The country joined OPEC in 2007.

Disagreements over lower oil quotas for some African countries, including Angola, led to an usual dayslong delay to OPEC's November meeting, where the group, along with allied producers led by Russia, decide how much oil to send to the world.

At the meeting, Angola's production level was dropped to 1.11 million barrels per month after an assessment by the three independent sources, the organization said.

OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, has been trying to bolster oil prices that have fallen in recent months over concerns about too much crude circulating in a weakening global economy, which could weigh on the thirst for oil for travel and industry.

The lower prices have been a good thing for U.S. drivers, who have been able to fill their gas tanks for less money in recent months but have hurt the bottom line of OPEC oil producers. The price of U.S. benchmark crude has fallen 8% this year.

Oil prices have gotten a boost in recent days as Yemen's Houthi rebels have escalated attacks on ships in the Red Sea and companies have diverted vessels from traveling through the area, where huge amounts of the world's energy supplies transit between the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

While losing Angola, OPEC announced at its meeting last month that it was bringing Brazil into the fold, a major oil producer that has been producing record amounts of crude this year, according to the International Energy Agency.

An OPEC spokesman didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Angola is one of the largest oil exporters in Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside Nigeria (Rodger BOSCH)

Angola said on Thursday it would leave OPEC over a disagreement on production quotas following the oil cartel's decision last month to further slash output next year.

Mineral Resources and Petroleum minister Diamantino Azevedo said that the decision was not taken lightly, but OPEC membership no longer served the African country's interests.

"We feel that at this moment Angola gains nothing by remaining in the organization and, in defence of its interests, it decided to leave," the presidency quoted Azevedo as saying in a statement.

The presidency said the decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by President Joao Lourenco in the capital, Luanda.

After the meeting, Lourenco signed a decree to officialise the matter, it said.

Azevedo told state broadcaster TPA that Angola is unhappy with OPEC's decision last month to further slash production next year in an effort to prop up volatile prices.

"We think the time has come for our country to be more focused on our goals," he told state broadcaster TPA.

"If we remained in OPEC... Angola would be forced to cut production and this goes against our policy of avoiding decline and respecting contracts."

OPEC, headquartered in Vienna, did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

- Diplomatic shift -

Angola's departure would hurt OPEC's international standing less than if it was a bigger producer such as Iraq or Saudi Arabia, said ActivTrades analyst Ricardo Evangelista.

The African country has a comparatively small output of about 1.1 million barrels per day.

But the timing couldn't be worse "when the cartel is working hard to convince its members to voluntarily reduce production in order to support prices," Evangelista said.

Angola is one of the largest oil exporters in Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside Nigeria.

Both countries expressed dissatisfaction with their quotas at the November OPEC ministerial meeting as they seek to step up production to secure vital foreign currency.

The meeting had to be postponed for several days because of disagreements.

"When we see that we are in organisations and our contributions, our ideas, do not produce any effect, the best thing is to withdraw," Azevedo said.

The announcement caused a further drop in oil prices already weighed down by expectations of sluggish economic demand. The main international and US crude contracts fell more than 1.5 percent before trimming their losses.

Crude prices are sitting near their lowest level in nearly six months despite the cartel's announcement in November to further cut output.

They have jumped in recent days as cargo shippers and oil firms say they will avoid using the Red Sea and Suez Canal because of drone and missile attacks by Huthi rebels. But they still remain below $80 a barrel.

Nevertheless, crude prices remain above the average of the past five years.

In an effort to prop up prices, the OPEC+ alliance has implemented supply cuts of more than five million barrels per day (bpd) since the end of 2022.

Founded in 1960, the 13-member OPEC cartel in 2016 partnered up with 10 other producers to form OPEC+ to gain more clout.

Discord among members has added to the challenges faced by the OPEC+, which is already contending with rising competition from increasing US crude production and a looming transition away from fossil fuels.

Angola's move fell in line with a recent diplomatic shift that has seen Luanda -- long close to China and Russia -- moving towards the United States, said independent analyst Marisa Lourenco, who specialises in the region.

Leaving OPEC "shows where Angola's foreign policy interests lie, and which it is pursuing with great intention," she told AFP.

Earlier this month nearly 200 states approved a first-ever call for the world to transition away from fossil fuels during the COP28 climate talks in Dubai.

str-lul-ub/rl
The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, has called for relevant departments and branches to activate their emergency response measures to ensure financial services for earthquake relief, the bank said Wednesday.

The bank said it has beefed up the support of monetary policy tools and given priority to ensuring the demand for emergency credit funds, while opening a "green channel" to swiftly allocate disaster relief funds.

Currently, the Gansu and Qinghai branches of the bank have allocated 170 million yuan (about 24 million U.S. dollars) and 50 million yuan, respectively.

The bank also pledged efforts to secure the safety and smooth operation of financial infrastructure for payments, clearing and credit investigation, and to restore financial services in the affected areas as soon as possible, while allocating funds to ensure the cash supply for people's livelihoods and disaster relief.

The bank will continue to make all-out efforts to ensure financial services for earthquake relief, and will provide prompt support for earthquake relief and post-disaster reconstruction.
FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) sits outside its headquarters in Vienna

FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) sits outside its headquarters in Vienna

By Miguel Gomes, Ahmad Ghaddar and Alex Lawler

LUANDA/LONDON (Reuters) - Angola said on Thursday it would leave OPEC in a blow to the Saudi-led oil producer group that has sought in recent months to rally support for further output cuts to prop up oil prices.

Angola's Oil Minister Diamantino Azevedo said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries no longer served the country's interests. It joins other mid-sized producers Ecuador and Qatar that have left OPEC in the last decade.

"We feel that ... Angola currently gains nothing by remaining in the organisation and, in defense of its interests, decided to leave," Azevedo was quoted as saying in a presidency statement.

International oil prices dropped by as much as 2.4% on Thursday as analysts said the departure raised questions about the unity of OPEC and OPEC+, the wider group that includes Russia and other OPEC allies. OPEC+ implements a new round of oil-output cuts from January to try to strengthen the market.

"Prices fell on concern of the unity of OPEC+ as a group, but there is no indication that more heavyweights within the alliance intend to follow the path of Angola," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

Angola's announced departure follows a protest from Angola about OPEC+'s decision to cut its output quota for 2024. The dispute helped to delay OPEC+'s last policy meeting in November and its agreement on new output curbs.

"This shows that there is no consensus within OPEC itself and this was for some time now," Ali Al-Riyami, former marketing director general at Oman's energy ministry, said.

"There will be consequences no doubt about it, but I don't think others (countries) will follow."

Nigeria is another African OPEC member that has been trying to boost output and has been struggling to meet its quota. At the November meeting, it received a higher OPEC+ target for 2024, although lower than it had sought, restricting its ability to increase production should it be able to do so.

OPEC did not reply to a request for comment.

FALLING MARKET SHARE

Three OPEC delegates who spoke on condition of anonymity said Angola's decision to leave came as a surprise, as they had expected the dispute over Angola's quota to blow over.

Angola, which joined OPEC in 2007, produces about 1.1 million barrels of oil per day, compared with 28 million bpd for the whole group.

Angola's departure will leave OPEC with 12 members and crude oil production of about 27 million bpd, some 27% of the 102 million bpd world oil market.

This further reduces OPEC's share of the world market, which stood at 34% in 2010.

As well as the exit of some members, OPEC and OPEC+ decisions to cut production and the rising output of non-OPEC countries including the United States have reduced its market share.

Brazil is expected to join OPEC+ in January but will not take part in the group's coordinated output caps.

Angola has been unable to produce enough oil to meet its OPEC+ quota in recent years, because of falling investment and a lack of big new oilfield developments.

It has struggled to reverse falling output since a peak of 2 million bpd in 2008 and expects to maintain current production into 2024, a senior government official said in October.

For Angola, oil and gas accounts for around 90% of total exports, an over-reliance the government has been seeking to reduce after the COVID-19 pandemic and lower global fuel prices hit the country's economy hard. Several oil majors and independents operate in the southern African nation, including TotalEnergies, Chevron, ExxonMobil and Azule Energy, a 50/50 venture between Eni and BP.

(Reporting by Miguel Gomes in Luanda, Ahmad Ghaddar, Alex Lawler and Natalie Grover in London, Wendell Roelf in Cape Town, Yousef Saba in Dubai; writing by Bhargav Acharya and Nellie Peyton; Editing by Alexander Winning, Jason Neely, Catherine Evans and Barbara Lewis)
Ma Lianqiang looks over at the body of his wife Han Suofeiya who was killed in an earthquake as his daughter sleeps nearby in Yangwa village near Dahejia town in northwestern China's Gansu province, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

YANGWA, China (AP)  Her relatives cleaned her body and wrapped it in a white cloth in the bare emergency shelter issued to her family.

Han Suofeiya, a mother of three young children, was one of more than 130 people who died when the earth shook violently in the middle of the night in northwest China this week, burying her in the debris of her mothers home.

As survivors in blue tent cities bundled up against the winter cold, many had to process not only the loss of their homes and their livelihoods but also the greatest loss of all: the sudden death of loved ones.

Han Suofeiya was Muslim, as are many in this rugged mountainous region not far from the ancient Silk Road that once ferried silks and other goods, along with ideas and religions, between China and the Middle East and Europe. Her burial in the village of Yangwa in Gansu province was carried out in the community's tradition.

Both men and women in the crowd wept openly as her body was brought out of the family's temporary shelter and placed in a metal frame. A large green covering with Arabic script was laid over the frame and about eight men hand-carried it to the cemetery. A lamb was slain as the procession began.

Three people, including a small child, were being buried on Wednesday. Only men attended the actual burial. Wearing skullcaps, about 60 kneeled in the sun on green matting spread over bits of scrubby brown vegetation. After they said prayers for each victim, the white-shrouded bodies were carefully lowered into two deep trenches and put into alcoves that had been carved out at the bottom on the sides. Once the bodies were inside, the openings of the alcoves were lined with bricks.

Her 10-year-old son, Ma Yuanke, had been pulled out alive from the rubble of their home by his grandfather. (Han Suofeiya had gone to stay at her mother's home, because she had fallen sick.) A relative hugged Ma tightly as both cried during the ceremony. Kneeling on the hard winter ground, the son cried again as shovelfuls of earth were thrown into the grave.
NEW YORK (AP)  To look is to be charmed. Amused. Saddened. Horrified. Amazed. Inspired.

Photographers chronicling life in North America in 2023 captured images that evoked all the emotions, from the giddy silliness of people racing in inflatable dinosaur costumes to the wrenching sorrow of a vigil for victims of a mass shooting.

This gallery from The Associated Press showcases a year that included unprecedented events  such as the first ever criminal indictment of a former president, Donald Trump, in connection to a hush money scheme from his 2016 campaign. Trump was photographed surrounded by security as he was escorted to a Manhattan courtroom in April.

Some of the images focused on issues that the country continues to wrestle with, like immigration at the southern border where people come from around the world in hope of seeking asylum in the United States: A grim-faced man waits while cradling a sleeping child, reminiscent of Dorothea Lange's iconic 1936 Migrant Mother; a small child is passed under concertina wire by the Rio Grande.

A weeping child on a bus, leaving the site of a school shooting in Tennessee, shows the toll of another year of gun violence.

The impacts of climate change are present in a number of images. Canada's worst wildfire season on record sent haze wafting down into the United States, turning skies as far away as New York City a post-apocalyptic orange. And a furious wildfire on the Hawaiian island of Maui destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina.

But nature's beauty is there, too, in a sea lion swimming in San Diego's La Jolla Cove and a puffin carrying food to its chick off the coast of Maine.

Moments of fun and celebration had their place, such as dancers rehearsing for the 2023 Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, and the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights crowding together after winning their first Stanley Cup.

There were also those who inspired us: Simone Biles, soaring as she returned to competitive gymnastics and won the U.S. Classic, two years after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health.

And no gallery would be complete without the woman who may have had the most interesting 2023 of all. There she is, in all her sparkly, record-breaking, history-making glory  Taylor Swift.

___

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When Apple introduced the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, it had no clear release schedule and only said that the device will be available sometime early next year. According to a new report by Bloombergs Mark Gurman, early next year means as soon as February. Apple reportedly ramped up production of the headset in China over the past several weeks with the intention of getting the devices ready for consumers by the end of January. The plan is to make the Vision Pro available the month after that.

In addition to ramping up production, Apple has reportedly sent developers an email, notifying them to test their apps for the headset with the latest tools and to send their software to the company for feedback. Gurman says thats another sign of the devices impending release. In his report, Gurman also detailed the steps Apple is taking to launch a completely new product category. The last time the company introduced a brand new product was in 2015 when it started selling the Apple Watch, but the Vision Pro is a different beast that requires meticulous planning for its release.

Since the headset has multiple possible configurations and could be customized to meet each customers needs, Apple is apparently sending at least two staffers from each retail store to its headquarters for training in January. There, theyll be taught how to attach the devices headband and light seals, as well as how to fit prescription lenses. The Vision Pro will set customers back $3,499 when it goes on sale, but Gurman previously reported that Apple is working on a more affordable (and less powerful) version that will cost between $1,500 and $2,500.
The embattled leader of a museum dedicated to Arizona military history says he will step down, though whether that will appease state leaders enough to reopen the exhibits to the public remains uncertain.

The Arizona Military Museum was closed in August by state officials, who cited a dispute among leaders of the nonprofit that runs the facility. That rift grew out of concerns about the longtime director's leadership and his public comments, which came to a head when he made an offensive remark on a tour of the museum in February.

That leader, Joe Abodeely, told The Arizona Republic on Wednesday he would resign from the post he has held for 40 years.

"I developed it, it has my imprint all over it, and I just hope that the new people will continue to keep it going," he said of the museum.

On Tuesday, he provided written notice of his resignation to other museum leaders and officials within the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, which houses the Arizona National Guard.

The museum has been run by the Arizona National Guard Historical Society, a nonprofit. But it sits on the Papago Park Military Reservation, which is controlled by the National Guard. Being on government property gives the state power to control whether the museum is open to the public or not.

The Guard gave the nonprofit until Dec. 18 to provide it with a plan to remove its property, maintaining that Abodeely could not have a role interacting with the public going forward. That deadline passed on Monday.

Guard spokesperson Capt. Erin Hannigan said Tuesday the board dispute appeared to be unresolved, and the Guard did not receive a plan from the nonprofit to remove its possessions from the museum.

"The (Arizona National Guard) is considering next steps," Hannigan said. "We do not anticipate any significant developments until after the holidays."

Abodeely, an 80-year-old Vietnam War veteran, was instrumental in opening the museum over 40 years ago and growing its collections ever since. But his comments to visitors and use of profanity led to complaints, and ultimately the state's top Guard official, Adjutant General Kerry Muehlenbeck, lost confidence in his ability to interact with Arizonans.

Eventually they will replace me with some Gay, Black, Woman, woke Jew who will ruin the place, Abodeely said on a February tour, leading to a complaint and an investigation by the Guard. Concerns about Abodeely led board members to vote him out of museum leadership, a vote that Abodeely disputed and said was illegitimate.

The members of two competing boards, one faithful to Abodeely and one faithful to another longtime board member, Mike Snozek, continue to work toward a compromise. They have been in discussions with leaders of the Museum Association of Arizona and Arizona Historical Society to find a way forward, Snozek said.

The museum association's "goal in bringing everyone together is to ensure that the mission of the Arizona Military Museum and its collections can be maintained, to both benefit the general public, and to honor the contributions of those serving, past and present," said Janice Klein, executive director.

Snozek said those discussions included another offer that he and Abodeely could both resign from their respective boards, and the members of the dueling boards would form one united group and agree upon a new president. Those discussions are still ongoing. Even if they do work it out, it is unclear if that will satisfy the Guard leadership enough to reopen the facility.

I am optimistic, because as things stand right now, were living on borrowed time purely on the grace of the Guard people that have so far been extremely tolerant," Snozek said. "If they really wanted to shut the door, they couldve done it already.

In limbo: Arizona Military Museum's future uncertain amid dueling boards, director's demeanor

Abodeely is not so confident. He maintains he is being ousted because of a personal vendetta held by Muehlenbeck, which she has disputed through a spokesperson. Abodeely claims the Guard wants to close the museum.

"I fell on my sword for that, but that's all right, it's not about me. It's about it's a neat museum," he said. "People from all over the world have really appreciated that museum."

Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Military Museum's embattled leader to resign
A Queens jewelry store worker was shot and wounded during a robbery in which four suspects fled on scooters with $15,000 worth of valuables, police said Thursday.

The 59-year-old victim was rushed by medics to Elmhurst Hospital with a bullet wound to his thigh and a graze wound to his head. He was reported in stable condition and recovering.

Police said the robbery started about 6:25 p.m. Tuesday when three men entered the shop, located in the back of a nail salon on Junction Blvd. near 37th Ave. in Corona. A fourth suspect waited outside as a lookout, said cops.

The suspects displayed guns and demanded jewelry, said police.

There was a struggle with the worker, police said, at which point one of the suspects shot him.

The four suspects then fled on scooters.

Anyone with information about them is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
A group of armed thieves stole a Canada Goose jacket from a bicyclist in the middle of the day in Washington, D.C., police say.

Surveillance video released by the Metropolitan Police Department shows the shocking moment a college student's luxury winter coat was stolen off his back in broad daylight in the nation's capital.

The video shows a white car blocking the path of an American University college student and two suspects surround the young adult's pathway.

Police said that one of the suspects was armed with a gun.

PLAN ON VISITING DC? DON'T WEAR THIS COAT, IT'S LIKE A TARGET FOR THIEVES

The suspects drove up to the college student around 3:45 p.m. and blocked his path as he was riding his bike, Metro police said.

Canada Goose winter coats start out at $950 and can run as high as $1,875, according to the designer's website.

The unidentified college student said that he was "minding his business" when the suspects demanded his jacket, adding that they threatened to kill him.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Give me the coat, or Im going to kill you," the student told FOX 5 DC when explaining the situation.

After the pair successfully stole the coat, the video showed them driving off down the residential street.

The student said that the experience was "scary" and that it should not happen in broad daylight to young college students.

"I kinda saw what was going to happen coming as soon as they started driving quickly towards me," the student said to the outlet. "It was a pretty scary thing I hope no one has to go through. That shouldn't be happening so close to a high school and AU and where a lot of people were walking around  especially in broad daylight."

PHILADELPHIA CYCLIST LINKED TO KNIFE ATTACKS ON POPULAR PARK TRAIL

The two alleged thieves drove off onto a residential street after stealing the student's Canada Goose jacket.

Thieves have been targeting people wearing the expensive winter coats that range from $1,000 to $1,800 since last winter.

FOX 5 reported that three Canada Goose coats were stolen from people in D.C. in November.

Jackets and parkas hang on display at the new Canada Goose Holdings Inc. store in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Metro police suspect some of the stolen coats are being resold online.

Anyone with information is urged to call 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.





Original article source: Armed thieves in Washington, DC steal expensive Canada Goose coat from college student: video
Four people in blue flight jackets pose for a picture with a man in a suit in front of an american flag in an ornate office .

The next astronaut crew to visit the moon talked space policy with U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, according to various posts on Tuesday (Dec. 19).

New details about the Dec. 14 White House meetings for the four Artemis 2 astronauts, slated for a round-the- moon mission in 2024, were released just ahead of the next National Space Council meeting later today (Dec. 20).

The gathering with Biden saw the crew "thank him for his leadership and discuss their upcoming flight test," according to a press release from NASA , alongside a newly released photo of the president with the four astronauts. (A NASA account on X , formerly Twitter, said last week that the crew also discussed "their training and science plans for the mission.")

Biden's X statement on Tuesday said it was an honor to have the crew in the Oval Office. "Here on Earth , our children will learn the names of these pioneers," the post stated. "And it's the Artemis generation who will carry us into the future we hope to build for the benefit of all."

Related: Artemis 2 astronauts meet President Biden to talk America's next trip to the moon

Artemis 2 includes four astronauts: NASA commander Reid Wiseman , NASA pilot Victor Glover (who will become the first person of color to leave low Earth orbit ), NASA mission specialist Christina Koch (the first woman) and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen (the first non-American).

Artemis 2 is fully funded for launch, and most of its hardware systems were tested on an uncrewed lunar venture known as Artemis 1 in 2022. Future Artemis program missions are still being negotiated. NASA has said it hopes to place Artemis 3 on the moon in 2025 or 2026, pending the readiness of key items such as the SpaceX Starship landing system and privately-made spacesuits. (The agency's Government Accountability Office recently suggested 2027 may be more realistic.)

Related: President Biden, VP Harris hail NASA Artemis 1 moon rocket launch and its 'limitless possibilities'

four people in orange flight suits sit in a cone-shaped spacecraft trainer, facing upwards

The Biden administration requested $27.2 billion for NASA in the White House's 2024 budget request in March, a 7% increase over 2023; that budget is still under review. For now, the agency is under a continuing resolution at 2023 spending levels until February. (NASA's share of the projected $6.8 trillion budget for the U.S. government is tiny in comparison, however.)

The office of Harris, the chair of the National Space Council, released video clips on X on Wednesday of the Vice-President's meeting with the crew.

"We've been lucky to travel the world the last few months, and to thank the folks that have been working on the rocket, working on this program," Wiseman told the Vice-President. "This leadership has done an awesome job of continuing the exploration legacy," he added.

RELATED STORIES:

 What's it like to buzz an Artemis SLS moon rocket with a supersonic jet? NASA's Artemis 2 commander tells all (video)

 Watch Artemis 2 moon crew take a slide for NASA training (video)

 Artemis 2 astronauts meet President Biden to talk America's next trip to the moon

"Hopefully, our moonshot is going to inspire people to do other moonshots," Koch told the Vice-President. "Whatever the challenges of our world are, we hope to demonstrate that when you come together  even internationally, especially  you really can take those on," added Koch.

Artemis  as Koch alluded to is run under the NASA-led Artemis Accords , a U.S. policy for peaceful space exploration that now includes 33 nations. A subset of those partners, including Canada, are contributing hardware to the moon missions in exchange to seats.

"All that you guys are doing, it's the best of who we are as a nation," Harris told the astronauts. Her X account added that the crew's "leadership and ingenuity" is bringing the United States "one step closer to returning to the moon."
NASA's crewed return to the moon is an international affair, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated today (Dec. 20).

During the third meeting of the National Space Council (NSC), which she chairs, Harris pledged that NASA's Artemis program will send a non-American to the lunar surface in the relatively near future.

"We intend to land an international astronaut on the surface of the moon by the end of the decade," Harris said. She didn't provide further details, such as which nation that astronaut will represent.

Related: Artemis 1 paves way for European tech and astronauts on the moon

The Artemis program aims to establish a permanent, sustainable human presence on the lunar surface by the end of the decade. The skills and knowledge gained via this effort will help our species make the leap to Mars in the 2030s or 2040s, NASA officials have said.

NASA is leveraging a variety of partnerships, both commercial and international, to achieve Artemis' bold goals. For example, the European Space Agency (ESA) provides the service module for Orion, the American-made capsule that will fly Artemis astronauts to lunar orbit. And ESA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) are all contributing significantly to Gateway, the small space station that NASA plans to build in lunar orbit a few years from now.

One Artemis mission is in the books already: Artemis 1, which sent an uncrewed Orion to lunar orbit and back late last year. Artemis 2 is slated to send four astronauts  three NASA spaceflyers and the CSA's Jeremy Hansen  around the moon in late 2024 or 2025.

Then the surface missions are scheduled to begin. Artemis 3, which will put astronauts down near the lunar south pole, is targeted for 2025 or 2026. After that will come Artemis 4 and Artemis 5, which could launch as soon as 2028 and 2029, respectively.

Artemis 4 and Artemis 5 will both feature one European astronaut, ESA Director Josef Aschbacher told Space.com in July. So Harris' statement at today's NSC meeting, which was held at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., doesn't really count as breaking news.

Still, her public pledge reaffirmed that Artemis is a different animal than Apollo, a flags-and-footprints effort in which the United States journeyed very much alone. Indeed, Harris stressed today that 33 nations have now signed on to the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, which lay out a framework for responsible lunar exploration.

"This announcement, and this meeting of our National Space Council, is further demonstration of our belief in the critical importance of international partnership," Harris said.

a woman in a dark suit speaks at a lectern with american flags in the background.

RELATED STORIES:

 NASA's Artemis program: Everything you need to know

 NASA's Artemis moon rocket will cost $6 billion more than planned: report

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Artemis wasn't the only topic of discussion at today's meeting of the NSC, a policy-shaping body made up of several dozen high-ranking U.S. officials, including the NASA administrator, the Director of National Intelligence and the secretaries of defense, state, commerce, transportation and homeland security.

For example, several attendees stressed the national-security importance of the final frontier.

"In my view, space has emerged as our most essential warfighting domain, integral to our national security, our coalition interoperability and our global stability," said Adm. Chris Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"And it is through our mastery of this domain  mastery together with all of our allies and partners  that we gain unparalleled clarity in visualizing the battlefield, a perspective that is vital for informed, rapid decision-making, for precision effects and, ultimately, for the awareness that we need to best defend our nations," Grady added.

Today's NSC meeting occurred on the fourth anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Space Force, a detail highlighted by both Harris and Grady.

"The youngest service in our joint force is essential to protecting our most critical space systems, to collaborating with commercial industry and to prioritizing our interoperability with allies and partners," Grady said.
Kevin Assemi, the former head of Maricopa Orchards, an Assemi farming company, is suing his father, Farid Assemi, and his uncles, Darius Assemi and Farshid Assemi, alleging fraud, breach of contract, and wrongful termination.

He is seeking general, special and punitive financial damages to be proven at trial.

The Assemi family, one of the most influential in the Fresno area, is known for farming almonds and pistachios as well as prolific home building with its Granville Homes company. They are also founders of California Health Sciences University  a for-profit medical school in Clovis, and they are regular contributors to political candidates.

Kevin Assemi, who joined the Assemi Group in 2010 as a lawyer, rose up the ranks within the family business, eventually becoming president of the company in 2018 and then chief executive officer of Maricopa Orchards in 2019.

Around 2018, Kevin Assemi began noticing that his father was becoming increasingly forgetful and was worried it was affecting his business judgment, according to the lawsuit. He and other members of the familys second generation reached out to Darius and Farshid with their concerns.

After sharing his uneasiness about his fathers health, Kevin Assemi alleges in the lawsuit that he was fired as CEO of Maricopa Orchards.

He alleges his uncles agreed to pay him $11.5 million in severance, but to date has only been paid $4.5 million.

An attorney representing the Assemi brothers could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Attorney Stan Blyth, who represents Kevin Assemi, said that after his client was removed from his post as CEO he was given the responsibility of running another farming company, Elevated Ag, LLC.

But Kevin Assemi alleges in the lawsuit that his uncles and others prevented the company from becoming fully funded.

The lawsuit also alleges Elevated Ag was further stymied by the failure of Maricopa Orchards to make good on its agreement to contribute $300,000. The funds were to be used to plant trees and maintain existing orchards.

Kevin Assemi also became aware in June that Maricopa was trying to secure a $13 million loan with Farm Credit West by falsely claiming it owned a majority interest in Elevated Ag. Kevin Assemi had majority interest in Elevated Ag, according to the lawsuit.

These funds were needed because Defendants had run Assemi and the Assemi Affiliates, including Maricopa into the ground. In their own words, the Assemi empire was near bankruptcy, and the Assemi brothers were simply trying to stay afloat, the lawsuit states.

The 88-page lawsuit contains 31 causes of action against the defendants.

Blyth said in a news release that his client tried four times to mediate these issues with relatives to try and reach a resolution.

But each time he was dealt with in bad faith, with relatives only placing importance on his assets, their value and their ability to stave off insolvency for a little longer, Blyth said.
The news that Dame Esther Rantzen, who has cancer, is considering assisted death has brought new attention to the debate - RII SCHROER

The Church of England has warned that countries where assisted dying is legal have shown that it can lead to a slippery slope where it becomes easier and easier to get help to end ones life.

In a submission to MPs, the Church said that when the law had been changed in other countries, such as Canada and the US, stringent safeguards had been dropped over time, opening up assisted dying to more and more people.

Pressure has been mounting for a change in the law to allow doctors to help certain people to die since Dame Esther Rantzen, who has cancer, said she was considering ending her life at the Swiss clinic Dignitas.

But in a submission to the Commons health select committee, which is carrying out an inquiry into assisted dying, the Church said it would be impossible to bring in systems to rule out the possibility that people had been coerced into wanting to die.

It said it would be foolish to think that elderly people would not be pressured into committing assisted suicide.

Doctor shopping

It also warned that, in some places where the practice had been introduced, there was evidence of doctor shopping, with people searching around for willing medical professionals. This is because there were a relatively small number of doctors prepared to administer lethal drugs, church officials said.

Concerns were also raised about improper psychiatric testing of those requesting assisted suicide in places such as Oregon.

The submission also mentioned Canada, saying: There has been a slippery slope evident here too. In particular, there have been challenges to the original law of 2016 requiring a wider interpretation of assisted dying.

The submission pointed to a decision of the Canadian Supreme Court in 2021 which expanded the definition to permit medically assisted death for people not terminally ill, but with a grievous and irremediable medical condition.

This has caused some previously in favour of assisted suicide to rethink their position, the Church said.

Assisted dying around the world

While Switzerland is the best-known location, assisted dying is legal in a number of countries and states.

Canada

A Canadian woman with long Covid applied to be euthanised earlier this month, sparking renewed fears the procedure had become too easy.

Tracey Thompson, 55, from Toronto, was left jobless and bed-ridden for up to 22 hours a day by the disease. The loss of her job as a chef had brought her to the edge of bankruptcy, she said.

My quality of life with this illness is almost non-existent, its not a good life, she told the Mail Online. I dont do anything. It is painfully boring. Its profoundly isolating.

Canadas euthanasia laws, introduced in 2016, are among the worlds most permissive and have sparked criticism for going too far, too fast.

The medical assistance in dying programme was first available for adults with terminal illness, but in 2021 the law was widened to include serious and chronic physical conditions, even if they were not life-threatening.

Euthanasia cases jumped by 30 per cent last year, according to the latest figures. Some 13,241 people had medically assisted deaths in 2022, which represents 4.1 per cent of all deaths in Canada for that year.

Oregon

Oregon is the United States first death tourism destination and became the first US state to allow non-residents to end their lives there last year. It was also the first US state to allow doctor-assisted suicide in 1997.

Oregonians with less than six months left to live from a terminal illness are allowed to ask doctors for a fatal dose of drugs to take themselves at home. A total of 431 people were given fatal prescriptions last year, and 278 of those people used the drugs to kill themselves, an increase on the 238 deaths the previous year.

In the first year that non-residents were allowed the drugs, three people are recorded as taking them, although the true number is thought to be higher.

Most of those who ended their lives were white, aged over 65 and suffering from cancer, heart or brain disease.

Since Oregon, nine other US states have legalised euthanasia, including Washington. Record numbers ended their lives in California last year in the USs largest doctor-assisted suicide programme after laws were loosened to make it easier for residents to get the lethal drugs.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands became the first country in the world to allow doctors to help patients to die in 2002. Euthanasia is only legal under certain conditions, including having an incurable illness causing unbearable physical or mental suffering.

Between 2012 and 2021, almost 60,000 people were helped to die. Most of a sample of 900 cases released were older patients with conditions including cancer, Parkinsons and motor neurone disease.

In recent years, those being helped to die included people with autism. Five people younger than 30 cited autism as the only or major contributing factor for euthanasia, which some experts warned set a precedent stretching the laws original intention.

In April, the Dutch government announced it would widen its right to die laws to include terminally ill children between one and 12 years old.

The Netherlands would not be the first to allow doctor-assisted death for children of all ages. Belgium has allowed it since 2014.

Belgium

A terminally ill 17-year-old was the first minor to be helped to die in Belgium in 2016, two years after age restrictions were removed.

In March this year, a 56-year-old Belgian woman who murdered her five children was euthanised on the 16th anniversary of the killings in what was criticised as a death penalty by the back door.

Genevieve Lhermitte murdered her son and four daughters, aged three to 14, in Nivelles in Feb 2007 when their father was away, before making a failed suicide attempt.

She was sentenced to life in prison before being moved to a secure hospital in 2019.

The conditions for euthanasia under Belgian law are that the patient is experiencing unbearable suffering as the result of an incurable and serious illness and the request must be voluntary, considered and repeated.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Lawfare Project, and two attorneys, announced Thursday its filed a federal complaint against the Clark County School District on behalf of a 17-year-old Jewish student for alleged civil rights violations.

The student, who is autistic and nonverbal, did not receive the special education support he was entitled to under federal and state regulations. He was pulled from classes after his mother discovered a swastika carved into his back and realized he was not safe in his school environment, according to a news release from the Lawfare Project which is working on the case with Freeman Law Offices and Rogich Law Firm.

Attorney accuses district of failing to protect Las Vegas Jewish teen in antisemitic attack

Las Vegas Jewish student comes home with a swastika allegedly scratched on his back. (Courtesy: Lawfare Project)

The alleged incident occured at Clark High School on March 9, 2023. The Clark County School District conducted an investigation and released the following statement to 8 News Now in April.

Police conducted a thorough investigation, including interviews with staff and a review of available camera footage. the investigation found no evidence that would indicate the origin of the injuries. CCSD

The failure of the Clark County School District to conduct a proper investigation into this incident is evidence of the systemic apathy that exists towards Jews who are targeted by hate crimes, said Siporah Reich with The Lawfare Project.

The Law Project, along with private attorneys, said the student did not receive the federal and state support he is entitled to under state and federal regulations. The filing of a complaint is the initial step in filing a lawsuit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
By Norihiko Shirouzu and Paul Lienert

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - Elon Musk says prototypes are easy, production is hell. And when it comes to the long-awaited Cybertruck, Tesla's hell is its pioneering 4680 battery.

Tesla delivered the first of its futuristic stainless steel-plated electric pickups last month and CEO Musk said in October that it would probably hit an annual production rate of a quarter of a million vehicles at some point during 2025.

But Tesla is still a long way off that kind of production pace, and one of the main bottlenecks is the speed it can make the 4680 batteries used in the Cybertruck with its new dry-coating technology, nine people familiar with the matter said.

Tesla's Giga Texas factory is currently churning out 4680 battery cells at rate only sufficient to power about 24,000 Cybertrucks a year, or about a 10th of the required output, according to Reuters calculations based on a combination of public data and unpublished figures provided by sources.

Being able to ramp up battery output massively by dry-coating electrodes - rather than using the slower, more costly wet-coating - was a key factor behind Tesla's forecasts in 2020 that it would more than halve battery costs, cut investment significantly, and create smaller, greener factories.

The nine people, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said Tesla had yet to crack dry-coating at the industrial scale needed to make 4680 batteries fast enough to hit its production targets.

The people said dry-coating the anode in the 4680 cells was not problematic but Tesla was struggling with the same technique for the cathode - the most expensive component in a battery.

Dry-coating anodes and cathodes is proven in the laboratory, as well as for smaller energy storage devices such as super capacitors, and even some small batteries, according to Yuan Gao, a battery technology consultant.

"But no one has done it so far for large EV batteries at a mass scale and at a high enough speed. Tesla is the first one to try to commercialize this," said Gao, who has worked in the industry for three decades.

"The challenge is that not only does Tesla have to scale it up and speed up the process, it also must develop its own equipment and tools. It's daunting to say the least," he said.

Tesla did not respond to detailed questions from Reuters for this story.

CRACKING THE CODE

According to three of the sources, the 4680 batteries in Cybertrucks include an estimated 1,360 individual cells.

That means Tesla would need to make 340 million cells a year, or almost a million a day, to supply 250,000 of the electric pickups, which are entering a hot market with rivals such as Ford's F-150 Lightning, Rivian's R1T and an electric Hummer from General Motors.

At the moment, Tesla's Austin factory takes about 16 weeks to make 10 million 4680 cells, according to Reuters calculations based on figures from Tesla, verified by the three sources.

That translates to 32.5 million cells a year, or enough for just under 24,000 pickups - and that's only for the Cybertruck.

Tesla also wants to use 4680 batteries to power other vehicles, most notably the $25,000 small car the company is scrambling to launch by the mid-2020s.

Tesla has some limited production capacity for 4680 cells in Fremont, California but its plant there is mainly for pilot production. Panasonic, one of Tesla's long-standing battery suppliers, is planning to build at least two plants in the United States but has only just broken ground on the first.

Two of the nine people familiar with the matter believe Tesla's progress with scaling up 4680 production will likely gain steam, especially once it achieves stability with the production know-how on one production line.

They said Tesla had been focusing on establishing robust know-how to produce batteries without flaws first time round. It's a time-consuming process but, "once you crack the code and establish stability, it is like exponential", one of them said.

"Speed would pick up. There is already a lot of traction in dry coating," the person said.

Tesla's battery tsar Drew Baglino said in October that the company was now producing 4680 cells on two production lines in Austin and plans to install a total of eight lines there in two phases, with the last four due to be running in late 2024.

Still, one of the two people said replicating established know-how from one production line to the next is no cakewalk.

The source said only about 5% of cells made on profitable production lines are ditched but scrap rates could shoot up to 30%-50% and hover there for several months as each new line gets going.

One of the sources said Tesla's dry-coating method for cathodes was not proving to be any faster than the old wet process, though scrap rates had dropped to as low as 10% to 20%.

Baglino did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

'GOOEY MESS'

The sources said Tesla was struggling to mix the cathode materials, which include lithium, manganese and nickel, with a binder and stick them to a metallic foil to produce a cathode - without using moisture.

Two of the people said the process worked for small amounts but when Tesla tried to scale it up, a lot of heat was generated and this melted the binder, which one of the sources believed was polytetrafluoroethylene, more commonly known as Teflon.

"If you melt the glue, pretty soon everything will become one big chunk of gooey mess," another of the sources said.

Equally problematic for Tesla are the machines used to coat the metallic foil to produce battery electrodes - equipment which is akin to huge magazine and newspaper printing machines with large rollers, the sources said.

To accelerate cell production, Tesla is trying to coat multiple strips of magnetic foil with active battery materials at the same time, and at high speeds.

That calls for large, wide rollers, as well as applying tremendous force to press the materials onto the foil. But because the rollers are large and wide, applying pressure evenly is proving to be a challenge, the sources said.

And when pressure is not applied evenly, Tesla gets electrodes with uneven surfaces and thickness, which are no use for its battery cells and need to be scrapped, the sources said.

Perhaps more problematic, Tesla's Baglino told a fireside chat at a battery conference in March that Tesla was still building a completely new quality verification system so they could weed out cells with flaws in coating.

One of the sources with knowledge of the matter, said specifically it was about building data infrastructure around Tesla's battery development, manufacturing and in-field use because in some cases the flaws were hidden in the coating and did not show up for a few months down the road.

In other words, Tesla doesn't quite know yet which dry cells are good, and which ones need to be junked, the source said.

(Reporting by Norihiko Shirouzu in Austin and Paul Lienert in Detroit; Editing by David Clarke)
Austin police arrested a man accused of sexually assaulting three children at an East Austin school where he worked as a substitute teacher in November, despite already being investigated for another incident, according to a copy of a probable cause arrest affidavit.

Alexander Jeffrey Hill, 41, worked at IDEA Public Schools at 5816 Wilcab Road as a substitute teacher for fourth grade English on Nov. 1, the affidavit said.

School administrators received a call from the company Kokua Group, which the school uses to provide substitute teachers, a few hours after Hill arrived at the school that morning. A person not named in the affidavit told school administrators that Hill was flagged by the Texas Department of Family Protective Services for another incident at a different IDEA school. The person said administrators should get Hill off the campus immediately," the affidavit said.

When reached by the American-Statesman, the state department did not immediately provide a comment about Hill's previous incident.

An administrator and a teacher then escorted Hill off campus. At that time, three female students approached the teacher and said they needed to talk, the affidavit said.

One student said Hill "touched their private parts," according to the affidavit. Another student said Hill pushed them with his groin.

Hill told officers he stood behind the students while they were drawing on the board and said he leaned over them to draw something, the affidavit said. One of the students told officials that Hill whispered in her ear that she was the "best artist in the class."

Court records show that Hill was charged with three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact, a second-degree felony that carries a sentence of two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Hill has posted a $15,000 bond for each charge and is no longer in jail, court records show.

Hill obtained a lawyer with the law offices of E.G. Morris, which declined to comment.

Rebecca Suarez, spokesperson for IDEA Public Schools, sent a written statement from the school that said it is cooperating with the investigation and that Hill is no longer on the campus. The statement said the school would not be able to share further details because the investigation is ongoing.

"At IDEA Public Schools, the safety and well-being of all students is our top priority," the statement read. "IDEA is aware of allegations of indecency with a child involving a substitute teacher at one campus and allegations of prior improper behavior involving the same substitute teacher at another campus."

Suarez did not immediately respond to questions about whether the school will continue using the Kokua Group and what measures it is taking to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Kokua Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin substitute teacher accused of indecency with a child, police say
The annual central rural work conference was held in Beijing from Tuesday to Wednesday, mapping out the priorities of rural work in 2024.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made important instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

In 2023, China overcame comparatively severe natural disasters and other adverse conditions, secured a new record in grain output, ensured a relatively rapid increase in farmers' income, and maintained harmony and stability in rural areas, Xi said.

To advance Chinese modernization, the country must make unremitting efforts to strengthen the foundation of the agricultural sector and advance rural revitalization across the board, he said.

With the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program, efforts must be made to implement specific policies based on actual conditions, take steady and incremental steps to sustain progress, and achieve tangible results in the interest of the people, he said.

Xi stressed that food security must be safeguarded by stabilizing the land acreage for grain production and increasing the yields per unit. Work should be done to establish a diversified food supply system, and the quality of arable land should be improved.

To inject momentum and vitality into agricultural modernization, it is important to strengthen the driving forces of science and technology as well as reform, intensify efforts to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies, and improve work mechanism for agriculture, rural areas and farmers, Xi said.

Efforts must be made to ensure smooth restoration and reconstruction work after disasters, enhance the capabilities for disaster prevention, reduction and relief, and avoid the large-scale relapse into poverty, Xi said.

Xi also urged efforts to improve rural industrial development, rural construction and rural governance, and to strive for substantive progress in promoting rural revitalization across the board.

The conference also discussed the draft guidelines made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on the learning and applying of the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program to advance rural revitalization.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended and addressed the conference.

The conference underscored utilizing development philosophies, work procedures and promotion mechanisms drawn from the Green Rural Revival Program, focusing on issues that farmers are strongly concerned about, and identifying key drivers for advancing rural revitalization.

It also called for doing a good job in the production of grain and other major agricultural products to ensure that the country's grain output in 2024 stays above 650 billion kg.

Efforts should be made to enhance farmland protection and development, support the establishment of platforms for agricultural science and technology innovation, and increase farmers' income, it noted.

The conference also stressed efforts to shore up weak links in rural infrastructure, called for reform and innovation in rural areas, and encouraged localities to conduct practical exploration and institutional innovation.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  A Northwest Florida man was arrested in Baldwin County after allegedly breaking into cars at local condominiums.

Court battle over Rags ends as search for stolen dog ramps up

Stephen Brewster, 44, of Baker, was arrested after he broke into at least two cars at a beachfront condo on the 200 block of E. Beach Blvd., according to officials with the Gulf Shores Police Department.

INCIDENT LOCATION:

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He allegedly stole anything of value, which included a grill, according to police, who said all the stolen items were in Brewsters car when he was arrested during a traffic stop.

He faces charges of theft and breaking and entering a vehicle, according to officials.

All of the cars were unlocked when Brewster entered them, police said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Defying astronomical forecasts, which placed the last star shower of the year during the night of Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2923, a group of stars from the world of dance will descend on the Adrienne Arsht Center for two nights on Friday, Dec. 29 and Saturday, Dec. 30.

In a celestial star shower, all the meteors that make it up seem to have a single point of origin, but the origin of the stars that will participate in the Ballet Gala Holiday Season with Ballet Stars  an initiative of the Ballet Support Foundation (BSF)  is varied: 14 dancers of nine different nationalities, associated with seven companies that cultivate different dance styles, from France, Great Britain, Israel, and the United States.

Ludmila Pagliero and Mathieu Ganio in In the Night, by Jerome Robbins.

BSF is a New York-based nonprofit organization founded by producer and former Bolshoi Ballet dancer Lola Abigail Koch with the mission to support young dancers and dance projects internationally.

One of the premier dancers who will be performing is Argentinan Ludmila Pagliero. She joined the corps of the Paris Opera Ballet in 2003 and, in 2012, was named danseur etoile for the company. With her performance in the Holiday Season with Ballet Stars, it will be her first visit to Miami. We were to speak with her via Zoom for an interview, but a scheduling conflict arose. Considering that it would be challenging to coordinate a new appointment (there is a six-hour difference between Paris and Miami), we decided that it was best to send our questions in writing. What follows is our interview.

Ludmila is a girls name of Slavic origin, meaning love of the people. Is Ludmila your birth name or your artistic name? It is my birth name  also the name of my grandma, born in the Czech Republic. Like many South Americans, our origins are a mix of the two continents.

How much do you know about the dance happening in Miami? I always hear about the Miami City Ballet, and I know that many great dancers went there to dance with the company, which has a great repertory, such as Balanchine, Robbins, Tharp, Taylor, and many others.

Ludmila Pagliero and Mathieu Ganio in Onegin, by John Cranko.

What are you going to dance at the Gala? I will be dancing two pas de deux with Mathieu Ganio (also a danseur etoile at Paris Opera Ballet). The first one is from Manon. The ballet by Kenneth MacMillan, created in 1974, is inspired by Abbe Prevosts book. The Story of Manon is, therefore, the vision of the tragic story of the Chevalier des Grieux with its heroine, an implacable young woman attracted by the pleasures of life. We will dance its second pas de deux, which takes place in the Parisian bedroom of Des Grieux and is a moment of intimacy between the two lovers of pure shared happiness. The second one is from Le Parc. The piece created by Angelin Preljocaj in 1994 for the Paris Opera Ballet dancers questions the journey of passions and the war of the sexes. The pas de deux that we will interpret, Labandon, is the culminating moment of the encounter between a libertine and an idealist (Mathieu and Ludmila) in a final kiss. It is another love story with a language that involves classicism and modernity.

What is your favorite role? Tatiana in Oneguin from John Cranko. I love the ballet itself. Made on a medley of excerpts from Tchaikovskys music, it is one of the masterpieces of the romantic ballet. John Cranko is here at the pinnacle of his storytelling. He recounts with scrupulous fidelity the drama of Pushkin without, at any time, giving way to the pantomime, which, as we know, can quickly become as boring as boring can be. Its a two-hour ballet life story.

Do you prefer classical ballet or contemporary ballet? I enjoy dancing everything: classic, neoclassical, and contemporary. I love exploring different forms of expression of the same idea. For example, talking about love is very different in 1841 with Giselle or doing Another Place with Mats Ek in 2022. The feeling of love is the same, but the way of living it is not, besides discovering in all those styles the different physical abilities that my body can perform.

Ludmila Pagliero and Mathieu Ganio in Mayerling, by Kenneth MacMillan.

Do you dance tango? Not really. I had classes at the beginning at the ballet school, but until today, I never had the time to go deeper into the tango language.

What is your advice for a young ballet student who wants to dedicate his or her life to dance? Passion and commitment.

There are a considerable number of ballet lovers in Miami. Do you have a message for them about your Gala participation? It is my wish to experience a magical moment during these two galas. And I hope it will be the same for them.

If you go:

WHAT: Holiday Season with Ballet Stars

WHERE: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 and Saturday, Dec. 30.

COST: $43  $224

INFORMATION: 305-949-6722 or arshtcenter.org

ArtburstMiami.com is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music, and more. Dont miss a story at www.artburstmiami.com.
A former bank teller will serve two months in prison after she was accused of skimming nearly $90,000 from a Georgia convenience stores deposits, federal officials said.

She will then serve two months in home confinement and pay more than $97,000 in restitution, the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Southern District of Georgia announced Dec. 20.

McClatchy News could not immediately reach the womans attorney on Dec. 21.

The Metter woman pleaded guilty in August to a bank fraud charge in a scheme to embezzle, abstract and steal cash deposits from July 2019 to February 2021, federal officials said.

While working at Synovus Bank, the woman personally handled the account of a convenience store, McClatchy News reported.

She is accused of skimming money from the stores deposits to enrich herself and concealing the theft with fake deposit slips.

The convenience store caught on to what shed been doing when an auditor noticed the store wasnt receiving as much cash in its account as it deposited, officials said.

A bank fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. However, as part of the plea agreement, federal prosecutors recommended the low end of the advised sentencing term range.

She also agreed not to work at a financial institution in the future.

The former teller violated the trust of her employer and its customer, and is being held accountable for her theft, U.S. Attorney Steinberg said in the release. This sentence offers assurance that those who commit fraud will be brought to justice.

She is expected to report to prison Feb. 20, records show.

Metter, Georgia, is about 65 miles northwest of Savannah.

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Former PC Paulo Soares was rude and sarcastic as he confronted the woman for 30 minutes, the hearing was told

An off-duty police constable who threatened to arrest a parking warden would have been sacked if he had not resigned, a misconduct hearing ruled.

Paulo Soares, formerly of Bedfordshire Police, filmed the woman near his Cambridgeshire home in April.

He refused to move his vehicle which was not parked in a bay and subjected her "to an ordeal", police said.

Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.

"The behaviour was in my view extremely intimidating and fell far below the standards expected of officers in this force," said Mr Rodenhurst, from Bedfordshire Police.

An accelerated conduct hearing at the force's Bedford headquarters last week was told Mr Soares filmed the traffic enforcement officer for more than 30 minutes.

Mr Soares would have faced instant dismissal, the force said, but he had already resigned with immediate effect on 3 November.

The former officer accepted a community resolution order following a criminal investigation into the incident.

He will be added to the College of Policing Barred List - the force said - banning him from returning to policing or other similar professions.

Bedfordshire Police Federation, which represents officers in the county, declined to comment.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
The Chinese government appears to be brushing off Secretary of State Antony Blinkens call for Beijing to assist an international coalition in protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea from Yemens Iran-backed Houthi militias.

Beijing signaled that it has no interest in joining the Pentagons Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational force including Canada, the United Kingdom and Bahrain, in providing security for cargo ships under threat of Houthi attack.

We believe relevant parties, especially major countries with influence, need to play a constructive and responsible role in keeping the shipping lanes safe in the Red Sea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Thursday in an indirect reference to U.S. military and diplomatic heft in the region.

Wangs reference to major countries with influence reflects Beijings recognition that the U.S. and its allies and partners can muster, at speed, far greater naval power necessary for a seaborne shipping protection campaign than Beijing currently can. Wang didnt address whether Beijing would use its close relationship with Iran, which provides arms and funding to the Houthis, to seek an end to those attacks.



The Houthi attacks will continue whether a naval alliance is established or not," Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam said on Tuesday, per Reuters. Up to 15 percent of global trade traverses the Red Sea and the Houthi attacks have prompted cargo vessel rerouting adding weeks to the delivery of key goods and materials, including oil and gas, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters on Tuesday.

Blinken raised U.S. concerns about the attacks unacceptable threat to maritime security and international law in a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier this month. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller re-upped the administrations interest in Chinese assistance in policing the areas of the Red Sea where the Houthis have attacked cargo vessels in a press briefing on Tuesday. Houthi attacks on international shipping Harm China so yes, we would welcome China playing a constructive role in trying to prevent those attacks from taking place, Miller told reporters on Tuesday.

The State Department didnt respond to a request for comment.

Wangs statement reflects Beijings wider passivity in addressing the crises that have engulfed the Middle East since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war which has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians.

Following the Oct. 7 attack Beijing dispatched its special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, for a multi-country swing through the region aimed to cool down the situation, Chinese state media reported in October. Zhai led Beijings efforts in brokering a hostility-reduction agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March.

But Zhais diplomatic mission excluded outreach to both Israel and the Palestine Authority and consisted mainly of vague expressions of support for political settlement of long standing grievances underpinning the current violence.

David Satterfield, President Joe Bidens Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, said in October that that gap between rhetoric and action reflects Beijings sensitivity to being compelled on any international issue to take a stand which could indicate, even obliquely, that China is supportive of international interventions or applications of international law.
Roughly a month after a 28-year-old Bellingham man was arrested and accused of being a serial rapist targeting incapacitated and homeless men over the past several years, police have identified at least five victims and believe there are likely more.

Julio C. Ortiz-Ortiz was charged Nov. 29 in Whatcom County Superior Court with one count of attempted second-degree rape, one count of unlawful imprisonment and one count of indecent liberties.

Ortiz-Ortiz pleaded not guilty to the charges at his Dec. 8 arraignment. His jury trial has tentatively been scheduled for Feb. 26.

Ortiz-Ortiz was arrested Nov. 22 and released from the Whatcom County Jail six days later on a $50,000 bond. Court records show Ortiz-Ortiz used a local bail bond company.

The Bellingham Herald has reached out to Ortiz-Ortizs defense attorney, the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorneys Office and the Bellingham Police Department for more information.

Predatory behavior

Bellingham police say Ortiz-Ortiz has a documented history of predatory behavior targeting men who are incapacitated or are marginalized members of society, according to court records.

Over the past three years, Ortiz-Ortiz has been accused of sexually assaulting or abusing at least five men. At least two of the men were homeless and were offered food or a shower by Ortiz-Ortiz at the time they were assaulted, according to court documents.

Police previously said identifying victims has been difficult because many are homeless without easy access to a phone and without a fixed address. Police believe some victims may have moved out of the area, and that there could be potential additional victims in nearby cities, such as Seattle.

The Herald has reached out to Bellingham police to see how many additional victims may have come forward in the past month, and whether additional charges have been forwarded to the prosecutors office for consideration.

Bellingham police are asking anyone with information concerning any incidents of sexual assault or misconduct involving Ortiz-Ortiz to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 360-676-6911.

November assault

Shortly after 5:15 a.m. Nov. 18, Bellingham police were called to the 1000 block of High Street for a welfare check.

Dispatch reported that an out-of-breath man called 911 to report that someone tried to rape him and that a handgun may have been involved, court records state.

Bellingham police spoke with a man who told them a man he only knew as Jay had tried to attack him while they were inside an apartment. The 29-year-old man told police he had to flee quickly and had left personal items behind in the apartment. Police later identified Jay as Ortiz-Ortiz, according to court documents.

The man, who is homeless, told police he was hanging out by the docks in downtown Bellingham when he met Ortiz-Ortiz. The man said Ortiz-Ortiz drove up in a black Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and invited him back to his apartment to take a shower. The man told police he got into Ortiz-Ortizs truck and the pair drove to Ortiz-Ortizs apartment in the 900 block of High Street.

The man told police he and Ortiz-Ortiz hung out for a while in the apartment and drank between three and five alcoholic seltzers. The man then took a shower in Ortiz-Ortizs apartment.

While the man was showering, Ortiz-Ortiz kept trying to enter the bathroom. The man told police he also heard what sounded like a handgun slide being racked back and forth outside of the bathroom. The man said he never saw a gun, but was afraid Ortiz-Ortiz had one, according to court records.

The 29-year-old man told Ortiz-Ortiz he no longer felt comfortable at his apartment and was going to leave. The man told police that as he was trying to leave, Ortiz-Ortiz made sexual advances, court documents state.

The man told Ortiz-Ortiz he didnt want that to happen and Ortiz-Ortiz began physically attacking him. The man said Ortiz-Ortiz put his arms around him and grabbed him aggressively before squaring up like he wanted to engage in a fistfight. The man told police Ortiz-Ortiz started hitting him and that he began hitting Ortiz-Ortiz back in self-defense, according to court records.

The man said that while he was at the front door and trying to unlock and open it to leave, Ortiz-Ortiz was actively trying to prevent him from leaving. The man told police that when he was able to flee the residence, he left behind his shoes and other personal belongings.

He also told police that he yelled for help as soon as he left the residence, and that he hid until law enforcement arrived, court records state.

The man told police he had never met Ortiz-Ortiz prior to this incident. The man said he believed Ortiz-Ortiz wanted to have sexual relations with him. The man told police he didnt want to have any sexual contact with Ortiz-Ortiz and that he was scared for his life tonight and he was worried he might not be able to get away from Julio Ortiz-Ortiz.

The man also told police that Ortiz-Ortiz might have had his way with him if he was not able to fight him off and exit the residence to call for help, the court records state.

The man provided a description of Ortiz-Ortiz and his apartment to police, and detailed the items he left inside the apartment when he fled.

Bellingham police say 28-year-old Julio Ortiz-Ortiz has used this black Toyota Tacoma truck to pick up vulnerable men across Bellingham and assault them. Ortiz-Ortiz is accused of being a serial rapist targeting incapacitated or homeless men over the past several years. Police are asking the public to come forward with any information they have involving potential assaults and Ortiz-Ortiz.

Police learned a neighbor in the apartment complex had also called 911 to report hearing a fight in the apartment above his. The neighbor told police he heard a fight between what sounded like two men, but didnt hear any specific words spoken.

A different neighbor also told police that a man matching Ortiz-Ortizs description lived in the apartment described to police.

When police knocked on the door of the specific apartment identified, Ortiz-Ortiz answered.

Ortiz-Ortiz agreed to step out of the apartment and speak with police. When asked if an altercation had occurred, he told police he was putting blankets outside.

When asked if he had anyone over to his apartment that day, Ortiz-Ortiz initially said he didnt know, but then later told police he had a man over. He told police he found the man outside, right outside of the apartment complex, court records state.

When asked if Ortiz-Ortiz invited the man over because he liked the way he looked, Ortiz-Ortiz answered I guess, and told police he had only said hi to the man he had picked up.

Ortiz-Ortiz denied being assaulted by the man even though there was an obvious injury to [Ortiz-Ortizs] right eyebrow, and the injury was consistent with where the man told police he had bitten Ortiz-Ortiz during their fight, court documents show.

Ortiz-Ortiz then told police he didnt want to speak further without a lawyer present and went back inside his apartment. He allegedly refused to identify himself for law enforcement, the court records state.

Bellingham police requested Ortiz-Ortiz put the victims belongings outside. A short time later, Ortiz-Ortiz put the victims shoes and other belongings outside the front door. The victim identified the items as his and police gave the man a ride to a homeless shelter, the records state.

Paperwork seen inside of Ortiz-Ortizs truck, which was parked in the alley, had Ortiz-Ortizs name and birth date on it. Police then confirmed Ortiz-Ortiz was the man who answered the apartment door based on his drivers license photograph, the fact that he had the victims belongings and that he had a face injury that was consistent with the injury described by the victim, court documents state.

Food offered

A second man reported a similar incident involving Ortiz-Ortiz to police in 2021.

The man, who was homeless at the time, said Ortiz-Ortiz offered him food and picked him up in a black pickup truck.

The man told police that once he was inside the vehicle, Ortiz-Ortiz allegedly began grabbing the mans genitals. The man said he had to fight off Ortiz-Ortiz in a violent manner, similar to the struggle [the other victim] described, court records state.

The victim was able to escape Ortiz-Ortizs truck. The victim told police that Ortiz-Ortiz then turned the vehicle around and purposefully ran over his bicycle while driving past him.

A nearby witness called 911 and reported Ortiz-Ortizs license plate.

When asked about the incident, Ortiz-Ortiz told police he frequently picks up friends to help them and denied knowing the victim or ever seeing him before, according to court records.

No arrest was made at the time due to a lack of an independent witness.

DNA tests are pending on items taken from the scene in an attempt to tie Ortiz-Ortiz to the assault. Investigators are also requesting the DNA evidence be submitted to local, state and national DNA databases to determine potential links to other unsolved sexual assaults, according to court records.

Bellingham police have released a photo of 28-year-old Julio Ortiz-Ortiz of Bellingham. Ortiz-Ortiz is accused of being a serial rapist targeting incapacitated and homeless men over the past several years.

Graduation party

A third victim came forward in 2022 and accused Ortiz-Ortiz of raping him while at a graduation party in 2020.

The man told police he passed out after drinking at a graduation party. He told police he fell asleep on a couch, and later woke up with his pants down.

Ortiz-Ortiz was asleep nearby, according to court records.

Two additional male victims from the graduation party were also identified. Both were either asleep or incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol.

One of the men awoke to Ortiz-Ortiz sexually assaulting him, while the other reported being assaulted while he was passed out. The latter assault may have been witnessed by another person.

Neither of the men reported being sexually assaulted due to the shame and stigma of being labeled as gay, the court records state.

Male victims are less likely to report sexual assault and misconduct due in part to the stigma of being labeled as gay if they identify as straight, court documents state.

The three assaults were never prosecuted due to a lack of victim cooperation at the time. Investigators have since reopened the cases and are attempting to obtain victim and witness statements, court documents state.

Witnesses in the investigation told police at the time that Ortiz-Ortiz would get kicked out of nightclubs in Bellingham and Seattle in the past for making unwanted sexual advances.

Investigators have identified at least five suspected victims but believe there are many more who either fail to report or who were unable to identify Julio Ortiz-Ortiz as their attacker due to Julio Ortiz-Ortiz targeting strangers, the court records state.

Not only does Julio Ortiz-Ortiz target victims who are homeless, he has shown a pattern of targeting anyone he has an opportunity to victimize who might be in close proximity to him.

Resources

 Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org

Brigid Collins Family Support Center professionals are on-call between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer questions about children, families, abuse prevention or treatment at (360) 734-4616.

 Child Protective Services: Washington state hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect, 866-829-2153.

 Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.

 Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.

 Tlils Taaaltha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/

 Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.

 WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.

If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 911 and make a report to law enforcement.

To report child abuse or neglect call 1-866-END HARM.
A tourist takes pictures at the ancient city of Kashgar scenic area in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has received a record number of tourists this year thanks to its reputation as a safe tourist destination, said Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the regional government, on Wednesday.

The number of tourist trips received by the region reached 260 million this year, up from 48.6 million in 2012, the chair said while addressing an idea- and story-sharing conference on the theme of promoting the high-quality development of the human rights cause in Xinjiang within the Chinese modernization drive.

In the eyes of tourists, Xinjiang has become a place with superb public security management and a safe social environment, he said.

The official accredited the unprecedented improvement in the public sense of security to Xinjiang's prioritization of social stability and human rights. The region has not seen any violent terrorist incidents for nearly seven straight years, he noted.

"The human rights cause in Xinjiang has made all-round advances and historic achievements," he said in the speech that highlighted the comprehensive protection of the social, cultural, religious and political rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, as well as their right to live and develop.

A report on Xinjiang's human rights and legal protections, compiled by Xinjiang University and Southwest University of Political Science and Law, was also issued at the event.
The reelection campaign for President Biden said comparisons between former President Trump and Nazi leader Adolf Hitler are not a coincidence in a Wednesday post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

This is not a coincidence, read the campaigns post, which also featured a graphic in which the campaign says the former president parrots Hitler while highlighting statements by the former president alongside statements by the Nazi leader. One of the statements it references, in which Trump has said immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country, has drawn pushback from both sides of the political aisle recently.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has called Trumps poisoning remark unhelpful rhetoric. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) also said she didnt agree with the former president.

Were all children of immigrants, she said. Its just part of his campaign rhetoric, I guess. I dont know, I cant explain it.

The Biden campaign made a similar comment Sunday when a campaign spokesperson for Biden said the former president had parroted Adolf Hitler at a rally last Saturday.

Trump is not shying away from his plan to lock up millions of people into detention camps and continues to lie about that time when Joe Biden obliterated him by over 7 million votes three years ago, Ammar Moussa said in a statement.

Despite the pushback against Trumps rhetoric, a recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll found that 42 percent of likely Iowa Republican caucusgoers said that Trumps recent remarks about immigrants poisoning the blood of the country makes them more likely to support him.

The former president has pushed back against the comparisons to Hitler, who wrote in Mein Kampf that German blood was being poisoned by Jews. At a rally in Iowa on Tuesday, Trump mirrored his recent poisoning the blood comments and tried to distance himself from Hitler.

Theyre destroying the blood of our country. Thats what theyre doing. Theyre destroying our country. They dont like it when I said that  and I never read Mein Kampf, Trump said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden is dispatching his senior officials to Mexico in the coming days for direct talks on efforts to curb mass migration at the U.S. border, the White House said Thursday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and White House homeland security adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall will meet with Mexicos president and his team to discuss further actions that can be taken together to address current border challenges, said White House national security spokesperson John Kirby.

The trip by Bidens top homeland and foreign policy officials follows the president speaking with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday, when the two discussed ongoing efforts to manage the unprecedented migratory flows in the western hemisphere, Kirby said.

The two leaders agreed that additional enforcement actions are urgently needed so that key ports of entry can be reopened across our shared border.

Americas southern border is facing a crisis, with an estimated 10,000 people making a dangerous crossing illegally into the U.S. every day.

At least three ports of entry in Texas, Arizona and California have reportedly closed to foot and vehicle traffic and on Sunday, Customs and Border Patrol announced it would suspend two railway crossings because of a surge in migrants and that is potentially contributing to hundreds of millions of dollars in losses.

Kirby said Biden and Lopez Obrador shared a concern about the dramatic increase in migratory flow.

They did talk in broad terms about what can be done inside Mexico to slow that process down, and there are some things like checkpoints on rail lines and on highways and that kind of thing, Kirby continued, adding that there were discussions about using the Mexican Armed Forces.

The visit by Blinken, Mayorkas and Sherwood-Randall is aimed at what can be done to sort of flesh those modalities out a little bit more.

Their visit will really be about getting at the migratory flows and talking to President Lopez Obrador and his team about what more we can do together, Kirby said, saying the Biden administration is looking to work in full partnership with Mexican authorities.

Theres been terrific cooperation. Were proud of that. And I think it can be expanded given the record levels of migrants that were seeing come across, he said.

The surge in migrants is a major political contention for Biden, as Democratic lawmakers are negotiating with Republicans on how to institute sweeping immigration policy changes to contend with the crisis. A bipartisan resolution is also the key to the president securing a vote on his national security supplemental, which includes money to help Ukraine in its war against Russia, aid Israel in its war against Hamas, and address U.S. security priorities in the Indo-Pacific.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
You are here: China

Mute swans and fledglings are seen on the Ulan Suhai Lake in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China has introduced its inaugural list of key terrestrial wild animal habitats, incorporating areas that are home to over 82 percent of the country's critically protected terrestrial species.

The 789 habitats consist of six categories, including regions where endangered species live and breed, and areas characterized by significant populations of wild animals, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

They cover zones of habitation, reproduction and migration for 565 types of animals classified as level-I and level-II within China's wildlife protection system.

The administration noted that the list is expected to gradually expand as more wildlife habitats experience environmental improvements and meet assessment criteria.

Featuring rich biodiversity, China is home to more than 10 percent of the total terrestrial vertebrate species worldwide.

In recent years, the country has established a natural land protection system comprising national parks, nature reserves and various natural parks. An increasing number of wildlife habitats are coming under national protection thanks to this national conservation initiative.
During a trip to Milwaukee, President Joe Biden called out Republicans for being against so many critical actions that help working- and middle-class people, especially Black Americans.

President Joe Biden is taking credit for what the Biden-Harris administration says has been a boom for Black-owned small businesses, which have seen the fastest-growing pace in over 30 years.

Im here to celebrate the progress were making support Black small businesses here and around the country, Biden said on Wednesday during his trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to highlight the administrations billions of dollars of investments in Black entrepreneurship.

The president added, When Black small businesses growthe community benefits, everyone benefits.

Biden noted that since he and Vice President Kamala Harris took office, America saw a record 15 million new applications to start businesses. The White House said Black households owning a business doubled between 2019 and 2022 after plummeting between 2007 and 2019.

The Biden-Harris administration has endeavored to level the economic playing field for Black Americans, particularly those in business.

Those actions include a record $70 billion in federal contracts awarded to small, disadvantaged businesses and $12 billion in investments in community lenders to expand access to capital and resources, which is expected to increase community lending to nearly $80 billion over 10 years.

When Black-owned businesses do well, they create jobs, said Stephen Benjamin, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and senior adviser to the president, during a press call Wednesday morning ahead of Bidens trip.

The former mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, added, We generate wealth in our own communities, and we make the broader economy that much stronger.

Stephen Benjamin (right), senior adviser to the president, addresses an August briefing with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. He touted Black businesses this week ahead of a presidential trip. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

According to a survey of consumer finances from the Federal Reserve Board, between 2019 and 2022, wealth for the typical Black family rose 61%.

That encouraging news, along with historic lows in Black unemployment achieved this year, is being touted by the White House as a direct result of the Biden-Harris administrations investments through key legislation, including the pandemic stimulus package, the American Rescue Plan, the $1.2 trillion infrastructure investment law, and the CHIPS and Science Act, which is injecting federal dollars into the semiconductor manufacturing industry to create jobs and build up the U.S. supply chain.

During Wednesdays White House press call, Michael Negron, special assistant to the president for economic policy at the National Economic Council, highlighted how federal spending secured by Biden has made a real difference in the lives of Black Americans.

That spending, coupled with the $1,400 stimulus checks issued to 85% of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and the child tax credit that reduced poverty for Black children, gave them additional cushion and encouraged them to take a chance and start a new business.

Natalie Madeira Cofield, a former Small Business Administration assistant administrator, said the Biden-Harris administration has undoubtedly made many policy and programmatic strides aimed to address continued entrepreneurial inequity.

The business adviser and entrepreneur added, The challenge, however, remains the continuation of these efforts in a new and ever-changing legal environment.

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Cofield said that while there are efforts to increase contracting and procurement opportunities for small Black businesses, recent reports reveal stagnant and paltry Black business procurement utilization in relation to the size and scale of the available population of qualified and capable businesses.

Addressing systematic small business inequity requires systems change, something this administration has shown it is willing to address, she added, yet needs continued support and consistency of policy and program longevity to see real gains from.



While in Milwaukee, a majority Black and brown city in a battleground state he will need for reelection, Biden also took the opportunity to spotlight direct investments his administration has made in Wisconsins most populous city.

President Bidens agenda is lifting up small Black-owned businesses in our community and encouraging entrepreneurship, delivering for Milwaukee, U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., said in a statement provided to theGrio. We are seeing the investmentsbear fruit, producing record-level employment levels, increasing the number of business applications, and deploying more resources to address the lead public health crisis in Milwaukee.

Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., said the Biden-Harris administrations agenda is lifting up small Black-owned businesses in our community. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Before his remarks in Milwaukee, the president met with small business owner Rashawn Spivey, who founded Hero Plumbing, which is working to replace lead pipes across the city.

Spivey, who introduced Biden during his Wednesday visit, said thanks to the presidents investments, his company has been able to replace 600 lead pipes, mostly located at child care centers.



Not only has our business grown, but were helping to save our community, he said, adding that the Biden-Harris administration is helping us all become part of an economy that works for everyone so their dreams can be achieved with dignity.



While promoting his investments in Black-owned small businesses, Biden took the opportunity to tout the $15 billion his administration is spending from the infrastructure law to replace every lead pipe in every community in this country.

The president also slammed his likely 2024 presidential opponent, former President Donald Trump, for his role in abandoning Black- and other minority-owned businesses while in office.

On his watch, women and minority-owned small businesses found themselves last in line in access and emergency relief through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program [PPP], said Biden. On my watch, energy and emergency relief went to minority-owned businesses first, not last.

President Joe Biden takes the stage Wednesday to speak on his economic policies at the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce in Milwaukee. (Photo by Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden also more broadly called out Republicans, who he said are against so many critical actions that help working- and middle-class people, especially Black Americans.

Some in this country are waging a full-on attack on Black economic opportunity, said Biden. Theyre denying economic opportunity when it comes to higher education, starting a business [and] keeping the businesses open.

The president seemingly referred to a Supreme Court order over the summer that significantly handicapped affirmative action in college admissions. Additionally, he lamented another SCOTUS ruling that blocked his more than $400 billion in student debt relief.

The Supreme Court ruled against it, but I still got 136 million people debt relief, Biden said of the various Department of Education programs that have successfully provided debt forgiveness to many Americans, including those in public service and victims of predatory institutions.

Biden also sought to tie his economic agenda to the rising bans of Black history and books by Black authors.

These attacks hurt all Americans because investing in Black economic prosperity lifts everybody up, he said.

The president said that while he and Vice President Harris have been able to increase Black wages and capital for Black small businesses, he vowed that there will be more to come.

Were just getting started, said the president.

Gerren Keith Gaynor

Gerren Keith Gaynor is a White House Correspondent and the Managing Editor of Politics at theGrio. He is based in Washington, D.C.

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From the The Collision on The Dispatch

Welcome to our year-end edition of The Collision! Were going to close out 2023 with a quiet, thoughtful reflection on all the fun moments we had this year documenting the collision of law andjust kidding. Given the times in which we live, of course were turning things up to 11 just as everyone is trying to wind down the year with some holiday cheer.

Well dive deep on the Colorado Supreme Courts decision to remove Donald Trump from the states primary ballot on 14th Amendment grounds, as well as what we can expect from the U.S. Supreme Court in response. Meanwhile, Trumps legal team has responded to the governments petition to have the Supreme Court review the presidential immunity question. And well also examine some upcoming developments with Hunter Biden and his refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas.

One programming note: Well be taking next week off for the Christmas holiday. To all our readers who celebrate, Merry Christmas. Thanks for reading, and well be back in your inboxes in 2024.

The Docket

Our actual newsletter this week is too full, so lets consider the docket cleared for now.

The Problems With the Colorado Election Decision

FormerPresident and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa, on December 19, 2023. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

In a 4-3 decision released on Tuesday, the Colorado Supreme Court held that Donald Trump could not appear on the Republican primary ballot in the state because he was disqualified to serve as president by Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The seven justices comprised the fourth court to consider this question in the context of January 6, but the only one that has decided to keep a candidate from appearing on the ballot. Notably, the court stayed its decision pending review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

First, lets start with the Colorado Supreme Court. Each justice is appointed by the states governor, which means all seven justices are Democratic appointeesmaking the narrow split all the more interesting. Second, lets remind ourselves what the text of this part of the 14th Amendment actually says (with the parts were debating these days in bold):

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.

The purpose of this 1868 amendment wasnt to prevent anyone who had fought for the Confederacy from holding office, but specifically to target those who had broken their word, i.e. a member of Congress who had sworn to defend the U.S. Constitution but then turned around and fought to dismantle it. That person cant come back and take the same oath again with any credibility.

In this case, four Colorado justices held that Trump was ineligible from becoming president again because he neglected his presidential oath to support the Constitution when he gave a speech inciting an insurrection on January 6.

The argument supporting this conclusion should be pretty obvious if you accept that the violence at the Capitol on January 6 was an insurrection. But there are compelling arguments on the other sidesome of which the dissenters point out and some of which Sarah will get into below.

For starters, the text of the amendment never says anything about the president. In fact, it lists a lot of other offices specificallyincluding electors of the president or vice presidentbut not the president or vice president themselves. An earlier draft of this section of the amendment did specifically list the president, but that reference was taken out, which might lead one to conclude that the amendments authors did not intend to include presidents for whatever reason. (Theres no surviving record of why it was removed.) But a senator brought up this very point during the debate over the 14th Amendment in 1866, and another senator said the catchall office under the United States included the presidency.

But a side conversation between two senators more than 150 years ago doesnt necessarily have the binding force of law. The phrase officer of the United States appears several other times in the Constitution, and the instance with the biggest implication for the Colorado decision comes in Article II, stating the president shall Commission all the Officers of the United States (emphasis added). One interpretation would be that the president doesnt commission himself, therefore he must not be an officer of the United States.

The next problem with applying this section of the 14th Amendment is what to do about the insurrection or rebellion stuff. The Colorado decision held that Donald Trump engaged in an insurrection during his speech that day. Trump, obviously, hasnt been convicted ofor even charged withparticipating in an insurrection under the legal definition of the word. So the Colorado Supreme Court had to find on its own both that January 6 was an insurrection under the law and that Trump engaged in it because his speech was inciting violence and therefore not protected by the First Amendment. To qualify as incitement under the Supreme Courts Brandenburg test, a persons words must a) encourage the use of violence, b) be intended to result in the use of violence, and c) likely result in violence.

All of this generates a number of questions, but one stands above the rest: Who gets to decide? The language of Section 3 doesnt offer definitions of these terms (what is an insurrection versus a riot?) or explain what level of evidence is required. (Proof beyond a reasonable doubt? More likely than not? Clear and convincing evidence?) Nor does it say who should decide these questions. On the one hand, not every constitutional amendment requires congress to pass enabling legislation, including other parts of the 14th amendment.

But the 14th Amendment was meant to curtail states power. It was added to the Constitution in response to a civil war brought about by states and precipitated by a concept of states rights, after all. So the idea that each state court gets to decide its own standards for whether a federal candidate can be on the ballot would seem a little odd. But Section 5 of the 14th Amendment offers some clues to this question of who decides: Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. Indeed Congress did so with the 1870 Enforcement Act, which created various ways to enforce the 14th Amendment. And there is, as the dissent in Colorado notes, a federal statute that specifically criminalizes insurrection and requires that anyone convicted of engaging in such conduct be fined or imprisoned and be disqualified from holding public office.

According to this argument, Section 5 makes clear that Congress is responsible for deciding these questions, Trump hasnt been charged under the law Congress created, and the courts dont get to do an end run around that law when it comes to telling the American people they cant vote for their candidate of choice.

Sarahs View

So how will this whole thing turn out? The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in one way or another in the next few days. My best guess is that the justices will first issue an administrative stay barring this ruling from going into effect, which gives the Supreme Court more time to consider the question. The justices could also simply announce they are taking the case, which will have the same effect.

Most legal scholars agree the Supreme Court is likely to reverse the Colorado decision, but we might disagree on the hows and whys. I think this will be a per curiam opinion, meaning that it will be unsigned by any justice and that there will be no noted dissents. That doesnt mean it was unanimous, but it will mean that we also wont know if it was 6-3, 7-2, etc. The other option (the best case scenario, in my opinion) is that the court goes out of its way to ensure this is a 9-0 decision, finding that this section is not self-executing and it is not up to courts to define all of these terms and what evidence is required to prove them without congressional input.

Regardless, this is the biggest test of the courts credibility since Bush v. Gore but at a time when Americans trust in our institutions is far lower and the security of our system of government feels far more tenuous. Godspeed to the nine.

Donald Trump Hits Back on Presidential Immunity

Theres an underlying theme to Donald Trumps response to special counsel Jack Smiths petition for the Supreme Court to take up the question of presidential immunity: Slow. It. Down.

Near the top of the 44-page document that was filed Wednesday, Trumps lawyers argue that Smith is attempting to bypass  ordinary procedures by going straight to the Supreme Court while the D.C. Circuit Court has already expedited its review. Why force the highest court in the land to answer the question when the process is already at work in a lower courtand especially, the Trump teams brief notes multiple times, when judgments at the district court level have already been in the special counsels favor?

The Trump team has an answer: Its Smiths manifest partisan interest in ensuring that President Trump will be subjected to a months-long criminal trial at the height of a presidential campaign where he is the leading candidate and the only serious opponent of the current Administration.

But theres another, nonpartisan reason Smith may want to address questions like immunity quickly and get to a trial: His window for prosecuting Trump on the election-interference charges could very well close if Trump is elected president. Smith is a career prosecutor and has not said this outright, only stating in his brief that this is an extraordinary request for an extraordinary case. And, of course, Trump himself has his own partisan interest in making sure prosecutors face every procedural roadblock in order to delay the trial until, well, after his successful election.

Regardless, the Supreme Court will have to decide in the next few days whether to preempt the circuit courts current plans for review, including oral argument set for January 9. And more broadly, whether the winning side ever gets to appeal is at the mercy of the losing sides timetable.

We know where the Trump team comes out. Quoting a decision from an obscure mail fraud case, the Trump brief notes, Haste makes waste is an old adage. It has survived because it is right so often. In other words: Dont let the government speed things along unnecessarily.

House GOP Looks Poised to Press Hunter Biden

When the House of Representatives gets back to work in early January, expect the Oversight and Judiciary committees to follow through quickly on their respective chairmens threats to hold Hunter Biden in contempt. Thats according to two sources on Capitol Hill with knowledge of those plans who spoke to The Collision. On their estimated timeline, we could be looking at the son of the president being held in contempt of Congress in less than a month.

A quick recap of how we got here: In November, the two committees leading the inquiry into impeaching President Joe Biden subpoenaed Hunter Biden, calling on him to sit for a private deposition and answer questions about his foreign business dealings and financial records. But Biden insisted on only testifying in a public hearing, a request House Republicans did not acquiesce to. So on December 13, Biden failed to show up, instead holding a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol denouncing congressional Republicans. Soon after, GOP Reps. James Comer and Jim Jordan, who chair Oversight and Judiciary, respectively, said they would pursue contempt procedures.

So what happens next? According to our sources, because both committees issued separate subpoenas of Biden, each will pursue its own report of contemptlikely, but not guaranteed, criminal in nature. A member of each committee will introduce a resolution, which will have to go through the standard practice of being marked up, with amendments to the language in the resolution considered. Then, the committees will vote on their resolutions. There seems to be little expectation that the Republican majority on each committee wont be able to get its resolution passed. But per House rules, this whole committee process will take a minimum of three working days.

If the resolutions pass through their respective committees, House leadership will decide when to bring the resolutions for a vote on the floor. Again, dont expect any surprises since House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed and demonstrated support for the impeachment inquiry so far, which is probing whether Joe Biden improperly involved himself in Hunter Bidens international business activities. But how will a vote on the floor go? This is where things could get complicated.

After former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy resigns on December 31, Republicans will have just a two-seat majority, barely able to afford any defections if Democrats are united in opposition. Things will get even tighter in the event of any unexpected GOP absences. While its almost certain no House Democrats will cross the aisle and vote to hold the Democratic presidents son in contempt, will any Republicans split from their conference? Perhaps. Several GOP members hail from districts Joe Biden won in 2020, and while they may have voted to move the impeachment inquiry forward, its possible their own political considerations back home could make a Hunter contempt vote a difficult one. But even the most moderate Republicans in the House may be institution-minded enough to believe that defying a congressional subpoena, no matter the reason, should not go unchecked.

Assuming Republicans can pass their contempt resolutions, we will finally reach the moment when the criminal justice system takes over. The Justice Department will receive the referrals and then  consider them. While the DOJ did not answer questions from The Dispatch about what contempt referrals may be coming, its of course up to it, not Congress, to decide whether to prosecute.

We know one thing: If the Justice Department takes its timeor declinesto prosecute Hunter Biden on contempt, Republicans in Congress will cry foul.

One More Thing

Dont forget that more than two years ago Steve Bannon, the former White House aide and MAGA media impresario, defied a congressional subpoena from the House select committee investigating the riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Not only did the Justice Department prosecute Bannon, but the case went to trial and he was convicted in July 2022.

In October of that year, he was sentenced to four months in prison, but Bannon soon appealed both his conviction and sentence. A three-judge panel on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals finally heard his attorneys case for appeal last month, all while Bannon has remained free and continues to host his daily pro-Trump broadcast. While the judges sounded skeptical of Bannons arguments, were still awaiting their decision.

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A bill to extend tax credit changes for three months for some New Jersey businesses cleared committee in the state Senate on Thursday morning.

What does the bill do?

The bill eliminates requirements for full-time employees of businesses receiving tax incentives through the Emerge Program Act to spend at least 60% of their time in-person at their offices. It cites the permanent impacts of COVID-19.

Sponsored by state Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, the bill was amended to extend the credits through March 2024. Sarlo's original proposal would have made them permanent.

State Sen. Sarlo peaks during the flag-raising ceremony in celebration of Italian American Heritage Month in Hackensack, NJ on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.

We amended it because we really encourage people to get back to work, Sarlo said. People need to get back in their offices to help our downtown urban centers.

The program previously required employees to spend at least 80% of their time at the office and was then lowered to 60% in 2020.

In 2022, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation making the requirement just 10%, contingent upon employees spending 80% of their time in New Jersey and the business paying 5% of their tax credit each year to the Economic Development Authority to be used for loans, guarantees, equity investments and grants or other forms of financing to support small business and downtown or commercial corridor activation activities where the business is.

More: NJSEA will once again fund an MMA event at Prudential Center. Price tag? $5M

'People should be back to work'

State Sen. Teresa Ruiz echoed Sarlo and said she is glad that its down to only three months and would like to see it expire altogether.

People should be back to work," Ruiz said. "Flexibility [is a] priority always for those with families and those who need it. But there are unintended consequences when we just evacuate office buildings and leave them empty, so either put up or show up.

NJ tackles flood rish: New Jersey has new measures to protect homebuyers and renters flood risk

What's next?

The bill has already cleared committee in the Assembly. It still needs to pass both chambers of the Legislature before it can head to the governor's desk.

Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ tax credit for back-to-office businesses may extend into 2024
RW Development waited 15 years and spent millions of dollars on legal and engineering fees to get site approval from the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

Thursday mornings hearing was somewhat contentious, as representatives of RW Development went up against representatives from the existing casinos across South Mississippi.

The commission went into executive session following a 45-minute hearing in Jackson.

A Sound Off contributor asks that Veterans Avenue be cleaned up. Its an embarrassment to drive from U.S. 90 to Pass Road in a funeral procession and see derelict properties, empty buildings and overgrown weeds.

When they returned about 15 minutes later, commission chairman Francis Lee and commissioner Kent Nicaud followed the recommendation of executive director Jay McDaniel and granted site approval.

That approval comes with several conditions:

 Site approval expires in three years, which gives RW Development a short time to get its financing in order and present final plans to the gaming commission to proceed with construction.

 Site approval is conditioned on maintaining the lease with Biloxi and Harrison County, and requires the construction of a handicapped pier, estimated to cost more than $3 million as presented, and maintain it for public use.

 Site approval cant be transferred to another party without approval by the gaming commission.

 The casino floor must be within 800 feet of the mean high-water line as required since Hurricane Katrina.

A rendering of the pier RW Development will build as part of its proposed casino development in Biloxi was shown by Terry Moran during the Mississippi Gaming Commission on Dec. 21, 2023.

If RW Development and owner Ray Wooldridge can meet these conditions, this would become the ninth casino in Biloxi and the 13th in South Mississippi.

Operators of the other casinos stated their objections to site approval at the hearing.

A letter from the operators of Island View Casino in Gulfport and Treasure Bay Casino in Biloxi claimed the RW Development lease still doesnt meet the requirements for a legal site.

Michael Bruffey, deputy director of the Mississippi Hospitality and Gaming Association, said casino operators along the Gulf Coast asked that he present a letter on behalf of the association opposing RW Developments fourth application for site approval. The letter gave several reasons why the RW application remains an illegal casino site.

The lease has been effective for almost two years now, said Michael Cavanaugh, attorney for RW Development. The Coast casino operators claimed the lease does not give RW Development control of the property to the waters edge as required  But it does, he said.

Cavanaugh said those who objected to the site approval are competitors.

Simply put, it appears that they obviously dont want additional competition, he said.

In the end, the gaming commission determined the site meets all statutory regulatory requirements.
A Hamas-linked financier, once sentenced for 10 years on corruption charges in Sudan, maintains a network of business interests in Europe despite being under US sanctions, leaked documents show.

The business dealings of Abdelbasit Hamza, linked by the US to Osama Bin Laden, span two decades and include a Cypriot firm, a Spanish real estate company, an Egyptian gold business, and a Sudan-based company sanctioned by the US less than a week after the October 7 attacks.

He was arrested in 2019 in Sudan after the downfall of dictator Omar Al-Bashir and was jailed for handling Hamas money, among other charges. But he was only sanctioned by the US after the militant groups October 7 assault on Israel.

CNN, in conjunction with Israeli investigative platform Shomrim and the International Consortium for Investigative Journalism (ICIJ), has uncovered details of Hamzas portfolio of businesses in Europe, part of a network of global assets previously estimated by Sudanese anti-corruption officials as worth over $2bn.

The new revelations come against the backdrop of allegations by critics that Israel and the US underestimated the threat posed by Hamas and did not do enough to curb its illicit global network of business interests.

Hamza, who was freed from prison in after a 2021 military coup ousted the post-Bashir government in Sudan, denies any involvement in Hamas financing. In a written response to CNN, he also denied any relationship to Osama Bin Laden. Hamza said he had been a political prisoner and said he was released by Sudanese authorities in June 2021 because he was completely innocent.

Udi Levy, who served as an intelligence officer in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 30 years, says he briefed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2015 on the threat posed by Hamas financing networks but was ignored. The fact that Israel and the United States did not act against Hamza sooner is a great oversight, Levy said in an interview with Shomrim, the investigative platform.

The Israeli government denies that its actions in recent years had strengthened Hamas. Asked whether the funding provided by Hamza was critical in the October 7 attack, Ophir Falk, foreign policy adviser to Netanyahu, told CNN: As we have reiterated, this question and many more will be examined after the war. The Prime Ministers war cabinet directed the IDF to destroy Hamas and free the hostages. Israel is fully focused on accomplishing those missions. All questions will be addressed in full after total victory.

The US State Department had not responded to a CNN request for comment by the time of publication.

How Hamza made his money

Documents provided to CNN by the ICIJ from the Cyprus Confidential leak  a trove of more than 3.6 million documents analyzed by ICIJ and 68 media partners, including Shomrim  show Hamza is listed as owning a stake in Matz Holdings, a Cypriot firm incorporated in February 2005. Since its founding, Matz Holdings has held a lucrative concession to exploit two gold mines in Egypt.

Hamza sold a substantial portion of his shares in Matz Holdings the day before the ouster of his ally, Sudans former dictator Omar Al-Bashir in 2019 but still owns a 10% stake in the company. Hamza also owns a Spanish real estate company, hit by US sanctions targeting assets in Hamass investment portfolio roughly a week after sanctions were imposed on Hamza himself.

Hamza owns his stake in Matz Holdings through the Zawaya Group for Development and Investment, a Sudan-based company that was also only sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in October for being linked to Hamas investment portfolio.

The Treasury Department accused him of having longstanding ties to terrorism financing and said he had historic links to companies in Sudan that had been associated with Bin Laden, who lived in Sudan during the 1990s.

Jakob Bliggenstorfer, Hamzas business partner in Matz Holdings was contacted for comment on the US sanctions by the Swiss media company Tamedia, part of the ICIJ Cyprus Confidential consortium. Bliggenstorfer denied to Tamadia that Hamza had any ties to Hamas and described the sanctions imposed on him as a case of mistaken identity.

In November the United Kingdom also sanctioned Hamza, but he has not yet been sanctioned by the European Union.

Shadow men

In the aftermath of Hamas deadly October 7 attack on Israel, when militants killed 1,200 people and seized more than 240 hostages, questions are being raised in Israel and internationally on the failure to neuter the threat from the Iran-backed group.

Netanyahu has faced allegations that he underestimated Hamas, with deadly consequences. CNN and Shomrim have previously reported how Netanyahu allowed Hamas to receive millions of dollars in cash-filled suitcases. Provided by Qatar for humanitarian reasons, the difficulty in monitoring such large sums of cash triggered concerns within Netanyahus own Cabinet, among other officials.

Rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel during the October 7 attacks. - Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images

The groups finance networks evidently remain a particularly contentious issue for Israel. The IDF said on Tuesday it had killed a Palestinian man accused of being a prominent Hamas financier as part of an operation to dismantle Hamas funding lifeline.

Levy, the former IDF intelligence officer, who headed Mossads economic unit Zalzal until 2016, characterized Hamza as one of a group of shadow men managing those money networks on behalf of Hamas.

In recent years he [Hamza] has become a central figure in Hamas investment portfolio. responsible for dozens of companies  seemingly legitimate whose revenue is for the purpose of financing the movements operations, including its military activity, Levy said, in an interview with Shomrim.

Too late

Sudanese authorities arrested Hamza in April 2019, in the immediate aftermath of Bashirs fall from power. Hamzas assets were seized by Sudans civilian rulers. The countrys new anti-corruption task force indicted Hamza in February 2021 for, among other charges, illicit and suspicious wealth, money laundering, corruption, and terrorist financing. Hamza was later sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Following a military coup in Sudan in October 2021, Hamza was one of several Bashir allies released from prison, and the seizure of his assets was reversed. Former Sudanese officials say this allowed another opportunity to halt Hamza  and Hamas  to slip away.

We realized quickly that much of Abdelbasits financial network was large and complex, Mohamed Al-Faki Suleiman, the former acting head of Sudans civilian anti-corruption committee, told CNN. Investments in oil, hotels, marketing, contracting services, and illegally acquired millions of acres of land.

Al-Faki said hundreds of millions of dollars of Hamzas assets are still held outside Sudan, despite Sudans task force having flagged the funds to authorities in the US and Europe in 2019.

Al-Faki says he regrets that the US and others did not act on Sudans findings. Everything we uncovered turned out to be 100% true, Al-Faki said. The US sanctions came too late.

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FIRST ON FOX: Senators Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Chris Coons, D-Del., will introduce a resolution Thursday morning condemning attacks by Iranian military proxies on U.S. military service members in Iraq and Syria.

"The Iranian regime is attacking Americans, our allies and our interests across the Middle East. They are not only launching attacks and massacres against our Israeli and Arab allies, but their Houthi proxies are now trying to shut down freedom of navigation that is vital to the American and global economies," Cruz said in a statement.

"It is clear that they are not deterred, and it is long past time for the Biden administration to take all necessary steps to deter and counter these activities. Enough is enough."

Coons said Iranian support for the attacks "rightfully earned a swift and forceful response from the Biden administration," and he called on the Biden administration to "increase pressure on Iran to cease its support for violent militia groups, and support efforts to deter Iranian-backed militia attacks on U.S. troops and the international community."

COALITION DEPLOYS US NAVY'S LETHAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO IRAN AND CHINA

Senators Chris Coons, left, and Ted Cruz.

The Senate resolution received bipartisan support from cosponsors Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; Katie Britt, R-Ala; John Barrasso, R-Wyo; Jacky Rosen, D-Nev.; Tim Scott, R-S.C.; Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.; Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn.; Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.; Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; and Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska.

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There has been an uptick in Iranian proxies targeting American troops in Syria and Iraq since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, with Iran often providing financing and training to militia groups in the region.

US IMPOSES NEW ROUND OF SANCTIONS ON NETWORK INVOLVED IN IRAN'S DRONE PRODUCTION

The Biden administration has come under scrutiny for its deals with Iran, including a $6 billion prisoner exchange reportedly paused after Hamas terrorists slaughtered over 1,400 Israelis.

Last week, U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria were attacked again, bringing the number of attacks to at least 90 since Oct. 17.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with nuclear scientists and personnel of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran in Tehran, Iran, June 11.

The attacks have been claimed by an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militants dubbed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The militants say their attacks are in retaliation for Washington's backing of Israel and its military presence in Iraq and Syria.

Iran holds considerable sway in Iraq, and a coalition of Iran-backed groups brought Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to power in October 2022. At the same time, there are some 2,000 U.S. troops in Iraq under an agreement with Baghdad, mainly to counter the militant Islamic State group .

PENTAGON ANNOUNCES NEW RED SEA INTERNATIONAL MISSION TO COUNTER ESCALATING HOUTHI ATTACKS ON SHIPS

Last month, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the Biden administration needs to be tougher on Iran and that a "massive retaliation" is needed to end attacks on U.S. assets.

"Since Joe Biden took office, Iran has attacked American positions in the Middle East, I think now, over 150 times," Cotton told "Fox News Sunday."

The Republican senator added that the United States has only hit back a few times, and not at targets he would order were he commander in chief. The Senate Armed Services and Senate Intelligence Committee member said he would suggest targeting Iranians operating in Iraq and in Syria.

An Israeli flag flies over body bags of over 20 dead Hamas terrorists with the word "terrorist" written in Hebrew on a main field at Kibbutz Be'eri, where dozens of civilians were killed days earlier near the border with Gaza Oct. 11, 2023, in Be'eri, Israel.

Fox News' Pilar Arias and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Bipartisan resolution urges Biden admin to crack down on Iran-backed militia groups
By Sybille de La Hamaide

PARIS (Reuters) - Bird flu is likely to spread further in the Antarctic region, causing immense damage to wildlife, according to experts on the highly contagious disease that has killed hundreds of millions of birds worldwide in recent years.

The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called bird flu, to the remote southern region has raised concerns for isolated populations of species including penguins and seals that have never been exposed to the virus.

The H5 strain of the virus was detected in the region on Oct. 8 in a brown skua on Bird Island, part of the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, according to a report by OFFLU, which gathers experts from the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Around the same time, the virus was detected in fulmars and albatrosses in the nearby Falkland Islands.

"HPAI H5 virus is likely to spread further among Antarctic wildlife, potentially infecting the 48 species of birds and 26 species of marine mammals which inhabit this region," the OFFLU said in its report on Thursday.

"The negative impact of HPAI H5 on Antarctic wildlife could be immense, because their presence in dense colonies of up to thousands of pinnipeds (seals) and hundreds of thousands of birds facilitates virus transmission and may result in high mortality," it added.

Elephant seals in South Georgia could have been infected by migrating seals from South America where there was a large die-off of the species, OFFLU said. Infected elephant seals could possibly transport the virus to neighbouring islands and further south to the Antarctic Peninsula.

"If HPAI H5 virus completes the above-suggested stage of spread, further virus spread in the Antarctic region is likely given the many avian and mammalian species that probably are susceptible to infection," the report said.

Bird flu in Antarctica particularly threatens the emperor penguin species, considered under near-threat of extinction. If the virus was to enter an emperor penguin colony it could spread to the whole population, OFFLU said.

It urged continued monitoring and surveillance of wildlife populations and biosafety measures to reduce the risk of human-mediated spread of the virus to new areas, and to reduce the risk of human infection.

OFFLU uses the biogeographical definition of the Antarctic region, based on species and ecosystems distribution. It is wider than the Antarctic Treaty region, including all ice shelves.

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Mark Potter)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday called out other countries for not demanding Hamas surrender.

What is striking to me is that even as, again, we hear many countries urging the end to this conflict, which we would all like to see, I hear virtually no one saying  demanding of Hamas that it stop hiding behind civilians, that it lay down its arms, that it surrender. This is over tomorrow if Hamas does that. This would have been over a month ago, six weeks ago, if Hamas had done that, Blinken said during a press briefing at the State Department Wednesday.

How can it be that there are no demands made of the aggressor and only demands made of the victim, Blinken went on to say.

The strong comments from Blinken come as the United Nations Security Council continues to negotiate a resolution calling for a suspension in fighting and encouraging more humanitarian aid into the beleaguered Gaza Strip, and as the United States support for the resolution remains unresolved.

A vote on the resolution was pushed for a third time this week as countries work to bring the US  one of the five permanent members on the council with the power to sink a deal with a veto  on board. The delay underscored the Biden administrations hesitancy to sign onto a resolution that could be interpreted as a rebuke of Israels continuing military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

Blinken noted in the briefing that understandably, everyone would like to see this conflict end as quickly as possible, but, he observed, if it ends with Hamas remaining in place and having the capacity and the stated intent to repeat October 7th again and again and again, thats not in the interests of Israel, its not in the interests of the region, its not in the interests of the world.

The US has vetoed previous measures at the UNSC and voted against a call for a ceasefire in the larger UN General Assembly earlier this month.

The US, Israels strongest ally, has repeatedly condemned the Hamas attack that killed more than 1,200 people October 7. But the mounting civilian death toll in Gaza from Israels response has prompted top US officials, including President Joe Biden, to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take more meaningful steps to protect innocent lives while waging his war against Hamas.

Nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.

Asked about the growing death toll in Gaza, Blinken said, Its clear that the conflict will move and needs to move to a lower-intensity phase, and we expect to see and want to see a shift to more targeted operations with a smaller number of forces thats really focused in on dealing with the leadership of Hamas, the tunnel network, and a few other critical things. And as that happens, I think youll see, as well, the harm done to civilians also decrease significantly.

The secretary acknowledged the last couple of months have been gut-wrenching when you see the suffering of men, women, and especially children in Gaza, and the administration, he said, has focused on doing everything possible to minimize the harm to those who are caught in a crossfire of Hamas making.

And again, I come back to this basic proposition. There seems to be silence on what Hamas could do, should do, must do if we want to end the suffering of innocent men, women, and children. It would be, I think, good if the world could unite around that proposition as well, he said.

CNNs Becky Anderson, Michael Williams, Kevin Liptak and Jennifer Deaton contributed to this report.

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(Bloomberg) -- US Senator Bob Menendez asked a judge to delay his criminal trial by two months next year so his lawyers can challenge the unprecedented charge that he conspired to act as an agent of Egypt while he was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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The trial should be moved from May 6 to early July to allow the New Jersey Democrat to review massive amounts of pretrial evidence and file motions attacking a foreign agent charge thats never been used before, according to the filing Wednesday in New York federal court.

Contrary to the governments overheated statements to the press, this is far from an open-and-shut case, Menendezs lawyers wrote. There are substantial meritorious factual and legal defenses that require defense counsels  and the courts  attention.

Menendez and his wife are accused of accepting bribes of 13 gold bars, half a million dollars in cash and a new Mercedes-Benz in exchange for corruptly helping Egypt and three New Jersey businessmen indicted with them. Menendez, 69, and the others have pleaded not guilty.

A trial next summer would come after the June 4 Democratic primary. While hes kept mum on whether he would run for reelection, Tammy Snyder Murphy, wife of Governor Phil Murphy, is running for the partys nomination, along with US Representative Andy Kim.

Menendez has rebuffed calls to resign, but has temporarily stepped down from his Senate Foreign Relations Committee post.

In their filing, defense lawyers Adam Fee and Avi Weitzman said prosecutors have produced 15 million pages of pretrial evidence, which doesnt yet include classified material.

Prosecutors allege Menendez secretly worked on behalf of Egypt by giving Egyptian officials highly sensitive information about personnel at the US embassy in Cairo; ghostwriting a letter on Egypts behalf urging his Senate colleagues to release a hold on US aid; and pushing the US State Department to get involved in stalled negotiations over a dam project on the Nile River.

Constitutional Challenges

Defense lawyers say they expect to ask to dismiss some of the case based on Menendezs constitutionally protected speech. Theyll also challenge the constitutionality of the foreign agent charge, according to the filing.

They said they based the request on the complexity of the case, including an unprecedented foreign-agent charge against a sitting senator based on a statute the government has never-before prosecuted, as well as the volume and timing of the governments pre-trial disclosures.

A spokesman for Damian Williams, the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, declined to comment.

US District Judge Sidney Stein set the May 6 date for the trial, which would be Menendezs second in seven years. In 2017, jurors deadlocked on corruption charges, a judge declared a mistrial and federal prosecutors later dropped the case.

Read More: Menendez Bribery Defense May Lean on Subtle Pitch to NJ AG

The case is US v. Menendez, 23-cr-490, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

(Updates with details of filing in ninth paragraph)

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A body discovered in a Las Vegas field 44 years ago has been identified as a 19-year-old from Ohio who went missing in 1979, Nevada police reported.

Gwenn Marie Story of the Cincinnati area left home in the summer to look for her biological father in California, Las Vegas police said in a Tuesday, Dec. 19, news release.

Two friends who went with Story later returned and told her family they had left her in Las Vegas, police said. Her family never heard from her again.

In August 1979, a man walking through a field discovered a body, which DNA testing has now identified as Story, police said.

Finally after 44 years of not knowing what happened to our sister Gwenn Story, we have news that she (has) been identified, Storys family said in a statement to KLAS. We are looking for some closure on this case. Our family just wants some answers.

The family thanked police for their efforts in the decades-old cold case.

If it wasnt for you, we would still be wondering where Gwenn is, the family said.

The body, found where a casino had once stood, had been dubbed Sahara Sue for nearby Sahara Avenue, police said.

In 2022, Las Vegas cold case investigators worked with Othram, a DNA analysis company, to develop a genetic genealogy profile, police said.

Investigators found family members of missing women who donated DNA for comparison to develop the profile, which identified the body as Story in November, police said.

Police ask anyone with information on Story or the two men she left Ohio with to call 702-828-3521 or leave an anonymous tip at 702-385-5555.

Woman found beaten, stabbed and burned 42 years ago now identified, California cops say

Man found dead in blazing truck in 2015, Alabama officials say. Two now charged

He ran out of gas on a California road trip 27 years ago  and hasnt been seen since